POTUS

6

A/N: Ok… this was so tough to write. I might need to take some time to recover so just a little warning that I might not post for a few days.

It was just past dawn. Kara had slept fitfully, waking up at the slightest noise and looking around fearfully, arms tightening around the president. Each time, Alex had soothed her with gentle caresses and soft words.

Now, in the dim morning light coming through the bedroom window, the agent knew it was time to step back, to resume her professional role before the president woke up and coaxed her back into somnolence... or coaxed her into something else.

Careful not to disturb her deeply sleeping friend, Kara eased out of the large bed and got dressed. She used the bathroom and washed her face, then moved quietly out into the main living space of the suite, closing the bedroom door behind her.

Kara made coffee and helped herself to some chocolate as she took a seat on the couch and flipped the TV on. As she expected, the attack on the summit thirteen hours previously was still the main news story. She listened carefully as the reporter went through the timeline and details but there wasn't anything being reported that she didn't already know.

Just then, there was a knock at the suite's door, and she drew her gun as she moved silently to it to peer through the peephole. Then she eased back and holstered her weapon as she pulled the door open to find her father there with a worried frown on his face. Behind him was the new Special Agent in Charge, Miller, and a group of Secret Service agents, some of whom she knew.

Kara inhaled deeply, trying to keep her emotion in check as her dad stepped into the room and pulled her into his arms. "Are you ok, Baby?" he asked quietly into her ear as his fingertips lightly brushed the bandage he could feel through her shirt.

"Yes, Sir," she replied, soaking up his soothing energy and letting it be a balm for her fractured heart. "Thanks for coming, Dad."

Russell rubbed her back and then stepped away. "Special Agent Lee, you know the new SAC, John Miller."

"Sir," Kara nodded as she shook her new boss's hand. Her face was impassive as always, but her stomach clenched uncomfortably. She did not like that man.

"Agent Lee," Miller replied. "I'm glad you're ok. Where's the president?"

Kara glanced toward the bedroom. "Still asleep, Sir."

"Did YOU get any sleep?" Russell asked.

"Some," Kara replied. She watched as the other agents took up their positions outside the door and along the hallway. "It was a rough night."

"I can imagine," Miller replied as they moved into the suite proper. "We have a team here to handle all the details... to retrieve our fallen colleagues' personal possessions… and we've arranged for their bodies to be transported to Airforce One for return to the United States.

Kara nodded. "Good."

"We've also made the calls to their families to inform them of their deaths."

The agent froze, blue eyes widening. "Calls?"

"Yes," Miller confirmed.

Russell cleared his throat and looked away, knowing his daughter well enough to see what was coming. "You informed the families that their loved ones were dead... OVER THE PHONE?" Kara asked incredulously.

"Yes..." Miller replied, frowning. "We wanted to make sure they knew before the media began to report it. Is there a problem, Agent Lee?"

Kara's body tensed and she was on the verge of explosion. "You couldn't go there personally? You son of..."

"I think what Agent Lee is trying to say," a calm voice interrupted. "Is that she and I wanted to inform the families in person." President Danvers was standing just outside the bedroom door, dressed in a tightly belted robe. "Isn't that right, Agent Lee?"

Kara sucked in a breath and slowly nodded. "Yes, Madam President. That's right." She turned her head then to look at Alex and her mind derailed slightly, caught between burning fury and sudden awe at how gorgeous the adorably sleep-rumpled president looked.

Alex looked over at Winn, who had arrived at some point and was standing just inside the door, watching the goings-on like a tennis match. "Chief of Staff Schott, please arrange for myself and Agent Lee to visit each of the families immediately when we get back... including Miss Johannsen's. Have Marine One on standby in case we need interstate travel."

Winn nodded. "Yes, Ma'am," he replied quietly.

"Now," the president stated. "Give myself and Agent Lee an hour to shower and dress but I want a full briefing on everything that's happened overnight. Then I want to be on Airforce One and on our way back home by noon."

