A/N: Okay, you waited FOREVER. But I have to explain a little first. Using my weird timeline, “Long Time Gone” ended around October of 2003. This story picks up in May of 2004. It will be a bit a bit choppy for quite some time, because I’m only going to pick some important moments to write about until things go to hell. (You didn’t know they were going to hell? Have you read my stuff?) So if you don’t want to be horribly confused, please pay attention to the dates, because there are a few jumps, and one is a rather huge one. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter One
May 2004
“I seriously think I’m going to die,” Dawn moaned dramatically, using her graduation cap to fan her sweaty face.
Jocelyn spared her a look of sympathy before jumping up in the air in an attempt to see past the people milling around them. “I can’t tell if everyone’s sitting down yet or not.”
“You should go get a seat,” Dawn advised her. “It’s probably starting soon.”
“Oz said he’d save my seat. I do need to pass out some more fliers, though.”
Dawn cringed at the reminder of the band’s upcoming show. “God, the Bronze is going to be packed.”
Jocelyn laughed. “Hey, but just think—they have air conditioning.”
“Trust me; it won’t matter once we’re on stage.”
“I wouldn’t know, but I’ll take your word for it. Anything’s gotta be better than this, though.”
Dawn nodded, not enjoying the stagnant heat that was made worse by the thick gown she wore. Jocelyn told her good luck before she jogged away to join the others, leaving her to swelter in the sun, jealous over her friend’s comfortable looking jean shorts and tank top.
There were over one-hundred people in Dawn’s graduating class, and she was in the last twenty of them, being in alphabetical order. She was still in line, waiting to be seated accordingly, while her family and friends were gathering to see her receive her diploma.
This part of the day was no big deal to her. She was happy to be graduating, but it wasn’t as if she ever doubted the day would arrive. She’d get her diploma, smile for Buffy’s camera, and take her seat again until the ceremony was over.
It was the coming weeks that had her nervous, and Dawn worried her lip as she was ushered to the row she was supposed to sit in. She would turn eighteen soon, and Oz had said…
Absolutely nothing about it.
Maybe he doesn’t want anything to change, she told herself, frowning as she tried to situate herself in the large gown hanging from her shoulders. I mean, have we even been together long enough? Maybe he just hasn’t thought about it. It can’t be that big of a deal for him; not as big as it is for me, anyway.
No, Oz was just as calm about everything as ever. Dawn had thought of dropping a hint, but he could read her like a book. He’d know she was up to something. And how did one casually hint around about moving out of their sister’s house? She couldn’t bring it up, because she didn’t want him to feel pressured, especially if it was something he didn’t want, too.
That’s what she was feeling really nervous over. What if Oz didn’t want their relationship to progress? If he didn’t say something soon, she would have to start thinking of living on campus at USC. She would have to adjust everything she’d been hoping for, and try to act like she wasn’t disappointed.
Can I do that? If Oz didn’t want to live with her, did she have a right to be upset over it? They hadn’t been together for even a year; it just seemed like the next step, considering she would be eighteen soon. It wasn’t like she was asking for marriage. She already practically lived in his apartment. Would he see making it official as too big of a step?
Stop, she told herself, feeling her stomach roll dangerously. Her anxiety, combined with heat, was not a good pairing. Just get through this, and… wait for him to say something. If he doesn’t? Dawn sighed sadly. Hello, dorm life.
*
“Look, there she is,” Willow said, pointing as they all watched Dawn file past with her classmates to take a seat. “Wow, that color just doesn’t look good on anyone, does it?” she laughed.
Oz smiled, though he thought Dawn pulled off the hideous maroon gown well enough.
“I shouldn’t say it, but I know I’m glad I didn’t have to wear it,” Buffy giggled, leaning against Spike.
Everyone had shown up for Dawn’s graduation, taking up an impressive portion of the guest seating. Most of the people surrounding them were parents, siblings, or grandparents. Dawn had Spike, Buffy, Oz, Willow, Tara, Drusilla, Xander, Emily, Mike, Simon, and Jocelyn. Giles and Jenny were seated with the other Sunnydale High teachers, but were both looking proudly towards Dawn.
Buffy grimaced a little, missing her mother suddenly, and knowing the woman would have been weeping openly and embarrassing the hell out of Dawn. She smiled at the thought. We’ll try to embarrass her enough to make you proud, she silently told her.
