(A/N): Finally 2 Dormon's lil part. He hints off 2 what I will hopefully b able 2 let you guys fully comprehend later, without Emily having to outright admit it. Thats the mystery part XD. This chap introduces Dormon's "partner-in-crime".

Yea and its just hitting me how much Ive changed Connor, which is kinda bad but kinda good 2 kuz I hav my other fik 2 write more along the IC lines. I also realized my image of Connor is really different. I was up for days thinkin about this. I imagine him smaller and not the whole "season 4 and 5 older Connor" but the "season 3 Connor" where he had that shaggy hair and young boyish look. You'll notice the actor Vincent Kartheiser, who was doing really good at the beginning lookin 16 and all, had his age kinda catch up to him since he IS a real-life 26-year old. I kant imagine cuddly-Connorness like that. I imagine it with this 1 pik of mine I found, so thats what I play after, and I would add the link, but links dont show up in here 4 sum reason...

Connor is meant 2 b a child so Ive made him one. It fits its purpose and adds the drama.

The song below is Stay Awake from Lords of Acid. Ummm I dun condone drug-use, cheating, racism, sugarism, or child abuse. Sex and sex talk I think is just nasty; it was really REALLY hard 2 write watever little part there is of it here. I DO, however, condone alkoholism, Lords of Acid, and the act of breaking lamps. Drink and b merry, I say.

- Blue Dolphin is a type of Extasy.

- The Beverly Center is actually a real and very famous mall in L.A. And f*kkin HUGE!

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STAY AWAKE

Thursday night- the feeling's right
Here comes the weekend, here comes the night
Gotta stay awake, to stay up late
They don't give a shit, they don't give a fuck
When the music's high in their spaced out club
When the alcohol rushes through their brains
And they lose control with the drugs they take

Friday night- the feeling's right
This is the weekend, the second night
Gotta stay awake, to stay up late
Don't wanna see the sun cause it hurts their eyes
Sleep the day away, come out at night
Pick up strangers, gotta get laid
Before the night is over they forget their names

Saturday night- the feeling's right
When it comes to Sunday they're riding high
Gotta stay awake, to stay up late
Need another drink to socialize
And a line of coke to feel real nice
Monday morn' they're in a lousy state
But they got three days to recuperate

Take me to oblivion
Make me forget
I stumble and I fall, got my back to the wall
I snug with the strangers flirting at the bar

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The deep poundings of the base resounded all around the room. Dormon sat in a somewhat inebriated stupor, one arm carelessly thrown around the back of the sofa while the other rubbed at his tired and surely bright red eyes, blinking back the sleepy haze that threatened to engulf him. He had already gotten up twice, once to retrieve his Jack Daniels and the other to get his "kit", so the prospect of getting up again didnt seem too pleasant. He leaned forward and coughed, while taking out a small mirror and placing it on the table in front of him, dismissing all urges to hit the bong that sat quietly next to him, before leaning back to tiredly relax in the position he was in before.

A light from the hallway to his side illuminated the edges of the shadowed livingroom, causing him to almost grimace in annoyance, but with the music beating away at his brain and the alcohol slowly making its way through his system, he just snorted with a smile lacking humor, especially at seeing his wife's shocked face.

"Th-The stereo's playing..."

"Well, whaddya know." Dormon rolled his eyes, taking a swig. He looked away from her.

"Do you...want me to turn it off?"

"No, dont touch it. This is a classic."

"But...the neighbors will complain-"

"-Let 'em."

"You never liked music before on..." This time her words were spoken so softly and her eyes were downcast as her hands clenched the entranceway she was standing in.

Dormon took another swig and cast a cruel smirk her way. "Yeah well its about time I got over that, dont you think? I mean, there's no one really here but you and me- Oh! But wait," he punched his leg for more mocking emphasis. "Damn, Len's coming over soon! Youre not gonna drag him up to our bed, too, and fuck him, then come back down with another shit, are you? 'Cause that really wouldnt help the healing process...You used the Led at the time, right, to drown it all out? Or was it Queen? The Doors?"

