"Dawnie, is that you?"

She hadn't left Spike til sunrise. Dawn had been reasonably cautious of her new-found freedom, not trying to test the limits of Buffy's leniency in the last month that she'd been allowed out alone.

"Buffy up yet?"

"I don't think she's home. I-I don't think she's even been home."

Since nearly ending the world, Willow had suffered from many sleepless nights and was prone to being overly sensitive to things. She rarely went outside and even then she never left the yard. It was over a month before she would even leave her room or speak to anyone. No one quite knew how to act around her, except Buffy who'd been in a somewhat similar predicament with the whole resurrection thing. Time and space, that was all they could give her. And their love and support.

"And where have you been all night, missy," Willow pretended to be all stern. "Dust any vamps?"

Part of the reason for Dawn's new freedom was due in part to the increase in vampire activity that summer. So far they had no leads as to why, though fortunately Giles was back and doing what he did best. Dawn's ability was quite evident from the start. Sharing blood with the Slayer was the only explanation aside from many occasions to watch Buffy in action.

"Anything out of the ordinary?"

"What is ordinary here?"

"True. But something happened, didn't it, Dawnie?"

"Nothing really. Just that . . . Spike's back."

"Since when?"

"A couple days at most. I went to see how Clem was and found the place deserted and uncluttered. So I waited around until Spike walked in. I wanted to stake him and yet I didn't want to. I had to know why he did what he did."

"You shouldn't have been there."

"There's something different about him, Willow."

"He didn't try to hurt you, did he?"

"No, says he's as toothless as ever. But there was something about him that was different. I can really say what, but there was something. Maybe it was his attitude. He seemed subdued. Defeated almost."

"Did he tell you where he's been?"

"Africa. 'One big cock up,' he said. Do you think I should tell Buffy?"

"Not yet, I don't think. Especially with the working and slaying all hours. She's been restless this summer. She's always doing something. I'd say she sleeps less than me."

"Something's bothering her."

"But you know Buffy. We won't know until she lets us know."

"Know what?"