Fic: I Still Believe (14/?)
Title: I Still Believe (14/?)
Author: babettew54
Category: Superman Returns, Batman Comics
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Lois, Joanne/Samuel, Bruce/Diana, Lex Luthor II, Jason, Connor, Martha/Ben
Rating: T
Word Count: 4,400
Summary: This is a story about secrets and lies how they always come out and usually at the worst possible time.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters, except for Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they’re mine. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Talia and Diana come face to face then things turn deadly, the paternity test results will arrive sooner than expected, and later Jo and Sam celebrate as only young lovers can. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks guys! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)( Chapter 13)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 14: Thinking About You
Meanwhile, at LexCorp, Talia's office:
Diana Prince, dressed in a two piece business suit, a silk blouse, her hair long and loose about her shoulders, and her lasso was inside her bag. She needed questions answered and now was the time.
Bruce had told her about Talia's delaying tactics and then she realized how much this was hurting Bruce. Either Damian was alive, or he wasn't. Bruce needed to know the truth and she intended to find out one way or the other.
The security guard was leery of Diana. He knew who she was.
"Talia Head. She's not expecting me."
"Please wait here and I'll ring her number." He quickly dialed the number. "Ms. Head, Diana Prince is here to see you." A moment, then, "Yes, I'll send her right up."
"Follow me, please," he instructed. He then swiped a security card over the penthouse level access bar. Diana entered then the elevator door closed.
When Diana exited the elevator, she was greeted by two more armed guards. She had on her bracelets under her suit. She immediately raised her arms.
"Gentlemen, leave us, but stay close, I may need you." Talia waved her arm, bowed slightly then, "After you."
Diana entered her office then she chuckled. "Are you afraid to talk to me Talia?"
Talia gritted her teeth. "I know you, Diana. I don't trust you."
She turned to face her. "The feeling is mutual."
Talia crossed her arms. "What do you want?"
"The truth ..."
She shrugged her shoulders and walked over to the bar. "Drink …?" She held up a bottle of scotch.
"No thanks. Just answer one question, Talia."
Talia took a sip. "And what question is that?"
"Where's Damian?"
Talia could not believe it. "Did Bruce send you here to fight his battles for him?"
"Of course not," Diana quickly replied. "Stop stalling Talia. Tell me where he is … NOW!"
"Or what…?" Talia asked, unconcerned.
Diana then twirled for a moment then she stood there in her costume, lasso in hand, hands on hips. "I think you have some idea." She paused as she watched her closely. "Don't yell for the guards Talia. I can handle them, and you know it." That shut her up. "Now, come over here, sit down and let's get to it."
Talia did as she asked. She slowly walked over to the couch then she suddenly reached inside a drawer behind the couch and pulled out a gun. She fired several times.
Diana easily stopped the bullets with her arm shields then she dived over the couch and tackled Talia. They wrestled around on the floor for several minutes neither getting the upper hand. Diana's lasso slide across the floor, as Talia tried to reach the gun.
Diana immediately landed a few knuckle punches to the face and head, not to mention martial arts moves meaning kicks to the head and torso.
The guards entered the room after hearing the shots. Diana raised her head from the floor. "Get out."
They hurriedly left, closing the door behind them.
Diana pulled Talia to her feet. She was groggy but awake. Lasso in hand, Diana pushed her down onto the sofa. "Let's begin shall we?"
~o~o~
Bruce's apartment, early the next morning:
Bruce was still chewing Diana out about her meeting with Talia. "Diana, you should have come to me before going to see Talia."
"Bruce, I know where he is. Talia told me everything."
Suddenly, Bruce's cellphone rang. "Yes, tell me." He listened for several minutes. "Are you sure?" He listened again then hung up. He turned to Diana. "Talia is gone."
"Gone, but you can't be surprised Bruce. I mean …"
"I am surprised Diana. She was my only lead to finding him. Now, she's gone."
"But Bruce, she told me where he was."
"She lied to you Diana. My contacts have already checked it out."
Diana could not believe it. "But how could she resist the lasso? No one ever has before."
"It has to be the pits, Diana. It's the only answer. If you had been at the meeting, you would have realized that Talia must have been in the pits at least once."
"No, she hasn't really, Bruce?" Diana was shocked by this revelation.
"Yes, that's the only explanation."
She finally realized she had made things so much worse. "I'm so sorry, Bruce."
Bruce sighed and pulled her close not holding it against her. "It's alright. I know you just wanted to find him for me." He sighed again. "It was a dream, a fantasy, nothing more."
"But …"
"Shush, don't say anymore. It's over."
Diana held her tongue, but her mind was going in circles. She hadn't given up … she couldn't do it. If Damian is alive, I will find him for you Bruce, I promise.
~o~o~
The Hamilton house, several days after the shooting:
Kitty helped her son from the car even though he didn't need it. She was mothering him, but she realized he was a grown-up now, but she loved mothering him. "How are you, Sam?" She asked, still worried about him.
"I'm alright, Mom. My shoulder is still a bit sore, but the doctor said it could be a few weeks before complete movement is possible."
Kitty was hugely relieved. "Are you hungry?"
He chuckled. "Actually, I am a little hungry."
