Hey all!
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She looks at her computer screen, eyes narrowed at the blinking cursor on her word document.
It's her final essay for her Advanced English class. Technically, it isn't due for another month but she wants to get a head start because of a certain visitor that'll be appearing this week.
Also this isn't really her forte so she needs extra time for fine-tuning. Science and Mathematics are subjects that she excels in, thanks to her Kryptonian teachings. History came easy as well, mostly things she has to memorize and such. But English doesn't come as naturally. Her teachers say it's a second language issue but it isn't that.
Tenses and grammar come easy to her but she supposes she just doesn't know how to tell a captivating story.
She places her chin on her hands, huffing when nothing comes to mind. The screen continues to mock her, that damned cursor just blinking away. She pushes herself away from the desk. A second later she hears a very familiar beeping.
Quickly she zooms toward the kitchen. She ends up in front of the microwave, quite possibly her favorite appliance in the house, next to the television.
She opens the bag of popcorn and begins to devour its contents. When she turns around, she isn't surprised to see Eliza standing in the doorway with her arms crossed in front of her. She's got that mom look on her face, as Alex likes to call, and Kara knows she's about to be reprimanded.
"Kara, what did I tell you about running around the house?" Eliza's tone is reprimanding but the smile on her face lets Kara know she isn't going to be grounded.
"Use regular pace." she mumbles through the popcorn in her mouth.
Honestly, what's the use in having these powers if she can't use them to her advantage from time to time?
Though they've developed a more familial bond in their years together, the Danvers had been steadfast in her keeping up the appearance of normalcy, even in the confines of their house.
It's frustrating but Kara supposes it's the least she can do for Eliza's hospitality.
Feeding a Kryptonian isn't cheap. She goes through a ton of groceries and she's pretty sure that Eliza would have had to take on a second job if the house hadn't been paid off already.
"I suppose I can use your help with the living room." Eliza compromises.
Cleaning is the only time that Kara can freely exercise her abilities. Eliza hates dust bunnies under the couch more than she wants to pretend that Kara's a normal teenage girl.
"Of course!" Kara's all too eager to help.
Mostly she's excited because she'll be able to pick up the couch with one hand and the loveseat with the other.
"Follow me in the living room when you're done with your popcorn." the older blonde instructs as she makes her way back toward the living room, not the least bit surprised when she hears the sound of the trashcan being opened.
Kara wastes no time in picking up furniture and allowing Eliza do run the vacuum under. In a matter of minutes, the place is spotless.
"All done." the younger blonde stands proud.
"Thank you for your help." Eliza sends her a smile. "But you know, you don't have to spend all your entire weekend helping me here." Kara's a young teenager who is now encouraged to go outside. "You can go out." she reminds.
"I know but I'm working on my final." she's no longer the girl who can't even open a door without ripping it off its hinges.
"Oh," she nods in understanding. Even though there's still a little less than a month before the end of her semester, Kara's taking initiative to face this dreaded task. "English." the older woman knows this is the subject the Kryptonian struggles with the most. It's the subject she spends the most time on because Kara always tries her best to succeed. "I wish I could help." but sadly, she lacks the creativity for story writing as well.
"It's okay." Kara assures.
"Maybe Alex can help when she gets back." and Kara doesn't bother to hold in her giggle. Apparently the Danvers women brains are geared for subjects every subject but English. "I don't think she'll appreciate that."
"You won't tell." Kara responds conspiratorially.
"We just cleaned the house so I'd rather not spend the first hour of your reunion chasing after you two with a mop." she chuckles. "Still, messiness aside, it'll be nice to get my two girls together again, pretending to work on your homework in the living room when you're really just watching T.V." she teases fondly.
"She came home during winter break." Kara reminds with a gentle smile.
"Yes but I miss her all the time." Eliza counters. "Imagine, in two years it'll be you." she reminds and Kara can see her eyes welling up with tears. "And the house will be so quiet."
"On the plus side, you'll finally have a fridge that's full all the time." Kara teases in return.
Eliza smiles and wraps an arm around Kara before drawing her in. She presses the sides of their craniums together, giving the taller blonde's shoulder a squeeze before releasing her from her hold.
"I wouldn't give you up for all the food in the world." the older woman's tone is coated with honesty.
