Xander let out a sigh of relief as the hospital came into view, he had known the demon hospital existed for months but hadn't told any of the others. If the Slayers found out about the place, they would destroy it seeing how they tended to regard all demons as evil. The demon hospital was a free hospital where any supernatural being could go for treatment of the mind or body. According to rumours the hospital was funded by a committee of various demon and supernatural organisations.

"Don't worry. We're going to be okay." Angel said seriously, his arm still around Xander's waist.

Xander answered as they walked inside, "I hope so. I should call my mom and let her know I'm okay."

"I'll call her for you, once we know the baby is okay." Angel said waiting for Xander to sit before he went to the reception.

Angel smiled, "Hi, my mate is here to see T'ar. His name is Alex Harris."

"Sure. Can you fill in this form for me?" The woman answered giving him a piece of paper and a pen.

Angel nodded and walked back over to Xander, sitting down he started filling in the information. When he got to the personal history part he was a little confused as to what to put down so he asked Xander, "What are your parents names?"

Xander grinned, "Cormac Caird and Moira Murdoch."

"Wow, you're a Sidhe-elf hybrid!" The receptionist said shock as she read the form.

Xander nodded, "Yeah. How long will we have to wait?"

"You won't. My name is T'ar, the gynaecologist. I must admit you're the first male I've had to deliver."

"That's me, one of a kind." Xander commented with a wry grin.

T'ar led them to his office in the back of the building and waited for them to sit down. He noticed that Angel was always touching Xander and groaned. Not only did he have to deal with the first Sidhe-elf hybrid but he also had to handle an overprotective vampire. They didn't pay him enough for the stuff he had to handle.

T'ar smiled at Xander as he asked, "Do you know the species of your child's father?"

"Yeah, its Angel." Xander answered looking at the vampire in question.

"So you're having a w'amphrii. I assume you have been drinking blood for the child?"

Xander nodded, "Yeah, at least 500ml a day. My mom already told me about it."

Writing down a note on the chart T'ar asked absently, "How are you handling the pregnancy? Any problems with your powers?"

"What powers?" Xander questioned confused.

"That's strange, I thought you would have manifested by now." T'ar said amazed seeing how Xander was well above the manifestation age.

Angel snarled, "Manifested?"

The doctor looked at them in shock, "All Sidhe and elves manifest by puberty. I can only assume a binding spell was placed your powers, it would have been the safest option. Your abilities would be unpredictable seeing how you will have inherited abilities from both of your parents."

"What are my abilities?" Xander was confused. His mother hadn't mentioned anything about any special abilities or any binding spell.

T'ar sighed, "It could be anything; precognition, necromancy, telekinesis, pyrokinesis, empathy, earth-magic, wild magic or any of the other abilities in your parents' lines. Of course, it will probably be a combination of abilities."

"Great (!) Will my heritage cause any problems for the child?"

T'ar shook his head, "No, both sidhe and elves appear to be human until they manifest, when their energy signature changes. The child will probably age slowly and heal fast but that is typical of w'amphrii. The only time you will see any differences will be in puberty, I can only assume that your child will have the ability to reproduce as you can."

"Can you make sure my baby is okay? I was hit by a car earlier." Xander took a deep breath wanting to go somewhere to think.

"Of course." T'ar said as he wheeled out a small ultrasound from the other side of the room, he quickly chanted a spell to allow the child to show up on the monitor having never dealt with a w'amphrii pregnancy before.

"Everything looks okay." T'ar commented as he finished the scan, pleased to see there were no problems. He knew both the parents would have reacted violently if there was.

"That's great. When should we see you again?" Angel said eagerly.

T'ar stood, "I want to see you when you're twenty weeks. Just to make sure the baby is okay. I'll give you my card in case something happens."

"Thanks, T'ar." Xander said wrapping one arm around Angel's waist as they walked outside to the reception where he made an appointment for three months time.

*******

"Maybe we should go back to your place?" Angel offered as they walked into the cool night air.

"I want the two of us to just be together for a while." Xander replied seriously, pulling the vampire towards Angel's apartment.

Angel said with a smile, "Whatever you want."

They walked in silence content to simply be together. It was the first time they had ever taken the time to simply be, to absorb the feelings of complete harmony that came with being together.

"This places looks like a bomb hit it!" Xander commented as he walked inside the apartment seeing the clothes all over the place. He picked up a broken glass and wondered what had happened, would it be safe for them in the apartment?

"It was probably Buffy. She must have been a little upset after Angelus was taunting her. Do you ever wonder why he never said anything to her about what he did to you?"

