Chapter Text
Alex stood quietly in the doorway of the investigation room, her arms crossed as she leaned against the frame. From where she stood, she could see J’onn kneeling down beside Alexis, showing her the details of the investigation, photos, maps, and files that represented months of work.
Alex’s heart ached as she watched the interaction. Alexis’s small shoulders, once tight with worry, now looked more at ease. Her hands rested loosely in her lap as she listened intently to J’onn, her face softer, her expression touched with curiosity and a spark of hope.
J’onn’s deep, comforting voice carried gently across the room, explaining everything in a way that Lexi could understand without overwhelming her.
For the first time in a long while, Alex saw her niece truly engaged, asking quiet questions, nodding along and not looking like she was going to hyperventilate at any given moment. She swallowed hard, coming to the realization that she should have done this sooner. Alexis had been struggling for so long, feeling lost and alone, while Alex had kept her at arm’s length, trying to shield her from the worst of it.
But maybe she had done more harm than good by not showing Alexis just how hard they were working to bring Kara and Lena home.
J’onn’s hand rested gently on Alexis’s shoulder as he finished his explanation, and Alex could see the tension in Lexi’s body ease completely.
The weight of the unknown had been crushing her niece, and Alex hadn’t fully realized just how much until now.
Alexis nodded at something J’onn said, then wiped her eyes quickly with the back of her hand. Alex’s heart squeezed as she watched her niece’s small frame tremble slightly as her tears slowly ebbed away.
Alex stepped into the room, unable to stay silent any longer. As she walked closer, Alexis glanced up at her, and for a moment, their eyes met and there was something different in Alexis’s gaze, something that hadn’t been there before. Trust. Understanding.
“Hey, Lexi.” Alex said gently, moving to stand beside her. “How are you feeling now?”
Alexis swallowed, her voice still small. “Better. I didn’t know… I thought no one was really doing anything.”
Alex’s chest tightened with guilt. “I should have shown you all of this sooner. I promised to keep you in the loop, and I didn’t. I thought I was protecting you, but… I was wrong. You deserved to know what was happening.”
Alexis’s lip trembled, and she looked down at her hands, her voice barely audible. “I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier. I didn’t mean to… I just-”
Before she could finish, Alex knelt down in front of her and gently took her hands. “You don’t have to apologize, Lexi. I understand why you’re upset. I’ve been so focused on trying to find your parents that I forgot how much you needed to see what we were doing. I should have shown you this months ago.”
Alexis sniffled. “I just want this nightmare to be over.”
“I know. I want that too.” Alex reached out and pulled the girl into her arms. “Shhh. Don’t cry. Everything is going to be ok and if you are ever feeling overwhelmed with emotions again, you can always come to me, Kelly or J’onn to talk alright?”
Alexis hesitated for a moment, then slowly leaned forward, wrapping her arms around Alex in a tight hug. “Ok.”
Alex closed her eyes and held her niece close, feeling the warmth of the embrace soothe some of the tension that had been building between them. “I love you, Alexis. Both you and your brother.” She whispered. “And we’re going to get through this together.”
Alexis nodded against her shoulder. “I love you too Aunt Alex.”
After a long moment, they pulled back from each other and Alex wiped the tears from Alexis’s cheeks. “Come on.” She said softly. “Let’s go do some shopping and then go home and get dinner started. Would you like to help? Its ok if you don’t want to.”
Alexis gave her aunt a small smile. “Only if I get to choose a new outfit?”
“Deal.” Alex chuckled, relieved that showing her niece all the hard work that has been going into finding her parents, had cheered her up a little. “Let’s go find your Aunt, cousin and brother.”
J’onn stood nearby, watching the scene unfold with a sense of quiet pride. He had known both Kara and Lena would want Alexis to be part of the journey, to understand how hard everyone was fighting to bring them back. Now, finally, Alexis had seen the truth.
As they left the room, Alexis’s hand held tightly in Alex’s, there was a sense of peace in the air. An unspoken promise that no matter how long it took, they would find Kara and Lena. And until then, they would hold onto each other, stronger together.