It's hard to believe that just a few years ago, she regarded Kara with such a scientific demeanor. But there was a difference, between having Superman come in every now and again with a question about his powers and physiology, and having an actual Kryptonian take up residence in their own home.
Besides, they hadn't wanted to become so attached seeing as they didn't think that it would be a permanent living situation.
All Superman had said was that they should teach her about her powers and the Danvers assumed he would return for her when the time was right so it had been easier for her to approach the alien as a subject but the more time she spent with Kara, the more it was impossible not to recognize that she was indeed just a child.
And now they function as if they are truly mother and daughter.
Of course this doesn't mean that she's forgotten her own mother, her father, or even Krypton. She still thinks of them, of her old home, but her heart no longer burns with the tragedy of her loss.
"I know," Kara smiles bright and wide. "Thanks."
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She walks into the restaurant with her head held high, giving the maître d a small nod of recognition, before making her way toward the very balcony. It doesn't come as a shock to her that this particular area is empty, save for one man seated at the table closest to the edge of the glass railings.
Upon hearing the clack of her boots, the man stands from his seat. He reaches out to her with one arm and she steps into his space.
They don't hug however. She merely places a kiss on his bearded cheek before taking her seat across from him. Her eyes skim the city skyline before settling her sights on the man before her who's looking at her from head to toe, appraising her no doubt.
"I see you're dressed for the occasion." he comments dryly.
He takes in her clothing. The bottoms of her black jeans are tucked into her boots as she sports a simple tank top and long sleeve shirt combination.
"I didn't have time to change." she's used to his condemnatory nature.
"We must always strive to show ourselves in the best possible light, Lena." he reminds but all Lena hears is that she has to keep up appearances. "And you look so much better in a dress." a fact she's proven countless times on other occasions.
"Well, I didn't think wearing a dress at the lab would be too comfortable." she replies.
"Oh." Lionel visibly relaxes at this. He tends to cut her some slack when he knows she's busying herself with the advancement of science. "I'm glad you can tear yourself away from your project." he remarks, sounding surprisingly sincere. "Thank you for joining me."
"Of course." she does enjoy it when they can take the time to have a simple meeting without the scrutiny of the public eye.
"A young woman such as yourself taking time off your busy schedule for this old man before your big trip." Lionel Luthor looks thoughtful for a moment. "Where is it that you're going again?" he pries.
She hadn't disclosed that particular information only that she would be off grid, so to speak, this summer.
Lena releases a small chuckle. She's spent years perfecting the art of never truly answering a question. It's a little game she likes to play. A battle of wits and a test of patience, Lex and Lionel like to say.
"It's only a little vacation before MIT starts up again." she's sidestepping an actual response.
"Well you deserve a little break Lena." Lionel smirks wide as he chuckles. It's a rare moment where Lionel concedes and Lena allows herself to relish in this small victory. "Taking the scholastic world with your brilliance."
"Come now if anyone deserves a break, it's you and Lex." she responds before taking a sip from her wine. Lionel always her have one glass during their meals. Lex of course offers more, sometimes even stronger alcohol, whenever they see one another. "Running the top Fortune 500 Company for over a decade." her academic achievements certainly fail in comparison.
"I'm saying take the breaks while you can now." he advises. "When you're in my position, you won't be afforded this luxury so enjoy yourself."
"You mean when Lex is." she narrows her eyes at the man who shrugs.
"Perhaps." and Lena rolls her eyes because he does like to instigate these little rivalries. "I read your paper by the way." it surprised her first, when Lionel started taking an interest in her schoolwork. But Lex assured her that this is normal for the tycoon. "I thought it was inspired." he likes to make sure she's excelling at every aspect of her studies at all times.
"Thank you." Lionel Luthor doesn't hand out compliments.
He's a ruthless businessman who expects her to treat the name she's been given like it's worth more than all the gold in the entire universe but he treats Lex in the same manner. He comes down on him just as harshly whenever his only son begins to teeter off the pedestal.
Lionel's always there to center them both, to balance and make sure none can topple the Luthor regime.
To push their limits.
The server comes to take their order and she's feeling particularly flippant so she orders something that isn't on the menu. She cooks so she knows what she likes and how to best prepare it. And she won't deny it's a power trip. She relishes in seeing the wait and kitchen staff struggle.
