Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Call Me Kara

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 38:

Kara and Barry approached their new home that they would be moving into after the wedding, slowly. They held hands, not in a hurry, enjoying the crisp cool day. Kara wondered how bad of a cold she would get from this but decided it would be worth it. Compared to the pain of giving birth, a cold would be a walk in the park. She still had to face everyone today, all those who were angry at her the day before, but at least Caitlin hadn’t appeared angry before they went to bed, and Alex was defending her like always. Even Oliver seemed to calm down somewhat. Barry didn’t appear to be angry but she had to make sure.

“So how mad are you still?”

“I love you. I never want to think about that monster having his hands near your neck again. Let’s move on. We have a future to look forward to. No reason to be stuck in the past.” he answered.

“So pretty angry.” she concluded. Barry laughed.

“No Kara, I’m serious. You know you scared the hell out of me and probably yourself. I know you won’t do something like that again. I’m not mad, I just want to keep you near me, make sure you are safe.”

“You know the whole police department…”

“Yeah, I imagine they have known for a while and not one of them have said anything. Everybody loves you. They are some great people and have our backs, so relax.”

Barry took a set of keys from his jean pocket and unlocked the front door. Kara let out a relieved breath when she walked inside.

“I’m really glad you didn’t buy furniture. I wanted us to pick it out together.”

“I know. We can go tomorrow. We are also going car shopping later. I am thinking of an extremely strong and safe vehicle. Just because our baby boy could be indestructible, doesn’t mean I want us to treat him that way. I’ve been doing research and the safest car on the road for the past few years is the Volvo XC90. It had zero deaths last year.”

“A Volvo? Alex gets a Porsche and I get a Volvo?” Kara asked humorously.

“Yep, if Alex and Nyssa ever adopt a child, I doubt either of the poster children for overprotective ninjas would have the kid in anything less than a tank. So yeah, it can’t hurt to look right? Plus the vehicle looks pretty badass.”

“Fine, we can go look at Volvos later. As long as it has windows that roll down I should be good. So… where is my gift?” she asked, looking at the barren house.

“Backyard. I had the fence finished yesterday. Or at least the company did while we were all taking care of business.”

“You bought me a fence? You shouldn’t have.”

“Just follow me.”

The two walked out through the living room and kitchen, exiting the sliding glass door that opened to the large patio. Kara did see the wooden, eight foot tall privacy fence and while it blocked the view of the woods, the tree tops remained and she admitted it did feel a lot more private. Then she saw it in the back corner.

“Is that a dog house?”

“Charlie! Come here boy!” Barry called.

A small fuzzy mutt popped out, running towards the two. He was tan and had curly fur, his breed resembling that of a Yorkshire terrier but not quite, obviously mixed with something else. He immediately began jumping up and down Kara’s leg, while she stared at him, frozen, too shocked to move.

“This is Charlie.” Barry explained. “Thats what the pound named him. I figure you will probably have him inside but I thought a dog house for when we are away or he wants to run outside might be a good idea. He’s a rescue dog, just a puppy when he was taken from an illegal puppy breeding farm. Cute little guy. Likes to lick your face a lot and jump. He won’t grow much bigger. Anyway he needs a home and I knew you always wanted a dog so… what do you think?”

“You bought me a puppy?” she whispered, slowly kneeling down. Charlie immediately jumped onto her bent legs and began licking her cheek.

“Yeah, Curtis and his husband have been watching him for me for the last few days but he isn’t really a dog person, so I thought I would bring Charlie home. We can…”

Barry stopped talking when Kara lifted the puppy and moved towards him, wrapping her arm around him and holding Charlie in the middle.

“This is the best gift ever.” she sniffled. “You gave me a puppy. I love him, he is adorable.”

“He would be a lot more adorable if he didn’t lick so much.” Barry muttered, backing his face away from Charlie’s tongue.

“That means he loves you.” Kara pointed out, kissing the excited pup. “Thank you so much Barry. Wait! Where will he stay? He can’t stay at Caitlin’s. The building has a no pet policy!”

“He can stay here. I thought after we get some furniture I would go ahead and move in. I’ll still sleep with you and maybe we can sneak him in at night but during the day, he can stick around or your Mom offered to dog sit during the day. He has a bed for the inside and some toys. You really like him I guess?”

“I love him! He is perfect! Thank you so much! Best birthday gift ever! Look at his eyes! Oh… oh he is smiling! See? He likes me! If he likes me the baby will probably like me right? No flying off?”

“The baby is going to love you. How can anyone not love you Kara?”

“I don’t even think he knows I’m an alien.”

“I don’t think he would care, anymore than any of us do. Being where you are from is part of what makes you so special. You aren’t an alien anymore. Earth is your home.”

Kara continued to hug the excitable puppy, finally putting him down, only for Charlie to once again try and jump back into her arms. She rolled on the cool ground with him, while he jumped back and forth from the ground to her chest.

“I have to show him to everybody! Nobody can be mad at me if I have a puppy right?”

“No one is mad at you.” he told her, sitting on the ground next to the duo, who apparently were victims of love at first sight. “You scared the hell out of all of us but no one is mad. We probably didn’t react in the best manner but if it makes you feel better, I yelled at Mari McCabe yesterday too. You weren’t the only one. You are just the one I feel horrible about.”

“No you shouldn’t. You were right, they all were. We could have waited, I should have waited. But its over now. Please don’t ever tell our little girl what I did. She might hate me then.”

