"What you up to?" Angel knocks on my door, peeking his head around
briefly before entering.
"Reminiscing." I flip another page in the picture album lying in front of me on the bed. "You know, mom and I used to talk about you." I tuck my legs further under me, dragging the album closer.
"Now I'm scared," he jokes.
I ignore his tone, "no reason." I point out a picture of mom. "This one was taken shortly before she died. She was going out on a date and was so nervous. Dawny and I teased her mercilessly."
"That's a great memory to cherish," he sits on the bed, across the album from me.
"Mm," I agree half-heartedly, turning another page. "It's funny, when mom got to really know you, after you returned, she wasn't so mad at me for giving myself to you." Angel freezes, staring at me, startled by my revelation. I can't help but smile slightly.
"She still didn't like the age difference, nor the vampire thing, but she said she paid more attention to you, to us, once she found out about the whole Slayer thing. She once told me that she envied and pitied us." Angel nods, his eyes dropping to the bedspread, knowing exactly what she meant.
"What I find more humorous is that my so-called friends were the ones that almost drove me into Angelus' arms."
Angel's head snaps up, "Wha...?"
"I hated them for that," I continue bitterly, as if he hadn't spoken. "For blaming me - us - for doing something beautiful in the innocence and naivety of love. There were times when they were at me, when he was taunting me, that I just wanted it all to be over. Whether he killed me, or turned me, I didn't care as long as I got to have your body one more time.
"I know it was foolish," I stop whatever he's about to say by rushing on. "That it was stupid - but I love you so much, missed you more than I dared to admit."
I flip another page, my hand running over the glossy plastic, covering what's left of my old life.. "When you broke up with me, I knew why - deep down - putting aside all the 'sunshine and freak show' bullshit. I used to think we were stronger, more mature, that we could handle ourselves. In the end, you were the mature one, the realistic one. Not to mention the tension between us - sexual and otherwise - was tearing us apart." I pause for breath, to let everything sink in, but I need to get this out, before he can interrupt me and change the direction of what I'm trying to say. "I promised myself when you showed up a few weeks ago that I wouldn't push, that I'd respect any and all decisions you made. I didn't care in what regard our relationship stood - just as long as we have one."
He sits there, staring at me for a few minutes, scaring me and comforting me with his intensity. When he finally speaks, it startles me. "You know your mother was vital in my reasoning for leaving?"
"I know. She told me. I was so mad at her to begin with. Then I thought about it, thought about everything you said, everything the Mayor said, everything I had ever considered about us, and I let it drop."
"Just 'let it drop'?"
"Yeah. It still hurts when I think about it. Even now, sitting here with you, after everything we've said to each other in the past weeks, my brain can't wrap itself around graduation."
He nods, "since I left yo..." his head drops. "Since I left Sunnydale, you know, I've worked so hard, trying to make things right, to do the right thing. Not necessarily for redemption, but because I felt it was the right thing to do. You showed me that it was the right thing to do. You showed me the satisfaction this life can give. And yet, no matter how I try, no matter what I do, once they find out what I am..."
"They shun you. I know."
"Darla told me, not long after I was turned, that the things my father said, his defeat over me would last a lifetime. I didn't think.... I didn't believe her. Others I've worked with since then, some that I've worked closely with in the past few years, they all...," he throws his hands in the air as he stands. "It feels like they can defeat me, the way it took my father twenty years to accomplish, with a few simple words."
"I kinda know what you're feeling, what you're thinking. It's as if it's never enough, especially for those closest to us. Xander's little speeches - they cut worse than any knife or claw."
"He was the first to verbally attack me after you cured me before your graduation. I was feeling guilty enough for letting it happen. But they - all of them - the way they looked at me when they realised I'd fed off you...."
"Yet it's okay for Xander to do everything for his 1100 year old vengeance demon, but not for me to do the same for my souled vampire." I spit with true bitterness. "The double standards kill me - on many levels."
"What you said about Anya, did she really commit so many crimes?"
"I think so. For example, Will found a frat house full of murdered college boys - and the girl who'd made the wish. Anya unleashed a spider demon that caused said chaos, then it roamed Sunnydale for a bit afterwards. That's one of the very few incidents that I can prove was her doing." I take a deep breath. "I love my friends. For the most part. I'm very thankful for them, but sometimes they make me feel so alone. So different - and not in a good way. They don't trust us."
"They don't take the time to know us."
