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Alex pushed the door slowly, her steps were instantly silent by the carpet underneath her feet. She placed a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked at the sleeping form of her sister in law.
The clock in the end table read five forty—two. Alex gripped the coffee mug firmly in her hands, enjoying the warmth and comfort the ceramic provided.
The gray colors of National City worked perfectly as the proper dimmed light inside the room. She could still feel the raindrops hitting her face and camouflaging with her tears.
She needed to wake Cat, but she could wait a couple of minutes until she gathered her thoughts and her strength. The lightings in the sky adorned the monotone color, while the soft grumbles of the thunders made Cat's bed feel extremely comfortable.
The clock read five fifty— three now, the coffee mug wasn't as warm, and Alex felt better that Cat was still resting.
Alex's muscles started to feel heavier, she wanted to join Cat, but her day was just beginning, both of their days were. There were numerous things to do, multiple people to talk to, and she hoped, that her body was strong enough to handle what was coming.
She didn't move until the clock marked six o' clock. The mug rested now next to the clock, and Alex decided to sit down unhurriedly next to Cat finally.
Cat didn't wake with the bent of the mattress, which made Alex even more proud of herself. Therefore, she slowly placed her hand on Cat's shoulder, caressing down until her elbow.
"Good morning." She said with a simple smile. Cat barely opened her eyes, Alex could see she spent the night crying. "I brought you coffee, but is cold now." Alex then remembered her eyes must look precisely like Cat.
Cat quickly sat in bed, pushing the covers away.
"Alex?"
"Olivia couldn't hear Kara's heartbeat because it was extremely slow," Alex spoke thoughtfully.
"You—found her?" Cat covered her mouth, tears instantly spreading down her cheeks.
Alex gave Cat a weak smile. "We—we found her trapped between cargo ship containers." Cat was quiet, hoping Alex spoke faster. "She was— she was—
"Alex is she alive, right?" Cat asked unclearly.
Alex lowered her head and nodded slowly. "Of course, yes."
Cat moved forward, feeling unbelievably desperate for contact as she cried silently in Alex's arms. "You found Kara," Cat mumbled. Alex wrapped her arms around Cat, placing her hand on the back of Cat's head.
"Olivia did."
"Thank you, Alex." Cat pleaded, holding her tighter.
"I know you want to see her—
"But?" Cat interrupted her, releasing her body from Alex's embrace.
"She's unrecognizable." Cat didn't cry, but her heart sped faster than the past couple of ours. "Her body is intact, she's just— it's hard to look at her like that, you know?" Alex said shaking her head. "I don't want you to see her like that. I don't want Olivia to see her like that."
Alex's emotions were new to Cat. Everything was very palpable with the young woman in front of her. Yesterday she had the opportunity to know Maggie and Dianna. She spent hours with them; she learned how they move, their snarky remarks, their personality; furthermore, Alex was involved and yet so laidback to read. It was the opposite of dispositions, the alteration that drew a line between friends and family.
Alex's voice was drenched in thick regret; her tone made Cat appreciate the younger woman in front of her.
Even more now.
"I—know this is hard and that, five days ago she was simply your assistant. I—It's like I said when I met you," Alex smiled. "Five days ago. I told you that your eyes had something impossible to describe. They looked the same when I met you five years ago. They have the unique tender expression and love. You look at her the same way my eyes looks at Maggie." Alex knew precisely what she wanted to express. She also knew that Cat was going to ignore every single warning she was coated with sweet, sincere words. Alex needed to be bold and honest. She stretched her hand, finding Cat quickly. "Seeing her won't be easy. It's like every punch, hit or bruise she couldn't feel in the past month. She's having it now."
Cat expression was puzzled, so was Alex's.
"She has injuries, from previous battles?"
"Yes exactly, her shoulder was bleeding just like the power plant accident, she has bruises on her back, like gunshots. The same gunshots, witnesses, described at Noonans. Last week, some guy hit her with his car, and now she has four broken ribs." Alex stopped taking.
Cat's mouth was dry. Alex noted how Cat's knuckles were white as she held one hand on the bed sheet.
"I still want to see her," Cat said, releasing the bed sheet and Alex's hand. "I need to see her." Alex nodded.
