71. The List Part 1
She felt tired.
Lately all she could felt was like the world was entirely on her shoulders, but she gave her best to help others, to be Supergirl.
She had her ups and downs before, wanting to have it all, but feeling like she couldn't.
She was tired of feeling like that.
Christmas was just around the corner, she loved this time of the year, but this time around, she felt like she could barely enjoy it with her loved ones. It felt like the whole world has gone crazy and everyone depended on her to fix things.
She flew around the city, trying to stay positive so she could do her best as she always did.
- Supergirl, you're getting closer! – She heard Alex's voice on her comms.
- Ok. I'm on my way.
She increased her speed, trying to focus on locating a rogue alien that decided it was a good idea to make dinosaurs appear all over National City. She loved dinosaurs since she was a kid, she has always thought they were the coolest creatures ever, but it wasn't that cool when lunatics turned toys into the real thing, terrorizing everyone. She just knew that night; she would have a lot to handle.
Kara looked around, confused. There was no one there. She kept trying to communicate with Alex or J'onn, but her comms started making an annoying noise, and she took them off.
- What…?
She saw a huge flash of light explode right in front of her, and out of nowhere, a familiar figure appeared, making her roll her eyes.
- Not you again! – She exhaled.
.
- Green Arrow, can you hear me?
- Of course I can, Curtis, you won't stop talking about taking your husband out to buy a Christmas tree. This is not the time for it… - Oliver said, feeling annoyed.
- Oh, I'm sorry I thought the comms were off before…
- No they weren't!
- So… Ok, back to the mission… - Curtis could feel the hurt in Oliver's words, even if he tried his best to hide it, and tried to focus on his job: helping Green Arrow fight criminals in Star City.
- Thank you. – Oliver said as he followed Curtis instructions, with Diggle by his side.
- Are you ok? – Diggle asked, worried.
- I'll be if we can finish this and go home.
- Ok…
Oliver was clearly in a bad mood. Hearing Curtis talking about the holiday he currently disliked the most usually brought those feeling to the surface. He used to love Christmas, he would always help his family throw the best Christmas party ever on the Queen mansion. It was a tradition they had since he was a kid, but everything changed one year ago, when what was supposed to be the best day of his life, became the worst. Since then, Oliver focused on being the Green Arrow, focused on bringing criminals down, and Christmas became a hard subject to even talk about.
A few hours later, Oliver and Diggle were back on the bunker and Oliver felt ten times angrier than before.
- Oliver what's going on? And don't tell me is nothing cause I don't believe you.
- I'm sorry John; I don't want to talk about it.
- Oliver you let the guy get away.
- I know I messed up… I got distracted.
- You never got distracted!
- This time I got! I said I'm sorry. – Oliver took his mask and hood off, trying not to lose his mind.
- I can't help but feel that I'm kind of responsible for this… I was rambling on and on about… you know… - Curtis said, noticing the look Oliver gave me. – I'm really sorry.
- Is not your fault. – Oliver said as he sat down – Is not anyone's fault that I asked Felicity to marry me last Christmas, and she basically made a scene in front of everyone telling me she didn't want to. Is not your fault she blamed me for being shot 2 years ago, and that somehow she felt like she was losing herself and decided to move away and leave the team, making me feel awful, miserable and turning my love for Christmas into hate.
- But I brought memories back… And I totally didn't mean to…
- Is ok Curtis – Diggle said, sitting across Oliver. – Listen man, I know it has been hard. But you have to deal with what you're feeling. I know you're still hurt, and that is not easy, but you need to open up to someone… To let someone in… Deal with it, so you don't end being killed the next time you go out there.
- I know Dig… I just… I can't do this right now…
Diggle was about to say something when they heard a noise and practically jumped from the chair, ready to attack. He stared at Oliver, that was also aware and ready to fight and they nodded to each other. Curtis got up quickly and stood by their side.
- Is there anyone else here? Did someone break in? – Curtis said – I was alone here all the time, so if someone did break in, we need to hear Cisco and improve our security cause…
- Curtis… Wait. – Oliver said reaching for his bow and arrows, ready to shoot them.
