I don't own these characters; DC does.

Epilogue: Metamorphism

"I'm surprised you didn't make Kara set this up herself considering how much you rely on her," Lena said with a slight curl to her painted red lips. She and Cat were arguing, as they tended to do when they had to share a space. They shared space more often than most people would suspect. Kara wished they found a healthier way to interact than arguing, though.

"Oh, please, like you don't lean on your assistant," Cat replied, shooting Lena a glare from across the small, empty room. Well, not totally empty. The three of them were there, as were tables and DJ equipment.

Lena laughed. "She's not your assistant anymore. And you should be ashamed of yourself for using her to run errands. Imagine if the world knew." She glowered right back at Cat, folding her arms across her chest, as if that somehow intensified her eye power.

The animosity might be a little more believable if they were not wearing the same pair of shoes, which Kara knew they brought on a shopping trip together. Yeah, they phrased as "getting stuff for the baby," but somehow only ended up with things for themselves. Matching things or similar things. Gossip rags loved to speculate about them when they were out and about together like that.

Kara groaned from her seat. "Could you two please stop arguing?" She had actually come along to be the peacekeeper between them when they went too far, but she was tired and irritable. Cat should understand that.

Cat held up a finger at Lena. "You're upsetting Kara and that's not good for her condition."

Lena gasped and pressed her palms together in front of her mouth. "I'm upsetting Kara? The nerve! If you didn't insist on coming to set up, I'd be done by now."

Cat waved off her words. "Someone has to make sure you do it right. We can't have Supergirl's baby shower looking like one of your Luthor bacchanals."

"No one invited you to that, anyway." Lena stomped her foot. It was like she did not even realize she was a spoiled teenager when Cat was around.

Cat pursed her lips. "Yes, but it's a good thing I showed up before the paparazzi found you, isn't it?"

Lena snorted. "For all I know it was you who called them."

Cat rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. I have better things to do with my time. One would think you'd be better at avoiding them at this point. It's like I've taught you nothing."

Kara groaned again and looked at the clock, wishing other people would get there already. The shower was supposed to start in an hour. She had one more hour with these two crazy people and a baby that moved around like her womb was as big as all outside. She was not going to make it.

"Did Alex call either of you?" Kara asked. Maybe her dear, sweet bond mate would save her.

"She's still fighting an invading horde," Lena replied.

Kara puffed out her cheeks. Alex, I need you to save me now! And bring potstickers. "Were those her exact words?"

"Yes."

"Then it means she's just doing paperwork. J'onn won't let her stay much longer for that," Kara said. So, with luck the bulk of the party would be there soon and she could focus her attention on anyone else. Sam can deal with these two.

"He shouldn't give her paperwork before the baby shower. She should be here with you," Cat replied.

"He couldn't have predicted the alien pirates coming in and she has to follow protocol. He can't let it seem like he's showing her favoritism either or people will question her promotions," Kara said.

Cat did not have response for that, which was surprising. She and Lena went to boss around the small staff handling the baby shower. It was a tiny underground bistro. There were small tables, possibly too small for their elaborate centerpieces, set up with candles and crystals everywhere. It was beautiful, almost too romantic for a baby shower.

"Do you need anything?" Lena asked as she came over to Kara, who was in the throne-like chair at the front of the room.

"Food. You know I'm constantly hungry now." Kara rubbed her massive stomach. Hungry did not cover it sometimes. In the middle of her pregnancy, she became ravenous. She used to show up to stop crimes with food in hand, and not her usual snacks. She once stopped a bank robbery with a turkey leg and faced down an angry alien while eating a gyro. Cat scolded her over the pictures every single time. Apparently, always having food in her face was "messing with the brand." The urge to eat every minute of the day had died down a few weeks ago, but she was still so hungry.

Lena laughed, eyes dancing with delight. "You say that as if you weren't constantly hungry before you got knocked up. You showed up to our lunch dates eating already all the time."

Kara shook her head. "Donuts and snacks don't count."

"No, they very much count."

"It doesn't count if I still want to eat after I eat those."

Lena chuckled and opened her mouth to retort, but did not get a chance. Astra entered, clapping and throwing her hands out. "My Little One!"

"Aunt Astra, did you fight well?" Kara asked as her aunt took powerful strides toward her.

Astra grinned and flexed her bicep, even though she was dressed in the standard DEO black. "I was invigorated as usual to right beside your Brave One. You chose so well for your bond mate."

