Three Little Words

Dawn needed to know something. She didn't know why she'd waited this long to ask, but she needed to know the truth.

Was she a Buffy-replacement?

"I need to know something," Dawn said after she woke Spike up. He said a few swears but readily listened.

"You still love her," It wasn't a question.

Spike sighed, "Did I ever?"

Dawn rolled her eyes at him, "Come on, you were obsessed. Must I point out the Buffybot?"

Spike winced at that memory, "Not my proudest moment,"

Dawn laughed in spite of herself, "What's the harm in building a Buffybot to play checkers with?"

Spike frowned, puzzled, "Checkers?"

"Apparently it was convincing at the time," Dawn explained and Spike let out a chuckle.

"Bit, I'm not sure I ever really loved her, she was unattainable for me, just another untouchable thing that Peaches had. But if there's one thing I know it's that I love-" Spike immediately shut up when he realized what he was going to say.

No soddin' fucking way.

Dawn's eyes lit up with amusement, "You love what?"

Spike shook his head, "Nothing."

"Something," Dawn countered but Spike kept his mouth shut.

"Spike if you don't tell me what you were gonna say I'm going to tell Angel you love him," Dawn stood up, crossing her arms over her chest.

Nice chest, Spike thought absently then sputtered as he processed her words.

"Don't you dare," he warned her, but she just giggled and took her cell phone out, "Angel Investigation: speed dial…5"

Spike yanked the phone away and held it firmly in his hand.

"Spike, tell me what you were going to say," Dawn wheedled, "I promise I won't laugh."

Spike looked uncharacteristically shy for a second then glared at her, "You laugh and I'll rip your bloody intestines out."

Dawn made a crossing motion over her heart, "Promise."

Spike took in an unnecessary breath, "I was going to say I love you," he mumbled and cringed waiting for her laughter.

When he didn't hear anything he looked up at her.

Dawn was momentarily stunned, Spike loved her? She smiled sweetly, "You love me?" she echoed her thoughts.

"Yeah. And what did I say about laughing? I'm not joking Bit, I'll rip you to pieces-" he stopped at her look.

"You love me," Dawn said mostly to herself.

"Think we covered that," Spike snapped.

"You love me," Dawn repeated.

"Really think I mentioned that," Spike snapped again.

Dawn leaped forward and pressed a surprised Spike back on his bed. The one with the silk sheets.

"You know, you're pretty lovable yourself," Dawn murmured running her fingers down his chest.

Spike grin and cocked his head her, "Really?"

"Oh yes," Dawn said huskily and kissed him hard and fast on the mouth.

She pulled away to get out three words, "Let's fuck now,"

Spike couldn't agree more.

Love conquers all.