CHAPTER 24
OVER A MONTH LATER: SUMMERS/DELANEY HOME
"So you looking forward to spending time with your Dad?" Emma asks Dawn as she watches her friend pack.
"Not like I'm going to spend much time with him. He usually ditches me for his girlfriend."
"Sorry."
"I'm used to it." Dawn shrugs. "What about you what are your plans?"
"Dad finally decided that I'm old enough to not need Martha all summer. So Martha is going to Florida to see her parents. I'm supposed to go down for a week. Other than that I have no idea what I'm doing. I mean you, Liz, and Mija are going to be gone all summer. Orignially I was supposed to go stay with Lauren with part of the summer and she was supposed to come here for another part..." Emma sighs
"You miss her."
"Yeah well we had a lot of fun... she was my first actual friend."
"Well you get to deal with Zan without Liz for the summer... that should be entertaining. Then Connor alone with Angel for the whole summer... that will most likely end in bloodshed."
"I think Zan is planning to head up there for a couple weekends... at least he said he'd try."
"Oh I bet he will." Dawn laughs "Do me a favor huh?"
"What?"
"Keep Connor out of too much trouble... he tends to cause trouble to piss Angel off. And it works. Last summer he took off for a whole weekend without calling."
"What Connor does he does."
"Yeah I know but when schools out for more than a few days he and Angel seem to fight even more."
"That's familiar... except it only takes a few hours with me and my Grandfather."
Dawn laughs
THAT NIGHT: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"Now that Dawn's gone what are you going to do?" Martha asks as she cleans up the dinner dishes.
"Don't really know. Liz left yesterday and Zan is moping. Mija leaves at the end of the week."
"I'm sure you'll find a way to entertain yourself... you always have." Martha smiles
"Yep... overactive imagination comes from only child issues." Emma grins
"That you have."
"So how was your night out?" Emma asks curiously.
"Good."
"Is he cute?" Emma asks impishly.
"Very."
"Gonna see him again?"
"Yes. We have a date tomorrow."
"So what's he like?"
"None of your business."
"Come on Martha."
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because."
"Oh fine." Emma grumbles.
COUPLE WEEKS LATER
Emma and Connor are walking down the street when Emma stops in her tracks hearing a faint whimpering coming from the alley. "Connor do you hear that?"
"What?"
"Come on." Emma enters the alley and listens carefully before she narrows the direction of the sound behind a bunch of boxes. She moves aside the boxes to find a dirty puppy curled up shaking. "Oh hey little guy."
"Emma he doesn't look too good." Connor remarks seeing the puppy shaking.
"Let's take him to my house. Dad will know what to do." She carefully picks up the puppy who doesn't even react. "Its OK little guy." She soothes as they walk out of the alley.
20 MINS LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"Dad."
Ian frowns hearing his daughter's voice from the foyer and stands walking out of his study to the foyer where he finds Emma and Connor. When he sees the puppy in Emma's arms he sighs. "Emma where did you find the dog?"
"In an alley. He was all alone Dad... I couldn't leave him there by himself."
"All right lets get him cleaned up and fed and I'll call the vet and see if he can come check him out."
"OK." Emma and Connor follow him to the back of the house.
LATE EVENING
Connor and Emma sit on the living room floor with the now clean and fed puppy between them. "Wonder where his parents and siblings are." Connor muses as he scratches the puppy's head.
"Yeah... wonder why the owners left him there."
"Yeah well it happens." Connor says bitterly.
"The puppy hasn't been fed or cared for in a few days. He's probably about a month old." The vet informs Ian. "He seems pretty healthy other than being hungry and lonely. I gave him a couple shots but you'll need to bring him in for a full check up. He probably needs to be watched closely for a few days... just to be sure."
Ian nods "Thank you."
"Call me if anything changes." The vet says walking out of the house.
Ian returns to the living room where the two teens are sitting in silence as they pet the puppy. "You two want some dinner?"
Emma looks at Connor "Hungry?"
"Sure."
"What is there?" Emma asks her Dad.
"Your leftovers from the last few takeout orders. Martha made some spaghetti, lasagne, and tuna casserole before she left and put them in the freezer."
"Oh you might want to toss out the Thai it's been in there for a week."
"Emma." Ian looks at his daughter slightly annoyed.
