2. The talk
(Across town at the Magic Box. Dawn works up a sweat. )
Dawn: Who does she think she is anyways? (Smashes fists into the punching bag.) I mean, I know names aren't suppose to hurt, but what does she know? (Kicks the punching bag.) I mean she's the Slayer so she can just kill and beat up anyone she wants. (Another punishing blow to the punching bag.) I mean if I had super powers like her, no way I'm taking crap like that at school. Then maybe I could be as glib as she is. (A nice triple combo attack on the punching bag, as Dawn wipes more tears from her eyes.) She acts like she was born grown up, she wouldn't even listen to anything that I was saying. Just don't want to see you become a vampire this, don't want to see you end up bad like that.. I mean what's her problem any way?
Spike: She loves you and doesn't want to see you turn out like... me. For example.
Dawn: Spike how long have you been standing there? (Wipes the remainder of the tears from her eyes.)
Spike: Not long. Just long enough to see you give that punching bag, a run for it's money. Caught that last bit, ya know. Buffy cares, why she's so tough on you.
Dawn: Well she just has a funny way of showing it. (Taken an offered handkerchief from Spike.) I hate how she makes me feel. I feel like I am two and she has to tie a bib around my neck, every time. (Drawing her emotions under control.) Spike. How did you know I would be here?
Spike: Since I taught you how to pick the lock for this place, it's one of the first places you run to, that or my crypt. Since Buffy's been spending some time there lately, figured you'd end up here is all.
Dawn: See I bet Buffy would never have thought of that. She just doesn't listen. She is just so Slayer knows best, and I hate it. When do I become a person, and have my opinions listened to? I not 12 anymore you know. I can take care of myself.
Spike: Well bit, best way to get her to give you, respect your due is to act like you got a brain in that there head of yours. You can't tell me going off in the middle of the night, and getting turned into a big bad is too sharp eh?
Dawn: That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to tell of f this horrible girl, who's now dead. Well I wanted to tell her to stop talking trash about me. She says that I'm fast and well other stuff. I just wanted to talk to her. It was her party, so what better place to settle things.
Spike: So you were gonna crash this party, and show her what's, what? Sounds like something I'd do. Can't fault you for that. I hate it when people say things bout me too, but I just learnt not to care. If it not true it's not true. Still sounds like fun though. I can picture it, little bit crashin the party all fury like, kicking some snotty little chit from one end of the place to the next. (Has a proud, almost paternal look on his face.) Still that's not what I came here to do. Promised your sister I did. Said I'd talk to you all serious like.
Dawn: Great. Am I going to get a lecture from you too? (Crosses hands and looks defensive.)
Spike: All I'm saying is she worries with good reason. You're all the blood she's got left now. You died it would kill her. She loves you, you're all she's got. She just worries, and going off like that ...just hair brained. Com' on you're smarter than that. All I'm asking is you think. When we had to put her in the ground all cold, and ( he gets choked up but continues) all cold and lifeless. When we all thought she was never coming back. Think how it made you feel. You want to put her through that? Do ya? (Raw emotion showing on his face, as he finishes.)
Dawn: I'm sorry. (Breaks into fresh tears of her own.) I never thought of it from that angle, I would never want to cause her pain like that. But you're wrong you know. I'm not all she has, she has you. She is really lucky. She's been a lot happier lately. You know not just going through the motions, but really happy. I am glad you finally got her to come to her senses and give you a chance. Besides, who else will eat my peanut butter and banana quesidia's? (Laughs.)
Spike: There now bit, that's more like it. Sides, love those sandwiches. A nice cup of pig's blood on the side and I'm all set. (Spike smiles too, hoping he's finally gotten through to her.) So.. fore I got here, you were really giving that bag a run for it's money. Thinking of taking up boxing?
Dawn: No, I was just angry, and I started wailing at the punching bag.
Spike: Lucky for little what's her name that she's dead. I would hate to see her come up against Dawn in this mood. I recon you'd kick, some tidy butt.
Dawn Bet I could kick yours. I'm so, so upset still.
