And with this (unusually long chapter) I conclude this fic! Just in time for the season finale too! So prepare to bid farewell and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it! Before that, just- thank you all. For the favs, follows, comments (I read them ALL, always!) and just all the support. Now with no further ado, the end...
That day it was sure to be one to remember, if it was going to be memorable due to the right reasons was yet to be seen. Alex waked up feeling the knot in her stomach and couldn't imagine how Kara would be managing. That morning the Kryptonian had gone to J'onn to ask for advice regarding what her reveal was going to be like and at least for an hour, she got to really talk to him before trouble presented itself and Kara had to fly away to save the day, which meant that Alex was left to her own devices to receive Eliza.
So when the doorbell rang, Alex knew that from that point forward, her day was going to be non-stop.
Upon opening the door, maternal arms wrapped around her and didn't let her go for what felt like an eternity. Alex wouldn't dare to admit just how much she needed it, even if Eliza didn't know the reason behind it.
"Hey, Alex"
"Hi, mom" she slipped away from her arms looking at her eyes seeking comfort.
"How are you, dear?"
"I'm…I'm good" she replied clearing her throat "Come in, let me help you with your bag"
"Oh no young miss, you better get used to not carrying any heavy weight" Eliza rolled the luggage in.
"We don't even know if I'm pregnant yet" Alex refuted.
"Consider it practice then, you won't be able to do half the stuff you are used to after this"
"It's just nine months, I cans stay put easily" Alex retorted "like a little vacation from the DEO drama" she mocked, but her mother gazed at her with stern attention and perhaps worry.
"Alex, it's not just the nine months, you do realize that, right?" she offered.
"Of course I do" Alex huffed but Eliza didn't seem at ease.
"I'm sure you understand at a rational level but…you have to really think into the future how everything is going to change" she pointed "you are having a baby" she emphasized "which means six out of seven days of the week you'll be lucky if you sleep five hours straight. That you'll have to change diapers, take care of them and devote every waking hour and then some to that kid" she added "And you are going to do it alone" she said softly "I am very proud that you want to be a single mother, but this is not a part time job, it will be something you can't quit or get a vacation from. You can't just walk into the DEO with a newborn or leave them with a nanny for 12 hours while you and your sister run an operation to stop alien threats" she explained "this is going to be your new life, not just for the next nine months, but for the next decades" she concluded.
Alex was rendered speechless, naturally she had foreseen all those scenarios, but the idea that they would be so sudden and so soon struck a nerve "Suddenly not carrying luggage seems like the least of my concerns" Alex nervously joked to avoid the topic. Eliza could see that there was a bit of fear concealed in those always steely eyes, so she softened.
"You'll always have me to help you. And you have Kara as well"
"And Lena" Alex added almost as a reflex, as a second nature to point out that the Luthor had her back.
"Lena Luthor?" Eliza questioned aback, she knew the CEO by name and an occasional gather but she didn't quite place her among Alex's acquaintances "Your sister's friend?"
That pushed a button but Alex didn't flinch, she seemed rather sheepish about it "We are friends too" she defended in a small voice "It's actually thanks to her that I got an appointment with Doctor Eriksen" she explained "and we have been working in some projects at L-Corp together, we are close now" Alex felt the need to justify herself while looking incredibly guilty about it.
"Oh" Eliza hummed, more aback by her daughter's reaction than by the explanation itself "I didn't know that. Well, I'm glad" she offered trying to place in her memories where she had seen that same look on Alex's face before.
"Anyways, she's coming later tonight as well" Alex turned around walking to the couch knowing she better sit down for what was coming next "Have Kara called you at all since yesterday?" she dared to ask while Eliza sat in front of her.
"No, why? Should she? Is something wrong?"
"No- well, sort of? No, definitely not wrong, it's just…she's going to do something scary for her today and she's been getting all the moral support she needs, so-" Alex cut herself off "Maybe I should have let her come to you with the news"
"Well now I really need to know" Eliza demanded with a worry look "What's going to happen to Kara today?"
"Nothing! Honest, she's not in physical danger, there are no threats, it's just…it's just something that means a lot and if it goes wrong that would hurt emotionally…a lot" Alex clasped her hands together unaware of how much tension she felt by saying those words.
"What is Kara going to do, Alex?"
The Danvers daughter swallowed hard as she gazed upon her mother's eyes "She's telling Lena her true identity"
Eliza's eyes widened in shock "But she's Lex's sister!" she exclaimed and that first reaction truly ached in Alex's heart.
"She is not her brother, she's not like her family" she stated firmly.
"But what if that could put Kara at risk?"
"Well Lillian obviously knew her identity and Lex does too, so it's not like Lena could jeopardize her. Not that she would ever try to" Alex added with resentment.
"It's just such a risk" Eliza knitted her brows "Why is Kara doing it now? I've seen the news, there have been a lot more attacks recently, it's not the right time, what if Le-?"
"Lena Luthor is an amazing woman" Alex finally cut her off "she's the most incredible person I've met. She's only human and still puts everything on the line for the sake of others. She has no powers, no invulnerability and still never hesitates to help us. She would never hurt Kara, she might be cross with us for deceiving her, but that would never mean she'd tried to harm her. I know her, mom, she's a good person" she said firmly, her resolve unmovable as she meet her eyes with fearless passion.
Then Eliza could place exactly where she had seen that look before, that sheer nervousness and longing to tell, it was the same determined eyes that gazed upon her as she came out to her years ago.
"Oh Alex…" Eliza whispered at the realization "she's doing it for you, isn't she?"
Alex lost her nerve to argue as she physically pulled back; she couldn't possibly be that transparent, could she?
"W-what-?"
Eliza reached for her hand preventing Alex from putting more distance between them "It's okay" she assured "I'm just taking a moment to process this" she said before tugging a sly smile "Lena Luthor, ha?"
Alex felt her cheeks burn to a whole new level "It's not as you think" she tried to defend herself which resulted to be a worse plan.
"So you don't like her?" Eliza raised a brow.
"I do!" Alex refuted firmly just then realizing she had played herself when her mother smirked smugly, so she covered her face grunting "I do like her" Alex said again in a calmer tone "I like her a lot, actually" she uncovered "What I mean it's…I…I want her for real. This is not a whim, and Kara and I had a heart to heart …she is doing this for me, but neither of us is taking it lightly, Lena is so important to her and the fact that Kara is risking her friendship just so I can tell her how I feel…it's…it's the bravest thing she's ever done for me and I" she finally met her mother's eyes "And I want to be at Lena's side for the rest of my life" she exhaled softly "I want her to be part of mine" she absently laid a hand over her own stomach "whatever the future might hold"
Eliza was not ready for that level of emotion and sincerity, but could feel in every word that dipped from Alex' mouth just how genuine she was about it. She was more determined about that simple resolution than anything else in her life.
Eliza silently stood up and reached Alex before embracing her warmly, nothing else was said from neither side, there was just silence and the imminent feeling of nervousness for what was going to happen upon the sunset.
Lena would have never left Ellie with a nanny if not for how confidently her secretariat vouched for her after showing all the credentials the woman had. Still, the Luthor gave the girl a phone with her number in it as well as having alerted the security in her apartment to not let anyone in and multiple other precautions she had enforced last minute. Lena truly didn't want to leave Ellie alone but knew that the gather she had been invited to was not precisely for kids and sooner or later she would have to leave Ellie to attend something L-Corp or CatCo related, so rather have it happen now so it would be easier on the future.
"Ok, sweetie. I'll be gone till eight at the latest. It's just a few hours, if you need anything or want me to come back, you just call and I'll be here in 20 minutes, okay?"
Ellie nodded still looking small. It was not a pretty picture for her to be left alone with a stranger, to see Lena go out without her. To be left behind.
Lena softly copped her cheek "Everything is alright, sweetie. I'll be back, I promise"
"What if…?" Ellie began but didn't say anything, she just held onto Lena's sleeve "What if I need you?"
