You can find the NC17 version here http://www.voy.com/39259/
CHAPTER 9
NEXT DAY
"How was your visit?" Mrs. Ellis inquires sitting at the table watching Ian bounce Zeke on his knee.
Ian tears his eyes away from his son looking at Mrs. Ellis "Fine. It did them both good to see each other."
"And you?"
Ian shrugs looking back at Zeke "She's part of me, who I am."
Zeke grunts reaching for his father.
Ian lifts the boy against his chest smiling faintly as Zeke pats at his face.
"When are you taking Zeke to see her next?"
"We haven't discussed it." Ian admits "Hopefully soon. They need each other and it's not fair that they have to be apart for long periods of time."
"He should be with his mother full-time." Mrs. Ellis states.
"I know." Ian says sadly, "I know." He hugs Zeke kissing the top of the boy's head. "Hopefully one day that will happen."
AFTERNOON
Looking down Ian smiles finding Zeke asleep in his arms, he stands carrying Zeke out of the study and down the hall to the nursery. He sets Zeke in the crib and resting his chin on his hands, standing there he watches as Zeke sleeps. 'She'll be with us one day. I wish it were now. I wish there was a way for us to see her more often in a safe place.' Ian straightens up 'I could find a way to make sure we have a safe place to see her.' With a final glance at Zeke, he makes his way out of the nursery heading to his bedroom. Closing the bedroom door Ian sits at the desk with his laptop.
COUPLE OF DAYS LATER
Ian watches Zeke crawl around on the study floor when his phone rings. He grabs it off his desk "Yes?"
"Hey"
Ian smiles "I was wondering when you would call. Everything OK?"
"Yeah. I fine. How's Zeke?"
"Good."
"Is he walking yet?"
"No but he's getting there. Where are you?"
"Philadelphia. Why?"
"There's something I want to show you."
"What?" Sara asks suspiciously.
"I'm not going to tell." He says almost teasingly
"Give me a hint."
"Only if you agree to meet us at the airport."
"Why?"
"Because what I what I have to tell you requires us to go somewhere."
"Where?" Sara asks curiously.
"It's a surprise."
"Nottingham I hate surprises." Sara protests.
"Perhaps but you will like this one. After you get mad at me for a few seconds."
"What are you up to Nottingham?" She asks suspiciously
"You'll see. What do you say?"
"All right" Sara sighs "When?"
"Call me back in twenty minutes."
"Sure."
20 MINS LATER
"So what's the deal?" Sara asks as Ian picks up.
"Can you meet us at the airport tomorrow?"
"What time?"
"1 P.M.?"
"Sure."
Ian turns his head to see Zeke reaching for a heavy book on the bookcase. He rests his phone on his shoulder "Zeke no" he grabs the baby before he can pull the book down.
"What did he do?"
"He almost pulled a book off the bookcase." Ian answers sitting on the chair with Zeke on his lap. "Yesterday he hit his head when he tried to get out from under my desk."
"How bad?"
"Not bad, he didn't get a bruise. He cried for a few minutes though." He runs his hand over Zeke's head.
"Poor baby." Sara says sympathetically. "So how is everything going?"
"He misses you."
"I miss him too." She whispers.
Ian stands carrying Zeke over to the playpen setting the boy down. He leans back against the wall looking out the window. "Sometimes when I put him to bed he waves at your picture."
"My picture?"
"One of the pictures Fat... Kenneth had taken of you. I had it framed and put it by his bed so he can see his Mom whenever he wants. I would have put the painting of you there but I figured he'd get a little upset."
"What painting?"
"He had paintings done on all the Wielders and put them in a room where he keeps all of the Witchblade collection. Yours isn't in that room though."
"Where is it then?"
"In the study. Father put it on the wall before..." he shakes his head "I haven't been able to move it."
"You don't let Zeke in that room, do you?"
"No." Ian assures "I moved most of the every day things I need upstairs. He has never been in the study. I try not to go in there too often. When I'm in there it's like I can still feel him."
"Why don't you just leave that house if it has all those memories?"
"I grew up here. Not all of my memories of this house are bad Sara. He taught me how to read in this house. I learned about the Wielders and you in this house."
"I guess we'll have to agree to disagree when it comes to him."
"I guess so."
"I have to go. Give Zeke a hug and kiss. I'll see you tomorrow." she hangs up.
Ian closes the phone setting it on his desk he crouches beside the playpen watching Zeke play with his plastic rings. "Tomorrow we see your Mommy."
Hearing that familiar word Zeke grins at his father then looks around curiously.
Ian chuckles standing he reaches in lifting Zeke out of the playpen. "Sorry Zeke but she's not here." he carries Zeke out of the study and down the hall to the nursery grabbing the picture of Sara off the dresser drawer sitting in the rocker with Zeke on his lap.
Zeke looks at the picture grabbing at it shrieking happily. He turns his head looking at his father grinning widely.
"That's your Mommy huh." He smiles watching the little boy stare at the picture. "Tomorrow we'll see your Mommy." He kisses Zeke's head "We'll show her our surprise. She'll be a little upset but she'll get over it." He stands carrying Zeke over to the crib "Time for you to take a nap." he sets Zeke down only to have the boy whimper and hold his arms out Ian shakes his head. "Nap time." he says setting the picture of Sara on the dresser then walks out of the nursery ignoring Zeke's cries. He makes his way downstairs to search for Mrs. Ellis finding her on the patio directing the landscapers on what to do. "Mrs. Ellis?"
"Yes Ian?" Mrs. Ellis turns.
"Tomorrow I am taking Zeke to see his mother." He says well aware the landscaper is there.
"Are you taking them up there?"
"Yes."
Mrs. Ellis tilts her head thoughtfully "He'll need warm clothes." she looks at Ian "How long are you going to be there?"
"At least a week."
Mrs. Ellis nods "I will check his winter clothing and see if he has enough for a week. Will he need anything else?"
Ian goes through his mental list of what he has "Not that I know of. If he does I'll pick it up while there."
"Do you need anything?"
Ian shakes his head.
"All right I'll take care of packing him up."
Ian nods "I'll be upstairs."
CHAPTER 10
MORNING
Ian rubs at his eyes as he hears Zeke cry over the baby monitor. He glances at the clock and frowns "6? He's up early." he mutters throwing off the covers he makes his way down the hall where he finds Zeke sitting up tears falling as he cries. "Zeke what's wrong?" he lifts the crying baby out of the crib wiping at his tears.
Once in the familiar arms Zeke's cries turn to whimpers and sniffles. He sticks his fingers in his mouth resting his head on his father's shoulder.
Ian sits on the rocking chair slowly rocking the whimpering infant rubbing his back. He rests his cheek on Zeke's head.
8:30 AM
"All right time for someone to get a bath." Ian announces standing he settles Zeke in his arms. As he starts out of the dining area, he runs into Mrs. Ellis.
"Ian did you eat breakfast?" She asks in her motherly tone
"I had a piece of toast." he answers "I'm going to go get Zeke cleaned up."
"I will go get Zeke cleaned up." Mrs. Ellis says taking the baby, "You eat breakfast."
"But..."
"You didn't eat dinner last night so go eat." Mrs. Ellis orders.
"Yes Ma'am." Ian nods returning to the dining room.
Mrs. Ellis looks at the infant and chuckles.
Zeke grins clapping his hands happily blowing raspberries.
"Come on you let's get you cleaned up and looking all handsome to see your Mommy."
At his favorite word, Zeke looks around hopefully.
HALF HOUR LATER
Ian enters the nursery as Mrs. Ellis carries Zeke wrapped up in a towel out of the bathroom.
Mrs. Ellis smiles at Ian "He is all clean."
Ian takes Zeke from her "Thank you." He sets Zeke on the changing table drying the boy off. He diapers the baby well aware that Mrs. Ellis is moving about picking up the mess in the bathroom.
Mrs. Ellis steps out of the bathroom watching as Ian dresses the baby. "He's all packed up. Are you?"
"Yes Ma'am." Ian answers as he pulls the undershirt over Zeke's head.
"Did you pack cold weather clothes?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"What about Miss Pezzini? Did you tell her where you're taking her?"
"No but I had her clothes and a few of her things taken to the house."
"Where did you get her things?" Mrs. Ellis asks curiously.
"Her Partner put them in storage. I told him what I was doing and he agreed to allow me to move her things to the house." Ian replies as he buttons Zeke's pants sitting the boy up pulling the shirt over Zeke's head.
"How do you think she's going to react?"
Ian shrugs "Sara is very unpredictable." He picks up a pair of socks trying to put them on Zeke's feet when the boy starts kicking and laughing happily. "Zeke come on we need to finish getting you ready so we can get going." He picks up the baby carrying him over to the rocking chair Ian sits down with Zeke leaning against him he puts the socks on the baby's feet.
"In his diaper bag I packed a pair of warm pajamas, a change of clothes, his blanket, his favorite pacifier, a couple toys, and stuffed animals, a couple bottles with some formula, one of the bottles has already been prepared and is in the bottle warmer it should still be warm for his lunch bottle." She pauses "I also packed some diapers and wipes in the diaper bag. I put clothes in the blue suitcase, his toys in the black duffle bag, and there are some boxes filled with formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, and some of his favorite snacks. Did you remember your pills?"
"Yes Ma'am. Immo gave me some more yesterday."
"Good. I had Zeke's things taken to the plane already so his stroller is with his clothes and things. All that needs to be loaded in the car are your things, his diaper bag, and his car seat. I also packed you and Miss Pezzini some food in case you get hungry."
"Thank you."
"Now I will take him downstairs and get him in his jacket. You go get your things." Mrs. Ellis says taking Zeke from Ian.
Ian nods walking out of the nursery to his own room.
HOUR LATER: PLANE
"Sir we're ready to take off." Pilot announces.
"Fine" He looks at Zeke seeing the baby look around as though inspecting his surroundings. 'Hope you take this flight as well as you took the other.' As the planes engines start up he sees Zeke start in surprise at the sound. "Its OK" he assures running his hand over Zeke's head soothingly then leans down kissing Zeke's head as the plane taxies down the runway. As the plane starts to ascend, Zeke begins to rub at his ear whimpering unhappily. Within a few minutes the plane levels out and Zeke stops whimpering. "Hey see its over." Ian reaches over grabbing the diaper bag he takes out one of Zeke's favorite toys handing it to the baby.
