The Promise
Author: Joy
Email: Julianna@ziplip.com
A/N: Alright guysI'm not a huge fan of putting songs in stories BUT it is essential to read the words or you're going to miss the point. (Thanks to Tracy Chapman for it.) Beginning is highly stressed but its all good by the end.
A/N2: Anybody else freak last night over the add featuring Gabriel and Pez's kiss. I'm sitting there going Yes' and my husband is yelling No!' He spent the next fifteen minutes telling me how too young he is for her using the excuse that it really doesn't matter how old she is in this lifetime she is timeless throughout history so therefore Gabriel is too young. I laughed in his general direction Not to say I wouldn't mind seeing Ian with Saraif he regained some of his sanity perhaps. I have never truly been creeped out by Nottingham until last night.
Anyway on with the show!
Wednesday dragged on for Gabriel after his time with Ian it was hard to be alone. He wanted Sara so much. He knew he loved her but this time away made everything seem more real. Gabriel missed her smile and laugh. He missed the way she would wrap her arms around him from behind and kiss the back of his ear as she whispered to him. He missed the feel of her body in his arms and the light in her eyes.
Being in love was one of those things you either are or you aren't. There is no in between. Unfortunately the longer he thought about it the more likely it seemed he was in love with Sara but Sara was not in love with him. His heart hurtso much. Even if he didn't lose Sara to Ian, Gabriel wasn't sure that he could go back to the playful dating they had been doing. She loved him he knew but
The bell on his door rang. Gabriel prayed it was Sara. "Open up Bowman!" Angela's voice sounded loudly.
He groaned, "What is it Angie? I'm not in the mood for a visit."
"This is no visit Store hours are over. You are getting out of there."
"No," he fused opening the door. "I am not up for this."
"So what do you want to do?"
"Stay home and be depressed."
"Do you really want Sara to see you that way when she gets home?" Angela teased.
Gabriel clinched his eyes shut, "I don't know that she is coming back."
"She hasn't given you any bit of encouragementnone at all?"
He rolled his eyes, "Maybe."
"Maybe?" she said raising an eyebrow.
"Fineshe gave me a stuffed rabbit, my own snuggle bunny, like the one I gave her."
Angela smirked, "Just the rabbitno note or anything?" He avoided eye contact. "What did the note say Gabriel? What was the main point of it?"
He pouted, "I vow to come for you if you'll wait for meThere are you satisfied."
"Yes. Now get your coat, we're blowing this pop-stand," she announced.
Gabriel shook his head; "I hate that expression." But he grabbed his jacket.
As Gabriel and Angela left the building Sara snuck in. They walked maybe a block when Gabriel suddenly thought of something. "Shoot. I left my phone."
"It's okay. We'll only be gone an hour at most."
"I'm getting my phone," he said strongly.
"Why?" she snapped.
"What if Sara calls? I'm getting my phone!"
"But Gabriel"
"Either I get my phone and we walk or I go home now and stay home!" Angela shook her head and prayed Sara would be somewhere hidden when they arrived.
The door clicked to the apartment alerting Sara that Gabriel had returned. She hid beside the refrigerator. "Seeno big deal. Just grab my phone and we'll go," he muttered to his cousin. "Don't know why this was so hard." He picked up the missing equipment and went to his cousin, "Do you smell spaghetti?"
"All the time. I'm always covered in the smell from work. Let's go," Angela said pulling Gabriel out the door and locking it.
Sara took a deep breath. "You almost gave me away," she murmured to the offending dinner.
A half an hour later Angela and Gabriel arrived at his door. "Thanks, big sis. I needed that. Ya want to come up? I don't know about doing another dinner alone."
"Sorry I got to get back to the restaurant."
Gabriel sighed, "Maybe I'll go with you."
She smiled, "What if Sara came home and you weren't there?"
"Hey. You said not long ago that I should go out so Sara wouldn't see me depressed," he retorted.
"Go on up Gabe. Call one of your friends if you're lonely."
"Maybe I'll just walk some more."
Angela sighed, "Scared to go into your own home I'll walk you up and wait with you until someone you love shows for dinner." Gabriel nodded and they headed up the stairs.