Even before he had finished with his harsh words, Emily had covered her trembling mouth with the back of her hand, body quivering as she gasped in guilt, eyes squeezed shut to prevent the thick tears from rolling free. "I hate it when you're like this," she whispered, voice sounding small and tortured, as she rushed past for the stairs.

"Its only the truth." He didnt smile now as he took another gulp, screwed the cap on, then placed the bottle on its side under the table. He took out a small leather zip-up bag and emptied out its contents as The Lords blared from the speakers directly behind him. Emily returned quickly from upstairs, this time leading their six-year old daughter Valerie by her small wrist. The little girl brightened as she saw her father.

"Hi, Daddy!"

"Hi, honey." He gaver her a big smile before turning back to his work, straightening the white lines on top of the mirror.

"Im taking her to my mother's instead so she can spend the night if youre having Len over," Emily said quietly but loud enough to be heard over the music, picking up random items here and there that Val wanted to take along. Dormon sneered at her still-trembling figure but said nothing. He took out a little straw.

"Daddy?" Val suddenly called out from her end of the room. Dormon looked at her, putting down the straw. "Is that more sugar?"

"Yes, honey. But remember what I told you- sugar isnt healthy for little angels growing up."

The little girl giggled, her smile enormous. "I know that! But Im getting bigger now! And Daddy's big too!"

"Thats right, honey. But youre still the only little angel Ive got."

Emily had grabbed everything and was now gently shoving their child towards the door. "Val, sweety, go get your coat and wait for me by the door." The little girl ran off to do so as her mother turned upset eyes to the man now bending over the coffee table. "I wish you wouldnt do that. Not while she's watching."

Dormon sniffed then wiped his nose, tasting the lingering substance drip to the back of his throat. "She doesnt know." He took back out his bottle and drank away the bitterness in his mouth, motioning for his wife to come closer, but she shook her head and backed away, looking towards the door. She jumped however when his voice rose. "Hey!" She turned back to him, mouth tightening up to a nervous line. "Come. Here." His tone was so calm and quiet, she didnt even think about resisting.

She made her way over cautiously, still looking behind to see if their daughter had come back in. Emily finally stood in front of her husband, looking down at the impassive man warily. He suddenly leaned forward and pulled her face towards his, looking deep into her eyes before kissing her shaky lips, pushing his tongue in to delve into her mouth. After a second, she made a small sound and tried to pull away as the kiss turned hard and bruising, but he kept her in place with a hand on the back of her head, deepening the kiss until she gave up resisting. He suddenly pulled away, but didnt relinquish his hold. He noted with satisfaction her lips were dark red and swollen.

"Dont ever tell me what to do in my own house."

As she stared back into his cold eyes and nodded, she was let up, and practically ran out of the room after grabbing her purse and keys. Dormon heard them both leave and sighed, raising the bottle back to his thirsty lips. After a few more gulps, he put it back under the table. The room was too damn quiet now. Even through the pounding beats of the stereo, he could still hear the silence and it was almost defeaning. He changed the track to something psychedellic with heavy breathing and straightened out more lines, all the while yelling, "Connor!" towards the upstairs, growing more agitated and enraged when the boy didnt appear. He was about to stand and drag the kid's ass down when the front door opened and Len walked in.

Len was an old high school buddy, in his late thirties, short greasy black hair, thin and wearing a black muscle shirt and jeans, while smoking a cigarette. He waltzed in with a smile that others would call a leer and sat down, pulling out a tin can and flask.

"Why you so fucking happy?" Dormon growled out, opening the can to find a bag full of blue pills and two smaller bags thick with chrystal meth.

"Found my wench cheating on me." He puffed on his cig, flopping his arms over the back of the couch and smiled wider.

"Do I hafta ask again?" Dormon smelled the pills and grew pleased, starting a count. "These Blue Dolphins?"

Len nodded and drawled out, "Found her in our bed with another bitch." He laughed, opening his flask.

"What did you do?"

"What any other good man would." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Damn bastard," Dormon growled again, sniffing more coke. "Take what you need. I got it cheap tonight. What happened to you yesterday?"

"Got laid. Dont worry, though, I was thinking of you the whole time," came the sly reply.

