Chapter 16 - Home

As they approached the front desk of Cat's residential tower, Alex's eyes widened with concern as she glanced to Kara's tunic, cursing herself for relaxing too much before they were actually safely bedded down in the penthouse.

"Good evening, Randolph," Cat said with a smile for the man, who looked up from his magazine.

"Good to see you again, Miss Grant," Randy said with a warm smile for the woman who refused to call him 'Randy' - the nickname clearly displayed on his name tag. His smile faded slightly as the auburn-haired woman swiftly stepped in front of Kara, slightly bumping Miss Grant in the process, before saying, "hold this" and shoving a duffle bag into Kara's chest.

Kara curiously looked down at the bag as she grabbed it uncertainly.

"As you can see, I have guests," Cat said with a thin smile, hoping he would just ignore Alex, which was difficult at the best of times, and nearly impossible as Alex firmly said, "higher," lifting the bag so that Kara held it over her family crest.

Eliza just smiled pleasantly at the guard.

"Please place them on the access list," Cat said politely, drawing Randy's curious gaze back to her.

"Sure thing, Miss Grant. All I'll need is some ID and signatures," he said, pulling out some paperwork.

"Eye dee?" Kara asked with curious concern, prompting Eliza to look at Alex, who looked back to Kara.

"No need to worry, Kara. You're already on the list," Randy helpfully offered. "Besides, I can vouch for you," he added with a wink, not noticing Cat and Alex's immediate displeasure, which appeared for decidedly different reasons.

"Oh," Kara said and smiled. "Thank you."

He smiled widely and reviewed Eliza and Alex's driver's licenses "So the Danvers come to visit. Did you get Miss Grant to host a game night or something?" he asked Kara good-naturedly.

Kara looked to Alex curiously.

"Randolph, have the requirements changed?" Cat asked curiously. "I don't recall that information necessary for placing them on the access list, which I would very much like to do . . . ," she said, glancing at her watch, then him pointedly. " . . . before the turn of the century."

"Uh, of course Miss Grant," he sputtered uncomfortably and promptly finished his task without further small talk.

SGSG

As the elevator doors closed, Alex tersely asked Cat, "So, how many people do you think your crack security team usually vouch for?"

Cat sighed and looked at Alex. "Zero. In spite of Randolph's unnecessary . . . familiarity with some guests, he has come close to bodily harm from my mother when she arrived and erroneously presumed she could come to my penthouse unannounced after I took her off the list. He has earned my confidence," Cat offered, reluctantly defending the irritatingly flirtatious guard.

"Oh," Alex blurted awkwardly, mildly appeased . . . and disturbed . . . by the testimony. "You don't think she'll show up unannounced again?" she asked with concern.

Cat laughed without humor. "While her timing has always been impeccably bad, I highly doubt it," she answered briskly.

With all conversation awkwardly halted, the only sound heard besides the mechanical hum of the elevator was Kara shifting the duffle bag to free her hand to gently grasp Cat's for the remainder of the ride.

SGSG

"Finally!" Cat exhaled with relief, opening up her penthouse door and entered, followed by Kara, Alex, and Eliza.

"You have a beautiful home, Cat," Eliza said, glancing around appreciatively. "Thank you so much for having all of us."

"You don't have to keep thanking me, Eliza. It was the most logical and comfortable choice to come here. Now, there are two rooms available. Carter's, which has a twin, and the guest room, which has king," Cat said.

Kara frowned. "A twin . . . a king . . . in the room?"

Alex smirked and explained, "Bed sizes. A twin is for one person. A king will comfortably fit two people."

"Oh. Why would a bed for one person be called a twin?" Kara asked.

"It is called a twin because historically a pair of these smaller beds would be put in one room, for siblings or couples who wanted to sleep in the same room but not share a bed," Cat said patiently with a smile.

"You shared a room with Alex growing up and had twin beds," Eliza chimed in.

Kara smiled at the explanation and information. "Thank you."

"If you are hungry, help yourself," Cat offered. "The refrigerator and pantry are well stocked. I also have sleepwear if you need it."

"I'm good," Alex said, retrieving her duffle bag from Kara. Eliza shook her head no, patting the small travel bag on her shoulder.

"I can sleep in this," Kara said, glancing down to her clothes.

"Nonsense. I'll be right back," Cat said and headed to her room.

