#kara looks so good here....

[flowerakatsuka]

Tarot Medicos Entertainment ( 2024 )

[dancedance-resolution]

well fellas it’s happening i think i am maybe developing a crush on the girl ive been fucking recently 🫥

[noctilia]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa it's been 84 years

[natalievoncatte]

Lena tipped back the last of her scotch and savored it, letting the smooth, piquant insistence of it roll across her tongue and sting between her teeth. She’d poured herself three fingers of a thirty year old single malt from the Macallan and had tasted it every drop, letting it stay a while. Indeed she’d indulged so slowly that she was barely buzzed.

A distant memory struck her. The sting of heavy smoke in her mouth, acrid and unpleasant but as rich and complex in flavor as her single malts. The effect was ruined by her idiotic decision to breath it in rather than allow a brief visitation in her mouth before being set free into the night air. She had been thirteen and Lex had given her a puff on a cigar he’d stolen from their father’s humidor while he and Lillian were away.

“This is a Dominican,” he’d told her. “I’ll give you a Cuban when you have enough experience to appreciate it.”

She turned the glass in her hand before setting it in the sink. She thought of Lex almost every day- not the raving, incoherent loon who’d tied her to the chair or the bitter shell of a man he was when she fired five bullets into his chest, but the boy he was, about to go off to college, full of adolescent bravado that matched his genius. She thought of the man he might have been if he hadn’t let his base jealousy consume him, if he’d had enough empathy to follow a better path. Her path.

It was a hard one to walk, but-

There was a tap at her balcony door and she nearly jumped out of her skin, wheeling.

It was Kara.

Lena motioned for her to open the door and she did, stepping inside.

“Can you ever use the inside door like a normal person?”

Kara shrugged. “I went for a fly to clear my head and I ended up here.”

Lena sighed. “I was just heading to bed, darling. It’s late. Too late to watch cartoons on my couch.”

“Will you fly with me?”

Lena quirked a brow. “You know it’s not any fun for me. I really do hate flying.”

“I know but, I was just… would you?”

Lena looked at her. Kara looked back, her eyes soft, expression hopeful and fearful, inviting. It made Lena fight the urges that dogged her. She felt a need to stride across the distance between them and tuck away a few wind-tossed locks of Kara’s hair, cup a warm hand to her cool cheek, soothe the pain that always seemed to hide in her eyes, like the reflection of something dark in the gloss of a family photo.

“Okay.”

She got her jacket first to protect herself against the night chill, then wondered how to do this. She was used to Kara flying her, but it was usually after being caught from a fall or scooped from danger and whisked to safety. Casually flying hadn’t really been their thing.

She settled on looping her arms about Kara’s neck.

She hesitated. “Lena, are you sure? Your heart is beating pretty fast.”

“You won’t drop me?”

“Never.”

Lena nodded and Kara swept her arms under Lena, one arm under her knees, the other curled around her waist. Of course it was effortless- for Kara, raising a cement mixer over her head was effortless. She stepped up to the railing of the balcony and paused when Lena tensed.

Lena closed her eyes as Kara stepped into empty air. She realized that she didn’t know how Kryptonians fly; she suspected Kara didn’t know either. It just happened.

Lena kept her eyes shut. Kara flew, holding her gently but firmly. If not for the wind buffeting her, Lena wouldn’t have known she was hundreds of feet in the air.

Finally she felt the soft impact of Kara’s boots on the ground and opened her eyes as Kara lowered her to her feet.

“Where are we?”

Lena looked around. They were in a baseball diamond, probably for little league games, in a small park.

“The suburbs. No one bothers me at night if I stop here. It’s a good place to think.”

Kara walked over to the bleachers and sat down. She looked so forlorn, so terribly sad, and Lena quickly sat beside her.

Kara didn’t speak. She saw the slight tremor of Lena’s restrained shiver, and without a word unclasped her cape and swept it around Lena.

“Thanks,” said Lena. “This makes a good blanket.”

Kara smiled. “That is a blanket. Kal… Clark’s birth parents, my aunt and uncle, sent it with him to Earth. Martha made it part of his first suit. The one she made.”

Lena stared at her for a moment. She rarely spoke of her cousin, and when she did, it had an odd, detached tone to it. A kind of resentment. She sounded fond now, and familiar. Lena knew who he was, of course; once she knew who Kara was, deducing who her cousin was turned out to be a simple thing. Yet Kara had never dropped his name so casually in conversation. It was intimate. Familiar.

“Speaking of Clark,” said Kara. “He sent me a message today. He’s staying on Argo with Lois and their child. He’s not coming home.”

Kara caught herself, eyes wide. Lena waited, holding a tense breath.

“Kara, what is it?”

“I can’t remember when I started thinking of Earth as home,” said Kara. “Just like I can’t remember when I started thinking in English instead of translating my thoughts.”

Lena poked an arm out of the cape to rest a hand on Kara’s shoulder.

“You’re thinking about joining them.”

Kara looked down. “I almost did before, but I was needed here. I don’t feel needed so much anymore. There’s so many more heroes now- Bruce has a whole team he’s built, and there’s Diana now and of course Barry and Oliver and… they can handle a lot of it. I don’t even put the suit on every day anymore.”

Lena felt a terrible, frigid chill. Colder than the night, colder than death. She looked at Kara, really looked at her, lit by lamplight, a golden beauty in the dark. She was so hauntingly, achingly beautiful. Lena could still remember the feeling when she saw Kara for the first time in her office, how her face must have betrayed her. My God, who is this?

“Are you thinking about going?”

“Maybe. I’m not sure. I don’t know what to do. My people need every Kryptonian to come home and rebuild our culture and way of life. I have a sacred duty.”

Lena met her gaze levelly, feeling undone by it. Kara’s eyes were soft, full of an aching, unasked question.

“You keep talking about being needed, about duty,” Lena said. “The whole time I’ve known you it’s been about oaths and obligations and responsibilities. What do you want, Kara? What is your heart’s desire? Whatever it is, if you ask me, you deserve it. Whatever debt you think you owe the universe, you’ve paid it back in full with interest and gratuities.”

Kara looked away. “I know what I want, but I’m scared to ask for it.”

“I’ve never known you to be scared of anything.”

“I’m scared of being hurt. I’m scared of hurting someone else. What if I’m wrong? I’ve always been wrong about this one thing. I don’t want to lose you by asking the wrong question.”

Me? Lena thought. Why would…

Lena’s heart raced anew. The shock felt like she’d spilled cold water from her heart, racing down her limbs. She felt as heavy as stone and as light as a feather, and the flutter in her belly made her regret the scotch.

“I don’t want to go,” Kara sighed. “This is my home now. Krypton… Krypton is gone and it probably should be. I hope Clark can show the survivors a better way. There were a lot of things my people did wrong.”

“Kara, you can’t go. Okay? You can’t. You are needed here. I need you.”

Kara turned abruptly, eyes wide.

“Why did you wait so long?” Lena whispered.

“After everything I did, I… I was as afraid. I hurt you so much, caused you so much pain. Why would you…”

“Because you get so excited when you land on Park Place,” said Lena. “Because you sing to yourself when no one is looking. Because you’re bored to tears watching documentaries with me but you do it anyway. Because you always flex your muscles when you pop a cork from a bottle. Because you save me and cherish me and treat me like a queen, and you always have. Yes, Kara, you hurt me, but no one is perfect. I’m just as guilty.”

“What do you want, Lena? What’s your hearts desire?”

“I think you already know that and you’re just too scared to admit it.”

Kara swallowed, hard.

“Stay with me. Choose me,” said Lena.

“Can I kiss you?”

“I seriously thought you’d never ask,” said Lena.

Kara tilted in close. Sitting on the old faded wood of the bleachers with a blanket around her, she felt so young. She hadn’t been this giddy about a kiss since middle school. No; she’s never been this giddy ever, not a day in her life. Kara’s lips touched hers and despite the chasteness of it, she let out a soft moan.

Kara took it as an invitation and the kiss deepened, and she slipped under the blanket so they were both wrapped in it and her arms found Lena’s waist. When she tucked her head under Kara’s chin and pressed into her arms, she felt so safe, so sheltered. It was perfect, like finally finding home, and they were still there when the sun found them and Kara carried her into the morning sky.

[narraboths]

“You got anything to tell me about yesterday’s interview, Ponytail?”

Being cornered by one’s editor is rarely a good sign. Being cornered by a harried Snapper Carr one month into her tenure as a rookie reporter would be enough to give others nightmares for a month. Maybe ulcers. Kara, though, she’s been having a great week, and she’s not about to let anyone ruin it.

“Nope.” She pops the p a little. Something about Snapper’s moroseness always pushes her to be spitefully chipper.

“Nothing out of the ordinary?”

“Not at all.”

“Hm.” Snapper nurses the thought with that dour, toothachey look that Kara’s come to learn is directed at her just as much as it is a sign of his general displeasure with the world. He pulls out his phone, jabbing at the screen. “So do you mind explaining to me why my cub reporter is on the front page of every gossip rag from here to Metropolis as the Mystery Blonde Caught in Luthor’s Web?”

That can’t be right is immediately the tip of Kara’s tongue but it freezes there, along with the incredulous laugh threatening to burst out of her, because Snapper is shoving his phone in her face and–

“It’s not what it looks like,” she blurts out, instinctively, then winces at her own choice of words. Great save. “I was just being considerate.”

It’s true, really. She was only holding the door open for Lena as they left L-Corp (Lena was on the move the whole day, they did half of the interview in the back of her Range Rover, flitting between offices), and it only happened that Lena’s hand fell to her forearm, a completely innocent gesture, as innocent as Lena’s smile, as the way she swayed a little closer, saying thank you as she strode by. And sure, Kara may have felt mesmerized for a single, fleeting moment, suddenly so deeply flustered by the gentle weight of Lena’s hand that she almost cracked the door handle in two, but who wouldn’t? Lena Luthor just has a remarkable presence. Why are they letting paparazzi camp out at the L-Corp doorstep, anyways?

“I’ve never seen Luthor that affectionate with anyone.” Snapper eyes Kara suspiciously, his face screaming why you of all people, bumbling rookie who can barely even spell?. “I’ve never seen any of the Luthors affectionate with anyone at all.”

“Guess it’s just my natural charm, sir.” Kara flashes the most annoyingly innocent smile she can, then squares her shoulders. “Did you actually read my article?”

There’s a beat of silence, Snapper staring daggers at her. Then finally, finally, he lets out an annoyed huff.

“Of course I read it. It’s going out first thing tomorrow.” He pockets his phone, then rubs his face with a tired motion. “Make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

“You got it, boss.”

-

It happens again.

It happens again a bunch, really. (Kara at the L-Corp gala, at Lena’s table, the two of them in lively conversation, shoulders pressed together – she was telling me about L-Corp’s new green energy initiative, sir –, the fond smile and almost-teasing tone when Lena calls “yes, Miss Danvers?” at her press conference – she’s just nice! It’s not a crime! –, the candid of them on the CatCo balcony when Lena’s in house for her cover shoot, Kara gesturing excitedly and Lena leaning against the railing, hanging onto every word, a jacket two sizes too big wrapped around her shoulders – you know it gets cold out there. At least there’s no photos of her wrapping the jacket around Lena, their hands brushing together, the faint blush along the lines of Lena’s throat. That’d probably look pretty suspicious.) Snapper’s face takes on increasingly vivid shades of purplish red.

“Do we need to go over the meaning of journalistic integrity again, Danvers?”

Kara decides to take graduating from “Ponytail” as a win.

“We’re not– it’s not anything untoward,” she shoots back, arms crossed, only slightly blushing. In anger, certainly. “I’m doing my job. I grilled her on L-Corp still holding a contract with the government for anti-alien defense systems that Lex negotiated, just last week. There’s footage.”

“Yeah,” Snapper grinds his teeth so vehemently that Kara’s afraid he might crack a crown. “Footage of her hugging you in the hallway afterwards, too. What the hell were you doing?”

“She just thanked me, sir.” The vein on Snapper’s neck looks ready to burst. Kara makes a mental note to recommend meditation at a less belligerent time. “She said my question made it possible for her to make a public stance and really send a message.”

Snapper looks like he’s nearing an aneurysm.

“Hell, Danvers, that sounds even worse!”

It sounded pretty great, actually, Kara thinks, after the borderline unprofessional row they had in Lena’s office when Kara first broached the subject. It felt pretty great, too, not just Lena’s declaration, her renewed commitment to reject everything Lex and Lillian stand for, but the warmth of Lena’s pressed against her, her lips brushing against Kara’s cheek, the low murmur of “you’re such a wonderful friend” in her ear that gave her such a strange shiver. At least that much thankfully escaped the prying eyes and cameras.

“Either I don’t go near her, or CatCo continues to have the leading stories on one of National City’s most high-profile citizens.” She gives Snapper the steeliest look she can muster without letting her heat vision flare up. “And my covers are currently bringing in our biggest numbers. Sir.”

Snapper grinds his teeth again, but his shoulders sag just a touch, and Kara knows she’s won this round.

“You’re on thin ice, Danvers. Back to your desk.”

Kara complies with a grin and a thumbs up, and decides to take a break half an hour later, when Alex forwards her an article titled Bosom Buddies: Lena Luthor Out And About With CatCo Gal Pal with a subtle mix of skull, knife, and eyeroll emojis. She does save one of the photos, though, the one where Lena’s head’s thrown back in adorable, delightful laughter.

-

“Can you explain this one, Danvers?”

Snapper doesn’t look angry this time. No, he’s strangely calm, somewhat elated, even, slamming a whole bundle of newspapers down on her desk, jolting Kara out of her reverie. Half of them are National City publications, Kara vaguely notes, but there’s Metropolis and Gotham and Central City in the mix, too, as if it was the story of the century. Must be a slow news day.

“Of course, sir. I think the proper term is ‘first date’?”

To her greatest surprise, Snapper barks out a laugh, loud and gruff.

“You’re now barred from any future reporting on the Luthors or L-Corp,” he tells her, not without a touch of satisfaction. If Kara hadn’t been walking on sunshine for the past thirteen hours, twenty-eight minutes and forty-one seconds, since the first tentative press of Lena’s lips against her own, she might’ve felt a bit miffed. “Cat Grant’s setting aside a little time later in the afternoon to chew you out personally.”

Kara nods happily along. Withering tones and grim disapproval, the usual spiel, as if anything could dull that buzzing, electrifying feeling coursing through her body since last night, the weightless, feverish joy that grips her every time she thinks of Lena’s last text and everything can’t wait to see you again tonight could possibly entail.

“Yessir.”

“Congratulations, Danvers.” Snapper raps his knuckles against her desk. “Let’s spare each other the heartburn from now on.”

