Disclaimer: I don't own them. Yada Yada Yada. I'm sorta' tired of writing it…J

Rating: PG 14

If you want to go back to Chapter 7, either click on Chapter 7 or Go to my Fanfiction Page.

Fast Forward

By Sensue

Chapter 8: Where do we go from here? (Not a musical)

6:00 am (three weeks later) Hyperion Hotel

Cordy woke at the same time she'd always woken up for the last 6 ½ years. She got out of bed quietly as to not disturb her husband and put on her warm fleece robe that the children had bought her on Mother's Day. She had always loved wearing it because it was so warm and comfortable. The kids love climbing on her and using it like a blanket when they cuddled. Now it was a reminder of the happy times she spent with her children; especially her son.

After taking a few minutes to freshen herself up and brush her hair, she made her way down to the kitchen. Faith and Robin were already up, waiting for the coffee machine and talking quietly to each other.


Robin looked up from his newspaper, said, "Good Morning, Cordy," then continued reading his daily scoop of the sports page. That man was very predictable. He was already dressed in his suit, newspaper in hand; his suitcase in its spot by the counter, ready and organized for the new day.

Faith was making her idea of breakfast: two cups of coffee loaded with three spoons of sugar each. I guess slayer metabolism is a plus, Cordy thought. At exactly, 6:30 am, Robin refolded his paper, got up, stretched out for about fifteen minutes more, then picked up his jacket, suitcase and travel mug, kissing his wife goodbye before heading out the door to his new job at St. Paul's High School.

A week after Robin and Faith had returned from their ill fated honeymoon, Robin had decided to take another job as a high school principal in L.A. during the day and then also help Angel Investigations with their cases later in the evening. He still felt he had to do something to help 'the future of America.' He loved teaching and helping children. In this way, it was sort of his way to make up for not being here to help his nephew, Connor from being kidnapped.

It wasn't that he hadn't tried, quite the opposite in fact, Robin and Faith had tried very hard to get Connor back. It was just that no one else knew WHAT they had done. Shortly after they received that phone call from Spike while they were in Hawaii, begging them to come home, telling them everything that had happened and that the children were hurting, they packed up and rushed home to Los Angeles.  It was just that they had made a short side trip, as well.

Spike had told them that Cordy's parents were the ones that set up the whole thing. That they had come into their home and acted like they just wanted to visit their daughter and fooled them all into thinking that they gave a shit about her. Then they try to ruin her life by kidnapping her son. I wonder what the fuckers would say if they found out that Connor wasn't even really Cordelia's birth son; he was the son of Angel and his horrible one night stand with Darla, his vampire sire, Faith thought angrily. They took that little boy for nothing.

Robin was just as angry, knowing what it felt like to live his life without his parents, an orphan due to the Slayer heritage. If it wasn't for his mother's watcher taking him in and treating him as a son, he would've been like Connor, practically living in Hell on the streets. He wondered if it was that bad in Quar'toth. Robin himself had never heard of the Hell dimension, but that wasn't surprising since he didn't really focus studying on dimensional gateways, wanting to instead hunt demons, especially vampires.

Although the rumors spoke of the couple running to another country like Sweden, they found them extremely closer to home. They had hunted Mr. and Mrs. Chase to a fancy hotel in L.A. that Wolfram and Hart had contracted. After checking in with the desk, Faith explained to the manager that she 'Cordelia Chase' was looking for her parents because there was a huge family emergency at home. There was no way that she was going to leave the hotel without talking to her mother. Didn't they know that she was rich and her parents would be very mad at the hotel for keeping them away? So after a shouting match, the manager agreed to let them wait in 'her parents' room until they arrived from a dinner party down at that Wolfram and Hart firm.

Once Faith was allowed to wait in the room, she opened the door and let her husband in. They rummaged through the entire room looking for any evidence that they kidnapped Connor. What they found deeply insulted them. The contract that Mr. Chase signed was in the bottom of the couple's suitcase, not even hidden correctly where any old thief could steal it. Robin read it, swearing at the stupidity and ignorance. He told Faith that the contract stated that they would agree to 'take their daughter's son into custody' due to concerns that his parents were neglecting him and possibly abusing him. The document made Angel and Cordelia sound like homicidal maniacs, even mentioning the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Angel had been suspected of taking in a fugitive wanted for three counts of murder: Faith Evans. His wife started swearing; if anyone had seen the contract, the police would have to investigate their home, and possibly take away the remaining children.

She looked at her husband, both thinking the same thing, 'burn it.' She took out her handy lighter and started a wastebasket on fire…then threw in the contract.

