Kryptonian Nights 45

Deanlu

Supergirl is the property of DC comics and the CW. I am borrowing the characters for a little fun and storytelling. I've changed the Supergirl timeline some and added in some characters. Plot, what plot? Just fun.

"Hup, two more laps." Kara spoke to herself as she jogged along the path that circled National City park and the manmade lake within it. The sun glanced off the rippling surface as the wind gave a light breeze to keep her from overheating. Her phone was anchored to her upper arm with her LifeActiv armband while her earbuds were anchored into her ears. The rippling chords of Sweet Emotion by Aerosmith drifted out fueling her tempo for her run.

She was currently powerless after a run in with a group of aliens from the Gamma system. She had finished the fight, helped the DEO load them into the trucks and even made it back to her apartment to change. Once at CATCO, she had finished up two small filler stories for Snapper and turned in her main story on the advances made by LCorp and Wayne Industries in cancer research. She had gone to stand up from her desk and then nothing. She had woken eight hours later in LCorps medical wing with Alex and Lena conversing nearby over their ipads. She had found that she had passed out at CATCO. Luckily, Nia had been nearby and called Lena. An LCorp medical crew had been sent and brought her back to the medical wing. The DEO had asked Lena to take over medical assistance for Supergirl until further notice while they outfitted their new location in National City. Cat had ordered everyone back to work while using the new art directors jacket to elevate Kara's head. They had noticed a slight sheen of sweat on her face, shallow breathing, and a tinging of blue around her lips. That had worried Cat and Nia more than anything. It meant that Kara was having problems with oxygen distribution. Cat had taken a picture. She sent the picture and a description of systems to both Alex and Lena at the same time. The medical crew from LCorp had arrived in a timely manner and worked efficiently to get Kara back to LCorp. Cat had sent Nia to report back on Kara's status.

It had been a weird two days, but today was the first time she had slipped out of the apartment after being released from LCorp to go jogging. Lena had left early for LCorp after staying to make sure she was okay. Alex was due around two in the afternoon to check up on her. Kara just wanted to feel in control, so she had left the apartment in her jogging clothes to see how everything was working in her body and maybe. Just maybe to feel like she wasn't under a microscope with the women in her life.

"Thank God for Nia and Cat. Not to mention Alex and Lena's stubbornness." The music switched up to Carry On Wayward Son by Kansas as she moved around the back of the lake area where it switched from concrete to a dirt path. She slowed as she passed a group of students that were crowding on the path and into the wooded area on the side. From what she could tell and hear near her they were on a scavenger hunt identifying different flora and fauna in the park for class. She smiled as she looked down at the LCorp fitbit on her right ring finger that was monitoring her pulse, blood pressure, and other body functions. It also told her when she had been exposed to kryptonite and the level of exposure. It could let those on the other side know when it began affecting internal organs and brain activity. It was a product of Alex, Lena, and Winn's weekly science get-togethers. Kara could have been a part of those, but had chosen to use those nights for painting and a secret project in the alien burrows of the city. Lately, the fitbit had notified her sister and Lena about her interrupted sleep patterns. Something she had no plan on discussing with them even though they had pushed her to spend time with Kelly and talk out what was going on.

"That's not going to happen right now." Kara spoke out loud, worried about what she could reveal to her sister's girlfriend. There had been way to many traumatic events lately. The music switched up to Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Kara pushed herself as she jogged past the softball fields on the straight away of the path. Nearby, the path forked off on the Patagonian Nature Trail. It was a two mile loop through the wooded area that rose and fell bringing nature in close to the city. Many a time Kara had taken the nature trail running into students, bird watchers, flora and fauna groups, and hikers enjoying a Sunday stroll. She passed the Nightcrawler climbing rocks that had been installed two years ago. They were a series of granite climbing rocks that went five stories in height on both sides. She and her sister had tackled them a couple times in all different types of weather and times of fitbit beeped alerting her to an abnormal rise in her blood pressure. She looked and shook her head at the registered bp. She shook off the alert and continued jogging. She came around the back of the park past soccer fields and the outdoor amphitheater.

The music switched up once more to Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve. The CATCO building came into view bringing some joy to Kara knowing that Cat Grant had returned, buying out Andrea Rojas in a quiet secret deal. Kara overjoyed that her mentor was back, but also reporting on the alien communities troubles and unfair treatment had caused some had gotten her arrested and thrown into jail as police and political figures in National City had tried to intimidate her. CATCO had bailed out Kara. She had written a revealing article on the inequality aliens faced among the justice system in National City. The worst part was Kara had been locked up with other aliens. Police hoped it would intimidate her. It hadn't.

