"Lena, what is this about? It's quite late, why are you still working?"

It was almost 12 at night and Lena was just after calling Sam in for a meeting. She'd obliged of course, she knew her friend wouldn't drag her back for something pointless. But she did often worry about Lena's working hours.

She often stayed late and rarely slept. She was concerned.

Lena rose from her office chair and indicated towards the balcony. "Would you care to join me?"

It was dark out and the stars would have gleamed overhead were they not in the middle of a bustling city. Sam leaned against the railings, gazing down at the swift cars and glowing nightlife. The city never slept, only shone brighter.

Lena stood beside her, gripping the railing nervously. Or so Sam thought. Lena was on edge for some reason. She immediately thought the worst.

Lena was one of the most powerful women in the world—if she was frightened there was a reason. And that reason probably wasn't your average reason.

Sam reached across and placed her hand atop hers. Lena jumped but didn't dislodge her.

"Lena, what's wrong? You can tell me."

Lena chuckled. "I wouldn't say something is wrong. I… it's a little more complicated than that." Her boss ducked her head and looked back across the city.

A sudden wind picked up and she shuffled closer to her for warmth. Lena leaned into her, her grip tightening on her hand. For some reason, Sam felt her heart start to beat quicker.

Being close to Lena had that effect on her. It made her stupid and nervous, talking too quickly and accidentally embarrassing herself. If it was anyone else, Sam probably would have been mortified by now

But Lena knew her better than that. She saw past her nervousness and encouraged her to keep going.

"Speak your mind, Sam," she'd say. "I know you've a brilliant head on your shoulders. I trust you. Just keep going and say what you want. Trust me."

It was those words that pushed Sam forward. Working under Lena, she'd gone further than she'd ever thought she could. Before now, she'd been at office jobs or other things. But now she basically ran L-Corp in Lena's place.

Without her, she'd never have accomplished what she had.

"Whatever it is, you can tell me," Sam said softly. "Speak your mind… trust me."

Lena's lips quirked but it was replaced with a sadness Sam didn't understand. It wasn't sad, per say, but more a deep wistfulness. Like she knew it was over.

"Lena?" Sam squeezed her hand. "Lena, everything's okay, right?"

Lena laughed that soft laugh of hers. It was the controlled one that she used in front of others. But never Sam. She never faked it for Sam.

"Nothing what you're thinking, Sam," she murmured. "My life isn't in danger, nor is yours. This is actually a more… personal problem."

And she thought Sam could help? Sam suddenly felt a little out of her depth. They were best friends—or she hoped they were at least. If something was going on with Lena, surely she'd have noticed? She wondered if she'd be better going to Kara for help.

Lena nudged her with her hip, jolting her. "Cut it out," Lena said playfully. "I can see your panic on your face. It's something I know you can help with. Trust me."

There they were. Those special words she'd come to associate with Lena. Trust me. And she did. She trusted Lena with everything she had.

She knew their relationship was far more intimate than one ought to have with their boss but she trusted Lena with her life. She trusted Lena with Ruby's life. And she treasured nothing more than her daughter.

Sam nodded, leaning her head across. They fit perfectly together; Lena's head on her shoulder with hers on top. She slid an arm around her shoulder and drew her closer.

"Speak your mind," Sam breathed. "I trust you."

Lena exhaled softly, pressing closer to her. For a few seconds there was only silence before Lena finally started to speak.

"I know this might be… a little inappropriate for your boss… but I'm asking this as your friend, Lena—not Boss, Lena," she said quietly. "... em… would you care to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?"

Lena and Sam had gone to dinner before but Sam knew that this time was different. If it wasn't, she wouldn't have made such a big deal out of it. Lena was careful and calculated. She wondered how long she'd taken to ask her this.

Sam gave her hand another squeeze. "Are you asking me out?"

Lena coughed, refusing to glance up at her. "I… um… yes. That's exactly what I'm trying to do."

Her friend's blush was highlighted by the gleam of the city below them. And she looked achingly beautiful—she always did.

Sam pulled away and turned to face her. Lena gazed up at her, still blushing, looking unbelievably vulnerable. Sam smiled down at her before she took both her hands in her own.

"I'd love to," she answered, heart swelling at the way Lena's eyes lit up. "I've been wondering when you'd finally ask."

Lena's blush bloomed even more. "I… I… I've been trying to for a while," she admitted. "I finally decided to be a bit more forward."

Sam arched an eyebrow. "Wait, how many of those friend-dates were actually friend-dates?" She wondered if she was totally oblivious. Wouldn't be the first time.

Lena laughed, rubbing her thumb across the back of hand. "Don't worry, most of them were friendly. It's only recently I attempted asking you out." She chuckled. "Admittedly, I wasn't very clear about my intentions and you thought it was just friendly."

The wind picked up again, sending a shiver through both of them.

"I think we should step inside," Lena said. "It's getting a little cold out here."

Sam reached out and took hold of her arm. Before she could move, Sam leaned forward and caught her mouth in a kiss. Lena pressed back, wrapping an arm around her neck. The lights twinkled in the background, illuminating them in the night.

Sam sighed against her mouth and when she pulled away, she couldn't stop smiling.

Lena's cheeks were redder than she'd seen before but she was smiling brightly too. "I love you."

Sam felt her cheeks heat and hid her embarrassment with a cough.

"I love you too."