Eli: Insomnia, what can you do? Write and write some more. I start this
when I should be asleep. I hope the cuteness meter doesn't go overboard,
because even I love adorable things once in a while. Enjoy.
-Saturday-
Ian woke up to the sound of an alarm clock. Oh, how he wanted to scream profanities out, but no. Not when there was an eight year old girl and a five year old boy in the proximity. He turned it off and tried to go back to sleep, but the love of his life punched him.
"The one morning we're both off and you set the alarm?!" She hissed at him.
"Sorry, love." He kissed her fore head.
"Is Bethany and Jamie up?"
"I don't know."
"What? You had thirty years of ninja, poet warrior training and you can't tell if your own kids are up?"
"I'm still half asleep, so stop bitching at me."
"Then wake up and go make breakfast."
"It's your turn."
"No, it's your turn."
"I did it yesterday."
"I cooked dinner."
"Damn. I was hoping you'd forget that."
"You sound awake enough, now go make breakfast." Sara pulled the pillow over her head. Ian sighed and got up. He stretched as he walked from the hall into the living room. He yawned and then wondered at the silence, since Bethany was usually...
"Keah!"
He heard as his little eight year old daughter came flying off the couch in a kick aimed for his neck. Ian, still trained as ever, moved out of the way while grabbing her ankles. He held her suspended four feet above the ground, upside down. Bethany giggled like crazy. It one quick motion, Ian flipped her and was now holding her underneath her arms. Bethany was totally taken by laughter.
"Good morning, daddy." Bethany put her arms out and threw them around his neck.
"Morning, Beth. You going to help me make breakfast?"
"Uh huh."
"Alright." He put her down and they went into the kitchen.
Jamie, who was faking asleep in his room, came out now that the coast was clear. He loved his daddy, he just didn't like fighting. He never really wanted to learn how to fight, but knew a few things Bethany had taught him just in case he ever got into a fight. He sighed. He knew he wouldn't grow up to be like his daddy. But hey, it didn't hurt to try.
He changed from his X-men p.j. into a black shirt and shorts. He then sneaked out of his room and went into his parent's room. His mom was still in bed. He crawled in next to her. "Morning, mommy."
"Morning, Jamie. Sleep well?"
"Uh huh." Bethany had started waking up at night crying because she had nightmares. Witchblade nightmares. She was relieved that her baby boy would be spared from the witchblade's clutches, it already affecting her, her husband, and her daughter. She smiled and started to tickle him. He went into a fit of giggles.
She loved Bethany dearly, but loved Jamie just a little bit more. She knew Ian loved Bethany just a tiny bit more than Jamie. Not that they ever played favorites, it was just the way things were. The kids either didn't mind or care. She was happy someone took after her, Bethany being her father's daughter to a very close extent. But James Connor Nottingham was just a tiny, boy version of herself.
Jamie was soon in tears with laughter. Ian sent Bethany to go get them. Sara carried Jamie out to the table and the four of them had breakfast.
"Jamie, your teacher called last night and said you got in trouble yesterday. What happened?" Jamie stayed silent to his father's question. Bethany started to giggle in spite of herself. Sara shot her a glance.
"Young lady, what is so funny?"
"I know why Jamie's in trouble."
"Let your brother tell us." Ian looked back at Jamie. Jamie sighed and told his story.
"This girl said I was harassing her."
"Why?"
"Because I was following her."
"Stalking." Added Bethany, still slightly giggling.
"Jamie, why were you stal...following her?"
"Because I...Because I...."
"Jamie has a crush on her!" Bethany announced cheerfully. Jamie glared at her. Sara couldn't help herself and smiled as well. After all, her little boy had his first crush.
"Jamie, if you like a girl, don't stalk her." Ian tried so hard to keep a straight face as he told this to his son.
"But, that's what you did with mommy." Ian's jaw dropped at that reply.
"Who told you that?"
"Beth." Ian breathed out and turned to his daughter. She had sunk down a little in her seat and kept her eyes to the floor.
"Bethany Marie Nottingham." She winced at the three name call. "May I inquire why you told your brother that?"
"It's true, isn't it?" Ian almost flinched as his daughter and son's eyes fell on him. Sara smirked and raised her eyebrow. How the hell was he going to explain this?
"Technically I wasn't stalking her. Your mother just likes to say that as a joke."
