Connection Part Two: Chapter Eight
by rockangelz25
“Angelus,” said the Master. “Good to see you.” His fruit-punch mouth widened in a larger smile.

Spike grinned a little. It was the big head himself. Things were getting more interesting.

“And William. You’ve returned. It’s good to see you as well… I’m glad that Darla’s old group is getting back together. It’s a shame that Darla can’t be here, too.”

“You know that I regret that at least as much as you,” said Angel. Buffy tensed at his voice; there was a slight difference, so far, between Angel and Angelus. This was really sounding more like Angelus than Angel.

“But you’ve got your Slayer now. How?” He put his fingers together, ready for the whole story.

“It was Spike here that did it.” Angel slung an arm around Spike’s shoulder. “Turns out he’s got an invite into the Slayer’s house; one that she keeps forgetting to take away. It seems she should’ve done that. He got her, the new little military boy, and brought them both here.”

“Kind of you,” said the Master.

“Yeah, well, that’s me—always ready to do something for the old grandsire.” Spike gave one of his more “typical” smiles.

“Hm. I don’t suppose you’d let me have a taste?”

“I would, but you see, I’ve got all kinds of things planned for her. I don’t really want to use her up quite yet. You can have her when I’m done, if you like—or the Slayer after that. I know you don’t like the castoffs.”

“No. I don’t. But thank you, Angelus.”

“No, thank you,” said Angel as he swung the axe at the bald head. The body dusted, leaving the bones on the ground.

“We were lucky he was alone.”

“What about the bones?” asked Buffy. “They can be used—the resurrection spell—or someone’s going to notice them.”

“It’s fine.” Angel reached down, scooping them up, sliding the lead on her leash further up his wrist. “You okay?” He looked up to check on her. She nodded, touching her throat a little.

“Good.” He grabbed all of the bones, taking them to a large dumpster nearby. Opening it, he dumped them inside.

“Someone’s going to notice he’s missing,” said Faith. “We’ve got to go.”

“Right. We can go back to Buffy’s place.” Angel looked at her. “Only thing is, you’ll have to invite me back in.” She looked back at him.

“Let’s go.” She didn’t smile, didn’t respond in any other way. She just started walking, and he followed her. Spike shrugged, putting an arm around Faith’s shoulders, and started after them. Willow and Riley walked, Riley a little ahead of her. Xander put his arm around Willow’s waist. She nuzzled him a little, putting on a show for the vampires she knew were nearby. Even if they hadn’t seen the Master die, they would see the others.

Buffy walked up to her house. She got inside of the doorway, then turned around. “Angel,” she said formally, “I invite you in.” He gravely nodded, stepping inside. Faith and Spike walked in behind the two of them. Riley walked inside, practically dragging Willow and Xander behind him. In fact, they got stuck in the door.

“Ow,” said Willow. Xander pulled his hand off of her, letting her in ahead of him. He followed, turning around to look out on the street, and give whoever had to be watching a thumbs-up.

Willow ran up the steps, letting go of Riley. He gave her a questioning look.

“I still can’t stand the leather,” she explained.

“Faith. Need to talk to you for a moment, pet.” She and Spike walked into the kitchen together. Angel and Buffy both watched them, not knowing why they each felt twinges of jealousy. Xander followed Willow up the stairs; also to get out of the leather.

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