Andrea hadn't left, but she now managed Obsidian only. While the company was nothing like when Leviathan had worked with it and pushed for a hundred percent control, Andrea had found a way to salvage the corporation. She had continued to work the mental health aspect which was helping a great many people. She had also fixed the back door issues which caused people to become trapped inside. There was now a time limit on being inside. The obsidian lenses would actually force people out after forty-five minutes and not allow them back in for fifteen minutes. There were exceptions for business meetings and collaborations done through the tech, but there were safe guards now built in. The lenses were popular still, but not like they had been.

The CEO's of these large corporations had formed a business relationship on top of it. Cat, Andrea, Lena, and Samantha could be found meeting once a week over evening drinks on most Thursdays. Alex joined them off and on with being director of the DEO. The women had formed a tight relationship to help buoy themselves against their white male misogynistic counterparts. Their quartet was well known for influencing women in business and education throughout National City. They had even made connections to some of the major women CEOs around the country and world. They were powerful and smart. It did not help that many misjudged and did not believe that. It was to other companies detriment if they treated one of the women with less than respect. It had a way of biting that company in the butt. Phone notification interrupted the music.

"Lena Luthor calling." Kara's virtual assistant on her phone notified her.

"Ignore call Terri." Kara commanded as the call was cut off and I Would Do Anything for Love by Meatloaf flooded her ears as she continued to jog as another alert came on her fitbit on her bp. She cleared the notification again and continued to jog. She knew that jogging as a human could cause problems. She was sure that the blood pressure issue was because she was congested from blowing out her powers and now being susceptible to every human germ and then some. She thought about how many times she had blown out her powers.

'You would think by now I could have some immunity.' Kara thought as she watched a group of students race across the soccer field. The reporter had sat many a time in the bleachers next to the fields or a camp chair brought by Samantha Arias so they could watch Ruby play on her team. Kara continued to jog, getting lost in the rhythm and cadence of just putting one foot in front of the other. She had taken jogging up a few months ago when her life had resembled hell on earth. Lena being angry with her, Lex out to kill her and alien kind, Andrea working for Leviathan, her sister and J'onn founding a new organization to protect and fight for aliens, and so much more. Her mind had run in so many circles she had needed some way to just slow her thoughts down. Meditating only did so much. So she had pulled out the red sun bracelet that Lena had made for her months before and started jogging. Normally, she jogged around four or five in the morning. When sleep wouldn't come to her. When the shadows of villains and humans with ill intent crowded her nightmares. If she didn't jog, she flew. But while flying freed her from the mortal coil around her it didn't bring her the numbing burn of her muscles. Her phone rang again.

"Lena Luthor calling." Terri, the virtual assistant notified Kara once more.

"Ignore call, Terri." The call cut off once more only to ring again.

"Alex Danvers calling." Terri notified the reporter again.

"Ignore call, Terri." The reporter shook her head as she took a deeper breath. The song switched up once more to Eye's Without a Face by Billy Idol. Kara switched the song up to Deep/Chill House Mix by Coldplay. She needed something with a slightly faster beat. Kara continued past the fountain where people rested and children jumped rope. In the grassy area several people were picnicking and sunning themselves or reading. Laughter and conversation filled the air as Kara jogged past the area where young and old played chess and dominoes. Kara had even seen Lena out here on some afternoons when the stress had become too much and she needed a break from the office demands. Some of the street chess players had challenged the young Luthor's skilled playing more than once. There was an incoming beep.

"Text from Alex Danvers. 'Answer your goddamn phone Kara.'" Terri notified the reporter. Kara smirked and just ignored the text. The phone rang once more.

"Phone call from Cat Grant." Terri, the virtual assistant notified Kara even as the Super jogged through the tree covered section of the park. The call notification caused Kara to stumble in her cadence, but she recovered quickly to shake her head.

"Ignore the call Terri. Send text to Cat. 'I am indisposed right now.'" Kara stated as she glanced at the trees above and thought about a planet her father had taken her to when she was ten. It was one of the last years they had traveled off world. Shortly there after her father had stopped traveling and begun to work secretly with her Uncle Jor El on some important project. She now knew the project had been the pods and all the knowledge that had gone into them for her and Kal El. But the journey to that planet had been an eye opener for the young Kryptonian. Trees that reached so high into the sky. Oxygen rich environments that made her light headed and her heart flutter. Forests and oceans rich with life. Villages and cities build into forests and rocky areas existing side by side in harmony with nature. Kara had listened as the guide that toured her through the city with her mother had told them that there were parts of the forest so dark and dense that they were inaccessible to all. So much of their planet had not been explored. SKova had so much to offer Krypton, yet her father and the other officials that had gone on the trip could not get SKova to agree to a deal.

