Chapter 2 - A New Arrangement
As Connor stood there, looking both defiant and sheepish in a way only a teenager could, Angel struggled to rein in his temper. Connor never did very well with direct orders or threats or angry words, and Angel doubted that his scolding Connor in front of everyone else would help things anyway."We'll talk about this later," Angel said shortly in a tone that was both a warning and a promise.
"We always do," Connor muttered, but he glanced away when Angel shot him a stern look.
"Okay," Angel stepped back, "so that makes Connor, Gunn, Illyria, Nina, and me."
"And me," Spike spoke up.
"And Spike," Angel added reluctantly. "We need shade soon – the sun will be strong in less than an hour."
"The sewers?" Gunn suggested.
"Ugh," Nina made a face before she could stop herself. "Sorry, it's just the sewers?"
"I think we should steal someone's home," Illyria said in a strong voice. "Someone who has died in the fight tonight."
"Could we hide in a car or a van?" Nina said, ignoring Illyria. Angel already had the sinking feeling that she did not like the blue-tinged ex-goddess. "Something we could move around in case they come after us?"
"I say we go crash a hotel," Spike announced. "Everyone will be worrying about the whole battle scene, and we can just waltz right in, snag us a few suites, and then goodbye sun, hello martinis and pay-per view."
Everyone waited, watching Angel for some kind of indication what he thought. It was nice, he mused as he glanced over all of them, to be their leader. Sure, he had tons to worry about between Connor and Nina and Spike's pestering, but it felt good, really good to stand his ground again with just the few of them, and not worry about running a huge lawyer firm. Though it sounded like Wolfram and Hart were about to make a comeback.
"Spike is right," Angel sighed, hating to ever admit that Spike could be right. "A hotel will do for tonight."
Gunn lifted his head. "We got any money?"
Angel smiled slightly, hearing Gunn's street side coming back over the programmed lawyer. "I got some," Angel nodded.
"How much?" Spike craned his neck to get a look at Angel's pocket. "Enough to buy me some cigs?"
"No smoking," Angel ordered, with a side look at Connor. "And no more talking, either. We find a hotel now."
The sun had just began to tip around the tall buildings, making Angel and Spike crouch against the walls to avoid the light. Nina and Illyria fought for a space to walk beside Angel, each deeming herself the hero's companion.
"Move over," Nina snapped at one point.
"I was here first," Illyria retorted.
"Maybe, but I'm dating him," Nina thrust a finger towards Angel.
"Ooh, catfight," Spike grinned, nudging Connor with his elbow. "Who you rooting on to get old Daddy?"
"Spike," Angel growled.
"Oh, all right," Spike shrugged. "Don't get your knickers in a twist. You can have them both."
Angel grabbed Nina's arm and pulled her forward with him. "Illyria, you guard the rear with Gunn."
Nina shot a triumphant smile over her shoulder at Illyria before Angel started forward again.
They found a hotel on the next street. At first, it looked empty, but as soon as they entered the lobby, a flustered-looking woman came running up.
"What's going on?" she demanded breathlessly. "I've been working all night, but the morning manager never came in. I've tried to watch the news, but most of the channels are down. There was some crazy news report about gangs rising up and attacking different parts of LA."
"Yeah," Gunn commented sarcastically, "gangs. That's what it was."
"You're covered with blood," the manager noticed. "Were you in a car accident? Are you all right? And is that woman blue?"
"Uh, costume party," Angel told her, unable to think of anything to say to explain what was really going on. "It got a little out of hand. And we didn't see anything, but we need some rooms."
"Oh, fine," she sighed and headed for the reception counter to look at her computer. "Crazy town, always something going on. How many rooms?"
Angel considered for a second, but Connor stepped forward impulsively and asked, "Does Wolfram and Hart have any suites here?"
Angel turned to Connor to rebuke him, but the manager nodded, "Yes, they do have three suites reserved for out of town clients? They haven't called – are you their clients?"
"We work for them," Angel pulled a card out of his pocket and dropped it on the table.
The manager glanced down at it, then she came up with a dazzling smile. "Oh, you're Mr. Angel, the CEO. Welcome, sir. We are so glad to serve you. Will that be all three suites? Each suite comes with two beds."
"Yeah," Angel exhaled a tight breath, relieved that no further questions would be asked.
"Just one moment," she began typing onto the keyboard.
"Gunn, you're with Illyria. Nina, I guess you go with Connor, and I'll be with Spike," Angel said.
"I could room with Spike," Connor objected.
"Nothing doing," Spike protested to Angel. "I want Nina. You stay with your lil' runt and let me cozy up with the werewolf."
"I'm not little," Connor told him.