Spike: If I was foolish nuff to let you try, I'm betting you just might. (Pats her on the head.)
Dawn: I'm serious though Spike. I want to learn to fight. There was this vampire tonight, and I don't know ...just something about him. He said we weren't through. What if he comes back? I know some stuff, but I feel like I should know more, and I want to be a lot more than the Slayers little sister someday. I want to be myself, my own person.
Spike: You are your own person, just got to give it times all. Mean time. What's this Vamp look like?
Dawn: He's the one who was down on the floor when you guys came in. He said he would be back, and then we would dance. I would just like to know a couple of moves. I mean the ones Buffy taught me work fine, but just in case. (She gives him her scared worried look.)
Spike: Yeah I noticed him doubled over on the floor, your sister's used that move a couple times. Well that's neither here nor there. I see him, I'm staking him, no questions asked. Mean time. What you wanna know?
Dawn: Just pretend your a vampire and come after me, tell me what to do. How do I stop you?
Spike: Well pretending I am vamp is easy, cause I am one. Vamps are super strong though and the best thing to do is run, or if you can get a good stake in.
Dawn: Is that what you'd tell Buffy, to run? Besides, Willow, Tara, and even Anya fight Vamps, I just think I should know some stuff. Please.
Spike: Well when you put it like that, never could say no to the pouting.
Dawn: Thanks. (She smiles at him. All hero worship like.) Ok so how do I kick butt.
Spike: You already kick butt, now all you need to do is learn to fight. (Smiles back at her.) Ok I am going to show you the moves, then I want you to use it as I come against you. Ok!
Dawn: Yep I got it. You show me how to kick your butt, and I do it. (She watches Spike go over some defensive moves, and she go over that with a few she's seen Buffy use.) Can you show me that last one again?
Spike: Ok, now it's your turn. I want you to practice for a second, then I'm going to come after you. (Watches her practice. She is a natural. She has more style and agility than she gives herself credit for. There is some real confidence coming through with the moves.) That's it, that's right, now we are going to try it together.
Dawn: (As Spike comes at her, she fends him off with the moves he's just taught her, too easily.) You're not doing this for real. How am I ever going to know if I can use these for real, if you don't put some effort into it?
Spike: Bit, I just don't want you to get hurt.
Dawn: You think that's what that vamp's gonna say if he comes back, do you? (She gives him a pleading look.)
Spike: Buffy and I will always be there.
Dawn: But what if your not? What if just once, I get into legitimate trouble and you don't know about it? (Sees him relenting.)
Spike: If you get hurt Buffy will kill me. Stake me right though the heart she will. (Laughs.) Like she doesn't do that already right. (Gives in to Dawn.) Ok bit you asked for it, but I want you to use everything you've got. I want you to fight with all you've got. (Since Spike has no intention of truly hurting Dawn, the chip remains inactive.)
Dawn: I'm ready. (As Spike comes at her this time, that strange feeling that took over earlier in the evening enters her again. Before she knows what she is doing, she is defending herself with a bit more enthusiasm than either of them expected.) Oh my gosh, Spike I so sorry. Are you ok? (She has sent him flying across the room, and he's crashed into some of the weapons.
Spike: (Gaining his composure, but looking just as stunted as Dawn.) I teach you that?
Dawn: I guess, I mean I don't know. It's like this feeling comes over me, and I get this rush. It happened earlier, and since my birthday there's been this real restlessness. I don't know, I just thought it was nothing.
Spike: Wow if that's your nothing, hate to see when you put something into it. Well I guess you were right about kicking my butt. And Vamp boy better watch out, little bit is one bad ass. Well needless to say. Does Buffy know bout this?
Dawn: No, and you can't tell her, not till I know what's happening. It could just be a fluke, I am all hormonal today. Maybe it's a one time thing, I just don't know. Until I know, she can't know. It could just be nothing.
Spike: Well my bruised hide says it's something, but I won't say anything for now, not if you don't want me to. Feels like I'm always keeping secret's for the Summers women.
Dawn: You really think, I'm becoming a Woman? Everyone else just calls me a girl, or worst a child. Do you really think, I qualify for woman status?
