THE SET UP

by Gwena and Donna

(Rated R)

After dropping Katherine off up at the cabin, Connor went back into SIMs City and went straight over to Valley View #2. When he knocked on the door and was invited in by Gwena and Johnny Utah, he asked if they had anything planned for the rest of the evening.

Johnny looked at Gwena and shrugged. "I've got nothing planned."

Gwena answered, "I'm always up for a surprise. Let me tell Cassandra so she can watch Rua." She left and came back moments later. "Ready to go." Connor grinned at them and led them out into the street and down Valley View. When they got to Rayden's house, they circled behind it and went into the back yard. As they walked into the yard the scenery changed before their eyes into a rugged, mountainous one.

Johnny half grinned at Connor, "What the...?" Gwena just shrugged and lifted an eyebrow.

Connor just grinned back and said, "You want to go up the long way, or take the short cut?"

"How long's the long way?" Johnny queried.

Gwena laughed and poked Johnny in the side. "Wimp! Let's take the long way. Never know what we might see!" She grinned mischievously, quite excited by the prospect of an adventure.

"It's just a wee stretch of the legs," Connor teased. Tightening the laces on his tennis shoes, he started across the yard towards a creek, with Gwena and Johnny right beside him..

Once there they began to follow it up hill. When Johnny glanced back, all traces of SimsCity was gone. Johnny nudged Gwena. "Whoa. Even better than your magic."

Gwena commented, indignantly, "Hey, so I'm not a goddess. But I can cyber up many things. Any one in SIMs City can. Just can't make the city disappear like that." She glanced back, impressed in spite of herself.

Connor told them that Sarah Jo called the way just a little "uptilted". It was indeed uphill all the way, very rugged and beautiful. Wildlife abounded in the area and they saw all different types of game. At one point, Johnny couldn't stand it anymore and Shifted into panther form and bounded off into the brush. They could hear him for a little bit then it got quiet again. Suddenly, he pounced out of the undergrowth and tackled Connor playfully. His claws were sheathed to avoid injuring the Highlander. Gwena covered her mouth, trying to stifle her giggles at the sight of the two of them tussling and rolling down the hill.

Connor wrestled back with him, not bothering to be gentle. He knew it wouldn't bother the were panther any at all. When they were done playing around, he had to kneel by the creek to wash the sweat dripping off of him and the little bit of blood from a few scratches that had happened despite Johnny being careful. They were already healed by that time, of course.

Johnny Shifted back, panting slightly from the exertion. Gwena smacked him. "Hey, Kitten, take it easy. He's not used to being attacked at random by big kittenish panthers."

Johnny just grinned at her and walked over to Connor. "Sorry, but it was irresistible. You make a good target." That comment got him splashed liberally with the ice cold water from the creek. The next thing Gwena knew, the two men were rolling around in the middle of the creek, doing their best to drown each other.

Gwena began to laugh and ended up sitting in the middle of the path, overcome with giggles. She knew Johnny was being careful not to use his full strength or speed. When the two men came out of the creek soaked and laughing, she stood up warily. It would be just like them to think *she* should be as wet as they were.

The two men glanced at each other and as one, took off after her as she turned on her heels and raced up the hill.

Johnny knew that Gwena was able to outpace Connor given her increased speed due to her bond to the were's , so he took it upon himself to tackle her. He threw her over his shoulder and brought her back to Connor to do the honors. The whole time Gwena was cussing in Old Irish, Italian, Cherokee, and any other language she could remember in her anger. Johnny just laughed. Together the two of them each grabbed an arm and a leg and tossed her in a fairly deep spot of the creek without mercy. They then joined her in the creek for another wrestling match, this time two against one.

After a while, Gwena came up sputtering, "We are never going to get anywhere at this rate. Surely this wasn't the whole plan?" She wrung her hip length hair out, the braid having come apart long before. "I just washed my hair and it takes forever to dry naturally," she muttered as she started out of the creek. Johnny, of course, had to dunk her one more time before he scrambled out of the creek, laughing.

Gwena looked at Connor, still standing in the water with her. "Ever known a cat to love water as much as he does? It's just not natural." Connor responded by splashing her again before retreating out of the water as fast as he could. The three of them continued on their way up the hill, laughing and carrying on happily just like schoolchildren let out on holiday.

Gwena asked Connor, "By the way, where are we going? I've heard a bit about Sarah Jo's cabin. Are we going there?" She did indeed look like a child asking for a treat.

"Yup!" Connor said with a wide grin. "In fact, we're almost there now." They rounded a bend in the creek and could see a primitive log bridge over a deeper part of it. On the other side was a beautiful mountain meadow set in between several mountain peaks. On the other side, a rustic old log cabin stood, a thin stream of smoke coming out of it's chimney. Sitting waiting for them as they crossed the bridge was Katherine sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch.

Gwena smiled warmly and went to greet the other woman with a hug. Johnny leaned down to give Katherine a peck on the cheek.