Because Kelly had taken her own car, Alex dropped her and Esme off to finish their day together while she took the other two shopping for some new things.
Alex knew that it wasn’t the same as when their parents took them shopping but it was still enjoyable for all of them.
By the time everyone got home, it was late in the afternoon. Dinner was prepared with Alexis’s help of course before she went to put her things away and help get her brother washed and ready to eat then got herself into her pyjama’s.
“Alexis, dinners ready. Can you bring Eli and Esme down please.” Kelly called out, dishing their food out at the same time.
Alexis walked into Esme’s room where her and Eli were colouring in some pictures. “Come on, dinner is on the table.” She ushered them both downstairs, helping her brother up onto his chair.
They all ate dinner in relative silence, the soft clinking of forks against plates the only sound in the room. Kelly glanced at Alex from across the table, her eyes reflecting the shared weight of the long day. Eli giggled at something on his plate, breaking the silence momentarily, and Alexis gave him a small smile before turning her attention back to her food.
After a few minutes, Kelly broke the quiet. “Alexis, do you have your things packed for school tomorrow? And Eli, we’ll need to make sure your backpack is ready too. You as well Esme.”
Alexis nodded, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “I packed most of my stuff after school on Friday, just need to add a few things in the morning.” She glanced at her little brother. “I’ll help Eli with his things before bed.”
Kelly smiled gently. “That sounds good. We’ll drop you off right after breakfast. It’s going to be a busy morning, so let’s make sure we’re all prepared. I have to get back to work tomorrow.”
Alex, finishing her last bite, leaned back in her chair. “I also have an early start so I’ll drop you all off before the bell goes so you can have some free time before school starts.” She stood to take her plate to the sink.
Eli, already losing interest in the conversation, perked up. “Can we play a game after dinner?”
Alex shook her head with a soft chuckle. “Maybe tomorrow, bud. You need to get to bed early tonight so you’re rested for school.”
Eli groaned, but Alexis smiled knowingly. “Don’t worry, Eli, we’ll have time to play later.”
As the meal wrapped up, Kelly stood and started clearing the dishes. “Alright, let’s get everything ready for the night. Alexis, can you help Eli upstairs?”
Alexis nodded, guiding her brother up the stairs while Kelly cleaned up the kitchen.
Alex lingered at the bench for a moment, her gaze distant, the weight of the next day settling in. Tomorrow was going to be another busy day, and with Kara and Lena still missing, the pressure of everything else felt even heavier.
Once the kids were tucked in and the house quieted down, Alex made her way into the kitchen, finding Kelly finishing up. She leaned against the counter, her eyes tired but determined. “You think they’ll be alright now that Alexis knows how much work is being put into the search?” Alex asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
Kelly turned to her, drying her hands with a towel. “They’ll be fine, Alex. We’ve got everything under control.”
Alex nodded, but the nagging feeling at the back of her mind didn’t let up. She forced a smile. “I just want this all to be over.” She let out a weary breath.
Kelly held her arms out allowing Alex to fall into them. “Me too babe. Me too.”
They stayed like that for a moment then headed up to bed themselves.
The next morning arrived quickly, the usual rush of breakfast and getting the kids out the door making the house feel busier than usual. Alexis was ready before Eli, as usual, helping him zip up his school jacket as Alex grabbed her keys.
“Alright, let's go!” Alex called out, ushering the kids toward the front door.
Kelly kissed them goodbye, waving them off as Alex loaded the kids into the car. “Have a good day everyone.” She gave Alex a quick kiss and got into her car and set off in the opposite direction.
Alex drove them to school and helped them all out of the car, adjusting Eli’s backpack before giving Alexis a quick hug. “Have a good day, kiddos.” She said with a smile. “I’ll be here to pick you up later.”
“Ok, Aunt Alex.” Alexis replied, grabbing Eli and Esme’s hand as they walked toward the playground.
Alex watched them for a moment before heading back to the car, ready to take on the rest of the day.
