By
* * * *
Disclaimer in index of story
* * * *
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
<i>my</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 <i>my</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."
___________
Chapter 16
After midnight Chance slowly opens her eyes to find Angel
sitting beside the bed "Angel?" she says groggily
Angel smiles moving to sit beside her "Hey I'm here"
he touches her cheek "good to see you."
"They OK?" she asks worriedly remembering what had
happened
Angel nods "Their OK."
"Nothing wrong?" she questions
Angel sighs "Willow said they're healthy. Summer needed to
go on a respirator," he smiles "she'll be OK though."
"He's OK?"
Angel nods "He's good."
"Have you seen them?"
"Yes. They're beautiful."
At that moment the door opens and in walks Willow "Oh good
you're awake" she smiles at Chance "I brought someone to see
you." she wheels in a plastic basinet "You'll be able to see your
daughter in the morning." she informs them lifting the baby out of the
basinet carefully she hands him to Chance "Here you go."
Chance takes the small newborn supporting his head she smiles
at the drowsy baby "Hey little guy" she says softly
"Thanks Willow." Angel smiles at his friend
Willow smiles going over to the vampire she kisses his cheek
"Buffy would be proud of you." she says
Angel nods looking at his wife holding their son "I
know."
"Chance I'll be back in the morning" Willow says
Chance smiles "OK" she turns her attention to the
baby in her arms. After Willow leaves she looks at Angel "So what should
we name him?"
"How about Lucas?" Angel suggests
Chance looks at the little boy "What do you think little
guy? Like the name Lucas?" she smiles as the little boy yawns "I take
that as a yes. What about Michael for his middle name."
"Lucas Michael" Angel smiles "Sounds good"
he leans down kissing the newborn's head "Good to meet you Lucas
Michael."
The two sit there silently watching their son as he drifts off
to sleep. "Tomorrow I get to see Summer." she says softly looking at
the baby in her arms "what does she look like?"
"Like you only smaller." Angel replies "She has
your nose" he says
"He's got yours" Chance says looking at her son
asleep in her arms. "and your hands and your eyes" she says carefully
picking up the baby's small hand in her own. "He's going to be big when
he's older." she yawns
Angel smiles "Why don't you get some rest" he
suggests reaching to take the child from her
"I'm not tired" she protests trying to prevent a yawn
from escaping
"Sure babe." he chuckles
"Oh fine" she kisses the child's head "night
Lucas." she hands the child over to Angel. She watches as Angel sets to
baby in the basinet
Angel sits beside Chance "Get some sleep baby." he
says leaning down to kiss her forehead
"Are you staying?" she asks sleepily
"Yes" he pulls the blankets up to her chin "Now
get some sleep"
"Love you Angel"
"Love you too" he smiles watching as she falls asleep
* ~ * ~ * ~
"Miss Greyson" a voice calls
Chance opens her eyes groggily "Hmm?" she finds a
nurse standing beside the bed holding the baby
"Time to feed your son." the nurse announces
Chance sits up "Where's Angel?"
"He told me to tell you he'd be back as soon as possible
he had a few things to take care of." she hands Chance the baby
Chance exposes her breast wincing as the little boy tugs her
nipple into his mouth. "Ow"
"It'll hurt at first." the nurse informs her
"How's my daughter?" Chance asks curiously
"From what I heard she's good. They are very beautiful
children"
Chance smiles "They take after their father." she
says looking at the nursing newborn.
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angelus enters the caves going to the room that he had earlier
removed Chance from. He finds Spike sitting with Dru resting against him
"Where is he?" he demands
"Angelus you should be with Chance and the twins"
Spike says
"They're sleeping. I thought I'd come down and pound Finn
for a while then get back before dawn." he removes his jacket tossing it
to Spike he enters the cell to find Finn sitting on the ground leaning against
the wall.
"Ahh Angelus" Riley growls "how's the bitch and
brats?"
"Good. Lucky for you."
Riley looks at the angry vampire "Too bad."
"Get up." Angelus orders
"Fuck you." Riley hisses
Angelus goes over to the vampire pulling him to his feet by the
hair he slugs him. "I told you I'd make you pay." he slams Riley
against the wall "You almost killed my wife... my soulmate"
"You took mine." Riley snarls
"Buffy never was yours. She was always mine." Angelus
snaps punching Riley in the temple "I was after all her first... and most
recent."
"She's dead."
Angelus grins "So you didn't look directly into her
eyes." he shakes his head "If you had you would have seen her."
"Seen who?"
