Matumaini Mema

6

A/N: Final chapter, Lovelies. Hope you enjoy it! Maybe not safe for work but not too bad.

"Not the day I thought we'd have together," Kara said as Cat sat next to her on the living room couch. The guide was still upset, knee bouncing as she swallowed her beer and glanced repeatedly at the door.

"What do you want to do about the memory card?" Cat asked quietly. "Things have changed. If I hand it over to the authorities, it puts you in danger, Kara."

"Mmmmm," the guide agreed.

"Maybe I should write the story but leave the photos out of it," the journalist mused. "Or maybe I could just give the police the photos without faces and just let them do their own investigation?"

But Kara shook her head. "Cat, I love Kenya and Matumaini Mema so much, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to take these guys down, whether there's danger to me or not."

"But what about the people close to you? The villagers? The kids? Almasi and Adamu? I won't even be here to..." Cat was once again silenced by Kara's lips on hers and she couldn't help but chuckle at the sneaky tactic her lover often employed to get her own way. "You think one kiss is going to take my mind off this?"

Kara kissed her again. "How about two?"

"Kara, be serious, please."

"Cat..." The younger woman sighed unhappily. "Afaafa and her warriors can handle taking care of the villagers. They always have. The poachers are outgunned so to speak, I can promise you. And as you just said, you're not going to be here. You have to let me handle it."

"But I can make it easier on you, Kara!" Cat exclaimed in exasperation. "Are you too damn stubborn to let me do that?"

"Yes!" Kara yelled, getting to her feet suddenly. "Yes, I'm too damn stubborn because doing the right thing sometimes has a cost, Cat! This has a cost and I'm willing to pay it! Why are you trying to stop me?!"

She turned then and went to the door to yank it open and storm outside, leaving the shocked journalist behind. She walked along the drive out to the road and then she stopped and screamed her anger and grief to the sky. The poachers had murdered two of her friends, had killed the animals she held so dear, and now they'd also ruined her last day with Cat. She wanted them to pay, and she didn't care if it cost her everything.

But then she heard quiet, crunching footsteps behind her and she turned to find her lover approaching. The journalist stopped a few feet away and looked down, shuffling her feet awkwardly. "I have no right to tell you what to do with your life," she stated simply. "I'm sorry."

"No." Kara blew out a long breath. "You were just trying to keep me safe."

Cat nodded. "This is hard."

Kara nodded back. "You want to maybe... um... try that picnic dinner?"

Green eyes lifted and a small smile curled the older woman's lips. "Are you going to poison me?"

Blue eyes twinkled. "I'll try not to... but no promises." The younger blonde stepped into Cat then and hugged her. "I'm sorry I yelled."

"It's ok," her lover replied, resting her cheek on Kara's shoulder as her heart began to settle its frantic pounding. "Today has been a long week."

The guide chuckled softly. "Sure has. C'mon, let's see what we can rustle up for supper."

They strolled together back to the house and Kara pulled a picnic basket and blanket out of her under-the-stairs closet. Then she and Cat went through the refrigerator and cupboards to put together something resembling dinner. It was a series of meats, cheeses and fruit, and Kara was able to rustle up some sandwiches. Then she opened another cupboard to show Cat a few bottles of wine she'd squirreled away for a special occasion.

"The merlot," the journalist said after a moment's thought, so Kara added it to the basket with two glasses.

Then they headed outside, hand-in-hand, and strolled across Kara's property to a grassy area with a huge tree, under which the guide spread the blanket and then sprawled on it, much to Cat's amusement. So, the journalist just lay next to her, and they gazed up at the clouds through the tree's canopy.

"Does Carter like baseball and stuff?" the guide suddenly asked.

"He's more a book and science nerd," Cat chuckled as she turned her head to look at her lover. "I think he may end up going to medical school. He's been asking a lot of questions about that lately."

"Mmmm..." Kara smiled. "Sounds like me. I was a book and science nerd too."

"How did you end up in journalism then?" the older woman asked in surprise.

"My mom, actually. She was a staff writer for the Kansas City Gazette. I wanted to do what she did... but... life happened."

"What about your dad?"

"Scientist." Kara laughed softly. "Guess I had a fifty-fifty chance." She paused then and her face sobered. "I still miss them."

Cat scooted over and turned onto her side to snuggle against the younger woman, caressing her chest slowly. "I don't think that ever fully goes away. My dad died ten years ago, but I still miss him."

