Title: Angel's Chance
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Disclaimer: I own only the characters you don't know
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction/index.html
Numerous mailing lists
Rating: Overall PG13
Note: I'm taking creative license with this story like all my others. There might be spoilers to earlier seasons. Its kind of an AU fic.
Summary: The year is 2020. Angel is still a vampire... the whole becoming human thing never happened. Angel and Angelus merged after Buffy died in college. Angel has no contact with Sunnydale. He reunited with Drusilla and Spike- who are semigood. Angel meets someone new... yet old.
__________
Chapter 13
"Angel" Chance says softly to the sleeping vampire "Angel"
Angel hears his mate's voice "Yes?"
"I'm going to go out for a walk. OK?"
Angel opens his eyes slightly "Take the phone. Don't stay out too long."
"I'll take the phone. I won't stay out too long." she promises leaning down she kisses him gently "Have fun sleeping"
"Sure" he mutters as Chance moves towards the door he calls "Chance before you go can you make sure the curtains are closed downstairs?"
"OK."
"The spare key is on the kitchen counter by the phone"
"Alright" she walks out of the room heading downstairs.
* ~ * ~ * ~
'Such a beautiful day.' Chance thinks sitting on a bench at the park 'Too bad your Daddy can't be out here with us.' she rests her hands on her belly. She hears someone call her name looking over her shoulder she finds Dr Osbourne walking towards her.
"Hi Chance." Willow greets "I was about to come and see you. May I sit?" she asks gesturing to the bench
"Sure" Chance nods
"How are you doing?" Willow asks
"Good. Still a little tired."
"Is Angel sleeping?"
Chance smiles faintly at the mention of her lover "Of course. When he stays out late like last night I usually spend the morning entertaining myself. Most of the time he's up when I'm up. I thought I'd take a walk"
"That's good. You need to exercise. Its good for you. But don't overdo it." Willow says sternly
"I won't" Chance promises
"Chance are you going to be attending school?" Willow asks concerned
Chance shakes her head "Uh no"
"You're 17. You need to finish school. I would have thought Angel would have made you stay in school."
Chance tucks a strand of hair behind her ear "He didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I've been living in foster homes since I was a few months old."
"He told me that."
"What else did he tell you?"
"Just the whole soul sharing thing, the feeling issue, and that he loves you. He didn't mention much about your life."
Chance nods "We thought it would be for the best if few people know about me."
"Why?" Willow asks concerned
"I was living in a foster home when Angel and I met. My foster mother didn't know about him until the night I left with him."
"Why did you leave?"
Chance sighs "If my social worker found out about me and Angel she'd move me again. I'd never see him again." she looks at her stomach then at Willow "They would have taken the twins from me."
"You don't know that" Willow protests
"I do" she whispers
"So you aren't going to school because your scared that they'll find you."
"Yeah."
"What are you going to do about school?" Willow asks
"Angel makes me read books on history, English and Science topics and write papers. When I'm 18 I'll be able to get my GED without waving any red flags when I do."
"Don't you want to graduate with your peers?"
Chance shakes her head "By the time I graduate I'd be nine months pregnant. It would be hard to go to school without drawing a lot of attention. Besides its kind of hard to be away from Angel for long periods of time."
"Why?"
"Its weird you probably wouldn't believe me."
"Chance I've seen a lot of weird things I've gotten to the point where I'll believe anything people tell me."
Chance looks at Willow thoughtfully seeing the Doctor's concern and interest she nods in agreement. "Since I've been pregnant, even before I knew I was, I tend to get this weird feeling when Angel and I are apart."
"Weird how?"
"Its hard to explain. I just feel off balance. I don't know if this is possible but somehow when Angel and I are apart I swear the babies know."
"Why do you think that?"
"Its like I can feel this current from inside." she looks at her stomach "It doesn't stop until we're near each other."
"Do you feel it now?" Willow asks curiously
"Yes" Chance nods
"Does Angel getting the same feeling when you're away?"
"I know of one time he did."
"What happened?"
Chance sighs "Angelus made a little appearance. He wasn't too happy that I was gone for longer than I said."
"Angel told me that Angelus only makes an appearance when he's angry."
"He was. He thought something had happened to us. He didn't hurt us. They never have." she assures
Willow nods "I'm glad. I just still have a hard time believing Angelus is good. Angel's always been good but Angelus was evil."
"He's not to me. Neither are Spike and Drusilla."
"Drusilla's good?"
"She still thinks of things to do to people she doesn't like but she doesn't kill people anymore. She's looking forward to the babies."
"You aren't going to let her alone with them are you?" Willow asks worried and scared at the thought of Drusilla alone with children
"No. She's forgetful. She'd probably forget that they were there and walk away leaving them alone." Chance giggles
* ~ * ~ * ~
Two hours after leaving the house Chance enters the bedroom to find Angel still sleeping. Smiling she strips out of her clothes crawling into bed snuggling against his back. She brushes her lips against his tattoo.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel awakens feeling the warm body pressed against his back. Careful not to wake Chance he shifts rolling to face her. He lays there watching as she sleeps. 'What would I do without you baby?' he thinks to himself as he caresses her cheek with his thumb 'You're my life now, you and the babies are my family. I can't lose you.' he hears her body slowly stir
"Angel?" she blinks sleepily
"Hey how was your walk?"
"So 'kay" she shrugs "ran into Dr Osbourne at the park."
"How was Willow?"
She lifts her shoulder "Good I guess"
Angel touches his mark on her neck "What do you want to do?"
Chance smiles touching his cheek "You know we have a new bed that we have yet to make love in."
"Oh really?"
"Mmm" she grins tugging him closer "so what do you say?"
Angel laughs "I say why didn't you wake me this morning?" he kisses her passionately
Chance runs her fingers through his hair " 'cuz you looked so tired" she pulls his lips down to hers.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance looks at Angel with a smile "Well that was fun"
"As always" he chuckles kissing her
"Mmm" she sighs reveling in the kiss. "Oooh" she groans breaking the kiss "damn" she mutters throwing off the covers she rushes into the bathroom
Angel winces hearing the sound of her gagging "Baby you OK?"
After a few moments of heaving Chance manages to pull her head out of the toilet. She stands flushing the toilet she goes to the sink rinsing out her mouth she reaches for her toothbrush. She jumps in surprise as Angel's arms wrap around her waist "Am I going to have to put a bell on you?"
Angel chuckles "Sorry. I'll try to make some noise when entering the bathroom." he promises kissing her neck "Feeling better?" he asks stroking her belly.
"Yeah" she sighs leaning against him "what time is it?" she asks tilting her head back she kisses the underside of his chin
"Almost sunset." he replies
"You slept through most of the day? You rarely do that"
Angel shrugs "I know. Are you hungry?" he asks running his hands over her belly. "Did you eat and take your vitamins today?"
Chance nods "I did"
"Lets get cleaned up and get you three fed." he kisses her then moves away turning on the shower. "Come on baby waters warm."
* ~ * ~ * ~
An hour later Angel looks up from making Chance's dinner of a somewhat still bloody steak. He smiles at the sight of his mate wearing overalls and a T-shirt her hair in braids. "You look cute." he remarks
Chance smiles looking down at her pregnant stomach resting her hands over their children "I'm going to have to get some new overalls. For once in my life I'm actually outgrowing them." she shakes her head "I wonder how much bigger I'm going to get"
"Willow wants you to gain more weight."
"I know." she sits on one of the kitchen stools resting her arms on the counter "It still kind of weird to believe I've gained weight."
"Well you look cute no matter what"
"Trying to make me feel better"
"Is it working?" he asks hopefully
"Yep" she smiles as the door rings
"Can you get that?" Angel requests
"Sure." Chance gets off the stool going to the front door. She opens the door to find a darkhaired man with a brown haired woman
"Deadboy here?" the man asks
Hearing that Chance tilts her head thoughtfully then calls "Angel"
Angel having heard the familiar voice calling him 'Deadboy' enters the foyer looking at the man at the door warily. "Harris" he nods "Anya" he puts his hand on Chance's lower back "Chance your dinner's on the counter."
Seeing the assurance in his eyes Chance nods moving away she returns to the kitchen leaving Angel and the other two alone.
"She's pregnant" Anya states
Angel nods "Twins" he looks at Xander Harris
"You brought your girlfriend to Sunnydale? How do you think Buffy would feel?" Xander demands
"She'd understand."
"I can't believe you'd bring her here" Xander hisses
"Its none of your business Harris." Angel says coldly
"I knew she should have dusted you." Xander says angrily
"Alexander LaVelle Harris" a voice says sternly
Xander jumps at the voice he turns to find his best friend Willow standing there her hands on her hips glaring at him "What did I tell you about behaving?" Willow demands
Xander hangs his head sheepishly "Sorry Wills."
Willow enters the house going to Angel's side "That is all in the past. Its time for you to get over it." she says to Xander then looks at Angel "Where's Chance?"
"Kitchen" Angel replies "go on back"
"Anya come on I'll introduce you to Chance." Willow says leading the exdemon away "Xander behave or I'll do something really bad."
Chance looks up from her eating and reading to see Dr Osbourne and Mrs Harris entering the kitchen "Hi" she greets
"Chance Greyson meet Anya Harris" Willow introduces
Chance smiles "Nice to meet you."
"You're a little young for Angel" Anya says
"Ignore Anya she's a little brisk"
"I tell what I see" Anya shrugs "so how old are you?"
"Old enough" Chance replies "how old are you?"
Anya smiles "I think I'm going to like you."
Willow watches as the teen goes from smiling to frowning "Chance you OK?" she asks concerned
Chance looks towards the kitchen door hearing a loud growl. 'Angelus' she realizes getting off the stool she heads to the foyer to find the vampire glowering at the human "What's going on?" she demands
"He's Angelus" Xander states
"I know" Chance shrugs "Angelus leave him alone. You know Angel doesn't like it when you scare people." she puts her hands on her hips "And neither do I." she watches as the vampire's human face returns.
Willow joins the others in the foyer glaring at her bestfriend "Xander I told you to keep the snide remarks under control."
"He started it" Xander protests
"Angelus doesn't appear unless he feels that Chance is being threatened. What did you say?" Willow demands
"Nothing"
Angelus glares at the human "Never threaten or even think about that" he growls "no one messes with our family" he crosses his arms over his chest
Chance sighs feeling the intense anger coming from the vampire she puts her hand on Angel's arm "Why don't you go out for a while." she suggests "You haven't been around lately."
"But..." Angelus protests
Chance points to the door "Go. How often are you out anyway? Now go find some demons to beat up but I swear if I find out you even think of killing someone..." she trails off giving him a chance to think about the threat "Just be back before dawn." she kisses his cheek
"Fine." he agrees looking at Xander before grabbing his jacket he heads out the door.
