Sorry it's been so long! I've been away, but I've spent that time coming up with ideas to make the story better, so I hope you enjoy it!

Ch. 5

"This is the most depraved thing you've ever done, Alexander Harris! I was less disappointed in Buffy when she chose that asylum over us! I was less upset when I found out she'd been screwing Spike! What the hell were you thinking?" He started to answer, but she silenced him with a glance; not by magic, but because he feared her. "I take it back. I don't want to know what was going through your mind. 'Oh, hey, look, Dawn's innocent, how about I do her'? 'Look, my best friend's vulnerable little sister, bet she makes good'? 'Hey, a minor! Let's get illegal'? You're a sick bastard Xander."

"It wasn't his fault!" Dawn said. "I took advantage of him! I wanted this he was a gentleman about it, and I kept pushing. If you blame anyone, blame me!"

"No," Willow said quietly.

"Yes," yelled Dawn. "You don't get it, any of you!" She was crying now, looking at everyone. "I'm not special. At all! Xander gets that! None of you will ever know what it's like to not be chosen, or powerful, or anything! A witch or a Slayer or a- anything! I am just a normal girl, not a potential anything, not a chosen anything, not a powerful anything! I just.... God! I just...." She broke off into sobs.

Willow turned a softened expression towards Dawn. "You're in a tough place now, Dawnie. Xander should have known that and handled the situation differently."

"He's in a tough place too! When I came in, he was telling me about a nightmare he'd had- about Anya." She glanced apologetically at Xander, who promptly looked at his hands.

"Okay," Willow said. "He's upset. I've been there too, remember? I got over it." The last words were said so forcedly that no one actually believed her. She couldn't even manage to convince herself. Tara, if I could be with you, I would.

Upon hearing Willow's tone, Kennedy left, saying she needed the restroom. Everyone was silent for a moment knowing why she really left. Willow turned back to Dawn and Xander. "God, Xander, I have half a mind to move every damn girl in this house- oh, and Robin. We'd find a place, I just really don't want anyone near you."

"Willow!" Dawn screamed finally. "Stop it! It was me! I pushed!"

"And he should have pulled away! You're young, impressionable!"

"Do you know what he said to me?" Dawn stood up so she could be level with Willow. "He said he had a dream that Anya- ow!"

Xander had kicked her from under the table. He shot her a glance. Dawn fell silent.

"Okay, I'm not okay with it, but I get why Xander.... But you, Dawn. Why? Why were you even up there?"

Dawn sat back down and folded her hands. Staring at those, she said, "I was making sure Buffy was comfortable, and I heard him tossing. I was making sure he was okay."

"Where were your pajamas?"

"What pajamas?" Dawn asked. "Remember? Xander's aunt didn't have enough extra clothes for me. She was going to wash my clothes and take me shopping when she got off work today."

"I'm just....." Willow sat down and put her head in her hands. "I'm trying to understand. I mean, God, imagine if Buffy knew!" Willow flew back to her feet. "Don't think I won't take this to Buffy as soon as she's okay again. I am so telling Buffy every-" Her words were cut off by a sharp gasp. Everyone followed Willow's gaze to the doorway.

Her hair was a mess and she had a hole in her shirt that revealed a bandage, and she was standing on her own, glaring around the room. Her eyes came to rest on Willow. "Tell me what?" Buffy asked.