Frustrated after spending another hour trying to track down the people that she's supposed to interview for the Guardian story, Kara decides that she needs to check in with Cat.
"Do you have a minute?" Cat reads the IM and smiles, she is actually surprised that it's taken Kara this long to reach out after everything that happened this morning.
"Yes," Cat types quickly.
"Would you mind coming by my office?" Kara asks in the next message.
Cat takes a moment to finish what she was working on before heading out.
"Ms Teschmacher, I'm stepping out for a moment," Cat pauses to inform her assistant before walking across the bullpen. She pauses at the stairwell and turns around, sure enough everyone's heads swivel instantly back to their computers. Satisfied that she's in the clear, Cat lets the door shut without entering and then heads down the hall to Kara's office.
"Kara?" She says softly before opening the door.
The door pops open and Kara glances down the hallway, before placing one hand on Cat's arm and the other on her back to guide her inside the office.
Cat glances down at Kara's hand, surprised by the contact.
Kara flushes and removes her hand. "Sorry."
"No one saw me," Cat answers the unasked question. "I gather that you have heard the gossip and innuendo surrounding my return and your exclusive and you're hiding from them?" Cat questions worriedly.
"I'm not hiding, I just needed to focus and all the whispering in the bullpen was distracting. Besides there's always been gossip about us," Kara remarks, as she gestures for Cat to take a seat on the couch.
"I knew that they talked about me, but I wasn't aware that there was gossip about us," Cat says sitting down carefully. "When did that start?" She asks.
"Since the beginning, as soon as I lasted longer than your other assistants, the rumors began. The one about us died down, but they started up again after the promotion," Kara replies dismissing the topic with a wave of her hand. "Cat, I need to ask you something and please don't take it the wrong way. Are you the reason that Snapper assigned me the profile on Guardian?" Kara asks pacing nervously and wringing her hands.
"No, I wasn't even aware that he assigned it yet," Cat answers. "And we're not done discussing this gossip issue, I won't have people thinking that you have received anything from me that wasn't hard earned."
"Speaking of that, so you didn't tell him to assign it to me?" Kara stops pacing for a moment to pose the question.
"No, I simply gave him the printed pitch that I found in my office. I assumed that he had seen it before and I told him that I thought it was interesting and I wanted him to assign it to someone who could handle it without creating more vigilantes," Cat informs her.
"Why would Snapper assign it to me and not someone else, more seasoned?" Kara asks, finally taking a seat on the other end of the couch.
"Why not you Kara? Not only have you been reporting on alien issues, but you have contacts deep within law enforcement and recently you used Supergirl as a source," Cat points out carefully.
When Kara doesn't respond, Cat asks. "Kara, do you know who wrote the pitch?"
"James wrote it," Kara answers warily.
"Really? James never mentioned it to me in any of our discussions. Do you know why he was interested in this vigilante?" Cat is intrigued now. First James doesn't mention this vigilante, yet it's something that he's been following in great detail and there is the matter of his motorcycle. Cat doesn't know much about motorcycles, but she is certain that the one that she saw James riding the other night was unique.
Kara looks away a moment, weighing out what to say next and how to say it. "James thinks that this guy is a hero, but I don't. In fact, I think that this vigilante is reckless and going to get himself killed," she replies honestly.
"Well, I agree. That is a distinct possibility and the reason that I am pleased that Snapper assigned you the story," Cat replies. "Why do you think James is so enamored of this vigilante?"
"You should really ask James about that," Kara deflects. "But he mentioned Guardian in a couple of pitch meetings and Snapper shot him down both times, saying that we weren't going to report on this guy because it could encourage others," She adds. "I agreed, which is why I don't understand why he would assign this to me."
"Snapper Carr is no fool. He assigned it to you precisely because you are critical of the vigilante. Another reporter might take this story and write a fluff piece, praising him and inadvertently inspiring more vigilantes, but you won't do that and he knows it." Cat points out.
Returning to her office, Cat heads to the bar and pours herself a glass of water before returning to her desk.
"Ms Grant?" Eve says from the doorway; waiting for the media mogul to look up from her computer.
Cat glances up at her assistant acknowledging her, but continues working.
"Mr Olsen sent this over by courier," Eve says setting down a bottle of Balvenie scotch.
