Gabe sat uneasily in his chair, trying his best to concentrate on work but
it was getting difficult with every minute. He kept eyeing the bedroom
door, nervously waiting for that moment when it would fly open and the
battered assassin would jump out. When it didn't he exhaled a long breath
of relief. Easing back into his chair, Gabe tried again to get some work
done. But it was useless.
He got up and started pacing the room. The humming of the refrigerator and the shuffling of his feet were the only sounds that echoed in the loft. Earlier, Gabe had tried to fill the room with the blaring sound of music but had quickly shut off his stereo, remembering his guest sleeping in the the bedroom. Gabe decided that he would sit in a quiet solitude among the ancient and arcane items in the room rather then risking the chance of walking 'sleeping beauty'.
Yet, after hours of being stuck in an eerie silence he could not take it any more. He was tempted to turn on his stereo, only to drown out the silence. He held the remote in his hand, contemplating if he should.
"What if he wakes up?" Gabe started thinking aloud, "Then what?" He started tapping the remote against his palm. "But he won't wake up right? I mean Faith gave him a sedative. She said he'd be out for hours." He glanced over to the clock on his desk to check the time. "It's been hours! The effects could be wearing off by now." Gabe continued his pacing and the two-sided conversation he was having with himself.
"He could be up right now! Ready to just."
"Damn it Bowman, calm down. You're getting paranoid. Faith had told Nottingham to be on his best behavior."
"Oh, yeah, like THAT is reassuring."
So caught up in his musings he did not hear someone walk up behind him. The person reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "AH!" he screamed, jumping back and bumping into his desk. One hand against his chest, over his heart. The other held out to ward off his attacker with his weapon, the remote control.
"Angel! It's me!" Faith reassured while reaching out to him.
"Jesus! You scared the crap out of me!" He yelled at her.
"I'm sorry, Angel." Faith was unsuccessfully trying to hold in her amusement. A few chuckles managed to escape her lips.
"It is not funny, Faith. You almost gave me a heart attack." He exclaimed while attempting to lower his racing heartbeat.
"I didn't mean to scare you. It wasn't my fault you did not hear me." Not that he would have heard her in the first place. Before making her presence known, Faith had been watching him pace back and forth while talking to himself. Her assessment earlier had been right, Gabe was freaking out. The image brought another smile to her face.
Gabe caught sight of her smile and said, "Oh, I'm glad I could humor you, Faith. You know I'm never going to forgive you for that." He declared, slumping down into his chair, arms crossed, and a scowl on his face.
"Oh, come on. Yes, you will. I know you, Gabe. You can't stay mad at me for too long." Confidently she sauntered towards him, "Besides I have peace offerings for you." She held up a white bag and a large styrofoam cup filled with his favorite coffee. She set the offerings on top of the desk.
Trying to sound impassive he said, "What's that?" Yet, he grew increasingly interested, as the mouth-watering combination of smells wafted to his nose. His anger already fading. "It's called food, Angel. You know the substance your body requires, which," Gabe's stomach took that moment to join the conversation, "From what I've just heard, you've been lacking in feeding yourself." She shook her head and raised an eyebrow at him. "So eat up my malnourished and frightened, Angel." She teased.
He glared at her and Faith could not help but laugh. "You know, I'm suddenly not very hungry." Gabe childishly stated while his stomach growled in protest.
"You're kinda cute when you pout like that."
"Really?" He beamed.
"Will I be forgiven for scaring you if I say yes?" She asked.
"Hm, keep dishing out more compliments and we'll see." Gabe wiggled his eyebrows up and down, a smile on his face.
"I tell you what. You eat your breakfast like a good Angel and I'll give you a treat later." She started to giggle when Gabe immediately attacked the bag. "Now, while you are doing that I'll go check up on Ian. How was he by the way? He did not wake up while I was gone, did he?" With a mouth full of blueberry danish, Gabe shook his head no.
"Good I made it back in time. It should be wearing off right about now." She hiked the strap higher onto her shoulder. "What's in the bag? More goodies for me?" Gabe managed to say over a mouth full of pastry.
"A set of clothes for Ian."
Gabe's eyes widen, he quickly gulped down the food that was in his mouth but with a bit of difficulty.
"Angel, you're supposed to chew your food not swallow it whole. You all right?"
Gabe ignored the question and started to say, "You went back to the mansion? Are you crazy?"
"I'm not stupid, Angel."
Happy that she didn't go back for Ian's clothes, Gabe started to carefully drink his coffee.
".I got it from my place, of course." Faith informed.
Gabe spewed out the coffee that was in his mouth and began to choke. "Angel!" Faith rushed over to him and started patting his back. She stopped when his coughing subsided. He grabbed a napkin and wiped up his chin and mouth. After clearing his throat, Gabe started to ask, "You and Nottingham live together?" The green-eyed monster was rearing its ugly head.
"Not exactly," she impassively replied.
"What do you mean 'not exactly'? Either you live with the guy or you don't. So what is it?" Faith was surprised to hear the anger in his voice. "Why does that matter?" She wanted to know. One minute they were having a friendly banter and now he was yelling at her all because he thinks Ian was living with her.
"It matters to me alright. Now answer the question, Faith." Gabe got up from his chair, and heatedly walked up to her, quickly closing the gap between them.
Faith rubbed the side of her temple, willing the upcoming headache to go away. She did not need this right now. "Angel now is not the time to be talking about this. I have to go see Ian." She started for the door. "That's right, go to your precious Ian. He calls you obey, right." Faith stopped short and sharply turned around. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, I don't know. I haven't seen you in what five years now. We've managed to keep in touch over the years, great. Still, every time I would ask you to come down for at least a visit you say no you can't, you're too busy. You know what I understood, and I never complained to you about it. Now, Nottingham gives you a ring, you drop everything, and you are on the next concord jet back here. You expect me to believe that 'he's more like a brother' crap. There's more between you two isn't there."
Faith forced the anger that was rising, and as calmly as possible said, "You don't know what you are talking about. I'm going to see Ian and give you some time to cool down because it's pretty obvious that you need it." She started for the bedroom again.
"Fine, walk away. Keep your secrets. Don't let me in. Its not as if I don't care or love you or anything like that. Keep them all inside like you always do." He yelled after her.
"You know what Gabriel I don't have to justify myself or my actions to you but I will. I'll satiate that curiosity of yours and perhaps ease you're jealousy." Faith said over her shoulder. She dropped the bag on the floor, sharply turned around, and coldly stared back at Gabriel, her icy blue eyes boring into his. "I've already explained the kind of relationship Ian and I have. Ian, whether he is of my blood or not, he IS my brother. The only family that I have and I am his. Yet, you seem to have a problem accepting that. You continue to assume there is more between us.
Yes, there is more between us I mean there should be. He knows about my dark and bleak past. He knows everything about me. Would you like to know why Ian knows so much?" Faith's voice became low, menacing, and unattached. Gabe inadvertently shivered; he could have sworn the room had just dropped about ten degree. The Faith that stood before him now was not the same woman. She was different and she was frightening.
Faith continued her voice calm but her eyes were fierce, "Because Gabriel, Ian and I grew up together. We went through the same horrors, the same pain, and the same nightmares. We bleed and we cried together and for each other. That is our history that is our sibling bond. You know what I am glad that Ian is not of my blood. At least his is not tainted like mines. This is the 'more' in our relationship, Gabriel. Either you accept that or you don't. That's your problem."
