The small bursts of forced conversation had become too much for them both. The T.V. droned on to distract them, her mind was so pre-occupied that she had all but forgotten it existed. It was such an obvious solution that she was irritated not to have thought of it before. Nothing worth watching was on so it was the news that filled the void. They caught the last 10 minutes of a story about unexplained power-cuts in Metropolis, evidently it was a slow news day as a puff-piece on her uniform followed to waste some air-time. Kara had gone out of her way to pay no attention to the public's take on her change. She was stuck this way so there was nothing to gain from looking into it and potentially a lot of anger to risk.
"They really do like to talk about you," Alex said.
"They talked a lot about me before, now they just have a better excuse," Kara said, she could barely hear it over the hum in her head. She stole a glance at the screen and saw they were running a poll on her uniform. She was disappointed to see how many people seemed to prefer the Red Lantern uniform over her classic look. It was the third option the poll offered that was most out of place.
"That's not Supergirl?" she said aloud.
"I'm guessing that's to appease the more paranoid viewers." Alex said. Confusion appeared on her face as Kara shot a baffled look at her, Alex eyed her carefully. "Have you not been keeping up with this sort of thing?"
"Why would I?" Kara said.
"When you first showed up with this new-found power of yours there were a lot of theories floating around, new ones seemed to come in by the day. One of the more popular ones at the time was that it wasn't you at all, bandying about theories that you were a government-controlled clone or an older version of yourself from a parallel universe. They called you Power Girl," she said, finding it difficult to take her explanation seriously. Kara raised an eyebrow.
"Right… I hope that's all died down?" she said.
"You know how it is, passing fancies and short attention spans. For a while there were panels and discussions about "The New Supergirl," but interest faded as you went about your business," Alex said.
"That's a relief I suppose," she said.
"Maybe. A couple of topics persist, your choice of clothing and…" Alex stopped herself. Kara squinted at her.
"Go on." she said. Alex rubbed her forehead. "Out with it." Kara snapped at the words.
"And how you're a lot less friendly," she finished. It sounded a lot like Alex was sugar-coating the situation, Kara pouted as the hum rose up. The sad fact was she tried to do the bare minimum amount of violence to keep the ring in check. Whoever these people were had no idea how unfriendly she could be if she lost even a small modicum of self-discipline. Alex switched the channel over to some trashy soap. It was for the best, she was right in thinking the media's speculation would just aggravate her. These opinions could be another reason Lena insisted on her taking breaks, although the public eye was never something she mentioned. Lena either knew to avoid the topic or did not let such things sway her so easily.
As if on que, there was a light knock at the door.
"That was fast," Alex said, looking at the door in disbelief.
"The perks of a personal driver," Kara said, Lena had an uncanny ability to be everywhere at once. She was reminded of Oddball's comments about how formidable a force Lena was.
Lena greeted her with a wide smile as she walked in before noticing they were not alone.
"Oh, hello Alex," Lena said.
"Did Kara not mention I was here?" Alex said, noting her surprise.
"Sorry, was taken aback a little," Lena said. She placed her bag down on the counter and pulled up a stool by the kitchen area. Alex shot her a funny look. The truth was Lena's attitude toward the D.E.O. had become very cautious over the past month and she did not want to put her off.
"Is the tea still hot?" Lena said, breaking the pause.
"Not really, I can make you some more," Kara said.
"No don't worry about me," she said, swivelling in her stool. "It's been a while since I've seen you in person, I hope the arms are treating you well."
"They continue to amaze me," she said.
"The more people I help, the happier I am, and I do love to keep L-Corp at the forefront of technology and research," she said.
"Isn't that the truth," Alex said, shooting a glance at Kara. Lena was busy taking her coat off and draping it over a stool next to her. Kara leaned on the counter, she was less tense and more at ease with someone else in the room.
"So, anything planned or are we just here to chat?" Lena said, crossing her legs and looking her usual composed self.
"Kara thought we could use the company," Alex said.
"Well, I'm glad you thought of me," Lena said. Alex took a seat next to her.
"In fact, Kara was just telling me about some research you've done on Kryptonite…"
"Come on Alex, let's not talk about work," Kara did not like Alex's tone or how she just jumped straight into it, however Lena put her hand on Kara's with a smile.
"No, it's quite alright. Yes, I was called upon to dabble with it, nothing came of it," she said.
"Would have been nice to know, don't you think?" Alex said. Kara watched Lena closely, she was tempted to interrupt again but Lena had not even batted an eyelid.
"If I found something significant I'd let you know. I didn't want word getting out that a Luthor was messing about with Kryptonite," she said. Kara's eyes flitted between the two of them, she had invited Lena round to calm the tension. She did not need the ring to see that it was rising again.
"The D.E.O. are very discreet," Alex said.
"Even if that's the case, it's an unnecessary risk. Time spent quashing such rumours is time not spent doing something useful," Lena said, never dropping her perky mood. She turned away from the irritated Alex to address Kara, who had placed herself leaning on the kitchen counter.
"But as you say, let's not talk about work. How are you doing Kara?" she said.
"Same as usual, very bad at staying still," Kara said.
"I think that's a trait we all share," Alex said.
"You're not still side-lined from fieldwork, are you?" Lena said. Alex nodded.
"I can send a personal message saying you've got the all clear if you like?" Lena said.
"That's not necessary," she said, hesitating slightly. "Thank you, though."
A loud musical sting from an advert was enough for the T.V. to remind them it was on. Alex went for the remote. With Alex's back turned Lena mouthed "Is everything okay?" to Kara
She gave her a small nod, though she was not sure. The ever-present hum was relatively quiet even with the ring picking up on how tense Alex was. Lena did not look convinced but decided to carry on as normal.
