POTUS

3

"Nice," Special Agent Lee praised as she lowered her ear protectors to hang them around her neck. She and POTUS were standing together in front of a paper target, and they were backed by a group of agents and National Guardsmen who were amazed to see that their Commander-in-Chief really was badass.

Alex carefully flipped her gun's safety on and sat it on the counter in front of her. Then she took off her own ear protectors. "God, that felt weird," she said. "I haven't fired a gun in…" She paused, trying to remember. "Must be four years now."

"And you still hit fourteen bulls out of sixteen shots?" Agent Rhodes exclaimed. "That's freakin' amazing! You were in the military, right, Ma'am?"

"Yeah," Alex replied. "Special Forces. Eight tours."

Rhodes nodded respectfully. "Thank you for your service, Ma'am."

There was awed silence in the group for a moment and then Alex chuckled. "So, who can do better than fourteen bulls? Special Agent Lee, I've heard you're an impressive shot. I believe my chief of staff said something about your being able to hit an ant at five hundred yards with your eyes closed?"

"The eyes closed part is a slight exaggeration," Kara deadpanned, and the others laughed.

"Care to make a friendly wager?" the president asked, brown eyes twinkling.

Kara straightened and folded her arms. "What do you suggest, Madam President?"

"Sixteen shots," Alex said succinctly. "Rapid fire. Most bulls wins. If I win, you have to…" She paused a moment to think. "Take me out."

Kara swallowed hard. "Take you out as in…?"

"You have to figure out a girl's night. Dinner, dancing, the whole nine yards."

"Ah…" Kara chuckled. "And if I win?"

Alex shrugged playfully. "You won't."

The others sniggered, and Kara raised her eyebrows. "In that case, I'll name my own terms. If I win, you have to go sightseeing with me around D.C. … on Marine One."

The president's eyes widened, but then she wagged her finger at her friend and squared her shoulders. "Ok, agreed. You're not going to win anyway."

"Yes, Ma'am," Kara grinned as she pulled her weapon from her holster and loaded a fresh magazine.

Alex picked up the gun from the counter in front of her and loaded a fresh clip too. "Ladies first," she said then, indicating that Kara should go ahead.

The others all gathered around and set their ear protectors in place as Alex and Kara did the same. Then Special Agent Lee stepped up, replaced the target with a fresh one and then sent it back toward the end of the lane. She took slow deep breaths and flipped her safety off, then held her breath and squeezed the trigger rapidly to fire sixteen shots in succession.

When she was done and had placed her gun on the counter, the agents yelled their congratulations. Kara hit the button to bring the target to them and they counted fourteen bullseyes to match Alex's first round.

"Nice," the brunette praised. "Congratulations."

"Should I get Marine One fueled up?" the agent teased, and the president laughed softly.

"It ain't over 'til it's over," she replied as she stepped up and set a new target in place. It sailed to the end of the lane, and she waited for it to still before raising her gun. She closed her eyes to center herself and let out a long, slow breath. Then she opened her eyes and fired off sixteen shots in rapid succession.

Another round of delighted cheering sounded out and she set her gun on the counter, smiling as she hit the button to bring back the target to them.

"Fifteen," Rhodes breathed. "Holy shit, Lee. She did it."

But the blonde agent just smiled. "Of course she did. Guess I'm figuring out a girl's night for us, Madam President."

Alex's stomach fluttered a little at the thought.

Just then, Agent Taylor stuck his head in through the door. "Madam President, you're needed. The White House is on a secure line."

The president nodded and started walking backwards, brown eyes locked on Kara's blue. "I can't wait, Agent Lee," she replied, then winked as she headed out the door.

The other agents looked at each other and grinned. Taylor looked around. "What did I miss?"

Rhodes clapped Kara on the back. "Lee has a date… with the President."

Blue eyes rolled exasperatedly. "Don't start. You know it's not a date."

But Kara looked away and closed her eyes as a large part of her wished it was.

Xx

"Credible threats?" Lee asked, looking at Agent Feeney. She and her senior agents were going over the daily reports.

"Just the usual love letters," the man replied with a shrug. He paused then and frowned. "Although, one did come in overnight. What's the president doing after she leaves here?"

