FIC: Connor's First Christmas! (Part 3)
Title: Connor's First Christmas (Part 3)
Author:
lullaby_gg
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything related to Angel. Joss and the rest of the producers own it all.
Rating: PG-13 Warnings: Some language.
Notes: Thank you so much to all the lovely people that have reviewed this little story. I really hope you like it. I really thought I would have it all done by now but it seems to be taking a little longer than expected, but I think there'll be just one last part to it. Thanks again for the amazing feedback and a huge sorry for the delay!
Additional note: Here goes lots of Spike… tell me what you think!
Connor’s First Christmas!
Part 3
“Well, fellas. What’s with the long faces?” Spike said as he came closer to both father and son. “Well, with you I’m not sure if it’s a long face or the regular deal, with that prominent forehead one couldn’t possibly tell,” the blonde told the now angry vampire that was supposedly his grand sire. “Oh and you must be Peaches Jr., aye?”
Connor could only look puzzled. He didn’t even know who the guy that was standing in front of him was, but his father seemed to know him pretty well. And the thing was, he didn’t really feel threatened by him in the least, he actually thought the guy was funny when he mocked his father, but he might have stopped being funny this last second. Did he just call him a fruit?
“So, Peaches The First, how you’ve been?” the small skinny vampire asked directing a look at Angel.
“What in the beloved name of hell are you doing here Spike?” Angel demanded through gritted teeth. Spike was really not what the night needed right now.
“Well, that’s not a proper way to treat family now, is it?” Spike said, trying to express his ‘true’ feelings. “Those the manners you’re teaching the little runt?” But before Angel could speak again, Spike interjected.
“Just thought I should pop up and say hi to my beloved grand sire,” he said sarcastically. “So, anything new ‘round here? Have you defeated any bad-ass demons lately? Have you saved some bloody human’s life? Have you had any impossible children with your dead vampire ex-girlfriend?”
Angel was speechless. How on earth did Spike find out?
"Oh don't worry. I'm sure I missed the invitation to the baby shower. Damn post office. And oh yeah! I probably lost the invoice telling me to come and visit for his sweet 16.” Spike paused, “Kids,” he sighed wistfully, “they grow up so fast, don’t they?"
Angel used all the self-control he had in him to not jump and strangle Spike right there and then. It wouldn’t be a good example for Connor, he repeated to himself.
“He’s your grand childe?” Connor said with a look of surprise.
“Not much to my liking, mate, but ‘fraid so. I think that would make you somehow my uncle or something. But given the fact that I’m a tad bit older than you, lad, let’s just leave it at brothers, aye?”
Connor’s face lit up. He never expected to have a brother. He didn’t know what it would be like and it sounded exciting.
“No. You’re leaving Spike!” Angel immediately yelled. No way was he going to leave the kid with the great temperament and the mood changes every second, think he was brothers with that bleached abomination. Spike was leaving and that was a definite.
“Oh… but I just came home to celebrate the holidays with my only family,” Spike faked a sweet face but couldn’t help to grin a little. “I felt so lonely and lost and then with Christmas approaching all I could think of was to spend some nice time with my beloved family. The only one I’ve got…” he put on some big watery eyes and directed his glare towards the innocent kid that was Angel’s spawn. He knew deep down the kid had a soft heart and thinking they were like brothers he’d insist on his father letting him stay.
“You’re going! Get out, now!” Angel wasn’t fooled by the little act Spike was making. He knew that old bastard. The little childe would do anything and everything in his power to annoy him. It seemed that ultimately, that had been his mission in life. He walked towards Spike and was about to throw him out when his son interjected.
“Dad! You can’t throw him out!” Connor yelled exasperated, giving Angel an innocent yet indignant look.
Talking about knowing and predicting teenagers, I should write a parenting book…
“You heard your lil’ heir. You can’t throw me out,” Spike said with a tone of triumph. He’d so won the kid.
“Of course I can throw him out, Connor. Remember when I take out the trash? Well, it’s just the same thing,” his father tried reasoning with his boy while giving him a look; he then glanced with disgust at his grand childe, “believe me, it’s just the same.”
“But dad, he just said he’s family. We’re his only family,” Connor retorted Angel’s logic.
“Spike’s not alone, son! He has all L.A. pubs to himself. I heard Bill’s cousin Steve opened up a place in here, Spike. Might want to check it out, huh?” Angel said neutrally. The only reason he was not strangling the vertically challenged vampire was because Connor was there.
“Would you send your own family to spend Christmas alone in a seedy bar? How cruel can you be?” Spike mimicked a wounded voice and put a hurt look on his face.
Connor stood there, and gave a hard look to his father. “He’s right, Angel. We’re all he’s got!”
“He’s not family, son. He’s just what results when you’ve had too much to drink and your childe thinks the town is boring and she’s feeling lonely,” Angel responded. He really didn’t like Spike and using his son for talking him into letting him stay was a low blow. So, two could play the same game.
“Leave Drusilla out of this will you! Just bugger off!” Spike yelled in frustration. He really didn’t like anyone talking about her.
“But you were just telling me about miracles and family and all the things that have to do with Christmas,” Connor said with his big blue eyes directing a look at his father. “You said we must cherish family more than ever and that we should try to help others in need, right dad?”
“Well, yes…” Angel was looking for a good argument with which he could retort his son’s recent statement. It was too soon for his little chat to be coming to bite him on the ass, wasn’t it? “But, son, the kind of help he needs… we’re not a mental institution!”
“Oh would you just lighten up… you fag. You’re the one that needs to be in a psychiatric hospital if you think that haircut is used by anyone in this century!” retorted Spike a bit insulted.
“Oh and platinum bleached hair is just much more normal, isn’t that right Spike?”
“At least it’s trendy,” Spike defended his hair color. Truth was he actually liked it. “And don’t even get me started on that coat of yours…”
“What is this?!” Gunn aggravated voice was suddenly heard. And the rest of the gang came through the door and was very surprised to find that Spike had decided to pay them a visit. He wasn’t the most welcomed guest in that old hotel, to say the least.
“WHY ISN’T THE TREE DECORATED?” bellowed Cordelia, running towards the tree which was thrown on the floor and had lost some of the leaves. She somehow got passed the fact that the homicidal grand childe of Angel was right there in the lobby. She really needed to get her priorities straight.
