Chapter 1
Earth was very different from Krypton. On Krypton the cities were streamline, the streets were methodized, and our plant life was very different. Earth was very crowded and messy, even the smaller cities were jumbled together. Kara spent her first outings on earth panicking when she was surrounded by people. Alex often found her hiding in bathrooms, holding her hands over her ears and crying.
"It's too loud Alex!" she would cry. Alex found herself missing classes to hold a crying Kara. The students would make fun of Kara and by extension Alex. By the time Kara gained control of her powers it was too late. The bullying wouldn't stop. Jeremiah and Eliza, worried for both of their girls, decided to move to National City to give Alex and Kara a chance.
It worked, sort of. While Kara did have control over her powers she did struggle to make friends. Alex tried her best to keep Kara included in her new group of friends, but eventually Kara ended up just hanging out with her only friend Winn. It didn't bother Kara that much to only have one friend. Winn was nice and funny, she didn't need anymore friends. Of course Alex wouldn't leave Kara alone about meeting new people and pushed her sister to socialize, which is how Kara met Eve Teschmacher. Eve was awkward and looking to please her family, which caused Kara to feel a kinship with Eve and along with Winn the three formed, as Winn liked to call it, the dynamic trio. With friends to support her, and a loving family, Kara felt a little more at home on earth.
"Kara! Kara hurry, you're going to be late!" Eliza called from the kitchen.
"Crap." a now 16 year old Kara grumbled as she tried to quickly clean up her alarm clocks pieces. Kara was not a morning person and alarm clocks were the bane of her existence. With her super hearing uncontrollable in her sleep the sound of an alarm was a rather erupt wake up and many alarm clocks had met the untimely fury of Kara's fist.
"Kara I will leave for the bus without you!" Alex called. Deciding that she could leave the pieces till after school Kara used her super speed to finish getting ready and head downstairs.
"I'm ready." Kara said in a cheery tone to Alex. Alex rolled her eyes and mumbled under her breath about always being late with super speed and headed to the door.
"Have a good day girls, do you have your lunch money?" Eliza asked while getting into her car for work.
"All good Eliza, have a good day at work!" Kara called, running after Alex. The two walked in silence to the bus stop, Alex practically chugging her coffee. If Kara wasn't a morning person, than Alex had to be a vampire. The girl hated getting up before 10, but with wanting to go into the FBI she had to start training now. Every morning Alex would go for a jog and do a basic strength workout all before Kara was even up. Kara couldn't understand how humans could even do that and school on top of it. Whenever she would broach the subject Alex would just point at her coffee and say the nectar of the gods gave her strength.
"So I watched a strange video last night on Youtube. It was this person saying that bisexuality is valid and that there should be more acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community, and I got really confused. What is bisexual and what's the LGBTQ+ community?" Kara asked furrowing her eyebrows. Alex gave Kara a confused look.
"Kara," Alex began then stopped, thinking to herself, "what was sexuality like on krypton?"
"What do you mean sexuality? Like sex?" Kara asked even more confused. Alex let out a huff and stopped walking. She was not prepared for this conversation. She knew Krypton had been different when it came to relationships, that became clear after her mom had given Kara the talk a few months after she had landed. Kara had simply been astounded that humans had intimate relations in general, even more so when she had learnt that is wasn't just about procreation. She had explained to Alex that on Krypton natural births rarely happened, Kal-El had been one of the few in Krypton's recent years, and that most Kryptonians had been born from the Matrix. Alex sighed, of course Kara wouldn't know what sexuality was, she had lived in a society that didn't believe in physical attraction.
"Kar, you know how people have sex for pleasure and all that, well sexuality is what controls a person's attraction and dictates who they want to get physical with," Alex stopped when she saw Kara tilt her and could see Kara's brain working to understand, "okay, hmm, maybe if I give you an example. So you know how I only date women right. That's because I am what earth would call a lesbian."
