Surprise from the Past

AN: I know, it's been a while since I've written one of these. Honestly, I wanted to update sooner, but those darn plot bunnies. Anyway, other stories kept coming up, then school started, new job… and so on. But, finally set aside time to write this down, and without further ado, the next chapter in the Surprise series. Enjoy!

Oh! And please, please leave reviews. They make me smile and inspire me to write more.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the BatB characters from the show. The Cover Image comes from S2E5, "God Bless the Child."

Chapter 1: Before Sunrise

The morning was the same as always, dark and quiet. The only light came from the mysterious glow of the beautiful stain glass window and a few candles burning on the desk. In the glimmer of the firelight, a large furred hand with deadly claws wrote in a worn, leather-bound journal. The eloquent script flowed from pen to paper with such gentleness, though the hand which wrote it was powerful enough to snap the delicate pen in two. Years of practice also kept the deadly claws from brushing against the pages, avoiding easy tearing by the sharp tips. After a pause, the pen was placed to the side as the owner looked over what had been written, a satisfied smile on his rather unique lips.

November 8, 1992
These past few months have been filled with such joy, I am surprised I have found words to express all of it. I have attended many Joining ceremonies, but this was the first for me to attend Above. Only Devin could find a such a way for me to be apart of a celebration by choosing the one night I can walk among other men without fear. And what a time it was. I have never seen Devin so happy in his life than when Tasha came down the aisle. It took all he had to remain standing proud as she drew nearer. They have started a new chapter in their lives, one I feel blessed to have taken part in. Though the ceremony was beautiful and the reception a time of love and laughter, I must confess that my first Samhain with Catherine will always be the greatest joy for me.

Catherine, the woman I love; my soul's other half. Every day I am amazed by her strength and her love. There are times when I wonder if I am truly awake and living this life. It is a life I have always dreamed, and yet, each time I look at her, I smile and thank the Heavens for bringing her back into my life. She has given me more than I ever hoped to dream for, and what I never dared to ask. She has given me love as pure as the first fallen snow, and loved me with a passion to rival the reddest rose. The day of our Joining was one of the happiest moments in my life, but though our union was a dream made real, I will never forget the night Heaven smiled on me, and returned my Catherine to me.

The shadowed pain of those years crept back into memory. He paused, drawing one hand to his eyes to wipe a lone tear that threatened to fall. Reminding himself that time was long over, he picked up his pen again and continued.

Catherine is my life, and without her, I am nothing. The pain during those three long years of separation was a crushing weight to my heart and soul. I dare not think of what she might have done had I given into my sorrow and leapt into the Abyss, thinking I would join her in death. As I stood out there, all I could think of was of my last precious moments I spent with my beloved. I recalled when our Bond was lost to me, I doubted myself and believed our dream was over. But not Catherine. She spoke of our connection as a gift, and believed there were other gifts waiting to be received. Little did I know then what she spoke of would be the greatest gift I never once dreamed possible for me.

Instead, I allowed shame to overtake me. I had failed her, I had failed the promise I made to her father that I would protect Catherine until my last breath. If I had listened to her, allowed her to share in my pain as she had asked of me so many times. But as all those precious, stolen moments we had in the past, I could not allow her to take on the turmoil I carried within me. It was my burden to bear, not Catherine's. So, I stood out on the edge, ready to welcome the cold embrace of the darkness below.

But my family refused to let me take this burden alone, and pulled me from the darkness. I n that moment, I could see Catherine reflected in their eyes, unable to bear the thought of what I had been about to do. In that moment I knew that I had to live or Catherine died for nothing. She lived on in my heart, and it was my love and memory of her that would keep her alive in my heart. And though those years were filled of nightly pains and regrets, I was rewarded for my patience.

Catherine, my love, returned to me, but she did not come alone. As if I was not blessed enough to hold her in my arms once more, I was given something else, an impossible dream. The gift of two beautiful children. I never allowed myself to even dare to dream of having a child of my own, let alone the miracle of twins. That was for ordinary men, not for me. Afterall, how could I ever ask a woman to bear my children when I could not bear my own fate. Yet Catherine dared to dream despite the many times I foolishly pushed her away. I once told Catherine that there were children waiting to be born, a dream I wanted for her so much, even if part of me longed for those children to be mine. Now, that dream has come and every moment with Catherine and our children is a memory I shall treasure for the rest of my life.

