Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Call Me Kara

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 29:

Barry tried to ignore the cramping in his leg and focus on what Kara’s father had just said.

“I’m going to ask her sooner? I don’t understand.” he admitted, thinking Christmas was a perfect time. “Her birthday is in three weeks, should I ask her then?”

Jeremiah sighed, pulling a chair in front of Barry, and shook his head.

“How old are you Barry? 26, 27?”

“27…”

“Did you know your Dad is moving to Central City?”

“What? No… I haven’t spoken to him in a few weeks.”

“Yeah, Joe told us he is moving in a couple weeks and going to live with him, pay rent, can you imagine? See Kara had a talk with your dad, made him understand the importance of family. Eliza and I owe Joe but he refuses to take any money. Eliza found us a really nice condo and we are moving in this weekend. We don’t have much, but thankfully we have jobs now and can buy things, start over, which is really nice. It’s like getting a second chance, you know?”

“I’m not really sure what this has to do…”

“Its time you got your own house, Barry. You are an adult with a job and a millionaire now at that. Wouldn’t you agree its time?” Jeremiah asked.

“Uh… I only moved in with Joe because Iris moved out and I didn’t want him to be lonely. Plus its easier for me to get in and out than my old apartment, being the Flash and all.”

“Thats great but it’s time to buy a house. I would recommend one with a big, fenced in backyard. You see, we found out today what is causing Kara’s power outages.”

“Thats great! Wait, what does this have to do with buying a house and you shooting me?”

“Don’t be a wimp. It doesn’t hurt… much. At least thats what Cisco said. I told Eliza I was going to stay at the lab for a while and do a little research on potential problems Kara may face . I have no way of knowing what problems she might face physically down the road. The best we can do is watch her closely. The main problem I see is you.”

“Me? I am not a problem! You know I would do anything for her!” Barry told him, putting up with this strange situation but becoming a bit angry.

“Yeah, but you see, Kara is fragile. Don’t argue with me because you didn’t know the little girl I knew. The one who ran from a room when a vacuum cleaner was turned on, the one that was hurt that she had no friends but wouldn’t admit it. She was pretty popular on Krypton and then her friends were dead. She can get hurt easily. Eliza tells me that hasn’t changed. One potential problem I plan to prevent is you hurting her inadvertently. This probably may not be my place to tell you, but I like to think after all this time I still know her. Right now she is in her apartment, pacing, wanting to vomit because she is so nervous. When she tells you what is causing the outages, you are going to be shocked. I am still shocked. And like men typically are, when shocked, we don’t have the best response to things. Barry, you got my daughter pregnant.”

Barry froze, the B.O.O.T. not bothering him now. He was completely numb. His mouth opened to say something but no words came out.

“Yeah, right there. Thats the reaction she can’t see. When she tells you, you are going to be excited, you are going to act like I didn’t tell you so she will see your first reaction is one of complete joy. You are happy, right?”

Barry’s mouth stayed open but still no words were present.

“Barry? Answer me.”

Barry nodded, still trying to process this life changing information.

“Do you understand now why I didn’t want her to be the first to tell you? You are a smart guy and yet you sit there, mouth open, looking like an idiot. Barry, did you know Kara was very religious when she first arrived on this planet? She would pray every night facing where Krypton had been and Rao. She could see Rao, just a small distant star I worked very hard to find. Raoism was a vital part of the Kryptonian culture, especially in families. On Krypton family was everything. The members of a family did not just get married out of love. There were no arranged marriages but before someone could be accepted the family had to approve. Astra lost the family privileges inherent to the Zor name for marrying Non because he wasn’t approved by the house according to Kal El’s records. It was one of the many things that drove Alura and Astra apart, I’m sure. Women did not have sex with men or women before marriage, ever. It was unheard of, even by bastards like Non. As Kara grew here she adopted more of Earth’s unfortunate relaxed beliefs but her religion still remained deep in her soul. She gave you more that night than just… she gave you everything she had. She gave her soul to you. Less than 24 hours from the night you two spent together, the fetus, even at a cellular level began draining small amounts of solar energy from her cells. These will increase as time goes by and she will likely need to spend time under solar lamps to remain strong. She will do this though, because even though she is shocked now, she is going to love this child with everything she has in her heart, and she has a lot. But right now, at this moment, she is frightened of what your reaction is going to be. What is your reaction Barry?”

“Uh…”

“Uh? You think I survived 12 years in hell for you to say Uh to my daughter? I will always be grateful to you for saving her life but if you hurt her, what this Zoom monster did to you will seem light in comparison. I made Doomsday under duress. Can you imagine what I can make when I put my heart into it? What is your reaction going to be Barry?”

“I’m sorry! This is kind of a surprise! I… can you give me a minute?”

“And this is exactly why I didn’t want her to be the first to tell you.” Jeremiah told him.

Barry tried to digest this information. Kara had said she… they… but she was obviously given wrong information. She was pregnant.

With his child.

The information was being slowly processed by his super fast brain, a million thoughts going in all directions and unlike Jeremiah’s early prediction he could not control them all.

“We are having a baby.” he finally whispered, a small smile gracing his face.

“Your reaction is getting better. Keep going.” Jeremiah encouraged him.

Thoughts of a little blonde toddler running… at faster than the speed of sound… Barry frowned at this. But the smile that toddler could have, broke the frown. He wondered if he or she would squint their eyes when they smiled, just like he loved to see on Kara.

“Wow.” he finally said.

“There. The shock is over. You can go to Kara, let her tell you, then if you want to say you already knew go ahead. If not, don’t. But it should be that smile she sees. Followed by a huge diamond ring and the planning of a wedding that occurs while she can still fit into the really tight suit Cisco deemed necessary, that I have yet to talk to him about.”

“What? Oh yeah… but she will think I am asking her because…”

“Alex will tell her you planned to ask her at Christmas. Things are just going to be moved up. I think a wedding near Christmas, perhaps even just after Thanksgiving, will be a great idea. I’m glad you thought of it.”

“Yeah. Yeah of course.”

