Chapter Text
Alex sits at the table, coffee in hand as Maggie slices their toasted bagels. There is a comfortable silence between them, sharing soft smiles and lingering gazes as Maggie moves to sit across from Alex at the table. They both sip their coffee and reach for their food when the sound of shuffling makes them still. Alex spots Kara's tiny form approaching first. Kara lets out a small yawn, rubbing at her eyes as she blinks. She takes in her surroundings and allows herself a few seconds to wake up before her gaze locks in on Alex. Her eyes light up as she runs faster than her little legs can carry her, completely oblivious to the looks of horror flashing through both Alex and Maggie's eyes when she starts to float just an inch above the ground before she launches herself into Alex's arms. Alex coughs a little at the sheer force. She hides her concern with a yawn as Kara shifts in her lap, making herself comfortable before stealing half of the jam covered bagel on Alex's plate.
"Hey, Cheeky!" Alex protests, running her fingers down Kara's sides, eliciting a high pitched squeal and several giggles from the squirming 4-year-old.
"Noooo! Stop!" Kara bats at Alex's hands, loosening her grip on the bagel which gives Alex an opportunity to strike. She plucks the half-eaten bagel from Kara's hand and smugly takes a bite.
Kara pouts, looking up at Alex with pleading eyes. Alex ignores her, revelling in the way Kara whines as she takes another large bite.
"My bagel is so delicious." She exaggerates a moan, grinning when Kara moves to take it back, swiftly lifting it a little higher each time.
Kara's struggles, getting more and more desperate as she tries to pull Alex's hand down.
"No, give it back! It's mine!" Kara exclaims.
"Oops, there's none left, sorry." Alex replies with an unapologetic smile.
Kara's face falls, her pout returning full force.
"B-b-but that's not fair!" Kara's voice cracks, her eyes starting to water, lower lip trembling.
Maggie's voice comes to her rescue, "Don't worry Kara, Alex is going to go and make you another bagel. Isn't that right, Danvers?"
Alex goes to protest, but upon seeing the stern look she receives from her girlfriend paired with the utter dismay on Kara's face, she thinks better of it and grumbles in defeat. She lifts Kara from her lap and stands up, placing a kiss on the top of her head before moving to the kitchen. She tries, and fails, to hide her smile when Kara gives Maggie a big hug and then takes residence in Alex's seat. She busies herself with the bagel preparation, her eyes flitting over to them every now and again and listening to their interactions with curiosity.
"So Kara, do you know what day it is?" Maggie asks.
Kara shakes her head, staring back with an expectant look.
"Today is Halloween. People dress up in fun costumes, go to parties and play fun games. We could take you trick or treating if you wanted?"
Kara tilts her head, a confused frown on her face.
Maggie smiles at her and continues explaining, "So trick or treating is where you dress up and then we knock on a bunch of houses and they give you candy."
At this, Kara's face morphs into one of utter delight. Her smile is almost too big for her face as she starts to kick her legs wildly, practically bouncing in her seat.
"I get candy?" Kara asks with a gleeful expression.
"Of course, and we'll get you a kick a-," Maggie starts to say, quickly rethinking her word choice and correcting herself, "a really cool costume."
"I get candy!" Kara repeats, oblivious to Maggie's slip up as she claps her hands together.
Maggie nods, watching as Kara wiggles as the excitement builds. It doesn't last long before a frown works its way back onto Kara's face, leaving Maggie confused as to what happened.
"Kara? What is it, what's wrong?"
"Will Alex steal my candy? She stole my bagel!" Kara says with a pout, folding her arms as she sports a sullen look.
Maggie sighs in relief, leaning forward to ruffle Kara's hair as she speaks using a softer tone and a reassuring smile to stop Kara's pouting. "I'll make sure that she doesn't, okay?"
She waits until she receives a small nod from Kara and then continues, her tone teasing as she wiggles her eyebrows mischievously. "But how about we have a little fun and get Alex back for being such a meanie."
Kara grins, nodding enthusiastically as Maggie leans closer, whispering her idea. The two share a giggle and spring apart when Alex walks back to the table. She places a plate with a freshly toasted bagel and a cup of orange juice in front of Kara before sitting down opposite her sister, a steaming mug of coffee in her hand. Kara eagerly munches on her bagel, her eyes never leaving Alex. Maggie lifts her drink to hide her smirk as Kara shifts, looking intently at Alex's movements - Alex raises her mug so Kara raises her glass, not putting it back down until Alex does. Alex runs a hand through her hair, squaring her shoulders and cracking her knuckles. Kara does the same. Alex doesn't notice immediately, checking her phone for updates as Kara mimics her actions on an invisible phone.
