Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Survivors

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 32: Another First

“So what did you think of my bike?” Kara asked begin to feel a bit of nervousness. For a reason she had not identified yet, she desperately wanted to impress Barry Allen. There was no logical reason she should yet it was there.

Barry for his part smiled at the concern hiding behind a smile. He had never met someone he felt this open with or trusting and he had no idea either.

“It was amazing. I have never been on a bike before. How fast can it go?”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “I have no idea. In theory a Ninja should be able to reach 190 but I have only gotten her to 165. There are not a lot of straight aways where we lived so I had to sneak her onto a small airport at night. It was mostly used for crop dusters and private planes and was usually closed after 7.”

The boy looked at the innocent blonde and tried to comprehend her going 165 miles an hour down an airport runway.

“Thats… wow… thats impressive. You said you rebuilt it?”

“Her and yeah, my Dad and I were driving by a junkyard and I saw her. The moldings were cracked and replacing those was difficult but I found enough parts on the internet from other junkyards including the moldings that I was able to replace them quickly. Dad and I had to visit eight different junk yards. I bought the paint from a body shop in a town near Midvale and the owner allowed me to use his equipment. I learned from the internet how to paint bikes and got it done myself. Dad did the paperwork to get a title and license plate. I have tweaked the engine a bit since I have had her, allowed for about a hundred extra horsepower.” Kara finished proudly.

“Again all I can say is wow. I’m not sure I could change the oil in a car or change a tire for that matter. Never have before. You taught yourself?”

“Yep, I’m a fast learner. So tell me about yourself. I want to know.”

“What would you like to know? I think I have already told you my weirdest and most embarrassing secrets.”

The blonde took him in, wondering what she should ask. Instead of a specific question she went with the easiest and most honest one.

“I want to know everything. Not just your dark secrets. Tell me?”

So Barry did. He told her about Joe and Iris, his foster family, his age, 20, a junior at CCU with a double major in chemistry and physics, his hobbies which revolved around forensic science in some form of fashion and his non existent love life.

“Don’t feel bad. I have never had much of a dating history either. Any history actually.” Kara sympathized. Barry shook his head, trying to believe that.

“You have never been on a date? Never? Thats hard to believe that someone as beautiful as you has never… yeah, I just said that. Sorry, I ramble sometimes.”

“You think I am beautiful?” she asked, saving him from embarrassment and genuinely curious. Kara spent the majority of her life trying to not appear beautiful.

“Yeah, of course you are. So you have never been on a date?”

“I have been asked before but never really wanted to. Never found a guy I liked enough to take a chance on I guess.”

“So is that why your sister and friends seemed a bit nervous about us going out tonight. I couldn’t help but notice. I thought it might be my colorful background.”

Before Kara commented the waitress arrived and both ordered cheeseburgers and fries, along with two chocolate shakes.

“Its not you. They, especially Alex, worry about me. I have had issues socializing in the past. I don’t have the best track record with new people I guess you could say. I have some slight… major… anxiety issues.”

“But you feel comfortable with me?” he asked doubtfully. Kara smiled and nodded and the man relaxed a bit.

“So you were going to tell me how you and your sister are freshman but not twins?”

“Oh right! Well, I was adopted, my brother and I were adopted when I was 13 and he was 1. I had skipped ahead a year in school so we were in the same grade.”

“Oh, I see. Since he was one and you were thirteen I guess something bad happened to your birth parents. I’m sorry.”

“It was their fault… I mean thank you. Its not something I really like to talk about. I took the Danvers name so my little brother would not be confused as he grew. They are the only parents he will remember.”

Barry noted she as becoming a bit agitated, looking at the table and around the dining area more than at him. Time to change the subject.

“So I noticed your cat was kind of shy. Animals usually love me. You think I made a bad first impression?”

Kara laughed, remembering that Streaky had stayed in the background. Was it Barry or was she afraid of Alex?

“I just met her three days ago. I was riding around the city and stopped for food. When I came out she was on the seat of my bike and wouldn’t let me leave without her. She is kind of a mess. Alex called her my latest reclamation project. She is less enthusiastic about this one than the motorcycle.”

“But you like cats then right? You have had a cat before?”

The blonde shook her head slightly. “I was never much of a pet lover. I think they are adorable and love watching wildlife in nature but pets are not for me. I’m not one to get easily attached outside my parents and brother and sister of course.”

“So why now? Why this cat?”

“I don’t know.” she told him. “I guess its the same as the reason I had to have that bike in the junkyard. I want to know that something so broken can be fixed. That something ugly can be beautiful again. It kind of gives me a little hope, I guess. Nothing is beyond redemption. I like to think that anyway even if I don’t believe it.”

The food arrived and Kara did her best to eat slowly, making sure to leave some on the plate.

“I’m kind of surprised you eat cheeseburgers. When we were riding I couldn’t help noticing you are in phenomenal shape. I don’t mean that as a come on, just a compliment.” he added quickly. Kara shook her head and grinned.

