Epilogue
In the hushed morning hours, well before the trial's start, Mon-El finds himself restless, a night devoid of sleep. Nervous energy courses through him, a palpable tension that has built up over months of anticipation and clandestine existence in the safe house. Today marks the day of his mother's trial, a culmination of both dread and expectation.
Alex shares his concerns, a double-edged worry about Rhea's impending court case and the lingering apprehension of potential loose ends that could threaten all of them. Mon-El, however, hasn't truly processed the tangled web of emotions from the incident involving him, his mother, and Alex. It's not that he hasn't ruminated on it every day; rather, the weight of it all has prevented any semblance of moving on. The inability to let go gnaws at him, an insidious force eating away at his core.
To Kara's dismay, this internal struggle has transformed him into a reticent shell of himself. The burden he carries feels too heavy to unload onto Kara, who, despite expressing gratitude for his presence and admiration for his resilience, can't escape the sorrow etched across her face. He recognizes the dimming of her light, a subtle shadow that his unresolved pain casts upon her.
Mon-El grapples with the desire to open up, to share the load with someone like Kelly, but an unsettling question lingers—will he become a burden to her too? The weight of unspoken words compounds, an uncharted emotional territory he fears venturing into.
As Mon-El spirals into the depths of his thoughts, Kara awakens to an empty side of the bed, an immediate realization that something isn't right. Hastily throwing aside the covers, she locates him on the couch, catching in the throes of almost uncontrollable hyperventilation. Concern etches across her features as she kneels in front of him, hands gently gripping his knees to coax him into meeting her gaze.
"Look at me," she urges, her voice a soothing anchor as she guides him through calming breaths. Once the rhythm of his breathing steadies, Kara rises, leading him back into the bedroom. Understanding the profound trauma Mon-El is grappling with, she takes charge, preparing a warm bath and selecting the clothes he'll wear for the trial.
This situation is alien to Kara; she hasn't experienced it firsthand, but witnessing the aftermath of Rhea's arrest triggered Mon-El's emotional breakdown. Despite her reassurances, nightmares persist, and her usual comforting embraces prove insufficient. Seeking guidance, she turns to Eliza, trying to comprehend how to support Mon-El. Eliza's suggestion of breathing exercises becomes a remedy of sorts, though Mon-El, in his characteristic manner, attempts to shield her from the weight of his struggles. Kara notices the swift transition to nonchalant queries after nightmares or panic attacks, a subtle effort to avoid burdening her.
Mon-El steps out of the bathroom, his eyes falling on the meticulously laid-out clothes. A smile graces his lips, though not as radiant as usual, conveying a deep sense of gratitude. It's a silent acknowledgment of the indispensable support he has received from Kara. As he begins dressing, Kara, in turn, disappears into the shower. Notably, he leaves his tie undone, a subtle yet symbolic gesture.
Emerging from the shower in a breathtaking sundress, Kara captures Mon-El's attention. Her radiant smile warms his heart, and he returns the gesture. She approaches, skillfully tying his tie. In a moment of vulnerability, he admits, "I like it better when you do it," maintaining a smile as a shield against the encroaching anxiety. Kara completes the task, her hand smoothing out any wrinkles on his chest.
As she finishes, Kara looks into his eyes, a soft kiss bridging the gap before she wraps her arms tightly around him. Her words are a soothing balm, "We're safe. She won't hurt us. Okay? We're going to be okay." Mon-El nods in agreement, intertwining his fingers with hers, reassurance emanating from the connection.
But when they arrive at the courthouse, Mon-El's anxiety reaches new heights. His heart feels like it's pounding out of his chest, breaths coming in short and fast. Kara, ever perceptive, gently grabs his arm, redirecting his attention to the crowd gathered to support him. Friends old and new, some made under the guise of Mike Matthews, surround him. Kara guides him toward the group, the collective warmth providing a stark contrast to the cold grip of anxiety.
Amid the supporters, Lena Luthor, his former boss, steps forward with an apology laden with guilt. "I'm sorry for involving my mother in my suspicions. I didn't know she would do that to you. I-I didn't know she was involved in all of th—" Mon-El, wearing a reassuring smile, shakes his head, dismissing her culpability. "It's not your fault," he says, taking a deep breath to reaffirm to himself that the blame isn't his either.
