Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

************ present day suit in hotel outside of National city*********

Lillian Luthor was not one for second guessing, for reflecting on decisions or doubting her resolve. She knew her path, her purpose and what needed to be done to achieve her goals. She was not accustomed to watching either, sure she observed all things, the government, medical professionals, aliens, the general socio economic climate. But she was never a passive watcher, oh far from it, she skilfully and wilfully manipulated the options, the decisions, the path that people were taking. Moving them forward into the positions that she needed them to be to get what she needed. She was Athena, manoeuvring the armies into position, Aries firing up the armies, Loki confusing the masses, she was Zeus ruling all, the master strategist, the puppet master, defining the outcomes, it had worked until Medusa. It was a surprise to her that the daughter she never asked for was the one to out manoeuvre her. A master in strategy herself she had been able to see the moves, the use of Henshaw in gathering the final piece had tipped her hand, the intrusion of the Kryptonian had sparked the moment that Lena connected the dots and unravelled the strategy she had been working on.

It had surprised her to a point, she knew that Lena was brilliant, that she was wilful and that she didn't believe in the cause, not like her beloved Lex did. She was corrupted by the alien fascination and the desire to help on a small scale not eliminate the problems in grand ways. She thought that she had done enough over the years to curb her resolve but it appears that it had not been the case. She was both extremely disappointed, impressed and annoyed at the revelations of Medusa. It was the point that some level of doubt crept into Lillian's initial thoughts not only about Lena but about the choice of having Lex as her successor, not that she allowed them to manifest at that point, after all she needed to get things done, and being in prison gave her the ability to implement another plan of action. However that seed that tiny glimmer of doubt was now present again.

Sitting in the less than satisfactory hotel suit, eating a over cooked steak that was most definitely not rib eye, and sipping a glass of red, the vastly inflated priced bottle that stated it was indeed what she had asked for, the Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti 1990 had clearly long since been consumed and they had replaced it with a mediocre and sub standard generic red. As if she couldn't tell the difference, as if her pallet was not augmented to someone of discerning tastes, did they not realise that Lillian Luthor the matriarch of the Luthor family that could buy this mediocre excuse for a hotel a million times over would not realise the difference. She pushed the plate away and stood, glancing at the remnants of a very unsatisfactory meal and moved to the couch, she needed to think about what was happening. See what the endgame was becoming so that she could understand if her presence was indeed needed.

*********3 years and 6 months ago*********

Lillian watched as the rocket soared into the sky her heart filled with pride and excitement, the moment that stage one would be complete and the aliens would be removed from the city, soon the world and with Lena on board they could use Lex’s dispersion device to fill the entire atmosphere with enough to wipe out all none human life on the planet, including the supers. It would be the perfect result following the downfall of Lex and the tarnishing of the proud Luthor name at the hands of those dirty alien parasites. The smile on her face stoic as ever not betraying the emotions that she was feeling, she was practiced at holding in the tale tell signs of the internal world. As the super sped towards the rocked, with a broken hearted look on her face knowing that Lena had finally sided with the family was going to help the world, it was the cherry on the perfect Sunday, not that Lillian would indulge in such frivolity but the metaphor was perfect.

There was something that was not correct, something that was not working, it was impossible that her calculations were incorrect, she had planned this to the last detail to be flawless, she was not someone that made mistakes, everything had gone according to plan, except the initial requisition of the isotope. The super had interfered, Lena was still in the building, things had changed and she had to adjust. The isotope was the miscellaneous item, it had been conceived by Lex, manufactured as the perfect binding agent. It was flawless, she had checked Lex’s work, but it was given to her by Lena, not Lex, Lena had said she just had to ask, but this was not what was supposed to happen. She looked at Lena, the small smirk on her face answered the question for her.

“They should be dead, All aliens should be dead. You. You switched out the isotope. You made the virus inert.”

“I did, and I called the police.”

Lillian felt her rage bubble, but she wouldn't show it, she wouldn't be broken, she was Lillian Luthor and this would not stop her. Then a small voice in her mind, seemed to be talking about Lena, the brilliance the end strategy the deception, the way that she had worked it out and instead of just stopping her or giving the information to the authorities, or Supergirl, she created a web of deceit, a master deception not only on her but on the Super. A flash of pride, her teachings her structuring of Lena, the way she had pushed her into things that would develop her, everything that she thought she had rejected, had been unable to learn, on display, fully, even Lex had to be walked through things at times, to make the connection, but here Lena had managed it on her own with minimal information. Maybe the time spent nurturing Lex was ill conceived, maybe she should have spent more time with Lena, too late now for regrets, but she could turn this to an advantage.

*********Now**********

Lillian had little time for this reflection, the self indulgent past time of a millennial generation that served no greater purpose than to allow them to continue with self righteous indignation, and a level of entitlement and stature that they did nothing to earn or deserve. The entire practice was one of a bohemian lifestyle not really worthy of contemplation and most definitely an inefficient use of her great mind. However there was no way to deny that the little filthy worm had caused her to re-evaluate a few things, not that she was going to sign up for talking therapies or some other such nonsense. She had never really vocalised the emotions that she felt for Lena, it wasn't something that she vocalised in general there was no point to the molly coddling of children it just inflated their ego and made them entitled. However that worm thing had managed to get her to face the truth, she loved her, the following revelation that Lex was planning on having her killed, his desire to cleanse things, something that she had taught him a long time ago but couldn't quite believe he would have the gall to attempt to use against her.

The unmitigated insolence of her child to think that he had surpassed the master in her strategic planning, that he somehow was better than her, more advanced, she scoffed at the thought. That was why she had decided to cut her losses and take her beautiful boy out, for good. It had been the moment that she decided that she was correct that she nurtured the wrong child. When her attempt had failed she had taken her new found freedom to step back and evaluate, she decided that it was time to try and fulfil her promise to Lena to do better, after all it was Lena that managed to take Lex out where she had failed, not that it was her error in that case, Lena had been more interested in encouraging the monologing of Lex than allowing him to drink the tea. An annoying habit he had developed, explaining all his plans in a grandiose speech that he felt was theatrical and dramatic. Something that his own hubris couldn't allow to subside no matter how much she tried. He would give all the information away before the fight was won, it was careless and caused more than one failure. Lena on the other hand, you never knew what her end game was, she was more like Lillian than she would ever admit.

A thought in the back of her mind that was trying to force itself into recognition, the moment that there was the first hint that Lex was overplaying his hand and his strategic abilities, the first time that he had taken on Lena, using manipulation and subterfuge to go head to head with her. She had warned him, but as usual his hubris had betrayed him. It was the one thing that he had taken from Lionel, the thing that she was unable to nurture out of him, she had wanted to remove the random mutation of the Luthor genotype that produced arrogance and hubris on an unhealthy level in Luthor men. She was a Luthor by marriage not blood; she did not contain such defects, but she had taken on the name and prestige planning on leading the Luthor house to fulfil its potential. She was sure that it was Lex that would help fulfil this, that her genetic structure and strategically planned lessons to ensure that he was able to thrive and become the next in line to push forward.

********** 10 years 3 months Ago Lex’s office*********

Lillian walked to the door of Lex’s office to be affronted by the pathetic excuse for an assistant that Lex insisted on having, it wasn't so much for the intelligence, clearly it was an aesthetic requirement that she was filling. The woman was not unappealing to look at, she wasn't strong, intelligent or able to hold herself in any kind of decorum, but she was most definitely that kind of attractive woman that turned the heads of more primitively driven men. She was attempting to stop her and block the entrance, stuttering out some kind of apology about Mr Luthor being in a very important meeting. She moved past the woman in a skilful and poised manoeuvre, and opened the door walking into the office. To witness something that she was not expecting, Lex was with none other than Lena, she raised her brow as she schooled her face, the sardonic smile on her pursed lips.

“Mr Luthor, Miss Luthor, she insisted on coming in, I am sorry should I call security for you?”

“Security? Really why don't you go out to your little desk and touch up the unnecessary thick makeup on your face, sit and look pretty, clearly your intellectual ability is as inept as your ability to recognise that you are no longer needed.”

Lillian gave a small flick of the wrist and watched as Lex nodded, the woman scurrying out with a small quiver on the lip like the spineless eye candy she had assessed her as, she looked over to her children and offered a nod and smile, before moving closer to them and taking a seat. She had no idea what Lena was doing at Luthor Corp at this point, she should have been off with that annoyance Jack Sphere. When she comes to Metropolis, someone would be hearing from her. When a chess piece is moved without notification it is time for her to revaluate her lines of communication. Maybe Beth was not as smart as she thought she was, clearly falling short of Lillian's revised expectations.

“Alexander darling, I believe that we had a meeting scheduled and I do not have time to be waiting around, Lena dear although it is nice that your visiting your brother, I am afraid I am short on time, maybe you can catch up on whatever idol chit cant and menial work your doing with our competitor later, my time is short and in demand”

“It is nice to see you too mother, I am just about to go look over the lab and start working, excuse me Lex, Mother, I will let you know my choices later Lex.”

Lillian watched as Lena excused herself and left the office and contemplated the statement, surely Alexander had not been so short sighted and pedestrian to bring Lena into the company? As much as she was brilliant the girl did not understand the fundamental ontology of the family, she was a Luthor by blood, by name and intellect but she was clearly unable to see the truth that was staring her in the face. There was a threat looming on the horizon that she was blissfully unaware of the stubborn nature of the woman seemed to directly conflict the evidence that was plane for anyone with a mediocre understanding of the primitive trophic levels knew that the infiltration of the extra terrestrial threats changed the dynamics of the structure of the already established power paradigm on the planet. They were able to influence, they were stronger and faster and had powers that tipped the balance knocking the humans off the top of the evolutionary pyramid.

“What have you done Alexander?”

“Mother don’t start, the project that Lena was working on for Spherical industries was going to completely derail our future plans, she was too close to understanding the reason that the Nano technology was not working, bringing her here means that that ignoramus Jack will be set back by many years assuming that his small mind can actually comprehend the problem let alone the solution. There was a problem and I have fixed it, there is nothing more to say on the matter.”

“Nothing more? Alexander how derivative a statement, assuming that there is nothing more to say, Jack and Lena were very close to working out the error in their thinking, the agent that I put in place switched the results they would be working on the wrong premises for at least another six months before scrapping the project entirely, I haven't spent the last 2 years carefully destabilizing the financial underpinning of spherical industries and putting a silent partnership in place with Beth Green who I have funded and put in place as CFO to report and interfere where needed. Now we have an unknown factor in Spherical and Lena in the lab at Luthor Corp, she doesn't believe in the cause.”

“Mother your posturing and movement of information while brilliant is slow and infuriating, you were not even aware that she is now working here for me, the time delay could be imperative. When we are ready to move forward with challenging the Kryptonian parasite and taking back the power on our planet the delay could mean that we are thwarted by something that she had engineered in absence of observation, however with Lena here I am able to keep her under my control and use her intelligence to further out needs without her even knowing, it is brilliant. I have always been able to use her primitive need for love and acceptance to manipulate my dear sister, she is still of the mind that i am the only person that truly cares for her. Your coldness and fathers indifference meant that with very minimal effort on my part I have been able to foster the dependency on my acceptance and that is something I can exploit to my advantage. She believes that she has complete and unilateral control over her lab, she has ensured that it is written into her contract, firstly giving her a sense of power and control, then she will work on her projects. I of course ensured a adequate amount of resistance to allow her to believe that she has won the battle and got what she desired, the fist stage of managing her need for a place of importance in my life, bending on unimportant factors to allow the misguided belief that I will do anything to have her with me. I will then give her things to work on that forwards our agenda without her knowing, meaning that as you always wanted the whole family will be working on the cause together, albeit unwittingly in Lena’s case. It is flawless and perfect. She will have no idea that she is working on things. Finding other reasons for her working on things that we need by giving her a plausible and legitimate cause for her bleeding heart to latch on to. I have sped up our plan and put in place the best options for success, the plan is flawless and brilliant, with the right inflections and praise I will have her willingly working on our plans.”

Lillian listened to the trademark monologue as her son pridefully strutted around the office like a peacock, there was no need to break down his flawed plan, and postulate his belief that he would be able to succeed in manipulating Lena into the position he wanted completely circumventing the original plan. His hubris would bring them all down if he didn't get back in line with the plan she was both irritated and disappointed with his over inflated sense of self importance and his belief that he was in some way more strategically minded than her. She raised her brow and stood as he finished placing the case on his desk.

“My dear boy, Lena is not someone to be trifled with, she may be a perpetual disappointment in my life but you know that she is much more intelligent than the rest of the above average functional scientists that you surround yourself with, do not allow your pride to get in the way, don't underestimate her. These are the samples that you requested. I have introduced every known virus to the specimens before taking the samples that you wanted, blood, skin and organ samples for ten different species. It should be enough for Henson latest experiments, now I need to go. Take care my beautiful boy”

************now***********

Lillian thought about the conversation she has cautioned Alexander in his working with Lena, he had ignored her warning and although there was a number of advancements in their plans that she was impressed with the overall end to the arrangement had been betrayal, although she had cautioned him about his hubris, his monologuing and bringing Lena into the company he had ignored her on every point. She had been the one to foil his ill conceived plan to turn the son red. It was the first time that he went against her, she wanted the option in case the viral loads couldn't get past the invulnerable Kryptonian's immunity but it was part of a staged plan, and he ignored that the second phase was not ready. His need to explain in great detail what he had planned to her and that led to her turning him in.

Lillian realised that she had also been too prideful in her dealings during the Medusa incident or maybe it was the feeling that she had for Lena, the unexpected fondness, and desire to do better, although that kind of thinking was far less likely than an error in judgment. As much as she loathed to admit that there was an error in her thinking it had been easier to think that than to comprehend something as trivial as a limbic response to a familial connection. Although as she thought back over the interactions with Lena she was struggling to deny that it was in some respect true.

******* 3years 2 months ago Lena’s office following the rescue from the Daxamite ship********

“When you came to visit me in jail, I honestly wanted to be a better mother to you. But every time I've had the opportunity to choose you over something else... I've chosen something else.”

“Well, congratulations on saying the first honest thing in your life.”

“I have justified the worst behavior for the best of causes. But I was right. The threat was real. But maybe I backed the wrong child to stop it. The transmat portal you created... That was brilliant, Lena. And if you could do that with the portal, maybe you could do something with this.”

Lillian looked at Lena and realised that along with the error of allowing Alexandra to slip into a state of madness fuelled by his damaged male pride and egocentric nature, she was indeed speaking the truth, she may have picked the wrong child. Although taking the cube to Lena was because she needed someone to help her stop the invasion, she knew she needed to praise her a little for her cooperation. She found that she meant every word. It was a curious sensation within her, the realisation that Lena may just be the one to save humanity.

******** Now *********

The uncomfortable memory rattled around in her mind, the thought that she was wrong in the assumption that her son was the future when it was Lena, and the thought that her feelings for Lena were more than that of detached disdain for the product of her husband's infidelity. However the way that Lena had come to her and told her about the plan to have her taken out, cleaning up his loose end. She was infuriated at the thought that her son not only thought that he had surpassed her, but that she was expendable, he was of course wrong on both of the hypotheses and this was proven dramatically in the spectacular failure to use the doppelganger to gain the upper hand against the supers, he had managed to fail in both solo attempts. Although it was this visit that led to the final lynch pin in her realisation that she did have feelings for Lena. The disgusting worm-like creature that wrapped itself around her arm and made her confess to that feeling was possibly the biggest humiliation in her life, especially in front of the alien lap dog that she had.

Although following the complete acceptance of her unfortunate biological response to Lena she had been able to accept that she was indeed the child that she should have nurtured. However the lifetime of mistakes and bad choices where Lena was concerned made it impossible to effectively change the premise of her relationship with her at this point. That is why she had made the decision to step back, to hold off on any plans that would manipulate or give any opportunity to once again damage the tentative structure of Lena and her relationship. She had ignored the information about her becoming what was described as unstable, where she had used the AI to take care of social interaction, although the period did show a disruption in the relationship with Kara Danvers it had been six months and it was then resumed. She had sat back, wondering if she should go although in a time of emotional distress she would be as welcome as the worm was wrapped around her wrist. She had stayed away and waited hoping that Lena would come to her but that didn't happen.

However her not turning up at the meetings in Metropolis, and the subsequent strange information she had been receiving had led to her coming to this god awful location. Trying to decide if she had done the right thing in coming out to National city to see if there was anything that she could do to help with whatever was going on to cause these strange resorts. She had finally decided that Lena was never going to come to her regardless of her true sentiments that were unwittingly pulled from her during Lena’s questioning, even with the truth seeking worm, indeed meant that the emotional response was the truth, Lena had nothing to solidify that knowledge. It was this conclusive thought, that there was no way Lena was going to ask for help that she did not want, was making her decision to come here feel uncomfortably unsure, a state she was most definitely not used to. Prompting this bizarre and redundant walk down memory lane. The phone on the side started to shrill and she was pulled from the latest thought and picked it up.

Lillian sat looking at the number for a moment, the transfer call was coming from a phone that she never used. It was essentially a private line only given to two people and one of which was dead. That meant that Lena was calling, maybe the decision to come here was not as foolish as she was starting to believe, Lena reaching out meant that she needed something from her, and was willing to trust her at the very least to tell her what was happening. She picked up the phone and answered.

“Lena, what an unexpected diversion, what is it you are calling for?”

“Hello Mother, I have been looking into something and wanted to know if you have any files or knowledge of the reanimation project that Lex and Dr Henson were working on?”

Lillian was immediately on guard at the mention of this project, it had started as a possibility for the virus to remove the alien life forms from the planet in conjunction with the dispersion box, it was renamed from trojan to reanimation when that misinformed idiotic excuse for a scientist Hansen found away to create a virus that would reanimate human cells while killing the host. It wasn't something that she wanted to be associated with the death of the subjects was her domain, that meant that there were crimes that she could still be charged with. Was Lena trying to have her incarcerated again, she had a pardon and was free to do as she pleased however maybe the death of Alexander was not enough.

********* 8 years 5 months ago **********

Lillian arrived at the lab, Lex had managed to start the reanimation process on a number of subjects, the idea that they would be able to infiltrate the military after being programmed and then they would be able to act as a first wave to defeat enemy nations and potentially give them the upper hand. Potentially even have something that would be able to manage some of the alien issues. She had been able to manage the checks and the lab work of the intake to the army, navy and air force, the problem would be the lack of heart rate and blood pressure, it was this that she needed to create a solution for and she now had the means to do so.

“Alexander, I have brought the devices needed to reanimate their hearts and I have implemented a fail safe, the implant in the brain contains a receiver for a high pitched signal that will enable the termination of the subjects with a press of a button, it will clean up the issue of having them go rogue.”

“Mother , I can assure you that there is no need for a fail safe, I have perfected the methodology to ensure complete control, they are completely docile and manageable. The new subjects are all of military backgrounds and they have the skills needed. Your plan to infiltrate the military at ground level will take too long. I do not understand why you feel the constant need to take things slowly, we can move swiftly and get things accomplished before there are more than the Kryptonian's to worry about. Your constant desire to fly below the radar and make subtle changes is such a redundant plan, your desire to work in the shadows manipulate and posture with small changed undetectable is the most inefficient use of time and we don't have as much of it as you calculate, the take over is upon us mother, you may have noticed the problem, you may have been working on this for years, but you have no understanding of the impending crisis that is coming, you believe that you have all the time in the world for your infuriating subtle shifts that you think will have the eventual desired impact. I have no time to mollycoddle the pedestrian people and the mediocre minds that allow false gods to take over our planet and our birth rites. I am sorry to tell you this mother, but this is my project and I am implementing it. It is time you made way for the next generation, it is time for the man of tomorrow to take his place in history and rid the earth of the alien scourge.”

“You think that you can do this without me, you will realise your error in hubristic arrogance, I suggest that you implement my strategy, no military personnel will get anywhere useful without biometrics. It is the same male ego and illogical thinking that your father had and we know what happened there. I will not be connected to this upcoming failure, until you realise that your error, you are on your own”

Lillian knew it would be a hard lesson for her son but he needed to learn, she had nurtured him, but it was time for some touch love, he needed to see what happened when he didn't have her going behind him cleaning up his messes.

********* Now **********

Lilian pulled herself from the memory. It was clear that she had not cleaned up enough of the mess created this time, as Lena was asking, she was concerned about the possibility that there could be something to link her, although she knew Lena well enough to acknowledge the possibility that Lena was fishing.

“Lena. Hansen was a hack whatever he was working on would never have amounted to anything, he was not only not living to his potential as limited as it was his mediocre understanding led him to many incorrect assertions. Whatever help you think that this project would help with, trust me, you can do better.”

“I just need to know if you have any information that may have been redacted from the original files, it was about eight years ago, you were still active in Luthor Corp back then, no one else on the team is able to give any information.”

Lillian didn't want Lena to realise her involvement in this but at the same time she wanted to be helpful and prove that she did indeed care for Lena. the cognitive dissonance was increasing, she just needed to find a way to reconcile this. Although it wasn't something that she had much practice in.

“I was a figurehead Lena, that was during your brother's time and CEO it wasn't something that I was involved with to any great degree, I was just there to inspire confidence in the change, I am not able to help you with any of his projects Lena.”

Lillian terminated the call and sat back, she needed to know what was happening so that she could correctly identify the parameters of the current problem to hypothesize what was going on at LCorp. She moved into the bedroom and collected the Laptop from her carry on and brought it out to the desk, she took a seat. Opening the old Luthor Corp files was something that would take a few moments, she needed to circumvent Lena’s security, and then she could get into the files. She used a simple decryption algorithm to find the back door to the server, she knew that Lena would have created one. She waited for it to find the entrance to the server, Lena had created a virtual system within the system it was quite impressive. She went to the appropriate file and opened it up, the files were mostly empty and of no consequence, there was no information about the actual experiment and then she spotted it, the picture, how derivative, a simple and crude adaptation of her subliminal messaging and information commands, no wonder Alexander failed. She opened the files and there was a video, she opened it and clicked play, Alexander was definitely not well when he recorded it she sighed her beautiful boy was lost before he was gone.

“Well hello, dear sister. How lovely that you and I are finally talking like this, hypothetically speaking. If you are watching this then I am no longer of this world, there is only one person who ever had any power over me, although you were never Luthor enough to use it for your own desires. Ironically if you are watching this it means that I am dead and you were visited by Otis, you see you called me a monster, you said that all Luthor’s were and that you didn't want to be one anymore. So I had a thought, how ironic and beautiful worthy of a true Luthor. You see dear sister, if you will not willingly act like a Luthor, then I shall force you to be the monster you fear all Luthor's to be. Instinctual, predatory, taking from others with no consequence considered. The irony is, if I didn't die of natural causes then you killed me, proving that you are already a Luthor, you will be the biggest monster of us all.”

Lillian could feel bile moving up into her throat; the acidic taste along with the remnants of the unsatisfactory mean made her feel sick. Luthor DNA tainted by that god awful virus created by the hack Hansen, this was unacceptable, inconceivable, what the hell was he thinking, to set this in motion so long ago and not correct it. Lena may have been soft but she was a Luthor, the last in the line and she needed to correct her son's error. Lena needed to be returned to her human glory, it was worse than her being an alien sympathiser, she was turned into something that wasn't even human. It cleared up her earlier issue with if she was doing the right thing she was now in the perfect place to ensure that she could help Lena. she picked up the phone to call her and there was a short delay but then the phone connected.

“Hello Mother”

Chapter Text

******suite outside National City******

As the call connected Lillian took a steadying breath she was not sure that she was able to keep the food she consumed firmly in her stomach if her fears were proved to be accurate. She couldn't contemplate the thought that her son would do something so aberrant as to damage the family line in this way. She thought that she had taught him better than that, that above all else family was the most important, she had once thought that it was Lena that didn't understand the magnitude of what it meant to be a Luthor, the importance and the sanctity of the bond of family, and the importance of the Luthor DNA and its legacy. It appeared that it was her son that had turned his back on the Luthor supremacy and failed in his duty to protect it. Lena didn't seem all that surprised that she had called back, she must have monitored her as she went through the files, she had made no effort to hide her trail, it should have been expected that Lena would have been alerted. This new information had clearly made more of an impact than she thought. She was not sure if it was the degradation of the Luthor genome, the thought that her son had strayed so far from her, or the clear fact that Lena was indeed the future of the Luthor family and her contribution to the Luthor supremacy had damaged her.

“Lena darling, I have one question, Did your brother send Otis to you?”

“When did your Son even not follow through on his manipulation of me Mother? Whereas his plans to take down the Supers always seemed to fall short he reserved a special place in his megalomaniac brain to ensure he followed through with every threat he made to me.”

“Lena, the dramatics and sarcasm are not needed in this situation, I asked a direct question as I am hoping that the video that is now part of the project is something that was discontinued once he regained his senses”

“Mother it is funny that you think that there was any point following the introduction of Superman to the earth that Lex regained his senses, you got in to the LuthorCorp server you saw the information, you already know the answer to the question, and the fact that you knew exactly where to look for the information tells me that you know more about the project than you stated earlier, not that i thought for a moment that you had the ability to be truthful without some additional help.”

Lillian could feel the shiver run through her whole body as Lena mentioned additional help, the only thing that she would be referring to was that disgusting little worm that was wrapped around her wrist to ensure that she complied and didn't lie. The sick feeling that she was having was only being accentuated by the thought of having that thing attached to her again. She wanted to help restore Lena, to reinstate the superior Luthor DNA that coursed through her veins but there were limits to her cooperation, and having that thing reattached to her was definitely a hard pass. It was clear that Lena was not going to make this easy, why was it with Lena everything had to be dramatic and full of emotions, she was an accomplished scientist and very intelligent. Why did she feel the antiquated emotional requirements for interactions were appropriate?

“Lena, I am asking you a direct question because if what I think has happened has I want to help, I told you that I wanted to make better decisions when it came to you and I meant it, I am more than aware that my past endeavours have not backed up this sentiment but that doesn't make it any less true. I am aware that you are referring to the truth seeking alien friend of yours but I do not need that to want to help. I have kept my distance even with the reports coming to me waiting for you to reach out, and now you have, so did Otis visit you or not?”

“Well yes your words have never held much water with me mother in fact without the truth seeker your sentiments in the lab would have been rejected as a lie, but as I am more than aware of what that particular creature does I have had to accept that on some level, in your own way you care for me, I reached out and you made out that you didn't know about the project, you expect me to just give you the information that you want without anything in return?”

Lillian could understand that Lena was cautious, she was herself being cautious knowing the part that she played in the project, and that they deaths of the subjects were managed through her intervention. She realised that if she was going to gain any trust with Lena she was going to have to take the first tentative step. She had come to the understanding that her words need to be backed up with action and so far the only action was to stay away and reflect, a needlessly long and relevant activity if she wasn't going to back it up with action now. She stood and walked over to the window, looking out there was a cityscape just a few miles away and LCorp standing high above the other buildings. She pinched the bridge of her nose and steeled herself to do something that she was vehemently opposed to. She was going to let herself be vulnerable, open herself up a little to Lena.

“The project was supposed to be the initial project to find a virus that was able to affect the Alien populas and be used to protect people against any alien invasion. However, an early response to the interaction of human disease with an alien DNA showed a prospect of regenerative properties, at this time Alexander and Handen decided to change the focus and work with reanimation of the dead cells, which resulted in a virus that killed and reanimated the host. Alexander decided that this has applications in the military and I went along with it providing the system to have the heart reanimated without removing the virus. He went rogue and I washed my hands of the project, I did not know that he planned to have you infected. If I did I would have terminated Otis myself.”

Lillian found herself once again drifting back in thoughts, the day that the goons she sent to collect Lena almost killed her by tipping her over the balcony, both had forever lost the use of their legs, the gun men that tried to take over the benefit and subsequently got outwitted by her, they had been terminated completely, not only was it a failure and a possibility of outing her involvement with CADMUS but they had tried to hurt Lena. That Neanderthal Edge that had tried to kill her and prove that she was to blame for the children that he poisoned, setting up his car was a stroke of genius, even if she did say so herself. She didn't know how to show Lena that she cared but the evidence of her attempts to show it were there.

“Lena, Did your brother follow through on his plan to infect you?”

“He did, and now I am having to work out how to restore myself to what I was, although there has been a few issues that I haven't been able to work out, I was hoping that somewhere there was a reversal but it appears that Lex has cleared up after himself quite competently on this occasion there is no one left from the original project”

“Oh Lena Darling, there is nothing that those Hacks could offer you, it was your work that solved the issue with the sun and the hunger, they have no comprehension of the gravity of the discovery nor to mention the applications, and nothing that they could contribute would be worth having. They were short sighted and presumptuous, not to mention that their hubris at believing that they could start at the top, how your brother thought that taking such high priority targets would be a good idea I will never understand, but then he did always lack the foresight of a strategic long term investment.”

“I have helped mother, and I have a cure for the virus…..”

“Lena you can not cure this virus, the cure for reanimated dead cells are dead cells, this is not something that can simply be cured, you can not just remove the virus”

The sudden panic that flooded her came out in her interruption and the pitch of her voice, she had spent so long moderating every facet of her voice and face yet something about the possibility of both her children being dead, that both of the Luthor children killed each other had worn away the last of the resolve that she was holding on to at this point. Above all else the primary function of the matriarch of the family was to keep the family together, to rule them and lead them forward to prosperity, to fulfil their potential, she couldn't help but feel that her diverse parenting style had somehow led to this. Sure the initial thought of her own failings was quickly and swiftly moved from her mind however her analytical side was moving over the difference in the way the two were managed, she had tried to correct Lena at each stage she didn't seem to learn as quickly as Alexander had, instead of taking the criticism and changing the behaviour that caused it she had continued to perpetuated the issues, craving attention all the time something that Alexander had grown out of very swiftly. Something about Lena continued to require the persistent attention, her dramatics and theatrics were a drain, clearly the formative years with her mother had made her too needy. Although maybe it would have helped her to have some praise although she found the thought utterly preposterous, she had never had praise or affection as a child and it had pushed her forward to become the exceptional woman she was. Clearly Lena needed a different hand.

“We are well aware of the shortcomings of the cure mother, do you think that I would be reaching out if there was another way? You are the only person that has successfully reanimated a heart, we can start it but there is a fault in the brain, and in the heart that we have not been able to circumvent, you have the knowledge needed to sort out the issues, I have seen your research but there is a corrupted file, I need you to send me a new copy so that I can correct the abnormalities and implement the cure.”

“I see so you think that you and the merry band of miscreants you have collected can implement the procedure and treatment that I devised without me? You have called for my work but not my help”

“Why would you think that I would ask for your help mother, you have shown no interest in ever helping me in any way that does not forward your own agenda. You have continually proved that there is nothing you want from me other than the Luthor DNA, although now there isn't even that now, so why would I think that you would even consider helping me? You say that you are sorry, that you want to make better choices and continually prove that this is lip service not real sentiment, and even the actual fact that you in your own twisted way love me has not perpetrated any sort of care, I don't believe that you understand the words let alone the meaning mother, now will you send me the uncorrupted file or not?”

It was as if Lena was able to know that she was questioning her own methods and behaviours, somehow she was picking up on the feeling of confusion that was dominating her mind of late. Highlighting her own thoughts that she had continued to let down Lena, being unable to change the habits of her lifetime when it came to her own agenda even when she knew that she cared for her. Lena was not going to make it easy for her to re-engage with her, regardless of her new found intention to mend the proverbial fences and show Lena that she is trying, it wasn't something that Lena was going to make easy.

“Well you may not ask, but I would like to help Lena, I will need to see the research and the results from the tests that you have conducted to see if there is anything else that needs to be factored into the procedure, after all this isn't as simple as reanimating the heart of someone that has recently passed, or taking over the role of the medulla oblongata before the change, it is important that the procedure is calibrated to the host otherwise it will be a futile procedure, you can have my research but only if I am there to over see it. That is the only way that you are going to have what you need Lena.”

“Very well mother, but this will be done on my terms, or it will be done without you, do you understand? Before you say it can't be done without you I have already found the two devices needed it is only a matter of time before the team work out the missing parts, you may not think much of them but the team I have have already managed to find a cure, It has only taken two months, if you think that we won't be able to manage the rest in the remaining time, you are misguided, if you want to be part of this then you will do it my way.”

Lillian didn't like that Lena was pushing for control, it was something that she didn't give up easily, and not something that she wanted to give up in front of others, but the thought of the last heir to the Luthor legacy was no longer human was with a dent to her pride at this point. Not to mention that without doing this Lena’s way she was never going to prove that she really did care for her, and wanted to do better. She really wanted to be able to prove that although she is not always able to circumvent her nature she did want to do better when it came to Lena.

“Very well Lena, I will be there tomorrow morning.”

**********Lena’s Penthouse**********

Lena woke early, the medication for the sun seemed to have stopped the effect that it had on her, she started to contemplate that, the information that Lex had on his experiments suggested that only the susceptible had any effect from some of the things. The religious were harmed by crosses and holy water, people who believed in vampires and followed the mythology seemed to be affected by the rules. It was as if the information that they internalised and believed in adapted the way that the virus affected them. Lena didn't believe that Vampire existed, she didn't have a religious component to her she was a scientist. Was this change in her reaction to the sun based on that belief, that the science caused this issue therefore science could get her out of it. She thought back to the quote that Lex had used. Cogito, ergo sum, although the translation of René Descartes, I think therefore I am, was a fascinating idea, humans thinking themselves into existence, that the thoughts shaped reality was interesting. Although she was a firm believer in the co-creation of the world at large based on the perception of the constituent parts. It was not the physical as much as the conceptual that was created in this way although the collection of the conceptual had managed to mould and shape the world around them, the buildings and the infrastructure. However she had to believe that we existed before we thought about our existence, evolution may not have all the answers but there was a scientific and definite process, not just a sudden awakening into existence. She was more inclined to believe that evolution created the human, there was a drive within that caused the exploration of the world. A need to move beyond the primal instinct that was there for survival, that thinking in its rudimentary form began and since became more pronounced, scientific. Of course all were limited by their own understanding and things changed as humanity continued to explore and evolve.

She made her way around the bedroom gathering clothes to dress as she contemplated this, Was the sun downing effect that seemed to almost shut her off the moment the sun arrived diminish because of the medication, because she willed it, it was clearly no longer a factor she has reversed the night to day, removed the creature of the night aspect from her vampire repertoire. She wondered if the early effects were more based on the nearly 30years she had spent running herself into the ground. She clicked the blinds and the sun flooded the room, the tingling feeling was gone, she noted it a couple of times wondering if the medication was somewhat flawed. She had more energy since waking but the sun had pulled her to sleep in the middle of the day, like there was a persistent need to be out of the main sun, however she had found being in the sun had caused a pleasant tingle. Each night she had slept more, last night she had what would be considered almost normal human sleep. Standing in the sun missing the feeling of the tingle that seemed to energise her Lena had a thought, Kara’s blood, her Kryptonian blood caused a reaction with the sun, and that gave her power. The tingle the additional energy and speed, strength that she had over the past few weeks that had been diminishing in the last three days, could be explained by the dissipation of Kara’s blood in her system. Kara had spoken about the difference waking up in the sun, the way the energy would filter into her energising and waking her. She continued to think on this as she moved through into the kitchen, it was the simple fact that she was deep in thought that she had not been paying attention to the surroundings, or the heartbeat that was waiting for her. She startled slightly as she saw the figure, her fangs popping and moving into an attack posture snarling at the intruder.

The scent hit her the top notes that include a blend of bergamot and mandarin, a combination fresh, sweet and somewhat piquant. Adding to its complexity are coriander seed, lie de vin, narcissi, geranium, petitgrain and tagete. The bitter undertone of the blood and overall power scent a mixture of Clive Christians power perfume and bitterness, she recognised the now strong scent of her mother and calmed her internal animal, as she looked at her mother she could see two things as the scent shifted to a burned orange overtone to the already assaulting aroma. She was shocked and fearful of her, but there was a sadness in her eyes too. Could it be that Lillian actually did care for her on some level? Lena knew that the truth seeker meant Lillian spoke the truth, but Lillian and love was something that even Lena’s brilliant mind could not rectify. She moved to a more neutral position and looked at Lillian, her fangs retracting as she stepped forward.

“Mother, how did you get here?”

“I told you I would be here in the morning yet you seem to be surprised by my appearance, I was already on my way and in a little place just outside the city, I thought that We may as well make an early start to the day.”

“I don't mean here as in National City, I meant here in the penthouse, I could have hurt you, I have not eaten yet, it isn't safe to just drop in on me at the moment I need to be prepared, and how the hell did you get in here?”

“Oh Lena darling, you would not hurt me, I hold the information that you need, I am your mother, and no matter how mad you get at me you have never shown any homicidal rage towards me. As for how I got in, please don't be so pedestrian. It is beneath you, and insulting to me, as if I am unable to get into any building that I desire. You underestimate me, you may think that I know nothing of you but you are a sentimental woman, your code for the elevator is a reflection of that.”

Although Lillian was displaying confidence on every level with her stoic look, the sardonic grin and fixed gaze, not to mention the power pose that she was accustomed to with Lillian, the enhancements told Lena something that she had never before had the insight into. The scent was still trepidation, possibly fear, her heart was racing, her pupils dilated with the adrenalin and there were miniscule inflections and wavering in the classic tone. She was not as confident about anything that she said as she was portraying, not even the thought that Lena needed her for anything. It was interesting to have this insight into her mother, for so long Lena had thought that nothing rattled her but clearly that façade was exactly that, a fictitious presentation of a strong woman. She smiled slightly as she walked towards her mother.

“Well you are here now, so we should discuss your involvement in what we are doing but first, I have to deal with the unfortunate need for sustenance that my dear brother gifted me with.”

Lena moved around to the fridge and opened it up taking out a bag of synthetic blood, she watched Lillian's reactions to everything that she was doing, it wasn't that she particularly wanted to upset her, or disgust her, but this new ability to see under what Lillian was portraying was something that she wasn't going to pass at. Being able to understand the woman behind the marble exterior, the emotions behind the biting tones and the way that she hides things could be something of use. Especially if she was able to use it to ensure that she was aware of any change in her that would be helpful in seeing any deception that was on its way. She watched the small changes in her eyes, the slight twitch to muscles, the change in the heart rate, the tick in the lip, the shifting scents, everything was data, everything was building a bigger picture. The irony was not lost that Lena had to become a monster to see her mother and more than the two dimensional character that she portrayed herself as, that she was finally able to experience her in 4d. As she placed the blood into a wine glass there was a moment of disgust, Lena had chosen not to use something opaque to see the reaction. She placed it into the microwave and heated it to body temperature, the smell was less prominent in the synthetic blood but there was a change as the liquid heated up, she watched the nose wrinkle slightly and smiled. Her mother didn't have as strong a stomach as she pretended to. She then watched her as she drank the blood, smiling slightly flashing the blood stained fangs that were on display, there was again fear. Lena finished the blood and moved towards Lillian, she could see the moment that Lillian steeled herself to the spot, her desire to move a way circumvented by her stubborn superiority.

“Well I suppose that we should discuss the team and the changes before you come over to the lab, it is important that you know that since this happened there have been a lot of changes in my life and my day to day needs. Firstly the change came with no instruction. I am sure that Lex was trying to ensure that I was going to stalk the city and cause an issue for me, that didn't happen, he has always underestimated me. And the support that I have. The team that is around me at the moment is Jess, who is the COO of LCorp. She has prepared everything and made sure that I have the treatments and blood needed. Sam who is the CFO of LCorp, she has been helping Jess in her new position and supporting me personally. Eliza and Alex Danvers, both doctors and working on the cure and the trouble with the reanimation of the heart. Kelly who is Alex’s girlfriend and a psychologist who has been helping with the mental changes, and Kara, she is my emotional support and ensures that I do no harm.”

“You have six people aware of what happened, Lena what are you thinking, it is important that we keep this under wraps it is imperative that no one sees any weakness in the Luthor line, nothing that can be used to diminish the legacy, not to mention that Kara is a super, if anyone is going to tell you in other than her it would be her sister, she is the head of the DEO. you are still surrounding yourself with less than desirable people, Eliza isn't exactly a fan of the Luthor’s, you bring in an alien pet, and then the alternative life people promoting perverse family values”

“They have all been imperative to managing this situation ensuring that not only I am safe but the reputation of LCorp. The reason that Eliza isn't fond of you is because you stole and tortured her husband, tried to kill her daughters multiple times, and tried to release a virus on the city. Her dislike for the Luthor name falls at your feet, mainly mother, she has no issue with me. She is also the one that managed to find a cure to the virus. Alex has been helping with the cultures and the virus, keeping the DEO out of the way and supporting me, as has her girlfriend, helping me to manage this situation, and as for alternative lifestyles, you have no idea, you really are blind at times, that Alien pet you are talking about is my girlfriend. If you have a problem with anyone on my team you can leave, we will do this without you, or as they all accept me this way I may just remain like this.”

Lena raised her brow and smirked, she could see the movements all over Lillian’s face, she was shocked and appalled by the statements that she had made, then there was conflict, clearly Lillian was trying to decide what she could do about this, if she could manage, if the effort was worth it, it was interesting to watch all the things play out on her face, and within her body as to anyone else watching the only change was a deliberate pursing of the lips and a rise of the brow before she spoke. So much more had happened in that time, so much that Lena previously had not seen. She wondered how much a difference this would have made to her life if she had this ability before.

“Your predilections and experimentations are of no consequence at this time, the important thing here is to get you back to who you were meant to be before your brother decided that he would destroy the family lineage with his vendetta. Clearly this band of individuals have made some progress and managed the situation, but I am here to conclude this problem and clean up the mess Alexander has made.”

“It is not a experiment, this virus has bound me to Kara, something that I had always felt but refused to act upon, it had highlighted and reignited the primal instincts, i have been helped by everyone, to control my base impulses, to manage the needs and to work on this problem. If they had not I would still be locked in a cube a snarling mess, they have done more than made progress and you are not here to take over, you are here to help, which means you need to work with them, and be on your best behaviour, as I said we can do this without you, but it will be easier with you.”

“Lena I have told you I am here to help, I am disappointed that you still do not believe that I care for you, we have difference of opinions fundamentally in many areas, but you are my daughter, you are a Luthor, and above all else, even if you believe nothing else, family has always been the most important thing to me. Everything I have ever done has been for my children, regardless of if you believe it or not it is the truth.”

Lena continued to monitor Lillian as she spoke, it was not that she didn't want to believe her, but she had no evidence of this in her interactions with Lillian, as much as she knew that she could snap the woman like a twig now, drain her dry and remove the treat once and for all there was such a part of Lena that wanted to believe her, to have a relationship with her mother that was more than before. Something that she would be able to look back on as a positive relationship. They had never had any care or love in their relationship but here was Lillian suggesting once again that it was indeed there, and Lena could see no signs that she was lying in any way. She felt the small slither of hope growing in her heart, she knew it was dangerous but she wanted to believe there was more to this woman than the cold hearted abusive mother that she had been, she wanted to believe that some of the devotion and love that she saw her give to Lex was available to her too. She smiled at her and placed her hand on her arm.

“Thank you for coming Mother, they have helped with my control, my baser needs, which are strangely more prominent than they have ever been and been able to keep my mind active, the public face is still intact. It is because of them, and I need you to promise that you will be on your best behaviour, and the real best behaviour not until it no longer suits you, if you are truly here for me then this has to be about what is best for me, they have all agreed to this, its you that needs to now.”

“I don't know how clearer I can make myself Lena, I am your mother, I am here to help, I said a long time ago I wanted to be a better mother and it is the truth, along with how I feel about you, I do love you Lena, I am here to help, I will be on my best behaviour with them. What baser needs have been an issue?”

There was a moment in the question that Lillian had a flicker of concern but there was also curiosity and interest, something that Lena was not used to from Lillian, especially not directed at her, she motioned to the elevator to head to the car, smiling slightly, she wasn't sure that this was a conversation that she wanted to have with her mother, but scientist to scientist she could manage.

“Feeding, possessiveness, hypervigilance, aggression and of course, sexual gratification. Unfortunately I have not been able to gain complete control of them, although every day I am managing better, the lab is set up with a cube to work within that means if the experiments trigger something I am contained, working with blood is difficult, there is a venting protocol so that I am able to remove the scent of the blood and the others in the room. Strong scents can cause an issue especially if appealing, they can trigger the needs, the presence of Kara is both comforting and difficult at times, she caused the enthral I believe its called, an insatiable desire for her, in every way, I become aggressive and possessive over her. If I do not consume enough blood I lose cognitive ability and run on aggression and the need to feed. They call it frenzy, the only one that can contain me is Kara. There is an apartment set up adjacent to the lab with a vacuum barrier that I can move to so that more complex experiments can happen, it served as my home when I was out of control and unable to be around people. Transitioning was difficult.”

They moved out of the elevator and into the car, Lena could see that there were more questions that Lillian had, it could be an interesting ride.

Chapter Text

***********Car on the way to LCorp********

Lillian had followed Lena down to the car and took her seat, she had been thinking about the changes in Lena, although it was true that she had previously stood up to her most of the time Lena did this in a covert way. It was only during the Daxamite invasion that she had been so forthright in her assertions about what she would accept, although that occasion was bolstered not only by her needing Lena, not the other way around, but also a way to help Kara and the others remove the Daxamite threat. She wasn't sure if she liked this addition or not. Of course she wanted Lena to be strong and confident to be able to take the bull by the horns and command each and every room that she was in, provided it was done with decorum, from a position she had earned. However, not above her station, after all it was her that was still the matriarch of the Luthor house.

That was not changing any time soon, but the thought that this virus was created by that hack of a doctor and her son. Appears to have given Lena the push she needed, to be more assertive in some ways. An exhilarating development, although her using this newfound power on her was more of an annoyance than ever. Lillian Luthor was no push over, although she did want to build a relationship with Lena, and that meant doing things Lena’s way. Lillian had to concede that her way thus far had not been of great success.

Lillian was not sure if she wanted any of the answers to the questions that were running around in her mind. Having known for many years that Lena had a predilection for women although it had not really been much of an issue, as she seemed to have a difficult time connecting with people. Always looking for love, clearly not understanding there was more to be gained from a successful partnership than the romanticised version of the hallmark concept that the commercial world wanted her to believe. Romance or love, that was for the unexceptional, to give hope and to control the masses of people out there that were little more than mindless worker ants living a dismal existence. Domesticated chattel needing the hope of romantic love just to get up and keep the world turning.

Lena was more than that, she was a Luthor and by blood no less. She just needed to let go of such childish fantasies to understand and embrace her true potential as a Luthor. Lillian's own parents who had married for love were poor and uneducated people, the struggles of life destroyed them. Leaving her and her siblings to their own devices, whilst her brothers drank and partied Lillian focused on her future and clawed herself free of that life. Her parents were never there, never focused on what was important, she pushed her children to be better yet still Lena wanted this antiquated hallmark version of love.

Lillian could almost cope with Lena liking the company of women when it was Andrea Rojas, that was someone that she could see as an asset but the flying alien abomination... Well now that was pushing even her resolve, maybe this virus was the reason. Lillian always hoped that this phase would dissipate and Lena would eventually realise that the best thing for her and the Luthor legacy would be to find an appropriate man and settle down. A woman was not going to produce a new Luthor heir and that was something Lillian needed, Lena wouldn't be around forever, well once she sorted this mess out anyway.

Lena said that it was causing her baser needs to come to the forefront, with the additional strength and other effects that came with the virus, the alien would fill one of the baser needs better than others. Not to mention the aggressive and possessiveness Lena spoke of, her ability to hurt others, not like Lena would even consider doing that. After all her daughter went to pieces over the thought of hurting others, she was ready to throw in the towel completely when Edge convinced her she poisoned children. If Lillian could cure her daughter, then maybe she could finally prove that she cared for Lena and even get her away from that alien and her band of bleeding hearted miscreants.

“So, as you would correctly assume I have no reference points to the mythology that was mentioned by your brother in the videos and voice notes, I didn't have much time or patience for fiction that was not cultured or informative and well Horror novels were completely pointless. Can you explain this enthralling and frenzy experience?”

“Really Mother, that is what you want to know about? The frenzy is the state in which I lose my conscious self to hunger, if I do not eat, I start to lose the cognition and control that keeps me functioning. From that point on I am unable to focus on anything other than feeding, any scent that is appealing will draw my attention and I will attack thus feeding and satiating the hunger. Going after the source like a rabid wolf, the only thing that seems to have an impact on that is regularly feeding, the more I feed it appears to assuage the frenzy and control returns. Certain people's blood smells more enticing and it is most likely that I will go after the most appealing scent. However, I am not convinced that is the inevitable conclusion. The times that it has happened I have immediately gone after Kara on both occasions and I have used every last bit of my mental fortitude, willpower and control and still I have gone after her.”

Lillian listened and when Lena mentioned that there were others present in the room, but they seemed to drift in the background in such a way causing her to be hyper focused on Kara. Now that was definitely something that she was interested in, an possibly that Lillian could utilise for her own needs. Maybe if pushed far enough into this frenzy Lena would take Kara out of the equation for good, it was definitely something that would make any attempts to deal with Superman easier, after all he still needed to pay for what he did to her son. Her beautiful boy may have gone mad, may have decided to kill her but he was still her son and a Luthor. Above all else he was right, Superman and the other aliens in the world were dangerous. Although she was conceding to Lena’s demands, Lillian had reflected on her thoughts and feelings at great length, knowing that her actions had caused the rift between the two.