"You'd be dead before you saw the mailbox if you ever thought of me while something goes down on you." He sniffed another, but this time too quickly and he coughed, the last line blowing across the mirror and onto the table. "Shit!" he cursed, scraping it back up. He pounded the table in frustration, looking back towards the stairs. "Connor!" It was that damn kid's fault he was miserable today! "Connor, get your fucking ass down here! You hear me!" He sniffed the last line and sat back in anger, opening back up his bottle, gaze lividly fixed away as he drummed his impatient fingers on his knee. "I hate that fuck!" he snarled, clenching the bottle hard.

"Yeah, speaking of the kid," Len commented, reaching for the bong. "Is he upstairs?" He raised one eyebrow, breathing in deeply.

"Stupid fucker hasnt been down all day."

"Well, thats weird 'cause..." He suddenly shook his head. "Naw, nevermind."

"What?" Dormon narrowed his eyes.

Len just looked at him, then got up. "Lets go get him. See if I was right." His friend shot him a confused look but joined him, heading upstairs. Dormon bellowed one last "Connor!" before entering, swinging the door open heavily with a bang. The room was empty.

"Just like I thought," Len mused, leaning in the doorway. Dormon just looked around, shocked. When the hell did the kid leave? "I saw him, you know." The smirk in his voice broke through Dormon's haze.

Dormon turned to him and glared. "Where?"

"In L.A. At the Beverly Center. But thats not all. He was with two older guys. One was just a nigger but the other..."

"What about the other one?" Dormon's tone was clipped and like ice as he kept a somewhat controlled glare on the bed.

"The other was a suit. Talked like he would buy the kid anything his little ass wanted. But thats not all. They seemed a little bit...comfortable. Too comfortable if you ask me."

"What did this guy look like?" Connor was dead if it was that bastard. Once he was home, the kid would never see the light of day again. Never glimpse it, feel it, taste it, smell it, and if so, he'd be punished brutally for it, so he wouldnt want to. Dormon could already feel the burning smack of flesh on flesh, could already hear the little shit's pleas for forgiveness, could already see the bed shaking from the force of his beatings he would surely enact on the boy. Len didnt even have to answer. He already knew who it was.

"Lets see, tall, well-built, short dark spikey hair, pale...yeah."

Him.

Dormon steadied himself before his anger just snapped. His jaw clenched, teeth grinding together, and lax hands turned to hard fists and he angrily swept the room, honing in on anything he could take his anger out on. He grabbed a glass lamp off the desk and threw it.

KRAAASSSSSHHHHHHH The glass flew everywhere as they both reared back, Dormon breathing hard. His eyes were wild as he turned around.

"Better?" Len asked, smirking still from the doorway.

"No," Dormon shot back. "Not until my fist's found that little cunt's face will I be happy!"

"We needa get wasted, man. Lets head out to the bar and get a couple of shots. On me."

"..." They silently agreed and trudged out, Dormon casting his dark glare around the room one last time.

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"Connor," Angel gazed at the boy uneasily, speaking slowly and hesitantly. "What are you doing?"

"What does it look like, man?" Gun put in his two cents. "Your kid's gonna go all 'Quor-Toth' on our asses again!" It had been months ago, but the gang member still recalled blow after blow Angel's son had delivered, especially when it was directed at him. The kid could pack a punch and a painful one at that.

Angel turned to him. "Dont say that name aroun- Gunn!" Gunn had suddenly been slammed to the side away from him, punched in the belly, then elbowed in the back, further bringing him closer to the ground. He heaved then gasped, dropping quickly, only to stare up at the boy standing over him. The kid was serious!

"Connor, stop this!" Angel ordered, reaching for his son's shoulder, but with lightning-fast reflexes, his hand was caught within a smaller one's. Angel drew closer as they stared each other down, father searching deeply into son's eyes, hoping to find a hint of something to tell him what was going on. "Whats wrong? Connor, whatever it is, we can talk about it like a...like a family." At that word, Connor shifted, faltering.

Gunn still hadnt moved, gazing up at them from his fallen position on the ground, as his cell rang loudly. It was Wes.