Xander explained, "Angelus wanted to break me completely, when he had done I would have told her because I would have lost all hope. He wanted to make me feel guilty for letting him be realised, he wanted me to feel guilty for not being there for you."

"It wasn't your fault. I was the one who rejected you, I was so desperate to help Buffy to stop her becoming cold and distant like the other Slayers."

Xander sighed, "To help Buffy you had to give her something to believe in, someone to love. When you slept with her I saw it as the ultimate rejection of me and the loss of my soulmate."

"I don't want to reject you again. I want to be with you and our baby." Angel said taking Xander's hand.

Xander confessed, "I want to be with you, I have loved you for *so* long. I thought you didn't feel the same, until Angelus kept taunting me by saying that you did love my but where too afraid."

"He was right I have loved you since the first time we spoke. How come you don't see how beautiful, loving, caring and loyal you are?"

Xander laughed, "Don't be ridiculous, Angel. I'm just me."

"You are the man I love, the one I want to be with forever." Angel said seriously slowly moving forwards to kiss Xander's mouth, giving the man plenty of time to move if he wanted to.

*******

Xander kissed Angel hesitantly at first then with increased passion, realising that the vampire wasn't going to pull away. This was Angel with him, finally! As they kissed they slowly removed each other's clothes.

Angel hands trailed down Xander's body, brushing past Xander navel he wrapped both of them around Xander's hard cock. Xander's eyes rolled to the back of his head pleasure, as he felt Angel's lips on his throat. Angel was stroking Xander cock with agonising slowness rolling a hand over the head as he slid the other up and down Xander shaft, building slow pressure.

Angel's tongue ran a line down Xander's chest, kissing his skin every now and then, as Angel mouth crawled down towards his impatient cock. Angel flicked his tongue over the head of Xander cock making Xander groan loudly. He started kissing up and down Xander cock, sliding Angel lips over the head every few seconds. Xander fingers twisted the sheets as he used all of his self control to stop himself from coming as Angel took Xander's cock inside his mouth.

Angel swirled his tongue around the head, running the tip of it around the ridge making Xander let out a whimper as he thrust forward. The vampire purred contentedly his throat vibrating around Xander's cock. He moved slowly up and down Xander shaft, sucking gently, as Xander slid in and out of him. Angel's hands brushed over Xander thighs, bristling over the hairs there causing the man to shiver in a mix of desire and need.

Removing his mouth from Xander's cock with a groan Angel ran his finger over Xander's eyes causing Xander to smile happily amazed by how romantic the vampire was. Xander felt Angel leaning over him, their chests touching for a second before Angel returned to straddling Xander's thighs.

Angel reached out an rummaged in the bedside cabinet before covering Xander's lips with hi own. Angel's hands went to Xander's head, fingers running through the beautiful dark locks before running down his lover's arms and softly stroking Xander's thighs. Xander gasped as he felt Angel slowly covering his cock it with lubricant.

"Angel?" Xander said as Angel lovingly covered the man's cock in lubricant.

Angel looked his lover in the eyes saying, "I want you in me, please Xander."

Angel moved so that his firm strong thighs slide down on either side of Xander before he grabbed Xander's cock again, pressing it against him. Xander tried not to move, running his hands up and down Angel's thighs. After a moment of gentle pressure, Xander gasped feeling the head of his cock sliding inside.

Angel's body trembled as he slowly lowered himself onto his lover's cock. Wincing slightly, he lowered himself all the way down, and Xander groaned feeling himself resting warmly inside Angel. Slowly Angel started to move, lifting himself up a little, and then slowly sliding back down. Xander pulled himself into a sitting position causing Angel to slightly shift his body but the vampire continued his slow thrusts.

Xander started to lick and suck at Angel's chest delighting in the moans and sighs above him. Suddenly Angel threw his head back and tangling his hands in Xander's hair, pulling the man tight against him. Angel pulled Xander's head closer and his lips rested softly on his lover's.

Feeling Angel's cock throbbing between their bodies, Xander slowly fell back down onto the mattress. With a smirk Xander wrapped a hand around the vampire's cock and slowly stroking him, causing Angel to gasp. Xander began to thrust up and Angel began to sigh and whimper louder, his breathing coming faster.

Feeling himself getting close Xander started to stroke the vampire's cock faster. With a sudden thrust Angel started to come, his cock jerking in Xander's hand as he tossed his head back, his eyes closed. As his orgasm washed over him, Angel's ass clamped tight around Xander's cock, and Xander couldn't hold back any longer, throwing his own head back into the pillows. Slowly Xander withdrew and the pair fell back into a sated slumber.