Lena was family and that was important to her, but her own viewpoint was not going to change, she would be on the right side of history, and she knew that. It was just something that she would need to approach differently now. With only one child left and as hard as it was, Lena needed to come first. It was time she put her actions in line with her sentiments and start choosing Lena. However, Lillian couldn't and would never pass this opportunity up to gather new information though. Could it really be possible, would a frenzy possibly result in the end of the female Kryptonian?

“So, you're more assertive, possessive, and aggressive when you are in a frenzy you go after blood, and when you are in direct proximity to Kara, she is the focus of that. Have you considered that there is a need that comes along with this infection, that the more predominant part of this virus is trying to dominate the strongest person in the room? When you target the Kryptonian are you trying to substantiate that you are the superior species or is it more of a threat response, what makes her the specific or preferred target?”

“Well, I know that this isn't what you’re going to want to hear, I am well aware of that. But since you asked, yes, it is a dominating effect. However, the only way I want to dominate Kara is sexually, much to your disgust, I'm sure. Two basic functions and the effects of this virus are fulfilling my needs, both my sexual and feeding needs seem connected. If I am trying to control hunger and my need to be with Kara at the same time, I lose the ability to control myself. It takes far too much energy and mental fortitude when Kara is there, as a result I am hungry and there seems to be a conflict. Although I want to feed, I also want to possess Kara too which also leads me to your next question as to why she is preferred target that I attack. Is half the time I am not sure if I am going to eat her or well eat her if you can understand the terminology correctly? It is difficult to manage both needs simultaneously and thankfully Kara is the only one that has enough power to stop me.”

Lillian cringed, there was never a need for a mother to hear that from their child, this proclivity and the friends that shared it were clearly causing Lena to become more crass and vulgar. Sure, they had come to an understanding that this was a part of Lena, but the thought of her actually being with the Kryptonian sexually was making her quite queasy. Judging by the small smirk on Lena’s face, she was doing this purposefully to get a rise out of her. Why was it that no matter how much she gave, Lena always wanted more, it was as if there was no end of neediness, she was not that kind of mother and Lena knew that. Lillian was trying but her daughter was pushing it too far.

“Don’t be crass Lena, that language and talking about physical acts like that are uncouth and vulgar, things not becoming of a Luthor. I have overlooked that particular proclivity previously, this fascination with being trendy and indulging in these lewd fascinations. Collecting a group of sexually perverse friends has made you forget that you are Lena Luthor, a woman of importance and stature, you have a family to head one day, a legacy to preserve. Luthor’s are a strong family and those values need to be upheld, you can have your little dalliance’s from time to time but even you must see that you need to find a suitable partner to have children and carry on the Luthor line?”

“What I can see, is that this was a mistake Mother, and it may just be the shortest reunion that we have ever had. I have not ever nor have been or am I now going through a phase…. The family and connections that my friends have are healthier than our relationship has ever been. They are not perverse as you call them, they are not diminishing anything by living a happy life and neither am I Mother. I am gay, there is no phase there is nothing to change, it is not a choice it is who I am. You say you want to help me, you want a relationship as well, then you have to accept all of me. The big old Lesbian top that I am and if you can't, then I will do this myself without your help and instead with the family that does except me”

“Lena, I don't mind people having their dalliances, but it is not a way of life, not one I want for you. Do you have any idea how hard it is living your life this way, being gay and alternative is not accepted in society, It is making you a target. I don't want that for you I…..”

“No Mother, it is people who say things like that that make it difficult, it is people like you, with xenophobic, homophobic white supremist ideals and no tolerance or capacity to understand. You and others like you are what’s making it harder for people like us to be who we are. If anything makes me a target it's having the last name Luthor, that is much more emotive to most people. Do you have any idea how many assassinations, verbal assaults and abuse I have had in the last financial year due to the fact that my last name is Luthor and that I am the sibling of your golden boy Lex? In comparison to the rhetoric and abuse I suffer for being openly homosexual. The public actually like me more for being a lesbian than the sister of Lex Luthor, that is when Lex or some other of his cohorts weren’t trying to frame me of Kill me. For once this isn't about what you or what Lex wants. Listen to me mother and listen carefully, my relationship with Kara, me being gay, it has nothing to do with you or Lex or his insane vendetta against Superman, it is who I am. You can't just be happy for me that I have someone that loves me and puts me first and that I am happy for once in my life. You keep saying you want to do better, be better and I keep believing you against my better judgment. Can’t you just for once follow through and just be a god damn human being for a moment”

Lillian leaned back, she saw the red ring around Lena’s eyes growing and wondered if there was a connection between the anger, the level of danger and that prominent ring in Lena's normally jade green eyes. The way her fangs had popped as she spat out the last of that statement, assuming that it was indeed a sign that Lena was losing control. Lillian was messing this up, she really did want to make amends and to build a relationship. But there was so much for her to challenge and change in herself and her preconceptions if she was going to. She didn’t believe that being a lesbian was the right option for Lena, or anyone else and didn’t like it one bit. However, she needed to find a way to accept it or if not at least try to not react so viscerally to it or risk losing her one last chance with Lena and for the future of the Luthor legacy. The last chance to prove to Lena she could and really wants to change. Lillian reached her hand out and placed it tentatively on Lena’s wrist.

“I am sorry Lena, I am not used to this, I am trying though. I do want a relationship with you, to do better and to prove that you are important to me, all of you. I will not make any further comments, I just want to help you Lena, please let me show you that I can and do care. That I can make the right choice when it comes to you.”

“You need to be on your best behaviour mother, I will not lose the people that care for me over you and your narrow minded narcissistic and clearly homophobic views. This is the last fresh start that I have in me, do you understand this is the last chance.”

The tone of Lena’s voice was both strong and definite while holding a small and fragile part of her hopes that maybe Lena wanted to believe in her. That she wanted to have a relationship with her too. Taking a long steady breath and nodding to her daughter, Lillian knew that this was her last chance. Lena had already forged a new family without her, and it was clear that no matter what the degenerates did, who they were, they gave Lena something that Lillian never had, and wasn't sure she would be able to, ‘love’. Feeling love and expressing it were two different things and that was just not behaviour that Lillian was accustomed too. Giving a small squeeze to her daughter's wrist in acknowledgement before removing it.

********* LCorp Plaza *********

Lena had arrived at the office with her mother, there were enough mumbles and shocked whispers for her to know that everyone at L-Corp would know about her mother’s presence soon enough, there would also be the likelihood that her presence in National city would soon be known. That could mean another issue for Alex, even though Lillian had a full pardon she would not be off the DEO radar, or Alex’s hit list for what she had done to Kara. A quick flash came through her mind, Jeremiah, damn it she had not thought about him, that meant that there was more that was going to hurt Alex not to mention Eliza.

She was sure that this was something that she should have thought about before bringing Lillian into this, although it had not been her idea in the first place, it was her choice. Eliza had been so good to her, so caring, she gave her more in a few weeks than Lillian had given her, her entire life. Lena didn't want to put Eliza in a difficult position, the woman that stole her husband and warped him, leaving her alone with two teenage children. She looked over at her mother as they entered the elevator.

“I meant what I said Mother, these people are very important to me, you will treat them with respect and be on your best behaviour or you will be removed. That means all of them, Jess, Sam, Alex, Eliza and Kara.”

“Lena I have an IQ of 180, I am well aware of the conversation we had not more than 40 minutes ago. It is both redundant and pointless to waste time reiterating something that I have already agreed to.”

“My IQ is 238, Eliza is somewhere near 190, Alex 175, and Kara is somewhere in the region of 270, yet you call them a bunch of miscreants, you are not the smartest person in this elevator, neither will you be in the lab, yet you continually underestimate them, I am reminding you of the conditions on which you are allowed to participate”

They moved through into her office and then into the elevator down to the lab, hoping that the group would be collected as she had requested. Three days ago they had all been here to try to get Lena to do what was best for her, to live, they each had different agendas and loyalties they had agreed to honour her decision but this is something that was about to be tested. She was sure that her current choice would be one that would have consequences, if her heart could beat right now it would be pounding through her ribcage.

As the elevator opened, she could see that Kara was the only one not seated; her nervous and excited energy seemed to be flooding the lab as she bounced on her feet and fiddled with her sleeves. She heard a brief gasp from Kara, then the group heads all moved to face her. As she stepped out of the elevator flanked by her mother. Stopping Lillian looked up with a sardonic smile and a raised brow.

"What not pleased to see me"

The moment that she stepped into the lab Kara’s scent hit her, she had been away from her for three days and clearly the lack of time with her had set back her control, feeling her mouth flooding with saliva and her panties becoming wet just at the scent alone. Lena had been distracted to the point that her planned speech was superseded by the sarcastic drawl of her mother. Lena was about to chastise her mother and apologize to the group, letting them know that this indeed was Lillian on her best behaviour. Realising that whatever happens from this moment moving forward she would be apologizing to everyone in this room over and over, it seemed that no matter how her life unfolded, Lena would forever be apologizing for the Luthor’s, and the legacy of her very existence at times.

Right now, it was time to apologize for the woman that she was bringing into their happy team, the woman that haunted her life, mind and nightmares her whole life, why was she doing this to herself, why did the need for approval from this cold hearted woman always put her in situations like this. She looked up to apologize, to be stopped in her tracks as Eliza put her arm out to stop Alex getting up, fixing Kara with a look, and standing. She moved towards her and Lillian as she started to speak.

“I can assure you that although everyone in this room had agreed to honour any decision made by Lena, that it was our suggestion that you be called in because of your knowledge. None of the people in this room is pleased to have you anywhere near Lena, your abominable experiments, beliefs and methodology may have led to the discovery we need to help her in this situation, but your ontological view and lack of morals are not only abhorrent to every person in this room but anyone of any common decency. We will all be professional and put our personal feelings aside to do what is best for Lena, but if for one moment you think that you are in charge in this lab, or will be performing any procedure that isn't monitored, you are not as smart as you believe you are. You may look upon this room and see people who are less than when compared to you, but no one in here needs to power dress or impose their will on others to gain respect that they have not earned. Lena is a gracious and amazing woman no thanks to you and your atrocious parenting skills, she has earned the respect and admiration of everyone in this room and we are here to support her, right now she believes that you are needed to meet the goals she has and we will respect that, we will work with you but there is nothing about your presence that is a pleasure in any way. Not that I expect you to care in the slightest, a narcissist only values their own opinion”

Lena's eyes went wide as Eliza spoke, she had never heard her speak in such a way, she had also never heard anyone speak to her mother in such a fashion. She pursed her lips to avoid the laugh that was threatening to spill from her lips, made worse by the looks of the faces of everyone else in the room, Alex and Kara looked shocked although it was clear that the others were impressed with her speech, she looked to her mother who’s raised brow and sardonic smile had not yet faltered, she was not surprised by the way that, however there being no response from Lillian was unexpected. She moved forward slightly and smiled, placing her hand on Eliza’s arm and giving it a little squeeze.

The step forward has not helped her personal predicament and she could feel her desire to be close to Kara growing, as much as they had covered the new position Kara had in her life, Lena was not planning on giving her mother or anyone else a show at this time. She was touched by the sentiments that she had put across and tried to concentrate on that, she needed people to work effectively, and she knew that even if Lillian stayed silent now it would not remain that way. Throwing her relationship with Kara in Lillian’s face would not help the situation. Almost as if her thought manifested it Lillian spoke, why had she not jumped in with instruction or said something sooner?

“Lena is my daughter, you may disagree with my parenting skills, but you cannot deny that she is exceptional, and I am here to ensure that she remains that way, starting with looking at the results that you have already so that I can see just where we are. As you have pointed out it is my work that is needed to complete this, so why don't we make a start? None of us want to drag out this collaboration any longer than necessary and Lena has limited time.”

“Why don't you come and take a seat mother, we can go over what we have and the most recent developments.”

Lena looked at the room, not sure that there was going to be an easy option in this situation, there was a lot of hurt and animosity all around, her mother was not someone that many people got on well with. The tenuous agreements made, were going to be put under strain for sure and the pull towards Kara was going to test the first boundary that would need crossing. She could feel Kara’s eyes on her, the warmth of her smile and her body calling her in, the sweet seductive scent filing her senses. The burn in her throat taking a subservient position to the throbbing in her core, this was a stupid idea, she should have seen Kara before putting herself in this position.

Lena could see everyone manoeuvring to give her and her mother space, including a seat for her and Kara next to each other, it was clear it was not only her that had been missing Kara, the whole room seemed to be opening for space for them to come together. Lena wondered if Kara had found the separation as unmanageable as she had if the reintroduction was so intoxicating. She moved closer and Kara pulled the seat out for her to sit on, and as she sat in the seat Kara’s hand brushed over her shoulders sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine.

As everyone sat down, Kara's soft smile and kind eyes were drawing her in, Lena knew that she should have sat somewhere else, but she needed to be close to her and at least this way she was close. As Kara’s hand slipped into her own under the table, she felt her whole body relax, it was as if there was a moment of calm in her world. A brief glimpse of hope in the otherwise perilous situation, as much as she knew that the information that was trapped in Lillian’s brain was needed, the thought of her following through with helping was something that Lena couldn't hope for. Neither could she see a way through this without Lillian upsetting and offending her new family. The brief moment of calm would soon be taken over by the sounds of Lillian's judgmental and superior tones, criticisms, and sniping, that would eventually give way to someone losing their temper at which point they would be further berated.

She didn't know why she did this to herself, but Lena could never quite give up that glimmer of hope in her heart, the need and longing for a mother that cared, and this time it could cost her everything. She could feel the burning in her throat trying to control herself in the car had been difficult, then the sweet scent of Kara, she could feel herself flooding both her mouth and her panties. This was not a good start, the throbbing in her core and the burning she could easily lose control.

“Mother, you know everyone I believe, Kara, Alex, Sam, Kelly, Jess and Eliza. Everyone has been helping me with this and will be the ones that help with any procedures that are needed, I am not comfortable having you do the procedures alone, at least one will be here to help you and get you caught up”

“Lillian, I will be ensuring that nothing goes into my friend that doesn't need to be there, I am not going to lie, I thought bringing you in here was the most ridiculous suggestion ever, but it is what Lena wants, so I will support her but I will be watching you.”

“Samantha, I am sure that you and everyone else around this table has a similar warning for me, it is clear that whoever brought up the correct and entirely necessary plan to have me here to ensure that Lena is cured of this, has done it in the best interest of Lena, and that is why I am here, I am well aware of the rules, I will not be alone, I need to ensure that I am on my best behaviour, or Lena will send me away. I am here to help her and that is all. Changing your opinion of me is not something that I care to waste time on, the only opinion that matters is Lena's. She has chosen to have me help, and I intend to ensure that I do. So how about we minimise the time that we are together, cut out all the inefficient posturing and irrelevant threats that hold little water, and move on by allowing the people who have gotten this far, to catch up on what you have managed to achieve so far?”

Lena felt Kara squeeze back as she gripped tighter on her hand, the fact that Lillian and Sam were clearly going to get into it already didn't sit well with her or bode well for this collaboration, then there was Lillian, in her own way she was defusing the situation, and there was minimal sarcasm, snark and well the perfect Lillian brand of degrading kindness. She had to take her hat off to her at this moment, it wasn't nice it wasn’t kind, but it was an improvement. One that she never thought that she would see, Lillian had listened and she had made notes, she at points almost looked impressed at what she was being told. The rest of the morning passed with the explanations of the cure, the experiments and the difficulties that they were met with, Eliza did a very good job at handling the interruptions with Lillian asking about her methodology, her hypotheses.

Throughout the time Lena had found that she was being drawn closer and closer to Kara, she looked up to realise that she was now almost draped over her, the hand she was holding was in her lap, resting on the very heated core. The scent of her arousal and Kara’s were strong in the air and she swallowed thickly at the thought. Her other hand was already entwined in Kara’s hair moving her head to the side as her head rested on her shoulder, it was intoxicating, so close to her vain so close to what she wanted, needed. Her legs pinning Kara to the seat although she had refrained from straddling her this was quite the position. Lillian had managed to avoid any comments about the way she was and managed to keep her amusement to a minimum when Alex explained that they had not been about to rectify the heart issue, or that she was unable to work out the practice from her CADMUS files. Lena had to admit that Lillian was handling this well, even though her self control seemed to be waning. At this point Lena needed to jump in, she wasn't about to Let Lillian talk down to Alex.

“I have the schematics for two of the parts and have made some modification to the original design, but I need to be able to test them and the last part, well that's where we need your help mother. The final part to the reanimation needs to be explained there was no way to re-establish the compromised files so that I could unlock the last piece of the puzzle.”

“You have unlocked two, have you got the prototypes of your new design?”

The time it took to go through everything had been longer than expected and Lena was finding that she was getting very hungry, it was way sooner than anticipated, the burning was distracting, and she knew that she would need to go into the box soon or the other room, she needed to eat and keeping her hands off Kara was proving very difficult. She saw that Alex was looking defeated, she wasn't sure why, then she realised that Alex was trying to figure them out for a while, and she had simply stated that she had the schematics and already made improvements.

Alex would be questioning herself again, there was something that she knew about Alex, knew too well, when she failed, she took that information in and beat herself with it, and Lena didn't want that happening here. Lena smiled at Alex, not wanting her to think that she had failed, she just simply didn't know her mother well enough, or work with the printed document. She wouldn't have even seen it without a glass of red on the go, it was more luck over intelligence. Alex was smiling although she noted a small twitch to Lillian, and a shift in the scent in the room. She wasn't sure what that was about exactly, Lillian clearly had a reaction to her finding the designs. It was interesting but she couldn't hold the thought, she needed to make Alex feel better and then she needed a break.

“Yes Alex, Mother did not encode them like you thought, the entire paper is nothing more than a distraction, not to mention irrelevant, it unlocks a hidden programme with the schematics, I wouldn't have found it without printing the files. I think it is time to break for lunch, if not I will need to move to the cube. I have not been around people for three days, and it appears that my control is less when there has been a lack of sensory input.”

“Sensory input huh, well everyone I think that is the only warning we are getting, although it is better than normal so everyone, let’s go, Noonan’s for lunch?”

“Jessica, if you need to eat that is fine, I would like to look over the data and see one of the mice, reanimate and one of the test subjects that have been cured, I would like to assess the damage and do some tests, I am not here to socialise.”

“Well, you can either take my word for it that this is indeed a bad idea, or you can ask Alex about her bleaching techniques that you will probably be in need of soon, either way, I think Lena and Kara will need a little time.”

Lena flushed lightly as she fixed Jess with a stare, and Kara was red, the blood had rushed to her skin, her heart had increased, the blood was pumping through the vein so rapidly sending out a fresh desire to hit, The throb in her core, the clench of her abdomen, the stiffening of her nipples, the flooding of saliva, the popping of her fangs. Lillian's heart rate spiked, and Lena looked at her, the mask slipped a little but was returned to the sardonic smile in moments. Everyone was heading to the elevator, Alex mumbling to herself as Jess laughed and said that she should be thankful she got a warning. Lena turned back to Kara and licked a strip all along the artery in her neck and nipped her ear. Whispering one word, less of a question and more a statement.

“Lunch”

Chapter Text

******** Outside L-Corp*******

Lillian stood outside with the group, she was not planning in any way to spend additional time with these women, she had been demoralised, disrespected, and subjected to her daughters display of debauchery while they were explaining. Almost at the end of her patience already Lillian needed time alone to strengthen her resolve, she wanted to work on a relationship with Lena, but this however was going to pose quite the challenge. Upon closer inspection of the group, they were clearly all muttering in hushed murmurs as they appeared to be having an argument amongst themselves.

Not that their petty squabbles would deign to affect or influence her in the slightest in any way. However, any dissension in the ranks would be helpful for future opportune moments should any or arise. If the group's focus were to split, then she would have more time with Lena and be more integral to the project. Lillian needed to check the validity of Eliza’s work and previous test results for accuracy of formulas for the supposed cure, but if they indeed had a viable cure and Lena had two of the pieces already, Lillian was only maintaining tenuous control as it was. A voice pulled her from her thoughts as the insufferable face of Eliza Danvers turned towards her, disrupting her train of thought as she addressed her so informally.

“Lillian, I am aware that you probably have no interest in the offer, we are all here to support Lena and she has asked for your help, so we want to help you get up to speed, if you would like to join us for lunch, we can answer some more questions?”

“Well finally something that we all can agree on. I certainly have no interest in the lunch offer, and I will not talk about what is happening or any other such things out in the open freely. While your family may have little in stature, the Luthor’s have a legacy to protect, and I will not be talking about any weakness implied or otherwise in the public, that will not do. I think that I am more than capable of following your rambling explanations that pass as science, I am not a fourth grader. I will want to look at the research independently and I have things to do, we need to move things along. Do you have any mice ready?”

“Your family is not the only one with something to lose if this gets out Lillian, Lena is part of our family now and we will protect her, with everything we have got mark my words. We are quite well aware and know a thing or two about the dangers of information, you yourself have been the mastermind or complicit in most of the breaches yourself. There is no need to play the innocent caring mother here, you are certainly not caring towards Lena or a mother to her in any context of the word other than in name only and far from innocent. As for the mice, there are a few in the lab that are ready, but Lena is not going to let them out and neither am I, so you will just have to wait.”

“You're comparing your little Alien secret to the depths of power that the Luthor family hold. You have no idea of the lengths people will go to stop Lena fulfilling her potential and to bring down the Luthor family. It hardly compares, Lena is strong because of me and that is the legacy I will leave. Now what kind of mice are they, and how old are they?”

“Lena is strong despite you and your influence Lillian, not that you and your insidious and manipulative family are not happy to lay claim for the multitude of achievements that are not your own. After all Lena the lesser Luthor child had to fix your perfect son's creation to remove the Daxamite threat, all of which you took credit for. Having added absolutely nothing constructive on your part might I add, except for handing the defective creation of a maniacal mad man. To the only person with the vision, drive and intelligence to not only see the flaws in the design but fix the creation and under duress of imminent invasion might I add. The only people that have taken anything from Lena have been Lex and you. I am not sure why you think that is a relevant factor, but they are Jax mice. All 3 months old, 2 months to adulthood and then 2 weeks for the treatment to take hold so that they are in the same position as Lena, they are of standard size.”

“Of course, you wouldn't see the relevance would you. However, if we are to use my methodology it needs testing, as I do not have an abundance of human test subjects to make sure that it works correctly then mice are what I am going to have to make it work on. I may need to hold my tongue in the lab but there are no such restrictions out here Eliza, just know when I play, I play to win! I have things to do, I shall return tomorrow.”

“Yes, at any cost it would appear, not that I expect someone like you to truly understand what you are losing. You have never seen Lena, and I don't think you can or even do now, no matter what you may claim and you are unable to see past your narcissistic nose. I am sure everyone will eagerly await your return and be most saddened by the reprieve from your delightful company.”

Lillian turned on her heel and moved away from the group walking up to the town car that had pulled up while she was explaining the obvious to that woman, IQ of 190 “PREPOSTEROUS” Lillian scoffed in her mind. How Eliza was the one to help with the cure she would never understand, what did she expect!! That Lillian would hand over her research blindly and then test it on Lena, she was here to restore the Luthor DNA and legacy, not destroy it. Looking over her shoulder as she reached the car, the woman clearly didn't have any respect for the Luthor name, or her as the matriarch. It was abundantly clear of what Lillian would lose in this scenario and seeing how close Eliza was to Lena was grating on her. Speaking to Eliza as she slipped in and closing the door as she finished, there was no way that woman was getting the last word again.

“Eliza, won't you be a dear and get all your research together so I can review it before we start. It is important that the process is managed correctly from here on out. Don't fret though I am here to ensure it is.”

Lillian couldn't help feeling better after that, although Eliza may have made a few good hits, she took the scuffle and was now going to sort out the things she needed to get this going, she instructed the driver to take her to one of her old labs.

********Noonan’s*********

Sitting in Noonan’s Jess was not sure how she felt about the situation now, she had said from the beginning that all she wanted to do was help and support Lena. But after that display from Lillian, it reminded her just how much of an abysmal woman she truly was. The nights that Lena would leave with red rimmed eyes, the glasses that would be smashed, the high consumption of alcohol, all that coincided with visits from Lillian. She knew of course like everyone else did, that no matter what happens Lena will always have a part of her that wants women's approval. Alex and Kelly were fussing over Eliza and Sam, well that was interesting, she looked at Alex for a long time, had she missed something?

Noticing the way that during the intervention, Sam had been comforting Alex almost as much as Kelly if not more at times, they had known each other before and Alex had helped with the issue that Sam had. Clearly there was more to this relationship than they were willing to share. Maybe there wasn't one or they were unable to connect, after all the dazed longing look on Sam’s face at the moment was very familiar, she’d seen it on Lena’s face for the past four and a half years. Unrequited love was the worst, it just caused pain for everyone although Alex seemed oblivious, she was sure that Kelly wouldn't be. Jess was glad that there was going to be a reprieve with the Lillian situation, it sounded like she was going to be out for the rest of the day.

“I think that there is going to be no more done in the lab today, I think that everyone deserves a day off, however I am going to have to go back to L-Corp to deal with a few things. I don't trust that woman as far as I could throw her and I want to update Dani and Hector about the possibility that she is going to double cross Lena and keep on guard. It is not something that I want to happen, but if we don't learn from history, we are destined to repeat it.”

“Humm update them, is that what the big kids are calling it these days?”

Jess looked at Sam, her comment suggested that she was talking about something other than work, the only reason she would know about that is if Lena had betrayed her confidence. That wouldn’t be something that Lena would do, but then her and Sam were very close. A small pang of residual jealousy hit in her chest and her eyes narrowed at Sam a little. How did she know about the relationship that she was in, and how dare she suggest that she would do anything to put Lena in jeopardy, taking both out at the same time, during work hours, while Lillian was roaming about what did Sam think of her. Clearly not much from that statement, she was looking at Sam, eyes focused when she was about to say something and then Alex spoke.

“Hey Jess, I don't know what the look is for or what Sam is on about, but if you are going to be a part of the group you need to learn how to take it if you’re going to throw it, you teased me, and Kara, whatever she said it’s a joke, we don't need infighting right now we have Lillian to deal with.”

That sparked Jess’s interest once more, a small flush to Sam at Alex defending her, a small bite of the lip and a concerned look from Kelly and a lot of confused motherly concern from Eliza. It would appear that there was a return of the interest, although Alex wasn't that kind of girl was she? Alex wouldn't start something with Sam when she was with Kelly, there’s no way she’d be so disrespectful. A covert operative and skilled at lying but Alex Danvers wasn't a cheater, and lying caused her distress. Looking back at Sam who was offering an apologetic smile.

“Sorry you're right, that woman has a way of pulling out everyone's short fuse and insecurities. I thought only Lena knew about my relationship with both Danni and Hector, I don’t tend to disclose that to a lot of people. Being gay is one thing and bi well that’s another there are a lot of people who like to shame me for that, adding a poly amorous relationship to that disclosure it causes all sorts of issues. We need to trust each other, there is no point in hiding it from you.”

“Polly what?? You and both of them… Really!!! Wow… I mean, damn Jess you got a game.”

“So, you can tease and joke about sex as long as it is not connected to Lena and Kara, who are probably the ones doing the updating right now.”

“Kelly why, damn it I had just forgotten about that, why?”

“Systematic desensitization darling, you need to get used to them being together, and well from the looks of them today, time apart leads to a renewed passion and need to explore every surface of the lab.”

Jess started to laugh, Kelly rarely teased Alex, but when she did it was always so psychologically balanced. Eliza and Sam were also laughing along with her and just like that they were all back on the same page. Jess really didn’t need to hide in this group it would seem, after all Alex and Kelly were gay, she knew that Sam had a child but there seemed to be a connection with Alex so maybe bi, and Eliza was one of the kindest women in the world. She didn't know what caused the sudden reaction, it must have just been the feeling that Sam was Lena’s best friend and she always felt like an assistant, but that wasn't true. Lena had told her as much and rather forcefully so that they were friends, Jess had a different position now and were on more equal footing. Someone just needed to get with the program already and fill her emotions in on this.

“Well, we have been together for a while and in honesty what relationship could I sustain working at L-Corp, I mean hell I practically live there. But at least when Lena is done for the day so are all of us, as difficult as it may be we make it work. I know that our type of relationship isn't for everyone, but it works well for us. It's just that Lena was the only one that knew in this group, I guess taken off guard a little.”

“Jess I didn't know it was a secret, you are all so close I guessed that everyone knew, I mean I have been working on a change to the policy so that you are covered as a family. As CFO it is important that the insurance and death benefits and such are in order, Trevor gave me the paperwork and asked me to sort it out, that’s how I became aware of you and your partner's situation. Not being here all the time, I often miss significant things and well it sometimes feels like I am not fully part of the group.”

“Hey Sam, you are still part of the family and always will be, I have made it a bit of a tradition of collecting Daughters, or so it would seem. The best thing about family is that even when they don't see everything, don't know everything, they are always there. Just know that this family, will always hold you up, El Mayarah, stronger together”

Jess watched as Eliza reached over to Sam and squeezed her arm, she knew that Sam had a difficult relationship with her own mother, much like Lena and it was nice to see that Eliza was there to soften that admission. Jess observed the soft smile and slight gloss in Sam’s eyes as she placed her hand over Eliza’s and smiled softly. Then Alex’s phone went off and the moment was broken. A few seconds later she was excusing herself to call Kara, oh Jess was glad that it wasn't her interrupting, she wondered just how far things had gotten with them, Lena would be stressed out if she was denied her satisfaction.

******* Lena’s Lab******

The interruption of the activities in the makeshift home had been infuriating, twenty minutes of winding Lena up and getting right to the point where she was finally going to arrive at the culmination of her pleasures and Kara was called away. Lena was in more of a state than before, now her resolve was completely gone and in desperate need of satisfaction. Lena immediately moved to the bathroom attempting to take the edge off as best she could in the shower and consuming about a unit of synthetic blood. With nothing more to do she headed back to the lab, although fairly confident in the makeshift devices she had at home. Lena’s home lab was nowhere near as well equipped as the one at L-Corp. Lena definitely didn't want to show her mother the new devices, the possibility of having them be another cause of ridicule for her. Sure, the modifications had been done by herself and the prototypes made were functional. However, they were not fully tested and were rushed and inelegant.

Lena could hear her mother’s words in her mind, the way she would look at them with pursed lips and then give her assessment. “You have taken intellectual excellence and altered it within your limited understanding of the full functionality of the device, it is sloppy and substandard Lena. You have not improved on the original, just bastardised the beauty that was for this abomination. Oh Lena, when will you learn to either live up to your potential or give up on this futile desire to prove yourself?” Lena shuddered as the words came through her mind. It was the tone, lack of emotion accompanied with the assertion of disdain. Knowing that she shouldn't be so affected by it so viscerally, being that it was her own mind that was taunting her, not Lillian herself. Over the many years living in the Luthor household, Lena had created a special place in her own mind to punish herself and had chosen Lillian as the imposing voice to do so; this was not healthy.

Normally Lena would shove that thought way down into one of her tiny boxes, far away forgetting that it was even hidden there in the first place. But sweet caring Kelly had pointed out on previous occasions, that this wasn't exactly healthy or helping her either. Lena’s life had been revolving around tiny boxes for so long that she had become reliant on denial and that wasn’t going to last long term. Boxes that had her emotions, the boxes that kept away the memories of her life, the ones that stopped her reaching out for the love she craved. Ones that kept her locked away, from her sexuality and personality, everything that made her Lena and not the perfect Luthor. Something that was impossible and unable to ever achieve because testing for something like that was never the same. There was no standardised testing or grade in the Luthor house, Lena already having started with a penalty just for being Lionel’s illegitimate child and having been born at all. That even if she performed better than Lex it still was not good enough and was chastised not acknowledged for the achievement. Now Lex had turned her into a monster and her life turned into a literal box, but that was not what she wanted. Not anymore, the days she could make herself believe that a life alone was her choice were gone. She couldn't fool herself any longer, Lena wanted to be happy, she wanted love, she wanted Kara. Although the physical need was there right now unsatisfied and unfulfilled, that was the virus, to a point. The desire to have Kara in her life was all hers and had been present in her long before the virus infected her, and she had finally accepted it with the help of her friends.

Looking back at the modified and altered components and starting fixing them together, she needed to do this herself, to fix and sort out all the parts. Lena knew that there was no way that anything could work the way they were, her emotions unchecked had led her down the wrong path so many times. Boxing them up didn’t help or stop them when something triggered a box, it was exhausting and the amount of energy it took to keep them away. The way it drained her when the boxes opened and overflowed flooded her, the loss of control and the many attempts it took her to regain it. Lena couldn’t continue to do this any longer and right now she didn't have the energy to do it. Having to control the hunger, the lust, her temper, everything about this virus was making her ability to maintain the other control measures exponentially harder. It was only a matter of time before who she really is would come out, that was not the perfect daughter, the perfect Luthor or perfect CEO. Feeling the emotions inundating her again, the sadness, pain, fear and anger. Lena couldn’t help but question why she was never good enough, she felt the tears on her cheek, her body shaking and then her knees seemed to give out and she landed on the floor. Unsure how long she had laid there crying Lena didn't hear the elevator or it open, just felt tender warm arms wrap around her.

“Lena sweetheart what is it? What's wrong?”

The warm calming scent of Eliza washed over her, and she didn't resist. Lena gripped onto her shirt and pulled herself into the arms that were wrapped around her placing her head on Eliza’s chest listening to her heart as she sobbed, hearing the rip of the shirt she went to pull back.

“Oh, Eliza your shirt I’m so sorry”

“Hush now, my other daughters Alex and Kara Danvers', ripped shirts are nothing to be concerned about.”

Eliza just pulled her in tighter and held her more firmly, stroking her hair as she held her. Eliza started to hum as she was threading her fingers through her hair. The feeling sparked another round of emotion, and tears Lena felt safe, she couldn't remember the last time that she felt so safe. Kara made her feel safe but in a different way, she felt as though she was accepted in a different way at the moment.

“It's ok, just relax Lena, I have got you. I’m right here, whatever this is we can deal with it. You are amazing, loved and have so many people willing to help you. You're not alone any more Lena, you have a family that will always protect you sweetheart.”

“I don't know why I do this to myself, Eliza? I need her help, but at the same time I want something from her that I know will never happen. I just want her to mean it for once when she says that she loves me, I want her to be proud of me and nothing I have ever done, or I do ever seem to get that. Her being here now, all I can hear is her voice in my mind telling me that I am doing it all wrong.”

“Oh Lena, sweetheart, it is normal, everyone wants that from their parents, it is what every child wants. Being a parent isn't easy, I love my girls, all of you, I seem to be gaining them by the day and it fills my heart with such joy. We all make mistakes, Alex she thought the same, and that was my fault for putting so much on her. Some people just can't show how they really feel, and Lillian, well maybe she's just not that kind of mother.”

Lena couldn't help but smile when she was added to the “all of you'' section and wondered just how many surrogate daughters that she had picked up lately. Eliza’s love seemed to know no bounds, and even she was saying that she didn't do things right. She couldn't help but think that Eliza’s mistakes were not outweighed by the good things. Pulling back a little to look at her, the soft smile that was on her lips, the crinkle to her eyes, weathered with worry and age, the slight tilt of the head a characteristic that she recognised from both Kara and Alex. So much of this woman was in them, both her biological and adopted daughter. Lena smiled softly as she let out a shaky breath.

“I am working on the modifications to her devices, I noticed that she had a number of functions in there that I was not willing to have in my head, options for termination and controlled shutdowns. That would give her the ability to control or terminate me with a sonic tone, I didn't want that in there. It’s bad enough that she’s in my head already without actually being in my head, and I could just hear her condescending voice telling me that the modifications were wrong.”

“She probably will, the difference Lena is that the modifications are not wrong and I am here to tell you that. So are Kara, Sam and Jess, not to mention Alex and Kelly, you have so many people that care about you and believe in you now. You truly are amazing, bright and so unbelievably creative, you think on levels that I cannot even fathom or begin to dream of. It would take someone like Brainy to truly understand some of the things that you manage to create. The reason she says they are wrong is because they are not hers and they don't do what she wants, I suspect that sometimes you scare her with just how much more intelligent than her you really are. She has no other choice than to keep you down, you threaten her superiority and we both know that Lillian does not like to be inferior to anyone”

“Why would she think that? Lillian quoted Eleanor Roosevelt over and over, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent, it was something that she embedded into me from the moment I came into that house. Luthor’s are superior, no one can make me less than unless I let them. It was a lesson I mastered in the boardroom but not with her, she however has no issue holding on to her superiority.”

“The only thing more dangerous than ignorance, is arrogance.”

Lena looked at her with a questioning brow, that was a quote by Einstein, although she was not sure how that was relevant in this situation. Although there was something about it that was strikingly familiar in her mind, Lena wondered just where Eliza was going with this. Clearly her confusion was evident because Eliza continued.

“Unfortunately, your mother is both arrogant and ignorant to that simple fact, she believes her worth is connected by the power she can command, the people she can dominate and the Legacy she will leave behind. Her arrogance that she is superior is threatened by your intelligence, and her ignorance of your worth has made her overlook what could have been her greatest legacy. Her loss of power because of her actions, only leave her with one option and she has wielded her power to command you through ensuring that you never truly understand your own worth. The only thing she has left is that power and you Lena are starting to see it for what it truly is, and your self-worth is increasing. Which makes the tolerance of people who don't see it, feel that more painful.”

“As if dealing with my mother wasn't painful enough?”

Lena could feel that this conversation was making one of her box’s rattle. Of course, she knew on some level that the way her mother had treated her had been internalised and was doing more damage to her. She knew that it was the hope that her mother would one day be proud of her, care for her was the thing that kept her allowing Lillian back into her life and she did just enough to ensure that there was hope. Although the thought that on some level Lillian knew that she was no longer in control, that Lena was smarter, she was here to salvage what she could, and would probably revert to type, she was too stubborn to actually admit she was wrong and try to change.

“Martha Beck said it best when she said, realizing that we've surrendered our self-esteem to others and choosing to be accountable for our own self-worth would mean absorbing the terrifying fact that we're always vulnerable to pain and loss. Lena, you have a family that loves and cares for you now, and we are here for you, you can let go of that hope she will be better, that expectation that things will be different, view this as it is, and we will be here for that loss and pain.”

“She isn't going to change is she, but she can be helpful, I have you all to keep me in my right mind dealing with her.”

“You have us Lena, always!”

******* Jess’s office*********

Sam and Jess had walked back to L-Corp with Eliza after Kelly went to the office, Eliza has said her goodbyes as they continued through the building in comfortable silence, it wasn't until they arrived in Jess’s office that Sam realised that she had just been blindly walking with her all this way, she stood in the office and wondered what it was that had caused her to end up here, she had been thinking about things but still it wasn't like her to drift off that way. Maybe it was being in national city, after all the last time she was here for any significant period of time it had triggered the homicidal maniac that appeared to live in her body, she was glad that was no longer the case but zoning out like that always caused a small level of anxiety, and by small she meant almost panic. She took a breath and then offered a small shaky smile.

“Are you ok Sam? You seem a little off, I know that everything is a little off around here, but you seem distracted, is there something on your mind?”

“I was just zoned out a little, I mean I don't normally zone out like this but it has happened before I am just worried I guess, it's like a version of PTSD maybe, just being triggered by being here.”

“The last time you worked from here was a bit traumatic I know but that was all sorted out, wasn't it?

“You know about that? I mean how?”

Sam felt the panic rising in her, had Jess always known about this was it something that she knew because of the COO position, was it new information, she could feel her chest tightening, her heart was racing and she was struggling to calm her breathing, she felt Jess moving her and sitting her down, she was talking softly and moving her position rubbing her back, Jess was getting her to tell her colours, and objects, squeeze her hand, breath in time with her, all the things that Ruby had learned at her mental health first aid course. It pained her that Ruby had to learn to take care of her when she panicked but there was no denying being a world killer had taken its toll on her. It took a little while, but she finally managed to calm, she looked up and Jess was just smiling softly with concern.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to panic on you, I will go, um yeah thank you but um…”

“None of that, having a panic attack after everything you go through working for L-Corp and well the other things that happened is no big deal, Sam, you are an amazingly strong woman and mother. I didn't mean to freak you out Sam, the truth is I have always known. I was the only one that Lena trusted to get you down to the lab when you passed out in her office, I set up the lab and made sure everything was there for you. None of it was your fault or your choice Sam, it's ok. What were you thinking about when you zoned out?”

Sam was surprised at the softness Jess had about her, she was always professional and seemed to care for Lena. But mostly she was the guardian of the office, the gatekeeper of Lena Luthor, a fierce and formidable woman to be feared, but this was different. She sat up a little more and ran her hand through her long hair, she smiled again and calmed a little more. Sam wondered what else that Jess was privy to, she seemed to know everything. She focused on the last thought that she had before she ended up in the office. A small blush creeped up her face.

“Um well I was thinking about someone, someone that I like, and I think that I just drifted off.”

“Really? So, you were thinking about someone and then kinda zoned out, they must be something special if you were so focused on them that you drifted all the way to my office.”

“Well, I think so, obviously, I don't know. I mean I thought I was too old for this kind of adolescent crush, you know the heart racing, flushed cheeks, lovelorn sighing stuff. I mean I have a grown-up daughter that is more together around a cute girl than me.”

Sam looked away and chastised herself for the slip, she was not known as bisexual, she had Ruby and since then she had not really been that active in the dating scene at all, there had been one or two people but none that even got to the stage of meeting Ruby, the other guy wasn’t someone she wanted around ruby, she had the worst taste in men, and the woman well she was not up for signing on for a child. She bit her lip and though there was little point in hiding it, it was out now, looking back she mumbled.

“Alex”

“Oh, an Alex induced day dream, well that is a much better reason to be drifting into my office. I was going to ask about that, I mean it's obvious that you like her, well to me anyway, I am pretty sure that the Danvers sisters are mostly oblivious to what they look like and their attractive personalities, they practically need handwritten declarations certified by a legislator before they acknowledge that someone likes them. Even then they dither for about 6 months.”

“Alex, um shit, is it that obvious, I mean the timing is always terrible, last time there was Maggie, and well then you know, and then I left and now coming back I thought it would be gone but no it is still there, she is even better than I remember. She is just so, god she is beautiful isn’t she, feisty, stubborn, innocent, dark, so strong and insecure, yet funny and Kind. She is a great listener so protective, witty and intelligent, and my god have you seen that ass, I mean Jesus the woman is fucking perfect.”

“She is pretty special, and infuriating at times, but that is part of her over protectiveness I suppose, So I take it you're interested in her.”

Sam looked at her and sighed, it was nice to be able to let it out the only person that she had really confided in was Lena and well, after all the shit she gave Lena about Kara, she revelled in getting her own back over the other Danvers woman. Alex was loyal and loving there was no way that she would change her, it was a lost cause Kelly was lovely she wanted to dislike her but there was nothing about her that she could even be annoyed by with the exception that she was with Alex and that was not really her fault.

“It doesn't matter she is with Kelly, and she is a lovely person, she is a good match for Alex, Kelly is really important to the group, she has been helping Lena, she is stable and caring, I couldn't want anything more for Alex, not to mention she is much more open than she was before, Kelly has gotten her talking, it's quite amazing really. Kelly is beautiful too, she is adorable especially with Alex.”

“Well look at me, I never expected to be in this kind of relationship but here I am, I have a girlfriend and a boyfriend, and you know what it is perfect it's just everything. It works for all of us and that is what matters. Alex likes you, I can see that, but you're right she won't just leave Kelly and if she did, she wouldn't be the woman you think she is.”

Sam raised her brow, it's true that if Alex left Kelly for her there would be something not right in the situation, not that it made it any easier knowing that she couldn't be with Alex because of Kelly, but at the same time, she didn't want Kelly to be hurt. This was going to make things hard, but it wasn't permanent. It was just a problem while she was here helping Lena and then when she was back with Ruby in Metropolis, she could get over Alex once again. Ruby had already taken to doing that annoying childish voice when asking about Alex, as much as she was grown and away studying, she did enjoy teasing her.

“Thanks for the chat, well and for earlier, I will finish up, I think that I can be done early and have more time with Ruby. FaceTime isn't the same, but it will be nice to see her.”

Chapter Text

***************Lena’s lab****************

Lillian arrived at the lab in the morning, it had taken most of yesterday but she had managed to create a suitable testing device for the mice, she couldn't shrink the actual components, she was not a micro engineer or some such, and to her knowledge an actual shrink ray had not been invented, but she was able to program two nanites as transmitters and change the original design so the frequency modules would emit the signal and complete the job of connecting to the nanite that would stimulate the tight areas, it wasn't perfect and it wasn't pretty but it was a way to test if this would work. People thought of her as emotionless and harsh and that was an image that she had fostered too well it seems, because Lena could not understand that in her way she loved her, and she would not risk her for anything. She had spend a long time making this device to test the hypothesis before even risking Lena, if that didn’t speak of her true feelings she was not sure what would.

As she descended into the lab and the elevator opened she could hear her laughing, she recognized the sound of Lena, and there was someone else with her, a woman, but not Kara, she realized as she stepped out it was Eliza, that woman was trying to take something that did not belong to her. Lena was her daughter not Eliza’s and she would be damned before allowing that cheerful upstart take away the last of the Luthor line. How was it so effortless for the two women in front of her to interact in such a comfortable fashion? She never felt comfortable with Lena, superior and in control yes but not comfortable. Nothing about Lena gave her a feeling of comfortability; she surmised it stemmed from her being Lionel's child not hers, but she loved her so that should not be the case. She was her family Luthor, maybe it was that Lena was not comfortable with her, maybe that was what caused her own unsettled feelings. The woman trying to push her out was dressed in one of Lena’s shirts, she could tell from the expense of the fabric and the professional cut, had she been here all night with her? There was a discarded shirt on the side, some gaudy polyester number with ridiculous patterning, clearly one of Eliza’s monstrosities. She could feel her irritation bubbling as she observed the two.

“Please feel free to waste time with frivolity, don't let me interrupt, it isn't as if I have been working all night to perfect the devices to test them on the mice.”

“Mother, Eliza and I have been working all night, I think that we have finally finished the two components for reanimation. We have modified some parts and created an inbuilt protection, so that once I am human I will be a little less fragile. After all, if implants are needed to keep me alive they may as well have additional functions.”

“Well aren't you two busy worker bee’s, I hope that you have not done anything that counters the reanimation in your design. I am aware you are missing a vital part. I have a way to test the functions on mice, but they are based on my specifications, so I will need to check the changes you have made. I also want to look over the results you have had with the mice to ensure that this is indeed a viable option.”

“Very well mother, What would you like to do first?”

Lillian noticed that Eliza had moved away to another workstation during the discussion and was pulling information onto a flash drive, it was interesting that she was preparing the information this way, why could she not just look at the information on the computer? Eliza deciding what was and was not acceptable for her to look at was causing her to lose her patience with this woman, after all she was Lillian Luthor, and who was Eliza some woman who worked in a university lab and lived in a dilapidated homestead in Midvale, who’s husband walked away at the earliest opportunity. She was nothing to Lillian so why did her presence annoy her so much. Lena was clearly excited to show her what she had been working on; she could tell from her nervous energy and the way that she was picking at her cuticles. It was clearly something that she was proud of and wanted her to look at, she was currently more interested in what they were hiding from her. Clearly there was something that she wasn't supposed to see if it was Eliza that was hiding it she could only surmise that it was something to do with her little alien stray.

“The cure seems to be functional from what you have said but there seems to be a whole avenue that you are not looking at, you have Kryptonian DNA at hand, it was also something that we couldn't infiltrate with a virus, have you thought about having a cure cultured from that, it could make this entire plan moot”

“It isn't feasible, the regenerative properties of the Kryptonian DNA is not transferable, we tried it, it was a failure..”

“A failure with you at the helm maybe but you have a vested interest in your alien daughter, mine is in Lena, I can assure you that I would not be giving up so easily.”

“I can assure you that Kara and I have a vested interest in Lena. Kara would give anything to ensure that Lena was happy and healthy. I also don't put one person above another, every life is important, human or alien. Lena herself and Alex all looked at every available option and the cure that we have created removed the virus completely, that is what Lena wanted, we have listened to her, something that you may wish to try some day.”

Lillian was irritated by the insinuation that she was here for anything other than what was in Lena’s best interest and pursed her lips as she took the offered flash drive. Clenching her jaw as she looked away from the irritating woman to Lena. Lena was looking at them with a concerned look on her face, Lena’s warning sparked in her mind, she had to continue to be on her best behavior is she was going to stay in contact with Lena, she swallowed down the annoyance and frustration, it was a bitter pill, and she offered Lena a smile, she tried for natural but her clenched jaw would make it impossible to form anything but her normal sardonic smirk. She watched as Lena seemed to look behind her to check on that woman, what did she think that she had done, she had barely said anything to the woman, why was it that Lena was always so concerned for everyone around her.

“Lena Darling, why don't you show me what you have managed to achieve first and how you have altered my original design, if needed I can implement the changes into the system made for the mice after the first trial to ensure that the changes do not affect the outcome. By my reckoning it will take a minimum of twenty weeks of treatments before your heart is strong enough to be cured.”

“Twenty weeks? But can we not implement the devices and then cure me? It will keep my heart beating.”

