Chapter Text
“The Summit”
Chapter 9
Chapter 9
T-1 National City – Day Before the Summit
Kara’s early arrival in National City was part of the plan she and Oliver had worked out. He would come later, slipping into her apartment unseen—a skill he’d mastered over the years. According to Lena, even Lex’s AI hadn’t caught the “Green Arrow” sneaking into her place, which meant whatever Oliver was doing to stay invisible was working.
For now, Kara was unpacking from her several-week stay away. It didn’t take long; she’d split her wardrobe between her apartment here and the loft. Still, today felt different. For the last two days, she and Oliver had been playing their script—professional, distant, not their usual warm and open selves.
The atmosphere in National City was tense. The summit was high-profile, with cameras, eyes, and witnesses everywhere. If something was going to happen, Kara knew this would be the perfect stage. They wouldn’t be able to hide it the way they had after the raid, when only Team Arrow saw the fallout. Deep down, she knew this was only a delaying action, a move meant to shake Lex and Prometheus off their trail.
She hung the last of her clothes and paused in front of her newest addition, the heavy engagement tactical suit Mark 2. For all its capabilities, it was beautiful, sleek, and perfectly fitted, enhancing both her figure and her presence. Beneath the layers of countermeasures, comms tech, and armor, it was also a declaration of love. Oliver expressed himself through action—cooking, cleaning, even doing her laundry when she left it at the loft. She smirked to herself. The legendary Green Arrow was more domestic than anyone would ever believe, excelling at it even while being a leader, a fighter, and her secret husband. She knew she was the lucky one, no matter how many times Oliver insisted it was him.
When she’d first arrived on Earth as a child, she’d wondered if she could ever truly love—or be loved by—a human. Oliver had shattered every doubt, every assumption, and every wall she’d built. As her fingertips traced the new suit, she smiled again. Times were hard, but this—millions of dollars in R&D and manufacturing, designed to protect her—was proof of his devotion. Not that she needed proof, but the gesture spoke volumes about his commitment to keeping her safe.
Securing the suit, she walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge. She shook her head. It wasn’t the emptiness that got her—it was the contrast. If she’d been in National City longer, Oliver would have stocked it for her, sending groceries straight to her door. He knew she was terrible at shopping for herself. Between the card he’d given her and his habit of keeping her fridge full, he had quietly erased that problem. She might have to pick up a few things herself this time.
Closing the fridge, she dropped onto the couch and let the news play in the background. The top story, unsurprisingly, was tomorrow’s summit. She would be running double duty—both as Supergirl and Kara Danvers, a CatCo reporter. The anchors were blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in the wings. Prometheus and Lex Luthor in the same city meant trouble. The only unknowns were when, where, and in what form.
She started flipping channels until she landed on a musical. It was her comfort watch—bright, hopeful, and full of the kind of joy that used to wash away her nerves. Today, the effect was muted. Too much was at stake. Still, she sang along, letting the melodies carry her for a while. When she did this around Oliver, he never interrupted—just smiled, content to watch her in her element.
After several hours of drifting from one musical to the next, Kara’s ears twitched at a sound she knew better than her own heartbeat. A familiar rhythm of footsteps—measured, confident, and deliberate—made her smile. Oliver.
She heard the faint creak of her bedroom window easing open, followed by the careful slide of boots across the floorboards. He always left just enough sound for her to pick up, never too much, never too little—like a test between them—a ritual. Oliver loved slipping into her apartment unseen, even though it was risky given that Lex Luthor and Prometheus were watching their every move. For him, it wasn’t just about stealth. It was about reminding her that, even under siege, they were still themselves—partners, lovers, equals sharpening one another.
This time, he’d nearly fooled her. Kara hadn’t caught him until the window latch clicked shut. Two quiet steps, a duffel set down, and then—finally—he turned the corner. Her grin bloomed, bright and electric, the second she saw him.
“Hello, Angel,” Oliver said with that familiar, crooked smirk that was hers alone.
“Hello, my Light,” Kara answered, voice carrying the same warmth, her eyes drinking him in.
She stayed on the couch, waiting, and he didn’t make her wait long. Oliver crossed the room, slid beside her, and with one easy motion scooped her into his lap. His arms locked around her, protective but tender, and she melted into the embrace. Their lips met—hungry, grounding, desperate for closeness. The kiss was fierce, a wordless vow, their hands gripping as though to anchor themselves against the world outside.
When they finally broke apart, Kara rested her forehead against his, inhaling him.
“Do you want me to change it?” she asked softly, gesturing at the screen.
“No,” he murmured, brushing his lips across her hairline. “I want to watch with you. I like seeing you light up, Kara.”
Wrapped together, they sank deeper into the couch, the musicals carrying on in the background. For Oliver, it was more than just watching her favorite pastime—it was understanding her. She turned to musicals when she needed comfort, when the world pressed too hard. It was how she sorted through her fears without letting them consume her. He’d recognized it long ago, and instead of trying to stop it, he’d leaned into it, encouraging her to embrace whatever helped her heal.
He couldn’t stay the night—not with Team Arrow stationed at a temporary base in the city—but for now, he stayed long enough. Long enough to hold her. Long enough to give her peace.
Same Day, Team Arrow Temporary Base – National City
By mid-morning, most of Team Arrow had settled into the temporary base Oliver had prepared in National City. Evelyn was still sidelined, recovering, but the others moved in with practiced efficiency. It wasn’t the expansive, fully equipped bunker they had back in Star City, but it was functional—more than enough to stage operations and coordinate with allies here.
Joining them were two key members of Team Flash—Cisco and Caitlin—who had agreed to lend their expertise. Barry would arrive the next day, once he’d wrapped up his CSI work and cleared a few days at CCPD. He would attend the summit under cover, while the Flash stayed ready in the background.
“Wow,” Cisco said, spinning slowly in place as he took in the room. “I was half-expecting some dusty storage closet. But this—this is legit. Resources, gear, a computer network… and hold up—is that a direct link to the Bunker?” His grin was a mix of impressed and suspicious.
Felicity was already unpacking her laptop and booting up systems. “Yep. Oliver’s been here enough times that he had me set this place up. Called it a ‘fallback position.’ Not as flashy as home base, but it’ll get the job done.”
Rene smirked. “Man, really does spend a lot of time in National City, huh?”
Roy chimed in from where he was stowing his bow. “It’s not just here. He’s got one in Central City, too.”
Cisco’s head snapped around. “Wait, what? Since when? And why am I just learning about this now?”