"That's not what Uncle Gabriel said. He said you use to follow mommy everywhere. And that you use to break into the old apartment." Ian contemplating on killing his best friend by that name. Then again, Gabriel probably figured Sara had already told them that, so all would be forgiven. Ian thought for a second on what to tell them.
"Well, yes. But you two understand what I am. You also understand what your mother is."
"And Bethany."
"We aren't sure about that yet, Jamie. I am your mother's protector and following her around was a duty. I didn't do it because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I did it to be sure she was safe, because that's what protectors do."
"Is that why you love mommy?"
"Well, in a way yes. Being her protector led me to her and it let us become close because of it. But I love your mother for a vast other number of reasons. Understand?"
"Yes, daddy." They chanted.
"Jamie, are you going to follow that girl around anymore?"
"No."
"Good boy." Bethany still looked confused. Sara noticed.
"Beth, sweetie, is something on your mind?"
"Protector. Did all the protectors and wielders fall in love?"
"Not all, but most." She thought about it for a moment. Her eyes then went wide and she started to get grossed out.
"Gross!" She said out loud. Ian and Sara stared at her. "What?"
"Dominic!"
"What about him?" Ian had seen Irons new little assassin and couldn't help but be a little worried over the fact he was attending the same elementary school as his kids. But Jamie, despite Bethany's many complaints, said that Dominic was good.
"He told me that he was my protector! And he stalks me!" Jamie knew what she meant and sang out.
"Dominic likes Bethany! Dominic likes Bethany!" Bethany shook invisible objects off her arms. "Bethany, what are you doing?"
"Getting rid of the cooties." Sara burst out laughing. Ian looked at her and she just shrugged her shoulders.
"Some things never change." She turned to the kids. "Hey, if you two are done, you may go watch X-men." Bethany and Jamie jumped form their seats and went to the living room. Ian cleared the dishes off the table. He saw Sara looking at him and shaking her head.
"What?" He asked.
"You are such a bad influence."
"What are you talking about?"
"My eight year old daughter has a stalker and my five year old son is becoming one."
"How is that my fault?"
"Jamie tries to be just like you, and you know it. Your son is purposely trying to grow up into a freak. You see nothing wrong with this?"
"Well, his mother is just as equally a freak and we both know he takes after you. You haven't justified how I'm screwing Bethany up."
"I don't need to. That child practically IS you."
"So? What's so bad about me?" He sat down next to her with his smirk on his face.
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"No."
"I think Jamie is going to end up like you, Ian."
"Jamie, no. Bethany, yes."
"They're your kids."
"Our kids, last I checked. And hey, what colors are they're eyes? I see only green around here. Even Bethany has your eyes."
"Well, maybe.just maybe, if you're lucky," She took his hand and put it on her lower abdomen. "Maybe this one will get your eyes."
Ian stared at Sara at a moment. It took a full minute before the meaning of her word sunk in. His jaw dropped and he smiled.
"You're...." Sara laughed and nodded. Ian stood up and started pacing the room.
"Oh my gods! Since when? How long?"
"Found out yesterday, one and a half months." Ian sat back down next to her and kissed her. "Sara."
"I know, I know."
"Should we say anything to Beth and Jamie yet?" She shook her head
"Not till I'm pass danger zone. They're still too young to deal if, god forbid, something happened." Ian nodded.
"I love you, Sara."
"I love you, too." He kissed her again and again and... Only the sound of someone barfing tore them apart. They looked down to Bethany and Jamie giggling at the door. They shook their heads.
"Get over here, you two." Bethany and Jamie came to their parents. Bethany jumped at Ian and he caught her and held her in the air. Jamie slowly climbed onto Sara's lap. Ian looked from his daughter, to his son, to his wife. He had never really believed he would ever have a family, and now he did.
Sara thought the same thing, but also noticed how normal it was to what she had been expecting. Her children weren't half the monsters she was expecting. Then again, neither was Ian. She held her son close to her and smiled.
A knock on the door broke the family moment apart. Sara got the door to find Gabriel, Jake, and Vicky at the door. Gracie and Teresa were there as well.
"Hi Auntie Sara." The two little ones chanted. She kissed them both on the fore head before they rushed inside. She turned to the adults.
"Hey guys!" They entered and watched as the kids began to play. Jamie and Bethany rushed over to them.