"We picked up on a demon attack at the mall you all were going to, were any of you involved?"

"Errr yeah, and thats taken care of, but we've got an even bigger problem now. Well, bigger in a smaller package..."

"What do you mean? What is it? Is everybody ok? Should I send back-up?"

Gunn stated the situation as the scene in front of him continued. Connor tightened his grip and pulled forward, stepping to the side as his father flew by, shocked, and let go, watching as the vampire tumbled to the ground, rolling, before jumping up easily. He had no more time for questions, though, as a small body sprung at him, fist power-driving straight for his face. He blocked then batted away every swift punch after, finding an opening, grabbing his boy's front shirt collar, and purposely hauling him directly into his face. Connor looked semi-shocked as he was faced with another confused stare.

"Connor, what the hell is wrong!"

Connor gripped the fists clutching at his shirt as Gunn continued with his conversation on his cell, steadily rising to his feet.

"Wes, I think...Angel's got it under control now. Just...give us a second." He clicked off the connection and watched as Angel's eyes narrowed, confused and almost angry now at his son's actions.

Connor stared back, eyebrows furrowed as he weighed his options. He couldnt give up just yet. He had started this to make a point and he would atleast end that point by making a deal.

But to do that...

His feet still touching the ground as the vampire gripped him and using Angel's own hold against him, he stomped one foot to get more energy flow and flipped into the air, bringing down a kick to the back of Angel's head. Gunn stared on, slack-jawed, as the kid easily maneuvered into the air behind his father and threw out another side kick to the man's ribs, albeit going easy on him, since he didnt exactly have an intent on hurting the immortal too much.

Angel went down again, face hitting the pavement, but he propelled himself up just as quickly.

"Connor-"

"See?" Connor smirked. "I told you I could still fight." He tensed again and crouched low as his father turned to face him.

And suddenly Angel understood. "Is that what this is about?"

Connor just leaped forward, not answering as he delivered another powerful hit towards his father.

"Connor, Im not-" He made a grimace and grabbed his son's wildly aimed fist. "Im not going to fight you. We're not going to settle it this way." He tried to keep a hold on him, but Connor used that and slid his legs out from under him.

"We're settling it this way," Connor said, breathing heavily and flicking his hair out of his eyes. "And if I win, you have to agree to what I want. If you win, I'll follow whatever it is you say."

Angel rolled away yet again. "Connor, Im not-"

A high-kick well aimed at his head connected and his head snapped back, dazing him for a second. "You should atleast go into defensive." Connor didnt grin though even as he gave his snide remark. He didnt enjoy hurting his father, not anymore, and the mere fact that Angel wasnt even trying to atleast defend himself was driving him crazy. This time he threw even more wilder punches, hoping the man would just smack them away again, which he did, so Connor grabbed hold of one hand and threw his vampire father directly over his shoulder, but then flipped into the air himself as Angel copied that move. For an hilarious second, Gunn couldve sworn they were playing a backwards remake of Leap-Frog.

"Connor, this is pointless. We've already discussed it. You cant stay with me when Im working; it's too dangerous. You'll be safer with them!"

Connor let go finally and jumped to the side, giving a short laugh, but his eyes were far from merry. "And who told you that, huh? You dont even know what type of life you gave me."

Angel swiveled to meet his gaze. "A happy one. I was there the first night, I was watching from the window. I saw it. I saw you smile and laugh an-and..." He searched for the right words. "You were just so happy. I wanted to give you that and I still do."

"Then you just better hope you win, because if being without you is your idea of 'happy', then I want the most miserable life there is." Instead of throwing more attacks at the man, though, he shifted his stance and grabbed an unsuspecting Gunn, forcefully catapulting him at the vampire. They both crashed into each other with equal cries of shock, creating a heap on the ground. It was a last desperate attempt that Connor knew he had to take. If Angel wasnt going to fight him then Gunn would just have to take his place, hopefully angry enough now to actually fight back so he could show his father just how well he could take care of himself. And it worked.

Gunn scrambled to his feet, steaming. "Angel, man, Im sorry, but Im gonna hafta take out your kid. No one throws me around like that and gets off scot-free."