They walked slowly around the bunker, but saw no one. Diggle and Oliver looked confused at each other, searching for the source of the sound. Oliver turned around and it looked like a weird guy appeared out of nowhere. He had a dark blue suit on, had dark curly hair and his eyes were glowing in a weird way. Oliver felt like he was being hypnotized.
- Hello Green Arrow. You are someone really hard to find… Actually not that hard, I'm just being dramatic…
- Who the hell are you? – Diggle said as he pointed his gun at the guy.
- There's no need to be violent John, I'm only here to help. – He said, making the gun disappear from John's hand. – I'm Music Meister and it's really nice to meet you.
.
Kara slowly opened her eyes, feeling a horrible headache. She lifted her head from her desk as she heard someone calling her name from far away.
- Hey, Danvers! Wake up, you have that interview in a few minutes… - Jimmy said
- Jimmy? Where am I? And since when do you call me Danvers? – Kara looked confused.
- At CatCo, your job, remember?
- Oh… sure – Kara looked around, trying to understand what was happening.
How on Rao's name did she end up at Cat Co? Why was Jimmy talking to her as if they weren't even friends? She started remembering what happened before she was hammered and suddenly, desperation washed over her.
- Not this again…
- What? – Jimmy asked
- Oh, nothing…
The elevator door opened and Kara's eyes widened. That was the last person she ever thought she would see coming to CatCo.
- Oliver?
- Kara? – Oliver asked, looking relieved of seeing her. – I'm glad I found you here…
- What? How… What are you doing here?
- I would love to know that… - He said and smiled awkwardly as Jimmy reached his hand.
- Kara's going to interview you. – Jimmy said
- Will I? – Kara stared at Oliver, who looked just as confused, and then it clicked.
Before blacking out, Kara saw Music Meister and from what she could remember of her last experience with him, she was sure he dragged her to some new dream world to teach her something, because he was that extra. And by the look on Oliver's face, he was in the same situation but he had no idea because last time, she shared the experience with Barry Allen and she knew from past experiences that Oliver didn't do well with being kidnapped or dragged to an unknown crazy world.
- Ok, let's do this, follow me… - She nodded at Oliver to the balcony
- What's going on, Kara?
- I think I know… I just need to be sure. But long story short, we are probably in some sort of shared dream. I just need to remember how we got out of it the last time.
- We? Last time? – Oliver asked, remembering how he didn't enjoy being in a shared dream before, when his body was actually trapped on an alien ship. He truly hoped this was not the case. – Have you been through this before? And who's we?
- Barry and I.
- Of course… - Oliver rubbed his head.
He should have learned by now that everything crazy that he knew or went through, it was always going to have something to do with Barry.
- A crazy guy from another world wanted to teach us a lesson and we ended up in this dream world, a musical, and we had to follow a script to get to the end of story and get out of it.
- Musical? – Oliver looked alarmed - I hope this is not a musical, I'm not singing – Oliver warned Kara, while she tried not to laugh – So how does it work? How do we find out about what's happening?
They heard a loud pop and the crazy guy appeared in front of Kara and Oliver.
- He appears out of nowhere… This is annoying – Oliver said, crossing his arms.
- I know right? – Kara whispered.
Music Meister started singing some song Christmas themed and Oliver felt like opening a hole into the ground and jumping inside. Random people came from nowhere and started to dance around them, and it all felt like a crazy weird dream. There was a huge Christmas tree in the center of the room and the entire place had mistletoes and Christmas decor. Kara stared at Oliver's face, not able to stop herself from laughing. That was too funny.
- If only I had a camera right now… - She whispered, laughing.
- Don't you dare!
- Well done Supergirl, you remember how this works… - the song ended and everybody went back to their tasks. - Not entirely apparently, but the main information is there. – He smiled as he walked closer to Oliver and Kara. – Look around.
Oliver kept staring at Meister, still trying to recover from that unexpected musical moment he just saw. Kara looked around and noticed Cat Co looked like Santa's home with all the Christmas decorations. It was snowing outside and as she stared at her computer screen, she saw it had some cards ready to be sent to print. She thought for a while and then it all made sense.
- We are in a Christmas movie… - She said, smiling at Oliver and then remembering this was another annoying task from Music Meister.
- A Christmas movie? – Oliver said, not quite believing it.