Kara smiled. Aunt Astra loved Alex and always heaped praise on her, even when she was not around. Alex earned Aunt Astra's love and undying respect when she defeated Astra in combat, keeping Astra from killing J'onn. Alex almost killed Astra, but thankfully changed the angle of her kryptonite sword at the right moment and then worked to save Astra's life from acute kryptonite poisoning because Astra was important to Kara, not because she needed information from her enemy. That effort, not being on opposite sides with Kara, changed Astra's allegiance. Kara at times got a little jealous of how her aunt fawned over Alex.

"How are you feeling? How is my even littler one?" Astra sighed as she touched Kara's belly. She rubbed with both hands and pressed her cheek close. "How are you, Tiny One? Are you being good for my dearest Little One?"

"We're both hungry," Kara replied.

"So the same as always," Astra said.

Lena snickered and had the nerve to clap. "What I said."

"But, you didn't say it while getting me some pasta," Kara replied with a smile. She batted her eyes at Lena.

"You are so lucky you're pregnant with my goddaughter," Lena said.

"I think you mean my goddaughter," Lucy Lane said as she walked in with Vasquez and James behind them. He had bags while Lucy and Vasquez held hands. Vasquez was a good sport, not at all bothered that her girlfriend was still good friends with her ex.

"Mine." Lena squared her shoulders. "I am her best friend, after all."

James arched an eyebrow. "I'm sorry you're whose what? I still exist. She can't have two best friends."

"Exactly, which is why it's neither of you," Winn said, marching in with his head held high and several wrapped gifts in his arms.

"Why is it always a circus with you guys?" Maggie asked, stepping in with a couple of her own gift bags. It seemed like the whole group came together, but not the most important of them.

"Is Alex with any of you?" Kara asked. She wanted her bond mate… and food. "Or at least potstickers?"

Lena groaned. "I'll get you some damn pasta."

Kara grinned as Lena stormed away. Food would make her feel better until Alex showed up. Everyone else moved around her. Maggie marched over to her and offered her a shy grin.

"Thanks for including me, Little Danvers," Maggie said.

Kara smiled. "You're Alex's best friend. You're always included." Yes, back when Maggie first came on the scene, there had been some friction, but it was mostly behind them. And, that was mostly due to Maggie understanding Kara was Alex's mate and also Kara could kill Maggie in no less than ten thousand different ways.

Maggie snickered. "At least no one's challenging me for that one."

"That's only because Vas didn't hear me and Sam isn't here yet."

Maggie nodded. "Well, lemme put my gifts with everyone else's and then mingle."

Maggie did just that and Kara was able to focus on the food Lena brought her. J'onn came in with M'gann, but no Alex. Then Sam and Ruby showed up with Carter. It was good Kara had already whined two bowls of pasta out of Lena as Sam and Ruby would get most of her attention now. Lena had not realized the extent of her emotions for Sam until the whole Reign issue. Now, they were together and cut a cute little family unit, especially when Cat and Carter were added to the mix. Kara hoped she, Alex, and their baby were as cute.

"Anybody see Alex yet?" Kara asked, craning her neck to scan the doorway and beyond. There was no sign of her mate.

"Maybe she went to get the moms," Lucy answered.

That was probably true and meant Alex would arrive in a bad mood. Eliza was still tough on Alex and probably giving her very unwanted parenting advice. But, Alex and Eliza might combine forces to be pissed at Alura. Neither of them could stand Kara's mother for her lack of effort in letting Kara know she was alive. Astra was not happy with that either. Hell, Kara was not either, but Alura was her mother.

Music started and everyone mingled, enjoying each other's company and the open bar. Kara managed to get out of her chair to talk with everyone… and to get some bread. Her eyes drifted to the door every now and then. Where was Alex?

"Are you seriously telling me how to prepare to raise a hybrid child?" Alex's voice was distant, but district. It was safe to assume she was talking to Eliza.

"There are extensive records on this by Kryptonians who reproduced off world," Alura replied. Ah, the other mother.

"And maybe doing some research to prepare rather than running off to fight marauding aliens might do you well," Eliza said.

Astra leaned over to Kara. "Your poor bond mate. It would seem she has become your mothers' common enemy."

"Let's go save her," Kara said. She could not believe her pregnancy made Eliza ally with Alura. She had hoped having the baby would help Alex and Eliza build a better relationship, but nope. It was very possible Eliza and Alex would never repair their relationship.

"Brave One," Astra called as they strode to the door. "Come, share drinks to celebrate our victory and your first child!" Astra threw up her hands.