“Make sure the house has a fenced in backyard. Kara always wanted a puppy. You know she loves dogs. We never could have one because we lived by a cliff and she was scared of her puppy falling off and not being there to catch it. She will want her daughter or son to have one. Also make sure there is at least one big tree so the kid can have something to play under that won’t expose the little tike to sun rays all day. We have no way of knowing what challenges we will face when all is said and done. The child could grow normally into the powers the yellow sun will provide, but considering you are a metahuman that adds a whole other dimension. Because the baby will only be half Kryptonian the child may not grow to be as strong as Kara but with your speed, it is possible the child could have so much power it will take all of us helping to harness it. Even red solar rays may not slow this kid down. This will be a challenge that is worth it.”

“Yeah, I’m going to have a… we are… this is unbelievable.”

“No it isn’t. Its what happens when you have unprotected sex. You are a scientist, you shouldn’t have trouble believing this.” Jeremiah pointed out.

“But she said her cousin told her…”

“Her cousin is really great at flying, breaking things and beating up bad guys. Thinking? Not so much. Why do you think he needed Eliza and I to help him understand his powers? Kryptonians are extremely intelligent but growing up on a farm seems to dull those genetic predispositions. He is a good man though even if he shouldn’t talk about things he has no idea about to my daughter.”

“Okay… wow. I’m going to be a dad.”

“The best Dad. You better be. Lets talk about your powers.”

“My powers?”

“Yes, your powers. You have been working with Wells on vibrations, speed, unlocking more secrets to something called the Speed Force?”

“You know about…”

“Yep. I pay attention. You are a major part of my daughter’s life. You really think I wouldn’t find out everything I could about you? You can tell Wells I don’t exactly unconditionally trust him either. I can understand where he is coming from though. After what I have been through trust is hard to come by. I’m trusting you to do the right thing and I vaguely trust him because despite his rough demeanor, he is obviously dedicated to you. Your work is going well but there is a mad man loose. He may have been quiet since the Star City fiasco, where my two daughters once again could have been killed, but he is still out there. I have known evil men Barry, and evil doesn’t stop. He isn’t giving you a break, he hasn’t given up, he is planning. Now Kara isn’t helpless but we are going to proceed as if she is. You need to get better, stronger, faster and you don’t have time to do it halfway. You are going to be there for her and you are going to train to protect her. If your job gets in the way, out of those three things I would say your job is the least important, right?”

“I can do all three.” Barry told him. “I’m good at multi tasking and my best shot is to be in a position where I can find out everything the police know about him.”

“Fine, but your real best shot is getting together your band of friends, and becoming organized.”

“Cisco and Caitlin…”

“I’m not talking about that band of friends, I’m talking about Palmer, Stein, Jax, Oliver and Thea Queen, John Diggle and anyone else you find, Nyssa and Alex included. There needs to be a system in place, teamwork, organization and more of you, anyone you can trust who can fight. You need to find them and bring them together before whoever this is, picks you apart one by one. You aren’t just protecting Kara now, you are also protecting your child. Remember that.”

“I will. I’m getting better. Yesterday morning I destroyed a boulder with one punch standing in one place and didn’t break a single bone. I’m able to make myself heal faster. Harry cut me three days ago and I healed it in two seconds.”

“Good. Keep me updated and let me know how I can help. Caitlin is the best and she knows your body better than anyone… outside of Kara I suppose.” he remembered, disturbed, “but anything I can do to help, to understand this Speed Force, to help you use it, then I will. We all will because she is a target. A very vulnerable target and her child is even more vulnerable. Find others who can fight. Now let me get that thing off of you and you can go talk to Kara and be very, very happy. Over the moon happy.”

“I understand…”

“Or else.”

Jeremiah moved to figure out how to take the cuff off when Barry began vibrating. His whole body blurred and he brought his hand down, break the large metal cuff off and standing.

“How did you do that? Does it not work?”

“Works fine. Speedsters are a special class of metahumans and I have been working hard to be the best. Zoom broke out of it once. Anything he could do, I’m going to do better. I’m going to surpass him. I won’t let anything touch Kara.”

“If you could take it off at anytime why did you sit there with it on?”

“It would have been disrespectful to take it off and I will always respect you Jeremiah. I need to go. I don’t want Kara worried any longer than she has to be. Thank you for telling me this. You were right, it is a shock, but one I am glad I got over away from her. I’ll be able to help you move this weekend and maybe next weekend you and Eliza can help me and Kara look at houses?”

“Yeah, that sounds like a plan Barry.” Jeremiah agreed, shaking the young speedster’s hand. Barry took off, quickly as usual, once again leaving Jeremiah momentarily disoriented.

“I’ll never get used to that.” he mumbled then smiled. Kara would be okay. She would be fine. He would make sure of it and Barry would as well.

Or else.

While Barry and his soon to be father in law had a heart to heart, a blonde Kryptonian was pacing the apartment at such a high speed, Eliza, Alex and Caitlin were having trouble seeing her.

“Kara!” Cait yelled suddenly, causing Kara to stop.

“What?”

“You are going to burn the carpet, literally with how fast you are moving. Sit!”

“Sit? How can I sit?”

“Stand with your back to a chair, bend your knees and drop.” Cait patiently explained.

“He is going to be freaked. I know he is. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. I’ve never kept a plant alive, Eliza would never let me have a puppy, what if the baby… oh Rao, I just said baby again, what if he or she doesn’t like me? What if the baby starts using X ray vision as soon as its born and sees nothing but skeletons? That freaked me out when I first landed. Skeletons that young can cause trauma later in life. What psychiatrist can the baby go to who would understand? What if the baby does decide it doesn’t like me and flies off? Sure I can fly but I can’t keep up with Barry on the ground and if the baby can fly as fast as Barry can run, I am going to be so screwed. What if it skips into another universe accidentally? You think Cisco can track it down? There are like infinite Earths. Infinite is a big number. That’s a lot of Earths. This little pod inside me is already soaking up solar rays. What if it is born fully charged? Am I going to have to keep a solar bracelet on its wrist and one of those oversized Boots on its leg? The baby will grow up with a limp, have to wear glasses, I got picked on just for the glasses because I couldn’t explain to the other kids that it was impossible to make lead lined contacts.”

