Title: Magic Incense and Spooky Sand.
Author: SlayGal
Summary: Buffy still hasn't caught on about Spikes crush…and Dawn is working some mojo…throw in a lil' Angelus and craziness ensues….
Disclaimer: I'm 15, ya really think I'm trying to take credit for these characters?! :-)
They all belong to Joss!
Feedback: Every fic writer wants it! :-) I'm no exception!
Note: This is set after "Blood Ties" but before "Crush", when Dawn has a crush on Spike.
And Dawn's spell is adapted from many spells of love and attraction.

"Hey!" Dawn called as she entered her house.
"Dawn?" Joyce called as she approached from the kitchen.
"How was the first day back?" She smiled.
"Ok, I guess." Dawn answered.
She had recently been suspended from school after freaking out at a teacher, when she found out she was The Key.
"You hungry?" Her mom asked.
"No, I'm fine. Where's Buffy?"
"She's at the magic shop, she said you could go there if you want." Joyce told her.
"Cool, I'm gonna get changed first, then head out." Dawn smiled and headed upstairs. Buffy had been being nicer to her lately, Dawn realised she was probably doing it just to alleviate her own guilt but she was enjoying it all the same.

Dawn strolled into the Magic Box an hour later. She was wearing black Capri pants, a purple sleeveless top and sneakers.
"Hi guys." She called as she entered.
"Hi Dawnie" Willow smiled.
"Hey!" Xander called.
"Hi." Tara smiled, and gave her a little wave.
"Where's Buffy?" She asked.
"She's out the back, training." Xander informed her.
Anya gave the lady she was serving her purchase and a cheerful smile, "Thank you for your money!" She said happily. Then she came over to the table with the gang.
"Hello Dawn," She still was smiling, "How was school today?"
"Fine." Dawn answered.
She wandered over to the bookshelf and started looking through the various spell books.
One in particular caught her eye, Wish Spells, it said simply on the side.
She took it off the shelf and started looking through it.
Buffy came out the back room then, followed by an out of breath Giles.
"You should have told me I wasn't holding back enough," She told her watcher.
"No, no. Its fine." Giles panted. "Just need something to drink." He moved over to put the kettle on.
"Hey Buff," Dawn smiled.
"Hi, what's that?" She indicated the book.
"Oh, its just something I was flicking through," Dawn said quickly as she pushed back onto the shelf.
"We're going to The Bronze later….you wanna come?" Buffy asked.
"Sure." Dawn smiled, not wanting the others to know how much she wanted to go.

When Giles had closed the shop, and refused the offer to join them, the guys headed out. Dawn trailed behind, but as she left she grabbed a book from the shelf, quickly slipping it into her bag.

Anya and Xander were dancing, Tara and Willow were talking about magicks and Buffy and Dawn were sat enjoying cokes.
The Bronze had just re-opened after the recent troll attack.
"I almost forgot, how was school?" Buffy smiled.
Dawn rolled her eyes, "Fine! Why does everyone keep asking? I'd say if it wasn't."
Buffy raised an eyebrow at her sister.
Dawn grimaced, "Sorry, Ok? Just sick of people asking."
Buffy nodded in understanding.
"Hello children." Dawn heard that familiar British accent and looked up as Spike sat down at their table.
"Hi Spike." She smiled, she was glad Spike had came. Not that she would ever admit it - but she thought she might have a crush on him.
"Hey Nibblet."
"Spike, what are you doing here?" Buffy asked, annoyed.
"What's it look like, Slayer? Just trying to 'ave a good time, aint I?" He held up a beer bottle.
"So are we, and it works better when your not here." Buffy told him.
Dawn saw the slightest flash of hurt in Spikes eyes, she knew he had a thing for Buffy, too bad Buffy was oblivious.
"It's a free country, init?" He caught himself quickly.
Buffy sighed, "I guess, just don't talk to me."
That look again crossed Spikes features for a brief moment.
Then he turned his attention to a couple that were dancing, there was a young girl, about 17, dancing with a guy who looked a couple years older.
Spike saw as a group of guys by the door motioned for the one dancing to follow as they exited, the guy smiled at the girl, took her hand and lead her outside.
"Think we've got trouble, Slayer." He commented as he got up.
"What? Do I need to go through the "No talking" thing again?" She gave him a look.
"Well, if I'm not talking, guess I can't tell you about the group of vamps about to feast on that girl." He pointed to the one leaving.
Buffy's eyes followed to where Spike was pointing, then she got up quickly, and made her way out of The Bronze.
Spike followed, "Your welcome," he mumbled under his lack-of-breath.
Dawn watched them go and then decided to follow.

Buffy got outside, scanned the area, but couldn't see anything.
Spike ran up behind her, stopped, and then started again,
"They're down here," he called.
"And you know this…how?" Buffy said as she followed him.
"I can smell her," He said simply.

Dawn came out The Bronze and saw just as Buffy rounded the corner, she ran to catch up with her sister.
She saw as Buffy and Spike took on the vamps, the girl had crawled to the edge of the alley, and was now sobbing with fear.
Buffy kicked the vamp, who fell onto Spikes stake, dusting him, then Spike punched another one, grabbed him and staked him too.
Dawn watched as they took out all the vamps, what Dawn didn't notice was the vamp that was behind her, until she felt a hand go over her mouth,
"Buffy!" She called, muffled by the vamp hand. Then she bit down - as hard as she could, the vamp cried out in pain,
"Buffy!" Dawn called again, as the vamp regained himself and grabbed Dawn round the stomach.
"Dawn!" Buffy heard her sister, looked round and saw the vampire at the end of the alley holding her.
She ran forward, pulled out a cross, ducked behind the vamp and grabbed him in the same way he had Dawn, pressing the cross onto his head.
"No one touches my sister!" She said as she pulled her stake out and plunged it through his back.
The vamp dusted, leaving Dawn to fall to the floor.
Then Spike was next to her, he helped her up, "You alright, lil'bit?"
"Ye-yeah, I think so." Dawn stuttered.
She smiled at Spike as he helped her up, "Thanks."
Then Buffy hugged her, "Are you sure you're OK?" She asked.
"Yeah, really, I'm OK." She insisted.
"How bout we get you home, kid?" Spike suggested.
"Yeah, Spike, could you take her? I've gotta tell the others." Buffy asked.
"Yeah." Spike said. "C'mon."
Dawn followed spike home.