Spike: (Just smiles at her.) What I do think bit, is if we don't get back, your big Sis is going to kill us both. Me more so than you, then neither of us will have a chance to figure out what our status is. Come on, let's get going.
Dawn: Shucks, just when the conversation started to get good. But you won't tell Buffy how I kicked your butt right?
Spike: Got my word on that one. (Exits Magic Box.) After you bit.
Inside the Summers house, the hallway.
Xander: About time you two got here. Buffy I really have to go. (Says good -bye to her.) You know I'd stay, but Anya's called three times and you know she's getting impatient. If you know what I mean.
Buffy: It's Anya, we all know what you mean. (Buffy roles her eyes.)
Xander: That's right, my little sugar muffin is not really known for her subtly, is she?
Buffy: That's such an understatement, I don't know where I would begin.
Spike: You better get going, or we're likely to have her on the door step with another round of (changes to a high voice) "Xander, if you don't give me the attention I deserve, this wedding is off. Oh and so is the sex." (Laughs at his humor.)
Xander: Sad part is, that's oh so true. Night Spike, Dawn. Please don't run off like that again, don't want big sister here breaking my knee caps if you get into trouble.
Buffy: Xander I'm offended. A couple of ribs that's all, Anya would never forgive me if you couldn't walk down the isle.
Xander: Who are you kidding, she would just drag me down the isle. (Laughs, cause he can picture it.) Well goodnight all.
Closes front door. They make their way to the living room.
Buffy: Spike what happened? (Touches his bruise)
Spike: I'd just had an accident is all. (Hates lying to Buffy, but remembers his promise to Dawn.)
Buffy: I wonder which one of you needs taking care of more. Two kids on my hands now.
Dawn: I am not a kid, and I can take care of myself.
Spike: Well if you want to bondage me up later, I won't complain. (Gives her a look.)
Buffy: She looks over at Dawn, who doesn't look like she caught the meaning, then back at Spike.) Spike.
Spike: What? All I said is I won't complain, if you want to bandage my hand up a wee bit later, after everyone has a chance to go to sleep. (Gives her his wicked bad boy look.)
Buffy: Oh I'll bandage you up all right, I bandage you real good. (Gives him a very provocative look.)
Spike: Can I count on that? (Looks hopeful.)
Dawn: (Clearing her throat loudly.) Sorry, to interrupt, but we have to talk Buffy. We need to reach some middle ground. I don't want us to drift apart, even though we live under the same roof. Someone gave me some good advice, and I want to do the adult thing. I think I should act on that advise, and besides, it will be daylight soon. I'm going upstairs to change. Night Spike, thanks again. (Smiles and gets ready to exit upstairs.)
Spike: Hey I would never leave my bit, in the lurch. (Smiles back at her.)
Buffy: What am I going to do with her? She is just so unreasonable.
Spike: Give her space when she needs it. Love her unconditionally. Fight with her when you have to. Trust in the fact that you care for each other deep down. It's what I did with you, see how well that turned out.
Buffy: (Looks surprised to hear him put it in those terms.) I never thanked you for that. For keeping me real, for not letting me lie to myself for too long, for kicking my ass when you had to. I would have lost out, on this if you hadn't persisted. God knows I did everything that I could to fight you. What I said earlier tonight, I didn't mean it about you. I do care and I do feel for you.
Spike: Well what exactly do you feel? (Starts to give her a seductive look, as they settle down on the coach, and his hand slips in back of her shirt.)
Buffy: Spike, stop that. (Protesting, but not meaning it in the least.) Cut that out, Dawn is just upstairs.
Spike: Cut wot out, you know you love it. Oh there's that lip again, pouty, oh you know I gonna get it. (Pulls her closer, and kisses her.)
Buffy: Maybe we could go upstairs for a quick... (gives him a very suggestive look.)
Spike: That would be nice, cept for one thing. Nothing bout my time with you is ever going to be quick. You in my arms. I want you there all the time, not just for a quick ...moment. (Thinking this might be a good time to pick up on the conversation they were having.) That thing that I wanted to talk to you about.