Zeke takes the toy his attention on something else.
Ian watches Zeke with interest and amusement 'I still can't believe that he is my son... Sara's son.' He smiles faintly, 'Zeke's incredible. I only wish Sara were here, I miss her as does Zeke. At least they will be able to spend some time together this week.'
SAME TIME: PHILADELPHIA
Sara stares at her reflection in the mirror "Well Pezzini you get to see your baby." She smiles faintly, 'Wonder what it is Ian wants to show me.' She wonders then shakes her head, "Who knows its Nottingham."
1PM: AIRPORT
Ian watches as Sara hugs and kisses Zeke.
"Oh I've missed you." Sara smiles at Zeke who grins back patting at her face. "I swear you are getting bigger every day." She looks at Ian and smiles then looks back at Zeke who is chattering away. "So Nottingham what's the deal? Where are we going?"
"Somewhere safe" Ian replies reaching out he brushes a loose strand of hair off her cheek "Ready to get going?" He asks picking up her backpack.
Sara nods following Ian to the plane. "Come on Nottingham spill."
Ian looks at her giving Sara a faint smirk "It's a surprise." he nods at the co-pilot as they head to the seats.
Sara sets Zeke in his car seat strapping the baby in. She sits next to Zeke as the co-pilot closes the door. "Come on Nottingham you know I hate surprises."
Ian tilts his head "I'm not telling."
Sara glares at him then looks at Zeke "You'd tell me if you could talk huh baby?" smiling as the baby gives her a toothless grin. "That's my Zeke." She laughs "So what's been going on?" she asks as the plane taxis.
"Not much. Zeke wanted to play during breakfast so it took extra time to get him to finish up his bottle and getting him cleaned up was a challenge."
As the plane takes off Sara looks at Zeke only to see the boy whimper and rub his ear. "A flight with a baby who doesn't cry during take off." she chuckles.
Ian shrugs "Immo gave him a slight sedative so he's calm."
"You gave my baby a sedative!" Sara exclaims.
"He's not screaming and crying." Ian points out "Besides it's just a minor one and it only lasts a few hours."
Sara shakes her head about to retort as the phone beside Ian rings.
Ian picks up the phone "Yes? Thank you." he hangs up setting the phone down he unbuckles his seatbelt "He's probably ready for lunch." he reaches into the diaper bag beside him taking out the prepared and still warm bottle handing it to Sara. "Are you hungry? Mrs. Ellis packed some food."
"Not yet." Sara replies unbuckling Zeke from the car seat she lifts him onto her lap taking off the cap of the bottle offering it to Zeke. She smiles as Zeke takes the bottle in his hands and starts drinking.
Ian watches the sight before him of Sara holding Zeke as the baby lies in her arms holding his bottle watching his mother as she watches him. "How are you Sara?"
Sara glances at Ian then back at Zeke, "Better." She replies kissing Zeke's forehead.
"He misses you." Ian states.
"I miss him too." Sara says stroking Zeke's cheek smiling at the baby.
Zeke grins around the bottle as he reaches out clenching and unclenching his little hand.
Sara offers Zeke her finger chuckling as the baby squeezes her finger. "He's getting big."
"Immo checked him out yesterday said he's gained two pounds since he first checked Zeke out."
"Zeke you are getting chunkier by the month." Sara tweaks the baby's nose causing him to laugh around the bottle. "What else is going on?"
"Gabriel was in some trouble the other night."
Sara sighs, "What kind?"
"Bar fight. He was arrested but Detective Woo bailed him out and I dealt with the charge of assault that was going to come his way."
"Dealt with?" Sara lifts her brow.
"Paid the damages to the bar owner and the man he, supposedly, hit... anonymously of course."
"Why did you do that Ian?"
"Because he is your friend and I know you wouldn't want him to get into any trouble." Ian says almost shyly
"Thank you."
Ian nods "I know that Gabriel is your friend."
"Has he been over to see Zeke?"
"A few times. Your partner comes over occasionally to check-up on him. Zeke seems to like when they visit."
20 MINS LATER
Seeing Zeke asleep in her arms, she smiles running her finger down his cheek. She carefully sets Zeke in his car seat buckling him in she turns looking at Ian. "How are you Ian?"
Ian lifts his shoulders "Besides missing you... I'm fine."
Sara lifts her brow "You miss me?" she moves onto his lap her arm sliding around his shoulders her fingers twirling the curls on the nape of his neck.
"More than anything." He gently caresses her cheek.
Sara leans in her lips brushing his ever so lightly then rests her head on his shoulder her eyes on Zeke. "I kind of missed you too." Sara admits softly.
"Kind of?"
Sara looks at him "OK I not kind of... do, did, whatever. You kind of grew on me."
Ian rests his hand on her cheek gently caressing her cheek with his thumb he leans in kissing her lightly at first then slowly he deepens the kiss.
Sara moans softly at the feeling of his tongue caressing hers. She reluctantly breaks the kiss so they can breath. She rests her forehead against his both of them breathing heavily.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER
Sara holds the dozing Zeke as Ian and the pilots move everything to the waiting car. She presses a kiss to Zeke's head. 'New York? What is he up too?' she asks herself as Ian walks over to them.
"The car is loaded up."
Sara nods "Are you now going to tell me what you're up too? And why New York?"
"You'll see." Ian kisses her forehead "Come on lets get him into his car seat." He leads them over to the car opening the back passenger door as Sara sets Zeke in the car seat strapping the baby in.
Sara straightens up meeting Ian's gaze she leans up brushing her lips over his. She smiles against his lips, "So how long until I see this surprise?"
"About two hours."
"Not going to give me a tiny hint?" she asks hopefully.
"No."
"No hint, no sex."
Ian lifts his brow "Oh really?"
"Really." Sara crosses her arms over her chest.
Ian shrugs "All right." He opens the front passenger door for Sara.
"Nottingham!" She says exasperated.
"Come on Sara just get in the car."
Seeing the faint amusement in his eyes Sara groans in annoyance, "You're turning down sex?!"
Ian shrugs "Sex has never been a big thing in my life." Once Sara is in the car, he closes the door going around to the driver's side he gets in.
Sara looks at Ian as he gets in the car "You are one strange guy Ian." She says as he starts the car. "Never met a guy who turned down sex, except this guy I went to high school with... he ended up becoming a priest." she shakes her head "I never understood that one."
"It was never a big part of my life because I was either too involved in my studies, training, or my duties to Father."
"What about in school?"
"I went to an all boys' school in Switzerland when Father didn't want me around. When the other boys went to spy on the girls a few miles away I stayed in and studied."
"Why?"
"I didn't get along with most of the boys at the school."
"Why not?"
"I didn't join in when they did their pranks; I would have been punished if Father found out. School was the only time I had any amount of freedom even though he monitored me."
"How did he monitor you?"
"The Headmaster would call him every few days and give him a report of what I was doing, if he was unhappy about something, he would come and get me in the end I would end up out of school for a while. I tried my best to do whatever I could to keep out of any trouble or Father's way, even if that meant I had no friends. It didn't bother me though."
"Why not?"
"I'm not sure. I think it's because I was raised knowing there was more to what I was to be than there was to what the others would be."
"They tried getting me under some amount of control after Dad died." Sara says staring out the window "But it never happened. I did what I wanted when I wanted. Even if it meant I'd get detention, grounded, or hell even arrested I did it." She glances in the backseat to see Zeke looking around his fist in his mouth. She reaches back stroking Zeke's head.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER
Ian looks at Sara asleep next to him. He reaches over gently shaking her "Sara" he says softly
Sara slowly opens her eyes stretching "Where are we?" she asks rubbing her eyes
"We're here."
Sara looks around seeing a house among a bunch of trees. "What is this place?"
"A place where you can hide out... when you want too of course."
Sara looks at him startled "You bought this place?"
Ian shrugs, "You want to be safe this place is. No one but Mrs. Ellis knows that I bought it and she doesn't know exactly where it is, I bought it anonymously. Mrs. Ellis dealt with the realtor and the realtor dealt with the decorator and deliveries." He turns off the car opening the door he goes to the back passenger door opening it he reaches in unbuckling a dozing Zeke. He looks at Sara as she gets out of the car. He straightens up with Zeke against his shoulder rubbing the baby's back as he joins Sara "The nearest neighbor is two miles. The town is five miles away." He leads her up to the door unlocking it they enter.
Sara enters the house looking around the foyer.
"There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs. There is a half bath off the laundry room. The kitchen is connected to both the dining room and the breakfast area." He watches as Sara walks through the furnished rooms.
"This is amazing Ian." Sara says looking at him with a grin.
"There's something else I think you'll like. It's in the garage" he leads her through the laundry room to the door leading to the garage.
Sara follows him into the garage to find her beloved Buell in the middle of the garage. She looks at him and grins, "My bike?! How?"
"From your Partner."
"You told him and not me that you were buying this house?"
"Yes."
Sara leans up kissing him "Thank you"
Ian nods "Why don't you take him and look around while I unload the car."
Sara takes Zeke hugging him "My baby and my bike. Two of my favorite things in the world."
"The rest of your things are upstairs." Ian adds making his way inside.
HOUR LATER
"Zeke you are a mess." Sara laughs at the sight of the graham cracker crumbs on Zeke's face. She goes over to the sink grabbing a paper towel wetting it she returns to the table wiping Zeke's face and hands clean of crumbs. She smiles at Ian then turns her attention back to the chattering Zeke.
'My family.' Ian watches as Sara lifts Zeke out of the highchair, hugging and kissing the baby causing him to laugh.
LATE EVENING {SEX}
Sara enters the living room to find Ian sitting on the couch looking out the window. She sits next to him "Hey."
"Is he sleeping?" Ian asks
Sara nods "He's out."
Ian reaches out gently cupping Sara's cheek. "We miss you Sara."
