Chapter 24

Connor plopped down next to Tara on the couch, exhausted. They had spent hours kindly interrogating and Warren his lackeys on why they were bothering Buffy. After losing his patience, Connor convinced his mother that, human or not, they had to beat it out of them. It took seven slaps in total for Andrew and Jonathan to give in and, thinking their night finally over, left for home only to be swarmed by a gang of vampires. "I'm exhausted," he whined, inspecting the bruises he got from the unexpected fight. Dawn sat on the coffee table in front him, the first aid kit in her lap. She sorted through the case, pulling out a few alcohol swabs and bandages. "No, not those!"

"Hold this," she ordered, ignoring him as she placed the sterile pads and medical tape in his hands. "You got some real nasty cuts on your forehead."

He huffed. "Yeah. One of the vamps had sharp nails. Slashed me before I even saw them."

"Did you guys find out what the nerd herd's deal is?"

"What else?" Buffy remarked as she walked into the living room. "Take over Sunnydale. Eliminate me 'cause I'm the big hurdle in their plans."

Tara frowned. "How are we gonna stop them?" Connor grinned mischievously. "Oh, what did you do?"

"He destroyed everything they have. He even broke their computer in half. With his bare hands." There was a gleam of pride in her eyes, as though she were boasting about his good grades. "I think it's safe to say that they're out of commission."

Dawn looked cheerful. "So, we can relax for a while. Finally!"

Connor shook his head. "Not me. I have to get back to L.A."

"Not without me," Buffy told him firmly. "This whole wonky no sun thing's gotta be dangerous and I'm not letting you go back alone."

"As if I was going to leave you behind."

The two smiled at each other. "Well, hold on," Tara started. "Have you guys called them? Maybe they've found something and are already fixing the problem."

"Oh, shoot." Connor jumped up to search his pockets for his cellphone. "I promised dad I would check in with someone when I got here. I completely forgot to call him last night. And today. He's probably worried out of his mind." When he finally found the phone, he was dismayed to find no missed calls. A sinking feeling settled into his chest. "He hasn't called… You don't think-"

The shrill sound of the home phone interrupted him. Buffy, worried by Connor's revelation, rushed to it.

"Hello? Will? Thank God, we were just talking about you guys. Is everything? …You did what? W-why?!"

The others looked at each other, wondering what was happening.

"But what if it isn't permanent anymore?... You're sure?" Buffy spared them a glance. "He wants what?" Her tone had dropped considerably and she had grown pale. "… Alright. Yeah, I'll ask Tara to find those books…. We'll be there tomorrow morning."

Her hand slowly dropped the phone back into the receiver. Buffy stared at the floor. She felt her entire body go numb.

"Mom? What is it?"

"It's… It's Angelus."

Connor's hands trembled against the steering wheel. After a restless night of sleep, they were on their way home. He could barely keep his eyes on the road, too busy watching the streets and making sure nothing would attack them. Buffy was awestruck by the morning sun disappearing into night as they entered the city limits. Connor, on his side, counted the stoplights they passed once entering L.A., the number of times Buffy coughed next to him, and more. Anything to get his mind off of what was waiting for them when they got home. Much sooner than he wanted, they were pulling up in front of the Hyperion. "You weren't as bad as a driver as you said you would be," Buffy quipped, trying to lighten the mood. He tried to laugh to appease her. "Hey…" She loosened his grip on the wheel so she could intertwine her fingers with his. "I know you're scared."

He rolled his eyes, annoyed with himself for appearing so uneasy. "How can you tell?"

"It's okay," she consoled softly. "Me too."

Connor's gaze snapped up to her. He knew about Angelus' time in Sunnydale, Dawn had told him all about it while he was packing. "But you've seen him like this already. You know what it's like."

"I'm gonna do everything to make sure you don't have to see him," she swore.

"You said it yourself, mom. He's not going to talk unless I'm with you." The concept of it was so wrong. Angel always did his best to discourage Connor from getting too involved with the more dangerous missions.

"Connor, listen to me. I need you to remember something."

She waited until he had calmed himself enough to listen to her.

"I know firsthand how painful and cruel Angelus can be, and I'm gonna be honest with you. It's going to be really hard to look at Angel's face and remember it isn't him talking to us. But you have to separate Angel from Angelus, even if they share the same body and the same memories, because that thing down there isn't your father. He will say anything to get under your skin. He'll find your weakness and exploit it until you can't breathe anymore. He'll lie with the truth…"

Connor's heart thudded hard.

"But it's not Angel. It's not what he thinks, how he feels. You need to remember who your father is and what he isn't."

