SORRY IT'S BEEN FOREVER BUT HERE IS A PEACE OFFERING.
Buffy and Dawn returned to the house in silence. Buffy had watched Dawn as they walked. Dawn walked wordlessly, her head lowered looking at the floor. Buffy was unable to see her face as her hair covered it but she had seen her expression when they had left the crypt. They continued silently home Dawn not wanting to talk and Buffy not knowing what to say. A couple of times she'd opened her mouth to speak but closed it again realising there was nothing she could say.
As Buffy opened the door she watched Dawn nervously walk across the hall. Buffy watched her guiltily knowing she was the reason behind her mood.
'Dawn,' Willow said happily as she saw them arrive. Tara followed with an equally relieved expression. Dawn smiled meekly as Willow embraced her. 'Where was she Buffy?' Willow said assuming Buffy had found her while out on patrol. Buffy surprised by the question turned to her surprised.
'Oh I just saw her walking,' Buffy lied. 'I didn't realise Willow knew you'd left.' Buffy accused Dawn. Dawn glared at Buffy.
'I'm sorry I worried you,' Dawn said emotionlessly.
'Dawn,' Buffy tried touching her arm. Dawn pulled away instantly crossing her arms protectively. Willow and Tara sensing the tension looked from each other to Buffy and Dawn confused.
'We were talking about going to the Bronze,' Willow said to Buffy and Dawn. 'We were wondering if you would want to come? Xander and Anya might be there too.' Buffy smiled at the effort her friend was making.
'We were just going to stay in,' Buffy apologised. 'Patrolling took it out of me.'
'Ok,' Willow accepted as she passed Tara her coat. She looked from the silent Dawn back to Buffy. 'Oh Dawn you left your bag down here,' Willow said grabbing it from where Dawn had left.'
'Thank you,' Dawn said taking the bag and hugging it close to her chest. Buffy's eyes knitted together in confusion.
'What's in the bag?' Buffy asked curiously.
'Nothing,' Dawn said quietly. 'Can't I have any secrets anymore?' Dawn said heartlessly at Buffy referring to her now not so secret relationship with Spike. Buffy rolled her eyes at how childish Dawn was being before staring at her expectantly. 'Fine,' Dawn finally screamed unzipping the backpack.
'We're going to go,' Tara said quietly to the other two wanting to avoid the argument about to erupt. Buffy gratefully opened the door for them as Dawn tipped out the contents of the bag. Buffy sighed as the closed the door again. She looked down at the clothes and objects on the floor before opening her mouth in surprise and looking back up at Dawn.
'Dawn?' She questioned angrily. She squatted down sifting through the clothes. 'What the hell is this? Were you running away?' Buffy asked standing up again.
'You're shocked?' Dawn said surprised before sighing 'Buffy,' Dawn said exhausted. 'Lets not do this now,' Dawn said turning to the stairs.
'We will talk about this now,' Buffy shouted.
'What do you want me to say?' Dawn said turning back to Buffy in the same tired voice.
'I want you to explain yourself,' Buffy said angrily.
'It doesn't matter anymore. Buffy.' Dawn began before taking a deep breath. 'I'm done, you win, whatever. I don't want to argue about the bag, I don't want to argue about Spike. Now I've agreed never to see him again so will you please just let it rest. It's over.' Dawn said staring at Buffy. 'And it's all your fault.' Dawn turned sadly slowly walking up the stairs to her bedroom. Buffy watched her go before slowly picking up the clothes and folding them into a neat pile.
When she had finished Buffy carried all Dawn's belongings up to her room. She knocked quietly before slowly opening the door.
Dawn lay curled up on her bed hugging her pillow. Buffy quietly crept into the room placing the neatly folded up clothes on a chair before perching herself on the end of the bed. Dawn closed her eyes feeling the bed sag wishing Buffy would just leave the room.
'Dawn?' Buffy questioned quietly. Dawn ignored her closing her eyes tighter trying to block out the sound of her sister. 'Dawn?' Buffy persisted gently pulling away some hair off her face. Dawn shook off her touch sitting up away from her sister hugging her pillow tightly. Buffy saw her sister's blood shot eyes and the remains of tears on her cheek.
