Goodbye... Never means forever by V

Part 22

*****

Helena's brain short circuited at the precise moment that her eyes saw Barbara. As her eyes took in Barbara's attire which consisted of a tight fitting green jade dress that made her eyes stand out. The material was delicate and molded itself to the redheads body like a second skin. The dress had an opening of about six inches on each side showing off the creamy texture of her thigh. Helena's heart seemed to be trying to escape from her chest when her eyes found the neckline of the dress cupping perfectly the treasures hidden beneath. Helena's eyes continued moving up until they found Barbara's eyes devouring her with the same intensity. Her heart forgot to beat for a moment at the love and desire expressed upon Barbara's face...mine...a crooked grin graced her lips and exposed her dimples.

"Barbara..." She barely managed to whisper.

Barbara took the brunette's delicate but yet strong hand and felt an electrical charge run from her feet to the top of her head and at the same time as her eyes found Helena's she forgot to breathe.

"Huntress" she breathed out. Helena was beautiful and sexy on her own. Possessed of a cat like sensuality and a skin deep sexuality that made both, those close to her as well as strangers turn to stare and fall under her spell. However, Huntress, was something else altogether, that aura of dangerous sensuality, of forbidden desires and eyes that promised hedonistic pleasures could consume you in their ardent intensity and this was the woman she now had in front of her, the true Helena Kyle. Dressed in black leather pants that molded themselves to her curves and the black leather vest that was open at the sides and only held together by red silk ties that accentuated her breasts seductively. Her bronzed skin was a temptation for her fingers that itched with desire to touch her, to caress her.

"You're beautiful." Helena finally said in a raspy voice. "I'll be the envy of everyone there." She gave her a cocky but yet enchanting smile.

"Thank you Hel, you look radiant too." She blushed lightly. "Deliciously dangerous." She added only for Helena who held her breath for a brief moment.

"Hmm, shall we go in?" Helena extended her hand and Barbara took it without hesitation, lacing her fingers with the brunette's.

Helena and Barbara headed for the restaurant's entrance, Hel opened the door for the redhead and after she went in she was able to admire the back of Barbara's dress. Her eyes almost popped out at the sight, she breathed in deeply and felt herself shaking with burning desire at what she had in front of her. The dress Barbara wore left her back bare except for a couple of spaghetti straps criss-crossing across the low back and just below the waist of the back a butterfly design clung to the shape of her rear end and seemed to flutter as she walked ahead.

"Hel?" Barbara turned slightly when she noticed Helena glued to the floor behind her with a dreamy expression.

"Oh, yeah sorry." She snapped out of her trance and smiled mysteriously. "I had the most beautiful of visions just a moment ago."

"Really?" Barbara asked with a raised eyebrow. She had an inkling of what it might be.

"Oh yes." She ran her hand across her back, caressing it gently and feeling how Barbara trembled at the contact.

"Oh." Was the only thing the redhead could manage to utter.

The maitre'd hurried over to attend to them as soon as he saw them come in. Helena gave him her name and directly led them to their table not having them wait like the others.

At the moment that they entered the main dining room several heads turned, if not all, to watch them, some more discreetly and others openly. They didn't need to announce their status as a couple because it was very obvious. The energy that surrounded them was powerful; not only did they make an attractive couple but they were also very apparently in love, they only had eyes for each other. Women as well as men observed them enviously and even with desire for both. The same thought ran through them all, I wish I was in her place.

They were taken to the second floor of the restaurant to the best table in the place, with a magnificent view of San Francisco. The maītre d attempted to help Barbara with her chair but Helena quickly moved ahead. Barbara nevertheless thanked him and he then helped Helena with her chair.

"In just a moment someone will bring your wine and appetizers. Enjoy your dinner and congratulations."

Barbara nodded her thank you's but looked over at Helena curiously.

"Congratulations?"

"Well Kate reserved the place; I'm not sure what she could have told them." Helena commented in feigned innocence.

"I see." She raised an eyebrow doubtfully but was not able to continue with her questions because at that moment the waiter arrived with a bottle of their best Pinot Grigio which he offered to Helena who after tasting it gave her approval at which time the waiter served the wine.

Before he left he placed a tray of cheeses and cold cuts as well as a variety of flavored butters and a loaf of bread on the table.

"Hmm, this looks delicious Hel. Did you order this before hand? Because they haven't brought us any menus."

"Actually Kate took care of everything, she only told me to enjoy the dinner. I asked her to get us reservations in one of the most romantic restaurants in the city and she's an incurable romantic, so she must have included this as a surprise." Hel smiled shrugging her shoulders. "Does it bother you that..."

"Oh no Hel, not at all, it's just that it seemed peculiar is all."

"I hope you like it." Helena said a bit timidly almost as if suddenly she was unsure that it had been a good idea to let Kate handle the details, perhaps after all she might have done something more or..." A hand covered hers causing her to look up.

"Everything is so lovely Hel, from the flowers, to the limousine, that you would be here waiting for me, this place...even that Kate did make all the arrangements doesn't mean you had nothing to do with it. From the first moment that you thought of doing it you were part of the idea." She squeezed her hand. "Besides I'm sure Kate only arranged the dinner and the transportation, what the rest of the evening holds is up to us."

"I know. It's just that I want everything to be perfect tonight."

An insecure Helena was not what Barbara was used to, a part of her felt pleased but at the same time uneasy. Could it be that she was that insecure? Wasn't Helena aware that nothing mattered so long as they were together? They could be eating pizza at the apartment and Barbara would still feel it was the most romantic meal in the world, as if they were in Paris. "Hel, I'm here with you." She squeezed her hand to get her attention, since Helena seemed to be more interested in the silverware. "That's the only thing that should matter."

