Salome sat up, looking over the back of her chair. She and Spike were on the back porch. "What the hell is going on in there?"

Spike let his cigarette dangle from his lips as he flopped open his lighter. "Maybe Peaches and Sonny Boy decided to punch out their differences." Spike lit the end of his cigarette, inhaling deeply before blowing out a cloud of smoke. "Think your boy can make Angel fit in my ashtray?"

Salome arched a brow. "You do know I totally don't buy this hating Angel thing right?"

Spike was taken aback. "What?"

Salome got to her feet, stretching. "If you did, you wouldn't come halfway around the world with him to visit his son." She padded over to the door, peeking through the window.

Spike shrugged, taking a flask out of his jacket and taking a swig. "It's a love-hate relationship. I love hating him."

Salome turned back, smiling mischievously. "I bet you do."

Spike sat up. "You implying something, chicklet?"

"Oh..." Salome turned back to the window. "Nothing..." She bit her lip. "Maybe I should go inside."

"So Luv..." Spike took another swig before offering the flask to Salome. "Does Connor chew his own food, or do you do it for him?"

Salome snatched the flask away from Spike. She took a drink, her nose crinkling at the strong taste. "I am not overprotective." She sat back down. "I love my boy, but he and stability have only a passing acquaintance. I've spent the last year trying to even keel him and I'd rather that not get screwed up. If you haven't noticed, his relationship with Angel isn't exactly stable."

Spike shrugged once again. "Wouldn't really know, Princess. The only time I've spent with your boy, he was in bed recovering from your hubby's attack."

"Estranged and deceased!" Salome protested, stamping her foot. "Dammit, it shouldn't even count! I mean I beheaded the guy!" Salome shook her head before sitting back down. "You know, the whole time he was recouping from what happened, he talked about Angel."

Spike cocked his head, eyeing Salome.

"Okay..." Salome sighed. "Maybe he spent some of that time trying to get me in to bed, but there was some definite Angel preoccupation. They just can't seem to connect. Or, the connection is fists and jaws." Salome shook her head. I just don't want him to lose everything he's worked for."

The door opened and Magdalen stepped out onto the porch.

Salome looked up at her and smiled. "Hey Magdalen. What's up?"

Magdalen turned to face Salome. "Dear, I've made up extra rooms for Connor's guests. I hope it's all right, but since there are five guests, I've had to commandeer your room. I assume you'll be sleeping with Connor?"

"As usual," Salome replied. She then thought about it for a moment, wrinkling her nose. "Wait a minute... Five guests?"

Magdalen nodded. "Well, yes... Connor's biological father and his friend, Mister and Missus Riley and young Miss Riley."

Salome's dark eyes grew wide. She looked to Spike briefly and then disappeared.

Magdalen sighed, shaking her head. "I don't think I'm ever going to gets used to the way that girl comes and goes."

Spike slowly rose to his feet, looking Madgalen over. He laughed softly. "Well, well... Magdalen... You've changed."

Magdalen looked at Spike, frowning deeply. "Pardon me, dear?"

"1935? Right here?" Spike took a step towards the elderly woman. "Upstairs..." He arched a brow. "One very memorable night??"

Magdalen shook her head. "I'm sorry dear. I was acquainted with so many men back then."

Spike frowned slightly, shaking his head. "You don't remember me at all??"

Magdalen patted Spike on the shoulder. "Don't feel bad dear. I'm sure you were absolutely wonderful."

She turned and went back inside, leaving Spike standing on the porch, mouth gaped open.

****

Connor sank down onto the couch. He covered his face with his hands, sighing deeply.

"Sweetheart?" Colleen sat down beside Connor, putting an arm around his shoulders. "Are you all right?"

Connor nodded, leaning against his hands. "I'm fine, Mo..." He cut himself off, shaking his head savagely. "I'm fine." There was an edge to his voice. "I'm just... Very surprised."

Gillian eyed Angel suspiciously, frowning slightly. "Who are you?"

Lawrence narrowed his gaze on the vampire. "You're Connor's father."

Angel turned to Lawrence, meeting his eyes. He remained quiet for a long moment. Finally, he nodded. "Yeah. I am."

"Oh." Gillian nodded. "Okay." She held up a hand in greeting. Hey." She turned turned to Connor. "Is your Playstation hooked up?"

Connor pulled his hands away from his face, blinking at his foster sister in astonishment. "What?"

"I'm sure this is all really interesting to your many parents, but me..." She shrugged. "So it is? Or do I have to go snooping around your room?

