A/N: This will be the final chapter. Mon-El is still struggling with the real reason he was on Earth, and whom to blame. James has a surprise for Kara, but her reaction is one of disbelief and maybe something else, and then later, they reach a new level of understanding. Read on!
~o~o~
Chapter 5: Love is Dawning
About a month later, in Mon-El's room:
Pacing back and forth, Mon-El hadn't forgotten what Kara and Alex said about his character. Unable or unwilling to confront them about it, he kept it to himself. Looking back over the past several weeks, and because of what he had overheard, he hadn't been able to fit in, to adjust, to do his job at CatCo, or accept that part of himself that wanted to fit in but he resisted. He didn't understand why he felt this way, but he did.
Super hearing was giving him headaches too; he hated it. How did Kara do her job without this annoying voices and noises in his mind? She tried to help him, but it was difficult when all he thought about was Zod and why he came to this planet. Of course, he knew of him. He was a legend; the ultimate soldier but he was also a traitor, tried for treason and sent into the Phantom Zone.
I'm not like him, he said in his mind again and again. Zod had been out of control, killing everything in sight, in the name of some misguided sense of patriotism. But then a jarring thought entered his mind: if not for Krypton and its inability to understand or save his own planet or its people, an unreasonable hatred took root inside his heart.
"Hey, are you Okay?" That was Alex.
"I'm alright," he replied, and tried to banish Zod from his mind, but it was difficult.
"Well, I spoke to Kara and I think you would be a perfect fit right here at the DEO."
He frowned. "But Kara hasn't said anything to me."
"She told me that your job at CatCo wasn't quite working out," Alex said with raised eyebrows.
"Oh, you mean, my inability to stay focused?"
"Yeah, that's part of it," Alex replied.
He turned from her then ran his fingers through his hair. "I have to say something because it's driving me crazy."
She frowned. "What is it?"
"I overheard what Kara told you about going to the Fortress, whatever that is, and that she found out that I may be like General Zod, you know, the murdering lunatic who invaded Earth a few years ago."
"Yes, I've heard of him, but you haven't shown any signs of wanting to do something like that," Alex said hoping to make him feel better.
"That's just it, and from what I've read about the invasion, Zod had ulterior motives, meaning he said one thing and did something else entirely."
"Mon-El, please don't let this get to you. Zod had a lot of issues with Kal-El and that's why he came here. He blamed him and his Father for the destruction of his home planet." She paused. "Oh, I see."
"Yeah, you see now what I've been going through."
"But you're different from him," she said.
"You think so?" He asked.
"I know so."
"I hope you're right," he said.
"Look, I know it's been hard for you but I think you should stay here and work for the DEO." She paused and thought of the perfect answer. "How would you feel about a superhero suit?"
"You mean, like Kara, and use my powers for good?"
"Exactly," she replied.
"But I'm not Kryptonian," he said firmly.
"No, you're not, but you have powers and you shouldn't be wasting them behind a desk or on a computer."
"I'm glad you feel that way."
"Excellent, well, I'll speak with our crew and see what we can come up with," Alex said.
"Thanks, Alex."
"You're welcome."
Then she was gone.
Once she left, he went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. What he saw there gave him chills. In his uniform as a captain of the guard on his home planet, he froze.
"I'm not him."
~o~o~
James' apartment, that same evening:
He took a deep breath and opened the door. "Kara, you made it."
She came inside. "Well, you made it sound really important." She frowned and watched him fidget; he did seem nervous. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing is wrong; everything is great. I never expected that we could work together as Supergirl and Guardian, but it's worked pretty good so far."
She came closer. "Yes, it has; then what is it?"
"You know how I feel about you and I've been reluctant to ask you out, not sure how you would respond, and," he hesitated.
"Oh, I see," she said and turned from him, not sure about dating him.
"Kara, it's just dinner, and if you're not ready, I understand. I just thought after what happened at the Fortress, that maybe we could eat out as friends. I promise not to get carried away or anything." He tried to smile hoping she would agree.
"I'd like that," she said somewhat relieved.
He took a deep breath. "Okay, well, I have something to show you." He opened the door, "It's upstairs."
"Upstairs, you mean, on the roof?"
"Yeah, on the roof," he replied.
"Okay," she said and followed him.
Once at the top of the stairs, he asked her to close her eyes. "James, what's going on?"
"Just close your eyes," he said and took her hand.
Once outside, he said, "Open your eyes."
"James, what is this?" Kara had never seen anything so beautiful.
"Don't you like it?" He asked and waited.