"Kara, sweetie? Normally you and Alex would bunk together but I think until you grow more comfortable around us, Alex and I should take the guest room," Eliza suggested.

Alex's face fell with disappointment, but she understood. "Good idea," she said reluctantly with a forced smile.

Cat returned with the sleepwear and held out a pair of grey sweat pants and an over-sized blue tee-shirt.

Kara smiled curiously when she saw the House of El sigil on both items.

Alex and Eliza's amused looks prompted Cat to explain, "My son is a huge fan of all things super. He bought me that for my birthday."

"Sure, Cat," Alex needled.

"Alex," Eliza scolded with exasperation, making Cat smile, glad to have someone who could help temper the Agent's teasing.

"People buy our family's sigil?" Kara asked, never having heard of such a thing.

"Yes. But merchandizing that symbol for charity is a discussion for later," Cat said, feeling mildly bad for cutting Kara off, but they all needed to sleep. "Have you decided on sleeping arrangements?" she asked looking at Alex and Eliza.

"We have. Kara will take Carter's room and Alex and I will take the guest room," Eliza said.

Cat felt sympathy for Alex, whose face showed what she thought of that decision. But everyone knew things were going to be different with Kara for a while.

"All right. Let me show you to your rooms," Cat said politely and led the women down a hall.

"The guest room," Cat announced, stopping and motioning to the room on the right. Alex and Eliza entered, glancing around the warmly decorated, large room. "Lovely," Eliza said, putting her bag on the bed. "Very nice," Alex agreed, appreciating the en-suite.

"It's designed for my mother, though she has never stayed here," Cat said with a half-hearted shrug. "It's nice for it to finally be of use."

Kara frowned at the admission, wondering how a mother could be so detached from her child.

"Well, Kara, good nigh . . . , uh, morning," Alex said awkwardly, embracing her sister. "I'm so glad you are back with us," she whispered, tightening the hug.

"Rest easy, Alex," Kara said warmly, gaining a happy grin before Alex nodded to Cat and disappeared into the bedroom's en-suite.

"Sleep well, sweetie," Eliza said with a warm smile. Looking her over with a keen eye, before shaking her head in amazement. "I am so relieved, Kara. So relieved," she said as tears welled up. She hugged her tightly, now with two strong arms.

"Rao has blessed me, Eliza," Kara said softly, drinking in the genuine, unexpectedly familiar affection.

"We all are blessed, Kara," Eliza said with a bright smile as she wiped a stray tear. "Thank you, Cat," she said emotionally, before heading into the bedroom and closing the door.

Cat placed her hand at Kara's back and escorted her to the room across the hall.

"You know, the Fortress has lights to lead the way," Kara mentioned, eyeing Cat with amusement.

"Well, I haven't managed to acquire a fortress of my own yet," she said airily with a shrug.

"I am sure it is only a matter of time, Cathrine," Kara responded to the willful woman, who smiled as they walked into Carter's room.

Cat couldn't help but chuckle when Kara's mouth dropped, seeing the Supergirl poster on his wall. "That's . . . me," she said with amazement.

"He's going to kill me when he finds out you saw his room," Cat said, shaking her head.

"Kill you? Like your shoes?" Kara said, glancing at her impractical foot wear.

"Not quite," she said, rolling her eyes. "But he will be displeased with me and embarrassed that you know he's such a big fan . . . a fanatic," Cat said with a smile.

"Ah," Kara said, nodding, then admitted "It is a bit disconcerting to see this," she motioned to the poster.

"I suppose I could take it down if it bothers you," Cat offered reluctantly.

"Oh no! I would not want to disturb your son's things . . . which seem to be covered in my family's sigil," she said with a small smile, noting the Supergirl bedspread, pillows, notebook, eraser, pencil . . . .

"A fanatic," Cat offered with a smile, which was followed by a big yawn. "Oh dear," she said with some embarrassment.

"You need sleep," Kara said warmly, then added innocently, "space travel can be tiring,"

"So I've discovered," Cat said flatly, causing Kara to chuckle softly.

Cat shook her head, then yawned again.

"I will be fine here, Catherine. Go. Rest. You've definitely earned it," Kara said with a smile, standing by the bed.

Cat found herself reluctant to leave, but was really exhausted. "Sleep well, Kara," she said, disappointed Kara didn't initiate a hug, when she had been surprisingly tactile during the day. But she shrugged it off and reached out to gently squeeze Kara's arm before retiring for the evening.

