I don't own these characters; DC/the CW does.

2: In Favor

Kara was determined to show Alex they were bond mates, so she was up bright and early for Alex's morning run. Alex just looked at her for a moment when she opened her apartment door, but then they were both off. Of course, running did nothing for Kara, but she could help push Alex with a faster pace, which Alex appreciated, and sometimes Alex would just talk to her. Now did not seem like one of those times. Why is she doing this? Why can't she just accept what we are? Can't she feel my soul calling out to her? Kara would have to say something.

"You know you could exercise at the gym in L-Corp," Kara said, just to start a conversation. It was a clear day and the sun fell on her face, giving her confidence to deal with this. Come on, Alex. You're smart. You know this is what we're meant to be.

"There's a gym? Like a real gym?" Alex asked, glancing over at Kara.

Kara's eyes went wide and she fiddled with her glasses. No way Alex doesn't know about the gym! "Really? How long have you worked there?" She arched an eyebrow.

Alex sucked her teeth and shoved Kara. Kara laughed, but she was pleased with Alex touching her. Too much time had passed without Alex's touch, even if it was casual like now. Her heart thumped and burned, remembering and desiring Alex to touch her more intimately. How can I be patient and take my time when she's right here? I just don't want to lose any more time with her.

"I've had other things to worry about," Alex replied with a frown and she picked up speed a little, as if needing to run out her fury. "But, that explains why I always get complaints about there being a better place to show security takedown methods." She pursed her lips. "I should scope it out. I could stop holding back, not wanting to hurt anybody on the hard floor."

Kara yelped. "No! I didn't tell you that so you could make life harder on the security."

Alex treated L-Corp security like they needed to be on level with her former DEO agents. Yes, Kara liked competent security around Lena, but they did not need to be tormented to new heights. She existed and Alex was there. It would be bad luck for any person to get near Lena with evil intent at this point.

Alex looked at her like she was insane. "Look, I'm there to keep Lena safe, not coddle those idiots. I'm going to schedule that as soon as possible."

"I wanted us to spar," Kara said. That would be a way for them to interact and Alex could feel safe because there would be people around. Just something to get Alex comfortable with being around her again. I just want my Alex back! Well, she wanted Alex back and accepting what they were.

There was that look again, like she was crazy. "Well, we can't do that at my job, especially not at the gym there."

"So, you'll come to the penthouse and we can do it there?" That would be so much better! They could hang out, mess around, have dinner, and cuddle on the couch! "It'll be an even match with the red sun lamps." So much more fun.

Alex laughed. "I love that you think we're an even match without your powers. So cute." The way her eyes sparkled was nice to see, but her teasing was not warranted.

Kara pouted and sped off, as if that somehow disproved Alex's point. She returned to Alex's side with bagels from New York City. "For later."

"From that spot in Brooklyn?"

"Yup."

Alex laughed. "You can't buy me with delicious, handmade bread." She grinned. "But, I still want the bagels."

"Then we have to spar. Either at the L-Corp gym or the penthouse. If not, these are all mine." Kara pressed the bag to her chest. They both knew she would have no guilt or shame in keeping and eating these bagels.

Alex groaned. "Fine. But, I'll have to get back to you on when. Me and Vas are going shooting sometime this week."

"Why?" While it was not bizarre, she needed to check that Alex was not trying to avoid her again. She would never go four days without Alex again if she could help it.

"Lucy beat Vas at the range and now her pride is wounded."

Kara snickered. "Just regular pride, right? Alpha pride would need more than one trip." She really did not know about alpha pride and stuff, but she heard Alex talking about it on more than one occasion.

"You know Vas isn't that kind of alpha." She really was not. Vasquez was the coolest alpha ever because she never gave into macho crap or alpha stuff. "But, Lucy is obnoxious on a good day, even to Vas. Can't let her keep the upper hand."

Kara rolled her eyes. "You just have a thing with Lucy because she arrested you that one time. Lucy's really sweet."

Alex scoffed. "To you maybe."

"Now, I know you probably don't want to right now, but you could invite Lena." Kara grinned.

"No. I can't. This is my time with Vas and she asked for my help. I'm not going to split my attention."

