Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Barbara adjusted her cowl now that she was in the Watchtower proper. The teleporters she'd used so often, and so near to that 'reception' station she loathed, were thankfully just as near to the living quarters. Unlike a great many things, it made sense; the founders of the League had been the first to understand the needs of the Leaguers, and had designed this station with their comfort in mind. From the founding members down to the newest 'side-kick', all could use the vast and expensive facilities.

She herself did quite often. Gotham would always be her home, but her presence there wasn't quite so necessary anymore. Not with the family as big as it was now; Tim, Stephanie, Cassandra, Luke... all that new blood had allowed her the time to join the League on a more permanent basis, like Dick and Bruce. Even with the three of them sharing time and spending much of it with the League, there was always Jason and Kathy.

God, she didn't think there was a time Gotham had ever been safe as it now was.

Barbara smiled and headed towards her room. In heading thereto, she saw Dinah and Artemis lounging atop a couch, talking and laughing.

"Barbara!" Dinah greeted with a wave and a smile.

"Good afternoon, girls," Barbara said, approaching them.

Artemis tilted her head back enough so as to see her without shifting around. "So, here early? Dinah and I were about to get Megan and settle in for a movie if you wanna join."

Barbara shook her head. "If you're gonna make a night of it, I'll join you." Her eyes shifted to a digital clock built into the wall. It was near to one of the station's many alarms. "Just after a nap. I stayed out on patrol a bit longer than I should've."

That grin Artemis sported grew. "I always miss it when I take too long of a break. You're not the only one that's happy you're back either. You'll have a guest soon enough."

"Artemis," Dinah tutted, ever the mother hen. "Don't give away secrets like that."

The archer raised her hands, feigning innocence. "I didn't say who."

"But Barbara's smart, she'll know exactly who you're talking about," Dinah countered.

Artemis shrugged. "Well, maybe it's better that way. She might finally do som—"

Dinah threw a pillow at her.

"Hey! Watch the hair!"

"It'll be fine," the blonde retorted.

Artemis grumbled and sat up, fixing her ponytail.

Barbara chuckled. "I'll catch up with you ladies later, then. Enjoy the movie — save me some ice cream this time too."

She bid her friends goodbye and continued to her room. On the way there, the halls were empty save for her and a few strays, like Mist or Terra. The station itself was almost never quiet, so it was pretty rare to find an empty or near-empty hall given how many heroes and their apprentices — as she preferred — had joined.

With a tired sigh and a stretch of her arms over her head as she reached her door, Barbara made to enter... but then a hand prevented the metal door from opening. Barbara blinked at it, and slowly, her eyes traced up the arm to find its owner; a girl smaller than herself, with the blondest hair and bluest eyes.

"Kara."

"I was hoping to catch you, Barb," Kara greeted, grinning.

Barbara gave a tired smile. "Well, you caught me. What's up?"

Kara shrugged. "Nothing really. Just wanted to spend time with my best friend."

The redhead blinked at that. "I thought M'gann was your best friend?"

"Yeah, but..." Kara paused, and Barbara noticed her cheeks flush slightly. "We're bester friends, aren't we?"

Barbara smiled at the girl's words. Powerful she might be, there were few in the world that could match her greatest trait; sweetness. And though she was a bit shy around the others, especially those she'd never met before, Kara had a way of getting people to like her. Barbara certainly had liked her; she'd found Kara endearing, and they got along well, and the friendship had been easy and natural, even if the 'younger' girl was a bit more forward than the redhead had expected.

"Fine, fine," Barbara scrunched up her nose as she fought off an itch thereon. "Bester friends — your bester friend needs to shower and get some sleep. Maybe food too." She gave a little pull of the door again. "Come in if you'd like, we can catch up while I do what I need. Only for a few minutes." That last sentence had to be added so that Kara didn't expect to stay up and watch some show or movie.

That was all too common an occurrence. As were the snacks that followed. God, had those gotten worse for her recently.

"Yay," Kara cheered. "And then after that, can we have lunch? I want pizza and we both know you won't sleep that long!"

"Sure, sure," Barbara laughed. Her sleep schedule was messed up, Kara was right, but so was that of many of their friends.