“Lena darling, I will check with the information that is on this flash drive I have been supplied, but even with regular blood levels your heart's not going to be strong enough after being inactive for so long, however we can use the treatment, slowly reducing the serum and building your heart to full strength then use the cure to ensure that your heart continues to maintain itself. The serum is normally continued indefinitely, however that will not be needed in this case as long as we can build your heart up, normally it makes no difference the person would be dead without the treatment and well i want more for you than a life on this serum. Of course if you want Eliza to check my calculations I will happily share my research.”

Lillian would not happily share her research, she would not happily do anything with that woman, but it was what Lena needed to hear. She couldn't understand why Lena would think that once the device was activated she could just cure herself, but then she was not aware of how everything was connected. The devices would work and with the serum she could be cured immediately but she would be unable to stop the serum, essentially it would turn her heart into nothing but a mediocre pump, it didn't matter for her experiments, needing the serum was another level of control, she didn't care if their hearts were weak and they were in perpetual heart failure, but she wanted better for Lena. She needed to show her the way things worked, in regards to the serum, although she couldn't show her full hand less she became redundant. She moved over and looked at Lena’s work surface.

“Show me what you have done”

“Well I have removed the control mechanisms, I do not want to be shut down randomly, I have altered the components of the device to be formed by Nano technology, it will be able to both manage the pathways and pick up the signals as your device did, along with the other signals that are needed from the medulla oblongata, and translate them throughout the system. This however is the best function, here look.”

“It can form a shield around your vertebrae in the cervical region, and shield your heart and lungs from external penetration. You have been able to formulate an additional internal structure that can reinforce your body. This is revolutionary Lena, it could create an internal cavalier, the military potential would be limitless, it would revolutionize warfare, with enough of this technology within a person they would be protected from all manner of assaults. It is exceptional Lena, I can not believe you have managed to achieve this, and in one night. You can put your beloved LCorp on the top of the market.”

“LCorp does not work for the military. This is not something that has been conceived for wide usage, it is literally to ensure that the implants are protected, after all if one of them is damaged then my heart stops.”

“Understood it is your creation Lena, I was just saying that what you have achieved is impressive, you can choose what to do with it.”

She really was impressed with what Lena had achieved, although she would prefer that she had a little more drive to push her brilliance to the next level. It was not something that Lena was going to do and she needed to accept that this was the case. There was a long list of things that she was going to need to accept if she was going to have a chance to be part of this family. It was clear that Lena had stepped away from the Luthor family and into a new one, to be able to help make sure that the Luthor legacy stays strong she needed to be a part of this makeshift bunch of miscreants, it was not something that she was convinced she could achieve but it was something that she would try. For Lena, for the Luthor Legacy, for herself.

Lillian spent time looking at the changes, other than the removal of the control mechanisms, Lena had managed to streamline the device in other ways, it was beautiful and elegant far from the device she had herself designed, the addition of the reader for the neurochemicals was impressive, it could read signals from the brain and pick up additional functions too. Not only managing the autonomic functions but improving the communication between the brain and the spinal cord. It could anticipate changes improving reaction times, fine motor skills, and sensory information, the device had many other marketable facets, including the re-establishment of paralysed individuals synaptic functioning, it was brilliant.

“Military is off the table but the synaptic improvements and sensory additions you have incorporated, could have medical use, you always wanted to make a difference Lena, help the sick and cure the diseased. This could allow the lame to walk. You have done well. There is no need to alter the ones I have based on this; the original functions are the same. I will look over the information, but we need some of the serum made, I will write down the formula for the serum, I am not sure what the calculation will be for the amount yet so if you just make up 200ml. That should suffice.”

Lillian wrote down the formula, on its own it wasn't much help it was the complex balance of the levels of serum and the calibration of the bio matrix in the implants that needed to be managed and the equations for that were stored securely in her mind. She picked up the flash drive, moving to the station that she was allocated the day before, it was not lost on her that it had nothing much more than a operating system on it, there was no connection to the internet, or the internal systems of LCorp, there was no connection to the other devices in the lab, or the other terminals. Lena didn't trust her that much was evident, but she was following all her rules, and trying, could no one see how much this was taking, she was going against almost all of her natural instincts, her restraint was being pushed to the extreme. It was one thing to ask her to be on her best behavior, it was another to ask her to manage her feelings about her life choices, and the choice of people in her life, bringing an alien and alien sympathizers into her world in this way. She could feel just how irritated she was becoming, the way that Eliza was instinctively trusted and given everything where she had to submit to rules and regulations to even be considered.

She knew that the damage had been done over the years but they were family, surely that counted for something. She had taken her in, educated her, given her every advantage. How was it possible that Lena preferred this woman who would happily let her daughters become a government agent and a reporter when they could have been so much more, who pandered to them and smothered them over the opportunities she had given her. Lilian had given Lena everything that she never had, and opportunities to do great things. The latest modification could be used to ensure the Luthor Legacy went down in history, making humans able to stand up against the alien threat, reinforcing their bodies and minimizing the advantages of the alien population. Make the American army the most formidable in the world, giving the Luthor name strength and power beyond what she had ever envisioned, she could even help the sick and dying if she wanted to, but here she was refusing yet another opportunity to be exceptional. Lex would not have squandered such an option. Her mood was not improved by the addition of the information on the flash drive, there were no mistakes that she could pick up on and nothing that she could see that indicated that she could have done any better. It infuriated her, she sat on the simmering pot within her, what was this strange feeling, was she jealous of the connection between Lena and Eliza? Not that it was preposterous.

She continued for a hour or two studying every last bit of information that had been afforded her by that woman and as she worked the sporadic conversations and laughter between Lena and Eliza seemed to great on her more and more, she was not involved in any of them it was as if they had forgotten that she was even in the room. It was insufferable to be treated in such a way, she was Lillian Luthor, she was not a common lab assistant that had not function higher than that of washing dishes and gathering items, she was not a grunt worker, she was the person at the forefront, not someone who blended into the background. There were so many things that could come out of this, she needed to regain some control over this situation. Maybe something was missed with the autopsy of the mice, she needed to find something, she would not accept Lena’s assertion that the people who have been working on this previously were her intellectual superiors.

“It appears that the information is very comprehensive and the cure works, I can see that there has already been some attempts with mice, and I would like to look over the mice myself, Lena already has a complication to her heart I want to see the damage done to the hearts of the mice so that I can make the appropriate calculations.”

“I can assure you that the autopsies are just as thorough as the record keeping, would you prefer to use one of the live test subjects and initiate the cure so that you can complete the autopsy in totality or are you happy to re-examine one we have?”

“How many test subjects do you have? I am sure your ethical desires are using only minimal test subjects at a time, if we are going to restore Lena we will need more. I would expect at least two if not three tests before the calibration will work successfully with this version of the Virus, I can see there are some slight alterations to it. If it will not harm your delicate moral sensibilities, I would prefer to take it from scratch so I can see the process for myself.”

“Well actually as the chemical make up of the medication that Lena conceived to avoid sun damage is not harmful we have a number of mice ready to be infected. Luckily the accelerated rates that we find in the mice means that we can infect the mice and they can be ready to test within a less than a hour. I do not get personally attached to lab animals. They are here to ensure that Lena is not harmed, everything has been thoroughly tested as will your contributions, there will be plenty of mice, although we are only infecting them as needed. To minimize needless waste, however any that are needed to ensure that Lena survives is not needless shall we get you a mouse to play with Lillian?”

Lillian could feel her emotions getting the better of her, she needed to get some time away from this woman, she did not have enough restraint for this, how dare Eliza behave this way, she knew that Lillian was unable to fully engage with her, that if she did there would be no competition. Lillian reduced grown men to sobbing infants with the slightest of comment Eliza would be dispatched easily if Lena had not tied her into this agreement. Now she was securing cheap and low level insinuation that Lillian needed something less evolved to play with, as if she was unable to keep up. It was infuriating, she couldn't even blow off some steam by tearing into so low level nothing, Lena had promoted them all to a protected status. At least getting to kill some mice would be something, and if she was lucky she would find something that an insufferable woman missed. She followed Eliza over to the fridge and watched as she took out two vials, she made it look as though she was uninterested and impatient as she waited, checking out what was in there.

There were a number of different vials all color coded, she wasn't sure exactly what each were because they were not all mentioned in the information. Orange was the virus, Green Lena’s viral load with sun medication, purple was the cure, however the blue and red were not mentioned. She knew that this was something that was being hidden from her, whatever was in the blue and red vials were very interesting to her now, something that she was going to uncover, she would not be kept out of this when people like Jess and Samantha who appeared to have no function in this experiment knew exactly what was going on. Could see that she had collected the original virus and the cure. She wondered if they had tried infecting them with Lena’s blood specifically. Finally she has something that she could comment on something that they were not doing correctly.

“Why are we not using the virus contained in Lena’s blood, you insinuated in your information that her superior Luthor DNA has infused with the light medication and altered the virus, if we are to test what is going to happen we should use that as the bases, I will not assume that the medication and the virus that is unbound will react the same. It is clear that we can not trust the results with different variables.”

“Actually it is the combination with Lena’s DNA not Luthor DNA; it is a dominant marker from the maternal side that enabled the combination of the two, not the Luthor DNA. Lena’s blood is thicker as you are aware it makes it more difficult to drain from her, we have enough to create enough subjects for testing, but there is no point in wasting it to redo things that we have already completed, we will use this to infect and cure a mouse, and the cure on one of the infected, that will show you the process in full, the infection, the cure, and the difference over time within the mice. That should give you everything that you need. When we test your serum, we will use Lena’s viral load to be sure.”

The elevator started to move, Lillian could hear the mechanics moving bringing more people down, she was glad at least that she would be with mice for the next few hours she would be able to cure the mouse that was already infected and watch the process, while she is working on the autopsy the other mouse will be infected and ready she can cure it and then see the difference. It was preferable to whatever was coming down in that elevator right now.

************Sky above LCorp***********

Kara was finally allowed to leave the DEO, it was a long night and all morning Alex insisted that she stayed on the sunbed to recharge. Alex and her were both due at the lab, Alex was supposed to be helping with Lillian so that Lena was not alone, she was going to see Lena she had hardly gotten her back and then she got called away, it was infuriating at times, why couldn't the rogue alien had chosen the day before or any of the three that she had been without Lena, no it chooses the worst moment possible. Alex was now in her arms as she flew towards Lena’s office.

“Hey Kara, have you heard from mom this morning? Kelly said that she went to see Lena last night but didn't hear from her again, you don't think that she is ok?”

“Alex, we have been over this, Lena is a good person, there is no need to worry about Eliza, Lena would never hurt her.”

“Oh no Kara, I didn't mean like that, if she was there all night her and Lena were probably working you know they are both as bad as each other when it comes to a project, especially if it is connected to you, and well up all night and working this morning and afternoon with Lillian, I am just worried that its going to get real bad in there you know?”

“Oh I'm…. Sorry I um, you're right I haven't seen Eliza that annoyed before. Do you know her heart went from 64 to 129 the moment that Lillian walked in, and she really gave it to her, well in Eliza fashion.”

“Yeah, I was so proud of her, a little scared but proud, I don't think anyone has ever ticked off Lillian like that. She just killed it, so many insults laced with kindness for everyone in the room and an acknowledgment that she is there because of Lena, I mean I would have gone off so would Sam and well everyone else to be fair, but she was wow, I mean just wow.”

Kara couldn't help the chuckle that escaped her lips at Alex, although she wasn't wrong Eliza had been impressive in both sparring sessions with Lillian, it was interesting to see that Eliza was not only able to hold her own but continually one up the woman, leaving Lillian to retreat to her car before flinging a final insult to get the last word. Sure Eliza had been shaken up a little by it, not so much the interaction but the way that Lillian was in general. She wondered how the morning went, she knew that Lillian wanted to look over the information and she would be looking for any excuse to hurt Eliza and segregate Lena, she wasn't sure what the woman was up to, she wished that the use of truth seekers were mandatory in the lab, just to be sure that Lillian was above board.

“We are here”

Kara slowed and landed on the balcony placing Alex down before she used her thumb to open the balcony door. She opened it up and slipped inside waiting for Alex to join her, the look on Alex’s face told her she was about to be the subject of some of Alex’s supposedly light hearted banter. She closed the door and then took a few deep breaths before she slowly turned to look at Alex. The smirk was still on her face, her head tilted a little and her brow up, it didn't have the same impact as Lena but still it was clearly amusing her that she had access to the lock system on the balcony. She wanted to get ahead of whatever this was going to be, she shuffled a little picking at the cuffs on the super suit, Alex just continued to look with that smirk on her face. She bit her lip and moved her hands behind her back waiting, Alex was clearly wanting to say something. Why wasn't she? This was more unnerving than when she was mad, what was happening here?

“Um, what is it Alex? I mean I know you have something to say about the lock, what is it? I mean Lena just thought that this way I can come in whenever I am finished with Supergirl stuff, it works at the penthouse so wherever she is I can see her. It is because I have been so anxious, and it's not been that long really. Like a couple of weeks, or so, um, when she went back to the penthouse she did that one too but told me she needed the three days, but um, it's nothing, just practical. You know??”

“Humm”

Kara tilted her head and looked at Alex, pulling her brows together and prominently displaying the crinkle, she started to pace and look at her sister on each turn, it was like nothing made any difference no matter what she did Alex was not saying anything, this was tortuous. Kara had seen Alex interrogate people this was not it, this was something completely different, it was unnerving and very uncomfortable, clearly she had not said enough, the humm was all Alex had offered, this was not right had Alex had a stroke? Humans were fragile with things like that, she scanned her, there were no obvious signs of injury, she just stood and looked at her in silence. It was becoming both worrying and agonizing, was there something wrong with Alex, had she said something wrong?

“Well from the moment she came back….. Um you know after the three days where I was worried about her…….. other than work and emergencies obviously, I mean I have still been looking after the city too…….. it's been really hard to be away from her and not the um……. It isn't the um…. You know the….sex stuff……. Like just because her heart beat is missing………….. and I was off balance, still am, its um,,,, it is part of me, um so I was staying here in the lab…………. Since the first night, I um, I slept outside the cube….. Um…. we just held hands and I could...well I could feel here in, in here you know? She said it was ok for me to come here and now to the penthouse after patrol if I wanted to as well………. She gave me the finger print access to the penthouse and the office……and well it's just because I need to know that she is safe…… Alex, will you say something that is really unnerving, I mean seriously? Nothing? ALEX!”

“I owe Kelly $100, I can't believe it but she was right.”

“What the hell Alex, I thought you were having a stroke or something, what was that?”

“Kelly said that you are living together already and that if I didn't speak, when something came to light just waited, you would tell me everything, I can not believe she was right on both accounts, I mean wow you really don't like silence at all, I mean I get the whole trapped thing, and that it was quiet but we have sat quietly many times, I said that it would never work, she reminded me she is a doctor and to try it, and well look at that”

“I have not moved in, it is just um, it's just for safety and comfort, I have my apartment still.”

“Sorry Kara, Alex is right you have moved in, you only go home to change and that is almost pointless as there are as many clothes down stairs as at your place.”

Kara looked to the door she had not even realized that it had opened, she had been so uncomfortable that she had missed Sam slipping into the office. She looked at her and pouted letting out a small huff, she couldn't believe that Sam was taking Alex’s side here. She wasn't living with Lena, not that it was something that she wouldn't like, after all she loved Lena and hated it when they were not together when they could be like now, they have been in her office ages and still she isn't any closer to Lena, she started shuffling and looked between Sam and Alex, and they just looked at each other and started laughing.

“Come on, let's go see your girl.”

“Don't tease Alex, she is already red, come on.”

Chapter Text

***************Lena’s lab****************

Lena knew exactly who was coming down the elevator the moment the doors had opened, she could both hear and smell Kara as well as Alex and Sam who were also accompanying her. Moving away from the station she handed the serum to Lillian as she made her way through the lab, practically vibrating by the time that the elevator arrived. Really why did elevators’ have to be so excruciatingly slow, this was becoming an agonizing endeavour. Had they always been so slow in transporting people down into the lab, she was pretty sure that her express elevator was the fastest model in existence, especially after her own modifications were done to it but this was not quick. Lena was starting to show signs of irritation, this was taking too long she wanted to be with Kara, her body was already responding to the presence of her scent, feeling the pull in her core, the dampness, her heart if it could beat that is Lena was sure would be beating in double time. It was infuriating, she wanted to rip open the doors and get to Kara, she was fixated so much on the doors that she had not noticed that Eliza had moved closer to her and jumped when feeling the hand that touched her shoulder.

“I am sorry sweetheart, but I think that you need to have something to eat. I know that is not what you want right now but you are not going to restrain yourself, your eyes are almost all black, drink this.”

“The elevator is taking so long….. Kara is coming and I know that she’s been hurt and I just need to check her…….”

Lena felt her fangs pop, her mouth was flooding, and it wasn't the bland scent of the synthetic blood that was being held in front of her that was doing it, it was Kara. She could smell Kara getting closer, could hear her heart pounding in her chest and the blood pulsing through her veins, Lena could feel her own core starting to moisten in response and pulse in time with the heartbeat, Lena however couldn't focus when she tried to swallow and a growl started to come from her lips, realising she needed to control herself, she grabbed for the blood and drank it, spilling some she looked up with a small trail over her chin. The burning sulphur scent wafted towards her, and she looked at Lillian, eyes blood red and black, fangs out and blood on her chin. Lillian's heart raced as she stepped back. There was a tilt to the cup as she was encouraged to finish. Gulping down the rest as the elevator settled knowing that any moment the door would open.

“Here, let me take that, wipe your chin, and take a breath, your eyes are green, now pull in the fangs Lena.”

“Thank you, Eliza, I don't need to attack her again, I know she can handle it but I just feel so bad.”

“Kara would be fine, but I am not sure Alex could take a second visual. I think that she really needs to lighten up, also I am not sure that your mother is prepared for the reality of the situation.”

“You mean with me being a vampire or with me being with Kara?”

“Well, I am not sure she’s prepared for either to be honest, I think that you may have broken her. She hasn't moved or blinked in about two minutes, I mean I know she is kind of robotic but that is just creepy.”

Lena couldn't help the laugh that forced its way out of her body, it was completely against the Luthor protocols to laugh in such a manner, and she couldn't care less in that moment. The sound rang out through the lab and spurred Lillian into movement, the startled look followed by disappointment did nothing to stop the raucous laughter emanating from Lena. Thankfully she was distracted enough not to notice the moment that the door to the elevator opened, the first moment she realised that the others had arrived was when two strong arms wrapped around her waist and the scent of Kara surrounded her, Feeling the warmth of Kara’s breath on her skin and her cheek next to hers, resting her chin on her shoulder and a soft kiss pressed to her cheek.

“What is so funny here?”

“Your mother just suggested that my mother, stunned into silence made her look a little creepy darling”

Lena whispered and was met with a soft chuckle from Kara that was almost immediately cut off when Lena had turned to face her and that was all it took. Instantly she was overwhelmed with the need to hold Kara in her arms, to kiss her and to make up for all the time that they had missed and be together. Without delay Lena’s lips found their intended target as her arms wrapped around Kara one hand threading into the golden locks, closing her fist around a handful of hair and pulling her head to the side as she deepened the kiss, plunging her tongue into her mouth and circling her other hand around to grab her ass pulling Kara’s body flush to her own, the moan coming from Kara as she did so, excited her beyond words. Sucking and stroking her tongue Lena was lost for a moment before she heard the cough from the side of her. Snarling a little with the interruption she looked to see Sam standing there with a wide grin and Alex doing a good impression of examining the walls for structural integrity.

“Lena, she was injured, maybe go a little easy, or go next door. I am not sure that anyone is ready for that show, plus, I get the feeling you're done for the day so, go on, she had a rough night.”

Lena didn't need to be told twice, almost as fast as the sentence came to a halt. Kara and her were out of the lab and into the back room, the separation went up.

Eliza had been watching the scene unfold even before the doors opened, she could see what was coming and even with the unit of blood Lena had not been able to control herself, it was interesting to see. She couldn't help but wonder if the three days they were separated for was the issue, the call away during their first meeting after, or if there was something more to this particular onslaught of hormones from Lena, or maybe it was Kara this time? As much as she was sure that thinking about her daughters, both now in the other room and what sent them there was something that would have any other mother retching or by the look on Lillian, in the midst of a stroke. Eliza couldn't help but be fascinated with the science behind what was happening. The longer that Lena was away could be a factor, but there was normally only a problem when there were conflicting controls, her need to feed and the need to enjoy her more carnal needs. Control that was it, Lena had been trying to control everything, the cure, her mother, her needs, everything that was currently in play needed Lena to be more focused and more in control. As much as she was focusing on everything else the lack of Kara was helping her stay focused, the moment something else needed her control she was unable to manage.

Eliza looked over at Sam and Alex, they were chatting in the corner of the lab, she noticed the flirtations, and wondered just how close they were, it was strange to see there was something different in the way that Alex and Sam communicated, it was almost nonverbal at times, always seeming to know where the other was just sharing proximity not touching. The jokes seemed to be all soft, she couldn't help but wonder just how long Alex and Sam had known each other, was there anything to them in the past. Alex had not mentioned anyone other than Maggie and then Kelly, not that she had that much information from her oldest daughter on the grand schemes of things, but this looked like it was something. She wondered if there was more to Kelly not moving in, was it something to do with Sam?

******** DEO *********

Brainy walked into the control room there was a minor alert, he moved in checking in with a number of the agents, there was nothing new to report, he scanned through his mind to think of possible reasons for a minor alert, there was nothing that was due to happen soon, should the timeline still contain the same events. That was the problem with them coming back, his staying meant that he had the memories and knowledge of a timeline that was not necessarily the same as before. There was nothing that should happen though suggesting it was something that he was looking into on the side maybe. He logged into the computer and raised a brow, he forgot about the surveillance that he was doing for Alex, not that there was anything much there, Lena was clearly not taken or in any danger, and the point in the timeline that she could have become a Kryptonian had passed, he didn't see the point in letting them know about this at the time that Lena was assumed missing. It would have changed the course of the future to give that information. She appeared to be back and unharmed.

His eyes widened when he saw the information, it was still monitoring any known associated of Otis and Lex in the city and there was a new appearance, Lillian Luthor, that was definitely unexpected, she had gone dark since her pardon and had not been spotted anywhere, it seemed strange that she surfaced in the city. He went through the information on Lillian Luthor in his mind. There was an issue with a lot of the data in this time period, so many things seemed to happen but the little actions leading up to them were often missing following the destruction of the event themselves. Lillian did have a number of notable impacts on the future, before she met her end, but there was nothing that was destined to happen soon, he calculated that there was a 75.64% possibility that this was part of the original timeline based on the lack of deviation from other individuals at this time. The next main Luthor event was the generation of a clone using Lex’s cloning techniques, however that was not for another few years. However whatever Lillian was doing she was doing it in an old CADMUS lab. He tapped his comms to connect with Alex.

“Director Danvers we have a situation that needs your attention, you need to come to the DEO, code Lemur Matriarch 2”

“Danvers here, Matriarch 2 are you sure?”

“Yes director, based on the sudden appearance, the location of choice and the recurring trips to L-Corp, the other monitored parties are still in the vicinity, there are now 4 possible hostiles within 100 miles of the city and one within its borders, I believe a Level 2 is in order”

“Alright I will be right in.”

*********Lena’s Lab********

Eliza was concerned when the coms went off, it was Alex’s day off, not that she seemed to have much to do with the DEO and helping her with Lena. Her beautiful girl seemed to have little time for things that she actually wanted to do, her own goals and desires, it worried her. Alex said that she broke up with Maggie over her desire to be a mother, although she thought there was more to it than that, Eliza couldn't help but notice that Alex still had not progressed in that. Being in National city for so long helping Lena she was getting a more vivid insight into why. Although Kelly was a good option for Alex and she hoped that they would find a way to have that child someday, the relationship didn't seem headed that way right now, they were finding a nice groove and Kelly was opening Alex up more than she had ever seen but there seemed to be no movement with other things. She thought back the relationship with Maggie had been very quick to progress and they seemed to move in and be engaged in a very short time frame. It had been the stereotypical u-hall lesbian relationship in personification. Kelly however still had her own place. They had not made any grand gestures and there were still no signs of things progressing.

There was also this thing with Sam too, whatever it was which she couldn't understand, they clearly were very fond of each other, she contemplated their behaviour. It was almost flirtatious, but there was something more, it was like they had some kind of gravitational pull between them. Alex wasn't raised to do anything about an attraction to another when in a committed relationship and she knew her daughter, Sam also seemed to be the respectful and kind woman that everyone had talked about so she wouldn't do anything to jeopardize Alex’s relationship. Kelly seemed to alternate between some interest, concern or confusion and they went back to calm whenever she spotted things. The whole situation seemed to be going nowhere and with the DEO demanding so much of her time Eliza was worried that Alex was once again putting her perceived responsibilities to everyone and everything else above her own needs. She looked over and smiled softly.

“Alex, is everything ok sweetheart?”

“There is a problem that I need to sort out, I am not sure what Lilian has been doing to trigger an alert, but she has and now I need to go and take a look. I know it was my idea, but I am regretting it more and more every day”

Eliza looked over her shoulder to where Lillian was working on the calculations for the mice, and then back to Alex, it was true that everyone had been more on edge since Lillian's arrival. The woman seemed to have one function in life and that was to infuriate and dismantle everyone in her presence. She couldn't deny that the constant presence of Lillian was even trying her patience if it wasn't for the support of the others. Eliza herself isn't sure that she would have been able to hold her tongue as effectively as she had. It was definitely a new experience not to mention a deeper understanding of Lena and what she had been through her whole life. If nothing else she wanted to get the woman as far away from that beautiful girl as she could. She sighed and looked back at her daughter.

“It is no secret that none of us trust her, if she is up to something it is best that we know now before she has a chance to do something that hurts Lena, or heaven forbid realises what we have been hiding from her, she’s already way too curious for my liking. Go it's ok Sam and I can take care of this. I am sure that Lena and Kara will be in there for a while, but if something happens, I trust that they will be back in no time.”

“OK mom, if you need more help, there is Kelly and Jess too, remember they may not be scientists, but they are support and well not much gets passed Jess.”

Eliza watched as Alex left the lab, it was down to just the three of them now, she wasn't sure why, but it seemed that Lillian was less amenable in the smaller groups, especially when Lena was not there. She knew that the woman was a bully, she bullied her children, she bullied her husband, but she was not going to bully her. Eliza was not leaving Lena to that woman, she would manage this frustration and ensure that no one was hurt by that vapidly toxic woman.

*******DEO********

Alex was driving to the DEO she had not wanted to go in on her day off or to leave Eliza alone with Lillian and truth be told she was enjoying spending time with Sam. It was easier this time around with Sam, to just hang out and be with her as there were no life-or-death situations, well not everything blows up and your friend tries to kill your sister and half of the world anyway. There was no breakup tearing at her heart and as much as she missed that Ruby wasn't here, there was no perfect little family that she could see in front of her that she wanted so badly. Sam and Ruby had been part of the realisation that she wasn't completely happy with Meggie, with what they had, that Alex wouldn't be able to live a life without a child and to be a mother. Something that although she still didn't have, but her and Kelly they were at least both on the same page when it came to that and had talked about it at length, they were happy. Their relationship wasn't like hers with Maggie, there wasn't an all-consuming spark but that was good. It was safe, secure, and solid, the perfect basis for a long-term relationship, it was loving and caring and there was so much respect and growth. Sure, the physical aspect was less than what she was used to, there was not a great deal of passion and sex, everything was softer and sweeter than with Maggie, and different to her night with Sara. They had talked about it of course and Kelly had explained that she didn't have the physical needs as often as others, that she was attracted to Alex and that she loved her. However, Kelly didn't have the need as often, and it wasn't anything that Alex was doing wrong in the bedroom, it was just how she had always been.

She described herself as grey sexual, a term that Alex had not heard before then and it was an interesting dynamic, Kelly described it as somewhere on the spectrum between asexual and sexual. She loved to be in love and to show affection, soft touches, kissing being a staple of course, talking and communicating as well as helping and being emotionally supportive. There was no doubt that Kelly was sexually attracted to Alex, however that sexual desire was not as intense of a drive within her as it is in other people, it was less important to Kelly than the other aspects of a relationship. There was a contextual aspect it seemed, certain scenarios seemed to inspire the need for that closeness that intimacy, but mostly it was loving and romantic, not like Kara and Lena at all, although they were talking now that passion and need to just be together was not there. Alex enjoyed the spark she had with Sam, but she loved Kelly with all her heart; she had never had such a deep connection with a person, she had just been hoping that would be the end result of many years of intensely passionate relations. She didn't feel like she was settling at all, far from it, in fact she felt like she’d skipped ahead of time many years in fact to the kind of relationship resembling her mother and father’s it was aspirational really. Alex loved the way things were and they were talking about having a child, adopting one, they were hoping for that to happen in the future, but Kelly wasn't quite ready to move in yet and thought they should do that before applying.

Alex pulled up the car and got out heading straight into the command centre and looking for Brainy, wanting to get this over and done with as soon as possible. Not at all happy that the DEO had tripped an alert based on Lillian, there would be plenty of tracking now and although Lillian had that pardon it wasn't going to mean much when she was frequenting Lena’s lab along with the Danvers family. Alex would need Brainy’s help to deal with this and that meant giving up some information, but she had promised Lena she would protect her and Alex was going to do the best she could to keep that promise. Ales saw brainy standing off to the left she called out to him as she walked passed heading to her office.

“Agent Dox with me”

Once inside her office Alex turned off the security and muted the room, sitting on the edge of the desk she crossed her arms across her chest and looked at Brainy, unsure as to what was the best option to approach the situation here. First, did she find out what he knew or just go all in, but what exactly did that mean, he couldn't tell her that Lena was infected and she couldn't tell him that there was a life altering virus. Tilting her head and looking at him seemed to have a positive effect.

“Director, we have been using the monitoring for the lesser targets to scan for any known associates of Lex or Lillian Luthor, there were a few issues with the kryptonite, and they all seemed to be very small amounts and synthetic, from Lex’s stash we have contained and destroyed them all and that is complete. There were a couple of people, Otis for one that have been spotted, but nothing in weeks. Then there was an activation at one of the old Cadmus Labs associated with Mrs Luthor and Lillian has been spotted there herself and has been tracked at various other points in the city as well. There is a 12.48% chance that she is here for a visit with Lena, and a 98.43% chance that she is here with her own agenda. The visit to the lab, the lack of lodgings inside the city and the hidden movements suggest that she is up to something, and I am not sure what, chatter is all but gone connected to Lillian and well even though there is a good chance that we messed with the timeline as I know it to be, there was nothing scheduled with Lillian Luthor at this time.”

“So, there was nothing in this time frame for Lillian but there was something in this time frame for Lena?”

“You know that I can't talk about any possible things that could happen at the risk of changing the timeline further and irreparably damaging it.”

“And changing the course of history for you hasn't already happened? Well, it doesn’t matter. I know what she is doing here, she is indeed visiting with Lena, that time inside seemed to make her want to connect with her and Lena asked for some help.”

Alex watched Brainy with the calculations. It was always fun for her to watch when there was something that was so wildly out in his calculations and was trying to work out what information it was that he didn't have or where he had put too much emphasis on his future knowledge and not enough on the current trends. It was kind of like watching a dog decide which rabbit to chase or a cat confused by two laser pointers the brain just seems to be going in so many directions but they seem paralysed to movement, it was interesting being techno organic and wondered if there was a way that Brainy would short circuit if this continued for too long.

“It seems we are at an impasse, I cannot tell you what I know about what is happening and you will not tell me a possible event that may or may not have, has, or had happened in the current time line, in case it effects the timeline that you may have/had, will have, or will/did come from in the future. Which may or may not already be completely different due the effects changing the current past may have, will have had on the future that you will no longer be returning to yet, you are unwilling to risk.”

Alex chuckled to herself, she remembered the big bang episode with the time paradox and how Brainy had been introduced to it and that episode seemed to really throw him through a proverbial time loop of endless possibilities, she wasn't really hoping to short him, but she was going to push it a little since she was brought in on her day off.

“I told you when that ridiculous show was on that temporal mechanic are not exact and that there is no way to correctly define any change that is made in the past by people coming from a future that will have been changed once leaving from the originating future, it is more likely to have a more multiverse effect than a change in the timeline meaning that there is alternate options of everything that happened and, oh, you are messing with me again aren't you, I honestly don't know why you find that so amusing Director. Essentially there was something that happens with Lena but that was a few weeks ago and the effect isn't known for a while but the change in her would be noticeable, you have reported that everything is fine there, so it is not that, therefore any knowledge I have about that is clearly no longer relevant in this timeline, do I maintain a watch on Lillian?”

“For now, yes but for my eyes only Brainy, I will see if Lena is happy to have you know what she is working on, but it will be up to her.”

“But I am part of the super friends, and Miss Luthor is my friend so why would she want to exclude me?”

“You may have directives from the future but here you work for the DEO, and you follow those rules, that is the issue, You Brainy cannot be sneaky so it is best you do not know.”

***************Lena’s Lab************

Lillian had her test subjects, watching as the mouse was infected with the virus, she’d set up various monitors to see the changes in heart rates, temperature and brain activity. It was important to her that she understood everything. She also wanted to find something that the infuriating Eliza Danvers had missed, not that she would admit that to anyone else. It was not often that she was impotent in her abilities to cut an inferior woman down to size. However, this agreement with Lena had all but castrated her in her ability to use her normal techniques to prove that she was indeed better than this mediocre upstart. There was no way on this earth that this woman was more intelligent than her, and this sweeter than honey more morally sound than Gandhi routine was really starting to grate on her. “No one can make you feel inferior without your permission” she mumbled in her mind. She was not about to give this hillbilly hick permission to make her doubt that she was in fact the superior person in this room.

She watched the readings as the virus seemed to take over and other than a few inconsequential spikes there was nothing really of any use in the change with the mouse. Cursing internally not that anyone would see that from the external, oh no, she may have temporarily had her claws removed but there was no way that anyone would see that this was getting to her, Lillian was not going to allow anyone in this lab to see that. Once she was sure that the mouse was indeed now completely taken over by the virus she decided that there was no point in observing the creature in its new state what was the point she was able to recall the human subjects in their awakening and that was a memory that she didn't want to relive, it was never pretty. It may have been something in the way that Alexander had set things in motion, the fact that there were always two or three and he would only place blood enough for one. He wanted only the strongest, the ones with the best chance of being useful. She used the cure and watched as the mouse convulsed, started breathing and then everything stopped.

“So, there is never a chance that the heart can be restored even with an initial cure? This Mouse was infected for less than ten minutes.”

“Well, the calculations have shown that the ratio for the mice is around 1:25 so there 10 minutes transfers to around 250 minutes in the mice's life, which is about 4 human hours, the heartbeat of the average Jax mouse is between 350-830 beats per minute, so in 10 minutes that is between 3500-8300 beats that have not happened. In addition, brain death in a mouse is going to occur much quicker, so essentially what you have there is a 4 hour old corpse, that has had a resting heart missing anywhere up to 8300 beats missed, meaning muscle degradation and a brain that is essentially mush. If a human was dead for 4 hours, they wouldn't be revised either. We don't, as you mentioned, have an abundance of human subjects so we cannot see if it would be possible to infect and cure if we had a close enough window.”

Lillian smiled sardonically at the woman and raised her brow as she allowed her mind to wander a little to the thought of volunteering this annoying woman as the human test subject. Maybe she would like to show that it didn't matter how long that the virus had taken hold, revising the people infected was maybe not possible at all, regardless of her mathematics. Lillian allowed the pleasant thought of this frustratingly chipper woman convulsing as the virus took over the filter into her mind, she couldn’t do anything at the moment but that didn't stop her amusing herself with the thoughts of what could happen to Eliza should she have a little time to test on her. The image in her mind shifted and suddenly it was Lena convulsing, Lillian realised in that moment that Lena would have gone through this too. Drawing her brows together she looked back to Eliza.

“So, using the mice we have no way to know what would happen if this Virus got into the general population, if the cure would actually bring the humans back to life because there is no way to test the cure on a mouse quick enough to avoid the degradation?”

“I can assure you Lillian that the virus is not getting out of this lab, it isn't something that we want to test, in practicalities, no matter how useful that data would be.”

“If Otis is out there and is infected, he has the ability to infect whomever he’d like to, that means that the virus could easily get out and not from this lab, it is very short sighted for you all to think that this is the only source of the virus, after all Lena was infected. We need to get a test subject closer to human physiology, and we should also try the cure mid transformation. If the cure can stop and reverse the virus then we have a contingency should there be an accident.”

Lillian knew that if there was one person that Alexander had asked Otis to infect there could be more, she herself could be on that list, it would be the ultimate disgrace for her to become that, not sure that there would be anyone else on the list. Although her statement may have seemed as though Lillian was concerned about the general populace that was not really the case, after all what is wrong with thinning the herd a little, survival of the fittest and all there would be enough survival to ensure that there were people to still lead. Who knows maybe the virus would indeed be able to destroy the Kryptonian's too? Lillian had not seen any of that data, she was intrigued as to why that was being kept from her. It wasn't as though she wasn't an expert in her own right on Kryptonian physiology, but she could see the look of surprise on Eliza's face as she was talking about this, and smiled, it was not an altruistic reasoning, but it was putting Eliza on the back foot she clearly has not been thinking about the wider consequences of this. Finally, it appeared that she had the upper hand and without resorting to her normal tactics.

“We will need to procure some bonobo or chimpanzees, although the chimps can live almost as long as humans when cared for the bonobo shares the same 96% but lives about 40 years consistently where the chimps are fluctuating between 33 and 70 although the older range does seem to be that of a statistical anomaly. We can try to see if the cure can be functional at different stages in case the worse happens, however that is not going to help Lena, I will need your two mice that are up to date with Lena’s current physiological state for my experiments, so you may want to get some others ready to replace them”

“I am not your assistant Lillian, this is not your lab, as much as you are concerned for the general population. It is not something that we have been looking into as we are dealing with Lena, although it is a good idea to have that level of foresight, I will talk to Lena about the additional animals. Why do you need both of the mice, I don't see that using the last two we have for one experiment is prudent”?

“I am perfectly capable of talking to Lena, and I will ensure that the things I need are procured, however I have an autopsy to do, and it is important that there are More mice ready in case there is anything that needs changing in the calculations, there will already be a delay of two weeks before we can try again, and I need both it is important to see what will be the best effect for Lena, being cured and then strengthening the heart or strengthening the heart then being cured. I will not be taking any chances with Lena”

“You don't know what the best option from previous experiments is?”

“It has never before been important to completely reverse the damage and restore full functioning, this time it is as she is my daughter, and she is the last in the Luthor line, this is not something that I am going to use guess work for.”

“I see, so as expected previously you used whatever suited you with no thought about the others, I suppose I should be happy that you are going to put Lena first, it is just the rest of humanity that you disregard as expendable, I will get you the mice.”

Lillian watched her leave, narrowing her eyes, she was not sure if she came off on top of that little scuffle, although Eliza seemed to be taking a shot at her morals, not something of any consequence so she shrugged it off and declared herself superior. She started working on the autopsy and ignored the woman as she returned with the mice and continued to work on the autopsy. Frustrated again with the fact that there were no errors in the other woman’s working it was exemplary, she would make a very good assistant, not that Lillian would ever tell her that, after all she was not in the habit of complimenting someone for being able to adequately complete a task as mundane as an autopsy on a mouse. She was starting to get a little frustrated with the way that this woman seemed to always be good enough, never rising to the bait, making her comments sickly cutting, this was not something that Lillian was in any way used to. Being unable to simply intimidate the woman mainly because of the promise to Lena, but somehow, she felt that Eliza was neither worried or scared of her, Eliza was able to maintain composure and this holier than thou good need façade. No one could be that nice, it was nauseating. It was time to show her exactly why she was needed.

Lillian took the new prototypes she had created for the transceivers and then sedated the mice, there was no way that she was planning on having herself be the first immediate human trial. She took her time to ensure that the nanites were perfectly placed in both the mice, one in the heart and one in the brain, and then set up the devices close to the cages, the signal replicators and the infusers placing a small containment field around them. She didn't need anyone looking at the formulation, she was not about to be placed in a redundant position by one of these women, they may have Lena fooled into thinking that love and care is shown with hugs and kisses, but she knew better. Love was being encouraged to be the best you can be, educated and given the opportunity to reach your potential, to be pushed to succeed and surpass the common pedestrian existence that other mediocre humans experience. Love was being given the freedom to excel, protected from enemies and having a world that is run by superior humans to live in. That was what Lillian had always wanted for her children, not this life of mediocrity. Once the setting was done and everything was ready, Lillian imputed the calculations, she needed to ensure that the heart rate and saturation of the medication would work, now it needed to be connected to the mice.

Using the line of their tails, she strapped the tubing and placed the small cannula style needle into a vein on the back end, ensuring that there was no way they would come free. Both were set with the calculations to reduce the serum as needed by the calculations to slowly increase the strength of the beating heart. It would take about 5 days to gather the information of the heart regeneration for Lena over 20 weeks, the calculations needed to be the same she wanted a direct comparison to see what would be the best for Lena, she gathered the serum and placed it into the injectors, there should be enough for five days by here calculations and that would mean that she could ensure that she didn't need to be around in the lab just to check on them and then leave, maybe she could get Lena out of the lab she was not going to build any meaningful relationship under the watchful eye of Samantha Arias and the Danvers women. Lillian prepped the cure and set everything ready, injecting one mouse and leaving the other. Then started the devices. There was a tense moment or two while she waited for the implants to kick in and then they registered two heartbeats on the monitors. She wanted to see Lena but it would appear that she was not done playing with her alien pet. A cold shudder passed over her spine as she thought that disgusting alien was doing to her daughter just the other side of the wall.

“I have all I need for now, although I will be needing to check in on the Mice ,once they are awake, that should be this afternoon, if you think of touching anything or messing with the boxes they are within a field for security, be a dear Eliza and call me when they are awake, or when Lena returns whatever happens quicker.”

Lillian sauntered passed and stepped into the elevator, hearing the comments from Sam and Eliza as the doors closes, there was no question who came out the victor in that altercation, that was definitely the second hit for Lillian, she may not have all her tactics at her disposal, but she could still cause irritation in the other woman. “Who does she think she is, Eliza don't let her speak to you like that, you are ten times the mother and scientist she is and she is treating you like a lab tech” “Sam it's fine I would rather that than be stuck here with her, every moment that she is here is torture” Lillian smiled, she was getting to the impenetrable Danvers core.

Chapter Text

********* Lena's lab********

Lillian had been called back to the lab after an hour, she couldn't help but wonder just how long that Eliza had waited before informing her that the mice were indeed ready to be inspected, clearly Lena and her alien pet had not finished in the other lab. That meant having to spend more time with that insufferable woman, always pretending to be the angelic version of motherhood, the perfect person to mend the so-called broken Luthor child. The mother Teresa wannabe was going to make Lena even more soft that she had already become, Lillian wanted to get her daughter back but she wanted a strong Luthor, the Lena she had raised not this watered down version that she was seeing. Lillian finally settled in and began checking the mice, there were a number of things that she was able to tell. The mouse with the vampiric tendencies was already showing signs of strengthening the heart at a much higher rate. She wanted to share the information with Lena, it was a chance to get Lena back to her full glory quicker, not to mention away from the depravity and enthral that was happening in the other room.

“How long will that take exactly? I have information already that is promising, and we should move on to the alternative subjects to clarify ahead of schedule, once my daughter is human again surely this infatuation will come to an end.”

“Are you really so blinded by your own hatred that you can’t or more likely refuse to see that they love each other, those two were destined to come together long before Lena was infected by the virus. They have always been drawn to one another and to being together, I am sure that you are not accustomed to such things Lillian, but love does exist and can be as inevitable as the tide”

Lillian rolled her eyes, what sanctimonious hogwash that this woman came out with. Love, such an absurd and ridiculous belief, had no place in the lives of the Luthor’s. Lionel and herself they had married for power and influence, certainly not some foolish notion of love, although Lillian couldn't deny that she did indeed love her children. However, the love she felt was something that impelled her to strive for perfection and ensured that she would do anything within her power to guarantee the longevity and success of her children.

Although she had failed with Lex but that was through no fault of her own, the emergence of the Kryptonian interloper and his constant meddling had been the root cause of the problem that had led to her beautiful boy’s descent into madness. There was no way Lillian was going to stand idly by and let Lena follow down the same path to crash and burn by succumbing to the same hubris from yet another Kryptonian and their alien sympathizers. Lillian had understood that Lena needed a different kind of approach albeit a softer one than she’d previously applied, but not that “soft, rainbow bleeding heart everyone deserves to be loved” brand that Eliza peddled, at least Jeramiah had balls to put up a little fight.

Lillian already knew that she needed to be more nurturing towards Lena that she didn't respond well to the lessons she gave and needed to be strong. Eliza knew nothing about being strong; she was far too soft for god‘s sake, the woman would have rolled over at the first sign of oppression. That is not the future she wanted for Lena, oh no she was a Luthor and she was someone that would be challenged every step of the way and she needed a backbone and to be feared, something that this woman didn't seem to have at all.

“You and your romantic notions of a love destined by the stars, something like that is normally removed from childlike fantasies before preschool, how quaint. It is as though you truly believe that the love you give to them will make them able to take on the world, the world for a woman with power like my daughter has is something that you have no understanding nor comprehension of Eliza, Lena is not a full Luthor, she will have a harder road and being connected to your little refugee pet will not help in that.”

“Kara is not a pet Lillian and although she may be a refugee, but she is every bit my daughter whether she was biological or adopted, she has always been loved as much as Alexandra something that you could try with Lena. Maybe if you had spent more time nurturing her over your son you would have more of a relationship with her now, one that didn't come with mistrust and suspicion.”

Lillian observed a small break where Eliza seemed to contemplate her wording, almost as if there was something that she wanted to say that she was holding back, it was interesting to see that the woman was capable of containing herself in this way, their previous sparing had shown her ability to be measured but this, this was a pause to calibrate, suggesting that there was more underneath what was being said that the woman was not willing to let out.

“Did you ever stop to consider that Lex might have benefited from some of the tough love that you were so adamant on instilling in and directing towards Lena? Maybe he would have had a modicum of humanity instead of the self-destructive belief that he was superior and infallible, after all Lena is the one that’s still here and an amazing woman that has the most beautiful soul. Who’s also helped save the world numerous times still believing she can never do enough to make up for the sins of her family “your family Lillian” and yet her endless amount of compassion shines through as she still chooses to give you another chance despite everything you have done to cause her pain and hurt her.”

“Lena is an amazing woman that is true, she was forged into one, and she has all that she needs to be amazing and formidable, she doesn't need such a soft hand as you profess. Tell me Eliza, your brand of love that you have given so freely resulted in a woman that ended up working for the government to avoid criminal charges, and an alien that you spend all your time and energy on negating the needs of your biological child. That is hardly loving them the same, you just like Jeremiah consistently chose the alien over flesh and blood, yet you believe that me treating my children differently has caused the issues. As Nathaniel Hawthorn stated, No Man, for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which is true. At least I know who I am Eliza and make no apologies for it, you however are a hypocrite believing that you played no part in the issues of your children.”

“The issues that my children have had have been a product of the life they have been subjected to by people with narrow minded views such as yours. They have had to grow up losing people they love and have to fight to be able to exist in a world where people like you want to take away what they have fought so hard to protect. Alexandra pushed herself too hard and believed that it was what I wanted, but all I wanted was for my children to be safe and happy. On the occasions where I had to treat them differently was to give them the same opportunities to have what they needed in life, but I loved them the same. You did not, your treatment was never about giving them what they needed, it was about the self-enrichment of the Luthor family name and status and your own hubris. As Tsem Tulku said When others put you down for who you are or what you're doing, it just means that you're going in the right direction. Your constant belittlement of Lena just proves that she is a better person than you wanted her to be. All your time and effort building up your biological child and ignoring the daughter you were gifted with, has left you alone and bitter.”

Lillian raised her brow bitter, that is how she saw her, that was one step from pity and how dare this pedestrian woman come to the conclusion that she knew better how to manage her daughter than she did. She had been in Lena’s life for a brief period and knew nothing of the woman her daughter was destined to be or of the child that she had been when she had first arrived. The frail frightened child that flinched at every raised voice that shrank into the background and cowered, wailed like a banshee at her own shadow and all but refused at great to own her power.

Lena would have been eaten alive and destroyed by the world if allowed to continue on like that, she wouldn't be the next head of the family and certainly not the CEO of Luthor Corp. Alexander had always been confident and self-assured, he needed to be allowed to flourish, Lena needed to learn to fight to get up and to be strong. She was the one who had forged Lena into the woman she had become and gave her tools to demand and claim the power she possessed now, to wield it like a true Luthor. Yet again Eliza was trying to diminish her role as Lena’s parent trying to scold and reprimand her like a child once again.

“You mistake independence and self-sufficiency for being alone, I would expect you of all people to know the difference Mrs Danvers. I have chosen my life and thrived, I am the master of my own destiny before and after becoming married and then a widower. You may have fallen apart with the loss of your husband, the so-called love that you need to flourish, but I have never needed a Man to own my own power and exercise my will. As for bitter, you again mistake my ability to control my emotions and the rooms I inhabit as something that it is not, I do not need your advice on how to manage my relationship with my daughter, I do not need the soft hippy love that you peddle to get the best of her. Lena is strong because of the teachings I gave her, now that strength needs a direction and that is my strength unlike you. Maybe if you had been a little more present after Jeramiah left, given more direction to your children, Alex wouldn't have fallen off the rails.”

