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Alex sipped her coffee and sighed, rubbing at her eyes to try to ease the burn caused by lack of sleep. Astra would soon be here to take over so she could curl up on the couch in her office and catch a couple of hours. Until then though, Alex was determined that Kara would not wake up alone.
The itching from the cast on her leg was doing a better job of keeping her awake than the coffee was. She scowled down at the cast encasing her left leg from just below her knee to her toes. Three days and she was already sick of it. Adding insult to injury, Dr. Hamilton refused to put a walking cast on because she said it would never heal properly.
Where is that damn Kryptonian? She thought with frustration. Instantly she felt a flush of guilt. Astra had been busy helping the DEO deal with the Cadmus incident that had precipitated Kara in a sun bed with her powers blown and Alex with a cast and metal holding her leg together. She took a deep breath, allowing her mind to wander to Kara’s Aunt.
General Astra In-Ze. After Non had unleashed a Black Mercy on Kara, Astra had come to her to save her sister. Then, she switched sides on the roof top after Alex's impassioned words. They had worked fairly closely together to take down Non and Indigo. The General had ended up unconscious during the final fight, only regaining consciousness after Alex had taken the pod to bring her sister home.
The agent remembered the look on her face as Alex and Kara had climbed out of that pod. She had collected the blonde into an intense hug. After she had released Kara, Astra actually hugged Alex as well and placed a kiss on her cheek.
Since that time, Alex had rarely seen her. Kara sometimes mentioned Astra coming back from far flung places or taking classes, but it seemed the older Kryptonian would prefer to have as little to do with the DEO and anyone other than Kara as possible. It had stung a bit, after all they had seemed to have a rapport. Alex shrugged it off though. If Kara ever really needed her, the General always seemed to show up and that is what mattered to Alex.
In fact, it had been Alex in a fit of desperation that had screamed Astra’s name for help. To come help her sister after she had been shot with an unknown substance, causing the blonde to fall and convulse. Cadmus operatives pressing in on all sides. Alex was not about to let them get their hands on her sister.
She didn't remember too much after that, fighting desperately to keep Kara safe. Then, a black streak of fury who made sure that Alex didn't have to keep lifting her weapon to bash at soldiers, her ammunition long since spent. Her arms hadn't felt like part of her body anymore by that time. Alex had been having trouble seeing with one eye swelled shut, her leg shattered.
The next thing she knew, she had awoken at the DEO stitched and cast. The agent had then spent six hours working on an antidote, only resting when it had been administered and Kara’s labored breathing eased. Since then, the blonde had been in the sun bed with steadily improving vitals.
Alex perched in a chair by her head until Astra would come in, weary from helping clean out the Cadmus facility. They would nod at each other and Alex would slowly crutch to her office to sleep for a few hours. Coming back to take over from Astra when she could keep her eyes open once more.
The chair she sat in was a metal folding one. Definitely not the most comfortable, but that was alright. Kara would wake up to a loved one's face. That was important, that Kara knew she was safe and loved.
Setting her coffee on the floor, the agent leaned back in the chair and allowed her eyes to close for just a moment. Only to wake up when someone was placing her gently on the couch in her office.
"Wha…?" She mumbled, trying to open exhausted eyes.
"Sleep, Alexandra. I will watch over Kara."
She tried to wake up, blinking blurry eyes. Catching a glimpse of white and then gray-green eyes, Alex gave a sleepy murmur of, "Astra." Her body relaxed of its own accord and she saw the woman in question give a small smile before tucking Alex's hair behind her ear. Sleep overcame her before the Kryptonian’s fingers left her cheek.
The beep of her watch alarm startled her from sleep. The redhead found herself looking around wildly as she tried to piece together where she was. Her office, she was in her office. Astra had brought her. Looking around and silencing her alarm, she found a full water bottle, a bagel with peanut butter and sliced apple on it, and a note.
She cursed at the absence of her crutches and unfolded the note to read it.
Alexandra,
Please finish both the food and water. We both know that Kara will be devastated that you are not caring for yourself. My phone number is at the bottom, text me when you are ready to move and I will bring you back to your sister.
Astra
Well, that was… unexpected. After nearly six months of occasional glimpses or a smile when they met in passing, Astra had broken her silence. Alex wondered sourly if the Kryptonian planned to change her number after this or if it were a burner phone of some sort.
No, that wasn't fair. Alex chided herself. The General owed her nothing and Alex herself had denied they had any relationship when the woman had asked, "If she is your sister and I am her aunt, what does that make us?" The agent cursed herself for her angry hiss of "Nothing." It was Alex's own fault for the distance. She had seen the tentative openness in the woman's eyes and the withdrawal immediately after her angry retort.
Her stomach woke with a ravenous ache after her first bite of the bagel and the younger woman tried to remember the last time she had eaten. She thought she vaguely remembered a bag of pretzels from the vending machine… yesterday?
Her brain felt clearer than it had in days after finishing the water and bagel. Her blood sugar must have been very low. Clearly, if even Astra had noticed she wasn't taking care of herself, she needed to work on that more.
Alex looked around, trying to desperately think of a way to move around without her crutches or having to call the General for help. Seeing no other recourse, the agent messaged a quick, "I'm awake. Could you please bring my crutches?"
There was no reply and then she heard a tap at the door. Calling out for whomever to come in, her breath caught in her throat when Astra sauntered inside. Damn, Alex thought, trying to keep her heart rate steady. How could the woman be so effortlessly beautiful?
"Thank you for eating and drinking, Alexandra. How will you get better if you don't care for yourself?" The General said with a polite smile as she scanned the room.
Alex fought off a flush of embarrassment. "I have just been worried about Kara. Speaking of… where are my crutches, I don't want her to wake up alone." She said with a spike of anxiety.
Astra’s previous aloof expression warmed and Alex thought she looked at her, almost… fondly before the older woman replied, "I can hear her and there is no change. I am not needed anymore with Cadmus ." She growled the name. "So I am available to sit with Kara much more. You need more rest."
"I should check Kara’s vitals again. I need to make sure that the antidote worked against whatever kryptonite cocktail that was." Alex told the Kryptonian with an edge of concern. "She has never been out this long."
"Very well." Astra said with a sigh and came to the couch to scoop her up without giving her a chance to protest the move.
"Astra!" Alex yelped. "I can … well, not walk, but hop. Especially if you had brought my crutches."
The Kryptonian was carrying her down the hall at a steady pace and Alex flushed in embarrassment at the stares of surprise from the other agents. Astra didn't appear to notice them or at least ignored them completely.