"But, Ma'am," Miller said. "Agent Lee is being relieved of duty while we investigate..."

"Special Agent Lee..." President Danvers said, overriding him without a thought. "Saved my life and will remain as the lead agent on my protection detail. I'm not going anywhere without her. Now, leave whoever needs to stay here to continue the investigation, but make sure all our fallen friends are with us."

Alex paused a moment to lock eyes with Kara and then turned to re-enter her bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her.

Miller looked down for a moment and then nodded to himself. "Agent Lee," he said. "It's clear the president wants you to remain in your post."

"I serve at the pleasure of the President," Kara replied simply, eyes cool. "Now excuse me while I freshen up."

And with that, she headed out of the suite and along the hallway, pausing as she went to greet and shake hands with her new compliment of agents. She missed Goliath, Rhodes, Feeney and Stafford, but she knew she'd have time to grieve for them later. For now, she had a job to do.

Xx

Alex was furious at Miller. It had taken everything she'd had in her, to stop herself from storming across the suite and punching his lights out when she'd heard what he'd said. She was in the shower now, just breathing through the fury as the hot water cascaded down over her. She'd woken up to find Kara gone and voices outside her bedroom door, but she hadn't expected to find her friend on the verge of ruining her own career. It was clear that Kara didn't like Miller and distrusted him… and by extension Alex found herself distrusting him too. She suddenly wanted to take control of everything; to lead every facet of the investigation personally... but she knew she couldn't. She knew she had to rely on her officially appointed staff to do it for her.

"FUCK!" she exclaimed, slamming her fist into the tiled wall, then scowled unhappily. "Owww, dammit!" She shook her hand out then and sighed heavily. "Ok, Danvers, you have to calm down." She bowed her head and pressed it against the cool tile, wishing that Kara was with her. She pictured the agent's beautiful face... her smile... her blue eyes half-lidded with desire when they'd kissed... and her anger gave way to another emotion that made her breathing and heartrate pick up their pace. "God, I want you, Kara," she whispered. But the words flowed down the drain along with the hot water and she sighed again as she finished showering and stepped out to finish getting ready.

Xx

"So, let me make sure I understand," President Danvers said, getting up to pace back and forth behind the sofa. "As of now, we still have no idea who perpetrated this disgusting and vicious attack... like... not one iota of a clue?"

Everyone at the briefing nodded their head unhappily.

"HOW THE FUCK IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?!"

Special Agent Lee winced but couldn't disagree with the president's incredulity.

"We have numerous spy and investigative organizations and you're telling me that not one of them have a lead?"

Again, all the heads around the coffee table nodded but Miller spoke up tentatively. "It's taken a few hours for a task force to be assembled and every organization has provided their best analysts, but we haven't gone through all the data yet."

The president nodded her understanding. "What about the local police?" There was silence and Alex looked around at her staff.

Kara folded her arms and spoke up. "Has anyone spoken with the local police chief, Jacques Chambrelle? I was liaising with him yesterday at the venue."

Again silence.

President Danvers shook her head. "Special Agent Lee, please assign an agent to liaise with the Police Chief."

"Yes, Ma'am." Kara went to Agent Forbes, who was standing near the door and gave her some quiet instructions. The woman nodded and quickly left.

"What's the status of the deceased agents and Tally Johannsen?" the president asked then.

Chief of Staff Schott got to his feet, looking at his watch. "They'll be onboard Airforce One in the next few minutes. If you're ready to go, Ma'am, your motorcade is waiting outside."

Alex paused as she looked around the suite. Her luggage had already been packed and taken away and she found that she couldn't wait to get home. "I think it's time to go," she said, looking at Kara.

"Yes, Ma'am," the agent replied with a smile.

The president nodded. "But before we go, there's just one thing I have to do. Special Agent Lee, could you accompany me to the hotel gift shop?"

Surprised eyes all shot to the president, but she ignored them and headed out. Kara followed her amiably and, when the elevator doors closed to give them the first moment alone they'd had all morning, they looked at each other and spoke at the same time.

