Chapter 4
The week just seemed fly by, but man was it a great week. Spending time with Darcy, getting to know her was by far my most favorite part. Spending time with both my soulmates actually. Darcy gave me the grand tour of the place the next day, complete with her own commentary on every room and member of the team we crossed. Tony and she in particular were fun to watch as they tried to one up the other in taunts. Darcy always managed to win in the end, earning the trophy Tony made her, declaring her ‘world’s largest pain in the ass’. It sat next to the Taser she used to take down Thor on a shelf in our place. Tony made her a special case for it, along with a new and better Taser.
Pepper is the best, offering me a shopping trip to get anything else I’d need, including some custom made pant suits for the rare occasion I had to make a public appearance with her. I was hesitant at first, but Darcy made puppy dog eyes at me, wanting to come to. In the end it was a fun filled girl’s afternoon out.
The rest of the team and I are getting along great too. I let Bruce have his scan of me, even let him run a few follow up tests. All results for his eyes, and Tony’s only. Guarded by the always present and helpful JARVIS. Tony says going over the results has sparked a few ideas for armor and tech upgrades, leading him to spend some time in his lab. But he invites me down and together we tinker together. I helped dad repair a lot of the equipment on the farm and picked up a knack for taking things apart and putting them together. Tony appreciates that and my desire to learn more, showing me a few pointers and tricks the more we hang out.
In return for the scans and everything, Hulk and I got to meet in one of the larger Hulk proof rooms. We got in to a bit of a tussle in the beginning, but after I won an arm wrestling match Hulk laughed and the two of us just wrestle for fun now. Bruce said our time together is the most relaxed he’s ever felt from the Hulk, leading him to go off and theorize some things concerning his big green half he wasn’t ready to share yet.
Steve and I spend mornings working out in the gym. We lift weights, spar and even take a few runs together. He laughs and says now he knows how the others feel trying to keep up with him. Through all of it I hardly break a sweat where he has to really push his enhanced self just to match me in all the exercises. Nat joins us a few times, but mainly like to stand back and watch. At the end she always hands Steve a towel and Gatorade, calling him an old man. That always has the two of them in the ring, with Steve determined to get her to take it back. That rarely happens.
Uncle Clint and I get to spend some quality time just lounging around, playing video games and enjoying not having to do farm chores all the time. Though we both know when we visit our homesteads we will, for now it’s just nice to sit back and enjoy the freedom we have while it lasts.
In between all this, Supergirl has made appearances all over the city. Whether it’s me just flying between skyscrapers or helping the old little girl get her cat out of a tree, the people of New York spend a few minutes looking up these days in the hopes of spotting me. According to Pepper this has caused the public to rally with the Avengers in calling for me to join up with them. True, there are those still mistrustful of me. Some calling me a menace and possibly the next great alien threat to the city. In the end their numbers are not cause for worry just yet according to Pepper. Best to just let them be.
The rest of the time I’m not hanging out with the team or flying around the city, I spend every second I can with my soulmates. The three of us go out in public together, having lunch and even visiting a cocktail dessert bar Darcy’s been itching to try. Despite the grumblings from both of them watching me devour two Death by Chocolate cake slices it was a very fun and memorable night. Carrying a drunken Darcy and tucking her in bed was my favorite part. True to their word, neither of them pushed me for any form of intimacy. They were just thrilled to have me sleeping in bed with them. Specifically in between them, where both of them took advantage of the endless body heat my solar battery body generates.
I have seen and might have overheard them sneaking off in to one of their private rooms when they wanted to get it on, feeling a little left out but also happy that they had each other for that. Though between both of them being phenomenal kissers and the odd grope here and there, I am still wary of taking that next step with either of them. The bond between Darcy and me is just as strong now as it is between Nat and me thankfully. Still, the pull to be closer to them is getting harder to resist. Sooner or later I’m just going to have to bite the bullet. Or bite something that’s for sure.
***
The day of the press conference came. I already made my discreet exit and was dressed in my Supergirl suit hovering high above the clouds right in front of Avenger Tower, out of sight and waiting for my cue to drop in. Pepper already had Kara’s cover story in place as to why she wasn’t on site for this, backed by Bruce who is sitting this stressful situation out with me helping him in his lab on a secret project.