'What do you want Buffy?' Dawn asked sadly.
'Dawnie we need to talk,' Buffy started.
'What about?' Dawn questioned as she wiped her eyes.
'Dawn,' Buffy sighed hoping Dawn would understand. 'We could get some ice cream watch a movie, spend some quality sister time talking this through.' Buffy tried hopefully.
'No,' Dawn said firmly standing up. She moved to the door holding it open for Buffy. 'What is there to talk about Buffy? That I love Spike, that I'm truly happy with him, that he was the only one there for me, and that I miss him already. What is there possibly left to say?' Buffy looked at Dawn angrily standing up off the bed. 'What were you expecting to talk about Buffy?' Dawn said angrily. 'The movie, the ice cream?' Buffy watched her sister unable to come up with an answer. 'Just leave Buffy, there is only one way you can make this better.' Dawn opened the door wider before Buffy left.
Dawn shut it silently leaning back against it her eyes shut in despair before she sank down to the floor. She wiped her eyes as she realised new tears replaced the remains of the old ones. She sat up slowly leaning across to her bedside table. Opening the draw she gently removed the pendant Spike had given her holding it tightly in her hand as she looked down at it. She smiled lovingly at it thinking back of Spike. Pulling out the shoebox from under her bed she found Spike's photos again spreading them out over the floor. She looked over every photo in detail staring at them solemnly.
***************
Dawn awoke late the next morning. She didn't know how long she had looked over the photos but eventually she'd curled up in bed and fallen into a deep sleep. Opening her eyes she remembered last night and rolled over in bed sadly. After a moment her eyes knitted together confused on hearing a light tapping. Pulling the sheet down off her head she sat up.
'Come in,' she said realising someone was at the door. She lay back down as Buffy entered the room. She turned away from her curling up into a ball pulling the sheet up.
'Dawn,' Buffy began knowing she was awake. 'Dawn I know you're awake.' Dawn turned around to face her sister.
'I'm awake sue me,' she said irritably before pulling back the sheet and getting out of bed. Buffy sighed sitting on the bed. She looked across the side table frowning as she picked up a photo frame.
'What is this?' Buffy asked showing Dawn the photo frame with a picture she had added the night before of her and Spike.
'It's a photo,' Dawn said casually brushing her hair knowing it would annoy Buffy. Buffy stared at Dawn her frustration evident. 'Me and my boyfriend.' Dawn added in the same tone. 'I'm going to take a shower,' Dawn said picking up some clothes still not looking at Buffy.
***************
'You're still here,' Dawn observed as she returned to her room to find Buffy still looking at the photo. Buffy looked up but didn't reply. Dawn tried to ignore her as she moved around her room but her curiosity to why Buffy was still here got the better of her as she looked over at her sister.
'You look happy,' Buffy said sadly still looking at the picture.
'I was,' Dawn said cruelly taking the frame for Buffy's hand and looking at it. 'But unless you've changed your mind I don't want to talk about it.'
'Dawn, Xander and Anya are going to be here in a quarter of an hour. I have to tell them.' Buffy stood up awkwardly. Dawn stared at Buffy surprised her current action forgotten.
'Why?' Dawn asked bewildered slightly afraid for Spike.
'They deserve to know,' Buffy said.
'It has nothing to do with them,' Dawn argued.
'Of course it does,' Buffy replied.
'No,' Dawn sated. 'It's between me and Spike; it has nothing to do with anyone else. Why do you think we kept it from you?'
'Well you did a great job of that, making out in graveyard where anyone could see.' Dawn turned to her in disgust.
'You were spying on us,' she shouted back angrily.
'How do you think I found out?' Buffy asked surprised. Dawn's gaze fell meekly to the floor. 'They have a right to know.'
'What right?' Dawn asked angrily. 'It is none of their business.'
'They are going to find out Dawn, it's your decision whether you are there or not.' Buffy walked to the door before pausing and turning back. 'I think you should be there Dawnie. You'll be able to explain better than me.' Buffy added sadly before leaving Dawn in her room.
