Author's Note: Thanks for all the input on my new story. As far as whether or not Dawn is 15 or 16, I have been told more than she is not 16 until the middle of 6th season which makes sense. So I am having her turn 16 in this story. And Buffy was roughly the same age when she was in love Angel so I am leaving that one. Thanks though. Anyway I hope you enjoy. Please R&R.

"So Dawn, what now?" Spike asked.

"Well I like this game." Dawn said grinning.

"Well yeah you whooped my ass." Spike said smiling.

"Aw come on one more round." Dawn said making a puppy face that she knew Spike couldn't refuse.

"Oh okay then. But I am so going to win this time." Spike said.

"Uh huh," Dawn said smiling and picking her player.

The two played the game with equal enthusiasm and with the last blow Spike's player was defeated.

"Bloody hell you are good at this," Spike said grinning.

"I know," Dawn replied playfully smacking Spike's arm.

"Hey none of that, I could so take you in real life!" Spike said laughing, and lightly tapping her back.

"Don't I know it," Dawn said, "you really aren't as tough as you look, but you are still a vampire." Dawn said gigging and shoving Spike back.

The two of them continued to play fight until Spike began to tickle Dawn. He knew that was her one weakness. Dawn was laughing hysterically now and desperately trying to push Spike off of her. With a sly move she rolled out from under Spike and tried to get him to stop tickling her. She struggled for a moment as their heads got closer and closer. The next thing they knew Spike's hands stopped and their lips touched softly. Then they melted into a passionate kiss as Dawn's hand moved to Spike's neck. The kiss lasted a few minutes until they both pulled away.

"Oh my God," Dawn uttered softly.

"Oh, Dawn I'm sorry. I don't even know what I was thinking." Spike said looking a little worried that he had just ruined the friendship.

"Sorry? Don't be sorry Spike. I have wanted to do that for so long. I, I just want you Spike. I know it's wrong and all, and I know you love Buffy, but that's how I feel." Dawn said nervously.

"Buffy. Yeah I did love Buffy; or at least I thought I did. But Dawn just lately my feelings for you have been stronger than friendship. I knew it was wrong so I never planned to tell you, but I love you Dawn." Spike said.

Not really knowing how to respond to what Spike said, Dawn simply leaned in and kissed him again.

That night Dawn lay in bed and felt as if she were in a room. She had been desperately hiding her ever growing feelings for Spike, only to find that he felt the same. Dawn knew she was young, but she also knew she was in love with Spike. All she could think about was seeing him again. She hadn't even thought about the fact that tomorrow was her 16th birthday. With the thought of Spike swimming in her head she fell asleep.

"Happy Birthday Dawn!" Willow, Buffy, Xander and Tara said as they came in to wake her up the next morning.

"Hey guys," Dawn said stretching and sitting up to open her presents from them, "thanks!"

"This is from your favorite guy in the world!" Xander said grinning at her as he handed her a present.

"Thanks Xand," Dawn said tearing the paper from the present. She opened the box to find a pair of the shoes she had wanted for ages. "Awesome! Thanks so much Xander! I so wanted these!" She screeched throwing her arms around Xander.

Dawn got two new shirts and earrings from Willow and Tara, and from Buffy she got a jacket and bracelet saying 'lil' sister' which came with a matching 'big sister' one that Buffy was wearing. Also, from Giles she got a book about the Salem Witch Trials, Anya gave her a purple crystal from the store and Angel sent her a silver charm bracelet that said Dawn in purple letters.

Meanwhile, downstairs Spike arrived at Buffy's house with a blanket covering him.

"What are you doing here Spike?" Buffy asked in a fairly annoyed tone.

"I came to give the Little Bit her present." Spike said trying not to sound at all suspicious as he held up a play station game.

"Gee you could have wrapped it?" Buffy said coldly.

"Yes I suppose I could have walked to the bloody store in my blanket!" Spike said angrily.

"Spike, Dawn is upstairs if you want to go and find her." Willow said so as not to cause an argument.

"Thanks Red." Spike said glaring at Buffy as he turned towards the stairs.

TBC...