"Okay. Understood." Kara had not expected Alex to accept, but the request was a bit of a heat check. Alex was not upset Kara asked, nor was she angry at the mention of Lena's name. Okay, so Alex avoided us, but she seems like she's over it or at least open to being around us again. "You're going to have lunch with Lena?"

Alex arched an eyebrow. "Why? Planning to kidnap me?"

Kara laughed. "Maybe. I could whisk you away—"

"If you start singing A Whole New World, I'm leaving."

"You always spoil my fun!" Kara puffed out her cheeks, took a breath, and could not help herself. "I can show you the world—"

Alex took off at top speed. Kara laughed, still singing, and caught up without being obvious about her powers. But, Alex had another gear and just pulled away again. For a human, Alex was sometimes scary in her capabilities. Kara still gave chase.

-8-8-8-8-

Alex sat with Vasquez in her lab, as today was technically a day for science, but since Kara told her about L-Corp's gym, she got excited. They could do so much with a proper gym space. She wanted to demonstrate moves and practice techniques with the security teams as soon as possible. Vasquez was more than happy to help with logistics. Organizing would always be Vasquez's first love.

"So, what if instead of showing moves, you actually put them all through the paces?" Vasquez suggested.

Alex pointed. "That is a brilliant idea. I would love to get a better sense of how they all work one-on-one. They need to be able to hold things down in a lot of different areas if they're going to be trusted with the safety of the building or the safety of Lena."

Vasquez nodded. "This is true. These guys like to talk a lot of crap. You can make them put up or shut up like you used to do new agents. It was a good way to tell who would make it at the DEO and who wouldn't."

Alex rubbed her chin. "You're right about that. Have you been to the gym? Is the space good for that?"

"Oh, yeah. It's a very nice gym. It's on par with the DEO gym with better lighting."

Alex did not expect that, but also Lena did not do things by half. But, this was a good idea. They would have to work out how this would go. Vasquez had ideas, so they were able to figure it out pretty quickly. Alex now looked forward to it. She had not sparred one-on-one since the DEO went down. It had also been a long time since she fought someone and her life or a life was not on the line. Vasquez quickly jotted everything down in her tablet.

"All right, so the range tomorrow?" Vasquez asked as she packed away her planner.

Before Alex could respond, the door opened and Lena stepped inside holding a bag. She had her phone to ear, so she was not paying them any mind. Alex did not realize it had gotten so late. She and Vasquez must have talked more than she thought. But, this was good. Now, there was a buffer between her and Lena. I just need to keep Vas here, so I'll try to prolong this range thing.

"Okay, Alex, so I ordered from that new sandwich place—oh." Lena looked up, looking right at Vasquez. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were here, Vasquez. Is it your day with Alex?" She checked her phone, probably to see the date.

"No, but—" Vasquez stopped as Lena held up one finger and the phone went back to Lena's ear.

"Sorry. One second." Lena's attention went back to her phone.

Alex took the lunch bag from Lena and set it down on the lab table, which was clear of her usual clutter. The tiny space seemed crowded with three people, especially when Lena sat down.

"You can tell her we're leaving early tomorrow," Vasquez said to Alex.

Alex was about to nod, but froze. She did not want to have that conversation with Lena in front of someone, even if it was Vasquez. She did not want it to seem like Lena was giving her special treatment. She did not want to give anyone any reason to suspect she had banged Lena several times. Well, she also did not want to explain to Lena why she had not invited her to the shooting range, even though she had a good reason for it. But, Lena would take this personally, like Kara would if it was her.

Lena looked between them, but still listened to whatever was happening over the phone. Vasquez pointed to Alex, who groaned. Great, now she would have to explain why she did not invite Lena, even though they enjoyed shooting together. This is going to be a mess. I should've just done some science. Vasquez tilted her hand toward Lena and Alex waved her off.

"Look, just get it done," Lena said into the phone and then ended the call. She put the phone down and turned her attention to them. "What are we leaving early for?"

"Vas and I are going to the gun range to get some practice in," Alex replied.

Lena visibly perked up and her eyes brightened. Alex withered on the inside. She did not want to bring Lena's mood down, especially since she seemed like she was already having a rough time and she had shown up with lunch. She did not need to keep bringing Alex lunch considering Alex had been childishly avoiding her and Kara.

