“Look at it this way…Cat’s been hounding you for another article…I remembered when you said Cat Grant doesn’t beg…and she seems so invested in the world of heroes, so what if you got to see the Green Arrow in action, and brought her a story on that?”

“So I should treat this like I’m working on a story. That’s actually not a bad idea. What are the dress expectations?”

“Well…I thought you could wear that dress you wore for date night. Oliver does expect this to be an elegant affair. And I would love to walk into this party with the most beautiful woman in the world by my side.”

Kara blushed as she remembered the way he phrased his request. He could have said on my arm, like she’d heard in some of the cheesy romance movies Alex made her watch, but once again with just a few words, Barry proved why he was different than her last boyfriend. When she had their drinks, she started to walk back towards where Barry was talking with who she guessed was Oliver, but bumped into another woman who was approaching the bar.

“Oh…I’m sorry…I didn’t see you there…”

“It’s quite alright. I wasn’t really watching where I was going either…you look familiar, have we met before?”

“I don’t think so. This is my first time in Star City.”

“Then welcome…who are you here with?”

“Barry Allen. He’s my boyfriend and…”

“Barry? Oh my God…you…you’re…sorry, I’m getting ahead of myself. Felicity Smoak…”

Felicity stuck her hand out, completely unashamed of her actions and almost giddy at the realization of who she was meeting for the first time. Kara was a little taken aback at Felicity’s abrupt introduction, but remembered Barry mentioning her once or twice before, so she set one of the drinks down and shook the other woman’s hand.

“Kara Danvers…so you’re Felicity Smoak? Barry actually speaks very highly of you.”

“He should…I’m the one who stopped Oliver from…never mind. Anyway, have you met Oliver yet?”

“Not yet, I told Barry I was thirsty and left him to get us drinks. In fact, I’d better get back. It was nice to meet you Felicity.”

“Likewise…but since we’re going in the same direction, and I just came to the bar to get a drink for myself and Oliver, why don’t we go and join them?”

Felicity and Kara walked over to where Barry and Oliver were still deep in conversation. Barry had been facing the bar when he caught sight of the two of them. Instantly his face lit up in a smile seeing Kara laughing with Felicity probably over some story about how he and Oliver first met. In his distraction, he tuned out everything Oliver was saying.

“Hey…Earth to Allen…snap out of it Barry. Did you not hear a word I just said?”

“Sorry Oliver…what?”

“Ollie…stop harassing the man. We’re at a party and I sincerely hope you’re not talking shop with Barry when he should be enjoying himself. Besides Barry, I ran into someone I thought you might be missing.”

“Real subtle Felicity. I…”

Kara laughed as she handed Barry his drink before giving him a kiss on the cheek. He silenced his retort to Felicity as he wrapped an arm around Kara’s waist when she moved in to stand beside him. The four were enjoying the conversation and Oliver and Felicity were dropping very direct questions about Barry and Kara’s upcoming first Christmas when an alert hit their phones from Curtis.

“Looks like we have a problem. We’re going to have to duck out of the party early, Felicity. Can you find John?”

“On it.”

“Ducking out of your own party Oliver? Must be one big problem.”

“Barry…you have no idea…”

Oliver turned his phone to show Barry the video footage Curtis was streaming live to his screen. He hadn’t meant to exclude Kara, but as he had no idea she was Supergirl, he didn’t expect her to nearly pull the phone out of his hand as she watched the footage.

“Kara…you know what these guys are?”

“I do Barry, they’re the Khunds. They’re a warrior race bent on world domination. They’re extremely violent, and have no qualms about killing anyone who stands in their way.”

Oliver was now confused as he looked back and forth between Barry and Kara. He didn’t know how she had knowledge of an alien species and didn’t wait around to find out. As soon as he, Felicity and Digg were gone, Barry and Kara followed, making a quick stop at their hotel to suit up. They arrived after Kara followed the sounds of battle with Barry keeping pace. There were six of the invaders, so Supergirl and Flash immediately started fighting to protect any innocent civilians who were caught in the melee.

For a while the two heroes were holding their own, with Barry running circles around the Khunds and throwing lightning while Kara met them punch for punch. Fifteen minutes into the fight, Green Arrow arrived with both Canaries, Spartan and Mr. Terrific. Though she had a career as Assistant D.A., Laurel had taken up the mantle of Black Canary after Sara died. Sara had been away learning to control the bloodlust she endured as part of her resurrection in the Lazarus pit. When she got back to a somewhat normal state, she rejoined Team Arrow as the White Canary. All five of them were impressed at how Supergirl and Flash were handling the Khunds, but soon joined in the battle.