SGSGSG

After her usual nightly ablutions, which she found great comfort in after stressful days, Cat donned her pajamas. They were a far cry from her usual silk nightgowns, but deemed prudent around company, should there be some urgent need to leave her bedroom in the middle of the night. And given the circumstances and her luck so far, she considered that a good possibility.

With a huge yawn, she slipped under her covers and closed her eyes with a heavy exhale, trying to settle her chaotic thoughts. But her mind could not help but review the day's insane events . . . confronting Alex in her apartment and learning more than she expected, and thankfully, gaining an ally, even if she now had to endure relentless teasing. Then confronting the agents in the DEO, who surprisingly were more impressive than she would have ever expected and more importantly, Kara's friends. Well, except for the few traitors among their midst who worked for Lillian Luthor.

After a few moments, she turned on her side, and let out another heavy exhale, trying to push the Luthor name out of her thoughts and just focus on something positive. Like how truly brave Kara was in the face of such adversity. Both before Myriad and after. And impressively graceful. And kind. Always so kind.

After a few more moments, Cat turned again, onto her other side. She had nearly fallen asleep in Kara's arms at the DEO. Now? She couldn't seem to settle her thoughts or stop from missing Kara's comforting embrace. Though even if in Kara's embrace, she knew she would still be restless, not knowing how much danger Kara was in.

Cat suddenly sat up in her bed and grabbed her cell phone, sorted through her contacts, and pressed call. It rang a few times before someone answered.

"Are you drunk?" A woman's groggy voice asked.

"No. Unfortunately," Cat said bluntly. "Is he there?"

"Clark is away . . . on business. Do you even know what time it is?" Lois asked tersely.

"That's not important, Lois," Cat snapped. "What is important is that we have a Luthor gunning for my Kryptonian!"

"Lex is in jail," Lois countered with a certainty that started to waver as she became much more awake.

"And his mother is not," Cat said tersely. "Lillian arranged an assassination attempt on Kara!"

"Uh . . . I'm not sure I'm following . . . " Lois said hesitantly.

"For God's sake, Lois. I know. Didn't your boy scout tell you?"

Lois frowned. He did not, though he had been extremely busy recently. But she knew Cat was no fool. And after everything they had been through together, Lois trusted her.

"He said she was awake but with memory loss. He never mentioned an assassination attempt," Lois said with irritation, planning on talking with him about burying the goddamn lede!

"Lillian arranged an attack on the DEO while her spineless minion tried to kill Kara while she was in a coma!"

"Jesus. After she saved everyone!" Lois growled, then quickly added, "What do you need?" Cat sighed in relief at the offer.

"Well, for starters, I know you have extensive files on Lex. With him in jail, his holdings are being managed by Lillian," Cat said with irritation. "I am certain she will not be content to remain hidden for long. We need . . . I need," Cat amended, admitting her vulnerability. "to know her strengths and weaknesses. Where she might be hiding."

"What the hell is the DEO doing about this?"

"They are trying to find Lillian, but they were infiltrated. I do not know how deep or widespread Lillian's influence is, but I'd bet my Jimmy Choos there are more like-minded bigots there, and possibly higher up in the government. Frankly, you are the only one I can completely trust to not tip her off if we find something useful," Cat admitted uncomfortably.

"Well, shit."

"Yes, well, imagine my dismay. Of course, you'll be acknowledged in anything CATCO writes related to Lillian."

"What's more important is getting that Luthor bitch," Lois said with exasperation. "I care for Kara too, you know. How is she doing?"

"Coping with amazing grace," Cat said with admiration. "With everything she has been through, she is still so kind and caring. I don't know how she does it," she admitted.

"Simple. She's just better than us," Lois laughed.

"True," she chuckled, then grew quiet before softly adding, "Thank you, Lois."

"No need for that, Kitty Cat. We are a hunting!" Lois declared and hung up.

SGSG

Still dressed in the Supergirl tee-shirt and sweats with a head of disheveled hair, Kara emerged from Carter's bedroom to the smell of food. She followed the smell to the kitchen and smiled, immediately feeling the rejuvenating warmth of the bright yellow sunshine that flooded the airy penthouse. Her smile grew when she saw Cat cooking as Eliza was pouring herself a cup of brown liquid. Alex sat at the large kitchen counter, eating. The three were already dressed for the day.