Unseen by the exhausted pair a golden glow enveloped them for a second before disappearing. Angel tightened his grip on Xander, both wearing a truly happy, contented smile for the first time in their lives.

*****
Part 5:

Faith was pacing around the room ready to go and kill something. All this waiting was driving her insane. Angelus had kidnapped Xander from the hospital the day before and they still hadn't come up with a plan. She had read all about Angelus, and knew they didn't have long.

Buffy shouted, "It's all my fault! If I had dusted him, Angel would never have kidnapped Xander."

"Don't worry, Xander's going to be okay." Willow said reassuringly rubbing the blonde's back.

Giles walked out of his office with a frown on his face. He looked at his charges saying, "We'll have to be careful, that was a friend of mine at the Council. It seems that the Shadow Squad are in town."

"Who are the Shadow Squad?" Buffy said confused as to why Giles was looking so scared.

Willow said excitedly, "They're really cool. I've heard of them. They're a group fighters, who only go after supernatural guys."

Buffy shrugged, "So? We'll just tell them to leave."

"I'm afraid it won't be that easy. They are very determined and powerful. They won't leave until they have completed their mission and they won't tolerate us getting in their way."

Faith smirked, "You mean they'd kill us?"

Giles shook his head, "They would disable us until they had done whatever they came here for."

"Have you checked out Angel's apartment?" Faith asked the other slayer.

"No, we can go their first." Buffy said before the four left the library.

Just across the street Rob smirked as he waved his hand and the image of the Slayer disappeared. He knew the Slayer would try and find her friend and he was right, because of the Slayer they could now go and save Xander and the baby.

"She's heading to the apartment of some vamp called Angel. We following on foot or by van?" Rob said looking at his fellow team-members.

Jocelyn said quickly, "On foot, the van would be too obvious."

The four nodded and quickly strapped on their supplies, they all had a sword, a gun with wooden bullets and a silver dagger. In addition to the normal supplies Tom was carrying some Semtex and a detonator, which he always had just in case. Experience had taught him that you never knew when you might have to blow something up. Jocelyn had a pair of Kendo sticks, a present from his aunt when he was five.

*******

There was a crash as the door was broken off his hinges, seconds later four figures walked inside the dark apartment. In the bedroom, Angel woke to the sound of familiar heartbeats. He snarled as he released Buffy was here. His only concern was for the man at his side, he knew slayers often attacked anyone carrying a w'amphrii. Angel threw on some clothes ready to defend his family.

'I love you both.' Angel thought before walking out of the room ready to meet the threat.

"Let him go, Angelus!" Buffy shouted as she kicked the vampire, making him hit the wall with a loud bang.

Waking with a snarl Xander ran into lounge to find his mate lying in a heap on the floor. Totally ignoring the others Xander quickly went to Angel and growled seeing the blood coming from the vampire's stomach. He was about to ask what they were doing to Angel when Buffy released a crossbow bolt aimed for the vampire's heart. Xander held up his hand and the crossbow bolt disappeared.

Angel said looking into his mate's eyes, "What are you doing, Xan? You have stayed in the bedroom. It's safer there."

"I'm saving you. What does it look like?" Xander muttered, placing a hand on the vampire's stomach. There was a small golden glow before the wound was completely healed and Angel opened his eyes.

Angel gasped at the feelings coursing through his body, he could feel the healing energy coming from Xander but what shocked him most of all was the complete love coming from the man. How could he have been stupid enough to try and live without this?

Looking at Giles in confusion Buffy asked, "Er.? What just happened?"

"You tried to kill a bonded vampire. Trying to destroy us all, little girl?" Jocelyn said seriously causing everyone to look at the door where the Shadow Squad were watching with amusement. The small group radiated an aura of power and danger which immediately had the Sunnydale gang poised for a fight.

"Joce!!" Xander shouted happily as he ran into the man's arms.

Tightly hugging the man Jocelyn said with a laugh, "Good to see you too, kid."

Angel growled at the sight of this stranger holding *his* Xander. How dare this man just appear and try to steal his lover! He would not allow this human scum to take the other half of his soul.

"Guys? Jealous homicidal vampire, here!" Rob said seriously causing everyone to look at the vampire who was in full gameface.

'It's okay. He's my uncle. Make nice with the in-laws, babe.' Xander thought to Angel feeling the vampire's shock and then embarrassment as he received the message.

"Sorry, Xan. I'll try to refrain from killing him." Angel said looking at the floor.

