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

7: Regards

Kara blinked as her ears picked up Alex's heartbeat downstairs. "You expecting Alex?" she asked Lena as the buzzer rang. They had a video shot of who was downstairs at the door, which Kara did not really need, but the visual would be nice to get an idea of why Alex was at the penthouse without letting one of them know or without one of them asking for her. Alex, who never used the buzzer. Alex, who the front desk and security would always let right up. Alex, who would have called or texted that she was on the way. Something might be wrong, but Alex's heartbeat was not in distress. Turning on the television and seeing her downstairs, there did not appear to be anything wrong either. Weird.

"No. I would have told you if I was expecting Alex, so I could see you being cute and excited," Lena replied from down the hall. She was in her office.

Kara buzzed Alex in and waited. She hated this waiting. Hated waiting in general. The world already moved slow to her. This only made it worse. It felt like an eternity passed before Alex was at the door, knocking. Kara opened it.

"Hey," Alex said, voice a little down along with her eyes on the floor with her hands in her pants' pockets. She toed the floor with one boot, quite bashful. Her heart rate picked up a little. Yeah, something was up.

"Hey," Kara replied.

Alex glanced up, looking at Kara through her eyelashes. "Can I come in?"

"Always." Kara stepped out of the way.

Alex came inside and looked around. "Is Lena home?"

Kara eased the door shut. "Yeah, she's in the back. Should I get her?"

"No, no." Alex held up a hand. "Not yet anyway." She ran her hand through her hair.

Kara studied Alex closely. "Is everything okay?"

Alex nodded. "Yeah. Can we sit down?"

"Of course." Kara motioned to the couch, as if Alex did not know where it was. But, what else could she do? This whole thing was weird. Almost somber. She would think Alex had bad news, but again, her heartbeat was fine.

Alex moved to the sofa and Kara followed. She sat down and Alex sat close, their knees touching and it was warm, even though it was only a little thing. Maybe it was not something serious like Alex made it seem. Alex took a deep breath and then smiled as she locked eyes with Kara. Okay, good signs there.

"I'm ready," Alex said in a strong, steady voice.

Kara arched an eyebrow. With Alex, that could mean anything. "Ready for what?"

"To accept that you are my bond mate." Alex turned to face her even more, making their legs touch even more. "The fact that I couldn't muster up any emotions for Fatinah beyond friendship, and even that might be weak since I was trying for a relationship, and being with you and Lena on Saturday was one of the best days I've had in recent memory tell me what you've been trying to tell me. I've always only wanted to put a smile on your face and it makes me feel like no other when I succeed. I'm never more happy than when I see you smile. I feel at home when you hug me or when we cuddle and I've always felt that way. And, I never get to be more myself than when I'm with you. There's no facade, no act, no part of Alex, like the alpha, the soldier, or the scientist, but all of Alex. You don't need or want me to change. I get to just exist with you and you accept it. Now, I accept it. I accept all of me, including the part that's Kara's bond mate."

Kara could hardly comprehend the words Alex said beyond the first sentence. Alex accepted being her bond mate. Alex was ready to make her whole, to be whole in return. Kara was speechless, too busy overflowing with feeling. She could not even breathe for a long moment. Did she need to breathe? It did not matter because she could not. She would not be surprised if her nervous system fled her body, twitching just under buzzing skin, trying to figure out what to do right now.

"Kara, say something," Alex said.

Kara opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She wanted to say a million things. She wanted to shout her happiness to the heavens. She wanted to thank Rao with a billion devotions for this great boon. Then, her brain and mouth agreed with one thing to say.

"Um… can I kiss you?" Kara asked in a breath. That was the only way to prove she heard right… or maybe this was a weird dream.

"Please. Anytime." A small smile tugged at Alex's lips.

Kara surged forward, careful of Alex, but eager to feel something she had been denied far too long. The press of Alex's lips was so much more than she remembered. She almost sobbed as she felt an inner peace she had not realized she missed. This was everything she needed right now.