"Hi Uncle Gabriel, Hi Auntie Vicky, Hi Uncle Jake." The two chanted just as Gracie and Teresa. Afterwards, they joined in the game. The adults sat in the kitchen around the table, waiting for Danny to arrive.
Teresa looked in on them briefly and then returned to playing. Bethany, Gracie, and Jamie were so lucky to have moms. She missed hers. Gabriel saw his daughter look in on them and sighed. He wanted the same thing she did. Ian noticed the entire motion.
"Does Teresa ever ask about Angelique?"
"Yeah. But she doesn't often, thankfully. Still hurts too much to think about her."
"It's been, Christ, almost nine years Gabe." Sara said.
"Nine years on Teresa's birthday, you know that. I know if Angelique was meant to die, she's meant to die. But I just wish it wasn't in child birth. Teresa thinks it's her fault for her mommy's death." Gabriel blinked back tears. "Teresa didn't even get a chance with her own mother."
"Gabriel, just be glad she knows her father." The advice didn't really help, but Gabriel was thankful for the support. He nodded. Just then the door bell rang. Danny and crew had arrived. Bethany got the door. Immediately, Nicky and Chris ran into the apartment, shoving Bethany to the side. She chased after them in revenge.
Next to enter was Danny's older kids, Una and Luke. They laughed at the little ones and, after greetings, sat on the couch. Danny and Lee finally made it in by thins time and sat with the rest of the adults in the kitchen.
Bethany had jumped Nicky and the two were choking each other. Gracie had jumped onto Chris's shoulders and made him fall. Chris was now chasing Gracie and Teresa, pretending he was a monster. Jamie tackled Bethany from behind and now double teamed her with Nicky.
The adults just laughed, knowing no death would happen. Danny turned to Sara.
"Now why did you call all us up here on a Saturday morning?"
"What makes you think I had a reason?" She said matter-of-factly. Jake looked at Ian to give the news, but he only shrugged.
"Okay, come on Sara. Why are we all here?" She and Ian looked at each other and smiled.
"I'm pregnant." She announced. After the first shock of mouths open and fake fainting, they all started clapping and cheering, but quietly so that the kids wouldn't know. Someone suggested that they order out so they could have a mini celebration, and all agreed. Vicky sat took Ian's place next to Sara as he called in the order.
"Damn Pez, this makes three."
"I know. I thought Jamie was it." Lee joined them and smirked.
"And I thought I was only having one more kid. Birth is strange dealings."
"So, Sara. You want another boy or a girl."
"Doesn't matter. The only difference is if it's a girl we'll have to train her."
"Yeah, that would make two possibles." Vicky figured.
"Nah, I think your Bethany is the one." Lee said.
"I know. She's already very influenced. Ian's worried about Irons. Like he's not over protective enough as it is. God, what is that man going to do when she starts to date?"
Lee, Vicky, and Sara laughed at the idea. Vicky smirked at her.
"With a dad like Ian, Bethany might grow up a nun."
"Yeah." Lee agreed. "Then again, Vicky, wait till Gracie starts liking boys and see how Jake reacts."
"What do you mean wait? She like boys now. If you haven't noticed, she has a thing for Chris. Just look at them." Lee shrugged.
"Better Chris than Nicky. Chris has the patience to deal with her. Nicky doesn't."
"You know what would be weird? Bethany and Nicky."
"Oh God. Those two just do not get along. It's like before Jake and Ian learned to play nice."
"No, Bethany and Nicky are worst. At least Ian and Jake didn't strangle each other."
"Bethany! Nicky! Stop that!" Sara called. The two looked at her and nodded.
Gabriel joined the kid's in the living room. Not that he wasn't good friends with the rest of the adults, he just always felt young. Then again, he WAS the youngest. He sat on the couch with Una and Luke and soon had Teresa and Jamie on his lap. He saw Teresa look into the kitchen again where Vicky, Lee, and Sara all sat. He called Bethany over and told her to take Teresa to go get some toys from her bedroom. 'At least it will keep her mind off things' he thought to himself.
The food arrived soon enough. The kids all fought for the food, though there was plenty to go around. They over crowded the kitchen, so they kids ate in the living room. It was around noon when they finally ate, watching cartoons as they did.