"It's beautiful," she whispered in awe at what she could see. "It reminds me of," she hesitated.
"The Fortress?" He finished for her.
"Yes, it does." All she could see were white lights and white drapes simulating a starry night sky; blue glow like mists illuminating like the break of day, and finally, snowflakes were everywhere, like a winter wonderland.
Kara was thinking she'd never seen anything so romantic. She was about to say something, but he spoke to her.
"Kara, everything you see here is what I'm feeling whenever I see you. I think of the Fortress, yes, but it reminds me of our relationship. We could be cold or hot, something unexpected. I think it kind it explains what love is about. You never know what to expect."
She walked over to the ledge and looked out over the night sky. "I never knew you felt this way."
"I know," he said and followed her. "It's kind of hypnotizing when you think about it."
Confused she turns to him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, that feeling, it kind of draws you in but you don't know why." He watched her face. "It makes you feel something."
His eyes were compelling. "You mean, like love?"
"Exactly," he replied and came closer. She felt rooted to the spot unable to more or to think. "Kara, I know we ended things and I blame myself."
She didn't believe that. "No, no; it was all on me."
"No, that's not true. I've had time to think about it, and it was a lot to contend with, not only you trying to adjust to being a superhero, but also me, trying to fit into that life. I think we both tried too hard and maybe we kind of forced it a little," he thoughtfully said.
She thought about that and what he said made sense. "You may be right, and now what do you think?" Heart pounding, she waited for his answer.
Instead of answering her, he leaned down and closed his eyes. She closed her eyes and then they kissed sweetly and slowly. After a few moments, he pulled away. He wanted so badly to kiss her again, but with a will of iron, he didn't. He waited for her to open her eyes.
"I have something for you."
Dazed by his kiss, she asked, "Okay, what is it?"
He took her hand again, and led her to the dinner table. A bottle of wine with two glasses greeted her, with two covered dinner plates, probably hiding their meal.
He left her side and pulled out a present for her. It appeared to be a photo.
"You got me a present? What is it?" She asked.
"Just open it," he replied.
Kara shook her head. "You shouldn't have." Then a photo was revealed. It was Clark and it was like the one he had given her before, but in this one, she could see his face and he was smiling. Her eyes watered.
"I didn't mean to make you cry. I know how much you miss him."
"I do miss him. I love it; thank you."
"You're welcome. Are you hungry?"
"I'm always hungry," she replied and smiled. He took the photo and placed it on a small table where she could see it while they ate.
He held the chair out for her. She sat down. "What's for dinner?"
"Nothing fancy," he replied and lifted the covers. "All your favorites."
Her eyes brightened. "Yummy; let's eat!"
They ate in relative silence, but just before the meal ended, James had more to say.
"Kara, I hope you don't think I went a little overboard with all of this, but I just couldn't wait anymore. I wanted us to talk and," he hesitated.
She ducked her head and thought about it. "No, you didn't go overboard. In fact, it was perfect."
Relieved, he said. "I thought it was too."
"I just can't believe you did all of this. I know you wanted to remind me of the Fortress and how we came to an agreement, but I never knew you felt this way about … love and how it made you feel."
"Kara, I know you've never been in love; right?"
"No, I've never felt that way."
"I understand and you know Lucy and I were close."
"Yes, I know you were, and now you're going to say it's different with me?"
"Yes, it is different and I'll explain why if you're let me?"
"Go on," she replied needing to hear it.
Finished eating, he stood up and looked at the lights and thought of his feelings. "I remember when we first met." He waited for her to look at him.
"Oh, yeah, I remember."
"I just keep remembering your smile and how open and honest you were. I keep going back to it."
"I do too, sometimes."
"That honesty and smile drew me in like a magnet. I couldn't resist you."
"And when Lucy came back?"
"It wasn't the same; she knew it; I knew it and she knew why."
Kara knew the truth. "You broke up because of me; didn't you?"
He looked her in the eye. "Everything I do is because of you."
Stunned to hear him speak that way, she ducked her head. "I'm finished."
He said too much. "I'm doing it again; aren't I?"
She felt awkward and unsure of her feelings. "No, no; you're fine; it's me."
Just then Kara got an alert. It was Alex.
"It's alright," he said then grabbed the photo.
He led her to the elevator. "I'll keep this until you can pick it up."
"Tomorrow night?" She asked and smiled at him. He nodded. "I'll never forget this night."
"Neither will I," he admitted.
"Night, James," Kara said and leaned up and kissed him.
He kissed her back for a moment. "Night, Kara."
Then she was gone.