"Terri, make a note to check on SKova One for a future article." Kara addressed her virtual assistant. There was a slight beep notifying her the notation was made.

"Notation made. Andrea Rojas has sent a text. "Kara. I don't know why you are ignoring Lena and Alex, but please call them. They are freaking out about something on your fitbit." End of message." Terri explained as Kara began her last lap taking the turn. She shook her head and kept jogging. She loved her family, but they were constantly checking on her. She couldn't even go on this jog without their looked at them for a long moment. She felt the necklace around her neck. She didn't want to do it. She was tempted to take off the ring and put it on her necklace, but she had promised to wear it as a compromise for those who watched over her. She shook her head. She would keep it on.

"Terri, text message for Alex Danvers, Lena Luthor, Cat Grant, and Andrea Rojas. Good Morning everyone. I am fine. I am jogging right now. But you know that since you can all see the gps on where I am located. I will come by LCorp after my jog Lena. Alex, stop worrying . Cat, go back to Work. Andrea, I'm sorry they are bugging you. End message Terri and send." Kara growled out frustrated that they were bugging her so much. There had been complaints that she didn't take care of herself enough. She was injured more than Superman because lately she had the harder villains. Metropolis had actually been run of the mill crime and emergencies for the last year. National City not so much. Kara passed the curve and came upon the Patagonia Trail once more. She could hear her heart beating in sync with the Rolling Stones song Mission You. She never heard the pounding feet behind her. She was so in cadence with her pounding feet and heart. The next thing she knew she was surrounded by Lena and Alex jogging next to her. Lena tapped her gently on the shoulder to get her attention and make her slow down. Kara pulled her earbuds and slowed to a fast walk.

"What the hell Kara? Your blood pressure monitor went off multiple times alerting you to a problem. You know it's not there to be ignored. " Alex argued with her sister even as the three women kept pace with each other.

"Alex, you know when my powers are blown my body's systems fluctuate. I am fine." Kara responded as they moved slower and Kara began her cool down. "I planned to come to LCorp as soon as I finished my run." They were walking now. Lena reached over and stopped them for a moment.

"We were worried and you wouldn't respond. Do you understand we love you?" Lena asked her girlfriend. Kara took a deep breath in and nodded. She looked at both Alex and Lena trying to figure out how to say what she was going to say.

"I understand you both are concerned. Since I passed out at CATCO you both have been almost suffocating with me. I can barely get time to myself." Kara began only to have Alex interrupt.

"Kara, that's not true. Yes, we have been concerned. You passed out at CATCO. You woke up eight hours later. While you were unconscious your blood pressure, pulse, and brain activity were all over the place. We thought at one point you had died because your heart stopped momentarily. So excuse us because we are worried about you." Alex argued to her sister who squirmed in front of the two women. Kara took another breath as they began to walk again. They moved past the softball fields as they all remained silent. Lena understood Kara's frustration. They had been a little oppressive with their concern. But they hadn't realized the aliens they had captured had released a toxin when scared or frightened. Supergirl hadn't been the only one they had to treat. Most of the DEO agents wore gloves, something that Supergirl did not wear. Lena was looking into creating a thin biofilm that would cover Kara's hands, but still leave them exposed. She didn't want to have to deal with the issue that had fell her love again. They had been able to speak to the aliens and find a cure quick enough. But not before Supergirl had ended up powerless. After the cure was administered they had analyzed Kara's recent blood work. She should have her powers in another two days, possibly three. Hopefully, but Lena wasn't sure. There were too many variables in the toxin Supergirl had inside her.

"Alex I love you all dearly, but I don't need someone checking on me continuously. I am feeling better. My body is healing. If something major happens I will tell you." Kara reached over and tugged her close. "I love you." She pulled Lena close with the other arm. "I love you both. But I am fine. They rounded the end where the soccer fields were located and continued toward the fountain. "I'm fine. I know I scared you. But Alex, even the two DEO agents aren't as well as I am. Henderson and Johnson are still in ICU at National City Hospital. I think you both should be more worried about them."

