Funny, really, that such a short and slight and unimposing-looking lady could attempt to transmit so much untempered love and protection in just one hug. Whether the attempt succeeded? Well -- that's another story. But her fingers flex supportively against the back of his neck; pads on the base of his skull. Pressure points.

"Whatever you need," she offered in a tightly controlled voice. "Name it and it's yours." But Buffy wouldn't be Buffy if she didn't find the wherewithal to add, wryly: "Within reason."