A/N: Sorry this was a day late. The snow we got knocked out my internet and then FFN didn't want to work last night.

Chapter Two

The next morning, I woke to something tickling my nose. As I became aware of my surroundings, I realized it was Lena's hair. The more awake I became, I began to panic. Oh crap! Oh crap! Oh crap! Please tell me I'm dreaming that my arm is across her hip. Craning my neck, I saw it wasn't a dream. I've been cuddled up to her all night. Craaappp. How am I going to move and not wake her? I can do this. Just move reaaallyy slowly.

"Good morning, Kara."

"Crap. I mean, uh, g-good morning." Turning quickly, I pulled the covers over my head in hopes to hide how mortified I was.

Feeling the bed move, I heard a soft chuckle. "What are you hiding from?" Carefully, Lena tried pulling the covers away only for my grip to tighten. "Okay, or smother yourself."

The room stayed silent until I finally needed fresh air. Pulling the covers down, I still refused to look behind me. "Sorry. I didn't mean to…"

"No need to apologize. You curled up behind me around two I think. If I minded, I would have moved you." Before I could reply, we heard Alex and Eliza in the kitchen. "Well, time to start the day. Come on before the coffee is gone."

Stretching, I walked into the kitchen and was greeted by a groggy Alex and our mother. "Morning girls. How did you sleep?"

Taking the offered mug, I yawned. "Good."

"Some better than others." Lena grinned as I nearly choked on my saliva. Alex looked between us not quite sure if something was behind Lena's statement.

"Well that's good." Eliza knows something. "What should we have for breakfast? Unless the boys wake up in the next ten minutes, they'll eat what we cook."

"As long as there's bacon, anything works for me." Leaning against the bar, I sipped the steamy liquid. "Mmm this is good."

"It's German so very strong. If you're not used to it, it may make you think you're Supergirl." Tensing caused me to inhale coffee and choke. "Are you alright?" Patting my back, Lena looked genuinely worried.

"I'm…" Cough. "Fine." Another cough.

"Are you sure?" All I could do was nod before the nightmare started.

"You okay, babe?" Wrapping his arms around me from behind, Mon-El turned my head to kiss me.

"Get off." Breaking free, I grabbed my mug and moved into the kitchen where I was safe.

"What? Are you on your period or something?"

"Oh shit…" James stepped back while Winn hid behind him.

"Uh, Mike, we've told you never to ask a woman that question. Especially if she's your girlfriend."

Taking a deep breath, I spoke through clenched teeth. "Winn, it's safe to come out. No need to hide. As for my cycle, no. I'm not on it. I just don't like being mauled first thing in the morning."

"There is not enough mouth wash to make that okay." Lena mumbled into her mug as Alex laughed into hers.

"Pancakes, bacon, and eggs?" Eliza eyed both women until they straightened up. The boys stayed out of the kitchen while Mom and I cooked. Lena and Alex set the table or helped gathering ingredients. There was tension at breakfast. More so since I was sitting between Lena and Mon-El. James and Winn offered to clean up the kitchen after we finished. Mon-El helped only after he was roped into it.

"Shall we hit the beach? Chairs and umbrellas are on the porch." I agreed quickly but realized that'd mean I'd see Lena in a swimsuit. "Kara, you're so red and we've not even been in the sun. Are you feeling okay?"

"What? Yeah…I'm f-fine. The beach sounds great." Smiling sheepishly, I hurried to our room. Sorting through the dresser, I found my blue bikini. Just as I finished tying the top, there was a light knock. "Hold on." Grabbing a towel from the drawer, I tossed it over my shoulder. "Come in."

"Hey…" Lena's voice trailed off as she looked me over slowly. Her eyes darkened and her heartrate increased. Realizing how long she had been staring, the C.E.O. regained control. "That was a quick change." Strutting over, the shorter woman gathered her own swimsuit and went to change.

"I can go. I'm done." With a nod, I closed the door behind me. Oh gosh. My heart is racing. What is wrong with me? The look in her eyes…I've never seen it before. It was nearly primal.

"You okay, Sis?"

Jumping, I stared blankly at Alex. "Uh…yeah…I'm good."

Narrowing her eyes, she studied me. "You sure?" All I did was nod. "Okay." Stepping closer, Alex whispered. "What did Lena do in there? You look like you're about to come undone with a single touch."

