A/N: I wrote this way back in Sept. when I went to the beach (hence where I got the idea for the fic) but life happened and now it's early December. Please forgive the delay. Enjoy!
Chapter One
It was nearly time for the Danvers friends and family beach trip. Originally, it was just Alex, our parents, and me but over the years Winn and James came along. It was a week where all of us got to get away from whatever was going on in our lives and just relax. This year, we had a new addition; Mon-El.
"I know how you feel about him Alex but he's my boyfriend. I can't not invite him." Handing my sister a beer, I plopped down on the couch.
"Sure, you can! Just tell him it's a family thing." Tossing the cap on the table, Alex took a swig.
"James and Winn are coming and they're not, technically, family."
"Shit, you're right." Groaning, Alex leaned her head back. "Anyway, what are you doing tonight? Mom said it was just going to be the two of us."
Pulling a pillow into my lap, I fiddled with the corner. "Lena's picking me up. We're going to a press conference and then dinner."
"Oh, dinner huh? Sounds more like you're her plus one and then she's taking you out for a date. Way to go, Sis. When are you going to tell monkey boy?"
"Alex!" Tossing the pillow at her, I scoffed. "It's not a date! Lena knows how hard it is to get exclusives with the man who's speaking so she invited me. It's purely platonic."
"Platonic? Is that what kids call a date these days? Interesting." Winking, Alex laughed wholesomely. "Calm down, Kara. It's a joke."
"Whatever." Glaring playfully, I grabbed the empty beer bottle and exchanged it for a full one.
"When is she picking you up?" Taking the offered bottle, she continued. "Thanks."
"In about twenty minutes. I need to go get dressed."
"You're so lucky that you can get totally ready in ten minutes."
Laughing, I started towards my bedroom. "Don't forget, I can eat anything I want and not gain an ounce."
"Evil! Just evil!" Throwing a pillow, Alex turned on the T.V.
As I got ready, there was a knock on the door. "Can you get it? It's Mom."
"I'll never get used to that." Answering the door, Alex greeted our mother. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Mom?" Eliza's shoulders were heavy and there wasn't that normal motherly sparkle in her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"I've got some bad news. The beach house was destroyed in the recent hurricane. Mrs. Kelly just called. They had to evacuate and just got back this morning. Everyone is safe and thankfully no one was hurt."
"Well that's a relief." Before I could say more, Lena knocked. "Uhm, hold on." Opening the door, I spoke. "Hey, right on time."
Lena's brilliant smile faded quickly. "You're upset. What's happened?"
"Uh, you remember that family vacation I told you about?"
"Yes, the one you take every year with your sister, mother, James, and Winn."
"The neighbor called Mom and told her the house was destroyed in the hurricane. No one was hurt, thankfully. But we have to cancel the trip."
"I'm sorry, Kara. I know how much you've been looking forward to that." She paused, "Actually, you can use my family's house in Hawaii. There's three rooms so there will be plenty of space. We don't take trips there so I've used it for L-Corp employees if they wish to use it. One call and it'll be ready by tomorrow night."
"Lena, that's too much to ask…" This woman is selfless, I swear. What did I ever do to deserve a friend like her?
"Kara," placing a hand on my shoulder, Lena became serious. "I insist. Truly."
Before I could argue, Alex intervened. "You heard the woman! Thank you, Lena. We all appreciate it. How can we thank you?"
"There's no need, Alex. I'm just glad you all get the vacation you look forward to and deserve."
"Why don't you come with us?" Our mother paused, "I know you and I don't know one another but you're one of Kara's dearest friends. It wouldn't be right to not invite you. As you said, there's plenty of room."
"I couldn't. It's a family trip."
Eliza spoke flatly. "Mike is coming."
Lena's C.E.O. mask appeared instantly. "Well, then I guess I have no choice. I'd love to come." Tension was thick between the four of us. "We need to go. Our car is waiting. Ready?"
