I don't own these characters; DC does.
A/N: this chapter was written before I knew what Alex's codename is, but it doesn't matter since this fic is set before this season anyway.
3: Made Right
There was a mountain of food on the table and Kara looked so pleased, mouth full of mango curry. Instead of sitting in a chair, Kara floated with her legs crossed. It was something she missed while she was in Argo City. She thought she would enjoy not having her powers, just being normal, but she had gotten so used to them that there were two weeks where she kept trying to use her powers.
"In completely inappropriate ways, I'm sure," Alex said from her spot to the right of Kara.
Kara blushed. "Of course not! I just wasn't used to not using the powers anymore. People thought I was crazy, even though they know the yellow sun interacts without bodies differently than the light of the red sun. So many weird looks every time I tried. But, yeah, this is nice." She tilted back a little and then shoved more curry in her face.
Alex fought down a laugh as she finished up her orange chicken. She did not want to make light of Kara's adventure. But, she was pleased Kara was happy being around them.
Lena had a Philly cheesesteak and leaned in close to Alex, their knees touching. This was a habit Lena had built up, even before they started dating. Feeling some part of Alex kept her grounded and calm. Lena had explained it only once when Alex, who was not used to casual touch from just anyone, finally said something about Lena constantly touching her. It was nice to know Lena sought her out to keep her wits about her and to stay focused.
Across from Alex and Lena, Alex's mother sat. She nibbled on her vegetable stir-fry, eyes wet and shining as she gazed at Kara. She looked so happy, happier than she had in a year.
Kara's absence had made Alex's mother return to a place of doubt as a parent. She was still working through the mental red tape of how she treated Alex when Kara showed up and how that affected Alex. Then Kara was gone for a year without a word. Her mother was certain she had failed Kara and that was why Kara never contacted her. Kara had her conversation with her foster mother while Alex was being given a necessary talking-to by Lena. Alex's mother looked better than she had in a year. It was good to see her smile.
"So, were there any good takeaways from Argo City?" her mother asked.
Kara licked her fingers as she thought things over. "Well, no matter what the circumstances, it's nice to be around my mother and to see how she's grown as a person. No matter what, if I can go back, I'll go back to see her. She's happy to have me and proud of me. She was welcoming."
"As she should be," her mother replied.
Kara nodded. "So, that was nice. Seeing old friends and getting to know them, even though they thought I was weird. It just felt good to not be the last person with a living memory of my people. A relief."
"That's good. Anything else? Forgotten customs you enjoyed? Foods?" Her mother chuckled.
"The food's pretty bland. They're limited with the asteroid they're on. But, it was nice to wear Kryptonian robes again." Kara sighed and deflated a little, shoulders down and a frown marring her features. Probably reminded how she now walked the line of two worlds and belonged to neither.
"Maybe we could go with you next time," Alex said. Having people around Kara who knew her beyond her names would probably help. They would not let her lose herself. Not to mention, they could be examples of some human culture, even if Kryptonians looked down on them.
Lena gasped. "Yes! Could you imagine all of the knowledge?" She clutched Alex's wrist and almost dropped her sandwich.
Alex held up a hand. "Hold up there, Young Frankenstein. Maybe we should just go and relax, like a vacation." She could already see Lena holed up in the library, reading any and everything she could get her hands on.
Lena pursed her lips. "The last vacation we were on, you found an underground alien hospital and volunteered."
Alex arched an eyebrow. "Touché."
Kara laughed. "I think I want to know that story." She finished her mango curry and grabbed a foot-long sandwich. There were three there for her. She bit the sandwich and her eyes danced with delight.
"No, no, no. We're not playing this game right now." Alex held up a hand. There was no way she would be embarrassed while they were enjoying each other's company. "Talk to your bestie about that when you're alone and I don't have to hear it."
Kara snickered. "That's the first story I want to hear, Lena."
