Kate handed Alex the file folder. She tried to hide her grin when she caught sight of Alex's bump.
Before the pregnancy, Alex had worn her usual form-fitting uniform, but as soon as she had started to show, she had moved to the looser type of shirt favored by J'onn. She was delighted beyond measure to be pregnant, but still a little shy about it. It was a private issue, that just concerned her, Maggie and her extended family which, of course, included all the 'Super Friends', as Kate privately termed them.
Alex raised an eyebrow, causing Kate to laugh. "I was just admiring Mini Danvers," she admitted, nodding toward the bump.
"Mini Sawyer-Danvers," Alex failed to hide her own grin. Now that she was feeling a little better, she was beginning to get excited.
"23 weeks, right?" Kate asked.
Alex nodded. She was touched that Kate had kept track – though she knew that Kara would not shut up about her impending niece, so Kate would have had no choice in the matter.
"You're looking great," Kate said softly.
Alex smiled. She was so happy that Kate was now part of their family. She had never seen Kara so happy, and settled. Kate was solid, reliable, loving. She would never let Kara down. And Addie adored Kate, and the feeling was mutual.
Alex winced, and grinned. She took Kate's hand and pressed it to her belly. "She started kicking yesterday," she said, watching the look of wonder on Kate's face as she felt the baby move under her hand.
Kate knew that the very private Alex Danvers would not allow just anyone to be a part of something so special, and she blinked back tears of gratitude.
Alex could see that Kate was moved, and she smiled. "Hey, she's your niece. She's just saying hi."
Kate nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
"Maggie and I want to talk to you about something," Alex said. She looked at her watch. "Her flight doesn't land until late this afternoon. Can you and Kara come over for dinner?"
"We'd love to," Kate replied. "I'll just text Kara, she's interviewing some politician right now."
Alex felt her cellphone vibrate. "Danvers," she barked, without even looking.
"Alex," came the warm tones of Emma, the assistant to Addie's school principal. "Don't worry," she said immediately, "she's okay. She just got a little banged up. It's nothing serious, I swear."
Alex paled. "What happened?" she tried to keep her voice even.
The observant Kate noticed the change in Alex's demeanor, and slid a wheeled stool behind her, and guided her to sit as she talked.
"Addie and Robert were playing at recess. We're not sure quite what happened, but we think Addie was trying to push one of the smaller children out of the way of a baseball bat, and she slipped on the steps. She's got a nasty bruise on her arm, and a gash on her shin that we think might need stitches. We wanted to know, shall we take her to the hospital, or would you rather take her to your own doctor for the stitches?"
"I'll do them," Alex said. "I'm a medical doctor, though I don't practise. I think she'd prefer me to do them."
"Sounds great," Emma said. She called across, "Addie, your mom's going to come and fix you up."
"Can I speak to her?" Alex hadn't realized Emma was with Addie.
"Of course, I'll just pass her over."
In a moment, Addie's small voice said "Mama?"
"It's me, baby girl. I'm on my way to you," Alex smiled at Kate who held out her leather jacket. "Are you okay, Bug?"
"I'm okay, Mama," Addie tried to sound brave. She had managed to cope so far without crying, but hearing her mother's voice made her emotional.
"Fifteen minutes," Alex promised.
Kate had already shrugged into her own jacket, and grabbed a set of keys. "I'm driving," she said, firmly.
Alex nodded, as she reached into a drawer to retrieve a suture kit. "Sergeant Kate's coming with me too, baby. She's going to drive. So if you get anxious, get Emma to call me, and we can talk on the way, okay?"
"Okay, Mama."
"I love you, Addie," Alex said.
"Is it serious?" Kate asked, as they strove toward the elevator to take them to the underground parking lot.
"No, she just needs a couple stitches," Alex said. "But she sounds anxious."
Kate could see that Addie was not the only worried one, but she knew it wouldn't help for her to point that out.
Kate drove confidently and quickly, without endangering them. Thirteen minutes later, they parked at the school. Alex had to force herself to wait for the car to come to a complete halt before getting out.
Addie's little face as she entered the nurse's office made Alex want to cry. She was looking so stoical. "Hi Mama," Addie said, quietly.
Alex could tell that Addie didn't want to cry in front of everyone, so she just touched her cheek gently. "Hey, Addie," she crouched at her feet, and took out the suture kit. From experience, she knew it was best just to get the stitches done quickly, to prevent the patient having enough time to get stressed.
Kate sat next to Addie on the bed, and held her hand as Alex worked swiftly and efficiently. Within ten minutes, it was over and Alex applied a dressing. "All done, Bug," she smiled.