The day started like any normal school day would. The kids played on the playground before the bell sounded then went to their classes as usual. Had recess then back to class again until the bell signaled that it was finally lunch time.
The schoolyard buzzed with life, filled with the sound of laughter and shouting as children raced across the grass and the clatter of lunchboxes opening echoed beneath the midday sun. A soft breeze drifted through the courtyard, carrying the scent of peanut butter sandwiches and freshly cut grass that the caretaker had just finished mowing. The metallic clang of the jungle gym mixed with the rhythmic creak of swings and the chatter of kids swapping snacks.
Alexis and Eli sat together on a bench near the edge of the playground, a little apart from the busiest clusters of students. Eli swung his legs idly as he nibbled on his sandwich, crumbs gathering on his lap, while Alexis picked at hers in small bites, her gaze unfocused on the group of kids playing tag across the yard.
“Wanna play after lunch?” Eli asked between bites, his voice bright and full of the unshaken optimism of a now nearly six year old.
“Maybe.” Alexis replied, her tone soft. She managed a small smile for her brother’s sake, but her thoughts were elsewhere. The noise of the playground felt distant to her, almost muffled beneath the constant pull of her worry.
They weren’t too far from the main building, where most of the teachers were inside enjoying their lunch in the staff room, the aroma of coffee drifting out through the open windows. The on-duty lunch teacher, who was meant to be supervising the children, had wandered off toward the far end of the yard to settle a minor argument near the basketball court.
Alexis glanced around, making sure Eli was finishing his food. She knew they didn’t have much time before the bell would ring for the end of lunch. Just as she was about to suggest they head toward the playground, her eyes landed on a figure near the edge of the fence. Her heart skipped a beat when she recognized her grandmother’s unmistakable figure.
Lillian was standing there with a soft smile playing at her lips.
Alexis stopped in her tracks, a wave of confusion washing over her. Eli tugged at her hand, eager to run off and play, but Alexis didn’t move.
“Grandma?” she whispered under her breath. She knew Lillian wasn’t supposed to be there.
Eli’s eyes lit up the instant he spotted the familiar figure standing just beyond the school fence. Dropping the half-eaten crust of his sandwich onto the bench, he jumped to his feet and waved with both hands.
“Grandma! Grandma!” he called out, his voice full of unfiltered joy. “Lexi, look! It’s Grandma!”
Lillian smiled as she lifted a hand to wave back. The afternoon sun caught on the gold brooch pinned to her blazer, a spark of light that made her seem almost out of place among the ordinary bustle of the playground. Her hair was perfectly styled, not a strand out of place, and she looked every bit as composed as always, graceful, calm, and patient as she waited by the gate.
“Grandma!” Eli called again, running a few steps closer before Alexis reached out instinctively and caught his sleeve.
“Eli, wait.” Her voice came out sharper than she intended, but the unease coiling in her stomach wouldn’t let her ignore it. She could feel the warning her aunt had given her echoing in her mind. Don’t go anywhere with your Grandma unless one of us is there.
Still, seeing her grandmother made something ache inside her. Lillian had always been so kind to them when their moms were around. Visits filled with stories, sweets, and that calm, commanding presence that somehow made everything feel safe. But now… now things were different. She loved her, yes, but love didn’t erase the rules. Or the reason those rules existed.
“Hey, sweetheart.” Lillian greeted softly as she leaned down toward the fence, her voice smooth and warm, like honey laced with something sharp. “I’ve been wanting to see you both.”
Her eyes lingered on Eli first, the way his little face glowed with excitement as he clutched the fence rail. Then they shifted to Alexis, her smile never wavering but her gaze assessing, careful, watchful, as if she were measuring how much resistance she might face.
“It’s been too long.” Lillian continued, her tone gentle but threaded with emotion. “You’ve both grown so much. I’ve missed you terribly.”
Eli’s grin widened. “We missed you too, Grandma!” he said eagerly, pressing his small hands through the fence.
