Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

What a fucked up evening it had been.

Alex Danvers sighed and flicked the light on as she entered her apartment, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the brightness. The friendly game of pool with Maggie Sawyer had turned into drinks, which turned into more drinks and then she was admitting things that she didn’t really want to talk about. Not that that had stopped Maggie from asking.

Dropping her keys on the kitchen island, Alex flopped down onto her grey couch and let herself slide down sideways to rest her head on the seat cushions. Now if only that spinning sensation would stop, all would be right with the world. Despite spilling the beans about Kara being Supergirl, which J’onn was going to kill her for, Maggie had certainly told her share of secrets too, which she could deal with. Mostly. That whole still being in love with her ex-girlfriend back in Gotham City had certainly been the most painful.

A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

“Go away.” Alex mumbled into the sofa cushion underneath her. What the hell time was it anyway? Too late o’clock in the fucking morning to be knocking on her door.

“Alex?” A familiar voice drifted in from the hallway, followed by more hesitant tapping on the door. “It’s me, open the door.” Alex lifted her head and sighed. So much for falling asleep where she lay.

“Hang on.” Alex grumped and forced herself upright. She shuffled to the door, running a hand through her hair and yawning before unlocking and yanking it open to find her sister standing there. “Kara, it’s late. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I guess.” Kara Danvers offered up a lopsided smile and half shrug, before stepping through into the apartment. Kara glanced around the dark space, as if only just realizing the time and that she maybe should have called first. Still this couldn’t wait until the morning and it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss over the phone. “We need to talk.”

“Ooo-kay.” Alex frowned as she closed the door and flipped all the locks back into place. ‘We need to talk’ never led to good conversations in her experience. She watched as Kara made her way over to her sparsely stocked fridge and pulled out two bottles of water.

“So what’s going on that I need to know?” Alex came from around her kitchen island to meet her, her dark eyes scanning for any injuries or damage. She took one bottle and cracked it open, trying to gauge Kara’s mood.

“I just…I wanted to…” Kara’s eyes began to fill with tears. She didn’t even know where to start or how to explain the overwhelming frustration of what she was feeling. Luckily Alex didn’t even hesitate, putting her water down on the island and pulled Kara close, into a much-needed hug.

“Hey, just take your time, I’m not going anywhere.” Strong arms wrapped around her and Kara let herself sink into the embrace. She buried her nose in Alex’s warmth, snuffling into the dark hair and breathing her in. Alex always felt so good, the scent of her calming her down almost as much as the hug.

“It’s okay, it all just...” Kara smiled into Alex’s shoulder, touched by the obvious concern. “Well, it’s all kind of caught up with me. I didn’t really have a lot of time to process destroying that poor environmentalist.” Kara paused and pulled away, the bitterness of having failed to save the changeling still difficult to swallow. “And then when I was helping Barry and the others off world, I-I…” Kara came to a full stop and just wiped at the gathering tears in her eyes. It was always hard to talk about her Red Kryptonite experience, especially with Alex.

“Damn it, Kara. I knew I should have gone with you.” Alex muttered, finding Kara’s hand and leading her to the couch. They sat together, Alex’s arm sliding across Kara’s narrow shoulders, pulling a snuggly blanket over both of them. Kara sighed and melted closer into the offered comfort. She was glad Alex hadn’t seen her controlled yet again. It had brought all the Red Kryptonite memories rushing back in a horrible wave.

“Tell me what happened in the other universe.” Alex adjusted her tone, sure that something was bothering Kara. She reached out and pulled on long blonde hair, letting it fall through her fingers.

“It was horrible, I couldn’t stop myself, again!” Kara pulled a pillow to her chest and hugged it, remembering being controlled mentally by the aliens, a shiver running down her spine.

“They had Red Kryptonite there?” Alex asked, pinching the bridge of her nose, afraid Kara had to live through that again.

“No, thank Rao. B-but the alien invaders, they were able to telepathically control me and some of the others. We were forced to attack Barry and a few of the team that had stayed behind at STAR Labs. I nearly killed…” Kara’s voice broke and she wiped at her eyes.

“Hey, come on, you’re safe now. No one was killed.” Alex pulled her closer again. “You should have told me about this sooner. I could have cancelled my plans.”

“I wanted to, I was going to see if you wanted to get dinner, but my debrief at the DEO was interrupted by a Supergirl emergency. J’onn said we could just continue tomorrow, and by the time I finally got back, you weren’t answering my texts and Mon-El was at my door. Which y’know is fine, but then…well, ever since then I’ve been trying to talk him out of doing anything. I need some time to get my head together, not jump into something so quickly. However, he is rather stubborn… ” Kara leaned back, shifting away as she babbled nervously, not making a lot of sense.

“Whoa, slow down. What did the frat boy do now?” Alex’s lips pressed together into a thin line of disapproval. The Daxamite was more trouble than he was worth as far as she was concerned. She didn’t understand the soft spot that Kara had for the big dolt.

“Well,” Kara hesitated, not sure how Alex would react. “Before I left with Barry and Cisco, Mon-El…kind of kissed me.” Kara bit her lower lip self-consciously and looked away.

“What!” Alex’s gut dropped, the audacity of the man was unbelievable. Why had Kara not mentioned this development before? She had been so busy keeping Winn and James in line that she missed this completely.

“It was when Eliza was here and Mon-El was so sick and out of it. I didn’t think he remembered, and it wasn’t a big deal or anything so I never mentioned it.” Kara leaned back again. There was a part of her that was flattered by the attention but another, bigger part of her was dreading having to deal with this. “But at my place tonight he admitted that he did remember. And then he said that he wanted to follow protocol, that he should do this right.”

“Do what right?” Alex frowned, not sure what that really meant. Kara sighed and turned to face her.

“Mon-El has officially asked if he could court me.” Kara fidgeted, pushing her glasses higher nervously.

The silence was deafening. Alex blinked, sure that it was that last shot of whiskey that was still rattling around her belly, causing the burn in her gut. She wished she had another one, that she could swallow down along with her unexpectedly raw feelings.

“So tell him the truth, Kara,” Alex finally spoke, when she could breathe again, meeting Kara’s worried gaze. “Tell him that we are already bonded.”

Chapter Text

Kal-El’s Earth accent all but made the ancient Kryptonian words of betrothal incomprehensible as he stumbled and bumbled his way through it. Kara resisted her sigh of frustration, making a mental note that she would need to work with him to get his vocabulary and speech patterns up to even working class levels. She worried briefly about what kind of education system they had on this backward planet. Kara said nothing though, instead biting her tongue and smiling as she finally belonged to the House of Danvers. As the eldest male member of her family, Kal-El was responsible for ensuring that Kara was looked after, that she was allied to a strong House. She desperately wanted to be a Danvers.

“*In the name of Truth and Honour, before the face of Rao, who kindled the sun and assembled the ground beneath our feet, I hereby declare these vows binding upon you.* “ Kal –El switched to English. “For from this day forward, through all time and space, even unto eternity, the House of El shall be joined with the House of Danvers.”

Kara stood straighter, squaring her shoulders and speaking the solemn vow in perfect Kryptonese. “*I so swear.*”

Kal-El nodded proudly smiling at his little cousin. Kara nervously glanced over at Alex and the elder Danvers. She desperately wanted to be part of this House, to try to fit in and move forward on this new world. Alexandra Danvers would be a fine mate, once they came to the Age of Ascension.

“Uh…I do?” Alex glanced over at her parents, Jeremiah and Eliza who nodded and smiled encouragingly. If Kara felt the need to formally join their Houses, whatever that meant and could finally sleep through the night, then they were going to play along. It didn’t mean anything, any more than Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy hurt anyone. Once Kara was settled it could all be explained to her, calmly and over time.

Kal-El took the strip of cloth and wound their hands together. Kara smiled up at Alex as she entwined their fingers and they held hands. Alex gave a little squeeze of encouragement and solidarity. Kara knew everything would be all right now; Alex would always be at her side. She glanced back at her cousin.

“Therefore by the power invested in me, I declare your Houses joined.”

“*El mayarah.*” Kara smiled softly, meeting her new mate’s dark eyes, something settling deep inside. She started as Alex repeated her words, in perfect pronunciation.

“El mayarah, Kara Zor-El Danvers.” Alex smiled, pleased she had gotten the wording right. And the happy look of pride in the smaller girl’s eyes made it even more pleasing.

Stronger together.

***

“So tell him the truth, Kara,” Alex finally spoke, when she could breathe again, meeting Kara’s worried gaze. “Tell him that we are already bonded. That should cool his heels.”

Kara stared at her for a long moment before finally looking away.

“Actually, that’s what I needed to talk to you about. Well, part of it anyway.” Kara stood, nervous energy becoming too much, and began to pace. She knew she should have dealt with this when she hit the Age of Ascension. It didn’t seem like it was ever going to be an issue. Who could have anticipated someone from her home solar system dropping in and screwing things up?

“Just spit it out, Kara.” Alex watched Kara as she moved, tugging on her fingers and chewing her bottom lip. She sighed and closed her eyes, sure that she wasn’t going to like where this was headed. She hadn’t had nearly enough to drink to deal with this.

“We aren’t fully bond mated. We aligned our Houses, when I first arrived here on Earth, yes. And I took the Danvers name, but that was more like what you would call a betrothal. A declaration of intention, as we were both too young to actually complete the full ceremony.” Kara sank back down on the couch, and took Alex’s hands and hunted for the right words to explain.

“I am forever grateful, as it gave me a home here, a sense of belonging. The ceremony helped me to adjust, to feel like I was part of your family.” Kara smiled, remembering the event like it was yesterday. “But you didn’t understand what the ritual truly meant. Neither did your parents, nor Kal-El for that matter. For me, it was normal for houses to merge for political reasons. No one would bat an eye that we were declaring a match at that age.”

“So we didn’t just merge houses, we are technically betrothed but not fully bonded?” Alex said wrapping her head around the distinction. She didn’t think that sounded so bad. A little more serious though than anyone had really realized. Cultural differences caused so much miscommunication.

“Yes, exactly. By not completing the full bonding ceremony when I turned 18, the Krypton Age of Ascension, well, it left us in a kind of limbo. I was happy to just leave it be, since it allowed us to see others.” Kara looked at their joined hands, not mentioning her own growing doubts of ever finding a true bond mate. Alex was probably as close as she would get, and if she was honest with herself, that was fine by her.

“Okay, but I don’t see why we can’t just tell Mon-El that you’re taken and that’s the end of it.” Alex said, trying to keep the intergalactic playboy under control was the priority here. The rest of it could be sorted out over time.

“Mon-El apparently got all enthused while I was away for the week off world and decided to talk to Kal-El.” Kara closed her eyes and leaned back. It was all such a mess. “Mon-El understands that distinction and has seen his chance. The Daxamites were always critical of our practice of marrying for politics not love. They were a passionate group of people, gotta give them that.” Kara nodded, appreciating the thought. “Anyway, Mon-El wants a chance to court me, to challenge the betrothal. He has officially declared it.” Kara stopped and shook her head, not believing the audacity. “He spoke to Kal-El about it.”

“Well, shit.” Alex sighed not anticipating that wrinkle. “What did the big guy say?”

“What could he say?” Kara leaned back further and stared at the ceiling above, dejected. “As the oldest male member of the House of El, he had no choice but to allow the challenge.”

“Thanks for nothing, Clark.” Alex muttered. Fuck, she needed another drink, or better yet an ibuprofen, to nip her threatening headache in the bud. “So now what?”

Kara sighed. This was the embarrassing part. Why did Mon-El have to stir stuff up?

“You need to accept the challenge.” Kara said quietly. “And defend our betrothal by declaring that you want to be my bond mate.” She glanced over at Alex, trying to figure out what was going through her mind.

“So is that like a duel to the death or something?” Alex frowned. She wasn’t sure she would survive combat with Mon-El, even if she did kind of want to pound him into the ground at the moment. Her mind began to plot, perhaps if she had the right weapon, a lead knife to stab him maybe…

“No, no! Nothing like that, thank Rao. I think we can just go through with some of the courting rituals until I can persuade Mon-El that we are together, just taking our time, and then with luck he will lose interest and leave me alone.” Kara ran a hand through her hair in frustration. “I-I just need some time to get my head together, to figure out what I want. To process some of the stuff that’s been going on lately. I can’t take on much more. I already feel bad enough about letting James down, without adding Mon-El into the mix. Rao, I’m such an idiot…” Kara’s eyes began to tear up again.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Alex leaned forward, she just wanted to scoop Kara up and protect her from it all. “You are not an idiot. And Mon-El is smarter than I gave him credit for. Of course I will pretend to be your seriously offended betrothed. How dare he try to poach my territory!”

“Your territory? Really?” Kara snorted into the cushion she was hugging and laughed at Alex. Alex smiled back, mission accomplished, making Kara feel better about the whole mess. Kara grew quiet again before glancing back at Alex.

“Hey, seriously though,” Kara said softly, their eyes meeting. “Thanks for your help.”

“No worries,” Alex smiled back. “You know I’ve always got your back. Stronger together.” Her arms were suddenly full with a very appreciative alien. Alex soaked in the warmth for a minute, relishing the intimacy. She was going to kill Mon-El if he fucked this closeness up for the two of them.

“I think it’s time for bed, are you staying over?” Alex asked, emotionally drained and ready for sleep. Her whiskey soaked brain couldn’t take much more, and she was more than willing to worry about the courting rituals tomorrow. In the meantime, she wasn’t sure that she wanted Kara to be alone with everything still so fresh from her time off world.

She clearly had said the right thing, as Kara grinned and disappeared in a flash into the bedroom.

“Do NOT hog that blanket, Kara Zor-El Danvers. I have a popcorn maker and I know how to use it!” Alex flicked off the lights and smiled as she heard Kara giggling madly from her bed.

Some things would never change.

Chapter Text

What a day.

Kara Danvers flopped down onto her couch with an exhausted sigh and stared up at her apartment ceiling. She was beginning to wonder if her promotion had been worth it. She missed her old job, her neatly organized desk, hell, she even missed Ms. Grant’s sniping tirades. Change can be good, but not everything all at once. Nothing was the same anymore, and it was leaving her very disheartened. She just needed a little peace and quiet.

Kara’s cell phone vibrated on the coffee table. She sighed, making no move to see who it was. There was no need, she knew exactly who it was. It was the same person that had been ringing her all day. It was the same person that she had been ignoring, all day.

Mon-El was nothing if not persistent.

Kara briefly considered using her laser vision to fry the offending device but she didn’t even want to think about the paperwork the DEO would make her fill out. Or the face that Winn would make when she asked him to reload all her stuff back onto it. The phone finally stopped and she closed her eyes trying to shut down her racing thoughts.

To be honest, Mon-El’s interest in her was flattering. He did know things about her home world, reminding her of the old days and she liked mentoring him, but the kiss in the infirmary had been surprising. Pleasant enough, but surprising. And then when he didn’t remember doing anything, well, it had been a relief. Kind of like how breaking up with James had been.

Kara pulled her glasses off and pinched the bridge of her nose. She didn’t want to think about it any more. How no one seemed to fit in her life the same way that…

Kara tossed her glasses onto the coffee table beside her silent phone. Nope she was not going to go down that road right now. Not when there was a quart of mint chocolate chip ice cream with her name on it in the freezer. She would just take a moment to soak up the silence. No ringing phones. No sirens or honking horns. No loud voices, crying or cursing into the early evening air, just blessed peace and quiet.

Wait a minute…it was too quiet.

Kara’s eyes snapped open and she sat up with a start. She tried to pick up Mrs. Wilkie’s heartbeat in the apartment upstairs. No luck.

“What the hell?” She glanced around trying to discover what was going on, when she noticed a small package on her table. She briefly wished for telekinesis as one of her super powers, so she wouldn’t have to get up, but her curiosity was too strong. She made her way over to the table and picked up what appeared to be a small gift, if the bow was any indication.

“Alex!” A wide smile broke out as she recognized a familiar scent on the paper. It was confirmed by the attached card, which was written in her familiar confident scrawl, Kara would recognize it anywhere.

‘I know things are crazy for you right now. I’ve been tinkering in my lab again, and I was going to give this to you for Christmas, but thought you might appreciate some quiet time to just relax now. The silver button on the side turns it off and on. I can explain the details tonight. Love you, Alex’

Kara smiled sadly. She could always count on Alex. She hadn’t even hesitated about defending their betrothal, just jumped right in. Kara wished not for the first time that she had taken care of this years ago, but she had thought that there would be plenty of time. Besides, Alex wasn’t into girls, or so she had always thought, but now…

Kara didn’t want to dwell on those possibilities much either.

***

Kara paced in the living room, glancing out the window as Alex hopped into her friend Vicki’s car. They were off to go surfing, which was almost as much fun as flying, probably as close as Alex would ever get on her own anyway. Kara didn’t really want to tag along anyway.

She sank down onto the couch and tried to focus on the list of kids Eliza wanted her to invite to her birthday party. She was going to be eighteen years old next week, give or take, and not counting her years in the Phantom Zone. The Krypton Age of Ascension. Kara was dreading it, when she normally should be on top of the world. If they were on Krypton...

Well there was the rub. She wasn’t on Krypton anymore. She was very much on Earth, with Alex about to head off to university. Kara knew that the Danvers didn’t really understand the joining of the Houses. The political and emotional significance of it. To be honest, Kara wasn’t even sure if she wanted to follow the old Krypton ways anymore. She might be the last daughter of Krypton but that didn’t mean that she had to be a slave to a dead world’s customs.

“What’s going on behind those big sad eyes, Kara Danvers?” Eliza asked softly, sinking down onto the couch beside her, stroking her fingers through the fine blonde hair.

“I’m kinda torn between the old world and my new world I guess.” Kara sighed, enjoying the rhythmic motion. Eliza just quietly waited for her to continue. “On Krypton, Alex and I would be entering the Age of Ascension.” Kara hesitated on how to continue.

“What does that mean? You would both be considered adults and there is a ritual of some sort?” Eliza frowned, wondering if this was like a Krypton quinceaneras or bat mitzvah of some sort.

“Well, kind of,” Kara squirmed, not quite sure how to put it. “More like consummate our marriage.”

To give Eliza credit, she never stopped her gentle stroking of Kara’s hair, or sharply inhaled in surprise. However there was no controlling the sudden shocked thumping of her heart. Kara swallowed hard and waited for the fall out.

“Marriage, sweetie?” Eliza leaned back on the couch and waited for more information.

“Do you remember the joining of our Houses ceremony? Not long after I landed here?” Kara pulled at the fringe of the pillow she was hugging, avoiding eye contact with her foster mom.

“That Kal-El came over for, if I recall,” Eliza licked her lips. Fuck, what had they screwed up in ignorance this time?

“The joining of the Houses was the first step, like a betrothal. At the Age of Ascension the betrothed officially consummate their joining, and become full bond mates.”

Kara didn’t think she could blush any harder. Too bad Kryptonians weren’t impervious to embarrassment. The good news was Eliza’s heartbeat had calmed back down and there was a soft smile still on her face.

“I see. So what do you think you should do next?” Eliza asked gently.

Kara pulled the pillow to her chest and pressed her chin into the soft warmth. There was so much she still wanted to do. Alex was already accepted to college and she would miss her like crazy, but she was just about ready to head off to college herself.

“I want to go to school and…” Kara hesitated, feeling awful.

“And?”

“And maybe meet new people? Date people?” Kara snuggled closer to Eliza. “What if Alex isn’t my bond mate? What if she is but she doesn’t want to be with me? She likes boys and I’m definitely not a boy. On Krypton it wouldn’t matter, but here…” Kara’s voice faded off. “Well, it’s different. Besides, I don’t want to screw up our family.”

Eliza hugged her closer, it was all she could really think to do at this point.

“You know what, Kara, there is no right or wrong way. You have honoured your Krypton elders and joined our houses. Now you need to figure out what you truly want, who you truly want to be with. And if that is someone you haven’t even met yet, that’s fine. And if it is meant to be with Alex, then it will be. Nothing needs to be decided today.”

“Thanks, Eliza.” Kara murmured into the older woman’s shoulder.

“So do we need to do a ceremony or anything for the Age of Ascension?” Eliza made a mental note to call Clark and give him an earful. A little heads up on this whole bonding and ascension stuff would have been helpful.

Kara leaned back and shook her head, feeling a lot better about everything. There was a lot of time to sort things out, no need to take care of it all now.

“Just a chocolate birthday cake would be nice.” Kara grinned up at Eliza, who ran a hand through her long blonde hair. “With ice cream?”

“Of course, sweetie.” Eliza kissed the top of Kara’s head. They would figure something out, there was plenty of time.

***

Kara smiled at the memory. What would Eliza think of this whole mess, she wondered? She looked down at the gift in her hands, curiosity getting the better of her. She slid off the lid to discover what looked like a black Beats portable speaker that seemed to be emanating something that dampened external sound waves.

“Cool!” Kara grinned and hit the on/off button, immediately noticing the ambient noise coming back from outside. She hit the on button and it once again stopped. A big smile crossed her face. This was so awesome!

Her cell phone rang yet again. Hoping it was Alex, Kara quickly picked it up, but she noticed it wasn’t a number she recognised.

“Hello?” Kara asked, wondering just who had her private cell phone number.

“Hey, it’s Detective Sawyer. I have a dead alien and my crime scene is crawling with feds. Alex is here, as is a certain Daxamite who may, or may not, have something to do with my db. Their conversation is pretty intense at the moment.” Behind the amusement in Maggie’s voice, Kara could make out very familiar voices yelling at each other.

“Fuck.” Kara swore.

“Right, I thought you'd like to know," Maggie laughed outright at her reaction. “See you super soon, Baby Danvers.”

Kara just looked at her phone as Maggie hung up. This day just got even worse.

Chapter Text

“Danvers, you need to calm the hell down!”

Maggie Sawyer tried to get her friend’s attention as she slid her cell phone into the pocket of her leather jacket and moved closer to the fracas that was unfolding before her. It was bad enough that this was happening at her crime scene; she didn’t need Alex getting busted down for brutality. With any luck Supergirl would be here to sort this out without anyone getting hurt.

