The usual disclaimers. The story is mine. The characters are not. Batteries not included. Some restrictions may apply.
***
The characters belong to Top cow and TNT as do all their toys, accessories and appliances, including the Witchblade.
*warnings, apologies and excuses*
***
NUDITY, again. Not graphic nudity, though. *whew!*
That muse has got to be 'put down'.
If even the mere mention of nudity scandalizes you, I apologize and
suggest you run far, far away from this chapter also.
Swearing too.
Abuse of asterisks again. Yup, looks like I'm gonna burn.
*********************** denotes change of scenery in this chapter also.
*words typed within asterisks signify thoughts*
***signals a specific POV
Tenebrous
Part 2
chapter 7
*********************************************************
Ian Nottingham gracefully navigated the familiar fire escape.
Arriving at his usual perch, the assassin paused to tidy his errant locks. Pulling a pristine black hairband from it's designated pocket, he pulled back his mane and secured it in a ponytail.
He silently approached Sara's window and peered inside.
***********************
Sara released Gabriel, lowering him back into the sudsy water. "Ow," he rubbed the abused body part. "That's gonna bruise for sure."
"Well, If you would have calmed down sooner instead of flailing like a madman." Sara complained. It was an accident but she felt like a debaucher just the same. She'd obviously frightened her friend.
"I don't see how goosing me would help me calm down. GOD, I thought you were Nottingham!" Gabriel cringed.
"Nottingham! How in the hell could you mistake me for Nottingham?" barked Sara.
'I woke up with strong hands grabbing me and long dark hair in my face. You put it together." Gabriel grumbled. "You ARE freakishly strong."
"Well I didn't do it on purpose, you were slippery," Sara rejoined.
"Hmph, you can tell that to the hand-shaped bruise I'll be sporting on my ass." He retorted.
Sara chuckled, "You sure are cranky when you're tired."
"Damn straight," Gabriel avowed.
As Sara reached for a relatively dry towel Gabriel's eyes suddenly went wide and he froze, staring past Sara.
Sara turned to see the wall of black that appeared in the doorway.
"Nottingham! What in the hell are you doing here?" She demanded, handing Gabriel the towel. "Looking for a peep show?" She added while Gabriel quickly grasped the towel to himself, half of it soaking in the bathwater.
"Hardly." The assassin replied. "I was sent to assure Mr. Irons of the boy's safety." He stressed the word 'boy'. "I heard sounds of conflict so I let myself in."
"Broke in," Sara corrected.
"It appears the boy is safe," he stated blandly. "At least...," he turned to Sara as a wolfish grin slowly spread across his face "...from the sect," he appended. "Getting lonely, Sara?"
Sara knew he was baiting her. *Don't fall for it, don't lose it, stay calm, ignore him, let it go, he want's you to blow up...* "PISS OFF Nottingham!" she screamed and launched at him.
***
Ian couldn't contain his glee. He grinned from ear to ear as the raving she devil pummeled and yanked him across the apartment, all the while unleashing the most colorful and obscene insults. Just when he thought he was about to come undone from her passionate fury, she stopped and glared at him.
"That's IT, Nottingham! OUT! Get out!" Sara barked, panting furiously.
Ian managed to force his feral grin down to a pleased smile. "As you wish, Sara." He replied and bowed before backing towards the window, enjoying the view. He couldn't resist one last, parting comment. "I really like what you've done with that ensemble." He grinned and disappeared out the window.
***
Sara looked down at herself. She was soaking wet. He was damn lucky he could escape so quickly.
She turned back towards the bathroom. Gabriel was standing in the doorway, wrapped in a towel. "You know, you really shouldn't let him get to you like that," he stated calmly.
***
A split second later Gabriel was behind a locked bathroom door and wishing that the angry Wielder outside said door, would find someone else to vent her anger on. *No, that hadn't been the smartest thing to say at that moment* he thought with chagrin.
He decided to wait for her to calm down and tried to make himself comfy on the floor. *At least I can finally sleep,* he thought before drifting off.
***
Eventually Sara calmed. She felt awful for letting the rage take over her, Gabriel's belated advice had seemed like a taunt. Now the already traumatized young man was locked in her bathroom to protect himself from her.
To top it all off, she'd noticed one of the bandages weeping. He'd gotten it wet of course, and was losing blood.
"Gabriel?" She waited, no response. "Gabe? Honey I'm so sorry, you were right, I shouldn't have fallen for that." She waited for his familiar "told you so" but she was met with silence.
"Gabe?"
Nothing. She decided to bust the door open. Gabriel was curled up on the floor, snoozing like a child. Pressing a towel to his neck, she lifted him gently and carried him to her bed. She checked his pulse as she pressed on the cut, halting the small flow of blood. It wasn't too bad but he'd already lost a decent amount and she dreaded to think how much he'd lost while asleep in the tub. As she was about to rise to get new bandages, Nottingham appeared by her side.
