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Fighting for Love Ch. 01

By: AshiraDatya



'I'm trying to build up slowly so there isn't any sex in this first part so if that's what you're looking for, I'm sorry, you'll either have to wait while I write or read something else. Please leave feedback!'

*

: Prologue :

He watched her as she slept, loving the way her hair curled, making it look like she had a halo on top of her head. Under the closed, creamy eye lids, he knew she had beautiful eyes that looked like a cross between tiger's eye and amber. His own brown eyes were troubled and full of guilt as he looked over at his packed duffel bag in the corner of the room. It had taken nearly six months of their year long relationship to convince her parents that it was okay for their precious princess to date somebody. He felt horrible, his stomach tightened as the timer on his phone went off softly. He quickly pushed a button, hoping the noise didn't wake her up. His heart sank as he watched her stretch and her eyes flutter open. "Morning," she said softly, rubbing some sleep out of an eye. He smiled, even though he felt like he was dying inside. 

"Hey beautiful," he murmured. He swore to himself as her eyes fell on the obviously full duffel bag. 

"You're leaving?" she asked, her eyes finding his. He made himself shake his head. 

"Just a business trip out west. I should be back by Friday," he answered. She studied his face and smiled. 

"I'll miss you," she said, giving him a small smile. He forced himself to smile back. "Jess, I love you," he murmured, kissing her softly. She smiled. 

"I love you too," she murmured as he pulled away. He grabbed the bag and walked out the door without glancing at her again, knowing if he turned around, he'd never leave. As he stood on the front porch, shaking, he reached into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a crumpled up note. He read it quickly and tossed it towards the small pocket of his bag and zipped it shut before getting into his car and driving away.

: Chapter One :

"Jessica, wait up!" Jessica stopped and turned around as her friend Colleen caught up to her. "How are you?" Colleen asked, surprised at the dark circles under her friend's eyes. Jessica shrugged. 

"I'm fine," Jessica said dryly. Colleen looked at her friend in concern. 

"Have you heard from Danny recently?" Colleen asked gently. Jessica shook her head. 

"Not since he walked out on me," Jessica answered. Colleen sighed. 

"There had to be something up, he wouldn't have just ..." Colleen's voice trailed off as two huge men approached them. 

"Are you Jessica Saint?" one of the men asked. Jessica nodded hesitantly. "Where is Danny Storm?" he asked. Jessica glanced at Colleen. "I haven't seen him in months," Jessica answered. 

"He wouldn't leave someone alone like this, where is he?" the man demanded. Jessica sighed and shook her head. 

"I haven't seen or heard from Danny Storm in almost six months," Jessica answered. The man growled and wrapped a beefy hand around her arm. "You're coming with us," he said, jerking her towards a white cargo van. 

"Let me go!" Jessica shouted, struggling to break free. 

The man slammed her against a car and Jessica gasped as the wind got knocked out of her. "If you care for the life of that brat you're carrying, you'll stop struggling and come willingly," he grumbled. He pulled her away from the mustang and towards the cargo van. 

His associate reached for Colleen to silence any witnesses, but the perky blond was faster than she appeared and she ran back into the medical center. Jessica tried to scream as she was forced into the cargo van but the door closed behind her kidnapper and he put a hand over her mouth as his accomplice got into the front seat and drove away. "What do you want with me?" Jessica asked as she huddled on the floor of the cargo van, trying to force herself to stay calm. 

The man gave her an evil grin. "So you fucked Storm, you haven't experienced anything yet," he sneered. Jessica's eyes widened in fear. 

"Not until the boss has talked to her," the driver said sharply. The man in back with Jessica growled but sat in his seat, arms crossed over his chest like a petulant child. 

Before Jessica knew it, she was being pulled into a dark garage and into a tunnel. "Do you have her?" a voice asked from behind a desk. 

"Yes boss, we have her. She claims not to know where Storm is," one of her abductors said. The man behind the desk chuckled as he stepped forward. 

"Hello Jessica. You look ..." he stared at her in surprise. "So Storm knocked you up I see," he observed. Jessica gasped in shock as she recognised the man in front of her. 

"Mr. Clark?" Jessica asked, her eyes wide. Mr. Clark chuckled. 

"You remember me, that's very good. Danny worked for me for what, eight months of your relationship?" Mr. Clark asked. Jessica nodded. "Where is Danny?" Mr. Clark wanted to know. Jessica sighed. 

"Like I told your brute squad here, I haven't seen or talked to Danny in nearly six months," Jessica answered, feeling a bit like a broken record. Mr. Clark's eyes widened. 

"You don't expect me to believe that after getting you pregnant, Danny just took off?" he asked skeptically. Jessica sighed again. 

"Danny doesn't know. I found out after he left. He said he was leaving for a business trip somewhere out west. He left on a Tuesday morning and said he'd be back by Friday. That was almost six months ago. I haven't seen him or talked to him since he left me," Jessica answered, rubbing her back. Mr. Clark raised an eye brown and looked at his men over Jessica's head. 

"Do some fast research gentlemen," he told them. 

The two body builder want to be took off in opposite directions, each had a cell phone pressed to their ears. Mr. Clark pulled out a chair for Jessica and motioned for her to sit down. 

Before he could say anything else, the power went off, surrounding them both in pitch black. "Damn it," he swore as they waited for the generator to kick in. "Stay here," Mr. Clark advised as he grabbed a flash light and a hand gun and stalked from the office. Jessica raced to the desk looking for a flash light. She found a lighter and used it to start looking for anything that would tell her where she was and why Danny's boss had kidnapped her. 

Jessica looked up, thinking she had heard a noise. She stopped moving through the desk and listened. Not seeing or hearing anything, she turned her attention back to the drawer and nearly shouting with excitement as she found some papers that could be quite damaging to Mr. Clark. "Jess, are you here?" a voice called out quietly. Jessica raised her lighter and gave a sigh of relief as she recognised the face in the darkness. 

"Jake!" she exclaimed, never more glad to see Danny's best friend then she was right then. Jake reached out and took her hand, leading her away from the desk. 

"Let's get you out of here, shall we?" Jake asked. Jessica nodded. 

"Jake, I found these in the desk," she said softly, handing him some papers. Jake smiled as he took the papers from her. 

"Let's go kiddo, before they get the power back on," he said. "Oh, leave the lighter," he added. Jessica turned the lighter off. 

"How will we see?" she asked softly. He grinned. 

"Night vision goggles," he answered quietly, pulling her out of the room and leading her stealthily down the hall. 

As they neared the entrance to the compound, Jake flicked off the night vision and pulled the goggles up to his forehead. "Did they hurt you?" Jake asked before shots rang out. Jake ducked, pulling Jessica down with him. "You okay?" Jake wanted to know, searching Jessica's back for bullet holes. Jessica closed her eyes. 

"My shoulder hurts," she mumbled. Jake checked both of her shoulders and swore loudly. 

"Deep breaths Jess, and stay with me. 

I'll get you out of here," Jake promised. Jessica took a deep breath and screamed as Jake began returning fire. "Relax Jess," Jake warned. He scanned the area before helping Jessica back to her feet. "Can you walk?" he asked. Jessica nodded, took two steps and stumbled. Jake swore under his breath and pulled Jessica into his arms. 

"Good lord, what has she been eating lately?" he thought to himself. Jessica squinted as the sun hit her face and bounced into her eyes. Jake put Jessica into the passenger seat of his mustang coupe before sliding over the trunk of the car and climbing in the driver's side quickly. Jake glanced over at Jessica and handed her a towel. "It's clean, hold it over the gunshot, it'll keep you from bleeding out too much," he said, concentrating on getting Jessica to some place safe.

Fighting for Love Ch. 01



Author's Note:

This is an idea I have had for a great number of years. Not a lot of sex in this first installment, but there will be more to come. If you enjoy this story, please let me know so that I am encouraged to continue to write additional chapters. It is likely not perfect, I wrote it at around 3 AM once a week over a couple months... Constructive criticism is welcome. If you leave comments that are just harsh and not helpful, you will be ignored. Thank you! :)



Jenna arched her back and allowed her passion to take over. She rode hard and fast on top of Robert, trembling as her climax began to take her.

"Oh, yes! Robert, oh, fuck!" She placed her hands down on his shoulders and began to grind her clit against his pubic bone, trying to prolong her orgasm as much as humanly possible. After around a minute of this, she looked down at the man below her, and permitted herself a small smile. She slowed her pace, barely moving up and down on Robert's hard cock.

"Oh, Jenna... Come one baby, don't tease me!" He moaned, reaching to place his hands on her hips. 

"Why not, baby? You don't like it when I ride you like this, nice and slow? You don't like my hot and wet pussy around your big cock?" She enjoyed this part, making a guy wait as long as she wanted him to wait. If she was going to give a guy her body, he was going to earn it.

"Oh come on! Just let me fucking cum! I want to fucking cum inside your pussy!" He was trembling with anticipation, and he kept his hands firmly on her hips. However, he didn't dare try to make any thrusts himself. She told him beforehand that he was not to attempt to take any action without her permission, or he would have to finish jerking off to his collection of cheap porn.

She grinned, and responded by stopping all motion, bringing herself to simply rest on his cock, flexing her PC muscles against the girth that was invading her pussy. 

"Not yet, love." She whispered, leaning down to kiss him softly. She then sat back up and, reaching behind he, gripped his balls in her hand, gently pulling them away from his body. She had heard all the rumors; Robert Giovanni was not gifted in bed. Sure, like most of the gorgeous and well-built Italian boys in her school, he had a nice body, and a pretty sizable dick (which she did appreciate), but was known to be a two-pump chump. That being the case, she had gone through great pains to make certain he was going to last. At this point, they had been fucking for nearly half an hour, which was a big jump from someone who usually blew his load inside of five minutes.

As she played with his balls, she began to ride up and down gently, and he heard him moan with ecstasy, and whimper with the desire for release. She was enjoying torturing him, as she had already had two orgasms, but decided it was probably time to let him get his rocks off.

"What is it you want to do to me, baby?" she whispered into his ear. "Do you want to flip me over and pound my pussy raw? Or do you want to flip me over and tear my pussy up like a little bitch?" She leaned in to gently bite his lip.

"Jenna, please! I need to fucking cum!" He looked at her with his dark eyes pleading for release.

"No way, baby. Not until you tell me what it is you want to do to my pussy." She stopped riding and just sat there. "Or my breasts." She leaned back, offering him the full and lifted view of her 34C breasts. 

"I want to grab them." He was breathing heavily now.

"That's it?" She offered a mock pout. "Then I guess you don't really want to pump me full of cum then." She shrugged and made to get off of his dick. He quickly grabbed her and held her in place.

"No, Jenna, I..." he paused, looking for the words, "I want to grab them when I have you on your knees and I am slamming you from behind. I want to squeeze them and just fuck you until we are both cumming so fucking hard!" he looked at her, waiting.

It wasn't perfect, but she figured that he had never lasted this long, so maybe she should let him go ahead and tear her up.

"Go ahead then, Robert. Flip me over and fuck my pussy until it turns red from the punishment. Go ahead and abuse me, baby!" She grinned mischievously.

He did not need any more encouragement. He practically threw her off of him, and then was quickly up on his knees, grabbing her and moving her into position. He quickly slammed his cook into her pussy, and began to maul her breasts as he fucked her as hard and fast as he could. 

She was surprised at how fast he moved into position, and was not quite sure how she got to be on the receiving end of doggy-style, but she took it. 

"Oh, god, Jenna..." His breathing became ragged, "I am gonna, oh... fuck!" She felt his throbbing cock explode as he buried his entire length within her pussy, pumping hard and rotating his hips with the waves of the orgasm. He withdrew his withering shaft from her cunt, and flopped down on the bed, breathing very irregularly while Jenna collapsed forward, leaving her perfect ass up in the air.

After she regained her composure, she began to work her way up to place her head on her pillow. As soon as her head hit her pillow, she placed a hand on his chest and smiled. He looked at her and smiled. 

"Thanks, Jenna. That was a hell of a ride!" Robert then stood up and began to gather up his clothes. 

"Robert, I want you to stay! We both worked up a sweat. I figured we could grab a shower, have something to eat, and you know, whatever..." she smiled and inhaled, allowing the air in her lungs to lift the swell of her great breasts, running her hands through her light brown hair. She gazed at his great body with her green eyes.

"Nah, I gotta go. Gotta see the guys and shit, you know how it is." He pulled on his jeans, not even looking in her direction.

"Are you sure?" She brought her knees up, planted her feet with her legs apart, showing off her shaved and just pounded pussy. "You don't see anything that you would like to play with?"

" I said I had shit to do!" he turned and looked at her, stern with his gaze, and stern with his words," I already fucked your brains out, didn't I? So, we had our fun, now I am gonna go!" He pulled his shirt on over his head, and began to look for his cell phone.

"Robert, why are you acting like this? I thought that we were going to spend the weekend together? I mean, you know, finals are coming up and all that, and my parents are gone for the weekend." She looked at him, trying to figure out why he reacted so strongly to a pretty girl willing to bang him for three days straight.

"I changed my mind. I don't want to stay all weekend. We had our fun, and now I wanna go and hang with my guy friends." He was pulling his shoes on.

"But, you said..."

"Damn it, Jenna, I know what I said! " he was mad now, "I just said that I changed my mind! We had sex, it was good, right? So you can't complain! " he looked at her hard. "I know all about your rep, so I knew I could get laid if I played the game. So I did. Again, thanks." 

She could not believe what she was hearing. She was no saint, she had been with a few guys, though she had only started fucking about six months ago. She wouldn't consider herself a slut, or easy, or gullible...

"What the fuck are you talking about?" she asked as the tears began to well up in her eyes. "I don't understand what you are talking about." She was starting to cry.

"God, leave it to a skank like you!" He looked at her and gave a smirk, "You put out to any guy who asked, suck more dick than a porn star, and get mad when a guy takes you for a party ride." He headed for the door. "Don't get clingy on me, Jenna. This was fun, that's all!"

"Fuck you Robert, and get the fuck out!" She screamed, tears now flowing freely. She could not believe that anyone would talk to her like that. She had been with four guys, so how did she get the reputation for being the town whore? "I don't want to see you again, and you can forget ever having me again!" she glared at him, truly meaning it. It didn't matter how horny she was, he wasn't going to poke his cock in her pussy again.

