Chapter 18: Second steps to the Small World.
A/N: She Lives Among Us is now Dedicated the one and only Stan Lee(1922-2018). Rest in Peace you brilliant Creator. You have earned your rest. The world is darker now without you and may your franchise live on for more decades to come. We'll Miss your appearances in the Movies but us true fans will never forget u for making us all True Believers. You had Great Power, and with it-Great Responsibility. You said it best when whosever wielded that Hammer, if they be worthy shall possess the power of Thor:'( Enough was enough whenever you mentioned, "Nuff said." Enjoy this chapter, say it with me folks…..EXCELSIOR!
The young girl stood fully composed not too far in front of the massive Brick building entrance. One of thousands upon millions of structures that she had already seen in this world from the sky. Both Maria and Natasha stood beside her, she was grabbing onto each arm that had been offered to her. Kara again nervously swallowed another lump in her throat when more inhabitants passed by them minding their own business as they went in with their accomplices. Natasha had perfectly thought this situation through when helping her into styled clothing these foreign people wore. It was a relief how she wasn't recognized especially without her uniform. Natasha had made sure that her eyewear was still on before she had to reapply the cosmetic balm to her lips.
"Its okay." Natasha told her while patting the hand that had gripped her elbow. "Just another step before we get to the Resort." The woman readjusted the glasses on Kara's nose visibly telling her with body language that she must keep them on.
Maria patted the other hand holding her elbow. "We are going to get you some new clothes." She reached to pat away the loose hair stands around her pupil's face, but they causally swayed back to where they were. "Some bathing suits…..perhaps a bikini or two."
The Avenger added. "You do know how to wear heels, but I don't think you'll need more than a pair."
The brunette saw where this was going. "Definitely some Sandals."
"I'd say Rocket Dog Flips flops when we go swimming." The redhead chimed along.
"Long sleeves to cover your gauntlet, if it's not coming off then lets just be glad it's the holidays."
Kara eyed her peers back and forth as they spoke to her. She blinked twice earning her a chuckle from the women.
"That goes for you too." Maria now referred to her Girlfriend. "When I make a promise, I keep it."
"Well what are we waiting for?" the devilish smirk radiant as ever on Natasha's lips.
In sync, they came closer to Kara and they casually walked ahead with more people behind them. The young blonde's bravery rising as her caretakers guided her into the building. They kept to themselves, walking forward to the left to allow the other shoppers to scurry faster down the long hall filled with reflective glass. Kara turned passed Maria and stopped to see herself fully for the first time, the older females ceased as well to let her go.
Her Converse boots made no sound as she gently approached her reflection. The Alien brought a hand to her face all while Natasha and Maria came closer. Rao bless her soul, she was a completely different person! It was one thing to admire her attire when she was getting dressed in the transporter, but to see herself fully in the reflection, now she understood why nobody spared her a glance. She slid her headgear off to admire her braid. She took it in both hands while bringing it over a shoulder. Natasha was now within her personal space to cup her biceps. Her inhabitant's disguise had just as much impact with her own headgear and eyewear including the way her hair was set. She knew just by looking that Maria didn't have to put much effort as they did, even if she wasn't wearing the eyewear that shielded her eyes completely unlike hers and Natasha's. Her hair being free from the tight hold she always kept it was enough for a complete visual change.
"I wish I could take pictures of us." Maria stated as she nuzzled her nose with the blonde when she turned to face her.
"But you know that's an even bigger risk than when we bought the tickets."
They waited for Kara to slide the beanie back onto her mane covered scalp. She moved in between them again to grab their elbows, eager to go along with what they had planned.
"No drinking out of coin fountains Missy."
Maria was surprised but not in a bad way. "She what?"
"When I took her so we could meet up with Rogers, we had to go somewhere to check the Drive containing the Algorithm." She paused and waited for her Girlfriend to recall the events of the now dead HYDRA Uprising. The Assassin went on to explain from when they got to the Bowie Town Shopping Center, to the time where they found Kara in the back of the truck after she successfully defended herself from the corrupt agents on their trail.
The brunette eyed the patient girl. One simple word described it all. "Wow."
Natasha didn't blame her for not knowing, after all Maria was taking care of Nick at the time.
"Let's make sure she doesn't go anywhere near one if they have some here."
"Got it."
The last thing they needed for the Supergirl in disguise was to mimic the first actions she committed on the face that was social Media. Dully noted, they continued down the long hall that seemed to have no end. That was until the noise of never-ending walking and talking reached the trio's ears. The decorations that started to show on the walls were catching Kara's attention, but they kept going.
Giant well detailed Wreaths and the path of thick bushy red streamers were welcoming customers for the Holiday Season.
Indeed, the sounds only got louder, prompting the girl to prepare herself with calm breaths. The more they kept walking, the closer they were getting to people. And this was the first time she would be walking amongst these foreigners that shared the same appearance as her deceased people without being drawn to a situation that involved Danger, Threat, or Conspiracy. She didn't forget to remind herself that she unintentionally got herself involved with her comrades in the first place. Then again, had it not happened and had it not been for her desire to do what it right, she never would have met Natasha. It was a blessing after all for her to have strayed from her path to follow theirs.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an unknown instrument and bells chiming music that spread throughout the whole facility, and with it, the sight of an enormous tree standing in what could only be the center of this place that reminded her of the time she was Temporarily left behind by Steve and Natasha. This could not be the same location, if Maria and Natasha had driven away while she had slept then surely they were in another Marketing business facility in the Western Hemisphere of this World.
They stopped right in the middle of a small forming crowd, the people not seeming to care and effortlessly made their way around them, some carrying bags while others held the hands of their children. An act that brought joy to Kara's heart seeing the younglings at play for the first time. Some were even talking non-stop due to the communicators they had plastered to their ears.
Kara's attention was steered back to the giant tree in front of them surrounded by boxes of many colors and crimson roped fences.
"I'm guessing you've never seen a Christmas Tree?" Maria rhetorically asked.
The blonde didn't make any sort of response but that didn't mean she didn't listen. She was just too intrigued by the artificial decoration. Thousands of lights all consisting of crimson, emerald, and gold were slithered into the leaves in a circular manner. At the very top rested in her guess, a childish depiction of a comet….or star, glowing bright for all to see. Kara noticed that some inhabitants who were on higher floors were doing the same as her.
"Welcome to the Christmas Season Kara." Natasha leaned to peck Kara's cheek. Both Girlfriends synced their actions by giving each other a quick peck in front of her. "And a Welcome for us as well."
Maria knew well what her Baby meant by that. They couldn't remember because never once did they ever spent a vacation or Christmas time at all until now. They had their previous occupations to thank for that.
Suddenly the trio's nostrils were filled with the smell of food coming from the courts resting on different levels of the Mall. Kara being the first to react and breathed heavily again with a look of glee. Nourishments! How delighted.
Maria smirked. "Someone's hungry."
"We're all hungry, when was the last time we ate?" the redhead's rhetorical question was answered when her stomach let out a serious growl. She might be a highly trained Master of the Deadly arts, but that didn't mean her body ran on water and air.
Maria's own tummy gave off a hideous chirm as well. "Awhile." She answered anyway and gave a faint pause when the two noticed Kara now gearing her attentions to her surroundings. Her button nose flared from time to time. No doubt fueled by the scent of court food, but she was also looking at the dozens of ornaments that littered the Mall. All the same colors, all the same theme.