"Go on up and I'll bring you a sandwich and your favorite soup … tomato?"
He smiled at her. "That's fine, Mom and thanks." He headed upstairs, dropped his bag and looked around his room. He went over to his desk and picked up a photograph of Jo taken at her graduation. She'd given it to him, just before the news conference. It felt like a lifetime ago.
Kitty entered his room then. "Here you go honey. Eat up and why don't you take a nap. I need to head into the office for a while." She paused. "Apparently, the test results are almost done."
"Really, but I thought it would take months before we would hear anything."
"Well, your Father is a pretty powerful guy, he pulled a few strings, and the tests will be concluded by the end of the week."
"Wow, I guess we won't have to wait and wonder. This is good news."
"It really is," she agreed. "Go on now, eat up. I'll be back before dinnertime."
"Thanks Mom."
A half hour later, Sam was in bed resting, when he heard tapping at the window. "What in the world?" He went over to the window, and Jo was hovering outside.
"Jo, it's pouring. What are you doing here?!" He asked but inside he knew why. His heart began to pound. He knew she could hear it.
"Hi, are you going to let me in?" She smiled at him. It was a good thing that Sam's bedroom faced the back of the house with high trees and a fence surrounding the property.
Sam watched stunned into silence, his jaw on the floor as Jo hovered into his room.
"I … I can't believe this. Wait here while I get you a towel. So, you can fly now?!" He hollered from the hall closet.
"Yep, it happened … ummm …."
He understood as he handed her a towel. "On your birthday?"
She toweled her hair. "Yeah, but isn't it wonderful? Hey, would you like to go for a ride, after it stops raining of course?"
Still unbelieving, his jaw hit the floor again.
"Well, the rain has almost stopped!" She pulled his arm.
"Jo, wait a minute. Should we be doing this? I just got out of the hospital. Besides, everything is cool now with your parents, my parents, and …"
"It's Ok, Sam. They know I can fly, and I kind of hinted that you would love to go flying with me one day."
"Uh, huh … one day? They didn't mean today, did they?" He raised an eyebrow at her knowing he was right.
Jo sighed. "I suppose they didn't mean today."
"Jo, there's no rush. I want to do this right you know, no more problems, on the up and up."
She frowned. "When did you become such a goody-two-shoes?" She was teasing, but he did not see it that way.
He stiffened. "I'm not a goody-two-shoes." He rubbed his arm, turned and went to sit on the bed.
Jo followed him and realized he only wanted to do what was right for them. "I'm sorry, Sam. I just … I miss you." She sat close to him, a bit too close Sam realized. "How's your arm?"
"It's fine," he replied, smiling at her. "I miss you too Jo. I was lying here thinking about you, about the past few weeks, and I can't help it." He paused. "I need you."
They stared at each other. Suddenly, the air in the room stilled.
She touched his chest. "Flying wasn't the only reason I came over." She paused her eyes on his lips. "I need you too."
"Jo, we …ummm …" His throat closed up because she was staring at his lips. His heart felt as if it might leap from his chest.
Jo heard his heart beating double time. It was calling out to her rapidly beating heart.
Smiling, she touched his leg. He seemed to relax but only a little. He closed his eyes then felt her lips on his cheek his ear. "Jo?"
"Uh, huh?" She paused as her kisses returned to his ear then his throat. "Don't say … we shouldn't …"
He turned to her then. "That's not what I was going to say."
"Oh?" She asked, still staring at his lips.
He slowly raised his hands to frame her face and had to ask her. "Are you sure about this?"
"Oh yes, very sure."
"Me too," he whispered and then he was kissing her over and over again gaining access to her mouth, swirling and tasting her tongue. He pulled back after a minute. "You should seriously get out of those clothes. You don't want to get sick do you?"
"Sam I've never been sick."
He frowned and realized it was true.
"Sam?"
"Yes, Jo?" He asked as he lifted her shirt and touched her stomach and watched as her eyes closed at his intimate touch.
She opened her eyes, but she had to know. "You have a condom, don't you?"
He smiled. "Yes, Jo, I have several actually."
She returned his smile then she threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him. He kissed her back, slanting his mouth across hers then she opened to him. He happily took her inside. They both moaned loudly then.
Clothes were removed swiftly, a bit frantically knowing they did not have a lot of time. And then they lay together in each other's arms with nothing between them, their hearts beating as one.
She touched his shoulder softly. "Does it hurt?"
"No, it doesn't hurt not anymore."
"Oh, Sam … you saved my life." Jo still could not believe what he had done to save her. "It's just … I'll see the scar every day and remember."
He pulled her close. "Don't think about it. Think about this." He kissed her sweet lips for a moment or two, but he had to ask her to be sure. "Jo?"
"Yes Sam?" She smiled, stroked his chest again and wondered what he was thinking.
"If you want to, we can still wait until our wedding night."
Jo was done with waiting. "Sam, after everything that happened do you truly want to wait?"
He shook his head, unable to deny it. "No, Jo, I want you more than anything else in this world." He smoothed her hair back from her forehead.
"I want you too."
He pulled her to him, clutching her to his chest. "I love you so much, Jo. When I thought you wanted to break up with me, I didn't know what to do, what to think."