"Yeah. Let's go." With a polite smile, Lena led us out the door. Mom's up to something. I knew it was wrong, but I needed to find out what she was hiding. Focusing, I listened.
"What was that about?"
"What do you mean?"
"Mom, you baited Lena."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mike is coming. That was your ace in the hole."
"Kara?" Lena placed a hand on my forearm gaining my attention. "You have that crinkle you get when something's bothering you. I didn't mean to overstep. If you don't want me to go, I won't."
"No! I mean, you didn't overstep. I want you to come." A soft heat crept up my neck. My skin was on fire from Lena's touch. "It'll be fun."
"It will be." Squeezing gently, Lena pulled away when the car stopped.
"Ladies, we're here."
Once the conference was over, Lena and I went to our favorite Italian restaurant in town. After placing our orders, both of us were able to relax. "I'll make a few calls tomorrow morning to have the house ready for everyone."
"Again, thank you, Lena. The trip has become a tradition for us. I just can't believe the beach house is gone." Childhood memories flooded back causing my stomach to flop.
"I'm glad no one was hurt. A house can always be rebuilt. It won't be the same, but…"
Taking a sip of wine, I narrowed my eyes at the business woman. "Don't even think about it." I shook my head. "No way."
"What?" Her brow rose innocently.
She knows I'm onto her. "I know that look, Lena. You're already planning to rebuild the house and somehow make me feel okay with you doing it."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She tried to hide a grin.
"Lena," I warned. "That is way too much. I could never ask you to do that."
"But that's the best part. You're not asking. I'm offering."
"You're offering the rebuild a house." I can't possibly let her do this.
"It's your childhood vacation home. Would it make you feel any better if I say I'm building it for myself and I let you stay there?"
Staring in disbelief, I was speechless. "No. It probably wouldn't help." Smiling, I sighed. "You're still going to build it, aren't you?"
"Oh, you know me so well." With a wink, Lena topped off our glasses.
It was nearly eleven when Lena dropped me back off at my apartment. "Do you want to come up?"
"I would love to but I have a 9AM meeting. I'm going home and straight to bed. I had fun tonight. Thank you for joining me."
"Anytime. It was my pleasure. Night."
"Goodnight, Kara. I'll text you when I get home." With a nod, I closed the door and made my way inside.
Entering my apartment, I found Alex asleep on the couch and our mother in the guest room. Turning off all the lights, I got ready for bed. It wasn't until my phone buzzed letting me know Lena was home that I actually relaxed.
Xxx
"Can you just marry her please? It's obvious she's in love with you." Alex was dumbfounded when I told her Lena wanted to rebuild our beach house.
"She's not in love with me. Lena just…she sees how important family is to me. And, well, she doesn't have a family like that."
"So, she wants to become part of ours? If she continues to do right by you, I'll get ordained and wed the two of you myself!"
"Now Alex, don't jump to conclusions about Kara's and Lena's relationship." Eliza poured herself another cup of coffee.
"It's not a relationship. It's a friendship. Mon-El and I are in a relationship." I flipped the last pancake onto the stack. "Lena's just being nice."
"Speaking of monkey boy, have you told him you're inviting the competition?"
"Alex!" Our mother tried to stiffen a laugh. "He's not competition. I've told you this. But no, I've not told him yet."
"I wonder how he's going to react. And how the boys will react. I'll bring extra popcorn." Alex grinned as she reached for the pancakes only for me to take the plate. "Moooommm, tell Kara to share."
"Kara, you know Alex is kidding."
"No, I'm not."
"Alex." Eliza hissed causing my sister to wince. Laughing only gained me the same glare. "Be nice. Both of you."
"Sorry, Mom." Alex and I spoke in unison.
Later that night, I told everyone the new game plan for the trip. I conveniently left out the part where Lena was rebuilding. James and Winn were shocked that Lena was being so nice but were grateful. "Wow, I feel really bad for ever doubting her. She's really not a bad Luthor."