When Alex looks up Kara smiles an all-too-innocent smile and takes another bite of her bagel. Alex shakes her head and reaches for her mug again. Eyebrows raise when Kara immediately drops her bagel and does the same, raising her own eyebrows in a near perfect imitation of Alex's.
"What are you doing?" Alex asks accusingly, pointing a finger in Kara's direction.
Kara sits up as she repeats the words in a lower tone, jabbing her finger towards Alex, "What are you doing?"
Alex groans and slaps her hand over her forehead, not needing to be able to see to know that Kara slapped her forehead too. Maggie sniggers, covering it with a cough as Alex removes her hand to flash her a cutting glare. Kara does the same, though her attempt is much softer and the corner of her mouth twitches, unable to keep a completely stoic face.
"You're being very annoying." Alex complains.
Once again, Kara parrots the words. And once again, Alex groans in response, stands up and walks out of the room only for Kara to follow. They both return a moment later, hands on their hips staring at one another. This time Maggie doesn't bother to hold in her laughter, full-on cackling as Kara executes the perfect Alex Danvers pose.
"Stop being silly and get dressed." Alex lets out exasperatedly.
"Stop being silly and get dressed." Kara repeats in a high pitched voice.
"Quit it."
"Quit it!"
Alex takes a step towards Kara and looks down at her with a disapproving look. Kara blinks up at her with a similar expression. Maggie watches in amusement for a minute, then decides to break it up now before Alex loses it or starts to yell. She bends down and gives Kara a warm smile as she holds out her hand.
"Let's go and get ready, eh?" Maggie wiggles her fingers a little.
"Okay." Kara shrugs with a smile, letting Maggie lead her into the bedroom, but not before turning around to stick her tongue out at Alex.
....
Maggie couldn't help the chuckle that left her throat as she watched Alex stalk towards the DEO building while Kara trails behind in her matching outfit, mimicking Alex's walk perfectly. Kara had emerged from the bedroom clad in dark grey trousers and a tiny black DEO polo shirt. Her long hair is tied in a loose ponytail similar to the one Maggie is sporting and her hands adjusted the little belt as she had stood beside Alex with a determined grin on her face. Alex had rolled her eyes but said nothing, hoping that Kara would cease her mirroring when they got into Maggie's car - she hadn't and Alex had spent the entire journey restraining herself from prodding the tiny Kryptonian in frustration.
Kara was practically running to keep up with Alex, slowing down each time Alex glanced back at her. Maggie followed them, smiling when she heard Alex let out another huff. Kara held a determined gaze marching forward, her eyes darting all around. When she met those familiar piercing green ones she paused. Blinking, she looks closely and her face breaks out into the sunshine smile reserved only for Lena.
"LENAAA!"
Alex is startled as Kara's excited screech echoes around the room and with lightning speed Kara is racing over to the CEO, causing Alex to stumble at the sheer force.
Kara launches herself into Lena's waiting arms, nuzzling against her dress as Lena cradles her. Lena spins Kara around, smiling when she's rewarded with a soft giggle and a dazzling smile.
Alex rolls her eyes at the display, torn between feeling relieved that Kara had stopped her copycat game and wanting to berate her for running inside (despite the many times Alex has brought it up).
Lena places Kara back on the ground, smiling when Kara stays close, her head resting against Lena's waist as she smiles up at her.
"I missed you." Kara says in a sing-song voice, a small pout forming. Just as soon as it forms, it vanishes, replaced with that famous Kara Danvers smile as she excitedly bounces in her spot. She tugs at Lena's dress as she speaks. "I brought my bouncy ball, we can play with it!"
Kara reaches into her pocket and holds up the bouncy ball for everyone to admire.
Alex chuckles as Maggie steps away carefully, not wanting to make the mistake of trying to touch it again. Winn wasn't so cautious, leaning down with child-like enthusiasm.
"Oh this is awesome dude, can I have a go?" Winn says, already reaching out to take the ball.