Nina gave Spike a look that said he better watch his distance.
"Look, we aren't on vacation," Angel snapped. "We go to our rooms, clean up, get some sleep, meet back together when the sun goes down."
"Fine," Connor huffed, and Spike looked mutinous, but said nothing.
In spite of the world almost ending ten hours ago, the hotel suites were all very clean and expensive looking. Angel found a first aid kit in the bathroom and he tucked a tube of antibiotic cream and large Band-Aids into his pocket.
"Sweet," Spike remarked, ready to jump on the bed.
Angel grabbed him by the arm before he could move. "Wash up first. Then sleep."
"Fine," Spike muttered, getting up and heading towards the bathroom. "Hope you don't mind if I use all the shampoo. Doesn't matter – nothing could make that Nancy-boy mess on your head look any better."
"Go," Angel ordered.
He went out into the hall and tapped on the door of Gunn's room. Gunn answered the door, looking worn out.
"Why'd you put me with her?" Gunn demanded. "She's going around, touching everything and asking what it's used for. I don't remember her being this weird at the office. You should have put her with Nina and let me bunk with the kid."
"They would have ended up fighting," Angel told him, keeping his voice down. "I don't want Nina getting hurt or Illyria breaking things in the room. She's upset over Wesley – see if you can get her to sleep."
"You owe me," Gunn said.
Angel did not quite agree, but considering he felt too tired to stand around arguing, he just nodded. Gunn closed the door, saying, "All right, ex-goddess, you know how to turn on the shower? No, don't put your hand down the toilet!"
Angel hurried over to Nina's room and knocked. She opened the door, and a smile spread over her face as she saw him.
"Where's Connor?" Angel asked, stepping into the room and letting her shut the door softly.
"In the bathroom," Nina nodded towards the closed door. "He didn't say anything, just started the shower. I'm so glad you're all right." She leaned forward to kiss his lower jaw very gently. Then she moved down his neck, planting soft kisses down towards his collarbone.
"Nina," Angel breathed in something between a gasp and a sigh. "No, stop. We can't. Not now."
"I was so worried about you," she confessed, brushing back his dirty hair. "But you're safe now. Just let me be with you."
"No," he caught her hand. "Not now. I want you to get some sleep. Later we can talk. But for now, you rest."
Her eyes shadowed, but he could see the weariness written all over her face. "You're right," she drew back.
Just in time too, because Connor came out of the bathroom, with only a towel wrapped around his waist. He blinked, stopping short.
"Sorry I took so long," the words slipped from his lips as he watched Angel and Nina.
"No problem," Nina whispered. She edged past Connor and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her with a firm click.
"What's wrong?" Connor asked.
"Nothing," Angel told him. "Turn around."
"Why?" Connor looked suspicious.
"I want a look at cuts on your back, so turn."
"No," Connor shook his head, "I can take care of myself."
"Just do it," Angel said shortly.
"No," Connor replied.
The frustration returned, born of a long night of fighting and early morning warning. Angel knew it was building up inside him, gathering more power and fury. He felt so upset with Connor – upset and worried and scared for his son. He remembered that awful feeling when Connor had gone crazy last year and tied those people up with the explosives.
"Connor, show me your back," Angel demanded in low voice. "I'm not having you get infected. When I made the deal with the Powers, they took away some of your strength, and that might have included your fast healing."
"So what?" Connor challenged. "You made that decision without asking me – enjoy the results. Now, get out and let me dress." He jerked his head towards the folded pair of pajamas that the hotel had supplied.
"Connor, last chance," Angel warned, crossing his arms over his chest.
That was not a good sign. Connor remembered when Angel had done that before, and it usually meant Angel would not bend, that stupid stubbornness of his showing on his face.
"No," Connor replied, wishing he could have gotten dressed before starting to argue with Angel.
"Fine," Angel faked turning away and then jumped forward to grab Connor's upper arm. His grip like iron around the teen's arm, he dragged Connor towards the bed.
Had he been wearing pajamas, Connor thought he could have put up a better fight, maybe even landed a few punches. But Angel had one arm in a vice-like pinch, and Connor had to use the other to hold up his towel, and they reached the edge of the bed before Connor could blink.
Still gripping his son, Angel sat down on the bed. He gave Connor one stern, knowing look and then proceeded to pull Connor across his lap, face-down.
"Angel?" Connor gasped, trying to hold up his towel and keep himself from tipping forward too far.
Angel anchored Connor to his lap with his left hand. "That's Dad to you now. And you listen when I talk to you. I'm going to clean up your cuts one way or another, but you can decide right now whether you want a spanking first or not?"