~o~o~
Nearly midnight and after finishing up a few rescues, Kara couldn't think about anything but seeing James again, but that wasn't what she told herself. She wanted to see the rooftop again. Flying over the skies of National City, she felt drawn back to it like a magnet. Smiling, he hadn't taken it down. She landed and looked over the beautiful setting, thinking of all the wonderful things he said to her.
"Kara?" It was him. "You came back?"
Her back to him, she froze unable to turn around. "I can't stay," she lied.
"Oh, it's Okay," he said.
"How long is this going to be here?" She asked wanting her display to stay forever.
She heard his footsteps coming closer. "If it doesn't rain, my landlord didn't disapprove, so we have a few more days," he replied, thrilled to see again.
"That's good," she said and closed her eyes. Still frozen, unable to turn around, but she could feel him and unable to believe it; she heard his heartbeat or was it hers; she wasn't sure.
"Kara?" He whispered her name and then his hand stroked her shoulder. "So warm."
She closed her eyes, unable to think but the feelings, oh the feelings; she was drowning in them.
"It's alright," he whispered close to her ear.
"James, I … should go."
"But do you want to?"
She couldn't lie. "No, I don't want to."
He stood in front of her then he lifted her chin. He was going to kiss her again and she wanted him to, more than anything. She closed her eyes. He took that as an invitation and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, not sweetly but like a man in love.
She melted into that kiss never having been kissed this way before. Yes, they kissed before but this one was different and she reveled in it, almost like all the times he lifted her spirits when he praised her talents, thrilling her and wanting more of it, just so much more. Her arms of their own accord, circled his shoulders pulling him closer. He deepened the kiss, both moaning their acceptance of it.
After a few more minutes, he released her lips, needing her like a starving man. Both breathing heavily, but then he thought back to their evening, and he didn't think she was ready for an intimate relationship and he knew not to rush her.
"Are you alright?" He asked and waited for her to open her eyes.
"I needed that," she admitted.
He rested her forehead against hers. "So did I," he replied and kissed her forehead.
They stood that way for a long while.
"I can hear it."
"What can you hear?" He asked.
"Your heartbeat," she replied staring at his chest.
"Well, that's not surprising. You've heard other heartbeats before; right?"
"Yes, but just a few people, like my family, but it's different with you."
He smoothed her hair away from her face. "How is it different?"
She touched his chest with both hands. "Oh, I don't know, just different."
"I'm glad," he whispered and pulled back into his arms.
"James, I don't know what this means for us, but I'm not ready to let you go," she finally admitted it.
He relaxed and let those words flow inside his mind and his soul. "I'm very glad to hear that."
"I just had to tell you." She paused and pulled away. "But I really have to go."
"I know," he said and reluctantly released her.
She walked over to the ledge and hopped up then turned to face him, her cape flapping around her legs. "See you around?"
Staring at her, he whispered, "Yeah, see you around."
~o~o~
The next morning at CatCo:
James didn't believe in love at first sight. No, he didn't believe that not for one minute. When they talked about that moment, it felt strange to think back on those feelings, but now, he felt something.
"Earth to James," Winn said and came inside. He knew what he was thinking. "How's Kara doing?"
"She doing fine. What brings you by?" James asked and stood up. "I have a meeting in about five minutes, so," he said and let that hang.
"I just wanted to apologize for the way I acted when I saw you two together and to say I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize, but I have to wonder why you reacted to Kara and me possibly being back together."
"Look, it's not about me having unresolved feelings for her," he started.
James raised his eyebrows.
"Well, maybe a little, but over the past few weeks, I've watched you two on camera and a few times here at the office."
"And?" He asked.
"Come on, James, Guardian has definitely influenced her."
"Maybe," he said unwilling to admit his plan had worked.
"Maybe?" He paused. "You can't be serious. You knew from the start how she would react to you being in danger and," he stopped when Kara walked in.
She turned her furious eyes on James.
"Kara wait!" He ran after her and then pulled her into a vacant conference room. She crossed her arms and waited. "Winn doesn't know what he's talking about."
"Really?" She asked still waiting.
He took a deep breath and told her the truth. "Okay, I admit it. At first, I wanted to be close to you, to be able to help you but I never expected you would react to him that way." He paused. "Yes, I wanted so much for you to look at me differently. I love being Guardian and working with you was a dream come true for me."
She turned and walked over to the window thinking about his words. He followed her.
"Are you mad?" He asked and waited.
"Yes, I am, but," she hesitated.
"But what?"
She sighed. "I guess I can understand your reasons," she admitted.