“In case you have not noticed Lillian, Alexandra is the head of the DEO, an organisation that has not one but repeatedly foiled your plans to take over, to destroy the alien life on this planet. She has worked with your daughter on ways to cure what your family you precious golden child had done to her physically, they have created options that were dismissed by Lena over the fears that she would somehow turn into a real Luthor like you as unimaginable as that is and the monster Lex has made her that she already believes herself to be. Alexandra despite you taking her father from her, using him to manipulate and cause damage to her, is still strong despite you, because of the love that she received from myself and her father before you took him. Don't think I am unaware of your part in the removal of Jeramiah and what you did to him, what you made him into and forced him to become. Her girlfriend and my other daughter have been working to remove the damage that you have done psychologically to her. Lena has the ability to do so much good in this world to make so much difference that she will do, despite you and your belief that she needed to be beaten down to progress.”

Lillian raised a brow, an option that was dismissed by Lena, that was an interesting bit of information that Eliza clearly was not meant to share. She was getting to this woman, clearly Lena was right in some respect that she was able to argue intellectually on par with her, but she lacked control over emotions and the ability to maintain composure, Lilian could easily use that weakness against her. It seemed that Jeramiah was something that provoke an emotional response in Eliza. Smiling at the woman before her Lillian was elated to finally see a crack that she could exploit, not only had Eliza let slip an interesting piece of information, something that Lena was hiding that was undoubtedly connected to the Kryptonian blood that was in the storage, but she had also give Lillian and avenue to utilise a way to get the coveted information, although it seemed a though the woman was not yet finished.

“You are such a vainglorious woman, your vanity and object lack of humanity are some of the worst features that I have ever observed in anyone I have ever met. How can you possibly be proud of taking a good man from his children and torturing him to do things that you desired, believing that he would make decisions that would actively harm his daughters, he only stayed with you to protect them.”

Lillian stood to full height and looked at Eliza, her brow raised and the smirk playing on her lips, she was finally getting to her, the holier than thou attitude the façade of the placid loving mother finally slipping giving her a insight in to the truth that lay below, the weakness of the woman was on show, and like a shark circling its prey Lillian was ready to strike. A laugh slipped from her lips as she looked at Eliza, how little she knew. Vainglorious, how could she suggest that she was unduly proud, she had achieved much to be proud of and vain, no her level of hubris unlike her husband matched perfectly her standing and achievements.

“Protection, how little you understand. He tried to disobey me, tried to sabotage a plan and got himself caught in the process losing the use of his right arm. He had to choose himself or one of the two, he chose to live and be restored, the damaged arm, something that I fixed, his punishment was then to choose between the two, he chose Alexandra, he chose his flesh and blood to pay the price of his actions. I set things in motion for him to see, both his daughters in peril he had to choose himself or one of them, a simple choice. That is the good man that I took from your family, you never knew the real Jeramiah, he was selfish and egocentric, he didn't care about any of you in the end. He wanted to live and be restored more than he valued the life of Alexandra”

“You are an aberrant woman, you cannot rewrite history through your own skewed vision by slurring the man that I loved and the father of my children is not going to change the things you have done. Jeremiah would never have chosen himself over his children, unlike you he understood what sacrifice is, what it means to love others more than yourself.”

“The flight to Geneva, the internet date, all set in motion by me, and when he made his choice, I called the Man in the bar, he was more than happy to end the night, chasing the tale of the hostess instead of dealing with the insufferable Kara Danvers, and Vartok believing he was working for Aliens was happy that he got to use his explosives on the plane, thinking that he was taking out the DEO. I got two birds with one stone, a malleable bleeding-heart alien that was easy to manipulate, and a new way to ensure that the snivelling husband of yours toed the line. It suddenly made sense that he would pick to kill Alexandra over Kara, he knew that Kara would be outed, that knowing she was an alien and a Kryptonian no less, would mean that I was able to get what I needed, you should have seen his face when he found out that Alex lived because Kara took to the sky. There was an amazing trichotomy playing across his face, fear, relief, and the sweet look of disappointment. It was unclear if the disappointment was that Alex lived or that Kara chose to save her, albeit going against his wishes and yours. It was the most satisfying day, a way to get Kryptonian blood with a device he created, his choice gave me everything I needed to move forward………”

Lillian felt the slap that echoed through the lab, the force behind it caused her head to snap to the left and her face to throb. The taste of iron in her mouth told her that her lip was split the way she caught her so that it felt as though her eye was popping out of the socket, the woman had some Steele in her after all, something more formidable that the polyester blend cardigans and soft spoken voice. Finally, she had let it out, Lillian smiled sardonically as she turned to look at her, the picture of shock, her hands pulled to her face hiding her mouth behind them, eyes wide open and frozen. Lillian smirked as she looked at her, wiping away the blood and palpating it between her thumb and finger.

“Now you show your true colours. I knew no one could be as wholesome as you pretend to be, tell me Eliza how does it feel to be a slave to your own emotions, and this is what you want for Lena? To lose control when faced with the harsh reality of the world?”

Lillian watched as no rebuttal was offered, Eliza just turned and walked over and passed Sam leaving the lab. Lillian only had one babysitter now, and by Lena’s own admission the least formidable in the group.

****** Meanwhile Lena’s makeshift home********

Although Lena felt the urge to be alone with Kara, to take her completely, being away from her for so long has reduced her resilience more than she was willing to admit. The scent of her in such close proximity the way that they had been interrupted by the attack, she was more than in need of satisfaction. Not only that but the attempts at maintaining decorum had left her hungry too. She had something she needed more, more than sexual gratification more than food. It was something that was Lena, not the virus, Kara had been called away, hurt and spent time under the sun lamps she needed to see for herself that Kara was once again the flawless Adonis that she was before the fight. They moved her to the lab and into the bedroom and barely stopped kissing as they travelled, Lena claiming Kara’s lips, swiping her tongue into her mouth and exploring every inch of it. Once they were in the bedroom area Lena pulled back, looking at Kara who allowed a small whine that came out of the beautiful blond at the loss of contact.

“Strip, take it all off”

Lena’s voice was commanding full of authority, deep and sultry in a way that she had never heard coming from her, more than when she had proclaimed Kara hers, guttural in a way that she had not expected and the subsequent shiver that ran over Kara’s entire body as the words hit her. Lena couldn't help but grin at the reaction, there was something commanding about the way that she had spoken that excited her, Lena raised a brow at this, sure their previous amorous efforts had been much more at the control of Lena taking what she wanted, and Kara had unquestionably been excited by it but not to this extent. Was there something there perhaps that Kara may possibly want she wasn’t aware of, perhaps on some subconscious level there was a part of her that desired to be controlled in a more dominant way. Not just the physical exploration of dominance but that of someone taking control literally. If Lena had more control of her own needs right now, she would have talked to Kara and spoken about what she noticed but Lena was hardly holding it together, It would however be an interesting facet of the relationship going forward.

“I said strip, take it all off now.”

“Um yes, Ok, um…..”

Lena watched as Kara stripped out of her clothes and stood before her naked, she had to swallow hard as the sight was already producing enough saliva to have flooded her mouth, both the sight of her and the need to feed was prominent. Lena was hungry in every way, her panties were all but ruined by the intensity of their kissing on the way into the room, the sight before her had only increased the veracity of her cores ability to flood her panties with moisture. Moving closer to Kara, Lena started to circle her a little, like a predator stalking her prey, running her hands over the broad and muscular shoulders as she did. There was a point at which she was not sure what part of her was in control, there was the virus that was compelling her to eat, the enthralling effect of Kara that was compelling her to fuck, and there was the small part of Lena that was still able to manage coherent thought wanting to inspect what was hers, the dominant side of her that was present thanks to the virus, or her general nature, maybe the Luthor DNA couldn’t help but swell as the thought of Kara being hers flitted through her mind.

Kara’s body was responding to the commands beautifully not only was Kara showing signs of physical arousal, but her scent was shifting, the emotion the need hitting Lena like a wave, the pheromones, the excitement, was as intoxicating as the scent of her skin, her blood, her arousal, the room was flooded with the beautiful scent of sexual awakening in its primal form, it was speaking to the heart of Lena’s desire. She could feel the needs growing, the way that she could feel her own body aching for release, the need to possess Kara, she could sense the way that Kara was feeling under the scrutiny of her watch, her touch, her demanding presence. She wanted to throw her onto the bed, push her up to the wall, anything that would allow her primal need to surface. Lena tried to shake off the thought, the desire that was threatening to take over her mind and push her to ultimate gratification.

Lena needed to focus to keep control using the medical terms treating this as science over seduction, needed something to focus on or her resolve would be gone. The defined Trapezius triangle giving way to her shoulder blades, the way her strong proud shoulders squared showing her broad frame. “Deltoids are just muscles,” she muttered to herself. Slowly running her fingertips over the expanse of her back, placing small kisses to the exposed bronzed muscles. Watching as each sweep of her fingers caused the muscles to ripple under her ministrations. The sternocleidomastoid muscle was tight, holding her head straight and proud as Kara stood in all her naked glory, Lena moved the hair out of the way to check on the ornate neck that was hidden under flowing blonde locks.

Kara was breathing heavier with the arousal now the prominent scent in the room, Lena’s still contained within her clothes but Kara’s was floating on the air like fragrant pollen, hitting her tongue with increased frequency allowing her to taste without taking, to enjoy the sweetness of Kara on her lips, in her mouth without going to the source, oh how she wanted to just drop to her knees and bury her face between the toned muscular thighs of her lover and bring her to orgasm on her lips. Kara’s excitement was coming off her in waves, scent, taste, electricity every fibre of her being and body was aroused.

Nipping at the neck with her teeth, wanting to bite, to drink from her, but she needed to see every inch of her first. She was hungry and Kara’s scent and racing heart pushed the blood strongly through the superior vena cava, pulsating with each beat of the heart. She could feel the way the heat from the blood radiated out from her skin, the way it called to her, taunted her, it was so much more than blood, it was the The Macallan Michael Dillon 1926, the rarest most expensive blood, the most perfect flavour that was ever created. She longed to sink her teeth into the skin and taste the warm blood. Kara’s breath hitched and moved a little on the balls of her feet, shifting her weight as she stood for inspection, the excitement was palpable in the room. It was as if Kara wanted her to bite her as much as she wanted to.

Starting to run her hands over the biceps, the muscles straining at the attempts to keep still to not reach out. Clearly Kara was struggling to refrain from touching her, from taking things further, Lena liked the way that she was obeying her, it was a new dimension to her relationship with the woman she loved. It was exciting and enchanting to see the woman of steel submitting so beautifully to her desire. It was not helping the resolve that was fast leaving her, she wanted to have it all to take her in every way there was nothing more fulfilling than having the taste of Kara on her lips, mixing the taste of the viscous fluid from arousal and the taste of her blood overflowing in her mouth. She let out a shaky breath trying to compose herself.

Kara clearly was excited by the thought of being controlled, but at the same time struggling to maintain her composure, it was the perfect mix of control and relinquishment, Lena could see that it was by Kara’s choice that she was here in this position that there was no need to overpower her. As much fun as it was to wrestle with each other and fight for the dominant position to bring each other to the brink and allow a simultaneous release, there was something even more intoxicating about the way that Kara was restraining herself to give Lena everything that she wanted, the time to slowly devour her with her eyes and her fingers, causing arousal without sexual touching.

Moving her hands down the forearms observing every patch of flawless skin and she touched with reverence the muscles that were sculpted over the broad frame. She moved to the chest running over the collar bones and in the dip of her neck, down over her breast, giving each nipple a little pinch unable to resist the pull of the puckered rose skin that was already standing to attention. Lena heard the way Kara’s heart reacted to the pinch and smiled looking up to the now flushed face that was gazing back at her. She could smell the arousal hitting the air as she continued her meticulous observations. As she moved to the External Oblique, touching the way that the muscles curled around her ribs creating the small shapely waste, here was where Lena found the signs of the fight.

“You have some marks here on your ribs, they are not healed”

“It doesn't hurt, the ribs are healed, it's just a little bruising.”

Kara’s breath hitched again as Lena ran her hand over the area pushing slightly as she did, she raised her brow as she looked at her not quite believing that she was completely healed, she leaned in and kissed the bruising as her hands continued to roam over the taught muscles of Kara’s abdomen, stroking over each bump, she knelt before her to kiss down each and every abdominal muscle, Rectus Abdominis not six but eight beautifully sculpted and proudly holding her tall, god like, Lena was watching them ripple and dance as she brushed over them. She ran her hand over the thighs, they were solid and shapely, she traced over the Sartorius Kara promptly flexing it reflectively under the touch, her body was perfect Kryptonian's may have engineered their children but the artistry that went into Kara was more than science. If Lena believed in a deity, she would swear that Kara was formed in the image of the goddess of love herself.

Continuing her exploration down toned long legs and slowly moving around to her Gastrocnemius muscle, Kara didn't wear heels but the muscle was defined as though she had been born wearing them, crafting the lower legs into the most sculpted mouth-watering offering. Dragging her hands up both of her legs and making it to the exquisite Gluteus Maximus Lena’s thoughts could no longer remain scientific, naming the muscles in her mind, had helped focus her on her task, checking Kara for any sign of damage. She couldn't help but bite the full round muscle that made Kara’s perfect ass. Standing behind her Lena wrapped her arms around Kara’s mid-section and squeezed resting her head onto the crook of her neck.

“I was so worried, you were gone so long and you were hurt, but it seems that with the exception of the bruises on your ribs you are still flawless and beautiful as ever. It has taken everything that I have not to just take you, not to bite you, before I checked that you were healed, thoroughly”

“You didn't have to wait Lena, I am fine, being away from you has been harder than I thought those three days, then having to leave when we were alone, I …… Rao Lena I thought that I was going to explode, I still might if you don’t touch me soon. I have done as you asked, stood, and waited please Lena, I need you. I am so close already embarrassingly ready for you please”

“Oh, I know how ready you are Kara, I can taste you in the air, I can feel your excitement, I am going to give you what you want, I am going to touch you”

Lena moved her hand down the apex of her abdomen between Kara’s thighs and pushed her fingers over the fine thatch of hair between her thighs. Slipping into the wet heat that was awaiting her, she heard the gasp, the increase of the heart and the breath rate as she pushed her finger inside her core. Pulling her back into her and using her thumb to circle the clit. Swollen and ready to be stimulated, devoured, and used to bring Kara to the heights of pleasure. Her other hand moved up to her supple breast, rolling the hardened nipple between her thumb and finger, gripping the breast in her hand, she turned her head to the neck where the scent was calling her and licked over the pulsating vein.

Speeding up her ministrations, listing to every breath, every beat of Kara’s heart, every moment that she was touching her, pushing into her pushing against her front wall more forcefully, sliding in and out of the tightening tunnel as she pushed more onto her clit, gripping her breast and pushing herself into Kara’s ass, rubbing against her as she brought her to the pinnacle of her excitement. As the blood began to rush through the vein pulsating with each twitch of Kara’s clit, the tightening of her core Lena couldn't contain herself any further, her fangs distended and she sank them into the skin, the pressure needed as always causing a little pain and resistance as they broke through the impenetrable skin, she needed to take her, she needed to feed. The warm blood washed over her tongue as Kara clenched and called out in pleasure, Lena holding her fast as her inhumanly strong muscles gave way to the pleasure of her orgasm.

Lena stopped feeding and moved Kara to the bed, stripping her own clothes off and lying next to her, watching as Kara came back to her own mind, it wasn't just Lena that was in need, clearly Kara had been longing for release as much as she had. She started running her hands over her body softly as Kara turned to look at her, eyes fixing on her own, pupils blown and hazy, it wouldn't be long before her Kryptonian DNA regenerated enough to go again. Lena smiled and moved to kiss her, Kara becoming more forceful as the kiss moved on and her energy restored. Soon they were both engrossed in each other to the point that all else was moving from awareness. Lena ‘s hearing focused solely on Kara, her hands moving to give her as much pleasure as possible. Lena could feel Kara’s strong hands moving over her breasts, between her thighs, gripping her and pulling her closer.

They moved together teasing and testing the limits of each other's endurance, pushing each other to the brink and pulling back, they took turns in pleasuring each other teasing each other, Lena lost count of the orgasms she had along with the ones that she was denied. She managed to flip Kara over and moved behind her taking her from behind, Kara on all fours, she started to push back into Lena’s fingers trying to get more from Lena.

“Stop moving and I will give you what you want”

“Lena please, I am so close.”

Lens slipped another finger into Kara increasing the stretch. Clearly Kara was trying to force more friction, she was unable to reach around with this position, but Kara was close and another finger should do it. As she was getting closer to the brink, Kara pushed back again and Lena brought her hand down onto her perfect ass, slapping it hard enough for Kara to feel, the slap rang out throughout the makeshift lab and seemed to echo. Kara cried out as she started cumming hard, her core squeezing onto Lena’s fingers with all her strength, as collapsed onto the bed, grinning Kara gasped out.

“You…. You spanked me…. I only felt one, but I could have sworn I heard a second slap”

“Darling, you just came hard enough to fracture a human hand and you're concerned about an echo?”

Chapter Text

***********Jess’s Office**************

Eliza was in a state of shock, she knew that like everyone she had the capacity for violence, that she had anger enough at what had been happening to lash out but she had been managing to cope with this woman's slights and obvious attempts to rile her. She was only ever protective of her family but even then she had not lashed out like this. She needed to be close to the lab but didn't trust herself in there at the moment, the thought of dealing with Lillian again any time soon sent a wave or anger through her which didn't help her own feelings of guilt and shame that she had resorted to lashing out. She found herself wandering around Lena’s office and wondering just what to do, she couldn't talk to Alex, she was busy at the DEO, Kara and Lena were otherwise indisposed, she could call Kelly but she was working, everyone was working. She found her way through the corridor and before she realised where she was she stood in front of Jess’s door. She took a breath and knocked.

“Come in”

Eliza opened the door and moved into the office. Jess was sitting at her desk working on some paperwork, it was interesting to Eliza that she was already so much like Lena already, multitasking her way through the work day, grabbing every moment before the next distraction. She wondered just how much Jess did around the office, she was originally Lena’s assistant but knew that she was so much more now, she moved into the room and over to the window looking out the window waiting for her to finish.

“Eliza I was not expecting you, although I am not surprised that you are seeking solace from the lab, I was notified that Lillian was back, that woman is enough to make even the most placid of people want to commit murder, I have no idea how someone as amazing as Lena came out of any home that she lived in, what can I do for you? Do you want somewhere to hide out, something to drink? Maybe, I am not much of a drinker but I do know where the stock is, not to mention the Key to Lena’s private dispensary.”

“Nothing happens here without your knowledge it would appear, Lena made a good choice putting you in charge. I couldn't agree more it is a wonder that Lena is who she is that woman is evil incarnate, and well I couldn't stand another moment, I slapped her Jess”

“You slapped the ice queen and I missed it, I am going to have to pull up that footage, I am pretty sure that I can make a lot of money with that it will also negate the fact that I didn't win the office poll, with Lillian back in LCorp there have been several however I don't think that anyone had you putting her in her place, I went for a Danvers but hedge my bet on Alex.”

Eliza groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose, it was not something that she was proud of, the woman had pushed her buttons to the point that she snapped, that was not something that she wanted to do. She had managed to hold it in, to not bite back to turn the other cheek, she had suffered the sniping for days why had she snapped, she was better than this, she knew it, but there was nothing that could change what she had done. Why was it that she was so unnerved by that woman and her toxic mouth?

“It is not something that I am proud of and I would thank you to delete any footage of it, I don't know why she got to me, I thought I was above the bullying from people who make it there life's mission to tear down others to make themself feel relevant and important, I am a noted scientist a mother, I have a happy life and am far from the school yard, why did I let her get to me? I think a drink may not be a great idea, but it is sounding like a good one.”

“Hey come on now, there is no need to beat yourself over this, so you slapped the ice queen, she most definitely deserved it, I just am a little annoyed that I didn't realise that the fire in Alex and Kara came from you, if I had realised I would have put my money on you, she was going after you at every opportunity. That woman is a vapid excuse for a human being, there are not enough words in the English language to adequately describe the extent to which that woman manages to inflict harm on others, the fact that you lasted so long is a wonder to me. Come on I will get you a drink, tell me Eliza what is your poison?”

Eliza looked at her and smiled, she may not have said the things that were running around in her head when confronted by Lillian but she couldn't help but think she had plenty of words for her, some of which she would never allow to see the light of day. She wondered if there was any way to come back from this, she was well aware of the true nature of Lillian Luthor, and many other bullies like her, now she had found a way to cause her to lash out, she would take that and use it at every opportunity. She was deviously manipulative and she has seen a weak spot, it would take all that she has to remain vigilant and calm in the mist of that viper. However right now that drink sounded like a good idea, she wouldn't normally use this method but she was still feeling somewhat shaky after the altercation.

“Well today I think that I need something a little stronger than apple cider. How about a scotch? I believe that Lena has enough that we can find something palatable.”

“Apple cider, you really don't drink do you, well I don't think that I want Kara breathing down my neck for getting her mom drunk although to be fair I think that Alex maybe more scary at times. Not that it worries me particularly. I know how to deal with the military type, after all Hector and Danielle have more military training than Alex and they know who is boss.”

“You are a formidable woman in your own right Jess, that much is clear, I haven't seen you back down to anyone yet, and from what I hear that is the same in all aspects of your life. Well I think that it is something that Alex will understand although I am sure that she will be a little too eager to show my hypocrisy and Kara, well I think that she will be more disappointed that I was reduced to violence. I am worried about what that woman is going to do in my absence, but I am unable to be down there right now, she got to me and she wont leave it there, I know her type.”

Eliza raised her brow, there was no embarrassment on Jess’s face clearly she was a woman that owned her own power, she liked that about her, Eliza followed Jess through into Lena’s office and watched as she poured a couple of drinks, she had turned and motioned for Eliza to sit on the couch, she looked down at it and smiled to herself the infamous LCorp couch the place of deep conversations and many moments of clarification for Lena and Kara, and anyone else that seems to find them self in this room it would appear. She sat down and took the drink as it was offered to her and crossed her legs sitting comfortably. Jess sat next to her on the couch and turned to face her, Eliza smiled and took a sip the liquid burning her throat as she swallowed, she was not sure what Alexandra and Lena saw in this drink but she was happy for the distraction.

“So what did that woman say about you that caused such a reaction Eliza? I know that she likes to hit out at people and twist their own minds against them, you are a formidable opponent mentally she must have hit something very deep within, she is a master manipulator, Lena is one of the strongest people I know, I have seen what a meeting with that women can do to her”

“That’s the thing it was nothing, her pot shots at my clothing, my parenting, my intellect and my contributions to science, had no impact whatsoever she tried to belittle me and enrage me, intellectual pot-shots and the normal Luthor mind games have very little weight with me, after all for a very intelligent woman she seems to always hit low. Her arrogance is that she is so superior that she doesn't need to work hard, just make cheap shots using big words and the world will tremble at her. That has no weight, It was the way she spoke of Jeramiah.”

“Your husband? I don't know much about him other than he was a member of the DEO and was lost on a mission, his return was less than favorable and then he died. Kara has said very little, Alex less but I can see how that would be a difficult subject for her to bring up. Kara is normally free with communicating not Alex but to know so little says how painful that must have been, wasn't it Lillian that ran the organisation that took him?”

“Yes she took him, manipulated him, used him against Aliens, put everyone in danger and generally continued her xenophobic attempts at genocide making him help her, the saving grace was that he continued to help keep Kara safe, and ensure that our girls were ok, it meant that my husband, the man I knew and loved was always there but she took that and twisted it.”

Eliza couldn't help the way that her voice broke as she spoke about Jeramiah, it wasn't that she was still in love with him that was gone, thankful for Alexandra and Kara, the life that they had before everything happened. The thought that he had chosen to have Alexandra killed played on her mind, she would gladly give her life for her children both of them, neither would be a choice that she would make, but something in the thought played in her mind something about the way that Lillian took pleasure in his decision that it caused Kara to be highlighted, and caused both her girls pain.

“What do you mean that she twisted it, not that I would put any stock in what Lillian Luthor has to say, the woman wouldn't know the truth if it slapped her in the face. Metaphorically speaking, although I would still pay to see the actual slap, maybe it can be my reward for all the time I spend helping the Danvers women out?”

“Jess, kindness is its own reward, although I can't say that there was a modicum of satisfaction watching her head snap back like that, it is not my finest moment. She said that when Jeramiah made a mistake he was given a choice, him or one of the girls, he chose to live, and then chose to sacrifice Alexandra, which caused an explosion on the plane that she was on, Kara managed to save her, it was the reason that she became Supergirl, but it meant that Lillian then knew who Kara was. He almost caused the death of one of my girls and made my other a target. All that we both did to hide her, protect her, to help her fit in and it was lost the moment that Alexandra’s plane started to fall from the sky.”

“I am not saying that he did make that choice, but with all the evidence that I have seen it was the right one, Kara would never let anything happen to Alex, any more than Alex would allow Kara to be hurt, your girls are a family they love each other so much that is because of you and Jeramiah, if they had attacked Kara directly she would have been discovered, although that happened anyway. It was not publicly, she is still able to live both her lives, you made them strong and they defeated Lillian at every turn”

As she spoke she realised what she was saying, there was a parallel between what Jeramiah had done the same thing that Alexandra had accused her of one thanks giving many years ago, getting Alex to sacrifice herself for the protection of Kara, to put Kara first, although she had never meant to put that pressure on her, losing Jeramiah had taken its toll and she had needed help to ensure that Kara was safe. Alexandra had believed that she was second in the eyes of her parents, that she was less than Kara in every way, but that wasn't the intention. However she had made the same choice over and over, putting pressure on Alexandra and sheltering Kara. She had never made such a clear distinction or a conscious one, but it was there that was the thing that had finally caused her to snap, that realisation even unconscious had triggered her anger.

“I accused Lillian of favoring Lex over Lena, and I have done the same in reverse, as did Jeramiah, Alexandra told me that I had always pushed her to protect Kara first to put her first. Alex, my beautiful brave girl, told me how she felt and I dismissed it. I told her that this wasn't something that I meant for her, but she was right. Lillian may have been talking about Jeramiah but I did the same, not just once but over and over.”

“Hey now, I am not going to join in a pity party, and if that is where you are going with this you are cut off Mrs Danvers, you managed to slap the beast, to wipe that smug look of her face for a moment and that is worth a celebration even if you feel what ashamed of yourself, I can tell you that you have fulfilled many people's fantasies and I will not let you ruin this experience for me. It is not all about you, sometimes I need to live vicariously through others, and you are spoiling it for me. Now, listen Eliza and listen good, your girls love you, they both respect and love you so much, no parent is perfect no parent is perfect, everyone makes mistakes doing what they think is best, you have brought up two strong amazing women, Alex knows that you love her, she is happy and so is Kara, they are so close they have each other because of you and they way you brought them up, they are some of the most amazing women I know, just like their mother, your success in bringing up both of them against all the things life have thrown at you and them shows just how good a mother you have been.”

Eliza finished her drink and started to play with the glass in her hand, rolling the tumbler in her fingers as she listened to Jess, the woman was almost inspiring as her daughter, she wondered if she was giving Lena this level of pep talk through the years, she could see why Lena had kept her around. She was someone who had wit and sarcasm wrapped in the common sense of someone much older than her years, she smiled up at her, watching the earnestness on her face.

“Well it seems only fair that you get to live vicariously, I should imagine that many people live through you in the same way. I think I need to talk to Alex again and maybe this time I need to listen, I will not have a weakness like that around that woman”

******** Lena’s makeshift home*********

Kara flushed at Lena’s words and put the echo out of her mind, she wasn't sure why it had even left her mouth the thought of being spanked had been exciting and strangely felt really good, it was her turn she wanted to make Lena feel good too and with a small burst of speed she flipped them both over and lay above her. Looking down upon Lena’s face the way that she had a small smile gracing her now smudged lips and a sparkle in her eyes that spoke of mischief and excitement. Her gaze was penetrating Kara in a way that she thought she would never tire of, it was something that she never experienced in her life, not only did Lena see her she saw all of her and accepted her. She leaned in and kissed her lips, further smudging the scarlet lipsticks she tangled her hands in the dark silky locks.

Kara wanted nothing more that to bath Lena in the same amount of care and attention that she had shown her, although the way that she had touched her and inspected her was because of the potential damage, the softness and the revelry that she had been shown had enlightened every fibre of her sink, every neuron in her mind had fired at the touch, the kisses, the way that Lena nipped her. She was almost ready to cum from the inspection alone. Standing naked in front of her, completely exposed should have been something that caused distress instead it was arousing, exciting, and ultimately something that she wanted to try again, Lena taking control, telling her what to do, the removal of her ability to touch her was not explicit but there was an understanding that came from the tone. The tone that she had used was something that she had never heard from Lena, even when she was most in need of controlling her, it was powerful and dominant.

“You taking control was so exciting, so enticing and I want to try that again some time, maybe even take it further but right now it is your turn Lena, I just want to take care of you now.”

“Mmm there was something about it that told me you wanted more and now I know, it is something we can discuss later, but I have one need left, and that if for you to make me scream Kara, I have waited long enough.”

“As you wish”

“Princess bride really, we need to discuss your pillow talk, Your such a dork, but I love you, now stop talking and kiss me already”

Kara bit her lip, she was going to say it again but didn't want to push it or ruin the mood so instead she did as requested and started a slow kiss building up the heat between them adding more passion, as she took more and more control of Lena’s mouth, sucking her tongue into her own as she started to move her hands over the expanse of pale skin that was lying beneath her, the cool temperature of Lena coming up against the heat of the Kryptonian physiology causing the perfect synergy, small areas of cold exciting Kara's flesh as she could feel Lena’s skin warm under her and ripple with desire at her touch. She ensured that no part of Lena went untouched, just as she had inspected her, Kara kissed and touched every dip, every curve, languishing kisses on every sensitive part. Listening to the moans of pleasure and gasps that emanated from her.

Kara couldn't help but wonder how much more she would have been able to sense with her enhanced abilities if Lena had her heart beating, how it would react to this more intimate touch, if she could tell by more than gasps if the places of sensitivity caused her heart to beat faster. She found the small patch of skin on her neck, that housed the freckle that teased Kara caused a sharp inhale each time that she nipped or sucked it, she followed the trail lower as she has the first time that she saw Lena Naked, the freckles continued lower and lower until she was able to settle between Lena’s thighs.

Kara had Lena laying on her back, she was finally getting to take her fill of the sweet taste of Lena. She had been experimenting with her powers, between speed and freeze breath she had been able to pull all sorts of unbelievable noises from Lena, between the gasps, moans and screams, she was sure that Lena was closer to the point of orgasm than Kara thought, there was a unbelievable feeling of pride in her chest, being able to pleasure Lena in this way, it had been something that she had always worried about, something that she thought that she was never going to have on this world, but here now she was able to be with her. She decided that it was time to allow Lena to tip over, she increased the speed in her fingers and sucked Lena’s clit into her mouth. Lena started to scream out, the scream became louder and then intermittent, she thought that Lena had been enjoying this but the screams sounded as though she was in pain.

“Rao Lena, are you alright did I hurt you?”

“Kara that isn’t me, you were perfect, that was perfect, but something is wrong.”

******** Meanwhile in Lena’s Lab**********

Lillian was surprised to have the lab mostly to herself, so easily, clearly the need to fornicate with her alien pet was playing on Lena’s mind more than the presenting problem of restoring her humanity. They had moved to the other lab now apparently doubling as Lena’s secondary home, the vacuum had been used to ensure that her examination of the blood did not affect Lena, she knew it was just an excuse to create a barrier. Not that she wanted to be privy to the depravity going on next door. There was only Samantha left drifting around, although she was not sure exactly what this woman did in the lab. She was the CFO of LCorp, and seemed to be trusted by Lena and everyone else in the group. It was interesting the woman clearly had no background in science and no special skills that she could see. Yet she was left behind to observe Lillian with her work, how exactly was she going to know what she was doing? It was the perfect opportunity to find out just what was going on with the other cure. She saw the reference to the second option and was curious as to the outcome, then Eliza’s clearly agitated comments, she wanted to know what was being kept from here. She wanted to have a relationship with Lena, she wanted to do better but there was something that they didn't want her to see which meant that it was something she absolutely had to. Everything pointed to a combination of the virus and Kryptonian DNA, she already knew that the immune system of the Kryptonian's was impressive, clearly they had some unexpected effects. Whatever that was was something that she would find out, she was not going to be kept in the dark about this. Eliza’s outburst had given her the time she needed to look around.

Lillian had continued her work watching as she was moving around the lab as to what Samantha would do as she accessed items, the computer was of no use, she was only given rudimentary access, and that meant no information about the Kryptonian interaction, that was what she was sure that it was something that she could use against the Kryptonian's if everyone was so vehemently hiding it from her. She knew that this would be something that Lena would not like. She wanted to have a relationship, to prove that she could be trusted that she loved her, but that would not happen if Lena didn't trust her. The Kryptonian was clearly influencing her, superman had destroyed her son and she could see that Kara was influencing Lena, she needed her away from her, but she needed it to be done without Lena knowing it was her. Lillian moved again closer to the medical supplies and took out some of the blood, watching she saw the way that Samantha looked up and observing her, she showed her the blood bag with a sarcastic smile on her face and moved through to the mice. It would appear that the fridge is somewhere that she was being monitored using.

Lillian knew that she could not just take what she wanted that she would need to take it without anyone noticing. She may be willing to look into things and find a way to remove the Kryptonian's without Lena knowing, she may be willing to do this, to compromise on the promise to do better once more but she could compromise without Lena knowing that was the difference, it took a lot to chance to make complete alterations to a lifetime of behaviour, she knew that even though she had little faith in the sciences of the mind, it was accurate that change didn't happen all in one go, but she knew that she could manage this without losing the ground that she had made. She could take the vials as she put the blood back, she would need to be quick. She needed vials that she was not able to access, making notes of the colours she had previously used; she knew that the alternate colours she would have one chance to get them. Filling the bottle with blood for the vampiric mouse she made her way back towards the fridge. She put the blood in and looked at the colours on the samples, she would need to take two, the others she has already seen in operation. Once again Samantha monitored her movements and she placed the blood away and moved back.

Using the slide she had prepared she used the microscope to look at the blood work, it was not needed but she needed to do something while she waited. Waiting until Samantha was engrossed in the paperwork and no longer monitoring her was infuriating, but Lillian was accustomed to playing a long game. Once she was no longer monitoring Lillian moved over to the sample fridge, she was putting the slides away, but at the same time she was collecting a virus sample and a sample of Kryptonian DNA, she would see what this did for herself, Lena wanted to keep it hidden which meant the applications would be something that she would be interested in. Did this virus actually have a way to help her with the Kryptonian issue? She may have moved to a position that acknowledged that Alexander had in fact lost his mind, but it was the fault of superman. There was still a score to settle with that flying menace and this could give her the answer to that. If it helped her get Kara out of the picture too then it was a bonus.

She collected the two samples out of the fridge, and she had planned to slide them both into her shirt sleeves. She needed to get them both to her lab, but first she needed to get them out of LCorp, the best option for that was today, everyone was already otherwise engaged, she wouldn't get this chance again. She would need to get out of the lab here and back to a nearby lab before the samples degraded. In her haste she didn't hear Samantha coming over. As she turned trying to slip the virus into her sleeve Samantha had grabbed it.

“What do you think you're doing Lillian, you are not authorised to have the virus, there are clear limits to what you have access to for good reason, what else have you taken?”

“Unhand me, who do you think you are? I am working and you are getting in the way.”

“I may not be a scientist but I understand Lena’s coding system, this is a virus vile and that is Kara’s blood what are you up to, I told them we couldn't trust you, no matter what you do your true nature comes out. You have always been an abusive mother, why anyone would think that would change is beyond me, but what is worse they want me to trust you with my best friend, you the xenophobic megalomaniac psychopathic demented sadistic scientist that created Metalo, that birthed Lex, that experimented on aliens and tortured Jeramiah, I heard what you said earlier to Eliza, the fact that she slapped you and left was so much less than you deserved, now let go.”

Lillian tried to move her hand away but Samantha had gripped tightly, the woman may not have had enhanced intelligence but she was stronger than she looked, she twisted and as she did she heard the crack, the vial in her hand broke and the glass sliced into the skin of Samantha's hand. Letting go of the vile not wanting to cut herself she stepped back, the broken vile hitting the floor. She looked up at the other woman, her face stuck in shock and horror. Lillian knew that the people in the little group did not view Lena as a monster, that they were working on a cure and believed in her. Either they were lying and they didn't feel that way or there was something more to this than she knew. If endless life was an issue then she was the first to be told so, and there was nothing remarkable about this woman other than she had somehow made it into Lena’s inner world, the virus would only aid this woman in being more extraordinary, she was most definitely not of any calibre. Unlike Lena who was tainted by this virus this would actually make this woman useful. She looked terrified, then her face started to morph, her eyes flashed red then opened wide as she drew in a breath.

One eye remained with a ring of red as the other returned to normal and she started to scream, the sound was enough to make Lillian recoil. She was used to the screams of people but there was something different in this one, she seemed to float up a little off the ground as her body went rigid, her arms outstretched and the scream multiplied in decibels as the pitch became higher. Samantha had fallen to the floor and started to convulse the intermittent screaming still cutting through Lillian's mind like a knife. She backed up, there may be a barrier between the rooms but there was nothing that was going to cut that sound. She moved back swiftly to the elevator, she still had the vial of Kryptonian DNA, and with the information she possessed she could still make the virus. Lena wouldn't keep whatever this was to herself. Slipping inside her mind briefly contemplated her own words, still now, she was putting something before Lena, maybe Eliza was right, she didn't deserve to call herself Lena's mother. She pressed the button and heard the barrier come down amongst the screams, Lena and Kara would be with Samantha and distracted it was time to leave.

Chapter Text

*****Lena’s alternate home ******

Once she realised the scream was not from Lena, Kara extended her hearing and focused on the other lab, she could hear screams and then retreating feet, not just feet the click clack sound of Louboutin's hitting the lab floor, there was something off about the sound, they were not the measured steps normally associated with Lillian, but more like she was backing off, there was another chilling scream so loud she clasped her hands to her ears and had to pull back her hearing, the last thing she heard was a body hitting the floor.

“Something is really wrong, we have to go.”

Kara sped into her clothes as fast as her speed would allow and to her astonishment Lena was not far behind, not as put together as normal, it was something that she was sure that Lena would be able to get in time but she didn't have time to marvel at the fact that Lena had spread that rivalled her own and was almost perfect, she headed to the control panel and took down the barrier to hear a hiss coming from Lena. She turned to look and Lena’s face was adorably scrunched, her nose and eyes crinkling in a way that was so cute that she almost forgot what they needed to do. She moved into the lab and saw Sam on the floor, she was unconscious and clearly in pain. Her body was somehow rigid, the elevator had closed as she slipped in not that she needed visual confirmation that it was Lillian who was leaving the scene.

Kara was looking for Lena, she could tell that something wasn't right with her she was hovering back and clearly not enjoying what ever was overloading her senses, she needed Lena, she was by no means stupid, and had watched Alex and Eliza enough to know what she needed to do in some respects, but this was Sam, she needed Lena. she moved over and placed her hand on Lena’s cheek. There was a moment and then Lena seemed to relax and come back to her senses, looking over at Sam and her eyes going wild, she looked around and saw no one in the lab. Where was everyone?

“Kara, bring her over here, to the bed, I need to run some tests to see what is wrong.”

Kara X-Rayed her to make sure that she could move her safely and then picked her up, her foot crunching something on the floor and she heard Lena hiss again, she seemed to be really struggling with something in the lab but she needed Lena to focus. As she moved closer Lena seemed to back away, Was there something about Sam that was causing this reaction in Lena and if so, how was she going to treat her? Kara laid her on the bed and moved around to Lena, the moment that she was in her direct space, Lena seemed to calm, and started working again.

“Your mother, she is getting away. I need to go after her, find out what she has done to Sam, whatever this is, Sam is in trouble, I will be right back.”

“Stop”

Lena’s frantic shout had rung out through the lab as soon as she stepped away from her, the command caused Kara to stop in her tracks, almost as if her body was unable to move, she was confused as to why she seemed to have no control? Was this Lena developing some of the other powers that they mentioned? Was she inadvertently controlling her? The bigger question when she looked at Lena was Why was her face contorted again against whatever she was smelling and why could Lena not function at the moment without her being there, connected to her? The thought of Lena developing new abilities needed to come second in this moment, Lillian was getting away and Sam needed Lena. There was something here that was causing her significant issues and Kara found herself torn. Part of her wanting to defy the command and go after Lillian the other, wanting to submit to what Lena needed. If Lillian got away there would be no way to find her in time to help Sam, but it seemed as though Lena was not able to work without her. She moved back and Lena started to work again. It seemed that she had to be within touching distance of Lena for her to overcome whatever this was.

“Lena you need to explain what is happening, I don't want Sam to be hurt but I don't want Lillian to get away, tell me what is going on.”

“Sam, her scent is shifting and it is strong, there is a mix, I can't explain it, part of it is like a threatening scent and it is making me want to attack her. It is like she is a threat to what I need and what I crave. I can only explain it as it feels like a rival and the predator in me needs to destroy her. The other part is kind of calming, almost fragrant but not as calming as your scent. It has a similarity but also it appears to be making me feel queasy, Like it is too sweet, or something it doesn't have the balance. I don't know how to explain this, Sam didn't smell like this before whatever my mother has done has caused this and the only thing right now that is stopping me ripping her throat out is you, please stay I don't trust myself with her.``

“But Lena, your mother?”

“Will have won whatever twisted game she is playing here if you leave and I turn into a monster killing my friend, Kara just do as I say, don't move, use the coms, call for Jess, press the emergency button, just don't move, please.”

Kara felt the strength of the tone in Lena’s voice she may have said please but that was a command, and the way she spoke made Kara root to the spot once again, there was something here in Lena that was making her able to control her in someway, clearly she needed to stay but she wasn't willing to Let Lillian go.. She looked up and could do nothing but nod at the words, she looked around and saw the pad, like a blur she moved and was back in her spot hitting the emergency contact, the alarm sounded throughout the lab and then muted, although she was sure there were Alarms now going off in key areas, there was a crackle and then she was put through to Jess’s office. Greeted by the sound of both Jess and Eliza’s slightly panicked voices.

“What happened?”

“Lillian is on the loose, she needs to be stopped and returned to the Lab. I can not leave the lab, get her, Call Alex if you need, but do not let that woman out of this building. Jess use the Lillian protocol we talked about”

******** The elevator out of the lab******

Lillian stood in the elevator with her heart racing in her chest, there was no way that she could disguise just how much that scene had shocked her, there was nothing that she had observed so far to suggest that the virus caused that much pain. The tests with the mice had offered no such information and there was no way that she could have seen this happening. The face of Samantha contorted, the ramrod way that she seemed to contort in her body, she seemed to levitate for a moment before convulsing on the floor. It had been something that she could not have foreseen, not something that had been part of any of the experiments.

Was there something different with Samantha? Was she an alien? Maybe someone that was in other ways more vulnerable. If this was the way that the Virus had taken over the body of Samantha the pain that she was in was something otherworldly, she had never seen someone respond quite like that and well care. She wasn't sure if it was the shock of the visual and auditory stimulus or the fact that Lillian seemed to care about it that was causing her the strange reaction in her. She cared about Lena, Loved her and this person was really important to her, and she had caused her pain, it wasn't the intention but it was nonetheless the product of her inability to make the right choice. She should have accepted Lena’s terms, respected her boundaries but she couldn't, not even a week had passed and she was unable to keep her promise.

Lillian placed the vile in her purse and took out the emitter, she may have had every intention to be a part of Lena’s life, wanted to do better but she had planned for the eventuality that she was not going to be able to fulfil that. There was a part of her that clearly believed that there was no way to overcome her nature. As she said to Lena all those years ago, every time she has the opportunity to choose her over something else, she chooses something else. This time however was different, she felt terrible about it, and terrible about what was happening to Samantha down stairs. Employing her emitter and the knowledge of the few blind spots in the system, the flow of the staff she slipped out of LCorp.

There was a moment when she thought she was not going to get away, the building seemed to be on lockdown, Danielle and Hector the heads of Lena’s personal security were scouring the lobby but with a small adjustment she was able to slip out and get away. She needed to get to a lab and chill the sample. She needed to know what happened with the virus and what the Kryptonian cure was, she wasn't going to lose Lena and get nothing.

********Jess Office******

After two drinks in Lena’s office the need to return to work was weighing on Jess, almost as much as the concern for the already slurring Eliza, the woman clearly was not a drinker in any respect, she had bundled her up and took her back to her office and offered her a laptop to work on, it was connected to the lab so she was able to do something, she clearly wasn't planning on going home and sleeping it off. Jess couldn't help the small chuckle, who needs to sleep off two drinks, Eliza was definitely one of a kind. She started back into the heap of paperwork that was sitting on her desk and just took the odd glance at Eliza, now sat with a laptop on her lap, her head on her hand, eyes closed and contently snoring. She shook her head and continued. She had not been working long and there was an alarm going off, Eliza had startled awake and moved over, Jess typing away on her computer patching herself through to the location of the alarm.

“What is that alarm?”

“It's the lab, Lena’s”

When she saw it was Lena’s lab and explained to a worried looking Eliza, she focused back on the screen, she couldn't help the way the bile rose in her throat and the panic took over her. Lena and Kara were still down there with Sam, and well Lillian she supposed not that this was causing her too much worry at the moment. She managed to get through and there was a crackling noise, clearly whatever device was being used was not one of the main, she hoped that her voice would make it thorough. As the sound of connection happened both her and Eliza asked.

“What happened?”

Jess looked up and smile offering a little comfort to the other, she could see that Eliza was concerned, she was also probably scolding herself for her earlier actions once again, although Jess couldn't understand it completely, if she had the chance to slap the smug look of Lillian's face she would grab it with both hands. She would not be feeling sorry about it in any way. She reached out and took her hand giving it a squeeze as they waited for the reply, Kara’s voice came through the computer.

“Lillian is on the loose, she needs to be stopped and returned to the Lab. I can not leave the lab, get her, Call Alex if you need, but do not let that woman out of this building. Jess use the Lillian protocol we talked about”

Jess’s eyes went wild, she didn't stop to ask what, or how no time was to waste there was only one way out of that lab and it was through Lena’s office, she cursed herself for leaving when she did and ran through the door and down the corridor, there was no sign of Lillian in the hall, she went into the office hoping to see her in there or hear the elevator but nothing, Lillian had already gotten out of the lab she cursed, not just because she was already halfway out the building, but because if she had just worked from Lena’s office she would have caught her, she would have had her own chance to slap her. She lifted the phone and was patched through to Hector.

“Hector code Red, Lillian protocol, Scan with exemption only, Viper on the run”

“Why do you always have to have such complicated codes for these things, would a simple Lillian Luthor needs to be detained, suffice?”

Jess looked at Eliza and smiled, she shook her head. It was about the severity of the situation, the protocol being allowed and the level of intrusion that Lena would allow with her staff. She looked at Eliza and explained.

“With the tech that the Luthor's have created over the years there are other things to consider, Code red means that it is a top priority target, meaning that other projects take a secondary, in other words all other areas are on lockdown until it is sorted so all security can be reassigned. Lillian protocol means that all gates and entrance points need to be disabled, she can probably hack most of them, and without the gate’s in operation everyone needs to be scanned through meaning she has no choice to use security to exit. Scan with exemption means disable any image inducer that is not accompanied by exemption on the alien relation section of the protocol. It’s to keep the aliens that work with us free of being scanned and having their inducers terminated, as much as Lena is open to all, there are still some that don't want to work with aliens, so they have exemption. Finally Viper on the run means that Lillian is probably armed, dangerous and will not be concerned with any collateral damage. There are other options and considerations that can be put in, but each code tells Hector exactly what I want without having to go through everything. From his security station he can press in the codes and everyone gets the alerts and all the necessary systems are automatically closed, it is a comprehensive system. Come on lets meet them in the lobby, I want to see her face when we catch her.”

Jess lead the way out of the office and to the lobby she wanted to be sure that Lillian was indeed back in the building and under lock and key before she went to the Lab, her heart was already racing that the insane bitch of a mother had pulled something that had Lena in serious trouble, the fact that Kara couldn't leave the lab was causing her to fear the worse, Lena being hurt in any way would result in Kara refusing to leave, she had seen it before the super not wanting to leave her side, only when Alex was there would she continue with whatever threat was brewing. Jess smiled, Alex she was at the DEO, she pulled out her phone and dialled the number.

“Alex, we have a problem, we are trying to contain it, Lillian is up to something and there is an alarm in the Lab, and Lillian is making her escape”

******DEO******

Alex was just about to leave the office, after finishing off some paperwork, she figured that she could use the time effectively and then come in a little later tomorrow, it meant having brunch with Kelly instead of just a quick breakfast, she smiled to herself, it would be nice to spend some time with her girlfriend after all with Lena, Lillian and god knows what else that had been thrown at them lately she was missing out on that alone time. She pulled her phone out of her pocket as it started to ring and looked at the unknown number, she frowned a little before clicking to answer.

“Danvers”

“Alex, we have a problem, we are trying to contain it, Lillian is up to something and there is an alarm in the Lab, and Lillian is making her escape”

“I will set up some monitoring and be right there, I know that Hector and Danielle have probably got it covered, but my mother and sister are in there too so I am coming, full team, Alien threat or not.”