Sara turns her head into his touch "I miss you too." She leans in kissing him lightly then slowly deepens the kiss as Ian pulls her onto his lap. She tangles her fingers in his hair.
Ian reluctantly breaks the kiss his lips moving down Sara's neck.
"Ian" Sara gasps feeling his lips on her neck.
"Sara" he murmurs nuzzling her neck. He tilts his head his eyes seeking out Sara's he takes her face between his hands.
Seeing the love, lust, devotion, and need in his golden eyes Sara leans down her lips meeting his in a heated kiss.
(Sex version go here http://www.voy.com/39259/)
AFTER MIDNIGHT
"No. Stop."
Sara awakens to the feeling of Ian tossing and turning next to her as he mumbles. She frowns as his mumbling turns to whimpers. She looks at him lying next to her in the dimly lit bedroom to see him in the throes of a nightmare.
"No. Please. No more."
Sara gently shaking him, "Wake up Ian." She says softly
"No. I can't." Ian whimpers
Sara shakes him harder "Ian" she says "Ian."
Ian wakens with a start he meets Sara's gaze then sits up running his hands over his face.
Seeing Ian tremble slightly Sara sits up touching his shoulder gently, "Are you OK?"
Ian nods not looking at her.
Sara gently strokes his hair "Want to tell me about it?"
Ian shakes his head
Sara rests her chin on his shoulder her arms around his chest.
Ian turns his head meeting Sara's concerned green eyes
"Come on." Sara gently pulls him down next to her wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he rests his head on her chest. She presses her lips to his hair as she runs her hand down his arm as it lies across her middle. She listens to his breathing even out and presses her lips to his hair drifting off to sleep with Ian half sprawled on top of her his head on her chest.
CHAPTER 11
MORNING
Sara stirs hearing a familiar cry. She opens her eyes to find Ian fast asleep next to her. Remembering what happened the night before Sara presses a light kiss to his hair then slips out of bed pulling on her pajamas. She silently makes her way out of the bedroom closing the door behind her she heads to Zeke's room. She enters the room to find Zeke sitting up crying. "Hey baby." Sara smiles slightly as she lifts Zeke out of the crib. She cradles the baby close rubbing his back, "Hey buddy." She kisses his head carrying him over to the changing table she sets him on his back. At Zeke's whimper, Sara kisses his forehead "Shhh baby." She hushes soothingly. "Let's get you changed then we'll go get your breakfast." She quickly unsnaps the sleeper removing it she quickly removes his dirty diaper wiping him off she grabs a clean diaper slipping it under him she fastens it. She puts Zeke back into his sleeper keeping an eye on the baby she rolls up the dirty diaper dumping it in the garbage can she lifts Zeke off the changing table setting him on her hip.
Carrying the baby out of his bedroom Sara heads to the kitchen setting Zeke in the playpen she quickly washes her hands going in search of Zeke's bottles and formula. Finding the items, she quickly makes up his bottle. She goes over to the playpen picking Zeke up she settles on the couch she remembers something "Oh yeah your bib." She sets Zeke back in the playpen setting the bottle on the coffee table she goes into the kitchen grabbing a bib off the table she returns to the living room. She picks Zeke up fastening the bib around his neck she offers the bottle to him as he starts to drink Sara smiles.
HOUR LATER
Sara looks up as Ian ambles into the living room rubbing his eyes sleepily. She looks him over quickly then back at Zeke who is holding onto her fingers. "Come on Zeke buddy"
Zeke lifts his head grinning around his pacifier at his mother then noticing his father he shrieks happily.
Sara lifts Zeke into her arms kissing his nose "Come on you lets go say morning to Daddy." She carries Zeke into the kitchen joining Ian. "Did you have a good sleep?"
Ian shrugs taking Zeke from her giving the baby a weary smile as he jabbers away. "Did he have breakfast?"
"He finished it all." Sara smiles kissing Zeke's cheek "He is going to be a chunk." She tickles Zeke's belly causing him to laugh.
Zeke pats at his father's face laughing happily
"Come 'ere you let's let Daddy have breakfast and wake up." Sara chuckles taking the infant from Ian.
"Have you had breakfast?" Ian asks
Sara nods carrying Zeke into the living room "Yes." She sits on the floor setting Zeke on his feet between her legs as she holds onto him.
Ian moves about the kitchen glancing over at Sara and Zeke as he pours himself a glass of milk.
Zeke grins waving his hands at his mother before he falls backwards on his butt. He sits there stunned for a moment then giggles clapping.
Sara laughs with him laying back she lifts Zeke over her head. She lowers Zeke kissing his nose then lifts him higher causing Zeke to laugh hysterically.
MID-AFTERNOON
Sara looks at Ian over Zeke's head as the baby sleeps between him. She reaches out cupping Ian's cheek "You OK?"
Ian nods turning his head he presses a soft kiss to her palm. "It was only a nightmare."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Ian shakes his head his eyes on Zeke "I'm going to go put him down." He picks up the sleeping baby standing he walks out of the bedroom.
Sara shifts to her back staring up at the ceiling her fingers absently touching the Witchblade stone.
Ian sets Zeke in the crib stroking the baby's cheek "Sleep well." he covers Zeke with a blanket returning to the bedroom. He enters the bedroom to find Sara staring up at the ceiling.
Sensing Ian watching her Sara sits up meeting his gaze, she moves off the bed walking over to Ian. She leans up kissing him lightly then pulls back. After a few seconds of staring at each other, Ian pulls her close kissing her hungrily causing Sara to moan in surprise and pleasure.
(sex go here http://www.voy.com/39259/)
WHILE LATER
Sara brushes Ian's hair back as his head rests on the pillow next to hers. "What's wrong?"
Ian shrugs trailing his fingers over her stomach
Sara chuckles lightly "When I found out I was pregnant it did more then stun me... it pretty much floored me." She meets his gaze briefly then continues talking. "One of the first things that I wondered was would I have ended up pregnant even if I had been on birth control at the time."
"What did you determine?" Ian inquires softly
Sara shrugs "Nothing. I realized I couldn't wonder about the 'what ifs', it happened." She absently touches the glowing stone her mind flashing back to the day.
//"You're pregnant" the doctor announces
At those two words, Sara pales her hand dropping to her middle 'Ian.' She realizes almost instinctively. "Oh shi..." she runs her fingers through her hair
"I take it this is unexpected."
"To say the least." Sara snaps glancing at the slightly glowing stone covering it with her hand before the doctor can see it.
"You have choices Miss Pezzini."
At those words, Sara feels the familiar pull of a vision.
*A baby with a sweet, shy smile and golden brown eyes.*
She pulls herself out of the vision and looks at the doctor "I'm going to keep it."//
"What made you decide to have him?" Ian asks curiously
Sara shrugs "A lot of things." she sits up "I'm going to go check on Zeke." she gets out of bed throwing on her bathrobe as she walks out of the bedroom. Sara walks into Zeke's room standing over the crib brushing her fingers over Zeke's plump cheek.
Ian gets out of bed pulling on his pants he walks out of the bedroom to Zeke's room. He stands in the doorway watching Sara stand over the crib. He steps up behind Sara wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Even now while I look at him I still find it amazing we made him." Sara says her voice so soft he barely hears it.
Ian kisses her temple as he rests his hand over her middle. "What if we did it again?" he asks his lips inches from her ear. As she inhales sharply he continues, "We proved with one night that we are quite capable of the amazing."
At the feeling of his mouth so close to her ear Sara shivers "We'd beat the odds then... after Zeke was born I went back on birth control."
"What if we do someday, manage to beat the odds?"
Sara shrugs turning she kisses his jaw "Come on let's let him sleep."
HOUR LATER
Ian steps out onto the back patio holding Zeke "Who's that?" he asks the baby
Zeke grins bouncing in his father's arms
Sara turns her head and smiles to find Ian standing in the just outside the door holding Zeke. She watches Ian talk softly to Zeke then a big grin appears on the baby's face his arms reaching for his mother. "Give me my baby." She demands
Ian walks over to her handing Zeke to her "Gladly."
Sara kisses Zeke's cheek "Did you have a good sleep?" she smiles lifting the boy into the air causing him to laugh. "I take it you did."
Ian sits across from Sara watching her cuddle and talk with Zeke.
As Zeke starts to grab at the Witchblade, Sara smiles removing it from her wrist, she hands it to the baby.
"Sara" Ian says worried
"He likes to play with it." Sara shrugs as Zeke sticks the bracelet in his mouth. "Besides it likes him and he likes it."
Ian nods seeing the almost calm look pass over Zeke's face as he sucks on the bracelet. "How are you doing with it?" he asks nodding at the bracelet.
"Visions are getting easier." She shrugs "But still annoying." She presses her lips to Zeke's head. "I think it's starting to make even more sense."
"You have had it for almost two and a half years." Ian reminds. "You should be used to it."
"I am. I'm starting to understand sometimes even predict its moods."
"Good. You've done sometime most Wielders have been unable to do."
"What?"
"You seem to have melded to it... you work together as one."
"When needed."
EVENING
"Eeehhh" Zeke shrieks splashing happily in the bathtub.
"Zeke!" Sara protests laughing as the baby splashes her and Ian with water. "Come on you I think Daddy and I are done getting soaked. You're clean enough." She lifts Zeke out of the tub setting him on a towel.
Ian pulls the stop up letting the water drain out of the bathtub watching as Sara dries Zeke off and puts him in a diaper. "I will go get his bottle."
Sara nods lifts Zeke up kissing him "All clean" she announces smiling at the laughing baby. She stands carrying Zeke into the bedroom setting him on the bed. She grabs the pair of pajamas Ian had set quickly zipping Zeke into them. She lifts Zeke up "Clean and in nice warm pajamas huh?"
Zeke grins wiggling
Sara kisses his nose causing him to laugh "It's almost bedtime for you." She carries Zeke out of her and Ian's bedroom to the boy's bedroom. She sits down on the rocking chair slowly rocking the baby.
Ian enters with the warmed up bottle handing it to Sara.
Sara offers it to Zeke as he starts to drink heartily he holds the bottle looking around.