Diggle gave him a patient look. “Oliver keeps contingencies close to the vest. Always has. Very few people are aware of the full list of safehouses. Star, National, Central… wouldn’t surprise me if there are more scattered across the map.”
Rene leaned back against a crate, shrugging. “If I were a betting man, I’d say Kara’s the only one who knows where all of them are. Boss trusts us, sure—but with her, it’s… different.”
No one argued. They all knew it was true. Oliver and Kara’s bond ran deeper than anything else in his life. Rather than push into uncomfortable territory, the team let the thought hang unspoken. Instead, they shifted back to unpacking, running checks on weapons, and powering up the base—soldiers quietly preparing for the storm they all felt was coming.
Downtown Hotel – National City
Thea unzipped her suitcase, setting it on the bed, and pulled out a thick folder. Inside were intelligence reports on Prometheus—pages of trend analyses, timelines, suspected safehouses, eyewitness accounts, and dark web chatter. Every detail had been gathered to give National City a complete picture. In return, she expected them to share whatever they had on Lex Luthor.
One photo, in particular, taken by the NCPD, stood out. It placed Prometheus in National City three days ago, maybe longer. Ollie believed Prometheus and Lex were working together. Thea suspected as much, too, but her instincts told her there was more at play. The summit was a perfect target for disruption. And Oliver… Oliver was holding something back.
She’d noticed the changes—subtle at first—since the raid. Kara had been spending more time with Oliver, hovering closer than before. The stolen glances. The quiet smiles. The lack of personal space between them is noticeable. The ease in Oliver’s posture when she was near. Once, she might have chalked it up to team dynamics, the kind that form after shared battles. But this felt… different.
The shift had begun after the Reign battle, deepened after the raid, and now—with Prometheus and Lex circling—it was impossible to ignore. Kara and Oliver were almost inseparable.
Thea loved her brother fiercely. If there were truly something between him and Kara, she wouldn’t stand in the way. In fact, she liked Kara and respected her. And if Kara were what Ollie needed to keep from slipping back into darkness, she’d support them. But Thea also knew the danger. If she could see the connection, others could too. Enemies like Luthor and Prometheus were skilled predators. They would exploit any weakness, and this… this could be the biggest one Oliver had.
That is why these covert meetings mattered so much. Yes, her mother was trusting her to deliver results, but Thea also had a personal stake. Protecting her brother meant understanding exactly what Lex was planning—and stopping it before it could be used to hurt him, or Kara, or Star City.
She pushed the folder to the corner of the bed and lay back for a moment, letting her thoughts settle. Somewhere across town, Roy was holed up in one of Oliver’s temporary bases, preparing for the days ahead. It had been a rough stretch for them—more time apart than together—but their bond was solid. Roy was her anchor, her endgame. She would marry that crazy man the moment he asked. She knew Roy had plans to ask her, too. She saw the ring hidden. The sight of it made her heart jump. She wanted Roy to ask her right then and there when she discovered the ring. She decided not to tell Roy she found the ring. She let Roy have his moment.
Still, nerves twisted in her stomach. The next few days could change everything. Having Roy nearby helped; he had a way of steadying her without saying a word. With a sigh, she rose, heading for the shower to wash away the day. Tomorrow would be long, and she needed every ounce of focus she could muster.
National City Security and Infrastructure Summit – Opening Day- T-0
The towering glass atrium of National City’s Civic Center was alive with movement. Banners bearing the summit’s crest—two interlocking shields over a stylized skyline—hung from the rafters. Delegations from cities across the country milled through security checkpoints, their lanyards swinging as they greeted colleagues and eyed the press line. Cameras flashed in rapid bursts, reporters jostling for position to catch sound bites from the arriving officials.
This wasn’t just a ceremonial gathering. The National City Security and Infrastructure Summit was where urban leaders and security experts came to compare strategies, forge partnerships, and address the newest challenges in protecting their cities. The agenda covered everything from inter-agency cooperation and disaster response drills to responsible integration of alien technology into civilian infrastructure.
CatCo News had a whole crew on site—three reporters, multiple camera operators, and a producer keeping track of which interviews were going live and which were pre-recorded. Kara Danvers had been assigned the Star City delegation, a deliberate move by Cat Grant, who wanted her “favorite rookie” to get the face time. It was a gift and a problem—because while Kara needed to be here for CatCo, she also knew she might have to be Supergirl by the end of the day.
In her mind, she worked through the timing. At least I’m not the only one on the ground. Cat sent an entire crew, so if I step away, someone else can take care of the next guest. That buys me breathing room. I have to make my exits look natural—no mid-broadcast disappearing acts.
The doors opened again, and she saw Quentin Lance stride in, Thea Queen a step behind him. Both carried themselves with professional formality, but Kara caught the sharpness in Thea’s eyes—constantly scanning, always evaluating.
Kara straightened, smiling warmly as her cameraman gave her the cue. “This is Kara Danvers reporting live from the National City Security and Infrastructure Summit. I’m joined now by Star City’s delegation, Quentin Lance and Thea Queen. Welcome to National City.”
“Thank you, Ms. Danvers,” Quentin said, nodding slightly.
“Mr. Lance, this summit brings together leaders from multiple cities to talk about security, infrastructure, and even alien technology integration. What are your priorities coming into these discussions?” Kara asked, holding the mic steady.
“Our top priority is partnership,” Quentin said, his voice firm but friendly. “We’ve made real progress in Star City under Mayor Moira Queen’s leadership—improved infrastructure, stronger community programs, and a tighter emergency response network. But the truth is, no city stands alone anymore. We need to share what we’ve learned and learn from others. That’s the point of us being here.”
Kara nodded, smiling for the camera. “You mentioned progress under Mayor Queen. Can you give us an example of how Star City has changed in the last year?”
“Absolutely,” Quentin replied. “We’ve upgraded our security systems citywide, expanded inter-agency training, and improved coordination between our emergency services. A lot of that is thanks to the partnerships we’ve built—with the Green Arrow, for example. His work with Star City’s law enforcement has been invaluable. We’ve stopped threats that could have caused real damage, and we’ve done it together.”
Kara’s ears caught it before her eyes did—the faint rush of displaced air, followed by a subtle shift in the crowd’s attention. She glanced past Quentin just in time to see the distinct green silhouette of the Green Arrow near the security line, with a blur of red lightning beside him. Barry and Oliver had arrived.
She finished the segment with a polished close. “Star City’s delegation will be contributing to panels throughout the summit. Thank you, Mr. Lance, Ms. Queen, for your time. This is Kara Danvers for CatCo News—back to you in the studio.”
