Chapter 15

Heroes

When Buffy and Natalie reached Giles house, Spike opened the door before they could.

"Buffy, you're alright," Spike said, relieved, as Natalie and Buffy walked into the house and closed the door.

"Yep, everything's hunky-dory, for lack of a better word. And the girls are safe, thanks to you." Buffy leaned up and kissed him.

Giles noticed and smiled. About time, he thought to himself.

Buffy and Natalie looked around. All the girls were sitting in groups around the room, talking non-stop. They all had sandwiches and water already.

"Well, someone's quick," Buffy said, impressed.

"Anya and Willow started on them right away when we came in," Spike told her. "Xander's helping with Alexa. Girl's in bad shape."

"How bad?" Natalie asked as Giles walked over to them.

"She's mostly just tired. She's also very dehydrated and extremely thin because of the lack of food, but she should be back to normal in a few days time," Giles explained. "I'm going to start taking the girls back to their parents tomorrow. I'll call their parents tonight to let them know that we're coming."

"Buffy, you're back!" Dawn exclaimed, coming out from helping with Alexa with Natalie right behind her.

"I think this is yours." Buffy took the bracelet out of her pocket and handed it to Dawn.

Dawn took it and smiled. "Thanks."

"Great to see you, Natalie," Joanna smiled.

"Great to see you too, Jo," Natalie smiled back.

"Well, I'd say mission accomplished," Buffy said.

"What about the Klakarec demons?" Dawn asked.

"Oh, we'll get them," Buffy said with a determined look on her face. "We'll get them."

"You were amazing today," Spike told Buffy that night in her room. He was sitting on the end of the bed.

"Oh, not really," Buffy replied. She was putting some freshly washed clothes away in her closet.

"Yes, you were. The way you take charge and make sure everyone else gets out before you...You're a hero, Buffy." Buffy's eyes shined with pride as she put away the last of her clothes and went over to him.

"You're a hero, too, Spike. You saved all those girls."

"I don't know if walking qualifies as being a hero, but thanks anyway," Spike smiled, putting his hands on her waist.

Buffy smiled back and wrapped her arms around his neck as they kissed.

THE END

Short chapter, but I like how it ended. Reviews appreciated!