"Why are the Shadow Squad here?" Xander asked his uncle in shock, not having seen the man for over five years.

"I was told you were missing." Jocelyn answered taking the bag of blood his lover was holding out. He opened it and passed it to Xander but before the man could drink Buffy moved quickly throwing the bag to the wall.

"Why the fuck are you giving him blood?" Buffy screeched at the Frenchman.

"You okay, love?" Angel asked Xander anxiously.

Xander nodded, "Yeah. Fuck, I healed you. Did you see that? What if I did it wrong? I could have killed you, but then you're already dead I guess it couldn't have hurt you."

Angel laughed, pulling Xander to him causing everyone to look at the pair. Buffy gasped in shock at the sight of her Angel hugging Xander. Looking closer she noticed Angel was licking Xander's ear, unable to believe what she was doing the Slayer fainted in shock.

********

'It was all a dream,' Buffy thought happily as she woke up to find Giles looking down at her. She almost laughed out loud at the idea of Xander and Angel, as if her Angel was gay!

"How is she?" Xander asked causing Buffy to sit up quickly.

"Please tell me that was all a dream!" Buffy pleaded as she looked over at Xander who was sitting next to Angel and the Shadow Squad who were all glaring at her.

Xander sighed, "I guess its time to tell you all the truth."

"You want me to tell them?" Angel offered seeing how much it was upsetting Xander.

Xander shook his head, "No. I have to, I owe to them."

"Just tell us already!" Buffy shouted making everyone look at her.

"Sit down, this may be a little shocking." Xander said waiting for the Scooby Gang to sit down.

Jocelyn and the rest of the Shadow Squad decided to remain standing in case there was any chance of Xander getting attacked. They had a suspicion that the Slayer wouldn't take the news too well.

Xander thought for a moment before saying, "I guess I should start at the beginning. I've known about Angel since before you came to town, Buffy. I was walking home one night when I felt someone following me. Some vamps decided I would make a good meal and attacked me. Angel appeared and got rid of them."

Squeezing his lover Angel took over the narrative, "The night we met Buffy, I told you I wasn't your friend. What I meant that I was Xander's. We didn't even talk but every night I would watch him and make sure he was okay. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame."

"The night I staked Jessie, Angel appeared and talk to me for the first time. He explained what he was and told me that he wouldn't hurt me. I knew he was telling the truth, I could feel it."

'I couldn't hurt you, it would break me.' Angel thought to his lover gently pulling Xander to him.

Xander looked at the floor as he said, "Angel lost his soul because he royally fucked up. He broke our bond by sleeping with Buffy. When he did that Angelus was released and that's when everything really started."

"What do you mean broke your bond?" Giles said looking at the pair.

Angel shrugged, "Xander is my soulmate. I was too fucking caught up with trying to help Buffy and atone for all the people Angelus killed to realise."

Xander said with a smile, "Angel, shut up! We've already talked about this, we were both idiots."

Looking at the others Xander said quietly, "The night Angelus was released he found me alone and.he raped me. He told me it was my fault that he had been released. He said I should have been stronger and forced Angel to realise what was between us."

"RAPED you?" Jocelyn snarled lunging at the vampire.

Xander quickly turned to look at his uncle, anger burning through his body. Within seconds Jocelyn was repelled by a strange golden shield, which now surrounded the couple. Jocelyn looked at his lover in askance but Rob just shook his head not knowing how to remove the barrier.

Sinking into Angel's arms Xander continued his story, "No matter what I did he always found me and raped me. he kept telling me that he was just doing what Angel had wanted to do and that he would leave me alone if I told Buffy. I didn't tell anyone because he was right, it was my fault he was released in a way."

"How many times did he.rape you?" Willow asked tears streaming down her face as she cursed herself for being so blind.

Xander shrugged, "I lost count after ten."

"You should have come to me, I could have helped." Giles said angry at Xander and Angelus.

"I was too embarrassed and afraid. Angelus was good at what he did. The last time he raped me was the night before he tried to release Acathla. I was so relieved that he was going to disappear that I didn't tell Buffy about Willow's intention to retry the restoration spell."

"I remember you were so cold that night." Buffy said seriously.

Xander snarled, "Can you blame me, after what Angelus did. Anway that was the easy part seeing how I knew Angel had his soul when he went to hell. I felt it, felt the connection between us coming back to life and as bizarre as it sounds I was happy. I hated Angelus but my Angel was back and that was all that mattered, even if I couldn't get to him. I felt night I would feel *everything* they were doing to him and I was powerless. All I could do was reassure him that I didn't hold him responsible for what happened, that I loved him."