Now Angel was really having a headache.
“What the hell is Spike doing here?” Gunn said, while opening the cabinet and grabbing a stake. “Want me to get rid of him, boss? ‘Cos truthfully, it would be my pleasure,” he said getting in position to attack. The past day had been awfully quiet and he was in need of some deserved action.
“Wait, let Angel explain what is Spike doing here, Charles,” Fred interjected. She wasn’t sure Spike was not dangerous but she wasn’t in for killing an innocent either. “He might be helping him on a case or something…”
“He’s the case! Last time he was here he kidnapped Angel and tortured him all over that stupid ring of Amara!” Gunn retorted her argument and took a step towards Spike, still holding the stake above his chin.
Well, if you got reduced to ashes as soon as the sun touched your skin, you wouldn’t be thinking that ring is so stupid after all…
Angel wanted more than anything to let Gunn get rid of the pain in the ass that had been following him close for centuries, but he changed his mind after seeing the look Connor had directed at him. “No, Gunn. It’s alright. Apparently Spike’s decided to celebrate the holidays with us,” he said with a tone that denoted clear annoyance and frustration.
“He’s staying?!” Gunn turned to look at Angel to see if somehow maybe he’d turned into Angelus again or something. That was the only reason he’d act this crazy.
“Yes, doll. I’m staying so you might as well get used to it,” Spike told him with a grin that denoted his arrogance towards him.
“He’s staying for the holidays and then he’s looking for somewhere else to stay and someone else to bother,” Angel stated. He wasn’t going to let the childe stay for a long while, or he’ll succumb sometime and kill him. He’ll just let him stay for the holidays, for Connor’s sake.
“Can someone explain to me why my lovely tree is in such shape?” Cordelia kept her tone low but with a significant amount of displeasure that could be noticed miles away.
“Why don’t you ask Connor here?” Angel knew he was not going to win Father of the Year award any time soon so he resorted to ranting on his son. He had to let Spike stay just to please Connor, so he might as well pay.
“Well, Cordy, I was just so frustrated that I didn’t get to have any Christmas memories or anything during my childhood that I just freaked out I guess…” Connor wistfully spoke. He never liked it when Cordy was mad at him. “I’m sorry for taking it out on the tree.”
“Oh, sweetie, don’t worry. I’m sure it wasn’t your intention. Your father must have done something to upset you…” Cordy came and hugged the teenager.
“And why is suddenly everything that happens around here my fault?” Angel yelled at no one in particular. This was so not his day. If he could any get gray hair now he was sure he’d be the perfect image of an old man right this second.
“I’m sure you won’t do it again, Connor. Isn’t that right?” Cordy paid Angel no mind and kept talking to Connor.
“No… I’m really sorry.” Connor said with all his cuteness. He wanted to make her happy and to get out of trouble. And well, even though no one would say it out loud, it was really hard to stay mad at those huge blue orbs that the kid possessed.
“It’s alright, baby. Now, why don’t you and your father finish up the tree while I get Spike a room where he can sleep in, okay?” Cordy gave him one final hug and then went to stand next to Spike and was about to talk to him when suddenly a voice interrupted her.
“Woman, you really need to get your priorities straight. Get that thing a room?” Gunn was still not convinced that Spike was staying. He didn’t want him to. “He’d be lucky if he stays on the lobby floor!”
“Who are you calling ‘thing’, you fag? I could beat your bald head with one hand tied on my back!” Spike defended himself and glanced maliciously at Gunn.
“Yeah, ‘cos I’d be the one holding your hand on your back and then put you against a wall so I can -” Gunn started yelling back at the bleached vampire but was interrupted by Connor.
“Shut up!” Connor shouted annoyed by Gunn and Spike’s eternal fighting.
“Now look what you’ve made. You made the lad upset.” Spike laughed at the other man.
“Charles, let’s just get upstairs and start wrapping up all those presents we bought, please?” Fred felt like being the pacifier and wanted to take her boyfriend out of the line of fire.
“But, he just…” Gunn tried to argue with her but her soft look made him crumble.
“Please, Charles?” Fred asked nicely once again.
“Oh… alright,” Gunn said and sighed in defeat. “But this is not over, blondie,” he said as he went upstairs with Fred.
“Bring it on, baldie. I’ll beat your bloody human rump before you can even say ‘I want a Bloody Mary’! You really are such a -” Spike started insulting Gunn too but was suddenly stopped by Angel.
“Spike!” his grand sire chastised him. He really knew what a filthy mouth his grand childe had and he certainly didn’t want Connor to learn more words to cuss at him, much less old English cussing words that were kind of retarded.
“He started it!” Spike defended with a statement that was only used by children. Perhaps he didn’t know.
“Cordy, would you please just show Spike his room, while Connor and I fix the tree?” Angel went for a diplomatic response and got a nod from Cordelia.
“C’mon Spike, I don’t have all day,” she said sort of annoyed. “Having to cater tomorrow’s dinner isn’t as easy as it sounds. Half the food I ate is going to take a lot of exercise to burn.”
“Alright, I could use a nap I think. Peaches and runt, I’ll see you in the morning,” Spike waved them good night and went upstairs to follow Cordy.
“I seriously think that was a threat,” Angel growled. Damn Spike.
“C’mon dad. Let’s get this over with,” Connor told his father anxiously. This had turned out to be quite a long day and to be telling the truth, the kid was kind of exhausted.
“Okay… so…” Angel turned back and then lifted the tree and put it in the center of the lobby.
“What should I do?” Connor asked, trying to somehow hide the excitement behind his words, when he remembered that he had work to do. He was actually tired but the truth was he was also quite excited about this. It was just all so new to him. He didn’t know what it was, but he hoped it would be fun.
“Well, you can bring me those sets of lights that are over there on that couch,” Angel softly asked him, pretty pleased with the change of attitude his son now had towards the tree.
“This thing?” Connor asked when he came to get the green cable that his father had been pointing.
“Yes, Connor, that. Could you bring it here, please?” Angel asked the boy, who was still a little incredulous.
“These crafts are not the same as those,” the teen said as he pointed out the lights that Cordelia had put up and were on the sides of the lobby.
“Yes, they are the same, Con,” Angel said as he made a move to grab the set of lights from his son’s hands.
