Chapter 16

Tara went to let Anya know what was going on the next morning, while Spike and Corinne waited for Dawn to come home. The vampire was drifting on the couch, trying to stay awake despite the full sun outside.

"I'll wake you when she gets here, Spike. It's okay to take a nap," she teased.

"I'm fine," he yawned. "I've been up during the day plenty o' times."

He started drooping forward as his body tried to succumb to sleep again.

"Oh, here!" she said, tired of him being stubborn, and pulled him over to use her lap as a pillow. "You killed things all over town last night on patrol. You should be sleepy."

Spike made a face, then shifted to lie on his back with his feet hanging over the arm. "Ever been told you're comfy, Doc?"

"Once or twice." Her fingers itched to run through the curls on his head, so she stretched her arms along the back of the sofa. The vampire was soon breathing slow and even, his lips slightly parted.

Dawn's noisy entrance made them both jump.

"Hey, guys. Were you waiting for me?" the teen wondered.

"Um, yeah…Spike has something to tell you," Corinne replied, nudging the vampire. He stood and withdrew the letter from his back pocket.

"Might as well let you read this for yourself, Bit." She looked confused as he handed it to her.

Dawn dropped her sleeping bag and sat down in the armchair. Spike paced. Corinne's eyes flicked back and forth between them. They knew when Dawn reached the important part.

"WHAT?! Aunt Irene's? But it's cold there, and I have no friends! A-and she's kinda old. No, I won't go. You can protect me, Spike, just like you always have. Buffy's been gone long enough that she…well, she can just go screw herself. I'm. Not. Leaving." She folded her arms over her chest, glaring defiantly at the picture of her sister on the mantle.

"Bit…we don't know how long it'll be safe here…"

"So? We never have, and we still have two powerful witches, a master vampire, and an ex-demon with tons of knowledge on hand. Even before Buffy got in the coma, she didn't take care of me. Did the hero thing and saved my butt, yeah, but not take care of me. You guys have done that…you, especially, Spike, ever since she died. I may not legally be an adult, but I'm old enough to have a say in my own life. I say no," Dawn insisted.

Spike couldn't have looked more proud. He had been expecting a tantrum, and instead, she was debating this rationally with him. His girl was growing up.

"You're right, and if it had been my say, you would have been included in the decision, but your sister is still your legal guardian, luv. She has the right to decide for you right now."

"So we change that. Spike, my sister was never meant to be a caretaker. You know her personality; it's just not in her nature. She's good at the big protective gestures of saving the world, but she can't handle day-to-day crap for shit. She didn't baby-sit as a kid, she didn't coo over little babies in the grocery store…and she can barely take care of herself. Buffy would forget to eat every day if someone didn't remind her. Is that really who should be my legal guardian?"

He didn't know what to say. Part of him wanted to encourage her independence, like always, and the other part wanted to stick to Buffy's wishes, like always. Spike opened his mouth several times to speak, only to reconsider the thought. Corinne came to his rescue.

"Dawn, who would you choose as a guardian? Spike can't legally challenge it, since he doesn't legally exist. Judges don't take these requests lightly, and if your sister fights it, this could be a long battle."

"Well…what if I became emancipated, instead? I remember a story about that on the news where this kid had parents that just kept using him as a weapon in their divorce, so he got freedom from both of them. You guys, things haven't been stable since Mom died, until recently, and…I just want to hang on to that. Buffy…she doesn't know what it's been like…doesn't know how it's been, and considering she's only called me once, she doesn't really care." Mentioning her mother started the tears to well up, and her breath hitched as Dawn made her case. "Sending me to Aunt Irene frees her from the guilt of not being here for me…but my aunt is almost 70, guys. So, keeping up with a teenager? Not really going to happen. I…I don't think Buffy will push the issue, if I do this…she was already ready to give me up a few months ago, before she started trying to be less self-involved."

Spike sighed. "You sure don't take the easy route, do you, Bit? This emancipation…it won't be an excuse for you not to finish school, you know. I'm not about to let you become a layabout just because your sister can't tell you what to do." He looked at Corinne, who shrugged as if to say 'the ball's in your court'. "Alright, we'll look into it, if you're that serious, but don't get your hopes up! I'm only considerin' it because we have some time before you're supposed to be at your aunt's."

Dawn jumped up to hug him. "Oh, thank you, Spike! I promise, I'm still going to work just as hard. I just want to be able to stay around the people that care about me, you know? This means so much! I'm going to go online right now!" She grabbed her bag and ran up the stairs to her room.

The vampire rubbed his hands over his face and groaned. "The Slayer is going to kill me."

