It was clear to Angel that all Buffy wanted was to change the subject but he didn't know what to tell his ex-girlfriend. // "Oh yeah, I just need to get my kid back but don't worry I found out he's Xander Harris. A person who hated me more then anything a little while ago. How do I know that Xander's my kid? He smells the same. Oh, how did I have a kid? Darla. No. No, she came back. We slept together. Yeah, it was good." There is no way I am having the conversation.//

"It's complicated, Buffy." He glanced over her head and saw the Xander was asleep. "Maybe was should go outside so we don't wake him up."

Buffy looked at her friend and nodded.

They walked out the door right almost hand in hand. It wasn't that they didn't love each other anymore. No, they still loved each other but they both had their own lives. They had both moved on from those days of waiting for the sun to set so they could see the other person. They missed it but they could go back and in some ways they didn't want to go back. Buffy had a little sister to look after, she had friends that had seen her through the hardest parts of her life, and she didn't want any of that to change. Angel had friends. Something he hadn't had in over a century and never as close. He had a son and a chance to be human. It was more then he could have asked for. He wouldn't change it for the world even during the hard times like these.

The first thing they saw when they stepped out was Spike yelling and swearing at one of the nurses, his whole body showing the anger he was spewing.

"Well, bloody get the doctor. I want to know what you're going to 'im."

"Please, sir. Calm down." The nurse said nervously while looking for help.

"I'll calm the fuck down when I see his doctor."

Angel and Buffy exchanged a look. They both knew that Spike was very close to vamping out at the nurse. They needed to calm him down before he did or otherwise there were too many questions.

"William. William." Angel tried to say as calmly as he could.

"William, you have to calm down."

"Blow me, Peaches. Won't tell me what they're doing to Xander so either help me or get the hell out of me way!" Spike yelled at his Sire. Spike was very close to loosing it and his Sire just got in the way.

Dawn turned and quietly tried to tell Buffy, "They wouldn't tell Spike because they say that he's not related to Xander."

"Bloody hell, I'm not family. Been closer to him then his bloody family ever has. Bunch of no good bastards the lot of them." Spike murmured then turned back to the nurse. "Why aren't ya getting the bloody doctor?"

"William, calm down." Angel turned his Childe so they were looking eye to eye and Spike could see the golden flares going through Angel's eyes.

Spike looked into those eyes and saw his Sire, the one person that had any control on him. He knew he had to stop or otherwise face his Sire's wreath. "Yes, Sire." Spike finally whispered.

Angel regained his composure as he motioned to Buffy to take Dawn away then turned to the nurse with a very sweet smile on his face.

"Hey, there. I'm sorry about my friend here. He's just a little hot tempered and worried." Angel stepped closer to the women and placed a hand on her wrist. "You know how it is when someone you care about is in the hospital. You can't do anything and you just want some answers. Well," he motioned to Spike "he's one of those guys who always likes being busy so time like these really get to him. There isn't any way you could help is there?"

Using his boyish looks and "innocence" to charm the nurse into helping him out. He was just as curious as Spike was about what the doctor was doing to Xander plus his little show seemed to be helping his Childe calm down.

"Well," the nurse said. She was a bit on the young side and Angel's sweet looks and smooth voice had really done a number on her after Spike's anger rant. "I guess I could go get a doctor and he could go over friend's chart for you."

Angel brushed a finger under her chin and said, "Thank you, lass."

The nurse giggled a little before turning serious and walking away from the two vampires.

Angel turned to Spike to see the vampire standing there stunned at what had just happened. "I don't believe it. I don't bloody believe it." Spike said when he could finally talk.

"What?" Angel asked curious to know what had stunned Spike.

"That move you did on the chit. I didn't think ya would do that to anyone anymore. Especially since the soul seemed ta numb your tongue like your gel numbed your brain." Spike looked down at the floor. "It was that move that ya used on chits when ya were trying to get into their knickers and they always fell for it. Never used it to get information before though." Spike paused for a second. "Ya looked like ya use ta." Spike said.

"Well, since the soul and demon are together there are some new tricks." He said gently. Hey, he still wanted his Childe back. He just also wanted him away from his son.

"Well, welcome back, I guess." Spike said. He knew this man was as close to his Sire as he was going to get. He was more of his Sire then he had seen in years. He wanted and needed Him back especially now that his mate was hurt and he need his help to take care so some business. "Sire, would ya be willin' to do your Childe a favor?"

"Of course, Will. What do you want?" Angel amazed at how trusting Spike was being all of a sudden. He would do anything to keep it that way. Well, almost anything. He still wanted Spike away from his son.

"I want you to find the bastard that did that to Xander and teach him no to run over people crossin' the street." Spike said very seriously and coldly at his Sire. He wanted to be the one to protect Xander from what was happening around him but the chip wouldn't let him.

Angel sighed. How could he tell his Childe that he did it and not get dusted in the process?

Spike saw the reluctance in his Sire's eyes. "Look, I'd do it me self but the chip would bloody kill me." Spike nodded towards the door and said, "Anyway he'd kill me if he knew."

"And you don't think he'll get mad at me? He didn't just tell you not to go after the guy but he also told Buffy." //Good job stall him. If you work it right maybe you won't even have to tell him.//

"Right, but he already doesn't like you. It'll just add to the stack."