- 

(Kara shows up with a hickey on her neck and the headlines of Lena Luthor Packs PDA With New Girlfriend the next day. Snapper refuses to look her in the eyes for the rest of the week.) 

[fazedlight]

Alone (rift with hopeful ending, content note for self-harm)

The problem is me, Kara thought.

She collapsed to her living room floor, panting and panicked, still feeling the kryptonite in her veins as she watched her best friend try to kill her. The problem is me. I’m not supposed to be here.

“One more go?” Mxy said.

Kara didn’t answer. She shoved herself off the floor, making her way to her couch to sit down, staring at a wall as her panting began to slow.

Mxy’s brow furrowed curiously as he took a seat next to her, but Kara wouldn’t meet his eyes. So he waited, and waited, watching the kryptonian as she thought through the problem.

Finally, Kara spoke. “There’s one more reality I want to see,” she said.

“That is?”

Kara turned up to him. “I want to see the world, if I had died on Krypton.”

Mxy froze. “I can’t show you that.”

“Why not?”

“I can only show you changes in your life, your choices,” Mxy said. “I can show you the events immediately following your death. But Krypton died decades ago - I can’t show you Lena so far after.”

Kara frowned, leaning up against the couch. “Then there’s something I have to do.”

---

Lena was making tea when Kara tapped down on her balcony that evening. Though it was close to 11pm, when most of the city was preparing for bed, it seemed that sleep was alluding the Luthor just as much as it was alluding Kara.

Lena tensed as she watched Kara step into her living room - wariness and cold anger highlighting her features. Kara didn’t offer greetings or niceties, knowing that Lena would prefer she leave sooner rather than later. “I’m being given a chance,” Kara said, “To rewrite time.”

“Rewrite time?” Lena asked.

Kara’s jaw tensed nervously - a flicker as she thought about the hourglass in her suit pocket, the timepiece that Mxy had given her if she made the choice he told her not to make - before speaking again. “I am being allowed one chance to change history,” Kara said. “I can make it so that we never meet.”

Lena’s eyes widened.

“Is that what you want?” Kara asked quietly.

“Yes.”

---

Kara flew.

She didn’t say goodbye - there was no point. She told Lena the change would happen at midnight, that the Luthor will wake to a new day without having ever known Kara Danvers. No memory of her old life, no memory of the pain or betrayal. It would simply be morning.

She thought about saying goodbye to her sister, to Eliza - even to going back to Argo to see her mother. But she couldn’t bring herself to. If Alex realized something was off and dug deeper, if Eliza soothingly tried to prepare some hot cocoa, Kara wasn’t sure she could go through with what needed to be done.

Kara landed outside the Fortress, walking inside the hallowed grounds of what was the only piece of Krypton on Earth. She had thought of it all too often in the aftermath of Krypton’s destruction - how death was always in solitude, and the Fortress was as good a place as any.

She reached inside her pocket, pulling out the palm-sized hourglass - given to her by a Mxy who wanted no part in all of this, telling her she ought to smash the device instead of activating it. But Kara set it gently on the console, and sand began to flow.

She exited again, floating up to the roof of the Fortress. It was cold, dark. Not that it could penetrate her skin, as she looked up to the skies.

This is forbidden, came the idle thought, an affront to Rao.

Kara ignored the bubbling thoughts, pushing back the lump in her throat. After all, she wouldn’t really exist anymore - there would be no one to punish for any transgression she committed. A thirteen-year-old child would flee Krypton in her father’s pod, but the debris from her dying planet would ensure she’d never wake up again. The Kara that existed now would simply not, and no affront to Rao would be made.

“She’s worth it,” Kara murmured up to the stars, eyes landing on a faint red glow in the distance.

---

Idiot, idiot, idiot.

Lena had realized her error as soon as Kara left - as soon as Lena had had more than two seconds to think through the implication of we never meet.

Not haven’t met yet, not haven’t met as Kara and Lena - but to never meet at all? There was only one way to keep that sort of promise. Kara, don’t you dare…

Like a fool, she had run out the door, landing on the steps of Kara’s apartment building in the dead of night only to find that the blonde wasn’t there. Lena cursed herself as she rushed back to her condo, digging for the portal watch and praying she had enough time. The Fortress, she thought, that’s the only other place she’d be.

Lena prayed she was right as she stepped through the portal field, mentally planning on how she’d need to call Alex or Nia or anyone to find out where Kara was, before the kryptonian did something so utterly fucking stupid-

“Fuck,” Lena murmured, glancing around the ice walls. She’s not here.

More than that, the Fortress was cold. Not that those rooms were ever balmy - but the door had been left wide open, allowing an arctic breeze to send a damning chill through Lena’s bones. The North Pole is around -40 degrees, she thought, scrambling for her watch as she could feel her fingers already getting numb.

But to her relief, the cold didn’t last long - she heard the shift of the door behind her, could feel the stagnation of the wind. A heartbeat later, she turned to find impossibly warm arms around her. “Lena,” Kara murmured worriedly, “What are you doing here?”

“How is it that we never meet?” Lena pleaded, ignoring Kara’s question. “What happens that prevents us from meeting?”

Kara stilled.

“Kara-”

“You won’t remember me,” Kara said, holding her tighter, “You won’t remember this.”

“You’ll be dead!”

Lena struggled against Kara, but she could only feel the kryptonian’s infuriating hold, preventing her from going anywhere. “It won’t be much longer,” Kara said softly, turning her head to her side, “You’ll be free.”

Lena followed Kara’s gaze, her eyes landing on the Fortress console. It was then that she noticed it - the small hourglass on top, sand ticking through the narrow waist. She doesn't have much time, Lena realized, noting that Kara might only have minutes left.  “Kara, don’t-” Lena struggled again, “I don’t want you dead!”

“I don’t want you in pain,” Kara said simply. “I love you too much for that.”

Lena glanced up at Kara. You love me?, Lena thought, the seeming impossibility washing over her. She feels what I feel?

Because Lena thought she had been obvious, years ago. The flirting and the flowers and the solemn confessions - compassionately denied for a friendship instead, which Lena tried to graciously take. Even if Kara didn’t feel the same way, Lena had wanted her in her life.

But Lena saw something different in that moment - maybe a kryptonian who couldn’t cross that line while carrying secrets. 

And maybe there was hurt and pain and being wronged… but ever since the night in the very Fortress they were standing in - where Lena had once walked away after encasing Kara in toxic air, after manipulating her and stealing from her - Lena found it harder and harder to look at herself in the mirror. Is this what we’re supposed to be?, Lena wondered, two people who just hurt each other?

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Lena’s fingers slipped up Kara’s shoulders, tugging firmly on the collar as Kara turned towards her with somber blue eyes. Lena knew she could never fight arms powered by the yellow sun, couldn’t argue with the kryptonian’s foolish sense of duty. 

So she did what she wished she had done years ago. Tipping her head slightly, pushing up on her toes to counter Kara’s boots, Lena pressed her lips against Kara’s own.

The kiss was soft. Chaste. No more than soft lips meaning soft lips. Where first kisses were usually of joy or lust, there was none of that here as Kara stilled, as Lena let her work through her confusion and fear. There was only a solemn confession, and the kryptonian who was uncertain of how to accept it.

Lena broke away. “Stay with me,” she whispered. “Don’t leave me alone.”

Kara’s eyes darted between Lena’s own for a moment, until her arms finally loosened, allowing Lena to pull back. Lena watched as ambivalence crossed Kara’s face as she stepped away, but she could feel nothing but relief.

Lena turned to rush to the console, fingers reaching the hourglass as it steadily trickled along, perhaps another minute or so of sand left. Lena raised her arm and threw the timepiece to the floor, smashing fragments of glass and a spray of sand across her shoes and the icy floor. If I had been any later…

Lena shivered, and it wasn’t from the cold.

She turned up to Kara again, and the blonde smiled softly back.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Musician Age Gap AU pt 2

Kara blinks, suddenly dumbstruck. Esme's t-shirt didn't do the woman justice. Her eyes catch briefly on a sharp jawline before being captivated by warm green eyes.

"Uhm, sorry, I-- I didn't mean..." Kara struggles with her words in a way she hasn't in years. "Are you--?"

"Yup," Lena confirms with a drawl, but her smile doesn't leave her lips. "Do I need to call security?"

"What? No! No, of course not, I didn't mean to barge-- I swear I wasn't looking for you."

Lena accepts the blithering answer at face value. "Good. It would be to have you thrown out before the show."

Sure enough, underneath her gray zip up hoodie Kara spies a flash of a silver bedazzled dress.

"I mean. For the record, you should." As soon as she says it, Kara picks up steam, suddenly angry on the artist's behalf. "I shouldn't have been able to get anywhere close to you---"

"It's okay," Lena assures her. "You don't look the type to be looking for an autograph."

Kara huffs, but finds a small smile creeping over her face. "No," she confirms. "I got lost."

One of Lena's eyebrows lifts.

"Well, first I got locked in the stairwell. Which is against code, by the way. And *then* I got lost."

Lena smirks, picking up her phone and typing out a short message. "Security," she explains.

"Oh."

"They'll be able to help you find your way better than I can."

Relief floods Kara, and then a thrill of excitement when Lena's smile broadens to a grin.

"You here with someone?"

Kara nods. "My goddaughter, Esme. She, uh.... she loves you. Rather a lot, actually."

"Tell her hi for me."

"I will-- oh! Shit, you've got a signal down here!" Kara fumbles her phone and her ticket, and in her rush to fire off a note to Esme promising to be there soon, doesn't notice when the ticket slips from her palm.

"Sorry," Kara rambles. "Damn. She's probably eaten all the nachos by now."

At that, Lena laughs, just as a hulking figure appears in the doorway behind Kara. "Yes, ma'am?"

"Hi Ryan," Lena greets, voice still full of mirth. "Miss, uh..."

"Danvers. Kara Danvers," Kara blurts.

"Miss Kara Danvers here got a little turned around. Would you mind showing her to where she needs to go?"

"Of course, ma'am."

Lena nods approvingly. When her gaze returns to Kara, Kara can't help but notice the brief glance that flicks over her, and the consequent blush that blooms in the younger woman's cheeks.

"I've got fifteen until places," Lena tells her. Her voice is smooth and low, velvet in the cinderblock room. "I'm sorry we can't chat more, but I'm sure Esme is worried about you."

Kara nods, swallowing. "Right. Um... thank you."

"My pleasure." Lena's crinkle at the corners. "Lovely to meet you."

"You too," Kara issues, turning to follow Ryan out the door and into the hall. It's not until the door shuts behind them that Kara realizes how hard her heart is thumping, or the tremble in her fingers.

"Jesus," she mutters, giving her hand a shake.

"Which level, Miss Danvers?"

"Second mezzanine, restrooms near the food vendors."

Ryan escorts her until Kara spots Esme, at which point he departs with her thanks. Esme dashes towards her, eyes wide. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Kara promises, giving her a hug. "Just got turned around. Sorry for taking so long."

"Come on!" Esme urges, already moving on from the subject. "We've got to get to our seats!"

Kara trails closely behind her goddaughter as they move towards the stands, but her thoughts remain with the raven haired woman two flights below.

Maybe tonight would be special after all.

[nightwingbb]

Have any jondami headcons?

Also a fan of your ao3! Your fic are really good!

oh, anon, so, so many. but here are a few:

before jon, damian never slept all that well. he was a light sleeper and could never really sleep through the night, often because of nightmares. damian was genuinely confused when he suddenly started sleeping through the night after jon began spending the nights at damian's. it took him three months to realize that it was because jon was there that he was sleeping better.

damian is picky about music. jon will listen to just about anything and keeps a running playlist titled "damian approved songs." when they're listening to jon's music, if damian indicates he likes a song, jon adds it to the playlist.

when jon first got a phone forever ago, damian added him as a contact under "jon kent" and never bothered changing it because why would he? that was jon's name. years later, after they'd gotten together, jon finally noticed that he didn't even get so much as an emoji next to his name. the outrage! he grabbed damian's phone and changed his contact name to "the love of my life and my #1 favorite person." damian left it like that for a few weeks until one way or another, stephanie saw it and wouldn't let him live it down (or believe damian when he said jon had done it, and as a joke at that). damian changed jon's contact name back to plain old "jon kent," but he did tack on a heart emoji that time. to appease jon.

damian is a clothes stealer. hoodies, t-shirts, even jon's socks aren't safe. he conveniently forgets to bring pajamas anytime he's meant to be spending the night at jon's and has to borrow some. jon plays along because he likes the way damian looks in jon's metropolis meteors sweatshirts and too-big justice league t-shirts.

although damian has never admitted it, jon knows that damian gets nervous whenever he has to interact with the kents. he's stiff around clark and a bit awkward around ma since he gets overwhelmed by her kindness. even conner and kara, he's not entirely comfortable around. if jon can't be by damian's side the whole night, he tries to make sure lois is with him. she's very intimidating and a bit scary at times, which sets damian at ease more than his dad's side's midwest kindness does.

(ps: thank you! i'm glad you enjoyed my fics!)

[kj-yikes]

8. Poet

(on ao3 here) (note: this got out of control AND barely fits the prompt. Oops?)

"Oh! I forgot!" Kara says as she spins around from the door to Lena's office and digs through her bag. "I made you a mix CD!" She produces the CD and hands it to Lena. It's in a clear plastic case with a slip of paper in the cover, listing out the tracks in blue pen.

"A mix CD?" Lena asks curiously, turning it over in her hands.

Kara nods vigorously, a slight blush on her face. "Yeah! I used to make them all the time when I first got to Earth. All the kids at school would make them, and it was a way for me to learn Earth culture. You know, through music," Kara's voice breaks a little, like it does when she talks about her early years on Earth. "It kind of became a way to express myself. Alex and I would make each other mix CDs all the time. And, in case you don't have a CD player anymore, ta da!" Kara digs around in her bag and produces a blue portable CD player with what look like 20 year old headphones. "It still works, I tested it yesterday. Though, you might want to use different headphones. Those were the ones I used as a kid, and I blew out the left speaker," Kara rambles as she passes the CD player over.

Kara is always an odd one, but Lena absolutely adores that about her. She can always count on Kara to liven up an afternoon with a funny story, a silly joke, or a random surprise like this one.

"Thanks, Kara. That's really sweet of you," Lena says, smiling. Kara grasps the straps of her bag and shifts her feet.

"It was nothing. Just something that made me think of you. Of—of us." Lena's heart skips a beat. "Let me know what you think of it," Kara says with a wink before opening the door and waving goodbye.

Kara has to get back to Catco for an editorial meeting, but Lena doesn't have any other meetings for the rest of the afternoon, so she crosses to her desk and rummages around in a drawer for a new set of headphones. She plugs them in and inserts the CD, putting the headphones over her ears.