Alex hung up the phone and moved through the door. She was scanning the room and saw Vasquez and Brainy in command 1, she made her way over calling out orders.

Vasquez strike team Alpha ready to go as soon as I join, move Agent Dox, upgrade Matriarch to one and find her now, send team beta and omega out to the last addresses you found her and bring in all known accomplices in the city limits, Now!”

*******Lena’s Lab******

Lena was struggling to focus, she was trying and Kara being here was helping calm her more baser instinct to hurt Sam, why was this happening what had Lillian done that had changed Sam’s scent so violently, if she had not already been satisfied with her hunger and her need for Kara she was not sure what would have happened on discovering Sam. She only just managed to hold herself back as the hiss seemed to escape her lips, she didn't even know she was capable of making such a sound. She knew that Kara being near calmed her although it had the effect on her to need too, but when satiated she was the most calm when Kara was there, as much as she wanted Lillian to pay for this, she wouldn't risk Sam. so Kara needed to stay. When Kara had halted at her command and returned she couldn't help but wonder if there was some truth to the alternative powers that Lex had mentioned. She didn't want to be in control of Kara but the need in the bedroom seemed to be there, and Kara seemed to really like that, she couldn't help but wonder if it was this ability.

She was trying to sooth Sam, she had drawn some blood although the first attempt had resulted in a broken hypodermic, she tried the other arm and it seemed to work, Lena couldn't help but hypothesis that Lillian had been messing with the Kryptonian cure, after all if she could make a super human she would be more than happy to weaponize it and send it after superman. Lena was contemplating this when a thought struck her. Sam was originally Kryptonian, they used magic to help mask that, to give her the ability to blend in in plain sight and react as a normal human. But she wasn't, not originally, so when they split reign what did that leave Sam as? At the time they thought she was just a human, but there was never any human in Sam’s true origin.

The copy they found later of Kara had been an exact replica before her brother started to mess with her, but she had Kara’s looks, abilities, powers and it would seem even some of the attachments, something that Lex had perverted in the way only he could. Did that mean that Sam was Kryptonian still, was she still half magically bonded? Why had she not thought about this before, and what did that mean for Ruby? If Sam had the virus then maybe that was why she was presenting in two ways? Was it even possible that the masking side was turning as a human and the other was reacting as……. Lena gasped when she thought about the petri dish with the way the blood and virus violently reacted, burning each other up and struggling for dominance. The perpetual cycle of mutual destruction.

“Lena, what is it? I can hear you thinking harder than ever in that beautiful mind of yours but whatever you just thought is clearly distressing, talk to me. What can I do?”

“What if Sam isn't human like we thought, and the virus is having the reaction on her Kryptonian cells that it did in the dish? What if she is burning from the inside out, stuck in that agony? Oh god Kara. What have I done?”

“You? Lena this is not your fault, what ever happened in here was Lillian, before that Otis, and Lex and that stupid Doctor, Sam is human though you tested her and she was human after the Reign thing, so why would your mind go there?”

“Don't you see, she is invulnerable on this side, but not this, her eye is red this side but not this, she has one fang not two, she is clearly in immense pain. She wouldn't be here if it wasn't for me, she came back for me, just like last time she came here for me, and this, this is my fault I brought Lillian here, I did this Kara, this is my fault, I should never have left my blood in that fridge, we thought that it could make a Kryptonian, the moment I knew that I should have destroyed it and myself, look what is happening”

Lena was shaking, she could feel the tears hitting her cheeks, the hot salty water burning her eyes, she was the cause of so much pain in everyone's life and her arrogance had once again won out. She believed she cured Sam when she split her from reign, the way that the blood work came back she took it at face value she didn't even question her hypothesis, just believed she was right. Now her blood when faced with a Kryptonian was not turning her into what she was but was fighting for supremacy in her body. She needed to help Sam, she needed to save the world from her genetics, and her mother, her brother, her whole genetic line was tainted by this madness, she needed to do something good. She felt Kara’s hands on her shoulders and then Kara pull her into her chest, the Kryptonian heart beating steady inside her lover, calming her with the sound, as Sam’s scent was completely obliterated from her, wrapped so securely in Kara’s embrace. She could hear the soft words Kara was speaking.

“Lena, Zhao, calm yourself, you need to help Sam, you don't know who’s blood this is, if it was the virus or not, we need to do the tests, we need to know for sure but in the meantime, lets help with the pain, the radiation ok, red sun lamps, the treatment you take, pain relief, saline, all the things you would normally do. You can do this Lena.”

Lena didn't like the idea of Kara being hit by the sun lamps but everything Kara said made sense, she really was a genius and knew more about physiology and medicine than she had shared. She put up the combinations and started the tests on the blood, all they could do now is wait.

***** Town Car******

Lillian made sure that her motions were not tracked, switching her facial software every few blocks whenever she was able to do so undetected and in a crowd. It was important that after all this she at least came out with something, one of the things that she needed was a Lab, there was only one that was going to have everything that she needed and was in the city, just about. It was the lab that they used to store the Luthor samples, no one knew about it not even Lena, it was a Lionel lab from a very long time ago, it was never on the books for Luthor Corp and she had not told Lex about it, she had taken opportunities to update samples over the years.

She thought back to the last time she was able to collect samples from Lena, following the break out of prison, she managed to get a pint of her blood then, in fact there was no need to have Lena with her to open Lex’s vault, she had samples from Lionel, Lex and Lena in this Lab, it was her attempt to get Lena back on track, to give her a reason motivation to join the cause but that had just backfired on her. She never told her that she could have opened the vault alone, she just let Lena think that she was there for that, she shouldn't have let that Henshaw man handle her like that.

Every time she tried to reach out it was something that she could have done without Lena, but she wanted her daughter with her, she could have sent Henshaw back after the isotope, or had one of the loyalist’s inside bring it out but she wanted Lena with her, and she ended up in prison, she could have gotten into the vault without her but again she wanted Lena with her. The Cube was not something that she could have fixed but taking it to Lena instead of arming people with weapons or getting the information about the Daxamite weakness out would have been just as simple. Again she wanted Lena with her.

There were times that she thought about the interactions, the only time that she ever said anything to Lena about what she wanted in terms of her, was after the invasion where she talked about how she consistently made mistakes, but even that wasn't enough. She recognised now that although it was the first time she vocalised any wrong doing when it came to Lena it was also the only time. The effort had not been worth it, mainly because there had been no consistency, she had not backed it up with action. She arrived finally at the lab and using the lock, opened the vault, which housed the secret lab. To anyone looking it was a decommissioned lab, however under the lead floor, almost 50ft underground was the real lab, complete with everything that she would need, and a way out if she had to leave. She started to set up and placed the listening device receiver on the table. First things first she needed to power up the lab.

*******LCorp Lobby******

Eliza was watching there were more security than she had thought, but then she recognised a flash of red hair, Alex had arrived too with the DEO, she wasn't sure how Lena would feel about that considering her concerns over the information getting out, but they would have to deal with that as it happened, she could see that there was nothing more she could do here, but there was something that she could do in the lab, she could find out what happened, and if Lena, Sam and Kara were alright, to a degree she knew that Kara was, although not willing to leave but that didn't give her much information, she motioned to Jess that she was going and headed to the elevator. As she reached it she could hear the sounds of people coming towards her, it was Alex and Jess, she smiled.

“There is nothing I can do here but I thought I can see what the situation is, maybe I can be of some help there”

“She is gone, we missed her, I don't know where but I have the DEO looking for her and bringing in her associates so that she will be caught as soon as possible, but Lillian has a way of slipping through the net each time.”

“A viper, isn't that what you said Jess?”

The elevator sounded and they all stepped in, Eliza wobbled slightly as she entered the adrenaline was helping with her feeling of inebriation but she was definitely less coordinated. They needed to get up to Lena’s office to get to the lab, she could see Alex sniggering at her and turned to look at her daughter, she raised her brow and tilted her head.

“Is there something funny Alexandra?”

“Mom, are you, have you been drinking?”

“She felt guilty for slapping a vapid viper and needed to calm her nerves, I swear I did not know she was such a lightweight.”

“You slapped Lillian? Oh my god you did, yeah mom, that is fuck i would pay to see that, Jess tell me that was on CCTV or something Damn mom.”

“Don't you start Alexandra, it is not something that I am proud of and you of all people should know my position of lashing out instead of using your mind, it is not something that the others need to know.”

Eliza turned to leave the now open doors and could hear Jess and Alex talking about it behind her, she was sure that she heard Jess promise to find the footage, "after all it was something that I want to see too, I believe that Lena may enjoy it too, well maybe not right now but as soon as whatever was happening down stairs was sorted.” Eliza rolled her eyes and turned back to them.

“Do either of you have any idea what actually happened?”

“Nope just what Jess said, when she called incase Lillian slipped away, have we heard from Kara?”

“Nothing since the initial message, but she was alright, she said that she couldn't leave the lab, but other than that she sounded ok.”

They slipped into the elevator to the lab, it was a tight squeeze with all of them in there but it would only be a short ride, Eliza figured what ever happened wouldn't pose a threat otherwise the elevator would be disconnected, it wasn't until they were nearly at the bottom that she was contemplating this of course, and couldn't help thinking that today was a bad day to have a drink. As the doors opened the elevator was flooded with Red light, Eliza only knew one thing that created a light like that, but why would Lena need to weaken Kara?

When they entered the room to see that it was Sam not Kara under the lights Eliza watched as Alex rushed to her side taking her hand, Sam seemed to be unconscious and there were a number of bags hanging already Lena was working in the lab off to the side, and Kara seemed to be just shadowing her, never straying more than a arms length, surely they had gotten it all out of their system by now, the sight of Alex’s worry and the behaviour in general in the lab sobered Eliza up and she was in action in moments.

“Tell me where I can help”

“Can you finish these tests? I need to know what is in her system, unfortunately the remainder of the vial was disintegrated I don't know what one it was there are a number missing, My mother has some of our samples, and Sam has been infected, I need to know what it is, but first, I have to call Ruby, Kara please, come with me.”

Chapter Text

Ruby was laying on her cot in the dorm, she had decided that she would move into the halls, to have the full college experience as her mother called it, but it really wasn't something she liked, she always felt a little different and not just because she was shy around her peers. She had always found that she was more comfortable in the presence of people a little older or a lot older technically. She was trying but her saving grace all semester had been going home at weekends not that she considered their home in metropolis home per say, but she considered her mother home. It was funny, Metropolis had been the place they stayed longest, they had been there since leaving National City but it didn't feel like home to her. Moving around so much as a child, one city to another, one school after another, there was never really anything that felt like she belonged, just her mom. Her favourite Christmas would always be the one in a shady motel that smelt like mothballs on the road between two towns that she has long since forgotten the name of, but cuddled up in that dank place with her mother was everything, she was home.

She flopped over on the bed flattening on her stomach and kicking her legs absentmindedly, her mom much to her surprise had gone back to National City, only for a short visit but still she had not thought that would happen. She had come back for their weekend and she had gotten her respite from the halls. However her going back again so soon after caused concern for her, after all her mother was not happy when she returned from the first trip, there had been a resurgence of the panic attacks but they only lasted a day or so. But she had been gone now, this was the second weekend she was going to be alone. She thought about going back to the house but that was just a different set of walls to look at. She let out a huff and moved herself on to her knees, maybe she should venture out and get something to eat, although the thought of using the kitchen in the halls filled her with dread. She could hear the noises of everyone outside.

“Hey Jane, we are going to see if she is in or what?”

What's the point, even if the hermit is in there you know she will only scurry out and go to the kitchen and back”

“Yeah but if she is there we should probably warn her about the boys coming over, I mean she hardly comes out of there, can you imagine coming face to face with the drunken jocks?”

“She studies, she goes to lessons and then she vanishes at the weekend, she is completely antisocial she will bring everyone down and Kyle is coming, we don't need that tonight come on”

Ruby was pulled back to high school, it was just like the girls that tormented her and she smiled remembering the day that Alex had gone over and scared the life out of her, she couldn't help thinking that she could do with some of Alex’s strength, she really was the strongest person she knew. It was one of the reasons that she thought Alex was perfect for her mom, after all she knew that her mother liked women too, it wasn't something that bothered Ruby particularly, it was more of a concern that she chose not to date well anyone. She wanted to see her mother happy and tried to make it ok for her to be with anyone, she even teased her about Alex hoping that her mother would open up about it. Maybe it was just something that her and her mother were not going to be able to discuss just yet. She wasn't sure what it was that she liked, at this point the boys were of no interest, mainly because of their behavior. Maybe it would be better when they were older? As for girls there was way too much mean spirited bullying to really contemplate, maybe she just wants someone that was particularly interested in relationships?

Well that cleared it up. She was not going out of the room regardless, the one good thing was she had a small toilet and sink in her room, at least she didn't have to go out there and face that, this was not home. Considering all that she had been through in National City, what happened with her mom, and the appearance of Reign. She should hate it as much as her mother, but she loved it there. Aunt Lena, Alex, Kara, the DEO, everything was so interesting and they didn't treat her like a child, she felt at peace with others for the first time and no matter what unpleasant things happened, or how many panic attacks she had to talk her mother through, she still missed it there. She contemplated returning for college, but she wasn't sure that her mother would be happy with that, she could have gotten experience with Lena or Alex, she would have been able to spend time with some of her favorite people, including Supergirl.

How many people actually had an alien aunt with superpowers, an billionaire aunt with an unbelievable brain and fast whit, and a cool aunt that was the head of the DEO with all that training and awesome personality, she had even helped her dye her hair. Next to her mother National City was home, but without her mother she was not so sure. Which is why she chose to stay here in Metropolis, and where her mother was. Those girls and their Jock wannabe heroes of the varsity team, she knew real heroes. Ruby wondered if she could call in a favor and get Kara to visit, it wasn't like she hadn't put two and two together, she may be shy, but she is far from stupid. If only intelligence was something people of her age liked, but no it's all about looks, money and social media content. People being popular because they can use a filter, famous by association, Ruby wished the world was less enamoured with popularity.

She stood from the bed and moved over to the drawer that she kept full of her stash of food, anything that could be made without going to the kitchen and pulled out some noodles, not exactly the best nutritionally, but psychologically much better than dealing with what was out that door. She put on the small kettle to heat the water, it was her favorite item, not something often used in America, her mother had brought it back from a random trip to London and Ruby had pinched it for her room. What was keeping her mother in National city anyway? She said that everyone was alright and there was nothing to worry about, apparently Aunty Lena was a little sick and needed help to run things, but she was fine, just needed to take it easy. Ruby could feel something nagging in the back of her mind. The last time that someone had been sick and she was told it was nothing to worry about, her mother was adorning leather and a mask and killing criminals as a Kryptonian world killer.

She knew that Lena was a human, there was no way that that was the case again, and if Reign or any of the others were about there would be breaking news, even without Miss Grant running things in National city there is no way that a new alien in town killing people would go unnoticed, although apart from Aunt Kara, CATCO had seemed well a little flat since the new owner took over. She was of course a subscriber to all CATCO social Media, she loved to hear what they were doing, every fight, every DEO excursion, she was actually getting really good at spotting the truth beneath the stories now. Then she couldn't help thinking to her bio class, She was by no means stupid and had always wondered what it was that happened that caused her mother to become Reign and then after what ever treatment Lena gave her she was a human? How exactly did that work, DNA is written into every cell of the body, every part of her mothers genetic make up was coded and she was Reign, a Kryptonian world killer that could fly and had strength everything that Kara had, where did it go?

She heard the voices start up and the music flip on obnoxiously loud, she rolled her eyes and wished she had just gone back to the empty house, at least she would have quiet. The kettle clicked off and she poured the steaming water into the pot, stirring the noodles and sauce together to create something at least palatable, she contemplated her thoughts for a little as she watched the sauce thicken, and realised that what ever happened to her mother would have had to be on the genetic level for her to be human, and if Aunt Lena could do that she was even more impressive than she had always believed, after all her mom had appeared human all her life, then suddenly there was the need for strength when she was stuck under that frame. The adrenaline her mother said had caused it to happen, what if that was what triggered the transformation into Reign? Was that whole thing her fault for getting stuck in that situation in the first place. She had wondered if there was anything in her that had powers, after all she was half human and half well Kryptonian right, that's how it worked, her mother was a Kryptonian? It was the same thoughts, over and over that she couldn't get her mind around, maybe because no one at the time would tell her the whole truth, not that she would have understood all the complex science and genetics at the time, but she would now, it was like there was information missing, much like her mother.

“Hey time for beer pong?”

“Strip beer pong”

“YESSSS….. Unless you girls are shy like what's her name behind the closed door”

“I’d tap that, the quiet ones are always freaks in the sack”

Ruby rolled her eyes, she was seriously contemplating the choice of this institution and definitely the hall’s experience. Whatever her mother thought she would get from this, she was sadly mistaken. The choice however to combine medical and psychology was all connected to her mother, the mental health first aid course had been an eye opener to her, so much distress in the world, so many ways that your own brain can cause you difficulties, and the other, well pre-med, that meant Psychiatry, or Genetics were an option, both she would get much more information on with Alex or Lena. Her mother wouldn't talk about it, not really she just said that Lena used something to split the Kryptonian from her and she was human again. It made no sense at all to her, how can a human suddenly become Kryptonian? And how can a Kryptonian split into part human, part Kryptonian? If it was her it would make sense, as far as she was aware her father was human at least, a douche but a human one. She would really love to look into it but it wasn't like her mother was offering up any answers, or a quart of blood any time soon.

It was the bio class that spoke about the difference between fraternal dizygotic, identical or monozygotic, and conjoined twins, technically monozygotic but incompletely split, in her first year in Metropolis that had started her thinking about it, if there was a split between Reign and her mother it would be the same as identical twins. Two people created from one cell, or in this case an exact duplication of the original. When Supergirl attacked the Whitehouse, she knew it wasn't Kara there was something off, and she wondered if during the mission that Kara was split too? At least that would make sense, after all cloning was not at that stage yet, was it? Which still brought her back to the fact that her mother, who had powers when she was Reign didn't when she was herself, but they were the same. She would love to talk to Aunt Lena about it all. That would make her half Kryptonian though right, where were her powers? And why did her and her mother appear human?

She found some plausible theories in psychology, the interesting yet infuriating thing about psych 101 is it always started with Freud, and he was kind of creepy, it was so strange for a time where people were at their height of repression, that someone would become addicted to cocaine and spout sexual theories for everything, not just some of life's little quandaries, no he seemed to have phalluses and sex everywhere, it was like the man couldn't get over his own obsession with his penis. So much for other people having penis envy it seemed to be the only thing on his mind, she chuckled maybe he was just gay and so in the closet it came out in everything he wrote. His theories on the Id, Ego and Superego were interesting though.

The Id that contained the drives, the hidden memories instruction and aggression, that was all that Reign was, when she was face to face with her mother in that suit there was no her there, it was all about her mission, her need to do things, to cleanse the earth, even to kill her. Her mother was like the superego, the moral centre, always putting her own desires to the back of her mind, pushing away anything that she needed in favor of doing what was right for Ruby. The Kryptonian DNA and ID creating a supervillain, finally allowed to come to the front, taking over the Superego, the mild human at least in appearance Samantha Arias, so repressed she appeared human??? The brief moment in that fight where it seemed as though her mother and that world killer were present would be the ego, the reality, the balance between the strangled control and the free id. Maybe it was the lesson in psych, maybe it was the lack of time with her mother, or the very familiar feeling that something was happening and she was being kept in the dark that was having her mind play over this again. Maybe it was because her mother was gone, she was in the National City with everyone else and Ruby wanted nothing more than to go home.

Ruby was writing her theories down trying to work out what was plausible based on the limited understanding, but still she was mulling it over and closer she believed to a hypothesis, she tried to drown out the noise with her own music, and tried to drift back into her thoughts. When her phone rang, it startled her and her heart started to race, it pulled her from her thoughts, she sighed, was that a respite she needed or interrupting her thoughts on the cusp of something that she could finally make sense of? She moved over to the cot and picked up the phone seeing Lena’s face looking at her. Her heart sank, why would Lena be calling and not her mother. She hit the accept button and put the phone to her ear.

“Aunt Lena? Is everything alright?”

Ruby listened to her aunt telling her about the issues and she could feel her anxiety rising, her blood was pumping around her body so fast her heart felt like it was practically vibrating and she could hardly speak. It was then that she was given simple instructions, pack a bag there is a driver on the way. She confirmed the information and then hung up the phone, adrenaline coursing through her body she ran around the room throwing things into a holdall and grabbing whatever that she thought she would need, she didn't care much about the lessons that were next week or any of the assignments that needed filing all she cared about was that her mother, her home, her everything was in danger, and no one knew what was wrong at the moment, she was sure at the end of the phone she heard a blood curdling scream that sounded like her mother before the call ended. She looked around and spotted the notepad she had been scribbling in putting it into the bag. There was little left in the room by this point and Ruby couldn't help but wonder if her life of moving around all the time was the cause for her light packing or that she just didn't want to be in halls. She needed to get to her mother and that was the only thing that mattered right now.

Ruby didn't even think about the people outside the door she pulled the duffel over her shoulder and opened the door heading out into the hall and down towards the small communal area before the door to the stairs out of the building, she needed to get to her mother and was hardly thinking about anything else. So when a man blocked her way she didn't even register that he was standing in boxers and socks, clearly drunk and blocking her on purpose. She shifted to go around him and before she knew it both of the boys were there in front of her completely blocking her way.

“Hey Josh you said you wanted a ride on the quiet one, and here she is ready to join the party”

“Humm Kyle she is going to need some encouragement, maybe a drink and a few less clothes, what is she dressed for a snow storm”

Ruby rolled her eyes, jocks plus alcohol, a crime in the making. Why was it that the colleges didn't have some kind of segregation in place? only men that were able to manage their inner Neanderthal allowed in the halls, there should be some kind of test that they need, they care about sports and GPA maybe they needed a test for common decency. She was not in the mood for this right now and she needed to get out of here, there would be a car waiting, she had to get to her mother, if Lena was calling and sounding so worried there must be something really wrong with her mother.

“I am not staying just passing through if you wouldn't mind just moving out the way, I have somewhere to go.”

“We don't need her guys come on we were having fun”

“Abby is right, you have us, and to be fair this is the first time she has ventured out on a school night. Maybe Goodwill is having a midnight flash sale.”

Ruby felt the hands gripping at her arm and trying to pull her into the room, she was angry there was no need for them to be like this, she just wanted to go, the girls didn't want her there, and she was not interested in either of the boys. Why was it the less she was interested in joining, the more fuss that people wanted to create. She snatched away her arm and one of the boys stumbled forward, she assumed that he was off balance and then the other tried to grab her and she pushed him away, he seemed to leave the floor for a moment and then crashed into the wall. There was some angry shouting and Ruby backed away only to see the door open and the driver come in, he caught the fist flying towards Ruby and she flinched.

“Miss Ruby, Miss Luthor sent me to get you. Is there a problem here?”

“Frank? I didn't know you were in Metropolis, I think that we are all done here, I just want to get to LCorp and see Mom.”

Ruby didn't care for the continuation of the current situation any more than the things she could hear as she was leaving, looks like she was the freak in college as much as she was in school. She felt Frank take the duffel and he looked down at her. She wasn't exactly sure why she noticed or why she thought it odd, but he wrapped his arm around her and guided her out of the building and down to the waiting car. She slid into the back and waited for the car to pull away. She was grateful for the car and the Jet, after all she needed to be with her mother. She knew that Frank would have no information, as nice as he was even if he overheard something he wouldn't say, she needed information about what was happening and there was only one person that could give it to her, but there was no way that Lena would answer her now.

Sitting in the car helped with her anger and frustration, that just left her with high levels of anxiety, she was worried, her mother had never been sick not really, even after the Reign thing, she was still healthier than anyone, whatever this was that was causing her to be sick at the moment must be something really bad. Her mind couldn't help but wander back to the last time, it was natural she supposed she had been thinking about Reign and National City before she had the call, she wondered if the thought processes were somehow prophetic, was she connected to this in some way, after all her mother was not entirely what she seemed, it would be natural to believe that Ruby would have some kind of alteration in her DNA too. She smiled to herself, she remembered wanting her mom to have super powers so much, it wasn't so much wanting a super mom, her mother was already the most super mom she could have asked for. It was her that wanted them really, she was in high school, she was bullied, she was painfully shy, that would have given her something.

Maybe there was something about her that was different after all. She was the first to notice something was wrong, she was the first to be concerned about her mother. She was already thinking about things before the call, maybe just maybe, the alien side of her was more connected to some kind of prophecy, that she was able to sense the coming issues. Anything that could be useful in this situation but then she didn't know what the situation was, it was frustrating that she was in the dark at the moment. What was wrong with Lena in the first place that pulled her mother to National City, her mom had been called by Alex which meant that there was something big. If the whole super team were being called and her mother was needed, her mother was helping with LCorp though wasn't she? Running things? But that could have been done from her office in Metropolis. There had to be something more after all her mother had no technical abilities nor medical it wasn't like she was able to help with the illness?

Whatever it was that was causing her mother to be sick now, was clearly connected to whatever was happening to Lena, if they were already working on something, maybe it was already in progress, maybe they would be closer to a cure than she thought. However Lena did not sound sick, what if there was something that her mother had that was not the same, maybe there was something about the way that they cured her mother that they were trying to use to help Lena, maybe that went wrong and now her mom was sick and Lena sounded find, it shows whatever they were working on was not quite what they had said, was Lena ever sick? Was this something else, something connected to her mom? Although she had been fine before she went to National City?

Then it hit her, what if it was something to do with her DNA? What if there was more to her mother than they first thought, what if Reign was back? After all there was no reason to believe that her mother was human there was no reason to believe that whatever called out that part of her was not present. If she had been thinking about the possibilities that her mother was not human, maybe Lena had never stopped working on things? Maybe whatever they used to suppress Reign was failing? Maybe the changing of her body on a cellular level that supposedly was the reason for her mothers illness was not reversed? Maybe it was never reversed? Ruby needed answers to questions bigger than what was wrong at this point. She was looking for the truth.

Ruby found herself at the airport transferring to the jet, she should have been excited to be on the private jet, she had heard so much about it, but she couldn't think of anything other than her mother at the moment, whatever was happening was not good and she needed to be there, she sat in the massive seat and waited for the jet to take off, as the jet took off she could feel herself calming as they soared into the sky and closed her eyes, mulling over things however shortly after she fell asleep. She was not sure how long she had been asleep but she could hear voices in the background.

“Yes I have her here, she is asleep, she seems to be doing alright, quiet as normal, she is a sweet kid but shy, the people in her dorm don't seem to be appreciative of her more positive qualities.”

Ruby heard the person she recognised as Frank talking. She was not sure who he was talking too, but clearly it was either Lena or Alex, someone who was going to be meeting her maybe? She had not really listened to much after the initial information, she was being picked up and taken to National City she was sure there was more but it wasn't important.

“No Ruby handled it, the kid may be shy, but she is a lot stronger than she looks, there was only one that I had to intervene with and well to be fair judging by the other one, I did him a favor. Yeah she is a firecracker, like the rest of you, a strong woman…… humm… humm….. Yes she is much like her mother, how is Miss Arias? Mmmmmm….. Ok……. LCorp?...…. She is still asleep but she might want to freshen up, but I can bring her to LCorp……….. Yes Jess, I will make sure she is brought directly to you, Will Miss Luthor be meeting us there?...….. Humm… ok…. Yes that makes sense…… she is very loyal she wouldn't leave her…… yes I will wake Miss Ruby and bring her over.”

So whatever was happening Lena was with her mother, Lena could leave but was not going to, she was staying with her mother, if that was the case things were bad. Thinking back she remembered being taken care of by a nanny at the Luthor mansion, Lena had been so focused on her mother she had left her there, keeping her safe, but Alex had come to get her, she even spent a day at the DEO with Winn, it was better when she was with someone who cared, sure the Nanny was nice and the mansion was an amazing place. She was a little sad that no one was coming to get her, but at the same time it was good that her mother wasn't on her own, she moved in the chair and stretched, it was time to get up and head to her mother, she was anxious to see her but at the same time she wanted to know more, sometimes being the quiet shy person is useful.

“Are we in National City?”

“Yes Miss Ruby, just taxiing down the runway, heading to the car to take you to your mom.”

Ruby stood and headed towards the exit as the jet stopped, heading out to the car and soon on her way to LCorp, she watched out the window. The city had changed but one thing had not, the tall LCorp building with the logo on the side, she smiled, it was like the closer she got to the location, the calmer she was feeling, she was now going to see her mother, and she was going to get some answers from Aunt Lena, she just needed to deal with Jess first, Ruby ran her mind back, Jess she had heard of, off course, but at the same time she couldn't recall actually meeting her. The door opened and she was led inside by Frank, into the private elevator and to the top floor. Frank took her down past her mothers old office to another, and knocked. There was a voice from the other side that told them to come in and Frank opened the door. She slipped inside, looking at the woman, who was sitting at the desk working. She waited for a few moments growing impatient.

“Um, are you Jess, because I want to see my mom, I didn't come all this way to watch you do paperwork. Where is aunt Alex? Aunt Kara? I know that aunt Lena is with my mom, where are the others?”

“Kara is with Lena and your Mom, along with Eliza Danvers. I think that Alex is still at work but I am sure that she will be here soon. The idea of you coming here first, is so that I can explain a few things before we go down there to see her. I am sure you are anxious about seeing her, but this I need to finish so that things for your Mom are a little more comfortable, so if you give me a moment I will be with you.”

The paperwork needed to be done for her mother, to keep her comfortable, Ruby was more worried now than before, whatever was wrong with her mother she was clearly in pain. She didn't like this idea at all. She moved to the couch and sat down with her leg bouncing with agitation, she now knew what was being done was for her mother, but it was still delaying them going down. Once it was finished Jess moved over to the couch and sat with Ruby.

“What I am going to tell you is kind of unbelievable, but it doesn't change the facts, the lab is not a safe place for anyone, although Lena is very well controlled she was infected by a virus, she is now what can only be qualified as a vampire. She required blood to survive and when she is hungry, she is less discriminatory about who she goes after, unless Kara is there.”

“Vampire, really are you expecting me to believe this, there is no such thing, I mean that is ridiculous, even the parasite was an alien, this makes no sense. Are you doing that thing where you tell me something stupid so I am gullible enough to believe what ever else your saying. Is this a joke? “

“No Ruby it isn't a Joke, it was a virus created by Lex and Lena was infected as punishment by him.”

“Did she bite my mom? Has she infected her? Is my mother ok?”

“Ruby I know you are anxious and want to know everything, but this will go much quicker if you will just stop asking questions until the end. Your mother was here to help with Lena, she was locking herself away and planning on doing somethings that were not exactly sensible, she is helping with the company and helping keep Lena’s spirits up. Lena finds it hard being in proximity, she is not very affectionate at the moment unless with Kara, and she finds sudden moves, noise, and people being in her space difficult at times, especially when she is hungry as I was saying. You are looking out for change in her eyes, there is a red ring around her pupil now, if that takes over, she is hungry, so as it gets bigger, so you need to give her more space, or situate yourself inside the cube. I will explain how that works once we are down there. If her eyes are going almost black don't be in the line of travel to Kara, she will head for her at speed and not pay any attention to who is in her way. Do not play with the mice in the lab, do not go into the fridges, don't touch any experiments that are being run, you don't know what they are, if you wanted to see any of that you need to speak to Alex, Eliza or Lena, but I would go with one of the Danvers for safety.”

Ruby listened this sounded like the plot to a bad science fiction novel or a lessor fanfic of sorts, there was no way that any of this made sense, black eyes meant she was going after Kara, red meant she would bite anyone, there is a cube, for safety, mice and experiments, she was starting to think that this was some kind of practical joke, but Jess Kept talking.

“While they were working on a cure your mother was infected we are not sure exactly how, but the reaction is different and she is in a lot of pain. There was some kind of connection between Lillian Luthor and the virus but we are not sure why it reacted differently for her, she is not sure what version your mother was infected with. She is in a lot of pain and her body seems to be fighting things, but she is not coping well. She is screaming when she is awake and it could be distressing for you, I was just getting the orders done for a number of pain options, she had burned through Lena’s provisions already and well she is not very comfortable at the moment. There is a cure for the Virus, but they are going to need to modify it for your mother, and there are going to be some other things that may need to be done before. Now you need to be prepared for the distress, and be careful around Lena, It would be better if you were only ever in the Lab when Kara is there, or you stick next to one of the other Danvers women, I know Lena wanted to meet you first, but she is taking extra precautions as she is not sure how she will react to you.”

“Ok c-can I see my mom now?”

Chapter Text

******* Lillian’s secret Lab*****

Lillian checked in with her monitoring device she left in Lena’s lab, she had placed it there earlier in the day it sent a signal out for her to pick up and there was a fuzzy feed available. It was not her intention to start with to take anything, she was thinking more along the lines of sitting back and letting them talk about whatever it was that was being kept form her. She would have been able to then decide if it was worth jeopardising the forward motion she was making with Lena over. Being stuck with those women, all thinking that they somehow were better than her, it was an insult. Lena needed her and she was more important to this than they were and well she was Lena’s mother. It wasn't bad enough she had to play nice with her pet alien, she had to play nice with them all. Listening in would have given her what she needed if that woman had not been pushing so much.

She could only hear what was going on but that was enough to tell her that the DEO and Lena’s private security were out looking for her and that Lena was trying to find out what happened to Samantha. For her part Samantha was mostly intermittently screaming and then being given something by Lena to help the pain although it didn't seem to last very long. There were strange growling sounds and a hissing that she couldn't place, although the screaming has been burned into her mind sufficiently to recognise the agonising cries of Samantha in the lab. She could pick out voices, there was Eliza, and Lena, she was sure she heard the assistant too, but Kara was not really talking. Was she even in there? Was Kara already out looking for her too? She would need another way to escape if she had the Kryptonian on her tail, the image inducer would be fine for most but the Kryptonian eyes would be able to dig below it.

There was something about her metabolism burning off the medication too fast. Samantha wasn't exactly fat by any means but she was a curvaceous woman, and well not up to Luthor standards, she didn't appear to have anything fast about her metabolic rate. They kept trying and nothing seemed to help. Lillian winced each time that she heard the screams starting over, the pain in Lena as she was blaming herself for this. It was shocking to hear the way that Lena was talking and she recognised the cadence of some of her statements, they were the internalized messages that Lillian had used to try and make her stronger. Lena had taken her words and used them to chastise herself for all these years. To their credit the gang were mostly trying to stop her, blaming quite rightly Lillian. She was listening in when Alex arrived and there was a large amount of feedback, Lillian flinched at the sound and then the feed went dead it was clear they had found her device.

*******Lena’s Lab******

Alex had headed over into the lab, she heard Sam screaming in the background, she had decided to leave Brainy to sort the DEO search while she moved to LCorp to get the information and security footage. The team would be ready to go again as soon as she was but she wanted to check the lab first. She slipped through the elevator doors. Her mother taking up a set of tasks Alex had moved about to another corner with Jess to get all the footage. She couldn't bring herself to go over to Sam at this point, she was unconscious for a moment, Lena was out of the room calling Ruby and she wanted to ask about the red lamps, this wouldn't be good for Kara either, but she was at least in the other room, Lena and Kara had not seemed to ever notice her entrance, too entranced with what was happening, she finished downloading all the security footage, not that she thought Hector and Danielle would do a bad job just more eyes the better, and Brainy would definitely help with that.

Lena and Kara filtered back into the Lab and she heard Sam scream again. She watched as Sam seemed to scream and hiss at Lena, there was a lot of pain and Lena was trying to manage it. Every time Lena moved forward Sam would react violently, Lena was being flanked by Kara constantly in physical contact. This was something new, since when did they move like that. It seemed that the medication if Lena could get it in was not lasting, she could hear Lena talking about Sam’s body burning off the medication too fast and that was why she needed more. Lena and and moved towards where Sam was clearly in distress again Sam seemed to bear her teeth and hiss at Lena letting out what could only be described as a growl. She wasn't sure what the hell happened here but seeing Sam like that was enough to make her blood boil, that woman was going to pay for this, as if Sam had not been through enough in her life already.

“This is my fault, it was my own desire that left her in here alone, it was my fault, my emotionality running the show.”

“Lena it isn't you…”

It has always been my problem, unable to live to my potential because I am too emotional, too dramatic and I can not keep focused.”

“Lena calm down, it's not your fault, whatever happened it was Lillian that did this, if anything it's my fault for leaving her alone in the lab, I should have stayed.”

“Its my lab. I was invited here, I know who she is and the truth is I did nothing to stop Her. I have to accept my guilt for every single thing she did while I was occupied including this. I was ruled by my heart not that it beats a over rated organ romanticised by poets and frivolous women, only to be used against me, wanting to have a relationship with her, is always my down fall, she said I have a cold blooded talent and if I used my brain I would be great, well if I used that cold heart and my brain Sam wouldn't be like this.”

“Lena love isn't wrong, having a heart isn't wrong, and as much as that women has hurt you she is your mother, Take it from me, I am a mother, and I have hurt my daughters, not intentionally but hurt them none the less, we are all human, we make mistakes, it is love that helps us get up and try again, your heart may cause you pain Lena, but wanting your mother isn't something that you need to chastise yourself for, it is natural. You are no more responsible for her actions than my daughters are for mine, the only difference here is you are no longer alone, and we will not let you think this way. Using careless words of a woman you want to love you to change your perception of who you are, what you can be or what you should be is not right and it is not healthy, we all love you Lena for exactly who you are, if she ever realises who you are she will realise what an error she has made, what damage she did and she will be very sorry”

Alex had been watching her mother talk to Lena, it was as if she was talking to her and Lena at the same time she was not sure why this stuck such a cord with her, she was over the things that happened, she accepted herself and moved on, was her mother still punishing herself for that? There was a beep in her coms. There was no way that woman was getting away this time the damage to Lena, the pain she caused Sam, hoping that it was Brainy with information Alex tapped her coms and she heard feedback in them, high pitched and painful she pulled it from her ear.

“Fuck”

She hissed out the word and everyone turned to look at her, she seemed to have startled them, unsurprisingly she supposed after all everyone was rightly focused on Sam. Lena was having a melt down and Eliza was trying to help, Kara was just silent, she wasn't sure why, maybe Kara was feeling guilty she didn't know what happened out here, she always took failures hard. She moved her fingers to her lips and signalled for them to all be silent and then moved about the lab, looking for something, when she couldn't visually see anything she moved to Lena and whispered in her ear, Lena nodded and moved away from Sam who was passed out again from the medication and they moved around the lab, Alex finally found the small device and took great pleasure in smashing it to bits, taking her anger out on a piece of Lillian tech as she couldn't do it to the woman herself at this point.

“Alex, I could have neutralised that and used it to pinpoint her location, I get that you're all worried about Sam but you just smashed a direct signal to my mother, who I have great interest in finding right now.”

“God damn it, your right, that woman seriously, I just want to punch her so hard she forgets her own damn name.”

Alex was annoyed at herself, how she could act so impulsively with the listening device that she didn't even look to see what kind of range it would have to give them an idea if Lillian was even in the area, with her power and money she could be on a plane to anywhere right now. She let her anger get the better of her and now they lost their best lead, she knew that Jess would have had the place locked down, that Hector and Danielle were already busy when the DEO arrived, she was actually of no help, it was not sitting well with her, especially as Sam and her sister were now in jeopardy not to mention they needed the formulation from that woman to get Lena cured. How had everything gone so wrong so quickly?

“Danvers women hitting on Luthor's in one way or another, that seems to be a theme. Well I think you get that from your mother Alex, there is a little something for you on there too”

“Jessica Hoang, you did not take that video from the lab, you will not revel in my earlier mistake.”

Alex grinned at Jess as her mothers annoyed voice filled the lab, earning Lena’s attention, she watched as Lena raised her brow and then when nothing was forthcoming looked at Jess. she gave her that look, somewhere between amusement and spill, Alex had no idea how she could pull that off so effortlessly, it was intimidating and at the same time filled with mirth. With two strokes of her fingers, Jess seemed to call something to every monitor in the lab, Alex waited her mother did not look amused, Kara looked very confused and Jess looked like she was about to burst. With that the monitors came to life and there was Lillian talking to Eliza in the lab, there was no sound just the image, Lillian’s sadistic grin one moment then a hand almost at a speed that Kara could be proud of wiping it clean off her face, the head snap and then the slow return to the gaze, the blood that Lillian had from her mouth and Eliza’s reaction leaving the lab. Lena laughed and then looked at Eliza who was once again very red at her own actions, and was about to turn to Jess when she heard Kara mumble.

“What was that?”

“Two sl..laps”

Alex watched in utter confusion as Kara went bright red and Lena’s laughing bubbled louder and louder until she had tears running down her face, Alex knew she missed something but right now was not sure that she wanted to know, she was mostly sure that it would scar her and that was not going to be helpful, she had very much enjoyed the slap. She wondered if Lena was broken for a moment, it had clearly been a very difficult day and well she was laughing so hard right at that moment Alex wasn't sure if it was some kind of aneurysm or hysteria. The room was flying between so many emotions it was like getting whiplash in here. It was broken with another scream from Sam, the medication was not lasting long at all, they needed answers and soon, Alex moved closer and watched as Lena tried to administer more pain medication, with the trashing and hissing it made it very hard, she was not sure why Sam was reacting this way but, it was not helping the situation at all. Finally Lena managed to get it in and Sam silenced. Lena pinched her nose and leaned into her hand the short revelry broken and her face returned to that of worry.

“What is done is done, Alex. We need to focus on finding her and finding out what she had done, does the DEO have any leads yet?”

“I came here. Brainy is working on finding her and the others that are in the area, we are taking all connections in to get information and I am going to take the feeds from here to the DEO to help with working out how she got out of here.”

Alex looked at her again there was so much pain etched on Lena's face at this point she wanted to hug her, it wasn't her normal action, unless it was Kara or her mother but Lena really looked like she could use it. No sooner had she had the thought but Kara had moved to pull Lena into a hug, she could also see the pain now on Kara’s face. Alex knew the red lamps didn't hurt her so much as make her weaker, then she realised that Lena was holding her so tightly that it was probably hurting her.

“Lena, I am not sure what you're using the red lamps for but maybe squeeze a little less. My sister is not unbreakable in a red sun environment. Why are they on exactly?”

“Oh shit, sorry Kara, I didn't even think. They are here to try and reduce the yellow sun radiation in Sam, I was hoping that it would help the medication work better and stop the reaction with the virus, but I don't know at this point if it is helping, I don't know what virus strain is in Sam.”

“Reaction? Radiation? I thought that was only a problem if it came into contact with Krypto…… oh”

Alex put two and two together almost immediately as she started talking, Reign, Sam, neither was human, the magic that made Sam appear human for her life wasn't exactly making her a human, it stopped the transmutation, the cellular metamorphosis that happened to supercharge the world killer. Why had they never revisited this? Well Russian Kara, Lex, a world ending crisis, and a string of hostiles a mile long maybe would account for this oversight but that meant that somewhere in Sam was a Kryptonian, and the way she was hissing and growling at Lena did that mean there was a new world killer. Russian Kara had all her powers, did that mean that Sam did too in there, were the daughters of Juru still there to plague them? Alex was not sure she could live through that again.

“Can we not just look at the Video feed of what happened?”

“Why did I not think of that? Jess we will talk about the cameras later but right now, do you have a way for us to see what happened to Sam? Is there an angle that we can see what she took?”

“I will scan through and find the time then I will look through all Camera angles, it may take me a little while but I can do it.”

“How many cameras do you have in here exactly and are they just in here?”

“I think that I will head up and check the feeds, we can talk about that later, I don't think now is the time, and well I have preparations to make, I am assuming for Ruby and well something to help Sam, maybe one of our labs has something with a bit more kick, there are some working on Alien medications as requested?”

“Ruby yes, I have got Frank to go get her, but she needs a Jet sorted and she will need somewhere to stay.”

“She can stay with me, Lena. It will be nice having her around again, and well she will probably feel more comfortable in mine than at the hotel that Sam has been staying at.”

Alex watched as Sam began to stir again, she wasn't sure she could take another round of Sam screaming and she wanted to catch Lillian, she was even more proud of her mother after seeing the slap and a little bit jealous too. She wanted to have that woman in her cell and throw away the damn key, but she needed to find her first. She had a lot to think about in regards to Sam too, they couldn't risk yet another split but would Sam be able to contain the world killer? What would happen if they used the cure and turned her Kryptonian, would Sam be lost, she couldn't stand that thought, she may not be with Sam, that was never something that was on the card, not any more, she was with Kelly but the old feelings were very much alive and she couldn't stand the thought of having to hurt her. She held up the drive and smiled, although the smile barely graced her lips through the clenched jaw.

“I will get on this, between this and the information Brainy will have, we should be able to track her.”

“Sam is going to be alright Alex, She is not her, this is Sam, and I will find a way to make this ok, I am not losing her either.”

“I know you will Luthor, I know”

******Lillian’s Lab *****

Lillian had managed to recreate the virus and also recreate the combination of Lena’s blood and the chemicals for the sun allergy medication fusing them together for a sample, she used the virus to infect a mouse, not sedating it and there was no pain reaction with either just the virus or the virus from Lena’s blood so there was something else going on there, she then looked at the mix of the Kryptonian DNA and the virus along side the Kryptonian DNA and Lena’s combined viral strain. It was at this point that she fully understood what happened in the lab. She had been working on this for 36 hours straight, it was foolish for them to wait, time to test the animals using the virus and wait for the medication to reach saturation. If they had asked she could have easily explained how to fuse the components, but then they were not as ofay with some of her experimentation with Alien hybridisation.

The destructive power of the virus on the Kryptonian blood was profound, they seemed to be locked in an endless battle, the advanced healing and immune system of the Kryptonian physiology waging all out war against the virus, and the virus doing the same. The sun radiation in the cells caused the virus to burn, it was a state of perpetual incineration, the regeneration and healing stopping the virus completely taking over and the virus burning up under the radiation of the cells. Lillian could only make one assumption based on this, after all if you have eliminated the possible whatever that was left however improbable had to be the truth. Samantha Arias was not a harmless human at all, she was a Kryptonian. She was not however full Kryptonian as she was cut with the vial, that meant that there was something else in her DNA she wished she had a sample to analyse.

******** DEO*******

Brainy had been analysing traffic cams, CCTV, even the satellite and government drone images of National City, he had rounded up a number of known associates but nothing for Lillian, she didn't appear to leave the building at all. There was nothing on the images that he had been watching, now although he was a twelfth level intellect and could scan multiple images at the same time this many cameras and feeds was tedious and quite frankly not a good use of his time. Although no one else would do it as quickly or as well, and the director didn't want everyone knowing about it. When Alex came in and gave him more footage from LCorp he groaned. This was not what he had stayed in the past for.

He uploaded the images and then started to play them, he had watched them all twice when he felt arms around his shoulders and could smell the familiar scent of Nia engulfing him, “sprok” he thought to himself the date, he was supposed to be taking Nia on a date, he turned in the chair slowly to look at her, ready with an apology on his lips to see there was a take out bag in her hand and a smile on her lips.

“You brought the mountain to me?”

“Well it is the second time you have forgotten our date Brainy and for someone with a memory like yours I am guessing there is something going on, maybe I could help a little?”

“Nia Nall I would not subject you to this, I am chained metaphorically speaking to these monitors until I uncover the whereabouts of a high level target, of course it is completely confidential and I can not divulge, what billionaire that I am attempting to smoke out, it is against the director's orders, but you could sit with me for a while.”

“Is Lena missing?”

“No, why would Lena be missing? What makes you think that?”

“Strange dream, Lena was missing and then Kara had raven hair it was all a mess I think that it maybe somewhere in the future, unless she is about to change up her appearance, this is LCorp though and Lena is the only billionaire in the city”

Brainy looked at Nia, she had a dream of Lena missing and then Kara with dark hair that didn't make any sense whatsoever, would die even take in Kryptonian hair on earth and why would she choose raven? Kara was the paragon of hope blonde, sunny and shining for all to see. Although Nia had been doing very well with her dreams and dream interpretations maybe this was something in the future? But then it would appear that the future was different now and the information they had for this period was sporadic at best.

“Well sit and eat, I can watch and you can tell me about your dream maybe.”

“OK, sounds good”

Brainy started playing the feeds again trying to account for everyone that he saw leave and where they ended up, there was nothing more he could do, there were a number of people that seemed to vanish and he was starting to get very annoyed. He was listening to Nia describe the dream and couldn't help but think that she wasn't in fact describing Kara at all, green eyes, black hair, that sounded more like Lena, but then she wasn't tall and muscular and able to fly, maybe whatever was happening in LCorp was going to change that, although the time line was very off for that, especially as that potential was not for about 40 years give or take. Depending on weather the original history was correct, if the altered one was after the defeat of the blight, or if something else had changed not that he was able to check that, maybe he should be thinking about how to communicate with the future, although his future self wouldn't tell him anything, this was Alex’s fault, that stupid show. She looked up and saw Nia looking a little annoyed.

“You are a little distracted I should go”

“No Nia, I am sorry I was caught in a thought about your dream but it is not until many years in the future so your vision is either expanding or there has been a shift, I was indeed very focused on you.”

“Hummm, Oh that's a nice bag, its Givenchy, tote bag with padlock detail, large straps simple elegant and perfect for everyday occasions if you have a six figure salary, humm”

“Since when have you been interested in fashion?”