Kara double checked the schedule on her tablet. "Back to the White House for a week but no special events, and then on to the summit on clean energy in Geneva."

Feeney turned his tablet around to show his boss the report. "Let's keep an eye on this one," he said. "It's fossil fuel company related."

Kara skimmed the details and shook her head. "No," she said. "Let's track this one down and bring them in for a chat."

"You really think it..." Rhodes began but Kara held up her hand.

"I'm not taking any risks with her life," she said softly and seriously. "Bring them in and let me know the outcome please."

Feeney nodded just as seriously. "Yes, Ma'am."

Kara looked at the other agents. "Anything else?"

Heads shook and she smiled a little. "I appreciate your hard work, Gentlemen. Thank you."

"Ma'am," the agents replied and then filed out.

Xx

"Madam President," Cat said as she moved slowly across Alex's Camp David office.

Alex looked up from her MacBook where she was reviewing troop movements in Afghanistan. Bringing their military home was a cause close to her heart and she was working steadily with the Secretary of State and Department of Defense to put the wheels in motion. "Hi, Cat."

The executive assistant didn't look happy, and she sighed heavily, twisting the wedding ring on her finger anxiously. "Sorry, to interrupt. I know you have a lot on your plate, but I need to talk to you."

"Of course," Alex replied, getting up to join her friend and take a seat on the sofa with her. "What is it?"

"It's Jackie," Cat said softly. "Carter just called to let me know that the test results are back."

The president took her friend's hand and held it. "What's the word?"

"It's confirmed as breast cancer... but luckily, they've caught it very early. I told Carter I'd come and take care of the kids while they're figuring out the next step."

"Of course," Alex said with a frown. "Is there anything I can do? Anything at all, Cat."

"No, thank you, Alex," the older woman replied. "I'm sorry to leave you in the lurch like this."

But the president shook her head and wrapped her arms tightly around her friend to hug her. "There's nothing more important than family, Cat," she said. "Take care of them. Take as long as you need."

"You're a part of my family too, Alexandra Danvers," Cat said, tears welling in her green eyes. "Don't you forget that. Do what Winn and Kara say while I'm gone, ok?" She smiled then. "That woman is a sweetheart, you know?"

"Uh…" the president blinked and leaned back a little in surprise. "Yes, yes, she is." She got up then and straightened her hoodie. "Are you leaving now?"

"Yes, Ma'am. Kara has arranged transport back to D.C. for me," Cat replied. "Call me if anything comes up. In the meantime, Tally is fully briefed and ready to take over."

"Good, thank you. Give Carter and the family my love."

"I will. I'll call you." And with that, Cat sashayed out the door, leaving the president to round her desk and take a seat again. Her vacation had been just as much work as play, but she suddenly felt like taking a break, so she got up again and wandered out into the hallway to find Taylor on duty.

"Hey, Goliath," she teased. "How's it going?"

"Well, thank you, Ma'am," the big man replied with a grin. "You?"

"I'm bored," the president admitted. "Where's your boss?"

"I think Special Agent Lee said she was heading to the gym. Would you like me to call her?"

"No, I'll just go see if she wants some company. Walk me over?"

Taylor nodded. "Of course, Ma'am."

"Do you have any kids?" Alex asked as they made their way along the hallway and out into a small corridor that led to the recreation building.

"Not yet," Taylor replied. "My wife is pregnant. Seven months."

"Fantastic," Alex grinned. "Congratulations, Goliath! When he or she is born, I want AAALLL the pics."

The agent pushed the door to the gym open as he nodded. "I'll send you so many pics, you won't know what to do with them all."

"Pics of what?" Kara asked as she lowered the bar of the bench press and got up, wiping her face off with a towel.

Alex turned to look at her… and almost swallowed her tongue as her entire body woke up with a cheery hello. The blonde agent was wearing a sports bra and tight shorts and, as she slung her towel over her shoulder, her abs moved solidly under her skin and her biceps popped. "Holy shit," the president whispered before she could stop herself. Kara looked down at herself to see what was wrong and frowned as she looked back at the president. "Sorry," Alex said. "Um… I… you… have a lot of muscles." She was slightly tongue tied and she blushed a little as Taylor stifled a laugh.