"Stay out of my room!" Connor snapped, easily falling back into the role of older brother.

"Are you hiding something bad?" Gillian smiled wickedly, turning to Colleen. "Mom, Connor's hiding something dirty in his room!"

"He better not be." Salome appeared beside Lawrence. "I have a real problem with that."

Colleen let out an ear-piercing shriek, grabbing onto Connor's arm. She stared wide-eyed at Salome. "What is it?"

Connor sighed, shaking his head. "Mom, it's all right. It's just my girlfriend." He gave Colleen a reassuring pat on the arm. "Don't worry." Connor rose to his feet, walking to Salome. "Baby, I know you're loving the having control of your teleporting powers, but do you mind not doing that while my folks are here? They're still trying to get used to the whole demon and magic thing."

"Sorry," Salome said quietly. "I was worried about you."

Connor's brow furrowed. "Worried?"

Salome nodded. "Magdalen told me about the Rileys." She took Connor's hand, squeezing it gently. "I thought you might be suffering from parental overload."

Connor smiled gently. "Don't worry. I'm fine." He leaned in, pressing a kiss to Salome's forehead. He then pulled back. He held Salome's hand as he turned back to his assorted family members. "Mom, Dad, Gillian... I want you to meet, my girlfriend, Salome Simpson."

Lawrence held out a hand to Salome. "It's very nice to meet you, Salome."

Salome smiled, using her free hand to shake Lawrence's. "Connor's told me so much about you, Mr Riley."

Gillian appraised Salome silently. After a moment, she nodded. "She seems okay."

Connor rolled his eyes. "Glad you approve."

Colleen remained on the couch, silently eyeing Salome. She didn't seem frightened or upset, but rather curious.

Connor laced his fingers with Salome's, holding her hand to his chest. "Hey Gill, did you have dinner yet?"

Gillian shook her head. "We took off right after band practice and didn't stop until we got here."

Connor gave Salome a kiss on the knuckles. "Sal, you mind taking Gillian to the Palace?"

Salome frowned slightly. "Sure. No prob." She leaned in. "Are you sure about that? It's kinda late. I mean, not late for me, but..." She glanced over at the young teenager.

"I think you'll be fine." Connor leaned in. "If you're worried, you can ask Spike to go with you."

Salome smiled wickedly. "You're not going to get jealous?"

Connor frowned. "How'd you find out about that?"

Salome slid her hand away from Connor. "I just know you too well." She put a hand on Gillian's shoulder. "Come on, Gillian. I'd love to hear every embarrassing story you know about Connor." Salome began to lead Gillian towards the door.

"You tell her nothing!" Connor called after the two girls.

"Or what?" Gillian called back. "You'll use your superpowers on me?"

"Eh." Salome shrugged. "I've got my own superpowers. I'm not afraid of him. Hey Andrew! We're going to the Palace. Get your wallet. You're paying."

Angel stood beside Connor, frowning slightly. "Do you think it's a good idea for them to be going out so late?"

Connor nodded. "Salome can hold her own. They'll be okay."

Colleen got up, watching Salome and Gillian leave. "Connor... You just sent your sister out with a stranger."

Connor sighed. "Mom, I know you just met her, but she's been my girlfriend for a year. If there's anyone I trust Gillian with, it's Salome." He sank back down onto the couch. "Besides, I think it's a good idea if Gillian isn't here right now."

"Are you all right, son?" Lawrence asked.

"I'm..." Connor shook his head. "What are you guys doing here?"

"Do you not want us to be here?" Colleen asked worriedly.

"I didn't say that." Connor scrubbed his face with his hands. "I... It's just... I'm surprised. I wanna know."

"It's your birthday tomorrow," Colleen stroked Connor's hair gently. "We wanted to spend it with you."

"So did I," Angel added.

Connor nodded slowly. "And why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

Lawrence looked slightly embarrassed. "We thought... You would tell us not to come. You've been pulling away so much lately, Connor."

Connor sighed, turning to Angel. "And you thought you would surprise me too."

Angel nodded. "I'm really regretting that now."

"Surprises are..." Connor shook his head. "Surprising."

"Are you sure you're all right, sweetheart?" Colleen asked.

"Still trying to figure that out." Connor leaned against his hands, brow furrowed deeply. He ran his hands through his hair, leaning back. He then sat forward, giving a curt nod. "All right..." He got back to his feet. "Mom, Dad... This is my father, Angel. Dad, these are my parents Lawrence and Colleen Riley."

Colleen and Lawrence shared an uncomfortable look with Angel.

Connor nodded. "All right... Everyone nice and awkward now?"

