Chapter Text
Maggie felt the dry earth beneath her give through her armor. She heaved in air and kept her eyes open even if she wanted to wince and brace for impact. Her opponent stepped back and tilted her head, a question in her eyes. Maggie took a moment to think, then shook her head negatively. She took Kara’s help up from the cracked ground. “Yeah, that hurt a bit more.”
Kara laughed as they headed back to Alex and the tent of equipment. “You’re okay, though, right?”
Maggie’s face mask faded away as she smiled. “I’m fine. Won’t even bruise.”
“Great! Hey, do you think maybe your team would up to a group session? One on one fights I can handle, but I think -someone- wouldn’t mind if I knew how to handle multiple opponents.”
Alex gave her sister a look. “There’s nothing wrong with being prepared.” She eyed a beeping laptop. “That last throw might have registered on the Richter Scale.”
“I think I’m gonna be proud that it took that much effort to toss me,” Maggie said. “Unless you’re implying I should lay off the tiramisu?”
Alex rolled her eyes. “My wallet would you like you to lay off the tiramisu.” She smirked. “Though, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised a cop likes pastries.”
Kara laughed, and Maggie felt her armor fade away as she stepped up to Alex. “Says the stereotypical dark color wearing jurisdiction thief.”
“Federal property NEVER goes to the local PD and you -know- this, Sawyer.” Alex couldn’t keep her face serious for more than a moment after speaking, though.
Maggie looked over at Kara. “Notice how she’s not protesting the dark colors comment?”
“That’s because she’s never well and truly left behind her punk rock phase,” Kara teased.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing,” Alex said. “At least my bands still put out music.”
Kara gasped, hand over her heart. Before the conversation could de-evolve further, their comms chirped.
“Sounds like you three are done out there?” Lucy asked, amusement clear in her voice. “Do you wanna bring back the gear or start a dance-off?”
Maggie looked at the equipment Alex had been using to measure the fight. “I think I’d rather have a dance off. Kara?”
She nodded eagerly. “Definitely.”
“Well, Agent Danvers,” Lucy said, “since you’re the only one I can legally order around…”
“Shut up, Lane,” Alex said, shaking her head. “There’s nothing legal about how you wanted to finish that sentence.”
“Implications aren't admissible in a court of law,” Lucy shot back.
Alex didn’t miss a beat as she started to save and shut down programs. “No, but they’re apparently enough to convict someone of treason.”
Maggie decided to let Alex and Lucy go back and forth instead of playing mediator. She knew it was all fun and games for them, and it was hilarious. Lucy hadn’t known Alex much longer than Maggie, but Lucy also had easier access to Kara. It was a real treat when Kara and Lucy started to plot together; it had led to a conference call with Cat Grant of all people to discuss how, exactly, they could pull off a scheme on Lois. Alex had drunkenly blamed James for bringing Lucy into their lives and encouraging a more friendly relationship between Kara and Cat. Maggie simply spent the hour taking notes.
After the SUV was packed up with a burst of super-speed, Kara flew off to edit her latest article. Maggie knew Kara would likely show up later that night with more questions about Power Rangers. Kara had binge-watched the fall of Krypton before going through the planet’s historical events as told by Power Rangers. For the past week, Kara had eaten dinner with Maggie and Alex and asked every question that occurred to her. Maggie didn’t mind, but she had a feeling she was going to have to ask Kara for a night of privacy soon. Alex didn’t hate that Kara was around all the time, and seemed relieved by Kara’s presence. The sudden proposal, however, was barely a week before and they had been running themselves ragged to help repair the city. J’onn had ordered the desert exercise to get them out of the war-zone.
“Even relief workers take a break,” he had said when they tried to protest. “If you want to stay productive, go record some data I can apply to future threat assessments.”
Maggie had been a bit paranoid about a government agency having any usable data on her Power Ranger skills. Alpha and Billy made sure to have a digital hook in all files on Maggie. They would be able to track where the data went, on the chance someone did something stupid.