He tightened his fingers around hers. "All this time I've been so scared of losing you again, I didn't even consider that I could lose dad too…"

"We aren't losing him, baby. I promise you. I'm going to get this over and done with, and then we're gonna shove that soul back into place, right where it should be."

"And it'll stay there?"

"Forever. And this time, it really will." He forced a smile, still unable to overcome the fear of never seeing Angel again. "You'll hold my hand all the way in right?"

"Only letting go to get out of the car," he answered. True to his word, they walked into the hotel hand in hand. Lorne, Gunn and Fred were huddled over a small monitor, their backs turned to them. "Guys?"

There was sadness in Fred's face when she saw them. "You're here!"

"It's good to see you, cupcake," Lorne told her honestly.

Buffy tugged Connor towards them. "Where is he?" Gunn nodded towards the TV. Wesley and Willow were on the screen, in front of a caged Angelus. "Been giving you trouble?"

"Tried to hurt Fred, but Wes got him with a tranq."

She let go of her son's hand. "Stay up here, Connor."

Without a thought, he grabbed her arm in protest. "I'm can't let you go down there yourself! I need to protect you from him."

"And I need to protect you. You're not coming." The glare she gave him told him that she'd lock him away if she had to. "And I don't want you to watch it either."

He scoffed. "You can stop me from going down there, but you're not stopping me from watching to make sure you're safe."

Seeing that he was as resolute about it as she was, she conceded. "I love you," she told him, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek before walking away. She heard him return the words to her before she closed the basement door silently behind her. Willow and Wesley, who were on their way up the stairs, looked at her in surprise but didn't say anything. It was better to save their greetings for a time when Angelus wasn't listening. Willow gave her a quick hug before following Wesley out, closing the door again. Taking a moment to compose herself, she stayed rooted to the top of the steps. Not that it mattered. She knew Angelus was already aware of her presence. As if on cue, he began to hum a light tune.

""If you go into the woods tonight, you won't believe your eyes. If you go into the woods tonight, you're in for a big surprise…"

Buffy took a deep breath before descending the staircase confidently. She raised a brow and leaned against the banister with her arms crossed. Angelus was up against the bars, grinning at her.

"I've been waiting a long time to see you again, lover."

"You know I gotta say, Lorne's told me about Angel's poor attempt at singing. You aren't any better."

"I don't get a hug?"

"Neither is your song choice."

She eyed the red line on the floor when he stretched an arm out towards her. "You're so far away. Don't you want to cuddle?"

Buffy remained unresponsive and studied the way he looked at her instead. She refused to twitch even a finger, not wanting to show Angelus how uncomfortable she was. There was no love in his gaze, and the softness in his tone made her want to vomit. She didn't know how it was so easy for him to pervert Angel's mannerisms, but she hated it. Pushing herself off the railing, Buffy grabbed the chair by the wall and placed it just before the red line. She sat down and rested her foot against one of the bars.

Angelus looked down at it. "Now is that really a smart move?"

"Not gonna lie to you. Didn't really think I'd ever see you again."

"You could take a closer look if you want."

"In fact, just a few hours ago, I was sure I'd be seeing Angel when I got here. I never gave him an ear lashing for leaving without saying goodbye, but I guess I'll have to wait again."

He leaned forward. "What's the matter, lover? Disappointed Soul Boy left without squeezing in one last fu-"

It took her less than a second to push off the chair and send her heel from its place on the bar straight into his groin. Angelus dropped to his knees with a groan. "Does it seem like a smart move now?" She smirked when he glared at her. "What do you know about the Beast?"

"That wasn't very nice, Buff," he growled. "I see you aren't the same mewling, little bitch I first met. When'd you grow a pair?"

"I guess around the time I sent you to hell." The corner of his eye twitched and she reveled in the fact that she somehow had the upper hand on him this time around. "The Beast?"

"If I remember correctly, I said I'd tell you andmy boy. Seeing as he isn't here, I'm not feeling really obligated to tell you anything."

"He isn't your anything," Buffy stated coldly. "You're getting what you want. He's watching from upstairs. Now tell us what you know."

"Hmm. I don't know. It's just not the same. I'd really like it if he came down here so I could get to know him. Throw around the old pigskin. Reminisce about the good times I shared with his mother."

It sickened her to think of his Sunnydale reign of terror. "Trust me, he knows all about our lovely past, Angelus."

"Sorry, love. I meant his real mother."

And just like that, he was in control once again.

"You do remember that you aren't his blood, don't you? That you're just a replacement? The toy that was bought after the first one broke. It just doesn't feel them same. I mean, why do you think he gets so riled up when you two fight? It's cause he knows he has to defend himself against someone that doesn't have any real claim on him."

