Spike's Promise

   Fanfiction
      -My Fics
      -Collaborations
      -Other Buffy/Spike Fics
      -Series
      -Challenges
      -Non Buffy/Spike Fics
   History
   Links
   Link to Me
   Updates
   Awards Won


   Back to Main

   E-mail Hilary

Title: Spike’s Promise.

Author: Katherine (a.k.a SlayGal)

Email: SlayGal@Spiritmail.zzn.com

Disclaimer: Boy, do I WISH I owned these characters! There would be WAY more shirtless Spike scenes! ;-) But I don’t – they’re all Joss’s.

Summary: Set after The Gift. People keep wondering where Dawns gonna live, here’s what I’d love to happen!

Rating: **Shrug** If you watch the show, read this!

Feedback: Please! Would love some!

“Dawn, I won't lose you –” Buffy had said.

“You have to! You have to let me go! Blood starts it, and until the blood stops flowing it'll never stop. You know you have to let me...” Dawn begged. “It has to have the blood…”

Buffys look changed from despair to realization.

She remembered what Spike had said: “Its always blood…”

Then she remembered when her and Dawn had mixed blood:

“Its summers’ blood.”

She remembered telling the gang: “They made her from me.”

The first Slayer had said “Death I your gift.”

Buffy was confused back then, “Death?”

“Is your gift” The first finished.

Buffy turned and looked at the end of the platform. The sun had just begun to rise. Buffy looked at it, uncommonly serene.

She turned back to her sister…Dawn’s face showed she knew…

“Buffy... no ...” She insisted.

“Dawnie... I have to --” She began.

“NO!” Dawn cried. Buffy looked at her seriously.

“Listen to me! There's no time, Dawn, please listen.”

1 MONTH LATER:

Dawn Summers came through the front door, “I’m home!” she called. She heard footsteps and turned to face the living room, Spike was just approaching, remote still in his hand.

“Hello Dawn. How was school?” Spike smiled a little, but Dawn could see it didn’t reach his eyes. He was as tired, emotionally & physically as she was.

“Okay, I guess.” Dawn shrugged.

Spike had moved in with her after Buffy’s death. Neither one could stand to be alone for long….and both had lost someone incredibly close to them.

Giles had gone back to England to sort his head out. The rest of the gang tried to visit as often as possible – but it hurt them so much to be there without Buffy. Xander had even admitted it was painful to see Dawn, she was so much like Buffy, a younger version reminding everyone of how and why Buffy died. None of them were angry, not at Dawn or at Buffy. She had saved the world and sacrificed herself for her sister…everyone knew Buffy had been brave, and had been, though she would’ve never admitted it, a perfect Slayer. That couldn’t replace the sadness though.

“What do you want for your dinner?” Spike asked as he began walking back into the living room.

“Whatever. I’m not really hungry.” They sat down together on the couch. Dawn saw Passions was on the TV, she smiled a little to herself, a vampire addicted to a soap opera.

“What you smirkin’ at, niblet?” Spike asked.

“Nothing.” She said simply. She sat back and watched the rest of the show with Spike.

*****************************************************************

That evening as soon as it got dark Spike shrugged on his leather coat and gathered a few stakes.

“Dawn?” He called up the stairs. Dawn appeared at the top,

“Yeah?”

“I’m gonna do a bit of patrolling. You gonna be okay for an hour or two?”

“I’ll be fine.” Dawn assured him.

“Call one of the Scooby lot if you need anything, alright?”

“Okay.”

Spike turned and was almost out the door when he heard Dawn,

“Spike?” She called after him. He looked back up the stairs.

She bit her lip, “Be careful, Ok?”

Spike grinned, “Always am, luv.”

Then he was gone.

Spike went to the graveyard, figured he’d find a few vamps there, but deep inside he knew he was going for the same reason he did every night – to speak to Buffy. He just sat there by her grave for hours…sometimes in silent…sometimes he’d talk to her.

Tonight he was going to.

He got to the graveyard and after doing a couple of sweeps around the fresh graves he sat in front of Buffys grave. He looked at the words…the words he had re-read so many times:

BUFFY ANNE SUMMERS

1981-2001

BELOVED SISTER, DEVOTED FRIEND

SHE SAVED THE WORLD

A LOT

He felt that familiar lump rise up in his throat.

“Oh, Buffy…” He whispered.

“We need you. Lil’bit and me. We need you so much. It shouldn’t have been you, it should’ve bloody been be me!”