Lena smiled. "Sure, it's not good for my self-esteem, but yes, I would love to tell you how oblivious your older sister can be, but she has such a big heart." She winked at Alex, as if that was supposed to make things better. Of course, it did. Alex melted.
"Sounds like the Alex I know and love," Kara replied.
Alex's mother brought things back to the matter at hand. "Alex has a point. Could we go to Argo City with you?"
Kara nodded. "I'd like that." They all would.
"For now, we have to work on getting Kara back into society," Alex said.
"There's no rush," Lena said and she looked at Kara. "Take your time. You know we're all here for you and we all know this is as much a shock to you as it is to us."
"Maybe more so because you didn't mean for this to happen," Alex said.
Kara stared at the two of them, causing Lena to speak up. "We're fine, Kara. And we'd like the chance to renew our bonds to you. So, don't argue."
Kara looked at Alex for help. Alex laughed and shrugged. "Don't look at me. I have to live with her. Besides, she's right. Take your time." She had a plan to help Kara out, but that would come later tonight.
They finished eating. Kara's cheeks were red with pleasure as she took her last bite. She laid back and floated higher until she almost touched the ceiling. They all smiled as they watched her. After a few moments, she came back down and they cleaned up. Once everything was clear, they retreated to the living room, watching a movie together. It was a nice family night, a year in the making. Then, they had to get back home.
"It's a school night," Alex said with a yawn. They had work tomorrow.
"My girls," her mother said and then embraced them, pulling them into a group hug. "This was such a delightful surprise. I'm happy to see all of you."
"We'll come back soon," Lena said.
"Promise," Alex added, even though it was not necessary. They visited her mother often, checking on her after Kara's disappearance. Like with Alex, some days were better than others.
Her mother gave them all individual hugs again, making sure to give an extra squeeze if the little squeak noise she made meant anything. After a few minutes of goodbyes and promised calls, they were off. It was late by the time they got back to the penthouse. They all dropped onto the couch and sighed.
"Today was fun," Alex said.
Lena scoffed as she fell against Alex's side. "You were on the verge of a breakdown."
"That's nothing new. And you got me through." Alex put her arm around Lena and kissed her cheek. "Like you always do."
"I'm glad you two had each other," Kara said.
That was as good an opening as she would get. It was time to get Kara out of this funk and back to doing the things that she loved. And, today was about getting Kara to do things she wanted to do and they all knew what was at the top of her list, even though she did not say it. "Lena helped me keep your memory alive and I tried to carry on your legacy."
Kara arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"Gimme a minute, but don't scream," Alex said.
Lena snorted. "You're kidding, right?"
Alex opted to ignore Lena and stood up. Lena yelped as she fell back. Alex stretched for a second as Kara focused on her. She took off what looked like her watch and let it return to its proper state as the Hand of the Soldier. Alex held up her hand to show it to Kara.
"This is a Martian weapon that can become any weapon I want," Alex said. "J'onn gave it to me to help carry on your legacy of protecting the city and the alien population my way. It was one of things that helped get me out of the house while you were gone and helped me get over leaving the DEO."
Kara nodded. "Okay."
"And with it, I can do this." She willed it to manifest her suit. Brainy would probably never stop boasting about how he connected the suit's interface with the Hand of the Soldier. It was a good thing she helped with that or she would go out of her mind listening to him.
Her vigilante uniform appeared on her. It was close to her DEO combat suit, black with blue lining. A black helmet covered her head and face along with a hood attached to a black jacket that fell to her knees. The helmet had blue lines on it and a dark visor. Almost as soon as the outfit appeared, Kara squealed and was on her feet. She circled Alex with super speed, which Alex could track thanks to the advanced electronics in her helmet and suit.
"Is this what I think it is?" Kara asked with her fists bunched up under her mouth.
"The perfect suit for Alex to fight crime in? Yes," Lena replied.
