A's Note: This story is set in the same world as my NySara story Unbreakable
Happiness was waking up in a tangle of limbs and silk sheets. Or at least that was a part of happiness, a very nice part. Kara could feel the weight of Lena's body as it leaned into her own. Lena's arm was draped around her torso, her hand resting warmly on the small of Kara's back, and her leg was flung over Kara's thighs. Kara's head was resting on her own arm but her other hand was on Lena's hip. Even when they didn't fall asleep from making love they always woke up touching, skin on skin, as if even in peaceful sleep they needed to know the other was close. Opening her eyes Kara took the few moments before Lena somehow sensed she was awake and wake up too, to watch the woman she loved sleep so peacefully. Lena's dark hair was fanned out over her pillow and her bare pale skin glowed warmly in the morning sun pouring in through the windows. It was to much for Kara to ignore. Reaching out she ran a finger over the curve of Lena's shoulder, down her arm to the elbow and then back up to twirl a strand of dark hair around it.
When she saw Lena's eyes flutter open Kara smiled. "Good morning."
Lena moaned softly in protest at being awoken despite knowing she'd have been awake soon anyway. She really did have a sixth sense when it came to knowing when Kara or Andrew was awake. "Good morning, love."
"Did you sleep well?" Kara asked as they naturally gravitated closer to each other, resting their foreheads together as fingers laced together and bodies fit together like puzzle pieces.
"I always sleep well when you're here with me." Lena replied.
Kara smiled brightly at that before pressing a soft morning kiss to Lena's lips. Turned out that both of them were huge cuddle bugs and could often be found with very little to no personal space between them. "Plans for the day?"
"Running some system tests with Alex and Winn." Lena answered. "Now that we can identify the Reign coding from Sam's original genetics we can start finding the best ways to delete it." Lena shifted to nuzzle into Kara's neck. "You?"
"A few more phone interviews before I can finish my latest article." Kara answered. "Hopefully I'll make my deadline."
Lena smiled against the warm skin of Kara's neck. "You always make your deadlines."
"Almost always." Kara huffed. "Lately someone seems bent on distracting me."
"Oh?" Lena teased.
Kara's gentle fingers switched from gossamer touches along Lena's skin to tickling right where she'd discovered her lover was ticklish most. "Don't play innocent with me Lena Luthor."
Lena squealed as she pulled away from Kara and started batting her hands while laughing and squeaking. "Kara!"
"What?" Kara replied with a wicked gleam in her beautiful blue eyes.
"You are such a brat." Lena huffed as she pinned Kara's hands over her head before throwing her leg over Kara's body to straddle her hips. Leaning down she captured Kara's lips in a heated kiss just as the baby monitor on the nightstand came to life. Lena moaned again as she pulled away from the kiss to look over and see her son sitting up in his crib beating his stuffed platypus against the bars while babbling softly.
"I love him." Kara said as she turned her head to look as well. "But his timing sucks."
Lena laughed. After stealing one more kiss and not so accidently grinding her hips against Kara, she got up and wrapped her favorite cozy robe around herself. How was this her life? Lena was happy, and yes there were still things in her life that were hard and things that sucked, but all of that could be dealt with. As long as she had her son and Kara, Lena could overcome and take on anything. Stepping into her son's room Lena smiled as she approached his crib. "Good morning little man. Did you sleep well?"
At the sight of his mother Andrew lit up with a happy smile that brightened his blue eyes. He clumsily pushed to his knees as he babbled at her in what Lena could only assume was a cheery answer to her question. As soon as Lena picked him up Andrew nuzzled into her neck, his little hands fisting into her long loose hair and the lapel of her robe. Walking over to the glider she curled up with him so they could cuddle for a little awhile before she changed his diaper and took him down for breakfast.
Kara was already in the kitchen cooking when Lena and Andrew walked in. Andrew squealed happily at the sight of her and it made Kara smile. "Good morning little one." She kissed his chubby baby cheek as Lena passed to put him in his high chair. Kara placed some cooled scrambled egg and some quartered grapes on the tray for him to gasp at while Lena put formula in a bottle for him. As Kara handed Lena a mug of coffee made just the way Lena liked it she asked, "You're coming over later right?"
"Of course I am, Kara." Lena reassured. "I can't wait to celebrate your Earth birthday with you."
She always hated working on her birthday. It was probably because when they were kids she and Alex were allowed to stay home from school on their birthday, spending the day with their parents. This year was worse for Kara though because it was the first time she'd be celebrating the day with Lena, and that's all she could focus on. When she got to her office there were flowers waiting for her from Lena that made her smile and an envelope from Clark that made that smile falter a little. Clark had concerns when it came to her relationship to Lena.