Gabriel unlocked the door to his apartment and saw it was candle lit. Sara was standing by his kitchen table decked out in a tablecloth and real plates. "Guess someone you love was already waiting with dinner," Angela murmured. "See ya little bro. I love you." Gabriel didn't respond he just stared ahead at his love as Angela shut the door.
Sara wasn't sure what to do. She sort of expected Gabriel to run to her and take her in his arms and they would end up re-heating dinner. It didn't appear that things would go that way. "Hi."
"Hi," he said back leaving the ten feet between them. His brain was screaming at him to walk to her and hold her forever but his heart wasn't sure it could take another big rejection. He had been dying to see her and now he just felt hollow.
"Uh I don't cook, so we have Aunt Sally's spaghetti for the evening," Sara attempted to make some sort of conversation.
"So I wasn't losing my mind when I thought I smelled it earlier," Gabriel said taking off his coat and moving slightly before laying it down.
"You nearly caught me," she commented nodding her head.
Gabriel walked forward slowing. Sara had sort of dressed up for dinner nice snug jeans with a soft blue top he liked a lot. She had moved furniture so the table would be a sort of center piece while leaving room next to them so they could dance he supposed being there was a CD player next to the table on a chair. She obviously was too scared to mess with his sound system. "So" he tried to initiate. "You got Angela to help you pull this off."
"I had to get you out of the apartment somehow. Danny dragging you off would have been too obvious."
"Maybe not He was here till about eight last night. I think he was afraid I'd do something stupid."
Sara smiled, "Like what?"
Gabriel shrugged, "This all started with a drinking binge. I suppose he didn't want me ending it on one."
Her face fell and suddenly became enamored with her shoes, "Is that what's happening Gabriel? Are we ending this?" She spoke softly due to her heart being lodged in her throat.
"I don't know Sara. Are we?" he replied looking straight at her. He needed honesty not sugarcoating.
"I'm here."
"You're here."
Sara stared at him in confusion; "You wanted me to work it through I came back. Doesn't that count for anything?"
"I asked you to come back when you were done and that I would try to honor your decision. So far I've heard nothing of an answer," Gabriel stated smoothly.
She didn't know what to do. Gabriel was so distant and standoffish it hurt just to be in his presence. "Can we have dinner?" she whispered.
He didn't bat an eye, "Sure." Gabriel moved to the table and sat down. "This is very nice. You went to a lot of trouble."
Sara didn't know how to take it so she decided this was one night she couldn't afford to have her defenses in the way. "I wanted you to know I wanted to be here."
Gabriel nodded. "Danny said you missed work yesterday. You okay?" he inquired.
That was something. He was showing signs of concerns. "Visionshours of visions," she said plainly. "Danny knows nowif he didn't tell you. He read the file while I wasoccupied."
"He mentioned it. Got to see the neat little scars from the blade Have to admit I'm jealous. It doesn't pay any attention to me," he muttered softly.
"I wouldn't go that far," Sara responded.
"I'm not privy to this bit of info," Gabriel answered.
"When I'm happy and content it respondsgives me a warmth. I don't know how to explain it." He didn't say anything. "When I am with you it's a happy little Witchblade," she joked.
"And when you're with Jake it tries to activate," he smirked.
"Hey. Danny pushed my buttons last night and the bugger went into full sword mode."
"He mentioned that He says he's a little afraid of pissing you off now."
They ate steadily between statements until the lull became unbearable. "Why are things stressed Gabriel?" Sara finally asked throwing down her napkin. "I was hoping to be welcomed back with open arms. You haven't even touched me."
Gabriel set down his fork and reached across the table. He placed his hand over top of Sara's and gently stroked his fingertips along her wrist. "Better?" he asked with the barest whisper. She tried to remain calm but she nodded a little too fast. "Are we done with dinner?"
Sara's face fell, "No. I don't want tonight to end like this."
He shook his head; "Neither do I. I meant is the food section done? I thought the CD player was set up so we could dance."
Sara stood up and removed the plates, biting her lip with her back to him. She hadn't a clue what to do. She wanted so bad just to cut and run but that would be it. Their relationship would be over. Breathing deeply she resolved to continue to approach Gabriel despite the chilly response she had been receiving.
