Kara looked before her at the scene that laid before her eyes. A small smile twitched on her lips. Lena and Alex were discussing the paperwork that was involved with the incarceration of Lillian Luthor and the signing off on her home and bank accounts, assuming that Lillian would serve multiple life sentences for her crimes. The documents were spread over the table in an 'organised mess,' Alex would call it (although Kara wouldn't name it that, instead she would dub it as chaos). The two were talking over a cup of tea as Alex helped Lena read and sign the legal forms.
It was two hours ago when Kara brought Lena into her apartment. Lena was again reluctant to leave her office but Kara persuaded her otherwise. She promised her that Alex would help with the filling in of forms and signing off on all legal documents which would lighten her worries and workload.
When Kara led Lena into the brick-laden and finely decorated apartment she carefully watched her absorb her new settings. Lena's been here once before, yet this time she seemed more indulgent as she scanned over the room. She noticed her take in every detail and reservedly smile as she could see the influence of Kara's personality in the design. Kara couldn't help but blush watching her. Weirdly, she felt as if Lena belonged here. In her home. Soon nervousness enveloped Kara as she wondered what Lena thought of her place.
To relax, Kara couldn't help but fine tune her hearing to focus on Lena's heartbeat. It was reassuring that her heart was beating just as fast. Kara found that odd as Lena's face depicted one of stoic and passiveness. Kara's always found that intriguing as in her habit of listening to Lena's heartbeat she would watch her expression for any hints that indicated her true emotions, yet it never did match, not until Kara saw her emotional breakdowns.
After Lena observed the living room, she turned to face Kara again who only just realised she was still standing at the door, looking speechless at Lena. Catching up to reality, Kara directed her to sit and got her a beverage from the fridge. Kara smiled proudly as Lena requested a water (she was glad she was staying hydrated after previously having several nights of heavy drinking). Kara opted for a strawberry lemonade, which made Lena smile at the sight. They sat talking for 40 minutes about anything and everything before Alex trudged through the door, being accustomed to entering without knocking. Though Alex was told of Lena being here, she seemed as if she was still taken aback by the sight of the girl, but before long she collected herself and kindly greeted Lena.
Since then Alex and Lena have been looking over the documents and discussing what they entailed. They sat at one end of the dining table, while Kara glanced over occasionally from the top of her laptop at the other end. She was working on another article for CatCo Magazine, concerning the recent attempted robbery of the National City Bank that Supergirl stopped (with the interruption assistance of Guardian, but she barely mentioned him, in spite because he wasn't a hero and people shouldn't so easily put their trust into him). Kara helped out whenever she could with the two, which so far has only involved making them tea to help them concentrate (and because Kara could see Lena beginning to get frazzled).
Yesterday, the article she and James co-wrote was published and well received by readers. L-Corp's stock experienced a growth in the market as business slowly started resuming again. The article also penned the truth to Lena's great deed of saving alien-life in National City, which changed the public's opinion of her, thus increasing her popularity. In fact, Lena told Kara of the increasing amount of clients that were interested in her business. She currently has Jess organising meetings with reputable and honest clienteles that will benefit the company.
Everything was beginning to fall into place for Lena, Kara thought. Except one thing. But Kara couldn't guess what that was. Around her, Lena seemed happy, but her eyes were missing a certain sparkle. Kara feels as if she's briefly seen the missing sparkle, however the moment couldn't be recollected. It was only after Kara found herself absentmindedly staring at Lena from across the table and in the moment that Lena returned the gaze trustingly that Kara realised. The missing sparkle was in the printer room two days ago. Right before the kiss - in Lena's moment of vulnerability. Though Kara couldn't be certain as to what the sparkle meant.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Alex shuffled some papers together and stapled them together. "Well finally that's done," she happily exclaimed, breathing out a sigh of relief.
"Have you finished all the paperwork?" Kara inquired, looking over at Alex who placed the stapled paper on a pile of growing documents.
