Tension Mounting.

A continuation of Kameka's Tension Released. Thank you for the wonderful story Kameka. I was inspired. I hope you like this. I too like the Ian/Sara pairing, but I think Kameka's muse must be messing with my head too now LOL. I just couldn't help it after reading the story, I wanted more dang it. Also, please READ and Review. I don't know if there'll be more, but if you like it, I'll certainly try.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of this, TNT and Top Cow do. Lucky them. huh? I'm only playing with them for the dreams and such of other fans like myself. I am making nothing off of this, though wouldn't it be great if TNT reps came here and we all got paid to do this? Ah well just another pipe dream I guess. but here's to hoping!

Summary: You'll just have to read on to find out }:-)

Notes: I have two other Witchblade stories, if you'd like to read more of my stuff. Just click on my name to find out what else I have lurking on this site. hehehe. Also, if you do read them, please review them so I know that people like it and want me to continue. THANK YOU!!!!!! Love y'all Lots.

As Gabriel made his way to Sara's apartment, he contemplated what he was going to say. He also contemplated what had just happened at his shop. What was the deal with Nottingham anyway? Was the psycho stalker just doing it because Irons didn't want anyone close to Sara, or was it because Nottingham wanted her for himself? Gabe couldn't be sure. This whole thing was weird, none of it really made sense. But then again, what had since Sara and the Witchblade had entered his life? Finally, he had reached Sara's building. Before going up, he sat upon the stoop to contemplate just how he was going to go about doing this. Part of him had hoped that the Buell would not be there, and a part of him was almost exhilarated by the fact that it was there, that Sara was indeed home.

"No use fighting it now Bowman. You've got to face her sometime. Right?" he said to himself as he made his way up into the building. He was standing outside her door trying to make himself calm down before knocking when the door opened.

"What are you doing out here Gabe?"

"Um. Was just going to knock. Um.. Need to. to talk with you." Gabriel stammered, trying to remember why he was here.

"Get in here." Sara said with an amused grin as she stepped aside to let him in. Once they were inside and the door was shut, Sara made her way into the main area of the apartment.

"Can I get you something to drink?"

"Yeah alcohol." Gabe said lack luster.

"What's the matter Gabe?"

"Just. * Sigh *"

"Okay Bowman, spill." Sara said as she eyed him suspiciously before making her way to the chair beside the couch where Gabriel had planted himself.

"For starters, your stalker must be getting jealous or possessive or something, because he visited me again."

"What? He didn't hurt you did he?"

"No. scared me a little though."

"What'd he do?"

"Told me to make sure that I don't become anything more than your friend."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"My guess is he saw me giving you the massage. it also may have a little to do with the main reason I came here to talk to you. I guess."

"You guess? What's up Gabriel?" Sara asked, truly confused now. Gabriel looked at her, then looked away. Was he blushing? He sighed, his shoulders slumped. then he took a deep breath and tried to compose himself.

"Well. for a while now. and more so after recent events. I've. I have. * Sigh * I like you Sara."

"I like you too Gabe."

"No Sara, I mean. as more than a friend." He said so quietly that it was almost inaudible. Sara mouthed a silent Oh.

"When did this.?"

"Hmm a while ago. not sure really. But you came into my life and lit up the darkness. You're something else Sara. You're more. you're not of this world."

"Yeah I am." Sara said about to say more when Gabe continued.

"No Sara, you're not. You're different, special. And you would be whether you had the Witchblade or not. You shine. you're. amazing." Gabe said looking away again a deffinate blush on his face. Sara was amazed. she too was blushing. She didn't know what to think, here was someone whom she looked on as a little brother. and he was confessing all of this to her. What was she to do now?

"Wh-what did you mean by recent events?" Sara asked softly. Gabe started, surprised by the question, but didn't look at her.

"The massage. * Sigh * Being so close to you. feeling how soft your skin is. Being allowed past your barriers even if only for that little bit of time. Feeling you melt at my touch. he-hearing those soft moans..." His voice trailed off. he had to stop before he got aroused again. Sara's eyes widened then softened and the blush crept over her skin more intensely making her warm. too warm.

"Oh. Gabriel. I hadn't realized."

"Yeah neither did I till I got home that night. Well that's not entirely true. but what I mean is I didn't realize how much it truly affected me. You've been on my thoughts non stop since then Sara. And I know that you don't see me that way, and I don't mind. really. I just. I don't know." Gabe put his head in his hands willing the tears and overflow of emotions back. Sara tentatively reached out to him, putting her hand on his shoulder wanting to comfort him. He didn't pull away, but he trembled at her touch.

"I'm so sorry Gabe."

"For what? You couldn't have known."

"Is there. anything else you need to tell me? Is there anything I can."

"I don't know what you could do Sara. and as for anything else I need to tell you, well, I'm not too sure on that either. I don't know what to do now. I had hoped I wouldn't have to talk to you about this. Because I know that you don't see me the same way that I see you."