Spike suddenly squeezed her hand that he held in his lap, and she turned to look curiously at him. “She’s here, love,” he assured her. “You know she wouldn’t miss it.”
Buffy smiled, tears springing to her eyes. “I know. I just miss her.”
*
Dawn tapped her foot impatiently as she stood with her row next to the stage. Paul Ramirez, Serenity Rogers, Didi Samson…
“Dawn Summers.”
Dawn nearly fell over in shock as her sister and the others’ loud cries rang through the air. “Go, Dawnie!” Mike roared, and several people in the audience laughed.
Dawn rolled her eyes, but was smiling as she walked up to receive her diploma, a bright blush on her face as she took it from Principal Wood. “Sounds like you have a fan club,” he chuckled.
“Nope, but I did hear there was a breakout on the psychiatric ward,” she joked, and the man laughed.
The rest of the ceremony passed in a blur of names and faces for her, and when it was finally over, Dawn started trying to find someone. It was difficult as the graduates began mixing with the families, and she had to excuse herself as she tried to prevent ruining anyone’s photo opportunity.
Feeling a calloused hand she knew grasp hers, Dawn sighed with relief, turning to let Oz pull her into his arms. “Thank God that’s over,” she laughed.
“Oh, it’s not over,” he told her, squinting in the bright sunlight as he pulled away from her. “Your sister has a camera, remember?”
“Ugh,” she groaned, but walked with Oz to where her sister and Spike were standing with everyone else. After receiving a hug from nearly everyone the pictures began, and Dawn was sure Buffy would have filled her memory card had Spike not reminded her they had a show to play.
As everyone began separating to leave the high school grounds, Oz tugged on her hand. “You catchin’ a ride with me?” he asked.
Dawn looked to her sister and Spike. “Might as well,” Spike told her with a shrug. “We’ve got to run Emmy to dad’s, anyway. The van’s packed up, so we can meet you there, alright?”
Oz nodded, and Dawn waved to Buffy before walking with her boyfriend through the slowly dispersing crowd towards the parking lot.
“Do you feel any different?” he asked her once they were in his van.
Dawn shrugged, her nose wrinkling. “Maybe I will on Monday?” she wondered. “Right now, it just feels like I had to sit through another assembly. Except more boring, if possible,” she laughed. She fanned her face with her cap, wishing for the umpteenth time that Oz’s van had air conditioning; or even better, that she could afford her own vehicle. She finally had her license, but it had yet to matter without a job to help make a car payment.
She was quick to hop out of the van once it was parked behind Webb’s, and she led the way up to Oz’s apartment to grab her bag she’d left there the night before. Inside was her make-up and outfit for the show that evening.
“You’re gonna get ready now?” Oz asked as he tossed his keys on the kitchen table.
Dawn checked her cell phone for the time, and looked at him curiously. “We’ve got to be there at seven, right?”
There was just the slightest twitch in Oz’s expression before he nodded. If Dawn hadn’t been dating him for over six months, she might not have seen it. Slowly, she let her bag fall into the armchair, approaching him. He opened his arms to her, and she stepped into them, studying his face.
“What’s up?” she asked.
He smirked slightly. “Maybe nothing.”
“Whatever. You don’t have nothing face.”
“I have something face?”
“Well, it’s hard to tell with you, but I’m thinking you do.”
He smiled then, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. “I’ve just been thinking, and no one’s here right now, so I thought I might say something.”
“Oh, now I’m curious,” she laughed softly, though her heart started hammering.
Oz pulled away enough to look at her, seeming to measure her expression. “I just… what are you thinking of doing after your birthday?”
“After…” Dawn trailed off, thinking furiously. Did he mean what she was thinking he meant? What if I totally step in something here? “What do you mean?”
“Well, I mean you’ll be eighteen…” he began, his brow furrowing a little. “I just… didn’t know what you wanted to do. I mean, if you wanted to live on campus, or stay with Buffy…”
Oh wow, he’s nervous, Dawn realized, her eyes widening slightly. She couldn’t leave him flailing. Oz wasn’t the flailing type.
“You mean, where I-I want to stay?”
“Well, yeah,” he replied, taking her hand and squeezing it gently.
“You mean… like, here?”
He frowned. “That’s why I haven’t said anything. I wasn’t sure this would be okay with you. You know, staying with Mike? I really like it here, but if you wanted something—“
Oz was promptly cut off by Dawn’s lips against his, but before he could fully appreciate the kiss, she pulled away, her eyes wide. “God, do you know how long I’ve been wondering if you were ever going to say anything?” she giggled.