- Yes. – Meister clapped his hands - And you know the rules Supergirl. Follow the script to go back to the real world… And if you die here…
- You die out there. – Kara completed the sentence; making Oliver stare at her with a questioning look – Oh, I'm sorry I forgot to mention…It's a rule. And I'm probably without my powers, so…
- Great! – Oliver said as Music Meister bowed and disappeared. – What now?
- We find out what's the script and follow it. Let's go to my place, we can think of something there… And eat.
He could tell that even it wasn't the best situation they were in, Kara still looked a bit excited with the fact they were in a Christmas movie. He on the other hand, wasn't excited at all. It only brought painful memories and he just wanted to forget them.
- Don't look at me with your… puppy eyes…
- What? I'm hungry… - Kara said smiling at Oliver.
- Ok. Let's do this so we can get out of here and back to the real world.
- Yes! – Kara clapped and went to her place with Oliver, to organize their ideas.
Kara's apartment was also heavily decorated, but Oliver tried not to focus on that. They sat across each other in the kitchen and Oliver looked impressed at Kara's plate. It has a huge pile of pancakes and bacon.
- I'm always hungry… - Kara said blushing a bit. – Don't be scared.
- I'm not – Oliver said – Believe me I've seen worst, so it's all good
- So… We're in a Christmas movie…
- Of course we are…
- It's everything ok? – Kara looked worried, noticing something in Oliver's eyes were off. He looked sad. And hurt.
- Yes… It's just… I used to love Christmas but lately, not so much. It just feels weird being trapped in a Christmas movie in some sort of dream world. Then again, every since I found out about speedsters, multiverse, super powers, my life has turned upside down… in a good way most of the times, except when I'm kidnapped, so I'm not surprised.
- If you ever want to talk about it… I'm all ears. – Kara smiled at Oliver, earning a smile back.
Kara finished eating and started to think about what could be the plot of the movie they were in. Christmas movies was her second favorite kind of movie, the first being musicals. They were a bit cliché, yes, but there was something about sharing love and hope and the feeling that everything was joyful and families coming together to celebrate that made her heart warm.
- I think to figure it out the plot of this movie; we need to think about what usually happens in those movies…
- Like a list?
- Yes. I mean, we are probably the main characters of this one, so we need to list and do stuff that main characters does.
- You said this happened before with you and Barry, that you guys were trapped in a musical. What happened there? Maybe it can help us knowing more.
Kara started telling him about how she woke up in a club that happened to be Malcolm Merlyn's club and how he wasn't actually Malcolm but a gangster guy name Cuttter.
- Malcolm Merlyn? – Oliver looked surprised – Well it's just like him being some sort of criminal… And what the main plot was?
- It actually came to us, the plot. We were kidnapped by Joe and Stein, but they were actually a couple that looked for their daughter Iris, not actually Iris… you get it.
- Yep. Everyone we know wasn't actually everyone we know…
- Except this time it seems like they are… I mean, Jimmy seemed to be Jimmy, except he seemed not to be my friend and that was weird. He called me Danvers… But again, he could be an exception.
- We need to pay attention to others that might show up, to see if they are themselves or not. – Oliver said – What else happened?
- We had to make her and her boyfriend Mon El…
Oliver noticed the tone on Kara's voice and something about mentioning that name made her take a deep breath for a few seconds.
- Anyways… We had to convince them to tell their parents about their love. But we ended up getting shot while their parents were at war with each other. And…well it all ended well, as you see I'm still here.
- Did something happen? You mentioned this guy and suddenly looked… sad.
- It's ok. Everything ended ok so… let's focus on this story now and how can we go back to our real world.
- Ok.
Oliver decided not to pressure it anymore. If Kara felt like it, she would tell him sometime.
- Christmas movies are a bit cliché…
- A bit? They are cliché heavy! – Oliver said, making Kara laugh.
- I know – She said – but they still makes us feel… I don't know, like everything will work out in the end you know? That special feeling of a holiday spirit, that there are still good in the world, they make everything magical…
- So maybe, we can list things that usually happen from start to the end of those movies, and follow their path.
- It makes sense, but… - Kara hesitated for a second
- But?
- Well we usually have a lesson to learn, that's the main point of being in this dream world. So even if we get to the end of the plot, we need to figure the lesson out.
