"Well, this certainly isn't how I was hoping to spend this year's Pride," Nia muttered.
"This certainly isn't how I was hoping to spend this year," Brainy agreed.
"Same," Kara sighed. After George Floyd was killed by the police, protests popped up across the globe. Now was National City's time.
"Well, I have good faith in our people to keep their heads. For the most part," J'onn muttered. Even though he and the others were going to the protest as attendees, it was still agreed upon that they would also be watching over the proceedings just in case anything did get out of control. They weren't going in as official law enforcement, per se, but if anyone would be able to stop a riot, it would be a band of superpowered aliens.
"I hope," Alex couldn't stop a small scoff. She was the most cynical. Although she agreed that National City was probably one of the safer cities to have a protest in, they were not strangers to riots either. Besides, in some capacity, she was a cop, so to see all of this happening affected her on a much deeper and more personal level than anyone else.
That was not to say she agreed with the actions of the cops who killed George Floyd (because she didn't). Instead, Alex believed that, as a cop, it became all the more important for her to take a stand against the violence in order to make a point. And she considered it a duty both to herself and her fellow law-enforcers to keep them in check.
But at the same time, it still stung her to think that the career field she'd chosen was associated with such violence and racism. Even if her own name, personally, was clean, the institution she was heavily associated with was now a dark stain upon the country's name. It felt like a personal blow because Alex had expected better of her fellow officers.
But when Alex ran into Kelly, who was already at the protest, her eyes lit up.
"Kelly!" she heaved an audible sigh of relief and joy, not hesitating to race into the other woman's arms and hold her close.
"Alex!" Kelly sounded just as happy, and Kara could hear her sniffle into Alex's shoulder as they embraced. Alex even dared to quickly lift her mask to sneak a kiss onto Kelly's cheek. It earned a small laugh from Kelly. Even Nia, Brainy and J'onn looked happier. Cliché as it sounded, it was the little things like this that gave them hope, and reminded them all what they were fighting for.
And for Kara, personally, it just made her smile to see her sister being so comfortable in her sexuality. Just a couple years back, Alex had been so shy and scared about showing public affection to her girlfriend. Now here she was, bravely and blatantly kissing Kelly on the cheek. For Kara, it was the little things like this that reminded her what Pride was all about, and it restored her faith in the annual celebration.
After all, Nia was still celebrating. Her mask was pattered like the trans flag and the sign she was carrying had two sides. One side said, "BLACK TRANS WOMEN ARE VALID" and the other said "BLACK TRANS MATTERS". She was going to make absolutely certain that when they were marching for Black lives, they were marching for all Black lives and that queer people would not be forgotten.
And she was far from alone. As the crowd continued to grow in anticipation, Kara saw several other signs that referenced the queer community, as well as other marginalized identities that could intersect with race (such as religion, age, class, etc).
Kelly's own sign had no words, but instead, it was of a circle of hands all clasped together, every hand a different color, a rainbow in the center.
Brainy held a "Stronger Together!" sign with Supergirl's crest on it, one black hand and one white hand shaking in front of it.
Kara, Alex and J'onn all wore BLM shirts, but none of them carried signs, just in case they needed to engage in some type of defense later on.
But just as J'onn had predicted, the protest remained peaceful. He had not been wrong to say that even though the city was no stranger to riots, it was still safer than some other places. After the crowd was done marching, they ended at the waterfront where several speakers gave speeches, crying out words of grief, anger, bitterness and injustice before balancing them with words of hope, wisdom, encouragement and support. Kelly and Nia were both speakers, talking about the importance of solidarity across all identities, especially during a time like this.
And James, although he could not be there physically because his own town was dealing with protests a bit more heated than the ones in National City, managed to get in a word as well, having sent a video. In it, he discussed the moments of racism he'd experienced in his own life before referencing his history with Superman and talking about how the Man of Steel had inspired him to be a hero in his own right. Now he wanted everyone else to follow that path and use all their talents and passions in their own unique ways in order to help make the world just a little better. Then lastly was Kara, going as Supergirl. Reiterating bits and pieces of the speeches before her, she tied it all together under the message of hope, help and compassion for all. It was fitting for the Girl of Steel, the heart and hero of their city, to speak at the end of the speeches, helping bring it all together. El mayarah, as she said. But she was not the final speaker. Instead, that went to other Black leaders in the city. This was their march, after all, and even though allies were vitally important, it was not the place of anyone except those who were facing the oppression directly to speak on it, and to conclude the protest that they were leading.