The school nurse held out some paperwork for Alex to sign, and as she was dealing with that, Kate wrapped Addie in a warm blanket, and lifted her into her arms. She knew Alex would want to carry her, but Addie was getting heavy, and Kate wanted to avoid putting any more stress on Alex's pregnancy.
Alex saw what was happening, and nodded. She understood the reasoning. When they reached the car, Alex climbed into the back seat with Addie, and her heart melted when Addie snuggled into her.
In less than 20 minutes, Alex and Addie were ensconced on the couch, a thick quilt covering both of them. "It's okay, Addie," Alex ran her hand up the child's back. "You can relax now." She felt Addie let out a shuddering breath, and was almost relieved when she started to weep. She was glad that Addie was able to let it out.
Kate looked at her watch. "I'll go get Maggie from the airport," she said quietly. Maggie had been co-opted onto an NCPD training program, to share her expertise with detectives in Chicago. Three nights and nearly four days had been far too long an absence, and Alex couldn't wait to see her. But she knew it wasn't fair to Addie to head to the airport now.
"Thank you," Alex said, quietly.
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Later that night, Maggie and Alex both stayed with Addie until she fell to sleep. Maggie could see the tension in Alex's shoulders, and hated that she had had to deal with the situation without her help. Kate had been a great support, but Maggie knew she should have been there.
"I'll draw you a bath," Maggie knew how much the warm water soothed Alex's newly aching joints and swelling body.
Alex nodded. "I'll be right there," she didn't take her eyes off Addie.
Ten minutes later, Maggie came back, and saw her wife still staring at their daughter. "Tub's ready," she said, quietly.
Alex got up. She saw the look of love, and compassion in Maggie's eyes. She stepped out of Addie's room, and reached for Maggie. She kissed her deeply. "I've been meaning to do that," she said, with a small smile. "I've missed you so much, babe. I hate it when you're not here."
"I hate it too," Maggie admitted. They had Skyped all the time, but she resented any time spent away from her family, especially at this time. Alex was feeling much better, and often went more than a week without throwing up, but still Maggie wanted to be there, to participate in every stage of the pregnancy. "C'mon, you need to relax in the tub." She started to unbutton Alex's top.
They had only made love a couple of times since Alex became pregnant, and neither had been successful. Alex had been feeling so dreadful, and was clearly making an effort for Maggie's sake. She stopped trying after Maggie finally convinced her that she was happy to wait, and that she hated it when Alex pretended for her sake. But she still loved it when Maggie undressed her.
Alex's self-image fluctuated wildly. Some days, she could see the ripening of her body for what it was – a beautiful miracle that would result in another beloved child. She could appreciate the darkening of her nipples, the fullness of her breasts, and her swelling belly. Other days – usually when Maggie wasn't around – she became anxious that she was getting fat and that, any moment, Maggie would stop finding her attractive.
And then Maggie would come home, and undress her. There was nothing sexual about it, but Alex could see the truth in Maggie's eyes. Maggie was loving the changes that the pregnancy wrought on Alex's body. She wanted to stare, touch a little with wonder, and drop small kisses on her belly.
So Alex watched as Maggie peeled off her clothes, and she felt an almost-forgotten stirring in herself. "Bathe with me?" she asked quietly.
Maggie slid in behind Alex. Gently, she washed her wife's hair, taking care to keep the soap out of her eyes. She then pulled her back to her, and they both lay back. Slowly, Maggie started to soap the rest of Alex's body, and ran a soft sponge over her belly. She rested her hand on the bump. "She's asleep, huh?" she mused.
Alex grunted agreement. "She's most active just after lunch."
"She must like those disgusting olives you've been crazy for," Maggie teased. She resumed her ministrations.
When Maggie's hand brushed over a full breast, Alex reached up and stilled it with her own hand. She pressed Maggie's hand more firmly to her, and Maggie grinned when she felt the nipple hardening. She pinched very lightly, and her heart swelled with joy when she felt Alex's moan. Maggie cupped Alex's breasts with both hands, and kneaded very gently. Alex squirmed underneath her touch.
Maggie pulled back. She didn't want to put Alex under any pressure. There was no hurry for any of this, she told herself, as she tried to ignore the almost painful tightening in her own center.
Alex grasped one of her hands and pulled it firmly back. "Don't stop," her voice was a whisper. The touch of Maggie's fingers was driving her crazy.
Maggie kissed the back of Alex's neck, grinning as Alex arched her back in ecstasy. She pinched her nipple hard, and was rewarded when Alex bucked under her hand.
Alex reached back for Maggie's other hand, and pushed it between her own legs.
Minutes later, Alex cried out her release as her body bucked and struggled under Maggie's hands. She started to weep. Her emotions overwhelmed her, and the physical release was so perfect she couldn't believe she had lived without it for so long. Maggie held her close, and whispered gently, lovingly to her.