“I work out a lot. Mostly mixed martial arts. The guy you are staying with used to be in the Navy and has taught me a lot. Alex is really good as well.”

“Wow.” Barry said, taking the blonde in with new eyes every time she opened her mouth. “You are an enigma, Kara Danvers. I can’t figure you out. You seem like the type that would enjoy spending the weekend reading a good book like me, but you rebuild motorcycles and attempt to break speed barriers on runways. You love to paint and practice mixed martial arts for exercise. You are a fan of wildlife but not pets, yet you take in one because she looked broken and you want to fix her.”

Kara smiled genuinely. “I like to keep people guessing I suppose. I hope thats not a problem.”

“No, it definitely isn’t. I can honestly say you are one of the most fascinating people I have ever met and I barely know you. I wish I was that fascinating. I am kind of a science nerd who watches and reads anything sci fi related. Thanks to you I have discovered a love for riding motorcycles but I doubt very seriously I am coordinated enough to actually pull it off. The idea of going 165 miles on anything besides a plane scares me but I kind of want to try it now, so long as you are driving.”

“I will have to find a runway I can sneak out on near here and if you ever come back to National City we can give it a shot. If you want I can find a highway tonight where we can open her up a bit. I am pretty good at knowing if cops are around.”

“That sounds great…”

“Kara?” a female voice from behind asked. Kara turned and saw Lena Luthor.

“Lena? Hey, how are you?”

“I’m great now that I found you. I never did get your number and… oh I am interrupting, aren’t I?”

Yes, Kara thought. “My friend Barry and I were just eating. Lena, this is Barry Allen. Barry this is Lena Luthor.”

“Wow, the same name as Lionel Luthor’s daughter… wait are you Lionel Luthor’s daughter?” he asked excitedly. Everyone knew of the Luthors but to those in the field of science, Lionel Luthor was a rock star.

“That would be me.” she admitted. “I am sorry to interrupt. Kara and I met about 7 months ago and I knew she would be in National City. I tried to find you on Facebook but had no luck.”

“I don’t have an account.” the blonde admitted, leaving out the need to stay hidden from murderous aliens out to get her and her cousin.

“Well, here is my number.” Lena offered, touching her phone to Kara’s. “Call me. Lets go out tomorrow night! I can show you and your sister some great clubs!”

“I will ask Alex but I think I am going to busy tomorrow night.” Kara chanced, looking at Barry. It was going well right? Lena looked at the young man who was obviously taken with the blonde from the way his eyes stayed on her.

“Of course. Next weekend though, I insist.”

“Next weekend,” Kara agreed. At least Friday night. Saturday morning Her and Alex had plans in a very cold place.

“Great. I look forward to your call.” Lena told her with a wink. “Nice to meet you Barry.”

The brunette walked off with a smile, leaving a star struck Barry Allen.

“So you are friends with Lena Luthor?” he asked. “And the surprises keep coming.”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not sure we are really friends. I met her in Metropolis last Spring Break. We snuck out of a symposium and had pizza. Then my sister and I were trying to get into a club we were too young to enter. Her brother got us in since he owned the club. He sort of made a pass at me and I got pretty angry and left. I hadn’t seen or spoken to her since. She is cool though. Her brother is another thing.”

“Wow, so Lex Luthor… billionaire, genius…”

“Bald, rude, full of himself and complete ass. Thats him. So what movies do you like? Are you a Star Wars fan or a Trekkie?”

“Why do I have the feeling this answer is going to go a long way towards determining how you think of me?”

“Because it is. Isn’t that one of the great questions, up there with Elvis or the Beatles? You can tell a lot about a person based on which series they like better. So answer the question Barry.” Kara told him with a wink.

Metropolis

Mercy Graves walked into the office of her boss, not surprised to see him staring out his massive window with a drink in his hand. She had been his bodyguard and assistant since he was 18 and most likely knew him better than his parents. What she did not understand was his obsession with a blonde teenager from North Carolina. He could have his pick of women and often did but this Kara Danvers was the one he kept coming back to. A girl who wanted nothing to do with him from what she understood of their last encounter.

“Sir? Your sister’s bodyguard just texted me as you instructed. Lena made contact with the Danvers girl, just as you suspected she would.”

“Where?” he asked, not turning around.

“GPS shows them at a restaurant in the downtown area called Noonan’s.”

“Hack into the security feed. I want to see her.”

Mercy shook her head slightly but moved towards the computer on his desk to bring up the requested video on the large screen mounted on the wall.

“Sir? If I may…”

“Why her?” Lex guessed. “She is a mystery I luckily stumbled upon. You know I love mysteries. If my hunch is correct, you will see when you pull up the feed, which I expect to happen in the next minute.”

Mercy did have the feed up in thirty two seconds, thankful it was a wi fi signal to the back servers of the restaurant and not a hardline. What she saw surprised her.

“Do you see?” Lex asked, standing and moving towards Mercy. “A perfect view of the restaurant except for one thing. Go to the camera closest to her.”

