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"He's gonna say no," said Rory as she walked through town with Dawn and Lane on either side of her.

"Why would he say no?" asked Lane.

"Why would he say yes?" countered Rory.

"Right because why on earth would he want to go with a gorgeous girl," smiled Dawn.

"Rory, listen to me," said Lane. "There's absolutely no point in having a boyfriend if you can't get him to go to the dance with you."

"He's not my boyfriend." Rory looked at Dawn, "You think I'm gorgeous?"

"Yeah as in you're my friend and your gorgeous, not as in you're gorgeous and I wanna be your girlfriend," smirked Dawn.

"So Dean's not your boyfriend?" said Lane.

"No," insisted Rory.

"What is he then?" asked Lane.

"He's my...gentleman caller," stammered Rory.

"Okay, Blanche," smiled Lane as Dawn giggled.

"I don't know what he is. But he's not my boyfriend," Rory tried to clarify. "Do you think he's my boyfriend?" she said looking back and forth between her two friends.

"I think you guys spend a lot of time not kissing other people if this isn't a girlfriend/boyfriend thing," said Lane.

"Girlfriend," said Rory.

"You," confirmed Dawn as she and Lane continued to tag team their friend.

"Boyfriend," said Rory.

"Him," nodded Lane.

"No. It sounds weird," said Rory shaking her head.

"Look, have you had the talk yet?" asked Lane.

"Yes, Lane, babies come from the stork," Rory said rolling her eyes.

"The other talk," pointed out Dawn.

"What other, other talk?" asked Rory confused.

"'We've been dating a few weeks now. Where do we stand? What are we to each other? If another girl asks you out, do you feel free to go?'" clarified Lane.

"How is it that you know so much about this?" asked Rory.

"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach," said Lane. "Plus Dawn told me."

They all stopped to look through the window of the market and watched Dean with a customer.

"There he is," said Dawn.

"I should do this later," said Rory starting to walk away.

Lane and Dawn each grabbed one of her arms and turned her back to the door. "No. No, you have to do this now," insisted Lane.

"Why?" asked Rory a little nervous.

"Because I have to go home soon and my mum threw out our TV when she caught me watching V.I.P." pointed out Lane sadly. "So I'm bored and I need some entertainment."

Rory took a deep breath, "Okay. Here I go."

"And this time she does it without five minutes of oohing and aahing," laughed Dawn as Rory walked through the door.

"Good luck! Oh, and Rory, remember to enunciate. I'm reading lips out here," called out Lane.

Dawn looked at her friend as Lane got as close to the window as possible. "You can read lips?"

Lane nodded not taking her eyes off Rory as she approached Dean. "Yeah it was the only way I could sneak a look at the TV while mum was serving customers."

Rory walked up to Dean, "Hey."

Dean turned smiling, "Oh, hey."

"You're busy," realised Rory.

"Yeah. I just have to put the new green bean shipment on the shelves. You want to help?"

"Yeah, sure. I, uh, I love stocking beans," said Rory rather lamely.

"Okay. Uh, follow me," said Dean a little confused, leading Rory over to a stack of canned beans.

"So do you work on Saturdays? I forget," asked Rory as she absently placed the cans on the shelf.

"Well it depends," said Dean handing her another can. "Sometimes I come in if I don't have any plans. Why?"

"No reason... See, there's this thing at my school on Saturday," began Rory. "Well it's not really at my school; it's kind of given by my school."

"What is it?" asked Dean.

"Well it's this thing where you go and they play music and you're supposed to get all dressed up and do some kind of dance and then there's chicken."

"Chicken?" frowned Dean.

"Well I don't know if there's chicken. But at these kinds of things they often serve chicken because it's probably cheaper and people eat it, so the logic behind the chicken choice really isn't that bad."

"I'm lost," said Dean.

"It's a dance," Rory clarified.

"Ah," nodded Dean.

"And it's not like I'm dying to go or anything, but it is a new school and being a part of the social activities is really important at Chilton," said Rory nervously.

"So are you asking me to go to the dance with you?"

"No. Yes. I mean, if you wanted to go, I would go too."

"Well that would probably be good since it's your school," pointed out Dean.

"Right," agreed Rory, "So do you want to go?"

"Honestly?"

"Yeah."

"I've actually never gone to a dance before."

"Because they're lame?" said Rory.

"Yeah. And it's just not the way I ever wanted to spend my time. I mean, I'm not a big joiner," said Dean.

"Okay, fair enough," said Rory somewhat sadly. "More beans please."

Dean handed the beans to her in silence for a few moments. "You want to go, don't you?"

"No. I don't. I have no desire to go at all. I was just thinking out loud, that's all," said Rory.

"So, uh, what would I have to wear?" asked Dean.

"What?"

Dean sighed, "To this dance. What would I have to wear?"

"Anything you want," said Rory giving him a small smile.

"Come on," insisted Dean.

"No, really whatever you're comfortable in is fine."

"Rory..."

"Some sort of pants would be nice."

"Rory..."

Rory finally gave in, "It's coat and tie."

"Oh man," said Dean a little shocked.

"But you could probably get away with a coat and no tie."

"Okay," agreed Dean.

"Really?" said Rory happily.

"Yeah."

Rory kissed Dean. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," said Dean smiling.

Rory had to stop herself from skipping out the store. The moment she was outside, her two friends pounced.

"So I take it from the kiss, that he is taking you?" said Dawn.

"Yeah," said Rory with a big grin on her face.

"So what about you Dawn," asked Lane. "You're going as well, right?"

Dawn shook her head, "No. Three guys from school asked me, but I said I wasn't interested." 'Besides there's only one person I'd go with!'

"I heard Duncan and Bowman asked you, who else?" asked Rory.

"One of the James twins, no idea which," smiled Dawn.

"I wish you'd change your mind... What's wrong?" asked Rory as Dawn cringed.

Dawn waited a moment, running the idea of going to the dance through her head. 'No still not going.' She smiled at her two friends, "Sorry just remembered Tara wanted me to collect something from the market. I'll see you later," she said as she turned around and hurried back to the store.

* * * * *

Tristan walked up to the table where Paris sat selling tickets to the Chilton Winter Formal. "Hi, Tristan," she said looking adoringly at him.

"Paris," Tristan said indifferently.

"Two, I assume."

"You assume right."

"So, who are you taking?" Paris asked.

"Why, are you free?"

"I'm, uh..." said Paris beginning to get flustered.

"Nah, what am I thinking? You wouldn't be free this close to the dance," smirked Tristan handing her some money and she handed him the tickets.

"Here's your change," Paris said digging some money out of the cashbox.

"Hey, is your hair shorter?" Tristan said.

"Yeah, a quarter of an inch," smiled Paris pleased that he had noticed.

"Really!"

"I got it trimmed."

"Looks good," he said knowing what a complement would do to the small blonde, he liked throwing her the occasional bone, realising years ago that it helped him get her class notes.

"Thanks," said Paris happily.

Tristan walked down the hall to where Rory was reading a book while waiting in line to buy tickets. "And she's reading again. How novel," he smirked.

"Goodbye, Tristan," said Rory without bothering to look up.

"Did you get the novel thing? Because..."

"I said good-bye," said Rory a little weary of the boy's constant attention.

"What are you doing here?" asked Tristan.

"I like lines."

"The guy's supposed to buy the tickets," pointed out Tristan.

"Really. Does Susan Faludi know about this?" asked Rory looking up.

"Unless of course there is no guy," smirked Tristan.