"I'll leave you to it," he said and stepped back out of the room to stand guard in the hallway.

"Uh… right… pics of… Taylor's baby… when it's born," the president went on, forcing her feet to work and taking a few steps toward the agent. "I want to see all the pics."

"Ah," Kara chuckled, ignoring the muscle comment. "Goliath is so excited. It's so sweet."

"You call him that too?" Alex asked with a laugh.

"All the agents do," the blonde replied. Then she took a seat back on the bench. "So did you come to work out or just chat?"

"I was going to work out but I'm not doing weights now after seeing…" The president waved a hand in Kara's direction. "All that."

To Alex's amusement, the agent actually blushed, a little lost for words. "I have to stay fit," she said, settling on neutrality. "I have an important job."

"Really?" the president asked, feet moving her even closer to the tall agent.

"Mmmm…" Kara replied. "Keeping you safe is the most important job in the world... as far as I'm concerned."

Their eyes met and held, and Alex felt a little breathless. "When are you taking me out?" she blurted and then internally kicked herself.

"Uh…" The change of subject blindsided Kara and she started to laugh softly. "Well…" She shook her head. "Firstly, let's set some expectations. You know I can't ACTUALLY take you out, right? Whatever we're doing, we'll have to do inside the White House."

Alex felt a pout coming on and unsuccessfully tried to hold it back. "But why?"

"There are a couple of reasons," the agent said as she lay down on the bench to pick up the bar and press it away from her chest. "Firstly, it's against protocol for the president to go out to a bar or club or something like that. And if we did break that protocol, we'd have to follow the backup protocol which requires the venue to shut down for use ONLY by the president… and I think that defeats the purpose of going out in the first place. And secondly…" Kara finished the last of her ten reps, racked the bar and sat up again. "It wouldn't exactly be appropriate for the openly gay POTUS to be seen out drinking and dancing with the lead agent of her Secret Service detail, who's also openly gay."

Alex didn't bother hiding the pout this time. "I see your points and raise you Commander-in-Chief."

Kara chuckled at her chancer friend. "Not this time. It'd be my ass, Alex, you know that."

The president sighed and pulled off her hoodie to leave herself in a t-shirt and shorts as she moved to the treadmill and started it. With her back to the agent, she didn't see blue eyes momentarily pausing on her behind and then looking away quickly. She walked for a while and then upped the speed to a comfortable running pace for her. "Ok," she finally replied. "I understand your point. Sorry."

Kara got up and moved to stand beside her, leaning on the treadmill's arm. "I'm sorry. I truly am… but no one ever said being president would be easy."

"You've got that right," Alex nodded.

And with a gentle pat to the president's shoulder, Kara went to finish her workout.

Xx

"How many urgent matters can there possibly be in one day? If everything is urgent, nothing is urgent," Alex muttered to herself as her chief of staff leaned over a document with her. Since they'd returned to the White House, Alex's schedule had been busier than ever.

"As many as is necessary," Winn chuckled. "But I think this is the last one for now."

"So," the president said. "I got a cryptic text message from Special Agent Lee. She's apparently started the planning for our girl's night, and she wanted to know if I like pot stickers."

Winn didn't say anything for a moment and Alex turned her head to see if he'd been paying attention. "Alex…" he said softly. "Is there something happening between you two?"

Dark eyebrows lifted. "No… of course not, Winn."

The man nodded and then looked down. "I want you to be happy, Alex, but if something did happen between you, Agent Lee would be moved off your detail. It could end her career."

"I know," Alex said quietly, twirling her pen in her fingers. "There's nothing happening between us. Honestly."

The chief of staff decided to change the subject. "Looking forward to Geneva?"

"Actually, I am," the president replied, a smile rising to her face. "Clean energy is one of the things I wanted to address as soon as possible. Going to this summit will show that I meant it. My goal is to get the ball rolling on a bill to have all gas-powered cars off the road by twenty-thirty, like they're doing in Europe."

Winn chuckled. "That won't be a popular decision with the big fossil fuel companies."

The brunette got up and folded her arms, frowning. "You know what, Winslow? I'm about a click past giving a shit about what big fossil wants. I'll push an executive order if I have to. In fact, if I win a second term, I'll still BE the president in twenty-thirty and I'm sure as shit going to see this through."