Though Ian was used to being in large company, he still felt a little uncomfortable, even amongst friends. He decided to go out on the fire escape, which he hadn't really done at the new apartment. He looked over there and noticed a bit of black wave. He already knew who it was, but couldn't believe Irons had sent him. Ian put down his food and went onto the fire escape.
Dominic had fallen asleep on duty. Ian shook his shoulder and he woke up. Dominic stared up at Ian in semi fear. He knew very well what this man could do, and had lived most of his life so far trying to top it.
Ian didn't get mad or upset at him. It wasn't his fault, and Ian knew it. He was, however, mad at Irons. He backed away from Dominic a little before speaking.
"Why did he send you?"
"Her." Dominic nodded toward Bethany.
"You're her protector?" Dominic nodded.
"How long have you been out here?"
"Since eight."
"Eight in the morning?"
"No, eight o'clock last night." Ian shook his head and got angrier at Irons.
"When are you suppose to report back?"
"Eight o'clock tonight. The person who drives will pick me back up. Irons said this was practice for the real thing."
Ian looked Dominic over. Light blonde hair, ice blue eyes. The kid actually looked like he could be Irons' son. He was tall and skinny for his age. Probably because of starvation. Dominic could hold a person's gaze longer than Ian could've at this age, but didn't like to. He put his head down. Ian recognized the posture. He sympathized for him.
"Dominic?" He looked back up. "Why don't you come in till the man picks you up?"
"What?"
"You heard me. Come on inside. You can rest, play, and for god's sake eat. Irons won't know and, I say this from experience, the better you know her, the easier it is to protect her." Dominic nodded and followed Ian back inside. He refused any food and went into the living room.
All the kids stopped and stared at him. There was an awkward silence, until Jamie went up to him, slapped his wrist, and smiled.
"You're it!" He yelled. The kids started playing again. Jamie helped Dominic learn how to play as Ian watched from the kitchen. Sara and the others stared at him.
"Ian, why is he here?" Sara asked. Ian looked at her.
"I didn't feel like having him learn the uncomforts of nights spent out on a fire escape."
"He was out on the fire escape?" Asked Danny.
"Yeah, apparently since last night." Sara was still confused.
"Why did you let him in?"
"From one protector to another. I understand. He has the duty and the destiny. He wouldn't hurt anyone here. Especially if they mean something to Bethany." Sara nodded. Jake was still confused.
"One protector to another?"
"I understand him. We are a like, in a way."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"It means if you lift up the back of our shirts, you'll find the same thing."
"What is that?" Ian sighed in frustration. Danny interjected.
"Scars, Jake." Jake shut up and nodded. Gabriel went out to the living room again to check Dominic out. The kids had put in a movie and all quietly sat on the couch watching. From left to right it was like this: Una and Luke let the little ones on the couch and settled on the floor, Chris with Gracie on his lap, Nicky, Teresa, Bethany, Jamie, with Dominic on the end. Gabriel watched his reactions to the other children and decided that Ian was right.
Bethany, somewhere in the middle of the movie, was asleep. She leaned on her younger brother. Jamie, who did not like to be a pillow, moved so that Bethany partly lay on Dominic. Jamie then moved Bethany over to where he was sitting and took her place. Bethany was asleep on Dominic, who either didn't mind or care. The only time he was shocked was when she woke up with a start. Bethany was annoyed waking up where she did, but didn't fuss about it. She was too weirded out from her vision. Dominic knew what was wrong.
"What did you see?" He asked her.
"My mommy in the hospital."
"Was she hurt?"
"No."
"Why was she there?"
"She was giving birth to my baby brother."
"James?"
"No, my new baby brother. My mommy's pregnant."
"Oh."
"Don't tell anyone. She doesn't want me to know yet."
"Okay." He nodded.
Soon, everyone was leaving. It ended up with Jamie, Bethany, and Dominic. Quarter to eight, he said good bye to them and thanked them. Ian told him that he would prefer that Dominic just come in then stand outside all night. Dominic nodded and left.
Bethany was getting ready for bed when she got the same vision again. She fell down when she did, getting Ian and Sara's attention. Jamie went on to his room, not wanting to know.
"Beth, are you okay?"
"Yes, daddy. I just want to go to bed." She got up.
"Night, daddy. Night, mommy." She was about to leave the room when she suddenly went backed and hugged Sara's middle.
"Night, baby brother." And she went to bed. Sara and Ian stared after her. They finally gave up trying to figure out why the witchblade would show her that and went to bed themselves.