"Whatever, bitch!" he said as he walked out of her bedroom, slamming the door behind him. 

She heard him walk down the stairs and out the front door. She sat, and began to sob uncontrollably. She curled up under her blankets, and let her grief wash over her. It wasn't fair! Everything she had done had been to drown out the bad memory, to convince herself not every time was going to be like that... Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing on her night stand. She reached out from under her covers to grab it, and pulled it under her blankets. It was Karen, so she decided to answer it. 

"Hello?" she sniffled weakly into her phone.

"Jenna, are you okay, love?" Jenna noted the obvious concern in Karen's voice. 

"I'm fine, Karen. Just feeling a little emotional and all that." It was a blatant lie. 

Karen Takemura sighed on the other end of the phone. After a few seconds she started speaking, "Jenna, how long have we known each other?"

"About fifteen years," she sniffled again.

"Right... And do you think in that time I don't know when something is wrong with you, Jenna Alexander?" she paused for effect, and then said more gently, "What happened, sweetie?"

Jenna started to fill her in on what happened, and her conversation with Rob, and how she felt like a cheap whore, and before long she felt the sobs coming on.

"...and I don't fucking get it, Karen!" She said between her tears. "I was just trying to make him like me... I don't want to be a slut, I just want to show a guy what he is going to get if he takes me!"

Karen listened intently, trying to formulate the right combination of words to help her dear friend. Finally, she had an idea.

"Look, babe, "she started soft and tender, "We both know there are some serious other issues at work here, and we both know that you are trying to bury some shit underneath sex. I don't blame you with the..."

"Not now, Karen! Please?" She begged and pleaded with her friend. "I have to see Doc Conway on Tuesday, so can you please just be my friend and not a psycho-babble-something? Please?"

"Hmm, I guess you are right, honey. I am sorry about that. How about this, then..." Jenna could her the happiness in her friend's voice, which was usually uplifting, but made her nervous in this case, "I am going to come get you, we are going to go and grab food that is bad for us at the Burger Barn, go back to your place and make brownies, then we are gonna swipe some beer from your parents fridge, and pass out with our stomachs full of burgers, beer, and brownies. The three B's!"

Jenna couldn't help but smile at this notion. Jenna knew that Karen solved all problems with the exact opposite of this approach, choosing to practice her boxing or karate, but she was willing to put it all aside for her friend.

"Don't you have to watch that perfect Japanese waistline, Karen?" she quipped on her friend.

"Fuck it, Jenna. I have a perfect diet and training routine twenty nine days out of the month. Let's get drunk, get fat, and get happy!" And then, without waiting for a response, "I will be there in ten minutes, be sexy so we can knock 'em dead at the Barn!" She quickly hung up, which told Jenna that she had probably eight minutes to get her ass moving and get dressed, or Karen would drag her out of her room and into public naked, if that was the state she was in. She sighed, got up, and started to put on some tight white jeans and a silvery, and very revealing, top. She looked in the mirror, and realized that she was gonna knock the boys for a loop. She didn't have the perfect body like Karen, but she had the boobs to make up for it, and she knew how to use the sex appeal that she did have. No sooner did she put on some bright red lipstick than she heard the knocking at the door.

She opened the door, and there Karen was, wearing black jeans, hooker boots, and a spaghetti strap pink top the showed what little cleavage she did have. 

"Ready, bitch?" Karen asked, smiling very broadly. Karen smiled and followed her friend down to her new model Corvette.

They sat at the Burger Barn, downing burgers, fries, sodas, and talking about girl stuff, cars, and their upcoming graduation.

"I can't believe that this is almost over!" Jenna said. "We are gonna graduate in a couple months, and then its college and all of that new stuff." She took a huge bite of her burger, smiling, having forgotten about earlier.

"I know, I am excited to get my degree. I mean, you know, if being a sexy Asian model doesn't work out for me!" Jenna knew she was kidding, as Karen hated cameras and thought models were snooty bitches; her older sister being one. Jenna giggled and took another bite of her burger.

That is when they heard it. Laughter, coming from a table to Jenna's left side. The girls turned to see what the commotion was, and there was Robert, with a few of his friends. Jenna felt herself go pale.

"Hey, Jenna, I guess you really do like a great big mouthful of meat, huh?" asked one of Robert's friends. She couldn't remember his name, but he was blonde, and she was pretty sure he was on the soccer team.

Jenna dropped her burger, feeling the emotions starting to boil inside of her and the tears starting to make their way to her eyelids.

She sensed, rather than saw or heard, Karen get up from the table. By the time she realizes what was about to happen, her friend was standing next to the "jock" table, ready to hold her own against all of them. She froze, realizing that this could get really ugly really fast. Even though Karen's parents were Japanese immigrants, the fact remained that she did not adopt the shy and demure lifestyle that was commonplace and stereotypical; she was a scrapper, and she did not back down from a challenge. Jenna was helpless, so she simply sat back and watched in a mix of horror and amazement. 

"Boys, is there a fucking problem?" asked Karen, hands on her hips, glaring at the boys.

"Yeah, I think that there is, baby." said the blonde who had started the terrorism towards Jenna. He smiled at her with an obnoxious grin, "You aren't naked and riding my cock!" All the guys at the table burst out laughing at this comment. Karen didn't even flinch.

"Sorry, Boomer, I don't think I would feel that tiny pin prick. I am way out of your league. And, come to think of it, so is my best friend over there, who I know you want to apologize to." She stood, immovable, waiting for a response.

"Fuck off, little girl." He was no longer smiling. "Don't confuse me with your kind. We all know that your kind have the needle dicks!" he appraised her up and down as he stood up to his full six foot four inches, "I guess you chinky bitches all have no tits too, huh?" This brought all kinds of laughter from his friends. 

Well, Karen had never been one to tolerate the racial remarks from anyone. She looked at him hard.

"Well, now you have to apologize to both of us, don't you?" she said, burning daggers into him, showing no sign of backing down.

"Fuck no, teenie tits!" he looked down at her, towering over her by a full foot. "Just be lucky that we even gave you the time of day, but play time is over." He made to push her away from the table.

That was all it took. She anticipated something like this. She swatted both of his hands outward as he tried the push, causing him to lurch forward. As he fell towards her, she caught him with a double jab straight to the nose. As he reeled back, holding his face, she threw a perfect side kick at his abdomen, knocking him over the top of the table onto the floor. She stood ready, waiting for someone else to try something.

"What the hell is going on here?" Came a voice that was advancing towards them. Karen didn't look, but could picture the no-neck man with the massive gut who managed the business as he walked over to them. He stomped forward, wiping his greasy hands on his apron.

"Get out, all of you! I don't want to see any of you in here for another month!" he bellowed, obviously trying to show everyone that he was in charge. 

Karen dropped her hands as she backed up. 

"C'mon, Jenna, let's go get some brownie mix," she practically dragged her friend out to her car, and they tore out of the parking lot.

A couple of hours later Jenna filled her mouth up with brownie, swallowed it, and followed that with a swig of beer. At least her parents bought imports and not that watered down American-brew crap.

"That was great, Karen!" she said, just now loosening up after a couple of beers, "Bam! Sock! You showed those guys who was the boss!" she still played that last kick through her head.

"Eh, it was nothing! He didn't know how to fight, and besides, "she took a mouth full of beer before continuing, "he fucking deserved it!" Both girls began to laugh at the situation, realizing that a girl who was just under five-four had dropped a tall soccer player with three good shots. 

After they were both buzzed, they started a couple of movies. Jenna didn't remember much about them, except one of them had a lot of really ripped guys walking around without shirts. 

"So, waddya think?" Karen slurred a little, not used to being a real drinker.

Jenna, even half lit, shot her friend a quizzical look. "What are you talking about, Karen?"

Karen smiled, and then spoke quite plainly, "I can find you guys who are more ripped, real, and actually accessible. Want to meet them?"

The pain of the day hit Jenna at the thought of meeting with other guys, and she immediately sobered up. All things considered, becoming instantly sober in this situation was quite depressing.

"Look, Karen... I think I want to get away from the guys for a while. I want to forget about this shit, and move on with my life, you know?" She looked at her friend, who was still giving her a goofy grin, obviously inebriated.

"Okay, sweetie, if that is what you want to do," she paused. "But, I have an idea. How about I take you somewhere with these ripped guys, and if I promise that no one will hit on you, and that the whole thing will feel no pressure, would you do it? C'mon, just for the eye candy!" She motioned towards the flat screen television and DVD combo that they had just watched the movies on. Jenna sighed, her friend, even plowed, was able to tell how interesting she found the men on the screen. 

"Fine, Karen, sure." She didn't want to argue anymore. "Just make sure I know a few days ahead of time, okay? What type of event did you have in mind, anyway?"

The only response Jenna got was a casual "um-hum". She looked over and saw that Karen was trying to lay on her side to go to sleep. It figured, it was after 3 A.M., and they were both blitzed. Jenna decided to follow suit. He dropped her pillow on the floor, put her head down, and was almost immediately out.

The next day passed uneventfully, aside from the hangover and greasy food that they both ate to try to fight back the nausea that is often a side effect of too much damn fun. The rest of the week seemed to just plod along, and then began to blend into the next one until the problem that had befallen her had become only an annoying memory. Unfortunately, at least to Jenna, the discussion of the "situation" that Karen had brought up during her drunken stupor was forgotten.

"So, this Friday, I am picking you up!" Karen beamed at her friend at the lunch table.

"Okay, where are we going?" Jenna asked her friend, knowing better than to argue.

"Jenna!" She shrieked, staring at her in disbelief, "You promised you would go to meet some guys and enjoy the eye candy, remember! I am giving you three days warning. It is Tuesday, after all." She beamed again, thrilled with the fact that she was going to get Jenna to do this.

"Are you fucking serious?" she asked suddenly, dropping her sandwich. "God damn, hon, you were so drunk that I didn't think you would remember the conversation! I only said I would go to get you to shut up."




Fighting for Love Ch. 02



'Warning: This chapter contains graphic details of labor and childbirth. If you're squeamish, just be glad you're not watching ... as someone who has lived through the joyous agony of childbirth twice, I can tell you that it's much worse in person.' 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

: Chapter Two :

Jake carried Jessica inside the medical facility and set her on the exam table. "She's Danny's girl Doc, so take care of her," Jake told the young doctor standing at the sink, washing her hands. She nodded and pulled on gloves before turning to her patient. 

"She's also pregnant," the doctor observed. Jake swore under his breath. 

"Danny must not know or he would have been in there himself," the doctor told Jake. Jake nodded and covered his face with his hands. He was not looking forward to telling his friend that not only had Clark kidnapped Jessica and she'd been shot in the escape, but that she was pregnant. 

"Will she be okay?" Jake asked finally. The doctor nodded. "The bullet didn't hit anything, in fact, it looks like it skimmed by her ... kind of like a rug burn type of thing. I'll have to keep her here at least over night to monitor the baby, but I think she'll be fine," she answered. Jake nodded. "Go tell Danny," she advised. Jake nodded again and headed for the stairs. 

"Hey Claire, about last night," Jake started. Claire shook her head. 

"Just go tell Danny," she said softly. Jake nodded and took the stairs two at a time, looking for his friend. 

Jake found Danny in the weight room. 

"Bill, Paul, I need a minute with Danny," Jake said, his heart racing at the idea of having to tell his friend what had happened. Danny stared at Jake as his friends left the weight room. "Danny, Red tapped into a 9-1-1 call earlier ... Clark took Jess," Jake began. Danny stood up. "I left so he wouldn't hurt her," Danny swore, heading for the door. 

"Where are you going Dan?" Jake asked. Danny turned around. "I'm going to rescue my girlfriend," Danny answered. Jake smiled and shook his head. 

"Already done. She's downstairs with Claire," Jake told him. Danny looked at his friend in relief. "She was grazed by a bullet on our way out, but she'll be fine," he added. Danny nodded and headed down the stairs to the infirmary. 

"Wait Danny, before you go in there, I have to tell you something," Jake stopped Danny by grabbing him by the shoulder. Jake ran a hand through his hair as Danny looked at him expectantly. 

"Is she okay?" Danny asked. Jake nodded and Danny pulled away, eager to see the woman he loved again. Danny pushed the door open and stepped into the infirmary before Jake could stop him and Danny stopped short as he saw Jessica sitting on the exam table, naked from the waist up save for her mother of pearl colored bra. Danny's eyes widened at the sight of Jessica's rounded abdomen. "Are you alright?" Danny asked, finding his voice. Jessica stared at Danny in surprise and anger. 

"Do you care?" Jessica snapped. Danny sighed but was unable to hide the hurt in his eyes. 

"Jess, I love you," he murmured. 

Jessica snorted. "That's why you left me, because you love me. Wow, what a great love," she sneered. Danny sighed. 

"Jess, I left to protect you," Danny protested. Jessica laughed dryly. 

"To protect me from what?" she demanded. 

Danny sighed and opened his mouth to answer, but a look from Claire made him close his mouth again. "You can get into all of this later, right now, Jessica needs to rest. I'll show her to one of the recovery rooms," Clarie said. "I want you to give her at least five hours of rest before you go in to talk to her," Clarie told Danny. Danny nodded and stared wistfully after Jessica. When Claire returned to the infirmary, Danny was sitting on her desk waiting for her.

"Danny, she's sleeping, just leave her be," Claire said wearily. Danny stood up. "Just tell me one thing Claire. Is Jessi pregnant?" Danny asked. Clarie sighed. 

"I can't talk to you about her medical condition, you aren't family," Claire protested. Danny gave her a pointed look and she sighed and nodded. "She's at least seven and a half months along," Claire said gently. Danny felt like he'd been pushed through a brick and concrete wall. 

"She didn't tell me," he said softly. Claire gave his hand a gentle squeeze. 

"It's possible she didn't know when you left that she was pregnant. Was she sick?" Claire asked, her voice gentle. 

Danny nodded. "Yeah, she had a flu bug for nearly two weeks," Danny answered. 