Angelus chuckles "Little prick you couldn't recognize your
own supposed soulmate." he shakes his head leaning closer "Chance is
Buffy. And like the time Faith took over Buffy's body you couldn't tell."
he grabs Riley's arm twisting it until it snaps "That's for hurting Buff
like you did when you fucked Faith." he lifts Riley by his neck "You
hurt my family. Almost killed them." he smiles coldly "I'm going to
have fun with this." he knees the vampire in his groin laughing as the
vampire groans he releases him "I'll see you later. I've got to get back
to my family." he walks out of the room to find Spike and Dru waiting
"Have fun with him if you want." he offers "But don't kill him
or do any big time damage." he grabs his jacket
"Tell Chance we'll stop by tonight." Spike says
Angelus nods "I will." he heads towards the exit
"Hey Peaches what did you name the tykes?" Spike
calls
Angelus turns with a faint smile he answers "Lucas Michael
and Summer Catherine." he turns walking away
* ~ * ~ * ~
Chance sighs as her son cries "I know. Calm down
Lucas." she rocks her son trying to calm him.
"He just ate, he's been changed." the nurse says
Chance senses Angelus nearby "He just wants his
Daddy." she watches as Angelus walks into the room
"Hey lover." Angelus grins walking past the nurse he
goes over to the bed kissing Chance's forehead "hey little guy."
"He wants you" Chance hands the now whimpering baby
to his father
"Do you need me anymore?" the nurse asks
"Uh could you just go check on our daughter. She might be
reacting the same way." Chance requests
The nurse smiles at the teen "Sure. I'll go see how she's
doing."
"Thank you." Chance looks at Angelus and smiles. As
the nurse walks out she asks "Where were you?"
Angelus looks at Chance "Went to make a quick visit with
Finn." he looks at Lucas in his arms "He's cried himself to
sleep."
"Finally." Chance sighs "He woke up crying. I
fed him, he still cried. The nurse changed him and still he wouldn't
stop."
Angelus grins "He just wanted his Da. Didn't you my
boy" he sets the baby in the basinet. He stands over the basinet watches
as the baby's chest rises and falls
"What are you thinking about?" Chance asks
Angelus looks over his shoulder "Its amazing."
"What?"
"That I fathered two human children." As they hear a
knock at the door they look over to see the nurse walk in
"I checked on your daughter she's sleeping peacefully. For
a while she was a little agitated but she calmed down."
"Thank you" Chance smiles
"If you need anything just call" the nurse tells them
walking out of the room.
Angelus sits beside Chance on the bed "We made two amazing
children"
"That we did."
"Two living breathing children." he shakes his head
Chance chews on her lower lip "Angelus what's going to
happen to them?" she questions "Are they going to be human? Vampire?
Or both?"
"I'm not sure. They seem human..."
"But that could change couldn't it?"
Angelus nods "Yes it could" he squeezes her hand
"I promise whatever happens Soulboy and I will be around to help
them"
"I know" Chance smiles tiredly
"Go back to sleep" Angelus orders kissing her
forehead
"You won't go anywhere will you?" she asks worriedly
"No I'll be around"
Chance nods "Will you go check on Summer before the sun
comes up?"
"You heard the nurse she's fine."
"I know I'll just sleep better if you check on her"
she says her eyes pleading "Besides if she's like her brother she'll
probably sleep better once she knows you're around" she rationalizes
Angelus smiles "I'll see if I can. Now go to sleep"
he glances at the sleeping baby "My boy will be hungry soon."
Chance smiles "That he will" she closes her eyes
"Love you" she mumbles sleepily
Angelus smiles "Love you too" he sits there until
he's sure she's asleep. He kisses her cheek "I'll be back as soon as
possible" he goes over to the basinet resting his hand on the baby's head
marvelling at the sight of the child's chest rising and falling "Sleep
well my boy" with one last look at his 'wife' he walks out of the room. He
takes the stairs up to the Neonatal Unit and goes to the window scanning until
he sees a basinet in the corner labelled 'Girl Greyson'. He watches as a nurse
checks on the baby.
"Checking on your daughter?" the nurse from earlier asks
seeing the handsome man standing at the window
Angelus nods relieved that the glare of the window is low
enough that the nurse doesn't notice his lack of a reflection. "Her mother
wanted me to check on her" he explains
"She's a very strong baby... and stubborn"
"Takes after her mother" Angelus chuckles "How
long will she be on the respirator?"
