A/N: Kara has a new purpose; writing. In this update, the vigilante story was uppermost in her mind but there's a catch. Clark gives James an ultimatum. Kara saves Guardian, and then later, her suspicion rises. I do hope you enjoy this next part. Read on!

~o~o~

Chapter 2: One Thing Remains

Later that same night, Kara's apartment:

After meeting this new vigilante, Kara was on a high, then she began her story. But now that she had a chance to think about it, she wasn't sure if she should include the vigilante's rescue at the site of the fire or not. Maybe he didn't want the attention; but that doesn't make sense.

He must know of video surveillance, and it's only a matter of time before everyone knows about him. Why shouldn't she get the scope? It's strange, but he apparently knows me, because his suit is lead-lined, which means I know him, or maybe he just didn't want Kryptonians to know who he is, or why he's there in National City.

Just so much to think about. Suddenly tired of thinking, she rubbed her tired eyes. Her story wasn't done, at least not yet. She had to talk to someone about it, so she called her sister to ask a favor.

"Alex, I hope I didn't wake you?" Kara asked.

"No, I'm up; is something wrong?"

"No, but the fire rescue earlier tonight, a vigilante showed up and I'd never seen him before. Could you access cameras at the address and let me know what you see?"

Alex thought that was odd. "Okay, I can do that but not until morning, but why is this so important to you?"

"We don't have vigilantes in National City, and I suppose I'm the reason for that, but this one definitely wants to help. He saved two lives tonight."

"That's good to know." Alex yawned suddenly. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's alright; I'll talk to you tomorrow. Night, Sis."

"Night, Kara."

They hung up but Kara couldn't sleep. She read her story over and over and decided to hand it in without knowing the vigilante's identity. Obviously there to help, she thought it was a good idea to reveal him to the press; that way people wouldn't be afraid of him, especially the police or any other armed criminal. Suddenly terrified for him, she switched on the late-night news, but after switching channels, nothing had been reported, no videos, nothing at all. Relieved, she switched it off and tried to get some sleep.

~o~o~

At CatCo, the next morning, she checked her emails and there was a department meeting scheduled for 10 a.m.; she made it just in time. James hadn't arrived yet; her editor was there as well as a few others from the news department. Curious about this meeting, she took a seat.

James arrived, in a dress shirt and tie then stood at the head of conference room table and began his prepared speech. "Good morning, everyone. I suppose everyone received the email sent out yesterday about me accepting the position as 'Interim' Manager of CatCo. Ms. Grant has left the firm, for the time being, but her job is secure if she decides to return."

A few murmurs could be heard. Kara thought Ms. Grant wouldn't return right away, but she hoped that one day she would come back.

"The reason I called this meeting is because I will be meeting with all staff in every department, to introduce myself and to ask if anyone had any questions." James said and waited.

"This meeting is short notice, and we're very busy," Kara's editor stated the obvious.

"Sorry about the short notice, but I do accept emails if you think of any questions after the meeting," James said.

"Why did she really leave?" Someone else asked the question everyone was thinking.

"Well, to be honest, she didn't tell me her specific reasons, but," he began.

Kara spoke up. "I may know the reason."

"Go ahead, Ms. Danvers," James said.

"Ms. Grant needed something to inspire her and she felt as if she had done enough to start-up the company, and she was extremely pleased with the results."

A few murmurs could be heard.

"You mean she was bored; is that it?" Someone asked.

Before James could reply, Kara spoke up again. "No, that's not the reason at all. She was very proud of this company and she wasn't bored. She needed something new, something that meant something to her outside of this place. It's like starting a new job, to bring back that spark in her life." Kara replied and stared at James.

"Any more questions?" James asked. The room went silent.

"Alright, we will have these meetings every other month. My assistant will send out reminders for your calendars. But please feel free to email me, call me, come and see me; I'm always available and my door is always open." He paused. "Meeting adjoined."

After everyone had left, Kara walked over to him. "That went well; you were great."

"Thanks, Kara; I do appreciate everything you said about Ms. Grant leaving so suddenly."

"You truly had no idea she was leaving?" Kara found that odd.

"No, I had no idea and then the other day, she called me, asked me to come see her and that's when she asked if I wanted the job."