"So, what do the Danvers sisters like to do in their downtime?" she said.
"Feels so long since we had any real downtime, but there's usually junk food when Kara's involved," Alex said, retreating to the sofa. Kara's tongue tingled as she was reminded of such nights, simple times where the taste of blood did not taint everything. A weighty weakness pressed down on her, she gritted her teeth and focused on pushing it away.
"I'm never sure whether to be impressed or horrified at her ability to put away so many doughnuts," Lena said, smiling as she turned to her. A worried twitch hit the side of Lena's mouth as she noticed her dour expression.
"Sorry, lots of things on my mind," Kara said.
"Have you read any of those meditation books I sent you, can really help you stay centred," Lena said.
"They're probably on the floor somewhere," Alex said.
"Quite. I wasn't sure whether to mention the clutter," Lena said.
"It's fine, I'll be fine," Kara said. As she spoke, Alex's phone started buzzing away. She picked it up.
"It's Winn, do you mind if I…"
"Go ahead, Kara said. Alex kept her voice low and walked away for some privacy. Kara was tempted to listen in, though she was stopped by a concerned Lena.
"Are you really fine, Alex seems… combative," she said. Kara hesitated, she could feel the ring pulsing away at her.
"Things got heated. I didn't want to give up though, it's why I asked you here, I should have warned you," Kara said, slumping down. As always, she was met with a warm smile.
"I'll always be here for you when you need me, even if it means a grilling from your sister," she said.
Kara nodded, another lull in the hum and a weight in her shoulders hit her. She looked away from Lena to focus on the ring, embracing the burning in her blood.
Alex came charging back and reaching for her things.
"I'm sorry to cut this short, some rumours that could involve the World Killers have come to the surface and I need to help follow them up," she gathered everything quickly, but stopped at the door. She was struggling to find her words.
"This was pleasant. I'll see you again soon yeah?" Alex said.
"Yeah," Kara said. Lena waved at her as she went. She rushed out and very quickly it was just the two of them.
"Pleasant. Maybe you didn't need me after all," Lena said, not letting the quiet hang for long.
"We managed to calm ourselves down this time, but everything still feels off. She doesn't understand," Kara said.
"These things can take time, and it sounds like you're making progress," Lena said in a soft tone.
"I don't know," Kara said. She watched Lena stand up and start to clear up some of the mess in the apartment. "You don't have to…"
"I'm here now, I may as well help out," Lena said. Kara reluctantly stood up to lend a hand, she had grown accustomed to the disorderly nature. It did not take long for Lena to come across the dented floor and new crack in the wall. She ran her hand along it, saying nothing.
"How did things go with Oddball?" Lena said, not stopping at her task. She was not sure how to answer, she still could not quite process what he had said to her.
"He said a lot that didn't seem to mean much, yet I can't stop thinking about it," she said. Lena laughed.
"He has that effect. Not sure what came over me to inflict him on you," she said.
"Well if anything it burned a night of this wretched break, I still don't get why you keep him around though," Kara said.
"He's resourceful. He's also someone who comes across as so ridiculous yet can throw thoughts and perspectives your way that you never even considered. It's a rare talent," she said.
"If he's so resourceful then why has nothing come up on the World Killers?" Kara said.
"It's not exactly a simple task, Kara," Lena said.
"Seems like the D.E.O. have found something, he could be lying to you about how much he knows," she said. Lena had paused as she bent down to pick up another book. She seemed conflicted and her smile dropped for the first time.
"He's definitely not as simple as he claims to be, but he's gone out of his way to help me before and even if there's a lot I don't understand about him. I trust that what I gain from him is worth the risk," she said.
"I could still look into it, it'll give me something useful to do outside of this." Kara said, holding out her ring finger. "I could also see if there's anything he's missed and double check if anything he says to you is a lie." Lena frowned, she stood back up and gently took her shoulder.
"Please stay away from this, for your own sake," Lena said with sorrow in her eyes.
Kara looked away, she could not shake her suspicion of Oddball and the growing need to take some sort action tugged at her. However, the ring was relatively quiet and having had enough of clashing with Alex she let it be. Instead she brushed off Lena's hand and carried on piling things up neatly. Lena cleared her throat and took it as a sign the subject drop it altogether. With only odds and ends scattered about and no particularly intricate messes, it did not take long to tidy everything away
"There we go," Lena said. The clean apartment felt so small to her, she could feel the ring starting to scratch away.
"I know you're restless, please just take the time away from the fight," she said, able to read the discomfort on her face.
"There are people out there need me and I'm stuck in here," she said.
"You always want to fight for what's right, you put yourself before others." She sighed. "But someone who cares so much for others often forgets that looking after themselves is just as important."
"I can't stay cooped up like this," Kara said. Lena adjusted her shirt and calmly placed herself back onto her kitchen stool.
"I'll never know what it's like to possess the power you do. I'd love to offer some insight on dealing with that side of it, but all I can offer is the same advice of occupying your mind or finding ways to stay centred." Lena scratched at her chin, it was a rare sight to see her at a loss.
"What?" Kara said, as without warning Lena looked at her with a playful grin.
"I was just thinking of less frustrating ways you can pass the time. You can change your clothes on the fly with that ring of yours, maybe give fashion designing a go," she said.
"Seriously?" Kara said, bemused.
"Why not, the Red Lantern fashion line could be the next big thing," she said.
"Okay, now I know you're messing with me," she said.
"I'm just trying to think outside the box," Lena said. Having Lena around was always a nice change of pace. She wanted to say more to her but found herself holding back. Even in these mundane circumstances, momentary thoughts that strayed too far from the ring's agenda were lost to that endless hum. Instead she had to be content with nothing more than having Lena with her, if she pushed any further it was a risk to them both.