"A day or so. Its just a precaution" the nurse
assures
"I know" he replies "Chance is just
worried"
The nurse smiles "All new parents worry. Your daughter is
doing great"
Angelus nods "I can see that"
"Earlier she was a little upset but she calmed down"
"That's what the other nurse said. Will you let me know if
she starts to get agitated again" he requests
"No problem"
"I better get back" Angelus says "Thank
you" he nods walking away
* ~ * ~ * ~
A few hours later Angel hears Lucas start to fuss in the
basinet. He puts down his book and goes over to the basinet carefully picking
up the baby. "Hey little guy" he says softly sitting back down he
holds the fussy newborn talking to him softly
Through her sleep Chance hears the baby cry. Slowly she opens
her eyes and smiles at the sight of Angel talking softly to the baby. "How
long has he been crying?" she asks sleepily
Angel looks at her with a faint smile "He just
started"
Chance glances at the clock "He's probably hungry"
Angel nods carefully handing the baby to Chance
"Probably" he watches as she exposes her breast to the obviously
hungry newborn
Chance watches as her son nurses for a moment then looks at her
'husband' "Did you check on Summer?"
Angel smiles and nods "She was sleeping. The nurse said
she was doing great."
"I can't wait to see her." Chance smiles then looks
at her son "Who's older?" she asks curiously
Angel touches his son's head "Lucas is five minutes older
and two ounces heavier."
Chance looks at Lucas "Hard to believe he's so tiny"
"Willow said that they're amazingly healthy for being
premature."
"He's going to grow fast" Chance remarks looking at
her son with a grin "He's one hungry boy."
"That he is" Angel agrees watching the baby nurse
with fascination
* ~ * ~ * ~
Midmorning Chance smiles at the sight of Angel asleep in the
chair beside the bed with Lucas cradled against his broad chest. Her eyes go to
the door as it opens she smiles as Willow enters "Hi"
Willow grins at the sight of Angel holding his newborn son as
they both sleep "How are you doing?" she asks Chance
"Good" Chance replies "How's Summer?"
"She's doing good. I went and checked on her before I came
down here." she pulls the other chair up to the bed "So did you
decide on a name for him?" she questions sitting down
Chance nods "Lucas Michael"
"Light and Messenger" Willow muses
"In a way its after Angel." Chance says smiling
faintly
"How did Lucas do last night?"
"Woke up a few times to nurse. Calmed down after he was
fed and spent some time with his Daddy."
"The nurses told me Summer had been a little agitated for
a while last night"
"I know." Chance looks at Willow "I think that
they know when Angel isn't nearby. Lucas cried for a while but he stopped once
Angelus had him"
"Sounds like Angelus really has changed"
Chance nods "Angel thinks that he's calmed a lot since
Buffy died."
Willow shifts at the mention of her dead friend "How about
we go see Summer." she suggests
Chance grins happily "Of course"
"I'll go grab a wheelchair. I'll let you tell Angel."
"Sure" Chance sets her legs over the bed
"Need help?" Willow asks
"No thanks, I got it" Chance replies standing up
carefully
"I'll be right back" Willow says walking out of the
room
Chance carefully walks over to Angel leaning down she kisses
her son's covered head then lightly touches Angel's cheek
Angel's eyes open and he smiles sleepily "Hey"
"Morning" she kisses him lightly "Willow's going
to take me up to see Summer." She tells him. At his sleepy nod she smiles
"Go back to sleep. Want me to put Lucas down?"
Angel shakes his head "He's fine" he rubs his son's
back gently
"OK" she kisses his cheek "Back in a bit"
Angel nods closing his eyes as Willow returns with a wheelchair
Chance sits down in the chair and Willow pushes her out of the
room. Chance glances at Angel and Lucas "They look so cute together"
she says softly
Willow chuckles "They sure do" she agrees "I
told the nurses and doctors on this floor to not disturb Angel unless he calls
for them. They said they'd keep out of the room and keep an eye out for other
people."
"Good" Chance nods "I don't think it would be
good for them to disturb Angel when he's sleeping."
"Its good we got you in a room with little sun
exposure."
"I know. It would have been hard to explain how he
disappeared." Chance says as they enter the elevator. The two chat as they
go up one floor. Chance feels her excitement rise as she feels her daughter
near.
"Here we are" Willow announces wheeling Chance into
the ward to the back of the room where they stop at a basinet
A nurse approaches "Dr Osbourne good to see you."
"Nurse Jane" Willow nods "Chance Greyson this is
Nurse Jane. She takes care of all the babies in here."
"Hi" Chance smiles
"You're daughter is one sweet baby. She's only cried once
when it wasn't for food or dirty diaper."