The music she heard earlier changed but resumed the same melody as before, all of this had to mean something. The joy most people had on their faces, the beautiful ornaments that she had never seen before in her life, the railings on the upper floors to prevent those from falling were riddled with the same crimson banners around the tree. Each one ending with circular bushes lined with smaller decorations. This was no Epidemic, but it was very pervasive and omnipresent.
"Christmas." She heard her Mother say with certain as she cupped her chin.
Maria leaned in. "Its December Kara, the height of the Holidays." The brunette waved her hand to present her pupil the themes she had been staring at.
So these events indeed have a name.
"K….k…" the young girl concentrated to work her advanced throat muscles, contrary to that title her vocal cords were struggling to get the word out. The older couple were now intrigued by the blonde's latest attempt at speaking. "K…kr….." the throat clicks kept interrupting her attempts.
"Krismus?" It finally spewed.
She must have pleased her caretakers since they chuckled and pecked her cheeks.
Natasha booped her nose again. "Not bad."
"Yes Kara." Maria nodded. Pride swelled within the Kryptonian. She gave a small tug on their elbows, showing them that she was still eager for them to lead the way.
"Right." Maria assured while eyeing her Girlfriend. "Clothes and necessities first."
"Food later." Natasha finished, crossing her fingers to hope that Kara's stomach wouldn't give off its own growl. Not that she ever heard it do so before, just a stereotypical precaution.
They stood with a few people in the massive public elevator. Kara having a look of relief due to the facility having one installed. Nobody would've loved to move from the floors up and down using only the cemented stairs. She bowed her head whenever glares flared in her direction. Maria and Natasha keeping her close and giving a simple nod to acknowledge their presence. She thanked Rao that none were attempting to start a conversation. They wasted no time when the ceiling chimed, and the doors slid open to get out.
Every nook and cranny of the facility was filled with life as they made their way past people. The Alien amongst the Humans continuously swallowing her nerves with every step.
"There is nothing to worry about." Her words were loud and clear in her mind. "Calm yourself, you are not alone and these inhabitants are unaware of who you are."
They passed by a large Plaza filled with civilians of all ages, formations of lines leading to half a dozen food courts seemed endless along with the tables, booths, and stools that had no end to occupation. Just when one thought there was a free space to sit, someone else came to claim it. Some adolescents had even given up and were rendered to sit on benches far from the gathering.
Maria shook her head. "It's an animal fest."
Despite the sea of crowd Natasha could tell that Kara continuously kept breathing in the mixed smell of the cooking Teriyaki, sandwiches, Pizza, and baked pastries.
She repeated their intended plan. "Clothes and necessities first, Food later."
The arm grip returning, the trio marched away quickly to the other end of the Mall, the aroma that had hypnotized the blonde disappearing with every step. Of-course Kara wasn't disappointed due to the endless businesses that kept catching her eye. Styled clothing could be seen on display glasses everywhere. The Mannequins were not made of Glass, but they sported attire belonging to that of both Male and Female. Some were even holding carriers on their backs or on their arms the same way Maria had hers. The heads of the family had arrived to one of the biggest places that could be found at any Mall.
"Isn't there a mini Golf course and Go Kart Range above us?" Natasha asked referring to the third floor.
"It's not exactly wise to have all that heavy stuff on top of a Macy's."
While they talked Kara tilted her head at the massive white sign in front of the establishment.
Macy's
It seemed so simple yet what lied inside amazed her, and she wasn't even in the store yet, several families were walking in and out but mostly women with smiles on their faces for their latest purchases in big containers. The front checkout, if she was correct, was lined with elegant boxes and merchandise for all to see. She stiffened a laugh when she witnessed on this world for the first time, the vicious stereotype of woman advertising cosmetics, going so far as to spray several people as they walked by and making them internally uncomfortable. This only proved that these inhabitants shared many similarities to Kryptonians. There was no end to how much Kara could learn in this unexplored World. Since she was distracted with her thinking, she barley realized they were in the store until her flat booted feet went passed the marked metal line, the gauntlet on her sleeved arm could not be scanned by the detectors even if it was an item from the department.
"So." Natasha rubbed her baby girl's hand. "Ready for your first shopping spree?"
Kara's eyes went all over the store, she was curious as to why the majority of all the clothing intended for selling was on display via wooden shelves and folded. Very few were on Mannequins but of course that was more for precise advertisement. And of-course marketing worked differently here, nobody seemed to mind the displays other than the intention of purchase.
Then it hit her.
She was far caught up with the facility and the trust that she had in her caretakers, that she never took the time to realize why they were here. Yes, she along with her new mother had new clothing to fit into society better, but that was obviously not enough. And now they were here to buy more.
There was the problem. She had no currency. No savings. Nothing. It had been Maria who had brought them their new outfits. A pang of a slight guilt began to pull in her chest. Spending had been done on her by her Father. That final word sent shivers down her spine along with an aching warmth in her heart.
Maria, her new Father. Oh Rao was there any other word she could describe the tall dark haired woman? If Natasha was her New Mother, then what was Maria? She had already been punished by being rendered the last of her kind. She had killed in the defense of her comrades. And now she was sinning again in claiming Maria as her Father, another woman. Would Maria even take the position of Zor, head to the House of El if she was aware of her history. Kara had given her respect to Maria, and she had earned hers in the process as well. She cared for Maria, the same way Natasha had cared for her. Kara Zor-El too opened the heart of the hardened former Director.
"Kara?" Natasha long noticed the tension in the girl's face. She abandoned her thoughts for another time as she gave her attention to Natasha. "What's wrong?"
Just the tone of that voice was enough for Kara to understand that it was a question. Natasha wondered if something was bothering her. She tilted her head to Maria, who was giving a similar look. The young alien twisted her whole form to face the brunette, she couldn't explain it perfectly, but the attempt was made with her rubbing her stomach followed by her arms then crossing them to sway over her collar. Finally, she made her point when she dug into the pant pockets and pulled out the pouches being gentle not to rip the foreign fabric in between her digits.
The two understood the universal sign.
"She feels guilty." The redhead concluded.
Maria helped push the pouches back into the pants and brought Kara into her arms. Natasha seconded by bringing up her palms to rub the girl's small shoulders.
"No." Maria confirmed using authority and benevolence in her voice. "Don't be. You deserve it, deserve this, and so much more." With a hand she quickly pulled off her dark shades and rested them on her forehead. With the same hand she cupped the side of Kara's face when she brought it out of her collar. Behind the fake prescription glasses were those soft caring blue eyes, the bluish instead of reddish squiggly lines that were found on the white part of eyeballs only showed the hell that she endured before meeting them. Eyes that could go from the way they are to a sickening bright glowing red ready to incinerate all who opposed were still filled to the brim with life. "It's part of my Job to help and guide you now, no one is going to tell me otherwise. Natasha is a part of your life Kara, that makes you both my life now." she finished with a loving smile that brought happiness into Kara again.
"Look." Natasha patted her shoulders for the girl to turn on her heel. "If it makes you feel any better." The Russian dug out the pouches of her empty pockets as well, her phone was in her back pocket. "I don't get my benefits till I go back to the Tower, I don't have anything either."
