By
* * * *
Disclaimer in index of story
* * * *
Chapter 12
Chance smiles looking at the sleeping vampire 'There's your
Daddy.' she thinks stroking her pregnant belly 'He should wake up soon. He said
he has a big surprise for Christmas. I can't wait. One more day.'
"Hey baby how are you feeling?" Angel props his head
up on his hand.
Chance grins leaning close she kisses him gently
"Good."
"You look happy"
Chance looks at her belly "I am. I'm over three months
pregnant the babies are OK. I'm with you" she smiles brightly "and
its almost Christmas."
"Its almost Christmas?" Angel asks with a teasing
smile
"Oh shut up."
Angel rests his hand on her stomach "Hey you two" he
says softly
"Can you believe that next year we'll be celebrating
Christmas with the babies?" Chance says happily
Angel winces inwardly 'I hope so'
"Are you going to tell me what the surprise is?"
"You have to wait until Christmas"
"Oh OK" she sighs "will you give me a
hint?"
"No" he shakes his head "you'll just have to
wait"
"Oh fine" she pouts then sighs
"What?"
"Nothing. I just have to go to the bathroom again."
she throws off the covers standing she walks into the bathroom
Angel watches as his mate walks across the room naked. He sits
up leaning against the headboard 'God she's beautiful' he smiles
Chance walks out of the bathroom smiling at the sight of Angel
sitting up when an idea hits.
Angel sees the mischeavious look in her eyes he watches her
walk to the bottom of the bed. "Chance?" he growls questioningly
Chance smirks crawling up the bed she stops at his waist
"If you won't tell me what my surprise is then lets see if I can convince
you."
"You can try" Angel watches her warily
"That's the fun part." she says pulling the sheet
down stroking him smiling as she hears him growl. "I love hearing that
sound."
Angel groans at the feeling of Chance's mouth surrounding him
"Chance" he hisses "So good."
* ~ * ~ * ~
"You aren't going to tell me are you?" Chance
grumbles
Angel shakes his head "I told you I wouldn't."
Chance glares at him "Oh alright"
"Why don't you get cleaned up and dressed" Angel
suggests "and we'll go out for a while."
"Go where?"
"Just go for a walk. You need to get some exercise and
fresh air."
Chance smiles "OK" she gets out of bed heading into
the bathroom
Angel shakes his head in amusement at her excitement. He gets
out of bed following her into the bathroom to shower but as always with them they
did more than just shower.
* ~ * ~ * ~
The two lovers find themselves standing looking at a Christmas
tree in the middle of the plaza. Chance snuggles closer into Angel's protective
embrace "Angel relax" she looks up at him "no one bugs us when
we're out."
Angel looks down at her and smiles "I know. Its just
habit." he strokes her stomach tenderly "Have to be alert in case
they do try anything"
Chance shakes her head then lifting a hand she guides his lips
to hers kissing him tenderly she smiles "I love you"
"I love you" he echoes kissing her back
"You two make such a cute couple." a elderly voice
says
Angel and Chance look towards the voice to find an elderly
couple standing there looking amused. "Thank you" Chance grins
"Merry Christmas" the white haired man says
"You too" Angel wishes watching as the couple walks
away. He smiles at Chance "Merry Christmas my love"
Chance smiles back "That it is"
~ * ~ * ~ *
Chance slowly opens her eyes yawning. She smiles feeling
Angel's hands stroking her belly. She looks over her shoulder to see Angel
behind her his arms around her. "Is it Christmas yet?" she asks
hopefully
Angel nods "It is." he kisses her shoulder
"Merry Christmas"
Chance grins "Merry Christmas."
"Do you want me to make you breakfast?"
Chance shakes her head "Not yet." she shifts so she's
facing him she laces their fingers. "When I was little I used to hate
Christmas. I hated the fact that people were always so happy around the
holidays. For the first time ever I'm actually happy."
"I'm glad." he smiles faintly "All I want is for
you to be happy."
Chance looks at her rounded stomach then at Angel "I'd be
even happier if I knew what was going to happen with the babies."
"Chance" he pauses unsure what to say
"Angel do you think they'll survive?"
"I don't know baby. I hope they'll be OK. We have to be
prepared for the possibility something will happen."
Chance feels tears blurring her vision "I know. I
just" she pauses wiping away her tears "I don't want to lose our
babies Angel. They're too important to lose."