Kara looked at her shoes then glanced at his face. "Was that the same day that I?" She hesitated.

"Yeah, it was the same day," he replied not wanting to talk about it.

"James, I," she hesitated again.

"Please don't say that you're sorry; I know that you are."

"I never meant to hurt you," Kara said, sad about it.

He took a deep breath. "We're adults and we knew what we were doing; so, no apologies are necessary." He paused. "I have to get back to work."

She stopped him with a touch to his arm then she stepped back startled by the look in his eyes. He still cares about me, she thought. "Before you go, I wanted to tell you about my new position; I'm a writer."

He smiled. "I know that; congratulations Kara."

"Thanks James; I guess we both have new directions, right?"

"Yeah, you could say that. I'll see you later."

"Alright." She stepped aside and watched him leave.

~o~o~

Back at her desk, Kara read over her article, gathered her courage, and took it to her editor. She held it out to him; ready for his criticism.

"What's this?" He asked and stared at her hand. "Another article, no doubt."

"Yes, last night I witnessed a rescue by a vigilante I'd never seen before."

Intrigued, he took the article from her. "A new vigilante? Do you have a name, videos, or anything to substantiate this story?"

"No, I don't know his name, but there were eye-witnesses and it's right there in my story," she replied.

"I see, well," he said and set it aside. "I have ten other stories to read; I'm behind because of that stupid meeting this morning."

"It wasn't stupid," she said holding her spine straight. "I think it was a good idea to," she started but he interrupted her.

"I'm busy," he said and that was end of their conversation.

Kara stood her ground. James was her friend and she wanted him to succeed at this new job that was thrust upon him with no warning. It wasn't as if he could have turned it down.

Shaking inside, she said, "Look, James is a good guy and I think we should give him a chance."

"Are you done?" He asked and looked her up and down.

"Yes, I'm done," she replied.

"Get back to work," he said and picked up her article.

Kara smiled to herself, and left him alone.

~o~o~

On rounds, later that evening, Kara received an alert from her sister. Another robbery attempt, not far from the one the other day; will they ever learn? She wondered. She couldn't help it as visions of her, no, he's not mine, but it is my story. He could be there and she would see him again.

Sure, enough, she arrived at the scene and he was already there, holding the robbers at bay. They were armed. Truly worried for his safety; he's not bullet proof but maybe the suit was impenetrable. Not wanting to startle the robbers, she decided to wait and see if he needed her help.

"I suggest you put those guns down; you're not going anywhere," he spoke in that voice again. The inflection sounded familiar to Kara's ears.

"Who the hell are you?" The robber looked around. "Where's Supergirl?"

He chuckled. "She obviously had more important things to do; like saving the world," he replied.

"Oh, so now we're not important enough for her highness, the pretty blonde chick with that short skirt flirting with everyone, distracting people; she's disgusting."

That did it; he rushed them; then several guns went off. Kara stopped several bullets from hitting him, at least she thought she did, then she destroyed the guns, and knocked them out in seconds.

Then she went to help her vigilante. "Are you hurt; are you in pain?" She asked extremely concerned. Kara considered his eyes; they did look familiar.

"No, I'm fine," he replied and tried to stand; the bullets did not penetrate the suit. He would have to thank Winn for that.

"Are you sure; let me help you." Kara helped him up. Once he was standing, he didn't appear as if he wanted to leave. "Do you have somewhere to be because I have a few questions, if you wouldn't mind?"

"Alright, I have a few minutes," he replied not wanting to leave her.

"Okay, Umm, who are you really?"

He sighed. "I'm Guardian."

She frowned. "Guardian?"

"Yes, you can call me that," he replied.

"Alright, I will." She thought of another question. "Is there a reason why you're doing this; putting your life in danger; it's not safe."

"It's because of you; I mean, I saw you on television and I was inspired to do something."

"Oh, I see, but it's not safe out here. I'm sure you've seen the news about aliens who want to do us harm."

"You're an alien but you wouldn't hurt me; would you?"

"You're not afraid of me; are you." She knew it was true.

"No, in fact; I feel honored to even meet you."

Kara was touched. "Well, I'm here and if you need anything or want help, you can call me."

"Call you?" He couldn't believe this was happening.

"If you don't feel right about calling, you can email me."

