#elmayarafest

[starswouldtell]

One Year

This was written for the “take my hand” prompt for @elmayarafest. Come participate and enjoy!

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"Where are we going?” Kelly laughs a little, a sleep mask over her eyes. “I thought you had to work.”

“I- I do, but I’m gonna multi-task because it’s our anniversary.” Alex says, smiling excitedly as she drives.

“Multi-task? Are we going on a stake out or something?”

“Not exactly.” She laughs and parks the car, getting out and coming around to open Kelly’s door. “You’ll see. Take my hand, alright?” And as her hand reaches out, Alex takes it gently, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Ready?”

“I am very ready.” The smile on Kelly’s face makes Alex feel giddy. She squeezes Kelly’s hand and leads her inside.

“Ok, stairs.” She leads Kelly carefully. For her part, it seems Kelly trusts Alex completely and it makes Alex wants to kiss her now right now, but she makes herself wait. “One more...Ok.”

Kelly steps into the room. “Now?”

“Now.” She takes a deep breath and watches as Kelly takes the mask off and looks around... they’re in the Tower, but Kara’s helped Alex to decorate it with hundreds upon hundreds of little white and blue Christmas lights that twinkle all around them. “Happy Anniversary, Kelly.”

The way she smiles makes Alex feel like she could float away to the moon.

“Happy Anniversary...” Kelly breathes, then turns, taking Alex’s face in her hands and kissing her.

“I- ah...” The kiss leaves her maybe just a little flustered. “With everything going on, Dreamer and Supergirl and J’onn are all posted around the city, and Brainy’s at the DEO, but J’onn and Supergirl thought maybe I could run point from here, monitor and relay things, and we can order delivery and have dinner...”

“I love this plan.”

“It’s an excellent plan.” Alex nods, both excited and relieved. “I have menus from the best places around, and I have music, so if it’s quiet we can maybe dance...”

“I love you.” Kelly’s gaze is soft, and the way she runs her fingers through Alex’s hair makes her melt.

“I love you too, Kelly...” She murmurs. “Happy One Year.”

[cyclone-rachel]

Day 10: Rain

@elmayarafest

AO3 link

~

“Oh.” Kara says softly, watching the thunderstorm going on outside the Danvers household from the window seat in her and Alex’s room. “You have rain on your planet, too. It’s very loud.”

Alex almost wants to be exasperated, like she is frequently with her new sister. Almost wants to tell her, as she has many times, “It’s our planet now, Kara.”

But today, though it’s difficult for her, she chooses to put herself in Kara’s shoes. Chooses to imagine herself as the alien refugee, far away from home, feeling lonely and adrift after her purpose for coming to Earth in the first place was taken from her.

It’s really depressing, and Alex imagines that the rain might only accentuate that, for her.

“You didn’t?” she asks.

“We did- but… it was different.” Kara answers, eyes looking far away. She shivers as thunder strikes outside. “Dangerous. My people… it’s difficult to talk about, but we did a lot of damage to our planet- the Kryptonians existed for a long time, and used up many of our resources. So much that we had to live in confined cities, safe from the wilderness around us, and the only weather we had was artificial.”

“Sorry.” Alex says.

“It’s alright, I was used to it.” Kara answers. “My parents were optimistic about those things. Said it was a good thing, that we were safe- and someday, maybe- if we had enough time- we could fix it.”

She looks down at the outside.

“I know now that they were probably lying to make me feel better.”

“Maybe they were.” Alex says, as Kara makes room for her on the window seat and she sits down beside her. “Or, maybe they weren’t lying, exactly. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t hope for the best. After all, they didn’t know what would happen to you, either- and they still sent you to look after your cousin, hoping that you would be safe and take care of him as well as you could.”

“I guess.” Kara answers. “But that didn’t really work out as planned, either.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Alex puts her hand on Kara’s shoulder.

“Hey. I know we can’t go out on the roof tonight, and watch the stars, like we usually do.” She continues. “But I’m willing to bet that the rain feels much better here than on Krypton. Want to see for yourself?”

Kara looks at her with a questioning expression, before Alex stands up from the window seat, and Kara slowly follows her.

“Maybe afterwards, I can show you how to make hot chocolate.”

