For those wondering why the last chapter felt incomplete this second half was supposed in it but when re-reading through it I felt it didn't flow properly as a single chapter since It definitely bounced around with perspectives to say the least, you might even be able to tell where the end was supposed to be. Regardless, sorry with the lack of updates I had to pitch a couple of movies for a portfolio review and other life problems to deal with.

Dawn Pov

I gasped for air as my eyes snapped open, my sweat was ice cold as I felt my eyes start to water. Oh, Arceus…

…

Can I be honest? I haven't been able to sleep very well these past few days. I keep having these nightmares… I've always had them from time to time but they've been happening more frequently these past few weeks. I feel a part of myself die every time I wake up from that dream. I held Spike tightly with my ribbons tying knots around us both. Shaking slightly I exhaled as the chills slowly started to go away. Having him nearby always soothes how I feel, my heartbeat will always try to sync with his.

I should probably tell Mom or Spike about it but now wasn't the best time especially since Shade was here. Besides it's not like they happen every night. My breathing slowed as I tried to calm down, it was the same feeling of adrenaline I had when I had attacked Spike like the word run was plastered in my brain ten feet high.

It was still pitch black outside. It would likely be morning in a few hours and I probably wasn't going back to sleep. "Well that's another night of rest wasted" I took the time to undo my ribbons on Spike, I haven't lashed out at him like last time thankfully but I have noticed him flinch occasionally when my ribbons wrap around him. Since then Ive been trying to be more mindful about them. Kissing his cheek gently I nuzzled up against his neck, He seemed to find it comfortable. "its fine, hes here…" Wiping my tears away I got up only to see Shade start to stretch awake. Any sense of fear or adrenaline was soon replaced by a feeling of discomfort. Our gazes met as we both awkwardly tried to say something

"Oh"

"Uh hey…"

Shade Pov

Damn, this was awkward as hell it wasn't like I was able to just start a conversation with her she already knows how I feel about Spike… I tried to say something, anything that would break the ice but she beat me to the punch.

"We… We need to talk about this"

"Y-yeah I know…" I replied with a nod, Arceus it was like I was going from one hard conversation to another.

We both left my den of course not before leaving Spike a note, we both figured he might freak out given recent events. The two of us stopped by an area well-lit by the fireflies, Dawn made sure to get a rather secluded spot. I kind of had to tell her everything I had told Spike, I couldn't get a read on her emotions as I basically spilled my guts again. It's not like I knew anything about Dawn so I wasn't sure how she'd react better to let her know everything.

Well… almost everything, I did skip one key detail: the fact that Spike had depression... I doubt he's told her and I'm not even sure that's something he's even comfortable sharing, besides I'm pretty sure she'd try to kill me if she found out… Hell i'd probably wouldn't even blame her. When I was done I was met by an expressionless gaze as the sun started to rise the silence unbearable

…

"I understand why he forgave you and I can't be too angry at someone who's trying to make amends. But I'll be honest with you he may have forgiven you but I won't and I'm not comfortable with any of this, I'm not one interested in herding and I'm sure Spike isn't either… I mean he only started to come out of his shell recently and that took weeks" She finally responded

"I know… I know, but… I'm not going to settle for anyone else Arceus knows I tried and it just made me feel worse. Even if it means I'll end up alone I won't settle for anyone less than him… I promise I won't interfere no matter how much it may hurt if he chooses you… Besides I'm pretty sure he wont want to see me after this" I replied looking at the floor.

"I believe you… and thank you" She replied honestly the fact that she didnt object to what I said kinda made me feel worse I mean I'm already mentally prepared if he wants to cut contact with me after this but emotionally ready was a different story. I was afraid honestly, afraid of truly being alone. But if it gave him peace Im fine with it…

"I'm not doing it for you but for him, he deserves to be happy after the hell I put him through… Honestly, I envy you, you got him to smile something I couldn't do back then… not to mention how he speaks of you" I replied mumbling at the end.

"Wait he talks about me?" She asked her gaze finally showing emotion.

I nodded.

"Well… thank you but Spike and I aren't exactly official… honestly I practically begged him to give us a shot, Arceus I must sound pathetic" She commented

"Even if you say you two aren't official there's something there, at the very least he loves you platonically" I replied looking away as I felt a surge of jealousy towards her, after all, he had said that he didn't see himself being with anyone aside from her.