"I know how important, how special they are." he
rests his hand on her stomach "I want them to be born. I don't want to
lose them or you. The babies are miracles I don't want anything to happen to
them. We'll do whatever it takes to find a way for them to be born."
"Promise?"
Angel nods "I promise." he kisses her forehead
Chance smiles relieved wiping away her tears "I hate
crying"
"You heard what Willow said about your hormones"
"I know" she sighs "I hate it though" she
grumbles
"Do you really?" Angel smirks
"Oh alright. Its kinda fun getting what I want." she
laughs "Who would have thought that a tough vampire like you would end up
floored by a pregnant teen with mood swings. Let alone Angelus turning out to
be a big softie." she remarks with a laugh
"I don't think Angelus would like being called a
softie." Angel chuckles "I like doing things for you and our
babies."
Chance looks at him chewing on her lower lip "I
wonder"
"What?"
"I wonder if the twins are going to our only
children" she muses
Angel shrugs "I'm not sure."
"Would you want more kids?"
"I haven't really considered it. If its possible
sure." he smiles "But first I think we need to get through these
two."
Chance smiles "Your right... as usual."
Angel looks at the clock "So do you want breakfast
yet?"
Chance nods eagerly "Sure. I'm getting to be hungry"
Angel smiles leaning forward he kisses her "What do you
want to eat?"
"Um" she looks thoughtfully as she strokes her
stomach "I kinda have a craving for waffles."
Angel nods "That all?"
"For now"
"Then I'll go make them" he kisses her again then
gets out of bed pulling on his pants
Chance lays there watching as her bare chested lover walks out
of the bedroom. After a few minutes she follows Angel into the kitchen.
"You know I was thinking"
"About what?"
Chance sits down at the kitchen table watching Angel moving
around the kitchen making breakfast "I just thought it would be kind of
cool to have a little boy."
Angel looks at Chance with a faint smile "Maybe they'll be
twin boys"
"Maybe"
"Then again they could be girls."
"I think it would be cool to if we had a boy and a
girl."
"A little girl who looks just like you." Angel smiles
"A boy who's a mini version of you."
"Two mini versions of us" Angel shakes his head
"imagine the trouble the two could get into."
"True but imagine the fun"
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance sits on the couch watching as Angel hits the punching
bag "Angel when am I getting my surprise?" she demands annoyed yet
turned on by the sight of her lover working out.
"Just let me finish this and get cleaned up."
Chance sits there waiting for Angel to finish. Fifteen minutes
later Angel walks into the livingroom after showering. "What's my
surprise?" Chance demands "Tell me please" she pleads
Angel smiles "There are a few of them"
"Well spill."
Angel sits beside her "I did some research as did
Giles."
"On what?"
"Here this will explain" Angel hands her a card
"Open it."
Chance looks at him quizzically then opens the envelope
removing the card she reads the front "Christmas is a time for
miracles." she opens the card and reads Angel's inscription "Chance,
when you told me why you were named Chance you said it was because the nurse
thought you had a second chance at life." she smiles at Angel then
continues to read "You are my own second chance, to be what I now know what
I am to be... happy. You and our babies are my own chance to be, in a way,
human. Children need love and support which they will undoubtably get. Here is
my gift to my family something for all the children we have." Chance looks
at Angel who hands her another envelope. She smiles opening the envelope she
removes a picture of a large Victorian house she looks at Angel
"Read the back" he instructs
Chance flips the picture over to read the back "Christmas
is a time to celebrate miracles... how about celebrating them here?"
Chance looks at Angel stunned "You bought a house?"
Angel nods "Merry Christmas baby" he grins
Chance grins back throwing her arms around him hugging him
tight. She looks at him with a big smile "So where is the house?"
"That's the thing" he pauses "remember what I
said about Giles and I doing some research?"
Chance nods "Yes"
"Well Giles has a theory that being on the Hellmouth will
possibly increase the chances of the twins surviving." seeing the excited
look on Chance's look he puts his hands on her shoulders "Chance its a
theory... they still might not survive."
"I know" Chance smiles her heart filled with hope
"but we have to try"
"Yeah we do" he pulls her close kissing her temple
* ~ * ~ * ~
That night Angel smiles as he listens to Chance talk.
"Angel tell me about the house" she demands sleepily
Hearing the sleepy tone he chuckles "Sure baby"
Chance listens as Angel tells her about their new home...
again.