When I first met my son, I believed him to be another man's. I had learned during the time I was searching for Catherine that she had given birth to a child. A child that had been stolen from her the moment he took his first breath. Though I felt shame for not protecting Catherine, I never stopped until I found the child and brought him safely Below. I knew she would want her son raised with us here, safe within the Tunnels.

Though I at the time I did not know him to be my son, I gave the child a name: Jacob Charles Chandler. I still don't know what compelled me to do so, but I knew it felt right. Through the first years of his life, I saw so much of Catherine in him. He is courageous and kind, and his love for books has even surpassed that of Father. I never believed that this child could be mine, though I suppose perhaps the golden curls and deep blue eyes so similar to my own should have told me the truth.

Then there is our daughter, Rosemary Caroline Wells. A little angel, kind and beautiful as her mother in every way. As with Jacob, my first encounter with my daughter went without me knowing her true identity. She had been separated from her mother and brother, hiding from danger only to jump into my arms and refused to leave my side until I went on the search for her mother and Jacob. I again could not see how much this child resembled myself as Jacob did. Though she is much more adventurous than her brother. Watching her take Jacob along in her wake reminds me of the adventures Devin and I shared as children. And I do believe my daughter will bring Father more gray hairs than even Devin and I had managed in our youth.

Both children also share in their mother's stubbornness, though Catherine believes it comes more from me. I still see so much of Catherine in them, though I have noticed many of my traits have passed onto them as well. When they are older, I will need to show my children how to carefully use their claws so they do not harm themselves or those around them. I will also need to ensure they hide the small fangs Catherine and I see they will have. However, this will only be a precautionary for when they venture Above.

Vincent sighed heavily at the thought, continuing with his entry.

Alas, I must confess I am glad that these are the only differences the children have inherited from me. Had they been born in my physical likeness, I shudder to think what might become of them. I would not wish the torment of my youth upon my children. It had been one of the many fears I had about having children of my own. While I have shared these thoughts with Catherine, she has assured me many times she that our children would still be beautiful if they looked like me. No matter how they appear, Catherine and I love them beyond words. Still, I would not wish my fate on anyone. My children will never know the limitations I had as a child. They are free to walk amongst the world Above without fear, enjoying the sunlight without the isolation of Catherine's cabin.

But I am happy. Even now the words still fail to compare as I looked at the miracles Catherine and I have created. I could ask for nothing else. Yet it seems Catherine has sought to prove me wrong once more.

Vincent looked up from his journal to gaze at their bed. Catherine's back was to him, but she appeared to remain wrapped in sleep's embrace. He smiled when he saw her hand rest over her swollen abdomen. He returned to his journal.

She looks so peaceful, lying there, taken someplace far away in her dreams. I only wish I could share in her joy, but the Bond remains silent as our third child continues to grow within her. I can still feel my shock and amazement as I recall the night Catherine shared she was again pregnant. For a moment, I wondered if I had heard her correctly. I cannot find the words to express my joy as I took her in my arms. And when we told the children the next day, they could not contain their excitement. They hoped the baby will come soon so they could have someone new to play with, and they even promised to help care for their new sibling, with the exception they be excluded from diapering.

For me, the joy is more than I can anything I could have hoped for. Catherine and I were each robbed of many of our children's firsts. And I wish nothing more that I could have been at Catherine's side during every moment of her pregnancy, comforting and caring for her when she needed me most. Now I have been given a second chance and never could I have imagined the wonders of being with Catherine through this time.

I remember the first time our child kicked. We had taken Jacob and Rosemary to the Falls. As they played near the water, Catherine and watched from the shore when she suddenly cried out. Without the Bond, I had thought she was in pain until she took a firm hold of my hand and placed it over her belly. The feeling of the tiny kick was a miracle in itself. Catherine then called the children and had them feel for the baby as well. They squealed and laughed. What have I done in my life to deserve such a blessing?

Yet, despite this bliss, I feel a small hint of doubt lurking in my mind. I have not forgotten the poisonous words Paracelsus. I know they were nothing but lies used to drive me beyond my sanity, but part of me cannot let go of the horrid images they provoked. Not of what our child might do, for I know now that is nothing but a tale of a madman. But what is to become of Catherine?