"There's a guy."

"A cheap guy."

"Well, what can I say? I like 'em cheap. Sloppy too... bald spot, beer gut, you know, and the pants that kind of slip down in the back, giving you that good plumber shot. That sends me through the roof."

"So who is he?" asked Tristan a little jealousy entering his voice.

"How many languages can you say 'none of your business' in," snapped Rory.

"Does he go to this school?"

"No, he doesn't."

"Uh-huh. Well, look, okay, I'll confess something to you. I don't have a date."

"Well I hear Dawn turned down Duncan and Bowman, maybe you should consider taking one of them now that the entire female population of this school isn't interested in you," sniggered Rory.

"Well I actually thought you'd like to go with me," said Tristan after the small flash of anger left his face.

"You did not."

"I did too."

"You did not because you are not stupid," said Rory firmly.

"Why thank you," smirked Tristan.

"Slimy and weasely, yes, but stupid, no," pointed out Rory. "You'd have to be stupid to think that, given our history, I would ever, barring a piano or a safe falling on my head, want to go anywhere with you, ever."

"Okay, fine. I'll take Cissy."

"I'll send her a condolence card," called out Rory as he started walking away.

"Yeah. Well at least she won't be buying her own ticket," said Tristan over his shoulder.

Just as Rory was about to hand over her money, Willow appeared at her side. "Rory, sorry but do you mind me jumping in? I need to buy some tickets now so I can get back for my first class," said the redhead.

"Ah sure Ms Rosenberg," said Rory. "Hmm you do know the dance is for students only and that the teacher-chaperones get in free."

Willow smiled, "Yes I know but these tickets are for Dawn, someone she really likes from Sunnydale is coming to take her as a surprise, so no telling her okay," she said looking at Paris as she handed over her money.

"Of course, Ms Rosenberg," said Paris wondering if her mother would do something so sweet for her. 'Forget it Gellar, Sharon is too much of a bitch.'

"Two, please," said Rory drawing Paris out of her musing as Willow left.

"Idiot," snapped Paris.

"Excuse me?" frowned Rory.

"Tristan was totally nice to you and you couldn't be a bigger jerk."

"You like Tristan so much, you go out with him," said Rory.

"I don't have enough change," said Paris angrily.

"Pay me later," said Rory.

"What am I, your Versa teller? Wait for change," snapped Paris before yelling at the boy sitting next to her. "I need change! Now!" She turned back to Rory, "There's no way you're going with someone better than Tristan."

"Whatever?" sighed Rory.

"You probably don't even have a date. You're probably going to come down with some very rare form of flu that only hits losers on dance night," sneered Paris.

"You know what? I don't want my change. Money makes people shallow," said Rory turning and beginning to walk away.

"I've got your change. Hey! Hey! If you think I'm keeping this dollar, I'm not!" Paris shouted after her.

"I'll take it," said the boy next to her.

"Shut up!"

* * * * *

Before going to lunch, Dawn went in search of her guardian, finding her in the computer room was a no brainer. Opening the door, she walked up to Willow, "So who is it?"

Willow looked up from one of the printouts she was checking, "Oh hey Dawnie. What's up?"

"I asked you who is it that's taking me to the dance?" said Dawn folding her arms across her chest.

Willow frowned, "Who told you?"

"Erica's boyfriend was a couple of places back from Rory when you cut in."

"Oh. It's a surprise, you'll have to wait until Saturday night. He'll be outside our house in the limo he's renting."

"Willow. Tell me," pouted Dawn.

Willow's eyes went a little wide, "School Dawn, it's Ms Rosenberg, you know the rules."

Dawn rolled her eyes in exasperation, "Fine! Don't tell me, I'll get it out of Tara tonight."

Willow smiled at her Ward, "You're forgetting Tara is away until Saturday helping with that seminar in New York."

"It's not fair," shouted Dawn storming out the door and heading for the cafeteria.

Moments later Max walked into the room, "Was that Dawn I heard shouting?"

Willow smiled, "Yeah. She's angry because I arranged for someone she really liked back in Sunnydale to take her to the dance on Saturday and I won't tell her who."

"You set your own Ward up on a blind date," said Max unable to keep the smile off his face.

"I guess so... at least in a way but in another, not, because she knows who he is."

"Oh okay then," said Max continuing to smile. "So you ready for lunch?"

"Of course," said Willow getting up and grabbing her bag left with him in search of food.

* * * * *

Dawn put her tray down next to Madeline and Louise who sat opposite Rory and Paris. Paris had finally given up trying to alienate Rory from Madeline and Louise when it finally became clear that she would probably lose both her friends if she did not relent, at least a little, now Dawn had started at the school.

"I take it confronting Ms Rosenberg didn't work?" said Madeline seeing the look on her friend's face.

"No. I'll try again on the way home but I don't think it'll work?" sighed Dawn.

"You could always try phoning your friends in Sunnydale," pointed out Rory.

"Yeah, that has possibilities," brightened Dawn. "And if I wait until Friday, if they are not there then I'll know who it is."

* * * * *

On the journey home that night, Dawn made various attempts to try and get the name out of Willow, she started by trying to trick her into letting it slip before moving onto pouting and finally she tried tears. Nothing would move the redhead; the only thing she did was dig into her pocket and offered her Ward a tissue, which Dawn snatched while glaring daggers at her guardian.

Rory could not help laughing at her friend from the backseat, receiving a glare from said friend and a smirk from Willow.

Arriving home, after saying goodbye to Rory, Willow looked over at Dawn, "You'll need to go to Rory's later, so Lorelai can take your measurements."

"For what?" frowned Dawn as she climbed the steps to the porch.

"Because Lorelai has offered to make you a dress for Saturday silly," smiled Willow.

"And what about my homework, I thought you were all with the learning?"

"I am sweetie," said Willow. "But I'm sure if I let you off the chores you hate so much, you'll have time."

"Really," smiled Dawn before narrowing her eyes at the redhead, "You're trying to bribe me, aren't you?"

Willow laughed, "Is it working?"

"Maybe!" said Dawn as she followed Willow into the house.

* * * * *

Dawn sat in Luke's with the Gilmores, who had just returned from their Friday night dinner, "So everyone you phoned back in Sunnydale was still there?" asked Rory as she sipped her coffee.

"Yeah, except one and I can't see it being him because he ah... suffers from a rare skin complaint that stops him from going out in the sun."

"Oh that's sad, especially with him living in California," said Rory.

"Well one more day and you'll know who it is," said Lorelai. "At least you know it's someone you like. The two times I was forced to go to functions by my parents they tried setting me up with the two most annoying boys, ever."

"Not really helping Lorelai," sighed Dawn.

"Sorry honey," smirked Lorelai over the top of her coffee cup. "By the way if you come over after lunch tomorrow I'll check that your dress fits okay?"

"Yeah okay," nodded Dawn. "Thanks for making it for me, you're an awesome dressmaker."

"Thanks. I had to be when Rory was growing up, it seemed sometimes that no sooner did I finish making an outfit than she'd grow out of it and I'd have to alter it," said Lorelai smiling fondly at her daughter.

"Hey don't blame me," said Rory. "I obviously got the height gene from the Gilmore side."

Dawn looked at Lorelai as something occurred to her. "Did Willow tell you who's taking me?"

"Sorry Dawn," smiled Lorelai. "I'm just as curious as you are."

"Well I think I'll head home," said Dawn standing. "I'll see you both tomorrow."