She cupped Alex's face with both hands and stroked her skin with her thumbs. Alex whimpered against her lips and Kara lapped at Alex's mouth. Alex opened her mouth, welcomed Kara's tongue with her own. Alex caressed her biceps, lost in the kiss, and things could hardly be so perfect. Kara giggled and that broke the kiss. Alex pulled back and smiled.

"I missed that more than I ever could have imagined," Alex said.

Kara nodded. "Me, too." And then she laughed again, sounding hysterical. She felt that way, like everything was jumbled up, like there was static inside of her.

"I'm sorry I made you wait so long."

Kara sniffled and could not stop the tears that flowed down her cheeks. "You're worth it."

Alex wiped her tears away with one hand. "I don't like making you cry."

"I'm crying because I'm happy. I'm just overflowing with emotion. I'm so happy you want to be with me."

Alex smiled once more. "I've always wanted to be with you. It's just I have to accept I have these feelings for you or I'm always going to be settling and no one deserves that. Not to mention, I'll always be burying part of myself and I know that I deserve better. Hell, that I can have better. So, now what do we do?"

Kara took a deep breath and tried to stop crying, but her body needed to do something to resettle. "I've imagined this moment a million times." With a sniff, she rubbed her eyes with both hands. She blew out the breath and focused on Alex. "It's just us, dinner at the table, and movie while cuddling on the couch. We can do the ceremony whenever you're ready."

"You want to have just a regular night on our first night as acknowledged bond mates?" Alex was incredulous.

Kara took Alex's hand, stroking her knuckles. "Those nights are special. They're magic. It's like you're home. I love it."

Alex's smile was now a grin. "I do, too."

"Good, then stay for dinner and everything." Kara's heart jumped at the possibility and her blood buzzed, reminding her of being hyper from too much sunlight.

Alex nodded, but she glanced away. "I still have to go home at the end of the night. While this can feel like home, it's not home. I can't intrude on you and Lena's space just yet."

Kara nodded. She understood that and expected it. They would have to take this slow. Now, she did not mind. Alex was her bond mate, as it should have been so many years ago. With that established, she could relax and go with the flow.

"But, you'll come back," Kara said.

"Always," Alex vowed.

"Can I kiss you again?"

"Also always."

Kara could barely contain her joy, humming before she went back in for another kiss. Alex kissed her like she was precious and each movement of her lips whispered promises of a future. It took all of her willpower to pull away because she needed to do something.

"I have to go tell Lena, okay? But, you're gonna stay, right?" Kara asked, nerves ready burst from her body in both eagerness and anxiety.

"I'll sit right here."

Kara got up quickly, but paused to stare at Alex, taking in this grand sight, before rushing off. She giggled as she used her super-speed to get to the home office. She squealed as she entered, which made Lena turn. Lena arched an eyebrow and Kara was on her, kissing her like there was no tomorrow. No, like there was a brighter tomorrow.

"Not that I mind, babe, but why the visit while I'm working and the very nice kissing?" Lena asked.

"Alex accepted being my bond mate!" Kara squeezed her hands into two tight fists. She wanted to dance. She wanted to fly. She wanted to explode! Being hyper on sunlight had nothing on this feeling. This was even better when she first found out about her powers. Better than the first time she flew!

Lena blinked. "Wait, what?"

"That's why she came over here." Kara swung her arm behind her. "She has accepted that we're bond mates. She wants to stay here. Not the whole night, but dinner and the usual stuff and…" Kara just bounced on her heels. This was going to be awesome.

Lena smiled and grabbed her wrists, holding tight. "Calm down, sweetheart. I'm happy for you and you know I love having Alex over, but you're about to rocket through the roof. You don't want us to end up worrying over you. It'll be nice to have her around more."

"Yeah!" Kara squealed again. I sound like a crazy person. She did not even care. But, yeah, you need to calm down, so they don't worry about you and we all can enjoy tonight.

"Should we order a special dinner to celebrate?" Lena asked.

"Good idea." Kara nodded. "We should do something to show this is a happy occasion. Even though Alex seems happy, she's, you know, Alex, so she also feels down. I know she's probably depressed that it took her this long to see something we already saw." Alex was definitely beating herself up mentally. So, this might be a victory for them, but it was also a defeat for Alex in a way. Alex had been wrong and she did not take that well.