Much.

Maggie had to hand it to the agent, she was not backing down from the much more powerful Daxamite. Alex was pretty fierce in a good firefight or hand-to-hand combat. It was pretty damned sexy actually and it reminded her on so many levels of her ex-girlfriend. Maggie winced as Alex pulled up on the tall man’s arms, completely and painfully immobilizing him, ignoring her advice completely.

“What part of no didn’t you get, Space Boy?” Alex growled as she all but threw Mon-El against the side of a DEO standard issue black SUV. “Did that ship of yours land on your head or something?” Alex glared at the tall alien, shoving him chest first into the passenger side doors with alarming force. “I think Kara was pretty clear that she is taken.”

“Alex, I don’t want to fight with you about this.” Mon-El struggled against the vehicle, trying to get a better foothold to push her off. She kept moving, never giving him a chance to get the upper hand, keeping him off balance. For someone so much smaller than him she was damn difficult to fight off.

“Well, too bad. You wanted to challenge my relationship with Kara, push your way into where you don’t belong, then this is what you get.” The silent ‘asshole’ was clearly heard in Alex’s tone. She spun him around and slammed him against the vehicle again, pressing her forearm against his throat to keep him in place as she plotted her next move. Mon-El however couldn’t help his dumb ass self and felt the need to sass back.

“I believe the immortal words of one of your musical poets sums it up nicely.” Mon-El grinned. “If you liked it, you should have put a ring on it.”

Alex’s jaw dropped at the audacity of his words, anger rushing over her in a wave. She wanted to hit him, hurt him, wipe that damned cocky smirk off his smarmy face. Only the thought of all the paperwork involved kept her from reacting with her fist. That, and the disappointed face that Kara would make when she found out about it.

Still, it was awfully tempting.

“Agent Danvers, report.”

Alex recognized the familiar voice instantly. She glared stubbornly at Mon-El before turning him face first onto the hood of the SUV and snapping her cuffs around his wrists. “I accept your challenge, in case you hadn't figured that out yet, so don’t think this is over.” Alex hissed and pushed herself away from the man to greet her superior officer.

“Director Lane,” Alex turned and genuinely smiled for the first time in hours. It had been far too long since she had seen Lucy and her friends stationed at the desert DEO facility. “How are things underground? Is Vasquez still running you off your feet?”

“Roger that. Susan keeps me out of trouble most days, thank God.” Lucy laughed and nodded. She glanced over at the dark haired woman glowering at them with her arms crossed. “Who’s your new friend?”

“Oh, uh,” Alex glanced behind her, as Maggie frowned. “Science Police, an NCPD detective, her name’s Maggie Sawyer. She’s all right, she knows her alien stuff and you can trust her.” Lucy cocked an eyebrow at the high praise and took a better look at the attractive brunette, but didn’t comment. The DEO could use as many allies on the police force as they could get. And if Alex trusted her, that was good enough for Lucy.

“So, when can we catch up? Somewhere we can have a decent drink?” Lucy asked as her cell phone buzzed. She scrolled through the text message and Alex knew that duty was calling by the focus on her friend’s face.

“I know a place, how’s Friday? See if you can drag Vasquez out too?” Alex said quickly, before Lucy had to disappear.

“Sounds like a plan.” Lucy slid her phone back into her black cargo pants pocket and glanced at the man leaning heavily against the SUV in cuffs. “Who is that?”

“Your team will want to talk with this…person of interest.” Alex smirked over her shoulder at the cuffed man. A little time in a DEO holding tank would do him a world of good.

“Wait! What?” Mon-El’s eyes widened as Lucy waved to her agents to collect him.

“Say hey to your sister,” Lucy said before nodding to the detective and heading to her vehicle. Behind her, Maggie could see the dead alien being scooped from her crime scene, zipped up in a non-descript body bag and removed as quickly as possible. She knew the usual National Security bullshit would be trotted out whenever the feds showed up in a swarm like this. She understood the game though, and just politely nodded back at the departing DEO Director. Alex waved as the car sped off and headed over to stand next to Maggie, grinning.

“Fuck, Danvers. Remind me to never get on your bad side.” Maggie murmured under her breath and watched as several hulking men in black grabbed Mon-El and shoved him into another waiting vehicle, before quickly following after the first car.

“I certainly wouldn’t advise it, Detective Sawyer.” Supergirl floated silently down beside the woman, her arms crossed, clearly pissed if the look she levelled at Alex was any indication. “Where are they taking him?”

“The desert facility for questioning.” Alex looked down at her boots, sorry that Kara was annoyed, but not really sorry for her actions.

“Is he even a suspect?” Supergirl asked Maggie, knowing the detective would give her a straight answer. Maggie glanced back and forth between the frosty looks being exchanged between the two women.

“He found the body, and maybe saw someone take off in a hurry. So yeah, he technically is a person of interest.” Maggie hedged, shifting from foot to foot, wishing she could have dashed off sooner. “Or a witness. Maybe.”

“Alex!” Kara glared as Alex just lifted her chin defiantly. “Really? Lucy can probably use his help. Was that necessary?”

“Come on, he was being a total asshole. I didn’t hurt him! They won’t hurt him either and eventually have to kick him loose.” Alex crossed her arms. She had been rather restrained she thought. “You know, you’re the one who asked me to help.”

“Help, yes. Not get Mon-El interrogated for something he didn’t do.” Kara waved her arms in the air in frustration. So much for her brilliant ideas. Who knew Alex would play the part of a jealous suitor so well?

“Is it my fault that the two overlapped?” Alex asked, biting her lower lip to stop the smile that desperately wanted to erupt.

Kara rolled her eyes and didn’t dignify that with an answer. She shot up into the air, heading quickly towards the underground DEO desert facility.

“She is so pissed at you.” Maggie said softly, watching the blue and red streak disappear behind a bunch of skyscrapers.

“Yeah,” Alex rubbed her neck and sighed. “Don’t need to be bond mates to know that.”

“Whoa, bond mates?” Maggie turned to Alex, shocked at this new bit of news. “With Supergirl?”

“Hey, when your ex is Bat Woman I wouldn’t be pointing fingers, y’know?” Alex grumbled back. She looked back up at the sky, knowing that any chance of meeting up with Kara and talking about her present tonight was unlikely to happen.

"Shit Danvers, she could have laser fried me for flirting with you." Maggie frowned, her mind reeling with a million scenarios, none of them good.

"She would never do that," Alex said, placing a hand on Maggie's arm to try to soothe her worries. "It's complicated. Come on, I’ll buy dinner and explain."

They took several steps in companionable silence.

"She could have turned me into a popsicle..."

Alex pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. It was going to be a long conversation.

Chapter Text

“Well, look what the wind blew in,” Susan Vasquez grinned, spinning her chair around from her computer board display, pleased to see her friend drop into the DEO command center.

“Still cleaning up your messes, Susan. Can’t leave you and Lucy alone for a minute.” Kara teased back. She didn’t miss the dank underground facility but she did miss the people stationed here. With J’onn assigned to the new DEO offices in National City he had been able to hand pick his leadership team, taking Alex with him. Lucy was in command here now, and was flourishing with the challenges of maintaining a military base as well as a high security alien prison. The facility had an excellent reputation, the escapee that ended up dead in town not withstanding and Kara knew that Lucy and her team would get to the bottom of that as quickly as possible. However, throwing Mon-El into a holding cell was not likely the way to go about that.

“Vasquez, update.” Lucy strode into the command room, shrugging out of her leather jacket and handing it to a passing assistant. She glanced up at the wall of monitors, quickly trying to assess where various teams were and what was in progress.

“Station is secure, Ma’am. All floors report operational, with no incidents. Construction crews are reinforcing the cells that were compromised in the explosion and the suspected escape route is being investigated with a fine tooth comb by the engineering team. There is a preliminary report on your desk.” Vasquez nodded and turned back to her console, awaiting further orders while continuing to monitor a variety of ongoing operations.

“Excellent.” Lucy smiled and then turned to greet Supergirl. “I wondered if you would drop in. Our suspect kept saying it was all a huge mistake and to call you. He had very colourful things to say about Alex as well, but then who doesn’t?” Lucy grinned wider at Kara’s long suffering expression.

“Detective Sawyer indicated that Mon-El might have seen something, but I don’t believe he is involved in any of it.” Kara said quietly as another agent arrived at Lucy’s side, with several documents at the ready for her signature.

“I see,” Lucy quickly scanned the paperwork and began to make short work of signing where needed. “Well, we will question him and see exactly what he does know about the situation.” Kara frowned, that was not the answer she had really wanted.

“Ma’ams,” Vasquez interrupted their conversation from her desk. “The Daxamite has arrived, we have interrogation room three ready. I have a fresh security team already at the door.”

“Lucy, really? Mon-El did not kill your prisoner.” Kara tried again, not sure how else to get them to listen to her. She looked around trying to think of her next steps. Vasquez caught her eye, and then shifted her gaze up to the wall of monitors. Kara followed her look and glanced up as well, realizing these were likely the real culprits. “Who are those guys up there? Suspects?” She pointed up to the monitor array, with three rather nefarious looking aliens plastered across the screens.

“Mmm,” Lucy murmured vaguely and just pursed her lips as she flipped to another form, scanning it before signing it in silence. Kara dragged her fingers through her long hair in frustration.

“Kara! I am so glad to see you.” Mon-El called from down the hallway to their right, as he was unceremoniously dragged through to the interrogation room. “Tell them I had nothing to do with the death of that incredibly horrible smelling fellow that was killed. To be honest, someone did us all a favour. Not that these soldiers are much better.” Mon-El waved his cuffed hands in front of his face to clear the stench from his sensitive nose. He didn't know how Kara could stand it here sometimes.

“Mon-El, just tell them what you know,” Kara shifted and tugged at her fingers, wishing she could help more. “You can trust them, they are DEO as well, and are just trying to get to the bottom of this.”

“Take him to three, I’ll be there shortly,” Director Lane crossed her arms and glared at the suspect. She appreciated Kara’s words, but she still had a job to do. Kara sighed and nodded, hearing and understanding the note of finality in Lucy’s voice. The security team escorted Mon-El towards the interrogation room. He glanced over at Kara sadly, before noticing the wall of monitors and freezing, excited that he recognized one of them.

“Wait, that’s him! That was the other guy who drove off!” Mon-El jerked loose from the guard on his right and pointed up at the thin green grey alien displayed on the middle screen. He looked over at Kara and nodded, a wide smile breaking out across his face.

“Vincent Olango, from the planet Garva.” Vasquez quickly pulled up the details on the suspect, eyes narrowing as a long list of offenses began to scroll across the screen. “Vinnie is a local runner and small time thug. Gambling, sharking, shaking down other refugees like himself to keep them hidden from authorities. The Science Police have had several run ins with him over the last year or so.”

“Well, Kara, it looks like you are quite correct about your friend here.” Lucy crossed her arms and smiled. She even had an idea where to find him. “A shake down on a new alien in town gone bad doesn't sound like a job for the DEO. I think this part of the investigation has fallen back into police jurisdiction.” Lucy looked over at Mon-El and Kara and smiled.

“Can I get you a coffee while we take your statement, Mon-El?”

***

An hour and a half later they wandered out of the DEO complex into the cool evening air, stars sparkling overhead. A DEO agent was coming to take Mon-El back to his place. Kara felt bad about the whole thing and was quite happy to wait with him as it gave them an opportunity to talk.

“I’m sorry about all this. Alex gets a bit intense sometimes…” Kara hesitated, searching for the right words, knowing that it was probably too little too late.

“Hey, don’t apologize. I figured Alex would be angry with me. Besides, you are totally worth it.” Mon-El ducked his head, his thick fingers scratching through his short hair self-consciously before he looked up at her again. “Thanks for sticking around until they let me out of there. I was worried that I might disappear.”

“I wouldn’t let that happen.” Kara reached out and squeezed his arm. “Neither would Alex, despite what she might say.” Kara was sure of Alex’s intentions, even though Mon-El didn’t seem as believing.

“You could make it up by going out to dinner with me?” Mon-El asked, his smile soft and eyes hopeful. “Maybe this Friday night?”

Kara glanced at him and couldn’t figure out a way to get out of it. Especially after everything today. She really just wanted to crawl under a blanket on her couch with a pizza and start a marathon Netflix binge watch of The Crown. She had promised to wait and watch it with Alex, but she had said she was going out with friends, so there was no real reason to say no. Maybe if it was a horrible date he would take the hint. At the very least it might stop the constant texting she had endured all day.

“Uhm…all right.” Kara sighed softly and flicked her hair out of her eyes. “Nothing too fancy though, okay? I just want something relaxing and low key.” They both turned as the DEO vehicle pulled up in front of them.

Mon-El grinned and nodded before hopping into the car. He could do low key. Once he asked Winn what that meant, he was sure he would be able to do it.

Kara sighed and launched herself into the sky, already regretting saying yes.

***

There was a lone light on as Kara slipped into her apartment through the open window, landing softly on the wide planked hardwood floor. It was also blissfully silent; except for a very familiar heartbeat that Kara would recognize anywhere.

“Alex?” Kara said gently, smiling as a dark tousled head popped up from the couch, followed by a sleepy yawn as the other woman turned to face her. The silence between them stretched out awkwardly, their gazes meeting and holding as each waited for the other to speak.

“I brought a peace offering.” Alex finally said, reaching to flip open the lid of a pizza box on the coffee table, the scent wafting through the living room. Kara closed her eyes and shook her head slightly as her tummy rumbled loudly. Alex grinned, knowing that she had at least gained some favour with the hungry woman. She grew serious again as Kara still stood there, not moving.

“I hate it when we fight.” Alex said softly, genuinely sorry and hoping Kara was ready to forgive.

“Me too.” Kara sighed, quickly moving to flop down onto the couch beside her. It was too hard to stay annoyed with Alex for any length of time. She laser zapped the pizza warming it up nicely again, before she pulled a slice out and began to eat. 

“I was just trying to…” Alex squirmed, feeling the need to try to explain.

“Intimidate Mon-El to leave me alone, like you used to do with all the bullies in high school who tried to push me around?” Kara cocked her head, not cutting Alex any slack nor taking any bull in this situation. 

“Maybe.” Alex cleared her throat self-consciously and offered a lopsided grin in response, before taking a big swallow of water from her bottle. “Maggie got called back into work, apparently they got a lead on the suspect?”

“Yeah, Mon-El was able to identify someone. As he was being dragged through the communication hub on his way to interrogation.” Kara looked pointedly at Alex.

“See! All’s well that ends well…” Alex tried to fluff it off. Kara just lifted an eyebrow. Alex bit the inside of her cheek, knowing she needed to switch tactics. “Another slice?”

“Redirecting my attention to food is not going to work.” Kara said, accepting the piece being offered. They lapsed back into silence for a bit. Kara knew she had to tell her about Friday night. She took another long swallow of water before saying anything. “He asked me out tonight, and I said yes.”

Alex frowned, her gut suddenly churning and not from hunger. She didn’t say anything though, it was her experience that karma was usually a bitch after all and maybe this was reward for today’s games with Mon-El.

Kara knew that her point had been made and decided to take pity on the brooding woman before it went too far. After all she was the one that had asked for Alex’s help.

“It was mostly to apologize for being detained,” Kara leaned over and bumped her shoulder with Alex’s before reaching for more food. “It was also partly so I can get some peace. He’s been texting me non-stop all day.”

“I could…” Alex stiffened, concerned that Mon-El was turning into a crazy alien stalker.

“NO! I think you’ve helped enough for today.” Kara grinned as Alex settled back down beside her on the couch. Kara turned as a thought hit her. “Oh, thank you for my present, by the way. I LOVE it!”

“I finished it up the week you were off world.” Alex immediately grinned, pleased that the gift at least had been discovered and was appreciated. “I had a lot to think about after everything with Maggie, and you know I think best when my hands are busy working on some project.”

“I could always tell when something was bugging you or Eliza.” Kara smiled and got up to take the empty pizza box into the kitchen and grab some ice cream from the freezer. “Hiding away in your labs for days on end until something amazing is made or a decision is made. Like mother, like daughter that way.”

“Anyway,” Alex grabbed some spoons from the drawer and bumped her hip against Kara at the comment, but didn’t disagree. “After you returned and mentioned you were looking for a little peace and quiet, I thought I should give it to you now.”

“Well, it’s fantastic.” Kara leaned close and carefully pulled Alex into a hug. “ And extremely thoughtful. Thank you.” She smiled as Alex slowly squeezed her back, feeling like things were almost back to normal between them again.

“I’m sorry I pissed you off,” Alex finally murmured into the warmth of Kara’s neck, relaxing into the closeness. She inhaled softly, enjoying the scent of strawberry shampoo and something all Kara.

“No, I’m the one who asked you for help with this. I should have realized what that would mean.” Kara closed her eyes and held on just a little longer before finally pulling away. Snagging a spoon from Alex’s fingers, she dashed back to the couch with the quart of ice cream and started to dig into its icy goodness.

“So, tell me more about what happened off world with you and Barry. His friends sound nice, even that cranky one you mentioned.” Alex followed, pulling a blanket from a nearby chair and sinking down beside Kara, tucking it around their legs before stealing the container of ice cream and digging into it.

Kara smiled and watched as Alex licked some melting ice cream from her spoon. For all her adventures lately it was moments like this that she truly treasured. When she could snuggle up and share them with someone who cared. Alex turned to look at her, hair still mussed from her nap, a bit of ice cream in the corner of mouth, genuinely wanting to hear what Kara had to say. A bloom of happiness spread in her chest, and Kara tugged the blanket a bit higher.

It really was good to be home.

Chapter Text

“Whoa, dude! You have balls of steel!” 

Winn spun around in his chair at his desk at the DEO, his eyes growing wide at Mon-El’s news. Asking Kara out he understood, the tempting fate with the wrath of Alex’s presumed shovel talk, well, no sane man would dare. 

“No, not the last time I checked…” Mon-El glanced down at his crotch, his brow furrowed at his friends confusing words. “Is that a side effect of the yellow sun on my species? It doesn’t sound very comfortable.” It was bad enough that he had to wear underwear here, but perhaps that was to aid in keeping any metal bits supported?

 “Never mind!” Winn closed his eyes and held up a hand, trying hard not to, and failing spectacularly at, visualizing Mon-El and his… “Okay, moving on now.” 

Mon-El crossed his arms and sat down on the edge of the desk, smiling at Winn’s rather adorable embarrassment. 

“Perhaps I should have you check to be sure?” Mon-El teased, enjoying the flush rising up Winn’s neck. It would take nothing to bed the man he was sure, but Mon-El knew that he needed to keep his eye on the prize, and not jeopardize it for a dalliance just for sport. 

“This is officially awkward now.” Winn murmured under his breath and turned back to his computer monitor avoiding the topic completely. “Any way, we are discussing you taking Kara out on a date. You said she wanted something low key and relaxing.” 

“That’s right,” Mon-El grinned and took pity on his friend and went with the topic change. “I wanted a second opinion on my ideas for our night out and thought who better to ask but one of Kara’s best friends.” 

Winn sighed, knowing he didn’t really want to be a part of this but oddly compelled to do so. He pinched the bridge of his nose and spun his chair back to face the eager alien. 

“Okay, but you owe me.” 

“I was thinking of taking Kara to the best restaurant in town, Chez L’Amour. And then we could head out to that new dance club that’s opened up on the strip for a night of dancing…” Mon-El watched as Winn’s face seemed to droop with disapproval with each word out of his mouth. 

“Huh, what part of that is low key and relaxing?” Winn asked confused by Mon-El’s choices. Not that it didn’t sound like a great night out, but Kara would hate it. Pot stickers and a romantic comedy movie at her place was more along the lines that she would want. 

“Well, dancing is pretty fun and relaxing. Gets a lot of pent up energy out of your system, plus I have this hot new shirt that Kara will love, it show’s off my arms so nicely.” Mon-El flexed a bicep and patted the bulging muscle. Winn swallowed and glanced away again. “The restaurant is quiet and has great food, also great for talking and getting to know each other. It shows I can provide her with the best things as a mate.” 

“Mate?” Winn froze at that last word. “This is just a date, you’re not proposing to her or anything.” He scoffed, and glanced up at the big guy, watching as Mon-El fidgeted and wouldn’t catch his eye. Something was up, he could tell. “What the hell is going on?” 

Mon-El’s shoulders slumped, so much for keeping his challenge quiet. He glanced up at Winn’s concerned expression. Perhaps this was for the best; it might be good to have an ally in this battle for Kara’s affections. 

“Let me explain…”

***

Director Hank Henshaw stood at the entrance to his office, glass doors open with a clear view to the work bull pen, his arms crossed and brooding, staring down at his agents toiling diligently away on the floor below him. Something seemed to ripple through the room, like a disturbance in the time/space field where they stood. He tried to tap into his Martian senses, honing in on where the mental anguish seemed to be coming from, realizing quickly it emanated from Agent Schott’s desk. 

“BOND MATES!?” 

Hank shifted, put his hands on his hips and smiled. He had heard Winn’s hushed exclamation loud and clear, without even needing to use telepathy to probe deeper. Well, bond mates would explain a lot of what he had always sensed between Alex and Kara, but there was still much to be be figured out between the two women. 

“CHALLENGE? ARE YOU INSANE?”

Hank frowned, tempted to reach out and listen in. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed another familiar face pausing down the walkway from his office door, also glancing down at the two men now walking quickly to the nearest break room, Winn’s hands waving dramatically, Mon-El just smiling, smug, like the cat who ate the canary. 

“Vasquez.” Hank caught the attention of the pensive agent, who startled and then stepped closer. 

“Yes, sir?” Susan turned to face her commanding officer. She had been working at both bases recently, pleased to be able to shorten her commute time at least a few days a week and to act as liaison for Director Lane. She stoically waited for further instructions. 

“$50 on Alex.” Hank said, their eyes meeting, an understanding settled between them. Whatever was going on with Mon-El, Alex would be more than a match. 

“Roger that, sir.” Susan smiled, message received. Hank nodded and headed back into his office, the glass door swinging closed behind him. 