“Kara…” Eliza tried.

“And don’t even get me started on Barry. He is going to freak. He is going to stand there with his mouth open and not say anything for minutes when I tell him. Oh no! He usually meets me at the lab. Dad is there! What if Dad says something and he really does run to Europe in 20 minutes? What if he drowns on the way? How am I supposed to explain that to a kid? Your dad drowned trying to escape across the Atlantic when he found out about you. How do you think that is going to go over? What if the military finds out? A child with so much power? They may leave me and Barry alone but what about a child? I’ll kill them all and it is going to start World War 3… wait you guys have had two World Wars, right Cait?”

“Yes Kara.”

“Thats a relief, I should have said spoiler alert or something. This has potential for disaster Cait! Disaster! I promise you, when I tell Barry he is going to look like one of these people under Myriad and I’m not sure I have another speech about hope in me!”

“Kara!” Eliza yelled, surprising them all.

“Yes?”

“Sit down now.”

Kara move slowly to a chair, sat and then considered getting up again before a glare from Eliza sent her back down.

“Everything will be fine Kara.” Eliza told her softly this time. “Look at what you have gone through, our family has gone through and we are still here, still together. This is a happy discovery. Our family is going to grow. We can help the child, all of us, to harness any powers he or she may have. Or maybe you will have twins.”

“Twins! Oh crap that reminds me, I really have to have that exam? I mean really? Thats just disturbing. Plus labor. I can even think about labor. My suit won’t fit, not that I can wear it anyway since I could fall out of the sky at Mach 2 according to Alex and kill people. This has so many problems and Barry is going to be so freaked! He isn’t calm like I am!”

“This is calm?” Caitlin asked.

“Yes! This is as calm as the situation calls for! Okay, okay, I just need to breathe. I’m breathing. Give me a second to breathe.”

“Take an hour. I’m going to need therapy when this day is over.” Alex suggested.

“This isn’t funny Alex!”

“I’m not joking! Calm the hell down!”

Kara was surprised. Alex was using her serious tone, the one she usually reserved for when Kara was going off the deep end.

“Okay. I’m calm. I am the picture of calm. I am relaxed…”

Eliza looked at her phone and saw a text from Jeremiah.

“Barry is on his way here now. We should give you two some privacy.” she told her daughter.

“No! No privacy! I’m not calm enough for privacy!”

Eliza and Alex walked up to her and both hugged her.

“We will talk to you later sweetie. We have an exam to plan and I want to go check out the condo, make sure it is what it looks like on the pictures, sign a lease and prepare to pack our belongings. Mostly photo albums and you and Alex’s childhood memories she kept in your old apartment. Jeremiah and I also have to begin looking online for furniture. He still isn’t doing well in large crowds. Talk to you later, sweetie.”

Eliza and Alex walked out, followed by Caitlin.

“Whoa! Hey best friend? Roommate? Where are you going? You live here.”

“Yeah, but I have plans for coffee with Winn.”

“Coffee? With Winn? Screw Winn! You can’t drink coffee this late! You won’t sleep tonight!”

“I’ll get decaf. Besides it’s only 6. Just relax. Barry will be cool about this.” Caitlin assured her.

“Sure, I’ll just explain good old cousin Superman gave me some bad info that I took as truth and oops, you are going to be a daddy. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. We get married, raise a puppy first and then go from there.”

“Yeah and Barry wasn’t supposed to slip into another universe in National City when he wasn’t near the coast on this Earth at the exact time you were falling out a window. I told you Kara, some things are just meant to be. You can’t fight it. You will be fine. Both of you will.”

“My mother and father are in Rao’s light right now and sooooo mad. I mean extremely, extremely mad. I just know it. I can feel my mother’s judgmental gaze on me, even from the afterlife. She was a judge you know.”

“You’ve mentioned it.”

“Yeah, there is a whole lot of judgement coming my way. I don’t even think I’ll be able to look at the night sky for a while. My father? Forget about it. I would have had to come to Earth regardless of what happened to Krypton if this had happened… oh yeah, I don’t think I could have hid anywhere short of a black hole.”

“Maybe you aren’t giving your parents enough credit. I bet they would have been extremely happy and…”

“They would have Barry sent to the Phantom Zone. I’m not kidding either. He probably could have just popped out since he has a habit of breaking physics laws but yeah, Phantom Zone for sure.”

An amused Cait decided to play along.

“Don’t forget about your cousin and his reaction.” she reminded Kara. Kara’s face changed from worry to anger.

“Oh don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten about him for one second. I could care less about his reaction. Wait until he sees mine. He is going to wish he was the one who got stuck in the Phantom Zone for decades. He is soooo… yeah this is all his fault.”

“His fault?”

“That is what I am going with, yes.” Kara nodded.

“Maybe its not anything for anyone to be at fault for. Isn’t a part of you, under all that fear and worry, happy? You are going to have your own child, Kara.”

“This isn’t like Teen Mom where everybody is upset about the unplanned pregnancy and then when the parents realize they can’t do anything about it, decide to be all supportive. There is no reality show for this Cait. No Unwed Alien Mom show that I can fall back on. Oh no… can you imagine how much this child will eat? I can’t breast… breast… I can’t even say it, much less do it! I wouldn’t have anything left! Oh no, how long does it take to house train a child? I have no idea. Diapers… do you know what that is going to be like for someone with super senses? Any idea? You think it smells bad, try smelling the world from my point of view. This is a disaster.”

“So you are not happy?”

“Of course I’m happy! I… I am. I really, really am but I need Barry to… Caitlin what if he isn’t? What if he says he is but really isn’t? We aren’t even married. He did try to ask me to marry him the night… this all happened but I wouldn’t let him on account of me being naked but if he isn’t happy he will still tell me he is.”