Oz floundered for a moment. “Well, um, I… just didn’t know if you’d be into it.”
“Not into it? I practically live here already, you know.”
He smiled. “Yeah. So… you want to?”
“Of course I do. I mean, if you really want me to. You’re not just asking because it’s the next practical step, right?”
He gave her an odd look. “Practical?”
Dawn laughed. “Yeah, that was a dumb question.”
“What do you think your sister will think of it?”
Dawn’s mouth quirked. “Well, the wedding’s in a week. If I drop the bomb on her now, she might be too distracted to worry about it much.”
“Yeah, but then you have that week after the wedding. You know, before your birthday?”
She shrugged. “We’ll just have to deal with it, I guess. I’m sure they’ll be happy for the extra space, though. You know, eventually.”
“A big eventually,” he said with a soft laugh. He stepped back, though his finger traced its way down her arm. “You wanna get ready?”
“Kind of no. Not now,” she said with a saucy grin. Oz looked at her with a quiet heat in his eyes.
Less than a month, Dawn reminded herself. Sixteen days and counting, and I swear, if I don’t lose my virginity at midnight exactly, I will SCREAM.
She’d learned Oz’s honesty wasn’t always such a great thing. Though they’d come close a number of times, she could not convince Oz to have sex with her before she was eighteen. It was pretty much the only thing they’d ever argued about, mostly because she didn’t think he was so much abiding the law as obeying Buffy and Spike.
They wouldn’t be arguing for much longer, though, and the thought made Dawn’s step a little lighter as she went to the bathroom to ready herself for that night’s show.
*
May 2004
“You look tired.”
Oz managed to smile at the statement, squeezing Dawn’s fingers gently with his own. She looked beautiful, with her hair curling softly around her shoulders, and her pale pink sundress displaying her porcelain skin perfectly. Still, he was something of an expert on the subject of Dawn Summers, and he didn’t miss the way her eyes weren’t quite keeping focus as she looked at him.
“How much champagne have you had?” he asked her as they sat at one of the plastic tables occupying the Giles’ backyard.
Dawn wet her lips, looking thoughtful. “Well… Buffy told me I could have one. Then, I think Jenny handed me one. And then… I don’t know.”
Oz laughed silently, shaking his head. “You’re probably going to be sick,” he warned her.
“At least I won’t be the first,” she giggled, looking around the yard, which was full of people who looked far more inebriated than her.
Buffy and Spike’s wedding had ended nearly three hours ago, but the reception was taking its time in winding down. Nearly everyone was drunk, and several taxis had shown up already to take people home. The newly married couple hadn’t been seen in nearly an hour, and Oz assumed they’d given up on seeing their guests off, and were packing their things for a weekend honeymoon in Los Angeles.
He’d agreed to stay at the Summers house with Dawn for the weekend, since Buffy had admitted she’d feel better with him there. She’d grown to trust Oz in the last several months, though she often joked that she didn’t trust her sister one little bit.
Oz wasn’t sure how comfortable he was with the arrangement, himself. He didn’t want Dawn to be left alone in the house all weekend, which was why he’d offered to stay with her. On the other hand, he wasn’t sure he’d survive the next two nights.
“There you two are!”
Oz and Dawn both turned in their seats to see his mother, Anita, walking towards their table. Or shuffling, really; Oz could tell she was three sheets to the wind.
Dawn smiled as Anita took one of the free chairs. “Were you looking for us?” she asked, trying to hide her amusement as Anita kicked off her heeled shoes with a sigh.
“Well, Anya and Ben just left, so I thought I’d see how you two were doing. I swear, I don’t know how Anya hasn’t driven that poor man away yet. Her wedding fever hit new highs tonight.”
Oz allowed himself to tune out as Dawn and Anita began gossiping about his step-sister. He took a sip of his beer, which had gone a bit warm, wondering when he’d finally be able to cross the street and get some sleep. He knew his mother might keep Dawn talking all night if he let her.
Anita adored Dawn, and Dawn seemed to have found a second mother in the woman. When Oz had first taken Dawn to dinner with his family, they’d been polite and friendly to one another. It was his Uncle Ken’s death in early December, however, that had cemented their relationship. Dawn had stepped up then, and Oz knew his mother would never forget that. She’d taken care of Jordy while the funeral arrangements were being made, and had spent over a week of her time after school doing chores around the Jenkins’ home. She’d kept the house neat for Anita, and though she was no chef, she’d put together easy meals that could be warmed in the microwave whenever anyone wanted them. Dawn was a saint as far as Oz’s mother was concerned.
