Tears of Pearls
Title: Tears of Pearls 1/?
Author: Stephanie M
Fandom: Buffy
Summary: Xander’s unique heritage causes complications.
Warnings: Rape. Male Pregnancy?
Rating: R
Part 1
Xander flinched as he felt someone watching him. He knew that presence, all too well. His worse fear had been realised; Angelus was back! He knew Angelus would probably kill him now that he was pregnant with the vampire’s children.
Xander had hoped Angelus would never return, he didn't know what to do now. His friends would hate him, and his mother would be ashamed of him once they discovered the truth. How could he tell them that he had been raped eight times and hadn't been able to stop Angelus?
*Flashback*
A husky voice purred, “White knight. Why are you out alone? Don’t you know Sunnydale’s dangerous at night?”
Xander shivered in fear, mentally berating himself for being so stupid. He should have known he wouldn’t be able to get home safely, not with Angelus intent on tormenting him.
Xander said wearily, “Can we just get this over with? Either kill me or turn me. I’m *never* going to tell her.”
“You say that now but you’ll change your mind. They always do!” Angelus whispered into Xander’s ear as he roughly pushed the mortal into the alley.
Angelus roughly pulled down Xander’s pants, before undoing his own with a smirk. He manoeuvred Xander so that the mortal was on all fours in front of him. He thrust roughly into Xander’s puckered opening, delighting in the sound of tearing flesh. He thrust savagely, growling he tightly gripped the boy’s hips trying to provoke a reaction. He came with a howl, biting into Xander’s shoulder.
Xander didn’t react, he was used to it by now. After the first five rapes, he failed to react, something that displeased Angelus. He waited until Angelus left with a promise of later before moving.
Xander quickly pulled up his pants and left the alley. He walked home in silence, knowing the vampires would avoid him. Angelus had marked him so he was safe from vampires, but not from the one vampire he needed protection from.
*End Flashback*
Xander didn’t know he was pregnant until a month ago when his mother had turned up in his room and calmly said he was half Sidhe and half elf, something that wasn’t heard of until his birth. The two species always avoided each other, each considering the others to be inferior.
His mother was a Daoine Sidhe who left Ireland to explore the world hundreds of years ago. She had been involved with his father for two hundred years when he was killed by Traditionalists Sidhes. She had discovered she was pregnant after he died, desperate to give her child a decent start in life married the man Xander had always thought was his father.
She had then informed him that he was with child, she had chided him when Xander had freaked out saying it would hurt the child. His mother had freaked when he had confided the only possible father was a vampire. It appeared that Sidhe *really* hated vampires, his mother muttered something about them being unnatural. He had decided not to tell her he was pregnant as a result of a being raped by a vampire, as it would probably make her disown him with his luck.
*******
Shaking his head, Xander walked down the street towards Willow’s where he was supposed to meet the witch. She had said something about trying to make Faith feel like one of the group.
Xander gasped as he fell to the floor, as he was hit from behind. He instinctively put his hands on his stomach and rolled to the side not wanting to hurt his unborn child. He may not have loved the father, but he loved his baby.
There was an angry snarl as the vampire that was hungrily snarling at him was bodily pushed away. Xander looked up, expecting to see Buffy only to find himself staring at Angelus. He wondered if he would be able to get away before Angelus returned. He didn’t make it, Angelus came over snarling.
Xander braced himself knowing that Angelus would probably either kill him or rape him, again. He was shocked when the dark haired vampire simply helped him stand. He realised that this must be Angel, an apparently primal Angel.
“Shush. It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you.” Xander said gently to the vampire. He may hate Angelus but Angel wasn’t responsible for anything. If anything Angel was as much a victim as he was.
Angel didn’t respond verbally instead he hesitantly moved closer to Xander, purring. Xander shivered slightly, even though he knew it was Angel he couldn’t help being reminded of Angelus.
Xander shook his head, and started down the street intending on seeing Willow. Angel followed him causing Xander to stop and stare at the vampire. The vampire simply looked at him in confusion.
Xander said annoyed, “I guess, you’re not going to leave me alone. Come on, we have to get you to the mansion.”
The pair walked through the streets of Sunnydale, Angel never more than two steps away from Xander. The whole time the vampire was purring contentedly.
