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Date Posted: 06:12:57 06/30/03 Mon
Author: Spin
Subject: Chapter Sixty-five II
In reply to: Spin 's message, "Revelation" on 22:34:06 05/20/02 Mon

“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.

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