"Where'd you get the suit?" Kara asked, still circling, but at normal speed. She skipped a couple of times, blond tresses bouncing as she tried to contain herself. But, she reached out, touching the hem of the jacket. She tilted her head and whistled.
"It's a work in progress for me, Lena, Winn, and Brainy. We've got it to do some pretty interesting things," Alex replied. It was an honor to wear something that was the combined work of some of the best minds she had the pleasure of knowing. There was always some new idea one of them wanted to try and beyond that, to have them always trust her to do justice to their ideas was beyond. This had been a great reason to get out of bed so many months ago.
"So cool!" Kara touched her jacket. "The helmet's a little scary."
"I like it that way."
"Of course you do." Kara turned to Lena. "Why'd you give her such a scary mask?"
Lena sat up and leaned her elbows on her knees. "That mask is a master of technology, but also protects her from being shot in the face."
Kara yelped. "That's very important. I support Alex not being shot in the face."
"It also gives her thermo vision, X-ray vision, allows her to measure distances to a near perfect degree, enhances her hearing, can detect scents, like gases and such in areas, and so many other things." Lena was about to go into a sales pitch. She liked talking about the suit as much as Alex liked wearing the suit.
Alex jumped in. "The entire suit is bulletproof, to certain extent fireproof, and resistant to heat and cold. It gives me somewhat advanced strength. Nothing like you or your cousin, but more than the average human." Okay, she liked talking about the suit, too.
"What's this? Kara asked, scratching at her family crest on Alex's right arm. It was a small symbol, just there to honor her sister and keep the hope in National City. It accidentally killed hope in the city.
"I wanted something to pay homage to you, but not so flashy that it made people think I'm representing you or Krypton. Unfortunately, I didn't think it through and people thought it was like an armband for mourning. I guess it didn't help that it's all black, but I was trying to hide it in the costume design and most people aren't getting the best look at me when I'm out like this," Alex replied.
"So, people think Supergirl is dead. That explains a lot." Kara nodded and then giggled. She floated around Alex, still taking in the sight of the suit. "Can we go out together? Now? Together?" She pressed her hands together in a plea.
Alex smiled. "I knew you'd want that. We have your old Supergirl uniform. Brainy kept the one he designed, tweaking it in his off time."
"That's fine."
"We had to hide it here. Kal tried to take it, but…"Alex blew out a breath. Clark tried to take anything Kara had as much as touched as Supergirl. Alex refused to let him lock away Supergirl in his Fortress of Solitude, as if she was another dead memory or as if she was only for him. Supergirl belonged to all of them, just as Kara wanted it.
Kara smiled. "You had faith I'd be back."
Alex rubbed the back of her neck. "I had hope."
"It's in a lead lined box under the floor under your bed. You'll know the code to get in," Alex said.
Kara giggled again and then zipped away. Alex immediately turned to Lena. Lena stepped over as Alex yanked off her helmet.
"You are so sexy in tactical gear," Lena said and she purred before placing a soft kiss to Alex's wanting lips.
Alex chuckled. "You just like it because you helped design it."
Lena kissed her again and ran her hands along the torso of the suit, partially groping Alex, but also admiring their hard work. "This suit is such a masterpiece. We should all pat ourselves on the back as it continues to evolve. Go out and have fun with it. Show Kara the city's been in good hands."
"To be fair, shared hands." She would alert the others of Kara's return once they got out.
"Good hands nonetheless."
Lena ran a hand down Alex's torso, lightly pressing the body armor against Alex's body. There was another kiss, deeper than the last one. Alex welcomed Lena's tongue with her own. Before things could progress, Kara was back in her Supergirl outfit with the red skirt. She did a twirl, which was not unexpected. Kara grinned and was so giddy she looked ready to burst.
"I think I missed the skirt," Kara said. It would not be surprising. It had sentimental value.
"I'm sure Winn will be happy to know." Alex put her helmet back on and they were off. Kara yanked her off her feet and sped out of the penthouse into the open, night sky. "Kara!" Alex shouted with a laugh.