When they arrived at the mansion, Xander made sure that the vampire had somewhere to sleep before trying to leave again. Angel wouldn’t let him. The vampire gently picked up Xander and placed the man on the bed, covering him up.
Seeing he wouldn’t be able to leave, until Angel was coherent Xander made himself comfortable. One hand on the stake in his pocket, Xander fell asleep with his other arm wrapped around his stomach.
Angel smiled at the sleeping man who was his. He could feel this man, Xander a part of his brain supplied, calling to him. Xander was *his* and he would protect him. Angel looked at the bed, and decided to keep watch just in case.
*******
Willow looked at the clock worriedly, Xander was supposed to meet her over two hours ago and he hadn’t turned up. She prayed he was okay, reaching for the phone she dialled Giles’ number knowing they had to search for Xander.
“Rupert Giles. How can I help you?” Giles said distractedly as he read a rather interesting account of the history of werewolves.
Willow said panicked, “Xander’s missing. He was supposed to meet me two hours ago and he never turned up. I phoned his house and his mom said that he left there three hours ago.”
Giles sighed, “There’s no need to worry. I’ll call Buffy and Faith then we’ll help you search.”
“Thanks. I can’t think where he could be, Cordelia’s away from the weekend.” Willow said quickly.
“Meet us at the library in half an hour.” Giles said hanging up the phone.
Willow put the phone down and grabbed a bag full of stakes and crosses, essential supplies if you were going outside after dark in Sunnydale. She was thankful that her parents were out of town again, allowing her to leave the house without having to think of some excuse.
Half an hour later Willow smiled as her two friends arrived, each one eager to find Xander alive and well. Giles quickly organised a search pattern, insisting that the group should remain together for safety reasons.
“What did Mrs. Harris say?” Giles asked as they walked through Sunnydale Park.
Willow said thoughtfully, “She said that we had to find Xander, something about him needing to eat.”
Buffy said angrily, “Xander’s missing and all she cares about is making sure that he has something to eat?”
“In all fairness she doesn’t know about the dangers in Sunnydale, she probably just thought he was running late.” Giles said defending the woman.
“We should go to Willy’s.” Faith said knowing if anything had happened the bartender would know.
*******
Buffy said sweetly, “Willy, I’m looking for a friend of mine. Have you seen him?”
“What does he look like?” Willy asked nervously.
“Dark hair, thin and 6ft tall. His name is Xander.” Willow answered noticing the way the bar had emptied when they walked in.
Willy swallowed eyes darting around the room, “Haven’t heard anything about him. Sorry!”
“You’re lying!” Faith snarled putting one hand around the bartender’s throat.
Willy said quickly, “Okay, okay. I’ll tell you. Angelus put a warning out that if anyone went near your friend he would kill them.”
Buffy let the bartender go in confusion. Why had Angelus protected Xander? That didn’t make any sense, he hated Xander.
“If you hear anything tell us immediately,” Giles said before the humans left the bar.
“Why was Angelus protecting Xander?” Willow asked confused once they were away from the demon bar.
Giles had his suspicions but he didn’t think the girls would like to hear them. How would they take the news that Angelus had probably raped Xander or had intended to turn the boy? If Xander had indeed been raped, Giles resolved to do everything in his power to help the young man.
Giles said quickly, “Angelus wouldn’t want someone else killing Xander. He would want to kill Xander himself to use against Buffy.”
“You should all get home. It’s almost two and you all have school tomorrow.” Giles said changing the subject.
The girls nodded and headed in the opposite direction. The slayers intent on escorting Willow home safely before walking home themselves. Giles sighed as he watched them leave and walked back home himself hoping that he was wrong about Angelus’ relationship with Xander.
*******
“Angel, I have to leave.” Xander said seriously to the vampire who was blocking the door growling unhappily.
“Stay,” Angel ordered shocking both of them.
Relieved Xander smiled, “So you’re getting back to normal. Want to tell me why I can’t leave or how you came back?”
“Stay.” Angel repeated stubbornly sticking out his chin.
Xander said quickly, “That the only word you can say?”
“Stay!” Angel said unable to form any other words.
Xander grinned, “I need to eat. From the look of you, its obvious you haven’t got a supply of blood here.”
