You can find the NC17 version here http://www.voy.com/39259/
CHAPTER 16 Early the next morning, Ian moves closer to the body next to him as the happy chattering of Zeke invades his sleep. He breathes in the familiar scent and smiles remembering the events of the night. He opens his eyes to find half his body on top of Sara as she sleeps next to him. He starts to move away when Sara opens her eyes tightening her arms around him. Ian looks at Sara and smiles "Good morning my love."
Sara smiles sleepily "Morning. Where are you going?"
"Zeke is awake." He looks at the monitor, "And it sounds like he has returned to his normal morning self."
Sara follows Ian's gaze chuckling at the sound of Zeke cheerfully babbling. "He sounds like he's amusing himself for now." She runs her hand over Ian's chest
Ian grins, "I think he can wait" He shifts covering Sara's body with his own.
Sara giggles as Ian nuzzles her neck.
*
After their passionate yet quick coupling, Sara watches as Ian pulls on his pajama bottoms "Uh where did the sweats and T-shirt I was wearing land?" She asks sitting up stretching.
Ian looks around finding the T-shirt on the floor on his side of his bed he tosses it to her. He goes to the end of the bed finding the sweatpants tossing them to Sara. He goes over to the dresser opening the drawer he grabs another T-shirt pulling it on.
Sara gets out of the bed pulling on the clothes she kisses Ian's cheek as she passes him going into the bathroom.
Ian smiles walking out of the bedroom he walks across the hallway entering to find Zeke laying on his back sucking on his foot. "Good morning Zeke. You seem back to your normal self." He lifts Zeke out of the crib kissing the boy's cheek. "There is someone who wants to see you but first let's get you changed." He sets Zeke on the changing table
After brushing her teeth and going to the bathroom, Sara returns to the bed snuggling into the covers. She smiles remembering the rounds of passionate love making throughout the night. Hearing the bedroom door open she sits up smiling as she sees Ian enter carrying Zeke.
"Who's that?" Ian shifts Zeke so the baby can see Sara.
Seeing his mother Zeke shrieks happily holding his arms out towards her.
Sara hops off the bed taking the baby from Ian she kisses Zeke's cheek. "I've missed you too." She hugs Zeke.
Ian goes over to the bedside phone pressing the extension for kitchen. "Please bring breakfast and Zeke's bottle up to my room. Thank you Cook." He hangs up the phone and looks at Sara who is cuddling Zeke.
Sara smiles as Zeke pats at her face jabbering happily. She settles on the bed with Zeke on her lap. She bounces Zeke on the bed getting him to laugh.
Ian sits beside Sara brushing a strand of hair off her cheek he leans in brushing his lips over her cheek. "I love you sweet Sara." He says softly
Sara turns her head giving him a smile as she lifts her hand to his cheek "I love you" She looks back at Zeke she taps his nose "and you too."
Ian lifts Zeke up tossing him lightly in the air getting the boy to shriek with laughter.
"You drop him and you are never getting sex again." Sara warns
"I'm not going to drop him Sara." Ian assures
"Just a fair warning" Sara says wagging her finger "Now give me my baby." She holds her hands out.
"You get him for a kiss." Ian bargains mischievously
Sara moves up to her knees lifting her brow, "I think that can work." She leans forward kissing Ian before scooping Zeke out of his arms. "There you got your kiss." As Zeke pats at her face, she grasps his hand kissing it.
Ian smiles at the sight.
Later that morning, Sara and Ian sit on the floor of the bedroom watching as Zeke plays with his toys. "You OK?" Sara asks wrapping her arms around Ian's shoulders as he sits in front of her.
Ian kisses Sara's arm "I am fine."
"What about your nightmare?" She asks concerned
Ian pauses then shrugs "Nothing to it."
"It was the first time he hit you wasn't it."
Ian nods hesitantly "That bad yes."
"How old were you?"
"Ten I guess."
Sara rests her cheek against his "What happened?"
Ian takes a deep breath unsure of what to tell her. "I was never allowed in the Witchblade room alone. One night I couldn't sleep... I kept seeing the paintings in my mind and I couldn't get them out of my mind. All I wanted was some peace and I thought the best way to get it was to see them." He runs his hand down her thigh "I snuck out of my bedroom and went down to the room. That was before he put a security system on the room." He swallows "Anyway I went to the room and just sat in the middle of the room looking at each painting trying to memorize them, but I fell asleep." He closes his eyes "Father found me in the room and he was angry. Before that day, he would just slap me, send me to my room, or give me more studies as a punishment. This time he ordered me to go get dressed and then return to the library." He takes a deep breath trying to keep his mind from drifting back into the memories.
Sara hugs him kissing his shoulder "And?" she prompts
Ian swallows "I came back after getting dressed. He started yelling at me then hauled off and slapped me so hard that I ended up with the first of many bruises." He winces absently rubbing his cheek as though remembering the blow. "Before that day Father never hit me that hard." His eyes go to the floor as he continues "When I fell to the floor he yanked me up so hard that my arm was dislocated."
"You must have been scared." Sara remarks
Ian shrugs "I knew he was dangerous but I never thought he would hurt me."
Sara hugs him "I'm sorry."
"He wasn't always like that. He taught me how to read. He even taught me how to ride a bike." He smiles faintly at the good memories
*Irons sitting on the floor with Ian, both of them looking at a globe. Irons telling Ian about all of the places he has been.
The two walking through a museum looking at artwork.
"The Wielder is always female. Tell me why" Irons looks at a twelve-year-old Ian who is staring at the portraits of the Wielders.
"The Witchblade is part of life. Wielders bring life because they are female." Ian answers*
"Ian, why didn't you leave when you were old enough?" Sara asks curiously
"This life is all I know then and now." Ian shrugs "Because something told me that to find you I needed to stay."
"How long did you know who I was before we actually met?"
"A few years." Ian admits "Father had you watched on and off over the years. I never saw you in person until about a year before."
"Why didn't you come to me then?" Sara asks
Ian turns his head meeting Sara's eyes "Would you have believed me if I came to you saying 'Oh by the way you are the next Wielder. And it is my duty to protect you. Oh and we were lovers on and off throughout our lifetimes.'"
Sara chuckles "Good point." She rests her hand over his heart "Too bad it took us so long to find each other."
"This is the oldest we've ever been. Well except for Elizabeth."
"You died though before there was a chance." Sara whispers "Maybe this time around we had to wait." Sara muses
"Why?"
"Think about it... Joan was how old when she died... 19, 20? Cleopatra was what in her 20s?"
"About."
"Maybe this time it wanted to wait until I was old enough to handle the duties of being the Wielder." Sara looks at her wrist
"Perhaps." Ian agrees
"It would have been interesting if we had met as kids or teenagers. Can you imagine the trouble we could
have caused? My totally rebellious nature and your brains" Sara muses with a laugh
Ian chuckles bringing her hand to his lips he presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. He shifts pulling Sara onto his lap. "True." He kisses her lightly.
Sara wraps her arms around him resting her head on his shoulder watching as Zeke sits on the floor playing with his toys.
"I'm glad you are here." Ian presses his lips to Sara's hair
"So am I."
"This is where you belong... here with us."
Sara smiles watching as Zeke crawls over to them. She sits up lifting him onto her lap. "I know." She kisses Zeke's cheek hugging him. "I know."
A few hours later, the couple find themselves curled up on the bed quietly talking while Zeke sleeps. Sara rests her head on Ian's shoulder watching as Zeke sleeps on his chest. She lightly brushes her finger down the sleeping baby's cheek watching as he snuggles closer to his father. She looks at Ian giving him a small smile.
"I'm going to go put him down."
Sara watches as Ian stands carrying Zeke out of the room. She stands stretching her arms over her head walking over to the bookcase she smiles at the titles of the books. She tilts her head noticing a photo album on the top shelf. She takes it off the shelf opening it smiling at the first picture. Hearing the door open she looks up to see Ian enter the room "This you?"
Ian nods joining her "I found it among some of Father's things. I never knew he had any pictures of me as a child... other than the security photos."
"How old were you?"
"That must have been taken not long after I was brought here. So I was probably five or six." Ian shrugs "That was the first gift I remember he gave me." He smiles faintly at the picture of himself wearing a cowboy hat and boots, with a sheriffs badge and toy guns. "I had hours of fun with those."
"You were a cute even then."
Ian wraps his arms around her waist nuzzling her neck as Sara looks at the pictures. "Sara put it away" he slides his hands under her shirt caressing her stomach.
Sara squirms at the feeling of his warm hands on her stomach "Come on Nottingham I want to see these pictures." She tries to keep herself from groaning at his touch.
Ian grabs the photo album dropping it on the table turning Sara to face him. "Later." He leans in kissing her.
Sara moans leaning into him her arms going around him. As Ian lifts her, she wraps her legs around his hips as he walks towards the bed. Sara laughs as they fall on the bed with Ian taking the brunt of the fall. Her hands go to the hem of the shirt Ian is wearing stripping it off she tosses it aside. She leans down kissing him as she runs her hands over Ian's chest. 'God I love touching him.' She brushes her lips over his neck and collarbone lightly nipping chuckling lightly as he growls. Slowly she moves down his body pressing light kisses to his chest as her hands caress his chest and stomach causing him to hiss. Sara meets Ian's gaze lifting her brow.
My turn. Ian tugs Sara back up his body pulling her head down kissing her roughly, as he flips her under him. He quickly strips her shirt off and pulls the sweats off. Gently he runs his hands down Sara's sides smiling faintly as she squirms. He moves up capturing her lips in a sweet yet demanding kiss.
Sara shivers feeling the emotions behind the kiss as she runs her hands over his back. She lifts her hips invitingly and gasps as he slowly enters her.
"Mine." Ian says softly his eyes boring into Sara's green eyes.
Sara nods wordlessly meeting his movements
*
A while later Ian gently caresses Sara's cheek as they lie facing each other.
"What are you thinking about?" Sara asks seeing the look on his face.
"You." He kisses her lightly
"Oh really?" She smiles "Just what are you thinking?" She asks
"Different things." Ian shrugs "I take it you are going to see about getting your job back."
"Somehow." Sara sighs
Ian trails his fingers down Sara's arm "You don't have to work my love."
"I'm not going to live off his money. Besides, I like my work. I just hope I can find a way to get my job back. Dante has taken over fulltime and that man hates me." She shakes her head "No more talk about work." She cuddles into Ian tucking her head under his chin.
Ian presses his lips to Sara's hair.
Sara smiles enjoying the feeling of being curled up in Ian's arms. Suddenly remembering the photo album, she reluctantly moves out of Ian's arms.
"Where are you going?" Ian asks
Sara kisses his nose "I have to see those pictures." She grins crawling out of bed she hurries over to the table picking up the photo album then returns to the bed. She opens the photo album to the first picture she had been looking at. "You were adorable." She smiles looking at Ian who looks slightly embarrassed. "You were." She strokes his cheek then turns back to the pictures. She turns to the next picture of Ian sitting on the floor with a puzzle as Irons sits in the chair watching young Ian work.
Late that afternoon Sara watches from the doorway of the nursery as Ian and Zeke play on the floor. "Hey you two."
Ian turns his head looking at Sara smiling "Feel better my love?" He asks referring to her shower.
"Much." Sara nods sitting on the floor she kisses Ian's cheek then lifts Zeke onto her lap kissing his head. When Zeke squirms, she laughs "You just want to play huh." She sets Zeke back on the floor watching as he returns to playing with his toys.
"Did you call your partner?"
"Yes. I also called Joe, Gabe, and Vicki. I'm going to go see Joe and Marie tomorrow."
"Are you going to take Zeke?"
Sara nods "Joe and Marie haven't met him so if he's awake I'll take him with me."
"Good idea."