"Oh that's what her brother did. He just wanted some
attention"
"You want to hold her?" Nurse Jane asks
Chance nods eagerly "Oh definately"
"Why don't you have a seat in the rocking chair." the
nurse directs. Chance does as the nurse picks up the baby carefully handing her
over to Chance "Support her head"
Chance nods cradling her daughter close "She's so
small" she says awed "Hi Summer" she smiles tearfully at the
small baby in her arms
"She weighs more than the average preemie" Nurse Jane
informs her
"When can we take them home?" Chance asks her eyes on
Summer
"Well Lucas can go home at the end of the week. Summer
will need a little more time here." Willow replies
"OK" she watches as her daughter's chest rises and
falls
"She can breath on her own, we just want to make sure
she's getting enough air. That's why she's on the respirator" Willow
explains noticing Chance's expression
"She'll be fine. They both will" Chance states with
certainty
"They will" Willow agrees. "I'm going to go do
some rounds. I'll be back in 15 minutes to take you back."
" 'kay" Chance nods her eyes on her daughter she
barely notices as Willow walks away. "Hi little girl. Its good to see you.
You know your Daddy and brother can't wait to see you." she chuckles as
the baby yawns
* ~ * ~ * ~
Later that afternoon Chance is leaning against Angel's chest as
Lucas nurses and Angel dozes. She pulls her gaze away from the TV and looks
down at her son. She chuckles at the sight of the sleeping baby. She shifts the
baby to pull down her shirt when Lucas whimpers "Shh calm down Lucas.
Don't want to wake Daddy." she lifts him to her shoulder patting his back
gently
"Too late" Angel yawns kissing the baby's head
"Hi" Chance looks at him over her shoulder
"Hey little guy what's wrong?" Angel asks softly
hearing the baby whimper
"He fell asleep nursing and wasn't too happy about me
moving him"
Angel presses a brief kiss behind her ear "I'd be upset
too" he purrs his hand brushing over her breast
Chance groans "You know I hate that"
"What?"
"When you purr like that" she shifts feeling her body
clench
"Mmm I can tell" Angel purrs. He smiles when he sees
her blush "You know this is the first time I've ever seen you blush"
Chance glares at him "Its all your fault"
"Why so?"
"Because now I'm thinking of all I'd do to you right now
if I could"
"Like what?" Angel asks curiously
"I'd rather show you." she smirks seeing the look on
his face.
"He's asleep" Angel states caressing the baby's head
"They are incredible" he states awed
Chance nods
"What's wrong?" Angel asks seeing the look on her
face
"Nothing... just thinking."
"About Summer?"
Chance nods
"She's going to be fine baby. You heard what Willow
said."
"I know I just wish she was here." Chance sighs
"Chance she'll be with us soon." Angel kisses her
shoulder "Then we'll be able to take them home."
"Willow said I can come home tomorrow. Lucas has to stay
until the end of the week and Summer until the beginning of next week."
* ~ * ~ * ~
After dark Angel looks towards the door hearing someone coming.
"What?" Chance asks seeing his attention shift from
her and Lucas to the door
At that moment the door opens and Willow walks in pushing a
basinet "Look who wanted to visit"
Chance starts seeing the little girl laying there she looks at
Willow "I thought it was going to be a while."
"She's made a big improvement so we thought she'd like to
come and visit with her family."
Chance grins at Angel who goes over to the basinet and
carefully picks up his daughter "Hey sweetie" he cradles the newborn
close and carries her over to the bed and sits beside Chance and Lucas
Chance looks at Willow "Thank you"
Willow smiles back and walks out of the room leaving the small
family alone
Angel stares at his daughter "You look like Mommy huh
Summer"
Chance looks at the little boy in her arms "And this lucky
little guy looks like his Daddy." she kisses Lucas's small hand
"We're just going to have to call you Lucky huh?" she laughs as the
baby yawns
"Lucky?" Angel questions
Chance shrugs "He looks like a Lucky." she smiles at
Angel lifting a hand she caresses his cheek "As you look like an
Angel."
"A fallen one" Angel corrects
Chance sighs "Even so you are my Angel." she sees
Angel wince "What?"
Angel looks at the little girl in his arms "Nothing"
Seeing his sad look Chance starts as a memory hits "Buffy
called you that."
"Yeah" he looks at Chance "Sometimes I forget
you hold part of her"
Chance touches his cheek "She's the one who brought us
together." she looks at the babies in their arms "They, in a way, are
a part of her. If it wasn't for Buffy I'd have died, they never would have been
born."
"I know" Angel looks at his children "She saved
my life many times and in many ways. After all I had done to her she's still gave
me you... and them."