"What?" Kara grinned.
"While this is cool and all, I have a means of transportation that I wanted to show you."
"Later. I want to fly with you."
Alex smiled, even though the helmet was in the way. I should just enjoy this. It had been far too long. They flew around until something caught Kara's attention. She touched down on the darkened alley behind a row of closed businesses and they watched a break-in in progress. The trio of burglars were so intent on their job that they did not notice they were not alone.
Kara grinned, ready to work. Alex put her hand on Kara's shoulder to stop her from stepping forward. Alex pointed to herself and Kara nodded. Alex stepped forward.
"I'm going to assume none of you is Danny Ocean. Also not Debbie Ocean, which is more disappointing," Alex said, making the trio jump and turn.
"Who?" one of them asked, his voice muffled by the panty nose over his face.
Alex groaned and shook her head. "I can't with you kids today. Can't even make an Ocean's movie reference."
"Wait, wait, wait! You're the Avenger." Another of them pointed to her and a small "eep" escaped him. "You're not supposed to be real!"
"I'm plenty real. And, you know who else is real?" Alex motioned to Kara.
They turned and all gasped. "Supergirl?"
"But, you died!" It sounded like a lament.
"Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated," Kara said and pouted when they did not react.
Alex was glad for her helmet because her face dropped. "Really? They didn't get my Ocean's reference, but they'll get Twain?"
Kara glared at her. "Maybe they graduated high school, but don't watch ten year old movies."
One of the idiots elbowed his fellow idiot. "Dude, I thought the Avenger was supposed to be hardcore."
Alex rolled her shoulders. "I don't usually handle this sort of thing, but you're asking for it."
Taking the trio down took less than a minute. They had no real fighting skills to speak of. This was beneath Alex and the suit, but it was fun to do it with Kara. Hopefully, they would get something a little more challenging tonight.
"We need something to hold them with." Kara looked around as the trio groaned on the cold ground.
"I got it." Alex carried dozens of light-weight flex cuffs. She cuffed them together, binding them by the wrists and ankles. They found a meter on the building to then attach the cuffs to that. Then they were out. Kara flew them to a nearby skyscraper roof.
"That was fun!" Kara tittered and clapped her hands.
"Yeah, it was fun to fight alongside you," Alex replied, flipping up her helmet's visor.
Kara nodded. "So, the Avenger, huh?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
Alex curled her upper lip. "I didn't pick the name. Cat did." She was not opposed to it, but was not a fan either. She did not need a hero name.
Kara's eyes went wide. "Miss Grant named you, too?"
"Yeah, I've been trying to fly under the radar, fight crime from the shadows. I didn't want to be seen or recognized. But, stop enough criminals and they start talking about you. They described my costume and the crest." Alex motioned the House of El mark. "Cat interpreted it as a mark of mourning and that I took up your cause. And then she heard about how I kick criminals' asses and it was kinda brutal, so she thought I was out for revenge."
Kara pursed her lips. "Brutal?"
Alex waved that off. "They exaggerate. I work the same as I did at the DEO. I'm not out breaking the backs of petty burglars. I'm not Batman. I don't even handle burglars and stuff like that really."
"Who does?"
Alex chuckled. "The Guardian. Wanna go see him?" They tended to check in when she was out anyway. It was a big city and they tried to stay out of each other's way to make sure as much of the city was protected as they got. The same with Dreamer and the Martians when they decided to do patrols. They were going to flip when they saw Kara was back.
Kara squealed. "Yes! He wasn't at the office when I went."
"Cool. He still works there, if you're wondering. He might even be able to put in a good word for you with Cat. She's not as interested in Guardian as she was with Supergirl, so she doesn't suspect James of anything, but she likes him enough as an employer."
Kara nodded. "She always has. She respects him."
"Yes, she does. We can see Winn, too. He still helps out. He also started his own company with Brainy, but it's a small tech business now."