All three laughed at the humble gesture Natasha made. The girl turned to have Maria nuzzle her nose tremendously in her face, she giggled while pressing her lips to Maria's temple. The trio were so far caught in the moment that even Kara's advanced hearing and Natasha's precautionary instincts failed to act when the short haired Asian woman dressed in a prim proper dark business suit with a skirt and heels sprayed them with a large fancy glass bottle of perfume. The Avenger and former Director wheezed back and sneezed tremendously, an act that they couldn't hide due to natural bodily reactions. Kara on the other hand stole a whiff at the air and marveled the scent of the beauty potion, not once caring that the moisture was building on the bridge of her nose.
"Buy three get two off!" the advertiser chimed with glee in her voice combined with her thick accent. Of- course people like her didn't care about the harassment they did to customers. Could she not see that they were having a moment?
The Girlfriends fixed their posture with Maria bringing down her shades to her eyes again. "No thank you."
"You Daughta seem to like." The woman responded by spraying Kara's face again, this time fogging up her lenses, but she still took in the smell.
Natasha didn't take any liking to the action. "What are you doing!?" she dabbed her thumb across the wet moist of the smaller girl's lenses.
Maria's stern face arose from within her skull. "Mam please leave us alone."
"You wan more sweetie?" she ignored them and was about to spray again, this time gripping the air pumper. And the pressurized liquid would've escaped had it not been for Maria assaulting the worker's personal space, the small gentle hand stopping itself on instinct.
"Spray me or them again, I dare you." the evident threat drove into the advertiser's heart brutally. She was quickly turned into putty in the mere presence of the irritated taller woman. Her legs were shaking and sunk her head into her shoulders. Making her seem smaller than she already was. She looked past the woman's shoulder to see the gorgeous redhead, most likely her intimidator's wife, and the massive golden maned cutie the redhead was holding in her arms protectively. Strange enough, the girl in the Avengers t shirt was not scared but curious, as in 'wondering why her eyes were squinted curious'. Racist little brat.
People were starting to watch but Maria was fully aware. She even toned down her voice to get her point across. "My Daughter is an Autistic Savant." She lied but it sounded convincing. Those who were close and eyeballing the scene either gasped or observed in silent shock. Natasha went along with the plan and buried Kara's face in her neck, making it look like the girl had purposely hid herself from everyone. "Please just leave us alone."
Not wanting to be part of a Mall incident, Maria turned on her heel back to her family. The two once again positioned themselves between the smaller cutie and walked off into a random direction in Macy's. Those who stopped and stared went about their business just as fast as they came.
Kara wasn't quick to jump to conclusions. She knew that those inhabitants didn't recognize her. It was all Maria who had defended them even when there truly was no danger. Even then, the Alien couldn't blame her, if it wasn't for her curiosity, she herself would've grown irate at the actions of the squinted eyed saleswoman.
"Glad that's over." Natasha's unexpressive look lowered revealing one of relief. Kara's own fingers even loosened from the disappearing tension.
"But not our shopping." Maria pulled off her shades and dropped them in her bag, she pulled out her wallet and with it, her cards. "As for you Missy." She waved them in Kara's face to see, the girl's features contorted in a somewhat understanding of what they were on the spot. With permission she took the gold one in her hand to examine it. She chuckled when she realized the symbol on the thin rectangular piece was the same as the one of her second upper garment but what took her by surprise was the bar code written across. Yes! These inhabitants shared the exact same way of spelling numbers. Right then and there Kara knew exactly what this was.
A currency Chip. One unlike any that she had ever seen before.
She gave a proud smile towards Maria as she handed the Chip back. Her caretaker leaning closer with a devilish smirk mimicking one of many the Black Widow had given off.
"I'm going to spoil you."
All traces of joy had officially left Kara for the time being. A massive bluish blush unseen by her caretakers grazed the bridge of her nose that no longer held her eyewear as the two attended to her body. She wore nothing expect for breast bindings of thinner material and the bottom cloth accessory that apparently was put on a different way. The two completely naked women slithered the piece through her upper thighs and began to tie the long ropes together at her waist. Once that was done Maria went to the neat pile stacked on the small stool for the final piece to finish Kara's transformation.
"Relax." Natasha soothed her baby girl by rubbing her small shoulder with a hand since the other was now covering the area between her own crotch. "We're all women here." Kara swallowed her built up lump, keeping eye contact at all time, since she was beyond uncomfortable being too close to Natasha's bare enormous breasts. She looked upwards when Maria kneeled before her.
"This goes over." The brunette wrapped the Sarong around Kara's incredibly slim waist, matching her bikini top and bottom. "Done."
This time the Russian cupped the Kryptonian's biceps and geared her into a corner of the big fitting room facing the wall. "Stay here." She pointed downwards and Kara immediately, aggressively, nodded her head.
Maria welcomed Natasha into her arms as they shared a loving kiss, the brunette's arms around the waist while the redhead's around the neck, going so far as to lift a leg seductively and curl her toes.
"Guess she's not too fond of Bikinis."
The Russian eyed her scars that were permanently on her lower stomach and shoulder. "Here I thought I would never wear them again."
The Executive spun her Baby to wrap her arms around her waist from behind and geared them towards the large mirror on the wall that showed off their bodies from different angles.
"Be proud of this body Nat." she rested her chin on a shoulder and started rubbing her hands on the beautiful eight pack riddling The Black Widow's stomach. "It's achieved Major perfection with Minor flaws.
Natasha playfully rolled her eyes and stood on Maria's bare feet to give herself a few inches in height. "You tease."
"Nope." Maria popped the "P" graciously.
"Oh, and why's that?"
"Because you shouldn't be self-conscious. You're a fighter, and even the best of all-natural seeking fighters, have or eventually get a scar or two in this type of profession."
"That is so cheesy…..yet comforting."
"Do you prefer compliments?" she raised her head to deliver soft kisses to her neck before sticking three of her fingers into her mouth, wetting them seductively. She pulled them out and whispered. "Or actual teasing?"
The Russian bit her lip when she felt the sticky wet fingers quickly seeking their way into her distended labia. Being a professional in battling her reactions. She spoke with zero emotion, an alternative to what was going on. "She's right there, Stop."
Her legs began to tremble, but she resisted by pressing her toes onto Maria's harshly. The digits were already Knuckles deep and slowly curled upward but Natasha stood her ground. She could get wet any minute. "Maria, she's right there, Stop."
The brunette too overcame her lust and stopped kissing her neck, the fingers however, were still inside her Girlfriend. "I know…..God what is wrong with me?"
"Nothing, absolutely nothing. But we don't do stuff like this around others, especially her." The blush was now creeping up on both females. Their daughter stood several feet away from them and here they were in a sexual position all thanks to Maria.
"Fuck this is so wrong." She pulled her fingers out of the meaty pussy, glad that the mushy noise wasn't as loud. Natasha's prediction came true and the digits were coated in thick hot cream.
"Alright I'll give you these two." She offered her ring and middle finger to the Russian. Natasha cocked a brow before welcoming them into her mouth. Maria leaning in to suck her index one into her own.
"Citrus." Was Maria's only answer and gave a pat to one of Natasha's cheeks. They wasted no time in trying on the matching Bikinis identical to the set Kara was wearing, Natasha being the only to wear a thicker bottom piece, it was also a slide on rather than a double side tie. They came around Kara, wrapping their Sarongs around their toned waists.
