Chapter Text
Kara stood outside the gates of Carter’s private school, the morning sun casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. Conner stood beside her, shifting nervously as he clutched his bag. His hands tightened around the straps, his knuckles white, as though the bag was his only lifeline. Carter was a few steps ahead, practically bouncing with excitement as he waited for Conner to catch up.
“You’ll be fine,” Kara said, her voice soft but encouraging. She placed a hand on Conner’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “Remember, this isn’t about being perfect. It’s about finding your place.”
Conner glanced at her, his jaw tight. “What if I don’t fit in?”
“You will,” Kara reassured him, her tone firm. “And if you don’t, you’ll figure it out. You’re strong, Conner. Stronger than you know. Just... try to have fun, okay? It’s not all about fitting in.”
Carter turned back, his grin wide and infectious. “Come on, Conner! I’ll show you the ropes. And don’t worry, I already scouted out the best spots to hide during boring assemblies.”
“Carter!” Kara chided, though her voice was tinged with amusement.
“What?” Carter asked, shrugging. “I’m just trying to make him feel better.”
Conner gave a faint smile, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He looked at Kara again, his voice quiet. “You’ll be here later, right?”
“Always,” she promised, her hand squeezing his shoulder once more. “You’re going to do great, Conner. I’ll be here if you need me.”
With a deep breath, Conner nodded and turned to follow Carter through the gates. Kara stayed rooted in place, watching as the two boys disappeared into the bustling crowd of students. Her heart swelled with a mix of pride, anxiety, and hope.
As they vanished from sight, she whispered under her breath, “You’ve got this, Conner.”
The world knew him only as her adopted son, a quiet boy from National City with no connections to Superman or Lex Luthor. Kara had made sure of that, carefully shielding him from the scrutiny that might come with his lineage. Here, he could just be himself.
Kara lingered for a moment longer, her chest tightening with the bittersweet weight of letting go. Then, her communicator buzzed, pulling her back to reality. With one last glance at the school, she took a steadying breath and soared into the sky.
---
The Justice League’s conference room hummed with quiet tension as the team gathered around the central table. The glow of the holographic display bathed everyone in soft light, the various mission details floating in midair. Batman stood at the head of the table, his dark cape pooled behind him as he adjusted the display. His stoic expression revealed nothing as he addressed the room.
“This operation requires precision,” Batman began, his gravelly voice commanding attention. “We’ve identified an alien trafficking ring operating out of Gotham. They’ve been smuggling sentient beings through intergalactic black markets. We’ve tracked their latest movements to an abandoned warehouse near the docks.”
Kara sat between Barry and Diana, her mind half on the briefing and half on Conner’s first day at school. Barry noticed her distracted expression and leaned over, nudging her arm lightly.
“You good?” he whispered, his tone laced with concern but still friendly.
Kara blinked and nodded, snapping back to the present. “Yeah, just a lot on my plate,” she murmured.
Barry grinned, trying to lighten her mood. “You’ll be fine. You’re Supergirl, remember? You’ve got this.”
“Welcome to the club,” Oliver chimed in from across the table, his smirk carrying the dry humor that always managed to pull Kara out of her own head.
Kara gave them a faint smile, but her attention shifted as Clark cleared his throat loudly, trying to redirect focus to himself.
“I’d like to volunteer for point on this mission,” Clark said, his voice steady but laced with his usual self-assuredness. “This is something I can handle.”
Kara’s jaw tightened, her hands clenching briefly in her lap. She fought the urge to roll her eyes, her frustration simmering beneath the surface. Clark’s eagerness to take charge felt performative, as though he were trying to reclaim some sense of authority after his failures with Conner.
Batman didn’t even glance in Clark’s direction. Instead, he continued as though the interruption hadn’t happened.
“Supergirl, you’ll take the lead,” Batman said decisively. “Your powers are better suited for close combat in confined spaces. Flash, Green Arrow—you’ll provide support on the perimeter. Wonder Woman, you’re with me on extraction.”
Kara blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the assignment. She glanced at Bruce, trying to gauge his reasoning, but his expression remained impassive.
“Understood,” Kara said, her voice steady despite the surprise.