Angel picked up on the word blood and he bit his wrist, offering the bleeding arm to Xander expectantly. Knowing he needed blood for his unborn child to survive, Xander took the offered wrist sucking the blood quickly before the vampire could heal.
“Thanks.” Xander said with a grin, resigning himself to the fact that he wouldn’t be allowed to leave yet. He lay back down on the bed and closed his eyes never seeing the grin on Angel’s face.
Part 2
Moira Harris anxiously looked at the clock, her son hadn’t come back and she was worried. She knew that if he didn’t have at least 500ml of blood that morning it could be dangerous for the unborn child Xander was carrying.
She briefly wondered if she should call some of her family to help. They didn’t have long before both Xander and the child would be critical. Picking up the phone, she dialled a number from memory hoping she could contact him.
“Is that Jocelyn?” She asked anxiously biting his lip.
The man said suspiciously, “Oui. Who is it?”
“Moira. I need you, Xander is in danger.” Moira Harris answered taking a deep breath to get her emotions under control.
Jocelyn growled angrily, “What happened?”
Mrs Harris explained quickly, “He is carrying a vampire child and has gone missing. If the Slayer finds out what he is carrying, Xander will be killed.”
“I will be bringing my lover with me.” Jocelyn said before ending the call.
Moira Harris let out a sigh of relief as she put down the receiver. Grabbing a spell book, she quickly checked the ingredients she would need to increase the protection spell and wrote them down. Taking the list with her she ran out the door, desperate to find some way to help her son.
*******
“Rob, get ready. We are leaving to take care of some business.” Jocelyn said looking at his lover with a smile.
Rob grinned, “I’ve got a bag in your car.”
Jocelyn ranted angrily as he paced around the room, “I always said la bouche D'enfer de wrong place for him!”
“Not another hellmouth (!) Why are you going?” Thomas commented calmly.
“Family problems.” Jocelyn answered causing everyone apart from his lover to look at him in shock.
“Your *family?*” Siobhan asked seeing the chance to find out more about the mysterious man. Jocelyn hadn’t revealed much about his personal life in the last ten years, something the group had always found weird.
Jocelyn said annoyed at the hold up, “Oui, that was ma soeur. I need to go and save him!”
“Save him? Who’s in trouble?” Rob asked as he stood.
Jocelyn said seriously, “Mon neveu. If we can’t find him in three days, he’ll die. If his friend finds him then she will kill him.”
“Nice friend (!)” Thomas said disgusted. With friends like that, who needed enemies?
“Au revoir, my friends.” Jocelyn said putting an arm around Rob ready to leave.
Siobhan said as she stood, “We’ll come with you. You might need some of our help.”
“Merci.” Jocelyn said realising that they may indeed need the others.
“Can you tell us a little about him?” Rob asked as he fastened his seatbelt.
“His name is Alexander Lavelle Harris, everyone calls him Xander. In his spare time he fights demons, I guess it runs in the family. He has an unusual heritage - he is half elf and half Sidhe. He is best friends with the Slayer and is the comic relief of the group.”
“How the hell did that happen?” Siobhan questioned in shock.
Rob smirked at her, “You really need me to explain how babies are made?”
The car was filled with laughter at the indignant look on the beautiful woman’s face.
“I just meant that they avoid each other like the plague!” Siobhan snarled at him.
“Enough teasing her.” Rob said with a smirk.
Jocelyn explained his sister’s history, “Moira met Cormac when she was travelling around to find herself. She was with him for two hundred years before the Traditionalist faction of the Sidhe killed him. She found out she was pregnant the next day and married a mortal to give her child two parents.”
“I’m surprised no one has come after him. The Watchers would love to get their hands on him.”
“They don’t know what he is. Moira has put a spell on him to bind his abilities until he bonds. Its safer for everyone that way but sometimes I wish he had access to his gifts. He has almost been killed so many times!”
Thomas said seriously, “I can understand why she did it. Even pure blood Sidhe and Elves have enough problems learning how to control their powers. A child with the blood of the two species could be dangerous if he can’t control his powers or if he gets emotional.”
Jocelyn said angrily, “He helps the Slayer every night, so the chances of him getting killed are a little higher than normal.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll be okay.” Rob said squeezing his lover’s hand gently.