Ian watches as Sara talks softly to Zeke and slowly rocks him as he drinks. He leans down kissing her forehead then walks out of the room.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Rubbing her eyes sleepily Sara enters the living room where she finds Ian doing push ups on the floor of the living room. In the dimly lit room, her eyes roam over his form as she walks to where he is she steps over his form crouching down she kisses his cheek. "Ian what are you doing up?" she asks
"Couldn't sleep" Ian answers continuing his push-ups.
"Another dream?" she asks concerned
"No, I'm still not used to being able to sleep all night." He stops his push-ups flipping over to his back looking up at Sara "Why are you up?"
"I woke up to an empty bed." Sara leans down kissing him "Come back to bed." She stands moving off Ian watching as he moves to his feet. She brushes her lips over his jaw leading Ian out of the living room and up the stairs to their bedroom.
CHAPTER 12
MORNING
Ian awakens his enhanced hearing picking up the sounds of Zeke's morning chatter. He looks at Sara asleep curled up beside him. He smiles faintly kissing her forehead he carefully gets out of bed trying not to wake his beloved Wielder.
"Where you going?" Sara asks sleepily awakening when she feels him move.
"Zeke is awake. Go back to sleep." Ian kisses her quickly then gets out of bed grabbing his pajama bottoms off the floor he pulls them on.
Sara watches as Ian makes his way out of the bedroom. After a moment, she sighs throwing off the covers, she gets out of bed grabbing her own discarded pajamas she pulls them on. She makes her way out of the bedroom going to Zeke's room she smiles at the sight of Ian holding Zeke.
"Morning Zeke." Ian lifts the baby out of the crib "Did you have a good sleep?"
Zeke looks at his father and grins patting at his face.
"I take that as a yes." Ian says amused. "Let's get you changed then we'll go have breakfast."
"Why don't I change him you make breakfast?" Sara suggests entering the bedroom.
"You sure?"
"Do you really want me cooking breakfast?" Sara asks lifting her brow.
"Good point." Ian hands Zeke over to her kissing her "You can't cook."
"Hey I resent that." Sara protests. "I can cook... just not breakfast foods." She sets Zeke on the changing table as Ian walks out the door. She leans down kissing Zeke's forehead "How's my Zeke this morning?"
Zeke grins
"I take it your good." She laughs unbuttoning the sleeper "God knows who you go that cheerful morning behavior from." She quickly changes Zeke's diaper then re-buttons his pajamas then tosses the dirty diaper in the garbage can. She picks Zeke up kissing his cheek "There all clean. That feels better huh." She settles the baby on her hip "Let's go get you some breakfast." She walks down the stairs to the kitchen where Ian is at the stove.
Sensing Sara's entrance Ian speaks "His bottle is on the table."
Sara sits down at the kitchen table looking around "Where's his bib?"
Ian looks around then finds it beside the sink. He hands it to Sara "Here"
Sara puts it around the baby's neck she snapping it. "There." She offers Zeke his bottle.
"What do you want to do today?" Ian inquires glancing at Sara
Sara looks at the window then back at Zeke "Why don't we take Zeke outside?" She suggests
"Sounds like a good idea." He sets a plate before Sara "Want me to finish feeding him?"
"No I got it." She grabs a piece of toast taking a bite she turns her attention back to Zeke. "So what's going on with Vorschlag? Is it still an evil company?"
Ian pours Sara a cup of coffee "Sara it was never evil." he sets the mug before her "It's just a company. Besides I never do the day to day stuff like Father did, I just sign papers." He sits next to her with his own plate.
"If he wanted you to take over one day then why don't you do the day to day stuff?"
Ian shrugs "Father had expected to control you enough so that he could live longer."
Sara winces at the meaning "He started it."
"I know."
Realizing his mother's attention is on something else, Zeke starts waving his hands wildly. "AHHH" He shrieks unhappily
"OK, OK calm down." Sara laughs returns the bottle to his mouth. With one hand supporting the bottle, she picks up her mug with her free hand taking a sip of coffee as Zeke drinks. "What do you do with all your free time now?"
"Whatever I feel like doing." Ian answers taking a sip of his coffee
"You're bored huh?"
"Before Zeke yes I was somewhat bored." He agrees. "Now I'm not. Zeke keeps things interesting."
"I bet." Sara smiles at Zeke. Sara takes a bite of her own breakfast with her free hand.
2 HOURS LATER
Sara jumps in surprise when she feels Ian wrap his arms around her waist "Nottingham stop sneaking up on me!" She elbows him in the stomach
Ian winces kissing her cheek "You should pay more attention Lady Sara."
"Where is Zeke's jacket?" Sara asks lifting the baby off the changing table.
"In the front hall closet" Ian answers stepping back
"Well then lets go finish getting him all bundled up and then we can go explore the woods for a while. He's been changed and fed so he should be fine for a couple hours." She kisses Zeke's cheek "Won't you kiddo?" then follows Ian downstairs to the front door. She sets Zeke on the carpet in the entryway. After she and Ian get their coats on Sara picks Zeke up and with Ian's help, they get Zeke into his jacket and hood. "There." She grins at Ian as he pulls on his wool cap "Now we're ready."
They walk out the front door and Ian locks the front door "Want me to take him?"
Sara shakes her head. "I got him." She follows Ian to the backyard. "It's been a long time since I've been in the woods." She pauses looking around
"How long has it been?"
"Almost fifteen years." Sara shifts Zeke "I got into some trouble and Marie made him take me and their oldest two Joe Jr. and Elena camping. She thought if I got out of the city for a while, that I would calm down and she wanted the older two out of the house for a while. We spent a week out in the woods, climbed trees, rocks, and went swimming. It was hell for Elena, but Joe Jr. and I had fun. We drove Joe nuts between pulling pranks and scaring Elena." She smiles
"You miss that."
Sara shrugs "It was a long time ago." She looks at Zeke who is craning his head to look around. "What do you see Zeke?"
Zeke points at the trees
"You like the trees huh buddy." Sara smiles at Ian then looks back at Zeke. "When you're big enough you'll be able to climb trees." They continue walking as Zeke cranes his head looking around.
"Have you spoken to Siri since you left?"
"I called him the day after I left, told Joe I needed to take some time off... he said he'd call in some favors and get me an official leave of absence. I'm supposedly able to return whenever I want."
"Your not sure you want to."
"I want to if I ever return but I doubt Dante will allow me to without causing some trouble. I like doing my job... always have." She looks at Zeke "But right now I think it's a good thing I left. With all the trouble I was getting into I don't think he would have been born if I had stayed."
Zeke points and jabbers excitedly
"What do you see?" Sara follows his pointing to see a squirrel sitting on a rock "Ahh the squirrel. He's kind of cute."
"Sara it's a rodent." Ian argues
"Hey be nice. He is a cute rodent. Haven't you ever seen a cute mouse or rat?"
"No."
Sara shakes her head looking back at the squirrel. When the squirrel scrambles away Zeke whimpers unhappily, "Hey you'll see another squirrel." Sara assures
HOUR LATER
Sara takes Zeke from Ian after removing her jacket "You have red nose." She kisses Zeke's nose then removes the boy's hood and unzips his coat. She sits on the stairs removing Zeke's shoes then sets the baby on the floor removing her boots. She leans back watching as Zeke sits on the floor then crawls to the bottom step reaching up.
Zeke grunts reaching for his mother.
Sara picks Zeke up standing she walks up to Ian kissing his cheek about to step away when Ian pulls her close. She lifts her brow "Yes?"
Ian brushes his lips over hers "That"
"Mmm" Sara sighs "You know we'll have to take this further when he goes down for his nap."
Ian nods watching as Sara walks to the living room with Zeke.
LATE AFTERNOON
Sara looks up from eating her yogurt and smiles as Ian enters the kitchen "I take it he went down without a fight."
"He was too tired to try and stay awake."
She sets the container down tugging Ian between her legs. "I'm not surprised. He found everything interesting out in the woods."
Ian nods in agreement leaning forward he kisses her lightly "When he's able to talk something tells me he'll ask a lot of interesting questions."
Sara laughs "I'll refer him to you on all questions." She scratches at his beard
"Do you ever wonder what goes on in his mind?"
Sara nods "All the time, especially when he gets that almost thoughtful look."
"Like he gets when he looks at something he's never seen."
"That's the one. Then the cute look he gets when he's trying to figure out what he wants to do next or what he's supposed to do." She chuckles
"He is amazing." Ian cups her cheek he leans in kissing her sweetly.
Sara pulls him close wrapping her legs around his hips as she deepens the kiss her tongue caressing his. She moans feeling his arousal press into her. As Ian trails his lips down her neck, she groans his name.
"Yes, my love?" He murmurs against her pulse
Sara tugs his head up her eyes boring into his "I need you." She pleads
WHILE LATER
Sara laughs as Ian nuzzles her neck while they lay on the living room floor.
"What?" Ian asks curious to why she is laughing
Sara turns her head looking at Ian spooned around her "I have never seen you this relaxed."
Ian shrugs
At the shy look on his face Sara kisses his nose, "I like seeing you like this." She shifts to her back turning her head looking at him.
Ian brushes his fingers over Sara's face "I was always taught to be on guard at all times but here... I don't need to be."
"Considering no one knows your here."
"I know this sounds odd but" Ian pauses "I thinks its partially because Father was never here in this place I don't feel like he's here watching me that I can relax."
"Makes sense. You did spend a good part of your life at his side." She runs her hand down his arm lacing their fingers.
"Some mornings I wake up and expect him to start yelling at me over something then I realize that I'm no longer taking orders and it feels... I don't know."
"Odd? Weird? Freaky?"
"To say the least" Ian says warily "I spent my whole life taking orders and even after a year I still don't know how to completely function without the orders."
Sara squeezes his hand "Think of it this way... eventually Zeke will be talking. One thing I have learned from Danny's kids... little kids can be bossier than adults can. Before you know it he'll be telling you what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants it." She teases lightly leaning up she kisses him lightly then lays back she absently traces his tattoo.
Ian leans down kissing Sara's temple.
Sara gives him a small smile.