Coming Attractions:
Trick or Treat
-Saturday-
Ian woke up to the sound of an alarm clock. Oh, how he wanted to scream profanities out, but no. Not when there was an eight year old girl and a five year old boy in the proximity. He turned it off and tried to go back to sleep, but the love of his life punched him.
"The one morning we're both off and you set the alarm?!" She hissed at him.
"Sorry, love." He kissed her fore head.
"Is Bethany and Jamie up?"
"I don't know."
"What? You had thirty years of ninja, poet warrior training and you can't tell if your own kids are up?"
"I'm still half asleep, so stop bitching at me."
"Then wake up and go make breakfast."
"It's your turn."
"No, it's your turn."
"I did it yesterday."
"I cooked dinner."
"Damn. I was hoping you'd forget that."
"You sound awake enough, now go make breakfast." Sara pulled the pillow over her head. Ian sighed and got up. He stretched as he walked from the hall into the living room. He yawned and then wondered at the silence, since Bethany was usually...
"Keah!"
He heard as his little eight year old daughter came flying off the couch in a kick aimed for his neck. Ian, still trained as ever, moved out of the way while grabbing her ankles. He held her suspended four feet above the ground, upside down. Bethany giggled like crazy. It one quick motion, Ian flipped her and was now holding her underneath her arms. Bethany was totally taken by laughter.
"Good morning, daddy." Bethany put her arms out and threw them around his neck.
"Morning, Beth. You going to help me make breakfast?"
"Uh huh."
"Alright." He put her down and they went into the kitchen.
Jamie, who was faking asleep in his room, came out now that the coast was clear. He loved his daddy, he just didn't like fighting. He never really wanted to learn how to fight, but knew a few things Bethany had taught him just in case he ever got into a fight. He sighed. He knew he wouldn't grow up to be like his daddy. But hey, it didn't hurt to try.
He changed from his X-men p.j. into a black shirt and shorts. He then sneaked out of his room and went into his parent's room. His mom was still in bed. He crawled in next to her. "Morning, mommy."
"Morning, Jamie. Sleep well?"
"Uh huh." Bethany had started waking up at night crying because she had nightmares. Witchblade nightmares. She was relieved that her baby boy would be spared from the witchblade's clutches, it already affecting her, her husband, and her daughter. She smiled and started to tickle him. He went into a fit of giggles.
She loved Bethany dearly, but loved Jamie just a little bit more. She knew Ian loved Bethany just a tiny bit more than Jamie. Not that they ever played favorites, it was just the way things were. The kids either didn't mind or care. She was happy someone took after her, Bethany being her father's daughter to a very close extent. But James Connor Nottingham was just a tiny, boy version of herself.
Jamie was soon in tears with laughter. Ian sent Bethany to go get them. Sara carried Jamie out to the table and the four of them had breakfast.
"Jamie, your teacher called last night and said you got in trouble yesterday. What happened?" Jamie stayed silent to his father's question. Bethany started to giggle in spite of herself. Sara shot her a glance.
"Young lady, what is so funny?"
"I know why Jamie's in trouble."
"Let your brother tell us." Ian looked back at Jamie. Jamie sighed and told his story.
"This girl said I was harassing her."
"Why?"
"Because I was following her."
"Stalking." Added Bethany, still slightly giggling.
"Jamie, why were you stal...following her?"
"Because I...Because I...."
"Jamie has a crush on her!" Bethany announced cheerfully. Jamie glared at her. Sara couldn't help herself and smiled as well. After all, her little boy had his first crush.
"Jamie, if you like a girl, don't stalk her." Ian tried so hard to keep a straight face as he told this to his son.
"But, that's what you did with mommy." Ian's jaw dropped at that reply.
"Who told you that?"
"Beth." Ian breathed out and turned to his daughter. She had sunk down a little in her seat and kept her eyes to the floor.
"Bethany Marie Nottingham." She winced at the three name call. "May I inquire why you told your brother that?"
"It's true, isn't it?" Ian almost flinched as his daughter and son's eyes fell on him. Sara smirked and raised her eyebrow. How the hell was he going to explain this?
"Technically I wasn't stalking her. Your mother just likes to say that as a joke."