"No… we're only half done. We still got all these to do," she vaguely gestured to the remaining papers on the table. "Being the last remaining Luthor outside of jail has left a lot of legal documents for Lena to sign," her sigh was accompanied by one from Lena, who tiredly leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms above her head.
"Oh," Kara replied, feeling a little dumbstruck.
"But we should have a break," Alex murmured as she rested her head in her arms, leaning on top of the table.
"I agree," Kara spoke, earning a light-hearted huff from the other two.
"You didn't even do anything," Lena pointed out, chuckling. She looked over at Kara who smiled back instinctively.
"I did plenty as matter of fact. I made you tea and I worked on my article…" Kara listed the two items, feigning exhaustion. Lena shook her head, smiling as she looked down into her lap and back up at Kara in a quick succession that intensified the glint in her eye. The second her eyes re-made contact Kara felt a slight tingle in her stomach.
Before she could think much of it, a phone vibrated on the table. Kara automatically looked towards it just as Lena reflectively picked it up and read the message. Lena's face tightened as her CEO demeanour took over, "If you could excuse me, I must make a quick call." Lena glanced over at Kara, before adding, "It's Jess." Kara nodded and Alex mumbled a barely comprehensible 'sure thing' as Lena stalked out of the apartment and into the hallway, closing the door behind her.
Kara carefully listened to their conversation outside and felt reassured when she realised that Lena was in fact talking to her assistant, Jess. They began discussing a client that represented Lord Technologies who came in 20 minutes ago requesting a meeting.
"You seem out of it, Kara," Alex spoke up, causing Kara to only just realise that she had gotten up and was in the kitchen.
"I'm listening to Lena's phone call," Kara replied, distractingly.
"You don't trust her?" Alex quizzed. Kara reeled herself back in and focused on Alex who now had an apple in her hand.
"Of course I trust her," Kara answered, assuredly. She's only ever doubted Lena once – in the hours and moment leading up to Medusa. She promised herself she would never doubt her again without hard evidence. In her moment of doubt it casted a longing shadow on her mind that felt like a dagger in her chest. Yet as time revealed Lena's act of betrayal against her mother and the feat of saving alien-life, Kara was reminded that she was veracious when she could see the good in Lena's eyes.
"I do too," Alex admitted, after a pause. Kara smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.
"I'm so glad you think that!" Kara exclaimed. She wanted Lena to remain in her life and knowing that she had the support of Alex (who on first acquaintance despised her) was reassuring to hear.
A silence fell over them as Alex's eyes queried over at Kara. In return, Kara raised her eyebrows in confusion to her stare. Feeling a little uncomfortable with Alex's beading eyes, Kara opted to go back to listening to Lena's conversation outside to make sure that nothing is wrong. From what she hears, Lena and Jess are now organising an impromptu Gala to present L-Corp back into the prying eyes of the public and cement the regained trust. Kara thinks it may be risky but if it goes smoothly (as it would with Supergirl in attendance) then it should highlight Lena's directorial of the company.
"So how long have you had romantic feelings for Lena?" her voice finally rang out, breaking Kara from eavesdropping.
"What?" Kara questions, half not knowing if Alex truly spoke those words and half to give her time to think of an answer.
"You're in love with Lena, Kara. You're not that oblivious to your own feelings, are you?" Kara is taken aback. She wasn't in love with Lena. She didn't think so anyway.
"I'm not," Kara responds, drawing out the 'not' in feigned assertion only to sound like a child. Never once has the thought of her being in love with Lena crossed her mind, yet she felt slightly strange in denying it. As if subconsciously it was a blossomed fact.
"Okay," Alex causally shrugs, not believing a word of Kara's denial.
"Why would you think that," she can't help but ask.
Alex laughs. "The way you look at her, the way you care for her, the way you radiate when she smiles back, and the way both of your eyes connect as if you're both conveying a hidden story that only the two of you know," Alex lists, before taking a bite of her apple as if her words were obvious.
Kara looked on dumbfounded.
