Chapter 1:

"I don't see what the big deal is," Maggie said to Alex the morning of Thanksgiving in Alex' apartment, "It's just Thanksgiving- a time when people pretend to be nice to each other and gorge on too much food then regret it the next day and are stuck with leftovers that last a week."

"Come on Maggie, it's more than that. You know a chance to be with family, friends, people who love you."

"A.) Family is in Nebraska and I don't go home for the holidays and B.) that's my gift to the real cops who actually have family."

"Well you know I love you," Alex said stepping closer to her girlfriend, "And Kara more than adores you."

Maggie couldn't help but turn around and face Alex, "And babe, you know I love you too and Kara's great but I can't just go back on my word this late."

Alex backed up, "Wait, what word? I thought you said they gave you the night shift."

"No, I didn't say that. What I said was I got stuck with the night shift. Didn't say how I ended up with it."

Alex was starting to fume so she crossed her arms, "So then how did you end up with it?"

"Babe, listen, every year for as long as I've been a cop I've always taken the holiday shifts. When I'm out there it gives me peace of mind knowing the people I work with are safe. And now that includes you."

"Well you do know I can take care of myself and if worse comes to worse I've got Supergirl on speed-dial."

"And I think that's cool and everything but sometimes I like to get the work done myself. If not for anything it makes me feel like I'm doing something that's actually worth it."

Alex nodded. So much had changed in both their lives and this was the one thing Maggie wasn't ready to give up just yet. So many heroes and aliens had become central to their lives that sometimes being human didn't seem to matter as much anymore as it had once used to. If anything the job kept Maggie grounded, kept her human and gave her a focal point when the world around them was out of control.

"Okay," said Alex.

"Okay, just like that? No more fighting on the subject?"

"Sure it hurts that you won't be with us for Thanksgiving but Maggie, you're a great cop, I've told you that so if what you need is to be out there so others don't have to worry then okay. I knew what I was signing up for when I started dating you."

"Same here, Danvers, we both love our jobs."

Alex let out a small laugh, "A little too much."

Maggie reached and held Alex's hand and then squeezed it, "Hey that doesn't mean I can't love you too."

"I know."

"I've gotta go."

"Wait, before you do," Alex said as she paused her words. She then pulled Maggie by the arm and brought her in for a long kiss, not ready to release her until they both needed to come back for some air.

The two only smiled at each other and Maggie then went to the door. She paused and looked at Alex, "I promise I'll make it up to you next year."

Alex's eyes widened, "Next year? You think we'll be together then?"

Maggie turned her head to the side and smiled. It killed Alex whenever she looked at her that way.

"We'd be crazy not to be," said Maggie, "I'll see you later."