She feels the bright morning sun tickling against her face, the warmth seeping into her skin which creates a surge of energy stronger than her morning cup of coffee. She stretches on instinct, a dopey smile reaching as far into her cheeks as possible. A moan of pleasure and absolute peace escapes her sleepy throat as she squirms against the most comfortable bed she's ever slept in.
Well...she can't really remember her past...maybe she has slept in a bed this spectacular but her body is pretty confident it was never this glorious.
Sudden whispers catch her attention, inspiring her eyelids to pop open and finally greet the day. That's when the blissful morning is swept away and replaced with pure panic. The world around her appears as if she is staring through some goggles that allow her to see through everything. In a haste, she slams her eyes shut and scrubs away the terrifying image before her. Quickly, she scrambles up in bed, her heart racing as tiny needles of anxious energy stab every inch of her body. Hesitantly, she peeks one eye open to discover the fancy dresser across the room is completely empty inside.
Without a second thought, she falls to the side of the bed, a mess of long limbs as she fumbles for her glasses on the nightstand. With her eyes closed, she slides them onto her face and sends a silent prayer to whomever is listening that she isn't suffering from some mental breakdown. Or worse, when she fell in the woods that she didn't hit her head and damage her vision in some way.
When she opens her eyes again, her world is back to normal and she exhales the biggest sigh of relief.
For a moment, she contemplates telling Regina about this little episode because there's something about the woman that feels familiar. She realized last night over dinner and some action movie Henry insisted on, that there's something in Regina's teasing smirk that feels a little like home. It's the flash of raven tresses that reminds her of something she can't really pinpoint just yet. And that quirk of an eyebrow that's intimidating yet slightly amused that makes her heart skip a beat. She feels safe with Regina.
She sure as hell can't run the risk of driving away the only person she feels safe around.
"Welp, definitely not sharing that...yeah, they'll have me committed," she mumbles to herself just as she realizes those whispers are coming in a heck of a lot clearer.
"Couldn't you just flick your wrist and fill an entire wardrobe of clothes for her?" Kara hears who she believes to be Emma, drawing up the conclusion that they must be right outside her door now.
And not whispering any longer for her benefit.
"So she can interrogate us on where all the brand new clothes came from overnight?" Regina scoffs before some ruffling around takes place. "Use that brain of yours, Miss Swan."
"Fine, but why my clothes? Why can't she borrow yours since she's already staying here?"
"She's built more like you."
"Me? She's so thin, she's more like you."
There's a heavy pause where nothing is being said and Kara swears she can hear her own heartbeat pounding nervously in her ears...but it sounds more like two beating organs. She shakes away those irrational thoughts and decides she should probably stop eavesdropping. So, she rushes out of bed to slide into the conversation just outside her door, but what she doesn't notice is her foot tangled in the sheet and before she can even blink, she is tripping toward the door.
"Fudge," she shrieks, falling face first into the door but by some miracle she catches herself.
Maybe not so much a miracle because one hand latches onto the door handle and the other grips the frame and a piece of wall breaks off and crumbles in her hand.
"Oh god...what the heck? Are these walls made of paper?" She frantically rambles as she mindlessly attempts to place the broken pieces against the wall. "Maybe they won't notice until I'm gone?" She tries to persuade herself before she flings open the door to find absolutely nobody around.
Her brows furrow, her head whipping from left to right in search of Regina and Emma who were there merely seconds ago, yet...not a single soul lingers.
XXXX
"You're acting odd this morning, sheriff? More than usual..." Regina skeptically acknowledges while she scrambles eggs around the skillet. "Did something happen with the pirate last night?" She investigates, lowering her voice in case their nosy son overhears something he shouldn't.
"No, not at all. I'm fine," Emma scoffs, a little too defensively but Regina doesn't have time to push for answers from someone who has a protective wall and an entire army, larger than her own, around her heart to keep people at a safe distance.
"Alright," is all she says because she can hear her son's clumsy feet trampling down the stairs. "Henry, Emma is going to take you to school-"
"Umm good morning," Kara softly interrupts, startling both Emma and Regina because they could have sworn those heavy feet were their son's.
"Kara, good morning," Regina kindly greets her, a small smile playing at her lips from those disheveled loose curls and slightly crooked glasses. "How did you sleep last night? I hope you were comfortable."
"Oh yes, thank you," Kara rushes out, quickly adjusting the frames upon her nose. "That was definitely the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in."
"Does that mean you remember your own bed?" Emma suspiciously investigates, folding her arms across her chest.
"No," Kara sadly sighs, "I wish but no, I just...have a feeling it's better than anything I've ever slept on," she answers, a cheesy grin taking over her entire face, convincing Regina's own smile to grow as well.