“What’s that?”

Alex smiles.

“Come with me, and you’ll find out.”

(She does, and when they do go downstairs, Kara steps outside- returning not only damp, but with a cat that she found out in the rain.

Kara and Alex have to make their hot chocolate faster than Alex wants to, so they can make sure they get back upstairs as soon as possible and keep Eliza and Jeremiah from seeing the cat.

But seeing how both of those things cheer Kara up, Alex knows they’re worth it.)

[starswouldtell]

Purr

A little baby Kara and Streaky. Written for the @elmayarafest “between you and me” prompt. _________________________________________________

Kara pets the cat slowly, gentle; just like she’s practiced. She can feel the vibration of his purr like a tickle against her skin and she smiles, drawing the cat carefully into her lap.

“Hi, Streaky. Do you like that name?” She whispers, laughing a little as he headbutts her lightly, nuzzling, purring. 

Purring means they like you.

Slowly she hugs him, and the purring doesn’t stop; he seems happy in her arms and she beams as she rests her cheek against his soft head.

It’s ok. Everything’s ok.

“Do you wanna know a secret...?” Her voice is hushed but she thinks the cat is listening. “Between you and me... I’m not from this planet.” Unbidden, tears spring to her eyes, a lump rising in her throat that she swallows down. “I don’t really have any friends here, but maybe... do you wanna be friends?”

Streaky looks up at her and mews, then snuggles in again, rumbling with his purr. Through her tears, Kara smiles.

“Thank you.” She breathes. “I’m glad we’re friends.”

[starswouldtell]

Just Wanted to Say I Love You

For the @elmayarafest “I love you” prompt I present three 100 word Dansen drabbles of times Alex and Kelly said “I love you” without the words. _________________________________________________

Kelly gets to Alex's apartment late. It's been a long day at work, looking into particularly intense reactions to Obsidian's virtual world. There's a light on in the kitchen and a folded paper on the counter with Kelly's name written in green. Smiling softly she picks up the card, reading Alex's familiar handwriting.

Wake me up when you get home-- I got a bottle of your favorite wine and that chocolate cake you like from the bakery on the corner; both in the fridge. I wanna hear about you day.

Kelly smiles softly, going to wake Alex with a kiss.

---

Alex is nervous, which is silly because it's just a swing dance lesson at a community center, right? Kelly looks beautiful, and everyone seems nice, but Alex is nervous and why am I sweating? I've been through the actual end of the world!

Kelly slips her hand into Alex's, threading their fingers together and smiling warmly. Her nose crinkles in that cute way it does sometimes and then she squeezes lightly (even though Alex is sure her palm is probably clammy).

"How about I lead to start?" Kelly offers gently.

"That sounds perfect." Alex breathes and Kelly kisses her cheek.

---

Kelly takes the middle seat on the flight to Midvale, so Alex can sit unbothered by the window. There will be time later to talk about Alex's time in the virtual world (if Alex wants to talk about it) but for now they're quiet, both conscious of the weight of grief.

Alex's head comes to rest on Kelly's shoulder, and Kelly shifts her arm so she can stroke Alex's hair, pressing a kiss into it and speaking softly.

"If you fall asleep and they come around with snacks, do you want anything?"

"Cookies?"

"As many cookies as they'll give me."

[starswouldtell]

Walk With Me

It’s baby’s first try at Zorane (Superbat)! I hope the ladies feel accurate- I really enjoy this ship and was pretty nervous to try my hand at it; especially since I’ve only tried writing Kate once. This was written for the “walk with me” prompt for @elmayarafest. This is a Part I; Part II happens to be tomorrow’s prompt. _________________________________________________

“Hey, take a walk with me?” Kara asks Kate softly. Alex has fallen asleep on the couch, and the movie is over; Kate is gathering up the remnants of wine and snacks. “I can get that when we get back, just let me write a quick note for Alex in case she wakes up.” Kara smiles wanly, finding some paper.