"When I walked in earlier it seemed as if you two were in your own bubble where only the two of you existed in this world. Now, I may have been reading too much into it, but I would describe it as if you two were staring directly into each other's souls… while talking about your favourite cartoons growing up, nonetheless. It was intense, yet also sacred – I felt bad to have ruined it," Alex continued. "Also…" she drawls before vaguely pointing to the middle of her eyebrow. "The crinkle," she lightly reveals.
"The crinkle! Damn it," Kara despised. She shakes her head, chuckling.
"But don't let me tell you who you are. I could be wrong. It's just that… from my experience - being all the romantic movies you've made me watch - you seem like the titled character who falls in love with the mysterious loner. The classic case of when happy meets sad," Alex gently explains. As she spoke Kara couldn't help but notice the light-hearted eye roll at the mention of their childhood movie marathons. "My advice would be to just listen to your heart. Look within. Don't just take love on face value. It's more heartfelt; more real... And please let me stop talking. I'm sounding like a cliché supporting character," she fake gagged.
Kara has no words. How could she have responded? She felt as if her tongue went numb and couldn't have mustered a reply even if she tried.
Moving on, Alex takes another bite of her apple before her phone buzzes on the bench. Kara watches her as she reads the message and absentmindedly smiles, leaning against the kitchen counter as she writes out a reply.
Look within, Alex's words echoed.
Silence surges into the room leaving Kara a moment of introspection. For once in her life, she ignores the outside world, and the noises that follow, to be left only with her thoughts as company. She briefly wonders if this is what it is like for everyone else as they can't hear all the sounds of life or the whispers of strangers – they only had their thoughts, trapped in a bubble of obliviousness.
Naturally, Lena crept into her mind. But of course she would. Alex just explicitly told Kara that she thinks she's in love with the girl. The thought made her chest tighten. She couldn't be in love? In love with Lena. Kara thought that she'd felt love with James or maybe even Adam. But now she thinks it may have just been attraction to the men. With Lena it was more than a mere attraction, it had a grasp on her heartstrings and seemed as if it played it like an accordion.
Kara had to admit to the feelings she got around Lena, which she always put down to her desire to keep Lena safe – as she was unfairly boxed in to the malicious Luthor name. Though, she could just write them off as a mere bubbling friendship that was becoming poised to be eternal. Kara wanted Lena as friend. Yet, for a friendship, Kara felt stronger feelings for Lena than when she was with James and Adam. The love she saw on films couldn't even describe what she felt around Lena. But love? That's a strong word.
"Lena and I kissed," Kara spoke, breaking out of her trance. The words shocked Kara as reality caught up to her and she realised what she said.
"Wait, say that again," Alex's eyes widen, looking over at Kara. She put her phone down and began walking over to sit next to her. "You kissed her?"
"No – no uh, not exactly," Kara stammered. "She kissed me," she clarified. Kara found some courage and looked Alex in the eye, as she sat down next to her.
"So Lena likes you?" Alex quizzed, becoming entirely too interested in their topic of conversation.
"I – uh… I don't know. Probably not. She was just upset and I was there, y'know," Kara looked back down, wringing her hands together. A part of Kara didn't like the thought.
Kara thought back to the moment in the printer room at CatCo. It felt so intimate. It was surprising, to say the least, the moment Lena leaned it and her lips met Kara's. But after the initial shock wore off it felt only natural and she couldn't help but give in and kiss back. It was slow and soft, and so comforting that Kara couldn't help but feel at ease. Lena's lips were immersive, and so naturally at the intensity of the emotions it conveyed, Kara's eyes fluttered shut. The darkness didn't consume her, instead it sparkled as she felt as if a light exploded behind her eyes lids.
And she held on to it – to the tenderness and vibrant sensations that coursed through her. She held on as long as it could last. Until their lips lost traction and Lena pulled back. Time was slow to catch up to Kara as before she knew it Lena was begging her to leave. Kara could barely hear her own words as the memory became such a blur that she wasn't even sure if she said anything at all. But like an obedient puppy (though honestly it was the sparing thought of not causing Lena anymore trouble) Kara walked out, sneaking a final glance at Lena and seeing her crumble within. The sight broke Kara's heart.
