Connor and Spike were waiting anxiously on the couch in the lobby for Angel's decision. The pair had behaved themselves all week and Angel had said he'd let them know after his last meeting on Friday if they'd be allowed out that night. When the door to Angel's office finally opened Connor jumped up so fast the couch nearly tipped over with Spike still on it.

"Dad can we go?" Connor shouted across the lobby.

"Yeah. Get outa here. But be back by eleven." Connor hugged Angel as he ran over to the elevator. "Do you need any money?"

"No dad but thanks." Connor shouted as the silver doors slid shut. Angel said a silent prayer that he'd done the right thing.

*** It was seven minutes after eleven when Angel spotted his convertible pulling into the garage. Late but alive and not in prison. Angel sat on the couch silently and watched as Connor came though the door.

"Hi dad. I'm sorry I know I'm late."

"I told you eleven Connor. Was any part of that unclear?"

"No and I already said I was sorry. It was only a few minutes."

"You had me worried. You're not exactly good at keeping yourself out of trouble."

"I'm really sorry dad can I just go to bed. I'm tired."

"You have to eat some dinner first. And take your medicine. You haven't been sleeping well the past few days. Is anything bothering you?"

"Its just the nightmares. Nothing new." Connor managed to piece out in between bites of spaghetti o's. Connor took his medicine and went to bed without much hassle. When Angel was sure he was sound asleep he went to bed himself. Angel awoke mid afternoon surprised he had slept so late. When he went to get his blood he found a half eaten pop tart on the counter with a note from Connor saying he was in the lobby. Not being too concerned considering he hadn't left the building Angel took a long shower before he headed down to check on his son. He could hear Connor's laughter before the elevator doors even opened and was nearly knocked over as soon as he stepped out by a blonde streak zooming past him. As his eyes followed the streak don the hall he realized it was Spike.

"Connor what's going on here?"

"Hey dad look what we got yesterday!" Connor slid quickly up to Angel's side.

"Connor what are you standing on? Get down from there."

"It's a skateboard dad. We got 'em yesterday at this shop in the valley. They work better on the pavement but w have to wait for sundown."

"Are these things safe Spike?" Angel watched as Spike jumped up on the bench, slid across the edge, and came down at too sharp of an angle, tumbling off the board.

"He's fine old man. If his head is as hard as yours you've got nothing to worry about."

"Do you want to try dad?"

"No, no, no I'm too big for that flimsy little thing. You two have your fun." Just as he was finishing that comment Gunn rode by on a more beat up looking board.

"Hey Angel. You're kid says these things are coming back. Man last time I had this out I was twenty."

Angel spun around as he heard Fred laughing only to see Wesley holding her up as she tried to stand on a board. This was too much for Angel. "Wes don't we have dinner reservations in less than an hour?"

"Hey that's right. Junior told me about the big date. Good luck peaches."

"Yeah if there's a sock on the doorknob I promise to stay out."

"Sock on the what?"

"Don't bother all pop culture references are lost on him. Come on Angelcakes I'll help you pick out a tie."

"Alright I expect you to check in with Lorne when you get back. I should be back before twelve but if I'm not I'm trusting you to take care of yourself. I'll leave my phone on in case you need me. Oh and please eat something sometime today." Angel headed off with Gunn, Fred, and Wes to get ready for their night out. Lorne went off to watch a Cher special on pay-per-view. When Spike was sure everyone was gone he began to plan.

"So when do you think daddy dearest will be back."

"If he has enough to drink I'd say around 1."

"Good we have plenty of time to make it to the party"