"Are you ok?"

"Are you alright?"

Then they both nodded at each other with a smile.

"If there wasn't a camera in here, I'd kiss you right now," Alex murmured.

Blue eyes shone with mirth. "I wanted to kiss you this morning when you came out of your bedroom. You looked so adorable."

The president grinned at that, but then her face slowly sobered. "We should probably talk on the plane."

"Yeah," the agent replied, blowing out a long breath. "We definitely should."

They reached the lobby and Kara checked outside the doors before letting the president exit. They walked quickly across the marble-tiled floor and into the gift shop. Alex paused to look around and then headed straight for a shelf on which several gift baskets sat.

The president felt a sudden tightness in her chest as she gazed at them. Then Kara's hand was pressing lightly to the small of her back. "Whichever one you choose, Madam President, her mother will love it because it came from Tally."

Alex nodded, offering her friend a grateful smile. Then her smile broadened as she just went for the largest basket there was. "This one."

"I couldn't have chosen better myself," the agent agreed as she took it from the president's hands and carried it to the clerk. She pulled her wallet out of her pocket and handed her credit card to the astonished woman.

"Ce sera trois cents euros, s'il vous plait," the woman said.

Kara tilted her head and smiled. "Plus que ça vaut le prix," she replied with a chuckle.

"Indeed, Madame," the young woman replied, switching to English as she saw the president raise her eyebrows. "Three hundred euros is a good price for the amount of chocolate in this basket."

Alex nodded her agreement. "Thanks..." She glanced at the woman's name tag. "Annamarie."

"My pleasure, President Danvers," Annamarie replied. Then she lowered her eyes. "I am happy that you were not hurt yesterday."

The president nodded. "Thank you again."

And with a parting smile, Kara led her out of the shop and back to the elevator.

Xx

The president was rarely alone and today especially, the constant noise around her was making her teeth and eyeballs hurt. She got up and walked along Airforce One's wide hallway to stretch her legs and maybe find an alcoholic beverage. It was after three in the afternoon, and she hadn't eaten much, but a glass of scotch sounded suddenly very appealing.

She found herself near the galley and stuck her head inside to find one of the catering staff busy chopping lettuce. "Excuse me," she said.

The woman looked around and straightened immediately, setting her knife down. "Madam President, what can I get you?"

"If it's not too much trouble, do you think I could get four grilled cheese sandwiches, a glass of scotch and a couple bottles of chilled water please?"

The woman smiled broadly. "Oh Ma'am, it's no trouble at all. If I could, I'd give you the moon. Give me fifteen minutes and I'll bring it all to your private suite."

"What's your name?" the president asked gently.

"Ashley," the woman replied shyly.

"Well, thank you for your kindness, Ashley. I appreciate it."

"It's my honor and pleasure, President Danvers."

With a parting smile over her shoulder, Alex headed for her suite, pulling out her new phone as she walked.

DaPres: I somehow have spare grilled cheeses. Interested?

At the other end of the plane, Kara pulled out her new phone and chuckled softly as she read the message, quickly typing a reply.

The president grinned as she received it.

Muscles: Thank you. I appreciate the offer, Madam President. Be there shortly

Alex entered her suite and took a seat on the sofa, ignoring the stack of documents she still had to look through in favor of just relaxing for a moment with her eyes closed.

She was dozing lightly when a knock sounded at the door and Kara came in. "Ma'am," she smiled. She moved across the room to sit down next to her friend. "You look tired."

"I am," the brunette admitted. "It was a rough night."

"My fault," the agent replied quietly. "I kept waking you up with my bullshit."

"No... Kara..." Alex lifted her hand to touch the agents face but drew it back quickly when another knock sounded at the door. "Come on in," she called and smiled as Ashley wheeled a cart full of goodies into the room. Everything smelled heavenly and Alex's stomach growled loudly, making Kara stifle a grin.

"Grilled cheeses and some chocolate cake for dessert," Ashley said, returning the smile. "Can I get you anything else, Ma'ams?"