“Would you look at that? Supergirl cosplayers. I’m getting JARVIS to snap some pics so I can email them to your mother,” Uncle Clint laughed in my ear. Tony supplied me with special COMS that took my super hearing in to account, making it so the team’s voices wouldn’t be echoing around inside my skull, drowning out all other sounds.
“Do it and I’m sending Laura and the munchkins ones of your adoring fans. Especially one of that guy who’s beer belly is spilling out of that vest. #yourfuture,” I retorted, earning a few laughs from Nat and the others.
“Don’t take this the wrong way babe, but it kinda sucks you’re already more popular than the Black Widow. I hardly see any increase to her fan base out there,” Darcy said. Viewing the feed of outside from the common floor same as Bruce.
“It’s not about who has more fans than the other love, but I appreciate you having my back,” Nat replied sweetly.
“Hang on a sec there, Cosmo,” I began, using my new pet name for Nat after she discovered her love for the cocktail during our date night. “I see one down there wearing a pretty real like mock-up of your suit. Too life like if you ask me. Almost looks Government Issue. And that wig and…oh for the love of.”
“What?” Darcy asked curiously.
“Nat, you seeing this?” I huffed.
“Sure am, Ace,” Nat answered, using my pet/fighter pilot call sign. “Nice to know where your sister’s loyalties lie.”
“That’s her? Skye, your sister?” Darcy questioned excitedly, “Oh my god look at her. She could be your mini-me honey.”
“You want her you can have her after this,” I pouted.
Figures Skye would find a way to be here for my big moment. Probably had her folks ask Fury for the time off. I can appreciate and even be grateful to know she wants to support me. But why, why on earth does she have to show her support for me by dressing in full Black Widow garb.
“And on that note it’s time to head out and get this show on the road,” Steve said as he, Uncle Clint, Natasha, Pepper and Tony stepped out through the front doors and made their way to the podium set up at the top of the steps.
Pepper took the mic first, giving a heartfelt thanks to all the loyal supporters of the Avengers and SI for coming here today before stepping aside for Steve. He was dressed up in his Captain America suit, the new one Tony made for him minus the helmet. Same with Nat and Uncle Clint, they all were showing off the new designs Tony whipped up for them. While Tony wore a more appropriate non-armored suit.
“As many of you know the four of us owe our lives to Supergirl. She saved us on that plane and revealed herself to the world. A world that his not her own, but one that she has decided to call home. She stepped in and helped us save the lives of our armed forces, showing her strength, compassion and determination to protect everyone. Director Fury has offered a report on her that has been made public knowledge. And while this report may not answer everyone’s questions regarding her, it has answered ours. Supergirl is not a threat to the world, but rather I believe she could become one of its strongest defenders. Which is why we have all agreed to offer her the chance to stand with the Avengers. We call on her now, if she is watching and can hear us, to step forward and take her place beside us in protecting the world and its people from those who would try to take or destroy what we all have and hold precious.”
That was my cue to drop down, but I needed a minute to get my emotions under control. Steve’s words really hit me unexpectedly. Nat and Darcy were pumping out soothing thoughts and feelings, totally agreeing with Steve and reassuring me they have my back. Just like he and the others do. Wiping my eyes and stealing my nerves, taking strength from the bond, I made a long wide back flip than flew down towards the Tower entrance.
The crowd parted in front as I touched down, flashes going off and reporters waving their mics at me from their place behind the guardrails separating them from the civilians. A warm smile was on my face as I shook hands with a few of them as I made my way up towards the others. When I stood in front of Steve he nodded at me and offered me his hand. I made a show of still thinking over his offer, looking down at his hand then nervously back over my shoulder at the crowd. Some of them, especially those dressed as me, cheering for me to accept. In the end I reached out and shook Steve’s hand firmly, smiling appreciatively at him as he stepped aside and let me take the mic to say a few words.