Connor smirked, waiting.

"Gunn," Angel warned, but it was too late. The gang member barreled forward, his fists madly swinging, but Connor easily dodged, first right, then left, then made a quick chop-fist to the man's neck, eliciting a grunt of pain, but Gunn recovered much quicker than expected and threw a retaliating punch that connected to the boy's cheek. Connor head spun to the side but he balled up another fist and swung-

Angel easily catching it in his palm. The boy's eyes widened but he made no move to pull his arm back. Angel looked at him calmly. "What do you want to happen then?"

"Uh-uh. Not 'til one of us wins fairly."

"Connor-" His son pulled his hand back and sent a side blow with the other but Angel ducked away in time. "Fine then. We'll do it your way." He suddenly grinned. "Just like old times? Father and son duking it out?"

Connor smiled as they started circling each other. "Naw, Im still kinda rusty." Angel laughed at that while Gunn stared on like they had lost their minds. "Plus, Im kinda sore from earlier." Connor patted his shoulder and tried not to make a face.

Angel straightened up, eyes growing worried, but his son waved him off before he could say anything, revealing the wound. "See? Its not so bad now. It'll just be a big bruise in a couple of hours." He was right. The gash had already almost fully healed, now just an ugly blood-crusted scar surrounded by a green pigment. He rubbed around the edges, frowning. "Its really itchy though-"

"-Its healing." Suddenly the vampire was towering directly over him. Connor yelped in surprise and tried to jump back, but Angel grabbed him, slipped an arm behind his back, and bent him backwards. He fell off balance and the immortal tightened his hold, supporting him. "Ive got you," Angel reassured as his son looked up at him, wide-eyed.

"That...That was cheap! You grabbed me while I was talking."

"You talk too much. Thats going to be your downf-" Suddenly, roles were reversed and Angel found himself on the ground.

Connor smirked, looking down at him. "-fall?" He finished.

"You could have atleast caught me," his father grouched.

"Ummm in case you've forgotten, youre kinda bigger than me."

They circled each other again, Connor making the next move, dashing forward and making a round-house kick from the right. His father blocked it with both fists up then kicked his left leg around, hitting the boy in the square of the back. Connor faltered but reciprocated with his own left kick which Angel was ready for, but it was faked and he was too slow to catch the right fist that aimed at his head. He flew to the side but was caught this time and pulled backwards just as he had done to his son before.

Connor grinned down at him. "Nevermind, youre not that heavy." He still dropped him though, not wanting to carry the weight for long. He struck out with his elbow to deliver a blow but was caught by an arm to the chest and propelled to the ground on his back. Angel held him down as he got up. He wiped himself off then offered a hand down to his son.

Connor stared at it then up at the vampire before accepting it quickly, kicking a foot to the man's chest, and flipping him over to land behind him. He leaped up and plopped down on the vampire's chest, straddling him with a victorious smile, a hand to his throat. "I win." Angel tried to catch his bearings then deflated, admitting defeat. Connor lowered his hand and let out a heavy breath. "See? Told you I could still fight. I dont always need you protecting me, Angel."

"I think you do." Suddenly a hand came around and playfully bopped him in the back of his head. "Always remember, an enemy's not down for the count unless he's unconscious, tied up somehow, or dead."

Connor gave him a lop-sided grin. "Yeah, well...like I said, Im a little rusty."

Angel laughed again then grew serious. "Ok, so you win, now whats this deal?"

His son gave him a blank look. "I uhhh...actually...havent thought that part up yet." He stood up and offered a hand to his father.

Angel dusted himself off then gave a shocked look. "So this was all for nothing?"

"No,...I was just gonna..." Connor folded his arms, looking sheepish. "...think one up while we were fighting but I got distracted." He scuffed his shoe on the cement as he saw the vampire shake his head then start laughing quietly. Connor was suddenly pulled into a bear hug. His arms still folded around himself, he relaxed and let his father embrace him. Angel pulled back and ruffled his hair affectionately.