"Alex!" My voice squeaked causing everyone to look in our direction.

Snorting, Alex walked out the door. "Way to go."

"Oh hush." Golly. If it's that obvious, Mon-El must know something is off. What if he asks me about it? I can't think about that now. Now, I need to focus on not stammering like an idiot around Lena. Once outside, I leaned my chair back in the sand. Leaning back, I took in the sun's powerful rays. This feels amazing. So warm and relaxing. If I continue to snuggle with Lena at night, I'll need to make sure my grip isn't too strong. With all the sun I'll be taking in, I'm sure I could do some real damage if I'm not careful. The thought of hurting Lena made me sick.

"Well someone seems to be enjoying themselves." Amusement was clear in the brunette's voice.

"Yup. These chairs are great!" Shielding my eyes from the sun, I looked up to the business woman. Instantly, my mouth dried seeing Lena's toned stomach. Glancing quickly, I took in her whole figure and momentarily forgot how to speak. "D-do you need help with sunscreen?" Oh, Rao. Why did I ask that? If she says yes, that'd mean I'd have to touch her.

"That'd be great. I burn easily." Sitting up, I took the offered bottle of sunblock. "I got everything but my back." I waited for Lena to move her hair but she never did. With trembling hands, I swept the silky locks to the side. "Oh, sorry."

"No problem." Carefully, I sprayed the sunscreen over Lena's pale skin. I made sure not to miss anything. Alex always complains that getting burnt hurts so I need to be careful. "There you go."

"Thanks." After setting up her umbrella, Lena leaned back in the shade, burying her feet in the sand. "Perfection." James, Winn, and Mon-El didn't lay in the sun long before deciding to go for a swim. I made sure to flip every so often to keep up the appearance that I could get a tan. Honestly, I just flipped five minutes after Alex did. Eventually, I moved back to my chair and into the shade next to Lena. "Getting too hot?"

"Little bit. Can I share your shade?"

"Sure." Moving her chair over, Lena got comfortable again. "You may have to sit close. I'd guess you have about a half hour of shade from that far away."

Moving closer, I settled in my own chair. "You can really calculate that in your head?"

A devious grin pulled at the woman's lips. "No." I could feel Alex's and Eliza's eyes on us. "I just don't want you to burn."

Leaning my head back, I listened to the waves. "Are you going to get in the water at all?"

"Yes. Once the boys come back. Would you like to join me? And maybe another sunset walk when I can't get burnt?"

As always around Lena, I answered before I thought. "Sounds great." That sounded way too eager. Great.

Alex and our mother got in the water around one when the boys came back in. "Whatcha hiding under the umbrella for?" Winn spoke as he settled under the farthest umbrella.

"If you were half Irish, you'd hide from the sun too." Standing, Lena started towards the water. "Coming, Kara?"

"Yeah." Jogging slowly, I caught up with the C.E.O. The water was chilly at first as we eased our way in. "Ooosshh."

A soft chuckle escaped Lena's throat. "Once we get deep enough, it's better to just dive into a wave and get it over with."

"Yeah, just get totally submerged." Once we were out to chest level, Lena dove into an oncoming wave and I followed. "Hah." Sweeping her hair back, Lena wiped the water from her face. "I've not done that in forever."

She's breathtaking. Even more when she's happy and relaxed. "It's always nice."

We jumped waves and swam around for a good twenty minutes until Lena was tired and I acted like I was. "Maybe tomorrow we can go sky gliding. There's a place nearby that allows you to do that if the wind and weather is nice enough."

"That'd be fantastic." Or we could just fly. I mean, that's always an alternative. My stomach dropped realizing that I had to keep the truth from Lena. I'm lying to her. She's been so nice to us and I'm lying. I'm a terrible friend.

"You look sick again. Are you sure you're okay?"

She's really worried. "I'm fine. I just thought about sea food."

"Not a fan? But you ate the crab that one time we went out." A deep blush burnt a path from my neck to my ears. "You just ate it because I wanted to go, didn't you?"

"Yeah…"

"Kara," Taking my wrist, Lena stopped us before we reached the warm sand. "Tell me next time. We can always do something different. The last thing I want is for you to get sick trying to eat something you don't like. I want you to enjoy the time we spend together."

"I do enjoy the time we spend together." Much more than you will ever know. "I'll tell you next time."

"Promise?"