Flash.

Spark.

The document did something strange that neither expected. It had seemingly exploded, yet gave off a glowing spark that escaped through the ceiling of the building. Not knowing what had happened, they ignored it. Yet, the bright light was evident to all who walked passed the hotel. People stopped to stare as they walked past on the sidewalk.

Faith and Robin had waited another two hours for the kidnappers. They didn't come back.  "You know what, Faith? I think that when we burned the contract, it let off some sort of a warning, the bright light. They probably saw it and ran. I don't think that they're coming back."

So with that, they made their way back to the Hyperion, wanting to see for themselves that their son, Nicky was okay. They didn't tell anyone but Wesley about the contract, feeling it would only cause more fear for the grieving parents.

After Robin had left for work, Faith and Cordy had their cups of coffee, talking quietly about the plans made later in the day. After they finished their drink, Faith got out the orange juice, frozen waffles, and cereal in order to prepare breakfast for the children. Cordy walked up the stairs, carefully trying not to make any excessive noise. Wesley and Fred had decided to crash at the hotel rather than go to their own apartments. They wanted to be readily available if they were needed for any reason. Cordy was thinking of just asking them to move in, they already had their own rooms and their things were already in them. Why waste their hard earned money for an apartment that they never used. She wanted to ask them, but she didn't.

Her husband was very temperamental of late. He didn't like rapid change anymore and they would often fight over nothing lately. Angel, she knew, was hit hard by Connor's kidnapping. But so was she, and she at least tried to maintain a happy façade for the children's sake. Though it honestly dind't matter anymore, her god-son, Nicky could ready her emotions as easily as he could read a Harry Potter novel. And her daughter was also smart enough to know she was hiding her sadness.

The others were very supportive, often bringing her comfort foods and talking to her about her feelings. She was at a loss about Angel, though. It had been three weeks and she knew that Connor wasn't coming back. She wanted to let go of his things. Her little boy didn't need school clothes, didn't need toys or books in a hell dimension; he needed survival skills and things like food, shelter and clothing. It was better, she thought, to give it to another little boy who needed it. Angel exploded at her suggestion, feeling that she only wanted to erase Connor's life and all traces that he existed. He was so mad, she was afraid for a moment. She looked into his eyes, expecting to see Angelus lingering, but instead saw the bleak emptiness and grief that he buried within.

She apologized and held him until the rage dissipated. He kissed her and told her that he was the sorry one for scaring her. That he would never hurt her. That if he ever did, he would stake himself. But, Connor's room was to be left alone.

Thinking about that day, she continued climbing the stairs to Cathy's room. She stopped being surprised to find Nicky with her, sharing the bed. She gently shook the two awake whispering that it was time for school. They grumbled like children who don't want to go to school do, but got up after a nudge. Together they washed up and brushed their teeth. Then Nicky, only leaving Cathy's side for a minute, went to his room to dress. Cathy dressed in her room, then waited for Cordy to brush and braid her hair. Nicky came back in as she was finishing, so Cordy also brushed his hair back and added a little bit of gel to it. After the two were dressed and ready, they went down the stairs just in time for breakfast.

The fist time that Nicky had slept in Cathy's room was frightening. Faith had woken up to find him missing from his bedroom. She had yelled for help and ran to Cathy's room, all the while believing that they had both been kidnapped like Connor. She opened her niece's room only to find them snuggled together. She had almost cried in her relief. After they all calmed down, she had asked Nicky why did he want to stay in Cathy's room, and listening to him speak of his fears of being alone.

After consulting with the other adults at home, it was agreed that Nicky and Cathy could continue to let them. Just until they felt safe again. Wesley had argued against it at first, telling them that they would become too reliant on each other, but after hearing them screaming bloody murder at night, he had changed his mind.

Angel was becoming the overprotective father from hell. He was fearful of letting them out of his sight. He didn't want them to go to school, but that was an argument he was bound to lose. They needed to get out of the house. It was important in letting them feel safe again, by acting like normal. So they compromised; the children would be driven to and from school by Gunn. The teachers, bus drivers and other parents in the class were informed that their son Connor had be kidnapped by "people" who the Private Investigating team was investigating. They were warned that NO ONE besides Cordy, Faith, Robin, Gunn, Fred and Wesley were allowed near the children; They even went so far as to give them photographs of what they all looked like. If anyone in a suit came near Nicky or Cathy, the school was to call them immediately. Their fathers were also teaching them self-defense. If anyone tried to take them, they had to learn to fight back and escape from their clutches.

