Author's Note: Sorry that mistake with the necklace engraving was my fault. I meant to go back and put something in and I forgot...it's fixed now. And can I just say that if you don't like my story or my writing please just don't read my story, and at least don't give me your reviews and then spell everything wrong anyway!!! That was for you anonymous reviewer "L"!!! Thanks to everyone who isn't mean...enjoy!

Dawn and Spike quickly pulled out of the kiss at the sound of Tara's voice.

"Be right there!" Dawn called out, "Spike is just giving me his gift!"

Dawn turned around so that Spike could put the necklace on her. He carefully latched it and Dawn turned and tucked it into her sweater.

"You're beautiful you know." Spike said smiling at her.

A little surprised by the comment, Dawn reached up and kissed him. She then pulled away and took his hand as they walked out her room and down the stairs. As they reached the hallway they quickly dropped hands and grinned at each other.

Dawn wasn't sure how long she would be able to keep this a secret though. She felt like telling the whole world she was in love. She wanted so much to tell Buffy, but of course her big sister would disapprove of her dating Spike. Not only was he a vampire, he had always been Buffy's enemy until recently. But Spike wasn't so bad anymore. He had always taken care of Dawn when Buffy had asked him, or told him too. Dawn just knew that she couldn't hide Spike for long.

"Thanks for today Buffy," Dawn said to her sister, "And the cake too, it was all great."

"No problem kiddo. So do you need a ride over to Stacie's or what?" Buffy asked grinning.

"You mean I can go?" Dawn asked a smile growing on her face.

"Yeah, I mean I figure it's your birthday and your sixteen now. You can go to Stacie's and spend the night, but be careful at the party, and no drinking!" Buffy said sternly.

"Oh thank you, thank you!" Dawn squealed hugging Buffy, "And no I don't need a ride, it's still pretty light, I'll walk."

"Okay, go get ready then, and be careful." Buffy called out to her as she bolted for the stairs.

Dawn ran up to her room and threw some random stuff in an overnight bag. She then turned her attention on what to wear. She finally decided on a black spaghetti strap and her favorite jeans. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled as she caught a glimpse of the necklace. She quickly grabbed her coat and put it on to cover her necklace and headed downstairs.

"See yah Buff!" Dawn called out, "Bye Willow, Xander, Tara!"

"Okay be careful Dawnie! And have fun!" Buffy called out, followed bye good byes from the others.

Dawn hurried out the door and down the street towards… Spike's crypt…

TBC…