- I'm sure we can do this. Even if I'm not feeling the Christmas vibe that much this year… After everything we both faced before, this should be easy…
- I hope so – She said – So, let's make the list.
Kara grabbed a pen and a piece of paper and they started to think about things that happened on a Christmas movie and write them down.
- I think is better if we take a step at the time. So we can make things happen in this movie and actually reach the end of it. – Oliver said – First thing I remember is that there is always some reason for people to dress up as Santa. Is either a party, or volunteer work.
- So, let's find you a costume. – Kara smiled, noticing Oliver's face. This would be funny.
They went for a walk and as soon as they entered the costume store, they found a flyer in the counter, about an orphanage hiring someone to be their Santa Claus and Noelle that afternoon since their performers were sick and couldn't make it.
- And just as musicals, everything is easy on Christmas movies – Kara said, showing Oliver the flyer.
- Well, it looks like you'll have to dress up as well. – Oliver smiled at Kara. – Sir. – He stared at the owner of the shop – Is the orphanage still looking for Santa Claus and Noelle?
- Yes, we are. My sister is the director there and she doesn't know what else to do. Our kids are really excited for their Christmas party; I don't know how we'll tell me Santa is not coming this year… It will break their hearts.
- No it won't. We'll do it – Kara said, holding Oliver's arm with hers and smiling at the owner – We can't let kids down this year.
- Oh, really? – The guy looked emotional at them – The kids will be so happy… Thank you for saving the orphanage Christmas.
- It's our pleasure. We just need the costumes. Do you have any available to rent? – Oliver asked.
- Oh, it's on the house. It's the least we can do. Here… - He grabbed two packages and gave them to Oliver and Kara.
They talked a bit more about the time they should be there and all the details, and went back to Kara's apartment to get ready.
Oliver held the bag with his costume and waited while Kara got ready in the bathroom. Almost 30 minutes later, Kara opened the bathroom door and came out of it.
- I don't know how I feel about this… - She looked nervous but managed to relax when she noticed the smile and the look Oliver gave her. She had no idea why that smile made her feel like everything would be ok, but it did.
- You're… perfect.
Kara looked really cute; it was a knee length red dress with a white belt and collar. She had low red heels and a cute Santa hat. Her hair was all curled, half tied half loose. She had red gloves on with white details on the wrist.
- I miss my super speed. – Kara laughed nervously and took a look at the mirror in her living room. She was really glad her dream apartment was just like her real life one, unlike last time when she was stuck in a musical. At least she knew where everything was, even if it felt like it took forever for her to get ready. – Thank you – She said, smiling back at Oliver.
She waited for him to get ready, and couldn't stop mocking his white beard, seeing how annoyed Oliver looked while in Santa's costume.
- If you tell anyone about this, I will deny it and say you made it all up. – Oliver said as he offered his arm for her to hold.
- I swear I'll try not to… - She laughed – But you look awesome. Shall we?
- Let's go.
- So, we have to stop by at the gift shop and give them this – Kara said showing Oliver a piece of paper – The guy at the orphanage got enough donations for the presents and already paid for it, we just need to pick up first.
Kara and Oliver got the presents and went to the orphanage. The kids went crazy, jumping from happiness. They spent a few hours playing with them and Kara couldn't help but notice even if Oliver was annoyed by the costume, he was really great with kids. They were basically jumping on his back, grabbing his waist, spinning him around and he just went for it.
It was really sweet.
After their work was done, Kara and Oliver went back to her apartment. Kara couldn't wait to get out of that costume; it was starting to make her feel truly uncomfortable.
- I truly miss my powers. I'm so tired, everything hurts – Kara said
- Welcome to the human life. – Oliver said – But here's the bright side, you're not hurt. Having to stitch yourself after an ugly fight is the worst, I think. Hopefully you never go through that.
- Well, I got shot the last time I was human in a shared dream. It wasn't fun. But you know… even if all I want to do now is sleep in my bed until all the pain go away, today was fun. And so worth it.
- Right? Those kids were amazing. I'm glad we could help them.
- Me too. – Kara smiled.
They passed by a church and saw a woman dressed in a beautiful wedding dress, in the steps of the church and crying her eyes out. Kara and Oliver ran towards her, worried.