“But…” Connor told him with a puzzled expression in his face. “They don’t look the same,” the kid said innocently.
“What? What do you mean they don’t look the same, son?” Angel didn’t know what the kid meant. Was he having another mood change? He didn’t think he was up for another round.
“No… I mean, this are you know, shiny and the ones I just handed you must be broken or something. They don’t light,” the boy finally expressed what he had on his mind.
“Oh… you mean these aren’t bright? Well, in order for them to emit light they must be plugged in, son,” Angel answered his son’s question now that he knew what the kid meant from the beginning.
“Plugged in?” Connor asked, not really knowing what his father had meant.
“Yes, you know, to electricity. The electric current flows through the cable and feeds the lights. As long as they’re plugged in they’ll be on… but if not, they’ll just look like these ones over here,” Angel said pointing at the set of lights Connor had just handed over to him. He really tried to explain that as best as he could, he just hoped the kid sort of understood.
“Oh, okay…” Connor said trying to act like he’d fully gotten what his father’s statement had meant.
“Let’s just start with the decoration, shall we? That’s the only way we will finally get some actual rest today,” Angel said somehow jovially. He really was glad and thankful for all the quality time he got to spend with his son. He had lost over 15 years with the boy, so every single minute with him was awfully appreciated.
“I guess…” Connor responded numbly. “I just still don’t really see the point on decorating a tree that’s going to die in a few days,” he said while rolling his eyes and trying for his father not to see him.
“Well, maybe that’s because you don’t know the history behind that tree,” Angel told his son in an attempt of cheering him up. Truthfully at first, he’d been a little reluctant himself on celebrating any sort of thing. But right about now, he really was starting to enjoy the time he was getting to spend with his family, with his son. Not with Spike, of course, but at least it assured him not to get too close to perfect happiness. Maybe that was what Christmas was all about, spending good times with your family…
“The history of that tree, you say?” Connor snorted. “I think it’s simple. It was born in a forest then evil men came to cut him and take him to be horribly displayed in a store where Cordelia bought it… and now he’s going to die at the center of our lobby full of useless lights.”
Talking about sour moods combined with an active imagination…
“That’s quite right, Con. But I wasn’t talking about the story of that tree in particular. I was talking about the story of all Christmas trees,” Angel elaborated his statement a little bit more clearly this time around.
“How can you possibly know what happens to all trees in the world?” Connor said obnoxiously and with incredibility.
“That’s not…” Angel grew frustrated. Why did his son have to be so literal? “How about if I tell you the meaning of the tree? Would that give it a point to even bother on decorating it?”
“Depends on what you say about it,” Connor snapped. He was not going to be convinced that easily.
“Fair enough, I guess,” Angel raised his eyebrows thinking his son was actually pretty smart not to compromise until he heard the whole story. “Okay, so I really don’t know exactly the significance behind using a tree, but I do know that using an evergreen tree meant hope for the people that used them. To bring an evergreen tree to their houses equaled bringing hope to their homes,” he continued.
“Why did it mean hope?” Connor asked, not fully believing the man and his story.
“Well, you see, back then people mostly used to live from agriculture and winter wasn’t exactly a very good time for them. They had very little food and on top of that they had to protect themselves from the cold so they wouldn’t get sick,” Angel tried to explain it to the boy.
“So, they needed hope?” Connor asked with a crooked eyebrow.
“Yep, they sure did. Oh and also the lightings represent the light that would lead them through darkness. Like their guide, always protecting them,” Angel finished.
“That sounds nice,” Connor commented sincerely.
“It is nice, son. I think deep down we all need hope in our lives, something to believe in,” Angel leaned next to his son in the couch and said that to the boy, trying to be comforting.
“Even if life has done nothing but suck for you?” Connor looked up at his father and popped the question that had been in his mind for quite a while.
“Well, yes. Maybe that’s the time when we need hope the most, don’t you think? Believing in something is what keeps us going, without it, life would be meaningless,” Angel told his son and himself at the same time. He really hadn’t thought about it much, but he actually thought his statement was true. He did believe. He really did.
“I guess,” Connor mumbled. Life had been pretty unfair to the boy and it was going to take a while for him to understand all his issues, but his father seemed to be somehow right. The kid had always been hopeful that in the near future things would change. Perhaps he hadn’t been so wrong after all. He did like how things were going at the hotel… he liked the guys, and even Spike seemed like a nice guy. He’d begun to accept and like his father and well, dare he say it even love him…
Angel saw that Connor was really concentrated on his thoughts right at the moment, and he felt happy that somehow what he had told the kid had went through that thick skull of his. “So, does it seem to have a point now, to decorate this tree?”
“It kind of does, but I’m not so sure,” Connor groaned when he was interrupted from all his thinking.
Angel directed a hard look at his son. Nothing could be easy with him, right? “Well, after all you promised Cordy that you’d help me, didn’t you?”
“Ummm…” Connor was at loss of words. He didn’t remember that part before.
“So you technically already agreed to do it, so let’s just start!” Angel said with an unusual cheerful tone and howling Connor up from the couch and next to him, right in front of the tree.
“Oh, alright,” said Connor reluctantly.
Angel then placed the first part of the set of lights at the top of the tree because he was the only one that could reach it. He then, gave the wire to Connor, to which the kid just dedicated to stare.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” the kid asked with a twisted brow.
“You’re putting them on the tree, Con,” Angel answered with a tone of obviousness. “My personal suggestion would be to walk a circle around the tree so it’s easier to accommodate the lights evenly,” he commented.
“Huh?” Connor said with a puzzled expression.
“Yeah, you know, like you’re tying up the tree. Like if it were some kind of prisoner. Just try not to put too many little lights together, spread them evenly around the tree,” Angel said and then saw his son had understood and started walking in circles around the tree, which looked kind of funny but was extremely cute at the same time.
“Is that okay?” Connor asked when he finished accommodating the set of lights around the tree. It had been fun actually, but now the lights couldn’t even be seen inside the huge tree.
“That’s just perfect, Con. Now let’s get the spheres,” Angel said pointing at a box that Cordelia had also brought with her. “They are those red balls right there, son.”
“I know what a sphere is, dad,” Connor said rolling his eyes sulkily and a bit offended by the unnecessary explanation.
“Sorry, son. Could you bring ‘em here?” Angel apologized and hoped his son was willing to drop the subject.
