It was Friday night and as usual the 'Super Friends' were gathered at the alien bar by the pool tables. Alex and Maggie hung back playing pool in their own world, escaping at times to get a drink or combat Winn's witty banter. Winn himself was not alone, as his promising relationship with Lyra was blossoming with fever. The pair got along great, and Lyra being an interesting addition to the gang, tagged along sometimes on nightly Guardian activities. James too seemed to like her despite the initial reluctance in her vigilante ethics, but they came to a mutual understanding for Winn. So he smiles at the pair across from him.
James wasn't speaking much tonight, only slowly drinking his beer and butting in on occasion. Instead he sat watching the group, all of them seemingly happy with their significant others, a feeling he had missed but knew he could not amend at that time. Just then, while looking at the two pairs of lovebrds, he heard Kara walking her way back from the bar in a semi heated conversation with Mon-El, apparently her now boyfriend.
It was a typical Friday hangout, except it wasn't. For the first time ever Lena Luthor would be joining them, par Kara's request. In Lena's case this was unfamiliar territory. Sure she has attended countless galas, and events but she was never trying to get those people to like her, hell she didn't even want to converse with them, but at this point in time, she wanted nothing more than to be liked by Kara's friends.
There is just something magical in the way that Kara attracts people. It seems to start with a smile, genuine, sweet, caring. Then translating into her oceanic blue eyes, glowing with such care, and kindness, and overall love. The way they crinkled in the corners was just as magical. Her whole face took on a smile in its truest form. Kara Danvers, or rather Kara Zor-El was one of a kind, and she knew how to get others to feel that way too.
At the bar's entrance Lena was carefully scanning the scene. She saw Alex and Maggie playing pool, Winn and Lyra canoodling at their table, and James making his way over to her. Meanwhile Kara was whisked away just when she caught sight of her golden tresses, by Mon-El. Her gaze boring holes into the back of his shaved head.
"Lena, you made it", snapping back to attention Lena realised James was right in front of her and talking apparently.
"Well… I guess I did," she smiled tightly. She was not uncomfortable with James, no it was the whole scene, the whole reason she was there, officially meeting Kara's friends.
"Good, I'm glad the whole squad is" he laughs at the word, then continues, " and I'm sure know Kara always loves seeing you", she blushes. James hits her with his megawatt smile, and Lena can't help but resiprocate, the interaction serving to loosen her up a little.
"Oh, now you're just being too sweet. But thank you for easing some of the awkwardness at least."
"Lena please, just call me James. And I mean it, Kara talks non-stop about you, and so does Winn, going on about how you're going to change the world, and how amazing you are despite the bloody trail of your family," he pauses noticing the color in Lena's cheeks, as well as her averted gaze and slight smile.
"Well, one can only hope to be so accomplished Mr- James," she corrects, meeting his reassuring gaze.
" Don't sell yourself so short Lena. You are pretty amazing, and how much more amazing would it be to call you my friend. Come on now, here," he turns placing a casal hand out to guide her to the others.
Taking in the movement, Lena holds out her hand to James, allowing him to lead her to the Superfriends. Winn and Lyra were too wrapped up in their own world, constantly nipping and whispering at each other, to notice the CEO's. Meanwhile Alex and Maggie were betting on the next game of pool, winner getting to choose the name of their dog—winner also getting a dog. Both couples too immersed in each other to bother James and Lena, so they settled at their own booth.
Once seated Lena took a steadying breath, all the week's stress of handling sexist old men rolling off her shoulders as James receives them a beer for himself, and the nicest wine the alien bar had for Lena. Being alone again for a moment allowed Lena the opportunity to look around the bar, unsteady in the fact that it was an alien bar, but not letting it get to her as it was a place tied to the very thing that brought her happiness in all her 24 years on earth, Kara.
It seems as though everything Kara touches is enveloped in light. For Lena there was nothing that she wouldn't do for her. Be a guiding light in her up and coming journalism career. Be a steadying hand when it comes to romantic issues. Be a friend. Even though that last one kind of burns longer in Lena's mind, there is no doubt that being Kara's friend is the best thing in the world.
As James makes his way back to the table, with drinks in hand, Lena lets out a final breath of anxiety, opting to enjoy her company and night out. Wine in hand, few sips taken, and a new sense of freedom in mind Lena has finally relaxed. James sits across from her, calmly sipping his own beer, smiling and relaxing for a change as well.
Becoming guardian has not been an easy task. With Kara's initial mistrust, and the physical strains of it, he was beat and tired on a daily basis, but still managed to run CatCo that next morning. He was a hero, although deemed a vigilante for now, he knew his work in and out of the office could never be taken away from him.
Lena and James looked at one another for a new more seconds before the awkwardness got out of hand and began to speak at once.
'So', "How Is."
They laugh, James motioning for Lena to proceed first.
"So, how goes the Cat business." she smiles cheekily, as James laughs wholeheartedly.
"Wow, that's a new one. Yeah it's going OK." he responds looking at Lena. They share a moment of mutual understanding at the confines being CEO entails. Endless hours, lots of work, and lots of responsibility. But they both know they wouldnt trade with anyone for the world.