"I have lots of good ideas." Sara smirks
"Oh I bet you do." Ian chuckles reaching out he caresses her cheek with his thumb.
Sara leans in kissing him lightly then turns her attention to Zeke she begins to play with the baby.
MIDNIGHT Sara shifts to curl up next to Ian only to find him not in bed. She opens her eyes sitting up she finds Ian sitting on the recliner before the window staring out at the night sky obviously deep in thought. She gets out of bed walking over to the chair she wraps her arms around his shoulders pressing a kiss to his head. "You OK?"
Ian tilts his head looking at Sara in the darkened room. "You should be sleeping my love."
Sara shrugs "So should you."
Ian pulls Sara onto his lap wrapping his arms around her well aware she's naked.
"What's wrong?" She asks
"Just too many thoughts." He murmurs pressing his lips to her hair.
"About?"
"Many different things. Sometimes when I start thinking too much it's hard to sleep."
"Know the feeling." Sara says dryly "Do you want to talk about it?"
Ian shakes his head
Sara kisses his temple "OK"
"I love you Sara." He whispers
Sara shifts so she's facing Ian "I love you too." She kisses him "Come back to bed." She stands pulling Ian to his feet. The two curl up in bed and drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER 17 The next afternoon Sara enters the library carrying Zeke where she finds Ian thoughtfully examining the titles of the books. "We're leaving." She announces
Ian turns towards the door "The car is out front the keys are in the ignition. His diaper bag is in the backseat. There's a newly activated cell phone for you in the glove compartment all programmed." He turns his attention back to the bookcase.
"What are you looking for?" Sara asks "You've been in here since lunch."
"A book, I can't remember what it was called. Father read it to me when I was little and for some reason last night I started thinking about it. Maybe once I find it I'll get it out of my mind." He tears his attention away from the bookcase walking over to Sara "I see he's awake."
Sara looks at Zeke who rubs his eyes sleepily "He just woke up." Sara kisses Zeke's cheek then looks at Ian frowning at his tired expression. "Ian did you get any sleep last night?"
"A few hours." Ian shrugs "I'll be fine."
Sara nods unconvinced "Alright. We'll be back in a couple hours." She kisses Ian lightly, "And Ian try and get some sleep once you find this book."
Ian nods brushes his knuckle down Zeke's cheek. "Have a good time."
Sara gives him a small smile before walking out of the library. Once in the foyer she notices Mrs. Ellis walk out of the sitting room.
"Is he still in there?" Mrs. Ellis inquires nodding at the closed door
Sara nods pulling the hood up on Zeke "He's looking for some book."
"Will you two be here for dinner?" Mrs. Ellis asks
"We should be. If we aren't I'll call."
Mrs. Ellis nods watching as Sara carries the baby out of the house.
Sara sets Zeke in the car seat and buckles him in kissing his forehead. She closes the back passenger door and gets into the drivers side starting the car.
Mrs. Ellis enters the library to find the same thing Sara found, Ian inspecting the books. "Ian what are you looking for?"
"A book Father read to me when I was a child."
"What was it called?" Mrs. Ellis asks
"I don't remember." Ian admits "I don't really remember much about the book I just remember liking it." He turns his attention back to the bookcase.
"Well you might try the attic. Kenneth moved many of your childhood possessions up there a few years back."
"I'll check up there after I finish looking here."
Twenty minutes later, Sara knocks on the door of the Siri's apartment and smiles as Marie Siri opens the door. "Marie"
"Sara" Marie smiles "Oh it is so good to see you."
Sara hugs the woman well aware of Zeke on her hip.
"Come in come in." Marie insists
Sara enters the apartment just as Joe joins them in the foyer "Joe."
"Sara it's been a while" Joe smiles hugging his goddaughter.
Sara steps back regarding her godparents "Its good to see you both."
"Now who is this cutie?" Marie chucks the baby under the chin getting a grin.
Sara smiles "This is Ezekiel James Pezzini Nottingham."
"Danny told me he was adorable." Marie smiles
"Nottingham?" Joe lifts his brow
Sara swallows "His father is Ian Nottingham, Irons former bodyguard."
From his position in his mother's arms Zeke looks at the new people then around searching for his Father whimpering when he doesn't see him.
Hearing the whimper Sara offers Zeke his pacifier.
"Where have you been?" Marie asks as they walk into the living room. "I have been worried young lady." She says sternly
"I'm sorry Marie. With everything that was going on, I thought it best to leave New York while I was pregnant. I kept meaning to call and check in but when I thought of it things would come up." Sara removes Zeke's jacket then sets him on the floor.
"I made some calls and I've managed to get the Brass to talk Dante into meeting with you." Joe says
"Thanks." Sara gives him a smile
"I told the Brass that you were going on maternity leave but considering how long it's taken you to return..."
"It's going to be harder for me to convince them to allow me back." Sara finishes her eyes on Zeke as he inspects his surroundings.
"Sara is his father involved in raising him?" Marie asks
Sara smiles remembering the times she watched Ian and Zeke interact "Very much so. They adore each other."
"Good" Marie nods relieved. She looks at Zeke and smiles "He looks so much like you."
Sara chuckles "I always thought he looks just like Ian... well he has my nose but otherwise he looks like Ian."
"Danny told me little about Nottingham. He told me that Nottingham has been involved in some... dubious actions." Joe remarks
Sara swallows "Was. Ian hasn't done any of those things since Irons died. He's been trying to get over everything since his childhood. I think being around Zeke has helped him some."
"Well I want to meet this young man." Marie says sternly "I want you to bring him and Ezekiel over for dinner one night."
"Yes Ma'am. I'll see what I can do."
"We should have a big family dinner." Marie muses
"Marie, that's not the best idea." Sara says hesitantly
"Why not?" Marie inquires
Sara glances at Zeke trying to gather her words "Ian's... well not really used to being around big groups of people like that. It might be better to do small increments of the family before going into the whole rowdy family thing."
"He's shy?" Marie asks
"Not exactly shy... he just wasn't raised around large groups of loud people."
"All right" Marie nods "but I want you to bring him over for dinner one night so we can meet him."
Sara smiles "I will."
An hour later at the mansion, Mrs. Ellis peeks into the library to find Ian absorbed in a book. She smiles 'Good.' She closes the door leaving Ian to his peace.
A couple of hours later, Sara hugs and kisses her godparents, "I'll see you later." Sara says.
"Good. Now don't forget I want you to bring him for dinner." Marie says sternly
Sara smiles "I won't forget. I'll talk to him about it tonight."
"And you better bring this cutie to see me every so often." Marie says patting Zeke's cheek
"I will." Sara promises walking out of the apartment
"Don't forget to let me know what happens with Dante."
"I won't." Sara assures waving to them as she reaches the top of the stairs.
Sara enters the mansion, twenty minutes later just as Fredrick walks into the foyer. "Is he still looking for his book?" Sara asks as she sets the car keys on the foyer table.
"Mrs. Ellis checked on him a few moments ago... he fell asleep on the library couch. I was just about to go and wake him and inform him that dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes."
"I'll wake him."
"Would you like me to take Ezekiel and put him in the playpen in the dining room?"
Sara shakes her head "No thank you." She heads into the library smiling at the sight of Ian asleep on the couch with a book on his chest. Feeling Zeke bounce on her hip excitedly, she presses her finger against his lips, "Shh." She says softly. She walks over to the couch setting Zeke on the floor she sits on the edge of the couch reaching out she brushes the lock of hair off Ian's forehead watching as he slowly opens his eyes.
"Sara" Ian says sleepily
"Hey you." Sara smiles "Looks like you got some sleep."
Ian sits up setting his book on the coffee table he stretches "I must have fallen asleep while I was reading." He runs his fingers through his hair. "How was your visit?"
"Good. Did you find your book?"
Ian nods "I found it up in the attic."
"Well I'm glad, maybe tonight you'll get some sleep." She leans in kissing Ian lightly "Fredrick said dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes."
Ian nods "What happened with your visit?"
"Did a lot of talking, they were both a little mad that I didn't check in."
"What did you tell them?"
"That I needed a break from everything that happened."
"And what about Zeke?" Ian inquires looking at his son who is crawling on the floor.
"I told them pretty much everything." Sara answers "Oh before I forget, Marie wants us to come over for dinner sometime."
"When?"
"Anytime." Sara answers "They want to meet you soon."
Ian is about to respond when they hear a loud THUD then Zeke crying. They notice Zeke sitting under the coffee table by their feet crying.
Sara scoops the crying baby up "Hit your head huh." She says hugging Zeke; she presses a light kiss to his head. She stands gently rocking the crying baby, "Shh." She soothes as her eyes meet Ian's over Zeke's head. "It's OK baby."
Ian stands joining his family he wraps one arm around Sara's waist as he rests his hand on Zeke's back. He brushes his lips over Sara's cheek "I love you."
Sara smiles at his soft words "Love you too." She looks at Zeke who rests his head on her shoulder sniffling and hiccupping.
Late that evening, the couple find themselves on the floor of the training room both sweating and breathing heavily. Slowly Sara opens her eyes and looks at Ian lifting her brow "As much fun as that was, us and exercise should never be combined."
"Why not?"
"Because something tells me we'll always end up having sex."
"Good point." Ian chuckles moving in he kisses her "But we did manage to get some exercise in." He murmurs
"True." Sara smiles faintly
Ian traces the entwined circles on Sara's chest "How did they take the news about Zeke?"
"Pretty good. They both were a little upset that I didn't tell them sooner, especially Joe."
"You and he are close." Ian states
Sara nods "Between the whole working together thing and the fact he's my godfather. Marie and I are close but it's not exactly the same."
"You and Joe spent more time together."
"Yeah."
Ian looks away as he asks his next question "Does he know about everything?"
Sara winces at the look on Ian's face "Danny told him after Jake brought us your file."
"Oh."
She scratches lightly at his beard "He knows it's the past." She slides her fingers under his chin gently urging him to look at her. "It's the past Ian."
Ian reluctantly nods "The past."
"Good." She brushes her lips over his.
"I love you Sara" Ian says softly "more than anything."
"I love you too." She gasps as Ian kisses her passionately. * After midnight, Ian sits in the bunker staring into the fireplace as he hears the door open. "You're late."
"Why in the world did you of all people want to talk with me?"
Ian stands turning to see Bruno Dante standing in the doorway glaring at him. "Let's just say you owe me big time."
"I owe you nothing Nottingham."
Ian moves around the table his fingers trailing over the tabletop. "When I inherited my Father's positions... I inherited everything, including your still outstanding debts." He looks at the man.
"Why did you want to see me then?" Dante demands
"Tomorrow you will be having a visitor. Someone you despise yes but someone who is very valuable to both your life and job... as she is to me. You will ignore your personal feelings and rehire her because both of us know she's good at her job."
Dante's eyes narrow "You're talking about Pezzini."
"You are going to give Sara back her job... the same job she had before she left."
"She's been gone for almost two years." Dante argues
"And your point is?"
"She doesn't deserve..." he chokes off as strong hands encircle his neck. He stares into furious brown eyes.
Ian leans in speaking low his voice holding no argument "You will give her back her job. You will say nothing about our conversation. Understand?"
Dante nods unable to speak
Ian releases the man "Good. If you say one word to her about our conversation I will go back to my old ways... and that won't be pleasant for you." He glares at the man "Leave." He watches as Dante hurries out of the room. He smiles faintly at the picture hanging on the wall. Wanting to be with his love, he hurries out of the room.
Sara awakens slightly as she feels the bed shift and Ian spoon his body around hers. She smiles snuggling back into him "Where were you?" She asks sleepily
"Just needed to finish up with something." Ian replies kissing her shoulder "Go back to sleep." He hugs her tight. "I love you my Sara."
"Love you" Sara mumbles drifting off to sleep feeling safe in her love's arms.
