Chapter Text
Supergirl watched the toe of her red, booted foot trace across the floor in front of her, as her crossed arms tightened around her aching ribs. Nia was slumped in a cold, metal chair, elbows on knees with her thin hand clutching lifeless, blue fingers. Medical machines whirred and beeped, monitors blinked from every angle, and the air tasted of saline and latex.
Unnerved by his silent, still form, Supergirl asked softly, “has there been any change?”
Nia’s dark, drawn eyes turned briefly in the direction of the sound. “None. He doesn’t dream.”
A scoff intruded from the other side of the laboratory. “Everyone dreams, even computerized organic Coluans. He may be comatose, but cognitive activity is reactive and persistent.” Lena took a deep breath and attempted to overcome her scientific insensitivity. “What I mean to say is… Brainy can hear you.”
The blond hero unconsciously stepped further away from Lena. “Th-that’s good then. Isn’t it?”
I thought we were past this, but she can’t even look at me. Lena squared her shoulders with the confidence that she could solve any problem, well, any biomedical engineering problem. “I’m developing a nano brain-computer interface which will allow an individual to communicate with Querl on a subconscious level without directly tampering with his fundamental code. I believe he may need assistance with, umm, detangling his logical and emotional data.”
Supergirl unfolded her arms and slowly pivoted to face her former best friend. “Thank you, Lena. Thank you for taking care of my friend. I know you’re doing everything you can.”
The CEO reacted. “He’s my friend, too.” The ordinarily cheerful face fell, so Lena quickly moved on to avoid experiencing that pained look of regret any longer. “Look, Kara, can we talk?” Brilliantly blue eyes froze with uncertainty. “Please?”
“I… yeah, okay.” She started across the room. Her hand rose to her ear, as her head tilted to listen. “On my way.” The Super huffed. “I’m sorry, I have to go. We do need to talk about, about this, though.” Glancing to the other hero, she added, “I’ll catch you later, Nia.”
Absorbed in her worry, the younger woman gave a half-hearted wave. “Yep.”
With a hopeful half-smile aimed at the most captivating woman she had ever known, the caped hero flew out of the lab and into the air of a too bright, noise-polluted National City.
XxXxX
As an accomplished, charismatic business woman, Andrea Rojas knew she had everything going for her. Despite the abysmal failure of Obsidian North’s VR lenses, the company continued to flourish in the tech industry, and her click-bait reorganization of CatCo Worldwide Media’s online presence had resulted in the media empire exceeding EBITDA projections for the fourth quarter by 24%. It was unprecedented. She was praised by her peers. She couldn’t be more despondent.
There was no absolution for what she had done, what she had almost done. The unthinkable crime clawed at her calves and numbed her teeth. The world had become blurred and colorless, and even the finest bourbon was tasteless. She was nothing more than the Shadow. She had allowed it to consume her being and embraced the darkness which invaded her dreams. She had continued to get up every morning, continued to work, continued to eat… occasionally. The mauve bags clinging beneath her eyes and tight creases outlining her mouth had prompted a few concerned queries from colleagues which she remotely brushed off with a tired laugh and dismissive wave.
Today was no different from yesterday. She was unsurprised, as she observed the determined progress of Obsidian’s most promising research psychologist approach the glass office door. She politely waved the doctor in, clicked her laptop closed, and neatly folded her hands atop her appropriately business-skirted lap. “How can I help you, Dr. Olsen?”
Kelly paused before the desk and resolutely placed a document in front of Andrea, as she took a seat. “I’ve decided that I am unable to work for someone who refuses to acknowledge my concerns over the safety of consumer products. I’m submitting my resig-“
The Obsidian North CEO cut in. “I humbly accept your resignation, Dr. Olsen, and I sincerely apologize for neglecting to heed your well-founded warnings. I have already compiled a generous severance package for you as well as a personally written letter of recommendation. I regret seeing you go but wish you the best in your future endeavors.”
Taken aback, Kelly wasn’t sure how to respond but recovered quickly and stood. “Thank you, Ms. Rojas. It was a pleasure working with you. Well, it wasn’t, but I harbor no ill will.” Retreating as briskly as she had entered, the psychologist reconsidered and had to ask, “are you doing alright, Andrea?”
A tight, practiced smile appeared with an equally unconvincing response. “I’m fine. Thank you. Will that be all?”
“It is. It will, yes. Thank you again,” and the doctor disappeared into the gray of the office clamor.
The Shadow exhaled and returned to the depths.
XxXxX
Alex extracted a hand from her fuzzy throw blanket, hit pause on the TV remote, and slapped at the chiming cell phone on the coffee table across from her cozy couch. Her. What does she want? “What do you want, Lena?”
“Good afternoon, Agent Danvers.”
“I’m no longer an agent, but thanks for bringing it up,” the brunette spit.
“Ah, sorry. I’m sorry, Alex.” She took a breath. “I was hoping I could ask a favor of you.”