Dawn Pov

My eyes practically widened in disbelief. I knew he cared, he probably wouldn't let the "relationship" continue if he didn't. But to hear that word I was practically begging her to elaborate more

"Really?!" I practically squealed leaning over the table, catching her off guard.

"I mean he didn't say he's romantically interested in you but he definitely shows that he cares about you more than anyone else… I mean he outright said he wouldn't change any of it… but maybe it's best if you heard it from him…" She explained practically pushing me back. I just looked back down at the table my face reddening in embarrasment as I was basically told: "Calm down girl".

"Arceus you're probably all he's got…That being said, I won't forgive you if you hurt him or break his heart, I know that's real rich coming from me but he's been through too much as it is…" She continued. Regardless of the animosity I felt towards her that was something I did agree with, now I knew that at the very least she also wanted what was best for him.

"Well back at you" I replied with a frown she surprisingly didn't look upset by it.

…

"This is probably a stupid question but I have to ask… so, How are you feeling?"

"Well I'm still a bit sore and my bones feel like they're made of marshmallow fluff but I'll manage" She replied almost dismissively

"You know that's not what I meant" I replied she just looked at the table with a deep exhale I guess she didn't want to worry either of us

"Honestly better than I expected I mean I still feel like crap but at the very least I got his forgiveness, something I had wanted for years now. But… the pain is still there and I doubt it's going away anytime soon not to mention he doesn't feel the same way I do. Even if it was expected it hurts."

"I see…"

"On a lighter note I think he and I finally understand each other. I suppose that's motivating me to do better, to be better. It's going to take time to forgive myself but this pain is something I have to carry with me for the time being" She answered. I just nodded in response. It didn't sound like she would relapse, especially considering she talked about wanting to be better but the guilt she carried was practically palpable.

"you know, he does care for you in his own way of course"

"no… I scared him, I worried him…"

"do you really think he only did it out of guilt? He could have left at any point but he didn't. Sure you could make the argument that he was just watching over you but if that was the case why didn't he leave last night? he told me that you couldnt sleep not many people would have done that especially after everything hes been through. He cares about your well being"

I saw her start to tear up. I couldn't imagine what was going through her head at that moment.

Hours Later… Spike Pov

My sleep was interrupted by the scent of charcoal my eyes slowly opened to Dawn and Shade grilling potatoes. If I didn't know any better I'd say they were getting all buddy-buddy with each other "Arceus how long was I asleep?" I murmured as I rubbed my eyes. "Not too long honestly its actually pretty early Shade and I just happened to get up earlier" Dawn replied only to kiss my cheek I felt my face heat up in both embarrassment and delight as Shade just stared at the exchange.

"I need to tell her…"

"Not right now you're going to make a scene!" Another part of me begged me much more loudly as if it was afraid. I decided to listen to the louder voice besides it probably wouldn't be wise to tell Dawn how I felt in front of Shade. I got up walking towards the fire only to be blocked by Shade. "I think you've done more than enough for now" she replied before forcing me to sit back down I tried to protest but Dawn interrupted me

"Its okay to relax too Spike" she whispered before nuzzling my cheek.

I felt like a child at that moment as I just watched the two of them cook, but at the same time I was exhausted both mentally and physically. I definitely was not about to complain. If I was being honest it felt odd seeing Dawn and Shade being okay with each other around, especially given how Dawn reacted when I first told her about Shade's feelings.

My train of thought was interrupted by a warm potato rolling into my view. "uh, thanks…" Is all I could reply when looking at Shade.

Arceus this was awkward as hell…

To be Continued…

Again sorry about the delay also holy crap I know there were scammers on this site before but when I posted the previous chapter I was bombarded by bots claiming to be artists that wanted to draw fanart for the story it made reading through Dms a pain. Anyone currently writing a story definitely be wary, I will say there might have been one request that was geniene since this message was in regards to another story I hadnt touched in years and it came way before I was spammed by art requests. But I wasnt taking any chances and to that one person if you're real I am so sorry it was just real bad timing. As far as art for the story Ill do it myself besides, commissioned fan art falls into a grey area for copyright that I really rather not get involved with.

-The Ultimate Spiderman