CHAPTER 18 Late the next morning, as she dresses Zeke, Sara senses Ian watching her. She turns to find him standing in the doorway and smiles briefly before looking back at Zeke "Finish your workout?"
"Yes." Ian answers stepping up behind her he wraps his arms around her, "But it's more fun with you." He says softly
Sara rolls her eyes elbowing him in the stomach "Good thing to know but I had something more important to do." She lifts Zeke up kissing his cheek.
Zeke grins around his pacifier
"Don't you have a meeting with Dante?" Ian inquires
Sara nods "In an hour."
"Are you ready?"
Sara shrugs "Ready as I'll ever be." She laughs as Zeke pulls on her hair. She looks at him "You want attention huh." She rubs his stomach getting him to shriek happily. "After I meet with Dante I'm going out to lunch with Vicki, Danny and Jake."
Ian nods "I was thinking..."
"That's dangerous for you." Sara teases
Ian chuckles lightly "I was thinking that if you're not working this weekend we could go to the house."
Sara grins "I'd love too. Spend time with my two favorite guys."
"Gabriel will be joining us for dinner tonight."
"Really?"
"He is delivering an item I asked him to search for and I invited him to dinner."
"When did you talk to him?"
"Last night while you were sleeping." Ian replies
"Good. I can't wait to see him."
Ian takes Zeke from Sara "Go finish getting ready." He nods at her bare feet.
Sara follows his gaze "I knew I forgot something." She mutters walking out of the room, aware Ian is right behind her. She enters the room going in search of her socks and boots. "So what are you going to do today?"
"Not sure." Ian shrugs setting Zeke on the bed he lightly bounces the baby.
Sara smiles hearing Zeke laugh. She sits on the bed pulling on her socks and boots. "Are we going to return to the old stalking days?"
"I don't consider it stalking." Ian argues
"You broke into my apartment how many times?" Sara asks
"Well now I can't break in." Ian returns
"OK good point. But please behave when following me."
"I don't consider it stalking. I just did what I was born to do... keep you safe when it's needed." He grabs Zeke before he can crawl off the bed.
Sara looks up from tying her boots and smiles seeing Zeke patting at Ian's face. 'I love seeing them together. They are so cute together.' She reaches out smoothing her hand over Zeke's hair. She shifts closer to Ian resting her head on his shoulder as she watches Zeke converse to himself. After a few minutes she reluctantly lifts her head from Ian's shoulder she kisses his cheek "I should go."
"I had the bike brought out from the garage."
"Thanks" Sara kisses Zeke's head as she stands "Bye" She says hurrying out of the room
HALF HOUR LATER Sara leans against the doorframe of the office watching as the two men work in silence. "Wow I leave and you two learn how to shut up." She says amused
Jake and Danny look up to find the dark-haired woman standing in the doorway.
"Pez" Jake grins "Good to see you."
"Same." Danny smiles "So where's the kid?"
"With Ian." Sara answers hugging the two
"I still can't believe you have a kid." Jake shakes his head
"Sometimes I can't believe it either." Sara laughs leaning against the desk.
"Beware Sara he's in a mood" Danny tilts his head at the window
Sara glances towards Dante's office absently rubbing her wrist. She looks back at her friends "He always is." She says dryly
"How's Zeke?" Danny asks
"He's good. Last night he decided he wanted to try to sit up while he was under one of the heavy tables in the library. Good thing he's hard headed."
Danny chuckles "That's kids for you. Mikey hit his head so many times at that age I'm surprised he didn't end up brain damaged."
Sara's about to reply when Dante's secretary, Linda sticks her head in the door. "Sara he's ready to see you."
Sara looks at Linda "Thanks. Finish this at lunch?" She asks the two
Danny nods "Sure."
Sara makes her way to Dante's office sitting down
Dante glances at the woman he despises "Brass wants you back. I have no choice in the matter." He tosses her badge on the desk "As much as I'd love for you to stay gone they want you back tomorrow. Same job, same pay. You'll partner up with Woo and McCartey since you've already corrupted them."
Sara nods "Fine with me." She picks up the new badge putting it in her pocket.
"Get out of my office." Dante orders
"My pleasure." Sara returns barely hiding her own disgust. As she nears the door, Sara hears Dante call her name. She looks at him "Yeah?"
"Screw up and I will find a way to get your badge... for good!"
"Sure Captain." She says her voice dripping sarcasm. She walks out of Dante's office returning to her former office where the two men are waiting impatiently.
"Well?" Danny demands
"Dante looked pissed while you were talking." Jake remarks
Sara shrugs "I'm back. He said Brass ordered it. You two are stuck with me again. In his words you've already been corrupted by me." She says rolling her eyes
"When do you start?" Danny asks with a grin
"Tomorrow."
"Good. Things around here have been... slow without you." Jake grins
Sara laughs "I doubt that."
"Things haven't been as interesting either." Danny adds
Sara rolls her eyes "I'm sure."
"Let's go get Vick and head to lunch." Danny suggests
HALF HOUR LATER: RESTAURANT "Where are you living?" Vicki inquires as they eat.
"With Ian." Sara answers
"Doesn't that place creep you out?" Jake asks
Sara nods "It does but Ian's more comfortable there then anywhere else. Maybe one day I'll be able to convince him to move out."
"That place is huge" Danny says
"Yeah it also doesn't have the best of memories for him." Sara says sadly
"So you're just going to live there without a protest?" Vicki lifts her brow
"I have no other choice. I'm not going to separate the two it wouldn't be fair to either of them."
"And you're in love with him." Danny says
Sara shrugs "He grows on you after a while."
"Well Lee is going to want you to bring him over for dinner." Danny warns
"I know. Marie and Joe want to meet him too."
"He doesn't seem like a fatherly type of guy" Jake remarks
Sara takes a sip of her coffee then speaks, "He's actually pretty good with Zeke. I think having Zeke around has helped him." She laughs "The two pretty much inseparable."
1111 FAUST Hearing Zeke coo Ian looks over to see the boy sitting in his swinger sucking on his fist. He smiles faintly setting his pen aside he stands going over he unbuckles Zeke from his swinger. "You must be getting bored huh." He kisses Zeke's cheek "How about we go outside and see the dogs." He carries Zeke out of study.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER Ian smiles as Sara wraps her arms around his shoulders. He tilts his head "Hello my love." He pulls her head down kissing her sweetly "How was your day?"
"Mmm" Sara sighs licking her lips she gives him a smile "Good. What did you do today?"
Ian pulls Sara onto his lap "The normal things." He shrugs "How was your meeting?"
"Dante let me back. But not without warning me if I screw up or step on his toes I'm gone." She rolls her eyes "The same threats he gave me before."
"When do you start?" Ian inquires
"Tomorrow." Sara answers shivering as Ian's warm hand slides under her shirt gently caressing her skin. She gently trails her nails down his cheek awed at the look of pleasure crosses his face. Sara shifts so she's facing Ian fully she leans in kissing him.
LATER Feeling a light kiss pressed to her shoulder Sara lifts her head from Ian's shoulder giving him a slight smile. She lightly runs her fingernails down his neck as she sits astride him her legs wrapped around him as they sit there still joined.
"Are you OK?" Ian asks brushing her hair back
"Perfect." She says softly
Ian kisses Sara's forehead then glances at the bedside clock. "We should go get cleaned up... Zeke will be up from his nap soon."
Sara nuzzles into his neck pressing a kiss to his neck. After a few minutes of feeling Ian runs his fingers down her back she lifts her head meeting his brown eyes "Shower?" She asks hopefully.
At her tone, Ian brings her wrist up to his lips pressing a light kiss just below the bracelet "As you wish my Lady." Ian lifts Sara off him standing he makes his way to the bathroom
Sara watches as Ian walks to the bathroom then lays back staring up at the ceiling as she hears the shower turn on. She looks at the Witchblade 'You have been awfully quiet today.' She yelps as Ian suddenly scoops her up into his arms. She laughs wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ian sets Sara on her feet just inside the shower then steps in behind her hugging her as she turns her head their lips meet in a deep kiss their tongues dueling fiercely.
Needing to breath Sara reluctantly breaks the kiss leaning back against his chest she closes her eyes taking a deep breath. She tries to settle her emotions and body's reaction to being so close to Ian. 'Concentrate on shower not wanting to jump him.' She presses a light kiss to his jaw "Come on we need to finish getting cleaned up before he gets up."
EVENING "It took me weeks to get hold of the guy who owned that." Gabe nods at the knife Ian's inspecting as he plays with Zeke on the floor of the library. "He didn't want to sell it at first but his wife hates it so he finally decided he had enough of her complaining and sold it."
"The money will be in your account by morning." Ian sets the knife on the desk and sits next to Sara on the couch.
Zeke crawls over to the coffee table pulling himself up he reaches for the book left on the table.
Seeing Zeke is reaching for a very valuable book Ian takes it off the table standing he takes it over to the bookcase.
"Dinner is on the table." Mrs. Ellis announces entering the library.
LATE NIGHT Sara smiles watching as Ian swims laps. She walks over to the poolside sitting down she watches him swim.
Ian surfaces to find Sara sitting on the edge of the pool wearing her pajamas of shorts and a tank top, "Hello my love. Gabriel gone?"
Sara nods "He said goodbye. Why didn't you come back downstairs?"
"I had some things I had to take care of and it took a while to get Zeke to go to bed." He rests his forearms against the pool edge. "And I thought you two could use some time to talk." He grabs her around the waist pulling her into the pool.
"IAN!" Sara yelps in surprise. "Damn it Nottingham." She splashes him
Ian pulls her close "Mad my love?" He asks with a slight smirk
As they tread water, Sara rests her forehead against his "I can't stay mad at you long... annoyed yes but mad." She shakes her head kissing him lightly.
"I love you." Ian says softly
Sara smiles "I love you too."
NEXT MORNING Sara burrows into the covers as she hears the alarm go off. "Shuddup!" She mutters pulling the pillow over her head.
Ian opens his eyes with a groan glancing at the clock he looks at Sara and chuckles lightly "Come on my love its time for you to get up." He props himself up looking at Sara next to him the pillow over her head. He reaches over her turning off the alarm clock.
"Go way" Sara mutters "sleeping."
Ian leans down pressing a light kiss to her shoulder blade "As much as I would love to keep you here all day you have work."
Sara sighs rolling over to her back she looks at Ian "Why did I decide to go back to work?" she asks then sighs "Don't answer." She warns
Ian runs his finger over the scar on Sara's chest "You know you never have to work again if you don't want to."
"I want to work I just hate getting up in the morning." She looks at the clock and grimaces "Why the hell did I set the alarm to go off this early?"
"You don't want to be late for your first day back at work." Ian pulls the covers off Sara "Now get you up and get dressed. Breakfast should be ready soon." He looks at the baby monitor as they hear Zeke's familiar morning chatter. "I will deal with him."
Sara leans in kissing Ian then crawls out of bed heading to the bathroom.
Ian runs his hands over his face then throws off the covers going to the closet he grabs a clean pair of pants and a sweater. Quickly he dresses then makes his way to the nursery. "Good morning Zeke." Ian greets finding the boy sitting up in the crib rubbing at his eyes.
Zeke yawns reaching for his father
Ian lifts Zeke out of the crib "I take it you had a good sleep."
HALF HOUR LATER Sara sighs "I have to go or I'll be late." She finishes off her cup of coffee standing she kisses Ian's cheek then stops kissing Zeke's head as he sits in the highchair chewing on a piece of toast. "Bye."
"Bye." Ian calls as Sara walks out of the dining room.
LATER: 11TH PRECINCT "So how did dinner go?" Danny asks once he and Sara are alone.
Sara shrugs flipping through a file Jake had set before her. "Good. It was good to see Gabe." She says with a faint smile "Thanks for keeping an eye on him."