Claire chuckled. "Morning sickness can be mistaken for the flu," Claire said, gathering up the test results that had printed out and put them into a file. "Look Danny, I legally can get in big trouble and lose my medical license for telling you about the baby, but since it's fairly obvious, I chose to confirm the information. You need to tell Jessica why you left and what it is you do here," Claire said softly before sticking the file in the filing cabinet and walking out of the infirmary.

Danny sat in the chair by the bed and waited impatiently for Jessica to wake up. He smiled slightly as he watched her sleep and ached to run his fingers through her chestnut hair. Danny couldn't resist brushing his hand over her cheek. "Danny, where are we?" he heard Jessica asked groggily. 

Danny gave her a gentle smile. "It's a long story, but one I will tell you, I promise. How do you feel?" Danny murmured as Jessica pushed herself into a half sitting position. Danny helped her to sit and checked the bandage on her arm. Jessica sighed as she felt his eyes on her abdomen. 

"You left me," she whispered, the hurt she had tried to bury flooded her senses. 

Danny sighed. "I didn't want to," Danny assured her. 

"Then why?" Jessica asked. Danny sighed and reached for Jessica's hand. 

"It's complicated Jess. I need to talk to my boss before I tell you. Believe me, I want to tell you, but I need to talk to my boss first," Danny said softly.

"And who is this lovely young lady?" Danny and Jessica jumped at hearing the unexpected voice. "Cal, this is Jessica. Jess, this is Captain Cal Majors," Danny introduced. He watched as his boss walked into the room. "This is the girl that Jake rescued from Clark's office earlier?" Cal asked Danny. He nodded and waited expectantly as his boss and his friend study his girlfriend carefully. "What did Clark want from you?" Cal asked Jessica. She shifted uncomfortably, incredibly nervous by the newcomer. 

"He wanted to know where Danny was," Jessica answered finally. 

"What took you so long to answer me?" Cal wanted to know, his eyes narrowing. 

"You make me nervous," Jessica admitted. Cal chuckled and studied Jessica carefully. 

"What has Danny told you about us?" Cal asked after a moment. 

"Nothing. I thought Danny worked for Clark. As I told Clark, I haven't seen or heard from Danny since he walked out of my apartment nearly six months ago," Jessica said, rubbing the small of her back. Cal looked at Danny who wore an angry look on his face. 

"Don't start with me Storm," Cal warned. The tone had Danny straightening his posture instantly and an unreadable expression appeared on his face. Jessica's stomach growled and Danny's expression softened as he glanced at her. "Permission to take Jessica to the mess," Danny said to Cal. 

Cal chuckled. "Keep her interaction with the others as limited as possible," Cal instructed. Danny nodded and held a hand out to Jessica who hesitated for a moment before taking the pro-offered hand and following Danny out of the room. 

When they reached the mess, Jake was the only other person in the room. "How are you feeling?" he asked Jessica when he saw her come into the room with Danny. 

Jessica smiled. "Much better. Thank you for coming in after me," she said softly. 

Jake smiled. "No problem. Just try to stay out of trouble," he kidded. Jessica laughed as Danny walked to the fridge and started looking through the contents. Danny made a couple turkey sandwiches and grabbed two bottles of orange juice. Jessica thanked Danny as she took a sandwich from him. She sat and listened to Jake and Danny talk, but she couldn't hear what they were saying, it was too muffled. Danny glanced over at Jessica who was now wearing her jeans but one of his baggy sweatshirts. Danny turned his attention back to Jake while Jessica opened the juice and took a sip. "Well, well, well, look at this Devin, a gorgeous woman in our mess hall," a tall man said, giving Jessica a once over. Jessica looked over at Danny who was too involved in his conversation with Jake to notice. "Hi sugar, my name's Paul," he introduced, giving Jessica a grin. Jessica ignored him and took another sip of her juice. "Why don't you come up to my room and we'll have a little party? I have beer up there," Paul said, reaching over to cup one of Jessica's breasts. 

"Leave her alone," Danny growled from behind Paul. Paul turned around. 

"Do you even know what to do with a woman, Storm?" Paul joked. "I've heard rumors that you had a girlfriend, but who knows," he added. Danny rolled his eyes before turning his attention back to Jessica. 

"You okay Jess?" Danny asked gently. She nodded but winced. "What's wrong?" he asked, pushing past Paul. Jessica resisted the urge to laugh, the look on Danny's face showed he was scared to death. That made two of them. 

"I'm fine," she murmured. Jake joined them, with a knowing grin. 

"Battered bladder or kidney?" Jake asked. Jessica laughed. 

"Both probably," she joked. Jake laughed and Danny growled. 

"What is going on?" he asked softly. 

Jessica rolled her eyes. "My internal organs are being used as soccer balls," she said quietly. 

Paul pulled Danny away from Jessica. "C'mon sugar, the party is upstairs," Paul said. 

Jake rolled his eyes. "Paul, you're an ass. Jess is Danny's girl," Jake told Paul. Before Paul could turn to look at Danny, all the color drained out of Jessica's face and she grabbed Danny's hand and squeezed it hard. 

"Jess, what is it?" Danny asked, one look at Jessica's face had him nearly shitting his pants. 

"I don't know," she gasped. Jake ran for Claire's office and opened the door without knocking. 

"What's wrong?" Claire asked, seeing the look on Jake's face. He shook his head. "Jessica just lost all color in her face, she's in the mess," he answered. Claire followed Jake down to the dining area. Paul and his friends had backed off while Danny rubbed Jessica's back reassuringly. "What happened Jess?" Claire asked gently. Jessica waited for the pain to leave her before answering. "Insane cramps, they just hit me," Jessica whispered, her eyes wide as her entire body was gripped with pain. Claire frowned. "Danny, Jake, I need you to get her downstairs, carefully," Claire told them, hoping her tone didn't worry them more than they already were. Danny carefully lifted Jessica into his arms and carried her down the stairs to the infirmary. "Danny, I'm scared," Jessica whispered as he set her down on the exam table. Danny gave her hand a squeeze. "Do you want me to go?" he asked. Jessica shook her head and clung to Danny as if he were her life line. 

"Let's see what we have going on here," Claire said, sitting on a stool at the end of the table. "Can you describe the cramps?" she asked gently. 

Jessica closed her eyes and groaned as pain took her. "I feel like somebody is ripping me apart," Jessica whimpered. Claire patted Jessica on the knee and gently pulled her legs apart to examen her. 

"What's going on Doc?" Danny asked, impatiently and worriedly. Claire looked up and sighed. "Jessica, how far along are you in your pregnancy?" Claire asked, her voice calm. 

Danny growled. "What does that have to do with anything?" he wanted to know. Claire gave Danny a pointed look. 

"Jessica, how many weeks pregnant are you?" Claire asked again. Jessica struggled to remember what her nurse midwife had told her at her last appointment. 

"Almost thirty two weeks," she gasped. Claire breathed a sigh of relief. 

"That's good," Claire murmured. 

Danny took a deep breath, impatient. "What's wrong with Jess?" he asked. Claire smiled. 

"She's in labor Danny. Were you having any cramping earlier?" Claire asked Jessica. 

Jessica nodded. "My back has been killing me all day, but I just thought it was because I was working earlier and had to move a huge box," Jessica murmured, relaxing for a moment. 

Claire smiled. "Back contractions," Claire told Jessica. Jessica cried out again and closed her eyes. "Try to breath through it Jessica. Deep breaths, that's a girl," Claire coached. Claire caught Danny's eye and saw the nervousness in his face. 

"Labor means the baby's coming, right?" Danny asked hesitantly. Claire nodded. "When?" he wanted to know. Jessica gasped and both Claire and Danny turned to look at her. Claire smiled. "Very soon. Jess, that was the amniotic fluid and you're at three centimetres already. Were you dilated at your last visit?" Claire wanted to know. Jessica nodded. 

"Two centimetres," Jessica answered. 

Claire nodded and looked around her clinic. "I'm afraid I don't really have the equipment used to deliver a baby, this is kind of a first for the organisation," Claire admitted. 

Danny looked like he was ready to freak out. "It's okay; I had planned a water birth," Jessica told Claire. Claire bit her lower lip as she thought. 

"Water birth?" Danny asked before turning his attention back to Jessica who was groaning in pain. Claire nodded. 

"It's getting quite common. I need you to help Jessica to the physical therapy hot tub. Nobody is using it right now, so it'll be perfect, and it's large enough for two," Claire told Danny. Danny helped Jessica off the table. 

"Do you want me to carry you?" he asked Jessica. Jessica giggled a little. "I can walk," she murmured. Claire nodded. 

"Walking will speed things along. As long as she isn't having a contraction, or until it becomes too uncomfortable, Jessica, I encourage as much walking as possible," Claire said. Jessica nodded and let Danny lead her towards the physical therapy room as Claire hurried ahead to begin filling the tub. 

"Danny, stop!" Jessica gasped as her knees buckled. Danny held Jessica and rubbed her back gently. 

"Better?" he asked when her breathing returned to normal. Jessica nodded. "I didn't know it would feel like this," she moaned. Danny sighed and helped Jessica walk the last few feet to the room. Claire checked the temperature of the water, making sure that it was warm, but not too warm to hurt the baby. "I'm going to go get what equipment I have that will help make the birth go smoother. Jessica, get your clothes off and Danny, help her into the tub," Claire said before leaving the room. 

"I'm sorry Jess," Danny said softly as he watched Jessica pull her clothes off with shaking fingers. 

Jessica gave a sad smile. "For?" she asked, grabbing the side of the tub as a contraction gripped her. Danny waited helplessly for the contraction to ease up. 

"Leaving you, right now, putting you through this pain and agony," Danny said as Jessica straightened back up and finished taking off the sweatshirt. 

Jessica laughed a little. "I still don't know why you left me, so I'm pissed at you for that, but I want this baby Danny. When I found out, I was so excited and I couldn't wait to tell you, but you never called or came back," Jessica said softly, slipping her jeans and panties down her legs. Danny helped Jessica into the tub. "What's with that look?" Jessica asked, sighing contently as the warm water engulfed her. "You're so beautiful," Danny breathed. 

Jessica laughed. "Not so much now," she protested. Danny shook his head. 

"I think you're beautiful," Danny told her. Jessica smiled and reached for his hand as Claire walked back into the room, Cal following close behind. 

"Danny, you have an assignment to complete," Cal reminded Danny. 

Danny stared at Cal incredulously. "Send someone else. All the information is in a file on my desk, I'm not leaving," Danny told Cal. Claire put a small stool in the tub with Jessica. "Danny, you're my best operative. I need you on this," Cal said, pulling Danny to just outside the door. 

Danny glanced over at Jessica and could see the hurt in her eyes. "Cal, I need to be here. I've missed every step of this pregnancy, and I've let Jess down because I couldn't tell her about what I really do for a living. I need to be here for her now. I don't want her to go through this alone, not now that I know she's having my baby," Danny said firmly. Cal opened his mouth to speak but Danny cut him off. "If you order me to leave, I will quit this now and the moment Jess is able to leave, I'll go with her," he threatened. 

"Danny!" Jessica cried out. 

Claire stepped up to Danny and Cal. "She's moving fast Danny, she went from three centimetres to six and a half. Either get in there or get out of here," Claire said firmly but gently. Danny looked at Cal, daring him to order him on a mission. 

Jake stepped up next to them and glanced over at Jessica. "Go be with your girl, I've got your back," Jake told Danny. Danny gave his friend a look of thanks before jogging back to Jessica. Claire gave Danny a proud smile. 

"Unless you want those clothes to get soaked, take them off," Claire advised. Danny looked at her in surprise. "You're getting in the tub Danny. You're going to sit behind Jessica and brace her while she pushes," Claire told Danny. He paled and Claire chuckled. "You're going to help me deliver your child," Claire said. Danny shook his head. 

"There isn't room for me in there, but it's mostly a waiting game now." Claire motioned towards the door that was installed on one end. "Every once in awhile, I'll open this door and check on Jess's progress. This is where I'll deliver the baby when the time comes," Claire told Danny. 

Danny swallowed nervously. "Have you delivered a baby before?" he asked. 

Claire grinned. "Not since med school," she answered. 

Jessica rolled her eyes. "For God's sake Danny, all she has to do is catch the baby, get your ass in here," Jessica grumbled. Danny quickly pulled his jeans and teeshirt off and climbed in the tub and sat on the stool behind Jessica. Danny rubbed Jessica's shoulders gently as another contraction gripped her tightly in its grasp. "How are you doing?" Danny asked gently. Jessica shot him a dirty look and he hid a smile. 

"It hurts," she whispered, sounding much younger than her age. Danny kissed the top of Jessica's forehead lovingly as Claire checked Jessica again. She shook her head in amazement. "Jess, the minute you feel another one of those bastard contractions, push and push hard, I can just see the top of the baby's head," Claire instructed. Jessica gulped and nodded. 

Danny winced every time Jessica cried out in pain while she pushed out their child. "Stop for a minute Jessica, don't push," Claire said gently. Jessica groaned and struggled to do as she was instructed. "One more Jess and you'll have a baby," Claire told her with a smile. Before Jessica knew it, she heard the angry cries of her baby. Danny's eyes met Claire's and Claire's smile widened. "Is he okay?" Jessica asked, gasping for breath. Claire nodded. "He looks perfect," Claire answered, clamping the umbilical cord. "Danny, I need for you to cut between the clamp and my finger," Claire told Danny. Danny looked at Claire in surprise. "Look Danny, either you cut the cord or I drop the baby because I only have two hands, and I can't hold him and cut the cord at the same time," Claire said impatiently. Danny picked up the scissors on the tray next to the tub and cut where instructed. "Spread out the towel on the table," Claire murmured. Danny hurried to complete his task and stared in awe as Claire laid the squalling infant on the table and wrapped him in the towel. 




Fighting for Love Ch. 02



"What is going on here?" a voice from the doorway inquired. Claire looked up to see her friend and mentor. "Bob, Danny's girlfriend just gave birth. Can you take the baby and check him out while I see to Jessica?" Claire asked. The older doctor took the baby from Claire and went into the main exam room. "Feeling better Jessica?" Claire murmured, turning back to her patient. Jessica nodded but winced when a smaller contraction rippled through her. "Relax, its just the placenta, this is the easy part," Claire soothed. Danny was torn between staying with Jessica and going to see the baby. Claire examined Jessica quickly and smiled. "No tearing, amazingly. When you feel steady enough, stand up, let me know and we'll get you out of the tub and into a room to rest, okay?" Claire said gently. Jessica nodded and Danny returned to her side and slid his hand into hers. 