"What?" She asks innocently.
Ian walks into the kitchen opening the refrigerator. "There's pizza, Chinese, Italian and... that's it."
"How in the world are we supposed to function without Martha for 2 whole months?" Emma says dramatically.
"We could always eat at your Grandfather's." Ian remarks.
"That's an idea... spend time with the Evil Bastard... thanks Dad but I'd rather starve then spend time with him."
"Emma you know I hate it when you call him that."
"You know I hate spending any amount of time with him yet you make me anyway."
"I don't want to argue about this now." Ian says firmly. "What would you two like?"
"I'll take a couple slices of pizza." Connor says
"I'll take the Italian." Emma requests
"All right." Ian takes out the box of pizza and the Italian. "Connor why don't you call your father and tell him where you are."
"He'll survive without knowing where I am or how I am... he did it for seven years." Connor says bitterly.
Emma sees the look on her Dad's face and looks at Connor. "Humor him huh?"
"Why do you care?" Connor asks curiously.
"Dads do worry from time to time about their offspring." Ian answers after a moment of thought.
Connor sighs "All right I'll call him."
"Emma take the puppy outside."
"Dad he's almost asleep."
"I doubt he's housetrained Emma."
"Oh all right." Emma picks up the puppy "Come on you."
Connor picks up the cordless dialing home.
Ian looks out the window at Emma who is watching the puppy stumble around half listening to Connor on the phone.
"I'm at Emma's. I'll be back when and if I feel like it. Don't tell me what to do. Yeah so what... do it yourself." Connor hangs up.
Ian senses the anger and resentment radiating off the teen. "Everything all right?"
Connor shrugs. "Just Angel playing Dad." He says bitterly.
"No one plays Dad... either you are or you aren't."
"Well in Angel's case he's Dad when he wants to be."
"Seems like he wants to be. At least he tries... would you rather have him try then not to try?"
Connor shrugs "Sometimes... then I remember who he left me with and how."
"Sometimes a parent does things they don't want to do Connor." Ian glances at the boy briefly as Emma enters the house carrying the puppy.
"Dad why is Felix in the laundry room?"
"Because I don't want him getting overzealous with the pup." Ian answers.
"Oh."
"Least he's not shaking anymore." Connor scratches the calm puppy's head.
"Of course he's not. He's comfy and clean." Emma cuddles the dog.
9PM
"Hi Mom." Emma greets without looking up as she and Connor sit on the floor watching a movie.
"How'd... never mind. Hey sweetie. Hi Connor."
"Hi." Connor returns
"Who is this?" Sara asks seeing the puppy between them.
"We found him in an alley so we brought him here." Emma answers.
"Poor little guy." Sara says scratching the puppy's head.
"The vet said he'll be OK. Just needs some attention and food." Emma shrugs
"Where's your Dad?" Sara asks after a moment.
"He's downstairs."
"All right." Sara heads towards the kitchen.
"I think he's mediating." Emma adds
"OK." Sara opens the basement door and heads down the stairs stopping at the bottom when she sees Ian on the floor. 'God he's beautiful.' She smiles slightly as she makes her way over to him.
"Hello my love." Ian says looking up. "How was work?" He asks pulling her onto his lap.
"Same as always. Looks like you've had an interesting day." Sara remarks
"Definitely." Ian leans in kissing her.
Upstairs Emma looks at the clock. "Wanna stay the night?"
"Think your Dad will let me?"
"I'll go ask." Emma moves the puppy to Connor's lap then stands heading to the basement door she opens it. "Hey parents think you can come up for air long enough so I can ask you something?" She calls
Ian stiffles a curse and pulls away from Sara. "What is it Emma?"
"Can Connor stay the night? We're gonna watch a few movies."
Ian sighs. "As long as he calls his Father and lets him know where he is."
"Thanks Daddy."
"Emma take Felix outside."
"OK."
"Then return him to the laundry room when he's ready to come inside."
"OK Daddy." Emma closes the door.
"Where were we?" Sara smirks leaning in she kisses Ian.
Emma returns to the living room. "Dad said its fine as long as you tell your Dad where you are."
"Why does your Dad care whether or not I tell Angel where I am?"
Emma shrugs "Don't know. Maybe it's just a Dad thing." She hands him the phone. "I have to go let Felix out." She heads to the laundry room door.