Connor smiled up at him, a twinkle suddenly in his eyes. "You know...I could always decide with an ice cream in front of me-"

"-I second that!" Gunn called out from his spot by the limo. He had watched the rest of the fight from there with interest.

"Ice cream? In this weather? In a limo?" Angel raised an eyebrow.

Connor inclined his head to the side, nodding. "Yeah."

The boy was suddenly enveloped once again. "Alright."

"Gyaa, youre such a mother!"

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They pulled into a Dairy Queen to get the ice cream, Connor suggesting with a serious face that they use the drive thru, it would be faster, and Angel of course had agreed, preparing to signal to the driver, that is until both Connor and Gunn burst out laughing, reminding him exactly what they were in.

"Angel, man, what the hell is with you? You've gotten so serious! You were never this uptight before!"

"He used to be funny?" Connor asked in an exaggeratingly shocked voice. He was sitting beside the vampire so the man easily reached over and gave his son a noogie.

After they had gotten their treats, Connor paying for Gunn's as a small token of apology, they headed out, signaling the patient driver to continue on to Connor's house.

"You dont like ice cream?" The blue-eyed boy asked his father, licking at his own dripping cone of chocolate and vanilla swirl. Gunn had chosen a banana split.

"Ive never had ice cream before."

At that, two pairs of jaws just dropped.

"What?"

Connor blinked at him. "Youve never had it before? Are you serious?"

"No way, he's lying. Every vampire in L.A.'s had ice cream. Ive even seen Spike eating one," Gunn argued.

Connor held his cone out. "Do you want to try it?" Angel looked unsure but reached for it anyways. However, Connor pulled it back quickly, grinning cheekily, continuing his licking. He then offered it again and Angel again reached for it, but Connor pulled back at the last second, eating more. Gunn held back a laugh at seeing Angel's face. After a while, Connor did it again and the same exact thing happened, this time Angel biting back a growl.

"Its so good, ooooh I luv it," Connor teased, holding it back. "Its so cold and gooey and the vanilla tastes so sweet. Sooooo much sugar ooooooh." Angel turned away in annoyance just as Connor leaned forward, offering his desert again. "Do you still want to try it?" He grinned even wider as the vampire tried to ignore him. "No?" He finally shrugged and scooted close, leaning against the older man. Gunn noticed with a knowing laugh that Angel looked ready to scold as if irritated his personal space was being invaded, but as the immortal looked down and Connor looked up, smiling innocently, he rolled his eyes and again gave in to the boy's wicked charm. Repositioning himself, he slid his left arm around the boy's waist and pulled him in closer so that the boy rested against his chest.

Connor gave no complaint, merely reaching up and finally handing over the ice cream. "Like it?"

Angel made a face and handed it back quickly. "Bah. Too sweet."

"zyou take so much fun outta stuff, you know that?" He watched curiously as Gunn consumed his food like a garbage disposal and after a few moments of silence, he spoke up again. "So I was thinking...about the deal, you know..." He shifted uneasily and continued. "How 'bout I spend the nights with you? At the Hyperion, I mean."

"Every night?"

"Yeah. Well...every night you have off. I probably cant on Christmas, but..." He looked up to see his father's crestfallen face. "I mean...Well, we could celebrate on Christmas Eve. Most families do that. Do you get Christmas Eve off?"

Angel nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, of course. And we'd have to talk things over with your...with them about the other part, but yeah, that would be...nice." In truth, he was ecstatic. Having his son with him every night would be almost like he lived there and that was very much close to a goal that he wouldnt be able to achieve for the next year and a few weeks. He couldnt let himself get too excited just yet though. "If it all goes alright, I could have Wes or Gunn here pick you up and take you to the hotel until I get there and then drop you back off in the afternoon-"

"-Yes! No school for me!"

"...Oh...Wait, what?"

"Just kidding just kidding, geez. Dont worry, I'll just bring my backpack and you guys can drop me off there. Christmas break starts after tomorrow anyways and I dont hafta go back 'til the 4th." He finally finished the rest of his ice cream and leaned back more comfortably, suddenly grinning evilly. "Christmas is coming up."

Angel acted as if he hadnt known. "Hm? Whats that?"