"Good to know they didn't stay at the DEO after you left. I couldn't even imagine," Kara said.
"The DEO wasn't kind to them either, but their business is doing well. Lena invested in them. And, of course, we can get Nia to pop up. She's not out tonight, or if she is, she hasn't said anything."
"Nia also wasn't at the office. Does she still work for Cat Co.?"
Alex nodded. "She does. She's shaping up to be a pretty good reporter. James keeps her close, keeps an eye on her. Me and Lena go on a lot of double dates with her and Brainy."
Kara's jaw dropped. "They're dating? They have to be as cute as you and Lena. This is so awesome. I'm sorry I missed all of this."
Alex chuckled. "They'll be happy to see you. It's about time for us to get this reunion underway." Alex was able to ping Winn's location and let Kara know where to go.
The second they landed by the van, Winn opened the door. It was precious and priceless to see Winn's face when he noticed Kara. Kid on Christmas morning did not cover it. The light in his face was like his best friend awoke from a coma and salvation arrived at the same time. He launched himself at Kara and they both laughed as they embraced. They only stopped because The Guardian rode up on his bike.
"Supergirl?" James asked with the appropriate amount of disbelief.
"Guys, maybe we should go somewhere a little less public," Alex said. "And I should contact Nia on the way."
Kara snatched Alex up and Alex directed her to the Tower. On the way there, she alerted Nia to come to the Tower. The Tower was not much, but it served as the base of operations for the "Super friends," as Winn dubbed them, even though they all resisted the name. It held equipment they shared, was a place to strategize if necessary, and just let them team up or be together when they wanted to hang out. It was not the DEO, but it worked. Kara looked around, seeing their sparse computer equipment and other technology. The space was not very large, but it served its purpose.
"This is where I was when I came through the portal. I didn't recognize it and no one was here, so I didn't think much of it," Kara said.
"Well, this is our little HQ. We call it the Tower. Someone should've been alerted when you popped up. Brainy has some explaining to do," Alex replied. The Tower alarms should have gone crazy from the power spike alone when Kara returned.
"And explain I shall!" Brainy burst in through the side door, hand in the air. He did not get a chance to say anything more as Kara had him wrapped in a hug, drawing a grunt out of him.
"Brainy, the second she's done being a crazy koala, wanna explain?" Alex asked because this was important. The Tower needed to be fully functional all the time. They could not risk some random villain or punk kids finding the place and the alarms never sound.
Brainy grunted. "I've been here all day trying to repair damage done by a massive power surge. I can only assume now it was Kara's return. It fried everything, including the backup, which is why we didn't get an alert. We never took into account the amount of power Kara's return would need when we made this move."
That made sense. Brainy focused on giving Kara an awkward hug in return. Before he got a chance to make things even weirder, as that was his talent, J'onn and M'gann flew in. Kara squealed and embraced them both. They smiled right along with her and returned the hugs with enthusiasm.
"Kara, it's good to see you," J'onn said, patting her shoulder.
"Did you just get back?" M'gann asked.
"No, I got back last night. I'll tell everybody all about it, but I want to wait for Nia, James, and Winn," Kara replied.
"Fair enough." M'gann glanced at Alex and chuckled. "Oh, you got the Avenger to come out and play."
Alex frowned, but forgot to take off her helmet. Once that was off, she glared M'gann down. Of course, it had no effect on M'gann. "I'm just helping Supergirl get back in the game. We just took on some low-level punks before we came here."
Kara nodded. "It's nice to be in my uniform again. I can't wait to start helping people. I missed being Supergirl almost as much as I missed all of you!"
"Then why did you stay away for so long?" J'onn asked with a stern expression.
Kara's face fell, hurt for him. "I promise I'll explain. I just want to wait for everyone, so we only have to go through it once. I wasn't trying to hurt anybody, though. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"It's okay, Kara. We'll wait for everyone," M'gann replied.