Green Arrow took to the rooftops while Spartan and Mr. Terrific helped escaping civilians. Sara engaged in combat with every martial art she knew, attacking her own Khund’s strongest points. Laurel used her sonic scream as a distraction while Oliver fired an arrow at the one engaged in battle with Barry. The explosion combined with Laurel’s scream slightly dazed the Khund, but he also managed to grab Barry by the neck who had also been caught off guard as the arrow landed a little close for his comfort.

Kara had just taken down her own adversary with a thunderous punch and turned to see Barry, she immediately had flashbacks to their fight with King Shark. Back then, they didn’t even know each other but now she couldn’t bear to see him hurt, and fire lit up her eyes, her heat vision burning through the Khund’s armor. He soon fell, releasing Barry who was now struggling to catch his breath. As Kara landed, she rushed to help her boyfriend, not even caring that Green Arrow soon joined her on the ground. He chose the wrong moment to chastise Barry, and she looked up at him, fury evident on her face.

“You should have waited for backup Flash. Not everything can be solved by running off and thinking throwing lightning is going to save the day.”

Kara’s fury only escalated in that moment. Within seconds, she was on her feet, staring down the man in the green hood, taking an instant dislike to him. If she had been a little more calm, she would have recognized his similarities to Batman, but she didn’t really care in that moment.

“And you shouldn’t get involved in battles that are out of your league; Robin Hood! Flash and I were handling this situation just fine until you showed up! If you hadn’t fired that arrow while your little…ugh…you just better hope that Flash isn’t seriously hurt, if you think I’m angry now…you have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“Look…S…, Star City is my home. I didn’t ask you to interfere as I tried to protect my city. Team Arrow doesn’t need you super powers causing more damage than the villains. Flash notwithstanding…you really don’t belong here!”

Kara had heard enough of this want to be hero berating her and grabbed him by the front of his uniform. She wasn’t going to hurt him; she just wanted to make sure that he understood where she was coming from. Just before she let him go, Spartan and Black Canary each took hold of one of his arms, not to protect Supergirl from him, but to protect him from her. Though they didn’t expect her to hurt him, they were relieved when she did let go, but not without one more angry word.

“Oh and by the way…my name is Supergirl…not S.”

“S-Supergirl…”

Barry croaked out her name again, causing her to shift her attention back to him. Her eyes softened as she helped him up. Terrific activated one of his T-Spheres which scanned Barry’s throat. The sphere indicated minor damage to his trachea and vocal chords, but nothing permanent that time and his powers wouldn’t heal. Kara was relieved at the diagnosis but was still glaring daggers at Green Arrow. She knew that Barry had called him a friend, but that didn’t change the fact that she thought about the nightmare he had. They were potentially facing a massive battle where any of them could not come back. Her death in said nightmare notwithstanding, she knew the odds could take either one of them.

“A.R.G.U.S. will be here any minute to pick up the Khunds. Let’s pack it up team. We need to get back to headquarters where we can get Barry medical attention.”

Kara was still in a slight daze as her anger cooled. Green Arrow had spoken and she heard his words, somewhat miffed that he was just going to take Barry wherever he felt like until she realized he had called her boyfriend by his first name.

“Wait a minute…how did you know…”

“Not here Supergirl. I’ll explain everything in good time. Flash does need medical attention, and since you seem to not want to let him out of your sight, you’re welcome to come with us.”

Green Arrow’s voice took on a more compassionate tone in that moment, even with his voice modulator. It was then that Kara realized that he was a friend; even if she didn’t agree with his vigilantism. She acquiesced, and used her x-ray vision to spy under the mask. As he turned away, she muttered under her breath, quiet enough that he couldn’t hear.

“Figures, just like Batman.”

Back at their H.Q., Curtis took Barry for a further examination and Kara almost followed, but she still wanted to give Green Arrow another piece of her mind where their identities would be safe as opposed to on the street. His back was to her as he hung up his bow next to the mannequin where he would soon put his suit. Figuring now was as good a time as any; she reached forward and pulled his hood back, causing him to whip around in surprise and some anger, just as Felicity was walking in.