"What? Why doesn't he like me? Is it because of all the stuff I did when I lost my soul and my demon went crazy? " Angel asked. He had apologized for that. Maybe if he did it again and again he could get Xander to forgive him.

Spike turned back to his sire a little sheepish. "That and he got a hold on our little story."

"What?"

Spike looked at his Sire. "When me and 'im started to get together, he got the watcher to lend 'im what they got on the two of us. Apparently lots of the quality time you spent disciplinin' me were in the books. Xander went a little mad when he read it. Threaten to go to L.A. to stake you, he did. Barely got him to stop and was a while ago, too." Spike glanced down at the floor. "Thing are a little more serious now." Spike beamed at his Sire. "When ya called, he said he didn't want to see ya. Stake ya on sight. Cus of me, he said. Think of that mate, a human getting all protective over William the Bloody. Like I bloody can't take of meself." He looked back at the door. "Feels nice though."

//This is bad. Very bad.// Angel thought. //I thought he just didn't like me for all the things my demon did while I went totally crazy a few years ago. There is no way I can smooth over the years of torture I did to Spike even though it was in my right as a Sire. He'll never understand that. Especially if Xander really loves Spike like he said. He won't even listen to what I'll say. How am I supposed to get those to apart without talking to him? What am I supposed to do? Wait I have got it.//

"Always said that you needed someone to watch you at all times, didn't I Will?

Kind of funny how you always said that I was a Nancy-boy and here you are being watched over like a fledgling by a human." Angel said amusement dancing in his eyes.

Spike's eyes went gold. "Don't need Xander to take care of me, ya pounce.

Could take ya right here. Right now."

Angel gentley shook his head. "William, I wasn't trying to insult you. Just telling you how funny it is that now that you can't fight humans you are being protected by one."

Angel reached out and swung one of his arms over his Childe. "It isn't something I look down on. I mean other demons might but I guess that just shows how strong you are. Able to go to others when you are helpless, that's a real sign of strength William"

Spike was fuming. How dare his Sire say that to him? He wasn't the one who whined about having a soul day in and day out. He wasn't the one who had people always going, "Angel, are you ok??", "Angel, how are you feeling??" and all that nancy boy stuff. No, he was still the big bad. No demon in Sunnydale in their right mind would go against him. And so what if Xander was overprotective of him. He was the same way. His Sire was being his regular ass of a self. He was trying to play a game on his mind. //But what does he want? He doesn't really care about Xander. Never did never will. He doesn't care about what the bloody demos say about me. What could he want?//

Spike though about it for a second then he remember the little scene he and his Sire had earlier. //He's bloody trying to get me to leave Nummy and the rest of 'em.//

"Sorry, mate. Not working." Spike sneered at Angel.

"What's not working Spike?" Angle tried to look innocent but managed to look stupid instead.

"I'm not bloody coming with ya." His gazed turned soft as he looked at his Sire. Pleading with the older vampire to see why he wants to stay. "Don't ya see? I'm finally happy. Here in Sunnyhell. I'm happy. Chipped, but happy. Helping a slayer but happy. Why can't ya stand seeing me happy? Ya hate me that much?"

//Ok at least he doesn't thing about me wanting to break up him and Xander yet.//

"William, I want you to be happy. I've always wanted you to be happy. Just why can't you do it closer to home?" Angel whined a little.

"Home, luv. We already went through this. I am home." He said a little irritated that he say it again.

"William, I always thought that home was where I was. Or at least I hoped." Angel looked at little defeat.

"Look, luv. You're me Sire. There is nothing I wouldn't do for ya. Just need ta call me and I'll face Hell for ya. Hey, I am helping ya find your brat, aren't I? My demon and pride won't allow me ta bend to your will anymore. I'm a master vampire here. I took care of me self and Dru for a century after ya bailed on us. Ya see can't trust ya like I use ta. In the back of me head I keep rememberin' how you said you'd be back and ya never came. Honestly Sire, I think this is all a trick of some sort to get me away from the slayer so ya can have at me. "

Angel looked the blonde in front of him. Spike sounded so hurt and strong at the same time. He didn't know if he should be proud that his Childe could stand up to him of if he should feel guilty for hurting the boy.

"William, my dear Childe. Have I really hurt you that much?" Angel enfolded

Spike in a hug. "This isn't a trick my boy. I just want my family back with me. I miss you all. I miss not having you annoy me day in and day out. I even miss our fighting. I'm sorry I left you alone for so long, Childe. I swear I won't do it again."

"Swear it on your soul, mate?" Spike asked softly into Angel's chest.

Angel chuckled. "Aye, Will. On my soul."

*****
Part 10:

There was a soft cough behind Angel. The elder vampire was very pissed at being interrupted for the second time while holding his Childe. //Family values are at an all time low.//

Angel turned to see who it was but refused to let go of Spike in the process. It turned out to be the nurse who he had asked for help and she didn't look so happy with the position that he was in.

Spike saw what was going on and he moved out of Angel's hold. He wanted to know what was happening to his lover and having a nurse who was jealous of you wasn't the way to get anywhere.

"Hey, I'll be watching Nummy. Tell me what the doctor says when he shows up." He whispered to his Sire as he walked to the room Xander was sleeping in.

Angel stood there trying to find the right words to say to get the nurse to help him out.

"He's a so shaken up. He just doesn't know what to do. It's not actually his friend that he is worried about." Angel said to appease the glare.