"How do you feel?" Danny asked, watching Claire and the older doctor look over his new child. Jessica shrugged a little. 

"Sore, exhausted, hungry," Jessica answered. Danny laughed. 

"I'm sorry for leaving like that," Danny murmured. Jessica sighed. "Not now Danny, just not now," Jessica said. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

'I apologise if this chapter is a little more graphic than one would expect and in such a different manor. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.'



Fighting for Love Ch. 03



: Chapter Three :

Danny stood at attention as Cal yelled at him, the urge to hit Cal was intense and Danny had to remind himself of the consequences of striking a superior. "What do you have to say for yourself Storm?" Cal asked finally. 

Danny took a deep breath. "I know I disobeyed a direct order but under the circumstances, I'd say it was forgivable sir," Danny said. 

Cal looked at Danny in surprise. "How so?" he asked. Danny looked Cal in the eyes. 

"Cal, you know how hard it was for me to walk away from Jess, even though I knew that if I hadn't, she could be hurt by our enemies. I didn't tell her why I was leaving, I just left. When I saw her pregnant, and in labor for that matter, I couldn't leave her again. I love her Cal," Danny said. 

Cal sighed. "Danny, loving someone when you have a job like we do is not something that ends up working well. It usually ends up working against us," Cal told his friend gently. 

Danny nodded. "I know that, but I can't help how I feel about her. I tried to forget her, I tried to tell myself that she hated me, and I hoped she would hate me, it would make things easier on me. But when I saw her give birth to our child, I need to prove that I will be there for her and for our son," Danny said softly. 

Cal grinned. "A boy huh?" Danny nodded and grinned back. "I'm sorry I disobeyed an order, but I like to think that you would have done the same in my place," Danny added. 

Cal sighed again. "I still have to issue punishment," Cal told Danny who nodded. Cal looked at the roster on his desk. "I'd give you kitchen duty but you would kill us all with your cooking." Danny chuckled. "You are assigned to guard duty from midnight to 8 am and you have to clean all of the bathrooms for two weeks," Cal decided. 

Danny groaned. "Grave yard, wonderful," he grumbled. Cal laughed. "I'd like to debrief Jessica now," Cal told Danny. Danny nodded and led Cal up to the room off the infirmary that Claire had set Jessica up in. 

Jessica looked up as Danny and Cal walked in. "Danny, did I get you into trouble?" Jessica asked quietly. 

Danny smiled. "Just a little, but it's okay. I get the pleasure of cleaning the bathrooms for the next two weeks and grave yard at the front gate," Danny told her. Jessica sighed and glanced down at the sleeping baby in her arms. "I threatened him with kitchen duty, but he'd poison us all," Cal joked. Jessica smiled at that and nodded knowingly. "Jessica, I know you've been through a lot the last two days, but I need to know exactly what happened to you," Cal said gently. 

Jessica tensed thinking about her abduction and the baby fussed. Danny reached for the baby and Jessica allowed Danny to take him from her. Danny held the now calm baby carefully and nervously as Jessica told them what had happened to her the day before. She pulled some papers out of the back pocket of her jeans. "I found these in Mr. Clark's desk when Jake cut the power," she told Cal. Cal grinned at Danny. "That's some girl you've got there," Cal said. Jessica glanced at Danny and sighed. "We aren't together. As soon as I'm able, I'll leave and you can all get back to your lives," Jessica told Cal. Danny's eyes widened. 

"Do something," he mouthed to his superior. 

Cal sighed. "Jessica, it isn't safe for you outside this compound," he told her. Danny nodded. 

"Clark will come looking for you Jess. He'll hurt you thinking he can get to me," Danny added.

"Will it get to you?" Jessica asked quietly, searching his eyes, looking for the truth. "Why'd you leave me Danny?" Jessica wanted to know. 

Cal shook his head. "I can't allow Danny to answer that, I'm sorry. But know he was against it and only did so because he had to," Cal told Jessica. 

Jessica looked like she didn't believe him but let it go. "I can't stay here," Jessica whispered. 

"You don't have a choice Jess. Clark is not a good guy. He'll kill our son and he'll kill you if he thinks he can't use you to find me," Danny said softly, his heart breaking a little at the thought. Jessica paled and resisted the urge to take her son from Danny and hold him close. "Jessica, I'll do everything in my power to keep you and your son safe," Cal promised. 

Jessica nodded. "What about my job?" Jessica asked finally. Cal shook his head. "It isn't safe for you to leave the compound," Cal told her. "I don't know what you'll tell your boss, but you'll have to think of something. You're here for awhile," Cal added. Jessica sighed unhappily. Danny glanced at Cal. "I'll give you guys a few minutes to talk, then I'll come back and we can figure something out," Cal told them. Danny nodded and his eyes followed his commander as he walked out the door. 

"I want to leave Danny. I don't want to stay here," Jessica said. 

Danny shook his head. "You can't leave Jess, it isn't safe," Danny murmured. 

Jessica met his gaze with her own. "I don't want to be around you right now Danny. I need time to think and I can't do that with you here," Jessica told Danny. 

Danny shook his head. "I can't leave Jess, I've been assigned here," he said. Jessica gently pulled the now sleeping baby from Danny's arms and laid him in the center of the bed. 

"Why did you leave me Danny?" Jessica asked again, daring him to lie. 

Danny sighed and glanced towards the door. "I can't go into specifics, but I work for a top secret branch of the military. If they found out I told you what it is I do without permission, they'll kill us both," Danny said quietly. Jessica paled and glanced at her son. "I left you because one of our enemies found out that we were together. They threatened to kill you. I left because I love you. I left to find the bastard who ordered the hit on you. We thought we had found out until Clark grabbed you. Had Clark not grabbed you, I would have showed up on your doorstep this morning," Danny said. Jessica laughed bitterly. "I'm not lying to you. I left to protect you," Danny murmured. Tears filled Jessica's eyes as all the events of the last two days flooded back. Danny wrapped his arms around her and held her while she cried. "I'm not leaving again Jess, even if you beg," Danny promised.

-Two days later-

Jessica stood at the stove stirring salt and pepper into eggs and scrambled them before pouring them in a hot pan. "Hey beautiful." Jessica sighed and turned around. "I'm Devin," he told her. 

Jessica resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "You do realize that I just had Danny Storm's baby right?" Jessica asked, turning back to the eggs, slowly running a wooden spoon through the eggs to keep them from sticking. 

"Well, if you ever get tired of Danny, let me know, or my friend Paul over there. We know how to treat a lady right," Devin said. 

"Back off guys before Danny catches wind of this," Jake warned walking into the kitchen. Before anything else could be said, Danny called out from the doorway, "Jessica Lynn, what the hell are you doing cooking food for everyone?" Jessica and Jake exchanged amused glances as Jessica stirred the potatoes. "My agreement with Cal was that if I was to stay here until it was safe to leave that I'd be cooking," Jessica answered calmly. 

Danny growled. "Jessica, it's only been three days since you've had the baby, I don't think he expected you to start now," Danny said as patiently as he could. 

Cal chuckled from behind Danny. "I'll agree to you on that one Danny, I didn't expect her to start for another week or so," Cal said. Jessica sighed. "I need some sort of normalcy and cooking is calming for me, as long as dogs aren't sniffing around me," Jessica reminded Danny, throwing a heated glance towards Devin and Paul. Danny raised his hands in defeat and accepted the plate of eggs, potatoes and bacon. "Coffee is done, but that you get yourself," Jessica said, turning back to the stove. She began putting the food into the warmers before retreating to her small room, relieved to find the baby still asleep. Jessica pulled off her shoes and curled up on the bed, pulling the blanket over her body and that's how Danny found her an hour later as the baby was starting to fuss. Jessica's eyes fluttered open as she felt an increase in the weight on the bed. "When did you get in here?" Jessica asked sleepily. 

Danny smiled. "Just a few minutes ago. We need to come up with a name for this little guy," he answered, looking down on the fussy baby. Jessica reached for the baby. "He's hungry," she murmured. Danny reluctantly handed the baby over and watched enthralled as Jessica nursed their son. "Any ideas?" Jessica asked. Danny thought carefully. "My grandfather's name was William," Danny said aloud. 

Jessica grinned. "William Jacob." Danny looked at her. "Without Jake, neither of us would be here right now," Jessica said. Danny nodded. "I like it," he agreed. They sat there and stared at each other and after a moment, Danny leaned over and pressed his lips to hers. Jessica pulled back and shook her head. 

"I need time Danny," she said softly. Danny sighed but backed away and glanced at the clock on the wall. 

"I have a meeting to go to, I'll see you later," Danny murmured. He kissed the top of William's head, gave one last glance at Jessica and walked out the door.

Jessica turned away from the sink as Danny called her name. "You really should take it easy," he mused. 

Jessica smiled. "I'm fine Danny," she said softly, turning back to the soapy dishes. 

"I just got back from a conference call with Cal and his superior," Danny began. Jessica looked at him, her eyes narrowed. "They're sending me out on assignment," Danny told her. Jessica nearly dropped the plate she was rinsing off. "I don't know where I'm going or how long I'll be gone for, but I promise to come back," Danny added. Jessica shook her head as she placed the plate in the strainer. 

"What about William?" she asked. Danny smiled. "He has you," Danny said softly. He reached in front of her and shut off the water. "I need to show you something," Danny said, handing Jessica a dish towel. Jessica dried her hands and followed Danny down the hall and into a spacious, well decorated room. Jessica knew by looking at the decor that it was Danny's room. 

"This is amazing," Jessica told him with a smile. Danny grinned. "You and William will be sleeping here while I'm gone. There's plenty of room for the crib and changing table. I know you need time, and I'm more than willing to give it to you, but I'd feel better if you stayed here while I was gone," Danny said. Jessica studied Danny's face carefully and nodded. Danny grinned and opened the door to reveal Jake standing there with baby stuff. Jake and Cal brought in a crib, a dresser and a changing table. "This is too much," Jessica said softly. 

Jake smiled and gave Jessica a hug. "You're family now," Jake told Jessica. Jessica smiled as Danny disappeared and reappeared with baby William in his arms. "Have you come up with a name yet?" Cal asked. 

Jessica nodded and smiled. "William Jacob," Jessica said. Jake stared at them. 

"If it wasn't for you Jake, Jess and Will wouldn't be here," Danny told his friend. Jake grinned. Cal gave Danny a pointed glance and Danny nodded. "I have to go," he murmured, reluctantly passing his son to Jessica. 

"Is it dangerous?" Jessica asked softly. Danny smiled. "A little, but I'll be fine," Danny promised. Danny kissed Jessica on the cheek and ran a finger down William's face before following Cal out of the room.



Fighting for Love Ch. 04



: Chapter Four :

Jessica peeked in the window of the oven and smiled when she saw the corn bread rising and getting golden brown. "Jess, do you have a minute?" Jake asked from the doorway. 

Jessica nodded. "What's going on Jake?" she asked, standing up and turning around. 

Jake hesitated. "Danny was hurt on the op," Jake told her. He watched all the color drain out of Jessica's face. Danny had been gone for nearly four months and she really missed him, even if she wasn't ready to admit it. 

"Is he okay?" Jessica asked, hoping her expression didn't betray how she felt. Jake shook his head.

"I don't know Jess. The other members of his team are bringing him back now," Jake answered, knowing it wasn't enough. Jake and Jessica looked up when they heard a noise in the doorway. 

"What is it Devin?" Jake asked, noting the look of concern in his friend's eyes. 

"They just took Danny into the infirmary," Devin reported. Jake nodded and watched as Devin left the room before turning back to Jessica. 

"I want to see him," Jessica told Jake. Jake nodded and hid a smile. He watched as Jessica turned off the oven and pulled out the corn bread before following Jake to the infirmary. 

Cal blocked their way. "You don't want to go in there right now," Cal said softly. Jessica looked at him defiantly and Cal sighed but moved away to let Jessica into the infirmary. Jessica gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Danny was laying on the table pale and bloody. His once brown hair was now so matted with blood that it appeared black and blood trailed down his face. "Danny?" Jessica whispered. 

Claire glanced over her shoulder and gave the girl a sympathetic smile. "Jess, why don't you go wait outside. I'll help Danny and then I'll let you spend all the time you want with him," Claire said gently. Jake's eyes met Claire's and he knew from the look on her face that it didn't look good and he led Jessica out of the room. "Is he going to be okay?" Jessica asked softly, her body shaking. Jake squeezed Jessica's hand. "I don't know, Jess, I hope so," Jake murmured. Jake watched Jessica take out her frustrations on a batch of dough rising in a bowl. As Jessica dumped the dough in a bread pan, she burst into tears. "What happened?" Jake looked up to see several operatives in the doorway. He walked over to the them. "Danny was injured during his mission," Jake said softly. 

"Hey if Danny doesn't survive, will you finally go on a date with me?" Paul asked. Jake slugged Paul roughly and Jessica gave him a dirty look as she poured the chili into the warmers. Jake put the corn bread into baskets and put them on the tables. "Jess, c'mon, lets get some air," Jake said softly. Jessica followed Jake outside and fell apart. 

"He needs to be okay," Jessica wailed. Jake held her while she cried and only let go when Cal stepped out to join them. 

"How's Danny?" Jessica asked through her tears. Cal smiled. 

"He's going to live. He looks a little worse for wear, but he's awake and he's asking to see Will," Cal told Jessica. 

Jessica laughed and wiped the tears off her cheek. "I'll give you a few minutes to compose yourself and I'll see you both in the infirmary," Cal added before walking away. Jessica threw her arms around Jake's neck and hugged him tightly. "Thank God," Jake breathed. Jessica almost ran to Danny's room. She washed her face in the bathroom and applied a bit of blush to her cheeks. William gurgled in his crib. "He's dry," Jake told Jessica. Jessica thanked Jake before lifting William out of the crib. "Let's go see daddy," Jessica cooed.

