Chapter Text
Andrea was in the bathroom soaking in the tub trying to recover from yesterday’s physical and emotional upheaval. And truth be told, there was quite the celebration last night that had included everyone in the room during Diana’s reveal, Tony Stark, Captain Rogers and all the Amazons. Out of a sense of self-preservation, Miranda abstained. So she was up rather earlier than the rest of the island and had just finished breakfast on the balcony and was on her second cup of coffee when a shadow fell over her.
Cassidy and Caroline started speaking before Kara landed. “Mom! You didn’t tell us you knew Supergirl!” That was Caroline, the emotional one.
“Where are we?” That was Cassidy, always the pragmatic one. This was said as Kara touched down on the balcony.
“I did not know her until very recently.” Miranda looked into Kara’s eyes and realized no one had told her the news. She would need to rectify that without the girls present.
“Mom! You look amazing! Is that why you’re here? Some kind of super-spa-rejuvenation thing?”
“Oh my God, you do! You look fantastic! Are you doing a feature for Runway?”
“Girls, girls, breathe. One question at a time. Thank you, no, thank you and no.” She hugged her girls and said, “There’s more breakfast in the kitchen if you’d like to get something to eat. Perhaps Supergirl will stay for breakfast too. I’ll explain everything after you eat.”
“Cool!”
“Thanks, Supergirl!”
After they were out of earshot Miranda said, “Diana is alive.”
“What? How?”
“We’re not sure but she is. Queen Hippolyta said that it might be one of the goddesses who healed her but she was...theorizing as much as anything else.”
“I was shocked when they told me she was dead. I’m pretty sure she’s a god.”
“Be that as it may, she was dead for a time.”
“Well, I can slow my heart rate down so much I appear dead. Maybe her body just needed a chance to heal.”
“Hippolyta mentioned the intervention of Artemis or Aphrodite.”
“Very old, very powerful goddesses here.”
“You know of them?”
“I know many things about Earth. Krypton was very advanced technologically and my parents included learning modules for my journey and then for when I was on Earth taking care of Kal-El. I had to have as much information as possible. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out and I learned everything in space.”
“How long were you in space?”
“About 25 earth years. Kal-El was a baby when he left. I didn’t age in the phantom zone; I stayed thirteen.”
“You were awake all that time?”
“In and out of stasis. Mostly in, but there were times...I don’t like tight spaces,” Kara answered. Miranda was very glad she had long ago perfected a noncommittal look of vague interest to hide her reaction of shock. Kara shrugged and continued, “it wasn’t that bad. I learned a lot.” She looked uncomfortable.
Miranda wanted to comfort her, a feeling she usually only felt toward her girls or Andrea. She decided deflection was the best tactic. “Hmm...tell me something I don’t know about Earth. Did your education cover fashion?”
Kara smiled. “I’m not stupid enough to try and best Miranda Priestly in Earth fashion knowledge. I will tell you what I know about Kryptonian fashion though.”
“I think that would be fascinating.”
“Speaking of Kryptonians, I need to call Kal and let him know about Diana.”
Just then Andrea walked onto the balcony dressed in one of the casual dresses that were common on the island, towel drying her hair. “Oh wow, you’re back. Where are the girls?”
“I needed to tell Kara about Diana’s miraculous recovery without them overhearing. They’ve spent so much time with you that food was the best distraction. I believe they’re in the kitchen.”
Andrea shot her best glare at Miranda. The twinkle in her eyes was unmistakable though. “Funny, I don’t remember you complaining about my shape since before Harry Potter.”
Miranda rolled her eyes, “We’re back to this are we?”
“You called me ‘the smart fat girl!’”
“Darling, I’m not justifying that with a response. You know why I said what I said then, and my intimate feelings about your body now.”
Andrea smiled. “You bet I do.” Then she took Miranda in her arms and kissed her passionately. The kiss went on for long enough that Kara was contemplating using her superspeed to get away when the twins came back onto the balcony.
“Oh gross! C’mon guys!”
“You’re literally the worst.”
“You promised! No more making out in public spaces.”
Miranda pulled away, her arms still around Andrea, looked over her shoulder and arched her eyebrows at her daughters. “Bobbsies, I’m afraid this is something you’re just going to have to grin and bear. I will never give up showing affection to Andrea whenever I want.”
Caroline rolled her eyes just like her mother. “If it wasn’t so emotionally scarring it would be sweet-”
“-and romantic,” Cassidy finished.
“Really, girls I’d hardly call love of a demonstrative sort scarring,” Miranda retorted.
“I don’t know, Miranda. I walked in on my parents this week and I can tell you, it was plenty emotionally scarring.”
“They must have a very…” Miranda started.
“Yep. They do. Like teenagers...I mean like rabbits. Yep. Teenagers wouldn’t do that, not in this day and age and…”
Miranda coughed.
