"You quit?" Lena asked stunned. "Why?"
Andrea crossed her arms and shrugged, suddenly looking vulnerable. "CatCo was never something I was passionate about. I came on board because you needed my help."
"You bought the company from me. You spent millions at great financial risk. Why would you do that if it was only just to help?" Lena asked and Andrea looked longingly at her for a brief moment before clearing her throat, her eyes darting away. Lena's face dropped when the reality of her words sunk in. "Andrea…"
Kara slipped her hand out from Lena's causing her to shift her attention. "I'm going to give you two a minute."
"You don't have to…" Lena started to protest and Kara shook her head.
"No, I think this conversation might be best without me sitting in." When Lena looked at her worriedly, Kara lightly touched her arm and kissed her cheek. "I'll just go find Sam and Diana." She had a torn expression, a look bordering on fear, but she smoothed it over and hid it behind a smile.
Andrea looked down trying her best not to feel like an intruder in their conversation. Lena glanced between them feeling conflicted on how to proceed. Kara let her hand slip away from Lena, taking a small step back, she looked over at Andrea as she did so. They had been actively avoiding each other's company since the night of the gala, only speaking when it pertained to work and nothing more. She smiled a tight sympathetic smile to which Andrea reciprocated with her own and Kara sighed before nodding and turned to go find the gym.
Lena watched Kara walk away for a moment before turning back to Andrea and gesturing awkwardly to the chairs they were standing near. "Why don't we sit down?"
Andrea went to the closest chair and sat on the edge of it, looking ready to bolt at a moment's notice. Her eyes shifted uneasily as Lena sat down across from her.
"What's going on? Are-are you leaving National City?" Lena asked gently, her heart pounding uncomfortably in her chest. She cared a great deal for Andrea, and thought they were making strides to resolving a lot of their past hang ups. "Don't misunderstand. I feel it's important that you make the best decision. If - if resigning from Catco is that for you, then I support you, I'm just surprised. I thought you enjoyed the work."
"I was never a good editor in chief, I made poor decisions that have affected CatCo's bottom line for years now. It's the right move, for me and the company. I'm only now making the choice to venture out because I don't have much else to gain there." Andrea shrugged and smiled a wane smile doing her best to put up a brave front.
Lena folded her own hands in her lap and leaned forward. "So you are leaving?"
Andrea relaxed a little and she shook her head. "No, I don't plan on leaving, I'm just – finding out what suits me. CatCo was never a good fit. Neither was my father's company. I'm – I don't know, a little rudderless right now." She looked up at the ceiling and Lena could see a hopeful glint in her eyes. "It's a good thing I think. I've been too busy and too stressed to really work out what it is I truly want." She looked at Lena and sighed. "Well what I want professionally speaking…"
Lena shifted in her seat, what could she say? "Andrea, I'm – I never should've –" She sighed heavily and her head dropped low. "It was wrong of me to have led you on the way I did. I'm sorry. I wish I could take–"
"No. No, don't say that. I was at fault too. I knew better, but I didn't let that stop me. But this…" She looked down at her hands and clenched her fists. "This is an opportunity for me to take some time to figure out what I want. In the end our relationship helped me see that I was drowning. I have no regrets. You shouldn't either." Andrea looked at her imploringly, willing her to see how this decision wasn't based on anger or contempt but it was something she had been thinking about for a long time.
"If there's anything I can do–" Lena started. Andrea nodded her head and her smile grew as she looked at her friend.
"I know, thank you, I appreciate that." She rubbed her hands together and sucked in a lungful of air. "So–how about we go join the party now huh?"
Lena smiled and nodded, seeing that she wasn't willing to share more and growing more uncomfortable by the second. She stood up from her spot across from Andrea and watched as Andrea rose quickly after. "Why don't we swing by the café first on our way, grab some ice cream for everyone, I think the kids that are here helping Diana today will appreciate the break."
Andrea's eyebrow raised and she smirked, "I'm sure a certain blonde child will be overly enthusiastic and completely obnoxious about it too."
"Be nice." Lena chuckled as they walked in step with one another towards the kitchen. Andrea rolled her eyes and walked behind the bar of the café opening the kitchen door for the two of them allowing Lena through first.