“Okay Oliver, what in Rao’s name were you thinking back there? If your aim had even been a little off, you could have injured Barry worse than the Khund did.”

“For starters, my aim is never off Supergirl. And who the hell is Rao?”

“Don’t worry about who Rao is. Answer the question.”

“I was thinking I had the situation under control. And maybe you overreacted to Barry getting hurt. Who the hell is he to you anyway?”

“Barry is special to me. I’ve known him for five months now and he’s more of…

“Okay…I’m going to have to step in and diffuse this situation before the Arrow Cave becomes a mess. Oliver you might want to stand down here. I really don’t want to be cleaning up after Kara wipes the floor with you, twice.”

Felicity’s voice cut through a small amount of the tension causing both Oliver and Kara to turn and face her. Oliver’s jaw was open in shock at the name Felicity called Supergirl and was immediately confused as to how he completely missed the resemblance. Kara laughed, because Felicity was showing a much more confident side to her than she displayed at the party. It didn’t even faze Kara that Felicity had called her by her real name.

“Kara, have to say it was so awesome to actually see you in action as Supergirl. You took on two of those…”

“Khunds.”

“…by yourself and didn’t even break a sweat.”

“Khunds are warlords. They may be bloodthirsty and violent, but they only slightly adhere to strategy in small groups like the one we fought. If this had been a full scale invasion, we wouldn’t have fared as well.”

“Aliens…I just finally wrapped my head around meta-humans, now I have to deal with aliens as well?”

“You have a problem with aliens, Oliver?”

“Actually I…”

“Ollie…let me stop you. You’ve already put your foot in your mouth three times to many with Kara. I really don’t think you want Barry to come in here after Curtis finishes his examination to find you arguing with his girlfriend. And Kara is an alien.”

Oliver stomped off, talking to himself as he went to change out of his Green Arrow uniform. He wasn’t subtle about it which caused Felicity and Kara to break out in laughter.

“Barry, why can’t you do something normal for a change? Who the hell am I kidding; he probably thinks that it’s cool that he’s dating an alien.”

“Barry does think it’s cool that I’m an alien. But he doesn’t treat me any differently. Oliver…”

“Don’t worry about Oliver; Kara. He spent five years marooned on an island. He had to learn to survive. Changed him in a lot of ways. Anyway, sorry about outing your secret identity back there…”

“It’s fine. Barry told me you found out that he met me. I trusted him then, and I know he didn’t tell you who I am those months ago.”

“So, getting back to our conversation at the party…what plans do you and Barry have for Christmas? I mean do you celebrate Christmas? I know he does.”

“I did with my adoptive family. To be honest, Barry and I haven’t discussed the holiday yet. We may just end up spending it with Joe, and then take a trip to Midvale to spend it with my Mom and sister.”

As Kara thought about plans for Christmas, Barry walked in accompanied by Curtis. She was happy to see Barry was okay, but worried when he waved instead of speaking.

“Supergirl…”

“Kara.”

“Okay, Kara…Barry’s going to be just fine in a few days. His powers are already healing him, but right now he can’t talk. The Khund didn’t have the time to cause permanent damage to his larynx, trachea or vocal chords. Your assistance in that matter probably saved Barry.”

“It isn’t anything anyone else wouldn’t have done…”

“Especially since he’s your boyfriend Kara…, anyway when did you upgrade the T-spheres to perform medical diagnoses Curtis?”

“I’ve been working on it for a while Felicity. This was a test run. The program still needs some work, but I’m getting it there.”

When it was time for Barry and Kara to leave, Oliver arranged for a flight back to Central City for them. After Kara let loose on him with her anger, he realized he should have been a little more careful considering he didn’t know anything about the Khunds, so the flight was a small way for him to make amends.

A week passed and Barry was back in perfect health so he could also go back to being the Flash. He and Kara had planned out Christmas Eve to be just them together and to spend Christmas Morning with Joe and Iris before going to National City to spend the evening with Kara’s mother, sister, Clark and Lois.

While Kara was back in National City handing in her article on Green Arrow and the Khunds, Barry was wracking his brain on what gift to get her. He knew one thing he wanted to do, and she’d dropped hints about their future. This was a big step, but he was ready and she seemed to be as well, so he threw caution to the wind and ran for Metropolis. All he had to do was get Clark’s attention.