The screen changed, showing Barry Allen and someone sitting with him.

“Her face is distorted.” Graves whispered.

“When I met her the first time, with my sister in a pizza place, I only spoke to her for a few minutes. I admit I was quite taken with her. I had given some thought to her and then by chance or fate I saw her at a club two nights later. Her and her sister were trying to get in and not having much luck. Lena and I invited them in and I got to spend a little time with Kara. The thing that stood out was how perfect she would be, once she was a bit older of course. Behind those glasses was a beautiful face. She was soft spoken and my sister seemed entranced by her.”

“I see.”

“You really don’t, Mercy. Kara Danvers is adopted by two brilliant scientists but has no interest in science. She wasn’t awestruck by me or my sister. She was perfect, perfect to be groomed for a future wife. A bit shy, quiet, could be a beautiful sight in the background, who remained silent. You know stock holders love a happy marriage. Marry someone who looks like a gold digger or trophy wife and investor confidence goes down. Marry the girl next door you have been courting for a few years, an artist who has no ambition to become involved in my business and you have the perfect wife. Then she practically threatened to kill me when we were alone.”

“Our security team let this happen?”

Lex laughed. “I don’t think they could have stopped her. I had looked a bit into her background, asked her about some things in her past and she became another person. The shy girl next door turned into an inferno of rage, simply because I had inquired about her. Her sister had to talk her down, so apparently this had happened before.”

“So she is emotionally unstable? Perhaps just anger issues?” the bodyguard asked, not liking where this was going.

“Perhaps, perhaps not. I admit it was a mistake telling her I looked into her background. I reviewed the camera footage that night, seeing if she had any other unusual personality quirks. The only thing about her that was unusual was her face. Like the feed we are watching now, it was distorted. It must be the glasses. She is wearing them to protect herself from facial recognition software. What other reason could she have? Of course I couldn’t let this go. At this point she was too much of a mystery for me to turn my back on her.”

“Why was I not brought in?”

“Because I wanted you to concentrate on my father. I dug a bit more into her background, prior to the Danvers. Her records, her brothers records, even her biological parents records were clean. Rock solid. So I sent investigators to Kansas. Kara Kent was not in any yearbook photo. I had them ask teachers who had no memory of the girl or a tragedy. In a small town a fire claiming two lives and leaving two orphans would be remembered, wouldn’t you think? Then I checked with Midvale Junior High and High School. Kara Danvers is remembered there quite fondly by teachers. She was also always absent every year on the day Yearbook photos were taken. Not even a senior picture.”

“She is hiding, not from a person so much as an organization that has access to facial recognition software.” Graves surmised.

“Exactly. Kara Kent did not exist before she was adopted by the Danvers, I am sure of it. Where did she come from? Why is she hiding behind glasses that prevent her face from being seen by cameras? Why was she so enraged that she would break her carefully constructed facade of meekness because I looked into her background? You told me when you checked my father’s servers he is still on a hunt for these aliens he believes exist, correct? While I was reviewing his files three nights ago, I saw he was interested in a particular girl who escaped the clutches of a serial killer in a parking garage. I checked the feed and guess what dear old Dad found?”

Lex pulled a remote and flipped to the data he had stolen from his father’s computer. He had watched the man often, just as he was sure Lionel watched him. The parking garage footage showed up.

“This was taken and saved before it was erased by an unknown agency. Dad moved fast. The thing in the hoodie is the suspected killer. See the blond girl watching him go inside the electrical room?”

“Her face is distorted.” Mercy whispered. “It’s her.”

“Watch carefully. You might miss the best part.” he told her. Within seconds, Kara had entered the room and a blindfolded girl was out with her almost as if they had both materialized from thin air.

“What is she?” Graves whispered.

The video showed the girl with no discernible face entering the room once more then exiting five minutes later. Lex fast forwarded and ten minutes later three black SUVs pulled in, complete with men in black tactical gear rushing out. Someone was carried out, not a man but a grayish figure, with long sideburns and a fine layer of hair over its warped face. The creature was barely breathing and if its face had once resembled a humans it was beaten beyond recognition now.

“Your father was right.” Mercy told him, not believing it herself.

“It would appear so. Either werewolves exist or he is right about aliens on Earth.”

“And this Kara Danvers defeated him. She not only rescued the girl but went in and finished the job. She must be…”

“Most likely. She probably is an alien but what about that killer instinct? She could have ran with the girl. But not Kara Danvers, shy girl from North Carolina. She went after the thing, beat it and called a Government black ops agency to clean up. She definitely has style.”

“You should convince your sister to stay away from her. She is obviously dangerous.” the woman told her charge.

“Dangerous? So am I. But to who? She saved the girl and beat the alien, nearly to death by the looks of it. Whatever she is, she is strong and is obviously compassionate about human life. If these aliens… if there are more like my father thinks, she may be the key to stopping them. She could be humanity’s greatest weapon, if she is handled right. Mercy, what the two of us together could do, it even stretches my imagination. This was fate that brought us into contact with each other. I have to atone for my earlier mistake and somehow move into her graces again. Besides, it is hard to tell due to her face being distorted but she is very lovely. She would look incredible on my arm. With my resources there would be no need to wear glasses and hide from anyone or thing.”