"She's like — like a puppy with no training. Bumbling around helplessly. Other than the fact that she basically looks like a Greek god, what is so appealing about little miss princess?" Andrea asked and Lena was grateful to hear a hint of acceptance in her voice if not laced with a little annoyance. Baby steps she mused. At least she was trying.
Lena shook her head and chuckled. "You're extremely misguided if you think she's helpless." She nodded a hello to one of the kitchen staff. "...and I find her bumbling, as you call it, endearing and adorable." She smiled to herself when Andrea rolled her eyes. "She's kind, which is a rarity. She treats everyone she comes across the same." Lena opened the freezer and pulled out a bag of snack size cups of ice cream as Andrea scouted for spoons. "Everyone is constantly tearing each other apart these days, finding new ways to loathe each other based on beliefs, politics, social injustice or whatever agenda someone has against the other. She stands apart, she meets people where they are, bridges gaps. She's —"
"Ok, ok. I get it. No need to monologue me to death." Andrea cut her off in a huff as she opened drawer after drawer to find them mostly empty, no spoons in sight.
"What?" Lena blinks several times and looks over at Andrea confused. "You asked!"
"I didn't expect you to literally do a deep dive into her character. And you need to take her down a few pegs, Lena, she's not perfect. No one is. What are you going to do when she fails to meet your expectations, and she will." Andrea eyed Lena carefully, "She's got a ton of issues, she's self righteous, and has a penchant for trying to save everyone, God she's so insufferable when it comes to article topics. Did you know she has an issue with elevators? She gets into them, but I swear there are days when she looks at the walls as if they're closing in on her. She's gone all the time…" Andrea spun around and started looking around the far corner of the Kitchen. "All I'm saying is you'll end up getting hurt because you've made her into…" She waved her hand in the air as she continued to open drawers. "...into Supergirl. And no one can live up to that standard. Especially Kara." Andrea opened a drawer at the far end of the kitchen and pulled out a bag of plastic spoons and made a triumphant "aha" sound.
Lena smirked and bit the inside of her cheek, choosing not to comment on how on the nose Andrea's comment was. "You aren't entirely wrong in your assessment either…But, I think I can make that decision for myself."
"I just want you to be happy." Andrea said tenderly.
"Do you truly care about me?" Lena asked her eyes soft with understanding, she had known since college that Andrea had feelings for her, she was touched that she was so over protective of her now.
"You know I do." Andrea said with a resigned sigh, like she was sad that she had to reassure Lena of this fact.
"Then let me be. I'm perfectly capable of making my own choices. And who I see or don't see is really none of your concern. I love Kara. Faults and all. I only hope she feels the same about me." Lena looked down and licked her lips. Truthfully she still didn't understand what Kara saw in her. How she could be ok with everything that transpired in their past. So forgiving. It's only been a little over 48 hours since they admitted they wanted to change their relationship to something more. Two days. Just two days ago she finally learned that her feelings were reciprocated. She hadn't fully come to terms with that yet. A part of her was waiting for the bottom to fall out and the little blissful bubble she found herself in to burst wide open. She was confident in her own feelings, she's had several years of denying she was in love only to spend a few more accepting it only to watch Kara from the sidelines. She wasn't as confident in Kara's.
Andrea looked at her disbelieving. "Despite everything I just said, it's pretty obvious how much Kara cares about you. Quite frankly if I were her friend instead of yours I'd be having this same conversation with her. I think you both have rose colored glasses on when you look at each other. It's not one sided."
"How long before Kara sees me for who I really am then?" Lena whispered. Her heart twisted in her chest. "How long? How long before I lose her?" Her lip quivered at the thought, she wasn't ready for that, not yet. It's too soon, this conversation only added to her fears. Sure Kara reassured her that day in the infirmary, but that was an emotionally charged day, they were both exhausted, she had just saved hundreds of lives including her own. Could she really rely on those words now that the dust settled and the quiet mundanity of life is restored? She didn't want to doubt her feelings, she didn't want to question, but the truth of the matter was she couldn't help it. Her life has been a constant blow after blow, her mother, the abuse wrought by Lillian and Lionel, Lex, the trials. One blow after another, why should this be any different?