“How are you truly feeling, Sawyer?” Lucy asked once the SUV was heading back to base.
Maggie figured Kara’s comm was either off or taken out. “I’m honestly okay. Kara didn’t hold back much with that last spar, but the armor is meant to handle a lot more than her.”
“I wasn’t asking about the armor,” Lucy pointed out. “I do have a phone number for someone who can bully you into a medical setting, don’t make me use it.”
Maggie looked over at Alex and locked eyes with her. “Kara didn’t hurt me. I promise.”
Alex held her eyes for a moment, then looked back to the dirt road. “I believe her.”
“Okay,” Lucy said, sighing. “Sorry, Maggie. I’m just used to pretty much every agent never admitting to being hurt, especially by Supergirl. Including your fiance. I haven’t figured out if it’s pride or just plain not wanting to hurt Kara’s feelings.”
“I honestly don’t want Kara mother-henning me,” Alex said. “She’s gotten unbearable ever since she learned about the DEO.”
“You do forget your helmet a lot,” Lucy pointed out. “Maybe stop doing that?”
“Real badasses wear safety gear,” Maggie agreed.
Alex rolled her eyes. “Yes, fine, helmet, I know.”
Once underground, Maggie helped haul in gear. Alex had to write a report on the data, but that could happen after lunch. Maggie automatically got a regular portion of food from the mess hall; her secret was still in full effect, and she didn’t want to give herself away by overeating. Once they were both done eating, however, Alex grabbed a meal to go before they returned to Alex’s former office. The moment Maggie sat down, Alex dropped the box of food in front of her.
“Eat,” Alex ordered. “I know now your metabolism is higher than average.”
Maggie tried to fight back her blush. “Thanks, Alex.”
“I’m going to be making sure you eat more until you start to do it for yourself.” Alex took a seat and started to get to work. “I know hiding your needs is second nature. Kara’s done it her entire time on Earth, and I had to learn when I joined the DEO. It’s going to get confusing, being able to open up around us but not in public or at work. But I’m here to help you as much as you’ve helped me.”
Maggie stared at Alex for a long time. “I don’t deserve you.”
Alex shook her head. “If this was a matter of what we deserved or not… No, that doesn’t matter. We love each other. That’s what matters.”
Maggie left the food on the table and got up to hug her fiance. “You’re amazing.”
“So are you.” Alex held her for a few minutes, and Maggie soaked it up.
Maggie finally pulled away so they could get to work. Alex worked on collecting the day’s data into a format a less specialized agent could decipher. Maggie ate her second meal and dealt with her digital paperwork. Both the DEO and the NCPD wanted reports from her; J’onn told her to take her time, so she was mostly focusing on what she could tell the NCPD. She knew what details she was and was not allowed to share.
At four o’clock, Lucy arrived. “Finish up, nerds. J’onn’s banning you both from all DEO grounds.”
“Aren’t you co-director?” Alex asked, still focused on her screen. “Can’t you-”
“No,” Lucy interrupted. “Because I agreed with him. The two of you took one day off after the invasion, and only because medical made you. You've worked the last seven days, and you’ve both put in overtime. HR in both departments don’t want the extra paperwork.”
Maggie decided she wanted to cuddle Alex more than she wanted to look at a computer screen. “Sometimes I think I hate how my Captain and your Director can agree on some things, Alex.”
“Sometimes I just hate my Director.” Alex started clicking around to save information. “One more than the other, most days.”
Lucy just grinned. “Can’t hate me unless you’re paying attention to what I’m doing. And I’ve yet to suspend you for insubordination.”
“Ugh, don’t threaten me with days off.” Alex stood and stretched, her back cracking. “Don’t you have rookies to terrorize?”
“Did that today.” Lucy pouted. “I maybe have to skip a few days; they’re a little too afraid of me.”
Alex snorted. “You did toss a six foot five Marine into a wall.”
“It would’ve been completely unavoidable if the insults were just against the Army.” She shrugged. “That, I get, honestly. The fact things got sexist…”
Maggie stood and shut the laptop she was using. “Do you and Vasquez want to join us for dinner? Kara will be there, too.”