"Bye honey," said Lorelai before continuing to sip her coffee.

"Bye Dawn, see you tomorrow," said Rory watching her friend leave the diner and disappear up the street. She turned back to her mother studying her face for a moment, "You know who it is, don't you?"

"Know what?"

"Don't try and fool me, I'm your daughter, I know when you are keeping something from me!"

Lorelai's eyes twinkled, "Okay so I know who it is, but I didn't lie to you, or Dawn, I am curious to see Dawn's escort."

"So tell me," said Rory.

"Oh no, Willow swore me to secrecy, and have you seen her Resolve Face?" said Lorelai shaking her head. "If your grandmother had that look, I would still be living in Hartford with them and you would have never been born."

Rory smirked at her mother, "Then I guess it's a good thing for me that she doesn't."

* * * * *

Saturday night. Lorelai was sitting on the couch with Willow and Tara.

"Come on already!" Lorelai called out.

"We're primping," called out Rory as they heard Dawn laugh.

"You're both 16. You have skin like a baby's ass. There's nothing to primp," pointed out Lorelai.

"Okay, Okay, here we come," said Dawn.

The two girls came into the room, Rory in a blue strapless floor length number and Dawn in a figure hugging baby blue floor length dress with spaghetti straps that tied behind her neck, the back open to just above her waist.

"Wow. Someone hit you with a pretty stick," gushed Lorelai looking at Rory.

"Both of them," put in Tara.

"You two are going to break a lot of hearts," said Willow.

"This dress is amazing. You outdid yourself," said Rory.

"I hafta agree Lorelai this is a beautiful dress, thank you so much," said Dawn.

"They're beautiful, because both of you are beautiful," said Lorelai. "Come here," she said looking at her daughter.

"What?" asked Rory.

"Stray hair," explained Lorelai.

"Fix, please," said Rory standing in front of her mother.

"Yes. Hmm," mused Lorelai looking over her daughter's outfit, "I think my favourite part is the shoes."

"The heels hurt," complained Rory.

"Well, beauty is pain," replied Lorelai sagely.

"I'll just throw them on, on my way out," suggested Rory.

"No, you should put them on now and let your feet get really numb," explained Lorelai.

"That's sick," said Rory getting laughs from Willow and Tara.

"Go get me the hairspray," said Lorelai.

"Okay," said Rory running to get her shoes and the hairspray.

The doorbell rang.

"It's open!" called Lorelai.

"It's me! I got tacos!" announced Sookie.

"Yay!" smiled Lorelai.

"I got extra hot sauce and a couple of extra burritos to put in the fridge in case you get hungry later," Sookie explained.

"You take such good care of me," said Lorelai.

"Hey, Sookie. Look," said Rory coming back and standing next to Dawn.

Sookie gasped, "Oh my God! You're movie stars! I'm serious. Oh my... At some point tonight, walk down a flight of stairs. Movie stars always walk down staircases."

"Okay, come on; let me spray while you try to figure out what she just said," said Lorelai.

"You, don't move. I got it," said Sookie taking the hairspray.

Tara looked at Lorelai noticing the look of pain cross their friend's face for the first time. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Ah yeah, just hurt my back finishing Rory's dress earlier, no biggie, I'll be fine."

Meanwhile Sookie had pointed the spray can in the wrong direction and ended up spraying her eyes instead of Rory's hair. "Ow!" she exclaimed.

"Sookie," said Lorelai in frustration.

"Wrong way! I got it," Sookie reassured them.

"Are you okay?" asked Rory worriedly.

"Yeah, sweetie," said Sookie offering the spray can to Dawn. "Hand that to your mother, and my eyelashes are all stuck together," she announced as she staggered into the couch.

"Don't move Lorelai, I'll do it," said Willow going over to Dawn and taking the can of hairspray before turning to Rory.

"Honey, are you sure you're alright?" asked Lorelai.

"I'm fine," Sookie reassured them as she headed towards the kitchen.

Willow looked at Tara, "Shield the tacos." Tara quickly placed them under the table. "Okay, ready?" the redhead asked.

"God!" exclaimed Rory as Willow sprayed a generous amount over her hair.

"That looks good for six slow dances, four medium ones, one lambda, but if you plan on doing any moshing, I suggest you let Willow give you another coat," said Lorelai.

"I think I'm good," said Rory smiling a thank you at her teacher/friend as the redhead sprayed Dawn's hair.

"Rory, sweetie, is this soap by the sink in the silver bottle?" Sookie called out.

"No!" cried Lorelai and Rory together.

"Go in there, quick," Lorelai told her daughter, who hurried towards the kitchen. The doorbell rang again. "We're in here!" she called out.

"We're in here?" said Emily entering the living room. "That's how you answer the door?"

"Well I was all out of Saran Wrap," said Lorelai.

"I don't even want to figure that one out," exclaimed Emily, she smiled at Dawn, "My don't you look a picture dear, you're going to break a lot of hearts."

"Thanks," blushed Dawn. "Willow said the same thing."

"What are you doing here mum?" asked Lorelai.

"I just want to see my granddaughter. Where is she?"

"Kitchen," said Lorelai.

"Oh, perfect," beamed Emily. "I want to be all ready for the big entrance. How's the light in here?" she looked around. "Never mind. I'll just take one with the flash and one without to make sure we got it right."

"Wow, Mum, look at you. You'd think Anne Taylor was having a sale or something."

Emily ignored her daughter and positioned herself near the stairs. "Okay, Rory, come in here please."

Rory came into the living room wearing a kitchen towel as a bib and eating a taco. "Hey, Grandma," she smiled.

Emily turned to Lorelai, "She has lived with you too long." Tara could not help giggling a little.

"Honey, lose the bib and the taco, put your shoes on, come back out, and let Grandma take the pretty picture."

"Okay," smiled Rory leaving again.

Emily looked over at Dawn, "Would you mind if I took one of you as well?" she asked with a little smile.

"No, I don't mind at all," said Dawn.

"Could we have a copy as well," asked Tara.

"Yes of course," agreed Emily.

Sookie came in at that moment, "I'm gonna get going," she said.

"You are not driving," said Lorelai firmly.

"I walked," Sookie assured them. She looked to the staircase, "It was nice to see you again, Mrs Gilmore, or at least make out your shape."

"Call in fifteen minutes or I'm sending Willow and Tara to find you," said Lorelai worriedly.

Sookie looked at the wall, "And you call me if I can come over and help you up the stairs or something."

"No, I'll be fine," said Lorelai throwing a quick glance at her mother.

"Bye," said Sookie waving before walking out the front door.

Emily looked sharply at her daughter, "Why would you need help up the stairs?"

"No reason," said Lorelai quickly. "Rory, let's go, your public awaits!" she called out.

Emily's eyes narrowed, "Why aren't you moving?"

"I'm comfortable, that's all," said Lorelai.

"Are you hurt?"

Lorelai looked at her friends before turning back to her mother, "I have a little back spasm, that's it. It's no big deal."

"What sort of back spasm?" asked Emily.

"I don't know, Mum, just a normal one," Lorelai said rolling her eyes.

"There is nothing normal about a back spasm. The very fact that it has the word spasm in it means it's not normal," said Emily exasperated.

"Alright," sighed Lorelai then spotted her daughter entering from the kitchen. "Here she is, Mum, get your camera moving," she said thankful for the distraction.

"What?" exclaimed Emily looking around her face breaking into a huge smile, "Oh, my, you're gorgeous? Oh! Smile!" she said taking several pictures of Rory. "Now how about a couple of you two together?" she asked looking at Dawn.