"Then you call me, or Kara or Alex, we'll be all together. Her numbers are on the phone too"
Ellie shrugged mumbling "I'm scared"
"Me too" Lena admitted "but we'll have to trust each other, okay? I really don't want to leave feeling so worried about you and I'm sure you don't want to feel the same, so…let's both try, alright? I can text you every hour" she offered and Ellie nodded "just please…no running off. I mean it. If you feel unsafe or scared, you call me, do not leave the house under any circumstance. And try to have fun with the nanny"
"What if she doesn't know how to play chess?"
"Then you teach her" Lena smirked "And I'll play with you tonight before you go to bed, sounds good?"
"Okay, mom" Ellie let the name roll off more naturally and Lena felt overjoyed by it.
"Alright then" she leaned down pressing a kiss to her forehead "See you later, sweetie"
Alex had found an hour to herself. Eliza had gone to the DEO in hopes of finding Kara even if for a brief instant to talk to her as well. And so, the older Danvers achieved her goal of going on her own to the clinic. She did the test and held on to the results that were enclosed in an envelope. She didn't want to open them yet, so she took them home and set them on the coffee table. For that instant everything was a possibility. For that moment the dream of having a kid was still there, as long as she didn't know for real what the results said, it was all up there, in the realm of her imagination.
But her little moment of mental peace and quiet was interrupted when her phone vibrated and a text from Kara brought her back to reality.
'I'm running late, just wrapping up with J'onn, there was an attempt close to the DEO. Go to my place, everything is already set, Eliza is on her way, I'll see you all there'
Alex was quick to reply taking the opportunity to ask her how she was dealing with it, feeling kind of guilty about telling Eliza before Kara had a chance to do it herself, but the Kryptonian didn't reproached her for it.
'Really nervous, but as ready as I'll ever be. Remember, you have to tell her too'.
Alex didn't needed that reminder, it was not as if though she could push that idea to a side, it was pretty much the only other thought that roamed through her head that day, but decided to answer nonetheless.
'I will, Kara. See you later, sis' she texted back and dropped her phone to the couch while wrapping her head around what the rest of her day was going to be like. If nothing else, she was at least sure she needed a shower to wash away all the anxiety. She took her time under the running warm water as she prepared the words in her head. What was an appropriate way to say her feelings? 'Hey Lena, now that you know my sister is Supergirl, can I tell you something else? I like you, a lot and I think I've said this to every other important person in my live but you, so if you don't terribly hate me and my family for lying to you all this time, would you go on a date with me and practically do exactly what we always do, just this time I might actually gather the courage to kiss you?'
Alex shut her eyes pressing her forehead against the wall as she quietly mumbled to herself.
"What if she doesn't…" she sighed prey of her own fears, so she dropped her shoulders preparing another speech, an honest and unelaborated one "Hey Lena…I love you. That's it. I just…love you. I have for a while now and I think we could be happy together. That we fit so nicely with one another, such different pieces from the same complicated engine, if you will" she huffed to herself "and I know you are building your life, but I do believe I can figure in that picture. Ellie is such an amazing girl and I'm sure you'll be a great and supportive mother and I'm by the time my baby is born-" she opened her eyes turning off the water as her own hand absently laid over her stomach and the question became too real. Was she pregnant? It was just such a gut feeling right then that she quickly finished showering and ran to the coffee table to open the letter and unveil the results.
Alex was the first to reach Kara's apartment, which of course, was dressed from ceiling to floor in decorations and accompanied by a dessert table that could feed 20 guests, even if it was only going to be the four of them. Although everything was planned last moment, Kara had the super speed on her side to throw something this amazing in less than five minutes.
Just as Alex picked up a brownie the door behind her opened and her mother walked inside taking in the image as well.
"So she could do everything this fast but took hours cleaning up her room, ha?"
Alex chuckled before walking towards "Kara said you were heading here like an hour ago, how come I beat you to it?"
"J'onn asked me to take an alternate route, he's getting worried someone might be following Kara"
"How is she? You got to talk to her?"
"Yeah, I think we walked through all the possible scenarios so at least she's prepared to face from the best reaction to the very worst"
Alex frowned looking down.
"Hey" Eliza reached for her hand "whatever that outcome might be, it's not on you. Just because your sister is deciding to do this now, doesn't mean that you are responsible for the rest. Their relationship is their own; you don't play a part if it gets damaged"
"What if I did?" she mumbled "I told Kara not to trust her Lena, not to tell her…"
"Yes, you did that when you didn't even know her other than her last name" she reasoned as if though she herself hadn't been against the reveal hours prior "but you were just looking out for your sister and as a DEO Agent, for Supergirl"
"That explanation won't make it easier, though"
"Perhaps" Eliza admitted "but there's nothing we can do about the past and there's so much uncertainty regarding the future" she reached for a cupcake as well "so at least for now, let us enjoy the present"
Eliza was right, as much as Alex wished she could go back in time and make things different, she so loved the present she had, so might as well live it up.
And not before long, the very woman that created such expectation appeared at the door.
"Lena" Alex said upon receiving her at the door.
"Hey, Alex" she wrapped her in an embrace before taking notice of the woman standing behind "Oh, Mrs. Danvers"
"Eliza is fine" she replied getting closer "It's nice to see you again Miss Luthor"
"Well, if it's going to be Eliza-"
"Lena it is" she smirked eyeing her daughter slyly.
"I-I brought some wine, but I can see the food department is covered"
"Kara" both Danvers answered.
"Figures" Lena offered a smile feeling a bit outnumbered as she didn't know the older woman as much "Where is she by the way?"
"Work"
"Running late"
"I'm beginning to feel like a terrible boss, I should leave L-Corp's lab to visit CatCo more often" Lena chuckled but her laugh died down soon enough as she noticed how Eliza was inspecting her. It felt as if though she was judging her character, as if the last name would match the personality, little did Lena know Eliza was picturing her as daughter-in-law material.
"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Everything is already set" Alex gestured around "guess we should enjoy it"
"Shouldn't we wait for Kara?"
Alex held back a wince, because as soon as Kara made an appearance, she was going to steal Lena away to talk to her and after that, everything was uncertain. Alex had no clue or way of knowing how that conversation might unfold, so she reached for her hand, more out of impulse under the supposition that if there was no physical distance, maybe there wouldn't be a rupture, but upon realizing her action, she panicky went through with it.
"I'm sure Kara won't mind if we take a few cupcakes" she drove her to the dessert table "besides, when she gets here…she might eat them all, so-"
Lena offered a small smirk, accepting the odd excuse "Very well, I guess one little cupcake won't be missed" she took one and Alex eased back up "I might take one home for Ellie" she added.
"I bet she would love the detail"
"Ellie?" Eliza called reminding the other two that they weren't alone.
"My daughter" Lena explained with such ease and warmness it made Alex's head swing.
"You have a kid?" Eliza shot Alex a demanding gaze, as her oldest had deliberately omitted that detail "I didn't know that"
"Oh" Lena set the food down "I recently adopted her. I've tried to keep the media away from my personal life, that would be why you didn't know"
"Yes, that would be the reason" Eliza tried to offer a sympathetic look while still throwing glances at Alex, whom decided to avoid eye contact.
"Would you like to see a picture of her?" Lena offered with sparkly eyes pulling her phone from her purse.
Alex did her best not to burst laughing as Lena just had acted like an old lady.
"Yes please" Eliza walked to their side as Lena showed them pictures of the girl in her new room on top of the bunker bed and another one playing with some toys and lastly ones Lena had taken at the cafeteria the day Alex had joined them.
"This one is my favorite" Lena mentioned as she glanced at the picture of Alex sitting across from Ellie, helping her build Jason the mechanical bird. They were mirroring each other making Ellie look like a miniature version of the Agent, both so focused on the project that neither noticed Lena had snapped a picture.
"Hey, you could have told us you were taking photos" Alex mockingly argued taking a closer look.