"Oh, to the place by the beach?" Lena asked with interest as she took charge of the lunch bag she brought.

Vasquez looked at Alex, who grimaced. "No. That place has a private membership." Neither she nor Vasquez were elite enough for that. She had gone there several times with Lena, though, and that place was amazing. It was like a country club of gun ranges. It would be nice to take Vasquez to that place, but nope. This was about her and Vasquez putting in work, not spoiling themselves with Lena's connections.

"Alex, I told you to apply each time we went. I'm going to have them fast track your application," Lena said.

"Wait, you shoot?" Vasquez asked Lena, pointing to Lena.

Lena nodded. "A lot better since Alex gave me some pointers." Lena winked at Alex and she wished she could just disappear.

Vasquez punched her fist into her palm. "You should come with us!" She glanced between Lena and Alex. "Alex is helping me after I failed to impress my former army girlfriend with my shooting ability."

Lena giggled. "That sounds like a euphemism."

Vasquez chuckled. "I almost wish it was. Lucy probably would've been more forgiving."

Lena glanced at Alex, who did her best to not look uncomfortable. She must have failed because then Lena turned her attention to the table top. "Thank you for the invite, but I don't want to be a third wheel."

"You wouldn't be." Vasquez drummed her fingers against the counter. "Come. It'll be fun. Right, Alex?" Vasquez turned to her, completely oblivious to what she was doing.

Alex forced out a smile, certain she looked demented. "Sure, it'll be fun." If she did not make it awkward. Oh, when do you not make social situations awkward? When did you get like this? Definitely once she stopped doing drugs in college. I might need drugs to get me through the range if this happens.

Vasquez nodded. "Maybe I'll do better if there's someone else there. I don't want to look like a novice."

"Yeah, just don't challenge Lena. You don't want to risk losing again," Alex said. Vasquez tended to keep her alpha-ness under control, but it would probably at least ding her alpha pride if she was beaten by someone else at something she was pretty talented at.

Vasquez turned to Lena. "Damn, that good? Now, this I have to see. You can tell me all about how Alex helped you, so I can make sure she's doing it right when she helps me." She snickered and glanced at Alex.

Lena laughed as well. "I'm sure she'll do right by you. Alex is honorable if nothing else."

"I know, but I would still love to see you shoot. And, while I know Alex is a great instructor in anything she tries, I would still like to know how she helped you," Vasquez said.

Lena nodded. "What time? I'll have to rework my schedule."

"We're going to leave at one if that's all right. We can meet you in the lobby," Vasquez replied.

"Sounds good," Lena agreed.

"Dress comfortably, Lena. Actually, dress normal, too. This isn't your private gun club," Alex said.

Lena chuckled. "Aye, aye." She gave a mock-salute, showing she spent way too much time with Kara around Alex.

"Well, with that settled, I leave you to your lunch," Vasquez said as she gathered her things again and made her way to the door.

"Do you need help with anything?" Alex asked.

Vasquez shook that off. "I got it. Focus on your lunch." She turned to Lena. "It's good you got her into eating lunch. Supergirl couldn't even pull that off."

Alex glared at Vasquez, who chuckled as she left. Did Vasquez know something? How could she? Alex never said anything. Maybe I gave it away. But, how? She had no idea and did not have time to consider answers.

"Are you okay with this?" Lena asked as soon as they were alone.

Alex swallowed down her feelings, but it made her stomach roil. "It's fine."

Lena glanced away before finding the courage to stare Alex in the eye, making her braver than Alex. "I know you're trying to avoid me."

Alex flinched, even though it was true. It just sounded silly out loud. Silly and immature. Avoidance would not solve anything, especially since she had to work with Lena. And, honestly, she liked being around Lena, even if they were still trying to work out their friendship. "It won't solve anything."

Lena nodded, but pursed her lips. "What are you trying to solve, anyway? Kara's emotions? My opinion?"

She had no logical response there. She could not stop Kara's beliefs or Lena's acceptance. Was she trying to avoid them so she did not develop feelings for them? Too late. She loved Kara and she was at least physically attracted to Lena. Avoiding would not change those things. In fact, avoiding only troubled her. She had missed both of them.