"I've made some eggs this morning," Regina offers as an invitation which seems to be the key to this young girl's heart from the way she beams with excitement.
"And bacon, and fresh fruit? I could get used to this," Kara happily replies in a tone that just might be dancing on the edge of flirtatious.
And Regina's been so depressed since Robin left that it feels rather nice to have someone smiling so easily her way. Someone who doesn't know her past mistakes, someone who doesn't look at her and immediately conjures an image of the Evil Queen. Someone who looks at her and simply sees Regina.
"Well don't," Emma huffs, washing away the blissfully ignorant dream to avoid Regina's true reality. Kara and Regina snap their attention toward the prickly sheriff. "I just mean...you probably have a family looking for you...you'll eventually find your way home. And I'm going to start searching today when I get into the station," Emma nervously babbles. "Speaking of...Henry! You're going to be late!" She shouts over her shoulder, confirming Regina's concern for her friend from earlier.
Regina rolls her eyes and slides a plate right under Kara's nose. "Eat while it's still warm, dear."
"Don't have to tell me twice," the hero giggles and slides onto a stool in the most childlike manner with those long limbs.
Regina's not entirely sure why, but her heart feels warm and gooey. The image seems familiar, yet distant, like it's only something she's ever seen in a dream. Something that she's hoped for, longed for but always out of reach. She decides right then and there to gather up all these crumbs life is tossing her way and eat them all up. She may have only just met Supergirl but she knows she's fond of her already.
"Oh golly," Kara groans around a mouth full of eggs, "this is delicious!" She flashes the most adorable smile, one that consumes her entire face. "You keep feeding me like this and I'll never leave, family or not!"
Regina is too busy blushing from the compliment to notice a set of green eyes rolling dramatically. "What do you mean, never leave? You probably have a family somewhere looking for you," Emma quickly interjects.
Kara shrugs carelessly, nervously fiddling with her glasses. "Maybe I don't. Maybe I was on the run from some bad people and it's better if I'm not found," she murmurs mostly to herself before meeting Regina's sorrowful eyes. "I mean, I've been missing for like a week now and nobody has come looking for me? I'm not slapped across every news channel as a missing person. Maybe I don't have family. Maybe it's better this way."
Regina gently reaches across the counter without a second thought because she knows how lonely and miserable it feels to believe she didn't have a family. She carefully places her hand upon Kara's and gazes deeply into those crystal blue eyes.
"I know you have a family searching for you, maybe you're just a little further from home than you realize. Have faith," she sweetly yet sternly urges, earning herself another dazzling smile.
"Henry, move your butt!" Emma unexpectedly shouts, forcing the two women to jump apart.
"I'm coming! I'm coming!"
"What took you so long, kid? Now you're going to be late," Emma complains as Henry dashes right by her.
"It's a good thing I'm related to my teacher, huh?" He chuckles, sweeping right up to Regina. She places a sweet kiss to his temple as he snatches a banana from the fruit bowl. "Smells delicious, mom. Sorry I can't eat this morning," he sheepishly says.
"So good, kid," Supergirl mumbles as her fork happily bounces through the fluffy eggs covering her plate.
A little groan from across the room steals Regina's attention away from her new favorite house guest. She notices the pout that usually lingers around Emma's mouth has deepened and she reminds herself to interrogate the Savior once again when they are alone about her mooch of a boyfriend.
XXXX
"Are you sure Emma doesn't mind?" Kara asks, bouncing down the stairs while flipping her long curls out from the blue leather jacket Regina hasn't seen in quite some time.
Her heart rattles deep within her chest while an image of Emma sporting that same jacket flashes across her mind. She recalls a very see-through maroon shirt that revealed a tiny black bra which played on repeat in Regina's mind the first time she ever saw the hideous garment.
"Regina?"
"Hmmm?" She hums, blinking away her thoughts and mentally shoving those inappropriate images away.
She refuses to fall for Emma's beauty again, especially now while she's with that rum infested pig.
"Emma didn't seem too thrilled about me borrowing her clothes. Are you sure it's fine?" Kara nervously questions, her face scrunching up in such an adorable manner that Regina's stomach actually flutters.
"Of course I'm sure. And even if Miss Swan was not okay with it, she will be. She seems to have a weak spot when it comes to fulfilling my requests."
"Is that a fancy way of saying she does whatever your little heart desires?" Kara cheekily muses.
"Yes, because I most certainly wouldn't use that description," Regina huffs, feigning annoyance but this hero just grins wildly at her and dammit, Regina cannot contain her smile.
"Why?"
Regina narrows her dark eyes at the tilted head and confused puppy expression. "That makes us sound like something we are most certainly not."
"You know, you are both very adamant about stating that you are just friends," Kara mocks teasingly.
