Part I
Kara exhaled, trying to get a hold of her nerves, and struggling to open the clasp of her necklace. Tonight is her first charity event and she had never felt this out of place since she first landed on Earth. She heard the clatter of Lena's heels behind her before she entered the bedroom.
"Let met help you." She said, taking the chain into her hands.
Kara watched her in the vanity mirror. She looked over her deep blue dress, Lena insisted was her color, and how it hugged around Kara's hips. Lena glanced over her shoulder and smiled. Kara felt her stomach twist, filled with excitement. Lena straightened the silk straps to her outfit.
"We better hurry." She said. "Mother hates when I'm late."
Kara turned around and clenched her jaw. A shock of fear settled in her chest. She didn't think she had the patience for Mrs. Luthor.
"Let's stay in." Kara said. "It'll be so much more fun than that fancy party."
Lena faced Kara. She picked up her hand and stroked the back of her palm with her thumb. Kara had been gentle in nature and agreed with many of Lena's choices when they wanted to spend a weekend or together. This had been the only thing Kara tried to talk her way out of.
"I've already accepted the invitation." She said. "Beside, the guest will fall in love with your charm."
Kara scoffed.
"It's not the guest I'm worried about." She said. "Your Mom hates me. I think she rather you marry someone who makes the same money as you, and be preferably male."
Lena stepped closer, wrapping her arm around Kara's waist. She placed a kiss on her cheek.
"Mom is stuck in her old ways, but I've told her and I will again that you're who I love and who I want to be with." Lena said. "What she thinks will not change my feelings for you."
Kara sighed. Lena kissed her. She chuckled seeing Kara's dreamy face and cheeks turn a tint of red.
"Come on." Lena said. "I have to show you off somehow in that beautiful dress."
Kara grinned. The dress itself was much too high fashion and expensive for her taste, but Lena had taken up a habit of spending money on Kara for everything. An outfit like this would be at least two year's salary at her job at CatCo. Their black limo waited in the driveway and Lena picked up a napkin laying on the mini bar in the center of the limo. She opened a bottle of water and poured some of it on the napkin. She handed it to Kara.
"Lipstick." She said, pointing to her own cheek.
Kara gently wiped it away.
Alex sniffled and wiped away the tears on her cheek. She sat at the table with her shoulders hunched and her forehead into her hand. She heard shuffling in the hall and the footsteps lead tot he kitchen. She felt the stare on her back and Alex gulped, feeling throat clench as she held back a sob. She didn't have the courage to turn around.
"If I walk out of here. I'm not coming back." She said.
Alex bit her bottom lip. She let out a heavy sigh.
"Maggie..." She said.
"I can't." Maggie said. "I won't be able to come back from this."
Alex whimpered. She had no way of explaining it. Maggie at least deserved that, but Alex couldn't get the courage to speak. What could she say? She's changed their life. The relationship they shared for four years ruined. Alex wallowed in her guilt. Her shame. Maggie was a kind woman. A loving girlfriend and supportive. She had been everything anyone would want. Maggie scoffed. Alex heard the door slam behind her.
The charity event took place in a beautiful ballroom in the rich district of National City. Kara had only been here occasionally when Ms. Grant planned events for her company. She's had to put together the decorations and catering. This would be the first time she come as a guest and not an assistant. The doorman took their coats and Lena led her up the grand staircase and into the ballroom.
"Lena, so glad you could make it." Jeff said, cutting his way through the guest. He kissed her cheek. "It was starting to get dull. And you finally brought Kara."
"Hi Jeff." Kara said.
He was one of the few bearable friends of Lena. Not that she had many friends as most were family friends met through Lex or her parents and then those who faked friendship for status. Jeff was one Lena made on her own and enjoyed his company enough to invite him to brunch. The only time Kara met him once, during Saturday brunch. He had been the most supportive of their relationship too. The only problem was his love for gossip and the worse the better. Kara squeezed her hand shut as the twist of nervousness hit her stomach again. Jeff gave her a single air kiss and picked up a flute of champagne from a passing waiter.
"Would you like a drink?" He said.
"Oh, no thank you." Kara said.
Lena placed a hand on the small of her back, sensing her discomfort.