"I wish to… to thank you for calling me for help. I know that it was an act of desperation, but I appreciate it nonetheless. That you trusted me to call my name when you were both in danger." The General said, looking straight ahead. Her tone was formal and even, betraying no emotion whatsoever.
"What?" Alex inquired, confused. "Of course. I trust you to help Kara. I know you would protect her. No need to thank me."
"It is not just Kara I will protect." Astra said as they arrived at the door of the room Kara was in. "I realize you see us as nothing, and will never pressure you. I just feel I should tell you that I do not share your opinion."
Remembering to snap her mouth shut, Alex sat stunned in the chair that Astra had carefully placed her in. Finding her voice, she swallowed, "No, Astra. I… I regret that answer. I was angry and scared. I still don't know what we are, but… I know that I have been upset that you wanted nothing to do with me after we stopped Myriad. I thought we were becoming friends… and then, boom. You give me a nod if you ever see me."
The Kryptonian paused and studied Alex thoughtfully. "I thought you would appreciate my distance and not needing to share Kara. If I had known that I was welcome…" She trailed off, looking at Kara with care and concern in her eyes. Her eyes turned back to study Alex and a small smile played on her lips. "You say you do not know what we are. What would you like us to be?"
Alex's mind went blank and she stuttered. "I… I… um… well, I don't know? What would you like us to be?"
Astra came back over to her and crouched beside her. She cupped Alex's cheek and gently stroked it. The woman really had a thing with touching Alex's face, the agent thought dimly. Her hand was soft, but Alex could feel the calluses, it was a heady combination. Add that in with the delightful way she smelled and Alex had to fight herself not to turn her head into Astra’s palm.
"We can start with friends." Astra offered quietly. "When you are comfortable with that, we can see."
The agent felt her head nod in reply as her mind asked a multitude of questions. Chief among them, what exactly did that mean? What would they see? What determined when she was comfortable? Why was Astra still cupping her cheek?
She let her eyes flutter closed and relaxed into the touch. There was something incredibly calming about the other woman. Besides, Alex didn't want to offend her by pulling away, not when they had just reached some kind of agreement.
The sound of the heart monitor and the other woman's steady breathing lulled Alexandra into a strange doze. She was sitting upright with Astra crouched beside her, cupping her cheek, and supporting her. The agent was aware that she should probably feel embarrassed, but Astra had always had a weird effect on her.
An indeterminate amount of time had passed before Astra murmured. "Your director is coming Alexandra."
Alex tensed and sat upright, opening her eyes to look around the room before settling her gaze on Astra. The older woman hadn't moved and was watching her with an unreadable expression.
"I'm sorry." Alex flushed. "I must be more tired than I thought. You should have woken me sooner so you weren't uncomfortable."
"I was not uncomfortable Alexandra. I enjoy seeing how relaxing you find my presence." The Kryptonian replied softly.
"Agent Danvers, how is Supergirl?" The Director asked, coming into the room. Alex saw his eyes rest on Astra crouching beside her.
"She is stable, sir. I plan to do a blood draw to determine if all the kryptonite is neutralized and make sure there is nothing else in her system." Alex stated, meeting his gaze.
"If I may? Perhaps a blood transfusion from me will help." Astra offered. "It was customary on Krypton when a relative was ill to receive a transfusion of blood from a close family member to help them regain health quicker."
"Really?" Alex asked, interest peaked. "And it typically helped? Was it for specific illnesses or any illness?"
"Any injury or illness. Blood bonds Kara and I, her body will use my blood to boost her own healing." Astra stated. "I did not offer before because I was helping deal with the mess. Now though, as long as Alexandra is the only one to touch me with a needle…" The Kryptonian gave Hank a hard stare. "Then I am ready to do so. I will feel a bit weak afterwards and will need to sleep. I will go elsewhere to sleep and be back after a nap. Will you be alright, Brave One?"
"Yes, of course. There are bunk rooms if you prefer though. You probably shouldn't fly if you feel weak." The agent replied eagerly. The scientist in her wanted to ask a barrage of questions on the practice. The sister in her wanted to get this done as quickly as possible.
"It sounds like things are well in hand then. Keep me informed. Agent Danvers, Dr. Hamilton informed me that you are to be keeping that leg elevated to decrease the swelling. She also said that repeatedly jarring it was going to make your recovery time longer and she cannot do the surgery to remove the pins until your bones are set." Hank's baritone said in disapproval. "Once Supergirl is well enough to leave the premises, both of you are on medical leave until Dr. Hamilton releases you to return to work." He glanced at Astra appraisingly. "Maybe you both can convince the General to take care of the two of you, otherwise you should call Eliza."
Alex's eyes went wide. "What? No. There is no need to call her. Kara and I will be just fine."
"I would be more than happy to care for them both. They will be in good hands." Astra told Hank confidently. "I would appreciate getting to speak to Dr. Hamilton about the requirements for both of my charges though."
"I will have her put together discharge instructions and come talk to you." He gave a sardonic smile. "Good luck."
Hank gave her a nod, pivoted, and left the room. Alex sat there in a state of semi-shock. Surely they hadn't been serious about Astra taking care of her. No, she would spend a few days in Kara’s apartment and then go back to her own to finish her recovery.
"What would you like me to get from your apartment for your stay?" Astra asked curiously.
"I should have enough clothes, between what I have here and what I have at Kara’s, for the few days I spend there. Thank you though." Alex smiled.
Astra’s eyebrow raised. "I will need to talk to Dr. Hamilton, but it certainly sounded as though it will be more than a few days of recovery time."
"Well, yes, but after a few days I can just go back to my apartment and take care of myself. You won't have to deal with me." Alex tried to reassure the older woman.
Astra’s jaw set. "I told your director that I would take care of you. Implied, was until you are able to be released for work."
Alex really didn't want to upset the General when they had only made a tentative overture toward friendship. Instead she sighed and nodded. "You are right. I'm sorry. I just don't want to burden you with looking after a practical stranger."
"Then it is a good thing you are not a stranger." Astra said simply with a delicate shrug.
The agent called in a lab technician to get everything set up and also called for Dr. Hamilton to be present as well. She wasn't able to move fast if anything went wrong and was not about to risk either Kryptonian.
The older Kryptonian had been fairly concerned until Alex had explained why she wanted the support. Astra had given a nod and squeezed her shoulder. She had forgotten how tactile the woman was.
The transfusion went well, though instead of Astra going to elsewhere to sleep, she had just had a hospital bed brought in for the woman to lay in as the transfusion took place. Afterwards, she had made sure that Astra had eaten and drank before she fell asleep.
Currently, Alex sat vigil between Kara and Astra. She had locked the door and swore that she would keep watch over Astra just like she would Kara. The General had been hesitant to be so vulnerable here, but had agreed after a long look at Alex.