Danny nods as Jake enters the office
"Morning Pez." Jake greets
"What first?" Sara settles back to begin her first day back. 'This feels good.' She absently rubs her wrist.
LATE EVENING Sara laughs as Zeke splashes in the bathtub. "I think its time for you to get out of the tub." Sara grabs a towel pulling up the stop as the water goes down the drain she lifts Zeke out of the bathtub wrapping him in the towel. "Mama missed you today." She kisses his nose as she dries him off. "I bet you had fun with Daddy huh." She stands carrying the baby into the nursery setting him on the changing table. "I'm glad I was able to see you before bedtime." Sara says as she puts a clean diaper on the baby. She laughs as Zeke flails his arms and legs blowing bubbles "You have something to say huh baby?"
Zeke coos happily
"Soon you'll be talking huh." Sara brushes her fingers down Zeke's face
Zeke yawns
"Well let's get you ready for bed." Sara carefully dresses Zeke in his pajamas then lifts him up "Let's go say night to Daddy." She carries Zeke out of the nursery to the training room where Ian is doing push-ups.
Zeke kicks happily seeing his Daddy
Ian looks over to see Sara standing in the doorway holding a freshly clean Zeke ready for bed. He flips to his feet grabbing a towel
"He's clean and ready for bed." Sara says as Ian wipes the sweat off his face "Just came to say goodnight." She smiles as Ian kisses the baby's forehead
"Sleep well little one."
Zeke yawns rubbing at his eyes
Sara chuckles "Bed time for you huh kiddo?" She kisses Ian's cheek before walking out of the room. She returns to the nursery sitting in the rocking chair she slowly rocks her eyes on her son.
WHILE LATER "How was work?" Ian asks hugging Sara from behind as they stand on the patio off the living room.
Sara rubs her cheek against Ian's arm "Paperwork all day. Catch up with open cases. But I'm glad to be back at work."
"People asking a lot of questions?"
"Somewhat. Mostly they leave me alone. Just like the old days"
"You really have missed your work."
"Yeah I guess I have." She tilts her head "It's all I ever thought of doing."
"As long as you enjoy it." Ian presses his lips to Sara's temple. "I love you Sara."
Sara smiles "Love you too."
CHAPTER 19 2 MONTHS LATER "How's Zeke?" Jake asks from the backseat of the stakeout car.
Sara smiles at the question of her beloved ten-month-old son. "He's getting closer to walking on his own."
"Is he talking yet? I mean considering Nottingham's enhanced genetics I wouldn't be surprised he'd be talking your ear off." Danny muses
Sara laughs taking a sip of her coffee "He started saying Mama the other day. He's up to Dada, Mama, and hi. So far if he has any of Ian's enhanced genetics they haven't really showed up yet." She looks out the car window. "Ian hopes he doesn't have any."
"Why not?" Jake questions "I mean I'd think he'd be happy to have a kid with his enhanced abilities."
Sara shrugs "With those abilities Ian's had trouble his whole life. He just wants Zeke to be a normal child... something neither of us were."
"So how was your trip?" Danny asks changing the subject.
"Good." Jake shrugs "Mom fussed over me like always."
"What are you doing this weekend Sara?" Danny asks
"We're leaving town spending some time with Zeke without interruption." Sara answers taking a drink of her coffee.
"When are you leaving?" Jake asks
"Early tomorrow morning. I can't wait." Sara grins
"Out of reach?" Danny inquires
"I'm taking my phone but if it's not an emergency and one of you calls I will smack the daylights out of both of you." She warns
"So warned partner." Danny laughs
"Got it." Jake nods
8PM: HOUSE "Hey honey." Sara stands over Ian as he does push-ups. She sits on his back "What number are you on now?"
"52." Ian answers without stopping his workout.
Sara runs her hands over Ian's back enjoying the feel of his muscled body. "Is the baby asleep?"
"I put him down an hour ago." Ian replies without losing count.
"What time do we need to leave tomorrow?"
"Plane will be ready to leave at nine."
Sara leans down pressing a light kiss to his shoulder "How was your day?"
"I had to meet with the lawyers and the head of the PR department this afternoon."
"You were watching me while we were on the stakeout." Sara remarks
"Checked up on you." Ian corrects shifting to his back he looks up at Sara "I missed you. I needed to see you."
"Needed to?" Sara lifts her brow
Ian laces their fingers "It's like I'm drawn to find you. Once I see you it stops."
"Has it always been like that?" Sara asks after a few seconds of silence
"Yes." Ian brushes his fingers over the stone of the Witchblade "Since you returned it has become more intense."
Sara's eyes are drawn to Ian's fingers as they brushing over the stone. "Oh." She pulls her eyes away from the stone meeting Ian's eyes she smiles at the love in his eyes "What should we do this weekend?"
"Anything, I just want to spend time just the three of us." He sits up wrapping his arms around Sara. "I love you Sara." He says almost shyly
Sara runs her finger down his nose "I love you too. Now come on you need a shower and I need to see my baby." She kisses him lightly before standing
Ian watches Sara walk out of the room and shakes his head 'God I love her.'
Sara enters the nursery going over to the crib she looks in to see her son asleep on his back his pacifier laying next to him. Carefully she pulls the blanket up to Zeke's chin brushing her fingers down his cheek. 'Do you know how important you are to me? To your Daddy? We love you more than anything sweetie.' She smiles as Zeke scrunches up his nose and smacks his lips in his sleep. Reaching in she picks up the pacifier offering it to the baby who without waking starts sucking on the pacifier. "Goodnight Zeke."
Ian stands under the warm water when he hears the shower door open he speaks "Is he still asleep?"
Sara wraps her arms around Ian's waist resting her cheek against Ian's back. "Mmm." She nods "He did that cute little nose thing."
Ian turns around looking down at Sara as she rests her head against his chest. "Tired love?"
"A little."
"Long day?"
"The stakeout was a bust." Sara grumbles "I hate stakeouts. They make me tired."
"Sorry. Tired?"
Sara nods
OVER A MONTH LATER "I can't believe he's finally one." Sara says watching as Zeke walks a few steps then sits down and starts crawling on the carpet.
"It has been quite a few months." Ian says dryly
"That it has." Sara kisses Ian's cheek then pulls away making her way over to Zeke who is playing with some of his new toys.
Ian watches them play then joins them on the floor.
"Daddy" Zeke grins holding up one of his new toys
"It's very nice." Ian says amused watching Zeke turn his attention back to his toys.
"I swear Ian you spoil him." Sara laughs
Ian shrugs "Gives me something to do."
Sara yawns
"Tired?" Ian cups Sara's cheek
"A little." Sara admits nuzzling his hand
"We've had a long day. I'll put him to bed why don't you go relax."
Sara smiles "Thanks." She kisses Ian lightly then kisses Zeke's head "Good night sweetie." She stands walking out of the room.
Ian picks Zeke up "Bed time."
"No Daddy." Zeke squirms
"Bed time." Ian says sternly as he carries the one year old out of the room.
After she showers Sara settles on the bed turning on the TV she flips to the news. When Ian enters the bedroom, Sara smiles "I take it he went down with a fight."
"Of course." Ian joins Sara on the bed. "Feel better?"
Sara nods as she absently clenches and unclenches her hand.
"What's wrong?"
"Huh? Why do you think something's wrong?"
Ian tilts his head at her hands "You only do that when it hasn't activated in a while. How long has it been silent?"
"A few days." Sara shrugs "Why?"
"Its getting to you isn't it?"
"A little" Sara admits "I'm so use to it just messing with me at the worst times." She glances at her wrist "Maybe it's giving me a vacation. I can hope." She gives Ian a tired smile
"We've had a big day."
Sara chuckles "Did you see the look on his face when he saw the pile of gifts?"
Ian smiles slightly "It was amusing."
"He went at those gifts like no tomorrow. He certainly loved opening them."
"I think he loved opening the gifts more than the gifts themselves."
"He did enjoy the wrapping paper. Maybe next time we should give him wrapping paper instead."
"Defeats the purpose of wrapping paper my love." He leans in pressing a light kiss to Sara's neck
"Mmm so you like unwrapping presents?"
Ian chuckles shifting Sara to her back "Yes... especially when you're the gift."
Oh shut up and kiss me. Sara pulls Ian's head down.
AFTER MIDNIGHT *Sara watches horrified as Ian is shot and he falls to the floor. "IAN" she cries*
Ian awakens with a start when he hears Sara cry out in her sleep. He looks at her to see her tossing and turning the Witchblade blazing on her wrist.
"NO" Sara cries out her heart pounding she bolts upright.
"Sara? What's wrong love?"
Hearing his concerned voice Sara throws herself into his arms burrowing close.
"Shh" Ian soothes feeling tears on his shoulder "it's OK."
"Someone shot you. You died." Sara whimpers clinging to him
"It'll be OK."
"You died." Sara whimpers pain filling her voice and heart. "You can't die."
"I won't." Ian assures hugging Sara tight as her body shakes. He holds Sara close occasionally murmuring comforting words as Sara cries herself back to sleep.
EARLY MORNING Sara awakens to find herself half on top of Ian. Feeling Ian run his hand down her hair Sara remembers her vision and burrows as close as possible.
"Feel better?" Ian asks feeling her stir
"No" Sara mumbles blinking back tears. "You can't die."
"It showed you so that you know how to avoid it from happening. What did you see?"
"Nothing but you going down." She tightens her arms around Ian
Ian drops a kiss to Sara's head "It'll be OK sweet Sara."
"I can't lose you. I can't lose anyone else."
"You won't lose me or anyone." Ian gently rubs her back
After a few minutes, Sara pulls out of Ian's embrace "I have to get going." She murmurs getting out of bed.
"Sara..."
"I don't want to talk about it Ian." Sara bites out
"Sara we need to talk about it"
"No we don't" Sara slams the bathroom door behind her. She leans against the closed door closing her eyes 'I can't lose him.' She wipes at the tears as they escape her eyes and she steels herself walking over to the shower she opens the door turning it on warm.
20 MINS LATER Sara walks out of the bathroom wearing her bathrobe to find Ian sitting on the bed with Zeke looking through a picture book.
Ian watches Sara move about the bedroom as Zeke looks at the pictures in the book. Sara? Are we going to talk about this?
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to." Sara snaps
Hearing the anger in his mother's voice Zeke looks up startled "Mama?"
"Its OK sweetie." Sara assures going over to the bed, she leans down kissing Zeke's head. "I can't talk about it... not now." She pleads softly
Ian nods reaching out he brushes his fingers down Sara's cheek "I'm here."
Sara gives him a sad smile "I know."
"I love you Sara."
"I love you." Sara echoes moving to Ian's side resting her head on his shoulder her eyes on Zeke as he looks at his book.
Ian wraps one arm around Sara's shoulders Everything will work out.
Sara swallows heavily taking a deep breath "I'm scared."
"I know." Ian kisses her head
After a few minutes, Sara groans "I have to go to work." She kisses Ian sweetly then lifts Zeke onto her lap "I love you Zeke."
Zeke grins, "Mama" he holds his arms up
Sara hugs him kissing his cheek "Bye baby."
"Bye-bye." Zeke chirps
EARLY AFTERNOON "What's wrong Pez?" Danny asks
"Nothing." Sara mutters
"Something's wrong. You've been staring at the same page for ten minutes." Danny leans back in his chair regarding his friend. "Now spill."
Sara sighs seeing the look on his face. "I had a dream last night."
"So?"
"Ian died in it." Sara says
"Dreams are just dreams. They don't always come true."
"I know. It just kind of freaked me out."
"And?"
"I snapped at him over it this morning."
"You snap at everyone Pez. He knows this."
"I know he does."
"Just suck it up and say you're sorry for being an ass."
"Fine." Sara grumbles
"Good. Now finish up. I don't want to be here all night."
"All right all right." Sara turns back to her paperwork.