CHAPTER 9
NEXT DAY
"How was your visit?" Mrs. Ellis inquires sitting at the table watching Ian bounce Zeke on his knee.
Ian tears his eyes away from his son looking at Mrs. Ellis "Fine. It did them both good to see each other."
"And you?"
Ian shrugs looking back at Zeke "She's part of me, who I am."
Zeke grunts reaching for his father.
Ian lifts the boy against his chest smiling faintly as Zeke pats at his face.
"When are you taking Zeke to see her next?"
"We haven't discussed it." Ian admits "Hopefully soon. They need each other and it's not fair that they have to be apart for long periods of time."
"He should be with his mother full-time." Mrs. Ellis states.
"I know." Ian says sadly, "I know." He hugs Zeke kissing the top of the boy's head. "Hopefully one day that will happen."
AFTERNOON
Looking down Ian smiles finding Zeke asleep in his arms, he stands carrying Zeke out of the study and down the hall to the nursery. He sets Zeke in the crib and resting his chin on his hands, standing there he watches as Zeke sleeps. 'She'll be with us one day. I wish it were now. I wish there was a way for us to see her more often in a safe place.' Ian straightens up 'I could find a way to make sure we have a safe place to see her.' With a final glance at Zeke, he makes his way out of the nursery heading to his bedroom. Closing the bedroom door Ian sits at the desk with his laptop.
COUPLE OF DAYS LATER
Ian watches Zeke crawl around on the study floor when his phone rings. He grabs it off his desk "Yes?"
"Hey"
Ian smiles "I was wondering when you would call. Everything OK?"
"Yeah. I fine. How's Zeke?"
"Good."
"Is he walking yet?"
"No but he's getting there. Where are you?"
"Philadelphia. Why?"
"There's something I want to show you."
"What?" Sara asks suspiciously.
"I'm not going to tell." He says almost teasingly
"Give me a hint."
"Only if you agree to meet us at the airport."
"Why?"
"Because what I what I have to tell you requires us to go somewhere."
"Where?" Sara asks curiously.
"It's a surprise."
"Nottingham I hate surprises." Sara protests.
"Perhaps but you will like this one. After you get mad at me for a few seconds."
"What are you up to Nottingham?" She asks suspiciously
"You'll see. What do you say?"
"All right" Sara sighs "When?"
"Call me back in twenty minutes."
"Sure."
20 MINS LATER
"So what's the deal?" Sara asks as Ian picks up.
"Can you meet us at the airport tomorrow?"
"What time?"
"1 P.M.?"
"Sure."
Ian turns his head to see Zeke reaching for a heavy book on the bookcase. He rests his phone on his shoulder "Zeke no" he grabs the baby before he can pull the book down.
"What did he do?"
"He almost pulled a book off the bookcase." Ian answers sitting on the chair with Zeke on his lap. "Yesterday he hit his head when he tried to get out from under my desk."
"How bad?"
"Not bad, he didn't get a bruise. He cried for a few minutes though." He runs his hand over Zeke's head.
"Poor baby." Sara says sympathetically. "So how is everything going?"
"He misses you."
"I miss him too." She whispers.
Ian stands carrying Zeke over to the playpen setting the boy down. He leans back against the wall looking out the window. "Sometimes when I put him to bed he waves at your picture."
"My picture?"
"One of the pictures Fat... Kenneth had taken of you. I had it framed and put it by his bed so he can see his Mom whenever he wants. I would have put the painting of you there but I figured he'd get a little upset."
"What painting?"
"He had paintings done on all the Wielders and put them in a room where he keeps all of the Witchblade collection. Yours isn't in that room though."
"Where is it then?"
"In the study. Father put it on the wall before..." he shakes his head "I haven't been able to move it."
"You don't let Zeke in that room, do you?"
"No." Ian assures "I moved most of the every day things I need upstairs. He has never been in the study. I try not to go in there too often. When I'm in there it's like I can still feel him."
"Why don't you just leave that house if it has all those memories?"
"I grew up here. Not all of my memories of this house are bad Sara. He taught me how to read in this house. I learned about the Wielders and you in this house."
"I guess we'll have to agree to disagree when it comes to him."
"I guess so."
"I have to go. Give Zeke a hug and kiss. I'll see you tomorrow." she hangs up.
Ian closes the phone setting it on his desk he crouches beside the playpen watching Zeke play with his plastic rings. "Tomorrow we see your Mommy."
Hearing that familiar word Zeke grins at his father then looks around curiously.
Ian chuckles standing he reaches in lifting Zeke out of the playpen. "Sorry Zeke but she's not here." he carries Zeke out of the study and down the hall to the nursery grabbing the picture of Sara off the dresser drawer sitting in the rocker with Zeke on his lap.
Zeke looks at the picture grabbing at it shrieking happily. He turns his head looking at his father grinning widely.
"That's your Mommy huh." He smiles watching the little boy stare at the picture. "Tomorrow we'll see your Mommy." He kisses Zeke's head "We'll show her our surprise. She'll be a little upset but she'll get over it." He stands carrying Zeke over to the crib "Time for you to take a nap." he sets Zeke down only to have the boy whimper and hold his arms out Ian shakes his head. "Nap time." he says setting the picture of Sara on the dresser then walks out of the nursery ignoring Zeke's cries. He makes his way downstairs to search for Mrs. Ellis finding her on the patio directing the landscapers on what to do. "Mrs. Ellis?"
"Yes Ian?" Mrs. Ellis turns.
"Tomorrow I am taking Zeke to see his mother." He says well aware the landscaper is there.
"Are you taking them up there?"
"Yes."
Mrs. Ellis tilts her head thoughtfully "He'll need warm clothes." she looks at Ian "How long are you going to be there?"
"At least a week."
Mrs. Ellis nods "I will check his winter clothing and see if he has enough for a week. Will he need anything else?"
Ian goes through his mental list of what he has "Not that I know of. If he does I'll pick it up while there."
"Do you need anything?"
Ian shakes his head.
"All right I'll take care of packing him up."
Ian nods "I'll be upstairs."
CHAPTER 10
MORNING
Ian rubs at his eyes as he hears Zeke cry over the baby monitor. He glances at the clock and frowns "6? He's up early." he mutters throwing off the covers he makes his way down the hall where he finds Zeke sitting up tears falling as he cries. "Zeke what's wrong?" he lifts the crying baby out of the crib wiping at his tears.
Once in the familiar arms Zeke's cries turn to whimpers and sniffles. He sticks his fingers in his mouth resting his head on his father's shoulder.
Ian sits on the rocking chair slowly rocking the whimpering infant rubbing his back. He rests his cheek on Zeke's head.
8:30 AM
"All right time for someone to get a bath." Ian announces standing he settles Zeke in his arms. As he starts out of the dining area, he runs into Mrs. Ellis.
"Ian did you eat breakfast?" She asks in her motherly tone
"I had a piece of toast." he answers "I'm going to go get Zeke cleaned up."
"I will go get Zeke cleaned up." Mrs. Ellis says taking the baby, "You eat breakfast."
"But..."
"You didn't eat dinner last night so go eat." Mrs. Ellis orders.
"Yes Ma'am." Ian nods returning to the dining room.
Mrs. Ellis looks at the infant and chuckles.
Zeke grins clapping his hands happily blowing raspberries.
"Come on you let's get you cleaned up and looking all handsome to see your Mommy."
At his favorite word, Zeke looks around hopefully.
HALF HOUR LATER
Ian enters the nursery as Mrs. Ellis carries Zeke wrapped up in a towel out of the bathroom.
Mrs. Ellis smiles at Ian "He is all clean."
Ian takes Zeke from her "Thank you." He sets Zeke on the changing table drying the boy off. He diapers the baby well aware that Mrs. Ellis is moving about picking up the mess in the bathroom.
Mrs. Ellis steps out of the bathroom watching as Ian dresses the baby. "He's all packed up. Are you?"
"Yes Ma'am." Ian answers as he pulls the undershirt over Zeke's head.
"Did you pack cold weather clothes?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"What about Miss Pezzini? Did you tell her where you're taking her?"
"No but I had her clothes and a few of her things taken to the house."
"Where did you get her things?" Mrs. Ellis asks curiously.
"Her Partner put them in storage. I told him what I was doing and he agreed to allow me to move her things to the house." Ian replies as he buttons Zeke's pants sitting the boy up pulling the shirt over Zeke's head.
"How do you think she's going to react?"
Ian shrugs "Sara is very unpredictable." He picks up a pair of socks trying to put them on Zeke's feet when the boy starts kicking and laughing happily. "Zeke come on we need to finish getting you ready so we can get going." He picks up the baby carrying him over to the rocking chair Ian sits down with Zeke leaning against him he puts the socks on the baby's feet.
"In his diaper bag I packed a pair of warm pajamas, a change of clothes, his blanket, his favorite pacifier, a couple toys, and stuffed animals, a couple bottles with some formula, one of the bottles has already been prepared and is in the bottle warmer it should still be warm for his lunch bottle." She pauses "I also packed some diapers and wipes in the diaper bag. I put clothes in the blue suitcase, his toys in the black duffle bag, and there are some boxes filled with formula, diapers, wipes, bottles, and some of his favorite snacks. Did you remember your pills?"
"Yes Ma'am. Immo gave me some more yesterday."
"Good. I had Zeke's things taken to the plane already so his stroller is with his clothes and things. All that needs to be loaded in the car are your things, his diaper bag, and his car seat. I also packed you and Miss Pezzini some food in case you get hungry."
"Thank you."
"Now I will take him downstairs and get him in his jacket. You go get your things." Mrs. Ellis says taking Zeke from Ian.
Ian nods walking out of the nursery to his own room.
HOUR LATER: PLANE
"Sir we're ready to take off." Pilot announces.
"Fine" He looks at Zeke seeing the baby look around as though inspecting his surroundings. 'Hope you take this flight as well as you took the other.' As the planes engines start up he sees Zeke start in surprise at the sound. "Its OK" he assures running his hand over Zeke's head soothingly then leans down kissing Zeke's head as the plane taxies down the runway. As the plane starts to ascend, Zeke begins to rub at his ear whimpering unhappily. Within a few minutes the plane levels out and Zeke stops whimpering. "Hey see its over." Ian reaches over grabbing the diaper bag he takes out one of Zeke's favorite toys handing it to the baby.
