Lena is happy. She really, really is. Kara is back in her life again and so what more could she possibly ask for? Of course life moved on during the year they were at each other's throats. She didn't exactly make that situation any easier. She understood it was her secret to keep and she had no claim to know any of them. Lena had no secrets left to share. Kara knew each sordid one and had stuck by her, she just didn't trust Lena enough to share her own. So what right did she have to Kara? They were friends again, finally, their relationship a bit strained, sure, but on the mend. They just felt a bit more disconnected than they had ever been before.
Lena took another sip of her wine while she watched Kara laugh and dance. The brunette in her arms whispering something intelligent or witty in her ear as they spun around the dance floor. She's happy for Kara, really, because if she delves any deeper into her thoughts and emotions on the matter, the cracks in the thin glass that is her heart might shatter to pieces.
It was her own fault for inviting Diana Prince to the gala in the first place. The woman was a wonder, beautiful, tall, incredibly intelligent. Just being in her presence made her reevaluate her own accomplishments. So it was inevitable for Kara to be lured into her orbit. They gravitated towards each other instantly. As soon as Lena had made the introductions, Kara was smitten.
A few hours prior
"Lena! This is probably the biggest event you've put on since I've known you." Kara glided past the entrance and grabbed Lena's hands squeezing them gently as she looked around the grand hall. Lena felt all the tension rush out of her as she followed Kara's gaze, taking in the event with less scrutiny and seeing it as Kara must have. It really was something to behold. The whole event was done tastefully and with an elegance that exceeded her own expectations. Jess really out did herself this year and her newly appointed assistant Timothy was holding his own.
"I'm glad you think so, it is quite exquisite isn't it. I think I may have out done myself this time."
Kara released her grasp from her hands and turned her gaze back to Lena. "Exquisite." She agreed, smiling widely.
"I have more guests I need to welcome, but after, I'll meet you and we can find a tray of food to steal and people watch." Lena said conspiratorially. It was something they did every gala Kara attended. They'd find a distant corner to seclude themselves to and make up stories about the people who'd pass by unawares. On the occasion that Lena would spot someone she knew she'd instead whisper delightful little nuggets of information about that person that very few were ever privy too. One of the perks of Lillian's biannual dinner parties she had to endure from a very young age was she learned a lot about certain people who lived among the 1%.
"That sounds like an excellent idea. I'll go find us a good spot." A server with a tray of hor d'oeuvres passed by and Kara's eyes followed it. "On second thought I'll grab a couple of light snacks first!" She winked at Lena before parting, allowing Lena to finish welcoming in the guests.
"Ok, see that lady with the black dress, pearls and the black and white monstrosity of a hat?" Kara pointedly stared at the lady before taking another bite of the chili lime baked salmon bites they had collected onto a tray. Apparently her new favorite discovery since potstickers.
"Yes."
"Her name has to be Isabella, I'm sure she has some title attached to it like duchess or Lady. I bet she has three small poodles, each one progressively more obnoxious than the next…oh and she hates it when people touch her. " Kara mused.
Lena chuckled softly. "Out of everything you just said, I'm sure the last part is not true."
Kara took her eyes off their mark and looked at Lena. "Out of everything, that's the only thing so far I've witnessed tonight to be 100% fact." She looked back and nudged Lena when the lady in question flinched as a gentleman who was trying to pass behind her lightly touched her upper back and then proceeded to bark indignities at him. "See."
"Whoa. What a bitch. That poor guy didn't have a chance." Lena took a sip of her wine as she scanned the room. Her eyes danced amusedly as she surveyed the smattering of people. Going to events like this were always a bore, and she had taken for granted what fun it was to enjoy it with company. That the company in question happened to be her once best friend turned nemesis, turned friend on the mend, well all the better. They had been at this for the better part of an hour now each taking turns pointing out eccentrics in the crowd. Upon seeing a new target, she pointed subtly. "Okay, what about him? What's his story?"
Kara followed her gaze to a man in a pinstripe suit with a gold watch and what looked like alligator skin boots died a deep black. "Oh that's easy. His name is Robert, he's in the oil business, he owns land rich with it. His family struck oil when he was in his twenties and they have so much money they don't know what to do with it. He's one of those who came into money and wasn't born with it. All he wants to do is share what he's been blessed with to those who aren't as fortunate."
Lena stared at the man in question. "That's oddly specific."
"I met him a couple of times at some of the other galas I've attended with you and I got to know him a little bit." Kara answered simply. When Lena looked at her with a slightly stunned expression, Kara shrugged sheepishly. "He's a neat guy, down to earth. A bit socially awkward though, but not in a bad way, more like how Brainy can be sometimes."
"Neat?" Lena asked, pursing her lips a little. "He's a 'neat' guy? What are you born in the 90's?"
Kara shoved her slightly and laughed a light airy little sound. "Don't tease me. You of all people too." She teased back.
