Chapter 9
4 months later
Sara stares at the indicator in her hand "This can't be happening" she mutters. Sliding to the floor of the bathroom her back to the wall she pulls her knees up to her chest.
Ian climbs through the unlocked window in the bedroom to find Sara's bed empty while Ana sleeps in her crib.
Sara looks down to see the Witchblade purr and blush. She stands making her way to the bathroom door. She stands there knowing Ian's watching her his dark eyes concerned.
Seeing the stunned look on Sara's face Ian moves closer "Sara?" he touches her cheek lightly "What is wrong?"
Sara stares at him "Ian..." she slides to the floor looking at the Witchblade "Damn things supposed to be part of me yet it left me hanging in the wind." she mutters
"Sara did something happen with the Witchblade?"
Sara closes her eyes leaning her head against the wall "I'm pregnant" she says softly. After a second she looks at Ian.
"Are you sure?" Ian asks softly
"I took five tests... all of them were positive." she closes her eyes swallowing hard.
"Sara" he reaches out touching her cheek
Sara looks at him taking the bracelet off she kisses him pouring all her fear and desperation into it.
Later
Sara watches as Ian gently trails his fingers over her skin his face intense. "Ian what's wrong?"
"He will not be happy" he moves down the bed nuzzling her middle
Sara squirms ticklish at the feeling of his beard against her skin. She reaches down stroking his hair "It doesn't concern him." she reaches down her finger under his chin she lifts his head. "Ian I'll take responsibility for Ana and the baby"
Ian moves up her body face to face he speaks "I am not going to walk away from you and our children Sara." he says his eyes serious "I never could." he closes his eyes "I just do not want that to happen again."
"Ian he won't hurt us. I know you don't want to lose another child... we'll do whatever we can to make sure that won't happen."
Ian looks at her then leans down kissing her lightly "I love you" he says softly his eyes searching hers
Sara smiles at him her thumb running over his lower lip "Ian I love you" she says. She watches as his eyes brighten momentarily as a small smile appears then disappears. "Wow that's a first."
Ian tilts his head
"You just smiled... not like the smirk you get when you make me jump."
Ian looks down
Sara smiles rolling him onto his back she kisses him "You definately got a cute smile Nottingham." She sits up looking down at him. Her fingers trailing over the scars on his chest and arms. She leans down pressing her lips against a jagged scar on his chest.
Ian just watches her silently then pulls her down atop him.
Sara kisses his neck. The two remain silent just holding each other.
Finally Ian speaks "I should go"
Sara sighs moving off him she watches as he dresses "Ever wonder if you'll ever be able to stay all night?"
Ian pauses in his dressing and looks at Sara "One day" he promises then returns to dressing.
Sara chuckles
Ian looks at her quizzically
Sara smiles at him blinking back tears "Wow... we're going to have a baby." she says awed
Ian sits on the edge of the bed leaning down kissing her tenderly "A baby... our baby." he stares at her "Be careful Sara"
"I will. Besides the Blade has protected me" she frowns "Ian has a Wielder ever been pregnant while wearing the Blade?"
"I do not know."
"I guess we'll just have to see." Sara sighs giving him a small smile
Ian kisses her again then straightens up pulling on his sweater. He goes to the livingroom where he pulls on his boots and overcoat. He picks up the discarded Witchblade from the floor returning to the loft he hands it to Sara.
"Mmm thanks" she says putting it back on
"I will see you later" he says opening the window
Sara watches him close the window then a moment later he disappears. Sara sighs resting her hands over her middle she tilts her head "I hope your happy in there kid." she inhales sharply as an image hits her mind
Sara grins "Wow" she looks at the bracelet seeing what she refers to has the happy calm colors. "Too bad you didn't show me that earlier... would have saved me a lot of money."
2 days later
Sara stands on the roof of the precinct looking out over the city.
"Deep thoughts my Sara" Ian says softly as he joins her
"Something weird happened the other night after you left."
"What?" Ian asks concerned
Sara looks at him a smile appearing "It showed me the baby." she answers her fingers touching the stone of the bracelet absently
Ian looks at the Witchblade then at Sara "It is a part of you."
"I went to the doctor this morning... she said everything is normal and that her best guess is that I'm about four and a half weeks." she runs her fingers through her hair "She was amazed that I got pregnant even with being on the Pill"
"You are amazing" Ian says his eyes gentle
Sara's about to reply when the door leading down opens.
"Pez" Jake calls
Sara looks over to see her blond partner searching the rooftop for her. She looks back at Ian "You better go... we don't need you two fighting"
Ian nods "I will see you later" he promises
Sara looks over to see Jake getting closer she turns back to Ian only to find him gone "I hate it when he does that" she mutters
"Hey Pez I've been looking all over for you." Jake says
"Taking a little breather." Sara replies "What's going on?"
"We've got a new vic. Boss wants us there"
Sara nods "Lets go then Partner."
7 PM
"Ana stop" Sara yelps as the eleven month old baby splashes water
Ana grins innocently at her mother then her eyes widen holding out her arms towards the door.
Sara glances over her shoulder to find Ian standing there watching them. She looks at Ana "Wave to Daddy"
Ana rubs at her eyes sleepily in response
"Someones going to bed early" Sara lifts Ana out of the tub setting her on the floor she grabs a towel bundling her up.
"Has she been sleeping?" Ian asks
"Mmm" Sara nods "Jas said she wouldn't go down for her afternoon nap. Her teeth have been bothering her lately." she informs Ian as she stands with Ana in her arms. She heads out of the bathroom up to the loft. She sets Ana on the changing table quickly she dries her off then rediapers her. She grabs a clean sleeper out of the drawer putting it on Ana. Sara moves to put Ana in her crib when the baby whimpers clinging to her. She sighs going over she sets Ana on her bed. She lays down beside the baby then looks at Ian.
Ian nods removing his boots he curls his body around Sara's his arm around her waist with his hand splayed across her middle. His other hand laced with Sara's resting on Ana's chest. "My family." he says possesively
Sara tilts her head and smiles resting her free hand over his over her middle "For as long as you want us."
"Forever?"
"Then forever it is." The two remain silent watching as Ana drifts off to sleep.
30 mins later
Sara looks at Ana then looks at Ian over her shoulder "I'm going to go put her in the crib." she untangles herself from Ian's embrace then carefully picks up the sleeping baby. After setting Ana in the crib she turns to find Ian watching her thoughtfully. Moving up the foot of the bed she leans down kissing him.
Ian pulls her down holding her close.
Sara lifts her head "You seem to be in touching mood."
"I have missed you." he strokes her cheek with the back of his fingers "It is getting harder to be apart." he says "I wake up thinking of you and Ana and now the new life. As I do when I sleep."
"Is there no way to get away from him?"
"Death... us or him. I do not want you to die and yet I cannot kill him."
"Ian what does he have on you that make you stay?"
"Other than you and the babies safety..." he closes his eyes "Since I was a child he has had me put under numerous behavioral modifications."
"Like what?"
"Words... lights. I do not know precisely I do not remember what happens during those black-outs. All I know is what happens after." he looks at her then his hands "Sometimes I come out of it to find blood on my hands." he clenches his hands
Sara kisses his knuckles "It is his fault Ian... you wouldn't have done it on your own."
"He has tried to use it to get me to kill you." he admits. He looks at her "But you are too imbedded in me for it to work."
Sara strokes his face her eyes widening at the images
Sara shakes off the vision looking at Ian "You could have killed me and spared yourself that pain."
"I would never hurt you... I was born to protect you. Every lifetime I have sworn to die for you Sara... and that is what I will do no matter the lifetime. All the pain is worth it knowing you are alive and never feeling what I have had to feel. You are what I have lived for all of these years Sara, the only one I have ever loved."
Sara kisses him gently then lays back down her head cradled in the crook of his neck. "Its funny you know everything about me yet all I know about you is what I figured out on my own."
"What do you want to know?" Ian asks running his hand over her arm
Sara props her head up on her hand looking down at Ian. "Ian what happened to your parents?" she asks curiously
Ian closes his eyes momentarily "I do not remember them. They were killed when I was a boy."
"And you've been with Irons since"
Ian nods "He has always kept me close. Tutors growing up. The only time I ever left was when he sent me away to join the military and even then he kept an eye on me. I advanced quickly as a result of my training with the trainers and tutors he hired."