Alexis hesitated, her heartbeat quickening. The words were caught somewhere between affection and alarm. She had missed her grandmother but the knot in her stomach told her something wasn’t right. She stood still, gripping Eli’s hand tighter. “You’re… you’re not supposed to be here, Grandma. We’re not supposed to see you without Mom and Mama.”
Lillian’s smile didn’t falter. Instead, she sighed and knelt down to Alexis’s level, lowering her voice. “I know but things have changed. Aunt Alex and Aunt Kelly have been too busy to tell you, but I’m allowed to see you now without permission. The court decided that I can spend more time with you. I know how hard it’s been with your mothers missing, and I just want to help.”
Alexis hesitated, her instincts still telling her that something was wrong. “But… Aunt Alex didn’t say anything.”
Lillian reached out through the fence, gently resting a hand on Alexis’s shoulder. “That’s because they didn’t want to worry you, Lexi. They’ve been so overwhelmed with everything going on. But I promise, it’s all perfectly fine now. I just really miss you both so much.”
Eli, always quick to trust, tugged at Alexis’s arm. “Can we go with Grandma? Please, Lexi, please?”
Alexis bit her lip, uncertainty gnawing at her. She adored her grandmother. How could she not? And if things really had changed, maybe it wasn’t so bad. Still, she felt a knot of unease forming in her stomach tighten that much more.
“Grandma, I don’t know…” Alexis said quietly, looking at the ground.
Lillian leaned in closer, her voice soft and reassuring. “Sweetheart, I’m only here because I love you. Do you really think I’d do anything to upset you, your brother, or your aunts? I just want to spend a little time with you both, and then I’ll have you back at school before you know it. I promise. We’ll make it a fun day.”
Alexis glanced at Eli, who was practically bouncing with excitement. She swallowed hard, feeling torn between the rules and the love she has for her grandmother. She didn’t want to get in trouble, but… if Lillian said it was ok, maybe it was.
Slowly, Alexis nodded. “Ok. But just for a little while.”
Lillian’s smile widened as she stood up. “That’s my girl. Come on, let's go. I’ll have you back by the end of lunch.”
Alexis took a deep breath and led Eli toward the gate where parents would normally drop off or pick up their kids. Her heart pounded in her chest, a mixture of excitement and unease swirling inside her. Eli, oblivious to the tension, ran ahead, eager to hug their grandmother.
As Alexis and Eli reached her, Lillian held the gate open so they could slip past it. With the lunch teacher busy dealing with the other kids across the yard, they managed to slip out unnoticed. Lillian knelt down and wrapped them both in a warm embrace, her fingers brushing through Alexis’s hair in a way that was both comforting and unsettling.
“You both have no idea how much I’ve wanted to see you.” Lillian whispered, pulling back slightly to look them in the eyes. “We’re going to have such a wonderful time together.”
Eli grinned widely. “Where are we going, Grandma?”
Lillian smiled warmly at him. “Somewhere special, just for the three of us.”
Alexis gave a small smile, but the knot in her stomach tightened. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right, but for now, she chose to trust her grandmother. Just for a little while.
As Lillian gently guided them toward her waiting car, Alexis glanced over her shoulder, scanning the schoolyard one last time. Part of her wanted to go back into the school grounds, but the other part wanted to go with her grandmother.
Lillian’s voice pulled her back to the present. “We’ll go somewhere nice. You’ll see, it’ll be fun.”
Alexis nodded slowly, but as she got into the car, she couldn’t help but feel like she was crossing a line, one that might be hard to come back from.
The purr of the car engine was quiet as the driver navigated through the city streets. Alexis sat quietly in the backseat next to Eli, the excitement of their impromptu outing with Lillian already starting to fade as the strange unease from earlier lingered in her chest. She watched through the tinted window as buildings and trees passed by, her mind buzzing with questions. Why hadn’t Aunt Alex or Aunt Kelly said anything about Grandma visiting? And why did everything feel… off? She knew it was wrong but went against her gut feeling anyway.
Beside her, Eli was humming softly, his legs swinging happily as he looked out the window, completely unaware of the tension his sister was feeling.