“Thank you, Mr. Schott.” Hank said under his breath, heading back to the paperwork awaiting his attention on his desk. Now they just had to wait to see what the fall out was going to be. 

He had every faith in his girls.

****

Friday night arrived faster than a speeding bullet. 

Or at least that’s what it felt like for Kara. Right up until the last minute she had been hoping that Supergirl would be called into action, a reasonable way out of this silly situation she had gotten herself into, but there had been no such luck. She had to admit though that the date had been going better than she had anticipated. She had been pleased when she realized they were headed to their new favourite haunt, the alien bar was a place where they could chat, have some fun and really be themselves. 

Mon-El had been charming and funny, ordering several tasty snacks and an assortment of drinks for her to try, each beverage having a varying degree of kick to it. It was only mildly annoying that he hadn’t asked her what she wanted first, and had simply ordered for the both of them. However Kara didn’t want to ruin the mood over that little niggling detail. Besides, the drinks were going down nicely. 

Maybe that was why she had felt so off balance and unprepared for when Alex and their friends sauntered in as a laughing group a few minutes ago. 

Kara glanced over the top of her menu and tried not to look over to where they were hanging out around a table near the bar. Of course they would be here at their favourite alien friendly bar on a Friday night, she should have put two and two together. When Alex had said she was going out with friends Kara had figured that meant hanging with Maggie, but the addition of Susan Vasquez and Lucy Lane was certainly unexpected. 

Kara released a slow breath, and rolled her shoulders to release the tension lingering there. She settled back into the comfort of the padded booth she and Mon-El were seated in, trying to ignore the laughter and conversation going on across the bar. Kara gave herself a little shake, knowing that she shouldn’t be wishing she was with the girls; she should be focusing on the man sitting across from her. 

Try as she might though, it was clear that low key and relaxing was not going to be in the cards for her date tonight. Mon-El had meant well, picking a familiar place where they could be themselves, enjoying some dinner and drinks. It wasn’t his fault that it was the same bar that Alex and their friends also ended up in. 

Kara bit her lower lip and smiled softly. Alex had looked surprised at seeing her, them, but had smiled and even waved a little before settling down with the gang. So at least it wasn’t something that Alex had planned to disrupt the date, although her presence was certainly proving to be distracting. 

A familiar leather jacket caught her attention, and Kara thought it was Alex and Maggie out of the corner of her eye, possibly playing pool. Kara dared not turn her head and check though. It wasn’t like she was spying on them or anything. She was just looking out for Alex, like any good sister would. Concerned that Maggie was stringing Alex along, even after breaking her heart. Kara tried to ignore the churning in her gut whenever she thought of them hanging out together. After all, Alex said that they were just friends, right? 

Riiiiight... 

Kara tipped her head back and drained her glass of its delicious other worldly goodness. Enough of these confusing thoughts about Alex, she was on a date, trying hard to not think about anything other than having some fun. She wiggled her empty glass at a passing server, wanting another of whatever this had been. She was definitely feeling floaty, possibly even tipsy, but she certainly wasn’t giggly this time around. She felt confused, hot under the collar, fidgety even. In fact she was feeling a lot of things that she didn’t usually let herself dwell on. Kara focused her attention back to the handsome Daxamite sitting across from her, trying to tune in to whatever he was droning on about now. 

“…and then J’onn kissed Winn right on the mouth.” Mon-El grinned at Kara’s eyes widened at his words. “Aaaaand she’s back, ladies and gentlemen!” 

“Sorry.” Kara closed her eyes, a slight flush colouring her cheeks. 

Mon-El shrugged, casually turning to look over his shoulder, seeing Alex glance toward their booth and then quickly look away. Again. He had lost count the number of times she had looked their way since arriving at the bar. That, and the number of times that Kara had sought out the brunette in the crowded bar as well. His eyes narrowed and he wondered if he had under estimated his opponent. Or maybe he had misread the situation and it was a true bond mate relationship after all. 

Naaah. 

Kara was just playing hard to get and he could appreciate that. He was ready to earn her affections. Mon-El turned his attention back to Kara. His gut was telling him to go for it and where the ladies were concerned he always trusted his gut. Or sometimes a little lower than his gut. 

“Hey, you can make it up to me on the dance floor.” Mon-El smiled wider, finding her shocked expression rather adorable. “I’ve been told I’m the best dancer in three solar systems. Give me a chance to spin your world, Supergirl.” He cocked an eyebrow and flashed his most charming smile. 

Kara blinked and digested his words, forcing a return smile to her lips. She didn’t feel like dancing, but Mon-El had asked so nicely after she had been so incredibly rude and there was no real reason to say no exactly. 

Except for that big intense reason sitting near the bar watching their every move with studied nonchalance. 

“Um…sure.” Kara nodded hesitantly. Mon-El practically leapt to his feet and offered his hand to help her out of the booth. She slipped her hand into his larger one and he didn’t let go as she followed him through the crowded bar as he led the way to the tiny dance floor. 

Kara tried to relax, settle into the flow of the music. Allowed herself to take in the fact that she was in the middle of an alien bar, dancing in the arms of a fine male specimen, from her own home solar system no less, who was most definitely interested in her. Tall and handsome, funny and kind too, exactly what every woman could possibly want.   She exhaled slowly and tried not to step on Mon-El’s toes. 

Mon-El took the lead, pulling her along awkwardly, his hands clammy where they were holding hers. He smiled down at her, tugging her at the waist with his other meaty hand, forcing her around, the movement clumsy and she stumbled a bit in his hold. He seemed oblivious and just continued to move along the dance floor, bumping into others behind her and to their left as they went. 

Kara frowned, trying to figure out his next moves, failing to follow him with any ease. She was beginning to think this was a sign of things to come. She shook that thought off; refusing to talk herself into the fact that something was off. That somehow this wasn’t enough, that it felt just like when she had been with James. Something wasn’t right, the aftershave didn’t smell right, the deep voice didn’t resonate right, the large hands didn’t grasp hers right, that something buried deep inside was screaming that this whole thing was just NOT RIGHT. 

Kara paused and pushed her glasses back up her nose, smiling up at her date and tried to let that feeling float away, not wanting to think about it now. Not when the date was going relatively well. Kara tried to focus instead on the physicality of Mon-El’s muscles flexing and flowing beneath her fingertips, as they gently swayed together in time to the music. It didn’t take long for her to admit it was no use. Mon-El was everything Kara knew that she should want, and yet all she could think of was her. 

Kara glanced over Mon-El’s shoulder, her eyes moving towards the bar of their own accord, the familiar flash of dark hair catching her eye. She quickly looked away, she was not going to do it. 

Kara was not going to think about the dark jeans Alex was wearing that clung to her hips in just the right way. Or the enticing scent of the leather jacket she wore like a second skin, the soft material flexing beneath her fingertips feeling so right. How the sound of her laughter rippled through her like a twinkling wave of joy, doing things to Kara that felt so natural and so DAMN RIGHT. 

Kara closed her eyes and leaned into Mon-El. Despite her best efforts Kara’s thoughts drifted stubbornly to her foster sister, drawn to the one who was always more than a sibling, more than a best friend, confidante or protector. Drawn to the woman who was all these things and more, rolled into one amazing package. 

Oh, hell. Who was she kidding? Maybe it was the alcohol, maybe it was the song, whatever it was, Kara finally relented and decided to stop fighting it. She smiled softly, letting herself fall into an old favourite memory, Alex teaching her how to slow dance in their bedroom as teens. Sunshine spilled in through the window, as she tried so hard to not to step on Alex’s toes or crush her hand as she focused on the beat of the song on the radio. Any stumbles or mistakes just caused fits of giggling together, and then begin again, figure it out and get it right the next time. It wasn’t long and they were in sync, as if they had been dancing together forever, their hearts thundering in time. 

Mostly though, Kara remembered feeling safe. She was secure in Alex’s arms, able to face anything while wrapped in her bond mate’s embrace. El mayarah. Kara almost wished she could go back in time. 

“Mind if I cut in?”

Chapter Text

Well, this shit show just kept getting better and better.

Alex stiffened, her drink all but forgotten half way to her lips, watching as one of the regulars tried to cut in on Kara and Mon-El on the dance floor. It was bad enough watching Mon-El stumble and bumble around the small dance floor with Kara. Now she was going to have to endure a scene in the middle of the bar, because she was sure the big lug wasn’t going to give up his dancing partner without some fuss.

Sure enough, a shoving match had begun as other dancers stopped and moved away, not wanting to be a part of whatever was going on. Alex put down her drink and half stood, just able to make out offended grumbling going on. Kara was gamely trying to smooth ruffled feathers, apologizing profusely while glaring at Mon-El, moving to reposition herself between the two men. Mon-El ignored her completely, all but growling at the other alien as Kara yanked him away. Finally things seemed to settle down and Kara let out a long sigh. She hesitantly glanced over towards Alex, adjusting her glasses as their eyes locked.

Crisis averted, no harm no foul.

Alex let out a long slow breath, and eased her alien disrupter back into the waistband of her jeans before settling once more into her seat. She didn’t even remember reaching for the weapon, she just knew Kara might have been in danger and she was ready to fly into action if needed. Alex smiled encouragingly at Kara across the room before turning her attention back to her friends.

Specifically, registering Maggie’s stare and annoyingly knowing grin.

“Fuck Danvers, she can’t keep her eyes off you.” Maggie murmured as she leaned close to Alex’s ear, the puff of her breath warm against her cheek. Alex closed her eyes, praying that the detective would just let it drop.

No such luck.

“And apparently neither can you.” Maggie leaned back and grinned over the rim of her pint of beer, taking in the growing flush of her friend’s face. Alex couldn’t stop watching the dance floor any more than Kara could stop scanning the crowded bar area.

Alex’s eyes snapped open and she glared before glancing away and taking a long swallow of her drink, pointedly ignoring Maggie and the comment completely.

“Well, hell.” Maggie said softly to herself, clearly seeing the signs that the other woman refused to acknowledge. The ‘Big Sister’ protector act only went so far, these longing looks across the room were far more than that. Anyone with eyes could see there was more there than sisterly affection.

“They’ve always been like this,” Vasquez said quietly, taking a slow pull on her bottle of beer. “The whole bonded angle to their story explains a LOT.” Alex finally turned her attention back to her friends and fixed them both with her most intimidating glare. The two women just rolled their eyes at her.

“I told you our relationship was complicated.” Alex sighed, taking another sip of her whiskey. She leaned back as Lucy appeared, finally making her way back from the bar, her drink sloshing and just missing her as the petite brunette reached her destination.

“So, I’ve been thinking about your bonded status with Kara,” Lucy plunked down beside Alex, still a little shocked at what they had been discussing before she had left for a fresh drink. She shifted uncomfortably for a moment before finally finding her words again. “It’s just…Lois said bonding is for life for Kryptonians. How is it just suddenly okay for you and Kara to both be seeing others? Did Lois get it wrong or what the hell is going on?”

The entire table seemed to turn and stare at Alex at this new tidbit of information. Alex blinked, her mouth opening slightly as she thought about her next words. Technically Alex wasn’t dating anyone, hadn’t for like two years, and even then it had been a horrible blind date she didn’t even want to try to recall. And Kara had that year of crushing on James, but they didn’t really date that long before she ended it. Alex focused back on the question at hand.

“Well, for full bond mates that’s true, and I understand that now but we didn’t at the time. Besides it wasn’t the full ceremony, it was more like the merging of our houses.” Alex took another swallow of whiskey and winced at the burn as it went down, ignoring the twinge of hurt feelings that always flared at not being Kara’s full bond mate. “Kara was freaking out when she first arrived and both Superman and my parents thought it would help her adjust.”

“So they just decided to marry you off? Jeez, Danvers.” Maggie shook her head, the situation too good to not yank her friend’s chain “An arranged marriage with an alien child bride. And I thought I had a weird childhood.” She grinned wider as Alex’s eyes narrowed in further annoyance.

“Shut up, it’s not like that with Kara.” Alex growled. She didn’t like how Maggie made it sound so…tawdry.

“What’s it like then, Danvers?” Maggie cocked an eyebrow and waited to see what the other woman would say. Luckily Alex was saved by Susan’s almost as annoying observance.

“Well, hell. No wonder Supergirl keeps giving Maggie dirty looks. She didn’t want her hitting on her girl.” Susan took another swig of her beer and watched Alex squirm.

“See! I told you it’s not my imagination.” Maggie said, vindicated that she was not paranoid. “I could have been flambéed!” She turned to Vasquez, before both of them began to laugh.

Alex rolled her eyes and took another sip of her drink. She was beginning to wonder if she would rather be on a date with Mon-El compared to this torment with her so called friends. Time to tease back in self-defence if nothing else.

“So… tell me more about your own up close and personal friendship with Batwoman back in Gotham City.” Alex smiled, waggling her eyebrows, pleased to find a relatively equal point to poke back at Sawyer with.

“Don’t change the subject.” Maggie blushed, glancing away under Alex’s shrewd gaze. Vasquez and Lucy simply shared a look of curiosity. They were learning a lot of secrets tonight.

“I think the subjects might be related…” Alex cocked her head and smirked, beginning to enjoy herself now.

“No, that would be you and your wife, Kara.” Maggie couldn’t stop the smartass remark, her beer sloshing as Alex elbowed her. “Or was that sister? I get mixed up.”

“Shut it, Sawyer.” Alex snapped back, but Maggie and Vasquez just laughed harder, well aware there was no bite in their friend’s bark. Lucy shook her head at the two across the table and patted Alex’s arm in solidarity.

“Dude, seriously though, you know Batwoman?” Vasquez asked Maggie, slightly awestruck. “Do you know Batman too?”

Alex tuned out their conversation as it swirled around her. She glanced instead back to the dance floor just in time to see Mon-El twirl Kara, grinding her teeth as he bumped and banged her into those around them. Kara met her gaze briefly, a small smile gracing her lips before she was all but launched into a large man next to them. Alex needed to do something and soon.

“God, he’s like a bull in a china shop…” Lucy muttered under her breath to Vasquez. “Kara can do so much better than him.” Susan sighed and sipped her drink in silent agreement.

“Alex, be brave and ask her to dance.” Maggie said softly, easily reading the situation. Alex looked like she was going to explode. “Go fight for your girl.”

Chapter Text

“Hey, is that sexy smile all for me?” Mon-El murmured, all too sure of himself as he tugged Kara close. A powerful scent of something all Daxamite washed over Kara and she exhaled quickly trying to clear it from her nose. Pushing her glasses higher on her nose, Kara looked away, avoiding an answer. She didn’t want to admit that her brief glance of commiseration with Alex across the room had conjured up her smile.  

Mon-El chuckled, his ego jumping to all the wrong conclusions, irritating her more than anything else. Kara sighed and moved back from his tight embrace, as he continued to jerk her haphazardly around the dance floor. Glancing over his shoulder, Kara’s gaze moved to the bar area once again, where Alex and Vasquez were chatting, catching up and comparing notes on the new DEO tower facility. Maggie was sitting there, laughing with them, joking with Lucy, clearly at ease. Kara rolled her eyes; of course the detective was fitting in just fine with the DEO agents. 

Kara blinked as Alex turned, as if sensing she was being watched, and then their gaze met and locked. Moments passed slowly and everything else seemed to fall away, the thundering of her heart drowning out the rest of the bar noise. Kara felt herself settle, a genuine smile once more spreading across her lips. 

Alex smiled back, but Kara realized that it didn’t quite reach her eyes. 

No, instead there was an obvious longing and sadness glittering there, beneath the calm surface. It seemed to echo her own strong desire to be there on the dance floor, together, with her.  Kara quickly turned back to Mon-El as he stumbled over her foot for the millionth time. Wincing, she repositioned herself and once again let her mind drift. 

What would it be like to dance with Alex again? Her earlier memory had been bittersweet, but what it would be like here and now? 

Kara was sure their bodies would flow seamlessly together, Alex’s sweet curves soft beneath strong hands, her smile lighting up the room. Dark eyes would never leave Kara’s as she hummed so softly, the pleasure of the moment would make her feel floaty, unlike the drinks she had downed to get to the same point with Mon-El. Kara imagined her gaze moving lower, watching full lips twitch up into a gentle smile. Then she would, oh so slowly, lower her head and… 

…and Kara’s thoughts skidded to a sudden stop. 

Whoa. Kara blinked, swallowing hard. Maybe she should have passed on that last shot of Orion ale Mon-El had given her after all. Or maybe there were bigger things going on here than she wanted to admit. 

A movement caught her eye, as Maggie dropped down next to Alex, leaning closer to speak with her. Alex’s eyes stayed focused on the dance floor, as if in silent communication with Kara from across the bar. Kara’s steps slowed and she pulled back from Mon-El’s lumbering form trying to stay in her sight line. 

A flash of something hot sliced through Kara’s guts, searing pinpricks of heat itching behind her eyes. She had felt it before, a few times now, in anger normally or strong emotions. Kara had always just pushed it down, didn’t want to look at it too closely. 

Maggie’s hand reached out to squeeze Alex’s arm, drawing her attention away from Kara’s gaze. A blessing in disguise as the burning itch grew stronger, a soft glow starting around the edges of her vision. 

Ohshitshitshitshitshit! 

Kara slammed her eyes shut and took a deep breath to calm down, before anyone noticed them glowing. That was new. And unsettling. For once she was glad of Mon-El’s total self-absorption, as she took a moment to get herself and her rampant emotions under control. 

Maybe it was time to deal with this, whatever this really was, before it was too late. Before Maggie came to her senses and took what Alex had offered to her. Before Kara lost the best thing to come into her life, slipping through her fingers like sand. And yet she was torn. She didn’t want to lose her family because of her misguided feelings. She had lost too much already and if it meant losing her family now, well there was no way she could risk it. 

On the other hand, Mon-El was certainly not the answer to any of this. Oh, he meant well, of that she was sure. He just wanted more from her than Kara was able to give him. Feeling like she was back under control, Kara opened her eyes and glanced up at him, knowing she had to put an end this charade now before he got his hopes up more than he already did. Deep inside, Kara knew that what infatuation she might have ever felt for him wasn’t nearly enough. Just like James before him.   

“Hey, are you okay?” Mon-El frowned, as if sensing on some level the shift in her mood. 

No, she was anything but okay. Kara almost laughed, almost cried. Beyond letting Mon-El know her true feelings, she also needed to stop whatever this was with Alex, before she became too accustomed to having a true bond mate. Alex deserved to be free to love as she wished. If you love something set them free, right? Kara frowned knowing it was the right thing to do. It was the honourable thing to do. 

Then why did it hurt so damned much? 

Kara opened her mouth to respond when a very familiar voice interrupted. 

“I believe this is our song, :zrhueiao.” 

Chapter Text

Well, so far so good.

Alex refused to fidget while waiting for her answer. Instead she watched Kara turn her head in surprise at the endearment and Mon-El’s head nearly explode with jealousy. That made her genuinely smile. Clearly dusting off her Kryptonese had been a good plan. Usually Alex stuck to swear words, but she knew enough of the alien language to make Kara laugh or to embarrass Clark whenever she got a chance.

Alex lifted her chin and stared the tall Daxamite down, standing confidently beside them on the dance floor. She was all but daring him to refuse her very clear claim on his dance partner.

“Uh…” Mon-El frowned, definitely not wanting to step away, but not sure that he could intimidate Alex the same way he had the earlier bar patron either. For all his bluster about courting Kara, he did recognize that Alex as her betrothed, real or otherwise, had the point of privilege in this suddenly awkward situation.

“Sure!” Kara happily jumped in, a wave of relief, or something like it, washing over her.  Alex cocked her head and smirked up at Mon-El, who finally took the hint and left them, making his way over to the bar to find a fresh drink. He steadfastly ignored the table of Alex’s friends, all giving various degrees of high fives and thumbs up to her victory on the dance floor.

“Rao, thank you so much for the rescue.” Kara visibly relaxed as Alex smoothly began to sway to the music. The tempo had changed, slowing down. Kara slid her arms up to rest on Alex’s shoulders, long fingers tangling into her dark hair, their bodies moving together effortlessly to the new beat.

“You know I’ve always got your back.” Alex swallowed hard, hesitating a moment before shifting her hands to Kara’s hips, pulling her closer. Trying to erase the image of Mon-El’s meaty paws touching Kara there too was proving harder than she thought. She closed her eyes for a moment and inhaled, enjoying the familiar warmth and scent of the woman in her arms.

“So, how’s the date going?” Alex finally asked, not really wanting to know. This whole evening had pretty much sucked, until this very moment on the dance floor. She sighed softly and tried to soak up the warmth that Kara always seemed to radiate.

“Ok, I guess,” Kara murmured into the nearest ear, enjoying the closeness. “I kind of wish I was hanging out with you and the girls though.”

“Yeah, me too.” Alex grinned, expertly turning them to avoid a couple behind them. “I was surprised to see you here actually. I thought for sure Mon-El would take you out somewhere to show off.”

“I thought you were going to O’Finn’s near the DEO?” Kara’s fingers tickled along the base of Alex’s skull, momentarily distracting her train of thought.

“Oh, well, Winn had mentioned the alien bar to Vasquez at lunch the other day,” Alex swallowed hard and refocused. “And she was curious about it, so Maggie suggested it might be a good place to go tonight for drinks.”

Kara grumbled something under her breath before stumbling and stepping on Alex’s toes.

“Oh, Alex, sorry!” Kara moved away, glancing down at their feet. “Are you okay? I guess I had one too many drinks.”

“No worries,” Alex frowned and rolled her left foot. She was fine, but glared over at a sulking Mon-El nursing his drink back in his booth. She noticed several empty glasses on the table as well. “Has he been trying to get you drunk, Kara?”

“Drunk? Ppshh…no, Mon-El just wanted me to try some new drink combinations with him.” Kara didn’t want to mention that it was helping her pass the evening with him as well. “He’s actually pretty knowledgeable about mixing drinks. I wonder if he could get a job here. Maybe I could find out about some bartending classes…” Kara bit her lower lip in thought. Mon-El didn’t seem too interested in anything she had suggested as a potential job. He said he had it all under control, but she still worried.