“Okay,” Connor said with a dignity air and took the box of spheres to where his father was.
“Thanks. Now take some and place them wherever you want, alright?” Angel said to his son and took a sphere himself and started to put them around the tree. “Just be careful, they’re really fragile and we don’t want to break them.”
“Alright,” Connor took one red sphere and put it as high as he could; securing it enough so he was sure it wasn’t going to fall all of a sudden.
They did so with all the spheres, until the thing was full of them and was looking like a real decorated tree.
“Is it done?” Connor asked his father, fully satisfied with the look of the tree. It somehow looked happier.
“No, of course not. We’re missing the most important thing!” Angel said jovially and reached for a small box that was left alone on the round couch. He opened it and held a bright golden star.
“What’s that?” Connor asked looking fiercely at the star. It was really beautiful.
“It’s the start that goes on top of the tree, Con. It symbolizes the star I told you about earlier. The one that guided the three kings all the way to Bethlehem,” Angel responded showing the bright star to his son. “Take it,” he told his son softly.
Connor took the star but lowered his gaze. “But I’m not able to reach the top of the tree,” Connor said with a hint of sadness.
“That’s not a problem, son,” Angel said and then came closer to Connor and held the kid from his waist.
Connor was taken aback by his father sudden contact, so he tried to squirm away. “What are you doing?!” he exclaimed.
“I’m helping you reach the top, son,” Angel assured him and then lifted him up, so his son could place the star on top of the tree. I’m helping you reach the top just like any father should do.
Connor finally understood and allowed his father to lift him. He then placed the shiny golden star on the crest of the tree and he instructed his father to put him down again.
“Finally it’s done!” Angel exclaimed and Connor smiled. “Let’s see how it looks, alright? If Cordy doesn’t like it I’ll just tell her it was your fault.” Connor lost his smile slightly at his father’s bad joke, but looked expectantly at Angel when we went to plug the whole ordeal in.
It was beautiful. The most beautifully decorated tree Connor had ever seen. Not that he’d seen many, but this was definitively the best!
“It looks okay to me, what do you think?” Angel asked his son who was absent minded looking at the bright tree.
“It’s awesome!” Connor responded enthusiastically.
“Okay, now that is done, I think we should both head to bed. It’s been a long day and tomorrow’s Christmas Eve. We need to be prepared for what that’ll bring us,” Angel told his son and sighed noisily.
“But…” Connor whined softly, he’d really liked the tree and wanted to contemplate it a little more.
Angel gave him a soft playful swat on his bottom to get his son moving. “Let’s get to bed. Tomorrow you can look at it all you want, alright?”
“Okay,” Connor said with a sigh and casting one last glance at his recent creation. He walked upstairs and directed to his room.
Cordelia then came downstairs just as Angel stood contemplating the tree himself.
“Looks beautiful, huh?” she asked him softly.
Angel turned around and looked startled at her, not waiting to find her there. “Yes, it does,” he responded in a low voice. “Connor did a very good job.”
“I’m sure he did,” Cordy responded walking next to him. “So,” she started a new statement and Angel had somehow a bad feeling about it. “I was thinking you and Connor are the only ones that haven’t been Christmas shopping. So, you should go tomorrow…”
“Christmas shopping?” Angel repeated because he couldn’t believe it.
“Yes, silly, Christmas shopping,” she clarified once more. “What?” she said while looking at him with incredulous eyes. “You didn’t think you were going to get all the presents without giving something in exchange, right?”
“But I practically bought all those presents already!” he said pointing at the pile of wrapped up boxes that were all around the lobby.
“Money is not what counts. I bought them so live with it, you greedy old vampire. You’ll be thanking me later when you open up your gift,” Cordelia answered him flatly.
“So you want me to go shopping tomorrow eve with Connor?” he asked.
“Well, yes. After all we’re having a late Christmas dinner; since we ordered it with such little anticipation we’ll be getting it around at 11 o’clock or something. You could easily go shopping around 6 which is when the sun goes down and be back by 10,” she said looking at the broody vampire.
“Hmm…” Angel was thinking about it and the Cordy spoke again.
“I was actually also thinking that maybe you guys could take Spike along with you…” she had started to say.
“Oh no! No, no, no, NO! Definitely NO!” Angel though she was completely crazy. “You really are out of your mind if you think that I will be taking along with me that scrawny piece of vampire!”
“But, that’s the only way we’ll get to settle the table and all the Christmas presents around the tree and stuff. He being here represents a big problem!” she exclaimed.
“Oh well, welcome to my world. He’s going to be much more trouble if I take him with me, not to mention that I might kill him in the process!” Angel said with frustration. No way he was taking him anywhere near him. Or Connor.
“Please, Angel,” Cordelia softened her voice. “You know that if he stays here and you’re not here, Gunn will surely kill him. And you know Connor will be upset about it. So, the only logical solution is for you to take him along with you.”
“I… I -” Angel didn’t know what to say. He kept thinking for a while and finally sighed. “Okay, I’ll take him with me and Connor but so help me God if he does something stupid, I’ll kill him in the act!”
“That’s all I ask,” she said with a huge smile. “I’m kind of sleepy now. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she told the vampire as she went to the stairs and directed upstairs. “Oh and Angel… I don’t think you have told Connor about Santa Claus, have you?”
All Angel did was shake his head no.
“You’ll have to tell him tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be excited by it…” she continued and then yawned. “Good night, Angel,” she said as she reached the last step and walked towards her room.
Great! Now he had to explain Connor why a stranger who was fat and dressed in a red suit supposedly got into their chimney and left presents under the tree to all kids that had been nice all year long. And he had to go shopping… with Spike on top of that! Yeah… so much for him thinking life couldn’t get any worse. This Christmas was really taking a lot out of him, but he had to admit that, no matter what, it was actually resulting to be the best one he’d ever had. He hoped he’ll just survive to remember it…
* To.Be.Continued *
I would appreciate any kind of comments regarding this. The story it’s reaching its end and I would not want people that liked it at first to hate it in the end.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I need some ideas for the presents they should get!! Most importantly Connor from Angel and Angel from Connor… oh and maybe Spike. And of course, what should Santa bring Connor? He’s been a good boy don’t you think? *wink*
PLEASE! HELP!