"She's Lex's sister, Kara." He'd said as they floated high above the city. "She's a Luthor."
"And Lois is a Lane." Kara replied with her arms folded over her chest. "How many ways has General Lane tried to kill us? He would still be coming after us if not for the President." She let the statement linger before saying. "I love her, Kal. Learn to accept that or walk away. You've done it before."
"Kara." Clark replied.
He was hurt and it showed in his eyes but Kara couldn't help it. It was the truth. He found her and then dumped her on the Danvers without a second thought. She'd flown off, leaving him floating there while she returned to her family, to Lena and Andrew, Alex and Ruby, her boys and J'onn. Kara opened the envelope to find a card and a pair of VIP tickets to see Rachel Platten and Ellie Goulding at the National Theatre next month. Sighing softly Kara read the card. "I know you're still mad at me and have every right to be. It was wrong for me not to give Lena the benefit of the doubt. I'm sorry. Can we blame it on me spending too much time with Bruce? I hope you two have fun at the show. Lois said you're both a fan of these two. Happy Earth Birthday, Kara. Love always, your sometimes idiot cousin, Clark."
Kara smiled a little. She would let him stew a few more days then call and talk to him. Settling in behind her desk Kara got to work so she could leave on time to meet Alex later.
Alex managed to duck just as the tablet hit the wall before clattering to the floor. Looking from the abused tablet to the dark haired woman across the room Alex asked, "Rough morning?"
"No matter what we do it's going to surmount to torturing her." Lena said with frustration and sadness.
"Sam's in a completely unconscious state, Lena." Alex said reassuringly. "She won't feel pain."
Lena slumped onto the stool at her workbench. "That doesn't mean I hate the idea of causing that pain any less."
Alex walked over and put her hand on Lena's shoulder. "You need to take a break. You've been in here for hours and if let you work past your breaking point Kara will kick my ass. Why don't you spend some time with Alura? Learning Kryptonese always makes you feel better."
"I don't know." Lena said at first but Alex pressed a little more and she sighed. "Well, I suppose. These simulations will take at least fifty-two hours to complete and there isn't anything I can do until I have the data. Alright, you win." Standing she glared softly at Alex. "You Danvers sisters are really annoying when you do that."
"Yes, yes we are." Alex said as she gently but firmly ushered Lena out of the room. She watched until Lena was on the elevator and then turned back to the room. "You can come out from under the table now, Winn."
"Oh thank god." The young man said as he crawled out of his hiding place.
Alex didn't even try to hide her amusement. "Go back to the command center, Winn. J'onn will protect you from Kara's big bad girlfriend."
"You're mean and not funny." Winn pouted as he walked past her and out of the room.
"I'm sweet and totally funny!" Alex called after him. Once she was sure she was alone she walked over to the tank where Sam's comatose body floated peacefully. She pressed her hand to the glass and looked into the woman's face as she said, "So, Ruby update. She still misses you like crazy everyday, but she's doing better. I'm taking good care of her Sam, but don't worry, I'm not trying to replace you. I could never do that. You're her mother, I'm just the cool aunt who wishes I'd gotten to know you better."
That evening Alex was the first to show up at Kara's apartment. She held the cupcake out with a huge smile as her sister opened the door. "Happy Earth birthday, Kara."
Kara beamed as she made grabby hands.
Alex laughed as she stepped inside after handing Kara the cupcake. "No Lena?"
"She's coming later." Kara answered as she moved towards her kitchen. "She knows how important today is for us and wanted to give us time alone."
"I like your girlfriend." Alex said as she sat on the stool and smiled at her sister while Kara divided the cupcake in half.
"Get your own." Kara teased. At the look on Alex's face she laughed and said, "No, seriously, Alex, you need to get back out there. It's been awhile since Maggie."
Alex simply shook her head. "I have other things on my plate right now, Kara. It's just not a good time. I have Ruby to look after, the DEO, you, Lena and Andrew, Winn."
"Stop using us." Kara huffed at her sister. "Lena and I can watch Ruby for a night so you can go out. I'm worried about you, Alex. You were just starting to explore your life outside of me and the DEO, I don't want you to lose that." She reached for her sister's hand to squeeze it. There was tension in Alex's shoulders now. Kara didn't want to upset her sister so she smirked and teased, "I considered calling Barry and having him send Sara Lance over."