Neither Angel nor the Rileys responded.

Connor sighed deeply. "That's what I thought."

****

Mandy walked alongside Jamei's wheelchair. "So... Another three days and you're out of the chair?"

Jamie nodded, smacking a wheel. "Yep. I've been testing myself. Getting up and walking to the bathroom, that sort of thing. I feel confident in my abilities to use my legs without my guts falling out. I'm looking forward to having full mobility. Maybe you and I can go walking to celebrate."

"Or maybe..." Mandy leaned in. "We could go dancing?"

"Oh no..." Jamie shook his head furiously. "I'd rather Connor take another poke at me with his shiv."

"Why not?" Mandy asked, a slight whine in her voice.

"'cause I'm a skinny white boy with heavy geek overtones." Jamie kept shaking his head. "Connor and I went to a club our first month in school... It wasn't pretty. We were asked never to come back." He looked up at Mandy. "You should ask Salome to go. She's been trying to convince Connor for months."

"Yeah." Mandy laughed. "'Cause I completely see that happening. Me and the demon going--" Mandy suddenly stopped, looking around. "Did you feel that?"

Jamie stopped beside Mandy. "Feel..." He frowned. "What?" He groaned. "Crap. Your Slayer Sense is tingling, isn't it?"

Mandy frowned deeply, looking around. "There's something around here I don't like. I can't explain it. But..."

"Jamie!" Gillian raced to Jamie. She fell to her knees, hugging him tightly. "Hey!"

"Hey brat!" Jamie greeted her warmly, patting her on the head.

"Gillian!" Salome ran after the teenager. "I told you not to run off! Your brother will skin me alive if I let you get killed!"

"Oh." Mandy nodded when she saw Salome. "That's it."

"That's it what?" Salome asked, frowning slightly.

Mandy cocked her head. "So why are good little demon girls out tonight? I thought you and Connor had big plans."

Salome narrowed her gaze on Mandy, her look venomous. "I think you're enjoying this too much."

"Little bit," Mandy admitted, holding her thumb and index finger a centimetre apart. She jerked her chin towards Gillian. "So who's this and why is she hugging my boyfriend?"

"This is Connor's sister, Gillian." Jamie pulled away from her. "And she's all hot for me."

Gillian gave Jamie a gentle shove in the shoulder as she got back to her feet. "Yeah. You totally wish."

Mandy looked confused. "Sister? You mean Angel's got more than one kid?"

"Foster sister," Gillian corrected her. She then looked to Salome and Andrew. "Right? That's what I am?"

Andrew nodded. "Right. So are we going to eat or what? I'm starving?"

"Hitting the Doublemeat?" Jamie got up on his backwheels. "Cool."

Mandy groaned. "Ugh. Do you guys even know how to work your stove?"

"We had to get out of the house," Salome explained. "Connor needed some time for his emotional trauma."

****

Lawrence sat down at the kitchen table. He picked up a notebook, running his hands over the cover. In very neat handwriting was the name Connor Angel. He sighed deeply as his ran his fingertips over the name.

"What are you doing?"

Lawrence looked up. Angel was standing in the doorway. "He changed his name back to Angel. I had noticed that... In his emails."

Angel nodded. "Willow... A friend of ours... Changed it back during the summer. She checked the records to make sure the spell hadn't affected his paperwork. He thought... I think he wanted to protect you. If someone found the connection between you and Connor..."

Lawrence nodded, gazing down at the name. "I understand that. I want to protect my family, but... Connor's a part of that family." He paused. "Isn't he?"

"It's just a name," Angel said quietly, sitting down across from Lawrence.

"Is it?" Lawrence asked. "How do you feel about him changing his name back?"

Angel hesitated. "Well.. I was never crazy about Angel as a last name." Angel looked around the kitchen. "Where is Connor?"

"He's helping Colleen unpack," Lawrence replied. He opened up the notebook. There was a very hasty schedule written, with the hours of ten pm to six am designated as 'patrolling'. "He's so different..."

"You two don't talk much anymore." It wasn't so much a question. Angel didn't look Lawrence as he spoke.

"I don't remember ever talking to him much," Lawrence answered truthfully. "But I have this feeling... Well, I want to..."

"You and Connor were close in the false memories," Angel admitted. "It was one of the stipulations." Angel looked down. "But... I guess you don't remember that now. There's only traces of the spell left."

Lawrence shook his head. "When Connor first told us about the spell, I didn't really believe him. But, after he killed that demon... Things changed. I didn't want it to. But... I couldn't remember raising him."