She prides herself on being fussy and won't blame it on her upper class upbringing. It's one of the benefits to having the Luthor name, watching people go out of their way to try and please her so she relishes in these little exercises of influence. But unlike the rest of the Elite, she isn't a total bitch. She knows Lionel will tip them well and she doesn't send the food back even if it isn't cooked to her exact preference.
Lena's not completely heartless after all.
"Some things never change." Lionel shakes his head in amusement. He knows she does this on purpose and Lena thinks he almost looks proud. "I do hope this secretive journey of yours will only help you in the long run." he leans back against the chair. "When you return, I trust you'll honor our agreement."
"Of course." she's a woman of her word.
"I know I push but I only want the best for you, Lena and I only wish for you to be prepared. As you get older your responsibilities will only increase." he reminds and readies herself for the familiar lecture. "Business isn't just having the best gadget, it's knowing how to sell it too." it doesn't come as a surprise that he wants her to also study business and not just focus on physics and engineering. "I want you to be ready to take the helm."
"I know and I promise to use this summer to focus on the important matter." not a bold faced lie. They just have a different opinion on what's important. "And don't worry, I also promise not to besmirch the Luthor name while I'm gone." she assures but Lionel knows she's serious.
"I don't doubt that." the older man remarks. "I know you still believe that I only took you in because I wanted to control of your family company." also her adoption had more than raised Luthor Corp stock at the time. It was a brilliant PR move. "But I hope, given the years we've spent together, that you'll believe me now when I say that you've proven you more than deserve the name." years have taught Lena that she has the choice use it as a golden noose or a ticket to rule the world. "I am truly proud of you." his eyes shine with honesty and Lena can count these moments on one hand.
Throughout the years, Lena's done her part. She's been at the top of all her classes. She attends all the benefits, galas, and fundraisers. She faces whatever else Lionel has in store.
She's a far cry from the girl who punches a senator's son when she doesn't get her way.
It's a test, she knows.
Like Lex, she has to prove her worth in this world of the Elite that she functions in. But as she watches the Luthors navigating through the world, tearing down barriers, accumulating wealth, ultimate power, and incredible influence she knows their methods have proven to be more than effective.
"Careful," Lena cautions playfully. "Can't afford people thinking Lionel Luthor actually has a heart, now can you?" she teases and earns a hearty chuckle.
"When it comes to my favorite child, who can blame me?" Lionel smirks.
"Surely you don't mean that." she chides the older man. "Lex will instigate another duel." Lionel's eyes glimmer with mirth because fencing is the Luthor family favorite past time.
"Well I have no doubt you will best him yet again." he states with utmost confidence.
If they aren't busy trying to stab each other, then they play chess. It almost seems like a real family during times like these. Up until Lionel spouts off with his rather Machiavellian ideals to which Lex will offer counterpoints and it's up to Lena to decide the victor in their battle of smarts.
"I honestly don't understand why you have to keep rubbing it in his face." Lena shakes her head.
"A little sibling rivalry never hurt anyone."
"You just enjoy challenging him." Lionel seems to get some enjoyment from pointing out Lena's scholastic success over Lex's own academic merits.
"It's a little known fact, every parent will deny it, but we do have our favorites." and Lena shakes her head in disagreement. "And you are mine." his tone carries a severity that wipes the smile off Lena's lips. "We are family, Lena."
She nods in return, thankful that their entrée has arrived to save her from actually responding to Lionel's sentiments.
They spend the rest of their dinner making small talk in between bites, about her experiment in the lab and Lionel boasts Lex about nabbing a military deal from the young billionaire genius Bruce Wayne. It more than explains for his good mood, Lena surmises. They finish their meal before Lionel's phone beeps, reminding him of his meeting.
"Duty calls." Lena remarks as she finishes her drink.
"Fly safe." Lionel stands and walks over to the dark haired young woman who follows his lead. He opens his arms and to Lena's surprise, wraps them around her waist. She reciprocates his hold. "Do take care of yourself." he advises when they break apart.
"I will and try not to miss me too much," she sends him a small smile which Lionel returns earnestly. "Father."
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I know you're all wondering what's happened between our two cutest gaybies since they seem to have settled into their familial life. Tune in to find out just where I'm taking this!
I hope not to disappoint…