"That's not what Uncle Gabriel said. He said you use to follow mommy everywhere. And that you use to break into the old apartment." Ian contemplating on killing his best friend by that name. Then again, Gabriel probably figured Sara had already told them that, so all would be forgiven. Ian thought for a second on what to tell them.
"Well, yes. But you two understand what I am. You also understand what your mother is."
"And Bethany."
"We aren't sure about that yet, Jamie. I am your mother's protector and following her around was a duty. I didn't do it because I wanted to, but because I was forced to. I did it to be sure she was safe, because that's what protectors do."
"Is that why you love mommy?"
"Well, in a way yes. Being her protector led me to her and it let us become close because of it. But I love your mother for a vast other number of reasons. Understand?"
"Yes, daddy." They chanted.
"Jamie, are you going to follow that girl around anymore?"
"No."
"Good boy." Bethany still looked confused. Sara noticed.
"Beth, sweetie, is something on your mind?"
"Protector. Did all the protectors and wielders fall in love?"
"Not all, but most." She thought about it for a moment. Her eyes then went wide and she started to get grossed out.
"Gross!" She said out loud. Ian and Sara stared at her. "What?"
"Dominic!"
"What about him?" Ian had seen Irons new little assassin and couldn't help but be a little worried over the fact he was attending the same elementary school as his kids. But Jamie, despite Bethany's many complaints, said that Dominic was good.
"He told me that he was my protector! And he stalks me!" Jamie knew what she meant and sang out.
"Dominic likes Bethany! Dominic likes Bethany!" Bethany shook invisible objects off her arms. "Bethany, what are you doing?"
"Getting rid of the cooties." Sara burst out laughing. Ian looked at her and she just shrugged her shoulders.
"Some things never change." She turned to the kids. "Hey, if you two are done, you may go watch X-men." Bethany and Jamie jumped form their seats and went to the living room. Ian cleared the dishes off the table. He saw Sara looking at him and shaking her head.
"What?" He asked.
"You are such a bad influence."
"What are you talking about?"
"My eight year old daughter has a stalker and my five year old son is becoming one."
"How is that my fault?"
"Jamie tries to be just like you, and you know it. Your son is purposely trying to grow up into a freak. You see nothing wrong with this?"
"Well, his mother is just as equally a freak and we both know he takes after you. You haven't justified how I'm screwing Bethany up."
"I don't need to. That child practically IS you."
"So? What's so bad about me?" He sat down next to her with his smirk on his face.
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"No."
"I think Jamie is going to end up like you, Ian."
"Jamie, no. Bethany, yes."
"They're your kids."
"Our kids, last I checked. And hey, what colors are they're eyes? I see only green around here. Even Bethany has your eyes."
"Well, maybe.just maybe, if you're lucky," She took his hand and put it on her lower abdomen. "Maybe this one will get your eyes."
Ian stared at Sara at a moment. It took a full minute before the meaning of her word sunk in. His jaw dropped and he smiled.
"You're...." Sara laughed and nodded. Ian stood up and started pacing the room.
"Oh my gods! Since when? How long?"
"Found out yesterday, one and a half months." Ian sat back down next to her and kissed her. "Sara."
"I know, I know."
"Should we say anything to Beth and Jamie yet?" She shook her head
"Not till I'm pass danger zone. They're still too young to deal if, god forbid, something happened." Ian nodded.
"I love you, Sara."
"I love you, too." He kissed her again and again and... Only the sound of someone barfing tore them apart. They looked down to Bethany and Jamie giggling at the door. They shook their heads.
"Get over here, you two." Bethany and Jamie came to their parents. Bethany jumped at Ian and he caught her and held her in the air. Jamie slowly climbed onto Sara's lap. Ian looked from his daughter, to his son, to his wife. He had never really believed he would ever have a family, and now he did.
Sara thought the same thing, but also noticed how normal it was to what she had been expecting. Her children weren't half the monsters she was expecting. Then again, neither was Ian. She held her son close to her and smiled.
A knock on the door broke the family moment apart. Sara got the door to find Gabriel, Jake, and Vicky at the door. Gracie and Teresa were there as well.
"Hi Auntie Sara." The two little ones chanted. She kissed them both on the fore head before they rushed inside. She turned to the adults.
"Hey guys!" They entered and watched as the kids began to play. Jamie and Bethany rushed over to them.