The brunette smiled and let out a breath that she didn't realize she had been holding. Helena brought Barbara's hand to her lips and kissed the palm with her mouth slightly open, this caused a small electric charge to run through the redhead, which thanks to the nanos she was able to feel down to her toes.

"It's true Red, you and I are together, that's the only thing that's important."

Soon they were enjoying their dinner. Helena couldn't stop talking, entertaining Barbara with anecdotes of her trips and even some from her childhood. From times before the tragedy that affected both of them. Before the night that brought them both painful memories. Barbara knew the moment that Helena began to include her in those memories from the young girl who had been full of bitterness and hate but that now no longer existed. Now she had a woman in front of her that was mature and...happy. That acceptance should not have surprised her but it did because she knew that the reason for that happiness was herself. A part of her was still astounded that it was something so simple. I am her happiness -she looked over at Helena in total adoration, the smile the lit up her face was also reflected in Helena's own face.

They finished with their dinner and soon they were outside waiting for the limousine, as soon as it arrived, the chauffer rushed to open the doors for them. Helena helped Barbara in then exchanged a few words with the chauffer who nodded and closed the door once Helena was inside.

During the drive both women satisfied themselves by holding hands. Occasionally Helena would point out sites as they drove by explaining to Barbara a little about the history of the place. The drive to the San Francisco marina was no more than half an hour when the limousine came to a halt. Helena waited as Phillip, the chauffer, opened the door. Helena extended her hand to help Barbara out.

"I hope you like the place I picked out, it's not overcrowded." Hel commented as they walked down the quiet waterfront. "I like to come here for that very reason."

"It's beautiful Hel." Barbara commented admiring the distant lights of the bay and the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. "Do you come here often?" she asked.

"No, not often. When I do it's because I want to be alone to think but tonight I want to be with you and it's one of my favorite places." Helena confessed with a timid smile.

"I'm glad."

They walked in silence down the waterfront, when they got to a curve; Helena leaned against the wall and pulled Barbara towards her.

"Barbara, have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" Helena said admiring the woman she loved, her hands against her hips caressing her sides.

"Hmm, I don't know." Barbara smiled wickedly. "Hmm, I don't recall." She leaned in to capture Helena's lips sensuously who in turn let herself be captured in delight. Barbara's tongue caressed Helena's lower lip causing her to groan at the contact. Their tongues collided and soon they were lost in each other in a sea of sensations that assaulted their senses causing them to wish they were somewhere else and not there. Barbara's hands tangled themselves into Helena's hair pulling her in closer against herself. Helena at the same time caressed Barbara's back with abandon, wanting to feel the redheads skin against her skin.

"Oh yeah, don't be so selfish girls, share, we're here alone after all." A crude voice caused them to tense and separate slightly, Helena and Barbara looked at each other for just a second.

Suddenly one of the men tried to pull Barbara towards him but Helena stepped in between placing her hand over the intruder's.

"Let her go." She growled menacingly.

"Nah, don't be jealous there's enough for you too." One of the men placed his hand over his groin gesturing obscenely.

There were five thugs in all; they were either drunk or drugged or perhaps both. In a matter of moments they were surrounded. Barbara had not said anything yet, just limiting herself to stuying the situation. It had been years since she had found herself in this kind of situation. The adrenaline that coursed through her was so familiar making her feel like she hadn't in over 9 years.

"Leave us alone." Helena ordered, she didn't want any problems nor did she want to ruin the evening with a fight that she knew she would easily win with no problem. Even though she knew that Barbara was more than capable of taking care of herself, Hel wasn't sure how well the redhead's legs would sustain her now that she was walking.

In a matter of seconds Barbara and Helena were back to back, when one of the men tried to grab Barbara, Helena without hesitation threw a punch at him which caused him to fall back. His friends immediately yelled and began to attack furiously.

"Damn bitch, just wait till I'm through with you." One of them screamed as he threw himself at Barbara. Helena was busy with the two others.

It was like the perfect dance, Barbara saw him jump towards her and with all her years of training she ducked and kicked out connecting with the thug and sending him flying, the other quickly took his place waving a knife in front of her face.

"Bitch, I'll get you." He sliced the air as Barbara grabbed his arm and spun hitting him in the face with her elbow before spinning once more to kick him in the ribs.

The thugs must have been on drugs because they just picked themselves up and threw themselves at them like rabid dogs. Helena just simply allowed her meta human skills to take over, something which she had not allowed herself to do in over two years. With a jump she kicked two in the face who then fell as if they had been struck by lightning. As they fell she sent another flying. She landed in a crouch as she watched Barbara in two swift kicks and punches leave the last two unconscious.

Both breathed rapidly as they tried to catch their breath, not from exhaustion but from the adrenaline rush. They looked at each other and laughed.

"You look so fucking sexy when you are kicking ass Red." Helena commented in a roughened voice as she looked at her with her meta human eyes. "Marry me." She suddenly said.

"Just because I look sexy during a fight?" Barbara laughed at the same time that an indulgent smile appeared on her face.

"Well, not just that." Helena hurriedly explained breaking the enchantment. "Although I must admit that you are truly fucking sexy." She added with a lustful smile, running her eyes over the redhead's body from head to toe with evident desire painted on her face.

Barbara raised an eyebrow and before she could say anythin Helena continued. "I love you Barbara, I always have and I always will. Would you do it? Would you marry me?" She sounded oddly vulnerable when she was only moments before kicking ass with a cocky attitude.

The redhead looked into Helena's eyes, with a mix of doubt and surprise. "You're asking me for real, right?"

Helena nodded affirmatively and smiled slyly, Barbara smiled at the same time and tilting her head accepted, Could there be any other answer? "Yes Hel, the answer is yes."