"Don't get me started on those two. How they forgot their gloves is totally incompetent. That is one of the first things drilled into agents from day one. We never know what we are dealing with when it comes to aliens. You never know if you can pick up a germ by accident or intentionally. They are on cleaning duty when they come back until I'm sure they won't forget. They will recover though." Alex proclaimed as they noticed a certain Queen of Media standing near the fountain as they came abreast of it.

"Good! Agent Scully and Genius Luthor are with you. It makes this even easier. This way ladies! The car is waiting." Kara went to say something when Cat raised her finger. "Unless the response your about to give is 'Yes Ms. Grant' or "Right Away Ms. Grant.' I suggest you shut it." Cat declared as she pointed to the walk that would take them to the car. Kara shut her mouth as Alex and Lena smirked. All four women were soon ensconced in Cat's car headed toward Kara's apartment. Kara didn't dare say anything until they were home. She could see Cat was angry. Once at the apartment Kara went into shower and changed into some fresh clothes. When she came out all three women were sitting at the kitchen prep area.

"Alright, we are going to talk." Cat said as a glass of water was set in front of Kara. "Kara, start." Kara was quiet for a few minutes.

"I love you guys, but you suffocate me when I get hurt. I don't mind you checking on me. But it would be nice if you gave me some space. I know this last time was scary. I am here though." Kara explained as she looked down at the glass of water. Everyone was silent for a while contemplating what Kara had said.

"When I saw you collapse in the office it shocked me. Nia called Lena quickly, but when I got near you I could see you weren't getting enough oxygen. You have to understand Kara that while I know you can be injured, seeing it up close is terrifying. So maybe I have been keeping a closer eye on you. Just like Alex and Lena. Afterall, they have seen you injured more than I have." Cat explained as she reached over and took Kara's hand. She tried to convey to Kara why they were scared. Kara took Cat's hand as Lena moved around behind Kara. She hugged Kara tightly resting her head on the reporter's shoulder as Kara squeezed Cat's hand gently. The Super nodded in understanding. She knew she wasn't immortal. She could die. Had died multiple times.

"I've seen you die Kara. So many times. Too many times. You give everything when you fight. So maybe I'm scared after seeing you die so many times. Maybe I understand more than most you're not totally invulnerable." Alex admitted in front of the other women. "Maybe, stupid things like blood pressure alerts scare me out of proportion to what they should be, but I've lost you too many times." Alex argued with her sister. Kara still remembered the coastal forest near Eliza's home. Hearing Alex plead for her to take the grass. To pull the energy from it. She had. Somehow her body and mind had. So she understood Alex's fear. The fear that one day there would be no second chances. Nowhere to draw energy from and Alex would lose her sister.

"Maybe some ground rules. Basic ground rules so that we can have our fears settled." Lena suggested as she tried to find a middle ground.

"Alright, what do you three need to not be as afraid." Kara asked the women. Cat was the first one to respond.

"I need to be included in the group on updates on you Kara. Not as a last thought." Cat stated firmly.

"Done." Lena said and Kara agreed. Alex and Lena nodded as Lena left Kara's side and pulled a tablet to work on. She quickly logged into it and made the changes, adding Cat to the notifications.

"I need you to respond when we attempt to contact you. It can be as simple as a text, but I need you to make contact as soon as you can." Alex stated firmly. There was no brokering on this.

"Agreed." Kara stated as Lena made a notation on something. The Super looked at Lena.

"I need you to take the alerts seriously. If it goes off, then I need you to call in. Let me know you're okay and when you are coming in so I can check you out." Lena explained taking a minute for Kara to process. "I also need you to understand I love you with all my heart. So I might be clingy after because you are my whole world Kara Danvers." Lena's voice trembled as she spoke to Kara.

"Alright, I can do that." Kara agreed as she let go of Cat's hand and pulled Lena into her arms. She hugged her tightly.

"But I need something from you. From all of you." Kara now released Lena and looked at each one. "I need you to let me have time after I get home to recover. I need you to trust that I will call you if I need you all." All three women went to speak, but Kara held up her hand silencing them. "I know I haven't called before. But I will now. I know that you three care deeply. I have to change if we are going to work together. So I will call. You can come over, but you have to come because you want to be here. Not just to check on me." The three women thought for a while.

"One last thing." Cat said getting up off the stool and moving around the kitchen counter area. She stopped in front of Kara forcing her to face her.

"What?" Kara asked as her brow scrunched up trying to figure out what Cat wanted.

"You need to promise to see Kelly once a week for therapy." Kara grimaced and moved around Cat giving herself some distance. Kara crossed her arms with her back to the three women. "You can't keep carrying these burdens without excising them somewhat. Kara, Kelly can help you. She doesn't need to sign a ton of NDA's. She knows who you are. She can help you."