“Sorry, all out. We’re not friends, remember? Alternate reality doesn’t change that. I don’t even know who you are anymore. I’m not sure I ever knew.” The former DEO agent felt a small degree of satisfaction with saying her peace.
“I’m really trying here, Alex. I don’t expect instantaneous forgiveness for my behavior, but I’m certain we have at least one point of commonality, our faith in your sister… who I saved, again, by the way.”
On a roll, the super’s sister dug in. “Oh, playing the hero now, are we? What about next week when you find out there’s no meat in Eliza’s three-meat lasagna?” She smiled to herself. That was a good one.
“I realize that I have a long way to go to regain your- Wait, what? No meat? How is that possible? It’s so delicious!” The raven-haired woman was genuinely aghast.
Emphatically pointing at nothing, Alex shouted, “see! There’s a villainous rampage in your future! Ah-haha!” She couldn’t save herself as she crumbled in laughter at her clever observation.
“Hmph, whatever.” Lena’s eye roll was audible.
“Okay, okay. I guess I’ve given you enough shit for now. What’s up, gorgeous?”
“Thank you. I… You think I’m gorgeous?” The genius was utterly confounded by this conversation.
Alex wished she could retract the remark. “Ugh. It’s an objective fact, not a compliment. Don’t let it go to your head.”
“Not a chance. Look, Alex, would you be willing to speak with Agent Reiff on my behalf? I find myself in need of an assistant whom I can trust and is competent at disabling physical threats, and I believe we can both agree that your judgement of a candidate’s trustworthiness would be far superior to my own.”
“True, true.”
“If you find her acceptable, and she shows interest in the position, please let her know that we will double her current salary at the DEO. Additionally, L-Corp offers all employees very competitive benefits.”
Double? Damn. “What if I want the position? You recall I’m unemployed.”
Lena smirked. “You want to spend sixty to seventy hours per week with me, taking orders from me?”
“Ha! Not on your life!”
“As I thought. So you’ll speak with Ms. Reiff?” the CEO pleaded.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m on it. I’ll let you know,” she grudgingly agreed.
“I very much appreciate this, Alex.”
Now eager to end the call, she quickly tossed out, “bye, Felicia” and disconnected. The operative snuggled back into her couch and contemplated her friend, but then she recalled Lena’s cold admonition: ‘Don't mistake us working together for friendship.’ Right.
XxXxX
Kara strode into J’onn’s Tower, donuts for the team in hand, to meet up with J’onn, M’gann, Nia, and Alex. The Superfriends were disappointingly down several members today, although she didn’t particularly miss the negativity routinely emanated by James. She plopped onto the sofa with a satisfied grunt, receiving a throw pillow in the face, courtesy of Alex, in retaliation for the inconsiderate jostling.
Arms crossed and back straight, J’onn addressed the team with command. “Does anyone have new information to share regarding Lex Luthor’s whereabouts?”
The Martian was met with silence.
“Do we know exactly what Lex’s current ambitions involve?” Crickets ensued, as Kara impatiently fidgeted with her glasses and bounced her right knee.
Alex leaned and whispered to her sister. “Dude, you’re amped. How many donuts did you have before you got here?” The question passed ignored.
Regarding Alex, J’onn admitted, “this was easier when you were the Director of the DEO, Agent Danvers.” Aside from the super’s squirming, the only discernable movement in the lofty room came from the glittering dust as it passed through beams of afternoon sunlight stabbing down from the high, discolored windows. He relented and changed the topic. “Any news on Agent Dox?”
Nia hopped and raised her hand. “Lena says she’s making good progress on the neural interface. Go science!” Fist pump.
“Does Ms. Luthor have an ETA?” J’onn asked hopefully.
“Uh, nope. She said it’ll be ready when it’s ready,” the young superhero supplied.
The brusque man pursed his lips and frowned. “Did everyone here waste my time with this meeting solely to overindulge in donuts supplied by Ms. Danvers?” The women surrounding him turned various shades of red, as they munched on said donuts.
J’onn marched over to the cardboard pastry container, eyeing it with annoyance. He then unfolded his arms, grabbed one of the two remaining donuts, and thudded into a seat next to M’gann.
M’gann defended their scheme. “To be fair, they are the best donuts in National City.”
As he chewed happily, maintaining his cool exterior of course, the green Martian knew he couldn’t contest her point, so he simply grunted, “hmph.”
J’onn held his treat up high. The team broke into smiles and followed suit. “Stronger together!” was shouted (mostly) in unison.
XxXxX
Lena was exhausted. She briefly wondered if life would ever get any easier, as she sipped at her glass of cabernet in her dimly lit, starkly furnished living room. The thought was short-lived; she knew the answer better than most. Her brother had betrayed her (which she honestly saw coming), Lillian was Lillian in any universe, Brainy was dying, Alex hated her, Andrea was broken, and Kara was…
How in the world do I get my best friend back? What can I do to deserve her friendship? She said we could work together with a handshake, but it was clearly nothing more than a business arrangement for her.
