A/N: updates are slower than usual due to busy weekend at work, but don't worry my weekend is Mon-Tue. I'll get this wrapped up for you!
"I think that she has a point, sharing a little of my story will help people to better identify with me," Kara is discussing the interview request with Lucy over dinner that night.
"She really offered you final editorial approval?" Lucy asks, she of all people knows that Cat doesn't offer that unless she has another angle that she can work to her advantage. "We need the offer in writing, so I can look it over before you agree to anything."
"Lucy, you can trust her, I do." Kara points out.
"Kara, I was her general counsel for the past few months, I know a little bit more about this side of Cat Grant than you do, she doesn't make concessions like this unless she's going to get something out of it. So what exactly do you think she's going to get out of this arrangement?" Lucy asks the blonde.
"She wants to help Supergirl and increase sales, that's always what she wants. It just happens that one of those things benefits me this time, so I think I should do it," Kara insists.
"Then let me sit in on the interview," Lucy suggests.
"You don't have to do that, I can handle Cat Grant," Kara answers.
"Kara, you haven't been interviewed by any journalists yet. And Cat is a pro, just let me help you with this, just until we're sure of her angle. I have to protect you, it's literally part of my job as Director," Lucy reminds her.
"Okay, I'll set it up and send you the information. I hope that Cat doesn't think I don't trust her," Kara says worriedly.
"Don't worry Kara, she'll know that this is all me," Lucy replies.
"I spoke with Director Lane about the interview request and she will allow it, but only if she can be present," Kara explains to Cat the next morning.
"Fine," Cat replies. "Did you pick up the changes from Fashion yet? I told them no on the tweed layout for the Fall issue. Oh and since the Fashion Director has sent me a tweed layout two years in a row, please contact our head hunter and have him begin searching for a new one, I'm firing this one at the end of the week."
"Uh, Ms Grant. Did you hear what I said about Director Lane being present at the interview?" Kara asks.
"Yes, there is nothing wrong with my hearing. I expected it. We'll work out the details when we cover upcoming interviews. Right now we're still on layouts for the Fall edition, keep up please," Cat relies brusquely.
"Yes Ms Grant. Next up are the Culinary layouts," Kara replies handing her the folder.
"These won't do, Graham Carson hasn't been a cutting edge chef for years, who approved this?" Cat asks.
"This isn't what they presented for approval," Kara realizes. "The proposal that you approved was for Cat Corea's Ocean restaurant."
"Find out what happened. This will not do, send it back immediately," Cat replies closing the folder and pushing it back across the desk.
"I'm sorry Ms Grant, I should have cross checked the folder with the proposals," Kara says apologizing.
"No Kara. The department director should be doing that, it is a basic tenet of their job to submit a proposal for approval and then submit the finished product based on that approval. Get the Culinary director on the phone, this is completely unacceptable," Cat replies angrily.
"Ms Medina is holding on one," Kara says returning to Cat's office.
"Thank you Kara and add Culinary Director to the list for the head hunter, we may as well replace her too." Cat replies quickly before picking up the phone.
"How did it go?" Lucy asks when Kara stops by the DEO that night.
"She said that she expected it from you. I have to go back to finish, but she's on a rampage today. We're working on the Fall layouts." Kara explains.
"Ah, I remember, she fired three people during the Spring layouts and I had to work out all the severance packages," Lucy replies. "How many has she fired so far?"
"Two Directors and one photographer. James is trying to get the photographer rehired, since he shot what the Culinary Director told him to shoot," Kara says walking over to look at the satellite feed. "Any news?" she asks.
"Actually, there is but not here. Why don't you stop by my place when you're done for the night and I can fill you in then," Lucy answers.
Nodding Kara agrees, then cocks her head. "I've got to get back," she says before rushing out the door.
Cat looks up and from the flush on Kara's face, she can tell that she's been flying.
"Kara, is everything okay?" she asks the girl. Cat has pretty much given up the charade of hiding her concern for the girl at this point. It's like pushing away a puppy and you can really only do that for so long, before it will turn on you. Although some could argue that Kara did turn on her, but Cat considers that whole situation as a warning that she was pushing her away too hard.
"I just needed a break," she replies adding a bright smile.
"I suppose I'll believe that for now," Cat answers looking down to hide her smile. "Would you send these files to HR, I've reprimanded both of them and asked for their resignations."
"Of course Ms Grant," Kara replies going over and picking up the files from her desk.
"When you return, we will discuss the interview. I wanted to wait for the bullpen to clear out," Cat says, hoping that will soften the sharpness of her earlier response.
"I'm guessing that Director Lane wants a contract specifying that you have editorial control of the interview," Cat remarks when Kara returns and they sit down to discuss the interview. She sits two glasses of scotch down on the table between them before taking a seat on the opposite couch.
"Yes, she does. Uh, Ms Grant I don't drink scotch," Kara reminds her.
"Humor me, Kara. It's been a long day and I'd at least like the illusion of discussing this in a civilised manner," Cat replies taking a sip of her own drink.
Kara picks up the glass and takes a tentative sip and wrinkles her nose. "Actually this reminds me of something my father drank after a long day," she remarks.
"You had scotch on Krypton?" Cat asks slightly amused.
"Something like it, I suppose," she answers. "Did you know that on Krypton, we were just normal people; it's only on earth that we have superpowers," Kara remarks.
"Is this something that we could discuss in the interview?" Cat asks. "I think your life on Krypton would be of interest to people," she clarifies.
"Uh, you really think people would want to know about that stuff?" Kara questions. "I mean, it's so normal and boring."