Connor sighs then dials his number
"Hello?" Angel greets.
"Hey"
"Connor where are you?" Angel demands.
"I'm at Emma's. I'm going to stay here tonight."
"Is that OK with her parents?"
"Yeah. Their both here."
"All right." Angel sighs "Just check in tomorrow."
"Fine." Connor hangs up without saying goodbye and looks at the puppy.
"What did your Dad say?" Emma asks a few minutes later as she joins Connor on the floor.
"He's fine with it."
"Cool. What do you want to watch after this?"
MIDNIGHT
"Emma have you taken the puppy out?" Ian asks his daughter as he and Sara enter the living room to say goodnight.
"I did an hour ago." Emma answers
"All right. Before you two go to sleep please take the puppy out for a while then put him in the box."
"But Dad"
"Emma I don't want the puppy wandering around."
"Its not like he can do much damage." Emma remarks
"Emma do you not remember the damage Felix caused when we first got him?"
"That and you'd probably trip over him." Emma snickers.
"Emma just put him in the box before you go to sleep."
"All right."
"Night you two."
"Night." Emma and Connor say.
10AM
"Hello?" Sara greets "Yes he is just a minute. Connor its your Dad." She hands him the phone.
"What?" Connor growls in annoyance.
Emma laughs as the puppy licks her face.
"I see he's doing better." Sara laughs scratching the puppy's head.
"Yep." Emma grins
"Do I have too? You know I don't like the woman. All I am to her is an accessory." Connor scowls. "Just because Darla's my mother doesn't mean I have to like her or spend time with her." He listens for a moment. "Fine tell her I'll go but she is going to owe me big time." He hangs up.
"Everything OK?" Sara asks
"Just Darla wanting to pretend we actually like each other."
"What does your Mom do?" Sara asks curiously.
"She's a lawyer. We ignore the other exists until she needs to up her image."
"What do you have to do?" Emma asks
"Some sort of dinner with her bosses. Basically its an 'Oh look I have a kid' dinner." He shrugs "Least I'll make some money out of it. She pays me to be somewhat civil."
"Ooh that's an incentive Dad... pay me to be nice to the Evil One and the Skanky Bitch."
"Don't swear." Ian retorts automatically. "I'm not going to pay you to put up with your Grandfather."
"Come on Dad."
"Take the puppy outside all right?"
"Oh OK."
"Man Connor really has issues with his parents." Sara remarks once the two are outside.
"I know." Ian watches the two teens play with the puppy.
Sara looks at Ian closely. "Is it my imagination or do you maybe approve of him?"
Ian shrugs smiling slightly as he sees Emma laugh at something Connor says. "He makes her laugh."
"So if she wanted to go out on an actual date with him would you let her?"
"Truth is I would have no problem with her dating if she liked him."
"Yet you tell her no dating."
Ian shrugs "If she likes him enough to actually ask then I wouldn't say no. So far she hasn't asked."
Sara steps up to him her arms going around his neck. "Ian I love you more than anything but you are one strange guy."
Ian smiles faintly. "So does my strangeness bother you?"
"God no." Sara laughs kissing him.
Outside Emma and Connor are sitting on the grass scratching the puppy's belly. "Think your Dad will let you keep him?" Connor asks curiously.
"I don't know." Emma shrugs "I have to ask. Do you want him?"
"Thanks but no thanks. I'm trying to keep my life simple because once I'm done with highschool I am out of his life."
"Why?"
"I hate him." Connor says bitterly. "So what are you going to name him?" He changes the subject.
"I think I'll wait until I convince Dad to let me keep him. Wanna help me name him if Dad says he can stay?"
"Sure." Connor smiles at her.
Emma smiles back.
EARLY EVENING: DELANEY/SUMMERS HOUSE
Angel opens the door revealing his ex. "Darla." He greets civilly.
"He ready yet?" Darla Hanson demands stepping into the house.
"Nice to see you too Darla." Angel says rolling his eyes.
"Darla." Buffy greets calmly as she joins Angel in the foyer.
"Still with the cheerleader I see." Darla says snidely.
Seeing Buffy about to retort Angel speaks. "Buffy can you please go see if Connor is ready?"