“She won’t hate you. She is going to be a hero like her mother one day and will understand. You couldn’t have let him go. It’s not who you are. Just maybe next time throw a car or something at the helicopter and take him out from a distance? Curtis already fed the little guy today, so why don’t we drop him off at your mothers and go to the precinct? I need to check in, Joe wants to see you with his own eyes again. He called Caitlin four times last night, asking for updates. Dad nearly came over, but she convinced him you were fine and sleeping. He is going to want to see you today too.”

“You want me to go by the precinct? Even though they know…”

“It doesn’t matter. Like everybody else, the police love you. Captain Singh is having them sign confidentiality agreements today and no one is going to talk regardless. They have probably all known for a while. Its that laugh Kara. Even with your mask on, everyone can see your eyes squint. Its fine, its one of the most beautiful things about you. Although you officially have revealed your identity to more people than Oliver now. Thats a big accomplishment. He may as well wear a t shirt around Star City that says I am the Green Arrow.”

“Fine, but I want Charlie to come with us.”

“I don’t think dogs are allowed…” Barry gave up, seeing the look on her face. “Okay, who is going to tell Superwoman she can’t bring a dog into the police station? Hey Kara, how old are you today?”

“I’m 26. You know that Barry.”

“No, I mean when you take into account the time in the Phantom Zone how old are you? Do I get to be considered a boy toy since you are a cougar?”

“You really want to get hurt today, don’t you?” she asked him seriously, not liking to think about her true age. “My growth was stopped and time was stopped for that matter so I am 26. That’s final and it shall never be brought up again. Got it, Flash?”

“Got it Superwoman. Lets move. Charlie isn’t exactly house trained yet, so be careful.”

“Barry! He is adorable, he can poop where he wants!”

Barry groaned internally. It appeared he would be responsible for house training. Maybe Eliza could help. She raised a secret agent and an alien, a dog shouldn’t be much of a problem, right?

Before the two had left their house, Alex and Nyssa had pulled up in Alex’s conservative, practical Porsche. Rushing out, Kara’s sister wrapped her in a hug, the dog still between them.

“Happy birthday baby sister. I hope this is one secret you didn’t mind me keeping from you.” Alex told her, noting the furry bundle Kara held tightly to her chest.

“No, definitely not. This… he is amazing. His name is Charlie.”

“I know. We had him for a day last week because Curtis needed a break. Nyssa had the carpets steam cleaned after he left. I had to talk her out of getting them completely replaced.”

“We were just about to come to the station and see you Alex.” Barry told her, hoping that since Alex was smiling she wasn’t too angry about their heated conversation yesterday.

“Thats funny, I stopped at Caitlin’s apartment this morning, hoping to catch you still asleep. Damn the luck. Maybe another day. There is always tomorrow right?”

“Uh… yeah. Good morning Nyssa.” Barry tried, focusing on the sharply dressed business woman walking up.

“You ever yell at Alex again and I will gut you.” Nyssa told him with a charming smile.

“Hey! Don’t talk about violent things around Charlie.” Kara scolded. “I would ask for a ride but since you only have two seats…”

“That dog wouldn’t be in my Porsche regardless. He is cute though. He will be even cuter when you are cleaning up his crap. Wow, you are going to have to smell his crap, then a baby’s… better keep that bracelet on for a long time little sis. See you at the station. Joe is really anxious to make sure you are okay.”

Nyssa looked a bit annoyed at Kara.

“Nyssa? Is something wrong?” Kara asked, wondering if she was mad at her.

“Do you know what I have been doing since Siberia? I have replayed my battle with Prometheus over and over in my head, analyzing his styles, looking for weaknesses, pushing my body to its limit while Alex worked, all so I could defeat him. You kneed him in his testacles. Quite frankly I’m a bit disappointed in myself and jealous. As many times as I have kicked Oliver Queen in the nuts you would think it would be one of the first strategies I thought of. I am a bit annoyed but the credit goes to you, Kara. Excellent job. We must be off. Alex needs breakfast since she rushed out of our home, hoping to catch Barry still asleep all for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm on him. Have a wonderful birthday, Kara. Have a nice day Barry. I wouldn’t nap if I were you.”

After Barry made sure the two were far away, he and Kara walked towards the station since Kara didn’t feel it would be good for Charlie to move at super speed. No cab would allow a dog in, so the walk was long, making Barry even more resolute about buying a car today.

Finally arriving, the family of three walked in and the entire station went silent and stared at them. Kara began to feel a bit uncomfortable until the applause began. Soon the entire room was cheering and patting them both on the back. Joe moved quickly to his soon to be daughter in law and wrapped her in a hug, not caring that the fur ball in her arms yelped from the force.

“Please don’t ever do that again Kara.” he whispered in her ear. The whole department knew that the Flash and his friends had saved Detroit and Superwoman took down a madman however no one but Joe knew that she was pregnant.

“I won’t. I’m out of the super hero business for the next nine months at least, I swear Joe.”

“Yeah, yeah. A hero is who you are. Just be careful, okay? You’re giving me grey hair and I am too young and handsome for that.”

“Allen! Mrs. Allen! My office please.” the Chief of Police, Jim Corrigan, ordered from the second floor. The entire station grew quiet and began working on other things quickly, except for Joe and Singh who decided they would be called eventually so escorted the two up to the Chief’s office. When they reached the office he was seated behind his large desk and motioned towards the two chairs. Joe and Singh stood in the back by the door in case a quick escape was needed.

“So, the… don’t we have a no dogs policy, Captain?”