Corinne stood and placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. "Hey, maybe it won't be so bad. Maybe Dawn's right. She knows her sister. And hey, what can she do so far away, huh?"

"Curse me for all eternity," he deadpanned.

"Oh…well, we'd just have to find a way to reverse it." She grinned up at him, trying to lighten his mood.

"Ever the optimist, eh, pet? Bleedin' hell…I never imagined myself being here. She has so much faith in me, and I'm afraid I'm only going to disappoint her. Maybe I should just make her do what Buffy wants. The Slayer trusts me to get her some place safe. She's never put as much faith in me before as when it's about Dawn. Buffy could have asked any of her mates to do this…" Before he could talk himself into doubt too much, the doctor placed her fingers on his lips to interrupt.

"True, but that doesn't mean it's the best for Dawn. Let's allow the girl to look up all the legal speak and see how she still feels about it tomorrow, okay? If she wants to be treated like an adult, then we have to let her explore the options, see all the facts. Maybe she'll decide she's not ready for it, after all," Corinne said logically.

Spike gave her a grateful smile and tucked her long hair behind her ear. She thrilled internally at the contact. "You're right…thank you. Sometimes, I think you came into my life just to keep me calm," he mused. His hand was still there, his thumb brushing back and forth over the skin under her ear.

"Is that a good thing?" her voice almost a whisper.

The smile widened. "A very good thing." She saw his eyes flicker to her mouth, his head leaning down towards her a little, and waited…

His lips were just an inch from hers, when Tara coming through the door and back home broke the spell. Spike straightened and dropped his hand at the sound, turning towards the witch. Corinne glared at her friend from behind his back, crossing her arms in frustration. The blonde's eyes widened as she noticed the brunette's expression. Ooops.

"Hey, Glinda. How is Demon Girl?" Spike asked. Tara's eyes flicked to the vampire.

"Um, fine. Business doing well, as usual. She said they'd stick around until the bad gets obvious. You know Anya…any excuse to make more money. How'd it go with Dawn?"

He grimaced. "She wants to be emancipated from her sister."

"Oh. That's not quite what we were expecting."

"Understatement of the year, pet. Bit went and grew up right before our eyes."

"Yep, no screaming fits or tantrums," Corinne added. "She's upstairs on her computer."

"Well, ladies, I'm going to catch some kip now that the excitement's over." Spike brushed a kiss on Corinne's cheek and whispered, "Thanks again, luv," before walking off towards the basement.

Her hand came up to the spot as she stared at his retreating back, mouth slightly agape. The doctor blushed and dropped the hand as Tara smirked at her.

"What's that look for?" she hissed defensively.

"Just enjoying the flustered look you're sporting," Tara teased.

"I was surprised, that's all," Corinne huffed.

"Uh-huh…how long have you been in love with Spike?" she asked quietly.

Corinne's mouth did drop then, as she stared at the witch. "Wh-what are you talking about? I-I'm not…"

Tara crossed the room and urged her friend to sit down on the sofa. "Corinne, it's okay. I happen to like Spike. You should tell him how you feel."

"Oh, no! No, no, no…I can't do that…he's in love with Buffy. I'd…it would just screw things up. He's my friend. It's…it's just a crush, and it'll pass…it has to…"

"Sweetie, Buffy's represented an ideal for him for a long time, and he has loved her, but he's closest to you. How long have you known Spike?"

"6 months on the 5th." She'd never forget his mangled face the first time she saw him.

"And you've been there for him through a lot in that time. I'm just saying…maybe things aren't so hopeless as you think," Tara gently suggested. "I came in on a moment, didn't I?" she surmised.

Corinne blushed again. "Maybe. It…it looked like he was about to kiss me," she admitted on a whisper. "But he was probably just going to kiss me on the cheek in the first place. It was just gratitude for my reassurance. He's never looked at me in that way, you know… I'm the Mayor of Friendsville."

Tara chuckled at the description. "Well, he does care for you. I saw it on his face way back at the hospital. He was grateful to see you. So, how long have you felt something for him?"

"I don't know…I realized it in May, after Buffy had been brought to the hospital. I hadn't talked to him for about a month before that, then seeing him again…it just hit me that I was falling. I still didn't give it much credence. So I had a crush, so what…it's just a temporary chemical reaction to attraction. And he's basically my best friend right now, so I've done my best to push it aside and ignore it. I don't want anything screwing up that relationship. I tell him, he's going to say he doesn't feel the same way, we're both going to feel really awkward, I'm going to avoid him because I'm embarrassed, and there goes our friendship. And that would hurt way worse than anything I've been going through so far."