The wait was not long. Nia arrived first. There was the expected squealing and hugging. There was even some jumping up and down. By the time their excitement died down from an eleven to about a nine, James and Winn showed up. James wasted no time sweeping Kara into a bear hug. There was more giggling and embracing, but eventually, it leveled out.
Kara then got into her explanation for why she was gone for so long. Brainy was about to go into the science, but the second he raised his hand to begin his lecture, Nia embraced him, pinning his arms to his side. Her smile signaled that Kara could continue.
Kara continued on, getting to after she showed up and how disorientated she was. Her apartment was gone, Miss Grant refusing to accept her back, and the confusion of who she was now. There were so many misty eyes. A few tears slid down Nia's cheeks, but they all circled around Kara, touching her in some manner.
"Well, first and foremost, you are certainly Supergirl. No one can take that from you," Brainy said as he handed her a small, black eyeglass case.
Kara accepted and hugged the case to her chest. "You had a gift ready for me?"
He tapped the case. "That is your other Supergirl suit. I've been working on it since you left and carrying it to return to you. The math told me you'd be back."
Kara cooed. "Aw, Brainy, that's sweet."
"Beyond that, Kara," J'onn said. "No matter what you call yourself, you're still part of our family. I learned that from you, your sister, and even Jeremiah."
"And who we are is always changing," M'gann said, tapping herself in the chest.
James stepped up. "None of us are the same person we were when we first got to National City or since we met you."
"We're not even the same people from yesterday," Winn said.
"We all spend a lifetime making and remaking ourselves. You've done that on a grander scale than most, but now, you can sort of feel out who you are and who you want to be. You get to find who you really are and be that person," Nia said with such a hopeful, understanding smile.
It was not surprising that Kara burst into tears. They all went in for a group hug, also giving various parts of her head and face kisses. And they held her until she stopped crying.
"You guys are the best," Kara said.
Alex chuckled. "We love you, Kara."
"Yeah, we're the Super Friends," Winn said and everyone groaned.
James waved that off with one hand. "We keep telling you we're not doing that."
"But, why?" Winn had the nerve to throw his hands up like he was fed up.
Kara giggled. "It's cute."
Alex held up a finger and wagged it at Kara. "Don't encourage him." The last thing Winn needed was an inch, as he had already taken a mile with all of them very much against the name.
They all agreed to get together for dinner the next night and then returned to patrolling the streets. Kara and Alex handled mostly small things, but it was enough to get Kara into a groove and to put the word on the street that Supergirl was back. They returned home about an hour before sunrise. Lena was up waiting for them.
"So, how was it?" Lena asked, going right to Alex.
"It was fun!" Kara tittered and twirled, like a happy child back from a field trip. "And I got to see everybody! It was awesome!" She closed her eyes, sighed, and fell back onto the couch.
Alex returned her costume to the Hand of the Soldier and turned it back into a watch. "It was really good." Seeing everyone and talking with them definitely helped. Kara was reminded she was not alone, she was accepted, and she could find herself again. They had all needed that at some point during the year.
"Well, I've taken the day off for us tomorrow. We can do something together again. Kara?" Lena turned to the grinning hero.
"Whatever you guys want to do is fine by me, as long as we're together," Kara replied.
"Then, stick with us, kid." Alex smiled, ready to get the world the right way for Kara, especially since Lena balanced things for her.
They retreated to their bedrooms and got a good night's sleep, woke up late, and then went to Noonan's for breakfast. Some of the staff remembered Kara and greeted her with enthusiasm. A few of them even asked what happened. Kara stuck to the story of being tricked into thinking she had a living family member in Europe and how going there had led to a harrowing year trying to return. They were the right amount of shocked, mostly because Kara was the right amount of emotional.
"You really sold that," Alex said, impressed with Kara, who could possibly be the worst liar in the world.
Kara laughed. "Thanks for making it as close to the truth as possible." She took a deep breath. "I cannot wait to have a sticky bun. Everyone in Argo City thought I was out of my mind when I was describing them."
