The Gift

Chapter 5

Of all the clothes and toys that Lena quickly accumulated, there seems to be a few important items missing. There's warm clothes, including an adorably tiny coat and gloves, but neither Kara or Eliza can find a hat or scarf. Perhaps they're being a little highly strung, but the thought of Lena not being warm enough, on top of every other issue, sets them both on edge.

Eliza offers to run to the store, Kara immediately arguing that she'll be faster, both women missing the fact that Lena is already decked out in Alex's wool hat. It's too big, as is the multicolored scarf Alex found in Kara's bedroom, but it's almost too adorable to swap for better fitted versions. Alex exaggeratedly rolls her eyes at Lena, jerking her head in the direction of the bickering women.

Lena giggles, drawing their attention.

"Oh," Eliza breathes out, her features softening as she coos over Lena. "I guess that settles it then," she chuckles. She kneels down and folds the bottom of the beanie upwards, "much better. Now we get to see your pretty eyes." Lena blushes, preening at the attention as she wrings her little hands together.

Kara grins, making a show of dressing warmly despite having no real need to do so. She grabs some leftover gingerbread and tucks it into her coat, throwing Lena a conspiratorial wink as she pats her full pocket. Lena giggles, accidentally giving their secret away, but Kara doesn't mind. She's just thrilled that Lena is finally warming up to her.

"Now, remember," Eliza begins. "You have to stick close to us when we're outside. It's okay if you're not comfortable holding our hands, but you can't leave our side." Eliza is gentle, but firm. "Andrea is going to meet us at the park, but you can't go near any other grown-up unless we say it's okay. Do you understand?" she asks, kindly.

"Yes," Lena murmurs, eyes wide and serious. Eliza softens, eyes shining as she grins at the child.

"Good girl. Are you ready to have some fun?" Lena beams at the praise and nods enthusiastically, thrilled about all of the positive attention. Her little hand latches onto Eliza's before they even leave the apartment, Lena all but bouncing on the spot as she waits for everyone to finish getting ready.

Kara watches the interaction with warm eyes, trailing behind them as they all leave her apartment. She keeps an eye out for even the slightest hint of danger, and her ears tune in to the conversations of each passerby. Her blue gaze turns steel whenever someone so much as glances at Lena, not at all caring if their interest is innocent or not.

"Relax," Alex murmurs, nudging her with her elbow. "Lena's fine. Not everyone in National City is a dangerous criminal." Kara sighs, nodding. She watches as Lena happily crunches through the fresh blanket of snow.

"I know. I'm just..." she sighs again, "she's been through enough, you know?"

"She has, but we're all going to help her. We're going to bring our Lena back and we're going to remind her how much we love her," Alex promises. "She's not alone, and she never will be again." Alex sounds so determined, severe, that Kara instantly believes her. "It's time for her to stop thinking that we're just your friends and family. Lena is one of us, whether she likes or not."

Kara smiles softly, still lingering behind them as they reach the park. She spots Andrea sitting on one of the benches and opts to join her as Eliza and Alex show Lena the swings. If Andrea is irritated by her company, she doesn't show it. They sit in silence for several moments, watching as Eliza pushes Lena on the swing whilst Alex balances on the one next to her.

"How are you doing with all of this?" Kara finally asks, glancing sideways at Andrea. She's surprised by the scoff she receives in response.

"How am I doing?" Andrea splutters, "how are you doing? I can't even imagine how you must feel right now. The break up had to be hard enough without having a pint sized version of your ex stealing your bed," Andrea states. "I don't know if I could do it."