Cordelia looked at ‘her guys’ to defend her, but when they averted their eyes from hers she exclaimed, “hey!”

“He’s joking, Cord,” Angel said mischievously.

“Yeah,” Buffy agreed watching Angel.

True turned and faced the pregnant slayer. Wearing only a pair of slacks, True stood in the middle of the group exposing his mysterious tattoo. On his back, there were two dragons fighting. One of the dragons sat on the back of his buttocks biting on the tail of the dragon that was perched on his left shoulder. Another smaller dragon twisted on his left arm and shot out flames from his mouth to the dragon on his shoulder. The flames continued past his shoulder and up his neck to his jaw swirling almost in a circle. The dragon perched on his shoulder was biting the neck of a dragon that appeared to have clawed his grip on the left side of True’s chest. Another dragon sat on the right side of True’s chest smiling rather evilly while dramatically pinching True’s right nipple.

“Nice,” Anya said pointing to his tattoos.

“Thank you,” True replied taking a few steps over to the couch and sitting down. He sat next to Dawn and looked at everyone. “I’m sure this wasn’t a courtesy call. I’m sure you have a lot of questions about any possible…what do you call it…drama that my little one’s may be up to.”

“Just a thought,” Angel said.

It was then that True realized the situation at hand. He looked at Buffy then to Angel then to Spike. He looked at Angel and momentarily stole the broody vampire’s eye from gazing at the slayer.

“Well, isn’t this interesting. Oh, my, my. Seeing your love carrying the child of your childe can not be easy, Angelus.”

Angel took a step backwards and looked away. He wanted to make True eat those words, but knew better. He tried to gain control of the situation, but felt heat within him when he heard True’s words ring in his ears, mocking him. “Since you’ve been here, you’ve not had the opportunity to speak to her alone. How sad. And pathetic.”