I don't own these characters; DC does.
Day 2 Prompt: curses
2: Blessings
"Fuck, fuck, fuck…" Alex was no stranger to waking up cursing. She was also no stranger waking up next to people she had no business waking up to, but this was different. It was Lena next to her in bed, just as naked as she was. "Fuck…" She hissed as she slowly sat up.
How could she do this? Lena was special, important even. Alex was not supposed to give in to her stupid crush. How the hell did three stupid shots give me the courage to do that? Now, I've probably ruined whatever friendship we had. She really liked spending time with Lena. They had so much in common and there was something about being around Lena that kept her grounded, but brought her so much joy. Well, she could probably kiss all of those things goodbye. You really know how to mess stuff up, Danvers. Just get out of here before it gets worse.
The blinds from the tall windows were closed, but thin beams of sunlight illuminated the bedroom somewhat. There was more than enough light to see around the room. The bedroom was impressive. Alex had only seen glimpses of it, but she would not be able to really take it in right now. She needed to get out of there as quietly as possible.
Alex swung her feet over the bed, scanning for her clothing. She saw her shirt over by the dark wood dresser and eased off of the bed to retrieve it. She yanked the shirt over her head and then looked around for her pants. She could make it home with no underwear. It would not be the first time.
"I'm not even worth a goodbye?" Lena asked, her voice powerful, as if she was about to give a speech, not like she had just woken up.
Alex yelped and looked back at the bed with wide eyes to see Lena sitting up against the headboard, eyes focused on Alex like a criminal. No, you're worse than that. You're a coward. "Lena!"
"Yeah, you were too busy sneaking off to notice your casual swearing woke me up," Lena replied, sheet pressed against her chest, as if Alex had not bore witness to all of her glory last night.
I better commit that to memory because I won't be seeing it again. Alex winced. She did not want to remember the furious and hurt look burning in Lena's eyes right now, but she doubted she would ever forget. "I'm sorry. Not just about that, but all of this." God, what the hell was I thinking? This is the dumbest thing I've done and I've done a lot dumb-ass things in my short life.
Lena scowled and looked at Alex as if she wanted to set her on fire. "Let me guess, you didn't mean for this to happen, but you were just so drunk last night." She rolled her eyes so hard it was like they made a noise.
Alex frowned. "I wasn't drunk." The alcohol definitely made her braver than usual, but she was buzzed at best.
"Just get your things and get out!" Lena pointed to the door.
That was like a punch to the gut and Alex grunted. You really fucked this up good. This had all gone wrong very fast, but then again, so had last night. So, fix it. You can't just wreck things, hurt her. You can't. No, that was not in her power. Time to do this like an adult rather than slinking out like a cad. So, she went and sat on the edge of the bed. She took a deep breath, trying to steel her quivering insides.
"I just said get out!" Lena glared at her.
Alex rubbed her palms together and made sure to look Lena in the face as she started her explanation. "First and foremost, I wasn't drunk last night. I was buzzed, yes, but not drunk. I meant everything I said and did with you, but I shouldn't have done it."
"Because it'll ruin our friendship or some such bullshit?" Lena sneered.
Alex held in a chuckle. Lena knew her so well. So, that was one argument out of the way. Might as well get to the real meat of the matter.
"It just seems wrong to want to be with you when you're my sister's best friend. Who dates their sister's best friend? You and Kara have such a special relationship and I just feel like I'd be horning in if I tried anything with you," Alex said.
"Newsflash, you tried and succeeded at something with me last night," Lena replied.
Alex blew out a breath. "I am aware. It was nice to feel you. It helped right my world, but I shouldn't have done it."
"Because I'm Kara's best friend?"
"Yeah!" Alex turned all the way around. Lena had to get this. Lena was the smartest person she had ever encountered, not counting Brainy. Lena had to understand how insane this was. "You and Kara both have so little. I had just interjected myself…"
Lena shook her head, regarding Alex like she was an idiot. "Alex, we're friends, not in a relationship. It's not like you're stealing me from Kara."
"It definitely feels that way." And she did not have a right to do that, not to either of them. So, no matter how much she might want and desire Lena, this was not her place.
"I understand you get that Kara and I have a relationship that's deeper than most friendships, and yes, Kara's asexuality did change the direction of where I thought our relationship was going, but it's fine. Because of that shift, I was able to notice how amazing Kara's big sister is."
Alex scoffed. She had not felt anything close to amazing lately. It was like she was spinning her wheels. Kara almost died. She was supposed to keep them all safe and Kara almost fucking died. Sighing, she put her head in her hands. Then, there was literal weight on her back and hands on her shoulders and it somehow made her feel lighter. She breathed in Lena's sweet scent and it had the usual effect, settling her. Lena wanted to be close to her despite everything.