"Al…?" Kara croaked.
Alex stood quickly to lean over her sister so the blonde could see her. "I'm right here. How do you feel?" She held a cup with with straw for Kara to drink, leaning heavily on the sunbed to keep weight off her bad leg. The swelling had been bad enough earlier that she had propped her cast onto the side of Astra’s bed.
"I… better than I think I should?" The blonde said in confusion. "What happened ?"
"Cadmus hit you with something, I kept you safe for as long as I could and then yelled for Astra. She came and took care of them, got us to the DEO, and then we just did a transfusion." Alex explained, running her gaze over her sister critically.
"That makes sense. My powers are blown. Are you both ok?" Kara sat up before Alex could stop her.
The agent twisted and accidentally put pressure on the cast. A whimper burst from her unbidden and a curse followed. "Damn. Shit. Ouch." Alex found herself lifted up and placed on the hospital bed before she could fall.
"Alex! Are you ok? What happened?" She heard her sister ask.
Alex was too breathless with pain to answer, but she heard Astra do so. After several moments the pain receded enough for her to finally open her eyes. Blinking back tears and blowing out a deep breath she turned to reassure her sister.
"I'm fine Kara." She cleared her throat. "I just stepped wrong."
"Alexandra will be coming home with us. I told your director I would care for you both until you are released from Dr. Hamilton. I believe you will be released in a week or so, but Alexandra will probably take a couple months at the least." Astra held Kara in a tight hug.
"I can't believe Alex agreed to being taken care of." Kara mumbled.
Scowling at her sister, Alex couldn't seem to come up with the energy to argue with the blonde currently. The relief at Kara waking up, the days of little sleep, and the overwhelming pain from a moment ago exasperated the exhaustion she was already experiencing.
"Hit the call button please. Alexandra’s heart is not beating normally." She heard Astra say before sleep overtook her.
***
"You are being a baby." Kara snorted.
"I am not. It is the truth." Alex bit and tore a bite from the, admittedly delicious, veggie panini that Astra had made for lunch. "She hasn't let me have more than one cup of coffee a day for two weeks ."
Her sister cackled gleefully, paused to listen, and then continued. "Pretty sure she is still talking to Dr. Hamilton at the DEO, giving her an update. It is really hard to hear though." Her grin widened. "I'm released to go back to work. That means I can stop at Noonan's for sticky buns and get potstickers for lunch."
"I hate you." Alex deadpanned. "Seriously, what the hell was Hamilton thinking? She put a 'dietary guidelines' in the instructions for me." She muttered darkly. The agent had some choice words for the doctor when she got back to the DEO.
"You do seem healthier though." Kara pointed out softly. "Maybe it isn't such a bad thing?"
"I guess. I mean… I don't remember the last time I went for more than a day or two without takeout. My energy levels make me kind of feel like I'm in college again. The brain fog and the woozy feeling from forgetting to eat hasn't hit once. She could let me have at least two cups of coffee though."
"You know… I do have a coffee maker. You could just make yourself another one when she is out." Her sister teased.
Alex paled. "No. No. No. Then she either gets that disappointed look or I get the icy silence. Neither one of them is worth it."
Kara shuddered. "No. It really isn't. Why do you think I haven't ordered pizza since last Saturday."
The pair lapsed into companionable silence. Alex was contemplating the last two weeks. The General had taken her duty to care for them very seriously. Any hope Alex had of slinking away to hole up and recover on her own with takeout and trashy TV had been thoroughly dashed.
"Was she always this… attentive?" Alex inquired into the silence.
"Yes." Kara murmured looking out the window without seeming to see anything. "She always tried to get leave when I got sick and came back to Argo City to care for me. Aunt Astra never seemed to get tired of holding me or distracting me. Sometimes I hoped to get sick, just so mom would let me go to Aunt Astra’s to be cared for."
"Oh." Alex replied sadly.
"It has been kind of awesome these last couple of weeks. You and I haven't gotten to spend this much time together since high school. Aunt Astra is pretty funny too, huh?" Kara turned to look at her hopefully.
Alex's heart clenched at the look on Kara’s face. She told herself that yes, it was embarrassing to be taken care of, but she hadn't seen Kara this lighthearted in quite a while. Truthfully it was nice. Astra rode that line of almost being overbearing very well.
"Yeah. I wouldn't want to go through the whole Cadmus thing again, but… these last couple of weeks have been pretty amazing." Alex told Kara gently. Her sister smiled and cuddled into her side on the couch. The redhead stroked Kara’s hair and listened to her tell a few tales of her aunt coming to the rescue when she was sick or in trouble. Another silence slowly developed and Alex was sure that Kara had fallen asleep only to be surprised by the blonde's murmur.
"Thank you for being so good about Aunt Astra. It felt like I was two people, now it feels like I'm whole and my family is together. Please let her keep taking care of you, for me? It will give me a lot of peace of mind."
The agent had been thinking about making a bit of fuss about being taken care of when it was just her , but how could she now?
"I will." She kissed the crown of Kara’s head. "You don't have to be two different people. Astra and I are giving friendship a try. I will never make you see just me or her." Alex promised her sister.
They were still cuddled on the couch when Astra got back with groceries. The General stopped and smiled at both of them warmly.
"Did you both finish lunch?" Astra asked as she started to put away the bag of food she had arrived with.
"Yes, it was delicious, Aunt Astra." Kara lifted her head to grin at the other Kryptonian.
"It really was. Thank you for making it." Alex added.
Astra finished up and neatly folded the canvas bag she had just emptied before coming over to perch on the arm of the sofa beside Alex. The redhead relished and dreaded these moments. The older woman gently ran her hand through Alex's hair and started to lightly scratch her scalp.
A groan she couldn't help slipped past her lips and Alex closed her eyes. Those damn wonderful fingers, always touching her. Rubbing her neck, scratching her scalp, placed on her knee… she cursed her traitorous body for hoping it was more than just platonic affection.
Completely lost in the sensations, Alex didn't realize Astra had been speaking to her till Kara poked her in the side.
"Earth to Alex." Her sister teased.
"What?"
"I asked if you wished to know what Dr. Hamilton had to say about your progress." Astra repeated with a rich laugh.
"Do I get to go back to work?" Alex asked hopefully, tilting her head up to look into Astra’s eyes.
"No, Brave One. Are you tired of my company already?" She asked, starting to scratch lightly again.
"It isn't fair." Alex mumbled. "It feels so good I can't think."