"Sorry" Chance apologizes "He's a little over protective at times" she shrugs "do you guys want something to drink?" she asks walking into the kitchen aware that they're behind her.
Xander looks at the girl "Are you with him voluntarily?"
Chance looks at him "Of course. I'm in love with him... both sides"
"Angelus is a killer" Xander argues
"Was." Chance corrects "he hasn't killed anyone since Buffy died."
"And you believe him?" Xander demands
Chance nods "I wouldn't be with him if I didn't. He's never hurt me."
"He could turn on you." Xander states "Why put you and your children in danger?"
"He won't turn on me. Plus he loves us."
"Why don't you just go back to the father?" Anya asks
Chance looks at Willow "You didn't tell them?"
Willow shakes her head "Didn't get around to it."
"Oh." Chance looks at them with a smirk "Angel is the father"
"What? He's a vampire." Xander protests
"Duh" Chance rolls her eyes
"How is that possible?" Anya questions
"Dunno" Chance shrugs "it just happened."
"And Xander you are going to keep your mouth shut" Willow says sternly
"If you don't you'll be sleeping alone for a very long time" Anya threatens "and don't try me on that."
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance walks up the stairs to the library. "Angel?" she finds the vampire sitting on the couch staring into the fire.
Angel looks over to see Chance standing there "Hey I thought you were asleep." he says
Chance shrugs "I had to go to the bathroom" she joins him on the couch "what are you doing up here?" she asks watching him concerned
"Just thinking."
"About what?"
"Different things" he replies
"About what Xander said?"
"Somewhat."
"Well stop it mister. He's just talking trying to get you." she kisses his cheek "What happened when you went out?"
"Took out some nest of vampires. Walked around."
"Feel better after beating up the vampires?"
"Yeah I did."
"Good. I'm glad."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Hi" Chance greets crawling onto Angel's lap "what did you do today?" she asks curiously
"Worked on the library. I'm glad the books got here in good condition."
"You were worried that Spike's guys would ruin them weren't you?"
"Of course. His minions aren't the brightest in the world." he kisses her temple running his hands over the mound of her belly "What did you three do today?"
"Hung out with Alex, Travis, Jesse, and Jenny."
"Did you have fun?"
"Yeah."
"Good you need to make friends with people your own age. I'm glad you made friends with them so fast."
"We've lived here a week and it feels good."
"Yeah it does."
She looks at him "Are you glad we came here?"
Angel looks at her thoughtfully and smiles "Yeah I am. I feel like I'm back were I belong."
"Good." she kisses him "I love you"
"I love you too"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"I'll get it" Angel says kissing Chance's cheek "finish eating"
"How can I stop" she sighs "these two are always hungry" she rubs her belly with a smile
"I'll be back in a minute" he promises walking out of the kitchen he reaches the front door opening it to find a surprising sight "Joyce" he says
"Angel" Joyce nods
"Come on in" he moves aside allowing the woman to enter "how are you?"
"Good. Xander told me you came back to town. I uh wanted to give you something." she pulls out a stack of letters "I found these in Buffy's things after the funeral. They're addressed to you." she hands the bound letters to Angel "She'd want you to have them."
In the kitchen Chance frowns her body tingling 'What the...?' she stands going to the foyer she finds Angel talking to a grey haired woman "Angel?"
Angel turns around "Chance you OK?" he asks seeing the look on her face. "Chance is something wrong?"
Chance tilts her head thoughtfully "I'm not sure. I just had this weird feeling."
Joyce looks at the teen "Do I know you?"
Angel starts "Oh boy"
"What?" Chance demands
"Chance I'd like you to meet Joyce Summmers. Joyce this is Chance."
Chance looks at Angel "You mean?"
"I think you might have an emotional memory" Angel explains "of hers"
"What's going on?" Joyce asks
"Chance did you finish your dinner?" seeing the look on her face he smiles "Go eat. I need to talk to Joyce."
With a final look at Joyce Chance nods walking back into the kitchen
"Angel what's going on?"
"Lets talk in the livingroom" Angel suggests leading the woman into the next room he turns on the lights. "Have a seat." he gestures to the couch. As Joyce sits on the couch Angel sits on the armchair across from her "Joyce what I have to tell you is hard to believe but its true."
"What?" Joyce asks worried
"I don't know how to tell you this so I'll just say it." he sighs "Chance has memories of Buffy's."
"How do you know?" Joyce questions
Angel sighs "Its a long story." he proceeds to tell Joyce about Chance
Fifteen minutes later Joyce is staring at the vampire stunned "She's carrying a part of Buffy's soul?"
Angel nods "I know its hard to believe but its true."
"How did you two meet?" Joyce asks
Angel looks at his hands then at Joyce "I felt her presence like I use to feel Buffy's. As unbelieveable as it sounds Chance is apart of Buffy."
Joyce looks at Angel blinking back tears "Can I talk to her?"
Angel nods "She's in the kitchen" he stands showing Joyce to the kitchen "Chance?"
Chance looks up to see Angel and Joyce standing there "Hmm?"
"Joyce wants to talk to you."
Chance shrugs "Pull up a seat." she smiles at the woman
"Thanks" Joyce smiles sitting on the stool beside Chance
Seeing the looks on their faces Angel feels assured that he won't be needed "I'll be upstairs in the library if you need me." he says kissing Chance's head. He nods to Joyce walking out of the room
Joyce speaks "Angel told me you carry my daughter's emotional feelings. Is that true?"
"It is."
"So you know what Buffy felt at times?"
"Yes. Mostly I dream what she felt. Sometimes when I meet someone who knew her I feel what she felt for them." she smiles "When I met Angel I could feel I knew him. I knew he was a part of who I am, what I am."
"You love him like Buffy did."
Chance nods "Like she does." she corrects standing "Would you like something to drink?" she asks going to the refrigerator
"I'd like that" Joyce says. She looks at the teen "How far a long are you?" she asks curiously
Chance looks up from pouring some juice "Almost four months." she places the glass before Joyce "Here you go."
"Four months?" Joyce says surprised
Chance puts the juice back into the refrigerator then turns around "We're having twins." she smiles
"Congratulations" Joyce says
"Thanks" Chance nods sitting back down
"How's Angel handling his impending fatherhood?"
"He's trying not to get too excited"
"Why? Does he not want to be a father?"
"He does its just" she pauses "Dr Osbourne said the chance of the babies surviving isn't very good" she admits "It turns out that my body is barely producing enough blood for the three of us."
"How come?"
Chance shrugs "Angel thinks that its possible that my body is producing enough blood but the babies are needing more blood than a normal baby would need."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"How'd it go?" Angel asks
Chance puts her arms around his neck resting her chin on his head "Good. She asked a lot of questions about me and what I know about Buffy's feelings. Told me some about Buffy. Did you know Buffy used to ice skate?"
Angel freezes "Yes I know. I uh took her ice skating once at an old abandoned rink outside of town."
"Oh"
"What do you want to do tonight?" he asks changing the subject
"Can we rent a couple movies?" she asks
"We can do whatever you want." he says "why don't you go put on your shoes and I'll be down in a minute."
" 'kay" she kisses his cheek walking out the door.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel leans against the videocase watching as his mate walks around "Chance are you done?"
"Haven't you learned how to be patient after all these years" she says picking up videos
Angel notices a group of teenage girls walking towards him. 'Oh great'
A brown haired girl notices the tall dark man standing in the aisle. She nudges her friend tilting her head towards the man. "Check him out" she walks towards the man "Hi you must be new in town. I'm Amber."
Chance senses Angel's unease. Turning she smiles seeing Angel being hit on by some teenage girls. She giggles at the sight
Hearing the giggle Angel glances over his shoulder glaring at Chance
Seeing the pleading look in his eyes Chance smiles pulling her jacket closed she picks up the videos she picked. She walks over to were Angel is standing "I'm done" she kisses his cheek. She looks at the girls then at Angel "we should get home." she hands him the videos
"Sure baby" he puts his arm around her shoulders leading her to the counter. "Thanks" he kisses her temple
"Yeah well I don't really like seeing you squirm unless its me causing it." she laughs as they walk out to the car
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel groans feeling his mate slowly unbutton his shirt "Baby I thought you wanted to watch the movie."
Chance looks up with a smirk "I changed my mind. I wanna play now" she slides off his shirt tossing it on the floor. She sits up putting her knees on either side of his hips. She strips off her own shirt leaning down she kisses his neck.
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Well that's another room christened" Angel states
Chance looks at him "So which room is next?"
"We'll have to see which ever one we end up in." he smiles kissing her
Chance sits up leaning against the couch she looks at her extended stomach. "I think the babies are hungry again."
Angel smiles pressing his lips against her stomach "Well then lets go get them fed." he pulls on his pants handing Chance his shirt "Don't want you getting cold" he kisses her
Chance puts on his shirt "Thanks." she stands walking into the kitchen with Angel following. "What to eat?" she sighs
___________
Chapter 14
"So does Angel have something special planned for Valentine's Day?" Alex asks Chance as they sit in her apartment
Chance shrugs "He hasn't said really."
"What has he said?" asks Jenny "Does he have anything planned?"
"I don't know. We haven't really talked about it."
"Valentines is still a few days away." Alex reminds
Chance shrugs "I don't really care about Valentines Day."
"Why not its one of the most romantic days of the year" Jenny says
"My luck with Valentine's Day is bad. Plus Angel has some bad memories of Valentine's Day." she glances at the clock "I should get home."
Jenny stands "I'll drop you off."
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel looks up from reading the newspaper at the kitchen counter sensing Chance enter the house.
"Angel" she calls
"In the kitchen"
Chance walks into the kitchen "Hi" she smiles going over she kisses his cheek "been up long?" she asks going to the refrigerator
"Not long. How was your day?"
"Good. I finished reading that book."
"And the paper?"
"I'll start it tomorrow" she promises
Angel nods "We need to leave in an hour."
Chance sits on a stool beside him with a container of yogurt. "I can't wait." she says happily "Willow said we can find out their sex."
Angel smiles at the excitement in her voice "Well thats good news."
"Yep"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Well here they are." Willow announces looking at the monitor "heartbeats are good."
Chance smiles at Angel then looks at the monitor "So their OK?"
"Yes perfect health for five months. It looks like Giles and Angel were correct about the Hellmouth powers being good for them."
"So are their chances of surviving higher?" Chance asks hopefully
"Getting better." Willow answers "So do you want to know what your having?" she asks
Chance looks at Angel who nods "Sure" Chance says
Willow turns to the monitor "Congratulations your having a boy and a girl." she states then points to the monitor "Here's your son"
"Looking like he's about to hit his sister" Chance laughs
Angel chuckles "That he does"
"And your daughter"
"Who looks like she's sucking her thumb" Chance states
Willow laughs "She sure does. Alright we're done." she hands Chance a paper towel. "I want to see you at the end of March." she turns away "Here you go" she hands Chance a picture "babies first picture."