"It was just such good timing, you were so identical" Lena shrugged her shoulders "she asked me the other day when you are going to come over to teach her how to program"
"Did she?" Alex's face lit up and was matched by Lena's soft eyes.
"Yeah…maybe you could come next week?" she offered with a kind tone and Alex felt like melting.
"I'd love to" she mumbled before a troubling thought crossed her mind "let's just see how today goes" she took a step back noticing she was practically breathing over her shoulder.
Lena was caught off guard by the cold and distant reply, but before she could phrase a question, Eliza jumped in.
"How about we take a glass of wine? I'm sure Kara won't take much longer"
"That's a good idea"
"Alex, help me find where your sister stores the glasses, she keeps reorganizing every time"
"Sure" she peeked over her shoulder at Lena, so the Luthor took the opportunity to avoid as well.
"I'll text Ellie real quick, I promised to keep in touch"
"Okay" she walked to the kitchen where Eliza waited with her arms neatly folded. Alex would much rather be out there fighting aliens right then.
"So…the cups are right over here" Alex walked around reaching the top shelf.
"So she has a kid too"
"She does" Alex replied "She just recently moved in" she mentioned as offhandedly as possible.
"And you know her"
"Only a little" Alex's voice flunked at that admission "but she's really an amazing girl, you'd love her"
"Do you?" Eliza cut to the chase "because one thing is walking into someone's live, but with a kid-"
"Well I'm trying to walk into her life with a kid as well, so" Alex exasperatedly threw her shoulders up.
"Yes, this keeps getting interesting" Eliza pinched the bridge of her nose "I just want to make sure you won't resent the girl if you do end up in her life and suddenly she changes how you picture it to be"
Alex noticed there was no jab, no malice in her words, so she took a moment to calm herself "I know she will change a lot of what I envisioned and…it just makes it better" Alex tilted her head to a side smiling at the memories "I mean it, she is such an extraordinary kid. And yes, I don't know her that well still, but I intend to. I want to make sure that if I do take part on her life and for whatever reason it doesn't work, that Ellie isn't going to get hurt, that she won't feel abandoned or neglected…" Alex gazed up at her mother "If I walk in, it won't be with a foot already at the door. I'm not blind to the commitment, mom"
Eliza was yet struck again in the same day at how her daughter had become so mature and responsible. Since a young age a lot of freedom and carelessness were taken away for the sake of raising Kara, but Alex had known how to build her character despite losing her way on the process. Now Eliza was sure, Alex was a rock, immovable and strong. She was going to be just fine.
"Alright" Eliza reached her and placed a kiss on her forehead "I trust you"
Alex was shortly aback, but leaned in "Thank you"
Eliza smiled fondly before turning around and giving her the glasses.
"Go enjoy yourself, I'll hang in here for a moment and call Kara, she should be on her way"
"Okay" Alex nodded taking the crystal cups and reaching Lena who stood by the window.
"Is Ellie doing okay?" Alex asked as she extended her an empty cup.
"She is, thank you" she turned grabbing the glass as Alex opened the bottle.
"You could have brought her" she poured.
"I thought this might not be the right scenario. Plus, I needed to face this trial of fire, it won't be a first nor a last in which I have to leave the house. I thought a lot of things through before adopting her, but I didn't come to realize how 'effective immediately' some of them were going to be"
Alex chuckled dryly "I can imagine"
Lena took a delicate swing at her glass before biting into her lower lips looking at the Agent "Speaking of change…I…wanted to make you a proposition, a professional one"
"What could that be?" Alex asked with a mocking tone that feigned elegance noticing how fierce Lena's eyes could be.
"Well, since you are not going to be on the field anymore and since you have proven to be incredibly capable at the lab…I wanted to subcontract you as a consultant"
Alex's surprise was evident, her charade falling as she saw how serious Lena was, especially when she pulled a vanilla folder from her purse.
"I've talked to my board of directors and I would like you to be my head engineer on call. Which means you'll have a flexible schedule, creative freedom and admittedly some random calls at odd hours to solve problems with prototypes. You would be working directly with me and on occasions leading small teams to oversee some test runs"
Alex was dumbfounded as she looked at the papers in front of her looking through them.
"You'll have medical, dental, maternity lease and of course, a paycheck by the end of each month" Lena listed puffing her chest out as a prideful bird showing its feathers.
"Le-Lena, I don't know what to say"
"Say you'll read thought it, discuss it with whomever you need to and then give me an answer"
"You didn't have to do all this for me"
"Believe me, it's not a favor, I am investing in someone I think can be of great help to my business" Lena offered with a confident smirk "you are more than qualified for the position, now it's up to you to see if you'd like to fill it"
Alex could have described her dream job and it wouldn't be even remotely as great as what Lena just described. Being able to innovate, call the shots and doing so in her company…that was more than ideal working conditions, that was a dream come true.
"Give me a call when you've decided" Lena added "it's like I said regarding opening presents in front of others, don't feel obligated to say anything yet, I'll understand whatever your decision might be"
Alex nodded with a huge smile setting the folder the table "Thank you, Lena"
"That being said, I think this will be my last sip of wine for a while, so should we do a toast?" Lena raised her glass but Alex gazed at her empty cup and found herself tongue tied at it, she was not going to serve herself any. Her expression was so open it was at the same time almost unreadable. There was just so much emotion crossing through her eyes in that instant that the mixture of it all, the nervousness, happiness and fear, gave it all away to Lena.
"You are pregnant" she said, eyes wide, mouth dropping.
Alex blushed furiously leaning in, closing the distance between them as she hurriedly urged her to keep it quiet as she took a peek at the kitchen, luckily Eliza hadn't heard.
"Yes, I found out about two hours ago" Alex admitted.
"Those are amazing news!" Lena exclaimed in a hush, wrapping her arms around her tightly. All the stress, all the uncertainty and preoccupation that they had lived throughout the process was now vanishing. Alex's longing wish was not a dream but a reality to be met.
"I'm so happy" Lena loosen her grip just enough to meet her eyes, finding that Alex still had her arms intertwined at the small of her back as Lena's own hands were resting on Alex's shoulders just above her chest. She found the position to be comfortable and Alex embrace proclaimed it to be just as welcoming.
And for a moment, they only gazed into each other's eyes; a whole conversation was carried with not a single word spoken.
Lena leaned in, in a painfully slow motion as Alex's heartbeat hammered down on her chest and as much as she wanted to steal it away, Alex gulped and bit into her lower lip averting her eyes, knowing that if she stared for longer, she might never look away again.
Lena sighed softly and ducked her chin, resting her forehead against the Agents shoulder instead. Sometime she could read her so easily and others things like this tended to happen.
"I-I better call Kara" Alex said with urgency in her tone letting go of Lena's waist.
Lena reluctantly pulled apart as well "It almost feels like this is her surprise party, why are you so anxious for her arrival?" Lena asked trying to keep the hurt from ringing on her voice "You haven't told her the news yet?"
"You are the first to know, actually" Alex answered striking the Luthor, leaving her speechless for an instant.
And that instant was all that was needed for a call to come in. Alex checked her phone and saw the ID with huge relief as she swiftly answered.
"Kara-"
"Alex, where are you?" the Kryptonian cut her short.
"I-I am at your place, with everyone else, as we planned"
"You have to get out of there now" Kara commanded, her voice was serious and worried "I'll try to beat him to it"
"Kara, what's going-?"and the call ended. Alex turned around "We have to move"
"What?" Lena asked aback following the upset Agent.
"I can't explain right now" she said reaching the kitchen "Mom, we need to-"
Suddenly a flaming figure crashed through the window as Kara stood up panting, holding into her side as her trench coat was caught on fire, revealing under the symbol on her chest.
The first person her eyes landed on were those of her best friend "Lena..." "Kara" Lena said breathlessly as they held gazes... and as much as the Kryptonian wished she could have the time to explain, she really didn't.