Andrea pulled her into a hug and stroked her back. "I'm sorry. I'm an ass. This was none of my business, but if you're this concerned you should probably talk to her about it." She pulled back and moved her hair out of her face. "Ok?"
Lena nodded, her thoughts jumbled and too conflicted to verbalize.
"So love, huh?" Andrea asked lightly and Lena sucked in a bated breath.
"No! You're going to get me! You're too fast! Ahhhh!" Kara tumbled on the ground as three children dog piled on top of her. She laughed and started tickling squealing kids as they scrambled to get away. One of the little boys pounced on her back and started tickling her neck and Kara squealed in laughter as she squirmed away from tiny fingers. "Whoa! Wait that actually tick—hahaha, wait! Wait, I can't—" she reached back and swung him around to tickle his belly and he laughed happily. "You got me good!"
"I found your tickle spot!" The boy boasted proudly.
"You did! I've been vanquished." Kara conceded laughing as she set him down and stood tall, her fists at her hips.
"Yes I got the monster!" He ran off to his dad who was sitting in the stands talking to the other parents telling him proudly and getting a high five in return before running off to play with the dodge balls scattered along the gym with the other kids.
Diana was on a ladder installing the net to the basket ball hoop while Sam helped one of the parents set up a table with cups and a water dispenser. Lena put on a smile as she walked further into the gym, swinging the plastic bag filled with ice cream cups up over her head and called out to the room. "Who wants ice cream?" All the kids ran with shouts towards Lena and she laughed as they all pushed and shoved their way closer to try and snatch the bag. She stumbled slightly and Andrea placed a bracing hand on her back to keep her from tipping backwards when one rather over enthusiastic boy jumped up and bumped into her.
"Do monsters get some too?" Kara asked as she stomped loudly towards them and most of the kids screamed and scattered laughing as she chased a few of them away. She looked over at Lena who was watching her with an unreadable expression and ducked her head just as two little boys tackled her at the knees forcing Kara's attention back on them. "Hey! You boys want a ride?" She lifted one boy onto her back as the other stood on her feet and she waddled her way over to Sam.
"Ok. Ok!" Lena said as she started trying to make her own way to the table where Sam stood watching the scene with amusement. Andrea scooped up one of the six year old's with ease and swung her over her shoulders. "Alright, give Miss Lena a chance to make it to the table, scoot scoot!" Andrea said as she nudged a couple of the boys to the side with her foot lightly. The girl on her shoulders moved her hands over her eyes and Andrea faltered slightly. Her hands moved to the little girl's to try and pull them away from her face.
"Hey can't see!" Andrea said lightly through a smile. Diana approached the group and took the little one off of Andrea's shoulders. She held her close and looked around, while Andrea raked her fingers through her now disheveled hair. "They have been hard at play for the better part of the morning and I think they are all about due for a much needed break. Isn't that right little one?" She asked the little girl.
"Ice Cream!" The little girl yelled in response. Diana's eyes brightened and she set the girl down, keeping a hold on her tiny hand. She looked up to see Andrea smiling at the two of them and when Andrea's eyes met Diana's she frowned and briskly walked to the table where everyone was gathering. Diana sighed and smiled down at the child leading her to where Lena was pulling out the ice cream.
"Which should I choose, chocolate or vanilla?" Diana asked the little girl.
"I want chocolate!"
"An excellent choice." Diana took two chocolate ice cream cups for the girl and herself and walked over to Andrea to grab a couple of spoons.
"Ice Cream? You? I don't think I would've expected you to be so self indulgent." Andrea said with a raised brow as she handed the spoons over to Diana.
"You know very little about me." Diana answered swiftly. She didn't know why Andrea rubbed her the wrong way, maybe it was because of the lingering feelings of resentment from how she treated Kara, regardless, she didn't much care for her and she had a hard time playing nice. The flash of regret in Andrea's eyes the moment she took the spoons surprised her, but she looked down and smiled at the little girl still clutching her hand choosing to focus on her instead. The small, almost unintelligible 'I didn't mean to…whatever.' that Andrea muttered when she walked away was quickly ignored as she focused on the children and her ice cream.
