Honorable
Sons: 25
by Josie_h
Notes
Spike could sense his younger relative too easily through their familial connection and shut it down as best he could.
The boy was fast, he gave him that, but Spike had a hundred and thirty or so years on the lad, so planned on a merry chase.
He sprinted toward the water, flashed as quickly as he dared through elegant streets, then back tracked up the hill until he found himself passing by the University grounds. He turned into the first side street that led onto the campus, figuring Connor would at least slow as there seemed to be a few late night student ‘stragglers’ still around.
Some buildings were lit attractively, though he moved to the shadows, aware of the campus security that seemed necessary in all such public areas of late. Even the local cemetery had it’s own ‘guard’ as Spike had found out some month or so ago – though like his Sunnydale counterparts, the officer was apparently oblivious to the ‘nether world’ and more interested in his thermos of coffee than noticing an ensouled master vampire.
Taking the central green belt through the university, he eventually headed back down the hill, passed various Libraries and the Life Science building, then was struck by an unusual smell. The crunch underfoot was unwelcome but the strong aroma of eucalyptus was… a hoot! As he ran, he leapt to grab some fresh leaves from the foreign trees and began to crush them in his hand, sniffed deeply and finally sprinted off the campus and on into the night.
Connor was hard on Spike’s heels – or so he thought! He had not really figured on the vampire risking a ‘campus run’ at this time of night, and it certainly led him to step a little more cautiously. He slowed to a walk through the main pathways, realizing that he had every reason to be allowed there…… were he to have his student ID, and a friend on campus, or he knew who which band or movie had been playing tonight and… or… and…. ? Dismissing all risk of being stopped and questioned, he opted to match Spike’s behaviour, Connor took to the shadows, scented the air and headed in the direction of his prey.
Arriving in the eucalypt grove, Connor stopped, the scent had all but disappeared, though he could still find a trace. He stared at the ground and realized for the first time, just how extraordinary his night vision had become, though noted with some consternation that his fangs had dropped also. With no time to worry about his visage or otherwise, he followed the distinct track of scuffed footprints in the fallen leaves to the edge of the Glade, then took a punt.
He pushed the link a little, receiving a welcomed ‘mental hug’ from Angel who was obviously in pursuit but still some distance away. This was Connor and Spike’s game, but he was surprisingly relieved to discover his father had determined to follow.
Pausing at the sweeping driveway of the western entrance of Berkeley UC, Connor locked down the link and tried sniffing again. He quietly damned sealed roads but scented the wind again. Amidst the night smells, there was a definite smell of gum leaves, cigarettes, old leather and good whiskey, that could only mean Spike.
He took off at a sprint heading down the hill but then doubled back. Regardless he kept well to the shadowy side of any street when possible, acutely aware of his own speed and the rather ‘odd’ activity he was engaging in. Something in the back of his mind niggled and he switched to pure hunter’s instinct. He headed north, under a freeway and on, only slowing as he felt rather than saw the cemetery.
Traveling purely on his inner sense he headed for high ground… the ‘Millionaire’s row’ and perched on the peak of one particularly accurate version of the Egyptian pyramids, scanned the vista below. The San Fransisco skyline was just visible as he turned to sight down the row. Then he saw…. Spike’s game face was evident, grinning at him, two mausoleums away.
“Well done whelp!” With that the vampire dropped into darkness, leaving his young relative confused and enormously frustrated. Connor flung himself in the direction of the fleeting scent with an almighty growl and preternatural speed.
As he approached the main function building, he slowed, scented the air again, extending his hearing range, and scanning the area. Nothing. He relaxed for a moment and reassessed. Sniffing the air again he was utterly focused on catching rather than just finding Spike.
He collapsed forward as an assailant dropped onto him. Initially his face was pressed unawares to the dirt, but he instinct kicked in. Spinning from front to back then flipping into fighting stance, Connor turned to what he had assumed would be the blonde vampire. Instead it seemed a bizarre cross between dog, panther, circus clown and monkey… with teeth, talon like claws and a more than adequate amount of saliva.
Realizing that this was a game was no longer, Connor swung into Quortoth mode with little thought, spun and with a low sweep of his leg, upended the creature. Instantly realizing he was short of weapons, the young man wrenched a headstone from its resting place and pounded the creature until it no longer moved.
Still panting, Connor turned swiftly listening, scenting and scanning the area for fear of companions of his assailant. Satisfied he turned to begin his hunt for Spike once more but heard the heard the slow clapping of his original prey.
“Ho, very nice! Encore….”
“You *bastard*….. You led me here then what? Watched??? I thought you…..?!” Connor watched as the vampire dropped effortlessly from a crypt roof and smiled enigmatically.
“Your chase your prerogative mate….. Wanna take out a couple ‘o nasties along the way is fine by me…… But……” Spike held his arms open and grinned, at the same time opening the link again. “Congratulations, Ya found me!”
Connor was still caught in a swirl of adrenalin and endorphins, induced by both the chase and the fight. He launched himself at Spike and they sparred in earnest, this time uninterrupted as several local nasties recognized the snarls of two Masters in battle and gave them a wide berth.
Their styles were both martial arts borne of street fighting, experience and good training. Connor’s increased speed and strength a surprise to him, and took a little adjusting to. Regardless Spike still had the advantage of years. The bout eventually became one of a friendly spat between family members, punishing blows traded for lighter taps, proof of the upper hand rather than any intent to injure.
By the time Angel arrived the two were leaning against a headstone, Connor breathing heavily and Spike looking tired but breathing from habit rather than need.
He grinned at his boys as he approached, “Anyone win?”
“Not the point Luv.”
Connor stared daggers at Spike, “What?!”
“C’mon pet…. Was all about you sortin’ the physical changes….. The new improved Master Connor. And you bloody well liked it, I can tell. We need to get you a girl mate or you a switch hitter like your nearest and dearest?” Both vampires grinned as Connor covered his obvious arousal.
“Feed, fight and f#$%...... Ho yeah, you are your Da’s son alright.” Spike pushed away from the headstone slapped the young man’s backside hard then took off in the direction of home at a dead sprint. Connor roared indignantly and sped after him. This time Angel grinned, decided to test his recovery a little, and was very pleased to discover that he kept pace all the way back to the apartment.
Leaping onto the balcony, he stopped abruptly behind two motionless men. All three could hear a moan and detect female arousal from within.
Spike grinned knowingly at the other two, “Oi, Nice night to star gaze don’t you think? How’s about we sit this out and let the ladies have their moment.”