"I don't deserve you or your forgiveness." Angel said honestly.

Xander retorted hotly, "You do. It wasn't you who raped me, it was Angelus. Believe me, I know the difference between you."

********

"Why did you disappear, were you with Angel?" Faith asked, looking them both in the eyes for a second.

Xander nodded, "I was on my way to Wills when Angel appeared. At first I thought it was Angelus, that I was wrong about Angel regaining his soul. Then I managed to look into Angel's eyes and I knew he had his soul, that it was real. I took him back to the mansion but he wouldn't let me leave, he blocked the way out."

"He's been holding you prisoner?" Buffy shouted shocked at the behaviour of her boyfriend.

Angel shook his head, "No. I only got back the night I found Xan. I could feel the connection between the three of us and I wanted to protect them. Xan was the one thing I knew I could trust."

"The three of you?" Willow asked looking at them in confusion.

Xander blushed, "I'm pregnant with Angelus' baby."

"What the fuck?" Willow shouted blushing when everyone looked at her in shock.

Faith said confused, "Huh?"

Buffy vowed, "We can help you get rid of the baby. I know you wouldn't want any part of Angelus with you after what happened."

Angel growled at her statement while Xander said, "There is no way I am giving up my baby. I love her. Whose to say it wouldn't have happened later when me and Angel made love?"

"How did you get pregnant? Human males aren't normally capable of carrying children." Giles said confused, he hadn't heard of any species were the male carried the children.

Xander said tired of all the questions, "I'm a sidhe-elf hybrid, my real father died before my mom found out she was having me. My ability to procreate is apparently a side effect of my paternity."

"That explains what happened earlier." Giles said to himself.

Xander nodded, "Yeah. There was a binding on me."

"Binding?" Faith said confused.

"Yeah. All sidhe and elves have special abilities, which normally manifest by puberty. As my powers would be a little unpredictable mom decided that binding my abilities until I bonded would be safest for everyone."

"You're bonded to *my* Angel? Can it be reversed?" Buffy shouted glaring at Xander who, if looks could kill would be dead.

"No. A bonding lasts forever, in this life and the next." Rob said wanting to protect Xander from as much harm as possible.

Buffy screeched, "We'll find some way to reverse it! I want my Angel back!"

Angel looked the slayer in the eyes as he said, "I don't want to be with you. I'm sorry Buffy but Xander is the one I love. The one I am meant to be with."

Buffy ranted, "That's ridiculous! He's put a spell on you! We're destined to be together Angel!"

"She's not going to listen, babe and we still need to go and introduce you to mom." Xander said joining their hands with a smile.

Giles stood saying, "Would you like me to come with you? Both sidhe and elves are known to react violently when they encounter a vampire. Maybe I could get your mother to listen to me."

"That's okay G-Man. She's not going to hurt either of us." Xander said with a grin as he and Angel walked out the room. The Shadow Squad stopped to glare at Buffy before following the couple out.

Buffy kicked the nearest wall noticeably denting it as she snarled, "Xander stole *my* Angel! He must have put some spell on him, Angel isn't gay."

Giles polished his glasses, "Actually most vampires are bisexual. They are just not bound by society's feelings regarding homosexuality. They are simply more open about love and sex than most of the world."

"I'm going to get Angel back. I'm not going to let that slut steal my man!" Buffy declared before she ran out of the room intent on going to Angel's apartment to wait for him. She would make Angel see that they belonged together, that Xander didn't matter.

*****
Part 6:

As the van headed towards the Harris household Rob said to Xander, "That was pretty good control you showed earlier for someone who hasn't had their powers for a full day. How did you know what to do?"

Xander blushed, "I didn't know. When I healed Angel I was just working on instinct. When I created the shields, I was angry. Not too surprising, my emotions are all over the place lately.

"Part of being pregnant, why do you think women get so cranky when they are with child?" Siobhan commented with a smirk.

Xander laughed, "If I have to go through this for the next seven months, I'll probably drive Angel insane."

"I'll cope. You're having our child and you love me, that's all that matters." Angel said seriously between kissing his way down his laughing lover's neck.

Jocelyn said concerned at the younger man's behaviour, "Xander, you do realise your mom is going to be *really* angry?"

Xander nodded, "Yeah but there's not much she can do about everything. Angel and I are soulmates, no magic in the world can change that."

"Just try to control yourself. We have no way of predicting if your emotions are going to affect the baby." Rob said seriously. He would have to do some research on the matter, he knew Jocelyn wouldn't leave until the Buffy situation had been dealt with.