Main Hall Podium – Summit
Kara knew it was her cue to step away and let Supergirl return. Handing off her microphone to one of the other CatCo reporters, she smiled easily. “I’m going to mingle, see if I can grab a few more soundbites—maybe even an interview with the Green Arrow or the Flash.” It sounded casual, but in her head, she was already mapping the quickest path out of sight.
Once clear of the main floor, she ducked into an empty corridor, her steps blurring into superspeed. In seconds, Kara Danvers was gone, replaced by the sleek lines of her all-purpose Mark 2 uniform. Last night, she’d made a deliberate choice to leave her new heavy combat suit behind. If Lex Luthor or Prometheus were watching—and she had no doubt they were—keeping that ace up her sleeve was the more brilliant tactical move.
Supergirl emerged from the shadows and crossed to where the Flash and Green Arrow stood. Oliver’s voice was calm, professional, but the subtle lift at the corner of his mouth was for her alone. “You seem rushed, Supergirl.”
“Well, Green Arrow, my attention was… diverted this morning,” she replied lightly, letting just enough playfulness into her tone to tease him without cracking their professional façade. She knew he caught the double meaning—he’d been there, after all.
From her perspective, she had been distracted this morning—warm sheets, his steady heartbeat, and the quiet moments they stole before the day’s performance began. Oliver knew she’d be walking this tightrope for the next few days, switching between Kara Danvers, CatCo reporter, and Supergirl, all while staying under the radar. He was proud of her—she could see it in the way his eyes softened for a fraction of a second—but now wasn’t the time to show it.
The three of them moved toward the main hall together, drawing curious glances as they entered. Supergirl delivered the opening remarks for the summit—an invitation sent to her by Kara Danvers through the event coordinator. Hosting the summit meant National City wanted its champion front and center, and today, that meant Kara had to deliver.
Main Hall – Opening Remarks
The main conference hall was a sea of delegates, media crews, and uniformed security. Sunlight poured through the high windows, casting long, golden beams across rows of flags representing every city in attendance. The hum of conversation dimmed as the coordinator stepped to the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she announced, “to open this year’s National City Security and Infrastructure Summit, please welcome our city’s own protector—Supergirl.”
Applause rose as Kara walked to the stage, the weight of every eye in the room settling on her. She stood tall, the calm confidence in her posture balanced by a warmth in her expression. Her voice, when it came, carried efficiently without strain—clear, resonant, and sincere.
“Thank you,” she began, letting the applause fade. “It’s an honor to welcome you all to National City. This summit is about more than infrastructure, more than policies or protocols—though those things matter. This is about people. The people who live in our cities, who wake up every morning trusting us to protect them, to keep their streets safe, to ensure that no matter what challenges come, they will have a place to call home.”
Her gaze swept the crowd—Quentin, Thea, Oliver, Barry—pausing just long enough on familiar faces to acknowledge them without giving anything away.
“We live in a world that changes faster than ever. Technology evolves, threats adapt, and the unexpected… well, it’s no stranger to any of us. But I believe, with all my heart, that our greatest strength isn’t found in weapons or walls—it’s in our ability to stand together. Cities helping cities. Agencies trusting one another. Heroes, first responders, and communities working side by side.”
She let that sink in for a beat, then continued, her tone steady but threaded with conviction. “Many of us in this room know what it means to face the impossible. To examine a problem so vast that it feels like it could overwhelm us. But we also know what it means to keep going. To fight for what’s right even when the odds are against us. That’s what makes us resilient.”
A faint smile touched her lips. “Resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s coming back stronger, together. It’s choosing hope, even when fear seems easier. And I promise you—whether I’m flying over this city or walking through it—you are never alone in that fight.”
Kara stepped back slightly from the podium, her voice softening, though still carrying. “Thank you for the work you’ve already done to protect your cities. And thank you for being here, ready to do more. I believe in all of you. I believe in what we can accomplish together. And I can’t wait to see what that future looks like.”
The room broke into applause, many standing. She nodded once, graciously, then stepped aside to let the next speaker take the stage. Inside, Kara felt that familiar swell in her chest—the same one she felt every time she reminded people of the truth she held closest: that hope wasn’t just something you had. It was something you built.
Oliver sat in the crowd, his gaze fixed on Kara as she stood at the podium. Every word she spoke carried strength, compassion, and conviction—and every word hit him like an arrow to the heart. Outwardly, he maintained the same cool, detached professionalism he’d honed over years of leadership. His posture was straight, his expression unreadable. But inside, he was burning with pride, love, and an affection so fierce it was almost overwhelming.
He’d heard many speeches in his life—Yu Fei’s lessons, Slade’s declarations of vengeance, Diggle’s rallying calls, Waller’s cold orders, even his own grim commands before battle. They were all different: some meant to inspire, others to intimidate, some to justify war. But Kara’s… Kara’s was something else entirely. This wasn’t a call to arms or a plea for vengeance. It was hope—pure, unyielding hope—and it shook him to his core.
Her words made him feel more alive than he had in years. Being married to her had pushed back the darkness that had been his constant shadow, replacing it with her light. She’d never take credit for that—if he told her, she’d say it was his own work, his own discipline, his own choice to be better. And yes, there is truth in that. But the reality was simpler: Kara was the light he clung to. She always had been.
He forced his eyes to remain neutral, his hands steady on his knees. The warmth inside him was his alone—for now.
“That was quite a speech, Green Arrow,” Barry said quietly beside him, eyes still on Kara.
Oliver turned his head just enough to glance at him. Barry’s expression was open, unguarded, and Oliver could see the way the speech had reached him, too. Barry had never been good at hiding his feelings—something Oliver had always found both frustrating and admirable.
“Yeah, Flash,” Oliver replied evenly, “Supergirl is the hero we need. She gives hope where it doesn’t exist.” He kept his tone controlled, masking the surge of pride trying to break through.
Barry’s gaze slid toward him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’re the same way, you know. You inspire people, too—you do it from the shadows, where most can’t or won’t go.”
“I do what I have to,” Oliver said, his voice low. “I can rally us in a fight… but it’s Supergirl who’s the true inspiration.” A trace of pride slipped into the words before he caught himself and buried it again.
Barry shook his head, smiling faintly, and turned back toward Kara. He knew Oliver was holding back—and he understood why. The mask had to stay in place here, in front of the cameras and the summit guests. But Barry caught that flicker of pride and love, as clear as if Oliver had shouted it.
He’d keep the moment between them, play his part in maintaining appearances. After all, this wasn’t just about friendship anymore. What Oliver and Kara are to Barry is family—something worth protecting.