"I know you're shy. But trust us this is a style." Natasha cupped her shoulders and they guided her towards the mirror.
As officially, Kara stood in the center with her hands on her stomach. Both her caretakers stood on either side striking a gorgeous pose. A hand on their hip and their outer leg bending upwards while said limb stood at the tip of the toes. All three wearing the elegant design of dark blue ocean themed Bikinis, their Sarongs being white with cerulean palm trees riddling the fabric from one end to the other. Kara even took the time to admire their reflections. It saddened her upon seeing Natasha's small but horrendous scars, however it was not enough to rob her of her beauty. Both her caretakers had similar traits in their physique with the exception, of Maria being taller and having perky breasts compared to Natasha's more protruding ones. She noticed Natasha also had eight defined abdominal muscles compared to Maria's who was missing two. Then she looked down at her own stomach, her tight little tummy showing just four that she had achieved through her life of being athletic. She stood out compared to Natasha and Maria's beautiful forms. Despite have muscles on her stomach, Kara was just too slim. She was skinny. Not unhealthy skinny, but still incredibly thin. Her biceps might've had defined outline, but it was a frail limb when seen from a distance. Her forearms were even thicker than said biceps. Since her right forearm was covered by her biological Father's gauntlet, her left one was the only one she could flex. And when she did not even that was enough to show a strong arm. The Irony was that she could lift objects thousands of time her own size and weight. She was no extravagant beauty. She knew what these Garments were used for. The images that were shown all over the walls in the section that Natasha had picked them from demonstrated that women used these whenever they decided to spend time on a coastal beach or swimming Basin. Never in her life had she ever worn such things for those activities. Growing up she remembered that the rule to be given permission for entrance in public or private areas was to sport a one piece that only revealed one's body from the knees down. Why would the people of this World wear garments that were more….revealing? Deliberately allowing all to stare.
She looked down at her feet.
The two noticed from the very beginning, no longer focused on trying their outfits. They watched as Kara undid her Sarong and wrapped it around her shoulders. She walked away to sit on the wooden bench on the other side of the fitting room, away from the mirror.
The couple looked at each other in disbelief. Did they just…..cause their new found daughter to lose her confidence? The realization hit them so hard they rushed to sit next to her on either side. They said nothing, they couldn't say nothing, this was not their intention from the start. They wanted to apologize, but they didn't know how she would react. The small girl was the first to act and leaned into Maria's open arms, she politely accepted Natasha when she stood from her seat to kneel before her. She even grabbed her hands that were once grabbing onto Maria's forearm.
The redhead let her maternal instincts take over and leaned to kiss her baby girl's palms, her lips also flattening over the wrists. She had to fix this.
They had to fix this.
If this wasn't their area of expertise, then Maria and Natasha Romanoff had to start learning via self-taught, nobody was going to do it for them.
Normal words were not going to help but they had to start the first steps. Maria went first. "Are you upset with your body?"
"You think you don't look beautiful?"
The girl only nuzzled further into Maria's bare collar. A reaction they expected. Step one, they said something, check.
Natasha entwined her fingers with those of her baby girl.
"Come stop your crying, It will be Alright, just take my hand, hold it tight."
Kara's brows rose in awe. There it was again, the unknown song Natasha soothed her with early before they entered the facility. Natasha gave a soothing grin. Maria not realizing that the Supergirl reacted to that specific song.
Natasha filled her Girlfriend in. "I sang that to her in the car. I knew that would get her to react." Step two, they have her uttermost attention, Check.
Maria gently lifted her out of her embrace. Natasha still having her fingers entwined with Kara's even though the girl found her seat again.
The two nodded and rose off the bench, Kara having no choice but to do the same since her hands weren't free. Maria slowly reaching for the Sarong, her daughter sunk her head in her shoulders when it was taken completely from her. Step three, to take measures even when the one they're helping is uncomfortable, check.
They knew they couldn't spend time in the waiting room for a long period, they had to work quickly. Maria ushered Natasha to the side and stood in front of the young woman. Her memories of her learning in ASL returning from the back of her mind. She brought her arms to cross them over to form an "x" then with her palms extended she patted her shoulders, left hand touching right, right hand touching left, followed by breathing in and letting out calm breaths.
Relax.
A basic sign language lesson.
Relax.
With her head nodding forward she was telling Kara to repeat her actions. The young woman simply eyed the gesture again.
"Do it." she said sternly, nodding her head forward again. Remembering her discipline, Kara did as she was told. Natasha having a similar expression as Maria but none the less loving.
The Kryptonian waited for a moment before syncing her breathing with her Father. For over a minute they continuously patted their shoulders while inhaling and exhaling. Kara's overwhelming nerves were abandoning her body. She felt more relaxed. Step four, to have the one seeking help, Help themselves, check.
Sensing the urge to move on, Maria introduced a new sign. She brought her hands to the edges of her collar bone, close to her inner shoulders and quickly brushed her fingers down before flexing her arms out, closing her hands into tight fists.
Strong.
That is what Kara was. She was Strong. Its what she truly is and what she had to be.
Strong.
Maria pointed at Kara with a finger and repeated the lesson. "You, are strong." Her biceps flexing with several veins appearing on her forearms. Maria made room for Natasha to stand by her and they did the sign together with a confident look on their faces.
Kara eyed them both with new found swelling confidence, her caretakers, her guidance. She would not disappoint them. She was being taught without words. Their body language said it all.
She replicated the sign. Her small but beyond powerful arms flexed outwards after they brushed her shoulders. Her determination was returning. She could also see it in Natasha and Maria's eyes. Step five, to guide into finding self-motivation and discipline, check.
Knowing that Kara was returning from her short-lived doubts they gently reached for her Bikini, Maria undoing the top while Natasha pulled the laces off the bottom. The redhead tapped the necklace on her baby girl's neck, thus prompting Kara to activate her uniform again. The nanocrystals snaking at her form to cover her up in the symbol that is Supergirl. The cape manifested in all its crimson glory and Kara marched to the large mirror, she went so far as to lift off the ground slightly, striking a pose of her own with her legs bent and a hand on a hip. She floated closer to her reflection to once again repeat the second gesture.
She was Strong.
It didn't matter if she didn't succeed at obtaining the physique she wanted, in the eyes of Rao she was beautiful. She was unique. Everyone was different and there was no one like her. She was Kara Zor-El, a daughter of Rao, she was strong. Step six, to accept yourself and be happy, check. End of lesson.
She lowered back down to the ground and pressed her necklace to let the uniform deconstruct and hide once again. In the mirror she was now completely exposed, but she was proud. Her hands resting on her small stomach.
She was Strong.
She looked behind her shoulder to spot her caretakers embracing one another as they eyed her back. With a cheer she ran towards them and they welcomed her without hesitation. Both being proud of what they had done as unofficial parents.
"I love you." she told Maria with nothing but joy. She unwrapped her arm that was around Natasha to give all her love to Maria, Natasha not seeming to mind. "I love you Maria."
The dark miserable cloud that tainted Maria Hill's world for years had finally been lifted. She had a life. she has a Love. And now, she had a daughter to call her own.
To guide and to protect.