The brunette let a breath escape which she did not realize she had been holding and within seconds she had Barbara in her arms spinning her in the air. "Yes, yes." Barbara laughed burying her face in Barbara's neck.

"I don't know what I would have done with this if you had said no." Helena said seconds after she set her on the ground without letting her go.

"With what?" She asked looking at her questioningly.

Instead of Helena answering she pulled out something from her pocket and opened it. "With this." Hel declared. She removed a beautiful plantinum ring with a pincess cut diamon with small diamonds at each side. "May I?" Helena asked timidly and with a slight flush, the thugs still on the ground like a bunch of downed bowling pins, but not of that seemed to matter at the moment.

"Oh." Barbara never in her life considered herself a woman to be wined and dined and sent love poems to or anything of that nature. And truth to be told the day Wade has asked her to marry him, it had been in a typical restaurant with candles and flowers, but it had been such a surprise for Barbara that before she could say anything, Wade had already put the ring on her finger and took her silence as acceptance. And as she thought about it rather than refuse she asked herself Why not? Obviously she didn't think things through carefully, she had needed a painful experience like Helena's departure for her to see that she was about to make the biggest mistake of her life. However, at that moment with five thugs at their backs and after a fight, Barbara couldn't help but think that Helena was the most romantic person in the world.

Helena kissed her hand before placing the ring on her finger and squeezing her hand against her chest. "I know I'm not the most romantic woman and perhaps I should have asked you at the restaurant under the romantic lights but I...

Barbara shut her up by kissing Helena.

"It's perfect Hel, just perfect."

Helena's meta senses were able to detect that one of the thugs was beginning to recover and she looked at Barbara. "Come on let's get out of here."

Helena didn't want to remain outdoors any longer, she needed to be alone with Barbara without any eyes on her. The only important thing was Barbara, they returned to the limousine and as soon as Phillip saw them he jumped out to open the door for them. Barbara got in first then Helena followed and she cuddled next to Barbara's side, bringing her arm around her shoulders to pull her in closer and kissing the top of her head.

"There are times," she began, "that I can't believe that you are here with me. It seems like a dream."

Barbara took her hand and squeezed it gently. "You aren't the only one, it's incredible how in just a couple of days things can change and to think just the night before I decided to come and look for you hoping that it was not too late."

"I had already made up my mind to return to New Gotham, did you know that? From the moment that I found out that you hadn't married Wade I knew that I had to go back. Like you I planned to tell you everything and let what happened, happen. I couldn't continue living so far from you and pretending that I didn't feel anything or that I could live without you, loving you the way that I do."

"I still think it and I still can't believe that I was so blind, I know that I've said it several times and it's still astounds me how stupid I could be. With my high IQ you would think I would be smarter and be able to see what had been right in front of me all along."

"Red." Helena laughed. "How would you have known when I was determined in showing you the complete opposite? Would you have believed in my love with the record of conquests that I had in my life?"

"Well," Barbara sighed, "not exactly. But there is something that I do know about you and I feel that you should have at least given me something to think about and then perhaps the jealousy might have made me act differently. I don't know, maybe claim what was mine." She turned to look at her with a wicked look in her eyes. "If you had said you loved me and I was going out with Wade sooner or later I would have realized that it was your way of distancing your self from me. Which would have driven me crazy with jealousy; thinking about your confession and everthing else that followed.

"I would have paid to see that." She wiggled her eyebrows playfully. "You would have turned into a cavewoman and hit me with your club as you dragged me and growled on your way to the cave."

"You're so funny, Not." She lightly punched her stomach. "I don't think I would have acted like that, that's your style, I do things with subtly Hel."

"My style?" She looked horrified. "Absolutely not!"

"Oh come now Hel, you're the kind that likes to kick ass and ask questions later." She reminded her of Huntress modus operandi. "Haven't you just asked me to marry you right after a fight?"

"But that's part of my job?" She indignantly defended. "It isn't like I can stop the goons with good manners."

"Ok, I'll give you that but still Hel. You always preferred to kick ass before anything else. So I'm right, tell me, didn't you want to kick Wade's ass?"

"No." She said seriously.

"NO?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"NO, I wanted to kill him." She spat out. "He didn't deserve you Barbara, he would have never made you happy." She added bitterly.

Barbara closed her eyes at the pain that she cold sense in the brunette's declaration. She was right, Wade would never have made her happy; he was just a convenience and nothing else. Without thinking twice she turned towards Helena and kissed her, claiming the love in Helena's heart and at the same time affirming what she had always known but had not been able to see. That she, Barbara Gordon, belong to Helena Kyle in body and soul.

Helena groaned as she felt Barbara's lips against hers and when Barbara's tongue tried to enter, she did not hesitate in allowing it entrance. Barbara's kisses always made her lose her head from the very first time. It was an intoxicating feeling that made her forget her own name. Barbara could pretend to be a cold and intelligent woman but damn if anyone could imagine that behind that faēade was a passionate woman that was capable of leaving her shaking with desire with barely a touch. Soon both of them were breathing heavily, Helena's hands caressed Barbara's bare back, caressing the silken skin and causing her to tremble with desire. Barbara began to kiss her neck and nibble at her pressure point as she ran her fingers through her hair.

"Oh, fuck" Helena groaned when she felt Barbara's teeth sink into her neck. It was driving her crazy.

"Hel," Barbara murmured in her ear, licking and nibbling the tender lobe, "I love you, just you. No one else, ever."

"Bar...bara, please, not here. No..." she managed to gasp out as a wave of heat moved through her center making it impossible to concentrate."

"I know," she gave her ear one more nibble, tugging it gently before letting herself lean against her shoulder sighing breathlessly.

"Damn, you drive me so fucking crazy." She said in a breathless whisper, feeling as if her heart was about to burst from her chest.