***************
Dawn sat uncomfortably on the end of the sofa; her legs tucked under her fingering the necklace Spike gave her nervously. Dawn didn't want to be here but as she was grounded she didn't want to hear them talking about her from her room either. Dawn looked up suddenly as Xander and Anya noisily entered.
'Sorry,' Xander apologised breathlessly as Willow, Tara and Buffy came through from the kitchen.
'Yes,' Anya agreed removing her coat.
'So what Scooby deal is it?' Xander asked enthusiastically throwing himself into an armchair before Anya perched herself on the arm. He looked around at the group surprised to see Willow and Tara's puzzled expressions also as they sat on the sofa. His gaze fell to Dawn and looked mystified by Dawn's anxious, almost nervous expression. When Dawn didn't return his gaze he looked back across at Buffy waiting for an explanation.
'This isn't a demon thing,' Buffy began nervously standing in front of them. 'Well it kind of is,' Dawn looked up at Buffy angrily before Buffy continued quickly, 'But it's not a killing demon thing more a demon thing that doesn't involve swords or pointy things.' Buffy rambled nervously.
'Ok Buff,' Xander said confused saying what the others were all thinking. Buffy smiled at Xander trying to reassure herself.
'There's something you guys need to know about Spike.'
'Spike?' Willow asked confused. 'I thought this had something to do with why you and Dawn were arguing yesterday.' Willow turned back to Tara for reassurance.
'Well it kind of does,' Buffy said nervously. Dawn suddenly felt everyone's gaze on her as looked up around at the group resembling a deer caught in the headlights.
'Huh?' Xander asked to the group confused.
'Buffy what's going on?' Willow asked concerned leaning in towards Buffy.
'It's about Dawn and Spike,' Buffy looked across at Dawn hoping she'd add something. When Dawn stared back motionless Buffy continued. 'Dawn's been lying to us, she's been sneaking out to visit someone.
'Oh Will,' Willow said suddenly looking at Dawn. Buffy looked at her surprised.
'Yeah that would be you,' Buffy concluded mystified.
'No,' Tara replied, 'Dawn's boyfriend.' Xander's mouth fell open in surprise.
'You guys knew,' Buffy said stunned.
'Come on Buff what's the big deal, you used to sneak out and see Angel all the....' Willow stopped looking across at Dawn after seeing Buffy's icy glare, '.... never.' Willow concluded looking at the floor.
'The deal is she's too young,' Xander assumed.
'Hey,' Dawn shouted back. All eyes turned to her as if they'd forgotten she was sitting there.
'Guys this is different,' Buffy said surprised they were ok with this. 'I mean Angel wasn't,' Buffy paused about to say vampire. 'Ok he was, but how could you guys not tell me?' Dawn smiled suddenly realising Buffy was talking about Spike and Willow and Tara were thinking of Will the boyfriend Dawn had made up.
'Look Buffy I'm sure he's nice.' Buffy's eyes widened not understanding what Willow was saying.
'Did you guys all go crazy when I died?' Buffy panicked. The others all looked at her ashamed embarrassed by her referring to them bringing her back. 'What did he do to you?' She asked as she looked around at the group. Her gaze fell to Dawn when she heard her giggle. 'What?'
'It's just really funny,' Dawn said unable to suppress a smile. Buffy glared at Dawn who was still smiling.
'Guys I'm so confused,' Xander said his expression matching Anya's.
'Dawn has a boyfriend called Will,' Tara explained calmly.
'Huh?' Buffy asked turning towards the girls, 'why are you calling him...?' Buffy stopped as the truth dawned on her. 'Dawn,' she began angrily.
'Buffy?' Dawn questioned uneasily.
'Care to explain.'
'I'm still really confused,' Xander said wearily.
'Right there with you,' Willow volunteered looking between Dawn and Buffy.
'Dawn lied,' Buffy blamed.
'Yeah we got that,' Willow answered. 'But you used to go out to see Angel. I thought we were passed this.'
'No,' Buffy said staring at Dawn. 'She lied about the boyfriend. She doesn't have one.' Buffy added firmly.
'So where have you been going?' Tara asked Dawn gently.