"How old were you when you got involved with the Black Dragons?" Sara asks curiously
Ian looks at her "You do not know? I know that Gabriel has researched me. I maybe sheltered from most things in the world but he made sure I was educated in everything."
"OK Gabe did check you out when we first met." Sara admits "But it was over 2 years ago."
"Mmm" Ian leans forward kissing her gently "You should get some rest my love."
Sara glances at the clock "How long can you stay?"
"A while"
Sara yawns
A small smile appears on Ian's face his hands going to the button of her jeans.
"Like the thought" she grins
"Not tonight my Sara." he chuckles kissing her cheek. "Tonight you need your sleep." he moves down the bed pulling her jeans off tossing them on the floor. Seeing her shirt move up as she stretches Ian moves up his lips brushing over her bare skin. He pulls the covers up laying down beside her he pulls her into his arms. "Sleep my Sara." he says soothingly as he kisses her head.
Sara smiles drifting off to sleep in Ian's arms.
Next morning: 6 AM
Sara awakens to the sound of the alarm clock blaring. Rolling over she hits it. Sitting up she stretches her arms over her head. She notices a piece of paper on the nightstand with her name written on it. She grabs it opening it she reads
'Sara,
I will see you and Anastasia as soon as I can get away. Be careful I will be watching over you.
Forever your servant,
Ian Christian Nottingham.'
Sara grins folding up the note she puts it in her nightstand drawer. She stands checking on Ana she makes her way into the kitchen turning on the TV as she passes the livingroom. She takes the bottles of prenatal pills out of the cabinet. 'Ugh these things are hard to swallow.' she downs them wincing. "Danny" she calls knowing her partner will answer within moments
"What can I do for you Partner?" Danny asks
Sara looks at her ghost friend "Can you keep an eye on Ana for me... I need to take a shower."
"Sure"
"Thanks" she grins heading into the bathroom
Hour and a half later
Sara opens the door to find Jas standing there. "Morning." she moves back to the kitchen picking up her bowl of cereal.
Jas grins "How are you feeling?"
"Fine right now." Sara replies finishing her glass of juice. "Ana has a doctors appointment at 2. The number and address are on the counter. Carseats over there" she nods towards the door. "The papers you might need for her are on the counter. Her pediatrician is Dr Erin Roberts." glancing at her watch Sara sighs "I better get going. I'm going to be late." she pulls on her jacket stopping to kiss Ana's head. "Oh she still needs breakfast." she says hurrying out of the apartment.
Precinct
Sara enters the doors to find Jake waiting "Hey Partner." she greets
"Hey Pez. Your on time."
"Ana slept through the night so did I." she shrugs
"Ready to get to work?"
"Anything new?" Sara asks
"Nope mostly paperwork"
Sara groans "Great my favorite thing."
Hour later
"Pez I'm going on a coffee run... want one?"
Sara frowns remembering the doctor's words 'No coffee.' she mentally growls then looks at Jake "No but could you get me a juice."
"Sure what kind?"
"Whatevers there" Sara replies
"Be right back... don't finish the paperwork without me." the blond ex-Surfer grins before disappearing.
"No problem" Sara calls. She settles back taking a break to rest her hand. Her cell phone rings she grabs it "Pezzini."
"You of all people turned down coffee."
Sara smiles "How'd you know about that?"
"I have my ways." Ian says mysteriously
Hearing that Sara frowns "Are you stalking me again? Haven't we talked about that?"
"I do not consider it stalking... more like checking up on my favorite lady."
"Where are you?"
"Step outside your office look to the left."
Sara stands stepping outside her office she looks to the left she smiles seeing Ian standing there partially hidden behind a wall. She leans against the doorframe and rests her arm over her middle. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you."
"And didn't want Jake to see you."
"I still do not trust him." Ian says with a growl
"Well I do and Ana likes him."
"How long until he returns?"
"About five more minutes. He tends to get sidetracked with the secretaries and any female he finds attractive." she sees a blond woman glance at Ian. "Seems like you get the same attention."
"The only attention I want is from you."
"And you have it. Is checking up on me the only reason your here?"
"No... but it is the best."
"As much as I love the flattery why are you here?"
"He wanted me to warn you a new version of the White Bulls is starting to form."
"Why would he want me to know?" Sara asks "He was part of the original"
"He did not tell me just wanted you and McCartey to know."
"Thanks I'll tell him."
"I better go. I have to go out of town with him for a few days. I will try to get a hold of you within a few days."
"He's taking you with him? Doesn't he usually leave you behind so you can keep track of me?" She asks tilting her head
"Yes" Ian nods "but he wants me around for some reason."
"Is he up to something?"
"He is always up to something"
"Good point."
"McCartey is coming back."
Sara glances over her shoulder then looks back to see Ian gone "Ian?"
"Be careful Sara."
"You too." Sara says as he hangs up. She returns to her office sitting down.
Jake enters the office "I got you apple... how's that?"
"Fine. Thanks" Sara says taking the drink she opens it. "I just got an interesting call."
"New case?" he asks sitting down
"No" she looks towards the open door then back at Jake "I was informed that a new version of the White Bulls is being formed."
"Who told you that?" Jake asks suspiciously
"Informat"
"Who?"
Sara looks at the door then at Jake "I'm in the mood for a Egg McMuffin."
Jake nods knowing his partners thoughts. The two stand making their way out of their office.
15 mins later
Sara and Ian sit down inside the McDonalds their drinks and food before them.
"What's this about the White Bulls reforming?"
"That's what my informant said."
"Nottingham?"
"If it is does it matter?"
"No I guess not. He usually is right." Jake says reluctantly
"Your still mad about him beating the crap out of you"
Jake winces "It hurt."
"He thought you were betraying me."
"Why would he care? He's an assassin."
"Not by choice." Sara says sadly
"How so?"
Sara shakes her head "Its a long story. Look I know you two have issues but you and he are both going to have to deal with the fact that both of you are in my life."
"Your my partner, my buddy. I worry."
"Jake I'm a big girl I can handle Ian and any thing else in my life."
"Does Anastasia like him?" Jake asks
"She hasn't been around him much... but I thinks she likes him. He doesn't really make his visits while she's awake." she takes a bite out of her Egg McMuffin. "Look Irons told him to warn us. I guess their thinking the heads of the White Bulls might try something."
"Have you told Gabe?"
"Not yet. I'm going to stop by after work. He's been working full out these last few days."
"Doing what?"
"He didn't say."
"We better get back to work. We still have major amount of files to go through."
Sara nods finishing off her Egg McMuffin.
That evening
Sara enters the apartment to find Ana on the floor with Ian beside her. "I thought you were leaving town"
"He decided that it would be best if I stayed behind"
Sara nods removing her jacket tossing on the couch she looks around not finding the nanny. "Where's Jas?" she asks settling beside Ian and Ana on the floor
"She just left a few minutes ago."
Ana crawls onto her father's lap leaning forward she rests her head on her mother's leg.
"What did she say about Ana's doctor's appointment?"
"That everything was fine. I managed to talk him into giving me the files on her."
"And?"
"Nothing from what I can tell is out of the ordinary."
"I'll have Gabe look at them find someone who can tell us more."
"He has the records. I dropped them off on my way here." he leans over nuzzling her neck "I have missed you my Sara" he purrs "I do not like being apart from you and Ana. I am glad he did not make me go with him."
"So am I."
Ana sits up grabs hold of their shirts tugging
"What's going on little miss?" Sara asks smoothing the baby's dark hair.
Ian pulls back from nuzzling Sara's neck to pick up his daughter. The two just watch each other almost silently communicating.
Sara smiles "Staying for dinner?"
"Taken care of." Ian replies tearing his eyes away from Ana "Should be here within the hour."
"Mmm like how you think" she says sleepily
"Tired?"
Sara shrugs "I haven't had any coffee all day of course I'm tired."
"You are addicted to coffee." Ian says
"Am not"
Ian looks at her "You have six different types of coffee in the kitchen. Coffee flavored ice cream and coffee flavored chocolate. You normally drink about five or six cups of coffee by mid afternoon. You are on a first name basis with every coffee place in this neighborhood, around the precinct and near Gabriel's."
"And how do you know that?"
Ian brushes his hand over her cheek "I know all there is to know about you. From how you got the scar on your foot to the first guy you kissed."
"And how do you know that?"
"He's done research on you. I have read it."
Sara groans "Is there nothing sacred from that man."