Thanks a lot...!! Hope you liked it !!
Author:
lullaby_gg
Disclaimer: I don’t own anything related to Angel. Joss and the rest of the producers own it all.
Rating: PG-13 Warnings: Some language.
Notes: Thank you so much to all the lovely people that have reviewed this little story. I really hope you like it. I really thought I would have it all done by now but it seems to be taking a little longer than expected, but I think there'll be just one last part to it. Thanks again for the amazing feedback and a huge sorry for the delay!
Additional note: Here goes lots of Spike… tell me what you think!
Connor’s First Christmas!
Part 3
“Well, fellas. What’s with the long faces?” Spike said as he came closer to both father and son. “Well, with you I’m not sure if it’s a long face or the regular deal, with that prominent forehead one couldn’t possibly tell,” the blonde told the now angry vampire that was supposedly his grand sire. “Oh and you must be Peaches Jr., aye?”
Connor could only look puzzled. He didn’t even know who the guy that was standing in front of him was, but his father seemed to know him pretty well. And the thing was, he didn’t really feel threatened by him in the least, he actually thought the guy was funny when he mocked his father, but he might have stopped being funny this last second. Did he just call him a fruit?
“So, Peaches The First, how you’ve been?” the small skinny vampire asked directing a look at Angel.
“What in the beloved name of hell are you doing here Spike?” Angel demanded through gritted teeth. Spike was really not what the night needed right now.
“Well, that’s not a proper way to treat family now, is it?” Spike said, trying to express his ‘true’ feelings. “Those the manners you’re teaching the little runt?” But before Angel could speak again, Spike interjected.
“Just thought I should pop up and say hi to my beloved grand sire,” he said sarcastically. “So, anything new ‘round here? Have you defeated any bad-ass demons lately? Have you saved some bloody human’s life? Have you had any impossible children with your dead vampire ex-girlfriend?”
Angel was speechless. How on earth did Spike find out?
"Oh don't worry. I'm sure I missed the invitation to the baby shower. Damn post office. And oh yeah! I probably lost the invoice telling me to come and visit for his sweet 16.” Spike paused, “Kids,” he sighed wistfully, “they grow up so fast, don’t they?"
Angel used all the self-control he had in him to not jump and strangle Spike right there and then. It wouldn’t be a good example for Connor, he repeated to himself.
“He’s your grand childe?” Connor said with a look of surprise.
“Not much to my liking, mate, but ‘fraid so. I think that would make you somehow my uncle or something. But given the fact that I’m a tad bit older than you, lad, let’s just leave it at brothers, aye?”
Connor’s face lit up. He never expected to have a brother. He didn’t know what it would be like and it sounded exciting.
“No. You’re leaving Spike!” Angel immediately yelled. No way was he going to leave the kid with the great temperament and the mood changes every second, think he was brothers with that bleached abomination. Spike was leaving and that was a definite.
“Oh… but I just came home to celebrate the holidays with my only family,” Spike faked a sweet face but couldn’t help to grin a little. “I felt so lonely and lost and then with Christmas approaching all I could think of was to spend some nice time with my beloved family. The only one I’ve got…” he put on some big watery eyes and directed his glare towards the innocent kid that was Angel’s spawn. He knew deep down the kid had a soft heart and thinking they were like brothers he’d insist on his father letting him stay.
“You’re going! Get out, now!” Angel wasn’t fooled by the little act Spike was making. He knew that old bastard. The little childe would do anything and everything in his power to annoy him. It seemed that ultimately, that had been his mission in life. He walked towards Spike and was about to throw him out when his son interjected.
“Dad! You can’t throw him out!” Connor yelled exasperated, giving Angel an innocent yet indignant look.
Talking about knowing and predicting teenagers, I should write a parenting book…
“You heard your lil’ heir. You can’t throw me out,” Spike said with a tone of triumph. He’d so won the kid.
“Of course I can throw him out, Connor. Remember when I take out the trash? Well, it’s just the same thing,” his father tried reasoning with his boy while giving him a look; he then glanced with disgust at his grand childe, “believe me, it’s just the same.”
“But dad, he just said he’s family. We’re his only family,” Connor retorted Angel’s logic.
“Spike’s not alone, son! He has all L.A. pubs to himself. I heard Bill’s cousin Steve opened up a place in here, Spike. Might want to check it out, huh?” Angel said neutrally. The only reason he was not strangling the vertically challenged vampire was because Connor was there.
“Would you send your own family to spend Christmas alone in a seedy bar? How cruel can you be?” Spike mimicked a wounded voice and put a hurt look on his face.
Connor stood there, and gave a hard look to his father. “He’s right, Angel. We’re all he’s got!”
“He’s not family, son. He’s just what results when you’ve had too much to drink and your childe thinks the town is boring and she’s feeling lonely,” Angel responded. He really didn’t like Spike and using his son for talking him into letting him stay was a low blow. So, two could play the same game.
“Leave Drusilla out of this will you! Just bugger off!” Spike yelled in frustration. He really didn’t like anyone talking about her.
“But you were just telling me about miracles and family and all the things that have to do with Christmas,” Connor said with his big blue eyes directing a look at his father. “You said we must cherish family more than ever and that we should try to help others in need, right dad?”
“Well, yes…” Angel was looking for a good argument with which he could retort his son’s recent statement. It was too soon for his little chat to be coming to bite him on the ass, wasn’t it? “But, son, the kind of help he needs… we’re not a mental institution!”
“Oh would you just lighten up… you fag. You’re the one that needs to be in a psychiatric hospital if you think that haircut is used by anyone in this century!” retorted Spike a bit insulted.
“Oh and platinum bleached hair is just much more normal, isn’t that right Spike?”
“At least it’s trendy,” Spike defended his hair color. Truth was he actually liked it. “And don’t even get me started on that coat of yours…”
“What is this?!” Gunn aggravated voice was suddenly heard. And the rest of the gang came through the door and was very surprised to find that Spike had decided to pay them a visit. He wasn’t the most welcomed guest in that old hotel, to say the least.
“WHY ISN’T THE TREE DECORATED?” bellowed Cordelia, running towards the tree which was thrown on the floor and had lost some of the leaves. She somehow got passed the fact that the homicidal grand childe of Angel was right there in the lobby. She really needed to get her priorities straight.
