... and that's how it had all started. Small visits here and there from the heroic caped crusader... it helped, that small detail of care from a woman...a stranger who for all intense and purposes had more reason than most to hate her for all she's worth.
Monetary value excluded... It wasn't that much anyway.
Supergirl, the Alien being the world relied on, who was tasked with taking care of millions no billions of people- took time out of what must be an excruciating schedule to make visiting Lena a recurring theme. Somewhere at the back of her mind doubt surfaced in the form of Lillian's voice screaming 'she's keeping an eye on you, she doesn't care for you dear nobody does'
Lena really hoped that wasn't true, perhaps it was naive to think Supergirl was all Kindness and Stoicism but she really did not want to let Lillian ruin this thing too, even if she were a figment of her own imagination this time.
See Supergirl was the first person in years to look past her family name... so used to walking the public domain facing constant cat calls, distasteful looks, harassment and object fear... to have someone broach her as an equal... who might even enjoy her company was... jarring.
On one flip of the coin she was to be mocked, loathed, envied... she was intimidating... to those who she didn't know and on the other she was worthless, looked down upon, treated like she wasn't any better than dirt on the underside of Lillian's boot all because she wasn't intimidating enough.. she showed vulnerability, weakness... a difference of perspective and that ground Lillian's gears.. of that she could be certain.
Because that impeded Mother dearest.
That got in the way of Lillian's own agenda, her own ideals. No matter what it could do to her dear old daughter. All she wanted was to parade her around and be the puppet master.
So... Lena was ultimately enjoying the current ongoing feeling of being more than a little rebellious ... befriending a Super... that's bound to wind her up.
It wasn't a good idea, mother will not be kind but... who's she to turn down the first friendly hand she's had- Hell' enjoy it while it lasts... it's not something she's used too... support, company.. maybe even a shoulder to lean on at some point... okay don't get ahead of yourself.
Let's just see where it goes.. I doubt even the nicest women on the planet will want to be near you once she discovers your retched past and all that baggage.
...though don't we all have skeletons?
...I wonder what Supergirls are. I suppose... I could always dare to ask...
This might be the time to find out...
Knocking on glass Lena looked up to find Supergirl hovering...
Waving her in...
"You do realise that's not an entrance?"
Smirking, all swagger and caped charm "it's one of my very own"
Humming she asked "Drink?"
Supergirl nodded "Just water... on call tonight, so can't be flying on a full belly of liquor"
Raising an eyebrow "Does alcohol even effect you?"
Chuckling "nahh but gotta set a good example to the kiddos, the ones that look up to Supergirl."
..."you mean you... or do you always refer to yourself in the third person?"
eyes widening "Oh, ye-yes well.." slumping her shoulders- at Lena's questioning gaze "I suppose.. it's just... Supergirl is what I can do.. it's not necessarily all that I am.. Sometimes I forget that, forget that I'm her too, that she's still a part of me...really"
Lena gathered finished for her ..."but not the whole you."
The Kryptonian nodded shyly, asking "your not gonna ask for like a name now are you? Sadly I'll have to politely decline, it's not errr- safe just like I tell all of those other people.." Gesturing outside dopily...
Lena returned to the middle of the room, handing over Supergirls glass before manoeuvring to the couch "Sounds like you have a lot of people invested in you... I for one am not interested in family names just the person inside... so you don't have to worry." Patting the seat...
Shrugging "Ehhh mainly just the press and Cat Grant ... but she doesn't mean it, not nastily anyways"
Interesting... Tugging at her lip Lena watched as the super sat down... angling her cape to the side... i wonder how much that weighs...
Surprised "But isn't that what she's known for.. her brash?.. nasty... have at it attitude?"
The blondes eyes crinkled fondly "She is... but just like me that's not all that she is... she's-"
Seemingly lost for words Supergirl paused debating "-possibly the most warm and caring person I've ever know... at least once you break down those prickly walls of hers..."
Hearing Supergirl talk of walls, made Lena return to her thoughts of her own... was it really so easy for Supergirl to surge right past them? ... would she so easily see through mine as she seemingly did with the Queen of All Media... Surely not?!
"Is it hard? ...leading a double life?" I went for it...
Supergirls head cocked... inquisitive and seemingly determining as to whether she could really trust a luthor...
Shrugging... "Sure it can be... i mean... i may be alien but i have flaws... I have responsibilities outside of this job... I ... have problems, just like everyone else... and it can get complicated"
Blue orbs darting between Lena and the glass she caught the double entendre... smirking... deflecting... "Ahh so you caught that even I have.. ... a few small issues...?"
Nodding... "well in all honesty i couldn't help but notice you don't half drink alot... not that i'm judging."
Awkward... Supergirl turned slightly moving a palm until it hovered hesitantly over Lena's knee.. the mistake of accidentally making Lena uncomfortable... hand now resting against Luthor skin... a shiver spiralled down her spine as the memories came bolting forward... flinching suddenly... Supergirls face fell as Lena shakily stumbled upwards...
Striding over to her desk planting her glass down she put her full weight on the edge... leaning with both hands either side and her head tilted downwards. Breath quivering... Lena grabbed hold of the glass and downed it in one... letting the burn remind her of the mask in place and the role she had to play...
Flustered Supergirl stood... concern evident... hearing the change in the way Lena's body continued working... the roll of stomach acid as it splashed upwards against the muscles within her throat... the sound of a wavering breath and adrenaline spiking causing her heart to hammer in her chest.
Whispering... cautious... "Lena?"
That was the first time she's called me anything but Miss Luthor... it was too much... it was too close.
Sighing... forcing her shoulders to relax... Lena turned... trying her best to not flounder her immaculate reentry into this conversation...
Politely... aloof she added "It's fine Supergirl... now... if you don't mind..." Gesturing to the door... "If you could make your way out... i have rather alot of work to finish off before i go home... and i'd prefer not to leave it until morning."
Sending Supergirl an all too obvious fake smile... the Kryptonian looked perplexed at what she should do... standing for a few moments unsure she eventually started to move... respecting the Luthors wishes...
Hand hitting the cool smooth glass, Supergirl couldn't help herself partially turning... "I'm sorry if i made you uncomfortable... i... i shouldn't have been so forward... it's just... you seem like you might need someone... i just... if you ever want to talk.. just call okay?"
Gulping back her reaction... her outward demeanour stayed cool and collected even if her heart was a beating drum... and stuttered at that comment... "Thank you... but that.. won't be necessary Supergirl..."
At that she left... and Lena was left to deal with her own devices deciding to drown the screaming angry thoughts with the rest of that bottle of scotch... she'll leave her analysis of that interaction until morning.