* ~ * ~ * ~
A week later Angel pulls the car up to a large blue and grey
Victorian house. He smiles at the childish glee in Chance's wide eyes as she
looks at the house. "So what do you think?"
Chance looks at him "Its so cool."
"Come on lets head in"
Chance smirks "Hhmm does this mean we get to have some
fun?"
"If your asking if your going to be able to pull the same
stunt then you aren't going to be able to. I already signed the papers."
"Damn" she pouts
"We can still have some fun" he kisses her tenderly
"Now lets get inside and have a look around." he helps her out of the
car hand in hand they walk up to the house. He unlocks the door allowing Chance
to enter first. He follows her watching the awed look with amusement.
Chance enters the foyer looking around in awe. "Its
beautiful." They walk around the downstairs checking out the livingroom,
diningroom, kitchen, and main floor bedroom.
"You can change whatever you want."
"No its perfect." she smiles hugging him
"I had the furniture removed from the room across from
ours for the nursery. So you can decorate it yourself."
"You're helping Mister" she says sternly her hands on
her hips
Angel throws up his hands up in surrender "OK OK"
"I wanna check out the upstairs."
"Start on the attic or the second floor?"
"Angel I don't need to see the attic." she rolls her
eyes
Angel smiles "Then third floor it is." he takes her
hand leading her up the stairs to the third floor. "There's a
library/study and two bedrooms and a bathroom"
"Cool" Chance says happily as they walk up the
stairs. They open the first door to find a furnished bedroom. "Why'd you
go for furnished?"
Angel shrugs "When I lived in Sunnydale one of the places
I lived in was an abandoned mansion a couple blocks over. I walked passed this
place every night. It always intrigued me. When I heard that it was up for sale
I thought it would be a great house for us and the babies to live in." he
hugs her "The previous owners didn't want the furniture so they left it.
If you don't like it we can get rid of whatever you want."
"No. I like what I've seen. Might want to move things
around but I don't want to get rid of anything." she smiles hugging him
back "Its perfect" she looks up at Angel pulling his lips down to
meet hers "I love it" she whispers "and you."
Angel brushes his lips across hers "I love you too"
"Come on lets finish looking around" she grins
pulling him out of the room. "What's behind door number two?" she
laughs pulling the door open to find another bedroom. "Another bedroom.
You know we're going to need sheets and stuff."
"We'll go shopping one night soon." he promises
"I love to shop"
"I know" he chuckles
"When did the last owners move out?" Chance asks
"A few months ago. After I signed the papers I had the
agent send in cleaners to dust and stuff."
"Better them than me. I hate cleaning"
"I know." he sighs
"Oh shut up." she smacks his arm "Next
room." she skips across the hallway to open the next door
"Bathroom" she says "next" she pauses
"You OK?" Angel asks concerned
"Just a little dizzy" she says
"Baby you need to take it easy."
"I'm fine now." seeing his uncertain look she rolls
her eyes "I am." she assures walking towards the next door.
Angel watches her carefully "Chance" he mutters
Chance opens the door walking in she turns on the light.
"Wow" she whispers as the chandelier lights up the room. "Angel
this is so cool"
Angel enters behind her seeing the darkly furnished library.
"That it is. We'll have fun filling this room with books"
"Yeah" she smiles looking at the leather furniture
and the old fashioned roller desk. "This room needs a few more
things."
"Like what?" Angel asks wrapping his arms around her
"Promise not to laugh?" she tilts her head to look at
him
"Of course I won't laugh" he promises
"Needs a beanbag chair by the fireplace."
Angel smiles "Whatever you want."
"Goody" she says happily turning she puts her arms
around his neck "You spoil me."
"I know. I just can't help myself."
"I'm glad you can't." she laughs
Angel chuckles kissing her forehead "Lets go to the second
floor. We should also go to the grocery store."
"We gotta get ice cream this time."
"We'll make a list before we go."
Chance kisses his cheek "Then lets go check out the rest
of the house"
Angel leads her down the stairs to the second floor. "The
second floor has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has a
bathroom with a jacuzzi bathtub, and a shower."
"Wanna see if the tubs big enough to have some fun?"
Angel shakes his head "You're insatiable aren't you."
She lifts her shoulders and smiles "I have an excuse
what's yours?"