Clark was in the bullpen of the Daily Planet when reports came in that the Flash was in Metropolis. He had stopped two attempted car jacking’s, a bank robbery and saved the life of a window washer who slipped off the scaffolding he was standing on. Clark knew that Barry was trying to get his attention and immediately dashed off so Superman and the Flash could have a one on one.

Barry was standing on the roof of a high rise apartment building watching the last of the sunrise when a familiar baritone voice spoke up behind him.

“Seems to me that you’ve been trying to get my attention, Flash.”

Turning around, Barry would never not be in awe at the sight of Superman. The veteran hero exuded confidence and bravery with merely a look. He was extremely nervous knowing why he was there, and praying that Clark would be forthcoming and give his approval.

“I have been trying to get your attention Superman. Truthfully I was hoping we could have a man to man talk about your cousin.”

Clark recognized the look in Barry’s eyes when he mentioned Kara. She had sent photos of her and Barry to him and Lois, photos that Clark had framed and set around their apartment. He always told Lois it was because Kara looked so happy in the photos, but she knew better. She knew that Clark was really happy for both of them and wished them the best as their relationship continued to grow.

“Then perhaps we should take this conversation somewhere less exposed. You remember where my apartment is, Flash?”

Barry nodded and ran down the building as Superman flew off in that familiar direction. Both arrived at the same time with Clark landing on the roof, quickly switching back to his civilian suit while Barry also changed into his jeans, blue sweatshirt and red jacket. The walk down the emergency stairwell was spent in tense silence as they descended the first flight of stairs. Clark had secured one of the last top floor apartments to make coming and going as Superman less conspicuous. When inside, Barry took a seat on the couch, nervously alternating between wiping his hands on his jeans and rubbing them together.

“So Barry, Metropolis is a long way from Central City. What brings you out this way?”

“I think you already know the answer to that Mr. Kent.”

“Humor me…I want to hear you say the words.”

“Well, as you know, Kara and I have been dating nearly six months…”

“Hold on a minute Barry, I’m forgetting my manners. Did you want something to drink? A Coke, coffee, a beer?”

“No thank you Mr. Kent. I’m not really thirsty, and I don’t see the attraction to beer anymore, since…well you know…”

“You can’t get drunk. Superpowers can be both a blessing and a curse. So, let’s get back to why you’re here.”

“Right, Kara and I have been together nearly six months, and I know you know I love her with all my heart…”

“I do, and I know the feeling is mutual on her end. So?”

“Well, you’re her only living blood relative, and I was raised to do this the right way. Mr. Kent, I want to propose to Kara, and…well…I…”

“You want my blessing to do so. Kid, let me tell you something, if Kara knew you came to me and asked for my blessing of her hand in marriage, she’d beat me up thinking I forced you to do this. Kara Danvers is strong-willed, stubborn and overly independent. It’s why the two of you are a perfect match. You complement each other’s strengths, and support each other’s weaknesses. You don’t need my blessing Barry.”

“If it’s all the same though…I really…”

“You don’t need it, but you have it. Just don’t tell Kara that we had this conversation.”

Clark cracked a smile as Barry finally relaxed. Both of them loved Kara in their own way, but Barry could give her something she’d never had before, a real honest chance at happiness. For that, Clark would be eternally grateful and proud to call Barry Allen a part of his family.

Barry was ecstatic as he raced back to Central City. He knew the exact moment he was going to propose, how he wanted to do it, and that required a stop at Joe’s house. He just needed one thing, and Joe had kept it safe all these years.

“Barr…I thought you’d be out with Kara, shopping for Christmas or decorating your apartment. I know we’ve both got the day off so what brings you by?”

“Joe…you remember my Grandmother’s ring…”

“Couldn’t forget it. Your Dad asked me to keep it safe after your Mother died. I’ve done so, in my wall safe. Why do you ask?”

“I need it back.”

“Barry, you know it was always yours to take and all you had to do was ask. Why now?”

“I’m going to ask Kara to marry me. I plan on proposing on Christmas Eve. That ring has been in my family for years, and I know my Mom would want it to be on the hand of the woman I love.”

“Barry…”

“Joe…I know that six months seems fast…but I can’t imagine my life without her. You remember what my Dad told me, “Barry when you find the one…find the woman who makes your heart skip a beat, whose smile can brighten you up no matter what storm clouds are on the horizon, you need to hold onto her as long as you can, and never let her go.”