DEO Headquarters – Monitoring Room – National City
The hum of servers and the muted chatter of agents filled the DEO’s command center, but Alex barely heard it. Her eyes were locked on the main screen, where Kara stood at the podium in the National City Civic Center, delivering the opening remarks of the summit. The camera framed her perfectly—poised, confident, radiating the kind of hope and warmth that no one else could match.
Alex crossed her arms, not in defiance, but to ground herself. The last time she and Kara had talked—really talked—it had been tense. Alex had pushed for Kara to put some distance between herself and Oliver after the raid, worried about how closely they’d been working together. That argument had spiraled, fueled by the fact that the DEO still kept kryptonite in its arsenal, a choice Kara could neither accept nor forgive. Since then, Kara had kept her distance. It wasn’t cold, exactly, but it was deliberate.
Still… watching her now, Alex felt that familiar swell in her chest—pride and love, stubborn and unyielding, no matter how much they’d clashed. Kara’s words reached past their disagreements, past the unresolved tension. She was speaking to the summit, but Alex could feel it—some part of that speech was also talking to her.
On screen, Kara’s voice carried steady and firm: “Resilience isn’t just surviving—it’s coming back stronger, together. It’s choosing hope, even when fear seems easier.”
Alex’s jaw tightened, the weight of their differences pressing down again. She didn’t regret looking out for Kara—she never would—, but maybe she’d underestimated just how much Oliver meant to her. Or perhaps she hadn’t underestimated it at all, and that was the problem.
An agent at the next console murmured, “She’s good. Makes you want to believe in every word she says.”
Alex didn’t look away from the screen. “That’s because she believes it herself,” she said quietly.
The broadcast cut to applause, and Alex caught a flicker in Kara’s expression—a brightness in her eyes that Alex knew better than anyone. Even at this distance, she could see the person Kara had always been: her little sister, the one who’d crash-landed into her life and changed it forever.
They weren’t seeing eye to eye right now. Maybe they wouldn’t for a while. But Alex knew this much: no argument, no policy, no piece of kryptonite in the DEO’s vault could make her stop loving her sister. Or stop being proud of her.
The Summit – Civic Center Lobbies
The applause still echoed faintly in Kara’s ears as she stepped down from the stage. The summit shifted into its next phase—delegations breaking off into clusters throughout the Civic Center’s expansive lobbies, deep in discussions about policy, security, and cooperation.
Kara spotted Oliver and Barry near one of the quieter alcoves. She could always read him—her husband—better than anyone. On the surface, he was all business: posture straight, arms loose at his sides, face unreadable. But beneath that carefully constructed exterior, she felt it—a current of pride, warm and undeniable, even if he refused to show it to anyone else. They had to keep up the performance: distant, cold, and professional. Easier said than done, but necessary. Too much depended on everyone believing it.
“Supergirl,” Oliver said, voice even and clipped, “impressive speech. I think it reached its intended audience—and had the effect you were aiming for.” His tone remained neutral, but there was a faintest inflection, one that only she would catch.
“I think I did okay, Arrow,” Kara replied, keeping her own professionalism in place. “At least I hope I did. I’m not sure if it will make a difference—but I want to believe it will.” Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of the vulnerable honesty she only shared with him.
“Relax, Supergirl,” Barry said with a grin, glancing between them. “You did great. We all loved it—and trust me, it had the desired effect. Especially on this guy next to me.” He nudged Oliver’s arm.
Oliver only responded with a quiet grunt and the smallest of nods, his way of conceding Barry was right without admitting it aloud.
Kara let the moment linger for a heartbeat, then shifted back into her dual-role mindset. In a hushed voice, “I should get back. Kara Danvers still has interviews to conduct.”
Oliver and Barry exchanged a glance and nodded. “We’ve got panels to attend ourselves,” Oliver said, his voice returning fully to the public persona.
With three professional nods, they split—Barry and Oliver heading toward their scheduled sessions, Kara slipping away. Once out of sight, she blurred into motion, speeding down a side corridor. In moments, the cape and boots were gone, replaced with her civilian clothes. Glasses back on, press badge in place, Kara Danvers rejoined the summit as if she’d never left.
Interview Hall – Civic Center, National City
The Green Arrow and the Flash had given several interviews throughout the day. For Oliver, this kind of accessibility was far from natural—he was not known for making himself available to the press outside of his wife’s alter ego—but he adapted. He’d decided months ago, when the summit was first announced, that it had the potential to be a turning point in American history… maybe even the world.
The realization had struck him then: if superheroes—yes, even vigilantes like himself—could work openly and constructively with local law enforcement, and if those heroes could unite for causes beyond their own cities, it could change public perception forever. So Oliver endured the interviews, today and in the days to come, for the sake of that bigger picture.
But even as he played his part, his mind was elsewhere. He was almost certain Lex Luthor and Prometheus were in the city, waiting for the right moment to strike. When they would do it, no one knew. That uncertainty pressed against the edges of every conversation, every handshake.
Across the room, Barry was still at ease in front of the cameras, his trademark charisma making the Flash’s interviews look effortless. And Kara… she had slipped away again. Oliver assumed she was back to making her rounds as Kara Danvers, collecting stories and interviews for CatCo. The thought made him smile faintly. “Danvers” might be her public name, but it wasn’t her legal one. “Queen” was. And that fact remained one of his deepest sources of pride.
The sound of a woman’s voice drew his attention back to the present. He turned, and there she was—’ Kara Danvers’ approaching her interview. For just a moment, he was taken aback by her beauty in this persona: the confident, sharp-eyed reporter with the warm smile. His guard slipped for half a heartbeat before he reined it in, his composure snapping back into place. He hoped no one noticed.
But as someone handed it to her, she began her first question, and there was the faintest flicker in her eyes, the smallest curve of her lips. A private acknowledgment. She had caught him. And she let him know without saying a word.
Kara’s POV
From Kara’s side of the microphone, it was all in the eyes.
She caught the flicker—the half-second where Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow, her husband, looked at her not as a reporter, not as an ally, but as her.
It was gone almost instantly, replaced with the impassive mask he wore so well. Most people would have missed it. She didn’t.
Kara let the corner of her mouth lift just slightly, enough for him to know she’d seen it. Then she launched into her question, her voice steady and professional, the perfect image of Kara Danvers on the job.
But behind the glasses, her heart warmed. In a room full of cameras, reporters, and politicians, they were still them—bound together by something no mask, no name, and no amount of distance could hide.