"Glad you folks could make it!" she said with a broad grin on her face as she took in their bedraggled appearance. "Looks like you guys stopped to play a little on the way. You hungry?"

Johnny grinned. "Always! And I hear you are a great cook." Gwena just laughed.

Katherine led the way inside the cabin. On the simple wood plank table graced with a simple gingham table cloth and a mason jar full of wild flowers, a wonderful meal was spread out. It consisted of a large smoked ham, sweet potato casserole, creamed corn, peas and snaps, and some absolutely heavenly looking biscuits.

Johnny's stomach growled at the exquisite smells. Luckily everyone else was talking and didn't seem to notice, though from Gwena's quickly hidden snerk, he knew she'd heard it. He covered it with, "Smells great. What's the occasion?"

"I just wanted to thank you for being there to help out when I needed it," Katherine said quietly. She reached up and tenderly stroked the side of his face before reaching out to squeeze Gwena's hand. "But more than that, to thank you both for being my friends."

Gwena hugged her again. "I'm just thankful you're okay. And even more that you and Connor are together again, hopefully for good. I'm happy for you both that Rayden has given you your fondest wish."

Johnny studied Kat while Gwena spoke. Her impending motherhood had given her the glow which was often mentioned. He remembered how pale and fragile she seemed after Kronos' attack. He'd been furious with himself for not having been there to stop Kronos. He smiled gently at Katherine, vowing silently to make it up to her some how when the meal was over..

Katherine wiped a tear from her eye and mumbled, "Sorry, runaway hormones right now." She then invited them to sit down and eat before it got cold.

After they all filled their plates and started to eat, Johnny commented, "Oh, this is great. Of course, I knew you were a good cook from the coffeeshop, but this .... mmmm."

Both Johnny and Connor had very heathy appetites and they wasted no time in putting a very large dent into the supply of food. When they had pushed away their plates, Katherine brought out a wonderfully decorated Carolina Jam cake.

Gwena sighed, "Oh, heavenly. And you know how Johnny loves dessert." She grinned at her husband who was staring at the confection with a look of awe and desire. Katherine carefully sliced the three layer cake, exposing the thick blackberry filling between the layers. She gave each of the men a huge slice and then looked at Gwena with a questioning look.

"Oh, yes. I'm definitely wanting a piece of that." Gwena smiled. "Just about half the size of theirs, please."

Once the requested size was cut, Katherine cut a very small piece for her self. "The recipe for this cake is almost as old as I am," she said with a grin.

"Well, it's delicious. It should stay around for centuries more at this rate." Johnny offered. Gwena questioned, "Do you share your recipes? I have a few you might like if you'd want to trade."

"Always willing to trade," she said happily. She and Gwena talked about various recipes they each had as the men wiped out the cake on their plates. When she noticed Johnny still eyed the cake hungrily she cut him yet another piece.

Gwena snickered at Kat's comment of trading, before getting into the recipes. She shook her head, amused when Kat gave Johnny more cake. She and Kat shared a conspiratorial smile. Gwena had told her food was certainly the way to Johnny's good side.

Connor was sprawling lazily across the table form her, his intense eyes focused on her. When she looked up at him, he gave her a little half smile. Apparently it was alright with him too if they *traded*. Gwena gave him a wink. She was quite aware of what Kat had planned and she was tickled that Connor was pleased. She glanced over at Johnny. She knew he was clueless and she thought fleetingly, ~~Poor boy! Not that I think he'll complain for a minute.~~ She grinned and glanced back at Connor with a smoldering look.

"Hey, Gwena! Wanna go for a walk? I'm sure you would agree to volunteering the walking appetite here to help with the dishes while we are out," he asked, a mischievous look on his face.

"I think it's the least he can do, considering it's *his* fault I ended up soaked and bedraggled." She grinned at Johnny's startled look and took Connor's hand. She glanced over her shoulder to see Johnny frown, puzzled, then smile at Kat as he got up to clear the table. She snickered and bumped Connor's arm with her shoulder. "Think he's figured it out yet?"

"Nah," Connor said with a wicked grin. "But I imagine the anvil will hit pretty quick." He took her hand and the two of them sauntered out into the night.

Johnny stacked the plates and helped clean off the table. It was the first time he'd been alone with Kat in such an intimate situation. Before walking her home, checking the house, etc, he'd been working. Her scent overlayed with the aromas of the food was intoxicating. She smelled *very* female, which he figured was due to the pregnancy and hormones.

The kitchen sink was very small and they had to stand very close to each other as she washed and he dried. It seemed she was only half his size but there was something thing about her that was sending a few of his own hormones into overdrive, especially when her slim hip would brush up lightly against his leg. Johnny found himself getting flustered. He tried to brush it off as the close quarters, but he found himself very aware of Kat. She was slightly smaller than Gwena, rather the size of Fhae. But Kat was very different in 'feel'. That thought brought a rush of color to his face and he nearly dropped the dish he was holding. "Uh, sorry, seem to have butterfingers tonight." He muttered as he caught the dish, grazing her breast.