“I hope so.” Jocelyn answered unable to shake the feeling of dread coursing through his stomach.
*******
Buffy paced around the library wanting to find something to hit. She knew there was something seriously wrong, she had felt something strange about Xander for the last month or so and had ignored it. What if Xander was possessed again and she missed it?
“What’s wrong?” Willow asked as she walked into the room immediately heading to the computer.
Buffy didn’t think she could handle the guilt of killing her friend as well as the guilt of killing Angel, sometimes she could understand why the Watchers refused to allow Slayers to have friends or family. She said seriously, “Xander. There’s been something weird about him for the last month and I didn’t do anything. If he dies it’ll be my fault.”
“He is not going to die!” Willow said unwilling to even entertain the idea, she wouldn’t let another friend be cruelly taken from her.
Knowing he had to prepare his charges for the worst just in case Giles said apologetically, “I’m afraid there’s a chance that could happen.”
“Its not going to!” Willow said stubbornly turning to the computer, ending the conversation.
“B, I’ve got word that some vamp was staked trying to kill Xander.” Faith said as she ran into the room. She had returned to the bar to have a little talk with Willy, she hoped the blood would wash out of her favourite top.
Buffy grabbed a stake saying, “So he’s alive? Do you know where he is?”
The brunette shook her head, “I was only told a minion was killed last night by Red’s place when they tried to drain Xander.”
“So that isn’t any help!” Willow said wondering if she would be able to convince Giles to let her cast a locator spell.
“We’ll just have to keep looking.” Giles said seriously wondering how long they should search.
*******
“I’m sorry about what he did. I’m sorry for everything.” Angel said as he gently stroked Xander’s face with his index finger.
Xander heard the words and opened his eyes, his instinctive reaction was to get as far away as possible but he quelled it. Angel wasn’t to blame for what happened, Angel wasn’t going to hurt him.
Xander sighed, “I hate what Angelus did but I can’t hate my child.”
“This might sound stupid but how did you get pregnant in the first place?” Angel asked truly confused, he had never heard of a man getting pregnant before. Was it a side effect of living in Sunnydale?
“I’m half elf and half Sidhe, apparently it’s had some unusual effects on my body. I’m happy though, I love my baby. Nothing is going to make me give her up.”
Angel said happily, “Her? It’s a girl, that’s great! Is everything okay?”
The vampire could feel a bond to both Xander and the baby. Angel guessed it felt like a bonding was supposed to feel. He was married to Xander for eternity. Angel just hoped Xander wouldn’t freak over the fact that he was married to a vampire, a vampire who wore the face of his rapist.
“Everything is fine, according to my mom. She checks to make sure the baby is okay every night. I’m not far along though, about two months.”
“You got pregnant the last time…” Angel started, realising he was going to bring up painful memories he stopped.
Xander finished with a twisted smile, “The last time Angelus raped me.” Looking up at Angel he continued, “You know I don’t hate you, right?”
“Why? You should hate me after everything that happened. I raped you.” Angel said confused and amazed at the boy, no man’s strength.
Pulling himself up so that he could look Angel directly in the eyes Xander said, “You didn’t rape me, that was Angelus. You are as much of a victim as I am.”
“Okay. Will you let me take care of you?” Angel asked wanting to part of the man’s life. Xander and the baby were his and he wanted them to be a family.
Xander nodded, “Sure. Can you feel it? There’s a connection between us.”
“I know. I felt it while I was in hell, I thought it was just another way for them to torture me.”
Xander said half to himself, “I’ve been having nightmares about flames torture since you were sent to Hell. I figured I was feeling guilty because I didn’t tell Buffy about the soul restoration. I kept seeing people shouting and crying at me, it hurt so much!”
“That was the night after the baby was conceived.” Angel said quickly where they only bonded because of the child?
Xander stood and started pacing, “I’ve felt the bond with you since you followed me the week before Buffy turned up.”
“I felt it too but I was so desperate to help Buffy that I ignored it.” Angel said embarrassed that he had been so weak.
“Angelus said because of your denial of our bond he was freed. When you had sex with Buffy, you broke our bond and Angelus was released.”