Alex turned her attention back to her dance partner and tried to relax, enjoying the moment. They moved gracefully through the small group on the dance floor, with Alex easily communicating her intentions by moving herself and at the same time subtly inviting Kara to follow along. Her eyes stayed alert to their surroundings, scanning the floor ahead of them, watching traffic flow around them and yet tuned in to what was happening right in the circle of her arms.

It was like a dream, Kara moving in perfect harmony, feeling Alex’s warmth, the familiar thump of her heartbeat was music to her ears. Alex kept her eyes focused on Kara and yet every thing seemed planned in advance. Nothing was forced or awkward, she simply had to trust and follow Alex’s every movement. If she missed a step Alex simply adjusted, reinterpreting the dance slightly differently than intended, adapting instead of forcing Kara to change.

Kara felt safe and secure in Alex’s arms, knowing she could depend on her to lead her anywhere. And she would gladly follow. The dance was going so smoothly in fact that Kara had to double check that she wasn’t indeed floating. Kara glanced up and realized that there were a lot of eyes on them.

“Alex,” Kara exhaled, her heart suddenly beating faster. “Everyone is looking at us.”

“Really?” Alex smiled gently, squeezing her hand a little and not bothering to look around. She didn’t really care, just wanted to hang onto this moment with Kara for a little while longer. “I hadn’t noticed.”

Kara smiled, closing her eyes and just relaxed, adapting to Alex’s movements, letting herself just feel where they were and what they were doing. She was happy just to let Alex take command, trusting her explicitly, with her safety and well-being on the bar’s dance floor. She finally decided to just let everything go, to be in the moment and follow Alex where ever she pleased to take them on the dance floor. She could feel Alex relax in her arms as well. The moment was perfect.

At least until her cell phone chimed.

“Who the…” Kara pulled the offending device from her back pocket and checked the text. She sighed and met Alex’s worried gaze. “Sorry, it’s CatCo. I gotta take this.” She moved away from Alex’s warmth and stepped from the dance floor with one last regretful glance before heading to the relative quiet of the alley outside.

Alex just watched her go, disappointed their dance had been interrupted. Even more disappointed when Mon-El appeared beside her.

“What did you say to her to make her leave?” Mon-El demanded.

“I didn’t do anything.” Alex all but growled back. “Which is more than I can say about you and your steady stream of drinks. Were you trying to get her drunk and take advantage?” Alex poked an accusing finger into his chest. If he wanted a fight she would be happy to oblige.

Two phones vibrated almost simultaneously. Mon-El and Alex both glanced down at their devices.

          Sorry but I have to cut the date short. Heading into work. Snapper is being a jerk. TTYL :( 

Mon-El sighed and shoved his phone back into his pocket. So much for his big romantic plans with a bottle of off-world wine back at Kara’s place. He had even worn underwear for the occasion. He glanced over as Alex scrolled through her messages.

          The dance was awesome, sorry I have to head into work. Snapper is having a melt down. I’ll call you later xo

“Well, it would seem that I win the dancing portion of this competition, big guy. I hope you got this silly courting thing out of your system, because I don’t share well.” Alex winked at the glowering man, before making her way back to her table of friends.  

Mon-El watched her go, took in the laughter at the table, most likely at his expense. It didn’t matter. None of it would matter in the end.

“You may have won this battle, Alex Danvers,” Mon-El grumbled under his breath. “But I’m determined to win the war.”

***

“Danvers, what is going on inside that big brain of yours, hm?” Maggie asked gently, after their drinks had been refilled and the laughter of their group had died down once again.

“I need to step things up, protect Kara.” Alex took a deep swallow of her whiskey and tried to drown the thoughts swirling around her head.

“Protect her?” Maggie leaned forward and lowered her voice. ”She’s freakin’ Supergirl. I’m pretty sure she can handle herself just fine.”

“You know what I mean.” Alex took another sip of her drink. Maggie just stared at her for a long minute, silently calling bullshit on her motives, until Alex finally looked away. Maggie sighed and reached out, squeezing her friend’s arm.

“Hey, I want you to think about what is going on with you. What are you really feeling?” Maggie squeezed her arm is support once more before shifting away and grabbing her own drink. “Remember, no more stuffing your emotions down, Alex. You’re in a brave new world now, right?”

Alex swirled the amber liquid in her glass and sighed. As much as she hated to admit it, Maggie was right. It was time to admit some stuff that she had been ignoring, to herself if no one else. Her crush on Vicki back in high school was not the only thing she had been avoiding thinking too deeply about over the years. Feeling Kara in her arms tonight had been…amazing. And terrifying. This whole courtship fiasco could be her chance to spend time with Kara romantically and put this whole thing to rest. To get whatever was going on out of her system and prove that there is no chemistry there between them.

Or prove that there was.

Alex closed her eyes and slammed back the rest of her drink, decision made.

“Interested in coming to a game night, Sawyer?” Alex smiled as she focused her attention back to her friends and set her glass down gently onto the table top.

“Like, board games? Or more like poker?” Maggie blinked, a little taken aback by the sudden change in topic. Their conversation was not over, but for now she would stop poking at Alex and let it rest.

“Yes. To both. Plus usually copious amounts of alcohol and laughter.” Lucy leaned over and cocked an eyebrow at the police detective, smiling at the thought of fresh meat. “I think it must be my turn to host one of these shindigs, right Alex?”

Alex simply nodded as Lucy continued to fill in some of the details for Maggie. Game night would be a perfect opportunity, a good non-violent way to showcase what a loser Mon-El was and to spend some quality time with Kara.  Alex smiled to herself.

Let the games begin.

Chapter Text

“What the heck is taking so long?”

Kara grumbled to herself, glancing at her watch for the umpteenth time before pushing her glasses higher on her nose. The dark rainy sky outside reflected her mood perfectly. It didn’t help that she hadn’t eaten since flying out of National City that morning, the text from Kal-El inviting her to brunch a nice surprise that she had quickly accepted.

Shifting in her chair, she sipped her glass of water and sighed softly. The Catco snafu with Snapper had taken far too long to sort out. Then she hadn’t slept very well, tossing and turning as her mind kept replaying her evening out. When Kara finally did drift off, it was to dreams of dancing among the clouds, spinning and looping while held securely in strong arms, a familiar leather jacket warm beneath her fingers. No face in the dream, but Kara didn’t need to see one to know exactly who the mystery woman in her arms was.

Kara’s cell phone chimed another notification at her. She glanced down at it, hoping that it was Alex checking in. She sighed with disappointment and slid the phone away from her. Mon-El had texted a few times now, just some cute little emoji faces which were easy to ignore. She was more concerned with the curt text she had received that morning from Alex, telling her that she had been called in to the desert facility to deal with a small crisis. Kara chewed at her lower lip, resisting the urge to check in with J’onn, but it was hard. After all she hadn’t been asked to help, so she tried not to worry and trusted that the DEO team knew what they were doing.

She decided instead to look around the room and tried to remember the last time they had frequented this tiny hole in the wall diner in Metropolis, one of her cousin Kal-El’s favourite spots. She knew it had been in the summer, she had sat near this same window. Alex and Lois had joined them, both women sporting tank tops and shorts. The conversation had been stilted, Alex steadfastly defending Lucy to whatever snarky comment Lois had made. Kara smiled softly with the memory, Kal-El had been late that time too. As if her wayward thoughts had conjured him, a familiar dark head was suddenly dashing past the window, followed by a cheery bell ringing as the diner door opened.

“Hi, Kara, sorry I’m late. There was a pile up on the bridge that needed some help.” Kal-El suddenly sank down onto the chair across from her, his whole body settling with seeming relief at being able to stop. He grinned up at her and all of her annoyance evaporated with his boyish antics. “You know what it’s like.”

Kara smiled back and just nodded. Their waitress arrived quickly and obviously knew Clark Kent, as she asked if he wanted the usual. After taking their orders, they both sat back and finally could relax.

“Kal, how could you take up this challenge from Mon-El?” Kara sighed, cutting to the chase. Kal-El at least had the decency to look ashamed, ducking his head and running a hand through his messy dark hair.

“I’m sorry that happened, I was just trying to be helpful to meet with him while you were off world. Then he took me by surprise with the request.” Kal-El glanced up and held Kara’s gaze with his own steady determined one. “But I’m not going to apologize for trying to get you and Alex to finally get yourselves sorted out.”

“Oh, my Rao, seriously?” Kara leaned back in her chair and blinked at her cousin in disbelief. The waitress appeared with their drinks, giving her a moment to gather her thoughts as Kal shifted uncomfortably under her stare. What the hell was he playing at?

“Kara, after you turned 18, Eliza called and tore a strip off of me, making me very aware of my lack of knowledge around basic Kryptonian rituals. So, I made a point of researching the Age of Ascension, the politics of merging Houses, and pair bonding with a lot more interest than I had before.” Kal took a sip of his coffee and grimaced at the bitter taste, taking a moment to stir in more sugar.

“There is no rush—” Kara began, fidgeting with her straw, swirling the ice in her soda water, hoping that her cheeks weren’t as bright pink as the heat from the blush might indicate.

“Kara, come on.” Kal-El cocked his head and locked her with an appraising stare. “I’ve researched this at the Fortress. If we were on Krypton you would be considered a spinster. And as head of the House it would be my fault. Hell, for that matter if we were still there we both would be matched with a mate by the Matrix and it would be done.” Kal shook his head, thinking that it didn’t sound very appealing to him either. “But here, we have a choice. And even though we didn’t know what we were doing when you arrived, I can’t help but think that Alex and you are a good match.”

Kara looked out the window at his words. He wasn’t wrong. Alex was a great match, a perfect match. Better than he and Lois if she really thought about it. They both looked up as their lunch arrived. Digging into their food, Kara decided to bite the bullet and admit what was niggling at her, deep down.

“I’m worried that Alex will be used as a pawn against me.” Kara all but whispered, knowing he would hear it anyway. Tears stung at the back of her eyes, the familiar grip of fear biting at her gut.

“I get it. I do! I was too, with Lois, and we both know that it’s a valid concern.” Kal-El smiled gently, recognizing the look on his cousin’s face. He leaned forward slightly, his finger tapping on the table top as he made his point. “Lois seems to go looking for trouble, but Alex…well she has chosen to be part of that world with you. She took steps to become highly trained and can take care of herself and then some. She has dedicated her life to helping you, to protecting you. Alex has dedicated herself to YOU. If that isn’t a bond mate, I don’t know what is.” Kal leaned back his point made. “What are you waiting for?”

“I guess, I’m…” Kara hesitated, looking down at her crumpled napkin on the table. “Kal, I’m scared. What if she doesn’t feel the same and just feels obligated? Like it’s her duty or something because of our betrothal ceremony? Alex was so devastated by Maggie’s rejection of her feelings, I don’t want to stand in her way if that is who she’s meant to be with.”

“Oh, Kara,” Kal-El reached forward, his big hand covering hers and giving a quick sympathetic squeeze. “Alex is on her own path. Trust that Alex can figure out what, and who, she wants.”

“Ugh, I hate it when you’re right.” Kara groaned, running a hand through her long hair and glaring at her grinning cousin. “I need to get this sorted out, I guess now is as good a time as any.”

Kal-El nodded and polished off his sandwich, reaching out to steal some fries from Kara’s plate. A little flash of laser from Kara quickly made him pull his fingers away, chuckling as he claimed his greasy prize and popped them into his mouth.

“Okay, so the first step is to set up the official challenge. According to the history accounts I read, we will need to choose three elders to judge the challenge. As your eldest family member, I am automatically one of them.”

“I think I’d also like J’onn,” Kara sipped her drink thoughtfully. “He is fair and honest, and I consider him to be a father figure to me now.”

“He could be considered biased to Alex.” Kal-El countered. “But, if we chose someone neutral who would be favourable towards Mon-El then that would balance out.”

Kara pinched the bridge of her nose. Who would be neutral to the newcomer that they could trust with the truth of their identities. Who could be a fair judge?

“I know!” Kara looked up as inspiration hit. “What about the AI of my mother? Alura is programmed to work in my favour but has no emotions attached to it. And she would be unfailingly by the book and fair, adhering strictly to the Kryptonian traditions and rules, whether I liked it or not.”

As a former Kryptonian judge she would make an excellent choice. Kal-El swirled the black coffee in his mug, staring down into the depths as his mind whirled. The question was whether Mon-El would agree. Their options were rather limited.

“Ok. I will contact J’onn and arrange things.” Kal-El smiled, pleased that the decision was made. “Then we will arrange the challenges according to the tiv girod and the eleven Kryptonian virtues. In the meantime, you should talk to Alex.”

Kara ducked her head but nodded. It was time. One way or another this would be resolved.

A beeping alarm went off and Kal-El glanced down at his watch. Someone needed his help. He swore under his breath and stood. Looked like brunch was over. Kara stood too, realizing that duty called, and moved into his big arms, hugging him.

“Kal, I just want her to be happy.” Kara murmured into his strong shoulder, soaking up the comfort. She needed all of it that she could get and prayed to Rao that she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life.

“I know,” Kal-El sighed and held her tighter, knowing there were no words that would help. He just wanted Kara to be happy too. And he would move heaven and earth to make it happen.

Chapter Text

“Alpha Leader in position.”

Alex hissed into her headset, sliding down the rough hewn rock wall into a crouch before glancing across the walkway to the small band of DEO agents waiting for her command. An unholy howl reverberated through the desert facility hallways, echoing deep down in her chest and drowning out the insistent alarm that had been going non-stop.

“Fucking Hermalgamites.” Alex growled under her breath. Of all the aliens to escape their cell during the power outage on Sunday it had to be that one. Always loud, always vicious. Always a stomach-turning stench. The four-inch scar on her left thigh didn’t help change her opinion of the alien race much either, simply serving to remind her of their last exchange of pleasantries.

“Copy that, Agent Danvers.” Vasquez’ amused voice crackled through her earpiece. It calmed Alex down hearing her friend’s voice on the other side of the comm. “Hold while Beta Team secures their location.”

“Standing by.” Alex signaled her team and they hunkered down to wait. This was going to be a tough fight, with a dangerous and wiley captive. She hoped her team would come out of this unscathed, but was realistic enough to know it wasn’t likely. She checked her gear one last time when the orders finally came through.

“Alpha Leader, you are good to go.” Director Lane’s voice broke in over the headset this time. No hesitation on the command, Alex began to move forward, more than ready to get this show on the road.

“Roger that, Director.” Alex flipped the safety off her blaster and felt her body settle, combat muscle memory taking hold. This insurrection had been dragging out for two days now and she had had enough. It was time to kick some ass. With two hand signals and a curt nod of her head, her team launched into action.

***

A trickle of sweat ran down between her shoulder blades as Alex sank into a squat and caught her breath. Three long, harrowing hours of crawling through the dark dank underbelly of the DEO facility and they still hadn’t captured their target. It was getting damn embarrassing.

Alex lifted her head, the smell of the Hermalgamite unmistakable. It was close, really close. That’s when she heard the first scream.

“Shit.”

Alex raced out of her limited cover and dashed down the hallway, rolling for cover inside the entrance way to the  small hanger on the right that Beta Team had been searching. She easily assessed that all hell was breaking loose. She heard the rest of her Alpha Team fall in behind her, moving to surround the furious alien, and try to take some of the heat off their comrades.

The Hermalgamite lunged for the hallway door, but not before slicing open one of her men, grabbing the blaster from his limp hand as the agent bled out at it’s feet. The alien turned and met Alex’s gaze straight on, pointing the weapon right at her. It all happened so fast, she moved on instinct. Alex twisted and flung herself to the left, her body armour and flack jacket absorbing the energy blast that had been aimed at her head. Her own weapon was raised and before she hit the ground she was returning fire, the Hermalgamite roaring in pain and dropping like a stone.

The stench of it’s burning flesh was almost an improvement.

***

Water ran over Alex’s aching body, washing away the grit and grime of the day, but not the bitter memories. Those would be burned into her psyche for a good long while. She winced as a muscle in her back twinged. There would be plenty of bruises showing up before long too. Three dead, six wounded, and her own near brush with death. The whine of the energy blast and the Hermalgamite’s roar still echoed in her ears. No amount of water would wash that away.

“Hey, Danvers,” Vasquez’ called out from the locker room. “You melting in there?”

Alex snorted, gladly pulled from the memory of her close call. Too close if she was honest. It wasn’t good to dwell on it too long though, or she would never want to come out of the shower, let alone get back in the field. She turned the water off and grabbed her towel, heading for her locker.

“Just trying to get that stench out of my hair,” Alex answered as she towelled off, tugging on fresh underwear from her locker. It felt good to be clean again, almost whole. Taking her cargo pants and black t-shirt out, she sat on the bench behind her and began to dress. Vasquez wandered over from where her locker was situated, the concerned look in her eyes saying more than words ever would.

They didn’t talk about it. No one usually did. It was just part of the job. Risking your life, just another day at the office, right? Vasquez sat down next to her on the bench and nodded her understanding, the need to not dwell on the ‘what ifs’. Alex was still here, so it was a good day.

“So, I was wondering if you were up for some target practice before you head out. Take the edge off the day?” Vasquez ran a hand through her short hair and waited.  It had been a really close call, having watched the whole firefight as it had unfolded. She knew how much adrenalin was probably still running through the senior agent’s veins. “Give me some Hermalgamite whoopass pointers for the next time that ugly fucker breaks out.”

Alex grinned at that and nodded at the invitation. Standing up she followed her friend out to the gun range. A little practice would settle her nerves. And it was a better offer than the bottle of whiskey calling her name.

***

The DEO desert facility gun range was state of the art, with a wide assortment of human weapons and alien technology to choose from. Alex was certified on all of them, her current favourite was the alien energy blaster which had just saved her life.

“I think it’s dead, Danvers.” Vasquez sassed from the cubicle to her left, pulling her safety earmuffs off. The last half hour of target shooting had helped, but Alex still had some pent up aggression going on. And Vasquez didn’t think it all had to do with the escapee situation.

Alex lowered her gun, tugged her own earmuffs off and hit the retrieval button, bringing her decimated paper target towards her. There was a huge hole taking out the torso of her target man, the paper smouldering and still burning around the edges. She sighed and bit the inside of her lip.

“I may have been imagining a certain annoying alien,” Alex smiled over at her friend before placing her weapon down, and studying her target handiwork.

“Somehow I don’t think you mean our stinky friend recuperating in his cell below.” Vasquez squeezed off a few more rounds.

“No, my annoying alien isn’t as smart,” Alex yanked her target from the conveyor line. “But I will admit he smells better. Somewhat. I don’t know what Kara sees in him.” She noticed that she was still pulling to the left with the disruptor, she’d have to work on that. Luckily it didn’t come back to bite her earlier today.

“You know your sister, always taking in strays, seeing the best in people,” Vasquez paused, realizing what she had said. “Sorry, I suppose sister isn’t the right word anymore.” She glanced over at Alex, trying to gauge the mood. She didn’t want to piss her off, but this change in relationship status was a new minefield to navigate.

“Yeah, no. Maybe? I’m not even sure anymore,” Alex shoved her charred target into the garbage can behind them and sighed. “Mom and Dad thought they were helping, calling us sisters. But we were more than sisters, more than best friends. We always have been.” Alex ran a hand through her hair, feeling the truth of her own words. Today’s close call had been a bit of a wake up call. Who knew how long any of them had, especially in this line of work.

Alex couldn’t get that damn dance out of her head either. Whatever little sleep she had managed to get the night before had been filled with dreams of spinning and looping among the clouds, strong arms holding her close, keeping her safe.

“You should talk to Kara.” Vasquez said gently, kindly. Maybe this thing with Mon-El was a blessing in disguise.

“I know,” Alex stared down at her booted toe, kicking at the dirt. “I guess I’m just worried that I might lose everything if I admit it to her. It was bad enough when Maggie...” Alex swallowed down her words, stuffing her hands into her back pockets. They had worked through the awkwardness to friendship, but the rejection still hurt. If she finally got the guts to say something to Kara and was rebuffed, Alex wasn’t sure how she would deal with it.

“Yeah, I hear you. I’ve got my eye on someone too, have for a while. But I don’t know if she’s even interested. At least Kara is your betrothed.” Vasquez levelled her weapon and focused her aim.

“That was a stupid ritual from her past and has no real bearing on what she wants now or who she might want to be with some day.” Alex let her spike of frustration flare before she cocked her head and turned, picking up her gun again and settling back into her firing stance, taking a breath to steady herself. “Of course, you know that fraternizing with superior officers is frowned upon in the DEO, Vaz,” Alex lined up her shot with an easy precision and squeezed the trigger. “Mind you, Lucy would totally be worth it.”

Vazquez’ shot missed the target completely, causing Alex to smirk. Bullseye on that one.

“I--I…” Vasquez sputtered. She was saved by a young man making his way towards them.

“Commander.” The new recruit appeared at her elbow, an envelope in the young man’s hand. Grabbing it and dismissing him with a curt nod, Alex tore open the document,

“That looks fancy.” Vasquez said, moving closer to take in the dark red seal and alien text.

“Yeah,” Alex ran her fingers reverently along the parchment, knowing that it wasn’t of this planet. The wax holding it closed was pressed with a familiar crest, one she would know anywhere. “It’s the House of El seal on the front of it.” Alex bit her lower lip. She knew it would be coming but it was still unnerving to get it.  Alex glanced down at the ancient paper, recognizing the Kryptonian script but automatically skipped down to the English translation. “The challenge has been accepted, the date has been set.”

“You okay, Alex?” Vazquez put her weapon down, concerned that this was one too many surprises for the day. Alex nodded, her eyes calm, settled. Determined.

“I will be, Vaz.” Alex knew the time had finally come. The official challenge was real. She would fight for Kara’s freedom from Mon-El’s claim. She would honour her house and defend their family. Now if she could just figure out what she really wanted.

Vasquez patted her shoulder and they headed out of the gun range. It had been a long couple of days and it was more than time to stop. Saying their goodbyes, Alex made her way towards the parking lot, glancing down to her hip as her phone chimed several times. It had to be Kara. Pulling it from her pocket, she thumbed her security code into her cell, smiling at the messages from Kara that soon popped up.