It starts out pop-y with some of their mutual favorite throwbacks, but then it shifts tone gradually to sweet, sincere ballads mixed in. It's a good CD, she thinks as she listens to it while skimming reports and budgets that afternoon. Lena gets lost in her work as the music plays.

It's not until the end of the second listen through that she really starts paying attention more closely than just the catchy beats.

Is Kara trying to say something with this CD?

She ponders this on her drive home, listening to the back half of the CD again in the backseat and in the elevator up to her penthouse.

Unlocking the door, she kicks off her shoes and throws her bag on the counter. She goes through her evening routine, changing into comfier clothing and settling on the couch with the headphones still over her head.

Lena feels her phone buzz and she flips it over.

Kara: So what do you think about the CD? Did you listen yet?

Swiping her phone to unlock it, Lena pulls up her contacts and dials. It rings for a few moments, until she hears the call connect.

"Lena? Hey!"

"I need your help."

Sam laughs. "Yes, nice to talk to you too, Sam. I'm so glad your day was great!"

Lena winces. "Sorry, Sam, I'm distracted. How are you?"

"I'm just teasing. I'm good. Ruby and I were just making brownies," Sam says. Lena can hear dishes clanking in the background.

"Oh, I didn't mean to disturb! I can call back later." Lena feels a pang of guilt. She knows Sam has been busy with the Metropolis office and probably hasn't had much free time to spend with Ruby.

"No no, it's no problem honey. What do you need?"

Lena sighs, burying her face in her hands. "Ugh, I don't know, I think I'm reading too much into it."

"Reading into what?"

"Okay, so, today Kara gave me a mix CD that she made. For me."

There's brief silence on the other end of the line. "A mix CD? For you?" Sam asks, her voice remaining neutral.

"Yeah. I don't know. She said it made her think of us and she used to make them as a kid," Lena elaborates.

"What's on it?"

"Some throwbacks, and some… love songs? I don't know, some of them are songs I've never heard before." Though Lena appreciates all kinds of music, her tastes tend towards moody classics like Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman.

"And what do you think of the CD?" Sam asks.

Lena hesitates. Her relationship with Kara had always been…different, but not in a bad way. Closer than any friend she's ever had, dancing the line between friendship and something more. But Lena had always attributed that to Kara just being Kara — sweet, kind, fiercely loyal, affectionate.

Plus Kara's never mentioned being anything but straight, even if sometimes Lena catches her staring. And, sure, Kara makes certain that some part of her is touching Lena at all times when they're sitting on the couch for movie night and kisses Lena on the cheek when she says something silly about the endless musicals. But that's just how Kara is.

"Some of these songs are kind of…romantic?" It comes out more like a question, which is uncharacteristic for Lena. "I feel like I'm reading too much into it, but… is Kara trying to tell me she likes me?"

"What's the problem with that?" Sam asks. "You've been in love with her for years."

"Sam!" Lena whisper-yells into the phone.

Sam lets out a huff. "Oh, are we not talking about Lena 'I spent millions of dollars to buy a company for my best friend slash love of my life' Luthor, who couldn't stop making heart eyes at one Kara Danvers for the better part of the year I was in National City? So sorry," Sam teases sarcastically.

"Kara's straight," Lena says quietly. "We've been over this."

"Says you. But okay. We can figure this out." Sam shifts into problem solving mode. "Do you have the track list? I have a teenager. She'll know the recent stuff if I don't already know it."

"Yeah, hold on." Lena snaps a picture of the track list on the cover of the CD and texts it to Sam. She hears the chime of Sam's phone over the line and waits for Sam to take a look. After a few moments, Lena asks, "Well?"

"Lena, she put girl in red on this album. I don't think there's any question here," Sam is fighting back a laugh.

"I don't understand," Lena says slowly.

"Saying you listen to girl in red is like, code for 'I'm a lesbian,'" Lena hears Ruby's voice a little quieter over the phone, as if she's talking from across the room. Her eyes widen as Sam exclaims Ruby's name.

"Ruby, I'm trying to talk to Lena, babe." Lena hears a rustle as Sam picks up the phone. "Sorry, Lena, you're on speakerphone."

Lena closes her eyes and buries her face in a hand, propped up on the couch arm by her elbow. She lets out a quiet laugh. "So you're saying," she begins, "that not only is Kara gay, she also likes me."

"Sweetie, Kara is in love with you," Sam says gently, as if she's trying to break hard news. "She always has been, as long as I've known her."

"All this time?" Lena practically shouts in alarm. "Why didn't she ever say anything? I thought she was straight!"

Sam mutters something that sounds like "useless gays" and sighs. "Maybe she has, and you never realized. Or maybe she's just now saying something, with this CD. Either way, you need to decide what you're going to do about it."

They wrap up the conversation, with the promise to Ruby that Lena will share any updates as soon as she can (the teenager seems all too invested in Lena's love life). Lena hangs up and opens her text messages with Kara. Typing quickly, she sends a short, "I love it! Thank you ❤️" to buy some time.

Lena grabs the CD player and puts the headphones back on befor stretching out on the couch with her sweatshirt-clad arm over her eyes and a small smile on her face. She listens carefully to each song, looking up lyrics for ones she's unfamiliar with. She learns new artists — girl in red, Chappell Roan, Kehlani — and hears new tracks from some familiar favorites like Taylor Swift. She analyzes the lyrics like poetry, reading between the lines and the notes to extrapolate meaning and apply it to her relationship with Kara.

By the end of the second listen, Lena has decided three things: one, she really should talk music more with Kara, as they have pretty similar tastes. Or at the very least, Kara is excellent at making recommendations that Lena would like.

Two: this CD was definitely trying to say something, and,

Three: Lena really wants to say something back, and soon.

Lena opens Spotify on her phone, and an hour later, she has a respectable playlist created. Not wanting to overthink her decision, she names the playlist "Kara ❤️," changes the playlist photo to a photo of Kara eating ice cream that she took over the summer (it's also her phone lockscreen), and sends it to Kara.

Lena rubs her eyes tiredly. She didn't realize it was almost 1 am. With a contented sigh, she rolls off the couch and gets ready for bed.

Lena is just about to side into her bed and sink into her mattress when she hears a knock. Brow furrowed, she flips on the light in the living room and walks to the balcony.

"Kara? Is everything alright?" Lena asks, concerned, as she slides the door open. Kara steps in, looking breathless, clad in her pajama shorts and an old t-shirt. Lena closes the sliding glass door and turns around, and that's when she feels solid arms wrap around her and the absolute softest lips pressing against hers.

Kara is kissing her. Kara is kissing her. And Lena is kissing back, bringing her hands up to cup Kara's cheeks. She stands on her tiptoes, desperate to get closer.

They don't break away until long moments later, Kara slowly pulling back and resting her forehead against Lena's and looking absolutely devastating. Lena smiles slowly.

"Listened to my playlist, huh?"

Kara laughs, a melodic sound that makes Lena's heart swell with affection. "To be completely honest, I never made it past track five. There were two songs in the first four called 'Kiss Me.' I think I got the hint."

"Guess I wasn't subtle, then," Lena says slyly, taking Kara's hand and leading her to the couch. She pushes down on Kara's shoulders until Kara is seated, then she climbs into Kara's lap.

"Not exactly, but then again, neither was I," Kara gets lost in kissing Lena slowly for a moment before she pulls away. "Or at least, I didn't think I was, but then you didn't say anything and I worried I upset you and—"

Lena cuts her off with a kiss.

[flemingsfreckles]

Be Home Soon

Synopsis: based off this request! Jessie has some hard feelings about being away from you and your kids so much, you do your best to reassure her.

Warnings: it’s a little sad, but nothing major.

WC: 1.7k

A/N: as I joked, this could be my last Jessie fic. I have a fear that seeing her in person at the game today will make me feel ~weird~ about writing for her, so we’ll see 🤷‍♀️

I also just finished writing this, gave it a quick skim and I’m posting it, so there’s bound to be errors, but I wanted it posted before I had to leave for the game.

The sound of the FaceTime call connecting has you running back over to where your phone sat. “Hi sorry, give me a second.” You quickly wave at the sight of your wife on the screen before running off to the other side of the room where your daughter sat in her playpen playing with blocks.

“Come here Kara, we’re going to say hi to Mom.” You reach down and pick up your daughter, propping her on your hip and walking back over to the phone that’s propped up against a water bottle on the kitchen table.

“Hi, sorry, it’s been a little hectic here. Kara’s been sassier than usual and Blake’s been coming down with a cold or something, I’m hoping she didn’t catch what he’s got.” Your daughter begins to whine on your hip, you gently start bouncing her, trying to soothe her fussing. “Look, it's Mom.” You point to Jessie’s face on the screen to show your daughter.

“Hi Kara, hi baby girl.” Jessie tries to pull your daughter's attention to her but your daughter is too busy pointing to the cabinet wanting a snack.

“Blake, come say hi to Mom!” You shout in the direction of your son’s room.

“Hey,” Jessie changes her tone, no longer using her high pitched baby voice, “are you taking care of yourself too?”

“Uh, yeah, just, the kids are priority.”

“Babe.” You knew she must’ve noticed the darker than usual circles around your eyes, you hadn’t been sleeping well, the empty bed next to you and a sick child were a lethal combination to your sleeping habits.

“Jess, I’m good, don’t worry.” You shoot her a pointed look over your shoulder letting her know not to push the subject at the moment. You wait a second before shouting for your son again, you hear his bedroom door open and he comes walking over to the phone.

“Say hi to your Mom.” You point at the phone.

“Hi.” Your son waves at the phone, he doesn’t sound thrilled to see your wife unlike your daughter who was repeatedly saying Mom into your ear.

Jessie starts asking him about school, she’d only been gone ten days so far, but she had missed the first full week of school for your kids. She was asking about teachers and homework and all the things she missed out on hearing about. You turn around occupying yourself with making your daughter a small snack

“When are you coming home Mom?” It was a question your son asked you frequently. When would Jessie be home, why was she gone so long, why did she always leave? Everytime he asks, your heart hurts for him. He just missed his mom, you missed her too, but playing was her job, her passion, you couldn’t ask her to step away.

“Soon, I promise, I get on a flight tomorrow night, I’ll be home the next morning.”

“I miss you, I don’t like when you’re gone.” You hear your son's sad voice from behind you. Closing the cabinet, you turn just in time to watch a flash of hurt run across Jessie’s face as she tries to fake a smile to your son.

“I know buddy, I’ll be home in two days though, you know my job makes me travel a bit.”

“I hate your stupid job.” The words sound so angry coming from your child’s mouth, your jaw drops and eyes widen.

“Blake!” You are quick to scold him. “Don’t talk to your Mom like that.”

“No, I hate it, she’s always gone.” He shouts back at you before storming off back to his room. You watch the irony, your wife’s name and number splayed across the back of the shirt he was wearing as he stomped away.

You suck in a big breath before slowly releasing it, throwing your head back, trying to compose yourself. When you tilt your head back down your met with the face of your wife, clearly hurt by what your son had said.

“Oh Jess, honey.” You grab the phone with your free hand before walking to sit down on the couch, letting Kara crawl back to her blocks.

“Sorry.” She sniffles, biting her lip and blinking hard as she looks up at the ceiling. “I just, it’s hard being away.”

“I know babe, you don’t have to be sorry.”

You watch as a tear falls from Jessie’s eye. “I know but I am, I’m so sorry. It’s not fair. It’s not fair to you, or to them. I feel like I’m never home.”

“Jessie.” You wish you could climb through the screen of your phone and engulf your wife into a hug.

“I’m sorry, you shouldn’t have to reassure me, you’re already doing so much. You’re the best wife, and the best mother, I wish I could be as good of a mom as you.”

“Honey. You’re an excellent Mom.” You knew there weren’t enough words in the world to make Jessie believe you, but you’d be damned if you didn’t try.

“No Blake’s right, I’m hardly home, I feel like I’m always traveling, I miss important life events.”

“Jessie, you’re home plenty. It just feels long right now, it’s been two years of major tournaments.” It felt cruel for the World Cup and Olympics to be back to back. It was always a hectic two years even when you didn’t have kids, but you also couldn’t lie, when the Olympics were over it was nice knowing there wasn’t a major tournament for almost two more years.

“Yeah I guess. I just sometimes wonder if I’m making the wrong choice, still playing.” She puts her hood up on the sweatshirt she’s wearing, sitting back into the pillows of the hotel bed.

“It might not help, but I don’t think it’s the wrong choice. Jessie you’re not gone as much as it probably feels like. And I know Blake said he hates your job, he’s just having a rough day. That kid loves you and your job, he’s never not in one of your club or Canada jerseys.”

“I know I just feel bad.” You watch as she fiddles with her hands in her lap, a small quiver in her lip tells you she’s on the verge of tears again.

“Baby, when someone asks his favorite athlete, he always answers ‘my Mom’, he finds ever opportunity to talk about how his Mom is a professional soccer player, he loves watching you play, and yeah the long tournaments are harder, but I think he’d miss watching you play. Kara, she doesn’t quite understand yet, but she likes seeing you on the TV too, I don’t think it’s time for you to be done yet.”

Jessie doesn’t say anything, she just looks at you through the screen, you know she’s probably doubting herself, every tournament she’s played in since your kids were brought into the world, every weekend she’s away. Her heartbroken face upset you. You sit for a moment before starting again.

“And Jessie, you take the time to call, you call them before and after every game, you call every single night, you haven’t missed one. You read them bedtime stories over the phone. You’re still an excellent Mom to them, it’s from a distance sometimes but you still make the time. There’s plenty of parents who wouldn’t, plenty of parents who go on work trips and don’t bother with even one call. And when you’re home, you’re their favorite person, you play with them and you teach them all the silly little facts you store in that brain, you show them how to be good humans and that is so important.”

“It’s not just Blake and Kara though, it’s a lot of extra work that gets put on you.”

“Yeah, but I knew that.” You shake your head slightly with a smile. “Honey you’ve been a professional athlete our entire relationship, I’ve sat through World Cups and Olympics, and the weekends away, it’s not new to me. I knew what I was signing up for when I asked you to marry me, I knew what I was signing up for when we started talking about kids, I knew what I was signing up for when we actually had our babies.”

Jessie just nods along to your words. You reach down, picking up Kara who had wandered over and was hanging on to your leg. You place her on your lap, adjusting the phone so Jessie could see her.

“And Jessie, despite knowing you’d be gone, and busy occasionally, I couldn’t imagine my life without you, I wouldn’t have this life without you.” You look down to where your daughter had stacked a small block tower. “I love you Jess, you’re an amazing wife, and an even better Mom. You working, doesn’t change that.”