Now Angel was really having a headache.
“What the hell is Spike doing here?” Gunn said, while opening the cabinet and grabbing a stake. “Want me to get rid of him, boss? ‘Cos truthfully, it would be my pleasure,” he said getting in position to attack. The past day had been awfully quiet and he was in need of some deserved action.
“Wait, let Angel explain what is Spike doing here, Charles,” Fred interjected. She wasn’t sure Spike was not dangerous but she wasn’t in for killing an innocent either. “He might be helping him on a case or something…”
“He’s the case! Last time he was here he kidnapped Angel and tortured him all over that stupid ring of Amara!” Gunn retorted her argument and took a step towards Spike, still holding the stake above his chin.
Well, if you got reduced to ashes as soon as the sun touched your skin, you wouldn’t be thinking that ring is so stupid after all…
Angel wanted more than anything to let Gunn get rid of the pain in the ass that had been following him close for centuries, but he changed his mind after seeing the look Connor had directed at him. “No, Gunn. It’s alright. Apparently Spike’s decided to celebrate the holidays with us,” he said with a tone that denoted clear annoyance and frustration.
“He’s staying?!” Gunn turned to look at Angel to see if somehow maybe he’d turned into Angelus again or something. That was the only reason he’d act this crazy.
“Yes, doll. I’m staying so you might as well get used to it,” Spike told him with a grin that denoted his arrogance towards him.
“He’s staying for the holidays and then he’s looking for somewhere else to stay and someone else to bother,” Angel stated. He wasn’t going to let the childe stay for a long while, or he’ll succumb sometime and kill him. He’ll just let him stay for the holidays, for Connor’s sake.
“Can someone explain to me why my lovely tree is in such shape?” Cordelia kept her tone low but with a significant amount of displeasure that could be noticed miles away.
“Why don’t you ask Connor here?” Angel knew he was not going to win Father of the Year award any time soon so he resorted to ranting on his son. He had to let Spike stay just to please Connor, so he might as well pay.
“Well, Cordy, I was just so frustrated that I didn’t get to have any Christmas memories or anything during my childhood that I just freaked out I guess…” Connor wistfully spoke. He never liked it when Cordy was mad at him. “I’m sorry for taking it out on the tree.”
“Oh, sweetie, don’t worry. I’m sure it wasn’t your intention. Your father must have done something to upset you…” Cordy came and hugged the teenager.
“And why is suddenly everything that happens around here my fault?” Angel yelled at no one in particular. This was so not his day. If he could any get gray hair now he was sure he’d be the perfect image of an old man right this second.
“I’m sure you won’t do it again, Connor. Isn’t that right?” Cordy paid Angel no mind and kept talking to Connor.
“No… I’m really sorry.” Connor said with all his cuteness. He wanted to make her happy and to get out of trouble. And well, even though no one would say it out loud, it was really hard to stay mad at those huge blue orbs that the kid possessed.
“It’s alright, baby. Now, why don’t you and your father finish up the tree while I get Spike a room where he can sleep in, okay?” Cordy gave him one final hug and then went to stand next to Spike and was about to talk to him when suddenly a voice interrupted her.
“Woman, you really need to get your priorities straight. Get that thing a room?” Gunn was still not convinced that Spike was staying. He didn’t want him to. “He’d be lucky if he stays on the lobby floor!”
“Who are you calling ‘thing’, you fag? I could beat your bald head with one hand tied on my back!” Spike defended himself and glanced maliciously at Gunn.
“Yeah, ‘cos I’d be the one holding your hand on your back and then put you against a wall so I can -” Gunn started yelling back at the bleached vampire but was interrupted by Connor.
“Shut up!” Connor shouted annoyed by Gunn and Spike’s eternal fighting.
“Now look what you’ve made. You made the lad upset.” Spike laughed at the other man.
“Charles, let’s just get upstairs and start wrapping up all those presents we bought, please?” Fred felt like being the pacifier and wanted to take her boyfriend out of the line of fire.
“But, he just…” Gunn tried to argue with her but her soft look made him crumble.
“Please, Charles?” Fred asked nicely once again.
“Oh… alright,” Gunn said and sighed in defeat. “But this is not over, blondie,” he said as he went upstairs with Fred.
“Bring it on, baldie. I’ll beat your bloody human rump before you can even say ‘I want a Bloody Mary’! You really are such a -” Spike started insulting Gunn too but was suddenly stopped by Angel.
“Spike!” his grand sire chastised him. He really knew what a filthy mouth his grand childe had and he certainly didn’t want Connor to learn more words to cuss at him, much less old English cussing words that were kind of retarded.
“He started it!” Spike defended with a statement that was only used by children. Perhaps he didn’t know.
“Cordy, would you please just show Spike his room, while Connor and I fix the tree?” Angel went for a diplomatic response and got a nod from Cordelia.
“C’mon Spike, I don’t have all day,” she said sort of annoyed. “Having to cater tomorrow’s dinner isn’t as easy as it sounds. Half the food I ate is going to take a lot of exercise to burn.”
“Alright, I could use a nap I think. Peaches and runt, I’ll see you in the morning,” Spike waved them good night and went upstairs to follow Cordy.
“I seriously think that was a threat,” Angel growled. Damn Spike.
“C’mon dad. Let’s get this over with,” Connor told his father anxiously. This had turned out to be quite a long day and to be telling the truth, the kid was kind of exhausted.
“Okay… so…” Angel turned back and then lifted the tree and put it in the center of the lobby.
“What should I do?” Connor asked, trying to somehow hide the excitement behind his words, when he remembered that he had work to do. He was actually tired but the truth was he was also quite excited about this. It was just all so new to him. He didn’t know what it was, but he hoped it would be fun.
“Well, you can bring me those sets of lights that are over there on that couch,” Angel softly asked him, pretty pleased with the change of attitude his son now had towards the tree.
“This thing?” Connor asked when he came to get the green cable that his father had been pointing.
“Yes, Connor, that. Could you bring it here, please?” Angel asked the boy, who was still a little incredulous.
“These crafts are not the same as those,” the teen said as he pointed out the lights that Cordelia had put up and were on the sides of the lobby.
“Yes, they are the same, Con,” Angel said as he made a move to grab the set of lights from his son’s hands.
“But…” Connor told him with a puzzled expression in his face. “They don’t look the same,” the kid said innocently.
