Methos let his senses take in the quiet ambiance that seemed to permeate the quaint little town Joyce had chose to live in. ‘Quiet on the surface maybe,’ he thought to himself as he turned the corner onto Revello. ‘But I can feel the darkness under the surface, just waiting to get out.’ He paused in front of the small, craftsman-style bungalow that belonged to his baby sister and laughed softly as Dawn came flying out the door.

“Uncle Methos! Uncle Methos! You came back!” Dawn screamed as she launched herself into his arms.

“I said I would, now didn’t I?” Methos said as he caught the young girl up and gave her a gentle hug. “How did you sleep little one?”

“Okay I guess…” Dawn murmured. “Kept hearing these weird noised, but I couldn’t figure out what they were.” Her eyes twinkled with mirth. “I do know they were coming from the basement though.”

“Oh really?” Methos queried with a sly grin. “Maybe Buffy was beating on…” Methos paused; searching for the name of the blonde-haired person, he had seen kissing Buffy last night.

“Why would she beat up on Spike? I think she likes him.” Dawn stated in that high-handed teenage tone that indicated she thought you were stupid or something. “It’s obvious.”

“Obvious huh.” Methos remarked as he led Dawn inside the house. “Why don’t I make you some…” he paused glanced at his watch, “lunch, and you can tell me all about this ‘Spike’ person that Buffy seems to like. Okay munchkin?”

“Sure, I want pancakes though.” Dawn stated emphatically as she plopped down on a stool at the kitchen island.

“Pancakes…” Methos slipped his trench coat off and hung it on a hook beside the back door, revealing a cream-colored sweater and black dress-slacks. “How about I make crepes instead?”

“What are crepes?” Dawn asked.

“Kind of like thin pancakes, with powdered sugar and fruit,” Methos replied distractedly as he dug through the cupboards and fridge gathering his ingredients and utensils.

“Cool, sugar and fruit. I can handle that.” Dawn practically bounced in her seat.

“So, tell me about this Spike person,” Methos requested as he started mixing up the batter for the crepes.

“Well, he’s cool and treats me like I’m his baby sister. Watches over me and stuff. Makes sure nobody hurts me, or mom.” Dawn thought for a minute. “Pretty much the entire town really. If he can I mean.”

“Protects you from what?” Methos inquired as he spread the batter into a nicely heated pan.

“Demons, other vampires…” Dawn trailed off with a giggle, “Teenage boys.”

“Other vampires?” Methos raised one eyebrow at Dawn, “What do you mean, ‘other vampires’?”

“Oops,” Dawn muttered. “I don’t think I was supposed to tell you that.”

“Why not? Would he get angry? Maybe hurt you?” Methos inquired as he rolled the thin crepe into a tube and dusted it with powdered sugar.

“NO! Spike would never hurt me. It’s just…” Dawn trailed off, obviously searching for a way to explain to Methos about Spike. With a sigh, Dawn decided to tell everything she knew. “I know he explained to Buffy, so maybe its okay. Spike is a vampire, over 100 years old. He’s also related to Giles, I think he’s his uncle or something.” Her eyebrows scrunched in thought. “Oh and he hasn’t killed an innocent human in decades.” Dawn finished her rambling explanation and smiled brightly at her uncle.

Methos chuckled as he placed a plate of crispy crepes and sliced peaches in front of Dawn. “Thanks kiddo. Now eat up.” He leaned back against the counter and watched Dawn dig into the crepes. Hearing sounds from upstairs; he turned back to the stove and began preparing another plate for Joyce.

“Uncle Methos? How come all the questions about Spike?” Dawn asked around a mouthful of fruit.

“I’m just worried about Mother; she’s been hurt really bad in the past. I don’t want her getting hurt again.” Methos replied distractedly.

“I’m sure Spike wouldn’t hurt her for the world, Methos.” Joyce interjected as she entered the kitchen. “Mmmm, something smells good.”

“Have a seat sister-mine and I’ll have this ready for you in a second.” Methos said as he deftly flipped the crepe. “How do you know he won’t hurt her?”

“For one, Spike doesn’t hurt those he cares about. In addition, he appears to care about mother a great deal, even though they only met a short time ago.” Joyce replied as she slipped onto the stool next to Dawn, ruffling her daughter’s hair as she did so. “If you want to know more about him, I suggest you talk to Spike.”

“I was planning on talking to him, maybe over a pint or two,” Methos said as he slid a plate of crepes in front of Joyce.

Dawn giggled, “If you are planning on getting him drunk, good luck!” She stood up and darted out of the room, her laughter following her.

“What does she mean, ‘good luck’?” Methos asked of Joyce.

“Just that it takes a lot to get Spike drunk.” Joyce replied as she savored the crepes.

“Oh I’m sure I can handle it.” Methos replied distractedly as his ears picked up muffled sounds coming from the basement. “Heh seems Dawn was right, they DO make weird noises.”

Joyce giggled, “Yeah, might have something to do with the sound-deadening insulation we put up. Spike has extremely sharp hearing, and it makes it easier on him with it in place, otherwise there is no way he’d be able to sleep.”

Methos nodded and grinned, “Well, from the sounds of it they are awake and should be up soon…” he trailed off as the sounds changed in intensity, “Maybe.”

Joyce reached for the phone as it started ringing almost demandingly. “Hello? Yes dear, we are awake. You will? Okay, see you soon. Bye.” She sighed as she hung up the phone. “I think we better clear this up, or Rupert will have you feeding him too.” She said with a chuckle.

With a look of horror on his face, Methos collected the dishes and began washing them, along with the pan and other utensils he had used. “Despite Mac’s insistence, I am NOT a cook.”

Joyce left the room, laughing softly as she went upstairs to get dressed, the sounds of her brother swearing up a storm making her feel more at home than she had in years.