"The feeling's mutual Hel." She caressed her thigh softly. Helena jumped slightly at the touch of her hand on her leg, burning through the skin of her pants. "You drive me crazy too." She declared in a voice thickened by want.

Barbara just smiled and contented to hold Helena's hand.

The rest of the trip was made in silence; they really didn't need to speak, they were just happy to be together enjoying the closeness they had missed over the two long years but this time it was more intense, they knew what it was like to spend hours and hours without saying a word, each one lost in their own world but together just the same, this time the silence was a necessity in order to control their desires.

When the limo finally stopped in front of the gallery, Phil the chauffer opened the door, Helena held out her hand for Barbara gallantly, and Barbara smiled at her. Once they thanked Phil, they both headed towards the stairs. At the foot of the stairs, Barbara stopped for a moment and Helena looked at her in concern. "Is something wrong Red?"

"I think I've just overtaxed myself, my legs are a bit shaky. I don't think I can make it up the stairs." She said a little embarrassed.

"That's not a problem." Helena interrupted at the same time she picked Barbara up in her arms. "Do you think it's romantic?" Helena said as she began to go up the stairs. "Although I think carrying you up the stairs is supposed to take place after the wedding."

"We have never done anything the traditional way Hel." Barbara reminded her as she placed a kiss in the crook of her neck where her pulse point was.

"Oh, aha." Helena agreed, Barbara's lips on her neck were very distracting, fortunately she only had to climb up to floors, otherwise they would be in trouble.

Once they were at the door, she indicated to Barbara to remove the keys from her vest and soon enough they were inside.

"Do you want something to drink?" She smiled down at her; not making any attempt to lower Barbara from her arms, she wasn't in any hurry to set her down. At one point, things seemed pressing but now that she knew that everything she desired was at her feet; it made her feel as if there was now no rush at all.

For an answer Barbara pulled Helena's head down and gave her a long sensual kiss that left no doubt as to her needs. When they pulled apart Helena's eyes were unfocused.

"Bedroom it is!" Helena managed to gasp.

Barbara just rested her head on her chest, sighing happily. Helena kicked the door shut, not even bothering to lock it. With her precious cargo, she headed towards the bedroom as she felt her legs turn to jelly. Suddenly what was about to take place hit her square in the face. That night Barbara would be hers in every sense of the word, hers forever.

Helena opened the door that was already partially open with a little kick and with sure steps headed directly to the bed where she carefully deposited the redhead who pulled her down with her in a kiss, burying her fingers in the brunette's hair. Helena fell on top of Barbara who without releasing her mouth began to unbutton Helena's vest.

"This has got to go." Barbara gasped out between kisses as she fought with the vest. Helena only laughed and tried to get to her feet but Barbara wouldn't let her go, letting a grunt of protest escape.

"Red, I have to take off my boots." She laughed against her lips.

With a sigh of frustration, she let her go and getting to her feet as well so she would remove her dress. At that moment, it was more of a nuisance now that it had done its job of leaving Helena breathless.

Soon their cloths lay in a pile on the floor. When Barbara was in front of Helena in all her naked glory, Helena was left breathless as she admired the perfect body in front of her. Not even without the use of her legs had Barbara stopped exercising, her abdominal muscles, her arms, her thighs were all perfectly outlined. Her mouth was dry and she had trouble swallowing. She admired every inch of flesh from head to toe her eyes turning feral with desire.

"Fuck, you are beautiful Red." She panted in a thick voice. Barbara blushed at the compliment. Helena drew near and pulled her forward, their naked bodies touching intimately for the first time causing both of them to gasp at the sensation of skin against skin.

Helena searched for Barbara's eyes and without looking away for a single moment laid her down on the bed gently. Barbara landed on her back against the mattress as Helena melted against her in sensual abandon.

"Entire nights..." Helena began in a passionate whisper, "I dreamt of this moment, to touch you, to love you with my mouth, to caress you with my hands and run them over every inch of your skin, to kiss all of you." And with each utterance Helena followed it up with an action, slipping a leg between Barbara's; Helena leaned over her kissing her neck and following it with nibbles and licks, tasting and savoring. "I could just imagine your taste." She ran her tongue over her neck making a trail to the valley between her breasts. "The texture," Her hand followed the curve of her side and moving to cup her breast and capturing a nipple between her thumb and index finger making it harden. "I could imagine how your body responded to my touch." Helena raised her head and looked into Barbara's green eyes clouded by passion and losing herself in them. "But more than anything else I dreamt I saw the love that I feel for you reflected in your eyes, to see that every caress made you tremble with desire and become lost in a sea of sensations with me.

Barbara was beyond rational thought; her mind could only feel the way each of Helena's words made her tremble and quiver. All of her body sensitized by each word and caress. Helena kissed every inch of her skin with deliberate abandon, not rushing, with open-mouthed kisses and licks. Helena delighted in the way she was able to taste of the skin without any restrictions as she had dreamt of caressing, tasting and adoring for so many years.

Barbara's hands never stopped moving, she clung to Helena's back and ran her nails along Helena's back causing the brunette to groan from pleasure without stopping her own kissing and caressing of Barbara's body. When Helena took, Barbara's hardened nipple into her mouth she almost jumped off the bed as she let out a groan mixed with pain and pleasure. Helena sucked and bit the turgent nipple at the same time that she played with its twin with her other hand. She then moved to the other to give it the same attention, tugging, licking biting each one repeatedly until Barbara pulled her up to capture her lips that were almost savage in its intensity. Her body was inflamed and each nerve ending was tense with anticipation. Helena moved her leg and found the heated liquid of Barbara's desire painting her thigh. Helena hissed in pleasure and abandoned Barbara's mouth, who groaned in protest but only to cry out in desire when Helena began her descent. With her eyes partially closed Barbara watched as Helena stood for a moment to admire her legs before beginning the caresses and kisses from her feet and moving up.