“Just because I am a junior reporter with no money doesn't mean I can't be interested in fashion, I just can't afford it, especially not oh, wait a moment, Brainy that is the same bag but a different woman”

“Nia, it is hardly scandalous for two women to have the same bag even the big designers mass produce their items, and women share things so why is that something that is of any relevance?”

Brainy really didn't see what the idol fashions of the average LCorp worker had to do with anything, neither the dream, the task he was doing and it wasn't really something that they would normally talk about over dinner, this was indeed a perplexing conversation to be having and while he was busy scanning the entire cities coverage too.

“Maybe it is a LCorp bonus or something Lena is very good to her staff.”

“Not $3000 a bag good, not with that many employees, and not the same bag, Lena would never do something so gaudy as that, not to mention women have their own fashion and those two women were not wearing anything that went with that bag, look there is another.”

“Nia, as fascinating as this may be, that is hardly helping with the task at hand, can you stop looking at this top secret footage and eat.”

“I could but I would suggest that if you are trying to find…. Lillian I am guessing by the billionaires status, the fact that its LCorp and there is only one person that I can think of that would class Givenchy as everyday, for a bag like that, I would suggest you check her entering look for the bag and then follow the bag, she is clearly using a image inducer to change her appearance, and as you know, it can only do what is close to the skin, a bag is out of range.”

Brainy looked at her, he had not mentioned Lillian, why would Nia think it would be Lillian, he canned the images to fast for a human mind to comprehend and the bag was carried by no less than 8 women, inside LCorp and away from the building until it was carried into a black Sudan waiting three blocks away, he scanned back and looked for Lillian entering and there was the bag, how had he missed this? Hitting his coms he called through.

“Director Danvers, I believe I know how she got out and I am currently tracking the car to its final destination, we have Matriarch 1.”

“On my way”

Brainy asked Nia to hide, he didn't want Alex to see her, no one was supposed to know about this, he waited and within a few minutes Alex was at the monitor, showing me. He nodded and called up the video footage in sequence showing Lillian entering then a collection of people leaving and going to the location of the car and getting in.

“Is this some kind of Joke Brainy that is what 8 different women none of which are her”

“That is not strictly speaking correct. This image is definitely of Lillian, and so are all the others, but she is employing an image inducer to get out of the building.”

“What makes you say that?”

“It is well, it is the clutch thing that she has, it is her director.”

“All the women are carrying the same Givenchy tote bag, they are $3k each, the chances of a lab tech, a postal worker, some admin, and a temp having the money to afford the same bag, the one that Lillian walked in with is pretty slim, plus this last person, the one leaving, that is Hianra also known as Anna in the admin department of LCorp, also a Nacrainian so an image inducer would be well advisable to blend in I suppose, which means if she is registered which I believe she is, she would be exempt from the image inducing scans under the alien amnesty act.”

“Sprok Nia, Um… it looks like the Luthor is out of the bag?”

“Good work Nia, Brainy get me the address and tell Alpha team we are leaving, you are coming with me, if it is a Luthor strong hold, we might need you”

****** Lillian’s Lab******

Lillian didn't have any mice to test her theories on, there was no blood from Sam to see how it differed from the Kryptonian sample, she was frustrated that her efforts were being thwarted, if she was able to work on this, find a way to help Samantha then maybe she could find a way to win Lena around once more. There was never any time to build that relationship, something always got in the way, it was frustrating to her. Even now when she had a real chance to do something good for Lena, something Lena wanted, not the half baked attempt at showing love by killing that moronic Neanderthal edge. Not that was Lillian's way, this would have been on Lena’s terms and made things better, but Lillian couldn't stop herself, if they just told her the truth she wouldn't have been curious she wouldn't have had to know. She rubbed her eyes she had been at this way too long, and slept way too little.

There was something different about Samantha, maybe there was some Kryptonite that she was being exposed to to stop her Kryptonian powers showing but the DNA was the same. What could they possibly have needed to do that for. Then Lilian thought about it, if Samantha was a Kryptonian and was being suppressed there was a reason, she must have been dangerous and in need of control, she thought back to when Samantha turned up in Lena’s life and judging by the timeline of things, the way Lena brought her in from another subsidiary to be CFO, then there was a sudden dip in productivity. Lena was busy at the time, there was an incident in the city, what was it that was happening, her tired mind took a moment to recall. It was the Kryptonian world killers, that was what was happening, the proverbial penny dropped, Samantha was the world killer Reign, she was the only one of the Kryptonian females left on earth that was not accounted for. Lillian shuddered slightly, she was not around for the Reign incident but she had seen the footage, the safest Lillian had felt was with the most dangerous of all.

The combination of The virus with Lena’s blood and the Kryptonian DNA was possibly the most interesting. The virus seemed to fuse with the Kryptonian, and there seemed to be no reaction. It was not what she had expected, clearly the cure was not as simple as using the Kryptonian DNA. She needed to see if she could replicate the cure they had and see if there was some other combination, she started to move the slides and her sleep deprived brain caused her to spill one sample into the other, the burning stopped almost immediately and the sample returned to Kryptonian. It was possible to reverse the effect of what was happening to Sam with Lena’s blood, she would be a Kryptonian. Lillian still hoped that there was a way back from this, that she could find a way to have Lena look past the error, maybe this was the way.

Chapter Text

*******Lena’s Lab********

Lena stood in her lab, Kara as stood to her side, hand on her waist and Eliza was looking over some information, Sam was currently and blissfully unconscious, Lena had switched to a general anesthetic with pain relief, it knocked her out quicker and gave more of a reprieve each time, Eliza checked that there were no side effects the complications from repeated anaesthesia were many and even with the possibility that Sam was a Kryptonian and could heal there was way to much of a war going on in her body right now to manage it. The sound of the elevator opening in her office had Lena starting to panic, Ruby was here she knew that but this was the moment where she would come down and find that her mother was currently unconscious and if she were to wake she would just scream. She could hear the steady heart of Sam as she came down and the more frantic beating of the other heart which was clearly Ruby, she was anxious, Lena bit her lip and felt Kara squeeze her, the comforting presence of Kara was still astounding, all the time the sexual tension had been present all she wanted was to tear her clothes off, and now she was also able to calm her, she wondered if in time Kara would be able to satiate all her issues with just her presence, but that was a lot to ask of her. The elevator stopped and it was no longer time to indulge in her own self reflection, it was time to help Ruby.

As the doors opened, Jess stepped out first keeping Ruby behind her, she had asked Jess to ensure that there was no issue with Ruby, that she understood the issues in the lab and that she was protected, she had not expected Jess to be quite so determined in that role but then she should have known better Jess only ever gave 150%. She turned her head to see Ruby who was visibly holding herself back from the situation, she could see that she wanted to see her mother, that she wanted to run to her, to Kara to Lena, anyone that could comfort her at this moment. Lena smiled and took a breath, Ruby’s scent was close and filling her senses, she had a similar scent to Sam although without the need to tear her throat out, and there was a secondary scent that was clearly something connected to her paternal DNA. she wasn't sure what it was but it was neither tasty or in any way alluring, she breathed out a sigh of relief as she smiled brightly at Ruby and moved forward. Lena noted Jess observing her eyes before she smiled and stood to the side. Although Lena had left Kara behind she had moved at a normal human pace so as to not scare Ruby, she moved around Jess reaching out for Ruby and pulling her into a hug.

“Ruby I am so sorry, I never meant for this to happen and I promise that I will do everything that I can to ensure that what is happening to your mom is corrected, it is lovely to see you.”

Lena felt the way that Ruby clung to her, she squeezed in very tightly and buried her face in the crook of her neck, she had not seen Ruby in a while and was regretting her choices about visiting, she wished that she had made more time in Metropolis, not just visiting for work, although that meant time with Sam she had missed so much about Ruby. She was so grown up and easily as tall as Lena now, although it was hard to tell in their current position, with Ruby clinging to her like this. Lena could hear her heartbeat beating a little too fast and her scent was a little burnt around the outside of it. Lena could feel the small movements made by Ruby as she was trying to hold in the tears clearly wanting to be strong for her Mum. Lena stroked her back as she held her and remaining mindful that Ruby was at least half human, she was starting to wonder if there was something more to Ruby now, given the predicament with Sam.

The soft moment was interrupted by a small whimper that alerted the group that Sam was waking up, Lena turned and looked towards Sam, she felt Ruby disengage and move forward, as she approached Sam her eyes opened and zoned in on her daughter, she clenched her Jaw, clearly trying to avoid screaming out which was the normal when she awoke. Lena watched as Ruby moved closer and took her mothers hand, Sam didn't have a violent reaction to Ruby but then that was to be expected, Ruby was her daughter. Whatever predatory instinct that she had been displaying in connection to Lena was not present with Ruby. She could see the way Sam looked concerned and flitted between Ruby and her, as much as she had a violent reaction to her Lena could see that her friend was still in there, wanting her help, wanting to help manage this situation. Lena didn't want to knock her straight out again but she knew that she needed to give her something that would help manage the pain so that she could have a few moments with Ruby. She reached out for Kara and felt her circle around her waist and she calmed the moment that she did. She picked up the strongest medication she had and doubled the dose hoping that it would Give Sam a few moments.

“Mom, I am here, I know that you are sick but Aunty Lena will help you, I know that you are in pain but I want you to know I am here ok. I love you Mom and I am not going anywhere. I will be here until you can go home.”

“I don't want you to see this Ruby, I love you too and I am so happy to see you but I don't want you to see this.”

Lena watched as Sam spoke through gritted teeth and looked at Ruby, she could see that Sam was happy to have her there it was something that she was clearly concerned about, how Ruby was and the thought of not seeing her again, that she wouldn't be alright she knew her friend well enough to know that she would be thinking about what would happen to Ruby if she didn't make it. There was also the look of pain and failure, not being able to shield her daughter from seeing this, although she was doing her best to hide the level of pain from her.

“Mom I am not leaving, I am an adult now, I have seen what happened with Reign, I know what happened after, I helped you then, you are not cutting me out now, I am here, I am staying, and I have a lot of questions. Aunty Lena will be able to answer I just wanted to see you first. You're in a lot of pain aren't you?”

“Yes, you need to stay away from any of the viruses in here, we share DNA and I don't care how diluted this is I don't want you to experience any of this.”

Lena could see that Sam was struggling with this but she wanted to give them some time to talk, she stepped back and turned into Kara feeling comforted by the strength of the arms that were now wrapped around her, this was all her fault, if she had not been distracted her mother would not have had time to do this, she should never have left Sam or Eliza with her, she knew her mother, it was a Virus that she was infected with that was causing this pain, her hubris that stopped her checking on the DNA further with Sam. Maybe her mother and brother were right, love was weakness, not necessarily for her, it didn't make her more vulnerable, but it made her desperate for the connection of others. It meant that she made choices that kept those she loved around her and with her, and that was where there was a problem, she hurt everyone around her because she couldn't be without them any more. She had love and friendship and she felt empty without it. She wished that when she woke up from being infected she had been able to get herself together enough to get away to remove herself from the situation. She should have been able to walk away from National City, but she had been selfish, she didn't want to leave Kara, her friends. Lena was overwhelmed for a moment with the feeling of guilt, she was to blame for so much pain and suffering with all the people that she cared about. Being in her life in her proximity meant that everyone that she loved were in pain thanks to her, she was pulled from her thoughts by her phone ringing.

******Above Lillian's Lab*****

Alex and her team moved into the Lab, there was nothing here of any substance, there looked to be many outdated items, and a sheen of dust on everything it was as if there was a point at which it became redundant and then no one even bothered to remove the property. The team fanned out and started to search, Alex leading through to the back rooms, storage she assumed, there was nothing there that would be worth Lillian’s time to collect, and nothing that she could see anywhere that suggested a high tech lab.

All but one pair from the team had called in clear and Alex tried to call through to them, there was nothing but static. She signalled and everyone started to converge on the last known location of the two. They made their way down the corridor to the room when Brainy’s hand went up calling everyone to stop, Alex looked at him and tilted her head. She listened to his hushed tones and then moved position to see Vasquez and Henderson on the floor. Brainy had seen the trap before they had gone in and pointed up, to the right of Alex’s head was a control panned, one of them must have used tech to try and open the lock, the door clearly opened and let them in, although it was unclear if they were alive or dead at this point.

“We need to get them out of there, is it safe to move in? Can you see anything that indicates that we will trigger whatever it was that got them?”

“I do not know, but I calculate that given the small blinking light in the far corner, probably indicates an alarm, that this is clearly some kind of biometric lock that this is the location of Lillian Luthor, and that who ever goes in there without verifying who they are, will end up much like our friends there, I calculate a 94.39% chance that what ever happened to them will be the same for anyone else.”

Alex pulled out her phone and snapped a picture of the lock sending the photo and Location to Lena before waiting for a moment for the read mark to appear and then tapped through on her coms to speak to Lena.

“Lena, do you know if you can access this lock, I have two agents down and it is not safe to retrieve them, not to mention if the security is active your mother is probably here.”

“Yes Alex, that is a biometric scanner, they are only used on very sensitive Luthor properties but this one you have sent the address for is nothing that I am aware of.”

“The place looks abandoned in all honesty, very fourth grade science class nothing worth this level of protection. We have tripped an alarm. Can you come over and get us in, we need to catch your mother, and retrieve the agents.”

“If the alarm has been triggered she is already gone Alex, and Ruby is here, I can just leave her the moment she gets here, I won't, even if Kara flew me over now we wouldn't catch her, and I am not just going to leave Ruby with her mom like this she has seen enough trauma already.”

Their conversation was halted for a moment, as Alex could hear the scream coming from the background, only this time it was not just Sam, Ruby had screamed too, she was not sure what was happening but clearly it was not good, she had been on the phone for a little while with Lena and clearly had not been monitoring Sam, Ruby didn't need to see her mother like this, they needed someone to keep an eye on Ruby, she realised that Lena was going to need to deal with this and that she was right someone needed to be there with Sam she couldn't stand the thought of Sam being in pain. She had been through so much but this was something that had not been anticipating, neither had the spark that she felt rekindled with Sam, Ruby being there too was going to intensify it she realised that the moment that she heard that Ruby was there, the pang of want hit Alex in the chest, Ruby had been almost as much of a catalyst as Sam, seeing that beautiful little girl, so smart, so sweet, they had spent so much time together, Alex got to see what it was like to be a mom, someone that was in need of nurturing and comfort and Alex was there, it was something that made her realise just how much she wanted to be a mom. She needed to deal with this and help Lena cure Sam. Someone needed to be with Ruby, keep Sam out of pain and she needed Lena. The only option remaining was Kelly, she had medical training and could help Ruby.

“I will call Kelly to come over. This is going to be difficult for Ruby regardless of if she is alone, I will have the team scout the area. Do you know where the escape route will be?”

“When Kelly gets here I will have Kara fly me over, but not before Alex, the tunnels are normally to somewhere secluded but busy, that way no one can see them come out but they can be lost in a crowd, what is in the area?”

Alex called up her map and looked. There is a school, a park, a bus station and a small shopping complex, she can see, there weren't enough of them to check all areas and hold the lab. She should have brought more men but she didn't have time to second guess herself right now. Lillian could look like anything or anyone, the only thing they had to go on was that bag, something that she could have easily changed now. She relayed the options to Lena who suggested the mall and the bus station, it was most likely, although she had no idea how long that the lab had been there so the location of the tunnels may be different especially with the amount of repairs and destruction over the years. Alex ordered in another team and dispatched her team to the locations Lena suggested, sending Brainy back to the DEO to check the footage and coordinate the efforts she needed all her energy focused on capturing Lillian.

******Lena’s Lab******

Ruby stood there and there was nothing that she could do, she could see the contortions in her mothers, face as she finally was unable to hold off the pain that she had been feeling, whatever this virus was, it was causing her mother more pain than she had ever seen. Then there was a scream, it was so blood curdling that Ruby’s eyes were wide, her mothers hand was clenching around hers and she tried to hold in her own scream she didn't want her mother to feel bad but then there was too much pain, she screamed out too, as her fingers seemed to be crushed, then she suddenly felt no pain and looked down at her hand, her mothers grip was still as strong and tight as it was previously but it wasn't hurting. Confusion raised in her mind she was not sure what was happening here, there was nothing that she could think of that would cause this, adrenalin make people stronger, something that she had thought about since she pushed the guy off her at the halls, but the amount of adrenaline needed to stop that level of pain was surely not possible.

Ruby watched as Lena moved around to her mother and saw that they seemed to be snarling at each other, there was some kind of violent interaction between them, her mothers eyes were focused on Lena and Lena’s on her mother in return. Then there was a gust of wind and Kara was there, holding onto Lena, the sounds slowly dissipated and her mother seemed to calm, Lena stopped snarling and started working, there was some kind of interaction going on here that she was not entirely sure about, although it seemed to have the hallmarks of two alpha predators vying for superiority, she wondered if this virus was somehow fundamentally altering their DNA and responses, maybe connecting to some underlying primal instinct that was no longer evolutionarily required since the forming of the more logical prefrontal cortex. Kara appeared to have some effect too, calming both of them, there was maybe something that was innate to Kara, or maybe it was something about the relationship between Kara and Lena that helped. It was clear that they had moved on to a more romantic relationship, maybe Lena saw her mother as a threat or a suitor for Kara and only the presence of Kara calmed her?

Once Lena was calm she had used the medication to put her mother out, she must have been using general anaesthesia alongside the pain medication to try and keep her comfortable, she felt her hand released from the grip as her mother slipped into unconsciousness. Ruby looked up at Lena and smiled sadly, she was not sure what she could do to help in this situation but she did want to know what was going on in a little more detail, also maybe Lena could answer some of her questions. She took a deep breath and asked Lena to make some time alone, she noted a worried look from Kara followed by Lena smiling and shaking her head, clearly it wasn't just Jess that was worried about her safety. Lena had led her to an adjacent lab that seemed to be outfitted into a living area, it was clear that Lena had been spending much of her time in this area, suggesting that Lena was also worried that she was a danger. She sat on the couch and waited for Lena to sit.

“Ok, so there is a virus, you have it, but you are not in pain, Jess and everyone is worried that you are dangerous including you, My mother has been affected by the virus and has reacted differently because of her DNA, which is why she is worried about me being infected because I share her DNA. She has been affected differently because she isn't human and that has something to do with the interaction. The virus has some kind of primal factor, making you react on baser instincts, feeding, procreation and a possessive or predatory reaction to others that are in some way a threat, is that about right? ”

“Well yes that is accurate, what brought you to that conclusion?”

“Well I have been thinking about the Reign thing, and well it makes no sense that a Kryptonian when split would become human, there was something that made my mom appear human but she was never, the replica of Kara was Kryptonian, and an exact genetic copy that means the two versions of my mother both would be Kryptonian, I think that the difference is the psychological reaction, and that is why she appears human. Why is she in so much pain?”

“She is Kryptonian, and Kryptonian cells hold sun radiation, the virus is photo reactive, so the cells are causing the virus to burn, that is why she is in pain, You have been thinking about this for a while, Why did you not bring your theories to my attention?”

Ruby thought about it, there was no reason that she shouldn't have spoken to Lena about it before but last time she thought that her mother was a superhero things went very wrong, was she concerned that she was going to find that things destabilised again? Was it that she didn't feel like Lena would be open to talking about it after she had cured her mother? After all Lena was one of her heroes and she didn't want to question her, maybe it was a respect thing, maybe just that she wasn't convinced that she was right? Thinking about it, it was more about not wanting to upset her mother, taking her back to that time, she remembered the nightmares, the panic attacks, the thought that she was responsible. Even if she was right, the result of her mother could be very destructive.

“I think that I wasn't sure, although this has shown me that I am, that means that I am also part Kryptonian which means that I could get infected and be in pain too. I guess that I didn't want to worry my mom, mostly after all the Reign thing she was in a very bad way, and I didn't want her to have to go through that again and well it isn't something that I could talk to anyone else about, and well you have been busy here, I have been keeping an eye on National city.”

“Ruby, no, I always have time for you, I know that I haven't spent time with you much. It was never you, it is Metropolis, it is not something that I am very good at managing, there are so many bad memories there, but you are not one of them. I realised that I have not been around. I was thinking about it recently and I have been neglectful, you are important to me Ruby, you and your Mom and I promise that I will fix this.”

Ruby smiled and leaned in to give Lena a hug, she knew if anyone could fix this issue with her mom it would be Lena, she was in the best hands. She held on to her tightly and finally let go and cried, she had been so focused on staying strong, on being a grown up that she had been holding it in, the dam finally broke and she couldn't help but cry on Lena’s shoulder. She could feel the soothing circles on her back and the way that Lena tightened around her.

“Hey Rube’s its ok let it out, I have got you”

******** Kelly’s office*******

Kelly was sitting at her desk when her phone went off and she looked down smiling to herself, Alex’s beautiful face smiling back up at her, she sighed a little and she picked up the phone. She still loved the way that just the thought of seeing Alex or hearing her voice gave her a warm feeling, butterflies in her stomach and the feeling of happiness. She put the phone to her ear as she clicked into the call.

“Hello my love, how is your day going? Have you managed to get a lead on Lillian? How is Sam?”

“We are in a bit of a situation, We have found Lillian but we can not get down to her, we need Lena but she won’t leave Sam, Mom has finally gone to get some rest and there isn't anyone that she trusts to keep Sam pain free, now Ruby is here Lena isn't willing to leave her alone. Ruby may be 18 now but she shouldn't have to see her mom like that, and none of us want Sam in pain.”

Kelly felt a small pang of jealousy it wasn't that she was worried that Alex was going to leave her, or that she would cheat on her but there was something that Sam could offer Alex that she just couldn't, and that made her worry about if she was in someway holding Alex back, much Like staying with Maggie would have meant that she gave up on being a mother, something that she was open to, but just not yet, Alex was giving up the more sexual side of the relationship, and well that wasn't very fair either, was she being just as bad as Maggie? Getting Alex to choose a life with less passion? Would she have been better off with Sam? Alex reassured her over and over that what they had was enough, that they had moved to a place that she was not sure she would ever get to and that Kelly made her better but seeing the way she had been around Sam was starting to make her doubt it.

“I can't imagine how hard this must be for that poor girl, I know that she had to go through so much when her mother had the issues before and then they moved away, she has had enough trauma. What do you need?

“Can you go to Lena’s lab, look after Ruby and make sure that Sam stays pain free while Lena comes and helps us with the issue?”

“Sure I will head over now”

Kelly made her way over to the lab, as she entered she could see there was a young woman holding Sam’s hand, Lena and Kara stood back watching her. She assumed that this must be Ruby she moved into the lab, she knew that Lena and Kara were both aware that she was there, both of them had enhanced hearing they would have known that she was there when she was in the office, the arrival of the elevator would have told them, she moved closer greeting the group, the girl turned to look at her and smiled, she was definitely Sam’s daughter the dark hair and eyes bright smile. Even though she was clearly upset she made the effort to smile. Lena explained what she was using to Keep Sam comfortable and then left with Kara, leaving Kelly with Ruby.

“Hello, you must be Ruby, I am Kelly, Alex’s girlfriend, is it ok If I sit with you?”

“Yeah, she is asleep, I just want to be close.”

****** Lillian's Lab********

The alarm in the other lab went off; there was no way that they would be able to get down here before she could escape. That was the whole point of this Lab. However the lead would mean that Kara would know there was something more to find and she probably had less than a hour before they would get in. The Lab was compromised and it meant that she was no longer safe. Although she knew that if it was the DEO that set the trap she would have some time, she needed to make sure that she had the samples, the blood, and some other equipment, and she wanted to show Lena that she had not meant it. She busied herself around the lab, there was no movement upstairs she had time, once everything she needed was in the tunnel she moved back into the lab and checked the scanner.

There was movement in the lab upstairs, she didn't have time to make this pretty, or even really apologise. If they were able to move around in the lab then the safeties were disabled that meant that they were close to getting into the main lab, in addition it meant that Lena was up there, she felt a strange and uncomfortable feeling in her chest, if she wasn't a scientist she would think that she was having some kind of physiological response to emotional stimulation. She recorded a short message and left it on the Laptop, moving all the files to her private server and then corrupting everything in the lab. There was a protocol after all. The laptop was left with her message for Lena, and she took the samples in a container, using the underground passage to get out, and the inducer to ensure she was not tracked once more.

*******Lena’s Lab*******

Ruby had noted the difference in her mothers eyes; it wasn't as pronounced as it was with Lena, her eyes had a red ring on both of her eyes around the iris. Her mother just had the one circle, but it was visible. She had sat with her and squeezed her hand periodically talking to her, until Kelly had arrived. She turned and looked at the woman and then after Lena and Kara left Kelly had asked to sit with her. Ruby had not really wanted to like Kelly but she had to admit the woman was really nice, genuinely sweet and actually quite funny. They had been talking for about twenty minutes, even though Ruby was older now she still wanted her mom to be with Alex, she couldn't help it, but she always thought that they would be a great pairing.

She felt the twitch in her hand before she heard the moan. Her eyes moved to her mom and she braced for her to be screaming at some point soon, it was breaking her heart to think that her mother was literally burning alive it must be so painful. Ruby watched as her mother opened her eyes and looked at her smiling stiffly. She watched a level of confusion flit over her mothers face as she inhaled, her head snapped to the side and she focused on Kelly. Ruby worried that her mother was hungry, or maybe saw Kelly as a threat, she looked into her eyes to see if she was hungry, what had Jess said about the eyes. She focused, the red was almost all gone and so was the normal brown of her mothers eyes, they were nearly black. Black, that was the colour for Kara, Jess said that she would go after Kara and not be looking at anyone in her way she would just go after her. It was not hungry it was something about Kara specifically and judging by the way they had clearly moved onto a sexual relationship that was another primal factor, procreation, or not quite in this case, sexual gratification.

Her mother started to move and she could see that Kelly had no idea what was happening, Maybe Jess had not been so clear in her instructions about the eyes. Kelly turned to look at Sam as she was coming forward and Kelly was just sitting there, she was sure that her mother was not going to bite her, but she would be devastated if she was to do something sexual in front of her, or to Alex’s girlfriend without consent, Jess said about the cube but she was not sure how to use it, Jess had said that she would help but after the hug and her mother waking Jess had left without, she had no idea how to stop this happening.

“Kelly get back, she is coming for you please, Mom will never forgive herself. Do you know how to use the cube?”

“Ruby it's ok, Your mother has not shown any interest in feeding there is nothing to worry about, I need to get things ready so she isn't in pain, there is no need for the cube.”

“She isn't hungry she is reacting to you like Aunt Lena does to Kara, that isn't hungry, please mom would be very upset if she hurts you”

Ruby watched as the information registered with Kelly who seemed to understand the moment she mentioned the connection, she looked at Sam her eyes going wide and she started to move back, Ruby could see that she was not moving far enough. It wasn't like Kelly could leave, she would need to administer the medication, Ruby wouldn't be able to stop her. Kelly had knocked over the chair trying to get away and landed on the floor, her mom was getting closer, Ruby could see the determination on her face, and the pain she was slowing but still heading to the now downed Kelly. She had no idea how to help so she moved over to the control panel and pressed the button to talk to Jess.

“Jess help, mom’s eyes are black, Kelly is here how do I help, I don't want mom doing something that she will regret and I don't think that we can stop her.”

“You need to get out of the marked square and get your mom in there, use the iPad and activate the cube, you need the code 018392, then 3363. You are not set up on the system”

Ruby heard a scream and heard a crash, she turned to look, her mother was clutching her arms around her stomach and crying out still trying to finish the distance between her and Kelly. They were both in the cube, there was no point in activating it with them both inside, but she had no idea how to help. She called Kelly to get out of the cube and started to look for the iPad. She could see that Kelly was scrambling trying to get away from her mom on her hands and knees, and as she grabbed the iPad she saw her Mom, crying in pain, manage to snag Kelly by the ankle, and then the strangest thing happened. Her Mom pulled Kelly back and held her close, a calm washed over her and she seemed to be managing better. Ruby watched as Kelly looked up and saw her mother smiling, at her, there was a moment of confusion.

“That is so much better, you smell amazing.”

“I what? You are talking to Sam, are you feeling alright?”

“You being here, you haven't visited before you, you are the difference, I feel ok, the pain is almost bearable, I um, there is something about you.”

Ruby was looking at the two and her mind was running, she had watched Lena calm when Kara held her when there was a problem between her mom and Lena, there was some kind of sympathetic reaction when in contact with Kara, she wondered if there was something that was a bonus of the reaction, although it seemed to be about sexual gratification from what she had gathered but there was more to the bond clearly. She watched what happened and what was happening now.

“Mom, I think that Kelly is your Kara, I am not sure exactly how it works or what it means but she is affecting you, let go for a moment.”

“I don't want to”

“Just for a moment”

Sam nodded and the moment she let go she screamed out and the scream was stopped the moment that Kelly touched her, clearly the hypothesis was correct. Kelly and her mom were linked, but not quite in the same way as Lena and Kara, or was it? Kelly was nice and all but she didn't seem like the right fit for her Mom, although all the evidence so far seemed to say something different.

Chapter Text

********Above Lillian’s secret lab*******

Lena and Kara arrived at the location Kara looked around, this was not where Kara had expected to find Lillian, not that she would have thought that this was all there was, or that this was going to be the capture of Lillian, she listened to the people around, Alex’s heart was a little fast she was clearly worried, there was a few other heart beats, a couple of which seemed quite slow and lethargic. Kara guided Lena into the building she was able to zero in on Alex’s heart and moved straight through to her, as they moved in Kara could see that it was Vasquez on the floor, she couldn't see the other agent and instantly understood why Alex was so worried, she scanned the area and could see that there was a lead floor in the room that Vasquez was in, it was something that she had seen before when she was at one of Lex’s storage units rescuing Lena. Lena had moved to the control, she could see that there was a team waiting to take care of the downed agents.

“We need to disable the safety protocols but not activate the lower lab, this comes up and will give us access to what is underneath, I cannot see through so I don't know if she’s in there, It appears to have the same kind of structure as the vault that you were forced to open for Lillian, the floor is going to come up and if Vasquez is on the floor still she will be crushed.”

Kara watched as Lena opened the panel and place her hand to it, it then gave her some options and she disabled the traps, Kara went first she didn't want anyone risking it. As she stepped into the room scanning her surrounding location rapidly and nothing happened, there was a no signs of any traps or movements that could indicate that there was danger, so she beckoned the medics to enter watching as they worked on the incapacitated agents. Luckily, they were stabilized at once and could be moved swiftly for further medical treatment, they were taken out while Kara watched as Alex checked on with Vasquez and the other medics. Listening into the information, she knew that she shouldn't but wanted to be sure that the woman was ok too.

“Director it was some kind of neurotoxin, most likely Botulism or something similar, there is a decrease in general respiration and heart rate, but they are alive, we should be able to manage the symptoms.”

Alex nodded but seemed to look as though she was at her end, these last few days had been draining on everyone, running her hand through her hair and around the back of her neck. Kara knew that move, it was a moment of peace that she needed before she could school her features and continue taking control of the situation. Watching as Alex called forward another two agents and headed towards Lena nodded to her. Kara watched as Lena input the code to raise the entrance fallowed by a screeching noise as the floor pulled up after that it finally came to a stop flush to the ceiling. It was clear that this was some kind of staircase not a vault, suggesting that there was more concealed under the floor. Lena stepped forward and both Alex and Kara reached out and stopped her, Kara smiled and was met with a raised brow.

“Lena, we will go in first with Me and Kara at the front, then the other two agents, then we will call you in as it is cleared, we can't see what is down there and we are not risking you”

“I am not a damsel in distress Alex, I do not need to be held back, mollycoddled or otherwise saved and babysat. I am not someone that needs to be protected, especially not from my mother, I am not weak, and I can take care of myself.”

“Lena, I am not saying you can't, especially now, but we don't know what is down there, if you were to be rendered unconscious, needed medical there would be a few things to explain, and if you were physically harmed your blood would be well, exposed for lack of a better word. We don't need any more accidents right now and where Lillian is concerned, we don’t really know what to expect. This is not protection for you, it is not about you, it is about everyone else, this is my job and my agents, two of them are already hurt I can’t take any more risks.”

Kara watched Lena deflate. It was not a surprise to her that Alex would be assessing the risk not just to Lena but from Lena, Alex knew that Lena would not do anything that would harm people willingly, there was nothing about her that wanted to cause harm. Kara could see that Lena and Alex were both blaming themselves for the things that were happening, Alex for the injured agents and for not catching Lillian. Lena, well she was blaming herself for everything and she couldn't help but see how similar they were in this, both of them had taken on the weight of the world. Kara loved them both so much but would love to help him understand that they were not to blame, the choices for most of this was Lillian’s. Placing her hand to Lena’s arm, Kara ran her thumb over her bicep tenderly, smiling softly and looking into Lena’s eyes knowing her touch and action would soothe and calm her.

“Please listen to Alex, we just need to make the place secure.”

Lena nodded headed over to the entrance waiting for the others to enter first and secure the location before they stepped into the area. The lights came on and illuminated a staircase leading down as Lena followed it down behind them. Turned to the right she could see a much more advanced Lab, but still nothing like her personal one that Lena worked from, Alex and the agents fanned out and they went through the lab clearing it section by section. Kara could see the location of the escape route. It was covered by the stairs, clearly it was not possible to access the stairs as they were, it was the perfect escape, it was not possible to access if you were down in the lab, you would have to cut your alternative route out to get into it. Lillian and Lex were clearly very thoughtful in their plans. The agent that cleared the other area came through and spoke to Alex, she was told to take Lena through.

*******Lillian’s secret Lab*******

The laptop was sat in the centre of the desk and Lena walked into see her mother’s face looking at her, the whole place had been sanitised she could tell with one look, her mother looked tired in the video, clearly the last 36 hours had not been spent resting in a way that the Luthor matriarch was accustomed too. That thought gave her some comfort but not much as she knew that every moment that she was out there was a chance that she was doing something abhorrent and had samples form Lena’s lab. Not to mention every moment spent looking for Lillian was a moment that was not spent working on the cure for Sam, who was in so much pain that it physically hurt everyone to see her. Ruby, who had come from college when she had the news, was beside herself.

“All clear, there seems to be no sign of her and the only thing with power is the laptop, what do you want us to do Miss Luthor?”

“Please call me Lena, there is nothing to do here, Lillian has left nothing behind, you can send a team and see if they can find anything, but it is unlikely. I need to head back to the L-Corp, you only need me for the access.”

“Well, she left a message, don't you want to watch it?”

“Not really I don't need any more of her lies, half-baked promises or snide comments, I have had enough for a lifetime.”

Lena moved closer to the laptop with the intention of closing the lid and removing the smug face of her mother from her sight. She thought that she had seen the worst that her mother had to offer but it would seem, that no matter how bad she thought her mother had been there was always worse. What Lillian had done to Sam well that was something that even surpassed her expectations of the woman, she was almost constantly in agony, even the pain relief did little for her the other option they had was to keep Sam unconscious this was ridiculous. Lena didn't want to hear anything that her mother could possibly have had to say to her not today and maybe not ever again. As she moved her hand closer to the video the screen lit up, obviously automated and played the recording.

“Lena, I had a feeling that you would not be interested in hearing from me, so I made sure that any motion near the laptop would play the video. I didn't mean to hurt Samantha, it was an accident, but I have found a way to help her and it just so happens it was another accident although this time a fortuitous one I hope. You do not have to take my word for it, but you can check for yourself. Your blood can cure her, or make her what she was originally, so you may want to have whatever suppression you used to hide her in plain sight ready, but if you want to help your friend, she needs your DNA. Lena I am still making poor choices when it comes to you, but I tried. Don’t use the lessons I tried to teach you to diminish you, they were meant for a lesson not a life script. Listen to that infernal Danvers woman, as much as I am loath to admit it she sees you, Let her guide you until your internal voice no longer harms you.”

Lena scoffed at the message there was nothing there for her, her mother gave her a little information which seemed to be free but there was nothing about this that said that she could trust her mother, she had already tried that. She really believed that the change in Lillian’s behaviour the way she was really trying meant that she did love Lena and that she would come around a little. Telling her once again that she made poor choices was what was supposed to do, it was like an addict saying that they make poor choices about drinking, that it wasn't something that they had any control over. Lena had heard it all from Lionel over and over as a child, not that he was talking to her in any of the instances, but she heard it nonetheless. Lillian thought of him as weak every time he came back and said that he made the wrong choice, that he chose to drink instead of coming home, and here she was once again saying, I make poor choices when it comes to you. It's an I love you but not enough to try, I care but not enough to help. Then there was the last part, telling her to listen to Eliza, to stop listening to the internal voice in her head, like that was so easy, Lillian’s voice had been there for as long as she could remember the woman lived rent free in every aspect of her mind. The lessons were not meant to become scripts, who the hell was she trying to kid?

Lena finally managed to close the laptop a little harder than was needed but she couldn't care, there was nothing more they could do in here, maybe have someone follow the tunnel and see where it came out, there was a chance that they could pick up Lillian’s trail. Picking up the laptop she moved back through the lab towards Alex and Kara, she was sure that Kara would have heard everything and that was enough for her to deal with at the moment. She was exhausted and really needed to sleep but thanks to Lillian there was a little insight, if she had not been infected with Lena’s virus that meant that it was the original one, she could try to see if her blood changed the reaction it had previously, but regardless they at least knew what was going on. They moved up leaving Brainy to follow the trail, and Alex to take them back to the lab. Lena looked around, she felt like someone was watching her but even with her enhanced vision and hearing she couldn't tell who was watching, there was a part of her that knew it was Lillian, but with nothing to go on there was little point in vocalising so she slipped quietly into the car.

******* Park across from the secret lab******

Lillian had only just managed to get into the tunnel before the lab started to rise, if she had been any longer, she would have been trapped disconnected from the tunnel. She shouldn't have left the message, but she wanted to do something for Lena, and show her that she really didn't mean any harm. Lillian was not someone who could tolerate being kept in the dark, knowledge was power, power was influence and influence meant that no one could control her and that she was in control of her destiny and the direction of many things. Being kept out of the loop, having information denied while everyone played happy families was like being a child again, stuck in her familial home where her brothers ruled the roost and Lillian was held back from what she wanted to do with inane family time and things that held no value to her. She was never going to be satisfied being a woman who stayed at home and looked after the children, or some poorly educated blue collar semi-skilled grunt, a cog in someone else's wheel.

Looking on as they started to file out of the lab and spotting that Lena had been with them and looked absolutely terrible, Lillian wasn't sure if it was the incident with Samantha or if there was something else causing this look of distress, and the sadness in her features. It pulled at Lillian’s heart to see this look etched in her daughter's features. She really tried to be better, to do better for Lena, but had not been able to tolerate the restrictions and the intrusions. The constant reminder that her family had been decimated by the Kryptonian's, while they played happy families and told that she was not good enough. Lillian had come to that conclusion herself, she did things with the best of her intentions, but it was not enough. Wanting to ensure that Lena was restored but not sure that there was a way to get the information to her to check on the progress of the mice, no one but her could interact with the system, but she needed to get to a secure Lab, and reroute the signal. Smiling as she remembered that there was one place that Lex had all set up.

It would take a couple of days travelling and clearly the DEO agents scouting the place would have tracked her cards, Lillian had money of course but not enough to get a private jet out of the state. Needing to travel more incognito which would take longer but would get there and look at the results, then it was a case of getting the information to Lena in the hopes that she would at the least use it on the monkeys and make sure that the cure and restoration of the heart was successful. Lillian picked up the case that contained the samples that she needed and headed away from the park stealing one more look at Lena. she was not sure that their relationship would come back from this.

**********Lena’s office******

Alex pulled up at L-Corp, she wanted to know what was happening with Sam, and what was on the message from Lillian, Lena had already handed over the Laptop to her for analysis, after all it wasn't something that anyone could look at, Lena had said that she was the only one that could look at it, she didn't say exactly what Lillian had said but had suggested that she alluded to information about the cure, the virus and Sam not being human. As they got out of the car and headed to Lena’s office, they stood in the elevator and Alex looked at Lena.

“Did your mother give you any indication of what happened with Sam, or how we can help her? It can't have been easy for her or Ruby earlier, just hearing it was hard I don't know how you two handled it, I can hardly manage being around her like this at the moment, I feel terrible for bringing her here, I know that we needed her and everything but I was the one that called her, anything that she said that alluded to what happened with her would be helpful, or at least would be a point in the right direction.”

“Alex what happened is not your fault, once I made the decision to terminate my brother and his megalomaniac manifesto of tyranny then I wouldn't have been in this position, my family and their insanity I should have anticipated there would be a comeback even after he was dead, the virus is my fault, and so is everything that came after, including bringing my mother to the lab and leaving her alone with Sam that is on me.”

“Oh Rao, you two are as bad as each other, when I am sad about not saving people, having someone dying because I was somewhere else or not fast enough you both tell me that there is nothing that I can do more than what I am going that, everyone has a responsibility to themselves and I can't be everywhere at all times, even if I could have made a different choice you won't let me take responsibilities for other people's decisions. Yet here you both are. You called and asked for help, it was Sam's decision to come, When Eliza and Lillian had a argument it was Sam’s decision not to call someone else, or have Lillian leave, and over all of that it was Lillian who once again chose to be an abhorrent human being that has no care for anyone other than her and her twisted agenda. As for you Lena who is also taking responsibility for Sam and Lillian’s choice you are also taking on the choice of the man you just described as a Megalomaniac, to give you a virus, one that he created, which was his choice, and to set this all-in motion. You both seem to believe that you are responsible for everything, but I am not allowed to do that even with all the additional powers and enhancements I have. It's hypocritical and one heck of a double standard.”

Alex looked at them both, clearly Kara was very determined to get her point across, and Lena had a look of admonishment on her face that was similar to how she was feeling herself, her sister was not wrong that they both do that, they have always held different standards for themselves over others. Not to mention that both of them had been in positions of power and where they felt responsible for someone else, where their lives had been altered by the choices of others. Both of them like to have control and to a degree by feeling that they have control it reduces their anxiety. Alex looked at Lena and offered her a small knowing smile that spoke volumes between the two before turning and apologising to Kara.

“Mother said that she was able to cure Sam, that technically my blood can, if I infect her with my blood and virus she will be fully Kryptonian, whatever is stopping her being a Kryptonian will be replaced by a hybrid version of the virus and the Kryptonian genetic terraforming ability. I am not sure exactly if she is right, but she seems to know about Sam and about my virus and Kryptonian blood mix. So, I think that there is at least some truth to it, also it was suggested that she discovered it by accident. That is certainly not something that Lillian would freely admit to which gives her statement some credence, but she has lied so much that I’m sure there is an end game. I'm missing Alex, I cannot trust her.”

Alex was about to respond as the elevator came to a stop and they moved out, although this floor was largely deserted and everyone that was up there should be in the loop already, she was not willing to change it. After Lillian had bugged the lab, she was not heading towards the office and was about to ask some questions as the door closed. However as she turned, saw Ruby sitting on the couch waiting for them. Smiling and quickly moved over, giving Ruby a massive hug pulling her up from the couch and swinging her around. Ruby had giggled a little as Alex span her and she put her down.

“Hey Rubes, it's so good to see you, look at you, wow you’ve gotten so tall and just as beautiful as your mom, look at you doing a double major too. What are you doing up here? Is everything ok?”

“Well, there has been a development, and although I am probably not the best person to explain there wasn't really another option, so…”

Alex watched as Ruby seemed to shuffle a little awkwardly and ran her hand through her hair, it was reminiscent of the way that Sam would, remembering her doing that when she was nervous. It was interesting to see Sam’s gestures on Ruby, Alex smiled as she watched, it was something that she noted with Kara and her, little things that they did that took after influences in her life, she couldn't help but drift to the thought of a little one mimicking her and how amazing that would be. She placed her hands onto Ruby’s shoulder and smiled.

“Ok, so go ahead Rube’s”

“Well after Aunt Lena and Kara left it was just me and Kelly sitting and chatting, she is really nice by the way, I can see why you like her, although the therapy session was only thinly veiled, is she always on like that or did one of you put her up to the Ruby needs psychological intervention portion to the day?”

“Well she has a way of getting everyone to talk to Ruby, even me, she came to sit with me when I was in the cube and within an hour she had me out of the cube and giving her a hug, even though you see it coming she is a sneaky thing. I mean most psychologists and psychiatrists I can twist up like a pretzel, but she is so disarming, you know she is doing it but you go along with it, it's quite a skill.”

Alex looked at Lena and laughed. She knew that Kelly was very disarming and was able to get her to talk, and to understand the importance of talking in a relationship. The relationship with Kelly has developed into something much deeper than she had ever had before, maybe that was why she had not found the lack of sex an issue. Between the emotional intimacy and the loving interactions she’d become accustomed to that kind of affection, nothing that really interrupted that bliss well until Sam arrived and reminded her what a spark felt like. She realised that there had been a little silence, and that she was caught in her own mind for a moment. She looked at Ruby, she was stalling clearly. She had something that was more important to say that Kelly had been herself and talked to her to make her feel better?

“OK, so you talked to Kelly then what happened? You are your mother’s daughter alright Rube’s. I mean she isn't much better at talking about things she doesn't want to, let us know what happened, we need to see if we can help your mom, and we have a lead.”

“Well after a while the medication that Lena gave her ran out and Mom woke up she was in pain clearly and she squeezed my hand but then she seemed to zero in on Kelly, I was focusing on her eyes, thanks to Jess’s vampire 101 class, oh we really need to come up with something better for it than that, I mean come on, that franchise is so last season, I think that as amazing as the stories were, I mean the intricacies and the exploration of advanced vampires, she clearly missed all the payoffs, the lore of vampires, if they have an ability they have a weakness it is classic law and well writing sparkling skin as the only negative Stephanie Mayer not only made the characters unbeatable but it was so contrived, I mean I love the books but she destroyed the genre.”

“Vampire 101? Stephanie Mayer? Ruby what the hell happened that you are stalling this much? I mean you are not normally so easily distracted, you’re starting to ramble in a very Karaesque manner.”

“Hey Alex that's not fair, I don't ramble, I just have a lot to say and well sometimes I go a little off track, I mean the whole translating things, and understanding the intricacies of the difference in the cultural paradigms is something that I am still constantly doing, on Krypton it would have been like a short sentence the words had so much more meaning, English is overly complicated. However, you know that I am so much better than I used to be saying that I ramble suggests that there is no point to what I am saying and all I am trying to do is convey the depth of what I am thinking, and there is always a reason and a point to it, saying that I ramble is very belittling and undignified, Supergirl does not ramble.”

“Supergirl doesn't but Kara does, case in point. Now Rube’s, tell us what happened, none of us want your mom to be in pain and we need to work on making that better ok.”

“I know Mom is lucky to have you all, she really is, but that's the thing I don't want to upset anyone and I definitely don't want to be the one that causes any problems, when mom zoned in on Kelly her eyes changed, and it went, well it went black, and i tried to remember what Jess said, it was something like, if Lena’s eyes go black she will be so focused on Kara that she doesn't see anyone else and just heads for her, she said make sure that I wasn't standing in the way and to just get out, I really didn't understand what she was trying to say at first, and then I saw you two together and well you move as one almost, the moment that Lena needs Kara she is there, they are always touching and Kara seems to have an effect on Lena, but there was never any black eyes. I couldn't help but think about it a little Jess was so specific that it was a Kara thing and then I thought about the way that Dracula had that thing with Mina, and how he was connected to her, and well I guessed that Jess was being diplomatic and not quite wanting to explain, red is hungry and black is well horny.”

Alex watched as Ruby shuffled a little and Kara and Lena both reacted, looking away from Ruby and each other, Kara as red as her cape and Lena well there was a small blush that was interesting, Lena had hardly flushed since the virus but clearly Ruby pointing this out was something that managed to embarrass even the stoic Luthor parts, she grinned a little at that, she liked the thought that someone could cause Lena a little uncomfortable especially since this all started Lena had been the cause of a number of mental scars. Jess had been right as well, nothing stopped Lena when she was focused on Kara, nothing, not even her mom being in the room, stopped her defiling her little sister. Then the penny dropped, Sam had zoned in on Kelly? Did that mean that Kelly had gone after her? Oh god that isn’t something that she wanted to think about, someone who she loved being taken by someone else, especially when that person was Sam, who Alex had feelings towards and Oh god, Kelly wouldn’t have been able to stop her. Sam would be devastated when she found out about Kelly being grey sexual and not inclined that way, not to mention if she forced the issue, Alex looked at Ruby eyes wide.

“Um its ok Aunt Alex, nothing happened, they are both ok, um, I didn't get shown how to use the cube and I didn’t know what to do, I told Kelly to get back and she scrambled and tripped on the chair. I called Jess and she told me what to do. Mom seemed to be so determined to get to her, even though she was clearly in pain. I had to get Kelly out, but she was moving back and then, Mom caught her. Only she didn't do anything to her, the moment that she touched her she seemed to calm, like when you and mom were growling at each other Aunt Lena, and Kara came closer and touched you. The pain seemed to be gone and Mom wrapped herself around Kelly talking about how she smelt, I tested it, had Mom let go and she screamed so loud Kelly reached out and grabbed her and it all stopped. They have been sitting together since, as long as Kelly is touching her she isn’t in any pain, it’s like she somehow calms her and removes the pain or something. It’s some kind of connection but they didn’t um… Well nothing happened, Mom wouldn’t do that to you Alex, I wanted to come up and explain because if you saw them… you would... well… They are so um, its well not sexual or anything but it’s really intimate and um well a little unnerving. Mom has not ever so much as introduced me to a date this is well something more.”

