Title: Hangover
Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Author: veronyxk84
Characters: Spike, Dawn
Rating: PG-13
Length: 200 (Google Docs)
Content notes: Brief mention of underage drinking; some coarse language
Spoilers/Setting: Set between S5 and S6
Summary: Dawn spends some time at Spike’s crypt while she’s sobering up.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction created for fun and no profit has been made. All rights belong to the respective owners.
Author notes: Sequel to “Teen Angst” but can be read as a standalone.

Challenge: #443 - Cry
Also for: Square #3 of Hurt/Comfort Bingo by sweetspicybingo [Tumblr]

—

Dawn wobbled to the armchair in Spike’s crypt and flopped into it. “Ugh… my head is killing me!”
Shaking his head, Spike rummaged into his cabinet. “It’s gonna get worse. Hangovers aren’t fun.”
“Gee, thanks for the encouragement.”
“Hey, you decided to get drunk. Suck it up,” he said, handing her a couple of snacks.
Dawn grimaced. “I just threw up. I’m not hungry.”
“Technically, you should stay hydrated, but I don’t drink water and I don’t think a hair-of-the-dog remedy is the way to go here. Take these. For later.”
She grabbed the snacks and sighed. “I’m so stupid.”

“I second that,” said Spike, sitting on a stool in front of Dawn. “What in the bleedin’ hell were you thinking?”
“I wasn’t. I’m just… so tired of crying,” she said, even as a stray tear fell down her cheek. “I’m tired of being ‘the girl who lost her mother’ and I’m sick of the pity looks,” she sniffled. “Everything hurts so much.”
“’Fraid I can’t stitch up the wounds in your soul like I would with physical injuries. Those are harder to mend and take longer to heal.”
“You’re hurting too, without a soul.”
Spike shrugged. “I’m love’s bitch.”