“Kara, Barry is a horrible liar. You will know if he is lying. He won’t lie to you. He may freak out about the same things you are right now… okay, not as badly, but he won’t lie and he will be happy… did you say he asked you to marry him when he saw you naked?”

“Sort of? I… yes when you put it that way I suppose he did ask me the first time he saw me naked. I don’t know if that is sweet or disturbing. What do you think?”

“That you two are made for each other and I need to exit this doorway before a streak of lighting knocks me over. Bye sweetie.”

Cait practically ran out before Kara could grab her, leaving the blonde, pregnant alien alone in her apartment.

Kara resumed her pacing for another ten minutes until she heard a soft knock on the door. This was unusual since Barry didn’t usually bother to knock when he came over. She used her X ray vision and saw it was him until the vision faded after a second.

“Kid! You have to let me know when you are going to do that! We need to work out a system.” Kara tried again and her X ray vision was still gone. She waited another ten seconds and it was back. Barry was still standing there. She walked over slowly and opened the door.

“Hey Barry! I probably should have called and told you I wasn’t at the lab any longer. It kind of slipped my mind. Thats my bad. So… what are you doing here?”

“Huh? Uh, I came to be with you. You know, hang out, be in the same general area, watch TV or any other activities you might find entertaining.”

“Oh wow. Thats so sweet.” Kara told him, still holding on to the half opened door.

“Can I… can I come in?”

“Oh! Yeah, of course! Why wouldn’t you? Or we could go out? Yeah thats a great idea. We could go see a movie or… sing! Yes we can go to the karaoke bar and…”

“I was kind of wanting to just hang out. Its been a couple weeks since we have been alone without you constantly wearing your suit and being watched by one of our friends.”

“Yep, been a while. So… come in. Make yourself at home. I can go pick up Chinese or maybe Thai? No, I could do without spicy food right now. Pot stickers? Orange chicken? Fried rice? We can race to the bottom using chop sticks and picking up a grain at a time. That will be fun, won’t it? Won’t that be fun?”

“Are you okay?” he asked, walking inside despite Kara half blocking the doorway.

“Of course. Never better. Glad to get out of that suit. I swear I felt like I wanted to take a shower every ten minutes. Temperature has never bothered me but yeah, kind of confining. So I guess you stopped at the lab first, right?”

“Yep.” Barry answered, sitting on the couch.

“See anyone there? Cisco? What is that crazy Cisco doing today?”

“He wasn’t there. The whole place was empty except for your Dad. I’m not used to the lab being that quiet.”

“Dad? Dad was there? Of course he was. Where else would he be?”

“Did you know my Dad was moving to Central City?” Barry asked.

Kara was momentarily surprised by this. “No, I had no idea.”

“Yeah, apparently he told Joe a couple weeks ago. He is going to be taking my room which Joe has not told me about. Your Dad said you had a talk with him about the importance of family?”

“Oh no. I probably shouldn’t have said anything. I was emotional and you had just been hurt, I should have stayed out of it…”

“Hey calm down. I’m glad you talked to him. It means a lot to me that you would do that. It will be nice having him around. Of course I have to find a place to live now but I can afford it. I was thinking of a small one bedroom. It’s just me and for you, if you want to spend the night. We don’t really have a need for a lot of space.”

“We don’t?” He is so, so wrong, Kara thought.

“I don’t like being far away from you.I would ask you to move in with me but I know, at least I think I know, how much you like living with Caitlin and since you wouldn’t let me ask to marry you when you were naked, I figured you aren’t ready for that yet. Its cool though, I am very patient. I will wait for when you are ready.”

“You will?”

“Yep. Your Dad mentioned that they figured out the reason for your power outages but wouldn’t go into specifics. So what is the cause?”

“There is a Game of Thrones marathon on. Wouldn’t that be fun? Let’s watch Game of Thrones.”

“Seems like a lot of violence. I’m not really in the mood for violence. We have enough violence in our life, don’t you think? So what is causing your power outages?” Barry asked again.

“Uh… I’m not really sure how to tell you this. Its weird and totally Clark’s fault. It’s going to come as a surprise and I can understand if you want to leave and take a little time, not much, to process this.”

“Just tell me you are pregnant.”

“Okay Barry I… wait what? Dad told you didn’t he? What did he say? What did he do? He’s mad isn’t he? I knew he was mad. He had this blank, catatonic look on his face and I think he was just… you didn’t try to run to Europe. This is good. This is a good thing…”

Barry pulled Kara close to him and kissed her, hoping it would cut off the nervous rambling, before she made him nervous.

“Yeah, this is a good thing. I know its scary and we didn’t plan it but it’s a good thing Kara.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Why would I be mad?”

“Because I told you I couldn’t get pregnant based on the word of a really ignorant superhero who… growing up on a farm you would think this is one area he would understand. I suppose we could have, I don’t know, done something to prevent this?”

“Prevent this? Kara this is a good thing. I am happy.”

“You are? You’re not just telling me that, right? You are really happy?”

“Yeah, I’m really happy.”

“But it’s kind of out of the blue. We haven’t even had a plant yet or gotten married, on Krypton you would have been exiled for this. I would have been exiled for this.”

“Then we would have been exiled together and thats not such a bad thing, is it? But I don’t think we have to worry about being exiled here.”

“Barry, this… there are so many things that can go wrong.”

“I didn’t say it would be easy. Nothing worth having ever is, but look at we have lived through. We can do this Kara.”

“Don’t you like my abs? They are going to be gone. After this I don’t know if my body will go right back to the way Rao intended it to be or if I am going to have to work out and watch my diet. I’m not great at either of those things. Thats more of Alex’s thing. I can’t even make it up two levels of the salmon ladder in the red sun room.”

“Thats what you are worried about?” he asked. “You should have seen me before I went into a nine month coma. I didn’t exactly work out for my abs either. I think we are going to have a lot of challenges and you are picking every one of them to death. I love you, abs or no abs. I don’t care how big you get.”

“You think I’m going to be big? Like glowing, pregnant big or big, big, big?”

“Kara, would you relax? You aren’t a vain person so I know you don’t really care about that. I think you know me well enough to know I don’t either. What is really bothering you?”