“Shutting up now.”
“I think it’s best,” Miranda said and hated just a tiny bit that she thought embarrassed Andrea was utterly adorable. She absolutely would not have even remotely tolerated it from anyone else and here she was - besotted. She almost rolled her eyes at herself.
Cassidy couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly were they doing?”
“‘In flagrante delicto’ is probably the most polite way to say it,” Andrea replied.
“What does that…” Caroline began.
“I have no idea why I pay those outrageous tutions. It’s latin and Andrea is using it to mean in the midst of sexual activity,” Miranda said as she stepped away out of the circle of Andrea’s arms.
Andrea shuddered at the memory.
“See! See! It’s gross isn’t it?” Cassidy said pointing.
“I mean she’s not wrong,” Andrea shrugged.
“Honestly, you all act like I’m going to strip Andrea here in a public area and have my way with her,” Miranda said and was pleased to notice that Andrea’s eyes dilated with lust.
Caroline made a retching noise.
Miranda narrowed her eyes at her youngest by four minutes. “Enough of that. What must Supergirl think of us?”
“Supergirl is pretending like she’s not here but in the kitchen with the food,” Kara replied.
“Please, I’m so sorry. Help yourself,” Miranda said and gestured for Kara to move toward the kitchen.
Kara smiled and asked, “Girls, what was good?”
“Oh, we haven’t finished yet. We just came to see what was taking you all so long,” Caroline said.
“Your mother and Andy started talking about one thing and then they were kissing.”
“That happens. A lot,” said Cassidy.
“They tease each other about something neither of them is really mad about and then they make up. They do it just so they can make up. It’s-” Caroline began.
“While I’m sure this is going to be enlightening, perhaps the two of you can take Supergirl into the kitchen before she gets faint with hunger,” Miranda instructed.
“Gah...okay,” Caroline exclaimed while walking into the kitchen with Cassidy and Kara trailing behind.
Once they were gone Andrea said, “You can’t just keep calling her Supergirl in front of the twins.”
“Darling, it’s not my secret to tell. They are going to know about your family history soon enough. If Ms. Danvers feels the urge to share that with them then that is her decision, not mine.”
“Oh yeah. When is it?”
“A royal herald was here this morning while you were in the bath. We’re having lunch at one in the palace. There’s also to be a ceremony this evening and formal dress was requested for that.”
“Wow. Ta Ta must mean to have…” Andrea closed her eyes and threw her head back. “It’s Tuesday. It’s Mum’s birthday. Mother must be so pleased. She’s finally going to have a surprise party that Mum will never see coming.” Her smile was blinding.
o0o
Breakfast took much longer than Andy thought it would have. Mostly because after Kara contacted Kal to let him know Diana wasn’t dead, the girls kept asking her to do “super” things. Levitate. Pick up the entire table with one hand. Light candles with her heat vision. Finally, Miranda put her foot down. “That’s enough. Supergirl is not here for your amusement. Neither is she a trained monkey who does tricks on command. I’m sure you both want to look your best for lunch. So go and change into something that doesn’t look like your flew here in it.”
“Sorry,” was echoed from downcast faces.”
“It’s okay. I would have let you know if I wasn’t having fun.”
They both looked at her hopeful that they had not offended their new friend. “You mean it?” Cassidy said.
“Of course. Now you better go get changed. The palace is a pretty big deal.”
Caroline asked, “Palace?”
“Mom, you never told us what this place is.”
Andy jumped in, “This is my home. This is where I grew up. I want you both to meet the rest of my family.”
“Are you a princess if there’s a palace?” Cassidy said.
“Uh, my mother is the princess but yeah I’m after her.”
The twins exchanged a look then Caroline said, “Are you pulling our leg? Is this for real?”
“Not pulling your leg. Yes, this is for real.”
Cassidy asked, “And Mom’s beauty regimen that makes her look like she’s in her thirties?”
“Part of the healing waters on the island.”
“Where are we?”
“Themyscira, or Paradise Island, if you prefer.”
“Caroline, Cassidy go freshen up and get ready. Andrea and I need to dress also. We can talk about this more after we get to the palace. I don’t want to be late.”
o0o
Andy should have known that getting three Priestly women ready to visit a palace would have taken an inordinately long time. Miranda had had to resort to threatening loss of technology to get the girls moving. As they entered the south salon, a more casual room for family entertaining, she heard the daughters of her heart whispering behind her.
“Like, have you looked around, Cass? This is, like, the land of ridiculously good-looking women.”
Andy heard Kara snort from further behind them.
Cass said something she didn’t catch but she heard Caroline’s exasperated, “Shut up.”
She turned with the intention of breaking them up but Kara was already there between them her arms over their shoulders. “Did you two know I have a sister?”