Kate puts down the wine bottle and goes to stand a little awkwardly by the door. She knows being here is doing her good after-... after everything; she knows Kara can get her back to Gotham fast if Luke spots an emergency; she even knows she’s managed to make it a working visit, making important philanthropic connections in National City, and yet she can’t shake the feeling she doesn’t deserve it; normalcy, food and wine with friends, feeling herself smile at Kara’s contagious laughter as they watch a comedy favorite of hers... Not when she still hears Alice (Beth) screaming Don’t leave me! as she walks away every time she dreams.

Kara takes Kate’s arm gently, stirring her from her thoughts, and leads her out of the apartment, down the stairs, and out into cool night air. National City at night is so different from Gotham, and not just because the Maiden of Might; the Paragon of Hope, has slipped her arm through Kate’s. The whole character of the city is different... National City is vibrant. Gotham is dangerous.

I’m trying to make it better...

“Do you wanna talk about it?” Kara asks, squeezing Kate’s arm gently. “About your sister...?”

“Not tonight.” Kate says after a long moment. She’s heard now of so many of Kara’s own trials. She knows Kara would understand. She knows Kara would forgive the things Kate has done too; give her comfort, give her a hug...

But Kate isn’t ready. Not yet.

“Can I do anything?” Kara’s voice comes softly, and Kate feels a tingle of warmth in her chest; both immense gratitude and deep affection for Kara Danvers.

“Just walk with me?” Her eyes meet Kara’s, and the Kryptonian nods.

“Ok.”

So they walk, and Kate puts a hand over Kara’s, and she finds she feels a sweet sense of being safe. They go a few blocks, then circle back, Kara pointing out the restaurants she likes, and telling Kate the things she has to try some visit or another. Soon they’re back at Kara’s building and they go up the stairs to her loft, but outside the door Kate pauses. Slowly she turns to Kara and, leaning in, she kisses her forehead, lingering briefly then drawing back. Kara’s smile is tender, as is her hand on Kate’s cheek as she draws her in for a gentle kiss of her own.

[starswouldtell]

Up, Up, and Away

Playing with the idea of XTC for this little short. Thanks to @cyclone-rachel for letting me bounce ideas off of her until I got something that felt right. This was written for the “I’ll be right here” prompt for @elmayarafest. _________________________________________________ 

“Are you ready?” Querl asks softly, warmly; kneeling at XTC’s level and watching with amusement as she bounces on the tips of her toes. Kara grins as their daughter nods eagerly.

“Are you coming?” XTC asks hopefully.

He’s monitoring everything he can, working to understand how his Coluan biology mixed with Kara’s Kryptonian comes to play in their daughter; making sure that her technological facets don’t faulter. This girl they’ve made is singular, unique, and they are both of them determined to keep her safe.

“I’ll be right here beside you.” Querl promises, smoothing her hair and rising to stand.

Today is a particularly special day in better understanding their daughter... From the moment XTC began exhibiting powers she’s been eager to experiment with this one.  

“Up, up, and away?” Kara beams.

“Up, up, and away.” XTC breathes.

Their girl takes her hand, then Querl’s, and together they take to the sky.

[starswouldtell]

Begin Again

A little Dreamerdox fluff, taking place sometime after the post Bottle Episode truth has come out and things are ok again between Brainy and his friends. For the @elmayarafest “kisses” prompt. _________________________________________________

“Remember before, how I said I like poetry?” Nia murmurs, her head tilting to one side as Brainy noses her neck lightly before kissing the same spot. “I like this better...”

“You know, I still have all the poems,” She can feel him smile against her skin; can practically see it. “I could multitask, I just need to get the book...”

“If you move, I will tackle you.” Nia laughs. “One thousand kisses is better than one thousand poems, anyway.”

“I’ll start counting.”

“You do that.” Her hand brushes his green one and she leans back against him, content in his arms. His nose brushes her cheek lightly and she breathes a happy sigh.

“Doled out slowly or all at once?” His voice in her ear sends a sweet sort of shiver up her spine.

“Mm... slowly.” She breathes.

“Nine hundred and ninety-seven kisses remaining...”

Another laugh bubbles up from her and she snuggles into him. “You don’t have to be totally exact about it...”

“Now I’ve lost count. Shall I begin again?” His eyes crinkle at the corners and she touches his cheek, kissing his lips softly.

“Yes, please.”

“I missed you, Nia...” He whispers. “So much.”