They entered her room, her home away from home given all she'd done to it, and Barbara began to take off her suit. That cowl was first, and the relief she felt from scratching that itch was immeasurably pleasant. While she did that, Kara set herself on Babs' bed, and began kicking her feet back and forth as she turned the TV on.

"When're you gonna rest?" the blond asked, flipping through channels.

"In a bit," Barbara said. "After we're done hanging out for a little bit."

Kara giggled, and sent a puff of air her way that messed with her bangs. Barbara huffed at that and ran a hand through her hair to fix it. As she did so, Kara spoke again. "I meant a vacation, silly. You, Dick, all of you Bats don't take breaks often enough."

"Maybe," Barbara answered. "But we're all needed. If we take breaks too often, then who's going to look after the city?"

Kara shrugged, and she turned on a channel playing old reruns of 'Scooby Doo'. "It's not like Bruce or you can't set a schedule so one of you's always resting for a few weeks. Besides, it's not like you have to do it all yourselves anymore."

Barbara didn't have a good response to that.

She took a seat beside Kara, now dressed in some of the civilian clothing she kept on the Watchtower. They watched the cartoon in silence. It was nice. Barbara had enjoyed the company Kara provided, and the young Kryptonian had grown a lot more comfortable with her in turn.

Barbara remembered when the blond had arrived on Earth. Bruce had been very hesitant, but Kara had latched on to her just as much as she'd latched onto Clark, and now, the two were basically inseparable.

"Hey," Kara's voice was mock-offended, and she poked at Babs' flank. "Don't go and zone out. We're almost at the good part of the episode! Velma's just found the monster's secret!"

"Sorry, sorry," Barbara laughed.

Kara giggled. "Silly," she said, and then she reached over to twine a finger around a strand of Barbara's hair.

The redhead blinked at the gesture. "You're awfully affectionate today, Kara."

"Huh?" the girl tilted her head. "Oh! Uhm..."

Barbara turned to face her, and the hand fell. "What's up?" She wondered if there was something wrong with her friend; if there was, she'd fix it.

"N-nothing!" Kara denied, waving her hands. "Just, uh, you know... it's been a while since we talked, so I was a bit happy. And, you know, I just like hanging out with you. You're one of my favorite people!"

That made a little redness come to Barbara's face, and so she turned away from her friend, seeing her attention focused back on the show Kara had set to play. "I see," was all the redhead could think to say.

Kara didn't respond.

After that, the pair spent a bit more time just chatting about this and that. Barbara didn't want to go to bed immediately, and so, she entertained the other woman's presence, even if she was quite tired. Kara's company had that effect, she supposed. Just like Dick and Bruce and her father, the girl had a way of making her feel comfortable and relaxed.

Just then, as Babs was thinking, her phone went off on the bedside table.

Before she could so much as blink, Kara's speed had her snatch it up and hand it over.

"It's a message from Tim," Kara said, looking at the screen. "He says 'if i'm running pizza to you, then you're doing it for me and Cass next time I want' — did you ask him to run and get us something when you changed?"

"Maybe." Babs snatched her phone and tucked it under her thigh. "Let's just keep watching the show, okay?"

Kara smiled and nodded, and then they continued their conversation. Barbara wasn't all that sure about the exact time they stopped talking, or the specific point they'd fallen asleep, but it didn't matter. All she knew was that one moment she'd been awake, and the next she'd only just woken up.

She looked down and found that Kara's head was on her lap, that blonde hair splayed all about.

Tiredly, she blinked and rubbed at her eyes. She wondered what'd made her wake up, but that was answered quick as could be when a series of knocks sounded at her door. "Babs come on!" Tim wined. "Cass is waiting for me — I can't miss too much time with her or—"

"I'm coming." Babs whispered the words into her phone, but the connection to her door would see it announced to him in the hall.

Barbara slowly and carefully moved, taking great care not to jostle Kara, and slid her legs off the bed. As her feet touched the floor, the younger woman on her bed whimpered.

"Where are you going...?"

Barbara sighed. "I've got food. Tim's outside."

"Tim can wait," Kara mumbled, her hand reaching out to grasp at Barbara's sleeve.

"No he can't."

"Yes he can."

Barbara laughed, and with a good showing of dexterity, slid away from Kara's grip. The blonde grumbled, but she didn't follow, and instead settled back into the bed. Barbara took her chance and grabbed the bag Tim had left behind, and quickly slipped it into the mini-fridge she'd gotten for her room.