“I do remember that, I’m sure Henry would be proud of you. Thing is, he didn’t come up with that piece of advice on his own. Those were your grandmother’s words to him about Nora. She knew before he did that he was going to propose to her. But I have to know, are you sure about this Barry? Do you know that Kara wants the same thing?”

“She’s been dropping hints; she’s actually asked me where I see our future going. Truth is, I don’t know for sure, but I’d rather find out than be left to wonder what if.”

“Then I’ll get you the ring, I’m happy for you son, I really am. I hope she says yes.”

The days passed for Barry in a blur. Kara had been tied up with the D.E.O. and a White Martian incursion, but she did make time to call him, just to let him know everything was okay. During one of those calls they had finalized their Christmas Eve and Christmas Day plans.

For their night he was preparing them dinner by candlelight. He kept his plans close to the vest as he wanted the night to be a surprise. Kara spent those days with her stomach alternating between feeling butterflies and being in knots. Finally when she thought she couldn’t take it anymore and would burst from the excitement, Christmas Eve arrived. J’onn had given everyone the week off, even if as a Martian he didn’t celebrate Christmas, he wasn’t going to keep his agents from spending time with their families.

Kara had flown faster than she ever had before, and arrived at Barry’s apartment in record time. She landed on the roof where she couldn’t be seen and quickly changed into the navy blue dress she had purchased especially for tonight and gracefully floated down into the alleyway behind the building. When she was ready, she took a few calming breaths before entering the building and elevator. With the spare key he had given her, she opened the door to the candlelight he had promised and the smell of a roast turkey on the stove, waiting to be carved.

“Barry?”

Barry heard Kara call his name but he hadn’t expected her so soon and was still changing clothes. Knowing that she was probably starving after all the battles she had fought earlier this week, he quickly buttoned up the long sleeve light blue dress shirt paired with his black slacks. He had chosen to forgo a tie because last Christmas it caught on fire as he was pulling the roast out of the oven for Christmas Day dinner with Joe, Iris and his father. As he stepped out of his room, he noticed Kara sitting on the couch, her eyes wide with amazement at everything he had done to prepare for tonight.

“Barry, your apartment looks amazing. All this decorating must have taken you days.”

“Actually it only took a few hours. The blessings of…”

“…super-speed.”

Barry and Kara both laughed as she finished his sentence. Both were beyond nervous at how this night would go, but instantly relaxed when he offered his hand and she took it, walking towards his dining room table. Ever the gentleman, he pulled her chair out for her to sit down.

Awkward small talk was traded back and forth as they ate the turkey and drank the champagne he had bought. Kara knew something was up as Barry wanted to say something more than just asking about White Martians, or how Cat liked her article on the Khunds and Team Arrow. Eventually they moved back to his couch where she kicked her shoes off and snuggled close into his side. That moment was when he started rambling in what sounded like nonsense at first.

“Kara…I’ve been doing a lot of thinking…”

“About what?”

“Just everything since the first time we met. King Shark, our partnership as Supergirl and the Flash, that nightmare I had…even the Khunds and…”

“Come on Barry, it’s Christmas Eve. Can we not spoil it by talking superhero shop…?”

“You’re right, I’m sorry. But the point is that all of that got me thinking about my life, our lives to be honest. My Mom and Dad had a great relationship, loving, honest and I could always see how much they cared for each other and me when we became a family. And you’ve told me about Clark and Lois’ relationship. How they work together and have made each other better people. And I’d be remiss if I said I didn’t want that too.”

“Barry…where are you going with this?”

“Kara, I want to have a family, I want a life with a woman I love like my parents had before tragedy struck. Somehow, I think you want that too. Kara…I guess what I’m trying to say…what I want to ask you…”

Barry paused as he really wanted to do this the right way and slipped off the couch to get down on one knee. Kara immediately knew where this was going and tears started to fall as she once again remembered the romance movies she and Alex watched after her sister went through a really bad break-up. Her breath hitched as she watched Barry pull a small silver box from his pocket and opened it up to reveal a stunning diamond ring.

“Kara Zor-El Danvers, I love you with all my heart, and I can’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you. What I’m asking Kara, is will you marry me?”

“Oh Great Rao, Barry…yes!”

“Yes?”

“Yes Bartholomew Henry Allen, yes I will marry you!”