"No"
"OK I admit it have a coffee problem... there's no twelve step program for that." she reminds
Ian rests his large hand over her stomach "And this?"
Sara smiles "OK there is a nine month program... but once this kid is born I'm back on caffeine and coffee and everything else I'm not supposed to have." she trails her fingers over the back of his hand.
"That is your choice."
"You know Nottingham one day we are going to have to work on your fun side." Sara says
"My fun is watching over you. Seeing how you react to everyday things." he kisses Sara's cheek then looks at Ana crawling along the floor near them. "Seeing how Ana reacts to things. To me those things are fun."
"What about when you were a kid... did he even let you have fun?"
"Not the normal type of fun. His idea of fun..." he shakes his head
"Was probably freaky as hell"
"There are good things about him."
"You can't believe that." Sara argues
"He taught me a lot of things... art, life, history, the world. He may not be much on showing emotions other than anger but he always made sure I got the best."
"In-between treating you like crap and beating the daylights out of you."
Ian shrugs "If it had not been for him I would have ended up in an orphange somewhere. We never would have met."
"Something tells me we still would have met Nottingham. Who knows we might have met when we were kids." she smiles slightly "Wonder if we would have gotten along as kids." the two sit there thinking and watching their daughter play.
2 hours later
Sara sighs leaning back against Ian as they sit in the bathtub. "Are you going to be able to stay the night?"
Ian brings her hand to his lips "I have to return to the mansion sometime tonight otherwise they will be forced to tell him I have been gone. I will stay as long as I can."
"Mmm goody."
December 2, 2003: Apartment
"I can't believe she's one" Sara says as she and Ian lay on the bed with Ana between them. "I can't believe he gave you her birth certificate"
"She seems to be worn out."
"She ran Gabe and Jas ragged playing."
"He asked me to give you something." Ian says reaching into his pocket he pulls out an envelope.
Sara groans "What is he up to?"
"Its stock in all of his companies... approximate worth is fifty thousand. Also a check in there for five thousand to open a savings account for her."
"Does he think he can buy anything"
"Yes."
"I'm surprised he didn't show up today."
"He would have but he had meetings all day."
Sara looks at Ana "I think we've lucked out that he hasn't tried to see her." she covers the baby with a blanket "I wonder how she'd react to seeing him."
"If we are lucky we will never have to find out."
Sara groans rolling to her feet she sprints to the bathroom
Ian stands with Ana in his arms he sets her in the crib then follows Sara leaning over the toilet gagging trying to keep her hair back. Grabbing a elastic band he kneels behind her carefully gathering her hair back he secures it.
Sara groans her stomach still churning "Thanks"
Ian moves to his feet filling a glass with water handing it to Sara he kneels beside her.
Sara smiles to herself at Ian's silent attention and care of her. She rinses her mouth of the taste of bile then slowly stands with Ian's help. She grabs the bottle of mouthwash that sits on the edge of the sink.
Ian stands there his eyes unwavering as he takes in the whole episode.
Sensing his worry Sara spits out the mouthwash looking at Ian she gives him a reassuring smile then moves into his arms. She rests her head on chest listening to his beating heart.
Ian wraps his arms around her.
"Ian" Sara lifts her head "I'm going to need to tell Vickie, Jake and Gabe that I'm pregnant. Their getting suspicious of a bunch of stuff."
Ian nods "It probably is a good time for them to know." the remain silent for a moment when Ian's phone rings breaking their silence. "It is probably Mr Irons" he pulls away going to his overcoat on the couch. He grabs the phone before it rings a third time. "Yes?"
Sara watches as his almost relaxed form returns to his predator. 'Irons what now.'
"I will be there right away." he hangs up looking at Sara as he pulls on his overcoat. "I have to go."
"What did he want?"
"He has something he wants me to take care of." Ian stops before her his eyes flickering between the emotions he shows to her and the coldness the rest of the world sees. "I will see you later my Sara."
Sara smiles "Goodnight Ian."
Ian leans down kissing her gently "Sleep well"
"Be careful" she warns as he walks to the door
Ian nods walking out the door.
Sara locks the door behind him. "Time for bed" she yawns walking back up to the bed she stops before the crib smiling at the sight of Anastasia asleep in her crib "Happy Birthday Anastasia."
Chapter 10
Christmas Day: 12:30 AM
'Thank god she slept through midnight mass' Sara sighs as she enters the apartment with a sleeping Ana in her arms. She smiles seeing Ian standing at the window his profile highlighted by the Christmas tree lights. She goes to his side and looks out the snow covered city. "I love it when we have a snowy Christmas" Sara shifts Ana in her arms. "I'm going to go put her down." she makes her way to the bedroom turning the lamp on setting Ana on the changing table.
Ian sits on the foot of the bed watching silently as Sara chasing Ana. "Do you believe in God?"
Sara glances at Ian seeing the curiousity in his eyes "That's something you've never asked me." she looks at Ana as she removes the dirty diaper "I don't know if I believe in God. I do but I don't. I believe there's something up there watching out for everyone."
"Why go to Mass then?" Ian asks
Sara rediapers the baby then buttons up her sleeper. "Mostly because that was how I was raised. Mass on Christmas Eve and Easter. Mom used to drag us there." she lifts Ana off the changing table turning to look at Ian. "I guess its just habit that I go now."
Ian nods
"Do you believe in God?" Sara asks
"I do not know. I rarely think about higher powers... I have enough with one as it is."
"Wow sarcasm... you know Nottingham I think you've been hanging around me too much."
"There is no such thing as too much time with you." he says almost shyly
Sara smiles turning she sets Ana in her crib the pulls off her boots going over she sets a knee on either side of his legs her hands on his shoulders. "Merry Christmas Ian."
Ian smiles slightly "Merry Christmas my Sara." he wraps one arm around her waist his other hand caressing her cheek. "I wish I could spend the day with you and Ana."
"What do you two do on Christmas Day?" Sara asks curiously
"I have to join him for brunch and dinner."
"That's all you do?"
"It depends on his mood."
Sara kisses him deeply then grins "I guess then I'll have to make it up to you for having to have a boring Christmas day." Her hands go to the hem of her sweater and undershirt pulling it off over her head tossing it on the floor.
Later
Sara runs her fingers through Ian's hair as he rests. She notices the Witchblade on her wrist "What the..."
Ian lifts his head from her chest
Sara holds up her arm "I took it off... it never returns to my wrist when we're together. I always have to put it back on."
Ian frowns "What do you feel?"
Sara stares at the stone shaking her head "Nothing." A moment later the bedside phone rings Sara grabs it before it can wake Ana. "Pezzini."
"Detective have you heard from Ian?"
"No he's probably outside spying on me. Why?"
"I have tried to reach him but his phone is not on."
"I'd go to the window and yell at him but people are sleeping." she watches as Ian sits up she grabs his hand. "If he stops by I'll tell him your looking for him." she hangs up
"I should go" Ian says
"Might want to take a shower we tend to work up a sweat." she smirks
Ian kisses her then gets out of bed making his way to the bathroom
Sara shakes her head getting out of bed she pulls on a pair of panties and a shirt making her way into the kitchen as she hears the shower turn on. She passes Ian's overcoat then grins 'He does need an excuse of why he didn't answer his phone.' she fishes the small cell phone out of his pocket then goes into the kitchen.
A moment later Ian walks out of the bathroom a towel around his waist he finds Sara twirling a meat tenderizer a wicked smile on her face. "What did you do?" he asks suspiciously as he finds his boxers on the stairs
"Oh nothing much... helped with your excuse of why you didn't answer your phone."
"How so?" Ian asks finding his jeans he pulls them on going into the kitchen he finds his phone on the cutting table smashed. He lifts his brow "Good excuse."
"I thought so" she says proudly
Ian shakes his head going back up to the sleeping area looking for the rest of his clothes.
Sara puts his broken phone back into his pocket then carries it up to the bedroom finding Ian pulling on his boots. "Be here tonight?"
"If I can." he pulls on his overcoat he stops before the crib checking on Ana. 'Sweet dreams my child'
Sara touches his hand "Be careful Ian"
Ian nods looking at Sara "I will." he kisses her forehead "Get some sleep. I will see you later." he goes to the window opening it he climbs out.
Sara goes to the window to find him gone she smiles pulling the curtains closed checking on Ana she crawls into bed. "Goodnight Ian."
Irons Mansion: Half hour later
Ian enters the study
"Where have you been Ian? I have been trying to reach you."