Graves shook her head. She was well accustomed to Lex’s more outlandish and reckless moves but this was over the top.

“She is unable to handle her anger, violent, incredibly strong and fast and you want to court her? This is reckless even for you, Lex.”

“No, it isn’t. She has adopted human parents, an adopted sister she is very close to. She may well be an alien but she loves humanity, she does love family. She is everything I could want. A perfect wife who would not attempt to steal my company or stab me in the back and a super powered weapon that when pointed in the right direction, can save the world. She can be tamed and guided. I just have to find a way to atone for my earlier lapse, admitting I had researched her, and find a way to win her. If she stays friends with Lena it will be much easier. Lena being fond of her is a bonus. My sister could use a friend who isn’t out to use her for their own purposes. Her relationship with our mother is non existent at this point. If it wasn’t for dear old Dad, Lena may have left when she turned 18. I love my sister, Mercy. She has to be happy. If this girl can do so, even better. Kara Danvers is the key to solving so many problems.”

“So you want to fly to National City? I can have the jet readied.”

“No. I won’t push this time. I am going to do this right. The closer she becomes to Lena, the easier it will be. There is no hurry. She is young. I meet her a few times in passing, while with Lena, apologize sincerely and leave it at that. Perhaps right before the Holiday Break. She will continue to attend college and grow and I will be there, supporting her, becoming her friend first. Speaking of friends, who is this person she is with? My information says she has never been on a date.”

“I will find out.”

“Good. I doubt he is a threat. I do want someone watching her occasionally, following her movements. It had better be someone who is very good at not being seen. If he is spotted we will have to kill him before he talks. We have no idea what all she can do. Have video surveillance searching for any girl with that pattern of facial distortion. I want to know everything. I will have her, Mercy. If she is going to be a weapon, she will be my weapon, not belong to some pathetic government agency.”

“Yes sir. Right way.”

Graves walked out, leaving Lex with his multiple video screens. She could tell by the grin on his face that he had made up his mind. Once Lex Luthor made up his mind there was nothing anyone could do to change it. Perhaps he was right. A woman with that kind of power could be a valuable resource.

If she could be controlled. If not she would be the thing that could bring Lex down. If that happened it would be up to Mercy to protect Lex from himself as she had often done, by any means necessary.

National City

“ I’m confused.” Clark told his big sister over the computer camera.

“About what?” Alex asked. She had a video chat feature brought up on her laptop and after conversing shortly with her mother and father who were very concerned for Kara’s state of anxiety on her first date ever, she had asked to talk to her best friend under five foot tall.

“If you hate the kitten, why are you petting him?”

“To keep her from tearing up the couch.” Alex told him quickly.

“But if Kara isn’t there why not just put him outside?

“Her, not him, and Kara would be upset.”

“But she is crawling all over you and you don’t seem to be mad. I thought you didn’t like animals?”

“I don’t like animals.” she argued, petting Streaky while she crawled all over the brunette.

“I think you like her and don’t want to…”

“Clark, how is first grade? Made any girlfriends yet?”

“No.” the little boy admitted. “What about you? Have you made any girlfriends? Mom said you would have a girlfriend like I will one day. Its kind of yucky. Girls have all kinds of germs. You haven’t kissed any, have you?”

Alex laughed quietly, resisting the urge to pet the fur ball rubbing against her neck.

“No, not yet, but I will. Besides Kara and I are girls. You think we have germs?”

“Probably. Where is Kara? Mommy said she was on a date but Kara doesn’t talk to other people unless you are around. Does she not want to talk to me? Is she mad at me?”

The brunette dropped her head, gently taking Streaky and placing her in her lap.

“Clark, Kara is on a date. Its kind of a big deal for her. She met a guy… a strange guy but a guy and they went out tonight. She is not mad at you.”

“Then who is watching her?”

“No one.” Alex answered, glad that Kara was not here for once tonight. Though she was nervous, Clark going down this route led to a bout of anger and then depression whenever Kara heard it. “And you aren’t supposed to talk about that stuff. It hurts Kara’s feelings. How many times do I have to tell you? Now tell me about…”

“But she is still hurting herself. I heard Daddy tell Mommy that you were all going to have a family meeting Sunday night with Miss Jessica after I go to bed. Those only happen when…”

“Clark, cut it out, right now. Those are adult things, not things for you to talk about. Do not worry about Kara. She is fine. Understand?” Alex asked, trying to maintain her patience and reminding herself to bring this up to her Mom and Dad Sunday night. Clark had to learn to control what he talked about. He was young but saying anything that popped into his mind at anytime no matter who was around was dangerous for all of them.

“Can I ask you another question?”

“Can I stop you?”

“No.”

“Is it about Kara?”

“Sort of. Not really. Yeah, I guess.”

