Conversations on a Balcony

14

Kara was already at her desk when Cat sashayed across the floor from her private elevator, purse in hand as she talked animatedly on her iPhone. The reporter took a deep breath as her boss's eyes actively sought her out from across the room and she offered Kara a small smile. The younger blonde felt butterflies stir in her stomach as she smiled back. She was nervous, she realized, at the prospect of facing the now sober Cat in their regular work environment.

Yes, Kara had gently carried Cat to her bed before sunrise and tucked her in. Yes, she'd changed into her suit and flown to Noonan's to bring her back a latte (being careful to pour it into one of Cat's own coffee mugs of course) and yes, she'd stood watching Cat sleep for a moment before flying home to shower and change for work but... sitting at her desk, all of that seemed like a dream, like it hadn't really happened except in her most somnolent moments. Until Cat had, just now, smiled at her and Kara had felt the reality of it like a gut punch.

It took an hour but Cat finally pinged Kara on the company instant messaging system that she rarely used. Cat was always more of a fan of shouting for those she wanted to talk to.

Grant, Cat: Got a sec?

Danvers, Kara: Of course.

Grant, Cat: Come see me when you're ready.

Danvers, Kara: On my way.

Unsurprisingly, Kara didn't find Cat in her office. The older woman was standing outside on her balcony, her morning coffee, supplied by Eve these days, sitting on the low wall in front of her. She gazed out over the city, lit by sunlight and Kara sighed a little as she watched the rays play through her friend's golden hair as she shifted slightly from one foot to the other.

"Morning," Kara said as she joined the CEO. Cat's head turned; her green eyes gentle as she regarded the younger woman.

"You look pretty," Cat said mildly, taking in the sleeveless, fitted lavender dress Kara was wearing. The younger woman's hair was arranged in an attractive updo and Cat wanted so badly to reach out and push the loose blonde whisps back behind Kara's ear, she had to look away.

"Thank you," the reporter replied. "As do you... always." Cat's eyes turned to meet her again, slightly surprised, but then her impassive face slid back into position. There was quiet between them then and, just when it was starting to get awkward, Kara shifted a little closer and gently bumped Cat's shoulder with her own. "Did you sleep for long after I left?"

"I don't think so," the older woman replied. "The coffee was still piping hot." Kara just nodded and fell silent. Recognizing it was her turn, Cat sucked in a deep breath and then blew it out. "I think I owe you both a thanks and an apology."

"Actually," Kara responded with a smile. "You owe me neither."

Cat's eyebrows shot up almost into her hairline and she turned to lean her hip against the balcony wall as she rested her elbow on it. It put Kara's upper arm almost touching her chest but neither woman moved away. She regarded the reporter for a long moment, distracted by the play of light in her amazing blue eyes. It made her chest tight and she had to just breathe through it for a moment. "I feel like I... crossed a line," she said softly

But Kara just smiled again as she turned to face her, mirroring her position. They were so close, they could almost breathe the same air. "Maybe you can only cross a line..." she replied softly. "If the other person sees it as one." Their eyes locked and held, each woman barely breathing at first and then breathing a little shallower as their connection became heavy with something neither was ready to address just yet. Then Kara slowly put her hand on Cat's forearm. "You didn't do anything wrong, Cat. You asked for consent. I gave it."

Kara's rare use of her first name made the CEO's stomach flutter. She liked the way it sounded coming from her. "I had a really great time with you last night, Kara," she said. "I'd... I'd like to spend some more time together, if that's something you'd want."

The younger woman's eyes lowered for a moment and then lifted again as a tiny grin twisted her lips. "I'd love that," she replied. "My place? Friday night?"

"No game night this week?" Cat teased as she stepped back a little. She needed some distance to breathe before she...

"No, Lucy and James, and Alex are all out of town, so we decided to skip for this week."

"Then I'd love to," Cat replied. "Seven?"

Kara nodded. "Seven."