Dawn exchanged a look with Rory before smiling, "Sure," she said joining her friend where Emily took more pictures.

"I'm so glad you decided to buy Rory a dress," Emily said finally.

The three adults and two teenagers exchanged looks. "I made both dresses mum," explained Lorelai.

"Really," said Emily looking the two teenagers up and down, "I must say you did a wonderful job."

Lorelai looked at Rory, "Quick get the tape recorder I have to have this moment for posterity."

"Very funny Lorelai," said Emily as Rory giggled.

The doorbell rang at that moment.

"That must be Dean! But I told him to just sound his car horn?" frowned Rory seeing the time.

Willow smiled, "I spoke with him this morning at the market, I told him that as Dawn's escort was hiring a limo, he may as well take advantage of the fact. So he is waiting here with us until the car arrives and you're all going together."

"Really?" said Rory her eyes going wide.

"Of course, this is the first formal dance for the both of you, you should enjoy the total experience," explained Willow smiling at the teenager.

The doorbell rang again. Rory started to run to the door.

"Don't rush. A lady never rushes," Emily instructed her granddaughter.

But Rory ran to the door anyway. Opening it she smiled, "Hey," she said.

"Hey, uh, I know I was supposed to honk, but Willow told me to meet you here and we could go with Dawn and her mysterious escort."

"So I've just been told," Rory did a quick head jerk towards her living room. "I'm sorry about this."

"Young man, come in here please," came Emily's voice from inside.

Lorelai smiled at Dean as Rory escorted him into the living room, he had a nervous look on his face as he saw Emily. A mischievous look crossed Lorelai's face as she introduced her mother to him, "Hey, Dean, meet my mother, Emily Post."

Emily gave her daughter a withering look, "Emily Gilmore," she said looking back at Dean.

"Hi."

"Hello."

Just then, Willow's phone went off breaking the sudden silence in the room. The redhead smiled at the caller ID, "Hi. There's a slight change of plan we're all next door at the Gilmores ... Right, see you in about five then Mr Lancaster." She disconnected the call and smiled at her Ward with mischief playing across her face, "Your ride will be here in five minutes."

Dawn frowned at her guardian, "I thought you said I knew my escort? I don't know anyone called Lancaster?" she said although she did seem to remember hearing the name somewhere.

"Oh yes you do!" giggled Tara as a big smile broke out on her face.

"No I don't," insisted Dawn. All her two guardians did was smirk at her. "Okay what's his first name?"

"Oh ah William I think," said Willow pretending to think about it, "That's right isn't it Tara?"

"Yes that's what I heard, William Lancaster," nodded Tara in agreement before looking at Dawn. "But I think you know him by his nickname? Now what was it again Willow?"

"I think it's Spike," said Willow with a straight face.

Dawn's eyes went wide, "Really? Spike's come all this way to take me to the dance."

Willow's smile grew wider, "Yes, of course he did, you know he will do anything to see you happy." The redhead sobered for a moment, "You know he was the only one that didn't want you to leave Sunnydale after Buffy died! He told me in confidence not long after her death that she asked him to look after you, that was why he was so upset, because you would be to far away for him to look after you as he promised. I thought this would be good for him as well as you."

Dawn quickly leaned in and hugged both witches, "Thank you, thank you so much," she said with misty eyes.

Moments later they could all hear a car pulling up, looking out the window, Rory and Dawn watched as a white limousine with blackened windows stopped just outside, a uniformed chauffeur got out and opened the backdoor.

Dawn's face broke into a wide grin as a tall pale-skinned man stepped out wearing a tuxedo, straightening the jacket he smiled as he saw the two teenagers smiling at him. "Spike," squealed Dawn running to the door.

Emily sighed, "Does no one but me know how young ladies are supposed to act?" She sighed again as three female hands went up, all with smiles behind them.

Rory followed her friend to the door just in time to see Dawn launch herself from the porch into Spike's waiting arms, 'He must be stronger than he looks, if he can catch her like that?'

"Hey Nibblet," laughed Spike swinging the teenager around in his arms. "I missed you too." He lowered her to the ground, "Shall we go in so you can introduce me?"

"Okay," said Dawn trying to pull him towards the door.

"Dawn, a lady does not rush and she certainly does not attempt to pull her escort along with her," explained Spike.

Dawn giggled, "You sound like Rory's grandmother Emily, she's been trying to tell Rory and me the same thing."

"I take it this Emily is a cultured lady?" smiled Spike.

Dawn could not decide if Spike was making fun of her or not. Not that it mattered, she was so happy to see him. "Okay, I'll be the young lady today," she giggled again.

"Right then," said Spike offering her his arm before escorting her back onto the porch, "May I enter that I may meet your mother and grandmother of whom I have been told so much," he asked Rory.

"Oh good one Spike," smirked Dawn, knowing the real reason he was asking.

"Of course, come in," smiled Rory.

"After you, my dear," Spike gestured.

"Why thank you kind sir," said Rory giving him a little curtsy, making her and Dawn giggle even more as they entered the house.

Spike smiled at the many eyes on him, he looked to Dawn, "I believe introductions are in order?"

Dawn smiled back, "Right, well this is my friend Rory Gilmore and her boyfriend Dean Forester and Rory's mother and grandmother Lorelai and Emily Gilmore."

Spike shook hands with Dean and Rory before moving onto Emily, recognising her close scrutiny of him, he took her offered hand and brought it to his mouth kissing the back, "A pleasure to meet such a refined lady, William Lancaster of London England but of late, a resident of Sunnydale California," he said smiling warmly.

Dawn looked at her two guardians, her eyes wide at how cultured Spike was acting.

Lorelai smirked as her mother actually blushed. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well Mr Lancaster," smiled Emily.

"Please call me William."

"And you must call me Emily."

"It will be my pleasure Emily," he turned to Lorelai, "Ms Gilmore it is a pleasure to meet you as well and my thanks for allowing someone like me into your lovely home," he bowed slightly.

Lorelai smiled at the man, "Anyone that can make my mother blush is always welcome in this house and call me Lorelai."

Spike winked at her, "My pleasure Lorelai." He glanced at the smirking witches, "Hey Red, Tara, nice to see you," he said before becoming serious for a moment, "You're both doing a stand up job with Nibblet."

"Thanks Spike, it's nice to see you as well," said Willow. "If you like you are welcome to stay at our house tonight rather than travel straight back after the dance."

"I'd love to but I've already made arrangements, I have to be in New York to meet some people for my bosses," he said making sure that only the witches could see him look upwards to indicate that it was something to do with the PTB.

"Ah shouldn't we be going, if we don't want to be late," said Dawn catching on as well.

"Yes you're right Dawn," said Spike looking around at the adults. "I'll make sure everyone is back at a decent hour," he told them.

"Hey, come here. Have an amazing time," said Lorelai looking at her daughter.

Rory bent down and kissed her mother on the cheek before doing the same with her grandmother. "I'll chronicle the whole evening for you, I promise. Bye, Grandma." she said going to stand next to Dean while waiting for Dawn to finish hugging Willow and Tara.

"Great rap session. Alright, you guys are out of here. Have fun," said Lorelai.

"Bye Mum, bye Grandma," said Rory happily as she accepted Dean's arm as the boy took his cue from Spike as the Vampire offered his to Dawn again.

Spike looked at the four adults, "Bye. Be assured I will make sure they behave."