“Uh, I’m not really sure but I don’t think so. Even if we did, you have to admit the mutt is adorable… sir.”

“Fine. So the secret is out. There is something I can finally talk to you both about. I held back before Allen, because you were doing your best to remain incognito…”

“How long have you known? Uh… sir?” Barry asked.

“I don’t know, lets see, you wake up from being struck by lightning during the particle thing disaster at that lab, after 9 months, completely healthy. The Flash shows up at nearly the same time, catching criminals. Joe has an outstanding arrest rate, better than he ever has before. Oh and you had lightning bolts on your red suit. Yeah the lightning bolt, being struck by lightning, c’mon Allen, we are cops. A lightning bolt? You should have just worn a name tag. But the general public doesn’t know and that is who we have to worry about. Now lets talk business. Auto and home insurance.”

“Excuse me… what does that…” Barry started while Joe groaned in the back of the office.

“Auto and home insurance are at an all time high rate in Central City. Any idea why?”

“It can’t be the crime rate. Crime is at an all time low… except for the occasional evil metahuman or terrorist, of course.”

“That is true Allen, but shattered windows are at an all time high. When you run through the streets, and when a certain beautiful young lady flies overhead, a sonic boom usually accompanies the two of you. While I realize that you are most likely in a hurry to save someone and there is no speed limit for running, or flying for that matter, I would ask that unless it is absolutely necessary, the two of you try to refrain from breaking the sound barrier in city limits. So unless someone is seconds from death, please, for me and the citizens and our wallets, cut it out.”

“Of course Chief.” Kara agreed quickly, lifting Charlie’e head side by side with hers, hoping to ward off any more criticism.

“You don’t need the puppy to be adorable Zorel. You got that down. I won’t be angry if there are more broken windows, I just ask that you keep it in mind. Now, since you two are obviously a huge part of the crime fighting community in Central City, I believe we can be open with each other. Each officer has signed a confidentiality agreement but there are things Singh doesn’t even know, things that Joe keeps secret out of respect for your privacy, but things I need to know, that will not leave this office.”

“Whatever you want to know Chief, I promise. We both do.” Kara assured him.

“You can promise for Allen? Nice to see who is in charge of this relationship.” the man joked.

“I meant me and Charlie promise. Barry is on his own. I’m sorry, this is kind of new to me. I’m not used to so many people, especially police, knowing who I am. I’m a little nervous here. Charlie is too. He is new to this whole Superhero thing and…”

“Kara, relax. I want to know why you were in the shrinking Iron Man wannabe’s metal suit, then busted out, burned the bastards’s shoulders with your laser vision stuff and then had to resort to kicking him in the nuts to take him down. What happened for that moment?”

“You saw that?”

“All the cops in Central City saw that.”

“I had a minor…”

“She had a power outage Chief. It doesn’t… it didn’t happen before but recently it has become a regular occurrence. Right now as a matter of fact, she doesn’t have her powers.” Barry explained.

“If it didn’t happen before, why is it happening now?”

“Yeah, thats a good question and why am I just hearing about it?” Singh asked. “Joe knows, don’t you Joe? I thought we had an agreement Allen?”

“I have told you everything I know about metahumans and open cases Captain. Kara’s case is a bit more sensitive and personal.” Barry explained patiently.

“Uh huh. Kara?” Singh prodded.

“I’m pregnant.” she blurted out. Joe dropped his head.

“You’re pregnant? You left her to go fight a battle in Detroit while she was almost gunned down at the damn SuperFlash Cave?” the Chief asked.

“We don’t call it…” Barry started.

“It sounds better than S.T.A.R. What the hell were you thinking?”

“We… I didn’t leave her alone. She was supposed to stay in a safe room. We had friends left behind…”

“This would be the Green Arrow who we are supposed to believe is not the former Arrow or the former Hood, correct?” the Chief asked. “Because the Arrow died in prison, or at least someone a foot shorter than him faked his death in prison. Star City Police are idiots.”

“He would be one of them, yes.”

“Who else?” the Chief asked.

“The Canary.”

“I heard the Black Canary was dead.” Singh said, surprised.

“She is. Laurel Lance is… but there is another, not the Black Canary, just the Canary.”

“Who else?” Corrigan prodded.

“A woman who you do not want to know, but she is around a lot when bad guys die of spontaneous bleeding due to natural causes. Also a woman called…”

“Yeah, Detective Zorel, Kara’s sister. They both wear the same symbol, not hard to figure out. You two got a thing for S’s huh?”

“It’s actually… yes we do.” Kara settled for. “It’s our favorite letter.”

“So what does she go by, Kara?” Corrigan asked.

“Valkyrie.”

“Thats not bad. I guess Cisco can come up with some winners every now and then. Pied Piper, Rainbow Raider, Captain Cold… kid needs better material sometimes. I did like Heatwave and Tar Pit though. Multiplex was a winner too. Joe, I plan to have a talk with you and your partner later. Just so she understands if she wants to go superheroing thats on her own time. She is still going to have to follow procedure while on duty. I don’t want to make her mad. Judging by the car she drives, she doesn’t really need this job and her reports are amazing. Best I have seen in a while, better than your BS reports. Hell, you would think Allen wrote them, they are so detailed and precise. But for God’s sake, Joe teach her how to give out Miranda rights. I heard a cop asked her last week if she even knew them and she started saying something that was a cross between the Ten Commandments and the pledge of allegiance. Its kinda becoming a running joke. Okay, since we brought it up, I guess Kara here is going to be out of action for a while?”