When she looked back, she found Kara's blue eyes peering up at her. "Back?"

She gave a little nod.

"Food?"

Babs laughed. "I put it in the fridge. I thought you wanted to sleep?"

"Sleep with me?"

"Kara, you're a big girl now, and this bed is too small," Barbara could barely contain a snicker; she liked poking fun at the smaller girl's size, even if she was infinitely stronger.

"I'm not too big for it," the blonde denied, scooting aside and patting the spot next to her. "We're the same size… ish."

"You're stronger than me," Barbara reminded. "You could crush me if you fling around."

Kara laughed. "I'm not that strong and I can control it. You taught me with Clark and the Batman, remember?"

Babs couldn't argue with that. She remembered those 'training' sessions where the two had gone out to various normal places, like a movie theatre or the arcade, or a restaurant or the mall, and just walked around together. Those times had been a good experience for her, but they'd also been the beginning of her understanding the way her best friend saw the world.

Kara had been so bright and vibrant; she still was, whenever she took in a new sight.

"Food or sleep? Which is it?" Barbara was amused by this point.

"Both?"

Barbara gave a small huff. "Alright, alright." She slid into the space by Kara's side, properly getting under the sheets this time about. "Just this once, since you said please."

Kara was quick to tuck closer, and quicker still to wrap her arms around the other woman.

"Kara?"

"Yes, Barbie?"

Barbie?

"Can you, uh, loosen up a little? Can't eat without my arms, y'know, and I still need'ta get the food from the fridge." Babs gave the girl's leg a little tap; there was no way she could break away from her.

"Mmm, no," Kara answered, burying her head into Barbara's chest.

"Then you're gonna starve."

"I can live off the love of my bester friend."

Barbara blinked at that, and slowly, she moved to return Kara's hug, her arms coming around her smaller body.

"See? I'll be fine, and it'll be there when we wake up" Kara concluded, smiling as she burrowed further.

Barbara rolled her eyes, and soon enough, she found herself falling asleep; Kara was the warmest, most comfortable heater one could have.

Chapter Text

Halloween had come a mere two days after Kara's exhausted, sleep-deprived state of affection.

And the League had decided to throw a party.

Well, Captain Marvel had been the true driving force, and it'd been difficult for the others to say no. He was just so eager, and the younger members as well as the newest amongst them had all been very fond of the idea.

And, Barbara thought, with the station so big, there was plenty of space to spare for a party that'd not interfere with the mission.

Her eyes went to the costume in her closet. She was still unsure about whether she'd join the party, but she'd gone ahead and bought a costume anyway. If only because Kara had seemed so happy when they'd mentioned it early the morning following their impromptu sleepover.

Speaking of, the Kryptonian had taken to spending a good amount of time in her room since. It was an unsubtle change, one that Barbara was certain everyone else had picked on as much as she had.

But it was a nice thing. Kara's presence wasn't bothersome as others could be. The other girl didn't hover over her shoulder, peering at what she did or saying everything she was thinking; Kara let her breathe, let her do things without interruption or comment. It seemed all she wanted was just being close, even if that meant no words were being shared.

There was something to be said about having another's presence when slee—

"Barbie!" Kara's voice sounded at her door, followed by a series of knocks. "Are you there? Can I come in?"

"I'm here," Babs said, moving to unlock her door and greet her friend.

"Hi!" Kara was grinning from ear-to-ear, and she was holding something behind her back.

Barbara blinked at that, and slowly raised a brow. "Whatcha got there?"

"This!" Kara pulled a plastic bag from her back and held it up. "I got some costumes — I got us a set."

"A...set?"

"Yeah!"

Barbara took the bag and peered inside. What she found made her snort, then her face turned more serious as her eyes went back to Kara's. "Really? Are they refitte— wait, where'd you even get one of my... your super—"

"Speed!" Kara said.

Barbara groaned. "Who helped you?"

"Alfred. He's like Papa Kent. Knows everything."

Barbara nodded at that. That man did know it all, and he'd experienced much.

"So... can we?"

"We...?"

"Try them on! We can match and go to the party!"

"Kara, we're not five."