"Sure, but I'm not going to let her attack either of us." Xander agreed with a grim smile.

*******

Moira Harris ran outside as soon as she saw Xander leave the van. She fiercely hugged her child shouting, "ALEXANDER! I've been *so* worried about you! What happened?"

Xander broke the hold and grabbed Angel's hand saying, "Sorry. I bumped into Angel on the way to Willow's. He kinda wanted to make sure I was okay."

"What is that vampire doing here?" Moira Harris shouted making the term vampire sound like a slur.

Xander growled, "Angel's my soulmate and I love him."

"Your soulmate? How? Vampires don't have souls." Moira said shocked.

"Well he does. Basically he ate the wrong person and her clan cursed him with a soul."

"You're with the Scourge of Europe?" Moira shouted in rage.

Xander sighed, "No, that was Angelus. I've known Angel is soulmate for years ago but he was involved with a friend of mine. He broke our bond when he slept with the Slayer and Angelus emerged. Angelus raped me and I became pregnant."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Moira shouted angrily.

Xander swallowed, "I was too embarrassed. After I found out about the baby I thought you would hate her because of how she was conceived."

"I wouldn't do that. I don't have any choice in this. A soulmate bonding lasts forever. If he *ever* hurts you, he's mine to punish as I see fit. Can Angelus be released again?"

"Our bonding bound Angel's soul to his body forever." Xander said with a smile.

Moira took both of their hands as she declared, "Then I accept your bonding and marriage to Angel."

"Thanks mom. Can Angel stay in my room tonight?" Xander said hopefully.

Moira hesitantly nodded, "I guess. How are you? Anything strange happened?"

Xander smirked, "I healed Angel, created some kind of shield and made a crossbow bolt disappear; do they classify as strange?"

Moira rolled her eyes at her child, "Yes. From the healing and shield, it sounds like you have wild magic. Highly dangerous but very powerful. I don't know about making the bolt disappear, maybe some type of telekinesisor phasing?"

"What is wild magic?" Xander said confused as to why his mother sounded so proud.

Rob interjected, "It allows you to use all spheres of magic, you're not limited to one type. Most wild magic mages have an affinity for earth magic, that's basically nature and animals. Healing is one ability the wild mages always excel at, I have no idea why."

"I only want to know if it'll allow me to protect Angel and our daughter." Xander said with a grin.

"It will once you have some control, otherwise it could be dangerous." Jocelyn said seriously.

"That's good to hear. We're going to my room and rest." Xander said before taking the vampire's hand and walking into the house.

"Would it be okay if we stay in town a while?" Jocelyn asked Moira looking at his team.

Moira smiled, "Of course. We need all the help we can get, the Slayer can't handle everything herself and I'll need some help teaching Alex."

"I'll do that. I specialise in fire magic myself but it'll be good for him to learn everything." Rob said helpfully knowing the young man had a lot to handle without having to worry about losing control and destroying the town.

"What did the Slayers say about Xander's child?" Moira asked as the five walked inside.

Siobhan sighed, "Buffy was a little shocked. We'll have to keep an eye on her. She gave up to easy. The other Slayer, Faith seemed okay. She's interested in Xander but I didn't sense any violence from her."

"Faith can understand Xander's feelings, she's had a difficult background." Thomas said having got information on the Slayer by hacking into the Watcher's records.

*******

Willow sighed as she read the book in front of her about what happened when humans carried half vampires. All her research had indicated that there had never been a w'amphrii carried to term, normally the mother were destroyed by Slayers or by the other demons. She was thankful Angel was with Xander, she knew the vampire would protect Xander and the child with his life.

"What's up Red?" Faith asked as she walked into the room, having become bored with flicking through the TV channels.

Willow said angrily, "I've been doing some research. It looks like Xander probably won't carry the child. Every other carrier has died before the w'amphrii reaches four months. Normally Slayers kill the mother, twice the mother has been killed by a demon. W'amphrii are extremely rare there have only ever been 20 created, they are normally the result of an extremely complex spell."

Faith said shocked, "That's weird. I don't feel a need to attack him. Sure he feels more than human but that's it. I have no desire at all to hurt him. Xander's weird but he's okay. I mean imagine how he's feeling? He's been raped for months and is carrying his rapist's child. Not only that but he's actually bonded forever to the body of the man who raped him. Even if he knows Angelus and Angel are totally different, he must feel a little scared sometimes."

Willow commented, "From the way he looked at Angel, its obvious he loves him and Angel loves him back. I need to make sure they're both okay. I mean I didn't even see I was being raped, if I can help him now maybe I can make up for that."