"Why are you both making me seem like the problem for not wanting to come between you two?" Alex asked.

"Because you're not coming between us. If anything, I interrupted you and Kara."

This made no sense to Alex. She and Kara had settled into their sister routine by the time Lena came along. She had not interrupted any romance between them. "What makes you say that?"

"Kara would've eventually figured out you were her bond mate."

Alex scoffed. "Not likely. You've met us." She did not think they were bond mates, but even if they were, she could not see them figuring it out after making the decision they were not an item a decade ago.

Lena laughed. "I have. You two are utterly hopeless, but I don't think you missing this for so long was your fault. Your relationship had been put in the wrong box from the start and even though you clearly suspected it wasn't quite right, hence her helping you with ruts, you also had so many bumps put in your way it was if the universe was telling you not now. But, Alex, you have it now. Do you want to waste any more time? You don't have to fall on your sword. You don't have to be a martyr."

Alex scowled. She was not being a martyr. She was doing the right thing. "You and Kara deserve to be happy."

"And you don't? You're going to sacrifice your happiness? Martyr."

"It's not like that. I'd complicate matters. You both work and you enjoy each other and… I'd just complicate things." Why did they not get that three people in a relationship was messy, especially when the initial couple was already happy and so involved with each other?

Lena scoffed. "We already 'complicated' matters once you seconded. Now, things just make sense. And, I would be happy if Kara had what she desired and deserved."

Alex shook her head, trying to keep a headache at bay. It was not working. Why was Lena so okay with this? She should be outraged and disgusted. She should rage at Kara for trying to be with someone else, but instead, she was supportive. Because she understands how much you and Kara need each other. No, no, no. That was too much right now. She did not need to go down that road. She had made the right decision and that was that.

"Let's have lunch and show me your notes on these suppressants. I think I have a couple of ideas," Alex said.

Lena laughed, but she jumped onto the very clumsy distraction. She unpacked their lunch and then took out her notes. They got to work.

-8-8-8-8-

Lena sighed, leaning her head back on the leather couch in the penthouse, as she finally finished rearranging her schedule for her afternoon off tomorrow. It was a lot, but she looked forward to this shooting trip, even if Alex probably was not as enthused. I can just remind her how much we get along, even when science isn't distracting us. Then, she can consider how she can be with Kara and still be friends with me. Of course, with the way her body tingled at the thought of Alex, friends was only one step for her.

Kara flopped down next to Lena on the couch and gathered her in her arms. Lena giggled as she was pressed to Kara's strong chest, rubbing her cheek against Kara's worn My Little Pony t-shirt. Kara was so warm and Lena had to consciously stop herself from melting against Kara. She inhaled and Kara somehow smelled like sunshine. It was the only way Lena could describe it. It only made her want to melt into Kara even more. She groaned. Get this last thing done and you can do whatever after.

"Kara, stop. I need to send this last email!" Lena gave a weak effort to push away.

"No! No more work stuff. Cuddles!" Kara buried her face in Lena's hair.

Lena wrapped her arms around Kara. "I want to cuddle, too, but I need to send this one last email so I can hang out with Alex without worrying about work."

Kara pulled away enough to look her in the eye. "Hang out with Alex? That must have been a hell of a lunch."

Lena laughed, throwing her head back, even though she definitely should not laugh over that. "No, I might have actually done something bad. I sort of invited myself to her shooting outing with Vasquez."

Kara's brow wrinkled. "What? How?"

Lena rubbed her forehead. "I'm not even sure now. Vasquez invited me and Alex didn't seem to want to say no after that."

"Vasquez invited you? Are you sure you didn't trick her?" Kara grinned to show she was teasing.

Lena playfully shoved Kara. "No, I didn't trick her. But, I'm going. I don't think Alex was happy since she's trying to avoid me."

Kara scoffed, waving that off. "But, she's being silly."

"I called her on it with the hope it'll eventually help her realize she is being silly, but I still don't want to make her uncomfortable." Lena was Alex's friend and she wanted them to be close, so making Alex uncomfortable would not help, but she needed Alex to get used to her presence again. So, they had to spend time together.