"We're not old, either," the blonde countered, grinning. "Come on! Please, Barbie?"

Barbara looked past Kara, and seeing that the hallway was empty, she took hold of Kara's free hand and gave it a tug; obviously, she couldn't make the woman move, but Kara followed her into the room nonetheless. She wasn't sure why she urged her in quick as she did — no, no she did. It was those outfits.

They couldn't wear those to a party, especially not if Tim and the others closer to his age, like Beast Boy or Starfire would be there. The teasing alone would drive her crazy.

But Kara's pleading look, the way she wobbled her bottom lip...

Barbara groaned.

"Alright, alright. I'm game." She prodded Kara's cheek. "You owe me one, Superbrat."

Kara cheered and went for a hug; she stopped short, and only slowly wrapped Babs up — her eagerness seemed to worry her on account of that super-strength she possessed, but Barbara had never given so much as a second's worry to Kara harming her. She'd helped see her train her self-control, after all, and she trusted her implicitly.

"Thanks, Babs." Kara was beaming, and with a speed that made Barbara's head spin, she pulled the costumes from the bag. "I'm going first!"

"Wait," Babs tried, but in the blink of the eye, Kara had already changed into 'her' outfit.

"Well?" Kara spun around, showing off the recoloured — and slightly modified — Batgirl suit. The grey of it had been replaced with blue, whilst the black, like on her cowl, gloves and over her stomach, had been turned red. The yellow underside of her cape and the yellow utility belt had remained exactly as they were, and the centre was.

"You combined our symbols?" Barbara hadn't seen it initially. She'd been much too lost in the Superbatgirl.

"Uh huh!" Kara grinned, and put a hand on either side of the chest-piece, framing where Babs' eyes were looking. "Look at the lil eyes in the middle. Isn't it adorable?"

Barbara couldn't help the snort she made. Whilst Bruce might die inside looking at it, and whilst many of the others would tease her relentlessly, she'd readily admit the red bat acting as the 'S' was absolutely adorable, especially when it had those two little eyes.

"Well, come on, try yours!" Kara's grin turned mischievous. "You have to, since you said yes."

Barbara was hesitant when she saw the skirt. "Really? What'd you do with the pants?"

"It's better if we're matching, and the station's always too hot for you. I remember you saying that's why you hacked the conditioner. So, a skirt's best."

"You really had one of your suits coloured the way I like... and no cowl?"

Kara pouted. "Well, no. You can't wear your mask, silly. It's a costume party, not a mission. There's nobody to hide from." She came closer, hovering so that she was the same height as Barbara, and reached up to tap at her cheeks. "I think the party's already started. We don't wanna be too late."

"You could fly us there."

That earned a grin. "I liked how you held your arms out like I do."

"I didn't need to hold on. I trusted you enough not to let me fall." Barbara pulled on the skirt after she'd discarded her sweatpants, and then she pulled on the matching top, which was much like Kara's own, save for the lack of an S and the addition of a red bat with a blue edge to it.

"Do the cape," Kara urged.

Barbara turned her back towards her friend and looked over her shoulder. "You do it. I can't see it."

"Okay." Kara did, and then her hands rested on Barbara's hips.

The redhead blinked. "Uhm, what's the holdup, Kara?"

"I don't like it," Kara muttered.

That earned a genuine laugh from Babs. "You're the one who got these. What's wrong with it?"

"Well..." Kara turned Barbara around, and she reached up and adjusted the collar. Her hand went over the chest-piece, and she traced the bat with her index finger. "The red's off. I think they used a different shade."

Barbara squinted her eyes. "Are you sure?" She picked it up a portion of the cape and looked it over closely, before her attention fell on the top itself. "It seems the same to me."

"It's not. And I don't like how the blue looks."

"You're picky," Barbara laughed. "It's fine, it's fine. I'll wear it. Nobody else will notice the difference, anyway."

"But I will," Kara batted her eyes.

Barbara was amused, but all the same, she shook her head.

That earned a stubborn 'Fine' then Kara scooped her up, and took off down the hall, much to Babs' giggling delight.

Barbara couldn't help the colour that came to her cheeks once Kara had seen them arrive, and she'd gotten her own attention from the crowd.

Artemis and Megan were the first to notice, and the former was quick to point them out to the others, whilst the latter made a beeline towards them.