"Yeah, just make sure you only eat yours," Alex said. Not that she stood a chance, sitting with her sister and her girlfriend, both who picked at her meals as if it was theirs. This time was no different. Lena and Kara practically split her sticky bun between the two of them. Alex gawked at them. "I expect this from Kara, but Lena, you don't even like sweets like that."
"I thought it was evident in my choice of partners that I like it very sweet." She kissed the corner of Alex's mouth.
Kara made an "aw" sound. "I can't get over how cute you two are."
The burn in her cheeks told Alex she was blushing and she really did not need that. Then, Lena put a hand on her thigh and squeezed. It only made matters worse and from the way Lena smiled, like a gleeful imp, she did that just for that reaction. Kara snickered at them. Alex let it go. I'll just have to get used to this nonsense.
After breakfast, they went to the park. Alex and Lena hung back, letting Kara rediscover one of her favorite spaces without their presence to distract her. Besides, Alex needed the time to reconnect with Lena.
"I'm glad we took the day off," Alex said, holding Lena's hand.
Lena squeezed her hand. "Then you'll plan a date night for us the second you feel your sister is on even ground?"
Alex nodded. "Definitely. Oh, we have to get my mom for family dinner tonight."
"I had Jess make us a reservation and arrange for a ride for your mom."
Alex smiled. "Have I mentioned I love you?"
Lena chuckled. "Once or twice."
"I do love you. You pulled me back from a dark place, several times. I don't think anyone else would've been able to do that."
"You did the same for me. Maybe we could only help each other. Whatever the case, I'm happy we're together. I love it when I can do science with a partner, and your brain is damn sexy."
Alex's face was hot once more. "Your everything is sexy."
Lena laughed, throwing her head back, and looking a beautiful as ever. "You're terrible and it makes me want to give you everything."
"Well, you're wonderful and it makes me want to give you everything."
Lena laughed even more, but she blushed. Lena liked to play it cool, but she needed to be reminded she was special, too. Alex would plan one hell of a date for her, starting with paintball, to remind Lena that Alex knew her inside out. Lena loved paintball and was damn good at it.
"Aw, look." Lena pointed ahead of them. Kara was down on the ground, petting several dogs, who were trying to crawl into her lap. It was like a mob of friendly pups. She was all smiles. There was Kara. Maybe not Kara Danvers or Kara Zor-el, but definitely Kara.
"I think the kid's going to be all right."
After their walk in the park, they went to a storage unit that had the rest of Kara's belongings. A lot of it was her art stuff, finished paintings, and furniture that did not need to go in her room at the penthouse. She did not take anything, but sort of surveyed it, itemized it, and was satisfied. Kara was happy. She just had to work her way back to herself. Alex glanced at Lena. Both Danvers might need to work on things, but they would get there.
-8-8-8-8-
Family dinner had been amazing. Alex's paintball date with Lena was even better. There were more dates and there were nights she went out with Kara as the Avenger. They took it a step at a time, a day at a time, and things were good.
Supergirl's return and partnership with the Avenger made headlines, especially since the Avenger had been more of an urban legend until Supergirl popped up. Most papers were kind, at least in regards to Supergirl's return. The only one that was not was Cat Co. While Cat's reporters did not badmouth Supergirl, they questioned her and her motives. They refused to put her on a pedestal like before.
"You know, we could go see Cat," Alex said after they finished taking out a serial arsonist. Kara put the burning building out while Alex secured the perpetrator. He was meta-human who was angry at the world for reasons Alex did not get, especially once he ignored Kara's hope speech. He just would not be burning down city blocks anymore, killing innocents and several fire fighters.
"I think she needs time," Kara replied as she waved to the police as they arrived. A few waved back before going to make sure the victims were safe, take their statements, and arrest the arsonist. Kara then grabbed Alex and took off, retreating to a dark rooftop.