Alex took a deep breath, closed her eyes for a moment and then prepared to shoot Clark down again. “Go ahead.”

“My friend Lana told me today that I was adopted. She said her Mommy told her Daddy that. She said Kara was too. She asked me what it meant. What does it mean?”

Alex’s heart began beating wildly in her chest and she felt herself heating up. It wouldn’t be long until she started sweating.

“Clark! I told you we would talk about that the next time we were all together. Kara and Alex need to be with us.” Eliza told him, coming into the view of the screen and saving Alex from an incredibly awkward conversation.

“Sorry. I have soccer practice tomorrow morning. I will call you and let you know everything the new coach is doing wrong after its over. I love you, Alex.”

“I love you too, Munchkin. Get some sleep. You are going to score a lot of goals this year and Mom is going to Facetime every game so we can watch, okay?”

“I wish you were here to watch at the game. I miss you and Kara. Your room is empty. I don’t see why we can’t move. Mommy and Daddy have talked about it…”

“Time for your bath little boy. Say good night to Alex.” Eliza cut in.

“Good night Alex.”

Clark exited the screen and half ran from the room. She saw Jeremiah chasing him in the background and the sound of his laughter, meaning her Dad must be tickling the boy who wasn’t fast enough to get away.

“Thanks for the heads up, Mom.” Alex groused.

“I’m sorry. I hoped he would forget about it bringing it up tonight. He didn’t argue when I told him we all needed to be together to talk about it. Wait until Sunday before you tell Kara. She doesn’t need to worry about this. She has enough to worry about. I will make sure he doesn’t ask her.”

“You need to have a talk with him before he talks to her over video chat. She is going to go ballistic if he keeps talking to her like she is some child who needs to be watched.” Alex pointed out.

“I know. He loved her Alex. He has grown up and seen things and sees how we have reacted in the past. He worries, just like we all do. I’ll keep talking to him. Have you heard from her?”

“She texted me five minutes ago that she is having a great time. She has been sending short texts every twenty minutes just letting me know if there is any anxiety. I thought she wouldn’t but she probably doesn’t want me watching her or anyone else watching her for that matter.”

“I still can’t get over the fact that she is actually spending alone time with a boy she met. This guy must be something special. He doesn’t look like Dante, right? Please tell me she has gotten over that fixation.”

Alex tried not to let her surprise show and failed. “You knew about that? Did she tell you?”

“No, I am her mother. I pay attention to both of you. I admit you slipped being gay right past me but I like to think I am observant most of the time. I knew she was attracted to Dante. She has had a hero worship thing for him since they first started training together. Outside of the family she has spent the most time with him. They have bonded and let’s face it, the man has a body to kill for. Plus that hair and those eyes. Alex, I realize you have no interest in men but even you have to admit the man is sex on legs…”

“Mom! I am not hearing this right now! Please stop before I need extra therapy sessions.”

Eliza shook her head. “Sorry. Got a bit carried away. Your father is much better looking. Still it was pretty obvious. Kara never said anything to him, right?”

Alex looked away from the screen and it was all the answer Eliza needed.

“I guess she didn’t take the rejection that bad?”

“It wasn’t easy for her.” Alex admitted. “I got her through it. I am still not sure if she is over it but this guy is nothing like Dante. He is kind of a slim nerd, sort of like the guys we were in choir with, but he is cute and without the acne or braces. He does have some great eyes. Its easy to see why she would like him, I’m just surprised. A lot of guys who look like him have tried and she has shot down everyone. I don’t know what it is about this guy. I doubt she does either.”

“I suppose we should be happy. If this is something that can help her, great. We hope for the best. What about you? Any hot girls on campus?”

Alex’s face turned red.

“Mom…”

“What? I’m not allowed to ask?”

“Fine, yes there are thousands of hot girls on campus but its only been a week. I still can’t get over the fact that Kara has had a date before I have.”

“Me too. I honestly never thought she would date anyone. So neither of you have seen Lena Luthor, have you?”

Alex was surprised. She had honestly forgotten that Lena attended NCU. Every time she thought of the Luthor’s, which wasn’t often, she thought about Lex nearly being killed by Kara.

“No, why? I thought it was Lex and Lionel that made you nervous?”

“Lionel does make me very nervous. He has been obsessive lately in his quest for aliens. He isn’t even trying to keep it quiet anymore. He has been hiring theoretical biologists to determine possible life forms from rumors and intel from black op agencies supposedly and devise ways to neutralize them. He tried to recruit your father and I again. Having any contact with that family could be a bad idea.”

“And yet like this Barry Allen guy, Lena is the only female Kara has ever voluntarily hung out with after barely meeting her and didn’t feel any anxiety. Who knows why some people make her feel comfortable? Don’t worry, I will watch her.”

Eliza smiled at her daughter’s mantra. It had been the same since she was 14 and feeding her and Clark in a cave. She always looked out for Kara.