"But what does that mean?" Kara inquired with a befuddled look adorning her face. Alex ran a hand through her hair. She really didn't want to explain to Kara about her own attraction to women.
"So being a lesbian… fuck this is weird to explain. Okay so, I am only physically attracted to woman, like I will only ever want to be intimate with woman and get… aroused when a woman that I find attractive is around." Alex fiddled with her jacket and wouldn't look at Kara. Kara stood there and thought over what Alex had said. Her years on earth had taught her to accept her own attractions and feelings, she just had never known that humans categorized attraction.
"Well what is bisexual then?" Kara pushed on.
"Okay well first you need to understand what being straight means. A straight person is someone, well someone like mom and dad. They are only attracted to someone of the opposite gender. Get is?" Alex asked making sure Kara was understanding.
"Alex I understand what attraction is. I'm just wondering what these words mean." Kara grumbled in annoyance that Alex seemed to think she wouldn't be able to understand.
"Right sorry, anyways, bisexuality is really when you're attracted to both men and women." Alex finished. Kara thought for a minute then looked up with a smile at Alex,
"So I would be bisexual then right? I've found myself attracted to both men and woman since understanding what attraction is." Kara excitedly said. Alex gave Kara a smirk.
"That's kind of what I've always thought. Now going back to that video and your question about the LGBTQ+ community, well, for a long time anyone who wasn't straight or gender non-conforming was targeted by the masses. The LGBTQ+ community sort of formed so that there was a group of like minded people. I see that look on your face Kar, I'll teach you about gender non-conforming at a different time. Anyways, so despite the LGBTQ+ community being about equality there is actually division within the community. There are many who don't believe that bisexuality and many other identities are real or valid." Alex finished explaining. Kara had an annoyed look on her face.
"You humans are so weird. Why do humans constantly find vain reasons to hate each other? On Krypton You were judged by your academic standing." Kara ranted.
"I agree Kar, but nevermind that. We're going to miss the bus if we don't hurry up." Alex said, and with that the two girls continued on their way.
Kara sat alone in her first period class. Winn and Eve were both in a different class together so Kara always found herself alone in her math class. Kara may have been bred to be part of Krypton's science guild, but she definitely found that she did not hold a passion for math or science. Maybe it was because earth was so much further behind than Krypton had been, but Kara found herself more interested in the classes that talked about earth's customs and history. She found that she absolutely loved earths romance novels. They hadn't had romance on Krypton, but Kara felt a connection to the idea of it. The idea that there was a person that would make you feel complete, that would be your home was something Kara sorely wanted. She wanted that hole in her heart that the death of her planet had caused to be filled.
"Danvers!" someone yelled at her. Kara jumped in surprise and glared at Dominic as he walked into the slowly filling classroom.
"What do you want Dominic?" Kara growled out. Dominic was in glee club with Kara and drove her absolutely mad. He was one of those people that thought he was better than everyone and constantly criticized the whole group. Dominic threw fits whenever anyone but him got solos.
"I heard that you were going to be performing a solo for the group. Now I know that you aren't as experienced as me and aren't as good, but I will give you some advice for performing. Heck, why don't we just sing together. I'll make you look better than you are." Dominic said with snide. Kara took a deep breath and hoped that she held a convincing smile.
"Well that is very… nice of you, I'm fine thank you." Kara stated as politely as she could possibly muster. The shift in Dominic was immediate. He narrowed his eyes and leaned menacingly over Kara.
"Listen Danvers, don't be stupid. We both know that you're no one. I could help you look like less of a loser, so why don't you just smile and nod. That's all you're good for anyways. At least you're…" Dominic began.
"I think she said she was fine, or do you need a map to help your head find its way out of your ass?" a voice asked sharply. Dominic whipped back, moving to reveal a beautiful girl. She had dark hair that perfectly cascaded and framed her chiseled face. Her porcelain skin seemed to beckon Kara to touch it.
"Well hello, you seem to be misreading…" Dominic tried.