"We—she's under the lamps," Alex noted the uncertainty on Cat's face. "Kara gets her powers from the Earths sun, we placed her under sun lamps, hoping she heals faster."
"How many you have? I can pay for everything that she needs."
"The DEO will cover everything. We have enough. The room is hot and very bright. We can't go in there. Not yet, we're trying to prevent any contact with the sun rays."
"When will I be able to see her?"
Alex smiled. "Soon. I promise." They both reminded quiet, watching the lightings sneak into the room, adorning the walls. "Can I stay here until we wait?"
Cat nodded, noticing a gray Midvale shirt hugging Alex's body.
"Olivia is with Carter, I think they finally fell asleep," Alex said removing her shoes and walking to the opposite side of the bed. "Maggie is gathering evidence with my crew. Dianna is handling the current info before getting your approval." Cat was thankful that Alex's knew all the questions she was going to ask.
"Thank you, Alex."
"Don't, don't thank me." Alex pulled the covers inviting Cat to join her. "Come on, I know you won't be able to sleep, but you can make sure I do," Alex's said tapping Cat's pillow. "At least for an hour."
Cat didn't have anything to hide, her walls were crumbled, and Alex's was family. She needed a family now more than ever.
She gazed back at the room without Kara, observing a part of her wife lying next to her. Her future was terrific when she had the correct company. She missed her wife.
"I won't bite, Cat." Alex's broke Cat's thoughts.
Cat smiled, lifting the covers and placing her head on the pillow. They both laid there, eyes open, lying straight, none of them touching each other.
Alex's thoughts were distracting her tiredness. Cat swiftly moved her head to the left; she was right on time to see Alex's single tear roll down her temple and disappearing behind her ear.
Cat asked herself if Alex's was just like her wife. Kara controlled her emotions and her words to make Cat feel at ease. She managed the personal space and avoided simple touches, just because Cat deserved respect and the proper control of her surroundings.
Maybe Alex's was feeling as desperate for comfort.
Cat closed her eyes feeling her tears and desperation. She swiftly moved her left arm. Her finger touched Alex's forearm, provoking instantly a muffled cry from the young woman lying next to her. Alex's accepted the approach her sister in law gave her. She quickly grabbed Cat's hand, holding her softly as she rested her head on Cat's stomach.
Cat arranged the bed sheets, covering Alex's back and arranging her body to a perfect fitting.
"Sleep, I'll be here," Cat whispered.
"Thank… you."
Four hours ago
"Seagulls?" Alex asked while signaling the agents to get in the vans. "I'll call you later."
She dropped the phone into the van, checking the GPS of National City.
"I need every agent in the bay!" Alex informed through her com. Her phone beeped as she looked for it and read the text message from Maggie.
I'm on my way
The constant annoying sound of the wipers bothered Alex. The wet atmosphere provoked an early close of the health expo that was being held yesterday at the bay.
The vans quickly screeched their tires, stopping in front of the gates. The booths were covered and closed, causing this to intensify the search.
"Keep the line open, communicate only when necessary. I want the helicopter to round the bay from afar, not close." Alex slid the door opened and jumped into the rain. She tapped her watch and grabbed her gun running and jumping the gates.
"Why do you need them far away?" One of the agents asked.
"I said leave the line open and communicate when necessary."
Alex looked at booths, hoping that her sister wasn't in the water. She saw the port police boat approaching the bay and the divers searching the area instantly. She was amazed how quickly it took the whole team to gather at the harbor.
She wiped her wet hair from her face when she heard National City's Police Department sirens. She turned around, taking deep breaths as she saw Maggie, without a jacket running her way.
The red and blue lights flashed on the booths and the entire pier. Maggie quickly delegated her team to go opposite the DEO.
"We'll find her." She told Alex.
Alex caressed Maggie's cheek and ran to the opposite side. She jumped over a couple of cars, seeking a better view from the bay. There were no seagulls around. The rain was oppressive, and the lightings started appearing deliberately conducted by thunders.
"Shit!" Alex tapped her com. "Anything new?"
"No, ma'am."
Alex's chest hurt due to the fast beating of her heart. She ran faster to one of the vans, opening the sliding door, stepping on the seats and lifting her body with her arms until she laid flat on the top. She closed her eyes, listening to everything around her, but all she could hear was the sirens from NCPD and the rain hitting the roof of the van.