As the days grow closer, I worry for my beloved. I have seen the pain women endure during labor, but how will I respond when I see that same pain in Catherine? What if her pain brings out my need to protect her, and I strike out at Father, Peter, or Mary?

What if I strike Catherine?

"Vincent?"

Vincent stopped writing and turned to find Catherine watching from the bed. She had turned on her opposite side with the covers lying just past her hip. Her long brown hair hung in a loose braid and her eyes, though bright, revealed her exhaustion. She slowly moved to prop herself against the headboard.

"What time is it?" she asked.

"It's nearly past one," Vincent said quietly. He closed his journal and moved to sit on the bedside. He leaned down and kissed her lips. "I'm sorry, my love. Did I wake you?"

Catherine smiled. "No, you didn't." She looked down and gave her stomach a few pats. "This one has been keeping me up for a while."

Vincent chuckled and placed his hand over her belly. He felt the child within kick vigorously under his touch, almost as if sensing his presence. Vincent turned to glance back at Catherine. She smiled but it was clear she wished to go back to sleep, something impossible with an active fetus. Turning his gaze back to her belly, Vincent lightly scolded, "And what are you doing up, little one? It is far too early to play, and your mother is very tired."

Catherine giggled as she watched Vincent playfully reprimand their unborn child. She loved to see this side of him. Even back then, watching him with the Tunnel children, Catherine knew Vincent would make a wonderful father one day. He was so relaxed and at ease. Only the innocent curiosity of a child seemed to allow him to be more comfortable with himself. Now that they had children of their own, Catherine enjoyed every moment with them, and she loved seeing Vincent so happy. He would play and wrestle with their children as they climbed on him, and when he laughed, Catherine felt her heart swell with delight. It only became more adorable after she told him they were having another child.

Since then, Vincent had done everything he could to make this pregnancy easy on her. He helped her when she had morning sickness, managed her aching back and feat, and was so patient, even during one of her mood swings. Though it was the way he acted with the baby that really surprised Catherine. She had just never seen Vincent act so…goofy. The way he talked to the baby, or how he would pull her into his lap, placing one hand over her belly to read a story.

Finally, the baby began to settle down and Catherine eased back into the pillows. "Thank you, Vincent. I'd hate to have dark circles under my eyes when I see Joe in a few hours."

Vincent smiled and took Catherine's hand in his own, pressing a small kiss to the back. "It has been some time since you saw him last."

"I just hope he doesn't ask anymore questions," Catherine sighed. "Last time he might have found out everything if Tasha hand't intervened. This will be the first time I've seen him on my own. I just hope "

"Catherine, Joe has been a wonderful friend to you, and he cares about you," Vincent responded, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of her fingers. "I have spoken with Father about this, and if it becomes necessary, the Council is prepared to offer him a place in our world."

"No Vincent," Catherine said softly. "I care about Joe, but I just don't think he could handle knowing about you and the Tunnels." She took ahold of his hand with a gentle squeeze. "Now that Joe is District Attorney, it would be too dangerous for you. Don't forget, you were connected to many of the cases I worked on before Gabriel, and Joe would demand the vigilantly responsible answer for those crimes. And what would happened to the children?"

At that, her free hand flew protectively to her stomach and snuck a quick look towards Jacob and Rosie's chamber. She turned back to Vincent's loving blue eyes, her voice threatening to break as she held back her tears.

"I can't risk separating our family again. Joe just needs to accept that Catherine Chandler died with the Gabriel case."

Though he understood, Catherine's words still caused Vincent to flinch. Gabriel's threat had died with him, but due to the reasons behind Catherine's capture, it was far too risky for her to return to the world Above. She had already been presumed dead, and even if she were to return, Catherine could not explain that the reason behind her kidnapping was because of Gabriel's desire to possess her child. It would lead everything back to the Tunnels, the people Below, and to Vincent.

So, it had been decided that Catherine would remain hidden. With the help of Tasha and her family, they were able to convince Joe that Catherine was involved in the Witness Protection Program, and thus she was to remain under an assumed identity in case any of Gabriel's allies came after her. What no one would know was that Catherine had been made a permanent resident Below, where she and her family would be safe. Though she sometimes missed her friends Above, Catherine was happy. After so many years of living in fear, it was a miracle that she had been reunited with the man she loved, and the people she had grown to call her family.