"Oh I don't think I'm misreading anything, it's you who's misreading the situation. She clearly does not want you to continue to bager her so why don't you and your self righteous attitude fuck off." the girl bit calmly. She would be intimidating to Kara if Kara wasn't so helplessly attracted to this girl. Kara had never felt this strong of an attraction to anyone before, and it was both scary and exhilarating to her. Dominic clearly felt the mirth in the girls words and quickly made his way to the other side of the class. The girl, smirking turned to Kara and raised an eyebrow when she noticed Kara's gaping look. Embarrassed, Kara blushed furiously and tried to recover.
"That was so… you were just… um, wow." Kara mumbled out. Kara began to retreat into herself when the girl let out a laugh. It was the most beautiful thing Kara had heard and she stared at the gorgeous girl.
"You're rather cute huh? Mind if I sit here?" the girl asked with a slight grin to her face. Kara felt her mouth drop open. She thought I was cute! Wait she asked to sit with me.
"That would be… I'd… you're really pretty." Kara groaned to herself and held her face in her hands.
"I'll take that as a yes then. My names Lena by the way. I'm new here." Lena said, taking the seat next to Kara and brushing her side. Kara shivered and had to stop herself from reaching out and running her hand down Lena's smooth skin. Kara took a deep breath to calm her nerves and turned to introduce herself properly, but froze when she looked at Lena. Lena was leaning down to Kara's side to where she had placed her bag and from this angle Kara could see right down Lena's black tank. Kara felt a heat fill her stomach and stretch into her pants and quickly turned away wide eyed. This was new, this hadn't happened before. Lena finally righted herself and placed her books on the table.
"I'm Kara, and um, thanks for you know… getting rid of Dominic." Kara stumbled out. Lena looked over at Kara and smirked.
"It was no problem Kara. I hate people like that, and if calling them out gets me the attention of a beautiful blonde in the process then that's a bonus." Lena said staring intensely at Kara. Kara turned to Lena once again and caught her breath when her blue eyes met sparkling green eyes. With her super hearing Kara could hear Lena's heartbeat skip a beat as they stared. They were brought out of their daze when the teacher called for attention and class began. All throughout class Kara found herself stealing many glances at the girl who took her breath away, blue eyes often meeting green. Kara was pretty sure she held a steady blush all through class. She was definitely going to need to talk to Alex later.
At the end of class Kara found herself dreading leaving Lena's presence. She had learnt that Lena was quite smart and rather funny. Lena had made many off had comments during class that caused Kara to fake a cough to cover up her laughter and had been sent by their teacher more than once to get a drink of water.
"So what class do you have next?" Kara asked Lena as nonchalantly as possible.
"English with Mr. Cox. You?" Lena replied, leaning her side on the desk and crossing her arms in a sultry way.
"Looks like you're stuck with me then. Of course you don't have to sit with me if you don't want. Not that I don't want you to sit with me. I mean I don't… well I do, I… I'm going to stop talking now." Kara rambled looking down. She heard a laugh and looked up to see Lena smiling and looking endearingly at her. See Lena smile at her like that made Kara want to ramble even more if it meant getting to see that smile paint those lips for longer.
"You ramble a lot don't you," Lena laughed and moved to be standing right beside Kara and whispered, "I look forward to hearing you ramble in english." With that Lena began to walk to the door, stopping to beckon a dumb struck Kara to follow. As the two walked to class Kara pulled out her phone to text Alex.
Kara: Alex help, there's this really gorgeous new girl and I'm pretty sure she's flirting with me. She's making me… feel things. What do I do?
Alex: Get it girl, just don't actually tell me what you get.
Kara: ALEX! I can't talk to her without rambling, then again she seems to like it. Should I ask for her number?
Alex: Kara, sometimes girls don't know what another girls intentions. Asking for her number could be perceived different than how you intend. Just ask her out.
Kara: How though!
Kara: Alex
Kara: Alex!