          Hey! You finished playing in the desert yet? It’s been two days!

Alex nodded, two long days with only a few hours sleep on a lumpy cot in the barracks. Her big bed in her quiet apartment was waiting for her and she was looking forward to a good night's rest. She scrolled to the next message.

          Come over when you can, I have pizza and beer.

Alex sighed and glanced at the time. God, was it only 7:20 p.m.? It felt like midnight. Still, decompressing with Kara before crashing for the night was appealing. Her stomach took the opportunity to voice it’s grumbling opinion as well.

          You can even pick the movie, nothing scary tho...

Alex snorted and shook her head. Some big superhero, afraid of a little spooky movie. She bit her lip and quickly typed back that she was on her way.

Decision made, Alex slid her helmet on and mounted her motorbike, kick starting it to growling life. She knew there was really only one way to figure out what she wanted, what Kara wanted, what their next steps should be, and that was by talking it out. Regardless of the outcome, they always were stronger together, and this would be no different.

Alex turned her bike onto the open highway and headed home, to Kara.

Chapter Text

Trouble.

The scent hung in the air like sour perfume before Kara even got to her apartment the door. She couldn’t have missed it if she had tried. Dried blood, antiseptic, gunshot residue, add the x-ray view of Alex slumped wearily  against her door frame, and it all added up to the same thing. Trouble. And Alex had been clearly fighting it without her.

“Oh, my Rao ,” Kara muttered as she pulled open her apartment door and took in the exhausted woman before her. Kara knew she should have called J’onn, listened to her gut that there was something more dangerous going on out in that desert facility. She took another sniff and exhaled just as quickly. Hermalgamites,  if she had identified the underlying stench still clinging to Alex’s skin correctly.

“Hey, Kar.” Alex’s battle weary eyes filled in the rest. Kara gently tugged the other woman into her arms and held her close, her nose snuffling into the baby fine hair at Alex’s temple. A moment of stiff awkwardness and self consciousness quickly bled away as Alex let herself just relax into Kara’s strong arms.

“Are you okay?” Kara murmured, waiting for a gentle nod. She slowly stepped back, their fingers tangling as she drew Alex deeper into the apartment, closing the door behind them. Kara glanced behind her, trying to do a subtle body scan for injuries. Alex rolled her eyes, but held her arms out and turned a complete circle.

“I’m fine,” Alex cocked an eyebrow, tolerating the scanning for only so long. Kara gave her a look but smiled, having determined that everything was indeed fine for herself. “I’m just tired.”

“I bet. Hermalgamites?” Kara smirked and waved her hand in front of her nose to clear some of the smell. It was heavier in the air now that Alex was gingerly slipping out of her leather jacket. Had she rolled on the aliens? “They’re a nasty species on a good day.”

“Sorry, I thought I’d got it all off me.” Alex grimaced and sniffed, but knew she was probably nose blind to it by now.  Kara had a better sense of smell than the average dog, so it was probably overpowering to her. She sighed, maybe it would have been better if she had just gone to her apartment.

“Hang on, let me run a hot bath,” Kara zipped away and back in a blink, water suddenly running in the bathroom. She tossed Alex some flannel jammie pants and a t-shirt. “Put this on when you’re done. In the meantime I can drop your clothes into the wash. It’ll be dry by the time our movie is done.” Kara smiled, it felt good to take care of Alex, to pamper the girl who pretended to be so tough all the time. It would be nice to do it more often actually. Kara didn’t want to analyse that thought too deeply.

Alex looked down at the soft material in her hands and nodded. The scent of lavender emanating from Kara’s bathroom was calling her name. Showers were good, but nothing beat a long hot soak to get that deep ache out of her bones. She’d be a fool to pass it up.

“Ok, deal.”

Kara’s smile grew wider, and she fluttered out of existence and was back again before Alex had even moved, a full glass of red wine in hand.

“I have beer, but merlot always mellows you out.” Kara handed the glass over, which Alex gratefully accepted. “Get in the tub, pizza when you get out.”

“Thank you,” Alex pulled Kara into a loose one armed hug. “You are the best.”

Kara beamed as Alex shuffled towards her bedroom and the bathroom beyond. She noticed that Alex was stretching out her right shoulder and seemed to be favouring that side. She’d have to see if she had any healing oil  left from last time she solar flared. Kara went to go look as the bathroom door clicked shut.

***

Tealights flickered in a row along the vanity in the small bathroom, casting long streams of light up the white subway tiles. Another row was lit on the edge of the deep tub, with only one or two drowned out by an occasional sploosh of water. Scented bath salts and foamy bubbles complemented the incense burning in a holder safely housed in the sink. One thing about Kryptonians, they took their bathing seriously.

Alex inhaled deeply and let out a long sigh. It was heaven after such a hellish couple of days. She could hear Kara rooting around in the the bedroom.

“Hey, Kara, what’s that scent?  Lavender and something I can’t place.” Alex lifted a foot out of the water and rotated her ankle, feeling the stiffness slowly releasing. She dropped it back under the surface, the heat of the water so good on her tired body.

“Hmm, oh, just a little iboga bark,” Kara’s voice floated back as she moved closer to the bathroom door, fidgeting with the hem of her t-shirt. “ I picked some up in Africa last time I flew nearby. I find it soothing, especially if I burn strips of it, kinda like incense.”

“Didn’t you used to drink iboga tea?” Alex sank down a bit deeper, watching the bubbles rise higher along the edge of the porcelain tub. It was a pretty disgusting brew as she recalled, causing hallucinations and visions in humans. It seemed to calm edgy Kryptonians down though.

“Yeah, Clark likes it as tea and suggested I try it.” Kara folded her arms and leaned back against the doorframe, looking out the large glass windows of her apartment. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, the slightly bitter woody scent filling her lungs as she sent a familiar centering prayer to Rao for strength and courage. “I prefer this though, the scent reminds me of Krypton.”

Dealing with her z h’em hadahr since the age of Ascension had taken a bit of effort, but worth it in the end. The biological call to take a mate was strong, but Kara’s relationship with Alex would always take priority, she never wanted to jeopardize her family for anything. That’s why talking about her growing feelings was so scary and felt selfish. Kara chewed her lower lip. Maybe tonight wasn’t the time to bring it up after all.

“Incoming towel drop,” Kara shoved her troubling thoughts to the side for now. Turning, she opened the bathroom door wide enough to toss in some fresh, dryer warmed towels onto the closed toilet seat. “I’ll go warm up the pizza. Think about what you want to watch.” Kara closed the door again and headed for the kitchen.

Alex stretched one last time, feeling the tightness of her body mostly gone. Her right shoulder was still pretty sore from absorbing that blast, even with the body armour taking the brunt of the shot. If she had been a second slower…

Alex stood, water streaming off her body in little rivulets, taking her dark thoughts with it. Enough dwelling on the past events for one day.  She would just be better prepared next time. She wrapped the fluffy blue towel around her body, bringing a bit up to her face and inhaling. So warm and inviting, like falling into a hug. It was perfect.

God, she didn’t deserve Kara.

***

Kara pulled Alex’s damp clothes out of the wash and popped it into the dryer, getting it going quickly.  She made her way towards the familiar leather jacket, draped haphazardly on the back of the chair Alex always dropped it on when she came by. She lifted it up, the butter soft leather pressed to her nose, aired out by now of any alien smells. Just the solid scent of it’s owner, permeated deep into every pour of fabric.

“ Rao , she smells so good.” Kara muttered under her breath, placing the jacket back down on the chair. She frowned slightly, wondering just how long it had been since her last cycle, and started counting back in her head. Zh’em Hadahr was always such a pain in the ass. She glanced over at the cosy nest on the couch, duvet, pizza and tv remote at the ready. Regular movie nights had certainly helped keep her on an even keel, but Kara had a sinking feeling that timing was not going to be in her favour…

***

*Zh’em Hadahr* A biological urge to find and take a mate that all unbonded Kryptonians must endure. Not that knowing this made it any easier.

“Fuck!” Kara felt like she was burning up, aching all over. She wiped her brow and kept chewing the iboga bark that Kal-El had gathered in Africa for her, but it wasn’t helping. He said he usually would drink it like a tea, when he needed it.  The bitter taste reminded her of the brew that Alura and her aunt would often indulge in before heading off to the communal baths.

Ok, really? This was getting too much. Kara sighed knowing she couldn’t concentrate on her math homework feeling like this. Flipping her textbook closed, she pulled out her cell phone. There was no choice really, she had to contact Alex. She was her *zrhemin nim*, or would be if this was Krypton, damn it.   It wasn’t right, but she was getting desperate, and she missed her dearly. One ring. A second ring.

“Pick up, pick up, pick up…” Kara chewed her thumbnail and paced back and forth between her bed and Alex’s old one, finally sitting down on the unused bed. She missed watching the older girl sleep, deep calm breaths, kicking her blankets off as she would get warm in the early morning light, her sleep shirt riding up to reveal a strip of tummy...

“Hey!” Alex sounded tired but glad to hear from her. “What’s up?”

“Uh, well…” Kara fidgeted, another aching wave starting to wash over her at the sound of Alex’ voice.  She needed to see her in person, this was becoming very clear. “Can I stop by to see you?” Kara swallowed, afraid she would be turned away. Alex was busy with school, she shouldn’t be so needy, surely there was another way to deal with…

“Uh, sure. This weekend?” Alex said, confused but not unwilling. Kara sighed with relief, which turned into a bout of shivers. Ok, maybe sooner would be better.

“Actually, I was thinking tonight.” Kara blurted out and winced at her damned awkwardness, and the silence on the other side. She should just explain what was happening, but wasn’t quite sure the best way to put it.

“Kara, you know Mom doesn’t want you using your --” Alex warned. Kara knew Eliza would be pissed if she took off, but this was becoming too hard, too much. She was only Kryptonian after all.

“Alex, I wouldn’t if it wasn’t important.”  Kara interrupted, smiling softly when she heard the resigned  sigh at the other end of the line.

“Ok, but be careful. If Mom finds out…” Alex relented. She knew she would! Bless, Rao!

Kara was out the window in a flash, skimming the treetops, following the coastline, staying low to avoid radar detection, but determined to make to Alex as soon as possible. It wasn’t long and she saw the light from Alex’s residence room window and then she was tapping on the glass.

“...we will be in such…” Alex glanced over to the window and frowned, then ended the call.  

Finally! Kara could smell her even through the glass pane. Opening it up, Kara zipped inside before she was spotted from below. Suddenly she was all but wrapped around Alex, needing the contact. Needing her.

“Well, hi! I missed you too!” Alex chuckled and wrapped her strong arms around her, squeezing tight, so Kara could feel it, really feel it. Something was up, but she didn’t want to push. Kara felt warm to the touch, well, warmer than usual. Kara felt herself settle, nuzzling into the soft patch of skin below Alex’s ear, inhaling the scent of her *zrhemin nim*, her betrothed. It eased the ache in her body, slowed her racing heart.

It wasn’t long and they were snuggled on the small couch, watching a dvd of The Wizard of Oz. Alex knew it was one of Kara’s favourites, and she wanted to soothe the slightly freaked out girl. Something was up and she wanted to get to the bottom of it.

“We should do this more often,” Alex said softly, her breath warm against Kara’s temple. “Just hang out together and watch movies. Like when you first arrived.” Her fingers stroked through the long blonde hair, the rhythmic movement almost hypnotic.

Kara could feel the tension leaving her body as she began to fall asleep. Just being here had helped her immensely. She should just tell Alex about the Zh’em Hadahr and the bond, but she didn’t want to mess up what they already had. How do you have that conversation anyway? Oh, by the way, we’re married, sort of and I need to jump your bones now, okay? Thanks.

Kara shivered, her libido  immediately latching onto the jump your bones portion of her thoughts, pulling the duvet around her. Flying monkeys, watch the flying monkeys...

“Hey, are you okay?” Alex leaned back, noticing that Kara was holding her stomach, like she was in pain. Her eyebrows raised as she put together her observations. “Oh, my God, are you finally getting your period?” It had always been most annoying that Kara did not have a menstrual cycle like humans. Another benefit of their weird baby matrix on Krypton.

Kara stilled. Well, it was similar she supposed. Raging hormones, body aches, chills, fever and killer mood swings. She wasn’t sure the need to touch and practically inhale your potential mate really fit, but still.

“Maybe?” Kara looked away, not wanting to really lie, but it was a convenient excuse. “No blood though. I am built differently...uh...down there.” Kara didn’t think she could be more embarrassed, but if she couldn’t share this with Alex, then she didn’t know who else.

“Oh, sweetie, come here,” Alex opened her arms and held her closer, feeling a full body shiver. Alex reached back and tugged another blanket over their legs. “I have some chocolate around here somewhere. Chocolate fixes everything, trust me.”

Kara snuggled closer, and inhaled deeply, something shifting and settling deep inside. Alex fixes everything, she always has and she always will. But that conversation is for another day. For now, Kara had everything she needed right here beside her. However, she wouldn’t say no to food either.

“Chocolate sounds perfect.”

Chapter Text

“Are you trying to kill me?”

Alex halfheartedly protested. Kara simply slid the last slice of pizza onto the empty plate, and focused her gaze, giving it an extra little zap to heat it up just that much more.

“Seriously, Kara, I won’t be able to move off this couch if I eat all that.” Alex rubbed her full belly. “At least help me. Take half.” Kara hesitated, she was still a little peckish, if she was honest.

“Alright, if you insist.” Kara jumped at the offer, tore the piece and then stuffed her half into her mouth, ignoring Alex’s knowing grin. “Shut up and pick your show, you goof.” Kara tossed the remote at the now chuckling woman before glancing down at her vibrating phone. “Susan wants to know how you’re feeling?” Kara said, smiling at the thoughtful message. She really needed to spend more time out at the desert facility. It wasn’t the same without Lucy and Susan around the DEO downtown facility on a regular basis.

Kara looked up at the prolonged silence, noticing that Alex had stilled with her words and then had gingerly leaned back on the couch, trying to act nonchalant. Alex was moving slowly, and even after a good soak was still favouring her shoulder. Vasquez’ text merely confirmed her suspicion that things had gotten pretty rough at the desert facility.

“Then Vasquez ought to text me herself.” Alex finally spoke, before blowing on the hot slice, slightly irritated and yet touched at the same time. She ignored Kara’s pointed stare. There was no need to worry her after the fact.

“Do I want to know how bad the mission was?” Kara quietly asked. She watched as Alex took a big swallow of wine and abruptly stood, gathered their plates, and made her way towards the kitchen sink. “That bad?” Kara frowned, a small wrinkle of worry forming between her brows. Alex shrugged and topped up her wine glass. She grabbed a mug from the cupboard and turned the kettle on, watching the water start to boil before finally turning to glance back at her.

“I got lucky yesterday, Kara. A few seconds slower and…” Alex shivered at the memory. It had never mattered before, just serve and protect and damn the consequences. But now…well, now she had so much to live for. A life she was finally learning to live, becoming comfortable in her own skin for the first time. “I took a blast to my right shoulder, the body armour absorbed a lot of it, but that’s why I am so stiff.” Alex looked away and sighed. “It was close, Kara. Really close.”

Kara let out a long breath she didn’t realize she had been holding. She knew she should have checked in before she took off for Metropolis. “Next time, will you just call me in?”

Alex looked up and met her concerned gaze with a nod. Kara wasn’t sure she’d follow through but it was the best she was going to get. Damn stubborn woman. Kara bit her lower lip and wondered how she would be able to handle Alex being in constant danger if they really were bond mates. She’d never really have to worry about Mon-El jumping into the line of fire. Being a hero didn’t seem to be in his make-up despite her trying to train him to be more so. At least he wasn’t yet anyway, maybe with more time and more maturity. And if Alex didn’t slug him to the moon for being an ass.

Kara’s thoughts were broken as Alex returned to the couch and handed over a steaming cup of her favourite herbal tea. With her soft smile of thanks, Alex settled back under the comforter, before flipping through the Netflix menu. Soon they were engrossed in The Great British Baking Show. Kara recognized the subtle apology for what it was. Alex had even picked bread week, her perennial favourite episode of any season of the show. After the first challenge round, Kara glanced over as Alex once again stretched and rubbed at her neck.

“At least let me help loosen your shoulder,” Kara offered, putting her mug down on the coffee table. “I could tell something was wrong, you’ve been favouring it all night. I found some healing oil, it works wonders. It will limber up that shoulder of yours.” She waited as Alex hesitated and then scooted forward, making room for her.

Kara zipped off to get the oil and then slid behind Alex on the couch, a little shuffling and they were both comfortable. Kara squeezed a dollop of the oil out and began rubbing her hands together to warm it. She slid her hands under the back of the t-shirt, her fingers pressing into aching muscles, gently pulling and rolling the muscles and skin. Kara’s naturally warmer body helped keep Alex pliant and soft, long fingers chasing aches and pains away as it smoothed and rolled along Alex’s right shoulder and back. The soft moan of pleasure made her smile wider.

It wasn't the first time Kara had massaged the aches and pains from sore muscles. Or wiped blood from scraped knuckles. It was all part of looking after her personal human protector, had been since she had arrived. It was very sweet, and if she had only been able to show her own strength, unnecessary. In the end it was often the least Kara could do to thank Alex for defending her.

It had taken Kara years of practice to learn how much pressure to add without hurting a human. In the end it was the sound that the human body, the muscles and flesh itself, made when it was compressed to a specific point. That and the sound Alex made, kind of like the one she was making right now. The one that did funny things to Kara’s stomach.

“Oh God, yessss…right there,” Alex sighed, shifting under her strong fingers, unable to resist the pull and slide along her bruised and battered muscles of her right shoulder. Kara inched nearer, the heat from her body warming Alex, keeping her close. Alex’s head fell forward as long fingers worked their way along the column of her neck, chasing aches and pains away as she went.

Kara couldn’t help herself, and carefully nuzzled into still slightly damp dark hair, inhaling deeply. Alex was wearing her clothes, smelling of Krypton and lavender, oil slicked skin soft and pliant beneath her touch. She wanted desperately to slide her fingertips along more skin, further under the t-shirt and across the hills and valleys of Alex’s stomach, feeling taut abs twitch. Running the pad of her thumb around the delicate hollow of her bellybutton, listening for the telltale hitch in Alex’s breath, giving permission in the subtle invitation to keep moving, keep exploring. Dipping lower still, into uncharted territory, to claim what was hers, her *zrhemin nim*

Kara Zor-El wanted.

She wanted so much more, but Kara Danvers didn’t know how to ask for it. So instead of pressing soft lips to tender flesh, Kara took a ragged breath and leaned back. Slowly she ran her fingers from Alex’s shoulder, up the long tendons of her neck and into thick dark auburn hair. Alex shivered at the touch and sighed, content, almost purring. It would be so easy to take her like this, make sweet love on the couch, completely relaxing into her intimate touches. Kara’s heart ached for the beauty before her, trusting her, letting her guard down. Kara would do anything to protect this moment, to protect its fragile perfection. Slowly her movements stilled, and Alex leaned back, into her arms. They snuggled together, enjoying the comfort and the peace.

“I got the fancy challenge notice this afternoon.” Alex finally sighed into the silence. They needed to talk about it, plan for it. Kara’s arms wrapped around her tighter, holding her close. Alex sank into the warmth, her eyes drooping, and taking comfort there. She knew they would figure this out together.

“The invitation?” Kara nuzzled and inhaled quietly. “Yes, Kal-El said he would get working on that right away. J’onn and my mother’s AI will be the other judges with him.” Long fingers once again began to comb through the soft hair, enjoying the feeling of the strands falling between them. Kara swallowed, loath to do so, but knowing that she had to offer an exit. What if Alex didn’t want to take the risk? She just had a close call of some sort, the challenge wouldn’t be easy either. She closed her eyes and did the honourable thing. “Alex, you know you don’t have to do this. There is still time to stop this.”

“No!” Alex jerked in her arms at the words, turning to look at her, to meet her eyes. “We are betrothed. Besides, I said I would. I want to defend your House, your honour. Unless...” Alex swallowed hard, almost choking on the words as they left her mouth. “Unless you want to be with Mon-El?”

“Dear Rao, no!” Kara reached out and pulled Alex back into a hug, before sliding down lower onto the couch and tugging the comforter around them. “No, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Don’t worry about that. I can take care of myself," Alex all but growled. Kara grinned and held her closer, her tough human. "Mon-El will only get so far with his charm and good looks. Besides I think your mother's AI likes me." Alex waggled her eyebrows, earning a chuckle from Kara before they settled down to watch the end of the show. They watched the rest of the episode in relative silence, enjoying the closeness and the warmth. Kara liked the weight of Alex on her, safe in her arms. She liked all of it if she was honest, and she wanted more. Before she knew it the credits were rolling and the countdown started for the next episode. Kara knew it was time to admit it all to Alex, if she was just brave enough to do it. Suddenly she was talking, words pouring from her heart, Rao only knowing how it would turn out.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you something, for a while now actually.” Kara kept stroking through the soft hair, the steady movement helping her anxiety. Not waiting for a comment, she carried on before she chickened out. “I’m not sure when things began to change, Alex. It just seems like it’s always been there, below the surface. And deep in my bones, I know that I’m meant to be wherever you are, with you standing there right next to me. No matter where I am or what I am doing, at the end of the day, all I want to do is come running home,” Kara bit her lower lip and finished her thought. “To you, Alex. I want to be with you.”

The silence was deafening.

Kara closed her eyes, bowing her head, sure she had just ruined everything. Why had she even thought Alex would be interested in her? See her as anything more than an annoying little sister. Who would want an alien girlfriend anyway, with all the trouble that would bring in this challenging political climate. The rejection rushed through her like lightning, searing and just as painful. And then she heard it. A light snore.

“Alex?” Kara glanced down and realized that Alex was out like a light. Tears welled in her eyes ever so briefly, relief and frustration fighting for dominance. Kara wiped at her eyes as she let out a long breath and then pinched the bridge of her nose. So close, and yet so far.