Jessica stood nervously in the doorway. "Danny?" she said softly. Danny looked up through bruised eyes and smiled. 

"God Jess, you're a sight for sore eyes," Danny said with a grin. Jessica laughed. 

"Now I know you'll be alright, that was so cheesy," Jessica muttered. Danny chuckled and his eyes fell on the baby in Jessica's arms. 

"He's gotten so big!" Danny exclaimed, his eyes widening. Jessica smiled and nodded as she stepped closer. "Hey buddy," Danny said softly, reaching his hand out to touch his son. William gurgled and wrapped his hand around one of Danny's fingers. Jessica gently set William on the bed next to Danny. "You've been crying," Danny accused. Jessica nodded, knowing her face was giving her away.

"I didn't know how badly you were hurt, I was worried about you," Jessica murmured. Danny smiled at her. "I've felt better, but now that you and Will are here, I think I could survive anything," Danny said. Jessica laughed. 

"Danny, when you're feeling better, we need to talk," Jessica said softly. Danny's heart clenched but he nodded and turned his attention back to his son. Jessica knew she was being brushed off, but let it go. 

-Three weeks later-

Jessica sat nervously on the bed as she waited for Danny. Jake poked his head in and Jessica tightened the sash on her robe. "He's on his way up," Jake told Jessica with a grin. Jessica thanked Jake and closed the door behind him. Jessica took a deep breath and let it out as she continued to wait for Danny. She didn't have to wait long. She looked up as the door opened. Danny looked surprised to see Jessica waiting for him. "What are you doing here?" he asked. Jessica resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"You had me move in here," Jessica reminded him. Danny laughed at himself. 

"Sorry, I'm still having some memory issues." Danny began unbuttoning his shirt. "Clark's been caught, you can go back home if you want," Danny told her. Jessica sighed and looked sharply at Danny when he winced.

"God Danny, those bruises look so painful," she murmured. Danny nodded.

"They hurt like hell," Danny grumbled. Jessica frowned a little and crossed the space between them. "Jess, what are you doing?" Danny wanted to know. Jessica smiled and kissed him. 

"I forgive you Danny and I've missed you," Jessica murmured. Danny stared at her. "I love you Danny," Jessica said softly, undoing the knot in the sash of her robe before she let it fall to the floor. Danny's jaw dropped and once his shock wore off, he grinned and wrapped his arms around Jessica. "I've missed you too," he growled, pressing kisses down her neck. Jessica moaned as Danny pulled away. "What about Will?" Danny asked. Jessica smiled and pulled him to the bed. 

"Will is staying with Claire tonight," Jessica said with a smile. Danny grinned and reached for Jessica again. Jessica moaned as she felt Danny's fingers press into her. Danny's eyes met Jessica's. "Don't tease me Danny, please," Jessica breathed. Danny grinned again and pushed his cock inside her. Jessica moaned and lifted her hips to match Danny thrust for thrust. "Oh God Danny!" Jessica cried out. Danny grinned and pulled almost completely out. "Danny!" Jessica protested. Danny laughed and thrust in hard and fast. Jessica bit back a scream as she neared her climax. Danny groaned and Jessica could tell that he was holding back. Danny thrust once more hard and fast and Jessica came with a shaky scream. One more thrust had Danny's seed spilling deep inside. "Are you okay?" Danny asked, rolling off of Jessica and laying flat on the bed. 

"I should be asking you that," Jessica said with a satisfied moan. Danny laughed.

"I feel so much better now," Danny told Jessica with a grin.



Fighting for Love Ch. 05



: Chapter Five :

"Jess?" Jake asked as he walked into the small office off the mess hall. 

Jessica looked up and wiped her eyes. "Hey Jake," she said softly.

"What's wrong?" Jake wanted to know. 

Jessica shook her head. "Nothing, I'm just a little emotional today," Jessica lied. Jake studied Jessica's face and shook his head. 

"There's something bothering you, what is it?" Jake asked.

"It's nothing Jake. Have you seen Danny?" Jessica said, putting a sack of brown sugar on one of the shelves.

"He's with Will at the pool," Jake answered. Jessica smiled and headed for the pool. Jake bent down to tie his shoe when a piece of paper caught his eye. Jake read the note and swore under his breath before running out of the office. 

Jessica walked into the rec room and crouched over at the edge of the pool where Danny was letting Will splash around. "There's mommy," Danny the giggling baby. Will waved to Jessica and let a chubby hand splash down on the surface of the water. 

"He seems to be having fun," Jessica observed with a smile. Danny nodded and wiped water off his face as his son splashed him. "Danny, what's going on with Clark?" Jessica asked softly. Danny's smile turned to a frown.

"What makes you ask about that ego-maniac?" Danny asked. Jessica shrugged.

"Just curious," she answered. Danny studied Jessica's face before answering.

"We're closing in on him. Don't worry, he won't be able to hurt you or Will, I promise," Danny said softly. Jessica smiled and stood back up. "It's my turn to help out with the grocery run. I'll see you guys later, okay?" Jessica murmured. Danny nodded and waved Will's hand at his mother. Jessica smiled before walking away.

-Hours later-

"Where's Jessica?" Danny asked, barging into Cal's office. Cal sighed. 

"Danny, this is not the time," Cal said, motioning to the video phone conference. Danny growled. 

"Where is Jessica?" Danny asked again. Cal sighed and put the phone call on hold.

"She's meeting with Clark," Cal answered reluctantly. Danny's jaw dropped open in surprise. 

"What do you mean she's meeting with Clark? He tried to have her killed!" Danny shouted angrily. Cal sighed again. "What the hell were you thinking?" 

Cal put a hand on his friend's arm.

"He contacted her; said he had a bio-weapon and he knew where the compound was. He told her that he'd use the weapon on the compound if she didn't agree to meet with him," Cal told Danny. He showed Danny the note Jake had found earlier that day. Danny read the note and crumpled it in his hand. 

"She should be here, with our son," Danny said, his voice low and dangerous. Cal sighed and nodded.

"I agree with you; this was her choice. Jessica worried that if she didn't meet with him like he requested, that Clark really would launch the bio-weapon on the compound. She was trying to protect William," Cal said. 

Danny turned and punched the wall; putting a hole in the drywall. Cal rolled his eyes as he saw the cuts on Danny's fist send blood dripping down his hand. Cal gave Danny a paper towel. "Go see Claire and have her stitch you up," Cal ordered. Danny gave Cal one last glare before turning and leaving the room. 

Jake found Danny pulling on a black fitted long sleeved tee shirt and tossing supplies in his duffel bag. "You're going after her aren't you?" Jake asked. 

"I love her Jake," Danny said simply. Jake nodded. 

"I'll go with you," Jake told his friend, reaching into his locker and pulling out his own black clothing. Danny looked at his friend gratefully and finished packing his supplies.

"I'm here, now what do you want?" Jessica demanded, her arms folded over her chest as she stood face to face with her one time abductor. Mr. Clark laughed a deep rumbling laugh that sent shivers down Jessica's spine.

"I want your boyfriend," Mr. Clark told Jessica. Jessica shook her head.

"I told you months ago that I haven't seen Danny," Jessica said. Mr. Clark grinned.

"I know he's at the compound and I know that the two of you have reconciled. Your son is what, almost seven months old now?" Mr. Clark guessed. Jessica hoped her face didn't betray her surprise at the man's knowledge. 

"You have someone on the inside," Jessica murmured. Mr. Clark just grinned again as a door behind him opened up. Jessica gasped when she saw Devon standing behind the evil man. 

"You!" Jessica exclaimed. Devon gave her a sympathetic smile. 

"Not by choice," Devon muttered. Mr. Clark laughed. 

"You see my dear, like you, Devon is with me under duress. I'm holding his girlfriend hostage. Had he refused at any time to help me, I would have killed her," Mr. Clark said, picking up a television remote and pointing it at a monitor before pushing a button. A woman, filthy from top to bottom could be seen hanging from a wall, her hair matted and her clothing torn. "It's too bad that my men were as rough with her as she was; she had a miscarriage not long after I took her," Mr. Clark said. Jessica's eyes widened and pain filled Devon's eyes.

"I've done everything you've asked, just let Melly go," Devon said, his voice broken. Mr. Clark grinned again.

"Not just yet. My men want one more go with her," Mr. Clark told Devon. Devon was forced to watch as one of Clark's top men prepared to rape Melly one last time.

"Stop!" Jessica shouted. Mr. Clark looked at Jessica with interest. "Take me instead," Jessica said, hoping she was putting on a brave face. A look of shock fluttered onto Devon's face. 

"You're offering yourself in her place?" Mr. Clark asked in surprise. Jessica glanced at Devon and nodded.

"But only after Devon and Melly are safely out of here," Jessica said. Mr. Clark rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"I could just tell you I've let them go," he reminded Jessica.

"I know, that's why you're going to let me and one of your men follow them to the bridge and then we'll watch them drive away. Mr. Clark pondered this and nodded. 

"Agreed," he said, picking up a walkie talkie. 

"What the hell are you doing?" Devon asked, his voice low. Jessica scribbled something on a piece of paper, folded it up and slipped it into Devon's pocket, his eyes following her every movement. 

"I'm saving your life," Jessica said. Devon stared at her in surprise.

"Why?" he asked. Jessica gave him a pointed glance.

"Your girlfriend doesn't deserve this, and I know Danny would do the same for me," Jessica said softly. Mr. Clark opened the door as Melly was brought into the room. Devon held Melly close and held her as she cried. Jessica followed them to the waiting cars. "Devon!" Jessica called before Devon could get into the car. He turned and looked at her. "Tell Danny I'm sorry, that I love him and to take care of Will," Jessica said. Devon nodded and got into the car. Once Jessica had seen Devon and Melly safely over the hill, she was returned to Clark's compound. "I'm so sorry Danny, please forgive me," Jessica thought as she was taken to a bedroom.



Fighting for Love Ch. 06-07



: Chapter Six :

Danny and Jake had just reached the main gate of the compound when Devon and Melly pulled into the driveway. "Danny, Jake, wait!" Devon shouted, getting out of the car. 

"Where the hell have you been?" Jake wanted to know. Both his and Danny's eyes narrowed when they saw a bruised and battered Melly get out of the passenger side of the car. 

"Long story. To make it short, Clark had Melly; said he'd kill her if I didn't spy for him. Jessica traded her freedom for Melly's," Devon said in a rush as he pulled out the note from Jessica. Danny took the note and opened it.

"Danny,

Had to help Melly. Take care of Will. We love you.

Jess"

"We?" Danny asked as Cal and Claire came running out of the compound. Danny and Devon briefed Cal who radioed for a team. "Doc, what did Jess mean by 'we love you'?" Danny wanted to know. 

Claire hesitated. "She's pregnant Danny; nearly two months. She just found out this morning," Claire told him. Danny was stunned. 

"We'll get her back," Cal promised.

-Hours later-

Jessica lay curled up in a ball on the bed, the blankets pulled over her and cried. She hoped Devon had safely delivered the note to Danny. She knew he'd come for her, but she was hoping the note would get him some backup. Jessica screamed as a loud explosion rocked Clark's compound. Jessica sat up and looked around for something to cover her with. 

All Jessica could find was a terry cloth robe and she quickly pulled it on and tied the sash. It seemed like an eternity before her door was opened to reveal a very angry, but relieved Danny. "Did you even think about what could have happened to you?" Danny growled. 

Jessica nodded. "I'm sorry Danny," Jessica whispered. Danny nodded and held out a hand to her.

"We'll talk later," he assured her. Jessica nodded again, took his hand and followed him out of the room. Danny carefully led Jessica through the maze like hallways and breathed a sigh of relief as they reached the entrance of the compound. As Jessica walked outside to safety, Danny let out a gutteral moan and slumped to the ground.

"Danny!" Jessica shouted, fighting Jake as he restrained her. Cal and the field medic hurried to where Danny lay, bleeding on the ground.

"We need to get him back to Claire," the medic told Cal. They put pressure bandages on the wound and lifted him and carried him to the helicopter. 

Once back in the safety of their own compound, Jake and Jessica waited for Claire to come talk to them.

"Jessica?" Jessica looked up to see Devon and Melly standing in front of them. "I just wanted to thank you for what you did. You saved my life," Melly said softly. Jessica gave a small smile. Jessica watched Devon and Melly head into Cal's office and Jessica risked a glance at Jake. 

"I'm sorry Jake," Jessica said softly. Jake gave her a look that Jessica couldn't read. "I didn't mean for Danny to get hurt," Jessica added. Jake laughed bitterly.

"Nobody ever means for someone to get hurt, but somebody always does," Jake said. Jessica sighed and leaned back in her chair, hoping Claire would come out with some good news.

Jessica's eyes fluttered open as someone touched her shoulder. She looked up to see Cal and Claire standing in front of her. "How is he?" Jessica asked, her voice dry. 

Claire gave Jessica a sympathetic look. 

"He's in a coma Jessica, and I don't know if he'll ever wake up," Claire said gently. Tears sprang to Jessica's eyes. 

"When did he get hurt?" Jessica asked, resisting the urge to throw up.

"They were guarding your door and Danny was stabbed in the side by a very large knife," Jake said from the doorway. Jessica turned to look at Jake and winced at the rage she saw in his eyes.

"Jake, I never meant for this to happen," Jessica said softly. Jake laughed harshly.

"You're just like every other bitch out there. Is that baby you're carrying really Danny's or is it Paul's or Devon's?" Jake asked, his voice hard and cruel. Tears fell down Jessica's face.

"That's enough Jake," Cal said. "This was not Jessica's fault," Cal admonished.

"Right, it's not Jessica's fault. If Jessica hadn't gone out on her own to confront Clark, Danny wouldn't be lying in a coma, possibly dying," Jake sneered. Jessica blinked. 

"I didn't want this to happen, I love Danny," Jessica whispered, the tears falling faster. Cal and Claire exchanged glances as the waiting area filled with operatives. 

"I'm going to go check on Danny," Claire said, heading back into the infirmary. Cal squeezed Jessica's shoulder.

"Go be with your son," he told Jessica before leading his operatives out of the waiting area. 

"She needs to go Cal, she's the reason Danny is fighting for his life," Jake growled as he followed his boss into the briefing room. Cal shook his head.