“This whole thing. It wasn’t supposed to happen ever and I am glad it did, but now? We aren’t married, we don’t have a house, we don’t even have a car, except the one you say is yours that actually belongs to Joe. We can’t just fly the baby to daycare. We can’t even send the baby to daycare. What if some kid takes the baby’s favorite toy and little he or she melts the other kid’s face off? How are we going to explain that? Because I’m clueless here. Is there a card for sorry my kid melted your kid’s face off?”

“Probably not.” Barry admitted. “but I bet the little brat won’t take anyone else’s toys.”

“This isn’t funny! What are you going to do if you try to put the kid in time out and he or she turns around and knocks you through a wall? You aren’t exactly strong Barry. It could happen. I’m not saying our kid would be mean but when they are young they do certain things without thinking. You know Oliver is going to find out and that means Diggle and that means Lyla and by extension A.R.G.U.S. Diggle is going to be so mad if I have to kill his wife and I really like Diggle.”

“You won’t have to kill Lyla, I promise.”

“I might.”

“You won’t.”

“She tries to touch my kid and I’m killing her. She can say hi to Savage while she is up there. Wait, there is no sound in space. Nevermind. Maybe she can use sign language.”

“Kara, relax! It is going to be okay. As far as the rest of the stuff, I’ll buy a car. We can figure out how to teach her to control her powers. We have the smartest people on the planet in our family. We aren’t in this alone.”

“You said her.”

“What?”

“You just said her. Why would you think its a girl?”

Barry shrugged his shoulders. “The first time your Dad came to the lab, he asked to talk to me. He wanted to explain why he did some of the things he did, like creating that Doomsday thing. I told him he didn’t owe me an explanation. I think he just wanted someone to talk to, talk about things he wasn’t comfortable talking with you three at the time. I won’t go into detail but what it basically came down to was a conversation about how a father would do anything for a child. I guess I daydreamed a bit, I knew, or thought it was impossible and I was okay with that as long as I had you. But this image of a little blonde girl with your eyes and smile wouldn’t leave my head. Then when I rode the train to Star City with Joe and your sister, I was telling your sister I planned to ask you to marry me on Christmas morning. The rest of the ride I daydreamed about us, living together, having a home together, maybe adopting a child one day and that beautiful little girl popped into my head again. I guess when your Dad told me, one of my first thoughts was, she is real. Of course it might be a boy, with dark hair and amazing good looks, sporting the cockiest grin in the world and I’m happy either way. But we are going to have this. Its amazing.”

“I’m glad you are happy… wait, you told Alex you were going to ask me to marry you on Christmas morning?”

“I figured you would have clothes on so I would be good. Is that a problem?”

“So you were planning on marrying me? Before this?”

Barry cocked his head to the side. “You doubted I would? Seriously? Who else in this world or any other would I want? C’mon Kara, you knew I was going to ask you to marry me.”

“Yeah I hoped, like one day. Anytime really except, when I am naked, but I wasn’t sure when you would be ready.”

“Well I am ready. I have been ready. I wanted to wait for Christmas or your birthday but I think the day we found out we are going to have a child is pretty good, right?”

“Uh, oh wow. Yeah, but I’m wearing jeans and shouldn’t I dress up or something? You look great, you always look great… Barry?”

Barry had dropped to one knee, and pulled a small box from his coat pocket. “I bought this the same day Ray bought S.T.A.R. from us. I had planned to take Alex and Caitlin with me but I like to think I know you pretty well. I had to get it sized so it wasn’t ready until this afternoon ironically. Timing seems to be everything with us, doesn’t it? Its always perfect.”

“You bought me…”

Barry opened up the box. Inside was a eight carat diamond ring. The band was simple white gold and led to the Princess cut diamond setting on top.

“Barry…”

“Eight carats was the biggest I could find in Central City. I could have ordered online but I wanted to see it with my own eyes and I didn’t want to leave you to go to New York and look in person. So how about it, Kara Zor El? Will you marry me?”

Kara put her hand to her mouth to stifle a sob unsuccessfully. It had been an emotional day, full of happiness, terror, anxiety and a dozen other emotions Kara couldn’t describe.

“Yes, I will definitely marry you.”

Kara forgot her strength for a moment when she grabbed Barry by the sides of his arms and lifted him up to his feet. He grunted a bit but more from surprise. Kara reached out her shaking hand and Barry slipped the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit of course.

“This must have cost a fortune.” she whispered.

“Yeah, but when you become a millionaire for the first time in your life you have to buy at least one big thing. It was either this or a Porsche. A Porsche would only slow me down.” he teased her.

“Yeah, I guess so. Its beautiful.” he leaned down and kissed her.

“Is this the time for one of those cheesy lines like not as beautiful as you?”

“Yeah, this would be a pretty good time.” she admitted.

“Then it’s not anywhere as beautiful as you are.”

“Thanks.” Kara replied, blushing a bit. “Okay, wow. I really need someone to freak out with me about this baby. Can you do that with me?”

“I refuse to freak out. But I can listen to you freak out if it makes you feel better. I’m going to sit here and dream about you in a wedding dress and a little blonde haired girl. Maybe a boy, but I’m betting the baby is going to be a girl and she is going to have that same light inside her that you do. Neither of us have had exactly normal upbringings and maybe this is why? We are going to be there no matter what for our child. We won’t die, we won’t let him or her be hurt, we are going to make this work. We are the two most powerful people in this universe Kara. If anyone can do this, we can.”

Kara laughed a little, still looking at her ring, her eyes squinting as they always do when she is happy.

“I didn’t need you to save me.” she whispered.

“What?” he asked, confused.

“The first words I ever said to you. I didn’t need you to save me. I was so wrong.”

“Yeah? Maybe we saved each other. Thats what partners do, right?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I need to call Caitlin and Alex and Mom… but right now, just hold me, okay? I’m not going to freak out. We have this. We can do this. I know we can. We are going to be good at it, right?”

“We are going to be the best.” Barry led her to the couch and she cuddled into his side, staring at her ring.