The goal was resumed with Maria and Natasha still gripping on to the task before the long journey to Orlando. Despite some trepidation with simple curiosity added to the mix, the dozens of clothes that Kara had tried on had gone by well. From jeans of same design, to high yoga shorts, to shirts of either long sleeved or short. It was bound to happen from the beginning that there was just some clothing that wouldn't be appropriate for her. Cargo shorts and pants were not her style, not to mention they simply didn't bring out a good look in her. Turtlenecks were a no go considering the faces Kara made whenever she tried one on, not that it made her feel uncomfortable since she was accustomed to wearing something that would triple the levels of neck and collar irritation in the eyes of many. Despite how the young blonde was capable of an astatic pose in her cape and uniform, bright colors were also not her thing. Natasha aggressively throwing sweaters and shirts of any shining yellow or pink in a separate pile. They would stick to the darker clothing, for some reason it just suited her better. Not many young women could pull of the appearance without the public thinking that they were just rebels or tomboys. Kara's stature was simply unique, and the girl was fully cooperating with experimenting with these foreign robes and leggings. She didn't need to be reminded nor told whenever she tried on something and it did not go good with another set. Such as the violet upper garment along with the tight leggings that were the color of this world's foreign sky. Why would anyone purchase leggings that already came with torn cuts above and below the knees? Now there was one negative thing she would complain about to the market if she could. The Kryptonian was grateful that the thicker breast bindings and under garments used to wear beneath proper clothing were already incased in layers so there was no need to purposely try them on for demonstration.
The former agents knew they'd get a laugh out of her when they showed her shirts of glow in the dark or none glow in the dark ribcages and silly pictures of cats or memes. Those last few they were positive Kara had no idea what they were due to her eyeing the images with a raised brow and tilted head.
Of-course, the head strong Assassin also had her fair share of trying out clothing, Kara being respectful to wait when she was back in the outfit she dressed in the transporter minus her boots and loose head gear.
Their final shift of a semi quick shopping spree came to a glorious end when it came to one of the main most important things that all wealthy women in society lingered about.
Shoes.
But on scheduled terms there wasn't much of a fuss when it came to it. Natasha working fast to giving the clerk responsible for unlocking the fitting rooms all the clothes that didn't meet their needs and scurried across the entire store looking for many boxes of different footwear. The Russian doing the impossible for the millionth time in her life by balancing several boxes containing sports shoes, promising sandals, and polished black Stilettos. Kara was glad to have not stripped completely anymore and only had to roll up her leggings to allow herself to try on further accessories never seen by the Kryptonian eye. She had walked around the small room for a while as her feet got used to the strange sensation of the thick Rocket dog flip flops.
"How does one expect to walk around in public when the only coverage I have are the bottom parts of my feet?" she asked out loud not once paying attention to her caretakers as they sat on the bench with Natasha trying her own variety from the container boxes, the girl wiggling her small toes as the thin transcending to thick strap rubbed between her biggest and index digit. Again, the color of Obsidian going well with her appearance. After a while from hearing the smacking the footwear made against her heels with every step, the blonde gently nudged one off her foot to pick it up. Writing was even spelled on the inside of the material. The sound of some else's walking grasped her ears as Natasha came behind her. The woman standing next to her and placed her feet together next to Kara's singled sandaled ones.
"Cliché." Natasha boasted as Kara bent her knees with awe as the crimson strap of the dark footwear matched the bright toenails of her inhabitant. "But one learns to go with it."
She grabbed Kara's hand to lure them back to the bench. There they made her try on the Stilettos that the blonde was easily able to grasp since they were heels. The only question for the Kryptonian was as to why the pair was missing its boot like features along with leaving a small hole at the tip end for the first few toes of the foot to be exposed.
All that remained was for Kara to try the only pair of sports shoes selected for her. Which were dark grey Reeboks with blue outlines. After taking a moment to admire them she slid them on after taking the unknown cushion out and fastened the ties that trailed up the pattern. They were comfortable, even felt relaxing with the cushion material on the inside.
A look of pure relief left Maria's face as her family along with herself stepped out of the fitting room section, nodding and explaining to the clerk that they were finished along with apologizing for taking a little over their time. In a mere minute they arrived at the cashier who was more than happy to take their intended purchases. The only flaw of course was despite the foxy woman's respectful attitude, it didn't take a genius to find out that she was new at her job despite looking past her forties, therefore she was taking forever in scanning the selected clothes.
"I take it you've found everything Sweetheart?" The black haired-middle aged worker chimed.
"Yes." Was Maria's simply response while adjusting her shades. Unfortunately, that one single worded response triggered the gossip brewing in the cashier's mind and throat.
"There's not really much here, usually during this time everyone is clearing the shelves." She laughed while swinging the scanner in her hand playfully.
Natasha's faces slowly morphed into her typical stoic glare, hiding her annoyance and took the two boxes away from Kara to set on the small trend mill on the desk. She pulled the blonde away from her Girlfriend who continued with the small talk hoping to get the clerk to work faster and pointed to the wooden bench several feet away from the store's exit surrounded by two indoor plants on each side. She nudged Kara to go sit on it with another hand gesture and the girl obeyed despite the nerves naturally returning with each step. However, the….Krismus decorations that she hadn't spotted before erased all troubles, she marveled another decorated tree, although much smaller this one was pure ivory in color despite the crimson orbs handing from the branches. Its sparkled appearance only made it blend in with its surroundings even further. She turned around as soon as her flat booted feet made contact outside the establishment's floors and sighed when she noticed she was not too far from Maria and Natasha, her mother keeping a close eye on her before turning to help her Father. Without hesitation she sat on the long wooden seat and crossed her legs while placing her palms in her lap. She returned to her thoughts. It shouldn't take much longer for Maria to pay for the clothing, after all, she could see Natasha giving a helping hand to the clerk with putting the items in containers. This would all pass. She only had to mind her own business, avoid eye contact with those coming around her to head in to the Market as well.
A tremendous mistake was made when her gaze landed on four male inhabitants huddled together on the far-right end wall of the store. They were dressed in what was her guess, casual clothing for men since they also wore leggings of the same material with small coats and styled hair atop their scalps. The fact that they appeared young didn't help the bad situation she was falling in, they had to be around her age for one to turn his head from the group. Reacting quickly, she ducked her head to look at her lap. Her advanced hearing being put into great use since the Kryptonian didn't dare attempt to look up, even though she was suspicious that they were eyeing her now. With the way things were sounding, said suspicions were coming true.
"Check it out guys."
"Finally, the waiting paid off."
"And you all though no chicks our age would show up on a day like this."
"She's by herself." This last one speaking had a voice sounding more excited than the others. "Must be a window shopper or a little Miss Reject."
A new kind of nervousness was swelling within the Alien. This was not the first time she had been ogled by people her age. The memories of times when boys would come to her after her daily courses to flirt and occasionally interrupt her business returning clear as a sky after a rain pour. Those times were not the most pleasant in her life, but old wounds began to reopen now that History was repeating itself. Perhaps in another life she would've bathed in the glory, but her eyes saddened as she recalled those times when her father, Zor-El in all his wisdom would chase away such immature boys with his very presence accompanied by an infamous death glare any protective father would give for his only daughter.
Cerulean blood began to pump faster into her veins as she continued to listen.
"Who's gonna go first?" The skinny longhaired blonde one asked among his pals.
Another, who Kara could guess was the one with a skin tone identical to Sam and Nick's protested. "You know I'm taken guys, I don't want any part of this."