“Yes sir.” she told him quickly.

“You still need to be seen. I’ll expect both of you at the SuperFlash Day. Seeing as how you both saved Central City from that asshole’s drone fleet, the Mayor wants to celebrate you. Hopefully a giant metahuman won’t show up to kick your ass this year Allen. We will have snipers all around, protecting Kara. Before you ask, I don’t want to know how Kara was in two cities at once. Probably some more weird crap I’m not really in the mood to process right now.”

“I beat him sir. Atom Smasher? I mean… not that day, but you have to admit the gas canisters I threw and Joe shooting them, was kind of genius.”

“Think about weight lifting kid. Especially after Zoom. We can hook you up with the department’s personal trainer if you want. Bring the Fire guy and Shrinky along too. They were there. The mayor doesn’t know anything about you two and it stays that way. I trust cops, I don’t trust politicians. Your friends, the ones in Detroit and here… are you guys some kind of gang now?”

“We are. We call ourselves the Justice League.” Barry told him.

“Cute. Justice Society would be better, but okay. As of right now, you two are listed under our department’s confidential informant policy. This means not even a Judge can make a cop divulge your name or personal information. Kara, everyone in the department chipped in last week and got you a birthday gift. Joe said today is your birthday right?”

“Uh… yeah, yes sir.”

The Chief slid a small box across his desk to her. She picked it up, opened it and found a gold badge, Central City Police Department engraved on the top and Superwoman engraved on the bottom.

“Chief…” Kara gasped.

“It’s not official so don’t be trying to use it to get discounts at food trucks and Big Belly Burger, but you deserve it kid. Just kinda our way of thanking you, making you one of us, even if it is just honorary. Get out of here, go have some fun. It’s your birthday and judging by yesterday, you two could use some fun.”

Barry and a teary eyed Kara, holding her badge did leave, as Alex was walking up to the Chief’s office. Barry and Alex bumped into each other but before he could apologize he felt her fist in his groin.

“Excuse me Flash. Didn’t see you there.”

An uncomfortable Barry and a very happy Kara left and headed to the Volvo Dealership where they were greeted in the lot by a young, short man in his mid twenties wearing a classy suit and tie. He had close cut blonde hair, sparkling white teeth and was obviously in shape. The guy introduced himself as Mark and had salesman written all over him.

“Hey Mark, we are wanting to look at some of the XC90s.”

“Great, why don’t we go inside and talk about what your needs are and how we can custom fit a vehicle for you. We can run a credit check and…”

“Credit check won’t be necessary. I’m paying in cash. I think we want to look around for a bit alone. We have some other places we want to check out today. I know Cadillac has a new crossover I would like to look at and compare prices, features that sort of thing.”

“Oh… okay, let me show you what we have out here. So you are really looking at Cadillac? Don’t let the name fool you, Volvo’s have them beat by a mile as far as features, luxury, safety. You won’t find a better car on the road, especially considering the power versus miles to gallon ratio.”

“I understand that, but we want to look at all our options before deciding on one car. I know that BMW had some great new models coming out. This won’t be an easy decision.” Barry told him, letting the man know he wouldn’t be played for a fool. Joe had told him when dealing with car salesmen always make sure they understood that you don’t really need what they are selling.

“I can certainly respect that. First of all, lets get to the fun stuff. What color are you looking for?”

“That is up to her. First, I want to see the T8 Hybrid that holds seven passengers.”

“Barry!”

The man turned to his fiancee and her ever present dog who was still licking her face and recognized the look in her eyes.

“Yeah Kara? See something you like?”

“Yes! I want this one. I have to have this one! Please?”

Mark’s smile grew exponentially while Barry dropped his head. So much for playing it cool.

“You can fit seven people in here. The baby could have two seats and Charlie could have two. Does this have seat warmers? I don’t want the leather to be too cold and with Winter here this could be a concern.”

“Yes, as a matter of fact it does. So you like red?”

“One of my two favorite colors.” Kara admitted.

“Well you certainly have great taste. This is our most fully loaded vehicle on the lot. Only $75,000.”

Barry snorted. “Yeah, thats not happening Mark.”

“But Barry…” Kara started.

“Mark would you mind giving me and Kara a minute?”

“Of course. I’ll head inside and start the paperwork.”

“Don’t bother if you think I am spending $75,000 on this car. “

Mark walked away, not arguing but knowing he had the woman at least on the line.

Barry stepped over to Kara, who had opened the vehicle and was trying to buckle Charlie into a back seat. To the dog’s credit, he sat there and let her try.

“Kara? Honey, I realize you have never bought a car but I watched Joe do this before. You can’t just decide you want the first model you see and then say you want it. There is an art to this. If we act too eager he is going to be less inclined to negotiate.”

“Yeah, I get that I guess, but look at everything it has. I thought a Volvo was kind of lame but this car is amazing, Barry. It has the camera that looks all around and the collision warning system. This is an important feature Barry. I haven’t driven a car since I left Midvalle for college. I wasn’t that great then either. Mom finally gave up and just started driving me everywhere. Not that I really had any place to go. Pretty much just school and back home. Still it would be so cool to have a car that I could actually drive without wrecking. Not that I’m that bad of a driver. I only wrecked her’s twice and only one of those was my fault. Okay probably both but they were harmless fender benders. At least the other car’s fender got bent. Mom’s whole front end was pretty much crushed but I did use my strength and heat vision to fix it. It looked pretty good, I thought. House paint doesn’t work that well on a car. Did you know that? I didn’t.”