Hearing Irons tone Ian winces "I was keeping an eye on Sara like you asked."
"Did the Witchblade activate?"
Ian shakes his head "She has not used it in a few days."
"Why am I feeling nothing from it." Irons mutters he looks at Ian "I spoke to her. She said she did not see you"
"I stayed back. I did not want to disrupt her at Mass."
"What about your phone? Why was it off?"
"Its broken." Ian admits 'By a meat tenderizer.' he inwardly chuckles
Irons nods "I will have another one activated for you." he sits down silently dismissing Ian.
Ian backs out of the study closing the doors behind him he makes his way up to his rooms his mind going over what Irons said about not feeling anything from the Witchblade. 'Why is it not active?'
Irons stands infront of the fireplace staring at the flame 'Something is going on.'
Mid morning
Sara looks at Ana standing at the coffee table as she makes breakfast she hears a knock at the door. She wipes her hands off going to the door she finds Gabe standing there. "Hey"
"I bring juice and gifts"
"I miss my coffee."
"Well its not good for my niece or nephew." Gabe says cheekily
"Don't lecture me" Sara scowls
"I won't." he follows her into the kitchen setting the container of juice "Need help?"
"Can you keep an eye on Ana... she's been going nuts all morning."
"Have a short night?" Gabe asks
"Didn't get home from Mass until almost 1." Sara replies "And little miss woke up cheerful. And I can't have my coffee. And I'm pregnant"
"And you miss Nottingham"
"Ahh" Sara starts as ghost Danny appears
"Sorry Pez" Danny says sheepishly
"Uh is that who I think it is?" Gabe asks
"Yes its Danny. How many times have I told you don't do that."
Gabe looks at Ana seeing the one year olds eyes locked on her mother arguing with air. "So Ana what's going on?"
"Danny don't show up like that... people think I'm insane. Good thing its only Gabe that's here."
"Hey" Gabe protests
"You know what I mean"
"You've never been worried about what people think of you."
"Yeah well I do now that Ana's with me. You know Irons would do anything to get custody of her. If people think I'm nuts because I'm talking to my dead partner then if he wanted he'd get custody."
"OK OK. Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas" Danny says holding his hands up in defense
Sara groans "Sorry Danny I have had a long morning. I miss my coffee. I'm pregnant"
"Hormonal" Danny adds
"Hey if you weren't dead" Sara threatens
"I'm going" Danny says
"Want help?" Gabe asks
"Sure. Put Ana in the playpen and set the table."
Gabe puts the baby in the playpen "So how's Nottingham?"
"Fine." Sara replies pausing in cutting up fruit as she hears the door open she looks up to see Jas and Jake enter. "Hey"
"Pez Merry Christmas" Jake grins setting the bag down he goes over grabbing her in a big hug lifting her off her feet.
"Jake put me down the eggs are going to burn" Sara laughs
Jake puts her back on her feet "Don't want that."
"OK guys lets finish up setting the table" Jas says shaking her head as she lifts Ana out of the playpen putting her on the playpen "Hands up"
Ana holds up her arms as Jas secures the tray.
"Good girl" Jas praises
Ana puts her arms down banging on the tray.
"She seems in a good mood" Jake says grabbing glasses out of the cabinets
"She's been hyper all morning." Sara says "foods up" she announces setting the eggs on the counter taking the warmed rolls out of the oven.
"Food" Gabe says happily. Within minutes the friends are sitting at the table eating and talking.
Sara grabs a roll tearing it she puts part of it on the highchair tray. "There"
Ana grins grabbing the food chewing on it
"How many teeth is she on?" Jake asks
"Five. I think a new one's coming in" Sara replies
"What's everyone's plan for the rest of the day?" Jas asks
"I'm heading out to Cali this afternoon." Jake says
"Party with some friends." Gabe answers
"Nothing other than sleep. What about you?"
Jas shrugs "Might go visit some friends."
"Don't worry Pez I'll be back in time to help you with the paperwork" Jake assures.
"You better... there is nothing I hate more."
"Except Irons"
"And Dante" Jake chimes in
"And when Nottingham appears out of nowhere" Jas adds
"Yeah" Sara says thinking back to all the times Ian showed up out of nowhere to warn her or to give her something.
"Oh boy she's got that look" Jake groans
"He's not so bad... sure he can scare the daylights out of you"
"Beat the crap out of you" Jake mutters
"That was your own fault... you should have been honest with Pez" Gabe says
"I know" Jake grumbles
Ana bangs on her tray
Jas sets a piece of fruit on the tray for her.
"So speaking of Nottingham where is he?" Jake asks "I would have thought he'd make an appearance already."
"No he won't. He has to spend brunch and dinner with Irons."
"Talk about mood killer" Gabe says
"Wonder what they talk about at the dinner table." Jake muses
"I doubt much." Sara says
"Those two aren't very talkative" Gabe says "I doubt they say much"
"Irons can get talkative if its a topic he likes." Sara shrugs
Hour later
"Thanks for breakfast Pez" Jake says after the group clears the table and opens presents. "I'd stick around but I don't want to miss my flight. Mom's already upset I wasn't able to get home for Christmas day. She'll have my head if I don't make it at all." he pulls on his coat.
Sara says goodbye to her friends then after they leave she sets Ana in the playpen then starts cleaning up.
Few hours later
Ian sits on the edge of the bed watching as Sara and Ana sleep. Reaching out he smoothes Sara's hair back and slowly she stirs.
Feeling the soft and familiar touch Sara sighs slowly opens her eyes she smiles sleepily. "Ian" she sits up stretching "I thought he put you on house arrest." she says her hand resting on his cheek
"He wanted me to bring you something."
"Ian" Sara's about to continue when she hears a sniffle. Looking over they see Ana watching them sleepily.
Ana grins clapping her hands crawling over to Ian chattering happily.
Ian lifts her onto his lap as he reaches into his coat pocket pulling out an envelope handing it to Sara. "He said use it for Ana."
Sara opens the envelope finding a bunch of money. "How much?"
"Twenty thousand."
Sara hands the envelope to him "You do something with it."
"He wants you to use it for Ana"
"Ian IA is getting nosy about Ana and how I am disappearing all the time. I'm trying to stay under the radar with them."
Ian nods "I will do something with the money but its yours and Ana's." he puts it back in his pocket bringing out a small velvet box handing it to Sara avoiding Ana's grasping hands.
Sara opens it to find a silver chain with a pendent the same red as the Witchblades stone. "Ian its gorgeous... thank you"
Ian nods "Ana's present will be here in a few days."
Sara stands going to her dresser she picks up a wrapped gift returning to the bed she hands it to Ian. "Merry Christmas Ian" she says kissing his cheek she takes Ana from his lap.
Ian removes the wrapping paper to find a wooden box with his family seal on it. He swallows opening the box to find a picture of a small boy and a couple 'My parents' he realizes after a second "How did..." he looks at Sara surprised
"I went through back newspapers from England and found out that some of your parents things were put up for auction. Gabe found the box and tracked down some friends of your parents and got the picture."
Ian stares at the picture "I had almost forgotten what they looked like." he says sadly
"Now you won't" Sara replies. She looks at Ana beside them on her back playing with her feet.
"Sara" Ian says softly unsure of what to say
Sara grins "You know Nottingham you were a cute kid."
Ian pulls her into a desperate hug "I love you Sara" he whispers
Sara wraps her arms around his neck "I love you too Ian"
After a moment Ian breaks the hug glancing at the clock "I should go"
Sara nods sadly pulling Ana onto her lap.
Ian leans down kissing Ana's head "I will see you in a few days." he assures
"OK" she watches as he walks down the steps and out the door locking it behind him. After a moment she looks down at Ana "Well little miss lets get you cleaned up."
New Years Eve
"I hate working on New Years Eve" Jake grumbles as he and Sara sit at the desk filling out paperwork.
"Know the feeling." Sara says standing she stretches
Jake leans back "You know Pez you should tell the Cap"
"I'm not showing and I'm staying out of trouble."
"I can't believe Nottingham hasn't locked you in a closet."
"Why would he?"
"Its his personality... you know how guard doggish he gets."
Sara shrugs "He watches out for me but he doesn't run my life."
Jake looks at her "Does he know?"
Sara nods
"Has he told Irons?"
"No."
"How do you know?"
"I just do" Sara yawns "come on lets get this done." she says looking at the paperwork.