When they got there Joyce greeted them at the door.
"Thought I'd better walk lil' one home."
"Thank you, Spike. I don't like the idea of her alone at night." She smiled. "Can I get you anything?"
"How bout a cuppa?" Spike asked.
"Of course." Joyce walked back into the kitchen, followed by Spike and Dawn.
They talked for a while and then Spike said he'd better go.
He was out the door and down the steps when Dawn came out.
"Dawn? Get back inside." He told her
"I just wanted to say thanks, for walking me home."
"It's alright."
"And Spike? Thanks for helping me, with breaking into the Magic Box - I know Buffy kinda chewed you out for it but it was safer with you there. And I would have gone anyway."
"Yeah, that's what I thought."
"And Buffy appreciates it too, even though she doesn't say it."
"Yeah, sure she does, lil' bit." Spike chuckled.
"No, really. I know that-that you care about her." Dawn said carefully.
Spike looked at Dawn, "What ya talking about?" He said lamely.
"C'mon Spike, I'm not stupid." Dawn crossed her arms.
"Yeah, well, too bad you can't get everything you wish for, init?" He sighed and then turned and was gone.
His words stuck in Dawn's mind as she ran upstairs, into her bedroom and began reading her book.

Buffy got home an hour or so after Spike had left.
She knocked on Dawns door, Dawn quickly hid the book under her pillow,
"Uh…Come in." She called.
Buffy opened the door, "You get home OK? Or do I need to stake a certain blonde vamp?"
"Yeah, I did. Spike actually walked me in to the house."
"Darn." Buffy joked. "Needed to stake something."
"Night Buffy." Dawn smiled, eager for Buffy to leave.
"Goodnight." Buffy closed the door and a moment later she heard Buffy's bedroom door close.
After waiting a few seconds Dawn got the book back out, she had just reached a spell that called out to her.
"A Traditional Love Spell"
Needed:
A red candle
Love incense

//Sounds simple enough// Dawn thought as she re-read it.
//I can get the stuff tomorrow at the magic shop//
She smiled to herself, wondering if it would work, //No! It WILL work!// she coaxed herself, //You have to believe in it to work//
She placed the book in her school bag, got undressed and climbed into bed.
//By tomorrow night Spike'll have a different Summers woman on his mind//

The next day after school Dawn went to the Magic Box.
"Hello Dawn." Giles gave her a warm smile. "How was -"
"School was great!" She cut in before he could finish. "Uh...is Buffy here?"
"No, not yet. She said for you to do your homework and she'd be here soon."
"Ok." Dawn sat down at the table and took out her books and a pencil.
"I'm just going into the basement for some more supplies - if anyone comes in, give me a shout." Giles said as he left.
"You got it." Dawn called as she watched him leave.
She got up and looked through the packs of incense,
"Ice musk, Strawberry, Rose, Separation musk, ah ha! Love!" She grabbed the pack and put it in her bag. Then she moved to the candles, she quickly took out two red candles and put them in her jeans pocket,
"Dawn?"
She jumped and whirled round.
"Don't do that!" She held a hand to her racing heart.
"I'm sorry," Buffy grinned. "What ch'ya doing?" She sat down at the table.
"Just tidying up while Giles is down in the basement." She said hurriedly.
"Are you OK? You seem jumpy."
"I'm fine." Dawn sat down and began doing her homework; her heart still felt like it was in her throat.

"I'm gonna do a quick sweep and then I'll come back to take you to The Bronze." Buffy told Dawn. "As long as you promise you will be careful this time."
"I promise." Dawn nodded.
"Ok, good, I'll be back soon." Buffy exited through the back door.
Dawn went into the kitchen,
"Uh…mom? Do we have any…er…ice cream?" She asked.
"Let me check." Joyce smiled as she opened the freezer.
"Oh, I could have sworn I just bought some." She frowned. "I guess Buffy was hungry after patrol the other night." She said.
Dawn knew it was actually her and Buffy who had eaten the choc chip together.
"I could run to the store, if you like." Joyce offered.
"You don't have to do that, mom!" Dawn smiled.
"No, I insist. I won't be long - twenty minutes, max." She grabbed her bag off the counter, kissed Dawn on the forehead and left through the back door.
Dawn smiled as she made her way upstairs, //That was easier that I thought//

She read again in the book how to cast a protective circle, and then she performed it.
She then lit the incense, and then the candles.
"Light the flame,
Burn the fire,
Red is the color of desire."
She read out loud.
"Make this love,
True and Pure
Make this love
Til forever more"
She concentrated on the flame, visualising Spikes face, the way he talked, anything she could think of to put more power into the spell.
She took a deep breath, and completed the spell,
"When the incense is out,
My spell is free,
When the candle is out,
So mote it be."
She put the incense out and then she blew the red candle out, leaving the room in darkness.

After a few minutes of contemplating her spell, Dawn opened her circle and then put the light on.
She sighed happily, eager to see if it had worked.
Then she opened her wardrobe door trying to find something to wear for tonight.

"Dawn? I'm back!" Her mom hollered from the bottom of the stairs.
Dawn appeared in fitted blue jeans, ankle boots, and a tight white sweater.
Her hair hung loosely at her back.
"You look nice, honey. So grown up" Joyce smiled.
"Thanks." Dawn smiled and made her way to the kitchen, "What ice cream did you get?"
"Double mint choc chip." Her mother answered.
"Yum!" Dawn grabbed a spoon and began to eat it out of the carton. Joyce cleared her throat loudly.
Dawn looked up and saw the look her mom was giving her,
"Ok, I'll get a bowl." She frowned.