"Oh come on!" Connor jabbed a finger into the older man's side as Gunn let out a chuckle, pouring himself a soda from the mini fridge on his side. "So? What didja get me?"

Angel grinned, poking the boy's belly with the arm that was wrapped around him. "Ive only got one major thing so far and its a secret"

Connor, of course, already knew it, but played along, enjoying himself. "If you tell me what it is, I'll tell you what I got for you-"

"-What did you get me?"

Connor looked at him with a dead-serious face. "A karaoke machine."

Both adults grew pale, Gunn even more so than the vampire. "Oh God," the black man groaned. "Please tell me you didnt."

Connor held it in for as long as he could then let out a howl of laughter. "Yeah right! Like Id ever wish that upon the world! You shouldve seen you guys' faces! Ahahahahaaaa!-Gya OK OK! Sorry! Angel...Choki-" Angel mock throttled his son, glaring as Gunn held his side from across the limo, tears almost pouring out his eyes he was laughing so hard.

"Its not funny!" The vampire growled, still strangling his boy. "I hate singing." He shuddered, letting go. "Dont even joke about that." Connor just grinned and layed down, resting his head in the immortal's lap, but after a while, he erupted in little chortles. Angel eventually smiled at the sound, absently carressing the boy's dark hair.

And Gunn of course had to give his lasting comment on the previous subject. "Damn, I was so scared I almost peed myself..."

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After a while, they finally noticed they had come to a complete stop. Neither wanted to move, but they did so reluctantly, stepping out of the fancy vehicle. Connor's heart leaped to his throat as he saw both cars parked in the driveway. He had been hoping Dormon had suddenly gone out, like he did almost every night, but apparently no such luck. Now there was no way Connor could let his vampire father speak to the man. Dormon was most likely passed out on the couch drunk, considering it was a Monday night. He didnt want to let Angel and Gunn witness that. If Angel really knew what kind of father he had given his child away to...

Connor grew more and more nervous as they approached the door, Angel patting his shoulder reassuringly when he saw his son frowning to himself anxiously.

"It'll all be OK. If I apologize for my actions yesterday, Im sure he'll atleast hear us out about you coming to stay with me for the evenings. And then after that, we'll work something out. I understand he still thinks of himself as your father." He grit his teeth, unaware, though, at saying those words. In his eyes, he was the only father Connor would ever have and need. "Im sure it'll all be OK," he said again. Connor, however, wasnt so sure.

He worried about other things.

They were finally on the doorstep, Connor mulling on what to do next. The door was surely unlocked, but if they just walked on in and Dormon was passed out drunk or stumbling around yelling, then...No, that was out. Connor looked towards the doorbell. If he rang it, not only would it look weird, but if Emily wasnt the one that answered the door quick enough...

He could always knock, but that would seem odd, too.

His best bet was getting Emily alone so that Angel could only talk to her, but if Dormon was awake and not completely trashed, there would be no way he would let any kind of interraction take place. Connor chewed his lip uncertainly then turned to look at his dad. "Uhh let me go get them. They could have...company over or...something. Stay here."

Angel gave a small smile. "Alright. Its not like I can go in anyways. I still have to be invited."

Gunn looked over at him. "You know, I always forget about those little details."

"Oh, well, youre always welcome by me, its just that they have to be ok with everything and ...well, you know." Connor bit is lower lip, then finally grabbed the doorknob. "Be right back." He was about to twist it, but it already turned in his hand, and he jumped back, startled, as the door was flung open.

"Connor!" Emily stood there, breathing heavily and just as surprised, a large black trash bag in her hands.

Angel quickly offered a some assistance. "Here, let me help you with tha-" But Emily pulled back, looking quickly to the boy.

"-No! Um Connor, sweetie, here. Go take this to the end of the street please." She handed over the bag, and Connor, hearing the clinkings inside, knew exactly what was going on. He nodded and walked off as the mother looked over at the two men in front of her. "Thanks for the offer, though, Mr..."

"Angel," Angel politely offered his hand as Gunn did the same.

"Right, right, sorry, I forgot. Its been a busy week."