Yet that did not stop the feelings of regret that would plague Vincent's mind. While his heart swelled with joy at their dream finally fulfilled, there was a small part of him that ached because Catherine had to live the life he never wanted for her. A life in the shadows, of constant hiding from those who would not understand. Catherine had given up so much to be with him and he had condemned her to a life of darkness. Yes, Catherine could still take their children out to play in the sunshine, but not without wearing a disguise. Often when she returned from Above with the children, Vincent could see the look of longing Catherine would have as she recalled those times.

Vincent dropped his head in shame, concealing his face behind a curtain of golden hair.

Seeing the familiar gesture, Catherine leaned forward as best she could, and kissed his forehead. He looked up into her smiling face and smiled back. Even without the Bond, he knew she did not want him to feel guilty. Catherine had made it clear she would gladly do it a hundred times over if it meant they could be together.

A yawn reminded Vincent that his love still needed her rest. "Catherine, there are still a few hours before your meeting. You should go back to sleep," Vincent said, gently squeezing her fingers.

She sighed. "Alright, but only if you come back to bed."

"As you wish." Vincent stepped away from the bed and doused the candle on the desk. He removed his robe and walked back towards the bed as Catherine moved over to make room for him.

Just as he was about to join her, there was a soft whimpering from the other room, followed by a sudden outcry. "Mommy!"

Catherine sighed and began to scoot out of bed. Her efforts were stopped by Vincent's gentle hand on her shoulder. "I'll see to it, Catherine," he whispered. She smiled at him gratefully as he walked over to the children's room.

Vincent entered the small chamber to find both children huddled together. Jacob was holding his sister in his arms, only looking up when he heard his father.

"What happened?" He turned to his son, hoping the boy could provide some sort of explanation. "Jacob," he asked.

"Rosie had bad dream, Papa, Jacob said. "I got outta bed and woke her." He looked down at his sister before turning back to Vincent. "She really really scared."

"Can you tell me what happened?"

The boy nodded. "I was dreaming bout pirates, like in the book Grandpa read, when I heard Mommy calling. She sounded really scared. Then I hear you call Mommy." Jacob pointed at Vincent. "You sound far, far away and then I woke up. I gonna go back to sleep when Rosie start crying. I get up and ask what wrong, but she was still sleeping. Then she screamed for Mommy."

"Nothing else?"

"Nu-uh."

Vincent walked over and sat on the edge of his daughter's bed. She whimpered, clutching her stuffed rabbit tightly to her chest. Vincent coaxed his frightened daughter from her brother and into his arms. Sending the change, Rosie turned and clutched tightly to her father's nightshirt.

Vincent had not seen his daughter like this since the day he pulled her from the hidden room in Peter's basement. He rubbed her back, hoping to calm his child's fears.

Jacob frowned, and looked back up at his father. "Daddy, can you make Rosie bedder?"

"I will try." Gently pulling his daughter back, he brushed away her tears with his thumb. "Rosemary, can you tell me what frightened you?" he asked softly, not wanting to upset her further.

She nodded, though it was a few minutes before the toddler could speak. "I… I had a bad dream," she began. "About Mommy."

"Your mother?"

Rosie nodded. "She was in a big room, and lots a people there. But it wasn't like a party. The people had no faces but they all were a staring at Mommy. She look really scared. She was crying, like she had an owie. Nobody would help her. She was in trouble and-and she couldn't get out. She was t-t-trapped." Tears were welling up in her eyes again and she snuggled closer to Vincent.

"T-Then Mommy was calling, Daddy. She ask for help, but no one help her. Then she call you. I look around but you no come. I started crying and asking the people to help Mommy, but they all stood there staring at her. Then I try calling Mommy b-but she not hear me. I cried and cried, and that when I woke up." The tears began to pool in her eyes again, and Rosie threw herself into her father's strong arms. "Daddy, it was really, really, really scary."