Zeke takes the toy his attention on something else.
Ian watches Zeke with interest and amusement 'I still can't believe that he is my son... Sara's son.' He smiles faintly, 'Zeke's incredible. I only wish Sara were here, I miss her as does Zeke. At least they will be able to spend some time together this week.'
SAME TIME: PHILADELPHIA
Sara stares at her reflection in the mirror "Well Pezzini you get to see your baby." She smiles faintly, 'Wonder what it is Ian wants to show me.' She wonders then shakes her head, "Who knows its Nottingham."
1PM: AIRPORT
Ian watches as Sara hugs and kisses Zeke.
"Oh I've missed you." Sara smiles at Zeke who grins back patting at her face. "I swear you are getting bigger every day." She looks at Ian and smiles then looks back at Zeke who is chattering away. "So Nottingham what's the deal? Where are we going?"
"Somewhere safe" Ian replies reaching out he brushes a loose strand of hair off her cheek "Ready to get going?" He asks picking up her backpack.
Sara nods following Ian to the plane. "Come on Nottingham spill."
Ian looks at her giving Sara a faint smirk "It's a surprise." he nods at the co-pilot as they head to the seats.
Sara sets Zeke in his car seat strapping the baby in. She sits next to Zeke as the co-pilot closes the door. "Come on Nottingham you know I hate surprises."
Ian tilts his head "I'm not telling."
Sara glares at him then looks at Zeke "You'd tell me if you could talk huh baby?" smiling as the baby gives her a toothless grin. "That's my Zeke." She laughs "So what's been going on?" she asks as the plane taxis.
"Not much. Zeke wanted to play during breakfast so it took extra time to get him to finish up his bottle and getting him cleaned up was a challenge."
As the plane takes off Sara looks at Zeke only to see the boy whimper and rub his ear. "A flight with a baby who doesn't cry during take off." she chuckles.
Ian shrugs "Immo gave him a slight sedative so he's calm."
"You gave my baby a sedative!" Sara exclaims.
"He's not screaming and crying." Ian points out "Besides it's just a minor one and it only lasts a few hours."
Sara shakes her head about to retort as the phone beside Ian rings.
Ian picks up the phone "Yes? Thank you." he hangs up setting the phone down he unbuckles his seatbelt "He's probably ready for lunch." he reaches into the diaper bag beside him taking out the prepared and still warm bottle handing it to Sara. "Are you hungry? Mrs. Ellis packed some food."
"Not yet." Sara replies unbuckling Zeke from the car seat she lifts him onto her lap taking off the cap of the bottle offering it to Zeke. She smiles as Zeke takes the bottle in his hands and starts drinking.
Ian watches the sight before him of Sara holding Zeke as the baby lies in her arms holding his bottle watching his mother as she watches him. "How are you Sara?"
Sara glances at Ian then back at Zeke, "Better." She replies kissing Zeke's forehead.
"He misses you." Ian states.
"I miss him too." Sara says stroking Zeke's cheek smiling at the baby.
Zeke grins around the bottle as he reaches out clenching and unclenching his little hand.
Sara offers Zeke her finger chuckling as the baby squeezes her finger. "He's getting big."
"Immo checked him out yesterday said he's gained two pounds since he first checked Zeke out."
"Zeke you are getting chunkier by the month." Sara tweaks the baby's nose causing him to laugh around the bottle. "What else is going on?"
"Gabriel was in some trouble the other night."
Sara sighs, "What kind?"
"Bar fight. He was arrested but Detective Woo bailed him out and I dealt with the charge of assault that was going to come his way."
"Dealt with?" Sara lifts her brow.
"Paid the damages to the bar owner and the man he, supposedly, hit... anonymously of course."
"Why did you do that Ian?"
"Because he is your friend and I know you wouldn't want him to get into any trouble." Ian says almost shyly
"Thank you."
Ian nods "I know that Gabriel is your friend."
"Has he been over to see Zeke?"
"A few times. Your partner comes over occasionally to check-up on him. Zeke seems to like when they visit."
20 MINS LATER
Seeing Zeke asleep in her arms, she smiles running her finger down his cheek. She carefully sets Zeke in his car seat buckling him in she turns looking at Ian. "How are you Ian?"
Ian lifts his shoulders "Besides missing you... I'm fine."
Sara lifts her brow "You miss me?" she moves onto his lap her arm sliding around his shoulders her fingers twirling the curls on the nape of his neck.
"More than anything." He gently caresses her cheek.
Sara leans in her lips brushing his ever so lightly then rests her head on his shoulder her eyes on Zeke. "I kind of missed you too." Sara admits softly.
"Kind of?"
Sara looks at him "OK I not kind of... do, did, whatever. You kind of grew on me."
Ian rests his hand on her cheek gently caressing her cheek with his thumb he leans in kissing her lightly at first then slowly he deepens the kiss.
Sara moans softly at the feeling of his tongue caressing hers. She reluctantly breaks the kiss so they can breath. She rests her forehead against his both of them breathing heavily.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER
Sara holds the dozing Zeke as Ian and the pilots move everything to the waiting car. She presses a kiss to Zeke's head. 'New York? What is he up too?' she asks herself as Ian walks over to them.
"The car is loaded up."
Sara nods "Are you now going to tell me what you're up too? And why New York?"
"You'll see." Ian kisses her forehead "Come on lets get him into his car seat." He leads them over to the car opening the back passenger door as Sara sets Zeke in the car seat strapping the baby in.
Sara straightens up meeting Ian's gaze she leans up brushing her lips over his. She smiles against his lips, "So how long until I see this surprise?"
"About two hours."
"Not going to give me a tiny hint?" she asks hopefully.
"No."
"No hint, no sex."
Ian lifts his brow "Oh really?"
"Really." Sara crosses her arms over her chest.
Ian shrugs "All right." He opens the front passenger door for Sara.
"Nottingham!" She says exasperated.
"Come on Sara just get in the car."
Seeing the faint amusement in his eyes Sara groans in annoyance, "You're turning down sex?!"
Ian shrugs "Sex has never been a big thing in my life." Once Sara is in the car, he closes the door going around to the driver's side he gets in.
Sara looks at Ian as he gets in the car "You are one strange guy Ian." She says as he starts the car. "Never met a guy who turned down sex, except this guy I went to high school with... he ended up becoming a priest." she shakes her head "I never understood that one."
"It was never a big part of my life because I was either too involved in my studies, training, or my duties to Father."
"What about in school?"
"I went to an all boys' school in Switzerland when Father didn't want me around. When the other boys went to spy on the girls a few miles away I stayed in and studied."
"Why?"
"I didn't get along with most of the boys at the school."
"Why not?"
"I didn't join in when they did their pranks; I would have been punished if Father found out. School was the only time I had any amount of freedom even though he monitored me."
"How did he monitor you?"
"The Headmaster would call him every few days and give him a report of what I was doing, if he was unhappy about something, he would come and get me in the end I would end up out of school for a while. I tried my best to do whatever I could to keep out of any trouble or Father's way, even if that meant I had no friends. It didn't bother me though."
"Why not?"
"I'm not sure. I think it's because I was raised knowing there was more to what I was to be than there was to what the others would be."
"They tried getting me under some amount of control after Dad died." Sara says staring out the window "But it never happened. I did what I wanted when I wanted. Even if it meant I'd get detention, grounded, or hell even arrested I did it." She glances in the backseat to see Zeke looking around his fist in his mouth. She reaches back stroking Zeke's head.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER
Ian looks at Sara asleep next to him. He reaches over gently shaking her "Sara" he says softly
Sara slowly opens her eyes stretching "Where are we?" she asks rubbing her eyes
"We're here."
Sara looks around seeing a house among a bunch of trees. "What is this place?"
"A place where you can hide out... when you want too of course."
Sara looks at him startled "You bought this place?"
Ian shrugs, "You want to be safe this place is. No one but Mrs. Ellis knows that I bought it and she doesn't know exactly where it is, I bought it anonymously. Mrs. Ellis dealt with the realtor and the realtor dealt with the decorator and deliveries." He turns off the car opening the door he goes to the back passenger door opening it he reaches in unbuckling a dozing Zeke. He looks at Sara as she gets out of the car. He straightens up with Zeke against his shoulder rubbing the baby's back as he joins Sara "The nearest neighbor is two miles. The town is five miles away." He leads her up to the door unlocking it they enter.
Sara enters the house looking around the foyer.
"There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs. There is a half bath off the laundry room. The kitchen is connected to both the dining room and the breakfast area." He watches as Sara walks through the furnished rooms.
"This is amazing Ian." Sara says looking at him with a grin.
"There's something else I think you'll like. It's in the garage" he leads her through the laundry room to the door leading to the garage.
Sara follows him into the garage to find her beloved Buell in the middle of the garage. She looks at him and grins, "My bike?! How?"
"From your Partner."
"You told him and not me that you were buying this house?"
"Yes."
Sara leans up kissing him "Thank you"
Ian nods "Why don't you take him and look around while I unload the car."
Sara takes Zeke hugging him "My baby and my bike. Two of my favorite things in the world."
"The rest of your things are upstairs." Ian adds making his way inside.
HOUR LATER
"Zeke you are a mess." Sara laughs at the sight of the graham cracker crumbs on Zeke's face. She goes over to the sink grabbing a paper towel wetting it she returns to the table wiping Zeke's face and hands clean of crumbs. She smiles at Ian then turns her attention back to the chattering Zeke.
'My family.' Ian watches as Sara lifts Zeke out of the highchair, hugging and kissing the baby causing him to laugh.
LATE EVENING {SEX}
Sara enters the living room to find Ian sitting on the couch looking out the window. She sits next to him "Hey."
"Is he sleeping?" Ian asks
Sara nods "He's out."
Ian reaches out gently cupping Sara's cheek. "We miss you Sara."