They shook their heads. Andy felt Miranda gently take her hand and lead her toward the dining table. Miranda leaned close and said, “Let her handle this one. I have my suspicions. I think an outside influence would be welcomed.” Andy nodded once in agreement.
Kara continued, “She hated me when she first met me.”
“Met you?” Caroline said.
“Her family adopted me. They are friends with my cousin Kal and he asked them to take me in.”
“Kal?”
Kara smiled. “You know him as Superman.”
“Oh wow. So, you haven’t always been Supergirl?” Cassidy said.
“No. My adoptive family raised me and encouraged me not to use my powers.”
“Why?” Caroline said.
“They were afraid - for a lot of good reasons, but they were afraid. My sister, she resented me but after a while we were inseparable. She’s my very best friend. She knows all my secrets, but we still pick on each other. I don’t think sisters can really help it.”
“Yeah,” Cassidy sighed.
“Like just a little while back my sister realized she was gay, and I had no problem with it whatsoever. On Krypton sexual orientation wasn’t a big deal because science had taken over a lot of...well, anyway it wasn’t a big deal. But I still picked on her. I think I hurt her feelings. I didn’t mean to. I mean, I’m in love with a woman; I’d be the biggest hypocrite.”
“You’re...gay,” Caroline said tentatively.
“Hmm...I haven’t really thought about that, only who I fell in love with.”
“Doesn’t that mean you’re gay or bisexual at least?”
“There are a lot of layers to it. My friend Lucy has all the...terminology? Like I said, on Krypton, it didn’t matter. Feelings of...sexual attraction were seen as normal but somewhat uncommon.”
“Uncommon?”
“Uh...Andy?” Kara said as she and the twins approached the table.
Andy hid her smirk by biting her cheek. “From what Kara has told me, physical relationships on Krypton were only entered into in a formal way, like in a committed relationship. Science, knowledge and mutual respect were much more common factors for building relationships.”
“That sounds boring,” Cassidy said.
“My parents seemed happy enough but they were pretty...unconventional,” Kara hedged.
Caroline asked, “Did you date boys on Krypton?”
“I wasn’t old enough, but dating on Krypton was formal too, like betrothed kind of formal. Marriages among powerful families were arranged.”
Cassidy asked, “Was your family powerful?”
“Yes. Very.” Kara smiled sadly.
“Like mom in fashion?”
Kara laughed. “Not quite that powerful.”
Before Kara could respond anymore Steve and Peggy walked in. Andy saw Cassidy look at Caroline and mouth Sorry. Andy smiled.
Peggy said, “Andrea, introduce us to your family.”
Kara moved and Andy stepped between the girls. Miranda walked to stand beside Caroline. “Mum, this is Caroline and this is Cassidy,” Andy said touching each of them on the shoulder in turn. “This is my mum - Peggy, and this is my,” she only hesitated a moment, “father - Steve.”
“You look just like that guy that was loose in Times Square,” Cassidy said.
“Loose...hmm, that’s certainly one way to put it,” Peggy said archly.
Steve smiled. “I would have gotten further if-”
Steve was interrupted by Hippolyta and her entourage walking through the doors. Hippolyta was in a golden dress that, while not formal, spoke to her station. Her guards were wearing their standard uniform but the greaves had been polished and sparkled just enough to denote this as a special occasion. Diana walked beside Hippolyta in all white. She was almost glowing.
Caroline murmured, “Holy shit.” Her mouth hanging open afterwards.
Miranda reached over with two fingers and shut it discreetly, smirking the entire time.
Andy stood up straighter. “Girls, this is Hippolyta, my grandmother and Queen of the Amazons.”
The girls shot Andy a nervous look. Cassidy whispered, “Do we curtsey?”
Andy threw her head back and laughed. “No. No curtseying is necessary.”
Caroline then asked Peggy, “So you’re the Princess of the Amazons then?”
Diana didn’t quite cover her laughter by coughing behind her hand. Peggy turned and glowered at her. Then she spoke to the twins. “Heavens no. I’m from England.”
Diana stepped up to them. “I am Diana, daughter of Hippolyta, and Princess of the Amazons. I am very pleased to meet you. Andy has told us so much about you.”
“Wait. Wait. You’re her father.” Caroline pointed at Steve. He nodded.
“And you’re her mother.” Cassidy pointed at Peggy.
“Yes,” Peggy replied.
“But then you’re the princess.” Caroline pointed at Diana.
“I am,” Diana said.
Miranda spoke, “Girls, Peggy is Andrea’s ‘mum’ and Diana is her ‘mother.’ She only recently met her father. Peggy and Diana raised her here on Themyscira.”
Cassidy said, “So when you said you walked in on your parents-”
“You were talking about them?” Caroline finished pointing between Peggy and Diana.
Peggy actually blushed.
Diana walked up and held Peggy’s hand. She said, “Unfortunately, Andy didn’t remember to knock.”