"I saw the way Cordy reacted to you just because of the clothes you were wearing. Giles did the same, not even really looking at us. That hurt.
"You are the only one I've ever completely opened up to. Riley and I were together about the same length of time as we were, even though I was more physically intimate with him." I watch as the hurt crosses his eyes. "In all that time I never let him see me. He used to complain that I never leaned on him, that I didn't let him into my heart. I guess I couldn't."
"Why?"
"Right off the bat, we had things separating us."
"You being the Slayer being one of them?"
"Yeah. But even after he found out, it was like he had to prove he was stronger than me, better than me. And the demon issues... I know he didn't mean it in a demeaning way, yet I always felt as though he had this stand on life and that was the only way things ever went down. So I held back. I never had to do that with you. You knew about the world, about me, accepted me as I am with all my gazillion faults, and still loved me."
"Here is where I recognize what you're talking about. I thought that since Cordy knew me, saw me after I'd changed, that maybe we could have some kind of a relationship. She never trusted me, not completely. Her insults, the snide comments and unknowing cruelty bore deeper than I thought. I missed the feeling of trust I saw and felt every time we were together. I wanted that back desperately."
"You probably convinced yourself you didn't deserve that kind of faith and love. But you do. With everything we do on a daily basis, why is it that we are told we are not allowed to have love? We both know people far less deserving that have more than satisfying love lives. Lives period. Yet we're not allowed."
"Until now." He steps closer, cupping my cheek in his large palm.
"The Powers have given us this gift, why can't the others accept it? Xander witnessed it, but he still lashes out at us?" God I wanted him to have a sound reasoning for my friend's behavior.
"I don't know, I don't understand why they turn against us."
"Could it have something to do with the Beast? Or maybe The First?"
Angel looks evenly at me. "This has been going on for much longer than that. I think it's fear, possibly jealousy."
My head drops, "I know."
"I don't want to admit it either, that after everything we've all been through, that they could think of us like that. Maybe we need to face facts. They will never truly accept us individually, even less likely as lovers. I can deal with that, as long as we're together. How about you?"
I tip my head sideways to look up at him. "You already know the answer to that. You have been my Guardian Angel since I became a Slayer. Then so much more. I've never stopped thinking about you, fantasizing about us being together - being lovers again. When things turned bad, all I wanted was to run to you, if for nothing more than an understanding ear to bend."
There's a knock at my room door. "Buffy? I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have four more girls on their way." Giles sticks his head into my room.
Angel groans. "I think I need to hire a cleaning service."
I step back, breaking the air of intimacy. "I can just see the ad now," I close the picture album, placing it on the night table. "Ex- Scourge of Europe seeking discreet cleaning person. Experience dealing with rambunctious, overly arrogant teen aged girls, grumpy vampires and eclectic demons an asset. Must be impervious to apocoli. Please forward resume to Hyperion Hotel."
Both Giles and Angel just look at me. Then Angel starts laughing, causing poor Giles to look like he's experiencing a coronary.
"He does do that," I tell Giles in regard to Angel laughing. "I know it's a scary sight." Angel shakes his head at me, still chuckling.
"Unbelievable," Giles looks from Angel to me, then back again.
"What?" I ask.
"The comfort level you've established. That you can be so blatant with one another. I'm not sure if I find that reassuring or not."
"I'm allowed to be complacent about my existence now." Angel's voice takes on a dark undertone.
"No, no..." Giles hurries on. "I meant no offence. This is paternal instincts rushing to the fore."
Angel chuckles, immediately relaxing.
"Would you two mind filling me in on this?"
Taking my hand, Angel leads me out and up the stairs, "I'll tell you as we're setting up the rooms." I groan; house cleaning was never my specialty.
**
Angel and I set out to find the new girls. Faith, Gunn and Fred; Spike, Willow and Xander - making three teams of us - all head off in different directions to scour the city. We pick the docks.
"This was so much easier in Sunnydale," I whine as we stroll. Taking our time seems to be the best bet for survival. The streets are crawling with demons - some friendly, some exceedingly not. "There was one bus stop, one tiny airport, only a few miles of docks. Here, I don't know how we'll find these girls." Pouting I belt a fledge towards Angel who easily stakes it. "At this rate, we'll need two days to reach the dockyard." Another vamp scurries behind a building obviously having seen what happened to his friend.
"And what about the quarterstaff thingy? How are we gonna get our hands on it?"