Buffy got home an hour later; she found Dawn and Joyce watching TV.
"Hi, sweetie." Joyce smiled.
"Hi mom. Dawn, you ready?" She smiled.
"Uh huh." She got up. Then she leaned over and kissed her mom's forehead, "Bye mom. Thanks for the ice cream."
"There's ice cream?" Buffy asked, excitedly.
Joyce looked guiltily at Buffy, "Uh…not anymore, honey."

Buffy and Dawn entered the Bronze, their eyes searching for any of the Scooby gang.
"Theres Xander," Dawn pointed.
"Oh yeah." They walked over to him.
"Hey Xand." Buffy smiled.
"It's the Buffster!" Xander grinned, "And who is this babe with you?" He smiled at Dawn, "You're looking good, Dawn."
"Thank you." She smiled shyly and sat down, "Where Anya tonight?"
"Helping Giles with inventory, she'll be here later."
"I'm gonna get a drink, you guys want?" Buffy asked.
Xander shook his head.
"Coke please." Dawn asked.
Buffy made her way to the bar.
Dawn kept her eye out for Spike, but couldn't see him anywhere.
//It didn't work! He would be looking for me if it had!// She thought to herself.
"You wanna dance, Dawn?" Xander asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Huh? Oh right, sure." Xander got up and took Dawns hand, pulling her to the dance floor.
They danced for a while, to a couple of fast ones and then a slow one came on. They continued to dance, then Buffy came up to them,
"Guys, more vamps looking for fun, I'll be back soon." She smiled and then was gone.
"Why do vampires continue to hunt at The Bronze? Don't they get that the Slayer hangs out here?" Dawn asked Xander.
"Not sure, just easy feeding ground, I guess." Xander shrugged.
Dawn still couldn't see Spike anywhere. She sighed and put her head on Xander's shoulder.
"You OK, Dawnmiester?" Xander asked.
"I guess." She said.
"Wanna talk about it?" Xander said, gently.
"No." She said firmly. //What am I supposed to say? "Oh, right, Xand, so I've suddenly developed this crush for Spike, ya know, that 120-something year old vamp you hate? So I stole from Giles, lied to my family and tried to do a love spell on him but it didn't work and now I'm a little upset." Yeah, that'd go over real well!//
"Mind if I cut in?"
Dawn's eyes snapped open; she pulled away slightly from Xander.
"Spike!" She said, surprised.
"Up to you, Dawnie, up for dancing with a bleached murderer?" Xander asked her.
"Uh…sure." Dawn said, trying her best to sound casual.
"Ok, I'll go outside, check on Buffy." Xander gave one last, wary look at Spike and left.
Dawn stood there, not sure what to say. Spike moved forward, cautiously, and put his arms around Dawn.
His arms were stiff, but he began to relax after a moment. Dawn looked at him, her expression was unsure.
"You said you wanted to dance, nibblet." He reminded her, almost shyly.
She nodded and slowly put her arms around his neck.
"Not like you to be nervous." He said quietly.
"Or you." She countered.
"Got me there." He answered.
"What are you doing, Spike?" She asked suddenly.
"What? What am I…?" He shook his head, not getting it.
"Here, with me. I thought you were into my sister."
"Nah, I was being an idiot." He said seriously.
"Besides, you're a little bit nicer to be around, y'know?" He smiled.
Dawn smiled back, then she put her head on his shoulder, relaxing a bit. She breathed in the smell of leather, that smell always reminded her of Spikes coat.
They danced for a while, Dawn thought it was easier than making conversation.
"What the hell is this??" Dawn heard Buffy say.
She lifted her head and saw Buffy stood next to them.
"Uh…hi, Buffy." She stammered.
"We were just dancing, Slayer, no need to get all stake-y." Spike said, still holding on to Dawn.
Buffy glared at him, then she grabbed Dawns hand, and pulled her back to the table.
"Hey! Buffy!" Dawn protested.
"This is supposed to be sister time, not dance-with-dead-people time." Buffy told her.
Dawn sighed, "Fine."
Xander came back with three drinks.
"Here, since you never got round to getting them due to the vamp party." He handed Buffy and Dawn cokes.
"Thanks." Dawn said.
Spike came back and sat next to Dawn.
"Why are you here? Again?" Buffy asked.
"Nothing to do with you, is it?" Spike said sharply.
Dawn was surprised - she hadn't heard Spike talk to her sister like that for a while.
Buffy seemed surprised too.
"Uh, yeah, it is." She said, then she sighed, "Just don't bother my friends."
Anya came a little later.
Then Willow came, Tara was busy studying.
"So, Anya, how's it going?" Buffy asked.
"Good. Giles and I worked through all the stuff at the magic shop - I'm hoping to make a lot more money!" She grinned.
"And Will, how bout you? Working on any spells?"
Dawn could see Spike was watching her out the corner of her eye, she glanced at him and smiled. He smiled back, a genuine smile from Spike, not just a smirk that accompanied a snide comment, an actual smile. Dawn liked it.
"Yeah, I've just found this one spell to turn frogs back into tadpoles!" She said, excited, "Its pretty simple too!" She smiled. As Willow went through the basic stuff she needed Spike slid his hand under the table and gently took Dawns.
"And then, you say a short incantation and it's done!" Willow finished, triumphantly.
"Uh, Will?" Dawn said, "Why would you want to do that?"
That stopped Willow for a moment, but only for a moment, "That's a good question, but its really just about focusing energy - it gives you more power, something to practise with, really." She smiled.
"I see." Dawn nodded. Still not understanding.
They sat there a while longer, then Spike got up, letting Dawns hand go discreetly under the table,
"I think I'll call it a night. Want me to walk lil' sis home?" He asked Buffy hopefully.
"Uh…sure…it is getting late." She said to Dawn, expecting an argument.
"OK." Dawn shrugged.
Buffy seemed relieved, "I'll see you at home then."
"Uh huh. Bye guys." She gave them a little wave and then she and Spike left the Bronze.