"Promise." I paused as we started walking again. "About Kale-"

"Nope. You're still eating that. You NEED to eat something green. Even if I have to force feed it to you." Lena winked before sitting in her chair.

"Kara, you looked like you were about to drown a time or two. What happened?" Alex tossed me a water. "You looked distracted."

I'm going to kill her. "Something crawled over my foot." Taking a sip of water, I offered the bottle to Lena out of habit.

"Thanks." Taking the bottle, Lena put her sunglasses back on. "I need to get the sea water taste out of my mouth. One of the very few things I don't like about the beach. The taste and how sand gets everywhere." Giving the bottle back, she continued. "Eliza, do you mind helping me sweep the main floors?"

"Daily?"

"Preferably, yes."

"No problem. I was planning to do it every other day already."

"Excellent. There's a shower station at the far end of the porch but, sand will still get inside."

"It always does."

Around four, we decided to pack up and go back inside. It wasn't spoken, but knowing Lena, it was mandatory to rinse off outside to minimize the amount of sand getting inside. "I'm going to grab a quick shower before we decide what else we're going to do."

"Okay." I watched as Lena disappeared into our bedroom.

Since the boys were still waiting to come inside, Alex felt she could speak freely. "So, the two of you are rather chummy."

"Alex!" I hissed. "Cut it out. She could hear you."

"She won't. But you don't even drink after me. And you gave her that water bottle like it wasn't the first time you guys have shared a drink. Kara, what's going on?"

"Nothing's going on. Now, shush." I smiled as Lena walked out of the bedroom and into the bathroom. When the door shut, I loosened. "Ugh. I feel horrible. I'm lying to her essentially." Leaning against the counter, I hid my head under my arms.

"Kara, do you want to tell her?" Alex got that twitchy look she gets when the subject of telling people my secret.

"I've wanted to for months now." I made sure to know exactly where Mon-El and the boys were. They can't hear this conversation. Well, Mon-El can't.

Becoming serious, Eliza placed a hand on my arm. "She seems trustworthy. But it's ultimately up to you."

"I don't know…" Before I could say more, the boys came barreling inside.

"Dude, Mike takes long showers. What the hell takes him so long? He doesn't have long hair. And he was supposed to just rinse on the sand." Winn groaned as he walked towards the master bedroom. "I'll shower later tonight."

Xxx

Over the next few days, we were on the beach during the day and inside or on the porch at night. Each morning, I'd wake up either in Lena's arms or her in mine. Keeping the truth from her was becoming harder by the day. And keeping my feelings at bay was worse. I never got used to seeing her in different bikinis and casual wear. Thankfully, it seemed Mon-El was so wrapped up in himself he didn't even notice how close Lena and I had become. We were nearly inseparable.

"So, as far as this trip goes, we keep with Danvers' traditions." Alex started triumphantly. "Which means, we still do karaoke. I found a little hole-in-the-wall spot for us. It's a cocktail bar called In Between Waikiki. It's got a 4.6 rating, not too expensive, and it's open until two in the morning. Who's in?"

"And this tradition, means we all have to sing?" Mon-El seemed a bit too excited.

"Yes…" Alex's voice trailed off picking up on his cockiness. "That means you too, Luthor. You're part of the family now. Even you have to embarrass yourself."

"I never back down from a challenge." A mischievous grin tugged at the business woman's mouth. Everyone realized there was more to that statement than what was said.

"Then it's set. We'll eat a small meal here and go for drinks and fun around ten."

After dinner, everyone showered and got ready for a night on the town. Eliza drove the SUV while Lena and I took her Camaro. I hummed along with the stereo as we waited for the GPS to tell us the next turn. "It's good seeing you so relaxed."

"You too. Who knew the powerful C.E.O. of L-Corp owned a pair of jeans or anything other than business wear."

Laughing wholesomely, Lena glanced at the small screen. "Yes, you were speechless when you saw me in night shorts and a tank top." Thankfully, she can't see how red I am right now. "I know you're blushing." Crap! "I didn't mean to embarrass you. I don't think anyone expected me to be easy going." Lena paused, "Besides you. And that's only because you know me. Not just the C.E.O."

"And I'm so thankful for that." I have to tell her. She must know I'm keeping something from her.

"Here we are." Parking, we waited for everyone else to arrive. There was a slight panic in the brunette's eyes when she saw a beat up four door in the parking lot's far corner. When Eliza pulled in, Lena snapped out of whatever she was thinking.