"I'm sorry," Angel managed out quietly. "That you got mixed up in this."

"I'm not," Lawrence said plainly.

Angel finally looked up, meeting Lawrence's gaze. He remained silent.

"I love Connor," Lawrence continued. "That wasn't the spell. He's a great kid. And he still feels like mine."

Angel's brow furrowed deeply.

"He's pulling away," Lawrence sighed. "I mean, ever since he started school, I haven't gotten to see him a lot. But now... He doesn't even call home." He let out a quiet laugh. "But maybe it's just college and not the spell."

Angel finally spoke. "That's a possibility."

"You spent any time with his girlfriend?" Lawrence asked.

Angel nodded. "Little bit."

"What do you think?" Lawrence smiled softly.

"I think..." Angel rubbed his forehead. "She's... Nice. And..." Angel now smiled. "We're in big trouble."

Lawrence nodded. "I got that too. I thought he was serious about..." Lawrence looked confused. "Huh. I thought Connor had a high school sweetheart, but... I can't remember her now." He shook his head. "But the way he was looking at her... Yeah. Trouble."

Both men went very quiet. Lawrence studied Connor's notebook while Angel adjusted his coat.

After a very long moment, Lawrence finally spoke. "Can you tell me about him?"

Angel was taken aback by the request. "What?"

"I want to know about him," Lawrence whispered. "I want to know about my son." He paused. "Our son. Who he really is."

Angel shifted uncomfortably. "Are you sure?"

Lawrence nodded.

"Well..."

Connor had come to the doorway. He was just about to enter when he heard Angel speak. He kept perfectly silent.

"I guess... To start with... He's always tried to do the right thing..."

****

"Okay, so what does everyone want?" Salome asked, looking around. "Andrew's buying."

"Why do you keep saying that?" Andrew whined. "You know, Jamie has more money than I do. He's rich."

"I'm not rich," Jamie replied. "I just have two trust funds and access to all of my father's accounts now that he's in jail... And..."

All eyes focused on Jamie.

He groaned. "All right. Dinner's on me."

"Great man of our times," Andrew clapped Jamie on the shoulder. "You know, I think I want to get..."

There was a scream from the back of the restaurant. The worker who had been flipping burgers was tossed into the air. He still clutched his spatula. He smashed into a table before rolling off onto the ground.

Both Mandy and Salome were immediately at attention, getting into fight stance.

An unearthly squeal came from the back. Then, it leapt onto the count. It had a skeletal frame, mottled grey skin pulled tightly over the bones, seeming to lack all flesh. It bony fingers were about five inches long. Its mouth dominated its face, jagged teeth gleaming in the fluorescent light.

"What is that?" Gillian asked, panic and fear rising in her voice.

"Andrew, Jamie, get Gillian and the employees out of here," Mandy snapped. "Get as far away as you can."

"I'll call Connor," Andrew said as he ushered the shock Gillian towards the door.

"Since when do we need to be rescued?" Salome snapped. She teleported onto the counter behind the demon. She did a sweeping kick, knocking the demon onto the ground. "Now get everyone out!"

"But--" Gillian turned back to look worried at Mandy and Salome. "We're just going to leave them?"

"They're professionals," Jamie said, wheeling his way towards the door. "They can handle this."

Mandy cartwheeled, kicking the demon before it attacked the cashier. Salome helped him over the counter. She pushed him towards the door.

"Should I call the cops?" The cashier asked.

"I'd recommend you don't," Salome turned back to the counter. Her eyes widened. "Slayer! Behind you!"

Mandy turned just as the demon barrelled at her. She ducked, flipping the demon over her back. She got back up. "I hate owing you one."

Salome jumped up, grabbing the top of the menu and swinging to kick the demon as he got back up. "I really know that." She flipped to the ground.

"Doublemeat Palace doesn't keep knives," Mandy said, looking around. "We don't have anything to fight with."

Salome glanced to the side. "We'll just have to improvise."

Mandy noticed where Salome was looking. She nodded. "Okay. Got it."

The girls attacked simultaneously, each grabbing one of the demon's long arms. They pushed him towards the deep fryer. They forced his head into the boiling oil. The demon struggled to get away, squealing incessantly. Quickly, its twitching stopped.

"I think this might be a health code violation," Mandy commented, slapping the demon on the back.

Salome shrugged. "Wouldn't be the fir--"

The demon suddenly jumped back up. Its skin was blistered and peeling away. It waved its arm, knocking Mandy back. Its long fingers buried into Salome's chest and she screamed.

ACT THREE