Shaking off the lingering thoughts, he proceeds to introduce his friends, bridging the gap between his past and present. "Guys, these are Lena, my previous boss, James, the CEO, Jack, the CFO, and Kelly, James' sister slash my therapist. I met them while I was in witness protection." He gestures to each person as he names them. "Guys, these are Kara, Winn, Barry, Iris, Alex, John—" Mon-El starts, only to be swiftly interrupted by Jack.
"Wait. Did you say Kara?" Jack asks, puzzled."I thought you said her name was Clara. Clara Anders." The unexpected revelation turns Mon-El's face a deep shade of red. Kara, suppressing laughter, can't resist teasing, "Clara Anders?" amplifying Mon-El's embarrassment.
"I-I had to disguise you too...because I almost blurted your real name, so I had to improvise." Mon-El gazes down at Kara with a sheepish grin. "I missed you so much." Kara leans up, giving him a quick peck before playfully wiping her lip gloss from his lips. She then turns to the Metropolis group and confidently introduces herself as Kara Danvers, Mon-El's girlfriend.
"So if she's Kara Danvers, I'm assuming that sister Lexi, the one you were afraid of, is Alex, yes?" Jack's straightforward question earns him an angry glare from Mon-El. Why does he have to be so blunt? A mischievous smirk appears on Alex's face as she gazes at Mon-El with amusement.
"So, Lexi Anders scares you, huh?" she teases, maintaining the smirk. Mon-El quietly shifts his position to stand behind Kara, prompting laughter from the group. His face couldn't get any redder. So he almost kisses Barry for suggesting they take their seats, dispersing the group, but Kara holds Mon-El in place, a confused expression on his face.
"Wha—" he starts to ask, but she guides him in a different direction. "What's wrong?" Mon-El asks, concerned that something bad is about to happen. Kara's next words ease his guard. "I want to introduce you to someone..." She continues leading him away from their friends, "Well...two someones." She adds before stopping in front of two shorter women.
Mon-El turns to Kara, a bit confused, but she doesn't look at him and addresses one of the women. "Mrs. Williams?" Kara calls out, and a brunette woman turns around before the younger blonde. Mon-El offers the woman a small, polite smile, but he's sure that the confusion on his face is quite clear.
"Mon," Kara continues to explain, "This is Regina Williams and her daughter Izzy. You were actually trying to save Izzy when you were attacked last year." Kara adds, an inexplicable look on her face. Still confused, Mon-El smiles at the women and apologizes for failing at the rescue. But Izzy shakes her head and throws her arms around him in a tight hug, catching him off guard. He awkwardly pats her back, his eyes flickering from Kara's to Izzy's mother—both of whom are tearing up at the scene.
"Wh—" Mon-El tries to divert his confusion when Mrs. Williams cuts him off, nearly knocking him over with the following words. "You've grown so much since I last saw you, Mon-El." she said in a tone that resonated with warmth and motherly affection.
As Mrs. Williams uttered those words, a wave of emotion surged through Mon-El, nearly knocking him off balance. The recognition hit him like a tidal wave, and his eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and joy.
"G-Genie?" he stammered, desperately seeking confirmation from Kara. Her radiant smile, filled with the assurance he sought, was all the confirmation he needed. Overwhelmed by the realization that someone from his past, someone who had cared for him, was standing before him, Mon-El's composure shattered.
In an instant, he rushed towards the brunette, pulling her into a tight embrace. The floodgates of emotion burst open, and Mon-El found himself in a full-on sob. Regina, understanding the depth of this reunion, joined him in the hug, rubbing his back and whispering soothing words. The room was enveloped in a powerful swirl of tears and smiles, a profound moment of catharsis for Mon-El as he reconnected with the only mother figure from his past.
Months ago, Kara had enlisted Barry and Winn to delve into the shadows of Rhea's past, specifically searching for any caretakers employed by Rhea around the time of Mon-El's birth. Despite the challenge posed by the passage of time, the duo's skills unearthed a glimpse of the elusive 'Genie' in an old photo, discreetly pushing a stroller behind Rhea. This breadcrumb led them to Regina's current identity, which they confirmed through a cross-match with her work ID.
Upon recognition, Kara reached out to Regina, initiating a conversation about her history with Rhea and, more importantly, with Mon-El. The hope lingered in Kara's heart that the bond Mon-El cherished was equally special for Regina. Thankfully, it was. Regina hadn't forgotten the little boy she had cared for since she was just 18, desperately seeking employment. What started as a job became a deep connection with him.
When questioned about her abrupt departure without a trace, especially given that pregnancy couldn't be a reason as Izzy was only 18, Regina revealed a chilling tale. She had overheard something she wasn't meant to, something she didn't fully comprehend at the time. In response, Rhea had issued threats against Regina and her family, coercing her into signing a nondisclosure agreement and vanishing without a trace. Regina assumed that Rhea's operatives kidnapped Izzy, because they moved back to National City a few years ago.
As Mon-El reluctantly pulls away from the embrace, tears streaking down his face, he manages to stammer out, "I couldn't re-remember what you l-looked like...o-or w-what your r-real name was. I-I wanted to find you." His voice trembles with the weight of years spent longing for a connection lost. The idea of ever meeting 'Genie' again felt like a flicker of hope in the darkest of nights. The impossible dream has woven itself into reality, and it's all thanks to Kara — the unwavering force that binds and shapes his fractured family.
Regina, standing there with a demeanor as comforting as a familiar lullaby, responds with tenderness, "You wouldn't have been able to even if you tried, Mon-El." Her voice carries the assurance of someone who understands the intricate dance of fate. "But I'm here now, ok? I'm not leaving you again." A warm smile, laden with the sweetness of rekindled connections, graces her lips. Mon-El, feeling the warmth of her embrace, pulls her into another tight hug, as if trying to anchor himself in this moment, to solidify the reality of having a piece of his past restored.
Their tender moment is abruptly interrupted by two guards, a harsh reminder that the trial is about to commence. Mon-El looks at Kara, fear rekindled in his eyes. She strides up to him, firmly clasping his hand in hers. Together, with Regina on his other side, she leads Mon-El and Izzy into the courtroom.
Mon-El freezes as his eyes lock onto the piercing gaze of Rhea. The fear, deeply rooted, threatens to engulf him. However, Kara, a steadfast anchor in his storm, intervenes with a tender arm tug. Leaning up, she whispers, "You're going to be safe. She can't hurt you anymore." Her words, a soothing melody, guide him back from the precipice of his fears. Mon-El inhales deeply, allowing her assurances to permeate his trembling core, and he eases into the seat positioned between Regina and Kara just as the prosecutor commences their opening statement.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," The prosecutor starts, "today we stand here to unveil the sinister truth behind the actions of Rhea Gand, a woman who, in her role as the ringleader, meticulously orchestrated a vast and nefarious human trafficking network."
"Our case rests upon a foundation of undeniable evidence—eyewitness accounts that pierce through the darkness, financial records that trace the ill-gotten gains, and intercepted communications that form a chilling narrative of her involvement in these heinous crimes."
"As we proceed, you will hear the harrowing testimonies of survivors—those who endured unspeakable suffering under Mrs. Gand's command. Their voices, unyielding and resolute, will paint a vivid picture of the devastation wrought by the accused. We ask you to lend them your ears and your hearts, for through their stories, the truth will emerge, stark and unmistakable. Rhea Gand's hands are stained with the blood and suffering of the innocent, and it is our duty to expose her malevolent deeds and seek justice for those who have been silenced by her cruel machinations."
"Moreover, our case includes a multitude of witnesses whose insight goes beyond the experiences of the survivors. We will present the testimony of her own son, a witness and victim to her actions, shedding light on the inner workings of this criminal enterprise. Additionally, individuals who worked directly with her, such as Regina Williams and Veronica Sinclair, will share their accounts, offering a comprehensive view of the accused's culpability. Together, these witnesses will form an unassailable chorus of truth, revealing the depth of Rhea Gand's involvement in the reprehensible crimes before us."
Midday arrives, bringing a respite from the tension-laden courtroom. The first day of the trial has reached its lunch break. As conversations unfold around the bustling courthouse, Kelly and Alex find themselves in an animated discussion, their connection evident despite having met just today. Mon-El, however, remains on the periphery, teetering on the edge of a panic attack, but unable to approach Kelly. He's leaning against a wall, bent forward, hands on his knees, struggling to find stability amidst the swirling emotions.
"Hey, Mon-El? Are you okay?" A soft voice floats nearby, but Mon-El struggles to pinpoint its source. Everything appears distant and blurred, and he feels like he can't breathe. "Mon-El?" The voice persists, now closer. While he recognizes that it's not Kara, the familiarity of the voice slowly registers. He attempts to turn toward the sound.
"Do you need me to get Kara?" The gentle voice continues, making contact with him, a soft hand placed on his forearm. The touch becomes a lifeline, offering a welcome distraction from the overwhelming emotions. "N-No...it's okay," Mon-El stammers, gradually straightening up. He places his own hand atop the smaller one, his gaze shifting from their hands to the face of the person offering comfort.
His eyes initially struggle to identify the person, and his brow furrows in confusion. Sensing this, the individual finally clarifies, "It's Izzy Williams. Regina's daughter." The voice retains its shyness, but it serves to fix Mon-El's focus. "I-Izzy," he acknowledges with a nod.
"I-I just, uh...saw you standing here, and you seemed to be struggling to breathe. I was worried something was wrong. You—you also still look a little pale," Izzy explains, retracting her hand from his forearm.
"I'm d-doing better," Mon-El manages to say, taking a deep breath. "Th-thank you," he adds, looking over to her with a grateful expression.
"Y-yeah, no problem," Izzy says, a bit awkwardly, her words hanging in the air like a delicate thread of uncertainty. She's not entirely sure how to engage in conversation with him. After a few moments of silence that stretch like an uncomfortable pause in a song, she decides to press on, "I...," attempting to convey the complex web of thoughts that has woven itself in her mind.
Though they've only just crossed paths, the weight of her awareness about him stretches back through the tapestry of her existence. She's been yearning to meet him for what feels like a lifetime. Her mom's bedtime tales painted a vivid picture of him—Mon-El, her older brother. Those stories served as a lullaby of admiration, creating a spectral bond that she carried into her dreams. She had even conjured an imaginary companion, an older brother named Mon-El, during her solitary moments. However, as the years unfolded, skepticism clouded her belief. She began to doubt, questioning whether Mon-El was nothing more than a fabricated figure spun by her mom to curb her mischievous spirit—a perfect, illusory brother designed to keep her in check.
As she matured, doubt transformed into resentment. The mere mention of him by her mom triggered a flicker of irritation, convinced he was a phantom, a tool for parental control. Yet, here he stands before her—real, tangible, and exactly as his mom had described. In this moment of revelation, a torrent of conflicting emotions surges within Izzy. She finds herself torn between the desire to apologize to her mother for doubting and to Mon-El for ceasing to believe in him. The disbelief that once fueled her resentment now crumbles, replaced by a realization that shatters preconceptions.
Mon-El regards Izzy with concern, sensing that she's grappling with a revelation she's hesitant to share. "Are you okay?" he gently inquires, extending a lifeline to her. Izzy, after a deep breath, nods and stumbles through her thoughts, her anxiety palpable. Finally summoning the courage, she unveils what's been weighing on her. Mon-El's warm smile, an unspoken assurance, emboldens her. She delves into one of her cherished stories from her mom— a favorite that's etched into her memory.
"When I was six, my mom told me about her 23rd birthday," Izzy begins, her eyes lighting up with nostalgia. "She couldn't leave early to celebrate because you had the flu and were really sick. But you had planned something special." Mon-El, a twinkle of recognition in his eyes, listens attentively. Izzy continues, recounting the whimsical scene her mom had painted for her. "You disappeared around your bath time, and she was worried sick. But then she found you in her room, the lights all off except for two candles on a birthday cupcake—well, a 5-year-old's version of a birthday cake. You had decorated it with toothpaste, ketchup, and chocolate sauce."
A giggle escapes Izzy's lips, and Mon-El joins in, the shared memory rekindling warmth. "She said you even made her a gift at school," Izzy adds, laughter bubbling up. "She couldn't tell what it was, but it certainly did not look like what you said it was." Mon-El chuckles. "It was supposed to be a sculpture of her out of playdoh," he confirms, and Izzy laughs again. "She said that was one of the best birthdays she's ever had. After she removed all the supposed frosting, she said she actually really liked the cupcake. It was red velvet, her favorite. She said that after she tucked a sleepy you in, you even called her mom. She never forgot about you, Mon-El... you are her son, you are my big brother."
Mon-El, overcome with emotion, feels tears welling up. He envelops Izzy in a tight hug, releasing a few tears as he makes eye contact with Kara across the room. Her beaming expression mirrors the joy of a cherished moment relived.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury have you reached a unanimous decision?"
The jury spokesperson stands. "Yes, we have your Honor."
What is your verdict?
"We, the jury, find the defendant, Rhea Gand...guilty, on all accounts beyond a reasonable doubt."
Kara takes a deep breath, a wave of relief washing over her as she rises and pulls Mon-El into a tight hug. Her gentle hand rubs his back, a soothing rhythm to calm the anxiety that the verdict has undoubtedly stirred within him. He's been through so much, and she's shared in that burden. "It's over. You survived. You're safe," she reassures, closing her eyes and tightening her grip as she feels him take a shaky breath. "We're going to be okay. I promise."
"We win!" Kelly springs from the couch, exuberance written all over her face, and high fives her girlfriend of a few months. The elusive pairing of Kara and Mon-El has finally been conquered, much to Alex's delight. The fact that Kara has been feeling under the weather for a week is promptly dismissed as irrelevant information by the triumphant duo. Others in the room, sharing in the victory, enthusiastically high five the conquering pair.
Meanwhile, Mon-El, displaying an eye roll of playful protest, retrieves yet another ginger ale for Kara, who stands with crossed arms, a touch annoyed by the foggy state of her mind. It's really not fair, she thinks, but the minor grievance dissipates as she spots Eliza welcoming Regina and Izzy. Abandoning her seat, Kara strides over to greet them. "Hi!"
The party technically started 45 minutes ago, but start times are fluid for this occasion. Most guests are filtering in around now, the rush hour having passed. Mon-El's birthday celebration is in full swing, and Kara has invited as many people as possible for a relaxed night of fun. Despite Mon-El's reluctance of celebrating his birthdays, he's agreed to let the gathering feel more like a game night than a typical party. Barry and Iris managed to persuade him to have a cake and presents are allowed, but the latter is entirely optional.
Izzy embraces Kara right after her mother, the bond grew stronger in the last few months as she interned at CatCo. To her, Kara is an older sister, just as much a part of her extended family as Mon-El, who continuously proves to be the best big brother ever. Having stayed over at their new home a couple of times, she's experienced firsthand Mon-El's culinary skills, humor, and sweet nature. For his birthday, Izzy and her mom have something special planned. Though largely symbolic, its significance is not lost.
Spotting Mon-El, Izzy bounds towards him and, instead of a complaining, he responds by playfully spinning her around before putting her down and enveloping her in a hug, planting a sweet kiss on the top of her head. A protective arm lingers around her shoulders as he opts to embrace their mother with the other. While Regina engages with the more 'adultier' adults like John and Eliza, Mon-El guides Izzy over to his group of friends, his arm still comfortably around her. Not that she minds. However, she occasionally, she glances over to Kara, a hint of worry that she might be monopolizing her boyfriend, but every time, Kara's radiant presence reassures her. The joy in Kara's eyes, a stark contrast to their time in captivity, is a testament to the healing power of the present moment.
Most of the night resonates with laughter, the vibrant conversation led by Mon-El and Jack. Kara playfully jests that Jack has swiped Winn's best friend, eliciting a teasing glare from her college buddy. Amid the merriment, feeling a bit under the weather, Kara opts out of a round of Twister. Instead, she observes the room with introspective contemplation, appreciating the wonderful people who have become their support network—a beautiful blend of adoptive and chosen family.
Kara's gaze lifts as Iris settles beside her. "You're done too?" Kara inquires curiously. Iris, the shorter woman, responds, "This is a little too much for me. I haven't slept in over a month, even with my dad and Barry's dad constantly helping with Nora." Kara smiles, offering a supportive side hug. In a hushed tone, she whispers, "If you need to lie down, I promise not to tell anyone." As Iris agrees, she silently retreats into the guest room, finding a moment of respite amidst the lively festivities.
A few minutes later, Mon-El flops down next to Kara, landing squarely on his backside. He leans his head against her shoulder and lets out a dramatic groan, "I'm getting old." Pouting, he wraps his arms around her waist.
"We're the same age, Mon-El, what does that make me?" Kara teases with a playful grin. Mon-El raises his head, contemplating her question for a few seconds before smirking and retorting, "My old lady." In response, Kara playfully pouts and gives him a light hit, provoking laughter from him.
Continuing her jest, she feigns annoyance and attempts to push him away, but Mon-El seizes the opportunity to pull her into a tight hug, showering her with apologies and planting kisses all over her face to elicit laughter. The successful tactic, however, earns a synchronized 'gross' from both Izzy and Alex.
Mon-El cheekily sticks his tongue out at their respective siblings, then plants a big, obnoxious kiss on Kara's mouth. It elicits a playful giggle from her, muffled against his mouth, while Alex, witnessing the exchange, simply rolls her eyes.
"Time for presents!" Kara claps her hands, rallying everyone's attention toward the gift table. Although optional, most decided to contribute a little something for Mon-El. The presents varied from house-related items for decorating their new home to personal gifts tailored to Mon-El's preferences. Among them were a complete set of Harry Potter books from Winn, specialized cooking classes from Eliza, and a surprising addition—a brand new motorcycle. Lena and James, on the more extravagant side, had gifted him the sleek vehicle fresh from the manufacturers. Mon-El, initially taken aback, found himself speechless and a bit hesitant, but Lena assured him it was a mere pocket change for them. On the emotional side of things, Regina, Izzy, and Kara had something special in store.
Regina extends a yellow envelope to Mon-El, sparking his curiosity. As he gingerly opens it, he discovers a few sheets of paper inside. Yet, these seemingly ordinary pages carry profound meaning. "What..." He glances up at the Williams, tears welling in his eyes.
Unfolding the contents, he's met with his birth certificate—a copy that holds more significance than any other. The birth name, the one altered by Rhea, is restored to its authentic form. His gaze returns to the document, tears streaming down his face. However, what truly captures his heart is the revelation beneath "mother of child"—no longer Rhea Gand, but Regina Williams. Adoption papers follow, and Mon-El, overwhelmed, struggles to contain his emotions.
This piece of paper signifies a homecoming, a reclamation of identity that means the world to him. It's a profound acknowledgment of belonging, a validation of family that transcends the trials of his past. As he clutches the papers to his chest, the weight of the moment floods him with gratitude and a sense of profound connection.
"Welcome home, Mon-El," Izzy warmly declares just before he envelops her and Regina in a tight embrace. "Thank you," he whispers, disbelief mingling with gratitude. "Thank you so much." Sniffling, he pulls away to study the papers, each line resonating with significance.
"Well, you first need to accept, and we need to go through the legal process, but there's no hesitation from me. I will gladly do it all," Regina states, her voice tinged with emotion.
Mon-El, his heart brimming with warmth, smiles at her and embraces her once more.
"Well, I'm not sure I can top that, but..." Kara says, pausing for Mon-El to turn around. She gracefully gets down on one knee, revealing two rings—one an engagement ring for him and the other for her.
"Mon-El, when we met years ago, I was adrift, having lost my family. Then, I found you. Two lost souls forging a bond that time can't sever, no matter the sacrifices. And it never will. I thought I lost you so many times, but destiny put us back together. And I never want to lose you again. Mon-El, I love you more than words can convey. More than I know how to describe." Kara gazes up at him, a radiant smile lighting up her face, her eyes brimming with pure love. "Would you like to be part of my family, officially?"
