The next morning seemed deathly bright through the large windows of L-Corp. The view juxtaposed the dim and sullen mood of Lena's office, offering no sympathies to last night's conversations.
Lena shuffled off her couch in a hangover daze groaning at the displeasure of the aftereffects of last night's whiskey session. She toddled over to her in-built bar and poured a glass of water before taking a couple of painkillers to wane her growing headache and stiff muscles from her restless sleep on the couch. Her memory served her well in piecing last night's midnight chat with National City's hero. Lena's thoughts replayed the strained conversation with Supergirl in a regretful reflection.
"Ms Luthor, you're 11 o'clock has arrived and is waiting in the foyer," Lena didn't even hear Jess knock let alone enter the office, having been too consumed in her thoughts.
She turned and nodded to the young woman, "Yes, thank you Jess. Tell Mr. Mathews that I will be another 10 minutes then we can discuss the future of oversea business expenditure." Jess nodded and hesitated to leave. "Is there a problem, Jess?" Lena asked, taking another sip of water.
"It's just that you – and I hope you take no offense – but you don't look well, Ms Luthor. Maybe I should reschedule for another day?" Lena sighed as her splitting headache returned. In truth she just wanted to lock herself away and just sleep for days on end without any worries. To be relaxed in every way possible. The alcohol could only numb her thoughts for so long. But she could never dare. Business and life went on without her consent and it would only damn her will if she didn't keep up.
"No, leave it. Give me 10 minutes and I'll freshen up. Thank you, Jess. That will be all," Lena instructed. Jess turned and uncertainly closed the door, though Lena couldn't miss her saddened observation of the slept on couch again.
Lena has stayed in her office for the last several days. The first night she did return home and tried to sleep in her bed but it felt like pins against her skin, reminding her of the piercing realisation her mother emitted when the betrayal occurred. Her home only became barer and lonely with her guilt doubling in her thoughts. So she stayed here in her office, finding solace in her strictly-business formalities with board members and shareholders. Though only for so long could she push down her sadness and pain before it erupted in her thoughts with severity.
Her office shared a private bathroom where Lena walked over to sink and washed her face. Staring into the mirror was an unfamiliar person that was in dire need of quality sleep, with darkened bags under her eyes and wrinkles framing her forehead. Lena combed her hair and sprayed herself with her richest fragrance that elicited power when surrounded by associates. She then proceeded to touch up her face with makeup to hide any trace of weakness.
Before long, Jess came in again and tidied up the office, removing the broken glass shards from the balcony and making up the couch. Jess' was tight-lipped and restrained in not illustrating her thoughts about Lena's habitation of her office over the last few days. Lena ignored Jess' worried sideway glances and sat at desk and put on a jacket to conceal her worn out clothes. A moment passed and Mr. Mathews was shown in by Jess. He was seated before her and the two proceeded to talk business.
-o-
After a tedious hour, Mr Mathews left and Lena collapsed on her couch. The financial aspects of business always bored her. She grew up where money was never an issue so it only became a matter of numbers and decimals. What interested her the most about L-Corp was the technological innovations that came from her passion of good and her need to help people.
Lena pulled herself off the couch and walked back over to her computer. She decided to check her emails for the first time that morning where she was met with formal emails from business ventures, police confirmations about the proceeding of Lillian Luthor sentencing, and one surprising email from the Kara Danvers.
Lena paused, seeing the email from Kara made her heart skip a beat. Butterflies filled her stomach making her unsure of instantly deleting the email or reading it and seeing her excuse for prolonging the misery Lena's been stuck in. Uncertainly, Lena opened the email.
Lena,
Are you okay? It's 1am. I wish I could come see you now but my train from Gotham City gets in at 6 am. I will come by tomorrow to come and see you. I'm so sorry I haven't been there for you but CatCo has kept me on a tight leash regarding the Bard conference.
Kara
P.S I still want you in my life. You've become a great friend to me and I don't want this incident to ruin all of our memories together. Please stay safe. I'll be there in the morning.
The email wasn't much. Lena kind of thought it would be more heartfelt and apologetic. Though she became confused at Kara's mention of it being 1 am, before she scrolled down and realised that it was a reply to an email that Lena sent last night. Shocked, Lena quickly read her alcohol induced email to one Miss Kara Danvers.
Kara
I thought you were my friend. I care for no one else but you and thus you're absence has betrayed me. I feel like shit for everything I've done and it's only worsening because I can't help to think that maybe that's why you're not here. I know you lost your parents when you were young but so did I. Lillian and Lionel could never be real to me.