Buffy lunged at the cage, grabbed him by the back of the head and yanked him hard. The sound of his skull clashing against the cool metal bounced off the walls. Angelus landed on his side, cradling his head.

He glowered at her dangerously. "The more you piss me off, the longer I'll keep you alive."

"Oh just try something," she dared him. "I've been itching to kick your ass since last night."

"Or maybe you should just bring my kid down so you can get lover boy back already."

"Like hell," she shouted.

Angelus jumped back onto his feet, beyond irritated that he couldn't get her to give up as easily as he could before. Seeing she was still within the red line, he was just about to give her a taste of her own medicine when a familiar scent hit his nose. A low chuckle rumbled deep from his chest when jean-clad legs appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Well, well, well… If it isn't my pride and joy." He was positively gleeful when he sensed Buffy's panic.

"I meant his real mother."

Connor shook furiously as he listened to Angelus ruthlessly mock Buffy. The way the slayer tensed showed him that he was baiting her effortlessly. Unable to bear much more of it, he pushed himself away from the monitor and stormed towards the basement, only for Lorne to jump in his way. "Maybe you shouldn't, Con."

"You can't stop me. Besides, you heard him. He'll only talk if I'm there."

"Your mom won't be happy," Willow warned.

He ignored them, stepping around Lorne and continuing on. He opened the basement door in time to hear Angelus request for him again. Ignoring his mother's refusal, he walked down, hating how pleased Angelus was to see him. 'He's not dad,' he reminded himself.

"Connor," Buffy hissed when he pulled her behind him. "I told you to stay upstairs."

"Like I would stay away after the bullshit I just heard." Connor examined the bruise developing on Angelus' forehead. "That looks like it hurt."

"Don't worry, son," Angelus leered at him. "I can take it."

'Not dad.'He pushed aside his trepidation. "I'm here. That's what you wanted right? For me to see you."

The demon grinned. "So, ready for Daddy's bedtime story?"

"I'm all ears."

"Good. Run along now, lover."

Buffy's jaw dropped. "You must really be insane if you think I'm gonna leave him alone with you."

"Mom, I can handle it."

She gawked at the boy. "Absolutely not."

"I'm pretty sure the world's about to end, Buff," Angelus drawled. "And you're wasting what precious time you have."

Connor looked at her pleadingly. "Please. Cordy needs us."

A sinking feeling settled into her stomach, realizing that she really had no choice but to leave. Buffy glared at Angelus one last time before kissing her son's cheek. "Remember what I told you."

When she was gone, he turned back to the cage. "I don't like what you said to her."

"What? The truth?"

"You hurt her," he reproached.

Angelus stuck his bottom lip out. "I'm sorry, kiddo. Daddy didn't mean it. Let me out and I'll make it up to her real good."

A lecherous sneer stretched across his face and Connor didn't miss the suggestive thrust in the demon's hips. 'Not my father.'

"Tell me about the Beast."

"Give your old man a hug first." His voice was so soft, so kind, that the teen almost forgot who was standing in front of him. When the boy didn't budge, Angelus dropped his arms and began his tale. "1789. I was in Prussia. Ah those Prussian girls. Must be the pastries. Worth the trip- all the sweetness gets into their blood."

Connor's fists balled tightly. 'Dad has a soul. Dad is different. This isn't him.'

"I was taking a shortcut on my way to Vienna, started feeling like someone was watching me. There were troops around. I'd run into them now and then. Not as sweet as the girls, by the way-"

"Get to the point," Connor gritted out.

"Patience, Junior," Angelus reprimanded. "I ran into a little massacre but… it seriously lacked in military precision. Bodies, bodies everywhere and not a drop to drink."

He didn't even flinch, not wanting to give him an ounce of satisfaction.

"So, I followed the trail and there he was. The Beast. We had a lot in common but he already knew that. He'd been watching me, staged the carnage to impress me."

Connor couldn't help but snort. "Impress you? Love letters and candlelit dinners weren't enough for you?"

The vampire actually appreciated the boy's humor. "He was having girl trouble. They're called the Svea Priestesses. Very powerful, big into banishing. The Beast was next on their list, but he couldn't touch them- some kind of mojo- but a vampire could."

He nodded slowly. "So he wanted you to kill them."

"Yup. I'd scratch his priestesses, and he'd scratch my back somewhere down the line…. But I declined. And he didn't ask twice. I probably could have been more diplomatic with my refusal, but I'm not big with teamwork."

"What did you say to him?" he asked curiously.

Angelus shrugged. "Where he could shove it, basically. I thought that was going to be the end of me. But, like I said, girl trouble. They appeared, started up the whammy and, poof. Gone."