CHAPTER 16 Early the next morning, Ian moves closer to the body next to him as the happy chattering of Zeke invades his sleep. He breathes in the familiar scent and smiles remembering the events of the night. He opens his eyes to find half his body on top of Sara as she sleeps next to him. He starts to move away when Sara opens her eyes tightening her arms around him. Ian looks at Sara and smiles "Good morning my love."
Sara smiles sleepily "Morning. Where are you going?"
"Zeke is awake." He looks at the monitor, "And it sounds like he has returned to his normal morning self."
Sara follows Ian's gaze chuckling at the sound of Zeke cheerfully babbling. "He sounds like he's amusing himself for now." She runs her hand over Ian's chest
Ian grins, "I think he can wait" He shifts covering Sara's body with his own.
Sara giggles as Ian nuzzles her neck.
*
After their passionate yet quick coupling, Sara watches as Ian pulls on his pajama bottoms "Uh where did the sweats and T-shirt I was wearing land?" She asks sitting up stretching.
Ian looks around finding the T-shirt on the floor on his side of his bed he tosses it to her. He goes to the end of the bed finding the sweatpants tossing them to Sara. He goes over to the dresser opening the drawer he grabs another T-shirt pulling it on.
Sara gets out of the bed pulling on the clothes she kisses Ian's cheek as she passes him going into the bathroom.
Ian smiles walking out of the bedroom he walks across the hallway entering to find Zeke laying on his back sucking on his foot. "Good morning Zeke. You seem back to your normal self." He lifts Zeke out of the crib kissing the boy's cheek. "There is someone who wants to see you but first let's get you changed." He sets Zeke on the changing table
After brushing her teeth and going to the bathroom, Sara returns to the bed snuggling into the covers. She smiles remembering the rounds of passionate love making throughout the night. Hearing the bedroom door open she sits up smiling as she sees Ian enter carrying Zeke.
"Who's that?" Ian shifts Zeke so the baby can see Sara.
Seeing his mother Zeke shrieks happily holding his arms out towards her.
Sara hops off the bed taking the baby from Ian she kisses Zeke's cheek. "I've missed you too." She hugs Zeke.
Ian goes over to the bedside phone pressing the extension for kitchen. "Please bring breakfast and Zeke's bottle up to my room. Thank you Cook." He hangs up the phone and looks at Sara who is cuddling Zeke.
Sara smiles as Zeke pats at her face jabbering happily. She settles on the bed with Zeke on her lap. She bounces Zeke on the bed getting him to laugh.
Ian sits beside Sara brushing a strand of hair off her cheek he leans in brushing his lips over her cheek. "I love you sweet Sara." He says softly
Sara turns her head giving him a smile as she lifts her hand to his cheek "I love you" She looks back at Zeke she taps his nose "and you too."
Ian lifts Zeke up tossing him lightly in the air getting the boy to shriek with laughter.
"You drop him and you are never getting sex again." Sara warns
"I'm not going to drop him Sara." Ian assures
"Just a fair warning" Sara says wagging her finger "Now give me my baby." She holds her hands out.
"You get him for a kiss." Ian bargains mischievously
Sara moves up to her knees lifting her brow, "I think that can work." She leans forward kissing Ian before scooping Zeke out of his arms. "There you got your kiss." As Zeke pats at her face, she grasps his hand kissing it.
Ian smiles at the sight.
Later that morning, Sara and Ian sit on the floor of the bedroom watching as Zeke plays with his toys. "You OK?" Sara asks wrapping her arms around Ian's shoulders as he sits in front of her.
Ian kisses Sara's arm "I am fine."
"What about your nightmare?" She asks concerned
Ian pauses then shrugs "Nothing to it."
"It was the first time he hit you wasn't it."
Ian nods hesitantly "That bad yes."
"How old were you?"
"Ten I guess."
Sara rests her cheek against his "What happened?"
Ian takes a deep breath unsure of what to tell her. "I was never allowed in the Witchblade room alone. One night I couldn't sleep... I kept seeing the paintings in my mind and I couldn't get them out of my mind. All I wanted was some peace and I thought the best way to get it was to see them." He runs his hand down her thigh "I snuck out of my bedroom and went down to the room. That was before he put a security system on the room." He swallows "Anyway I went to the room and just sat in the middle of the room looking at each painting trying to memorize them, but I fell asleep." He closes his eyes "Father found me in the room and he was angry. Before that day, he would just slap me, send me to my room, or give me more studies as a punishment. This time he ordered me to go get dressed and then return to the library." He takes a deep breath trying to keep his mind from drifting back into the memories.
Sara hugs him kissing his shoulder "And?" she prompts
Ian swallows "I came back after getting dressed. He started yelling at me then hauled off and slapped me so hard that I ended up with the first of many bruises." He winces absently rubbing his cheek as though remembering the blow. "Before that day Father never hit me that hard." His eyes go to the floor as he continues "When I fell to the floor he yanked me up so hard that my arm was dislocated."
"You must have been scared." Sara remarks
Ian shrugs "I knew he was dangerous but I never thought he would hurt me."
Sara hugs him "I'm sorry."
"He wasn't always like that. He taught me how to read. He even taught me how to ride a bike." He smiles faintly at the good memories
*Irons sitting on the floor with Ian, both of them looking at a globe. Irons telling Ian about all of the places he has been.
The two walking through a museum looking at artwork.
"The Wielder is always female. Tell me why" Irons looks at a twelve-year-old Ian who is staring at the portraits of the Wielders.
"The Witchblade is part of life. Wielders bring life because they are female." Ian answers*
"Ian, why didn't you leave when you were old enough?" Sara asks curiously
"This life is all I know then and now." Ian shrugs "Because something told me that to find you I needed to stay."
"How long did you know who I was before we actually met?"
"A few years." Ian admits "Father had you watched on and off over the years. I never saw you in person until about a year before."
"Why didn't you come to me then?" Sara asks
Ian turns his head meeting Sara's eyes "Would you have believed me if I came to you saying 'Oh by the way you are the next Wielder. And it is my duty to protect you. Oh and we were lovers on and off throughout our lifetimes.'"
Sara chuckles "Good point." She rests her hand over his heart "Too bad it took us so long to find each other."
"This is the oldest we've ever been. Well except for Elizabeth."
"You died though before there was a chance." Sara whispers "Maybe this time around we had to wait." Sara muses
"Why?"
"Think about it... Joan was how old when she died... 19, 20? Cleopatra was what in her 20s?"
"About."
"Maybe this time it wanted to wait until I was old enough to handle the duties of being the Wielder." Sara looks at her wrist
"Perhaps." Ian agrees
"It would have been interesting if we had met as kids or teenagers. Can you imagine the trouble we could
have caused? My totally rebellious nature and your brains" Sara muses with a laugh
Ian chuckles bringing her hand to his lips he presses a soft kiss to her knuckles. He shifts pulling Sara onto his lap. "True." He kisses her lightly.
Sara wraps her arms around him resting her head on his shoulder watching as Zeke sits on the floor playing with his toys.
"I'm glad you are here." Ian presses his lips to Sara's hair
"So am I."
"This is where you belong... here with us."
Sara smiles watching as Zeke crawls over to them. She sits up lifting him onto her lap. "I know." She kisses Zeke's cheek hugging him. "I know."
A few hours later, the couple find themselves curled up on the bed quietly talking while Zeke sleeps. Sara rests her head on Ian's shoulder watching as Zeke sleeps on his chest. She lightly brushes her finger down the sleeping baby's cheek watching as he snuggles closer to his father. She looks at Ian giving him a small smile.
"I'm going to go put him down."
Sara watches as Ian stands carrying Zeke out of the room. She stands stretching her arms over her head walking over to the bookcase she smiles at the titles of the books. She tilts her head noticing a photo album on the top shelf. She takes it off the shelf opening it smiling at the first picture. Hearing the door open she looks up to see Ian enter the room "This you?"
Ian nods joining her "I found it among some of Father's things. I never knew he had any pictures of me as a child... other than the security photos."
"How old were you?"
"That must have been taken not long after I was brought here. So I was probably five or six." Ian shrugs "That was the first gift I remember he gave me." He smiles faintly at the picture of himself wearing a cowboy hat and boots, with a sheriffs badge and toy guns. "I had hours of fun with those."
"You were a cute even then."
Ian wraps his arms around her waist nuzzling her neck as Sara looks at the pictures. "Sara put it away" he slides his hands under her shirt caressing her stomach.
Sara squirms at the feeling of his warm hands on her stomach "Come on Nottingham I want to see these pictures." She tries to keep herself from groaning at his touch.
Ian grabs the photo album dropping it on the table turning Sara to face him. "Later." He leans in kissing her.
Sara moans leaning into him her arms going around him. As Ian lifts her, she wraps her legs around his hips as he walks towards the bed. Sara laughs as they fall on the bed with Ian taking the brunt of the fall. Her hands go to the hem of the shirt Ian is wearing stripping it off she tosses it aside. She leans down kissing him as she runs her hands over Ian's chest. 'God I love touching him.' She brushes her lips over his neck and collarbone lightly nipping chuckling lightly as he growls. Slowly she moves down his body pressing light kisses to his chest as her hands caress his chest and stomach causing him to hiss. Sara meets Ian's gaze lifting her brow.
My turn. Ian tugs Sara back up his body pulling her head down kissing her roughly, as he flips her under him. He quickly strips her shirt off and pulls the sweats off. Gently he runs his hands down Sara's sides smiling faintly as she squirms. He moves up capturing her lips in a sweet yet demanding kiss.
Sara shivers feeling the emotions behind the kiss as she runs her hands over his back. She lifts her hips invitingly and gasps as he slowly enters her.
"Mine." Ian says softly his eyes boring into Sara's green eyes.
Sara nods wordlessly meeting his movements
*
A while later Ian gently caresses Sara's cheek as they lie facing each other.
"What are you thinking about?" Sara asks seeing the look on his face.
"You." He kisses her lightly
"Oh really?" She smiles "Just what are you thinking?" She asks
"Different things." Ian shrugs "I take it you are going to see about getting your job back."
"Somehow." Sara sighs
Ian trails his fingers down Sara's arm "You don't have to work my love."
"I'm not going to live off his money. Besides, I like my work. I just hope I can find a way to get my job back. Dante has taken over fulltime and that man hates me." She shakes her head "No more talk about work." She cuddles into Ian tucking her head under his chin.
Ian presses his lips to Sara's hair.
Sara smiles enjoying the feeling of being curled up in Ian's arms. Suddenly remembering the photo album, she reluctantly moves out of Ian's arms.
"Where are you going?" Ian asks
Sara kisses his nose "I have to see those pictures." She grins crawling out of bed she hurries over to the table picking up the photo album then returns to the bed. She opens the photo album to the first picture she had been looking at. "You were adorable." She smiles looking at Ian who looks slightly embarrassed. "You were." She strokes his cheek then turns back to the pictures. She turns to the next picture of Ian sitting on the floor with a puzzle as Irons sits in the chair watching young Ian work.
Late that afternoon Sara watches from the doorway of the nursery as Ian and Zeke play on the floor. "Hey you two."
Ian turns his head looking at Sara smiling "Feel better my love?" He asks referring to her shower.
"Much." Sara nods sitting on the floor she kisses Ian's cheek then lifts Zeke onto her lap kissing his head. When Zeke squirms, she laughs "You just want to play huh." She sets Zeke back on the floor watching as he returns to playing with his toys.
"Did you call your partner?"
"Yes. I also called Joe, Gabe, and Vicki. I'm going to go see Joe and Marie tomorrow."
"Are you going to take Zeke?"
Sara nods "Joe and Marie haven't met him so if he's awake I'll take him with me."
"Good idea."
"I have lots of good ideas." Sara smirks
"Oh I bet you do." Ian chuckles reaching out he caresses her cheek with his thumb.