She placed her gun in the holster, tapping her ear and moving her arm to catch Maggie's attention.
"Can you turn off the sirens?" Maggie looked back, fixing her hair out from her face, and grabbing her radio from her belt.
In two seconds, the red and blue lights disappeared from the booths, the water, the cars and the bay.
Alex looked up, hoping the rain stopped. She was getting desperate.
"I can't find her." She said slowly to Maggie.
"We will." Maggie replied fatigated as she ran.
Alex's boots felt heavier as she moved on top of the van, she closed her eyes, turning slowly, controlling the types of noises she was listening.
She did a couple of turns, looking the opposite direction her team and NCPD were looking. She saw cargo ship containers, hoping she heard seagulls. She jumped on the bumper of the van, and then on the asphalt, splashing in the puddle and sprinting to the multicolored metal containers.
All she could hear as she ran was her breathing. The containers were stacked perfectly on top of each other. They formed roads, lanes of metal storage. Alex kept running between them, trying not to get lost in the big lot when she heard the fade noise of a seagull.
She stopped, turned her body and looked up. She saw the red material caught up in one of the corners of the containers. The other tank nearly in front of the form of her sister. Kara was unconscious, soaking wet and hanging from her ripped cape.
Six hours later
Cat woke up when Maggie entered the room.
The brunette smiled softly. Cat found this endearing. Her smile was familiar already.
She noticed the younger woman's eyes. The red, tired, puffy look was new and casual. She was convinced that it resemblance hers. Cat was amazed how efficiently and quickly these dissimilar differences were for her. Everything was easily visible, palpable.
The sight was enough. Cat observed how Maggie waited for any approval before moving forward to her or inside the room.
Cat simply blinked slowly, moving her head swiftly.
Maggie moved forward. Her dimples were showing, and her head was tilted, possibly admiring the view in front of her. Cat observed her, curiously. Her body was stiff and comfortable. Alex's head was on her chest. Maggie smiled wider, noticing Cat's arm protectively around Alex.
She fetched her phone from the back pocket of her jeans, quickly tapping, using her thumbs. When Maggie finished, she turned the phone towards Cat as she read the note written in it.
Thank you so much, she can't sleep alone. Do you mind if we switch places? Di has banana pancakes and a super—hot coffee for you. It's time for you to see Kara.
She blinked quickly avoiding her teary eyes at the sight of the brunette. Cat chest felt less burdensome and somehow her short sleep cleared her foggy mind.
Maggie removed her shoes when Cat leered at her. She folded her jacket neatly on the bed, lifting her NCPD batch, and placing it next to the clock.
Alex shifted her body as Cat slowly moved her to the side. Maggie hurriedly laid on the bed, burying her face in Alex's neck.
The physical exhaustion of Maggie instantaneously shifted. Cat observed the way her chest breathed in Alex's scent, surrounding her arms underneath the covers, seeking immediate contact. Her eyes lids closed at the touch of Alex's arm.
Cat felt joy in her heart. The emotions she saw were incredibly raw and vibrant. She was not afraid or jealous of receiving them any day. She turned, seeking for the bright opened windows. Her eyes trailed the flashes of lightning as they splashed over the gray sky. She waited, standing still until she heard a clap thunder.
The clock on the end table felt as if someone changed the numbers, provoking her mind to feel better. She was late for work, and she lost a lot of time by just sleeping.
She never thought of falling asleep as soon Alex laid next to her. Her mind kept her up, reminiscing about Kara smile and her bright, gorgeous eyes. Moreover, she couldn't fight the tiredness and the overcast power of her eyelids closing with the warmth Alex provided.
She was going to freshen up a little before going out to Dianna when Maggie stretched her hand for Cat to take.
Cat didn't hesitate, she walked closer to the bed, holding Maggie's hand in hers. The brunette slid her thumb over Cat's knuckles sympathetically before placing her hand back on Alex's waist.
The overwhelming love was enough for Cat to feel less stressed. She felt hollow and incredibly secure around her family. Somehow, it wasn't strange receiving such startling strokes of affection.
After Cat took a quick shower, brushed her hair and prepared herself for the heavy day, she decided to step out of her room.
The quick push of her daughter made her almost crash on the door.
Cat lowered her head, finding blonde curls and a pair of arms circling her legs. She slid her hand over long sleeves pajamas with tiny elephants in them.