Lillian turned around from her seat with a warm smile. “I know you two didn’t get a chance to finish your lunch, so I brought your favourite drinks. Just something to make this little adventure more enjoyable.”
The driver remained silent as Lillian reached into a cooler beside her and pulled out two familiar bottles. Alexis’s apple juice and Eli’s favourite fruit punch. Their favourite brands, chilled just the way they liked. She handed each bottle to them with a gentle smile, her eyes glinting with a knowing warmth.
Eli grabbed his bottle eagerly, twisting the cap off with a quick flick of his wrist. He took a big gulp, his small face lighting up immediately as the cool sweetness hit his tongue. “Mmm, this is the best!” he exclaimed, taking another swig without hesitation.
Alexis, however, hesitated. Her fingers traced the familiar label as her mind whirled. Kara and Lena had warned her to be cautious around Lillian, but here she was, acting kind and thoughtful, giving them their favourite treats. It didn’t make sense. She glanced at Lillian, who was watching her with a patient smile.
“Go ahead, dear.” Lillian encouraged gently, her tone as warm and reassuring as ever. “I know things have been a little strange, but I just want to make sure you two are happy and comfortable.”
Alexis nodded slowly, feeling her resolve waver under her grandmother’s soft tone. She twisted the cap off and took a small, cautious sip. The familiar taste of crisp apple filled her mouth, and for a moment, she allowed herself to relax. Maybe she was overthinking it. Maybe her grandmother was just trying to be nice.
Eli had already finished half his bottle, leaning back in his seat with a contented sigh. “Lexi, this is so good!” he said, his voice full of excitement as he clutched the emptying bottle.
Alexis glanced over at him, her little brother’s joy momentarily soothing her worries. She took another sip, allowing the cold drink to ease her thirst. Lillian’s kind demeanor was making it harder for her to hold onto her unease. Maybe this was just her grandmother’s way of making amends.
As the car rolled down the quiet road, Lillian watched them both closely, her expression calm and almost tender. Alexis could feel the weight of her gaze but said nothing, unsure if it was her imagination or something else entirely.
Eli, completely happy, curled up in his seat, the motion of the car beginning to lull him into a light doze. “I’m so comfy, Grandma.” he murmured.
Lillian’s smile softened as she turned her attention back to the road ahead. “That’s good to hear, sweetheart. You’re safe now. Just relax.”
Alexis glanced out the window, her thoughts swirling. The drive was peaceful, but unease still lingered in the back of her mind. She didn’t know where they were going or what Lillian’s real intentions were, but she resolved to stay alert for Eli’s sake. Whatever this was, she needed to be ready.
Her brows furrowed as she looked down at the half-empty bottle of juice in her hand. The sweetness lingered on her tongue, but her stomach felt heavy, not from the drink, but from the long, draining day. The rhythmic motion of the road beneath them only added to the strange, drowsy pull in her body.
She blinked hard, trying to focus on the scenery rushing past the window. The afternoon light seeped through the trees over and over again, soothing and hypnotic. The calming sway of the vehicle made her eyes sting with sudden tiredness.
“Grandma?” Alexis said quietly, her voice smaller than she intended.
“Yes, sweetheart?” Lillian’s tone was pleasant, calm as always, her gaze still fixed on the road.
“I think I’m just… tired.” Alexis murmured. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Oh, darling.” Lillian said softly, a smile touching her voice. “It’s been a very long year and it’s no wonder you’re exhausted. Why don’t you close your eyes for a little while? You’ll feel better when you wake up.”
Alexis nodded setting the bottle down in the cup holder. The world outside the window blurred as her eyelids grew heavier. She turned toward Eli, meaning to ask if he was tired too but he was already slumped against his seat, his head resting against the window, the tiniest smile still on his lips.
“He must be so tired.” Lillian said softly, glancing into the rearview mirror. “Poor boy probably hasn’t stopped worrying since your mothers went missing.”
Alexis’s chest tightened. “Yeah… me too.” she whispered.