Astra lifted Alex's chin so that she was, once again, looking at the Kryptonian. "Maybe it is good for you to just feel and not think. Your blood pressure and test results are apparently better than they have ever been since you started at the DEO." She murmured with a slow smile.
Alex instantly blushed and turned her head to tuck back against Kara's. "I guess. Maybe it is all the green stuff you are making me eat."
"Maybe." Astra replied with airy amusement. "If so… I may have to continue to force you to eat 'green stuff' after you are fully healed."
"Don't worry Aunt Astra, I don't think you will have to force her. As long as you make it and put it in front of her she will eat it. She likes the food you make." Her sister grinned mischievously. "The only real complaint I have heard is about your coffee limit."
"Kara!" Alex growled in outrage, smacking the blonde in the shoulder. "That was between us, potsticker and sticky buns queen."
"Potstickers and sticky buns?" Astra's beautiful laugh rang out again. "Have you grown tired of my cooking, Little One?"
Kara sat up and shoved Alex against the arm of the couch harder. "No. I just miss them. I love your cooking."
"Not so hard Kara. Your strength is back." The older Kryptonian chided gently.
Alex moved her arm gingerly, that had hurt.
"Sorry Alex. I forgot." The blonde said guiltily.
"It's fine. You have definitely done worse." Alex smiled, trying to alleviate the look on her sister's face.
Kara relaxed at her attempt and returned the smile. "Only when you do dumb stuff."
Astra had gotten up from the arm of the couch and moved around to the front. "May I see your shoulder?"
Alex smiled and shook her head. "It is fine Astra, really. Don't worry about it. What did Dr. Hamilton say?"
Sighing, Astra picked Kara to sit down, placing her sideways in her lap and then leaned forward to gently pick up Alex's cast, propping it up on Kara's knee. "It is supposed to be elevated, Alexandra."
"Yes, dear." Alex replied sweetly.
Astra raised an eyebrow, but otherwise didn't comment on Alex's reply. Instead she began telling them what Dr. Hamilton had to say about Alex's bloodwork and her best guesses on a timeline.
It could be six to eight months until she could return to field duty. Alex felt despair wash over her. She was going to go insane. Eight to twelve weeks just to assess if the hardware could come out of her leg. She would probably be able to have a walking cast after that..
Alex had tuned out the rest of what Astra was telling her, to fight off the panic of being helpless for so long. She was going to just have to get used to doing things on crutches and have Kara rearrange her apartment to accommodate. There was no way she was staying here at Kara’s for that long.
"Alexandra. Alexandra. There is no need to worry. Please." Astra's voice broke through her thoughts when the older woman tilted Alex's head up, a hand cupping the nape of her neck.
The redhead stared into Astra’s eyes, they were so close. A clear gray-green color that Alex found fascinating. She snapped back to herself and felt a blush start to appear on her cheeks. Where was Kara?
A pressure against her side that she would know anywhere. There was her sister, on the floor beside the couch, leaning against her.
She cleared her throat. "Um. Sorry. What were you saying?"
"Alex, I know how much you hate feeling trapped. Would you feel better in your apartment? Aunt Astra offered to stay there with you instead." Kara said quietly.
"I should be fine by myself. Astra can't be expected to care for me for that long, seriously. As long as we move stuff around…"
"Alex. Your bed is up steps. It is the worst apartment for you to try and be alone in with a shattered leg." Her sister cut her off.
"I promise you that it is no trouble. Unless you are growing tired of my company?" The older Kryptonian tilted her head and Alex swore she saw a flash of sadness… resignation?
Placing her hand on Astra's forearm, she hastened to reassure her. "No. No. That isn't it. But three months is a long time to care for someone without resenting them. And what about your life? That isn't fair to you."
"Little One, how about you go pick up a pizza or five for dinner. Some really good ones. I would like a Margherita pizza please." Astra turned to ask Kara quietly.
"Uhhh… Yeah. Yeah, I can do that. Um, now?" Her sister asked.
"Please. There are some amazing places in New York City. Perhaps try there?" The white lock of hair fell forward when Astra turned her head. Alex couldn't help herself from slipping her hand into the Kryptonian’s hair and tucking it behind her ear.
"Ok. Sounds delicious. You guys will call or text if you need anything else?" Kara asked, eyes darting back and forth in concern between Alex and Astra.
"I do not foresee us needing anything, but we will." The older woman smiled.
Kara had changed and left before Astra turned back to look at Alex. "Your sister is gone, you do not have to worry about disappointing her, Brave One. Will you tell me why you do not want me to help you?"
"It really doesn't have anything to do with you as a person. I dislike the idea of anyone having to help me, especially for so long. I don't like being helpless. It makes me so… angry. I don't want to take it out on you." Alex tried to explain. She had no desire to upset the older woman and was hopeful that she would see the wisdom in letting Alex just… deal, maybe with some occasional assistance. Not this full blown, the agent didn't remember being so pampered before, care.
"I can understand disliking your lack of independence. Does it help if I tell you that I enjoy caring for you? I will not resent caring for you. I will be hurt if you refuse my help. What can I do to make it easier for you? How can I give you independence?" Astra asked so earnestly that Alex could not think of any reason not to accept her help.
"Will you tell me if it starts to grate on you? Taking care of me?" Alex asked, averting her gaze as best she could. Astra still had not released her hold.
She heard the older woman sigh and felt her release her hold. Alex felt a sense of disappointment at no longer being so close to the woman. Letting her head drop back on the couch she saw that Astra was studying her intently and Alex raised an eyebrow in question.
"I will tell you Alexandra. May I stay with you or would you prefer if I returned here after you go to sleep, listen for you, and then return when I hear you wake up?" The General asked curiously.
Alex lifted her head and furrowed her brows. "That sounds exhausting. Of course you can stay with me. Although…" She cursed her propensity for blushing. "I only have one bed and my couch won't be long enough for you."
Astra gave a low, rich laugh. "Alexandra, if you are not opposed, I have no issue sharing a bed with you. It will make me feel more comfortable to have you close in case you need me."
Damn, that laugh… Alex swallowed and found herself smiling. "As long as you don't steal the covers like Kara…"
A slow smile crossed the older woman's face. "Do not worry Alexandra. I will make sure you stay warm."
***
"I do not understand why you are so upset about this."
"Because… because I'm going to be naked!" Alex stuttered, embarrassment and disbelief warring inside of her. How could Astra, ever so casually, decide she was going to give Alex a bath? It was embarrassing enough when Kara had to help her by putting a chair in the tub and getting everything ready for her.
Astra arched an eyebrow. "Yes… that is typically how one bathes. I have heard you grumbling about how much you would love a real bath. I can make sure that your cast doesn't get wet. Where is the problem?" The Kryptonian asked serenely.