"You said your mom's annoying." Kara let her fingers stroke slowly through the journalist's hair. "Was she strict?"

"Still is," Cat sighed. "If there's an opinion on my life to be had, she'll have it. I feel like I'm a constant disappointment to her, despite a successful career, a marriage that had staying power and an amazing child."

"Maybe she's unhappy with her own life?" Kara suggested gently. "Misery certainly loves company."

"Maybe," the older woman allowed. "But I wish she'd stop taking it out on me. It's at the point where I just avoid her like the plague."

"And that's her loss," Kara murmured softly. "If I had a choice, I'd never let you go."

Cat swallowed against a sudden lump in her throat, and as she looked at Kara with such love in her eyes the younger woman knew. She knew. And it hurt more than she could've ever imagined.

The journalist wanted to tell her that she DID have a choice, but she knew that Kara loved Kenya and Matumaini Mema and that this, surrounded by her found family, was her life. So, instead, Cat just lifted herself a little to kiss her, thoroughly and unhurriedly. "Me neither."

Xx

It was fully dark now and Cat sighed softly as she ran her fingertips over Kara's lips. "I've just realized something," she said softly.

Blonde eyebrows lifted in question. "What's that?"

"We've never had sex in an actual bed."

Kara burst into sudden laughter. "Wow... you're right." She turned on her side to lie chest to chest with her lover. "So, the question is... do you want to move to the bedroom... or do you just want to continue the tradition by letting me taste you right here?"

Cat's eyes heated as her body responded to the proposition. "It's a little chilly. I think we should take this inside, Tarzan."

They rose from the blanket and quickly packed up the remains of their meal before heading back to the house but, when they stepped through the door, Kara just dropped the gear unceremoniously onto the floor and pulled Cat to her. The older woman groaned and hopped up to wrap her legs around Kara's waist as they kissed desperately. Somehow, the guide successfully bumped her way against furniture and walls to the bedroom and fell back onto the bed with Cat on top of her.

The older woman gasped as her lover tugged her shirt off over her head, then unclasped her bra and tossed then both over the side of the bed. "Fuck, Cat," she groaned. "You smell so good." Kara captured Cat's breast in her mouth and tongued her nipple as she quickly opened her pants. Then she flipped them so she could roughly pull the last barriers between them down and dive between the older woman's thighs.

"Oh GOD!" Cat cried out, hips bucking as her fingers clenched into Kara's hair. Then she cried out again as the younger woman's fingers pushed inside her. And she was suddenly coming... harder than she'd ever experienced before. The orgasm crested over her, arching her back and pushing her core into Kara's mouth as the younger woman redoubled her efforts, forcing Cat into an almost immediate second orgasm that tore a ragged broken cry from her chest.

"Kara..." Cat whimpered weakly as the guide eased back, peppering soft kisses on the inside of her thighs and then kissing her way up her body to her lips.

"Are you ok?" Kara asked softly, gathering Cat into her arms and holding her so close, atoms wouldn't have fit between them. She felt the wordless nodding against her chest and smirked a little, very pleased with herself. "Speechless, huh? Is that a first?"

Cat laughed a little and poked her playfully in the belly. "Don't get a big head."

"Of course not," Kara grinned. "But that was pretty fucking awesome."

"Mmmm..." Cat agreed. "But no need to stop practicing, right." She started at the top button of Kara's shirt and slowly worked her way down, dropping little kisses on the guide's skin as she went. "Besides, it's not fair that I'm naked and you're not."

"Totally agreed," the younger woman nodded, then gasped as Cat pushed her bra up and captured her nipple between her teeth to nibble. "You know... you're really... ungh..." The older woman was nibbling the skin below her navel now. "Um... good at this."

Cat nibbled the spot again and Kara's fists clenched into the sheets as she moaned softly. "Mmm... found a sensitive spot, huh?" She spent another few moments there driving her lover wild and then opened her belt and jeans, parting the button fly and pushing her underwear down a little to kiss the newly exposed skin.

"You're going to kill me," Kara gasped as she struggled out of her shirt and bra and tossed them over the bed to join Cat's. "Like... I'm seriously dying here."

"Today is a good day to die," Cat murmured, and the guide laughed softly.

"Did you just quote Worf?"

Cat just grinned and went back to her exploration. Kara was trembling and, when the journalist finally shimmied her jeans all the way down and off, she was so wet that the chill of the room caused her to shiver.