"Sure." Buffy kisses his cheek then glares at Darla before walking up the stairs.
"Darla do you have to bait her?" Angel asks annoyed.
"I can't believe you went from me to her." Darla pouts.
"Damn it Darla you dumped me remember."
"So you could do better than the Princess."
"I love Buffy and she is going to be Connor's stepmother one day."
"She's a child!"
"It's none of your business Darla. I don't protest about the men you take home when Connor's with you so back off on Buffy."
Buffy knocks on the closed bedroom door.
"What?"
Buffy enters to find Connor lounging on his bed with his Game Boy. "Hey kid your Mom's here."
Connor scowls "Do you have to call her that?"
"That's what she is. Can't change it." Buffy shrugs "You ready?"
"Yeah sure." Connor turns off his game. "Why does he insist I spend time with her?"
"Because she's your Mom and he thinks its good for you."
"Oh yeah it is. I get dusted off and brought out for display every so often." Connor says sarcastically.
Buffy shakes her head. "Come on Connor."
SAME TIME: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"Emma put the puppy in the box and come to the table." Ian requests as he and Sara finish making dinner.
Emma sets the puppy in the box and then picks up the box carrying it to the kitchen setting it beside her chair. "Feed me I'm hungry." She demands
Sara laughs "You are always hungry."
"I'm a growing kid." Emma shrugs grinning.
"Emma why is the puppy in the kitchen?" Ian asks seeing the box.
"I don't want him to be lonely." Emma answers
"Emma"
"Come on Ian he's not hurting anything. Besides he's just a puppy."
"I'm outnumbered." Ian says heavily.
"Of course you are." Sara laughs kissing his cheek.
"Dad?"
"Yes?" Ian sets a plate before her.
"Can we keep the puppy?"
"Emma we have two dogs as it is." Ian reminds
"I know but he's all alone. Besides he likes me." She looks down at the puppy who just looks at her.
"What about Felix?"
"Hugo is getting too old for Felix's puppy fun. With a new playmate Felix will leave Hugo alone." Emma rationalizes. "Please Daddy I'll take care of him." She pleads.
"Emma."
"Please Daddy"
Ian silently groans "I will think about it." Ian promises
Emma grins "Thanks Daddy."
LATE THAT NIGHT
"You know she does like that puppy." Sara remarks sliding her arms around Ian's shoulders as he sits at the bedroom desk.
"I know." Ian says without looking up.
"So are you going to let him stay?"
Ian tilts his head looking at Sara "You think he should stay?"
"Well he is all alone."
"He's corrupted you."
"Oh come on Ian he is just adorable."
"He's a mutt."
"So he's still cute."
"Well I can't say no to both of you... one of you is hard enough but both."
Sara grins "I knew there was a reason I adore you."
"Oh?" Ian pulls her onto his lap "And why is that?"
"Because you are the sweetest guy I know. And underneath the tough and somewhat adorably shy exterior you are one big softie." She brushes her lips over his. "I love you."
"And I you."
CHAPTER 25
NEXT MORNING
Ian smiles faintly as he watches Emma and Sara playing with the puppy. "You are up early this morning sweet Em."
Emma shrugs "He can't take himself outside and I did say I'd take care of him."
"Did you take Felix out as well?" Ian asks
Emma nods "I think he's mad that he has to stay cooped up."
"Well then we'll just have to get those two used to each other." Ian glances briefly at Sara then continues "We don't want to keep Felix locked up for the rest of this life."
Emma looks at her Dad and grins "He gets to stay?"
"He gets to stay." Ian confirms
Emma jumps up and barrels into her Dad hugging him. "Thanks Daddy."
Ian returns the hug. "He is your responsibility Emma."
"I know." Emma releases him.
"What are you going to name him?" Sara asks
"Not sure." Emma shrugs
"Why don't you ask Connor to help you." Sara suggests
"Sara if you don't get going you will be late for work." Ian states
"Damn." Sara mutters "Stupid work." She stands hurrying out of the livingroom and up the stairs.
"Emma keep the puppy downstairs." Ian requests "Take him outside every hour and please clean up after him if he makes a mess. If you go out with your friends put him in the laundry room bathroom with some newspapers and his bowls."
"Yes Daddy."
"Tonight we'll work on getting the two used to each other."