The younger woman took several deep breaths. They had been… not arguing about this since last week. Kara had been stopping by every night to get things ready for her, but with the next issue about to run, she wouldn't have time for the next week or two.
"I can wait until I'm out of a cast to get a bath, if you wouldn't mind putting the chair in the tub for me and filling up the bucket of hot water? I can manage the rest on my own." Alex said, in what she hoped, was a reasonable tone of voice.
Astra turned to look at her with the stubborn set of her jaw that did not bode well for Alex's chances. "You almost fell trying to wash your hair two days ago, and that was with Kara right outside the curtain."
The agent opened her mouth to refute that accusation, but then closed it with a snap. Damn. Astra was not going to let this go. She supposed it couldn't be anymore embarrassing than waking up snuggled tightly to Astra every morning, right? What was pride again?
"Ok." Alex sighed. "I would really love to soak and not almost slip off the chair. It is really hard to stay balanced with this cast."
Did she just imagine the gleam of triumph in Astra’s eyes or was that just her imagination? "Thank you for trusting me, Brave One. Let me get things to wrap your cast." The Kryptonian swiftly started getting things ready.
Probably to give me less of a chance to change my mind, Alex thought sourly.
Alex was stripped and in a hot bath with her wrapped casted leg over the side before she had time to really process what happened. She suspected that Astra had used some superspeed in the process.
"Alexandra, I will let you soak in peace if you promise not to move or wash until I am back in here." Astra offered.
"Why can't I wash?" Alex asked, a touch of indignation in her voice.
The General sighed and sat beside the tub. "Because if you move around you may slip and get your cast wet or bang it against something. Neither of those outcomes would be favorable for your recovery. If I cannot trust you to wait for me to be present, I will not leave you at all." Astra answered seriously, stroking Alex’s cheek in a familiar gesture.
Eyes closing of their own accord at the touch, Alex nodded in agreement. "I will wait for you." She opened her eyes when Astra’s fingers left her cheek, catching a soft look from the Kryptonian.
Astra smiled, hesitated briefly, and then leaned over to kiss her on the cheek before leaving her to soak in peace.
Washing was… awkward as Astra sat beside the tub with one hand on Alex's cast and the other holding a book that she was reading. The General devoured books at a rate that must make libraries tremble. Her tastes were eclectic, once Alex caught her reading The Illiad in the original Greek, the next day a 50's pulp fiction novel, and last week she was reading about permaculture gardening.
When Alex had finished washing she cleared her throat. "Um, Astra? I'm not really sure how to do my hair."
"Will you allow me to wash it?" Astra inquired gently, placing a bookmark in her book on animals of the Serengeti and then putting it on the vanity.
"You… um. Yeah. That works. I can hold on to the edges of the tub then." The redhead choked a little.
Alex gave up any pretense of trying to keep her heart rate steady with Astra leaning over her. The Kryptonian took her time shampooing the agent's hair, fingers massaging and lightly scratching. Her hand cradling Alex's head delicately, and giving a pleased hum and smile anytime Alex couldn't hold in a groan or sigh.
By the time Astra had rinsed the last bit of conditioner out of her hair, Alex wasn't sure if she had ever had better sex than that. She felt boneless and content to stare quietly up into Astra’s beautiful eyes. The General looked down at her with half closed eyes and a satisfied half smile on her face.
"Did you enjoy that Alexandra? You are so wonderfully responsive when I massage your head. Perhaps you will become comfortable enough for me to massage your body as well in time." Amusement crossed the older woman's face. "Wasn't this much better than a sponge bath? You could have been having this every night if you had not been so adamantly against it for so long."
Unable to muster any indignation or argument, Alex simply smiled at Astra. She figured, what was the harm in letting the General have this victory.
Later that night, when she was tucked into bed with soft pj's and Astra’s warm presence beside her, she wondered why she even bothered resisting the Kryptonian. The change in diet made her feel much better, the reduction in caffeine as well, she was finally catching up on the reading she had wanted to do because it felt churlish to turn on trashy TV when Astra was reading, and now the bath had been amazing. Who knew what the woman would come up with next to improve Alex's life.
***
Cooking should not be this hard, Alex decided in exasperation. Astra had been asked to help Kara convince some rowdy aliens to have some festival or holiday out in the desert instead of in National City. The agent had decided to try to make dinner for the older woman so Astra wouldn't have to and as a bit of a thank you.
The plan was not going well. It was hard to carry things on crutches and her leg was throbbing and swollen from hanging down for so long. Add to that, she was an indifferent cook under the best circumstances. To say this was not going well was an understatement.
So far she had burnt the rice, cut her hand while slicing peppers when she had lost her balance, and was now being splattered with hot oil. Stir fry was not as easy as the YouTube video said. She cursed as another splatter of hot oil hit her arms, burning her.
"Alexandra? What are you doing???" Astra exclaimed as she came in the window.
Alex whipped around in surprise and almost fell. The Kryptonian was at her side in a moment, steadying her. She saw Astra turn off the burner and move the pan before sweeping her gaze over Alex critically.
"I was trying to make you dinner?" The agent replied weakly.
"Oh, Alexandra." Astra softened and embraced her gently. "My silly Brave One. You are supposed to keep your leg elevated. Now you have burned and cut yourself. How is your leg?"
"It hurts." Alex admitted in defeat.
The General picked her up to cradle her almost instantly at those words and carried her to the bed. "I should have never left you alone." She murmured into her ear, laying Alex down and crawling into bed beside her.
"I'm sorry. I was trying to do something nice for you. You don't have to feel like you need to be here to keep me out of trouble." The agent replied in shame.
"No. No." Astra soothed, leaning over her and cupping her cheek so that Alex would look at her. "You misunderstand. I do not like being away from you. I am touched that you wished to cook for me, but seeing you in pain is not worth it. May I see your leg?"
"Astra, you are way too good to me." Alex muttered, overwhelmed by the woman's concern. "Yes, whatever will ease your mind."
The Kryptonian kissed her cheek and then sat up. She moved around and pulled Alex's sweatpants down and off, leaving the agent in only her boyshorts. Alex wasn't even embarrassed anymore. It was hard to be when Astra didn't seem to care and the older woman had been helping her bathe for weeks.
In short order Alex was in a tank top with her boyshorts, her leg was elevated ridiculously high, and her small hot oil spots had been cleaned with burn ointment applied. Astra was currently cleaning and putting a fresh bandage on the small knife cut on her hand.
"How did the negotiation go?" The redhead asked into the silence.
Astra looked up at her, giving a brilliant smile. "It went well. I merely convinced them that the fertility festival would be more authentic out in nature."