4 months later
Sara stares at the indicator in her hand "This can't be happening" she mutters. Sliding to the floor of the bathroom her back to the wall she pulls her knees up to her chest.
Ian climbs through the unlocked window in the bedroom to find Sara's bed empty while Ana sleeps in her crib.
Sara looks down to see the Witchblade purr and blush. She stands making her way to the bathroom door. She stands there knowing Ian's watching her his dark eyes concerned.
Seeing the stunned look on Sara's face Ian moves closer "Sara?" he touches her cheek lightly "What is wrong?"
Sara stares at him "Ian..." she slides to the floor looking at the Witchblade "Damn things supposed to be part of me yet it left me hanging in the wind." she mutters
"Sara did something happen with the Witchblade?"
Sara closes her eyes leaning her head against the wall "I'm pregnant" she says softly. After a second she looks at Ian.
"Are you sure?" Ian asks softly
"I took five tests... all of them were positive." she closes her eyes swallowing hard.
"Sara" he reaches out touching her cheek
Sara looks at him taking the bracelet off she kisses him pouring all her fear and desperation into it.
Later
Sara watches as Ian gently trails his fingers over her skin his face intense. "Ian what's wrong?"
"He will not be happy" he moves down the bed nuzzling her middle
Sara squirms ticklish at the feeling of his beard against her skin. She reaches down stroking his hair "It doesn't concern him." she reaches down her finger under his chin she lifts his head. "Ian I'll take responsibility for Ana and the baby"
Ian moves up her body face to face he speaks "I am not going to walk away from you and our children Sara." he says his eyes serious "I never could." he closes his eyes "I just do not want that to happen again."
"Ian he won't hurt us. I know you don't want to lose another child... we'll do whatever we can to make sure that won't happen."
Ian looks at her then leans down kissing her lightly "I love you" he says softly his eyes searching hers
Sara smiles at him her thumb running over his lower lip "Ian I love you" she says. She watches as his eyes brighten momentarily as a small smile appears then disappears. "Wow that's a first."
Ian tilts his head
"You just smiled... not like the smirk you get when you make me jump."
Ian looks down
Sara smiles rolling him onto his back she kisses him "You definately got a cute smile Nottingham." She sits up looking down at him. Her fingers trailing over the scars on his chest and arms. She leans down pressing her lips against a jagged scar on his chest.
Ian just watches her silently then pulls her down atop him.
Sara kisses his neck. The two remain silent just holding each other.
Finally Ian speaks "I should go"
Sara sighs moving off him she watches as he dresses "Ever wonder if you'll ever be able to stay all night?"
Ian pauses in his dressing and looks at Sara "One day" he promises then returns to dressing.
Sara chuckles
Ian looks at her quizzically
Sara smiles at him blinking back tears "Wow... we're going to have a baby." she says awed
Ian sits on the edge of the bed leaning down kissing her tenderly "A baby... our baby." he stares at her "Be careful Sara"
"I will. Besides the Blade has protected me" she frowns "Ian has a Wielder ever been pregnant while wearing the Blade?"
"I do not know."
"I guess we'll just have to see." Sara sighs giving him a small smile
Ian kisses her again then straightens up pulling on his sweater. He goes to the livingroom where he pulls on his boots and overcoat. He picks up the discarded Witchblade from the floor returning to the loft he hands it to Sara.
"Mmm thanks" she says putting it back on
"I will see you later" he says opening the window
Sara watches him close the window then a moment later he disappears. Sara sighs resting her hands over her middle she tilts her head "I hope your happy in there kid." she inhales sharply as an image hits her mind
Sara grins "Wow" she looks at the bracelet seeing what she refers to has the happy calm colors. "Too bad you didn't show me that earlier... would have saved me a lot of money."
2 days later
Sara stands on the roof of the precinct looking out over the city.
"Deep thoughts my Sara" Ian says softly as he joins her
"Something weird happened the other night after you left."
"What?" Ian asks concerned
Sara looks at him a smile appearing "It showed me the baby." she answers her fingers touching the stone of the bracelet absently
Ian looks at the Witchblade then at Sara "It is a part of you."
"I went to the doctor this morning... she said everything is normal and that her best guess is that I'm about four and a half weeks." she runs her fingers through her hair "She was amazed that I got pregnant even with being on the Pill"
"You are amazing" Ian says his eyes gentle
Sara's about to reply when the door leading down opens.
"Pez" Jake calls
Sara looks over to see her blond partner searching the rooftop for her. She looks back at Ian "You better go... we don't need you two fighting"
Ian nods "I will see you later" he promises
Sara looks over to see Jake getting closer she turns back to Ian only to find him gone "I hate it when he does that" she mutters
"Hey Pez I've been looking all over for you." Jake says
"Taking a little breather." Sara replies "What's going on?"
"We've got a new vic. Boss wants us there"
Sara nods "Lets go then Partner."
7 PM
"Ana stop" Sara yelps as the eleven month old baby splashes water
Ana grins innocently at her mother then her eyes widen holding out her arms towards the door.
Sara glances over her shoulder to find Ian standing there watching them. She looks at Ana "Wave to Daddy"
Ana rubs at her eyes sleepily in response
"Someones going to bed early" Sara lifts Ana out of the tub setting her on the floor she grabs a towel bundling her up.
"Has she been sleeping?" Ian asks
"Mmm" Sara nods "Jas said she wouldn't go down for her afternoon nap. Her teeth have been bothering her lately." she informs Ian as she stands with Ana in her arms. She heads out of the bathroom up to the loft. She sets Ana on the changing table quickly she dries her off then rediapers her. She grabs a clean sleeper out of the drawer putting it on Ana. Sara moves to put Ana in her crib when the baby whimpers clinging to her. She sighs going over she sets Ana on her bed. She lays down beside the baby then looks at Ian.
Ian nods removing his boots he curls his body around Sara's his arm around her waist with his hand splayed across her middle. His other hand laced with Sara's resting on Ana's chest. "My family." he says possesively
Sara tilts her head and smiles resting her free hand over his over her middle "For as long as you want us."
"Forever?"
"Then forever it is." The two remain silent watching as Ana drifts off to sleep.
30 mins later
Sara looks at Ana then looks at Ian over her shoulder "I'm going to go put her in the crib." she untangles herself from Ian's embrace then carefully picks up the sleeping baby. After setting Ana in the crib she turns to find Ian watching her thoughtfully. Moving up the foot of the bed she leans down kissing him.
Ian pulls her down holding her close.
Sara lifts her head "You seem to be in touching mood."
"I have missed you." he strokes her cheek with the back of his fingers "It is getting harder to be apart." he says "I wake up thinking of you and Ana and now the new life. As I do when I sleep."
"Is there no way to get away from him?"
"Death... us or him. I do not want you to die and yet I cannot kill him."
"Ian what does he have on you that make you stay?"
"Other than you and the babies safety..." he closes his eyes "Since I was a child he has had me put under numerous behavioral modifications."
"Like what?"
"Words... lights. I do not know precisely I do not remember what happens during those black-outs. All I know is what happens after." he looks at her then his hands "Sometimes I come out of it to find blood on my hands." he clenches his hands
Sara kisses his knuckles "It is his fault Ian... you wouldn't have done it on your own."
"He has tried to use it to get me to kill you." he admits. He looks at her "But you are too imbedded in me for it to work."
Sara strokes his face her eyes widening at the images
Sara shakes off the vision looking at Ian "You could have killed me and spared yourself that pain."
"I would never hurt you... I was born to protect you. Every lifetime I have sworn to die for you Sara... and that is what I will do no matter the lifetime. All the pain is worth it knowing you are alive and never feeling what I have had to feel. You are what I have lived for all of these years Sara, the only one I have ever loved."
Sara kisses him gently then lays back down her head cradled in the crook of his neck. "Its funny you know everything about me yet all I know about you is what I figured out on my own."
"What do you want to know?" Ian asks running his hand over her arm
Sara props her head up on her hand looking down at Ian. "Ian what happened to your parents?" she asks curiously
Ian closes his eyes momentarily "I do not remember them. They were killed when I was a boy."
"And you've been with Irons since"
Ian nods "He has always kept me close. Tutors growing up. The only time I ever left was when he sent me away to join the military and even then he kept an eye on me. I advanced quickly as a result of my training with the trainers and tutors he hired."
