Chapter 38 - Emotions

Sam continues to hug a crying Lena for a long time, allowing the youngest Luthor to let it all out, while she continues to comfort her. Sam knows Lena so well that she is aware that for the last week, since Kara ended things with Lena, Lena has most likely just been hating herself, thinking the worst possible things about herself. Then because of that, Sam knows that Lena really doesn't have anyone in National City to talk to, or cry on their shoulder, not that Lena would openly choose to do that anyway. Sam knows that a friend of Lena's would literally have to force themselves onto her, just to force Lena to allow them to comfort her, as otherwise Lena would just sit in her hurt and emotional pain, just like she has taught herself to do throughout most of her life, thanks to the abuse of the Luthor family. But Sam knows that Lena has closed herself off from the world so much, that even outside of National City, Lena has no one that is a close enough friend to be there for her, and allow her to cry on their shoulder. In this regard, Sam knows that she is the only one. Sam of course had hoped that Kara and her friends were becoming that for Lena too, just so she has more people to surround her with love, and to show they care about her, with no strings attached. But Sam understands that with the current situation, obviously those 'friends' are not here to comfort Lena, and to lend her some emotional support. That is why Sam has flown across the country, almost a week early, just be here with her friend.

Sam got the phone call from Jess on Saturday afternoon, explaining to her that Lena was in a very bad state, with Jess giving Sam the basic details of everything that transpired, as far as she knew. Jess sounded so helpless on the phone, while also being very concerned for her boss. But Jess also knew that she couldn't be the friend that Lena needs, as their relationship isn't like that, with the boss-employee dynamic they have, even if they treat each other as sort of friends. So, when Sam got the call from Jess, and heard everything that was happening, Sam literally dropped everything. Sam worked with Jess to quickly organise the rest of her move to National City, and have all of her things shipped out, instead of her and Ruby driving across the country. Then by the time Sam was done, and had everything organised, she booked the earliest flight, which landed her in National City on Monday morning, earlier today. For Sama and Ruby to achieve this, they did have to catch a red eye flight, but thankfully they both got at least some limited sleep on the flight.

Sam allows Lena to sob for a long time, not pressing her to explain everything in detail, in regards to what is fully going on. Sam of course got some of the details from Jess, but she didn't get everything, she knows there must be holes missing from Jess' explanation. Eventually, after about an hour, Sam encourages Lena to take a shower, to get clean and make herself feel better, with Sam promising to redo the bandages around Lena's hands once the young Luthor is out. Lena for her part wordlessly agrees, nodding her head, still sniffling as she attempts to stop herself from crying more. Sam just thinks that a shower could do Lena good, as it not only will make her feel fresh and clean, but the water may also help with Lena's hangover. Sam is pretty sure that despite how bad the emotional state Lena is in, it's probably being made much worse by the hangover, as Sam is confident that the sobbing has not done Lena's, most likely pounding head, any favours.

"Okay, you take a shower, get yourself cleaned up." Sam says as she removes the bandages. "I'll leave you to it for a bit and I'll make us some lunch."

"O...kay.." Lena replies in a solemn sad voice, not looking at Sam.

"Is there anything you would like me to make in particular?" Sam asks, thinking that maybe there is a food Lena might want that could cheer her up, even if it's only a tiny amount.

"No." Lena replies solemnly, again.

Sam wants to sigh, but she doesn't think that response would be very helpful. Sam thinks that Lena might take it as Sam sighing because she is annoyed or upset that she has to deal with Lena, when the real reason is Sam is just upset that she hasn't found a way to cheer Lena up at all, even a small amount.

"Okay... I'll be downstairs then." Sam says with a smile.

Lena just nods her head at Sam and then Sam leaves the bathroom, leaving Lena alone.

********

Alex walks into the DEO with a very excited Ruby at her side, the girl is literally shaking with excitement. As they walk in Ruby constantly moves her head, looking up and down at all of the DEO she can see, very impressed.

"Wow! This is where you work?" Ruby asks Alex, as she looks up at her.

Alex smiles down at Ruby.

"Yep, welcome to the DEO." Alex smiles.

"DEO? What does that stand for?" Ruby asks, very curious about everything that is going on.

"The Department of Extra-normal Operations." Alex explains.

"Cool! So.... You don't really work for the FBI then?" Ruby questions.

Alex chuckles at all the questions Ruby is asking. Although admittedly it should be expected, she is bringing a 12-year-old into a top-secret government facility after all. Alex just really hopes J'onn doesn't yell at her for it, at least not too much. What could she do? Say no to Sam? That's unlikely.

"No.... this place is.... it's one of the US government's top most secret departments, even more so than the FBI or CIA. So, you can't tell anyone about this place okay? Or both you and I are gonna get in a lot of trouble." Alex says.

"Okay, I promise." Ruby agrees quickly, nodding her head.

"Good. I'd hate to have to lock you up for spilling government secrets." Alex smiles with a little wink.

Ruby smiles up at Alex once more before turning her attention back to looking around more of the DEO facility, as they continue to walk through it.

Eventually Alex and Ruby make their way to the main console hub area of the DEO, where several DEO agents are working, including Winn and J'onn. Winn is the first to spot Alex, and notice Ruby.

"Uhhh... Alex?" Winn says, confused.

As soon as Winn says Alex's name in that tone, J'onn looks at Alex, a frown appearing on his face as soon as he notices Ruby. Alex just knows J'onn is going to be unhappy about this.

"Agent Danvers, why are you bringing a civilian.... a child civilian into a top-secret government facility?" J'onn asks, as he approaches Ruby and Alex.

As Ruby is 12 years old, she isn't a young enough child to sort of ignore an adults tone and not really understand when they are annoyed or anything, so as she hears J'onn's tone, Ruby knows that he does not want her here. In response Ruby quickly hides behind Alex. Alex for her part notices this and quickly redirects her gaze from J'onn, back to Ruby.

"It's okay Ruby, J'onn is just being a misery guts." Alex smiles down at the youngest Arias.

Ruby looks up at Alex, still unsure about J'onn, but does feel a bit comforted by Alex's words.

"Agent Danvers, I want to have a word with you... in private." J'onn says, as she continues to frown.

Alex sighs.

"Fine... Director." Alex huffs, and then turns to look at Winn. "Winn, could you please keep an eye on Ruby for a second for me?"

"Uhhh.... Sure...." Winn replies, not really being used to having a kid other than Alura around him. Winn just agrees because he can feel the tension in the room, thanks to J'onn's annoyance at Alex bringing Ruby into the DEO. Winn agrees to keep an eye on Ruby so that tension can go away, either by J'onn and Alex talking it out, or the two just going into a different room and bringing said tension with them.