- Is everything ok? – Kara asked.
- Yes… Is just that… I just got a call, the singer I hired to sing at my wedding just cancelled, and now I don't know what to do. Everything is falling apart now, and… - She couldn't keep talking anymore and kept crying.
Oliver noticed the look Kara gave him and shook his head. He knew something like this would happen sooner or later.
Nope.
There was no way he would do it.
Kara came closer, whispering, as she pleaded with her eyes.
- We need help her…
- Not with this… Maybe you can help her, but I don't sing. No. I refuse to.
- C'mon…
- No. I fully support you doing it by the way. Barry told me you are a great singer and I believe him. – He smiled at her, knowing he would somehow win this arguing
It was Kara's time to look annoyed at him. She took a deep breath and looked at the woman crying. There was no way she would just do nothing.
- Hey… I think I can help you…
- Do you? Do you sing? – She looked hopeful at Kara.
- Yes. I do. I just need to change… - She said as looked down at herself, dressed as Noelle. It wasn't a great outfit for a wedding.
- One of my bridesmaids got sick and couldn't come, her dress is inside. My mom can take you there to get ready. – The woman said. – I'm Crystal by the way. This is my mom, Carol – she pointed at the woman smiling at Kara - Thank you for helping me.
- It's ok. You can call me Kara.
Kara followed Carol to the room they had for the bride to get ready and got dressed as fast as she could. She walked towards the chapel, where the band and the guests waited. She held the microphone in her hands while the band showed her what song she would sing. Kara saw Oliver way back, near the door, staring at her and smiling with his thumbs up. She smiled back and stared at the lyrics, feeling really glad she knew that song.
- You and me by Lifehouse… I love this one – She whispered to herself and nodded to the band – I got this.
Kara started to sing as the band began to play and the bridesmaids started to walk down the isle. The bride came in with her father by her side and the groom waited by the altar. Kara could see the guy was really emotional and in awe for his bride. She saw Oliver staring at her in a different way and she started to blush right away.
When the song ended, the priest began the ceremony and Kara stepped aside, going back to the room to dress back into Noelle's outfit, so she could go back to her apartment with Oliver to figure out the next step of the script.
- That was beautiful – Oliver said as Kara walked towards him so they could leave. – You really have a beautiful voice.
- Ah, that was nothing…
- Believe me, it wasn't. – Oliver said – I'm glad I got to hear it
Kara blushed again as they walked back to her place.
They got back to their regular clothes and stopped by the store to return the outfits. Oliver was truly relieved because he didn't think he could do that again. It was a miracle he could manage to enjoy the day they had and forget for a while why Christmas wasn't like it used to be for him.
As they walked down the street, Oliver and Kara talked about what the next part of the movie would be. It started to snow and they looked up, and Kara closed her eyes for a few seconds, feeling the cold drops down her cheeks. It had been a while since she had felt like this, so chill and with no bigger worries on her mind. Everything felt lighter and calmer; she didn't feel the weight she usually felt on her shoulders. She opened her eyes and noticed Oliver staring at her with curiosity in his eyes. She also noticed he was struggling with something, she just didn't know what and she wanted nothing more than help him, she just had no idea where to start.
- I know I'm hungry and I can think way better when I eat – Kara said – So, I think we should grab some food and then we think about what to do next…
- Ok. Let's grab a snack. – He started looking around to see if anything was open, and there was a coffee shop right in front of them – How didn't I notice it before?
- I guess things on Christmas movies are really easy…
- Yes they are. – Oliver said, trying to guess where that place came from because he was sure there was a pet store there before. – Weird…
Oliver and Kara grabbed their order and looked for a table, until they found an empty one in the corner, near the Christmas tree. Oliver sat with his back to it, with just a cup of coffee in his hands and Kara sat across him, putting the plate with 3 donuts on the table and holding a hot cocoa in the other hand.
- Is everything ok? – Kara looked worried at him. – I noticed you've been a bit off today.
- Besides being trapped in a Christmas Movie that's actually some sort of dream? Yes… - He looked around, noticing the place was entirely decorated with Christmas stuff. He took a deep breath and tried to think how it was useless to escape the theme in his situation.
