Cut From the Same Cloth

by Tycho

E-mail: tychocelchu@optusnet.com.au

Rating: PG for innuendo and perhaps a little language.

Pairing: S/B, D

Spoilers: Normal Again and rumors of late S6

Summary: S/B are out of the closet. Xander & Willow are appalled, but Dawn is not. Why?

Disclaimer: Whedon is God. A cruel and manipulative God.

Archive: Just lemme know!

Eventually, reason decided to rear its head; to be heard amidst the din of opinions and accusations that was the current argument at Casa de Summers. The accused were divided over the facts but withstood their opponents' united attacks through sheer force of will, counter accusations and pure snarkiness. The accusers had precedence and righteousness to draw upon.

Surprisingly, reason took the form of a fifteen year old girl in jeans and borrowed (read liberated from sister's closet) navy blue turtleneck. Unlikely, as most 15 year olds are anything but reasonable, and this one less than most on many an occasion. Or perhaps logical considering the identity of the combatants, but true nonetheless.

Dawn gained their attention with an ear piercing whistle that set the dogs barking up and down Revello Street and left certain geekish voyeurs momentarily deaf due to the electronic feedback. "Guys, this isn't getting us anywhere. Everyone should go home, think o it, sleep on it, and try again tomorrow. 'Cause I, for one, would like a little sleep tonight. There were rumors of a calculus pop quiz tomorrow that I can't afford to miss because I was studying the backs of my eyelids. Hmm?"

Silence reigned over the house as the four other occupants of the Buffy's living room mulled over the teen's wisdom. (While in the backs of all their minds the phrase 'teen wisdom' were being filed with others such as 'honest politician' and 'army intelligence'.) Willow was the first to break the silence. "That's probably been the most intelligent thing said all night." She glared at Xander as he went to make an objection. "From any of us." Xander removed foot, and closed mouth. "I think it would be best if I paid a visit to my parents tonight."

Soon after, Buffy was watching her two best friends walk down the street. She hoped tomorrow's discussion would be a little more civilized and less like a political 'debate'.  Their feelings could be summed up very easily. "They hate me, I disgust them."

"Actually, pet, I think most of that was directed at me. It'll all work out, you'll see. You three are bound together tighter than you realize. It's impossible to tear you apart. I've tried remember? They'll get over it, and by the time ol' Warren an' 'is cronies 'ave been locked up you'll all be bosom buddies again." Spike smirked, "O'course they'll still want to see my carcass reduced to ash tray material, but I'm used to that."

Buffy couldn't help but smile at that, "You know I didn't really mean all of what I said in there, don't you?"

Spike circled his arms around her waist from his position behind her, "You mean....."

For a moment Buffy allowed herself to feel the rightness of his embrace, but then gently broke it, turning around to mock scowl at him. "Not a chance in hell."

"I know." Spike was grinning. "Worth a shot, tho'."

"Points for effort. Small points, small effort."

"Every little bit helps. Seriously though, whatever you and they decide, no matter the argument they use,  I'm stickin' around. I'm 'ere for keeps, and until you figure out what it is you feel for me, you've got my help, my love and my support. All the way. 'Til the end of the world."

A half smile formed on Buffy's lips as she remembered a similar conversation almost a year ago. "Even if it happens to be tonight?"

Spike touched her cheek, "Even then."

Time seemed to stand still, this moment seeming to last forever.....

"And on that saccharine moment," the teen at the base of the stairs made gagging motions, "Goodnight." Dawn began to climb the stairs. "And I'd better not hear anything to accompany the already disturbing visuals I have in my head."

Spike had the decency for once to look a smidgen abashed. "G'night, Bit."

Buffy wanted to sink through the floorboards. Regardless of the future, Dawn would never let her live this down. "See you in the morning, Dawn." She watched her sister ascend to the second floor of their home. Dawn had played the part of impartial but supportive sibling very well. Buffy's eyes narrowed. A little too well, actually.

Dawn was placing her foot on the top step when from below came: "On second thoughts, hold it right there, Missy."