She couldn't believe she was finally telling him of her past. But once it started she needed to finish it. Faith paused in her explanation; the next part was going to be hard for her to explain. Because now, Gabriel was going to know who she really was. It was something she did not want him to know. She had tried so hard to shelter that part of her life away from him. But he had been so damn annoying and persistent. His determination added to the past events of the last few hours had weighed on her patience and her resolve had finally worn out.
She inhaled and started again, "You wanted an explanation why I just dropped everything for Ian? He is my family. That should have been enough. Apparently, it's not enough for you so I'll get into more details for you. You see Gabriel; I have been in Ian's place a few times myself. You've seen Ian's back, the blood, the marred flesh, and the scars. His back mirrors my own."
The horrid look on Gabriel's face will forever be imprinted in Faith's mind. This was what she was afraid of. That after revealing her terrible past, that Gabe would shun her away. Be reviled for who she was. Faith willed the tears from not coming and continued, "But I believe Ian's is far worst them mines. Nevertheless, that's why I came, Gabriel. I knew what was going to happen to Ian, I just did not imagine how severe it was going to be. Do you know why Ian is still alive? Because Irons was too exhausted to continue beating him. Irons was/is an unmerciful man."
Gabriel stood there, listening to everything Faith was saying. Her words, the emotions presented in her eyes, she was telling him everything. But had yet to say what was clearly obvious. He could see it was hurting her inside to be revealing all this to him and he felt like a complete asshole for pushing her so hard, baiting her, yelling at her, forced her to open her own Pandora's box. He wanted her to stop but he could not find the words to tell her. Because deep down he wanted to know everything. So he could become the better friend that she needed him to be.
Finally when Gabe had found his voice, he spoke, "So you're saying that you, uh, you're, that Irons is..
"My father?" Faith finished for him.
Gabe nodded his head, "Yeah."
"Yes, he is. I am Kenneth Irons' daughter." Finally, she had said it. A weight was lifted from her shoulders. Happy that besides Ian someone else knew the truth. Yet, the panic and dread overwhelmed her happiness. She had yet to witness how Gabriel was going to take the news.
He stood there shocked and bewildered. Though he had been putting the pieces together while she spoke, to actually hear her say it was something else. The silence was becoming unbearable and Faith turned to leave. She picked up the bag and headed for the bedroom. Gabe watched her leave, he wanted to stop her and tell how he felt about what she had told him but was rooted in place. Perhaps this little break will give him time to gather what he'll say to her.
Faith gently closed the door behind her and leaned heavily against it, suddenly feeling exhausted. "Its good that you told him." Ian's voice though strained and weak carried across the room. She could hear distinctive sounds of him shuffling on the bed. He was probably sitting on the edge of the bed, his arms spread to the side supporting his weight, unkempt hair tumbling around his face, and the white bandage, now soiled with blood, a contrast to his tanned skin.
"How can you say that?" She snorted, without bothering to open her eyes. "What makes you so sure telling him was a good idea?"
"Because now you have someone, besides me, that knows. That will understand."
"Understand what, Ian?" That I'm some kind of freak?" She heatedly exclaimed. She quickly bit her tongue as the words left her mouth. Faith was still upset and some of that anger had slipped out. Undeservingly snapping at him, "I'm sorry Ian." She added. However, she still did not see the logic in bringing her Angel into the nightmares of her past. Revealing secrets, she wanted to keep, perhaps even taking it to the grave.
"He will understand now that there no lies, no secrets between you two. He will have no reason to feel jealous or unworthy of your trust."
Faith opened her eyes this time, and disbelievingly stared at him. Sure enough, as she had imagined, Ian was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her from under the veil of hair. "I never said I did not trust him."
"Yet, you kept a part of your past from him. You did not tell him everything." Ian accused.
"I kept THAT part from him for a reason, Ian." This time she snapped at him and was not sorry for it. "I did that for his own good, to protect him. The less he knew the safer he was."
"You were distancing yourself to keep him safe then?" He questioned.
"Yes, was that so wrong of me?" Faith flayed her arms out in frustration.
"No, it is never wrong wanting to protect those you care about. But at the same time, you were hurting him. Making him feel inadequate, left out, unworthy, and angry because you refused to confide in him." Interesting, it sounded as if he was talking about himself. Those were feeling he felt when Sara refused to accept him. He pushed the thought aside and continued, "And I'm sure he must have felt jealous about us."
"I already explained to him about our relationship. Gabriel should not have to feel that way." She sank down to sit next to him on the bed.
"Gabriel did not know about our, your past. All he saw was you choosing me over him."
"Argh, why can't you two see the logic in my decisions?" Faith dropped her head onto her hands, "Why must men be so complicating and frustrating?" She muttered.
Ian grinned, "To keep women on their toes, of course." He sighed, "Why don't you just left him in? What is the worst that can happen if you did?"
"The worst?" She looked up from her hands, her brows rose up, "The worst is that he could turn me away. That he would want to end our friendship."
"Gabriel does not strike me as the type of person that would do that to those he cares about. And he cares deeply for you, Faith." Ian stated.
"Actually, he's in love with me," Faith informed.
"Better yet," Ian smiled.
"No, it is not," her raised her voice, "It is not better, Ian. I don't want him to be in love with me." She got up and started to pace the room.
"Why?"
"Because he's better off with someone else, okay."
"What are you afraid of, Faith?"
Faith whirled around and was about to tell Ian off but she found she couldn't. She knelt in front of him, the tears began to stream down her face. "I'm afraid that I could fall in love with him too. I'm terrified that if I let him in he will see how truly fucked up I am and leave."
Ian reached out to cup her face with his hands. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs, "If you he loves you like you say he does, then that will never happen. His love for you will only grow stronger."
"How can you be so sure?" Her voice cracked as she pleaded to answer. Because he too was in love with a stubborn woman. And if Sara finally decided to let him in then they would become inseparable. He believed that a person could only grow stronger with every trial and tribulations. It was how they had survived growing up under Irons' custody. But he was not Gabriel and he did not know how strong his resolve was.
"I can't but don't you think it is time you to stop running?" Faith fell silent. "Take it from someone who knows," he added sadly.
She nodded her head as his words sank in. Taking her hands, she began to wipe away the last vestige of tears from her face. "I should kick your ass for making me cry and you know how I despise crying, Ian."
Ian held back his amusement, he knew too well. She so rarely cried, always fighting against the emotions that would overwhelm her like that.
"You may beat me up after I have fully recovered, my dear sister." He teased.
His little joke quickly pulled her back to the matter at hand. Ian hand been so busy taking care of her she had forgotten about his injuries. "Feeling better?" He asked still taking care of her when it should be the other way around.
"Yes, thank you. Now, it's my turn to take care of you." Faith opened the medical bag she had left behind and began rummaging for the items she needed. While catering to his needs, Ian asked about Sara.
Faith began to recount her early morning activities. She left nothing out. She discussed about the clone, seeing the strange man, the Witchblade inviting her into Sara's apartment, her watch over the wielder, and then finally ending the recap with the wonderful encounter with Sara Pezzini. Ian could not help but smile, "Sara does make quite the first impression."
