(Spike's crypt. Spike is startled when he climbs out of the lower level and turns to see Dawn waiting for him.)

SPIKE: Oh, it's you. What are you doing here lurking about?

DAWN: I'm not lurking. I'm looking. What are you doing?

SPIKE: (nervous) Nothing.

DAWN: So is that how you get around town in the daytime? I mean, does that lead into the sewers or something? Can you show me?

SPIKE: No. Why are you- Does Buffy know you're here?

DAWN: Yeah, right. 'Cause nothing would make her happier than to find out I'm hanging out after school in the vampire's lair. Especially yours.

SPIKE: Go home then.

DAWN: I don't feel like it right now.

SPIKE: Well, you can't bloody well stay here.

DAWN: Why not?

SPIKE: Because, I've got things to do. Bad, evil things! That are not for a child's eyes.

DAWN: I'm not a child. I'm not even human. Not originally.

SPIKE: (sighs) Yeah, well, originally I was. I got over it. Doesn't seem to me it matters very much how you start out.

DAWN: That's smart. I get that. (pauses) I like how you talk to me like I can understand things. Everyone else is being all ... twitchy and secretive.

SPIKE: They're just trying to keep you safe, I expect.

DAWN: I feel safe with you.

SPIKE: Take that back!

DAWN: (quickly) I, I mean, you have that whole ... superpower thing, and ... you're just as tough as Buffy is, maybe tougher. (quieter) Buffy thinks so too.

SPIKE: She does?

DAWN: Well, she's always worried about what she's gonna do if you ever get that chip out of your head.

SPIKE: Is that right? So, um... what else does Buffy say about me?

• Buffy & Spike
• Dawn & Spike
• Dawn as the Key

written by: David Fury; Transcribed by Joan the English Chick (pisces@englishchick.com).. Full transcript at:
http://www.studiesinwords.de/92crush.html