"Hi Uncle Gabriel, Hi Auntie Vicky, Hi Uncle Jake." The two chanted just as Gracie and Teresa. Afterwards, they joined in the game. The adults sat in the kitchen around the table, waiting for Danny to arrive.
Teresa looked in on them briefly and then returned to playing. Bethany, Gracie, and Jamie were so lucky to have moms. She missed hers. Gabriel saw his daughter look in on them and sighed. He wanted the same thing she did. Ian noticed the entire motion.
"Does Teresa ever ask about Angelique?"
"Yeah. But she doesn't often, thankfully. Still hurts too much to think about her."
"It's been, Christ, almost nine years Gabe." Sara said.
"Nine years on Teresa's birthday, you know that. I know if Angelique was meant to die, she's meant to die. But I just wish it wasn't in child birth. Teresa thinks it's her fault for her mommy's death." Gabriel blinked back tears. "Teresa didn't even get a chance with her own mother."
"Gabriel, just be glad she knows her father." The advice didn't really help, but Gabriel was thankful for the support. He nodded. Just then the door bell rang. Danny and crew had arrived. Bethany got the door. Immediately, Nicky and Chris ran into the apartment, shoving Bethany to the side. She chased after them in revenge.
Next to enter was Danny's older kids, Una and Luke. They laughed at the little ones and, after greetings, sat on the couch. Danny and Lee finally made it in by thins time and sat with the rest of the adults in the kitchen.
Bethany had jumped Nicky and the two were choking each other. Gracie had jumped onto Chris's shoulders and made him fall. Chris was now chasing Gracie and Teresa, pretending he was a monster. Jamie tackled Bethany from behind and now double teamed her with Nicky.
The adults just laughed, knowing no death would happen. Danny turned to Sara.
"Now why did you call all us up here on a Saturday morning?"
"What makes you think I had a reason?" She said matter-of-factly. Jake looked at Ian to give the news, but he only shrugged.
"Okay, come on Sara. Why are we all here?" She and Ian looked at each other and smiled.
"I'm pregnant." She announced. After the first shock of mouths open and fake fainting, they all started clapping and cheering, but quietly so that the kids wouldn't know. Someone suggested that they order out so they could have a mini celebration, and all agreed. Vicky sat took Ian's place next to Sara as he called in the order.
"Damn Pez, this makes three."
"I know. I thought Jamie was it." Lee joined them and smirked.
"And I thought I was only having one more kid. Birth is strange dealings."
"So, Sara. You want another boy or a girl."
"Doesn't matter. The only difference is if it's a girl we'll have to train her."
"Yeah, that would make two possibles." Vicky figured.
"Nah, I think your Bethany is the one." Lee said.
"I know. She's already very influenced. Ian's worried about Irons. Like he's not over protective enough as it is. God, what is that man going to do when she starts to date?"
Lee, Vicky, and Sara laughed at the idea. Vicky smirked at her.
"With a dad like Ian, Bethany might grow up a nun."
"Yeah." Lee agreed. "Then again, Vicky, wait till Gracie starts liking boys and see how Jake reacts."
"What do you mean wait? She like boys now. If you haven't noticed, she has a thing for Chris. Just look at them." Lee shrugged.
"Better Chris than Nicky. Chris has the patience to deal with her. Nicky doesn't."
"You know what would be weird? Bethany and Nicky."
"Oh God. Those two just do not get along. It's like before Jake and Ian learned to play nice."
"No, Bethany and Nicky are worst. At least Ian and Jake didn't strangle each other."
"Bethany! Nicky! Stop that!" Sara called. The two looked at her and nodded.
Gabriel joined the kid's in the living room. Not that he wasn't good friends with the rest of the adults, he just always felt young. Then again, he WAS the youngest. He sat on the couch with Una and Luke and soon had Teresa and Jamie on his lap. He saw Teresa look into the kitchen again where Vicky, Lee, and Sara all sat. He called Bethany over and told her to take Teresa to go get some toys from her bedroom. 'At least it will keep her mind off things' he thought to himself.
The food arrived soon enough. The kids all fought for the food, though there was plenty to go around. They over crowded the kitchen, so they kids ate in the living room. It was around noon when they finally ate, watching cartoons as they did.
Though Ian was used to being in large company, he still felt a little uncomfortable, even amongst friends. He decided to go out on the fire escape, which he hadn't really done at the new apartment. He looked over there and noticed a bit of black wave. He already knew who it was, but couldn't believe Irons had sent him. Ian put down his food and went onto the fire escape.
