Supergirl, as Cat Grant had named her, appears several times over the following weeks, sometimes causing a minor disaster in her exuberance to help— to prove herself to the citizens of National City.

Dallas desperately wishes she would calm down, to stop encouraging the news outlets to constantly compare her to the other super. It’s hard enough being a woman in this type of situation, and the eagerness to impress seems to only make things worse for the caped blonde.

Besides, the many screw-ups are stealing her Mommy from her on an almost nightly basis, Lena once again stuck late at the office and this time cutting it close to missing bathtime. It’ll be the first time that it’s happened, but after a long and awful day, one which left Dallas desperate to sink into Lena’s arms, it’s an irrational deal breaker for the exhausted little one tonight.

Lena doesn’t answer her cell the first time Dallas calls her, her pout only expanding as she slumps down on the couch. Mommy would often tease her about it, playfully warn Dallas that she’ll trip over that bottom lip one day, and Dallas finds herself blinking back tears as she sinks lower into the headspace that only her mama can keep her afloat in.

Even when Lena instantly calls her back, it doesn’t feel like enough— not tonight— and Dallas struggles to keep her sullen tone at bay.

“Why don’t you tell Mama what it is that’s bothering you, little dove.” Lena is soft, warm, not at all upset that Dallas has called her at work, which the little one thinks actually makes all of this harder. Scolding would have been easier, something that Dallas can react to without the pesky guilt that always settles in her gut afterwards.

“You’re never here,” Dallas grumbles, frowning as she picks at a loose thread on her sweatpants.

“Hmm, I don’t think that’s quite true, darling,” Lena murmurs. “Mama has definitely been a little busier than usual, and I’m very sorry for that, but I think you’re having a difficult evening and perhaps your feelings are exaggerating the truth a little bit.” She’s careful, walking on eggshells, and Dallas knows it.

“You’re not here now,” Dallas argues.

“I know, and I promise you that I’m just as upset about that as you are,” Lena assures her, “but I don’t think that means I’m never home, does it?” The line crackles with a gentle sigh, “I’m very sorry that I won’t be there for bath time tonight, but perhaps you can skip it tonight? Mommy would be more than happy to get up a little earlier tomorrow and help you wash your hair in the morning.”

It’s annoying, really, that Lena is being so reasonable, refusing to be drawn into a fight that isn’t at all necessary, especially when Dallas is so desperate to have one for reasons that she doesn’t truly understand.

“I want you to do it tonight,” Dallas whines, dark brows deeply furrowed.

“I understand that you’re upset, but I would like you to mind your tone, little one.” The scold is gentle, but it still manages to grind on Dallas’ last nerve. “Mommy has to stay here a little longer, but I will make sure that I’m home to tuck you in. You have my word on that and you know that I don’t break my word— especially not to you.”

“But…”

“No buts, little dove. Mommy will come home as soon as I possibly can and we will have some time together before bedtime,” Lena murmurs, “but I need you to be a good girl and be patient. Can you do that for me?”

“No.”

“Excuse me?” Dallas can almost see the raised brow that must surely accompany the suddenly stern voice, “little one, your attitude is skating dangerously close to rude. It’s okay to be upset, I am too, but I think you need to take some time to calm down.” Lena sighs softly, “perhaps you can snuggle up on the couch with some Netflix until I come home?”