"Replacing Cat is not easy. She made CatCo what it is, strong and empowering. Taking that mantle was never going to be a stroll in the park, but then again I never expected the amount of disrespect and sexism directed towards her at the board meetings" he continued.
Lena's interest is now piqued at the mentions of Cat's board members too not being fond of her simply because she is a woman. She looks away from James a moment, sipping at her wine as her emotions simmer on knowing annoyance and slight hate. As a woman she knows she couldn't exactly break her resolve in front of them, as Cat surely knew. No, as women in business they were more keen to take the insults, and expected backstabs and simply reign hell appropriately and with proof of certain transgressions of course. At this thought Lena smiles, imagining Cat Grant's famous all knowing smirk, much like hers but more refined and experienced, tearing down men from the inside out like the strong independent capable women she is, not like the petty insolent men sitting across from her. Finishing her thoughts, and swallowing her sip of wine Lena looks back up at James.
"Hmm, tell me about it. I never hear the end of it, and not only because I am a woman but because I am young, beautiful and a Luthor. They all fear me, so they lash out expecting me to cower, only to be surprised when I don't."
"Yeah, Cat didn't take anyone's shit. Sitting there and listening to them talk about her wasn't going to fly with me so I fired half of them on sight." James finishes, slightly laughing towards the end, before continuing.
"Their faces were priceless but at the end of the day it's about the work you know, even with Cat gone, harassment is not tolerable." he nods slightly as he sips at his beer.
"How are you though?" he asks, turning the tables now.
"I'm doing well. L-Corp's revenue streams are doing great, and we are branching out with our children's hospitals, getting the newest and most effective medicine to those in need." she responds smiling proudly as she thinks about her sick kids, mentally planning her next visit.
"That's amazing Lena," he looks into her eyes with an expression of slight discomfort and remorse. He looks a way for a beat, sighing and looking at Lena once again as he continues. " To be honest I have to confess that I was one of those people who didn't think you are trustworthy, until Kara. I had this preconceived idea of yo— no, not you, of your name," at this Lena slumps a tad, expression turning to stone but not as hard.
"I want to apologise to you Lena for not giving you a chance. Kara believes everyone is capable of goodness, and she has never been more right." he smiles admirably.
"What changed your mind? I mean Kara is amazing but it had to be more than that." she asks completely looking into her wine glass as she swirls it. Taking in her surroundings for a moment not sure of her current emotions as fear, pride, sadness, and a hint of fondness creep into her at Jaime's confession.
"You did. Yeah I mean Kara pointed out how great and good you were but really it was when you saved Alex, and at the gala when I realized how right she was. I admire you Lena, all the good you do, all the good you can do. You know I recently found myself in a situation, with a choice mostly to do more good and I haven't regretted it, and I wouldn't want to go back to doing nothing either" he finishes, expelling a long sigh.
Lena was looking at him with no clear expression, but slowly a small smile graced its way onto her lips, as well a swell of red in her cheeks.
"Thank you James, truly. I can see the greater good CatCo has established, and it will surely continue because of you" she beams.
In this moment taking in James's words Lena comes to understand her new blossoming friendship with James Olson to be one of mutual respect and understanding, one that thanks to Kara Danvers was sue to bring some more happiness to her life. Regardless of her reluctance, perhaps this night wasn't so bad after all.
"CatCo…. Right," he nervously laughs, taking another sip.
At that moment Kara reappears from the back of the bar, Mon-El in tow not looking pleased.
" Just get back to work and I'll talk to you when I'm ready. Don't even bother coming to my apartment to apologize OK, I need space" she declared. As he moved forward to speak Kara scoffs and turns towards her friends. She see's Winn and Lyra starting to make their leave, very close together, and Alex an Maggie as well, having given up on pool.
"Kara hey, me and Lyra are gonna head out, umm looks like Lena's here,"Winn says as he and Lyra make their way to the front door.
"Hey wait, did you even say hi to her" she asks, slightly earned from earlier, and from her friends not hain paid attention to Lena, but then she did the same thing. She looks to the ground, fingers on her temple and sighs tiredly.
Behind Kara and Winn, Alex and Maggie decide it's their time to leave as well. Taking a moment Alex see's Lena and James, and walks up to their booth.
"Hi Lena" she greets.
"Sup Luthor, hey sorry about the whole arresting thing," Maggie supplies
Lena, a little nervous at being addressed by Kara's sister takes a relieving breath as Maggie's comment makes her laugh somewhat, feeling normal and yet not once again.
"Agent Danvers, Detective Sawyer good evening," she lets out.
"My sister wouldn't shut up about you coming tonight, I'm sorry if Maggie and I were a little rude by not saying hi earlier but this one bet our dogs name, and Gertrude it is." she smiled coyly.
"Umm, Gertrude it is not, you cheated Danvers, rematch tomorrow night."
Lena looks on amused, and flustered not having expected such a welcome.
'Agent Danvers it's ok" she tries to go on but is cut off by Alex.