Buffy: Yeah, Spike. You're sounding all serious again.
Spike: It is serious, see what I've been wanting to say is...
From the top of the stairs. Dawn makes her presence known.
Dawn: Ok teenager about to come down stairs, so if there is anything I should not be seeing.
Spike: (Adjusting Buffy's clothing. And his. They move into a less conspicuous pose on the coach.) Nibblet is so sharp anyways, I'm sure she can figure out what we were doing down here.
Buffy: Not as if we were we having sex on the coach, but still I guess she could do without learning sex 101 from us.
Spike: That's right, forgot that's what they have the telly, for. We will finish this conversation I promise. (Rising he gets ready to leave.)
Buffy: Can't you stay a little longer? (Looks longingly in his direction.)
Spike: Sun's rising soon. If I stay it won't be the only thing. (Raises his eye brow, and gives her a wink.) Plus, I am past that whole jogging in the sunlight, turning into a big pile of dust phase.
Buffy: Maybe I can come over later. (Gets off the coach, and throws herself around him, kisses him boldly and deeply.) Maybe you could stay over here, sometime.
Spike: You mean that?
Dawn: This is your last warning, I'm three quarters the way down the stairs. I'm on the last step. I am coming into the living room.
Buffy: (Releasing Spike from the embrace.) Yes I mean it. We'll talk more later. At least we will try to get some talking done. (They smile at each other, in that knowingly way. He gets ready to go.)
Spike: Night again Nibblet. Bye Buffy.
Dawn: Technically, it's almost sunrise. So it's closer to good morning, but who cares. Night Spike.
Spike leaves and the Summers woman sit down for a good heart to heart talk.
Dawn: That cookie dough ice-cream is like the best. I'm sorry about running off again, I never thought about how it would affect you if anything happened to me. Can you forgive me for being selfish?
Buffy: Only if you forgive me for being so pig headed and bossy. I worry about you. Now that mom is gone, it's my job to protect you and I take my responsibilities very seriously.
Dawn: I am more than a responsibility, I am your sister. I am old enough to date, to get pregnant, to get married.
Buffy: (With worried look on her face.) Dawn is there something you want to tell me?
Dawn: Are you crazy? I know you would kill me. I think we have enough to worry about. I am not completely stupid you know, sides I haven't gone out with anyone since Halloween. I think I learnt my lesson about riding in cars with boys, so I don't have to go riding in cars with boys. Hope that made sense. All I'm saying is, I'm becoming a young woman now, -why Spike even said so- and that means, I should be trusted to make some decisions, but I know it also means I should use common sense.
Buffy: Spike said that did he? And since when do you listen to Spike?
Dawn: Since like forever. He's really smart, and he's really cool, and he really listens to me. He treats me like a grown up.
Buffy: How grown up does he treat you? (Slightly worried about Spikes influence on Dawn.)
Dawn: Well it's not as if he let's me drink or anything like that, but he let's me win at kitten poker, and he doesn't hide me away from everything. Like he respects my opinions, and listens to me. Plus he can get smokes for my friends.
Buffy: Well that's a relief, I won't find you drunk, but I'll be stuck with a house full of kittens, and your friends are getting corrupted.
Dawn: You haven't met my friends, most of them are pretty corrupted on their own. They are 16 and 17. Remember how you were at 16 and 17. You were with Angel by that time. You were out of the house most nights. You had a few boyfriends before Angel came along. I think I'm pretty tame going by your standards.
Buffy: But I was a mature 16. (Watches as Dawn roles her eyes.) Ok fine, maybe I was a lot more wild. But I am always going to worry. If mom was here, she would do all the worrying, but she's not. So I have to for the both of us.
Dawn: If she was here, she would tell you to relax a little. She always liked me better anyways, and she always liked Spike. She would have liked him better than any of your other boyfriends.
Buffy: How do you figure she would have liked Spike better? Besides, mom liked us both equally, you were just the annoying baby of the family, that's all. (Watches Dawn role her eyes again.)