"Jesus, Nottingham, are you trying to set a record for break-in's?" She hissed, trying not to disturb Gabriel.
"Sara," he greeted her. A first aid kit was in his extended, gloved hand.
"Thanks," she muttered as she took it. "This is your fault, you know," she accused the assassin while redressing Gabriel's wounds.
"For you bruising his hindquarter or him locking himself in the bathroom?" Nottingham snorted.
Sara responded with a glare. "Knock it off, Nottingham, I'm not in the mood," Sara's eyes widened suddenly as comprehension hit her. "Have you been lurking this entire time?" That whole incident in the bathroom was actually very embarrassing. Although she'd managed to brush it off with Gabe she wasn't particularly happy that Ian knew she had grabbed Gabriel's rear.
"I am on orders to assure Gab-the boy's safety regarding the Sufult," the assassin explained.
Ian was still slightly irked that Gabriel had been the object of Sara's advances, even though the foolish brat didn't seem to appreciate his good fortune.
"I thought the kit might help." He added, nodding towards the first aid kit and feeling incredibly proud of his thoughtfulness.
Sara was thrown by his behavior and wondered what he was up to. "What's the Sufult and why is Iron's concerned about Gabriel, anyway." Sara asked, expecting to get some unfathomable haiku as a reply.
"He's not," Nottingham smirked. "He is concerned about the Tome. Master wishes to be the only one privy to the information within it. The Sufult is the sect that is after the Tome."
The assassin had decided to grace Sara with simple answers instead of cryptic puzzles, secretly hoping this approach would confuse her more or perhaps sway her view of him. Besides, other things were distracting him at the moment, making it difficult to concentrate on choosing his words carefully.
"I have placed the Tome in your care, as the Sufult are not likely to openly confront you. However," he continued, "Mr. Irons is concerned that they may kidnap your friend to extract information from him or hold him hostage in exchange for the Tome."
"Either way, if the Sufult discover they have acquired a fraud or are desirous of the key they will come for Mr. Bowman," Ian concluded while gazing intently at Sara.
"I hate to bring this up, but why not in exchange for the blade itself?" The Wielder queried, wondering how long the assassin would be cooperative. She still didn't understand the reference to a fraud.
"The blade would not allow it. Besides, you are far more likely to part with the Tome," the assassin explained as he retreated from the room. He paused at the doorway. "If you should have need of me, Sara, I am near." He offered before disappearing from view.
Sara stared at the doorway incredulously, pondering the astounding fact that Nottingham had actually given her straight answers. Although she'd noticed that Nottingham's eyes did keep drifting to her wet shirt.
*Well, with Batman guarding the place, I guess it's safe to get some shut-eye,* Sara concluded. She really didn't want to sleep on the couch where 'Mr. chest oggler' could drool over her all night but she didn't have the heart to chuck gabe on it either. The bedroom was also a safer place for him.
Sara sighed and turned back to Gabriel. He was out like a light and wouldn't even notice if he had a bedmate, she decided. After swiftly changing into a dry shirt and some boxers, she slid into bed beside him.
"I am so glad this night is over," Sara muttered faintly. She checked Gabriel's pulse once more and ran a hand through his damp hair before drifting off to sleep.
********************************
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I can't go home for Christmas due to a storm so I am forced to stay in and occupy myself. Hmmm, what to do, what to do. After much deliberation I decided to wrap up this chapter. I know, I'm pathetic.
If Rougegal117 ever posts a story I advise you to check it out. Her emails alone are an enjoyable read. Her comments on my bi-polar muses are hilarious.
If you are curious to know what part of the bathroom conversation Ian overheard read below.
***********************~~~~
S: "Well I didn't do it on purpose, you were slippery."
G: "Hmph, you can tell that to the hand-shaped bruise I'll be sporting on my ass."
S: "You sure are cranky when you're tired."
G: "Damn straight."
What mental images Ian gleaned from this dialog, I cannot say. I don't blame him for coming to the conclusion he did, though.
***********************~~~~
Thanks again, to the lovely people who have taken the time to review this.
I am honored that such wonderful writers have taken the time to read my little foray into fanfiction. I'm enjoying reading Dragongrrl's 'A family affair', now that I'm not wrestling with this monster. I'd somehow missed that story before. It's a wonderful read and amazingly descriptive, makes me kinda wince when I look back at my stuff. I hope the holidays find you all happy.
p.s.
Ann, yes, it's true. Other than a crappy little Boromir blurb that I deleted when I began this story, it is the first I've written since around 4th or 5th grade. Sheesh, maybe even third now that I think about it. Yeah, I think third. I do love reading, though.