Kara smiled, like Lena was being silly. "She's going to have a good time with you. She always does. I don't know why she's fighting it and I don't know why you're worried about it. You know she's going to have a good time with you and you'll have fun with her. We could all just do that together."

Lena sighed. If only Kara could just stop moving at full speed now that she figured out this life changing information. "She wants you to be happy and she thinks she'll mess that up. I think we just have to be there for her and she'll come around when she sees she hasn't broken us up."

Kara nodded. "I can do that. Well, I think I can do that." She took a deep breath, as if to fortify herself for the wait. "Wait, does that mean we're not going to have lunch tomorrow?"

"No, but if you're good, I'll bring Alex by for dinner." Lena smiled. All she had to do was tell Alex that Kara really wanted to see her and that would be enough to get her to the penthouse, even if she was still trying to avoid them. She would just have to continue failing.

Kara moped, shoulders dropping. "Okay, but you have to bring Alex or I'm just going to pout the entire night."

Lena chuckled and kissed Kara's cheek. "If somehow I fail at this mission, I'll bring treats and pamper you for the night."

"Nope." Kara shook her head. "You already said Alex for dinner. So, it's Alex for dinner or nothing."

Lena laughed and hugged Kara, kissing her forehead. She could send the last email later. "Then I will bring Alex tomorrow come Hell or high water. For now, how about we enjoy our alone time? I'll heat up some of yesterday's takeout for you and we watch a movie?"

Kara squealed. "Yes!"

Lena felt light inside over Kara's genuine excitement. Kara really just wanted to be pampered and she deserved it. Alex started it, coddling Kara whenever she was scared when she first came to Earth and then well beyond. Honestly how those two did not realize they were bond mates was nothing short of incredible and spoke to how oblivious those two could be.

They only had about an hour to themselves before Kara had to rush off for Supergirl related business. Maybe Alex would be there and they could have some fun together, reminding Alex how well they worked together in all aspects of life. Kara left Lena with a quick kiss.

Now, Lena was alone. She sent that last email and now had time to plot her outfit for tomorrow. She had been shooting at the range Alex usually went to, so she knew how to dress. Casual to the point as if she was going to a park. I probably shouldn't dress in a way to try to entice Alex anyway. That would make her uncomfortable.

I'm just as eager as Kara to get Alex on board with this. Something about the idea of the three of them not only intrigued her, but just seemed right. But, she had to take her time, as she told Kara. They had to wait for Alex. So calm the hell down.

She grabbed her notes to distract herself. It was not the best idea, as it would just make her think of Alex, but damn it, Alex added some good stuff to her ideas. This is going to be so amazing when we really get to work on it. She could hardly wait. And, this held Lena's attention for a few hours.

Kara was not back by the time Lena crawled into bed, but she did not fall asleep until Kara was curled around her in the early morning hours. Kara wrapped strong arms around her and kissed her softly behind the ear.

"Everything all right?" Lena asked, voice groggy.

"Yeah, just evolved into Supergirl and Sentinel having to bust up a drug ring made from alien hormones. Nothing the two of us couldn't handle."

"Saved the day with your favorite person. You didn't make it weird, did you?"

"No, we were both all business. Alex might be a little keyed up tomorrow, though. She took all their data. More stuff to study and see if they were involved in other things."

"Well, Alex is taking me shooting tomorrow, no matter what. I already changed my schedule for it, so it's happening." While it was a joke, she was serious, too. Alex would have to get her science on some other day.

Kara snickered and kissed her again. They both drifted to sleep and woke up to a pretty normal morning. Lena almost forgot to grab her change of clothes and had to turn around, but that was the most eventful thing about the morning.

Lena made sure to get everything done at the appointed time and then went to fetch Alex, as there was no way she was on time with even more research at her fingertips. As expected, Alex was hunched over her desk, scribbling in a notebook. It was partially adorable, except for the fact that Alex was probably running on coffee, adrenaline, and curiosity. She would burn out soon. Good thing she's coming home with me.

"All right, Alex, time to go. Vasquez is undoubtedly waiting for us," Lena said.

Alex did not jump, as if she was aware Lena had been there, even though her world seemed limited to the items in front of her. "One second—"

"No 'one second.' You'll stretch that into an hour. We need to go. You always stress about being places on time," Lena said.