"You don't think she'll listen to your explanation?" Alex asked as she leaned against a brick wall.
That little wrinkle appeared in Kara's nose. "Not yet. One day. Soon maybe, but not yet."
Alex shrugged. "You know her better than I do."
Alex left the patrol early, as she often did. After all, she had a girlfriend at home and work in the morning. Kara had stopped lamenting over her job and was not looking yet, even though she had been back for a couple of months. She was taking care of herself, spending a lot of time at her favorite places, like the park, and that was good.
Alex kept an eye on Kara until one day she noticed Kara moved her stuff out of storage and into her room in the penthouse. She started painting again.
Alex and Lena cuddled on the couch, enjoying a movie, like they would have two months ago. Lena made notes at quiet moments and showed Alex. Alex read and watched at the same time.
"Are we starting this project soon?" Alex asked as she fed Lena some popcorn.
"Immediately if it looks good to you."
"It does. I can't wait." The best part of this was their return to normalcy.
-8-8-8-8-
As time went by, Alex went out as the Avenger less and found herself in the lab with Lena more. Kara hung out with their other friends, but they still spent time as sisters. And then one day Kara surprised her on the couch. She put a portfolio on Alex's lap.
"What's this?" Alex asked as she flipped it open.
"Who I am. Thanks to you," Kara replied.
Alex was not sure what that meant, but then she looked down. Kara made a book. A children's book with her paintings as illustrations. The book was about a lost little girl, a refugee whose family died, and how a family adopted her to help her cope with the loss. And there was also an alien dog named Krypto.
"It's just like when we were younger and you told stories. You never fail to stick a dog somewhere," Alex said with a laugh.
"Dogs are cute. Cat once said she tagged me as a reporter when I interviewed with her, but I think I'm a writer. I want to tell our stories, but in a way to help people get over trauma and support each other, like everyone did for me, but especially you." Kara beamed.
Alex smiled right back. "Sounds like you know what will make you happy."
"I think this is the happiest I've ever been. I feel like I can breathe." Kara took a deep breath, like someone inhaling fresh, mountain air. "I haven't had to worry if I'm not human enough. I don't have to be 'normal.' I just have to be my normal."
"We should all be so lucky." And I am so lucky.
"You think Miss Grant will publish it?" While Cat had not hired Kara back, she had reached out. Apparently, Cat overheard James and Nia talking about Kara several times and her ordeals since coming back, not that she outright said that was why she was checking in.
Alex shrugged. "Won't know until you try."
"You'll come with me?"
"Always."
Kara squealed and hugged her. Alex was able to hug back and realized everything was back to normal when she did not feel the urge to hang on just a little longer. She did not feel the need to prove this was real.
Later that night, Alex laid in bed with Lena and understood how lucky she was. She kissed Lena's forehead and Lena cuddled close to her. What a difference a year made, but as everyone pointed out, people were always changing. Now, she could become who she wanted. Her life could begin again with everyone else.
"Wanna go kickboxing, babe?" Alex asked.
Lena sighed as she put her arm across Alex's abdomen. "You know I do."
"You are the perfect woman. Please, don't ever change," Alex said with a chuckle.
Lena yawned. "I love you for saying so. You change as much as you want. I'll still love you."
Alex laughed and embraced Lena, so she could be closer. Lena was perfect and patient. Alex felt like she did not deserve Lena, who would tell her not to think like that. Lena knew her heart and her mind. She might change, but Lena would always be there and support her in figuring herself out. She would do the same with Lena. They both deserved the attention and understanding. They would give it to each other for as long as they could.
-8-8-8-8-
The End.
Once again, shout out to my beta, TheCrowDawg. Thank you to everyone who read this story. I hope you enjoyed it. Please, let know what you thought. I'm returning to my padded cell now, but I'll be back in a little while. Come say hi to me on Facebook or Tumblr: Slunatic. Take care. Hasta…