Fifteen minutes later, Alex gathered herself. She took a deep breath, and turned in Maggie's arms to look at her beautiful face. The love and tenderness in Maggie's eyes almost made her weep again. "I love you," Alex said, softly.
"Back atcha, Danvers," Maggie rocked her gently.
"Your turn," Alex smiled to Maggie.
"No need," Maggie smiled sheepishly. "Already came." The sight of Alex's face as she climaxed had sent her over the edge. And she could see the tiredness in Alex's eyes. Her wife needed to sleep.
They toweled each other off, and dressed in warm pajamas. "Just want to ..." Alex nodded toward Addie's room. As she put her head around the door, she saw that Addie was shifting restlessly in her sleep, often a precursor to a nightmare.
Maggie watched from the door, as Alex placed a soothing hand on Addie's back. Alex looked back at Maggie, and Maggie knew exactly what she was thinking. She came forward and lifted the child in her arms.
Alex got into their big bed first, and smiled as Maggie lowered Addie into her arms. There would be no more fooling around tonight.
SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG-SG
"It's okay, Mikey," Jane held their ten-month-old son as he squirmed. "Mommy's just coming. But let's just see if we can finish this bottle, so she can just enjoy stories with you, okay?"
Maura watched her wife from the doorway, marveling at her touch with the children. She was a natural.
Two hours later, Jane slid into bed next to Maura. She let out a huge yawn.
Maura knew that her hopes of a fun night were not going to come to fruition, and she wasn't surprised. Jane had been working non-stop for nine days, and she was exhausted. So when Jane snuggled into her front, and was instantly asleep, Maura smiled. She was happy. They'd make love at the weekend when they got to the cabin. Three whole, glorious days off. Maura looked forward to that so much. She knew that the following week, she would be going back to work herself part-time, for three days a week. Part of her couldn't wait, but a big part of her had loved spending so much time with the children.
Jane's mom Angela was going to take care of baby Michael for two days of the week, and he would spend one day in daycare at the precinct. She knew he would be in good hands. Jane mumbled in her sleep and grasped Maura's warm breast. Maura loved that Jane needed her, even in her sleep. Life was good. And if she could bring herself to admit to Jane that she wanted just one more child, life would be completely perfect.
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"It's nothing," Ellie swatted at Aoife's hand.
"It looks like a very sore nothing," Aoife's voice betrayed a hint of anxiety.
Ellie realized that she wasn't being fair to her wife. She was used to a fair amount of rough-and-tumble in her job, and it meant nothing to her. But Aoife worried, every day, that it could escalate, and she could lose Ellie for ever. Ellie had to remember what Aoife went through each day when she kissed her goodbye. She owed her honesty about what happened each day, at the very least.
"I'm sorry, babe," she felt chastened. "It's from a rock. A drug dealer tried to defend himself, and that was all he could reach. We had him on the floor and in cuffs in less than five seconds. Palmer was great, she won't take any shit," Ellie referenced her new partner.
Kit Palmer was a butch, handsome, African-American 26-year-old who had transferred from the army so she could be with her doctor girlfriend full time. She was a rookie, like Ellie, but she was also combat-trained, so she had been sharing her expertise with her partner. Aoife was grateful – the more Ellie could defend herself, with and without weapons, the happier she would be.
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Alex opened the door, a big smile on her face. She embraced her sister tightly. "I'm sorry we had to cancel yesterday," she said.
"Is Addie okay?" Kara asked.
"She's great, she went to school today, happy to show off her war wounds. Kate, thanks for coming," Alex kissed Kate on the cheek.
After dinner, Alex passed Kate and Maggie a glass of whiskey, while she and Kara curled up with hot chocolate.
"You said you had something to ask me," Kate was tentative.
Alex reached for Maggie's hand. "Yeah," she said. "We've found a great church recently. It's gay-friendly, and really inclusive. We want to bring up both the girls in the church. And I know you grew up with the nuns, and they were good to you, mostly."
Kate nodded.
Maggie took over. "We don't need an answer now. But we would love it," she looked at Kara, too, "if you would both be godparents. We're going to ask Ellie and Aoife too. We thought, maybe, Kara could be godmother to this one," she placed a loving hand on Alex's belly, "and Kate, Addie loves you so much, she'd love it if you would be godmother to her. And we can get them both christened at the same time. Take some time to think about it, and ..."
"I'd be honored," Kate replied immediately.
"So would I," tears sprang from Kara's eyes.
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Maggie grinned as she made her way up the bed, and collapsed by Alex's side, watching her naked wife as she tried to catch her breath, her chest heaving, sweat coating her entire body. Alex's appetites had returned in full, and more. Maggie snuggled close to her, and rested her hand on her belly.