"I hear you," the man replied with a chuckle. "I was there for the campaign, Honey."

Alex sighed and dropped back into her seat behind the Resolute Desk, folding her arms on its top and leaning her forehead on them. "I know," she replied, voice muffled. "Sorry."

Just then, her phone chimed, and she pulled it out of her pocket to read the text. A broad smile spread across her face as she looked at her friend. "Kara wants to know if I prefer green or blue."

Winn just shook his head and folded his arms across his chest. "If something ends up happening between you two, for God's sake, don't get caught, Alex!"

"Nothing is going to happen," Alex insisted. "Even if I wanted it to, Kara would never let it."

"OK," the chief of staff replied… not believing that for one moment.

Xx

Alex had just stepped out of a briefing about the plans for the clean energy summit, the following week when her assistant, Tally, caught her attention. "Madam President," she said. "Excuse me... Agent Lee has asked for a late evening slot on your schedule. I wanted to check with you since it's unusual..." But the young woman trailed off as she saw the big smile spread across her boss's face. "Ah... I see you already know about it. She's asked for tonight."

"Tonight?" Alex repeated in surprise. "Really? Wow. She doesn't waste any time. Ok, sure. Tonight's good."

"Thank you, Ma'am. I'll let her know."

But the president chuckled softly. "Actually, I'll let her know myself. Thanks, Tally." She stepped out into the main hallway outside the Oval Office and strolled along it, hands shoved in her pockets. No one stopped her and she made it all the way to the residence, nodding and smiling at staffers and Secret Service agents all the way. It was just approaching lunch time and she was looking forward to whatever would be for lunch.

"Agent Rhodes," she said as she picked up a straggler. "Where's your boss? Oh wait, isn't it her day off today?"

"Yes, Ma'am," the red-haired man replied. "Did you need her for something?"

"It's ok, I'll text her," Alex said with a shrug. "Thanks anyway."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The president went into the living room and picked up the phone. "Hey, Charlie, I'm in the residence, send up lunch please, would you? I'm starving." She listened for a moment. "Perfect. Thanks!"

Then Alex flopped into an armchair and pulled out her phone.

DaPres: So I heard you asked for a slot on my dance card for tonight. That works great for me

As she waited for Kara's reply, she scrolled through the tweets on the official POTUS Twitter account, grimacing at some of the replies to her last update about the revised gun control laws she'd outlined. She rolled her eyes. "You'd swear I was trying to take everyone's guns away, from some of these tweets," she muttered to herself.

Muscles: Perfect. I'll pick you up at the residence at eight. Dress like you're going out on the town

DaPres: Do I get a preview of what we're doing?

Muscles: That would give away the surprise

Muscles: And no, you can't make me change my mind

DaPres: See you at eight then!

Just then, a knock at the door sounded and one of the catering staff wheeled a cart in, on which sat a delicious looking bowl of soup and Alex's favorite grilled cheese sandwich. She tucked her phone away and grinned happily. "You know what?" she said to the smiling man. "Sometimes being president rocks."

"I can imagine, Ma'am," he chuckled in reply. "I included coffee and a Diet Coke with some chocolate chip cookies. Would you like anything else?"

Alex's eyes roamed over the tray. "No, I think that's good. Thanks, Earl."

"You're welcome, President Danvers," Earl replied and then headed back to the kitchen.

The president practically inhaled her lunch and then headed into her bedroom to look through her closet. "Dress like I'm going out on the town," she murmured as she went through her clothes. "Hmmm... I wonder." She paused, her hand on a dress she hadn't had occasion to wear in a long time and pulled its hanger out to gaze at it. "Yeah," she grinned. Then she picked out a pair of heels to go with it. "I think this outfit qualifies."

Xx

It was approaching eight and Kara was pacing outside the door of the residence. Taylor was on duty, and he pretended not to notice that his boss was nervous as hell. He cleared his throat after a moment though. "I don't think she'll mind if you're a few minutes early."

"Right," Kara nodded and lifted her hand to knock but Taylor put his hand on her shoulder.

"And just so you know... you look amazing and you're going to knock her socks off."

The blonde chuckled. "Thanks, but this isn't a date, Goliath."