"And I need cuddles!" Kara was very serious. She needed so much cuddling during her pregnancy.

Alex rushed away from her mothers. She wrapped her arms around Kara and they exchanged kisses. Alex secured her arm around Kara's waist while Kara leaned against her. Alex's other hand went Kara's belly. Alex focused on Astra while Kara smiled at their mothers.

"Look at you all aglow," Eliza said with a smile.

"You are so beautiful," Alura said.

Kara gave Alex a visible squeeze. "Alex never lets me forget it."

"Impossible to forget, especially with our little Ariel in there." Alex leaned down, kissing her belly.

"Are we sold on that name?" Astra asked.

Alex gave Astra an exhausted look. "We're not doing Astra junior."

"Astra is a very good, strong name. Fits in both worlds,'' Astra said. "You want to raise a strong warrior, no?"

"Or maybe a scientist," Eliza said.

"Or both, like her lovely sire." Kara gave Alex another squeeze. Alex grinned.

"Or her godmother," Lena called.

"Oh, so she'll be a lawyer," Lucy chimed in.

"Why do you want to pretend she'll be anything beyond a fantastic journalist?" Cat asked, drink in her hand. "Maybe even run a media empire with the help of a financial genius." She glanced at her son.

"Isn't Carter's plan to be an engineer? I swore I saw him and Kara conspiring to create a flying go-cart," Sam said.

Kara's mouth dropped open. "You didn't see me doing that while I was pregnant!" She shot Alex a nervous grin.

Sam scoffed. "No one said anything about you being pregnant."

"But, nice telling on yourself then." Alex gave her a thumbs' up. "Of course, it's not like I don't know what you get up to."

"How could you know?" Kara put her hands up, begging for an answer.

"I love that you think I don't know about you and the futuristic go-carts or anything else, but fine. We'll pretend that's still a secret if it makes you feel better," Alex said.

"How could you possibly know?" Kara could not believe it. She had been so careful.

"Really? Like your aunt isn't her best friend?" Lucy pointed out.

"Whoa! Really? Do I just not exist?" Maggie pointed to herself.

"I feel like you don't because I exist." Vasquez pressed her palm to her chest.

Maggie pulled a face. "Please, who are you?"

"It doesn't really matter since Assistant Director Lane has made a true statement," Astra said with her chin in the air.

"There's too many best friends around here." Cat sipped her drink and passed one to Alex. "Congratulations. Take care of them."

"I will," Alex vowed.

And with that their small celebration was underway. There was the usual teasing and taunting, especially after a successful mission. Kara kept an eye on Alex over her alcohol consumption, even though she was not bad anymore. Well, maybe Kara just wanted to watch Alex.

The party paused when Kal-El arrived with Lois Lane. There were a lot of mixed feelings about Kal-El, but almost everyone, save maybe Cat and Lucy, enjoyed Lois. So, there were hugs.

"Look at you! About to pop!" Lois put both hands on Kara's stomach.

"I can't wait!" Kara chirped.

"Yes, perhaps this child will be more open to her heritage," Astra said, glaring at Kal.

"World conquest?" Kal-El shot back.

"No! We're not doing this. Happy time! Celebrate," Kara ordered.

Silence reigned for a long moment and then it went back to being a party. Everyone kept passing Kara food, so she was very happy about that. It was a good night, especially since everyone ran interference between the moms and Alex.

-8-8-8-8-

It was a good night for Alex. She managed to avoid the moms and she spent time with all of her favorite people. She might have drunk a little too much thanks to Astra and Cat wanting to congratulate her over and over. J'onn saved her a few times during the night, but those two kept finding her. But, now she was home with Kara and felt a different buzz that always came from being with her mate. They were reclined on the sofa with Kara pressed against her front and her hand on Kara's belly. Their baby.

"Do you think Lena won the battle against Cat to who gets to send the gifts to us?" Kara asked, her hand on Alex's thigh, drawing slow circles.

Alex chuckled. "I wouldn't bet on this being her first victory against Cat unless Cat's humoring her."

"True. That is a funny mother-daughter relationship."

From what Alex could tell it was a funny relationship, but it seemed to be better than the one she had with her own mother. Cat and Lena might not even realize how they looked to the outside world or how they acted with each other. "I wonder if they even get that. Lena might think Cat is just being bossy and Cat might think she's being a mentor."

Kara shook her head. "No, she's way meaner when she's a mentor. They have lunch together and stuff."