"That's because we are. It took us a very long time to get here, where we can co-parent in a healthy way for our son's sake. We need to maintain this balance."
"Okay," Kara practically sings, "if you say, but she is one protective woman and if you're going to even pretend that you don't see those yearning looks-"
"Emma Swan does not yearn," she finds herself repeating Emma's exact words from a little over one year ago.
"Okay, okay," Supergirl laughs again, holding up her hands in surrender. "But in all seriousness, I'll suffer through all of the sheriff's death glares if that means I have you by my side during all of this." Regina has to bite the inside of her cheek to resist the urge to grin like a maniac at this beautiful woman. "This, well...this has been scary, waking up and not knowing who the heck I am but you...you've made me feel safe and comfortable, Regina," she whispers, sneakily stealing a step forward. "Thank you for taking me in. Thank you for taking a chance on me with your kid in the house-I know that wasn't easy," she nervously rambles, those piercing eyes darting to the ground in a shy manner.
She briefly wonders if Kara is always this shy and awkward when she isn't dressed like a superhero, defending the world and defeating evil villains. Or maybe she's simply nervous and uncomfortable staying in some stranger's house, surrounded by a family she doesn't know while not even knowing herself.
Regina places her finger beneath Kara's chin and urges those strong eyes to meet her own. "I trust you, Kara," she vows. "I already know how kind and genuine you truly are."
She realizes a moment too late that Kara is gazing so hopelessly into her eyes, forcing her heart to thump heavily against her sternum.
"You remind me..." Kara trails off, anxiously biting her lip as she attempts to scrape her mind for some answer in the back of her foggy brain.
Regina offers a sympathetic half smile when she witnesses the struggle tormenting Supergirl's mind and she finally releases the girl from her clutches. "Come on, I have to stop by the office before we go to the grocery store."
"And then maybe we can get lunch?" Kara hopefully inquires, opening the front door for Regina to walk through first.
Regina chuckles, amused by the woman's eager appetite. "Of course, dear."
"You're the best!"
XXXX
Emma stares obsessively at the computer screen in front of her, her mind such a cluttered mess, she doesn't even comprehend the action of pulling her long mane into a low ponytail. Once the band snaps around her hair, she quickly picks up Henry's comic book and focuses so hard at the little drawing of Supergirl, she swears her eyes grow a little fuzzy.
"Emma, there you are," she faintly registers her mom's voice because her mind is too busy trying to work something out.
"We didn't see you for lunch at Granny's," her dad states the obvious as he shrugs out of his brown leather jacket and drapes it across the back of his chair. She continues to work. "We bumped into Regina and Kara," this bit of information snags her attention, provoking her green eyes to jump and meet his dazzling baby blues but she doesn't say a word, desperately trying to calm the jealousy of a new blonde hero in town. "We had lunch with them."
"Regina asked where you were," Snow confesses with just a dash of insinuation that Emma always ignores.
"Yeah, I've been busy here," she heavily sighs, falling back against her chair and stretching out the stiff muscles knotting in her shoulders.
She glances at her baby brother fast asleep in his stroller and contemplates stealing him just as a distraction from the interrogation she knows is coming from her parents. Waking a sleeping baby is forbidden but she thinks suffering through his crying will be a hell of a lot better than listening to their advice right now.
"After all the villains you have fought against, after the different realms you have traveled to, I don't get how you still can't believe that Supergirl is real," David chuckles, snatching the comic off her desk to mindlessly skim through.
"I still don't think you're real," she deadpans, quickly stealing the comic book right back. "I don't see you guys as Snow White and Prince Charming, I just see..." and she trails off because they are both gazing at her with those innocent eyes, hopefully waiting for her to say, mom and dad, but, "I just see Mary Margret and David," she says instead, even if she sometimes calls them mom and dad when emotions are running high and death seems to be the only option. "But that's not what's bothering me," she admits to easily change the subject.
David takes the bait, his brows furrowing, expressing his seriousness but Snow is still peering at her with glossy eyes, looking like every bit of a lost puppy.
"So, why are you concerned?" Her dad prompts.
"Well, Supergirl is well known as a superhero in her town," she begins, opening up the comic like it will easily prove her point. "The entire country, president, the whole world, knows who Supergirl is and is very aware when she fights in a battle."
"Yes, we even know who Supergirl is," Snow agrees.
"Right, but we don't know her from reading the paper about another alien she defeated or seeing her on the news preaching about hope. We know her from this," Emma stresses, waving the comic book between them. "From a comic book."
"Just like us, we are written in story books but we are very much real," David counters.