Clark shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his lips pressing into a thin line, but he didn’t protest. Diana gave Kara an encouraging nod, her approval quiet but sincere.
“Time is of the essence,” Batman continued, ignoring any lingering tension in the room. “Move out.”
---
The mission itself was intense from the start. The warehouse was dimly lit, its shadows stretching across the walls like ominous specters. Kara led the charge, her x-ray vision scanning the interior for heat signatures as the team approached.
“There’s at least twenty of them inside,” Kara reported over the comms. “Half are armed. The others are guarding the containment units.”
“Focus on disabling their weapons first,” Batman’s voice came through, calm and precise.
Kara moved quickly, her heat vision cutting through the darkness as she took out the first set of guards. The clang of metal hitting the floor echoed through the space, and the traffickers scrambled to respond. Barry zipped through the perimeter, disarming the remaining guards in a blur of motion.
“Perimeter’s clear,” Barry said, his tone light despite the chaos around them. “You’re up, Supergirl.”
Kara didn’t hesitate. She launched herself forward, her punches precise as she neutralized the next wave of traffickers. Her movements were fluid, each strike purposeful and controlled.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Diana and Batman working together to free the captured aliens from their containment units. The beings—many of them small and frightened—looked up at the heroes with wide, hopeful eyes.
“We’ve got them,” Diana said, her voice steady as she gently guided the aliens toward the extraction point. “Keep them off our backs.”
Kara turned back to the fight, her focus sharpening. A particularly large trafficker lunged at her, wielding a metal rod. Kara caught it effortlessly, snapping it in half with a flick of her wrist before sending the man flying into a stack of crates.
“Nice one!” Barry’s voice crackled through her earpiece, his grin almost audible.
“Focus, Flash,” Batman growled.
Barry coughed lightly. “Right. Sorry.”
The mission wrapped up smoothly, the remaining traffickers subdued and the victims safely extracted. Kara stood at the center of the warehouse, her chest rising and falling as she surveyed the aftermath.
“You handled that well,” Batman said, his voice cutting through the silence as he approached. His tone was neutral, but there was a hint of approval in his words.
“Thanks,” Kara replied, wiping her hands on her suit.
“Good work,” Diana added, her smile warm.
As the team regrouped back at the Watchtower, Kara caught Barry and Oliver exchanging knowing looks.
“What?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as they broke into matching grins.
“Nothing,” Barry said, smirking. “Just proud of you, Supergirl. You crushed it out there.”
“Seriously,” Oliver added, leaning casually against the wall. “Nice leadership. You’re really settling into this.”
Kara rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks, guys.”
From across the room, Clark watched the exchange silently, his expression unreadable. Kara didn’t spare him a glance, her focus on the teammates who had supported her every step of the way.
For the first time in a while, she felt like she belonged.
---
Kara sat at a small round table in the cozy café, cradling her steaming latte between her hands. The warmth seeped into her fingers, but it did little to calm the restless thoughts swirling in her head. Across from her, Cat and Lena were the picture of ease—Cat flipping through her tablet while sipping an espresso, Lena stirring her tea with careful precision.
“So,” Cat said, breaking the silence as she set her tablet down with a deliberate motion, “how’s our newest scholar doing on his first day in the wild world of academia?”
Kara let out a small laugh, though it sounded more anxious than amused. “Carter seemed excited to show him around, so that’s something. But Conner... I don’t know. He’s nervous, and I can’t really blame him.”
Lena looked up from her tea, her brow furrowed with concern. “That’s to be expected, Kara. He’s been through a lot, and this is a huge change for him. But it’s also a good one.”
Kara nodded, staring into her cup as if it held all the answers. “I know. I just... What if it’s too much for him? What if he can’t handle it, or he feels like he doesn’t belong?” She sighed, shaking her head. “He’s still figuring out who he is, and I don’t want this to make him feel even more lost.”
Cat leaned forward, her sharp gaze softening just enough to be comforting. “Danvers, you’re doing what every good parent does: worrying yourself sick over things you can’t control. The truth is, Conner needs this. He needs to figure out who he is outside of all the chaos you’ve both been through. And school—normalcy—is a good place to start.”