“Just make sure you are looking out for yourself too, okay? I worry about you. Remember, there may have been some close minded, ignorant people in Midvale but in National City there are those who are just plain evil, who will take advantage of you because you are new. Be careful Alex. We need you safe. We all do.”

Alex was touched by her Mom’s concern like she always was, feeling a tear building up and wanting to hold it back.

“Okay, I better go. I love you. Give Dad a kiss for me.”

“I love you too, sweetie. Let me know how Kara is or at least send a text that she made it home. And have fun playing with your new kitty you have been petting the entire time off screen.”

The chat ended before Alex could lie and deny the truth. She looked at the little kitten.

“Want to play with the stick and the mouse until Kara comes home? Do not tell her I like you or I will throw you out the window. This never happened, alright?”

Four hours later Kara walked in, a dopey smile on her face and looking happier than Alex had seen her in a very long time.

“Look at you. It went well?” Alex hoped.

“It was amazing. I mean… we didn’t do anything special, just ate and talked and I didn’t even have to lie much because he didn’t pry and then I found a highway and got my bike up to 170. I was afraid it would freak him out but he asked me to do it and he has discovered a serious love for speed tonight. He is a Trekkie but thats not the worst thing ever. Is it okay if he comes over tomorrow? He wants to take me out again tomorrow night before he leaves on Sunday but I thought he could hang with us during the day? Please?”

Alex shook her head and smiled. “I’m not your mother. You don’t have to ask me if you can have a friend come over and play, Kara. Of course, I would love to meet him for more than a few minutes. I suppose you are going to force feed him Star Wars?”

“Big time. Just now, at the door… I think he wanted to kiss me.” Kara told her softly. Alex raised an eyebrow. She remembered her first kiss, at a movie theater in Raleigh, with a girl from Bonner High. She had hoped the day would come for Kara one day but like Eliza, Alex had begun to think it would never be.

“Oh yeah? You were going to let him?”

The blonde shrugged her shoulders. “It would have been nice but I wouldn’t want to lead him on. You know I can’t…”

“Kara, do me a favor. For this weekend, just forget about the things you have convinced yourself you can’t do and do the things that you want to do. In reason of course.” Alex had to add, not knowing for sure exactly what all Kara wanted to do.

“I’ll try. I promise.”

“You had fun though, right?”

“Yeah totally. Oh look, Streaky is rubbing against your leg. I figured she would have been terrified and hiding somewhere. Are you getting soft,Alex?”

“No, but as long as she is rubbing against my leg she isn’t scratching our couch. Go change in your pajamas and lets watch Netflix for a while. Unless you are too tired?”

Kara shook her head. “I don’t think I could sleep if I wanted to.”

Two floors below Kara’s apartment, Barry Allen knocked on Dante’s door, praying that the man would let him in. If not he would be in the awkward position of having to ask Kara if he could use her couch. Despite being no stranger to awkward positions, Barry was still not fond of them. Luckily the door did open and he followed the long haired Native American into the living room.

“Have a seat Barry. Want a beer?”

“I’m actually too young to drink…”

“Barry, do you want a beer?”

Barry nodded his head. “Yeah, that would be great. Are you sure you are cool with me staying here?”

Dante walked off briefly and returned with two bottles, one of which was handed to Barry.

“Yes. I owe you an apology. I came across as intimidating and it was wrong. I, my friends and I have known Kara for a long time. She is… sensitive, more so than the average person.”

“I know.” Barry told him. “She told me about her birth parents dying and her anxiety problems she has.”

Dante couldn’t hide the shock on his face.

“She told you about her parents?”

“Not much. She said they died and… she started to look anxious so I changed the subject.”

Dante couldn’t help but be impressed with the young man’s decision. There was more to Barry Allen than being a bit of a weirdo who chased urban legends.

“A good decision. I was shocked that she would go out with you, not you, but anyone. She caught me by surprise and I suppose I didn’t have the most warming welcome.”

Barry let out a relieved breath, satisfied he wouldn’t be killed in his sleep tonight.

“No, thats fine. I think its great that her Dad is friends with scary… I mean concerned people like you who keep in contact with them and such. I’m not sure why he feels the need for them to have a bodyguard. They both look like they could handle themselves.”

Dante shrugged his shoulders and took a drink.

“I’m not a bodyguard. We don’t protect them so much as just look out for them, new girls in the city kind of thing. Me and my friends work in National City and check in on them. They are from a small town and cities like National or I imagine Central City can be hard to get used to for someone not acclimated to so much… noise.”

“And who also has anxiety issues.” Barry finished. “I get it. I know what I am doing here sounds weird and I…”

“I believe you. I did a bit of research on you while you were out. I am sorry about what happened to your mother. The story you told the police about the circle of lightning is not something a kid would make up to protect his father. Being moved twenty blocks away, the whole thing. It would have been simpler to make yourself believe there had been another man there if you were trying to protect your father or yourself from what you had seen. I believe that you father did not kill your mother.”

“You are serious?” Barry asked, never having heard anyone tell him this before. He and Kara had not talked about it either, thankfully in Barry’s mind.

