I don't own these characters; DC does.
Day 6 Prompt: Stitches
6: Held Together
Lena groaned as she checked her calendar and realized she had the Modern Art Gala thing. It was a mix of all the things she hated, which meant Alex hated. She was not sure if Alex would come with her, even if she had recently declared her love for Lena and might still be riding that high. It was just Alex had learned to hate these gatherings as much as she did and often for the same reasons. I guess we're too similar in that regard. The problem was that Lena often had to appear while Alex had the option to fall back, especially since Lena could always take Kara, who tended to enjoy these things. Lena sat back in her chair and her phone went off. Kara, not Alex.
"Hey, Kara," Lena said.
"Before you turn on the TV or check the internet, she's fine. She's fine. Nothing's even broken!" Well, none of that was promising.
Lena pulled up the local news on her computer and gasped immediately. "How is she fine?" From the image on the television, it looked like Sentinel went through a building. That was more a Supergirl thing than Sentinel to just walk away from.
"She's a little dazed, but she's fine. I promise. Your suit and helmet saved her life enough for her to actually get up and go about her day. She might be coming to see you right now."
"Might?"
"I had to get back to work and Alex just ran off. She's fine."
"So, you've said." Lena would find out soon enough, as it was very likely that Alex was headed toward her. But, her stomach was in her feet as she saw the images on television and the way Kara kept insisting she was fine.
"I mean it."
Lena would have to wait and see. It was a good thing she was not too busy, just signing off on some things. Things had been a bit calmer for her since coming in with the correct solution to her chemistry formula and firing a certain upstart researcher. Employees had fallen back into line and board members were reminded Lena was both a science and business genius. They could and would earn with her if they left her alone for a moment.
"Oh, are we going to that thing together tonight or is Alex going?" Kara asked, breaking Lena's thoughts.
Lena groaned and covered her face with her palm. "I already asked you to the Gala?" How did I ask her before I asked my girlfriend? It probably came up in a conversation and she barreled ahead since Alex tended to hate these things anyway.
"Yup. You said you were probably going to forget."
"I did. Well, if I asked you, I won't ask Alex, even though it's always fun when the three of us show up somewhere." It was nice to be able to shake up the establishment in a fun way rather than in some way that made her seem like a Bond villain. Of course, people took her showing up with gorgeous sisters on her arms as a step toward villainy anyway. Like she was flaunting a taboo lifestyle or collecting a harem.
"You might get a yes out of her if you ask today. We just had an adventure. Besides, I think she likes you showing her off, even if she doesn't say it."
Lena chuckled and then Alex was in her office. Lena felt light, but before she could express that, Alex was on her, kissing her. Alex cupped her face and kissed her with a fiery passion she was used to after saving lives or the city. Lena moaned against her lips and delighted in the feel of her tongue.
"Still on the phone!" Kara reminded them.
Lena laughed and Alex pulled away, so Lena could deal with Kara. "We're both very sorry about that. But, Alex is okay as you said. I'm going to… debrief about the suit."
"Is that what you're calling it now?" Kara laughed. "Ask her about the Gala. I know that's your least favorite of the charity events."
"What's this about least favorite events?" Alex asked, kissing Lena's neck.
"The Modern Art Gala. It's not really a charity event in my thoughts. It's more patronizing young artists. We raise money for minor artists. I like the cause, but the people who come to this thing…" Lena rolled her eyes. For whatever reason, art brought out the snobbiest of wealthy people. And for some reason, they all acted like they had art degrees of some kind or could create art across multiple mediums. Who really wanted to deal with that?
Alex did not let up on kissing her neck. "You already asked Kara to this thing, didn't you?"
"Of course, I did. You'd hate it. I hate it."
"I don't mind it!" Kara chirped. Kara delighted in the art and food. She also liked checking people on their art knowledge. While tons of people like to pretend they knew art, Kara had made it her business to become an art historian, amass a vast knowledge of mediums, and know as many artists as possible. While people were busy pulling things out their asses, Kara was ready to school them on matters. She claimed it helped her art, but Lena knew Kara was too much like Alex to not enjoy putting people in their places when they tried to belittle people for no reason.