***
The characters belong to Top cow and TNT as do all their toys, accessories and appliances, including the Witchblade.
*warnings, apologies and excuses*
***
NUDITY, again. Not graphic nudity, though. *whew!*
That muse has got to be 'put down'.
If even the mere mention of nudity scandalizes you, I apologize and
suggest you run far, far away from this chapter also.
Swearing too.
Abuse of asterisks again. Yup, looks like I'm gonna burn.
*********************** denotes change of scenery in this chapter also.
*words typed within asterisks signify thoughts*
***signals a specific POV
Tenebrous
Part 2
chapter 7
*********************************************************
Ian Nottingham gracefully navigated the familiar fire escape.
Arriving at his usual perch, the assassin paused to tidy his errant locks. Pulling a pristine black hairband from it's designated pocket, he pulled back his mane and secured it in a ponytail.
He silently approached Sara's window and peered inside.
***********************
Sara released Gabriel, lowering him back into the sudsy water. "Ow," he rubbed the abused body part. "That's gonna bruise for sure."
"Well, If you would have calmed down sooner instead of flailing like a madman." Sara complained. It was an accident but she felt like a debaucher just the same. She'd obviously frightened her friend.
"I don't see how goosing me would help me calm down. GOD, I thought you were Nottingham!" Gabriel cringed.
"Nottingham! How in the hell could you mistake me for Nottingham?" barked Sara.
'I woke up with strong hands grabbing me and long dark hair in my face. You put it together." Gabriel grumbled. "You ARE freakishly strong."
"Well I didn't do it on purpose, you were slippery," Sara rejoined.
"Hmph, you can tell that to the hand-shaped bruise I'll be sporting on my ass." He retorted.
Sara chuckled, "You sure are cranky when you're tired."
"Damn straight," Gabriel avowed.
As Sara reached for a relatively dry towel Gabriel's eyes suddenly went wide and he froze, staring past Sara.
Sara turned to see the wall of black that appeared in the doorway.
"Nottingham! What in the hell are you doing here?" She demanded, handing Gabriel the towel. "Looking for a peep show?" She added while Gabriel quickly grasped the towel to himself, half of it soaking in the bathwater.
"Hardly." The assassin replied. "I was sent to assure Mr. Irons of the boy's safety." He stressed the word 'boy'. "I heard sounds of conflict so I let myself in."
"Broke in," Sara corrected.
"It appears the boy is safe," he stated blandly. "At least...," he turned to Sara as a wolfish grin slowly spread across his face "...from the sect," he appended. "Getting lonely, Sara?"
Sara knew he was baiting her. *Don't fall for it, don't lose it, stay calm, ignore him, let it go, he want's you to blow up...* "PISS OFF Nottingham!" she screamed and launched at him.
***
Ian couldn't contain his glee. He grinned from ear to ear as the raving she devil pummeled and yanked him across the apartment, all the while unleashing the most colorful and obscene insults. Just when he thought he was about to come undone from her passionate fury, she stopped and glared at him.
"That's IT, Nottingham! OUT! Get out!" Sara barked, panting furiously.
Ian managed to force his feral grin down to a pleased smile. "As you wish, Sara." He replied and bowed before backing towards the window, enjoying the view. He couldn't resist one last, parting comment. "I really like what you've done with that ensemble." He grinned and disappeared out the window.
***
Sara looked down at herself. She was soaking wet. He was damn lucky he could escape so quickly.
She turned back towards the bathroom. Gabriel was standing in the doorway, wrapped in a towel. "You know, you really shouldn't let him get to you like that," he stated calmly.
***
A split second later Gabriel was behind a locked bathroom door and wishing that the angry Wielder outside said door, would find someone else to vent her anger on. *No, that hadn't been the smartest thing to say at that moment* he thought with chagrin.
He decided to wait for her to calm down and tried to make himself comfy on the floor. *At least I can finally sleep,* he thought before drifting off.
***
Eventually Sara calmed. She felt awful for letting the rage take over her, Gabriel's belated advice had seemed like a taunt. Now the already traumatized young man was locked in her bathroom to protect himself from her.
To top it all off, she'd noticed one of the bandages weeping. He'd gotten it wet of course, and was losing blood.
"Gabriel?" She waited, no response. "Gabe? Honey I'm so sorry, you were right, I shouldn't have fallen for that." She waited for his familiar "told you so" but she was met with silence.
"Gabe?"
Nothing. She decided to bust the door open. Gabriel was curled up on the floor, snoozing like a child. Pressing a towel to his neck, she lifted him gently and carried him to her bed. She checked his pulse as she pressed on the cut, halting the small flow of blood. It wasn't too bad but he'd already lost a decent amount and she dreaded to think how much he'd lost while asleep in the tub. As she was about to rise to get new bandages, Nottingham appeared by her side.