" Fertility festival?" Alex laughed incredulously. "No wonder J'onn didn't want it to happen in National City."
"No, indeed. I have heard that it gets quite raucous for the week that it goes on." The General grinned mischievously.
"Is there anything you don't have at least a little bit of knowledge about?" Alex teased the woman.
"There are many things. Do not worry though, Brave One. I am trying to remedy that." Astra replied with a smile, kissing her cheek once more and then standing. "Please stay still. I'm going to shower and make dinner."
"I will…" The agent sighed.
Astra gave her another smile and placed some research journals and a book within her reach. The Kryptonian then paused before leaning down to kiss her cheek again. "I will not be long, Alexandra. Behave."
They ended up eating Thai for dinner, delivered from a wonderful little place a few blocks away. The Kryptonian had admitted to being more tired than she had thought she was. So Alex ordered in and asked if Astra would mind watching a documentary with her. The older woman had agreed with a grateful smile.
Somehow Astra had ended up curled into Alex's side on the bed, fast asleep with her head on Alex's shoulder. The agent had turned the laptop off after the documentary had ended and carefully placed it on the nightstand.
She took the moment to enjoy the feel of the Kryptonian against her. Alex gently stroked the unruly curls and breathed in Astra’s scent. Occasionally the woman's arm would twitch slightly on its resting place across her stomach or she would nuzzle further into Alex.
Would it be suspicious or strange if she started asking for a documentary every night, Alex pondered. Was it creepy to be trying to figure out ways to insure Astra fell asleep against her? It wasn't like she was going to do anything, she just liked holding her.
"Mmm. Brave One?" Astra lifted her head sleepily and appeared to realize where she was. "Oh, I'm sorry."
"Please. Just stay?" Alex whispered.
The Kryptonian stilled and then settled back down, tucking her arm firmly around Alex. The agent slowly began running her fingers through Astra's hair and she heard the General sigh, relaxing further into Alex.
"Be careful, I may not be able to fall asleep any other way if you continue." Astra murmured with amusement.
"I don't mind. It is nice getting to feel you relax." Alex admitted. "I was… I was even thinking of ways to have this happen again." She swallowed.
Astra rubbed her cheek against Alex’s shoulder. "Brave One, all you have to do is ask. Or if you are too shy to do so, show me or guide me. I cannot think of anything you could desire from me that I wouldn't do or give willingly."
Alex felt her heart beat faster and attempted slow calming breaths, knowing that Astra hadn't meant anything, but simple care and friendship. For just a moment though, she let herself imagine guiding Astra overtop of her and kissing the lips that often pressed against her cheek. Getting to taste her mouth and touch her freely, telling her the feelings that had grown to encompass her heart.
She shoved that all down, Astra’s friendship had become incredibly precious to her and she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. Alex cleared her throat. "Likewise Astra. Our friendship goes both ways. I can't imagine my life without you anymore."
The Kryptonian sighed. "You do not have to Alexandra. I will always be here for you. Shall we sleep? You have a checkup at the DEO with Dr. Hamilton tomorrow."
"Yeah. Probably wise." Alex agreed, feeling as though she had missed something significant. She didn't contemplate long however, Astra’s calming presence had her asleep before she knew it.
***
Alex fidgeted again. She was waiting for Astra to get back from an errand. Today she went to see if her leg had healed enough for her to start going back into work. The agent had been working from home on her laptop, running data, writing papers, and helping with analysis.
If it was healed enough, Alex would get to start going in to do desk work in the lab. The thought both excited her and made her chest hurt. If she was well enough for desk work, surely that would mean that she was fine to take care of herself at home. It would mean that it was healed enough not to swell and throb if she didn't have it elevated for more than half an hour at a time.
So why wasn't she excited for her life to go back to semi-normal? To have space and independence again and not have the subject of her longing barely an arms length away most of the time. She would get to spread out in the bed, eat takeout, and watch whatever she wanted without feeling guilt. Why did that sound like such a terrible existence?
Instead it made her throat close up and her eyes prick with tears. Alex didn't want to be without Astra reading a book, discussing the latest analysis of some toxin, or puttering in the kitchen. The thought hurt and she tried to catch her breath from the constriction in her chest.
Alex heard Astra open the door and then the Kryptonian had her arms around Alex. "Alexandra, what is wrong? Are you injured?"
Shaking her head no, the agent tried to get her breathing back under control. Her throat was still too tight to attempt to speak. A whine escaped her throat and Astra picked her up. Alex allowed herself to enjoy being held as she tried not to cry.
"Is it because you are afraid your leg has not healed enough?" Astra murmured. The Kryptonian held her across her lap with one arm cradling the redhead against her. Astra’s lips were pressed against her temple.
Taking a deep breath, Alex choked out. "No."
"Tell me, my Brave One. Tell me what has you so upset. Please?"
"It is… I am being ridiculous." Alex sniffed, pulling back. "I'm so sorry."
"Do not apologize. Please tell me?" Astra pleaded.
"I'm… I'm going to miss you." Alex stammered.
" Miss me? Where am I going?" The General asked, confusion evident on her features.
"When… when I go back to work, then I won't need help. So then you can go back to your life." Alex turned her head to hide a tear that escaped.
"You are correct. You are being ridiculous." Astra commented. "I will not leave until you ask me to. Even if you are released for desk duty, you still have a cast, still need to have those pins removed, you still need physical therapy… I do not want to leave you."
"You… you don't? But what about getting back to your life?" Now it was Alex's turn to be confused.
Astra wiped the tear that had escaped and rearranged herself on the couch to pull Alex into a semi-prone position on top of her. She took a ragged breath and gave a harsh laugh. "My life? I keep myself busy and learn as much as I can about Earth, trying to not crowd Kara. Avoiding you to give you space because I did not think you wished for my company after we took down Myriad. When all I wish to do is be near loved ones after decades of loneliness. This… you act as though taking care of you has been a form of prison. That I cannot wait to be 'free' of you. When, in truth, taking care of Kara and you has been the best part of my life since before I learned of Krypton's impending doom."
"But… decades? Non?" Alex held Astra as best she could. Heart overwhelmed by the sheer desolation in the other woman's voice.
"Non." Astra snorted bitterly. "My husband? The one who tried to kill my only living blood relative, my Little One? We may have been friends once, long ago. But I have not recognized him in many, many years. The match was arranged by our parents. After Krypton… we had little to do with each other aside from our duties as General and Lieutenant."