Angel had said it was a necessary evil, in order to keep them protected. In a way, Cordy believed, it also took away some of their innocence. They no longer believed that the world was a safe place. But they all agreed that the children had to learn to fight.

Cathy and Nicky had spent more time playing with their fathers than other kids in their classes. But they were being taught valuable lessons: How to deal with problems, how to fight, deal with bullies, and even talk about things that were bothering them.

The children were still eating breakfast when Gunn walked in, a smile on his face. It seems, Cordy thought pouring the milk in Cathy's cereal, that Mr. Charles Gunn had a good evening last night with Miss Andrea Schow. He had ended up waiting almost two weeks before telling anyone about her. When he did, it wasn't really a surprise; he liked her at first sight. She had hired their company to investigate a demon (De'tency or something like that) nest near her home and to protect her from them until they found a way to get rid of them. Gunn had shocked everyone by volunteering to stay in her home to protect her rather that take a more active role in 'taking them out.' The men in the company could see why, but had opted not to say it out loud due to their women standing next to them. He had just come from her apartment in time to drop the kids off for school.

While everyone was getting ready to leave, Spike and Angel had woken up to check on everyone. They kissed the kids goodbye and wished them all a wonderful day at school. They had stayed up until Gunn called them on his cell phone and told them that they were in their classrooms. Gunn, of course, had to walk them to the door of the classroom, talk to the teacher, then call Angel. Many of the other student's parents were worried for the safety of their children, but as the time past by had thought that they were being paranoid.

Still, life had continued. It had become a rouge chore, no longer fun and exciting. Moments that had been filled with laughter had now become moments of fear and worry.

Two weeks later (after that)

This is it, Cordy thought, the point of no return. Kathy and Nicky were getting better; they no longer woke up screaming and were starting to slowly separate again. They were also starting to have fun and wanted their freedom again. They wanted to play outside and go to the park again. They didn't want to practice Tae Chi anymore. They wanted to leave their home more often, even just to go grocery shopping. They wanted to play with their friends. Which is why World War II is going to explode right in the middle of the hotel lobby.

Angel, along with Spike, although Spike wasn't nearly as bad, wanted to keep the children safe. Angel wanted someone with them at all times. They weren't allowed outside, even the garden, without someone knowing where they were. He was inadvertently smothering them. Cathy, so much like her mother, knew what she wanted and wanted it now. She was stubborn like that, believing since her mom was a REAL princess (of Pylea, of course), so was she.

Her best friend, Marcy had invited her and Nicky to her birthday party at a skating rink down the street. Both children wanted to go. Angel, of course, wanted to come along, even though it was a child's party, to make sure it was safe. Cathy threw a temper tantrum and started screaming. She was sick of everyone watching her, that she wasn't a baby, and she wasn't going to let anyone take her. If they tried, she knew what to do, her father had taught her.

So now she was screaming at her father, telling him that she hated him. Angel was yelling back. Nicky got caught in the crossfire of words and was now on the floor crying because of the harsh emotions being flung around carelessly.

Cordy only stared. It's time to stop this, she thought, before someone says something that'll hurt everyone. Angel needs to let this go, we can't go on like this. It'll kill us all slowly by destroying our spirits, our souls. We need to be able to live normal lives without fear, without paranoia. The children need to live normal lives.

With those thoughts, she took a deep breath and yelled, "Angel, stop it! No more yelling!" Now that everyone was quiet she ordered, "Cathy, please go to your room. Now!, please." Her daughter looked defeated as she ran to her room and slammed the door shut.

Nicky was picked up off of the floor by Robin, who stood close by when the shouting had started. The boy cried against his shoulder, tears seeping into his shirt. Noticing Cordy's stance, Robin left the hall, taking Nicky into another room to get him calmed down, rubbing his back as he left. He thought, God, can this get any worse? We all need a break. Anything that will help Angel and Cordy through this shit. If Angel doesn't snap out of this, he's going to lose his entire family; He has to let Cordy back into his heart, or he'll lose her.

For a moment, Cordy and Angel were alone. They looked at each other and just knew that this conversation was either going to save or destroy their marriage. "Angel--," Cordy began.

"Angel, nothing, Cordy. Just forget it! I'm not going to fight with you anymore. They aren't going. It's too dangerous. I think I know what's best for my kids."