Alex turned to her and smiled. She couldn't believe this gorgeous woman wanted her so much, especially now when her body changed almost before her eyes every day. Twenty-eight weeks in, and she felt like she was growing daily. She reached out and tucked an errand strand of sweat-soaked hair behind Maggie's ear.
"That's just getting hotter," Maggie gasped. "Just like you are."
"You're so beautiful," Alex's hand trailed down Maggie's body, stopping at her breast to flick idly at her nipple. She pressed her hand against Maggie's center. "Can I?" she suggested, teasingly. They had been making love for hours, but it was like everything was new. Different things excited both of them now, and the altered logistics also presented new challenges. They were having fun, working out new things that worked for both of them. They had never tried restraints before, but when Maggie had brought back a silk scarf the week before, they decided to try it out.
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Addie stared open-mouthed at the manta rays in the tank in front of her. She couldn't believe quite how big they were. She tugged Kate's hand, to make sure she was seeing all that she was. Kate had taken Addie to the aquarium on her own, as Kara had been called away on superheroing duties, and the pair were having a great day.
Addie's eyes sparkled with pleasure. She loved the aquarium, and she loved being with Kate. "Can we do the tunnel again, Sergeant Kate?" she begged.
"Of course," Kate smiled. "You can't come to the aquarium and not do the tunnel!"
"Mommy doesn't like it here," Addie giggled. She whispered into Kate's ear. "She thinks fish are scary!"
Kate grinned back at her. "Wanna ride?" she offered, as they neared the tunnel. Addie nodded enthusiastically, squealing with delight when Kate swung her onto her shoulders. That meant she could almost touch the roof of the tunnel as they went through.
The pair had been in the aquarium for over two hours, when Kara appeared at their side, looking fresh-faced and exhilarated. Kate eyed her closely, and could see that she was fine. Sometimes, she came back from one of her rescues traumatized, if she hadn't been able to save everyone, or if somebody got injured. But today, she looked happy and full of energy. "Went well?" Kate asked softly.
Kara nodded. "It was great. I was great," she said, smugly, and laughed at herself. "But I missed you two," she knelt down at Addie's level. "What'd I miss, Addison?"
"Sergeant Kate held me up in the tower, and I nearly touched a shark!" Addie told her excitedly.
"We were just deciding whether to go out for pizza, or whether we should try to cook again," Kate told Kara with a laugh. Neither she nor Kara were skilled in the kitchen. Addie loved to join in their attempts at cooking, but it often ended up a disaster.
"Pizza!" Kara declared.
Addie clapped her hands in delight.
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"What time do we have to go get Addie?" Alex was looking at her watch anxiously when Maggie came back from the grocery store.
"I said we'd be there at 7pm," Maggie said.
Alex grinned. "So we don't have to leave for another … 23 minutes," she wrapped her arms around Maggie from behind, making it difficult for her to put the groceries away. "How ever will we fill the time?" she started to pull Maggie's shirt out from her waistband.
Maggie swatted her hand away jokingly.
Alex pretended to look hurt. "C'mon, detective. It's been AGES," she complained.
Maggie raised an eyebrow. "It's been four hours," she deadpanned.
Alex snorted. "That one didn't count," her heartrate sped up as she remembered their passionate, hurried encounter in the laundry room.
"You came, didn't you?" Maggie sounded accusing.
Alex nodded sheepishly.
"Twice, if I remember correctly," Maggie was already unbuttoning Alex's shirt, her hands unconsciously caressing her bump.
"Three times," Alex admitted, with a grin. "But I didn't get to see you properly," neither of them had had time to undress fully. "I just wanna... there, that's better," she unhooked Maggie's bra. God, she loved her breasts. "C'mon, babe, 19 minutes left," she fumbled at Maggie's belt as she walked them toward the couch. "We can do this."
Maggie's knees ached when, 24 minutes later, she lay her panting head on Alex's thigh. Alex ran her hand through her hair. The logistics of lovemaking were getting more complicated, and more often than not, Maggie ended up on the floor while Alex sat on the edge of the couch or the bed, to improve ease of access. But it had never been so hot, for both of them. Apart from the occasional bad day – sometimes two weeks apart – Alex was feeling so much better. And her libido had never been so high. She wanted Maggie all the time. And Maggie was more than happy to oblige.
"We're gonna be late," Maggie gasped, as she started to rise, and looked around the room for her clothes.
Alex nodded smugly. "Yeah. Kara and Kate won't mind."
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Kate and Kara's apartment. "Mommy!" Addie ran to Maggie for a hug.
Kate took one look at her boss's flushed, happy face and she laughed. "I trust you had a good afternoon, Agent Danvers?"
Alex grinned. She avoided her sister's gaze, and tried not to notice Kara's shaking shoulders as she turned away.