Willow laughed, "And who's going to see that you behave Spike?"

Spike laughed back, "See you Red," he said as he led the four out and towards the waiting car.

Tara looked at Willow, "We should get going as well if we are going to make Woodbridge in time for our dinner reservation," she said getting up.

"Yeah, I guess we should," agreed Willow rising as well. She looked down at Lorelai, "Sorry we can't stay and make sure you're okay, if we had known earlier we could have cancelled."

"No I'll be fine. You go and enjoy yourselves, I know you two haven't had a lot of time with each other since you moved, now go," said Lorelai making a shooing motion.

"Alright Lorelai, we'll call in to make sure you're okay when we get back," said Willow, "Bye, bye Mrs Gilmore," said the redhead as she and Tara headed for the door.

"I think I would prefer you to call me Emily, Willow," said Emily a hint of a smile on her lips.

Willow looked at Emily for a moment before smiling, "Yes, Emily then," she nodded, "Goodnight," and taking her girlfriend's hand she left.

As the door closed Lorelai looked at her mother, a curious look on her face, "What was that all about?"

"Nothing," said Emily. "Do you want some more coffee?"

Lorelai's eyes narrowed, "Shouldn't you be leaving about now mum?"

"Of course I'm not leaving. You hurt your back; I'll stay and look after you," said Emily. "Now do you want more coffee?"

"Always," sighed Lorelai holding out her empty cup.

* * * * *

After entering the back of the car, Spike handed the two girls boxes with a corsage in each.

"Thanks Spike," said Dawn kissing him on the cheek before putting it on her wrist.

"Yes, thank you, but you really shouldn't have," said Rory accepting hers.

"Of course I did," said Spike. "It's all part of the campaign."

"Campaign?" asked Rory.

"Yes," said Spike his eyes twinkling. "The campaign for the two of you to totally destroy all the competition."

"Competition?" queried Rory still not understanding.

"All the other girls that are going to be there tonight," clarified Spike. "Make them all jealous of your looks and all their dates sad they got stuck with second best."

"But all that will do is make them mad at us, we have to go to school with them," said Rory a little worried.

Dawn's face broke into a huge grin, her eyes glistening, "Who cares about the other girls, other than Madeline, Louise and Paris, I'm the only other girl you ever really talk to," she pointed out to her friend before giggling. "Oh man, Tristan is going to be so upset you wouldn't go with him to the dance."

"Who's Tristan?" asked Dean speaking for the first time.

Rory exchanged a quick glance with Dawn before looking at her boyfriend. "He's just a boy in our class, he thinks he's god's gift to the female population. But all he is, is a sad little rich boy, who hates the fact that unlike most of mine and Dawn's female classmates, I don't want anything to do with him."

"You got no worries Dean, I figure both you and Spike could take him easy," smirked Dawn.

"Dawn, behave," said Spike trying to sound stern, "We are going to a dance, not a brawl."

"Sorry Spike but if Rory and I are going to destroy all the competition, we are going to have to have a couple of big strong men to protect us," said Dawn her eyes taking on a mischievous look.

Spike shook his head woefully, "You Summers women are going to be the end of me. Why I ever got involved with any of you?"

"Well let's see," laughed Dawn. "You were always hanging around our house 'cause you loved mum's cocoa with those little marshmallows, and of course you were totally lusting after Buffy, giving her all those puppy dog looks! Even after she beat you up."

"I did not give your sister puppy dog looks," he said indignantly.

"Sure Spike, whatever you say," giggled Dawn.

Rory looked at her friend, "Why did your sister beat up Spike?" she asked a little shocked.

"Ah yeah," said Dawn suddenly realising that maybe she should have kept quiet? "She was stronger than she looked and knew tons about martial arts."

"Oh I see... But why did she beat him up?" she asked again.

"Well didn't you ever run up to a boy you liked when you were a kid and punch them on the arm then run back to your friends?" asked Dawn.

"No," frowned Rory glancing at Dean for a moment, "Until Dean, I didn't really have any interest in boys."

"Well that was sort of my sister for you, she must have really, really liked Spike 'cause she was always beating him up," Dawn laughed loudly.

* * * * *

The chauffeur opened the back door and stood waiting as the four passengers stepped out. Spike looked at him, "Pick us up at eleven, Frank, I'll phone you if we need picking up earlier," he told the large man.

"Very good sir," said Frank closing the door.

Rory stood with Dean looking at the building as Dawn walked up the steps on Spike's arm, "Maybe we should just forget about this," she said quietly.

"Okay," said Dean.

"I mean, it's just a dance. What's the big deal?"

"Beats me," shrugged Dean.

"And these kids at my school... awful. Have you seen The Outsiders?"

"Yeah, I have."

"Just call me Ponyboy. I heard this place is beautiful though... old and historic," commented Rory.

Dawn stopped when she realised that her friends were not following Spike and her. "Hey guys, come on."

"Maybe we could just go in for a minute," said Rory looking a little apprehensive.

"I think that you look amazing," smiled Dean understanding her hesitation. "You'll be the most beautiful girl here."

Rory beamed at him, "Maybe just a couple minutes won't hurt," she said taking his offered arm joining Dawn and Spike.

* * * * *

Dawn and Rory entered the large ornate room on the arms of their respective escorts, "Well it's a very good room," said Rory.

Dean nodded, "Looks historical."

"I commend the person that suggested this very location," smiled Rory still looking around.

"Oh they're taking couples pictures. Can we have ours taken Spike," asked Dawn.

"Of course Nibblet, let's go," smiled Spike enjoying the look of joy in the teenager's eyes.

"So, you want to get our picture taken as well?" asked Dean.

"We could," smiled Rory.

"Spike could you not call me Nibblet while we're here, I like it, it's just..."

"I understand Dawn, you don't want your school chums hearing and start calling you it at school," Spike smiled at her.

"Yeah," said Dawn quietly hoping she was not hurting the Vampire's feelings.

"Don't worry Dawn, you're not hurting my feelings," he said as if reading her mind, "I know what it's like to be ridiculed at school, not something I would wish on my worst enemy... well maybe Peaches... no definitely Peaches, but nobody else," he laughed.

"That's evil Spike," giggled Dawn as they joined the short queue of couples waiting to have their picture taken.

"That's me, the Big Bad," laughed Spike.

"Do you want to dance a little after this?" Dean asked as he and Rory joined Dawn and Spike.

"Yeah."

"I stress a little," Dean emphasised.

"Something slow," smiled Rory.

"That sounds good."

Rory and Dawn lead Dean and Spike towards the table where two of their friends sat waiting. The Vampire smiled as he picked up some of their conversation.

"Can we go yet?" said the blonde.

"We haven't even eaten dinner," pointed out the brunette.

"I'm bored," said the blonde suddenly reminding Spike of Harmony, he shuddered hoping she was not like his ex?

"We have to wait for the others anyway, I want to see what Dawn's mystery man looks like?" said the brunette. Spike arched his eyebrow as he thought he sensed a little jealousy in her voice.

"Fine. Give me your roll," said the blonde snapping a little.

"Wow," smiled the brunette as she spotted Dean with Rory but her smile vanished when her eyes met Spike's for a moment before she broke the contact, he was now certain of the jealousy but what was she jealous of?

"What?" asked the blonde looking around the room.

"Dawn. God, she's got good hair," said the brunette as she schooled her look.

"Who's the dish with Dawn?" said the blonde. "And that hunk with Rory? He's definitely not to the manor born."