Dawn: She told me she liked Spike. Remember after Glory came to the house, and then we had to go stay with Spike? After, we talked about him, and she said, he was just good to talk to, for a soul less vampire, he had a lot of soul. Better than a lot of your other boyfriends, and she also called him reliable. (Dawn laughs.)
Buffy: What? What's so funny?
Dawn: She told me about the time they had hot chocolate, and Marshmallows together. He was really upset about Drusilla, then Angel comes to the door, and he's all like let me in. Spike is all making fun of him, she thought that was so funny. She said Spike was intuitive, she said he had good taste. We both knew he had a really bad crush on you even back then. She said you two would be cute together, but it would probably not happen.
Buffy: Hun? What? Where was I when this was all happening?
Dawn: You were off moping about Riley, who just up and leaves. Notice how you use to get all worked up over Angel, and you were always unhappy or upset? Then you never got worked up over Riley, but you always seemed happy. With Spike you get worked up all the time, (Dawn laughs. Buffy gives her a not funny look.) but you always seem happy. No matter how much you two argue or fight, you always come home happy. Whenever something is wrong, he's always there making sure it's fixed. You get worked up, but you are happy. I hated seeing you all mopey most of the time with Angel, but I understand now that he was trying to kill your friends and torture you a lot of the time. Then I liked seeing you happy with Riley, but there was sort of a spark and a glow missing. Now you glow, you, spark, and you get all worked up, but it seems right somehow. Mom always said that Spike was like the son she never had. We use to love it when he would come over, and he would tell us funny jokes in the kitchen. Of course he was here to see you most of the time, but we didn't mind. He's a lot of fun, and mom knew that way back then. She would never have said it to you though, you were always so negative about Spike back then.
Buffy: These conversations, took place under my nose? In my own kitchen? And I glowed with Riley, I was happy. It's just, what me and Angel had was really special. Except for the him losing his soul thing, and trying to kill my friends. That kind of sucked. But he hasn't been evil for a really long time. Riley didn't just leave, he told me he was leaving. I tried to stop him, but, sometimes things don't work out.
Dawn: All I'm saying is I'm glad Spike is not trying to kill us, and I glad, he doesn't just take off, when he is needed most. He really helped with all the Glory problems we were having. Buffy, if Spike pulled half the things that Angel did, or just left like Riley, would you defend him the same way? You always defend them, but Spike does the smallest thing and it's all like, he so evil and bad. He's not. He really loves you, and you care about him don't you?
Buffy: Of course I do, it's just. I think we fought for so long, that when we finally started to have feelings for each other, well. It took me longer, and I know he is there for us. He's always around, and you're right his track record compared to Angel, Anya, even Faith, is not the worst on file. I guess, I've been afraid of getting close and getting hurt, there is always something.
Dawn: I think you are right Buffy, but this time I think it's you. Sometimes you can be there, but you are not there at all. You are so reserved. I'm your sister, and I know you love me, but sometimes I wish you were here mind, and soul. I don't know about Spike but I've heard guys like their woman to be that way too. You still push him away a lot, and you said some pretty mean things today, and you weren't even arguing. Ever think that you will push him away?
Buffy: He's tough, he can deal, else he wouldn't stick around.
Dawn: Hey I deal too, and it's cause I love you, but why should we have to. I just wish you were more like your old self. Pre-dead Buffy. But your coming back little by little and that's great. I am hoping you'll make a full recovery.
Buffy: I must be mending, cause I'm sitting here taking advise from a sixteen year old, and it's making really good sense, that or I really am going insane like Anya said. I'm going to sleep now, the sun is reminding me that we both missed bed time yesterday. How bout you stay home from school today. Well talk more later.
Dawn: But it's Saturday, I don't have school today.
Buffy: That's just too bad. Staying home from school for the day was going to be your treat, before you are officially grounded for the week. You're off the hook next weekend though for the wedding. How does that sound?
Dawn: Sounds completely evil. (Walks over and gives Buffy a hug.) But I love you for it. Good night.
Dawn exits the room, leaving Buffy with a lot of food for thought.
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