He tried to get hold of himself, “I got kid sis going to school. I knew you’d want that…want her to try. Oh, God, she’s being so strong Buffy. Just like you would’ve wanted. She’s so much like you…every bit as sodding stubborn…every bit as tough…she’s got your good heart.”

He thought back to that night. If only he had been able to take that Doc down with him…if he had avoided that long tongue…it was his fault. He knew it.

//I know you’ll never love me//

//I know I’m a monster//

//But you treat me like a man//

He had told her. He never regretted telling her how much he loved her…he was glad she knew.

//I’m counting on you to protect her//

//Til the end of the world. Even if that is tonight//

He would keep his promise. Dawn was the only thing he was living for, he wondered if she maybe knew that. He was living to protect and look after lil’bit til his last day on earth, just as he had said

Spike looked up at the stars, “Buffy?” He whispered, “You hear me, Slayer?” He was convinced she could. Spike looked at her Grave again, then he broke into retched sobs, like he did every night when he was alone.

*******************************************************************

Dawn went back into her room, she led on her bed and tried not to think about Buffy – but all she could do was think about Buffy.

She remembered the way Buffy and her would talk, Dawn would sit there as Buffy stroked her long, dark hair. She wished she was here to do it now. Or the way they would fight, they always both had slight smiles on their lips, never really meaning the things they said.

Dawn knew she would never forgive herself for letting Buffy die instead of her.

The scene kept re-playing in her head. She kept hearing those words…

“Dawn listen to me. Listen. I love you.

I'll always love you. But this is the work

I have to do. Tell Giles I... I figured it

out. And I'm okay. Give my love to my

friends. You have to take care of them

now -- you have to take care of each

other. You have to be strong. Dawn.

The hardest thing in this world is to

live in it. Be brave. Live. For me.”

She heard those words every night in her dreams. She found it so hard to live with the overwhelming guilt…but Buffy had asked her to live. So she was trying.

She had watched from a distance that night as the gang had moved a little closer to Buffy’s body. Dawn was crying so much, she couldn’t stand the hurt. She saw as Giles had a look of complete admiration. The Slayer, **his** Slayer, had saved the world, again. But Giles had crumbled like the rest of them eventually.

Spike had been up on the platform where Dawn was tied up – he had tried to save her – but the Doc had stabbed him and then he shoved him over the edge. The fall had taken a lot out of him.

Dawn saw him crawl a little closer to Buffy, not caring about the rising sun, but then he had burst into tears. It was a strange sight. A vampire sobbing over the loss of a Slayer. But Dawn knew Spike had loved Buffy. Still loved her, even if she wasn’t here. Everyone had stood there in total shock for at least 30 minutes. Eventually Spike got up….walked towards Dawn and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. She was so thankful to him…just to have someone to hold on to... They had stood there like that for what seemed like forever, holding on and sobbing.

Then Spike had sniffed loudly, “Dawn?” He said through his tears.

“I smell the blood, we need to get you to a hospital.”

Dawn had shook her head, “I can’t leave. I can’t leave h-her.”

“You never will.” Spike had whispered. “C’mon we gotta go.”

They had stolen a car from the building site, dropped Willow and Tara off home, and taken Dawn to the hospital.

Spike sat in the back, a blanket over his head, Dawn sat close to him, her head resting on his shoulder.

They had taken Dawn away to get stitches in her stomach. She hadn’t wanted to leave Spike, he hadn’t wanted to let her go, but he knew he couldn’t cause a scene – if security took him outside he’d be big-pile-of-dust-walking.

After a couple hours of pacing Spike went in search of Dawns room He found her, a nurse hovering over her.

“She’s resting now.” The nurse said in that soothing voice all nurse seemed to have.

Spike nodded numbly, but didn’t leave.

“You can sit with her, she’s been asking for you. Are you a friend?”

Spike looked up at the nurse, his jaw set, “No. I’m family.”

The nurse had left the room so Spike pulled a chair up to the bedside. He looked at Dawn, so peaceful, but she looked so frail and small.

He took her hand. “I’m here kid. You got Big Bad looking over your shoulder now…always.” Dawn had woken at those words,

“Spike?” She said sleepily.

“I’m here.” He repeated. He felt her squeeze his hand,

“Thank you, Spike.” Spike had told Dawn to get some rest, he wouldn’t be going anywhere.

She had fallen asleep but all she could dream of was her sisters blonde hair, and those green eyes, always so full of life.

Dawn missed Buffy so much.