“I’ll double check,” Lucy said, looking thoughtful, “but I’m pretty sure the answer is yes. We’ll bring dessert.”
Lucy headed back to the control center while Maggie and Alex headed to the surface. They had ridden their bikes to the base to both enjoy the clear day and so Maggie could have a proper first impression. The desert base had heard enough rumors about the girlfriend of Agent “Badass” Danvers that Alex wanted to make sure Maggie lived up to the reputation. Taking a bunch of equipment out with Supergirl probably only fanned the flames.
Once on the road back to the city, they let their motorcycles breathe. The open sky, the feel of air whipping around her, and Alex at her side was just enough to allow calm contentment spread through Maggie. She slowed down a bit to enjoy the moment of peace for a bit longer. Alex didn’t look over at her, just matched pace. There was no traffic to worry about on the access road to the base. For a brief time, everything was simple.
The highway wasn’t too busy, but they still sped back up to keep pace with the vehicles around them. They switched the radios on between their helmets and debated picking up dinner or cooking it. Maggie was willing to cook, but Alex wanted food more immediately. They agreed to grab Alex a snack. Maggie had a feeling it was also an attempt to feed her again.
Then the city came into view.
National City was going to take months to recover. The scars of the invasion were evident even from a distance; buildings were missing large chunks of their facades, black blast burns kept sunlight from reflecting off windows. On the surface streets, whole side roads were used to store debris until it was hauled away. Smaller businesses had signs up claiming an unknown re-open date. Fortunately, most of the damage was sustained in the downtown area with fewer residences.
Maggie wasn’t all that surprised when Alex emerged from a small shop with three boxes of pot stickers. “Better not let Kara know you managed to have one whole box to yourself.”
Alex scoffed as they headed for her apartment. “She has a job. She can buy her own potstickers.”
Maggie started making pasta when they got to the apartment and tasked Alex with getting a salad ready. Alex pointedly dropped a box of pot stickers in front of Maggie. There was no argument from Maggie, even if she hadn’t exerted so much energy sparring Kara to need the extra food. The second serving of lunch had done most of the work. But, still, she wasn’t going to stop Alex from taking care of her.
Kara texted, asking if she could head over early. Her arrival came with no real greeting besides, “Ohhh, potstickers!” Only when she threw her box away did she notice the evidence of the other two cartons. “The two of you are getting sneaky.”
“No,” Alex said, “we’re getting smart.”
“No food is safe in your vicinity,” Maggie pointed out. “Not even undercooked noodles.” She tapped the wooden spoon against Kara’s reaching hand.
“It’s not like I’ll get sick,” Kara protested. She moved to the cabinets with the dishes and started to set the table. “Hey, Maggie, about Power Coins…”
“Yes?” Maggie’s hand unconsciously twitched, wanting to double check on her coin in her pocket.
“What would’ve happened to Krypton’s?” Kara didn’t sound as depressed when she asked, but there was still sadness in her voice.
Maggie thought about it but decided she couldn’t come up with anything viable that would’ve been comforting. “I honestly don’t know. Zordon and his team were able to bring their coins to Earth because Eltar still existed and Earth didn’t have any. Eltar eventually got new coins when the Power Rangers were needed again. I'll look into it if you want.”
Kara shook her head. “No, it’s fine. You’ve already said two Rangers can’t be active at the same time. I think I just want Aunt Astra to be more… I don’t know, driven by something else?”
“I wish I could tell you why she never sought us out,” Maggie said, not for the first time.
“I honestly don’t know if a General would be able to take a bunch of high school kids seriously,” Alex pointed out. “Especially you guys.”
Maggie feigned outrage. “Excuse you, while you were stuck in the closet, I was studying the blade.”
Kara held up her hand for a high five, infinitely pleased by the use of a meme in real life. “And, Alex, we did kinda save Midvale from police corruption when we were in high school.”
“I haven’t heard that story,” Maggie said, looking over at the door as it opened.