“I missed you, too.” Nia answers.

It feels good to begin again.

[starswouldtell]

There is Magic in the World

A quiet moment with Querl and Kara. This was written for the “seasons change” prompt for @elmayarafest. _________________________________________________

It’s snowing.

In the time he’s lived there, Querl has never seen it snow in National City, but it’s been unusually cold as winter has fallen and that with the uncommon drizzle of rain...

He steps out onto the DEO balcony. The clouds make the sky all a deep grey, and at this hour even the bustling city is quiet. Flurries fall, illuminated by the lights that still glow in the night, and Querl reaches out, catching some in his hand.

He is eight again, for a moment, enchanted by the dancing flakes that swirl through the chill air and cling to him before melting away on his skin. It’s science; he has seen it many times by now, and yet there is still magic in it.

Letting out a breath in a puff of steam, he closes his eyes and turns his face up to the sky, feeling each flake as it lands on his skin and disappears. There’s something calming in it; centering.

There’s a familiar gust, then the sound of her boots touching down. He opens his eyes to see Kara beside him.

“Supergirl?” He’s admittedly surprised to see her; wonders why she’s come.

“I remembered you like the snow.” She smiles tentatively, like she’s not sure if she’s overstepping. “So I thought- ...I wanted to make sure you got to see it. I didn’t know if you’d see a text in time if you were working on something.” She knows he doesn’t sleep much.

“Thank you.” Querl says softly.

“I guess you already knew though.” Her smile goes a little sheepish.

“I’m glad you’re here.” He says honestly; showing more of himself than he knows is wise... “That we can share it.”

She brightens- beams- and Querl feels a fresh wave of gratitude and affection for her. Kara who is thoughtful, and gracious, and kind... who gets out of bed in the middle of the night to make sure he doesn’t miss a rare flurry of snow.

So they stand together and watch it fall, and for a precious few moments it feels like everything is alright.

“How are you doing, Brainy...?” Kara asks at length, looking to him. He can see in her eyes that she’s concerned; trying to give him space but still be there; not sure what it is he needs.

“Better... better now.” He answers. And in this moment it’s true. There is snow in the air, and Kara is here with him.

There is magic in the world.

There is hope.

[starswouldtell]

Lab

I did a Streaky fic, so of course I needed a Krypto fic, right? Plus it seemed like a good fit-- man’s super best friend for the “super friends” prompt for @elmayarafest. _________________________________________________

Kara doesn’t get to visit the Kent farm as often as she’d like, but after Clark’s text she’s made a point of getting out there in a hurry.

“Is everything alright?” She asks, hugging her cousin, then drawing back to look askance at him. “What did you need to show me...?”

Clark smiles and it’s somewhere between thrilled a rueful, and Kara isn’t sure what to expect. “Brace yourself.” He says, and when she nods he gives a whistle, then something streaks towards them from the field.

Kara tenses on instinct as the shape knocks her on her backside, and suddenly she’s beneath something that’s licking her face, and it’s a dog and he’s floating, and she gasps.

“Hey! Easy-” Clark sighs with an edge of sternness, lugging the animal off of her. “Sorry- The ‘brace yourself’ was literal- he- ah- needs some training.”

“Oh my gosh- how?” Kara gapes. “What?”

“Lab,” Clark says offhandedly, trying to calm the dog down; its whole body wagging with its tail. “Gentle... you have to be gentle, buddy...”

The dog whuffs and licks Clark, knocking his glasses askew.

“He doesn’t look like a lab...” She finds she can’t stop staring.

“He was made in a lab.” Clark clarifies. “Some offshoot of Cadmus. They scattered when I got there, but they left him behind... I don’t really know what breed he is, actually.” He frowns, puzzling over that.

Kara scooches close, offering her hand to the dog who sniffs it then licks; she smiles, starting to pet him. “Hi... Hi, you...” She coos, then looks to Clark. “Does he have a name?”

“Well,” Clark says, sitting back. “The boys were calling him Krypto.”

[starswouldtell]

Super Amazing

Season one babies! Here’s a little Kara and Winn fluff. for the @elmayarafest “hold me tight” prompt. _________________________________________________

“Too tight!” Winn squeaks, squirming in Kara’s arms. Kara giggles and sets him down.