"Beats me," said the brunette sullenly.

By this time, the four had reached the two other teenagers who rose and hugged their friends.

"Dawn...you came. Oh, great dresses. Who are they by?" asked Madeline eyeing both Dawn and Rory up and down.

"Lorelai Gilmore," smiled Rory happily.

"You made them?" asked Madeline in surprise looking at Rory.

Rory shook her head, "No, my mum made them for us."

"She did? Really?" queried Madeline impressed.

"Yeah," said Rory.

"She's a great dressmaker," added Dawn.

"So you two travelling with bodyguards now?" asked Louise looking pointedly at her two friends escorts.

"This is William, but he goes by his nickname, Spike, he came all the way from Sunnydale to escort me tonight," smiled Dawn. "Spike this is Louise and Madeline.

"Rather Punk isn't it?" asked Madeline a little coldness in her voice, Dawn frowned at her friend but Spike smiled.

"Hello. I just know we are going to get along great," said Spike as a look of mischief crossed his face.

Making Madeline blush a little, which caused Dawn to frown even more.

"And this is my... this is Dean," said Rory. "Dean, this is Louise and Madeline."

"Hey," said Dean looking nervously at Louise.

"How tall are you?" Louise asked flirtatiously.

"Uh..."

"You know, my whole family is really tall. The men, mostly. What are you... 6'1", 6'2"?" said Louise taking a step towards him.

"What, does he get like a prize if he guesses?" gritted out Rory her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

"I'm 6'2"," said Dean hurriedly.

"Six-two's a good height."

"You think?" said Dean.

"I think," Louise said, taking another step forward.

Dean stepped behind Rory and placed his arms around her, "What do you think? Too tall?"

"Not in heels," replied Rory smiling.

"Okay Louise," said Dawn. "That's enough, your frightening Dean with your wild ways.

"Okay," sighed Louise before eyeing Spike who had a smirk on his face throughout the exchange. "What about your Beau?"

"Tonight Spike's mine and tomorrow he will be in New York. But if you're nice, I might let you take him for a spin..." Dawn giggled at the look on her friends faces, "Around the dance floor."

Louise's eyes narrowed for a moment, "I'll get you back for that, but yeah we could have a dance." She listened for a moment, "I like this one," she grabbed Spike's hand, "Let's go," she ordered.

"My pleasure love," smiled Spike allowing the blonde to drag him towards the dance floor.

"Spike," called out Dawn, when he looked at her she smiled, "Don't go too far?" she warned.

"I won't," he reassured her.

"Slow song," pointed out Dean.

"Let's go," smiled Rory pulling him after Spike and Louise.

Dawn and Madeline stood for a moment not realising they were just staring into each other's eyes. Dawn blinked, "So where are yours and Louise's dates?" she asked.

"Well Louise dumped Thomas yesterday and couldn't get another date at short notice and I wasn't interested in anyone that asked me, but mum insisted I come anyway, so here I am."

"Oh so still staying away from boys," said Dawn. 'That's got to be a good thing. Right?'

"Yeah, recently they just don't seem to be interesting to me. But Louise has set me up with some boy from Hillside on Monday because she wants to go out with his friend who she's not to sure about so she wants me along just in case... well you know if he's not very nice."

"Are you sure that's a good idea? Even with you along, he or his friend could ah you know get out of hand," said Dawn suddenly worried about her friend.

"Actually there's no real danger... well not much, Louise's dad taught her Krav Maga and she's passed some onto me and Paris," Madeline reassured her friend.

"Really," smiled Dawn. "Buffy taught me a little self-defence, mainly how to hurt someone enough just so I could run away, but Spike taught me more when no one else was around."

A flash of jealousy crossed Madeline's face at the mention of Spike. "So how do you know Spike?" she asked a little catch in her voice.

"Well he turned up in Sunnydale a few years ago. For the longest time he didn't get along with my sister; in fact they hated each other, until last year when she at least started tolerating him being around. What she didn't know was for a good year before that he would hang with mum and me when Buffy wasn't around. He's so cool, the typical bad boy type." Dawn looked around quickly to be sure they were alone. "Anyway, he helped Buffy and our friends get me away from that cult bitch I told you about, and Buffy asked him to take care of me if anything happened to her," she finished quietly.

"Oh, so he isn't really a boyfriend?" said Madeline.

"What, me with Spike?" laughed Dawn. "I don't go for the older type, that was Buffy's thing, no Spike's just a friend, a close friend, but just a friend. I prefer people more my own age."

"Oh, okay," smiled Madeline. "So Friday, I've arranged with Jenny to have both Thunder and Chocolate transported to Stars Hollow so we can all go riding Saturday after the sleep-over on Friday. Are you sure it's okay with Rory's mum to stable them overnight at the Inn?"

"Yeah she said they have room," Dawn replied, "She's been trying to encourage Rory to go riding with us but Rory keeps going on about Willow telling her about the time she got bitten by a horse when she was six."

"Do you think she'll come?"

"Yeah," said Dawn, "If she's still nervous on Saturday, I'll let her ride Chocolate and I'll ride one of the Inn's horses."

* * * * *

Spike lead Dawn off the dance floor, joining Dean and Rory standing in one corner.

"Okay, uh, I need something to drink. Do you want some punch?" asked Dean looking at Rory.

"Sure," nodded Rory as she smiled at her friend's flushed face as Dean headed towards the drinks table. "You look like you're enjoying yourself?"

Dawn smiled happily, "Yeah, and to think I wasn't planning on coming tonight?" She looked at Spike, "Any chance you could get me something to drink please?"

"Sure Dawn," smiled Spike offering her his hip flask.

Dawn rolled her eyes, "Funny Spike, I actually meant a soft drink, and anyway can you imagine what Willow would do to both of us if I go home smelling of alcohol?"

"Good point," smirked Spike putting the flask away and heading for the drinks table.

Paris' date walked up Rory and Dawn as Spike left. "Hi, Rory, right?" he said.

"Yes," said Rory absently.

"We met earlier with Paris..."

"Yes, I remember. Dawn, Jacob. Jacob, Dawn, he's here with Paris," said Rory.

"Pleased to meet you," smiled Dawn.

"Likewise. Are you two having a good time?" said Jacob.

"Actually we are. You?" said Rory.

"It's okay. So, was that your boyfriend?" Jacob asked looking at Rory.

"Oh. I don't know. I'm not sure."

"You're not sure?" frowned Jacob.

"We've only been going out a little while, so..."

"So, there's still a little room to play?" asked Jacob.

"What?" Rory said confused.

"Would you like to dance?"

"Oh, no thanks."

"Maybe I could get your number," pushed Jacob.

"What for?" asked Rory.

Dawn looked on, not sure, how she felt about one of her friends' dates hitting on another of her friends.

"To call you," said Jacob.

"I'm sorry, aren't you here with Paris?" interrupted Dawn.

"Yeah," said Jacob glancing at Dawn.

"So maybe you shouldn't be over here asking me for my number then," pointed out Rory.

"Why? Paris is my cousin," Jacob told them.

"Your cousin?" exclaimed Rory.

"Yeah."

"Paris is your cousin? You're related?" asked Rory.

"Yeah."

"Jacob, it's been very nice to meet you. I hope you have a lovely evening. Now please leave me alone," said Rory firmly.

* * * * *

Spike escorted Dawn back to the table where Dean and Rory were sat drinking some punch with Louise and Madeline, "I think we should be thinking about going soon, if I'm going to keep my promise to have you all back at a decent hour," he commented as he stood next to the table.