"It's being taken care of." Angel answers offhandedly.
I turn to question him.
Hearing the scream, just like the one from our dream, Angel and I bolt down the street. Rounding the street corner, I skid to a halt, my brain unable to process what's happening right in front of my eyes.
"You've ruined it all!" The Beast growls at an Uber vamp, who is standing over Cordy's limp body. Connor is kneeling at her side, in an ever growing pool of her blood.
Snarling, Ubie leaps over Connor and Cordy, going after the Beast. Swiping at it, the Beast bats the vamp to the side. Remaining standing, the vamp grabs the Beasts arm, moving as if to throw it off it's feet. Pulling as it spins around, it rips off the Beast's arm. Howling in rage and pain the Beast goes after the Turok-Han, ready to kill it. The vamp raises the arm in it's hands, using it as a weapon. Plunging it into the Beast's chest, it punctures the rock-like skin, shattering the creature.
My jaw hits the ground as the Beast dissolves before my eyes. As he disappears, the moon returns, shedding it's bright, white glow.
The Uber vamp sniffs the air, catching scent of something, it abruptly turns back to where Cordy is lying a few feet behind him. As it leaps back to the couple on the ground, I grab the axe Angel's been carrying, jumping after it. Landing in front of it, beside Connor, I swing, beheading it.
Angel is already at Cordy's side, checking for a pulse, looking her over before lifting her unconscious body into his arms. He bolts in the direction of the hospital, leaving me and Connor struggling to follow.
**
We stand in the far reaches of the waiting room, while Connor holds his vigil as close to the emergency area as possible. Leaning back against a corner, his arms crossed in front of his chest, his body rigid in concern and fear, his head bowed, yet his eyes are constantly moving under the fringe of hair - he reminds me more and more of his father.
I look back to Angel who is slowly pacing the room, his eyes alert for any sign - whether it's of danger, or doctor, I'm not really sure. Of all the things I've seen, especially lately, nothing seems to compare. I catch Angel looking at me, the fear in his eyes mirrors mine. It all hasn't computed yet. The Beast, the Uber vamp, and Cordelia lying in so much blood...
I shiver, thankful as Angel wraps his arms around me from behind.
"She's gonna be okay," he reassures softly, kissing my temple. I try to make myself believe him.
The hospital is a bustle of activity. Wounded are constantly pouring in, the doctors work non-stop behind the emergency room doors. Yet the waiting room is eerily quiet. I wonder how much of L.A. will be left when the sun comes up tomorrow. That's another thought that scares the Hell out of me. The fact that Angel will be restricted again. I was really enjoying being able to come and go as we pleased.
I heave a sigh, snuggling into him, pulling his arms further around me as we resign ourselves to the wait.
I think I was dozing against Angel's chest, letting him hold me up, when the doctor approaches Connor. Immediately alert, we move closer.
"There are some internal injuries, those we stabilized quickly. Her head injury is severe, but there doesn't appear to be much swelling," the doctor was saying. "We were unable to save the baby." Connor's head drops like a stone as grief engulfs us all. "We stopped the hemorrhaging fairly quickly. Barring any further complications, and with a bit of time, she will make a full recovery."
Jaw clenched against his emotions, Connor asks, "When can I see her?"
"She should wake in few hours, you can see her then."
"Thank you," Connor acknowledges quietly.
"There's some paperwork that needs to be addressed at the nurse's station." Connor looks up, slightly panicked at the doctor's words.
Angel immediately steps forward, "I'll take care of it." Connor looks at his father, dumbfounded. The doctor nods once, probably figuring out that Angel is Connor's father, then moves on, leaving us to deal.
"Connor," Angel calls softly as his son steps away.
He whirls back at his father, grief turning to anger. "You can't fix this, Dad! You can't make it better!"
"No, I can't." Angel admits softly. "But I can help you deal. Believe me when I say... I know what it's like to lose a child."
Connor's expression is unfathomable as he stares at his father. Angel moves closer, needing to comfort his son.
"Dad, I..." Connor's body sags. Angel catches him, pulling his son's body tightly against himself. Clutching at Angel's back, Connor buries his head into Angel's shoulder, no longer able to hold back the sobs of anger, fear and anguish.
I hang back, keeping an eye out, making sure they are safe, truly touched by the sight of them. Angel's eyes squeeze shut, a few tears escaping as the force of Connor's ragged sobs jar through his body.
