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I
When Joyce and Hank first brought home Dawn from the hospital, the first thing Buffy noticed about her new sister was her hair. Dawn had fine light brown hair with a little pink bow in it. Her hair was the softest, silkiest hair that Buffy had ever felt. She would stoke Dawn’s hair to help lull her to sleep, and Joyce noticed.
“You’re the best big sister, Buffy,” Joyce would say, “Taking such good care of her.”
Buffy glowed with pride. She loved her sister more than anything else in the world, and the praise made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
II
As Dawn grew, Buffy continued to lull Dawn to sleep by stroking her hair. When Dawn came home from her first day of kindergarten, she cried because she’d missed her mother and sister when she was at school. Buffy sat with her that night, stroking her hair as Dawn curled up in bed.
“I don’t wanna go back,” Dawn sniffled, “I missed you.”
“I know. I missed mommy too when I went to school the first time. But it got better. I made lots of new friends. I’m sure you’ll start to make friends soon, too,” Buffy said.
III
Buffy was there for Dawn’s first school dance. Before the dance, she helped Dawn get ready by doing her hair and makeup.
“Will it be… awkward? I mean, there’s going to be boys there. And dancing. And dancing with boys,” Dawn said.
“It’s a middle school dance, Dawn,” Buffy said, “It’s going to be awkward.”
“Oh,” Dawn said.
“But I’m sure you’ll have fun!” Buffy said, as she brushed Dawn’s hair. “Hang out with your friends, enjoy the music, and maybe even dance with some boys. You’re going to have a great time.”
Dawn nodded.
“Hey! Sit still,” Buffy said, brandishing the hairbrush.
IIII
Buffy was home for spring break. College was proving to be quite the adventure, and she was grateful for the break.
She was lying in bed, looking out at the stars through her window, when there was a tap on her door.
“Come in,” Buffy said, half expecting it to be her mother.
“Buffy?” It was Dawn. “Can I… can I stay here with you tonight? I missed you.”
“Of course, Dawnie,” Buffy said, scooting over to make room for her sister. “I’ve missed you too.”
Once Dawn was cuddled up next to her, Buffy reached out to stroke her sister’s hair, until they both fell asleep.
+I
Buffy and Dawn were sharing a room in a cheap motel. The lights were off, both of them were trying to sleep, and Buffy’s body ached, exhausted from the battle for Sunnydale. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, only that Sunnydale was a crater. She couldn’t go home again.
But… she still had Dawn. Dawn was safe, and that was what mattered, right now.
“Can’t sleep?” Dawn asked.
“Not really,” Buffy admitted.
Dawn reached out, and stroked Buffy’s hair gently. The touch soothed her, and reminded her of all the times she’s comforted Dawn in the same way. “Just relax. It’s all going to be okay. Thing will be better in the morning.”
And somehow, Buffy knew she was right.