The older woman smiled and covered her lover's body with her own, sliding sensually against her as she moved up to kiss her lips and let her fingers explore slowly and teasingly between passion-slick folds. "I want you, Kara," she whispered. "I need to feel you." She closed her eyes as the guide's nails trailed slowly down her back.

"I'm yours," Kara whispered in reply, then tipped her head back and moaned as Cat coaxed her gently, taking her time and slowly driving the younger woman higher until she stiffened and then shuddered, curling into her lover as her body pulsed with pleasure. Breathing labored, she pressed her forehead against Cat's neck and just relaxed.

They didn't say anything. There was nothing to say. They just held each other until their passionate dance started over again.

Xx

It was almost eleven when Kara woke, spooned against Cat's back in cozy warmth. She stretched pleasantly sore muscles and then tightened her arms a little around the journalist, kissing her shoulder and nuzzling her neck.

"I want you to use the photos," she said as the older woman's hand reached back to caress her hip. "I'll make sure Afaafa and the folks at the resort know. We'll take care of each other."

Cat turned in Kara's arms to face her, eyes more serious that the guide had ever seen before. "Are you absolutely sure?"

"I'm sure," the younger woman nodded. "And I want a copy so I can take them to the police."

The journalist nodded. "Let's head back to the resort. I have a spare thumb drive in my laptop bag. We can copy the files there."

Kara nodded in reply and, after showering together and eating breakfast, they headed back to Matumaini Mema Resort. Kara parked Delilah next to the dining space and hopped out, raising a hand to Adamu and smiling as he jogged toward her. She explained the situation to him, and he just nodded.

"I will let the rangers know to be on alert," he replied. "Are you going to the village?"

"A little later," Kara replied, looking at Cat. "We have to get the photos copied and then Cat has to get ready to leave."

Adamu nodded and Kara could tell from his expression that Almasi had told him everything. He clapped her on the shoulder then. "I will update everyone now."

"Thanks, Dude."

Cat took her lover's hand then and led her toward her hut. She booted her laptop and slipped the memory card into the slot to copy the photos to her desktop. Then she found her spare thumb drive and copied the photos onto it. "Are you really sure about this?" she asked one last time.

"I'm very sure. I'm tired of worrying, Cat. I just want this done."

The journalist nodded her agreement and then pressed the drive into her hand. "The story will probably break about two weeks from now," she said. "Can you please let me know what happens here?"

Kara looked down. "Can... can I have your number? All I have is your email address."

"Of course," Cat replied with a smile. She wrote her cell number on her notepad and then ripped it out. "Call me any time, Sweetheart."

They just gazed at each other for a long moment. "You should pack," Kara said softly. She looked at her watch. "It's almost two and the plane will be here shortly."

"Kara..." Cat whispered.

"I know."

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to apologize for, Cat. This has been the best week of my life."

"Mine too."

"I... I don't think I can watch you fly away from me."

The older woman nodded slowly. "I understand." She lifted herself up onto her toes and kissed Kara very gently. A goodbye... An I love you... An I wish... "Take care of yourself, Sweetheart."

The guide cupped her cheeks and kissed her back. "Goodbye, Cat," she replied hoarsely. "I'll call you."

Then she turned and quickly left, crossing the dirt ground and jumping into Delilah to speed away, tears streaming down her cheeks. Cat just crumpled onto her knees, breathing ragged and hand pressed against her chest as her heart shredded into pieces.

Xx

Kara hadn't called. Cat had been home two weeks, and the story was about to break in the National City Tribune. But Kara hadn't called. Cat wasn't even sure if she'd really expected her to. The pain of their separation was still acute but, being back with Carter and concentrating on her story had made it bearable... almost. She sighed as she leaned back in her chair and twirled her pen in her fingers. Then she sat back up and dove for her mouse to click on the email that had just arrived in her mailbox.

Kara Danvers

Mon 9/28/2020 11:24 PM

To: Cat Grant

Subject: Hi

Hi Jane,

I'm sure you're probably wondering why I haven't called. I wanted to... so badly... but I wasn't sure I could hold it together. So I decided an email would probably be safer for now. I know you understand.

Cat totally understood. The situation sucked.

I just got home after having been at the village and in Mombasa the last few days. I handed the thumb drive over to the police and told them everything. I reckoned it would coincide with the publishing of your article, which I told them about too, by the way. They're very grateful for your assistance in this matter. LOL.