Sara leans in kissing him lightly then turns her attention to Zeke she begins to play with the baby.
MIDNIGHT Sara shifts to curl up next to Ian only to find him not in bed. She opens her eyes sitting up she finds Ian sitting on the recliner before the window staring out at the night sky obviously deep in thought. She gets out of bed walking over to the chair she wraps her arms around his shoulders pressing a kiss to his head. "You OK?"
Ian tilts his head looking at Sara in the darkened room. "You should be sleeping my love."
Sara shrugs "So should you."
Ian pulls Sara onto his lap wrapping his arms around her well aware she's naked.
"What's wrong?" She asks
"Just too many thoughts." He murmurs pressing his lips to her hair.
"About?"
"Many different things. Sometimes when I start thinking too much it's hard to sleep."
"Know the feeling." Sara says dryly "Do you want to talk about it?"
Ian shakes his head
Sara kisses his temple "OK"
"I love you Sara." He whispers
Sara shifts so she's facing Ian "I love you too." She kisses him "Come back to bed." She stands pulling Ian to his feet. The two curl up in bed and drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER 17 The next afternoon Sara enters the library carrying Zeke where she finds Ian thoughtfully examining the titles of the books. "We're leaving." She announces
Ian turns towards the door "The car is out front the keys are in the ignition. His diaper bag is in the backseat. There's a newly activated cell phone for you in the glove compartment all programmed." He turns his attention back to the bookcase.
"What are you looking for?" Sara asks "You've been in here since lunch."
"A book, I can't remember what it was called. Father read it to me when I was little and for some reason last night I started thinking about it. Maybe once I find it I'll get it out of my mind." He tears his attention away from the bookcase walking over to Sara "I see he's awake."
Sara looks at Zeke who rubs his eyes sleepily "He just woke up." Sara kisses Zeke's cheek then looks at Ian frowning at his tired expression. "Ian did you get any sleep last night?"
"A few hours." Ian shrugs "I'll be fine."
Sara nods unconvinced "Alright. We'll be back in a couple hours." She kisses Ian lightly, "And Ian try and get some sleep once you find this book."
Ian nods brushes his knuckle down Zeke's cheek. "Have a good time."
Sara gives him a small smile before walking out of the library. Once in the foyer she notices Mrs. Ellis walk out of the sitting room.
"Is he still in there?" Mrs. Ellis inquires nodding at the closed door
Sara nods pulling the hood up on Zeke "He's looking for some book."
"Will you two be here for dinner?" Mrs. Ellis asks
"We should be. If we aren't I'll call."
Mrs. Ellis nods watching as Sara carries the baby out of the house.
Sara sets Zeke in the car seat and buckles him in kissing his forehead. She closes the back passenger door and gets into the drivers side starting the car.
Mrs. Ellis enters the library to find the same thing Sara found, Ian inspecting the books. "Ian what are you looking for?"
"A book Father read to me when I was a child."
"What was it called?" Mrs. Ellis asks
"I don't remember." Ian admits "I don't really remember much about the book I just remember liking it." He turns his attention back to the bookcase.
"Well you might try the attic. Kenneth moved many of your childhood possessions up there a few years back."
"I'll check up there after I finish looking here."
Twenty minutes later, Sara knocks on the door of the Siri's apartment and smiles as Marie Siri opens the door. "Marie"
"Sara" Marie smiles "Oh it is so good to see you."
Sara hugs the woman well aware of Zeke on her hip.
"Come in come in." Marie insists
Sara enters the apartment just as Joe joins them in the foyer "Joe."
"Sara it's been a while" Joe smiles hugging his goddaughter.
Sara steps back regarding her godparents "Its good to see you both."
"Now who is this cutie?" Marie chucks the baby under the chin getting a grin.
Sara smiles "This is Ezekiel James Pezzini Nottingham."
"Danny told me he was adorable." Marie smiles
"Nottingham?" Joe lifts his brow
Sara swallows "His father is Ian Nottingham, Irons former bodyguard."
From his position in his mother's arms Zeke looks at the new people then around searching for his Father whimpering when he doesn't see him.
Hearing the whimper Sara offers Zeke his pacifier.
"Where have you been?" Marie asks as they walk into the living room. "I have been worried young lady." She says sternly
"I'm sorry Marie. With everything that was going on, I thought it best to leave New York while I was pregnant. I kept meaning to call and check in but when I thought of it things would come up." Sara removes Zeke's jacket then sets him on the floor.
"I made some calls and I've managed to get the Brass to talk Dante into meeting with you." Joe says
"Thanks." Sara gives him a smile
"I told the Brass that you were going on maternity leave but considering how long it's taken you to return..."
"It's going to be harder for me to convince them to allow me back." Sara finishes her eyes on Zeke as he inspects his surroundings.
"Sara is his father involved in raising him?" Marie asks
Sara smiles remembering the times she watched Ian and Zeke interact "Very much so. They adore each other."
"Good" Marie nods relieved. She looks at Zeke and smiles "He looks so much like you."
Sara chuckles "I always thought he looks just like Ian... well he has my nose but otherwise he looks like Ian."
"Danny told me little about Nottingham. He told me that Nottingham has been involved in some... dubious actions." Joe remarks
Sara swallows "Was. Ian hasn't done any of those things since Irons died. He's been trying to get over everything since his childhood. I think being around Zeke has helped him some."
"Well I want to meet this young man." Marie says sternly "I want you to bring him and Ezekiel over for dinner one night."
"Yes Ma'am. I'll see what I can do."
"We should have a big family dinner." Marie muses
"Marie, that's not the best idea." Sara says hesitantly
"Why not?" Marie inquires
Sara glances at Zeke trying to gather her words "Ian's... well not really used to being around big groups of people like that. It might be better to do small increments of the family before going into the whole rowdy family thing."
"He's shy?" Marie asks
"Not exactly shy... he just wasn't raised around large groups of loud people."
"All right" Marie nods "but I want you to bring him over for dinner one night so we can meet him."
Sara smiles "I will."
An hour later at the mansion, Mrs. Ellis peeks into the library to find Ian absorbed in a book. She smiles 'Good.' She closes the door leaving Ian to his peace.
A couple of hours later, Sara hugs and kisses her godparents, "I'll see you later." Sara says.
"Good. Now don't forget I want you to bring him for dinner." Marie says sternly
Sara smiles "I won't forget. I'll talk to him about it tonight."
"And you better bring this cutie to see me every so often." Marie says patting Zeke's cheek
"I will." Sara promises walking out of the apartment
"Don't forget to let me know what happens with Dante."
"I won't." Sara assures waving to them as she reaches the top of the stairs.
Sara enters the mansion, twenty minutes later just as Fredrick walks into the foyer. "Is he still looking for his book?" Sara asks as she sets the car keys on the foyer table.
"Mrs. Ellis checked on him a few moments ago... he fell asleep on the library couch. I was just about to go and wake him and inform him that dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes."
"I'll wake him."
"Would you like me to take Ezekiel and put him in the playpen in the dining room?"
Sara shakes her head "No thank you." She heads into the library smiling at the sight of Ian asleep on the couch with a book on his chest. Feeling Zeke bounce on her hip excitedly, she presses her finger against his lips, "Shh." She says softly. She walks over to the couch setting Zeke on the floor she sits on the edge of the couch reaching out she brushes the lock of hair off Ian's forehead watching as he slowly opens his eyes.
"Sara" Ian says sleepily
"Hey you." Sara smiles "Looks like you got some sleep."
Ian sits up setting his book on the coffee table he stretches "I must have fallen asleep while I was reading." He runs his fingers through his hair. "How was your visit?"
"Good. Did you find your book?"
Ian nods "I found it up in the attic."
"Well I'm glad, maybe tonight you'll get some sleep." She leans in kissing Ian lightly "Fredrick said dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes."
Ian nods "What happened with your visit?"
"Did a lot of talking, they were both a little mad that I didn't check in."
"What did you tell them?"
"That I needed a break from everything that happened."
"And what about Zeke?" Ian inquires looking at his son who is crawling on the floor.
"I told them pretty much everything." Sara answers "Oh before I forget, Marie wants us to come over for dinner sometime."
"When?"
"Anytime." Sara answers "They want to meet you soon."
Ian is about to respond when they hear a loud THUD then Zeke crying. They notice Zeke sitting under the coffee table by their feet crying.
Sara scoops the crying baby up "Hit your head huh." She says hugging Zeke; she presses a light kiss to his head. She stands gently rocking the crying baby, "Shh." She soothes as her eyes meet Ian's over Zeke's head. "It's OK baby."
Ian stands joining his family he wraps one arm around Sara's waist as he rests his hand on Zeke's back. He brushes his lips over Sara's cheek "I love you."
Sara smiles at his soft words "Love you too." She looks at Zeke who rests his head on her shoulder sniffling and hiccupping.
Late that evening, the couple find themselves on the floor of the training room both sweating and breathing heavily. Slowly Sara opens her eyes and looks at Ian lifting her brow "As much fun as that was, us and exercise should never be combined."
"Why not?"
"Because something tells me we'll always end up having sex."
"Good point." Ian chuckles moving in he kisses her "But we did manage to get some exercise in." He murmurs
"True." Sara smiles faintly
Ian traces the entwined circles on Sara's chest "How did they take the news about Zeke?"
"Pretty good. They both were a little upset that I didn't tell them sooner, especially Joe."
"You and he are close." Ian states
Sara nods "Between the whole working together thing and the fact he's my godfather. Marie and I are close but it's not exactly the same."
"You and Joe spent more time together."
"Yeah."
Ian looks away as he asks his next question "Does he know about everything?"
Sara winces at the look on Ian's face "Danny told him after Jake brought us your file."
"Oh."
She scratches lightly at his beard "He knows it's the past." She slides her fingers under his chin gently urging him to look at her. "It's the past Ian."
Ian reluctantly nods "The past."
"Good." She brushes her lips over his.
"I love you Sara" Ian says softly "more than anything."
"I love you too." She gasps as Ian kisses her passionately. * After midnight, Ian sits in the bunker staring into the fireplace as he hears the door open. "You're late."
"Why in the world did you of all people want to talk with me?"
Ian stands turning to see Bruno Dante standing in the doorway glaring at him. "Let's just say you owe me big time."
"I owe you nothing Nottingham."
Ian moves around the table his fingers trailing over the tabletop. "When I inherited my Father's positions... I inherited everything, including your still outstanding debts." He looks at the man.
"Why did you want to see me then?" Dante demands
"Tomorrow you will be having a visitor. Someone you despise yes but someone who is very valuable to both your life and job... as she is to me. You will ignore your personal feelings and rehire her because both of us know she's good at her job."
Dante's eyes narrow "You're talking about Pezzini."
"You are going to give Sara back her job... the same job she had before she left."
"She's been gone for almost two years." Dante argues
"And your point is?"
"She doesn't deserve..." he chokes off as strong hands encircle his neck. He stares into furious brown eyes.
Ian leans in speaking low his voice holding no argument "You will give her back her job. You will say nothing about our conversation. Understand?"
Dante nods unable to speak
Ian releases the man "Good. If you say one word to her about our conversation I will go back to my old ways... and that won't be pleasant for you." He glares at the man "Leave." He watches as Dante hurries out of the room. He smiles faintly at the picture hanging on the wall. Wanting to be with his love, he hurries out of the room.
Sara awakens slightly as she feels the bed shift and Ian spoon his body around hers. She smiles snuggling back into him "Where were you?" She asks sleepily
"Just needed to finish up with something." Ian replies kissing her shoulder "Go back to sleep." He hugs her tight. "I love you my Sara."
"Love you" Sara mumbles drifting off to sleep feeling safe in her love's arms.