"I don't imagine you do. You always talked my ear off about those things when Lena took you before. I don't get the hype personally," Alex said.
"You and me both, but I like to see Kara at these things and I love to see you both there," Lena said.
"We're all going, it's settled! Bye!" Kara hung up.
"Well, it's a good thing I hold enough sway to get us all in. I mean, it's not like tickets exist or anything," Lena said.
Alex chuckled, still pressed against Lena's neck. Lena put the phone down and wrapped Alex in a tight hug. Alex returned the embrace. Lena breathed a sigh of relief that she felt through every fiber of her being.
"I was so scared," Lena whispered.
Alex pulled back. "That's why Kara called you as soon as she could, just in case you were watching or someone said something. But, Lena, sweetheart, do you know what just happened?"
"Uh, you nearly died?"
Alex laughed. "No. This was so much easier with Brainy. I didn't nearly die. I didn't even come close. Your suit is a work of art. Brilliance. You and Brainy have done the most amazing job on my suit. So amazing." She kissed Lena.
Lena caressed the side of her head. "I'm so happy you're okay."
"The suit did more than save my life. You should be more than proud of this thing you created. It allows me to do so much good."
"I'm happy it allows you to be yourself and keeps you safe." She had to kiss Alex again, to know she was alive and well. Alex kissed back and it made Lena's toes curled. She might be open to skipping the rest of the day if Alex dared to suggest it. "I'm so glad you're okay." It needed to be said as often as possible for Alex to truly get it.
"Okay enough to accompany you to this Gala thing?" Alex asked.
Lena searched Alex's eyes. "You sure you want to? I mean, it is the worst of the things I have to attend. It's full of old money, who hate new money. It's full of businesspeople, who hate art, but want to be seen. It's full of just terrible people, who want to be photographed pretending they're good people. And they all want everyone to believe they're supremely cultured, so they all must be art experts, when they are nothing of the sort."
Alex smiled. "And I want to be there to stand by you, as I know how much you hate these. We can hate them together."
"You really are the perfect woman," Lena said.
Alex laughed. "And you saying these things are clear signs that the line is thin between brilliance and madness."
Lena's heart fluttered at this and she had to stare into Alex's eyes. It was there she realized it. She cupped Alex's cheek and kissed the end of her nose.
"I love you," Lena said.
Alex gasped. Her mouth moved, but nothing came out. Lena grinned at her and kissed her, on the mouth that time. Alex kissed her back.
"What brought that on, not that I'm complaining of course?" Alex asked.
"One, you being alive is wonderful. Two, you willing to put up with this nonsense for me is glorious. Three, you made that joke and it didn't hurt me. I didn't doubt myself, even for a moment. You did that to me. Well, you and the alien attached to your butt."
Alex chuckled. "You know she'll forever claim she knew you first."
"She's not wrong. But, it doesn't matter. So, I guess we're going to this thing. It is going to be horrible."
Alex smiled. "Tell me and Kara how we can make this the best for you. We can even tell people we're your dates and your bodyguards."
Lena could not help laughing. "Okay, we're definitely doing that. The Danvers sisters are my dates and personal bodyguards. I love it."
"I'll even restrain someone if you ask nicely."
Lena scoffed. "You'd do it even if I didn't ask. But, this will be fine." They usually let people make up their own narrative as to why Lena had two dates, but it would be fun to throw their own things into the mix. Events no longer had to be stuffy, boring, or her struggling to explain concepts to people unwilling or unable to comprehend. Now, it could be about her getting a chance to mess with the crowd instead. How delightful.
-8-8-8-8-
Lena liked dressing Kara and Alex for events. It was a rare thing, but it happened. Sometimes, she got them matching dresses, but today, she went with something different, in case they did tell people they were her bodyguards. Matching suits of different colors, blue for Alex and pink for Kara. Alex had on a pink shirt with her suit while Kara had a blue on for hers. Kara had on high heels, allowing her to loom over people even more so than she already did. Alex had on black boots for the intimidation factor. Somehow, boots just made her soldier's aura flare out.