"Oh my god, you two are the cutest thing I've ever seen," she gushed over them, and her eyes were bright as she took in their appearances. "We have to take a picture. Conner! Get the camera!"

Superboy had heard her, and was already on his way with it.

Before Barbara could say so much as a word, Kara returned the comment. "You and Conner are cute, too! I love your matching costumes!"

"Thanks, Kara," Megan smiled.

"Here's the camera," Conner said, handing it to Megan — but not before he shared a glance with his wife and turned to grin at Kara.

The pair were trouble… but Babs supposed in that manner, they were perfect for one another.

"Smile!" Megan instructed, and both did as told, and then the flash went off. Megan checked the screen and showed them the image. "We should put this up in the common room."

"I think we should."

Barbara's attention went to the person who'd spoken; Wally.

She raised a brow. "Did you dress up as yourself?"

"What? This?" He gestured to his clothes, and his grin turned playful. "Why, Babs, you've hit the nail on the head. How'd you know I'm the Flash? My secret identity is still safe, right?"

"You're a dork," she laughed.

"Barbie, be nice," Kara chided.

Wally grinned. "Barbie? I knew you two were close, but is it like, that kind of clos—oof! Artemis, that hurts."

"I'll hit you harder next time, so keep your mouth shut," the blonde warned, glaring at her boyfriend.

Babs wasn't sure why, but something about the way he'd spoken made her blush, and she looked away, trying to find anything, anyone, else to focus her attention on.

Her eyes caught the sight of Tim, and she felt her face redden more.

He was dressed in a tuxedo with Wondergirl — Cassie — in a matching white dress.

The two of them were talking and laughing, and Barbara had the distinct feeling she was intruding on a private moment.

She turned her gaze back to the present company she was keeping, and couldn't contain a smile when she was handed a copy of the only just-taken picture.

It was a good moment, and it was a nice change, to not worry about villains or missions or schoolwork or her father and his health, and instead just enjoy a party, with a bunch of people her age… give or take a decade.

A few minutes passed, and Megan left their little group to tend to something else, but Conner stayed by her side, and Barbara took note that his eyes hadn't left the Martian woman since her departure.

She smiled, and bumped him lightly.

"What?" He asked, glancing down at her.

"You're staring," she informed him, and she couldn't help the amusement in her tone.

"That's my wife. I have to stare to make sure she hasn't changed her mind about me."

She snorted. "As if she ever could."

He shrugged, and a smile played at his lips.

But Kara wanted Babs' time for herself, and soon, she took her away, leading her towards the kitchen.

"Food!" She announced, her voice a mix of excitement and triumph.

Barbara laughed, but she couldn't deny that the prospect of food was more than appealing.

"Now you'll eat, huh?" Barbara prodded, amused.

Kara pouted. "Is this about the night I cuddled you?"

Barbara couldn't contain a chuckle. "Maybe," she teased, and moved her eyes from the other woman's.

"Well... well," Kara stammered, and then, with a sudden determination, she continued, "well, maybe if you'd cuddle me again, I'll eat then. We could put it to the test now. There were plenty of empty couches

Barbara was surprised at the bluntness, but she found that she didn't dislike it, and the idea didn't bother her, not as she thought it might have.

"Okay," she said, and she felt her heart skip a beat, but didn't think much of it, as Kara's eyes lit up, and her smile returned.

"Aren't they adorable?" Kara's voice drew Barbara from where she watched Conner and Megan dancing near to Tim and Cassie, and Artemis and Wally.

"Mhmm." Barbara couldn't help a yawn. "Do you—"

"Want to dance? Of course! Come on, Barbie, let's have some fun!"

Barbara didn't fight it when Kara pulled her up. She was tired, but a bit of dancing with her friend was the perfect way to end the night, and she didn't protest.

Kara had always been a good dancer, and with her powers, her steps were light and easy, and the rhythm she led Barbara with was just as pleasant.

"Are you having a good time?"

"Yeah," Babs said, smiling.

"I'm glad," Kara replied, and her grin was wide and earnest. "I told you coming would be fun. And did you see how jealous Roy and Dick were? They were practically drooling over you in that costume."

"What?"

"They were jealous. You looked so beautiful, Barbie. Like, even more than usual."