CHAPTER 18 Late the next morning, as she dresses Zeke, Sara senses Ian watching her. She turns to find him standing in the doorway and smiles briefly before looking back at Zeke "Finish your workout?"
"Yes." Ian answers stepping up behind her he wraps his arms around her, "But it's more fun with you." He says softly
Sara rolls her eyes elbowing him in the stomach "Good thing to know but I had something more important to do." She lifts Zeke up kissing his cheek.
Zeke grins around his pacifier
"Don't you have a meeting with Dante?" Ian inquires
Sara nods "In an hour."
"Are you ready?"
Sara shrugs "Ready as I'll ever be." She laughs as Zeke pulls on her hair. She looks at him "You want attention huh." She rubs his stomach getting him to shriek happily. "After I meet with Dante I'm going out to lunch with Vicki, Danny and Jake."
Ian nods "I was thinking..."
"That's dangerous for you." Sara teases
Ian chuckles lightly "I was thinking that if you're not working this weekend we could go to the house."
Sara grins "I'd love too. Spend time with my two favorite guys."
"Gabriel will be joining us for dinner tonight."
"Really?"
"He is delivering an item I asked him to search for and I invited him to dinner."
"When did you talk to him?"
"Last night while you were sleeping." Ian replies
"Good. I can't wait to see him."
Ian takes Zeke from Sara "Go finish getting ready." He nods at her bare feet.
Sara follows his gaze "I knew I forgot something." She mutters walking out of the room, aware Ian is right behind her. She enters the room going in search of her socks and boots. "So what are you going to do today?"
"Not sure." Ian shrugs setting Zeke on the bed he lightly bounces the baby.
Sara smiles hearing Zeke laugh. She sits on the bed pulling on her socks and boots. "Are we going to return to the old stalking days?"
"I don't consider it stalking." Ian argues
"You broke into my apartment how many times?" Sara asks
"Well now I can't break in." Ian returns
"OK good point. But please behave when following me."
"I don't consider it stalking. I just did what I was born to do... keep you safe when it's needed." He grabs Zeke before he can crawl off the bed.
Sara looks up from tying her boots and smiles seeing Zeke patting at Ian's face. 'I love seeing them together. They are so cute together.' She reaches out smoothing her hand over Zeke's hair. She shifts closer to Ian resting her head on his shoulder as she watches Zeke converse to himself. After a few minutes she reluctantly lifts her head from Ian's shoulder she kisses his cheek "I should go."
"I had the bike brought out from the garage."
"Thanks" Sara kisses Zeke's head as she stands "Bye" She says hurrying out of the room
HALF HOUR LATER Sara leans against the doorframe of the office watching as the two men work in silence. "Wow I leave and you two learn how to shut up." She says amused
Jake and Danny look up to find the dark-haired woman standing in the doorway.
"Pez" Jake grins "Good to see you."
"Same." Danny smiles "So where's the kid?"
"With Ian." Sara answers hugging the two
"I still can't believe you have a kid." Jake shakes his head
"Sometimes I can't believe it either." Sara laughs leaning against the desk.
"Beware Sara he's in a mood" Danny tilts his head at the window
Sara glances towards Dante's office absently rubbing her wrist. She looks back at her friends "He always is." She says dryly
"How's Zeke?" Danny asks
"He's good. Last night he decided he wanted to try to sit up while he was under one of the heavy tables in the library. Good thing he's hard headed."
Danny chuckles "That's kids for you. Mikey hit his head so many times at that age I'm surprised he didn't end up brain damaged."
Sara's about to reply when Dante's secretary, Linda sticks her head in the door. "Sara he's ready to see you."
Sara looks at Linda "Thanks. Finish this at lunch?" She asks the two
Danny nods "Sure."
Sara makes her way to Dante's office sitting down
Dante glances at the woman he despises "Brass wants you back. I have no choice in the matter." He tosses her badge on the desk "As much as I'd love for you to stay gone they want you back tomorrow. Same job, same pay. You'll partner up with Woo and McCartey since you've already corrupted them."
Sara nods "Fine with me." She picks up the new badge putting it in her pocket.
"Get out of my office." Dante orders
"My pleasure." Sara returns barely hiding her own disgust. As she nears the door, Sara hears Dante call her name. She looks at him "Yeah?"
"Screw up and I will find a way to get your badge... for good!"
"Sure Captain." She says her voice dripping sarcasm. She walks out of Dante's office returning to her former office where the two men are waiting impatiently.
"Well?" Danny demands
"Dante looked pissed while you were talking." Jake remarks
Sara shrugs "I'm back. He said Brass ordered it. You two are stuck with me again. In his words you've already been corrupted by me." She says rolling her eyes
"When do you start?" Danny asks with a grin
"Tomorrow."
"Good. Things around here have been... slow without you." Jake grins
Sara laughs "I doubt that."
"Things haven't been as interesting either." Danny adds
Sara rolls her eyes "I'm sure."
"Let's go get Vick and head to lunch." Danny suggests
HALF HOUR LATER: RESTAURANT "Where are you living?" Vicki inquires as they eat.
"With Ian." Sara answers
"Doesn't that place creep you out?" Jake asks
Sara nods "It does but Ian's more comfortable there then anywhere else. Maybe one day I'll be able to convince him to move out."
"That place is huge" Danny says
"Yeah it also doesn't have the best of memories for him." Sara says sadly
"So you're just going to live there without a protest?" Vicki lifts her brow
"I have no other choice. I'm not going to separate the two it wouldn't be fair to either of them."
"And you're in love with him." Danny says
Sara shrugs "He grows on you after a while."
"Well Lee is going to want you to bring him over for dinner." Danny warns
"I know. Marie and Joe want to meet him too."
"He doesn't seem like a fatherly type of guy" Jake remarks
Sara takes a sip of her coffee then speaks, "He's actually pretty good with Zeke. I think having Zeke around has helped him." She laughs "The two pretty much inseparable."
1111 FAUST Hearing Zeke coo Ian looks over to see the boy sitting in his swinger sucking on his fist. He smiles faintly setting his pen aside he stands going over he unbuckles Zeke from his swinger. "You must be getting bored huh." He kisses Zeke's cheek "How about we go outside and see the dogs." He carries Zeke out of study.
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER Ian smiles as Sara wraps her arms around his shoulders. He tilts his head "Hello my love." He pulls her head down kissing her sweetly "How was your day?"
"Mmm" Sara sighs licking her lips she gives him a smile "Good. What did you do today?"
Ian pulls Sara onto his lap "The normal things." He shrugs "How was your meeting?"
"Dante let me back. But not without warning me if I screw up or step on his toes I'm gone." She rolls her eyes "The same threats he gave me before."
"When do you start?" Ian inquires
"Tomorrow." Sara answers shivering as Ian's warm hand slides under her shirt gently caressing her skin. She gently trails her nails down his cheek awed at the look of pleasure crosses his face. Sara shifts so she's facing Ian fully she leans in kissing him.
LATER Feeling a light kiss pressed to her shoulder Sara lifts her head from Ian's shoulder giving him a slight smile. She lightly runs her fingernails down his neck as she sits astride him her legs wrapped around him as they sit there still joined.
"Are you OK?" Ian asks brushing her hair back
"Perfect." She says softly
Ian kisses Sara's forehead then glances at the bedside clock. "We should go get cleaned up... Zeke will be up from his nap soon."
Sara nuzzles into his neck pressing a kiss to his neck. After a few minutes of feeling Ian runs his fingers down her back she lifts her head meeting his brown eyes "Shower?" She asks hopefully.
At her tone, Ian brings her wrist up to his lips pressing a light kiss just below the bracelet "As you wish my Lady." Ian lifts Sara off him standing he makes his way to the bathroom
Sara watches as Ian walks to the bathroom then lays back staring up at the ceiling as she hears the shower turn on. She looks at the Witchblade 'You have been awfully quiet today.' She yelps as Ian suddenly scoops her up into his arms. She laughs wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ian sets Sara on her feet just inside the shower then steps in behind her hugging her as she turns her head their lips meet in a deep kiss their tongues dueling fiercely.
Needing to breath Sara reluctantly breaks the kiss leaning back against his chest she closes her eyes taking a deep breath. She tries to settle her emotions and body's reaction to being so close to Ian. 'Concentrate on shower not wanting to jump him.' She presses a light kiss to his jaw "Come on we need to finish getting cleaned up before he gets up."
EVENING "It took me weeks to get hold of the guy who owned that." Gabe nods at the knife Ian's inspecting as he plays with Zeke on the floor of the library. "He didn't want to sell it at first but his wife hates it so he finally decided he had enough of her complaining and sold it."
"The money will be in your account by morning." Ian sets the knife on the desk and sits next to Sara on the couch.
Zeke crawls over to the coffee table pulling himself up he reaches for the book left on the table.
Seeing Zeke is reaching for a very valuable book Ian takes it off the table standing he takes it over to the bookcase.
"Dinner is on the table." Mrs. Ellis announces entering the library.
LATE NIGHT Sara smiles watching as Ian swims laps. She walks over to the poolside sitting down she watches him swim.
Ian surfaces to find Sara sitting on the edge of the pool wearing her pajamas of shorts and a tank top, "Hello my love. Gabriel gone?"
Sara nods "He said goodbye. Why didn't you come back downstairs?"
"I had some things I had to take care of and it took a while to get Zeke to go to bed." He rests his forearms against the pool edge. "And I thought you two could use some time to talk." He grabs her around the waist pulling her into the pool.
"IAN!" Sara yelps in surprise. "Damn it Nottingham." She splashes him
Ian pulls her close "Mad my love?" He asks with a slight smirk
As they tread water, Sara rests her forehead against his "I can't stay mad at you long... annoyed yes but mad." She shakes her head kissing him lightly.
"I love you." Ian says softly
Sara smiles "I love you too."
NEXT MORNING Sara burrows into the covers as she hears the alarm go off. "Shuddup!" She mutters pulling the pillow over her head.
Ian opens his eyes with a groan glancing at the clock he looks at Sara and chuckles lightly "Come on my love its time for you to get up." He props himself up looking at Sara next to him the pillow over her head. He reaches over her turning off the alarm clock.
"Go way" Sara mutters "sleeping."
Ian leans down pressing a light kiss to her shoulder blade "As much as I would love to keep you here all day you have work."
Sara sighs rolling over to her back she looks at Ian "Why did I decide to go back to work?" she asks then sighs "Don't answer." She warns
Ian runs his finger over the scar on Sara's chest "You know you never have to work again if you don't want to."
"I want to work I just hate getting up in the morning." She looks at the clock and grimaces "Why the hell did I set the alarm to go off this early?"
"You don't want to be late for your first day back at work." Ian pulls the covers off Sara "Now get you up and get dressed. Breakfast should be ready soon." He looks at the baby monitor as they hear Zeke's familiar morning chatter. "I will deal with him."
Sara leans in kissing Ian then crawls out of bed heading to the bathroom.
Ian runs his hands over his face then throws off the covers going to the closet he grabs a clean pair of pants and a sweater. Quickly he dresses then makes his way to the nursery. "Good morning Zeke." Ian greets finding the boy sitting up in the crib rubbing at his eyes.
Zeke yawns reaching for his father
Ian lifts Zeke out of the crib "I take it you had a good sleep."
HALF HOUR LATER Sara sighs "I have to go or I'll be late." She finishes off her cup of coffee standing she kisses Ian's cheek then stops kissing Zeke's head as he sits in the highchair chewing on a piece of toast. "Bye."
"Bye." Ian calls as Sara walks out of the dining room.
LATER: 11TH PRECINCT "So how did dinner go?" Danny asks once he and Sara are alone.
Sara shrugs flipping through a file Jake had set before her. "Good. It was good to see Gabe." She says with a faint smile "Thanks for keeping an eye on him."