"I have to get you all out of here" she took one step stumbling, falling on her knees.
"Kara!" Alex reached her side helping her up as Eliza called J'onn "tell me what's wrong"
Kara unveiled what she hid under her hand as her palm was stained with red "I got shot, kryptonite bullet"
Before Alex knew it, Lena was already at her side inspecting the wound "It's not green, it's blue, what effect does it have?"
Kara groaned as a wave of pain ran through her "Is it getting absorbed into my blood stream?" she asked.
"Yes"
"Then it's taking away my powers" she pushed past the pain trying to stand up "We don't have time, I was followed, they know where I live"
"J'onn is on his way" Eliza said as the other two women helped her up.
"Keep pressure on the wound, you are bleeding out" Alex said as they reached the door, but before they could exit, another figure landed inside in the shape of a monstrously huge alien that screeched horridly.
Kara was about to take him head on when Alex reached for a gun she kept hidden in her sister's apartment and aimed at the threat "Stand down!" she commanded receiving a right hook instead. Alex quickly dodged retreating one step before firing at his shoulder, but the laser bullets barely even did a scratch on him.
Supergirl took a step forward firing her heat vision forcing the alien to recoil.
"Get out of here!" she ordered "I'll distract him" she said in her best tone before the wound took a toll on her and soon she ran dry of laser beams and began to stumble.
Lena caught her, driving her to the ground as she applied pressure on her side "Don't move"
"Please, you all have to leave" Kara begged as her older sister held the line, firing at the alien just to keep him busy deflecting the shots.
"How do we take the blue kryptonite out of her?" Eliza asked worriedly.
"I can think of several ways, but I don't have the equipment to do any of them here" Lena answered keeping her palms tightly pushing down.
Alex took a couple of steps back still gazing at the alien "Kara, I'm going to blow up the kitchen, that should knock him out cold"
"Are you crazy?!"
Alex gazed over her shoulder shortly "Get out of here, I'll leave the gas running, then just a shot should do the trick. I'll be right behind you"
Everyone was just about to destroy the Agent's 'perfectly sound plan', but one voice rose firmly above the rest "Alex, you can't risk yourself. You are with a child" Lena said with defiance as the rest of the Danvers caught up to the events astonished.
Hearing that gave Kara just enough determination to blast herself in the alien's direction, flying him and herself out of the building.
"Kara!" they ran to the window just in time to see Martian Manhunter fly by catching the unconscious Kryptonian as other agent took care of the rough alien throwing electric nets to cease him.
"I'll take her to the DEO" he said firmly.
"We'll see you there" Alex nodded.
The ride there, as chaotic and stressful as it was, turned out to be a pretty quick one with Alex behind the wheel. Once there she got to the medical bay where J'onn and a specialized team were aiding the Kryptonian.
"Is the bullet out?" Alex asked prepping to assist.
"It completely dissolved into her blood stream"
"Then you have to clean it, from the inside" Lena said "you have to basically make a second heart that can distillate all the blue kryptonite out of her blood and get the flow back into her system" she stated receiving a lot of looks in return "Do you have a place I can work in?!" she urged.
"Follow me" Alex said "the rest of you, treat that wound" the rushed to the lab working side by side as Lena swiftly described what the layout should be like, never having to repeat herself, sometimes not even finishing the sentence before Alex caught up to the idea, developing and improving when necessary. The synchrony of their work paid off as their device was ready just in time to plugged it in, beginning to clean the Kryptonian's blood. Now that the wound was closed and the process had begun, there was nothing to do but wait.
Alex paced from one side of the hall to the other impatient to get news.
"She's going to be fine" J'onn reassured reaching for her.
"It was a close call" Alex hugged herself.
"Thankfully Miss Luthor was here to assist"
Alex shrunk "She knows now, J'onn"
"Yes, Kara told me she would-"
"Kara didn't have a chance to tell Lena herself, she saw her crash and burn as Kara Danvers"
J'onn stood silent for a moment "It's a good thing I didn't link your thoughts then"
"What?" Alex frowned in confusion.
"Well, I was going to aid your process so you could build the machine, so you could see what Miss Luthor was thinking of, but upon seeing you two I realized you didn't needed my help. You were tuned in by yourselves"
Alex offered a shy smile.
"So why are you here alone?" he asked and the Agent averted her eyes. J'onn sighed "Avoiding her won't stop whatever talk you two need to have"
"She probably left already, she must be so mad, I-I can't face her right now" she admitted.
"Alex" J'onn laid a hand on her shoulder "She's outside Kara's room right now… she hasn't walked out. Talk to her before she isn't here anymore" he implied it more than in one sense "trust me, you don't want to live with a 'what if' haunting your thoughts" he expressed, in his eyes there was sadness of a past he couldn't change.
Alex faintly nodded taking a deep breath, going to the hallway were the Luthor standed, but just as she was going to approach, a team member exited the room to deliver a message.
"Supergirl would like to see you, Miss Luthor"
Lena nodded, her face unreadable.
Alex just had enough time to reach the CEO, grabbing her by the arm and look into her eyes with nothing but an unsaid apology and incredible determination "I asked Kara not to tell you before that she was Supergirl" she confessed "please don't be too severe on her" she pleaded, knowing that might be the last time she saw the Luthor.
Lena gazed at her with something close to curiosity, Alex couldn't begin to understand what. She was not even sure if Lena had actually given a little nod, but Alex had nothing else to do but release her arm and let her go…
Lena entered the room finding Kara laying on the bed barely even conscious.
"Lena!" Kara tried to sit up in a jolt doubling back from the pain.
"Don't" Lena went to her side helping her back down to then take a step back and Kara noticed with a heavy heart that she wasn't holding her hand anymore.
"I'm sorry" was the first thing that left the Kryptonian's lips "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you before. I wanted to, but it had been so long and I feared you would hate me for it and I…I was so afraid of losing you…" she chocked on her own tears "I'm so sorry Lena…I never wanted to hurt you" she dared to look up through her teary eyes to find emerald eyes gazing back at her "Please, I-"
"Kara" she cut her off keeping a pause before breathing in covering her face in a frustrated manner "I knew…" she finally said "In a way, I always knew" she grabbed a chair pulling it to sit at her side "The resemblance was uncanny and every last bit of evidence pointed at that conclusion, but I rather not believe it. I'd rather have the two identities separated"
"You-you knew?" Kara was breathless "You never said anything"
"Neither did you" she pointed out sharply "I understand that at first you mistrusted my name but as time passed I…I thought we were friends"
"We are" Kara reached for her hand but decided not to take it, it had to be Lena's choice "I was selfish I-" she swallowed hard "I needed to keep you for myself, for just Kara. You believed me to be human and still you thought of me to be worthy of something special, you saw me as more than the cape and boots so the expectation and pressure weren't there, I could be just me, I wanted to keep that untouched, to have my humanity" Kara confessed feeling broken inside, just before pale fingers reached for hers.
"I do understand that" Lena squeezed her hand gently "I needed Kara Danvers to exist too, just as much. I wanted someone that wasn't involved in the whole mess the Luthors and the Supers were, someone that didn't judge me for my past or my family…if you weren't Supergirl, then I could cling to that very last trace of normality" she sighed "and then we both made such fools of ourselves and instead of confronting each other with all the cards on the table we played this charade and bottle up so much resentment" Lena seemed just so exhausted "And I honestly can't keep doing that anymore"
"What do we do now?" Supergirl asked softly.
"I think we both need time" she mumbled "I don't want to receive one personality flying through the balcony and another one walking through the main door"
Kara fidgeted with her fingers "I'll give you your space and…whenever you need it I'll be there. As a civilian or otherwise"
Lena nodded knowing Kara meant it. "It's going to be an adjustment, but I'll get to know you again, both parts of you. The Danvers and the Super"
"Zor-El" Kara offered.
"What?"
