POTUS
1
The inspiration for this story came from Blayne Cooper and T. Novan's book called Madam President. If you haven't read it, go, read it right now because it's wonderful. The amazing thing about it is that it was originally alternate universe Xena and Gabrielle. You'll love it!
President Danvers desperately needed sleep, so much so that she wasn't sure that her legs would carry her all the way to her bedroom. The hallway seemed never ending and just as she was giving serious thought to just sleeping on the floor right where she was, someone she didn't recognize caught her attention near to the entrance to the residence,
As she shuffled the last few feet to the door. A Secret Service agent she didn't recognize leaned in to open the door for her. "You're new," the president stated bluntly.
"Yes, Madam President," the woman replied. "Special Agent Kara Lee. I transferred here from the vice president's detail."
"You replaced Miller?" Alex asked, noticing the absence of the tall, portly man.
"Yes, Ma'am." Special Agent Lee's eyes lifted as she straightened, and Alex was immediately captured by their blue depths. The woman was beautiful, dressed in a dark grey business suit with a white shirt peeking from underneath it, and her golden blonde hair was neatly tied back. She was taller than the president by at least two inches and her slim body appeared muscular. "Today is my first day on your detail."
"Why?" Alex asked.
"Ma'am?" Lee Lifted an eyebrow in question.
"Why did you replace Miller as lead agent?"
Special Agent Lee seemed to prod herself back to attention. "Because the president should be protected by the best."
Alex chuckled a little at the frankness of the answer. "I'm the last person who should argue with that logic," she replied. "Besides, between you and me..." She winked conspiratorially. "I never really liked Miller. Goodnight, Special Agent Lee."
"Goodnight, Madam President." The agent's warm tone was the last thing Alex heard before the door closed behind her and she went straight to her bedroom to collapse, face first, onto her king-sized bed. President Alexandra Elizabeth Danvers, one of the youngest U.S. presidents in history at forty-two years old, had been in office a total of eighty-four days and she'd already solved her first nuclear crisis. That was enough for one forty-eight-hour period. Moments later, insistent snores carried out into the hallway, making a certain special agent smile.
Xx
Dressed in shorts, a tank top and sneakers, Alex opened the door of the residence and stuck her head out into the hallway. It was Saturday morning, and she was looking for someone to play with. Literally. She was tired of jogging and had decided that a change of sport was in order. Special Agent Lee was waiting, already dressed in her workout gear, her face impassive.
"You're looking perky," the president commented as she grabbed her gear bag and jacket and stepped out into the hallway.
"Perky, Ma'am?" The agent turned, blonde eyebrows raised. "I'm not sure I'm capable of being perky."
"I was being sarcastic." Alex rolled her eyes. "No Secret Service agent ever does perky. It's obviously beaten out of you all at Secret Service school." She grinned then. "Ready for me to kick your ass on the court, Special Agent Lee?"
"I'm ready for you to try, Ma'am," the blonde replied, her lips trying very hard not to twist into a smirk as she reached out and took Alex's bag to carry it for her. "Everyone is assembling on the indoor court. It's raining pretty badly outside."
"Wait," Alex said, looking back at the door of her residence. "Weren't you on duty when I was going to bed like… I have no clue how many hours ago?"
"That was eight hours ago, Ma'am, and yes, I was," the agent replied. "I'm coming up on end of shift now."
"Good," Alex chuckled. "Wouldn't want to burn the best out on her first day."
Lee didn't comment. She just nodded and followed the president down the corridor.
Xx
The indoor basketball court was a hive of panicked activity as Alex sat sheepishly on the floor, her left sneaker sitting beside her. "Guys," she sighed. "It's just a sprain. Relax."
"Madam President, I'm so sorry," Agent Taylor said for what seemed like the fiftieth time. His face was the picture of unhappiness and Alex felt sorrier for him than she did for herself.
She grinned up at him. "Dude, you're built like a brick shithouse, and I'm thrilled to have you protecting me. You can't be expected to see a measly five-foot six-inch woman at your kneecap when your eye is on the prize. Besides, I was in the military for years, so I've had my fair share of injuries. This is just a little sprain."
The man blushed slightly and ducked his head. "Thanks, Ma'am."
Alex's eyes moved pleadingly to Lee's and the agent looked solidly back, a small smile rising to her lips. Then she stepped into the mix. "Alright, Gentlemen, how about you all back off and give POTUS some space, huh?" The men all backed away respectfully and Lee crouched at Alex's side. "Can I help you back to the residence, Ma'am?" she asked softly.