Lena nodded. "Well, make sure you love up on her until she realizes it doesn't matter how long it took her because she's at that point now."

"Yes." Kara wrapped her arms around Lena's waist and kissed her again. "Thank you for being so understanding. I love you."

Lena chuckled. "You say that now until I steal Alex right from under you. Or on top of you. Whatever position you two enjoy the most."

Kara laughed, feeling like she could outshine any star at the moment, and pressed her forehead to Lena. "You can share. I would share with you."

"I'm sure. Call me when the food gets here."

"Yes." Kara gave her a little peck on the lips and then returned to the couch. Alex was still there and Kara felt light once again. Kara embraced her, melted into Alex. Alex hugged her back and kissed the side of her head.

"I'm here, Kara. I'm not going anywhere," Alex said. Kara utterly believed that and she relaxed against Alex in a way she had not since they were teenagers.

-8-8-8-8-

Lena was not sure what to expect of Kara and Alex now acknowledging their bond, but it seemed to be business as usual. Alex was happy to have a dinner of deep dish pizza. Lena was not expecting that to be the special meal, but Alex enjoyed it. Alex and Kara waxed poetically of the last time they had deep dish pizza. It was a special occasion. They were all smiles and laughs. Again, it was very normal.

Lena was almost surprised when Alex left after dinner and was falling asleep during their television time. It made sense for Alex to leave, but it just felt like Alex should stay. All in due time, though.

A little after that, she and Kara retired to bed. Kara pulled her close, sighing into her hair. She could feel the difference in Kara against her. This was a new state of relaxation, a new level of peace, and it made Lena feel at peace as well.

"Kara, I think we should talk now that Alex has accepted being with you," Lena said.

Kara inhaled, taking in Lena's scent. "What's there to talk about?"

"Well, for one, you can kiss Alex in front of me if you want to," Lena pointed out, knowing it needed to be said. If not, both Kara and Alex would dance around the issue, trying to spare Lena's sensibilities.

Kara caressed Lena's side and nodded. "Good to know. I wasn't thinking about kissing her. I was just happy she was here with us."

"Okay, well, I want you to know you can treat her like your bond mate in front of me and I won't be jealous or upset about it." She had plenty of time to come to grips with Kara being with Alex and it had always intrigued her anyway. I might finally get to see them together.

Kara chuckled. "I know. You'll want to watch."

"I really would." Lena kissed Kara's chin.

Kara grinned, appearing quite pleased with herself even in the dark. "I think it's more about Alex's comfort than anything else. She's last to the party, so now we have to see what pace she wants to go with things."

Lena nodded. "Well, make sure you do stuff with her that doesn't include me, like you do stuff with me. Make sure she understands she's special." Alex needed and deserved that.

"I will."

"Good." Lena would have the same talk with Alex at lunch tomorrow to help her understand she did not need to worry over what Lena thought when she was with Kara. Lena completely supported their relationship.

So, in the morning, Lena was practically eager to go to work. Kara watched her move around the penthouse with a smile that lit up Kara's entire face. The expression made Lena more enthusiastic about getting to Alex. And then lunch could not come fast enough. Lena got one of Alex's favorite lunches and then made her way downstairs. Alex was at her desk, staring at her computer screen.

"Need an extra set of eyes?" Lena asked.

Alex turned and gave her a small smile. "No. I was just checking on some of my projects and noting my lack of progress."

Lena put the food down on the lab table and then went to stand by Alex. "Any new observations?"

"Yeah, I keep letting things get in the way of my scientific endeavors. I got caught up in the security details and then just…" Alex blew out a breath and motioned to the computer screen. "Stopped doing this. I let myself interrupt myself a lot."

Lena was not sure what to make of that. She did not know Alex to lose focus like this. "Do you know why you do that?"