"She loved you... still does" seeing his look she
nods "I know it Angel." she puts her hand over her heart "I feel
it. I know she loves you as much as you love her." she shivers
involuntarily
"Chance?" Angel questions concerned. He watches as a
look passes over her face "Honey?"
Chance feels something inside of her change and suddenly its
like she's watching Angel from behind a mirror 'Its Buffy' she realizes
"Angel"
Hearing the familiar tone he starts "Buffy" he
breathes watching his former love emerge from his current
'Buffy' looks at her lover and smiles "My Angel"
"I don't..." he trails off
'Buffy' lifts her hand resting a finger against his lips
"Shh" she looks at the two babies who are watching her intently.
"They are beautiful" she says awed. She looks at Angel with a small
smile "You did well"
"Buffy? What?"
"Chance is right... I do love you. I always have. Always
will" she looks at the newborns "You are going to be a great
Daddy." she smiles shyly at Angel "I always knew you'd one day be a
Daddy. Its something I always knew you wanted. As much as its in Angelus's
nature to fight its in both of you to love."
"He does love you" Angel smiles thinking of his demon
halfs attraction to Buffy.
"Chance adores you Angel. Don't ever forget that no matter
how immature she might act in the future she loves you and these babies"
"I know" Angel nods he watches as Chance appears
again "Chance?"
Chance looks at him slightly dazed "OK that was
weird" she says resting her head against his shoulder.
"You OK?" Angel asks concerned
Chance nods her eyes on the babies "Hey you two." she
smiles as Summer just blinks and Lucky yawns "What no 'hi mommy'?"
she laughs
Summer stares at her mother sticking her hand in her mouth
gurgling as her brother just yawns.
"I think I have an idea what their personalities are going
to be" Chance grins "Summer is going to be the talkative one"
"Like her Mommy" Angel smiles
"And Lucky is going to be like his Daddy the silent
type"
Angel looks towards the door sensing vampires nearby
"Spike and Dru are here"
Chance nods as the door opens and the two vampires enter and at
the same time the two babies whimper.
"Well I think they do have one vampire trait" Angel
says
"Huh?"
"Sensing vampires" Spike answers "how are you
doing Chance?"
"Good" Chance says
"Babies" Drusilla says happily
* ~ * ~ * ~
An hour later Angel lays Lucky down in the basinet then returns
to the bed sitting beside Chance who is holding Summer. "Lucky's asleep."
"So's Summer" Chance replies
"I'll put her down" Angel carefully takes the little
girl laying her down in the basinet beside her brother. He stands there looking
at the two babies as they sleep
"What are you thinking?" Chance asks
"Nothing really" Angel shrugs
"You better head back to the house"
"I'll go later." he replies sitting beside her his
arm around her shoulders.
"I get to come home tomorrow" Chance yawns snuggling
close
"Good" he presses his lips to her temple "I
can't wait."
"Lucky gets to come home in a few days. Summer a few days
later."
"We'll be a family soon"
"We already are"
Angel smiles "That we are baby."
"Love you"
"Love you too"
* ~ * ~ * ~
After midnight Chance is awakened by crying. "Mmm"
she sighs rubbing her eyes to find Angel trying to calm one of the babies.
"Angel?"
"Lucas is awake"
Chance sits up "He's probably hungry."
Angel hands the crying baby to Chance watching as the little
boy begins to nurse.
"Is Summer still asleep?"
Angel nods "Yes" he sits on the edge of the bed
lightly he strokes the nursing baby's cheek. Smiling as the little boy looks at
him briefly "hey my boy finish eating so Mommy can get back to sleep"
"He likes having his Daddy nearby" Chance smiles at
her son
* ~ * ~ * ~
An hour later Angel sets Summer back down "Both of them
are sleeping peacefully. And you" he turns around to find Chance watching
him "should go back to sleep." he moves to the bed leaning down he
kisses her gently
"Stay 'til I'm asleep?" she pleads
Angel smiles "Of course. I'll see you in the
morning."
"I'm only coming home to get cleaned up." she yawns
"I know" he strokes her cheek lightly "just go
to sleep"
"Wake me when your leaving?"
Angel smiles "Sure baby"
* ~ * ~ * ~
Angel senses the suns approach going over to the bed he kisses
Chance's forehead "Baby?"
Chance slowly opens her eyes "Angel?" she yawns
"Hey I'm heading home"
Chance nods
"I'll see you later OK?" he says
"Kiss?" she requests
Angel smiles "Of course" he captures her lips in a
passionate kiss
"Bye" she says breathlessly staring at him
"Get some more sleep" he smiles standing he goes over
to the bassinets checking on the newborns. With a glance at Chance he walks out
the door heading to his car.
TBC….