"How old were you when you got involved with the Black Dragons?" Sara asks curiously
Ian looks at her "You do not know? I know that Gabriel has researched me. I maybe sheltered from most things in the world but he made sure I was educated in everything."
"OK Gabe did check you out when we first met." Sara admits "But it was over 2 years ago."
"Mmm" Ian leans forward kissing her gently "You should get some rest my love."
Sara glances at the clock "How long can you stay?"
"A while"
Sara yawns
A small smile appears on Ian's face his hands going to the button of her jeans.
"Like the thought" she grins
"Not tonight my Sara." he chuckles kissing her cheek. "Tonight you need your sleep." he moves down the bed pulling her jeans off tossing them on the floor. Seeing her shirt move up as she stretches Ian moves up his lips brushing over her bare skin. He pulls the covers up laying down beside her he pulls her into his arms. "Sleep my Sara." he says soothingly as he kisses her head.
Sara smiles drifting off to sleep in Ian's arms.
Next morning: 6 AM
Sara awakens to the sound of the alarm clock blaring. Rolling over she hits it. Sitting up she stretches her arms over her head. She notices a piece of paper on the nightstand with her name written on it. She grabs it opening it she reads
'Sara,
I will see you and Anastasia as soon as I can get away. Be careful I will be watching over you.
Forever your servant,
Ian Christian Nottingham.'
Sara grins folding up the note she puts it in her nightstand drawer. She stands checking on Ana she makes her way into the kitchen turning on the TV as she passes the livingroom. She takes the bottles of prenatal pills out of the cabinet. 'Ugh these things are hard to swallow.' she downs them wincing. "Danny" she calls knowing her partner will answer within moments
"What can I do for you Partner?" Danny asks
Sara looks at her ghost friend "Can you keep an eye on Ana for me... I need to take a shower."
"Sure"
"Thanks" she grins heading into the bathroom
Hour and a half later
Sara opens the door to find Jas standing there. "Morning." she moves back to the kitchen picking up her bowl of cereal.
Jas grins "How are you feeling?"
"Fine right now." Sara replies finishing her glass of juice. "Ana has a doctors appointment at 2. The number and address are on the counter. Carseats over there" she nods towards the door. "The papers you might need for her are on the counter. Her pediatrician is Dr Erin Roberts." glancing at her watch Sara sighs "I better get going. I'm going to be late." she pulls on her jacket stopping to kiss Ana's head. "Oh she still needs breakfast." she says hurrying out of the apartment.
Precinct
Sara enters the doors to find Jake waiting "Hey Partner." she greets
"Hey Pez. Your on time."
"Ana slept through the night so did I." she shrugs
"Ready to get to work?"
"Anything new?" Sara asks
"Nope mostly paperwork"
Sara groans "Great my favorite thing."
Hour later
"Pez I'm going on a coffee run... want one?"
Sara frowns remembering the doctor's words 'No coffee.' she mentally growls then looks at Jake "No but could you get me a juice."
"Sure what kind?"
"Whatevers there" Sara replies
"Be right back... don't finish the paperwork without me." the blond ex-Surfer grins before disappearing.
"No problem" Sara calls. She settles back taking a break to rest her hand. Her cell phone rings she grabs it "Pezzini."
"You of all people turned down coffee."
Sara smiles "How'd you know about that?"
"I have my ways." Ian says mysteriously
Hearing that Sara frowns "Are you stalking me again? Haven't we talked about that?"
"I do not consider it stalking... more like checking up on my favorite lady."
"Where are you?"
"Step outside your office look to the left."
Sara stands stepping outside her office she looks to the left she smiles seeing Ian standing there partially hidden behind a wall. She leans against the doorframe and rests her arm over her middle. "What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you."
"And didn't want Jake to see you."
"I still do not trust him." Ian says with a growl
"Well I do and Ana likes him."
"How long until he returns?"
"About five more minutes. He tends to get sidetracked with the secretaries and any female he finds attractive." she sees a blond woman glance at Ian. "Seems like you get the same attention."
"The only attention I want is from you."
"And you have it. Is checking up on me the only reason your here?"
"No... but it is the best."
"As much as I love the flattery why are you here?"
"He wanted me to warn you a new version of the White Bulls is starting to form."
"Why would he want me to know?" Sara asks "He was part of the original"
"He did not tell me just wanted you and McCartey to know."
"Thanks I'll tell him."
"I better go. I have to go out of town with him for a few days. I will try to get a hold of you within a few days."
"He's taking you with him? Doesn't he usually leave you behind so you can keep track of me?" She asks tilting her head
"Yes" Ian nods "but he wants me around for some reason."
"Is he up to something?"
"He is always up to something"
"Good point."
"McCartey is coming back."
Sara glances over her shoulder then looks back to see Ian gone "Ian?"
"Be careful Sara."
"You too." Sara says as he hangs up. She returns to her office sitting down.
Jake enters the office "I got you apple... how's that?"
"Fine. Thanks" Sara says taking the drink she opens it. "I just got an interesting call."
"New case?" he asks sitting down
"No" she looks towards the open door then back at Jake "I was informed that a new version of the White Bulls is being formed."
"Who told you that?" Jake asks suspiciously
"Informat"
"Who?"
Sara looks at the door then at Jake "I'm in the mood for a Egg McMuffin."
Jake nods knowing his partners thoughts. The two stand making their way out of their office.
15 mins later
Sara and Ian sit down inside the McDonalds their drinks and food before them.
"What's this about the White Bulls reforming?"
"That's what my informant said."
"Nottingham?"
"If it is does it matter?"
"No I guess not. He usually is right." Jake says reluctantly
"Your still mad about him beating the crap out of you"
Jake winces "It hurt."
"He thought you were betraying me."
"Why would he care? He's an assassin."
"Not by choice." Sara says sadly
"How so?"
Sara shakes her head "Its a long story. Look I know you two have issues but you and he are both going to have to deal with the fact that both of you are in my life."
"Your my partner, my buddy. I worry."
"Jake I'm a big girl I can handle Ian and any thing else in my life."
"Does Anastasia like him?" Jake asks
"She hasn't been around him much... but I thinks she likes him. He doesn't really make his visits while she's awake." she takes a bite out of her Egg McMuffin. "Look Irons told him to warn us. I guess their thinking the heads of the White Bulls might try something."
"Have you told Gabe?"
"Not yet. I'm going to stop by after work. He's been working full out these last few days."
"Doing what?"
"He didn't say."
"We better get back to work. We still have major amount of files to go through."
Sara nods finishing off her Egg McMuffin.
That evening
Sara enters the apartment to find Ana on the floor with Ian beside her. "I thought you were leaving town"
"He decided that it would be best if I stayed behind"
Sara nods removing her jacket tossing on the couch she looks around not finding the nanny. "Where's Jas?" she asks settling beside Ian and Ana on the floor
"She just left a few minutes ago."
Ana crawls onto her father's lap leaning forward she rests her head on her mother's leg.
"What did she say about Ana's doctor's appointment?"
"That everything was fine. I managed to talk him into giving me the files on her."
"And?"
"Nothing from what I can tell is out of the ordinary."
"I'll have Gabe look at them find someone who can tell us more."
"He has the records. I dropped them off on my way here." he leans over nuzzling her neck "I have missed you my Sara" he purrs "I do not like being apart from you and Ana. I am glad he did not make me go with him."
"So am I."
Ana sits up grabs hold of their shirts tugging
"What's going on little miss?" Sara asks smoothing the baby's dark hair.
Ian pulls back from nuzzling Sara's neck to pick up his daughter. The two just watch each other almost silently communicating.
Sara smiles "Staying for dinner?"
"Taken care of." Ian replies tearing his eyes away from Ana "Should be here within the hour."
"Mmm like how you think" she says sleepily
"Tired?"
Sara shrugs "I haven't had any coffee all day of course I'm tired."
"You are addicted to coffee." Ian says
"Am not"
Ian looks at her "You have six different types of coffee in the kitchen. Coffee flavored ice cream and coffee flavored chocolate. You normally drink about five or six cups of coffee by mid afternoon. You are on a first name basis with every coffee place in this neighborhood, around the precinct and near Gabriel's."
"And how do you know that?"
Ian brushes his hand over her cheek "I know all there is to know about you. From how you got the scar on your foot to the first guy you kissed."
"And how do you know that?"
"He's done research on you. I have read it."
Sara groans "Is there nothing sacred from that man."