"I… I didn't know. I'm sorry Astra." The agent said with absolute sincerity. "I'm sorry for Krypton. I'm sorry for all the pain and suffering you have been through. And I'm sorry for making you feel I didn't want your presence. I do, you know… want your presence." Alex hugged the Kryptonian tighter and gave a self-deprecating laugh. "The mere thought of not getting to see you everyday almost sent me into a panic attack."
"Then I will stay. I will stay until you grow tired of me." Astra murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you. It is nice to feel needed again, but even better to feel wanted ."
Alex felt herself relaxing, it was not pure selfishness to keep Astra here. The older woman wanted to stay here and wanted Alex's company as well. Even if this was all she could have, this would be enough.
She must have dozed for a time because the next thing she knew, Astra was waking her.
"Wake up, my Brave One. It is time to see if I will be taking you to and from the DEO regularly." Astra smiled when Alex lifted her head drowsily.
"I thought you would be on the edge of your seat, ready to go." Kara’s voice chimed in. "Instead you were fast asleep, snuggled with Aunt Astra." Her sister teased.
The agent began to tense at being found like this and what her sister might think, but she caught the minut flash of hurt on Astra's face when she began to pull back. No, she thought stubbornly, I don't care what anybody else thinks and Astra has been hurt enough.
So she resnuggled into the older Kryptonian deliberately and turned to eye her sister, perched on the coffee table. "You're just jealous because I get to snuggle with Astra and you don't”.
A moment of stunned silence and then Kara was sputtering indignantly. "What? No." She pouted at Astra. "You would snuggle me too, right?" The blonde asked with wide eyes.
The woman underneath of Alex began to laugh. "Of course Little One, but we do need to get Alexandra to her appointment. She was so peaceful that I let her sleep longer than I should have."
"See Alex. You don't have a monopoly on the snuggles." Kara teased.
"Whatever, I get to cuddle her in bed every night." Alex mumbled and yawned.
Kara was giving her a sly smile that Alex didn't trust. Astra was a woman on a mission however, shifting Alex so she could cradle her and getting up from the couch.
"You aren't wrinkled." Astra said after a quick glance. "Are you ready other than shoes?"
"Yes, but I need my phone and ID badge too." Alex replied. The General sat her on the counter, retrieved the items she had requested, and helped her with her shoe.
"Little One, are you ready?" Astra called over her shoulder.
"Yes, Aunt Astra." The blonde sighed and opened the window. "I can carry Alex if you want a break."
"There is no need." The older woman shook her head. "I much prefer to carry her."
"Oookay…" Alex heard Kara respond quizzically as Astra took her through the window.
Dr. Hamilton studied the x-ray and bloodwork results intently, glancing every so often to look at Alex. Finally, she said. "Ok, who are you and what have you done with Agent Danvers?"
"What?" Alex exclaimed as Astra gave the doctor an odd look.
"Your bloodwork has never looked this good for as long as I have known you. Your tibia and fibula look like they have actually healed as much as they should have for this length of time, which means you have been following medical orders." Dr. Hamilton said dryly.
"I have a Kryptonian General in charge of me." Alex shrugged.
"Oh? Do you always do what your General tells you to do?" The doctor smirked.
Alex felt a blush rise on her cheeks. "Typically."
Kara snorted from the chair by the wall and Astra came over to rest her hand on Alex's shoulder. "Ignore them, Alexandra. They should be pleased you are doing so well, not heckling you about it." The older Kryptonian had turned during her last statement to give cold looks to the doctor and Kara.
Clearing her throat, Dr. Hamilton replied in a much more professional tone. "It seems healed enough for a walking cast, but I would still like you to take it very easy. I'm going to leave the plates, pins, and screws in for a while longer. Don't be surprised if it aches or you have pain. I am still worried about you overdoing it with the walking cast, so I'm going to have you continue working from home until your next checkup in about ten days. Any questions?"
"Yes." Astra stated clearly. "When will she be able to start physical therapy? Can anything be done to minimize the pain? How can I help her as she continues to heal?"
The doctor put down Alex’s chart and blinked at Astra. "Well, physical therapy should wait until we take out the hardware. The pain… try not to expose the leg to extreme temperatures and make sure she doesn't overdo it. The walking cast, or walking boot, should be removed for bathing and eventually while she sleeps. Blood circulation is critical for healing so regular massages of that leg and foot would be beneficial. She still needs to use crutches though and I want that leg elevated at least two to three hours a day."
"Thank you. If you could give me any available literature on the subject, I would greatly appreciate it." Astra said politely.
"Of course." Dr. Hamilton smiled. "I wish all my patients had someone so devoted to look after them. What do you think of a change in careers? Can I send you home with all the really stubborn agents?"
"Thank you for the offer, but no. The only stubborn agent I wish to care for is my Brave One." The General grinned and leaned to give Alex a kiss on the cheek.
"Oh. Ok. I have some videos and if you would like to talk to the physical therapist about techniques, a tech will be in to take off Agent Danvers' cast and fit a walking boot on her in a little bit." The doctor offered.
"Go on Astra. I have Kara." Alex encouraged the older woman after seeing her look of uncertainty.
"That would be excellent Dr. Hamilton." Astra replied and squeezed Alex's shoulder as she followed the doctor out.
As soon as the door closed Kara came up to mutter in her ear. "Have something to tell me?" Her sister leaned back to raise an eyebrow and nodded at the door.
Alex shook her head no and pulled Kara back close to breath in her ear. "We are close friends, nothing more."
Kara pulled back to look at her face, her expression changing to one of sorrow. "I'm sorry Alex."
Leave it to her sister to know how she felt for the older Kryptonian. Alex gave a lopsided smile and shrugged. "It is more than I could hope for."
The blonde pulled her into a crushing hug. "Oh Alex. What can I do?"
The redhead rubbed her eyes and leaned back to give a teasing smile. "Can you wash and shave my leg before she gets back. I'm kinda grossed out to see it myself."
Her sister laughed. "You are so lucky I love you."
"I am." Alex agreed. "I really am."
***
Her bath that night was amazing. Getting to fully submerge to soak felt like heaven. Astra still insisted on washing her hair as well, so Alex was pretty sure that life didn't get much better.
"Alexandra?" Astra inquired as she finished rinsing Alex's hair.
"Hmmmm?" The younger woman smiled happily.
"I enjoy seeing you so happy. May I ask if it is because you got the cast off?"
"Partly." Alex grinned, looking up into Astra’s beautiful eyes. "And maybe it is partly because I get to keep you." She teased.
Astra’s face went blank for a moment and Alex’s heart dropped. She had only been teasing. Had she made the Kryptonian uncomfortable?
