Title: That Damned Happiness Clause (36?)

Feedback! (I know, it's been forever)

Setting: Expecting. Keep in mind that I am a strong believer in the fact that one little thing can change the course of history, hence cannon gets meddled with because life took a different path my cannon is not Joss'.

Warnings: mega angst.

Recap: Angel's no longer crazy. Xander is going to call Giles.

"Giles, Hi. It's –it's me: Xander." His nerves made him stutter a little.

"Hello," the man knew everything, Xander could tell from his tone, "how are you?"

Pausing, Xander wasn't sure of what to say, "I'm fine. How are you? How was England?"

"Everything went well."

"Good. I just wanted to call you-"

Mercifully, Giles interrupted him, "Are you really ok? Because I've been hearing conflicting stories."

"What have you heard?"

"Willow says you've married Spike. Buffy says you beat her up."

"They're both telling the truth."

"You broke her ankle?"

"She nearly killed Spike. If he was human he would have been more than dead. And all he did to anger her was coming to my mother's funeral. He nearly got dusted for comforting me."

"Oh dear."

"I know I shouldn't have done it but I was angry and scared." Spike kissed his shoulder reassuringly. "He's my mate."

"What?"

"We're bonded."

"To what extent?"

"I'm immortal and he's tamed."

Spike took offence at that, "Hey!"

Hearing the outburst Giles asked, "Is he there?"

"Yeah," Xander laced his fingers through his lover's, "Are you upset?"

The question was countered with another, "Are you happy?"

With a laugh Xander said, "I've never been this happy in my whole life."

"Then why would I be upset?"

The breath Xander had been holding unconsciously was finally released, "You have no idea how grateful I am that you mean that."

"I've read a lot about William the Bloody. He protects the people he cares about. You're safe. If you're happy then I can't find fault."

"Wow, that's. . . awesome. There's another, tiny, insignificant thing." Spike pulled Xander back as the boy spoke so that their bodies were flush against one another.

"Yes?"

"How much do you know about vampiric bonds?"

"Much more than watchers are supposed to."

"The bond's a living thing that needs us to be happy."

"I know that."

"Well, yeah, um I'm kinda, very, pregnant." There was silence and Xander called into the phone, "G-man, did I kill you with shock?"

"I'm not dead. Just. . . I'm so pleased for you. Don't call me that."

"Really? 'Cause I thought, y'know, it's one thing to say you're cool with Spike it's another to be fine with me having his baby."

Giles sighed, "No, Xander, I think it's wonderful. Where are you?"

"Right now? Canada."

"Oh! Did you hear about-"

"Yes. I heard. He's dead. I can't bring myself to care. He was never my father."

"I never realized you disliked him so much. I knew things weren't easy for you-"

Interrupting him a second time Xander said, "If I ever go to his grave it will be to dance on it." Spike licked his neck comfortingly, purring low in his chest.

"When do you get back into the country?"

"Ten days."

"Alright, I'll meet you at the airport. When's the baby due?"

"In twelve days. You'll come see me?" he was shocked.

"Of course, if that's ok."

"Yeah. I just didn't expect you to be so cool with this."

"My father disapproved of everything I did. It didn't stop me from doing anything. It just stopped him from being able to watch me. And he missed a lot of interesting things."

"Will you stay with us?"

"If you like."

"That would be good. Giles, another thing? Wesley is hanging around Angel. He doesn't like Spike or me being with him and he doesn't know about the baby. I'm worried."

"He's a fool. Not a bastard. He won't touch your child. He might say things but he won't harm the infant. You're baby is safe."

They said their goodbyes and hung up. For a few moments Xander basked in the knowledge that Giles didn't hate him. Rolling over, Xander nuzzled against his mate and felt safe. "Do you mind if he visit?"

"It's fine," Spike assured him as he ran his fingers through the boy's clean hair.

"But you hate watchers."

"Ol' Rupes is practically the baby's grandfather."

Angel was sitting at his desk when Cordelia came into the inner office. He'd been reading for hours while she'd been filing. He gave her a wane smile before turning back to his book. "Are you safe to be around?" she asked, "Or are you still brooding?"

"I don't brood. I sit pensively."

"I have a date tonight."

"Alright?" Angel hazarded not understanding how he was meant to reply.

Shaking her head she said, "I'm leaving early."

"Right," comprehension dawned. "And who is this guy?"

"Wilson Christopher."

Smiling again he said, "Should I check into him? Doyle can hack into criminal records."

"Don't you dare." He laughed and she continued. "There was a time when you would have meant that. It's good you're getting laid it makes you mellow."

Nodding in concurrence Angel said nothing. The lift doors creaked as Doyle stepped out. "Doin' alright?" he asked Angel who nodded again, "Good. I just had a vision."

"Are you ok? You didn't call for me."

"I'm fine," Doyle assured him but looked drawn around the eyes, "There's an egg hatchin' an eviol baby in about an hour."

The holiday went too quickly. It seemed that they were packing before they unpacked. And Spike was worried about something. Xander could tell because the vampire was unwilling to take his hand off the human. He put it down to nerves about seeing Giles. He could understand his mate's apprehension as Spike didn't have a good track record with watchers.

He didn't want to question the blond. Instead, he tried to lead away from the topic while in the cab to the airport, "What have we learned on our trip?"

"Um," Spike smiled, "You have an innate gift for skiing, chocolate tastes better when consumed in bed, silverware should not be put in the microwave, and snow coated in maple syrup is both nutritious and delicious."

"And sitting in the sauna feels best when?"

"After falling on one's arse repeatedly while trying to get down a double black diamond."

"Told you not to show off."

"I've skied a lot. All over Eastern Europe. That trail was poorly marked."

"Ok."

"Quiet, Xan. It'll be nice to be in our own apartment though, won't it?"

"Vampiric nesting," smirked Xander but he nodded, "I'm tired."

"Poor pet, we'll be home soon."