“Okay, don’t panic.” Barry whispered.

“I’m not panicking.”

“I was talking to myself. Let’s go to another dealership or at least tell him we are, so we can come back and have some negotiating leverage.”

“But what if it’s not here? What if someone buys it?”

“It will be here or one like it, I promise.”

“But I want this one. There aren’t any more red ones on the lot.” Kara pointed out.

“Kara could you do me a favor? Take off your bracelet for just a couple seconds and listen to what the salesman is saying to the guy inside standing by him.”

Kara did as requested and frowned.

“He said you must have a rich father because he can’t figure out how you bagged a dumb blonde trophy wife who carries a mutt with her. Im going to hurt him.”

Kara’s eyes lit up until Barry grabbed her shoulder, trying to hang on.

“Kara? Baby, put the bracelet back on.”

Kara stared at Barry for a moment and then slipped the device back on, her eyes going back to their sparkling blue color.

“So what do we do?” she asked. “I want this car and I want to make him hurt. I don’t think I can have both. I just got a badge so I probably shouldn’t be involved in police brutality.”

“Just let me handle it. We can get him to come down on the price. I was going to suggest you test drive it but that may not be a great idea until you can get some more practice… in a large empty parking lot. You did have a Driver’s License on your old Earth… right?”

“Of course. Well, I had a learner’s permit. But after the second accident, Mom decided I should use taxies when I moved to college. I don’t really know why. She was probably worried about other people hitting me. How was I going to get any better using a taxi? I only had a year of practice.”

“A tank may be a good idea.” Barry mumbled. The two walked inside and had a seat at Mark’s desk. Kara was glaring at a suddenly uncomfortable Mark who straightened his tie and coughed.

“So have you talked about it? Came to a decision?”

“$55.” Barry countered.

“Yeah, I can’t even take that offer to my manager. The car without any options is $60.”

“Yeah and it’s the holidays but not quite Black Friday. You know December is going to be a huge month but this month is looking a bit slim, isn’t it? You can sell it at cost. It will improve your numbers and you do have a quota to fill. Plus this is cash, no dealing with a downpayment, credit checks, bank loans, any of that. It’s a solid win for your dealership. So you don’t make that big of a commission off of it. Next month is your money maker and this month keeps your boss happy.” Barry reasoned.

“I can’t do any better than $71.2”

Barry glanced at Kara who looked back at him with her puppy dog eyes and her puppy dog. He had royally screwed himself buying that mutt.

“Mind if we step away for a moment? I need to make a call.”

“Of course. Take all the time you need.”

The two walked to an empty corner of the showroom and Barry pulled out his phone.

“Who are you calling? Joe? Your Dad? My Dad? Mom?” Kara guessed.

“Worse. I don’t feel like being here all day. Its time to end this.”

Thirty minutes later Nyssa walked into the showroom.

“Which one?” she asked.

Kara pointed at the vehicle in the lot.

“Give me ten minutes.”

The two watched Nyssa smile charmingly at Mark and sit across from him. Though they could not see what she was saying and Kara didn’t want to take her bracelet off to find out, they both noticed Mark’s smile fading, while his face turned paler. After nine minutes, Nyssa shook the trembling man’s hand and rose, walking toward the couple.

“He has agreed to $56. Is this acceptable?”

“Yes it is Nyssa. Thank you.” Barry told her gratefully. Nyssa Al Ghul gave new meaning to the phrase make you an offer you can’t refuse.

“Anytime. It was almost as fun as negotiating for Alex’s car. That only took five minutes though. This man held out longer than most. See you both later, have fun today. Alex called and wants to have lunch. She is apparently upset about someone named Miranda. Probably a new woman on the force, intimidated by her beauty.”

Two hours later, the two drove out of the dealership, Barry driving, with their new vehicle. A stop at Petco blew Barry’s mind.

“They actually sell dog safety seats for cars?”

“Told you. I’ve wanted a dog for a long time and have done my research. Lets go to Mom’s! I want to show her Charlie and Charlie’s seat! This is so freaking cool. Best birthday ever which is surprising considering the nightmare we went through yesterday.”

“I can’t believe it is leather with sherpa lining.” Barry mumbled, still a bit dazed. Arriving at his future mother in laws, the three were greeted by the smell of a late lunch, Eliza knowing that Kara must be starving. While Kara scarfed down four grilled chicken breasts and a large bowl of salad, Barry showed Eliza and Jeremiah the features of their new car.

“Barry, Kara is going to need a lot of practice driving. She isn’t the best… not to say she can’t drive but she can’t… drive.” Eliza finished.

“Yeah, I kind of got that feeling. I’ll work with her…”

Barry’s sentence was cut off by loud barking and yelping from the house. All three ran in to find Charlie next to Kara in the bathroom, regurgitating the food she had just eaten.

“It’s okay boy. Kid Flash just decided I ate to much.” she whispered and took the towel Eliza offered her. A few more attempts to enter the kitchen were met with similar runs back to the bathroom, until Eliza opened the window and allowed the cold air to blow away the smell of cooked food.

“Oh Rao, I’m hungry again.”

“Have all you want sweetie, I don’t think we are hungry anymore.” Jeremiah offered. After feeding both Barry and Kara, both wished Kara a happy birthday.

Leaving the house, Kara was a bit disappointed.

“Something wrong?”