“I’m afraid I won’t be taking any questions at this time. As you can imagine I’ll have my hands full getting to know my new teammates better and everything. But I’m sure Miss Potts will have something planned in regards to an interview,” I began, casting a smile Pepper’s way. A nod of agreement, along with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes was her response. “First off I’d like to thank Captain Rogers and the Avengers for their offer and support. As well as the support of those here today. It means more to me then you will ever know.” I made sure my eyes were on Skye’s as I said that last bit, conveying with my eyes how much seeing her here today means to me, despite her choice of wardrobe. The bright smile she shot me told me she understood.
“As you all know from SHIELD, my planet is gone. I’m not officially a citizen of the earth, but as the good Captain said I do consider it my home. I’ve been watching this planet for many years now, studying its culture and marveling at its endless beauty and wonder. Despite the wars humanity wages against each other. The violence, hatred and atrocities you commit against each other for what some would call petty reasons. I believe in humanity. I believe everyone has the potential to change, to be better than they are. It is for that belief, and the people behind it, that led me to step out of the shadows and in to the light. Whether you all believe me or not, I am here to help. I will do whatever it takes to protect and defend this world and its people. Beyond that, it is up to all of you to make this world a better place. Because honestly, when you see how small this fragile planet is in a galaxy so vast, it will make you think twice about a lot of things.”
The minute I smiled, waved and stepped back a loud resounding cheer went out followed by a round of applause from the people. It really did surprise me how many of them rallied behind me already, despite knowing so little about me. Guess actions speak louder than words sometimes. That and having the Avengers vouch for me helps some too. I shook hands with Pepper, Tony and the others. With Nat refusing to let go of my hand after we shook. I could feel how proud she was of me, how happy she was that people seem to like and trust me already. But most of all I could feel her love and Darcy’s flowing freely through the bond.
I have yet to use the L word in regards to them, even though I feel it. I just haven’t wanted to jinx anything using it too soon. I mean I know Nat and I have had a little over a month, Darcy and me a week and a half together. Just as they aren’t rushing or pressuring me to be intimate. They are letting me set the pace as to when I’m ready to say it. They both know us, our bond, is the most serious and real relationship I’ve ever had. And though it might be strange in many aspects, it’s still important to all of us. Meaning it’s best to let things happen when they happen.
Feeling their love right now is just about ready to floor me, make me forget all our plans and take Nat in my arms right now and kiss her senseless. I conveyed that to both of them, promising the same to Darcy if they didn’t let up on the much appreciated and returned sentiment. They did. Nat letting go of me and letting me turn to wave to the crowd one last time before Steve led us back in to the Tower.
“Well I think that went well?” Pepper declared.
“It did,” Steve agreed, nodding along with everyone else. Everyone but Nat, who was looking outside.
Turning to follow her eyes I saw Skye talk to a few cosplayers of me, clearly having an animated decision. Tuning it to it briefly I quickly shut it off and bowed my head.
“What are they talking about?” Nat asked interestedly.
“They are debating who is hotter, you or me. Along with who could kick whose ass?”
“Interesting topic. You got any thoughts on the matter there Booberella?” Tony asked over COMS.
“I plead the fifth and will use a get out of jail free card,” Darcy answered quickly, causing me and Nat to shake our heads in unison at her.
Looking back at Skye, seeing her glance over at the doors every so often longingly, figuring now was as good as time as any, I looked to Nat. Conveying my idea to her through the bond, she laughed and nodded her agreement before heading back out.
“Where’s she going?” Steve asked.
“To get Skye. Being the Spy Queen that she is, I’m sure she’ll come up with an excuse that gets her in without a fuss.”
“I get to meet, Skye!” Darcy squealed with excitement, causing me to cringe as her voice bounced around in my ear.
“Yes,” I sighed, unable to keep from smiling as her boundless gratitude and love hit me for doing this. Turning to Tony, who also looked excited at meeting my superior hacker of a sister, I shook my head before shifting my attention to Pepper. “This place is insured, right?”
“It’s a Stark building. What do you think?” she countered laughing, seeming to agree that adding my sister to the mix already here is just begging for trouble.
But you do what you have to, and put up with whatever for friends and family.