Her self-loathing spiral was interrupted by an unnecessarily loud knock. Ah, someone else wants to get their piece today. The executive padded to the apartment door in bare feet and swung it open to reveal her sun. “Kara,” she gasped and couldn’t prevent the delighted, toothy smile that lit up her eyes and reddened her cheeks.
Kara’s gaze nervously bounced from the floor to those hands to, Rao, those beguiling green eyes. “Uh, hey Lena. I was wondering if we could, um, would now be a good time to talk?”
“Yes, of course! Please, come in,” she invited with a too-eager arm flourish. Settle down, Luthor. Desperation is unbecoming.
Declining a glass of wine, Kara settled on the couch half a cushion apart from her friend. Friend? Colleague, accomplice? “Why is this so awkward?” She laughed self-consciously. Get it together, Zor-El. Timidity is so unsexy.
Lena jumped to the point. “Because we don’t know where our relationship stands, if we even have a relationship. Do we?”
“Yes!” Kara squealed. Ick, that was too loud. “Yes, we do. We’re friends, right? Yeah, at least, I hope so.” The intensity of the CEO’s stare made eye contact somewhat difficult to maintain, but she gave it a heroic effort while occasionally failing to avoid glancing (staring) at those crimson, plump lips, especially when they were just slightly parted with a barely perceptible upturned corner.
Mm, gods she’s adorable, but why is she looking at me like that? “We’re agreed, then. Friends it is. I know we have hard work ahead of us, but I sincerely hope that one day I will once again earn the honor of being your best friend.” Lena was distraught by the sudden fading of that angelic smile. Oh no. What the hell did I say wrong?
The blonde scooted closer on the couch and gently held Lena’s hand. “Lena, we…” She couldn’t find the words, so she pulled her now-confirmed friend into a fierce hug. Kara’s left arm pinned across her friend’s shoulders, as the pads of her right hand traced down her soft ribs to the small of her back, to the swell of her hip. She inhaled deeply. Rao, she smells so good. “You smell so good.” Did I say that out loud? Fudge.
Lena chuckled and pulled out of the hug to smile at her companion, but she was met with a look that scared her a little and concerned her a lot. The grin was hungry and almost… malicious. She cupped a hand to her hero’s cheek and asked, “Kara? Are you alright?”
Kara pushed the hand away and shrugged. “I’m fine. Just had a rough day.”
“Okay, but please know that you can talk to me about-“
“I said. I’m fine,” Kara growled with venom.
Lena raised her chin, adjusted her posture, and pinned her friend with a severe I-won’t-tolerate-this-attitude glare. “Kara. What’s going on with you?”
The reporter couldn’t meet Lena’s eyes which only served to infuriate her further. “I…” She could feel the heat budding behind her eyes and beneath her groin. “I have to go.” She abruptly stood and exited via the balcony.
“Kara! What the…” Lena deflated against the couch in defeated confusion. I need a stronger drink, but hey, at least I smell good.
XxXxX
Man, I am such a total badass. Alex hummed, self-satisfied, as she unlocked the human handcuffs from the ripe-smelling criminal’s wrists and released him to the NCPD intake officer’s custody. She had bagged two Phorians along with their human lackey who were attempting an armed robbery of a local jewelry store, all without the assistance of any of National City’s resident superheroes. Plus, she knew she looked exceedingly impressive in her new blue on black suit while doing it. She’d dumped the aliens at the former DEO’s front door before carting her human citizen’s arrest off to the precinct.
While signing the last accusation form, Alex was interrupted by a familiar feminine voice.
“Hey, Danvers. Long time.”
“Hey.” She turned to find her ex-fiancé, Maggie Sawyer, and gaped in shock. “Hey!” She attempted to play it cool. “How’s it going, Detective?” How is it possible that she’s even more beautiful than the last time I saw her?
Maggie raised an amused eyebrow. “Just fine, Agent. What brings you to our side of the tracks, and umm, what are you wearing?” she asked, making a point of eyeing her up and down.
Coloring dark pink and forgetting her name, Alex faltered. “He um, I have a, uh, J’onn… J’onn made it for me,” she finally got out. “I’m no longer with the DEO.”
The detective cocked her head. “Shame. Their loss. And this,” she pointed, “definitely suits you” and added a wink for good measure, reveling in the reactions she was pulling from her ex. “Where do you work now?”
Alex wondered if Maggie could tell she was sweating profusely in the chilly, linoleum office. “In between, sort of. Most days I’m backup for Supergirl and Dreamer.”
“So you’re a sidekick.”
The brunette scoffed in offense. “What? No. I’m awesome!”
With a wicked grin, Maggie agreed, “yeah you are.” Deciding to offer the other woman a break from the flirtatious onslaught, she asked in a more serious tone, “you free for a drink?”
The non-sidekick unclenched and beamed with sparkling eyes. “Absolutely.”