Once it was over, people began to disperse. They'd been coming and going all day, but with the event mostly officially over, people began heading out. All that remained were representatives asking either for votes, signatures or money. The Superfriends were sure to give out all three.
It was during this time that Kara (who had since removed her costume) ran into one last protestor. It was someone she'd expected, and maybe even hoped to see, but was still surprised when their paths crossed.
"Kara."
"Lena."
For a time, the tension between the Luthor and Super was so heavy that they could've cut it with Kara's heat vision. All they were capable of were very guarded and formal greetings. But despite all the bad blood between them, there were bigger fish to fry, and they knew it. Old wounds had to be forgotten in order to tend to the new ones. The two did still have their priorities in order. They weren't so petty or selfish that they'd let a grudge overtake a much more important issue. Even if they had to grit their teeth while doing it, they could still work together.
"I'm glad you came out here today," Kara finally said, voice and face soft.
"Of course," Lena replied, her tone a bit sharper. She was about to say "What? Do you think that just because I am a Luthor I am a complete and utter monster? That I have no morals?" but she managed to hold her tongue. Instead, she only gave the Kryptonian a curt nod.
"It really does mean a lot to me," Kara tried again, wringing her hands embarrassedly. She knew how she was coming off to the Luthor. She wouldn't allow Lena to guilt her anymore, but that didn't mean she didn't still feel bad sometimes. And she was sure that her pathetic attempts at small talk were doing her no favors. She was correct.
In truth, the longer Kara stood there and floundered, the more annoyed Lena became. But underneath that hurt was an even older, deeper sadness. A longing. An affection. Even when they'd met in what seemed like a lifetime ago, Lena had been instantly attracted to Kara in so many ways, and that attraction only grew with time the closer and closer they became. So even now, even after all the fighting and betrayal and heartbreak, a tiny piece of Lena still loved Kara.
Besides, part of what had drawn them together was their common desire for justice. That ideal was being put to the test today, and even though a small part of Lena was still mad at Kara, she was reminded of who she was and what she stood for. She was going to be the good Luthor, the one who brought peace instead of pain. That was who she was. Now it was time to put that creed to the test and focus on the bigger picture. As such, Lena managed to finally loosen up enough to give Kara what she wanted: a conversation, a chance.
"I'm here helping organize some of the donations," the Luthor began, flicking her head towards a few of the tents farther away from the water.
One was for Black Lives Matter, one for the NAACP, and several for George Floyd and bails for any protestors who got arrested. At least, those were the most relevant charities at the event. But there were other groups looking for donations that would supply things like better education or more resources. And even more still were looking for ways to fund African Americans in their dreams (so, things like scholarships or start-up money for African American artists). They were things to help give these people the same thing Kara and Lena were wanting and trying to give (both to each other and the rest of the city): hope and a chance.
"That's great!" Kara's eyes shone with sincere joy as she looked towards the tents. She quickly used her super vision to check how much each charity was making and she was pleased to say that most of them were doing fairly well. It was about time something good happened this year!
"Thank you," Lena replied, bowing her head a little. "And your closing speech was quite wonderful as well. You always know how to inspire hope."
"Ha, yeah, well, it's all part of the job," Kara gave Lena another sheepish laugh. "Stronger together, after all."
"Mmm," Lena agreed. "Strength in numbers."
"The numbers sure looked pretty good," Kara looked away to survey the grounds. Even though the event was over, there were still plenty of people.
For a moment, then, another slightly awkward silence settled over the pair, neither one knowing what exactly to say or do next. Just before it could become too unbearable, however, Kara cleared her throat.