Jessie’s now got tears in her eyes again. She reaches over grabbing a tissue from the bedside table before wiping her eyes and blowing her nose. “Sorry, I love you, you’re incredible and I don’t know what I did to deserve you.”

“You deserve the world Jessie.” You say before you hear your son's bedroom door open. You hear the small pats of his feet before he’s standing across from you, his freckled face reminiscent of your wife.

“Hi Blake.” You say, letting Jessie know he was back in the room.

“Hi. I’m tired. Can Mom read me a story?” He asks, pointing at the phone. You look down to see Jessie’s face break into a small smile.

“Sure buddy.” She answers before you get the chance.

“Of course.” You shoot Jessie a smile on the phone. You give her a smile before handing the phone over to your son. “I’m going to hand you to Blake, I love you, we’ll talk later.”

[yaut-jaknowit]

I’m back to pester you again

Okay so, angst idea (I think i’m a genius) but reader being forced to kill and shoot one of his family members to save his mate because said family member works for the government and was the last thing standing in the way of freeing readers mate

They Both Reached For The Gun

Pairings: Wolf (Male Yautja) x AMAB!Reader

Word Count: 4217

Summary: This was meant to be a simple meeting with your sister. After time and time again, she just doesn't like Wolf. You have tried to get the two of them to at least tolerate each other. This is your family you're talking about. But, your sister won't come to terms with him.

Author Note: Bruh, you are a genius.

Masterlist

Ao3

This was all your fault from the beginning to the end. To the one person you thought you could trust… your sister. She’s been at your side through thick and thin. You encouraged her when she joined the government. A good job with the ability to earn plenty of money. It set her off on the right path. You no longer had to worry about your little sister.

Both of you shared plenty of secrets. Of course, her job prevented information and intelligence to be spilled. But you still talked often.

Such secrets that your mate was opposed at first. You refrained from spilling something like that to her until if or when he gave you permission. To show her the love of your life that you held near and dear to your heart. Someone you’ll defend till your last breath and your heart stops beating. He is yours as much as your are his.

When the day came, you thanked him wildly and showered him in plenty of kisses. As the stoic male that he is, he allows for the affection to rain down on him. That same day, you called up your sister to come visit you at your home. Your shared home with Wolf. She was confused on why you wanted her over so badly but came over anyhow. Anything for her older brother.

All went well during the meeting. Well… for the most part.

When Wolf walked out of the bedroom, your sister, Kara, whipped out a gun and pointed at him. That nearly sent Wolf into a spiral. You stepped out in front of the gun to prevent bloodshed. Wolf was on the verge of tearing Kara’s head from her body for daring to point a weapon at his mate. It took a lot of yelling and talking to get the two of them to calm down finally.

Everything was at a tense peace for the moment. Kara put away the gun you didn’t know she had back into her waistband. You timidly walked up to her with a nervous smile. The woman kept staring at Wolf, eyes wide but not with fear. There was something else you couldn’t pinpoint on.

From that first meeting, everything seemed alright. You would offer for her to come over when Wolf was around. All you wanted was for the two of them to get along. There was no need for fighting or hatred or fear. Wolf wasn’t going to harm her… unless she harmed him or you. Not that she would do that anyhow. This was your sister you were talking about.

Months passed on. The two came to a standstill that was decently peaceful. Despite Kara trying to hide it, you could read her like an open book. She would glance at Wolf when she thought you weren’t looking and gave him disgusted looks. You knew it would be hard to convince her there was nothing wrong with him. He’s different, yes. But, he was an amazing mate. Things like that, you tried to reason with her with.

None of that mattered in her eyes. She shot down your words with the same old ‘he’s a monster’. Words that hurt your soul.

Wolf was far from that. He saved you. He’s the love of your life. You share your soul with him. He deserve the world for what he’s done for you. Here is your sister, saying nasty things about him no matter what you did to explain to her.

Then, you tried one last time to give her a chance. You invited her over for dinner again, making all of her favorites. Anything to sweeten her up.

“It’s not going to work, little one,” Wolf rumbled from his seat at the kitchen island. The seat was barely holding his weight and groaned at each small movement. “She does not like me. I don’t care that she decides I’m the bane of her existence.” He looks up from his wine glass. “I’m only doing this for you. I wish to see you happy. Clearly, her actions aren’t despite what you originally thought.”

The spatula was set down off to the side of the stove. Your hands gripped the edges of the counter, head bowed with the knowledge of defeat. “I know…” you trailed off and shook your head. It was hard to come to terms with the fact your sister doesn’t even tolerate your mate. She hates him. That was clear as day.

You dragged a hand down your face with a groan. Today was the day you were going to give it one more attempt before calling it. If nothing comes out of it, you’ll won’t bring Kara around anymore. There was no point. Not if she brought you down like this and disrespected your family.

“One last time,” you told him with a glance over your shoulder. It was comical how this hunk of a man could perch himself on a stool not strong enough to hold his weight. Yet, the Yautja made it work.

From behind you, the chair made a scrapping noise across the wood floors. The soft, familiar pitter-patter of steps rounded the island. Wolf’s body heat washed over your back as he crowded you into the counter. He leaned down enough so his mouth hovered next to your ear. “Okay, sweetie,” he rumbled and rested his heat on your shoulder. “But then, that’s it. I will not allow her to make you feel terrible about this. It’s not your fault.”

Those words. You needed to hear them. The guilt was eating you up. You weren’t expecting them to be buddy-buddy, but you hoped for some mutual respect. From one family member to the newest one joining. Expect, Kara didn’t even treat him like someone who commanded respect on daily bases by unruly unblooded. There’s a reason he left the teaching academy long ago. He couldn’t deal with children every day like that. A fact you loved to tease him about.

His warmth was comforting. You leaned back and gingerly closed your eyes. “Thank you, love. I appreciate everything you do for me.” Including with dealing with your upset sister whenever she came over. That took a lot out of him.

Wolf grunted and let his hands rest on your hips. The pot of pasta in front of you cooked away, steaming up into the vent over the stove.

A sharp knock on the door alerted you to the appearance of your sister. Wolf growled, hands pinching your waist before he pulled away. You patted his cheek before strolling over to the front door. The Yautja huffed while crossing his arms firmly over his chest. He looked threatening in all of his glory. You gave him a pointed look to calm it down. Wolf just lazily stared at you.

With that fail, you opened the door with a bright smile. Your sister happily greeted you by throwing her arms around your neck and drawing you into a hug. A squeal surged past her lips.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you again!” she cheered and pulled back to get a good look at you. “It feels like forever since I last saw you. How are you doing? Have you dropped any luggage?” Your head jerked back at what she was insinuating. Hurt broke at your already fragile heart about the matter. Her eyes flickered over your shoulder to see the towering form of Wolf still here. “I guess you haven’t.”

Kara strolled into the house with a sneer directed at Wolf. Like the male has dealt with plenty of times, he peers in her direction calmly but as if she wasn’t a threat. Just another annoying child or pest in his way.

“Yum, that smells delicious!” Kara took a deep breath of the air and spun around to face you. You were still standing at the front door, slowly closing it. “What are you making?” You finally follow after her into the living room. She was completely ignoring Wolf. You walked over to him and leaned on the counter next to him.

“Chicken alfredo.” Easily. Simple. But, you made it the best way. Even Wolf liked what you made. You took that as a big compliment since Wolf mainly ate raw meat. Said Yautja purred lightly.

Maybe, it was his favorite at this point as well.

Her brows jumped before falling. “Oh, wow, that’s like the best out there.” The woman took a seat on the couch. “So, do you got anything exciting going on? See our parents? Going out with friends?” You found it slightly weird that she was asking such things. They weren’t normal in your mind but you brushed it off in hopes to keep the conversation light.

A slight shrug answered her. “No, not much. Wolfy here wants to take me out on a hunting trip next weekend. He’s gonna show me how to hunt.” That, you were actually excited about. To see the stars again. He’s taken you out there with his protection at all times. But, this time, to let you go out with him and be taught the Yautja way. God, you couldn’t wait for that.

A look of uncertainty passed over her features. “Are you sure you want to do that? Space seems scary and vast. What happens if you’re alone and a monster comes after you? He can’t always be there to save you,” she disagreed with this trip. Your face dropped with a flash of hurt. “I mean that in a caring way, big bro.”

At your side, Wolf’s aura changed. It grew tense. You didn’t need him to say a word or move a muscle to know what he’s feeling. The two of you are that close. Plus, he freely allows for you to sense that. Otherwise, he’s as closed as a vault.

You shrugged and grasped Wolf’s hand for reassurance. At this point, you were completely regretting this whole interaction with Kara. She seems ten times worse than normal. “I’ve got my partner. He won’t let anything happen to me. Not if he still lives,” you stated firmly and nodded your head. She really needed to get it through her thick skull, Wolf is here to stay.

“And what if he no longer lived? What would you do then?”

The air suddenly turned ice cold. Fear gripped your heart in a steely grasp. Your nails bit into the back of Wolf’s palm, creating crescent shapes in the skin.

Wolf abruptly stood from his chair, easily towering over the woman you once thought so dearly about.

“It’s time you left,” he grounded out and continued to hold your hand. Wolf positioned himself a step ahead of you, shielding you with his body.

From bad to worse, the situation turned for a down hill fall. Her face soured. A hand reached behind her back. “No, I don’t think so. He is my brother, and you are nothing but a monster.” Her eyes found yours. There was something dark in them. “I’ve tried so hard to get you to step away, to break up with him. I didn’t want to hurt you, but you left me no choice, brother. I’ve come to my deadline.”

Everything she was saying, didn’t make sense. You wanted to ask, to beg her for an explanation. Any reason to why she’s acting this way. Wolf didn’t allow for time. He stayed stationed in front of you but let go of your hand. His own were flexed, prepared for whatever Kara throws at him. Something he could else defeat and kill her for.

“W-wait, hold up! Please, don’t,” you begged Wolf and even latched onto his arm. You knew from his words and stories alone; if Kara presented herself as a threat, he had every right to take her down. Your own sister, about to be slaughtered before your very eyes. “This is my sister, Wolf!”

Underneath your grip, Wolf was tense, muscles coiled in preparation of an easily won battle. He does not waver. “Your sister wishes harm on you. She presents a threat to you. I’ve stood off to the side long enough,” he growled out in voice you rarely hear from him.

“Hear that? He’s going to hurt me. You want that? You’re going to let your mate, a monster, hurt your sister.” She played that card really well, pulling at your heart strings. She tried to sway you to her side by playing the victim. “I told you from the beginning: he cannot be loved. They are known for killing and maiming humans. I can’t believe you decided to date such a thing.”

The disgust in her voice hurt a lot.

This wasn’t suppose to be happening. This was the last try to make everyone be content with another. You weren’t going to force them to like each other. Just tolerate. Hopefully tolerate each other.

Then, her last words hit you like a train. You stepped out from behind Wolf. “What? What do you mean?!” Kara is acting as if she knew of his species more than what you told her. “Why are you acting like you know the Yautjas?”

When it came to Wolf, he was up front about everything he’s done. He’s not ashamed. Far from it. He freely let any information you wanted from him. Wolf wasn’t going to hide anything from you. Not when you’ve dedicated your life to him. The least he could do was the same thing.

Wolf used a hand to pull you safety behind him again, despite you fighting him on it. You still peeked around from his back to find your sister’s emotionless, cold eyes.

“I was given a great opportunity when I left a few special people know what you harbor in your basement. You can thank me for not letting them storm your house the moment they knew.” Her arm that was behind her back slid out.

A gun. She was holding a hold.

“I told them to let me study you and him. A great way to see the inside of what makes the two of you tick. Why on God’s green earth would a person go after a murderer?! I still haven’t figured it out.” She lifts the gun, barrel pointed at you. “But, the deadline has come upon us. I’m all out of time.”

A deadly growl pierced the air. Wolf lowers himself down a little, ready to spring across the space for an attack. “Either you willingly give in, beast, or else I’ll have no choice to shoot my own brother. Either way, you are coming with me. In chains or willingly. Make up your mind.”

And that was a threat Wolf would never let stand.

Not even a sound escaped him as he darted forward as blur of moss green. Two shots ring throughout the air, piercing the tension. You didn’t even see what happened even after Wolf tripped over his own feet and slid across the floor. He stopped just shy of her feet, slightly curled up and twitching.

Kara grinned down at him. “We’ve dealt with your kind before. Didn’t you think we had measures to defend ourselves against you?” The barrel aimed down at him. For good measure, your sister shot him again and sent another shot straight through his chest. It wasn’t designed to kill, just stun long enough for extraction. The Yautja grunted and stayed useless at Kara’s feet.

Your jaw dropped, hands shaking at your sides. It felt like you had been taken to a different universe. Surely… surely this had to be a horrible dream.

“Wolf…” you softly whined his name and finally took a step forward to him. Kara snapped the barrel at you. Betrayal was evident in eyes that held loves towards you.

“Not another step, traitor. I’m not afraid to use this on you. Remember, it’s meant to take things like him down,” she warned with a cold tone in her voice. Tears prickled the corner of your eyes.

The distraction you offered allowed for Wolf to swipe his claws at any part close to you. He could’ve purred at the sight of blood staining her pant legs.

She shouted, hand letting go of the gun. It precariously tumbled to the ground and was knocked closer to you. Your eyes darted to it, flickering up towards Kara again before you lunged forward. Kara saw a moment too late and tried to beat you to it. Your hands gripped the unfamiliar warm metal. The barrel trembled as you pointed it at Kara.

The woman put up her hands. “Are you seriously going to shoot your own sister?! I had to do what needed to be done. His kind and himself are responsible for many, many deaths! They need to know we will not let them walk amongst us, not let them walk all over us. We are no longer prey to them!” she reasoned with you. Her looks softened and pulled an innocent look you weren’t taking.

Every word made the crack in your heart worse and worse. You refused to take your eyes off of her, observing her closely. But, you could see the fragile state she had put Wolf in by shooting him. With that knowledge, this gun could be lethal to a human. Now, was the decision on whether or not you were going to kill her.

And she tried to kill your mate.

“Shut the fuck up!” you screamed at her. Rage overtook every emotion in your entire body. Heat raced throughout your veins, filling every available space. “You… I tried with you. So hard. But it was destined from the beginning to fail. You knew. You knew from the near beginning. This was your plan, wasn’t it?”

All the pieces were finally coming together.

At first, she just watched you, face turning darker. She nodded, nevertheless. She knew she was in the wrong.

The dams broke.

It took only a slight pressure for one bullet to release from the chamber. Then, another. Until nothing fired. Until every bullet had left the gun and entered her body. You wanted her dead. She deserved this painful death. Nothing more than the pain she has caused you. It could’ve all been avoided.

