It was noon when Alex woke up the next day. Her head was pounding, even with the curtains closed. She yawned and struggled to roll out of bed, knowing that she would jog to get rid of the hangover. Looking around, she vaguely remembered Maggie bringing her back to their apartment, tucking her in and them falling asleep. It was fuzzy, but she remembered her on the phone, probably someone about a case. She was used to that. She remembered her coming back into bed and holding her. I just want it to stay this way. The thought made her smile.

When she got up, she found a note on the table and a freshly brewed coffee. Afternoon, sleepy head. Good thing you don't have work today but unfortunately I do. See you around 7 . xo Maggie. She must have left around 11 for her 11:30 shift, and because Alex's body acted like a clock, she knew she'd be up in exactly 8 hours from when she went to sleep.

Alex checked her phone for a text from Maggie or the DEO. Nothing. She actually smiled at the fact that she had the whole day to relax and plan. Maybe I'll plan a date night. Perfect day to do this.

It was no secret that Alex and Maggie were back together, and that taking things slow were better. It was time to heal, to talk and to just get to know each other again. But in their four months, they both knew that they didn't want to let each other go again. She still had the rings, and was now looking for a perfect night to pop the question again.

Alex was grinning now as she walked out the door. She decided to go for a run, then go shopping and to the bar before meeting Maggie at home. She already texted her and Kara, the former to help set up at the apartment. It's going to be a good day, she thought to herself.

At 5:30, Alex and Kara stood looking at the apartment. Candles and roses littered across the apartment and tequila, bonsai trees and tiramisu were spread out across the kitchen counter.

"Thank you Kara, I owe you big time." Alex sounded like a child getting a puppy.

"No need Alex. That's what sisters are for." Kara adjusted her glasses and gave her sister a grin before pulling her into a hug. Nothing happened yet. Please let it not be tonight. She held her sister close, not knowing that in an hour her sister's life would change again.

"Okay, I'm going to go to the bar for one drink," Alex was putting on her jacket and left a note for Maggie to pour herself a glass before getting there. "I promise, it'll only be one. I need this to be as perfect as possible."

"It will be."

With that, Alex made sure she had her purse and gun and squealed as she walked outside the door.

Alex planned on being there until 6:30, would be home by 6:45 in time for Maggie to meet her at 7:30 by the time she came home from her commute. She kept talking to herself, drinks, food, ring, making sure her plan was perfect. She knew Maggie would say yes even if it was just a casual plan, but the concept of the big gay wedding they envisioned so long ago was still very relevant in their heads.

6:30 on the dot, she paid and walked out of the bar. Suddenly, a figure stood before her. She reached for her gun.

"My Alex."

"Who are you?"

"It's been two years. I know you've been waiting awhile, but I've made it." He walked into the light.

"Dad?"

"I've missed you so much my sweet girl." Jeremiah hugged her and Alex cried in relief. She couldn't believe that her dad was finally home again, and hopefully for the better. She knew she shouldn't have been this trusting, but she didn't care. "Let's get somewhere safe so we can talk. I still need to watch who I'm around." Alex looked at him in his eyes. Tired, aging.

She decided that her plans with Maggie could wait another hour. She didn't realize that she'd forget all about them.

Jeremiah guided Alex down the alleyway and into an old, beat-up car. "I need to drive for a little bit but we can talk if you want."

Alex couldn't. She was still stunned at the fact that her father was here. It was silent until he pulled into an old building Alex recognized as one of the abandoned L-Corp facilities. One that was used as a Cadmus lab so long ago. She pulled out her gun.

"Leave that here. You don't need it, it's alright. It's just me in there." His voice was still the same calming tone as he kept when he told her Kara was going to live with them.

She decided to trust him.

Alex walked in after her father. Where the alien ship once stood was ruins from the bombs she planted and the gunfire from the night two years ago. It was nostalgic to the day she thought she lost her father.

In the corner was an air mattress, some tools, a gun, toiletries and a few cans of food and water. A reflection caught her eye and she walked over to two pictures of the family: one before he was taken away by Hank Henshaw and the other when he came to dinner for the night before the betrayal. She knelt down to study the fallen frames.

"I think about our family all the time." Jeremiah walked up behind her. You and Kara, your mother. How happy Maggie has made you."

"Yeah?"

"I do. We only had a short time together before I was taken again, but that night Henshaw had knocked me unconscious. I woke up in the middle of Opal City, trying to find my way back to you, but some of Lillian's friends were tracking me. I couldn't just come back. I had to hide because I knew." He paced.

"But you didn't even send us a message or some sort of sign that you were okay."

"I couldn't. I had to protect my family."

"Dad..."

He sat down next to her. "Remember when I told you everything that I do is for you? For Kara, your mother? I wasn't lying. I'm trying to protect you. Do you trust me?"

"I do." For a split second, Alex swore she saw red flashing, but brushed it off.

Jeremiah's voice became robotic and hoarse. "Then you'll understand why I have to do this." His arm flew out so fast Alex couldn't react.