Alex let out what could only be considered a whine, but Lena was not there for it. Even though, it was nice Alex was comfortable enough with her to whine. She marched over to Alex and closed her notebook. Alex gasped and looked at her with hard eyes. Lena was not moved, nor intimidated.

"Grab your things. You promised to help Vasquez," Lena said in a stern voice.

Alex sighed, shoulders falling, along with her face for a moment. "You're right. Let me get my stuff." She stood up. She had a duffle bag in the corner. Lena looked around and realized Alex did not even have a locker for her things. I have to do something about this. Alex was still the L-Corp pariah, despite her friendship with Lena.

Alex shouldered her bag and Lena paused to take in the image she cut. There was something about the way she stood with the bag on her shoulder. Lena took a breath and shook herself out of the stupor as Alex moved. They made their way to the door. They opened the door and Lena yelped. A woman stood before them.

"Miss Luthor," the woman said. Lena did not get a chance to respond or inquire who this woman was. What she did take in was the woman was gorgeous, full figured, with perfect hair and little makeup.

"Fatinah," Alex said. Her voice sounded surprised, but there was like a happy lilt to it.

Lena almost frowned, but caught herself. Calm down. We're going shooting. She would not let Alex dally for too long, even if she had to be rude about it. Is that why you want to be rude? She ignored that thought.

The woman, Fatinah, turned to Alex and her dark eyes sparkled as she stared at Alex. "Doctor Danvers." There was an almost chirp in her voice. Lena's nerves twitched.

"You can call me Alex. What are you doing in my little hole-in-the-wall?" Alex asked.

"Oh." Fatinah perked up, cheeks flushed. "I was coming to see if you wanted to go get lunch, but you seem to be on your way out." Fatinah glanced at Lena, who consciously had to keep her body from tensing.

Alex blinked. "Oh, yeah? Maybe tomorrow. I'll let you know."

Fatinah smiled, teeth straight and white. "Okay. Good. Don't forget me."

Alex smiled back. "I won't."

Lena held back rolling her eyes. She also held back from grabbing Alex to show this little omega that Alex was taken. Alex isn't mine to claim, even if she's Kara's bond mate. She has to accept that before we can move forward. The thoughts did not help Lena settle, though.

Alex put her arm around Lena to move her and Lena fought down the urge to smirk at Fatinah. Again, Alex is not your alpha, so calm the hell down. But, what a thing it would be if she was.

As expected, Vasquez was waiting for them in the main lobby, also holding a duffle bag like Alex. They piled into Vasquez's rather small car after Alex took Lena's bag and put it in the trunk for her. The drive was short and pleasant. Alex had a ton of questions for Vasquez, trying to understand how she lost to Lucy. Lena sat in the back, quietly, not wanting to interrupt their discussion.

The conversation went on for the entire ride and beyond. They talked as Vasquez parked the car. Alex grabbed both her bag and Lena's. Lena walked behind them, eyes drifting from Alex's back to her ass. There was something about watching Alex carry the bags that spoke to her strength and kept Lena's attention as they entered the place.

They changed out of their work clothes and grabbed their guns, as well as a few the operator was willing to let them try. Alex stood back and observed at first. Then, she helped Vasquez first and Lena felt her hackles up again. Calm down. You pushed into their thing. Alex is here for Vasquez, who invited you here and is being nice to you. They're friends. Vasquez is an alpha in a relationship. And for the last time, Alex isn't yours.

And then Lena calmed when Alex came to her side, touching her hips to correct her stance. Alex paused and stared at Lena with wide eyes. Damn it. She had released pheromones by accident.

"You okay?" Alex asked in a low tone.

Lena nodded. "Fine. Might just be some leftover effects from helping with your rut." Or so I hope. What the hell is wrong with me?

Alex accepted that excuse, but Lena was in trouble. This went back to her heat, craving Alex's knot and her teeth. On a base level, she wanted Alex, which she could accept. But, since they started getting along, it had grown, and Kara and her damn double-bond mates. Lena was screwed, especially since she was very aware Alex was going to make a date with Fatinah. This was not fair.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: Lena is in distress and gets comfort from Kara while Alex goes on her date.