“What? What do you mean they don’t look the same, son?” Angel didn’t know what the kid meant. Was he having another mood change? He didn’t think he was up for another round.
“No… I mean, this are you know, shiny and the ones I just handed you must be broken or something. They don’t light,” the boy finally expressed what he had on his mind.
“Oh… you mean these aren’t bright? Well, in order for them to emit light they must be plugged in, son,” Angel answered his son’s question now that he knew what the kid meant from the beginning.
“Plugged in?” Connor asked, not really knowing what his father had meant.
“Yes, you know, to electricity. The electric current flows through the cable and feeds the lights. As long as they’re plugged in they’ll be on… but if not, they’ll just look like these ones over here,” Angel said pointing at the set of lights Connor had just handed over to him. He really tried to explain that as best as he could, he just hoped the kid sort of understood.
“Oh, okay…” Connor said trying to act like he’d fully gotten what his father’s statement had meant.
“Let’s just start with the decoration, shall we? That’s the only way we will finally get some actual rest today,” Angel said somehow jovially. He really was glad and thankful for all the quality time he got to spend with his son. He had lost over 15 years with the boy, so every single minute with him was awfully appreciated.
“I guess…” Connor responded numbly. “I just still don’t really see the point on decorating a tree that’s going to die in a few days,” he said while rolling his eyes and trying for his father not to see him.
“Well, maybe that’s because you don’t know the history behind that tree,” Angel told his son in an attempt of cheering him up. Truthfully at first, he’d been a little reluctant himself on celebrating any sort of thing. But right about now, he really was starting to enjoy the time he was getting to spend with his family, with his son. Not with Spike, of course, but at least it assured him not to get too close to perfect happiness. Maybe that was what Christmas was all about, spending good times with your family…
“The history of that tree, you say?” Connor snorted. “I think it’s simple. It was born in a forest then evil men came to cut him and take him to be horribly displayed in a store where Cordelia bought it… and now he’s going to die at the center of our lobby full of useless lights.”
Talking about sour moods combined with an active imagination…
“That’s quite right, Con. But I wasn’t talking about the story of that tree in particular. I was talking about the story of all Christmas trees,” Angel elaborated his statement a little bit more clearly this time around.
“How can you possibly know what happens to all trees in the world?” Connor said obnoxiously and with incredibility.
“That’s not…” Angel grew frustrated. Why did his son have to be so literal? “How about if I tell you the meaning of the tree? Would that give it a point to even bother on decorating it?”
“Depends on what you say about it,” Connor snapped. He was not going to be convinced that easily.
“Fair enough, I guess,” Angel raised his eyebrows thinking his son was actually pretty smart not to compromise until he heard the whole story. “Okay, so I really don’t know exactly the significance behind using a tree, but I do know that using an evergreen tree meant hope for the people that used them. To bring an evergreen tree to their houses equaled bringing hope to their homes,” he continued.
“Why did it mean hope?” Connor asked, not fully believing the man and his story.
“Well, you see, back then people mostly used to live from agriculture and winter wasn’t exactly a very good time for them. They had very little food and on top of that they had to protect themselves from the cold so they wouldn’t get sick,” Angel tried to explain it to the boy.
“So, they needed hope?” Connor asked with a crooked eyebrow.
“Yep, they sure did. Oh and also the lightings represent the light that would lead them through darkness. Like their guide, always protecting them,” Angel finished.
“That sounds nice,” Connor commented sincerely.
“It is nice, son. I think deep down we all need hope in our lives, something to believe in,” Angel leaned next to his son in the couch and said that to the boy, trying to be comforting.
“Even if life has done nothing but suck for you?” Connor looked up at his father and popped the question that had been in his mind for quite a while.
“Well, yes. Maybe that’s the time when we need hope the most, don’t you think? Believing in something is what keeps us going, without it, life would be meaningless,” Angel told his son and himself at the same time. He really hadn’t thought about it much, but he actually thought his statement was true. He did believe. He really did.
“I guess,” Connor mumbled. Life had been pretty unfair to the boy and it was going to take a while for him to understand all his issues, but his father seemed to be somehow right. The kid had always been hopeful that in the near future things would change. Perhaps he hadn’t been so wrong after all. He did like how things were going at the hotel… he liked the guys, and even Spike seemed like a nice guy. He’d begun to accept and like his father and well, dare he say it even love him…
Angel saw that Connor was really concentrated on his thoughts right at the moment, and he felt happy that somehow what he had told the kid had went through that thick skull of his. “So, does it seem to have a point now, to decorate this tree?”
“It kind of does, but I’m not so sure,” Connor groaned when he was interrupted from all his thinking.
Angel directed a hard look at his son. Nothing could be easy with him, right? “Well, after all you promised Cordy that you’d help me, didn’t you?”
“Ummm…” Connor was at loss of words. He didn’t remember that part before.
“So you technically already agreed to do it, so let’s just start!” Angel said with an unusual cheerful tone and howling Connor up from the couch and next to him, right in front of the tree.
“Oh, alright,” said Connor reluctantly.
Angel then placed the first part of the set of lights at the top of the tree because he was the only one that could reach it. He then, gave the wire to Connor, to which the kid just dedicated to stare.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” the kid asked with a twisted brow.
“You’re putting them on the tree, Con,” Angel answered with a tone of obviousness. “My personal suggestion would be to walk a circle around the tree so it’s easier to accommodate the lights evenly,” he commented.
“Huh?” Connor said with a puzzled expression.
“Yeah, you know, like you’re tying up the tree. Like if it were some kind of prisoner. Just try not to put too many little lights together, spread them evenly around the tree,” Angel said and then saw his son had understood and started walking in circles around the tree, which looked kind of funny but was extremely cute at the same time.
“Is that okay?” Connor asked when he finished accommodating the set of lights around the tree. It had been fun actually, but now the lights couldn’t even be seen inside the huge tree.
“That’s just perfect, Con. Now let’s get the spheres,” Angel said pointing at a box that Cordelia had also brought with her. “They are those red balls right there, son.”
“I know what a sphere is, dad,” Connor said rolling his eyes sulkily and a bit offended by the unnecessary explanation.
“Sorry, son. Could you bring ‘em here?” Angel apologized and hoped his son was willing to drop the subject.