How ironic that this may be what finally unites father and son.
"Reminiscing." I flip another page in the picture album lying in front of me on the bed. "You know, mom and I used to talk about you." I tuck my legs further under me, dragging the album closer.
"Now I'm scared," he jokes.
I ignore his tone, "no reason." I point out a picture of mom. "This one was taken shortly before she died. She was going out on a date and was so nervous. Dawny and I teased her mercilessly."
"That's a great memory to cherish," he sits on the bed, across the album from me.
"Mm," I agree half-heartedly, turning another page. "It's funny, when mom got to really know you, after you returned, she wasn't so mad at me for giving myself to you." Angel freezes, staring at me, startled by my revelation. I can't help but smile slightly.
"She still didn't like the age difference, nor the vampire thing, but she said she paid more attention to you, to us, once she found out about the whole Slayer thing. She once told me that she envied and pitied us." Angel nods, his eyes dropping to the bedspread, knowing exactly what she meant.
"What I find more humorous is that my so-called friends were the ones that almost drove me into Angelus' arms."
Angel's head snaps up, "Wha...?"
"I hated them for that," I continue bitterly, as if he hadn't spoken. "For blaming me - us - for doing something beautiful in the innocence and naivety of love. There were times when they were at me, when he was taunting me, that I just wanted it all to be over. Whether he killed me, or turned me, I didn't care as long as I got to have your body one more time.
"I know it was foolish," I stop whatever he's about to say by rushing on. "That it was stupid - but I love you so much, missed you more than I dared to admit."
I flip another page, my hand running over the glossy plastic, covering what's left of my old life.. "When you broke up with me, I knew why - deep down - putting aside all the 'sunshine and freak show' bullshit. I used to think we were stronger, more mature, that we could handle ourselves. In the end, you were the mature one, the realistic one. Not to mention the tension between us - sexual and otherwise - was tearing us apart." I pause for breath, to let everything sink in, but I need to get this out, before he can interrupt me and change the direction of what I'm trying to say. "I promised myself when you showed up a few weeks ago that I wouldn't push, that I'd respect any and all decisions you made. I didn't care in what regard our relationship stood - just as long as we have one."
He sits there, staring at me for a few minutes, scaring me and comforting me with his intensity. When he finally speaks, it startles me. "You know your mother was vital in my reasoning for leaving?"
"I know. She told me. I was so mad at her to begin with. Then I thought about it, thought about everything you said, everything the Mayor said, everything I had ever considered about us, and I let it drop."
"Just 'let it drop'?"
"Yeah. It still hurts when I think about it. Even now, sitting here with you, after everything we've said to each other in the past weeks, my brain can't wrap itself around graduation."
He nods, "since I left yo..." his head drops. "Since I left Sunnydale, you know, I've worked so hard, trying to make things right, to do the right thing. Not necessarily for redemption, but because I felt it was the right thing to do. You showed me that it was the right thing to do. You showed me the satisfaction this life can give. And yet, no matter how I try, no matter what I do, once they find out what I am..."
"They shun you. I know."
"Darla told me, not long after I was turned, that the things my father said, his defeat over me would last a lifetime. I didn't think.... I didn't believe her. Others I've worked with since then, some that I've worked closely with in the past few years, they all...," he throws his hands in the air as he stands. "It feels like they can defeat me, the way it took my father twenty years to accomplish, with a few simple words."
"I kinda know what you're feeling, what you're thinking. It's as if it's never enough, especially for those closest to us. Xander's little speeches - they cut worse than any knife or claw."
"He was the first to verbally attack me after you cured me before your graduation. I was feeling guilty enough for letting it happen. But they - all of them - the way they looked at me when they realised I'd fed off you...."
"Yet it's okay for Xander to do everything for his 1100 year old vengeance demon, but not for me to do the same for my souled vampire." I spit with true bitterness. "The double standards kill me - on many levels."
"What you said about Anya, did she really commit so many crimes?"
"I think so. For example, Will found a frat house full of murdered college boys - and the girl who'd made the wish. Anya unleashed a spider demon that caused said chaos, then it roamed Sunnydale for a bit afterwards. That's one of the very few incidents that I can prove was her doing." I take a deep breath. "I love my friends. For the most part. I'm very thankful for them, but sometimes they make me feel so alone. So different - and not in a good way. They don't trust us."
"They don't take the time to know us."
"I saw the way Cordy reacted to you just because of the clothes you were wearing. Giles did the same, not even really looking at us. That hurt.