Spike draped his arm around her shoulder as they walked. They were almost home when someone stepped out of the shadows, knocking Dawns shoulder.
"Watch it, mate." Spike said to the figure, as they spun round, facing the guys back.
The tall guy turned round,
"Angel…" Dawn said, shocked.
"Hi Dawn." He said, "What's this?" He gestured towards Spikes arm around Dawn.
Spike quickly withdrew it, "Nothing. Just promised the Slayer I'd get her sister home, safe and sound, not really feeling like a plank of wood through my chest." He defended.
"Ok." Angel said, not really seeming to buy it, "Where is Buffy?"
"At The Bronze," Dawn told him.
"Alright. I'll see you two later." And then he was gone.
"Strange bloke," Spike commented as they began walking again. He put his arm back round her shoulder and walked her right to her door.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Dawn smiled.
"I guess you will," Spike nodded.
They stood facing each other for a few seconds and then Dawn moved for the doorknob, as she fumbles with it Spike leaned down and kissed her cheek,
"I'll see ya." He said, then he watched to make sure she got into the house safely.

Dawn got undressed and into bed, all the while thinking about Spike.
She liked him so much better now he was being nice to her.
She heard Buffy come in a while later, then her door opened.
"Dawn?" She called into the darkness.
Dawn flipped her lamp on, "Yeah?"
"Just checking. Heard you ran into Angel earlier?"
"Yeah, literately." She smiled. "So I take it he caught up with you?"
"Yeah. He's just in town for a few days."
"Cool." Dawn said, unsure if Buffy thought so.
"Night Dawn," She smiled and then left.
Dawn turned the lamp off and then laid back down in bed.

The next day it seemed to take forever to get dark, but eventually it did and then Buffy said she was going patrolling.
"I'll be back soon. The number for moms work is on the refrigerator, are you sure you'll be ok by yourself?"
Dawn nodded, "Of course I'm sure. Go. Be quick - I wanna go to the Bronze!"
"OK, see ya soon."
Buffy left, leaving Dawn to find something to wear.

She decided on black tight pants, her high shoes, and a fitted blue tank top.
She had the front bits of her hair clipped up at the back, leaving the rest at her shoulders. She added a little bit of lip-gloss and then went downstairs to wait for Buffy.
Half way down the stairs she heard a knock at the front door, //Spike?// she wondered as she went to the door and opened it, there stood Angel.
"Hi, again. Buffy's not here." She told him.
"I know - I just saw her, she asked me to take you to the Bronze and she'll meet us there."
"Oh, OK." She smiled. "Better leave her note though, she worries way too much lately." Dawn quickly scribbled, 'I'll meet you at the Bronze - Angels taking me, Love Dawn'
Then she grabbed her key from by the door, stuffed it in her pocket and left.

"So, Angel, what brings you back to this little town?" Dawn asked.
"Oh, nothing much, just wanted to tell - or rather show - Buffy something."
"Really? Like a present? What is it?" Dawn asked, excited.
"This." He said simply as he vamped out and grabbed Dawn roughly by the arms.
She cried out in surprise.
"Angel…?" She said softly.
"I'm sorry, Angel couldn't make it, he sends his regards." Angelus grinned.
"Oh God…" Dawn closed her eyes, thinking of how much pain Buffy went through with him before.
"Awww….shh….lil' Dawnie." He soothed, as he took her in his arms, "I'm gonna make it all better…" He promised as he stroked her hair, then he pulled her head to one side, and sank his teeth in to her flesh………

Buffy came home and saw the note by the door. She read it and then sighed, Dawn was so impatient, she probably invited herself to tag along with Angel.
Buffy went upstairs to change and then left for the Bronze.

When she arrived she couldn't see Dawn or Angel anywhere, but she spotted Willow and Tara so she sat with them.
"I'm sure she'll be here soon." Willow said to Buffy.
"Yeah, you're right. Guess I should stop worrying so much, she's with Angel."
"Slayer," Spike sat down with his beer, "No family outing tonight?" He asked, basically trying to figure out where Dawn was.
"Dawns on her way, actually. Angels bringing her."
Spike looked uncomfortable, "Angel?" He asked, more to himself.
"Yeah, they'll be here soon."
"Hi all." Dawn said cheerfully as she arrived.
She got various hey's and hi's from the group.
She plonked herself down on the sofa, next to Spike.
"You look pretty tonight, Dawn." Willow told her.
For once Dawn didn't look self-conscious at that remark.
"Thank you." She said, happily.
"What took you guys so long?" Buffy asked, smiling at Angel.
"We were hungry." He answered quickly.
Spike smiled at Dawn and she grinned back.
"Wanna dance?" She asked Spike loudly.
Everyone looked at her, "What? Buffy, do I have your permission to dance?" She asked her sister.
Buffy seemed caught off guard, "I guess."
"Cool. C'mon Spike." She got up and walked to the dance floor, followed by Spike.
She put her arms around his neck, and he responded by putting his arms around her waist.
"Dawn, are you OK?" Spike asked.
"Never better. Why?" She smiled up at him.
"No reason. You just seem a little…Never mind." He said quietly as he pulled her closer.

"Does Dawn seem OK to you?" Tara asked the group.
"She seems great." Angel said, quickly.
"I don't know," Buffy answered. "I think maybe this is a reaction to the whole Key thing."
"The what thing?" Angel asked.
"Long story." Buffy said.