- You're not a big fan of Christmas, are you?
- Is not like that… Is just… This time of the year brings me painful memories. It kind of ruined the holiday for me.
- Do you want to talk about it? I'm a great listener – She smiled at him as she grabbed one donut.
- I don't doubt it. – Oliver smiled back at her – It wasn't like that, you know? I used to love Christmas, we would throw a big party for family and friends, it was our thing. Even after my mom died, and it was just Thea and me, we would still do it, it was a nice family tradition. Until 2 years ago, when I was dating Felicity for a while, we were happy together, I loved her and I thought she loved me the same way. I asked her to marry me and… – Oliver lowered his head and thought for a few seconds. It was time to take it all off his chest – She said no.
- Oh, I'm so sorry…
- She got shot a few months before Christmas, one of my enemies tried to hurt me by hurting her. That's when things started to change. I believe her when she told me she was fine, she just needed time to adjust being on a wheelchair. Curtis helped creating a chip that helped her to walk again, and she did it. I thought everything was fine but things weren't. She told me how she felt like she was giving up being herself to be with me. I honestly thought she wanted to help me with the team, help me save the city, and she wasn't happy with it, she didn't know how to tell me. She told me she couldn't forget about being shot and somehow she sounded like it was my fault, like being with me did this to her.
- It wasn't your fault. Sometimes we fear for our beloved ones because bad guys will always try to get to us by getting to them. She was part of your team right? She wanted that?
- From day one. She wanted to help and be there. I told her many times it was dangerous and she said she didn't care because she would be doing something good for the city, that she was ready… Apparently not that much. So now, Christmas reminds me of that, and it hurts. So I'm not a huge fan of it anymore.
- I'm really sorry you went through that. I know this can really hurt. A few years ago, right after I had to send my ex into space otherwise he would die, I thought my life should be about Supergirl and that I couldn't allow myself to go out, have a job and all because the responsibility I had was huge. But my sister and friends, they helped me see that things didn't have to be this way. I learned how to truly enjoy my day, the moments I have with people I love, really appreciate it. And I have been practicing that everyday, to not let the bad things in my life define how I should live. Is not always easy, but little by little I'll get there someday.
- I wish I could do that, but… I don't know, I'm not that emotional healthy…
- Stop it, you can. You went through a break up, I know, but your life shouldn't be defined by that. I know life is a bit crazy, I mean, look at us, sitting in a coffee shop inside a Christmas movie in a shared dream – Kara laughed, making Oliver laugh – It sounds absurd, but we are here, doing our best to do the task and get back home. We always get through whatever life throws at us. I'm sure you'll be able to do it too and enjoy this holiday again. We can always create new memories, right? We just need to finish this movie, go back home and work on that.
- You're right. – Oliver said and finished his coffee.
He found it amazing, since the day he met her, how she could have hope and inspire people even in absurd situations, even when things looked really bad. That was one of the things he liked the most about Kara.
- And… I know that someday we will find people willing to share this crazy life, who will embrace all of us, the good, the complicated… And when it happens, it will be magical. – Kara said, finishing her last donut.
- Look at that…
- What?
- Christmas movies always have a cute moment where the main characters get to know each other more.
- Well someone knows way too well all the clichés – Kara teased, making Oliver smile once again. She was really enjoying knowing that other side of Oliver, the one who smiled more.
Kara stared at the window behind the Christmas tree and saw a flyer, announcing a big Christmas party downtown. Kara pointed at it, making Oliver turn around and look.
- I guess we found the perfect opportunity for you to have new good memories.
- And for you to enjoy, chill and relax. I know you're worried, and can't wait for us to go back, but like you said: we need to create good memories. So yes, let's go to this party and do that. – Oliver reached for Kara's hand – Both of us can work stuff out.
- Ok. Let's do that. – Kara said – But I need to change… and take a shower… Then we'll go. – Kara said getting up, with Oliver following her.
- And I need to look for some… - Oliver said as he looked across the street and there was a clothing store there like it materialized out of nowhere. – I'll go there – He pointed to the store. – And I'll meet you in your place later.
Kara stood in front of the mirror in her bedroom, trying some of the dresses in her rack. Her hair was all wet from the shower and she had a towel wrapped up around her.