"Right," Taylor replied but a little smirk twisted his lips. "Sorry."

Kara knocked then and pushed the door open to enter the residence. "Alex?"

"Be right there!" the president called and a moment later, exited her bedroom with a smile, which froze on her face, when she saw her friend. Kara was wearing a knee-length, deep blue, silk dress with thin straps that hugged her muscular shoulders, paired with black heels, which added a couple of inches to her tall frame. "Wow," Alex breathed. "You look..." Her breath whooshed out as she shook her head. "Incredible."

"Thanks," the agent replied, her own eyes roaming over the president's little black dress, that showcased her toned legs and more than a hint of cleavage. "And you're beautiful... I mean... you look." She laughed softly. "Sorry. I just... wow right back at you."

Alex was more than a little pleased with Kara's reaction and she moved closer to her, holding out a necklace to her. "Would you mind?

"Not at all," the agent said with a smile. She took the necklace and, as Alex turned around, swept her dark hair aside and looped the chain around her neck. Her fingertips brushed the president's skin as she closed the clasp and the brunette closed her eyes, willing away the tingles that were running through her body at the agent's touch. "There, perfect," Kara whispered, and it took everything Alex had to not just rub up against her like a cat.

The president cleared her throat and turned around, letting her hand lift to graze against Kara's free-flowing blonde hair. "So," she said. "What's on the agenda for tonight?"

"Dinner," the agent replied softly. "Dancing and hopefully some good alcohol."

Alex's face eased into a happy grin. "Shall we go then?" she asked.

Kara's hand lifted to press gently against the small of her back. "Yeah... Let's go." They left the residence with a goodbye to Taylor and headed along various hallways until they reached a room Alex didn't think she'd been in before. Kara pushed the door open and took the president's hand to tug her gently inside. "Since I couldn't take you out properly, I kinda put this together for you. I had help, of course."

Alex's eyes widened. The room was small enough to feel intimate, but it had a dancefloor and was decorated with a Chinese style theme, hung with softly lit paper lanterns and swatches of colorful fabrics. To one side was a table for two, already set with silver service and, when Kara pulled out her phone and hit a button, soft music began to play from discretely hung speakers around the room. "I... I don't know what to say," Alex whispered. "How did you do this?"

"As I said, I had help," Kara chuckled. "Do you like it?"

"I love it," the president replied and this time she didn't stop herself. She stepped forward and hugged her friend hard, pressing tightly against her. "Thank you."

Kara's body stiffened for a moment but, as the hug went on, she relaxed and let herself return it. "You're welcome," she replied as her hand gently pressed to the president's back.

Then Alex was easing back with a grin. "You said there was alcohol?"

"There's definitely alcohol," the agent laughed. "Come on, let's sit down."

They took their seats at the small table and Alex leaned on her forearms. "Hey, Kara?"

"Mmm?" the agent replied.

"Is your dress why you asked me if I like blue?"

The younger woman smiled. "Well... I was kinda torn between a green dress and this one, so I thought I'd ask."

"Well, blue is actually my favorite color... and it's definitely your color, Kara."

"Thanks," the agent replied. Then she sat back in her chair as the catering staff arrived with a cart of bottles and the two women chose their cocktails. "How was your day?"

"Frustrating," Alex sighed as she sipped her margarita. "I feel like I put out a million little fires but I'm not sure I really got anything done at all, you know?"

"Politics moving too slowly for you?" the agent asked with a tilt of her head.

"Yeah," the president agreed. "Don't tell anyone I said this... but I kinda get the allure of dictatorship. I could get a lot more done if I didn't have to wait for agreement from everyone."

Kara laughed softly. "I get it. But do me a favor, just let me know in advance if you decide to become a despot so I can up your security detail."

"I most certainly will," the brunette nodded amiably. Then she lifted her glass and smiled. "To democracy."

"To democracy," Kara repeated. Then she picked up her phone and changed the playlist, switching to an upbeat dance music station as the main lights lowered, and disco lights started to spin above their heads. "I don't know about you, but I think we should dance it out, Madam President."

"Hell yeah!" Alex got up and slipped her shoes off, offering her hand to her friend. "Let's see those moves, Special Agent Lee!"

