Disclaimer can be found on previous parts. DDR is "Dance Dance Revolution". A video game from either Korea, Japan or China. I'm not really sure. I don't have permission for the game. If you've never heard of it, check it out, awesome.

~Part 14~

"Dawn, Spike and I wanted to talk to you about something."

"You're getting a divorce aren't you? Or, oh! Oh! Wait! Are you pregnant? I didn't think that vampires could make babies."

"Well they can't and that's why I haven't." Buffy cleared her throat. "There's also the fact that I haven't been sleeping with Big Sis, so that might be why."

"Right. And no Dawn, no divorce. This is about the house."

"Look, I'm sorry that it was such a mess when you came home yesterday."

"I know, but that's not it either. We're going to have to move. I'm sorry Dawn, but Spike and I can't afford to keep the house."

"How can Spike afford anything, he doesn't even have a job."

"That's what you think Niblet." He was a little more offended by the statement than he probably should have been. "Been working at Willy's. Bouncer if you will. Keep the demons as civil as possible."

"Dawnie, I saw a really nice apartment, two bedrooms, big living room. It's right near your school. I spoke to the landlady today and she said with this month's rent, and next's, we can move in whenever we want."

"So we're not moving away away?"

"Not really."

"How long have you know this wasn't going to work out for?"

"I'm as surprised as you, only just found out last night."

"I've known for about a month after I came back. There was no way I was going to bring in as much money as mom did working at the gallery, especially not with the medical bills we still had and all the other sources of debt that kept growing."

"And you didn't tell me?"

"I didn't want to, until I was absolutely sure. There was no reason that you needed to worry about it, it was my problem."

"It didn't need to be Buffy. Maybe we could have thought of something, worked a plan out. But you know now, for certain that we have to go?"

"Unless I can come up with a couple thousand dollars, yes. I really wish I could have done better, but are you ok with this? I could always try to get Dad, or Giles. I'll do my best if this isn't what you want. You have to tell me."

She shrugged. "Is the place hooked up for cable?"

"That's a very good question Bit, didn't even consider it. Is it?"

"Yes, and there's a phone jack in both bedrooms."

"Alright then, when do we move in?"

"As soon as I can get Spike to move all the furniture into a van."

"You're out of your bleeding mind if you think I'm packing this whole house."

"We'll help Spike, I promise. Well probably Buffy more than me, being a superhero and all. I can write on the boxes. Can I get one of those sniffy markers?"

"Before we get into all this, there's just one more thing I want to say. This is a surprise for both of you."

"You bought us DDR? For the Playstation?" Dawn looked very hopeful, and Buffy couldn't help but notice the slightly excited look Spike's eyes had taken on when he heard what she'd said.

"No DDR, I'm sorry. But, I went for an interview today, at an office, and they hired me as a secretary. I start Monday."

"You're joking! Ah! Buffy congratulations!" Dawn leaped from the couch, almost tripping over the coffee table into her sister's lap, wrapping her arms around her. "Now you'll bring in enough money to buy me DDR."

"That's fantastic luv. I think we should celebrate."

"After patrol. I'll be back in about an hour. Just wanted to get this out of the way first. Love ya." She kissed Dawn on the cheek and then went over to do the same for Spike. "Don't start without me." She grabbed her coat and headed out the front door. "And Dawn, if you ask me again for that game, you're never going to get it."

"Did I just hear and see what I think I did?"

"What's that Bit? Not to ask her for that disc. I told you, ask me, we chose me as the parent who spoils."

"Not that. The kiss, and the love ya. That's why you yelled last night isn't it. She told you she loved you."

"No, she didn't. Said maybe she could. Enough of an accomplishment in my book."

"Today is like the best day ever."

"Did you do your homework?"

"And now you've ruined it."

"I take that as a no."

"No, I didn't finish it."

"Tell you what, come into the kitchen and I'll help. I want to make your sis something special to eat."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Long as it ain't Trix, I don't really care."