"Diana, this is a family matter," Clark turned to her wearily, "stay out of it."
"She's family, my sister and anyone would warrant my protection against such heavy handed judgement."
"Diana," Clark's handsome face was in a tight and rare scowl, "I'm doing the right th-"
"Do not dare put these two before the University." Her tone promised dire consequences if he were to force her hand.
"I'm trying to protect her." Clark was resolute.
"The only one trying to harm her future is you." Diana answered back, her belief unshakable against his claims.
"Dia-"
"Leave the premise." Diana interjected before he could continue. "If you wish to wallow in your prejudices and anguish over Lex then go and brood with Bruce."
"Bruce's concerns were… are legitimate." He was just as determined. "If I had listened then I wouldn't have to carry the guilt of the lives taken."
"Obsessive guilt does not justify your concerns towards Lena."
They were at a tense standstill.
"We'll leave?" Kara timidly supplied, she never wanted a conflict to storm between her cousin and mentor.
"Nonsense," Shayera tsked, "Clark, you started this whole scene and forced my wife to intervene which made me have to hunt all of you down, I get to say who goes and stays and I'm looking at you."
Shayera held up her hand to stall further argument, her demeanor hardened. "Personal prejudices aside you wouldn't have continued this disruption."
Clark was flabbergasted; it was about principles and shielding his own from another Luthor. He was about to say more when he saw Diana place a hand onto Kara's shoulder. He took a moment to truly assess Kara's state. He saw the pain etched in every line of his cousin's stance. He had caused that and he has apparently caused a lot more harm to her than he ever thought, he dejectedly shook his head. "You'll regret this and I'll never advise for something other than separation."
"Leave, Clark." Diana took a step forward, if it became necessary, she was ready to enforce her decree.
"I… please excuse my disruption Shayera, Diana…Kara," Clark was resigned towards the exit, but he had to warn his own, "watch that scorpion on your back."
Lena would always be ashamed for what Lex had wrought. For the lives he had jeopardized in his blind zeal. She has been attempting to make amends ever since his careless actions were brought to light. She pulled away from Kara, but the taller woman held on. "Don't, please don't."
"Kara…" Lena felt uneasy.
Kara had just gone against her cousin and wasn't about to lose Lena to his unnecessary condemnations. "Our conduct might be academically questionable, but there's nothing inherently wrong with you."
Lena could only nod. Words seemed to escape her.
Kara gratefully turned to Diana. "Thank you."
"Your cousin was lashing out and threatening you, but do not think I condone this, you're her professor, she's under your academic charge," Diana marched back towards the gala, but not before saying over her shoulder, "I'm disappointed."
Diana's singular utterance of disappointment represented to Kara countless unsaid marks against her character. It was hard to get Kara's cheerful attitude to waver, but she never could forgive herself for letting someone she cared about down. She was too serious on her deemed responsibilities not to be affected. She almost sobbed right there and then, but Lena was close and Shayera spoke before Kara spiraled. "Don't let that get you, Kara, c'mon kid, you stood up for yourself and do you know anyone more stubborn on personal beliefs than Diana, there's a part of her that's very impressed with you right now."
"Not about this," Kara turned to Lena and said rather apologetically, "Diana wouldn't support me breaking the rules."
"Kara," Shayera chortled, "I don't know how to break it to you kid, but Diana hasn't followed a goddamn rule in her whole career."