Kara's eyebrows furrow, knitting together as her expression darkens. Alex can tell what's about to happen. Kara lets go of Lena and, whirling around at lightning speed quicker than anyone can stop her, she stomps on Winn's foot.
Winn instantly recoils as Kara's fist encloses around the ball and she takes a daring step towards him.
"Ouch Kara that really hurt." Winn tries his own pout but Kara continues to glare at him.
"Good! It's mine." Kara says, her chin jutting out in defiance as she scowls at him, "and you can't have it."
Maggie clamps a hand over her mouth, turning around to hide her laughter, which becomes impossibly harder when she sees James standing against the opposite wall, his conversation with J'onn interrupted as he tries to stifle his own amusement.
Winn doesn't hide his hurt expression, resembling a kicked puppy as he trudged over to where James and J'onn stand. Alex smirks as he passes, managing to keep her laughter from bubbling out as she catches sight of Lena doing the same. Lena looks at Alex for a minute and then turns her attention back to Kara.
"Why don't we do some colouring?" Lena suggests.
Kara looks up skeptically, holding the ball closer to her chest.
"No one will touch your ball okay, I promise."
Kara shifts in her spot, looking at the ball and then back at Lena. She does it a few times before nodding. She tucks the ball safely back in her pocket and takes Lena's hand as they walk to the nearest desk.
Alex lets out a full-bellow laugh when Kara turns around to give Winn another glare, mouthing the words "I'm watching you,” and smiling innocently when she catches Alex's eye. Their eye contact breaks as J'onn walks over, followed closely by James and Winn.
"Agent Danvers, Detective Sawyer, a word please."
Alex tries to gauge what this could be about, but his face remains impassive.
"Oooh, someone's in trouble." Winn teases, stepping back with a squeak when Alex goes to hit him. He stands behinds James and pulls a face as Alex growls in response.
"That's enough, Agent Scott, this concerns you as well."
Winn pales, gulping as Alex gives him a smug smile. James goes to leave but Winn grabs his arm and pulls him along too. They keep walking until J'onn is certain that Kara is out of earshot. He glances over to see her sitting cross-legged on a chair talking animatedly to Lena, who now has hold of Kara's bouncy ball.
"How come Lena gets to hold it?!" Winn cries out incredulously, shrinking when 4 sets of eyes narrow in his direction.
"We are not here to talk about bouncy balls, Agent Scott." J'onn states, giving him a pointed look as he continues. "We need to talk about Supergirl."
Alex looks at J'onn for a moment, seeing the hint of something else in his eyes. She speaks up, her tone somewhat defensive, "What about her?"
J'onn sighs, relaxing his stance in the hopes of reassuring the others. Seeing Alex's frown still firmly in place, he begins to elaborate, "After the incident in the medical bay, I thought it best to do some research into Kryptonian biology. I asked Lena Luthor to assist me. The two of us found out some information I thought it best to be shared."
"Why would you ask Lena?" James asks, curious but not malicious.
"Ms Luthor is one of the smartest people in National City, and has a fair amount of knowledge on Kryptonians. She offered to assist me and willingly allowed me to read her mind."
They all look a mixture between gobsmacked and impressed.
Alex was the first to recover, turning her attention back to J'onn. "Okay, so what did you find out?"
"Kryptonian bodies are more adaptable and interconnected than humans."
"What does that mean exactly?" Maggie piped up.
"The body of a Kryptonian does whatever it can to preserve their life. When Supergirl fought BioClock her cells were damaged and to compensate her body morphed into a safer, healthier form. Upon further research we discovered that for Supergirl to re-age it isn't just her cells that need to be repaired, her whole being was affected meaning that her body and her mind shifted to the safest form. Both her cells and her body are rejecting any type of treatment because Supergirl is not mentally or emotionally on board."
"You're saying that Kara doesn't want to turn back?" Alex questions.
"Supergirl has to feel safe in her adult form but for some reason she does not. Whatever the reason is - it’s causing an emotional response which her cells are locking onto and they’re attempting to protect her from within. We thought that it might be that Supergirl's - Kara's emotions are overwhelming her and she does not know how to deal with those intense emotions. Her cells, body and mind latch onto something that makes her feel safer and healthier."
"Wow, that's just-" Alex cuts herself off, unsure exactly what to say in response.
"I think what Alex means is that we weren't expecting that. How do we help Kara now?" Maggie asks, placing a calming hand on Alex's shoulder.