Taking the redhead's hand Faith said, "Xander doesn't blame you, he blames himself more than anything else. You should be worried about what B's going to do. She hates him right now, and I don't think Angel will let her hurt Xander."

"Yeah. Maybe she'll be okay once she calms down. She's not going to hurt her best friend." Willow said looking at the Slayer hopefully, she couldn't handle an argument between them.

"I'm afraid Buffy is rather possessive and unpredictable when it comes to Angel." Giles stated as he looked at the pair knowing it was true.

Unwilling to give up on her friend Willow said stubbornly, "We'll have to make sure she understands Angel was never meant to be with her. Maybe if they sit down and talk everything will be okay."

"Its worth a try, but I don't think its going to work Red." Faith said with a grin.

"The dark lady is right, Little Tree. I need to talk to Daddy about my new little sister." A lilting voice echoed in the room before Druscilla walked into the room.

*****
Part 7:

"Dru? What are you doing here?" Willow asked fear coursing through her as she remembered just what the insane vampire had done to them.

Dru grinned, "The stars have told me such beautiful tales about my sister. She walks in the day and the night. She makes the stars dance."

Giles said quickly, "Oh. I think you should leave them alone for the moment. You can always talk to them later."

"But I need to talk to them now! They have to know about The Swords." Dru protested angrily stamping her foot.

"Look at it this way, if she does something we can always stake her later." Faith said calmly shocked that she was the voice of reason for once.

"We can go to Xander's place, his mother should know where the pair are." Giles said as he grabbed his crossbow and the four walked out of the library.

*******

Meanwhile in the Harris household Xander was laying in the best place in the world, inside Angel's arms. He was sure there was nowhere that could compare to the feeling of safety and home that burned through him. It was a feeling that could become addictive but it was one, which he would be happy to be addicted to. He froze at the sound of a car pulling up, he only hoped it wasn't his step-father. He couldn't handle the inevitable argument that resulted from them getting together.

Moira Harris shouted shocked, "Alexander! There's a *girl* here for you? What are you doing with a girl?"

Xander looked up in alarm, he couldn't think of any girl his mother didn't know. Then it hit him, Cordelia. Maybe he should have called her? He walked out to the lounge were she was waiting with a heavy heart, knowing she was going to be hurt by his revelations.

Cordelia shouted, "Xander Harris, how dare you stand me up! You were supposed to meet me at the Bronze two hours ago."

"I'm sorry. Cordy, sit down. There's a lot I need to tell you."

"It better be good because I humiliated myself for you." Cordelia said in outrage.

Xander said anxiously, "Cordelia, I'm in love with someone else. I'm sorry."

"WHAT! Who is it? I've got to meet this girl who you think is good enough to give me up!"

"Its not a girl. Its Angel. I love him, I always have. He's back and has his soul."

"You're gay? Oh Buffy is going to love this!" Cordelia said with slightly hysterical laughter.

Xander said only to be interrupted, "Gay? I don't know, maybe. All I know is that I love Angel. Now here's the weird part - "

Cordelia sighed, "What can be weirder than my ex-boyfriend leaving me for a homicidal male vampire? Let me guess, you're getting a sex change?"

"I'm pregnant. Angelus raped me and because I'm not completely human my physiology is a little weird. Angel and I are going to raise the baby as ours."

"Pregnant? Maybe I fell into an alternate dimension somewhere?" Cordelia said in shock not reacting when Angel walked into the room and wrapped one arm around her ex-boyfriend's waist.

Xander laughed lowly, "You didn't. Before Buffy came to town, Angel looked out for me at night. I would leave little gifts outside his apartment. Angel had his soul as long as there was the possibility of bonding with me. Sleeping with Buffy broke our connection, our bond. He was never supposed to sleep with anyone but me; the curse wouldn't allow it. Angelus hated me because it was me that kept Angel's soul in his body."

Cordelia muttered, "Oh. What has Buffy said about this?"

"She accused me of making Angel gay and putting a spell on him." Xander shrugged knowing it was only to be expected.

Angel interjected, "Buffy thinks it's a personal slight against her, she hasn't realised that you can't go against fate or nature."

"I guess. I'll see you later." Cordelia said leaving the house quickly intending on going home and moping a little. Xander was special. He was the one who made her see that she was more than Cordelia Chase, Prom Queen.

*******

Oz quickly walked towards the library eager to see Willow now he was back from his concert in LA. It was amazing how much he had missed her, this was proof that he was really in love with her. He frowned as the scent of vampires filled his sense and of one vampire in particular, Angelus. If the vampire had his girlfriend, Oz would happily rip the undead fiend to pieces.