The nurse softened after she heard what Angel said and smiled again. "Yeah, having someone you really care about in the hospital is really horrible. That is so sweet of you to help him out like that."

Angel scoffed at the idea. "That. No, that's nothing. It's what any friend would do."

The nurse smiled brightly at Angel. "No, it isn't. It was really sweet."

A small smile started to play on Angel's face. "Well, yeah, I guess it was." He chuckled lightly and was echoed by the nurse's giggling. "So where is his doctor? Ya know the sooner he talks to us the sooner Spike will calm down."

"Spike? Is that your friend's name?" The nurse made a funny face.

Angel arched his forehead in curiosity. "Yes, why?"

"Well...it's an ...um.. unusual name. Isn't it?" The nurse blushed slightly.

"Yeah, it is." Angel said still not understanding why the nurse was acting so funny.

"His name... is it because... he's you know?" The nurse was almost red.

"No I don't know." Even more curious.

"You know big?" The nurse whispered and tried to hide her self behind her clipboard giggling slightly.

"Big?" Angel repeated still bewildered at what was going on in the nurse's mind. "Big? Oh, you mean BIG?" Angel started laughing as he saw the nurse nod from behind the clipboard.

"Kate, I thought you were suppose to be helping out with Ms. Wilson," said a man from behind the nurse.

The nurse stopped laugh immediately. "Yes, I am Dr. Liegh."

"Well, then you'd better get over then young lady and stop flirting with the men in the hallways." The man said with a smile.

The nurse still blushing practically ran out of Angel's sight and didn't even wave good-bye.

Angel started laughing lightly at the exchange. "Hello, I'm Angel."

"Hello. I'm Dr. Leigh." Dr. Leigh was an older looking man with gray hair and a soft smile on his face. He seemed to be a total ease talking to the nurses and to Angel. "Are you the young man who wanted to talk about Xander?"

Angel nodded his head. He didn't know if he should go get Spike but he was pretty sure the blonde was listening to every word. "Yes, I am."

"Well, he'll be fine. The cuts that he has are most just superficial and shouldn't bother him if he takes care of them right. He does need rest though. He has a mild concussion but the medicine will probably make him sleepy right now. They should wear off in an hour or so. You don't have to worry about any serious damage. That boy is built like a tank. It seems that every time I fix him up, he just winds up coming back with worse and worse injuries."

"Yeah he's had it been hard on him for the last few year." Angel said to the doctor. He never really realized how much Xander went through as a Scooby. He was constantly pounded, abused, knocked around, and just basically hurt. He didn't even have any really powers. He was just a nice guy who needed to help.

"Last few year?!" Dr. Leigh exclaimed. "The boy's had a hard life."

Angel was confused, "What do you mean?"

"Well, he's been coming in here ever since was knee high. He had cuts and bruises and broken bones all the time. He was in here so much most of us actually remembered his name. Even got him a birthday day gift and Christmas gift some sometimes. The poor boy saw the inside of a hospital room much too much for my liking."

"He did? Wow, and I thought he was getting into trouble now."

"Trouble? Xander? No, he's the sweetest kid. Always said thanks and your welcome. Always said sir and he never bothered anybody. That bastard of a father of his that was the trouble." Dr. Leigh's face turned hard and cold.

"You mean his father did that?" Angel couldn't understand how anyone would do that to a child especial a child that they thought was their own.

"Yeah, from what his mom and Xander told he the bastard has a really bad problem with drinking. I kind of figured that out by my self but one year I was saying my good nights and stopped up in Xander's room to see how he was. That time he was hospitalized for a good week. He had a broken arm and marks almost all over his body. Anyway, he saw that I had a champagne bottle that someone had given me as a gift and he sank as far back from me as he could. I never saw a kid turn so white so face. What I won't do to pound Harris's face in."

Angel was seeing red. The man who was supposed to take care of his child beat him. Beat an innocent child. There was nothing that a child could do that could equate to a beating like that. Nothing. The son of a bitch was dead would be dead before he hit the ground once Angel found him.

"Why didn't you do anything?" Angel asked a little mad that the doctor hadn't stepped in and stopped the abuse.

"What could I do? The police chief was an old friend of Harris's. Every time I told them what was happening in the Harris house, they just looked away."

"What about his mom? Why didn't she do anything?" Angel frantically tried to find some hope in his child's dismal childhood.

"Her?" Dr. Lee snorted. "She was more scared of the prick then anybody. I'd bet half of the beatings the Xander got was from protecting her. Poor women didn't know what to do." Dr. Leigh shook his head in sad remembrance. "I didn't see her for a few years in between her first visit and now but Xander came here pretty banged up. Kept saying that a car hit him and that he probably needed glasses or something like that. Idiot." Dr. Leigh said fondly. "Didn't he think I knew the truth. I am a doctor after all. They don't just give anybody. The only thing that I'm happy about it that he got out of the Hell hole and got someone who cares about him."

Angel didn't want to make the doctor worry more about Xander. The doctor had helped Xander so much. Angel didn't know how to repay the man for being, what it seemed, a father to Xander. But he had to tell him about Xander's life a little. He did save it God knows how many times.

"Xander's not with Anya any more." Angel told the doctor.