Then Kara moved, gently floating from the couch to her feet, keeping the sleeping woman in her arms and making her way to the comfort of her bed. Alex barely shifted as she was placed on the mattress before snuggling down into the duvet pulled over her. Then once Kara slid in beside her, she rolled as if magnetically drawn, and settled back down, as if knowing in her sleep where she belonged.

Kara smiled and tucked Alex’s dark head under her chin, holding her close once again. They stayed like that for a long time, entwined and warm, Kara watching over Alex, listening to the steady thump of her heart, until sleep finally claimed her as well.

Chapter Text

Why was it so hot?

Alex tried to shift under her blanket and realized she couldn’t move. Something, or in this case, someone was weighing her down. A familiar warm body was sprawled half across her. She smiled and cracked open an eyelid.

Kara always was a bed hog.

Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she realized that Kara was unconsciously chasing a beam of sunlight spilling across the bed. Kara sighed softly and snuggled closer, burrowing into the curve of Alex’s neck. Alex swallowed hard and didn’t move, waiting for the younger woman to settle again. Trying to ignore the warm puffs of air against her skin, sending shivers down her spine.

It had been a long time since she had slept over, and if Alex was honest, she missed it. Terribly. Missed the closeness, the warmth, the gentle touches. That was partly why she had stopped staying over. It all seemed inappropriate. She could admit it to herself now, after her recent self-revelations. Vicki wasn’t the only one she had been hiding her feelings about. She sighed and guiltily glanced down at the peaceful woman in her arms.

By God, Kara was beautiful in the morning.

The sunlight seemed to make Kara’s skin glow, her hair mussed and tousled. Alex wanted to reach out and touch her, to see if she was real. Touch the otherworldly flesh pressed intimately against her. To trace those full lips with her own and explore their hidden depths. Stare into those vibrant blue eyes staring back at her.

Staring back at her. Oh…

“Morning,” Kara’s voice was a little raspy and deeper than usual. It was damn sexy, and doing fluttery things to Alex’s gut, and regions further south.

“Hey there, sleepy.” Alex swallowed hard, letting the low-level arousal wash over her and not try to explain it away as anything else. She smiled gently, pushing a stray blonde strand from Kara’s forehead. “Sorry for passing out on you last night.”

Kara slowly blinked, a shadow seeming to pass over her eyes and then gone just as quickly, but not before making Alex wonder what caused it. Had she done something, said something weird in her sleep?

“No worries. You needed the rest and I like keeping my favourite human safe and sound.” Kara nuzzled into the baby fine hair at Alex’s temple and inhaled. Then, as if suddenly catching herself, she shifted away, moving to the other side of the bed. Alex missed the warmth immediately, and reached out to continue the contact. Needing it more than she thought possible. She watched Kara, feeling like something was off this morning, she just couldn’t put her finger on what though.

“Breakfast before you need to rush off to Catco?” Alex rolled to her side to face Kara, long fingers reaching out to trail absently through the tips of long blonde hair. She wanted to prolong their morning together if she could.

“Pancakes?” Kara visibly perked up at the mention of food.

“Of course.” Alex chuckled. “Hop in the shower and by the time you’re done I’ll have at least the first batch ready to go.”

“Deal!” She didn’t even see Kara move, rather felt the mattress dip as the younger woman left the warmth of their bed. The shower suddenly started and Alex felt as if she had made up for whatever had been bothering Kara. Rising slowly herself, Alex bit her lower lip and headed to the small kitchen.

Maybe she would add chocolate chips to the pancakes, just to be sure.

***

“So I’ve been thinking,” Alex said as she slid the last batch of pancakes onto Kara’s plate, shaking her head as they just as quickly disappeared. She would have to keep a close eye on her own stack.

“Mmm?” Kara paused her chewing for a quick sip of her coffee, eyes going wide, like a deer caught in headlights. Well, in for a penny, in for a pound. If Alex was going to present the idea now was the time to do it.

“I think we might need to ramp up the public displays of affection, y’know, pretend to be more together to discourage Mon-El.” Alex turned to put her frying pan and flipper down, avoiding direct eye contact. Could this be any more awkward? Still they needed to get that idiot to drop his challenge and that meant convincing not only him, but the world that they really wanted to be together. Even if it was all for show. Once the challenge had been called off, then they could figure out how the next steps. How to gracefully break their bond. Then her heart could shatter into a million little pieces, but at least she would still have Kara in her life.

“Right, pretend.” Kara sounded a little disappointed, the tone piqued Alex’s interest. Why would she be disappointed? Did she not want to pretend to be with her? She suggested it in the first place. Maybe Kara was uncomfortable with the whole gay thing after all.

“We don’t have to do any of this you know,” Alex said softly, pushing a piece of pancake around her plate. “I don’t want my being queer to change our—“

“Alex, I am fine with you being gay.” Kara interrupted that thought before it got too far. “On Krypton, this wouldn’t even be an issue. Plenty of same sex bondings happened, that was one of the up sides of the birthing matrix. Gender of the parents didn’t interfere with having and raising a family together at all.”

Alex frowned, digesting this information. Ok, maybe she got that twisted around. Maybe Kara wasn’t as immune to the advances of women as she had thought. She had always suspected Kara had a crush on Cat Grant. Alex didn’t want to analyze her feelings on that too deeply either, Mon-El was a big enough issue to deal with.

“We didn’t get a chance to finish our talk last night.” Alex tried again, taking another sip of her coffee. Kara all but fidgeted off her chair. That was definitely not normal, even for Kara.

“Wow, hey, look at the time. I’m going to be late.” Kara stuffed the last few bites of her pancake into her mouth. “Eat up. I don’t want my girlfriend to fade away.” Kara smiled, trying to make the mood lighter.

“At least let your girlfriend drive you to work, it’s on my way into the DEO tower.” Alex smirked back, letting her off the hook for now. There would be more time to discuss what was bugging Kara. In the meantime they could start breaking the ice as a couple.

Kara disappeared in a whoosh, returning with her laptop bag and sweater, before slipping her dark rimmed glasses into place. Alex shrugged on her leather jacket and followed out of the apartment.

Let the show begin.

***

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

“As sure as the last five times you asked me that.” Alex glanced over at Kara, who was fidgeting beside her in the deserted elevator. She reached out and slid her fingers around Kara’s hand, holding it just as their floor dinged and the doors slid open to reveal a noisy Catco office. She stepped forward, pulling a shy Kara behind her, leading the way to her desk in the sunshine. Several eyes turned their way, noticing their closeness. No one said anything, it was business like usual, but it was a statement none the less. And if that didn’t send the message, Alex wanted to make sure the word got back to Mon-El that Kara had a hot new girlfriend.

“Here’s your coffee, I’ll call you about dinner later this week, ok?” Alex smiled as Kara slid her laptop case on her desk, and draped her sweater on her chair. Distracted and adorable, Alex couldn’t resist leaning in and kissing her cheek. Kara froze and then leaned into the warmth of her touch, inhaling deeply before they just as quickly stepped apart.

“Uh…yeah…sure. Dinner.” Kara pushed her glasses higher on her nose and tried to string more words together to make some sort of sense. “We need to discuss game night as well.”

“Beware of the Danvers girls,” Alex smiled and squeezed Kara’s hand. “We should come with a warning.” Alex’s fingers dragged slowly along the palm of Kara’s hand, causing the slightest shiver from the girl of steel.

Kara’s eyes seemed to glow around the edges, the blue of her eyes shining brilliantly. Well, that was new and rather exciting. A blink and they were back to normal.

Alex grinned and headed back to the elevator, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. She could get used to mornings like this with Kara.

Chapter Text

“Why is this so hard?”

Preparing for a date should not take this long. Kara made a face at herself in the full length mirror and tugged at her shirt sleeves for the millionth time. This preppy look was definitely not working for her. Neither had the too casual look before it, the bright sundress look, nor the skin tight black micro mini dress, although that last one definitely had potential use down the road. Kara hung her head and sighed in near defeat. Normally she’d have called Alex by now and asked for help with what to wear, but this date was WITH Alex.

It had seemed like a great idea at the time. Their morning act at Catco earlier in the week had certainly made the rounds at work. Kara was the hot topic of gossip, which was both excruciating and also kind of exciting. The bouquet of flowers that arrived on her desk, with Alex’s invitation to dinner at a new restaurant they had talked about trying out scrawled on the wee card for all to see, helped to fan the gossip mill even more. Cat Grant’s discarded plaything had found herself a hot new girlfriend. Who knew mousy Kara Danvers had it in her?

Kara flushed again remembering that particular overheard conversation in the ladies washroom at work. Her crush on Cat Grant had been more evident than she had thought. It was their jealous admiration of Alex though that still made her want to laser fry those sniping admins. Kara sighed, this wasn’t helping her get sorted out for their date tonight.

“It’s just Alex, this should not even be an issue.” Kara rolled her shoulders and looked up at her reflection again. It may have been just a test run, a way to get comfortable in a social setting in a couple kind of way, or at least that’s how they had decided on framing the fake date. Still, if the jitters she was currently feeling were any indicator, Kara really wanted this date to go well. Even if it was a ‘fake’ date.

“Aaarrgg!” Kara ran her hand through her long blonde hair and resisted setting fire to her entire wardrobe in frustration. The pink shirt had to go, there had to be something in her closet that was a bit more interesting, less pastel. Her reflection seemed to shimmer in the mirror and then solidified again, this time wearing a nice dark blue blouse. Alex always said blue was her colour, and Kara had to admit she wasn’t wrong.

“Hmm, better…” Kara turned to the side, appreciating the silky material clinging just right to her curves, and then back. She popped open a button, showing more cleavage, and smiled. Then she frowned and buttoned it back up. Who was she kidding, Alex wouldn’t even notice. She shouldn’t even be nervous about a simple dinner out with her…her what? Her sister? Her best friend? Her *zrhemin nim*?

“All of the above.” Kara murmured and chewed her lower lip. Well, that was the big question, wasn’t it? Isn’t that what Eliza had said to her all those years ago, that she just needed to figure out what she really wanted? And now that she had finally realized that it truly was Alex she really wanted, how did she find out what Alex wanted without screwing up what they already had? “Damn it, Mon-El, why did you need to stir everything up?”

Kara jumped as her cell phone buzzed, the reminder notification that she should be at the restaurant blinking on the small screen.

“Time’s up, Supergirl. Now stop being a coward and get your cape in gear.” Kara shook her head and turned off the reminder. There was no easy answer, so she would just go with the flow for now, Rao help her. One last decision to make before she made her way to the restaurant. She looked back up into the mirror.

Glasses or no? Kara frowned, unsure. For once it would be nice not to hide, to just be herself. She straightened her shoulders, decision made. Tonight Alex was going out with Kara Zor-El, the last scion of the great House of El. Kara Danvers, foster sister and best buddy would have to wait her turn for the next Netflix binge night. She slipped the lead lined glasses into her purse, just to be safe, and smiled at her reflection one last time.

White canvas shoes with no socks, khaki capris that hugged her curves, a dark blue blouse with her hair loose and flowing around her shoulders, with a small diamond necklace and matching earrings complimenting the bright blue of her eyes. Kara nodded, she was as ready as she was ever going to be.

Kara hesitated one moment more and then popped that pesky top button open again, and disappeared with a whoosh out the apartment door before she changed her mind.

***

Alex opened the wine menu and wondered for the millionth time if this was a good idea. Yes, she had suggested being more affectionate in public, and had proposed they meet for dinner at the newest hotspot as a test run, but this had felt increasingly like a real dinner date. Sending the flowers had been a nice touch, more for show, but it did have the added weight of a romantic gesture. Kara posting the photo of it on her Instagram feed twisted the knife in Mon-El’s back perfectly, if the sour face he made at her all that day at the DEO was any indication.

Alex smiled at the memory. He could stew in his own jealousy as far as she was concerned. However the preparing for the date part of this scenario had been harder than she thought. For a fake date it was feeling pretty real. She had spent the better part of an hour just trying to choose a lipstick shade and the pile of discarded shoes in her living room was testament to this being more than just catching a bite to eat together. In the end, she had gone with her usual festive black shirt and jeans, adding a lovely black and dark gold jacquard gothic vest. You can take the girl out of the punk scene, but it’s harder to take the punk out of the girl.

Alex had been pleased as she left her apartment, but the worrying had begun on the drive to the restaurant. What the hell was she doing? She knew this was all just a ruse to help Kara out of a jam, that her foster sister would never really be interested in her as anything more than what they already were.

And yet…

Alex closed the wine menu with a quick snap, and shoved down the bloom of hope in her chest. This thing with Mon-El was opening doors that she wasn’t sure she could survive being opened.

Movement on the other side of the intimate restaurant drew her attention and Alex glanced up at just the right moment. Her breath caught as Kara entered, the hostess showing her the way over. Alex smiled softly, taking in the almost glowing beauty before her. Kara seemed to glide across the room, people naturally parting the way for her. She glanced around, clearly searching for their table, nervously looking for her. That thought sent Alex’s heart thudding, the familiar sound clearly catching Kara’s attention as she zeroed in on her almost instantly. They finally locked eyes on each other, Kara’s smile growing wider, stealing her breath away once more.

So beautiful.

“Hey,” Kara murmured, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear and a blush gracing her cheeks as she reached their table. Alex noticed she was wearing the diamond earrings and necklace she had given her for her 21st birthday. It made the blue of her eyes even more mesmerizing. Alex felt the warmth of that memory wash over her, her arms had been suddenly full of happy alien and the crushing hug that quickly followed and was pleased all over again. She shook herself slightly, realizing she was staring, and stood.

“You look nice,” Alex leaned close to kiss her on the cheek, inhaling as she did so. Kara always smelled so good, but Alex didn’t think she was wearing any scent tonight. It was something all Kara. It seemed to settle her nerves, like everything shifted into place and all was right with the world. Alex didn’t want to think about that too deeply.

“So do you,” Kara ran a hand across the shoulder of her vest, admiring the texture beneath her fingertips. Her touch lingered a moment longer and then she smiled and moved away, taking her seat.

Alex sat back down as well, cocking her head as she tried to place what was different about Kara tonight. It was more than the awkward tension in the air, the nervous energy buzzing between them. She seemed more confident, more sure of herself, calm and at ease. As Kara chatted with their server, she realized what it was. Kara wasn’t wearing her glasses.

Alex blinked as the reality hit her. Alex Danvers was having dinner with Supergirl tonight.

Well, fuck. There went her nerves again…

***

“Um, are you going to eat that?” Kara grinned, already knowing the answer. Alex rarely finished her meal without something being ‘shared’ with her. Stolen was such a harsh word after all. Dinner had been excellent, as had the company, as she knew it would be. The conversation had been wide ranging and a giggle fit had helped to dissipate the nervous energy flowing between them.

“Maybe,” Alex teased, stirring the strawberry into the chocolate sauce and then popping it into her mouth. Kara watched intently, the flesh of the fruit slipping across full lips, chocolate collecting there for a moment, before a quick swipe of tongue not missing a drop. Kara swallowed hard and shifted in her chair. Was it suddenly hot in the restaurant?

“Go on, you look hungry.” Eyes dancing with mischief, Alex took pity and slid the plate of chocolate cake and strawberries drizzled in melted dark chocolate closer.

Kara picked up her own fork and eagerly snagged a berry, not wanting to dwell on just what she was really hungry for. Stupid *zh’em hadahr* still racing through her veins. She didn’t know how many more years she could endure it. If Alex wasn’t going to be her true bond mate, then she needed to figure out what her next steps would be. Kara frowned, not wanting to go there. At least not right now, with Alex sitting across from her, candlelight flickering and catching the highlights in her eyes, as she watched her intently over the rim of her wine glass.

“Chocolate fixes everything,” Kara grinned, scooping up the last bit of chocolate cake too.

“Pretty much,” Alex took a sip of wine and placed her glass back down. “So I think I’m all set for the opening ceremony of the challenge. Saturday at high noon, in the holo room at the desert DEO facility. I think Clark’s been watching too many westerns.”

Kara smiled and took a sip of her own glass of wine, an excellent choice and one of her favourites. The flavours seemed to burst on her tongue and Alex knew it when she ordered the bottle for their table. Alex always knew what she liked.

“I have the House of El family robes prepared, I will bring them with me.” Kara glanced down. The thought of Alex wearing traditional Kryptonian attire was almost too much to bear. A deep wave of possessiveness washed over her. She didn’t care if it was the *zh’em hadahr* talking, she wanted it all to be real, damn it. She just wasn’t sure how to get to that point. She looked up as Alex reached out and touched her hand, squeezing gently.

“Hey, we will fix this. Mon-El will not break this, I won’t let him. We won’t let him. *El mayarah* Kara Zor-El Danvers.” Alex tangled their fingers together. Holding hands across the table in a popular National City romantic hot spot, it was a lot for Kara to take in. And she was afraid to read more into it. After all the plan for the evening had been to practice being more couple like. Was Alex really such a good actor? Maybe it’s what made her a great DEO agent.

“Game night is Friday at Lucy’s, so our next step is being more affectionate in front of our friends?” Kara asked, staring at their entwined fingers, not wanting to let go, desperately wishing she could tell Alex how she was feeling. She wasn’t sure she could do it again. The feeling of rejection was still fresh from that night, even if it was just imagined. Still, Kara would take what she could, for as long as possible. When the challenge was over, she could deal with the next steps, whatever they might be.

“That’s the plan,” Alex said softly as they both focused on the thumb absently making small circles on the back of Kara’s hand. It sent a slow languid heat tickling along her veins and up her arm. Kara swallowed hard and nodded. She would go with the flow, wherever it led if she could just have this intimacy between them for a little bit longer. She just prayed to Rao that she was strong enough to endure it. She glanced up, lips twitching as another thought occurred to her.

“Winn’s head is going to explode.”

***

“Are you sure you don’t want to come up?” Kara asked, ever hopeful as they stood outside her apartment building. “I still have some of that nice merlot waiting for you.”

Alex smiled softly. If she was honest she didn’t want this night to end either. It had been lovely, every minute of it. It was an evening she would forever consider as their first date and she didn’t want to screw it up now by doing something stupid.

“Tempting, but I shouldn’t. I have an early start tomorrow,” Alex leaned back against the passenger door of her car, glancing down at her shoes. Kara clearly didn’t want it to end either, which made her feel better.

“Ok, raincheck then,“ Kara fidgeted and shrugged a shoulder, trying to hide her disappointment. The silence stretched out between them. Alex knew what she wanted to do, but she couldn’t bring herself to move. Their gaze met and she thought her heart was going to beat out of her chest. Kara offered her a lopsided grin, her thundering heart giving her away. Alex’s eyes widened as she was pulled closer, into a much needed hug. “Thank you for tonight, it was…”

“…yeah, it was.” Alex murmured into soft skin, melting into the warmth, golden hair tickling her nose as she nuzzled along Kara’s cheek. Her right hand naturally trailed down the hidden muscles of her back, tracing along her spine, holding her closer. When Kara shivered in her arms, she nearly came undone as they moved so slowly together, their lips finding their own way. Alex shifted ever so slightly instead, thinking better of making a huge mistake after such a great night, and gently bumped their foreheads together instead.

“Night Alex.” Kara finally said, stepping back from the embrace. Alex missed the warmth immediately, the want almost overwhelming. She opened her eyes, smiling as Kara waved over her shoulder and stepped into her building. It was the last lingering look before disappearing inside that made her swallow hard.

Damn.

“Night, Supergirl.” Alex whispered, knowing that Kara could easily still hear her. Probably could even make out her thundering heart, but she just didn’t care. “See you Friday night.”

Alex grinned like a kid and slid back into her car. Turning into traffic she headed home, knowing it was likely to be a long night for both of them.

Chapter Text

“Okay, we can do this.”

Kara bounced on her toes and released a long, slow breath, like a prize fighter getting ready to enter the ring. Except they were standing outside Lucy’s apartment and it was just their friends and fun games waiting inside. Nothing to worry about, right?

Kara chewed her lower lip and pushed her glasses further up her nose trying not to let the anxiety build too much. They had talked about ramping up their public displays of affection on their fake date that didn’t feel that fake, at least to her. Kara had thought it was a good idea on a few levels. It was a way to test the waters to see if Alex was at all freaked out about being affectionate with her. They would have to fool their friends as well if they had any hope of dissuading Mon-El from taking the challenge very far. As the challenger, he could call it off at any point, and Kara prayed to Rao that he would just let it go. So turning up the chemistry between them had seemed like a good plan at the time, now though Kara wasn’t so sure. Never mind Winn’s head exploding, her own head was buzzing with a million ‘what ifs’.

“Hey, relax. We absolutely can do this.” Alex smiled, but it didn’t seem to quite reach her eyes. Kara frowned at that. There was something else lurking there but she wasn’t quite sure what. Was Alex having second thoughts?

Well, of course she was. This whole thing was a horrible idea and Kara was forcing her to do something she didn’t really want to do. She was being totally selfish, secretly enjoying the closeness, all while Alex was once again putting her own life on hold to help her solve her stupid problems. What was she thinking? Kara knew she had to stop this farce right here, right no--wuh…??

OH.

Kara glanced down at her hand, as Alex casually dragged her fingers along the inside of her wrist and tangled their fingers together. Kara swallowed hard and lifted her gaze to meet Alex’ intense stare, who clearly wasn’t having any second thoughts after all.

“I got you, Kara,” Alex said softly. “My zrhemin nim.” Her lopsided smile seemed to light up her eyes, and her thumb absently stroked across soft skin, the small movement calming Kara instantly. Alex reached out and pushed the doorbell to Lucy’s apartment, never breaking eye contact. They heard thundering footsteps approach and then the door opened with a quick whoosh.

“About fucking time, Danvers.” Lucy grinned at them, still chuckling at something Winn had called out from the living room. Her gaze took in their entwined hands, and an eyebrow slowly inched higher in surprise. “In more ways than one.” Alex stepped forward and glared, as if daring her to say more, protective mode in full force. Lucy simply smiled wider and stepped back, making room for both of her guests to enter. “Get in here already. Winn is being annoying and it’s getting harder to keep Vasquez from shooting him.”