"Oh, Sam, I'm sorry about that, but when you were shot?" She couldn't finish.
He held her ever tighter. "I know, but I'm alright Jo."
"I was so scared for you Sam."
"I know you were, and I understand why you weren't there when I first woke up, but everything is alright now." He paused as he looked into her eyes. "Promise me that we'll talk about anything and everything, no secrets, no doubts, just trusting in each other no matter what," he told her firmly.
"I promise." Jo was also firm in her resolve.
He smiled. "I promise too."
"Sam, let's seal our promises the way we want, right here, right now."
He didn't reply but leaned over her then he was kissing her again, then his mouth went lower. He kissed and stroked her breasts all around the nipple. He never realized before how warm she was but also so sweet, he wanted to go on kissing her forever and ever. "You taste like heaven Jo. I never imagined," he managed to say between kisses.
"Oh, Sam," she whispered to him over and over. The feelings he created were like nothing she had ever felt before. Her hands would not be still. She ran her fingers through his hair, down his back, his shoulders.
His kisses on her breasts were driving her crazy. She could not be still. His kisses on her breasts felt wonderful and so sweet. She arched her back squirming for his touch. "I have to kiss you now… Sam!"
"As you wish," he whispered.
Her arms went around his neck pulling him into her arms never imagining how much the feeling would encompass her entire being.
He kissed her over and over never tiring of it. He would never tire of it, he knew. His hands began their exploration of her beautiful body. She was so fit and strong and soft in all the right places.
He then covered her body fully with his own. Her legs parted inviting him in. She arched her back loving him being so close and then she opened her legs for him. "Oh, Sam, please."
He answered her pleas with a single touch. He closed his eyes as her heat and dampness touched his fingers and then one long finger slide inside her warmth. "Oh, Jo, you feel so warm and so soft." He took several deep breaths. "We …we should slow down for a minute."
"Ok," she managed to say. Her heartbeat was so fast, and his was too. She wondered if they both might faint or something.
He lay with his head close to hers, their foreheads touching. "Are you Ok?" He asked, worried about her.
"I think so, but …" She hesitated, stroking his hair, his cheek, his arms, she couldn't seem to stop touching him.
"I know what you're going to say."
"You do?"
He smiled at her glowing face. "Let me show you instead." And then he kissed her throat, down to her chest and then his lips were on her breasts again. "God Jo, I never imagined, but the reality is so much sweeter than anything I could ever have dreamed."
Jo was thinking of her dream. "Oh yes, so much sweeter." Then he lay on top of her again. His kisses rained down her throat and back to her beautiful breasts over and over again. "So warm so beautiful."
"Oh Sam… please … I'm ready."
He leaned over her and reached inside his nightstand. A minute of awkwardness, then he managed to slip it on.
She pulled him close then he rested his head on her throat breathing her in. "Jo?"
She stiffened. "I'm ready," she whispered again.
He pulled her close for a moment then reached down and rubbed his erection against her nether lips. She was still slick with desire. He leaned up slightly then he slowly entered her just a little. "Am I hurting you?"
"No, I'm Ok."
He slowly pushed forward a little and then he couldn't go any further. He kissed her to distract her a little. Jo responded to his kisses as she kissed him back.
Sam was also a virgin and making love with the woman of his dreams, his future wife, felt like a miracle, a once in a lifetime thing, and he felt so blessed. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth over and over and then pushed forward and broke through her membranes for the first time.
Jo whimpered but only for a moment. A lone tear slipped down her cheek.
"I'm so sorry, Jo." Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead against hers.
He kissed her again, and she kissed him back for a few moments. He began to move a little hoping he wasn't hurting her anymore.
She did move with him for a few strokes, and he felt encouraged. He moved with her slowly at first, then he picked up his rhythm, and Jo was with him as if they had done this before maybe in another lifetime.
Then she followed him to that peak as she screamed his name. Sam pushed once more, and then he let everything go. He collapsed on top of her, his breath coming in short gasps. After a moment, he rolled to his back taking her with him. He then pulled out a small towel from the drawer and cleaned her up. There was blood, but only a little.
"Oh Sam, you're so sweet to me. Thank you."
He leaned over her and clutched her to him his head on her stomach. "I'm sorry I hurt you, but the next time won't hurt nearly as much."
She stroked his hair. "I know, but I should leave soon."
His head came up at that. "Before we leave, I have news, and we may be able to be together every day if we want."
"Oh really, tell me."
"The paternity tests will be concluded by the end of the week."
"So soon, but I thought it would take months."
"I thought so too, but my Dad pulled some strings, and we should know any day now."
"That's fantastic news Sam."
"I just want it to be over so we can be together … forever." He stroked her hair.
Smiling at the look on his face, she whispered, "Oh, Sam, I hope so."
He kissed her sweetly not wanting to stop, but he managed. "Go on now, take a quick shower and then I'll take you home."
They both cleaned up, only a bit awkward between them. "Come here. I love you, Jo."
Holding him close eyes closed, she whispered, "I love you too Sam."
~o~o~
The Kent house, a half hour later:
Jo and Sam were standing on the porch kissing goodbye when Lois drove up and watched them for a moment. Getting out of her car, then grabbed her bags one in each arm, she looked at Jo closely and then back at Sam and knew the truth.