Since that time, though, Oz had a hard time fending off his mother’s constant inquiries about his relationship with Dawn, and when it was going to get “serious.”
Tonight was no exception, unfortunately.
“So, Dawn-Louise, did seeing your sister getting married give you the shivers?” Anita asked. Oz covered his mouth to hide his smile. His mother had taken to Dawn’s middle name early on, when it had accidentally been discovered, much to the girl’s horror. She’d never told the woman she loathed the name, and it had stuck.
Dawn smiled, a little too brightly. “I… I guess? I don’t know, really. I figured Buffy and Spike would get married eventually.”
“It was a really beautiful ceremony,” Anita agreed before grinning, and Oz tensed. He knew that grin. “But when I saw Danny walking you up that aisle…” she sighed happily. “Let’s just say it wouldn’t hurt me to see it again one day.”
Dawn’s face immediately turned crimson, her eyes widening. Oz felt more embarrassed than she looked, he was certain.
“Mom, you’re a little drunk,” he informed her. “Why don’t we get David, and he can take you home?”
Anita gave him a shrewd look. “I am drunk, Danny, but that doesn’t mean I’m not being honest.”
“Maybe a little too honest, though,” he pointed out.
Anita looked to Dawn’s blushing face, and immediately looked ashamed of herself, if not a little amused. “Oh, sweetheart, did I embarrass you? I’m so sorry.”
Dawn laughed it off, shaking her head. “It’s fine, Anita. I just… kind of graduated from high school, you know?”
“Oh, I know. You’re just so grown up, I forget sometimes.”
Oz helped his mother from her chair, and she gave Dawn a tight hug before she let her son take her to her husband. When he returned to his girlfriend, he saw Buffy and Spike had finally decided to reappear, out of their wedding clothes and ready to leave for L.A.
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Buffy was asking Dawn.
Dawn looked at her tiredly. “I’m almost eighteen, you know. I think I can manage not to set the house on fire.”
Spike looked at her with narrow eyes. “Niblet, are you drunk?”
“Blame your step-mother,” she told him, her eyes a bit glassy. “And… yes. I think I am. But everyone kept telling me I could have ‘this one glass.’”
Buffy giggled. “Well, I guess since it’s a special occasion, you’re off the hook.”
Dawn looked a bit miserable. “Trust me, I don’t see it turning into a habit.”
Spike looked to Oz. “Take care of her?” he asked.
“If she lets me,” Oz answered with a smile.
“Just don’t let her take care of you,” Buffy advised with a wicked smile.
“Buffy, God!” Dawn shouted, covering her face with her hands in humiliation. When they dropped back into her lap, she looked pleadingly up at Oz from her seat. “Will you please get me away from these people?”
Oz was eager to fulfill her request. They said good-bye to Buffy and Spike, and also told Jocelyn good-night before her friend was picked up by her new boyfriend, Dillon. Emily was already tucked into bed in the Giles’ house, so they told Spike’s parents a quick good-night before heading across the street.
Once they were inside the house, Dawn kicked off her sandals with a relieved sigh, dropping onto the sofa. Oz removed his tie before joining her.
“I can’t believe Buffy was okay with you staying here.”
“I can’t believe Spike was,” he said with a smile, reaching across the sofa to pull her closer to him. She made a happy noise, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Well, I’ll be legal soon, so maybe he’s coming to terms with it.”
“Spike?” Oz laughed. “I don’t think he’ll come to terms with that until you’re at least thirty.”
Dawn giggled. “So, how old does your mom think I am, I wonder?”
Oz rolled his eyes. “Sorry about that, by the way.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad she likes me that much.”
“I think she likes you more than me,” he joked, leaning down to kiss her, and then licking his lips. “What’s that?” he asked, questioning the flavor of her lip gloss.
“Cherry Limeade, probably with some champagne,” she laughed, her nose wrinkling. “It’s weird how only the first two glasses were gross.”
“Yeah, alcohol’s funny that way,” he told her, reaching up to brush her hair from her face. Her eyes slipped closed. “Tired?”
“No,” she said softly. “You are, though, aren’t you? I mean, Spike-sitting will wear anyone out.”
