'I'm tied to a chair. I'm tied to a chair in a cave. A drippy cave. And *Spike* has kidnapped me. I am *tied* to a chair, in a *cave* and it's all *Spike's* fault' Dawn raged on in her head as she watched Spike pacing around in front of her. He hadn't said a word since he had dragged her off after she had staked Justin. 'And how was that for my first kiss? A *vampire*? I mean really. It's not fair. And now I'm TIED TO A CHAIR'

It was then that Spike finally spoke.

"What were you thinking? Hm? Are you trying to get killed? I work my arse off all summer keeping you safe and you go and...and...What were you thinking?!" He stopped pacing and crossed his arms, one scarred eyebrow raised, his jaw clenched so hard Dawn wondered if his teeth would crack.

"Spike, untie me."

"Not until I get some bloody answers."

"SPIKE, untie me. If Buffy finds out you did this she'll kick your undead ass, and that's only after *I* get done pulling out your--"

"I AM YOUR KIDNAPPER!" He exploded, "So mind me! What were you thinking?"

Dawn glared at him but stopped pulling against the ties ar her wrists and feet. "You know, you're awful concerned for someone who all but forgot about me after Buffy came back."

"What?"

"You know what. You acted like I was all that mattered for three months cause you made some stupid promise to Buffy before she died. Then she came back and you conveniently FORGOT. You had your precious love, why would you need me? And furthermore, what do you care if I want to make out with some random vamp in the woods? You kept your promise for as long as you needed to. Your job is done."

Spike dropped his arms to his sides and sighed. "I never stopped protecting you."

"Spike, you just kidnapped me and TIED ME UP. Speaking of, it would be nice if you could untie me."

"You still haven't explained why you were in the woods--without permission, by the way--with a vampire."

"I didn't know he was a vampire." Dawn said, looking down, "I thought he liked me. But I guess I was just a meal or...whatever. Untie me."

"Fine." Spike sighed again and knelt in front of her to untie her hands which, he noticed, were trembling. "Are you ok?"

"Uh, yeah. It's just...since Glory...I don't like being tied."

"Oh." Spike quickly untied the ropes, letting her stand up, "Sorry, nibblet."

"You didn't know." She said, rubbing her wrists, "So can I go? Punishment over?"

"You can go." He said. Then, as she neared the cave opening, "I still protect you, Dawn. I want you to know that."

She nodded, then headed out of the cave. Spike followed her home, not letting her see him, and made sure she was safe.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1