"No!" Connor bellowed, trying to twist off his father's lap while holding onto the towel. "You can't! I'm too old for that. My other dad never spanked me!"
"Which one?" Angel couldn't help being sarcastic. "So are you going to obey me or not, Connor?"
"I don't need help!" Connor protested, wriggling his entire body in protest.
"Your choice," Angel sighed in resignation. He put his fingers under the edge of the towel and tugged it down, far enough to expose Connor's rear end.
"Stop it!" Connor cried out. "Don't – Nina's in the next room. She'll hear."
"I hope so," Angel scowled, using both hands to keep Connor in place. "Because I doubt this will be the only time I have to do this."
"What?" came Connor's shaky voice.
"You wanted to start over, right? Well, I screwed up so badly last time, that I'm going to be extra careful this time. I tried to treat you like a friend instead of my son. That changes now – you are my son, and you can think of me as a very stern, very firm father because that's all I'll be you for the next few years."
"Years?" Connor gasped in dismay.
"Yes, I'm not repeating the same mistakes. I'm not having you hurt people or sleep around with women or dropping me to the bottom of the ocean."
"I was confused," Connor protested. "I know better now."
"You'll know better all right," Angel promised. Holding Connor with his left hand, he raised up his right and brought it smack down on Connor's bare bottom.
"Ow!" Connor jerked. "Come on, Angel, please!"
"That's right," Angel agreed, "you keep up that attitude and maybe I won't have to do this as often." He brought his hand down again and again, the smacking sounds loud in the quiet room.
"You can't spank me," Connor told him, though his voice sounded weak. "No one spanks kids any more – ow!"
"Then I'm no one," Angel retorted. "So you stay still and maybe I won't have to do this again after I dress your wounds."
"My wounds!" Connor yelled as the spanking continued. "Yeah, you're hurting me. You're going to make the cuts worse."
"Ha," Angel said scornfully. "I can see the scratches on your back, and they aren't bleeding anymore."
"So you're spanking me because I won't let you clean cuts that don't need cleaning?" Connor was outraged.
Angel paused in his swats just to force himself not to smile. The boy could make a good argument even in the middle of a punishment. He would make a great lawyer – no wonder he convinced the heads of Wolfram and Hart to let him take the job and erase his fake family. The reminder of the boy's foolishness spurred Angel to start spanking again, and this time he made his swats harder and firmer, turning Connor's poor bottom very pink.
"Ow – stop!" Connors yelled, blinking back tears. "Please stop. I'm sorry. Oww! I'll what you want – anything!"
"And what is it I want?" Angel asked, just to see what the boy would say.
"I'll listen to you," Connor rushed the words out. "I'll be good and obey you. I won't talk back. I swear – I'll be good."
Angel snorted, the sound coming out between loud smacks. "You be good – that will be the day. I see you fighting me everyday, just like I fought my father, and he probably fought his father. But thanks to you, we'll be fighting at home and at work now."
"You don't want to work with me?" Connor sniffed, and Angel could smell the tears. But he didn't ease up his spanking.
"I don't want you to go crazy. I want you to behave and get along with other people and not lie and obey me and reach your twenty-first birthday. And if I have to pull you over my knee everyday to accomplish that, so be it. I am done being your pal or your buddy or whatever slang you kids use. I – am – your – fa – ther," Angel brought his hand down on each syllable, "and – you – will – obey – me."
"I will!" Connor howled. "I promise!"
Angel felt a surge of power coupled with satisfaction. He felt better than he had felt in months now he had gotten through to his son, but he did not stop yet. Connor had to know the law now, know there could be no going back.
However, Angel's vampire senses tingles, making him look up, and he saw Nina standing there, wrapped in a large towel with her wet hair streaming down her shoulders.
Connor looked up, and his eyes went wide with horror at Nina seeing him bare-bottom over Angel's lap.
"Nina," Angel said quietly, yet firmly before she could speak, "please go back into the bathroom until I finish with Connor. Thank you."
She opened her mouth to say something, seeming very flustered and confused, but she whirled around abruptly and went back into the bathroom, shutting the door.
"You let her hear," Connor exploded, twisting frantically to get off Angel's knees. "How could you?"
"You think we're done here?" Angel asked wryly. "Not yet."
He brought his hand down, relishing the sharp sound it made. A part of him reminded him that he shouldn't enjoy any human's pain, but blast it, this boy had put him through hell, not to mention trying to send him there. And Angel was not about to start off on the train wreck that their relationship had taken last time.
"I promise!" Connor bellowed. "Anything you want, I'll do it."
"I want a 'Yes, sir' out of your mouth," Angel told him.
"Yes, sir! Yes, sir!" Connor yelped.