"Stop teasing," Barbara muttered, feeling her face burn.

"I'm not. You were, and they couldn't stop looking at you. I wanted to throw something at their heads. But…"

"You wanted me all to yourself?"

Kara grinned. "Uh huh."

"That's so selfish, Superbrat."

"It is," Kara said, unapologetically.

"Good thing you have me."

"Good thing."

The two paused and looked at one another… and very promptly, Barbara found her back pressed to the wall.

She didn't know who moved, but she didn't mind it, either, and when she looked into the blue eyes before her, she didn't hesitate.

Their lips met, and everything seemed to slow around them.

But reality caught up with them, and the kiss broke.

"Was that okay?" Kara asked, sounding concerned as her blue eyes went over Barbara's face.

"It… was unexpected."

"Really?" The tone of voice Kara used was so incredulous, that Barbara couldn't help the snort.

"Yeah," Babs said.

Kara blinked at her. "I don't think I can go fast enough to take it back."

"Good," Barbara said, a boldness overtaking her. She reached for the other woman and 'pulled' her back, for a side-hug. "And I guess it was a bit obvious, in hindsight. Especially considering we did the whole matching costume thing.

"Yeah?" Kara was grinning.

"Yeah. It was cute."

"Like us?"

Barbara was amused. "I guess."

"Aw, come on, Barbie. Admit it, you like me."

"I like you," she confirmed, and then, more softly, added, "I think you knew that. Maybe I just needed the push to show it, myself."

"Well, good," Kara said, and she was grinning. "Because I like you, too, Barbie." She saw them start moving once more, the dance and those nearby previously forgotten, now slowly registering in their minds once more.

Barbara had to thank somebody — anybody — for the lack of any of the others noticing their little exchange, but she also felt the need to get them somewhere a little more private.

"Do you wanna..."

"Get out of here and continue this conversation in your rooms? Yes! We can eat the pizza Tim ordered earlier, too."

"He ordered pizza?"

"Yeah. He asked what kind of pizza you liked, and I told him. I know my Barbie."

"That's sweet."

"Uh huh." Kara grinned. "Come on, let's fly there."

Barbara had barely wrapped her arms around Kara's neck when they'd taken off. And the pair was gone before any of the others could realise.

Chapter Text

Barbara was prowling the rooftops of Gotham with one goal in mind; taking down the bottom-feeder criminals that'd started to crop up recently. With so many of the Justice League and sub-groups distracted by the new threats that'd pop up, and most others always on a mission, there were less heroes on the streets, and she had a city to protect.

Most of her family save for Stephanie and Cassandra were gone, or busy, or had gone solo. Dick preferred Bludhaven, Tim was off in Europe, and Bruce had taken a sabbatical with the expecting Selina, and was off who-knew-where, doing who-knew-what. Really, she preferred not to think.

With a sigh, she took aim, and shot her grappling hook out and up, and when she felt it catch, she used the momentum to swing forward.

The familiar feel of the air rushing past her, the sound of the hook retracting and the cord reeling back, it was a feeling she'd grown so accustomed to that she didn't know if she could stop being a hero, or a vigilante, or whatever she was, really. There was something too thrilling about being out in the air, about the rush of adrenaline, the feeling of knowing you could fall, and yet being so confident you knew you wouldn't.

She shot another line out at a billboard on a twenty-or-so story building, and once again, used the momentum. This time, however, rather than coming to a halt and seeing herself climb up, she used the propellent the belt had to fly her up, past her grappling hook.

With a noisy flap, the cape she wore on her back connected to her arms, and spread; her flight began, and a moment later, she was gliding along the air currents, looking around the city, searching.

There were people milling about regardless of the time of day or night in Gotham, and that was never more evident than when she or the others would be high above. Like at present, she could see a crowd on a street corner, and, out of curiosity, she flew down a touch to investigate.

Upon her approach, however, she realised the group wasn't a threat. Tapping into their communications and the nearest CCTV camera revealed they were just obsessing over some sort of game, and were waiting for the results to come through.

It was amusing, but also a little sad, too.

If they remained so unaware, even with her and the others in the city, they'd never be safe.

Goons of the larger criminals and gangs would pick them off and use them as bait or for their own sick enjoyment.

