Author: Jessamyn
Rating: PG
Summary: Buffy and Spike meet the new "improved" Dawn.
Feedback: Yes, please.
Notes: {} = flashback
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"Dawn?"
Buffy stood still in shock and Dawn smiled at her sister, the demon inside reveling in the horrified despair that was beginning to radiate from the Slayer.
"What, you don't like my hair or something?" She teased her big sister, gently patting the mass of soft spiral curls Harmony had set. They'd spent the afternoon doing eachother's hair to pass the time while they were penned in by the sunlight.
Tears streamed down Buffy's face and her hand clenched and unclenched around the stake in her hand, visibly struggling with the conflicted impulses within her. Dawn held herself wary, although her demeanor didn't show it, ready to defend herself if need be from an attack.
"It's right pretty, little bit," Spike complimented, enjoying this little show as much as she. Almost worth the Slayer's beating he'd received earlier when he'd finally arrived home this evening.
{ "Where is she!?" Buffy growled, grabbing him by the collar as soon as he stepped within the crypt, slamming him up against the wall with a force that rocked his bones.
Spike shook his head to clear it. "Bloody hell, what's wrong with you bint?" he asked. And he'd had such a good day too. He'd have to remember to steal some flowers for the lady. There weren't many he was willing to actually sleep next to anymore.
"Where. Is. She?" She repeated for him, emphasizing each word with a hard shove, bringing him to task again.
"Who?"
"Harmony. You remember her don't you? Blonde airhead bimbo who has my sister!"
Spike smirked down at the Slayer, finally taking note of her appearance. It seemed Miss Summers had had a good long stew before he'd showed his face. Fear simmered just beneath the anger in her eyes. "So Harm nabbed the bit, eh? Good for her."
He regretted the words as soon as her fist met his face... }
"Shut up, Spike!" Buffy snapped at him, taking out the rage on him that she couldn't yet take out on the demon who wore her sister's face. Turning she forced her way past him, back toward the cavern's entrance.
They watched her go with identical grins for a moment.
"So...where's old Harm tonight?" Spike finally asked conversationally of Dawn.
***