"No"
"OK I admit it have a coffee problem... there's no twelve step program for that." she reminds
Ian rests his large hand over her stomach "And this?"
Sara smiles "OK there is a nine month program... but once this kid is born I'm back on caffeine and coffee and everything else I'm not supposed to have." she trails her fingers over the back of his hand.
"That is your choice."
"You know Nottingham one day we are going to have to work on your fun side." Sara says
"My fun is watching over you. Seeing how you react to everyday things." he kisses Sara's cheek then looks at Ana crawling along the floor near them. "Seeing how Ana reacts to things. To me those things are fun."
"What about when you were a kid... did he even let you have fun?"
"Not the normal type of fun. His idea of fun..." he shakes his head
"Was probably freaky as hell"
"There are good things about him."
"You can't believe that." Sara argues
"He taught me a lot of things... art, life, history, the world. He may not be much on showing emotions other than anger but he always made sure I got the best."
"In-between treating you like crap and beating the daylights out of you."
Ian shrugs "If it had not been for him I would have ended up in an orphange somewhere. We never would have met."
"Something tells me we still would have met Nottingham. Who knows we might have met when we were kids." she smiles slightly "Wonder if we would have gotten along as kids." the two sit there thinking and watching their daughter play.
2 hours later
Sara sighs leaning back against Ian as they sit in the bathtub. "Are you going to be able to stay the night?"
Ian brings her hand to his lips "I have to return to the mansion sometime tonight otherwise they will be forced to tell him I have been gone. I will stay as long as I can."
"Mmm goody."
December 2, 2003: Apartment
"I can't believe she's one" Sara says as she and Ian lay on the bed with Ana between them. "I can't believe he gave you her birth certificate"
"She seems to be worn out."
"She ran Gabe and Jas ragged playing."
"He asked me to give you something." Ian says reaching into his pocket he pulls out an envelope.
Sara groans "What is he up to?"
"Its stock in all of his companies... approximate worth is fifty thousand. Also a check in there for five thousand to open a savings account for her."
"Does he think he can buy anything"
"Yes."
"I'm surprised he didn't show up today."
"He would have but he had meetings all day."
Sara looks at Ana "I think we've lucked out that he hasn't tried to see her." she covers the baby with a blanket "I wonder how she'd react to seeing him."
"If we are lucky we will never have to find out."
Sara groans rolling to her feet she sprints to the bathroom
Ian stands with Ana in his arms he sets her in the crib then follows Sara leaning over the toilet gagging trying to keep her hair back. Grabbing a elastic band he kneels behind her carefully gathering her hair back he secures it.
Sara groans her stomach still churning "Thanks"
Ian moves to his feet filling a glass with water handing it to Sara he kneels beside her.
Sara smiles to herself at Ian's silent attention and care of her. She rinses her mouth of the taste of bile then slowly stands with Ian's help. She grabs the bottle of mouthwash that sits on the edge of the sink.
Ian stands there his eyes unwavering as he takes in the whole episode.
Sensing his worry Sara spits out the mouthwash looking at Ian she gives him a reassuring smile then moves into his arms. She rests her head on chest listening to his beating heart.
Ian wraps his arms around her.
"Ian" Sara lifts her head "I'm going to need to tell Vickie, Jake and Gabe that I'm pregnant. Their getting suspicious of a bunch of stuff."
Ian nods "It probably is a good time for them to know." the remain silent for a moment when Ian's phone rings breaking their silence. "It is probably Mr Irons" he pulls away going to his overcoat on the couch. He grabs the phone before it rings a third time. "Yes?"
Sara watches as his almost relaxed form returns to his predator. 'Irons what now.'
"I will be there right away." he hangs up looking at Sara as he pulls on his overcoat. "I have to go."
"What did he want?"
"He has something he wants me to take care of." Ian stops before her his eyes flickering between the emotions he shows to her and the coldness the rest of the world sees. "I will see you later my Sara."
Sara smiles "Goodnight Ian."
Ian leans down kissing her gently "Sleep well"
"Be careful" she warns as he walks to the door
Ian nods walking out the door.
Sara locks the door behind him. "Time for bed" she yawns walking back up to the bed she stops before the crib smiling at the sight of Anastasia asleep in her crib "Happy Birthday Anastasia."
Chapter 10
Christmas Day: 12:30 AM
'Thank god she slept through midnight mass' Sara sighs as she enters the apartment with a sleeping Ana in her arms. She smiles seeing Ian standing at the window his profile highlighted by the Christmas tree lights. She goes to his side and looks out the snow covered city. "I love it when we have a snowy Christmas" Sara shifts Ana in her arms. "I'm going to go put her down." she makes her way to the bedroom turning the lamp on setting Ana on the changing table.
Ian sits on the foot of the bed watching silently as Sara chasing Ana. "Do you believe in God?"
Sara glances at Ian seeing the curiousity in his eyes "That's something you've never asked me." she looks at Ana as she removes the dirty diaper "I don't know if I believe in God. I do but I don't. I believe there's something up there watching out for everyone."
"Why go to Mass then?" Ian asks
Sara rediapers the baby then buttons up her sleeper. "Mostly because that was how I was raised. Mass on Christmas Eve and Easter. Mom used to drag us there." she lifts Ana off the changing table turning to look at Ian. "I guess its just habit that I go now."
Ian nods
"Do you believe in God?" Sara asks
"I do not know. I rarely think about higher powers... I have enough with one as it is."
"Wow sarcasm... you know Nottingham I think you've been hanging around me too much."
"There is no such thing as too much time with you." he says almost shyly
Sara smiles turning she sets Ana in her crib the pulls off her boots going over she sets a knee on either side of his legs her hands on his shoulders. "Merry Christmas Ian."
Ian smiles slightly "Merry Christmas my Sara." he wraps one arm around her waist his other hand caressing her cheek. "I wish I could spend the day with you and Ana."
"What do you two do on Christmas Day?" Sara asks curiously
"I have to join him for brunch and dinner."
"That's all you do?"
"It depends on his mood."
Sara kisses him deeply then grins "I guess then I'll have to make it up to you for having to have a boring Christmas day." Her hands go to the hem of her sweater and undershirt pulling it off over her head tossing it on the floor.
Later
Sara runs her fingers through Ian's hair as he rests. She notices the Witchblade on her wrist "What the..."
Ian lifts his head from her chest
Sara holds up her arm "I took it off... it never returns to my wrist when we're together. I always have to put it back on."
Ian frowns "What do you feel?"
Sara stares at the stone shaking her head "Nothing." A moment later the bedside phone rings Sara grabs it before it can wake Ana. "Pezzini."
"Detective have you heard from Ian?"
"No he's probably outside spying on me. Why?"
"I have tried to reach him but his phone is not on."
"I'd go to the window and yell at him but people are sleeping." she watches as Ian sits up she grabs his hand. "If he stops by I'll tell him your looking for him." she hangs up
"I should go" Ian says
"Might want to take a shower we tend to work up a sweat." she smirks
Ian kisses her then gets out of bed making his way to the bathroom
Sara shakes her head getting out of bed she pulls on a pair of panties and a shirt making her way into the kitchen as she hears the shower turn on. She passes Ian's overcoat then grins 'He does need an excuse of why he didn't answer his phone.' she fishes the small cell phone out of his pocket then goes into the kitchen.
A moment later Ian walks out of the bathroom a towel around his waist he finds Sara twirling a meat tenderizer a wicked smile on her face. "What did you do?" he asks suspiciously as he finds his boxers on the stairs
"Oh nothing much... helped with your excuse of why you didn't answer your phone."
"How so?" Ian asks finding his jeans he pulls them on going into the kitchen he finds his phone on the cutting table smashed. He lifts his brow "Good excuse."
"I thought so" she says proudly
Ian shakes his head going back up to the sleeping area looking for the rest of his clothes.
Sara puts his broken phone back into his pocket then carries it up to the bedroom finding Ian pulling on his boots. "Be here tonight?"
"If I can." he pulls on his overcoat he stops before the crib checking on Ana. 'Sweet dreams my child'
Sara touches his hand "Be careful Ian"
Ian nods looking at Sara "I will." he kisses her forehead "Get some sleep. I will see you later." he goes to the window opening it he climbs out.
Sara goes to the window to find him gone she smiles pulling the curtains closed checking on Ana she crawls into bed. "Goodnight Ian."
Irons Mansion: Half hour later
Ian enters the study
"Where have you been Ian? I have been trying to reach you."