"Which is exactly why you need to share it, everyone in National City is normal and boring. The public can relate to normal and boring, what they can't relate to is a superhuman 25 year old girl who is not only bulletproof, but strong enough to fly through the air with 747 on her back." Cat reminds her as she admires the poise of the girl before her. Even just sitting there in normal clothes, she looks poised for action.
Kara flushes under Cat's scrutiny and picks up the scotch to take a drink and look away.
Cat smiles observing the girl across from her. She has such strength and poise, what is the point of the bumbling Kara Danvers act, she wonders.
"Kara, what is it like to fly?" The question is out of her mouth before she really thinks about it.
The girl's head whips back to Cat rapidly, her eyes betraying her concern over this topic. Technically they have flown together, although saving Cat after throwing her off the building probably doesn't count.
"You know that I've tried base jumping, which is controlled descent; flying seems different. You have total control over your movements up there. I want to know what that's like," she replies casually, hoping that Kara will understand that she's not bringing this up to rehash the balcony incident. "Can you explain it to me?"
"I-I'm not sure that I can explain it, it's easier if you experience yourself," Kara replies hesitantly. "Cat would you allow me to take you flying. You would be completely safe. I would never let anything happen to you," she says turning and looking at her tenderly. An apology on her lips, which she is biting back.
Cat almost squirms under that gaze. Unnerved a bit by the look on the girl's face and remembering what it was like to be in her arms, she finds herself uncharacteristically flustered.
"I'm sorry. Was that the wrong thing to say?" she asks concerned.
"No, I just didn't expect you to offer that," Cat replies shaking her head and reaching for her drink. "I don't know if I could do that," she admits.
"Of course, I understand," Kara replies, disappointment flashes across her face.
"Kara, it's not that. I-I-I am afraid of heights. Base jumping and putting my office on top of a skyscraper are just some of the ways that I have tried to get over it," Cat explains. "Not many people know that about me," she adds.
"Cat you are one of the most fearless people I know," Kara blurts out. "You tried to protect me from Livewire."
"She was here for me," Cat rationalizes. "What kind of leader would I be if I let my assistant fight my fights for me?"
Cat sits at home on her balcony having one last drink before bedtime. Confused by her reaction to Kara tonight, she's not quite ready to sleep. She hears a soft whoosh and turns her head quickly to find the source.
"Kara, it's two o'clock in the morning," Cat remarks.
"I couldn't sleep either," she confesses, landing softly and leaning against the wall casually. "I think I know how to fix this, would you mind standing up a moment?" Kara asks, stepping into her familiar warrior pose.
Cat considers this request. She is wearing silk pajamas and a light robe, yet she still feels a bit shy about Kara seeing her like this.
"Please?" Kara asks, not quite begging.
"Will this take long?" Cat asks trying to sound annoyed as she sets the drink down.
"As long as you want it to take," Kara replies smiling at her warmly, ignoring her tone.
Curious now, Cat stands and Kara walks up to her and places both hands on her waist.
"Step on to my boots, I'm going to float us," Kara directs her.
"Now?" Cat blusters, rolling her eyes. But its a false display of indignation as she quickly steps onto Kara's boots.
Looking up into the girl's eyes, Cat wills herself to relax. The feel of Kara's hands on her body and the closeness of her threatens to shake Cat's normal reserve. Then she realizes that they are moving.
"Oh," the small sound slips from her lips betraying her excitement.
Kara smiles. Rendering Cat Grant speechless has become one of her favorite things to do lately.
Cat strides off her elevator the next morning at her usual time and heads towards Kara. Lowering her sunglasses to get a better look at her, she nods a silent approval over today's ensemble before taking the offered latte.
Kara grabs her tablet and follows Cat into the office.
"Close the door," Cat calls out over her shoulder. "We need a moment to discuss last night," she adds.
Kara is unable to discern whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. She pauses to pull the door shut behind her, before storming up to the desk to defend her actions.
Cat looks up as she approaches and a sly smile creeps across her face. "I'm in. Kara, I want you to take me flying," she says, her eyes bright with excitement.
Now it's Kara's turn to be flustered, "Uh, y-you do?" she stammers.
"Yes, your little stunt last night made me realize that I really do want to know what it's like to fly and I did feel safe with you, so yes. Yes to flying with you," Cat says rapidly.
"Oh, okay. Good, but we can't take off from here, there are too many people who could see," Kara explains thinking aloud.
"My beach house is rather secluded and I was planning to spend the weekend there working on your interview questions," Cat explains. "Why don't you join me on Saturday and then you can review the questions? Should I send a car to pick you up?" she asks.
"Uh, no that's not necessary. What time should I be there?" Kara asks, still a bit shocked by this response from Cat.
"Mid-afternoon should give us plenty of time and I'll have Maria put together dinner for us while we're out," Cat adds.
Returning to her desk a little shell-shocked by the exchange with Cat, Kara sinks slowly into her seat.
"Kara is everything alright?" Winn asks curiously.
"Yeah, everything is good," she replies adding a smile to convey that she's being honest.
"So what was that about? She usually only asks you to close the door when she's upset, but she didn't look upset," he points out.
"We're working out the terms for an exclusive interview with Supergirl, but she hasn't announced it yet," Kara whispers.
"Oh, is that a good idea?" Winn asks.
"Winn, people are afraid of ... her, so maybe if they know more about Supergirl, they'll relate to her more easily," Kara answers.
"Oh," Winn replies considering that point carefully, before changing the subject. "Any word on your sister?" he asks carefully.
"Uh, she's good. They have a plan and something will happen soon," Kara replies cautiously glancing around.