Jo saw her Mom out of the corner of her eye standing in the driveway watching them. "Oh, hi Mom!"
"Oh, hello Mrs. Kent. Let me get those for you," Sam said then went over to help her with her bags.
"Thanks, Sam," Lois murmured.
She followed him to the door. "How's your arm?"
"It's good, no problems," he responded not looking at her.
"Mom …?" Jo tentatively began.
"Let's go inside, Ok?" Lois suggested then she sighed. My baby girl is no longer a baby. She was a woman now, but there's always more to it, so much more.
"Sam, just put those on the kitchen counter, and I'll unpack them in a few minutes," Lois told him.
"Sure Mrs. Kent."
Lois turned to her daughter. "Well, what's done is done." She came closer then she touched her cheek. "Are you alright honey?"
"I'm OK Mom." She paused. "Are you going to tell Dad?"
She lowered her hand. "You know I have to."
Sam came back just then. He put his arm around Jo's shoulder hoping to show his support. "It's best that he know. Remember, no more secrets."
"I know, Sam, but … what if …?" She hesitated.
"What were you going to say?" Lois asked.
"If he forbids me to see him, I can't go along with that Mom."
Lois sighed and walked into the living room. "He won't forbid you to see him."
They followed her. "But what if he does?" Jo was truly worried about her Father's reaction to all of this.
"I think he will accept it in time." She paused for a moment. "I'll tell him myself."
"Thank you, Mom. It is best if it comes from you."
"I think Jo is right, Mrs. Kent."
Lois sighed then nodded in agreement. "I certainly agree." They both looked so worried that Lois had to cheer them up if only a little. "Everything is going to be alright … I promise."
Sam and Jo were so relieved that they pulled each other close. After a moment, they pulled back both smiling.
Jo then went to her Mother and impulsively gave her a warm hug. "Thanks, Mom."
Lois held her daughter tightly, eyes tearing up a bit. My baby girl is all grown up.
Jo sensed what her Mother was feeling, so Jo held her tightly just a little longer.
~o~o~
Later that evening at Watchtower:
After rather vigorous and sometimes explosive arguments about what to do about Alex, everyone left for the evening. A possible solution was reached, but Sam and his parents would have to be told. Bruce and Clark were the only superheroes still at the station.
Clark had just hung up the phone. "That was Lois. She has significant news for me."
"Clark, before you go, I wanted to talk to you." Bruce paused and went over to the window. "Things have come to a head with Talia."
Clark followed him. "What do you mean? What happened?"
"Apparently, Diana went to see her."
"Oh, no, I can't imagine that was a friendly discussion."
Bruce shook his head. "No it wasn't. They argued, they fought then Diana used her lasso on her to find out the truth about Damian."
Clark frowned. "But I don't understand. You told us that he had died years ago."
He turned to face him. "Clark, this is between you, Diana and me. I don't want anyone else to know."
"Of course, what is it?"
"It's highly possible that Damian may be alive." He sighed. "Talia has known the truth, but kept it from me."
Clark put it all together. "And you believed her didn't you?"
"Yes, I believed her at first, but now I don't know what to think," he replied. He couldn't deny what he wanted, not to Clark.
"You don't have to say anymore." He sighed, hurting for his friend. "Talia was holding this over your head. Wasn't she?"
"Yes, she was, and there's something else. Talia was behind taking those photographs of your family."
He shook his head. "I can't say I'm surprised. So, Talia knows about me."
"Yes, and to make matters even worst, the lasso did not work. Apparently, she has a resistance to it because she has been in the pits at some point in her life."
Clark was getting upset by all of this. Talia needed to be stopped somehow. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, she's gone."
"Gone? You mean disappeared?"
"Yes, and it's not the first time she's run away."
"I see."
"Clark, I'm telling you all of this because Talia's and my history was painful and I couldn't help but think of Sam and Jo and what they're going through."
"What do you mean?"
"Talia and I were pretty much the same age when everything went to hell. At first, her Father was all for us being together, but he never fully trusted me. Then because of my other job, her Father's constant trials for me to prove my worth for his daughter, things did not work out. After she miscarried, we went our separate ways." He paused. "She couldn't choose between us because she was devoted to her Father. As I said, he was an extremely powerful man."
"I still don't understand what the similarities are between what happened to you and Talia and Jo and Sam."
"Clark, the point I'm trying to make is this … don't let it come down to Jo having to choose between you and Sam."
He frowned, understanding. "I would never do that to her." Clark was adamant in his feelings.
"I hope not." Bruce touched his shoulder. "Just think about what I said."
"I will."
"Good night Clark."
"Yes good night Bruce."
Clark watched him leave and of course it was all he could think about.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Thinking About You, Whitney Houston.