"So what do you think?" Lena asked Kara as they settled on one of the bleachers.
"It's good but these little ice cream cups are way too small…" Kara's eyes lit up mischievously and Lena nudged her with her shoulder.
"Not the ice cream you dork." She laughed and Kara watched her silently as she ate another big spoonful of ice cream.
"I was talking to Vicky, the brunette sitting over there." Kara pointed with her spoon. "She has three daughters. One of them is over there tugging on Andrea's dress." Kara giggled as she watched Andrea's face contort to a goofy grin, ducking down and tickling the little girl until she released her grip on her dress. "The other two have been coming here over the last week helping Diana and some of the staff with getting the rooms set up. They've been getting into trouble lately, ditching school and hanging out with the wrong crowd. Diana spotted them one day and had them come help her and they've been coming ever since." Kara smiled, "This place has been kind of a haven for them, a safe place to come to that keeps them out of trouble. They can't wait for it to be open. Jessica is really looking forward to the art classes and her sister can't wait to join the basketball team…" She looked over at Lena and smiled warmly.
"That's what we will call it then." Lena said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kara looked at her confused. "What? I didn't say anything."
"You did. What do you think of Central Haven?" Lena asked. Kara sat silently for a moment her eyes contemplative as she stared off distantly, before a small grin spread across her lips and she met Lena's watchful gaze. "I think it's perfect." Lena leaned into her and kissed her lightly, pulling back and swiping her thumb lightly across the corner of Kara's mouth to clear it of lipstick. "I'm really glad you came today."
"Me too." Kara said quietly and ducked her head down, finding her spoon more interesting as she scraped it against the bottom of the ice cream cup. Her features clouded over and she shifted uncomfortably feeling less confident. "So Andrea is leaving Catco, huh? Did you, um…" Lena turned to Kara and tilted her head to better see her face as she continued to stare down into her ice cream cup. Her own thoughts a mixture of worry and apprehension.
"How do you feel about all that was said?" Kara asked quietly.
"I was surprised, I guess. I supported her decision and let her know I was here if she needed anything…I'm not really sure what you're asking though." Lena supplied as she tried to make sense of Kara's worry.
"It's just, you made a comment that made me…" Kara shook her head and looked up to see Lena's eyes trained on her trying to understand. "You know what, forget I said anything."
"No, tell me what's bothering you." Lena pressed gently.
"It's stupid. Just forget it." Kara tried to smile but it was stilted and Lena was about to pry for more when Sam interrupted.
"Ok, enough with the mushy stuff, I'm cutting in, because I can't bear to stand next to those two for another minute." Sam said as she made her way up the bleachers to sit next to Lena, her eyes scowling in the direction of Andrea and Diana.
"Why, what happened now?" Kara asked all too quickly, grateful for the distraction.
"Those two have it out for one another. They've been arguing back and forth this whole time about the most ridiculous things. I swear if they didn't hate each other as much as they seem to, I'd think it was flirting." Sam said, rolling her eyes. Lena looked over to where Diana stood glowering at Andrea. "What are they saying?"
Kara smirked. "Andrea just told Diana that she missed a loop on the basketball net. And Diana just told her she'd be happy to get the ladder back out for her to fix it if it bothers her so much." All three of them smiled at each other and watched in startled amazement when Andrea actually grabbed the ladder to go fix it.
"Jeez, that hearing thing of yours must come in handy all the time." Sam mused.
Kara winced. "It can be just as much of a problem too." She muttered and glanced over at Lena who looked at her questioningly.
"I'm going to get more ice cream. Be right back." Kara took both her empty cup and Lena's and marched down the bleachers.
Sam and Lena looked at each other. "What was that about?"
Lena shook her head as she watched Kara make her way back to the table. "I have no idea."
"She's insufferable." Diana vented the moment Kara was at the table.