“You specifically said ‘hold me!’ and jumped into my arms.”

“I was not aware how tight you could hold,” Winn grouses, rubbing his ribs dramatically.

Kara laughs again. “Come on, I didn’t squeeze you that hard!”

Winn smiles and lets up the act. “Ok, not that hard.” He relents, his gaze shifting slowly to one of wonder as he looks at her. “But you really are strong.”

“I did carry a plane last night.” Saying it out loud still makes a giddy sort of flutter in her chest.

“Which is just... so cool.” Winn breathes, and takes her hands, holding them tightly in his own. “You’re amazing. And you were already amazing, but now you’re like- super amazing- you’re a superhero.”

Kara sucks in a breath and for a moment thinks of Alex; wishes Alex had reacted like this... like...She shakes it off and gives Winn’s hands a gentle squeeze; grateful for her best friend.

“I’m gonna do this...” Saying it makes it real.

“Anything I can do, just- I’m your guy. Ok?”

And Kara smiles brightly.

“Thank you, Winn.”

[starswouldtell]

We're Halfway There

For the @elmayarafest “let’s dance” prompt, Kara and Alex finally get Brainy to come out for drinks again. Bon Jovi ensues. _________________________________________________

It’s been a couple of weeks, but they finally get Brainy to come out for drinks at the bar. It’s a first since he removed his inhibitors, and Kara’s glad to see him, but she falters somewhat when it seems he’s not particularly glad to be there.

“Maybe this is just... maybe this is Brainy now.” Alex says when Kara follows her to the bar to get drinks.

“I thought he’d be... happy.” She sighs, glancing back to where he sits at the table in the corner. “Instead it’s like he-... ” She shakes her head, chastising herself. “I’m not being fair. I know he must be processing a lot, and I don’t even know how to be there for him. I just...”

Alex touches her shoulder and gives it a comforting squeeze. “I know.” She says softly. “I’m worried about him too.”

He appears to be contemplating the plate of cheese fries Kara ordered for them to share, his face unreadable.

The bartender sets down their drinks and Kara starts to take hers when a familiar song comes on...

“Livin’ On a Prayer,” Kara says, her expression slowly lighting up. “Alex, can you hold this?” She passes off her drink, hurrying back to the table.

“Let’s dance!” She beams, and Brainy looks to her, unable to hide a moment of surprise and confusion.

“What?”

“Dance with me?” Kara tries again, then grins. “I’ve heard you have excellent rhythm.” She says in her best impression of him. Something seems to flicker in his eyes and she offers her hand hopefully. His gaze shifts from her face to her hand and back. “Do you still like this song?”

“I do.” He says softly, and after a long moment he takes her hand.

Woah, we're halfway there...

Kara suppresses the urge to jump up and down with glee and leads him to dance, twirling him, then herself; swaying to the music. When her eyes find his face again he’s smiling thinly and her heart leaps.

Take my hand, we'll make it I swear...

It's better than beating a Dominator to see her friend smile again.

[starswouldtell]

Precious

My first time writing Red Daughter; I hope it’s alright. While trying to decide what her name was in her own head, I went to brush up a little on the Arrowverse wiki because I haven’t seen season four since it aired, and was reminded that her code name was “Snowbird”, so I used that here. This was written for the “let me help you” prompt for @elmayarafest. _________________________________________________

Her favorite days are the ones when she gets to visit Mikhail. The men call her “Snowbird” so she tells him that is her name, and she can’t help but to smile when she hears him shout it the moment he spots her and Alex.

Alex says these visits are good for her. Her training teaches her to use her power, but Mikhail, he muses, teaches her restraint. He’s not wrong; Mikhail always comes running and hugs her tight, and she makes sure to hug him gently. One day he takes out his soccer ball and asks her to play, but when he kicks it to her, she kicks out and puts her foot right through the ball.

“Oh-” She takes what’s left in her hands and tries to fix it, but it’s no use.

“It’s ok,” Mikhail says gently, though she can hear the hint of disappointment in his voice. Alex watches from the house, and Snowbird feels... she isn’t entirely sure what. It doesn’t feel good. Ashamed?