Kara looked up, her lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t know if it’s normal for him, though. He’s... different. What if the other kids figure it out? What if they—”
Cat cut her off with a wave of her hand. “They won’t figure it out. As far as the world is concerned, Conner is the adopted son of a hardworking CatCo reporter. No capes, no aliens, no Lex Luthor drama. He’s just a kid. Let him be one.”
“She’s right,” Lena added, her voice calm and reassuring. “And Carter’s there. If anything happens, he’ll have someone to rely on. Someone who understands what it’s like to grow up with... unique circumstances.”
Kara hesitated, her grip tightening on her cup. “I just want him to feel like he belongs,” she said quietly.
“And he will,” Cat said, her tone firm but kind. “Because he has you. And because you refuse to accept anything less for him.”
Lena reached across the table, placing a gentle hand on Kara’s. “You’re giving him something he’s never had before—a chance to just be a teenager. That’s more than enough.”
Kara let out a soft laugh, some of the tension easing from her shoulders. “Thanks, guys. I needed that.”
“Anytime,” Lena said with a warm smile.
Cat smirked, leaning back in her chair. “Well, don’t make it a habit of doubting yourself, Danvers. You’re too stubborn for that.”
Kara couldn’t help but laugh at that, the sound lighter this time. For the first time that day, she felt like maybe—just maybe—things would be okay.
---
The first day of school was a whirlwind of new faces, new routines, and new challenges for Conner. Carter, ever the enthusiastic guide, dragged him through the halls, pointing out classrooms, teachers, and secret shortcuts with the kind of energy that only Carter could muster.
“That’s Mr. Thompson,” Carter said, nodding toward a tall man with glasses who was handing out flyers near the science lab. “He’s the chemistry teacher. Super strict, but if you’re good at science, he’ll love you. Oh, and over there—”
Conner tried to absorb it all, nodding along as Carter spoke, but his focus kept drifting. The school felt both overwhelming and strangely small compared to the life he’d known before. He couldn’t help but notice how the other students watched him, their curiosity evident.
“New kid, huh?” one boy said in passing, his tone neither friendly nor hostile.
“Yeah,” Conner replied curtly, not stopping to elaborate.
Carter glanced back at him, his grin faltering slightly. “Don’t worry about them. They’ll warm up to you once they see how cool you are.”
“Cool,” Conner echoed, his tone skeptical.
By lunchtime, Conner was already exhausted. The buzz of the cafeteria was a chaotic symphony of voices, trays clattering, and chairs scraping against the floor. Carter guided him to a table near the back, where they could have some semblance of quiet.
“Okay,” Carter said, unwrapping his sandwich. “So far, you’re doing great.”
“Am I?” Conner asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah! You didn’t glare at the principal when she introduced herself, and you only looked like you wanted to punch someone twice this morning. Progress!” Carter teased, flashing a wide grin.
Despite himself, Conner chuckled. “You’re ridiculous.”
“True,” Carter said cheerfully, “but I’m also right.”
From across the cafeteria, a few girls sitting at a nearby table glanced over at Conner. One of them nudged her friend, whispering behind her hand. “Who’s the new guy?”
“No idea,” the friend replied, her gaze lingering on Conner. “But he’s kind of... mysterious.”
“He’s hot,” another girl added with a grin.
Conner, oblivious to their attention, focused on his food. Carter, however, noticed and smirked. “Looks like you’ve already got some admirers.”
“What?” Conner asked, confused.
Carter nodded toward the table of girls. “They’ve been staring at you for, like, five minutes.”
Conner glanced over briefly, then shook his head. “Great,” he muttered, focusing back on his sandwich.
---
By the end of the week, Conner had settled into a routine. Carter remained a constant presence, introducing him to classmates and helping him navigate school life. But Conner’s heightened senses and wariness of people meant he remained guarded, keeping interactions surface-level at best.
It wasn’t until Friday that things took a turn.
Gym class was held in the school’s large, echoing gymnasium. The students were divided into teams for a series of relay races. Conner kept his head down, focusing on the activities and trying to avoid drawing attention to himself.
But some attention couldn’t be avoided.
A group of older boys had been watching Conner all week, their curiosity turning into something more pointed. During a break between races, one of them approached him, a smirk plastered across his face.