"Jessica is the reason we have Clark and the bio-weapon," Cal reminded Jake. Jake rolled his eyes.

"So Danny's expendable?" Jake asked, his voice full of anger. "I've known Danny since we were seven years old; Jessica came into his life when we were fifteen. She's changed him; she's a viper," Jake shouted. Paul put a hand on Jake's shoulder. 

"C'mon Jake, be reasonable. Jessica had no way to know that Danny would be hurt," Paul said, trying to be rational. Jake laughed again.

"She knew he could be hurt," Jake argued. Paul rolled his eyes. 

"Any one of us can be hurt going out on a mission; hell, Danny nearly died nearing the end of his last mission, do you want to blame that on Jessica too?" Paul asked.

"You're just arguing for her because you think she's hot and she can cook," Jake shot back. "Did you sleep with the little slut? I know you've wanted to since you first saw her," Jake growled.

"I'm attracted to Jessica, yes, but even before she and Danny got back together, the most I have ever seen of Jessica was when she cooked meals in the mess. I've never touched Jessica other than just the occasional brush by," Paul told Jake. 

"It isn't Jessica's fault, it's mine." Jake looked towards the door and was surprised Devon standing in the doorway. "Clark took Melly. He killed our child. If it hadn't been for Clark having Melly, I wouldn't have betrayed the group and Clark never would have known Jess and Danny were back together," Devon said in a rush. Jake pushed Devon up against the wall. 

"Get the fuck out of here!" he growled. Cal put himself between Jake and Devon.

"Devon, go wait in my office, Jake, cool it!" Cal demanded. Jake resisted the urge to fight with someone. 

"I want Jessica away from this compound. I want her away from Danny," Jake told Cal. Cal sighed. 

"Whether you like it or not, Jessica is the mother of Danny's son. We can't force her away," Cal said. Jake shook his head.

"She leaves on your order or mine," Jake threatened before storming out of the briefing. Cal finished the briefing and returned to his office.



Fighting for Love Ch. 08-09



CHAPTER EIGHT

Jake knocked on the door to Danny's room before opening it and letting himself in. "What do you want Jake?" Jessica asked from the rocking chair. Jake studied Jessica silently for a moment, and almost found himself feeling sorry for her. 

"I want you to leave. If Danny ever wakes up, he's going to need to be able to get back up to speed without distractions. You and Will are distractions," Jake said. 

He stood over the crib and watched the baby wiggle in his sleep and couldn't help but to smile; the squirming baby looked so much like his father. Jessica looked up at Jake with tear stained eyes.

"I love Danny," Jessica reminded Jake. Jake rolled his eyes.

"That love, as you put it, nearly got Danny killed and we don't know if he'll wake up. It's been three weeks and he hasn't woken up yet, there's no reason for you to be here," Jake said harshly.

"I'm not leaving," Jessica told Jake. 

Jake turned to face Jessica, grabbed her by the arms and shoved her into the wall before pressing a knife to her throat. Jessica's eyes widened as the wind was knocked out of her. 

"Get out Jessica, and don't come back," Jake growled before pulling the knife away and leaving the room.

"Jake, have you seen Jessica?" Claire asked walking into the mess. 

Jake shook his head.

"Not in a day or so," Jake answered. "Why?" Jake wanted to know.

"Danny's waking up," Claire told Jake. Jake dropped his fork and followed Claire to the infirmary. 

"It's good to see your eyes open," Jake said with a grin. Danny blinked and looked around, fighting the respirator. 

"Danny, the respirator is to help you breath. I can't take it out yet, your lungs are still recovering. You being awake is a good sign. I should be able to take the respirator out in a day or so," Claire said softly. 

Danny gave Claire a look. "I will not take it out early," Claire said, reading Danny's mind. Danny made a sound of frustration as Cal walked into the infirmary. "Did you find Jess?" Claire asked. Cal shook his head. 

"I'm sure she just went out for some air," Cal said, trying to keep from alarming Danny and slowing his recovery. Danny's eyes fluttered sleepily and Claire gave him a gentle smile. 

"Go back to sleep Danny, it's going to take a while for you to recover fully. I'm sure Jess will be here when you wake up again," Claire said.

"Hey Danny, how are you feeling?" Jake asked, walking into the infirmary. Danny took a sip of the water before answering. 

"I'd feel a lot better if anyone knew where Jessica and Will were." Jake shrugged. 

"I haven't seen her man. If I had, I would have told her you were awake," Jake said.

"How can nobody have seen her? I've been awake for nearly a week," Danny growled, his voice still gravely from the respirator. 

Jake shrugged again. "I couldn't tell you," he said. Jake looked at his watch. "I have to go, I'm on guard duty tonight," Jake added. 

Danny nodded and watched his friend leave the room, certain that Jake wasn't telling the truth.

CHAPTER NINE

"Welcome to Denny's, my name is Jessica. What can I get for you ladies to drink this afternoon?" Jessica greeted the couple at the table. She took their drink orders and headed off to the kitchen to get it. "One iced tea with extra lemon and one diet soda with lemon. Are you ready to order?" 

"I'd like the grand slam with bacon. My eggs over easy with wheat toast," one of the patrons said.

"And I'll take the grand slam with sausage, my eggs scramble also with wheat toast," said other person at the table. 

Jessica jotted the orders down and smiled at her patrons. "I'll get that out to you in a jiffy," she told them, walking towards the kitchen. 

When Jessica's shift ended, she was exhausted. Jessica climbed in her car and drove to her tiny apartment. "Hey Marie, how did Will behave tonight?" Jessica asked as she walked in side. Marie gave Jessica a smile.

"Will is absolutely an angel. So precious," Marie answered. The older woman studied Jessica's face carefully as Jessica dug money out of her purse. 

"You'll be back tomorrow?" Jessica asked, dropping her bag onto the side table. Marie nodded.

"Taking care of Will is so easy that I feel bad about taking your money when you obviously need it," Marie told Jessica. Jessica smiled. "I'll be back at seven thirty," Marie promised before walking out the door. 

Jessica walked into the small bedroom and checked on Will and smiled when she found him asleep. She walked back to the kitchen and reached into the freezer for the Stouffer's four cheese lasagna she had picked up the day before. With a yawn, Jessica tore the box open and popped the plastic tray into the microwave and turned it on. Jessica pulled the pitcher of water out of the refrigerator and poured some into a glass as she went through her mail while she waited for her dinner. 

Jessica glanced at the timer and pushed cancel just before it went off so it wouldn't wake Will. Jessica pulled the now hot tray of food out of the microwave and slid it onto a large plate. She took her food and water into the living room and sat at the card table to eat. When she finished her meal, Jessica took the plate, the empty tray and the glass of water into the kitchen. Jessica tossed the tray and quickly washed her plate and fork. She poured a little more water into the glass and reached for her vitamins. Jessica grimaced as she swallowed the vitamin, hating the chalky taste. 

Jessica carried the glass into the living room and set it on the small table next to the couch before walking over to a closet by the bathroom and grabbed a pillow, sheet and blanket before returning to the living room. Jessica made up her bed on the couch and sat down and reached for the pen and paper on the table.

"Danny,

I don't know if you're dead or alive, but I'm hoping you're alive. If you are, you're probably wondering where Will and I are. We're safe and we're okay. I didn't want to leave, you can ask Jake why I did. I promise to tell Will all about you when he gets older; you wouldn't believe how big he's gotten, or me for that matter. I love you Danny and I always will. I promise to send pictures of Will and the baby when she gets here to the base. Please don't hate me for leaving, but if you do, I understand. I love you always.

Jessica."

Jessica pulled the paper from the pad, folded it gently and stuck a picture of Will inside before stuffing it into an envelope and sealing it. Jessica set the stamped envelope onto the table next to her purse, flicked off the light and laid down and cried herself to sleep.

Jessica groaned as her alarm went off; five thirty came too early that morning, but she got up, folded up her bedding, put it back in the closet and grabbed a towel before going into the bathroom. Jessica took a quick shower and got dressed quickly as Will started fussing. Jessica walked into the bedroom and smiled. "Hey there big guy!" she crooned. Jessica lifted her son out of his crib and carried him into the bathroom where she gave him a quick bath before getting him dressed. Jessica sat him down in a high chair and fed him some oatmeal with raisins and gave him a piece of wheat toast with a small bit of grape jam. At seven thirty on the dot, Marie was knocking on Jessica's door. Jessica grabbed her purse and the letter to Danny off of the table, gave Will a kiss on the top of his forehead and hurried out of the apartment. 

Jessica waited impatiently at the bus stop and grew more and more annoyed as time went by. Finally, nearly fifteen minutes late, the bus pulled up to the stop and Jessica got on board. The tardiness of the bus made Jessica nearly twenty minutes late for work. "I'm sorry I'm late Jerry, the bus was late this morning," Jessica said, out of breathe as she flew into the office. Jerry smiled at her. 

"Don't worry about it, it's the first time in three months. Catch your breath and get to work," Jerry told her. Jessica nodded and walked to her desk, sat in her chair and slipped the headset on. Jessica grabbed the pieces of paper that sat in her in box and dialed the number first on the list. 

"Is this Mark Klein?" Jessica asked into the mouthpiece. "This is Jessica with ERT. We haven't received your payment; it was due on the fifteenth of last month and it's nearly thirty five days late," Jessica began. She resisted the urge to sigh when her client began to speak in a nasty voice. "Mr. Klein, I understand things happen that makes money tight, believe me. I'm not here to harass you, I'm here to try and work out a payment arrangement so that your service isn't interrupted. 

We certainly don't want to take food off of your table or prevent you from being able to put gas in your car, so if you need to set up multiple payments, we can work with you on that. I'm here to help you," Jessica interrupted his tirade. Jessica smiled as Mark Klein's tone of voice calmed down. 

"Yes sir, I can set that up for you. Four payments of twenty dollars beginning on Friday the nineteenth. Please tell me what day you can pay the second payment." Jessica entered the information into her computer. "Very good sir. I have those payments set up for you, your confirmation number is XPT-387-228. "Thank you very much for your cooperation Mr. Klein, have a good day," Jessica said, disconnecting the call. Jessica grabbed the orange high lighter and drew a line through his name and took a swallow of water before dialing the next number. Just as Jessica disconnected the second call, Jerry walked up to her. 

"Do you have any outgoing mail?" Jerry asked. Jessica nodded and slipped the envelope on the top of the pile. "Your boyfriend?" Jerry asked, seeing the name on the envelope. Jessica nodded again.

"It's complicated Jerry, I don't want to get into it," Jessica told him before he could ask. Jerry nodded and walked away. 



Fighting for Love Ch. 10



 I'm almost done with "Fighting" and I am considering a sequel; would you rather see a sequel about Jake or Cal or both? Thanks for reading!

CHAPTER TEN

Danny found Jake in the weight room heading toward the locker room. Danny grabbed him by the arm and slammed him into the wall. "Why did Jess leave?" Danny asked. 

Jake shrugged. "How the hell should I know?" Jake muttered. 

Danny threw the letter at him and Jake scanned it quickly. 

"Why did Jess leave?" Danny asked again. Danny glanced over his shoulder as Cal stepped out of his office. "Why the fuck did Jess say to ask you why she left?" Danny shouted, his temper coming to the surface. 

"Jake blamed Jessica for you getting hurt," Cal said from behind Danny. Danny looked at Jake, stunned. 

"I told her to leave. When she refused, I shoved her against the wall and stuck a knife to her throat," Jake admitted. Danny punched Jake hard, breaking Jake's nose, causing blood to spurt every where.

"What gives you the right to tell my girlfriend to leave?" Danny roared. Jake grabbed a piece of paper towel from the stand and held it to his nose. 

"If she hadn't gone to Clark, you never would have been in a coma!" Jake exclaimed. "You're my friend Danny, and I didn't want to see her hurt you like Caitlin hurt me," Jake said in a softer voice. 

Some of the anger left Danny's face. "Jessica isn't Caitlin. You had no right to tell her to leave. You'd better hope that Jess, Will and the baby are healthy or I swear to God, I will kill you," Danny threatened before storming out of the weight room. 

-2 weeks later-

"Any luck?" Jake asked, meeting Danny in the front of a restaurant. Danny shook his head as a hostess led him to the table that Cal and Claire were sitting at. "Danny, I'm sorry for losing my temper with Jess. I just didn't want her to hurt you," Jake apologized again. Danny gave his friend a cool look. He still hadn't completely forgive Jake for his traitorous act. At least Devon's was understandable, but Jake's was done out of paranoia and if Jessica couldn't be found, Jake probably wouldn't make it out alive. The hostess brought over mugs of coffee for them. "Your waitress will be right with you to take your order," she told them before heading to the tiny break room behind the kitchen. "Are you okay hon? You're not looking so hot," she murmured. 

Jessica nodded. "I'm alright Carrie, it's been a long day; I'm exhausted," Jessica admitted. Carrie smiled sympathetically. 

"I just sat a four top for you at table twenty. After they've finished, go home, I'll cover the rest of your shift," Carrie offered. 

Jessica smiled and shook her head. "Thanks Carrie, but I need the money," Jessica said, standing up and heading for the dining room. She walked over to table twenty. "Welcome to Denny's, are you ready to order?" Jessica asked. One by one, heads appeared out from behind the menus. "Danny?" Jessica whispered, her eyes wide. She looked around the table; Jessica wasn't surprised to see Cal and Claire, but she was very surprised to see Jake. He shifted in his seat and offered a small smile.

"Hey Jess," Jake said. Jessica turned her attention back to Danny who stood up and gently pushed her into the booth. Carrie had been watching from the hostess stand and hurried over.

"Jess, are you okay?" Carrie asked. Jessica nodded.

"Jessica's punching out for the night," Danny said, throwing a twenty on the table. Jessica shook her head as Danny stood up and began to pull her from the booth.

"Danny, I have to finish my shift," Jessica protested. Danny shook his head.

"You have to take me to Will," Danny told Jessica. Jessica sighed and tried to tug away.

"Danny, I need to finish my shift," Jessica repeated. 

"Should I call the police?" Carrie asked.

"No, we're taking Jessica home," Cal told the nervous hostess.

