Notes: Some of the dialogue is borrowed from Empty Places.

Chapter 3:

Spike and Dawn had ended up talking all night long, only when they noticed that it was starting to get light out, did they decide to get inside. Dawn was pretty tired as it was, so she was somewhat happy to be able to get in bed and go to sleep. Somewhat.

She hadn't talked to Spike like this in what seemed like forever. Well, to be perfectly honest, they had never talked like that, before. Somehow, this had just seemed more intimate than any other time. But maybe it was just her.

Also, she had never heard Spike say a single bad word about Buffy, well, actually she had, but not like this. This time he truly meant it. He wasn't in love with her. He hated her. Good. Serves her right. Dawn loved her sister, she did, but also despised her. If only she had stayed dead, then maybe I wouldn't hate her so much. Everything went to hell once she came back.

Dawn's thoughts were interrupted when Spike bent down and kissed her lips gently, then left without another word. Dawn touched her lips with her fingertips. The kiss was quick and chaste, and she wasn't sure if it meant anything or not. Probably not. Just a friendly kiss, between friends. That's it. Dawn had always wanted to be more than just friends, but he never noticed and likely never would. The only thing he ever noticed was Buffy. Only now, he doesn't want her anymore. She smiled to herself as she got into her bed. Maybe, just maybe, he will finally notice me.

*~*~*

A week had gone by since Dawn and Spike had talked on the roof. Faith had arrived and so had a lot of other girls, well, potential slayers. The house was packed. Dawn was already sharing her room with two of the girls. One who snores...loud, and another who never shuts up, while Buffy, on the other hand had her room all to herself. Dawn was starting to go just a little bit crazy.

She had been spending more and more time with Spike in the basement. Whenever he wasn't helping out with Buffy training the girls, he was usually staying out of the way, keeping to himself. With the exception of Dawn, of course, he seemed to enjoy her company.

*~*~*

"Spike, I have a mission for you." Giles told him.

"Oh, really? 'Cause, you know, sometimes our missions end up with you trying to kill me. I'm not fond of those." Spike said sarcastically.

"This is bona fide, with real ramifications. Take a look at this." Giles said as he showed him a photograph.

Spike studied the picture, "Looks like our boy's been here. You want me to go check it out?"

"I need someone who can take care of themselves in case Caleb is after some souvenirs."Spike looked at him in disbelief, still not sure if he was setting him up on a mission to not come back from again. Giles seemed to recognize this and added, "Take Andrew with you."

"What!?" Spike asked, clearly not likeing that idea, "And again I wonder if you intend for me to return alive." he said suspiciously.

Giles sighed, "Fine, then take Dawn. I assure you, this is indeed a real. Find out what you can."

*~*~*

"You sent Dawn with Spike?" Buffy asked Giles, feeling slightly jealous. She had noticed that Spike had been spending more time with Dawn than her lately. In fact the only time he has been spending with me at all is when he is helping me out with the potentials, and even then he barely speaks to me. It almost seems as though he's avoiding me...

Buffy, you weren't here. I expect both of them to return safely." Giles promised. Buffy nodded absently, still lost in her thoughts, Maybe I should talk to him, see if everything is okay with him. I know he still feels guilty for what he did to me, but I just need to convince him that it's not his fault. He is different now. He has a soul. And he got it for me, because of what he did. He's a better man now. He'll feel better when I explain this to him. Buffy smiled, "Where is everyone? Faith, the girls...where'd they go?" her smile immediately fading when she got the answer.

A/N: Please review and tell me what you think. Also, constructive criticism and ideas are always welcome. I know this was a really short chapter but it was really just a filler.