Chapter 3: Casa Summers

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Buffy jerked the door open as Spike, blanket over his head, came flaming inside.

Once they were both safely inside - and all the flames had been extinguished - there was a moment of deliberation.

Now what, pet?

Now... we eat! I'm starving.

Spike followed her into the kitchen, hoping that they'd have some blood around. Luckily for him, they did, so he heated that up in the microwave as Buffy made a sandwich for herself.

Remembering that it was a Saturday, so Dawn should be around, Buffy called out, Dawn! You here? Want a sandwich?

I'm right here, Buffy, Dawn muttered, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she walked into the kitchen. Why are you up so early? And - why is Spike here?

Spike swallowed his mouthful and said, Hey, Nibblet, you just get up?

she yawned. Oh, Buffy, wanna make me a sandwich, too?

Buffy nodded, feeling very pleased to be able to do something as normal as make a sandwich for her little sister - even if the sandwich was salami and peanut butter.

Once they started eating, Buffy explained what had been going on to Dawn. She left out what had happened last night, just telling her little sister about the chip.

Dawn squealed, excited at the prospect of being able to help out. Hit me, hit me!

Buffy sternly told her,

Dawn pouted. Why not?

Spike answered before Buffy got a chance. Because, Bit, first of all I won't hit you, and second of all, you could be another exception. Kinda like with Buffy - you're human, but didn't come about it in the usual way.

Dawn subsided unhappily. Why does he always have to be right? It's so annoying!' Yeah, fine... but can I help with the research? If there is any research?

We'll see, Buffy told her.

Dawn waited till Spike had already gone into the living room to talk to her sister privately. Why does it matter, anyway? Dawn finally asked her sister.

Why does what matter, Dawnie?

Why does it matter if his chip doesn't work? It's not like he's gonna hurt anyone.

Buffy sighed. It's complicated.

No, Buffy, it's not, her sister corrected her. You're just scared cause of what happened with Angel... Angelus... that whole deal. But Spike is still Spike. Angel lost his humanity; Spike just lost a little bit of metal. Maybe.

Buffy looked at her sister, surprised by her insights. When did you get to be so smart?

Looking at her older sister seriously, Dawn told her, First of all, it's totally obvious. Plus... I've had to grow up a lot in the past year.... Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go get dressed and head over to Janice's house to study.

Buffy was about to add a warning, but Dawn cut her off. And yeah, I'll be back before sunset. With that, she took off upstairs, presumably to get ready.

Buffy plopped down in a chair next to Spike in the family room, where he had turned on Passions.

Did you -

Yeah, pet, I heard.

When did my baby sister grow up? How did I miss it?

Some of it happened with the whole Glory situation, I bet, and with your mum. A lot of it was after you... Spike cut off, obviously unable to voice those words. Clearing his throat, he continued. And some since you got back. She's had to deal with a lotta shit over the past year, and she's done really well. Dawn's an amazing girl, Buffy, she really is. He decided not to mention that Dawn was right: Buffy's motives for not trusting him were rather transparent.

I... I didn't realize you were so close with her.

Yeah, well... Spike looked away. We bonded a lot... over the summer.

Buffy said quietly, hearing his unspoken words: when you were dead.'

But you haven't come to see her lately, Spike... have you?

Again he glanced at her and then away. Coupla times, when you were out. She's come to visit me - only during the day, of course. That ok with you?

Um... yeah. Yeah, it's fine, as long as she only goes to see you during the day, and I know where she is... and after we get this chip business straightened out... Spike, I.... well, I'm sorry that I can't trust you. I mean...

S'all right, pet, I know what you mean.

You usually do, Buffy murmured, just loud enough for his sensitive vampire hearing.

They sat there for another moment, quiet and still.

Abruptly, Buffy jumped up. Well, I'm gonna go shower. You can, uh, stay here and watch TV or whatever.

Sure, luv. Wouldn't want to miss Passions.

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Buffy came down half an hour later, running her hands through her still-wet hair. She'd expected to find Spike sprawled in front of the TV; instead, she found Dawn and him in the dining room, laughing as they talked something over.

She listened to their bantering for a bit before entering. They were so at ease together; she almost envied them. But they were able to be that comfortable because neither of them closed themselves off from the other, because they were open and trusting of one another... which meant that if Buffy wanted that kind of closeness, she'd have to open herself up like that. The thought was frightening; she'd been building her emotional walls ever since Angel, and they weren't going to come down very easily.

To her surprise, neither Dawn nor Spike seemed to notice her when she walked in. After a moment, she realized, I'm so self-centered. The universe doesn't revolve around you and your issues, Buffy!

Chagrined, she quietly walked over and sat down at the table with Spike and Dawn.

After another minute or so, they wrapped up their conversation. Spike turned to include her.

So what now, pet?

Um, I dunno... Dawnie, you gonna be sticking around? I thought you were going over to Janice's.

Her little sister shrugged. Nah, I decided to hang out with Spike instead. He's a lot cooler than her, anyway. Of course, I invited him to come with, but...

Spike groaned and Dawn laughed. Seeing Buffy's confused expression, Dawn explained. She came over last summer and met him, and went psycho! Ugh, she wouldn't stop talking about him for hours!

And the little gal was hangin' all over me, flirtin' like crazy. I had quite a time tryin' to get her off of me. specially since th' Nibblet wasn't helpin', he turned to mock glare at her.

What? It was hilarious!

Yeah, for you!

Buffy was startled to feel a jolt of jealousy bolt through her at hearing about Janice flirting with Spike. She shook the emotion off. Feeling slightly uncomfortable, she said, Well, I'm gonna call a Scooby meeting for this evening.

You really sure that's necessary, luv?

Yeah, I think it is. If your chip is working, then I wanna know what's wrong with me; if not, then, well... we need to work on that.

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A/N: Thanks for the reviews, always appreciated - keeps me writing!