“Hey, new kid,” the boy said, his voice dripping with mock friendliness. “You’re pretty quiet. Too good to talk to the rest of us?”
Conner glanced at him, his expression neutral. “I’m just here to do my thing.”
The boy’s smirk widened as he leaned closer. “Your ‘thing,’ huh? What’s that? Brooding in the corner like you’re better than everyone else?”
Carter, standing a few feet away, noticed the exchange and started to step forward. “Hey, leave him alone—”
The boy ignored Carter, his focus solely on Conner. “You’re not so tough. Just another kid trying to act cool. Bet you think you’re something special.”
Conner clenched his fists at his sides, his jaw tightening. Kara’s words echoed in his mind: *No powers. Stay in control.*
“I don’t want any trouble,” Conner said evenly, his voice calm but firm.
“Oh, you don’t want trouble?” the boy taunted, stepping closer. “Then maybe you should’ve stayed home with your mommy.”
The shove came out of nowhere—quick, hard, and unexpected. The boy pushed Conner’s shoulder, trying to provoke a reaction.
Conner staggered slightly but didn’t retaliate. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “I said I don’t want trouble.”
The boy laughed, glancing back at his friends. “Look at him—he’s scared. Afraid to fight back.”
When the boy shoved him again, Conner reacted. Years of combat training downloaded into his mind by Cadmus kicked in. He didn’t use his Kryptonian strength, instead sidestepping the shove and twisting the boy’s arm just enough to make him lose balance.
The boy stumbled, his face red with anger and embarrassment. “What the hell?”
Conner’s voice was calm but firm. “I told you—I don’t want trouble. But if you keep pushing, you’ll regret it.”
The boy lunged at him, fists flying, but Conner blocked the attack with practiced precision. He moved smoothly, evading blows and countering just enough to subdue the boy without causing any real harm. By the time a teacher intervened, the boy was on the ground, gasping for breath, while Conner stood unharmed.
---
The school called Kara immediately.
By the time she arrived, she was tense but composed, her reporter instincts masking her frustration. The principal explained the incident, her tone a mix of disapproval and concern.
“We cannot tolerate violence, Ms. Danvers,” the principal said firmly. “Even if your son was provoked, his response was... excessive.”
Kara folded her arms, her expression calm but authoritative. “With all due respect, Conner was defending himself. If the other student hadn’t instigated the fight, this wouldn’t have happened. My son isn’t a troublemaker.”
The principal hesitated, clearly uncertain how to respond. “Regardless, he needs to find a better way to handle conflict. If this happens again, we’ll have to take disciplinary action.”
“Understood,” Kara said, her tone clipped.
---
The car ride home was silent at first, the tension thick in the air. Conner stared out the window, his jaw tight.
Finally, Kara broke the silence. “What were you thinking, Conner?”
“I didn’t use my powers,” he said quickly.
“That’s not the point,” Kara replied, her voice firm but not harsh. “You could have seriously hurt someone, even without using your powers. Do you understand that?”
Conner glanced at her, his expression a mix of frustration and guilt. “He wouldn’t stop. I didn’t want to fight, but he wouldn’t leave me alone.”
Kara sighed, her voice softening. “I know. And I’m proud of you for holding back as much as you did. But next time, I want you to walk away. Let a teacher handle it.”
Conner frowned. “Walking away won’t stop them.”
“No, but it’ll keep you out of trouble,” Kara said. She hesitated, glancing at him briefly before continuing. “Conner... I think it might help if you talked to someone. A therapist.”
Conner tensed, his gaze snapping to her. “I don’t need therapy.”
“Maybe you don’t think you do,” Kara said gently. “But you’ve been through a lot. It’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak.”
Conner didn’t respond, his gaze returning to the window. Kara sighed but didn’t push further.
“I just want what’s best for you,” she said quietly.
For the rest of the drive, the only sound was the hum of the engine.
---
Later that day, Kara sat on the couch, her phone in hand. The apartment was quiet except for the faint sounds of Carter and Conner laughing as they played video games in the other room. Kara stared at her phone for a long moment, debating whether to make the call. Finally, she sighed and tapped her mother’s name in her contacts.
The phone rang twice before Eliza answered, her warm voice immediately putting Kara at ease.