Alex noted the whole bottle of scotch and the small bucket of ice to go with it on the cart and nodded her approval. "Looks good to me, Ashley. Thanks!"

"You're welcome, Madam President," the young woman replied and then ducked back out the door.

Kara got up and went to the cart to grab a plate for her friend, but she paused as Alex's arms suddenly came around her waist as she rested her cheek between her shoulder blades. "That probably isn't a very good idea," she said, swallowing hard as her traitorous body leaned back into the brunette's embrace.

"It definitely isn't," Alex murmured as her hand slipped under the agent's shirt to caress over the soft ridges of her abs. "But I can't seem to make myself care right now." She paused then, hand stilling. "However, if this isn't what you want, Kara, I'll stop right now."

The agent was quiet for a moment but then she slowly turned to gently grasp the older woman's chin, her voice raspy as she looked into her brown eyes. "Please don't ask me to be the honorable one. I'm not sure I can. I want you too fucking much, Alex."

The honesty of the words and the look in the agent's blue eyes blew Alex away and she totally got it. She eased back, giving them both some space to breathe. "I'm sorry," she said. "I feel the same way about you and it's not fair to ask you to be the one to hold back."

Her stomach suddenly growled again, and they laughed together, breaking the intensity of the moment. "Here," Kara said, offering one of the plates of sandwiches. "Eat, before the monster gets loose."

The president took the plate with a chuckle and went back to her seat as Kara poured her a glass of scotch. The agent brought it to her, along with a bottle of water and then went back to the cart for her own lunch.

"What are we going to do?" Alex asked softly as the agent returned to the sofa.

"I... don't know," Kara admitted, just as softly. She took a bite of her food and chewed slowly. Then swallowed as she turned her head to look at her friend. "But I know I don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to lose you either, Kara." They ate quietly for a while, both lost in thought. Then Alex spoke again. "What happened yesterday showed me, once again, that I seem to be living a charmed life. I should be dead ten fucking times over… but I'm not."

The agent's eyebrows lifted as set her empty plate on the coffee table. "Really?"

"Yeah," the president nodded. "But you know what? My luck can't hold out forever and I don't want to waste a single moment of the time I have left. So… I want this between us… and I'm willing to keep it confidential… but you have to want it too, Kara. You have to be willing to risk your career if we're caught."

Kara just looked at her, blue eyes gentle

"Do… you want to think about it?" Alex asked tentatively.

"Yes, I do want to think about it," Kara deadpanned. Then she lifted a hand. "Ok, I thought about it and of course I want this with you."

The president laughed softly and shifted to straddle the agent's thighs and wrap her arms around her neck. "So… does that mean I get to make out with you like a horny teenager then?" she asked.

"Mmmm…" the blonde replied with a sexy smile. "I'd rather do things with you that horny adults do," she whispered. Her hands started a gentle exploration up the president's back as they kissed. It was slow and deep and passionate… and Alex groaned as the agent's hands slipped under her shirt to caress her sides.

"God… Kara… please touch me," the president murmured as she sucked on the blonde's earlobe. At Alex's invitation, Kara's hands grew bolder, and they caressed the president's stomach and then higher to cup her breasts and tease her nipples through her bra. The brunette gasped in a breath and pressed her chest harder into Kara's palms.

And Alex's hands were searching too, fingers running through the agent's long, blonde hair as she kissed her passionately, swirling her tongue around Kara's and then sucking on it gently, drawing a whimper from her. The brunette's whole body was moving, and she pushed her hips into the agent's stomach, seeking some kind of relief from the throbbing ache between her thighs.

But then Kara was easing back and whispering in her ear. "I want more with you… but not here… we should stop, Alex."

The president nodded and rested her forehead against her friend's as she let her breathing settle. "Want to be my girlfriend?" she asked then with a playful grin.

"Do I get to walk you home from school?"

"You can ride the bus with me."

Kara smiled beautifully. "Ok then."