If he had followed his instincts he could have saved Xander all this pain Angel realised. With a heavy heart he said, “The curse could only exist while my soul could be bonded with its mate. Seeing how you are my soul mate, breaking the bond would naturally remove the curse.
“So the bond was reactivated when you got your soul back, that makes sense.”
“Do you need any food or anything?” Angel asked realising that someone who was pregnant couldn’t afford to skip meals.
Xander said grabbing his wallet, “Yeah, I’ll be back in about thirty minutes.”
“You can’t go out!” Angel insisted taking the wallet from Xander’s hand.
“Its daylight, no demon is going to get me. I’ll be fine, I’m covered in your scent. Even on the hellmouth most demons aren’t suicidal.”
“If you go out in the sun, I can’t protect you!” Angel said desperate to make Xander understand.
Xander gave a suffering sigh, “I’ve coped with being the first pregnant male for the last two months. I’m not going to do anything stupid and I’ll come straight here. The bond will let you know if I’m in trouble.”
“If you’re not back by sunset, I’m coming with you.” Angel vowed causing Xander to roll his eyes.
“I’ll see you later. You’re worrying too much.” Xander said hugging Angel slightly before leaving the mansion.
Part 3
Xander smiled at the woman as she gave him a basket. He walked quickly knowing he couldn’t take too long or overprotective Angel would come looking for him. As of he could get hurt in the middle of the day.
Xander grabbed a handful of chocolate bars and some Twinkies before continuing on his shopping trip. As he went Xander mentally ticked off items on his shopping list; sandwiches – check, meat – check.
“Drink – check,” Xander muttered as he picked up twelve small bottles of peach-flavoured water.
Seeing the clothes section Xander picked up jeans, shirts and underwear for both him and Angel. The vampire’s current clothes were covered in dirt, he only hoped he had picked the right size.
Paying the cashier, Xander smiled at her and left the shop. Whistling happily, he walked down the street thinking how wonderful life was. He had his baby, and his soul-mate back. What more did he need?
There was a screech of wheels and the smell of burning rubber as a car swerved off the road, heading straight for Xander.
Xander was unable to move before the car hit him with a dull thud. He fell to the ground clutching his stomach, blood pooling on the ground from his head.
*******
Angel growled at the fear and pain he was receiving through the bond. He prayed silently for the sun to set, he needed to get to Xander!
Thirty minutes later the sun finally set and Angel ran out the mansion. Without knowing where he was heading Angel started running, relying on the instincts that told him he was getting closer to Xander.
Spinning around the corner he snarled scenting Xander’s blood. Looking around frantically, he could see any sign of the man. He stopped outside a department store, where the scent of Xander’s blood was coming from. He saw the tyre tracks and wondered just what had happened?
A woman next to him said sadly, “Its terrible isn’t it? That poor boy, thank god the ambulance came so fast.”
Angel didn’t reply as he ran towards the hospital, praying Xander and the baby would be okay.
*******
Marking the page he was reading with a sigh Giles picked up the phone and said, “This is Rupert Giles.”
A woman said politely, “Mr Giles, you are listed as the emergency contact number for Alexander Harris.”
“Is he okay?” Giles said quickly causing the three girls to look at the Watcher in alarm.
The woman said seriously, “I’m afraid Mr Harris has been in an accident. Can you come to the hospital as soon as possible?”
“Of course. Thank you.” Giles said as he ended the phone call, thankful that Xander had been found. He wondered exactly what condition Xander would be in.
“That was the hospital, Xander was in an accident.” Giles said turning to his charges.
Worried Willow said, “How is he?”
“What kind of accident?” Buffy asked thinking that if it were a demon, she would kill it.
“I have no idea. The hospital just asked me to go there. Are you three coming with me?” Giles said as he put on his jacket.
*******
Angel stormed through the door focused only on getting to Xander. He stopped and snarled at the sight before him.
Xander was lying on the hospital bed, bruises visible on his head. There was a large gash on the man’s head, which went from his eyebrow to his hair. Xander had one arm around his stomach protectively.
“An…Angel? Where are you?” Xander said as he started to wake up. He could feel the vampire’s anger, fear and worry burning through his mind.