Danny nods as Jake enters the office
"Morning Pez." Jake greets
"What first?" Sara settles back to begin her first day back. 'This feels good.' She absently rubs her wrist.
LATE EVENING Sara laughs as Zeke splashes in the bathtub. "I think its time for you to get out of the tub." Sara grabs a towel pulling up the stop as the water goes down the drain she lifts Zeke out of the bathtub wrapping him in the towel. "Mama missed you today." She kisses his nose as she dries him off. "I bet you had fun with Daddy huh." She stands carrying the baby into the nursery setting him on the changing table. "I'm glad I was able to see you before bedtime." Sara says as she puts a clean diaper on the baby. She laughs as Zeke flails his arms and legs blowing bubbles "You have something to say huh baby?"
Zeke coos happily
"Soon you'll be talking huh." Sara brushes her fingers down Zeke's face
Zeke yawns
"Well let's get you ready for bed." Sara carefully dresses Zeke in his pajamas then lifts him up "Let's go say night to Daddy." She carries Zeke out of the nursery to the training room where Ian is doing push-ups.
Zeke kicks happily seeing his Daddy
Ian looks over to see Sara standing in the doorway holding a freshly clean Zeke ready for bed. He flips to his feet grabbing a towel
"He's clean and ready for bed." Sara says as Ian wipes the sweat off his face "Just came to say goodnight." She smiles as Ian kisses the baby's forehead
"Sleep well little one."
Zeke yawns rubbing at his eyes
Sara chuckles "Bed time for you huh kiddo?" She kisses Ian's cheek before walking out of the room. She returns to the nursery sitting in the rocking chair she slowly rocks her eyes on her son.
WHILE LATER "How was work?" Ian asks hugging Sara from behind as they stand on the patio off the living room.
Sara rubs her cheek against Ian's arm "Paperwork all day. Catch up with open cases. But I'm glad to be back at work."
"People asking a lot of questions?"
"Somewhat. Mostly they leave me alone. Just like the old days"
"You really have missed your work."
"Yeah I guess I have." She tilts her head "It's all I ever thought of doing."
"As long as you enjoy it." Ian presses his lips to Sara's temple. "I love you Sara."
Sara smiles "Love you too."
CHAPTER 19 2 MONTHS LATER "How's Zeke?" Jake asks from the backseat of the stakeout car.
Sara smiles at the question of her beloved ten-month-old son. "He's getting closer to walking on his own."
"Is he talking yet? I mean considering Nottingham's enhanced genetics I wouldn't be surprised he'd be talking your ear off." Danny muses
Sara laughs taking a sip of her coffee "He started saying Mama the other day. He's up to Dada, Mama, and hi. So far if he has any of Ian's enhanced genetics they haven't really showed up yet." She looks out the car window. "Ian hopes he doesn't have any."
"Why not?" Jake questions "I mean I'd think he'd be happy to have a kid with his enhanced abilities."
Sara shrugs "With those abilities Ian's had trouble his whole life. He just wants Zeke to be a normal child... something neither of us were."
"So how was your trip?" Danny asks changing the subject.
"Good." Jake shrugs "Mom fussed over me like always."
"What are you doing this weekend Sara?" Danny asks
"We're leaving town spending some time with Zeke without interruption." Sara answers taking a drink of her coffee.
"When are you leaving?" Jake asks
"Early tomorrow morning. I can't wait." Sara grins
"Out of reach?" Danny inquires
"I'm taking my phone but if it's not an emergency and one of you calls I will smack the daylights out of both of you." She warns
"So warned partner." Danny laughs
"Got it." Jake nods
8PM: HOUSE "Hey honey." Sara stands over Ian as he does push-ups. She sits on his back "What number are you on now?"
"52." Ian answers without stopping his workout.
Sara runs her hands over Ian's back enjoying the feel of his muscled body. "Is the baby asleep?"
"I put him down an hour ago." Ian replies without losing count.
"What time do we need to leave tomorrow?"
"Plane will be ready to leave at nine."
Sara leans down pressing a light kiss to his shoulder "How was your day?"
"I had to meet with the lawyers and the head of the PR department this afternoon."
"You were watching me while we were on the stakeout." Sara remarks
"Checked up on you." Ian corrects shifting to his back he looks up at Sara "I missed you. I needed to see you."
"Needed to?" Sara lifts her brow
Ian laces their fingers "It's like I'm drawn to find you. Once I see you it stops."
"Has it always been like that?" Sara asks after a few seconds of silence
"Yes." Ian brushes his fingers over the stone of the Witchblade "Since you returned it has become more intense."
Sara's eyes are drawn to Ian's fingers as they brushing over the stone. "Oh." She pulls her eyes away from the stone meeting Ian's eyes she smiles at the love in his eyes "What should we do this weekend?"
"Anything, I just want to spend time just the three of us." He sits up wrapping his arms around Sara. "I love you Sara." He says almost shyly
Sara runs her finger down his nose "I love you too. Now come on you need a shower and I need to see my baby." She kisses him lightly before standing
Ian watches Sara walk out of the room and shakes his head 'God I love her.'
Sara enters the nursery going over to the crib she looks in to see her son asleep on his back his pacifier laying next to him. Carefully she pulls the blanket up to Zeke's chin brushing her fingers down his cheek. 'Do you know how important you are to me? To your Daddy? We love you more than anything sweetie.' She smiles as Zeke scrunches up his nose and smacks his lips in his sleep. Reaching in she picks up the pacifier offering it to the baby who without waking starts sucking on the pacifier. "Goodnight Zeke."
Ian stands under the warm water when he hears the shower door open he speaks "Is he still asleep?"
Sara wraps her arms around Ian's waist resting her cheek against Ian's back. "Mmm." She nods "He did that cute little nose thing."
Ian turns around looking down at Sara as she rests her head against his chest. "Tired love?"
"A little."
"Long day?"
"The stakeout was a bust." Sara grumbles "I hate stakeouts. They make me tired."
"Sorry. Tired?"
Sara nods
OVER A MONTH LATER "I can't believe he's finally one." Sara says watching as Zeke walks a few steps then sits down and starts crawling on the carpet.
"It has been quite a few months." Ian says dryly
"That it has." Sara kisses Ian's cheek then pulls away making her way over to Zeke who is playing with some of his new toys.
Ian watches them play then joins them on the floor.
"Daddy" Zeke grins holding up one of his new toys
"It's very nice." Ian says amused watching Zeke turn his attention back to his toys.
"I swear Ian you spoil him." Sara laughs
Ian shrugs "Gives me something to do."
Sara yawns
"Tired?" Ian cups Sara's cheek
"A little." Sara admits nuzzling his hand
"We've had a long day. I'll put him to bed why don't you go relax."
Sara smiles "Thanks." She kisses Ian lightly then kisses Zeke's head "Good night sweetie." She stands walking out of the room.
Ian picks Zeke up "Bed time."
"No Daddy." Zeke squirms
"Bed time." Ian says sternly as he carries the one year old out of the room.
After she showers Sara settles on the bed turning on the TV she flips to the news. When Ian enters the bedroom, Sara smiles "I take it he went down with a fight."
"Of course." Ian joins Sara on the bed. "Feel better?"
Sara nods as she absently clenches and unclenches her hand.
"What's wrong?"
"Huh? Why do you think something's wrong?"
Ian tilts his head at her hands "You only do that when it hasn't activated in a while. How long has it been silent?"
"A few days." Sara shrugs "Why?"
"Its getting to you isn't it?"
"A little" Sara admits "I'm so use to it just messing with me at the worst times." She glances at her wrist "Maybe it's giving me a vacation. I can hope." She gives Ian a tired smile
"We've had a big day."
Sara chuckles "Did you see the look on his face when he saw the pile of gifts?"
Ian smiles slightly "It was amusing."
"He went at those gifts like no tomorrow. He certainly loved opening them."
"I think he loved opening the gifts more than the gifts themselves."
"He did enjoy the wrapping paper. Maybe next time we should give him wrapping paper instead."
"Defeats the purpose of wrapping paper my love." He leans in pressing a light kiss to Sara's neck
"Mmm so you like unwrapping presents?"
Ian chuckles shifting Sara to her back "Yes... especially when you're the gift."
Oh shut up and kiss me. Sara pulls Ian's head down.
AFTER MIDNIGHT *Sara watches horrified as Ian is shot and he falls to the floor. "IAN" she cries*
Ian awakens with a start when he hears Sara cry out in her sleep. He looks at her to see her tossing and turning the Witchblade blazing on her wrist.
"NO" Sara cries out her heart pounding she bolts upright.
"Sara? What's wrong love?"
Hearing his concerned voice Sara throws herself into his arms burrowing close.
"Shh" Ian soothes feeling tears on his shoulder "it's OK."
"Someone shot you. You died." Sara whimpers clinging to him
"It'll be OK."
"You died." Sara whimpers pain filling her voice and heart. "You can't die."
"I won't." Ian assures hugging Sara tight as her body shakes. He holds Sara close occasionally murmuring comforting words as Sara cries herself back to sleep.
EARLY MORNING Sara awakens to find herself half on top of Ian. Feeling Ian run his hand down her hair Sara remembers her vision and burrows as close as possible.
"Feel better?" Ian asks feeling her stir
"No" Sara mumbles blinking back tears. "You can't die."
"It showed you so that you know how to avoid it from happening. What did you see?"
"Nothing but you going down." She tightens her arms around Ian
Ian drops a kiss to Sara's head "It'll be OK sweet Sara."
"I can't lose you. I can't lose anyone else."
"You won't lose me or anyone." Ian gently rubs her back
After a few minutes, Sara pulls out of Ian's embrace "I have to get going." She murmurs getting out of bed.
"Sara..."
"I don't want to talk about it Ian." Sara bites out
"Sara we need to talk about it"
"No we don't" Sara slams the bathroom door behind her. She leans against the closed door closing her eyes 'I can't lose him.' She wipes at the tears as they escape her eyes and she steels herself walking over to the shower she opens the door turning it on warm.
20 MINS LATER Sara walks out of the bathroom wearing her bathrobe to find Ian sitting on the bed with Zeke looking through a picture book.
Ian watches Sara move about the bedroom as Zeke looks at the pictures in the book. Sara? Are we going to talk about this?
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't want to." Sara snaps
Hearing the anger in his mother's voice Zeke looks up startled "Mama?"
"Its OK sweetie." Sara assures going over to the bed, she leans down kissing Zeke's head. "I can't talk about it... not now." She pleads softly
Ian nods reaching out he brushes his fingers down Sara's cheek "I'm here."
Sara gives him a sad smile "I know."
"I love you Sara."
"I love you." Sara echoes moving to Ian's side resting her head on his shoulder her eyes on Zeke as he looks at his book.
Ian wraps one arm around Sara's shoulders Everything will work out.
Sara swallows heavily taking a deep breath "I'm scared."
"I know." Ian kisses her head
After a few minutes, Sara groans "I have to go to work." She kisses Ian sweetly then lifts Zeke onto her lap "I love you Zeke."
Zeke grins, "Mama" he holds his arms up
Sara hugs him kissing his cheek "Bye baby."
"Bye-bye." Zeke chirps
EARLY AFTERNOON "What's wrong Pez?" Danny asks
"Nothing." Sara mutters
"Something's wrong. You've been staring at the same page for ten minutes." Danny leans back in his chair regarding his friend. "Now spill."
Sara sighs seeing the look on his face. "I had a dream last night."
"So?"
"Ian died in it." Sara says
"Dreams are just dreams. They don't always come true."
"I know. It just kind of freaked me out."
"And?"
"I snapped at him over it this morning."
"You snap at everyone Pez. He knows this."
"I know he does."
"Just suck it up and say you're sorry for being an ass."
"Fine." Sara grumbles
"Good. Now finish up. I don't want to be here all night."
"All right all right." Sara turns back to her paperwork.