The first time they were alone.

Alex was all out of Scotch, normally it wouldn't have been an issue but after the night that they had she just wanted to kick back and have a drink. There had been a breach at HQ and it had powered down the holding cells. She had to take out several aliens and get them back in their cells, obviously Kara had been instrumental to catching a significant amount of the aliens but she needed to handle a significant amount and she was sore and had some nasty bruises. Swinging her leg over her baby she revved before riding through the city to the one bodega that stocked her scotch. Getting off the bike she strode into the store and headed straight to the isle with her scotch, she reached out and grabbed the last bottle only to find that there was someone else holding the same bottle. Alex turned to tell the person that the bottle was hers only to see the green eyes of Lena Luthor looking at her. Alex raised her hand and rubbed the back of her neck "Hey Lena, what are you doing here?"

Lena was holding the bottle of scotch and there was a moment before she looked up to see who the other person holding the bottle was where she was going to play the Luthor card. Instead she saw a slightly battered Alex Danvers looking at her with those sad brown eyes. Alex had been looking rather sad a lot lately and Lena wasn't sure why but she hadn't really wanted to push the other woman, although they had become friendly they didn't really talk about things that were important to them, not with each other. Lena appraised Alex; she had clearly been involved in a significant fight today, although Lena couldn't think of anything that came up on the news, where the DEO or supergirl had been called. Lena raised her eyebrow at Alex's question and smirked a little. "This is literally the corner shop from my apartment and it is the only place that stocks my scotch in the city"

With both women still stood holding the scotch they looked at each other for a moment, Alex eventually let go resigning to the fact that she would end up giving the Scotch to Lena anyway. It wasn't that Alex didn't want the scotch; it was more that Alex was actually rather fond of Lena, and although it wasn't easy to see Alex liked to keep her emotions close to her chest, especially as she was Kara's best friend. Alex smiled a little and grabbed a different bottle, sighing lightly, it wasn't as good but it would do. Lena looked at Alex and smiled back, thinking that Alex looked like she needed the bottle more than her she held it out. "it's ok Alex you can have this one if you like, I still have a little left at home, and you look like you need it more than me."

Alex looked at the bottle outstretched and smiled, "I tell you what Lena, why don't I get this and we can have a drink together?" Lena stood there for a moment looking at Alex, they had never spent any time together without either Kara or at the DEO in the lab, Alex had never shown any interest in expanding their friendship and she was a little shocked by the suggestion. Eventually she smiled and nodded, before saying "okay you can get the scotch and I will get the take away and we can have something to eat and a nice drink, my place isn't far" Alex looked at Lena and thought how beautiful she looked when she smiled, it wasn't something Alex often saw without Kara obscuring the view but this sight was all for her and it made her heart jump a little.

Alex paid for the scotch and held the door for Lena to leave the store and motioned towards her bike, Lena smiled a little when she saw it, she knew Alex rode a bike but hadn't realise it was such a beast. She raised an eyebrow as Alex slipped onto the bike and handed her the helmet, it was literally only a block to Lena's but Alex wouldn't leave her bike out on the street. Lena pulled her hair free from the high ponytail that it was in and shook it out before pulling the helmet on. Alex watched wide eyed as Lena shook out her long raven hair and pulled on the helmet. She had really never seen anything quite so mesmerising in her life, her brain still hadn't fully engaged when she felt Lena's arms snake around her waist. "Hold on tight Luthor". Alex started the bike and revved it to life taking off towards Lena's apartment with Lena holding her tightly. When they arrived at Lena's building the under street garage door opened and Alex drove down, Lena directing her to a space where there were a number of Bikes parked.

