Spike wandered of. He stuck in fingers in the pockets of his jeans. His thumbs resting over top.
He kept on hearing half of her thoughts in his mind. Including his name.
Sometimes the tone of her thoughts was angry. Sometimes it was a more gentle tone.

He had to find her. Had to let the bit know how much he really wanted her. Her scent was far away, but still subtle. He followed his nose.

It lead him to her. Her scent became stronger and stronger and it told him more about her state. It was heavy, loaded. That usually indicated sadness.
He finally ended up finding them in the ice cream shop. He hid behind the corner, catching up on the conversation.

"You're not too chatty tonight" James remarked.

"I know, I'm sorry. A lot on my mind" Dawn replied.

"Are you having a good time though?"

"Yes, you're a very sweet guy" But you can't seem to help me to forget about Spike

Spike gasped. That was a full sentence of her thoughts. He smirked, started to realize the way it worked. The closer to Dawn, the more he could hear.

"Thanks" James said.

There was a short silence.

"Please don't" Dawn instructed him.

"Why not? I don't understand"

"Not ready yet"

"Just a little kiss?"

Spike felt the fire within coming up. This little twit was touching his Dawn. HIS.
He stormed around the corner.

"Don't touch her!" He commanded.

"It's that blonde guy again?" James asked Dawn annoyed. "What's the deal with the two of you?"

"She's mine, that is" He growled. James gave Dawn a surprised look who had dropped her eyes to the floor.

"Is that true?" James asked her. Dawn didn't answer. "Ok, forget this" James rose and grabbed his coat. "I'm going" he announced as he left the ice cream shop.

Dawn got up, ignoring Spike and leaving the ice cream shop. Heading into the night.
He followed her.
A long silence fell before he found himself able to say something.

"Nibblet?"

"Stay away from me" Dawn spit out to him. She looked up. Her eyes were teary.

"Do you really really want me to be unhappy?"

"No, I don't, and you know that!" He cupped her sad face within his hands.
They were close enough to kiss. He could hear her heart starting to beat faster and louder.

Just for him.

"But you and Buffy…"

"There's no me and Buffy anymore, pet. Open your eyes!"

"I'm not sure how to trust you…" Dawn softly said. "Like Buffy said: you are a soulless vampire" She shrugged.

Spike could feel anger within himself building up.

"I love you! And you know what your problem is? You don't want to see it. All of the bloody things in your head are always about being jealous with big sis."

Dawn gritted her teeth. "I am… NOT!" she screamed at him.

"Sure you are. I guess you don't want me or any love at all. I'm done with this, bit.

What do you want me to do? Shout it from a bloody roof top?"

Her eyes started to water again and her bottom lip shivered. She attempted to kiss him, but he rudely pushed her off.

"You want to run of with nancy boy now? Cause that's fine. This time I will let you.
But don't come crying to me" He pointed his finger at her.
"Because this… it's over"

"Spike, I'm sorry" She called after him. There were hints of desperation in her voice.
But he didn't look back.