“Justifiable homicide.” Maggie drawled from inside the surprisingly large kitchen just to the right, smirking as she also took in the couple holding hands, before taking a swig of her bottle of beer. “I’d swear to it in court.”

Kara rolled her shoulders and tried to relax as the familiar bantering began in earnest around her. So far so good, Alex hadn’t dropped her hand yet or punched anyone. The night was still young though. Lucy and Maggie looked pleased and happy for them. Vasquez appeared through the other door into the galley kitchen, took in the general situation and smiled warmly as she handed her a glass of wine, which Kara accepted gladly.

She should have known it would be too good to last.

“Kara, come sit here, I’ve saved you a seat,” Mon-El called out from the living room, standing as he motioned to the spot next to him on the couch. The air seemed to leave the room and Kara hesitantly glanced at Alex, who was squeezing her hand quite hard considering she was a human and then was suddenly released. The wave of disappointment followed soon after.

“Uh, thanks Mon-El,” Kara turned fully to Alex and mouthed ‘sorry’ before heading past Vasquez and through the small dining room, into the living room to the sofa where Winn and Mon-El had been chatting. Kara focused on the gossipy news Winn was talking about some blockbuster movie he was a fan of, but she had an ear tuned to the kitchen conversation as well.

“Who invited shithead?” Alex all but growled under her breath, not taking her eyes off of the laughing group in the living room, Mon-El’s fawning and preening was grating on her nerves already. God, she needed a drink.

“Winn got cornered and couldn’t say no,” Lucy sighed and handed over a beer. “Another reason Susan is ready to murder him. Sorry.”

Alex shrugged a shoulder and took a big swallow of her drink. It was going to be a long night. Mon-El simply smirked at her across the room, and leaned closer to Kara. She genuinely smiled as Kara shifted away, getting up and moving to perch instead on the arm of the chair where Winn was sitting.

“So, you and Alex are…uh...” Winn’s awkwardness pulled Kara’s full attention back, as he struggled and waved his hands, trying to find the right word without putting his foot in his mouth. “Well, Mon-El mentioned that you...are...y’know...and Alex is...uh…and that the two of you are...uh...?”

“Yes, Winn. We are,” Kara jumped in, just wanting the painful questioning to end. “Sort of...it’s a long story. Alex and I, well, we’ve been getting closer over the last year or so. We both are finally taking the time to figure out what we really want.” She glared over at Mon-El. “A lot faster than we are really comfortable with, no thanks to this silly challenge.” Mon-El just smiled and took a drink of his alien ale. Kara rolled her eyes and turned back to Winn.

“I thought you said you weren’t gay?” Winn pulled her closer and hissed, confused. They had this discussion a long time ago on the top of the CatCo building. Why didn’t Kara let him know that things had changed? He was her best Super Friend after all.

“W-well, pansexuality is a thing y’know.” Kara stuttered out, cheeks flushing. “And I’m an alien, so there’s that whole interspecies thing too.” she winced, and wondered if Kryptonians could die from embarrassment. Where was a good old fashioned bank robbery when she needed one?

“Huh...good point.” Winn leaned back in the armchair and tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. A cheeky smile began to form on his lips and his eyes started to glaze over, so he didn’t anticipate the whack upside the head from behind. “Ow!”

“Get your head out of the gutter, Schott.” Alex grumbled as she passed by, not liking his expression. Kara was not someone’s tacky fantasy, at least not while she was around. Satisfied he was suitably chastised, Alex handed a small plate of potstickers to Kara and sank down on the couch next to Mon-El, glaring at him for good measure too. Mon-El just blinked innocently and offered her the plate of chips and dip. Kara could almost hear her wishing for her alien blaster.

Kara smiled and popped her own delicious morsel into her mouth. Alex absolutely had her back and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

***

“Sorry I’m late,” James Olsen wrapped Lucy up in a friendly hug as he entered the apartment. There had been a few awkward months after their break up, but both were grateful that they had been able to salvage their friendship. Saving the world with Supergirl certainly made you realize that life was too short to hold a grudge.

“Yeah, yeah!” Lucy pulled away and pushed him towards the kitchen. “Grab a drink and get ready for battle. Vasquez and I have been getting killed by Kara and Alex at Pictionary again. So not fair…”

James chuckled at the familiar grumbling of his very competitive ex-girlfriend and hung up his hoodie in the small closet, just beside the door to the kitchen. Behind him was the hallway to the two bedrooms and the bathroom which was calling his name. He took a moment to peer into the living room, taking in the laughter and good natured ribbing happening. He also noticed Alex’s arm around Kara’s shoulder as they sat closer than normal on the couch. He raised an eyebrow as he took in Kara’s hand on Alex’s knee.

“That’s new.” James said, as he turned to follow Lucy into the kitchen to grab a beer from the fridge. Something was definitely up, if Mon-El’s scowl was any indication.

“Not exactly,” Lucy elbowed him as he stole some snacks from her plate. “Turns out they’re bonded, well, betrothed really. Since Kara arrived on Earth as a teen apparently.”

“Holy shit.” James’ eyes widened. Bonding was for life for a Kryptonian, nothing to be done lightly. Another troubling thought crossed his mind. “What the hell was she doing with me last year then?” James frowned. If Kara had been all but bonded then had she just been toying with him all along?

“Calm down, I don’t think it is as far along as Clark and Lois. In fact it seems pretty glacial paced, as they sort their stuff out. Alex is finally accepting her attraction to women, and Kara seemed scared to rock the boat and was letting sleeping dogs lie. Anyway, Kara wouldn’t do that to you. At least not on purpose.” Lucy glanced over at his familiar glower, trying to smooth ruffled feathers. She topped up her wine glass and slid the bottle back into the fridge, letting that last thought sink in. “Mon-El however didn’t seem to get the memo, and has thrown his hat into the ring now and it’s moving stuff along.”

“I knew something was up with him at Thanksgiving.” James’ eyes narrowed. He hadn’t liked the way the Daxamite’s gaze had followed Kara around, or how he had pumped them for details about her. The whole Alex angle made a lot of sense once you looked back at things. He should have been more observant, Kara talked about Alex practically non-stop. That should have been the first big clue.

“No wonder Kara dropped me like a hot potato.” James shook his head, and Lucy simply nodded and sipped her wine.

“And you’re lucky Alex didn’t realize her feelings yet,” Lucy patted his shoulder. “Or I’d still be looking for your body.” They both chuckled at the truth of that. They looked at each other, letting the laughter die, enjoying the familiar closeness they once shared.

“Break it up, lovebirds,” Maggie grinned as she squeezed between them, pulling the fridge open to grab another beverage. “Jesus, is there something in the air tonight?”

“Bathroom and booze break,” Vasquez said, following Maggie into the kitchen, her smile fading as she noticed James and Lucy standing so closely. She stepped around the pair and joined Maggie, who was mixing something strange in a glass on the counter. Lucy bit her lower lip and sighed, upsetting Susan was not how she wanted this night to go.

“Go team up with Mon-El and give the rest of us a break, Olsen.” Maggie grumbled. She had been stuck with him as a partner for half an hour and was more than ready to pass him along to the next sucker.

“On it,” James smiled down at Lucy, and nodded knowingly towards the clearly sulking Vasquez. Lucy pushed him towards the door, and taking the hint, he headed to the living room much to Winn’s delight.

“Hey there,” Lucy said as she sidled up next Susan, who was watching Maggie carefully measure out a glowing blue alien rum into a glass.

“James seemed happy to see you.” Susan finally said, her tone even, giving nothing away. Maggie took some white wine and splashed it into the blue fluid, grinning as it turned green.

“Suze, it’s not like that.” Lucy said softly. “You know that’s been over for a long time now.” She reached out and put her hand on Vasquez’ wrist, her thumb moving in soothing circles. She’d been afraid to move too quickly but clearly Susan had some feelings for her, if the death glare at James had been any indication. Maybe she needed to worry about finding James’ body after all.

“Will you two just fuck already and get on with it.” Maggie muttered to herself, squeezing the juice of an odd looking fruit into the glass before stirring with a piece of celery. Pleased with herself, she took an experimental sip. Maggie smiled happily, the alien cocktail was perfect. She turned triumphantly to find the two women glaring silently at her.

“Shit, I said that out loud, didn’t I?”

***

Kara stood looking out the apartment window, appreciating the break between games. This was harder than she had thought it was going to be. While she loved the attention Alex was showering on her, it was also killing her at the same time that it was all an act. She swirled her wine in her glass, watching the light reflecting in the golden fluid. Tomorrow she would see Alex wearing her Kryptonian family robes and a part of her yearned to see it. She wanted to claim Alex as hers for real and all this was doing was proving it to her. If only Alex felt the same.

So wrapped up in her thoughts, Kara didn’t hear the woman approaching behind her until the familiar scent broke through. Leather, gun oil and something all Alex, and it was intoxicating. Kara closed her eyes as she felt Alex slowly slide her hand along her stomach, taut abs twitching with the intimate touch. She smiled at the warmth of the woman tucked up along her back, Alex’s chin landing on her right shoulder, holding her for all their friends to see.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Alex whispered in her ear. Kara’s knees almost buckled. She was sorely tempted, but instead she just shook her head and leaned back into Alex’s body, enjoying the comfort she found there.

“Fuck that’s hot,” Susan murmured across the room, breaking into Kara’s thoughts. Kara took another sip of wine and glanced over the rim of her glass, watching as Vasquez, Lucy and Maggie all wandered out of the kitchen. She hid a smile as they all took a long drink of their beverages.

Winn’s eyes also widened and James grew very quiet. Lucy handed him a fresh beer and sat down beside Mon-El, who did not seem happy at all. Smiling at that, Kara tangled her fingers with Alex’s on her belly, and squeezed gently.

“Be right back.”

Mon-El’s eyes narrowed and he watched as Kara made her way to the washroom.

***
“Nice show, but I don’t buy it.”

Mon-El crossed his arms and leaned against the hallway wall outside the bathroom, as Kara stepped out, blocking her way.

“Let me through, Mon-El,” Kara looked up at him, a fist clenching. What did she ever see in this big lump of wasted potential? He was no match for her, if he wanted to test that she would be happy to oblige.

“I think your little human is simply a diversion, like a marriage of convenience, not strong enough to be your true bond mate.” Mon-El shifted so Kara could pass. “Sure she’s sexy enough, I’d take her for a tumble, but why tie yourself to a puny human as your mate, when you could have all this?” Mon-El smirked and stood to his full height, not so subtly flexing his muscles.

“Dear, Rao,” Kara rolled her eyes, and turned back to reply, anger beginning to churn in her guts. “Alex is so much more than you could ever hope to be. There is no need for all this.”

“I think I have just what you need right here,” Mon-El leered, his hand sliding along his trousers, cupping himself. Kara’s eyes widened. Mon-El puffed up, sure she was impressed, when actually Kara was filled with disgust.

“I know what I need, and it’s definitely not that.” Kara poked a finger into his chest, pushing him back a good foot. She moved closer, anger starting to crackle along her veins. Mon-El frowned realizing he may have stepped a bit too far. He was almost relieved to see a familiar face come around the corner.

“Kara? You disappeared for a bit.” Alex came further down the narrow hallway, concerned. She took in the closeness of the couple in front of her and frowned. She moved closer to Kara, wanting to make sure Mon-El wasn’t being a bigger ass than usual. They had been pushing his buttons all night after all. “Is everything okay?”

“It will be.” Kara glared up at Mon-El, her heart thundered as she made her decision. He wanted to know what she needed, well she would show him exactly what that was.

Kara reached out, long fingers finding and tangling with Alex’s, before tugging, careful not to hurt her but enough to pull the woman to her. Alex only had a moment to register what was happening, her eyes growing large and dark. Kara’s eyes softened and slowly her gaze dropped to the full lips before her.

Time seemed to stand still, as Kara ducked her head and moved closer, her lips stopping a hair’s breadth away, waiting for Alex’s permission. She didn’t wait long, as Alex closed the distance. Their lips met, hesitant at first, almost shy. And then Alex responded, tilting her head and deepening the kiss. Long moments pass, lost in each other, giving and taking.

Kara finally pulled away, opening her eyes to meet Alex’s wild eyes, taking in the soft flush of her cheeks, the slightly mussed hair, knowing that the both of them are shaken. Kara smiled as something inside seemed to slide into place, finally making sense.

“If you think this display changes anything, think again.” Mon-El stepped closer to Alex, Kara quickly moved in between. “Have your dalliance with your human, it’s of no consequence. You will be mine, I can feel it in my bones. Besides, it’s not like she can provide your House with an heir, like I can. The challenge will be the true test of worthiness to the prestigious House of El.”

“Oh, I’m more than worthy, asshole.” Alex pushed back, and Kara’s eyes began to glow, a warning the Daxamite would do well to heed.

“Hey, hey, hey! Break it up.” Lucy appeared suddenly, quickly assessed the situation and stepped in between before all hell broke loose. “Mon-El, thanks for coming, but time to head home buddy.”

Mon-El turned and looked like he was about to argue the point, but instead he blinked and stepped back. This was not the time, or the place and he knew it. He could be patient. Mon-El rubbed at the back of his neck and moved down the hallway toward the door.

“Right, sorry, it is time to head out. We can finish this conversation tomorrow at noon like civilized people.” Mon-El smiled, his eyes hard. He turned to the quiet group in the living room and waved. “Night all!” And then he headed out the door, Lucy closing it behind him.

“Sorry, I tried to redirect him when I saw him try to follow Kara, but he got past me.” Winn stepped out of the kitchen, fidgeting with his drink and feeling like he had messed everything up.

“It’s okay, no harm no foul.” Alex smiled. It wasn’t his fault that Mon-El was a douche bag. Besides, she could never stay mad with him for long. Winn disappeared back into the living room with Lucy not far behind, leaving them alone in the hallway.

“Don’t listen to anything Mon-El said,” Kara murmured as she tangled her fingers with Alex’s and tugged her closer. “Daximites never really understood what Kryptonian bond mates were to each other. The birthing matrix provided heirs. Bond mates are so much more than parents, they’re best friends, political allies, defenders and protectors and yes...lovers.” Kara reached out to gently run the pad of her thumb along Alex’ lower lip, fixing her smudged lipstick, desperately wishing she could smudge it even more. Her eyes glowed softly at the thought, before she reluctantly pulled her hand away.

Alex’ eyes widened and she swallowed hard. She could get used to seeing this side of Kara. It had been pretty amazing to have all that attention focused on her so intensely. They would have to talk about the kiss, but for now Alex just wanted to enjoy the closeness. She could freak out about it later.

“I’m sorry if I overstepped…” Kara began, terrified that Alex was offended, that she had taken advantage.

“No, don’t apologize.” Alex ran a hand through her hair and let out a long, slow breath, trying to get her emotions under control. “It was all part of the plan really, right?”

“R-right.”Kara swallowed hard, disappointment washing over her like a bucket of cold water.. Part of the plan. Of course. Nothing more than an act. Kara needed a drink, something stronger than the wine she’d been sampling all night. Maybe Maggie would share her alien rum with her.

“Come on,” Alex stepped back, unsure about the sudden change in mood. Fucking Mon-El, ruining everything. She couldn’t wait to get into the ring with him. Maybe she could smuggle in a lead knife tomorrow. “Let’s go burn up some of that energy and kick some butts at Pictionary, partner.” Alex reluctantly made her way down the hall and away from Kara’s side.

Kara nodded and moved to follow Alex back into the living room. She took a quick glance through the apartment walls to make sure Mon-El had truly left. He was going to be a bigger problem than she had thought, but she had faith that they could figure it out. They were stronger together after all.

And they would need to be, for the upcoming challenge.

Chapter Text

“Breathe, Danvers.”

Maggie leaned back against the kitchen counter in Lucy Lane’s kitchen and sipped at her bubbling and steaming green alien cocktail. Game night had taken a decidedly weird turn, Mon-El being a douche not the least of the twists tonight.

“She kissed me.” Alex absently touched her lips, her mind clearly spinning. She didn’t want to hold too much stock in the surprise lip lock, or get her hopes up, but it had been...wonderful.

“Excellent.” Maggie cocked an eyebrow and grinned, happy for her friend. She didn’t think Kara had it in her to take that first step. And to see the joy on Alex’s face was priceless. Although it didn’t last long, as Alex closed her eyes and immediately seemed despondent.

“NO, not excellent,” Alex sighed and took a quick sip of her beer. “It was just for show.” It didn’t feel like it was just for show though. And then the glow to Kara’s eyes, that wasn’t exactly normal either. No, Kara just saw her as her sister and anything else was just wishful thinking. Damn it.

“For show? Seriously?” Maggie frowned, not liking the way this seemed to be heading. What the hell was Supergirl doing toying with Alex this way? Using her to solve her problems without any regard for Alex’s feelings. Hell, Kara could just yeet that idiot Mon-El into outer space, there had to be more to it than the alien was letting on. “Alex, you need to talk to Kara and tell her what you’re really feeling.”

A yell went up from the living room. It looked like Winn had finally won something at Yahtzee. A round of laughter soon followed.

“I should be getting back in there. I have more thinking to do anyway before I do anything. Thanks for y’know...listening,” Alex shrugged, embarrassed that she was so pathetic in this type of situation. She was a grown woman, not some lost teenager, but this all felt so out of her depth. She was glad she could talk about this all with someone, at least as much as she was able to at this point.

Maggie reached over and slid her arm around Alex’s shoulder and gave her a quick hug. If Kara was going to play games with Alex’s emotions, then someone needed to give her a taste of her own medicine. And if Kara was just being oblivious to Alex’s real feelings, well, a boot to the ass might wake her up.

“Anytime. Hang in there.” Maggie murmured, her eyes meeting Kara’s as she entered the kitchen. She almost laughed at the look on the girl’s face, except the cold stare directed at her spoke volumes and for a moment Maggie was afraid she’d literally be turned into a popsicle. They quickly moved apart and Alex smiled softly back at her before heading into the living room, giving Kara’s bicep a quick squeeze as she went past.

“You two were pretty chummy there,” Kara said,turning and pulling open the fridge with a little more force than she intended. Maggie smirked at the jealousy she could practically feel coming off the blonde. She just hummed noncommittally and waited for Kara to grab a bottle of water from the door of the fridge and close it again, before meeting stormy blue eyes.

“Listen, I know Mon-El is pushing you with this challenge, but it's cruel to keep dragging Alex into the middle of your business like this.” Maggie looked down into her glass and swirled the beverage with her wilting piece of celery. “Kara, if you’re not really interested in Alex then what the hell are you doing?”

“What?” Kara blinked, the words echoing in her mind and hitting hard. What the hell was she doing? She swallowed and looked down, guilt flooding her churning stomach. It wasn’t anything she hadn’t said to herself a million times over the last little while. The guilt soon turned to anger, though. Maggie was one to talk, butting into Alex’s life like this. Kara looked up and fixed a hard stare on the other woman. “Why do you care, you shot her down pretty quick when you had the chance.”

“Yeah and I feel shitty about that.” Maggie sighed. She did feel horrible for breaking her friend’s heart, but it had been the right thing to do. And they both knew it, as painful as it had been for Alex, it would have ended sooner or later. At least this way they could be friends. Maggie glanced up, and decided on a calculated risk. It was time to twist the knife a little and see what the Girl of Steel was really made of. “But, Alex is my friend, and I care, maybe more than I realized before. In fact, I may be reconsidering my options.”

Maggie leaned back, smile firmly in place, which slowly faded as she realized she may have poked this particular bear a bit too far. She swallowed hard, watching as Kara’s eyes turned a menacing red. Very interesting, if a little terrifying.

“Alex is MY *zrhemin nim*, MY betrothed,” Kara all but growled and took a step closer. “And you would be wise to remember your place, *snagriff*.”

“Hey, what’s going on?” Alex appeared suddenly in the doorway, followed closely by Lucy and Vasquez. “We heard raised voices.”

“No worries, Alex. Little Danvers and I were just having a chat about missed opportunities and second chances.” Maggie downed what was left of her cocktail and put her glass down on the counter. “Well, this has been fun, but it’s time for me to head out, ladies. I’ll just say goodnight and show myself out.”

Alex glared at Kara, who ducked her head and brushed past the three women. Maggie had her leather jacket on and was out the door before anyone knew it. Alex just sighed and shook her head. It was clearly time to head home. Alex shrugged at her two friends and turned to get Kara so they could leave too. Tomorrow’s challenge was fast approaching and she had had enough for one day.

Lucy and Vasquez stood in the middle of the kitchen, not sure what the hell had just happened.

“You sure know how to throw a party,” Vasquez elbowed Lucy and grinned. It had been quite an eventful evening, all considered.

“Yeah, no kidding.” Lucy ran a hand through her dark hair and sighed. “Next time, it’s just you and me.” Her eyes widened as Lucy realized what she’d just said, but Vasquez just smiled wider and nodded.

“It’s a date.”

***

What a disaster of a night this had been.

Mon-El stumbled down the deserted alleyway in search of a good stiff drink, and he knew just the place to find it. The door at the end of the alley creaked open with a good shove to reveal a dark, dingy hole in the wall dive bar, where questionable patrons of every shape and size could be found nursing their drink of choice. It wasn’t his usual alien hangout bar, this one reeked of humans, their sour stench lingering too long in his nose. No, this was where he came to conduct business. His eyes adjusted to the dim light and he surveyed the room.

In a corner booth sat a woman, the only female in the place except for the rough looking one falling out of her tank top tending bar. He grinned and focused his attention on the one in the booth. His night was looking up after all. She perched on the seat as if she was a queen surveying her court, and the expression on her face clearly indicated she found it wanting.

Mon-El had to admit she was a beautiful creature. Deadly and conniving, just his type, and she knew it. She used it to her advantage, and he allowed it for as long as it served his purposes. The snake tattoo twisting along the curve of her leg beckoned, disappearing under the hem of her slit skirt. Mon-El smiled, remembering tracing those enticing lines along her twitching skin with his tongue more than once. Roulette was magnificent, both in and out of the bedroom.

Their eyes finally met, her dark eyes lighting up as she noticed him standing there, before settling back into her usual sardonic stare.