“Kara! It’s so good to hear from you,” Eliza said. “What’s going on?”
“Hi, Mom,” Kara began hesitantly. “I, uh, I needed to talk. It’s about Conner.”
There was a shuffling sound on the other end before another familiar voice chimed in.
“Kara, what happened?” Alex’s voice was sharp with concern.
“Alex? You’re with Mom?” Kara asked, momentarily distracted.
“Yeah,” Alex replied. “I came over for dinner. Now, spill. What’s going on with Conner?”
Kara let out a shaky breath. “He got into trouble at school today. Some kid kept pushing him, trying to provoke him, and Conner defended himself. He didn’t use his powers, but it still turned into a fight. The school called me, and the principal said they’d let him off with a warning this time, but they’re watching him now.”
Eliza’s tone was calm but firm. “Did the school explain what the other boy did to provoke him?”
“Yeah,” Kara said. “The kid shoved him first. Conner tried to walk away, but the guy wouldn’t stop.”
“And Conner still got in trouble?” Alex asked, her voice tinged with frustration.
“They don’t tolerate violence, period,” Kara explained. “Even if it was self-defense.”
Eliza hummed thoughtfully. “How did Conner react afterward?”
Kara leaned back against the couch, rubbing her temples. “He was upset. Not just because of the fight, but because he feels like walking away wouldn’t have stopped the kid. And when I suggested therapy again, he completely shut down.”
“You’ve mentioned therapy to him before?” Eliza asked gently.
Kara nodded, even though they couldn’t see her. “Yeah. After the first time he lost his temper here. He refused. He thinks he doesn’t need it, and I don’t know how to convince him otherwise.”
“Kara,” Eliza began, her voice warm but firm, “you have to remember that Conner’s been through so much. Therapy might sound scary to him because it means facing things he’s not ready to deal with. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need it—it just means he needs more time to see the value in it.”
Kara let out a soft sigh. “I just... I don’t want him to feel the way I did when I first got here. Lost, out of place, like he doesn’t belong anywhere.”
“Kara,” Eliza said gently, “do you remember how you were when you first came to Earth? When you first came to live with us?”
“Of course I do,” Kara replied, frowning slightly. “But that’s different. I was ripped away from my entire planet.”
“True,” Eliza said, “but think about how you felt. You were scared, angry, and trying to figure out who you were in a world that didn’t make sense to you. Conner’s experience isn’t the same, but the feelings are. He’s trying to navigate a world that’s completely new to him, and he’s doing it while carrying the weight of everything that happened to him at Cadmus.”
Alex’s voice broke in, quieter but no less impactful. “Kara, do you remember when you punched a hole in the barn wall?”
Kara winced. “I was frustrated, okay? Everything felt wrong, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.”
“Exactly,” Alex said. “You were frustrated because you didn’t know how to handle everything you were feeling. Conner’s going through the same thing. The difference is, you had us to help you through it.”
Eliza added, “And that’s what you’re doing for Conner now. He’s not going to figure it all out overnight, Kara. But he doesn’t have to. He has you.”
“I just feel like I’m not enough,” Kara admitted, her voice trembling slightly. “I’m trying so hard, but what if it’s not enough?”
Eliza’s tone turned gentle but firm. “Kara, you are enough. But you don’t have to do this alone. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for someone you love is to give them the tools to help themselves. Therapy might be one of those tools for Conner.”
Alex chimed in, “And even if he’s not ready for therapy now, that doesn’t mean he won’t ever be. Keep the door open for him. Show him it’s okay to ask for help.”
Kara nodded slowly, their words sinking in. “I’ll keep trying. I just... I want him to feel like he belongs. Like he has a home.”
“He already does, Kara,” Eliza said warmly. “You’ve given him that. And if he ever needs someone else to talk to, you know I’m here for him too.”
Kara smiled faintly, a small weight lifting off her shoulders. “Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Alex. I really needed this.”
“Anytime,” Alex said. “You’ve got this, Kara. And if you don’t, you’ve got us.”
Eliza chuckled softly. “Exactly. Now, go get some rest, sweetheart. You sound like you’ve been running on fumes.”
Kara laughed softly. “Yeah, I probably should. Love you, Mom. Love you, Alex.”