“He wasn’t too bad last night. Things got a little hairy before the wedding, but he calmed down after a few dozen cigarettes.”
Noticing the way Dawn was staring up at him, Oz couldn’t stop himself from kissing her again. As soon as he’d seen her dressed for the wedding, he’d wanted to steal her away. It would have left Buffy and Spike short a best man and a maid of honor, though, so he’d resisted the temptation.
And now, temptation was slowly crawling her way into his lap. Oz hadn’t stopped to think about Dawn being drunk, and knew it was going to be a night of torture for him when her knees straddled his legs, her full lips nibbling his own. She’d become much more bold in the past two months, and Oz was worried that the added alcohol was going to make her even more difficult to calm down, though he usually managed it without making her too upset.
Oz had no intention of taking Dawn’s virginity before she was eighteen. Even knowing Buffy and Spike had conceded to it happening at any time, he felt it was just too much of a risk. His less reasonable side put up one hell of a fight in situations like the one he was in now, however, and Dawn was definitely not supportive. She’d long ago figured him out, and lately, she seemed determined to sway him to her way of thinking.
For the moment, it was working. Feeling her tongue glide past his lips, the way her fingers clenched his shoulders, Oz wanted nothing more than to take her upstairs and end the tension that had been building between them for months. He’d lost his composure more than once with Dawn; he wasn’t perfect. Still, tonight was not the night he was going surrender completely, not when she’d been drinking.
Disengaging himself from her, Oz stared into Dawn’s eyes, waiting for the haze in them to clear. They immediately filled with disappointment, something he hated to see. “Dawn, you’re drunk,” he explained gently.
She sighed softly, avoiding his gaze as she removed herself from his lap. “Yeah, you’re right,” she agreed, smoothing down her hair. “I should let you get some sleep.”
Not fooled by the casual tone in her voice, Oz grabbed her hand before she could leave the sofa, forcing her to turn his way. “You’re mad.”
She shook her head stiffly. “No.”
“Please don’t lie to me. If you’re mad, it’s okay. I get it.”
Almost instantly, life returned to Dawn’s expression, but she didn’t look angry. She looked sad, and that hurt him more. “I just… I don’t agree with you, that’s all. I mean, tonight I get it. I’m drunk, okay. But… what you’re doing, with the waiting. That’s not for me. That’s for Buffy, and Spike.” She wet her lips anxiously. “They shouldn’t have anything to do with this.”
Before Oz could argue her point, Dawn left the room, going quickly up the stairs, her face hidden behind the long curtain of her hair before she disappeared. Oz let out a heavy sigh as he sat back on the couch, his nerves still singing from her touch.
*
God, I’m such a bitch, Dawn thought to herself as she closed her bedroom door, taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm her nerves. She rested against the door for a moment, just breathing, but she was too restless to stay there. Pushing herself into motion, she unzipped the back of her dress, letting it fall to the floor and kicking it into the closet. Blinking tears of frustration from her eyes, she pulled her hair back tightly, finding an elastic on her dresser to secure it. She wanted to wash off her make-up, but didn’t want to chance running into Oz, who had a habit of chasing her down when she was upset. She needed a good night’s sleep before she faced him again.
Pulling on a nightgown, Dawn crawled into bed, turning off her bedside lamp and staring up at the shadows that painted her ceiling.
She regretted what she’d said to Oz; she knew he was only trying to do what he thought was right. She couldn’t help how she felt, though. She was almost sure if it weren’t for her sister and Spike, she’d no longer be a virgin.
She was sure Oz believed her hormones were the only thing speaking for her when they were alone; she wasn’t sure he was wrong. I feel ready, though, she thought. She had for awhile, actually. She’d been nervous for a long while around Oz, letting him lead the way with her, but it was impossible to be uncomfortable with him. She’d been a little giddy and embarrassing through the first weeks of their relationship, but it had slowly worn off. He never made her feel self-conscious, and she knew she could trust him. Every time he stopped her, however, she felt a little like a scolded child. She knew Oz had a hard time stopping himself; at least, he told her so, but she didn’t understand how he could if he felt anything like he made her feel.
Dawn’s eyes slid shut as she heard the soft knock against her bedroom door. She took a deep breath before answering. “Come in.”
Oz walked in to stand at her bedside. “Got a little room?” he asked her.
Dawn moved over enough to allow him to sit, and was surprised when Oz reclined next to her on his side, finding her hand in the dark and entwining his fingers with hers. “I’m going to tell you something, okay?”