"I dreamt," Helena continued as if she had never stopped, "that I was caressing your legs, knowing that even though you couldn't feel me loving you, you could feel my love for you, the desire that only you can make me feel." She began to kiss and stroke every inch of skin of the redhead's creamy skin. Helena was lost, lost in the sensations and flavors, in Barbara's intoxicating aroma. Her heightened senses could smell things that not anyone else could capture, but for her they were an aphrodisiac. Barbara's smell of desire combined with her own was driving her crazy. "Look at me." She begged the redhead. "Look at me loving you Barbara."

Helena locked her eyes with Barbara's at the same time that she descended slowly, her eyes never wavering from the redhead's green eyes, watching as her chest moved up and down rapidly, how she breathed with her mouth open, how her yes dilated with desire but without removing her eyes from the brunette. "Look at me." She repeated at the same time her mouth captured Barbara's ardent center only taking seconds to breath in the scent that emanated from that intimate place. When her mouth touched the swollen engorged flesh for the first time a grunt of pleasure escaped her mouth. . Helena parted the silken lips with her tongue, allowing murmurs of pleasure escape at her first taste of Barbara's ambrosia. Barbara arched up as she felt her inflamed core being licked by Helena's tongue, licking up and down over Barbara's center, carefully avoiding Barbara's clit that was red and turgid begging for attention. Helena however took her time savoring and drowning in the essence that emanated from the redhead. With one hand she pushed further opened the swollen lips and drove her tongue into Barbara's center, pushing in and out as far as she could go. Barbara groaned and twisted in pleasure, closing her eyes in painful ecstasies.

"Hel," She gasped, "Helena, please!"

Helena only continued with her ministrations lost in a sea of sensations now that she was finally able to love Barbara, to give her pleasure the way that she knew no one else could, the way no one else could make her feel. Helena was determined to make her forget anyone that had come before her. Finally, Helena took her clit, batting it swiftly only to suddenly slow down and swipe at it slowly and then suck Barbara's clit gently causing Barbara to gasp and twist at the exquisite pleasure. Barbara was about to climax, her body tensing for the imminent orgasm when suddenly Helena stopped sucking and licking her center.

"Barbara," Helena demanded, her eyes burning with desire, "Barbara," she repeated until their eyes locked once more. Helena suddenly thrust two fingers into the redhead's center that arched up as Helena thrust in and out rapidly only to begin again in a steady and torturous rhythm. Helena bent her fingers slightly rubbing the spot that Helena intuitively knew would take Barbara soaring. Helena sucked on the clit once more as her fingers continued their thrusting; Barbara at that point moved her leg to make contact with Helena's soaked center. She groaned against Barbara's core at the contact, her body in flames. Just the idea of knowing it was her and no one else who was making Barbara groan and moan in pleasure, that her body was trembling for her caused her to explode at the same time Barbara did. Barbara screamed out her name when a wave of pleasure clouded her senses, her body rigid, her back arched as Helena shook against her only adding to the pleasure at the contact as Helena continue to thrust non-stop trying to extract all she could from Barbara's body.

"Helena!" Barbara gripped Helena's shoulders as she continue to thrust in and out and her mouth was replaced by her thumb on the clit, rubbing it continuously causing Barbara to cum a second time even before she could recover from the first time. "Ahhh! Helena, stop, stop." Barbara begged breathlessly, panting for air. "I can't take anymore...stop."

Helena smile and gave her center a gentle kiss licking away the remains of Barbara's nectar and bringing her fingers to her mouth, mewls of pleasure escaping her throat. The sight was so erotic for Barbara that she pulled Helena in for a kiss, tasting herself on the brunette's lips, feeling how excited she was becoming once again, when only seconds before she had been begging Helena to stop. Helena made herself comfortable between Barbara's legs and taking Barbara's hand in hers, she guided it towards her own heated sex. "Barbara," Helena gasped, the redhead understanding fully what Helena needed and lost no time in penetrating Helena. She began to thrust in and out rapidly, knowing Helena didn't need much to bring her to the edge. Helena hid her face in Barbara's neck and suddenly she was screaming Barbara's name as her mouth anchored itself to Barbara's neck breathing heavily. At some point, their hands laced together pressing themselves against Helena's center until her body let itself collapse in exhaustion against Barbara. Their sweaty bodies remained like that for a few moments, held still in time, their flesh still overheated and still aroused.

"I love you." Barbara murmured against Helena's chin a few moments later, giving her light kisses.

"I love you too." Helena sighed moving slowly against Barbara's body, positioning herself so that their sexes came into contact. Barbara moaned as she felt Helena's center against her own. She searched for Helena's eyes and saw how they shown mischievously and still with desire. "We have all night long." Helena whispered as she began to rock against Barbara, holding herself up with her arms, stroking Barbara's center in gentle circular motions. Barbara closed her eyes and began to copy Helena's moves; soon the only sounds in the room were the soft moans and sighs of pleasure. The evening was long but for the lovers it was only a breath in time and was only just the beginning...

Part 23

****

Barbara woke up to the feeling of someone watching her. She could feel eyes watching her steadily, she could feel a hand following the curve of her still sensitive skin, and her body trembled. She slowly opened her eyes and a pair of blue playful eyes looked at her steadily. The smile was playful and sweet. Barbara blinked trying to focus and wake up properly.

"Good morning Red." Helena greeted in a whisper and capturing Barbara's lips in a languid kiss, without any rush. She pulled away and let a sigh of satisfaction escape. Barbara opened her eyes and smiled at Hel.