"Oh, yeah, great first impression," Faith replied with sarcasm, "Nothing like looking down the barrel of a gun and greeted with such colorful language to start the morning. Why didn't you warn me she was such a bitch? I hear she is an avid coffee drinker. I should have made a pot while she slept. At least she would have only greeted me with a gun. Because her mouth would have been too busy drinking coffee to curse me out." She rolled her eyes.
"Sara.is..Sara. It just takes time to get use to her. She has many interesting traits. She's smart, funny, caring, loving.."
"A pain in the ass," Faith whispered to herself.
"What was that?"
"Nothing," she smiled innocently.
They continued to talk while Faith inspected the rest of his body. She was happy that his fever had gone down considerably, and the minor much smaller cuts were already knitting together. Still the more severe wounds, those that required stitching, had yet to start healing. But Dr. Immo had warned her that the injuries Ian has sustained was going to take more then the normal (in Ian's case) one and a half day. Faith estimated that Ian would recover, albeit not fully, in two days.
Faith knelt down in front of him to examine the rather large discoloration that covered his left side, above his rib cage. She shouldn't be surprised that Irons had managed to break a few ribs. "You may have a few broken ribs." Gently she began to feel any deformity around the area.
"They are just bruised," He tried to reassure but hissed in pain when she started touching the tender area. Faith heard the crunching type sound and instantly knew. She ordered him to slowly lift his arm, not halfway up; Ian winced at the sharp pain and quickly dropped his arm onto his lap.
"Bruised my ass, you got a couple of broken ribs Ian. I haven't seen you cough up any blood and you're breathing seems to be all right. Nevertheless, we will just have to see. Which means you NEED to take it easy and REST." She emphasizes. Finding nothing else besides more bruises, Faith began covering the more severe wounds on his back. "I'll get you an ice pack to put over your ribs, it will help reduce some of the pain."
While patiently waiting for Faith to finish cleaning up, Ian asked, "What did you mean when you said Sara cried out my name? How did it sound like? Do you think the blade showed Sara a vision of my punishment?" He sounded a bit hopeful. Ian was not going to tell Faith that he was disappointed that Sara did not come for him while being chained up in that room.
"The blade was rather active on her wrist. It could have showed her anything." She said from the bathroom. When she came back, he seen Ian lower his head, she did not miss the disappointment in his eyes. "But I suspect that it did. When she called out your name, there was no denying that there was fear laced in her cry. I seen the look on her face when she finally woke up, and for that split moment she was terrified."
"Really?" Faith nodded and for the first time she had seen hope return in his eyes.
Now, it was Faith's turn to ask questions. "Ian, I think it is time you tell me what happened. Before you called me and after." He exhaled slowly; he knew it wouldn't be long before she asked.
While in the middle of Ian's accounts of events Faith started to pace the room again. Her hands flexing by her sides. "That was when I called you."
"Hey, you still want to know what I think of your Lady? Though I must warn you, my thoughts are as colorful as her language." She was fuming over Sara's treatment of Ian. It all made sense now. The dejection in his voice when he had called her. Argh! That brought up the other question, "Why did you leave your ring?" But deep down she already knew. "After my encounter with Sara I just felt defeated, depressed, I did not have the strength to go any more. My patience was gone and so was my will to live. I wanted to leave a part of me behind." Now she was angry with both. Angry at Sara for making him feel that way and angry with Ian for giving up.
"But something happened on the way to the mansion, didn't it?"
"Lazar happened." Faith remembered the lone figure beneath the streetlamp earlier. That must have been Lazar. Ian began to explain his conversation with him. How Lazar made him realize his purpose in life. From there, he had finally reached the decision to leave Irons to serve Sara. Faith will have to express her gratitude the next time she sees him.
Ian continued and Faith intently listened to every agonizing detail. "The next thing I knew I woke up to find you there, rescuing me." Ian finished off. She sat besides him, a number of emotions mixing inside her. Angry at Sara, her ever growing hatred for her father, the pain she was not able to spare Ian from, fear that she had almost lost him, deep-seated pride that Ian finally stood up to Irons, and then the relief that she had arrived in time.
'Sara and I will need another heart to heart discussion soon.' However the more she thought about it Sara's actions reflected her own when it came to Gabriel. Pushing them away, using their logic of 'keeping them safe' as an excuse from getting too close to them. The only difference in her case was that Ian was there to set her straight, to open her eyes, and made her understand. Perhaps she will be that person for Sara. Maybe they can have that discussion over a few friendly rounds of boxing, a nice long sparring session sounded nice. She grinned at that thought.
Ian knew that look but did not want to ask about it. He just hoped that whatever she was thinking about she would not act upon it any time soon. Because he had a funny feeling, it was about Sara. Ian spotted the duffle bag near the door, "I assume that is for me?"
Faith pulled herself out of her thoughts and walked over to retrieve the bag. "Yes, I brought you some clothes from the apartment." Faith dumped them on the bed and started helping Ian dress. Leaving him shirtless because of the ice pack he was going to be using on his ribs later. While tying his hair in a loose ponytail, Faith brought up the situation with the tape and news clippings she found in the trunk of the car.
"I was on orders to steal it from a box of affect that her retired Captain, Joe Siri, left for her." He sat and leaned back to the pillows Faith had fixed for him.
"Why do you have it?"
"I was planning to anonymously return the tape along with those clipping to Sara. She needs to know about the White Bulls. Her Captain, Bruno Dante, heads the White Bulls and he despises her. I believe some of his animosity towards her carried over from his hatred he had for her father. He would love nothing more then to get rid of Sara." Ian's eyes grew cold and angry. He crushed the sheets under his hand.
"Don't worry Ian, your Lady is well protected. I will not let anything happen to her, I swear." Faith reassured, and Ian's tension eased a bit. Yet, he was still worried.
"Up until now Irons had managed to keep Dante under his control and away from Sara. Though I believe Dante will soon forsake Irons orders and go after Sara along with a few other White Bull members."
She glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. Now, that she knew what to do with the evidence she would need to leave now to make it to the precinct before Sara arrived back from their morning round up. "I have to leave now if I am to deliver the tape and clippings to Sara."
"Be careful of her partner, Jake McCarthy." Faith was surprised to hear the hatred in Ian's voice as he spat out the name. "He's an undercover FBI agent and a new member of the White Bulls. I do not trust him, Faith." His voice was low and ominous. She would need to find out more on that later.
"Duly noted, Ian. Swear to me that you will stay in bed and rest. And don't you dare leave this place, understood?" She threatens. Ian nodded his head in answer.
Faith paused at the door; Gabriel was in the other room probably waiting for her. "You'll do fine, Faith. Just don't shut him out anymore." Ian advised. Taking deep breaths, she calmed her frayed nerves and opened the door. Bracing for rounds two.
Gabe sat in the kitchen, anxiously waiting for Faith's return. He stood up when he heard the door open and closed. Nervously, he placed his hands into his pockets and waited for her. He could hear her footsteps getting closer as she neared. Faith stopped in her tracks when she found him in the kitchen. They stood facing each other, a few feet separating them. The tension hung heavily in the air as nether one spoke. Unable to stand the silence much longer both started to speak.
"Faith I'm sorry.
"I'm sorry, Angel.
They stopped unsure who should speak first. Gabe took the initiative and started.
"Look Faith let me say a few things first before you kick my ass and end our relationship.wait, did you just call me Angel?" If she did then his hopes had hiked up a notch.
"Yes, I did but please continue."