Chance takes the picture "Thanks" she says happily
Angel smiles at Willow then helps Chance down "Lets get home" he kisses her temple
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance starts frowning she looks at her stomach running her hands over her stomach. A moment later she laughs "Angel" she calls
Angel walks into the livingroom "What baby?" he asks concerned
Chance grins "Come here." when Angel sits she takes his hand putting it on her belly "One of the babies just kicked." she says happily
Angel smiles as he feels a movement "Wow."
"That's the first big movement they've made." she smiles "I think it was the boy."
Angel nods "That's about right" he says
Chance sighs "Can you believe it? We're having a boy and a girl." she leans against Angel resting her head against his shoulder
"Are you happy?" he asks
"Of course why wouldn't I be?" she looks at him
Angel sighs "Chance you're 17 so young to be a mother. You should be out with friends not worrying about babies."
"Angel I'm happy. Happier than ever before."
"You don't regret being with me?"
"Why would I? I love you. You love me. I'm where I want to be, with you" she says looking at her belly "with our babies. Why would I regret being with you when you take care of me and love me"
Angel runs his fingers through her hair "I love you."
"I know" she kisses him "lets go to bed." she smiles "we have some celebrating to do." she stands pulling him to his feet.
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Happy Valentines Day Chance" Angel says kissing her cheek
"Oh yeah its Valentines Day" she yawns stretching her arms over her head she opens her eyes to find Angel holding a single rose. "Oh Angel" she smiles "its beautiful"
"Not as beautiful as you" he hands it to her
"You are so sweet" she says taking the rose "thank you" she kisses him
"Come on" he pulls her to her feet
"Angel where are we going?" she asks as the vampire leads her out of the room across the hall to the nursery. She gasps at the sight of the candlelit room with vases of roses. "Angel you didn't have to do this."
"I wanted to. You deserve this." he helps her sit "First I have something to show you. Keep in mind its not finished."
Chance notices a large covered object in the corner of the room "OK" she runs her hands over her stomach. She watches as Angel removes the blanket she gasps at the sight of the partially finished painting of a jungle scene with animals. "Angel its incredible." she says awed
"Its for the babies room."
"Its perfect" she smiles at him
"Its not quite done though"
"Even so its great. I love it." she leans forward kissing him gently "The babies will love it too."
"I thought it might scare them."
"No it won't." she assures "Our babies won't be scared of anything while their Daddy is around to protect them."
"I'll always here for you and the babies."
"I know."
Angel smiles at her. "Now your next gift." he says holding up a small jewelery box
Chance takes the black velvet box "What is it?"
"Open it."
Chance opens it to find a small delicate silver heart shaped locket on a thin chain "Angel its so beautiful."
"When the babies are born you can put their pictures in it."
"Thank you." she says blinking back tears
"I'm glad you like it." he smiles "I uh have one more present for you"
"Really?"
"Yes." he takes out another small black box "Angelus had the jeweler redesign the original version to make it unique. He knew you wouldn't like having a ring that could remind us of Buffy."
"She's part of both of us it wouldn't bother me." she says
"Open it" Angel prods
Nervously Chance opens the small box to find a silver ring with three interlapping hearts under a crown with three hands. "Thank you I love it"
"Chance do you know the story behind the Claddaugh?"
Chance shakes her head "No"
"The Claddaugh ring represents friendship, loyalty, and love."
"Oh Angel I love it." she says tearfully
"In Ireland these rings were used for wedding rings." he pauses taking a deep unneeded breath "They mean we belong to each other, in the old ways they mean we'd be married." he takes her face between his hands "I love you Chance, as my best friend," he moves a hand down to her neck touching his mark, "my mate... my wife."
Chance stares at him thoughtfully then smiles "I love you Angel" she kisses him tenderly
Angel deepens the kiss pulling Chance beside him
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance sighs snuggling into Angel's embrace. She tilts her head back looking at the vampire with a smile "Thank you for the gifts."
Angel smiles back "I should thank you for mine" he rubs her stomach
Chance rests her head on Angel's shoulder looking down at her expanded belly. She lays her hands atop Angel's. "Angel?"
"Hmm?"
Chance yawns "Never mind. I forgot what I was going to say."
"Come on lets get you back to bed" he helps her stand "I'll be right there I want to put out the candles."
" 'kay. Don't take too long." she kisses his cheek.
"I won't" he promises watching her walk out of the room
* ~ * ~ * ~
Early April 2021
"Hello lover" Angelus greets entering the house late one night
"Uh oh what happened this time?" Chance asks looking up from her reading to find the demon half of her 'husband'
"Soulboy let me out to have some fun" he shrugs sitting beside her he rests his hand on her belly. "How're the babes doing?"
"Good. Calmed down some." she smiles "Can you believe we have 2 more months left." she says happily as she feels Angel resurface. "Hi" she greets kissing him in greeting. "How was patrolling?"
"Good. Took out some demons." he shrugs "What about you?"
"Spike called. Said he's coming down for a while."
"Dru coming too?" Angel muses "Spike probably wants to annoy us."
"I think so. I like Spike he makes me laugh" Chance states then laughs as she feels a kick "I think your son wants some attention"
Angel smiles resting his hands on her belly "He's strong"
"His sister is no weakling" Chance says with a laugh. She's silent for a moment then says "Angel?"
"Yes?"
Chance looks at him and then at her belly "I know what I want to name her." she announces
"Chance its a little early for that."
"Angel its a perfect name for her."
"What is it?"
Chance smiles brightly "Summer Catherine after Buffy and your sister"
Angel looks at her stunned after a moment he smiles "I like it." he leans down his lips barely touching her belly "Hi Summer Catherine."
"He still needs a name." Chance sighs "Do you have any ideas?"
"Not yet. I'll think about it." he says glancing at the clock "Its late you should get to bed."
"Ugh" she groans "help me up." she requests
Angel smiles pulling her up. "I'm going to do some more rounds I'll be back in a few hours" he kisses her
"Do stay out too long" she yawns heading towards the stairs
"I won't" he promises
* ~ * ~ * ~
A week later Angel opens the front door to find his childe and grandchilde standing there "Chance, Spike and Dru are here" he calls letting them in.
"Hi" Chance calls from the kitchen
Angel hears cabinet door slamming "What are you looking for?"
"I don't know. I'm hungry again"
"She's been eating every couple hours the last few weeks." he tells them. The three vampires enter the kitchen to find Chance staring into the fridge.
Chance turns around and grins at Drusilla "How's it going?"
"Ooh babies" she says happily
"Looking good pet" Spike looks at Chance with a grin
"I'm huge" Chance scrunches up her nose in annoyance
"No you aren't" Angel assures kissing her
"Peaches is happy" Spike says
Angel's eyes shift alerting them to the presence of Angelus "That I am William" Angelus purrs "Soulboy and I are very happy." he pulls Chance into his arms nuzzling her neck
"I got it" Chance says happily
"What?" Angelus asks
"What I want to eat." she kisses him pulling out of his embrace "Cheese and peanut butter."
"And people think blood is nasty" Spike says
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angelus kisses Chance's head "Spike and I are going to go patrol"
Chance nods " 'kay. Don't do anything stupid"
"Dru's going to stay here. We'll be back in a few hours"
"Alright" Chance nods she watches as the two vampires walk out the door. "What to do?" she wonders standing she heads up the stairs to the nursery. She turns on the light looking around the room. "Daddy needs to put the cribs together." she sighs seeing the boxes in the corner. "Might as well go through the clothes and organize. Get ready for you two." she rubs her belly then picks up a bag of clothes. She settles in the rocking chair with the bags. "You two are going to be very well dressed babies."
"Sister?" Dru asks entering the room carrying her porcelin doll
"Hi Dru. How's it going?"
"Miss Edith wanted to see the nursery." she says softly walking around the room stopping infront of the painting "Its one of Daddy's"
"He made it for the babies" Chance says
"He used to draw pictures for me. They were such beautiful pictures." she sighs "He stopped after the Gypsies. When the Slayer brought him back he started to draw again. It wasn't the same." she shakes her head "It wasn't the same." she repeats
Chance watches Drusilla thoughtfully as the vampiress talks to herself
* ~ * ~ * ~
A few hours later Angel and Spike return to the house. "Spike you can take any of the rooms on the third floor." he says "And keep the noise down if your going to watch TV."
"Sure" Spike nods
Angel heads up the stairs noticing the nursery light is on he enters the room to find Chance asleep in the rocking chair. He smiles at the sight. Going over to the rocking chair he gently picks her up.
"Angel" she says sleepily
"Shh go back to sleep baby"
" 'kay" she mumbles
Angel carries her into their room putting her down on the bed. He sits on the edge of the bed lightly stroking Chance's cheek 'I love you my wife'
Chance opens her eyes "You coming to bed baby?"
"In a few. I'm going to go eat then I'll be back. OK?"
" 'kay."
Angel kisses her lightly then stands heading towards the door when Chance calls his name. "Yes?" he turns
"Can you bring me a glass of juice?" she requests
"Sure." he nods "Anything else?"
"Don't take too long I hate sleeping by myself."
Angel chuckles
__________
Chapter 15
One night a week after Spike and Drusilla arrived Chance finds herself alone in the house. "Ooh don't kick so hard." she mutters stroking her belly. "it hurts" she walks up the stairs to the nursery. "Time to put things away. Your Daddy and Spike put together your cribs and painted your room." Chance smiles looking at the partially finished room. She picks up stuffed animals setting them in the cribs. She wanders around the room putting things away.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Outside the house a small group of dark figures watch silently looking for any sign of the vampires. "Don't have long. Angelus will be back as soon as he senses anything wrong with her." the leader says
"Get in quietly grab her and leave" another says
"Yes." the leader nods "two of you stay out here keep an eye out for them. Two of you come with me." Stealthily the group makes their way across the yard to the back door. Picking the lock three of them enter. "Upstairs" he mouths to the other two. Quietly they walk up the stairs.
In the nursery Chance frowns feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise. "I must be really tired" she thinks standing she walks out of the nursery. Suddenly she feels arms grabbing her from behind. As she's about to scream she feels a cloth cover her nose and mouth. 'ANGEL' her mind screams as she blacks out.