Dominic had fallen asleep on duty. Ian shook his shoulder and he woke up. Dominic stared up at Ian in semi fear. He knew very well what this man could do, and had lived most of his life so far trying to top it.
Ian didn't get mad or upset at him. It wasn't his fault, and Ian knew it. He was, however, mad at Irons. He backed away from Dominic a little before speaking.
"Why did he send you?"
"Her." Dominic nodded toward Bethany.
"You're her protector?" Dominic nodded.
"How long have you been out here?"
"Since eight."
"Eight in the morning?"
"No, eight o'clock last night." Ian shook his head and got angrier at Irons.
"When are you suppose to report back?"
"Eight o'clock tonight. The person who drives will pick me back up. Irons said this was practice for the real thing."
Ian looked Dominic over. Light blonde hair, ice blue eyes. The kid actually looked like he could be Irons' son. He was tall and skinny for his age. Probably because of starvation. Dominic could hold a person's gaze longer than Ian could've at this age, but didn't like to. He put his head down. Ian recognized the posture. He sympathized for him.
"Dominic?" He looked back up. "Why don't you come in till the man picks you up?"
"What?"
"You heard me. Come on inside. You can rest, play, and for god's sake eat. Irons won't know and, I say this from experience, the better you know her, the easier it is to protect her." Dominic nodded and followed Ian back inside. He refused any food and went into the living room.
All the kids stopped and stared at him. There was an awkward silence, until Jamie went up to him, slapped his wrist, and smiled.
"You're it!" He yelled. The kids started playing again. Jamie helped Dominic learn how to play as Ian watched from the kitchen. Sara and the others stared at him.
"Ian, why is he here?" Sara asked. Ian looked at her.
"I didn't feel like having him learn the uncomforts of nights spent out on a fire escape."
"He was out on the fire escape?" Asked Danny.
"Yeah, apparently since last night." Sara was still confused.
"Why did you let him in?"
"From one protector to another. I understand. He has the duty and the destiny. He wouldn't hurt anyone here. Especially if they mean something to Bethany." Sara nodded. Jake was still confused.
"One protector to another?"
"I understand him. We are a like, in a way."
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"It means if you lift up the back of our shirts, you'll find the same thing."
"What is that?" Ian sighed in frustration. Danny interjected.
"Scars, Jake." Jake shut up and nodded. Gabriel went out to the living room again to check Dominic out. The kids had put in a movie and all quietly sat on the couch watching. From left to right it was like this: Una and Luke let the little ones on the couch and settled on the floor, Chris with Gracie on his lap, Nicky, Teresa, Bethany, Jamie, with Dominic on the end. Gabriel watched his reactions to the other children and decided that Ian was right.
Bethany, somewhere in the middle of the movie, was asleep. She leaned on her younger brother. Jamie, who did not like to be a pillow, moved so that Bethany partly lay on Dominic. Jamie then moved Bethany over to where he was sitting and took her place. Bethany was asleep on Dominic, who either didn't mind or care. The only time he was shocked was when she woke up with a start. Bethany was annoyed waking up where she did, but didn't fuss about it. She was too weirded out from her vision. Dominic knew what was wrong.
"What did you see?" He asked her.
"My mommy in the hospital."
"Was she hurt?"
"No."
"Why was she there?"
"She was giving birth to my baby brother."
"James?"
"No, my new baby brother. My mommy's pregnant."
"Oh."
"Don't tell anyone. She doesn't want me to know yet."
"Okay." He nodded.
Soon, everyone was leaving. It ended up with Jamie, Bethany, and Dominic. Quarter to eight, he said good bye to them and thanked them. Ian told him that he would prefer that Dominic just come in then stand outside all night. Dominic nodded and left.
Bethany was getting ready for bed when she got the same vision again. She fell down when she did, getting Ian and Sara's attention. Jamie went on to his room, not wanting to know.
"Beth, are you okay?"
"Yes, daddy. I just want to go to bed." She got up.
"Night, daddy. Night, mommy." She was about to leave the room when she suddenly went backed and hugged Sara's middle.
"Night, baby brother." And she went to bed. Sara and Ian stared after her. They finally gave up trying to figure out why the witchblade would show her that and went to bed themselves.
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