"You should be so upset with me," Alex said, her voice low, like she was right now. Lowly, unworthy.
"Why should I be? You are amazing. I think you've put too much on yourself lately and I understand why, but you don't have to carry the entire world, you know?" Lena asked.
Alex sniffed. "Well, if I don't, it falls on Kara and she's done enough. Which is also why I can't come between you two. You both need each other so much."
"And you don't need anyone?"
"I have people. I have all of you. I'm okay."
Lena rubbed her shoulders. "Pardon my French, but that's bullshit."
Alex forced out a chuckle. "Funny how I didn't have to pardon your French before."
"Well, I was angry before, but now I'm just annoyed. You think you're meant to take care of all of us, just like you're trying to hold the world on your shoulders. Before this thing with Kara, remember you threw yourself in front of a truck to save Nia?"
Alex shrugged. "She didn't see it coming." She had the most field experience out of all of them, except J'onn and M'gann. Sometimes, they all let their powers go to their heads and they missed things. Alex did her best to never miss anything.
"You could've screamed for her and she would have flown out of the way. You've been acting like it's your job to shield everyone from everything, not just the team, but the world. Even when Kelly broke up with you, you made it as easy as possible for her. You saw it coming and you provided her with reasons to do it. It's okay for you to take a breath and be happy."
Alex tried not to think about Kelly, who left her shortly after the dust settled when they saved the last world of the multiverse. Yes, Alex saw it coming. Kelly was not built for this life. She did not want this life. Alex, despite it all, was content with where she was and could not see herself anywhere else. So, when Kelly started subtly, mentioning moving on, doing other things, Alex buried herself even deeper into being a vigilante. She was not going anywhere and eventually Kelly moved on without her.
"I take a breath and Kara gets shot. I take a breath and Dreamer gets poisoned by an alien. I take a breath and Brainy…" Alex pinched the bridge of her nose. "Brainy almost got lost in an illusion for the rest of his life and that was all only last month." There was always so much going on and she needed to always be on her A game for their sakes.
"I know. I know."
Alex blew out a breath. "And you…" She shook her head. She did not even want to remember it. The world was still mad at Lena Luthor, despite it only existing thanks to Lena Luthor. They did not have any other Luthors to be mad at and, heaven forbid, someone just look in a mirror and reflect on their own lives rather than blame everything on Lena.
"But, we're all fine. You have to be careful or you're going to run yourself ragged. You barely ate while you were watching over Kara."
"Oh, thank you for that, by the way. I definitely wouldn't have eaten if it wasn't for you." It took her brain a long time to figure out the food and drinks had not been magically appearing before her while she sat with Kara.
Lena pressed her cheek to Alex's cheek. It was soft and warm. "I know you wouldn't have. Alex, I want you to stop worrying about everything. You can't bury yourself in this vigilante thing. I'm sure even Batman has a secret identity and takes a break."
Alex snorted. "I feel like that's not true, but…" She was tired, beyond physical. It was in her bones, on her nerves. It showed in her decisions, especially last night. She had just given into what she wanted for a moment and did not even consider how it would affect Lena.
Lena rubbed her shoulders again. "There are no buts. You deserve a break as much as anyone else or you'll burn out. You also deserve nice things as much as anyone else."
Alex snickered and turned, wanting Lena to see her grin. "Are you calling yourself a nice thing?"
"I'm saying we could have a nice thing. Come on, Alex. Why won't you give me a chance? We can sit down and talk with Kara. I mean, you worry about wanting to date her best friend, I want to date Supergirl's big sister. Do you not think that's a bit nerve-wracking?"
Alex scoffed. "Have you ever told her that?" She did not think Lena understood how special and how much Kara valued her. While Kara was asexual and aromantic, she would probably take Lena as a bond-mate anyway. Alex did not want to stand in the way of that. She would get run down if she tried.
Lena shook her head. "No, but I think she'd actually cheerlead for us."
"I doubt that. I think she'd want you for a bond-mate, Lena, if you were open to it."
"It's a discussion we've had that discussion a-time or two, but we've figured out what's best for us. More than that, she likes to talk about you. She worries about you, a lot. She thinks you need more in your life, too. You've taken to this vigilante thing like it's your new job."
Alex frowned. "Well, what else am I supposed to do?" The DEO was gone. She did not have a job. "There's still aliens out there. Some need my help. Some need to be stopped. There's meta-humans to worry about and just crazy people who want to put on costumes."
"Easy, Alex. It's not Gotham and it won't end up being Gotham thanks to you and the Superfriends."
Alex chuckled, even though her heart clenched a little. "I miss Winn. That name is so stupid."