"Please send him a thank you note," Cat replies glancing over at the bottle. Then taking another look at it, she realizes that it's a rare bottle of 21 Year Old Balvenie. "On second thought, I'll take care of it myself."
The young assistant nods, but still lingers in the office. Curious Cat glances up at her again.
"Was there anything else?" Cat asks.
"Uh, there were a few messages that came in while you were out. Stephen Waller and Clayton Reilly both requested time on your schedule for tomorrow," Eve informs her.
"Did either of them say what they wanted to discuss?" Cat questions.
"No and I did inform them that was required," she adds nervously because she knows that Cat won't take a meeting with a department head unless there is an agenda.
"I'll take care of it Ms Teschmacher. Schedule them together and in the executive conference room," Cat replies. She is fairly certain what the topic will be and she may as well only have to say it once. "Actually," the CEO adds, "Make the meeting for all department heads."
Late afternoon finds Cat restless. Sitting behind a desk after spending a few months away is making her a bit stir crazy. She glances out and notices that most of the bullpen has emptied out, which makes sense since it is almost 6 pm. Cat stands up and crosses the office.
"Ms Teschmacher, you may go. There isn't anything else that you will be needed for tonight," Cat says dismissing her.
"Are you sure, Ms Grant? I don't mind staying," Eve offers.
"It's not necessary," Cat replies. "Besides, tomorrow looks like it may be a late one," she adds thoughtfully.
Walking back into her office, she decides that a break is warranted. She detours to the side bar and opens the scotch, pouring herself a generous amount, before heading out to the balcony.
"I thought that I would find you here," Kara says from the doorway behind her.
"Join me," Cat says turning slightly and holding up her glass. "James sent over a decent bottle of scotch, I think you might even like this one."
"James sent it over today?" Kara questions stepping out onto the balcony.
Cat watches her approach slowly, noting how she seems drawn towards the sunset, her eyes focused on a point in the distance.
"Does that surprise you?" Cat asks still watching her closely.
Kara shakes her head slowly, turning to look at the other woman and flushing a bit when she realizes that Cat is focused on her and not the sunset. "Not really," Kara says shrugging slightly.
"Well, it surprised me. This particular bottle isn't easy to obtain," Cat points out.
"The perks of being friends with a superhero," Kara counters with a laugh.
"Hmm," Cat murmurs wondering if that explains a few of the rare bottles of wine that Kara has managed to surprise her with over the past year.
To hide her nervousness, Kara slips back into the office, returning a moment later with the bottle and another glass. She pours herself a drink, then tops off Cat's, earning herself a small smile of thanks.
Alex is standing in the lab with her back to the door, studying a printout when Maggie approaches. She pauses at the door, just taking a moment admire her girlfriend. It's not often that she gets to see the scientist instead of the agent.
"These results aren't conclusive, we need more data," Alex says to the technician, who nods to her and then looks over her shoulder to the detective standing outside the lab door.
Realizing that she's been spotted, Maggie stops staring and moves to the doorway.
"Danvers, got a minute?" Maggie asks.
At the sound of her girlfriend's voice, Alex pivots around and smiles.
"For you, always," she says brightly, crossing the lab to greet her with a light hug and kiss on the cheek.
Maggie returns the smile. She is always just a little surprised when Alex kisses her in public especially in front of her coworkers.
"What's up detective?" Alex asks leading her over to her desk so that she can set down the lab reports.
"Well, apparently a reporter from CATCO is writing a story on Guardian and now the director of the vigilante task force has asked the science division to investigate him," Maggie explains, watching Alex's face closely to gauge her reaction.
"Well that makes sense, he could be a meta for all we know about him," Alex replies evenly.
"You think that he's a metahuman?" Maggie repeats the question, curious that this is the first time Alex has mentioned it.
"I don't think he is, but I wouldn't rule it out just yet," Alex adds.
"He's not a meta, I would have picked up on that by now. He's probably just some rich guy who got mugged and thinks he can be the next Batman," Maggie retorts.
"His suit is pretty high tech," Alex replies carefully.
"Which is why I'm going to go talk to Max Lord. If it's not him, he probably made the suit," Maggie points out.
"I'll come with you, I have a little sway when it comes to Maxwell Lord," Alex counters.