Xx

President Danvers was standing in line as part of the honor guard as the coffins of Special Agent Taylor, Special Agent Rhodes, Special Agent Feeney, Special Agent Stafford and Tally Johannsen were carried out of the cargo hold of Airforce One.

Kara was at her left side and Winn was on her right and the president ached to reach out to take their hands. Instead, she linked arms with them both and pulled them closer to her. She felt Kara's breath hitch and the agent leaned against her slightly as Winn did the same.

"They died for me," the president said so softly they barely heard her. "I'll forever be in their debt." Then she looked at her best friend. "Is the route ready for the visits to the families?"

Winn nodded. "All but Agent Stafford were married but her parents live in Richmond. The rest are in the D.C area."

Special Agent Lee nodded. "I'd really like to see Rachel Taylor first," she said quietly. Alex and Winn both nodded.

"Yeah," the brunette said as the deceased were carried away in their hearses. "Then I want to go see Tally's mom."

The drive to the Taylor residence only took fifteen minutes but, when they pulled up, Kara just sat next to the president for a moment and blew out a long breath. "What do I say?" she asked softly. "I've never lost anyone under my command before."

Alex nodded in sympathy. "It's never easy, Kara, even when you have. Start with a hug."

They got out of the Beast and agents took up positions at the front of the house as Kara and Alex walked up the path and took the steps up onto the porch. The president took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. A moment later, the door opened, and Rachel just stared at them, hand resting on her baby bump and rubbing slowly.

"Rachel," Kara said softly. "Can we come in?"

The woman said nothing, but she slowly stepped out of the house onto the porch, eyes locked on the president. Then, without warning, she slapped Alex hard across the face. Kara gasped and lunged toward her as her hand lifted again, but Alex just gently blocked the blow and held her hand. "It's ok, Agent Lee," she said. "Keep everyone back." The redhead was sobbing now, and Alex pulled her into her arms to hold her close. "Alan was so brave, Rachel. We called him Goliath because he was a gentle giant, and everyone loved him. He was my friend and I'm so sorry he was taken from us."

"He loved you," Rachel replied, in a watery voice. "He said everyone does. He was so proud to serve you. It's YOUR fault he's dead."

"You're right," Alex replied softly. "He gave his life to protect me."

"Madam President," Kara began… but Alex shook her head and the agent fell silent.

Rachel pulled away and stepped back into the house. "Please… just leave," she said and closed the door behind her.

The president turned and walked back down the path to the Beast with Kara behind her. They slid into the back and Alex immediately raised the privacy screen. Kara was silent for a long moment and then she looked at her girlfriend speechlessly. The president's eyebrows drew together, and her brown eyes held such compassion that the agent could hardly stand it and she lost it, falling apart with such grief that she felt she was drowning in it. She sobbed, harder than she'd ever sobbed before, and when the president's arms came around her, she didn't even try to pull away.

"I've got you," Alex whispered as she caressed her hair. "Cry it out. You're safe with me."

It took a few minutes for the agent to calm down, but she finally straightened and wiped her face. Then she reached out to gently caress the president's. "Are you ok? Did she hurt you?"

"It doesn't matter. It was what she needed. You would have let her hit you too." Alex leaned forward. "We should get going." She knocked on the privacy screen and a moment later, the car started moving.

They were quiet on the way to Mary Johannsen's house and Alex's eyes kept straying to the basket of Swiss chocolate sitting on the floor next to her. "Tally would be glad you're doing this," Kara said. "She admired you so much. She told me at the gym that morning that it was the most amazing honor of her life to be able to be your assistant."

"She wanted a career in politics," Alex replied, tears welling in her eyes. "She wanted to make a difference in this country." She sniffed hard and squared her shoulders then as Limousine One pulled over and eased to a stop. Agent Granger opened the door and stepped back as Kara and Alex got out of the vehicle. "Tom," Alex said. "Can you wait for my signal and then bring me the basket please?"

"Of course, Ma'am," the man replied with a smile.