Lena gave her a squeeze. "It is a bit ridiculous, but it's been wild times. Why can't we treat ourselves, Alex? Why can't we have what we want for once? There's always doom and disaster. Can we fall into each other's arms and bring some joy to each other? Or will I have to take you out paintballing again and mess you up?"
Alex laughed. "You were having a bad day and I let you win. Do you really think I'd ever make that much noise creeping anywhere?" That had been a fun day. It marked her learning there were layers to Lena Luthor she would never get to fully uncover, but Lena opened up enough to let her try and see glimpses.
"Whatever makes you feel better, Danvers."
Alex laughed more, but she also thought about that day. It had been a fun thing for them to all do as a team and they had planned it out, but right before they had to leave, Lena had a horrible day at work, bad meetings and bad news from multiple research and development projects. She looked like she was ready to fall apart, but then she put on the paintball gear and her face lit up. She was pretty good and Alex got stuck several times watching Lena wield her gun. That was also how she ended up shot by Lena at the end of the day. It was fun, even though she lost.
"I would love to date, Lena. I really enjoy your company and appreciate you being around. It's fun talking to you and I love when we get caught up in a moment of problem solving together," Alex said.
"Then, come back to bed. Let me order us some breakfast and we figure out how to talk to your super-powered little sister about the possibility of there being an us," Lena replied.
Alex turned to look at Lena again. "Are you sure you want to try this with me? I'm clearly a mess."
It was Lena's turn to laugh. "I think we all are. We're still getting our footing. The world might not be tilted anymore, but we still have to right ourselves. You know as well as anyone else, I'm not doing the best either."
Alex put her hand on Lena's and smiled at her. "You're doing fine. You're good." She meant that in more than one way, knowing Lena needed that. She tried to be there for Lena, but again, she did not want to push her way into Lena and Kara's thing.
Lena's eyes sparkled and Alex could not resist. She leaned in, giving Lena a small kiss on the lips. Lena returned it and then smiled back at her.
"So, you'll take the shirt off?" Lena bit her bottom lip.
"I will take my shirt off, but you have to be serious about the breakfast," Alex replied.
"I will snap my fingers and you will have whatever you desire for breakfast… which I'm hoping includes me." Lena wiggled her eyebrows.
Alex groaned. She would love nothing more. "No, no, no. We're going to do a proper date before we fall into bed again. We also have to talk to Kara."
Lena groaned as if that was the worst thing imaginable. "Fine if you want to be all responsible, I guess. Now, lose the shirt."
Alex did as ordered and threw her shirt on the floor. They both made their way back to the head of the bed. After they settled onto their pillows, Lena sent out for breakfast. Alex took in the way Lena felt pressed against her. For the first time in a long time, she was calm and relaxed. She almost forgot what it was like.
"Do you happen to go for morning runs?" Alex asked.
"I do. You?" Lena looked at her.
"Smart, shoots guns, exercising, self-defense, and ready to save the world. You've checked literally all my boxes."
"You forgot a couple."
Alex arched an eyebrow. "Did I?"
"Gets you food and is very good in bed."
"You are that." Alex pulled Lena closer and kissed the side of her head. Lena smiled and cuddled against Alex's side. She might not deserve this, but she definitely wanted it and she would fight for it. She just hoped Kara did not want to actually fight.
-8-8-8-8-
It took a couple of days before Lena could talk Alex into sitting down with Kara. They had already had their first date by then. Alex had taken her to the amusement park by the pier, rescuing her from a massive stack of papers on her desk to have a fun evening. They had cotton candy, kissed on the Ferris wheel, walked on the beach, and, of course, Alex won her a massive teddy bear because that was the type of person Alex was. Also, because Alex knew her so well, Alex knew she would enjoy a sappy date like that and was she right.
Lena had never had a chance to do something like that and it touched her in tiny emotional creases that she did not think about that Alex figured that out. She could already tell Alex would make it her business to figure Lena out and give her little things most people probably thought Lena did not care about. Alex would get to know her in a way few people ever actually made the effort to do, save Kara.
"She's gonna be suspicious since you invited her out to Noonan's," Alex said while motioning for her to sit in the booth first.
Lena shrugged. "She can be as suspicious as she wants, but she won't care the second a sticky bun is in front of her."
"That'll only work for a moment." Alex eased in next to her.
"That's fine. We just need her to pause for a moment, so we can tell her very simple news." Again, Lena was almost certain Kara would celebrate for them, but this was a bit huge. She was about to tell her best friend that she was dating her sister. I can kind of see what Alex was getting at before. As it circled her mind, her stomach dropped.
It was one thing to think about things as dating Supergirl's big sister. That carried with it an air of danger that was just properly outrageous, but thinking in terms of her best friend's big sister was something entirely different. Kara could take this so many different ways and many of those bad, like thinking Lena might try to come between her and Alex. Kara would never let that happen. Kara always said Alex was her favorite entity.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked, voice soft against her ear.