"Who I am, at my core" she explained "My Kryptonian given name is Kara Zor-El, that's who I am, the sum of all my pieces"
"Zor-El" Lena repeated "It's nice to meet you then" she smiled "Lena Kieran Luthor" she corresponded.
Kara smiled genuinely, perhaps things wouldn't go back to normal just yet, but change could also be good "Nice to meet you too" she held a watery smiled before looking down crying "I'm sorry" she tried to keep herself together before being held in an embrace.
"I could never hate you, Kara" Lena finally said "we might not agree or see eye to eye, but you are my friend. You are my best friend, you have saved my life, held my hand, stayed by my side…I could never discard that" she assured "And I am sorry too" her voice caught up on her throat "I'm so sorry for all that-" she shut her eyes tight "I trust you" she finally said "I'll always be on your corner"
"And I'll always believe in you" Kara held her close for an instant before letting go, wiping the tears away taking a deep breath "S-so, how is Alex after all of this?"
"She's unharmed, same with Eliza. They are safe, if you want to see them I'll give you a moment"
"No, I didn't mean like that, but I am glad to hear it but…" she stammered "Alex hasn't talk to you?" Kara asked cautiously.
"We were busy building that device to save you" she pointed, clueless at what Kara was getting at "last thing she told me was that she asked you not to tell me your identity"
"At first!" Kara urged "like the first months or so after we met but she asked me to tell you about three weeks ago, shortly after the Maggie incident" she explained "and believe it or not, I was going to reveal myself today, at the party" she said "But all of this happened and…"
"She asked you to tell me?" Lena frowned confused, she wanted to ask the reason behind it, but Kara was not the one to answer that.
"Talk to her" she asked softly "please, hear her out"
Lena was aback but didn't have the time to question anything else when her phone rang and finally the outside world came crashing in again as multiple missed calls piled up.
"Oh my-Ellie!" she answered to hear the babysitter on the other side "I am, I-" she was cut short "I'm so sorry, I know it's late, I didn't hear—I-I know it's no excuse, I-I will be right there" she hanged up looking at Kara "I have to-"
"Go!" Kara urged "go home, your family needs you"
"Thank you" she leaned in hugging her goodbye "Stay safe"
"I will" she let go "leave" she insisted and Lena rushed outside calling her driver to no avail.
"Come on, pick up please" she begged under her breath knowing it wasn't working so she hanged up "Damn it!"
"Lena?" Alex approached her carefully noticing her distress "What's wrong?" the question could have a million answers and she expected on the top of her head for her to be upset about Supergirl being Kara, but instead Lena searched for her eyes with preoccupation.
"It's almost 10, I promised Ellie I would be home two hours ago"
Alex understood perfectly "I'll drive you"
"No, Kara needs you here"
"Eliza will stay, I'll come back the moment they need me to" she said determined before adding "I can run a few reds, so let's go"
Within ten minutes they were already at the building, no words were exchanged during the ride, the only thing that mattered was for Lena to make it home at that moment.
As soon as the car was parked, Lena bolted to the elevator and it took Alex the splint of a second to decide and follow her, no questions asked.
When Lena busted through the door, the woman waiting for them received them with a frown and folded arms.
"Miss Luthor, this is highly unprofessional"
"I-I know, I'm sorry, w-where's my daughter?"
"On her room" she answered ready to give the CEO an earful, but she had already sprinted to the end of the hall, so Alex took care of dealing with the babysitter instead, trying to explain that they had unforeseen circumstances, that her sister had an emergency appendicitis and the stress and worry displaying on Alex's face seemed to be convincing enough for the woman to back off a little. After a few more exchanges the babysitter left and now Alex was alone at the living room, she was half minded to leave when she heard Lena's voice, she sounded so broken and distressed. Alex debated with herself before turning around and reaching the hallway to find Lena sited in front of the closed door.
"Sweetie, please. Let's talk"
"Lena?" Alex knelt next to her finding that the Luthor had broken down in tears.
"She locked the door" she explained "She doesn't want to see me"
Alex sighed and softly knocked on the door "Hey, Kiddo. It's me, Alex" she said.
"Go away" Ellie said from the other side, her voice drowned in tears as well.
"I know you-"
"No!" Ellie shouted "Leave us alone"
"Ellie" Lena began but the girl kept on crying.
"You said you wouldn't trade me! That love didn't work that way, but you didn't keep your promise! You didn't answer, you forgot about me!"
"No, Sweetie, please. I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to happen" Lena explained pained "I wasn't going to walk away from you"
"You did!"
"It must have been pretty scary" Alex cut in "to think your mom was leaving you" she said "but she wasn't, she isn't" she corrected "you mean the world to her, Ellie" Alex said against the door "there's nothing she wouldn't do for you, trust me"
"She was with you, not with me" Ellie replied without screaming, this time her tone just showed hurt "Just leave"
"No" Alex replied softly "We are not leaving you, Ellie. No one is ever going to leave you again, kid. I know that you think that if you are the one cutting the strings, then the pain of someone walking away won't harm you, but you'd be alone anyways. So, no. We are staying. You can keep that door closed all you want, but the moment you decide to open it again, you'll find us both right here" Alex said with determination gazing into Lena's emeralds "that's a promise I can keep"
Few moments of silence reigned over before a clicking sound was heard and the doorknob slowly turned opening the door.
Ellie peeked through the small opening, her eyes filled with tears "Mom?" she called.
"I'm here, Sweetie" Lena knelt opening her arms for the girl to run into them. Ellie held on tightly unwilling to let her go, not even for a second.
Alex just rubbed her hand against the girl's back in soothing circles before meeting Lena's eyes again. They were crystalized by the previous display of emotions, but now they just held gratitude and adoration as the Luthor mouthed a 'Thank you'.
Alex nodded holding a small smile, there wasn't anything that she wouldn't do for them.
Soon the little girl ran out of energy as a yawn escaped her mouth and her eyelids began to give away.
"Come on, Sweetie. Let's get you to bed" Lena mumbled gently standing helping her up as well as they reached the bed.
Alex moved the covers aside while Lena placed her in the middle of the queen size bed that was still on her room.
"You'll stay?" Ellie asked softly gazing into Lena's eyes as the Luthor leaned down to kiss her forehead.
"Of course, Sweetie"
Then Ellie gazed over her shoulder looking at Alex "You too?"
Alex blinked in surprise at the request, at being considered, so she looked at Lena for a brief instant finding her to be just as surprised. So Alex breathed in "I'll, Kiddo" she kicked her boots off and laid on the opposite side of the bed as Lena did the same from her end, Ellie in middle of the embrace.
"You can sleep now, Sweetie" Lena said tenderly caressing her features with the tip of her fingers "We'll be right here"
"Promise?" she asked, her voice drowned and sleepy.
"Promise" Alex answered tangling her fingers through her hair, looking at her with fondness as Ellie slowly drifted to sleep.
The silence took over and soon there was only her steady breathing and the comfort of knowing she was alright.
Alex exhaled slowly driving her sight from the girl to the woman in front of her, Lena Luthor. She was right there and suddenly the moment took a whole new dimension and as the CEO gazed up as well, she noticed it too.
It was such an intimate moment to share. Both taking care of the girl, knowing they wouldn't trade that scene for anything in the world, that Lena was a mother, that Alex was pregnant, that they could understand one another just by looking into their eyes. That was the happiness they yearned for, and it was just in front of them.
Eternal minutes of complete silence went by before Lena whispered softly "I think she's soundly asleep now" she began "We can let her rest" she tilted her head towards the door and both quietly sneaked out making sure Ellie would be alright.
As soon as they were on the now dim hallway and the door had been closed behind them, Alex spoke.
"I wanted to tell you about Supergirl" she said "I know that I told Kara not to say anything but-"
"I know, I talked to her" Lena cut her, that was not the topic she was expecting to discuss "I also knew about Kara, in a sense" she offered "It's almost insulting that all of you thought I'd be that naïve" she commented as a joke but knew it hadn't landed when she saw the remorse in Alex's eyes "Is that the reason you had been distant at times?" Lena dared to ask.