"Kara doesn't drink." She said.
Jeff raised a brow in astonishment. He took a sip.
"Really? Oh sweetie, I don't know how I'll get through this without it." He said, giving Kara a frown of pity.
"It was nice seeing you Jeff." Lena said.
"Likewise." He said. "We should have brunch again."
He spun around and walked toward the dance floor. Lena watched Kara as she started into the crowd, her jaw tight.
"Are you okay?" Lena said. "I know this isn't exactly your scene."
Kara bit her bottom lip before slowly releasing it.
"Yeah, I'm fine." She said. "It's okay."
"We won't stay long." Lena said. "Would you get me some wine? It's at the bar."
Lena pointed to the other side of the ballroom.
"Sure." Kara said, walking away.
"Lena."
She turned around to see Mrs. Luthor with a tight lip smile that sunk down an inch at the corners.
"Mother." Lena said.
"I see you came and with that Kent girl." Mrs. Luthor said.
"You mean Kara and yes. She is my plus one." Lena said. "She's my girlfriend mother."
Mrs. Luthor rolled her eyes.
"I don't understand what happened to your last boyfriend." Mrs. Luthor said. "Jack? I liked him better. He owned two yachts."
Lena scoffed and shook her head. Mrs. Luthor stared without a flicker of remorse to her complaint.
"I've told you. It was never about his money." Lena said. "Things between us didn't work out."
"Mrs. Luthor, hello." Kara said, returning with a flute of red wine and a plate of potstickers.
"Kara." Mrs. Luthor said.
Kara handed over the wine and Lena kept a hand on Kara's hips.
"It's nice to see you." Kara said.
Mrs. Luthor gave a once over to her outfit.
"I can't say the same." Mrs. Luthor said. "Enjoy the charity event."
She walked away. Kara let out a swoosh of air.
"Why does she hate me so much?" Kara asked.
"Don't worry about it." Lena said. "I want to enjoy my night with you."
Kara smiled and leaned down to kiss her. She pressed her forehead against Lena's.
"You taste like potstickers." Lena chuckled.
The tempo of the music slowed down. Kara placed her plate on a table and took Lena's cup.
"Dance with me." She said.
"You dance now?" Lena said, grinning.
"I've been taking private lessons since the last time we tried to dance." Kara said. "I won't be stepping on anyone's toes again."
"And how exactly did you break Tom's toes?" Lena said.
Kara shrugged and said, "Weak bones?"
Lena felt Kara's hand on her waist and she placed her's on Kara's shoulder and their right hands clasped together. They moved to the right in a steady stride, keeping their eyes on each other. Lena watched Kara nibble on her bottom lip.
"Don't worry about her." She said. "Mother never knew what was best for me since I was a child. But Lex is in jail and all she has is me."
Kara's shoulders dropped as she exhaled. Lena smiled. The sparkle and sincerity of her gaze made Kara's stomach flutter. The contrast between Lena and her mother was striking. She may be a Luthor by blood, but Lena had turned out much better than her family in many ways.
"I'll always want you over some snobby ex that meant nothing to me like you do." Lena said. "Don't forget that."
Kara couldn't contain her smile of pride. How did she get this lucky?
"I love you Kara Kent." Lena said. "And you look absolutely stunning tonight."
Kara blushed.
"And I love you." She sighed.
Lena pulled her closer. She relished the touch of their lips, as they continued to move together through the floor. The instruments stopped and Lena lead them off the dance floor. Mrs. Luthor stepped her way on to the stage and guest gathered to the center.
"I'm glad to see everyone is having a good time." She said. "It's time for the charity event, gather around."
Kara felt Lena's hand on the middle of her back. She stroked a finger down her dress.
"Let's get out of here." Lena said.
Kara let out a sigh of relief.
Lena gasped as she wiped away damp locks of dark hair from her face when she flopped back into bed. She looked over kara's glistened back as she picked up the blanket from the floor and wrapped it around her hips. Kara rolled over, placing the blanket on Lena.
"Your stamina never ceases to amaze me." Lena whispered.
Kara chuckled and scooted closer to link their hands together. She watched a drop of sweat glide down Lena's temple.