"You mean it?" He hopefully asked.
"Yes, I do. You risked your life over and over, and when I thought of you out there being brave because I inspired you, well, no one has ever done that for me."
He came closer and touched her hair. She closed her eyes. He was about to kiss her again when his assistant poked her head in.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but you have a meeting."
"I'll be right there," James said.
"I'll see you," Kara said and left him staring after her.
~o~o~
After his meeting, Winn was still in his office. "Haven't you done enough?"
"I'm sorry, James, but you should know something."
"What is it?" He asked and headed to his desk.
"Mon-El is now working for the DEO as a military officer, plus he may be getting a superhero suit."
"Seriously?" He asked stunned.
"Yeah, so he and Kara may be flying over National City … together."
Still unbelieving, James sat down and put his hands over his eyes.
"Sorry, James," Winn said, feeling awful, then he left him alone.
~o~o~
Kara's apartment later that night:
It was nearly midnight, when Kara opened the door and James stood there looking a bit lost. She belted her robe.
"Come in," she said and held the door open for him. "You sounded strange over the phone."
"Sorry about that, but I brought your photo." He handed it to her.
"Thanks, James," she said and placed it in a side chair.
"Sorry to come by so late, but we need to talk." He hated having to do this but it's for the best; he knew that now.
Her heart constricted. "Alright, what is it?"
"I've been thinking about you and me, and I don't think this is going to work," he told her bluntly.
Stunned for a second, she asked, "Are you giving up on us?"
That's a strange way to put it, but it was true. "Yes, I have." Feeling so many things, she turned from him.
He followed her. "Kara, look, Mon-El coming to Earth; I don't think it was a coincidence that he arrived here in a Kryptonian spaceship. I think maybe you two," he hesitated hating to even think it.
Shocked he would say such a thing, she asked, "Oh, so now you're planning my life for me and who I should be with?" He was silent. "I decide who I want and I don't need you planning my life and besides I'm just helping him; that's all."
He held in a smile. "Sit down for a minute." She sat down but didn't look at him. "You say that now, but maybe because of how he looks and acts?" She looked totally confused. "He sort of reminds me of … you."
"That's crazy."
"Is it? Just look at the way he's dressed: the glasses, the awkward demeanor, trying to act outside of who he really is; and the way he wants to please you by doing those things."
"James, that makes no sense. He's not doing those things to please me." She paused. "Look, I'm not trying to change Mon-El into me."
He raised his eyebrows. She didn't say more. "Look, it may not have been a conscious decision, but maybe in a weird sort of way, you're trying to right the wrongs that were done to him because of the way he came here." She was silent. "Daxam exploded because of Krypton's mistakes. Isn't that true?"
She nodded, but didn't reply.
"Look at me Kara. Please don't feel like you have to be with me because you feel obligated or you feel bad if something were to happen to me."
She shook her head at him. "Is that what you think, that I'm with you because I feel obligated?"
"It has crossed my mind," he sadly replied.
She took his hand. "That's not true." She paused and thought of the past few months. "I do love you."
His eyes came up at that. "I know you do; but as a friend."
"Yes, as a friend, but it's more than that."
Dare he even hope. "How much more?"
She chuckled. "Enough to tell you that I don't want to give up on us, if you stop trying to run my life." He ducked his head. "James, I know I've been unsure about us, about all of it, but this one thing is important to me." He didn't seem to believe her. "What do I have to say that you'll believe me?"
"Well, you could show me?" He smiled.
"Come here," she whispered, leaned in, and kissed him passionately.
He kissed her back thrilled to be close to her like this. Running his fingers through her hair, he pulled her closer, slanting his lips across hers. Her mouth opened spurring him on. He could feel her softness beneath her clothes. Groaning, he moved his hand slowly down her back and then he stopped unsure how to continue. After a few more kisses, both breathing heavily, he whispered, "Am I dreaming?"
"No, this isn't a dream," she replied and smiled at him then she kissed him again.
More kisses were exchanged until it just wasn't enough. His kisses flowed across her cheek to her throat. He stopped again. "Kara?" He asked a silent question. "You know I want you more than anything else in this world."
All Kara could do was feel. "I know and I think we're almost there; now shut up and kiss me."
He smiled. "As you wish."
The end!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: I Just Can't Stop Loving You, Michael Jackson.
A/N: Well, this may feel unfinished, because it is. I may have another story, or I may pick up this one. The fall hiatus is just around the corner, and my Muse may have more to say. Thank you for reading. Until next time, take care! And please review. Thanks again.