"I…I lied too. Kara's my sister and your friend and I played you just as much. You were so open and helping and it felt like I was just taking so much out of you. I didn't want to keep doing it, so if I put the distance then the pain would have been less when the fallout came" she turned around walking back into the living room when she felt her wrist being captured, forcing her to turn back around just in time to see those emerald eyes gazed at her intensely.
And then Alex finally tasted Lena's lips as they clashed upon her own. Alex's heart stopped and then came back to life as soft movements washed away the pain and fearless approaches devoured the uncertainty.
Alex leaned in barely managing to put a hand against the wall to steady herself as she cornered Lena. The Luthor wrapped her arms around her neck, tangling her fingers in the Agent's short hair. Alex reached for her neck tilting down her own chin to dip in a better taste at Lena's lower lip.
There wasn't enough air in the universe to fill in their longs after they broke apart for a moment, looking into each other's eyes, finally having showed every last bit of themselves, nothing left in the shadows or in the darkness.
"I want this" Lena said "Us. You, me, Ellie, your baby" she smiled dazzled "I want you by my side, Alexandra Danvers"
"I want the same" she mumbled dipping for another kiss before her knee hit the door and both panicked at the idea of waking up Ellie. They shared a nervous laugh as they took a few steps away and ended up in the far end of the hallway, in front of Lena's room.
"All walls are soundproof" the Luthor said with devilish delight upon seeing Alex' growing red face "But I don't want this to be a one night stand" she added with determination, she wasn't going to expose her heart for it to be walked away from but Alex already knew all of Lena's fears, she wasn't scared away by them.
"I make mean pancakes" Alex mentioned "I bet Ellie would love them, I can make breakfast in the morning. And the morning after, and the morning after" she copped Lena's cheek "I'm not going anywhere" she said sincerely "You can trust me"
"I do" Lena tiptoed reaching Alex's lips again as they sneaked into the room closing the door.
Lena rested on her back as Alex cuddled into her chest with an arm wrapped around her, both tangled in the sheets, the cool breeze sneaking through the window.
Lena traced small circles on Alex' exposed shoulder blade in a lazy rhythm.
"What about this one?" Lena asked as her finger ran into another scar.
"Bullet" Alex answered offhandedly "laser bullet, actually. First time I was at the field here on National City"
"You have such a large collection of scars it's almost surreal you didn't get any new ones today" Lena mentioned before stopping her movements "You jumped right in front of that alien with such resolve it was…it was almost as impressive as it was scary" she resumed the caresses shrugging in the slightest.
Alex stood silent before lifting her head up looking Lena in the eyes "I'll call J'onn in the morning and resign from active duty. I'm not doing it anymore, I won't risk it" she leaned down to steal a small peck "I have a more fulfilling dream now"
Lena smirked softly capturing her lips a second longer, not getting enough of her taste.
"I actually already have a job prospect, you know?" Alex teased "But I would have to work with a very bossy, smart, attractive and incredible woman, would that be a problem with you?"
"I don't know, she sounds pretty amazing"
"She is"
"You should take the job"
"I will" she smiled "I'll sign the papers after breakfast" she rested her chin carefully over Lena's chest to look at her face "You know? The DEO could use someone with your talents as well, what you did was impressive, we could be a team there too" she mentioned the idea "And no field work, everything would be from the base of operations" Alex assured with a smirk "We call the shots"
"A Luthor giving orders to a Super, that should get a reaction out of my family, count me in" she mocked and Alex understood there was more to the issue.
"If it's too soon to work with Supergirl, I'll understand"
"Perhaps it is right now…" she admitted before softening her features "But I do want to be part of your life as well, so if the DEO will consider having me as an external consultant, I shall be there"
"You are amazing" Alex breathed out as if everything in front of her was a wonderful dream.
"My thought exactly regarding you" she turned over her shoulder forcing the Agent to readjust as well "I have to ask, though…how do you want to handle our relationship concerning the media?" Lena was careful to phrase "A Luthor having the FBI on her pocket and many other colorful tabloids come to mind when I try to picture it. I wouldn't want to risk your position or your privacy"
"And here I was thinking we should go to a movie" Alex chuckled lightly "I want to tell the world Lena, I don't want to keep us a secret, especially not from friends and family" she said earnestly taking a glance at the watch on the nightstand behind Lena, the day was not over yet, she still have just enough time to fulfill her part of the deal she had with Kara, Alex had to say it "I love you, Lena" she fearlessly declared "In all the extents of the word, in every way, with all of who I am, I can say it out loud with no regrets, I love you. And I can easily proclaim it as well in front of a hundred cameras and my resolve won't falter"
Lena was caught off guard for an instant at the bold declaration, at how unapologetically she was expressing her feeling, and the Luthor had nothing left to do but finally let every wall down for good, so for that moment forward there was nothing in-between.
"I love you too"
THREE MONTHS LATER.
"And you turn the pancake, Kiddo" Alex instructed as Ellie stood in a chair next to her while they made breakfast "Hey, that turned out pretty well" she praised.
"I hope they are good"
"She'll love them" Alex assured patting her head gently "Do you want to carry the trey or the present?"
"The present!" Ellie jumped to say.
"Okay, then. Go get it" she tilted her head towards the counter while putting a rose as decoration "Ready?" they walked towards the bedroom door "One, two, three, Happy birth-" and the door swung open a moment too soon as Lena tried to walk out completely surprised by the two of them standing there.
"What's-?"
Alex rolled her eyes "You are the hardest person on earth to give breakfast in bed to" she complained setting the trey aside.
Lena smiled widely with the tiniest hint of sheepishness "I'm sorry, dear, you know I can't stay still" she leaned in kissing her good morning.
"Happy Birthday mom!" Ellie hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, Sweetie!" she leaned down just in time for the girl to stretch out an envelope "What's this?"
"Your present" she balanced on her tiptoes expectant of Lena's reaction.
"What could it be?" she opened it finding inside a handmade drawing of the three of them together and the Luthor's heart swelled with happiness as she hugged Ellie "I love the drawing" she said heartedly "I'll put it on the fridge so I can see it every morning"
Ellie smiled proudly as her little face blushed in excitement.
"There's something else in there" Alex pointed at the envelope so Lena fished out what turned out to be tickets to a robotic exposition "But these were sold out!" she exclaimed "I even try to use my influences at L-Corp and couldn't get them"
"We know, we are awesome" Alex looked at Ellie in complicity as they fist-bump.
"Yes, you are" Lena grabbed her by the collar pulling her to another kiss to which the Agent happily complied. "Let's enjoy breakfast before you bolt out of here to your meeting" Alex took the trey to the table where everything was already set.
"I see you had a plan B already placed"
"Please, I know you too well; still we ought to give it a shot to surprise you with breakfast in bed"
"I promise next time I'll stay put"
"I highly doubt you will" Alex teased.
"Incoming" a robotic voice announced "cloaking device activated"
"Auntie Kara!" Ellie ran towards the balcony opening it ajar as the Girl of Steel made a landing.
"Hey Ellie!" Kara greeted joyfully wrapping an arm around her while the other hand kept in balance a box "Can I come in?"
"Yes, we were about to have breakfast"
"Then I am just in time" she smirked walking into the apartment.
"We made enough pancakes to feed an army" Alex called from the kitchen while serving coffee "we had a gut feeling you might make an entrance"
"Well, I didn't come empty handed" she retorted reaching Lena "Happy Birthday" she stretched the box.
"A cake" she read the brand "From the bakery in Paris that I love" she gazed up impressed.
"It was a quick trip" Kara assured setting it on the table "I just thought you might want one. They were kind of a big deal at the Danvers' house growing up. It always made me feel better to blow the candles and make a wish when I first arrived to Earth"
"I love it" Lena leaned in hugging her affectionately "Thank you, Kara"
"Welcome" she rested on the embrace for a moment longer savoring this newly formed relationship, it took time and trust, but this was their normality, with no secrets and no more lies, now Kara had Lena as a sister as well.