They danced for a while longer, then Spike and Dawn made their way back to the table.
"All danced out, huh?" Willow asked.
"Yep." Dawn said as she sat back down onto the sofa.
"Feel like a walk to the grave yard?" Buffy asked, "I feel bad for not patrolling more these days."
"I'm up for it." Dawn piped up.
"No, it's not safe for you." Buffy told her.
Dawn gave her a look, "I have two witches, two vampires and a Slayer, what's gonna happen?"
"I guess you're right." Buffy relented
"Cool. Lets go." Dawn stood up.
The rest of the gang stood up too, Dawn grinned at Angel as she passed him, he flashed her an evil smile without the scoobies noticing.
When they got outside, Buffy & Angel walked in front, talking, Willow & Tara walked a little behind them, discussing something, and lastly Spike & Dawn trailed behind.
Dawn grabbed Spikes hand as they walked,
"Bit obvious, init?" He smiled.
"I don't care. I'm almost 15, Buffy was dating Angel at 16, what she gonna do about it?" She asked.
"I like this new attitude," Spike told her.
"Good. Get used to it." She leaned up and quickly kissed his cheek before anyone could see.
When they got to the graveyard Buffy did a couple sweeps, but then came and joined the gang.
"Might as well wait here for any vamps." Buffy said as she sat down against a tree, where everyone else was sat.
Angel got up after a while and started pacing.
Then he stopped, looked at Dawn and motioned for her to come to him.
Dawn got up and went to Angel. He put his arm around her, "We have something to tell you guys…" He said with a smile at Dawn.
Spike felt something tighten in his stomach, he suddenly had an uneasy feeling.
Buffy looked confused, "What is it?" She asked.
"Dawn, why don't you show them?" Angel suggested. Dawn had an unsure look on her face, her and Angel seemed to be having a conversation with their eyes, "Go ahead, don't be afraid." Angel prodded.
Dawn looked back at the gang…and vamped out.
"Oh My God…." Buffy breathed.
"No…" Spike said, unable to understand.
"Isn't she pretty?" Angelus said as he stroked Dawns hair.
Dawn saw the horrified expressions on everyone's faces and de-vamped, embarrassed.
"Aww, nothing to be embarrassed about, sweetie." Angelus told her.
"You…? You did this to my sister?!?" Buffy got up, yelling at Angelus.
He smiled proudly, "Yes, I did."
"I-I have to go…" Dawn said, as she turned and ran out of the cemetery.
"Dawn! Bloody wait up!" She heard Spike calling after her.
She kept on running but stopped after a couple of streets.
"Spike...I…" She stammered.
"Its okay, Dawn." He said gently.
"No…No…how can it be okay? I'm…dead! He killed me…" Dawn was panicking now, tears were forming in her eyes.
"Come here." Spike came close to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"Oh…Spike…" She started sobbing.
"I don't wanna be a vampire…" She choked out between sobs.
"Its alright, Luv. We'll figure something out."
Dawns blue eyes locked with Spikes. //He still loves me...// Dawn realised, //I asked for him to love me forever and he does!//
"Thank you Spike." She managed.
"How bout we get you home?"
"No! I can't! I don't wanna hurt Buffy…I can't be in the same house as her! Oh, God, you know what this means? I'm homeless!"
She pulled away from Spike and sat on the curb, her head in her hands.
"Dawn, you know I'd never let you go out on the street…you're coming home with me tonight." He said firmly.
"Oh, I don't think so, Spike, my boy…" Angelus chuckled, suddenly beside them.
"She's my new toy!" He grinned.
"You stay the hell away from her!"
"Or you'll do what, William?"
He took Dawns hand and helped her to her feet.
"C'mon Dawnie. Angels gonna show you a real good time!" He grinned evilly.
Dawn looked stricken between Angelus and Spike.
"I don't know…" She sighed. "I think…I wanna stay with Spike…" She said quietly.
"You heard the lady, now piss off." Spike told Angelus.
"Doesn't work that way…gotta stay with your sire…you don't have a choice here." He punched Spike and then kicked him off his feet.
"Spike!" Dawn cried.
"Time to go." Angelus told the teen. With that he grabbed her hand and took off down the street.
Buffy ran up then, her mouth was bleeding and her eye had the beginnings of a shiner coming, clearly she and Angelus had been fighting.
"Spike, where the hell is he taking her?"
"I don't bloody know!" He yelled. "I tried to stop him," He got up, looking in the direction they had gone, helplessly. "She doesn't want to be like this…she don't sodding deserve it neither."
Buffy turned to Willow and Tara, who were just catching up, "You guys have to do something, turn her back, curse her, anything!!"
"We'll look for something." Willow promised, her eyes filling with tears, "Dawnie…" then strong Willow was back, she looked at Tara, "Lets go." She said firmly.
Tara and Willow left.
"I gotta go find her." Spike told Buffy.
"Lets split up - cover more ground."
"Alright, meet you back here in a couple of hours."
"Okay. And Spike?" He looked at her, "Take care of her."
"I will." He promised.

Angelus took Dawn to the mansion.
"Welcome home." He smiled.
Dawn sat down, "I don't feel so good." She said to him.
"You're hungry, we should find you something." He sat next to her.
"I'm not killing anyone." She told him.
"Okay…you don't have to just yet. I'll get you someone."
Dawn shuddered. Angelus instinctively put his arm round her shoulder, "You were happy earlier, we had fun…" He said, "You danced with Spike, you stood up for yourself against your sister…what changed?" He asked.
She looked into his dark eyes.
"I saw the horror…the pain…when they saw me…suddenly it wasn't fun anymore."
"It can be again," He promised.
Then he sighed, "Lets go out."

Willow and Tara went back to the magic shop, they filled Giles and Anya in on what had happened, then called Xander and told him.
Right now they were all in deep research mode - books were strewn around the table, they were looking for any spell that might help.
They all agreed - last resort: Give Dawn a soul.
"She just vamped?" Xander asked, for about the third time. "Dawns pretty face with fangs?"
"Yes. It was horrible." Willow told them.
"Well, we'll find something, I'm sure." Giles said with a weak smile, "They'll be some sort of spell I'm sure of it."
"Glad someone is." Willow mumbled.

Angelus took the body over to where Dawn was sat. They had waited in the alley for someone to come down, eventually a guy had come, slightly drunk, and Angelus had been able to grab him and snap his neck before the guy could even scream.
Dawn was sat against the wall, she had grown weaker from not eating and was completely drained of energy.
"Dawnie, you have to eat." He told her.
"I-I don't want to…" She looked up at him, her eyes pleading.
"You must."
Angelus ran his nail across the guy's wrist, making a deep cut. He held it to Dawns mouth.
"Here." He offered.
Dawn looked at the blood, her stomach growled and she felt herself vamp. Slowly she put her mouth over the cut, she felt the blood in her mouth, still warm. She licked at the cut and then began sucking from it, then she got a better grip on the guys arm, biting deeper into his wrist.
"There's my girl." She heard Angelus sooth.
She drank for a while and then she let the arm fall to the floor.
She looked up at Angelus, her face de-vamped.
"So," She smiled, feeling much more energetic, "Who's for dessert?"