"Hey, I might appreciate the 90's but I certainly don't use words like 'neat' anymore." Lena pushed back.
"Okay okay. Point taken. Sheesh."
Lena was so tempted to lay it on thick at the mention of sheesh, but she caught Kara gaping at something over her shoulder and her attention was immediately shifted. "What is it?"
"Who is that?" Kara asked in a bit of a trance.
Lena turned around to see who had captured Kara's attention and saw one of her guests of honor making her entrance into the venue. She was dressed in a white Asymmetrical dress that draped loosely over one shoulder and slimmed at the waist only to taper back out where the hem barely grazed the floor, a slit in the side of the dress exposed her legs as she glided past the main entrance and she wore a gentle smile on her face. Her dark hair was pulled up in an elegant chignon and she wore two gold bracelets on each wrist. In short she owned the room the moment she entered it and yet she seemed unfazed by the attention.
"That is Diana Prince. She's from Themyscira, an Amazonian princess, political envoy of her people, artifacts expert and restorationist on the side and a deadly warrior. She's only just started making an appearance in these circles, she tends to tread lightly being basically immortal."
Kara full on belly laughed. "Oh my god that's the best one yet. Game over. You just won hands down. How did you even come up with that? And so quickly, I mean it's as if —" her voice tapered off when she saw the serious look on Lena's face and she swallowed. "You can't be serious?" Still disbelieving. "How do you know all that?"
"People who don't know her personally, know that she's rich, knows more languages fluently than most know exist, she's highly intelligent and from my own interactions with her, compassionate, but only to those who deserve it."
"Wow. That's quite a reputation." Kara watched as Diana made her way through the crowd stopping shortly here and there to make pleasantries as people approached her.
"That's Wonder Woman, Kara." Lena said proddingly. Kara starred with her mouth agape. Lena chuckled and poked Kara in the shoulders to bring her back to reality. "I can introduce you two if you like. She was invited here as a special guest of sorts. Her help with dealing with some of the artifacts I found in one of Lex's vaults was invaluable and she offered her full support in this new STEM program I'm building from the ground up as an outreach to the children we are here for today."
"Oh, I don't know, after everything you just told me I think I'd just make a complete and utter fool of myself. And how do you know she's-" Kara mouthed silently the words "Wonder Woman."
"Lex had quite extensive journals with several hero's alter egos exposed within them, their weakness, their abilities...don't worry I destroyed all of them, but not without reading them first. And don't be ridiculous. You are an amazing person. Seriously how can you…" Lena sweeped her hand up and down at Kara. "be you, and think so little of yourself?" Lena smirked as she sipped on her glass of wine.
Kara scoffed and considered her for a moment before adjusting her glasses in that nervous habit of hers. "Flatterer. Alright, you talked me into it, introduce me."
A wave of regret filled up in Lena's chest. She pushed the feeling down rapidly, not sure why that request would spark such a visceral reaction. Diana was a great new partner, her knowledge and the scope of her influence among the political sphere was staggering. Introducing Kara to her would potentially be a great source for her articles, and open doors for her she would otherwise have a hard time accessing. Not to mention the certain alter egos connection the both of them have in common, they would be tremendous allies. So what possible harm could introducing them truly have? It's not like they wouldn't cross paths eventually.
She took another long sip of her wine and set the glass down a little more bluntly than she had intended and looked Kara in the eye challengingly. "Alright." Without saying another word she spun on her heels and began making her way through the crowded dance floor to the other side. She heard Kara distantly falter over the table as she tried to scramble after her, she heard her call after her, "Wait, now? I wasn't finished eating!" It only took a couple more strides before a familiar presence was striding along next to her. "What are you going to say? And does she know you know?" Kara asked nervously. Lena caught the way Kara fidgeted with her fingers before subconsciously straightening her dress and messed with her glasses.
Lena rolled her eyes and paused mid stride turning to face Kara who stopped suddenly. Lena nearly laughed at how Kara's glasses were now slightly skewed and went to fix them. She spoke softly. "Something along the lines of, Diana, Kara, Kara this is Diana… you shake hands, she says hi. We laugh at how awkward it was afterwards and we go about our people watching." Lena purses her lips casually as she watches Kara's eyes narrow to slits. There's no anger in them just a bit of annoyance at Lena's blasé response.
"You think you're really funny don't you?" Kara asks sarcastically.
Lena looks up at the ceiling as if searching for the answer up there before looking back and nodded slowly. "Mmm, yes, I really do."
"Don't be cute." Kara chuckles. Lena smiles at that and stares at Kara for a moment.
"Oh darling, I'm more than cute." Lena drawled. "And yes she knows, we met under rather volatile circumstances over the last year, but have found that working together is mutually beneficial." Kara looked like she wanted to hear more about that but didn't press.
"Well, lead the way Ms. Luther." Kara gibes playfully.