“I think we are going to need more space than a one bedroom apartment.” Kara reminded him, hoping to keep a diaper genie in a garage.

“Yeah, I was thinking next weekend we could find a realtor and start looking for a house. Maybe a big backyard? Something tells me Kid Flash’s mommy is going to get her a puppy.”

“Kid Flash?”

“Of course. I know how you feel about Supergirl and Kid Superwoman just doesn’t have the right ring to it.”

“You’ve been waiting to use that name since you saw me in your extra suit, haven’t you?”

“You have no idea how badly I have wanted to use that name. Now we are going to have our own little Kid Flash. I bet Cisco can make some incredible onesies.”

“Yeah… what is a onesie?”

“We should probably go to a book store tomorrow too.” Barry admitted.

“Aren’t there movies we can watch?” Please tell me there are movies. Oh by the way I have to have a gynecological exam because of all this.”

Barry shook his head. “Thats rough.” he admitted. “Unfortunately I can’t tell you this time that it will be okay because the same thing happened to me. You are on your own with that one.”

“You are going to be on your own when it comes to a lot of things if this exam gives me nightmares.”

At Joe West’s house, Eliza and Jeremiah had just sat down with Joe and Iris for dinner. Eliza had cooked every night at her own insistence for the hospitality Joe had extended them and because she had figured out that if it couldn’t be grilled or involved pasta it was not in Joe West’s wheelhouse. Midway through the meal, Eliza decided to break the news that Joe would be a grandfather and Iris an aunt. Unfortunately she did so just as both were taking a sip of water.

“So Barry and Kara are having a baby.” she said casually.

Joe spit his water on the table and Iris swallowed hers nearly choking the woman.

“Excuse me. It sounded like…” Joe started.

‘Barry and Kara are having a baby. She is only two weeks along. That was how long it took for a pregnancy test to be accurate. We told you about her power outages and getting shot in Star City. Apparently the fetus began absorbing small amounts of solar energy from her cells less than 24 hours after being conceived. She probably wouldn’t have noticed for another month it she hadn’t been injured. But still it is amazing right? You are going to be a grandfather Joe.”

Joe looked at Jeremiah who was focusing on his food.

“Uh… uh…”

“That was Barry’s reaction when I told him.” Jeremiah told Joe.

“So Barry… Barry Allen is going to be a father? Really?” Iris asked, shocked beyond many more words.

“Yes. He is going to be a great father. Right Jeremiah?”

“He better be.” the man mumbled in between bites.

“This is… good news?” Joe asked or said, he wasn’t sure and neither was anyone else at the table. Iris laughed.

“Good news? Barry couldn’t keep up with Titus. Now he is going to have a child? Oh this should be good.” Iris remarked, with too much glee in her eyes.

“Titus? Who is Titus?” Eliza asked, looking between Joe and Iris.

“Barry asked me for a dog. He begged me for a dog.” Joe explained. “So we went to the shelter and adopted one, a big half labrador, half hell hound mutt. He promised he would look after it, take care of it, take it for walks and such. The second day we had Titus, Barry let him out to do his business and then got distracted playing video games. By the time he went out four hours later Titus was in the wind. No amount of missing doggie posters ever led to a clue as to his whereabouts and the case turned cold.”

Eliza laughed.

“Joe, he was a kid. Kids get distracted…”

“He was 18.”

“Oh.” Eliza responded.

“Oh God.” was Jeremiah’s response.

“Remember the egg project in eight grade Dad? Barry went through ten eggs in a week! I hope this child is as strong as Kara. Barry isn’t the most graceful when handling delicate objects.” Iris giggled. “But this is great! So is he going to ask her to marry him?”

“He better.” Jeremiah mumbled. Both Iris and Joe noticed he was less than joyful and dropped the subject. Dinner was finished in relative silence, Joe and Iris deciding they would have to get Eliza away from Jeremiah to hear the whole story.

Once the dishes were washed, someone knocked on the door. Joe answered and ushered his guests in, motioning to Iris to follow him into the kitchen, giving the four time. Eliza and Jeremiah were a bit surprised to see Alex and Nyssa. Alex usually dropped by at strange times but rarely this late.

“Is this a bad time?” Alex asked. Eliza noted Alex was hesitant. She was dressed as she normally was, acting as if black was the only color in the universe but did have stone washed jeans on tonight. Nyssa of course looked impeccable, a simple dark red floor length dress, Black stiletto boots helping her tower over Alec, long dark hair cascading down her back.

“Its never a bad time. I was just going to box up a few more clothes, make sure all the photo albums and home movies are secured, things like that. You just missed dinner but since Barry and Kara weren’t here tonight for obvious reasons we have plenty remaining. It would only take a second to heat it up.”

“Actually Nyssa and I… I would like to talk to both of you. I wanted to before, but with everything that has been going on it has kind of fell through the cracks but…”

Eliza motioned them both in and had a seat on a love chair near the couch with her husband. The two women sat down on the couch and Nyssa gave Alex a reassuring smile.

“So I have an announcement to make and honestly considering what we have learned today this isn’t that big of an announcement.” Alex started. Both her parents nodded their heads while Jeremiah internally prepared to hear that he would be having a half secret agent, half assassin grandchild to go along with his half Kryptonian, half metahuman grandchild. At this point he was ready to believe anything.

“You know I’ve been living with Nyssa, but its not like a roommate thing… uh… Nyssa is my girlfriend. We have… we are in love with each other and…”

Jeremiah and Eliza continued to stare at the two.

“And we yeah, we love each other.” Alex finished, figuring she had said all that needed to be said. Hearing nothing she looked at her parents who were still staring intently at her, not saying a word. She glanced at Nyssa who also seemed confused.

“Mom? Dad? Could you say something? Please?”

Eliza shook her head in confusion. “Say what dear? We are waiting on your announcement.”

“That was my announcement. Nyssa and I are in love and living together.”

“Thats your announcement?” Jeremiah asked, and looked at Eliza, shrugging her shoulders.