Another swat, and Angel said, "And you will call me Dad."
"Yes, Dad, I will," Connor promised between sobs.
"And I love you," Angel gave him one last tremendous spank.
"I love you, I love you," Connor wept, not realizing that Angel was telling him the last bit, not asking him to repeat it.
"That's right," Angel played along. He grabbed Connor and swung him to his feet, thankful he had vampire strength as the boy had grown another inch in the last year.
Connor grabbed at his towel, trying desperately to keep some modesty.
"Whatever," Angel rolled his eyes. "Two years ago I was changing your diapers and bathing you in the kitchen sink."
"More than two years ago," Connor wiped at his eyes with his free hand.
"Fine, more than that, but now by much in our time," Angel stood up and placed both hands on his son's bare shoulders. He thought about hugging his son, but decided to wait until the boy initiated a hug himself rather than force it on Connor. So instead, Angel settled for gruff sternness. "Connor, I want you to understand what just happened here. This is not about me wanting to hurt you. This is not about me seeking revenge for the whole coffin-in-the-ocean thing. It's not about Holtz or Cordy, no!" Angel shook his head, seeing Connor ready to object. "This is you and me, Connor, and I'm telling you right now that you are going to obey me as your new boss, the group leader, and your father. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," Connor nodded, still blinking back tears.
"You have thirty seconds to get dressed and get into bed or else. Starting now," Angel turned away. With his keen hearing, Angel heard Connor suck in a shaky breath and drop the towel as he rushed to get his pajamas on. A hint of smile played on Angel's lips, but on the dot of thirty seconds, Angel turned around with a stoic face.
His cheeks flushed and eyes red-rim and teary, Connor looked about eight years old. He made a movement towards the bed, then hesitated, glancing towards Angel.
"Lay down," Angel told him. He waited until Connor settled on the bed, face-down, before pulling up Connor's shirt to check his cuts. Angel squeezed a little cream out the tube from his pocket and applied it liberally to the scratches.
Connor hissed, but stayed still. Angel placed Band-Aids over the deeper cuts before pulling the pajama top back down. Connor didn't move so Angel pulled up the sheet and thin comforter, covering up the teen.
Connor put his hands under the pillow, turning to watch Angel with a very sad face.
Angel sighed and sat down on the bed beside him. "Oh, Connor," he ran his hand over the boy's light brown hair that hung in damp clumps, "I can't believe you're back. I worried about you so much this past year, kept wanting to check up on you at college. I was so scared that you would find me, but I couldn't leave you. You'll always be my boy, my son, my little Connor."
As he talked, Angel brushed back Connor's hair from his face, smoothing the hair and tucking it behind Connor's ear. Connor watched him with tired eyes framed by wet lashes.
"Get some rest," Angel stood up, stooping to kiss Connor on the forehead. As he straightened, he heard Connor exhale, almost giving a tired sob.
"You stay in bed and sleep until I come get you," Angel told him. "No wandering off, and no sneaking around."
Connor made no reply, and Angel guessed he was already half asleep. Angel walked quietly towards the bathroom, planning to tap on the door. It opened before he could knock, and Nina pulled him into the bathroom.
"What was that?" she hissed, careful to shut the door quietly.
"Something I had to get out of the way with Connor," Angel explained patiently. "He's been asking for it for a long time, believe me. You couldn't imagine some of the things that kid's tried. I am not going to let him hurt himself, not again."
Nina watched him, anger clouding her eyes for a few seconds. Then she relented and leaned her head onto Angel's shoulder.
"I'm scared," she whispered. "You went face to face with something big last night. Connor made a deal with Wolfram and Hart. And we're using their hotel rooms. What if they come after us?"
"I'll protect you," Angel told her, then grinned sheepishly. "Did that sound as cliché as I think?"
"Yeah, but coming from the man that just spanked his teenage son, I'll let your chauvinist attitude stand."
"Get some sleep," Angel pulled her in for a quick kiss.
She let him kiss her, then pulled back with a grin.
"What?" Angel asked.
"You smell awful," Nina giggled. "Go get cleaned up."
He shook his head at her, then slipped out of her hotel room.
He found Spike sitting on one bed, a towel wrapped around his waist, and watching a soap opera on TV. Seeing Angel, Spike grabbed the remote and muted the TV. "You take the tyke over your knee? What? The walls aren't that thick, and hello? Vampire hearing."
"Put some clothes on," Angel ordered as he headed for the bathroom.
"Ooo," Spike sneered as he turned up the volume on the TV, "the big bad wolf thinks he's going to scare the lil' piggies. But we're not scared."