"Yeah okay with us," nodded Rory.

"I'll get the coats," said Dean rising.

"I'll go with you mate," said Spike following the boy.

After they left, Paris walked up to Rory and Dawn sitting at the table; she leaned into Rory, anger in her eyes. "So. How many people have you told? Four? Five? Everybody?" she asked.

"What are you talking about?" asked Rory confused.

"You know that Jacob is my cousin and now you finally have all the ammunition to pay me back, right?" said Paris, her voice beginning to rise.

"Your cousin?" said Louise looking from a tall boy dancing with one of the Puffs, trying to decide whether to steal him or not.

Dawn noticed that people nearby were starting to stare. "Paris, don't you think you should lower your voice," she said nodding her head behind her friend.

Paris' eyes went a little wide as she took in Dawn's meaning; she closed her eyes for a moment and swallowed.

"I don't want to pay you back. I just want to get away from you," said Rory.

"Now you can just go all over the school and just tell everybody that Paris Geller couldn't get a date to the dance. That she had no one and since she couldn't just not come, she had to get her mother to ask her cousin Jacob to take her and then she had to give him gas money to make him do it. Go ahead! Tell them!" even though she had been warned she still found herself almost screaming at Rory.

Rory sighed, "I don't have to. You just did."

Paris looked around in horror. Everyone had stopped dancing and was listening to them. Paris hurried away with tears in her eyes.

Dawn looked worriedly to her friends, "Should we go after her, see that she's alright?"

"You have to leave," said Madeline, "Louise and I will go and check on her. See you Monday Dawn, bye Rory," and with that she left with the blonde in search of their other friend.

As Dean and Spike returned with the coats, a blond boy stepped in front of them looking intensely at Dean. "You know, we haven't met," he said.

"No, we haven't," agreed Dean.

"I'm Tristan," said the other boy.

"Ah, yes we have," said Dean a small smile coming to his face.

"What are you talking about?" asked Tristan confused.

"Rory's mentioned you."

"Oh yeah?" smirked Tristan.

"Yeah. I wouldn't get quite so excited about it."

"Oh, why, did she say something mean?" asked Tristan.

"She said you're a jackass."

Spike smiled at the two boys.

"Really?"

"Actually, no," conceded Dean. "Rory doesn't use words like that. I embellished a little."

"Oh so you're the big strong protector? Little princess needs a protector?" sneered Tristan.

"What's your problem, man?" asked Dean.

"Nothing. Just don't like your girlfriend, that's all," snapped Tristan.

"Really? Doesn't look that way to me," pointed out Dean.

"I don't really care how it looks to you," said Tristan.

"Hey. You got in my path, not the other way around," Dean pointed out before attempting to walk away. Tristan blocked his path. "You're kidding right?"

"Why, are you going somewhere?" Tristan sneered again.

"Get out of my way Dristan," said Dean his anger rising.

"Oh, aren't you clever," said Tristan contemptibly.

Rory and Dawn stepped between Dean and Tristan, getting a sigh from Spike, the smile having left his face when Dawn looked disapprovingly at him before turning her full attention back to Tristan and Dean.

"Hey, what's going on?" asked Rory.

"Nothing. Just getting to know your boyfriend here," said Tristan.

"It's going really well, don't you think?" sneered Dean.

"Oh yeah. We're just about to build a clubhouse."

"Okay. Well I hate to break up the party, but we are leaving," said Rory firmly.

"Oh, why? Little girl's got to be home?" smirked Tristan.

"Stop," said Dean angrily.

"No, I think you two make a very cute couple. Is your horse and buggy parked outside? Got to get home for the barn raising?" sniggered Tristan with a little laugh.

"Let's go," said Dean starting to walk away again.

As Tristan again attempted to step in front of Dean, Dawn grabbed his hand between hers and with a quick twist, Tristan found himself on his knees, his arm out straight to his side, twisted at an awkward angle. It felt like his arm was about to break.

Dawn looked angrily into Tristan's slightly wide eyes, "You really should start listening Tristan. I wouldn't move if I were you, anymore pressure on your wrist and it will break," she advised as she saw the boy move slightly. "Now, I'm going to release you and we are going to leave, if you do anything but get up and walk away... well let's just say you'll be in a great deal of pain."

With that, she released him and stepped back watching as Tristan slowly stood rubbing his aching wrist and eyeing Dawn warily. With a quick look at a shocked Rory, he walked away.

"Wow. That was good," said Madeline hurrying to her friend's side, having abandoned her search for Paris when the confrontation between Dean and Tristan started. "Are you alright?" she asked, beginning to check her friend for injuries.

"Yeah I'm okay, Tristan was just being a jerk, as per usual," Dawn sighed. "Look we really should be going before something else happens. I'll see you Monday, bye Madeline." With that, Dawn rejoined Rory and their escorts.

"Well I take back my earlier comment about Dawn with a bodyguard, 'cause she definitely doesn't need one," said Louise as she watched Tristan heading for the exit.

On exiting the building, to see the limousine waiting, Rory looked at her friend, "I don't know if that was altogether a good idea, to humiliate Tristan like that?" she said worry in her voice.

"I guess," agreed Dawn, "It's too late now, I just wanted to stop him, he was obviously after a fight, I didn't want anyone getting hurt."

"I know, it's just..." Rory's face broke into a huge grin, "Wow. That was awesome, where did you learn to do that?"

"On the streets," said Dawn managing to keep a straight face for all of two seconds at the look Rory was giving her, which said her friend did not believe her. She laughed as she nodded her head towards Spike, "He taught me. Tristan was lucky I wasn't really pissed otherwise he would now be in a lot of pain."

"I don't know that it was necessary for you to step in back there love," said Spike smiling proudly at his friend. "I'm good at sizing up opponents, and Tristan would have come off worst against our boy Dean here."

"You just wanted to see a fight, Spike, I know you, you could have easily stepped in at the start and stopped any of that happening," said Dawn as she got into the back of the limousine.

"So what's wrong with that, a little fisticuffs warms up the blood, gets the heart pumping," answered Spike as he got in next to her.

"Men can be so Neanderthal sometimes," said Dawn in frustration, making Rory laugh.

"We are what we are, Nibblet," said Spike sadly, surprising Dawn somewhat. "But you still like me, right?" he smirked.

Dawn rolled her eyes, "Yes Spike, I still like you. You were the only one back in Sunnydale that didn't try shielding me from all the bad things."

"I know Dawn," sighed Spike. "But you hafta understand that they only wanted to protect you."

"Yeah I know," nodded Dawn retrospectively.

The rest of the ride back to Stars Hollow was spent talking about school and Dawn telling Spike what she had been doing since the move from Sunnydale. Dawn thought she saw a speculative look on the Vampire's face whenever she mentioned Madeline.

As the car stopped and they climbed out, Rory leaned in and hugged Dawn, and to his great surprise Spike as well but adding a kiss on his cheek, as she released him, she frowned a little, "Your face is cold."

"Not use to the cold you have around here," said Spike.

Rory smiled at him, "'Night Dawn, see you tomorrow. And thank you Spike for letting us go with you tonight."

"Not a problem Rory," smiled Spike before shaking Dean's hand. "Make sure she gets in home safe."

"I will," said Dean returning the smile. "And thanks man, I hope we see you again sometime."

"You never know," smiled Spike walking Dawn towards her house.