They asked me to stay away from Matumaini Mema while they sent a team in to investigate. I'd worked with Afaafa to make sure the villagers were safe, and the rangers took care of the resort. You were right. SuitMan did make an appearance at the village after the police raided the compound, but the chief laughingly told me the story of how her warriors chased him and his guys away and right into the hands of the police officers who were tracking them. He's been arrested and is being held on so many counts of poaching, murder and all sorts of other charges, that I doubt he'll ever see the light of day again. Last I heard, he was on his way to Nairobi to be formally indicted.

Cat, I'm so proud of what we achieved, and my heart is finally calm and happy. I'm ready to move on with my life. I finally have some plans that I'm going to make good on. I'll keep you updated as soon as I know more.

Cat sighed, glad that Kara was doing ok, but infinitely sad that she was moving on without her.

Being with you was the best time of my life and I'll never forget that. Please let me know how you're doing? And how Carter is?

Talk soon,

Tarzan xxx

Then Cat's computer dinged another notification and she clicked on it to reveal a new headline.

ANIMAL POACHING. AN EPIDEMIC OF UNNECESSARY DEATH IN KENYA.

And the journalist smiled, then hit reply on Kara's email, typing rapidly to update her... friend... on what had happened since she'd gotten back and making sure to paste a link to the article into it before clicking send.

XX

Six weeks later.

It was now two months since Cat had arrived home from Kenya. At this point it almost seemed like a dream, a whirlwind of occurrences that she found a little difficult to get her mind around at this point. Her article had been a huge success and there were even rumblings of a potential award nomination in her future. She'd also been asked to rewrite in detail the story as an article in O, the Oprah Magazine. To the journalist's shock, Oprah had called personally to request a meeting.

Perry had been ecstatic and promised her a promotion. She'd rolled her eyes and told herself to wait and see on that one.

Now Cat was standing in her living room, looking out the window at the pouring rain as she finished her coffee. Carter had just left on the bus to school, and she was just about to leave for the office when a cab pulled up outside her gate and the door opened to let someone out. The person was tall and blonde and…

Cat blinked and her cup crashed to the floor, shattering on the hardwood and splattering coffee droplets all over, but she didn't even notice as her feet carried her across the room and to the door. The doorbell rang and Cat pulled it open to find a tall, blonde grinning woman, rucksack on her back and soaked to the skin. Her hair was hanging limply around her face and her shirt was clinging to her like a second skin, but her blue eyes were shining with joy.

The older blonde let her eyes take in the vision. The woman was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen, and her hand moved to her mouth, as tears sprang to her eyes and a hitching sob left her. Kara took her rucksack off, dropped it on the stoop and then slowly stepped closer to gently cup Cat's cheeks between her hands and caress her thumbs across her cheekbones.

"Tarzan missed Jane," she said very softly.

"And Jane missed Tarzan," Cat replied and then threw herself at Kara, staggering them both back out into the rain and kissing her like the world was about to end. They kissed and kissed until finally, Kara eased back, and her grin returned.

"As much as this is the best moment of my life, Cat, can we go inside?"

Cat was soaked now too, and she laughed as she grabbed the younger woman's hand and pulled her into the hallway where she kissed her again. "How are you here?" she asked then, in total awe.

"I realized something," the younger blonde replied. "As much as I love Kenya… I love YOU more. I finished up the last two tours I had booked, gave the house and Delilah to Almasi and Adamu and I'm going to stay in National City. I also realized that I'd always be lonely in Matumaini Mema without you by my side and I couldn't live with that." The sound of disbelief that came from the journalist was somewhere between a gasp and a squeak and Kara kissed her very gently on the lips to refocus her. "I love you, Cat, and I know my turning up here and saying this is a lot, but…"

But a finger pressed softly against her lips, silencing her. "I love you," Cat whispered, voice stolen by emotion. "Stay here?"

"But your son… I got a hotel…" the guide began but Cat shook her head. "I mean it. Please, Kara… stay?"

The guide chuckled softly. She knew she could never refuse Cat anything.

"I'd love to," she replied. "As long as I get to sleep in your bed."

They kissed again and Cat's hands began reacquainting themselves with the body under them. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"It's not a hammock, right?"

Cat laughed joyfully. "No, Baby, it's not a hammock... but maybe we could invest in a sex swing?"

Blue eyes widened. "Oh my God..." and when the older woman's eyes lifted toward her bedroom, Kara was more than happy to follow her.

The End.