"You are the only one I've ever completely opened up to. Riley and I were together about the same length of time as we were, even though I was more physically intimate with him." I watch as the hurt crosses his eyes. "In all that time I never let him see me. He used to complain that I never leaned on him, that I didn't let him into my heart. I guess I couldn't."
"Why?"
"Right off the bat, we had things separating us."
"You being the Slayer being one of them?"
"Yeah. But even after he found out, it was like he had to prove he was stronger than me, better than me. And the demon issues... I know he didn't mean it in a demeaning way, yet I always felt as though he had this stand on life and that was the only way things ever went down. So I held back. I never had to do that with you. You knew about the world, about me, accepted me as I am with all my gazillion faults, and still loved me."
"Here is where I recognize what you're talking about. I thought that since Cordy knew me, saw me after I'd changed, that maybe we could have some kind of a relationship. She never trusted me, not completely. Her insults, the snide comments and unknowing cruelty bore deeper than I thought. I missed the feeling of trust I saw and felt every time we were together. I wanted that back desperately."
"You probably convinced yourself you didn't deserve that kind of faith and love. But you do. With everything we do on a daily basis, why is it that we are told we are not allowed to have love? We both know people far less deserving that have more than satisfying love lives. Lives period. Yet we're not allowed."
"Until now." He steps closer, cupping my cheek in his large palm.
"The Powers have given us this gift, why can't the others accept it? Xander witnessed it, but he still lashes out at us?" God I wanted him to have a sound reasoning for my friend's behavior.
"I don't know, I don't understand why they turn against us."
"Could it have something to do with the Beast? Or maybe The First?"
Angel looks evenly at me. "This has been going on for much longer than that. I think it's fear, possibly jealousy."
My head drops, "I know."
"I don't want to admit it either, that after everything we've all been through, that they could think of us like that. Maybe we need to face facts. They will never truly accept us individually, even less likely as lovers. I can deal with that, as long as we're together. How about you?"
I tip my head sideways to look up at him. "You already know the answer to that. You have been my Guardian Angel since I became a Slayer. Then so much more. I've never stopped thinking about you, fantasizing about us being together - being lovers again. When things turned bad, all I wanted was to run to you, if for nothing more than an understanding ear to bend."
There's a knock at my room door. "Buffy? I'm sorry to interrupt, but we have four more girls on their way." Giles sticks his head into my room.
Angel groans. "I think I need to hire a cleaning service."
I step back, breaking the air of intimacy. "I can just see the ad now," I close the picture album, placing it on the night table. "Ex- Scourge of Europe seeking discreet cleaning person. Experience dealing with rambunctious, overly arrogant teen aged girls, grumpy vampires and eclectic demons an asset. Must be impervious to apocoli. Please forward resume to Hyperion Hotel."
Both Giles and Angel just look at me. Then Angel starts laughing, causing poor Giles to look like he's experiencing a coronary.
"He does do that," I tell Giles in regard to Angel laughing. "I know it's a scary sight." Angel shakes his head at me, still chuckling.
"Unbelievable," Giles looks from Angel to me, then back again.
"What?" I ask.
"The comfort level you've established. That you can be so blatant with one another. I'm not sure if I find that reassuring or not."
"I'm allowed to be complacent about my existence now." Angel's voice takes on a dark undertone.
"No, no..." Giles hurries on. "I meant no offence. This is paternal instincts rushing to the fore."
Angel chuckles, immediately relaxing.
"Would you two mind filling me in on this?"
Taking my hand, Angel leads me out and up the stairs, "I'll tell you as we're setting up the rooms." I groan; house cleaning was never my specialty.
**
Angel and I set out to find the new girls. Faith, Gunn and Fred; Spike, Willow and Xander - making three teams of us - all head off in different directions to scour the city. We pick the docks.
"This was so much easier in Sunnydale," I whine as we stroll. Taking our time seems to be the best bet for survival. The streets are crawling with demons - some friendly, some exceedingly not. "There was one bus stop, one tiny airport, only a few miles of docks. Here, I don't know how we'll find these girls." Pouting I belt a fledge towards Angel who easily stakes it. "At this rate, we'll need two days to reach the dockyard." Another vamp scurries behind a building obviously having seen what happened to his friend.
"And what about the quarterstaff thingy? How are we gonna get our hands on it?"
"It's being taken care of." Angel answers offhandedly.