"Lets go. We need to get out of here" the man hefts the unconcious woman into his arms.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Across town Angel starts feeling his mate call to him
Drusilla moans clutching her head "Stars cry out. Daddy's heart is lost." she mutters "They want to take Daddy's life... again"
Angel meets Spike's gaze "Not again" he says his voice pained "never again." he growls his eyes flashing he takes off in the direction of the house with Spike and Drusilla following. 'Chance baby please be home.' he prays. Finally he reaches the house slamming in the door "Chance" he yells running up the stairs. He enters their room checking the bathroom he finds no sign of her. Going across the hall he finds the nursery empty. 'Not here' he takes the stairs up to the third floor to the library.
Spike and Drusilla check downstairs not finding any sign of Chance they head up to the third floor and find Angel crouching with his back against the wall. "Angelus?" Spike says
"She's not here." Angelus says his voice calm yet deadly. He meets their concerned gazes his own filled with rage and fear. "Someone took them" he says coldly "Someone took imy/i wife and children." he stands "and that someone is going to die." he growls striding out of the room
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance groans groggily she opens her eyes. 'Where am I?' she struggles to sit up. "Hey you two OK?" she mutters rubbing her sides
"Good to see your awake" a voice says from the corner of the room
"Who are you? Where am I?" Chance demands watching as a sandy haired man walks out of the shadows "What do you want with me?"
"Name's Finn" he says
Chance frowns the name sparking a memory from Buffy. "You can't be him you aren't old enough." she looks at him closely "You are him aren't you?"
"Riley Finn." he nods "heard of me?"
"Willow mentioned you a few times."
"And so did Angelus" Riley states
Chance shrugs "He could have."
"Its because of him I'm like this." seeing the confused expression on Chance's face he explains "I loved her. She loved him. Her love for him caused me to lose her."
"He lost her long before you."
"He had her heart and soul. I had her body it wasn't the same. I wanted what he had." he touches Chance's belly "Now I have what he wants."
Chance shoves his hands away "Don't touch me." she hisses
Riley moves away from the bed "Enjoy" he says walking towards the door
Chance watches as he leaves 'Angel where are you?' she wonders leaning against the rock wall. "Oooh" she winces as her son kicks "calm down little guy. Daddy will find us soon." 'Hurry Angel'
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel paces the room trying to figure out who took his wife and children. 'Where are you baby?' he runs his fingers through his hair
"Angelus calm down" Spike tells his grandsire "we'll find them"
"Who took them?" Angel growls turning to his grandchilde.
"I don't know yet. I made some inquires no one knows" Spike says "I told them to keep an eye out for anything."
"If she isn't found soon I will kill all of them" Angelus roars.
Spike and Drusilla instinctively drop their heads submissively "I'll tell them" they walk out of the room
Angelus sits on the couch holding his head in his hands "Where are you Chance?" he mutters
"Daddy's sad." Drusilla mutters looking at her childe/lover with concern. "He needs his heart back."
"I know" Spike hugs her "we'll make sure he gets 'em back."
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance closes her eyes her mind on Angel. 'I'm scared Angel. I want to come home. Please find us.'
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel sighs 'We'll find you baby. I promise'
* ~ * ~ * ~
//Chance frowns looking around "What's going on?"
"Hello Chance" a woman greets
Chance turns to see Buffy standing there "Buffy?"
Buffy smiles "That's me"
"I don't..."
"I'm here to let you know Angel will come for you. I'll make sure of it. You just have to hang in there."
Chance nods "I will. I just want to go home."
"I know. He'll come for you just hang in there. He'll come for you as soon as the sun goes down."
" 'kay"//
* ~ * ~ * ~
//"Angel" Buffy says hurriedly
"Buffy what's going on?"
"Angel when the sun goes down you need to go get Chance."
"I don't know where she is." he says sadly
"Follow your heart my love and you'll find her."//
* ~ * ~ * ~
Midafternoon Chance gasps feeling a sharp pain "OK what was that?" she mutters rubbing her side. "Summer are you beating up on your brother?" she chuckles rubbing her stomach "You still need a name little guy." she sighs "I wonder if your Daddy has come up with one yet." she wonders "I'll have to ask him when we get home"
* ~ * ~ * ~
An hour before sunset Angel awakens rolling over he stares at the empty spot beside him. 'Chance I need you back.' he frowns remembering what Buffy said in his dream "Follow my heart" he throws off the covers heading into the bathroom for a quick shower
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Oh god" Chance groans standing up "OK I can't be in labor." she mutters pacing the small room. "Angel hurry please."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Angelus what's going on?" Spike demands seeing his grandsire search through his weapons closet in the library
"Getting ready" Angelus replies
"We don't know where they are."
"Daddy knows how to find them" Drusilla muses
"That I do Princess." Angelus smiles at the dark haired vampiress "I have to follow my heart." His normally calm eyes cold and hard
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance looks up as the door opens and in walks Riley. "Riley please I need to get to the hospital." she cries out feeling another contraction hit
"Sorry I can't do that." Riley stands by the door watching the teen lay on the bed "he took something of mine now I take something of his"
"Riley please they could die. Do you think Buffy would want that?"
Riley growls "Don't say her name" he turns on his heel slamming out of the room.
Chance lays there tears falling "Angel- hurry"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Angelus do you know where we're going?" Spike demands
Angelus turns "I know. We're almost there." he looks around sensing his mate nearby "She's near."
Drusilla moans "Pain. I can feel it."
Angelus looks at his childe "What do you feel Dru?"
Drusilla looks at her sire her dark eyes pained "The babies."
Angelus nods taking off in the direction of a hidden set of caves. 'I'm coming baby.' he makes his way through the darkened caves barely aware of the other two behind him.
* ~ * ~ * ~
In the small room Chance feels the familiar presence of her husband. "Oh God" she cries out contractions hitting her as the door slams open. She looks up to find Riley fly into the room hitting the wall with a thud. She watches as the enraged Angelus enters the room. "Angel" she greets tearfully
Angelus looks over at Chance "You OK?"
"I'm having contractions." she sees Riley stand "Angelus" she nods
Angelus turns around grabbing the younger vampire by his neck "You dared to take imy/i wife from me?!" he growls "Spike" he yells
"What?" Spike enters the room
Angelus releases the younger vampire "Keep him here. I'll take care of him later." he glares at Riley "I'll have fun teaching you to stay away from what's mine." he turns to Spike "Lock him here. Find some vampires, demons you trust to watch him. If anything happens to him I will kill whoever is in charge."
"Yes Master" Spike nods
Angelus goes over to the bed "Chance baby you OK?"
"Other than having contractions I'm great" she says sarcastically
"Spike you and Dru finish this up. Stop off at the house and grab Chance's hospital bag. Its in the nursery. Then come to the hospital" Angelus lifts Chance into his arms carrying her out of the caves.
"Hurts" Chance cries out as a contraction hits she digs her fingernails into his shoulders
Angelus growls smelling his blood. He picks up speed to the car. Carefully he sets her in the front seat.
"Angelus its too early." she says tearfully
"Remember what Willow said, twins are usually early." he reminds starting the car "It'll be OK"
"Angelus I don't want them to die."
"I know" he speeds up heading in direction of the hospital. A few minutes later he pulls the car into the Emergency Room parking lot. He turns off the car going around he helps Chance out. "Almost there."
Chance nods clinging to Angelus as he leads her into the hospital. She's barely aware of Angel talking with the nurse.
Angelus allows Angel to surface "She's in labor"
"How far along is she?" the nurse asks
"A little over seven and a half months."
"How far apart are her contractions?"
"About five minutes" Chance finally speaks
"How long have you been having contractions?" the nurse asks
"Since early afternoon." Chance replies
"Alright then lets get you upstairs." the nurse says calmly signaling for an orderly to bring a wheelchair. "Have a seat and the orderly will take you upstairs."
Chance nods sitting in the wheelchair she clings to Angel's hand. 'Please let my babies be OK' she prays as they get into the elevator.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Ten minutes later Angel and Chance find themselves settled into a room on the birthing floor of the hospital. Angel sits on the edge of the bed talking softly to Chance. "He didn't hurt you did he?" he asks concerned
Chance shakes her head "He would have let them die." she whispers
"I'll deal with him later." he promises kissing her forehead
Chance nods then groans as another contraction hits "I don't like this" she tells Angel through gritted teeth.
Angel takes her hand and squeezes it "I know"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Angel, Chance" Willow says looking at the two with concern
"What's going on?" Angel asks worried at the tone of Willow's voice
"Chance we're going to have to do a C-section. We're going to need your foster mother's permission."
Chance nods reluctantly
"I'm going to need her number." Willow requests
Angel nods rattling off the number quickly. As Willow leaves he turns his attention to his 'wife' he moves a strand of hair out of her face "It'll be OK."
Chance looks at him her eyes teary "I hope so." she grips his hand "He still needs a name"
Angel nods "I know. We'll talk about it later" he kisses her forehead
A few moments later Willow returns "All right your foster mother gave us permission to go ahead."
Chance watches as the doctor and nurses work around her. As they are about to wheel her into the operating room Chance through her drug induced haze hears Willow ask Angel "Do you want to come in?"
"I better not. I haven't eaten since last night. I don't think I'll be able to control myself." he leans down kissing Chance's forehead "I'll see you in a while." he whispers
"Mmm" she sighs drifting off to sleep
Angel stays there watching as they roll Chance into the operating room. 'Let them be OK' he prays heading to join Spike, Dru, Giles, Joyce, Anya, Xander, Oz, and the kids in the waiting room.
Dru goes over to where Angel is sitting. She slides to the floor by his feet. She rests her head on his thigh looking up at him her eyes thoughtful "They are all special. The voices won't let anything happen to them." she says softly
Angel rests his hand on his childe's face smoothing her hair back "I know Dru" he smiles sadly then leaning his head against the wall he looks up at the ceiling.
"Angel have you eaten today?" Giles asks concerned
Angel shakes his head "Haven't been able too."
"I'll go grab something" Spike offers standing "Dru?" he looks at his sire concerned
Drusilla shakes his head "I'm going to stay with Daddy"
Spike nods "I'll be back as soon as possible." he walks away
"You OK Deadboy?" Xander asks
Hearing that Drusilla growls low looking at the mortal
"I'm fine" Angel replies looking at his childe "Dru don't do that here OK? We don't want to scare the humans."
Drusilla nods smiling demurely at her sire "We don't do the bad thing anymore. Its not nice."
Angel smiles slightly "No it isn't"
The group sits there fifteen minutes later Spike returns with a paperbag. "Here" he hands it to Angel
Angel looks at him quizzically "You didn't?!" knowing Spike had stolen it from the hospital
"Only one bag." Spike shrugs "We already ate."
"Thanks" Angel nods standing he walks out of the waiting room to the exit. A few moments later he returns to the waiting room finding the others still sitting
"Better?" Spike asks looking up at his grandsire
Angel nods sitting beside Drusilla "Been better."