"I can't resist you." he cups her cheek "You are
incredibly gorgeous like this" he moves his hands down to rest on her
stomach "carrying our babies." he inhales deeply "Your scents
different"
"How so?" she asks curiously
"Its hard to explain."
"OK" she shrugs "so wanna go see if the tubs big
enough to play in?"
"Sounds like a good idea." he follows Chance into the
master bedroom
Chance smiles at the sight of the big bed, fireplace, and
window seat. "This room is awesome"
"Glad you like it"
"How can I not? Its perfect." she walks into the
master bathroom and grins at the sight of the huge bathtub.
"So what's the verdict?" Angel asks
Chance looks at him over her shoulder with a smile "Looks
like we're in for some bathtub fun." she walks out of the bathroom and
notices the closet door. She opens it to find a large walk-in closet.
"Nice closet" she walks out of the bedroom across the hall. She opens
the door and turns on the light. "Hey Angel come here" she calls
Hearing her call for him he walks across the hall. "What
is it?" he asks worried. He enters the nursery "Chance?"
Chance turns around "Look" she gestures to two brown
teddy bears "who're these from?" she asks
"I don't know." Angel replies concerned
Chance notices a piece of paper on the lap of one of the bears.
"Oh there's a note." she picks it up opening it she reads
"Congratulations on your new additions to your family. Here is a gift from
us at Sunnydale Real Estate Agency." Chance hands the note to Angel
picking up one of the stuffed bears "They're so cute. Babies first
gifts" she grins at Angel
Angel smiles back "We'll have to send them a thank you
card"
"Yep"
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance looks at the list "Lets see what's left" she
scans through the list "still need bread, cookies, chips, fruit, peanut
butter, noodles, soup, and crackers." she says to Angel
"Chance you don't need cookies" Angel sighs
Chance glares at him "No cookies and you'll be sleeping on
the couch"
Angel shakes his head "Fine."
"Oooh can't forget ice cream."
Angel follows her pushing the cart "You are a junk food
addict"
Chance turns around her hands on her hips "And your point
is?"
"Nothing" he protests
"Good" she grins walking again
Angel shakes his head 'Man I love that woman' he follows her to
the frozen food aisle. "Chance I'm just saying you need to eat
healthy."
"OK I'll grab some frozen peas and corn." she opens
the freezer door to grab the packages she notices a package of lima beans.
"Ooh lima beans." she looks at Angel with a grin "I love lima
beans, peas and corn." she puts them in the cart. "Can you grab a
couple cans of grape juice and apple juice?" she asks
"Sure"
Chance grabs a couple frozen lasagne entrees putting them in
the cart. She heads for the ice cream as she reaches for coffee flavored ice
cream when she's stopped
"Hands off." Angel says
"But..."
"You know how you get when you have it."
"I promise not to eat the whole carton in one
sitting" she pleads
"No" he replies "you say that but the second I'm
gone so will the ice cream. Go for something else."
"Oh fine" she grabs cartons of chocolate chip mint,
vanilla, and chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. "There"
"Meat?"
"Chicken and hamburger." she pauses "steak"
she feels a slight craving for meat. She looks at Angel "I think they want
steak soon"
"I'm not surprised" Angel smiles "You haven't
had any real meat in a few days." he kisses her forehead "Alright
meat it is." Angel pushes the cart down the aisle "I'll get that when
I go to the butchers later. Now what?"
Fifteen minutes later Chance and Angel are standing in the
checkout line "What next?" Chance asks tiredly
"We'll head back to the house but away the food then you
are going to bed." he says moving up to the line watching at the checkout
person scans the items putting them in bags.
"Its too early" she grumbles leaning against him
"and we're hungry"
"It might be but its been a long day. I'll fix you
something when I get back" he promises putting his arm around her
shoulders he presses his lips to her hair.
Chance sighs looking up at him "Do you have too?"
Angel nods "I have somethings to take care of."
"Alright your total is a hundred and seventy-four dollars
and thirty six cents." the cashier tells Angel
Angel takes out his wallet four fifty dollar bills.
"Here"
"How long will you be gone?" Chance asks
"For a few hours." Angel says taking the change from
the cashier. "Thanks" he nods to the cashier.
* ~ * ~ * ~
"I'll be back before dawn. If your still craving meat I'll
make you a steak for breakfast" Angel tells Chance "will you be
OK?"
"Something tells me I will be." Chance looks up from
her reading "I'm a big girl Angel. I can stay home by myself." she
rolls her eyes
"I know baby, I just worry."