"It's about time you realized it." James grinned knowing I was right.
"So, why is she coming?" Mon-El seemed oblivious to the grand gesture Lena had made.
"Because she's the reason we're still going on this trip. And she's letting us stay at her family's house."
"Yeah, that she never uses…."
"Seriously? Can you not be an ungrateful asshole for even a second?" Mon-El started to argue but Alex cut him off. "And I swear to God, I will fill you with lead if you bring up how women acted on your home planet."
"What? I'm just saying…" Alex reached for her sidearm. "Okay. Okay. Geez. Calm down."
"Dude, you never tell a woman to calm down. That is the easiest way to get yourself killed." James tried to defuse the situation but it didn't help. "Well, please tell Lena that we're all extremely grateful for letting us use her place."
"I will." I'm so glad they finally accept Lena. Now if only Mon-El would too.
"Yeah, we'll have to do something special for her in Hawaii." Winn yawned. "Hawaii. Wow. I can't wait. Well, it's getting late. Space dad wants me and Alex at the D.E.O. bright and early. I'm heading out. James, you wanna share a cab?"
"Yeah. Cat's coming back so I need to get everything set for her return. Bye guys." With that, they left.
Xxx
We decided to meet at the private airstrip L-Corp used for their jet and helicopter. When we arrived, Lena was waiting outside the jet near the stairs. "We're flying in that?" Winn's jaw slacked.
"Yup. It's incredible on the inside." I didn't realize everyone else stopped walking. Turning, my brow creased. "What?"
"You've been in her plane before?"
"Yeah, she showed me this place after we became friends." Alex smirked knowingly. "We only flew to New York once for that Broadway show. Will you stop?"
"No comment." Walking past me, Alex waved. "Hey!"
"Nice to see you again, Alex. Greg will take your bags. Go ahead and make yourselves comfortable." Lena's smile grew when she saw me. "Hey."
"Hey, how are you?"
"I'm well. Ready for a little R&R." Lena gave a quick tour through the luxurious jet. The main cabin was decorated with dark carpet and white leather couches. Each table was made with a beautiful red wood finish. A plasma T.V. was mounted across from the couch while each chair swiveled towards or away from it. Through a door at the rear of the jet, there was a smaller, more intimate, room with a couch and a coffee table. Instead of a T.V., there was just a window in the room letting it's suiters watch as the clouds went by.
Once everyone was settled, we took off. "It'll be about a five-hour flight from here to Honolulu. From the airport, it's about a half hour drive to Waikiki. The house is right on the beach."
"So, like, we can drink coffee and see the waves "right on the beach" or legit walk out the door onto sand "right on the beach?""
"Alex," Eliza gave her the signature disapproving mom look.
"I'm just curious."
Chuckling at the exchange, Lena spoke. "Walk right onto the sand. There's a porch and right off of that you step onto sand. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels are all there. The kitchen should be fully stocked with everything Kara told me we'd need."
"A week's worth of meals for seven people. That's going to be a ton of cooking." Winn looked horrified. "Is this a good time to tell you I set my stove on fire this morning making eggs?"
"No need to worry. I enjoy cooking. Kara and Mrs. Danvers enjoy it too. I'm sure between the three of us we can cover things."
"Lena, please, call me Eliza. I'm sure after this week you'll practically be like family. The boys are just too scared to call me anything besides Mrs. Danvers."
"Hey!" James and Winn pouted because they knew it was true.
"Eliza, it is. The time difference will be a little odd because National City is three hours ahead of Hawaii. But I'm sure with all the excitement, none of us will want to sleep."
About an hour into the trip, everyone besides Lena and I fell asleep. "Kara," Lena kept her voice down. Raising an eyebrow, I gave the woman my attention. Nodding her head towards the far door, she moved quietly. Making sure not to wake Mon-El, I followed.
Closing the door behind me, I spoke normally knowing sound couldn't make it into the main cabin. "Is everything okay?"