"You be there for her." J'onn says simply. "That's all any of us can do."
He smiles at her once more, their moment interrupted when Kara's melodic laugh sounds. All their heads turn to look at where the girl now sits in Lena's lap, staring at her as though Lena hung the stars in the sky. They watch as her little hands move around animatedly as she finishes telling Lena her story. Lena nods and replies with just as much enthusiasm.
As they move back to the pair a smile reappears on Alex's face, sharing a soft glance with J'onn as Kara's familiar Kryptonian twang sounds as the girl speaks softly, uttering her own language with ease.
"Rrip nahn tov vahdhah zhiutidh," Kara places a hand to Lena's cheek and Alex can see the hint of surprise lingering in Lena's eyes as she smiles in response, leaning closer as she responds in Kryptonian with near-perfect pronunciation.
"Nahkluv Kara,"
Kara beams at the woman and edges closer to trace Kryptonian symbols across the soft curves of Lena's palm.
After a few seconds of silence, Winn finally speaks up "So Kara, I heard you are going trick or treating?"
Kara nods, removing her eyes from staring at Lena to glance at Winn before turning back to drawing on Lena’s palm.
"Have you picked a costume?" Winn tries again to gain her attention, "maybe you could dress up as a hero?"
This catches Kara's attention and she stops moving her fingers over Lena's palm.
"What's a hero?" She asks in an innocent voice, the crinkle forming as she tilts her head in that very adorable childlike fashion.
There's a few moments of silence, all sharing matching looks as they try to think of a way to explain it to Kara.
James steps forward, smiling at Kara as he starts to explain. "A hero is someone who makes the world a better place. Someone who's really brave. Heroes help people and are someone you admire or look to for guidance."
Kara thinks about his words for all of a few seconds before she's speaking again, a smile on her face.
"I don't need a costume then." She nods confidently and resumes her movements against Lena's palm.
When no one speaks, Kara looks back up sighing when all she sees is their confused expressions.
"I'm Alex, duh!" She says simply with a huff, shaking her head at them.
James and Maggie share a smile, turning to see Alex quickly spinning around to mask her emotional response. Alex squares her shoulders, turning back around and shooting a smirking Maggie a mock glare.
"Aww, Alex is crying." Winn chuckles, going to continue his teasing when he sees Alex's warning look and thinks better of it. He holds his hands up in mock surrender moving to stand behind James to avoid the fierce glint in Alex's gaze.
"It's okay to cry, Danvers." Maggie whisper shouts earning herself another glare.
"I was not crying." Alex growls out.
Alex's arms fold defensively when all the others do is smile at her, giving her knowing looks and even a smirk from J'onn. For once she's thankful that Lena is too preoccupied with Kara to pay attention.
Quick to change the subject Alex moves to Kara's other side. Leaning over to poke her little shoulder. Kara startles, relaxing when Lena's arms tighten around her waist and rub soothing circles on her arm. When Kara calms she turns her head, expression softening when she sees Alex next to her.
"Whilst I'm the best hero ever," Alex starts in a jokey tone, "You usually don't dress as someone you actually know. You dress as a character or a thing. A king or a turtle or something else."
Kara's shoulders slump and a frown forms as she speaks in a defeated voice.
"I don't have a costume now!" She throws her hands up sighing.
"We can go into the city and we'll get you a really cool costume. Sound good?" Alex asks.
Kara nods eagerly, her smile instantly reappearing as she starts to wiggle in Lena's lap.
"Please, if you're going costume shopping I need to come with. Alex doesn't know anything about what makes a good costume." Winn proclaims snootily pushing past James to stand next to Lena.
Alex starts to move around when J'onn walks past shaking his head disapprovingly.
"I'll come with you guys too. I already approved it with my boss. Besides someone has to stop Alex from murdering Winn." Maggie laughs moving over to rest her hand on Alex's shoulder.
"Yay group trip!" Kara says before turning her head at lighting speed to look expectantly at Lena.
"Will you come too?"
Lena falters looking unsurely at the others. Maggie gives her an encouraging nod whilst Alex lightly nudges Kara's foot.
"I think you forgot to say something." Alex says.
"Oh!" Kara turns to face Lena again as she speaks again emphasizing Lena's name, " Lena , will you come too?"
Lena goes to reply but Alex voice cuts in again.