As she exited the room, that day, she couldn't help but lean against the door. The one barrier between her and a despairing Lena. She fought the urge to just open the door and go back to console her. Instead she pushed off and used her x-ray vision to watch her. Becoming tearful at causing Lena to agonise in there, Kara forced herself to walk away and silently enter James' office to start working on the article. If there was one way Kara could help Lena it would be to publish an exhilarating article to increase business at L-Corp – the one place that she knew Lena sought refuge in.
That couldn't be love. This couldn't be love. If it were, Kara thought, then she would have gone back and comforted her. Right? Not leave her there broken. The films her and Alex watched always had the lover go back to the other in times of trouble, yet Kara walked away. She didn't want to but she did, but that doesn't matter. So Kara couldn't be in love with Lena. So why does that conclusion make her heart feel heavy and suffocating? A lie is a burden on the chest, a tingling thought countered.
"I'm so sorry for that," Lena abruptly re-entered the room, pocketing her mobile in her pocket. Kara looked up and met the eyes of an apologetic Lena. Kara cleared her throat and feigned a perfunctory nod (though on the inside she felt as if her thoughts and emotions were ripping into each other).
It was only then that she realised Alex had continued speaking to her while Kara was reflecting on her somewhat probable feelings for Lena. Though as Lena entered, Alex halted her next point in whatever she's been talking about to the daydreaming Kara. "Oh it was alright. It let me have an apple and have a great conversation with my sister," Alex replied, looking over her shoulder at Lena.
"Very pleasant," Kara fibbed, looking back at Lena as she sat back down. Lena smiled and nodded, unaware of the dishonesty.
"I love our sisterly conversations when Kara has her full attention on what we're talking about," Alex sarcastically remarked as she also watched Lena sit back down. "What were we talking about again, Kara?"
"Cats," Kara answered for some reason.
Both Lena and Alex were taken aback but looked on, probing Kara to continue.
"Like how can they land on all four feet when their falling from two-storey buildings?"
Both Lena and Alex chuckled at the randomness. Though Alex having a more sinister reason as she enjoyed watching Kara try to get of an otherwise awkward predicament.
A brief silence orchestrated the room, before Lena spoke, "Cats have a righting reflex which is their innate ability to orient themselves as they fall so that they can land on their feet."
"Oh," Kara replied, hardly expecting a real answer.
"We had a cat when I was younger and I asked the very same question to our housekeeper. She once worked at a Vet Clinic so she knew the answer," Lena explained. Kara saw a peaceful glint in her eye as she briefly reminisced at the relaxed memory.
"Well uh thanks for letting me know. I'll surely remember for the day someone asks me that question," Kara lightly laughed, though she couldn't help but feel awkward. She didn't want the silence to engulf them again or have a chance for Alex to probe the two about the kiss so she opted to change topics. "So what was the call?" She asked.
"Business at L-Corp is blooming thanks to you. It also served to improve the public's opinion of me," Lena replied. "And with that we thought that we would organise a Gala to cement the public's trust in L-Corp. I trust that you can contact Supergirl to watch on. I wouldn't want anyone else to get hurt."
Alex eyed Kara. "Yeah, I can get a hold of her," Kara replied readily.
Lena nodded in gratitude. "I was also wondering if you wanted to come," she directed at Kara as hope filled her eyes. Kara briefly looked over at Alex to see a smirk planted on her lips. "And also Alex of course," Lena quickly added, as she watched the interaction between the two.
"I don't know if I'll be able to make it," Alex spoke up. "I have work."
"I haven't even told you the date and time yet," Lena replied. Kara could sense a little bit of hurt in her voice.
"In all honesty, Galas aren't my thing. And also on a night like yours the DEO might need all the help it can get."
"Kara said you worked in the FBI," Lena replied, uncertain of the truth. She looked between the two Danvers expecting an answer.
