I don't own these characters; DC/the CW does.
6: Date with Destiny
Alex went home fine with the idea of going to the National City Science Expo with Lena. In fact, she actually felt happy about it. Her blood buzzed a little. She looked forward to this outing. Kara was right. They were friends and they needed to work their way around things. But, now, she wanted to see if Fatinah wanted to be her first, so to speak. So, she would see what day Fatinah might want to go and then she could schedule with Lena and Kara.
After a shower, she checked her phone. She had a few texts from Fatinah already. She had checked them while she was at the penthouse, but had not had the energy to respond while Kara was busy grabbing her as they watched a horror movie. It was almost comical the way Kara and Lena reacted to horror movies. Every single jump-scare tactic worked on them. How were they even still alive? It was cute.
Kara had actually been like that since being introduced to the concept of horror movies. Had she infected Lena with her ridiculous behavior? Probably. Or, Lena just took it as a chance to be silly since she did not get that chance often. Either way, Alex just wanted to cuddle them both and let them jump at every corny tactic in existence. She shook that away.
Alex flopped down on her bed and opened her text messages. Fatinah had texted a few messages about her evening and also sent a photo of her empty couch, saying it needed Alex's company. She smiled and was about to send a picture of her bed, but held off. She really did not want Fatinah in her bed. She did not have that urge and it would not be right to tease if Fatinah actually wanted that. Instead, she called Fatinah.
"Hey, babe," Fatinah answered.
The nickname made Alex's stomach twist. Why? I should delight in Fatinah. Alex was so broken and no person would ever be able to fix her, regardless of what Kara said. But, you don't feel broken with Kara. "Hey. How's your night going?"
"Would be so much better if you were here. You should come over one day."
Alex was not sure about that. Again, she did not have the urge to do so, especially if Fatinah wanted to do more than sit on the couch. "Maybe. But, it sounds like you want to hang out and I was wondering if you wanted to go to the Science Expo with me."
Fatinah groaned, much like Kara at the mention of the dreaded Science Expo. "You really want to go to that?"
"Yeah, I've never been."
"Really? How? I've had to go almost every year since grad school. Everyone always swears it's so amazing, but it's almost always the same stuff in a different package. It's boring."
Alex shrugged, waiting for a disappointing feeling that never came. It did not bother her that Fatinah did not want to go with her. That's probably a problem. She did not want to think about it. "Oh. Okay. Um, well, Lena asked me to go, if that's okay."
"Lena?" Fatinah sounded quite interested now.
"Yes, she was very excited and my sister hates the Expo, so she asked if I wanted to go since I've never been." It would probably be fun. Lena would show her all of the ins and outs, share her favorite companies, and make sure Alex had a good time.
"I can't believe she's really excited about it. Again, it's almost always the same stuff."
Alex was not sure about that. Fatinah seemed disinterested, so she probably never stuck around long enough to find anything new or intriguing. "Well, I want to go and I think it'll be fun."
"All right, I could go Sunday."
"That's the last day." Alex held in a pout. She would not be able to share time with Lena and have Fatinah be the first to show her around.
"I know, but since we didn't have plans I made plans with friends for Saturday."
Alex's stomach dropped. Oh, this is my fault. I should've made plans with her. She was just a terrible girlfriend. But, you knew that already. "Okay. That's fine. So, see you Sunday then?"
"I look forward to it."
Alex doubted that, but did not call Fatinah on it. "Good. See you then."
"Yeah."
They hung up and Alex sighed. This did not feel right, but she was not sure what was wrong. Whatever it was left her exhausted, though. She did not have the brain power to think about right now. She laid down in bed and fell asleep, only for her brain to betray her.
There were flashes of memories of cuddling with Kara and Alex could feel herself relax. There was a rush of something warm and tender. Her heart melted and she wanted to curl around Kara. Then, there were bursts of them doing activities together. Kara's smiles and laughter washed over her. So many hugs. The warmth inside of her spread, grew, and blanket her in the most comforting way.
The sleep should have been troubling, but when Alex woke up, all she could feel was peace before her brain processed anything. She could feel the dreamy smile on her face. This was not a dream sensation, though. This was how she felt being with Kara without anything between them. Kara's presence, acceptance, and affection was sunlight on her soul. It's too early for this.
-8-8-8-8-
Lena took a breath as she stared at herself in the mirror. The dark blue pants suit seemed too formal for hanging out with Alex. Her eyes drifted to the heels waiting for her by the closet. Nothing about this outfit said she was going to hang out with a friend. Kara poked her head into the bedroom and winced.