___________
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Disclaimer: I own only the characters you don't know
Distribution: My site http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction/index.html
Numerous mailing lists
Rating: Overall PG13
Note: I'm taking creative license with this story like all my others. There might be spoilers to earlier seasons. Its kind of an AU fic.
Summary: The year is 2020. Angel is still a vampire... the whole becoming human thing never happened. Angel and Angelus merged after Buffy died in college. Angel has no contact with Sunnydale. He reunited with Drusilla and Spike- who are semigood. Angel meets someone new... yet old.
__________
Chapter 13
"Angel" Chance says softly to the sleeping vampire "Angel"
Angel hears his mate's voice "Yes?"
"I'm going to go out for a walk. OK?"
Angel opens his eyes slightly "Take the phone. Don't stay out too long."
"I'll take the phone. I won't stay out too long." she promises leaning down she kisses him gently "Have fun sleeping"
"Sure" he mutters as Chance moves towards the door he calls "Chance before you go can you make sure the curtains are closed downstairs?"
"OK."
"The spare key is on the kitchen counter by the phone"
"Alright" she walks out of the room heading downstairs.
* ~ * ~ * ~
'Such a beautiful day.' Chance thinks sitting on a bench at the park 'Too bad your Daddy can't be out here with us.' she rests her hands on her belly. She hears someone call her name looking over her shoulder she finds Dr Osbourne walking towards her.
"Hi Chance." Willow greets "I was about to come and see you. May I sit?" she asks gesturing to the bench
"Sure" Chance nods
"How are you doing?" Willow asks
"Good. Still a little tired."
"Is Angel sleeping?"
Chance smiles faintly at the mention of her lover "Of course. When he stays out late like last night I usually spend the morning entertaining myself. Most of the time he's up when I'm up. I thought I'd take a walk"
"That's good. You need to exercise. Its good for you. But don't overdo it." Willow says sternly
"I won't" Chance promises
"Chance are you going to be attending school?" Willow asks concerned
Chance shakes her head "Uh no"
"You're 17. You need to finish school. I would have thought Angel would have made you stay in school."
Chance tucks a strand of hair behind her ear "He didn't tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I've been living in foster homes since I was a few months old."
"He told me that."
"What else did he tell you?"
"Just the whole soul sharing thing, the feeling issue, and that he loves you. He didn't mention much about your life."
Chance nods "We thought it would be for the best if few people know about me."
"Why?" Willow asks concerned
"I was living in a foster home when Angel and I met. My foster mother didn't know about him until the night I left with him."
"Why did you leave?"
Chance sighs "If my social worker found out about me and Angel she'd move me again. I'd never see him again." she looks at her stomach then at Willow "They would have taken the twins from me."
"You don't know that" Willow protests
"I do" she whispers
"So you aren't going to school because your scared that they'll find you."
"Yeah."
"What are you going to do about school?" Willow asks
"Angel makes me read books on history, English and Science topics and write papers. When I'm 18 I'll be able to get my GED without waving any red flags when I do."
"Don't you want to graduate with your peers?"
Chance shakes her head "By the time I graduate I'd be nine months pregnant. It would be hard to go to school without drawing a lot of attention. Besides its kind of hard to be away from Angel for long periods of time."
"Why?"
"Its weird you probably wouldn't believe me."
"Chance I've seen a lot of weird things I've gotten to the point where I'll believe anything people tell me."
Chance looks at Willow thoughtfully seeing the Doctor's concern and interest she nods in agreement. "Since I've been pregnant, even before I knew I was, I tend to get this weird feeling when Angel and I are apart."
"Weird how?"
"Its hard to explain. I just feel off balance. I don't know if this is possible but somehow when Angel and I are apart I swear the babies know."
"Why do you think that?"
"Its like I can feel this current from inside." she looks at her stomach "It doesn't stop until we're near each other."
"Do you feel it now?" Willow asks curiously
"Yes" Chance nods
"Does Angel getting the same feeling when you're away?"
"I know of one time he did."
"What happened?"
Chance sighs "Angelus made a little appearance. He wasn't too happy that I was gone for longer than I said."
"Angel told me that Angelus only makes an appearance when he's angry."
"He was. He thought something had happened to us. He didn't hurt us. They never have." she assures
Willow nods "I'm glad. I just still have a hard time believing Angelus is good. Angel's always been good but Angelus was evil."
"He's not to me. Neither are Spike and Drusilla."
"Drusilla's good?"
"She still thinks of things to do to people she doesn't like but she doesn't kill people anymore. She's looking forward to the babies."
"You aren't going to let her alone with them are you?" Willow asks worried and scared at the thought of Drusilla alone with children
"No. She's forgetful. She'd probably forget that they were there and walk away leaving them alone." Chance giggles
* ~ * ~ * ~
Two hours after leaving the house Chance enters the bedroom to find Angel still sleeping. Smiling she strips out of her clothes crawling into bed snuggling against his back. She brushes her lips against his tattoo.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel awakens feeling the warm body pressed against his back. Careful not to wake Chance he shifts rolling to face her. He lays there watching as she sleeps. 'What would I do without you baby?' he thinks to himself as he caresses her cheek with his thumb 'You're my life now, you and the babies are my family. I can't lose you.' he hears her body slowly stir
"Angel?" she blinks sleepily
"Hey how was your walk?"
"So 'kay" she shrugs "ran into Dr Osbourne at the park."
"How was Willow?"
She lifts her shoulder "Good I guess"
Angel touches his mark on her neck "What do you want to do?"
Chance smiles touching his cheek "You know we have a new bed that we have yet to make love in."
"Oh really?"
"Mmm" she grins tugging him closer "so what do you say?"
Angel laughs "I say why didn't you wake me this morning?" he kisses her passionately
Chance runs her fingers through his hair " 'cuz you looked so tired" she pulls his lips down to hers.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance looks at Angel with a smile "Well that was fun"
"As always" he chuckles kissing her
"Mmm" she sighs reveling in the kiss. "Oooh" she groans breaking the kiss "damn" she mutters throwing off the covers she rushes into the bathroom
Angel winces hearing the sound of her gagging "Baby you OK?"
After a few moments of heaving Chance manages to pull her head out of the toilet. She stands flushing the toilet she goes to the sink rinsing out her mouth she reaches for her toothbrush. She jumps in surprise as Angel's arms wrap around her waist "Am I going to have to put a bell on you?"
Angel chuckles "Sorry. I'll try to make some noise when entering the bathroom." he promises kissing her neck "Feeling better?" he asks stroking her belly.
"Yeah" she sighs leaning against him "what time is it?" she asks tilting her head back she kisses the underside of his chin
"Almost sunset." he replies
"You slept through most of the day? You rarely do that"
Angel shrugs "I know. Are you hungry?" he asks running his hands over her belly. "Did you eat and take your vitamins today?"
Chance nods "I did"
"Lets get cleaned up and get you three fed." he kisses her then moves away turning on the shower. "Come on baby waters warm."
* ~ * ~ * ~
An hour later Angel looks up from making Chance's dinner of a somewhat still bloody steak. He smiles at the sight of his mate wearing overalls and a T-shirt her hair in braids. "You look cute." he remarks
Chance smiles looking down at her pregnant stomach resting her hands over their children "I'm going to have to get some new overalls. For once in my life I'm actually outgrowing them." she shakes her head "I wonder how much bigger I'm going to get"
"Willow wants you to gain more weight."
"I know." she sits on one of the kitchen stools resting her arms on the counter "It still kind of weird to believe I've gained weight."
"Well you look cute no matter what"
"Trying to make me feel better"
"Is it working?" he asks hopefully
"Yep" she smiles as the door rings
"Can you get that?" Angel requests
"Sure." Chance gets off the stool going to the front door. She opens the door to find a darkhaired man with a brown haired woman
"Deadboy here?" the man asks
Hearing that Chance tilts her head thoughtfully then calls "Angel"
Angel having heard the familiar voice calling him 'Deadboy' enters the foyer looking at the man at the door warily. "Harris" he nods "Anya" he puts his hand on Chance's lower back "Chance your dinner's on the counter."
Seeing the assurance in his eyes Chance nods moving away she returns to the kitchen leaving Angel and the other two alone.
"She's pregnant" Anya states
Angel nods "Twins" he looks at Xander Harris
"You brought your girlfriend to Sunnydale? How do you think Buffy would feel?" Xander demands
"She'd understand."
"I can't believe you'd bring her here" Xander hisses
"Its none of your business Harris." Angel says coldly
"I knew she should have dusted you." Xander says angrily
"Alexander LaVelle Harris" a voice says sternly
Xander jumps at the voice he turns to find his best friend Willow standing there her hands on her hips glaring at him "What did I tell you about behaving?" Willow demands
Xander hangs his head sheepishly "Sorry Wills."
Willow enters the house going to Angel's side "That is all in the past. Its time for you to get over it." she says to Xander then looks at Angel "Where's Chance?"
"Kitchen" Angel replies "go on back"
"Anya come on I'll introduce you to Chance." Willow says leading the exdemon away "Xander behave or I'll do something really bad."
Chance looks up from her eating and reading to see Dr Osbourne and Mrs Harris entering the kitchen "Hi" she greets
"Chance Greyson meet Anya Harris" Willow introduces
Chance smiles "Nice to meet you."
"You're a little young for Angel" Anya says
"Ignore Anya she's a little brisk"
"I tell what I see" Anya shrugs "so how old are you?"
"Old enough" Chance replies "how old are you?"
Anya smiles "I think I'm going to like you."
Willow watches as the teen goes from smiling to frowning "Chance you OK?" she asks concerned
Chance looks towards the kitchen door hearing a loud growl. 'Angelus' she realizes getting off the stool she heads to the foyer to find the vampire glowering at the human "What's going on?" she demands
"He's Angelus" Xander states
"I know" Chance shrugs "Angelus leave him alone. You know Angel doesn't like it when you scare people." she puts her hands on her hips "And neither do I." she watches as the vampire's human face returns.
Willow joins the others in the foyer glaring at her bestfriend "Xander I told you to keep the snide remarks under control."
"He started it" Xander protests
"Angelus doesn't appear unless he feels that Chance is being threatened. What did you say?" Willow demands
"Nothing"
Angelus glares at the human "Never threaten or even think about that" he growls "no one messes with our family" he crosses his arms over his chest
Chance sighs feeling the intense anger coming from the vampire she puts her hand on Angel's arm "Why don't you go out for a while." she suggests "You haven't been around lately."
"But..." Angelus protests
Chance points to the door "Go. How often are you out anyway? Now go find some demons to beat up but I swear if I find out you even think of killing someone..." she trails off giving him a chance to think about the threat "Just be back before dawn." she kisses his cheek
"Fine." he agrees looking at Xander before grabbing his jacket he heads out the door.