"For all we know she could be carrying a small spray, but I'd say it'd be worth it." replied the shortest skinny one with spiked black hair.
The last one, who was without a doubt the oldest and physically fit concluded. "Just watch cuz when I come back, that little kitten and I are gonna grab some drinks from my Dad's cabinet tonight."
The snickering they gave amongst each other almost caused Kara to rub her collar from the anxiety. With the motive that was snickering, a move from one of those boys was bound to happen.
And with it, the steps gearing towards her got louder.
This was not good. She didn't want this.
What was she going to do? The Alien found courage and looked up only to focus on Maria handing over the golden Currency chip to the clerk. Although she wasn't looking at him it was clear that his smile was growing as he was now within range to be able to talk to her.
She had to hold on. This would pass.
"Hey." He adjusted his brown coat as he sat down next to her. The Kryptonian unfolding her legs and lowered her gaze into her lap deeper than before. He didn't seem upset that she didn't greet him out of respect.
"I'd tell you my name but uh….I'd like to get to know yours first." He added with charm while lowering his head to try and get the blonde to look at him.
He ushered with confidence. "Oh, come on girl, don't be shy, names Dylan O' Connell. He finished with an offered hand but still got nothing, not even a head turn. Not wanting to look bad in front of his friends, the stubborn young jock continued. "Me and my Pals were just killin time here, when I saw you, I couldn't help figure you were alone. And a thing like you doesn't deserve to wander a mall all alone."
Again nothing. Maybe it was time to use his charm. Something that had never failed him to this day. He was glad to have been born to grow into one of the most attractive guys in his school. His looks had always aided him in seduction. It was about time he used them.
At the same time when he made a dramatic affect in slowly reaching to set his hand on her knee, Maria Hill tilted her head in the direction of the exit as she waited for her card to transact the amount needed to pay on the other side of the register. Natasha catching the shocked expression growing on her Girlfriend's face immediately cause her to look in the same direction. Anger coursed through the Russian's veins as she dashed with a turn of her heel, abandoning her actions of gathering their bought clothes with the shoe boxes almost falling off the fancy desk. Maria right on her tail when the cashier finished pulling out the receipt.
"Logan!"
The voice of her caretaker entering her ears finally made the blonde's head jolt upwards, a mixture of relief, joy and nervousness was written in her features. The unimportant jock spotted the beautiful woman charging at them and quickly got out of the seat next to girl. It didn't help when another older woman soon followed and they both sat beside the blonde who welcomed them with open arms.
"Logan what happened?"
The Kryptonian's waiting had paid off, now her plan could be put in motion. Her lips began to quiver, and she threw herself in Maria's arms, trembling drastically in the process with the brunette burying her face in the girl's shoulder.
The late teen could only watch as the two females continued to shield the girl he had been trying to snatch since the moment he laid eyes on her. It was his turn to be in a tight spot and the odds were not in his favor.
The redhead twisted her head so hard it almost snapped. "What did you do to her?" she almost snarled but actions and words could not describe how angry she was at the sight of her Malysh almost being touched by the filthy hands of male hormones. The question sent shivers down his spine and many more when the brunette pulled off her shades, revealing a deadly look.
"She asked you a question." Maria's venomous glare breached his soul. "ANSWER!" her jaw clenched, and teeth faintly showed.
"N….noth….." he tried to talk but couldn't. His friends several feet behind could only watch in horror as their feet kept them in place. "I was just…."
The spotlight was taken by a wailing cry from the young blonde. The brunette's enraged face melting when the girl only shook violently even more. There was no stop to the sobbing, and the jock's case only got worse as the Black Widow in disguise stood up prompting him to back away. The redhead noticed a half empty RedBull can that somebody decided to litter in the plant next to the bench and picked it up, almost crushing it in the process.
"I don't care how old you are." The Russian took a menacing step forward, the unimportant teen's confidence was now disappearing so badly his face was turning red and his shoulders were getting goosebumps. "And I don't care who you are, if I see you coming anywhere near her while we're still here I will do far worse THAN THIS!" her superior reflexes aided her, and the Can collided with his head before he could raise his hands to catch. To make matters worse when the can did land in his palms, the sweet liquid was already drenching his digits. Never in his life had he been humiliated like this, rejection was one thing and so was the typical "I have a boyfriend," liner, but this was on a whole new level.
"I know how to stay out of jail, so if you're gonna report me just remember that when I do get out, you'd better learn how to sleep with one eye open." her glare was shared with the rest of the goons behind him who looked at the ground in fear and shame.
The teen decided that he had enough. "Yes, M….."
"BEAT IT."
He took off in a fast sprint, determined to get away and most likely leave the Mall to escape the wrath of this strange woman who although was beautiful, was also frightening. His friends shouting behind him, begging him to give them a chance to catch up.
Natasha scurried back to sit on the bench with her woman and Malysh. She didn't hesitate to snake her arms threw the tight hold the blonde and brunette were in and hugged Kara from behind finishing by resting her chin on a shoulder.
"What did he do to you?" Natasha whispered as if she was going to get an answer. "Kara, what more did he do to you?" she repeated as her Girlfriend did her part and shushed calm breathes into Kara's neck.
The girl's apparent sobbing went on for a few seconds more before surprisingly stopping followed by the trembles that riddled her form as well. The two eyed each other before their vision caught a glimpse of the girl's ear twitching slightly through her hair and beanie. What happened next was Oscar worthy in their eyes.
The blonde gently raised her face out of its hiding spot and looked past them in the direction that the boys had run off to, her ear still twitching. Natasha and Maria noticed her face had resumed its normal stare not a single hint of sadness or fear could be found. Instead Kara turned back to face them both, her noggin moving from side to side to make eye contact and brought a palm to her mouth to hide her massive grin followed by a giggle. The older women staring at her with their mouths agape.
She had been faking the whole time.
Kara had played the role of hurt to steer the rise out of her caretakers to chase away the ones flirting with her. And Maria and Natasha had played along without notice until now.
Maria blinked before her face contorted into a proud grin. "You can act Missy."
Natasha gave off her own identical expression. "You really did have us there."
Kara laughed before pecking Natasha's temple then turned to nuzzle her face tremendously with Maria's. She continued to praise in joy as she hugged her Father in thankfulness. Maria shrugged as she closed her eyes to hold her pupil, Natasha's Mama bear instincts going back into the abyss to be replaced with impression while also bunny hugging her girl from behind. They were not upset with her. She had done her part and she had done well.
They didn't get up from the bench just yet. Instead they took their time to recover from the ordeal and their embrace loosened enough for Natasha to start brushing strands of Kara's bangs away from her face along with Maria who was giving soothing strokes to the blonde's chin.
"My fault." The redhead asserted. "I take the blame. Look what happened just by telling her to sit a few feet away from us."
Maria took her hand away from Kara to stroke her Baby's bottom lip. "No Nat. It's not your fault." It was now Maria's voice that was asserting yet comforting. "We just have to be more careful from now on."
"No arguments here."
All three-final stood up with Kara grabbing onto them. The evil smirk grazing Maria's lips. "You liked being Mama Spider there for a moment, didn't you?"
The executive was met with an equal stare. "Loved it."
And with that they walked back into the store with the cashier waving at them.