"Kara Zor-El Danvers, you know very well that isn't what I meant. Ask Lena properly." Alex reprimands.
Kara folds her arms looking at Alex with a defiant look in her eye. Alex matches her position, giving her sister a pointed look. When Kara still doesn't budge Alex decides to test the water.
"I guess you don't want Lena to come with us then."
Kara gasps tightening her hold on Lena as she repeats a chorus of "No".
"Ask her properly or she won't come." Alex says, shooting Lena a wink when Kara isn't looking.
"But-"
"10."
Kara's eyes, widen looking from Alex to Lena in terror. Alex raises her eyebrow, starting to say 9 when Kara frantically waves her hands.
"Please! Please please please can Lena come? Pleaseeeeee!" Kara wails, her face getting redder as her eyes well up with tears.
Lena smiles, using a thumb to catch Kara's tear before it can make a full descent.
"Of course I want to come."
Kara gives Lena a watery smile, resting her head against Lena's collarbone with her eyes closed as her breathing starts to even out.
Alex looked away, feeling ashamed that she's heightened Kara's anxiety instead of decreasing it. She hoped their shopping trip would put a smile back on Kara's face.
By the time they had arrived at the shopping centre Lena had learnt two things about a 4-year-old version of Kara. The first thing: it is even harder to say no to her, especially when she started to pout. The second thing: 4-year-old Kara is very good at getting what she wants.
Lena had watched as Alex tried to explain why they could not go into the toy shop and then watched as Kara had fluttered her eyelashes and uttered the magic words "I won't run." Alex had caved within seconds.
Despite her earlier promise Kara had taken off at near full-speed, her hand slipping from Lena's momentarily as she raced down the aisle. She stopped when she realised that Lena hadn't been following.
Lena had stood to the side amused when Kara had skipped over to Winn and shoved a Supergirl lego set into his hands with a pleading smile. Winn had taken the box with little reluctance and by the time they reached the counter he'd been suckered into buying her a Wonder Woman set to go with it.
Finally, Kara had successfully managed to eat her own hot dog plus half of Maggie's burger, a handful of Winn's curly fries and several bites of Alex's donut. Lena ate the whole kale and apple salad to herself, getting a one-armed cuddle after letting Kara drink the rest of her Raspberry iced tea.
...
"What about this one?" Maggie suggested holding up a large lemon costume, glancing at Alex's annoyed expression as Kara turned her nose at the 11th costume she'd tried on.
"It's yucky!" Kara responded, glaring at the offending article of clothing.
"I know what else is yucky." Alex mutters quietly, though Kara's pout afterwards says otherwise.
"Aw come on Kara, there must be something in here you like." Winn comments leading Kara over to a different rack of clothes.
As soon as Kara is out of earshot Alex let's out a relieved groan.
"I am this close to making her wear a paper bag." Alex says, gritting her teeth as she rubs her temple.
Maggie touches her shoulder sympathetically as Lena bites back a smirk. They all turn to stare as Kara let's out a loud scream. Alex is rushing over, the annoyed glint in her eyes now gone, instantly replaced with concern as she scans Kara for any sign of injury.
"What's wrong Kara?"
"I found it." Kara replies simply.
Alex furrows her eyebrows in confusion, her annoyance quickly returning when she sees the smile on Kara's face as she excitedly shakes her left hand. Which is when Alex sees it.
"It's my costume!" Kara states matter-of-factly.
"That's why you screamed?! What the hell Kara?!" Alex barks out, a thunderous expression on her face.
Maggie can tell by the way Alex's fists shake she's nearing an explosion, she glances back at Kara who seems to understand something is wrong as she scurries to hide behind Lena's leg.
"Danvers, let's go for a walk." Maggie nudges Alex with a sharp nod, pushing her in the opposite direction, as she approaches Kara with a much softer expression.
"Kara-bear, me and Alex are going to get some decorations, okay?"
Kara doesn't say anything, clinging to Lena's leg intently.
Maggie looks to Lena who smiles reassuringly, running a hand through Kara's tiny locks in a soothing fashion.
"Go, you two need a break. Besides, Kara's going to help me with my costume." Lena replies, smiling wider when her words seems to perk Kara up a little.
They are turning down the next aisle when they hear Maggie's light shout of "have fun!"