"Oh! Yeah she did but – I… uh," Kara fumbled. She didn't know what to say.
"What she means is that I did work for the FBI, but I recently got transferred to the DEO," Alex coolly stated, assuredly. Kara breathed a sigh of relief as Alex jumped in. She looked over to Lena who seemed as if she mostly bought it, but there was still a glint of distrust in her eyes.
"That's interesting. How recent was the transfer?" Lena quizzed. "After Medusa?"
"Before," Alex replied. It wasn't exactly a lie.
"Of course. I mean there was a build-up of alien technology and Cadmus was running rampant. They would have needed everyone they could get, I assume," Lena spoke. She looked a little off to Kara. As if there was resentment in her words.
"The DEO holds great appreciation for what you did, Lena," Alex affirmed, also picking up on the change of tone in Lena's words. "They would be happy to give you a tour and a real chance to thank you," she added.
Lena considered the words, though didn't voice much thought at the invite. "Duly noted," was her only reply.
Alex nodded.
"So when is the Gala?" Kara changed the topic.
"This weekend. Saturday. 7pm," Lena listed. "You will come Kara?"
"I wouldn't miss it," she smiled. Lena beamed brighter. Though Alex gave her doubtful look knowing full well that Kara Danvers and Supergirl couldn't be there at the exact same moment.
"You can bring a plus one. A date, perhaps?" Lena words cut through Kara, breaking the minty moment. Kara watched as Lena's smile dimmed and her eyes became duller. Yet Lena didn't look away as if she was hanging on to every word Kara would reply.
"Oh…" Kara mumbled.
"Mr Olsen seemed as if he still fancied you. Or I'm sure you have plenty of men pining after you," Lena continued. "Take your pick."
"I'm not seeing anyone, Lena," Kara breathed out in discomfort. Her face felt warmer and she turned to glance at a knowing Alex.
"Well maybe just a friend then. I wouldn't want you to be alone in the crowding room of National City's glamourous."
"I'll find someone," Kara replied, feeling a little disappointed. "Will someone be escorting you?... like a date?" She couldn't help but ask. She found her heart quickening as she waited for Lena's answer.
"Mr Maxwell Lord," Lena revealed. She held no emotion in her words.
"From Lord Technologies?" Alex jumped in, her voice sparked in animosity. "Thank god I'm not going," she quipped. "I can't stand him."
"I know of his reputation. It's just business," Lena responded, tediously.
"Well we'll see each other there anyway. I can save you if he becomes too much," Kara chimed in, happily. Lena's eyes soared with emotions and Kara swore she briefly saw a glimpse of the missing sparkle in Lena's eyes. Kara couldn't help but indulge in the moment as a warmth spread through her chest.
"Or Supergirl," Alex remarked, looking over at Kara. "An actual hero." Kara knew that Alex was trying to persuade Kara from attending as she did not want to complicate the situation. It was hard to be Supergirl and Kara Danvers at the same event.
"I'm certain Kara could best Supergirl in this circumstance," Lena coolly spoke, her eyes never leaving Kara's. "Won't you?"
"Of course. I can either talk his ear off with happy things or try to get an on-record conversation of his recent dodgy exports to Metropolis. He'll probably leave us immediately," Kara chuckled at the thought of him running off. His God complex would go insane.
"Okay, but until then we should just finish this paperwork. I'll have to attend to work soon. It's also getting late," Alex interrupted, getting up from her seat next to Kara's and to sit back down at the other end of the table with Lena.
"Yes, you are right," Lena agreed. She grabbed a document and opened it up as Alex watched over her. Alex's initiative was to highlight points of the document for Lena to understand but Kara couldn't help but think she was also wondering what Kara saw in her.
And what did Kara see in Lena? Good? Kindness? Misunderstanding? She saw all of that, yet she also saw so much more. And what that was became a mystery for Kara. But instead of exploring she would rather opt to keep pushing it down, because she couldn't have heartfelt feelings for Lena. Could she?