Amidst the ringing in your ears, Wolf became your priority. You shakily stepped forward then fell to your knees at his side. The Yautja was heavily trembling, unable to under a word. You were able to get him rolled onto his back to see three entrances to the wounds. The sight made you want to tear Kara’s head straight from her body. But… she was dead. There was nothing more you could do to make her suffer.

You leaned over him. Wolf’s bright eyes snapped to you. His acknowledgement calmed a small portion of your racing heart.

Grunts and choked noises came from him. “S-sh-ship. Go!” Your brows furrowed. As if you were going to leave him to suffer. Over your dead body. “Com-coming. Pe-p-eople.”

The cold wash of fear instantly froze your veins. It only took a second to connect the dots. Your sister was part of the government. She told them. This was a set up. People were coming to take him away. You gritted your teeth and let the rage come back in full force.

“No.”

In total, he had to be at least four hundred pounds without armor. There wasn’t time to either pull out the bullets in hope of stopping whatever they were or hide. Instead, you grabbed a leg and started to tug him towards the backdoor. The backyard offered enough space for him to land his ship.

Wolf could only watch in anger at your blatantly disregard for your own health and safety. Whatever that scum had shot him with worked fast and easily render him useless. If they made it out of this alive, he would immediately go straight to the ancients and let them know. They’ll survive this.

Barely through the night, you could see the outline of his ship. A sight for sore eyes. A place of refuge for now. You began to drag him again; down the steps into the backyard and onto the grass. The alien was heavy, bulk with muscle and dense bones. You strained to even drag him at most thirty yards from where he fell to the ramp of the ship.

It happened when you were reaching down to touch his gauntlet to open the ship’s ramp.

Cars and SUV’s roared into your driveway. You froze for a moment, blaming it on human instinct before pressing the button.

A hiss came from the craft, steam releasing into the air. Then, a slab of metal connected by hydraulics began to reveal the inside of his ship. You nervous shifted from foot to foot all while glancing over your shoulder. There was a loud bang that came from your house. You needed to get inside and close the door. That’s the only way you could be safe.

Nearly all the way down, a shout from behind you startled you. “There! Outside!” They had found you.

“Stop or we will use deadly force,” someone commanded and lead a group of soldiers dressed in all black into the yard. It wasn’t large by any means. Just enough space to enjoy. You scrambled to pull Wolf to safety.

When his body was halfway onto the ramp you slammed a hand into the keyboard attached to a hydraulics. It started the rising process as you continued to pull Wolf into his own craft. It was more than struggle. You were breaking out into a terrible sweat, heart racing in more ways than on. This was nothing other than a life or death situation.

And you were staring death in the face.

Shot echoing throughout the night air. You gasped and ducked out. They hit the metal, tinging off and heading somewhere else. You nearly lost your hold on Wolf and sent him tumbling back towards the ground. Your grasp tightened around his ankle, white knuckling it.

Halfway up, you finally got his body completely inside and felt relief. The two of you were safe now.

Sudden, one of the soldiers flung himself onto the closing ramp. His legs kicked wildly to propel him upwards. He clung to the groves in the metal, trying to crawl inside. But, he made no such luck.

Nothing needed to be done. The ramp continued to close. It stopped when his back hit the top only for the hydraulics to whine, fighting against the wedged person. The solider cried out and slammed his fists against the metal. You watched as he was sheered in half from the ramp.

Numbly, you stood there as the man just laid there at the end of the ramp. Dead. Lifeless. Blood staining the floors everywhere. You had to swallow down the bile in the back of your throat before stumbling your way through the ship. Wolf’s taken you here many times before. You knew the way to the cockpit.

All the gadgets and controls lit up at the press of a button. Life was breathed into the ship. You remembered the process from watching Wolf do this many times before. Each move nearly mirrored his own. It didn’t take more than five seconds to get the engines online. You gripped the joystick and power lever. With some ease, you were able to fed power to the engines and guided the ship into the air.

The original take off was terrible. It was bumpy and unsteady at first until you got yourself into the air. You took it fast, anything to get away from the danger that threatened Wolf.

Once in the safety of space, farther than the moon, you didn’t stop. You were going back to the cargo hold with a med pack you had snatched along the way and falling to Wolf’s side. His breathing was ragged and frightening.

“Shit. Wolf, baby, I’m so sorry,” you sobbed and shakily pulled out a pair of tweezers. The bullets were still inside of him. They had to be removed.

A process that took you longer than you had wish, but three bullets were set off to the side. Wolf was laid out in the cargo hold, taking deep breaths to calm his thundering heart. His entire body ached down to the bone. Whatever those bullets were, they were dangerous weapons against his kind. His first mission was to head straight back to Yautja Prime. He’ll have to take you with him. You couldn’t go back home anymore. A target had been put on your back because of him.

Wolf slowly sat up with a resonating groan. You cupped his cheeks and pulled his head to look him in the eye. “I should’ve known. I-I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let her come back.” Words spilled from your lips like a dam breaking. You felt incredibly terrible for all the heartaches and pains you put him through. The Yautja leaned into your touch, eyes half closed.

They snapped open. You were surprised when his hands went for your side. When his rough finger pads touched that spot, you jolted away with a gasp. He pulled away enough for you to glance down.

Red painted them.

[thatonebirdwrites]

Dress

Kara received the invitation in a rather perplexing way. Spray-painted onto the windows of her apartment, it read: 'To: Kara Zorel, From: you-know-who, Location: Smithsonian Museum, When: Tonight. Dress-up buttercup.'

Of course her adversary would find the most ludicrous way of inviting her to what was definitely a planned heist. Lena Kieran Walsh had gotten quite cocky in the past year, and it annoyed (but also aroused) Kara to the fullest. It's like Lena wanted to be caught by Kara, and yet every time Kara showed up, she was always too late. She refused to admit most times Lena simply outwitted her as if this traversing the world, stealing priceless artifacts was just a game to her.

Her boss, Alex Danvers, wanted progress, something beyond a report of the latest theft and diatribes exchanged. In fact, the entire team would be patroling tonight, considering the high stakes - Lex Luthor's gala to present the newest artifact to a priceless collection. One hailing from the tomb of Medb in Western Ireland.

So Kara sifted through her closet and decided on a dress that would be easy for running. Because running was definitely on the menu. Lena couldn't seem to resist setting up a outrageous chase through the city after a heist.

What she did with the stolen goods, Kara hadn't quite figured out either. But tonight she planned to do just that. A confrontation that would hopefully blow Lena's irritating smugness out of the water.

>>>...<<<

The Smithsonian that night was packed with rich heirs and heiresses, the elite of America, and many a diplomat or politician. Appetizers did little to stave off Kara's growing hunger, most of them ridiculously tiny portions and oddly French-sounding in name. The wine flowed freely, a port from Italy, which reeked of money.

Lex Luthor, a famous technologist and bombastic billionaire, had gone all out to pattern the gardens of the Smithsonian with extremely expensive decorations. All because he'd acquired an ancient artifact from Ireland of all places, and he had donated it, in a sweeping mound of generosity, to the Smithsonian. All to help fund his newest venture, an archeological dig somewhere in Africa.

Kara didn't really pay attention to where Lex focused his digs, but this one held a hint of racism. His charisma caught the eye and ears of everyone there, well, almost everyone. Halfway into his long speech, which extolled his own virtues and gave lip service to the team actually leading his digs, Kara had grown increasingly bored.

Her eyes roved over the crowds until she sighted another bored individual. This one dressed in a scarlet dress with a tantalizing low-cut, incredibly high heels -- how did anyone walk in them? -- and gorgeous black hair that framed her face.

A very familiar face in fact.

One that sent a spark of desire through Kara, which was swiftly accompanied by a rush of shame.

She really should not be this turned on at the mere sight of Lena Kieran Walsh. In fact, she should arrest her immediately.

Instead, she sidled over to Lena's spot at the far-left side of the crowd. "Fancy seeing you here," she murmured when she stopped at Lena's side. She kept her gaze on Lex, who stood on the makeshift stage, his arms lifted as if conducting an orchestra, while behind him a ridiculous 3D representation of the artifact floated above the projector.

"Indeed." Lena smirked, her gaze also on the overblown man. "It would seem fate has brought us to this singular moment of triumph."

Kara raised her eyebrows. "Oh? A word of praise for your adversary?"

Lena snorted and sipped what looked like wine, but Kara doubted it was. The woman had never drank anything that she did not bring and open herself. A fact Kara discovered three heists ago when she'd attempted to put a sleeping agent in the drinks, only for it to knock out half her own team and Lena completely unaffected. Alex definitely had been sour after that blunder, so no, Kara suspected it to be colored water at best.

"Hardly. No, tonight sparks the start of his downfall." She winked at Kara. "I merely refer to what is soon to transpire, an event for which you will play a crucial role."

"Crucial? I've gone up in the world." She kept her tone dry and unaffected, but inwardly she preened at the praise. Last heist, when Kara had nearly caught Lena, she'd been a few seconds shy of grabbing Lena's arm before Lena leaped off the building and into the open doors of a hovering helicopter. Kara had almost jumped after her, only to stop at the edge, dizzy by the twenty-four story drop.

Alex had been furious at the near-miss. "Where does she even get these escape vehicles? Next time, I don't care what you do, just capture her for good. We can't afford another disaster like the last one."

Here she stood next to Lena, and instead of immediately taking her into custody, she was what? Flirting at best? Being a gay fool? Maybe Alex's threat to take her off the case was correct. She'd become too used to Lena's cloying words and shenanigans.

Lena swirled her drink and tilted her head, one eyebrow rising. "I see you listened to my invitation. Dressed to the nine." She clicked her tongue in approval, while her eyes raked over Kara's light-blue dress that hugged her torso but flowed loose over her legs.

Kara tried not to blush, but it was hard with how hungry Lena's expression was. "Seemed appropriate for the circumstances."

Why was Lena's smiles so mind-numbingly adorable? It made it difficult for Kara to think of anything but kissing those lips. She bit her lip and tossed the thought into the stratosphere. Her focus splintered by Lena's closeness, and a need to gently and stealthily move them slowly toward the nearest exit. Where Kara hoped to finally arrest her.

Lena sipped her drink and nodded toward the still-ongoing monologue of Lex. "To think he believes himself to be the star of the show. Wouldn't you agree he's a side character at best? Red-shirt at worst?"

Ah, Lena had let slip a Star Trek reference. Kara logged that detail along with the past slips in prior heists, where Lena had quoted Star Wars, mocked Indiana Jones, and compared Kara to the bumbling but pretty fool from some Superhero film.

"Red shirt for sure." Kara nodded and considered whether she had time to nab a drink and better food before Lena started her show. "I take it he is not crucial to your plan."

"Plan?" Lena laughed softly. "What makes you think I plan anything, Ms. Kara Zorel?"

"A brilliant villianess as yourself hardly leaves her hidey hole without one. I expect to be bedazzled." She really couldn't resist this banter, could she? She planted her hands on her hips, one finger flipping the cover on her stun gun.

Lena's gaze shifted to Kara's belt briefly, before she sipped her drink and returned to watching the endless monologue of the most irritating technologist in history. "I hear your job is on the line, and yet here we stand. Deriding the one who speaks."

How Lena knew that was beyond Kara, and it wasn't necessarily her job on the line but more her team's job since the Interpol higher-ups had been very unimpressed with their record thus far.

"What makes you think I don't have my own plan?" Her fingers inched closer to the stun gun. It'd take only a second to whip it out, stun Lena, and slap on the handcuffs. It's the spectacle Kara wanted to avoid. Last thing she needed was newspapers to focus on her. This detective gig was Kara's chance at redeeming her family's rather dark history, one riddled with eugenic viruses and bioweapons. No, she had to find a way to lure Lena further from the crowds and blinding lights Lex likely installed to focus on his grandeur.

Lena gave that an undignified snort. "A plan requires significant preparation, my dear agent. That's hardly your purview, isn't it?"

Kara sidled carefully toward the nearest door, and Lena seemed content to move with her. She wasn't even resisting, which had Kara very confused. This seemed far too easy. "How rude," she scoffed. They were a few feet from the door now, "I'm a great planner. Why I'm assigned to your case."

"Oh, come now, we both know that's not true." The taunt in Lena's voice, the way she swept her gaze over Kara's body, and the slow move toward the exit -- all culminated in Kara ambushed by a growing lust. She was tempted to just kiss Lena senseless in the stairwell beyond that exit door, while hand-cuffing her.

Lena would probably make a kinky joke and find a way to escape before the other agents secured her fully.

That tended to be Kara's luck in past attempts, like in Belize, or Paris, or Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Each one she'd nearly captured Lena, only for her to somehow escape restraints or leap off a building and survive. It was aggravating but also hella hot.

Two feet from the door now and still Lex droned on and on. The crowd grew restless, a few people had wandered away from the stage to examine some of the pieces the Smithsonian had put on display for this event. Each one encased in incredibly hard to break glass and a field that would shock anyone who dared to put their hand inside.

"It seems the crowd grows restless." Lena grinned and dropped her glass -- liquid and all -- in the trash bin by the door. "I believe it's time to give them the show they've, unknowingly, been waiting for, don't you agree?"

"Of course." Kara took the chance. She gripped Lena's arm, maneuvered her into the hallway, but before she could slap on hand-cuffs or even whip out the stun gun, Lena pressed her against the wall, her hand over Kara's clavicle, and kissed her soundly on the lips.

Sparks danced through Kara's body, and she couldn't stop the slight moan nor how she kissed back with a desperation that left her wet and ashamed.

Lena pulled back, her heterochromatic eyes almost black from her blown pupils, her breaths as heavy as Kara's own. "You truly are wasted on Interpol," she said. "Now I must be off. My people's heritage needs a'saving."

A strangle tingling swept over Kara's lips, and she felt woozy, the colors of the hallway far too bright. "Did you poison me?" She swayed on her feet. Lena split into three people, and Kara couldn't decide which one was the prettiest.

"Hardly. It'll last only an hour. A highly amusing hour." Lena smirked again, her triplicate forms mirroring the movement with one hand on her hip. "I'm told it'll give you quite the trip, and that is what you want, right? An out of this world adventure."

"Oh definitely." Kara stumbled forward to try to embrace one of the three Lena's. She needed another kiss. Maybe more than a kiss. In fact, dancing sounded like the perfect adventure. "Hey, don't go, lemme give you a dance."

Lena's finger tapped Kara's nose. "Maybe next time."

Kara grinned and managed to nab one of the three Lena's. She twirled her into a waltz to only music Kara could hear.