"No doubt a good morning Hel." She tried to get more comfortable feeling a slight stiffness in muscles she didn't remember having, aside from a bit of sensitivity in her lower region that she didn't recall ever feeling. She blushed at the memories from the previous night that invaded her memory, her temperature rising and making her nerve endings stand on alert and a wave of endorphins to rush to her brain, making her feel her center to flood with desire.

Helena raised an eyebrow in question, her eyes still shinning between playful and pleased.

"Is there something you need Red?" She asked in a whisper, at the same time that her eyes changed, her nostrils flared as her sensitive senses caught the scent of Barbara's renewed arousal, and her sensitive ears caught the clear sound of the rapid heartbeat and increased breathing.

"I need you now," Barbara gasped feeling a bit embarrassed and surprised. "Damn Hel, what have you done to me? I feel like a damn nymphomaniac!

"He, he," Hel smiled in delight at Barbara's reaction it was so charming. "I could say I'm glad, perhaps your body is just trying to recover for lost time. You know what they say about if you don't use it you lose it." She said in jest, which only got her an elbow in the stomach. "Or your body knows something that you don't."

"Is that so?" She asked as she distractedly traced Helena's lips with her thumb, lost in wonder at how the simple gesture made her feel. "What?"

"That we are soul mates." Helena said blushing slightly, she usually wasn't the mushy type but damn with Barbara she just couldn't help it. Well she would just have to get used to it.

"Oh," was all that Barbara could manage before she was overwhelmed with emotion as she leaned into Helena laughing and crying all at once from happiness.

Helena laughed against Barbara's lips, they rolled on the bed and the brunette wound up on top of the redhead, capturing her between her legs and arms.

"I love you Red." She declared with a smile.

"I love you Hel." Barbara responded as she caressed her cheek.

Helena leaned over Barbara, only millimeters from the redhead's lips, much to Barbara's frustration. "Show me Red, show me how much you love me." She whispered against her lips.

Barbara didn't waste anytime in showing Hel how much she loved her.

The next time Barbara woke up she was alone in the bed; she turned slightly to look at the time and noticed with surprise that it was passed 10 o'clock. Her eyes got as huge as saucers as she attempted to get up but Helena's voice stopped her.

"Don't even think about it Red, I've brought you breakfast in bed." Helena warned seriously.

"Oh," Barbara looked up to see Helena moving towards the bed with a tray in her hands, and a playful smile on her lips the belied the seriousness of her earlier command. She was wearing a blue silk robe and her hair was a mess just like Barbara liked it.

"While you slept I ran over to Le Rose to get you something, not that I couldn't make it, but I know how much you like fresh made croissants." Hel offered with a timid smile sitting in front of her and placing the tray carefully between them.

"Oh you are so sweet Hel." Barbara smiled, caressing her cheek and causing the brunette to blush violently.

"Uh, no, I don't think so." She vehemently denied, shaking her head. "Courteous yes, I can be very courteous."

"Haha," The redhead laughed, "No Hel you don't need to keep up your bad girl role with me. I know who you are. All of you and I love you that way.

Hel tilted her head and gave her signature smile that always managed to take Barbara's breath away. That mix of shyness and playfulness that characterized her. "I love you too Red."

"Tell me, do we have anything planned for today?" She asked as she the spread jam that Helena had included on her croissant.

"Hmm," Helena had just finished biting down on one of the croissants, "If you want. She said once she had swallowed.

"Just like that?"

"Yep, we can go out and continue touring the city if you like or we can stay at home and start packing my things. On the other hand, if you want and if you need time to get your stuff in order, whatever you want is no problem. I need to go down and speak with Kate anyway, to let her know that I'm going back to New Gotham with you. Or..." she paused.

"Oh?" Barbara's eyebrow went up.

"Or we can recover time lost." She smiled lasciviously, running her eyes over Barbara's nude body, who didn't seem to be aware of her nakedness.

Barbara's white skin turned red and when she tried to pull the sheets to cover herself she almost overturned the tray that Helena hurriedly managed to catch.

"Helena!" She got her attention even though the smile that appeared on her lips belied her anger.

"You look lovely when you blush Red, it looks very sexy." Helena smiled knowing that Barbara wasn't a woman that permitted liberties with herself, more than aware of the scares that crisscrossed her abdomen. Helena got to her feet, went to the closet, and removed a green silk robe. One that matched the one she had on and that she had coincidently purchased in China town on the day Barbara had appeared at her doorstep.

"Here put this on." She handed her the robe.

Barbara looked at the robe curiously before even taking it. She looked up and looked steadily at Helena. It was obvious that it was a woman's robe.

"It's new. I bought it at the same time I got this one." Helena explained, indicating her own. "Actually I got these the same day you..." She gestured with her hand. "Talk about wishful thinking. It's obvious that I bought it with you in mind. It's the same color as your eyes, you know?" She blushed lightly.

"Oh," She didn't know what to say and proceeded to put on the robe that felt wonderful on her overheated skin. "It's beautiful Helena, thank you."

"On the contrary Barbara, it's you who does the robe justice; otherwise it would just be another piece of silk." Helena said moving closer to give her a kiss. When they finally separated both of them were breathing heavily. "So what will it be Red?" Helena asked savoring the lips that had picked up some jam from Barbara's mouth that she had eaten only moments before.

"How do you say to a shower?" Barbara suggested

Hel titled her head. "Shared?"

Barbara nodded

"I like your way of thinking. Shall we?" Helena asked

"What do you say we finish with breakfast? After all I don't want you to lose your strength, right?" Barbara responded.

"No, definitely not." Hel laughed sexily.

The rest of the morning was spent in bed. Barbara couldn't seem to get enough of Helena and the brunette seemed to feel the same way with only a few siestas and a little water to keep them going. It was almost 6:00 p.m. when they finally left the bedroom. Fresh out of the shower and once again starving. Helena asked her if she wanted to eat anything special.