"No, babe, no. You're doing a fun thing with your friend, not going to a business thing. It was a business thing until Alex agreed on going and it's Alex's first time going and she's really looking forward to it," Kara said.
Lena nodded. "I thought so." She did not know what to wear, though. "I don't want to make Alex think it's more than just two friends going out. I'm doing my best not to make things uncomfortable for her." It was bad enough she kept pheromone blasting Alex.
Kara gave her a little half-smile. "You're thinking too hard on it. Just don't spray her with pheromones while you're out and you're good."
Lena shook her head. "I'm never going to live this down. I can't believe I keep doing that." With a deep breath, she covered her face with both hands. "Please, help." She was not sure if she meant that with her outfit or with her attraction to Alex. She needed to get herself under control.
Kara stepped in a little more, knowing her presence alone was enough to comfort Lena. "You don't really need my help. Dress like you're going to a science museum with your friend Alex to later meet your bond mate and watch her deep throat funnel cake."
Lena groaned, but it turned into a laugh in spite of herself. "You had to put it that way?"
Kara's bright smile was back. "I think it's enough to knock you back on track."
"If getting back on track gets you to stop talking, so I don't have to hear that phrase again, then yes, I am back on track." Lena marched to the walk-in closet and stared at the clothes on her side. A skirt would probably be best. When she was being comfortable and casual, she tended to wear skirts or dresses. Something she could wear comfortable boots with.
Kara literally hovered in the background as Lena grabbed her change of clothes and put on a black skirt and white shirt with black polka dots. It was flowing and comfortable. She could wear her favorite black boots with it. She went back to the mirror to straighten everything out and nodded in approval of herself. Kara floated up just behind her.
"You look nice," Kara said.
"And you're wearing that?" Lena's eyes drifted to Kara in the mirror.
Kara was dressed in a simple, red shirt with a couple of buttons opened and black pants. "You wanna dress me? Or maybe undress me?" She wiggled her eyebrows.
"I would take you up on that offer, but we can't be late meeting Alex."
Kara kissed her on the cheek. "No, you can't be late. I'm not going next to that place, so you can trick me into somehow going in. In fact, you would have Alex with you, so double the chance of tricking me into going in. I'm going to go play at the fair immediately."
"Please, deep throat the funnel cake before we show up."
Kara chuckled and they were on their way, riding in Lena's car with her driver. Kara held her hand the whole time. Lena smiled, even though her heart pounded a little. Just be Alex's friend, just be her friend. She could do that. She could be a normal person.
They split with a kiss, Kara heading toward the fair in the distance and Lena going to the front of the National City Science Museum where the large National City Science Expo was held every year. Alex waited for her by some benches off to the side next to the outside exhibit of a catapult. Alex was dressed as expected, in all black with a waist length leather coat with military boots. Oh, come on! I'm one human omega, what does she want from me?
"Hey, were you waiting long?" Lena asked as she fell to Alex's side. She was impressed with being able to sound normal. And, no pheromone burst. Nice.
"Not at all," Alex replied.
Lena smiled. "You excited for this?" She wanted to show Alex all of the great booths and displays, but it would take more than the day they had. If only Alex wanted to do all five days, but that was not in the cards for Alex, this time anyway. There was always next year.
"Yes. I've always wanted to come here, but I never had the time. The closest I ever got was an alien attack a block over and I got thrown through one of the windows. I didn't see much then, beyond the rubble I was lying in anyway."
Lena chuckled. "Of course that's how you'd get to see it. You're in for a treat. I come every year as a representative for L-Corp and there's always something that's amazing. Sometimes, it gets past the prototype stage and sometimes it doesn't, but there's always something here that inspires me. I definitely love checking out any freelance engineers booths. There's really good, really creative stuff there."
"Well, now, I look forward to it."
Lena resisted the urge to take Alex's hand and stepped away. Alex followed her, walking shoulder to shoulder with her. They had to show their passes to get in and then they were off. The Science Expo always had a bit of sci-fi convention feel to it and Alex dived right in, like the science nerd she was. It was on all three floors of the National City Science Museum. One of the things she liked around it was booths and tables set up next to exhibits that related to the booths and tables. There were several rooms with lectures, movies, and previews for things. It was so much.
The expo was divided by scientific sections, mostly sticking with their spaces in the museum, so Lena led Alex to the section she thought Alex would like the most — biology. Alex's eyes danced much like Kara's did when she found a particular food she liked. This was the first time she ever witnessed Alex appearing like a child on Christmas morning. There was so much and so many people, but it was great.