"Okay," he started, "First of all I wanted to apologize for being an asshole earlier. But let me explain the reasons why I acted the way I did. You have to understand things from my point of view. We've never talked about your past; you would always avoid it, constantly shutting me out. So naturally, when you told me about Nottingham, well I got jealous. Wait, don't say any thing just listen for a minute, okay?" Faith swallowed what she was going to say.
"I know you explained your relationship with him is strictly more of a sibling nature. Still the fact remains; he is not your 'real' brother. Therefore, there was still a chance for the relationship to change into something more intimate. But that is only part of why I got jealous and upset. You and Nottingham share this bond, this connection with each other. Something I wanted with us. Yet, you kept pushing me away.
Then I exploded over the whole 'living arrangement'. It just made me realize just how close you and Nottingham really are. How much trust you have in him, so much, you would confide in him. I felt you didn't care or trust *me* enough to do the same with me. And it hurt a lot. So I yelled at you and said those things only to hurt you, so you would feel what I was feeling."
Gabe lowered his head, "Then you finally started telling me about your past, how much you've suffered and all the pain you went through. Now, I am sorry I forced you into telling me, but honestly, I'm glad I did. I started to understand. I mean I felt like an asshole, but everything started to make sense. Now, I know where you are coming from." He cautiously walked closer to her. Closing the gap between them.
"Even when it's coming from the general direction of Kenneth Irons?" Faith mused.
"I don't care that Kenneth Irons is your father. All I care about is you." He reached out to caress her cheek. Smiling when she leaned into his touch. "Are you done, Angel?"
"Yeah, I guess I am."
"Okay now it's my turn." She reached up to grab the hand that was on her cheek. "I did not have a normal childhood, Angel. It was full of pain, blood, and disappointments. That was not something I wanted to share with you. I kept my past from you for a reason. To protect you. No," She pressed her fingers against his lips to stop him form speaking, "I held my tongue while you talked. Now hold yours." Gabe nodded his head.
"However, I did not realize I was also doing it to protect myself as well. If Ian had not pointed that out to me, I never would have known. He opened my eyes to see my faults in my logic. While I kept you at a safe distance, I was running away at the same time. You see, Angel I was afraid of getting hurt. I was afraid that after revealing my dark past you would see how messed up I am and decide to leave me. You've become very important in my life, Angel. I just did not want to take that chance. Do you understand?"
"Yeah I do. And I swear to you that no matter what I will never leave you. My feelings for you will never change; well only for the better of course. I love you too much to let you go, Faith." Gabe's eyes shone with such intensity she had to look away. He mistook her gesture and started to apologize, "I'm sorry, Faith. I shouldn't have said that."
"No, its okay. I'm glad you did."
"Yeah, but I know you don't feel the same way and I keep hoping that you would. But." Gabe was cut off when Faith's mouth covered his. It only took a second for him to register that she was kissing him and not the other way around. It was a slow and tender kiss, an affirmation to their new relationship. Faith reluctantly pulled back.
Gabe dreamily stared at her, "Does this mean.what I think it does?"
Faith smiled, "It's a start, Angel."
"A start is good. Won't hear me complain." Gabe still needed a little reassurance that this wasn't all a dream; he slowly leaned in for another kiss. Faith was more then happy to oblige. She traced his lips with her tongue, coaxing his mouth to open. And when he did, she delved deeper into his mouth. This kiss was long and passionate. Gabe smiles against her lips when they finally pulled apart.
"Sorry, Angel but I need to go. We'll talk more when we have more time. By the way, do you have a large manila envelope? I need one, oh, and a marker."
"Yeah sure, I'll be right back." As Gabe walked, there was an extra spring to his step. He came back with a marker and the envelope. She placed the ice pack she got from his freeze on the table and took the pen and envelope. She clearly wrote out 'Sara Pezzini' in front. "Should I ask what that is about?"
"No, Angel. But here take this," she handed him the ice pack.
"Okay, I have to ask. What do you want me to do with this?" He subtly looks down his pants, happy to find nothing embarrassing. That last kiss definitely did something to his. "I need you to give that to Ian." And suddenly the kiss was the last thing on his mind. "Whoa, whoa, uh ah, you give it to Nottingham."
"He has a name, Angel. It's Ian."
"Wait a minute, he's awake and you're leaving me here alone with him. Can't you put him back to sleep with another sedative or something?"
"As tempting as that sounds, it wouldn't be a good idea. Beside it's a perfect chance for you to thank him."
Gabe narrowed his eyes, "Why do I have to thank Notti.Ian?"
"Because if it wasn't for my sweet brother, defending you, and opening my eyes. This," she gestured between them, "New relationship, wouldn't have happened. Look, give Ian a chance. Get to know him, you are going to find out he is not so bad as you though. He is not going to hurt you, I promise. Trust me. I gotta go. But please do this for me." She leaned in to give him a quick peck on the lips and left the loft.
Gabe stood in the kitchen, with the ice pack numbing his hand. He sighed and started to walk over to the bedroom. He knocked once, twice then opened it. Sticking his head through the crack, he could see Nottingham sitting up, leaning into the pillows; his head bent back, and eyes closed. 'Please do this for me,' Faith's voice pleaded in his mind and he continued forward, leaving the door wide open. Gabriel stopped at the foot of the bed, keeping some distance. He cleared his throat to announce his presence. Ian made no knowledge of it. He remained as he was.
Gabe tried to decipher whether or not he was sleeping but couldn't tell from this angel. He looked at the man lying in the bed. Ian looked better then what he had seen from earlier but still he still looked like hell. He realized the bandage wrap was gone, but he could see a rather nasty bruise on the side. Reminding him why he was in here in the first place. "Um, Faith, had to leave but she said to give this to you." Gabe dropped the ice pack as if it was suddenly on fire, landing next to Ian's thigh.
Ian finally looked up at Gabe. "Thank you." He grabbed the ice pack and pressed it lightly against his bruised side. "No problem," Gabe muttered and beeline it for the door but stopped in mid-step. He turned around and started to say, "Faith told me that I should thank you."
"For?" Ian looked at him.
"She said that you were the reason why we are together, now."
"Ah, I see. You don't have to thank me. I love my sister and I care for her happiness. That is why I did it." Ian stated.
"She also said that you defended me. What is that supposed to mean?"
Ian sighed, "I understand what you were going through with my sister. I know how it feels when you care for someone so much it hurts when they turn you away. I understood your feelings, and your fears. I simply pointed them out to her."
Gabe nodded his head, "Yeah well, um, thanks Notti.Ian." He was about to close the door behind him when Ian spoke out, "Mr. Bowman?" he pushed the door back open. "I know you love my sister. But I warn you, break her heart and I will break your neck." Ian forewarned. Gabe gulped and absently reached for his neck. Ian could not hide the smile forming on his lips, "Then again she'll probably do it herself."
'Whoa! Was that a joke coming from Nottingham?'
"Gotcha, Notti.Ian." Gabe stood in the doorway, an idea forming in his mind.
"Is there something you want, Mr. Bowman?" Ian asked.
He slowly walked back to the foot of the bed, he placed his hand into his pockets, "Yeah, I was wondering if you would mind telling me about Faith. You now how she was as a kid. Stuff like that."
"Trying to gather some insider information from her bedridden brother, Mr. Bowman?" He grinned.
"Something like that. And the name is Gabriel."