"Shut up, Spike," Angel said from inside the bathroom.
"Bugger that," Spike grinned as he went back to watching the couple making out on the screen.
No question about it – they were all going to have a great time, vampire father and demon child and all.
"We always do," Connor muttered, but he glanced away when Angel shot him a stern look.
"Okay," Angel stepped back, "so that makes Connor, Gunn, Illyria, Nina, and me."
"And me," Spike spoke up.
"And Spike," Angel added reluctantly. "We need shade soon – the sun will be strong in less than an hour."
"The sewers?" Gunn suggested.
"Ugh," Nina made a face before she could stop herself. "Sorry, it's just the sewers?"
"I think we should steal someone's home," Illyria said in a strong voice. "Someone who has died in the fight tonight."
"Could we hide in a car or a van?" Nina said, ignoring Illyria. Angel already had the sinking feeling that she did not like the blue-tinged ex-goddess. "Something we could move around in case they come after us?"
"I say we go crash a hotel," Spike announced. "Everyone will be worrying about the whole battle scene, and we can just waltz right in, snag us a few suites, and then goodbye sun, hello martinis and pay-per view."
Everyone waited, watching Angel for some kind of indication what he thought. It was nice, he mused as he glanced over all of them, to be their leader. Sure, he had tons to worry about between Connor and Nina and Spike's pestering, but it felt good, really good to stand his ground again with just the few of them, and not worry about running a huge lawyer firm. Though it sounded like Wolfram and Hart were about to make a comeback.
"Spike is right," Angel sighed, hating to ever admit that Spike could be right. "A hotel will do for tonight."
Gunn lifted his head. "We got any money?"
Angel smiled slightly, hearing Gunn's street side coming back over the programmed lawyer. "I got some," Angel nodded.
"How much?" Spike craned his neck to get a look at Angel's pocket. "Enough to buy me some cigs?"
"No smoking," Angel ordered, with a side look at Connor. "And no more talking, either. We find a hotel now."
The sun had just began to tip around the tall buildings, making Angel and Spike crouch against the walls to avoid the light. Nina and Illyria fought for a space to walk beside Angel, each deeming herself the hero's companion.
"Move over," Nina snapped at one point.
"I was here first," Illyria retorted.
"Maybe, but I'm dating him," Nina thrust a finger towards Angel.
"Ooh, catfight," Spike grinned, nudging Connor with his elbow. "Who you rooting on to get old Daddy?"
"Spike," Angel growled.
"Oh, all right," Spike shrugged. "Don't get your knickers in a twist. You can have them both."
Angel grabbed Nina's arm and pulled her forward with him. "Illyria, you guard the rear with Gunn."
Nina shot a triumphant smile over her shoulder at Illyria before Angel started forward again.
They found a hotel on the next street. At first, it looked empty, but as soon as they entered the lobby, a flustered-looking woman came running up.
"What's going on?" she demanded breathlessly. "I've been working all night, but the morning manager never came in. I've tried to watch the news, but most of the channels are down. There was some crazy news report about gangs rising up and attacking different parts of LA."
"Yeah," Gunn commented sarcastically, "gangs. That's what it was."
"You're covered with blood," the manager noticed. "Were you in a car accident? Are you all right? And is that woman blue?"
"Uh, costume party," Angel told her, unable to think of anything to say to explain what was really going on. "It got a little out of hand. And we didn't see anything, but we need some rooms."
"Oh, fine," she sighed and headed for the reception counter to look at her computer. "Crazy town, always something going on. How many rooms?"
Angel considered for a second, but Connor stepped forward impulsively and asked, "Does Wolfram and Hart have any suites here?"
Angel turned to Connor to rebuke him, but the manager nodded, "Yes, they do have three suites reserved for out of town clients? They haven't called – are you their clients?"
"We work for them," Angel pulled a card out of his pocket and dropped it on the table.
The manager glanced down at it, then she came up with a dazzling smile. "Oh, you're Mr. Angel, the CEO. Welcome, sir. We are so glad to serve you. Will that be all three suites? Each suite comes with two beds."
"Yeah," Angel exhaled a tight breath, relieved that no further questions would be asked.
"Just one moment," she began typing onto the keyboard.
"Gunn, you're with Illyria. Nina, I guess you go with Connor, and I'll be with Spike," Angel said.
"I could room with Spike," Connor objected.
"Nothing doing," Spike protested to Angel. "I want Nina. You stay with your lil' runt and let me cozy up with the werewolf."
"I'm not little," Connor told him.
Nina gave Spike a look that said he better watch his distance.
"Look, we aren't on vacation," Angel snapped. "We go to our rooms, clean up, get some sleep, meet back together when the sun goes down."