Lena slid off the bike and watched as Alex admired the bikes, she took off the helmet and handed it to Alex. "There are a few people in this building with amazing taste Lena, wow these bikes are vintage" Lena smiled and nodded "thank you Alex, if you want to go for a ride on one let me know I think that you are safe to give my keys too" Alex's eyes opened wide as she looked at Lena, "these, are yours?" Lena smiled shyly and nodded, "all the cars and bikes here are mine, this is my private garage, I have a bit of a collection" Lena blushed a little, her collection of cars and bikes were her guilty pleasure, although the apartment and clothes were all expensive they were for image, the cars and bikes were Lena's for fun. She motioned to the elevator and Alex followed, the elevator went straight to the penthouse and Lena opened the door. Alex stepped inside and stood just inside of the door; Lena kicked off her heals and placed her coat and keys on the table. "Make yourself at home I am just going to change"

Alex walked inside, the penthouse was not quite what she expected, it was big but not as she expected, Lena had eclectic taste, modern and classic, the place had books everywhere, magazines and notes about all sorts of scientific thoughts and projects, it was clear that although Lena was ordered in the office and the lab, her home was a place where she relaxed, as relaxed as one can be with all the heavy duty reading material. Alex was most surprised with the comfortable looking furniture in the lounge; she sank into the world's most comfortable couch and only looked up when Lena entered. She was wearing sweats and an over sized jumper, her face was clear of makeup and she was wearing glasses. Alex's breath caught in her chest, Kara had mentioned that Lena was more relaxed at home; Alex had assumed that this meant designer casual not this. Lena looked up and smiled, "so what shall we order Alex?"

Alex's jaw was somewhat slack and her brain was devoid of anything even remotely sensible to say. She was mesmerised by the look of Lena strolling in looking so casual and so undeniably beautiful and sexy in this comfy looking outfit. She seemed so different so at peace something that Alex had never seen before she assumed that it was reserved for times when Lena was alone or maybe with Kara, Kara was able to make anyone melt, even Alex couldn't remain mad or even annoyed at her sister especially when she pouted and she just put everyone at ease. Alex realised that her thoughts were not helping in the current situation and she had not answered Lena. She blushed a little "um I am happy with anything although something with vegetables would be a nice change" Lena Laughed lightly and smiled, "well that will be a refreshing change"

Lena moved into the kitchen and went to the draw that contained take out menu's she disregarded several on the side before picking out two and walking over to Alex. Alex had been watching her, she delicately shifted her weight from foot to foot as she examined each menu and absent mindedly played with her hair. Alex was struggling to keep her thoughts innocent; Lena looked so soft and sweet, but at the same time incredibly sexy. Alex couldn't help but think that she had made the wrong choice to come to Lena's, she had been developing a little crush on the woman and knew that Kara would not be impressed with the turn of events, Alex thought that Kara had a bit of a crush on Lena and it was the secret she hadn't shared with her, and that Lena was straight, that stopped her acting on it, even though she continually called them friends. Alex looked at the Menu's and saw a lovely looking Italian restaurant smiling up at Lena "how about this?" Lena nodded at her choice approvingly, "this place is amazing and there carbonara is fantastic"

They made a few selections and Lena called through with the order, not that it really surprised Alex but the restaurant knew Lena and was having the food prepared and delivered in 20 minutes. Lena's Italian was flawless and for the second time in a matter of minutes Alex was slack jawed. The more time she spent with Lena the more the woman surprised her. Lena was observing Alex and couldn't help but laugh a little at her expression, Lena was not used to seeing Alex so tongue tied and flustered, she wondered if Alex was a little uncomfortable being in her presence, she thought that Alex had gotten over the Luthor issue, the trust issue and thought that they were moving towards a friendship but she seemed so off her game. "Alex are you feeling alright, you keep drifting off, is there something on your mind?"

Alex shifted awkwardly for a moment and rubbed the back of her neck with her hand. She was not normally so distracted and Lena's presence really had her in her head, she often got a little flummoxed around a beautiful women, but this was Lena and they had spent lots of time together, pull it together Alex she scolded herself. Smiling at Lena Alex looked up, "I am ok, Lena it's just been a difficult day, I was just planning on a nice drink and a bath before bed, maybe I should have just gone home and not subjected you to my lack of general social skills tonight" Lena smiled back and Laughed lightly "you can use the bath and have a soak before dinner, I'll grab you some towels and something comfortable to wear, I'll get you a drink, and when you're ready maybe you would like to tell me about your day, you can stay here tonight"