- I miss my super speed. – She started to get ready for the party thinking about the fun day she had with Oliver, even if it was some shared Dream.
She knew the importance of reaching to the end of the movie plot and doing her best not to get seriously hurt, but she couldn't help feeling warmth in her chest. She really loved Christmas movies and all the cliché that came along with it, and to be living that in the dream, it was weird, but fun at the same time. She also thought about what Oliver told her, about why he wasn't that much of a Christmas fan right now. She understood that pain he felt, more than she liked to admit it. She had to send someone she used to love away to save his life, it wasn't the same as a proposal refusal, but it still hurt. She fought every day to be Supergirl and remember Kara Danvers as well, but it was hard sometimes. She had a huge responsibility being National City superhero, she knew everyone counted on her, but sometimes she just wanted to take the day off, chill out, watch a movie, eat her favorite snacks and have someone to share all of that with.
She found a beautiful dark blue chiffon thigh length A-line dress and finally felt like she found the perfect outfit and grabbed her black open toe low heels, putting it on. She had light make up on and fixed her hair in a side braid with a bun plait and a few wavy strands of loosen hair.
Kara heard a knock on the door and went to open it. Oliver had a bag in his hands and stared in awe at her.
- You look… Gorgeous – He started to notice how that dress made her eyes shine even more.
- Thank you – Kara blushed, letting him in.
- I… I found something nice in that store – Oliver kept mentally asking himself what was happening and why he was finding really hard to form a sentence now.
- You can use my bathroom. – She said as she went to grab her purse and wait for Oliver in the living room.
It didn't take long for Oliver to get ready and for them to leave for the party. It was happening near Kara's apartment so they decided to walk there.
- It looks like we are in another Christmas movie cliché – Oliver said as he looked around.
- And you seem to know pretty well those clichés – Kara smiled – My kind of person. – She teased.
Oliver stared at Kara and smiled back at her. He realized that since he talked to her earlier and opened up about his feelings, he was feeling really good and that sadness that took over him when it came to Christmas vibes; it seemed to be gone, at least for now. He decided he would not think about the bad things and have a good time; he would listen to Kara's advice and maybe create new happy Christmas memories.
The music was really loud; the dance floor had a few people on it, enjoying the best they could. An R&B song started to play and Oliver reached for Kara's hand as she was about to walk towards the bar, giving a small push and bringing her closer to him. Kara almost lost her balance, being taken by surprise and stared into his eyes. She felt one of his hands on her back, the other still holding her hand.
- I guess I'm creating new memories already. Let's dance?
- I'm… Sure… Let's… Dance – Kara laughed nervously, putting one of her hands in his shoulders – I'm shocked. Oliver Queen likes to dance
- I usually don't, but now I'm trying new things… And since we are here now… Why not?
- Right? – She blushed.
They stared into each other's eyes and danced together. Suddenly, it felt like it was just the two of them in that party, dancing inches from each other. Kara could hear his heartbeat and it was just like hers, beating fast. Their faces came really closer from each other and they kept dancing slowly, their eyes never leaving each other's. Kara felt like all the weight she had been carrying left her, and she took a deep breath of relief. Oliver brought Kara's body closer to his, and took a quick look up.
- Mistletoe – He whispered, looking back at her.
- Yes – She whispered back, staring at his lips as they came inches from hers.
- I'm glad you're here with me. – Oliver said – I'm starting to feel good about Christmas. – Oliver said as his hand slowly caressed her back.
- Good. – She smiled as one of her hands went to caress the back of his neck.
- There's always that moment in the movies where the guy falls for the girl but it seems impossible for them to be together. – Oliver whispered, staring at her lips.
- The girl always thinks she shouldn't be with the guy, but at the end, they find a way… - She whispered back, slightly brushing her lips to his, a=barely touching it as they kept dancing.
They both saw a huge flash of white light and everything seemed really confusing. Kara slowly opened her eyes and noticed she was in the Arrow bunker.
What was happening? She kept asking herself mentally and looked to her side, just to see Oliver staring equally confused at her.
- I'm so glad you guys are finally awake! – Cisco said
- Man, you guys scared me – Diggle said, looking like he had been living his worst nightmare ever.