"How do you know? Kara, you don't still make her appointments, do you?" Alex would give the Queen of Media a piece of her mind if she was still using Kara as an assistant, even after promoting her.

"No, no, no. But, when Lena cancels lunch with me, she goes out with Cat. Plus, Carter and Ruby hang out. Cat and Lena try to act like that time is for the kids, but Sam says Cat and Lena talk the whole time or go off and do things. It's good. Lena deserves a mom who isn't trying to destroy her."

Alex sighed. "Yeah." Her thumb stroked Kara's stomach. "We'll be so good to her. So good. Interested in what she wants to do, loving her no matter what, catching up on things she wants to do, introducing her to awesome things, and everything. We are going to be so good to her."

"Yeah." Kara reached behind her and caressed Alex's cheek. "You know what I'm going to enjoy telling her?"

"What?"

"The story of how we met and fell in love and how I told you we were bond mates in the beginning and you didn't believe me," Kara replied in a sing-song tone.

Alex groaned. "Don't start that."

"What? I told you and you didn't believe me."

"Because it was a cultural misunderstanding!"

Kara laughed. "Oh, really? This is a cultural misunderstanding?" She put her hand on Alex's hand on her stomach. "Or this?" She twisted as much as she could and lifted up Alex's shirt, revealing a small part of Kara's family crest on Alex's abdomen.

Alex batted Kara away and blew out a breath. "Fine, so you have super vision into the future."

With more laughter, Kara turned back around and settled against Alex's chest. "No, but I could tell your heart. You always had a good heart."

Alex was not so sure about that. Their road to this point had not been an easy one and she took the blame for most of that. She carried burdens and sins as if they were the only things tethering her to the world for a long time.

Kara turned a little. "Hey, don't go to your dark place. We're in this together. Aren't we your light?"

Alex kissed the top of Kara's head. "You very much are. My guiding light that always leads me out of darkness, shining warmth into my life, even when you're being a brat."

Kara pouted. "I can't be a brat. I'm your pregnant mate. You have to give me everything I want, especially when I ask for it."

"Funny how that only works on your end and when I have the last of something. Did you really need my piece of cake?"

Kara grinned. "Yes, which is why you gave it to me. And it was delicious."

"Brat."

"But, your brat and your mate." Kara's smile brightened and her eyes sparkled. "Always. In every way." They had gotten married, twice over. City Hall hosted their first and then Astra performed a ceremony in Krypton's traditions. Beyond that, they each bore the other's mark in a way. Alex had her tattoo and Kara had something of a mating bite.

Alex moved her hand and caressed the space where Kara's neck and shoulder met. "The fact that you bear my mark will never not blow my mind. Your body, your biology is amazing." She felt like she could study Kryptonians for a thousand years and still not know everything about them.

Kara shrugged. "It's awesome because it lets us be closer, but it's more genetic engineering by Kryptonians to make sure we survive than my actual biology."

Alex kissed her again. "I don't care. Your body and your brain chemistry are amazing. It's how we got this little one, and hopefully more on the way." She rubbed Kara's stomach.

Alex would probably never fail to be awed by Kryptonian biology and technology, even if Kara was not impressed. From when they started having sex as teens, Alex had always wondered why Kara could feel it with so much more sensation than other things, but they learned her brain produced chemicals to enhance her senses and make her more sensitive to Alex, or at least what Alex did to Kara. It was dubbed the "Lust effect" by the computer in the Fortress of Solitude, but they learned it was so much more than that.

The more feelings Kara developed for Alex and the deeper the feelings became, the more her body changed to accept Alex as her bond mate and the more it changed to accommodate human mating. It went far enough for Kara to bear her mark. There was no visible bruise or bite, but she could sense it just under the surface of Kara's skin. And best of all, even though it should not be possible, Kara was pregnant with their child.

"I promise to be the best mate and parent I can be," Alex said.

Kara turned enough for a proper kiss. "I know. I promise the same."

Alex sighed and closed her eyes. Despite everything that happened in their lives, Kara was the best thing to happen to her. And, yes, times had been had, and probably would be in the future, but they were stronger together. Always.

-8-8-8-8-

The End.

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed that, especially you, Costia_Gray. I had hopes of doing a sequel to this with one-shots chronicling Alex and Kara's relationship through the years (past, future, doesn't matter), but I would like to do it through requests. So, if you have something you wanna see, let me know and we might be able to make this happen. For now, happy holidays! Come say hi to me on Facebook if you get a chance.