"Jess, do you want me to call the police?" Carrie asked her friend. Jessica glanced from Danny to Jake to back to Danny and shook her head.

"Carrie, I'd like you to meet Danny Storm. He's Will's father," Jessica introduced. 

Carrie's eyes widened then narrowed. "I think I should call the police, she obviously left you for a reason," Carrie said, giving Danny a curious look.

"Danny has never hurt me. I left because I thought he was dead and I needed to find a job to provide for Will," Jessica told Carrie. Carrie looked like she didn't believe her. "I'll be fine Care, don't worry," Jessica assured her friend. "Tell Billy I'll stop in tomorrow to clean out my locker," Jessica added. Carrie nodded and watched as Jessica follow Danny, Jake, Cal and Claire out of the restaurant.

Marie looked up as Jessica opened the door. "You're home early," Marie observed. "Are you feeling all right?" Marie asked. Before Jessica could say anything, Danny eased his way in behind her. "Jessica, are you all right?" Marie asked again. Jessica nodded.

"Marie, this is Will's father Danny," Jessica introduced again. 

"Where is Will?" Danny asked, anxious to see his son again. Marie studied Danny carefully.

"He's asleep. Jessica, go sit down on the couch, you've been working too hard," Marie instructed, going into the kitchen. She came back a moment later with a bowl of piping hot beef stew and a glass of juice. "Eat this, it'll be more filling than those frozen dinners you buy on nights you work," Marie said. She turned to Danny. "Would you like some?" she asked, out of politeness. Danny nodded as he surveyed the apartment that Jessica had made into a home. Marie handed Danny a bowl of the stew and picked up her jacket. 

"Here, let me get you some money," Jessica said, reaching for her purse. She opened her wallet and sighed when all she could find was a twenty and a ten. She handed the money to Marie. Marie shook her head.

"You keep it. You need it more than I do," Marie said with a smile. "Oh, I was going to tell you, Will had a slight fever earlier, 100.2. I think he has more teeth coming in. I gave him a little baby Tylenol and rubbed some Orajel on his gums and he calmed right down. Jessica smiled and sighed.

"Yeah, he has like three teeth just under the surface, thank you Marie, for everything," Jessica murmured, standing up to give the older woman a tight hug. 

"Don't mention it. Will is an angel. I'm guessing now that Danny is back in the picture that you won't need me anymore," Marie said, glancing at Danny again who nodded. "I'll put an ad in the paper that an apartment has become available. Take as much time as you need, just slip your key under the flower pot outside my door," Marie said before leaving. Danny looked around the apartment. 

"Where do you sleep?" Danny asked. Jessica patted the couch.

"There's only one room; I gave it to Will," Jessica answered. Danny shook his head.

"Why did you let Jake chase you away like that?" Danny asked. Jessica sighed.

"I thought he'd kill me," Jessica admitted. "I never thought he'd be capable but he was so pissed and blamed me for you getting hurt," Jessica whispered. Danny's eyes were full of anger towards his friend. "Danny, he was worried about you," Jessica told him.

"That didn't give him the right to chase you and Will away," Danny said. Jessica shifted uncomfortably. 

"It was my fault. If I hadn't gone to Clark's office, you wouldn't have had to come after me," Jessica murmured. 

Danny shook his head. "You were kidnapped, and when you found out about Melly, you stayed to help a friend and to keep him from launching a terrible weapon on the compound. You saved a lot of lives. Yes, I really wish you hadn't put yourself in that position, but I'm proud of you," Danny murmured. Jessica smiled weakly.

"I'm glad you woke up," she murmured. Danny laughed.

"So am I," he agreed. Danny glanced towards the bedroom as Will began to fuss.

"Go get him," Jessica said with a small smile. Danny grinned, stood up and walked into the bedroom. Danny returned to the living room a moment later with a babbling Will. 

"He's gotten so big," Danny marveled. Jessica laughed. 

"That's what happens. He's just over nine months old," Jessica reminded Danny. 

"And how far along are you?" Danny asked. Jessica sighed.

"Just about five months, give or take a week or so," Jessica answered. 

Danny shook his head. "I can't really tell that you're pregnant," Danny murmured. Jessica laughed.

"That's because I'm wearing a baggy shirt. Let me go change out of my uniform," Jessica told him, disappearing into the bathroom. When she came back out, it was a little more obvious that she was pregnant. 

"You're beautiful," Danny said, drinking in the sight. Jessica laughed a little. "I'm serious Jess," Danny told her. Jessica shrugged and yawned. "Does the couch pull out?" Danny asked. Jessica shook her head. "Pack a bag, we'll go back to the hotel and come back for your stuff in the morning," Danny told her. 

"I have work in the morning," Jessica protested.

"Denny's?" Danny asked. 

"No, I work at ERT in the collections department," Jessica told him. Danny shook his head.

"Jess, you're the mother of my children, and you belong with me. If you want to get a job, that's fine, but I have to go back to the base; my term of service isn't up for another year," Danny said gently. 

Jessica sighed. "I don't know Danny. I love you, but I love this job," Jessica murmured. Danny resisted the urge to sigh.

"Jess, come back with me. We can be a family, and when my term is up, if you don't want me to sign up for another one, we can go where ever you want to go," Danny promised.

"Anywhere?" Jessica asked. 

Danny nodded. "Anywhere," he repeated. 

Jessica picked up her cell phone and dialed.

"Hello?" 

"Jerry, it's Jessica. I'm sorry to call you at home, and so late, but I wanted to let you know that I won't be back," Jessica said.

"Are you okay Jess?" Jerry asked.

"Yeah Jer, I'm fine. My boyfriend Danny was in a coma, and I felt responsible, no I don't want to get into it, but he's awake and I'm going back to be with him," Jessica answered in a rush. She spoke with Jerry for a bit longer and hung up the phone.

"I'll pack up Will's bag, you get your stuff," Danny said softly. Jessica nodded and packed up. "Is that everything?" Danny asked, surprised to see only four bags around Jessica's feet. Jessica nodded again.

"All of the baby furniture belonged to Marie and since her kids are our age, she didn't need them anymore," Jessica murmured. Danny handed Will back to Jessica and lifted all four bags with very little effort. 

"Let's go home," Danny said, opening the door and holding it for Jessica. 



Fighting for Love Ch. 11-12



  These are the last two chapters of "Fighting for Love" and I thank you all for reading it and your feedback. I am brainstorming ideas for a sequel, but I'm not sure if it should be about Jake or about Cal. I welcome all feedback, and if you have any thoughts about what you would like to see happen, send me an email and I'll do my best to incorporate your suggestions into the next story. Thanks again for your support,

~Ashira 

*

"Are you sure I'm still welcome?" Jessica asked as Danny took Will from her arms to speed them along.

"I already gave the okay," Cal said from behind them, making Jessica jump. "Sorry," he said sheepishly. 

Jessica waved at Claire.

"Where do you want the bags?" Jake asked.

"My room," Danny answered. Jake nodded and walked past Danny and headed down the hall that would lead him to the dorms. 

Danny turned to Claire. "If you have the time, could you give Jess a checkup?" Danny asked as they passed the stair way leading to the infirmary.

"Not a problem. Jess, I'll see you at ten tomorrow morning," Claire said before leaving the group.

"I'm fine Danny, really," Jessica insisted as they walked to his room. Jake stepped back into the hall.

"I really am sorry," Jake said softly. 

"Sorry about what?" Everyone turned at the sound of the new voice and the contrite expression on Jake's face changed to an expression of disbelief and anger.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Jake growled. Jessica looked surprised at the sudden change.

"Aren't you glad to see me?" the girl asked with a pout.

"I'd be happier to see Syphilis," Jake spat. Jessica's eyes widened.

"What are you doing here Caitlin?" Danny asked, keeping his voice even. Caitlin grinned.

"I've been reassigned to this team. I've missed you Jake," Caitlin said.

"I could have gone my whole life without seeing you again," Jake snapped before hurrying away. Jessica looked surprised and took Will from Danny.

"I'd better get him to bed, it's late," Jessica said softly. Danny nodded and waited for the door to close before turning to Caitlin.

"Keep your distance Caitlin, because if anything happens to Jake because of something you have done, I will make your life and your term here a living hell," Danny threatened before going into his room.

Jessica added two more pancakes to the stack in the warmer and checked on the turkey bacon as Caitlin walked up. "You're new, when did you sign up?" Caitlin asked. Jessica looked up from the frying pan.

"I'm just the cook," Jessica said.

"She's more than a cook, don't let her fool you," Paul said, walking up and snagging some fried potatoes from another warmer.

"You're one hell of a cook," Caitlin commented, taking a bite of the eggs she just scooped on her plate. Jessica thanked her and flipped the next two pancakes before checking on the omelet cooking in a pan on the back burner.

"Paul, your omelet is ready," Jessica called. Paul hurried over and accepted the plate with the omelet on it and added some potatoes and turkey bacon.

"You're the best Jess," Paul said as he returned to his table. Jessica kept track of who came into the dining room to eat and frowned when she realized that Jake hadn't come in for food. 

"Cal, Jake hasn't come eat yet," Jessica said softly. Cal sighed as Danny joined the conversation.

"He won't come out of his room either," Danny added. "Why was Caitlin assigned here?" Danny wanted to know.

"I don't know, but I intend to find out," Cal said, taking the plate of the food Jessica offered him. "What's on the menu for lunch?" he asked.

"I've got a bunch of different types of salads in the fridge and some home made soups that I've been working on," Jessica murmured, rubbing her back.

"She was up before I was," Danny told Cal.

"When was that?" Cal asked.

"Six," Danny answered. Jessica stuck her tongue out at Danny and added the last of the pancake batter to the pan, a few more slices of turkey bacon, and fried up some eggs.

"Who is that for?" Cal asked.

"Jake, he needs to eat or he'll never make it through exercises today," Jessica answered, checking the eggs and putting two slices of wheat bread in the toaster and popping it down. Danny kissed Jessica's cheek.

"He drove you away and you're still taking him food. That's one of the things I love about you," he murmured. Jessica laughed.

"What are the others?" she asked teasingly as she flipped the pancakes. 

Danny grinned. "I'll tell you later," he promised. Jessica laughed and swatted Danny's arm as he and Cal went to a table to finish their breakfasts.

"So what are you doing here?" Caitlin asked, walking back into the room for another cup of coffee. Jessica grabbed the coffee pot before Caitlin could grab it and poured the last of the coffee into two carry-out mugs.

"Not everyone has eaten or had coffee yet this morning," she said, her voice cool, as she gathered up the food into two covered containers. "I'll see you later Danny," Jessica said as she walked out of the mess.

"Jake, it's Jess, open the door," Jessica called when she reached Jake's room. Jake opened the door slightly.

"What do you want?" he asked. Jessica held up the containers where Jake could see them.

"I brought you breakfast," Jessica answered. Jake opened the door the rest of the way and let Jessica in before closing and locking the door behind him.

"How hungry did you think I am?" Jake asked, seeing the two trays of food. Jessica laughed.

"One's for me, I've been up cooking since 5," Jessica answered. Jake shook his head and took a sip of coffee. 

"I'm sorry I drove you away. You are a much better cook than Paul," Jake said. Jessica laughed and nearly choked on her coffee. 

"So, who's Caitlin?" Jessica asked innocently as she took a bite of her pancakes. Jake sighed.

"I don't want to get into it," he pleaded. Jessica shook her head.

"I'm your friend Jake, and I've forgiven you from butting into my life with Danny, so you're going to tell me who Caitlin is and what she did to you," Jessica said firmly. Jake sighed and took a long drag of his coffee.

 FLASHBACK

"Hey Cait, you ready?" Jake asked as he slipped a small hand gun in his ankle holster and slipped a dangerous looking knife in its hiding spot.

"Ready babe," Caitlin said, snapping her own knife in it's own hiding place. Jake gave Caitlin a gentle kiss and brushed some of her blond hair out of her face.

"We can wait another day if you're still not feeling well," he said softly. 

Caitlin shook her head.

"Let's get this done," Caitlin said, pulling away from Jake and putting her hair up into a high pony tail. 

"Do you remember your persona?" Jake asked as Caitlin headed for the door. Caitlin gave Jake an insulted look. "You almost forgot the other day Cait, and I want to make sure you'll remember," Jake reminded her. Caitlin sighed.

"I'm Camryn Grand and you are my husband Craig. We're from New York and we have access to some choice weapons and drugs," Caitlin told him. Jake nodded and followed Caitlin out the door.

-Thirty minutes later-

"Ahh, Camryn, Craig, you're right on time. Do you have the merchandise?" Camryn smiled.

"We have pictures. We aren't bringing you the real thing until we know that we can trust you to let us walk out of here," Camryn answered. "Do you have the money and references?" she asked. The man laughed.

"You think I'm going to give you money for pictures, you're crazy," the man retorted.

"Don't worry Jose, you'll get your guns. And we don't want to take all of the money, just a small amount; call it a security deposit," Craig said, hoping to smooth things over as he pulled a three ring binder out of the messenger's bag. "This is a detailed list of what we have available to sell you. We can have it to you within three days, that's how long it will take our associate to get here from New York," Craig added. 

Jose took the binder from Craig and snapped it open. "How did you get these?" Jose asked, suspiciously. Craig grinned.

"My cousin is a Marine, and his wife was killed during 9/11," Craig answered. "He blames the U.S. Government for not doing anything to prevent it," he added. Jose chuckled.

"9/11 really makes it easier for people like us to do business," Jose said, flipping through the pages. Craig nodded and glanced over at Camryn who had grown quiet.

"Are you alright Cam?" Craig asked. Camryn nodded.

"Jose, is there a bathroom I can use?" Camyrn asked. Jose pointed towards the back and Camryn disappeared into the bathroom. Craig shifted uneasily until Camryn stepped back into the main room. 

"Sorry about that, I'm getting over a stomach bug," Camryn apologized. 

Jose grinned. "So is my wife, the nine month flu," he joked. Camryn swallowed hard and could feel Craig's eyes on her. "I like what I see here. How much are you talking for a security deposit?" Jose asked Craig.

"It depends on what you decide on buying," Craig answered. Jose showed Craig which guns he wanted and how many. Craig pulled out a calculator and made a few calculations.