"OK"
"One of Father's housekeepers is coming over this morning so bring your laundry downstairs. I want you to clean up your room before I get home."
"But Dad"
"Don't Dad me. I rarely ask you to clean your room."
"I know... I just hate cleaning."
"Now that is a trait from my side." Sara laughs joining them. "I'm out of here."
"Be good Emma."
"Always am." Emma says impishly.
"I should be home for dinner... if not there's food in the freezer."
"OK."
"Have fun sweetie."
Emma watches her parents walk out of the living room.
LATE AFTERNOON
"So are you keeping him?" Connor asks as the two sit on the floor with the puppy lying on his back between them.
"Dad said yes." Emma scratches the puppy's belly laughing when his legs shake. "You are going to like it here. You'll be spoiled big time."
"What are you going to name him?" Connor asks
"Not sure. Any ideas?"
"Bob?"
Emma looks at Connor disbelieving "Does he look like a Bob?"
Connor grins "No."
LATE THAT NIGHT
"Be good Felix." Ian holds Felix's collar as he kneels before Emma who is holding the wiggling puppy.
"See Felix you'll have a new buddy to play with now."
Felix sniffs at the small wiggling item he has determined is a puppy who is sitting on his favorite humans lap and huffs before lying down and staring at it.
"I take it that means you're going to be nice." Emma releases the puppy and watches as he hesitantly approaches Felix.
"Have you decided what to name him?" Ian asks
"No. He's not a Bob, Rusty, Pete, or Fred."
Ian looks at the puppy who is nudging at Felix. "No I don't believe he is." He agrees
"I think Felix is going to tolerate him."
"I believe you are right." Ian releases his hold on Felix's collar. "Tomorrow I will take the puppy to the vet and get him microchipped."
"OK."
After a few minutes Ian looks at the clock. "Now how about we get some training in." He suggests
"Do we have too?"
"We haven't in a while. I have let your training slide since we moved but no more. Now go change and be downstairs in ten minutes. I will put the puppy away for a while." Ian picks up the puppy.
"But"
"Don't argue. Get a move on."
HOUR LATER
"Come on Em." Ian looks at his daughter sprawled on the floor.
"Dad I'm tired of this." Emma groans lifting her head.
"Emma" Ian sits beside her "I know its hard and some times it is tiring but I am doing this so you can take care of yourself."
"I know." Emma sighs heavily. "I just get bored with it." Emma sits up.
"I know you do but I can't always be around to protect you." He runs his hand over her hair. "How about we work on that tomorrow hmm?"
" 'k"
FEW DAYS LATER
"Emma will you please keep an eye on him." Ian enters the kitchen carrying the squirming puppy. "I found him in the study again." He hands the puppy to Emma.
"Uh oh" Emma laughs as the puppy licks her face.
"Emma have you decided what to name him?" Sara asks as she takes a sip of coffee. "Your Dad needs a name to scold him with that doesn't come out as a swear word."
"I don't swear." Ian protests
"Yes you do." Emma smirks "You may not swear in English but you do swear."
"Rarely." Ian mutters
"I haven't figured out a good name for him. Nothing fits."
"Name him soon huh?"
"I will." Emma kisses the puppy's head. "I'm going to take him outside." She walks out to the backyard setting the puppy on the grass. "Come on Felix." She calls
EARLY EVENING
"Dad" Emma enters the livingroom where she finds her parents snuggled together on the couch talking.
"Yes Em?" Ian looks up.
"Can I go to a party tonight?"
"Who's party is it?" Ian asks
"A friend of Zan's. Zan said he'd pick me up and bring me home."
"Who will be going?" Ian questions.
"Zan, Ava, Connor and probably Lonnie and Rath."
Ian regards his daughter thoughtfully. "All right you can go if you brush the dogs down and we add an extra hour on your training this weekend." He bargains.
Emma tilts her head thoughtfully. "Deal."
"I want you home by midnight."
"Works for me." Emma shrugs walking out of the livingroom.
"One? Ian she's only 13."
"Its the summer. Besides I don't think Zan will let anything happen to her."
"You trust a kid who has a record that long at 16?"
Ian shrugs "There's something about the boy that intrigues me."
"That he's a future criminal?" Sara mutters.
"Emma is a good judge of character."
"I don't doubt that."