"Kara!" Alex blushed a bright red. "Seriously?" Alex shook her head at her sister and then said, "It wouldn't have helped."
"Oh?" Kara replied, intrigued by the tone of Alex's voice.
"Sara went back to her 'it's complicated'." Alex told her sister. "They're married now and have a kid."
Kara blinked. "How do you know that?" Kara's eyes went wide. "Alex! Did you try to get in contact with Sara?"
Alex's response was to get up and walk over to the cabinets. "Where's the good stuff Lena bought?"
Ruby was the next to arrive. Alex had wanted her to get back to a normal routine so she'd encouraged Ruby to continue playing soccer and to even try something new. The girl had opted to join the glee club and was even enjoying it. She still missed her mom though, and she was dealing with the whole being half alien thing, so it wasn't uncommon for her to pull away, to sulk or to even get angry and act out. Alex had really stepped up and was a natural at the whole parenting thing. It helped that when she was at a loss or at her wits end she had her own mother to call. Lord knows she and Kara were huge pains in Eliza's ass so she had some really good advice for Alex when she needed it.
"That's Lena." Alex said as she glanced at the text message on her phone. "She needs help downstairs. I'll be right back."
While Alex was gone Kara moved to sit beside Ruby. "I'm really glad you're here today, Ruby."
Ruby did her best to smile at Kara but that smile faulted when Alex returned with Lena.
Alex walked in carrying Andrew since Lena had a large wrapped box in her hands. She smiled brightly as she made her way towards Kara.
"Is that for me?" Kara asked as she leapt to her feet with a huge grin and sparkling eyes.
"No, it's for J'onn." Lena teased. "Is he here yet?"
"Lena!" Kara pouted.
Lena laughed. "Of course it's for you." Kara bounced on the balls of her feet as Lena set the box on the coffee table. "Happy Earth Birthday, love."
Kara looked at the brightly wrapped box with it's shiny red and blue paper over the top of her glasses. "Hey! That's not fair!"
Alex laughed hard from where she sat beside Ruby. When Ruby looked up at her questioningly she said, "Lead laced wrapped paper. She can't peek."
"Open it, Kara." Lena said with a chuckle.
Lifting the top off the box Kara let out a squeal of pure delight, her bright blue eyes welling with tears as she reached in and pulled the prettiest little orange kitten she'd ever seen. "I love it!" She squealed as she held the kitten to her cheek. "Lena! You got me a kitten!"
"I know I did." Lena replied with a bright cheerful laugh.
Kara zoomed over to kiss her girlfriend before cuddling the tiny kitten once more. She was so happy she was floating. Pulling her legs up she floated while sitting cross legged as she looked the kitten over and kissed it's little head. "Look at her! She's the prettiest little kitten on Earth." Then she squeaked once more with such pure joy. "Look at this! She has a little pattern in her fur that looks like a little lightning bolt!"
"Please tell me you're not going to name her after Barry." Alex teased as she watched her sister's joy.
"Don't be ridiculous, Alex." Kara huffed at her sister. "She's a girl. I'm not naming her after Barry." Kara held the kitten up to her face so they were nose to tiny adorable little pink nose. Then she declared. "Her name is Streaky."
"Because that's better than The Flash." Alex laughed.
Though her focus was on Kara and the sheer happiness her girlfriend was raidanting Lena was also well aware of the way Ruby was looking at her. When Kara and Alex went down to the car to get the kitten supplies Lena had bought to go with the kitten, Lena moved to sit beside Ruby. The girl could barely look at her. "Ruby." She said gently. "Is there something wrong?"
It was clear on Ruby's face that she was struggling with whether or not to say anything. Finally she turned to look at Lena and said, "Why are you here?! I thought you were trying to help my mom! Shouldn't you be trying to make her better?! She's been gone so long! I thought you were some kind of genius! Why aren't you making her better?!"
The force of Ruby's anger caused Lena to gasp. "Ruby. I…"
"Ruby!" Alex said from the doorway. She set down the bags she'd been carrying and walked over to sit on the coffee table in front of the girl. "Ruby, that's not fair." She said firmly as she reached out to hold the girl's chin in her hand. "We are all doing our best to help your mother, none more so than Lena." She paused for a moment, letting go of the girl's face to take both her hands in her own. "I know you're hurting and scared and that you miss your mom something terrible, but it's going to take time Ruby."
"I just want my mom back." Ruby said. "She's missing so much."
"I know, sweetheart." Alex said as she pulled the girl into a hug. "I know, and we're doing everything we can. We just need you give us a little patience."