"Please," Alex replied, and to her utter shock, Lee scooped her up into her arms to carry her. The president's arm went reflexively around the agent's neck and she held on for dear life. "Uh… Special Agent Lee, I'm more than capable of walking on my own. I…"
"Hush… this is the quickest way, and you need to stay off that ankle…" the agent replied. Then she shook her head. "Sorry, Ma'am, for hushing you."
"Where are you from... Kara, right?" the president asked, detecting the hint of an accent she hadn't noticed before.
"Yes, Ma'am. Smallville, Kansas originally," Lee replied as she headed for the residence.
"And do they give lessons in how to abscond with the president in Smallville?"
The agent bit her lip, trying not to smile as she turned sideways to leave the court and enter the building proper with Alex in her arms. "No, Madam President, but they do teach us that in Secret Service school."
Alex nodded and pursed her lips. "Good thing I skipped dinner last night. You're sure getting a workout today, Kara. A fireman's carry probably would have been easier…" She sniffed. "If less dignified."
And that was it. All pretense of seriousness was swept away, and Lee started to laugh softly. "Ma'am, you hardly weigh anything," she said. "You're as fit as I am."
"Coming from the woman who's carrying me, that's a huge compliment," Alex murmured. She grabbed the doorknob and turned it as they reached the door, pushing the portal open so Lee could carry her inside and sit her into an armchair. Then the agent grabbed them both a bottle of water from the refrigerator in the back corner of the room.
"Hydrate, please," she said, handing the bottle to the president and then pausing to listen to the chatter coming through her earpiece. "The doctor will be here shortly."
"I don't need a doctor," Alex groused as she set the bottle on the floor beside her and pulled off her sock to examine the light bruising around her ankle bone. "I just need an ice pack and some Advil." Lee stood her ground, arms folded, until Alex offered her best pleading look. "Kara, please?"
"Madam Pres…"
"Alex."
Alex didn't know why she blurted out her own name out until she suddenly did. "Please, call me Alex."
Lee's eyes dropped for a moment. "Ma'am, it wouldn't be appropriate to…"
"I'm asking," Alex interrupted again. "I don't have a lot of friends at the White House yet. Please, call me Alex, even if it's just when we're alone?"
"I… I'm not… I... can't be your friend," the agent stuttered softly, her blue eyes lifting slightly and then lowering again.
The president took a breath to reply but jumped a little as a loud knock sounded at the door and it opened to admit her personal physician.
"Madam President, I'm Doctor Frederick Jones, White House Physician. I heard we took a spill?"
President Danvers and Special Agent Lee exchanged a look. "WE sprained our ankle playing basketball," Alex clarified. "We just need an icepack and we'll be fine."
"Madam President, I need to be sure that you haven't torn any ligaments or… maybe we should err on the side of caution and get some x-rays."
The president sighed and pushed her chin-length, dark hair back from her forehead. "Doctor Jones. With all due respect, I just want an ice pack so I can get on with my day. I'm pretty busy, as you can imagine."
"But, Ma'am…"
"Doctor Jones," Kara stepped in, speaking in a low but clear voice. "I think POTUS has made her wishes clear."
The doctor looked scandalized for a moment and glared at Kara before looking to the president, who simply lifted an eyebrow and silently dared him to go on. "Yes, Ma'am. One… ice pack… coming up. But please, at least elevate the foot?"
"That, I can do," Alex agreed. "Special Agent Lee, maybe you could help me to the couch?"
"Absolutely, Ma'am," the agent agreed and held out her hand for Alex to take. The president got up and hobbled to the couch, flopping down and lifting the injured appendage up onto the soft material with a grimace of pain. Kara went about arranging some cushions under the presidential foot too as the doctor stepped out. "You know, he's just worried about you," she said. "It's a pretty big responsibility he has."
"I know," Alex sighed. "I just don't like being fussed over. I've had enough of that for one damn lifetime."
"I get it." Kara nodded. She'd heard the stories. Captain Alex Danvers had served eight tours in the Army before she'd had to take a medical discharge. An I.E.D. had gone off right under her Humvee and the resultant wreck had crushed her back and right leg. It had taken months of reconstructive surgeries and then three years of physical therapy to get her back on the basketball court. However, her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Maggie, hadn't survived it. Alexandra Danvers had finally run for president with her chief of staff and assistant by her side. Special Agent Lee grabbed a throw blanket off the arm of the couch facing Alex and spread it across her lap. "Not fussing," she said. "Just keeping the chill away."