"Nice of you to finally join us," Alex called out after a swallow, noting the time was 1 PM.

"How did you sleep, sweetie?" Eliza asked, reaching out to rub Kara's arm affectionately.

"Very well. I trust all of you did as well," Kara said, looking between the three, getting two nods.

"Are you hungry, Kara?" Cat said, pouring more batter onto the griddle.

"Yes," Kara said with a smile.

"You never have to ask that, Cat. The answer is always yes," Alex joked. Her smile faded at Kara's thoughtful look. "Hey, I didn't mean anything bad by that," she said apologetically.

"I'm not bothered. So far, that has been accurate," Kara said with a smile. Alex grinned.

"That is a good sign, Kara. Your appetite is usually a good barometer for your health," Eliza offered.

"I must be amazingly healthy. I am famished," Kara joked.

"There's plenty of food. Have a seat, Kara," Cat said, walking towards her with a plate stacked with pancakes and several sausage links.

Kara's stomach growled as she sat next to Alex.

Kara looked down, then at Alex and Eliza, who were smiling knowingly. "Does this always happen? It is annoying," she announced with a frown, making Cat chuckle.

"Not when you're properly fed," Alex said, sipping her coffee. "This is all great. Thanks, Cat," Alex said, pleasing her mother that she had some manners.

Cat smiled. "My pleasure."

"What is this food called?" Kara asked Cat as she sat down next to Kara.

"Pancakes and sausages," she said, pointing to each item, adding, "Butter and syrup are condiments commonly put on the pancakes." Cat took the liberty of pouring some maple syrup on Kara's plate so she could sample it.

"It smells wonderful," she said, picking up a fork and knife, cutting a piece of pancake.

"Mmmm," she said as she happily chewed and swallowed. "This is very good. Earth has such wonderful food," Kara said, cutting another bite of pancake and dipping it in the syrup. "I have visited twelve worlds and none of their food is nearly as good."

"Well, there's an endorsement my readers would be delighted to hear," Cat smiled, knowing she would squeeze that tidbit into a Supergirl article at some point.

"Well, to be completely fair, I have to say, my grandmother's treats were best of all. Everything was made with love," Kara said fondly.

"Your grandmother's treats will have some competition with Mom's chocolate pecan pie," Alex offered with a grin.

Kara looked to Eliza with clear interest.

Eliza chuckled with a slight smile. "I sense I have some baking in my immediate future."

"Would you like more apple juice?" Cat asked Kara, who had just finished her glass.

"Please," Kara said, holding out her glass, which shattered in her hand. She gasped.

"Here we go," Eliza muttered under her breath, sharing a concerned look with Alex, then went to find something to help clean up the mess.

"Rao! I am so sorry!" Kara said, staring at the shards a moment in shock before moving, intending to clean up the pieces.

"Stop!" Cat commanded and Kara froze. "First, let me look at your hand," she said, making Kara show her. Cat carefully inspected the offered hand and nodded. "Good, no cuts or shards."

Eliza came back with a dust pan and brush.

"I really am sorry," Kara said, glancing at the glass debris on the floor worriedly.

"Kara, I've got plenty of glasses," Cat said dismissively. "So her powers are starting to come back?" She asked as Eliza quickly swept up the glass with an efficiency that bespoke great practice.

"It would seem so. While normally good news, this time without her memories, it's not going to be easy for her," Eliza said, putting the glass in the trash.

Alex frowned sympathetically, looking at a dejected Kara.

"Kara, it'll be rough for a while as you learn, but when you do? You are really going to love your powers," Alex promised with a grin.

Kara looked at her skeptically, still feeling guilty for breaking Catherine's glass.

When they returned to eating, Kara did not contribute to the conversation in spite of everyone's attempt involve her. She was too busy concentrating on her every move to avoid another mishap. She would have preferred to sit quietly and not touch anything, but she was just too hungry.

Cat shook her head, unable to watch Kara's skittish behavior anymore. "Kara," she said with exasperation, getting an uneasy look. "I'm a wealthy woman and can replace anything in this penthouse," she said, waving her hand around the room. "You are going to break things. Accept it. Learn from it," she said pointedly.

Kara nodded slowly, knowing Catherine's words had merit. "My father would tell me we learn the most from our mistakes."

"Sounds like a wise man," Cat said warmly.