The car rocked gently over the winding road, and the motion, paired with the warmth of the sun through the window, made it harder and harder to fight the fatigue pressing down on her. Her head lolled slightly to one side, her thoughts blurring together. The schoolyard, her moms’ laughter, the sound of Eli’s giggles from happier days.
Lillian hummed softly under her breath, an old lullaby that Alexis half-remembered from when she was small. The melody wrapped around her like a blanket, familiar, distant, and impossible to resist.
Her eyes fluttered once more as sleep finally won. The last thing she saw before slipping under was the calm expression on her grandmother’s face reflected in the mirror as the car rolled deeper down the road.
Lillian turned in her seat briefly to see both kids were asleep now, their heads tilted towards each other. “Turn here.” she said calmly to her driver.
The man nodded without a word, guiding the car off the main road and onto a narrow gravel lane bordered by tall trees. The canopy overhead thickened as they went deeper, sunlight breaking through in soft patches that danced across the windshield. After a few minutes, the trees gave way to a secluded clearing. At its center stood a large, modern house. Quiet, isolated, and almost entirely hidden from view unless one knew where to look.
“Pull into the driveway.” Lillian instructed.
The tires crunched softly over the gravel as the car rolled to a stop in front of the house. For a long moment, Lillian simply sat there, her hands resting on her lap, eyes fixed on the property ahead. Then, she exhaled slowly and turned toward her driver.
“Carry the children inside.” she said.
“Yes, Mrs Luthor.” The driver stepped out and opened the back door, moving with quiet efficiency.
Lillian got out and made her way to the door. She pressed her finger against the bio metric panel. Then a soft blue light pulsed beneath her touch before scanning up and down. The mechanism gave a quiet beep before the lock clicked open.
The door glided inward with a whisper of hydraulics, revealing a foyer lined with smooth stone floors and dark oak accents.
The man carried Eli first, careful not to jostle him. The boy’s small head rested against his shoulder, his face relaxed in deep sleep. “Did she really need to knock them out…” he muttered under his breath, too quiet for Lillian to hear.
“Put them in the east room.” Lillian instructed, her tone smooth and controlled. “Make sure they are comfortable.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Lillian followed as they walked through a long hallway where recessed lights illuminated modern walls adorned with old family photos, carefully chosen ones that painted a story of warmth and legacy. A framed picture of Lena as a child stood out among them, her bright green eyes and small smile frozen in time. Only Lena had no idea that this property even existed. Her gaze lingered on it for only a moment before she turned away.
“There.” She pointed to the far wall where one couch sat against it and watched her driver lower her grandson down. “Bring my granddaughter and put her on that one.”
The man nodded, returning with Alexis a moment later, who murmured softly in her sleep as he lifted her. One of her shoes slipped off in the process, clattering against the floor. Lillian bent to pick it up, dusted it lightly with her fingers, and set it neatly on a small bench by the door before closing it behind them.
The moment the door shut, a whir echoed from the walls. Lillian’s eyes lifted to the slim black cameras embedded in the corners of the ceiling, each one with a red blinking light coming on as they activated. A soft, sound echoed through the entryway as the house’s security system came online.
He carried Alexis to the same room and gently set her down.
Alexis’s brow furrowed slightly in her sleep, her lips parting as though she were about to speak, but no words came.
“Rest now, my darlings.” Lillian whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair from Alexis’s forehead. “You’ve both been through so much.”
The driver straightened. “Shall I stay nearby, just in case?”
Lillian shook her head. “No. They’ll be fine. The system will alert me when they wake or try to leave this room.”
“As you wish.” He turned and left, leaving Lillian alone with her grandchildren.
Satisfied, Lillian placed her hand on the panel next to the door outside the room and it slid quietly into place, sealing with a gentle hiss.
For a moment, she simply stood there staring at the door. Her expression softened, not in cruelty, but in something deeper, more complicated.
“They’ll understand one day.” she murmured, mostly to herself. “When they see I did what was necessary. I’ll teach them how to become real Luthors.”
With that, she turned and walked down the corridor, her footsteps echoing in the sterile quiet of the house.