"Yes, but do you think we can do that in about an hour, hmm, would it bother you too much if I checked work?"

"No, of course not. I need to see Kate. She's probably still at the gallery."

"Ok, say hi to her for me." Barbara gave her a kiss and Helena left in search of Kate.

While Helena went to go talk to Kate about her leaving, Barbara busied herself checking on how things were going in New Gotham in her absence. She knew that Dinah could handle Delphi and that Aiko and Dick could take care of the sweeps through the city. However, she was Oracle after all and she wanted to be well informed about everything. It was better to be well prepared for whatever might come up. Unfortunately crime never took a break.

Given the hour, she knew she could speak with Dick on the phone and probably Dinah was already at the tower with Aiko getting ready to go out. She also had to talk to Ashley to coordinate everything. She should be back in another couple of days with Helena and she wanted it to be a surprise for Dinah and Alfred. To see her return not only with Helena but also as a couple.

When Helena returned an hour and a half later, Barbara was still on her laptop and was caught off guard by how fast the time had passed.

"It'll soon be 8 p.m. Red, you must be starving by now, right?" She dropped down next to her.

"Hey, I didn't hear you come back." She greeted.

"Obviously, you're deep in concentration. So tell me has Dinah finally managed to reconfigure Delphi?" She said in jest.

"What!" Barbara exclaimed in alarm. "No, it's not what you think, Dinah has gotten very proficient at it."

"Hahaha, it was just a joke Bab's. I know how much you love your super computer."

"It's not funny Hel, I still can't forget the time you crashed one of the hard drives when you played Halo on it." She reminded in false anger.

'Oh, oh not low blows." She raised her hands in defeat. "How was I to know that if I played Halo on it that would happen! It's just a simple game."

"A game with the potential to crash a computer designed to attack any intruder. You logged on to the game players network and that confused Delphi."

"Hmph," She crossed her arms, "I still managed to win anyway."

"Oh Hel." Barbara laughed and typing in a few more commands, she shut down the laptop. "Ok all done. What do you think if we go out to dinner? I've got a yen for Chinese and they say San Francisco is very good."

Helena assured her that was true and soon they were on their way hand in hand to the nearest one. It felt wonderful having the warmth of Barbara's hand in hers. Hel still couldn't believe it, it was a dream that she never wanted to wake from.

When Helena and Barbara returned to the apartment, Helena smiled wickedly at the redhead and before she had a chance to react, Helena was carrying Barbara in her arms and between kisses and laughter both of them fell onto the bed with Helena landing under Barbara.

"It seems it's become a habit for you to carry me in your arms." The redhead claimed playfully, her arms at Helena's sides who in turn put her hands on Barbara's hips.

"You object?" She asked lasciviously. Barbara liked her lips suddenly feeling her throat go dry. Christ, how Helena makes me feel just with a simple caress.

"No." She whispered raspily, her eyes dilated with desire. "No, never." She leaned into Helena capturing her lips passionately.

Soon several pieces of clothing were littering the floor and groans of pleasure were heard as flesh met flesh. "I love you Red." Helena declared her eyes liquid gold.

"I love you." Barbara gasped into Helena's neck. "I love you so much."

The next day was spent packing away the things that Helena would be taking with her for the return trip to New Gotham. Really there were very few things to pack aside from packing Barbara's portraits properly. Those paintings were the only ones she could take back with her. The rest that were finished would stay with Kate to exhibit. Kate would also take care of shipping the rest of her stuff.

That night Helena went up to the roof with Barbara, who held her from behind, noticing a certain melancholy from the brunette.

"I'm going to miss the city, I became very fond of it during my time here." Helena said in a whisper.

"It's understandable Hel." Barbara said feeling a sharp stab of apprehension. Was she doing the correct thing? Helena could feel how the redhead tensed.

"No, you misunderstand Babs; I don't regret leaving, not in the least. It's just that this is the place I found myself. The only thing I can be thankful for is that I finally found the peace that I had lost since my mother's death.

Barbara breathed deeply trying to assimilate the brunette's words. Trying to reconcile what she was saying with the pain that in some form or another their separation had brought Helena to this point.

Barbara breathed deeply, feeling a knot form in her throat, constricting her voice but she managed to ask "You think that being with me in New Gotham prevented you from finding that peace?"

"I think I was too immersed in frustration because I couldn't have you Red." She confessed. "Fighting against myself, trying to hide what I felt behind the faēade that I couldn't think clearly. Leah told me that if I hadn't spent so much time trying to forget you instead of showing you, my own perspective would have changed."

"Even as painful as these two years were without you Helena, I think that in some form or another it was necessary for both of us. I would have wished that it wasn't like that, but now we are different people, we learned painful lessons and that made us stronger."

"With you Barbara, to know that you love me, that makes me strong." Helena declared passionately.

"The same goes for me. I won't say that it will be easy, my career is demanding and you know it." She said with a slight tremor.

"Barbara, I know what being a vigilante means to you." Helena calmed her. "I'm used to that life, but now we have one another, we understand each other like know one else ever will."

"Together." Barbara held her tighter.

Helena turned to look at Barbara, their eyes found each other and for several seconds they exchanged silent promises for a future that was dangerous and perhaps uncertain. "Together Red."

FIN

Epilogue

An elegant and skilled hand punched in the access code, she placed her palms for the digital scan, moved her eyes towards the ocular scanner which was disguised as an alternate light source and after a few seconds the door opened. She smiled and nodded when she noticed movement at her back and with another nod she entered the elevator and leaned against the wall patiently waiting for the elevator to arrive to the top of the tower. When the doors opened she had barely stepped out when she was suddenly taken into an enthusiastic hug from the dynamo blonde.