As Spike stood next to Dawn on her porch, he placed his arm around her and she rested her head on his shoulder for a moment. "So did you enjoy tonight Nibblet?"

Dawn smiled to herself, "Yeah, it was great. Thanks for coming all this way to take me."

"Well I had to come and do something for the PTB in New York; even so, I would have come anyway. I promised Buffy I'd look after you, I know I can't be here all the time but if you ever need me, call and I'll be here... before I got my pesky soul back, the promise I made to your sister was the only one I ever intended to keep."

Dawn pulled away for a moment to look at this Vampire that had always seemed to be an enigma before he received his soul, "Thanks Spike, that means a lot," she said kissing him on the cheek.

"Well let's get you inside," he said opening the door and allowing her to enter first, stepping in behind her.

Following the teenager into the living room, he saw the two witches waiting for them, smiles on their faces, "So did you both have a wonderful time?" asked Tara.

"Oh yeah, Nibblet here beat up some kid called Tristan," laughed Spike.

Dawn looked indignantly at Spike, "I did not beat up Tristan, I just stepped between him and Dean to stop them fighting, when that failed to stop the jerk, I just twisted his arm before telling him to go away."

"You hurt Tristan DuGray?" exclaimed Willow rising.

"Only his male pride, he was being such a jerk. I saw him a couple of times eyeing Rory dancing with Dean. Rory and I have both told you how he is around her at school, 'cause she won't go out with him. Anyway I had to do something," explained Dawn.

"Alright Dawn, it seems you did the right thing, although it might make you some enemies at school," said Willow.

"Dawnie why don't you get out of your dress and ready for bed?" said Tara. "Do you want some cocoa?"

Dawn smiled at the blonde, "Yeah thanks," she looked at Spike, "Can you stay for a little longer?"

"'Fraid not Nibblet. If I'm not in New York before dawn... Well it would be bad. If I get the chance I'll come visit again soon, but if not I'll see you at Xander's and Anya's wedding in June." Spike kissed her on her forehead before hugging her whispering in her ear, "Don't worry about Madeline, everything will work out in the end." He felt her stiffen, "Don't worry I won't tell, promise."

Dawn blushed a little, "Thanks Spike... For everything!"

"My pleasure Dawn. Now I really need to be going," said Spike heading for the door, the three women following.

"Bye Spike, if we don't see you sooner we'll see you at the wedding," said Tara hugging him.

"Bye you three," said Spike smiling as Frank opened the car door for him.

Waving they watched as the car pulled away. Dawn nudged Willow and drew the redhead's eyes to the Gilmore's porch, where Rory could be seen making out with Dean.

They giggled at each other, before Tara firmly took each by an elbow and guided them into the house.

Dean pulled away from Rory smiling into her eyes, "That was quite a dance."

"I seriously don't know what got into him," said Rory trying to explain Tristan.

"I do."

"What?" asked Rory frowning.

"He has a thing for you," Dean said solemnly.

"No he doesn't. It's just a game to him or something."

"He has a thing for you," said Dean again.

"He does nothing but insult me, and make me miserable."

"He has a thing for you."

"I don't know how I feel about this whole situation," said Rory in frustration.

"What do you mean?" asked dean confused.

"I don't know...having my boyfriend willing to defend my honour. It's weird."

"Uh, boyfriend?" smirked Dean.

"What?"

"You said 'boyfriend,'" Dean pointed out.

"No! I just meant boyfriend in the sense that the whole defending me thing was very boyfriendy, but only in the broadest sense of the word, which doesn't even apply at all here," babbled Rory.

"You are seriously babbling," Dean laughed lightly.

"I didn't mean that you're my boyfriend."

"Okay," said Dean.

"I don't think you're my boyfriend."

"Okay."

After a slightly awkward silence Rory said, "Dean?"

"What?"

"Are you my boyfriend?" Rory blushed.

"In the broadest sense of the word way?"

"No, in the real, 'hi this is Dean, my boyfriend' kind of way."

"Well I am if you want me to be," said Dean quietly.

"I do," nodded Rory.

"Okay."

"So it's settled," Rory said.

"Yes it is," said Dean firmly.

"You're my boyfriend."

"That's the consensus."

"I'm feeling pretty good about this decision," smiled Rory happily.

"Me too," said Dean kissing Rory again.

Rory pulled away from Dean, "I have to talk to you about something."

"Ok, I have to talk to you about something too. Come here," he said kissing her again.

"Okay stop," said Rory pushing him away slightly.

"Sorry," he tried leaning in to kiss her again.

Rory placed her hand on his chest, "No, stay!"

"Why?"

"Because I really need to talk to you about something," said Rory.

Dean sighed, "Alright."

"It's about Todd."

"What about him?" asked Dean confused.

"What do you think of him?"

"He's my friend," Dean pointed out.

"I know."

"So that would signify a positive impression."

"Right. Okay. Good," said Rory nodding.

"Yes, can I kiss you now?"

"I'm not done yet."

"Fine. Go ahead," said Dean sighing again.

"Well you know Lane."

"Yeah, I do," nodded Dean.

"She likes Todd."

"Okay."

"And I think that they would really hit it off."

"You-you don't even know Todd," pointed out Dean.

"No, but you do. And you like him, you said so."

"I did," agreed Dean.

"Okay then. There you go."

"Okay, good. We agree," said Dean leaning in for another kiss.

But Rory leans away from him, "I think we should set them up."

"Todd and Lane?" said Dean stopping his attempt to engage in more kissing.

"Yeah. We could all go out together, like to a movie or something tomorrow," said Rory.

"Rory..."

"It would be really casual, no big deal."

"I just..."

"What?"

"I mean, I'm just not sure that I see them together," said Dean.

"You don't think Todd would like Lane?" asked Rory.

"I'm not sure."

"Lane is great."

"Yeah, I know."

"She's my best friend," pointed out Rory.

"Yeah, I-I know that."

"Todd should be so lucky to get a girl like her," said Rory, a little catch in her voice.

"I didn't mean..."

"I mean, I can't believe that you don't think that she's good enough..."

"No, no, no..." Dean tried to say, wondering just how girls could always seem to twist what you said.

"Or I don't know, pretty enough."

"I didn't say anything about her not being pretty enough..."

"Well you did," pouted Rory.

"Let me finish. I just don't know if he'll like her because I don't know what kind of girl he likes."

"Well..."

"But if you want to do this, then I'll talk to him," said Dean.

"You will?" said Rory happily.

"Yeah."

"And you'll mention tomorrow?"

"I will mention tomorrow," sighed Dean.

"Thank you," said Rory happily.

"You're welcome. So...was that it?"

"Yeah that was it."

"Then can we..."

"Kissing. Right, let's go," smirked Rory beginning to lean in again when the door opened.

They quickly separated and looked to the door as Emily stood there, "Oh I thought I heard you," she said looking at them, her eyes giving away the fact that she knew all along that they had been on the porch for the last five minutes.

"Grandma," said Rory blushing a little, "What are you still doing here?"

"I stayed to look after your mother," explained Emily before looking pointedly at Dean, "Thank you for returning my granddaughter home safely but it is getting rather late."

"Right, ah I should be going," said Dean looking a little longingly at Rory. "I'll see you tomorrow Rory, goodnight Mrs Gilmore," he said backing down the porch steps.

"Goodnight Dean," said Rory a little sourly that her grandmother had stopped their make out session.

With a gentle arm on her back, Emily guided her granddaughter into the house, "So tell me all about your dance."

"Yes grandma."

To be continued...