“Okay,” she replied, trying to make her voice as neutral as possible.
“It’s just… there’s stuff you don’t know about me. It doesn’t mean I was trying to hide anything, but you can’t just know everything about someone right off. It’d be like an interview instead of a relationship.”
Hearing the serious tone in his voice, Dawn was concerned. “I get that,” she told him. “I mean, I’m sure I’ve left out my whole fifth grade year.”
She saw him smile in the shadows. “Exactly. It’s just… I’ve never told anyone this, okay? But it has a lot to do with the… difference of opinion we’re having, so it’s time to bring it up.”
Dawn waited patiently for Oz to say whatever it was, but it took a few moments to start. “Back in Phoenix, I was kind of different. I didn’t know anything was wrong with it until right before we moved here, but Sunnydale was kind of like a fresh start for me.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Well… I smoked pot a lot, and I skipped some school. I made good grades, so my mom didn’t really get onto me too much; mostly because she didn’t know what I was doing. I partied all the time, snuck out of the house at night, stuff like that. Which is pretty normal, except I started doing it when I was eleven. So, I grew up kind of quick.”
“Sounds like it.”
“Yeah.” He was quiet for a moment, and Dawn started to fear what he was trying to tell her. “Right before we moved… I was almost sixteen, so I guess it was a couple of months before, I had a girlfriend. It wasn’t really serious; we’d meet up after school with everyone else, and party wherever. Mom never met her or anything like that. We had a couple of classes together at school. But I slept with her.” At that, Dawn looked up into his eyes, catching his gaze in the dim light. “She got pregnant.”
Dawn’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe it. Oz… had a kid somewhere? “O-Oh, my God. What… what happened?”
“She had an abortion,” he replied, his expression grim. Dawn didn’t know what to say, couldn’t think a single coherent thought, but he continued. “And I didn’t even know about any of it until it was done. She told me afterwards, because I asked her why I didn’t hear from her all weekend. She acted like it was no big deal, and I didn’t know what to do. It was a big deal. Like… the biggest deal, really. So I just… stopped talking to her; to everyone. When Mom told me we were moving, it was like fate. I was just glad to get out of there.”
“Your mom didn’t know?” she asked quietly.
“She still doesn’t,” he told her, his eyes fixing on hers. “I’d… really like to keep it that way.”
Dawn nodded immediately. “Yeah, I won’t say anything. Of course not.”
“I just… it’s not just about your sister,” Oz told her, squeezing her hand. “Maybe what happened made me paranoid, but… anything could happen, Dawn. Anything. And if something did, Buffy would be held responsible for it. Once you’re eighteen, it’s on us. Even then, it’s still a huge deal. I just want to do things right, and I’m sorry if Buffy and Spike are a part of that, but… they didn’t have to say it was okay to be with you.”
“I know,” Dawn whispered. “It just… it makes me feel like I’m so much younger than you, or something. And stupid, l-like you don’t… want me as much.”
“That’s not possible,” he told her, leaning over to touch his lips to her forehead.
She smiled shyly. “How’s it not possible?”
“Because I want you more,” he replied simply.
“You don’t know that,” she laughed.
“I actually do,” he countered, in that tone that always made Dawn want to question him, as if he had every possible answer in the world.
“How?” she asked, unable to stop herself.
“Let’s just say… with my experience, I’m almost positive I have a better imagination,” he whispered close to her ear before sitting up. “And sometimes, with you, that’s not exactly a good thing.” He smiled. “Like right now, so I should probably go.”
Dawn rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling. “Fine. Go, ye of all self-control. I swear, you’re like a monk.”
His eyebrows twitched as he stood up. “I don’t think so. I’m definitely not shaving my head anytime soon.”
Dawn giggled, and leaned up to kiss him good night before he retreated.
*
In Los Angeles…
“So, do you think the deed’s done yet?” Buffy asked after a huge yawn. It was nice to be married to Spike, but they’d decided to skip the honeymoon sex. They had sex all the time, but sleeping in a quiet room with no one else around was a rare treat.
Spike took a long draw off his cigarette, since Buffy had allowed him to smoke in bed. It wasn’t something he could do at home, and he’d still promised to only do it once. “You’re the one that told Oz he could stay there, Summers.”
“I know, but Dawn swears they haven’t done it yet.”
“Doesn’t mean they won’t.”
She sighed. “Does it really matter? She’ll be eighteen in like two weeks.”
