Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Summary: Set right after Buffy, Spike and Dawn leave.

A/N: Thanks to darkwillow7 and Kandis Briggs for reviewing. Thanks to SpikingJennsAngel for informing me of this mistake and this is changed. Please enjoy this next chapter it short. Please review.

Chapter 3: Middle of Nowhere

Dawn got a small smile at seeing Spike and his car. He cleaned the inside too, and the interior looked a lot nicer. Buffy just stared out the painted out windows, and Spike drove. "Um…luv it's going to be daylight soon, do you want to drive for me?" He was trying to make her feel a little bit better about leaving Sunny-D. "Sure" They pulled over and Spike sat in the back with Dawn.

"Can't sleep nibblet?" Spike asked a very groggy Dawn. "No, you know not sleeping much lately. You sleepy?" "Ya a little. You need to get some sleep to, come here." Spike put a pillow behind his head and lay down across the back seat. He scooted back and pulled Dawn into his arms, she rested her head on his chest. He kissed her forehead and covered them both with a blanket.

Shocked could hardly describe Buffy's reaction to the scene in the back seat. Buffy knew Dawn didn't go to bed early when she was at home, not patrolling. And when she did come home and peaked in on Dawn she knew she was faking sleep. Finally the conversation with Willow struck home.

(Flashback)

"Dawn took this summer really hard without you Buffy." "I know Wills everyone did." Buffy started to feel a little guilty about spending more time with Spike than Dawn. "Spike hasn't come around much since you've been … um…back?" "Why are you asking about Spike?" Buffy responded nervously. "It just he kind of became a fixture the last few weeks. He would either patrol or stay with Dawn. Actually he rarely left her side." "Oh, wow I guess that's Spike, loyal." "Ya, Buffy when you…left Dawn took it really hard. She didn't eat or sleep for days. At first we gave Spike some time. Then when none of us could get thru to her, we went looking for him. I don't really know why he came back?" But Buffy knew the reason, the promise.

(End of flashback)

Buffy looked back to see Spike and Dawn fast asleep. They both looked so happy and peaceful. A small smile came across her face. That's when she knew they where going to be okay.

"What Will, calm down I'll be right there." Xander made his way as fast as he could. When he got there it looked like there was a crisis. Willow was crying in Tara's lap then he noticed Buffy's TV and stereo were missing. "Oh no was Buffy robbed" Willow shook her head no. "Then what happened here. Where's Buffy and Dawn?" Willow looked up and Tara handed Xander the note:

Dear Guys,

I sorry it had to come to this but Dawn and I need to leave. I was happy and at peace when I was in heaven Everyday here was a struggle just to wake up. I know this isn't what you wanted, but I guess magic really does have consequences. The lore is in place for a reason, so another slayer should be called soon. I know the hellmouth won't go unprotected. This doesn't make it your job either. Willow and Tara go on with your lives together be happy for me. Xander and Anya know that I love you and bless your marriage. You'll have many great years together. This isn't your fault, any of you. You stayed there for me sacrificed, unlike some. Dawn and I need a fresh start, a clean slate. I need to give her a real life; I've already taken so much. Spike came with us, I need him right now. Please Willow, don't use magic to find us, when we're ready will contact you.

All my love,

Buffy

Xander stared coldly at Willow. "This is your fault. We ruined, no wait you let us ruin Buffy life." "XX-Xander we didn't…" "No, Tara he's right I was selfish I needed her back." Xander sighed and sat on the sofa with his head in his hands. "No I'm sorry she'll come back, she just needs time." They all nodded, they wanted to believe his words. But they all knew they weren't true.

A/N: Please review and I'll try my darndest to update sooner. I know no songs in this chapter but I needed some plot. I find a new song for next chapter. I still don't know what city there are going to end up in. Why don't you vote? 1.) LA 2.) Roswell 3.) Cleveland 4.) England (Hogwarts maybe?) 5.) Colorado 6.) Other (Be specific)