As the real Lena Kieran Walsh escaped to steal Lex Luthor's newest stolen artifact, Kara Zorel danced with no one in the concrete stairwell.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

End Game 3

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, stalking, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: Your gaming buddy asks to meet up but it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Characters: Andy Barber

Note: and so it continues.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

When you find Kara, she’s at the front of the line. You wait impatiently on the other side of the rope as she gabs up a storm with the D-lister on the other side of the table. Restless, throat sour with bile, you pace in a small line, flicking your thumb as you resist the urge to tell her to hurry up. 

You need to get out of there. You can barely think. You can’t even stay still as heat scalds and speckles over your scalp and down your body. 

You turn on your heel and your feet tangle as you stop short. Andy stands just on the other side of the line, staring at you. Oh shit. 

You rush over to Kara and snap her tank top strap, “hey, there’s other people waiting.” 

“One second!” She squeals carelessly over her shoulder, quickly returning to fawning over the washed-up sci-fi actor. 

You sigh and cross your arms, rocking back and forth, “Kara, I really don’t feel good.” 

She huffs and chirps crisply, excusing herself from the table. Several others send her a dirty look for spending so much time chattering as they wait eagerly in the wings. She steps around the post to the other side of the rope. 

“Let me guess, too much sugar?” She scoffs. 

“Something like that,” you grumble. “Look, it’s like five. We’ve been here for a couple hours. I’m chill getting out of here.” 

“Already?” She lifts a brow, “we haven’t even got you a plushie.” 

“I should save my money,” you keep your arms folded around you. 

She eyes you up and down, “are you okay?” 

“Y-yeah, it’s like you said, too much sugar. I should’ve eaten breakfast. Or lunch.” 

She gives you a skeptical squint and shrugs, “alright, whatever. We can go hang at mine.” 

“Great, sorry,” you mope, “I just... I’m tired.” 

“It’s fine,” she assures you, “I get it. This place can be a bit much and the BO is starting to get to me.” She struts ahead of you and you catch up to her. She marvels at the signed photo in her hand, “at least I got something cool.” 

“Yeah, that’s awesome. You gonna hang it up?” You ask, trying to distract yourself. 

“Mm, maybe.” 

You glance over your shoulder. Andy’s closer, looming, hands in his pocket, eyes set on you. What is he doing? You grab her arm and hurry her towards the exit. 

“Woah, what’s up?” She trips in her wedged sandals. 

“I just need some fresh air. Like you said, it stinks in here.” 

As you finally get through the front doors, your phone is shaking incessantly. The buzz can be heard through the denim. You ignore it as you cross the lot. 

“Is that him calling?” She asks, “is that what this is about? I mean, I’d be pissed too but he shouldn’t get to ruin your day.” 

“No, it’s not,” you lie, “I just... crowds get to me after a while. It’s been a long day, traveling and all that... I’m tired.” 

“Mm, sure, well, let’s not let that coward shit on it all,” she snips. “It’ll be like high school. Girls’ night! Popcorn and nail painting and your favourite hollywood hunk.” 

“You mean your favourite,” you toss back. 

She giggles, “come on, you know you think he’s cute too.” 

You roll your eyes and stick close to her. You follow her out to the street and quickly turn away. You send one last look over your shoulder. You don’t think he’d follow you this far. You grab onto Kara’s arm and set your sights ahead of you. 

“Sleepover!” You chime, doing your best to hide your anxiety. 

🎮

You’re sad to leave Kara. She made a crummy day brighter with a fun night. Still, you’re relieved to go back home. Where you can be alone, where you can forget. 

You catch an early Greyhound and hug your bag to you as you doze, waking with each lurch of the axle. Back in town, you disembark and sigh. You still have a shift tonight. It’s a good excuse to avoid that little needling at the back of your mind. 

You still can’t believe it. How many years had you been warned against meeting people on the internet? For how much of your life has that faceless avatar online been the boogeyman to fear? And yet, he sent you pictures, you spent hours gaming together, and you trusted him. Yes, you’re that stupid. You really trusted Jacob—Andy. 

You drop your stuff at home and shower as your grandmother grumbles into a cup of tea. As you emerge, her eternal scowl curls her lips. You go to the kitchen to wash her used dishes and come back out, hoping the chore appeases her. She doesn’t say a word as she sorts through her knitting needles. 

Right. As grim as the house can be, you find comfort in that nothing has changed, even if you feel like your world has. You don’t even want to look at your Switch. That one possession you treasured above all. It’s the most expensive thing you own. You saved for months to get one, it connected you to outside, it helped you escape, and now it’s just another reminder. 

You grab your purse and head off for work. You message Kara to check in. Uh oh, she says Calvin is in town. Not this again. 

You go to hit reply on her message and another notification pops up. You tap it before you can stop yourself. It’s him. Andy. He’s been texting but you haven’t answered, you haven’t even looked to block him. You don’t know why you haven’t just hit that magic button but you just avoided everything about him. 

‘Please. I’m sorry. Can we please talk?’ 

It’s no different than the litany of texts before hand; ‘we can mine and talk this out’; ‘I wanted to tell you the truth for so long, I just thought you had the right to hear it face-to-face'; ‘hope you got home safe. Please text when you have a moment’; one after another, changing from one tone to the others; desperate, apologetic, concerned... 

Before you can dismiss the conversation, he messages again. 

‘You’re reading my messages. I see the checkmark. Please, just give me a chance to explain.’ 

You sniff and shake your head. You mute your phone and bury it at the bottom of your purse. You don’t want to talk to him but you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of him entirely. For a year he was your friend. Maybe just a gaming buddy but a constant that you came to count on.  

You would login and just shoot the shit; chat about your day; just let it all out and not think as you dug up diamonds or raced around Moo Moo Meadows. That’s all gone now and it hurts just as much as the rest of his lies. It isn’t just that he isn’t Jacob, it’s that you told him things you didn’t even tell Kara. He had been your safe harbour because he was far away, because anything you said could never come back to you. 

Your eyes sting and your cheeks pinch. Stupid, again. You shouldn’t be this emotional about this. Forget about it. You got work.  

Work? Scooping ice cream? God, how pathetic you must have sounded to him. He’s a lawyer or something? At least that what he claimed when he’d still been Jacob. You knew at first glance the type of man he is; established, professional, and older. So much older. 

Yeah, your problems must have seemed so minuscule and immature. Oh, you flunked a pop quiz? Not like you have to pay a mortgage.  

Urgh. You shake off the nipping embarrassment as you enter the booth and pull on your apron. Maybe you don’t have that much going on, but you’re trying. You’re young. You’re learning. What’s his excuse? 

🎮

You should have done this a lot sooner. You don’t know why you didn’t. Maybe because it didn’t matter before. Before, Jacob was just a boy you played Minecraft with. He was just a voice in a headset. But now, he’s... not. He’s Andy. No. 

He’s dead. 

You stare at the search result and your heart sinks. That, at least, is true. Jacob Barber; death date, last year. The pictures even match. Just a skinny kid, smiling beside his dad and mom. She’s gone too. Lost in the same accident. 

You kick yourself for being so careless. If you’d just searched him up a year ago. Even just reverse searched those pictures, you would’ve pieced it together. The only thing you can be thankful for is that it wasn’t worse. That you’re safe and you can just leave it behind. 

Well, that’s what you want to do. 

You scroll through the rest of the results. There's more, before the death. Articles about a murder and suspects. Jacob was one. What? 

It’s all so messy you can hardly make sense of any of it. You stop and sit back. You think of the man who sat across from you, you remember the look in his eyes, the flicker in his voice. He did sound sorry. 

And after everything? A police investigation then to just lose your son like that? Your only child. 

You know you don’t owe him anything. He lied to you. He had every chance to be honest, from the very beginning. Maybe you wouldn’t have wanted to play with a middle-aged man but maybe you could’ve helped him find somebody. You could’ve at least shared gaming tips.  

It isn’t about him. It’s about closure. This is just a blip on the radar. You have bigger things to worry about. Your grandmother, work, school. The summer’s flying by and tuition fees are higher than last year. Your interest payments are going to spike and you foresee a second job on the horizon. 

You look at your phone, entranced by it. You stand and walk in circles. You come back to your small desk and pick up the cell. The little chat bubble at the bottom has that red dot in the corner; unread messages. You tap it and the dot disappears. 

Jacob-- 

Andy’s chat opens and you slowly key in your message, several times over before you get it right. 

‘I’m signing into the server. I’ll be on until nine. No mining, talking.’ 

That’s it. That’s all. You can’t go back to what it was. You want this to be over. You’re closing the book, cutting the strings. He needs to know what he did was wrong and you need to move on. 

You take a breath and try to calm your nerves. Now that you’ve sent the message, you don’t know if you can do it. It’s too late, he saw it. 

You move slowly as you boot up your switch and plug in your headset. Your heart is racing like crazy. You’re going to have a panic attack. You feel the same wave of nausea you felt back at the con. Ugh. 

You load the server and almost as soon as the textures appear, he joins. Your lip trembles. You hear his mic scuff but he says nothing. No, you’re not here to listen to him. He has to hear you and then you’re done. 

“I’m sorry about your son,” you begin. 

“I... thanks.” 

“But it’s not an excuse,” you interrupt him, “what you did was so wrong.” 

“I know.” 

“Please, let me get this out,” you insist, your voice shaking. “I can’t understand what you’ve been through. I looked it all up and I know that it’s a lot. I, obviously, have never dealt with any of that. You know that, because I told you. Because I trusted you,” you frown as you inhale sharply, tears pricking in your eyes, “because I thought you were my age, that you were him, your son. Your dead son.” 

You shudder and shake your head, gulping thickly. 

“Do you not see how fucked up that is?” 

He sighs, “I know. I promise you, I wanted to tell you. That’s why... that’s why I wanted to meet. Because you deserved to know and I had to tell it to your face. You deserved that--” 

“Did I deserve to be lied to? Huh? Why—Why did you need to do all that? Why couldn’t you just tell the truth?” 

He sniffles. You’re silent, choked by the sob trapped in your throat. 

“I... He’s gone. I missed him so bad and I wasn’t thinking straight. It’s not an excuse, you’re right,” his voice is raspy, “I... you reminded me of him. Playing his favourite game helped me get through. It was wrong. All of it. I’m not saying you should forgive me, but I’m trying to explain as best as I can. I still don’t really understand why I did it.” 

You swallow and wipe your wet eyes, “you’re right. I don’t need to forgive you. I don’t. I only came on here to say what I needed to before I delete this world. I might be young and stupid but I think you need help. Real help, not some girl on a headset.” 

“Please--” 

His voice cuts off as you hit quit. You feel a pang of guilt. You do feel bad for him but you hope he heard you. You can’t forgive what he did to you, but you can wish the best for him. You hope what you said can make him get the proper help.

[natalievoncatte]

“Hey,” Kara said, “want to grab something for lunch?”

Seated at her desk, Lena waved her hand dismissively, even though she was only talking to Kara on the phone.

“I can’t. I have too much to do.”

“You’re the boss, you can just take off. Everyone has to do what you say.”

Lena rolled her eyes. There was a hint of teasing in Kara’s voice, but Lena meant it. L-Corp was in the final stages of a major acquisition. Lena was taking over an AI startup that was developing a key technology for one of her medical division products, and to make it viable she needed their patents, IP, and scientific talent.

“I really am swamped.”

“Can’t you spare half an hour? For me? I want to make sure you’re not starving yourself again.”

Lena sighed. The teasing was replaced with a genuine concern, now. Lena had admitted to Kara that she lost five the last time she got caught up in something for three weeks. Of everyone she mentioned it to, Kara was the only one who didn’t congratulate her. She worried, she fussed, and she fed Lena that night.

“Okay,” said Lena. “I’ll meet you in the lobby in ten, does that sound…”

“I’m already here.”

Kara then opened the door and walked in, smirking. Lena’s breath caught when she saw her. Kara had her hair in an elaborate braid and was dressed for the blistering summer heat in a green sun dress and sandals. Joy sparkled in her blue eyes and she smiled wide.

“We could get delivery,” said Lena.

“Nope! Fresh air! It’s good for you!”

Lena sighed and allowed herself to be bundle outside, throwing on a hat and sunglasses. Since she was in the office on a Saturday and had let herself in, she had dressed casually and the heat was tolerable while they walked.

They spent the trip in companionable silence. Kara walked close to her, a presence just to Lena’s right that seemed to electrify the air, like something pulling between them.

Lena noticed things. Like how Kara always walked between her and the road, and how the way her arms would swing always seemed to leave Kara’s pinky brushing the outside of Lena’s hand. Sometimes she’d mumble an apology. Sometimes not. Sometimes Lena would feel the tender touch, and find Kara looking at her oddly, a soft wistful smile on her face that made Lena melt.

Sometimes she thought about catching her hand. Sometimes she thought about stopping and meeting that look, gently asking what Kara was so intent about. She never did, because as much as she enjoyed that fluttering feeling in her belly, she was certain Kara was straight.

It was like an ache she just couldn’t stop, dull and pulsing at the back of her mind. One soft brush of Kara’s lips on her own would be more than-

“Hey,” Kara said. “You’re a million miles away.”

“Oh,” Lena murmured, realizing that she’d been staring this time. “I’m sorry, I was just thinking about work.”

There was a nearly imperceptible flash of concern and sadness on Kara’s face, the tiniest hint of a frown that made Lena want to cup her cheek and whisper an apology, but didn’t.

“This is it,” said Kara. “Try to relax, alright?”

Lena sighed her best promise and followed Kara in to a quaint little lunch spot with air conditioning and big ceiling fans mounted high overhead, and they took their seats.

Kara ordered for her -you need protein, Lena!- and she spent the next forty-five minutes picking at a turkey wrap and listening to Kara chatter excitedly about gossip and work and who was dating who at CatCo and a big story she was working on. Lena knew she had a lopsided smile on her face and was nodding along, as much for the delight of Kara’s excitement. She did little voices when she imitated her coworkers and got animated when talking about her story.

Lena barely said a word.

“You’re quiet,” Kara finally said.

I’m in love with you, Lena thought.

“I’m just tired. I was listening. You think Elliot is dating… Katie?”

Kara smirked at her.

“I wish you wouldn’t push yourself so hard. There’s more to life than work.”

Kara rested her hand atop Lena’s, and Lena felt her heart flip in her chest.

“I know. I’m sorry I’ve been distant, this project just means a lot to me.”

“Let’s get you back before the building burns down,” said Kara.

Lena felt a little guilty as they walked into the bar to pay the bill. For some reason, Lena felt a little thrill when Kara insisted on paying, and the host looked at Lena and then smirked at Kara.

They turned, snd a man stepped up to Lena.

“Luthor!” he shouted. “You ruined my fucking life!”

Lena froze, wide-eyed, about to ask what she did. The man raised the gun he had hidden in the pocket of his sweatshirt and fired. The sound was incredible, stabbing at her ear drums and filling the world with a dull ringing. She stumbled back into the bar.