"For the weapons you have picked and the number you have chosen, your total amount will be 250,000, so your security deposit will be fifteen percent, so 37,500," Craig told Jose. Jose motioned for his associate to get the money out. Jose handed Craig the bag of money.

"When will my guns be here?" Jose asked.

"I will call my associate back in New York and he will leave first thing in the morning. It will take him three or four days to drive out here, since he can't get risked getting pulled over for obvious reasons," Craig answered. Jose nodded.

"If they aren't here by Saturday, I'll be looking for you and you won't be coming out alive," Jose threatened. Craig nodded.

"Understood," Craig said, taking the binder and order sheet from Jose and leading Camyrn out the door.

-2 hours later-

"Caitlin, where the hell have you been?" Jake exploded as she walked through the door. His eyes widened as he saw bruises on her face. "What happened?" Jake asked, his voice quieter.

"I went to a free clinic to find out why I have been so sick," Caitlin said. Jake helped her sit on the bed. "I got mugged on my way back," she added. Jake gave her an ice pack.

"What'd the doctor say?" Jake asked.

"I'm pregnant," Caitlin answered. 

Jake grinned and then his grin faded away.

"We need to have you checked out at a hospital," Jake said softly. Caitlin shook her head.

"I'll be fine with some Tylenol and rest," Caitlin murmured. Jake smoothed back a strand of hair.

"Cait, you were mugged, we need to make sure you and the baby are okay," Jake said gently. Caitlin tried to protest again but Jake wouldn't hear of it and escorted her to the hospital. Caitlin fidgeted nervously while the nurse took her vitals, Jake reached over and took her hand as the nurse left the exam room with the vials of blood. "It'll be okay," Jake said softly. Caitlin nodded and looked up when the doctor walked in the room ten minutes later.

"Hello Camryn, I'm doctor Handler. Tell me what happened," the doctor said, closing the curtain behind her. Caitlin told her story to the doctor. "Would you like to file a police report?" Doctor Handler asked. 

"No, I just want to go home," Caitlin said. Jake frowned and opened his mouth to say something but a look from Caitlin shut him up. The doctor finished her exam and motioned for Jake to follow her out to the hall. 

"What's wrong?" Jake asked.

"You're family I assume?" Doctor Handler started. Jake nodded.

"I'm Cam's husband," Jake answered.

"She might have been mugged, but she hasn't had a miscarriage. She had an abortion," Doctor Handler told Jake. Jake looked stunned. 

"Are you sure?" he asked finally. Doctor Handler nodded.

"I have been an OBG/YN for twenty years, and I've had to help perform a few abortions in my career. I recognize the signs it leaves on the body. Take her home, give her some Tylenol for the bruising and ice packs," she added before walking away. 

Jake waited in the hall for Caitlin to be discharged but didn't say anything until they returned to the hotel room.

"When were you going to tell me you had an abortion?" Jake asked as they closed the door. Caitlin sighed.

"Jake, does it matter?" Caitlin asked wearily.

"Of course it matters! Did it ever occur to you that I wanted to have children with you? I love you Caitlin! I was going to ask you to marry me when we finished this mission! I would have taken care of you and the baby!" Jake shouted. Caitlin rubbed her eyes.

"Jake, I don't want kids. I care about you, but ..." Jake turned away causing Caitlin to cut off.

"How can you care about me if you aborted our child?" Jake asked.

"You might not have been the father," Caitlin admitted. Jake turned back around and stared at her in surprise.

"Who else have you been with?" Jake wanted to know. Caitlin rattled off a bunch of names and the last name she gave made Jake start laughing.

"There is no fucking way that Danny Storm would have touched you sexually. He's committed to his girlfriend," Jake snapped. 

By the time the rest of the team got there to take down Jose and his crew, Jake could hardly stand to be in the same room with Caitlin.

"Where's Camryn?" Jose asked Jake when he walked into the warehouse.

"She had a miscarriage," Jake said. "Do you have the money?" Jake asked. Jose put a duffel bag on the table; Jake opened it and counted the money.

"The guns are in my van, out front, lets go get them," Jake said. 

Jake shook his head. "I can't believe she tried pulling that," Jake murmured.

"She sounds like a bitch," Jessica said softly. Jake nodded.

"But she gets the job done. She's ruthless," Jake murmured. Jessica gave Jake a hug.

"And you thought I was like her?" Jessica asked, her voice just above a whisper. 

Jake groaned as he remember what he had said to her before she left.

"No, Jess, I never thought that. I was just angry and I know I was wrong; you had no control over what happened to Danny. I knew that in my heart but I was so worried about Danny that I was lashing out," Jake said. Jessica studied Jake's face and nodded.

"You're forgiven Jake. I'd rather die than hurt Danny, and Caitlin's a fool," Jessica murmured, as she finished her breakfast. Jake gave Jessica a grateful smile.

"Thanks for bringing me breakfast," Jake said as Jessica stood up to leave. Jessica nodded.

"No problem. Lunch is soup, salad and sandwiches. There's tomato, minestrone and chili," Jessica said, opening the door and leaving the room. Jessica glanced at her watch and headed to the infirmary. 

"You're right on time Jess, come in," Claire called. Jessica sat down to wait and noticed that Caitlin was sitting on an exam table, going over the medical history for her last op. When Claire finished with Caitlin, Caitlin walked over to Jessica.

"So how long have you and Jake been fucking?" Caitlin asked. Jessica looked at Caitlin in surprise.

"What makes you think that I'm in a relationship with Jake?" Jessica wanted to know.

"You took him breakfast," Caitlin answered. Jessica shook her head.

"You're fucked up, you know that?" Jessica commented before heading in to see Claire.

"She's going to be trouble," Claire murmured. Jessica nodded.

"Did Jake tell you what she did to him?" Jessica wanted to know. Claire sighed and nodded. 

"She's a piece of work," Claire agreed. "How are you feeling?" Claire asked Jessica as she took Jessica's blood pressure.

"I feel good. The morning sickness wasn't nearly as bad this time," Jessica answered.

"I'm surprised you forgave Jake as easily as you did," Claire observed. Jessica sighed.

"I can understand why he acted the way he did. He loves Danny like a brother. I'm still a little nervous around him, but after hearing him tell me what she did to him, I can sort of understand why he reacted the way he did, although I'm definitely going to stay away from him when he has a sharp knife," Jessica joked. Claire laughed and finished the exam. Both women looked up and saw Cal in the doorway as he cleared his throat.

"Hello Cal," Claire said with a soft smile. Jessica looked between Claire and Cal with a knowing grin that she wisely hid behind her hand.

"I trust Caitlin has been given a clean bill of health?" Cal asked. 

"Yes sir, she has, but I would recommend that you keep her out of the field for a bit. Caitlin mentioned that she just got out of a relationship with a man that she had unprotected sex with. I want to make sure she isn't pregnant," Claire answered. Cal nodded.

"Duly noted. I'll keep her in house until you say otherwise," Cal said. He patted Jessica on the shoulder, looked at Claire one last time and left the infirmary. 

"How long have you guys been an item?" Jessica wanted to know. Claire laughed a little.

"We aren't really an item, we just went out to dinner once. Cal's sweet and all, but I don't know if I want a relationship. I don't know if he wants a relationship," Claire said. "Do you want me to do the ultrasound today or wait for Danny?" Claire asked. Jessica grinned at the change of subject.

"Go ahead and do it now, you can always do it again for Danny," Jessica answered.

CHAPTER TWELVE

"Doctor Wilson, why did you tell Cal that I can't go into the field?" Caitlin asked, stomping into the infirmary. 

"I wanted to make sure you were not pregnant before I gave the okay to send you out," Claire answered, pulling out a syringe. "Sit, and I'll run the test," she added. Caitlin sat down and rolled her eyes.

Caitlin tip-toed into the briefing, hoping that nobody would notice that she was arriving late. The only open seat was next to Jake and Caitlin sat down next to him and shivered at the look Jake gave her. Cal looked up but didn't say anything as Claire slid into the room behind Caitlin and handed Cal her report. Cal glanced it over briefly and returned the file to Claire and nodded.

"I can't believe Cal would do this!" Jake complained to Danny and Jessica.

"Do what?" Jessica asked, checking on her sauce.

"He's teaming Danny, Caitlin and I for an op," Jake answered. Jessica looked at Danny in surprise.

"You're going on an op?" she asked quietly. Danny nodded. "What kind of op?" she wanted to know.

"Jess, you know I can't discuss that with you," Danny said softly.

"How long will you be gone?" Jessica asked.

"We have no way of knowing how long the op will take. What's the matter, will you miss Jake while we're gone?" Caitlin asked from the doorway. 

Danny shot Caitlin a dirty look and pulled Jessica out into the hall.

"Cal projected anywhere from three months to six months," Danny said. Jessica's eyes widened.

"Danny, I'm due in four months," Jessica whispered. Danny sighed.

"I know Jess. I'll keep in touch as much as I can, but I need to do this. We're bringing down one of Clark's associates, and he's been making noise about taking over where Clark left off," Danny told Jessica quietly. 

"I don't want to do this without you," Jessica murmured.

"Jess, if I could stay, I would," Danny told her. Jessica nodded and returned to the kitchen. "Jess, we need to talk about this," Danny said, following her back into the kitchen.

"Not now Danny," Jessica said, as she began layering the lasagna. "Why don't you go get Will, I'm sure he's going to be waking up soon," she added, shrugging off the hand Danny placed on her shoulder. Danny and Jake exchanged a glance and Danny headed back towards his room. 

"How's dinner looking?" Cal asked, walking into the mess as Jessica finished placing the last layer of pasta on the lasagna and turned around.

"Dinner's fine, but maybe you can explain to me why you're sending Danny on an op that may not have him back before the baby is born," Jessica said, before turning back to the stove and pouring some more sauce and sprinkling some cheese on the lasagna before covering it with aluminum foil and popping the large tray into the oven. Cal sighed.




Fighting for Love Ch. 11-12



"It should be a quick op, and he'll be back in plenty of time," Cal said.

"But why assign Danny? Why not Paul?" Jessica asked.

"It is not your place to question my orders to my men," Cal growled, his voice low. Jessica turned around, her eyes flashing and Jake stepped between Cal and Jessica. 

"Jess, I'll make sure Danny stays safe," Jake promised. "This is going to be hard enough for Danny as it is, but if he has to worry about you, his head won't be on the op and he'll get hurt for sure," Jake said softly, placing a calming hand on Jessica's hand. Jessica sighed, pulled away from Jake and walked out of the mess.

"She seems a little high strung," Caitlin observed. "So is the baby really Danny's or is it yours or Paul's?" Caitlin asked. Jake turned on Caitlin, his eyes glowing in anger.

"You little bitch! You don't even know Jess and you're accusing her of being a whore? Jessica isn't a thing like you, you conniving little bitch!" Jake exclaimed.

"Watch the language," Danny said from the doorway. "Where'd Jess go?" he asked.

"I'm not sure, probably for a walk," Jake answered, relaxing at the sight of his best friend holding is son. "Man is he getting big," Jake commented. Danny laughed and nodded as Will looked around the room, searching for new sights and smells.

"Will you hold him while I look for Jess?" Danny asked. Jake nodded and took the gurgling baby from his friend. "Thanks man. He's been changed, and I think Jess has a jar of his food in the cupboard," Danny said, heading towards the garden.

"How long have Jessica and Danny been together?" Caitlin asked, watching Jake feed Will.

"About three years, maybe four. But they've known each other a lot longer than that," Jake answered, making a silly face at Will making him giggle. 

"You're good with him," Caitlin observed as Will finished the jar of chicken and apples. Jake smiled and reached for a cloth to wipe off Will's face before handing Will a bottle of pear juice.

"Will is a great baby. My room is next to Danny's and I hardly hear him cry," Jake answered.

"It makes me wonder what would have happened if I hadn't had the ..." before Caitlin could finish her statement, Jake turned towards her.

"Was the baby even mine?" Jake asked. "After all, you claimed you had sex with several other men, including Danny which was obviously a bold faced lie," Jake sneered. Caitlin sighed.

"Honestly, I said that because I was scared. It wasn't that I didn't want to have children, but with the line of work we're in, it wouldn't have been safe for me or a baby," Caitlin answered. Jake rolled his eyes.

"I don't believe you," Jake told her. "You didn't answer my question. Who was the father?" Jake repeated.

Caitlin opened her mouth to answer, but Danny and Jessica walked back into the mess, Danny supporting most of Jessica's weight. "What happened?" Jake asked in concern.

"Her blood sugar dropped," Danny answered, easing Jessica into a chair. "Jake, can you get a glass of orange juice and one of the cinnamon buns Jess baked yesterday?" Danny asked. Jake nodded and grabbed the juice and sweet roll. 

"Skip breakfast this morning?" Jake asked. Jessica shook her head.

"No, I ate, but it doesn't seem to be fueling me for long," Jessica answered. "I'll be okay in a little while," Jessica added. When Jessica's blood sugar stabilized, she stood up and finished dinner and put everything in the food warmers.

"Do you really have to go?" Jessica whispered as she hugged Danny good bye.

"I wish I didn't, but I do," Danny murmured.

"C'mon Danny, the sooner we get gone, the sooner we can get back!" Caitlin called from the van. Jake shot Caitlin a dirty look.

"Just because you don't know what love is, doesn't mean you need to rush those that do," Jake hissed. Caitlin opened her mouth to say something back when Danny kissed Jessica gently and hurried to the van. As the van pulled away, Claire and Cal stepped out of the garage and onto the driveway.

"You guys are just a little late," Jessica told them, her eyes full of worry. Claire placed a hand on Jessica's shoulder.

"He'll be fine," Claire said soothingly. Jessica nodded and studied her friend's appearance and grinned. "What?" Claire asked. 

"Your shirt isn't button correctly and I know it was earlier," Jessica told Claire. She looked over at Cal. "And your fly is undone," Jessica added. Claire and Cal blushed and quickly fixed their clothing. "Are you sure they should be back before the baby comes?" Jessica asked, suddenly sounding years younger than she was.

"They should be back in no more than three months," Cal promised. Jessica nodded and returned to Danny's room, hoping for the best.