Sara turns her head into his touch "I miss you too." She leans in kissing him lightly then slowly deepens the kiss as Ian pulls her onto his lap. She tangles her fingers in his hair.
Ian reluctantly breaks the kiss his lips moving down Sara's neck.
"Ian" Sara gasps feeling his lips on her neck.
"Sara" he murmurs nuzzling her neck. He tilts his head his eyes seeking out Sara's he takes her face between his hands.
Seeing the love, lust, devotion, and need in his golden eyes Sara leans down her lips meeting his in a heated kiss.
(Sex version go here http://www.voy.com/39259/)
AFTER MIDNIGHT
"No. Stop."
Sara awakens to the feeling of Ian tossing and turning next to her as he mumbles. She frowns as his mumbling turns to whimpers. She looks at him lying next to her in the dimly lit bedroom to see him in the throes of a nightmare.
"No. Please. No more."
Sara gently shaking him, "Wake up Ian." She says softly
"No. I can't." Ian whimpers
Sara shakes him harder "Ian" she says "Ian."
Ian wakens with a start he meets Sara's gaze then sits up running his hands over his face.
Seeing Ian tremble slightly Sara sits up touching his shoulder gently, "Are you OK?"
Ian nods not looking at her.
Sara gently strokes his hair "Want to tell me about it?"
Ian shakes his head
Sara rests her chin on his shoulder her arms around his chest.
Ian turns his head meeting Sara's concerned green eyes
"Come on." Sara gently pulls him down next to her wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he rests his head on her chest. She presses her lips to his hair as she runs her hand down his arm as it lies across her middle. She listens to his breathing even out and presses her lips to his hair drifting off to sleep with Ian half sprawled on top of her his head on her chest.
CHAPTER 11
MORNING
Sara stirs hearing a familiar cry. She opens her eyes to find Ian fast asleep next to her. Remembering what happened the night before Sara presses a light kiss to his hair then slips out of bed pulling on her pajamas. She silently makes her way out of the bedroom closing the door behind her she heads to Zeke's room. She enters the room to find Zeke sitting up crying. "Hey baby." Sara smiles slightly as she lifts Zeke out of the crib. She cradles the baby close rubbing his back, "Hey buddy." She kisses his head carrying him over to the changing table she sets him on his back. At Zeke's whimper, Sara kisses his forehead "Shhh baby." She hushes soothingly. "Let's get you changed then we'll go get your breakfast." She quickly unsnaps the sleeper removing it she quickly removes his dirty diaper wiping him off she grabs a clean diaper slipping it under him she fastens it. She puts Zeke back into his sleeper keeping an eye on the baby she rolls up the dirty diaper dumping it in the garbage can she lifts Zeke off the changing table setting him on her hip.
Carrying the baby out of his bedroom Sara heads to the kitchen setting Zeke in the playpen she quickly washes her hands going in search of Zeke's bottles and formula. Finding the items, she quickly makes up his bottle. She goes over to the playpen picking Zeke up she settles on the couch she remembers something "Oh yeah your bib." She sets Zeke back in the playpen setting the bottle on the coffee table she goes into the kitchen grabbing a bib off the table she returns to the living room. She picks Zeke up fastening the bib around his neck she offers the bottle to him as he starts to drink Sara smiles.
HOUR LATER
Sara looks up as Ian ambles into the living room rubbing his eyes sleepily. She looks him over quickly then back at Zeke who is holding onto her fingers. "Come on Zeke buddy"
Zeke lifts his head grinning around his pacifier at his mother then noticing his father he shrieks happily.
Sara lifts Zeke into her arms kissing his nose "Come on you lets go say morning to Daddy." She carries Zeke into the kitchen joining Ian. "Did you have a good sleep?"
Ian shrugs taking Zeke from her giving the baby a weary smile as he jabbers away. "Did he have breakfast?"
"He finished it all." Sara smiles kissing Zeke's cheek "He is going to be a chunk." She tickles Zeke's belly causing him to laugh.
Zeke pats at his father's face laughing happily
"Come 'ere you let's let Daddy have breakfast and wake up." Sara chuckles taking the infant from Ian.
"Have you had breakfast?" Ian asks
Sara nods carrying Zeke into the living room "Yes." She sits on the floor setting Zeke on his feet between her legs as she holds onto him.
Ian moves about the kitchen glancing over at Sara and Zeke as he pours himself a glass of milk.
Zeke grins waving his hands at his mother before he falls backwards on his butt. He sits there stunned for a moment then giggles clapping.
Sara laughs with him laying back she lifts Zeke over her head. She lowers Zeke kissing his nose then lifts him higher causing Zeke to laugh hysterically.
MID-AFTERNOON
Sara looks at Ian over Zeke's head as the baby sleeps between him. She reaches out cupping Ian's cheek "You OK?"
Ian nods turning his head he presses a soft kiss to her palm. "It was only a nightmare."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Ian shakes his head his eyes on Zeke "I'm going to go put him down." He picks up the sleeping baby standing he walks out of the bedroom.
Sara shifts to her back staring up at the ceiling her fingers absently touching the Witchblade stone.
Ian sets Zeke in the crib stroking the baby's cheek "Sleep well." he covers Zeke with a blanket returning to the bedroom. He enters the bedroom to find Sara staring up at the ceiling.
Sensing Ian watching her Sara sits up meeting his gaze, she moves off the bed walking over to Ian. She leans up kissing him lightly then pulls back. After a few seconds of staring at each other, Ian pulls her close kissing her hungrily causing Sara to moan in surprise and pleasure.
(sex go here http://www.voy.com/39259/)
WHILE LATER
Sara brushes Ian's hair back as his head rests on the pillow next to hers. "What's wrong?"
Ian shrugs trailing his fingers over her stomach
Sara chuckles lightly "When I found out I was pregnant it did more then stun me... it pretty much floored me." She meets his gaze briefly then continues talking. "One of the first things that I wondered was would I have ended up pregnant even if I had been on birth control at the time."
"What did you determine?" Ian inquires softly
Sara shrugs "Nothing. I realized I couldn't wonder about the 'what ifs', it happened." She absently touches the glowing stone her mind flashing back to the day.
//"You're pregnant" the doctor announces
At those two words, Sara pales her hand dropping to her middle 'Ian.' She realizes almost instinctively. "Oh shi..." she runs her fingers through her hair
"I take it this is unexpected."
"To say the least." Sara snaps glancing at the slightly glowing stone covering it with her hand before the doctor can see it.
"You have choices Miss Pezzini."
At those words, Sara feels the familiar pull of a vision.
*A baby with a sweet, shy smile and golden brown eyes.*
She pulls herself out of the vision and looks at the doctor "I'm going to keep it."//
"What made you decide to have him?" Ian asks curiously
Sara shrugs "A lot of things." she sits up "I'm going to go check on Zeke." she gets out of bed throwing on her bathrobe as she walks out of the bedroom. Sara walks into Zeke's room standing over the crib brushing her fingers over Zeke's plump cheek.
Ian gets out of bed pulling on his pants he walks out of the bedroom to Zeke's room. He stands in the doorway watching Sara stand over the crib. He steps up behind Sara wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Even now while I look at him I still find it amazing we made him." Sara says her voice so soft he barely hears it.
Ian kisses her temple as he rests his hand over her middle. "What if we did it again?" he asks his lips inches from her ear. As she inhales sharply he continues, "We proved with one night that we are quite capable of the amazing."
At the feeling of his mouth so close to her ear Sara shivers "We'd beat the odds then... after Zeke was born I went back on birth control."
"What if we do someday, manage to beat the odds?"
Sara shrugs turning she kisses his jaw "Come on let's let him sleep."
HOUR LATER
Ian steps out onto the back patio holding Zeke "Who's that?" he asks the baby
Zeke grins bouncing in his father's arms
Sara turns her head and smiles to find Ian standing in the just outside the door holding Zeke. She watches Ian talk softly to Zeke then a big grin appears on the baby's face his arms reaching for his mother. "Give me my baby." She demands
Ian walks over to her handing Zeke to her "Gladly."
Sara kisses Zeke's cheek "Did you have a good sleep?" she smiles lifting the boy into the air causing him to laugh. "I take it you did."
Ian sits across from Sara watching her cuddle and talk with Zeke.
As Zeke starts to grab at the Witchblade, Sara smiles removing it from her wrist, she hands it to the baby.
"Sara" Ian says worried
"He likes to play with it." Sara shrugs as Zeke sticks the bracelet in his mouth. "Besides it likes him and he likes it."
Ian nods seeing the almost calm look pass over Zeke's face as he sucks on the bracelet. "How are you doing with it?" he asks nodding at the bracelet.
"Visions are getting easier." She shrugs "But still annoying." She presses her lips to Zeke's head. "I think it's starting to make even more sense."
"You have had it for almost two and a half years." Ian reminds. "You should be used to it."
"I am. I'm starting to understand sometimes even predict its moods."
"Good. You've done sometime most Wielders have been unable to do."
"What?"
"You seem to have melded to it... you work together as one."
"When needed."
EVENING
"Eeehhh" Zeke shrieks splashing happily in the bathtub.
"Zeke!" Sara protests laughing as the baby splashes her and Ian with water. "Come on you I think Daddy and I are done getting soaked. You're clean enough." She lifts Zeke out of the tub setting him on a towel.
Ian pulls the stop up letting the water drain out of the bathtub watching as Sara dries Zeke off and puts him in a diaper. "I will go get his bottle."
Sara nods lifts Zeke up kissing him "All clean" she announces smiling at the laughing baby. She stands carrying Zeke into the bedroom setting him on the bed. She grabs the pair of pajamas Ian had set quickly zipping Zeke into them. She lifts Zeke up "Clean and in nice warm pajamas huh?"
Zeke grins wiggling
Sara kisses his nose causing him to laugh "It's almost bedtime for you." She carries Zeke out of her and Ian's bedroom to the boy's bedroom. She sits down on the rocking chair slowly rocking the baby.
Ian enters with the warmed up bottle handing it to Sara.
Sara offers it to Zeke as he starts to drink heartily he holds the bottle looking around.