“Love you too, Kara,” Eliza replied.
“Same here,” Alex added. “Call if you need anything.”
As the call ended, Kara sat on the couch for a moment longer, her heart feeling a little lighter. She glanced toward Conner’s room, the faint sound of his laughter reaching her ears. They still had a long way to go, but they were going to figure it out—together.
---
The evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow through Kara’s apartment windows. The soft clinking of glasses and the occasional laugh filled the air as Lena opened a bottle of wine, pouring three glasses with practiced ease. Cat was already perched on the couch, her legs crossed elegantly, scrutinizing the takeout bags on the coffee table as if they were a personal affront.
“This is what you’re feeding yourself and Conner?” Cat asked, arching an eyebrow as she picked up a container. “Really, Danvers, I’d expect this level of culinary negligence from anyone else, but you’re supposed to be setting an example.”
Kara plopped down next to her, a pair of chopsticks already in hand, and gave Cat a wide grin. “It’s delicious, it’s quick, and it keeps Conner from eating the fridge out of boredom. I’d call that a win.”
“Potstickers again?” Lena teased as she joined them, handing Kara her glass.
“Always potstickers,” Kara replied, popping one into her mouth and sighing happily. “You two have no idea what you’re missing.”
Cat gave her an unimpressed look, leaning back against the couch cushions. “I think I’ll survive. Barely.”
Kara laughed, her shoulders relaxing for the first time all day. The weight she carried—the Justice League missions, Conner’s adjustment to school, managing her responsibilities at *CatCo*—seemed a little lighter with Cat and Lena beside her.
“You know, Kara,” Cat began, her tone shifting into something softer but no less firm, “as much as I admire your ability to juggle an insane amount of responsibilities, I can’t help but notice that you don’t seem to take much time for yourself.”
Kara paused mid-bite, her brow furrowing. “What do you mean? I take time. I’m here with you two, aren’t I?”
Lena placed her wine glass down and leaned forward, her expression gentle but insistent. “That’s not what she means, Kara. You’re constantly focused on everyone else—Conner, the League, your work. When was the last time you did something just for yourself?”
“I don’t need to,” Kara said, brushing off the question. “I’m fine. I’m happy as long as the people I care about are okay.”
Cat narrowed her eyes. “That’s not how it works, darling. You can’t pour from an empty cup. If you keep neglecting yourself, eventually you’ll burn out, and then where will Conner—or any of us—be?”
Kara sighed, setting down her chopsticks. “I’m fine, really. I just don’t think about it.”
“Well, maybe you should,” Lena said, her voice soft but firm. “You matter too, Kara. Your needs, your wants, your happiness—it’s just as important as everything else you’re balancing.”
For a moment, Kara was silent, her gaze fixed on the takeout container in front of her. Then she let out a small, nervous laugh. “I don’t even know what I’d do if I had time for myself. It’s been so long since I thought about it.”
Cat’s sharp eyes softened, and she reached out, placing a hand on Kara’s knee. “Then maybe it’s time you start. You’re not just a superhero or a reporter or Conner’s mom. You’re Kara. And that woman deserves some attention too.”
Lena nodded, her hand brushing against Kara’s as she added, “We’ll help. Whatever you want—whether it’s taking a day off, going somewhere new, or just sitting on this couch eating potstickers—we’ll make sure you get it.”
Kara blinked, her throat tightening at their words. “You two really don’t have to—”
“Oh, we absolutely do,” Cat interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. “Because clearly, you’re not going to do it yourself.”
Kara laughed softly, a small but genuine smile breaking through her usual mask of calm. “Okay. Maybe I’ll think about it.”
“That’s a start,” Lena said, her lips curling into a smile.
“And in the meantime,” Cat added, reaching for the takeout bag with a look of resigned disdain, “I suppose I’ll try one of these potstickers. But if they’re as mediocre as I expect, you’re cooking next time, Danvers.”
Kara grinned, holding up the container. “Challenge accepted.”
As the three of them settled into easy conversation, the weight Kara carried felt a little less heavy. With Lena and Cat by her side, she realized she didn’t have to do everything alone—and maybe, just maybe, it was okay to take care of herself too.