I turn to question him.
Hearing the scream, just like the one from our dream, Angel and I bolt down the street. Rounding the street corner, I skid to a halt, my brain unable to process what's happening right in front of my eyes.
"You've ruined it all!" The Beast growls at an Uber vamp, who is standing over Cordy's limp body. Connor is kneeling at her side, in an ever growing pool of her blood.
Snarling, Ubie leaps over Connor and Cordy, going after the Beast. Swiping at it, the Beast bats the vamp to the side. Remaining standing, the vamp grabs the Beasts arm, moving as if to throw it off it's feet. Pulling as it spins around, it rips off the Beast's arm. Howling in rage and pain the Beast goes after the Turok-Han, ready to kill it. The vamp raises the arm in it's hands, using it as a weapon. Plunging it into the Beast's chest, it punctures the rock-like skin, shattering the creature.
My jaw hits the ground as the Beast dissolves before my eyes. As he disappears, the moon returns, shedding it's bright, white glow.
The Uber vamp sniffs the air, catching scent of something, it abruptly turns back to where Cordy is lying a few feet behind him. As it leaps back to the couple on the ground, I grab the axe Angel's been carrying, jumping after it. Landing in front of it, beside Connor, I swing, beheading it.
Angel is already at Cordy's side, checking for a pulse, looking her over before lifting her unconscious body into his arms. He bolts in the direction of the hospital, leaving me and Connor struggling to follow.
**
We stand in the far reaches of the waiting room, while Connor holds his vigil as close to the emergency area as possible. Leaning back against a corner, his arms crossed in front of his chest, his body rigid in concern and fear, his head bowed, yet his eyes are constantly moving under the fringe of hair - he reminds me more and more of his father.
I look back to Angel who is slowly pacing the room, his eyes alert for any sign - whether it's of danger, or doctor, I'm not really sure. Of all the things I've seen, especially lately, nothing seems to compare. I catch Angel looking at me, the fear in his eyes mirrors mine. It all hasn't computed yet. The Beast, the Uber vamp, and Cordelia lying in so much blood...
I shiver, thankful as Angel wraps his arms around me from behind.
"She's gonna be okay," he reassures softly, kissing my temple. I try to make myself believe him.
The hospital is a bustle of activity. Wounded are constantly pouring in, the doctors work non-stop behind the emergency room doors. Yet the waiting room is eerily quiet. I wonder how much of L.A. will be left when the sun comes up tomorrow. That's another thought that scares the Hell out of me. The fact that Angel will be restricted again. I was really enjoying being able to come and go as we pleased.
I heave a sigh, snuggling into him, pulling his arms further around me as we resign ourselves to the wait.
I think I was dozing against Angel's chest, letting him hold me up, when the doctor approaches Connor. Immediately alert, we move closer.
"There are some internal injuries, those we stabilized quickly. Her head injury is severe, but there doesn't appear to be much swelling," the doctor was saying. "We were unable to save the baby." Connor's head drops like a stone as grief engulfs us all. "We stopped the hemorrhaging fairly quickly. Barring any further complications, and with a bit of time, she will make a full recovery."
Jaw clenched against his emotions, Connor asks, "When can I see her?"
"She should wake in few hours, you can see her then."
"Thank you," Connor acknowledges quietly.
"There's some paperwork that needs to be addressed at the nurse's station." Connor looks up, slightly panicked at the doctor's words.
Angel immediately steps forward, "I'll take care of it." Connor looks at his father, dumbfounded. The doctor nods once, probably figuring out that Angel is Connor's father, then moves on, leaving us to deal.
"Connor," Angel calls softly as his son steps away.
He whirls back at his father, grief turning to anger. "You can't fix this, Dad! You can't make it better!"
"No, I can't." Angel admits softly. "But I can help you deal. Believe me when I say... I know what it's like to lose a child."
Connor's expression is unfathomable as he stares at his father. Angel moves closer, needing to comfort his son.
"Dad, I..." Connor's body sags. Angel catches him, pulling his son's body tightly against himself. Clutching at Angel's back, Connor buries his head into Angel's shoulder, no longer able to hold back the sobs of anger, fear and anguish.
I hang back, keeping an eye out, making sure they are safe, truly touched by the sight of them. Angel's eyes squeeze shut, a few tears escaping as the force of Connor's ragged sobs jar through his body.
How ironic that this may be what finally unites father and son.