- What? Cisco… What are you doing here? – Oliver asked
- There was this weird guy messing with us, he looked like a wizard or something, it was weird. I thought I was used to weird, but I was clearly wrong – Diggle said. – I called Star Labs and Cisco came to help.
- Yes, we had to deal with that crazy guy once. He seems to love putting people through weird stuff to teach them a lesson. – Cisco said – He told us that this time around, there was nothing we could do but wait.
- So, how are you guys? Any bruises or something? – Diggle asked, worried.
- We are… We are ok, thank you guys. – Kara said as she stared back at Oliver and blushed.
- Listen, Barry called and said Joe is having a Christmas party at his place later. He was fighting some criminals with everyone else, that's why he couldn't come to help.
- Is everyone else ok? – Oliver asked, still feeling a bit confused,
- Yes. Legends are stuck in the past, someone screwed big time there, 0 surprises here – Cisco said – Supergirl team had to help Dreamer with something, I didn't understand what it was, but they needed all of them. Team Arrow was fighting some criminals downtown… The usual…
- I sent them there while I kept an eye on you two. – Diggle said – But everyone's ok.
- So… Party? – Cisco clapped his hands together – I mean, we deserve a break, and it's Christmas…
- Sure… Why not? – Oliver said and Diggle gave him a questioning look – I'm ok. I'm ok now. I had to deal with what happened so I could finally move on and enjoy this holiday again. And I did.
They heard someone clapping and everyone turned around only to see Music Meister staring excitedly at them.
- Well done! Well done! You've reached the end of the movie, and learned your lesson. Well done guys!
- What… - Diggle asked, staring at Cisco.
- Like I've said, he likes to teach people some lessons while they are unconscious. – Cisco pointed at Music Meister – Man, you've got some issues. Have you considered therapy?
- It's ok… I guess we both learned our lessons. – Kara smiled – But I agree with Cisco, you should seek therapy. – She laughed, making everyone laugh as well.
Later that night, everyone was at Joe's Christmas party having a laugh, enjoying a good time and sharing stories about their adventures. Kara and Oliver told them about what happened with Music Meister and as soon as they were done, their eyes met across the room.
Kara remembered the moments before they woke up and blushed. She couldn't happen but wonder what would have happened if they didn't wake up, at least not before she almost kissed Oliver. Since then, she have been feeling really nervous around him, asking herself if he wondered about that too.
Later, when the party was almost over, Kara decided to go home and said her goodbyes. As she was outside, she heard footsteps and stopped walking, turned around. Oliver came walking slowly towards her.
- I can't help but feeling off since I woke up – He said – I kind of wish we woke a few moments later.
- Me too… I mean, it was really confusing that bright light and…Yes. – Kara babbled as Oliver stood close to her, staring into her eyes.
- Remember when you told me that someday we would find people willing to share this crazy life we live?
- Yes.
- I can't stop thinking about that… - Oliver said – And I also can't stop thinking about that moment before we woke up.
- I was thinking about that too – She said almost in a whisper, feeling Oliver's hand in hers, and the other on her waist.
Their lips eagerly touched each other's, not wanting to waste any second more. It started a slow kiss, Oliver caressed her cheeks, starting to kiss her passionately and Kara responded to it the same way. Kara felt like thousands butterflies flew inside her stomach as her hands messed with his hair in the back of his neck.
Oliver and Kara's forehead touched as they broke the kiss apart to take some air. Kara heard Oliver's heart beating way faster than in the dream and opened her eyes, slowly. She found him staring deeply into her eyes.
- I think I found the person… And you were right, it is magical.
- Yes, it is. – Kara tried her best not to hurt him as she used her hand in his neck to bring his lips back to hers.
- Thanks for giving Christmas a new meaning to me. – Oliver whispered between their kiss.
- I'm glad I could help – She smiled, kissing him back and stopping again – And thank you for helping me see I can have it all and making the weight of the world less heavy on my shoulders.
- Anytime. – Oliver whispered back, kissing her again.
Music Meister was far away from them, down the street and smiled. He turned around and started to walk away.
- One down, one to go…
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TO BE CONTINUED on Scarlet Canary Collection chapter 13.
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NOTES: TO BE CONTINUED on Scarlet Canary Collection chapter 13.