Tess gulped for air, shooting up like a bullet. Pain exploded in her abdomen. She winced laying back down. She steadied her breathing. She could hear someone talking but couldn't understand what they were saying. It was all jumbled, random sounds echoing around her, sounding as hazy as her vision. Everything was a blurred white and gray. She felt numb, only slightly aware of the cold metal under her fingers. Still, this amount of sense was overwhelming. For months she couldn't feel anything. The pain was the only thing resembling clarity. That was sharp, piercing. Moving hurt, breathing hurt, existing hurt. The pain would be enough to overwhelm anyone. But that, on top of her other senses ranging from out of order to nearly gone. She nearly panicked. Breathe, she reminded herself. She hadn't had to do it for months. Of course in the beginning, she did it out of habit but slowly and surely she stopped. In your nose, out your mouth, she thought. "Breathe, Ms. Mercer. We have to get your oxygen levels up," first thing she heard. She snorted, then winced regretting the movement. It's clear whoever this is had spent many years as a scientist if they knew you had to breathe, she thought sarcastically. Her vision slowly became clear. Her breathing became regular. "We were able to stitch up your wound, but it'll probably hurt for a while more." Genius, truly genius. "Your brother is waiting outside. Would you like to see him?" She nodded, her voice still recovering from lack of use. A door opened somewhere behind her. "You scared me there, sis. Just disappearing like that," Lex greeted. "I try," she croaked, voice hoarse. He laughed lightly. "How long does she have to stay?" he asked the scientists. "We'd just like to make sure everything stays stable. She probably needs to get used to moving again." She sat up, wincing the whole way. "You okay?" Lex asked, helping his sister. She swung her legs off the edge, stiffly. She twirled her feet, trying to stretch them. She nodded, rolling her shoulders. She then looked up at Lex with a smile. "I think so." *+*+*+*+*+*+ "What's up, Lex?" Oliver asked as the bald man strode into his office. "Hey, Mercy," he put up a hand in greeting even though he couldn't see her. "I got your call but you weren't very clear." Lex smiles. "I have my reasons. There's someone here that wants to see you." "I don't know if you've noticed, Lex, but we're not exactly friends with the same people," Oliver pointed out cautiously. "Trust me," Lex answered. The door behind Oliver opens and he turns around, slightly exasperated. Any annoyance he felt a moment prior immediately dissipated. The world around him slowed. Everything became crisper, clearer. The air was sucked out of him. His jaw dropped. "Mercy?" She smiled in the doorway. "I didn't think I'd get the chance to talk to you again. Now I don't know what to say," Tess explained. He couldn't remember doing it, but next thing he knew he was standing right in front of her. He cupped her face, feeling that familiar electricity at their touch. Her eyes bore into his. He smiled. "Then don't." He slowly leaned down and she tilted her face up to meet his. His lips captured her in a slow, loving kiss. He broke the kiss and held her, still slightly shocked and not entirely convinced that it wasn't another dream. Her fingers played through his hair, giving him the comfort only she was ever able to give. Tears began to well up in his eyes. "Shhh, I'm here." He buried his face in the crook of her neck. "I'm not going anywhere." He kissed her neck as she rested her head on his shoulder. She rubbed circles on his back. "I love you," he whispered. "I love you, too." Lex sat back with a smile, glad to see his sister happy, even if it was with Queen. A/N: Sorry, I did not realize I had yet to post this last chapter. Thanks to all who faved, reviewed, and followed. Special thanks to LanaaLuthor who is the best at leaving reviews and keeps up my inspiration to finish things (even if I forget to post them)