"Sit with me, Auntie Kara" Ellie pulled her cape getting her to the table.
"Okay, okay, I'm going" she smirked at the girl.
"Here we go" Alex settled the stack of pancakes at the center leaning in.
"Hey there, is that a baby bump I see?" Kara pointed with a fork at the older Danvers.
"Indeed!" Alex showed proudly "Luckily my dress for tonight still fits, otherwise I'd be crying right now"
"We'll just make a quick appearance; I don't want you wearing heels for too long" Lena interjected.
"We are not leaving your own party" Alex refuted.
"It's merely a formality, I'm sure L-Corp and CatCo's staff won't notice if I leave or if I don't show up at all"
Kara shook her head amused at their interactions leaving them to discuss while turning to Ellie "How do you feel about becoming an older sister?"
Ellie shrugged a bit "I want to have a sibling, but…what if…I'm not a good sister? What if she doesn't need me?"
Kara softened her features "Tell me this, do you think I'm strong?"
Ellie raised a brow looking up and down at her uniform "Yes" she said matter of factly "You are Supergirl"
"And still, you know who my hero is? Who's always there taking care of me, protecting me?" she pointed at Alex who was still deep into conversation with Lena "My older sister" she concluded "And if I need her that much, just imagine how your sister will look up to you. To teach her stuff, introduce her to new things and places, help her grow…" she removed a loose buckle out of the kid's face "You are going to be a great older sister, Ellie" she said with resolve and tenderness "And if you need a role model, you can always refer to Alex"
Ellie nodded with sparkles of joy in her eyes.
"Ten" Alex said her final bargain.
"Fine" Lena agreed taking a sip of her coffee.
"Did you finish packing?" Kara asked "Grandma Eliza will be expecting you at noon"
"Can I take my toys?"
"Sure, she'll love to play with you"
"Okay, I'll just put Jason in my bag" she got off the table.
"Thank you for letting mom stay with you, by the way" Alex said "And having Ellie for a sleepover"
"You guys deserve to enjoy a night to yourselves" she stood up picking the plates "By the way…" she looked over her shoulder "Ellie sounded pretty confident when she said she was going to have a baby sister but it's a couple of weeks too early to tell, isn't it?" she raised a brown and both shrugged shyly.
"We might have developed a little improvement to an ultrasound machine at the lab"
"So, a girl?" Kara's smile lighted up upon knowing she would have another niece.
"We are pretty confident that's the gender" Lena softly caressed Alex's stomach.
"Have you decided a name?"
They exchanged nervous smiles as Alex cracked a laugh "Lexie" she said.
"Lexie?" Kara repeated "I feel like there's a joke that I am missing"
"Perhaps" Lena stood up raising a brow with a sly grin "I'm afraid I have to get going" she leaned down to steal another kiss from Alex's lips "thank you for breakfast" she turned around "see you tonight, Kara. Don't be late" she walked back at her room to get ready.
"I'll do my best!" she called and once sure she was no longer in hearing range, she pulled out a little box "Eliza sends this" she urged handing it to her sister.
Alex felt the base of her stomach tickle as she opened it to reveal a ring that had been handed down generation after generation.
"I can't believe you are actually doing it" Kara yelled in a whisper.
"I'm so nervous" Alex admitted holding the box "But I am so sure about it"
Kara smiled at her tenderly "I am very proud of you, Alex. This is what you wanted"
"You don't think it's too soon?" she asked with self-doubt.
"I mean, you already live together and have kids, so" she mocked before offering her most genuine smile "I think you are perfect for each other and it makes all the sense in the world that you want to make it official taking this step" she grabbed her hands "But if you think you are rushing, there's no need to do it tonight, believe me, Lena is not going anywhere" she gazed at her sister's eyes, there was something else in there, because the fear of Lena leaving was not her concern "Hey…what is it?"
Alex bit into her lower lip "The other day I had to take Ellie to the doctor for a small fever while Lena was at L-Corp and I couldn't sign any of the papers, I had to call during her meeting and ask her to come" she admitted.
That clicked for Kara "Not only would marrying her make you her wife in the eyes of the law, but that would mean to be Ellie's mom and that Lexie would be Lena's daughter too… and you want that safety"
"We are both their parents" Alex said with all her conviction "so…yeah, marrying Lena it's not only the thing I want the most, but is also the promise that our family will be together and protected"
Kara's smile grew wider "Then do it, ask her" she hugged her tightly "And whatever the answer, I'm a call away, okay?"
"Thank you" she leaned into her shoulder concealing the tears "Now go save the day Supergirl, I can't believe you have been here this long without J'onn calling for you"
"I might or might have not turned off my communicator" she shrugged reaching the balcony "See you at the party" she jumped off flying away.
Alex rushed back into the apartment after being at the DEO most of the afternoon, she was running late, she still had to get ready.
"Alex, is that you?" Lena's voice echoed from their bedroom.
"Yes! Sorry, the mission went longer than expected" she started taking off her shoes and jacket tossing them aside.
"I figured, J'onn called me, mainly to wish me happy birthday but to update me as well. Tomorrow I'll drop by to assist in mapping out the routes these underground traffickers are using, I'm sure they are moving the guns through a third party"
Alex reached their bathroom finding Lena already in a smooth black dress and high heels, her makeup impeccable as always and now she was just putting her earings on. They locked gazed through the mirror.
"Well Agent, I do hope you intend to change into more fitting attire"
"Yes, sorry- you- you are just breathtaking" Alex said still mesmerized getting Lena to chuckle and blush.
"You can enjoy the view later, for now, jump into the shower" she reached for a towel to toss her way. Alex did as she was told while Lena stepped outside to call Eliza to make sure there was nothing Ellie or her needed.
Alex was swift about getting ready but upon getting her dress on she found it impossible to reach for the zipper.
"Lena?" she called.
"Yes, dear?"
"Can you help me with the zipper, love?"
"That old wound is still bothering you?" she walked back in to find the agent basically ready to go, she look just as outstanding.
"Yeah, I'm going to physical therapy for that one, I don't want it to keep me from carrying Ellie or cuddling Lexie" she turned around ducking her chin for Lena to maneuver, but the Luthor decided to slide her hands to her hips instead and lean in to whisper into her ear
"I can't decide if to zip it up or down" she mumbled in a husky tone pleased to see Alex shiver.
"No, come on, this is your party, stop teasing"
Lena smiled pressing a kiss into her shoulder blade and pulling the zipper up "Unfair, if it's my birthday I should decide what we do"
"Later" Alex turned around, her own enticing smile in place "if you behave" she added "plus, the earlier we arrive, the earlier we can be back home"
"Let us go then" she stretched her arm towards as they left.
The terrace was filled with lights, music and laughter. Hundreds of people were gathered to celebrate their boss, some DEO agents even made it, since now they worked side by side with the Luthor. And for a change, every single individual in that party knew Lena and genuinely wanted to be there to celebrate her, not only as a formality or for it being such a grand event, but because they all at least once had worked elbow to elbow with her or Alex and this new power couple was dearly loved among them.
"Okay, okay, settle down for a moment" James asked clicking his spoon against his glass of champagne "A toast!" he proclaimed "In representation of CatCo's team, we would like to congratulate our boss on her special day and thank her for all the free drinks" a laugher erupted in the place "but in all sincerity, thank you for keeping CatCo up to its name and for looking out for us"
"Cheers!"
Another man stood up as the claps died down "And on behalf of everyone form L-Corp, we would like to thank you as well for believing in every single one of us and for allowing us to make of this world a better place, not only for us, but for the future generations" he raised his glass "For Lena Luthor"
"Cheers"
"For Lena"
The Luthor raised her own glass and spoke up "I am so very grateful for having such wonderful people, all the success we have achieved is because every individual here has made a difference" she looked at her right taking Alex's hand "And I would like to thank one person in particular that has helped me strive to be better, Alex Danvers" she gazed back at them "Thank you all and enjoy the evening"
The music vibrated again and everyone continued to mingle.