'I was seeing my boyfriend,' Dawn answered before glaring at Buffy.
'I'm assuming Dawn told you he went to her school.' Tara and Willow nodded silently. 'He's a little older.'
'A college boy?' Xander almost squealed. Buffy shook her head silently.
'But Buffy,' Willow asked. 'What has this got to do with...?' Willow stopped, finally understanding. She thought it over silently for a moment. 'No,' she said dismissing the idea before looking at Buffy and Dawn for reassurance. Dawn was looking at the floor avoiding eye contact with anyone. 'Ok I just entered an alternate dimension for a moment.' Willow joked.
'What were you thinking?' Tara asked taking Willow's hand.
'Oh just I thought what if Dawn's boyfriend was Spike?' Xander laughed, as the girls all smiled not taking the idea seriously. Only Dawn and Buffy's expressions remained subdued. On seeing Buffy and Dawn's gaze Xander stopped smiling and stood up abruptly.
'No,' he panicked. Dawn looked at the floor feeling as if she was about to cry. Willow eyes widened.
'I'm wrong,' Willow tried to reassure her self. 'Right?'
'You were right Will,' Buffy said sadly.
'But it's Dawn,' Xander argued. 'She's still a kid.'
'I'm 16,' Dawn argued back angrily.
'Wasn't Spike in love with you?' Anya suggested before Dawn looked angrily at her.
'Apparently not,' Buffy added crossing her arms.
'Guys its obvious Dawn's making it up,' Xander tried to convince him self and the others.
'Apparently not,' Buffy repeated. The others looked at her waiting for an explanation. 'I went to see him last night.'
'Buffy I'm relying on you being sane to tell me this story has a dusty ending.' Xander pleaded. Dawn's angry gaze moved to Xander.
'No,' Buffy said meekly.
'No one is killing Spike.' Dawn said firmly.
'When did this happen?' Willow asked.
'During the summer,' Dawn replied.
'Guys why are we sitting here?' Xander asked the group. 'Why aren't we going to Spike's with large weapons; I could use something in an axe.' Dawn stood up angrily disgusted by his comment.
'No one is killing Spike,' Dawn shouted to the group before feeling the tears well up in her eyes.
'Dawn,' Buffy tried sadly.
'Don't,' Dawn said rushing past her. 'I'm going to my room.' All eyes were on her as she ran up the stairs. Buffy sighed taking Dawn's seat on the sofa resting her head in her hands.
'Buffy are you ok?' Willow asked rubbing Buffy's shoulder. Buffy smiled gratefully up at her friend.
'I just really want to kill Spike right now.' Buffy concluded.
OK THIS IS MORE OF A FILLER CHAPTER BUT I FELT THE SCOOBY'S WERE KIND OF STUPID NOT NOTICING THE SPIKE/DAWN RELATIONSHIP SO I DECIDED TO EMPHASISE THEIR STUPIDITY.
I'll admit I'm a little concerned by everyone's need for me to kick Buffy's ass not because I don't want Buffy portrayed that way but because you all seem to have a lot of rage in you. But hey maybe you are all really quiet and reserved in real life and this is the only way you can let go. Which ever it is or if it's neither just keep reviewing, I'm glad you're reacting to the story.
Biggest shout out ever to spearsister, who I will now love for all eternity for being so sweet. I was very proud of the last chapter especially after her review. I got an amazing can you believe it?
Enn-Enn who thinks it was beautifully written thanks loads and loads.
To lexinator: again with the desire to kick Buffy's butt. It's so good you express this rage (while taking the time out to review my story, go you, you rock!)
And to lilylioness who I'm not sure how long you've reviewed but I don't think I've thanked you so voila: thanks.
Lindsey, thanks for the review I'm glad you like it.
Also have to mention stargurl727 who is still emailing me because she can't review, I'm touch you bother to put in the effort. It means a lot.
You guys all totally rock and I want to apologise for taking so long to update. It's for a couple of reasons mainly: one I had my 10-hour art exam this week that is 55% of my overall exam, which is scary stuff, I've kind of been working on/making notes for another story which I haven't published yet and thirdly I don't want to let you guys and myself down by rushing and writing rubbish chapters.