Hearing the worry and fear in Xander’s voice Angel moved forward. Not knowing the extent of their bond the vampire calmed himself so his emotions wouldn’t upset Xander.
Angel hugged Xander careful not to do anything to jostle any injuries the teen could have. The pair sighed contentedly as they held each other, Xander broke the embrace realising Angel probably had questions.
Angel said concerned, “What happened, Xan?”
Xander shrugged not knowing all the details himself, “A car just swerved off the road and hit me. I tried to move but I didn’t have time. God, is our baby okay?”
“I don’t know. The doctors here wouldn’t be much help. I’ll take you to the demon hospital, across town and we can find out.”
“Well do it! What if I’ve hurt her?” Xander said angry with himself and afraid for the baby.
Angel said softly holding Xander’s hand, “You haven’t hurt her. I’m going to give the hospital a call. Will you be okay for a couple of minutes?”
“I’ll be fine. If I need you, you’ll know.” Xander said honestly, the only thing that mattered to him was making sure the baby was healthy.
Angel smiled as he walked out the room to the phone around the corner. He wanted to make the call fast so he could get back to his family. From his position he couldn’t even watch Xander’s room.
*******
Buffy and Faith stiffened as they walked into the hospital; both feeling a vampire was nearby. Sharing a look, the pair agreed that the vampire could wait. Xander was injured and that took priority right now.
Spying the reception desk Giles walked over and smiled at the receptionist. Giles’ charming worked and he was told the location of Xander’s room. The receptionist smiled and informed him that the doctor would be in to see him soon.
Willow hoped Xander was okay, what if he had been tortured or worse by a vampire? She schooled her face into a happy smile, not wanting to upset Xander. Seconds later she walked down the corridor to Xander’s room, the others staying outside to talk to the doctor.
“Mr. Giles?” A weary looking man said as he walked over to the group.
“Yes, how is Xander?” Giles said seriously as the Slayers moved to stand beside him.
The doctor smiled happy that for once he had good news, “He was a little disorientated earlier, and seems exhausted. We’re keeping him in for observation, in case he has a concussion. You can see him one at a time; I don’t want to wear him out. Oh, can you make sure he is kept calm? Someone in his condition shouldn’t be excited.”
“His condition?” Giles questioned confused.
“Its nothing serious, just ask him about it. I’m afraid I can’t tell you any more.” The doctor said as he walked away.
*******
“What are you doing here?” Xander said shocked when he saw the witch. If Willow was here, that meant the Slayers and Giles were probably there! How had they known where he was? What would they do when they discovered he was pregnant?
“The hospital called Giles and said you had been in an accident.” Willow explained as she sat down on the bed.
Xander said quickly with a small laugh, “Yeah, this car came out of nowhere and just hit me. I think I’m okay, I haven’t seen the doctor yet.”
Now that she knew Xander was safe Willow was angry with Xander for making her worry. She had been afraid he was killed or being tortured by the latest demon who wanted to kill Buffy.
Willow shouted, “Where have you been? We thought you where missing.”
Xander panicked as questions flooded his mind, what could he tell? What would the others believe? He knew his friends wouldn’t take the truth too well, if they believed him. It was difficult to believe, he could hardly believe it himself at times.
Xander started imagining their reactions, the image of Buffy staking Angel and killing his unborn baby flooded his mind causing him to hyperventilate.
Willow ran out the room to find someone to help her friend. She had tried to help him herself, but she only seemed to make Xander worse.
*******
The sound of Xander’s heartbeat increasing coupled with the fear he was receiving from the man caused Angel to go straight into protective mode. Angel ran into the room and straight to Xander’s side.
Angel gently ran hand through Xander’s hair as he whispered, “Shh, I’m here. Just take slow deep breaths.”
“Buffy…kill you…baby.” Xander gasped out focusing on Angel’s face as he tried to calm himself.
“Everything is going to be okay, I promise. I managed to make an appointment, ready to leave?”
“Yeah! The doctor said I’m only in for observation,” Xander answered although every part of his body was telling him to run and hide.
“Okay.” Angel said with a smile as he helped Xander dress carefully.
Xander picked up the carrier bag from Wal-Mart, mildly amused that the bag was still with him. Angel smiled and wrapped an arm around Xander’s shoulder. He carefully escorted Xander out of the hospital. Angel was so focused on the man at his side that he failed to see Willow looking at him in shock.