"You alright?" I whispered.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Lena glanced back to the car once more before entering the small club.

"Danvers, party of seven." Alex spoke over the music when the host greeted us.

"Follow me." Weaving around the tables, the blonde woman set menus at a large table near the small stage. Half was booth seating and the other half was chairs. Lena, Alex, Eliza, and I took the booth section while Mon-El, James, and Winn took the chairs. "I'll be back in a few to take your orders."

"This place is pretty cool. Very 90's hole-in-the-wall." James looked around.

"Yeah, I figured we could have some fun." Alex thumbed through the drink list.

"Lena freaking Luthor as I live and breathe." All of us looked towards the redhead who passed out waters.

"Victoria," a nervous smile ghosted Lena's face. "How long has it been?"

"Six maybe seven years. What are you doing back here?" Brown eyes fell on me. Seeing how close Lena and I were sitting, she went with her own assumptions. "Way to go, Luthor. Your tastes haven't changed." Water spewed out of my sister's nose. "Are you alright?" All Alex did was nod.

"You're mistaken." Mon-El started, "They're not together. We are." Placing his hand on mine, he flashed a half smile that drove most girls wild.

All Victoria did was nod. "And I'm a straight shooter. Anyway, what can I get you all?" Not wanting to stray too far from manliness, the boys all got beers while the rest of us wanted to get classic Hawaiian cocktails. Alex, being a bourbon lover, ordered a Tropical Itch, Mom ordered a Mai Tai, and Lena ordered a Captain's Demise. "You're up." I was still undecided. Everything looks so good.

Eventually, Lena came to my rescue. "She can have a sip of mine and we can go from there."

"Alrighty. Be back in a few. Open mic starts in an hour."

Once Victoria was gone, I spoke. "Thanks."

"No problem. I had the same look in my eyes when I looked at a cocktail list in Hawaii."

"So, you came here while your family was on business/family vacations?" Eliza delicately started the conversation we all wanted to know.

"Here? No. Our parents would have killed Lex and I. But we did go to a place like this a few times."

Unlike our mother, Alex just bombarded the subject. "That's how you know the redhead?" Glaring towards my sister, Alex shrugged. "What? I'm curious."

"Yes, sort of." Lena danced around her answer. "We met at a bar. She was the DJ and a part-time bartender back then."

"Back then?" Winn leaned forward on his elbows. "What went on "back then"?" The computer nerd cringed under my stare. "We all want to know…"

"Victoria and I…were…close one summer. But nothing came from it since I didn't live here." Before anyone could even imagine something to say, Victoria came back with the drinks.

Picking up on the tension, she knew exactly what was just said. "Yes. Yes. No. And good Godddd."

"Victoria!" Lena's eyes grew.

"What? At least I didn't tell them what I just answered. I'm leaving that to you." She grinned. "But it seems like a certain pup is jealous." With that, Victoria walked away. Leaving us in an awkward silent tension.

When everyone realized who Victoria was talking about, I grabbed Lena's drink and took a long sip. "I'll be ordering another of those…" Lena's voice trailed off when half of her glass was empty. I needed something to stop the burn that tented my cheeks. Holding up her glass, Lena got Victoria's attention for another.

An hour passed quickly, and it was time for karaoke to start. Winn drew the short straw and went first with his rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen. James was next with "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey. If our family vacations taught us anything, it's that most of us should never quit our day jobs to become rock stars. Alex had far too much fun with "I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain.

Then it was my turn. Dread filled my chest when Victoria took over for the DJ and smiled as she looked down the playlist. A mischievous glimmer shined in her eyes as she pressed play. I wanted to run when "Hummingbird Heartbeat" by Katy Perry started to play. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. Just let me run now. Taking a shaky breath, I started to sing.

You make me feel like I'm losing my virginity. The first time, every time when you touchin' me, I make you bloom like the flower that you never seen under the sun we are one buzzin' energy.

When no one started booing me, I dared a glance at our table. Everyone was cheering except Lena who had the brightest smile I've ever seen. She's cheering me on in her own way.

I was on the brink of a heart attack. You gave me life and keep me coming back. I see the sun rise in your eyes, your eyes. We've got a future full of blue skies, blue skies. Even the seasons change our love still stays the same. You give me the hummingbird heartbeat. Spread my wings and make me fly.