Dr. Leigh laughed gently. "You mean the bad dye job blonde that he was engaged to? I knew that I was talking about the bleach blonde that doesn't know that punk died. Spike's his name I think. Nice guy. He was so worried when Xander came in last time even though it was barely a scratch. The blonde fused so much I almost sent him out of the room, which was very humorous because he almost vamped out." Dr. Leigh chuckled. "The look that Xander gave him and then me after I said that I wasn't scared of vampire was so funny. He was so scared I would disapprove of the two of them. Hell if he'll happy, he's happy."

Angel looked at the man in shock. "You know about vampires?"

"Yeah and I also know about you, Angelus, so don't try anything fun with my boy, ok?"

Angel nodded his head. //His boy?//

"Good." Dr. Leigh looked at the door that lead to Xander's room. "I always think that I should have done something more. I took him in a few times. He always has my number at hand and he called it a few times. Boy, was he in a mess those few times too."

He turned back to Angel. "He would have made a great doctor. He's great with his hands plus he's smart. I still don't understand how someone so kind could come from a prick like that."

A page came over the intercom. "Paging Dr. Leigh. Paging Dr. Anthony Leigh."

"Well, I'd best be going. It was nice meeting you and tell Xander's blond boy hello for me."

"Sure. Nice meeting you, too." Angel said as he watched the doctor walk down the hallway. The man he had just met had told him more about Xander then he ever knew. All Angel knew was basically that Xander was a goof off, never really into school, was on the swim team, helped Buffy, and went out with Cordy. He was a father figure to Xander. Probably more then Angel ever could hope to be now that Xander was all grown up. He helped his son when he needed it and his son trusted him with his secrets. Maybe this was his punishment. Seeing his son and knowing that he would always hate him.

Angel sighed. He needed to talk to someone and no one here could really help. Someone, who could take him out of this path to brooding.

Angel brought out his cell phone and dialed the number to the one person that could help.

"Hey, Lorne ...It's that bad and before you ask I don't want to talk about it over the phone. Do you think you can come down here? ...No, I just need someone to talk to...Tomorrow? I guess I'll be ok until then. Hey, are Cordy and Groo back? ...Ok. Yeah bring them with. I'm staying at the mansion...See you then. Bye."

Angel hung up the phone. It was funny that the green demon, who seemed so irritating and weird, was one of the people he had come to really trust. True there were times he needed to needle the truth out of Lorne, but he always came through in the end. He could really use Lorne's help right now. Him all dressed in his extremely bright flashy clothing making Angel watch his every step as Lorne almost sang every word he said to Angel. It always made Angel forget his worries at least for the moment.

Angel looked at the door and sighed. He had to tell Spike what the doctor said at least to make sure the blonde knew. //Maybe I can get more information from Spike about Xander's past. He seems to know about it. Maybe I can even get the Harris' address. No, bad Angel. Killing is bad.//

Angel opened the door and started talking. "William, the doctor said..."

Angel stopped. He looked around the room. His childe and son were gone.

*****
Part 11:

//They're gone. My Childe and my son are gone. They're missing. Could it be Holt? How did he get here so fast? I need to tell someone. I need help rescuing him. If Holt harms a hair on either one of them, he's dead. Redemption or no redemption.//

Angel turned and walked out of the room. He turned to the lounge where Buffy and the rest of the Scoobies were.

"Buffy, I need your help." Angel said, the seriousness of the situation showing fully on his face.

Buffy looked at Angel a little concerned. Angel usually was serious, but he looked worse then he usually did.

"Sure, ok. What's wrong?"

"Spike and Xander are missing. We have to find them before it's too late."

"What?" Buffy said. "They're missing?"

"Yes. We have to hurry. They could be hurt."

Buffy had a pissed look on her face as she looked at her ex. "Oh, no. They aren't hurt. But Spike will be when I find him."

"What?" Angel asked.

"God damn him. I thought I told him not to do this last time." Buffy said.

"Well, they both do hate hospitals with good reason." Willow said.

"I guess." Buffy said relenting a little.

"What is going on here?" Angel demanded, more then a little mad at being left out of the loop again.

"Oh, sorry Angel," Willow said. "Xander really hates hospitals. Always has even though he has to go to them all the time. Anyway, whenever he is hurt, he tries to sneak out. Usually the doctors here don't care. They know that Xander doesn't like it here even though they are so friendly to him. Most of them know him by name. Anyway, Dr. Leigh usually lets him out. He tells Xander what he needs and leaves most of the stuff in his room so Xander can fix himself up. Dr. Leigh even taught him how to fix us up. He's way cool. Spike hates it here too. He says the nurses are mean to him, so when ever he's here he tries to get Xander out as soon as possible. Did Spike talk to Dr. Leigh?"

"No, but I did. He told me that he was going to be fine and that all the injuries were just superficial."

"He probably knew that Spike were listening."

"Quite right." Giles said. "And since Xander has been taken home, maybe we should follow suit."

They waved goodbye to Angel as they left the hospital "Wait!" Angel cried.

The Scoobies turned to see what the vampire wanted. He had been acting unusual all night.

"Aren't you going to check if Spike really has him?" Angel asked as forced a smile on his face.

Giles looked at the anxious vampire. "Alright, if you think it's appropriate."

Angel nodded his head slightly, trying not to look to worried.

"Right." Giles nodded in response. He then turned to Anya. "Love, do you have your cell phone with you by chance?"

"I might," she responded and started to look through her purse. "Sorry, I must have left it at home."