“Yeah, this is the first birthday I have had since Dad has been back. He is the one who helped me figure out the date of my birthday. Mom always came down and spent a few days with me in National City. I just figured they would want us to come over tonight. And where is my gift? I always get a gift. Alex didn’t give me one this morning but her gifts are kind of… she isn’t great at gift giving. She usually gives me a hundred dollars and tells me to go wild. Its kind of weird they don’t want to spend the day with me. You think they are still mad at me?”

‘No, they probably just figured we would want to spend the day together. Thats not so bad, right? I hope I’m not too terrible of company.”

“Of course not. I love days like this where its just the two of us, buying dogs and Volvos and dog safety seats and morning sickness. I could do without the morning sickness. Being called a dumb blonde wasn’t great but at least he admitted I’m a trophy wife. Getting my gold badge was awesome too. Alex’s badge isn’t gold and she wouldn’t even let me borrow it so I could try to get a discount at Big Belly Burger. And finding out about this SuperFlash day, is pretty cool too. Jax is going to be so psyched. I don’t think we should tell Ray. Did he ever get his suit I tore up back?”

“I guess. He can always build another. I can call around and get everyone together if you want but I kind of had special plans for you tonight.”

“Oh yeah? Do these special plans involve clothes?” Kara asked, already knowing where his mind was going. Hers wasn’t far from the same spot.

“Yep, at least at first. I was thinking we could go to the Karaoke Bar. We haven’t been in a while. You up for some duets?”

“Yes! Let me call Cait and Cisco and…”

“I kind of wanted it to be just the two of us.” Barry told her quietly.

“Oh… okay. Lets go hang out at our house and play with Charlie in the yard. No wait! Its going to be colder tonight. We need to stop back at Petco and pick him up some sweaters.”

“Sweaters… I thought we could just leave him in the house while we are out.”

“Alone? In an empty house? By himself? With no one around?”

“Kara, we can’t take him to the bar. I’m pretty certain there is a no dogs policy.”

“I’m pretty certain we aren’t leaving him at home alone. Thats fine, I can pick up a doggy carry bag. Its a purse and his head can just pop up when he needs some air. We will sit in the back?”

“And when we want to sing?” Barry tried.

“I’ll take the purse with me on stage.”

Barry let out a breath, giving up. He had gotten her the perfect gift and he would pay for it. Between the leather car seat, the bag they were about to buy, sweaters and who knew what else, the dog had already cost him more than he actually paid to adopt the animal.

Two hours later, after sneaking the dog into Kara and Cait’s apartment, they were ready for the night. Kara was disappointed Caitlin was not around, as she hadn’t seen or heard from her all day.

“Caitlin is mad. She is mad at me. I know she is. She never goes this long without texting me.”

“She isn’t mad. Her and Winn are probably doing things.”

“Are you kidding? They do things at our apartment. Can you imagine Caitlin doing anything at Winn and Cisco’s place?”

Barry admitted he couldn’t.

Driving up to the bar, it seemed a bit empty for a Friday night.

“Not much action. Good, we won’t have to push anyone off stage. What do you want to sing?” she asked, as the two walked inside.

“How about happy birthday?”

Kara’s eyes lit up when all her family and friends yelled surprise. Everyone was there!

“A surprise party?” she asked quietly, taking in the smiling faces of her family who did not appear angry.

“Yeah, are you surprised?”

Kara nodded her head dumbly. “I’ve never had one. I’ve never really had many friends…”

“You do now. You have a pretty big family that loves you.”

Kara waded into the room, receiving hugs from everyone, Kendra and Carter, Oliver, Speedy, even Ray was there smiling. She was glad he wasn’t to upset about his really expensive superhero suit being destroyed.

The music started but no one was dancing. Alex brought four slices of Chocolate Pecan Pie for her little sister and all gathered around for gifts. Kara grabbing a seat in the middle, doing her best not to rip the bracelet off and see what was in the boxes.

Her first gift was from Jeremiah. She opened it and found a diamond heart necklace.

“My father bought my mother a diamond heart necklace for their one year anniversary. He bought her another for their ten year anniversary. She passed them on to me and… Eliza kept them.”

Jeremiah handed another box to a surprised Alex.

“I’m not honestly sure which belongs to which anniversary, or how he found two identical necklaces but… one belongs to you now and one belongs to Alex. I want something of your other family around your neck as well. Happy birthday daughter.”

A teary eyed Kara and Alex hugged their father, not having words to express what the simple act meant to them. Jeremiah sat, holding them tightly, still feeling surreal. While he missed them all everyday, birthdays and holidays were the hardest, and to be here, despite everything they had all gone through was a miracle.”

Alex was next and handed an envelope to Kara.

“A hundred dollars?”

“Hundred and fifty. I’m a gold digger now, remember?”

“Yeah, hard to forget. Thank you Alex.”

“Remember when I told you that sometimes I wished I could be you?”

“Yeah…”

“I’m a bad ass vigilante with a super suit and a Porsche and you are a soccer mom in training driving a Volvo. I’m good now.”

Kara threw a bow at her sister, both of them laughing. Nyssa gave Kara a beautiful blue silk robe that must have cost a fortune. Eliza gave her new paints, brushes and canvases and asked her to never stop painting.

The biggest box came from Oliver. Kara took the very long box, only a couple feet wide but around five feet long, noting it was very light. Ripping into it, she gasped when she saw what it contained.

Inside the box was a beautiful bow. It was like Thea’s only blue, and on the curve, a darker blue engraving, Predator in large letters.