"Alright, Gabriel, why don't you have a seat. I don't want a kink in my neck all because I had to look up at you the whole time."
Gabe complied, grabbed a chair from the other room, and sat down near the foot of the bed.
He got up and started pacing the room. The humming of the refrigerator and the shuffling of his feet were the only sounds that echoed in the loft. Earlier, Gabe had tried to fill the room with the blaring sound of music but had quickly shut off his stereo, remembering his guest sleeping in the the bedroom. Gabe decided that he would sit in a quiet solitude among the ancient and arcane items in the room rather then risking the chance of walking 'sleeping beauty'.
Yet, after hours of being stuck in an eerie silence he could not take it any more. He was tempted to turn on his stereo, only to drown out the silence. He held the remote in his hand, contemplating if he should.
"What if he wakes up?" Gabe started thinking aloud, "Then what?" He started tapping the remote against his palm. "But he won't wake up right? I mean Faith gave him a sedative. She said he'd be out for hours." He glanced over to the clock on his desk to check the time. "It's been hours! The effects could be wearing off by now." Gabe continued his pacing and the two-sided conversation he was having with himself.
"He could be up right now! Ready to just."
"Damn it Bowman, calm down. You're getting paranoid. Faith had told Nottingham to be on his best behavior."
"Oh, yeah, like THAT is reassuring."
So caught up in his musings he did not hear someone walk up behind him. The person reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "AH!" he screamed, jumping back and bumping into his desk. One hand against his chest, over his heart. The other held out to ward off his attacker with his weapon, the remote control.
"Angel! It's me!" Faith reassured while reaching out to him.
"Jesus! You scared the crap out of me!" He yelled at her.
"I'm sorry, Angel." Faith was unsuccessfully trying to hold in her amusement. A few chuckles managed to escape her lips.
"It is not funny, Faith. You almost gave me a heart attack." He exclaimed while attempting to lower his racing heartbeat.
"I didn't mean to scare you. It wasn't my fault you did not hear me." Not that he would have heard her in the first place. Before making her presence known, Faith had been watching him pace back and forth while talking to himself. Her assessment earlier had been right, Gabe was freaking out. The image brought another smile to her face.
Gabe caught sight of her smile and said, "Oh, I'm glad I could humor you, Faith. You know I'm never going to forgive you for that." He declared, slumping down into his chair, arms crossed, and a scowl on his face.
"Oh, come on. Yes, you will. I know you, Gabe. You can't stay mad at me for too long." Confidently she sauntered towards him, "Besides I have peace offerings for you." She held up a white bag and a large styrofoam cup filled with his favorite coffee. She set the offerings on top of the desk.
Trying to sound impassive he said, "What's that?" Yet, he grew increasingly interested, as the mouth-watering combination of smells wafted to his nose. His anger already fading. "It's called food, Angel. You know the substance your body requires, which," Gabe's stomach took that moment to join the conversation, "From what I've just heard, you've been lacking in feeding yourself." She shook her head and raised an eyebrow at him. "So eat up my malnourished and frightened, Angel." She teased.
He glared at her and Faith could not help but laugh. "You know, I'm suddenly not very hungry." Gabe childishly stated while his stomach growled in protest.
"You're kinda cute when you pout like that."
"Really?" He beamed.
"Will I be forgiven for scaring you if I say yes?" She asked.
"Hm, keep dishing out more compliments and we'll see." Gabe wiggled his eyebrows up and down, a smile on his face.
"I tell you what. You eat your breakfast like a good Angel and I'll give you a treat later." She started to giggle when Gabe immediately attacked the bag. "Now, while you are doing that I'll go check up on Ian. How was he by the way? He did not wake up while I was gone, did he?" With a mouth full of blueberry danish, Gabe shook his head no.
"Good I made it back in time. It should be wearing off right about now." She hiked the strap higher onto her shoulder. "What's in the bag? More goodies for me?" Gabe managed to say over a mouth full of pastry.
"A set of clothes for Ian."
Gabe's eyes widen, he quickly gulped down the food that was in his mouth but with a bit of difficulty.
"Angel, you're supposed to chew your food not swallow it whole. You all right?"
Gabe ignored the question and started to say, "You went back to the mansion? Are you crazy?"
"I'm not stupid, Angel."
Happy that she didn't go back for Ian's clothes, Gabe started to carefully drink his coffee.
".I got it from my place, of course." Faith informed.
Gabe spewed out the coffee that was in his mouth and began to choke. "Angel!" Faith rushed over to him and started patting his back. She stopped when his coughing subsided. He grabbed a napkin and wiped up his chin and mouth. After clearing his throat, Gabe started to ask, "You and Nottingham live together?" The green-eyed monster was rearing its ugly head.
"Not exactly," she impassively replied.
"What do you mean 'not exactly'? Either you live with the guy or you don't. So what is it?" Faith was surprised to hear the anger in his voice. "Why does that matter?" She wanted to know. One minute they were having a friendly banter and now he was yelling at her all because he thinks Ian was living with her.
"It matters to me alright. Now answer the question, Faith." Gabe got up from his chair, and heatedly walked up to her, quickly closing the gap between them.
Faith rubbed the side of her temple, willing the upcoming headache to go away. She did not need this right now. "Angel now is not the time to be talking about this. I have to go see Ian." She started for the door. "That's right, go to your precious Ian. He calls you obey, right." Faith stopped short and sharply turned around. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, I don't know. I haven't seen you in what five years now. We've managed to keep in touch over the years, great. Still, every time I would ask you to come down for at least a visit you say no you can't, you're too busy. You know what I understood, and I never complained to you about it. Now, Nottingham gives you a ring, you drop everything, and you are on the next concord jet back here. You expect me to believe that 'he's more like a brother' crap. There's more between you two isn't there."
Faith forced the anger that was rising, and as calmly as possible said, "You don't know what you are talking about. I'm going to see Ian and give you some time to cool down because it's pretty obvious that you need it." She started for the bedroom again.
"Fine, walk away. Keep your secrets. Don't let me in. Its not as if I don't care or love you or anything like that. Keep them all inside like you always do." He yelled after her.
"You know what Gabriel I don't have to justify myself or my actions to you but I will. I'll satiate that curiosity of yours and perhaps ease you're jealousy." Faith said over her shoulder. She dropped the bag on the floor, sharply turned around, and coldly stared back at Gabriel, her icy blue eyes boring into his. "I've already explained the kind of relationship Ian and I have. Ian, whether he is of my blood or not, he IS my brother. The only family that I have and I am his. Yet, you seem to have a problem accepting that. You continue to assume there is more between us.
Yes, there is more between us I mean there should be. He knows about my dark and bleak past. He knows everything about me. Would you like to know why Ian knows so much?" Faith's voice became low, menacing, and unattached. Gabe inadvertently shivered; he could have sworn the room had just dropped about ten degree. The Faith that stood before him now was not the same woman. She was different and she was frightening.
Faith continued her voice calm but her eyes were fierce, "Because Gabriel, Ian and I grew up together. We went through the same horrors, the same pain, and the same nightmares. We bleed and we cried together and for each other. That is our history that is our sibling bond. You know what I am glad that Ian is not of my blood. At least his is not tainted like mines. This is the 'more' in our relationship, Gabriel. Either you accept that or you don't. That's your problem."