"I must admit I doubted his wisdom. His cooking never improved," Kara said with a small smile, enjoying Catherine's chuckle. Still cautious but not as nervous, Kara managed to finish eating with only one more mishap, bending her fork. She muttered in Kryptonian and bent it back . . . to nearly the same shape.

As Eliza helped Cat clean up after the meal, Alex sighed, feeling bad for her sister. "I know the situation sucks but . . . ," she said and rolled her eyes when confusion crossed Kara's face. "Sucks is another way to say it's bad or undesired,"

"It sucks," Kara agreed bluntly.

Alex laughed, then looked at her oddly. "Your hair is a mess. Let's go get my brush," Alex informed her. Kara sighed and nodded, getting off of her kitchen stool. The back of the wooden seat broke off in her hand with a loud crack.

Kara just stared at the piece of wood in her hand, mortified.

"Well, Kara, I have been thinking about redecorating. You're giving me an excellent excuse to get to it now," Cat said breezily with an easy smile that masked her worry.

"I've got it," Alex said gently and carefully took the broken piece from Kara's hand.

Kara's hands suddenly shot up to her ears.

"Ahh!" Kara doubled over in pain. "Too . . . loud!"

"Focus on just one sound, Kara," Alex said quietly, kneeling down beside her, rubbing her back. "Just my voice. Focus on my voice and block every thing else out," she said, softly repeating "just focus to my voice."

"Oh Rao! It hurts!" She whimpered as tears fell.

"Just focus on my voice, Kara," Alex repeated calmly.

Cat watched Kara's painful struggle, feeling utterly useless when every fiber in her wanted to help; she just didn't know how.

SGSGSG

After several agonizing minutes for everyone, Kara settled down and managed some control. She and Alex were sitting next to each other on the couch, with Alex quietly explaining her hearing powers to her as her hand rubbed her back soothingly.

Cat stood next to Eliza in the kitchen, still feeling useless. "Good God, Eliza," she whispered. "How did you ever manage?"

"Kara needed us," Eliza said simply, and noted Kara looking up at her. "Now Kara, it is not polite to listen in on conversations," she gently scolded.

"I . . . am sorry," Kara said with embarrassment, focusing on Alex, who was now brushing her hair.

"Your hearing is one of your more underrated powers. You can listen to voices or heartbeats and find people. One time you . . . ," Alex said, relaying some super-hearing stories.

"I am encouraged, though," Eliza offered softly to Cat.

"For her powers coming back?" Cat asked quietly.

"That, and she seems to be gaining control of her hearing more quickly than before," Eliza offered. "Perhaps it's from muscle memory," she considered thoughtfully.

"Well, Alex seems to know exactly what to do. That has to help," Cat offered.

Eliza nodded and smiled, looking at her daughter proudly. "Alex, honey?"

Alex looked up.

"Can I borrow your car? I was thinking of getting her spare glasses, hopefully before her vision powers kick in."

"Good idea," Alex immediately said, squeezing Kara's shoulder before retreating to the guest room to get the key from her duffle bag.

Kara sighed and practiced the listening exercises Alex told her about. Listening to Alex's heartbeat as she went to the guest room, she managed to block out most of the painful noise but some stray loud sounds, like car horns and sirens occasionally broke through, causing her to wince.

"Glasses?" Cat asked curiously, watching Kara still struggle with a sympathetic frown. "So there really is a reason for her to wear them, besides a poor attempt to hide her identity?"

"Jeremiah, my husband, made lead-lined glasses for Kara, to dampen her vision powers. Suddenly having x-ray vision and not being able to control it is a bit scary. And then, there is the heat vision," she said with a grimace, recalling the unique damage that had caused. "Though that usually doesn't manifest itself as quickly as super hearing and x-ray vision."

"Is there a particular order her powers come back?" Cat asked.

"Not that we can accurately predict. Especially with this unique situation," Eliza said.

"How wonderful. It's a surprise!" Cat said, feigning enthusiasm.

"Yep."

Alex returned and handed over her car keys to Eliza.

"Thank you, Alex," she said before heading to the door to begin her mission to Kara's apartment.

Cat walked her out and said, "Drive safely, Eliza. We'll manage fine while you're gone. No need to rush."

"Or dent my car," Alex added with a sweet smile.

"Seriously, Alex?" Cat countered with irritation. Eliza just shook her head and left.