"How?"

"Don't know, kid. I was busy with the passing out."

Connor stared at him for a few more seconds before heading towards the stairs. "Thanks."

"I don't get a proper goodbye? Might wanna respect me a bit more. You're not too old to put across my knee, sonny."

He paused. "Those are some strong words for someone who can't even reach me."

"Oh, I'll find my way out. And when I do-"

"I'll kill you," he stated with a glare, marching back towards the red line.

Angelus scoffed. "Please, mommy couldn't do it. You couldn't even take me if you wanted to."

"I don't think you wanna see me try."

"It's hardly even necessary. What with your temper-tantrum track record, I'll happily stake myself by the end of the night." Connor's heart raced and his teeth clenched. "Darla felt the same way. It made her sick, you squirming inside her. So she jammed a stake in her own heart, just so she wouldn't have to hear your first whiny breath. And fake-mommy was just about to do it to, wasn't she? Lose her mind just so she wouldn't have to deal with the pain of having to listen to your irritating whimpering. Mommy doesn't love me," Angelus pouted, mocking him, before winking. "God, kid, you're so far up her ass that if I didn't know any better, I'd think you really want to be there. Wouldn't surprise me, if you got the same kinks as me. Your sister Drusilla calls me daddy whenever we're wrestling around in the-"

"Get fucked," he snarled, racing up the stairs before the demon could say more.

Connor threw the door open and made a beeline for the hotel doors, desperate for air. He was just about to make it out when someone grabbed him and pulled him into their arms. He looked down at his mother, whose face was buried deep in his shirt. He felt a wet spot developing on his chest. The thought of Buffy crying was unbearable. Closing his eyes, he hugged her back forcefully, sending them stumbling away from the doors.

"It's okay," she mumbled while she rubbed his back.

"It's not him," he said, stating his thoughts out loud. "It's not him, it's not him."

Wesley came up next to them, clearing his throat. "We found where the Svea priestesses are. We should go. The others said they would stay here, ensoul him while we're gone."

"You up for it?" Buffy asked the boy.

"I need to be anywhere but here."

Connor stared at the calendar on the refrigerator door. A red heart circled one of the days, written inside were the words "Daddy's Birthday." Incapable of tolerating it any longer, he ran out of the house as he felt bile rise in his throat. He just made it to the lawn when he vomited out the contents of his stomach. Vaguely, he heard Buffy calling his name, but didn't have the chance to respond when he hurled up once more. When it was over, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve, panting slightly. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize," she told him. "I know it's hard to see. Humans…"

"It's not just that," he confessed. "They were a family…"

A tense silence passed before she helped him stand straight and walked him towards the car. "So your idiot father removed his soul for nothing. How do you think the Beast did it?"

"Probably wasn't him," Wesley noted as he drove away.

Connor caught what he meant immediately. "Cordy, then."

"Jasmine," Buffy corrected. "Well, on the bright side, Angel will be up and at'em once we get home. It'll be a relief to have him back on our side."

"Definitely," her son commented enthusiastically, still shaken from his conversation with Angelus.

The rest of the drive home was quiet. Buffy and Connor were both antsy, ready to see the missing member of their trio. The Hyperion's gates were a more than welcoming sightwhen they pulled up to it. Connor was out of the car first, rushing so fast that he had forgotten to close the door. Despite the night they had, Buffy and Wesley couldn't help but smile as they followed him. "You think he'll be alright after what he saw tonight?" her old watcher asked her.

"Do you mean the Svear or Angelus?"

"The latter."

She sighed. "He doesn't want to admit how badly it hurt him, but I can tell, and Angel will be able to see it too. We're going to have to deal with a Father and Son Brood-a-thon."

"Nothing you can't handle."

Buffy chuckled. "Yeah. Guess I've had my share of dealing with their moods."

"Will you be alright?"

She held the door for him. "Trust me. All I need is to look in his eyes and-"

They both froze at the sight before them. Their friends' bodies were scattered around the lobby. Books were torn apart, papers lying everywhere, and Connor was nowhere in sight.

"Fred," Wesley whispered before racing towards her. He felt for a pulse, and then did the same to Gunn who was lying near her. "They're alive." Buffy, who had hurried to Willow and Lorne, did the same.

"So are they."

"Mom."

Connor appeared from the hallway, his voice somber.

"The cage door was ripped open. He's gone."

Alarmed, Wesley ran into the back office, cursing under his breath the entire way. When he came back out, his face was ashen with dread. "So is his soul."

AN: Hey all, sorry for the late update! And thanks to all my reviewers and readers this time around! You all really put a smile on my face