This chapter is wonderful. I like the Dawn and Buffy interaction.

"I didn't hate your linguini. I hated your clam sauce." Buffy smiled, faintly. "No, I meant.. you're good at taking care of us. Like mom."

"Oh." Dawn actually blushed. Buffy could see it overtaking her whole face, pleasure at the comparison, happiness so obvious she was surprised Dawn didn't combust. "Well, I, um, I figure... the whole reason I even exist is because other people took care of me." She smiled, and her eyes did indeed look like their mother's. "It's nice when I can pay that back."

This is very moving. I read in the comments above that you'll be getting deeper into Dawn's story in future chapters. I look forward to that.