Spike checked the mansion, the factory, and The Bronze - no Dawn or Angel.
He couldn't explain the way he felt for Dawn, it was like a fog had lifted and he realised he had feelings for her.
She seemed to have feelings for him too, he hoped anyway.
It was weird, he really thought he was falling for Buffy and then it clicked and he realised he loved Dawn.
He knew it wasn't right, she was just a kid, but he also knew you can't choose who to love.
He decided just to generally walk around Sunnydale - he'd probably see them somewhere.

Angelus smiled back at Dawn, "You and me are gonna have fun!"
"Y'know what? I think we will." She got up and carefully stepped over the body.
Angelus came round and put his arms around her waist, "Your more fun than your sister." He told her.
She grinned, "Well, that's difficult!" She said sarcastically
He chuckled.
"You still hungry?" He asked.
"A little." She confessed.
"Quite the appetite." He said, admiration in his voice, "Lets get you someone young."
They began walking hand-in-hand to find someone.

Spike found the body. He had crept over to it, not sure if it was some drunk past out or not, then he had smelled the blood.
He lifted the guys arm and saw the bite marks on his wrist.
"Bloody hell." He mumbled. Angel had got Dawn feeding, he knew that's how he got the new ones to feed. Entice them with the smell of the blood when they were starving.
He let the arm drop.
He stood up, determination crossing his features; he was going to find Dawn.
He knew he had to stop her feeding, if she got a soul and remembered what she had done she wouldn't be able to live with herself.

Angelus and Dawn strolled into The Bronze, they watched the people dancing closely, wondered what ones would be best.
They walked to the middle of the floor, still watching.
Dawn spotted a couple from the grade above just leaving, arms around each other.
She grabbed Angelus' coat, "There." She pointed.
"Good eye." He smiled as they left.
They got outside and saw the couple had stopped a little away from the door to make-out.
Angelus walked up behind the and grabbed his neck, "You want this one?" He asked.
Dawn grabbed the girls arm before she could leave, surprised at how strong she felt.
"D-Dawn?" The guy stuttered. "You're Dawn Summers, right?"
"That's right." She grinned.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"She's out on a date, with me." Angelus said, as though it was a stupid question. "I like to take girls out for dinner."
"Switch." Dawn said. Angelus grabbed the girl as Dawn grabbed the guy.
She pulled his head to one side, exposing his neck. Then she looked uncertainly at Angelus.
"Go ahead, Dawnie, remember the taste?"
He saw the glint of hunger in Dawns eyes.
She slowly lowered her mouth to the guys neck, she could feel him trembling beneath her, she sunk her fangs into his skin….

Spike figured he could fit in a real quick sweep of the town before meeting up with Buffy. He tried the mansion, again, no luck.
He was walking to The Bronze when he saw the figures, a tall guy, a girl in his arms, and a young girl holding a guy….
"Dawn?! Stop!" he shouted as he ran up to her.
Her head snapped up and she de-vamped, letting the guy drop to the floor.
Angelus groaned, snapped the girls neck and turned to face Spike.
"What do you want now?" He asked.
"What's mine." Spike said.
Dawn looked at him, wiping the blood from her mouth.
He went to her, wrapped his arms round her, "You alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine." She told him.
"We've been having a good time, Spike." Angelus laughed, "She's quite the girl, you would've been proud, if you weren't so house broken." He smiled, "At least Angel had a soul for an excuse."
"Its okay, Spike. We can feed together, you and me." Dawn grinned, "I can get people for you to eat."
"No you sodding well can't!" He told her. "I won't let you kill for me, you won't be able to live with yourself when you…" He trailed off.
"C'mon Dawn, let's go." He finished.
"She stays with me." Angelus said firmly as he moved closer to Dawn.
He put his arms around her waist from the back, looking over her to Spike.
"Can't we all hang out?" Dawn asked.
"Dawn, c'mon, come back to my crypt." Spike said, ignoring Angelus and Dawns remarks.
"Do you wanna go?" Angelus asked Dawn.
She looked behind at him, "Maybe. But I can stay if you want."
//She's already sire-whipped!// Spike thought with anger.
"Nah, I feel like hunting alone for a while. I'll come and get you later though."
"But I thought you said I had to stay with you?" Dawn said, confused.
"If Spikey wants to take you home, fine by me." Angelus looked at Spike, "Just don't think you've won, I'll be back real soon to get what belongs to me."
"Whatever you say, mate." Spike rolled his eyes.
"OK, see ya later then." Dawn said.
Angelus kissed her forehead, "You can count on it." He whispered.
Spike cringed as he watched him touch her. "Can we go now, luv?" He asked.
"Sure." Dawn looked at Spike, then to Angelus, then back to Spike.
And she began walking with Spike.

"I have to meet your sister on the way back, tell her you're okay." Spike informed her.
"I don't wanna talk to her." Dawn said.
"That's alright, I'm just gonna tell her you're coming back to my crypt tonight."
They walked and saw Buffy was in the same spot where Angelus had taken Dawn from.
"My God, Dawn, are you okay?" Buffy asked, keeping a safe distance but wanting to hug and comfort her sister.
"She's fine, Slayer." Spike told her. "She's gonna stay with me tonight, alright?"
"Uh…yeah…I guess so." Buffy said.
She looked at Dawn who looked back at her, "I'll see you tomorrow." Buffy promised.
"Whatever." Dawn said as she began walking off.
Spike looked Buffy straight in the eye, "You working on something?" He asked quietly.
"Yeah, the gangs on it." Buffy looked like she was on the verge of tears.
"Well, do something. Fast. And Buffy?"
"Yeah?"
"I'll take care of her."
"Ok…thanks."
Spike jogged a little to catch up with Dawn.