"How would Spike and Xander get home so quickly?" Angel asked. //Maybe I can just drop by before the sun sets.//

"Xander got a cell phone because of work. He's a construction foreman and his boss wanted him to have one so he could always find Xander I guess." Anya said.

Angel dug into his jacket pocket and pulled out his cell. "Well, here you go," as he gave the phone to Giles.

"Yes. Thank you." Giles said as he took the phone from the vampire and started dialing Xander's number.

"Hello. This is Rupert.. Spike, you do have Xander right? . Do you have his medications? .No, I was not insinuating that you could not take care of Xander I was just double-checking if you or Xander needed anything.. Would you like for me to talk to Dr. Leigh? . Alright then."

"Hey Giles, tell him he is in so much trouble when I see him next time, and he better take good care of Xander." Buffy said.

Angel growled light at the threat to his Childe, but no one noticed.

Giles just raised an eyebrow at Buffy's comment. "Buffy sends her regards." He said into the phone earning him a 'Hey' for the Slayer.

"We'll come by his apartment tomorrow night. Make sure he gets enough rest.. As if you should be speaking. Yes. Bye." Giles turned off the phone, and returned it to Angel.

"Bloody called me a mother hen. He should see how he acts," Giles muttered then looked at Angel. "Thank you. He seems to be in good hand. Spike will most likely be driving him crazy with concern by tomorrow, so we shall be going over there to give Xander a little breather. Would you like to come?"

Angel smiled. "Sure. Um. Lorne, Cordy, and Groo should be here tomorrow night. I could drop by after they get here."

"That's fine." Said Giles and turned to the Scoobies. "Come on. It's getting late."

Dawn yawned as soon as Giles finish. "Yeah, I could use some sleep."

Buffy pulled her sister close to her. "Yeah. It's way past your bed time."

Dawn looked at Buffy insolently. "Hey, I'm not a little kid."

Buffy just smiled at her and waved good-bye to Angel.

Angel stood there smiling slightly. He was going to see his son again tomorrow at his place. //Wait, I don't know where he lives.//

"Hey, Buffy. Could you tell me where Xander lives?"

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Angel was giddy with joy from the idea that he was starting to be a part of his son's life, but to top it off he was also being a part of his Childe's. //Maybe I should take Xander something. Maybe a get better soon gift or something like that. But Xander would be very suspicious of a gift from me. Maybe I should get Spike something. No, that's worse then getting Xander a gift. But I want to get them something. Something to make up for what I did to them in the past.//

Angel opened the door to his bedroom. He was staying at the mansion just as he told Lorne. It was just like he left it. Well, except the layer of dust and the cobwebs. The mansion held some very bad memories from his time as Angelus but it was the only place he had in Sunnydale. He knew when he came here that no one would put him up, except maybe Spike. But he was living with Xander and Xander didn't like him at all.

Angel no longer knew what to think about his wayward Childe and his son being together. All his fatherly instincts wanted Spike away from his son, but after seeing how the two of them acted together and how much Spike cared about Xander, he couldn't shake the idea that maybe Spike was the perfect person for his son.

//But he's a vampire without a soul. How could he love Xander so much? I know he did love Dru but they were one in the same times. They were violence, beauty and chaos. But how could Spike love a human? A Scooby at that. They are, as Spike would say, goodie goodies and they protect what use to be his prey. Xander is the worst out of all of them like that too. He is the one with the moral good/bad thing. He has always hated me because I am a vampire. He thought I wasn't good enough for Buffy because of it, and now he is sleeping with Spike? One of my childer? Someone who could be just as bad as I used to be. It makes no sense. The whole thing makes absolutely no sense.//

Angel sat heavily on his bed. //Maybe I can get them to sing for Lorne or something. I need to know what is going on.//

Angel smiled slightly. //Yeah, tomorrow Lorne is coming down here. Maybe he can figure out what to do. Maybe he can figure out what I am missing. He is good at figuring out just how much of a moron I am being.//

Angel laid down on the bed and got comfortable. //I wonder what Xander will think about his former babysitter. Hey, maybe Lorne can prove to the rest the Xander is my son. At least to Giles so he will stop giving me the weird looks. I don't know if I should tell Xander. He hates me and I don't even know what he thinks about Darla. And Spike. What would he do? Probably think that I am lying and trying to take Xander from him. Ok so it kind of true, but still.//

Angel sighed. //And hitting with him with a car. I don't know what I would do if he was really hurt. I don't know what Spike would do if he found out I did it. Its horrible that he can't defend Xander like he wants to. His demon must be going crazy. And he wants to know who did it to Xander. Spike will kill me or at least try to. ARG!!! Why is everything in my life so complicated? Why can't anything be simple? Taking care of my son, bringing back my Childe, eating Gypsies. It all goes wrong. Maybe I should go to sleep. Things might look better tonight. Ya never know.// Angel closed his eyes and slept.

*****
Part 12:

Spike watched Xander sleep. The mortal looked so strong, but Spike had almost lost him today. One car had almost ended his life. One person, who should have been watching where he was going, could have taken Xander away from him. Spike knew Xander was just mortal, but sometimes when Xander was fighting or when they were making out, Spike forgot that there would be a time that he wouldn't have his mortal with him. That one day a demon might be too quick or Xander to slow. One day Xander might not have the strength to kiss him back so hard that he felt possessed or Xander might not be there to kiss him at all. He was a vampire. He had forever and then some but, the man who had his heart didn't and there was nothing he could do. He wanted Xander for forever, but all he had was today.