“Barry, I was a Navy Seal from the time I was 18 till about 5 years ago. I have been all over the world and I have seen many strange things, things most people would consider impossible. It does not make them less true. I have never heard or seen anything that can turn into a circle of lightning but that does not mean it does not exist. If I knew something I would tell you. Just know that I don’t doubt your story and if I should ever run across anything that could help you, you will be told.”

“Thanks… it feels really good to hear someone say they believe me. Kara didn’t doubt me when I told her why I was here and what happened. Not even my best fiend Iris believes me but I find two people in National City who do.”

“Also remember Barry that sometime when you find the unusual, the impossible, it could be very dangerous. If you die not only would you not be able to free your father, your death would destroy him. I have to ask that you be very careful on these trips of yours. Things like these stay secret for a reason. They do not want to be found and will do whatever it takes to stay hidden.”

Barry looked at the man for a moment, wondering how much he could actually get out of him. Deciding the worst that could happen is a quick death he went ahead.

“These things you have seen in the Navy. What are they? Can you tell me?”

Dante shook his head. “No I cannot. I will just say that there are things in this world that cannot be explained by mankind as of yet. You are not crazy. I will give you a way to contact me before you leave National City. If you ever find anything you think may have had a hand in your mother’s death, call me.”

“Okay, I will. Thanks… so if you aren’t a Navy Seal anymore what do you and your… friends do?”

“We work for the Post Office.” the man told him.

“Oh… that makes sense. Its been a long night and I told Kara I would be over for breakfast in the morning…”

“One more thing. Are the two of you going out tomorrow night?”

Barry shrugged his shoulders and grinned. “Yeah, I would like to. I thought we could catch a play at this old theater I found a brochure for.”

“If you wouldn’t mind, her father and I have some ideas where the two of you could go for dinner. My friend Ty will be here tomorrow afternoon to take you shopping. You are going to use his car. She needs this. Can you work with me, Barry?”

“Yeah, definitely.”

The next morning, Alex sat on the couch, petting her nemesis and watching her little sister bounce around, singing and cleaning the kitchen then starting on pancakes. The brunette couldn’t help but wish Kara was like this all the time. She looked like a completely different person, a bright smile, laughing easily, no worries or concerns. Alex had seen this side of her before, many times, but never for long. Kara did a wonderful, and to someone who didn’t know her, convincing job of acting happy 90 percent of the time. But much of it was only an act. Sure she was happy at times but there was always the hurt behind her eyes, her guilt, grief, depression, paranoia, rage at herself and those she considered her enemies. In other words her dead family and those still alive named Astra and Non.

This was one of the rare times that Kara seemed to be completely care free and full of joy. It was enough to make Alex want to beg the skinny boy Kara was fond of not to leave National City.

It was also enough to worry about what Kara’s reaction would be when he did go.

Barry arrived at ten. Kara had the original trilogy out but at the last minute decided to go with the prequels. Before Alex could throw the TV out the window because of Kara’s favorite Jar Jar Binks, an alien apparently only an alien could love, Barry received a text, telling Kara he had thing to prepare to night for their date. Kara was a bit confused, thinking they were just going to a local theatre production but did not let it diminish her spirits. Alex would not let her regardless. Armed with Daddy’s card, the two took a taxi to a shopping district. The blonde was forced to try on dresses until Alex was satisfied, deciding on a blue lacy knee length dress that tied behind her neck and left her impressive shoulders bare. Alex secretly hoped that Kara’s shoulders didn’t intimidate Barry. Because of the clothes she wore, even her casual jeans and tees one would never guess just how much muscle tone Kara Danvers had. She was built like a panther, long lean lines of muscle. Alex worked obsessively for the shape she was in. Kara went sunbathing. It was hard to hold it against her though when taken into consideration with everything else her little sister had to live with.

“Are you sure about this dress? Its kind of expensive and Dad probably wouldn’t like me using his card to buy a dress for one date.”

“Its perfect on you and he won’t care, trust me.”

“But we are just going to a play. Its a Neil Simon. You know I love Neil Simon. Its called Rumors. I have never seen or read it but it is supposed to be hilarious. I hope I don’t accidentally snort.”

“Kara, you said three dates and I could pick the clothes out. You got through two of them too quick for me to pick anything. I’m not missing my opportunity on this one.”

Kara did not resist, nor did she resist that afternoon. Barry texted her saying he would get her at 6 so Alex took the opportunity to wash and brush her hair, and adorn her sister with makeup, something Kara normally never wore or if she did, not much.

Despite missing out on some time with Barry her good mood persisted and as promised, at 6 o clock the man knocked on her door.

Kara opened it and saw Barry Allen, decked out in a black suit with a blue shirt and darker blue tie underneath it.

“Wow.” the man told her, caught off guard by her dress and appearance. “I knew you were beautiful but you… wow.”

Kara giggled, barely holding in a snort, and played with her glasses.

“You uh… you look really great too. I didn’t know you had a suit with you.”