"Thanks, Kara," Alex said softly.
"You're welcome…" Kara looked toward the door to make sure they were alone. "Alex."
Xx
"Shit! Goddamnit!" The president hobbled, naked as the day she was born, across her large bathroom to grab a towel. She'd forgotten about her sprained ankle and stepped out of the shower right onto it, causing the pain to flare up again and make her grab the vanity to keep upright. "Motherfffff... ugh!" Alex sighed and stood on one foot, her hip against the vanity to help her balance as she toweled off.
"Madam President? Are you ok in there?" a voice floated to her. It was Agent Taylor. He was on shift and checking in on her.
"Yeah, I'm good," Alex called back. "Is someone looking for me?"
"No, Ma'am," Taylor replied. "I just thought I heard... um..."
"Swearing?" the president supplied. "Yeah, that was me."
Taylor chuckled. "Ok, Ma'am. I'll be outside in the hallway if you need anything."
Alex finished drying her hair and added some light makeup before re-entering her bedroom to get dressed. She knew she probably had some sort of meeting to get to, but her tired mind couldn't supply the information right at that moment. She'd have to wait for her executive assistant, Cat, to come get her.
In fact, the stylish, perfectly coiffed woman was waiting for her when she stepped into her sitting room. "Chop chop, Madam President."
"Good morning to you too. Over-caffeinated, are we?" Alex teased as she appraised the older woman with a grin.
"I was over-caffeinated three cups ago," the assistant replied with a deep sigh. "I have your agenda for the day."
"Cool," Alex replied as she slipped into comfortable flats. "What's first?"
"Actually, it's a light day. Nothing but breakfast with Winn and then, at one, Russell's retirement party."
"That's today?" Alex frowned. "Shit. I didn't get him anything."
"Actually, Madam President, you did," Cat smirked. "You got him a very nice gold pen to match the gold Rolex the Secret Service got him."
"Wow, I'm really good at picking gifts!" the president said with a grin and an adorable tilt of her head. She stood then and limped towards the door.
"Well, you're certainly not cheap," the assistant replied, heels thumping on the carpet as she followed her boss. Cat had been Alex's executive assistant for years and was as much a friend and confidant to her as an employee. It was the same with Winn. He'd been her chief of staff for as long as she'd been in politics, but he was also her best friend since childhood. "I think Russell will be happy."
"I know Rowena's happy he's retiring," Alex replied. "I spoke to her at the inauguration. She's been wanting him to for a while now. His being Special Agent in Charge here at the White House wasn't exactly fun for her over the years."
"I can imagine." Cat looked at her watch. "Now, your eggs are getting cold and I'm pretty sure Winn has something or other for you to talk about."
"Yes, Ma'am," Alex dutifully replied as they arrived at the dining room. "Later."
"Later." Cat trotted away, no doubt to handle another crisis that Alex would never know about. The president chuckled and made her way into the dining room. Winn stood up as she entered but she tried to wave him away.
"Jesus, Alex, what happened to you?" he asked as he pulled out her chair for her to sit down.
"I zigged when I should have zagged," the president replied sheepishly. "I bounced off Agent Taylor, fell over and sprained my ankle." She sighed and lowered her voice. "I was distracted by that new Special Agent Lee. She's gorgeous."
"Alex," Winn said in his best warning tone. "You know the Secret Service is off-limits. She won't give you the time of day."
"I know that," Alex replied indignantly. "And I'd never put her in that position. But she's..."
"Don't say nice," Winn chuckled as he poured them both some coffee. "She can probably hit an ant at five hundred yards with her eyes closed… and besides, you kinda have zero chill, Al."
The president laughed. "Point taken. But seriously though, she's... kind and thoughtful. And freakin' strong. She carried me back to the residence after I sprained my ankle."
"Carried you? My my. Let me guess, she's dark haired and brown eyed," the Chief of Staff teased. "You're a sucker for those brunettes, Girl."
"Actually, no," the president replied with a shrug. She bit into a slice of buttered toast and chewed thoughtfully. "She's tall, blonde and has REALLY blue eyes."
"Huh, interesting," Winn chuckled. "Well, nothing can happen with her, so put new batteries in your vibrator and move on."