Vincent had no words. He just held his daughter way she had described her dream made it seem all too real for the young girl. He recalled the reoccurring nightmares the children had after their experience with Gabriel, sometimes even sharing the same night terrors. However, what his daughter was describing to him now sounded like no ordinary nightmare. Vincent felt a chill creep up his spin at its familiarity.

Vincent began to worry how much Rosie's fear was being projected. He could sense it, and clearly Jacob was also affected as his worry for his sister was evident as he hugged his sister from behind. What worried Vincent was if this fear would be sensed by Catherine. Even though her pregnancy had silenced their Bond, Catherine's bond with their children was still very much intact. His only explanation for it was a mother's intuition, but he couldn't say for sure. Right now all Vincent could worry about was calming his daughter, especially before Catherine could sense the terror from their daughter's nightmare. She would come to check on her soon.

Hearing her soft cries roused Vincent from his thoughts. He began rocking her again, projecting all his love for his daughter onto her. "It's all right," he assured her, whispering the words into her golden curls. "I'm here, I'm here. There's nothing to fear."

When she settled once more, Vincent drew back to look into her tear-filled eyes. "It was only a dream, sweet rose. Your mother is just in the next room. Both she and the baby are well, safe Below with us."

"But is was so scary," Rosie whimpered. "She call and call, you couldn't get her."

Vincent gently shushed her and placed his hand on her cheek. "Shh. Everything is all right, Rosemary, I promise. It was only a bad dream." He pulled her back into his arms and, sensing Jacob's concern, freed one arm to drew his son into the embrace. He held them for a time, projecting love and reassurance through the Bond he shared with his children.

When he felt they had calmed down enough, he waited to speak until both his children were looking at him.

"Children, I understand your fears. For a time, I too was afraid of losing those I cared about."

"But Daddy, you nev' get scared," Jacob interrupted.

"Oh no, my son," Vincent replied, shaking his head. "I may appear brave, but I too have many fears. I worry for you, your sister, your mother and the baby; I worry for the safety of our family and of our home. If our world were ever discovered, the people here would have nowhere to go, and I would be taken away from you children and your mother."

"But Grandpa, Mary, and all our family never let nobody take you away, specially Mommy," Jacob confirmed. "When Mommy mad, you in big, big trouble."

Vincent couldn't help the chuckle that resulted from his son's statement. Indeed, he had learned long ago that his wife's temper was not a force to be reckoned with. He was brought out of his musings by his children's tightened grip on his waist. Looking down, Jacob and Rosie had buried the faces into Vincent's nightshirt, sending him their love through their Bond.

"We never let nobody take you, Daddy," Rosie stated, though her voice was muffled slightly. Her tiny hands gripped to his nightshirt, almost as if at any moment Vincent might disappear if she let go.

Vincent smiled down at his children. "Children, I know you have concerns. I wish you didn't. You have seen such wickedness in a short time, and endured so much when our family was apart. If I could have done anything to have spared you from the cruelties of this world, I would gladly do it. Yet, you must have faith. I can promise you both this: with every breath in me, I will never let anything separate our family ever again."

The twins looked up at him with equal assurance gleaming in their identical pair of eyes. Blue eyes so much like his own.

Jacob got a big smile on his face. "Yeah, nobody messes with you, Daddy," he stated proudly. "That cause all the bad guys know you can beat them up real good, right?"

Vincent chuckled and ruffled his son's hair. "You are correct, Jacob," he said. Then, noting again the lateness of the hour, Vincent gathered the twins in his arms and stood, turning around to set them back into bed. "Now, it's time for you the two of you to sleep."

"Okay Daddy." Jacob slid from his sister's bed, and hurried back into his own.

Vincent smiled and rose to tuck the children in for the night. But as he began to stand, he felt a small tug on his right sleeve. He looked down to find Rosie clutching tightly to the material.

Seeing her head concealed behind her hair, Vincent knelt down at his daughter's bedside. "Is something else bothering you, Rosemary?" he asked.

"Daddy…" Rosie hesitated. Vincent reached out and hooked his finger under her chin. He gently drew her face up and saw tears still lingering in her eyes. "Does… Does Mommy have to see Mr. Joe tomorrow?"

"Yes," Vincent answered, slightly surprised by the question. "Joe is an old friend, and he and your mother have not seen each other for a long time. Why do you ask?"