Gracefully, Lena sat on the small leather couch. "Yes, you just seemed bored since everyone was asleep. And you couldn't hear the T.V. over Mike's snoring." Patting the seat beside her, she smiled. "Take a seat."
Gladly, I sat beside my best friend and let my head lay on the cool leather. "This is nice." I can feel her eyes on me. It's making my heart race.
"I helped design the inside of this plane. I hate flying but it's the safest way to travel."
Without thinking, I spoke. "I'll keep you safe if anything happens." Realizing what I said, I tried not to panic. Oh Crap!
Chuckling, Lena teased. "Right. What are you going to do? Catch me as I plummet to my death and fly me to safety?"
Yes, that is exactly what I'll do. I've done it before. "You're right…" My voice trailed off when I looked up at Lena. Her eyes were gentle and caring. The soft smile she had melted my heart.
"Well, it means a lot. Thank you." Getting more comfortable, Lena leaned against the palm of her hand.
"You're welcome…" Smiling, I felt another blush creep up my neck.
Arriving at the airport, everyone stretched and loaded into the sleek black Cadillac Escalade. "This thing is incredible." Winn looked around the back row in awe. James and Mon-El climbed in behind him. Alex, Lena, and I took the second row while Eliza sat in the passenger seat. The SUV was very spacious but I was still nervous sitting so close to Lena. Her leg touching mine caused fire to radiate from the contact.
"It is very nice." Our mother agreed from the front seat as she adjusted the air vents.
"I've got two cars at the house for us to use if we want to go out. Although, knowing how much of a lead foot Agent Danvers has, I'd feel much more comfortable if only Eliza and I drove."
"Holy shit, she jokes. The great Lena Luthor jokes!" Sarcasm was clear in Alex's voice. I couldn't help but laugh at my sister's expression. "Whose side are you on? Geez, Kara. Way to be a sister." Nudging me with her elbow, Alex smirked.
"I'm a neutral party here. I know how both of you drive." Oh gosh. Sitting between these two will be harder than I thought. They're both staring at me.
"Well, I am the one driving the Camaro and there's only one person I'd have by my side." Everyone's eyes were on me in one way or another. Oh gosh. Can I just sink down in my seat now?
Narrowing her eyes, Alex mumbled jokingly. "Traitor." For the most part, the ride was quiet. Everyone was too busy looking around. Occasionally, Lena would point out landmarks that we passed and told us a little bit about them. She's beautiful, intelligent, kind hearted, and so much more. Why can't I be with her instead of a frat boy who only thinks women are for sex or keeping their man happy? Ugh! I was brought from my thoughts of the C.E.O. when the car came to a stop.
"Duuuudddeeee." Winn's amazement rang from the backseat.
"This is incredible." Then James.
And finally, Mon-El who didn't seem that impressed. "Nice." Eliza and Alex were speechless.
"Miss. Luthor, I'll unload the bags. Feel free to show everyone around."
"Thank you, Greg."
Walking into the house, a round of gasps escaped each of us. "There's three bedrooms. I think the boys should take the master bedroom. There's a couch and, like all the bedrooms, a king-sized bed. That just leaves-"
"I pick Mom." Alex pulled our mother closer leaving me to with room with Lena.
"Is that alright with you, Kara?" Lena's voice was soft but took a turn when she noticed my blush. "I promise, I don't bite."
Mon-El was oblivious as usual. "Three men in one room? I'm a pretty open minded dude but-"
Lena's stare turned icy. "Somehow I doubt that. And you're wrong. It's two men, one child. You'll figure it out."
"Ooooh!" Mom elbowed Alex. "Ow."
As I unpacked, I felt Lena's eyes on me. "Is this okay? You and me sharing a room."
Glancing up to the mirror, I was caught off guard at the tenderness in the woman's eyes. "Yeah. Why do you think it's not?"
