AN- I've never actually seen Passions. So, nothing personal if you like it. I just find soap operas amusing. And it can't be that bad if Spike likes it. : )

Chapter 6

Buffy and Spike didn't talk. He simply went over and turned on the television. He settled on the couch, completely absorbed in Passions.

Buffy sighed. She sat down, not exactly next to him. She tried to focuss on the show, but couldn't. The plot was outrageous and soap operas never had good acting. She wondered why Spike loved it so much. But, what else was a vampire supposed to do all day until sunset? Can't sleep all the time.

She felt uncomfortable around him now. Having him on her, feeling his heat and desire, and then lowering his lips. . . She had almost surrendered herself. Right in front of Willow and Xander too! She hated it. He seemed to have some sort of power over her. It was becoming harder to resist everyday.

She needed to do something. Anything to distract her. She stood. "Um, I'm gonna go do some laundry," she declared.

Spike pointed at the TV. "But Timmy. . ." He smiled. "Okay, pet."

She shook her head. She would never figure him out.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dawn let herself in. She took off her shoes, placing them near the door. She hung her jacket on a chair in the dining room. Then she headed into the living room.

First thing she saw was the TV, displaying credits. Her eyes fell on the sofa. They became huge with fright. She let out a scream.

Spike got up. "Nibblet?"

Dawn backed away from him. "Stay away!" she warned.

He halted. "Now, Little Bit, it's me, your pal Spike."

She pointed at him. "Your. . . Your dead," she accused. Her head tossed to the side. "Buffy!"

"Calm down, let me explain," Spike said.

Dawn shook her head.

In a few seconds, Buffy came in. She went over to her sister. Dawn hugged her. She was crying. "I'm hallucinating," Dawn choked out.

Buffy looked at Spike. His expression showed concern.

Buffy pulled Dawn slightly away. She spoke softly. "Dawnie, what you see is real. Spike's alive. He came back like I did."

A sniffle was heard from Dawn. "Really?" she asked.

"Yeah." Buffy tucked a strand of hair behind Dawn's ear.

Dawn spun around. Spike remained still, watching her with uncertainty. She flung herself at him. He was surprised, but then held her back. Tears soaked his shirt as she buried herself in his chest.

Dawn lifted her head. She smiled. "Do you know you're breathing?"

"Yeah, I do," he murmured.

Dawn tightened her grasp on him. She felt so protected in his embrace. There was no evil in the world at that moment. No vampires existed. There was only Dawn, Buffy, and Spike. A family that would take care of each other no matter what.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Willow flipped through a thick volume at the Magic Box. Xander was over talking to Anya as she counted money. Willow came across a page that caught her interest. She studied it.

"Guys, I found something!" she declared.

"A vampire named Edgar lived in the 1600's. Before he was changed, he helped defeat numerous demons. After, he was ruthless and unfeeling as any other vamp. One day, all of a sudden, he was converted back to a mortal."

"Good for him," Anya stated. She hugged Xander's arm, glad she was no longer a demon. She wouldn't have his love, or incredible sex.

"But, unlike you," Willow told Anya. "he was turned back so that he could fulfill a prophesy. He was supposed to end the destruction of a gakaka demon."

"You think Spike has some destiny?" Xander asked. He didn't look delighted at the idea.

Willow nodded. "Could be. The PTB's did it for some reason."

"I have a destiny!" Anya cheerfully exclaimed.

The others stared at her, waiting for her next comment. She leaned close to Xander. "I'm supposed to marry Xander and have children."

A sigh escaped Xander. He smiled weakly. "Yeah, Ahn."

Anya grinned proudly. She gave him a kiss.

Willow watched the couple. She was a little jealous. She wrapped her arms around herself, suddenly missing Tara miserably.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Buffy, Dawn, and Spike spent the evening together. Buffy actually found herself enjoying it. Having an extra person in the house livened it up. Usually,

Dawn was locked in her room doing teen-stuff, while she was left alone downstairs.

There was a yawn that came from Spike. She couldn't help but smile. She had never seen him yawn before.

Spike stood up. "I'm rather tired. Think I'll head home," he informed.

"Where?" Buffy questioned.

He grabbed his duster. "The crypt. Where else?"

For some reason Buffy was reluctant to let him go. Normally, she'd be kicking him out the door. She didn't understand it, and didn't want to.

"It's only eight, Spike," Dawn whined.

"I know, Nibblet, cept I'm used to sleeping during the day. Haven't, so no wonder I'm sleepy," Spike replied.

Buffy got to her feet. "You can't live in the cemetery now," she protested.

He put on his coat. "Why not?" he demanded.

Buffy opened her mouth. She couldn't use the excuse that demons were there. He still had strength and could beat them up like always. And, she definetally couldn't tell the truth. That she didn't want him to leave.

Spike cocked his head. He looked at her intently. "Is that an invitation, Summers?"

Oh no, she should have let him go. He was going to start getting ideas.

"Yeah!" Dawn giddily said. "Willow moved out after Tara left. The room is free."

Buffy was torn. She glanced from Dawn to Spike.

"Come on, Buffy," Dawn begged.

That did it. "Okay," Buffy gave in. "But only till he gets a decent place to stay. Which will be 'SOON'."

Spike was smiling at the slayer. She was crumbling bit-by-bit. Soon she would melt at his feet. He couldn't wait. Another yawn escaped him.

Buffy crossed her arms. "Wipe that smirk off your face, Spike, and go to bed."

"Whatever you say, luv." He went up the stairs, his mouth still curved. This was a miracle. Only months ago, he was not allowed to pass the Summer threshold. Now he was sleeping in it. Sooner or later it wouldn't be alone either.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Buffy stood still for a few moments. She couldn't believe she was letting Spike stay there. He was Spike.

Dawn came up. "Buffy. . .?"

"Yeah?" Buffy turned to her sister.

There was an awkward silence. Then Dawn hugged Buffy.

Muffled, against her, Dawn said, "I just realized how much you guys mean to me. I mean, you died. Then Spike. I'm so glad you're here. I could be all by myself. With mom. . ." Dawn was crying.

Buffy held Dawn tight. "Oh, Dawnie," she murmured.

Dawn met her gaze. "You really don't know what you got till it's gone."

Something nagged at Buffy. She wondered what it was. Unconsciously, she looked up the stairs, where Spike was.

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I'm trying to get in the habbit of making longer chapters than I usually do. Is this good length?