"What did I tell you." Maria looked on in disbelief at the diminished but still active crowd in the giant area that was the food court. "It's an animal fest."
The two former agents looked at Kara who was now occupied with a tentative smile and small nostrils flaring from time to time again. At least that got her to finally stop trying to assist with the shopping bags since before she wasn't too fond of grabbing onto their elbows while Natasha and Maria carried all the containers holding their purchased goods in their free hands.
The Russian searched her brain. "Why don't you stay here and make line? I still have to get her a dress."
Maria pondered for a millisecond before agreeing. "Right." she nudged Kara's hand off and set the few bags she had on the floor to dig into her handbag. She found her wallet and handed over the Gold card to which Natasha gratefully allowed Maria to slide it into the back pocket of her pants.
"I heard there's an actual PRADA store back on the first floor, take her there."
"Sounds good." The redhead gently tugged Kara to follow her with her elbow still gripping the girl's hand. The blonde grew confused the farther they went away from Maria, but the brunette blew a small kiss with her two fingers to assure her she'll be fine.
"Get something for you as well, the Resort's Restaurant has a dress code." Maria called out as they went on further and further. Her only response was Natasha giving a turn of her head and blowing her own kiss too with just her lips. Resisting the urged to grin in happiness, the former commander picked up all of Kara's belongings and set off to get in line, not that the food chain she picked mattered since her vision was still latched onto her girls walking away in the crowd. As soon as they left her vision she got out, leaving a gap in the line.
"Its all yours." She told the couple that were behind her and the disguised woman sped walked in the opposite direction towards another elevator. What drove her to do this, she rightfully didn't know, but deep in her heart she just had to.
"Trust me, this is the last one." The redhead spoke with confidence as she helped her Malysh adjust her hair. They had gone threw just three dress for Natasha to speed things up thus leading to their final and chosen outfits, by the Avenger of course.
In the elegant mirror stood an amazed, glasses less Kara wearing a glorious gold embellished dark navy long sleeved velvet Midi-Dress with the appropriate Gold embellished Satin Pumps. Next to her was Natasha who was dressed in an extravagant Petal embellished fine Tulle and Silk Sleeveless Midi-Dress, also wearing the optional Silver Metallic leather Flame Sandal Heels. They didn't match her Pedicure, but the Assassin wasn't bothered. They stood side by side with the older woman's arm wrapped around the girl's waist as they posed in the mirror. The continued awe stare Kara kept giving prompted the Russian to grin at the display of confidence.
"I guess you like it."
"Natasha…such display of elegant dresses I have never seen before!" The blonde spoke out loud as she rubbed her palms all over her faint curves.
"That's PRADA for you." Natasha read her body language loud and clear. She quickly guided Kara out of the dress before doing the same to herself. "I'll gently pack these, wait till she sees us in them. The California Grill has a dress code. Might as well go all out. We were lucky we were able to make that our only dining reservation, but we'll deal with the rest when the time comes."
What drove her to do this, she rightfully didn't know, but deep within her heart she just had to.
Avril Beckett stood inside the KAY Jewelers store with the usual posture that her identity Maria Hill had. Her shades were resting on the top of her forehead and her intense but calm stare was enough to drive anyone away and give her space. Her arms were crossed as she slowly walked around the large see through case of little pieces of jewelry. To tell the truth she was lost in thought. These past few days had changed her life drastically and for the better. She was still alive, had a new job, financially stable, and a loving family. There was just something that was missing. Something that could and would go perfectly to the one she loved. Her precious woman. Natasha Romanoff. So, what was it that Avril was staring at in particular?
A ring.
Not one per say, but the dozens of designs that were shining for all to see. Small ones, big ones, simple ones, silver ones, gold ones, and even elegantly encrusted diamond ones.
She couldn't fight the urge when the idea plagued her mind the moment Kara and Natasha left her sight back at the food court. Deep down she was nervous. A ring. She actually-took it into consideration to get her Baby a ring. But that was exactly what made her nervous. Was this the right time? Should she do it? Could she do it? She rubbed her throat to steady the ache growing faintly. Again, this was another situation where she was just not sure what to do or to act on demand. The years that they had been together plus all the obstacles that they had to overcome was living testimony that Maria loved her. But this was a big step. The more she thought on the new subject the more she sunk into the abyss.
"Mam." Spoke the short dark blonde-haired female salesclerk came up to her with confidence. "Is there anything I can help you find?"
Maria took a deep breath before answering. "…No thanks I was just seeing." The brunette never once made eye contact.
"I noticed you eyeing our latest line of engagement rings. I must say you sure have the guts to be the one proposing. I bet that guy's real lucky." The clerk encouraged with a cheer to help ease the now visibly tense woman.
It worked a little.
"She actually." Maria finally looked up.
There was a pause. The worker finding her words before the situation got even more awkward.
"Oh…..Well…Yes. Yes indeed. Is there any one of them you wish to see."
Maria looked back down to eye the one thin ring she had been eyeing for a while. It was a simple silver ring with a tiny diamond glistening in the light. Simple to where it would still look marvelous, but not over the top detailed and riddled with encrust to the point that it would cost over a grand.
"That one."
The clerk eyed the selected. "Very well. If you would come with me, please."
They moved around the display case and the woman went around the service desk while Maria approached the section that had a stool for them to sit. One on one side, one on the other. The salesclerk brought up two small boxes, one Maroon, and one pitch black. She opened each to reveal the ring that Maria had chosen and then went off to describe the nooks and crafts of the beautiful piece. Of-course Maria had stopped paying attention to the woman and instead returned to her thoughts. This was her chance. Should she do it? Should she wait? She placed her chin in her palm as the woman went on.
Sooner or later she would have to choose.
The Supergirl and Black Widow in disguise walked back to where they intended to reunite with Maria. This time Kara carrying the bags of their latest purchase in her free hand while her mother carried the rest. To their relief, the lines to the chains had finally died down except for a few groups. The only problem was there was no sight of Maria anywhere. Both started looking everywhere around the court. Perhaps she had already gotten them food. Natasha was not picky, and the same applied to Kara who always enjoyed eating what was served to her. But again, no sight of Maria.
"Kristin!" the voice called out from down the corridor. They turned with relief to see Maria coming towards them, this time with two new bags in her other hand. They too kept walking to close the distance between them.
"I thought you were gonna get us food." Natasha urged her face forward.
"I figured there was some stuff we were forgetting." The two lip-locked for a few seconds, not caring about the few stares they received. They quickly parted.
"Like."
"Getting food first, showing you later."
The smirk never left Natasha's lips.
Maria chewed softly but fast on her Teriyaki Chicken mixed with steamed vegetables and white rice. She really was hungry. Even Natasha had thrown quite the spoon full in her mouth.
The Kryptonian sitting next to the Russian had a dreamy look as she casually chewed chicken and broccoli off the plastic fork. These nourishments were just another delicacy for Kara to add to the list. There was no end to what these inhabitants could prepare.
The brunette started up a conversation as they continued with their brunch.
"So…" she swallowed first. "PRADA."
"Too much?" The redhead took a swig of her Lipton Iced tea."
"Not at all. Only the best for you both." She casually shrugged.
Natasha winked at her before resting a palm on Maria's hand, the gesture quickly prompting them to entwine their fingers.
"Quite the budget we've already used up, haven't we?"
