"Houston, we have a problem. . ." Xander’s voice filled with annoyance as he cradled the phone. The happy sounds of Xavy burbling away in his playpen filled the living room with happiness. But even that joy couldn’t blow away the storm on Xander’s face.

"What is it?" As Angelus emerged from the hallway, Xander pushed his lower lip out angrily.

"That, Angelus, was Willow. She and Spike were shang-hied by some unexpected guests, and can’t take Xavy tonight. Looks like dinner is off."

"Isn’t there someone else we could call? The reservations I got are really hard to come by. . ."

"I’d call Cordelia, but she’s busy doing that business thing that. . . she does. . ."

Xander watched as Angelus walked across the room, lifting Xavy gently out of the playpen with ease. His eyes traced the vampire and their son, an oddly Madonna-esque picture in the dim light of the room. As Xavy giggled, contemplating Angelus’ chin, Xander felt some of his spirits lift.

"Look, Xander, why don’t you call a sitting agency. I am sure they will be able to provide someone for tonight, even with this late notice." Angelus bounced the baby on one leather clad hip, wandering over to Xander. "I’m sure Xavy’ll be fine for a couple of hours."

Xander leaned forward, immersed in the fresh shaven scent of Angelus’ face, the powdery scent of Xavy. "I’ll try it. But if something goes wrong, Dead Boy, you will be wearing an apron and cooking me lots of yummy goodness for a long time."

Angelus’ mouth fell open in shock. Xavy mimicked his father to the exact nuance.

Looking fondly at the two men in his life, Xander grinned.

"Now where’s that stupid phone book?"

*****

"Okay, so we will be at the Café Blasé, and the number is by the phone. Xavy needs to be in bed by eight, and his bottle is in the fridge. He likes it warmed over, but not too hot, but don’t let it get too cold-" Angelus placed a hand on Xander’s mouth

"Xander, I’m sure he gets the point. Now," he said, turning his attention to the man standing before them, "We should be back around 11 or so, Mr. . . what was your name again?"

"Ethan," said the man, his clipped tones speaking of a British upbringing. "Ethan Rayne."

"Okay then, Mr. Rayne, we’ll be back in a few hours." Angelus picked up his son, kissing the top of his head.

"Be good, Xavy-love." With that, he handed Ethan the baby and headed out the door. Xander, looking at his child, straightened his jacket.

"And remember to. . . aw, everything will be fine. See you later Xavy. I love you." Kissing the baby, Xander left.

As soon as the door was shut, Ethan looked at the googly eyed child in his arms. "Well, little chap, lets watch some TV. . ."

*****

The candlelight flickered, the violins softly moaning away from somewhere within the restaurant. As Xander and Angelus sat at the table, pondering their menus, the waiter approached.

"May I take your order?"

After he had ordered his prime rib, well done, Xander sat back and watched his lover order. It always threw him off balance to see Angelus prepare to eat. That was something that part of his mind argued wasn’t possible.

But vampires could eat, if not for nourishment, then for fun. Fun for Angelus, fun for Xander. *Man, those lips are hot. . .*

Angelus caught Xander’s gaze, smiling wryly as the waiter took down his drink order. When they were alone, he reached for Xander’s hands across the table.

"It’s been too long since we’ve been out together, Xand."

"It’s been too long since I’ve seen you eat steak, Dead Boy."

*****

"Do me a favor, kid, and don’t try and raise demons." Ethan paced back and forth in the living room, his face alight with frustration.

"*I* did, and look at me now! Baby-sitting for the kid of a college boy and his vampire lover. Watching a little chap who can’t even walk yet."

As if in response, Xavy tottered to his feet shakily, grinning sunnily at Ethan before toppling back to the ground.

"Well look at that. . ." A wide smile spread across Ethan’s face, as he watched the little boy giggle at his shaky knees.

*****

As they ate their food in silence, Xander and Angelus looked at each other. Their eyes bonded over the twinkling candles and steaming mounds of food.

Xander couldn’t believe how beautiful Angelus was, how lovely he had remained. The smooth jawline, the dark eyes, he was the same vampire god that Xander had fallen in love with.

"See something you like?" Angelus smiled wryly as he chewed on a forkful of potato.

"Dead-Boy, I *always* see something I like when I’m with you."

And with that, Xander resumed snarfing his steak and basking in the gaze of his lover.

*****

"And this, Xavier, is how you make a small plastic explosive." Ethan set down the materials, glancing at the solemn child. The baby was studying the wires and plastique with a rapt expression, in awe of the silent power they represented.

Ethan chuckled, picking up the child and wandering over to the TV. He sat on the couch, setting Xavy down beside him. At the touch of the black leather, Ethan looked up sharply. Suddenly, every single leather accent in the room stood out brightly.

"Geez, Xavier, was your father a cow in a past life or something?"

Xavy’s eyes were wide, a low giggle escaping his lips. Ethan smiled, his fingers moving to tickle the powdery tummy.

"Tell you what, little chap, remind me when you’re older NEVER to associate with Watchers to be. Nothing but loads of trouble."

*****

They kissed, lips pressing together firmly in the dim light. Xander faintly tasted the flavor of the mousse they had ate for dessert. Angelus reached up, stroking Xander’s cheek softly, his eyes shut in happiness.

Finally the kiss pulled apart, the guys flushed and happy.

"Ready to go, Xand?"

"Yep. Xavy’s probably got Ethan tied to a wall or something by now."

*****

As he tucked in the burbling baby, Ethan smiled warmly. "Sleep well, lad. It’s been a peach of a time."

Xavy grinned toothlessly in return, snuggling down amongst his toys and blankets. Moments later he was fast asleep.

Suddenly, Ethan heard the door open. He walked swiftly out to the living room, seeing the happy couple. "Have a nice time?"

"A wonderful one," Angelus said, taking off his coat and throwing it on a chair.

As Xander paid Ethan, he noticed that they weren’t the only happy ones. "So you enjoyed sitting for Xavy?"

"Immensely. He’s a real pip, he is."

"Well, that’s of the good. Maybe you can do it again sometime."

"Maybe. . ." Ethan said, heading out the door.