"Jesus, Nottingham, are you trying to set a record for break-in's?" She hissed, trying not to disturb Gabriel.
"Sara," he greeted her. A first aid kit was in his extended, gloved hand.
"Thanks," she muttered as she took it. "This is your fault, you know," she accused the assassin while redressing Gabriel's wounds.
"For you bruising his hindquarter or him locking himself in the bathroom?" Nottingham snorted.
Sara responded with a glare. "Knock it off, Nottingham, I'm not in the mood," Sara's eyes widened suddenly as comprehension hit her. "Have you been lurking this entire time?" That whole incident in the bathroom was actually very embarrassing. Although she'd managed to brush it off with Gabe she wasn't particularly happy that Ian knew she had grabbed Gabriel's rear.
"I am on orders to assure Gab-the boy's safety regarding the Sufult," the assassin explained.
Ian was still slightly irked that Gabriel had been the object of Sara's advances, even though the foolish brat didn't seem to appreciate his good fortune.
"I thought the kit might help." He added, nodding towards the first aid kit and feeling incredibly proud of his thoughtfulness.
Sara was thrown by his behavior and wondered what he was up to. "What's the Sufult and why is Iron's concerned about Gabriel, anyway." Sara asked, expecting to get some unfathomable haiku as a reply.
"He's not," Nottingham smirked. "He is concerned about the Tome. Master wishes to be the only one privy to the information within it. The Sufult is the sect that is after the Tome."
The assassin had decided to grace Sara with simple answers instead of cryptic puzzles, secretly hoping this approach would confuse her more or perhaps sway her view of him. Besides, other things were distracting him at the moment, making it difficult to concentrate on choosing his words carefully.
"I have placed the Tome in your care, as the Sufult are not likely to openly confront you. However," he continued, "Mr. Irons is concerned that they may kidnap your friend to extract information from him or hold him hostage in exchange for the Tome."
"Either way, if the Sufult discover they have acquired a fraud or are desirous of the key they will come for Mr. Bowman," Ian concluded while gazing intently at Sara.
"I hate to bring this up, but why not in exchange for the blade itself?" The Wielder queried, wondering how long the assassin would be cooperative. She still didn't understand the reference to a fraud.
"The blade would not allow it. Besides, you are far more likely to part with the Tome," the assassin explained as he retreated from the room. He paused at the doorway. "If you should have need of me, Sara, I am near." He offered before disappearing from view.
Sara stared at the doorway incredulously, pondering the astounding fact that Nottingham had actually given her straight answers. Although she'd noticed that Nottingham's eyes did keep drifting to her wet shirt.
*Well, with Batman guarding the place, I guess it's safe to get some shut-eye,* Sara concluded. She really didn't want to sleep on the couch where 'Mr. chest oggler' could drool over her all night but she didn't have the heart to chuck gabe on it either. The bedroom was also a safer place for him.
Sara sighed and turned back to Gabriel. He was out like a light and wouldn't even notice if he had a bedmate, she decided. After swiftly changing into a dry shirt and some boxers, she slid into bed beside him.
"I am so glad this night is over," Sara muttered faintly. She checked Gabriel's pulse once more and ran a hand through his damp hair before drifting off to sleep.
********************************
Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. I can't go home for Christmas due to a storm so I am forced to stay in and occupy myself. Hmmm, what to do, what to do. After much deliberation I decided to wrap up this chapter. I know, I'm pathetic.
If Rougegal117 ever posts a story I advise you to check it out. Her emails alone are an enjoyable read. Her comments on my bi-polar muses are hilarious.
If you are curious to know what part of the bathroom conversation Ian overheard read below.
***********************~~~~
S: "Well I didn't do it on purpose, you were slippery."
G: "Hmph, you can tell that to the hand-shaped bruise I'll be sporting on my ass."
S: "You sure are cranky when you're tired."
G: "Damn straight."
What mental images Ian gleaned from this dialog, I cannot say. I don't blame him for coming to the conclusion he did, though.
***********************~~~~
Thanks again, to the lovely people who have taken the time to review this.
I am honored that such wonderful writers have taken the time to read my little foray into fanfiction. I'm enjoying reading Dragongrrl's 'A family affair', now that I'm not wrestling with this monster. I'd somehow missed that story before. It's a wonderful read and amazingly descriptive, makes me kinda wince when I look back at my stuff. I hope the holidays find you all happy.
p.s.
Ann, yes, it's true. Other than a crappy little Boromir blurb that I deleted when I began this story, it is the first I've written since around 4th or 5th grade. Sheesh, maybe even third now that I think about it. Yeah, I think third. I do love reading, though.