Back at the magic shop the gang had gone through dozens of books.
They hadn't really found anything useful.
"We might have to go with plan B pretty soon." Willow said finally.
"What is plan B?" Anya asked.
"Give Dawn a soul. If we can't change her back, we can't let her be a killer."
"We may have a little time." Giles spoke up. "Sometimes it takes a couple of days for the vampire to adjust…to, to feed." He said, with difficulty.
"Yeah, but with Angel there? Odds are he'll force her to feed pretty soon." Xander pointed out.
"Even if she does, all may not be lost, her ties to this world, her mother, Buffy, us, she'll still care for them."
"You mean how even crazy Drusilla is still wigged about Angel killing her family?" Xander said.
"Exactly. Some vampires still have the ability to love their family…only…"
"Only what?" Tara asked, worried.
"Only sometimes they decide to express that by making that person they love into one of them."
"A vampire? Dawn turning one of us into a vampire? Oh, God." Willow picked up another book. "Ok, lets get back to work then."

Spike walked into his crypt with Dawn, "Home, sweet home, eh, luv?" He asked.
She smiled as she followed him in.
"Still got plenty of blood in the fridge, although "Eew" was your exact words last time I offered." He sat down on the arm of his chair.
"Maybe later, I've just eaten." She told him.
It sounded weird even to Spike to hear Dawn talk about killing someone so casually.
She came and sat in the arm-chair.
"You alright, pet?" He asked.
"I guess, it's just a lot to get used to, ya'know?" She looked at him.
"Yeah, I know." He smiled. Then he handed her the remote, "Find something you wanna watch." He said. Dawn gave him a weird look - vampires watching TV together - but then shrugged and began channel surfing.
She stopped on a horror movie. "These things are so fake. Buffy used to try to get me to watch them when I was little. She'd say "Dawn, come watch this movie" leaving out the part that some guy was about to be decapitated!" She smiled. "It never used to scare me though."
"Really?" Spike asked, doubtfully.
"Ok, so I got a little scared." She admitted and smiled shyly.
Spike took her hand, "Nothing to be scared of anymore though." He told her.
She kissed his hand, "Thank you. Spike."
They continued to watch the horror film. Dawn jumped a few times and Spike even felt her hold his hand tighter on some parts. He smiled to himself, //She's a vampire now and is still afraid of horror movies//
But by the end of the movie Dawn had fallen asleep.
She looked so peaceful and vulnerable…just like a normal 14 year old fallen asleep in front of the TV.
Spike picked her up and laid her down on his bed. He was almost back to his chair when he heard her call him, "Spike?"
He went to her, "Yeah, pet?"
"Would…can you…sit with me?" She stammered.
"If you want." He went and sat on the edge of his bed.
She smiled sleepily and took his hand. "Spike?" She mumbled, "Do you love me?"
The question took him by surprise, he was caught completely of guard. "Uh…I…and…well.." He stuttered. "Its hard for me…cos its strange…I can't explain..." Then he sighed, "I love you, Dawn."
But she didn't hear…she was already fast asleep.

"Oooh! Look!" Anya cried. "I have something! Its nots a vampire based Spell - but look!" Willow grabbed the book from her and everyone's eyes fell on the redhead.
They waited while she read through the book. Her eyes slowly lifted, a smile breaking out on her face, "This may work,"

Spike heard her steady breathing and realised she never heard a word he'd said. He sighed and got up.
//I could KILL that Angelus! He's always gotta come back, mess it all up for me! I prefer that Nancy boy Angel! God, I need to kill something…// His anger was rising, thinking about seeing Dawn vamp, seeing her feeding…. //If I didn't have this sodding chip in my skull I could go get something to eat…'stead I gotta stay here with cold blood//
he clenched his fists, trying to stay calm, he sat down, taking deep breaths, and switched the TV back on, "Ooh, a re-run of Passions!" He settled back.

"What is it, Will?" Buffy entered the magic shop just as Willow said she had something.
"It's a spell to change a specific point in history."
"You can do that? Why isn't it more common? I mean there's gotta be a whole lotta Wicca's who wanna change certain things, right?" Xander asked.
"Yeah, but it has to be done within 12 hours of the thing you want to change."
"Guess that rules out staking angel before he lost his soul." Xander said.
Buffy shot him a look, "I'm just saying…" He put his hands up defensively,
"So, all ya gotta do is perform the spell and stop Angelus from turning Dawn?" Anya said, hopefully.
"In theory, yeah."
"Ok, Will, you can't just change that part, you'll have to just change me going out on patrol...that way Angelus won't take Dawn to the Bronze." Buffy said.
"Uh... guys? I have one idea…" Tara said, shyly. "What if instead of you having been studying before the Bronze, Willow, you were cursing Angel again? Wouldn't that solve more problems?" She asked, quietly.
Everyone looked at Tara, then to each other with a "Why didn't I think of that??" look.
"Of course!" Willow smiled. "That'd stop Dawn from getting vamped and Buffy won't have to kill Angel…again."
"Tara, that's a wonderful idea." Giles smiled.
"Yeah, thanks Tara." Buffy said, sincerely.
"Ok, I need to have all the ingredients for the cursing, if this works they should disappear...like I used them this afternoon…Ya know what I mean?" The gang nodded at Willow, not sure they did.
"I also need, some other ingredients…sand, candles, incense…the usual."

Spike was sat in the chair when Buffy came crashing in.
"Ssshh!" He scolded, "Lil' bit's fallen asleep."
"We've got something." She said simply.
"You mean a spell?"
"Yep. Wills gonna work on it soon…its changing a significant thing in time,"
"Like Dawn getting vamped." Spike said, getting it.
"Yeah, except we're not changing that part."
Spikes looked at her "You're not?"
"No, it's a long story, basically I need to get Dawn to the bronze, that's probably where we'd still be of Angelus hadn't intervened."
"And how do we get her there?" Spike asked.
"Simple," Buffy shrugged, "You're carrying her."
"Oh, am I?" he asked, but still he went into where Dawn was. He picked her up gently and took her out to Buffy.
"She looks so…defenceless." Buffy said, more to herself.
"Lets take my car." Spike suggested.
"Ok. I'll drive…you stay in the back with her." She was unsure what Dawn would do if she woke up in Buffys arms, being taken away.
"So, are we gonna remember all this?" Spike asked,
"Yeah…those who know the spells being performed will remember the before and after version of tonight…luckily Dawn won't."