“Oliver…”

“If you are going to work with me on Archery, you have to have the right tool. I made it myself to custom fit you. I think I got the draw right. It also has grappling capabilities, so once you have your child, maybe I can teach you how to swing from rooftops. Give flying a break for a while and live on the wild side with us vigilantes.”

Kara hugged Oliver but before she could pull back, Thea had a box stuffed into her hands. “Arrows.” she explained. “Most are just really sharp but a couple are grappling, one bola, one magnet and a couple exploding ones I snuck in, so be careful.”

The gift giving continued, Catlin giving her a framed photo Barry had taken without their knowledge, not long after Kara had moved in, of the two of them snuggled on the couch, eating ice cream and watching TV together, both nearly asleep. Joe, Henry, Harry, J’onn, the line continued on and on.

After the emotions of the night, Kara had a hard time gaining her equilibrium, not knowing who to thank first once again. Before it became a dilemma, Cisco stood and walked to the microphone.

“Please tell me he isn’t going to try and sing again.” Kara whispered to Barry, who snickered. That was one night the patrons of the bar would never forget.

“I would like to make a speech. Or just say a few words. I guess thats a speech. Yeah…”

“Get a haircut!” Thea yelled out, Cisco ignoring her but running his hands through his long, dark locks.

“Yeah so a little less than a year ago, Barry brought Kara into our lives in a spectacularly frightening fashion that I don’t think any of us will forget as long as we live. I don’t want to, because as horrible as that night was, I gained another sibling. Kara, you have changed all our lives. I could tell how much Barry already loved you just by the way he looked at you, like his life depended on yours and I guess it pretty much did. We all went through some crazy stuff in the last year, all of us. I won’t bring up names we don’t want to hear because this is a celebration but before you came here, a lot of us were… beat. We were tired and our confidence shaken a little. I don’t know about everyone else but I was questioning if it was worth it. I hated to see Barry and Caitlin go through so much hurt and Oliver and Thea, Dig, Felicity… I know Laurel is here with us right now. I can literally feel her in every one of the faces here who knew her and were blessed to know her. Iris, when I look at you I can feel Eddie here with us. Point being it was a rough time Kara and then you came. You gave us all new life. Back there everybody, that table in the back corner is where our team, our family was given new life. Because of you, we became stronger, not just with powers but as a family. You were the missing link that pulled us all together. When we felt down, when we were tired, when a madman was bombing cities, you were there and you are the one we look to for the light in the darkness. I don’t know what force, or being decided to bless us with you but I am glad whatever it was did. We all love you. We are going to love being aunts and uncles to the littlest badass in the universe and we are going to keep going, stronger, more confident and save more lives because of you. So thank you. You saved us all whether you know it or not.”

Cisco raised his drink and walked down, hugging the blonde who was sobbing by this point.

“Speech, birthday girl!” Ray shouted. Kara wiped her eyes and glared at the man but gave in and smiled. Walking shakily to the front of the stage where her and Barry had sung so many love songs together she took in her love and her family, all of them.

“I don’t know really how to follow up that Cisco. Damn it you made me cry.”

“Its not hard!” Alex shouted, Charlie barking in agreement, from his bag sitting on Barry’s lap.

“I’m not really sure what to say. I guess, its funny in a way. The day Barry brought me here, I have had nightmares about what happened. But… I never felt normal, not since I came to Earth. Even when I started using my powers, I never felt normal. But now, I look at all of you and I don’t want to be normal. None of us are and I like that we aren’t. Honestly, I have never had many friends, Winn was pretty much my only friend in National City.”

“And the coolest!” the man added.

“Yeah, definitely the coolest. Except maybe the time you made me try on the spandex shorts and top.”

“He did what?” Jeremiah asked.

“But all of you… if what happened hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have you all. I wouldn’t have my family whole, I wouldn’t have my… I wouldn’t have any of you, including you Barry, who loved me enough to risk everything just to save me. I’ve been in love with you since you pulled that mask off your head and told me your name, followed by fastest man alive. He is really proud of that title, even though at that time I was faster than he was.”

The room laughed, Oliver clapping Barry on the shoulder.

“You, all of you have given me everything, made my life make sense, brought everything… I… thank you all. I love all of you and I know you love me and that means everything to me.”

Kara finished and walked off the stage before she became emotional again, Barry meeting her with a kiss.

“Okay, who wants to see some magic?” Zatanna asked.

“So long as it doesn’t involve dead pigs.” Harry agreed.

“No dead pigs. For my first trick I will need a dog to volunteer.” the sorceress told the group.

“No!” Kara yelled, running over to Charlie who had ducked back in the bag.

“I’m joking Superwoman. Honestly I am not going to do any magic tricks until I hear it. I want to know if it is as intimidating as the legends say. Constantine says it is not that big of a deal.”

The entire room looked at Oliver.

“Really?”

Felicity handed him Shado’s hood, the one he had not worn in years but she kept as a remembrance. Thea handed him the voice modulator.

“This is ridiculous. You all realize I don’t say this anymore right? It was just a thing when I was targeting the list and… no magic or singing unless I do this, I am guessing?”

A round of agreements and Oliver took the offered hood and Kara’s bow, Snapping the modulator on his belt he stood up, looking strange in his jeans and blue sweater, green hood on top, holding a blue bow.

“No, he looks ridiculous.” Felicity told the room, much to Oliver’s relief. “Turn the lights off. The red emergency lights are just enough, perfect.”

The lights went off and Oliver stood in front of the stage.

“I need a volunteer please?”

“Harry has it!” Cisco offered and pushed the man forward. Harry smirked, not seeing the big deal.

Oliver turned on the voice modulator, raised his bow and stared at the man.

“Harrison Wells,” he growled, “you have failed this city!”

“Holy shit.” Harry whispered, impressed and a bit intimidated.

“God I wish I had you at Cadmus.” Jeremiah agreed. “Seriously if I walked into a dark room and you were there saying that, I would lose control of certain bodily functions.”

“Thats is kind of… sexy.”

“Mom!” Alex and Kara both shouted.

“I’m just saying! Maybe we can get you a bow, Jeremiah. I like it. Maybe a hoody? One of those voice things…”

“Mom, please stop.” Alex begged, while Jeremiah growled teasingly into her ear.

“Barry do your voice thing!” Kara begged as the lights came on, not wanting to think about her parents role playing.

“What, like this voice thing.” he asked, his voice vibrating, freaking everyone out in the room but Iris and Joe who had heard it quite a bit, even more than Cisco and Caitlin.

“Yeah, I figured out I can do it too. It’s like swallowing but you just relax your throat and do it really quickly. I can make my throat vibrate quite a bit…” Kara started.

“And how did you figure out this trick with your throat?” Caitlin asked, already knowing but enjoying seeing the realization dawn on Kara’s face, Barry hid his face in Charlie’s bag, taking the licking the mutt was dishing out.

“Who wants to sing? I do! Barry, come sing with me!” Kara begged, hoping to take attention away from Caitlin’s question.

Everyone sat back and watched the two soon to be newlyweds and parents sing on stage, Jeremiah and Eliza relaxing in each other’s arms, enjoying the sound of Kara’s voice, while Alex did the same, leaning back into Nyssa.

Oliver sat down next to Jeremiah and handed the man a glass of Vodka. “Life is not for the weak. You, my friend, are very strong. You have strong women in your life. What else can we hope for?”

The two toasted and drank, Jeremiah doing his best to not show Oliver how the strong Russian Vodka affected him and considering asking the man if he could borrow his hood for the night. Dr. Stein shared a drink as well, cringing at the taste. Life was not for the weak and neither was this Vodka. Jax tried for a glass until Oliver asked him for ID.

At one AM the party broke up, an exhausted Barry and Kara, followed by Winn and Caitlin, all sneaking a dog into their apartment. Kara slept that night and had no nightmares. Instead she dreamed about a blonde haired little girl with bows in her hair, playing with Charlie in the living room of their house.

At six AM, Barry was woken by his phone. He saw Joe and answered quickly.

“What happened?” he asked, knowing Joe did not call this early unless it was important, especially considering how much the man had drank the night before.

“Got a homicide. Patrol is on scene roping the area. Alex will meet us there.”

“Why? Its Saturday.” the Flash reminded him. He was pressed against a still sleeping Kara and did not want to leave this bed. He also admitted Charlie made a good foot warmer.

“Possible metahuman case. Until we can prove otherwise its ours. Probably ours regardless. I don’t know much but it sounds strange.” Joe provided the address and ended the call. Barry tried to get out of bed until a strong grip, from an arm that had a bracelet moments ago, pulled him back.

“I am going to sleep another hour or two but I am also in the mood, so unless you want to be hurt, you are staying in this bed.” she mumbled into the pillow.

“It’s a homicide. Maybe metahuman. I have to go.”

“Oh, metahuman? Can I come with you? I have a badge now.”

“Stay in bed, get more sleep and I will be back in a couple hours with breakfast for you. If he is good, Charlie might get a breakfast taco. If you are still in the mood, just remember we are furniture shopping later and can have a bed delivered to the new house today.”

“Fine, go be Sherlock Holmes. I’ll be here, naked, in a very nice, warm bed.”

Groaning, Barry dressed and actually drove to department to grab his bag and then to the scene. He entered an apartment complex, following the directions of the officers to the third floor. Alex had just arrived as well and followed him up. A door at the end of the hall was open and the two walked in, Joe motioning for them to join him in the back bedroom of the one bedroom apartment.

“911 hang up. Officers followed up and found the door open. She was here.” he pointed to the old woman, laying on her back on the bed, obviously dead. She wore a long t shirt of a local rock band concert a few weeks ago.

“An old lady called for help and died before she could ask. Why do you think this is a homicide? She has to be 90.” Alex pointed out.

“Meet Gayle Marsh, the only tenant of this one bedroom apartment. According to her ID and the Snap Chat account on her phone, Gayle Marsh is 28 years old. I can’t imagine what would cause this to happen but she has died of old age at 28. This can’t be natural, so while I canvas the neighbors my favorite bioengineer and forensic scientist can figure this out. If it isn’t a drug, we have a very bad, very dangerous metahuman on the streets.”

Joe walked off leaving Alex and Barry alone.

“Wow.” Alex whispered.

“I know right? I just wanted to get this done quickly so I can get back in bed with your sister. This is going to take a while.” the man admitted. Alex shook her head, wanting that image gone.

“So drug?” Alex hoped. Because a person who could do this was frightening as hell. A murderer using a drug would be a lot simpler.

“I don’t think so. Look over here.” Barry pointed to the dresser where a vase of flowers was withered and dried. “And over there.”

Alex saw a fern in the window, also dead.

“Oh boy.” she whispered and shook her head.

“Congratulations Detective Zorel. Looks like we caught your first real metahuman case and it is not going to be pleasant.”