The president nodded and she was just about to head for the house when a new voice sounded out. "Madam President." Alex whirled and was suddenly holding an armful of Cat. She tightened her hold on the older woman. "I was so worried about you," Cat whispered. "Oh my God. Are you ok? When I heard you were visiting Tally's mother today, I just knew I had to come too."

"I'm ok, Cat," Alex said in reply, easing back a little. "I have so much to tell you but let's see Mary first." She looked at Kara who smiled gently.

"Go with Ms. Grant. I'll stay here and bring you the basket when you're ready, Madam President."

The president smiled back and, linking Cat's arm, they headed up the driveway to the front door. The older woman leaned a little closer. "I see you two finally did something about the ridiculous chemistry between you."

Alex's eyes widened. "What?"

"C'mon, Madam President," Cat chuckled. "She looks at you like you hang the moon for her… and you look back at her the exact same way. Have you finally realized that you're in love with her?"

And Alex just nodded. "Yeah… yeah, actually, I have."

Her friend nodded in satisfaction. "Good."

"But it's complicated and hard. No one can know, Cat."

"Of course it is," Cat scoffed. "Things that are worth it, rarely aren't." She reached out and rang the doorbell as she squeezed Alex's arm encouragingly.

"Let's hope this one doesn't slap me," Alex muttered, discreetly rotating her aching jaw. Cat just chuckled.

This time, when the door opened, Alex was pulled into a pair of warm arms for a hug. "Madam President, thank you for coming. It's an honor to have you here," Mary Johannsen said. "Come in, come in."

Alex turned slightly and beckoned to Kara, who jogged up the path, basket in hand, and handed it off to her, before heading back to the car to stand watch.

Alex and Cat followed the woman inside. "Thank you, Mrs. Johannsen. This is Cat Grant, my executive assistant. She was Tally's manager."

Mary took a seat on the sofa and Alex set the gift basket down on the couch next to her. "Good to meet you, Ms. Grant. Tally talked about you fondly." She looked at the basket. "And what's this?"

Alex smiled gently. "Tally loved being in Geneva and she loved the Swiss chocolate. On the morning of the day of the attack, she told me that she wanted to bring you home some of the chocolate so… I wanted you to have this. It was the last wish she conveyed to me."

"Madam President," Mary whispered. "That's so kind of you."

"No," the president replied. "Tally was wonderful and it's the least I could do for her. I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss."

Cat nodded. "The day before she left with President Danvers, she told me that you'd be proud of her… for leaving the U.S for the first time to fly with the president on Airforce One."

"I was… and I am… so, so proud of her. I already miss her so much." Mary began to cry, and Alex didn't hide her own tears. Instead, she crossed to her to sit on the couch and wrap her arm around her shoulders.

"I'm proud of her too. I only knew her a few months, but she made a difference in my life. She was kind toward me… and thoughtful and great at her job. I was so lucky to have known her."

"Thank you, Madam President. Thank you."

Thirty minutes later, with heavy hearts, Alex and Cat left the house and walked to the Beast. "How's Jackie?" Alex asked as she stood with her friend at the door. Her eyes strayed to Kara who was, for all intents and purposes, trying to look inconspicuous. It wasn't working.

"The radiation has been hard on her but everyone's hopeful that it'll shrink the tumor. The kids don't really understand what's going on but… we're holding it together. Madam President, I'll come back until we can find someone…"

But Alex put her hand on her friend's shoulder and shook her head. "Cat… please don't worry about that. We'll manage until you're ready to come back. I'll just steal Caroline from Winn and make him do his own stuff." She sniggered a little and Kara couldn't help the little smile that pulled at her lips.

Cat caught the agent's smile and she leaned close to her. "You know," she said. "Wearing your heart on your sleeve really suits you, Special Agent Lee."

Blue eyes widened and, to Alex's surprise, a blush hinted at Kara's cheeks. "I have no idea what you mean, Ms. Grant."

"Mmmhmmm," the older woman replied knowingly. "Just take care of her, ok?"

And Kara nodded seriously. "Always."