"Right." Lena blinks and turns and has to take a minute to search the crowd, having lost sight of Diana. A small ray of relief illuminates within her at the prospect of postponing this interaction. "I don't see her, she must've walked off somewhere."
"Who are we looking for?" A lilting, sultry voice asks, and Lena finds herself squashing that ray of hope instantly. She turns to her left and plasters on a wide smile. "Diana. So good to see you." Lena nods in greeting and Diana smiles a gentle regal smile. "And you, Lena, it has been a while. I was surprised and honored to receive such an exclusive invitation. The party matches its host both in elegance and beauty."
"You are too kind, Diana. You are one of our special guests, and I'm very glad you could come. Thank you." Lena heard Kara shift uneasily to the side of her. She placed a hand behind Kara's back, gently guiding her forward. "Have you met my good friend, Kara?"
"Hi, Lena has told me a lot about you. Are you here visiting or…" Kara trailed off leaving the question open.
Diana smiled and shared a knowing look with Lena. "Actually I just recently moved to National City. I tend to move a lot, but I plan on staying for the foreseeable future."
"Kara, Remember how I told you Diana has been invaluable to me lately?" Lena inquires. Kara nods in answer. "Well, she's here to head up this new foundation I have established as well as be the spokesperson. Actually you might be interested in interviewing her for one of your articles. The new program she's spearheading will bring a lot of new opportunities to lower income households."
Kara smiles easily and Diana's attention is instantly drawn. "Wait, Kara as in Kara Danvers, The Pulitzer winner?" Diana asks intrigued, her eyebrows arching upwards in question.
Kara shakes her head in embarrassment and covers her face with her hand. "Yes, it's still surreal to hear that."
"I read that article, you deserved every credit and more. You are a very gifted writer, Kara." It doesn't go unnoticed how Kara straightens at the accolade and stands slightly taller. "Thank you, it runs in the family, my cousin Clark and his wife Lois are both writers as well."
A dawning look of recognition crosses Diana's face. "Are you referring to Clark Kent and Lois Lane? Of which are you related to?" Her question rises in knowing suspicion and Lena sees as realization sweeps over Diana's features.
"Clark is my cousin. Though we don't see each other as often as we'd like." Kara confirms.
"I see." Diana says as she takes in Kara with new eyes. Lena has to restrain herself from snapping her fingers to break Diana's gaze away from Kara. "I have had the pleasure of working with Clark both professionally and… recreationally" She raises her eyebrows at the insinuation. "He is quite an extraordinary man, and if you are anything like him then I'm sure you too must be filled with surprises."
Kara blushes and reaches for her glasses, but maintains her eye contact. "I can do everything he can, backwards and in heels."
"Ginger Rogers fan?" Diana asked amusedly.
"Yes, she's amazing." Kara said and Lena smirked as she saw the wave of excitement that washed over Kara at having come to a topic she was more than adequately knowledgeable in.
"Do you dance too?" Diana asked.
Kara laughed and shook her head. "Like that? I wish. My moves are strictly in the realm of one step, two step, spin and repeat."
"Would you care to dance? Perhaps I might be able to persuade you into learning a new move or two." Diana asked as she held out her hand.
Lena finds herself clenching her teeth. Suddenly feeling like a third wheel and needing desperately to remove herself from their presence and the unabashed flirting that seemed to be happening right in front of her.
Kara hesitated her hand reaching out to meet Diana's, but she looked at Lena unsure whether or not to accept. Lena smiled reassuringly and to her great relief she saw Sam walking past them from behind Diana and Lena called out. "Sam!" She raised her hand slightly to draw her attention. Sam stopped and looked around before spotting Lena and smiled and came up to them. "Lena, are you a sight for sore eyes!" She pulled Lena into a warm embrace and held onto her elbows after pulling away dragging her eyes exaggeratingly up and down. "You look incredible, as always."
"Thank you." Lena looked back at Kara and gave her another tight smile. "Enjoy your dance Kara." Lena turned to Diana. "It was nice to see you Diana." Before she parted, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed in a vice, she turned back to Kara and placed her hand gently on Kara's forearm. "We'll talk soon, yeah?"
"Of course! I'll come find you after." Kara said with a sweeping smile full and light.
She watched as Diana escorted Kara onto the dance floor and looked away as she saw her drawing Kara in close as the music swept them away.
"Oh no. I know that look. Spill Luthor." Sam said now that they were alone.
"I don't know what you are talking about." Lena replied cooly.
"You know you think you are an expert at hiding your emotions, but you're not. Kara's just oblivious." Sam countered. Lena sighed and rubbed her face.
"Sam, please, just walk me to the bar over there and keep me company to make sure I don't end up telling you that anything you say has more weight than I'm actually willing to admit at the moment."
Sam frowned and tucked Lena into her side, resting an arm over her shoulder comfortingly. "Oh honey. You've got it bad, huh?"
Lena scoffed and eyed her warily. "Just get me a scotch."