“We’ll replace the ball.” Alex says, when they leave, patting the boy on the shoulder. Snowbird brightens, knowing they will make it right.

“I will see you soon.” She promises. Mikhail smiles and her heart feels lighter.

“Let me help you,” He says the next time, showing her how he kicks the new ball into a net they’ve strung up between two trees. “You’re strong,” He says sagely. “You don’t have to kick hard.”

Restraint. Just like when she hugs her friend. She nods and soon she’s smiling as she and Mikhail take turns kicking the ball into the net.

“See, you’re good!” Mikhail beams.

“Thank you.” She says, pleased. “You are a good teacher.” And she means it... she trains and trains, for duty, for Kaznia, but with Mikhail she is learning too and it fills her with... happiness. For a moment, she wishes all of her learning could be this way, but it makes time with this child that much more precious. “Thank you, Mikhail.”

“I’m happy to, Snowbird.” He says, hugging her. “You’re my friend.”

She feels a sense of warmth at his words; and gently, gently hugs him back. It is precious indeed, she thinks, to have a friend.

[starswouldtell]

A Light in the Dark

It’s some Kate musing with Kara. Written for the @elmayarafest “the sun and the moon” prompt. This prompt gave me a really hard time and I hate it (and myself for thinking it was a good idea a month ago when I wrote out all the prompts), so I hope this is alright. _________________________________________________

The people of Gotham say Batman was the night. Kate knows that, and yet she is hesitant to fully embrace the darkness... Like Bruce did, she wants to make Gotham better, but she can’t shake one question when the people look to Batwoman... haven’t they been without light long enough?

Then there is Kara, with enough hope in her to lift up the world. She is sunlight and warmth and radiance... I’ll never be that. Kate knows in her heart, and yet she cannot turn her back on all that Kara does and is; the things she stands for. Kara brings a shine to the world; hope that Kate wants to give to Gotham, though she’s made of different stuff than Supergirl.

So now Kate wonders just where she falls; not Bruce’s night, nor Kara’s light.

“Maybe you’re the moon.” Kara says one evening, while Kate tries to explain what she feels.

“Huh.” Kate murmurs, considering...

She moves through the shadows, doing what she can for her city, trying with all that she is to bring them justice, to keep them safe...

“A light in the dark.” Kara says, smiling softly.

Kate likes the sound of that.

[starswouldtell]

To Share the Ones You Love

For the @elmayarafest “you came!” prompt, it’s back to the Hogwarts AU! I was struggling with what to write for this one, then the first beat of this came to me and I remembered Alex inviting Kelly over in the “A Gift” story. So here it is- Alex introducing Kelly to her family for the first time-- a Christmas fic in April. :P _________________________________________________

“You came!” Alex says excitedly as she opens the door. The radio is turned up and the holiday music drifts out into the snowy evening. Kelly smiles, amused.

“I told you I was going to.”

“And now you’re here.” Alex takes Kelly’s hand and draws her inside. Her mom in in her favorite chair, sipping from a mug of hot chocolate; Winn, Kara, and Querl are seated on the floor around the coffee table, playing a game; Clark is on the couch with Lois, the two cozy together as they watch the game, Lois providing occasional commentary. Kelly’s brother, James, is watching intently, camera in hand- capturing candid moments of laughter; joy... And now Kelly’s here! She squeezes Kelly’s hand and leads her into the fray.

James notices them first and gets up, coming to hug his sister. “Hey,” He grins, and Kelly pushes him lightly.

“Mom keeps asking me why you don’t floo by more.” Kelly says pointedly.

James puts his hands up, grimacing. “Wow, right away.”

“Right away.” Kelly pokes him. “At least send an owl.” She puts her hands on her hips briefly, then looks to Alex and smirks. “Brothers.”

Alex smiles, then gestures to Kara who has come over, practically bouncing with excitement. “This is my sister, Kara,” “I’ve seen you at school,” Kelly smiles warmly, hugging Kara easily. “It’s nice to actually meet you.”

“You too!” Kara chirps, squeezing Kelly eagerly, then beaming at Alex, drawing back for Eliza to give Kelly a gentler hug.