"Sway with Lord?" Maggie questions.
"We may have detained him a few times," Alex admits biting her lip.
"Detained him? Oh, so showing up with you will intimidate him," Maggie asks skeptically. "Nah Danvers, I think NCPD can handle this one."
"Oh," Alex says disappointedly.
Maggie steps in closer to her, pulling on the lapels of her lab jacket. "This scientist look is hot, by the way," she murmurs huskily.
"A-are you working late tonight?" Alex stammers, licking her own lips nervously as they stare intently into each other's eyes.
"Unfortunately, I am," Maggie replies softly.
"You could still come by after, I'll be up working on these reports and I'll need a break," Alex says suggestively.
"Hmm, tempting," Maggie says leaning in closer to her.
Alex closes the distance and this kiss is a bit more than a peck, but still manages to be work appropriate.
"Uh Dr Danvers, sorry to interrupt," the tech says from behind her.
Reluctantly pulling away, she turns around to face him. "It's fine Norris," Alex says to him. Then turning back to her girlfriend she adds. "See you later detective?"
"Hope so," Maggie replies smiling at her.
"Got a minute?" Alex asks when her sister finally answers her phone.
"Alex what's wrong?" Kara blurts out.
"Nothing, I just... do you know that there's a CATCO reporter doing a story on Guardian?" Alex questions.
"Yeah," Kara replies shortly.
"You know but you didn't think to give me a heads up?" Alex asks. "Wait, you're the one writing it?"
"Alex, I can't talk now. But I'll come by later," Kara answers looking over at Cat nervously.
"Come by the DEO, I'm working late tonight," Alex retorts. "And does James know about this?"
"Yes, and don't worry Alex. I've got this," Kara replies confidently.
"Just come by and talk to me. Because now Maggie's investigating him," Alex adds before ending the call.
Kara huffs when she realizes the call ended.
"Everything alright?" Cat asks from across the balcony.
"Uh, yeah," Kara remarks still staring at the phone. "My sister can be so damn impossible sometimes," she adds in frustration.
"Obviously, if it's making you curse," Cat replies teasing her lightly.
Kara turns around to face the media mogul. "I'm not the innocent girl scout that you think I am," she replies with a trace of annoyance.
Cat raises an eyebrow playfully. "Hmm, I am looking forward to getting to know this non-girl scout side of you, Kara."
Winn sits in the van staring at the computer. He could be out with Lyra tonight, but instead he's stuck in the van again playing vigilante with James.
"Security alarm going off at a store at Ninth and Grand," Winn announces. "Just give me a minute to hack into the traffic cameras in that area," he adds.
"Well, I'm not far from there," James replies. "I'll go take a look."
"It's a jewelry store," Winn continues. "Hacking into the store's video feed now, looks like there are two guys inside and two people in a back room hiding from them."
"Okay, pulling up now," James says as he parks the bike in an alley and pulls his shield out of the saddlebag.
"They're smashing the cases and grabbing everything," Winn adds.
James can hear police sirens so he asks, "How far away are the police?"
"Couple of minutes out," Winn replies.
"Looks like they broke in the back door. And I found their getaway car," James says surveying the situation, before pulling a knife off his utility belt and begins stabbing the tires.
"What the hell are you supposed to be?" A man bellows.
James yanks his knife out of the last tire before answering, "I'm Guardian and I'm here to stop you."
"Diggins, what do we do now?" The second robber blurts out.
"We take his bike," the man called Diggins replies, pointing his gun at the vigilante and shooting him.
The shot glances off the suit and Guardian rushes towards both robbers. Diggins dodges out of the way but Guardian is able to disarm his partner and lands a blow that sends the man into the building, practically knocking him out.
Spinning around, James eyes Diggins who is rushing over to the motorcycle.
"Damn, he's going to get away. Winn, can you disable my bike?" James blurts out.
"Yeah, one sec," Winn replies switching over to another laptop.
Diggins is on the bike trying to get it started, when a police car pulls into the alley. The two officers swing their doors open and draw their weapons on him.
The bike roars to life, but before Diggins can take off, the engine cuts out.