I hope your life keeps going well for you and I'm sorry I can't be in it anymore.
Lena Luthor
She couldn't believe that she resorted to drunk emailing her. Was she really this broken up inside? Lena wondered what Kara would have thought about it. Having received a midnight email that was incoherent to Lena's standards. Kara did reply within an hour but it seemed rush and held little value to her normal colourful responses. But she did confirm that she was away in Gotham City on work related purposes which eased a bit of Lena's distress.
Lena was used to the greyscale world around her that consisted of L-Corp business and her innate desire to write her own name for herself. But upon meeting Kara she awakened colour into her life and painted rainbows in her outlook which offered beauty and peace in Lena's mind. Though after Lena's betrayal to Lillian her world slipped from one of intricate colour and detail to a veil of red and black, showcasing that beauty is only situational. Kara's absence of colour further emphasised the lack of worth in Lena's life, she was just a hollow being following through on life's expectations.
Lena had come to expect fear and resentment of everyone around her, yet the reporter became a spontaneous element that enlightened Lena's expectations. Kara created her own tide which in effect pulled Lena in the moment she first met her. Meeting Kara and Metropolis' own Clark Kent was astounding but half-expected. Clark is a renowned reporter and it was expected of him to get the scoop of a Luthor's move to National City. Yet Kara Danvers, the unknown assistant to Cat Grant, she was the surprise that caught Lena off-guard. For her beauty alone could captivate the living world, but her personality could make anyone smitten. Everyone seemed to know this but her – let it be her best friend Winn, photojournalist James Olsen, or the new CatCo intern Mike. Lena, too, tried to overpower this infatuation but the ray of sunshine proved too pure and her aura was addicting.
"Jess," Lena spoke into her intercom on her desk. Lena wondered if Kara had actually stuck to her word and visited L-Corp this morning as she said in the email.
"Ms Luthor, what can I do for you?" Jess replied over the intercom from her desk outside.
"Has Ms Kara Danvers been in this morning?"
"She did come in and request to see you at about 9:30 am, but as instructed for all unexpected guests I told her you were not available without a scheduled meeting," Lena smiled at the thought of Kara coming to see her as promised. The smile, though small, was perhaps the first real one in several days, though it was short-lived.
"Kara is no ordinary guest and her visits should always be welcomed. No matter if unexpected or not in the books. Though I do appreciate you acting accordingly of my instructions, Jess. Thank you," Lena officiated.
"Duly noted, Ms Luthor. Would you like me to contact Ms Danvers?"
"No thank you, Jess. I'll do it myself," Lena leaned back in her chair. This was the moment that she'd been in desire of. Talking with Kara and being in a state of pure bliss as Lena would forget time around her. Yet a twinging thought pierced her and she fell crestfallen.
Would it really be the best idea to call her? To see her? Kara made no attempt before today. Maybe she just needs another article for CatCo. No, Kara's better than that. Still the thought of being used by Kara clouded her momentary ease. But would being used by Kara really be that bad? Lena would probably sell her soul for a cent if she could spend more time with the reporter.
Lena struggled with her thoughts. What would Kara's intentions be? Of good heart like she knows from her or of a hidden agenda? Lena was scared of what the answer could be. She wanted to scream her frustrations.
Before stressing any longer Lena snatched her phone and dialled Kara's mobile number that she memorised the second she was given it. Lena concluded that she had a lot to say to her which prompted this swift decision. The dialling tone sent shivers down Lena's spine she wanted so desperately to hung up and forget it. Yet the thought of the perky blonde answering and Lena being able to exclaim the pain that Kara has inadvertently put her through persuaded her to continue. Lena wanted Kara to know that she's been alone and struggling in part due to her absence.
"Lena?" an innocent voice buzzes. Lena swallowed at the lively tone which contrasted everything about her life.
"Kara, yes. It's Lena Luthor – uh…" Lena trailed off, unknowing how to continue. She was taken off-guard by butterflies that Kara's voice emitted in her stomach. "You came to my office earlier and were sent away. I apologise. I forgot to leave a message for Jess to let you in," Lena opted to leave out the part where she was sleeping off her alcohol induced state or for that the fact that her sober-self had no intention of emailing her last night.