“It took a lot of courage for me to say this to you both!” Alex practically shouted. Nyssa placed her hand on Alex’s to calm her down before she became too emotional.

“We are sorry Alex. It’s just… we didn’t… you thought we didn’t know? I just figured you were being private as always.” Eliza explained.

“You knew? That I was gay? That Nyssa and I…”

“I didn’t until your mother told me but in my defense I have been held captive for twelve years, but yeah, I’m sorry baby girl, I thought it was kind of a given. Can we have a do over?”

“Did Kara say something to you Mom?” Alex asked, a bit confused by her lack of reaction. Sure Kara had suspected her Mom knew but Kara was clueless about many, many things.

“Kara knows? Oh thats a relief. I was afraid she would ask me. I didn’t want to be the one to tell her. She would start asking things like who does what and who decides and what equipment is used. She would probably buy you embarrassing gifts for birthdays and holidays and think she was being supportive. You know how curious she can be. Well, except for asking about the birds and the bees. I guess she was always more interested in the work and not the finished product. Something tells me after her first exam she may have night terrors for years. A few new recurring nightmares to add to the rotation. I am sorry Alex. I thought… we can do this again and pretend to be surprised but you two aren’t exactly subtle.”

“Told you.” Nyssa hummed and looked away, fighting back laughter.

“So you knew? When did you know?” Alex asked her mother.

“That you were gay or you were with Nyssa?”

“That, both, I don’t know, either?”

“I’ve known you were gay probably as long as you have. I kept waiting for you to tell me, to open up but you never did. I wasn’t sure if I should ask you, because I know how private you can be and once we started drifting apart… anyway I assumed if I talked about it or pushed you to talk about it then you would resent me more. I wanted to hear about dates and girlfriends in college but you never said anything. I knew you resented me so I let it go. Then after college you never really said anything so I just assumed that you knew I knew. As far as Nyssa I knew you were in love the first time you looked at her in the hangar.”

“Yeah I kind of figured any woman who would have followed you into that hell pit was in love with you.” Jeremiah agreed.

“Right? Is this why the two of you don’t come around as much together? You thought we didn’t know?” Eliza asked.

“Yeah… I mean Kara said that she suspected you might know but Kara doesn’t know if she should believe herself half the time.”

“I’m really surprised she figured it she walk in on the two of you… having relations?”

“No, a really big alien gave her a concussion.”

Both Jeremiah and Eliza nodded their heads in understanding. That made perfect sense.

“Okay, so I am sorry we sort of ruined your big announcement. Would you two like me to heat up some dinner?”

“Actually I think your reaction was perfect. Alex had been so worried and I assured her she had nothing to worry about.” Nyssa told the woman.

“Nyssa? Is it true you are married to Oliver Queen?” Eliza asked. “Isn’t there some kind of mystical divorce ceremony or something or does one of you have to kill the other? How does this work?”

“The marriage was never consummated and was only recognized by the League. Since I have disbanded the League the oaths pertaining to all members are no longer binding. So short answer is no I am not married to Oliver Queen. There have been times when I stood by his side, respected him, admired him and there have been times I wanted to slaughter him, his family and anyone he ever loved in the past and present and we have never had sex with each other so in that way our relationship is much like a married couple. But that is as far as it goes.”

“I can understand that.” Jeremiah agreed. “You should have met Eliza’s mother. I wanted to…”

“Jeremiah!”

“Sorry dear.”

“Well I’m glad to hear you aren’t married Nyssa. So I would love to hear more about your life if you ever want to tell us.” Eliza assured her.

“I am not sure you want to know much of my life. It isn’t a very happy story.”

“I created monsters underground for a group of bastards who threatened to kill my daughters everyday for the past 12 years. I can handle it if you can. So you killed your father or Oliver Queen? I guess he would have been your assassin husband at that point, huh?”

“Oliver killed my father before I had a chance to, yes. But at the time he was the one appointed by my father to be his successor so it was his right at the time. I still regret that I was not given an opportunity to kill the bastard with my own hand.”

“That is a tough break. When Eliza’s mother died I was sad of course but a part of me wished I could…”

“Jeremiah!”

“Sorry dear.”

“Uh okay, we should probably go home. We will be back early though, probably around 8 to help set up the new condo. Are you having furniture delivered?” Alex asked.

“Yes, and the boxes will probably take a while to unpack. I want to frame the photos and I need to go grocery shopping. But you can bring donuts here. Ray said he would be there around noon and hook up the TV, Dish, Wireless, and security system? He said the security system would be quite impressive. It won’t involve killer robots or anything, right?”

“Knowing Ray, probably. Have you heard from Kara? I haven’t heard from her, but I didn’t want to bother her.”

“She is fine.” Alex’s Dad stated confidently. “Barry asked her to marry him. She said yes, They are going to get married probably shortly after Thanksgiving.”

Eliza and Alex were both surprised.

“You talked to her?” Eliza asked.

“Nope.”

“Then how…”

“Its what better be happening right now. They will be here in the morning and Kara will have a giant diamond on her ring finger or else.”

“Or else what?” Alex asked, trying not to laugh.

“Or else Nyssa gets to pretend Barry is her father.”

Alex felt quite bit of pity for Barry at that moment. Nyssa didn’t.

“Okay, so I guess we will see you two in the morning.” Alex concluded. Hugs were passed out, including Nyssa of course. Alex briefly thought of calling Kara but instead texted Caitlin. Caitlin told her Barry had texted her a thumbs up so she would be staying the night at a hotel to give the two some privacy. Satisfied her sister was okay and not freaking out, she went home with her love and fell asleep in her arms, ending one of the strangest days of her life.

Opal City

Roy Bivolo was an extremely nervous man. He had been on the run for a year, before that held in the Flash’s private prison and would have been taken to the South China Sea if not for the intervention of Leonard Snart. Not being keen on owing Snart anything or being found by the Flash or worse, the damn Arrow, he had stayed low, not used his gifts, only supporting himself by petty thefts and burglaries that went mostly unnoticed by the police. He lived in a horrible motel room but at least he could enter and leave when he wished, not like the damn Flash’s pipeline.