“Your Highness,” The dark beauty murmured with a seductive smirk. “Always a pleasure.” She snapped her fingers and the lump of flesh sitting in the seat across from her, slid out and lumbered his way to the bar to fetch drinks.

“Roulette,” Mon-El smiled and sank down into the vacated spot, his eyes continuing to travel over her curves and hollows. He may have lost at game night, but the night was still young. Plenty of time for much more...interesting games. A glass of Daxam whiskey appeared, the bottle left on the table for his pleasure. Yes, they knew him well here. Mon-El took a long swallow and enjoyed the burn of alcohol sliding down his throat. Finally a real drink on this hell hole planet. He shifted to keep an eye on the door and the other low life patrons. He didn’t think he had been followed, but no need to be careless either. “Where are we with the glitch in operations? My contact doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“The gateway is functioning at 83.57 percent and we are almost ready to begin transport of the cargo to Maaldoria again. With Olango out of the picture due to your handy work,” Roulette raised her drink in salute. Stroking his ego was always a good idea. “We now have the entire National City slave trade syndicate under our…I mean, your control.”

“He should have taken my offer, the fool.” Mon-El snorted and shook his head. Vincent Olango was smart, he would have made an excellent lieutenant in his operation. He grinned as he recalled the thrill of snuffing the life from the man, the snapping of bones beneath his fingers. It was a shame that he wasn’t fast enough to get Olango’s odourous bodyguard into the car trunk before the police arrived. Still, it had been convenient to blame the missing Olango for the dead body and maintain his dopey good guy cover with the DEO. “The body was taken care of?”

Roulette smiled and dabbed her lips with a napkin. “The cook makes an excellent Garva stew, I highly recommend it.” Mon-El’s grin widened. Nothing like a little violence to get him all riled up. Time to push him just a bit further. “So speaking of taking up your offer, any movement on the Supergirl front? Or is she still resisting your considerable...charms?” Roulette cocked an eyebrow and waited. She could get backhanded for her impudence, or something more pleasurable, if she played her cards right.

“Supergirl will be mine shortly and then completely under control. As my wife she will have to obey me, as any good Daxam bride must by law.” Mon-El grumbled at the woman across from him. “And the entire House of El will be tied to me, by a very handy old Krypton/Daxam peace treaty, so if I go down, so do they.”

Mon-El took a long drink to settle himself, not liking the woman’s audacity to question him. As prince of Daxam he had been forced to learn all the ancient protocols and inter-galactic treaties. He silently thanked his parents for his royal political training, even if he had hated it at the time. It was coming in very handy right now on this backwater planet. Roulette just blinked innocently at him across the table, waiting for his next move. He would be more than happy to show her a few of his moves.

“I just need to play along a bit longer and then it will all fall into place, exactly as it should be.” Mon-El stood and grabbed the bottle of whiskey, then held out his hand. Roulette smirked and took it, sliding out of the booth and practically wrapping herself around the tall man. “In the meantime, my dear Roulette, I have a little pent up energy I’m sure you can help take care of.” Mon-El raked his eyes down her body and back up again, his interest clear.

“As you wish, your Highness,” Roulette smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. He was certainly riled up now, she only hoped the bruises afterwards would be hidden from view this time. His mirthless laugh did little to reassure.

Mon-El led the way to the upper rooms, where his private play space awaited his return. Earth was a very pleasant place to pass the time while he plotted his revenge on the remaining Kryptonians left in this universe. His plan to disgrace the mighty House of El and the last remnants of the Kryptonians who destroyed his home planet would not be thwarted. Mon-El swore to avenge the fall of his home world if it was the last thing he did. However, now that he had secured a power base and income flow, it was time to at the very least enjoy some of the fruits of his labour.

Kara Zor-El, the last Scion of Krypton, her sad little human pet, and their little band of pathetic Super Friends, wouldn’t know what hit them.

Chapter Text

“*How may I assist you today, Kara?*”

The artificial likeness of Alura In-Ze smiled gently, kindly. The haunting lilt of her Kryptonian accent always broke Kara’s heart, almost as much as it soothed her to hear it. Alex had done an excellent job restoring the memory crystal drive and she was forever grateful for this gift, even if it was a poor substitute for the real thing.

The hiss of the doors to the holo chamber closing behind her was loud in Kara’s ears as she stepped deeper into the room, letting the old wave of loss wash over her again. She missed the desert DEO facility that Lucy Lane was now fully in charge of. The flight out from National City had always been a time to think and she could regularly pop in and visit with the artificially intelligent hologram of her mother. She would often just stop by and tell it about her day, and it reminded her of when Eliza would visit Jeremiah’s grave in a way.

Kara looked around the familiar space and sighed. The DEO facility in the city was bright and clean, and Kara found she didn’t have the same need to visit here as often anymore as she got more comfortable in her new life. This room though would always be a safe space, a connection to her home, even if it was just a simulation. Kara smiled softly up at the familiar figure on the pedestal in the middle of the chamber as the hologram of her mother flickered with artificial life.

Alura cocked her head in an achingly familiar movement, watching her carefully. Kara moved closer and sighed. The only thing missing was the scent her mother used to wear, taken from Kryptonian flowers that were long gone, burnt away along with her parents when the planet exploded.

“*The time of challenge is not yet upon us. Is there something else you require?*” The hologram stepped down from its pedestal and walked toward her, glancing at a timepiece on her wrist. Kara blinked, recognizing it as one her father had given her mother as a bonding anniversary gift. She gave herself a little shake to come back to the here and now.

“*I need to talk to you about breaking a bond.*” Kara fidgeted, tugging at her fingers and the material of her blue sleeve, not really meeting her holographic mother’s eyes.

“*Kryptonians bond for life, my daughter. You know this.*” Alura frowned, then seemed to flutter in and out of existence as it accessed files and then looked back at Kara. “*Today is the challenge. Are you having second thoughts about your betrothed, my daughter?*”

Kara gave a bitter laugh and pinched the bridge of her nose. She was definitely not having second thoughts about being with Alex. It was the one thing she was becoming more and more sure of, especially after last night.

There had been no time last night to talk to Alex, explain what happened in the kitchen with Maggie, to even discuss their kiss. The AMAZING kiss. Kara’s fingers moved lower to trace along her lips, as if she could still feel a phantom tingle when she thought about it. They hadn’t even gotten their jackets on to leave Lucy’s apartment, when duty called her away. An oil tanker on fire off the coast. Even with her super powers, it had taken several hours to put it out and stop an environmental disaster. Two showers later, Kara could still smell the heavy oily soot that she had been covered in. And then, despite being bone weary from it all, Kara could not fall asleep, her mind spinning with all the possible scenarios. Maggie’s hard words echoed the loudest, looping over and over again.

What the hell was she doing with Alex?

This fake relationship wasn’t feeling very fake anymore, at least not for Kara. The situation was wrong, and she felt this stupid challenge was forcing Alex into something she didn’t really want. The honourable thing would be to end the betrothal. Then Alex would be free to do as she wished, choose who she wished, and not even have to go through this dangerous challenge.

It was that thought that had driven Kara to the DEO facility at dawn, to find out how to break the tentative bond before it was too late, before Alex was hurt or worse. Swallowing down her pain, Kara looked up at her mother

“*No...well. Sort of.*” Kara sighed and began to pace, ran her fingers through long blonde hair. “*The Houses have been aligned but we have not...joined. There has been no consummation, nor official ceremony.*” Kara bit her lower lip and fidgeted a bit more.

“*Kara, the Age of Ascension has long passed. If you were on Krypton—*“ The hologram did a good job of looking shocked and very disappointed in her.

“*It would be a scandal and I would be a disgrace to our House,*” Kara bowed her head with a sigh and sank down to sit on the edge of the pedestal. “*Or already in an arranged marriage and getting on with my life, little holographic grandbabies running around your legs, I know.*” She shrugged a shoulder, and was actually glad for a moment that she was on Earth now, able to make a love match instead of a political one. And yet, her love match was complicated. They hadn’t even talked about a family yet, although Kara had always imagined Alex and her with kids one day. She shook her head, not wanting to go down that particular rabbit hole. A tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. This wasn’t a decision that should be made by a mistaken betrothal done in ignorance. She needed to set Alex free, release her to make her own love match, even if that wasn’t with her.

Alura sat down beside her on the pedestal, trying to offer what support she could, even if she couldn’t actually touch her.

“*You love her.*” It was a statement, not a question.

Kara hung her head, she was so transparent even the AI could read her emotions.

“*With all my heart.*” Kara’s voice broke, and she wiped at the silently falling tears. She knew what the hard choice was, and she didn’t want to make it.

“*And your brave one? How does she feel?*” Alura asked gently. Kara shrugged a shoulder and looked away, tugging at her sleeve. That was the million dollar question, wasn’t it?

“*I see.*” Alura nodded wisely. “*And yet Alex Dan-Vers has agreed to defend the betrothal, to be your champion against the Daxam suitor. I think she deserves a chance to prove herself to you, don’t you?*”

Kara swallowed hard. She hadn’t thought of it that way. Maybe this was a way to see what Alex wanted as well. She blinked and nodded, although still unsure.

“*You know, your aunt Astra was impressed with her.*” Astra smiled, remembering. “*She was allowed to visit me sometimes, when she was held here. Did the Martian Manhunter not inform you of this?*”

“*No.*” Kara didn’t want to dwell on Astra, that loss was also tied up in her complicated feelings with Alex. Her mother flickered and then shifted slightly on the pedestal beside her.

“*Astra had made her own bed on many things, my Little One. Do not take on guilt that is not yours.*” Alura smiled kindly. “*Just as banishing her was my weight to carry, not yours.*” Kara nodded and wiped at her eyes. “*Astra said you had a warrior by your side, a true equal found amongst these humans. A bond mate worthy of the House of El, that we would be proud to call family.*”

Kara felt fresh tears running down her cheeks, as Alura stood and stepped back up onto the pedestal.

“*In the end, it doesn’t matter what any of us think, Kara. If she has stolen your heart then fight for what you want, just as she is willing to fight for you. Now go, my daughter, and prepare for the challenge. I will make sure that it is fair for all concerned, and will judge things equally but know I have your best interests at heart. Always.*”

With that, the hologram flickered and shut itself off.

Kara stood and headed for the door, not sure the visit had really helped, but it had made her feel better. She turned back and smiled at the empty space where the hologram had just been.

“Thanks, Mom.”

***

“What the hell was that last night, Maggie?”

Alex ducked under the yellow police tape at the unfolding crime scene and headed straight for the diminutive detective. Alex had tossed and turned all night trying to figure out what had happened before Kara had disappeared into the night. And maybe replaying that first kiss with Kara, over and over again. The one thing she did know was that Maggie had said something to piss Kara off and she was determined to find out just what it was.

“Good morning to you too, Agent Danvers.” Maggie smirked and moved away from the small circle of officers she had been talking to. She swirled what was left of her lukewarm coffee and took a sip as she met Alex halfway towards the parking lot. She really needed more coffee if she was going to deal with lesbian drama so early in her day.

“Cut the bull, what did you say to Kara last night?” Alex was having none of it. She stepped in front of her friend, blocking her path.

“Somebody is touchy today, why would that be?” Maggie looked up and smirked, sliding her sunglasses on, before sidestepping past Alex and continued making her way towards her car. “Is it the usual protective big sister crap or is something else going on there?”

“If you said something to hurt Kara,” Alex ground her teeth and followed. “So help me…”

“You know, Supes is a big girl, Alex, she can look after herself.” Maggie stopped and leaned against the hood of her vehicle, taking a moment to calm herself down. She didn’t want to mess up their friendship over this whole thing. “She’s been pretty focused on what she wants, what she needs. Playing with you to get it, I might add. Not cool. So, I may have reminded her that you’re not going to be waiting around forever. That you had other...options out there. I was just rattling her chain a little.”

“Oh, my God, Maggie!” Alex pinched the bridge of her nose, oddly touched by her friends intentions and yet dreading the result. Everything made much more sense now. Kara would do the noble thing and try to run away from whatever this was beginning between them.

“Yeah, maybe not my smartest move. The glowing red eyes thing that she does, fuck it’s hot.” Maggie shook her head. “She’s got it bad for you.” Alex looked up at that, afraid to hope.

“She could have fricasseed you.” Alex offered a lopsided smirk and leaned on the car beside her friend.

“SEE! I told you!” Maggie grinned, glad they were back on familiar solid ground. They watched as another EMS wagon pulled up to the small group of people huddled by the building, blankets wrapped around their shoulders.

“So, what’s going on?” Alex glanced up at the warehouse facility. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but apparently something big was going down inside. It looked like a drug bust or a refugee round up, if she didn’t know better.

“We’ve had a spike in missing persons over the last few weeks. Nothing seemed to link them except they’d all had blood work done here at the National City Research Center.” Maggie nodded to the group of people being tended to by paramedics. “A group of humans and aliens were being held here, one of the kids managed to escape and get help. We just raided the place and released them from captivity.” Maggie crossed her arms and looked at Alex, almost 100 percent sure her case was about to be hijacked yet again. “Apparently they were headed to some black market. Off world. There’s some weird looking equipment inside, but no lowlifes to be seen. Human and alien trafficking, that smells like DEO business to me.”

“Shit.” Alex pulled out her cell phone and started typing a message to Winn. This was definitely something they needed to look into.

“Yeah, no kidding.” Maggie ran a hand through her hair and looked back at the small band of potential slaves. “We got lucky today. I still have a missing kid I’m trying to find, her mother is a pain in my ass, but this was a good start. And it ties into my dead body a few weeks ago, the one Mon-El helped with. The building was leased to the main suspect, Vincent Olango. If I find him, this case will break wide open.”

“Keep me in the loop, ok?” Alex slid her phone back into her pocket and headed towards her own parked vehicle, glancing at her watch. She had to move if she was going to get out to the desert facility in good time. “I’ll update J’onn when I see him.”

“Hey, Alex,” Maggie called out, grinning as Alex turned around. “Kick his whiney dopey ass.”

Alex smiled and just nodded. That was something she was definitely looking forward to doing.

Chapter Text

“Sooo...do you want to talk about it, or are you just going to wear a hole in my hallway?”

Lucy Lane crossed her arms and leaned against her office door frame, offering a grin as the distracted superhero paused in her pacing and glanced up. Kara’s confused look confirmed her suspicions that she had no idea she had been wandering around outside her office for the last fifteen minutes. Shaking her head, Lucy smiled wider and then shut her office door behind her, moving into the hallway and shrugging on her jacket as she went.

Lucy had been keeping an eye on her for most of the morning. Kara had been rattling around the DEO desert facility well before she had arrived on base, even before Vasquez had signed in. In fact, the night shift report on her desk this morning had said that Supergirl had been there since before the sun had come up. Then, about fifteen minutes ago, Kara had come out of the small holo room, looking a little lost and more than a little miserable, and had started pacing the hallway outside her office. Never a good sign when Supergirl was pacing and not punching or following through on some plan of action. This called for Lucy to butt in where she didn’t really belong and try to fix what she could. If the anxious alien would let her in.

“If you’re worried about the challenge today, don’t be.” Lucy said, well aware this couldn’t have been easy for Kara. She worried if Alex got the sniffles, let alone have her enter some weird duel with a physically stronger Daxamite. “Clark has been hovering around the base like a mother hen, working with Winn and Vasquez to get one of our storage hanger bays outfitted with some high tech alien holo emitters he flew in from the Fortress of Solitude. Apparently, they are planning to boost the AI matrix of your mother with some crystal drive technology. It’s all gobbledygook to me. I thought Winn was going to faint when Superman wanted to consult with him on some of the programming details.” Kara cracked a smile finally at that, and Lucy counted it as a victory.

“I’m okay, thanks Lucy. Just trying to figure some things out before it all starts getting really crazy.” Kara bit her lower lip and sighed. “Besides, it’s almost time to get Alex and myself dressed in the House of El family robes.”

“Walk with me,” Lucy checked her tablet as they started down the hallway together." Alex swiped into the women’s locker room on level 5. And I am headed that way to check out some incoming alien artifacts from a police raid in National City this morning." 

Some very unusual tech was being re-assembled in a storage bay down the hall from where the challenge was to be held. Lucy was secretly counting on Winn to have hacked the holo room feed so they could watch the competition. Lucy smiled as she saw an email she’d been waiting for, clicking it open and reading it quickly. 

“J’onn reviewed the photos I sent him. He seems to think it’s a transmatter portal of some sort.” Lucy glanced up and met Kara’s curious gaze. “A gateway to travel instantly between worlds. Pretty amazing.”

“Amazing but dangerous, if I’m vaguely remembering them right,” Kara frowned as she tried to recall details, apparently familiar with the alien technology. “We didn’t use it on Krypton but other worlds definitely preferred to travel that way. The equipment was very expensive and used a lot of energy resources, so it was a bit of a status symbol to have one. My father said the science was dodgy and he never wanted to have his atoms scattered back and forth across the galaxy.”

“Huh, good to know.” Lucy tapped a quick note about that in her tablet. “Now we just need to figure out what low life is behind bringing this one to Earth and dig deeper on the missing humans we think might be somehow linked to it.” Lucy grabbed her cell phone as it chimed a new message notification, reading it quickly. “Sorry, Kara, I’ve gotta go.”

Kara nodded, glancing down the hall towards the waiting locker room and what was waiting for her behind the door. Lucy leaned in and gave the worried woman a hug. One way or another, things were going to change. 

“Hey, don’t let fear stop you from reaching for what you want.” Lucy murmured, knowing Kara would be able to hear her. Kara’s eyes welled up, bowing her head closer into the dark hair, her voice breaking on the words.

“I-I just want Alex to be happy.”

“What if you are what makes Alex happy?” Lucy pulled back, but reached out to squeeze Kara’s forearm. “Just don’t rule it out, okay? It’s just...I’ve seen how Alex watches you when she thinks no one is looking.” Lucy smiled gently and let Kara absorb her words. “Some things are worth the risk. Fight for what you want, Supergirl.”

With a curt nod, Lucy turned and headed for the storage bay, knowing it was all the help she could offer. The rest was up to them now.

 ***

“Hey, there you are!” Alex’s face lit up as Kara stepped deeper into the women’s locker room. 

Kara smiled, knowing they were alone. The only sounds coming from inside the space was Alex’s steady heartbeat, strong and sure. She’d have recognized it anywhere. She grinned wider as she noticed the dark blue robes clutched in Alex’s hands, obviously trying to figure out which way was up with the soft material. 

“Here, let me help with that.” Kara lifted it over Alex’s dark head, tugging it down. Her heart clenched, love and pride fighting for top spot. 

“Now we match, you always look good in blue” Alex tugged at her robes, pulling it straight, the House of El crest subtly embroidered over her heart. Alex glanced up, smiling shyly. “How do I look?”

“Beautiful.” Kara exhaled, before she even realized she had said anything. She froze and blinked, trying to come up with something to cover her words, even as she noticed the soft blush rising on Alex’s cheeks. Their eyes locked and Kara swallowed hard before glancing away. 

Kara moved in a rush of wind, slipping her own dark blue robes over her head and straightening it so it fell perfectly off her shoulders. She quickly flicked her long blonde hair out from under the material and then turned to find Alex still looking at her. 

Kara couldn’t breathe, her heart thudding at that intense stare. 

“Last chance to stop this.” Kara wasn’t sure if she meant the challenge with Mon-El  or something else, something deeper and more personal flowing between them. She instinctively knew the answer, but honour dictated offering one last time. “I don’t–”

“Kara, we talked about this. You are my zim narim, and we are, and always will be, stronger together. I will not let some asshole from Daxam mess with you.” Alex stepped closer as she spoke, close enough to touch. “Or mess with us. You asked me for my help, now let me help you for once.”

Kara barely moved, simply let her fingers trail along the warm skin of Alex’s arm until their fingers tangled together. 

“Okay.”

Alex nodded just minutely and then squeezed her hand before tugging, leading the way out of the dressing room and not letting go, even when they reached Hanger 12. 

Kara noticed that there was a lot of bustling and activity happening down the hallway in Hanger 15, computer equipment rolling in and a serious looking team of technicians. She squinted a bit and looked deeper, seeing that a huge alien artifact was being set up inside, covered by a blue tarp. Kara could also see Winn furiously tapping away on his laptop beside the artifact. Kara frowned. That didn’t bode well.

“Maggie busted a human smuggling ring this morning. They found a huge alien device inside and called us in. Winn couldn't wait to get his hands on it, the big nerd.” Alex murmured next to her, starting to fidget a bit now as the clock ticked closer to noon. They both turned as familiar faces walked towards them. J’onn and Clark smiled warmly, Clark moving in to give Kara a hug. 

“Hanging in there?” The big man murmured softly, smiling as she squeezed him tighter in response. They moved apart as they noticed Mon-El making his way to the hanger door. 

Mon-El definitely cut a fine figure, dressed in a long white suit jacket with matching slacks and a baby blue shirt peeking out from underneath the lapels.

“It’s as close to my family colours as I could find. “ He stretched out his arms and spun so Kara could see the full ensemble. He grinned at the others, tugging at the silky material at his wrists. “Winn hooked me up with an excellent tailor.”

“Isn’t that a royal insignia?” Kara asked, peering closer at the interesting crest stitched over the left side of the jacket. It looked familiar somehow, she just couldn’t place it.

“Oh, well, uhm…” Mon-El squirmed and then turned abruptly as the doors opened. “Door, open. Good chat.” He smiled and quickly stepped inside. Kara glanced over to Alex who just shook her head at his silly antics. Together they entered the bright space, walking out into a sunny field, birds and butterflies fluttering in the wind. 

“Wow, nice upgrade, Clark.” Alex muttered under her breath, appreciating the details of the holo chamber. She could feel the warmth of the sun on her face, and the breeze blowing through her hair. They followed behind Kal-El and J’onn, down a pathway and out across the field, heading for a big white tent.

“No way,” Kara grinned as she finally realized why this felt so familiar. This had to be Winn’s doing.

“Is that…” Alex’s eyes widened and she swallowed hard, glancing over at a now chuckling Kara, not sure if this was a good thing or a bad thing.

“Is that the Great British Baking Show tent?”