At some point, Alex took her hand and was dragging her from different displays and into talks. Alex dodged people like a shark going through the sea, while keeping Lena close, as if to protect her from the masses. But, she was still a busy bee, eyes catching so many things, darting over to so much. There was not enough time to do everything Alex wanted. They had been there for hours and barely made it through three different sections. They did not even pause to see any L-Corp stuff. Lena would have to come back tomorrow on her own for a proper walkthrough. It was nice to see Alex so keyed up, relaxed, and just enjoying life.
Lena could see shades of Kara in Alex now. She could not help smiling as she watched Alex move. Alex needed more moments like this and Lena wanted to give her them as well as witness each and every one of them. Unfortunately, she would need to see this energy somewhere else.
"Alex, we need to go meet Kara," Lena reminded her.
Alex turned to her and genuinely pouted. "Oh. Right." She scanned the Expo, probably taking in how much more there was to see. "Guess it would be impossible to see all of this in a day, huh?" She had the nerve to look like a disappointed child and Lena just wanted to spoil her right now to make her happy.
"Probably." Lena gave Alex's hand a squeeze to lift her spirits. "After you come a couple of times, though, you start to narrow down what you want to see. And, as long as you work for L-Corp, you get a free pass." Lena would get Alex passes to other science conventions in the city or around the state, just to let her experience these things now that she had the time for it. Maybe Alex would like her to join her.
Alex grinned. "So, this was all a ploy to get me to stay at L-Corp. Whet my curiosity, now I have to keep coming back?"
Lena could not help chuckling. "My evil plan is working, I take it?"
Alex laughed. "Something like that. Come on, let's go meet Kara before she decides to ditch us for a shiny fight somewhere around the world."
That was all too true. All and all, Lena was quite happy with this trip. It seemed short, but she learned she could be friends with Alex without things being weird, without her acting possessive, and with Alex being comfortable around her. That was worth missing out on most of the Expo.
-8-8-8-8-
Kara was anxious and eager, unable to really focus on the fair around her, which was all right since she had been there several times. She had actually gone home, tried to do some writing, and came back at the meeting time. Lena and Alex were late. It was probably a good thing, but it took all of her self-control to not hone in on their voices and listen for them. It would be an invasion of privacy, especially if they were having fun.
"Kara!" Alex called and Kara turned. Lena and Alex were heading toward her. They were relaxed and smiling. It must have been a good day.
Kara smiled. "I thought you two stood me up!"
"Never." Lena hugged her and kissed her softly on the lips. "Alex got lost in the Expo."
Kara turned to Alex and she could see the glow around Alex. Her eyes sparkled and her face was a little flushed. Even her heartbeat was mellow with a touch of excitement. She had a good time and Kara missed it. Her stomach dropped in disappointment. No, it's probably best you weren't there. She'd have focused on you rather than enjoying herself. One day.
Kara wrapped her arm around Alex's. "Tell me everything while we go get some cotton candy." She loved that there was a year long fair not too far from the science museum. It gave her some place to go every time Lena or Alex wanted to go to the museum, which was frequent.
Lena fell to her open side. "Babe, I thought you were going to do all of your fair food while we were at the Expo."
"No." Kara scoffed. "Eating with both of you is half the fun. So, cotton candy and then hotdogs. Oh, foot long hotdogs actually. No, wait, foot long, chili cheese dogs." Kara could not wait. While she knew they could not eat a bunch of stuff, it was just something about having the experience with them that made it worthwhile.
Alex laughed. "Sure, Stitch. Let's go." She was definitely in a good mood, not putting up any fight or any objection.
"Yes, just encourage her madness," Lena said, but she was right there with them. "Good thing we didn't eat while we were at the Expo."
Kara glanced at Alex. "Yeah, because Alex doesn't believe in eating when she gets caught up in stuff."
"You don't know if it's my fault," Alex replied.
"Except the fact that you don't eat when you get excited with things. We all know this," Kara pointed out.
Lena chimed in. "We do all know this. That's why we have lunch dates in the first place."
"I'm not going to stick around here and listen to these accusations," Alex said, putting her nose in the air. She did not make a move to leave, which bolstered Kara.
"Come on, chili dogs this way." Kara dragged them both off.
They had chili cheese dogs and fries, sitting down in view of the Ferris wheel. Once they were done with that, it was onto the next thing, which was funnel cake. Lena tapped out after having ice cream. Alex was with Kara through some pizza and a pretzel. But, then Kara was on her own with the food.
"I feel awful. I have to do something to work off this food," Alex said, rubbing her stomach.