Kara: “Green Arrow, thank you for speaking with CatCo News. You’ve been active in Star City for many years now, evolving from a lone, anonymous figure into a trusted partner of the city’s leadership. What has that journey taught you?”
Green Arrow: “That working alone can only take you so far. Early on, my focus was on immediate threats—handling problems as they came, by whatever means necessary. Over time, I learned that lasting change requires more than quick victories. It’s about building trust, working alongside those who are already sworn to protect the city.”
Kara: “This summit is about cooperation between cities, agencies, and even worlds. How do you see a hero’s role in that kind of collaboration?”
Green Arrow: “A hero’s role is to bridge the gap. We can bring resources and capabilities that agencies might not have, but we also need to be willing to listen and adapt. No one wins by working in isolation—not in this world.”
Kara: “You’re also recognized as one of the leaders in the Justice League, a coalition of very different heroes. What’s the most challenging part of keeping such a team united?”
Green Arrow: “Making sure everyone feels heard. The League is filled with people with diverse experiences, abilities, and views of the world. My job is to make those differences a strength, not a weakness. That means setting aside ego, sometimes even my own, to make sure the mission succeeds.”
Kara: “You’ve worked with a variety of heroes over the years, including the Flash and Supergirl. Can you share what makes those partnerships unique?”
Green Arrow: [a subtle pause] “The Flash brings optimism and speed in equal measure—he can turn the tide of a fight, but he can also turn the mood of a room. And Supergirl… she inspires people. She represents hope in a way that’s hard to quantify, but impossible to miss. She makes everyone around her better, including me.”
Kara: “Many see you as someone who operates in the shadows, stepping in only when the stakes are highest. What would you want people to understand about you beyond that image?”
Green Arrow: “That my commitment isn’t limited to one city or one type of fight. I’ll stand where I’m needed, for as long as it takes. The bow and the hood are just tools. The mission—to protect people—that’s what defines me.”
Kara: “Final question—what do you hope comes out of this summit?”
Green Arrow: “I hope it proves that no city, no agency, and no hero has to stand alone. If we leave here with stronger bonds and a better understanding of each other, then we’ve already won.”
She gave him the polite, professional nod of a reporter wrapping a segment, but there was a softness in her gaze—just enough for him to see.
Kara: “Thank you, Green Arrow. We appreciate your time.”
As she stepped back, handing the mic to her cameraman, Oliver caught the brief flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. It wasn’t about the interview itself—it was the unspoken message beneath it. That even here, under the bright lights and in front of the world, they were still connected in ways no one else could see.
Behind the Press Line – Kara’s POV
Kara handed her mic to the cameraman and gave him a quick smile. “Get a couple of shots of the next speaker,” she said, already stepping away.
The second she was out of the direct press lights, her shoulders loosened. She’d played her part—reporter, professional, detached—but inside she was replaying every moment of his answers. The way his voice had that slight weight when he spoke about working with others. The way he talked about Supergirl. About hope.
He’d given the public the Green Arrow—steady, committed, unshakable. But in the tiniest shifts of tone, the most minor inflections, she’d heard Oliver. Her Oliver. The man who’d sat across from her at breakfast just hours ago, whose pride in her he couldn’t quite hide, no matter how hard he tried.
She let herself smile then, away from the cameras. He’d meant every word of his final answer—about no one standing alone. It wasn’t just the mission. It was a promise. One they’d both made to each other, even if the world would never hear it the same way.
Kara straightened, slipping back into her CatCo presence before she rejoined the press floor—time for the following interview. But the warmth in her chest lingered, steady and sure, as unshakable as the man she’d just walked away from.
Working Group Breakout Room – Civic Center, National City
For Thea, the day had been a blur of movement—meetings, working groups, and a strict schedule of locations she had to hit. And this was only day one. She had three more full days ahead, each packed just as tightly, culminating in a formal dinner for the city representatives in the National City Ballroom.
That dinner would be closed to the press, with only official delegates in attendance. The Green Arrow, the Flash, and Supergirl had all been offered invitations but had politely declined, citing that they would be occupied with team-only functions at night.
Thea couldn’t help but smirk at that. Whatever Oliver and Kara really were, she doubted they’d be spending those evenings at some formal function. She was now convinced they were a couple, though the exact nature of their relationship—and how long it had been going on—still eluded her. Still, with her eyes now open to the possibility, she noticed things she’d once brushed off: subtle glances, shared body language, the quiet ease between them that spoke of something more profound.
She wished she had the time to dig deeper, but tonight’s dinner required her full attention. It was, in truth, a cover for a much more important mission—meeting privately with senior members of National City’s law enforcement. This would be one of several such secret meetings over the coming nights, most of which would take place back at NCPD headquarters.
Tonight’s gathering would give her rare access to city officials whose positions and public profiles made follow-up meetings nearly impossible without drawing press attention. Her mother was counting on her to make those conversations count, and Thea had no intention of letting her down.
Part of that determination came from an old wound she’d never fully forgiven herself for—how she had handled things when she first discovered Malcolm Merlyn was her father. She still carried the weight of that day during the siege, standing in a train station with a ticket to anywhere, ready to run. Her boyfriend had been ghosting her—later she would learn he’d been helping Oliver defend the city.
Before she could leave, she had been kidnapped by Slade Wilson. He told her that he and Oliver had been stranded together on the island, and that Oliver was responsible for the loss of the woman Slade loved. Only later would she learn the truth—that it was the Mirakuru that had driven him to madness.
The night siege, as she stood on the brink of leaving Star City behind, Slade’s soldiers launched an attack. She’d been seconds away from death when a woman appeared—effortlessly swatting aside Slade’s warriors with raw, terrifying power. The woman took her to safety and explained everything.
Her name was Kara. She was Superman’s cousin. She told Thea the truth about Slade, about Oliver’s role, and about how she herself had stopped Slade from killing Moira Queen. And she told Thea something else—something that changed the way she saw her brother forever.
Oliver was the Green Arrow.
Flashback – The Night of the Siege
The train station was almost deserted, its harsh fluorescent lights casting long shadows across the empty platform. Thea Queen stood near the ticket counter, clutching her bag, the one-way ticket in her pocket a promise of escape. Her heart pounded—not from the rush to catch a train, but from the desperation to escape it all.
Her phone was silent. Roy wasn’t answering. Her mother was at risk. The city was tearing itself apart. And she couldn’t take another second of it.
The low, deliberate crunch of boots on tile reached her ears. She turned.
Three of Slade’s Mirakuru-enhanced soldiers emerged from the shadows, their eyes burning with an unnatural fury.
Before she could run, they charged.