*******
Running back to her friends Willow said quickly, “Angelus has got Xander!”
With a pained smile Buffy said, “He is dead!”
Willow shouted angrily, “I just saw him taking Xander out of here! He had his arms around Xander, stopping Xander from escaping.”
“Angelus is your ex, right B? The one you sent to hell?” Faith said looking at the blonde in confusion.
“Yeah. He’s going to kill Xander to get back at me!” Buffy said worried for her friend, and feeling guilty for the position she had put him in.
“We have to stop him!” Giles said seriously worrying that the vampire would turn Xander or worse.
Looking at each other the four ran out of the hospital intent on rescuing Xander from the evil Angelus.
*******
“Thanks for coming!” Moira Harris said as she tightly hugged her stepbrother sure that everything would work out okay now that he was here.
Jocelyn said with a shrug, “You needed me.”
“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Falcon?” Siobhan smiled sweetly, too sweetly. When she smiled like that, it was obvious that she was angry.
Jocelyn Falcon nodded at each person as he introduced them, “Moira, I present the other members of Shadow Squad. Siobhan Shaw is the computer expert and assassin.”
Siobhan was a tall brunette with sparkling cornflower blue eyes. Dressed in a black she had an aura of danger, on her waist was a silver chain. She smiled and the world suddenly seemed a much brighter place.
“Thomas Haywood is former SAS. He is the explosive expert and my second in command.”
Thomas was a tall man with platinum blonde hair who was calmly watching the woman. He was wearing black jeans and a short-sleeved charcoal shirt with white buttons. The red dragon tattoo on his shoulder sparkled in the moonlight. He smiled charmingly and bowed knowing it wouldn’t do to upset a Sidhe witch. Not if he wanted to live.
Jocelyn said seriously, “The beauty next to me is Robert Kemp but call him Rob. He is our resident warlock and the man who own my heart.” He wanted his family to accept his lover, it was important to him that his family and lover get along.
Rob was 5ft 8 inches tall with shoulder length brown curly hair. He had a swimmers build, athletic and wiry. Although you couldn’t see it, there was power and strength in the man’s form.
“It is wonderful to finally meet you all, Jocelyn has told me a lot about you.” Moira continued, “I’ve increased Xander’s protection spell but the binding spell has weakened. The time of bonding is near.”
“So we are going to find a magical child about to come into his powers?” Siobhan said incredulously. Sometimes she really hated the trouble Falcon got them into.
‘What God have I upset this time?’ Thomas thought to himself with a sigh at the news.
“I think that sums it up.” Rob said with a grin.
“My son won’t hurt you, he values life. Be careful when you find him, a manifestation could injure the baby. Xander doesn’t know what abilities he could have or about the spell.”
Pacing around the room she continued, “I cast a locator spell but he is casting it off. It could be because of the baby, or it could be his signature is changing.”
Rob said knowing how dangerous that was, “If his signature is changing already, then we have four days at most before he manifests…”
Jocelyn finished the sentence, “And four days until he bonds. Do you know who he is meant to bond with?”
“No, because of his parentage I have no way of predicting who he will bond to. Sidhe and elves bond with another of their species.”
Siobhan smiled softly, “At least it was that way until you bonded with Cormac.”
“Xander can only survive three days without blood. I’ve got a bag ready for him, here you go. Xander must drink it as soon as you find him or they will both die.”
Rob took the bag and placed it in one of the many hidden pockets in his clothes. He just hoped they would be able to find Xander alive and well.
“Have you got any idea who might have taken him?” Jocelyn said wanting to get as much information as possible.
Moira nodded, “The Traditionalists could be trying to finish the job they started when they killed his father. If they know about Xander, they will kill him.”
“What about the father of Xander’s baby?” Thomas asked knowing that some demons had an instinctive need to protect their family.
Moira shrugged, “Xander said the vampire was dead. So that only leaves the Sidhe.”
“We’ll see you later, Moira.” Jocelyn said, a look informing his team that it was time to start the search.
Part 4
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 gynecologist. 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 telekinesis or 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.
Continue
< ahref=”top.html”>Back To Tears Of Pearls Main Page