Lena had a deep blue dress with pink trimming and they all had on matching accessories, just to confuse people. Most of her circles were aware of who they all were and they liked to think she was dating both Danvers sisters because they could not understand why she showed up to events with her partner and her best friend. The outfits would not help matters and people would slip while conversing with them, either saying something out of pocket or take inappropriate pauses as they try to figure out how to refer to them.
Kara rolled her shoulders as they sat in the car, on their way to the Gala. Usually, she would not wear a suit, enjoying an excuse to really dress up in her best clothes, but she and Alex were very committed to making Lena happy. Alex swatted at Kara as she rolled her shoulders once more.
"Stop it or you'll tear the jacket. You look good," Alex said. "Of course, I look better."
Kara blew a raspberry. "Oh, please. We both know I pull this off way better than you." She grinned and tilted her head, like that was a headshot.
Lena shook her head. "Did I do this to you two or is this the natural progression of your sibling relationship?"
Kara and Alex just looked at each other. They did not have the answer. It was fine, though, as long as they were fine. The car pulled to a halt and they got out of the car to dazzle the cameras of the society page. They played the press and then made their way inside.
It was inside where things got annoying. As she was arm-in-arm with both Danvers sisters, glances and whispers started. Kara's face twitched. Lena fought down asking Kara for a play-by-play. She could guess, as she had heard it all. Alex walked like bullets bounced off of her, even though she knew everyone was talking about them as much as Lena and Kara knew. Their strong, united front added to their mystic.
"Lena, darling," began the line of false welcomes, starting with millionaire snob Beatrix Palmer. Her hunched husband stood by her side, looking like a living and breathing version of Mister Burns. "Looking lovely as usual, along with your two companions again. Dressed liked twins. A strange happening for adults."
"Sisters sometimes like to dress alike, even as adults," Kara replied, earning a very disgusted look from the couple.
"Yes, which one is the partner again?" the husband asked.
Lena smiled. "We're all still trying to figure that out."
"We are?" Kara looked between them.
"Of course." Lena grinned.
It was like a signal to the rest of the room to approach them. Everyone pretended to be friendly, but there was always a bite underneath their words. They attacked at all angles. It was pretty boring. Some of them, Alex was able to scare off with a glare, but for the most part, that did not work. Everyone in the room was used to being in power, so they did not frighten easily. Kara went with the "kill with kindness" approach, which weirdly enough was the most effective. She smiled through everything being said to her and then shot off facts about the art or retorted with a positive thing about Lena or Alex. People who were used to thinly concealed insults did not know what to do with Kara.
Then came the horrible Milton Monroe. He was a middle-aged man, considered handsome by most. He was also handsy and a pervert. He never failed to whisper dirty things into Lena's ear when he greeted her. He did not fail to disappoint. He came in for a greeting, shaking her hand, and pulling her close.
"I see you're out with your harem today. They look handsome, but I'm sure a talented man would be better for you," he said into her ear.
"You speak from experience?" she replied with a polite smile.
"I think you'd like my experience," he said and his eyes sparkled.
Lena held in a groan. This could go on for quite some time. He was not the sort to let her get the better of him, in his opinion anyway. Lena never backed away until she won.
Unfortunately, he got more and more vulgar as things went on, as well as commenting on her lab. As it turned out, some of her scientists liked to talk out of school and mention her formula error to rivals, but she had knowledge to fight him back on that, even though there would be an investigation and some firings as soon as she got back to L-Corp. Then, it seemed like he noticed he was losing the bout and had the nerve caress her hip while eyeing her Danvers sisters and asking her if they had matching leashes as well. Lena was not sure what happened after that.