"I don't want Mommy to go." Though her voice was hushed, Vincent could hear and feel her fright. "What if something happens to Mommy and Baby like in my dream?"

Vincent patted his daughter's hand. "Do not worry, sweet rose. The visit will not be long. In fact, your mother will return before William has finished dinner."

"But Daddy," Rosie protested. "I gots a bad feeling. Here." Rosie touched her hand over her heart. "When I think bout Mommy going tomorrow, the bad feeling gets worser."

Vincent was silent for a moment. As much as he wanted to reassure his daughter nothing would go wrong, something about her fear caused him to have second thoughts. Then there was her dream to consider. The details were similar to any nightmare a child could have about being trapped, yet there was an ominous familiarity that unnerved him.

There were many times in the past when Vincent could recall such dreams in where his loved ones had been in grave danger. He had not forgotten about his dream of an icy winter that would bring about his death. The vision had been a warning, resulting in the assassination attempt carried out by Snow. Then there had been the dreams connecting to Alexander Ross, Steven Bass, and countless others who had threatened Catherine's life. They had all been so cryptic, and until the danger presented itself, it was almost nearly impossible to know what was to transpire. Even trying to explain them to his family had ended with negative results. The others merely interpreted them as nothing more than dreams until the premonitions became reality.

It was a trait of his even Catherine had once doubted. Yet there was no denying the possibly when his own daughter just stated a vision that bought about warning like so many of his own.

Could this same trait somehow have passed onto the children? he thought. Even Jacob's dream held some warning of danger, but again, the dreams could be nothing. There was also the possibility that the children would share such dreams as their connection was strong, even for twins.

Vincent decided he would consider it more in the morning after his mind had a chance to rest. Instead, he patted his daughter's head and tucked her back into bed. "Don't worry," Vincent assured her. "Now, time to go to sleep." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You'll see. Everything will be better in the morning."

"Okay. Night Daddy." Rosie snuggled into her blankets and blew him a kiss before she closed her eyes. "I love you."

"Goodnight, my dear," Vincent whispered. He turned and bid Jacob goodnight before stepping out of the children's chamber. He quickly checked to make sure they were both sound asleep before returning to Catherine.

"How are they?" she asked, clearly agitated. "Is everything alright?"

"Nothing more than bad dreams, my love," Vincent assured her as he climbed into bed. "It would appear though that Rosemary is concerned about your meeting with Joe tomorrow."

"Poor thing…" Catherine mused. "I'd love to stay home, but I need to see Joe before he threatens to send out a search party to find me."

Sensing her humor, Vincent gathered his wife into his arms. As she settled herself against his side, his mind would not rest. Part of him could not put to rest the foreboding effects of Rosie's concern over Catherine's meeting with Joe. Part of him wanted desperately to believe that all would go well, but memories of the past proved him to never doubt such premonitions.

"Catherine…" he asked, hesitant of his question. "Are you sure you will be all right tomorrow?"

Catherine smiled. She lifted her head from her husband's broad chest and cupped his cheek in her hand. "Don't worry, Vincent," she told him, stroking her thumb across his bristles. "Joe is meeting me in the park away from the drainage access, and then he's taking me to some new café that opened last month. The place is very popular, but no one there will pay attention to us. Everything will be fine."

Gathering Catherine closer, Vincent kissed her and laid his cheek on top of her head. "You're right, Catherine. Perhaps…I'm merely worrying over nothing," he whispered into her hair.

"Something else is bothering you, isn't it?" she asked. She was already feeling her eyes begin to droop, but she fought to stay awake. Snuggled into his embrace, her hand still against his cheek, she asked, "Tell me, please."

"It's nothing to worry over, Catherine," he answered, looking at her with all the love in his heart. He took her hand and kissed her palm.

Too tired to press for answers, Catherine only nodded before returning to lay her head over Vincent's heart. At the sound of his steady heartbeat, sleep overtook Catherine's mind and she settled back down. Vincent pressed another kiss to her temple. When her breathing slowed and she relaxed completely in his arms, Vincent sent up a silent prayer that all would be well tomorrow, and that Catherine and their child would return to him safe and unharmed.

Vincent allowed himself one more look at her peaceful, sleeping face before he joined his wife in the comfort of their dreams.