A/N: I wanted to make of point with Jo and Sam's first time, and of course, it was totally different from Jo's extremely romantic dream. Isn't it always? *sigh* Bruce gave Clark some real sound advice. I hope he doesn't lose his temper again. I truly hope not. Readers, what do you think? Stay tuned. Update in a week. Thanks for reading! :D
Author: babettew54
Category: Superman Returns, Batman Comics
Pairings/Characters: Clark/Lois, Joanne/Samuel, Bruce/Diana, Lex Luthor II, Jason, Connor, Martha/Ben
Rating: T
Word Count: 4,400
Summary: This is a story about secrets and lies how they always come out and usually at the worst possible time.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters, except for Joanne Kent and Samuel Hamilton; they’re mine. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Talia and Diana come face to face then things turn deadly, the paternity test results will arrive sooner than expected, and later Jo and Sam celebrate as only young lovers can. I hope you enjoy it. Please read and review. Thanks guys! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)( Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)( Chapter 13)
x-posted to: (AO3); (FFN)
Chapter 14: Thinking About You
Meanwhile, at LexCorp, Talia's office:
Diana Prince, dressed in a two piece business suit, a silk blouse, her hair long and loose about her shoulders, and her lasso was inside her bag. She needed questions answered and now was the time.
Bruce had told her about Talia's delaying tactics and then she realized how much this was hurting Bruce. Either Damian was alive, or he wasn't. Bruce needed to know the truth and she intended to find out one way or the other.
The security guard was leery of Diana. He knew who she was.
"Talia Head. She's not expecting me."
"Please wait here and I'll ring her number." He quickly dialed the number. "Ms. Head, Diana Prince is here to see you." A moment, then, "Yes, I'll send her right up."
"Follow me, please," he instructed. He then swiped a security card over the penthouse level access bar. Diana entered then the elevator door closed.
When Diana exited the elevator, she was greeted by two more armed guards. She had on her bracelets under her suit. She immediately raised her arms.
"Gentlemen, leave us, but stay close, I may need you." Talia waved her arm, bowed slightly then, "After you."
Diana entered her office then she chuckled. "Are you afraid to talk to me Talia?"
Talia gritted her teeth. "I know you, Diana. I don't trust you."
She turned to face her. "The feeling is mutual."
Talia crossed her arms. "What do you want?"
"The truth ..."
She shrugged her shoulders and walked over to the bar. "Drink …?" She held up a bottle of scotch.
"No thanks. Just answer one question, Talia."
Talia took a sip. "And what question is that?"
"Where's Damian?"
Talia could not believe it. "Did Bruce send you here to fight his battles for him?"
"Of course not," Diana quickly replied. "Stop stalling Talia. Tell me where he is … NOW!"
"Or what…?" Talia asked, unconcerned.
Diana then twirled for a moment then she stood there in her costume, lasso in hand, hands on hips. "I think you have some idea." She paused as she watched her closely. "Don't yell for the guards Talia. I can handle them, and you know it." That shut her up. "Now, come over here, sit down and let's get to it."
Talia did as she asked. She slowly walked over to the couch then she suddenly reached inside a drawer behind the couch and pulled out a gun. She fired several times.
Diana easily stopped the bullets with her arm shields then she dived over the couch and tackled Talia. They wrestled around on the floor for several minutes neither getting the upper hand. Diana's lasso slide across the floor, as Talia tried to reach the gun.
Diana immediately landed a few knuckle punches to the face and head, not to mention martial arts moves meaning kicks to the head and torso.
The guards entered the room after hearing the shots. Diana raised her head from the floor. "Get out."
They hurriedly left, closing the door behind them.
Diana pulled Talia to her feet. She was groggy but awake. Lasso in hand, Diana pushed her down onto the sofa. "Let's begin shall we?"
~o~o~
Bruce's apartment, early the next morning:
Bruce was still chewing Diana out about her meeting with Talia. "Diana, you should have come to me before going to see Talia."
"Bruce, I know where he is. Talia told me everything."
Suddenly, Bruce's cellphone rang. "Yes, tell me." He listened for several minutes. "Are you sure?" He listened again then hung up. He turned to Diana. "Talia is gone."
"Gone, but you can't be surprised Bruce. I mean …"
"I am surprised Diana. She was my only lead to finding him. Now, she's gone."
"But Bruce, she told me where he was."
"She lied to you Diana. My contacts have already checked it out."
Diana could not believe it. "But how could she resist the lasso? No one ever has before."
"It has to be the pits, Diana. It's the only answer. If you had been at the meeting, you would have realized that Talia must have been in the pits at least once."
"No, she hasn't really, Bruce?" Diana was shocked by this revelation.
"Yes, that's the only explanation."
She finally realized she had made things so much worse. "I'm so sorry, Bruce."
Bruce sighed and pulled her close not holding it against her. "It's alright. I know you just wanted to find him for me." He sighed again. "It was a dream, a fantasy, nothing more."
"But …"
"Shush, don't say anymore. It's over."
Diana held her tongue, but her mind was going in circles. She hadn't given up … she couldn't do it. If Damian is alive, I will find him for you Bruce, I promise.
~o~o~
The Hamilton house, several days after the shooting:
Kitty helped her son from the car even though he didn't need it. She was mothering him, but she realized he was a grown-up now, but she loved mothering him. "How are you, Sam?" She asked, still worried about him.
"I'm alright, Mom. My shoulder is still a bit sore, but the doctor said it could be a few weeks before complete movement is possible."
Kitty was hugely relieved. "Are you hungry?"