"Do you think you could show me your tables?" she asked. At first, Lena was genuinely surprised. Couldn't Kara do that herself? And hadn't she already seen the tables? But a split second later, Lena understood. Now it was Kara's turn to give her a chance. Would she be willing to accept it? For half a second, Lena considered declining. Lying and saying that she was busy, or needed to go back alone. But the world in which they lived in had become so crazy that Lena decided to take that craziness and add some more by saying yes.
The pair then spent the next hour or so together, Lena talking to Kara and showing her all the things all the charities were hoping to achieve. And that included some of her own L-Corp based charities. Kara followed dutifully behind, absorbing every single word Lena said. Not only was she happy just to be doing good works, but it felt so good to be doing them with Lena! For just a second, it was like old times for the two old friends, and there was even a point when Lena had stopped talking and begun to steal glances at Kara as they toured the tents.
"What do you think?" she finally asked, a flash of the old, insecure, hopeful Luthor making an appearance.
"I think it's all wonderful, Lena, truly I do!" Kara murmured, smiling softly as she surveyed all the tents again. "You're doing great things."
"Yeah, well, I couldn't just sit idly by when I had the power to act. You know me, I always want to see justice done," Lena murmured back.
"I know. It's something I can relate to," Kara nodded. "I'm just so glad that I get to do it with you again. It is, after all, part of what first… drew me to you…" Kara switched between trying to look Lena in the eyes, and then looking away because of how shy and embarrassed she felt.
"Really?" once again, Lena's walls came down for a split second as genuine surprise filled her face.
"Yeah," Kara nodded shyly. "When we first met, you talked about how you wanted to help make the world a better place. And you wanted to be the one to clear your name. That was the first time I knew I would like you, and it only got better from there. I know I messed up terribly, but I still look back on our memories of being heroes together as some of the best ones I've ever made."
For a second, Lena could only stare at Kara with tight lips and an unreadable expression, but after that second had passed, Lena's tension melted away and she heaved a reluctant sigh.
"Me too," she agreed. Kara's eyes lit up in response. She didn't look at Lena, she hardly even dared hope, but with a remark like that…?
"Do you think, then, that maybe just for this, we could try working together again?" the mere thought of the question terrified her, and asking it had nearly been impossible, but the one thing she feared even more was wasting the chance and watching Lena slip away from her again. It was motivation enough to get her to ask, but now the wait for Lena's response was killing her.
This one took Lena a bit longer to answer. She jumped between yes and no, between what she wanted and what was most likely to happen. It was a nice idea, yes, but how illogical was it? How much conflict of interest would it cause? Lena really didn't want more drama with Kara. But at the same time, this was for a good cause. And Lena had the same guilty wish that Kara did…
"Very well," the Luthor finally sighed. Even if she didn't know if she'd made the right choice or not, at least she'd made a choice.
"Really?" While Lena's shoulders had slumped, now that the burden of the question was off hers, Kara's tensed back up, but with hope.
"I think we could work something out," Lena replied airily, but even though she tried to retain an icy distance, just seeing the other woman light up made Lena feel something…
"That's better than nothing!" Kara insisted, ever the optimist. A tiny smile flickered across Lena's face, unbidden, but unregretted.
"I suppose I can email you a list of ideas later," Lena said.
"That would be wonderful!" Kara nodded enthusiastically. Even though she could still feel the tension between them, just the mere thought of working with Lena again was returning her to happier times. That was the next best thing to happen this year. Maybe Pride could still be decent despite everything else that was going on right now.
No. It could definitely still be decent. This was Kara, Paragon of Hope! She wasn't going to be anything less than certain that things would get better eventually. And thanks to Lena, some of that hope had grown even stronger. Kara had a lot to thank her for. But not right now, because Lena really did need to get back to work (for real this time).
"It was nice talking to you," Lena said politely as she excused herself.
"Thanks for showing me around," Kara replied. Lena nodded. But after she turned away, she called one last thing back over her shoulder.
"By the way? Happy Pride…"
And Kara felt her heart flutter in her chest. So, Lena had remembered! Remembered the other Prides they'd attended together, and the way they felt about one another… Things were still rough between them, but on the bright side, the only way for them to go now was up. Up, up and away… And with their mutual determination, Kara was certain they would get there some day. She had the hope.