Lena directs Kara to the section of the shop with adult sized costumes, quickly shuffling her away from a variety of inappropriate choices. Kara's fingers trail along the different fabrics humming softly as she walks alongside Lena.
"So, can I see your costume?" Lena asks with a curious smile.
Kara shakes her head with a mischievous grin.
"Nope." The 4-year-old says, popping the p.
Lena clutches her heart in mock offense, playfully pouting at the girl.
Kara stills, looking at Lena with a puppy like expression.
"It's a surprise." Kara whispers, playing with the ends of her hair as she flashes Lena pleading eyes.
Lena smiles, squeezing Kara's hand as they continue making their way through the clothes racks. Trundling on in a comfortable silence.
...
"Relax Danvers, it's fine."
Alex shoots Maggie an incredulous look, taking an aggressive swig of her coffee.
"Your sister is in good hands, she's having a great time." Maggie says with a reassuring smile.
"I'm not cut out for this." Alex groans, running a hand through her hair.
Maggie rubs her arm lovingly, squeezing it for good measure.
"Look, this situation is weird and none of us know how to handle it. It's not every day National City's favourite superhero turns into an excitable 4 year old." She smiles when Alex let's out a weak laugh. "I think it's safe to say none of us know what we're doing and that's okay. All that matters is letting Kara know we care. We can figure out the rest."
"Yeah, you're right." Alex nods feeling a little calmer. Her head resting against Maggie's shoulder as they sit on one of the benches within the mall.
Her calm feeling doesn't last long, the obnoxious sound of her phone charming breaking the spell. Sighing she unlocks it to see several missed calls from Winn and a new message from Lena. She looks up to see Maggie staring at her own phone with an equally concerned face. Alex hits dial, pressing the phone to her ear, bottom lip between her teeth as she anxiously waits.
14 seconds go by before the person picks up. Alex doesn’t wait for an answer before she speaks.
“What’s going on Winn? Is Kara okay? What do you mean don’t panic, what the fuck have you done?!”
Hello, is this Alex Danvers?
“Yes,” Alex answers a little hesitantly.
We’ve been trying to get into contact with you Miss Danvers, your sister was-
“She was what?!” Alex roars so loudly she startles an elderly man and his dog.
Maggie shoots him an apologetic smile, leaning closer so she could hear the conversation Alex was having.
“What happened?” Alex asks with controlled rage.
Maggie can’t hear the response but Alex’s face tells her it can’t be good. Alex gets up with a start, her coffee long abandoned as she storms off with Maggie hot on her heels. Alex doesn’t say anything as she races through the mall, Maggie stops her just as they reach the entrance to the only toy store in the mall.
“Danvers slow down.” Maggie grabs Alex’s arm to stop her, “okay, now tell me what’s going on.”
Alex starts to speak when the sound of raised voices and a child wailing catch their attention. The noise only gets louder and it’s then that Alex recognises one of the voices. She shares a look with Maggie and both of them charge in. They rush down the first aisle, eyes widening when they spot boxes scattered on the floor surrounding a disheveled looking Winn sitting in the middle cradling an equally disheveled and whimpering Kara.
“You better hope she doesn’t have any broken bones, she’s a child for god’s sake!”
Alex turns to see Lena pressing a pompous looking guy against a wall, her eyes wild with rage. She’s never seen Lena so angry before and it fills her with pride to know Lena is as protective as Kara as she is.
“I didn't see her.” The guy fires back defensively, squeaking when Lena's hand tightens around his collarbone.
“Oh is that right? So you didn't get into a fight with my friend here,” Lena nods in Winn's direction, “because he grabbed the last Death Star logo set.”
The guy goes to speak but at the way Lena's eyes narrow accusingly he instantly rethinks it.
“Then you proceeded to try and pull the box from his grip, despite the fact a 4 year old was in his arms. Pushing him so hard that he fell into the display taking Kara with him.”
Alex growls at the same time as Lena, eyes widening when Lena forcefully shoves the guy.
“How was I supposed to know the kid would get in the way?!”
Maggie lunges for Alex when she sees the familiar red glint in her eyes, immediately regretting her decision when Lena's arm swings back and her fist collides with the guy's jaw. A deafening crack followed by a stunned silence.
“Holy shi-”
“ALEX!” Winn admonishes, covering Kara's ears as he gives Alex a pointed stare.
Maggie uses her free hand to grab Lena's before she can swing again. The look on Lena's face tells her she did it just in time.