"Really? What gave her away?" Kara smiled as she threw away the empty cups and picked up a chocolate one, opening the lid and turning to face where Andrea stood high on the ladder trying her best to reach the net without letting go of the top of the ladder. She felt eyes still watching her from the bleachers and did her best to ignore them. She hadn't meant to overhear their conversation. It wasn't something she could always help, sometimes it was just instinctual to listen beyond what's considered the normal human range. So when the conversation shifted and Lena voiced her doubts about her it sent her stomach rolling in fear. She thought they were on the same page, but clearly Lena had some underlying trust issues and no matter how she looked at it she couldn't really blame her. Judging from the way she left the conversation she was pretty sure Lena would want to talk about it later. Right now wasn't the best time though, too many people and if she was willing to admit it, she wasn't sure what she could say to make her see just how unnecessary a fear it was. How could she prove that to her?
"She - look at her, she comes in here with her snarky attitude and high heels and just -ughh!" Kara eyed Diana carefully watching her as she fumed.
"I don't think I've ever seen you this worked up. She really gets under your skin doesn't she?" Kara asked as she ate a spoonful of ice cream.
"She infuriates me." Diana said, tucking her arms into one another across her chest as she glared in Andrea's direction. Kara saw three kids picking up the dodge balls left scattered on the gym floor, beginning their little game again as they ran around the court. They were laughing and having a good time and Kara was tempted to join in on the fun. After she finished her ice cream of course.
"She has a good heart, she's just going through some stuff right now and I think she finds some enjoyment in riling you up. Really anyone for that matter, it's a defense mechanism. Takes the focus off herself." Kara ate another large spoonful and was disappointed that the cup was already more than halfway empty after only two bites. Too small. "She just resigned from CatCo today." She added, hoping the knowledge offered more insight. The boys playing dodgeball got a little too close to Andrea, who was still perched high on the ladder. "Too close boys, stay away from the ladder!" Kara called out. They laughed and moved away and Kara was silently relieved they listened.
Diana's eyes shifted to Kara briefly and a look of compassion swept her face before she shook it off. "That doesn't excuse her behavior. She is constantly finding ways to nitpick everything I do or say."
"That's just Andrea, she – she is prickly on the outside but once you get to know her she is the most loyal and supportive friend."
"I didn't realize you two were so close now." Diana said observantly.
"Oh we aren't." Kara tittered. "I meant more in regards to how she is with Lena, Cat Grant, even Sam sometimes. She's kind of kept me at arms length but I don't really hold that against her too much. I haven't been the easiest person to work with, being Supergirl tends to make me flighty in her eyes, um- no pun intended, plus now that Lena and I are–" She shrugged and finished off the rest of her ice cream. "Well it's not surprising I'm not her most favorite person in the world. I think after everything though we sort of have a mutual understanding and she's at least been...trying."
Diana sighed and looked at Andrea who was still trying to reach the last rung of the hoop to no avail because she wasn't high enough up on the ladder but too stubborn to ask for help. Maybe she was being too hard on her. Her own misgivings about her stemmed from Andrea's treatment of Kara, but she truthfully didn't know much else about her and she hadn't exactly tried. She watched as Andrea finally, carefully took another step up to better reach the rim and moved with slow movements raising both hands above her head, one clasping the net as the other held the rim for support. She didn't see the boys running too close again and when one threw the dodge ball at the other, he ducked and jumped back hitting the ladder. Diana was there in a rush as the ladder crashed to the ground and Andrea fell with a yelp.
Andrea gasped, her eyes clenched tightly shut and her hands were fisted into Diana's shirt. "You're alright." Diana spoke quietly and gently eased her down from her arms. Andrea wasn't sure if that was directed at the boy or herself but she slowly opened her eyes and exhaled sharply before sucking in another lungful of air and looked around, her eyes landing on the ladder that lay prone on the floor.
"I - How?" Her eyes darted between the ladder and Diana, who was slowly disentangling herself from Andrea's firm grip on her shirt. She registered the movement with sudden alarming realization and quickly released Diana taking a large step back, looking down "Um…Th-thank you." She muttered and turned and walked out of the gym briskly. The sound of the door flinging open echoing off the walls was hollow filling the void where everyone else starred speechless.
Diana rolled her eyes and turned around to pick up the ladder. "You're welcome."