He chuckled. "Actually, I am a little hungry."
"Go on up and I'll bring you a sandwich and your favorite soup … tomato?"
He smiled at her. "That's fine, Mom and thanks." He headed upstairs, dropped his bag and looked around his room. He went over to his desk and picked up a photograph of Jo taken at her graduation. She'd given it to him, just before the news conference. It felt like a lifetime ago.
Kitty entered his room then. "Here you go honey. Eat up and why don't you take a nap. I need to head into the office for a while." She paused. "Apparently, the test results are almost done."
"Really, but I thought it would take months before we would hear anything."
"Well, your Father is a pretty powerful guy, he pulled a few strings, and the tests will be concluded by the end of the week."
"Wow, I guess we won't have to wait and wonder. This is good news."
"It really is," she agreed. "Go on now, eat up. I'll be back before dinnertime."
"Thanks Mom."
A half hour later, Sam was in bed resting, when he heard tapping at the window. "What in the world?" He went over to the window, and Jo was hovering outside.
"Jo, it's pouring. What are you doing here?!" He asked but inside he knew why. His heart began to pound. He knew she could hear it.
"Hi, are you going to let me in?" She smiled at him. It was a good thing that Sam's bedroom faced the back of the house with high trees and a fence surrounding the property.
Sam watched stunned into silence, his jaw on the floor as Jo hovered into his room.
"I … I can't believe this. Wait here while I get you a towel. So, you can fly now?!" He hollered from the hall closet.
"Yep, it happened … ummm …."
He understood as he handed her a towel. "On your birthday?"
She toweled her hair. "Yeah, but isn't it wonderful? Hey, would you like to go for a ride, after it stops raining of course?"
Still unbelieving, his jaw hit the floor again.
"Well, the rain has almost stopped!" She pulled his arm.
"Jo, wait a minute. Should we be doing this? I just got out of the hospital. Besides, everything is cool now with your parents, my parents, and …"
"It's Ok, Sam. They know I can fly, and I kind of hinted that you would love to go flying with me one day."
"Uh, huh … one day? They didn't mean today, did they?" He raised an eyebrow at her knowing he was right.
Jo sighed. "I suppose they didn't mean today."
"Jo, there's no rush. I want to do this right you know, no more problems, on the up and up."
She frowned. "When did you become such a goody-two-shoes?" She was teasing, but he did not see it that way.
He stiffened. "I'm not a goody-two-shoes." He rubbed his arm, turned and went to sit on the bed.
Jo followed him and realized he only wanted to do what was right for them. "I'm sorry, Sam. I just … I miss you." She sat close to him, a bit too close Sam realized. "How's your arm?"
"It's fine," he replied, smiling at her. "I miss you too Jo. I was lying here thinking about you, about the past few weeks, and I can't help it." He paused. "I need you."
They stared at each other. Suddenly, the air in the room stilled.
She touched his chest. "Flying wasn't the only reason I came over." She paused her eyes on his lips. "I need you too."
"Jo, we …ummm …" His throat closed up because she was staring at his lips. His heart felt as if it might leap from his chest.
Jo heard his heart beating double time. It was calling out to her rapidly beating heart.
Smiling, she touched his leg. He seemed to relax but only a little. He closed his eyes then felt her lips on his cheek his ear. "Jo?"
"Uh, huh?" She paused as her kisses returned to his ear then his throat. "Don't say … we shouldn't …"
He turned to her then. "That's not what I was going to say."
"Oh?" She asked, still staring at his lips.
He slowly raised his hands to frame her face and had to ask her. "Are you sure about this?"
"Oh yes, very sure."
"Me too," he whispered and then he was kissing her over and over again gaining access to her mouth, swirling and tasting her tongue. He pulled back after a minute. "You should seriously get out of those clothes. You don't want to get sick do you?"
"Sam I've never been sick."
He frowned and realized it was true.
"Sam?"
"Yes, Jo?" He asked as he lifted her shirt and touched her stomach and watched as her eyes closed at his intimate touch.
She opened her eyes, but she had to know. "You have a condom, don't you?"
He smiled. "Yes, Jo, I have several actually."
She returned his smile then she threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him. He kissed her back, slanting his mouth across hers then she opened to him. He happily took her inside. They both moaned loudly then.
Clothes were removed swiftly, a bit frantically knowing they did not have a lot of time. And then they lay together in each other's arms with nothing between them, their hearts beating as one.
She touched his shoulder softly. "Does it hurt?"
"No, it doesn't hurt not anymore."
"Oh, Sam … you saved my life." Jo still could not believe what he had done to save her. "It's just … I'll see the scar every day and remember."
He pulled her close. "Don't think about it. Think about this." He kissed her sweet lips for a moment or two, but he had to ask her to be sure. "Jo?"
"Yes Sam?" She smiled, stroked his chest again and wondered what he was thinking.
"If you want to, we can still wait until our wedding night."
Jo was done with waiting. "Sam, after everything that happened do you truly want to wait?"
He shook his head, unable to deny it. "No, Jo, I want you more than anything else in this world." He smoothed her hair back from her forehead.
"I want you too."
He pulled her to him, clutching her to his chest. "I love you so much, Jo. When I thought you wanted to break up with me, I didn't know what to do, what to think."