As the song finished, everyone, including Lena, stood and clapped. Placing the mic down, I nearly sprinted back to the table. "You did amazing, Kara." Lena smiled offering me her drink. "You deserve it."

"Thanks." Taking the glass, I sat quickly. "Who's next?"

"I'm up. We drew straws when you were on stage." Strutting towards the stage, Mon-El leaned over to ask Victoria to play "Sexyback" by Justin Timberlake.

"Oh God." Alex groaned. "I'm gonna need more of these. Hey, can we get another round?" A nearby waiter nodded and hurried towards the bar. When Mon-El started shaking his hips, Victoria looked nauseous. Other girls in the audience loved it and "spanked" Mon-El when he walked by. He was totally oblivious to the fact that I was sitting there as he flirted shamelessly with other girls.

Picking up on my discomfort, irritation radiated from Lena. As the song ended, she walked towards the stage calmly. Like Mon-El, Lena asked Victoria to play a certain song. Butterflies took refuge in my stomach when the beginning of "No Strings Attached" by Nsync started.

I see the things he does to you. All the pain that he puts you through and I see what's really going on. Staying out at night while you're by the phone. Take it from me, It's a lesson to be learned. Even the good guys get burned. Take it from me, see I would give you love. The kind of love that you've only dreamed of. Baby, you're not the only one. You don't have to be afraid to fall in love. And I know that you've hurt in the past, but if you want it, here's my heart. No strings attached.

It was clear to everyone who Lena had this song directed to. I wasn't ashamed or nervous about it. I loved how much emotion she put into the lyrics, keeping eye contact with me as she did so. But I knew the war she had finally started with Mon-El. What was once simple gestures of affection had turned into blatant powerplays. Lena was gunning for my heart and everyone knew it.

He doesn't give you the kind of attention that a girl like you needs. That a girl like you needs. Cause he always looks around. His eyes wander 'round. He doesn't see you like I see.

It finally dawned on Mon-El what Lena was trying to do. Lena dared him to come back on stage. And being himself, Mon-El took the bait.

"Uhh, should we…stop this?" James glanced around for any agreements.

"James, this is between Lena and Mon-El. Their constant battle has finally come to its climax." Feeling our mother's eyes on me, she continued. "Kara has to decide when it ends and who wins."

Rubbing my temples, I wished I could get drunk like humans. What have I started? This was never supposed to happen. I'm going to be sick. The melody to "What Do You Mean?" by Justin Bieber played and I wanted to die.

"You're kidding me." Alex scoffed. "What a prick."

"I'm not as up to date on pop culture as the rest of you. What's so bad about the song besides the repetitive lyrics and beat?"

"The video starts in a hotel with Bieber and a chick who, apparently, keeps him as a yoyo. Wants to make out but then pushes him away. So, he pays some dude to kidnap them both so he can be a hero and get the girl." All of us stared at Winn as he explained the video.

"Right. Okay. We'll talk about why you watch Justin Bieber videos later…." Alex looked back to the stage when the music stopped. "And now it's Lena's turn." Standing to the side, Mon-El waited, arms crossed, for Victoria to play another song. It was clear this had become much more than a battle for my heart to him. For all he said he's changed, the old prince came flooding back the second his manhood was threatened.

I won't lie to you. But I know he's just not right for you. And you can tell me if I'm off but I see it on your face when you say he's the one that you want. And you're spending all your time in this wrong situation. And anytime you want it to stop, I know I can treat you better then he can. Any girl like you deserves a gentle hand.

The gloves were off now and Lena was ready to land the final blow. She was ready to put everything on the table but it was different than Mon-El. She actually cared about me as a person. Not just someone who could help his status.

I'll stop time for you. The second you say you'd like me too. I just wanna give you the loving that you're missing. Baby, just to wake up with you, we'll be everything I need and this could so different. Tell me what you want to do.

My heart nearly stopped when Lena walked towards our table. Her eyes taking me in as she sang.

'Coz I know I can treat you better than he can. And any girl like you deserves a gentle hand.

Cupping my cheek, she continued.

Tell me why are we wasting time on all your wasted crime. When you should be with me instead. I know I can treat you better than he can. Give me a sign, take my hand, we'll be fine. Promise I won't let you down. Just know that you don't have to do this alone. Promise I'll never let you down.

"Lena…" My voice trailed off as I gazed into the woman's tender green eyes.