Mon-El, his eyes barely recovered from the emotions of the previous gift, now glisten with tears. "Of course, Kara. You're my life," he says, his voice choked with emotion. More tears cascade down his face as he gently helps her up, allowing her to place the ring on his finger before sliding hers into place. Cupping her face with both hands, he kisses her tenderly. As he pulls away, a sniffle escapes him, but he looks at her face with a smile, unable to contain the overwhelming joy, and kisses her again.
"Well, I'm glad you said yes because..." Alex, unintentionally interrupting their intimate moment, picks up a large, beautifully wrapped gift and hands it to Mon-El. Confusion knits his brow; Alex had already gifted him a bundle of journals with Kelly. Nevertheless, he graciously accepts the sizable package. As he unwraps it, his eyes widen, and for a moment, he's struck speechless. It's a painting, and he almost fumbles with it in awe. Glancing around the room, he searches for the family painting he had given Kara last year, but it's nowhere to be found. His eyes snap back to Alex and then to Kara, a mix of shock and gratitude on his face. It's the same family painting, but now it includes him.
"I—"
"It bothered me that you didn't include yourself," Alex admits with candor, but her groan turns into a laugh when Mon-El throws his arms around her, embracing her tightly. "Oh, just accept it, you love me now," Mon-El teases, and Alex playfully pretends to roll her eyes, a smile breaking through nonetheless.
"How about some cake?" Kelly suggests, attempting to liberate Alex from Mon-El's embrace. Mon-El finally releases her girlfriend and takes on the responsibility of serving everyone before himself. Alex mouths a grateful 'thank you' before pressing her lips to hers.
As the party concludes, Kara finds herself in the bathroom, retching up all of Mon-El's carefully prepared food. Mon-El, having just finished cleaning the house, hears her distress and rushes to her side. The sound triggers a momentary flashback to when she was poisoned, but he steadies himself. This isn't the first time she's thrown up this week, even today. He holds her hair back, a gesture born from concern etched on his face.
"Maybe we should go to the hospital now, Kara," he suggests, his worry palpable as he rubs her back.
Kara sighs, her head resting on her arm laid across the toilet. "I'm okay, Mon-El. I just ate too much today," she retorts, closing her eyes for a few seconds.
Mon-El doesn't easily buy into her dismissal. "Oh, what about this morning? You threw up just from the smell of cheese," he counters, his concern refusing to be swayed by her assurances. "You hadn't even eaten yet."
"Mon, I'm just sick. I'll pass," Kara sighs, turning her head to look at him.
"Nope, none of that. Either we go to the hospital, or I'm calling Alex back," Mon-El states firmly, crossing his arms and fixing her with a stern gaze. It's a gesture he's adopted whenever she resists seeking medical attention, an understanding built on the numerous visits they've made last year. He comprehends her hesitation, given the frequency of their hospital trips, but this feels different. It's not a mere cold or flu; it's something else.
"Mon-" Kara attempts to object, but Mon-El cuts her off decisively. "Alex it is." He rises from the floor, leaving the bathroom to contact his future sister-in-law. Meanwhile, Kara, brushing her teeth, crawls under the covers. It's a brief respite, a moment to rest, but also a tactic to avoid Mon-El for a bit. She's annoyed at his apparent overreaction—that is until Alex, accompanied by Kelly, arrives to check on her.
Setting her stethoscope down, Alex glances at Kelly and then turns her attention to her sister and Mon-El. She takes a deep breath, deliberately wearing a concerned expression. This immediately triggers worry for both of them. "Well... It's not the flu," Alex begins, and Mon-El's attention shifts to the smirk slowly spreading across Kelly's face, intensifying the confusion.
"Wh—" Mon-El starts, his anxiety intensifying with every passing second.
"Well...Happy Birthday Dad," Alex declares, her feigned worry now merging with Kelly's amusement. The revelation is far from alarming; in fact, it carries an unexpected joy.
FIN