Alex sighed, scratching her eyebrow with one finger. "Not really. This might be some leftover poor coping strategy from college where I got in the way of myself to avoid thinking. I'm all over the place and maybe it was because I wasn't ready to admit to I'm in love with Kara in the same way I wasn't ready to truly grieve my dad's death. I never really stop moving, so I never really process things. I also never realize I leave things I love in my wake. My science now is my dancing after I joined the DEO."

Lena blinked. "You dance?" Okay, well, now there was another thing she needed to see involving Alex. Maybe Alex dancing with Kara. My brain is going to be mush by the end of this thing with Kara and Alex.

"I used to."

Lena nodded and her mind almost wandered. No, don't think about that. Just do what you're supposed to do. "Come eat." She patted the table and then took out the food containers.

Alex did not hesitate, stepping away from the computer. Lena held back a smile, but it was good to see Alex ready to take care of herself after a little pushing. She sat down as Lena eased her food in front of her. Lena smiled at her. This was going very well. Alex seemed okay for someone who had a life changing epiphany.

"Are you okay?" Lena asked. Alex was the type to bury things, so it was best to check in.

Alex mixed her brown rice and shrimp. "I am. I know I'm stubborn and I know I was just trying to just… I dunno." Alex shook her head. "I guess I really just wanted to be right. Or prove I am better off alone. I dunno." She ran her hand through her hair.

Lena rubbed Alex's forearm and was pleased that Alex did not pull away. "It's okay, Alex. You take your time to figure it out. Kara will wait for you and we're both here."

Alex nodded and they were quiet for a moment, enjoying their food. Lena started up some conversation. "How is the security thing going?"

"I took a step back. I trust Vas to get this done. It wouldn't be good for me to be at odds with the head of security. Anyway, thanks for the food."

"Anytime. Well, with your work life figured out, I wanted to talk about your love life," Lena said.

Alex flinched and choked. Her face turned red as she coughed a couple of times. "What?"

Lena put Alex's arms up for her. "Are you okay? It's nothing bad. I just want you to know you can and should treat Kara as your mate. I won't be upset, okay? I want you to do everything you would do with a girlfriend with Kara."

Alex took a few deep breaths, put her hands down, and nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Look at you, learning." Lena smiled. It was so nice for it to not be a struggle.

Alex blew out a breath. "I try."

"We'll be here to keep you on track. You just have to let us in."

Alex nodded. "As you just said, I'm learning." She motioned to lunch. If this was an indication of how to get through to Alex, they had an uphill climb, but it would be worth it if they were all happy.

"Good. So, I want to suggest you go on a date with Kara." They needed to do that soon, so they could get into their own rhythm, before Alex jumped back into her head and drifted away.

Alex stared down at her hands for a long moment. "Are you sure?"

Lena touched Alex's bare forearm and managed to keep down her joy when Alex did not pull away from the skin contact. This was a serious moment. "Go on a date and invite her in if it feels right. Please. I don't want you to think my existence should stop you or slow you down from your relationship with Kara."

Alex nodded and took a breath. "I'll try."

"Alex, let yourself be happy."

Alex sighed, resembling a deflating balloon. "I'll try."

"Good." Lena could only wonder what Alex would do as a first date with Kara. She could only see them in Alex's apartment, eating tacos, and watching television. Them out in the world, experiencing each other and sharing an experience was something they needed, like when they were younger. It would be cute.

-8-8-8-8-

Alex took a deep breath while fighting down her nerves. She invited Kara out and Kara said yes. It was not like she expected anything otherwise, but it was still nerve-wracking to be out with Kara, like really out. This was a date, not an outing, not hanging out. They were a couple and about to do something as a couple.

Alex wanted to do something special that also got them outside. She wanted to dress up and show she was all in for this now. So, she put on a plum-colored dress, did her makeup, and hoped she could stand a romantic stroll in her heels. She wanted to pick Kara up, but Kara wanted to pick her up. So, they agreed to meet up.

"Alex." Kara grinned and fiddled with her glasses as Alex stepped over to her. They stood in front of the National City Botanical Gardens. Kara loved the plants, artistry, and colors of the Botanical Gardens, but rarely went. They had only gone once together and Kara had a grand time relating a variety of plant life to stuff she recalled from Krypton as well as discussing how she would paint everything if given the chance.