"Sorry" Chance apologizes "He's a little over protective at times" she shrugs "do you guys want something to drink?" she asks walking into the kitchen aware that they're behind her.
Xander looks at the girl "Are you with him voluntarily?"
Chance looks at him "Of course. I'm in love with him... both sides"
"Angelus is a killer" Xander argues
"Was." Chance corrects "he hasn't killed anyone since Buffy died."
"And you believe him?" Xander demands
Chance nods "I wouldn't be with him if I didn't. He's never hurt me."
"He could turn on you." Xander states "Why put you and your children in danger?"
"He won't turn on me. Plus he loves us."
"Why don't you just go back to the father?" Anya asks
Chance looks at Willow "You didn't tell them?"
Willow shakes her head "Didn't get around to it."
"Oh." Chance looks at them with a smirk "Angel is the father"
"What? He's a vampire." Xander protests
"Duh" Chance rolls her eyes
"How is that possible?" Anya questions
"Dunno" Chance shrugs "it just happened."
"And Xander you are going to keep your mouth shut" Willow says sternly
"If you don't you'll be sleeping alone for a very long time" Anya threatens "and don't try me on that."
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance walks up the stairs to the library. "Angel?" she finds the vampire sitting on the couch staring into the fire.
Angel looks over to see Chance standing there "Hey I thought you were asleep." he says
Chance shrugs "I had to go to the bathroom" she joins him on the couch "what are you doing up here?" she asks watching him concerned
"Just thinking."
"About what?"
"Different things" he replies
"About what Xander said?"
"Somewhat."
"Well stop it mister. He's just talking trying to get you." she kisses his cheek "What happened when you went out?"
"Took out some nest of vampires. Walked around."
"Feel better after beating up the vampires?"
"Yeah I did."
"Good. I'm glad."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Hi" Chance greets crawling onto Angel's lap "what did you do today?" she asks curiously
"Worked on the library. I'm glad the books got here in good condition."
"You were worried that Spike's guys would ruin them weren't you?"
"Of course. His minions aren't the brightest in the world." he kisses her temple running his hands over the mound of her belly "What did you three do today?"
"Hung out with Alex, Travis, Jesse, and Jenny."
"Did you have fun?"
"Yeah."
"Good you need to make friends with people your own age. I'm glad you made friends with them so fast."
"We've lived here a week and it feels good."
"Yeah it does."
She looks at him "Are you glad we came here?"
Angel looks at her thoughtfully and smiles "Yeah I am. I feel like I'm back were I belong."
"Good." she kisses him "I love you"
"I love you too"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"I'll get it" Angel says kissing Chance's cheek "finish eating"
"How can I stop" she sighs "these two are always hungry" she rubs her belly with a smile
"I'll be back in a minute" he promises walking out of the kitchen he reaches the front door opening it to find a surprising sight "Joyce" he says
"Angel" Joyce nods
"Come on in" he moves aside allowing the woman to enter "how are you?"
"Good. Xander told me you came back to town. I uh wanted to give you something." she pulls out a stack of letters "I found these in Buffy's things after the funeral. They're addressed to you." she hands the bound letters to Angel "She'd want you to have them."
In the kitchen Chance frowns her body tingling 'What the...?' she stands going to the foyer she finds Angel talking to a grey haired woman "Angel?"
Angel turns around "Chance you OK?" he asks seeing the look on her face. "Chance is something wrong?"
Chance tilts her head thoughtfully "I'm not sure. I just had this weird feeling."
Joyce looks at the teen "Do I know you?"
Angel starts "Oh boy"
"What?" Chance demands
"Chance I'd like you to meet Joyce Summmers. Joyce this is Chance."
Chance looks at Angel "You mean?"
"I think you might have an emotional memory" Angel explains "of hers"
"What's going on?" Joyce asks
"Chance did you finish your dinner?" seeing the look on her face he smiles "Go eat. I need to talk to Joyce."
With a final look at Joyce Chance nods walking back into the kitchen
"Angel what's going on?"
"Lets talk in the livingroom" Angel suggests leading the woman into the next room he turns on the lights. "Have a seat." he gestures to the couch. As Joyce sits on the couch Angel sits on the armchair across from her "Joyce what I have to tell you is hard to believe but its true."
"What?" Joyce asks worried
"I don't know how to tell you this so I'll just say it." he sighs "Chance has memories of Buffy's."
"How do you know?" Joyce questions
Angel sighs "Its a long story." he proceeds to tell Joyce about Chance
Fifteen minutes later Joyce is staring at the vampire stunned "She's carrying a part of Buffy's soul?"
Angel nods "I know its hard to believe but its true."
"How did you two meet?" Joyce asks
Angel looks at his hands then at Joyce "I felt her presence like I use to feel Buffy's. As unbelieveable as it sounds Chance is apart of Buffy."
Joyce looks at Angel blinking back tears "Can I talk to her?"
Angel nods "She's in the kitchen" he stands showing Joyce to the kitchen "Chance?"
Chance looks up to see Angel and Joyce standing there "Hmm?"
"Joyce wants to talk to you."
Chance shrugs "Pull up a seat." she smiles at the woman
"Thanks" Joyce smiles sitting on the stool beside Chance
Seeing the looks on their faces Angel feels assured that he won't be needed "I'll be upstairs in the library if you need me." he says kissing Chance's head. He nods to Joyce walking out of the room
Joyce speaks "Angel told me you carry my daughter's emotional feelings. Is that true?"
"It is."
"So you know what Buffy felt at times?"
"Yes. Mostly I dream what she felt. Sometimes when I meet someone who knew her I feel what she felt for them." she smiles "When I met Angel I could feel I knew him. I knew he was a part of who I am, what I am."
"You love him like Buffy did."
Chance nods "Like she does." she corrects standing "Would you like something to drink?" she asks going to the refrigerator
"I'd like that" Joyce says. She looks at the teen "How far a long are you?" she asks curiously
Chance looks up from pouring some juice "Almost four months." she places the glass before Joyce "Here you go."
"Four months?" Joyce says surprised
Chance puts the juice back into the refrigerator then turns around "We're having twins." she smiles
"Congratulations" Joyce says
"Thanks" Chance nods sitting back down
"How's Angel handling his impending fatherhood?"
"He's trying not to get too excited"
"Why? Does he not want to be a father?"
"He does its just" she pauses "Dr Osbourne said the chance of the babies surviving isn't very good" she admits "It turns out that my body is barely producing enough blood for the three of us."
"How come?"
Chance shrugs "Angel thinks that its possible that my body is producing enough blood but the babies are needing more blood than a normal baby would need."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"How'd it go?" Angel asks
Chance puts her arms around his neck resting her chin on his head "Good. She asked a lot of questions about me and what I know about Buffy's feelings. Told me some about Buffy. Did you know Buffy used to ice skate?"
Angel freezes "Yes I know. I uh took her ice skating once at an old abandoned rink outside of town."
"Oh"
"What do you want to do tonight?" he asks changing the subject
"Can we rent a couple movies?" she asks
"We can do whatever you want." he says "why don't you go put on your shoes and I'll be down in a minute."
" 'kay" she kisses his cheek walking out the door.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel leans against the videocase watching as his mate walks around "Chance are you done?"
"Haven't you learned how to be patient after all these years" she says picking up videos
Angel notices a group of teenage girls walking towards him. 'Oh great'
A brown haired girl notices the tall dark man standing in the aisle. She nudges her friend tilting her head towards the man. "Check him out" she walks towards the man "Hi you must be new in town. I'm Amber."
Chance senses Angel's unease. Turning she smiles seeing Angel being hit on by some teenage girls. She giggles at the sight
Hearing the giggle Angel glances over his shoulder glaring at Chance
Seeing the pleading look in his eyes Chance smiles pulling her jacket closed she picks up the videos she picked. She walks over to were Angel is standing "I'm done" she kisses his cheek. She looks at the girls then at Angel "we should get home." she hands him the videos
"Sure baby" he puts his arm around her shoulders leading her to the counter. "Thanks" he kisses her temple
"Yeah well I don't really like seeing you squirm unless its me causing it." she laughs as they walk out to the car
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel groans feeling his mate slowly unbutton his shirt "Baby I thought you wanted to watch the movie."
Chance looks up with a smirk "I changed my mind. I wanna play now" she slides off his shirt tossing it on the floor. She sits up putting her knees on either side of his hips. She strips off her own shirt leaning down she kisses his neck.
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Well that's another room christened" Angel states
Chance looks at him "So which room is next?"
"We'll have to see which ever one we end up in." he smiles kissing her
Chance sits up leaning against the couch she looks at her extended stomach. "I think the babies are hungry again."
Angel smiles pressing his lips against her stomach "Well then lets go get them fed." he pulls on his pants handing Chance his shirt "Don't want you getting cold" he kisses her
Chance puts on his shirt "Thanks." she stands walking into the kitchen with Angel following. "What to eat?" she sighs
___________
Chapter 14
"So does Angel have something special planned for Valentine's Day?" Alex asks Chance as they sit in her apartment
Chance shrugs "He hasn't said really."
"What has he said?" asks Jenny "Does he have anything planned?"
"I don't know. We haven't really talked about it."
"Valentines is still a few days away." Alex reminds
Chance shrugs "I don't really care about Valentines Day."
"Why not its one of the most romantic days of the year" Jenny says
"My luck with Valentine's Day is bad. Plus Angel has some bad memories of Valentine's Day." she glances at the clock "I should get home."
Jenny stands "I'll drop you off."
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel looks up from reading the newspaper at the kitchen counter sensing Chance enter the house.
"Angel" she calls
"In the kitchen"
Chance walks into the kitchen "Hi" she smiles going over she kisses his cheek "been up long?" she asks going to the refrigerator
"Not long. How was your day?"
"Good. I finished reading that book."
"And the paper?"
"I'll start it tomorrow" she promises
Angel nods "We need to leave in an hour."
Chance sits on a stool beside him with a container of yogurt. "I can't wait." she says happily "Willow said we can find out their sex."
Angel smiles at the excitement in her voice "Well thats good news."
"Yep"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Well here they are." Willow announces looking at the monitor "heartbeats are good."
Chance smiles at Angel then looks at the monitor "So their OK?"
"Yes perfect health for five months. It looks like Giles and Angel were correct about the Hellmouth powers being good for them."
"So are their chances of surviving higher?" Chance asks hopefully
"Getting better." Willow answers "So do you want to know what your having?" she asks
Chance looks at Angel who nods "Sure" Chance says
Willow turns to the monitor "Congratulations your having a boy and a girl." she states then points to the monitor "Here's your son"
"Looking like he's about to hit his sister" Chance laughs
Angel chuckles "That he does"
"And your daughter"
"Who looks like she's sucking her thumb" Chance states
Willow laughs "She sure does. Alright we're done." she hands Chance a paper towel. "I want to see you at the end of March." she turns away "Here you go" she hands Chance a picture "babies first picture."