Thea’s back hit the wall. She fumbled for the small pistol in her bag, knowing it was useless against them, when a rush of wind blew past her, snapping her hair against her face.
A figure landed between her and the soldiers with a heavy, controlled thud. She wore a sleek black unknown combat uniform, its lines sharp and alien, and a black mask that covered her eyes.
The soldiers didn’t hesitate. They lunged.
The woman moved like a shadow and a storm combined—catching one by the throat and tossing him across the platform as if he weighed nothing, slamming another into the ticket kiosk hard enough to splinter the wood, and spinning to deliver a bone-cracking punch to the third. In seconds, they were all down, groaning or unconscious.
She turned to Thea, her voice steady but urgent. “You’re Thea Queen, right?”
Thea nodded, frozen somewhere between terror and awe.
“I’m Kara, I am friends with your Brother,” the woman said, pulling the mask up just enough to reveal striking blue eyes. “I’m also Superman’s cousin.”
Thea blinked, her brain scrambling for a response. “Superman’s… cousin?”
“Yes. And I’m here because you need to know the truth—about Slade Wilson and about Oliver.”
Kara stood calm and steady, every Kryptonian sense attuned to the space around her. She could tell there was no immediate danger—not yet. The only movement in the shadows wasn’t Slade’s soldiers this time.
She smiled faintly.
Malcolm was here.
She could hear his footsteps long before he stepped into view—measured, cautious, rehearsed. She let her gaze soften, though she was already looking straight through the shadows with her x-ray vision. She watched him hover at the edge of the train station, waiting for his moment to appear, calculating his entrance as always.
Only then did she turn her attention back to Thea—fear still flashing behind the girl’s eyes, adrenaline shaking through her hands.
Kara’s tone softened, but it didn’t lose its certainty. “Slade and Oliver were stranded on an island together years ago. They fought side by side—until Slade was injected with something called Mirakuru. It made him strong, but it also broke his mind. He blames Oliver for the death of the woman he loved. That’s why he’s here. That’s why you’re in danger.”
Thea’s voice was tight. “And why should I believe you?”
Kara didn’t flinch. “Because I saved your mother’s life that night, he had you and Oliver tied up, making Oliver choose who should live and who would die, because I have no reason to lie to you. And because Oliver Queen—the brother you think you know—is also the Green Arrow.”
Thea’s breath caught. The words hit her like a physical blow. And yet, there was something in Kara’s voice… an unwavering steadiness that made it impossible to doubt her.
A new voice cut in, cold and familiar. “Thea.”
She turned to see Malcolm Merlyn stepping out of the shadows, his bow slung over his shoulder. “You should come with your father.”
Malcolm hadn’t recognized the masked woman at first—only the effortless way she had taken down three Mirakuru-enhanced soldiers without hesitation or strain. Whoever she is, she’s powerful. And more importantly, she was connected to Oliver. That much was obvious.
Tommy still wasn’t speaking to him. The revelation that he had a daughter had given Malcolm a new angle, a new purpose. If he could bring Thea to his side, he could finally be the father he believed he deserved to be—or at the very least, gain leverage over Moira and Oliver. If he could convince Thea that her best interests were with him, everything could shift in his favor.
But the woman standing between them was an unknown. And Malcolm did not like unknowns.
Kara took a step forward. “Father?” she said with a sharp laugh. “You’re not fit to raise anyone, Malcolm. Not with your history of murder and manipulation.”
Malcolm’s eyes narrowed. “Stay out of this.”
He lunged.
Kara barely moved. She caught his wrist mid-strike, twisted, and with a flick, sent his bow clattering to the floor and Malcom along with it. His expression twisted from anger to shock.
“Pathetic,” she said flatly, releasing him with a shove.
She turned to Thea, her gaze locking onto hers. “You don’t have to trust me yet. But give me a chance. Give Oliver a chance. I won’t stop you if you want to leave with him. It’s your choice.”
Thea’s heart raced. She’d spent the whole night this whole year feeling like she had no control over anything—her family, her city, her own future. And now, here was someone offering her a choice.
It was the choice that made the difference.
“I’ll go with you,” Thea said finally.
Kara’s expression softened, and without another word, she guided Thea away from Malcolm and out into the night.
~Flashback Ended~
Thea thought back to that moment—the night everything changed for her—and, if she was honest with herself, it had changed her for the better. She’d learned her brother wasn’t just some aloof figure or reformed playboy. Quite the opposite. He was a hero—a human fighting every day to save his city.
She’d seen the news reports about Superman, about how he was an alien with powers no human could match. And then, standing before her that night, was Kara—Kara Danvers, as she would later learn—sharing the same genetics as Superman, with powers that rivaled his own. Yet Kara wasn’t chasing headlines or flying in broad daylight for applause. She was working with Oliver from the shadows—an alien working side by side with her brother.
It had been a lot to take in, but it explained a great deal about Oliver’s actions over the years.
Oliver had done his best, with the bit of time they had then, to explain what he could. He told her parts of his history—only what he was comfortable sharing at the time. Even now, she knew she didn’t have the whole picture. But she knew someone who did. Kara.
Looking back on that night, Thea realized Kara had known every part of Oliver’s history—and still accepted him. She knew he had killed. And it didn’t scare her away. A woman with Superman’s abilities but with a moral compass as grounded and sharp as Oliver’s. If someone like Kara could accept him, then Thea could too. And she did that night.
From that point on, she resolved to be better—and she was. After the Crisis, she asked her mother for an internship at City Hall. She pushed herself in school, fast-tracked her studies, and graduated in two years. She took a full-time position as Chief of Staff. She’d expected opposition to her appointment, but her years balancing City Hall work and school had already made an impression. No one questioned her dedication.
That’s why today, tonight, and the coming days—meeting with National City officials and law enforcement—meant so much to her. This was her chance to prove her worth. And judging by the conversations she’d been having so far, it felt like she was making precisely the kind of impression she wanted.
And as she moved from one conversation to the next, Thea found herself silently grateful to Kara. That night in the train station, Kara hadn’t just saved her life—she’d given her direction. She’d shown her that strength could come from standing with the right people, and that choosing to believe in someone could change your own path forever. Without even knowing it, Kara had set her on this road. And Thea had no intention of wasting the opportunity.
Main Civic Hall – Conclusion of Day One – National City
As the first day of the summit drew to a close, Oliver and Barry each made their way back to their respective hotel rooms, taking a moment to reflect on the day’s work. Both had made meaningful connections with officials, though their approaches—and results—were distinctly different.