“No, I don’t suppose it does matter, except you keep bringing it up,” he chuckled. “Not exactly a topic of discussion I’d like to hash out on my honeymoon, pet.”
“Sorry,” she told him, sitting up a little to curl against his side, and rolling her eyes as his hand immediately began rubbing circles over her belly. She wasn’t even showing, not really, but Spike already couldn’t get enough of it. “Do you think anyone could tell?” she asked. “I mean, in my dress?”
“I couldn’t bloody tell,” he replied. “When are we letting everyone in on it?”
“Well…” She wrinkled her nose thoughtfully. “We could tell Dawn and the others when we get back. I don’t see a reason to put an announcement in the paper or anything.”
“I think Emmy might argue with you on that one,” Spike said with a smile.
Buffy laughed. “I don’t think she’s going to calm down until her sister or brother is out.”
“Doesn’t look likely,” he agreed. Leaning over to stub out his half-smoked cigarette, Spike rolled on his side to face her. “I’m liking you pregnant,” he said, his eyes roaming over her mostly naked form.
“So you say,” she replied dryly. “Every single day.”
“Can’t help it.”
“Well, wait a little while. Before you know it, it’ll be all swollen ankles and bitchy attitude.”
“I’m ready for whatever you’ve got,” he said with a crooked grin, pulling her close for a long kiss. “I’m just glad I’m here this time.”
Buffy sighed happily, relaxing against him. “Me too.”
*
When Oz woke up just before sunrise, he was smiling before he opened his eyes, realizing Dawn was snoring softly next to his ear.
She’s amazing, isn’t she? he thought, looking over her sleeping face, with its long eyelashes and parted lips. Even the sounds she was making couldn’t distract him from her perfection in his eyes.
She’d taken what he’d told her of his past better than he’d expected, and Oz felt better too, knowing there was someone else in the world he could trust with such a secret.
“Dawn,” he whispered, brushing his fingers across her face.
“Hn?” she replied, and he smiled at how responsive she always was in her sleep. Buffy had told him it was possible to have full conversations with her, though they usually didn’t make a lot of sense.
“What are you doing down here?”
“…You,” she said, as if it explained everything. He understood the meaning, though.
“Okay. Well, let’s go up to your room, alright?”
Her eyebrows furrowed the slightest bit. “No, you won’t stay.”
He smiled, shaking his head. “I’ll stay,” he promised, rubbing her arm to try to rouse her.
After a few moments, she complied, sitting up to blink at him sleepily. “Dream or not?” was all she asked.
“Not,” he laughed. “Let’s go.”
“’Kay,” she mumbled, but looked suspiciously around the living room before standing.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Making sure the lizard part wasn’t real, too,” she told him groggily.
“Nah, he took off,” he teased her, leading her up the stairs and into her room. He waited for her to get comfortable before her joined her in the bed, and she was asleep again almost instantly, curled against his side.
Oz found himself wondering if every night would be like this soon. Buffy and Spike hadn’t exactly taken the news of Dawn moving in with him well, but he really hadn’t expected them to. There hadn’t been a complete meltdown, though. Just some quiet arguing behind closed doors between the Summers sisters, and a lot of glares from Spike. Oz didn’t sleep much more that morning, his curiosity about the future running wild. When he felt Dawn’s toes twitching against his ankle, he knew she’d be awake soon. Then, she’d turn dangerous for him; not because she’d push the issue of sex, but because he couldn’t resist her when she’d just woken up.
Watching her slow rise to consciousness, however, Oz felt he could withstand a little torture, and when she opened her eyes, a smile spreading on her face when she realized he was next to her, he couldn’t wait any longer.
Dawn was surprised by the intensity of Oz’s kiss, but had no problem letting him push her gently back against the pillows as he teased her lips with his tongue. What a way to wake up, she thought, hoping her breath wasn’t awful. She soon forgot to worry, feeling Oz’s calloused fingers through the fabric of her nightgown across her stomach, and she reached up to comb her fingers through his hair. She knew he’d stop before she wanted him to, but after their talk the night before, she wasn’t nearly as upset by it.
Oz’s kisses were slow and deep, his hand finding her hip and kneading to beneath the blankets before traveling down to reach her bare thigh. She was breathless when his lips left hers, his eyes searching hers. “If this goes, will you take it easy on me?” he asked, tugging at the bottom of her nightgown.
“Uh-huh,” she replied without thought.