"Except that your feelings have just gotten stronger," the witch said astutely.

"Yeah…unfortunately. I'm not good with guys. I had two dates in high school, and only a handful more in college, then a brief relationship during med school. He left because I was too busy with school and work. It definitely hurt getting dumped, and I thought I'd been in love, but now…"

"It doesn't compare."

"Yeah," Corinne sighed. "I hurt when he hurts, and just the slightest touch thrills me inside, and all I want to do is make him smile or laugh. And god, he has the best body I've ever seen! And…he gets me, or at least, I think he does. But it's crazy…I'm just a human, and he's a vampire. We can't go everywhere the other goes, and I'll get old while he remains the same. I couldn't hold him back like that…it's not fair."

"So, you're just giving up without trying?"

"Tara! Did you not listen to all the logic? I can't."

"Corinne, no one knows what life holds. We have to take happiness where we can find it. You might be destined for a car accident. Spike might have to give his life in an apocalypse. Should either of you have to be alone until life happens? Just think about it."

She shook her head. "Buffy will come and claim him eventually. They have a thing."

"Whatever you say, sweetie," Tara sighed. It was obvious her friend was just going to be stubborn about the issue for now. "I'm going to call Willow. Are you sticking around today?"

"No, I have to work this evening. I should get going…do some errands."

Tara nodded. "Okay. How about I drop off some dinner for you later?"

Corinne walked to the door. "That'd be great. And Tara…this stays between us."

"Of course. I'll see you later."

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Dawn was right. Buffy didn't fight the request for emancipation. Dawn sent her a long latter detailing why she was choosing this route, and that she still loved her sister…would probably love her better now they could be equals. They didn't hear anything from Buffy's side, and Spike thought they should hold off until they did, in case the Slayer wasn't where she could receive mail, but Dawn insisted on getting it over and done with. Omitting all the supernatural, of course, the teen testified to a judge in a private hearing about how much her sister had been around in the past year, that she had emotional problems after their mother's death that made it difficult for her to function, and then, the subsequent shooting, illness, and refusal to come home. Once the judge learned that others had been providing for the girl's welfare, and even paying the mortgage on the house, she requested time to make her decision and called for a one hour recess.

They filed back in a few minutes before the hearing would resume. Dawn sat with her lawyer, an old friend of Corinne's. Tara, Spike, and Corinne sat behind her. Willow and Xander were on the opposite side. When Willow had heard what Dawn was planning, she had insisted on representing Buffy's side and tried to justify the Slayer's actions, convincing Xander to testify as well. The judge reentered the courtroom and they all rose.

"Dawn Summers, I have been impressed with how you've carried yourself in this case. You appear to be a bright, mature, realistic young woman. As Miss Buffy Summers has not expressed a wish to contest this request in this case, I have decided to grant you emancipation. You have a good support system, Miss Summers. Don't take advantage of them. I'll be checking in with you over the next few months, so no slacking! Court dismissed."

Dawn squealed, hugged her lawyer, then went up to thank the judge personally. Willow and Xander stomped out without a word. Tara hung her head. The lovers had been fighting ever since the blonde witch had announced that she supported Dawn's decision. She hoped Willow wouldn't do something drastic to reverse the situation. The judge handed Dawn a signed certificate granting her legal status as an adult. They shook hands, and Dawn was ready to go celebrate.

"This is the most awesome birthday present!" she exclaimed. They were in court the day before her birthday. "Let's go someplace nice to celebrate!"

"Congratulations, Dawn," her lawyer stated. "If you're still interested in pre-law when you graduate, give me a call. I'll write you a recommendation."

"Thanks, Chris, for everything. Will you come with us to dinner?"

"Nah, I've got a case to prepare for. Have to be in court early tomorrow, unfortunately. Corinne, it's been good seeing you again. Give me a call the next time you head home. We'll get lunch, or something." He hugged Dawn, then the doctor, and left.

"Looks like I have you ladies all to myself, then," the vampire smirked. "Could certainly have worse company," he teased.

"Yeah, yeah, we all know how you like your harem," Dawn snarked back. He laughed and mussed her hair. She was up to 5'5" in bare feet, now, so that took less of a reach.

"Where are you taking us for dinner, Grown-up Girl?" Corinne asked.

"Huh?" the teen responded, her eyes round.

"You're an official adult, now. You can't expect us to pay for you all the time anymore."

"But…but I don't have that much money!" she sputtered.

"Aww, too bad, Bit," Spike added, playing along. "We'll just have to do it another day," he sighed.