Spike brushed through Xander's hair and smirked. He, out of all people, knew how hard loving was. He had lost Angelus and Dru but that was their choice. They had left him. They didn't want him anymore. Xander...Xander could be ripped away from Spike at anytime. Anytime at all.

He wanted to give Xander forever. He wanted to take Xander in his arms and make him his for all eternity but he knew that Xander would say no. He loved Spike but no one loved Spike forever. They loved him for today and now, but never until the end of time and Spike knew that. He knew he could do nothing but watch as time took away his love's energy, his youth, but never Spike's love. No, if Spike loved someone it was forever and he was going to make sure his mortal knew that from now on.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Xander slowly woke from the haze that he was in. //Owww. God, I hate getting hurt. There's always so much pain. Owww.//

Xander groaned as he started to move. //Aren't I supposed to be knocked out or something?//

Xander opened his eyes and looked at the room he was in. //Ok? When did I get here and why aren't there nurses bugging me?//

Spike was fumbling with kitchenware as he was trying to make some thing for Xander to eat when he woke up. The groan alerted him that Xander was finally awake. Spike quickly walked to the bedroom and saw Xander twisting slightly and looking very confused.

"Hey, pet." Spike walked up to the bed. "How you feeling?" Spike laid a hand on his mortal's forehead.

"Spike?" Xander smiled then took a hand and placed it over the vampire's. "How did we get here? Last thing I remember is the hospital."

Xander's eyes widened with shock. "Spike, please, please, tell me Buffy didn't see us together?"

Spike took his hand away from Xander and frowned. "Thought you wanted them to know."

Xander sat up quickly ignoring the pain that was coursing through him. "Of course I do but Buffy will try and stake you." He grabbed Spike's waist and pulled Spike as close to the bed as possible and lifted the vampire's shirt. "You're not hurt, are you? Take off your shirt. She didn't attack you, did she? Come on, take off your shirt."

Spike smiled at his lover. "No, love. I'm fine. She didn't do anything."

"Then why aren't you taking your shirt off and proving it." Xander asked worried that his lover was just try to comfort him.

Spike leered. "Cus I don't think you're up for that kind of show right now, Nummy. Now, be a good love and relax." He gently pushed Xander back into the bed.

Xander let Spike help him lay down because he wanted to, not just because the vampire was fussing over him. "Come on Spike. Just prove that you are ok. Please, it'll make me feel better."

Spike growled softly. "Fine." And he took off his shirt and turned around. "See no marks."

Xander sighed lightly. //Ok, Spike is fine.//

"Pet, ya do remember I am a vampire, right?" Spike said as he smoothed Xander's blankets. "The Slayer couldn't hurt me unless I let her love. I did kill two of her kind. Ya don't have to worry about me."

"But I'm allowed to worry." Xander said. "I love you. It gives me that right. Even if you couldn't ever be hurt or killed, I would still worry about you. Anyway, neither of the Slayers was Buffy. She beat your ass quite a few times."

"Oy, like I can forget that but still ya're hurt. You should be relaxing not worrying about me."

"Fine, but you sure she didn't hurt you?" Xander said.

"I showed you, didn't I?" Spike said more then a little tired of the conversation. He was supposed to be taking care of Xander. That was not going to happen if Xander was fussing about him.

"Yeah, but you are a vampire and you could have healed up." Xander said quietly as he looked at his blanket. //Maybe I really shouldn't worry. He looks fine, right? He is here.//

Spike sighed, lifted Xander's chin and kissed him lightly. "Love, as much as I love the protective thing ya are doing, the Slayer didn't do anything." Spike straightened up and continued, "Actually she threaten to stake me if anything happened to you so if you are really worried about me relax."

"So she doesn't know about us?"

"Oh no, Slutty knows. She did say that she thought we were cute. I mean me, William the Bloody, cute? I think not pet. Even pinched my cheeks." Spike slightly pouted.

Xander started laughing at his lover. He always knew how to make Xander feel better. "But I think you're cute, and handsome, and sexy, and beautiful, and yummy." With each word, Spike inched closer and closer to his lover and his eyes turned darker and darker.

"It's not nice ta tease a vampire, love." He kissed Xander softly again.

"Well, maybe I wasn't teasing," Xander said as he pulled the vampire closer.

Spike moaned softly, then remember why Xander was in bed and stopped moving. "Nope, pet. No naughty business until you get better." He then pulled away from Xander.

"But I'm fine! Owww." Xander said as he sat up to get his vampire back into bed.

Spike raised an eyebrow at Xander.

"Ok, so I'm not fine, but can't you stay?"

Spike glanced at the door, "But I was makin' ya something to eat."

Xander laid back down. "But I don't want anything to eat. Just want you."

Spike looked at the door again. "Fine, Nummy but you are taking some pills before you go back to sleep. Ok?"

Xander nodded his head. He was getting tired again. Maybe sleep wasn't such a bad idea.

Spike dashed into the other room to get some water and the pills that Dr. Leigh gave him. Dr. Leigh seemed to know that Spike and Xander weren't going to stay. Then again they never did. The doctor slipped it in to Xander's clothes just like he normally did with a list of do's and don'ts for Spike. He was really kind to the both of them. Spike didn't know how to repay the man, but he was going to figure it out.