Buffy and Dawn returned to the house in silence. Buffy had watched Dawn as they walked. Dawn walked wordlessly, her head lowered looking at the floor. Buffy was unable to see her face as her hair covered it but she had seen her expression when they had left the crypt. They continued silently home Dawn not wanting to talk and Buffy not knowing what to say. A couple of times she'd opened her mouth to speak but closed it again realising there was nothing she could say.
As Buffy opened the door she watched Dawn nervously walk across the hall. Buffy watched her guiltily knowing she was the reason behind her mood.
'Dawn,' Willow said happily as she saw them arrive. Tara followed with an equally relieved expression. Dawn smiled meekly as Willow embraced her. 'Where was she Buffy?' Willow said assuming Buffy had found her while out on patrol. Buffy surprised by the question turned to her surprised.
'Oh I just saw her walking,' Buffy lied. 'I didn't realise Willow knew you'd left.' Buffy accused Dawn. Dawn glared at Buffy.
'I'm sorry I worried you,' Dawn said emotionlessly.
'Dawn,' Buffy tried touching her arm. Dawn pulled away instantly crossing her arms protectively. Willow and Tara sensing the tension looked from each other to Buffy and Dawn confused.
'We were talking about going to the Bronze,' Willow said to Buffy and Dawn. 'We were wondering if you would want to come? Xander and Anya might be there too.' Buffy smiled at the effort her friend was making.
'We were just going to stay in,' Buffy apologised. 'Patrolling took it out of me.'
'Ok,' Willow accepted as she passed Tara her coat. She looked from the silent Dawn back to Buffy. 'Oh Dawn you left your bag down here,' Willow said grabbing it from where Dawn had left.'
'Thank you,' Dawn said taking the bag and hugging it close to her chest. Buffy's eyes knitted together in confusion.
'What's in the bag?' Buffy asked curiously.
'Nothing,' Dawn said quietly. 'Can't I have any secrets anymore?' Dawn said heartlessly at Buffy referring to her now not so secret relationship with Spike. Buffy rolled her eyes at how childish Dawn was being before staring at her expectantly. 'Fine,' Dawn finally screamed unzipping the backpack.
'We're going to go,' Tara said quietly to the other two wanting to avoid the argument about to erupt. Buffy gratefully opened the door for them as Dawn tipped out the contents of the bag. Buffy sighed as the closed the door again. She looked down at the clothes and objects on the floor before opening her mouth in surprise and looking back up at Dawn.
'Dawn?' She questioned angrily. She squatted down sifting through the clothes. 'What the hell is this? Were you running away?' Buffy asked standing up again.
'You're shocked?' Dawn said surprised before sighing 'Buffy,' Dawn said exhausted. 'Lets not do this now,' Dawn said turning to the stairs.
'We will talk about this now,' Buffy shouted.
'What do you want me to say?' Dawn said turning back to Buffy in the same tired voice.
'I want you to explain yourself,' Buffy said angrily.
'It doesn't matter anymore. Buffy.' Dawn began before taking a deep breath. 'I'm done, you win, whatever. I don't want to argue about the bag, I don't want to argue about Spike. Now I've agreed never to see him again so will you please just let it rest. It's over.' Dawn said staring at Buffy. 'And it's all your fault.' Dawn turned sadly slowly walking up the stairs to her bedroom. Buffy watched her go before slowly picking up the clothes and folding them into a neat pile.
When she had finished Buffy carried all Dawn's belongings up to her room. She knocked quietly before slowly opening the door.
Dawn lay curled up on her bed hugging her pillow. Buffy quietly crept into the room placing the neatly folded up clothes on a chair before perching herself on the end of the bed. Dawn closed her eyes feeling the bed sag wishing Buffy would just leave the room.
'Dawn?' Buffy questioned quietly. Dawn ignored her closing her eyes tighter trying to block out the sound of her sister. 'Dawn?' Buffy persisted gently pulling away some hair off her face. Dawn shook off her touch sitting up away from her sister hugging her pillow tightly. Buffy saw her sister's blood shot eyes and the remains of tears on her cheek.