"Kara, you look beautiful," Alex said and she meant it. Kara was not dressed much differently than she usually did, decked out in a maroon dress, but Alex was finally looking at Kara the way she was meant to do. Not with envy, not with friendship, not with worship, but with pure love. Kara was gorgeous.

Kara smiled and blushed. "You do, too. You're in a dress." She squealed and wrapped herself around Alex's arm. Alex's heart thumped and she could feel her cheeks burn.

Alex brushed her hair back with a couple of fingers, giving her an excuse to hide her face until the damn blush went away. "I thought you might like it."

"I do. And, I'm so happy you want to go to the Botanical Gardens. I really like this place and rarely get to go," Kara replied.

Alex could not help chuckling. "I know."

And, they started walking. Alex did not have to talk much. Kara was off, comparing the plants to things from Krypton as expected. She did the same with the sculptures and horticulture around them, comparing them to Krypton. She also talked about how the yellow sunlight made the visuals different compared to Rao, the red sun of Krypton. Alex smiled the entire time, enjoying hearing Kara talk and feeling Kara pressed into her side. Her inner alpha felt calm for the first time since being with Lena during her rut.

"I'm not boring you, right?" Kara asked, her bottom lip poking out a little, as if she was disappointed in herself.

Alex's smile was all too true. "Never." She grabbed Kara's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I like hearing you talk, especially when you're excited to tell me about your home. So, talk all you want and know that I'm listening." She meant every word.

Kara grinned. "Okay."

They walked through the whole place with Kara just going on the entire time and all Alex could do was smile. The sun started to set a little way through, which only amped up Kara's art talk, wanting to describe shadows and highlights and things Alex only knew about because she sometimes watched Kara paint. By the time they were done, the sun was gone, but Kara was still pressed up against Alex's side like she was meant to be there.

"Do we eat next?" Kara asked as they stepped into the warm night of the busy street. The lights from the Botanical Gardens sparkled, giving the place an entirely different feel compared to the day. Alex resolved to bring Kara back for a night walk one day soon.

"Of course I wouldn't plan a date with you if there wasn't food involved. There's a new Mexican place and I figured you'd like to check it out with me."

Kara cooed. "Yes. I'm always happy to check out new restaurants with you."

So, they took a short walk to the restaurant and Alex was pleased her feet did not hurt in her shoes. They sat down and enjoyed a meal together. And, as usual, Kara ate half of Alex's food and Alex could only marvel that she fought this, that she did not notice this. She could not think of any other place she would rather be than by Kara's side, in her company, sharing a moment with her, and watching her smile. She reached over the table and took Kara's hand. Kara yelped and Alex tensed.

"I'm sorry. Should I not have?" Alex asked.

"No. I'm just shocked by you taking the lead like this. I thought you'd be shy, but you're acting like you do in other facets of life, totally in control of the situation," Kara replied.

Alex took a deep breath. "I want this. I want you." It felt good to say. She had to throw her shoulders back.

"I'm glad."

"I'm sorry it took me this long to realize it."

Kara shook her head. "Don't apologize and think about that. We both missed the signs, but it's okay. We still made it here. I just want to look forward with you."

"Okay. I'm going to do my best to avoid fighting stuff like this again."

"And I'll do my best to turn it down."

Alex laughed. "No, you won't."

"I will not. I am so happy!" Kara beamed and it made Alex feel like she was the sun rather than Kara was the sun. It was incredible to be the reason Kara was so happy. She had to bask in this feeling.

"Then, come home with me," Alex said. She would love for them to do their usual thing after this. It did not need to be anything beyond cuddling and maybe some kissing, but she did not want this time to end just yet.

"Of course."

"Do you need to call Lena?"

"Well, we kinda already talked about it and I'll call her when I get to your place to let her know what's happening."