This was new territory.
Dawn could feel the flames rise to her face as Oz maneuvered her out of her nightgown, tossing it to the floor. They’d never had enough privacy to be naked, and she felt a little strange, but better when he took his own shirt off. “You okay?” he asked as they settled back on the bed.
“Yeah… just a little naked, is all.”
He smiled gently, his eyes raking over what was exposed to him before his fingers followed, barely brushing across her breasts. Dawn whimpered without meaning to, then cringed at the slip. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he told her, repeating the action as he leaned over her to nip at her ear. “No one’s here.”
Dawn sighed raggedly as his lips made their way down her neck, his fingers working her into a frenzy as he lightly touched her. When his mouth finally closed on the hardened peak of her nipple, Dawn arched away from the bed with a soft cry, and was shocked to hear Oz growl softly in reply.
This was different.
Dawn fleetingly wondered what had changed. Was it because of what he’d shared with her the night before? Or did he just feel they had more freedom with no one around?
Whatever it was, she was curious to see where it would lead.
She was surprised, however, when she was suddenly pulled away from the bed, and before she knew it, she was above Oz, her hair falling across his shoulders as he tongue traced the line of her neck.
Oh…wow.
Dawn was a bit at a loss as to what she was expected to do, but Oz made it startlingly clear as he began to grind against her, and she moaned softly, nearly collapsing against his chest. His lips founds hers, nibbling and pulling.
Hearing the soft sounds Oz began to make as she moved against him, Dawn felt empowered; he was usually almost silent, leaving her to wonder if he enjoyed himself at all. Oz was all around pretty quiet, so knowing she was the reason for his reactions now made her almost giddy.
Oz groaned suddenly, and Dawn repressed a squeal as she was flat on her back again, his bare chest against hers as he kissed her brutally. “I think I’m a masochist,” he whispered against her lips.
“Does that make me a sadist?” she asked shakily.
“Definitely,” he chuckled airlessly, and his eyes met hers, burning with something deep and almost unfamiliar to her.
Dawn’s eyes closed as Oz returned his attention to her breasts, his tongue and fingers making her writhe against him. She went still, however, when his lips started to burn a path down her stomach. Is he… he’s never done that…
Dawn forgot to breathe as she felt Oz pulling at her panties, lifting her to remove them, and she gasped as she felt him kiss the inside of her thigh.
“Dawn.”
“I’m fine,” she said, though her voice sounded squeaky to her own ears.
“Are you sure?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Look at me.”
Her face turned hot instantly, her eyes squeezing shut. “I can’t!”
He laughed, his breath tickling her leg. “Why not?”
“Because you’re… you know!”
“I’m what?” he asked, and she could hear the teasing tone in his voice.
“I don’t know why I don’t kill you sometimes,” she sighed.
“That’s not nice,” he replied casually, and Dawn was completely unprepared as his tongue suddenly moved against her, sending electricity through her body as a strangled cry left her. She felt Oz’s grip on her hips tighten, his tongue moving in a determined rhythm that sent shock after shock through her.
Oz’s senses were overloaded, and he wasn’t sure which was the most intense. Watching her rise and fall from his touch was hypnotizing, but the feel of Dawn’s heat against his mouth was unbearable on its own, not to mention the taste… the scent…
He decided it was hearing her that was going to undo him. The soft sighs, the almost animal growls. She was singing for him, and wasn’t even aware of it.
Dawn gasped, and Oz quickened his pace, using more pressure as she quivered against him, crying out as her hands clutched at the sheets, her face flushing and her head thrown back.
Once she was quiet, Oz crawled slowly up her body, leaving soft kisses on stomach and arm until he was resting at her side.
It was several moments before she opened her eyes, her breathing shallow and unsteady. “Wow,” she finally whispered.
He smiled, adoring her. “You think that’ll keep you happy for a couple of weeks?”
Her face darkened to an even redder shade. “M-Maybe.”
He pulled her close. “You know I love you?”
Dawn laughed, because Oz hardly ever used the endearment in a statement. “Yes, I do,” she sang. “You know I love you?”
“You kind of threatened to kill me earlier, so I’m feeling a little shaky on it.”
“It wasn’t a threat, it was a thought,” she corrected him. “One that I have since changed my opinion about.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Very so,” she said. “And yes, I’m totally using you, before you ask.”
Oz casually shrugged before digging his fingers into Dawn’s ribs. She shrieked with laughter.
*****