Ollie didn't speak. She held her mother softly now. Cat gazed at Dianna who was sitting next to the island counter. Her friend and assistant flashed her a modest smile.
"Good morning, baby." Cat slowly removed her daughter's arms from her legs. She knelt and lifted Ollie's face.
"I've been practicing." Ollie said, not looking at her mother's eyes. "Good morning, mommy. It's daylight."
Cat took a deep breath, hugging Ollie tight in her arms. "We're up and ready to start the day." Ollie furrowed her brows.
"Aunt Maggie said no school today." Cat looked at Dianna and then back at her daughter.
"Correct," Cat forced Ollie softly to look at her. "Will you show me what you have been practicing?"
Olivia's eyes were golden brown and very green. They were also bright and not tired at all.
She grabbed Cat's hands, placing them on her ears. "Dianna helped me." Ollie said, opening her hands and keeping them close to each other. Cat looked at Dianna, intrigued by what her daughter was about to do. She slowly caressed Ollie's head, moving her fingers slowly in circles. "I can hear momma's heart now." Ollie said in between breaths. "Aunt Alex found her."
Cat smiled, widely. "And you helped."
Ollie started forming a small fist and repeating the motion. Cat looked up and saw Dianna placing her hand on her heart and then tapping her ears.
Olivia continued opening her hands and closing her firsts. The motion took a second to be repeated. Cat was amazed and felt such intense love for her daughter. She didn't know it was possible to love her daughter unique self even more.
"That's momma's heartbeat?"
"Mhmm."
"I am remarkably proud of you." Cat expressed.
"It was hard." Ollie replied, still moving her hands. "Sometimes it goes faster."
"Yes, do you want to listen to mine now?" Ollie lifted her head, closing her hands and instantly opening them, maintaining a quicker pace.
"Yours is faster." Ollie smiled.
"What about yours?" She was quiet for a second and then started moving her hands faster. "Baby," Cat rubbed her fingers on Ollie's scalp. "It's okay to be afraid."
"What if she doesn't wake up?" Cat was silent, lost for words.
"She will."
Ollie turned, keeping her mother's hands on her ears. She looked at Dianna, seeking more approval.
Dianna tapped her heart. "Listen to mine." Ollie closed her eyes, quickly following Dianna's orders.
"It's fast too."
"See, ours goes fast too." Cat said, lovingly.
"Are you scared?" Ollie asked Dianna.
Dianna shifted her eyes from Cat's to Olivia's and nodded. "Yes."
"It's normal to feel that way, baby." Cat smiled. "Being afraid makes us stronger."
Ollie's eyes filled with unshed tears. "You are afraid, too?"
Cat took a deep breath. "Terrified." Olivia stopped moving her hands. She grabbed her mother's shirt and pulled her into a tight embrace. Cat instantly dropped her hands and hugged Ollie. "I will give momma a kiss from you." Ollie nodded. "And if you hear her voice, tell Dianna, Maggie or Carter, to drive you there okay?"
"She will be sleeping? Resting?"
"Yes, she is now. I will make her company for a bit."
Ollie cleaned her wet cheeks. "Tell mommy I love her." Cat lungs seemed for air at the perfect soft tone her daughter pronounced her words. The words were accurate and beautifully enunciated. Her emotions defied her, hearing her daughter voice her feelings for the first time.
"I will." Cat kissed Ollie's cheek. "I will." Olivia nodded, wiping her nose on her sleeve and sliding her index finger on Cat's nose. "I love you so much more, baby."
"Morning." Carter walked out of his room. "Any news?"
"Yes, Alex found her this morning. She's resting." Dianna smiled at him.
"Yes!" He ran towards Ollie, picking her up. "She'll be here soon, Ol." He kissed Cat's cheek and started tickling Ollie.
Her heels banged loudly on the floor with her fast pace. She could feel her legs trembling; her hands were sweating.
Cat turned into the bright elevator. She looked down observing the DEO logo printed on the base of the metal box. The ride was long and slowly. She hated how much time she had alone with herself.
When the doors of the elevator opened, she saw a familiar face and another man.
"Mrs. Grant." He said, stretching his hand.
She quickly recognized him. "You used to work for me." He nodded.
"Winn, a pleasure. I was your IT guy."