Alex nodded and then dinner was done and they were on their way. As soon as they got through her door, Alex kicked off of her shoes. Her feet did not hurt, but she was not made for high heels. Kara shook her head, but chuckled as she went straight to the fridge and opened the freezer. Kara grabbed ice cream and two spoons while Alex grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses. They met on the couch.

"You pick something to watch while I call Lena?" Kara asked.

"You sure? You usually pick."

"I know, but now you can pick. It's a partnership of equals." Kara chuckled.

Alex nodded. "Is this what I needed to do to get to pick stuff? Wish I had known that so long ago." She began to scroll. She had to find something they were not watching with Lena.

Kara did not even turn away as she made her call. "Hey, my love. I'm over Alex's. I'm gonna stay the night. You okay by yourself?"

"Yes, and hi Alex!" Lena was loud enough for Alex to hear her easily.

"Hi, Lena. I promise to send your bond mate back tomorrow," Alex replied.

"Take your time. I want you both to find your footing," Lena said.

"Love you," Kara said. Lena replied the same and Kara hung up.

And then Kara and Alex got to their show, ice cream, and wine. They snuggled together as usual, but Kara kissed her bare shoulder every three seconds. The kisses were cold thanks to the spoonfuls of ice cream, but it was so nice, Alex eventually ducked her head to get a kiss to her lips. Kara actually hummed against her mouth.

"You taste so good," Kara said.

"You, too. This is nice."

Kara nodded. "It really is."

And, next thing Alex knew they were making out on the couch, like two crazy teenagers. It had been too long since they let loose like this, fell into each other like this, and allowed the world to be reduced to just the two of them with so little space in between it was hard to tell where one started and the other ended. Really, you never noticed you were bond mates? Idiot. Alex let that thought go in favor of enjoying Kara's mouth.

Alex ended up on top of Kara with Kara caressing her back as they refused to stop kissing. Even when Alex broke away for a deep breath, Kara's hands wandered to her front, palming her breasts. Alex moaned, burying her face in Kara's neck. Kara's scent filled her and all she wanted to do was bite. But, it won't work. You can't mark her. You might be her bond mate, but she can never be your mate. Her heart sank and she groaned, pulling away.

"Too fast?" Kara asked.

Alex nodded, not wanting to ruin the night with a reminder of what they had already explored and discovered impossible. Okay, she could not mark Kara, but that did not make them any less bond mates. "Yeah. Let's go to bed. I think I miss you sleeping next to me, burning a hole in my side while you steal the blanket for whatever reason."

Kara snickered. "You don't need a blanket when I'm wrapped around you."

Alex arched an eyebrow. "But, why you need a blanket is beyond me."

Kara looked at her like she was insane. "They're comfortable."

Alex laughed, as Kara obviously thought that was an acceptable answer. "Of course they are."

"But, back to this going to bed thing and sleeping next to you. I would love to do that again. Let's do that again." Kara giggled.

Alex nodded and they prepared for bed. They showered, separately. While Alex was in the shower, Kara dashed off, probably going to the penthouse for a little while. Kara had clothes over Alex's place, so she did not need to get pajamas, but she more than likely wanted to check on Lena in person. After getting clean, it was the moment of truth.

They had shared a bed in between when they were teenagers and now, but it was different. They had thought they moved on from silly notions of their youth, which turned out to be their true feelings, and slept unaware of their real bond. Now, they would be fully aware and could completely take in the emotions, the sensations without guilt or weirdness.

Alex turned out the light and they eased into bed together. It was always a little awkward with them figuring out how to sleep. Alex wanted to wrap herself around Kara to protect her and Kara wanted to wrap herself around Alex to protect her. Kara won out by virtue of being taller. So, they settled, Alex on her back with Kara pressed against her side, arms around her, and a leg thrown over her thighs for good measure. And, they fell asleep with the promise tomorrow would be just as peaceful, just as grand, just as perfect because they were finally together.

-8-8-8-8-

The End.

(There will be another story eventually.)

I hope you enjoyed the story. As usual, I'm going back to my padded cell. Please, come say hi to me over at Facebook (SL Kassidy) or Tumblr (SLunatic). Also consider becoming a patron. Thank you for your support. Hasta...