“Okay,” Connor said with a dignity air and took the box of spheres to where his father was.
“Thanks. Now take some and place them wherever you want, alright?” Angel said to his son and took a sphere himself and started to put them around the tree. “Just be careful, they’re really fragile and we don’t want to break them.”
“Alright,” Connor took one red sphere and put it as high as he could; securing it enough so he was sure it wasn’t going to fall all of a sudden.
They did so with all the spheres, until the thing was full of them and was looking like a real decorated tree.
“Is it done?” Connor asked his father, fully satisfied with the look of the tree. It somehow looked happier.
“No, of course not. We’re missing the most important thing!” Angel said jovially and reached for a small box that was left alone on the round couch. He opened it and held a bright golden star.
“What’s that?” Connor asked looking fiercely at the star. It was really beautiful.
“It’s the start that goes on top of the tree, Con. It symbolizes the star I told you about earlier. The one that guided the three kings all the way to Bethlehem,” Angel responded showing the bright star to his son. “Take it,” he told his son softly.
Connor took the star but lowered his gaze. “But I’m not able to reach the top of the tree,” Connor said with a hint of sadness.
“That’s not a problem, son,” Angel said and then came closer to Connor and held the kid from his waist.
Connor was taken aback by his father sudden contact, so he tried to squirm away. “What are you doing?!” he exclaimed.
“I’m helping you reach the top, son,” Angel assured him and then lifted him up, so his son could place the star on top of the tree. I’m helping you reach the top just like any father should do.
Connor finally understood and allowed his father to lift him. He then placed the shiny golden star on the crest of the tree and he instructed his father to put him down again.
“Finally it’s done!” Angel exclaimed and Connor smiled. “Let’s see how it looks, alright? If Cordy doesn’t like it I’ll just tell her it was your fault.” Connor lost his smile slightly at his father’s bad joke, but looked expectantly at Angel when we went to plug the whole ordeal in.
It was beautiful. The most beautifully decorated tree Connor had ever seen. Not that he’d seen many, but this was definitively the best!
“It looks okay to me, what do you think?” Angel asked his son who was absent minded looking at the bright tree.
“It’s awesome!” Connor responded enthusiastically.
“Okay, now that is done, I think we should both head to bed. It’s been a long day and tomorrow’s Christmas Eve. We need to be prepared for what that’ll bring us,” Angel told his son and sighed noisily.
“But…” Connor whined softly, he’d really liked the tree and wanted to contemplate it a little more.
Angel gave him a soft playful swat on his bottom to get his son moving. “Let’s get to bed. Tomorrow you can look at it all you want, alright?”
“Okay,” Connor said with a sigh and casting one last glance at his recent creation. He walked upstairs and directed to his room.
Cordelia then came downstairs just as Angel stood contemplating the tree himself.
“Looks beautiful, huh?” she asked him softly.
Angel turned around and looked startled at her, not waiting to find her there. “Yes, it does,” he responded in a low voice. “Connor did a very good job.”
“I’m sure he did,” Cordy responded walking next to him. “So,” she started a new statement and Angel had somehow a bad feeling about it. “I was thinking you and Connor are the only ones that haven’t been Christmas shopping. So, you should go tomorrow…”
“Christmas shopping?” Angel repeated because he couldn’t believe it.
“Yes, silly, Christmas shopping,” she clarified once more. “What?” she said while looking at him with incredulous eyes. “You didn’t think you were going to get all the presents without giving something in exchange, right?”
“But I practically bought all those presents already!” he said pointing at the pile of wrapped up boxes that were all around the lobby.
“Money is not what counts. I bought them so live with it, you greedy old vampire. You’ll be thanking me later when you open up your gift,” Cordelia answered him flatly.
“So you want me to go shopping tomorrow eve with Connor?” he asked.
“Well, yes. After all we’re having a late Christmas dinner; since we ordered it with such little anticipation we’ll be getting it around at 11 o’clock or something. You could easily go shopping around 6 which is when the sun goes down and be back by 10,” she said looking at the broody vampire.
“Hmm…” Angel was thinking about it and the Cordy spoke again.
“I was actually also thinking that maybe you guys could take Spike along with you…” she had started to say.
“Oh no! No, no, no, NO! Definitely NO!” Angel though she was completely crazy. “You really are out of your mind if you think that I will be taking along with me that scrawny piece of vampire!”
“But, that’s the only way we’ll get to settle the table and all the Christmas presents around the tree and stuff. He being here represents a big problem!” she exclaimed.
“Oh well, welcome to my world. He’s going to be much more trouble if I take him with me, not to mention that I might kill him in the process!” Angel said with frustration. No way he was taking him anywhere near him. Or Connor.
“Please, Angel,” Cordelia softened her voice. “You know that if he stays here and you’re not here, Gunn will surely kill him. And you know Connor will be upset about it. So, the only logical solution is for you to take him along with you.”
“I… I -” Angel didn’t know what to say. He kept thinking for a while and finally sighed. “Okay, I’ll take him with me and Connor but so help me God if he does something stupid, I’ll kill him in the act!”
“That’s all I ask,” she said with a huge smile. “I’m kind of sleepy now. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she told the vampire as she went to the stairs and directed upstairs. “Oh and Angel… I don’t think you have told Connor about Santa Claus, have you?”
All Angel did was shake his head no.
“You’ll have to tell him tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll be excited by it…” she continued and then yawned. “Good night, Angel,” she said as she reached the last step and walked towards her room.
Great! Now he had to explain Connor why a stranger who was fat and dressed in a red suit supposedly got into their chimney and left presents under the tree to all kids that had been nice all year long. And he had to go shopping… with Spike on top of that! Yeah… so much for him thinking life couldn’t get any worse. This Christmas was really taking a lot out of him, but he had to admit that, no matter what, it was actually resulting to be the best one he’d ever had. He hoped he’ll just survive to remember it…
* To.Be.Continued *
I would appreciate any kind of comments regarding this. The story it’s reaching its end and I would not want people that liked it at first to hate it in the end.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I need some ideas for the presents they should get!! Most importantly Connor from Angel and Angel from Connor… oh and maybe Spike. And of course, what should Santa bring Connor? He’s been a good boy don’t you think? *wink*
PLEASE! HELP!
Thanks a lot...!! Hope you liked it !!