Alex blinked a few times and looked at Lena, had she just suggested that Alex sleep over, Alex couldn't help but blush, was Lena propositioning her? Lena was straight right? Alex's brain had completely short circuited for the second time that evening and she stood opening and closing her mouth like a goldfish. Lena laughed loudly this time observing the state of Alex. "What is with you Danvers girls, I mean that's the exact look that Kara gave me when I suggested she stay, I am not that kind of Lesbian, I am not going to get you drunk and have my way with you Alex, there is a spare room and a guest bathroom, I wasn't going to let you drink and then drive home" Alex blushed brightly and smiled shyly "oh I – I didn't know that and well I wasn't implying anything inappropriate, if you are sure Lena"

Lena motioned for Alex to follow and lead her to the bathroom and turned on the bath, she went to fetch some clothes and towels and returned, Alex had removed her Jacket, and top she was stood in her bra and Lena gasped as she entered the room. Lena had noticed that Alex was incredibly toned and had an amazing physique before but it was not the vision of her in her bra that had caused the gasp, Alex was covered in deep red welts and cuts all over her ribs and back. As Alex turned Lena could see that they continued over her chest and abdomen, Lena's eyes were wide as Alex locked eyes with her. "I am sorry I was just bringing in the towels and, Alex what happened do you need to see a Doctor, this isn't just training bruises, I thought earlier you looked a little banged up but I never expected this" Embarrassed Alex covered herself with her t-shirt, "No thank you Lena I am fine, I have been seen by a doctor and I just need to soak"

Lena excused herself from the bathroom closing the door and settled on the Couch reading a little while she waited. In the bathroom Alex sunk into the bath and smiled, Lena had been concerned about her, which was nice it had been a really long time since someone cared for her that wasn't Kara or j'onn . Lena's bath was amazing and Alex could fully stretch out she was practically floating, she hadn't realised how long she had been in there until Lena knocked lightly and called through that the food had arrived. Alex sat up and looked at the door smiling her stomach rumbled and she realised just how hungry she was. "I'll be right out just give me five ok" Alex drained the tub and towelled off pulling on the sweats and vest top that Lena had left for her heading out to the living room again. Lena looked up from the table where she was dishing out the food and smiled "feel any better?".

Alex joined Lena at the table and smiled, "yes thanks you Lena this is perfect, something to eat, a place to relax, good company and even better scotch" she winked as she reached for the glass. Taking a sip from it Alex let out a small moan as the soft burn ruminated down her throat and settled in her stomach. They sit and eat sipping at the scotch and talking intermittently about various projects in the lab, after a while the conversation moved over to some of the drawings and sketches that Lena had scattered around. Alex listened to Lena passionately talking about all the different things that were flying about in her head. Alex saw the excitement and passion in Lena and asked questions offering alternatives and solutions to minor problems. Lena couldn't contain her excitement and hopped up and picked up some scrap of paper writing out formulas and other notations from Alex as she hummed happily. "Alex, this is so exciting, no one ever talks to me about this, they just mindlessly follow instructions, it's so nice to have someone to bounce ideas off"

Alex preened a little, she was getting a little tipsy and enjoyed the praise from Lena, Alex knew that Lena was a genius but she could hold her own she loved science and revelled in the opportunity to work with Lena. It was definitely different from kicking ass and dealing with escaped aliens. Lena looked up from her writing and smiled at Alex who looked a million miles away. "So what happened today Alex?" Alex smiled at Lena she had been happy that Lena wasn't there today in fact there were no civilians in the DEO when the breach happened so everyone was able to take care of themselves. "There was a breach, someone managed to get into the system briefly and it caused a shut down however that opened all the containment units. So all the prisoners were free and I was surrounded, and took quite a beating before I managed to get them in the cells, Supergirl helped a lot and between her and the agents we managed to get those all contained with no fatalities"

Lena smiled and walked over hugging Alex softly, It took Alex a moment but she melted into the touch and hugged her back. A small tear trailed Alex cheek and she wiped it away, so difficult for her to be vulnerable. Lena smiled, she hadn't seen this side of Alex and was honoured that Alex felt comfortable enough to relax even if it was just for a brief moment. She gave Alex a little squeeze and suggested that it was time to go to sleep that she had a very bad day and needed the rest. Leading Alex down the hall she motioned to the door to the right, "you can use this room Alex, I am at the end of the hall if you need anything ok, there is a spare toothbrush in the guest bathroom" Lena smiled at Alex and headed off down the hall, "thank you Lena" Alex smiled and closed the door, pulling out her phone she text Kara asking to meet for Lunch.