"It's ok," she said in a soft musical tone that was almost but not quit a purr. She reached out and took his hand and placed it back on her breast, her crystal blue eyes shining as she looked up at him. Johnny hesitated for a brief moment before he smiled. It was clear to him now. He leaned down and tenderly kissed her cool lips. His very warm hand gently caressed her small, but perfectly formed breast through the material, unerringly finding the nipple. As his lips met hers, her mouth opened to admit his questing tongue. His other hand ran up and down her back and ended up entangled in her short wavy hair.

Johnny was torn between desire and fear. Not only was she mortal, but pregnant. Jay was the only other mortal woman he'd been with since becoming a shapeshifter. She wasn't as tiny as Kat, or pregnant, and he'd still held back for fear of hurting her. He pulled back from the kiss and said, "Kat, are you sure about this? I don't want to take any chance of hurting you or your baby. I promise to be very careful."

"I'm sure," she said softly. "I'm not an inexperienced child, even though I may look like one at times." Then taking him by the hand, she led him into the small bedroom. In it was an old fashioned cast iron bed stead with a very thick feather mattress on it. The covers had already been pulled back in anticipation of the bed being occupied. She let go of his hand and slowly began to unbutton the shirt dress she was wearing, until it was opened all the way down the front. He had already figured out she had been not wearing a bra, and he was pleased to see she had no panties on either. Johnny quirked an eyebrow and smiled as he said, "I think I've been set up. Everyone but me seems to have known what was planned." He stepped closer and slid the dress off her shoulders. As it crumpled to the floor, he picked her up and kissed deeply before kneeling on the bed with her in his arms. He laid her on the bed, gracefully falling to her side still entwined..

Katherine's hands and mouth began to explore his body as his did the same to hers. He suddenly realized he was feeling her emotions and pleasure as well as his own, even without a bond between them.

It was a unique sensation. Not nearly the strength and breadth of his experience with his bondmates, but certainly pleasurable. He knew as an empath she would pick up on his pleasure. He focused on his desire to give her a clearer and sharper sense.

As his hands roamed over her slim body, he found her empathic link a big plus. He could tell without a doubt if something was pleasurable or if it bordered on being painful. It still managed to catch him by surprise though, when she pushed him back on his back and growled, "Be still." She then drove him to new heights of pleasure as her sweet mouth roamed up and down his body.

Growling with impatience, he reached down and grabbed Kat under her arms and pulled her up the length of his body. Once she was settled, hovering above him, he kissed her passionately. The sensation of his erection between her thighs driving him crazy. He held onto his control allowing her to make the next move.

Moaning softly, she eased down on top of him till his manhood was pressed up against her wet opening. She then drove him deep inside her, throwing her head back and crying out with pleasure as he completely filled her. Johnny thrust his hips up to meet her, deepening the sensation for both of them. Once buried within her to his hilt, he held still, panting, and looked up at her. Once she looked at him, he locked his eyes onto hers and smiled gently. His posture arched against her and held totally still, waiting for her next reaction.... anticipating.

Katherine then began to ride him, achingly slow at first as her hips moved in the slow and steady rhythm of lovemaking. She steadily increased the tempo and strength of her movements as her mind reached out and touched his.

It was as if their bodies were completely one, her pleasure, his. And his pleasure, hers. Johnny smiled to himself over the familiar sense of duality ... enjoyed riding the waves it created within his body, hers, and his mind. As her tempo rose, he could hear her heartbeat increasing. He found himself concentrating on not only their shared sensations, but the pulse point on her neck, as it began to glisten with a sheen of perspiration from her vigorous movements.

He could feel the sensation of warmth spreading out from her center throughout her entire body as her pleasure built almost to the bursting point. Johnny smiled at her with gritted teeth, a purring-growl rolling from deep within his throat as he felt his own climax threatening to boil over. He used his force of will to wait for her, wanting to let his mind swim in their shared orgasm.

The pent up pleasure exploded within Katherine and she cried out, rocking her hips hard against him. Johnny's eyes fluttered for a moment as he fought against closing them completely and just concentrating on their shared sensations. Instead his passionate moans choked in his throat as he burst within her, watching her face - reveling in her reactions to his body.

Her face was a study in ecstasy as both his and her pleasure combined to intensify the experience. She rode out the last throes and spasms, and then collapsed on top of him, her chest heaving against his as she struggled to catch her breath. She was a feather against him, as he smiled down at the top of her head. He recovered his breathing much quicker then she'd be able to, and used the extra time to sooth her. He ran his hand through her hair and held her close to him, rocking slightly from side to side.

Once she caught her breath, she raised up, a look of pure mischief in her sparkling blue eyes as she reached out and bit his chin gently. "Told you I wouldn't break!" she said smugly. "Seconds?"