PLB: Jaded Innocence
Characters: Spike/Xander, Dawn's POV

He's blushing again. I smile to myself as I realize it probably had something to do with Spike's wandering hand. I look back down to my book as I think back to when they had come in earlier that day. They looked so happy together. Well, I suppose they always do.

Honestly, I'm just so happy for them. I know I should be jealous or something, but I'm not. I'm just happy for them. They're two of my most favorite people in the world. I glance up and quickly look around the table for a moment, trying to gauge the reactions of the rest of the group.

I can see Giles looking somewhat pensive, but I know he can't resist the call of a happy Xander. Nobody can. Not even miss "I'll beat you bloody with a rusty shovel" over there, sitting there with a goofy smile on her face as she watches her best friend. Tara mirrors that warmth in her gentle eyes and serene smile.

If I had not been watching her, I might have missed it. Tara's expression turns to dark it frightens me. I know Buffy is all "she's my big gun," but she's not. Tara is the balance for Willow. I don't think she would survive without her.

But it's that shadow over her eyes that worry me most. The only one around that could possible make her worry is miss dysfunction herself, Buffy. I worry about her too sometimes. She's not been the same since she came back.

Not that any of the rest of us are either. I just hope Buffy doesn't be a dumbass about the changes going on around here. She'd be stupid to try. Xander is our balance; he's what holds us all together.

I hope she realizes that before it's too late.