"Here you go, pet." Spike said as he walked back into the bedroom.

Xander opened his eyes when he heard Spike call for him. "Hey."

Spike smiled. "Hey. Now, open up. Ya can sleep after you take these." Spike helped Xander sit up and gave the mortal his pills. Xander popped them in his mouth, grabbed the water the Spike was holding for him and gulped them down. He then leaned against his lover.

"Hmmmmmm. Comfie." Xander said as he buried himself as close to Spike as possible.

Spike smiled softy and put the glass on the nightstand. He then lowered Xander and himself on to the pillows.

"I love you, Nummy."

"I love you, too, Spike." Xander said as he fell asleep.

//No one is ever going to take you from me, understand that Nummy. You're mine. I won't ever loose you. I couldn't stand it.//

Spike fell asleep watching the man he loved sleeping in his arms.

*****
Part 13:

A knock woke Angel out of his deep sleep. Being a natural predator, he took survey of his surroundings. He was in the mansion and awake and the sun hadn't set yet. He walked to the front door, sword in hand. You never knew what came to your door in Sunnydale. He opened the door slowly.

"Glad to see you too, honey buns." Lorne said as he pushed by Angel.

"Lorne?" Angel smiled.

"The one and only, sugar. So how you holding up?" Lorne placed a hand on Angel's arm.

Angel sighed softly. "Better I guess. I know that Conner is alive and well, but he hates me."

"What do you mean, sweetie pie?"

"I'll explain. I swear. Where are Cordy and Groo?"

"The lovebirds were right behind me when we got here. The two of them are look so darling together. The little trip you sent them on really bonded them." Lorne walked up to the door and yelled out for Cordelia and Groo.Cordy walked in the mansion with a huge smile on her face. Groo followed her in with a possessive look on his face. As soon as Cordy found Angel's eyes, she shrieked and gave Angel a hug.

"Thank you thank you thank you, you big, brooding, wonderful man you. Thank you." She kissed Angel's cheek then let go of Angel.

Angel smiled slightly. "So you had a good time?"

"It was great and it was all because of you."

Angel looked at his friend and how happy she looked. //I am happy for her. I am really happy for her. I guess I was just a wanted someone to be with after that horrible talk with Buffy when she came back from heaven. I love Cordy, but I guess I just love her like a sister. That does give me the right to hurt Groo if he does anything wrong though. What is he trying to be? My clone or something? Really it's so irritating. Yeah, I can deal with this.//

"I also wish to give you my thanks, Angel," Groo said to Angel as he grabbed Angel's hand and shook it.

"You're welcome. I'm glad that you had such a great time but can we get serious now? Lorne probably told you that Conner was kidnapped." Angel frowned.

Cordy's face completely fell. "Yeah, I know. I'm so sorry. I can't believe Wesley did that to you but we will get him back. I know you love him. You would never hurt him."

Angel's face turned dark, reminiscent of the man he was more then a century ago. "Never mention that name in front of me again. If I see him, he is dead."

Lorne tried to calm him down. "I know he did the wrong thing, but don't you think he would have good reasons?"

Angel turned his dark gaze to Lorne. "And what could be a good reason for taking my son?"

"This, sweet cakes." Lorne took out a piece of paper from his jacket pocket and unfolded to hand to Angel.

Angel looked at the piece of paper. "'The Father will kill the Son.' Ok, what's your point?"

"This is what Wesley's translation of the prophecy about Conner is, sugar. This is why he did it."

"But you know how much I love my son. You think that I would ever hurt him?" Angel asked Lorne and then turned to Cordelia.

Cordy sighed. "Angel, it's not important what we think. What is important is that Wesley thought that it was. That is why he did it. He wanted to protect Conner."

"Then why didn't he tell me? Didn't he know that I would have given him Conner if I thought I would hurt him." Angel looked on the verge of tears. "I love my son."

"We know. The whole blood thing a few days ago just proves that even more." Lorne said as he ran a hand up and down Angel's arm.

"What blood thing?" Cordy asked.

Lorne looked at Cordy. "Our favorite law firm decided to give daddy dearest a taste of his little boy's blood. Angel wouldn't go near Conner because he was scared he would hurt him."

"Maybe he was wrong." Angel said after he calmed down. "He was wrong about prophecies before. Maybe he was wrong about this one."

"Yeah, we can get Giles and Willow to research. Maybe they can figure it out." Cordy said. "The sun is almost setting. We'll just bring our stuff in and go find Giles and Willow."

"Yeah." Angel smiled softly. Then groaned. "They're going to be at Xander's tonight."

"Wow, Xander Harris has his own place. Things have really changed since I was here."

"He was engaged you know." Angel said.

"Yeah, but he didn't go through with it. Typical Xander. Sweet guy but never could figure out what he really wanted."

Angel snorted. "Well, he figured it out."

"He's back with Anya?"

//I wish.// Angel thought.

"No, he's with Spike."

"Whoa." Cordy started laughing. "That's funny."

Angel gave her a questioning look.

"I thought you just said that he was with Spike," Cordy said in between her laughter.

"I did." Angel said with slight sadness in his voice.

Cordy straightened up. "Wait, you did and you're serious." Angel nodded his head. "Xander with Spike? But he hates vampires. Look how he treated you."

"I know." Angel nodded.