MIDNIGHT: HOUSE
Ian kisses Sara quickly then grabs the ringing bedside phone. "Yes?"
"Hi Dad."
Ian frowns at her tone. "What's wrong?"
"Um promise you won't get mad?"
"What is it Emma?" Ian asks calmly.
"See we were at the party and one of the guys there wouldn't leave me and Ava alone."
"And?"
"I punched him then a fight broke out between his friends and Zan and Connor. Which in turn led to the cops coming and breaking up the fight."
Ian sighs "You are going to be in a lot of trouble."
"Hey it wasn't my fault."
"Where are you?"
Sara sits up watching Ian.
"We'll be right there." Ian hangs up.
"What's wrong?"
Ian rubs the back of his neck. "Our dear daughter punched some guy and it led to Zan and the others getting into a fight which led to the police breaking up the fight."
"That's my girl." Sara says proudly then shrugs at Ian's expression. "What?"
"Don't encourage her." Ian throws off the covers. "Emma may know of my violent work but I've kept her away from violence."
"Come on Ian all she did was punch some guy."
"I know." Ian pulls on his pants. "She knows better Sara."
"Baby she probably had a good reason." Sara soothes as she begins to dress.
"She better have a damn good reason or she's not leaving this house for the rest of the summer." Ian mutters pulling on his sweater.
SAME TIME: PRECINCT
"How'd your Dad take it?" Ava asks Emma.
"Decent for now." Emma sits beside her friend "Yours?"
"Yelled." Ava shrugs "What about you two?" She asks Zan and Connor.
"Mom was pissed." Zan shrugs
"He's mad... he'll live."
"I can't believe you punched him." Ava looks at Emma. "You don't seem like the violent type."
"I'm not." Emma shrugs "I warned him not to touch me. He should just be glad Dad wasn't anywhere near him."
"Punishments?" Ava asks
"Grounded probably." Connor shrugs.
"Grounded." Zan says
"Grounded and probably have to spend time with my Grandfather." Emma grumbles
"Grounded." Ava sighs.
OVER HALF AN HOUR LATER
Ian notices Emma sitting beside Connor on a bench. "Emma"
Emma looks up "Hi Dad." She greets sheepishly. "So how much trouble am I in?"
"A lot." Ian answers sternly.
"Um will saying I'm sorry avoid major grounding?" Emma asks hopefully.
"No."
"Damn." Emma mutters
"Don't swear." Ian says automatically.
Connor scowls as he sees his Dad. "Great." He mutters
Emma follows his gaze. "He doesn't look mad."
"Oh he's mad." Connor mutters.
"Car now." Angel orders his voice hard.
"Uh oh short words." Connor groans
"Not one word." Angel warns.
Connor smirks "Word."
"A month."
"What?"
"Your grounded for a month. Every smart assed remark adds another week." Angel crosses his arms over his chest. "So don't test me Connor."
"Whatever."
Sara joins them "All of you lucked out... they decided to leave it as kid behavior."
"Let's get home before Buffy starts to worry."
"See ya in a month." Connor looks at Emma as he follow his Dad out of the precinct.
OVER HALF AN HOUR LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"She's out." Sara remarks looking back at Emma who is asleep in the backseat.
Ian turns off the car and looks back at Emma. "I guess I'll just have to carry her in."
SAME TIME: DELANEY/SUMMERS HOUSE
"What the hell were you thinking getting into a fight?!" Angel demands as he follows his son into the house.
"Don't know." Connor shrugs
"Don't know?! Damn it Connor you could have gotten into big trouble."
"Look he kept hitting on Ava and Emma. Emma punched him and he was about to retaliate so we jumped in." Connor explains as they enter the kitchen.
"Everything with you is just happened." Angel mutters "You can't live your life like this Connor."
Connor stiffens "You have no right to tell me how to live my life." He says calmly his voice cold as he walks out of the kitchen.
Angel sighs sitting at the kitchen table.
"Hey"
Angel looks up to see Buffy in the doorway. "Hey"
"You OK?" Buffy asks
"Let's just go to bed. He knows his punishment."
"Don't you want to talk to him?"
"No. If I do things will be said that can't be taken back."
"Angel..."
"Buffy I don't want to talk about this." Angel says standing he walks out of the kitchen.
TBC....