"We'll be fine. Just call if you aren't going to be back
before dawn"
"I will." he promises kissing her forehead "Call
if you need anything"
"Where are you going?" Chance asks
"I'm going to go see Giles then the butchers"
"Does he know we're here?"
Angel nods "I called him last night. I told him I'd stop
by tonight."
"Oh." she runs her hands over her stomach "Just
be back soon."
"I will. Just get some sleep"
"OK" she nods standing she follows him to the foyer.
Angel pulls her into his arms "I love you" he says
softly tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I love you too" she smiles meeting his lips in a
tender kiss
Angel ends the kiss "Do you want me to wake you when I get
back?"
"Yeah"
"I will then" he walks towards the door
Chance watches as Angel walks out of the house 'Well babies its
just us. Daddy will be back later.' she strokes her stomach
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel reaches the front door of the apartment. He stands there
remembering the last time he had been there. 'After Buffy died.' he lifts his
hand knocking. As the door open he sees the familiar face of the former Watcher
"Hello Giles" he greets
The grey haired man looks at the vampire before him "Its
been a while." he moves aside allowing the vampire to enter. "How are
you Angel?"
"Good. And you?"
Giles removes his glasses cleaning them with a handkerchief
"Doing well as I can be." he puts on his glasses "Have a
seat."
Angel nods moving to the armchair sitting "Giles I uh owe
you an apology." he leans forward on his forearms he looks at the floor
then at the elderly man
"For what?"
"Long before Buffy died she asked me to do something for
her." he glances at the floor then looks at Giles "She made me
promise that if anything happened to her I'd keep an eye on you guys... make
sure nothing happened to any of you. When she asked me that I agreed thinking
that I'd be able to." he sighs sitting up "I made her a promise and I
couldn't do it."
"Angel, she'd understand why you left."
"I know. I owe you an apology for not staying and helping
you guys."
"Its the past Angel. Buffy wouldn't want any of us to feel
guilty for past events. How about we just start over." Giles suggests
Angel feels relieved "I think that would be good."
Giles smiles slightly "I take it your girlfriend's at
home."
Angel nods "She's probably asleep."
"Willow told me that Chance reminds her a little of
Buffy."
"Somewhat yes. Its probably because of the soul
issue."
"Oh yes. It could be. Hard to believe that the Powers did
that"
"With them I'm not surprised about anything anymore."
"Would you like some tea?" Giles asks
"Sure" Angel nods
Giles stands walking into the kitchen to put the kettle on.
"How is the pregnancy going?"
Angel stands walking around the room "Pretty good. Willow
says their doing good. Chance is taking everything in stride. She's not too
happy about the fact that she craves meat still somewhat bloody but
otherwise"
"And you?" Giles asks
Angel turns around looking at the former librarian "Mostly
I worry about Chance. She has her hopes up too high."
"And you?"
Angel sighs "As far as I know the twins are my only
biological family. I'd love it if they survived but I don't want to get my
hopes up."
"You don't know for sure if there aren't anymore of your
line?"
"Not really. For all I know I could have some great-great
grandchildren somewhere." he shrugs "But it would be pretty much
impossible to find out. I do know that all of my immediate family are dead...
after all I was the one who killed them." he shakes his head
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel enters the bedroom to find Chance curled up asleep. He
strips down to his boxers and pulls on a pair of pajama bottoms. He walks over
to the bedroom window he pulls the heavy drapes shut then walks into the
bathroom pulling the shade down. Returning to the bedroom he goes over to the
bed sitting on the edge he looks down at his peacefully sleeping mate.
Sensing Angel near Chance slowly opens her eyes smiling
sleepily at him "Your back."
"Of course. Are you still hungry?" when she shakes
her head he smiles leaning down he kisses her cheek "alright then go back
to sleep." he says
Chance sits up tilting her head "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Then why do you look sad?"
Knowing she's picking up on his feelings he knows he can't lie
"It was kind of hard to see Giles. It brought back a lot of memories."
"Oh."
"I'm OK. Why don't you go back to bed." Angel
suggests
Chance shakes her head "Only if you come to bed too."
"I will" he promises
"Now?"
Angel nods "Move over."
Chance moves over laying down on her side
Angel gets under the covers curling his body against Chance's.
He kisses her shoulder "Good night baby"
"Night" she mumbles
__________
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