The thought left a bad taste in her mouth.

With a shake of her head, Barbara shot her grappling hook out, and, saw herself higher. Wayne Tower wasn't too far off, but she opted to stay away from that. Mister Fox was a nice man, and was willing to overlook the whole Batfamily's use of his facilities, but she wasn't going to press her luck by grappling the building.

When she reached the height of her arc, she pulled the cape back, and flew along again... until a gust of wind stronger than most she'd ever felt took hold.

At first, the shock had her dropping the cape, and falling.

"No, no, no!" She struggled for her grapple, and took out a reverse thruster that'd stop her if she neared the ground at a rate higher than ten miles per hour.

But then a pair of arms wrapped around her waist, and she was pulled into a firm, strong, familiar embrace.

"Hi Barbie!"

"Kara?!" Barbara's heart was hammering against her chest, and the fear was still there, but with the girl of steel's presence, her panic began to subside to be replaced by a spike of annoyance. She tried to turn in the other girl's grasp, but failed, and so, with a sigh, she let her arms go around Kara's neck. "Don't you have your own city to take care of? I thought Metropolis was your turf."

"Eh." Kara shrugged. "I'm not as involved with that place as you guys are with Gotham. Clark's around. He's the face, anyway."

"So you just decided to come and help me?" Barbara's eyes narrowed, but the effect was lost due to her mask.

"Yeah," Kara answered. "And I brought you a present... and maybe I wanted a little time to spend with you, too."

Barbara couldn't help the smile that came, or the way her annoyance had evaporated. "I guess you can hang around for a bit, then. I was nearly done patrol anyways — Steph and Cass are doing the night's second rounds, and then we're meeting back at the tower."

"We could always go get dinner," Kara suggested.

"At two in the morning?"

"Sure, why not?"

Barbara let out a laugh at the other girl's constant energy. "Alright, you convinced me."

"Awesome." Kara grinned and ever so lightly squeezed Barbara's waist. "I know a good place — hold on tight, Barbie. We're going in fast."

Before Barbara could even reply, or ask where they were going, or tell the girl not to call her Barbie in public, the wind picked up and the city blurred and all she could do was squeeze her eyes shut.

The pair had found themselves in a little diner just outside the city, and the waitress that'd greeted them was a short blonde woman with an easy smile and an accent Barbara had trouble placing. She was polite and kind, and, for the life of her, Barbara couldn't figure out where the girl had come from.

"You can call me Maggie," she said. "I'm new here."

Barbara felt... odd, picking up food in uniform, but Kara had assured her that, no matter what, people were always willing to look the other way when it came to their heroes. Besides, 'you wear a mask' had been the excuse Kara had given, and that'd been enough to convince her.

"Here are your orders, ladies," Maggie said as she returned to the table. "You said to-go, right? Is there anything else I can get you? Oh, and, uh, Batgirl, could I... can I get an autograph, or something? For my niece?"

"Oh, sure." Barbara wasn't going to say no to the request. She didn't see the harm in a few little autographs or selfies every now and then, especially when the fans were being nice. "What's your niece's name?"

"Nadia," Maggie replied.

"Is she a big fan?"

"Oh, yes." Maggie smiled, and Barbara could tell it was sincere. "She adores Batgirl. I think it's because, you know, she's the only girl that's in the main line-up. The boys are all so..."

"Boys," Kara said with a nod.

Maggie's smile widened. "Exactly." Her eyes went to Kara then, and she tilted her head. "You're shorter than I thought, meaning no offense, Supergirl."

Barbara couldn't stop the snort that escaped her.

"None taken," Kara assured, her tone dry as she prodded Babs' flank. "Barbie, you're so mean."

"You called me Barbie!"

Maggie blinked, and the surprise on her face was evident. Then, the woman laughed. "I shoulda known you had nicknames. You're people, just like the rest of us." She turned then, and started for the kitchen, calling out as she went. "Be right back with a treat for you girls. Don't go anywhere, okay?"

Kara and Barbara exchanged a glance.

"She's a strange one," Kara said.

"She seems nice, though."

"That's true."

"So," Barbara leaned forward, her elbows on the table, and her chin on her hands as they waited, "why'd you really come here, Kara?"