Ian watches as Sara talks softly to Zeke and slowly rocks him as he drinks. He leans down kissing her forehead then walks out of the room.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Rubbing her eyes sleepily Sara enters the living room where she finds Ian doing push ups on the floor of the living room. In the dimly lit room, her eyes roam over his form as she walks to where he is she steps over his form crouching down she kisses his cheek. "Ian what are you doing up?" she asks
"Couldn't sleep" Ian answers continuing his push-ups.
"Another dream?" she asks concerned
"No, I'm still not used to being able to sleep all night." He stops his push-ups flipping over to his back looking up at Sara "Why are you up?"
"I woke up to an empty bed." Sara leans down kissing him "Come back to bed." She stands moving off Ian watching as he moves to his feet. She brushes her lips over his jaw leading Ian out of the living room and up the stairs to their bedroom.
CHAPTER 12
MORNING
Ian awakens his enhanced hearing picking up the sounds of Zeke's morning chatter. He looks at Sara asleep curled up beside him. He smiles faintly kissing her forehead he carefully gets out of bed trying not to wake his beloved Wielder.
"Where you going?" Sara asks sleepily awakening when she feels him move.
"Zeke is awake. Go back to sleep." Ian kisses her quickly then gets out of bed grabbing his pajama bottoms off the floor he pulls them on.
Sara watches as Ian makes his way out of the bedroom. After a moment, she sighs throwing off the covers, she gets out of bed grabbing her own discarded pajamas she pulls them on. She makes her way out of the bedroom going to Zeke's room she smiles at the sight of Ian holding Zeke.
"Morning Zeke." Ian lifts the baby out of the crib "Did you have a good sleep?"
Zeke looks at his father and grins patting at his face.
"I take that as a yes." Ian says amused. "Let's get you changed then we'll go have breakfast."
"Why don't I change him you make breakfast?" Sara suggests entering the bedroom.
"You sure?"
"Do you really want me cooking breakfast?" Sara asks lifting her brow.
"Good point." Ian hands Zeke over to her kissing her "You can't cook."
"Hey I resent that." Sara protests. "I can cook... just not breakfast foods." She sets Zeke on the changing table as Ian walks out the door. She leans down kissing Zeke's forehead "How's my Zeke this morning?"
Zeke grins
"I take it your good." She laughs unbuttoning the sleeper "God knows who you go that cheerful morning behavior from." She quickly changes Zeke's diaper then re-buttons his pajamas then tosses the dirty diaper in the garbage can. She picks Zeke up kissing his cheek "There all clean. That feels better huh." She settles the baby on her hip "Let's go get you some breakfast." She walks down the stairs to the kitchen where Ian is at the stove.
Sensing Sara's entrance Ian speaks "His bottle is on the table."
Sara sits down at the kitchen table looking around "Where's his bib?"
Ian looks around then finds it beside the sink. He hands it to Sara "Here"
Sara puts it around the baby's neck she snapping it. "There." She offers Zeke his bottle.
"What do you want to do today?" Ian inquires glancing at Sara
Sara looks at the window then back at Zeke "Why don't we take Zeke outside?" She suggests
"Sounds like a good idea." He sets a plate before Sara "Want me to finish feeding him?"
"No I got it." She grabs a piece of toast taking a bite she turns her attention back to Zeke. "So what's going on with Vorschlag? Is it still an evil company?"
Ian pours Sara a cup of coffee "Sara it was never evil." he sets the mug before her "It's just a company. Besides I never do the day to day stuff like Father did, I just sign papers." He sits next to her with his own plate.
"If he wanted you to take over one day then why don't you do the day to day stuff?"
Ian shrugs "Father had expected to control you enough so that he could live longer."
Sara winces at the meaning "He started it."
"I know."
Realizing his mother's attention is on something else, Zeke starts waving his hands wildly. "AHHH" He shrieks unhappily
"OK, OK calm down." Sara laughs returns the bottle to his mouth. With one hand supporting the bottle, she picks up her mug with her free hand taking a sip of coffee as Zeke drinks. "What do you do with all your free time now?"
"Whatever I feel like doing." Ian answers taking a sip of his coffee
"You're bored huh?"
"Before Zeke yes I was somewhat bored." He agrees. "Now I'm not. Zeke keeps things interesting."
"I bet." Sara smiles at Zeke. Sara takes a bite of her own breakfast with her free hand.
2 HOURS LATER
Sara jumps in surprise when she feels Ian wrap his arms around her waist "Nottingham stop sneaking up on me!" She elbows him in the stomach
Ian winces kissing her cheek "You should pay more attention Lady Sara."
"Where is Zeke's jacket?" Sara asks lifting the baby off the changing table.
"In the front hall closet" Ian answers stepping back
"Well then lets go finish getting him all bundled up and then we can go explore the woods for a while. He's been changed and fed so he should be fine for a couple hours." She kisses Zeke's cheek "Won't you kiddo?" then follows Ian downstairs to the front door. She sets Zeke on the carpet in the entryway. After she and Ian get their coats on Sara picks Zeke up and with Ian's help, they get Zeke into his jacket and hood. "There." She grins at Ian as he pulls on his wool cap "Now we're ready."
They walk out the front door and Ian locks the front door "Want me to take him?"
Sara shakes her head. "I got him." She follows Ian to the backyard. "It's been a long time since I've been in the woods." She pauses looking around
"How long has it been?"
"Almost fifteen years." Sara shifts Zeke "I got into some trouble and Marie made him take me and their oldest two Joe Jr. and Elena camping. She thought if I got out of the city for a while, that I would calm down and she wanted the older two out of the house for a while. We spent a week out in the woods, climbed trees, rocks, and went swimming. It was hell for Elena, but Joe Jr. and I had fun. We drove Joe nuts between pulling pranks and scaring Elena." She smiles
"You miss that."
Sara shrugs "It was a long time ago." She looks at Zeke who is craning his head to look around. "What do you see Zeke?"
Zeke points at the trees
"You like the trees huh buddy." Sara smiles at Ian then looks back at Zeke. "When you're big enough you'll be able to climb trees." They continue walking as Zeke cranes his head looking around.
"Have you spoken to Siri since you left?"
"I called him the day after I left, told Joe I needed to take some time off... he said he'd call in some favors and get me an official leave of absence. I'm supposedly able to return whenever I want."
"Your not sure you want to."
"I want to if I ever return but I doubt Dante will allow me to without causing some trouble. I like doing my job... always have." She looks at Zeke "But right now I think it's a good thing I left. With all the trouble I was getting into I don't think he would have been born if I had stayed."
Zeke points and jabbers excitedly
"What do you see?" Sara follows his pointing to see a squirrel sitting on a rock "Ahh the squirrel. He's kind of cute."
"Sara it's a rodent." Ian argues
"Hey be nice. He is a cute rodent. Haven't you ever seen a cute mouse or rat?"
"No."
Sara shakes her head looking back at the squirrel. When the squirrel scrambles away Zeke whimpers unhappily, "Hey you'll see another squirrel." Sara assures
HOUR LATER
Sara takes Zeke from Ian after removing her jacket "You have red nose." She kisses Zeke's nose then removes the boy's hood and unzips his coat. She sits on the stairs removing Zeke's shoes then sets the baby on the floor removing her boots. She leans back watching as Zeke sits on the floor then crawls to the bottom step reaching up.
Zeke grunts reaching for his mother.
Sara picks Zeke up standing she walks up to Ian kissing his cheek about to step away when Ian pulls her close. She lifts her brow "Yes?"
Ian brushes his lips over hers "That"
"Mmm" Sara sighs "You know we'll have to take this further when he goes down for his nap."
Ian nods watching as Sara walks to the living room with Zeke.
LATE AFTERNOON
Sara looks up from eating her yogurt and smiles as Ian enters the kitchen "I take it he went down without a fight."
"He was too tired to try and stay awake."
She sets the container down tugging Ian between her legs. "I'm not surprised. He found everything interesting out in the woods."
Ian nods in agreement leaning forward he kisses her lightly "When he's able to talk something tells me he'll ask a lot of interesting questions."
Sara laughs "I'll refer him to you on all questions." She scratches at his beard
"Do you ever wonder what goes on in his mind?"
Sara nods "All the time, especially when he gets that almost thoughtful look."
"Like he gets when he looks at something he's never seen."
"That's the one. Then the cute look he gets when he's trying to figure out what he wants to do next or what he's supposed to do." She chuckles
"He is amazing." Ian cups her cheek he leans in kissing her sweetly.
Sara pulls him close wrapping her legs around his hips as she deepens the kiss her tongue caressing his. She moans feeling his arousal press into her. As Ian trails his lips down her neck, she groans his name.
"Yes, my love?" He murmurs against her pulse
Sara tugs his head up her eyes boring into his "I need you." She pleads
WHILE LATER
Sara laughs as Ian nuzzles her neck while they lay on the living room floor.
"What?" Ian asks curious to why she is laughing
Sara turns her head looking at Ian spooned around her "I have never seen you this relaxed."
Ian shrugs
At the shy look on his face Sara kisses his nose, "I like seeing you like this." She shifts to her back turning her head looking at him.
Ian brushes his fingers over Sara's face "I was always taught to be on guard at all times but here... I don't need to be."
"Considering no one knows your here."
"I know this sounds odd but" Ian pauses "I thinks its partially because Father was never here in this place I don't feel like he's here watching me that I can relax."
"Makes sense. You did spend a good part of your life at his side." She runs her hand down his arm lacing their fingers.
"Some mornings I wake up and expect him to start yelling at me over something then I realize that I'm no longer taking orders and it feels... I don't know."
"Odd? Weird? Freaky?"
"To say the least" Ian says warily "I spent my whole life taking orders and even after a year I still don't know how to completely function without the orders."
Sara squeezes his hand "Think of it this way... eventually Zeke will be talking. One thing I have learned from Danny's kids... little kids can be bossier than adults can. Before you know it he'll be telling you what he wants, when he wants it and how he wants it." She teases lightly leaning up she kisses him lightly then lays back she absently traces his tattoo.
Ian leans down kissing Sara's temple.
Sara gives him a small smile.