“Detective please get your hands off of me.” Lena says, her voice calm but the underlying fear in her eyes reveals a much deeper emotion.
Maggie hesitates, sharing a look with Alex and moving to Lena's other side as Alex goes to address a sniffling Kara.
The guy clutched at his jaw, staring at Lena with a look mixed with fear and disgust.
“You crazy bitch!” He growls, shrinking back when four sets of eyes glare at him.
Winn pats Alex's shoulder when she curses under her breath, both turning their attention back to Kara, repeating calming phrases and trying to wipe away her tears.
Maggie smiles when Kara nestles into Alex, clinging to her shirt with her good arm. Alex's hand never stopping stroking Kara's hair.
“You think I'm crazy?” Lena laughs almost manically, a smirk forming as she straightens up. Maggie recognises the look as Lena's “boss mode”, something adult Kara had spent a good 3 hours rambling about.
“I could ruin you, one phone call and you're done in this city,” Lena steps closer, ignoring Maggie's warning glare as she continues “I know a lot of people, a lot of journalists, and a lot of respected lawyers. It certainly pays to be the CEO.”
The guy steps back, his back thudding against the wall as he looks around helplessly for a member of staff. He musters some courage, standing tall as he gives her a patronising stare.
“Look lady, I'm sure you think you're tough but you don't have to lie about being a CEO.”
Lena scoffs, folding her arms as she steels herself. Maggie steps forward, her badge in hand as she flashes the guy a violent glare.
“I'd move along if I were you buddy.”
The guy glances from Maggie's badge to Lena, a conflicted expression on his face.
“You can leave quietly or I can arrest you for public disturbance, your choice pal.” Maggie threatens with a dimpled smile.
“I'd listen to her. The last person who went against Lena Luthor didn't come out of it well.” Alex adds in with a menacing grin.
The guy squeaks, shooting a terrified look Lena's way before he all but races out of the shop. Not before Lena plucks the box from his hand though, tucking it securely under her arm. As soon as he's out of earshot they all burst into a fit of laughter. They stop when a clearly confused Kara whimpers again, repeating Alex's name through choked sobs.
“I'll pay for this and meet you back at the car.” Lena offers, walking away without waiting for an answer.
The others spring into action, Winn helping to secure Kara in Alex's arms whilst Maggie grabs their bags. None of them noticing Lena obtaining another box on her way to the counter.
“It hurts.” Kara flinches, trying to wriggle away as Alex wraps her wrist.
Alex sighs, motioning for Maggie to hold Kara still.
“I know it hurts Little Bug, it will be done soon I promise. You just need to stay still, can you do that?”
Kara’s lip trembles, her eyes welling with a new sea of tears.
“But it really hurts Alex.” Kara complains, giving her the puppy dog expression.
“Well I guess we could always chop your hand off.” Alex says adopting a serious expression.
“Wha- noooo Alex don't!” Kara protests frantically shaking her head.
“Promise you'll stay still?”
“I promise! I won't move Alex, don't chop. Don't chop!” Kara shouts dramatically, lying back as still as a statue.
Alex goes about her work, cracking jokes and trying to keep Kara smiling whilst Maggie braids her hair and lets Kara play with her police badge as they work. Alex kisses Kara’s bandaged wrist, thankful it was only a sprain.
“Hey,” Winn says, his voice soft as he lingers by the doorway, “I- uh I have something for Kara.”
Kara perks up at the mention of her name, smiling widely at Winn as he takes a hesitant step into the room. Alex isn’t sure why he’s so hesitant, her lips pulling into a tight frown when he pointedly avoids her gaze going straight to Kara without a word.
“It’s nothing special, just something I thought Kara might like.” Winn explains eyes glued to the floor.
“Alright, let’s see it then.” Alex holds her hand out expectantly.
Winn hands her the item with a small, shy smile waiting to gage Alex’s reaction. Maggie and Kara both lean into Alex’s space trying to look at the object in her hand. Maggie grins, clocking what it is immediately as Kara slumps against the seat looking confused.
“This is really cool dude.” Maggie states, playfully punching him on the shoulder.
“You're being weird.” Alex says apprehensively.
“What?! No I'm not.” Winn defends feebly.
“Cut the poop.” Alex snaps, rolling her eyes at her own substitution, “I care about you alright.” She admits her voice much gentler than moments before.