"Let's see." Maria took another forkful before reaching into her pocket to pull out her phone. She logged into her personal account she had with SI. She swallowed again. "Would you look at that."
She handed Natasha the phone. The reaction was satisfactory to the Avenger. A precise chart was shown. One for the Platinum and one for the Gold, to which Natasha would have to hand over back to her girlfriend. Although Maria had already spent over thousands of dollars, she was still left with overflowed savings.
$721,423 on the SI card, and $491,655 on the Gold Card.
Natasha spoke with pride to her lover. "Former Assistant Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., now millionaire Executive." The two couldn't help but lock their lips again from a lean in.
"You still have your benefits to get." A playful chirm entered the air. "But as of right now…..I like being your Sugar Daddy."
Maria's prediction came true and the redhead almost choked on rice. Now there was something new.
The Avenger sipped her drink again. "You provide for the family yes. But you are no Sugar Daddy. You love me and I love you, with or without money."
So much for teasing.
"I know Nat."
Their attention turned to Kara who was busy examining another piece of chicken with interest before placing it in her mouth. She nearly blushed at how her caretakers eyed her with Natasha planting an attending peck to her cheek. The redhead going so far as to dab a few rice grains away from her pupil's lip with a pinkie finger.
Maria set her fork aside to dig into one of the bags laying safely by their feet. Her Girlfriend turning just in time to see what she was doing. "I want memories." She simply confirmed.
In front of the redhead in Maria's hand now held a firm box. A genuine Canon EOS 70d Camera. "One way or another."
Natasha could not stop her perfect brows from rising. She looked over a certain bag to find a matching deluxe portable case along with the SD card needed for data of 128 GB. Who could forget the portable battery charger. She had been so caught up with today that she forgot that wherever there's a will there's a way. Even if carrying a camera around for their vacation fell under the category of risky. The Russian abandoned all second thoughts.
"I love you."
"Quite right."
Kara watched through the glass window of the transporter with an accomplished smile as they drove out of the parking terminal into bigger stone grounded terminals. She gave a quick glance at all their purchased goods behind her seat and resumed to eye the market facility as she licked the cold ivory paste held by the support of an unknown edible grain flavored cone.
Such exquisite taste, very sweet flavored.
The building only got farther and farther with every lick and the Kryptonian eased into her seat, internally ready for their next destination. With her never ending curious nature, she scooted into the middle and stuck her head through Maria and Natasha's straightened seats to also eye the road. She optionally ignored their none understanding conversation.
"We were in there for two hours." Natasha nudged the Magic Band box further away with her boots as she fiddled with the Camera box, setting it into her lap.
"But we'll be just in time to catch the Bus, and when we get to the Resort, Wishes will start."
"It'll be better if we set down to see it tomorrow." The redhead began to pull all sorts of wrapped up compartments that would help assemble the camera, she took priority first by putting the battery to charge. Again, Natasha was grateful that they had so much time to kill before arriving at the airport. Her skills in technology wouldn't make this any harder. "When its time to leave." She assured Maria. "Camera disappears, card stays."
The executive couldn't agree more. "Got it."
The small sound of slurping caught their ears. Kara's head poking through to eye what Natasha was doing, the Avenger easily rubbed her thumb across the girl's cold lips and bringing it to her mouth, tasting vanilla frozen yogurt on her digit. "Better finish it before it starts to melt."
The blonde only offered prompting Natasha to take a bite out of the unhealthy but yummy treat.
Several hours had gone by with yet again more endless driving, the three now occupied with the finished functioning Camera Natasha was holding as she adjusted the settings. She lifted it to face them, her finger on the button. "Ready."
Maria gazed at her, then Kara, who had long finished her dessert, and finally back on the road. Her shades only showing off her good looks and strong confident posture. "Ready."
The quiet beep was heard, and the recording began.
Natasha cleared her throat. "Entry vlog #1, Kristin Becket here with my family." She spoke proudly using her alter ego. "This is Logan." She waved to Kara who gave one back, followed by booping her nose. "My beautiful girl, one of two who keep me going in life." she aimed the lens at the brunette. "Hey Sexy." The redhead playfully mocked using seduction in her voice, earning her a kiss being blown by Maria. "My fiancé, Avril."
Maria resisted the urge to swallow the lump in her throat and replaced it with a grin. "Here we are driving on I-95, to the one place we thought we'd never go to, life can be rough. But work hard and it all pays off in the end." She finished with motivation.
Natasha turned the camera to face her again. "We are gonna make lots of memories at the one and only Walt Dinsey World. It's Logan's first time as well." She nudged her face to where mother and daughter's heads were side by side. Kara giving her own little grin as she waved to the lens again, quickly tilting her chin to plant a loving kiss to the redhead's cheek. "I love you too."
Jane held Thor's thick forearm as the massive A380 plane finally lifted off the ground. The Asgardian knowing well that his woman was not afraid but did it for comfort. The last seat next to him laid Erik who was relaxing backwards with a dreamy look on his face, his dark green coat resting in his lap like a blanket. The two other seats next to Jane were taken by the Interns. Just as the plane started jittering, Darcy began cheering happily while unnecessarily bobbing up and down on her seat, her teeth clacking as she gripped Ian's hand.
The now financially stabled Intern adjusted her glasses while imitating Jim Carrey's Grinch. "Thaaaaaaaaaattt feeeeeeeeeellllll goooooooooooooodd."
The team sat together, being in the very front middle section of the eleven seated Row.
The plane finally stabilized, and everyone relaxed as the flight attendant began talking. Thor took this time unclip his belt to adjust his casual clothes with Jane fixing his ponytail in the process.
"This certainly is different." The Prince commented, sure he had flown on many vessels throughout his long life but never had he done it under these circumstances with his new-found family. To tell the truth they never thought it would be possible for the British Airways to allow A Celebrity, let alone an Avenger, onto one of their planes for free. Not a single Passport or identification had been involved. Perhaps it was the Nation's way of telling the Asgardian, "Thank you" for all he had done during the Dark Elf invasion. The only hassle that almost rocketed their journey to a bad start were the crowds that had spotted the Warrior when they were dropped at the terminal. Lucky for them security had helped.
Erik shifted in his sleep before opening his eyes. "Next stop Washington."
Thor was about to agree when Darcy's voice yelped over the whole row.
"Mew Mew!"
She pointed right to the window and everyone in their row's head turned to see the Mystic Hammer flying next to the tightly sealed Glass. The passengers all cheered and whooped as some whipped out their phones to record the slightest glimpse. To their disappointment the weapon disappeared, but their spark was rekindled when they turned to see the team in the middle.
"Great." Jane pinched the bridge of her nose. The praise was now thrown onto the owner of Mjölnir who politely waved at them. "See what you did Darcy."
The Doctor's Intern smothered Ian's face with her mouth for several seconds before parting, making the young man blush.
"Merry Christmas Everyone!"
A/N: Not gonna uses excuses. But I've been busy with the holidays. Lucky for me I'm done with shopping and fetching a Christmas tree. The entire Month of December in this fic will probably drag out till mid January. You guys will probably get at least another big update before New Years Eve. Next chapter the new family will arrive at the Resort and prepare for tons of fun! Goodbye Stan, you'll be missed. Say it with me folks. EXXXXCCCELLLLSSSSIIIIIOOOORRRRR!