Lucy and Vas entered, and Vas made a point of locking the door behind them.
“Story?” Lucy asked. “Does it involve embarrassing Alex?”
Alex sighed. “Why am I friends with you?”
“No one else puts up with your assholery bullshit.”
“I’m not an asshole!”
Lucy waited for a beat. “Not gonna deny the bullshit?”
Alex shrugged. “I honestly can’t argue that one.”
“Victory isn’t so sweet unless I can fight for it.” Lucy pouted. “Anyway. Story?”
“Alex and I found out the local sheriff was dirty and we totally busted him.” Kara grinned. “Literally, too.”
Alex raised her hand. “I would like it known that I’m NOT the one that assaulted a police officer.”
Maggie smirked and said nothing, just looked over at Alex. She wouldn’t tease Alex in front of Kara; Lucy and Vas expected it, but Maggie liked to respect Kara’s discomfort with Alex’s sex life. Fortunately, Kara had her back to Maggie and Alex only turned a slight shade of pink.
“He was going to shoot you!” Kara flung her arms out. “Of course I was gonna send him into a wall.”
“Please, for the love of my sanity,” Vas said, “start from the beginning.”
Alex started to load salad into bowls. “So, I found out one of my friends was in a relationship with a teacher. Meanwhile, Kara was nerding out with a boy named Kenny...”
Maggie would’ve found the back and forth storytelling annoying if it were anyone but Kara and Alex. The two of them managed to keep the story moving forward, though, and gave their points of view without repeating what the other had just said. By the end of it, Lucy had dubbed the sisters Veronica Mars and Nancy Drew. Maggie perked up when Alex agreed to the Veronica Mars moniker.
“Does this mean we can name our first dog Backup instead?” Maggie didn’t care how whiny she sounded. Anything was better than Gertrude.
Alex considered her for a moment. “Depends on the breed.”
Maggie nodded. “Agreed.” Naming something small ‘Backup’ would be silly and pointless.
When dinner was over and the dishes cleaned, Maggie locked the door behind their guests and flopped face down on the couch. Alex sat next to her head and ran her fingers through Maggie’s hair. Melting into the couch was a lousy idea this late in the night, but Maggie didn’t care. Everything felt soft and calm. She hadn’t had much of that in a while.
“How are you holding up?” Alex asked.
Maggie sighed and shifted to her side, leaning against the back of the couch. Alex’s hand followed her hair, and Maggie wished she could purr. “Better now that recovery is more organized.”
Alex hummed. “J’onn won’t let me work another seven days straight again for a bit. I’m willing to bet my bike that your captain will force leave on you. We could make plans to get out of the city for a few days.”
Maggie wanted to feel sad about leaving when there was still work to do. But she was tired of twelve hour days; eight on the streets and four more dealing with alien Ranger teams interested in the Psycho Ranger. “I know a bed and breakfast up the coast. Four-hour ride. I like to go there once a year to get away from the city.” For all her small town experience had been racist, homophobic, and miserable until Angel Grove, she missed the slow pace of life sometimes.
“I like this plan.” Alex stood. “C’mon. I know you want a shower, and we have a real bed.”
Magie pouted. “But comfy.”
Alex laughed and tugged on Maggie’s hand. “You’ll be more comfortable clean and holding me.”
Honestly, there was no argument against that. Maggie got to her feet and shed her clothes on the way to the bathroom. Under the hot water of the shower, her brain turned off. All that mattered was getting the sweat and dust of the day off her skin and out of her hair. Alex joined her, but they didn’t have the energy for anything more than getting clean. The idea of getting to sleep in was far more alluring than anything else.
Hair dried and teeth brushed, Maggie sprawled on the bed, half on the blankets and half hanging off the edge. Alex called her hopeless, shoving and tugging Maggie as necessary. Once Alex was next to her, the sheet settling over them, Maggie reached out and pulled her close.
“Thank you, Alex. Love you.”
Alex pressed a kiss to Maggie’s hair. “Love you, too.”