"Wait, can someone please translate for those of us in the viewing audience?" Lorne said.

Angel sighed. "Ok, you know about Buffy being the Slayer, right?"

Groo interrupted. "What is a slayer?"

"She is a girl who kills vampires and demons." Angel replied.

"She must be very strong." Groo said.

"Yeah, she is, but most slayers fight vampires and demons by themselves. Buffy isn't like that. Her friends help her out. They call themselves the Scoobies. Well, in the group there is Willow, Xander and Giles. Giles is a watcher, kind of a father figure. Cordy used to be a part of them from time to time. Anyway, Willow is book smart and Giles is a Watcher but Xander wasn't really anything."

Cordy hit Angel. "That's not true. Xander was the sweetest one out of all of them. He was willing to help even though he didn't have any powers. He was always there for a friend. He was the reason that Buffy wasn't killed by the Master and he was the reason that Angel was sent to Hell." Cordy winced. "Ok, maybe that wasn't that good of an example."

Angel smiled. "It's ok. It's true. He knew that Buffy wouldn't kill me unless she thought I was Angelus. If the spell didn't work he would have saved the world. He does a lot of things like that. He usually doesn't go for the fame or glory but he is always backing up Buffy, even if he could get hurt because of it."

"Yeah he always cheers everyone on and is always smiling. It's going to be fun seeing him again."

Angel winced. "Yes, um. Cordy, there was kind of an accident."

"What? Is he okay?" Cordy looked very worried. "What happened? When did it happen?"

"Cordy, calm down. He's fine. He was hit by a car but the doctor said he just needs a little rest and he will be fine."

"When did it happen?" Cordy said, feeling horrible for not knowing.

"Yesterday."

"Then why are we going to his place? Shouldn't we be going to the hospital? I want to see him."

"Actually, Spike kind of smuggled him out of the hospital and took him home last night."

"And nobody stopped him!!!!!!!" Cordy yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Well, no one actually knew until after Spike took him."

"What did Buffy say?" Cordy glared at Angel as if it was his fault.

"She didn't really seem to mind. They are all going over tonight to talk to Spike and Xander."

"But the doctor must have gotten mad that his patient disappeared, right? He must have told Spike to get Xander and his undead butt back to the hospital."

"Actually, the doctor kind of helped them get away."

"Wait, let me guess. Dr. Leigh."

"Yeah. How did you know?"

"He always babied Xander. He didn't really like me that much." Cordy shrugged.

"If it makes you feel better, he threatened me too." Angel said.

"No but nice try." She turned to Groo. "Let's go get my stuff so we can go visit my friend."

Groo kissed Cordy's hand. "Anything that you want, my princess."

Cordy turned back to Angel and winked at him.

Angel smiled and turned to Lorne. "And you were stuck in the car with them all the way here?"

"Please, don't remind me. Cute is cute but they are pushing the limits."Angel chuckled. "What happened to all that love stuff you were pushing before?"

"Forget it all. Please."

Angel started laughing.

"I thought that was something I wouldn't see in a while. Not that I am complaining big guy, but what is going on?" Lorne said looking at Angel.

Angel sighed. He needed Lorne's help if he was going to prove that Xander and Spike weren't supposed to be together or at least that Xander was his son but he didn't want to tell Cordy without proof.

"I found Conner."

"What? HoltZ came here?" Lorne said more then a little shocked.

"No, HoltZ isn't here. Just Conner and he's all grown up. But I know it's him." Angel said hoping that at least Lorne would trust him.

"How do you know?" Lorne asked.

"I can smell it. He smells like Conner just in an older package."

"Ok so what are you going to do?" Lorne asked.

"Well, I kind of need your help there. I was wondering if you could read him and figure out if it is him."

Lorne nodded his head. "Yeah, I could figure it out. His aura should be about the same. Who is he?"

"Xander Harris." Angel looked at Lorne for a reaction.

"Wait, isn't that he guy that Cordy said hates you?"

"Yeah, another way for the universe to screw me."

Lorne walked up to Angel and gave him a hug. He started to move his hands up and down Angel's back as he spoke, "Hey, there. You never know. Maybe this could only be the only way Conner might have survived. You should be counting your blessings that you found him. And so he doesn't like you right now. You can change that." He pulled back from Angel.

"You're not the same guy you were at the begining of this year, much less before L.A. Just ask Cordy if you don't believe me. Now put on that smile that you don't show us enough of, then we can go talk to your boy."

"Lorne. There's one more thing." Angel said softly.

"Ok, what is it?" He was a little scared by how depressed Angel looked.

"The guy that hit him with the car was me. I didn't mean to do it. He just ran in front of the car while I was driving. He was being chased by a demon so I guess he had a reason but still. I could have killed my own son." Angel started to stare at the floor.

"Shhhh. You didn't. He's fine even though a vampire is taking care of him. Um. what do we know about this Spike guy anyway?"

"He's my Childe."

"So he is the reason you came down here. Do you trust him with Conner?"

"Yes.No. I don't know. I know if William really cares for someone he will take care of him will all the power he has, but I don't know if I trust him with Xander."

"Well, does he love Xander?"

"He seems to. I think he does. I hope he does. Could you maybe." Angel looked at Lorne shyly.

"Check him out too? Sure. What are uncles for? I can't wait to see how he turned out." Lorne said.

"He turned out really well. Amazingly so." Angel smile.

*****