"Uh I have something for you," she said murmured with a degree of embarrassment. He tilted his head. "It's kind of girly." Sara reached in her pocket and drew out a silver locket shaped like a heart. She bit her lower lip but walked to him purposely.
She raised Gabriel's hand and laid the locket in it. "You're symbols guy so I thought this was a good one." He gazed down in a look of awe and amazement.
"Is there anything inside?" he said.
The double meaning rang loud and clear in Sara's mind. She could give him her heart symbolically but if there wasn't anything to back it up then it was a hollow symbol. She swallowed, "Yeah A picture of me when I was a little girl and a picture of my dad right before he died."
Gabriel carefully unhooked the latched and stared at her little face and then at the photo of her father. "UhI realized thatI really wasn't giving you much of my heartcause I didn't have it. I buried it when my dad died, Gabriel." His eyes met hers. "It was never about IanI mean I did need to face that reality and I did need to give the Witchblade a chance to teach me. But the distance you felt had nothing to do with another manunless you count my dad." He remained silent. "Anywayyou don't have to wear itI just wanted"
"Put it on for me," he said quickly holding her hand to his. Sara went to circle around behind him but Gabriel caught her hip. "You can do it from the front."
Sara moved forward latching the necklace so that her arms were on either side of his head. He stared deep into her eyes showing all the longing he feltall the pain and love, sorrow and desperation. She read it allbut he didn't wrap his arms around her or kiss her lips.
She stepped back and surveyed the necklace, "Like I said beforeit's kind of girly."
"That's alright. According to that one cop I wear too many rings too," he said with the first genuine smile he had worn all evening. She smiled back some of her tension eased.
Sara went to step out of his personal space but Gabriel shot an arm around her back, "We going to dance?"
"Yeah," she said with a bashful smile. "There's a song I want to play you I know I'm not real good with explaining how I feel. I'm better at the action side of thingsbut I know there are very few actions I can make right now that would express what I need to properlyso I found a song. I always avoided listening to it because it has the tendency to make me cryand I cried a lot last night. I think it does the best job of Telling you I love you isn't going to cut it this time." Sara closed her eyes and sighed, "Just listen to the words and know I mean them. Hear them as a promise to you."
Gabriel nodded his head wordlessly as Sara turned on the music before coming into his arms. She held him close mainly cause she wasn't ready to look into his eyes.
If you wait for methen I'll come for you
Although I have traveled far
I always hold a place for you in my heart
If you think of me If you miss me once in a while
Than I'll return to you
I'll return and fill that space in your heart
Remembering
Your touch, your kiss, your warm embrace
I'll find my way back to you
If you'll be waiting
Gabriel sighed caressing Sara's back with his hands. He hadn't heard this song in ages but it was beautiful. He pulled his head to look into Sara's eyes, which were timid for the first time, since he had met her. She was trying.
Sara met Gabriel's gaze and leaned her forehead to his as she started to mouth the words.
If you dream of me like I dream of you
In a place that's warm and dark
In a place where I can feel the beating of your heart
Remembering
Your touch, your kiss, your warm embrace
I'll find my way back to you
If you'll be waiting
Gabriel closed his eyes and felt his heart pound. She loved himshe really loved him. He moved his head to one side nuzzling her necknot kissing, just gently rubbing his face against her cheek.
Sara pulled back this time forcing Gabriel to look directly into her eyes as she whispered her vows, smiling through tears touching his face lightly.
Oh I've longed for you and I have desired
To see your face, your smile
To be with you wherever you are
Remembering
Your touch, your kiss, your warm embrace
I'll find my way back to you
Please say you'll be waiting
Gabriel watched as the words slipped from her mouth as if they were hers. Everything about these moments screamed I love you' from her. He laid their foreheads together again, their noses touching. She continued to whisper to him the most important words of the song.
Together againit would feel so good to be
In your arms where all my journeys end
If you can make a promise if it's one that you can keep
I vow to come for you if you'll wait for me
Gabriel kissed Sara sweetly and hungrily, long denied his love clutching her to himself as to assure him of her reality. She responded in kind.