Lena gulped. "You're Kara's absolute favorite sentient creature and she might think I'm trying to come between you two." Am I trying to come between them? No. She wanted them both in different ways, just like they wanted each other and her in different ways. This was fine and everything should go fine. So, stop acting like Kara might fling you into the sun for this.
Alex laughed. "That will not cross her mind."
Lena frowned. "You were worried about her thinking that with you coming between me and her."
"Because you're her best friend and she's never had one before. Kara was never able to be herself completely with people until you. I've had girlfriends. Clearly, I should be able to get one who isn't her best friend. I guess we'll find out how she takes it."
Lena was not happy with that response and she clutched Alex's hand with both of hers. She did not realize she was trembling until Alex covered both of her hands with her remaining hand and that stopped the shaking. Lena let out a breath as Kara came into Noonan's and spotted them immediately. She grinned as she hurried over to their booth.
"How are you two? I haven't seen either of you in a few days and it's weird." Kara pouted and then pepped up before they could respond. "Is this an apology lunch?"
"It's a lunch of some kind," Alex replied.
"Should we order first or just tell her?" Lena asked. She was not sure she would be able to keep food down unless they told Kara before they ate.
"Oh, just tell me, but after we order." Kara waved over the server, who was coming toward them anyway. The staff at Noonan's knew Kara well enough to know that she needed to order the second she stepped in.
Lena ordered a favorite: grilled chicken panini with peppers and swiss cheese, tomatoes, and spinach on the side. Alex ordered hot wings and fries. Lena usually picked at her fries anyway, so it would not be a thing when she did it now. Kara opted for a cheese steak with the works, fries, and coleslaw. And, of course, a sticky bun. With the order out of their way and their server gone, Kara turned back Lena and Alex.
"Okay, spill. Why are we here? Did you two do a science thing? I love when you guys do science things," Kara said with a giggle.
"We also love when we do a science thing," Lena replied. One of her favorite things with Alex was getting lost in science to problem solve. She had gotten lost in science with friends and lovers before, but never with the sense of an immediate resolution like she always did with Alex. The only other person she had that with was Brainy and Brainy just did not look as good in tactical gear or holding a gun as Alex did.
Alex laughed. "I guess you could call it a science thing."
Lena shook her head. "No, no, no. Don't do that. Let's just tell her." They had come up with a plan, but Lena could not remember what it was for the life of her now, not with Kara's blue eyes locked on them, waiting to hear something good.
Kara pursed her lips. "Is it a gun thing? I know you like showing Lena how to work all of those different guns."
Alex shook her head. "No, but it is fun to teach her. It's nice to have someone around who's interested."
"Like with Maggie," Kara replied.
Both Alex and Lena flinched. Lena did not know Maggie that well from when she was around and she had not heard much about Maggie since the breakup, but she was very aware Maggie was Alex's great love, the one who got away. Could I ever measure up to super cop? Well, that would have to be a worry for another day. Right now, she had to concern herself with telling Kara what was going on between her and Alex before Kara brought up something else.
"Something similar to Maggie," Alex said. "Apparently, from now on, when we go to the range, it would probably count as a date."
"It's good you two have fun together," Kara replied and then she stopped. Her eyes went wide and she leaned forward a little. "Wait, what?"
"Well, I think it would, anyway." Alex turned to Lena. "Would you count it as a date? I know you like the range, but I'm not sure if it's date material."
"It could be a date," Lena replied.
"You two are dating?" Kara hit the table with both palms, rattling it. It made Lena focus on her face. She did not have a murderous look in her eye, but more like a happy spark. Her face was bright and her eyes shimmering. The expression allowed Lena's stomach to untie itself from a tight knot.
"Are you all right with that?" Alex asked.
"All right?" Kara sat back down, but reached across the table, as if she wanted their hands. Of course, they were holding each other's hands, but managed to let go to hold onto Kara. Kara grinned as she gave each of their hands a squeeze. "I'm so happy you two have each other. You both need someone and I think you're great for each other. You have so much in common and you always get lost in conversation when you start talking to each other. I can't believe I never saw it before!"
Alex arched an eyebrow. "Why, Stitch, were you going to try to wingman for one of us?"
Kara rolled her eyes. "Anyway, this is awesome! Again, you both need someone and I think you might be the best for each other. Have you two ever seen you interact?"
Alex and Lena glanced at each other and then turned back to Kara, who was still smiling. She was not upset. She was there for them. She believed in them. More than that, she trusted Lena with her favorite entity. Lena would take the best of care of Alex. Lunch was pretty great.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: Alex can't stop throwing herself in front of people, so Lena decides to do even more about it.