"Fine," Connor huffed, and Spike looked mutinous, but said nothing.
In spite of the world almost ending ten hours ago, the hotel suites were all very clean and expensive looking. Angel found a first aid kit in the bathroom and he tucked a tube of antibiotic cream and large Band-Aids into his pocket.
"Sweet," Spike remarked, ready to jump on the bed.
Angel grabbed him by the arm before he could move. "Wash up first. Then sleep."
"Fine," Spike muttered, getting up and heading towards the bathroom. "Hope you don't mind if I use all the shampoo. Doesn't matter – nothing could make that Nancy-boy mess on your head look any better."
"Go," Angel ordered.
He went out into the hall and tapped on the door of Gunn's room. Gunn answered the door, looking worn out.
"Why'd you put me with her?" Gunn demanded. "She's going around, touching everything and asking what it's used for. I don't remember her being this weird at the office. You should have put her with Nina and let me bunk with the kid."
"They would have ended up fighting," Angel told him, keeping his voice down. "I don't want Nina getting hurt or Illyria breaking things in the room. She's upset over Wesley – see if you can get her to sleep."
"You owe me," Gunn said.
Angel did not quite agree, but considering he felt too tired to stand around arguing, he just nodded. Gunn closed the door, saying, "All right, ex-goddess, you know how to turn on the shower? No, don't put your hand down the toilet!"
Angel hurried over to Nina's room and knocked. She opened the door, and a smile spread over her face as she saw him.
"Where's Connor?" Angel asked, stepping into the room and letting her shut the door softly.
"In the bathroom," Nina nodded towards the closed door. "He didn't say anything, just started the shower. I'm so glad you're all right." She leaned forward to kiss his lower jaw very gently. Then she moved down his neck, planting soft kisses down towards his collarbone.
"Nina," Angel breathed in something between a gasp and a sigh. "No, stop. We can't. Not now."
"I was so worried about you," she confessed, brushing back his dirty hair. "But you're safe now. Just let me be with you."
"No," he caught her hand. "Not now. I want you to get some sleep. Later we can talk. But for now, you rest."
Her eyes shadowed, but he could see the weariness written all over her face. "You're right," she drew back.
Just in time too, because Connor came out of the bathroom, with only a towel wrapped around his waist. He blinked, stopping short.
"Sorry I took so long," the words slipped from his lips as he watched Angel and Nina.
"No problem," Nina whispered. She edged past Connor and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her with a firm click.
"What's wrong?" Connor asked.
"Nothing," Angel told him. "Turn around."
"Why?" Connor looked suspicious.
"I want a look at cuts on your back, so turn."
"No," Connor shook his head, "I can take care of myself."
"Just do it," Angel said shortly.
"No," Connor replied.
The frustration returned, born of a long night of fighting and early morning warning. Angel knew it was building up inside him, gathering more power and fury. He felt so upset with Connor – upset and worried and scared for his son. He remembered that awful feeling when Connor had gone crazy last year and tied those people up with the explosives.
"Connor, show me your back," Angel demanded in low voice. "I'm not having you get infected. When I made the deal with the Powers, they took away some of your strength, and that might have included your fast healing."
"So what?" Connor challenged. "You made that decision without asking me – enjoy the results. Now, get out and let me dress." He jerked his head towards the folded pair of pajamas that the hotel had supplied.
"Connor, last chance," Angel warned, crossing his arms over his chest.
That was not a good sign. Connor remembered when Angel had done that before, and it usually meant Angel would not bend, that stupid stubbornness of his showing on his face.
"No," Connor replied, wishing he could have gotten dressed before starting to argue with Angel.
"Fine," Angel faked turning away and then jumped forward to grab Connor's upper arm. His grip like iron around the teen's arm, he dragged Connor towards the bed.
Had he been wearing pajamas, Connor thought he could have put up a better fight, maybe even landed a few punches. But Angel had one arm in a vice-like pinch, and Connor had to use the other to hold up his towel, and they reached the edge of the bed before Connor could blink.
Still gripping his son, Angel sat down on the bed. He gave Connor one stern, knowing look and then proceeded to pull Connor across his lap, face-down.
"Angel?" Connor gasped, trying to hold up his towel and keep himself from tipping forward too far.
Angel anchored Connor to his lap with his left hand. "That's Dad to you now. And you listen when I talk to you. I'm going to clean up your cuts one way or another, but you can decide right now whether you want a spanking first or not?"
"No!" Connor bellowed, trying to twist off his father's lap while holding onto the towel. "You can't! I'm too old for that. My other dad never spanked me!"
"Which one?" Angel couldn't help being sarcastic. "So are you going to obey me or not, Connor?"