Say you'll hold a place for me in your heart
"I've missed you so much. I love you Gabriel," she said between kisses and caresses.
A place for me in your heart
"I love you too Saramore than you will ever know," he uttered before feasting upon her once more.
A place for me in your heart
"Make love to me Gabriel," she whispered staring deeply into his eyes so that he understood she was not requesting make up sex but a promise. His eyes were wide with the knowledge of her sincerity. Gabriel picked his love up and carried her to his bed.
A place for me in your heart
Everything Gabriel had desired was coming to fruition. He was gazing down at his love's vulnerable form while they slowly touched and kissed each other softly, reverently. Sara had come home. She didn't choose Ian, she had made peace with her past, and she was honestly loving him. The thought brought him to tears.
Sara kissed down his cheeks the trail his tears had run as she caressed his naked back and sides. She wasn't used to this level of tenderness. Passion she knew, but this restrained ecstasy was wonderful and maddening. It suddenly occurred to Sara that she had never truly made love before. She looked up at Gabriel who lay above her with the heart shaped locket hanging off his throat. "I've never made love before Gabriel," she whispered. "Love me."
His heart pounded so loud he was sure she could hear it. He breathed deeply shutting his eyes taking in the complete sense of peace he had. Kissing Sara's lips he began to push inside her. They stared into each other's eyes as they became one gulping for air to counterbalance the awe-inspiring sensations that were overloading their brains.
They just held each other for a moment adjusting to the feeling. Gabriel caressed her cheek with his thumb. "You are so beautiful," he whispered not looking anywhere but her face.
Sara was overwhelmed with emotions and started to cry, "I'm sorry."
"Don't beJust let me love you." She met his emotion filled eyes as they began to move together.
It really didn't matter who they had been with before or who they might be with in the next lifetime, because at that moment it was bliss. Bliss not because of the physical sensations but because they were truly connected.
Gabriel could feel his body tightening but all he could think about was Sara needing to hear his commitment. "Oh god" he gasped in pleasure. "I love you so much," he groaned with such passion and sincerity it pushed her right over the edge. Sara knew she was an audio person during sexmore specifically a dirty talk person. Nothing prepared her for what those five words would set off.
Her body shook as she fought to keep her eyes open so Gabriel could see her soul in those moments. He kept his eyes fixed on her gaze as his body responded to hers. The love he felt from her was overwhelming. Finally Gabriel gave into the sensations battering him from all side and moaned out his release never breaking eye contact with his love.
When she came back to herself, Sara held Gabriel's shuddering body close kissing his throat and ear until he was finally still. He rested his head in the crook of her neck as he attempted to breathe normally.
Gabriel drew his head back still panting slightly to look upon his love. Sara caressed his arms and leaned up for a kiss. He happily obliged moving forward. She twined her hand in his hair when they broke apart scratching his neck. He captured her hand and kissed her palm lightly.
"I love you Gabriel."
"That's never gonna get old," he murmured kissing the tip of her nose.
Sara looked at him wickedly, "I promised I would cum for you, if you'd wait for me."
Gabriel cracked up completely before diving for her neck and tickling her sides. "That my dear was a very bad pun."
"OhhhYa gonna take on my Sadist title to punish me for it."
"Watch it Pezinni. I know where you keep your cuffs," he joked.
"So do I," Sara whispered clutching his hand with the blade bound wrist and willed it to respond. Gabriel watched in fascination as tendrils shot out and wrapped themselves around his wrist before boring into his skin. He hissed. "Now lets see how you do one handed."
TBC
A/N: I know I can't leave the story there. So I'm wrapping it up folks. I need to get some other series finished before I would think about a sequel or anything. At the last chapter you are welcome to make your requests.
A/N2: Personal note on the song: My husband introduced me to it. Turns out he and his roommates his senior year in college would play that song over and over. Why? Because they wanted to find women that would make that promise to them. I didn't believe it until I saw for myself them do thisthere were tears ladiestears. Yes, men that cry. This was a few years ago so by now all are taken but I just wanted to back up my claim there are still amazing men in the world.