Chance takes the picture "Thanks" she says happily
Angel smiles at Willow then helps Chance down "Lets get home" he kisses her temple
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance starts frowning she looks at her stomach running her hands over her stomach. A moment later she laughs "Angel" she calls
Angel walks into the livingroom "What baby?" he asks concerned
Chance grins "Come here." when Angel sits she takes his hand putting it on her belly "One of the babies just kicked." she says happily
Angel smiles as he feels a movement "Wow."
"That's the first big movement they've made." she smiles "I think it was the boy."
Angel nods "That's about right" he says
Chance sighs "Can you believe it? We're having a boy and a girl." she leans against Angel resting her head against his shoulder
"Are you happy?" he asks
"Of course why wouldn't I be?" she looks at him
Angel sighs "Chance you're 17 so young to be a mother. You should be out with friends not worrying about babies."
"Angel I'm happy. Happier than ever before."
"You don't regret being with me?"
"Why would I? I love you. You love me. I'm where I want to be, with you" she says looking at her belly "with our babies. Why would I regret being with you when you take care of me and love me"
Angel runs his fingers through her hair "I love you."
"I know" she kisses him "lets go to bed." she smiles "we have some celebrating to do." she stands pulling him to his feet.
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Happy Valentines Day Chance" Angel says kissing her cheek
"Oh yeah its Valentines Day" she yawns stretching her arms over her head she opens her eyes to find Angel holding a single rose. "Oh Angel" she smiles "its beautiful"
"Not as beautiful as you" he hands it to her
"You are so sweet" she says taking the rose "thank you" she kisses him
"Come on" he pulls her to her feet
"Angel where are we going?" she asks as the vampire leads her out of the room across the hall to the nursery. She gasps at the sight of the candlelit room with vases of roses. "Angel you didn't have to do this."
"I wanted to. You deserve this." he helps her sit "First I have something to show you. Keep in mind its not finished."
Chance notices a large covered object in the corner of the room "OK" she runs her hands over her stomach. She watches as Angel removes the blanket she gasps at the sight of the partially finished painting of a jungle scene with animals. "Angel its incredible." she says awed
"Its for the babies room."
"Its perfect" she smiles at him
"Its not quite done though"
"Even so its great. I love it." she leans forward kissing him gently "The babies will love it too."
"I thought it might scare them."
"No it won't." she assures "Our babies won't be scared of anything while their Daddy is around to protect them."
"I'll always here for you and the babies."
"I know."
Angel smiles at her. "Now your next gift." he says holding up a small jewelery box
Chance takes the black velvet box "What is it?"
"Open it."
Chance opens it to find a small delicate silver heart shaped locket on a thin chain "Angel its so beautiful."
"When the babies are born you can put their pictures in it."
"Thank you." she says blinking back tears
"I'm glad you like it." he smiles "I uh have one more present for you"
"Really?"
"Yes." he takes out another small black box "Angelus had the jeweler redesign the original version to make it unique. He knew you wouldn't like having a ring that could remind us of Buffy."
"She's part of both of us it wouldn't bother me." she says
"Open it" Angel prods
Nervously Chance opens the small box to find a silver ring with three interlapping hearts under a crown with three hands. "Thank you I love it"
"Chance do you know the story behind the Claddaugh?"
Chance shakes her head "No"
"The Claddaugh ring represents friendship, loyalty, and love."
"Oh Angel I love it." she says tearfully
"In Ireland these rings were used for wedding rings." he pauses taking a deep unneeded breath "They mean we belong to each other, in the old ways they mean we'd be married." he takes her face between his hands "I love you Chance, as my best friend," he moves a hand down to her neck touching his mark, "my mate... my wife."
Chance stares at him thoughtfully then smiles "I love you Angel" she kisses him tenderly
Angel deepens the kiss pulling Chance beside him
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance sighs snuggling into Angel's embrace. She tilts her head back looking at the vampire with a smile "Thank you for the gifts."
Angel smiles back "I should thank you for mine" he rubs her stomach
Chance rests her head on Angel's shoulder looking down at her expanded belly. She lays her hands atop Angel's. "Angel?"
"Hmm?"
Chance yawns "Never mind. I forgot what I was going to say."
"Come on lets get you back to bed" he helps her stand "I'll be right there I want to put out the candles."
" 'kay. Don't take too long." she kisses his cheek.
"I won't" he promises watching her walk out of the room
* ~ * ~ * ~
Early April 2021
"Hello lover" Angelus greets entering the house late one night
"Uh oh what happened this time?" Chance asks looking up from her reading to find the demon half of her 'husband'
"Soulboy let me out to have some fun" he shrugs sitting beside her he rests his hand on her belly. "How're the babes doing?"
"Good. Calmed down some." she smiles "Can you believe we have 2 more months left." she says happily as she feels Angel resurface. "Hi" she greets kissing him in greeting. "How was patrolling?"
"Good. Took out some demons." he shrugs "What about you?"
"Spike called. Said he's coming down for a while."
"Dru coming too?" Angel muses "Spike probably wants to annoy us."
"I think so. I like Spike he makes me laugh" Chance states then laughs as she feels a kick "I think your son wants some attention"
Angel smiles resting his hands on her belly "He's strong"
"His sister is no weakling" Chance says with a laugh. She's silent for a moment then says "Angel?"
"Yes?"
Chance looks at him and then at her belly "I know what I want to name her." she announces
"Chance its a little early for that."
"Angel its a perfect name for her."
"What is it?"
Chance smiles brightly "Summer Catherine after Buffy and your sister"
Angel looks at her stunned after a moment he smiles "I like it." he leans down his lips barely touching her belly "Hi Summer Catherine."
"He still needs a name." Chance sighs "Do you have any ideas?"
"Not yet. I'll think about it." he says glancing at the clock "Its late you should get to bed."
"Ugh" she groans "help me up." she requests
Angel smiles pulling her up. "I'm going to do some more rounds I'll be back in a few hours" he kisses her
"Do stay out too long" she yawns heading towards the stairs
"I won't" he promises
* ~ * ~ * ~
A week later Angel opens the front door to find his childe and grandchilde standing there "Chance, Spike and Dru are here" he calls letting them in.
"Hi" Chance calls from the kitchen
Angel hears cabinet door slamming "What are you looking for?"
"I don't know. I'm hungry again"
"She's been eating every couple hours the last few weeks." he tells them. The three vampires enter the kitchen to find Chance staring into the fridge.
Chance turns around and grins at Drusilla "How's it going?"
"Ooh babies" she says happily
"Looking good pet" Spike looks at Chance with a grin
"I'm huge" Chance scrunches up her nose in annoyance
"No you aren't" Angel assures kissing her
"Peaches is happy" Spike says
Angel's eyes shift alerting them to the presence of Angelus "That I am William" Angelus purrs "Soulboy and I are very happy." he pulls Chance into his arms nuzzling her neck
"I got it" Chance says happily
"What?" Angelus asks
"What I want to eat." she kisses him pulling out of his embrace "Cheese and peanut butter."
"And people think blood is nasty" Spike says
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angelus kisses Chance's head "Spike and I are going to go patrol"
Chance nods " 'kay. Don't do anything stupid"
"Dru's going to stay here. We'll be back in a few hours"
"Alright" Chance nods she watches as the two vampires walk out the door. "What to do?" she wonders standing she heads up the stairs to the nursery. She turns on the light looking around the room. "Daddy needs to put the cribs together." she sighs seeing the boxes in the corner. "Might as well go through the clothes and organize. Get ready for you two." she rubs her belly then picks up a bag of clothes. She settles in the rocking chair with the bags. "You two are going to be very well dressed babies."
"Sister?" Dru asks entering the room carrying her porcelin doll
"Hi Dru. How's it going?"
"Miss Edith wanted to see the nursery." she says softly walking around the room stopping infront of the painting "Its one of Daddy's"
"He made it for the babies" Chance says
"He used to draw pictures for me. They were such beautiful pictures." she sighs "He stopped after the Gypsies. When the Slayer brought him back he started to draw again. It wasn't the same." she shakes her head "It wasn't the same." she repeats
Chance watches Drusilla thoughtfully as the vampiress talks to herself
* ~ * ~ * ~
A few hours later Angel and Spike return to the house. "Spike you can take any of the rooms on the third floor." he says "And keep the noise down if your going to watch TV."
"Sure" Spike nods
Angel heads up the stairs noticing the nursery light is on he enters the room to find Chance asleep in the rocking chair. He smiles at the sight. Going over to the rocking chair he gently picks her up.
"Angel" she says sleepily
"Shh go back to sleep baby"
" 'kay" she mumbles
Angel carries her into their room putting her down on the bed. He sits on the edge of the bed lightly stroking Chance's cheek 'I love you my wife'
Chance opens her eyes "You coming to bed baby?"
"In a few. I'm going to go eat then I'll be back. OK?"
" 'kay."
Angel kisses her lightly then stands heading towards the door when Chance calls his name. "Yes?" he turns
"Can you bring me a glass of juice?" she requests
"Sure." he nods "Anything else?"
"Don't take too long I hate sleeping by myself."
Angel chuckles
__________
Chapter 15
One night a week after Spike and Drusilla arrived Chance finds herself alone in the house. "Ooh don't kick so hard." she mutters stroking her belly. "it hurts" she walks up the stairs to the nursery. "Time to put things away. Your Daddy and Spike put together your cribs and painted your room." Chance smiles looking at the partially finished room. She picks up stuffed animals setting them in the cribs. She wanders around the room putting things away.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Outside the house a small group of dark figures watch silently looking for any sign of the vampires. "Don't have long. Angelus will be back as soon as he senses anything wrong with her." the leader says
"Get in quietly grab her and leave" another says
"Yes." the leader nods "two of you stay out here keep an eye out for them. Two of you come with me." Stealthily the group makes their way across the yard to the back door. Picking the lock three of them enter. "Upstairs" he mouths to the other two. Quietly they walk up the stairs.
In the nursery Chance frowns feeling the hairs on the back of her neck rise. "I must be really tired" she thinks standing she walks out of the nursery. Suddenly she feels arms grabbing her from behind. As she's about to scream she feels a cloth cover her nose and mouth. 'ANGEL' her mind screams as she blacks out.