She couldn't believe she was finally telling him of her past. But once it started she needed to finish it. Faith paused in her explanation; the next part was going to be hard for her to explain. Because now, Gabriel was going to know who she really was. It was something she did not want him to know. She had tried so hard to shelter that part of her life away from him. But he had been so damn annoying and persistent. His determination added to the past events of the last few hours had weighed on her patience and her resolve had finally worn out.
She inhaled and started again, "You wanted an explanation why I just dropped everything for Ian? He is my family. That should have been enough. Apparently, it's not enough for you so I'll get into more details for you. You see Gabriel; I have been in Ian's place a few times myself. You've seen Ian's back, the blood, the marred flesh, and the scars. His back mirrors my own."
The horrid look on Gabriel's face will forever be imprinted in Faith's mind. This was what she was afraid of. That after revealing her terrible past, that Gabe would shun her away. Be reviled for who she was. Faith willed the tears from not coming and continued, "But I believe Ian's is far worst them mines. Nevertheless, that's why I came, Gabriel. I knew what was going to happen to Ian, I just did not imagine how severe it was going to be. Do you know why Ian is still alive? Because Irons was too exhausted to continue beating him. Irons was/is an unmerciful man."
Gabriel stood there, listening to everything Faith was saying. Her words, the emotions presented in her eyes, she was telling him everything. But had yet to say what was clearly obvious. He could see it was hurting her inside to be revealing all this to him and he felt like a complete asshole for pushing her so hard, baiting her, yelling at her, forced her to open her own Pandora's box. He wanted her to stop but he could not find the words to tell her. Because deep down he wanted to know everything. So he could become the better friend that she needed him to be.
Finally when Gabe had found his voice, he spoke, "So you're saying that you, uh, you're, that Irons is..
"My father?" Faith finished for him.
Gabe nodded his head, "Yeah."
"Yes, he is. I am Kenneth Irons' daughter." Finally, she had said it. A weight was lifted from her shoulders. Happy that besides Ian someone else knew the truth. Yet, the panic and dread overwhelmed her happiness. She had yet to witness how Gabriel was going to take the news.
He stood there shocked and bewildered. Though he had been putting the pieces together while she spoke, to actually hear her say it was something else. The silence was becoming unbearable and Faith turned to leave. She picked up the bag and headed for the bedroom. Gabe watched her leave, he wanted to stop her and tell how he felt about what she had told him but was rooted in place. Perhaps this little break will give him time to gather what he'll say to her.
Faith gently closed the door behind her and leaned heavily against it, suddenly feeling exhausted. "Its good that you told him." Ian's voice though strained and weak carried across the room. She could hear distinctive sounds of him shuffling on the bed. He was probably sitting on the edge of the bed, his arms spread to the side supporting his weight, unkempt hair tumbling around his face, and the white bandage, now soiled with blood, a contrast to his tanned skin.
"How can you say that?" She snorted, without bothering to open her eyes. "What makes you so sure telling him was a good idea?"
"Because now you have someone, besides me, that knows. That will understand."
"Understand what, Ian?" That I'm some kind of freak?" She heatedly exclaimed. She quickly bit her tongue as the words left her mouth. Faith was still upset and some of that anger had slipped out. Undeservingly snapping at him, "I'm sorry Ian." She added. However, she still did not see the logic in bringing her Angel into the nightmares of her past. Revealing secrets, she wanted to keep, perhaps even taking it to the grave.
"He will understand now that there no lies, no secrets between you two. He will have no reason to feel jealous or unworthy of your trust."
Faith opened her eyes this time, and disbelievingly stared at him. Sure enough, as she had imagined, Ian was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her from under the veil of hair. "I never said I did not trust him."
"Yet, you kept a part of your past from him. You did not tell him everything." Ian accused.
"I kept THAT part from him for a reason, Ian." This time she snapped at him and was not sorry for it. "I did that for his own good, to protect him. The less he knew the safer he was."
"You were distancing yourself to keep him safe then?" He questioned.
"Yes, was that so wrong of me?" Faith flayed her arms out in frustration.
"No, it is never wrong wanting to protect those you care about. But at the same time, you were hurting him. Making him feel inadequate, left out, unworthy, and angry because you refused to confide in him." Interesting, it sounded as if he was talking about himself. Those were feeling he felt when Sara refused to accept him. He pushed the thought aside and continued, "And I'm sure he must have felt jealous about us."
"I already explained to him about our relationship. Gabriel should not have to feel that way." She sank down to sit next to him on the bed.
"Gabriel did not know about our, your past. All he saw was you choosing me over him."
"Argh, why can't you two see the logic in my decisions?" Faith dropped her head onto her hands, "Why must men be so complicating and frustrating?" She muttered.
Ian grinned, "To keep women on their toes, of course." He sighed, "Why don't you just left him in? What is the worst that can happen if you did?"
"The worst?" She looked up from her hands, her brows rose up, "The worst is that he could turn me away. That he would want to end our friendship."
"Gabriel does not strike me as the type of person that would do that to those he cares about. And he cares deeply for you, Faith." Ian stated.
"Actually, he's in love with me," Faith informed.
"Better yet," Ian smiled.
"No, it is not," her raised her voice, "It is not better, Ian. I don't want him to be in love with me." She got up and started to pace the room.
"Why?"
"Because he's better off with someone else, okay."
"What are you afraid of, Faith?"
Faith whirled around and was about to tell Ian off but she found she couldn't. She knelt in front of him, the tears began to stream down her face. "I'm afraid that I could fall in love with him too. I'm terrified that if I let him in he will see how truly fucked up I am and leave."
Ian reached out to cup her face with his hands. He wiped her tears away with his thumbs, "If you he loves you like you say he does, then that will never happen. His love for you will only grow stronger."
"How can you be so sure?" Her voice cracked as she pleaded to answer. Because he too was in love with a stubborn woman. And if Sara finally decided to let him in then they would become inseparable. He believed that a person could only grow stronger with every trial and tribulations. It was how they had survived growing up under Irons' custody. But he was not Gabriel and he did not know how strong his resolve was.
"I can't but don't you think it is time you to stop running?" Faith fell silent. "Take it from someone who knows," he added sadly.
She nodded her head as his words sank in. Taking her hands, she began to wipe away the last vestige of tears from her face. "I should kick your ass for making me cry and you know how I despise crying, Ian."
Ian held back his amusement, he knew too well. She so rarely cried, always fighting against the emotions that would overwhelm her like that.
"You may beat me up after I have fully recovered, my dear sister." He teased.
His little joke quickly pulled her back to the matter at hand. Ian hand been so busy taking care of her she had forgotten about his injuries. "Feeling better?" He asked still taking care of her when it should be the other way around.
"Yes, thank you. Now, it's my turn to take care of you." Faith opened the medical bag she had left behind and began rummaging for the items she needed. While catering to his needs, Ian asked about Sara.
Faith began to recount her early morning activities. She left nothing out. She discussed about the clone, seeing the strange man, the Witchblade inviting her into Sara's apartment, her watch over the wielder, and then finally ending the recap with the wonderful encounter with Sara Pezzini. Ian could not help but smile, "Sara does make quite the first impression."
"Oh, yeah, great first impression," Faith replied with sarcasm, "Nothing like looking down the barrel of a gun and greeted with such colorful language to start the morning. Why didn't you warn me she was such a bitch? I hear she is an avid coffee drinker. I should have made a pot while she slept. At least she would have only greeted me with a gun. Because her mouth would have been too busy drinking coffee to curse me out." She rolled her eyes.