He quickly grabbed a couple of stakes from the weapons locker, prepared to battle anything if it would save Willow. Walking outside he dismissed the prospect of using his van, he could cover more of the vampire hideouts on foot.

Scenting the air deeply he as shocked to discover Willow had gone in the direction of Xander's home with the insane Druscilla. Did that mean Xander was in danger? If he was how could Oz decide which to protect? He loved Willow but if she had been turned it was his duty to kill her.

Shocked Oz watched as his girlfriend knocked on Xander's door while Faith and Giles watched Druscilla. He didn't know what the insane vampire was up to and he didn't care. He had to get them away from her. What was so important that the Slayerettes had taken a vampire to Xander's home? Where the trio under the thrall of Druscilla and if so how could he remove it?

Willow grinned at the woman who opened the door, noticing the anger in her face as she noticed the bound vampire. Not speaking at them Moira Harris called to her son at the same reading her stake.

"Yeah mom?" Xander shouted from his bedroom where he was contentedly lying in his lover's arms still amazed that they were together.

Moira groaned, "The Slayer Faith and her watcher want to see you. They have someone with them who apparently needs to speak to your vampire. If you don't get out here, I'm going to stake her."

Xander looked at his lover mentally warning the vampire not to get too overprotective, he loved the way Angel took care of him but at the same time he needed his freedom.

"It's Dru. Stay by my side in case she's going to try anything."

"You think she wants to kill us?" Xander asked wrapping one arm around his stomach.

"Nah. If she did she wouldn't come to your house."

Xander walked out to the door, grinning as he felt Angel wrap one arm around his waist. It was comforting to feel Angel's touch, a touch he had longed for since he had first encountered the vampire.

"Nice to meet you, Dru." Xander said in greeting feeling his husband tightening his grip.

Dru smiled at them happily, "Nice to meet you Alexander. The stars sing such beautiful tales about my little sister. Can I meet her?"

Thinking how child-like the vampire was at times Xander shook his head saying, "I'm afraid she won't be here for months. Why are you here?"

"I came because Miss Edith told me to. She said you have to be careful, the flaming Swords are after you. The Skater will bring the Swords to you and the stars will cry."

Angel said worried, "What does this Skater look like?"

"She dances in the light and cries in the dark."

Angel smiled at his childe in thanks, "Thank you for telling us, childe. Are you going now?"

"No, the stars said I have to teach my new daddy about the magic."

Xander exclaimed, "You're my teacher? Someone up there is having a big laugh about this."

"We'll make sure you're okay. The Swords will come but I can help bring out your claws which will help you fight."

Angel smiled at her gently, "Okay. Is Spike with you?"

Dru said happily, "No my Spikey is with a new playmate."

"We'll see you tomorrow at sunset. Just go to the school library and we'll meet you there."

"Okay. Take care of my little sister." Dru said before disappearing into the night.

"You going to come out, Oz?" Xander asked with a grin, addressing the bushes.

Willow asked her childhood friend in shock, "What are you talking about?"

Oz walked to the porch and said nonchalantly, "Hey. What are you doing with *him?*"

Xander smiled at the werewolf saying, "Long story short, I'm not human. Angel and I are married and I'm carrying his child. He's got his soul permanently now."

Oz thought it over for a second before shrugging, "Cool. What was Dru doing here?"

Xander grinned at Oz's calm attitude, "She wanted to warn us that someone is trying to kill me and she's my new teacher."

"Oh." Oz said wondering how the world could have changed so much in one weekend.

"Yeah. Apparently I am a wild magic warlock and something else we haven't figured out yet."

"Where's Buffy?"

"Sulking in her room planning to take Angel away from Xander, I imagine." Giles said seriously knowing there was no way he could reason with her charge. Buffy was blind to reason where Angel was concerned.

Angel growled out, "She's not going to separate us. If she tries, I will kill her. We could cope with losing another Slayer."

"Angel, chill. She's not going to take me away from you. Coming back inside? I could do without all this stress."

"We'll see you tomorrow then. We are going back to the library to see if I can find anything out about these Swords or The Skater."

"Okay G-Man. Call us if you need anything."

"Will do. Take care of him Fang." Faith said to the vampire who was hovering next to Xander's side.

"Of course I will. I'm not going to let the man I love get injured."

"I'll see you in school tomorrow."

The group waved goodbye to Xander and Angel before making their way to the library prepared for another long night of researching each praying they would find some way to save Xander.

*****