"Oh, Sam, I'm sorry about that, but when you were shot?" She couldn't finish.
He held her ever tighter. "I know, but I'm alright Jo."
"I was so scared for you Sam."
"I know you were, and I understand why you weren't there when I first woke up, but everything is alright now." He paused as he looked into her eyes. "Promise me that we'll talk about anything and everything, no secrets, no doubts, just trusting in each other no matter what," he told her firmly.
"I promise." Jo was also firm in her resolve.
He smiled. "I promise too."
"Sam, let's seal our promises the way we want, right here, right now."
He didn't reply but leaned over her then he was kissing her again, then his mouth went lower. He kissed and stroked her breasts all around the nipple. He never realized before how warm she was but also so sweet, he wanted to go on kissing her forever and ever. "You taste like heaven Jo. I never imagined," he managed to say between kisses.
"Oh, Sam," she whispered to him over and over. The feelings he created were like nothing she had ever felt before. Her hands would not be still. She ran her fingers through his hair, down his back, his shoulders.
His kisses on her breasts were driving her crazy. She could not be still. His kisses on her breasts felt wonderful and so sweet. She arched her back squirming for his touch. "I have to kiss you now… Sam!"
"As you wish," he whispered.
Her arms went around his neck pulling him into her arms never imagining how much the feeling would encompass her entire being.
He kissed her over and over never tiring of it. He would never tire of it, he knew. His hands began their exploration of her beautiful body. She was so fit and strong and soft in all the right places.
He then covered her body fully with his own. Her legs parted inviting him in. She arched her back loving him being so close and then she opened her legs for him. "Oh, Sam, please."
He answered her pleas with a single touch. He closed his eyes as her heat and dampness touched his fingers and then one long finger slide inside her warmth. "Oh, Jo, you feel so warm and so soft." He took several deep breaths. "We …we should slow down for a minute."
"Ok," she managed to say. Her heartbeat was so fast, and his was too. She wondered if they both might faint or something.
He lay with his head close to hers, their foreheads touching. "Are you Ok?" He asked, worried about her.
"I think so, but …" She hesitated, stroking his hair, his cheek, his arms, she couldn't seem to stop touching him.
"I know what you're going to say."
"You do?"
He smiled at her glowing face. "Let me show you instead." And then he kissed her throat, down to her chest and then his lips were on her breasts again. "God Jo, I never imagined, but the reality is so much sweeter than anything I could ever have dreamed."
Jo was thinking of her dream. "Oh yes, so much sweeter." Then he lay on top of her again. His kisses rained down her throat and back to her beautiful breasts over and over again. "So warm so beautiful."
"Oh Sam… please … I'm ready."
He leaned over her and reached inside his nightstand. A minute of awkwardness, then he managed to slip it on.
She pulled him close then he rested his head on her throat breathing her in. "Jo?"
She stiffened. "I'm ready," she whispered again.
He pulled her close for a moment then reached down and rubbed his erection against her nether lips. She was still slick with desire. He leaned up slightly then he slowly entered her just a little. "Am I hurting you?"
"No, I'm Ok."
He slowly pushed forward a little and then he couldn't go any further. He kissed her to distract her a little. Jo responded to his kisses as she kissed him back.
Sam was also a virgin and making love with the woman of his dreams, his future wife, felt like a miracle, a once in a lifetime thing, and he felt so blessed. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth over and over and then pushed forward and broke through her membranes for the first time.
Jo whimpered but only for a moment. A lone tear slipped down her cheek.
"I'm so sorry, Jo." Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead against hers.
He kissed her again, and she kissed him back for a few moments. He began to move a little hoping he wasn't hurting her anymore.
She did move with him for a few strokes, and he felt encouraged. He moved with her slowly at first, then he picked up his rhythm, and Jo was with him as if they had done this before maybe in another lifetime.
Then she followed him to that peak as she screamed his name. Sam pushed once more, and then he let everything go. He collapsed on top of her, his breath coming in short gasps. After a moment, he rolled to his back taking her with him. He then pulled out a small towel from the drawer and cleaned her up. There was blood, but only a little.
"Oh Sam, you're so sweet to me. Thank you."
He leaned over her and clutched her to him his head on her stomach. "I'm sorry I hurt you, but the next time won't hurt nearly as much."
She stroked his hair. "I know, but I should leave soon."
His head came up at that. "Before we leave, I have news, and we may be able to be together every day if we want."
"Oh really, tell me."
"The paternity tests will be concluded by the end of the week."
"So soon, but I thought it would take months."
"I thought so too, but my Dad pulled some strings, and we should know any day now."
"That's fantastic news Sam."
"I just want it to be over so we can be together … forever." He stroked her hair.
Smiling at the look on his face, she whispered, "Oh, Sam, I hope so."
He kissed her sweetly not wanting to stop, but he managed. "Go on now, take a quick shower and then I'll take you home."
They both cleaned up, only a bit awkward between them. "Come here. I love you, Jo."
Holding him close eyes closed, she whispered, "I love you too Sam."