"I don't need a therapist Cat." Kara argued back to her mentor.

"BULLSHIT!" Alex called out now. "That's complete and utter bullshit!"

"Really? So how many times have you seen a therapist Alex? How many times?" Kara turned suddenly and yelled at her sister.

"More than you ever have. I have to see one after every mission. Sometimes I have to see them one or twice a week for months." Alex now growled out as she argued with her sister. "How do you think I reduced the amount of alcohol I drink? How do you think I deal with you dying?"

"I don't need a therapist Alex. I am fine." Kara whined to her sister when Lena whispered enough for everyone to hear.

"How much sleep have you gotten in the last two weeks? How many nightmares have you had each night? How many times have you woken screaming, in cold night sweats? How often do you fly after waking?" Lena asked knowing more than Alex and Cat since Kara was her nightly bed companion.

"Lena.." Kara let out a strangled breath.

"Once a week Kara. All we are asking is once a week for a month. Please my love." Lena begged as a tear fell down her cheek. Kara went to argue, but faltered when she saw Lena's tear.

"Alright. Once a week for a month." Kara agreed even as Alex walked over and hugged her. Cat and Lena joined in next. "You guys don't place fair." Kara mumbled in their arms. The warmth from the other three womens bodys relaxed Kara. The sound of the alert on Kara's fitbit came up again.

"Fair, I'm a Luthor. I never play fair." Lena said giving Kara a quick kiss. She then went across the room to grab a black medical bag.
"Well, I'm a black Operations agent so I never play fair either." Alex affirmed hugging Kara and releasing her.

"Darling, I am the Queen of Media. Do you think I got to where I am playing fair. The ground to become a CEO is never fair Kara. Now sit down while Lena checks on you." Cat ordered the Super leading her to the couch. Lena took a seat next to Kara and pulled her arm toward her. She put the blood pressure cuff on while the others waited.

"Well, it's a hundred ten over seventy. She's fine now. It could have been the jogging or it could have been her stressing about something. How are you feeling?" Lena asked as Alex made a notation on Kara's medical chart.

"Fine, except my head feels slightly stuffed." Kara replied as her voice cracked. Alex looked at Kara.

"Head cold?" Alex asked as Cat took a seat in the comfy chair across from the couch. Kara shrugged her shoulders.

"It could be. I'm not feels different." Kara responded as she yawned. Her jaw popped loudly causing the women to startle.

"Well, that could explain the blood pressure issue. If you're getting sick that could raise your blood pressure. Okay, we are going to do some things. One, you are going to rest. Cat is going to get food for you. Alex, we need medication for the head cold and if it should worsen. I'm going to stay here and watch over you if that is okay?" Lena asserted as Alex was already heading out the door on her task. Cat stood and pointed at Kara.

"You are on sick leave until you feel better or your powers return. Understood?" Kara nodded as Lena rubbed her back. "I want updates. Twice a day at least. If her head cold doesn't get too bad I can send Carter over to play Call of Duty or Mario Kart tomorrow. Let me know. I'll order your dinner and have it sent here. Lena, if you need anything. I mean anything, let me know." Cat leaned over and kissed Kara on the forehead. "Listen to Lena and Alex. Please."

"I will." Kara asserted as Cat hugged Lena. Lena escorted Cat to the door. Kara leaned back into the couch pulling her blue blanket down and settling it over closed her eyes as she heard Lena move around the apartment. Kara rested, dozing off several minutes later. A while later she heard the sound of a key in the lock of the door. Lena moved into the room and saw Alex enter with the food and medication.

"I bumped into the delivery boy downstairs." Alex brought the medication and food to the kitchen counter. Alex looked toward the living room where her sister slept. "She okay?"

"Yes, for now. In the long run I don't know." Lena spoke softly. "At least she agreed to meet with Kelly for a month. Plus we can make sure the toxin totally clears from her system. Did you know she took up jogging?" Lena asked Alex. Alex had moved to take down two wine glasses as Lena pulled the takeout food onto the counter.

"No, but it would explain why the fitbit said she was in National City Park so much. We will watch over her, Lena. Maybe we need to take up jogging again." Alex responded as they hugged each other.

"Yes, you are right. We will watch over her." Lena agreed knowing that only together can they make it through. Alex and Lena look toward Kara on the couch. Together.

"Caring can be learned by all human beings, can be worked into the design of every life, meeting an individual need as well as a pervasive need in society." – Mary Catherine Bateson