"I'd like that." He smiled beneath the mask.

"It's 'Supergirl/at/deo/dot/gov.' Got it?" She smiled at him.

James stared at her. "Got it."

"Well, I have to go," she said not wanting to leave.

"I'll see you around," he said and watched her streak away.

James called 911 and the police arrived to arrest the robbers, then he was gone.

~o~o~

At his apartment, and thoroughly enjoying these moments between Kara and Guardian, but this last one was amazing. Winn heard every word.

"Well, alright," Winn said and watched him remove his suit.

"Yeah, it was amazing," James said after removing his hood.

"She truly doesn't know who you are?" Winn asked still finding it odd.

"She seemed as if she may have some idea, but she never said," James replied. Once out of the suit, he stretched and realized his arm was sore.

"Oh dear, is that a scratch on your arm; you're bleeding?" Winn asked and came closer.

"Oops!" James touched is left arm.

"Oops!? James, we have a problem. The suit is bullet-proof; I swear it is."

"Well, it went through, but it's just a scratch."

"We have to fix it; you can't go out again until we do," Winn stated firmly.

"Alright, no more rescues until you fix it, but I can't tell you how it felt to be with her like that."

"I can imagine. She's definitely excited obviously."

"Yeah, she is," James agreed. His hopes spiraled out of control, but then Clark's words to him brought his hopes back down to Earth. "I don't know what I'm going to do, if she turns against me for lying or she hates me for doing this."

"I don't think she could ever hate you." Winn was firm in that belief.

"You think so?" James asked.

"Yeah, I do." Winn tried to smile. "Now let me look at the suit."

After removing the suit, he said, "I'm be in the shower; I need to unwind."

~o~o~

Across town, Kara was in the shower trying not to think of Guardian. It was exciting to speak to him; to talk to him. He said that she inspired him to do this; to risk his life to make a better world. As the water washed away her thoughts of him, they shockingly gravitated to James for some strange reason. His eyes had been compelling.

She shook her head and washed her hair. A little while later, she exited the shower, dried off, and checked her cellphone, unreasonably excited about getting a text from him; but there was nothing. Disappointed, she dried her hair and turned on the television.

To her shock, it was him and the robbery made the news. The surveillance camera from the store released the video to the police. After playing the video, Kara's story also made the headlines. She listened to the announcer:

"Well, it seems Supergirl has found a vigilante. He's a good guy, per Kara Danvers' article that spread like wildfire over the Internet. Her article, entitled 'Supergirl's One on One', stated that he saved a mother and her child from a burning building. Also in Ms. Danvers' article, Supergirl and the mysterious vigilante spoke, per an eyewitness. She also stated that this vigilante is here to help; nothing more. We can all rest assured that these two are on the job and we can rest a little earlier at night. Stay tuned to this channel for further updates."

Kara smiled, bit her lip, and turned off the television. Once in bed, she lay there thinking about Guardian and who he was and the real reason he was doing this. A lot of people are inspired by her but to put their life at risk; there must be something she's missing, but was it?

~o~o~

James, meanwhile, also saw the news, the video, and he couldn't be more pleased with Kara's article. He couldn't be happier for her.

Winn, meanwhile, had taken the suit and left. Before he turned out the lights, he received a text from Clark: Call me when you can find the time.

"Oh, boy," he whispered, "I fear a lecture is coming." James sighed and tried to get some rest.

~o~o~

The next morning at CatCo:

James was particularly busy, dealing with staff meetings, department heads and their staff. He never realized how many there were, but he intended to meet with all of them.

Kara was also busy. Her editor seemed to trust her abilities, if only a little. He gave her several assignments, and Kara felt she was on her way as a stringer with the firm.

James found a few minutes to check his messages and Clark had sent him another text. He decided to call him.

"Hello, Clark, you wanted to speak with me?" James asked, and headed to a conference room, dreading this.

"Can we speak in private?" He asked.

"Of course; hold on a minute," he replied and closed the door, also making sure that Kara wasn't around.

"Can I speak now?" Clark asked.

"Yes, go ahead," he replied.

"I don't know whether to slap you on the back or kick your ass into the Phantom Zone."

He didn't know how to respond. "Well, I," he hesitated.

"Nothing to say?" Clark asked.