So to say he was surprised when a large bald man in a fancy suit and a Russian accent knocked on his motel room door would be an understatement. Then to be told by the man that he would be speaking with his employer immediately had him very on edge. Bivolo briefly considered using his talent against the imposing man until he spotted a small laser dot on his chest.

Deciding he had everything to lose by not obeying instructions he sat in a limousine and traveled to what looked to be a former publishing house headquarters that threatened to fall into disrepair. He did not have to wait long as he was escorted into the first floor and to a chair in front of a desk. The floor was dark, the floor plan open and the desk and chair were the only items in the room. Bivolo sat down and tried to see the man behind the desk in the dim light. He made out a suit, a very nice suit from what little he could tell. It was the man’s face, or lack of one that disturbed him. Where a face should have been a large helmet covered his head, metallic with a dark visor across his eyes. When he spoke his voice was modulated, low, threatening. Whoever this was set him on edge.

“Roy Bivolo. Failed Bank Robber. Failed metahuman, failure at life.”

“And I don’t think I have ever had the pleasure of meeting you?”

“No you haven’t.”

The helmeted figure lifted up a briefcase and dropped it onto the desk.

“One million dollars. More than you are or will ever be worth. You are going to do a job for me.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“You will do it and take the one million dollars when it is complete. Do you know why? Because the money is not a payment for services rendered but a reward should you do well. Refusal to take the job means that you die. I can kill you myself here. I can have one of my men do it anywhere you like. I am a generous man. If you turn down this job you are committing suicide. It is a simple task. You are going to go to Central City and meet with a Miss Kara Zorel. She is an employee at Palmer Technologies.”

“No way in hell am I going to Central City. Kill me now because I am not going to Iron Heights or that damn pipeline again. I step foot in Central or Star City and I am done for. Plus the Flash got his new girlfriend flying all over the place, blowing stuff up with her eyes, no way, go ahead and shoot…”

Bivolo’s rant was cut short when Prometheus stood up and tossed the desk to the side, then grabbed the man by his throat, lifting him in the air.

“Listen closely. You will do as you say and if you follow my directions then you will not be caught, you will have one million dollars and can start over anywhere you like.”

Prometheus tossed the so called Rainbow Raider to the floor.

“The reason you were caught is because you were an idiot. You were too high profile. You started riots in banks, were caught on camera and practically called out to the Flash to take you down. You didn’t anticipate using your gift would bring the Green Arrow into play. You didn’t know they are friends because you didn’t do your homework. You were sloppy and pathetic and had you been working for me I would have burned you alive. Now you are going to be working for me and you will not fail if you follow my directions. Are you going to listen or do I need to find another metahuman to fit my needs?”

“I’m listening.” Bivolo wheezed from the floor.

“Good. As I was saying my driver will escort you to Palmer Tech’s new branch office in Central City on Monday morning. You will speak to the security agent on the first floor and introduce yourself as Tim Bradford. The real Mr. Bradford has an interview with Miss Zorel that he won’t be making.”

“You killed a guy just to get me in?”

“I’ve killed any people for much less. You will go to Kara Zorel’s office and when you meet with her, use your gift. Only use it on her, no one else. Once it is done, immediately turn around and go back downstairs where my driver will bring you back here to collect your money.”

“And I’m just supposed to trust that you will pay me and not kill me?”

“I won’t kill you simply because I may have use for your one single talent in the future. If you follow these simple instructions you will have a new life and no chance of being caught. If you deviate from these instructions and are caught I will have you killed.”

“Why? Who the hell is this woman?”

“Let’s just say she is someone I am very interested in. Emotions can be a weakness. I want to know how much anger she has in her and exactly who it is directed towards. What I do with this information is my business. Now go and take care of yours. I have a hotel room for you that is not inhabited by cockroaches, waiting for your arrival. Stay there until it is time to leave.”

The bald driver assisted Bivolo off the floor and dragged him to the car. Prometheus sat back down in his chair and briefly considered taking his helmet off. The thought was cut short when another man walked in, holding a clear plastic bag. He handed it to his boss.

“This is it.”

“You are sure?”

“Over one hundred rounds fired at the dock and only one bullet found on the ground with blood on it. Forensics report indicated the bullet was most likely dug out of someone on scene. The blood has a type of DNA that is unknown so I am guessing it must be the new vigilante. Some of the drug smugglers told police that a new player was on scene. This one was wearing a blue hood. I guess if they get an orange, pink and purple they can have their own Power Rangers team.”

The employee laughed until the helmeted face looked at him.

“Sorry boss.”

“Did you have any trouble getting it out of evidence?”

“Nah. Star City Police department is a joke. Its no wonder they need that Arrow guy so much. Not like they can do much on their own. I stole a uniform, walked right in and took it.”

“Good work. A blue streak of light was reported flying over Star City streets on the same night. Unless there are now two flying superheroes who favor blue I would say sweet Kara Zorel was on a field trip, visiting her good friend Oliver Queen. Of course Crane failed but I never expected much out of him. I am surprised he failed to even poison Lance though. It appears that Laurel Lance’s little sister has taken up the Canary mantel once again. Our thin, short haired, female warrior also made another appearance. Facial recognition has finally pinpointed her as Alexandra Zorel, sister of Kara Zorel and the newest partner of Detective Joe West. To make matters worse, she has been seen in the company of Nyssa, apparently living with the woman and most likely sleeping with her.”

“You mean… that Nyssa? Like Al Ghul, Nyssa?”

“How many Nyssas do you know that are worth mentioning? Bring my car around. We are going back to New York tonight. I want to learn everything about this DNA that I can. I know she is a metahuman and all metahumans have a weakness. Perhaps the secret is in her blood.”

“What about paying Bivolo?”

“Demetri has instructions to shoot him in the head when he is done and has the appropriate eye protection to defend himself. Bivolo’s pathetic life is coming to an end quickly. It would be best if we are far away from Central City when Zorel is struck. I would imagine she will go on a rampage that makes the Flash’s run on the wild side tame by comparison.”