Dawn glanced at the clock by her bed, “Whoa!”

She had been there thinking about her sister and, without realising, two hours had passed. She thought about calling one of the guys – talking until Spike got home. But she didn’t feel like it right now. So she grabbed her denim jacket and ran down the stairs and out of the house.

She walked towards the graveyard. She shivered a little as she put her jacket on, not all of it was the cold. She felt like she was being followed. She glanced round, //Was that someone’s shadow? Or am I majorly paranoid?// She wondered. She continued walking but couldn’t shake the feeling. When she rounded the corner near the graveyard she decided she could definitely hear footsteps. She carried on a little way and then, without warning, spun round to face her stalker.

She looked right into the yellow eyes of a female vamp. She gasped a little.

“The Slayer’s sister…” The vamp stated.

That replaced a little of Dawns fear with anger. “That’s right.” She said firmly.

“Heard you’re the reason she had to bite it.” The vamp told her. “Pardon the pun.” She deadpanned.

“Leave me alone.” Dawn said bitterly as she turned to walk away. The vampire grabbed her shoulder, “Not that simple.” The girl span Dawn round to face her, “See, it just so happens that I’m hungry.” She smiled, revealing her fangs. Dawn felt the fear return as she tried to pull away from the vampires grip, but the hand stayed on her shoulder. Then the other one went on her other shoulder, the vamp pulled Dawn close to her, she leaned in and Dawn could feel her coming even closer. Dawn shut her eyes tight and waited for it to come.

She was suddenly aware of footsteps, rapid footsteps. Then the vamps hands were pulled off her shoulders. Dawn opened her eyes to see the vamp on the floor, Spike just above her,

“No one touches the girl, got it?” Spike said, furious. He pointed for added emphasis.

“Why d’ya even care? She’s the Slayers sister!” The girl vamp spat out.

“I got my reasons! Now sod off before I really lose my temper!!” Spike told her.

“We’re gonna run this town from now on.” The girl said as she got to her feet.

“Not bloody likely!” Spike chuckled.

“You’ll see. And as for the Slayer? Good riddance!” Before Dawn knew what was happening Spike lunged forward and all that was left at his feet was a pile of dust.

“Whoa!” Dawn sat on the curb, wide eyed.

“Dawn? What were you doing out here? You should’ve stayed home.”

“I was looking for you. Didn’t want to be alone anymore, I’m always alone.” Dawn looked down. Spike sat next to her, he remembered the day he had sat like this with Buffy. On her porch, not talking, just sitting.

“You not alone.” He said finally. “You got me.” Dawn looked at him and smiled.

“You really did love her, didn’t you?” She asked.

Spike looked down at the ground, “Yeah.” He said quietly. “She asked me to look after you, I think maybe she knew she didn’t just mean during the Glory battle. I’m gonna keep my promise.”

“She really asked you to do that?” Dawn wondered out loud. Spike nodded.

“Lets get you home, lil’ bit.” They stood up and started walking back to The Summers house.

********************************************************************

When they got back they went into the kitchen, “You want some hot chocolate?” Dawn asked spike.

“Yeah, all right.”

Dawn placed a steaming cup in front of Spike and stood, leaning against the counter, with hers.

Spike took a sip, “Still got any of those little marshmallows?” He asked.

Dawn made a face, “Eew! I hate them! They remind me of brains!” Then she looked thoughtful, “You know what, we might have some in the cabinet – Buffy liked them.” She glanced up and made eye contact with Spike, briefly, then looked away and moved to the cabinet. She dug around a bit and then pulled out a bag,

“Score! Oh, they’re kinda stuck together.” She showed Spike the squashed bag.

“Never mind, they’ll tasted the same.” He shrugged as she handed them to him. He pulled a few off and put them in his cup. Then, not knowing Dawn could see, he slipped them in his pocket, a small reminder of Buffy.

“I’m going to watch some TV.” Dawn said, taking her mug with her.

“I’ll be there in a minute.” He said. Spike sat there – thinking of all the things he and Buffy had been through – how many times he’d tried to kill her. Then there was the time Willow had messed up her spell – had made Buffy & Spike in love with each other. Little did any of them know a year later Spike would actually legitimately love the Slayer.

Spike sat in the kitchen for a while. Then he moved into the living room. He saw Dawn had fallen asleep on the sofa. //Poor Dawn. She’s lost everyone. Her mum. Her sister. If I ever get my hands on her dad I’ll…//

Spike felt his anger rising so he breathed deeply to keep it down.