Lena looked around. "What are you going to do?"
Alex stretched like she was about to run some laps. "Time to win some rigged games. Be prepared to take home some giant carnival stuffed animals."
The twinkle remained in Alex's eyes as she swaggered off to win Kara and Lena some carnival toys at the games. Of course, she came back with two giant stuffed bears, one green and one blue. Well, they had to do the same in return. Lena showed off her skills at a shooting game while Kara loved knocking down the milk bottles because the game was so rigged the stand operator did not know how to react to her winning more than once.
"I think this is excessive," Kara said, as they each carried a massive prize in each hand. She hated this simply because it meant she could not hold hands with Alex or Lena.
"But, fun," Lena replied, almost dragging her teddy bear.
"Yeah, but still might be a bit much." Alex propped her giant unicorn on her hip, carrying it like a baby. She had a big, gray floppy-eared bunny slung over her shoulder.
By nightfall, they had done everything at the fair, except for many of the rides. Roller coasters and Ferris wheels did not have the same mystic after flying as and with Supergirl. Kara was a huge fan of the Merry-Go-Round, though, so they did that, even though Lena and Alex seemed a bit embarrassed by it. Still, it was a wonderful day, maybe even better when Alex came home with them.
They put their stuffed animals down and showered — separately as disappointing as that was — and settled on the couch in their pajamas. Kara had to fly to Alex's place to get her pajamas, but it was awesome that Alex wanted pajamas and wanted to hang out. Kara found a movie for them to watch and they snuggled on the sofa. She could not help noticing how relaxed both Alex and Lena were. Listening to their heartbeats made her feel like everything was right in the universe, in their little corner of it anyway.
Kara could not help smiling as she listened to Alex's heartbeat, especially as Alex curled in closer to her. Even this was different, more comfortable. Usually, she had to snuggle into Alex, let Alex be her protector, but right now, Alex was so calm and confident in herself, she could be comforted and not consider it wrong. This really was the perfect day. And then, Alex ruined it.
"I should get home," Alex said as the movie ended. Lena was practically asleep against Kara's side. That was how good the day was. Lena was worn out.
Kara pouted. "What? No, let's watch one more."
Alex gave her a soft smile. "I would love to, but I have to get home. I have to go out with Fatinah tomorrow."
Kara had to consciously hold back a frown. Fatinah was probably a lovely woman, but she was taking Alex from where she should be and today proved that. But, Kara could not say that. She needed Alex to realize that. Although, it was insane to her that Alex could not see the truth after such an awesome day. As it was, Kara sighed and kissed Alex on the cheek.
"Enjoy yourself, okay?" Kara said. She wanted Alex to be happy, but she really wished Alex would not fight the obvious so much.
Alex nodded. "I'll try." She did not sound confident, like a person about to go out with her girlfriend. It was weird.
Alex stood up and her gaze lingered on Kara for a long moment. Then, she glanced at Lena and there was sadness shimmering in her eyes. Then, she was gone. Kara sighed. This waiting thing was horrible.
-8-8-8-8-
Alex tried not to fidget as she waited outside of the Science Expo for Fatinah. Yesterday was so perfect. There was no way today could compare, but she would try. It just felt like she was fooling herself the more she tried. You deserve what you had yesterday. They wanted you there and you wanted to be there.
"Alex!" Fatinah grinned as she approached Alex. She was dressed in a beautiful, floral print sundress, showing off her lovely figure.
"Fatinah." Alex opened her arms for Fatinah and hugged her. They exchanged a brief kiss and as usual, Alex felt nothing. Fatinah attached herself to Alex's side and Alex could not help thinking of Kara there, Lena there. They warmed her in a way that Fatinah did not. Kara and Lena gave her an emotion she was not sure she could describe, even with her many degrees and worldly experience. Kara had always done that. She felt settled with Kara, like she could just be.
"Let's get your first Science Expo out of the way," Fatinah said, not very enthused, but she was here. That was enough.
Alex smiled, did not correct her, and they were off. Alex wanted to explore the places she missed yesterday. She held in a giggle and took Fatinah's hand, leading her to where Alex left off with Lena.
Immediately, it was different from yesterday. Fatinah just did not have it in her to muster the same energy that Alex had as Alex tried to explore the spaces she missed yesterday. Lena had matched Alex's energy, even though things were not new for Lena. Fatinah hung back, utterly bored. It was how Kara would be if she was made to come to the Science Expo. Well, maybe if you do with her like you'd do with Kara, you could make that connection you've been trying so hard for. Alex sighed.