Another man standing next to him gazed at Winn and then offered his hand to Cat.
"I'm J'onn. Director of the DEO." Cat took his hand. "Mrs. Grant, I won't rest until I find whoever did this to Kara." He took a deep breath. His voice showed how much he cared for Kara. "Trust me, Kara will be in good hands; but I should warn you, the sight will not be delightful." Cat nodded. "Follow me."
Cat held tight her purse. J'onn guided her to metallic doors. He placed his hand on the wall, and the door clicked opened.
"We'll be here if you need us." Winn said.
Cat wasn't sure how to feel. She was afraid that Ollie was listening to the loud beating of her heart. She walked into the room, her face fixed on the floor. Cat saw a table and placed her purse. She could feel instantly how the temperature of her body changed.
Her blouse bothered her, and it was hard to walk with her stilettos in the heat of the room.
She took a brave look up. Finding the metal bed that Kara was resting. She avoided the direct look at her wife and observed the machines and the sun lamps.
She cried, placing her hand over her mouth.
Kara's ankles had purple bruises. Her right calf was inflamed and with a cut across. Cat turned, removing her shoes and breathing deliberately. She thought of her daughter and then gradually when her heart was a little calmed she turned.
Kara's tights were covered in raw red colors and purple shades. Her pelvis was covered by a white towel, granting her body to the full sun exposure.
Cat took two steps, observing how torn and red Kara stomach was. The ribs on her right side had screws, holding them together. The yellow color of the bruises danced in between reds and shades of velvet blood. She walked closer, observing how difficult must've been breathing.
Kara's abs were still there, covered in cuts and discolorations. She had beige skin, drying and peeling. Five stitches covered her side under her breast. Cat moved forward, noticing the stitches were made of a type of metal threads.
Another white towel covered her wife's breast. Cat wanted to touch her, but she was petrified. She closed her eyes as tears fell on the warm floor. The sight was bitter in her eyes.
Cat's tears slowly fell from her cheeks as she continued her way up her wife's body. Kara's collarbone had a bump following scratches on her tarnished neck. Her shoulder was reinforced with a small cast. Cat looked up, intertwining her fingers into blonde hair.
She softly caressed Kara's lip next to a deep cut. Her face was damaged, her pores cloaked in bruises.
Cat was broken, looking up and down her wife's body. Her words couldn't define her state of mind. She was frantic, torn and shocked.
Her legs gave up, she grasped the chair next to her, gripping the armrest strong in her hands. She sat, holding her face in her hands.
Cat didn't know how long it took her to gather her strength. The machines kept beeping, and the lamps kept getting hotter.
She rolled her sleeves, keeping her eyes closed. The heat increased in the room and she noticed that Kara's ankles were not that swollen.
Cat stood, placing her hand slowly and carefully over Kara's head. She blinked quickly, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. She wanted to speak. She required telling Kara that Ollie sent her that kiss, nonetheless, her voice and words were imprisoned in her view.
She was perplexed of voicing any word.
Time passed, and Cat kept observing Kara's body. Memorizing the discolorations, the stitches, the bruises and the cuts. She counted her wife's respiration and continuously checked the machines. She was great observing. It was one of Cat's most amazing qualities. But her mind betrayed her. Every time she tried to memorize a bruise or a cut, another would be more noticeable, confusing Cat.
Cat didn't surrender, she kept counting the bruises, learning where they began and when they finished. Her mouth was dry, but her eyes moved quickly, learning.
An hour passed. After memorizing everything, Cat dragged her chair next to Kara's metal bed. She slowly placed her hand underneath bruised fingers. The heat was hard to take. She would switch her hand constantly when she couldn't control the hotness of her skin.
The wait was agonizing and terrible, but she managed to control her tears and most importantly, her heartbeat.
Cat stood, closer to Kara. She looked at her body up and down and caressed her hair. She didn't know what else to do. She was desperate. "Can you please wake up, dear?" Cat smiled, crying softly. "Honeybun." She laughed in between tears. "Come on. You married me. You can't leave me."
Cat stopped speaking, listening to the machines. "You need to get better, so I can have a proper first kiss." Cat cried softly. "I want to be your wife." Her voice was low and subtle.
Cat sluggishly cleaned her tears while sliding her index finger over Kara's nose.