Kara’s fist was clenched in front of her chest, her eyes wide and expression wild. Kara snapped her attention to the gunman, who fired again.

She stepped between the gun and Lena. Five more shots went off and seemed to rumple her dress with tiny bursts of wind, but then Lena saw the bullets had torn the fabric before they tumbled to the floor.

Kara swept her hand and yanked the gun out of his hand, and it fell to the floor in a crumpled mass, sliding along the tiles.

She changed. It was as if she grew taller, wider, expression hardening. She grabbed the attacker by his collar and hauled him off the floor with one hand, and Lena felt a pang of fear as fire literally blazed in her eyes.

When she put a hand on Kara’s shoulder, the muscles were coiled like steel cables.

“Don’t” she caught herself whispering.

Kara threw him. He slid across the floor and thumped against the wall, and she strode over and planted her foot on his chest, easily pinning him. He stared up at her in naked shock.

Kara touched her ear. “Alex, get to my location asap. Someone just tried to kill Lena. We need a cleanup.”

Lena stared at her.

It wasn’t five minutes before her sister, in full tactical gear, led a team of armed agents into the cafe and bundled up Lena’s assailant, dragging him away. They took the crumpled gun and the fallen bullets and began talking to the other patrons and staff.

Lena started to shake.

Kara focused on her instantly and led her outside, where “FBI” vans were waiting. Kara stepped into one and in half a second, without seeming to break stride, stepped back into view in full Supergirl regalia.

Lena almost fell. He knees went wobbly and she slumped, right into Kara’s arms. Kara scooped her up in a single fluid motion and lifted off as Lena took a death grip on the collar of her suit and buried her face in Kara’s neck.

Moments later they lighted on Lena’s balcony. Kara pushed the door aside, ignoring the very expensive lock that popped off as she did, and carried her inside.

Bolting, Lena ran to the bathroom. Her entire body had gone cold, like she’d been dunked in ice water. She sagged to her knees and grabbed the toilet, retching.

Kara was there. A soft, reassuring hand rubbed her back while the other tenderly and expertly gathered her hair. Lena couldn’t help it; she struggled to hold on her lunch, shaking, screaming between retches.

“You’re alright, I’ve got you.”

“He almost killed me,” Lena choked out. “If you weren’t there I’d be dead.”

Kara sat down, and pulled Lena into her lap, rocking her softly until the shaking subsided before standing up, easily carrying her out of the room.

A glass of water helped. Kara was attentive, gently, softly encouraging while the adrenaline shakes ravaged Lena.

Kara was Supergirl. It seemed weirdly obvious to her now. She looked up and realized that Kara hadn’t unbraided her hair, and the effect was disconcerting. Kara took Lena in her arms again, hugging her tight.

“You’re safe. I’ve got you, you’re safe now.”

Lena took in a deep breath, drinking her scent as Kara rubbed her back and did the same, burying her face in Lena’s hair.

“You’re going to be okay,” Kara murmured, “it’s alright.”

“I’m so tired of this,” Lena whimpered. “What did I do? Why did he want to hurt me?”

“You don’t deserve to live this way,” said Kara.

“Oh God,” said Lena. “I have to… the acquisition, my work…”

Kara seized her head in her hands, firmly yet gently, cupping Lena’s cheeks in her palms. Kara stared at her with shocking intensity, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Fuck your work,” Kara almost shouted. “I care about you. You, Lena! You’re more than… you… I…”

Lena stared back at her, in shock at the intensity in her voice, even moreso than the out of character f-bomb. Kara was still holding her, looking at her with such fullness of feeling, biting her lip and struggling to hold back tears and failing, that Lena couldn’t stop herself. She lunged, diving into Kara, hugging her.

Lena hugged Kara, but Kara was the one to kiss her first. Their lips met in a nearly painful crash, Kara diving into her like she might never see her again.

Oh.

It was a wild sensation, this adrenaline shock combined with the feeling of Kara’s powerful arms wrapped around her, fingers that could crush diamonds gripping her hip and the back of her neck, the way Kara stood tall over her and her boots thumped on the floor when she took a step.

“You mean everything to me.”

Lena sucked in a breath and swallowed a sob.

Oh.

“Don’t leave,” Lena chirped out. “Please don’t leave me.”

“I won’t. I won’t.”

Lena finally felt herself slowing down, but it left her drained, barely able to stand. She slumped against Kara and stayed there, clinging to her.

“I’m going to change,” Kara murmured. “Easy.”

She lowered Lena onto the sofa and she curled in the corner, huddled in a ball.

Then Kara reached to her shoulders unclasped one side of her cape, then the other. With a flourish she swung it wide and swept it over Lena as a blanket.

“Stay right here.”

She wasn’t gone long. In mere moments she was there in a t-shirt and shorts, wrapping herself around Lena.

It took hours for Lena to finally calm down, and by then she’d fallen asleep on Kara’s shoulder. When she woke up, Kara was teasing her fingers along Lena’s scalp and singing softly. It took a moment for Lena to realize that the clipped, rhythmic language had to be Kryptonian.

“Are you okay?”

Lena nodded.

“It was different this time. People have tried to kill me before but… it was different. He was just some guy in a cafe.”

“Lena,” Kara murmured, “look at me.”

Lena looked up, meeting Kara’s soft, intent gaze.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Lena’s heart swelled. It felt so real, so true. Kara meant it, every bit of it, from the depths of her being. Lena tucked in closer to her and sighed on her shoulder.

“Work can wait until Monday,” Lena whispered.

“Tuesday,” Kara corrected.

“Can you stay tonight?” said Lena. “Just to sleep,” she added.

“Of course.”

They were silent to a while.

“Lena?”

“Yeah.”

“About earlier, if I… overstepped, I’m sorry. It doesn’t have to mean anything if you don’t want it to.”

Lena sucked in a sharp breath.

“It means everything.”

“Oh,” said Kara.

[mamawasatesttube]

Hi!

Would you happen to have any fic rec that respect Kon (and Tim) as a character and don't write a totally other character with just the same name?

(I really do not have any criteria, i don't care if there is a romantic ship or not I really just want to read a fic with the least amount of mischaracterization as possible-)

I really like your blog so I thought that I would ask!!

hiya!! this is gonna be a short and noncomprehensive list because unfortunately i have a migraine today and braining is hard, but def check out my general #fic rec tag too!

chrysalis by @loisinherlane. its a superfam fic about kon and the concept of growing up and it makes me so 🥺 the kon & ma and the kon & kara bits in particular. oaugh

fill in the blanks by @mindshelter is just so cute. its temporary amnesiac tim looking at kon and immediately going heart eyes. great look at kon from an "outsider" perspective AND fun insight into how tim's ridiculous mind works!

practical applications of a memorized heartbeat by @comphetkoncass tim gets fucked up and kon gets to put his ttk skills to the test (i.e. life-saving medical ttk applications). i dearly love when kon is Competent!!!!!

i want your complications too by @loisinherlane is more about clois than kon, but he features here as a 7 year old clone that superman rescued from cadmus early and i die every time bc hes so Fuckigningngng cute. babby.

hand on my stupid heart by @misspickman gets me in the "kon you have fucking issues please get help buddy" (he will not) department. the smallville parts (lori!!!! my beloved!!!!) are particularly chefs kiss!!

within the rubble and the harvest by @radioactive-earthshine for. well! speaking of kon and smallville!!!! ahhghgh!!! KON and SMALLVILLE!!! im so fascinated by his adjustment period and his love for ma and pa and. ough. all the tiny details are so good too. i love u kon and smallville.

AND finally not to toot my own horn but in case you haven't already seen MY kon fics, a quick self-plug here:

the courage of stars by... ME!!!! a kon post-resurrection character study dealing with the overlap of internalized homophobia and all that suicidal ideation he's been carrying around from day one. what's a guy supposed to do when he's pretty sure he came back wrong, 'cuz he's pretty sure he was never supposed to come back at all, but no one else can see it?

[raya-hunter01]

Not My Sister's Keeper Pt 1 & 2

Roman X OC(Kara)

Jey Uso X OC (Tia)

Rating: 18+

Warning: Smut; sex, fluff, couple arguing, Jealousy, infidelity, pregnancy

Roamn’s wife recently left medical school and returned home to save her marriage and travel with him on the road. Upon her return, she finds out things are not what they seem. Her sister is pregnant by her best friend Jey Uso, who is also Roman’s cousin, and her husband is acting suspicious.

What happens when a conversation overhead on a baby monitor blows her world apart?

This first chapter. I posted the ending of the chapter for the seven-sentence challenge.

Pensacola, Fl

Roman's House

Kara's POV

“What’s wrong baby?” I asked my husband Roman as he seemed to be zoning in and out.

“Nothin, I just heard you talking to Terry this morning and I know you miss your friends out there in Boston. I feel like I forced your hand, and I don’t want you to regret your decision to come home.

“Why would I do that, I missed you too and we both agreed on it.”  

“Kara, I’m gone so much, and I don’t want you to look back and regret coming back. I should have made it a priority to come out more to see you,” Roman said as I caressed his face.

“Babe, I could never regret coming back. I did this for us and our family that we’re building. That means more to me than medical school. I can go back when your schedule is lighter,” I reassured him as he sighed.

“I just hate you had to leave, but I promise within the next two years my schedule will be lighter, and we can get a house out there so you can finish school. You have my word, I promise,” Roman said making me smile at the thought of us getting a house in Boston so I could continue school.

“I’m going to hold you to that,” I whispered as our lips met in a passionate kiss.

The past year had been hard on us, previously I had been traveling with Roman on the road. I loved it and I even had a job that allowed me to work from home.  Still with the perfect schedule I longed for more, so I accepted a scholarship to continue my education in studying medicine at Harvard Medical school. 

At first, Roman was supportive and even stood up to my family about me moving to Boston but then the distance began to cause a heavy strain on our marriage.

We would argue more, he became distant almost resentful that I wasn’t on the road with him anymore or at least in Pensacola waiting for him to come home. 

I didn’t see why he just couldn’t be happy and come see me more. That last argument we had when I was in Boston was an eye opener, I was going to lose my husband if we couldn’t find a solution.

-----

Four months Earlier

Boston Massachusetts

Kara’s Condo

“We’re going to have to make a decision, because this isn’t working babe,” Roman said as I felt my heart drop as we calmed down from our weekly facetime sex session.

 “So, what are you saying? Like get a divorce? Are you seeing someone ele.”

“Kara, I would never, I’m just sayin’ this is getting to be too much.”

“Why can’t you just come out here more on your off days like we agreed. I mean we started off good then all of sudden visits became few and far in between,” I said as Roman frowned sitting up in bed pulling the comforter over his waist.

“I know what we agreed, but I got more stuff on my plate now baby. I can’t help that and then I have stuff to take care of things here in Pensacola when I’m off,” Roman said as I nodded in understanding wiping my tears as he looked at me sadly.

Ugh, Facetime was not the way I wanted to discuss this. We needed to talk in person.

“I swear I’m not saying this to make you cry, baby. Please don’t cry, I’m sorry, ok,” Roman pleaded as I tried to gather myself, sitting up and grabbing my phone.

“No, you have a right to say how you feel, and I understand it,” I whispered as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Kara, I’m just frustrated and miss you so fuckin’ much. We gotta work something out because I can’t take much more of this, especially coming home to an empty house” he whispered as I wiped my tears.

“I miss you too……. We’ll figure something out….I promise.”

The rest as they say is history, a few days later I left medical school behind and surprised Roman by joining him on the road and never went back to school.

Being back on the road with him and in our routine felt good. I knew I was where I belonged, and I felt safe wrapped up in his arms, but I also knew deep in my gut something was wrong, I just didn’t know what.

I couldn’t worry about that today though, it was an important day for Jey and my sister.

“We need to get dressed, babe,” I said stealing one last kiss as Roman caressed my stomach.

“A’ight but I’m ready for this to be over so we can come home and work on our own family,” he whispered in my neck as I blushed.

I truly did love this man and I couldn’t wait to have babies and more babies with him.

------

Tia’s Baby Shower

Kara’s POV

“How are you feeling, sis?”

“I’m feeling very loved,” Tia said rubbing her stomach as I smiled. “We do love you, especially Jey,” I said as Tia looked around nervously.

“Yea, I love my child’s father too,” she said rubbing her stomach, her use of the words felt almost like she was trying to hint about something.

I already knew Jey was the father so what was that about?

Looking at her it seems she in nervous but somewhat happy so I shrugged off her words.

“I can’t thank you enough for this, Kara. It really means a lot to me,” Tia said as I gave her a hug trying to overcome the tension behind us.

“Hey, stop thanking me, I just wanted to throw you my big sister a baby shower. I mean my niece is on the way,” I said as she laughed but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

The dynamics of my family at times could be explosive at times, my parents though married seemed to be just tolerating each other.

For most of our lives my sister and I never got along, and my poor baby brother was always stuck in the middle of it.  

I think the relationship with Jey is a dig at me if I’m being honest. She knew I used to have a crush on him but we both agreed we didn’t want to cross the line and jeopardize our friendship.

Tia acted like she couldn’t stand Jey for all these years and then all of a sudden, she took an interest in him about ten months ago. Then a couple weeks later announces she’s pregnant with his baby.

 I think myy sister’s pregnancy was actually the boost I think we all needed to try to be a somewhat functioning family.

I would say today was a success as our family and friends got together to celebrate the pending arrival of my niece.

“Bae, I’m heading to Gram's to get her gifts,” Jey said sticking his head around the corner as Roman walked around him.

“Go ahead, Uce, I’ll help Tia put everything in the nursery,” he said as Tia avoided making eye contact with Jey and was looking at my husband with a smile.

“Oh, that would be nice, my sister is so lucky to have you,” she said as Roman looked nervous, rubbing the back of his neck.

What the hell is going on?

“Uh, well it’s my pleasure to help. I mean we are family after all.”

Trying to shake off the awkwardness, I decided to change the subject. “I guess ya’ll can start and I’ll put my pots back in the car, then help ya’ll,” I said as Roman shook his head.

“Nah, I got it, you did enough today. This will only take a second. You can go ahead, and head home, I’ll will meet you there,” he said giving me a hug as I smiled.

Roman was always so caring and loving. His soft lips against mine made me excited for what was to come later.

“I’ll see you at home,” I whispered against his lip he nodded.

“I Can’t wait to get home and take this dress off-”

 Tia cleared her throat as I blushed. “Sorry, I’ll see you in the morning, Tia.”

“I’ll call you later, and thanks for lending Roman to do this heavy lifting,” she joked as I saw Roman was seemingly in another world, avoiding her gaze.

Roman’s POV

“Always Ms. Perfect, I know I’m better than her,” I heard Tia mumble under her breath.