He sighed. "Clark, I know what I'm doing is wrong, from a certain point of view, but," he began.

"A certain point of view?" He repeated and tried to keep his temper in check.

"Yes, as I told you, Kara and I care about each other; I truly believe that. She was totally into me; and when she asked me questions about my name and why I was doing this, she actually felt drawn to me; I could see it."

"James, it's deceitful." Clark paused. "I want you to tell her."

"Clark, I can't, not now, please don't ask me." James was begging now. He'd never felt this close to her before, not emotionally, and he couldn't give it up; he couldn't.

"I'm sorry, James, but I can't be a party to this." A painful pause then, "I will tell her if you don't."

Another pause, then, "Alright, I'll tell her; just give me a few more days; that's all I ask, please," he begged.

"Alright, a few days; that's it."

"Thank you, Clark."

"Goodbye, James," Clark said, worried about their friendship.

James was worried too. "Bye, Clark." He hung up.

Moments later, Kara walked in. "Was that my cousin on the phone?"

"Yes, he asked me about your article and I told him you're doing great," he lied.

"Oh, alright, but I wonder why he hasn't talked to me about my article," she thoughtfully said.

He decided not to get into that. "Well, I read your article. Congratulations, Kara," he said hoping she would talk about Guardian.

"Oh, you did?" He nodded. "You can't believe how exciting it was to work with him. He's amazing, but I don't even know his real name."

Her eyes were literally glowing. "Tell me about it."

"Alright," she said and sat down. He sat down next to her, but not too close. "Well, I showed up at a robbery but he was surrounded by three men and they had guns."

"Oh, no, what happened?" He asked, and watched her eyes light up.

"He wasn't afraid at all, but I was worried about him."

"You were worried; you don't even know him."

"Yes, that's true," she said but her worry about him intrigued her. He's not like anyone she'd ever met; that's probably why, she thought. "I can't explain it but I was; anyway, the robbers held him at gunpoint, so I waited."

"Then what happened?"

"I didn't want to startle the robbers but I was afraid that he might be shot or killed. They egged him on by insulting me and," she began.

He frowned. "What did they say?"

"I can't repeat it, but it made him angry; he … he was protecting my honor."

"Oh, he was?"

"Yeah, he was, but then shots were fired and I rushed to protect him. Then I took out the robbers and then we talked."

"You talked to him? What did he say?"

"I asked him his name and that's when he told me to call him 'Guardian.'"

"Guardian? Not bad," he commented.

"Yeah, I thought so too," she said a bit wistfully.

James picked up on something. "You like him; don't you?"

Kara didn't feel right about answering that question but he did seem interested. "Yeah; I don't know why, but I do," she replied and ducked her head.

"Kara, look at me. Even though we're not together, I want this for you, to be happy in everything you do. Do you understand?"

"I do understand and thank you James."

"You're welcome." He stood up. "I should get back to work."

"Of course; I'll see you around?" She asked and realized how much she missed their talks.

"Yeah, I'll see you," James said and tried to smile.

Kara stood very still and watched him move down the hall. His assistant rushed over to him. "I have a question about this report, Sir."

James took it from her. "Good catch," he said. "Follow me."

Kara smiled extremely proud of him. Odd that she would think of Guardian and how he had stood up to those crooks unafraid and ready to kick their butts if they asked for it. Then she thought of James and how he had jumped into Ms. Grant's job without any experience or any heads up or any thought of how he would do her job.

"Come on, Kara; they're obviously two different men." But then, she thought of how tall they both were; the fact that Guardian disguised his voice; he shielded his suit from her vision; he said she had inspired him to risk his life; and finally, that the robbers had infuriated him by insulting her.

"No, no, it can't be James; could it?" She tried to push it from her mind, but it refused to go away. The suspicion was there; the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. Then she narrowed her eyes. James wouldn't lie to me; would he? Apparently, she had hurt him far deeper than she thought, but to lie to her and do this?

Shaking her head, she left the conference room. She watched James do his job, then their gazes locked. He tried to smile but the look on her face gave him pause. He stood up straighter and watched her walk towards the elevator. The doors closed; she did not look happy.

TBC!?

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: Feels Like Tonight, Daughtry.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it. Does Kara know? Come back next week to find out. Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading.