The Gift

Chapter 2

If Kara thought the normal version of Lena was stubborn, then it's nothing compared to the tiny version in front of her now. Young features are contorted with utter rage, small hands balled into fists that have already been pummelled into Alex's thigh. As hilarious as that should have been, Kara is more than aware that the situation has worsened.

With Lena prepared to physically fight them off, and Alex nursing a sore spot that will most likely blossom into a colorful bruise, Kara is left with no choice but to remove Lena from the closet herself. It's easy, of course, for the Kryptonian to maneuver the screaming, kicking child towards the bed, but that doesn't mean Kara's heart doesn't shatter in the process.

"Hey now," Kara frowns. She kneels in front of Lena, gently holding her tiny hands. Lena scowls and swipes at Kara with all of her might, howling in pain when her foot connects with a solid body. "You'll hurt yourself, Lena." Kara attempts to be stern, but Lena's wide, wet stare destroys the attempt. "We're just going to take you somewhere safe, and then we can try to find your family," Kara states.

Lena pauses her attack, breathing heavily as she stares at the suspiciously strong lady holding onto her. A little brow lifts, Lena's arms folding across her chest as she stares Kara down. Kara bites her lip to smother the smile that, despite the situation, threatens to erupt. Perhaps it's because she's immune to her kicks and punches, but Kara can't help but notice how cute this version of her former friend is.

Alex, however, is pretty disgruntled. She keeps her distance, glaring at any agent that dares to show their amusement at the situation. Dark eyes flash with irritation and her jaw muscles work furiously, her desire to get this over with pretty clear to everyone in the apartment.

"You promise?" Lena asks after a long while. "You'll find Lex?" She glances warily at all of the adults around her, pouting when she can't pick out a clear escape route.

"I promise that I'll do everything I can to help you," Kara clarifies, unwilling to make a promise she can't keep. She watches out of the corner of her eye as Alex catches another agent laughing at her, and sends them to buy children's clothes as punishment. "Do you think you could come with us without fighting?" Kara asks, eyes falling back to Lena.

Emerald eyes dart around the room again, as though praying she'll find some way to escape, before tiny shoulders slump in defeat. Lena nods, bottom lip poking out in a way that cracks Kara's heart wide open, sadness seeping into the cracks. Kara offers her hand, but Lena tucks both hands safely behind her back with an adamant shake of her head.

"Alright." Kara straightens up, "How about you just walk beside me," she suggests. "We're gonna take you somewhere safe, and we're gonna drive there, but I'll give you as much space as I possibly can," she reassures her. She watches as the tiny glare is once again turned on Alex, "Don't worry. Alex will be driving so she'll be in the front of the car."

Kara walks slowly as they make their way out of the apartment building, allowing Lena to set the pace and ensuring she's as comfortable as she can be considering the situation. Kara feels bad when Lena, dressed only in the massive hoodie, shivers violently.

Kara makes a split second decision and, caring more about Lena's physical well being than her possible reaction, scoops the little one into her arms. Lena instantly protests, her little fists pounding at Kara, which serves to do nothing but hurt her own hands.

"I'm sorry, but it's very cold outside and I need to get you into the warm car as quickly as I can," Kara states, walking briskly towards Alex's SUV. She briefly considers using her super speed, but Kara doesn't want to traumatize Lena any further. Kara lets go of the squirming child as soon as they reach the car, gently ushering her inside.