Xx

Alex was a little drunk and she laughed heartily as Kara pulled off some nineties dance moves and then spun around dramatically. "Holy shit, Kara. You're going to make yourself throw up if you keep spinning like that. Actually… you're going to make ME throw up."

They'd been on the dance floor for a long time and both women were getting tired. "Ok, ok... let's sit down for a while," the agent laughed. Without thinking, she took the president's hand and led her back to the table, where she changed the music and lights to levels more conducive to conversation. There was a cart of warming dishes sitting by the table and the catering staff member lifted the lids on them.

"Hey, it's Earl! Hi, Earl!" Alex exclaimed. She looked at Kara. "Earl brings me most excellent grilled cheeses for lunch."

"Good evening, Madam President, Ms. Lee," the man smiled. "Tonight, we have an assortment of Chinese dishes beginning with pot stickers, lettuce wraps and pork spring rolls. Then for your entree, we have spicy sesame beef with fragrant egg fried rice and a wonderful chicken lo mein, made with the chef's own special recipe. Would you like me to serve?"

"Please," Kara said. "I'll have some of everything."

"Me too," Alex agreed enthusiastically. "It smells amazing."

Earl served some heaping plates and then slipped away to leave them alone to eat. "Mmmm…" Kara said, making an ecstatic face that made Alex swallow for a reason more than just the mouthful of beef she was chewing.

"Fuck, you're gorgeous," the president murmured.

"What?" Kara asked, leaning closer.

"What?" the president replied. "Did I say something?"

"You tell me," the agent replied with a grin.

"Nope, didn't say a word." Alex popped a pot sticker in her mouth and offered a closed-lipped smile.

"Ok," Kara chuckled, going back to her lo mein.

So, how old were you when you left Kansas?" the brunette asked with raised eyebrows.

"I left when my parents adopted me. I was twelve and living in a group home… had been living there a while actually, when a social worker came one day and told me I was going to my forever home. It was a shock at first and I didn't want to go."

"Why?" Alex asked, sipping on her fresh margarita. "Didn't you want a forever home?"

"I did," the agent shrugged. "But I was afraid to leave what I knew. I was torn, I guess."

The president nodded and leaned back in her chair. "I can totally understand that," she said. "Was that when Russell and Rowena brought you to D.C.?"

"Yeah," Kara smiled. "I kinda loved them after a week of being with them. They made me feel as safe as my birth parents had. I'll never forget my mom and dad, but I was glad I went with the Warrens."

"I remember Russell talking about you at my inauguration," the older woman said as she wiped her lips with a napkin. "He's so proud of you."

"And I'm proud of him," the blonde replied. "If I can have half the career he's had…" She trailed off and finished her drink. Then a grin split her face. "Oh hey, I love this song!" Kara stood and offered her hand. "Dance with me?"

"Um… sure," the president chuckled. She took the agent's hand and followed her to the dance floor, marveling a little at how different the blonde was, when she was relaxed. "It's been a long time since I've done this. I may be a bit rusty."

"Me too," Kara breathed as she gently held the brunette at the small of her back and pressed them together. Alex's hand rested on her shoulder and her thumb absently caressed the taller woman's skin as she grasped her hand. Then she closed her eyes as Kara sang quietly along with the song.

"You're still the one I run to,
The one that I belong to,
You're still the one I want for life.

You're still the one that I love,
The only one I dream of,
You're still the one I kiss goodnight."

"Shania fan?" Alex asked softly as she looked into shimmering blue eyes.

"Mmmm… a little. I just really love this song," the agent replied.

"It's a really great song," the president agreed, her hand sliding effortlessly from Kara's shoulder to the back of her neck under her hair.

Kara's hand slid higher on Alex's back to press them even closer together.

Alex held her breath as she leaned in just a tad more.

They were a hair apart.

The president could feel Kara's breath on her lips. Her heart was pounding in her chest.

"I… I think we should call it a night, Alex," came the whispered urging.

Brown eyes closed and Alex let out her breath and sucked another one in. "Yeah… yeah, it's getting late."

"I'll walk you back to the residence," the agent said.

But the president shook her head. "I think we both know I should go back alone."

Blue eyes closed. "Y-yeah."