"Yes, but you guys were all sent from another realm, hidden in some magical small town that nobody can reach," Emma explains, her wide eyes bouncing between her very confused parents. "If Supergirl was from this realm, this specific Earth, when Henry and I were in New York, we would have heard about Supergirl defeating some villain. We would know she exists, that aliens exist and roam the streets but we don't."
Something clicks, she knows by the way both sets of eyes watching her double in size.
"So you believe Kara is from another realm?" Snow repeats just to verify the information being presented to her.
"Another realm or maybe some parallel universe kinda thing, I don't entirely know but I do know, her pod did not crash onto this specific Earth. There is no Batman running around Gotham City here, there is no Superman flying around Metropolis, there's no Supergirl thinking she can fool an entire world by a pair of glasses."
"Then...how are we supposed to figure out what Earth she is from? What realm she belongs to?" Snow incredulously inquires.
"Most importantly, how are we supposed to get her there?" David adds on, "it's not like we have any magic beans lying around."
"As much as I hate to admit it, I wish Rumple was still here," Emma pouts. "At least he could shine some light on all of this."
"We still have Regina," Snow confidently says.
Emma nibbles on her bottom lip for a moment before she shoots up from her chair and starts gathering her laptop and all of Henry's comic books.
"I have to go talk to her, otherwise we might be stuck with a new resident."
"I don't know," David muses, "it might be kinda nice having Supergirl in Storybrooke. You always said you wanted some normalcy, she could split some of the villain work with you."
Emma ponders that thought for a total of ten seconds before her mind conjures an image of Regina being cradled bridal style by Supergirl, a bashful smile instead of that teasing smirk upon her plump lips for the hero saving her life. Her heart actually squeezes so painfully in her chest that she has to physically shake her head to stop that unwanted vision.
"No, I'm the Savior, it's my job to protect this town and bring back all the happy endings," she declares with a huff before storming out of the sheriff's station.
XXXX
"This is ludicrous," Lena growls, desperately trying to keep her temper under control, so the entire DEO doesn't paint her as a psychotic Luther like the rest of her family. "Ten days, ten days and we are just as clueless as we were when we watched Reign steal Kara from us."
Everyone still refers to Kara as Supergirl inside the DEO, especially in the presence of employees but Lena can't bring herself to do the same. Now that she knows the truth, she can't see her as anyone but Kara Danvers. Her best friend. Her only friend.
"Lena, maybe it's time you go home and get some rest," Alex gently suggests knowing damn well this stubborn woman will shut her down like she has been for the past week and a half.
"Are you ready to go home and rest, Agent Danvers?" She bitterly retorts, folding her arms as an intimidation tact while one eyebrow snakes up her forehead.
Alex sighs, expressing just how defeated and mentally drained she truly is. "I'm not trying to pick a fight with you but I can see how you're running on fumes and if I'm being completely honest here, I think you're trying to avoid some feelings-"
"Alex," J'onn's stern tone startles both women, unknowingly ending their conversation. Lena has to suppress rolling her eyes when she discovers who is strutting behind the director. "We think we might have a way to track down Supergirl," he declares with the tiniest fragment of hope.
"What, really? How?" Alex investigates, her eyes instantly dashing toward Mon-El, Kara's ex and his new wife.
And yes, Lena can't technically blame the woman or Mon-El for that matter, but she knows Kara is in pain from the unfortunate events and she can't seem to divert her agitation upon anyone else.
"We have a friend," Mon-El cautiously begins, "he's half computer, half organic life form, he's Brainy. We believe that if anyone can track Supergirl down, it would be him."
"Please don't leave out the part where I'm a twelfth level intellect," some bluish-green life-form adds on from somewhere behind Kara's ex.
"What does that even mean?" Alex asks but Lena has more important questions as she studies the glowing spheres decorating Brainy's forehead with great interest.
"Can you telepathically communicate?"
"Technically, no. I did invent a device that if placed upon someone's head, their brainwaves will send a signal to me but sadly, Supergirl doesn't have the crown."
"So, how does that help us?" Lena interrogates, stepping closer to Brainy, who analyzes her every move very closely.
"Well, it doesn't. Not in this situation at least, maybe in a parallel universe," he says in which she believes he might be attempting humor.
Mon-El exhales slowly, stepping beside his friend to help explain further. "He can scan databases, become one with technology, search faster than any one of us can imagine until he finds some image of Supergirl somewhere. Give him a computer and he will be able to detect her through technology faster than we can blink."
"And if she's not near technology?" Lena challenges.
"Even if she is a blip on a security camera, he will find her," Mon-El's wife promises.
"And if she's buried alive somewhere-"
Brainy rudely interrupts her with some insane calculation of what the odds of that would be but Lena just blankly stares at him, still not impressed with this plan.
"Well then, let's get you a computer," Alex says with so much hope that Lena forces herself to box up all her negativity and shove it very deep down.