"You keep up pretty well." Kara said.
Lena lightly shoved her shoulder. Kara sealed the distance between them for a short kiss. She stroked Lena's hair behind her ear. She watched Lena's brows pinch downward into a thoughtful daze. Kara propped her arm up and rested her head onto her clenched fist.
"What?" She said.
Lena bit her bottom lip, hesitant.
"I'm sorry about the party." Lena said. "I know how uncomfortable you felt, especially around mother."
Kara lifted Lena's hand kissed her wrist.
"Don't worry about it." Kara said. "I came to support you and if that means having to deal with your mom I'll manage."
"You're amazing." Lena said.
"Oh I know." Kara giggled, rolling back on top of Lena.
Lena laughed allowing herself lay on her back. Kara leaned forward and kissed her.
"You're not bad yourself." Kara said.
Alex clutched her duffle bag. The grip tight and her eyes pinned on the display board of flights. She took the earliest flight she could once she spent the night packing her things and throwing out what reminded her of Maggie. She had an entire box of mementos from their anniversaries, summer fairs, and dates. What she had left worth brining all fit into her duffle bag. She stifled a yawn, the lack of sleep finally catch up on her. Alex examined the gate and felt a sinking feeling of sorrow hit her again. In five minutes she would board. Alex felt the phone in her pocket buzz. She ignored it, digging her hand into her pocket and pulled out a diamond ring. She didn't have enough courage to pawn it like she planned, but wearing it didn't feel right either. Her phone buzzed for a fifth time. She pulled it out to read three missed calls from her mom and six new messages.
Mom
Please think about this!
Alex brushed the back of her hand over her eyes, feeling them start to water.
Mom
Alex?
"Those boarding for t he flight to Midvale please line up." A stewardess said.
The last thing she wanted to do was return back home. She had spent her teenage years dreaming of leaving home, having a life of her own the way she wanted it. But she had been sure then she'd find the perfect boyfriend and settle down. Dreams change. She didn't expect it would when she agreed to move to Gotham City. Alex stuffed her phone back into her pocket and stood. She glanced at the window. A beautiful summer day with a gorgeous cityscape. Gotham City wasn't her home anymore and there was no turning back.
"Hey Kara! How'd the party go?" Winn said, following Kara out the elevator. He noticed her laid back posture. "Well, someone has bit of pep in her step. Got lucky?"
Kara scoffed. "Winn?"
He gripped his clipboard to his chest and coughed.
"Right, It isn't any of my business. Gotcha." He said.
"It went well until I had to deal with Lena's Mom." Kara said.
Winn cringed.
"Oh, sorry about that." He whistled."Did she insult you this time?"
"At least not directly." Kara said. "But she upset Lena as usual."
The second elevator dinged and Kara turned around with a cup of coffee in her hand.
"Good Morning Ms. Grant." Kara said, handing her cup over.
Cat glared at her workers over her sunglasses. She accepted her coffee and zipped passed Kara before entering her office.
"Boy, what's got her so pissed?" Winn said.
It was going to be a long day.
Lena had made it a point to arrive at CatCo. exactly on time for lunch. It had been the only times she could allow herself to step away from her work, as she had always been devoted to her time with the company. It had gradually changed when she met Kara. It had been an award few weeks, but the time away from her screen had been what she needed in times of stress. When she reached the third floor, Kara had been nowhere in sight. She spotted Winn across from Kara's desk, chowing down on a container of fried noodles.
"Hello Winn." Lena said, approaching his desk. "Is Kara around?"
He scooted his chair back.
"Hey Lena." He said. "Kara just went out to get Ms. Grant's lunch. She'll be back soon."
The elevator dinged and Kara dashed out with a tray in hand and entered Ms. Grant's office.
"Hi." Kara said, grinning as she approached Lena. "I'm been looking forward to our lunch date."
"Well I couldn't keep you waiting." She said. "For an entire hour you are mine to wine and dine."
"I'm starving." Kara said.
"When aren't you hungry? How you eat so much and never gain a pound is beyond me." Lena said. "What's your secret?"
Kara smiled.
"Fast metabolism." She said.