"How about we get out of here?" Alex said, holding on Fatinah's hand.
"But, it's barely been an hour. You wanted to see this place," Fatinah said, pointing around the room.
"Yeah, I do, but you're not having a good time and it's just not the same," Alex replied.
Fatinah's expression fell. "I'm sorry I'm not better company. It's just hard to muster any energy for this, you know? I've been here so many times and it's just so boring to me."
Alex shrugged. "I know how that can be." She started for the exit. "What do you think of going to the fair down the street?" That could be fun.
Fatinah chuckled. "To hang out with the twelve-year-olds and tourists? You know that's not your scene."
Usually, Alex would have agreed, but she loved it yesterday. Eating junk food with Kara until she was almost sick, winning those toys for Kara and Lena as a way to show off, but seeing the joy in their faces, and accepting prizes from both of them as they played games to impress her. She wanted to experience that with Fatinah. To have something with Fatinah.
"We could have fun," Alex replied with a smile.
Fatinah stared at her for a moment and then her face brightened. "Okay, let's give it a try."
Alex was happy to try. On the way out of the Expo, she spied familiar blonde hair in the distance. Kara had come to the Science Expo with Lena. She had her arm around Lena, holding her close. More than that, she had a smile on her face, not complaining about her boredom. Alex could not help the way her heart dropped. They'd welcome you if you went over there, you know they would. But, she could not do that to Fatinah.
Things did not get much better at the fair, even though Fatinah obviously enjoyed them more than the Expo. Alex won Fatinah a large teddy bear, which Fatinah clutched to her chest like it was worth something. They did the rides, which Alex endured, even though they bored her. And, of course, they did some of the food, but nowhere near the degree of yesterday. It was a nice time, but that was it. It was just nice. It was not yesterday. It never would be. Alex knew what she had to do.
-8-8-8-8-
Alex took a deep breath as she sat on a park bench, trying to enjoy the sun on her face, as she waited for Fatinah. It was a few days after the Expo, after she made a tough decision. She got a snack for Fatinah, even though she felt like it sent the wrong signal. Still, she felt bad about this and could not show up empty-handed. Fatinah came and sat down next to her. No kiss on the cheek. No bright smile. She knew.
"I got you one of those little apple tarts you like." Alex handed her a little paper bag.
Fatinah's fingertips tapped on the bag. "Thank you." She took a deep breath. "So, this is it, huh?"
"I don't want to waste your time, both right now and in general."
"I don't understand, though. I thought we had something good going. I mean, I know I wasn't the best company at the Expo, but is one date really the end?"
Alex shook her head. "It wasn't a bad date. And this isn't because of the date." No, that date was just too easy for comparing and contrasting, so she had to stop denying what was right in front of her.
"Is it because of Miss Luthor?"
Alex flinched. "Why would you think that?"
Fatinah shrugged. "It's clear you have a close relationship, which I would expect from her dating your sister, but it's also clear she doesn't like me much."
"It's not that she doesn't like you."
"She thinks you deserve better. I know everyone thinks she doesn't like you, but if that was the case, she wouldn't be having lunches with you and working with you. You matter to her and that's good."
Alex had to admit that now. She mattered to Lena beyond being an extension of Kara just based on how Lena made sure her time at the Expo was worthwhile. It was not something everyone would do. It was something Lena would do for her.
"This isn't about Lena. It's just… it's me. I know it sounds cliche, but it's me," Alex said.
"Because of your exes?" Fatinah asked. She had not told Fatinah much about Maggie and Kelly, just that she had been in two long term relationships that did not work out due to her inability to change. I was right, but also so wrong. It was not that she could not change the fact that she wanted children or the fact that she wanted to save lives thus put her life on the line.
Alex sighed and ran her hand through her short hair. "I think it's more not being in touch with myself, which is why those ex-girlfriends are ex. I'm just lost and only I can find me."
Fatinah grabbed her hand and squeezed. Alex gasped and stared at Fatinah, who smiled at her. "Believe it or not, I believe you when you say it's you and you feel lost. I firmly believe if you felt more grounded in your life, you'd finish one of your solo projects and you'd publish more to put your ideas out there for all to see. You're brilliant, Alex, but when it comes to yourself, you don't seem to focus. You should focus on you. You're worth it."
Alex took a deep breath, willing her voice to remain steady. "Thank you so much."
"I hope you find what you're seeking."
"I hope you find the right person for you."
"Well, let's say you set a high standard." Fatinah grinned.
They hugged and somehow that was that. Fatinah was gone and Alex started a long walk to her destiny.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: the end.