I felt my anger rising as Tia slick threw shots at Kara under her breath. Matter of fact, she had been throwing shots all day.

“What the fuck is your problem?!” I yelled as soon as Kara left, causing Tia to smirk.

“What are you talking about, I don’t have a problem, baby,” she chuckled as I snarled.

 “First off, I ain’t your baby and you know what you been doing all day to Kara.

“Oh, God forbid anyone upsets Kara. Oh, you so concerned about her now, but you damn sure wasn'’t when you were fuckin’ me,” she hissed stalking off upstairs as I growled snatching a few gifts off the table and following her.

“Look, I fucked up, and we slept together a few times. Stop trying to make it seem like it was some big love affair. I love Kara and that will never change I said as we walked into the nursery.

“A fuck up is one time, we slept together I know at least six times stop trying to lessen the blow of your actions and own it. I came on to you, and you took everything I had to give,’ Tia said smirking at my uneasiness.

“Look, I love my wife-”

“Yet, you were fucking me…. Her sister, and your cousin’s girlfriend.

“Ok, now that’s bullshit in itself, now you wanna act high and mighty. You only got with Jey to cover yo’ ass; he thinks he got you pregnant off of a one-night stand.”

“I wanted and still want to be with you, but you want her!  What was I supposed to do!” Tia yelled, frustrating me even more.

“Not bring other people into this shit and play with their feelings!”

“I ain’t playin’ with his feelings, I do love Jey,” she said as I scoffed at the bullshit she was spewing.

“Don’t do that shit Roman, we both agreed it was best if he and I raised the baby. You want to be with Kara, right?”

“No, you decided that shit, all by yourself and Jey doesn’t deserve this no more than Kara does!” I shouted trying to get my point across.

“So, what are you sayin? You got a conscious now!” Tia hissed as I growled.

“I’m sayin’ that I’m over this shit, and I’m telling Kara!”

“You really ready to risk losing everything now?!  We both Know Kara will leave you if she finds out.

“I have to tell her-”

“Look, I’m trying to compromise here. Just give me stipend and be a loving uncle to this baby. I promise you can see her whenever you like or say the word and we can be a family together.”

“I’m not her uncle, I’m her father, and even if I lose everything, we aren’t going to be together, Tia. We can co-parent,” I said laying it all out on the line.

“I’ve accepted that, why do you think I’m with Jey. Now you wanna fuck that up for me,” Tia whispered as I felt even more guilty.

We shouldn’t even be discussing this shit now, but it was like we couldn’t stop. It had been a long time since we had been able to talk alone besides on the phone when Kara or Jey weren’t around.

----

Kara’s POV

“Damn, how the hell did I leave my purse?” I muttered walking back inside my sister’s living room, retrieving it.

“You know Kara means the world to me,” I heard Roman say as I smiled picking up the baby monitor, listening to him talk to my sister as they put away some of her baby shower gifts in the nursery; “And I love Jey, that’s why neither one of them can find out you’re the father of this baby.

The silence after Tia's statement defining.

"F-Father," I gasped in shock trying to catch my breath as I waited to hear Roman deny Tia's claim, but it didn't come...Just silence.

I couldn’t breathe, it was as if those words seemed to be stuck on repeat in my mind and it wouldn't stop. “You’re the father of this baby.”

My eyes widened in horror as I lost my footing, collapsing onto the floor, looking at the baby monitor's red lights flashing.

Roman was the father of my sister’s baby.

“Jey is going to find out sooner or later and so is Kara. They ain’t dumb!” Roman hissed as I felt like I wanted to vomit, my breathing shallow as I tried to process what was happening.

“Aye, Tia, I’m back!” I heard Jey yell as I snapped out of the daze I was stuck in and ran out the back door, trying to avoid him.

Jey’s POV

"Tia, I said i'm back!" I shouted looking around the living room, seeing alot of the gifts still around the living room.

“I see that you are,” Tia said appearing at the top of the stairs, as I frowned at her nervousness.

“Why you look so nervous?" I asked sitting down her gift from my grandmother.

 “Roman, Jey’s back!” she yelled, ignoring my question as I heard her voice echo.

“What the hell was that?” I asked as Tia smiled, coming downstairs.

“It’s one of the baby monitors, mama turned it on earlier to show us how it worked. The other one is in the nursery, that’s the echo you heard.” she said as I nodded in understanding.

“Oh, that’s cool we need that for when we need some alone time so we can still hear lil mama in her room,” I said as she laughed.

“You are so silly,” she whispered as I looked around for Kara.  “Kara still here? I need to talk to her about something, I saw her car out front,” I said as Tia shook her head.

 “No, Roman sent her home, matter fact she should be there by now,” Tia said walking over to look out the front door.

“Bae, I’m telling you, I saw her car just a second ago.”

“Are you sure it was her car, it’s not there now,” Tia said as I frowned. “Many times, I done rode in that car, I know my best friend’s car Tia,” I said annoyed at her assumption that I didn’t know what I saw.

“Maybe she had forgot something,” Tia said as I tried to shake the feeling, she was hiding something as Roman finally joined us downstairs.

“Since you back Jey, I’mma head out. Kara is waiting for me at home,” Roman said as I smiled.

“Uce, ya’ll probably will get home at the same time. I just saw her car parked out front,” I said as Roman’s smile dropped.

“Huh, Kara left bout thirty minutes ago,” Roman said looking at his watch as I shrugged my shoulders.

Nah, try five minutes ago, give or take," I said as Tia looked worried.

“Was her car where she parked earlier?” Roman asked as I shook my head.

“No, she was parked out by the street.”

Roman seemed to go white as a ghost and Tia began pacing.

“Uh, I’ll leave ya’ll alone, I need to get home,” Roman said as I followed him to the door. He seemed to be antsy and dare, I say scared.

“Let me me walk you out, Uce.”

“Nah, I’ll see you later fam, I got it,” Roman said walking to his truck as I closed the door.

Damn what had him spooked?

Kara’s POV

I knew I couldn’t go home, if I did, I would kill him…I really would kill him. I parked down the street from my parents and then made my way to their guest house. I didn’t want anyone to see me, not right now.

I was falling apart and needed time to think, this couldn’t be happening it seemed like the minute I closed the door the dam broke as I screamed breaking down in tears sliding down the wall.

“Why him?” I cried overwhelmed by the betrayal of my husband and my sister. The darkness surrounding me, only visible light was from my phone as Roman and Tia had been blowing my phone up.

Not knowing or caring which one it was I accepted the call just wanting the ringing to stop.

“Sis, is that you? Roman has been trying to call you, he’s worried, you weren’t home when he got-.”

 Ending the call without saying a word, I thew the phone hard as I could against the mirror on my parents’ wall. Almost feeling a sense of satisfaction as it shattered into tiny pieces just like my heart had .

“Sis?” I laughed at the gall wiping my tears… “You ain’t no sister of mine,” I whispered, my heart straining against my chest as I tried to control my breathing.

 Every look, nervous movements and awkward exchanges between them played over and over in my mind.

“Sweetie, are you ok? I saw you come back her and I heard a crash,” my mom said coming into the guesthouse, turning on the lights as I scurried to the corner pulling my knees to my chest whipping my tears.

“I’m fine mama, can you please leave,” I whispered as she gasped at my current state.

“Bill! Get in here!” my mother yelled as I shook my head. I didn’t want to talk about it; I knew if I did the tears would come harder.

“Mama, I just want to be alone, please,” I sniffed as she came over to me. “Who hurt you baby?” she whispered kneeling down, taking me in her arms as I sobbed my heart out.

“What the hell is going on?!” my father bellowed coming in seeing my mother and I on the floor, locked in a comforting embrace and the glass on the floor.

“Don’t freak her out, calm down Bill, we don’t even know what’s wrong.”

“Well, something fuckin’ happened Rebecca, and I want to know what it is. She in here breaking mirrors and hysterical,” he said as mother sighed pulling out her phone.

“Maybe Tia can tell me, let me call her-”

“Don’t! Don’t ever call her asking her nothing about me!” I screamed hysterically as my mother looked at me in shock.

I jerked away, her touch scorching my skin. Hurrying to my feet, trying to make my exit, but my dad stood in the way.

“This is not like you sweetie. What happened?” my mom asked, rubbing my shoulders as my father and her tried to calm me down.

“Kara, what is going on baby, did something happen between you and your sister?”

“Dad, please just drop it, ok,” I pleaded retrieving my phone, and wiping my tears.

“Let’s give her a little space to breathe Bill,” my mom whispered as I felt myself losing it slowly but surely.

Hearing a car pull in the driveway I went back into flight or fight mode. “Dad, please move, I need to go,” I pleaded as he stood steadfast, unmovable.

“Baby I can’t let you drive like this, let’s just sit down and talk” he suggested as I shook my head.

“I don’t feel like talking daddy,” I said as my mom sighed.

“Dad?! Mom?! We’re here to pick up the crib!” I heard Tia shout my blood ran cold.

The crib we slept in as kids….That crib?

“We’re in here baby,” my mom called out as I cringed as Tia and Jey in came in the guesthouse.

“Aye, you ok Kara?” Jey asked taking in my appearance. I didn’t even care how I looked right now; my eyes were focused on Tia who looked scared to death.

“Maybe we should come back Jey,” she whispered trying to get a feel of what was going on.

“No, I’m good, come in,” I said as she sighed in relief, thinking her secret was still safe.

“Mom, dad, can you leave? I need to talk Tia,” I said as my dad looked between us unsure of my request but threw his hands up.

“Fine, let’s go up to the main house Rebecca and let the girls talk.”

“I think we should stay Bill; something is wrong.”

“Nothing is wrong mama,” Tia said as I nodded my head in agreement.

 “It’s right as rain,” I added as my dad sighed.

“Least she’s willing to talk to Tia, let’s let them talk,” he said ushering my mom out of the room.

“What did you do Tia?” my mom asked as Tia lowered her head in shame as dad closed the door behind them.

“Do you need me to leave Kara?” Jey asked as I shook my head no.

“No, it involves you just as much as it does me,” I whispered as he caressed my shoulder.

“What happened baby girl?” he asked as I looked at Tia trying to see if she would confess but she just stood there as if nothing was wrong.

Jey had to know, I know it wasn’t my place, but he needed to know.

“Girl, you had Roman worried and so was I when he told me you weren’t home. I’m so glad you were here and safe. We thought something had happened to you,” she said as I chuckled at her weak attempt to change the subject.

“Oh, I’m fine….I just needed some time to process some stuff. The problem with that is I only ended up having more questions and I know you know the answers,” I whispered as Jey looked at me confused.

“Questions about what Kara?” Jey asked, looking between Tia and I, picking up on undeniable tension.

“Jey, can you leave Kara and I alone to ta-”

“Jey, stay because I know you’re going to want to know the answers to these questions too.”

"Jey, please leave us,” Tia whispered.

"When were you going to tell me that not only has you been FUCKING my husband, but you're carrying his baby?" I asked calmly as Tia gripped the counter trying to steady herself.

You could hear a pin drop as Jey looked at Tia for any sign of truth to my words.

“Wh…W..What are you talking about Kara?” Tia stuttered as I scoffed at the deer caught in the headlights look on her face.

“Tia, what is Kara talking about?” Jey asked, my heart truly went out to my best friend. He deserved the world, but he always chose the wrong ones to love.

“I don’t know Jey, she isn’t thinking clearly,” Tia said as I rolled my eyes.

“Tia! Words of advice, when you are confessing your dirt and playing God with someone else’s life, make sure the baby monitors aren’t on, projecting your conversations throughout the fuckin’ house, dumb ass!” I hissed as she covered her mouth in shock.

“Ok, let’s calm down lau pele, talk to me, because you ain’t makin’  no sense right now,” Jey said gently pulling me to him.

“I’m sorry Jey, but that isn’t your baby,” I whispered as Tia began sobbing.

“Jey, I can explain-”

“Logan is my daughter, what you sayin to me’?”  he asked, looking between Tia and I, his eyes full of tears.

“Tell him…For once in your miserable life, tell the truth,” I said truly done with the lies.

“Jey, Just listen-”

“Is she mine?” Jey whispered walking closer to Tia as she began to figet wrapping her arms around herself.

“Jey, please, baby-”

“Is she mine, damn it!" Jey screamed as I jumped at the anger and hurt in his voice.

"No!...She’s Roman’s” she whimpered as Jey trembled with anger.

“I am so sorry,” I whispered as he pinched his nose trying to stop his tears from falling but to no avail and began pacing.

“It ain’t yo’ fault Kara…. I shoulda' known betta right? He asked, my heart breaking for him.

“I…..I didn’t mean for it to happen, Kara was gone, Roman and I were spending more time together on the road and it just happened.”

“So, in other words when I was gone, you made a move on him,” I said as she sighed.

“Look you left him, and he needed somebody.”

“How could you do that to Kara?” Jey said as Tia wiped her tears.

“Cause she’s willing…Willing to bed flop with anything that moves and I fuckin’ hate you for it Tia,” I cried wanting to give her this work but I knew I couldn’t.

“I tried to make it right-”

“Oh, that’s right, you slept with me and then told me I got you pregnant,” Jey said as I cringed at how he described it, but it was true.

“Where did you do it?” I asked as Tia subconsciously rubbed her belly.

“Don’t do this Kara?” Tia whispered as I scoffed.

“In my house?.....In my bed?” I asked with a whimper as she shook her head.

“No! As much as things haven’t always been good between us, I would never do that,” she cried as I tried to piece together their intimate moments.

“His bus?” I whispered as she nodded. I felt like I couldn’t breathe, now we were getting somewhere.

“The first night of the UK tour when I couldn’t reach him, he was with you wasn’t he?” I asked as she dropped her head in shame.

“That night you left the show early proclaiming you were sick,” Jey added as she nodded.

“Oh my god I’m going to be sick,” I whispered.

“I swear it’s over, Roman loves you and only you. That’s why we did this!” Tia cried as Jey exploded flipping the couch and storming outta the house.

“Jey! Don’t leave!" Tia cried as I grabbed my keys preparing to leave as well. I had heard and seen enough.

“Actions have consequences Tia. That was one of them, a good man walking out of your life….A new life about to be born," I said pointing at her stomach.

"Kara-"

"Your dead to me,” I whispered, heading for the door as she jumped in front of me.

“Kara, just listen-”

“Don’t call…Don’t text…Don’t come by my home… I never want to see you again,” I said as she gasped, falling against me and grunting in pain.

"Get off of me Tia!" I shouted as she held onto me to steady herself, but I didn't push her away.

 “Kara, my water just broke” she cried as I looked down seeing at the small puddle at her feet.

Are you serious right now? This cannot be happening.....

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