He got the blanket off the back of the sofa and draped it over Dawn. Then he sat next to her and flicked through a few channels. He could hear her steady breathing, she whimpered occasionally in her sleep, little sounds that let Spike know she was having a bad dream.

//Should I wake her?// He wondered. //No. Best to leave her be.// He continued to watch some chat show, the usual stuff that chat shows covered, “Surprise! I’m cheating on you with your best friend!”, Spike smiled slightly, //Bloody Americans// he thought light-heartedly, //Always gotta wash your laundry in public – with the entire nation watching you!//

He suddenly aware he could smell someone’s fear, he glanced over at Dawn, her brow was furrowed and she was still whimpering softly, then it was growing louder. Spike was still unsure what to do, then she started mumbling,

“No, Glory…Not Buffy…please…” Her voice was desperate, “Me…you want me…NO! DON’T! PLEASE!!” //That’s it// Spike thought finally.

“Dawn?” He said, as he nudged her, no response, “Oi, Dawn?” he shook her a little, She sat straight up, fear clouded her pretty features, “BUFFY!” was the last thing she called as she woke up.

“You were having a bad dream,” Spike told her. Dawn put a hand to her forehead. She closed her eyes and a single tear rolled down her cheek. Spike gently wiped it away,

“You’re safe now, nibblet.” He assured her. She sat back and looked at Spike,

“I miss her so much…” She chocked out. Spike felt like his heart had been ripped out…again…he felt like that every time he thought of Buffy.

“Me too, kid,” He said quietly. He took Dawns hand, “Me too.”

********************************************************************

The next day Spike took Dawn out,

“We’re going to The Bronze,” Spike had said that night after dinner.

Dawn shrugged, “Ok.”

“The gangs gonna be there. They called, said they missed ya. So go get all dolled up or whatever it is you girls do for 3 hours and then we’ll be going.”

Dawn smiled, at Spikes lack of girl-y knowledge and because she was going to see the old gang, she missed them.

A couple of hours later Dawn and Spike headed out. Dawn was wearing black pants, leather boots, a pink glittery top and she had her long dark hair down, and she had made it wavy.

Spike was wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt and his long leather coat – Dawn knew he had got changed, but he looked like he had the same outfit on.

They spotted Willow and Tara sitting at a table in the middle and made they way over.

Willow spotted them and smiled, “Hey Dawnie!”

Dawn smiled too, “Willow, hi!”

Tara smiled and gave a little wave, “Hi Dawn.”

“Hey Tara.” Dawn grinned and sat down.

“Hello, all.” Spike said.

“Hey Spike.” Willow smiled at him, the Scoobies treated him a little better now.

“You want a drink, nibblet?” He asked.

“Sure, coke please.” Dawn nodded. Spike headed off to the bar.

“You look pretty tonight, Dawn. I like your hair.” Willow told her.

“Thanks.” She smiled self-consciously. Then she felt arms go round her neck in a hug,

“Hey, it’s the Dawnster,” Xander said. He moved round to see her, and grinned at her. She smiled back, so happy to be with the gang again. Anya moved round into view from behind Xander.

“Hey Dawn.” She smiled

“Hi.” Dawn was flooded with people being nice and talking to her, she wasn’t used to it, lately it had just been her and Spike.

“Don’t crowd the poor buggar.” Spike said as he came back with a coke for Dawn and a bottle of beer for himself.

He sat down next to Dawn.

The gang talked for a while about what had been going on lately. They avoided the subject of Buffy, but not awkwardly. After a while Anya & Xander began dancing, then Tara & Willow went off to dance, leaving Dawn & Spike.

“Thank you, Spike.”

“For what, luv?”

“For bringing me here, I really miss the gang.”

“Yeah, well, figured you might enjoy it. You want another drink?”

“Ok.” She smiled.

Spike went back to the bar.

Dawn’s smile stayed in place as she watched her friends dancing.

“Well, whatta we have here?”

Dawn looked up and saw the school jock stood by her table; He was tall, dark, big built and older than Dawn.

“Oh, hi, Brad.” She said, not really in the mood.

“Little Dawn Summers all grown up? You look hot tonight.” She could smell beer on his breath – not a good sign.

“Thanks.” Dawn said, uncomfortable.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her from the table,

“Lets dance.” He said, not waiting for the answer, he put his arms round her.

“I’m really not in a dancing mood right now.” Dawn told him, trying to pull away. He held her in place, his strength too much for her petite build.