“I’m so glad you could make it. Make yourself at home-- dinner should be ready in about a half hour, but there’s cookies, and some snacks if you’re hungry.”

“That sounds great.” Kelly nods earnestly, taking off her coat which Alex hurries to take and hang while Kelly goes to greet Lois and Clark, Kara introducing Winn and Querl happily.

Alex takes a breath as she watches and finds herself smiling softly.

The best Christmas gift, she thinks, is finally sharing all of them with each other.

[starswouldtell]

Brainy

Full disclosure: I know very little about the Legion of Superheroes outside of what the show has given us, but this thought came to me and I followed it. I hope my version of Nura Nal is enjoyable. This could be read as a follow-up to Hope; it’s not directly related to what I explored there, but they work as a timeline together for my thoughts on Brainy in his early days with the Legion. This was written for the “finding family” prompt for @elmayarafest. _________________________________________________

“You know,” Nura says (she’s sitting in his chair, her knees drawn up so she can rest her chin on them) “when I had my first dream about you, it wasn’t just about you becoming a hero.”

“Was is not?” Querl answers distractedly; across the table from her he’s working on a smaller force field generator. It’s delicate work but he finds he doesn’t mind her company and maybe even enjoys the chatter.

“That wasn’t all.” He can hear the smile in her voice and finally looks up at her.

“I see.” It’s extremely probable she wants him to ask what she dreamed, but he stays silent- a bit of a game to see how long it will be for her to come out with it.

“Don’t you wanna know what else?”

“I assume if you want me to know you’ll tell me.” Querl smirks, looking back to his work.

Nura rolls her eyes but smiles. “I dreamed of you finally feeling pride in your family.” 

At that, Querl frowns, looking to her again. “Pride? In my ancestors?” There’s nothing heroic in that... the thought alone makes him uneasy; he thinks of all that his father feared in him-- all that the galaxy fears...

Nura sets her feet on the floor, scooching forward and folding her arms on the table. “Family doesn’t have to be blood. Sometimes-... sometimes it’s people you choose.”

“I see...” Querl murmurs, considering that.

“...What I’m saying is... you have a family here. If you want it.” Nura offers softly. “I hope you know that.”

His eyes meet hers and after a moment he speaks. “I- Thank you, Nura.”

“Anytime, Brainy.” She says with a smile, before getting up and heading out of the lab.

Querl peers after her. Brainy...?

But Nura was smiling; calling him family in spite of his blood; accepting him for all that he is.

Brainy...

He doesn’t hate it.

[starswouldtell]

But if the Light is Left in You

A moment of hope in the Darkest Timeline. We didn’t really see how the fight between Nia, Kelly, Alex and Brainy ended... I decided it went something like this. Written for the @elmayarafest “from darkness to light” prompt. _________________________________________________

Nia smooths Brainy’s hair, his head resting in her lap... she doesn’t know what will happen when he wakes; who he will be. She prays silently that she was able to counteract what Lena’s done; bring back the Brainy she knew; her friend who was brave and good and who thought she could be a hero.

She blinks as a tear splashes down onto his cheek and wipes her eyes, not having realized she’s started to cry; swallows hard and brushes the droplet from his skin, going still when he shifts slightly with a soft sound.

Please come back... come out of the darkness...

Alex takes a wary stance, vigilant. Kelly is equally watchful, her gaze weary, anxious.

“Brainy...?” Nia’s voice comes softly.

“Nia Nal...” He murmurs, his eyes opening slowly. “You’ve gotten much stronger...”

Nia sucks in a breath. Hopes.

“How do you feel?” She tries to keep the quaver from her voice. Alex’s lips press together.

He seems to consider the question for a long moment, his eyes flickering to Kelly, Alex, and back to Nia. Every second he doesn’t speak feels like an eternity.

“Huh...” He finally says; a soft huff of a sound, surprised, wondering.

Nia breathes in and wishes she could see what’s going through his head. Brainy sits up slowly and all she can do is gaze at him, her muscles all gone still. He closes his eyes, brow furrowing, a frown curving his lips then easing as the red glowing points on his suit flicker, turning blue, green, then softly white.

She breathes out slowly. Hopes.

“I think what I feel is... free.”

And when he smiles, Nia sees light.