Chapter 5

Soul Boy

(A/N: If you are reading this I'd love for you to review, even if it's just a few words. I don't mind criticism-tell me what you think but please no flames. Thanks!)

"Huh?" Dawn replied, eyes wide.

Spike couldn't hold it back; everything that happened came out in a rush,

"Heard about the demon through some wankers, going on about how they could grant anything you wanted. Decided to take a chance didn't have much else to do. Tried finding the demon, took a bleedin' year, had to travel all around the world. Finally found him in some African village and had to go through a bunch of trials, nasty buggers, almost burnt me crisp. Then it gave me my soul, not exactly what I wanted, guilt and all that rot. Went through Europe again and back through South America, it hurt, all the pain, the damn suffering. Why didn't Peaches ever say it hurt? Stupid git was too broody to say anything. Then I came back for you and her." He added the last part quietly.

Dawn was still gaping at him, "Guess you weren't talking about a shoe," she said faintly, sitting down on a swing, Spike joined her hesitantly, waiting for a response. She looked into his eyes and saw warmth there she'd never truly seen before. He wasn't lying. The son of a bitch actually went and got a friggin' soul. No doubt without a happy clause.

Where'd that come from? She didn't care if he could perform his manly duties.

Did she? NO! She didn't, she really didn't!

"You got your soul," she said slowly.

"Buggering hell, I think we've covered that," he snapped running his hand through his hair, nervous habit.

"Well excuse me for being a little stunned," she muttered. Dawn sighed and studied him again.

"Why?" she asked seriously.

"Isn't it obvious? I did it for you and Buffy, stupid wanker that I am I thought she'd care about me if I had a soul, I'd be a man in her eyes, and I could be part of your lives," he let out a bitter laugh, "Funny how things work."

Dawn didn't say anything, she was afraid anything she'd say would break the beautiful words he'd just told her. Were they true? Did he do it for Buffy and…her?

Spike didn't say anything after his little confession-or two. He watched as Dawn stared at the ground, lost in thought. Her long dark hair swung across her shoulder, shimmering slightly-she really was gorgeous. He wanted to press up against her…no this was Dawn, Nibblet for god's sake!

"I need to go, I promised I meet some people," Dawn stood up and started to walk away when a huge slimy demon jumped in front of her. She jumped slightly, "God just what I need right now,"

Then she let herself go, kicks and punches everywhere.

Spike noticed the demon come out and got up to help her, but she was already beating him by the time he joined her. Damn, she was good, but it seemed like the slimy bugger was a little bit bigger.

Dawn winced as she fell back on her back. Dammit! Stupid slimy thing got a punch in. Spike was already thrown too. Time to inflict some real damage. She closed her eyes and focused inward. The power, all green and swirly. Let it out, and she opened her eyes.

Spike glanced at Dawn a few feet away, eyes closed. Did she get knocked out? Then her eyes snapped open, only they were solid green, and slightly glowing. What was it? He watched in fascination as she stood up and moved like she was floating and through a punch at the demon. He flew backward and landed…ouch.

Dawn barely registered the fact that the demon had flown backward onto Spike, squishing him. The strange sense of power over took her; she reached down and snapped the demon's head off, goo bursting all over her arm and shirt. Then as soon as the power had come, it left knocking her flat on her back.

Spike was splattered with the goo as she yanked the demon's neck off like it was fucking nothing.

"Fuck," he said in awe. He stood up and went to help Dawn, yanking her up.

"Nice show you gave there Bit," he said casually, putting an arm around her hesitantly and gripped tighter when she leaned into him.

"Whoa," she muttered, everything spinning. Spike kept her from falling.

"Thanks," she shot him a small smile.

"What was that trick you did anyway?" Spike asked, curious.

"If I focus I can tap into the Key in me, but it's hard and as you can see, kinda draining," she motioned to her wobbly form.

He chuckled lightly, "Noticed pet."

Dawn winced and rolled her shoulders, it would be a few minutes before she was fully back on her feet.

"Um…take me back to my apartment?" she asked, sure he'd say no.

"Sure, pet. Hold on," Spike commanded shifting her so he could hold her up while walking. They hobbled slowly towards her apartment, pausing once or twice so Dawn could orient herself. After a few minutes she seemed to have regained most of her balance.

He walked her to her door when he stopped suddenly, awkward.

"There're towels and stuff we can use inside," Dawn told him unlocking the door. Spike froze, not daring to say anything. Dawn glanced at him and swung open the door, "Come in Spike," she told him, eyes not leaving his.

Spike was awed, "Buffy wouldn't have-" Dawn cut him off, "I'm not Buffy,"

"No," he replied slowly, walking in, "you're not,"

Dawn once again felt the sensation of getting lost in his eyes; the deep blue was so mesmerizing.

"Um…I'll get some towels," she muttered, breaking eye contact, rushing away.