Sighing Kara put her phone away after her sister didn't respond. Kara felt something soft brush her hand and looked down to see Lena's hand wash brushing hers. Kara gulped. Arriving at their class Kara saw Winn and Eve already sitting and lead the way. Kara didn't notice Lena hang back a bit when she saw that they were going towards the two.
"Winn! Eve! This is Lena. Lena these are my best friends!" Kara introduced, turing to see Lena hesitantly walk towards her friends. Odd, Kara thought, she hadn't been nervous with her. Smiling at Lena to encourage her seemed to work. Lena relaxed a bit and shook hands with Winn and Eve. They all talked for a bit, Winn and Lena talking about some new programing of sort, Eve grilling Kara about her obvious attraction to Lena. When Mr. Cox came in he went straight to business and began to introduce the Shakespearean play they would be reading. Lena grumbled under her breath about already having read it and started to draw in her notes rather than listen. Kara found herself distracted by the sketch Lena was drawing and didn't notice Mr. Cox stop what he was saying and stare pointedly at Kara.
"Something far more interesting than Shakespeare Miss Danvers?" Mr Cox asked with annoyance. Kara's eyes widened at being called out. She never got in trouble. Before Kara could say anything Lena spoke.
"It's my fault sir, I've already read Macbeth and distracted Kara. I'm very sorry sir." Lena announced.
"And just who might you be?" Mr. Cox spoke gruffly.
"Sorry sir, I'm new here, I'm Lena." Lena was steady in response, not flinching at the hostility in Mr. Cox's voice.
"Lena who?" Mr. Cox asked with an increased annoyance. Lena froze at that. There was a sudden flash of nervousness in her eyes, but she quickly schooled her face. With a quick glance at Kara that almost seemed like a last look to Kara, Lena answered in a calm and calculating voice.
"Lena Luthor… sir." Mr Cox narrowed his eyes at Lena. The rest of the class seemed to take similar stances at hearing Lena's last name. Kara knew why. She knew what Lena's brother had done in the name of killing her cousin, but she didn't think it was fair to judge Lena based on what her family had done. Kara would hate to be judged based on her cousin. Lena held a strong posture and a neutral face, but when Kara looked into her eyes she saw pain.
"You'll do well to stay out of trouble Ms Luthor." Mr Cox said with far more disgust than Kara thought necessary. He continued on with the class as if nothing had happened and yet Lena was still tense. Every now and then some of their classmates would turn and glare at Lena, causing the Luthor to stiffen even more if it was possible. Kara wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to make Lena feel better, but Lena wouldn't even look at Kara. Looking down at Lena's tightly grasped hands Kara made a decision. Reaching out Kara took Lena's hand in hers and pulled it into her lap. Lena looked at Kara in shock. She had expected Kara to despise her as everyone else did, but all she saw in Kara's eyes was understanding.
Winn and Eve went on ahead to get a lunch table while Kara pulled Lena along to an empty classroom. After class had ended many of their classmates took the time to throw insults at Lena. Kara felt a great deal of anger towards her classmates, but at least Winn and Eve seemed to be okay with Lena despite her last name. Once the door was closed to the empty classroom Lena let out a sigh and sat on one of the desks, folding into herself and looking small.
"People can be such jerks. It's not like you did anything." Kara grouched. Lena lifted her head and studied Kara carefully. Most people immediately judged her for what her brother had done, but here Kara was, fuming at how their teacher and classmates had acted. If Lena didn't have a crush on Kara before she definitely did now.
"I'm used to it Kara. I've had worse things said to me by my mother." Lena calmly stated. Kara stopped her pacing and looked Lena dead in the eyes with a great deal of anger. Lena found it oddly arousing and had to remember that look for later. She was startled out of her thoughts when she felt arms wrap around her and stiffened until she realized Kara was hugging her. It felt oddly comfortable, like she had been held by Kara many times. Lena leaned her head on Kara's shoulder and squeezed Kara tight, relishing in the embrace, not knowing when she had let the first tear fall.