"I understand," the vampire answered smoothly. "Listen, uh, do you have a moment? I would like to discuss something with-"

"Im sorry, but I dont." She looked behind them, eyes darting around almost frantically as Gunn raised an eyebrow also looking around behind them. Connor jogged back up to them and stood by his father's side, gazing between them all curiously.

"Well then, could I possibly speak to your husband for a moment?"

"Again, no, Im sorry, but he's not home right now. He's out with a friend." Connor silently cheered as Angel frowned then sighed sadly, out of options. Emily nodded her head to the boy. "And you, mister, have school in the morning. Come on inside and get cleaned up." She held out an inviting arm and Angel smiled, instantly liking the woman being so gentle with his son. He nudged his son's back then patted his hair, smiling down at him.

"I'll go bring you your bags." He turned to Mrs. Riley. "Thank you, Ma'am, for your time."

And she politely nodded back, hugging her son to her side. "No, thank you for bringing him home safely." Angel nodded again and he and Gunn walked away to the limo as Connor looked after them, longingly.

"Uh, Mom, I'll be inside in a second. I should probably say goodbye." Emily nodded and stepped inside as Connor went to join the others. Angel smiled at him, taking the bags out of the trunk.

"I guess we'll have to plan this talk some other time."

Connor shook his head quickly, grabbing what his father handed him. "No, I'll talk to them tonight and call you tomorrow with their answer."

Angel frowned at him. "Connor, I would feel better talking with them myself, though-"

"-I know, I know. So...will this thing be working by tonight?" He decided to change the subject, holding out his new phone still wrapped up in the box. Angel grinned down at him.

"Yeah, just charge it up for awhile, well you should charge it up the whole night, but if you want to call me later, it'll probably be working. I'll most likely be up all night."

"Geez, dont you sleep? Oh wait, vampire." Connor smirked cheekily as the immortal tossled his hair then put a hand on his shoulder.

"How's your wound?" He took the initiative and pulled down the boy's neck collar, showing a somewhat medium-sized green and purple bruise. There wasnt even a scar anymore. He whistled. "Wow, its healing up nicely."

"Yeah, must have been the ice cream."

"I bet," Angel laughed, then stared down at his son again. "Uhh...the rest of the clothes should be the right size, but if theyre not, keep the receipt so we can take them back" Connor nodded but didnt look up, so the vampire put a finger under his chin and lifted his head. "Hey," he said quietly. "It'll all be ok, you'll see. Even if they dont agree, I'll still find a way to come and see you."

"You could always kidnap me, you know." Connor didnt know if he was making a joke or not.

Angel looked deep into his eyes then inclined his own head, carressing the boy's cheek with his thumb. "If it comes down to it then yes, I'll even take that into consideration," he laughed, pulling him into a hug. Connor at first didnt move, then slowly wrapped his arms around his father's waist, hugging back even tighter. They stood like that for a while, Connor trying to burrow his face deeper into the man's dark jacket as the vampire played loosely with his hair, staring down.

Connor finally pulled away, huffing. "Ok, ok, enough of this embarrassing stuff." He rubbed at his eyes and turned away, folding his arms, but Angel pulled him close again and kissed the top of his head.

"If you can, call me later tonight with the answer. Now get inside so I know youre safe." Connor nodded, picking up his bags, but only backed away up into his driveway, watching as his father bent back into the limo. Gunn waved from the other side then got in himself. Connor waved back slowly but otherwise didnt move. And as Angel turned away from the window, fearing he wouldnt be able to leave if he watched his son get smaller and smaller in the distance, and as the limo pulled away to head back to the law firm, the vampire quickly glanced back as a silent goodbye for the time being.

But for a second...Just for a second, as he gazed upon his son's small form waving back at him, he couldve sworn he saw a familiar figure dressed all in white standing beside the boy.

A figure who's mouth was open in a silent scream.

A figure who's eyes poured forth blood tears.

lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost lost

(A/N): Yeah, sorry this was late. I revamped...hahaha funny word... most of the other chapters, correcting mistakes and adding in stuff, but only little things. R&R if u wanna.