Alex looked at Ruby and then at Kara and Lena. Lena was clearly a little shocked but there was something more, she knew what it was like to be in that position, how it felt to be unable to stop herself. It was not something that she had really spoken to her about, but then they didn't talk about anything like that because well, Alex really didn't need to know, and they were not that kind of friends. Lena did however know that trying to stop herself feeding or being with Kara caused Lena significant issues and that any time spent apart had a profound reaction on both of them, there was nothing that anyone else could do that soothed them when they were like that, and the more Lena Needed Kara the more they just migrated towards each other, Alex had seen enough of the pre-show to know what was happening when they slipped off together, and now Sam was fixated on Kelly in the same way, it may be helping with the pain at the moment but how long before it becomes sexual? And will Kelly be feeling the same as Kara when she is not with Sam? She could see her future unravelling at the seams, her and Kelly were on route to marriage and adoption, a long and happy life. Her and Sam was not something that she’d entertained more than just a fun flirtation, Alex would never do that to Kelly and now, now Kelly and Sam were connected and possibly in a way that her and Kelly were not? Kara had never really been a sexual person until being together with Lena, she always said it was about her powers and being worried, but what if it was more, what if she was more like Kelly and just didn’t have the words to explain it.

Alex’s mind was spinning out of control, if Kelly was only not that interested in sex because she had not met her perfect mate, and she was the same as Kara did that mean that now she was connected with Sam that she would have her perfect mate and would suddenly want to be intimate, only not with her? She didn’t want to see them being intimate, Ruby had described them that way, Kelly was very intimate in her way, the connection to love and touch deep connection being so much more than physical expression in the more basic way, would she be doing those things with Sam, were they able to hold back because Ruby was in there? Now that Ruby was not there as a deterrent would they walk into Sam and Kelly doing more than just casually touching? She couldn’t breath, her heart felt like it was shattering, this was so much worse than the realisation that her and Maggie needed to be over, this was worse than breaking up with Maggie, the thought of what could be happening the thought of losing Kelly, and her being with the only other woman that Alex had loved was paralysing. She swallowed harshly and looked at Ruby doing the best she could to smile.

“Hey, it's ok Ruby, that means you get to spend time with your mom, Lena can test the hypothesis and I can go over this. I will see you later, Rube's. I was just dropping Kara and Lena off so I could go to work, but now I have seen you and know your mom is ok I think I will get to it.”

Alex hugged Ruby quickly and then headed out of the office, she heard Lena tell Kara to leave her, meaning that Kara was going to go after her. Reminding herself that she would thank Lena for that later right now Alex needed to think.

******* Lena’s Lab*******

Kara was worried about Alex, she had heard her heartbeat, she knew that Lena could hear it too, it was almost as if she could hear the moment that her sister's heart shattered. She wanted to go after her, but Lena stopped her, she was torn, but one look at the worried expression on Ruby’s face and she knew that she had to stay. She needed a distraction, something that would cause Ruby to think that she wasn't going after Alex because what ruby said affected her and she was worried about her sister. She bit her lip and put on her best pout kicking the ground.

“But she had my chocolate.”

“Oh, I have some in my backpack downstairs, Aunt Kara, Let's go back Mom is probably wondering where we got too”.

Lena had squeezed her arm and smiled as they went to the elevator to the lab. Kara was worried about Alex but the moment that they stepped into the lab she was glad that she had decided to take a little time. Kelly was sitting on the floor, with Sam’s head resting in her lap playing with her hair with one hand and stroking her arm with the other, something that she had watched her do with Alex a million times. They were chatting and laughing as Kelly soothed Sam, there was no sign of pain and as Lena approached neither of them started to growl or snarl, and with Kelly’s hand still on her arm Sam had sat up and grabbed Lena pulling her into a hug. Lena apologising for the behaviour and the virus and Sam apologising too, it appeared that both had a similar reaction to each other. But now that both her and Sam had their other halves, there was no longer any threat. Kara swallowed hard at the feeling deep in her gut that she couldn’t shake, this was going to kill Alex.

Chapter Text

********Lena’s Lab******

After the initial discussions Lena had taken some of Sam’s blood, she still didn't know what vial her mother had used to infect her, and she wasn't convinced that there was going to be a simple solution, it just seemed all too easy to just infect Sam with her virus and that would be it. Kara was happily munching on the chocolate that Ruby had given her and was scanning through the laptop, typing something out, probably working, so Lena decided to make a start. Although well aware of the unique interaction between the virus and her blood in combination with the cure for the sun radiation that allowed the virus to create a Kryptonian when introduced to Kryptonian blood. However, that didn't mean that an already infected Kryptonian battling the virus would have the same reaction, and this was just based on a happy accident. Essentially, she mixed some of her blood with something? What did she do to simulate Sam? She didn't have Sam’s blood. That thought sent a chill over her; it could mean that she had taken Kara’s.

Lena set up a number of dishes and placed a small amount of blood into each, checking the way that the blood was reacting in each, there was the same observation as they had previously discovered. The virus and infected cells continually at war with each other in a constant burn in the dish and Lena had her confirmation, Sam’s DNA was definitely Kryptonian regardless of whether her powers were present or not. That meant there was a possibility that her blood would be able to turn the cells back to Kryptonian and virus free as well. Although it would leave Sam with the ability to change the DNA of anyone that she shared her blood with at the very least, unsure at how the biological terraforming process would present itself, whether the nature of the process would be bacterial, airborne, fluid transfer, or just in the blood. The most logical option given the knowledge of what the Kryptonian's were planning to accomplish with biological terraforming, was to have all available options possible for infection. However, they may have been more of a selective process, based on the premise that they were an evolved and advanced scientific race. If they were able to cure Sam, then they would need to test what she could affect.

For the first sample test Lena used the main cure that was proven to return the subject to what they were originally, the second test used a sample of Lean’s blood, and in the third she placed a solution of the chemical to help with the sun damage to see if it was possible to have Sam heal herself with no interference. Lena needed to give Sam all the options available not wanting to put Sam in a position of having to deal with the full force of Kryptonian powers, knowing how the thought of being Reign caused Sam such distress. Lena would never force anyone, namely Sam to become something they didn’t want to be, not after everything that she had already endured as Reign, especially not for someone to become a living walking talking viral payload for Kryptonian DNA terraforming. Lena was also concerned about how the reaction of the cure would take effect on her and if it would result in death. Once the virus was removed would leave Sam as she was without the reanimation and without the reanimation process what would that mean for Sam? Lena doesn't know what that would mean. Would she go back to what? The dormant Kryptonian, a full Kryptonian, or human? Looking up at the time and seeing that it was getting very late however the tests would take a little longer to complete. Gazing over to the others she could see that Kelly was now curled up and asleep, at some point the two had shifted positions and Sam was now stroking through Kelly’s hair as she slept soundly while Sam was talking to Ruby. Lena decided to head up to the office to get some food for them, giving them a little space, speaking low she invited Kara up to get some food, smiling brightly as she bounced over.

******Jess Office*****

Jess had finally finished everything that she needed to and was starting to think that after a quick trip to the lab she would finally be on her way home. Sadly she had been neglecting her home life since the incident with Sam happened, well technically since that viper Lillian walked into the lab. But Jess could feel that she needed to get some alone time with Hector and Dani. It was something that they had always done when there were times of stress, all three of them focused on work and then coming together, there was moments when they would literally just collapse into each other's arms and hold each other, it would inevitably turn into life affirming and extremely passionate love making that would leave them all satiated and relaxed able to finally get some sleep knowing they made it through together. Knowing there was more to come but she just felt that she needed to be with the ones she loved, even if it was just one night off now more than ever. Lena would more than understand between her own newfound invulnerability and Kara was not leaving her side at the moment, so she didn't need her additional protection. Packing up her desk quickly and preparing everything needed for the next day out and ready for morning, all things considered Jess always wanted to see these things herself not trusting anyone else to do them to her standard and then head home. Oddly chuckling at the irony of how many times Jess had to practically force Lena out of her office to head home for the exact same reasons, she and her boss had more in common than what she’d care to admit, especially when it came to work and L-Corp. Putting what she needed in her bag and flicking off the lamp on her desk heading out, Stepping into the already darkened corridor she could see light coming from Sam’s office. No one was supposed to be in there, considering momentarily calling for security but instead to check it out herself, pushing the door open and taking a look inside hoping to whatever deity was out there that her curiosity wasn’t going to end up with her in trouble again. Hector and Dani would never let her hear the end of it otherwise.

“Alex, what are you doing in here? I thought you would be down in the lab with the others or maybe you and Kelly would have gone home by now?”

“Oh… Uh, hey Jess, no I'm still here. I am just doing some work on the laptop, I think the others are down there though”

Jess noted the sullen expression and the lack of any cadence in Alex’s voice, it was flat, she wasn't sure if Alex had even been down to the lab at this point, looking tired and drained and still in her DEO gear. Jess had spoken to Lena earlier after the thing with Ruby and it appeared that Sam had become attached to Kelly just as Ruby had said although it was taking on an entirely different form than it had with her and Kara, she really was intrigued as to what was happening there, she couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more to it, maybe Kelly smelt enough like Alex to calm her but not enough to cause sexual desire, she was almost certain that the way her and Alex had been around each other they both shared some pretty intense feelings, but Kara had only recently became a calming factor for Lena, mostly it was still carnal, it was somewhat out of the realm of vampire lore but it fascinated her, she wondered what happened when Alex got there? Was there another dynamic yet to be uncovered? Maybe Alex had not been able to go down? Maybe they were keeping her away after all she saw how Lena reacted to Sam.

“Is everything alright Alex? I mean I don't want to pry or anything and you can tell me to shut up or mind my own business or you know fuck off in general. But you don't seem your normal self, have you been down to the lab yet or eaten? Anything?”

“I haven't eaten yet, though I did have a couple of shots of Lena’s good scotch but decided that I would work here, instead of drinking in Lena’s office. We missed Lillian again, I swear that bitch disappears quicker than a container of potstickers on game night, at least I know that’s because of Kara and she has superspeed for Christ’s sake. How the hell does Lillian do it, I'm starting to believe that woman's a witch and she's using magic to disappear. I need to decipher all this data and camera footage as well, to help cure Sam and Lena so things can go back to normal. Well, if that's even possible now, to be honest I don't think I want to go down there.”

Jess looked at the woman before her, she was not as knowledgeable about the older of the two Danvers sisters but she had seen a lot more of Alex recently and the information from Eliza has given yet another dimension to the way that the sisters behaved and viewed the world it was clear that Alex was as it appeared always was, falling upon her shining sword like every true heroic self-sacrificing member of her family. Clearly, she had heard that Kelly was helping Sam that there was a connection there and was bowing out without saying a word, removing herself from the situation so that the people she cared about could be happy and healthy. Jess was somewhat annoyed by the behaviour, not only because it clearly had been a choice that Alex made on her own without even considering the wants of the others, just assuming as usual that she knows best. It was one of Alex’s lesser enjoyed qualities as far as Jess could tell, believing that she knows best and needs to protect everyone. Her overprotective and suspicious nature caused a problem the first day in the lab and her attitude in the past towards Lena had been all about protecting Kara much to both of the women's shared detriment. It was a little redundant considering Kara is a superpowered goddess and Lena is a certified genius but clearly Alex was not going to change, and that protection now seemed to extend to everyone that she cared for.

“What are you thinking Alex? Sam, Kelly, Kara, Lena and Ruby are all down there in the lab. What’s the real issue here? They need your help Alex, you’ve been pivotal throughout all of this and not capturing Lillian isn't a reason to hide away up here brooding like one of those infernal bats from Gotham. Is it the effect that Kelly is having on Sam… Well, are you going to answer me Alex or are you just gonna assume you know what’s going on and do what you think is best and hide away here with your convenient distraction!!”

“This is not some Convenient distraction Jess, and I am not hiding!! This is Lillian's Laptop I’m working on and it may hold some clue to her whereabouts or where she's gone to ground or information about what she stole from the lab and what she's planning to do with it. I'm trying to find out where she is Jess, you of all people should understand and want to see that viper locked up in chains for everything she’s done to Lena and now Sam. That manipulative bitch holds the key to helping Lena as well as answers for Sam, and she knows the possibilities. Lillian’s not just a threat to our family, but the world and I have responsibilities Jess, not only to my family but to the country as well. Sam and Kelly are fine, they have each other, they don't need me, and that is for the best. I don't want to go down there and make it awkward for the two of them, especially if they have a connection now.”

Jess raised an inquisitive and appraising brow, examining all the tell-tale signs in front of her. Clear defensiveness, hurt and some anger bubbling under the surface, with dare she say possible excessive use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. Alex had a lot of unbridled emotions running around her and that was not going to be helped by alcohol, at least Alex had managed self-control where the alcohol was concerned. Obviously, only consuming enough to take the edge off but not fully becoming inebriated, needing her mind and senses honed and sharp, possibly her job and military training was overriding her self-destructive tendencies. Jess had witnessed this behaviour first hand from not only Lena in the years as her assistant but at least one or both of her partners on more than one occasion at times during the course of their relationship. Whether Alex was willing to admit to hiding away or not, that was most definitely what she was doing. Jess could see that this was going to be a tough discussion, one Danvers sister had to be spoon fed information so explicitly that there was no chance of miscommunication the other was going to make her fight for everything like pulling teeth she could just see. It would be like talking to Hector back at the start of their relationship, but she’d managed to get it through his thick skull, she’d damn well get through to the stubborn and hard headed Alex Danvers.

“So, there’s a link between Sam and Kelly, you know that doesn’t mean anything right Alex. Whatever that connection is it doesn’t have to be sexual like Kara and Lena’s is. Also, it’s quite clearly not sexual or I am fairly certain Ruby would have already activated the cube to keep them apart and from Sam doing anything that she'd regret. All we really know at the moment is that Kelly is a calming presence for Sam. Have you not even considered the connection could possibly be just an extension of Kelly's general calming abilities, you of all people should be aware of how kind natured and caring she is as a person. Not even taking into account the fact that she’s a trained Psychologist focusing primarily in trauma and PTSD. Hell, she even got you to open up, Kara to admit her feelings, Lena out of the cube, the woman is a veritable guru of charming calmness that transcends even the most stubborn hide imaginable. Or you just immediately jumping to the worst possible case scenario without even assessing the situation first hand”

“I ‘m not stupid Jess, I’ve seen what that bond did to Kara and Lena and what that means, they will be inseparable soon enough. Then what? you think that everything will just be ok, Kara’s the paragon of hope not me I am not like that Jess. I know Kelly doesn’t want to hurt anyone and is one of the most caring people that I have ever met, and Sam she’s so riddled with guilt especially after the whole Reign shit show that the thought of hurting anyone causes a panic attack. But sure Jess, maybe I should just wander down there and show my face, let them see how it upsets me to see them together and watch as they beat themselves up over it? Hell why don't we make it a party and I just stroll in there wow and grab a vial of Lena’s blood, infect myself and then, maybe some undead cage fighting while we're at it.”

Great Alex has got the same sick twisted dark sense of humour that Lena has and yet more anger, well at least there was an acknowledgment of the pain under there. Something that would be decidedly more vulnerable, and hopefully easier to sooth if she could just get this anger out of the way, maybe it was foolish but at this point riling her up a little may allow room for what is under that anger, and then she could talk to her and maybe get her to see some sense.

“I know that you don't know me that well Alex, and you may not have heard from others what I am like, however let me just be very clear here for a moment. I speak the truth as I see it and I do not and will not put up with people being martyrs anymore than I allow self-destructive or deprecating behaviour, and I have worked for Lena Luthor for 5 going on 6 years now. I do not accept this behaviour from Lena and Miss Luthor knows I speak my mind, and this right here what you are doing right now, it's bull shit Alex.”

Jess could see the emotions flash across Alex’s face, surprise, annoyance and anger in quick succession, not daunted in the slightest. She’s also not intimidated by the woman standing and folding her arms giving her that look, having seen it many times before and she was not going to take it from Alex. Taking a step forward and standing ramrod straight to her full height, Jess may not be the tallest woman but she was far from a push over.

“Before you even think about starting, I am not finished. The woman that you are in a relationship with and are in love with is down in the lab because YOU asked her to go and look after your friend. A friend mind you who you flirt with all the time, that you may have once and may again love deeply, could possibly even be in love with once again. Now I am more than aware that you wouldn't be unfaithful to or leave Kelly. That is not who you are, but that doesn't change the facts and that the situation is still present. There are two women that you are in love with, and both of them are downstairs. There seems to have been something that happened in the lab today that has caused a bond between them however that is not the end of the story. Unless you continue to run off half-cocked without all the information, disregard their opinions and make choices without them to run off somewhere and throw yourself on your sword sacrificing yourself to protect them.”

Jess moved closer to Alex and placed her hand on Alex's shoulder, forcing her to turn to look at her, noticing that she had looked away and Jess was not going to happen either. She wouldn't be dismissed or ignored and clearly the only one that would call Alex on her bullshit the same way that she is the only one that can do so with Lena.

“Both of those women adore you and any fool with eyes can see that, but you can't just walk away from them hoping that they will be happy. That being all noble is going to mean that they are ok when it will kill them to see you miserable, and you are doing it without even asking them for their opinion or what they would like. We don't even know if it’s Kelly that is having the reaction for Sam or that your scent is all over her and we won't know anything for certain until you woman up and go down there. Not to mention that you are throwing two people that hardly know each other into a relationship without even asking them and you are taking away their consent Alex.”

“I am not doing anything of the sort, I would never force either of them to do something that they wouldn't want to do and I resent the sentiment, do you really think that bad of me to believe that I would do what you’re insinuating? I am simply just making the inevitable reaction that comes from this bond easier on them, how dare you suggest that I am hurting them in any way. I love them, Kelly is my world and Sam is special in so many ways. I don't know who you think you are suggesting this, I mean your right I don't know you and you clearly don't know anything about me.”

Jess smiled and sat on the desk looking at Alex, she’d seen Lena make this move a million times. It was very good at showing that you are comfortable and confident and that you will not be intimidated by anger, or the raised voice that Alex was working up to attempting to take the higher ground. Jess could now show Alex just how much she’d picked up over the time knowing both Danvers sisters, the best thing about being an assistant is that no one really takes any notice of you, meaning that you become more or less invisible and privy to certain interactions others would not be aware of and oh did she know a lot about this little group. Jess folded her arms across her chest looking Alex dead in the eye.

“You Alex Danvers have spent your life protecting others, Kara, when she arrived, the secret of her heritage, the people you love, your country, aliens, and everyone else. You have not only taken on world killers, Alien invasions, the loss of your sister, the loss of your father, you have pushed yourself in every conceivable way to do more, be faster, better, just so you don’t have to lose anyone else. So, you are always there just in case Kara needs you and you put yourself in second place on your best day and on your worst, you are at the bottom of the heap. Right now, you have heard that two of the people you love most, are somehow connected, and may need to be in each other’s lives. So to protect them both from the thought of hurting you, to protect them from the conversation that may mean that your relationships are altered and changed, to give them a free shot at what YOU think will make them happy. You are choosing to remove yourself from contention, sacrificing not only the woman you love and planned to have a future with but the other woman that you also love but have never told. So the two of them can be together because of some virus, something that we are trying to cure and once that is gone, they may not even have that bond and even if they do, you are not giving anything else a chance.”

“I…. there isn't another option Jess, I won’t hurt them by being in the way making this awkward for them it wasn't their choice and I won't punish them for it.”

That was what Jess was waiting for, a small crack in the anger, a small fragile part of Alex being exposed for even a brief moment, she needed the opening and now she had it. It was not much but it was indeed something. Maybe Jess wouldn't get all the way there, but hopefully at the very least she could plant a seed and maybe even get Alex to at least go down to the lab.

“Alex we don't know anything at the moment, it may not be Kelly, it could be your scent, it could be entirely biological and there is a chemical reaction that's causing this. It may disappear entirely when Sam is cured and then what, you will have abandoned both of them for what you justify as a good reason in your mind. But what do you think that will do to Kelly, you know that she lost her first partner and that worries about losing you especially in your line of work. If you just walk away giving her no choice in the matter and leave them to each other you’d be doing just what she fears, even if you are doing it in an over protective chivalrous manner. There are other options we don't know about yet, but there are also ones that could work. You know the kind of relationship that I am in and you know what, it works for me and if you would just consider that it could work for you too.”

“Jess I can't, we couldn't… Kelly she doesn’t want that sort of, and Sam well we never even talked about how we felt or about anything like that, it was never the right time to tell her I liked her, and now… Well it's a spark, it is just biological and that is not something that I would leave Kelly over, you're right but, this thing that is between them that is different, I have seen Lena and Kara, what they are like apart from each other, I wouldn't be able to do that to Kelly or Sam.”

Jess rolled her eyes and looked at Alex. This was ridiculous, even trying to get her to admit to her feelings seemed almost like pulling teeth, no wonder she worked for the DEO, the woman was shut up tighter than the DEO vaults. How on earth Kelly managed to get her to talk about feelings at the level she knew Kelly needed for an emotional attachment was astounding, but here it was another opening she just needed to give her a little nudge. Rapid fire questions could help stop Alex thinking so much and just answering the questions.

“You love Kelly?”

“Yes, of course what kind of question is that?”

“Just a question, “You care about Kelly?”

“Yes”

“You want Kelly to be happy?”

“Yes”

So, Kelly is connected to Sam biologically?”

“Yes”

“Sam is connected to Kelly Biologically?”

“Yes”

“You're connected to Sam Biologically?”

“Yes”

“Sam is connected to you biologically?”

“Well, um I, yeah I think so”

“You care about Sam?”

“Yes”

“You want Sam to be happy?”

“Yes”

“You love Sam”

“Ye…..”

Jess smiled. Alex had flushed at the admission, but she had snapped her mouth closed and looked at her, there was a level of annoyance, clearly that would not have worked if Alex had not been so exhausted she had lowered her guard with the vulnerability and the alcohol, not to mention no one had been sleeping much lately. She moved over to Alex once again and placed her hand on her shoulder once more looking into her eyes.

“You have a biological connection to Sam, Sam to Kelly, Kelly to Sam. You have a love connection to Kelly and Kelly to you, you to Sam, which is also returned, regardless if you can admit it or not. If the connection between Kelly and Sam continues after the cure, maybe they will fall in love with each other too, but that isn't how it stands today. It seems as if you are already in a perfect situation to try to make this work for you all. Regardless of that Alex, they are two women that adore you, and you are removing yourself from them when they need you the most without either of them having a say in the matter. The fact is Alex, we don't know what will happen once the cure has been sorted out, but until then how about you don't make any rash decisions on your own, pull yourself together and go see the women you love?”

“Okay… I don't think that they will be interested in it, you know… But you're right, I can't just leave them. Kelly does get on about me being overprotective and talking before I jump in.”

“They wouldn't be interested, but you would. Humm, I knew I liked you Danvers.”

Jess laughed as Alex flushed more and they moved over to the office to head to the lab.

*********Lena’s Lab********

“Rubes, it's so great to have you here, but I am not sure that I am safe to be around at the moment, and this lab clearly is full of issues, not to mention a virus that could kill you, I think that we need to find somewhere safe for you.”

“Mom I am not going anywhere, I have been thinking about what has been happening with you and what it means, it is something that is constantly on my mind, I think that there is a lot of things that we have overlooked and tried to forget but there is a lot happening here and it affects me too, plus there is no way that I am going anywhere now.”

Sam couldn't help but feel a little strange at the turn of events, she had not dated, had not shown any interest in anyone around Ruby, but since the moment that she caught the scent of Kelly she had been unable to take her hands off her, it wasn't like what she witnessed with Kara and Lena, it was something else, it was the same need and even a small movement away caused her to be distressed and the pain to return, also the soft touching was intimate and felt amazing. Sam had always been a tactile person but never to this level it was definitely something to do with the virus, but she didn't seem to want to pin her to anything, not the way that Lena described it. However, Sam did want to kiss her, something that she’d never thought of previously or also had done. It wasn't just that Ruby was there, or that Kara and Lena were too, it was Alex, Sam couldn't do that to her. She looked at Ruby and smiled.

“Ruby I don’t really know what is happening but I am sorry if any of this makes you uncomfortable, you know that I have never hidden my sexuality from you explicitly, but I have also never wanted to bring people in and out of your life. I am not sure what is happening here but there is something about Kelly that I need right now, I don't know what it means though, but her being here helps a lot.”

“Mom I am not uncomfortable, I have always wanted you to have someone to love, someone to have with you through things, I never would have minded you dating either men or women. I have no issue with that at all, but honestly I kind of expected it to be Alex if it was anyone, especially after what Jess told me.”

Sam looked at her and wondered what the hell Jess had been saying, she was more aware of what Jess was like than previously, but she wouldn't expect her to be commenting about it to her daughter. Her attention was immediately brought back to Kelly as she moved, Sam instinctively found the spot on her neck that calmed her and allowed her to drift back to sleep. Smiling down at the sleeping woman leaning down to place a small kiss on her temple. There was a small moan that slipped from Kelly, a verbal expression of contentment that caused her to smile deeply and then realising what she had done. The moment she did it she sat back up looking a little shocked and around at the room. The guilt was clearly written on her face, biting her lip thinking about what she had done.

“Oh God, I shouldn't have done that, Alex will be so upset with me I don't know why I did that, I just couldn't help myself it was almost instinctual. What did Jess say, I am not going to lie other than joking around a little and winding up Kara and Alex, I really haven't paid that much attention to the intricacies of things.”

“Essentially Jess explained that there are differences in reactions that can be identified by the eyes, she said that Kara and Lena had a connection that resulted in black eyes for Lena and that if I saw that I was to move out of the path of Kara, and if the eyes were red then that was a frenzy and that Lena was hungry, the other being well horny, I wasn't really expecting to see the black with you unless it was Alex.”

“Rubes that is not… I would never do that, you know how much I think of Alex but, she is with Kelly, and this isn't right, but I am trying to be discrete and respectful, but I am not able to let her go for some reason and It’s not something that I was in any way prepared for even after seeing Kara and Lena. At least I am not doing THAT thought, thank GOD. I wouldn't forgive myself if I went after Kelly like Lena did with Kara, I mean I hardly know even know her after all and she’s dating Alex”

“Alex, now that would have made sense, I mean the two of you have always had such chemistry, I was hoping for a long while that her and you would work it out just like aunt Kara and Aunt Lena. It seems the virus managed to sort their obliviousness out, and here I thought that out of anyone it would be Alex. I assumed there would already have to be a reaction for that to happen. Well, I know how you and Alex are, but you connected with Kelly, I mean she is definitely great but she’s also Alex’s girlfriend, that's going to be a little awkward don’t you think. You're all grownups though and Aunt Lena is going to cure you, maybe it will be less of an issue once you’re cured. I mean right now I am grateful for her being here because you are not in any pain, did you know that you are crazy strong?”

Sam listened, when did Ruby get so grown up, it wasn't that long ago she was a toddler, and now here she was being a beautiful and accepting young woman. Although she was looking a little too mischievous for her liking and wasn't exactly sure what way to take all that after considering they had never talked about relationships or anything like that. Ruby was right though, at the moment the only freedom Sam had was because of Kelly, and extremely grateful for the ability to not only be spared the agonising pain but also to be able to talk to her daughter and not want to kill her friend. This virus was not easy to manage, most definitely not as easy as Lena was making it look. Then she thought about Ruby saying that she was strong, there was a vague memory of her gripping Ruby,

“Oh God honey did I hurt you? I was grabbing you so tight, I was worried about you being here, when this happened then I realised that there was more to my DNA. This isn't what happened to Aunt Lena when she was infected, that means there is something different about me and you too.”

“Yes, I had been wondering about that as well and I may have had some thoughts about it, and well I think that there is something happening with me mom. Do you remember anything about when you were supposed to become Super? I know that it was delayed because of you getting pregnant and having me but did you know what age you were supposed to be?”

“I was supposed to turn when I came of age but that didn't happen, I am assuming that it would have been 21 but that could be because I am thinking about our Laws rather than anything else. But I had you just before I was 17 and I am not sure about what happened on Krypton, but we could ask Kara about it. Why… Ruby, has something happened?”

Sam watched on, unsure what she was about to hear and whether or not she even wanted to, any of possibilities terrified her. That no nothing had changed, that she had hurt Ruby when she gripped her, or that no it didn't hurt, and Ruby has some kind of special abilities. If it was anything like her would that mean that Ruby would have the world killer abilities, would she black out and have to deal with the duality and the pain that she went through or was it something that she would be able to control and to temper.

“Well, I have had a couple of things happen, there was a boy that got a little handsy and I threw him across the room, and then when you started to grip tightly I somehow countered it. It isn't something that I have been actively doing Mom, it was more of an adrenaline thing, and well I have no idea if there is something more to it or not, but it doesn't make sense that you would be my mother and I wouldn't have at least some of your abilities, I am just not sure what they will be”

“Well, I guess we have more to work out here than just the current issue. Do you think that you might like to switch Universities and come to National city? I think that I may need to be here for a while, and I don't want to leave you.”

“That's just what I was thinking, even if this thing with Kelly isn't permanent, I think that you need to be here, and so do I. This is home isn't it? Not just because you are here but I could feel it the moment I arrived, National City is our home mom.”

Chapter Text

*********Lena’s Lab******

Alex and Jess made it into Lena’s office there was evidence of a hungry Kryptonian being fed in here and Alex remembered that she has Kara’s master chocolate bars, in her bag she shook her head and looked at the containers that were filling the bin, she knew that Lena wasn't eating exactly so they were all for Kara, she wondered if Lena had eaten too? A strange thought entered her mind about being bitten and what that would feel like, Kara had given a brief description the other day and she couldn't quite listen to the highly sexualised activity that Kara was describing at the time, but the thought was in her head now, only Sam was the one doing the biting, and well she was more than happy being the meal, she shook her head this was not OK, how could she be thinking like this? Kelly was her girlfriend and right now Sam was fawning all over her, she wouldn't be the one in that position, morally or physically.

Alex had made her way to the elevator with Jess and stepped inside she was not looking forward to the reception, she remembered when she saw Lena and Kara approach Sam and the way that they snarled at each other like they were going to tear each others throats out. It was not something that she wanted directed at her. After all she loved them both very much and it wasn't something that she thought she could take. What if the observation of the strange Alpha style behaviour was directed at her and she not only lost her friend? Was that all that Sam was? And her girlfriend? If Sam needed Kelly that badly, which if she was not in pain right now that was the case, would she even be tolerated in their presence. She wasn't infected but that didn't mean she would not trigger a reaction. The thought of being looked at the way Sam looked at Lena and being snarled at like she was hated may just be too much for her heart. Alex knew that she was a bad ass that wasn't in question but here in the recesses of her own mind she didn't lie to herself about how soft she was in her heart. She loved deeply and fully and even though there seemed to be the capacity to love them both so much at the moment she knew that losing the connections she had made would cripple her.

The elevator opened and Jess was the first out Alex noted the reassuring look as she left and walked into the Lab, and Alex felt the need for a deep and sturdying breath, she was not sure what she was to be confronted with but she figured just like hitting a mission she was wary another deep breath and to go in was the best option, she stepped out of the elevator and into the lab, she looked around. Lena was working as expected. The woman seemed to do nothing else when someone she cared about was in trouble, not to mention any day ending in a Y. Clearly the lunch break had not lasted that long today, Kara was curled up on one of the chairs and fast asleep she swore that her sister was some kind of cat, she could curl up anywhere and make the most uncomfortable of positions work. Jess was now talking to Ruby off to the side and was watching Alex as she stood frozen to the spot. She knew that she needed to confront this so, she then turned her head to look in the direction of Sam and Kelly, she took another breath and then glanced up.

Kelly was curled up with her head in Sam’s lap and Sam was stroking her hair, she knew that this was the best way to get Kelly off to sleep, with the trauma that she had been through the comfort of feeling her hair stroked meant that the person she loved was there and that she was not alone. Sam had clearly done that instinctually and as much as she was happy that Kelly was content she could feel the pang in her heart already, something was about to break and she believed it would be her.

“Alex!”

She heard her name and her eyes finally met Sam's. There was a look on Sam’s face that she couldn't explain and was most definitely not expecting. In her eyes there was a level of worry, guilt and concern that emanated from her in waves so strong that Alex could feel them over the other side of the room. However her face was bright and she was smiling as though Alex was her favourite person and they had not seen each other in months, it was a strange dichotomous reaction that left Alex somewhat confused, she had been expecting snarling bared teeth and threats but instead she had layers of concern and care almost love heading her way. She moved forward a little as she started to speak.

“Hey Sam, it's nice to see you awake and not in any pain. Has anyone ever mentioned that you have an amazing set of lungs on you, it was like being in a den of a screaming banshee. How are you feeling?”

“The only people that have mentioned my lungs are the next door neighbours and that was a long time ago, fancy trying your luck at getting people to complain?”

Alex noted that the lab was suddenly very silent and she looked around quickly at the people in the room, all seemed a little shocked at the response except for Jess who was clearly wearing what could only be described as a shit eating I told you so grin. Her eyes travelled back to Sam who was still sitting there completely calm as if nothing had been said with Kelly still curled into her asleep, she had to take a double take on what was said that couldn't have been what Sam meant right? She took another step closer waiting for the moment that Sam would snarl but that didn't happen instead she watched as Sam tilted her head and grinned.

“Oh you are a bold one aren't you, stepping closer to me, that is very interesting, are you planning on trying your luck? You smell delicious I must say, you have the scent of Kelly lingering on your flesh but your blood smells divine”

Alex paused what the hell was happening here? She could see Sam’s eye flashing from red to black almost like some kind of strobe lighting she thought that she was imagining it at first but it was clear that it was not a figment of her imagination when Ruby shouted, Lena flashed to the computer and she watched as Sam hit the side of the now activated cube and landed on the floor screaming in pain. In the midst of her jumping towards Alex, Kelly had been moved to the side, but was awake now, looking at what was happening, somewhat confused in her current state. Alex watched as Sam curled up in pain and continued to scream, Kelly moved closer.

“Kelly she is hungry, be careful, it's not safe. Lena we need to get Kelly out, Kara can you help with Sam, shit what the hell is happening?”

Kara was at Alex’s side the moment she called her, Lena had moved closer and Ruby was still making her way over as was Jess, they were all stood on the outside of the cube watching, Sam screaming, Ruby clearly distressed, even though the scene was unexpected and quite worrying, Jess looked intrigued more than scared and Kelly was still moving forward towards Sam, Alex was panicking she needed to get Kelly out of there. Sam was not going to stay incapacitated long. She watched as Kelly slowly made her way over reaching out and placing her hand to Sam’s back the moment that she made contact the screaming stopped and Sam rolled over curling into Kelly, she snuggled in resting her head onto Kelly's breast and started calming. Alex watched as Kelly continued to stroke her back until she was completely calm and then Sam pulled her head from Kelly’s cleavage and looked over at Alex.

“What happened? Oh god Alex, I… I’m sorry, nothing is happening I wouldn't do that I haven't.. I am.. Oh God, I almost ….”

Lena had muttered something that Alex didn't catch, but clearly Sam and Kara did, Kara sniggered a little and Sam playfully poked her tongue out at Lena, Alex would need to ask Kara what she said later but for now she was just happy that Sam and Kelly were safe, all be it in a cube together and Alex was now definitely sure she was going to be forever on the outside of this, she felt herself deflate a little and then looked over to Ruby who had been the first to notice that something was wrong.

“Rubes, how did you know what was happening?”

“Mom’s eye, the one that is showing the virus, it was flashing, black and red didn't you see it? Black is well I thought that was just about Kelly, but she did say you smelt like her, and the red that is hungry, she was losing control of herself, the virus must be taking hold more or something maybe the suppressed Kryptonian in her is not able to fight as well as if she was active and the virus is turning the tide or something?”

“Not necessarily Ruby, the issue that I was faced with was the more I was trying to control the harder it became, so if I was focusing on not feeding then the other needs were harder to suppress and visa versa, there is only so much control any one person can have it may be that, but this seems like a good time to explain my findings?”

Alex watched the exchange. Ruby had been here less than a day but seemed to be very knowledgeable and caught up with everything, she was a brilliant woman, no wonder she was able to do a double major. She really was her mothers daughter and that was something amazing. However she was a little concerned about what this meant, she wanted to sleep with Kelly and eat Alex? Is that what they were suggesting? The thought from before slashed through her mind and she felt her core clench, now was not the time to go strolling down that particular rabbit hole. Everyone seemed to be shifting towards listening to whatever Lena had to say so she turned her attention to her too.

“So the tests I have been running are all finished and there are two options to discuss, I think that it should be successful in both ways. Although there are some issues with each, there are a number of things that Sam will need to work out before she makes the decision in either direction. Firstly the cure that we have created will work, it will return Sam to what she was before, not because the virus has not taken hold, it should mean 100% alive and back to her old self, the virus will potentially be inert in her blood and she will have the antibodies to take care of any flare up or repeat exposure. However, until we have done the procedure I have no idea if she will be able to infect people with it, after all the Kryptonian physiology is different and it could have a reaction.”

“Should I be alive? Is there no way to tell if she will be alive after that?”

“Unfortunately no, to make a Kryptonian mouse, and then infect it and cure it to see would not be possible. So far we have found that my DNA has combined with that of the cure for the sun issue, creating an infection that will not harm a Kryptonian in the way the original did, the in built protection with the sun radiation I have created within the viral load means that the Kryptonian cells full of solar radiation which is in essence sun within the cell, is not damaged. That in turn means that the Kryptonian cells are not burning up as they become infected. It also means that the virus is able to infiltrate the Kryptonian cells and activate the T Cells, so the advanced Kryptonian healing isn't curing the virus but incorporating it once again and turning it into the biological terraforming agent that is present in the Kryptonian DNA. We have looked into this and it was mentioned briefly in the archives at the fortress but it is such old technology to the Kryptonian's now that there is little understanding or information on it. The only way to make a Kryptonian mouse is by using my blood combined with Kara’s and injecting both into the mouse. However my blood is already infected, although it would make a Kryptonian mouse, which would tell us how the terraforming would work potentially, we could not then re infect it and cure it, so without an animal indigenous to krypton laying around we have no test subjects. However Sam’s heart is still beating so it should just return her to what she was before.”

Alex was not keen on the idea of having this theory tested on Sam, Lena had clearly put a lot of thought into this although she was not sharing the full process with the group. She was able to follow the process of what Lena was saying and although she could see the issue that Lena was highlighting, it still didn't sit well with her. She didn't want to test this on Sam but what choice did they have? After all it wasn't like they were able to just pop to Krypton and pick up an animal for testing, she wasn't even sure if that would be possible on Argo city. Although that did give her pause for a moment, wouldn't there be some kind of animal on Argo that they could use? Why had they not thought about speaking to Allura? Taking Sam there, they could have used her help with this, sure before there was no need there wasn't a Kryptonian infected but now there was.

“How about an animal from Argo, we could use J’onns ship and be back with an animal in a few days, it would be worth looking into it wouldn't it?”

“That would be an option, if we were dealing with a normal Kryptonian, someone like Kara, or Clark but this is not the same. Although she is unique in her physiology, because of her being created the way she was, there are additional components in her DNA that make her able to mimic human physiology. The ability to be tested as indigenous to the planet, to grow in age and size in plane sight while waiting for her powers to come into fruition when she was triggered means that along with Kryptonian DNA we are also looking at whatever they did to genetically modify her, and I do not have the ability or the time to work out what happened there. Even to map her DNA and try and work out what they have done with the science we have here would take a number of life times and well the techniques were not regular Kryptonian practice I am not sure that there is even anyone left on Argo that would know, and then we would have to wait for maturation of the creation, triggering it, and then splitting it with Haronell, to even get close to the uniqueness of Sam, that means that any animal that we did have would not be a exact match, so even if it worked with a Kryptonian animal we have no idea how that will react with Sam.”

“Hey guys, I know that I am not a science geek like you two beautiful brains but I am right here, can you take this over protective crap down a notch Alex, I get your worried I am to, but Lena has done the tests can we just hear the other option before I die of boredom with all this science talk? Lena, what's the other option?”

Alex flushed slightly and she watched as Sam shifted closer to Kelly her eye flashing once more, she was initially concerned that she was going to bite Kelly but the black returned the moment that she returned to skin contact, not that it was nice for Alex to watch but clearly the additional blood to her face had increased her scent. She nodded and stepped back a little not sure if that would help at this point but she didn't want Kelly in danger, or Sam in pain.

“The other option is simple, it doesn't require anything scientific, Sam just needs to bite me, if she consumes some of my blood she will be flooded with the modified virus and the aforementioned will happen, she will become a Kryptonian terraformer. Now she will be fully Kryptonian according to the blood work, meaning that her DNA will rewrite itself with the active T Cells, she will have all her powers there will be nothing masking them at all, she will be forever a Kryptonian, the issue with that is although Sam will be fine, and will live as a Kryptonian, we have no idea how the terraforming works, and if she will be able to infect others, that is something that we can check with mice, before we cure her, to see if they are infectious through the air, by blood or some other way, obviously we don't want contact or air to be the delivery system, or Sam will be running around turning the planet into new Krypton.”

“I am glad that the children of Juru didn't know about this ability, although the devastation and issues we had a few years ago wouldn't have happened … there wouldn't have been the world kil…. Um sorry I d..didn't mean um.. I am glad we have you Sam.”

Alex glared at Kara how she could be so thoughtless, here was Sam their friend and she was talking about the world killers. Alex could feel the anger rising in her, her heart beating more rapidly and her body heating up, she was not going to let Kara get away with something so thoughtless. Sam had been struggling with being a world killer, she had been through hell, she left National City because of it, Was she not currently traumatised enough? she was about to open her mouth when she heard Sam.

“Down girl, you don't need to jump to my defense every time, although you are smelling better by the moment, humm I don't know if I should fuck you or eat you, maybe both.”

“Kara maybe you and Alex can head out, I don't know go for second dinner, and Jess maybe take Ruby to the hotel for a shower, food and some sleep, Kelly can you stay so I can talk to my friend without the screaming, and then I can start whatever she chooses, but this, this is not happening right now”

Jess was laughing as she headed with Ruby who was complaining about being an adult and getting removed, and Kara was heading towards her before she could even really register what Sam had said. Guiding her out too, she sneaked in a quick kiss with Lena as she passed, Alex manhandled out of the room and into the elevator as she heard Sam.

“Spoil my fun why don't you”

******** Kara’s Apartment*****

Kara didn't like the fact that she was asked to take Alex away it meant that she wasn't with Lena but she understood all to well, Lena when she was hungry or horny was more than a handful, with Sam being in this position she was not sure what would happen, she seemed to have little interest in having sex with Kelly although was acting a lot like Alex did around her, it would be sweet if it wasn't Alex’s girlfriend, but then she was acting like Alex was not only a snack but something that she wanted to EAT in every way, she had picked up food and taken Alex to hers, stopped a robbery and helped with a car accident, it was just a little work out but she was able to blow off a little steam. She finally got back with the take out and sat with Alex.

“So that is strange right? Sam and Kelly and then Sam and you, I mean the you smelling like Kelly thing is often the case but that was odd yeah?”

“I smell like Kelly? What?”

“Enhanced smell remember, she often lingers on you, I think that its all that hugging and close proximity thing you guys do, its like her scent lingers on you, I didn't mention it as it doesn't bother me, definitely less than the way that you smelt when with Maggie, ugg that was all sweaty sex smells and that is not something that I enjoyed being in close proximity to.”

Kara was tucking into the food she had not long eaten but the quick workout had left her with a small hole to fill and she was more than happy to tuck into the pot stickers that she picked up, she had inhaled a whole portion before she realised that Alex wasn't even moving. She thought about what she said and there was nothing bad there right? Oh was Alex still annoyed about the slip in regards to the world killers? She didn't mean anything by it, it isn't like she views Sam that way, she never did, Julia and purity were two different people, the same wasn't exactly the same with pestilence, she seemed to be the only version she met, Grace seemed to have embraced it and was dead long before Kara met her.

“Alex I am sorry about what I said, I don't think of Sam that way honestly, I didn't mean to upset you.”

“Its not that Kara, I am just thinking, Sam wants to have sex with me because I smell like Kelly, but isn't making any moves on Kelly, and she wants to drain me dry, but I am not her focus, so what does that make me? I am not her one, like you're Lena’s that is Kelly, but I am still something different. Is it just because I smelled like Kelly that she focused on me? I am just thinking, Hey, what was Lena mumbling?”

Kara started to laugh she couldn't help it, it wasn't all that funny now she thought, but the way that Lena had been so exasperated and then somewhat relieved by the action of Sam had been so funny to her at the time, she wasn't sure what Alex would make of it, especially as she was thinking about what this situation meant for them, with Kelly and Sam, although she wasn't sure if Alex was upset that she wasn't Sam’s favourite, or that Sam was drawn to Kelly meaning that Kelly and Sam had a connection, she knew that Alex was a monogamous woman and wouldn't cheat, and so was Kelly but there was something there. She looked up and bit her lip before explaining.

“She said, well thank God, I thought that there was something wrong with me, finally you lose it, typical no one can resist a Danvers, although mine is better”

Kara watched as Alex’s mouth dropped and descended once again into laughter.

******** Lena’s Lab********

Once they were gone Lena managed to vent the Lab, giving Kelly and Sam some portable oxygen masks and then took down the cube, Kelly's scent calmed her which was great but she didn't want any residual Alex in there, Sam was clearly getting hungry and she was not sure if she wanted food, blood both, Maybe a rare steak would work? She finally managed to finish the discussion and Sam was not keen on either, it wasn't an easy choice, she knew that but it was what they had on the table. She left Sam for a while giving her time to think about the options and started the tests with the mice, there was one thing she could do, without risking releasing super mice, or the virus. She could check the blood, if she knew it wasn't blood born that would be something she could also check airborne but for that she needed to ensure that no one else could be infected, she moved to the cube for the experiments and had Kelly and Sam go next door.

After a couple hours she was satisfied that the Kryptonian mouse couldn't affect the other by blood, touch or air. So however this biological terraforming worked it was not like a common virus. She smiled to herself and placed the mice back in containment. She placed a small amount of kryptonite under the cage to ensure that the mouse did not escape, she would need to euthanize it at some point but right now, she had some answers for Sam that were going to help with the decision. She moved into the makeshift home to find that Kelly and Sam were curled up on the couch together. She smiled at them, they looked very sweet together, but she knew that this would be hard for Alex, if Kelly and Sam were together, although Alex was still very much in the running. She sat down opposite them and smiled.

“All done geeking out with the mice?”

“Hey , Just because I am a big geek, and you are my friend, doesn't mean you can get away with that Miss Arias! But Yes I am finished, I need to dispose of the mouse but it is contained for now, so it appears that the biological terraforming is not transmitted by air, or bite, or blood, it doesn't actually seem all that effective to be honest, so there is little chance that you will be infecting people, as far as I can tell, it appears that even the mighty Kryptonian's fail sometimes”

“Maybe that is why it was phased out and they didn't do it any more, but they didn't remove the activator through the T cells, I mean there are a lot of modifications that we have made that have not really worked, a lot of options created that have not functioned as we would want but they are not just terminated, it is almost too much effort to go back and redo everything, just take another road and leave behind what isn't working, maybe Kryptonian's were more like humans than we thought?”

Lena smiled at Kelly, she often forgot that she was a doctor, after all she was a qualified psychiatrist she needed her MD first, but she didn't often weigh in on science discussions, although this would spark her interest, what with it being more anthropological information about the way Kryptonian's used to be and a look at the way human nature is evident in ancient krypton. She nodded and then looked at Sam.

“So what are you thinking? I know that you are comfortable at the moment but well Kelly can not just be attached to you permanently, and the alternative is intermittent pain and unconsciousness, we have two options, back to what you were, with some potential problems, or full Kryptonian and deal with powers?”

“If there is no risk then the powers are the issue, if a new Kryptonian turns up looking just like me, then people are going to think she is back, and what if she does come back? I don't know how to be with powers. I could hurt people or make mistakes, I don't have training or experience. What happens if I am Kryptonian and the only way to be that is to have her? but at least I won't be infectious, the other option is I am still me but we can't test if I am infectious until the cure.”

“Firstly she is gone, she was split and banished from you and you are not her Sam, you never were, just look at Grace the moment that Pestilence came out Grace was gone, she was always Pestilence, Julia fought it, she wouldn't be Purity but she died and you, you fought and survived, you are strong of will and with Kara and Alex you can learn how to be in control, you are not alone and no one will think you are her, I can make you a rainbow suit or something get you out of the black and people will see something completely different.”

“Suit, I am not sure I need a suit. I mean I am not Kara, but I don't want to snap the phone or the necks of people because they annoy me either.”

“Welcome to my life the struggle is real, the thoughts have always been there especially in the boardroom but since this they inch closer every day.”

Lena smiled reassuringly. She knew that Sam would handle it either way but she didn't want her to feel that she had to be a Super either, after all the cure was there to stop the pain. What she chose after was as much up to her as which cure to take. She looked at Kelly hoping that she would once again jump in. she raised her brow encouragingly and waited.

“I haven't known you long Sam but nothing I have seen has suggested that you couldn't manage the powers if that is your choice, and there is something that you have that others have not in the past and that is a family that cares about you, one that can help with the issues, and whatever you decide they will be right here helping, it is a big decision and there is a lot to think about, after all Ruby is already showing signs that she is not human, she may need some help with that, and you can't like this. Life is a series of choices, this current state is not sustainable long term, and you have two options, whatever one you choose we will support.”