'What do you want Buffy?' Dawn asked sadly.
'Dawnie we need to talk,' Buffy started.
'What about?' Dawn questioned as she wiped her eyes.
'Dawn,' Buffy sighed hoping Dawn would understand. 'We could get some ice cream watch a movie, spend some quality sister time talking this through.' Buffy tried hopefully.
'No,' Dawn said firmly standing up. She moved to the door holding it open for Buffy. 'What is there to talk about Buffy? That I love Spike, that I'm truly happy with him, that he was the only one there for me, and that I miss him already. What is there possibly left to say?' Buffy looked at Dawn angrily standing up off the bed. 'What were you expecting to talk about Buffy?' Dawn said angrily. 'The movie, the ice cream?' Buffy watched her sister unable to come up with an answer. 'Just leave Buffy, there is only one way you can make this better.' Dawn opened the door wider before Buffy left.
Dawn shut it silently leaning back against it her eyes shut in despair before she sank down to the floor. She wiped her eyes as she realised new tears replaced the remains of the old ones. She sat up slowly leaning across to her bedside table. Opening the draw she gently removed the pendant Spike had given her holding it tightly in her hand as she looked down at it. She smiled lovingly at it thinking back of Spike. Pulling out the shoebox from under her bed she found Spike's photos again spreading them out over the floor. She looked over every photo in detail staring at them solemnly.
***************
Dawn awoke late the next morning. She didn't know how long she had looked over the photos but eventually she'd curled up in bed and fallen into a deep sleep. Opening her eyes she remembered last night and rolled over in bed sadly. After a moment her eyes knitted together confused on hearing a light tapping. Pulling the sheet down off her head she sat up.
'Come in,' she said realising someone was at the door. She lay back down as Buffy entered the room. She turned away from her curling up into a ball pulling the sheet up.
'Dawn,' Buffy began knowing she was awake. 'Dawn I know you're awake.' Dawn turned around to face her sister.
'I'm awake sue me,' she said irritably before pulling back the sheet and getting out of bed. Buffy sighed sitting on the bed. She looked across the side table frowning as she picked up a photo frame.
'What is this?' Buffy asked showing Dawn the photo frame with a picture she had added the night before of her and Spike.
'It's a photo,' Dawn said casually brushing her hair knowing it would annoy Buffy. Buffy stared at Dawn her frustration evident. 'Me and my boyfriend.' Dawn added in the same tone. 'I'm going to take a shower,' Dawn said picking up some clothes still not looking at Buffy.
***************
'You're still here,' Dawn observed as she returned to her room to find Buffy still looking at the photo. Buffy looked up but didn't reply. Dawn tried to ignore her as she moved around her room but her curiosity to why Buffy was still here got the better of her as she looked over at her sister.
'You look happy,' Buffy said sadly still looking at the picture.
'I was,' Dawn said cruelly taking the frame for Buffy's hand and looking at it. 'But unless you've changed your mind I don't want to talk about it.'
'Dawn, Xander and Anya are going to be here in a quarter of an hour. I have to tell them.' Buffy stood up awkwardly. Dawn stared at Buffy surprised her current action forgotten.
'Why?' Dawn asked bewildered slightly afraid for Spike.
'They deserve to know,' Buffy said.
'It has nothing to do with them,' Dawn argued.
'Of course it does,' Buffy replied.
'No,' Dawn sated. 'It's between me and Spike; it has nothing to do with anyone else. Why do you think we kept it from you?'
'Well you did a great job of that, making out in graveyard where anyone could see.' Dawn turned to her in disgust.
'You were spying on us,' she shouted back angrily.
'How do you think I found out?' Buffy asked surprised. Dawn's gaze fell meekly to the floor. 'They have a right to know.'
'What right?' Dawn asked angrily. 'It is none of their business.'
'They are going to find out Dawn, it's your decision whether you are there or not.' Buffy walked to the door before pausing and turning back. 'I think you should be there Dawnie. You'll be able to explain better than me.' Buffy added sadly before leaving Dawn in her room.
