[He's so lucky she can't see his smile waver. But she'll smile back at him, returning the nudge.]

There will always be those who care about you, Spike. You simply need to find the people who will give you their faith and loyalty in return.

[Yes, she absolutely means her and she's not even being tsun about it. Fight her. But after a minute she'll take a sip of her wine, demeanor shifting slightly.]

Much and more happened while you were gone, however. I scarce know where to begin.

[But she'll start with the gossip, because this is Spike and she knows he enjoys that.]

We were correct in our suspicions about Susato.