"Y-you guys!" Dawn stopped walking, shocked.

"You still get to have your birthday party tomorrow, sweetie. Don't feel too bad," Tara said sympathetically. She caught up to the others.

What Dawn couldn't see, was the grins they were sporting as they tried not to laugh. The teen eventually recovered and ran to catch up.

"Can I at least drive home? I have my test tomorrow morning."

"Sure, Dawnie," Corinne replied, handing her the keys.

Dawn's driving skills had vastly improved since receiving her permit. She was cautious, driving the speed limit, but confident in the knowledge she had acquired thus far. As long as she didn't get too nervous during the test, she was going to do fine.

The living room light was on when they reached Revello. She didn't think much of it as she unlocked the door, thinking Willow must have stopped at the house or something. The others let her walk in first as she headed for the kitchen.

"Chris! What are you doing here?"

"My favorite client deserves to celebrate, doesn't she?" the lawyer replied, stepping aside to show the cartons of food and small cake on the table. "Happy independence day, kiddo."

Dawn whirled on the three conspirators. "You guys! You had this planned the whole time!"

"Yup," Spike grinned unrepentantly. "Either way the decision went, you'd need food and dessert-"

"So, I gave Chris my keys so he could be here when we arrived," Tara added.

The teen started to get a little misty-eyed. "Aww…this is so cool…you guys have been so supportive, and I can't thank you enough. I can hardly believe I won't have to worry about being shipped around anymore…or Social Services…it's just…" The two women rushed forward for a group hug as the atmosphere turned sentimental. The men shuffled around awkwardly, as guys always do around crying females.

"Orange chicken, anybody?" the lawyer feebly tried for diversion. The girls parted and wiped their eyes, then got out plates and glasses.

Working full-time for a month and a half so far, Dawn was on her way to being able to buy her first car when school started, the first week of September. It would take all her savings, but she could get something cheap so she could keep working part-time and get herself to school. There was no one to pay for college, so she had to either pay her own way, or earn scholarships. They had all laid out the cold, hard truths of adult life for the girl once she announced she was serious about being emancipated. It was their duty to make sure she was aware of everything she faced ahead. Dawn had risen to the challenge and asked to be mentored in all things practical. Tonight's celebration had been hard earned.

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"I can't believe that little brat," Willow said angrily. "Buffy's going to be devastated."

"You still haven't been able to reach her?" Xander asked.

"No," she sighed. "They're moving around too much, and I've never experimented with teleportation, so I can't be sure I won't frag myself."

"Maybe she really did get the notice and decided to let it be, Wills. Buffy wasn't exactly shaking pom-poms over being a surrogate mom this past year. She barely rose above apathy most of the time."

"But…Dawn's her little sister. Family was always everything to Buffy. I just can't believe she wouldn't respond."

"Well," he sighed. "We just won't know until we find her. Try calling Giles."

"He's with her, remember? It's the big Slayer-Watcher Adventure."

"Call the Council, then."

"I have, Xander. They said their cell is out of service range. Wherever they've found the latest girl, it's extremely remote. I hate it, but we have to wait."

"Don't be too hard on Dawn, okay? I talked with her a couple days ago, and she really had it rough until recently. The kid had less stability than I did back in the day. It kind of made sense that she'd want to make her own decisions now," Xander reasoned.

Willow's anger wilted. "I guess I've missed a lot, what with the magical addiction and going out of town…and Buffy hadn't talked to me much since Dawn's arm got broken back in November…not like we used to." She snorted a laugh. "No wonder you and Anya eloped! None of us was really sharing with the others anymore, were we? And Giles had abandoned us…we've all been a mess since Buffy died, and I just made it worse by bringing her back. I don't think I ever really apologized for that. I've messed up with Tara, too. It was so much simpler with Oz…how did I make this so complicated?"

"Well, it's not like Oz talked that much. He was the type you could just be around, you know?"

"Yeah…he was the best at getting me to un-spaz. But I love Tara!"

"You also tried to control Tara, Wills…even now, you're upset, so you're not talking to her. I've learned with Anya, since we got married, that I might need a minute to calm down, but we have to keep communicating. It's saved me from a lot of nights on the couch, cuz you know how good I am at putting my foot in my mouth," Xander replied.

"A guaranteed Xander-ism," she teased.

"Exactly. I don't know Tara that well, really, but she's a great chick. If you don't think you can do right by her, like, permanently? Then let her go, before there's a lot more hurt involved."

"What would I do without, Xander? Will you come visit me in the old witches home?"

"Always."