"Let's not keep you waiting then."
Alex avoided her Eliza's gaze when she arrived. She went straight upstairs and into her old room. She dropped her bag at the foot of her bed and looked over the layout of her childhood bedroom. Everything was still in place. Her surfboard, trophies from surfing contest, posters, and pictures of her and her parents. Nothing has been touched since she went off to college. Alex approached her desk and looked over one of the pictures she set up of her father and her after returning from her second year of college. She picked it up and sharply inhaled.
"Alex," Eliza said.
She dropped the picture frame. Eliza stood in the door way, her shoulders ridged. Alex ran a hand through her hair.
"Mom please, I don't want to talk about it." Alex said. "I had a long flight."
Eliza nodded, her jaw slack.
"I'll see you in the morning sweetheart." She said.
Alex closed the door and slipped into her pjs. She got into bed, grabbing a stuff horse from the shelf above her bed and pulled it into her chest. She rolled on to her side and weeped.
Lena stretched as the scent of bacon drifted into her bedroom. She yawned and turned over to see the left side of the bed empty. She got up and, shrugging on a robe and followed the delicious aroma of bacon eggs and coffee. Kara stood in the kitchen, working on the stove in a long white t-shirt. She hugged Kara and kissed her cheek.
"I never get tired of this." Lena said.
"Which one, breakfast in bed or me in your t-shirt?" Kara said.
"Hmm, both." Lena said.
Kara giggled and turned off the stove to empty eggs onto a plate and turned around. Kara kissed her.
"Good morning." Lena whispered, brushing her nose against Kara's and stepped back.
"I made coffee." Kara said, moaning as Lena kissed her neck. "I uh-really have to get ready for..."
Lena stepped away, reaching over Kara to pick up the mug of coffee and took a sip.
"Okay." She said.
Kara's scoffed.
"That's not fair." Kara said.
Lena grinned, glancing at her over the brim of her cup. She placed it on the counter and Kara dashed forward, pulling Lena by the collar of her shirt into a kiss. They turned around and Lena was pinned against the counter. She gasped, wrapping her arms around Kara's neck.
"I thought you had to get ready for work." Lena whispered.
"We can make this quick." Kara said, dipping down for another kiss.
Jeremiah sat at the kitchen table when Alex entered the kitchen. She spotted Eliza through the yard screen door working on her flowers. Alex made her way to the coffee maker and served herself a cup. Jeremiah skillfully cut his stack of pancakes.
"Have a seat." He said.
Alex paused at the counter. Her hand squeezed on the handle of the mug. She pulled out a chair across from him. Jeremiah smiled.
"It's nice to see you again Alex." He said. "Your mom made pancakes for you too."
Alex folded her hands on top of the table.
"I'm not hungry." She said.
Jeremiah glanced at her and took a sip of his glass cup.
"She told me what happened." He said. "I want to hear your side."
Alex sighed, pressing a hand against her temple. She closed her eyes, bitting her lip. The memory of her decision still clear in her mind.
"It's...complicated." Alex said.
"I thought you loved Gotham and your job at the hospital?" Jeremiah said.
"Yes, I did." Alex said.
"And Maggie?" He asked, watching Alex flinch.
Her jaw tightened. Jeremiah pushed his plate forward and crossed his arms against his chest.
"Yes." Alex said.
Alex glanced at the table, licking her lips and steadily inhaling to calm her thoughts. She shifted in her seat. Jeremiah watched her. His expression calm and open. Alex shook her head.
"I couldn't do it." She admitted. "I couldn't marry her. She is everything I ever wanted, but we didn't have enough time for each other after the engagement and her career kicked off."
Alex ran a hand through her hair and rested her chin on top of her fist.
"The more time we spent apart the more I realized I was in love with the idea with her and everything was going so well for her and I felt stuck at the hospital settle for what I could because she loved it too much at Gotham to move." She said.
"Right person at the wrong time." Jeremiah said.
Alex nodded.
"I need something different. Bigger." Alex said.
"Why come back here?" Jeremiah said. "The hospitals would be the same."
"I don't want to work at the hospital." Alex said. "I want to work with you. The DEO."
Jeremiah's hand clenched.