-8-8-8-8-
Alex could see it coming, but did not stop it. To be fair, the guy had it coming. Even Kara stepped up for a moment, but then paused, deciding if anyone needed a punch, it was that guy. Lena put her all in the punch, strength wise, but seemed to forget all about form. She screamed after her knuckles landed on his cheek. She might have broken her hand. Alex shook her head and fell to Lena's side. There were gasps and people flocked over to the scene as the guy laid flat on the floor, wise not to get up for round two.
"You know better than throwing a punch that way," Alex said as she took Lena's hand to examine it. There was a thick gash between her middle finger and ring finger. How did she even do this? It did not look like the guy had anything in his face that would cut her hand, unless she scraped his teeth. "Oh, these will need stitches."
"I hope his face needs stitches, too," Lena said with a growl. Her eyes were locked on the man she downed.
Alex turned her attention to the man on the floor, not bothered by the dozens of flashes going off. It probably was not the best to punch a man in the middle of a charity event, but he had it coming. From the way his blood was dripping on the floor, his nose was probably broken. Good for Lena. Blood was also pouring from his mouth, so Lena had probably cut her knuckle on his teeth as she gave him a poorly executed uppercut.
"Miss Luthor," dozens of voices called.
Alex took Lena by the waist and led her away. Kara was right behind them. They easily lost the crowd in the large museum and Alex directed Lena to a bench as they came to an empty wing full of what would probably be considered graffiti art if it were not on canvases. Kara was gone for a moment and then back with a little bag, Alex's first aid kit from the Tower.
"Hold it out," Alex said to Lena.
Lena obeyed. Kara looked at it and shook her head. "Nothing broken."
"Then, just stitches then." Alex knelt down to Lena and got to work on her hand. She made sure to clean it thoroughly. It was not uncommon to get an infection from a cut that came from someone's teeth.
Kara stood watch over them. "That was so cool, Lena."
"I split my hand open," Lena replied.
"On the face of a man who utterly deserved it. Best thing is that you punched his sexist, gross face instead of slapping it," Kara said with near-glee, which meant the man had said other things, only Kara's ears could hear.
"I'm sure the press won't see it that way," Lena said.
Kara scoffed. "I'm totally writing it up as a horrible man said awful things to you about your brilliance and then implied you were a sexual deviant for dating my sister. Well, and seeming to think we were dating, too."
Lena curled her lip. "He actually called you my pets that I dressed alike." She looked at Alex, decked out in her suit, wearing it like she was poured into it, and then at Kara, who looked ready to go down a catwalk in her suit. Lena smiled. "Lord, you two are adorable like this."
"And you're adorable like this," Alex said. "Hand nice and numb?"
Lena nodded. "Please, start the stitches."
"Has that guy said things before?" Kara asked, looking back into the hall they exited.
"He's always looked down on me, but it's because he's sexist. The taunting has gotten worse since he hired the tech who dared to question my chemistry, but no one is going to talk about my Danvers sisters in front of me," Lena replied with a smile.
Of course, Alex and Kara both blushed. Lena would probably always have that power over both of them. They would not mind one bit.
"Have people been giving you a hard time for your relationships with us beyond when we come to these things together?" Kara asked.
"It has gotten some attention in other arenas, yes. Most people are polite enough not to say anything to my face, especially since they believe Alex is a former FBI agent. They're scared of her."
Alex was pleased to know that. "They should be scared of you and your uppercut, especially when you do it right."
Lena chuckled and shrugged. "I'm used to being talked about. It comes with the territory of being the least liked Luthor in the family and a Luthor in general to the public. Then, of course, being a woman in science, a woman in business, and on and on, but I won't have them talking about you two."
"I'm not sure that'll stand up if he calls the cops," Kara replied.
"He won't. What's he going to say 'that Luthor woman assaulted me after I casually touched her ass and tried to verbally humiliate her'? I don't think that's going to play well," Alex replied.
Kara nodded. "Okay, probably not. Plus, it happens at, like, every event you bring us to."
"Sometimes, I have to say, I like the chaos and confusion the three of us bring when we walk into a room. It's my little way of getting back at them, which is why I'm fine with you guys wanting to tell them whatever you feel like when they ask about us," Lena said.