“I bought it. Is it okay? I heard you liked blue. Red is more my color and if you want I can go buy a different tie or shirt…”

“You look perfect. Blue is my favorite color. I am pretty fond of red also. On of my favorite accessories is red. So, should I call a taxi or can we just grab one outside? It depends on the time of day I guess how many…”

“I was thinking we could go to the parking garage?”

Kara took him in and then looked at herself. “As much as I love the idea, I don’t think I can ride with this dress. Dad is going to be pretty mad when he sees how much Alex paid for it. I’m putting it all on her.”

“I’ll pay him back. Its worth it. Just uh… trust me?” he asked, reaching out his hand. Kara took it immediately and with a quick turn and wave to Alex, she was gone, following this Barry Allen who had shown up in their lives out of nowhere.

In the garage Barry led her to a black 1969 Corvette Stingray convertible. Kara took a quick breath.

“Wow! This is a 1969… I have a friend who has one of these. He let me work on it with him a few times when I was younger. He drove it to Midvale twice when he was staying near.”

“Ty? Yeah this is his car. I met him this afternoon. Great guy. Told us to have fun and I needed to take you out in something classier than a taxi, so here we are. After you Miss Danvers.” Barry offered, opening the passenger door.

Kara recognized that this was definitely Ty’s car. If she had ever found one of these wrecked she would have rebuilt it as well.

Driving down the interstate, Kara noted with some amusement that Barry was actually driving over 70 miles an hour.

“Speed demon? Have I got you hooked?”

He grinned at her. Barry couldn’t imagine this happy, bubbly blonde having any of the anxiety issues she had told him about or have so many people, strange people who many have connections to the military, worried about her. She just seemed so happy and carefree.

“Yeah, a little bit. Ty told me if I drove this car under 70 it would be a sin.”

Barry thought of asking her why so many of her father’s friends were former Navy Seals but Ty told him it probably was best not to ask her. Kara did not like people asking questions, just wait until she volunteered or leave it alone. Ty did tell him Kara’s adoptive parents were involved in some research for the Navy that made them and their family possible terrorist targets and they had been assigned to protect them. Once the work was over they all remained friends. This made sense to Barry. It would also account for Dante’s testimonial that there were strange things out there but Barry wouldn’t worry now. He had tonight and he wanted to enjoy this time with this incredible woman he had lucked into. The shy artist who rebuilt and raced motorcycles, had friends who were Navy Seals, was asked to hang out by the daughter of the richest man in America and practiced mixed martial arts.

They arrived at the Italian Restaurant Mario’s. Neither had been here before and Kara was certain it was closed.

“There are hardly any cars in the lot. I think this place is either closed or no one wants to eat here.” she told him, not sure what was worse. The lights were on inside but Kara could see no one.

“I would like to take credit for this but I can’t. I’m kind of a broke college student. Your Dad however told me that since you and Alex were on scholarship he had a few college funds to spend.”

“What are you talking about? You talked to my Dad?”

“He may have called when I was shopping with Ty. You have definitely made this trip one to remember Kara. Follow me?”

Kara did, taking his hand gently, not sure of what was going on but not sensing any danger. She had expected Alex or Dante to try and watch her but this was not going the way she had imagined. Once inside Kara noted that there were a two heartbeats around and the food being cooked in the back was very appetizing.

“He rented out the whole place?”

“Yeah he did.” Barry told her. “I am impressed. He said he wanted us to have fun and you not be crowded and… here we are. Oh yeah, that is our table, our waitress coming out and I think there is music… yep, now its on.”

Kara followed Barry thinking she must be in a dream. The lights were low, the music soft, and apart from the waitress and the cook in the back, they were alone.

“I would offer you wine but your friend Ty said you hate the taste of alcohol and if I drank alcohol while driving his car he would make my death slow and painful. Surprisingly that was the only time I was threatened today and I think he was… no he was serious about that. So Coke or tea?”

“Uh… tea. Wow. I can’t believe this.”

“Yeah, your Dad is pretty awesome.”

“Yes he is and so are you.”

“Yeah, it is a big sacrifice for me to spend a weekend with a beautiful woman, in nice restaurants, riding really fast motorcycles and driving classic Corvettes.”

“Its a big deal that you want to be with me. Thank you Barry. I’ve only seen things like this in movies. I didn’t think they were real.”

Barry grinned at her wide eyed wonder. He was a bit in awe himself.

“Next time, I’m going to plan and pay for it myself. I bet I can do better but this will work for now.”

“Next time? Planning on moving to National City?”

“No, but I have a feeling I will be visiting a lot. Would that be okay with you?”

“Yeah… of course. Wow. So you would take a train to see me?”

“Yeah, I would.”

The waitress brought the salads followed by bowls of pasta and bread. The two ate, talked about the restaurant, their high school activities, their favorite comic books. Barry was happy they both agreed on Spider Man. After they ate but before dessert he asked her to dance.

It was during the second song that Kara Danvers was kissed for the first time.