"Sara.is..Sara. It just takes time to get use to her. She has many interesting traits. She's smart, funny, caring, loving.."
"A pain in the ass," Faith whispered to herself.
"What was that?"
"Nothing," she smiled innocently.
They continued to talk while Faith inspected the rest of his body. She was happy that his fever had gone down considerably, and the minor much smaller cuts were already knitting together. Still the more severe wounds, those that required stitching, had yet to start healing. But Dr. Immo had warned her that the injuries Ian has sustained was going to take more then the normal (in Ian's case) one and a half day. Faith estimated that Ian would recover, albeit not fully, in two days.
Faith knelt down in front of him to examine the rather large discoloration that covered his left side, above his rib cage. She shouldn't be surprised that Irons had managed to break a few ribs. "You may have a few broken ribs." Gently she began to feel any deformity around the area.
"They are just bruised," He tried to reassure but hissed in pain when she started touching the tender area. Faith heard the crunching type sound and instantly knew. She ordered him to slowly lift his arm, not halfway up; Ian winced at the sharp pain and quickly dropped his arm onto his lap.
"Bruised my ass, you got a couple of broken ribs Ian. I haven't seen you cough up any blood and you're breathing seems to be all right. Nevertheless, we will just have to see. Which means you NEED to take it easy and REST." She emphasizes. Finding nothing else besides more bruises, Faith began covering the more severe wounds on his back. "I'll get you an ice pack to put over your ribs, it will help reduce some of the pain."
While patiently waiting for Faith to finish cleaning up, Ian asked, "What did you mean when you said Sara cried out my name? How did it sound like? Do you think the blade showed Sara a vision of my punishment?" He sounded a bit hopeful. Ian was not going to tell Faith that he was disappointed that Sara did not come for him while being chained up in that room.
"The blade was rather active on her wrist. It could have showed her anything." She said from the bathroom. When she came back, he seen Ian lower his head, she did not miss the disappointment in his eyes. "But I suspect that it did. When she called out your name, there was no denying that there was fear laced in her cry. I seen the look on her face when she finally woke up, and for that split moment she was terrified."
"Really?" Faith nodded and for the first time she had seen hope return in his eyes.
Now, it was Faith's turn to ask questions. "Ian, I think it is time you tell me what happened. Before you called me and after." He exhaled slowly; he knew it wouldn't be long before she asked.
While in the middle of Ian's accounts of events Faith started to pace the room again. Her hands flexing by her sides. "That was when I called you."
"Hey, you still want to know what I think of your Lady? Though I must warn you, my thoughts are as colorful as her language." She was fuming over Sara's treatment of Ian. It all made sense now. The dejection in his voice when he had called her. Argh! That brought up the other question, "Why did you leave your ring?" But deep down she already knew. "After my encounter with Sara I just felt defeated, depressed, I did not have the strength to go any more. My patience was gone and so was my will to live. I wanted to leave a part of me behind." Now she was angry with both. Angry at Sara for making him feel that way and angry with Ian for giving up.
"But something happened on the way to the mansion, didn't it?"
"Lazar happened." Faith remembered the lone figure beneath the streetlamp earlier. That must have been Lazar. Ian began to explain his conversation with him. How Lazar made him realize his purpose in life. From there, he had finally reached the decision to leave Irons to serve Sara. Faith will have to express her gratitude the next time she sees him.
Ian continued and Faith intently listened to every agonizing detail. "The next thing I knew I woke up to find you there, rescuing me." Ian finished off. She sat besides him, a number of emotions mixing inside her. Angry at Sara, her ever growing hatred for her father, the pain she was not able to spare Ian from, fear that she had almost lost him, deep-seated pride that Ian finally stood up to Irons, and then the relief that she had arrived in time.
'Sara and I will need another heart to heart discussion soon.' However the more she thought about it Sara's actions reflected her own when it came to Gabriel. Pushing them away, using their logic of 'keeping them safe' as an excuse from getting too close to them. The only difference in her case was that Ian was there to set her straight, to open her eyes, and made her understand. Perhaps she will be that person for Sara. Maybe they can have that discussion over a few friendly rounds of boxing, a nice long sparring session sounded nice. She grinned at that thought.
Ian knew that look but did not want to ask about it. He just hoped that whatever she was thinking about she would not act upon it any time soon. Because he had a funny feeling, it was about Sara. Ian spotted the duffle bag near the door, "I assume that is for me?"
Faith pulled herself out of her thoughts and walked over to retrieve the bag. "Yes, I brought you some clothes from the apartment." Faith dumped them on the bed and started helping Ian dress. Leaving him shirtless because of the ice pack he was going to be using on his ribs later. While tying his hair in a loose ponytail, Faith brought up the situation with the tape and news clippings she found in the trunk of the car.
"I was on orders to steal it from a box of affect that her retired Captain, Joe Siri, left for her." He sat and leaned back to the pillows Faith had fixed for him.
"Why do you have it?"
"I was planning to anonymously return the tape along with those clipping to Sara. She needs to know about the White Bulls. Her Captain, Bruno Dante, heads the White Bulls and he despises her. I believe some of his animosity towards her carried over from his hatred he had for her father. He would love nothing more then to get rid of Sara." Ian's eyes grew cold and angry. He crushed the sheets under his hand.
"Don't worry Ian, your Lady is well protected. I will not let anything happen to her, I swear." Faith reassured, and Ian's tension eased a bit. Yet, he was still worried.
"Up until now Irons had managed to keep Dante under his control and away from Sara. Though I believe Dante will soon forsake Irons orders and go after Sara along with a few other White Bull members."
She glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. Now, that she knew what to do with the evidence she would need to leave now to make it to the precinct before Sara arrived back from their morning round up. "I have to leave now if I am to deliver the tape and clippings to Sara."
"Be careful of her partner, Jake McCarthy." Faith was surprised to hear the hatred in Ian's voice as he spat out the name. "He's an undercover FBI agent and a new member of the White Bulls. I do not trust him, Faith." His voice was low and ominous. She would need to find out more on that later.
"Duly noted, Ian. Swear to me that you will stay in bed and rest. And don't you dare leave this place, understood?" She threatens. Ian nodded his head in answer.
Faith paused at the door; Gabriel was in the other room probably waiting for her. "You'll do fine, Faith. Just don't shut him out anymore." Ian advised. Taking deep breaths, she calmed her frayed nerves and opened the door. Bracing for rounds two.
Gabe sat in the kitchen, anxiously waiting for Faith's return. He stood up when he heard the door open and closed. Nervously, he placed his hands into his pockets and waited for her. He could hear her footsteps getting closer as she neared. Faith stopped in her tracks when she found him in the kitchen. They stood facing each other, a few feet separating them. The tension hung heavily in the air as nether one spoke. Unable to stand the silence much longer both started to speak.
"Faith I'm sorry.
"I'm sorry, Angel.
They stopped unsure who should speak first. Gabe took the initiative and started.
"Look Faith let me say a few things first before you kick my ass and end our relationship.wait, did you just call me Angel?" If she did then his hopes had hiked up a notch.
"Yes, I did but please continue."
"Okay," he started, "First of all I wanted to apologize for being an asshole earlier. But let me explain the reasons why I acted the way I did. You have to understand things from my point of view. We've never talked about your past; you would always avoid it, constantly shutting me out. So naturally, when you told me about Nottingham, well I got jealous. Wait, don't say any thing just listen for a minute, okay?" Faith swallowed what she was going to say.