“Brad, let go.” Dawn said, getting a little panicky.

“Nah, lets dance a while.” He insisted.

Dawn began to squirm, trying to get out of his grip.

“LET GO!” Dawn finally yelled, then Spike was beside her.

“Trouble?” He asked Dawn.

“This jerk won’t take no for an answer.” She told him.

“Huh.” Spike said, thoughtfully, “Guess we should give him another answer then.” He took a step towards Brad,

“Look mate, take the hint and sod off.” He told Brad.

“What?” Brad slurred his words a little, “Its nothing to do with you!” He told Spike.

“Oh, see that’s where you’re wrong – its **Everything** to do with me. No one touches her, she’s my girl.” Spike said threateningly to Brad.

“What ya gonna do?” Brad asked, challengingly.

Spike shrugged, “Oh, I dunno, completely off the top of my head I’d do something like this,” Spike punched Brad in the nose, an instant later he felt the pain in his head, the chip that stopped him from hurting humans had kicked in. He couldn’t think about that right now, he had to protect Dawn.

Brads nose was bleeding, he looked at Spike, “You’re goin’ down!” He said.

“I’m not.” He said casually. “But here’s the thing, I can’t actually hurt you myself,” He said in a low whisper, “Its not allowed. But I got someone who can sort ya out, Grabby Hands.”

He looked round, he saw Xander and Anya were looking over, concerned. He gestured for them to come to him.

“Whats going on?” Anya asked.

“Harris, this guy needs some manners taught. Needs to learn he can’t go grabbing Dawn Summers against her will, and not get anything back. Since I can’t do it myself, you wanna teach him how to be a gentleman?”

Xander’s eyes were narrowed as he heard what Brad had been up to, “Sure. You know me, gentleman til the end.” He grabbed Brad by the shirt, “Lets go out side where we can…talk.” He said quietly. Brad looked a little unsure of himself now,

“Uh, yeah, Ok.” He said as Xander dragged him from The Bronze.

“You alright?” Spike asked Dawn.

“Yeah, I guess. What about your head?”

“That’s hurtin’ like hell, but what about you?”

“I’m fine.” Dawn insisted.

“Ok.” Spike said then he put his hand to his head and yelled in pain for a few seconds.

“Damn chip, can’t even hurt idiots like that.”

“Oh My God! Dawn!” Spike heard a girl screech, it reminded him of Harmony’s high-pitched wail. He looked round and saw a girl approaching, a group of wannabes followed her.

“Are you OK?” The blonde girl asked.

Dawn looked completely surprised, “Uh, yeah. Why?”

“Well, I saw Brad coming on to you and then this cute guy saved you.” She gestured to Spike and gave him a smile.

“Yeah, Kirsty, I’m OK.” Dawn said, unsure why she even cared.

“Oh, I’m glad. Well, you can introduce me then.” She said, still smiling at Spike. Dawn got it now.

“Oh, right, this is Spike, Spike, this is Kirsty.”

“Hi, its nice to meet you.” Kirsty said, pushing past Dawn to get closer to Spike.

//That’s it,// Dawn thought, //shes not really gonna try to hit on Spike, is she?//

“Uh, Kirsty, two words for ya,” Dawn said through a fake smile, “No Chance.”

“Excuse me? Whats it got to do with you?” Kirsty asked.

Dawn stepped closer, imitating Spikes earlier actions, “Its got **everything** to do with me.” She told her.

“You? You’re kidding right? You and this…Spike guy? Why would he chose you over me??” She asked, the suggestion incredulous.

Spike chose that moment to step forward. He pushed past this blonde girl, who really did remind him of Harmony, and draped an arm around Dawn.

“I dunno, luv,” He told Kirsty, “Guess I like a little class.”

With that him and Dawn turned and walked away, Dawn could hear the confused murmurs of Kirstys wannabes.

They waved to Tara & Willow as they left, Willow mouthed bye and smiled.

When they got outside the door Dawn laughed, “That’s was so cool!”

Spike grinned, “Glad I could help.”

They saw Xander & Anya outside,

“Doubt he’ll give ya anymore trouble.” Xander told Dawn.

“Thanks. Its like I have bodyguards or something!” Dawn joked.

“No ‘Or something’ about it, we’re your bodyguards.” Spike said, only half kidding.

They said bye to Xander & Anya and made their way home.

On the way Spike draped his arm back over Dawn, and smiled down at her,

“See nibblet? You got the Big Bad here now.”

THE END