"I know," Alex agreed. "Besides, she's probably not even gay. And... wait! What do you mean? I have so got chill!"
Xx
"Oooooh fuuuuuck yes!" the woman screeched, one hand twisted in the sheets and the other clenched in golden blonde hair as she arched off the bed. A moment later, she was collapsing back onto the mattress, breathing hard. "Jesus CHRIST! You're good at that."
Kara crawled up to lie next to the woman, wiping her mouth on her forearm. "Thanks." She pulled up the damp top sheet and covered herself, eyes averted from the naked body next to her.
"You want to go again, Baby?" The woman rolled onto her side and tried to move the sheet aside, but Kara held on tightly.
"No. I have to go to work. You should go."
"They'll understand if you're a little late," the woman coaxed, placing open mouthed kisses on the blonde's shoulder and neck.
"I said you can go," Kara replied stonily. She sat up and reached for her robe.
"Fine, fuck you," the woman exclaimed as she got out of the bed and got dressed angrily. "I'm leaving."
Kara stood, belted her robe and moved to the window, her back to the woman. "Thank you. Goodbye."
"Jesus... cold-hearted bitch!" the woman spat as she slipped into her stilettos and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
"You have no idea," Kara murmured into the stillness of the motel room. Then she headed for the shower.
Xx
"Special Agent Lee," Alex greeted as she hobbled along the hallway towards the exit where her motorcade was waiting. "Haven't seen you around. I thought I'd chased you away in terror on your second day."
Kara smirked and guided the president to the door with a gentle hand on her back. "No, Ma'am, I have a stronger constitution than that." She brought her mic to her mouth. "Supergirl exiting." Then she stopped President Danvers and stepped out onto the porch, surveying the area quickly. "It was my day off," she added.
"Cool," Alex chuckled. "Did you do anything fun?"
"Cleaned my gun collection."
The president almost stopped walking in shock, but Kara winked at the last second, making her sigh and shake her head. "Really, Kara?" she chuckled.
Agent Taylor was standing at the open door of Limousine One, holding a large umbrella out and he grinned as Alex slapped him playfully on the shoulder. "I hope you're not driving. I've heard the stories of near carnage." Agents Feeney and Rhodes chuckled from their positions at each end of the car as Alex slid in and settled into the cool leather.
"No, Ma'am," Taylor replied with a smile. "I'll just be riding shotgun."
"I'm in the back with you, Ma'am," Kara added as she continued a visual sweep of the area. "It's just a short journey to the restaurant." Then she got into the car and spoke into her mic again. "Supergirl is in the Beast and on the move."
"Who chose my callsign?" Alex asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"I don't know, Ma'am," Kara replied, her eyes focusing on the president as the car moved off. She relaxed back into the leather seat then and crossed her legs. "Though, since the chief of staff told me earlier today that you're a superhero fan, it may have been him."
"Probably," Alex agreed. Then she took a breath. "Um… you were talking to Chief of Staff Schott today?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Kara nodded. "We were discussing the trip to Camp David planned for next week. We have a standard travel protocol in place, but I like to mix it up a little. We were discussing alternate arrival times."
"Aah." The president nodded. "So how do you feel about Special Agent in Charge Warren's retirement?"
Kara smiled and Alex noticed that it touched her eyes more than she'd seen before. "I'll miss having him around here," the agent admitted. "He's a great man, a great mentor… and a great father."
"Russell is your father?" Alex repeated, surprised to her core. "Really?"
"Yes, Ma'am," the agent nodded. "He and Rowena adopted me when I was twelve." The car was slowing down then, and Kara put her finger to her ear, listening intently. "Copy. Supergirl getting ready to move." She lifted an eyebrow at Alex, who nodded and a moment after the car stopped, the door opened and Kara slid out, eyes scanning the area. Alex waited for the all-clear and then slid out of the car, limping as they moved into the restaurant.
"This place is really nice," the president commented, smiling her thanks as Kara offered her arm to help her walk to the private dining room.
"It's SAC Warren's favorite spot. He and my mom had their first date here and it's where he proposed to her."
Alex blinked. "Wow, that's so romantic," she replied. "And totally fitting that he should have his retirement party here too. It's the beginning of the next phase of their life together." She was quiet for a moment and then bumped the agent gently. "You should be with your parents," she said. "Taylor can watch the baby monitor."