"Lets go. We need to get out of here" the man hefts the unconcious woman into his arms.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Across town Angel starts feeling his mate call to him
Drusilla moans clutching her head "Stars cry out. Daddy's heart is lost." she mutters "They want to take Daddy's life... again"
Angel meets Spike's gaze "Not again" he says his voice pained "never again." he growls his eyes flashing he takes off in the direction of the house with Spike and Drusilla following. 'Chance baby please be home.' he prays. Finally he reaches the house slamming in the door "Chance" he yells running up the stairs. He enters their room checking the bathroom he finds no sign of her. Going across the hall he finds the nursery empty. 'Not here' he takes the stairs up to the third floor to the library.
Spike and Drusilla check downstairs not finding any sign of Chance they head up to the third floor and find Angel crouching with his back against the wall. "Angelus?" Spike says
"She's not here." Angelus says his voice calm yet deadly. He meets their concerned gazes his own filled with rage and fear. "Someone took them" he says coldly "Someone took imy/i wife and children." he stands "and that someone is going to die." he growls striding out of the room
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance groans groggily she opens her eyes. 'Where am I?' she struggles to sit up. "Hey you two OK?" she mutters rubbing her sides
"Good to see your awake" a voice says from the corner of the room
"Who are you? Where am I?" Chance demands watching as a sandy haired man walks out of the shadows "What do you want with me?"
"Name's Finn" he says
Chance frowns the name sparking a memory from Buffy. "You can't be him you aren't old enough." she looks at him closely "You are him aren't you?"
"Riley Finn." he nods "heard of me?"
"Willow mentioned you a few times."
"And so did Angelus" Riley states
Chance shrugs "He could have."
"Its because of him I'm like this." seeing the confused expression on Chance's face he explains "I loved her. She loved him. Her love for him caused me to lose her."
"He lost her long before you."
"He had her heart and soul. I had her body it wasn't the same. I wanted what he had." he touches Chance's belly "Now I have what he wants."
Chance shoves his hands away "Don't touch me." she hisses
Riley moves away from the bed "Enjoy" he says walking towards the door
Chance watches as he leaves 'Angel where are you?' she wonders leaning against the rock wall. "Oooh" she winces as her son kicks "calm down little guy. Daddy will find us soon." 'Hurry Angel'
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel paces the room trying to figure out who took his wife and children. 'Where are you baby?' he runs his fingers through his hair
"Angelus calm down" Spike tells his grandsire "we'll find them"
"Who took them?" Angel growls turning to his grandchilde.
"I don't know yet. I made some inquires no one knows" Spike says "I told them to keep an eye out for anything."
"If she isn't found soon I will kill all of them" Angelus roars.
Spike and Drusilla instinctively drop their heads submissively "I'll tell them" they walk out of the room
Angelus sits on the couch holding his head in his hands "Where are you Chance?" he mutters
"Daddy's sad." Drusilla mutters looking at her childe/lover with concern. "He needs his heart back."
"I know" Spike hugs her "we'll make sure he gets 'em back."
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance closes her eyes her mind on Angel. 'I'm scared Angel. I want to come home. Please find us.'
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel sighs 'We'll find you baby. I promise'
* ~ * ~ * ~
//Chance frowns looking around "What's going on?"
"Hello Chance" a woman greets
Chance turns to see Buffy standing there "Buffy?"
Buffy smiles "That's me"
"I don't..."
"I'm here to let you know Angel will come for you. I'll make sure of it. You just have to hang in there."
Chance nods "I will. I just want to go home."
"I know. He'll come for you just hang in there. He'll come for you as soon as the sun goes down."
" 'kay"//
* ~ * ~ * ~
//"Angel" Buffy says hurriedly
"Buffy what's going on?"
"Angel when the sun goes down you need to go get Chance."
"I don't know where she is." he says sadly
"Follow your heart my love and you'll find her."//
* ~ * ~ * ~
Midafternoon Chance gasps feeling a sharp pain "OK what was that?" she mutters rubbing her side. "Summer are you beating up on your brother?" she chuckles rubbing her stomach "You still need a name little guy." she sighs "I wonder if your Daddy has come up with one yet." she wonders "I'll have to ask him when we get home"
* ~ * ~ * ~
An hour before sunset Angel awakens rolling over he stares at the empty spot beside him. 'Chance I need you back.' he frowns remembering what Buffy said in his dream "Follow my heart" he throws off the covers heading into the bathroom for a quick shower
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Oh god" Chance groans standing up "OK I can't be in labor." she mutters pacing the small room. "Angel hurry please."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Angelus what's going on?" Spike demands seeing his grandsire search through his weapons closet in the library
"Getting ready" Angelus replies
"We don't know where they are."
"Daddy knows how to find them" Drusilla muses
"That I do Princess." Angelus smiles at the dark haired vampiress "I have to follow my heart." His normally calm eyes cold and hard
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance looks up as the door opens and in walks Riley. "Riley please I need to get to the hospital." she cries out feeling another contraction hit
"Sorry I can't do that." Riley stands by the door watching the teen lay on the bed "he took something of mine now I take something of his"
"Riley please they could die. Do you think Buffy would want that?"
Riley growls "Don't say her name" he turns on his heel slamming out of the room.
Chance lays there tears falling "Angel- hurry"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Angelus do you know where we're going?" Spike demands
Angelus turns "I know. We're almost there." he looks around sensing his mate nearby "She's near."
Drusilla moans "Pain. I can feel it."
Angelus looks at his childe "What do you feel Dru?"
Drusilla looks at her sire her dark eyes pained "The babies."
Angelus nods taking off in the direction of a hidden set of caves. 'I'm coming baby.' he makes his way through the darkened caves barely aware of the other two behind him.
* ~ * ~ * ~
In the small room Chance feels the familiar presence of her husband. "Oh God" she cries out contractions hitting her as the door slams open. She looks up to find Riley fly into the room hitting the wall with a thud. She watches as the enraged Angelus enters the room. "Angel" she greets tearfully
Angelus looks over at Chance "You OK?"
"I'm having contractions." she sees Riley stand "Angelus" she nods
Angelus turns around grabbing the younger vampire by his neck "You dared to take imy/i wife from me?!" he growls "Spike" he yells
"What?" Spike enters the room
Angelus releases the younger vampire "Keep him here. I'll take care of him later." he glares at Riley "I'll have fun teaching you to stay away from what's mine." he turns to Spike "Lock him here. Find some vampires, demons you trust to watch him. If anything happens to him I will kill whoever is in charge."
"Yes Master" Spike nods
Angelus goes over to the bed "Chance baby you OK?"
"Other than having contractions I'm great" she says sarcastically
"Spike you and Dru finish this up. Stop off at the house and grab Chance's hospital bag. Its in the nursery. Then come to the hospital" Angelus lifts Chance into his arms carrying her out of the caves.
"Hurts" Chance cries out as a contraction hits she digs her fingernails into his shoulders
Angelus growls smelling his blood. He picks up speed to the car. Carefully he sets her in the front seat.
"Angelus its too early." she says tearfully
"Remember what Willow said, twins are usually early." he reminds starting the car "It'll be OK"
"Angelus I don't want them to die."
"I know" he speeds up heading in direction of the hospital. A few minutes later he pulls the car into the Emergency Room parking lot. He turns off the car going around he helps Chance out. "Almost there."
Chance nods clinging to Angelus as he leads her into the hospital. She's barely aware of Angel talking with the nurse.
Angelus allows Angel to surface "She's in labor"
"How far along is she?" the nurse asks
"A little over seven and a half months."
"How far apart are her contractions?"
"About five minutes" Chance finally speaks
"How long have you been having contractions?" the nurse asks
"Since early afternoon." Chance replies
"Alright then lets get you upstairs." the nurse says calmly signaling for an orderly to bring a wheelchair. "Have a seat and the orderly will take you upstairs."
Chance nods sitting in the wheelchair she clings to Angel's hand. 'Please let my babies be OK' she prays as they get into the elevator.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Ten minutes later Angel and Chance find themselves settled into a room on the birthing floor of the hospital. Angel sits on the edge of the bed talking softly to Chance. "He didn't hurt you did he?" he asks concerned
Chance shakes her head "He would have let them die." she whispers
"I'll deal with him later." he promises kissing her forehead
Chance nods then groans as another contraction hits "I don't like this" she tells Angel through gritted teeth.
Angel takes her hand and squeezes it "I know"
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Angel, Chance" Willow says looking at the two with concern
"What's going on?" Angel asks worried at the tone of Willow's voice
"Chance we're going to have to do a C-section. We're going to need your foster mother's permission."
Chance nods reluctantly
"I'm going to need her number." Willow requests
Angel nods rattling off the number quickly. As Willow leaves he turns his attention to his 'wife' he moves a strand of hair out of her face "It'll be OK."
Chance looks at him her eyes teary "I hope so." she grips his hand "He still needs a name"
Angel nods "I know. We'll talk about it later" he kisses her forehead
A few moments later Willow returns "All right your foster mother gave us permission to go ahead."
Chance watches as the doctor and nurses work around her. As they are about to wheel her into the operating room Chance through her drug induced haze hears Willow ask Angel "Do you want to come in?"
"I better not. I haven't eaten since last night. I don't think I'll be able to control myself." he leans down kissing Chance's forehead "I'll see you in a while." he whispers
"Mmm" she sighs drifting off to sleep
Angel stays there watching as they roll Chance into the operating room. 'Let them be OK' he prays heading to join Spike, Dru, Giles, Joyce, Anya, Xander, Oz, and the kids in the waiting room.
Dru goes over to where Angel is sitting. She slides to the floor by his feet. She rests her head on his thigh looking up at him her eyes thoughtful "They are all special. The voices won't let anything happen to them." she says softly
Angel rests his hand on his childe's face smoothing her hair back "I know Dru" he smiles sadly then leaning his head against the wall he looks up at the ceiling.
"Angel have you eaten today?" Giles asks concerned
Angel shakes his head "Haven't been able too."
"I'll go grab something" Spike offers standing "Dru?" he looks at his sire concerned
Drusilla shakes his head "I'm going to stay with Daddy"
Spike nods "I'll be back as soon as possible." he walks away
"You OK Deadboy?" Xander asks
Hearing that Drusilla growls low looking at the mortal
"I'm fine" Angel replies looking at his childe "Dru don't do that here OK? We don't want to scare the humans."
Drusilla nods smiling demurely at her sire "We don't do the bad thing anymore. Its not nice."
Angel smiles slightly "No it isn't"
The group sits there fifteen minutes later Spike returns with a paperbag. "Here" he hands it to Angel
Angel looks at him quizzically "You didn't?!" knowing Spike had stolen it from the hospital
"Only one bag." Spike shrugs "We already ate."
"Thanks" Angel nods standing he walks out of the waiting room to the exit. A few moments later he returns to the waiting room finding the others still sitting
"Better?" Spike asks looking up at his grandsire
Angel nods sitting beside Drusilla "Been better."
___________