"Hey, I'm not wearing my tactical gear which I don't need to kick your ass with if you hurt Kara, now am I" she says loosely. The threat holding some weight, but mostly a strange sense of sisterly protectiveness and camaraderie.
Lena however is even more flustered and confused and little scared, but regains composure. Where was Kara?
"Um no, your not. And I mean not that you would ever need to kick my ass, but I could probably hold my own if it came down to it" she challenges.
Maggie laughs at this, and James's eyes go slightly wide, looking between Alex and Lena.
"Huh, I knew you could hang with us Lena. And please call me Alex welcome to the Super Gang," she says as she holds her hand out for Lena.
Lena takes a second but shakes Alex's hand, feeling like she just passed a test sh idnt study for. James looks at her nodding and laughing as he finishes off his beer.
"Alright Luthor, me and the old lady" Maggie starts but is stopped by her own laugh as Alex slaps her at the rear. "Rude. Like I was saying Alex and I are calling it a night, have a fun night, ,you too James, bye." she ends as Alex drags her through the back door.
"Oh James tell Kara I said bye, and that I'll text her later" Alex yells once by the door.
"OK" James responds to Lena and himself. As he gets up to get one last beer, and wine for Lena they hear,
" HEY LENA WELCOME TO THE SUPER GAY, I MEAN SUPER GANG. BYE LENA" shoots Winn, still walking to the front door, barely looking back. "There I said hi, bye Kara," he finishes as he and Lyra finally make it out the door.
Lena looks alarmed having been yelled at in a public place, and Winn's supposed mistake, but eases as now Kara is facing her, and has one of those radiating smiles on her face that can erase any form of embarrassment she was just feeling.
Kara, at a slight lack for words, turns towards Lena at the booth, looking for Alex and Maggie.
"Uh, your sister and Maggie just left. Alex said she would call you later," Lena supplies at Kara's confused face.
"Oh, that's OK. I was looking for you actually. Was everyone nice to you, Rao I'm sorry I wasn't here I was just caught up with—" ' No, no really it's ok Kara', Lena stops her before she mentions his name. "
'I mean your sister slightly threatened me, all in good faith, but James has been excellent company' she says as she looks up at James's encroaching figure.
Before Kara can utter a word about Alex's threat she turns around to see James, she herself opting to scoot into Lena's side of the booth. The space not being very big, making both women become extremely close to one another. Lena breaths deeply, although it was a mistake since she can smell Kara's intoxicating perfume, and her eyes involuntarily close. Onc seemingly revived, in accordance to James taking a seat.
"Here you are Lena, hey Kara, you finally made it."
"Yeah I did. Sorry about that, and Lena I'm sorry if Alex made you uncomfortable, I'll talk to her" Kara expels.
Lena only looks at her with ease and love, not knowing that she was being carefully watched by James, and not knowing of his look of knowing. Knowing what her look means and knowing the feelings she is harboring.
"Kara, really your sister and Maggie were very inviting, it was just a bit of teasing but I'm a Luthor I'm resilient," she laughs, finishing off her last glass of wine for the night.
Kara looks at her a bit concerned, a bit resigned as well. Her fight with Monel was another in their long trail of fights. The reason she was with him was non existent other than his liking to her. Now she was stuck, at least she thought she was stuck. Looking at Lena right now eased her tensions, made her forget she had a boy-man, and just made her feel like her, Kara Danvers. She smiles, turns to looks at James who is staring at Lena with an odd expression and turns to look at Lena again. Eyes staring into each other. Their bond strengthening.
"Well, this was a nice night Kara but I think I'm going to head home for the night. James thank you for a nice evening, I'm glad to call you my friend too." Lena beams, a type of smile worthy enough to be directed at Kara.
Seeing this Kara gets a warm feeling in her stomach. Knowing that two of her favorite people have gotten along so well, and seeing Lena embrace new friends is also great, but there is something else. Maybe it's the way Lena's smile, the one usually Kara receives being directed at James is the issue, but it shouldn't be. Kara has no reason for the extra feeling at seeing them like this. But for some reason, an inkling within Kara tells her to worry.
She stands, after pulling her gaze away from her friends, to let Lena out. She moves to hug her and as Kara wraps her arms around Lena, she melts into the embrace. In this position Lena has a perfect view of Mon-El at the bar, looking at them, looking at Lena, and she smiles, giving him one of her best smirks and hugs Kara tighter, hearing her contentedly sigh, and loosen into her. At this she see's Mon-El's jaw tighten, as her smirk gets sharper. Finally leaving the embrace Lena turns to James who is holding his arms out for his own hug. She warily accepts it.
"Lena before you leave here is my number, so we can chat CEO to CEO."
"Oh thank you James, here why don't I give my own private card" she replies, exchanging business cards with James. Once done she turns back to Kara, whose face is a little scrunched with her crinkle on display, which soon fades as she focuses on Lena.
"OK, Lena I'll walk you out, since I'll be heading home too. Bye James" she waves, making her way out of the bar best friend right beside her.