***************
Dawn sat uncomfortably on the end of the sofa; her legs tucked under her fingering the necklace Spike gave her nervously. Dawn didn't want to be here but as she was grounded she didn't want to hear them talking about her from her room either. Dawn looked up suddenly as Xander and Anya noisily entered.
'Sorry,' Xander apologised breathlessly as Willow, Tara and Buffy came through from the kitchen.
'Yes,' Anya agreed removing her coat.
'So what Scooby deal is it?' Xander asked enthusiastically throwing himself into an armchair before Anya perched herself on the arm. He looked around at the group surprised to see Willow and Tara's puzzled expressions also as they sat on the sofa. His gaze fell to Dawn and looked mystified by Dawn's anxious, almost nervous expression. When Dawn didn't return his gaze he looked back across at Buffy waiting for an explanation.
'This isn't a demon thing,' Buffy began nervously standing in front of them. 'Well it kind of is,' Dawn looked up at Buffy angrily before Buffy continued quickly, 'But it's not a killing demon thing more a demon thing that doesn't involve swords or pointy things.' Buffy rambled nervously.
'Ok Buff,' Xander said confused saying what the others were all thinking. Buffy smiled at Xander trying to reassure herself.
'There's something you guys need to know about Spike.'
'Spike?' Willow asked confused. 'I thought this had something to do with why you and Dawn were arguing yesterday.' Willow turned back to Tara for reassurance.
'Well it kind of does,' Buffy said nervously. Dawn suddenly felt everyone's gaze on her as looked up around at the group resembling a deer caught in the headlights.
'Huh?' Xander asked to the group confused.
'Buffy what's going on?' Willow asked concerned leaning in towards Buffy.
'It's about Dawn and Spike,' Buffy looked across at Dawn hoping she'd add something. When Dawn stared back motionless Buffy continued. 'Dawn's been lying to us, she's been sneaking out to visit someone.
'Oh Will,' Willow said suddenly looking at Dawn. Buffy looked at her surprised.
'Yeah that would be you,' Buffy concluded mystified.
'No,' Tara replied, 'Dawn's boyfriend.' Xander's mouth fell open in surprise.
'You guys knew,' Buffy said stunned.
'Come on Buff what's the big deal, you used to sneak out and see Angel all the....' Willow stopped looking across at Dawn after seeing Buffy's icy glare, '.... never.' Willow concluded looking at the floor.
'The deal is she's too young,' Xander assumed.
'Hey,' Dawn shouted back. All eyes turned to her as if they'd forgotten she was sitting there.
'Guys this is different,' Buffy said surprised they were ok with this. 'I mean Angel wasn't,' Buffy paused about to say vampire. 'Ok he was, but how could you guys not tell me?' Dawn smiled suddenly realising Buffy was talking about Spike and Willow and Tara were thinking of Will the boyfriend Dawn had made up.
'Look Buffy I'm sure he's nice.' Buffy's eyes widened not understanding what Willow was saying.
'Did you guys all go crazy when I died?' Buffy panicked. The others all looked at her ashamed embarrassed by her referring to them bringing her back. 'What did he do to you?' She asked as she looked around at the group. Her gaze fell to Dawn when she heard her giggle. 'What?'
'It's just really funny,' Dawn said unable to suppress a smile. Buffy glared at Dawn who was still smiling.
'Guys I'm so confused,' Xander said his expression matching Anya's.
'Dawn has a boyfriend called Will,' Tara explained calmly.
'Huh?' Buffy asked turning towards the girls, 'why are you calling him...?' Buffy stopped as the truth dawned on her. 'Dawn,' she began angrily.
'Buffy?' Dawn questioned uneasily.
'Care to explain.'
'I'm still really confused,' Xander said wearily.
'Right there with you,' Willow volunteered looking between Dawn and Buffy.
'Dawn lied,' Buffy blamed.
'Yeah we got that,' Willow answered. 'But you used to go out to see Angel. I thought we were passed this.'
'No,' Buffy said staring at Dawn. 'She lied about the boyfriend. She doesn't have one.' Buffy added firmly.
'So where have you been going?' Tara asked Dawn gently.
'I was seeing my boyfriend,' Dawn answered before glaring at Buffy.