Just as the panic started to rise and she opened her mouth to apologize. An intense look entered Astra’s eyes and a grin followed. "Are you sure that you are keeping me ? Perhaps I am the one who is keeping you , my Brave One."
Alex paused for a moment as relief flooded her before laughing. "Fine. I suppose I'm yours. You are still my General though."
"That is a dangerous thing to tell a Kryptonian, Alexandra." Astra teased lightly. "But I am quite happy for you to be mine. I am certainly your General."
"I'm not afraid." Alex replied cheekily.
Astra’s entire countenance brightened. "No, you wouldn't be. Not my Brave One. Time to get you out of the tub. I'm beginning to wonder if you are part fish with your love of water."
"Water is amazing. Do you like swimming?" Alex asked the older woman with interest.
"I cannot swim." Astra answered bashfully.
"Ok. When I'm better, I'm teaching you and then we are going to go to the ocean. Maybe I will grab my old surfboard and we can try to see if I remember enough to teach you surfing as well." The agent announced, pulling the plug with her toes.
After Alex was settled on the bed in her preferred pj's of shorts and a tank top, Astra brought over a towel and some massage oil.
"May I try some of the stretching techniques the physical therapist taught me today? I promise to massage you afterwards."
At Alex’s nod, Astra gently manipulated her ankle and foot, paying careful attention each time Alex would tense or shift uncomfortably. The agent was dismayed by how much range of motion and strength she had lost. The exercises made her whole leg tender and sore, making her exceedingly grateful for the massage afterwards.
That massage… Alex wasn't sure how she was going to survive after Astra informed her that this would be a nightly ritual. She was convinced the Kryptonian had magic fingers.
***
Alex woke up the Sunday morning after her first full week back at the DEO sore. She ached all over, especially her hips and back. The agent was definitely not used to sitting at a desk for so many hours.
It was worth it though, all that time at the desk had given Alex plenty of time to access the hologram database to find a file of poems written by a poet that Astra had mentioned as a favorite of hers when she was younger. The agent had compiled all the ones she could find in the database, formatted it on the computer so that it could be printed. She had been delighted to give Astra a bound copy last night.
The General had cried and for a moment Alex had thought she had made a terrible mistake. That thought was soon dispelled when Astra embraced her tightly, thanking her over and over again. Seeing how much it had meant to the older woman, the agent silently vowed to compile and have printed and bound every single Kryptonian book she could afford. She would make sure that Astra had bookcases full.
This morning Alex wasn't surprised to find she was the first awake. Astra had stayed up late into the night, silently mouthing words of poetry from a dead poet, born on a now extinct world. The agent moved unruly curls so they would quit tickling her nose and contemplated the woman asleep half on top of her.
She had admitted to herself a while ago that she was in love with the Kryptonian. It didn't even really hurt anymore to think about it. Alex had reminded herself enough times to be content and happy with what Astra gave her. Slowly it had become easier until it was more like a dull ache, than the sting of longing.
Someday, she thought, maybe the ache will also go away and I will only feel happy and content with our friendship. That was her hope anyway. Until then, she would cherish every touch, laugh, and smile.
Astra started to wake with lots of nuzzling and sleepy noises. These mornings were the best, when she woke first and got to feel Astra waking to greet the day.
"Good morning." She greeted quietly, kissing the crown of Astra’s head.
"Mmmhmm." The older woman responded, rolling onto her back to stretch and then curling back up against Alex.
"You were up late." Alex observed with a warm smile. She ran her fingertips down Astra’s arm and then up her side.
The General jumped slightly and twisted. Wait, was she?
"Astra… are you ticklish?" Alex inquired with a broad grin, repeating the soft touch on the older woman's side.
Instantly Astra let loose a laugh and twisted once more. "Yes." She answered, gazing at Alex with a mixture of amusement and wariness.
Alex rolled to her side, leaning overtop of Astra gleefully. She wiggled her fingers over the Kryptonian’s sides and raised an eyebrow.
"Planning to live up to my endearment for you today, my Brave One?" The older woman taunted with a smile.
What followed was the most fun Alex had in ages. The agent tickling and laughing as Astra attempted to find Alex's ticklish spots. The General's giggles and squeaks absolute music to her ears.
Astra had just pinned Alex to the bed with a breathless laugh of, "Enough." And now looked down on Alex with wide unreadable eyes. "Please?" She whispered.
"Anything." Alex replied, uncertain what Astra was asking for, but willing to give her whatever was in her power.
What the Kryptonian was asking for was a kiss. At the first touch of those soft lips, Alex twisted out of the loose grip on her wrists to bury her hands in Astra’s hair and pull her closer. A desperate whine escaped when she thought the older woman was pulling back, but Astra was apparently only readjusting to kiss her deeper.
Time ceased to have any meaning for the redhead, the only thing that mattered was Astra’s mouth on hers, tongue against her own, the panted breaths and moans from the Kryptonian. When their kiss finally broke so that Alex could take deep shuddering breaths, she felt a shot of fear that perhaps Astra regretted the kiss. Had she ruined everything?
She relaxed once more when Astra leaned back down to press more kisses to her mouth and jaw.
"Is this ok?" The Kryptonian murmured between kisses.
"Yes. Yes. Please." Alex answered fervently.
"Alexandra. My Alexandra. I have dreamed of kissing you."
"Pretty sure I'm still dreaming." The agent replied, eagerly moving her head to give Astra more access to her jaw and neck.
"What do you dream of, my Brave One?" Astra pulled back to look at her.
"I… I love you Astra. I dream of… of bonding bracelets and forever." Alex confessed, heart thundering in her ears.
"Always so brave. I love you too. I would have offered you a bonding bracelet after Myriad if I thought you would have accepted it." The older woman told her.
Alex cupped the back of the Kryptonian’s neck and pulled her back down for another kiss. One more kiss led to another until a squeak and thud startled them both.
They both turned to see Kara smiling sheepishly with a few bags. "Um. I brought breakfast?"
Alex glanced at Astra, who was looking at her warily. She took a deep breath. "It smells awesome. Is that coffee from my favorite place?" The agent guided Astra’s leg back over from where the Kryptonian had been straddling her and sat up.
"Yeah it is." Her sister fidgeted.
Turning to Astra, Alex gave her a soft smile. "Want us all to picnic in bed or eat at the table?"
The older woman relaxed and smiled. "I do not relish crumbs in the bed, so the table."
Breakfast was slightly awkward until Kara started teasing them to put a sock on the window when she shouldn't enter. Her sister seemed to take great joy in the change in their relationship. Asking a multitude of questions that neither Alex or Astra had answers for yet.
There was time though. Alex was confident they would figure it all out. If the way Astra was looking at her was any indication… they just might have forever.