And the others noticed. Dawn flowered under his attention. She was less klutzy, she was leaving Buffy and Riley alone more, and she was able to understand more of what was being discussed by the adults. But what was even better was she had a friend, someone who cared about even the most banal of things in her life.

"So, you're going to take me to that movie tonight?" Dawn was asking Lindsey about two months after he arrived.

Lindsey nodded. "Hey, you got A's this week on everything, even geometry. I think Charlie's Angels would be a good movie for you." He smiled at Buffy, who was behind the counter. "Females being powerful and smart."

"Not to mention gorgeous," Dawn added, catching the eye movement.

"Yeah, gorgeous," he said.

"She's taken."

"I know." He set his now ever-present bookbag on the table. He had started attending classes at UC Sunnydale when Dawn was at school. "What does she see in him?"

"He has muscles. He...well, he looks okay, I guess. Other than that, I have no idea." Dawn smiled at him. "How were your classes?"

"Nothing a night at the movies can't fix."

Buffy finished with the customer and came over to them. "I keep telling Giles we should start serving food." She sat down next to her sister. "What are your plans tonight?"

"Movie," Dawn said.

"Yeah...we're going to see Charlie's Angels." He pulled out an English book. "You're welcome to come, you and Riley."

"Actually, he's out of town for the week." She wiped her hands off. "But I wouldn't mind going. I think Willow and Anya and Xander were going, too."

"Then we can all meet there for the seven o'clock showing?" Lindsey said.

"Why not?" Buffy agreed. She and Lindsey had talked, and they had a tentative friendship. But Dawn wouldn't stop talking about him, so she knew a lot about him that he hadn't told her. Maybe that wasn't a good thing, but she couldn't help it. She had a need to find a reason to trust him.

"Sounds good. Think Mom will let us get something to eat after?" Dawn asked.

"Maybe," she said. "But I have to patrol."

"You always have to patrol," Dawn said, sulking slightly.

Lindsey reached over, put his hand on her shoulder. "I'll take you out for food before we go, okay? Maybe you and your Mom."

Dawn smiled. "Okay. It's a date." She got up and went towards the door. "Just want to get a snack."

Lindsey blushed slightly. "So...how have patrols been lately?"

"Quiet. More vamps than demons, which I like." She smiled. "How's the academic life?"

"Better this time around. I never knew UC Sunnydale had Master's level classes." He looked at Buffy closely. "You should get more sleep."

She wanted to argue with him, tell him not to worry, but he was right. "I guess you're right."

"I know the signs well. Used to wake up at five and go to sleep at three." He ignored the English book in front of him, using it as a headrest instead. "Sometimes I think you work too hard."

"Who does the work if I don't?" she said, going on the defensive.

"Riley. Xander. Anya. Willow. Tara. Even Spike, at times," Lindsey said, not flinching from her new position. "You need a night to relax. I know I spend my time watching Dawn, and if you say that's important then I'll keep doing it anyway. I like her. But even I could help."

"No one can help," Buffy said, starting to cry. Anya came in through the front door, and Lindsey looked at her. "Watch our stuff?" Anya nodded. Lindsey moved with Buffy towards the back room. "What is it?"

"My Mom...she's really sick."

"Dawn was telling me that."

"No...she went to the hospital yesterday. She...they don't know what's wrong." She wiped the tears away, realizing who she was with. "There's nothing you can do."

"Look, Buffy..."

"What?" Mascara was running down her face, her eyes were red.

"I can help. Give me a chance."

Buffy shook her head. "Protect Dawn."

"I can protect her and still help you. You concentrate on yourself and your slaying." He looked around for some tissues and didn't find any. "Look, come have dinner with us tonight. See the movie. Then see what I can do to help."

Buffy nodded, heading towards the bathroom. "Fine," she said. Lindsey went back out front.

"What was that about?" Anya asked.

"Family problems," he replied simply. "And stress. She'll be okay, though." But to himself he silently added (I hope).