"It's just, this was supposed to be a family trip. I'm sure in the original rooming arraignments, you and Mike would be sharing a room." Lena's brow rose when she saw nausea wash over me. "Or not?" She paused, stepping closer. "Do you want him here?" Not knowing what to say, I was thankful when we heard a glass break in the kitchen. "What the…"
"I'll replace whatever broke."
"Only if I let you." Grinning, Lena opened the door allowing me to exit first.
I groaned internally when Mon-El was pouting outside the kitchen. "What happened?"
"Monkey boy was trying to be macho and carry six glasses at once."
My brow creased. "Six? There's seven of us…"
"Stay out of the kitchen unless supervised. I'd rather keep my home intact." With a simple deathly glare, Lena walked into the kitchen. "It's only three. Do you want to eat something small and us eat dinner later on as we explore the town or…"
"You're the only one who's been here before. It's kinda up to you." Alex poured us each some Pepsi.
"I'd say, let's hangout around here for tonight. Go to the beach tomorrow, and then figure out what we want to do afterwards."
"I'm not going to be that pale white computer guy anymore!" Winn cheered. "Wait, do you have a sunscreen with SPF 30?"
"Yes, there should be a few bottles in your bathroom. Probably under the counter. And there will be plenty of umbrellas to hide under. I told you, I prepared the house before we came. With Kara's help, of course."
Clearing my throat, I looked anywhere besides the kitchen. "Yup. I told Lena everything we liked to eat and could possibly need. I know you always forget sunscreen so she made sure we'd have plenty."
The rest of the day, we just hung out around the house. At sunset, we all walked along the beach and got our feet wet. The boys went for a swim after Mon-El started showing off. "Really guys?" Alex shook her head. "Always a competition."
"They're just having fun." Eliza laughed when Winn got knocked down by a wave he wasn't paying attention to.
"I know. Hopefully they won't drown one another." The entire walk, I felt Lena's presence near me. Glancing towards the powerful woman, the air was knocked out of my lungs. The sun's orange rays caught Lena's hair and face in just the right way that made her look like a goddess. Golly. There's not words for her. I don't know how long I've been staring. I should probably stop.
"This is nice." A content sigh escaped the business woman as the ocean breeze swept her hair back.
"Yeah, it is." Suddenly, I became quite aware that Alex and our mother were far behind us. "So, your family used to take trips?"
"They were more business trips than vacations. Dad did business with some of the corporations here and so each year we would stay the summer. Lex and I were basically on our own. But at least it was a change of scenery."
"Change can be good." Lena agreed and we continued walking quietly.
"What time do you think everyone will want breakfast?"
"Uhm, Mike normally sleeps until ten or eleven so he'll eat whatever is left over. I normally get up around nine when I'm not working."
"Oh, good. I won't wake you then. I normally get up around nine also. I'll make sure the coffee machine is preset to brew at 8:45. It's always nice waking up to the smell of fresh coffee."
Oh my God. Can I just marry her now? Please? "That sounds Heavenly."
"I had an espresso maker here but it finally died when Jess used the house last year. She felt horrible about it. I told her not to worry. The coil was bound to burn out eventually."
"Did she think you were going to fire her or something?"
"Yeah. That's exactly what she thought. Everyone at L-Corp knows I'm less strict than my parents but I still run a tight ship."
"You seem like an amazing boss. I mean, you helped Jess when her father had that heart attack. You made sure he was sent to the best cardiologist in the country."
"Thank you, Kara. You flatter me." Stopping, Lena looked around realizing we had totally left our group. "I guess we need to head back. It's dark."
"I didn't realize we wandered so far away."
Eventually, the house came back into view. Alex and Eliza were drinking red wine while the boys were in the living room watching something on the 72-inch flat screen. "I wondered when you two were going to show up." Alex poured us each a glass of wine. "I hope you don't mind. There's five other bottles in the kitchen."
"Not at all. It's our favorite so I made sure to stock up. I hope you noticed the Buffalo Trace I had in the liquor cabinet."