Willow and Tara set up their sacred circle, which in this particular spell had to be shown in sand, and lit the candles and incense.
"Ok, now we join hands, and say the incantation together," Willow said, reading the book.
They joined hands, read the incantation in their heads, then closed their eyes and prepared to say it out loud.
They had to strongly visualise the thing they wanted to do, they could both picture Willow studying yesterday but instead they imagined her doing the curse.
They both breathed deeply and chanted:
"In this time,
And in this place,
Change the moment,
Through time and space.
Let those unaware,
Stay that way,
Let those who know
Carry this day.
As we burn this incense,
And chants these words,
Let us know,
That you have heard."
They continued to visualise the spell working, then they both opened their eyes, looked worriedly at each other and silently asked the same question, "Did It work??"

"Anyone want anything?" Dawn asked, "Ya'know, that I'm legally allowed to buy?"
"Just a coke, thanks." Buffy smiled.
"Spike? You want anything?"
"No thanks, luv." He shook his head.
"Okay." Dawn happily walked to the bar.
"Guess Wills spell worked!" Buffy said.
"Looks like it. I remember what actually happened tonight, but I remember coming here and you already being here with Dawn too."
"Yeah, I got that too. Feels weird." She agreed. "I'm so happy she's okay though."
"Yeah," Spike said, not wanting to elaborate too much on how happy he was.
"Hey guys." Willow said as she and Tara arrived. Buffy got up and hugged them both.
"What's going on? Am I missing a Dear Diary moment?" Dawn asked sarcastically as she came back with two cokes.
"Dawnie!" Willow hugged her too.
"Ok, weird much?" Dawn said as Tara hugged her too.
Then Xander and Anya turned up, they both seemed really happy to see Dawn too, Xander put his arm round her and said it was good to see her.
Dawn smiled at the group, "What've I missed?"
"Nothing." Buffy said. "We just all really care about you. And we know you've had a rough couple weeks and want you to know we're all here."
The gang shot her a "Wow, that was a nice cover story" look and then all smiled at Dawn.
"Okkkaaayyy…" Dawn said as she sat down, "I care about you too."
"Mind if I dance with your kid sister, Buffy?" Spike asked.
Buffy had a little more respect for Spike now he had protected Dawn.
"Of course not, go ahead." She smiled, shocking the hell out of everyone including Spike.
"Wanna dance, Dawn?" He asked.
"Sure." She got up and moved to the dance floor with Spike.
This time Dawn put her arms round him first, then he put his arms round her waist, "Not so shy tonight?" He asked.
"Nope, don't feel shy at all." She smiled.
They danced closely for a while and then Spike spoke,
"Dawn?"
"Uh huh," She answered, her head on his shoulder.
"Can I walk you home?"
"Sure."

"She seems fine, same old Dawn." Buffy told the others, "Doesn't remember a thing."
"That's good." Willow said.
"Yeah, I think I owe you and Tara a drink, and Anya one for finding the spell." Buffy smiled.
"See?" Xander whispered to Anya, "Told you she wouldn't forget who found it."
Anya smiled proudly.
Spike and Dawn came back, "Buffy? I think I'm gonna sack it."
"Ok, Spike would you walk her home?" Buffy asked.
"Huh, never though about that." He said, "Guess I could though."
"Later guys." Dawn said as they left,
She smiled at Spike, "Never thought about it? Yeah, right." He smiled too.
Just as they got outside Tara came out, "Dawn? Can I talk to you a second?"
"Of course. Wait here, Spike." She walked back into the bronze, just inside the door.
"What's up?"
"Well, I don't know if you know this but sometimes witches can sense magicks in the atmosphere."
"I didn't know that." Dawn admitted.
"Well, I just wanted to say, enjoy it tonight," She smiled kindly and knowingly at Dawn, "Cos I'm reversing your love spell tomorrow."
Dawn looked at her guiltily, "You know?"
"Yeah, but I won't tell anyone, mostly cos its gross, and I'm just going to reverse it."
Dawn smiled, embarrassed, "Ok, thanks Tara." Then she went back outside to Spike.
He put his arm around her as they walked. They were almost home when they bumped into Angel, again.
He looked at the two, his eyes were tearful, "Where's Buffy? Did I hurt anyone?"
"Huh? What are you talking about, Angel?" Dawn asked.
"I just ended up here, I can't remember how." He said.
"You said you were visiting for a couple days." Dawn reminded him.
"I saw you? When?"
"Last night. Angel, what's going on?"
"Go see Buffy, she's at the bronze." Spike cut in. Angel looked at him, knowing he wasn't telling him something.
"Alright, I'll go see her." He then turned and left.
"Ok, what was that about?" Dawn asked.
"Nothing you need worry about." Spike said.
They walked the rest of the way in silence, then they reached the Summers House "This is my stop," Dawn told him.
"Yeah, guess so." He nodded.
"Ok, well, bye then." She turned to walk up the porch steps.
"Wait." He said, then Spike walked up to her and kissed her gently. He pulled away, "Sorry, had to do that." He apologised.
"That's okay," Dawn said, shocked but happy.
"I'm glad you're okay, and tomorrow? You better be saving me another dance." He smiled.
"Okay," She said, her smile fading, then Spike left her as she went in the house, Dawn knew that by tomorrow night he wouldn't want to dance with her, it'd be Buffy again. She realised how creepy it was because he was over 100 and was a vampire but she was glad her spell worked.
//And, hey,// She thought, //At least tonight was quiet and uneventful//

THE END