"I don't need help!" Connor protested, wriggling his entire body in protest.
"Your choice," Angel sighed in resignation. He put his fingers under the edge of the towel and tugged it down, far enough to expose Connor's rear end.
"Stop it!" Connor cried out. "Don't – Nina's in the next room. She'll hear."
"I hope so," Angel scowled, using both hands to keep Connor in place. "Because I doubt this will be the only time I have to do this."
"What?" came Connor's shaky voice.
"You wanted to start over, right? Well, I screwed up so badly last time, that I'm going to be extra careful this time. I tried to treat you like a friend instead of my son. That changes now – you are my son, and you can think of me as a very stern, very firm father because that's all I'll be you for the next few years."
"Years?" Connor gasped in dismay.
"Yes, I'm not repeating the same mistakes. I'm not having you hurt people or sleep around with women or dropping me to the bottom of the ocean."
"I was confused," Connor protested. "I know better now."
"You'll know better all right," Angel promised. Holding Connor with his left hand, he raised up his right and brought it smack down on Connor's bare bottom.
"Ow!" Connor jerked. "Come on, Angel, please!"
"That's right," Angel agreed, "you keep up that attitude and maybe I won't have to do this as often." He brought his hand down again and again, the smacking sounds loud in the quiet room.
"You can't spank me," Connor told him, though his voice sounded weak. "No one spanks kids any more – ow!"
"Then I'm no one," Angel retorted. "So you stay still and maybe I won't have to do this again after I dress your wounds."
"My wounds!" Connor yelled as the spanking continued. "Yeah, you're hurting me. You're going to make the cuts worse."
"Ha," Angel said scornfully. "I can see the scratches on your back, and they aren't bleeding anymore."
"So you're spanking me because I won't let you clean cuts that don't need cleaning?" Connor was outraged.
Angel paused in his swats just to force himself not to smile. The boy could make a good argument even in the middle of a punishment. He would make a great lawyer – no wonder he convinced the heads of Wolfram and Hart to let him take the job and erase his fake family. The reminder of the boy's foolishness spurred Angel to start spanking again, and this time he made his swats harder and firmer, turning Connor's poor bottom very pink.
"Ow – stop!" Connors yelled, blinking back tears. "Please stop. I'm sorry. Oww! I'll what you want – anything!"
"And what is it I want?" Angel asked, just to see what the boy would say.
"I'll listen to you," Connor rushed the words out. "I'll be good and obey you. I won't talk back. I swear – I'll be good."
Angel snorted, the sound coming out between loud smacks. "You be good – that will be the day. I see you fighting me everyday, just like I fought my father, and he probably fought his father. But thanks to you, we'll be fighting at home and at work now."
"You don't want to work with me?" Connor sniffed, and Angel could smell the tears. But he didn't ease up his spanking.
"I don't want you to go crazy. I want you to behave and get along with other people and not lie and obey me and reach your twenty-first birthday. And if I have to pull you over my knee everyday to accomplish that, so be it. I am done being your pal or your buddy or whatever slang you kids use. I – am – your – fa – ther," Angel brought his hand down on each syllable, "and – you – will – obey – me."
"I will!" Connor howled. "I promise!"
Angel felt a surge of power coupled with satisfaction. He felt better than he had felt in months now he had gotten through to his son, but he did not stop yet. Connor had to know the law now, know there could be no going back.
However, Angel's vampire senses tingles, making him look up, and he saw Nina standing there, wrapped in a large towel with her wet hair streaming down her shoulders.
Connor looked up, and his eyes went wide with horror at Nina seeing him bare-bottom over Angel's lap.
"Nina," Angel said quietly, yet firmly before she could speak, "please go back into the bathroom until I finish with Connor. Thank you."
She opened her mouth to say something, seeming very flustered and confused, but she whirled around abruptly and went back into the bathroom, shutting the door.
"You let her hear," Connor exploded, twisting frantically to get off Angel's knees. "How could you?"
"You think we're done here?" Angel asked wryly. "Not yet."
He brought his hand down, relishing the sharp sound it made. A part of him reminded him that he shouldn't enjoy any human's pain, but blast it, this boy had put him through hell, not to mention trying to send him there. And Angel was not about to start off on the train wreck that their relationship had taken last time.
"I promise!" Connor bellowed. "Anything you want, I'll do it."
"I want a 'Yes, sir' out of your mouth," Angel told him.
"Yes, sir! Yes, sir!" Connor yelped.
Another swat, and Angel said, "And you will call me Dad."
"Yes, Dad, I will," Connor promised between sobs.
"And I love you," Angel gave him one last tremendous spank.