'I'm assuming Dawn told you he went to her school.' Tara and Willow nodded silently. 'He's a little older.'
'A college boy?' Xander almost squealed. Buffy shook her head silently.
'But Buffy,' Willow asked. 'What has this got to do with...?' Willow stopped, finally understanding. She thought it over silently for a moment. 'No,' she said dismissing the idea before looking at Buffy and Dawn for reassurance. Dawn was looking at the floor avoiding eye contact with anyone. 'Ok I just entered an alternate dimension for a moment.' Willow joked.
'What were you thinking?' Tara asked taking Willow's hand.
'Oh just I thought what if Dawn's boyfriend was Spike?' Xander laughed, as the girls all smiled not taking the idea seriously. Only Dawn and Buffy's expressions remained subdued. On seeing Buffy and Dawn's gaze Xander stopped smiling and stood up abruptly.
'No,' he panicked. Dawn looked at the floor feeling as if she was about to cry. Willow eyes widened.
'I'm wrong,' Willow tried to reassure her self. 'Right?'
'You were right Will,' Buffy said sadly.
'But it's Dawn,' Xander argued. 'She's still a kid.'
'I'm 16,' Dawn argued back angrily.
'Wasn't Spike in love with you?' Anya suggested before Dawn looked angrily at her.
'Apparently not,' Buffy added crossing her arms.
'Guys its obvious Dawn's making it up,' Xander tried to convince him self and the others.
'Apparently not,' Buffy repeated. The others looked at her waiting for an explanation. 'I went to see him last night.'
'Buffy I'm relying on you being sane to tell me this story has a dusty ending.' Xander pleaded. Dawn's angry gaze moved to Xander.
'No,' Buffy said meekly.
'No one is killing Spike.' Dawn said firmly.
'When did this happen?' Willow asked.
'During the summer,' Dawn replied.
'Guys why are we sitting here?' Xander asked the group. 'Why aren't we going to Spike's with large weapons; I could use something in an axe.' Dawn stood up angrily disgusted by his comment.
'No one is killing Spike,' Dawn shouted to the group before feeling the tears well up in her eyes.
'Dawn,' Buffy tried sadly.
'Don't,' Dawn said rushing past her. 'I'm going to my room.' All eyes were on her as she ran up the stairs. Buffy sighed taking Dawn's seat on the sofa resting her head in her hands.
'Buffy are you ok?' Willow asked rubbing Buffy's shoulder. Buffy smiled gratefully up at her friend.
'I just really want to kill Spike right now.' Buffy concluded.
OK THIS IS MORE OF A FILLER CHAPTER BUT I FELT THE SCOOBY'S WERE KIND OF STUPID NOT NOTICING THE SPIKE/DAWN RELATIONSHIP SO I DECIDED TO EMPHASISE THEIR STUPIDITY.
I'll admit I'm a little concerned by everyone's need for me to kick Buffy's ass not because I don't want Buffy portrayed that way but because you all seem to have a lot of rage in you. But hey maybe you are all really quiet and reserved in real life and this is the only way you can let go. Which ever it is or if it's neither just keep reviewing, I'm glad you're reacting to the story.
Biggest shout out ever to spearsister, who I will now love for all eternity for being so sweet. I was very proud of the last chapter especially after her review. I got an amazing can you believe it?
Enn-Enn who thinks it was beautifully written thanks loads and loads.
To lexinator: again with the desire to kick Buffy's butt. It's so good you express this rage (while taking the time out to review my story, go you, you rock!)
And to lilylioness who I'm not sure how long you've reviewed but I don't think I've thanked you so voila: thanks.
Lindsey, thanks for the review I'm glad you like it.
Also have to mention stargurl727 who is still emailing me because she can't review, I'm touch you bother to put in the effort. It means a lot.
You guys all totally rock and I want to apologise for taking so long to update. It's for a couple of reasons mainly: one I had my 10-hour art exam this week that is 55% of my overall exam, which is scary stuff, I've kind of been working on/making notes for another story which I haven't published yet and thirdly I don't want to let you guys and myself down by rushing and writing rubbish chapters.