Deciding that Alex can wait, Kara stayed on the balcony talking with Cat, until they both realized that they should eat. Now the two women are sitting on the balcony at Cat's penthouse eating take out from their favorite Thai place. After exhausting current events and CATCO gossip, their discussion has taken a more personal turn and Kara is explaining how she met Mike, the intern.
"I met Mike a few months ago and he was new to the city and completely lost. I helped him get settled and we spent a lot of time together," Kara explains.
"I see," Cat replies turning a bit to face her. "But you two didn't date?"
"Not exactly. I mean we went out together, but I didn't think that we were dating. I even brought it up a few times, because he was acting weird about me spending time with other people. But he denied it. But then the other night he finally confessed that he does have feelings for me," Kara explains and Cat notes that the lost, lonely look returns to her face.
"If he has feelings for you, then why is he going out with Ms Teschmacher?" Cat asks curiously.
"I don't know and that's why I was sort of shocked to see them together. I am worried that he is just using her, because he's upset with me," Kara answers. "I told him that I didn't feel the same way," she adds.
Cat takes another sip of her drink. Secretly, she is relieved that Kara wasn't taken in by this Mike person.
"He's been avoiding me, which is understandable. I just feel, I don't know, guilty maybe?"
"Guilty? Kara you have nothing to be guilty about," Cat points out.
I know and then the other night after work, I went to the bar where he works and made things worse. In trying to let him down easily, I mentioned that I would never date someone like him. He misunderstood, I think that he thought I meant because he is a bartender. He got mad and wouldn't let me explain. Cat, I don't care that he's a bartender, not really. It's more that we don't have much in common beyond social stuff. I mean, he doesn't care about the things that I care about," she tries to explain.
"Kara, it is important to be with someone who shares your interests and concerns, or at the least respects them," Cat points out. "You don't have to apologize for wanting that."
"I know, but it still feels selfish. I like him as a friend and I worry that I somehow led him on or something," Kara confesses.
"Oh Kara, you're too nice and when you're too nice to men, they often feel led on, but that doesn't mean that you did anything wrong," Cat points out.
"I was being so careful, as soon as I thought that he was having feelings for me, I asked him about it but he denied it," Kara counters. "I just don't understand why this keeps happening to me. First Winn and now Mike. I don't know, is this normal, uh, maybe it's me. Maybe I'm not normal, I thought that I wanted to date James, but as soon as we got together, it felt wrong." She exclaims dramatically not daring to look directly at the other woman.
"Kara, you are definitely not normal," Cat replies causing the girl to whip her head up to challenge that assumption. "You have a way of seeing the best in people and inspiring them to be better. So these young men are attracted to you because of how you make them feel about themselves. And they haven't really even bothered to get to know you," Cat points out angrily.
Kara blinks rapidly, as she tries to comprehend what Cat is trying to say.
"Seeing the best in people makes me not normal?" Kara asks.
"Normal is overrated, Kara. But my point is that, the way that you do it, is inspiring, I'll give you an example. When you first started working as my assistant, no matter how difficult I could be, you persevered. You didn't react to my often mean and petty comments, instead you rooted out the underlying causes. Even when it got tough, you didn't quit trying to figure out what was wrong and you did it in a way that challenged me to be better. It was irritating at first, but then I realized that you were challenging me on the same things that I knew needed to be improved," Cat confesses. "Kara, I am not easy to change, but you changed me."
Kara's breath hitches, Cat said those exact same words to Supergirl months ago.
"Well, looks like your response time is faster than ours, again," Detective Sawyer quips as she approaches the helmeted figure.
"Well, I was in the area. Just, uh, glad that I could help," Guardian says in his low guttural whisper.
"I hear they got a shot off," the detective remarks looking at his suit and noting a dent in the shoulder piece.
"Suit is bulletproof," Guardian replies nonchalantly.
The detective examines him more closely, noting details of his suit. After a moment, her attention turns to the motorcycle. "Nice bike," she says walking over to admire it.
"Thanks," he says hesitantly, a little worried at the attention. "Uh, am I free to go now?" He asks.
"Yes, you are free to go," Sawyer answers, stepping in just a bit closer to him. "But Olsen, I'd rethink this vigilante thing if I were you, your suit might be bulletproof now, but trust me, the bad guys will figure out how to fight you and you will end up hurt or worse."