Kara was torn but, at the president's raised eyebrow and mock glare, she chuckled. "Thank you, Madam President." She helped Alex to her seat and set another chair across from her to elevate her foot. Then she went to speak to her parents to fill them in on President Danvers' injury. Within moments, a line of people had formed to pay their respects to their leader.
"I could get used to this," Alex finally called out with a big smile. "But we're not here for me. We're here to honor a great American hero, a man who has served his country and protected four presidents… and now me… over the course of his career. So, let's get started!"
Kara stood proudly next to her father and mother as the Director of the Secret Service gave a short speech, but she found her eyes drifting continually to the president. And Alex was almost always looking right back. After the speeches, came the gift giving, and Chief of Staff Schott presented the gift from President Danvers after the Secret Service Director had presented Russell with his gold watch. Then they sat down to eat lunch and Kara found herself seated where she could keep her eye on POTUS again. She was halfway through her soup when her mother gently patted her thigh.
"She's very attractive," Rowena said quietly.
"Who is, Mom?" Kara asked, studiously watching the vegetables floating around in her bowl.
"President Danvers of course," the older woman replied with a chuckle. "You know, the woman you've been unable to keep your eyes off since we got here?"
"Mom, it's my job to keep my eyes on POTUS. I'm her protection," the agent argued mildly.
"Kara Lee Warren, don't you lie to your Mama!"
"I'm not," Kara replied calmly. "My job is to protect the president. Yes, she's attractive but I cannot and will not let myself be distracted by that. And oh my God, I can't believe I'm having this conversation with my mother."
"Honey, I'm just worried about you. After Lena…"
"Don't, Mom, please," Kara whispered, her head bowed. "I can't do this right now."
"But you should let yourself move on, Kara, find someone else. My friend Mabel's daughter is a lesbian and she's single…"
"MOM!" Kara glared at her mother and then lowered her eyes and voice. "I'm thirty-nine years old. I don't need you to set me up with someone, ok?"
Rowena shook her head and sighed. "I wish you'd find someone, Honey."
"Oh, don't worry, there are plenty of someones, Mom," Kara blurted out bitterly but then she clamped her jaw shut and tamped down her annoyance. "That was… rude. I apologize."
"Rowena, such a pleasure to see you again," came a new voice and Kara looked up to find Alex standing on one foot at the table, her hand extended to her mother.
"Madam President," the older woman said with a smile as she took the brunette's hand. "It's wonderful to see you too."
"Oh please, you know you can call me Alex," the president replied with a wide smile. Then her eyes moved to capture Kara's. "Special Agent Lee, I hope you're enjoying lunch with your parents?"
The agent took a calming breath and mustered a smile. "Yes, thank you, Ma'am. It's been a very nice lunch."
"Good," Alex replied, rubbing her hands together. "Now, since all the other agents are men, could you do me a solid and help me to the bathroom? My ankle is really bothering me."
Kara stood up quickly. "Of course, Madam President. Excuse me, Mom."
Alex held up her hands as the agent circled the table. "You don't have to carry me, Special Agent Lee," she teased.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Kara replied with a chuckle.
"Glad to hear it," Alex replied with a faux sniff. "I don't think I could take that indignity again."
"You'd get over it, Ma'am," the agent teased gently as she took the president's hand and threaded it through her own arm, walking slowly and supporting her as Alex hobbled along beside her.
"You ok?" the dark-haired woman asked as they moved out of earshot of the other guests. "You were looking pretty upset there so I thought I should save you... Since I'm Supergirl an' all."
Kara smiled slightly. "Yes, I'm ok," she replied. "Sometimes my mom just… she means well but… she's trying to marry me off. You know how mothers are."
"And you're not interested in being married off, I take it," Alex chuckled. "My mom does the same to me. She thinks I should find someone else, even if it's just as a fuck you to my ex-wife."
"My wife died of cancer," Kara said suddenly, stunning the president into uncharacteristic silence. "Sorry, I shouldn't have just blurted it out like that." The agent took a shuddering breath and kept walking.
They reached the bathroom door and Alex slowly turned to face Kara, sliding her hand further through her arm to press it against the small of her back in an almost hug. "I'm so sorry, Kara," she said softly.
"Thank you, Alex," the blonde replied with a slight smile. Then she straightened and squared her shoulders. "Can you manage from here, Madam President, or do you need me to come in?"
"I can manage," Alex replied, understanding that the previous topic was closed. "But I'd appreciate it if you could wait here for me and help me walk back?"
"Of course. I'll be right here," Kara agreed. "I'll take care of you."