Barry, ever open and personable, had made substantial progress in conversations aimed at expanding Justice League cooperation with other cities, even as crises arose. While no formal memorandum of understanding had been drafted yet, he hoped the groundwork laid today would lead to one in the near future.
Oliver’s discussions had taken a different path—more tactical, more focused on coordination with law enforcement. He aimed to explore how figures like the Green Arrow, the Flash, and Supergirl could work alongside police forces during major incidents. He quickly recognized a common hesitation: officials were reluctant to entirely hand over control of large-scale crises to heroes and their teams. In response, he emphasized a support role, making it clear the League would follow law enforcement’s lead unless the threat were of a magnitude—like the Daxamite invasion—where it made sense for the League to take point.
Supergirl, in contrast, had been a pure ambassador in every sense. Her upbeat presence and unwavering optimism resonated with the city officials she spoke with throughout the day. She assured them of the League’s peaceful intent and their desire to help only when situations extended beyond the capacity of a city’s own resources. Her warmth and hope left an impression on representatives from across the nation, building trust one conversation at a time.
By the time the day ended, all three heroes were hopeful that the next few days might bring real, lasting change. But beneath the optimism, each of them carried the same quiet truth—somewhere out there, the threat they all feared was still waiting for the right moment to strike.
Unknown Location – National City
Lex Luthor and Prometheus reviewed the evening news, scrolling through reports on the summit’s first day.
Luthor’s expression tightened. “Disturbing,” he muttered. Humans are cheering for aliens and metahumans to lead them. They seem to forget that a human—Green Arrow—leads this so-called team.” His tone dripped with disdain.
Prometheus, in contrast, was practically savoring the coverage. “The attention he’s getting makes it even better,” he said, a twisted smile tugging at his lips. “The more they praise him, the sweeter it will be when I break him. His crusade is built on lies—lies I’ll expose to him personally. I couldn’t care less about what the public thinks. This is about taking another step closer to destroying Green Arrow as a man.”
“So… tonight, then,” Luthor said evenly.
“Yes,” Prometheus replied, almost musing to himself. “We hit the dinner, take Thea Queen. That should apply just the right amount of pressure on the Green Arrow… enough to crack him. And when the time comes, I’ll expose his relationship with Supergirl.”
Luthor’s gaze sharpened. “You’re certain Thea Queen can provide that kind of leverage? The emotional distress needed to upend him?”
“I’m certain,” Prometheus said without hesitation. “Her kidnapping will be enough to pull all three of them—Green Arrow, the Flash, and Supergirl—into a trap. Once they’re where I want them, the connection between him and Supergirl will be impossible to hide.”
Prometheus’s tone shifted to something more challenging, almost warning. “But listen to me, Luthor—the team you’ve assembled to storm that dinner? They don’t harm Thea Queen, and they don’t kill anyone at the event. Injuries are fine, but bodies? That will enrage all three of them. If that happens, our plan falls apart, and they’ll come for us in ways even you can’t predict.”
Luthor bristled. “Don’t lecture me, Chase. I understand the stakes. These men will do exactly as they’re told. They’re the best money can buy.”
Prometheus studied him for a moment, then gave a curt nod. “Fine. Then we’re a go.”
The two men exchanged a final, deliberate glance—mutual understanding passing between them—before they turned back to the plans.
Luthor’s thoughts lingered on the larger picture. This wasn’t just about Green Arrow or even the Justice League—it was about steering humanity away from reliance on alien saviors. Breaking this team would be a first step toward reclaiming control.
To achieve it, Lex needed to control Supergirl—break her, reshape her into a weapon he could wield. A compromised Supergirl could be turned into a tool for his geopolitical aims: attacking rival nations under a hidden hand, executing deniable operations, and provoking crises that only he could resolve. His endgame was far uglier—engineer a fracture between humans and aliens, ignite a war he could then step in to “save” humanity from, and in the process destroy the very figure he’d used to create the chaos.
For Lex, chaos and control were two sides of the same coin; owning Supergirl would give him both.
Prometheus’s thoughts were far simpler. Every part of the plan was just a means to an end: watching Oliver Queen break piece by piece, until there was nothing left but the ruin of a man who had once thought himself untouchable.
Civic Summit Dinner – Night – National City Ball Room
The ballroom dinner was alive with movement—clusters of delegates engaged in lively conversations, the air filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the faint strains of a live orchestra. Representatives from every city were dressed in their finest, blending personal charm with professional diplomacy.
For Thea Queen, the night was hers to own. She stepped into the room, instantly illuminating it, her gown perfectly tailored to her figure. The floor-length red dress shimmered under the chandeliers, each subtle movement catching the light. Two slender straps left her shoulders bare, and the semi-open back was laced in an elegant crisscross pattern. It gave the illusion of openness but was in fact secured by a sheer, nearly invisible mesh. The fabric hugged her hips in all the right places, and the added height from her heels gave her a statuesque presence—enough that she could easily have been mistaken for a runway model.
More than a few attendees were momentarily taken aback, quickly recalling that she was not just a vision in red but the Chief of Staff of a major city. That alone earned their respect; her beauty made her unforgettable.
Thea couldn’t help but giggle inwardly. She knew precisely the effect the gown would have on Roy, and sure enough, earlier that evening, he had been more than a little distracted when helping her into it. She suspected that if the fit hadn’t been perfect, he might not have let her leave at all—a thought that brought a satisfied smile to her lips.
For now, she accompanied Quentin, gracefully making the rounds and exchanging polite words with city officials and dignitaries. But beneath the polished exterior, she was already focusing on what came next. The dinner might have been a social affair for most, but for her, it was the perfect cover to begin her true mission.
The Assistant Chief of Staff approached Thea for National City, who leaned in just enough to be heard over the soft music of the ballroom.
“Ms. Queen, if you’d follow me, please,” she said quietly. “There’s a group who’d like to meet with you in private.”
Thea gave a subtle nod, glancing toward Quentin. “Secondary mission,” she murmured to him on her way out.
She followed the aide into a smaller room adjacent to the ballroom. Inside, the air was quieter but no less tense. Men and women in immaculate suits and elegant dresses were already seated at the tables, their attire blending into the evening’s formal theme—but the look in their eyes said they weren’t here for pleasantries.
Introductions began in order. Several members of National City’s intelligence office gave their introductions, followed by the Assistant Chief of Police and the head of their intelligence division. Last came the District Attorney—a no-nonsense woman with a reputation for being as tough on supervillains as she was on organized crime, someone even Supergirl had worked alongside.
“Ms. Queen,” the DA began, her tone direct, “I think you’ll find the intelligence we’ve gathered valuable to understanding Lex Luthor—and his motives.”