My sister's eyes grew wide. "You have Buffalo Trace?!" All Lena did was nod. Downing the half empty glass, Alex sprung to her feet. "I'm making a whiskey sour!" The three of us laughed as she dashed inside.
"Well, I see I made her happy."
Taking a seat next to Lena, I sipped the wine. "It's her favorite. Since it only comes out a few times a year, she tries to stock up. Last time it came out, she was out of town. By the time she got back, you couldn't find a bottle in National City."
"Next time that happens, let me know and I'll pick her up a case."
"What about a case?" Alex pulled the door shut behind her.
"Next time Buffalo Trace comes out and you can't get some, Lena said she'd buy you a case."
"Can I marry you?"
"Alex!"
"I'm flattered, really. But, I must decline. You're not my type."
Alex's brow rose. "What is your type?"
"Alex!" Mom and I spoke in unison.
Throwing a pillow at Alex, I glared. "That's just rude."
"It was a joke. Geez, Kara. Relax. We're in Hawaii!" All of us propped our feet up on the glass table and just listened to the waves. Leaning my head back, I let myself get lost. This I great. I'm here with friends and family. Relaxing with plenty of sun. No stress and the smell of the ocean, pineapple, and Lena's perfume.
"Your house is beautiful, Lena. I'll help cook meals and clean."
"That would be lovely. I enjoy cooking but for seven? Especially if they eat like Kara. That's like feeding a small army." Alex snorted as I glared.
"Not nice." I tried staying serious but smiled when Lena nudged me with her elbow.
"You know I'm joking." She paused, her eyebrows coming together in remembrance. "It's oddly adorable how you can eat fifteen pot stickers in one sitting and not get sick of them."
She thinks I'm adorable?! Wait, puppies are adorable. Maybe it's not the compliment I think it is. Either way, thankfully it's dark out here. She can't see me blush again. "Pot stickers are amazing. How could you ever get sick of them?"
"Most people can only eat like five." Yawning, Alex stretched. "I'm turning in. Breakfast at nine, right?"
"That's the consensus it seems." Eliza was next to leave. "Night girls."
"Night." Lena and I spoke in unison.
"I guess we better turn in ourselves." Agreeing, I followed the shorter woman inside.
"Night guys. Breakfast will be ready around 9:30. Coffee at nine."
"Okay." Winn and James continued watching some police show while Mon-El came towards us.
"Night, babe."
I felt guilty and disgusted kissing him in front of Lena. "Night."
Finally, I broke free to see Lena disappear into the guest bathroom. Ashamed, I changed quickly as Lena brushed her teeth and washed her face. Tapping lightly on the door, I waited for her to allow me entrance. "Can I come in?"
"Yes." Her voice was guarded.
"Please tell me you have mouth wash." I tried making eye contact with her reflection but looked away when I saw pain. Without a word, Lena placed a bottle in front of me. "I'm sorry you had to see that."
"He's your boyfriend. If you don't like him kissing you like that then don't let him." Her voice was harsh. Realizing how bitter she sounded, Lena sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."
"No. No. Don't apologize. This is your vacation too. You didn't come here to see that." Tossing back the minty fresh liquid, I swished it around for longer than necessary. No matter how long I do this. I still won't feel clean.
"Either way, it's none of my business." While her words were stern, Lena's voice was softer. Hurt even. I waited until I heard our bedroom door shut to hang my head. I want to cry. I've hurt her. Something I never wanted to do. I hate this.
Entering the bedroom, I saw Lena leaned against the headboard reading. She looks so cute in glasses. "I didn't know you needed glasses too."
"To read, yes. I took out my contacts before you came into the bathroom." Placing a bookmark, Lena set the book on the nightstand. "Shhh. Don't tell anyone."
Laughing, I crawled under the covers. "It'll be our secret."
Once I stilled, Lena spoke. "Comfy?"
"Mmhmm."
After getting settled, Lena flipped off the light. "Goodnight, Kara."
"Night."