Connor breathed heavily as he climbed through his dorm room window- trying to be quiet as possible and touch as little as possible otherwise the blood which coated his hand would get on everything. He didn't fancy trying to get blood out of something. Connor moved into his bathroom whilst putting his clothes into a black bin bag and hiding it in the cupboard under the sink.

In the dull light of the room Connor looked into the mirror and winced at the three claw marks on his chest and the blood which was now congealing there. He looked pale and sweaty which was due to the poison running through his veins now. Even with his enhanced DNA it couldn't be helped- it wouldn't kill him like most people- but it did make him feel like crap.

Connor filled the sink with warm water and took out a flannel and proceeded to wipe the wounds gently to wash away any dirt and grim he could. Placing a few gauze onto his chest and taping it into place proved difficult but not unimaginable and soon enough Connor was tucked into his bed with a jumper covering his chest but shivering slightly under the covers.

Head pounding and stomach rolling he laid there for several hours simultaneously wishing for Holtz and David to be there with him. Memories of Holtz sitting with him and actually doing something other than battle plans, hunting strategies, or weapons training was always something he liked as a child even if the only times it happened were when he was injured. Other memories showed images of Connor at various ages cradled in David's arms and watching his favourite cartoon whilst his Grandfather was sat in his recliner watching over his grandson with a worried eye. Yet he couldn't exactly ask for either of them- Holtz was dead and lied to him his entire life- and David would want to know why Connor was ill. Besides as Connor grew older those moments of care declined and David would probably just send someone over to see if he needed anything and continue with his work.

Connor gave a groan- even Angel's attempts to comfort him would be appreciated right now. He could just imagine Angel stood awkwardly in the corner and trying to figure out what his son would want whilst injured or sick. Shifting on the mattress Connor gave a huff and winced at the spike of pain that shot through him. Trying to get comfortable Connor shut his eyes and knew if he would rest his body would deal with the poison easier.

Just as he got comfortable he phone started ringing and with a sigh Connor grabbed the phone and answered.

"What?" he grunted.

"Well, that's not a nice greeting," came the dry tone of Sarah.

"What do you want?" Connor grunted.

"Okay- someone got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning," Sarah retorted and Connor could sense the anger in her tone. Connor gave a wince as he realised he was not being Connor Sheppard but rather Angel/Holtz who would have wanted the conversation to be over quickly and snapped and insulted the person whilst doing so.

"Sorry, what's up? You okay?" Connor asked whilst trying to not let any pained noises out.

"Nothing- just ringing. You alright? You sound different," Sarah asked. She was right his tone was defiantly not normal due to the poison running through his veins. It hurt to breath.

"Fine, just feeling a little tired," Connor replied whilst wishing the conversation was over. It was easier demon hunting when the people he knew where all in the know about the supernatural. His memories as Connor Sheppard didn't have any experience with lying beyond what a normal teenage boy lies about. And Sarah was an expert in seeing through his lies.

"You sure?" Sarah asked, "It doesn't sound like it."

"Yes," he gritted out and winced at the tone.

"Ugh!" Sarah grunted and he heard the tapping of keys and the laptop on his own desk that was on standby whirled to life and Skype popped up and Sarah's face filled the screen.

"No fair using your superpower!" Connor whined whilst trying to move deeper into his covers whilst not wincing.

"You're not okay! What's wrong?" Sarah asked, he could see her lean closer to her webcam as if it would allow her to see more.

"Nothing, just a little under the weather," Connor replied trying to be convincing but he did feel awful so he didn't think it would work.

"You look almost grey Connor," Sarah commented, "you going to the doctor?"

"I'll be fine after some rest," Connor stated.

"Really? Cause it doesn't look that way. Where's Eric?" Sarah questioned.

"He's gone home for the weekend- it's his Mom's birthday I think," Connor replied whilst wishing he could just sleep.

"I can ring Grandma and get her to come with some things," Sarah suggested.

"Mrs. Layla doesn't need to come. She left me a well stocked medicine cabinet when I moved. I'll be fine. Just need rest," Connor said whilst closing his eyes.

"Fine, but I'll check in this evening. If you aren't on the mend tomorrow I'll call Grandma and she'll drag you to a doctor," Sarah stated firmly. Connor gave a nod and heard his laptop beep and cracked an eye open to make sure she was actually gone.

Whilst the dorm was much more comfortable than his apartment in LA he couldn't help but want it- there would be no-one to check up on him and he had that kick-ass polar bear to talk to. Or even the Hyperion with Fred and Gunn trying to help him…or Angel and Cordelia…

With a wince Connor settled down into his cocoon and slowly drifted into darkness as the pain and exhaustion kicked in.

Written by the lovely Touchofthewind