Chapter 15

Young Love

Buffy and Dawn hurried across the campus trying to make it to the restaurant in time. "Buffy, I'm not a slayer. Slow down. You're killin me."

"Well don't blame me. You're the one who couldn't decide which pair of earrings to buy until I said you could buy both to get us out of there. And by the way, I knew you were playing me, so don't get any ideas that it will happen again."

Dawn smiled at her admonishment. "Yeah, I figured. So, are they sexy?" Dawn pulled back her hair to show them to Buffy.

"Oh, you mean the fuck me hoops? Yeah they're understated. You may have to jump him at the table to get the message across."

"You're being a mom again. Buffy come on, lighten up. Connor's afraid you don't like him. Could you please make an effort tonight? Besides, his father will be there, and I really want to make a good impression."

"Fine, I'll be fun Buffy, but just for tonight. It really takes it out of me." Buffy and Dawn continued their playful bantering when something suddenly caught Buffy's attention.

"Wait. Dawn, did you hear that?" Buffy grabbed Dawn's arm and pulled her to stand slightly behind her.

"Buffyyyy"

"Shush, I think something's out there."

"Yeah, Buffy, probably a student. I haven't seen a single demon since I've been here. Believe me it's nothing."

Buffy listened intently, but didn't hear the sound again. "Yeah, ok, you're right. I'm just being paranoid." Buffy dropped her hold on Dawn's arm and continued their trek across campus. "Let's just hurry up and get to the restaurant. I don't want anything to happen to you."

"What could happen? I've got slayer protection." Dawn smiled and grabbed Buffy's hand in an attempt to keep up the quick pace.

Angel and Connor walked across the dark campus, both silent, unsure of what to say.

"So, a girlfriend huh? She pretty?"

"She's gorgeous. Wait till you see her, she'll take your breath away. She still takes mine away each time I see her."

"Well, technically I don't breathe, but I'm sure if I could….listen Connor, there is something serious I need to talk to you about. It has to do with why I'm here."

"You said you were here on business."

"Yeah, but you're the business."

"OK….."

"It has come to our attention that someone is killing a large number of demons in the area, and we were just wondering, I mean mostly Wes, if you knew anything about that."

"Of course. It's me."

Angel stopped dead in his tracks, a hard look falling on Connor. "We talked about this. You weren't supposed to have anything to do with that part of the world. I gave you a real life, without demons for a reason. Even after your memories were returned, you said you wanted nothing to do with that part of your past. What happened? Where did I go wrong in that conversation?"

Angel began to pace, continuing his rant of rhetorical questions, not even looking at Connor. "I can't believe this, but then what would make me think this aspect of my life would be any different from every other aspect of my life filled with really, really bad Karma? Sure, it's not like I don't deserve it. I do have a lot to make up for, you know, with the hundred plus years of killing, not to mention that time I locked all of those lawyers in the wine cellar with Darla and Dru to get eaten, when I wasn't even technically evil… Hey, I know the road to redemption is a bitch, but you'd think with all the good I've done, that the powers could cut me a break. I'm not askin' for much here. I mean, the one and only true father-son talk I've ever had, and I screw it up-"

"Listen, Dad, it was a good talk, really, the best father-son talk about demons and evil and champions and fighting I've ever had. I swear. But I can't help that these things are out there, and since I have the ability to do something about it I figured I should. I know you wouldn't turn your back on a fight. So what makes you think I would?"

"This is different Connor, the sheer volume of demons killed over the past three months….you've been going hunting. Angel studied Connor a second before continuing. "Three months….you've been dating this girl for three months. Does it have anything to do with her?"

"No…no it doesn't. I just need to let off some steam. It's just a coincidence that it happened not long after I met her…really." Connor looked away from Angel, his face now flushed.

The connection suddenly dawned on Angel. He cleared his throat before attempting what would probably be one of the most uncomfortable conversations he'd ever have. "So… you two…um….well, you're not….and you want to but she doesn't….so you go out and kill things…to get out the pent up frustration. Is that about right?"

Connor cleared his throat. "Yeah, that's about it…but uh, I haven't been out, um…hunting since last week."

"Oh, well…well that's great. So, anything you need to talk about….?"

"No, I pretty much got it covered, but thanks."

"Good…well, I thought that went pretty well. That counts as a father-son talk, right? So how'd I do this time?"

"Perfect, I really felt you putting yourself in my shoes, getting on my level-"

"Now you're just overcompensating."

"Yeah, a bit."

"The point is, Connor, that going out and killing lots of demons gives you a rep with the demon community. One you don't want. You risk retaliation."

"Don't worry, I can take 'em."

"Not if it's five to one."

"I can take five to one. You trained me remember? Five to one's nothing."

"Fine, ten to one. But that's not the point. I don't want you fighting, unless it's to protect yourself. And that's final. Got it?"

"You know, that was an even better father-son talk than the last. You really put me in my place. Very convincing."

"I get a lot of practice with Spike. He's like having a hundred year old son, but thanks."

"No problem."

"Actually, now you do have a problem."

Angel and Connor turned at the sound of the voice, to see about twenty demons standing behind them, geared up to the hilt with weapons. "Damn, knew I shoulda brought my fightin' axe."