"Barbara! Why didn't you tell us you were coming back today? How did it go? Did you have fun? What did you do?"

"Haha, calm down. Hello Dinah, Dick." She smiled at her old friend.

"Hey Babs, I'm glad your back, I was going crazy." He joked. "Hey!" He exclaimed as he rubbed the back of his head where Dinah had bopped him.

"And Aiko?" She asked upon noticing the absence of her Young Ward.

"At a friend's house studying." Dinah said.

"Oh and what about Alfred?"

"Good evening Miss Barbara." Alfred appeared from nowhere with a tea tray.

"Alfred what a pleasure, it pleases me that everyone is here. I have a surprise."

"A surprise?" Dinah's eyes opened wide in curiosity. "Did you bring us something?"

"Actually I did." She turned slightly and her eyes moved towards the balcony where right at that moment they heard a noise.

Dinah and Dick turned suddenly, fearing some kind of an attack. Alfred limited himself to a satisfied smile. Suddenly a figure that in two years had not come through the balcony door appeared. A shape dressed in black leather began to walk towards them with her characteristic cocky swagger.

Dinah cried out happily and ran almost knocking Helena over as she hugged her enthusiastically.

"Helena!"

"Hey kid. Did'ja miss me?" Helena laughed returning the hug with just as much enthusiasm.

Dick turned towards Barbara with a raised eyebrow; Barbara only smiled playfully as her cheeks began to redden.

"Washington, huh Babs?"

"Actually, San Francisco." Barbara confessed not losing her smile. "The most important mission of my life."

"I knew it!" Dick declared triumphantly.

"How?" Barbara asked curiously.

"Hmm, well because there was no Nanotech convention in DC Babs.

"I should have guessed you would double check, you're such a tattle tale." She scolded him playfully.

"I'm very happy for you Babs, truly. It was about time you took the bull by the horns."

Helena moved towards them and smiled at Dick without animosity something that surprised her adoptive brother. Usually Helena was pretty antagonistic with him.

"Hello Dick, it's been a long time. How have you been?" She greeted him warmly.

"Hmm, hi Helena, welcome home." He said a bit off balance.

"Thanks, it's good to be back."

Just then Helena noticed Alfred and moved towards him.

"Alfred!" She hugged the butler that was taken by surprise by the affectionate gesture from the brunette. "I have missed you my friend. You took good care of them. Thank you." She whispered.

"It's my duty Miss Helena and an honor." He smiled courteously, but his eyes shone with genuine pleasure to see the young woman back.

"Thank you."

Once more a cry of surprise from Dinah caused everyone to jump.

"What's this?" The blonde took Barbara's left hand to inspect it. There on her ring finger a platinum engagement and wedding ring shown brightly.

Barbara let the young woman study her hand before smiling at her accusatory look.

"You got married!" She accused in surprise pointing a finger at Helena.

Helena shrugged her shoulders and smiled arrogantly, but her eyes shone with happiness. "I had to make an honest woman out of her D."

"Excuse me?" Barbara said indignantly.

"Actually I should say that it was the least that she could do Miss Barbara, after so many years living in sin." Alfred commented in a serious voice.

Barbara just stared at him opening and closing her mouth much like a fish. Did that mean everyone had known about her feelings for Helena?

"I agree Babs, you sure were taking long. Congratulations." Dick interrupted.

Barbara was going to say something when Helena moved to her side.

"Truly Barbara has made me the happiest woman in the world when she accepted." She smiled delightedly.

"We'll need to celebrate." Dick announced. "Alfred, Champagne."

Barbara gave Helena her hand and together they headed to the living room, followed by Dinah who kept asking questions.

"Why didn't you invite me?" She whined for the thousand time.

"Because we wanted to have a formal wedding in front of our family and friends, in California it's legal, here it isn't." Barbara replied with a patient smile.

"Besides D, I figured you'd love to plan the wedding with Alfred and Barbara." Helena added.

"WHAT!" Both Barbara and Dinah exclaimed stopping at once.

"Yep, we are going to have to have the biggest and most enormous wedding of New Gotham, after all, it's not every day that the only daughter of Bruce Wayne gets married and to the daughter of his best friend Commissioner Gordon, the highly decorated and esteemed teacher Barbara Gordon. My father will be glad to and delighted and I'm sure yours will to Babs, to be in-laws and all." Helena said seriously

"You're joking right?" Barbara asked dismayed but knowing Helena well enough to know she wasn't. "Helena that would be dangerous, although it's rumored no one really knows that you...

Helena smiled and took both of Barbara's hands in hers. "It's time Red, the past has been left behind and we only have our futures' ahead of us. I understand, I know why he did it and I forgive him. Would I have done the same? I don't know, but I do know what loosing the love of your life can do. He deserves to be my father just as much as I deserve to have one. Can we mend the bridges? I don't know but at least we should try, my mother would have liked that." She stated with a timid smile as if the idea was something she hated to admit that after all there was no real reason to hate her father.

Barbara pulled her against herself, hugging her hard and whispering emotionally, "I know she would, your mother would be proud to see the woman you have become and I know that would make her very happy Hel."

Helena squeezed her in return then released her slowly and just when she was about to kiss Barbara, Dinah's insistent voice caused them to pull apart.

"I know you're still on your honeymoon but we are waiting." She said impatiently and added, "We have a wedding to plan Barbara..."

****

Much, much later at the Wayne mansion. "She's back Master Bruce, married of course...yes sir, with Miss Barbara... I've never seen her happier sir."

Alfred hung up with a satisfied smile. "Yes, master Bruce." He replied to no one. "I think that it's time that you return. You have a wedding to attend."

FIN

(For now...)