Alex chuckled. "If that's your pleasure, you know we'll have no problem with playing it up for you."
Lena leaned forward to kiss the end of Alex's nose. "You two are always the best."
"Yes, but stop moving while I close these up." Alex finished up the stitches.
Lena smiled, but complied. Wound closed and covered with a bandage, Lena launched herself into Alex's arms. Alex pulled her to her feet and hugged her. She wanted to say so many things to Lena, but decided on the least romantic.
"You know how to throw a better punch, babe," Alex said. Still, her heart fluttered remembering Lena swing. She was going to marry this woman someday.
"But, we still love you!" Kara chirped as she wrapped them into a tight group hug. They groaned until Kara released them. Kara looped her arm around Lena's while Alex put her arm around Lena's waist. They were ready to return to the event again. Stronger together and stronger than ever.
-8-8-8-8-
Lena had never felt happier than she did reentering the gala with both Danvers sisters on her arms. She finally understood what it was about them. Beyond the fact that she loved Alex. Beyond the fact that Kara was best friend. They were a united front, but more than that, they were a family. Family was hard to come by for Lena and both Danvers knew that.
"Well, shall we dazzle the room and give them more to talk about beyond the punch?" Lena asked.
"I'm about to dazzle those shrimp cocktails." Kara giggled and made her way to the buffet. She would be fine, probably scaring people with how much she ate.
"Shall I go be intimidating?" Alex asked.
"I would love that, but they don't seem to respond to it."
Alex chuckled. "Oh, I haven't actually turned it on. You forget, I've stared down deadly aliens. These folks won't know what hit them. Especially that bastard you hit."
"You know I love when you come to these things," Lena said in a whisper, their own little conspiracy.
"And why is that?" Alex asked.
"You let them see I'm not the only one like this." Lena clutched her arm. "I never fit in here, but you, with me, let's them see that I'm not some ugly duckling. There are more like me and I don't need to fit in here because I've found my tribe."
"Me, too," Alex replied with a smile.
Lena nodded and they made their rounds. Alex did notch up the intimidation and it was good. It gave everyone pause. And, it helped that Lena had punched Milton. It helped her, too, so she displayed her bandage as best she could while interacting with any and everyone. The party was not nearly as awful as they often were. I should've punched Milton a long time ago.
They made it through the night, dropped Kara off, who talked about the whole thing nonstop. She would never fail to be adorable. And the way Alex played into her enthusiasm was adorable, too. She was so in love with both Danvers sisters, in different ways, of course.
"Are you coming home or should I drop you at your place?" Lena asked Alex after they said their goodbyes to Kara. She resisted the urge to mess with the bandage covering her stitches.
Alex blinked. "Home or my place?"
Lena stiffened as the words were repeated back to her. "Oh." She was not sure what else to say.
Alex took her healthy hand and gave it a squeeze. "Home sounds good."
Lena's insides melted and she launched herself onto Alex, mouths meeting. She crawled into Alex's lap, straddling her waist. Alex's hands went to her ass and she could not stop her body from grinding on Alex. It was a good thing the divider was up or her driver would get a wild show. She had learned to put the divider up immediately because he got a show not too long ago. Thankfully, he was discreet.
"No, no, no," Alex said, pulling away.
Lena whined. "Why not?"
"I'm not doing this again. It's one thing to have car sex. It's another thing to do it with someone in the car," Alex said.
Lena nipped her bottom lip. "You've done it before, though."
"I got wrapped up. Stop trying to tempt me."
Lena snickered. "How are you so adventurous in everything except this?"
"Just a quirk of my personality, I suppose."
"Well, I love it since it's part of you and I love you and all your quirks. I love you enough to wait for us to get home."
Alex smiled. "Home. We can change your bandage and do other things."
"As long as you don't worry about me using my hand."
"No, babe. You wanted to play doctor and you've gotten your wish."
Lena groaned, but she expected that. Still, this turned out to be a good day. She got to punch Milton Monroe, realized she loved Alex, realized she had a family, and now Alex considered her apartment home. Winning.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: the end.