Kara shrugged, and leaned forward, and rested her arms on the table in the same fashion she had. "I wanted to see you." It was that simple, and the look in her blue eyes said as much.

Babs had to look away.

"Thanks for the fly, Kara." Babs said as she flopped back, and let her head rest on her pillow. "And the food."

"Of course." Kara hovered for a moment, and then sat on the edge of the bed. "What're girlfriends for, right?"

"Right." Barbara couldn't help the small little giggle that slipped free. "But don't tell Steph. She's been bugging me about what's going on between us for ages."

"I think she knows," Kara said, sounding amused. "Cass, too. Their hearts go a little crazy when they're around us, you know. Well, not so much Cass, but Stephanie gets all giddy whenever she sees us together."

"Really?" Barbara raised a brow.

"Mmhmm."

"Huh."

Kara scooched backwards, wiggling her way under the covers and moving her arms to rest her head on Barbara's shoulder, and, with a contented sigh, she settled down. "Feed me?"

"Feed yourself."

"Barbie." Kara whined, and nuzzled her cheek.

"Kara," Babs answered, her tone dry, and then, despite herself, she reached over and opened a bag, and took out a few fries. Gently, she nudged Kara, and the Kryptonian was quick to open her mouth.

When she lowered them down, Kara nibbled at them, and gave a lick at her fingertips, and the action made Barbara laugh.

"You should be Bratgirl, not me. Harley's wrong as usual."

"No, she's not."

Barbara's eyes met Kara's own.

"You're very bratty," Kara said with a giggle.

Barbara didn't have a chance to respond.

Kara's lips pressed against her own, and the kiss was chaste, and, despite her surprise, Babs found herself reciprocating.

They stayed like that, locked together, until, eventually, they parted.

"What was that for?" Were the first words that left her, and even though her cheeks had flushed and her heart was beating rapidly, Barbara found herself curious.

"A kiss," Kara said. "Because I wanted to."

"Oh."

Kara's expression grew concerned. "I'm sorry, did I upset you?"

"No," Barbara was quick to assure.

"Good."

"You, uh..." Barbara had to avert her gaze. "You want to kiss me again?"

"Do you want to kiss me again?"

"Uh." Babs hesitated, and then nodded.

"Good." Kara's tone was playful, and then, just as she had before, she leaned forward, and pressed their lips together.

And, just as before, Barbara found herself kissing her back, and this time, her hand came to rest on the other girl's cheek.

This time, they parted slowly, and when their eyes met, both were smiling.

"I like this," Babs admitted.

"Me too." Kara's cheeks were pink.

"Kara."

"Yeah, Barbie?"

"Are we... fully official?"

"Fully! Officially!"

Barbara snickered, and she gave the girl's cheek a pat. "You're silly, Kara."

"And you're very pretty, Barbie."

That comment made her blush… but then the tv turned on, and they were interrupted by the noise.

"Oops," Kara murmured, her attention shifting from Barbara to the screen. "I think I did that."

Babs watched her reach under her butt and retrieve the remote. "We can watch another movie, if you want."

"No, no. You've gotta sleep." Kara set the remote down and cuddled up next to her. "Goodnight, Babs… one more kiss?"

This time, she laughed. Kara had a way of making her happy, and she couldn't help the little rush of affection. "Goodnight, Kara," Barbara said, and then, ever so gently, she kissed her.

She could get used to this.

That following morning saw Barbara wake to find Kara cuddled close.

She couldn't help the smile that came; it was the best wake-up call, and the fact that the two had gotten so close in such a short period of time was... well, it was exciting.

Her fingers moved through the soft, blonde locks, and she felt a rush of joy and excitement, and...

"Morning Barbie!"

She jolted when the girl spoke.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Only a few seconds," Kara giggled. "I didn't wanna interrupt your petting. It felt really good."

"You could have told me you were awake."

"But I was enjoying your touches," Kara answered. "They're soothing."

Babs could feel her cheeks flush, and made to roll out of the bed, but a strong pair of arms held her still.

"Not yet," Kara murmured, her nose pressing into the crook of Barbara's neck. "Pretty please?"

"Fine," Babs sighed, a smile coming onto her lips as her arm slipped around the girl's back. "Five minutes, and then I'm up. Okay?"

"Mhmm."

It was near an hour before the pair would truly rise.