"I know you explained your relationship with him is strictly more of a sibling nature. Still the fact remains; he is not your 'real' brother. Therefore, there was still a chance for the relationship to change into something more intimate. But that is only part of why I got jealous and upset. You and Nottingham share this bond, this connection with each other. Something I wanted with us. Yet, you kept pushing me away.
Then I exploded over the whole 'living arrangement'. It just made me realize just how close you and Nottingham really are. How much trust you have in him, so much, you would confide in him. I felt you didn't care or trust *me* enough to do the same with me. And it hurt a lot. So I yelled at you and said those things only to hurt you, so you would feel what I was feeling."
Gabe lowered his head, "Then you finally started telling me about your past, how much you've suffered and all the pain you went through. Now, I am sorry I forced you into telling me, but honestly, I'm glad I did. I started to understand. I mean I felt like an asshole, but everything started to make sense. Now, I know where you are coming from." He cautiously walked closer to her. Closing the gap between them.
"Even when it's coming from the general direction of Kenneth Irons?" Faith mused.
"I don't care that Kenneth Irons is your father. All I care about is you." He reached out to caress her cheek. Smiling when she leaned into his touch. "Are you done, Angel?"
"Yeah, I guess I am."
"Okay now it's my turn." She reached up to grab the hand that was on her cheek. "I did not have a normal childhood, Angel. It was full of pain, blood, and disappointments. That was not something I wanted to share with you. I kept my past from you for a reason. To protect you. No," She pressed her fingers against his lips to stop him form speaking, "I held my tongue while you talked. Now hold yours." Gabe nodded his head.
"However, I did not realize I was also doing it to protect myself as well. If Ian had not pointed that out to me, I never would have known. He opened my eyes to see my faults in my logic. While I kept you at a safe distance, I was running away at the same time. You see, Angel I was afraid of getting hurt. I was afraid that after revealing my dark past you would see how messed up I am and decide to leave me. You've become very important in my life, Angel. I just did not want to take that chance. Do you understand?"
"Yeah I do. And I swear to you that no matter what I will never leave you. My feelings for you will never change; well only for the better of course. I love you too much to let you go, Faith." Gabe's eyes shone with such intensity she had to look away. He mistook her gesture and started to apologize, "I'm sorry, Faith. I shouldn't have said that."
"No, its okay. I'm glad you did."
"Yeah, but I know you don't feel the same way and I keep hoping that you would. But." Gabe was cut off when Faith's mouth covered his. It only took a second for him to register that she was kissing him and not the other way around. It was a slow and tender kiss, an affirmation to their new relationship. Faith reluctantly pulled back.
Gabe dreamily stared at her, "Does this mean.what I think it does?"
Faith smiled, "It's a start, Angel."
"A start is good. Won't hear me complain." Gabe still needed a little reassurance that this wasn't all a dream; he slowly leaned in for another kiss. Faith was more then happy to oblige. She traced his lips with her tongue, coaxing his mouth to open. And when he did, she delved deeper into his mouth. This kiss was long and passionate. Gabe smiles against her lips when they finally pulled apart.
"Sorry, Angel but I need to go. We'll talk more when we have more time. By the way, do you have a large manila envelope? I need one, oh, and a marker."
"Yeah sure, I'll be right back." As Gabe walked, there was an extra spring to his step. He came back with a marker and the envelope. She placed the ice pack she got from his freeze on the table and took the pen and envelope. She clearly wrote out 'Sara Pezzini' in front. "Should I ask what that is about?"
"No, Angel. But here take this," she handed him the ice pack.
"Okay, I have to ask. What do you want me to do with this?" He subtly looks down his pants, happy to find nothing embarrassing. That last kiss definitely did something to his. "I need you to give that to Ian." And suddenly the kiss was the last thing on his mind. "Whoa, whoa, uh ah, you give it to Nottingham."
"He has a name, Angel. It's Ian."
"Wait a minute, he's awake and you're leaving me here alone with him. Can't you put him back to sleep with another sedative or something?"
"As tempting as that sounds, it wouldn't be a good idea. Beside it's a perfect chance for you to thank him."
Gabe narrowed his eyes, "Why do I have to thank Notti.Ian?"
"Because if it wasn't for my sweet brother, defending you, and opening my eyes. This," she gestured between them, "New relationship, wouldn't have happened. Look, give Ian a chance. Get to know him, you are going to find out he is not so bad as you though. He is not going to hurt you, I promise. Trust me. I gotta go. But please do this for me." She leaned in to give him a quick peck on the lips and left the loft.
Gabe stood in the kitchen, with the ice pack numbing his hand. He sighed and started to walk over to the bedroom. He knocked once, twice then opened it. Sticking his head through the crack, he could see Nottingham sitting up, leaning into the pillows; his head bent back, and eyes closed. 'Please do this for me,' Faith's voice pleaded in his mind and he continued forward, leaving the door wide open. Gabriel stopped at the foot of the bed, keeping some distance. He cleared his throat to announce his presence. Ian made no knowledge of it. He remained as he was.
Gabe tried to decipher whether or not he was sleeping but couldn't tell from this angel. He looked at the man lying in the bed. Ian looked better then what he had seen from earlier but still he still looked like hell. He realized the bandage wrap was gone, but he could see a rather nasty bruise on the side. Reminding him why he was in here in the first place. "Um, Faith, had to leave but she said to give this to you." Gabe dropped the ice pack as if it was suddenly on fire, landing next to Ian's thigh.
Ian finally looked up at Gabe. "Thank you." He grabbed the ice pack and pressed it lightly against his bruised side. "No problem," Gabe muttered and beeline it for the door but stopped in mid-step. He turned around and started to say, "Faith told me that I should thank you."
"For?" Ian looked at him.
"She said that you were the reason why we are together, now."
"Ah, I see. You don't have to thank me. I love my sister and I care for her happiness. That is why I did it." Ian stated.
"She also said that you defended me. What is that supposed to mean?"
Ian sighed, "I understand what you were going through with my sister. I know how it feels when you care for someone so much it hurts when they turn you away. I understood your feelings, and your fears. I simply pointed them out to her."
Gabe nodded his head, "Yeah well, um, thanks Notti.Ian." He was about to close the door behind him when Ian spoke out, "Mr. Bowman?" he pushed the door back open. "I know you love my sister. But I warn you, break her heart and I will break your neck." Ian forewarned. Gabe gulped and absently reached for his neck. Ian could not hide the smile forming on his lips, "Then again she'll probably do it herself."
'Whoa! Was that a joke coming from Nottingham?'
"Gotcha, Notti.Ian." Gabe stood in the doorway, an idea forming in his mind.
"Is there something you want, Mr. Bowman?" Ian asked.
He slowly walked back to the foot of the bed, he placed his hand into his pockets, "Yeah, I was wondering if you would mind telling me about Faith. You now how she was as a kid. Stuff like that."
"Trying to gather some insider information from her bedridden brother, Mr. Bowman?" He grinned.
"Something like that. And the name is Gabriel."
"Alright, Gabriel, why don't you have a seat. I don't want a kink in my neck all because I had to look up at you the whole time."
Gabe complied, grabbed a chair from the other room, and sat down near the foot of the bed.