Alex took Ruby home after that. Kara walked over to Lena who'd been stiff and quiet since Ruby's outburst. Reaching out Kara pulled Lena into her arms and hugged her. "She's just scared, Lena. She loves you and she knows you love her. She felt safe to let off some steam at you because you make her feel cared about."
"Maybe she's right." Lena said softly. "Maybe I'm not doing enough. It's been months, Kara, and we haven't even started treating her yet."
"What was done to her took years, Lena." Kara replied as she rubbed circles on Lena's back. "You can't expect yourself to undo that overnight."
"What if I can't do it at all, Kara?" Lena asked as she pulled back from Kara's embrace to look into her eyes.
Kara smiled that reassuring smile she knew always made Lena feel better. "You're not the type to give up on the people you love, Lena. However long it takes. You will help Sam. I know it, Ruby knows, and deep down Sam knows it too."
"Always the one with the most faith in me, aren't you?" Lena asked with a weak but real smile.
"Always." Kara promised before kissing her. When she pulled back she rested her forehead against Lena and smiled. "Lena."
"Hmm?" Lena replied.
"I love you." Kara said softly and then brightened. "Thank you for my kitten."
The next day Lena was sitting behind her desk reviewing a grant proposal when Jess opened the door to announce she had a visitor. She wasn't expecting anyone so her curiosity was peaked. She told Jess to let them in and was even more surprise when Ruby walked in. "Ruby? Honey, is everything alright?"
Ruby shook her head as she walked towards Lena's desk. She was clearly trying to hold back tears as she spoke, "I'm really sorry about yesterday, Aunt Lena. I didn't meant to yell at you. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I'm so sorry."
"Oh sweetheart." Lena said as she got up and walked around her desk to stand in front of Ruby. "I understand, and I forgive you. Everything feels pretty scary and shaky right now, doesn't it?" Ruby nodded and Lena pulled her into a hug. "I know we keep saying this, and I know it feels like their just empty words to make you feel better, but believe me when I say their not. Ruby, things will get better, somehow, some way, we'll make sure it gets better. I promise."
Lena held Ruby in her arms for a little while before guiding them over to the sofa to sit. "I know we've explained a lot to you about what's going on, about how your mom is like Kara, and how Kara is Supergirl, but there's a lot more for you and Sam to know." She picked up the Supergirl pendant Ruby wore around her neck. "Do you know what this is?"
"It's Supergirl's crest." Ruby answered. "My Mom said that it means stronger together."
"That's right." Lena said with a nod. "This is the crest for Kara's family on her father's side. The House of El." Lena explained as she grabbed a sheet of paper and a sharpie. She began to draw another Kryptonian symbol. "This is the crest for the House of Ze, and their motto is, Have Faith, Have Patience, Be Brave. This is the house Kara's mother is from. Kara's birth mother and your Mom's birth mother were sisters. That means you and your mom are from the House of Ze." She paused for a moment before going on. "I know those things are hard to do sometimes. It isn't easy having faith in people when you're use to going up against things on your own or just with your mom. It's never easy to have patience, that's something everyone struggles with. And sometimes when it feels like so much is going on it's hard to be brave." Pulling Ruby close Lena kissed the top of her head and smiled. "But do you know what makes doing all of that easier?"
"Being stronger together." Ruby said.
"Smart girl." Lena said with a nod. "I know what it's like, Ruby. For a long time it was just me and my brother, and then for a long time it was just me."
"But now you have Aunt Kara." Ruby said brightly.
"Yes, now I have Aunt Kara, and Andrew, and you and Alex, and all of our friends who have become our family." Lena replied. "You have all of those people and me too, Ruby. Always."
Ruby hugged Lena tight. "Thank you."
Lena sighed softly as she hugged Ruby back. "Anytime." She held the girl a little longer and then asked, "Is Alex waiting for you outside?"
"No." Ruby answered. "She doesn't know I'm here."
Lena gave the girl a stern look. "You should have told her Ruby. I bet she's worried. I'm going to let her know you're with me and then take you home. Why don't you go ask Jess for a snack? I'll just be a few more minutes."
"Ok." Ruby replied. She hugged Lena once more and then left the office.
Seconds after Ruby left the office Kara landed on the balcony with a huge smile. "And you were worried about being a great mom."
"I just hope I said the right things." Lena replied as she leaned against her desk.
"You did." Kara reassured and then pulled Lena into a hug. "You said what we all needed to hear."