The discussion seemed to go on and on, Lena understood after all there was so much for her to think about. Finally Sam made her decision and all that was left was to implement it. The problem for Lena was that she didn't want the transformation to cause any more pain to her friend, and she wasn't sure that it would be a smooth transition, Mice did not do a lot of reporting on side effects or the process which meant that this was a blind faith moment. It was agreed that Lena would set everything up and she would put Sam to sleep while the cure took effect, her and Kelly promised to stay so that she would not wake up alone, it worried Sam that she could be dangerous and Lena reluctantly agreed to doing this in the cube. She brushed over Sam's forehead as she looked at her friend, the worry etched on both their faces she was sure. She set the IV running and placed the needle into the line, pushing through the anaesthetic.

“Sweet dreams Sam”

Chapter Text

******Lena’s Makeshift home *****

Lena had finished setting everything up for monitoring then ushered Kelly into her makeshift home motioning to the couch then going to get something for them to drink, studying the choices and decided to open a bottle of red. Lena emptied the blood into her own glass grimacing at the scent not knowing what it was, but whatever synthetic flavor of human this was, it definitely was not to her tastes. For some reason she envisioned it as a middle aged egotistical entitled board member and that helped a little taking a sip. It was still disgusting but at least it was something that would help with the persistent burn in her throat. Lena had the formula to make this, after all it was her who created it but wasn’t aware of it’s true intention at the time. Now knowing it was going to be drunk it needed to be modified, she couldn't rely on Kara but since tasting her blood well this… This was downright disgusting and wondered if some of Kara's blood was added to it like a little flavor enhancer, if that would make it better? Not wanting to really use this but Lena doesn't trust herself.

Seeing the way that Sam had managed the whole thing, other than the pain which kept her mostly sedated which the medication had helped with. However, from the moment that Ruby arrived Sam had been in much more control than what Lena had managed when she had first become infected. Holding the pain to talk to Ruby, not jumping Kelly the moment that Sam scented her while also being able to have her so close when clearly, she was hungry without biting her. Evidently as great as everyone said Lena did based on a control subject of one, the moment another subject was observed it seemed obvious she was once again lacking, not that this was something new for her, but it didn't stop it stinging. Turning around Lena walked towards Kelly wondering just how Sam had managed it, only having one outburst that was focused on Alex, her brows pulled together while handing the wine to Kelly but was shocked back to the room by her statement.

“Ok so there it is again that look you had on your face when mumbling to yourself, what was it you were saying? I mean there was obviously a polarising reaction, I saw Kara sniggering and well Alex poking her tongue out at you. I’m not sure if it was playful or childlike at this point, but either way it was clearly something you didn't want to share with the group. So there is no group now Miss Luthor put your money where your mouth is”

“What I had said was… ‘Well thank god, I thought that there was something wrong with me, finally you lose it Sam, how typical no one can resist a Danvers, although mine is better”

Lena looked at Kelly unsure that this was a good thing to voice so jovially to Kelly and that she was in fact dating Alex. Although, it was her opinion and had said it, it wasn't something that should’ve been said really based on the current situation. But Lena was just so frustrated with still struggling some days with her need for Kara in so many different ways, her blood, her body, her proximity, Lena hated that she was reducing this wonderful woman into an adornment or toy of some description, that wasn’t her true feelings towards Kara. Lena loved her so deeply and just longed to have more control and the fact that Sam had finally lost it expressing some of her more primal instincts had made her feel a little better in the moment.

“Well I respectfully disagree with the sentiment about the Danvers sisters but I may be a little biased in that respect, as I am sure you are as well. But I have to say they do have something unique about them don't they. I mean Kara is definitely not my type, but even so she’s a beautiful woman, so charming and sweet, a little too sweet for me in honesty. Alex is more forceful, a little too overprotective, but I am working on that, although not too hard it's kind of endearing that she cares so much. I think the likelihood is that with the connection of two people, there is the chemistry on both sides which makes them compatible. That would most definitely explain the difference better than the idea of you being less able to control yourself than Sam, not to mention that she isn't fully infected like you. So how about you stop with the self-deprecating and accept that there is much more to this than your ability to maintain the stoic Luthor control?”

“I know that it is stupid, really I do. But it just feels like every time I am unable to control myself around Kara, that I am making this about something different that I am reducing her somehow. I don’t know. I have always been told that I am not very good with emotions, that I have childish outbursts and lack decorum. I guess seeing Sam handle it so well was just hitting on an old insecurity that I have, there are many but that specific one was bothering me. I don't want to feel like I am using Kara. Not that she seems to mind, she is most definitely happy with the change in the relationship, so we both seem to have the same kind of chemistry I guess, what do you mean yours is different?”

Lena finally sat down and handed Kelly the glass of wine, hers was blood but both in a wine glass and the choice of red make it much less obvious. The blood had not been warmed so it was hardly going to hit the spot quite right, but the burn was back, and didn't want to risk Kelly’s safety. Lena also still didn't like drinking in front of others more than absolutely necessary. She got comfortable and raised her brow for Kelly to explain.

“Well, being a Graysexual person or grayace as some people call it, there is a distinct difference between the kind of pheromones I put out, over Kara who is clearly a sexual person with a heightened libido to boot. Not to mention that you and her had what 4 or 5 years’ worth of build-up and sexual tension added to the mix before the final push when you were infected. There is a lot of additional sexual energy there that I just don’t generate, Sam was giving me what I would normally get from Alex and although it felt wrong to be having that intimate attention from someone else, she maintained a respectful boundary with it.”

Lena thought about that for a moment, was it possible to smell people’s orientation to a degree and did people smell different if they were straight, male, and female too, maybe Sam could instinctively use that to tell that Kelly wasn’t someone sexual. Lena had never really thought about it or considered the possibility, but just then inhaled deeply to get an idea of what Kelly smelt like. There was a hint of Alex on her but mostly the scent neutral it was curious however, not good, or bad, but something that was a little different. Realising suddenly that Kelly’s scent had changed and was different today than it was days before. Unsure of what that meant and if that change was due to her time in the cube or her connection with Sam. Lena also wasn't sure exactly what she meant by Graysexual, having understood ACE but was this something different?

“I mean people smell different to me. I am theorising it is the same for Sam as well. Before you came in her scent drove me crazy. It felt like I was competing with and wanted to kill her. When out of the cube meeting with the board I disliked the smell of men, straight ones in particular they smelt very bad, women in general were better, I guess. There was a lesbian that smelt too butch and then a few that smelt mouth-watering, I guess it is something to do with that? Maybe your scent is what told her that you would not be someone that Sam could be with like that. Although I am not exactly sure what Graysexual is?”

“Well it is a complicated thing I suppose a lot of people don’t understand, it isn’t that I have just a low libido that is simplifying the matter too much. It is about sexual attraction and desire, that is something independent of the libido. It’s a way that I feel and think more than a base need and yes, I have a libido that sometimes can be sparked. However, that desire and attraction is the thing that fluctuates. I can go for a very long time not feeling that need or desire to be intimate in that particular way. Then in some circumstances I can find myself very much in need, and the desire presents, it can roll in and out with the tide although it is far less reliable.”

Lena listened carefully, this wasn’t a topic or something that she was accustomed to, there were numerous things that she was aware of, she was a lesbian and there was some LGBT presence in her life. Not exactly being able to be integrated easily into the culture there were still many kinds of sexuality, identities, and genders which although she knew basics about but didn’t fully understand. It was one thing reading about it and another to be immersed in the lived experience of it. Lena had missed out on a lot of her gay education due to her hiding who she was and then well there was everything that being a Luthor entailed and that just didn’t help. They were all so clearly homophobic and xenophobic who exactly would want to take time to talk to her?

“Well, I am still not sure that I understand but then I feel like this is something that I would need more information on and take a little time for me to digest. So, it is on the A sexual spectrum and that means that you have no interest in sex or well in your case fluctuating interest, is there some kind of intimacy thing here, is that what is causing the issue with sex or something else? If you don’t mind me asking that is, I wouldn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable but I fear I am woefully uneducated when it comes to this.”

“Of course, it’s fine Lena and I’m happy to help expand your knowledge on the subject matter in this and no it isn't an intimacy thing, I am very intimate and caring in many ways. It isn't that I shy away from it at all. I love being close with Alex, holding hands, small stroking in sensitive areas, soft cuddles, and times where we just explore each other’s touch. Kissing is amazing, but so is just being able to look into her eyes and hold a deep meaningful connection. It's just so intimate to have that level of connection with her, I can lay in her arms and look into her eyes and fully be with her. It is incredibly intimate but not sexual in nature, just as sex isn’t always intimate and intimacy isn’t always sexual.”

“Ah” Lena thought to herself that made more sense, she had known about this before, just Kelly seemed to have a different name for it, having a friend in the lab that was like that no interest in sex at all one moment then after falling for this guy they were inseparable for a time. It was like the two were always in the middle of a deeply meaningful conversation, their connection was so strong that all of a sudden, her friend was all over their partner. Lena witnessed it when getting back to the lab a little early one day. Although surely the connection with Alex was enough to spark that reaction with Kelly, they had not been dating that long but still they were very close.

“Oh, so is that Demi sexual? I had a friend that was like that, once the connection was fully formed her attraction seemed to know no bounds, maybe it will come back stronger than ever?”

“Well not quite, Demi sexual is on the spectrum too, there is a difference, Demi sexual people need the close romantic connection to feel sexual, they often don’t enjoy sex or contact of that nature unless there is a deep connection, and they don’t have the instant sexual attraction to a person. I love the deeply emotional connection and the intimacy that comes with a romantic connection, the sexual side is what’s missing quite often, the need for sexual encounters, and the “that person is unbelievably hot I want to have sex with them”, well that varies massively. There can be nothing at all, a mild amount and then sometimes in the right situation it can be higher but it never reaches the level of intensity of someone on the Allosexual, which is probably where I would put Kara, well when it comes to you any way. My understanding is before you Kara didn’t express that much, but expression is different to feeling it.”

“Oh, wow there seems to be a never ending list that I am learning about here, Allosexual, Demi, Gray we do love ways to label ourselves even in the queer community although our labels are much more interesting. So please tell me more, is Alex also on the ACE side? Like you?”

Lena snuggled back into the couch pulling her feet up and sipping on the blood again. It was still no better, but it was nice to have a conversation that didn't revolve so directly around her and what was happening, especially one that was not connected to her mother. Definitely more invested and interested in this topic currently, than trying to work out exactly where that viper was hiding right now. Lena smiled wide and curiously at Kelly waiting for her to continue.

“I think that the labels are there within the queer community to help differentiate, once you are termed as queer, people make all sorts of assumptions just like if you’re black, male or a Luthor, but there are so many different ways to be anything. I think that the idea is not to label people but people creating an identity around themselves as an individual. But, no Alex is not on the Ace spectrum, she is most definitely a gay woman with healthy desire and Libido to match, has understood my position and need and we can indeed have sex when she needs it. I can even enjoy it to a point but there is no need or desire. It is more about the additional intimacy for me and making her happy, that is something I enjoy too. However, I can tell she likes it more when I am in the right mood and feel the need for it as well but doesn’t complain and is so very loyal Alex wouldn’t stray. That woman is one of a kind, and from the reaction in the Lab and my current lack of sexual desire suggests that Sam’s is able to temper herself too which is a good thing as I don’t plan of being the person that is responsible for keeping two women satisfied, although that should go now right?”

“Well maybe they can help satisfy each other and you can have twice the intimacy, maybe even having the additional paramour will create some of those circumstances that cause a need?”

“Well, that is an interesting thought Lena. What made you say that?”

Lena had not meant anything by it, just speculating that if things continued the way they were at the moment there was Sam in the mix too, of course her knowing that Sam and Alex had a spark and that there was now a connection with Kelly for Sam. Well, it would be an interesting thrupple to say the least, from what Lena knew of Jess’ relationship it worked so well for them and they were really happy. If Kelly liked the intimacy and romance knowing that Alex would be able to satisfy that, Sam too by the look of it and when Kelly really didn't want the other kind of attention but Alex or Sam needed it then, that was also something that could happen. Not meaning for it to come across callous or sound the way it had, but hey, if Sam and Alex were fooling around Kelly may just want to join in? Lena wouldn't want to share Kara but that was not the same for everyone and it wasn't like they were not all consenting adults.

“I’m sorry Kelly that was inappropriate, it was sort of a joke, you know this enticement thing that is happening with Sam you and Alex could prove to be quite the arrangement. I shouldn't have made the joke because it was in poor taste. Alex is your girlfriend and well I should’ve been more respectful. I don't even know if that connection will still be there after Sam is cured, maybe once she is Kryptonian it will be gone, but then I can't be sure of that either. It was just, well you know about Jess and well she is… Her and Alex were talking when I took Kara up earlier for food, I wasn't trying to overhear but Vampiric hearing and all Jess was well trying to convince Alex that maybe she shouldn’t just bow out and that maybe there was an opportunity there. I shouldn't have said anything, it was a private discussion.”

“Ah yes Jess, definitely a little firecracker that one, you know typically people don't see Asian women like that, but she seems to have a way about her. I mean Hector and Danielle are both ex seals and trust me that is a lot to take on and Jess undeniably is the boss in their relationship not the stereotypical Asian woman at all. The demure, shy, and timid way that Asian women are portrayed is certainly her when she’s working behind the scenes, no one even notices her, but when it comes to people trying to get to you there’s this assertive and commanding nature that comes forth. With her new position that perceived bamboo ceiling connected to them is long surpassed. Jess is also one of a kind maybe, but I think much like with the expectation of Black women, Asians are pigeonholed too. I suppose that it is something to think about, I mean the virus will still be present which means Sam could still be connected to me. But there was also a connection to Alex and I am not convinced that it was just because she smelt like me, I mean there was always an attraction between the two. I may not have any sexual attraction or desire for the most part, but I can see it and I am not blind.”

Lena was concerned that she had spoken out of line and felt that it was something that she shouldn't have said at all, but the way that Kelly was talking maybe Alex was wrong when she said that Kelly wouldn't be interested, Kelly seemed intrigued by the idea in its hypothetical delivery but was that more of a psychological interest or was she considering it? And well from Sam’s reaction earlier she definitely wanted to have her cake and eat it, she was more than happy to be contemplating chomping on Alex in every way, and with her head buried in Kelly’s cleavage for a great portion of the time she clearly didn't mind being close to her either, this was definitely a interesting development. She heard the elevator go and looked to the lab.

“Someone is coming, I am not sure who at the moment we are a little far away for me to hear, maybe we should move back into the lab?”

******** Lena’s Lab********

Eliza was in the elevator with Kara and Alex, she had gone over to check in with her girls and had an update, she was very worried about Lena at this point regardless of what was happening with that virus, this level of time with no sleep was not good for anyone, it was a concern that both the Danvers sisters shared. They all went to the lab with one thought in their minds. Lena needed to take a break, they all stepped out of the elevator observing that the cube was active and Sam was unconscious inside, Eliza looked at her eldest daughter questioningly and Alex shrugged, something had changed clearly. With Sam sedated again did that mean that Kelly had gone, or that Sam had chosen a cure already? Eliza was planning on having a look at Lena’s work as she’d been up for too many consecutive days, Kara said that Lena had not really slept at all since Sam first became infected.

“Eliza, welcome back, how was your break?”

“Hi Lena, it was nice thank you, although it seems that taking a day off around here you miss a lot. Is that why you haven't gone home, slept, or well anything for a week? Worried that you may miss something interesting?”

“Don't exaggerate it's been…” Lena looked at her phone and oh it had been five days now, well that isn't good. No, I’m not worried I’ll miss something I just didn't want to go anywhere until Sam was safe. She’s ok by the way, the cube is at her insistence. Sam’s not sure that she’ll be herself when she comes back, I tried to talk to her but she wouldn't hear of it.”

Eliza smiled and placed her hands onto Lena’s shoulders and looked into her eyes, seeing the tiredness in them and the paleness of Lena was making the dark circles visible. Lena looked like she needed a rest, and so did Kara. Alex wasn't much better, the freshest face was Kelly, but then she’d not been in the thick of it as long. Spotting Kelly moving to Alex and they had their pinky fingers entwined as they stood together. It warmed her heart to see it, it was the way that Jeramiah had settled her as a child he would walk up and entwine their fingers, no one would see what was happening Alex didn't lose face, but she was comforted instantly. It was clearly something that Alex had told Kelly about and it made her smile.

“Well how long do you think it will be before Sam wakes up and we know that she’s alright, so that you can go home. Kara can take care of you for a little while, and Alex and Kelly can get some sleep. I stay with Sam, and I think that Ruby will be back soon too, so we will be covered.”

“In all honesty I think there is only about an hour, maybe less, that is available for her on the anaesthetic but if the cure will be complete by then I’m not sure, I don't know how she’s going to wake up”.

“Alex explained the options to me about what her choices were to take, is there any chance that once the virus is removed, Sam will be unresponsive?”

Eliza didn't want to say dead and didn't like the idea of Sam going into cardiac arrest, not with Ruby on the way and everyone there, but there was little she could do about that. Wanting to shield them from what happened if this were to go wrong. Eliza wanted to keep them all strong and healthy, save them from any pain as any good mother would, but she could see that no one was leaving at this point and would not be able to convince anyone with that question unanswered. So, having to ask for the possible outcome was something she would just have to do to get the most options available. If there was no chance of a medical emergency maybe she could convince Alex to take Kelly, knowing Kara wouldn't leave Lena.

“No, there shouldn't be any chance that the cells were very animated when I tested them and the mouse was fine too, it should go smoothly with no issues this way.”

“What option did she choose?”

Eliza didn't need Lena’s answer it was given the moment that Sam screamed, and her head turned to the cube, Sam was floating off the bed screaming with heat vision darting to the top of the cube and rebounding all around it, the sound of the equipment being completely destroyed, and Sam’s screams were filling the lab and everyone was frozen in place. There was nothing that any of them could do to help her at the moment, opening the cube would risk the lab and everyone in it, and the only person that could withstand the vision was outside. The screaming and heat vision seemed to go on forever however realistically only a minute or two and then Sam crashed down onto the table panting. It would appear that her choice was to become full Kryptonian.

The moment that the display was over Lena flashed into the cube to check on Sam, moving in and engaging the shielding before anyone was aware or able to get inside, not even Kara. It all happened so fast Eliza hadn’t even realised the barrier on the cube had been reinstated, until Kara smashed into it trying to follow her in. Eliza didn't know if Kara was aware of what Lena was thinking or if she knew her well enough to know that this was even a possibility. Maybe Kara thought that with Kelly not in the two would start that territorial thing again. Whatever the reason Kara had tried but Lena was quicker.

“Lena what are you doing baby, I know that you are strong and that you can take care of yourself but why have you done this?”

“Kara please don't worry, It's Sam, I know it is, but she wouldn't… Sam wouldn't let me help her without me promising this. That I wouldn't let anyone near her without knowing for sure, Reign hurt you so badly before and Alex, Sam couldn't stand the thought of possibly that happening again. Reign went after everyone that she cared for, her mother, Ruby, Sam couldn't stand it if that monster was unleashed again and hurt anyone, especially all of you.”

“What and she was ok hurting you? You’re ok to hurt but we’re not what the hell Lena. Sam can't have asked of you, she wouldn't do that.”

Eliza could do nothing but watch, clearly there was some fear in Sam at least that she had not defeated the world killer, that no one was safe around her. This was beyond her understanding either, she was 100% with Kara, if Sam had refused everyone else then she would have refused Lena until she was sure, this was Lena off script breaking the promise but why? Why would she do that? Guilt of course, the answer would always be rooted in Lena’s guilt over any given situation but why now?

“Sam didn't, but I made no promises about me, I promised not to let anyone near her and I’m not, I am keeping you all away so just please give me a moment, I know it's Sam.”

Frustrated on the outside, Kara stood and looked at her, Eliza watched as Lena moved over to the slumped unconscious figure and started moving things off her, Sam had caused quite a lot of damage and was clearly out, she must have solar flared. Although Eliza was not sure how, the beam didn't seem long enough compared to Kara’s, Sam had been using her energy to fight the virus, over half of her blood was either regenerating or burning for the past few days and that would have drained her powers to the bare minimum just enough for that display. Eliza moved over and placed her hand on Kara’s shoulder.

“Whatever is happening in there is nothing to worry about, Lena just needs to know that her friend is cured and that she has done everything needed. Kara honey there’s no danger Sam has obviously solar flared and that was the last of her sun radiation, she’ll be out for a moment and then wake up human. There will be no threat sweetie, so calm down ok”.

Lena had looked at Eliza and smiled before looking back to Sam and assessing the damage, she could see the grateful light in her eyes at the way that she had taken care of Kara. Eliza once again thought how very lucky her daughter was, both of them actually because Kelly had already had Alex covered, while she herself was managing Kara. Lena for all her trust Issues and mother difficulties, trusted Eliza and was grateful to her for being there for her and not misusing that trust, for doing exactly what Lena had expected the mother to. Smiling Eliza watched as Lena worked getting her friend comfortable and then when Sam opened her eyes and looked at Lena, Eliza could see the relief flooding her. A few checks later and the Cube was ready to come down, Sam moved to the makeshift home that Lena had and then it was time.

“Right, that is enough everyone out, I don't want to see any of you until tomorrow, I can do the tests and checks on Sam here and keep her company while we wait for Ruby, you four skedaddle.”

“We can't stay out until tomorrow, there are things to do. I need to be able to finish testing, and the monkeys are coming, if I am going to have any chance at getting my heart started again, I am going to need to have the monkeys infected.”

“We don't know if Sam is alright and there should be someone here that can help keep her calm and teach her how to use the powers she never really had before.”

“Eliza you can't do 24 hours alone, you need to sleep too. Please let me help I have not been here as much and I seem to calm Sam, although that may have changed, either way my training will help with her PTSD”

“Mom I am all up for a rest, but I need to catch Lillian and the likelihood is she will be making another attempt to get what she didn't or to contact Lena. I need to be here to coordinate.”

Eliza had anticipated that there may be some resistance but all of them, this was ridiculous. Each one was making some excuse to stay in the lab and not to go home, were her children all stubborn or just allergic to rest. Quickly noticing that Jess had entered with Ruby looking very fresh and rested and knowing that she would have some help with this at least.

“I have a full understanding of PTSD and how to manage someone with it, I took care of a teenager with it thank you. Not to mention that said teenager was also Kryptonian and someone that I helped control and manage her powers. So for starters Kelly and Kara can both leave as I have that covered, I am also perfectly capable of infecting the monkeys when they arrive and keeping an eye on Sam monitoring her vitals and everything... I am a Doctor……”

“Lena, you know that I am capable of signing for the shipment, taking the delivery and ensuring that security is on their game at L-Corp. While also making sure all systems are running correctly and everything is good, or else what was my promotion for. Not to mention that I am amazing company but I have brought with me a little something to help in that respect too….”

“Yeah, you guys have had enough time with Mom, it is definitely mother daughter time, there is so much we need to catch up on. We can't talk as easily with everyone here and you're all such a distraction, you have been keeping her here for weeks and I’ve hardly seen her and then when I do, she’s unconscious, in pain or more interested in you than me, it would be nice if I got some time”

Eliza smiled, it was well worth the quick text she fired off to Jess as everything was being made ready here so that she had back up, Jess was definitely formidable, and Ruby was playing the emotion card perfectly. She started moving them all to the door of the elevator, items being handed to them along the way, coat here, keys there, laptop for Alex, work satchel for Kelly, each of them working together to round up the now shocked and leaving woman until they were in the elevator, Eliza smiled and started speaking finishing just as the doors closed.

“so, everything is clearly covered here, and you can all go rest up, time for the next shift I think, I will make sure that this is all sorted. I guess you're all going home to get some sleep now!”

Apparently Eliza, Jess and Ruby had all spoken and put their collective feet down and the subject was certainly not up for negotiation….

Chapter Text

******** Lena’s Penthouse ******

Lena was clearly stressed and Kara was not sure what to do, she had been up so many days at this point, had hardly eaten and had been very stressed, although she could see that Lena was agitated by being kicked out of the lab she understood why they had to do it. Lena would keep going until she was dead on her feet if someone didn't stop her. They sat on the couch as Lena vented about being ousted. She thought that she had calmed after the flight but it seemed that this was not the case.

Kara looked at her and smiled softly as she moved closer and straddled Lena. She stripped off her hoodie and left her black bra on, Lena had appeared to like it previously, there was something about the black lace covering her tanned skin that she mentioned. Leaning in she started to kiss her, there was nothing soft, just needy and passionate, pushing her tongue into her mouth and stroking and teasing, her tongue struggling to assert her dominance onto the other woman. All the while unbuttoning her blouse and exposing her chest, flicking the clasp open she palmed Lena’s breast as she teased and pinched the nipples. She rocked her hips so she rubbed up against Lena’s stomach. Threading her hand into her hair she took a hand full and pulled Lena’s head to the side nipping, sucking and licking her neck as she continued to play and move against her. She leaned back to look at Lena who had engaged in the kiss but seemed distracted and pulled her brows together.

“Sorry Kara, I just have so much on my mind, so much to do I can't believe I was removed from my own lab, I am so distracted right now I don't think I can even get in the mood let alone relax enough for that.”

“Well the first test is can I relax you enough to turn you on?, we can look at the other things later”

“Kara there is so much to do, we need to figure out the final part to this cure for me, we need to find my mother and we need to work out if Sam has just been sentenced to a life of isolation, We don't have the time to fool about, we can't look at other things later.”

“You haven't slept for days, or eaten not since we were last together, now, I don't know about you, but after all this turmoil all I want to do is be with you, enjoy some alone time, relax and get some sleep, if you prefer I can stop and run you a bath either way you are relaxing.”

Kara had not meant to use such a stern voice with Lena but it had come out with an air of authority and almost a commanding tone. She bit her lip as she watched Lena’s eyes flash black for just a second and then back to green, she had some interest at least. Kara moves back to look in Lena’s eyes as she softly scratches her nails down over her breasts and her abdomen until she reached her button on her trousers and opened them up, she smiled leaning forward and kissed her passionately. She moved her hands over Lena’s breasts stroking and pinching her nipples, as she kissed and rocked herself onto Lena applying additional pressure to the downward strokes of her pelvis. Lena had kissed her back, and moaned lightly at the ministrations and after a while Lena became more involved in the kiss, Kara could feel Lena relaxing as they continued. Kara moves back and starts to move the pants over her hips and get them to the point they were stopped by Lena’s ass.

“We need to get you out of these pants, I want to see if I have had any effect on you, and in honestly right now I can’t think of much else than how you taste”

“Mm don’t lose confidence now, that was quite sexy”

Kara moves back and starts to move the pants over her hips, she nips at the soft flesh as she started moving them lower, each new patch of skin revealed, received a small bite, the hip bones, the lower abdomen, she took Lena's panties in her teeth and pulled back allowing the elastic to snap back onto her skin. Concentrating on the pants once again and getting them to the point they were stopped by Lena’s ass.

“Time to lift that sexy ass of yours Lena”

She could see the amusement on the face, although they tousled for dominance at some points generally when they were intimate it was because Lena was no longer able to stop herself, Kara couldn't help but wonder if the attraction was all connected to the virus, or if Lena was really just too stressed to be in the mood, she wondered if she should stop if she was pushing this when Lena didn't want it, and then Lena smirked and raised her brow as she lifted her ass off the couch. Kara relieved Lena of her pants.

“Why Miss Luthor, it does look as though you have been aroused, and there you were telling me you were not in the mood.”

“Hum brazen, it's a new look on you Kara, so what are you going to do about it?”

Kara heard the challenge in Lena’s voice it did seem as though she was goading her a little, Kara looked at her and smiled, she didn’t say anything just moved closer and kissed her again, she climbed back on to the couch so that she could steady herself and slowly started to massage Lena’s breasts as she kissed her giving the nipple a little squeeze and at the same time biting the bottom lip and giving it a teasing pull. She kissed across her jaw and down Lena’s neck heading to her breast, at the same time her hand started to scratch lightly over her breast lightly catching the erect nipple and down until she reached her panties. She sucked the nipple into her mouth and rotated her tongue around it as she slipped her fingers inside Lena’s panties and through her wet folds, she teased her entrance and then went back to her clit circling it

Lena had tried to touch her and Kara kept pushing her hands back and nipping her when she did this. She knew this wasn't Lena’s level of dominance but she wanted to relax Lena, and an orgasm or two would do that just as easily softly as rough and domineering. Kara heard the moan so she slipped her finger back down to her entrance and slowly pushed it in, slipping her finger further into Lena pushing against her front wall. Every woman was different but Kara was looking for that sweet spot and she knew that there were a few Lena liked. She slid in and out rubbing against that front wall until she was sure exactly what she was looking for. She used her thumb to continue pressure on her clit, and pushed against that inside wall, she pumped a few times, then she slid out and back pushing again she worked at a steady pace.

Slipping off the couch, Kara knelt in between Lena’s legs and looked at her, she moved the panties and repositioned her hand to continue her movements as she leaned in and kissed her core. She worked Lena up, increasing her speed and strength, pushing harder and faster than would be safe for any human, but she could let go more with Lena. Kara enjoyed bringing Lena to the brink time and time again, each time that Lena tried to encourage more pressure or more friction she would ease off, she knew she wouldn't get Lena to beg, she had not been submissive before the virus, there was no chance now but she didn't want to frustrate her so, she finally let her finish and then continued until she tipped over twice more. She was more than happy with the pleased and contented smile on Lena's face and stood back. Kara wasn't worried about herself at this point although she could feel the throb in her own core, Lena needed to finally switch off and relax and she felt confident that she had managed that. She moved up to her and kissed her again, she held her for a moment but had not noticed the change in Lena’s eyes. She kissed her head before standing and turned.

“So how about a bath and then some sleep?”

“How about not”

Lena’s eyes half black half red shined as she pounced from the couch into Kara’s space catching the girl of steel completely by surprise, had Kara turned her on? undoubtedly, had she relaxed her? yes, had she tried to dominate her?, not so much there was now a burning need to assert herself, to taste Kara, to feed, she was fully engaged now and there was no way that she was going to slip into a nice warm bath and go to bed like a good girl. Kara wanted her to relax to unwind, she had awoken the sleeping vampire and now she wanted to feed. Between the delicious scent of Kara’s blood on the air and the sweet aroma of her arousal Lena was not stopping right now.

Lena brought her hand around to what she knew would be a throbbing clit and pushed into it with the heel of her hand, her other closing around Kara's neck palm on the collar bones to push her into the wall. She guided her back into the wall as she applied stagnant pressure to the clit and rotated her hips into Kara nudging her hand in little pulses. She heard the increase in Kara's heart and the way her pupils dilated caused a smirk to pull at her lips.

"oh you want me to take you don't you, against the wall maybe?"

She moved back and turned her flattening Kara's chest to the wall, leaning into her, pressing her almost naked body into the toned back of Kara and her hand circling around her throat as she leaned in and licked the pulse point. Not yet she wasn't ready yet to bite but she wanted to, she wanted everything, first though she wanted to show Kara how to dominate and moved her hand reaching around and sliding into her pants to circle her clit.

"Maybe this way, from behind? Humm?"

Lena pulled her back and bent her over the couch arms behind her back as she moved into her ass with her hip rocking and gripped her hair. She used the hair as she rocked into her light, pulling nothing to hurt too much. Then she moved back again, slapping her ass and squeezing once more. Kara playing with her denying her had been quite the turn on but now it was her turn to show her just how dominant she could be.

"maybe with my strap from behind over the couch"

“Oh Rao Lena, yes Fuck me”

"that seemed like a request to me Kara if only there was a please"

Lena moved back watching what Kara would do at this point? Was she already there? would she ask her already? She could smell the need coming from her and she raised her brow. Lena watched as Kara started to pull herself off the couch, Kara managed to move shakily. Her eyes widened as Kara dipped into her own core and then sucked her fingers. Lena licked her lips she had not expected that from Kara. She watched as she stripped off the pants and panties, she moved to the arm of the couch and Lena was interested in the way she spread herself. She was really putting herself on display, the scent was heady. Lena was sure that there were more pheromones in the air, Lena wanted to take her right there, she tilted her head as the bra came off exposing the beautiful breasts as the bra came flying towards her Lena snatched it out of the air fingerings the soft material.

Kara was teasing her, calling her, there was something new happening here and she was not exactly sure what, Kara had been a little interested in the more dominant side of Lena than she expected but this was not what she was expecting. She moved back towards the couch and trailed her fingers along her inner thigh starting at her knee and trailing up to her core. As she reached the centre of the woman she slipped her middle finger through the soaked folds, dipping into her teasing her entrance.

"Kara my dear, you are soaked, dripping, you smell divine"

She moved her hand, slipping her finger out and flicking over her clit as she did so. Putting the finger to her mouth and licking the long length to the tip and then sucking the whole digit into her mouth closing her eyes as she sucked softly a smile adorning her lips. The contact with her taste and the scent caused Lena’s pupils to dilate further, they were deep and dark pools of a night like crimson, saturated with both hunger and desire, the combination leaving Lena more in control than she thought possible, she liked this game. She looked at Kara as she pulled the finger from her lips and allowed a satisfied hum to leave her lips.

"Are you going to ask nicely?"

"Please Lena, take me, I am yours."

Lena allowed a soft smile to grace her lips. It was much more than she had expected already. Then Kara had taken a breath and said please, Lena could see in her eyes that she meant it, that she wanted her, in that moment she actually wanted Lena to really take her. She kissed her and moved her to the wall, exploring her neck and breasts as she pinned her with her weight and the hand around her neck. Her fingers pushed in and out as she palmed her clit. She held her off from orgasm twice allowing her to drop before letting her cum and then moved to Kara facing the wall she had direct access to her ass and clit and alternated pleasure and pain while nipping at her neck and shoulders. She let her cum this time and bit into her neck sucking Kara's sweet blood full of endorphins and adrenaline into her, she continued her ministrations allowing her to cum again, before moving her from the wall bending her over the couch.

"stay do not move"

Lena returned a moment or two later in boy shorts with a strap around her hips, and moved apart her legs taking Kara hard and fast as she used her hair for leverage. Kara's moans became louder and more desperate as Lena pushed her over the edge once again. The mixture of ass slaps pounding her pussy and playing with her clit seemed to really get her off. She finally pushed her onto the couch and knelt between her legs, using her fingers and tongue to bring her to the brink pinning Kara completely with her arm. She held her on the precipice constantly not allowing her to fall over or cum, she wanted her to beg, for her to scream for her. This was her satisfaction.

“Lena oh Rao, Lena Please, I need to, Please my love let me cum”

When she had finally begged. Lena of course, sunk in her teeth to her femoral artery and pushed her over allowing her to cum, it was glorious and satisfying, she enjoyed the endeavour a great deal, Kara had all but passed out at the end. They managed to make their way to the bathroom and cleaned up. In the morning Lena woke to the scent of sex still filling her apartment and couldn't quite believe what had happened the night before, she had been in full control, completely dominant and Kara had enjoyed it. She smiled as she rolled over to find the bed empty. Had she been wrong, had Kara not enjoyed it? Was there a super emergency? There was no note, she slipped out of bed and into the living room to see Kara admiring a paper enneagram in her hand with a satisfied look on her face.

“Hey darling, what are you doing?”

“Oh um, I was hungry and I came to get some food and I saw your models and there was one that wasn't complete, and so I made it, I hope you don't mind, I can get you another, or make you one, combining geometric design with encoded dots on so many pieces of paper seems a little bit of a strange way to destress but it was fun.”

Lena heard the toaster pop and looked at Kara making her way to the kitchen. Had Kara managed to work out the final piece in the time that the pop tarts had taken to cook? She picked up the paper and could see the careful folds and intricacies that she had used to match up all the pieces, she picked up the magnifying glass and looked, every dot was actually a little different on this one, there were sequences, mathematical sequences, and they were all connected perfectly. She looked back at Kara amazed, she had not even realised that there was a sequence to it.

“You did this while waiting for a pop tart?”

“Yeah it was rudimentary really when I worked out the sequences and the fact that most of the paper was not part of it. I'm sorry did I do something wrong?”

Lena ran over and kissed her before going to grab her tablet and inputting the information, the key came together and unlocked the file, Lena squealed happily and looked at the information and was able to get the last parts to Lillian's heart start treatment, the missing piece. Kara was still standing looking a little nervously unsure if she had done something wrong, she smiled brightly at her.

“You just gave me a chance, and you will be hearing my heart sooner than you think.”

******** Arriving at Lex’s Lab *******

Lillian had been able to upload the information from the mice and make projections she needed to change a few things for the experiments with the apes but that was something that she no longer had any control over she cursed herself for her impulsivity, she could have waited to get her hands on the vials until Lena was cured but she hated being kept in the dark so much that there was no questioning her decision when the opportunity arose. She moved into the Lab, she didn't want to have to move on again so quickly so she needed to implement the security protocols and ensure that she was not found. Everything went perfectly until she started working on the virus when the lab spoke to her, asking if she wanted to add to the project 13 files. Lex’s lab had monitored the formula she was using and connected it to existing work. She instructed the lab to call up all files and have them ready for viewing and then composed the information for the upload to LCorp.

It was a few hours later that Lillian had to turn off the playback, she was able to watch the experiments to a point but even she had limits. People questioned her morality for the things that she did to aliens, the way that she conducted her experiments and the general lack of adherence to various conventional safeguards and procedures but what she witnessed here was something that she couldn't even begin to justify. She couldn't believe just how far into madness that Lex had travelled. People had called him a monster over and over and Lillian vehemently defended her brilliant boy, and his quest to find a way to check the uncheckable, to secure a future for the planet without alien rule or subjugation. But here, in this lab, she truly understood the depths of the abyss that her son had fallen into. Children, not just children but Luthor children, he created them and then. Lillian winced as the memories of what she saw came back to her mind.

She found herself wandering through the lab and looking at the creations and collections that used to make her proud, and could only see the sheer devastation and disillusionment that now took the place of her pride in her son. How had she been so blind, Lena was so much better than he was, but her brilliant beautiful boy had not started this way, she was sure that the sweet boy she had was not this monster to start with. She had nurtured him, encouraged him, it was the treatment from that Kryptonian that caused his fractured mind, and the descent into what he became. She couldn't help the way that her mind lingered on the words that Eliza had said, that maybe with some tough love Lex would not have become this, and with a little more nurturing Lena could have been so much more. But that was unfair to Lena, she had proven time and time again that she was already so much more.

She couldn't be a part of Lena’s life, not with the Kryptonian being such a feature, every time she saw the smiling face of the bubbly blonde she was reminded of him, or the man that stole her son from her, the anger was ever present and now filled with the most depraved images she had ever witnessed. Lena’s choice of proclivities also were not her favoured thought; it would mean an end to the Luthor name, although she was starting to think that that may no longer be something that was so bad. However Lena wanted to carry on, to create a new generation of Luthor’s that was not going to work with her love of the female form. That was when she stumbled across room 215 and started to think about the possibilities of the future of the Luthor name.

*******Lena’s Lab******

Lena and Kara had arrived back at the lab, Eliza filled them in that Sam had been moved to the other area to rest that the cure was taking its time but she was doing well, Ruby had not left, although Alex had replaced Kelly, and the tests were nearly complete. Lena smiled that she was able to continue with helping Sam but at the same time Kara had given her what she needed to reanimate her heart.

“So, We have some news, Kara found the missing piece to the puzzle from my mother and we can now move forward with starting my heart. The papers were not corrupted, they were a red herring, Kara has managed to connect them meaning I could unlock the final answer. There is testing, and experiment information mostly in very poor taste on living humans, but the information means we can cure me.”

“That is great Lena, once we are finished with the primates, we can check it against that information and adjust based on the additional issues faced by your condition.”

“That isn't needed, Eliza, everything is here, look.”

Lena pulled out her tablet and sent the information to the large screen and showed them what had been uncovered, it was the formula to the reduction and the calculation of the serum used to thin the blood, it would mean that they could strengthen her heart and get her back to being human, she smiled at them as they all looked at it, and then there was a warning flashing on the screen. Lena’s first thought was that the file even when translated had a method of destruction, that she would lose the answer, it wasn't beyond her mother to do something like that, she looked at the pad and the warning was there too. She had not taken down the formula, she moved quickly to the computer in the lab to find the source of the issue, and there was a system download in progress, from outside the company.

“”We are being hacked, someone is hacking into LCorp servers.”

Lena tried to stop the infiltration but as she looked at the changes she could see a file being added to the LCorp mainframe, with Lillian's signature, the files were labelled reanimation, and primates. Files were slowly being downloaded, but she could see nothing going out, she searched for any back door corruptive wear and checked the fire walls, nothing was being removed but something was being added, she just couldn't see how.

“Alex, my mother is connecting to the system, can you trace?”

*****DEO******

“Director Danvers, how can I be of assistance?”

“Agent Dox, LCorp has just received information via remote transfer from Luthor matriarch the down load is in progress, use code Luthor-3827*alpha*483//P2P to gain access to the LCorp mainframe and track back through the link to locate Lillian Luthor, Priority 1”

“Understood.”

Brainy started to connect the DEO system to the Luthor mainframe and started inputting the data, after a few moments he was able to find the digital back door that had been used to infiltrate the system, there was a device in the Lab that contained a receiver and transmitter capable of connecting directly through the digital back door and relay the signal. Clearly she was not committing an onsite attack and that meant that the signal was coming through the device, he was able to start the reverse trace, following the data stream back through and finding the IP address and location of the initial signal. He looked into the address it was showing at a location just outside National city. He calculated the odds of Lillian waiting this length of time before launching an attack from this location given that she was almost discovered in National city, there was less than 21% chance that Lillian would have remained within striking distance of the DEO now that she was wanted in connection to the assault of two agents, although the 21% was mainly attributed to the Luthor hubris and general self belief in their superiority it was still a possibility. The address was not connected in any way to Luthor Corp or any CADMUS organisations. The signal seemed to be coming from a gaming console. The likelihood that Lillian would use such a primitive device to orchestrate any form of infiltration reduced the chance to 12%

Brainy hacked into the device using a description link to reverse engineer the administration password and started filtering through the system information, finding once again a digital backdoor within the software, malware that was used to carry the signal seemed to have been downloaded in a recent patch update to an online game, this device was however a clear proxy that was not being covered particularly well. It seemed unlike Lillian to use such a crud and rudimentary device to send such important information. Looking at the radius of the device to the lab device he could see that this was clearly set up as a bridge. He was able to connect into the device and once again follow the infiltration back through the patch, this was a lot more complicated, the gaming site that she had used to send the malware gave her access to millions of computers in countries all over the world, the updates were frequent and more and more downloads were happening weekly, the system they had in place was comprehensive, coving gaming consoles, PC’s, Mac and almost all phone platforms. Brainy realised that the gaming console that was transmitting into the lab was neither by choice or design; it just happened to be the one active at that moment, the person in the building appeared to be playing an online role player game.

“Director Danvers, there is a device in the lab that is acting as a transmitter and a receiver for this information, tracking the origin of this hack is going to be particularly difficult, the device is going to need to be left on, I am going to have to check potentially millions of devices before I find the source even if that is possible, at this point I believe the chances of finding the source directly is going to be 0.32% if you stop the feed, My chances significantly improve if the exchange continues, although that will change depending on the popularity of something called Elder Scrolls online, it may be something that takes a significant length of time.”

******Lena’s Lab******

Alex listened to Brainy and could not quite understand what was going on, how Lillian could have gotten something else into the lab was a mystery, when did she have time to do so. The dropping of a listening device, a crude and rudimentary one was probably a spur of the moment thing but having something that was able to transmit and receive information in close enough proximity to gain access to the system and send information out, it would need thought, access and timing that there just had not been. Lillian had not been left alone in the lab at any point, she could not have gotten back to the lab since she left as there had consistently been someone there with Sam. she started walking around looking for something as she was listening.

“Alex what is Brainy saying? Has he found mother and how she is getting into the system?, at the moment she appears to just be downloading there seems to be nothing being taken but I will not have her take any more information she already has too much.”

“There is a device here somewhere that is transmitting and receiving instruction, your mother is using an online gaming platform to scatter her signal around the globe and piggy back on random devices.”

Alex watched as Lena’s face dropped. This was not a good sign, Clearly Lena had some idea of what this meant and it was not filling her with much confidence. Alex stopped and looked up at her, raising her brow and running her hand over the back of her neck, she knew that she was not going to like the answer to this question.

“What is it Lena? What is she doing?”

“Depending on what game we may have some options for tracing, and this particular method, although it does narrow the options a little, it is not encouraging. That was a programme that I worked on with Lex, it was connected to a wider project that would have been able to make a universal warning system, that was the point or so I thought when he came to me with the idea. Having a way to download a virus through malware that continued to be shared and spread through all devices so that we could be given information simultaneously in times of crisis. It means that Lillian is in one of Lex’s Labs, but that only narrows it down to the type of location. Lex had labs all over the world. She would have needed to be in one to activate the program, what platform?”

“Brainy said that it is an online game, Elder Scrolls?”

Alex looked at Lena who seemed to not really register the information for a moment and then she saw Ruby turn. Clearly Ruby knew exactly what this was and could maybe give some information based on the game itself she watched as she stood and moved over.

“Aunt Lena, ESO is the online version of Skyrim, remember we used to play together when you had time, well it has become a massive online platform, regular updates, patches and daily quests changes, not to mention festivals and they are preparing a new quest line, it is one of the biggest cross platform multiplayer, interactive role playing games out there at the moment, it is on everything.”

“Ok, well that actually helps, I used the original Skyrim as the template which means it will have a signature, but the signal will automatically reroute every time a device is turned off, essentially my brother was not interested in early warning as much as gaining information about everything and being able to keep an eye on everyone, it is very difficult to trace, however Brainy may have more luck if he looks for a hacker signature, I put it on every program that I wrote, it was a little nod to us, Lex and I, Sphinx - 5PH1NX.”

“Brainy look for the hacker tag 5PH1NX apparently it will help, Lena and I will look for the device she will only leave it on provided that there is nothing being taken, so do what you can.”

********* DEO*********

“Understood, I will connect to the system physically to attempt to find this quicker, it will require complete interfacing with the DEO system, is this authorised”

“Yes Brainy just do it”

Brainy smiled, and interfaced with the DEO system, he started the trace following the code embedded into the coding, he weaved through connection after connection, coming to a dead end or a rerouting due to the system being shut down, he had managed to trace the signal to Iceland which was a bonus, the small population density in the area meant that there would be a specific trail from then, before it came back to a widely populated area, he could feel that the base signal was stronger here, then all of a sudden the trail started degrading.

“Director Danvers, what is happening?, the signal is degrading.”

“The download seems to have concluded”

****** Lena’s Lab *******

Lena had been thinking about the options that Lillian could have used to place a device in her lab, there was no moment her mother had been left alone, she didn't have time to take apart any of the computers and place a internal device so it would need to be something that was attached on the outside, she spoke to Kara and had her scan the lab looking for any device that was connected to the system, with the current activation it should have a residual electromagnetic signature and continued to watch as the download of information continued, they were running out of time to find it, and they were running out of time to trace her. Lena had designed this programme in the first place, she had created it and now her mother was using it against her, she wasn't even able to stop the download because they needed to catch her, she could feel the frustration growing, this was all because she invited Lillian back into her life.

As it hit 100% she let out a breath and looked to Alex who appeared to be telling brainy the download was over and shaking her head. Lena knew that meant one thing and one thing only, the trace was useless, she figured it would be, after all her and Lex designed it to be completely undetectable if used correctly. Lillian was still out there still free, she knew what the virus could do was somehow managed to recreate it and her blood it was just a matter of time before she would be looking at how she could use that against everyone in this room, to kill Clark and Kara, to take out the aliens to complete her genocidal mission. It was all her fault once again, no matter what good intentions she had they were always twisted and used to commit horrendous acts. She just wanted to make her company a force for good, to make a difference and all she was doing was making the same mistakes over and over again.

She looked up as Kara wandered back in from the lab holding a small round device. She was turning it over in her hand as she was looking at it a somewhat confused look on her face which ordinarily would have been adorable but at this moment Lena didn't exactly feel that anything was going to lift her mood, whatever her mother had dumped into her system would no doubt be part of a wider more destructive plan, why had she tried? why did she have this weakness? Just wanting to have the woman love her just a little, to be proud of her just a little, to show her any kindness at all in fact would be something. Her anger was building and she could feel an intensity of rage that she had not experienced in a long time. She felt an almost throb in her mind, pulling her hand to the bridge of her nose to rub the spot in between her eyes.

She was unable to do anything, she was exactly as the Luthor's had always told her, weak emotionally and too focused on being loved to really fully reach her potential. Lena could feel the change in the room, the air seemed to become charged and then it seemed like all hell broke loose. Kara threw the disk into the air and hit it with her heat vision, Alex threw her phone across the lab into the wall and it shattered into pieces, Ruby slammed her laptop closed and threw it over to the chair, Elisa slapped her hand onto the counter causing the samples to hit the floor and smash, then everyone started talking all at once, no one listening to each other, Lena could feel her anger and annoyance rising then as she looked up she could see Sam coming through from the other area.

“Damn it now we have woken Sam everyone just shut up and sit down.”

As she said it she saw everyone sit precisely where they were standing and slap their mouths closed. Lena felt the throb in her mind as she spoke and as the room fell silent the pain and pressure started to dissipate, her eyes opened wide as she realised, this was all coming from her, it was the additional influence Lex had mentioned.