"Oh it was alright. It let me go and have breakfast at Noonan's. Nothing like a potstickers in the morning," she lightly laughed. Lena could not help her own small laugh escape. Talking with Kara was always easy, which made it harder for Lena to make her feel remorseful for leaving. "Speaking of eating, have you had lunch yet?"
Lena almost felt guilty. She's barely eaten since the incident, opting to rather drink away her emptiness than fill it with food.
"No, I haven't had time," which wasn't lie, though Lena still felt shameful.
"You had the meeting with that guy, right? The one with the 80's moustache."
"Ye- How did you know that?" Lena quizzed, confused. Reflecting back to an hour ago, she did find it particularly unsettling of Mr Mathews' pornstache. It did not serve him well if he wasn't wanting to appear like either a middle aged paedophile or a low budget porn star.
"Oh! Uh it was this morning. He – I saw him waiting when I went in to see you." Kara stammered, almost phrasing her answer as a question.
"Our meeting was at 11 am," Lena stated light-heartedly, nearing sceptical. She loved catching Kara off-guard and watching (or in this case hearing) her stammer incoherently.
"He was – uh – early," she replied, again eliciting a small laugh. "But you changed the subject. Have you eaten lunch yet, Lena?" Lena smiled, her chest feeling light and fresh.
"Well in actual fact, you changed the subject," Lena coolly stated, her smile never leaving her lips.
"Did I? Well… I'm a dummy," Lena could hear the smile on Kara's face.
"You're not a dummy," she chuckled. Lena quickly spoke as she started to hear Kara rebut, "You're very clever, otherwise Cat Grant would never have had you as her protégé." Truthfully Lena found Kara incredibly smart. It was different to the sort of smarts that she grew up with – it wasn't scientific or evil minded like the Luthor family. It was more of a street-smart and investigative kind that was well suited for the budding reporter.
"Hmm," Kara hummed.
A comfortable silence fell over them.
"So do you want to get lunch? I could bring takeaway Noonan's to you or Chinese food. Or sushi? How about some Italian or Persian?" Kara listed. Lena felt her stomach growl and she was happy enough to eat anything.
"Whatever you feel up to, Kara," Lena answered. She just wanted to spend time with the girl. "Whatever else you can fit in that stomach of yours."
"I could eat for days on end, Lena," she laughed.
"I know," Lena spoke. Kara's voice carried on speaking about food and Lena listened attentively, enjoying the feelings Kara gives her.
In that moment, Lena lost all desire to make Kara feel remorseful. She just sought the company of her literal only friend in National City. The plague of dark thoughts were already fading as the bright angelic voice swaddled her ears and lightened her heart of the burdens it carries.
"So I'll just bring some Noonan's then," Kara decided after a rambling discussion of the best diners and restaurants in National City.
"That would be fantastic, Kara," Lena mused, sitting up in her chair.
"I can be there in half an hour," she offered.
"Again, that would be fantastic," Lena affirmed. In truth, Lena was kind of worried about seeing her again. All she wanted was to see Kara, but the cynical thought that she may have become too much of a burden under the Luthor name reminded her of her selfishness. Yet Kara was electricity and it gave life to her, without it Lena was becoming numb.
"I'll see you, Lena," she softly spoke, tugging a wider smile from Lena. The interlude silence before the dial tone gave her goosebumps. Lena gazed at the screen of her mobile before placing it on her desk in a dazed thought.
Kara was coming here in half an hour.
With that thought, Lena sprung up and immediately went to her private bathroom. She caught her reflection and paused. It was ghastly to her standards. Not thinking much more of it, Lena undressed and showered away her ghostly thoughts and pains. The heat of the water caressed her body and gave it the encouragement to meet Kara against the riptide that was attempting to pull Lena away from happiness. Her thoughts were trying to wield a sword through the lightness that was easing Lena's body the more she thought of the blonde.
Before long, Lena was dressed and had organised the financial paperwork from when Mr Mathews was here. She checked the clock and saw that she had 5 minutes before Kara said she would arrive. She quickly went over to her bar and took another two painkillers. It made her feel nauseous as it sat in her empty stomach.
A knock broke the silence before Jess' voice carried throughout the room "Miss Danvers is here."
"With food!" an accompanied voice echoed behind. Lena turned smiling as Kara nodded to Jess before entering the room. She seated herself at the couch as she placed the food on the coffee table.
"Thank you, Jess. That will be all," Lena directed at the pleased girl at the office's doorframe. Jess nodded and gave a quick look at Kara as she unpackaged the food before a final glance at Lena. Lena knew that her brain was ticking, but appreciated the eased concern as she left.