“Thank you,” Thea replied. “This is important because we believe Prometheus—a direct threat to Star City—and Lex Luthor are now operating together.”
A ripple of unease passed through the group. Thea continued. “After the raid, we combined intelligence from several sources available to the Green Arrow. One is a covert federal agency I can’t identify. Another comes through a Supergirl contact you might be familiar with—Lena Luthor.”
That earned a few raised eyebrows.
“But you can’t tell us about the federal agency?” the DA asked.
“No,” Thea said, shaking her head. “But I can vouch for its reliability.” She slid a thumb drive across the table. “This is what we have so far.”
The DA nodded and produced her own drive. “And this is ours. It contains CI reports on Luthor’s dealings—recent transactions made through shell corporations, a list of assets in National City we believe he controls, and patterns that point to his influence.”
“I’ll review it tomorrow and bring comments to our next meeting,” Thea said, tucking the drive into her bag as if it were made of glass.
“Tomorrow,” the DA added, “we’ll also show you live intelligence on Luthor and a few sensitive items we can’t allow to leave our servers.”
“I understand,” Thea replied. “This is already more than we’ve had in Star City.”
“Thank you for meeting with us,” the DA said, her voice lowering slightly. “If Luthor’s operating in both cities, he’s a very real threat.”
“Before we return to the ballroom,” Thea said, “we were under the impression Luthor was still in prison. Some of the intelligence we’ve received suggests he can come and go at will, in short bursts.”
The group exchanged uneasy looks before the Assistant Chief of Police stepped forward.
“The prison technically falls under Metropolis jurisdiction,” he said. “But there are credible reports he manages to leave and return without detection—operating freely for short periods of time.”
“We’ve spoken with the prison,” another officer added. “They insist he’s there, but… we have our doubts.”
Thea’s jaw tightened. “If that’s true, then nothing we do in the next few days will matter unless we close that door first.”
There were firm nods around the table. They agreed to continue the discussion tomorrow at NCPD headquarters.
Any longer away from the dinner, and their absence would be noticed. One by one, they left through different doors to avoid drawing attention.
Thea reentered through a side entrance, making her way toward Quentin. She was just about to reach him when a deafening bang shook the room—followed by the ballroom doors being blown off their hinges.
Teams of what were clearly highly trained mercenaries poured into the ballroom, moving with precision and discipline. They weren’t here to kill, but they were here to dominate. In seconds, they split into squads—some corralling guests away from the doors, others shouting for everyone to stay at their tables.
A few armed officers and security personnel tried to resist, but they were quickly overpowered, disarmed, and shoved into a corner under guard. The mercenaries now controlled every point of entry and exit. Their weapons swept the room, tracking every movement, ready to respond the moment someone stepped out of line.
A few more brave—or reckless—guests tried to fight back. They were met with brutal efficiency: beaten down, bloodied, but left alive. Once the chaos began to settle into tense, fearful silence, a man who appeared to be the leader stepped forward.
“Now,” his voice rang out, cold and commanding. “Everyone behaves, and no one gets hurt. Don’t try to be a hero—you live to see tomorrow. This is not a robbery, and we don’t want your valuables. We came here for one person.”
He let the pause stretch before bellowing, “Thea Queen! Stand up and come to the front. If you don’t, in one minute, someone here will be hurt. Permanently.”
Thea’s heart pounded as she scanned the room. Her options were slim to none. The mercenaries were clearly on a tight timetable—worried, no doubt, about how quickly Supergirl could arrive. If she delayed, someone innocent would pay the price. She wouldn’t be the cause of that.
She reached for Quentin’s hand, squeezing it tightly. Without a word, she slipped the thumb drive of intelligence into his palm, closing his fingers over it. He glanced at her, understanding instantly, and gave a slight, grim nod as he secured it.
Thea took a steadying breath and stood tall. “I’m Thea Queen,” she said, her voice carrying across the room. “No one else needs to get hurt. If it’s me you want, I’ll come willingly—no resistance—if you leave everyone here unharmed.”
“That’s all we want, Ms. Queen,” the leader replied without hesitation.
She nodded once and stepped forward, taking calm, deliberate strides toward him. He secured her wrists with zip ties, then slipped a blindfold over her eyes. Without another word, the mercenaries pulled back, keeping to their promise.
They moved out the same way they came in—fast, efficient, and organized—vanishing into the night toward waiting vehicles. Within moments, the roar of engines carried them away into the darkness, leaving the ballroom in stunned silence.
Kara’s Loft – National City.
Oliver and Kara lay curled together on the couch, her body fully resting on his as they held each other, the soft glow of an uplifting movie washing over the room. Oliver had spent the last hour weaving a careful, indirect path through the city, doubling back and switching routes until he was certain he wasn’t being followed. His caution was rewarded the moment he arrived at her loft—when his wife practically flew into his arms, showering him with loving, passionate kisses.
He’d caught her easily, holding her close, his lips finding hers in return as he carried her to the kitchen island. The dance of love and longing between them spoke of their desire not just to be together, but to never let go. By the time their initial passion had ebbed, most of their clothes lay discarded. Oliver lifted her again, carrying her to the couch, pulling a throw blanket over them as she nestled even closer into his chest.
Kara purred softly, a sound of pure contentment, while Oliver murmured how her speech earlier that day had inspired him—how it had deepened a love that was already beyond measure. She beamed with pride at his words, the kind of pride that only came from knowing she’d moved the one person whose opinion mattered most to her. They sighed in unison, letting the day fade into evening, happy to be in each other’s arms.
Then both their phones began ringing—buzzing in rapid bursts.
“What’s going on, my Angel? It just keeps going off,” Oliver said, confusion edging into his voice.
“Mine’s just… notifications,” Kara replied, picking it up. But as her eyes skimmed the screen, her breath caught.
She bolted upright. “Ollie—The summit dinner’s been hit. Mercenaries.” Her voice trembled, eyes already wide with worry.
Oliver sat up instantly, snatching his phone and scrolling through the alerts. The dread etched across his face made Kara’s stomach twist.
“Ollie—what is it?” she asked, placing her hands on his arms to ground him.
His voice was low, clipped. “Thea. Thea.”
Kara’s pulse spiked. “What about her?” She already knew, deep down, what he was going to say.
“This… this was their plan. Luthor and Prometheus.” His jaw tightened, his eyes dark. “They’ve taken her.”
Their gazes locked—panic and fury mirrored in both sets of eyes. The warmth of a moment ago was gone, replaced by the hard edge of two warriors about to go to war.