~o~o~
The Kent house, a half hour later:
Jo and Sam were standing on the porch kissing goodbye when Lois drove up and watched them for a moment. Getting out of her car, then grabbed her bags one in each arm, she looked at Jo closely and then back at Sam and knew the truth.
Jo saw her Mom out of the corner of her eye standing in the driveway watching them. "Oh, hi Mom!"
"Oh, hello Mrs. Kent. Let me get those for you," Sam said then went over to help her with her bags.
"Thanks, Sam," Lois murmured.
She followed him to the door. "How's your arm?"
"It's good, no problems," he responded not looking at her.
"Mom …?" Jo tentatively began.
"Let's go inside, Ok?" Lois suggested then she sighed. My baby girl is no longer a baby. She was a woman now, but there's always more to it, so much more.
"Sam, just put those on the kitchen counter, and I'll unpack them in a few minutes," Lois told him.
"Sure Mrs. Kent."
Lois turned to her daughter. "Well, what's done is done." She came closer then she touched her cheek. "Are you alright honey?"
"I'm OK Mom." She paused. "Are you going to tell Dad?"
She lowered her hand. "You know I have to."
Sam came back just then. He put his arm around Jo's shoulder hoping to show his support. "It's best that he know. Remember, no more secrets."
"I know, Sam, but … what if …?" She hesitated.
"What were you going to say?" Lois asked.
"If he forbids me to see him, I can't go along with that Mom."
Lois sighed and walked into the living room. "He won't forbid you to see him."
They followed her. "But what if he does?" Jo was truly worried about her Father's reaction to all of this.
"I think he will accept it in time." She paused for a moment. "I'll tell him myself."
"Thank you, Mom. It is best if it comes from you."
"I think Jo is right, Mrs. Kent."
Lois sighed then nodded in agreement. "I certainly agree." They both looked so worried that Lois had to cheer them up if only a little. "Everything is going to be alright … I promise."
Sam and Jo were so relieved that they pulled each other close. After a moment, they pulled back both smiling.
Jo then went to her Mother and impulsively gave her a warm hug. "Thanks, Mom."
Lois held her daughter tightly, eyes tearing up a bit. My baby girl is all grown up.
Jo sensed what her Mother was feeling, so Jo held her tightly just a little longer.
~o~o~
Later that evening at Watchtower:
After rather vigorous and sometimes explosive arguments about what to do about Alex, everyone left for the evening. A possible solution was reached, but Sam and his parents would have to be told. Bruce and Clark were the only superheroes still at the station.
Clark had just hung up the phone. "That was Lois. She has significant news for me."
"Clark, before you go, I wanted to talk to you." Bruce paused and went over to the window. "Things have come to a head with Talia."
Clark followed him. "What do you mean? What happened?"
"Apparently, Diana went to see her."
"Oh, no, I can't imagine that was a friendly discussion."
Bruce shook his head. "No it wasn't. They argued, they fought then Diana used her lasso on her to find out the truth about Damian."
Clark frowned. "But I don't understand. You told us that he had died years ago."
He turned to face him. "Clark, this is between you, Diana and me. I don't want anyone else to know."
"Of course, what is it?"
"It's highly possible that Damian may be alive." He sighed. "Talia has known the truth, but kept it from me."
Clark put it all together. "And you believed her didn't you?"
"Yes, I believed her at first, but now I don't know what to think," he replied. He couldn't deny what he wanted, not to Clark.
"You don't have to say anymore." He sighed, hurting for his friend. "Talia was holding this over your head. Wasn't she?"
"Yes, she was, and there's something else. Talia was behind taking those photographs of your family."
He shook his head. "I can't say I'm surprised. So, Talia knows about me."
"Yes, and to make matters even worst, the lasso did not work. Apparently, she has a resistance to it because she has been in the pits at some point in her life."
Clark was getting upset by all of this. Talia needed to be stopped somehow. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes, she's gone."
"Gone? You mean disappeared?"
"Yes, and it's not the first time she's run away."
"I see."
"Clark, I'm telling you all of this because Talia's and my history was painful and I couldn't help but think of Sam and Jo and what they're going through."
"What do you mean?"
"Talia and I were pretty much the same age when everything went to hell. At first, her Father was all for us being together, but he never fully trusted me. Then because of my other job, her Father's constant trials for me to prove my worth for his daughter, things did not work out. After she miscarried, we went our separate ways." He paused. "She couldn't choose between us because she was devoted to her Father. As I said, he was an extremely powerful man."
"I still don't understand what the similarities are between what happened to you and Talia and Jo and Sam."
"Clark, the point I'm trying to make is this … don't let it come down to Jo having to choose between you and Sam."
He frowned, understanding. "I would never do that to her." Clark was adamant in his feelings.
"I hope not." Bruce touched his shoulder. "Just think about what I said."
"I will."
"Good night Clark."
"Yes good night Bruce."
Clark watched him leave and of course it was all he could think about.
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: Thinking About You, Whitney Houston.
A/N: I wanted to make of point with Jo and Sam's first time, and of course, it was totally different from Jo's extremely romantic dream. Isn't it always? *sigh* Bruce gave Clark some real sound advice. I hope he doesn't lose his temper again. I truly hope not. Readers, what do you think? Stay tuned. Update in a week. Thanks for reading! :D