"I got a bit of everything from Noonan's," Kara stated in an innocent child-like tone. She had unpacked all 8 containers and organised them into two rows.
"I wouldn't be surprised if you bought out the store," Lena chuckled, walking closer to Kara. The echo of Kara's answering laugh erupted butterflies in Lena's otherwise empty stomach.
"Well I usually call in advance. Y'know let them prepare for my arrival," Kara beamed, looking up into Lena's eyes. A part of Lena froze when their eyes met. Green met blue. To Lena it felt as if the colours danced in a ravenous storm and birthed the creation of all colours in this greyscale world. Though unlikely as Lena soon looked away, as the feeling of greed crept into her.
"I wouldn't expect anything less, Kara," Lena spoke as she sat down beside Kara on the couch. "So where do we start?" Lena eyed all the containers of food. Her stomach growled in anticipation.
"Well boy," Kara drawled, in what Lena concluded as a response to hearing the hunger Lena's stomach exclaimed. "You can sure start anywhere you like! I don't think your stomach would care much," she laughed.
Though slightly embarrassed, Lena chuckled as well. "Well when your knee deep in a suffocating whirlpool of resentment, you tend to forget to eat," Lena mildly spoke, half in humour and half in bitter temperament.
The sudden silence overcame them both. Another regret to add to the list, Lena thought. She sighed, having ruined the otherwise welcoming moment. Though it was characteristic of a Luthor to shine negativity in all things happiness.
Kara cleared her throat as Lena continued serving food onto a takeaway plate, ignoring the now stifled air. Kara turned to face her, "You know that I truly am sorry for not being here for you. Something just came up suddenly. I wish I could have been here for you."
Kara's gentle words almost made Lena teary. "Not to be too colloquial, but it kind of sucked that you weren't," she whispered, afraid of the words she was saying. She was always told not to let fear be known to the face of people. It was weakness. And a Luthor never shows weakness. But Kara… She was her Achilles heel in Lena's suit of strong demeanour and attitude.
"I know it was a struggle for you… the last few days. But I'm here now, Lena. I'll always be here for you," hearing that was almost bitter in her ears. I'll always be here for you was a sick joke in Lena's consciousness. Lex would promise it daily. And he notoriously broke that when he turned on Superman and got prosecuted.
Scoffing, Lena pointedly spoke, "L-Corp is about to become a rundown business of broken dreams. My own mother is going to jail – because of me – where she'll join my brother and my father. These last few days have felt like nails against my skin ripping me apart and you weren't here. My friend wasn't here."
Tears were fresh in Lena's eyes as she spoke. Lena shakily shovelled a forkful of fried rice as she ignored the powerful stare Kara had fixed on her. A gentle sigh escaped Kara and she leant in to hug Lena's side. A sense of comfort washed over Lena and her tears escaped more readily.
"I'll do everything to make it all better for you, Lena. I promise. You can trust me," Kara whispered into her ear. Lena put her plate down (the best she could with Kara's strong arms around her) and turned to embrace her back.
Lena felt weak, yet more prominently, she felt secure with Kara around her.
"Lena, I can organise help for us to build you up again," Kara excitably pulled back, facing Lena. "I got it! James – he runs CatCo while Ms Grant is away – and can help me write and publish a piece on L-Corp, which will help business. Alex – my sister, she's in the D… um FBI – can help with the prosecution of Lillian, like the paperwork and stuff. And I can be there for anything else like making sure you know you are not alone. Because you aren't."
Lena could feel the excitement radiating off her like electricity. Her smile beaming like a single torch in a pit of darkness. Truth be told, Lena was sure that her smile could warm the sun. It could wholeheartedly warm her from inside out, that's for sure.
At that point Lena wasn't sure if it was another moment of weakness or a calculated decision, but she agreed to Kara's words. And Kara pulled her into another smothering hug that gave Lena her own sense of excitement.
-o-
Author's Note:
So this is my first shot at writing Supercorp, so please let me know what you think. Critique is highly welcomed.
Also this is my first time writing a fanfic in literally years so I hope my story telling isn't too horrible. But I should hopefully be able to update frequently as I have finished high school (yay) and have a lot of free time in between work and pure procrastination.
And one last thing I haven't used so I'm still learning how to operate it, which is why my first author note is one chapter 2 hah.
Thank you for reading!