"For a moment there I thought you were going to thank Supergirl" Alex mumbled into her ear making her giggle "Thank you, Lena" Alex said sincerely wrapping an arm around her waist resting there.
"That was a very touching toast" Kara approached them "I'm glad James delivered it"
"Yes, I could feel his sincerity regarding the free drinks part" she joked.
"Well, say what you will in the morning, but I think a lot of people would have notice if you didn't made an appearance"
Lena gazed around with fondness "I must admit, it feels nice…welcoming. For a change I don't think anyone here attended because my last name is Luthor"
"They see you, Lena" Kara remarked gently taking a sip at her own cup while Alex reached for a glass of mineral water getting Kara to almost spit out "Speaking of seeing, Alex" she pointed at her shoulder blade "You have lipstick right there in a very well defined kiss shape"
Alex turned to see the mark perfectly resting there before turning to Lena with an unamused face as the Luthor covered a coy smile behind her glass.
"Not like I have greeted every single person at this event or anything" she reached for a napkin.
"Not quite sorry, dear" she set her cup aside "let me clean it, you'll just make it worse"
"Let's at least be less in the open about it, my dignity and stuff" Alex huffed making Lena chuckle "over by the rail is quiet enough"
"Alright" she rolled her eyes "Sorry Kara, it will be just a moment"
"Go ahead" she waved casually before turning to her sister whose heartbeat had gone sky high. Once Lena was out of sight Kara turned in a jolt "You are doing it now?!"
"Figures like a good moment, right? Under the stars and all that romantic nonsense"
"Wow- no yeah, that will sweep her off her feet"
"I'm nervous, ok?!" Alex fidgeted with the little box "…Can she say no?"
Kara tilted her head considering it "Yes"
"Kara!"
"She has every right to say no to marriage, but that doesn't mean she would break up with you, just that she doesn't want or isn't ready for that step" she pointed out "her role models of matrimony were pretty awful" she shrugged "But so were they terrible parents and she turned out to be an amazing mom, so" she pushed her towards her direction "go take your chances"
Alex breathed in "Okay" she reached the far end of the terrace where Lena was leaning into the rail looking down at the lights of the city, the wind blowing her hair.
"Hey"
"Hi" Lena smiled "It's a bit chilly here, isn't it?" she asked "But it's worth it for such a view"
Alex didn't even took her eyes off of her as she said "It is"
"Well" Lena turned towards her "Shall we end your humiliation?"
"W-What?" Alex asked aback and a bit terrified.
"The lipstick?" Lena questioned waving the napkin.
"Right!" she turned around hiding the small box.
Lena carefully placed a hand on the back of her neck to steady herself while wiping away the stain with the other.
"This has been a great evening" Lena mentioned "I can't remember the last time I enjoyed one of my birthdays with the people I truly wanted to be with"
Alex reached for her hand giving it a light squeeze "You have us now, you have me"
Lena chuckled "I know, darling. It just still marvels me, it's all. It will take me a bit before realizing this isn't a dream from which I'll wake up"
"This moment is pretty perfect, isn't it?" Alex asked "We are in the top of the world, enjoying your party, having all these people around us, the stars above" she reached for her pocket fishing out the box.
"I don't mean just this" Lena cut her short "I used to spend my time in restaurants at the highest peaks of the city, being surrounded by the most influential people and fooling myself into believing that was perfect. The definition of success on itself but…then you came along and…and I understood a kind of happiness that doesn't need all the charade and extravaganza. You showed me that personal and intimate could be an afternoon at the couch just talking…that I didn't need anything else but your company" she sighed "that's the dream I don't want to wake up from" she gestured up at the surrounding "this, all of this I can walk away from. But not you, not us"
Alex smiled touched at her words, realizing that whatever she was trying to do right there, that wasn't them. It was a poor imitation of what Alex supposed Lena would be used to or yearned for, but that had never been it, so she tucked the ring away and turn to face her "Hey…Is it alright if we go home?"
Lena was aback since the Agent had been so insistent about not having an early retreat "Of course…are you alright dear?"
"Yeah" she ducked her chin "I'm just a bit worn out by work, sorry love"
"Hey, don't be" she rubbed her arm up and down "If anything I should be thanking you for the excuse to leave"
"Don't get used to it" Alex leaned in to kiss her "must be the heels, I am a pregnant woman, you know?"
"I'm the one that usually has to remind you that" Lena countered with a smirk "Let's just find Kara to say goodbye"
"Knowing her she'll be eating"
Sure enough the Kryptonian had a monopoly over the food table.
"Kara" Alex called out and she turned around with a mouthful, luckily so, since otherwise the alien would have asked about the proposal, but upon seeing that Lena wasn't wearing a ring and no traces of emotions or high blood pressure were noticeable she knew her sister hadn't popped the question.
"We are heading out" Lena said "This one needs to rest her feet"
Kara nodded before swallowing whole "Yeah, don't worry, if anyone asks I'll cover for you"
"Thanks and please tell Ellie goodnight for us" Lena asked "I can pick her up tomorrow at ten"
"Don't worry about that, she can come to CatCo with me, you have that meeting at noon"
"That works perfectly"
"Okay, see you guys later then" she leaned in hugging them "Enjoy the rest of you birthday, Lee"
"Thanks, have fun in the sleepover"
"I will"
They bid farewell ready to go to their apartment.
Lena unlocked the door and kicked her heels off the second after. Alex of course had taken them off in the car.
"Well that was fun"
"And we still have the cake Kara brought you"
"Tempting" she turned around "I can have double dessert" she wrapped her arms around Alex's neck kissing her.
"That does sound nice"
"But first, cake and the Robotics final" Lena let go bringing plates to the table.
Alex chuckled amused before settling everything for them to enjoy.
Lena beamed cuddling into Alex's arms "This is perfect"
"Is this really what you want?" Alex asked softly.
"Yeah, we have been waiting for this" she pointed at the screen.
"No, I mean -" she gestured around "something this simple, this kind of life, being with me"
Lena turned towards her, a million things could have been said, but she rather show her, so she reached for her neck and gently pulled her closer into a soft tender kiss, all the conversations that could have been discussed were fading, melting away all the worries and concerns. She then look at her dead in the eyes, asking or perhaps begging that she would never make that question again.
Alex rested her hand on the one that cupped her cheek nodding softly.
"Let's eat" Lena stood up for a moment cutting a couple of pieces of cake "I guess I should have put on candles, but I honestly would waste the wish, I have what I need"
"Then let me ask you one last thing"
"What's that?" Lena turned around licking the frosting off just for her eyes to land on the floor, where Alex was kneeling, ring on her hand as if holding the whole universe there "One more wish" the Agent breathed in, there was not trace of doubt "Lena Kieran Luthor…Will you marry me?"
Mesmerizing emerald eyes gazed at Alex as if for the first time, maybe looking back into all that they had lived through together, the ups and down, the shared laughs and shred tears, it all summed up to this moment. And Lena could picture herself making and sharing more memories right at her side. They were such an odd pair and a perfect match all at once... They were unlikely both.
"Yes"
I started this fic (over a year ago) as purely platonical and meant it to be a one shot or so because I loved their interactions in season 4 but we can all conclude I pretty much changed course, ha? Their relationship and dynamic was just so fluent, it made so much sense! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ And while updating I got to read so many comments as to how much a lot of you loved this pairing, so I decided to give it a try and dig deeper, so from chapter 6 to 7, I decided to get onboard as well and OH MY! was it a ride! This was an awesome fic to write and I'm glad you stick to see it through! So thank you for reading a story that was, unlikely both, incredibly easy to write and unpredictably complex.