"Angel, it's a birthday party. It's not dangerous. And that is not what I wanted to say. God, Angel, please. You're starting to scare the kids. I know our son was taken from us, but if you don't stop acting like this you're going to lose Cathy and Nicky too. They're starting to resent you. They want their independence. You can't keep them locked up in the Hyperion all day. They have lives. They have friends and they need to be with them. They need to play. We are missing Connor's childhood; he's stuck in a Hell Dimension. Angel, he might be dead. WE DON'T KNOW! But I do not want to miss a second of Cathy and Nicky's childhood and you are taking it away from them. Don't you understand?"

"What I understand is that you keep pushing me! You're the one that doesn't understand. I'm trying to keep them safe."

"But, you're not. You're keeping them prisoner. No one is hurting them, but you. You are hurting them. I know that you don't think so, but you are. Angel, they haven't even seen the sun for five weeks! They deserve to play. To have some fun. They're babies, babies compared to you. You've lived 250 years; they haven't even seen six yet. Angel, let them go. You have to, for all of our sakes," Cordy desperately tried to make him understand. She wanted to give her children everything: the sun, the moon, and the stars. He wanted to hide them from life.

"So you think that I'm a bad father?"

"NO! No, Angel. You're not a bad father. You are wonderful. But you need to let them go. Let them have a life. Just because their brother is gone, doesn't mean that they should stop living. They need to move on; so do you. Angel, when was the last time that you went out on a case? The last time you helped anyone? The last time you talked to anyone outside of these walls? I think that we need a breather. We have to get out of this hotel. Go on a trip, with the kids. All of us just leave for a couple of weeks. Please."

'No' was going to be his automatic answer. He didn't want to go on vacation while his son was suffering in hell. He didn't want to leave his territory; he could protect his family here. He opened his mouth to say it when he really took a minute to look at his wife. She was right. It had been too long since they'd seen the sun. She was pale, her hair brittle, not its usual fluffy glow. She looked thinner too, as if she'd lost weight. Her eyes no longer shining with excitement, she wasn't happy.

When they spoke their vows, he had promised he would never hurt her, that he would try his best to make her the happiest woman in the world. Looking at her now, he'd failed miserably. "I'm sorry, Cordy. I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I just wanted to keep you all safe. I'll do whatever you want. I want you to be happy. I don't want Cathy to hate me. I don't want to make Nicky cry. I'm so sorry." With that, he went down on his knees and hugged her middle, his head pressed against her stomach, in his way, begging for forgiveness.

"It's okay, Angel," her gently coon calmed him as she held his head and raked her nails across his hair gently. "I promise it'll be okay. Maybe not today, but in the future. Life will go on."

Later that day

It was agreed upon by everyone that they would take a vacation. The others, by mere look alone, decided unanimously that they would go anywhere that Cordy suggested.

She talked them all into going on a camping trip in Washington State. "The Rainier Mountains are beautiful," she said, "they have great cabins and lakes for fishing and swimming. We could have a fun trip in the great outdoors. Oh, and it has plumbing and electricity. I'm not going anywhere unless my hair dryer works."

She laughed. Actually had made a joke. It seemed that the hardest part was over. They were getting on with their lives. Everything was going to be okay now.

"Ok, we should get packing so that we can drive at night so Angel and Spike don't get turned into a big ball of flames, although it'd be fun if we had marshmallows, I really think I'd miss them." They all laughed at that; Angel's lips turning slightly in a smile. Then she started issuing orders. They needed supplies in short demand. The others loved it. It had been so long since she'd applied herself, since she enjoyed ordering everyone that they all jumped to obey her every request.

They were all happy. Smiling and laughing.

The air shifted suddenly, even the humans in the room felt it. It turned dark. A swirl began to form, light emanated from it. Sparks and shadows rose from every corner of the room. The children were pulled by Lorne to hide under the desk with him.

The winds rose, pulling at them. Pushing at them. The sparks flew, harder, sharper.

Then a huge furry monster they had never seen before fell out. It's head enormous. The teeth at least a couple of inches. Angel, Faith, Spike, Wesley, Gunn, and Robin grabbed their weapons from the nearby weapons cabinet. They were ready to fight it.

The head fell off.

And revealed a teenage boy.

A toothy smile came from him. The others stood at the ready. Angel had dropped his sword at the familiar scent.

A voice came out, one not really matching the strong, hard body. He spoke, "Hello, Dad. Mommy."

How did you all like that? Good, yes?

Also, I'm trying to keep all mistakes to a minimum. I know I hate when I read something that doesn't make sense or is spelled wrong, but if you notice anything just let me know. 'Kay?

To be continued, again…sorry. But, hey it only takes me a day or two to write the next chapter so you can wait. (HaHaHa) I'm keeping you all in suspense.

Chapter 9: Welcome home