Hearing Irons tone Ian winces "I was keeping an eye on Sara like you asked."
"Did the Witchblade activate?"
Ian shakes his head "She has not used it in a few days."
"Why am I feeling nothing from it." Irons mutters he looks at Ian "I spoke to her. She said she did not see you"
"I stayed back. I did not want to disrupt her at Mass."
"What about your phone? Why was it off?"
"Its broken." Ian admits 'By a meat tenderizer.' he inwardly chuckles
Irons nods "I will have another one activated for you." he sits down silently dismissing Ian.
Ian backs out of the study closing the doors behind him he makes his way up to his rooms his mind going over what Irons said about not feeling anything from the Witchblade. 'Why is it not active?'
Irons stands infront of the fireplace staring at the flame 'Something is going on.'
Mid morning
Sara looks at Ana standing at the coffee table as she makes breakfast she hears a knock at the door. She wipes her hands off going to the door she finds Gabe standing there. "Hey"
"I bring juice and gifts"
"I miss my coffee."
"Well its not good for my niece or nephew." Gabe says cheekily
"Don't lecture me" Sara scowls
"I won't." he follows her into the kitchen setting the container of juice "Need help?"
"Can you keep an eye on Ana... she's been going nuts all morning."
"Have a short night?" Gabe asks
"Didn't get home from Mass until almost 1." Sara replies "And little miss woke up cheerful. And I can't have my coffee. And I'm pregnant"
"And you miss Nottingham"
"Ahh" Sara starts as ghost Danny appears
"Sorry Pez" Danny says sheepishly
"Uh is that who I think it is?" Gabe asks
"Yes its Danny. How many times have I told you don't do that."
Gabe looks at Ana seeing the one year olds eyes locked on her mother arguing with air. "So Ana what's going on?"
"Danny don't show up like that... people think I'm insane. Good thing its only Gabe that's here."
"Hey" Gabe protests
"You know what I mean"
"You've never been worried about what people think of you."
"Yeah well I do now that Ana's with me. You know Irons would do anything to get custody of her. If people think I'm nuts because I'm talking to my dead partner then if he wanted he'd get custody."
"OK OK. Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas" Danny says holding his hands up in defense
Sara groans "Sorry Danny I have had a long morning. I miss my coffee. I'm pregnant"
"Hormonal" Danny adds
"Hey if you weren't dead" Sara threatens
"I'm going" Danny says
"Want help?" Gabe asks
"Sure. Put Ana in the playpen and set the table."
Gabe puts the baby in the playpen "So how's Nottingham?"
"Fine." Sara replies pausing in cutting up fruit as she hears the door open she looks up to see Jas and Jake enter. "Hey"
"Pez Merry Christmas" Jake grins setting the bag down he goes over grabbing her in a big hug lifting her off her feet.
"Jake put me down the eggs are going to burn" Sara laughs
Jake puts her back on her feet "Don't want that."
"OK guys lets finish up setting the table" Jas says shaking her head as she lifts Ana out of the playpen putting her on the playpen "Hands up"
Ana holds up her arms as Jas secures the tray.
"Good girl" Jas praises
Ana puts her arms down banging on the tray.
"She seems in a good mood" Jake says grabbing glasses out of the cabinets
"She's been hyper all morning." Sara says "foods up" she announces setting the eggs on the counter taking the warmed rolls out of the oven.
"Food" Gabe says happily. Within minutes the friends are sitting at the table eating and talking.
Sara grabs a roll tearing it she puts part of it on the highchair tray. "There"
Ana grins grabbing the food chewing on it
"How many teeth is she on?" Jake asks
"Five. I think a new one's coming in" Sara replies
"What's everyone's plan for the rest of the day?" Jas asks
"I'm heading out to Cali this afternoon." Jake says
"Party with some friends." Gabe answers
"Nothing other than sleep. What about you?"
Jas shrugs "Might go visit some friends."
"Don't worry Pez I'll be back in time to help you with the paperwork" Jake assures.
"You better... there is nothing I hate more."
"Except Irons"
"And Dante" Jake chimes in
"And when Nottingham appears out of nowhere" Jas adds
"Yeah" Sara says thinking back to all the times Ian showed up out of nowhere to warn her or to give her something.
"Oh boy she's got that look" Jake groans
"He's not so bad... sure he can scare the daylights out of you"
"Beat the crap out of you" Jake mutters
"That was your own fault... you should have been honest with Pez" Gabe says
"I know" Jake grumbles
Ana bangs on her tray
Jas sets a piece of fruit on the tray for her.
"So speaking of Nottingham where is he?" Jake asks "I would have thought he'd make an appearance already."
"No he won't. He has to spend brunch and dinner with Irons."
"Talk about mood killer" Gabe says
"Wonder what they talk about at the dinner table." Jake muses
"I doubt much." Sara says
"Those two aren't very talkative" Gabe says "I doubt they say much"
"Irons can get talkative if its a topic he likes." Sara shrugs
Hour later
"Thanks for breakfast Pez" Jake says after the group clears the table and opens presents. "I'd stick around but I don't want to miss my flight. Mom's already upset I wasn't able to get home for Christmas day. She'll have my head if I don't make it at all." he pulls on his coat.
Sara says goodbye to her friends then after they leave she sets Ana in the playpen then starts cleaning up.
Few hours later
Ian sits on the edge of the bed watching as Sara and Ana sleep. Reaching out he smoothes Sara's hair back and slowly she stirs.
Feeling the soft and familiar touch Sara sighs slowly opens her eyes she smiles sleepily. "Ian" she sits up stretching "I thought he put you on house arrest." she says her hand resting on his cheek
"He wanted me to bring you something."
"Ian" Sara's about to continue when she hears a sniffle. Looking over they see Ana watching them sleepily.
Ana grins clapping her hands crawling over to Ian chattering happily.
Ian lifts her onto his lap as he reaches into his coat pocket pulling out an envelope handing it to Sara. "He said use it for Ana."
Sara opens the envelope finding a bunch of money. "How much?"
"Twenty thousand."
Sara hands the envelope to him "You do something with it."
"He wants you to use it for Ana"
"Ian IA is getting nosy about Ana and how I am disappearing all the time. I'm trying to stay under the radar with them."
Ian nods "I will do something with the money but its yours and Ana's." he puts it back in his pocket bringing out a small velvet box handing it to Sara avoiding Ana's grasping hands.
Sara opens it to find a silver chain with a pendent the same red as the Witchblades stone. "Ian its gorgeous... thank you"
Ian nods "Ana's present will be here in a few days."
Sara stands going to her dresser she picks up a wrapped gift returning to the bed she hands it to Ian. "Merry Christmas Ian" she says kissing his cheek she takes Ana from his lap.
Ian removes the wrapping paper to find a wooden box with his family seal on it. He swallows opening the box to find a picture of a small boy and a couple 'My parents' he realizes after a second "How did..." he looks at Sara surprised
"I went through back newspapers from England and found out that some of your parents things were put up for auction. Gabe found the box and tracked down some friends of your parents and got the picture."
Ian stares at the picture "I had almost forgotten what they looked like." he says sadly
"Now you won't" Sara replies. She looks at Ana beside them on her back playing with her feet.
"Sara" Ian says softly unsure of what to say
Sara grins "You know Nottingham you were a cute kid."
Ian pulls her into a desperate hug "I love you Sara" he whispers
Sara wraps her arms around his neck "I love you too Ian"
After a moment Ian breaks the hug glancing at the clock "I should go"
Sara nods sadly pulling Ana onto her lap.
Ian leans down kissing Ana's head "I will see you in a few days." he assures
"OK" she watches as he walks down the steps and out the door locking it behind him. After a moment she looks down at Ana "Well little miss lets get you cleaned up."
New Years Eve
"I hate working on New Years Eve" Jake grumbles as he and Sara sit at the desk filling out paperwork.
"Know the feeling." Sara says standing she stretches
Jake leans back "You know Pez you should tell the Cap"
"I'm not showing and I'm staying out of trouble."
"I can't believe Nottingham hasn't locked you in a closet."
"Why would he?"
"Its his personality... you know how guard doggish he gets."
Sara shrugs "He watches out for me but he doesn't run my life."
Jake looks at her "Does he know?"
Sara nods
"Has he told Irons?"
"No."
"How do you know?"
"I just do" Sara yawns "come on lets get this done." she says looking at the paperwork.