“I was a little worried that Miranda might die from alcohol poisoning!”
“Ahem, enough of that,” Miranda said sternly.
“So you were raised here on this island of ridiculously good-looking women by two women who look like they’re your age, who still have sex frequently enough that you still walk in on them?” Caroline said.
“Ridiculously good-looking?” Andy couldn’t help herself.
“You know what I mean!”
“Yes. I was raised by them here.”
Cassidy asked, “Are you the guy from Times Square?”
“I am.”
“They said he was Captain America and hadn’t been seen since World War II. How is that possible?”
Andy answered, “Girls, let’s sit down and talk over lunch. There’s a lot to cover.”
Tony walked in then and said, “What’d I miss?”
Caroline said, “You’re Tony Stark!”
“Yep,” he replied and smiled.
In fits and starts with everyone but the twins taking a turn they told the story. The twins were fascinated by the parallels of the two Steves in Diana, then Peggy’s lives. And even though they were shocked that Andy was older than their mother they took it in stride. Steve was delighted to hear stories of Andy growing up and asked almost as many questions as the twins. Even Tony told a few stories about “Aunt Peggy”.
Both Cassidy and Caroline were fascinated and warmed up to all the new adults in their lives in record time. Hippolyta had made mention of a story involving a knife throwing incident and nothing would do but a demonstration. So Hippolyta and Diana got up from the table, a safe distance away so that the table was out of the line of fire. Diana was standing with an apple in her mouth, one on her head and one in each hand.
Miranda asked, “Darling, is this safe?”
“Feel free to tell the Queen of the Amazons you doubt her abilities,” Andy said grinning.
Miranda took a deep breath. “I see your point.”
Hippolyta had gathered knives from all her guards. “Where was I,” she asked.
“You and your sister had just bested the eight Spartans in lots and they were sore,” Caroline said practically bouncing up and down in her seat.
“Just so, yes. So I said, ‘Iosas, you son of a-”
Diana cleared her throat.
“-dog. We won fair and square.’ He replied that he would see Antiope and me in slavery before he paid us even one silver drachma. He said, “Hippolyta, you-”
Diana cleared her throat again.
Hippolyta rolled her eyes. “-cheating wench. I’ll have you and your sister for myself and then sell you to the Persians.”
Andy cleared her throat then.
“Who’s telling this story,” Hippolyta asked Andy and glowered.
“You are Ta Ta, but perhaps not all of it needs telling at the moment.” Andy glanced in the twins’ direction.
“As you wish,” she said and in a lightning fast move she threw three knives, each of which speared an apple, from Diana’s hands and head. Diana turned to the side and Hippolyta threw the last knife which stuck in the apple clenched in Diana’s teeth. Diana bit it and took it out of her mouth. She handed the knife from within it to Astrea. The other guards all each retrieved their own knives from the wall.
The twins were delighted and clapped enthusiastically. “Yay! That was great…” They looked at each other and then Hippolyta. Cassidy asked, “What should we call you?”
Hippolyta tilted her head then looked to Andy who nodded. “Call me Ta Ta, as Andy does.”
“Okay, Ta Ta,” Caroline giggled.
“What about the rest of you?” Cassidy said.
Diana walked over and lightly put her hand on the girl’s head. “You may call me anything you wish.”
“You’re Andy’s mother, not mum right,” Caroline asked.
“Yes. Andy calls me Mother.”
The twins looked at one another and Cassidy said for the both of them, “Would it be okay if we called you Grandmother?”
“I would like that very, very much.”
Caroline turned to Peggy and Steve, “And could we call you Grandmum and Granddad?”
Steve pressed his lips together, blinked his eyes and just nodded. Peggy said, “I can think of nothing that would make me happier.”
The twins turned to Tony and Tony spoke first heading off any questions. “How about ‘Uncle Tony’?”
“Okay,” they answered in unison
Then they looked at Kara. Cassidy asked, “Should we just keep calling you Supergirl?”
“I read Catco named you. I’m sure you have some other name but we don’t have to know it, but like it’s weird when people who can’t tell us apart call us ‘twin.’ I hate that you know? Sometimes all I want is to hear my name and be me. But you don’t have to tell us,” Caroline said.
Kara swallowed and said with tears in her eyes. “Kara. My name is Kara.”
“That’s pretty,” Cassidy said.
Andy leaned into a teary eyed Miranda. “You did good, honey.”
Miranda linked her hand in Andy’s. “You’ve given them a family, darling. I can never thank you enough for this, for all of this.”
“Miranda, you and the girls? You’re all the thanks I need. I get to have all of you at the same time. I feel whole for the first time in a long time. I have my entire family here in one place. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”
“Give me time, darling. I’ll think of something,” Miranda said and winked.
Andy’s heart felt like it would burst. She grinned. Miranda did always reach for the stars.
o0o