Winn sighs, his eyes watery as he speaks. “I- I figured you wouldn't want me around Kara. Since y’know I- I got her injured.”
Alex studies him for a second before smacking the back of his head.
“Ow! What was that for?!” Winn shrieks, rubbing his head.
“For being an idiot,” Alex replies, “This wasn't your fault. The jerk in the shop - that’s who’s fault it was. You didn’t do anything wrong, all you did was try and protect Kara. That’s all I ever wanted.”
“But I-”
“-but nothing,” Alex begins, stopping when Kara starts to giggle.
They all turn to look at Kara, her good hand slapping her thigh as she laughs, a soft and freeing expression on her face.
“What are you laughing at chuckle monster?” Maggie asks.
“She- she said,” Kara’s giggles get louder, tears spilling from her eyes and her words lost in a sea of melodious laughter. “BUTT!” Kara exclaims, her whole body vibrating from laughing so much.
The way her face contorts, her grin almost too big for her face, causes the others to laugh too The mood in the room instantly elevates as they revel in the happiness radiating off of Kara.
It takes a good few minutes for the giggling to cease when Kara remembers Winn brought her something and she becomes curious once more, reaching to snatch the object from Alex’s hand.
Alex’s scolding falls on deaf ears as Kara examines the object in her hand. She isn’t fully sure what it is but she loves it anyway. Her fingers run along the soft blue fabric, flipping it over to see a hand-stitched House of El crest in the center. She brings it to her lips kissing it once, turning to look at Winn with teary eyes and a small, sad smile.
“Thank you.” Her voice is barely audible but her eyes hold so many emotions.
“Do you want me to help you put it on?” Winn asks.
When Kara nods Winn moves closer, gently taking the object and sliding it over Kara’s bandaged hand very careful to avoid hurting her any further. Kara looks down at her hand, her bandage now covered in soft blue fabric with the crest staring up at her. Her smile softens, sad eyes gradually shifting and then she’s leaping up to wrap Winn in a one-arm hug. He returns it wrapping his arms around her tightly and leaning in to kiss the top of her head.
Alex and Maggie share fond smiles at the interaction, both feeling reassured that Kara and Winn are both okay. Though Alex does make a note to examine Winn just in case, he does bruise like a peach after all.
…
It’s J’onn who suggests DEO trick-or-treating, which consists of the gang trundling after an excited Kara as she stops at every desk to receive a piece of candy.
J’onn chuckles as Kara skips in front, sprained wrist forgotten as she holds Lena’s hand, beaming the entire time and in full costume. To his right James snaps photographs as Kara parades around the building in a full knight’s costume. A small foam sword is secured by a tiny holster (that they are convinced Winn made special) around her waist. A small cardboard shield rests upon Kara’s back with the Kryptonian symbol for “courage” delicately painted in gold. Her wavy locks spiral into two french braids that swing as she animatedly chatters to the others.
Lena holds Kara’s good hand, listening intently to everything Kara says. She wears a long flowing deep blue dress and a tiara sits a top of her head. Kara insisted they all wear the costumes her and Lena picked out, and no one could say no to her puppy dog eyes and pleading tone as she declared each special role she assigned them. It was only fitting that Lena be the princess to Kara’s super-knight, even at 4 years old Kara’s feelings for Lena are so evident.
Behind them, some much less impressed with their costumes are Alex, Maggie and Winn. Their costumes make much less sense. Winn was waddling through the DEO dressed in a very large donut costume, making it near impossible for him to properly move his arms. Alex had spent a good 10 minutes cackling before the sight of her costume promptly shut her up. She trudged next to Maggie dressed in an otter onesie with fitting face paint thanks to Winn. Alex had tried to refuse the costume but Kara had pleaded and pouted so Alex stomped into the bathroom to change, though she had tripped Winn when he told her she looked ‘otterly adorable’. Maggie was delighted with her blue ranger suit, strutting in between Alex and Winn feeling victorious. James had been given a pair of fluffy white angel wings and a headband halo as he was declared Kara’s guardian angel, whilst J’onn was sporting a headband with two silver boppers. He was the only one adopting a serious expression, silently chuckling as he listened to Alex’s internal grumbling over her costume. He was just glad Kara was having a good time. He may not be able to read her mind, but the smile on her face was enough evidence to know that today had been a good day.