"I love you, I love you," Connor wept, not realizing that Angel was telling him the last bit, not asking him to repeat it.
"That's right," Angel played along. He grabbed Connor and swung him to his feet, thankful he had vampire strength as the boy had grown another inch in the last year.
Connor grabbed at his towel, trying desperately to keep some modesty.
"Whatever," Angel rolled his eyes. "Two years ago I was changing your diapers and bathing you in the kitchen sink."
"More than two years ago," Connor wiped at his eyes with his free hand.
"Fine, more than that, but now by much in our time," Angel stood up and placed both hands on his son's bare shoulders. He thought about hugging his son, but decided to wait until the boy initiated a hug himself rather than force it on Connor. So instead, Angel settled for gruff sternness. "Connor, I want you to understand what just happened here. This is not about me wanting to hurt you. This is not about me seeking revenge for the whole coffin-in-the-ocean thing. It's not about Holtz or Cordy, no!" Angel shook his head, seeing Connor ready to object. "This is you and me, Connor, and I'm telling you right now that you are going to obey me as your new boss, the group leader, and your father. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," Connor nodded, still blinking back tears.
"You have thirty seconds to get dressed and get into bed or else. Starting now," Angel turned away. With his keen hearing, Angel heard Connor suck in a shaky breath and drop the towel as he rushed to get his pajamas on. A hint of smile played on Angel's lips, but on the dot of thirty seconds, Angel turned around with a stoic face.
His cheeks flushed and eyes red-rim and teary, Connor looked about eight years old. He made a movement towards the bed, then hesitated, glancing towards Angel.
"Lay down," Angel told him. He waited until Connor settled on the bed, face-down, before pulling up Connor's shirt to check his cuts. Angel squeezed a little cream out the tube from his pocket and applied it liberally to the scratches.
Connor hissed, but stayed still. Angel placed Band-Aids over the deeper cuts before pulling the pajama top back down. Connor didn't move so Angel pulled up the sheet and thin comforter, covering up the teen.
Connor put his hands under the pillow, turning to watch Angel with a very sad face.
Angel sighed and sat down on the bed beside him. "Oh, Connor," he ran his hand over the boy's light brown hair that hung in damp clumps, "I can't believe you're back. I worried about you so much this past year, kept wanting to check up on you at college. I was so scared that you would find me, but I couldn't leave you. You'll always be my boy, my son, my little Connor."
As he talked, Angel brushed back Connor's hair from his face, smoothing the hair and tucking it behind Connor's ear. Connor watched him with tired eyes framed by wet lashes.
"Get some rest," Angel stood up, stooping to kiss Connor on the forehead. As he straightened, he heard Connor exhale, almost giving a tired sob.
"You stay in bed and sleep until I come get you," Angel told him. "No wandering off, and no sneaking around."
Connor made no reply, and Angel guessed he was already half asleep. Angel walked quietly towards the bathroom, planning to tap on the door. It opened before he could knock, and Nina pulled him into the bathroom.
"What was that?" she hissed, careful to shut the door quietly.
"Something I had to get out of the way with Connor," Angel explained patiently. "He's been asking for it for a long time, believe me. You couldn't imagine some of the things that kid's tried. I am not going to let him hurt himself, not again."
Nina watched him, anger clouding her eyes for a few seconds. Then she relented and leaned her head onto Angel's shoulder.
"I'm scared," she whispered. "You went face to face with something big last night. Connor made a deal with Wolfram and Hart. And we're using their hotel rooms. What if they come after us?"
"I'll protect you," Angel told her, then grinned sheepishly. "Did that sound as cliché as I think?"
"Yeah, but coming from the man that just spanked his teenage son, I'll let your chauvinist attitude stand."
"Get some sleep," Angel pulled her in for a quick kiss.
She let him kiss her, then pulled back with a grin.
"What?" Angel asked.
"You smell awful," Nina giggled. "Go get cleaned up."
He shook his head at her, then slipped out of her hotel room.
He found Spike sitting on one bed, a towel wrapped around his waist, and watching a soap opera on TV. Seeing Angel, Spike grabbed the remote and muted the TV. "You take the tyke over your knee? What? The walls aren't that thick, and hello? Vampire hearing."
"Put some clothes on," Angel ordered as he headed for the bathroom.
"Ooo," Spike sneered as he turned up the volume on the TV, "the big bad wolf thinks he's going to scare the lil' piggies. But we're not scared."
"Shut up, Spike," Angel said from inside the bathroom.
"Bugger that," Spike grinned as he went back to watching the couple making out on the screen.
No question about it – they were all going to have a great time, vampire father and demon child and all.