The Beginning of An End: How a Super Fell In Love With A Luthor
We are not our family. That is what Kara Zor-El and Lena Wayne, née Luthor want the world to remember most by the end of this. Of course, that does not explain why I am sitting in their living room surrounded by books, abandoned blankets, and an unhealthy amount of takeout containers. I ask Lena about the mess, and she rolls her eyes.
Lena: Today was our leftover day for breakfast.
Kara: And we had a lot of leftovers.
Lena: No, we did not.
Kara: Fine, I had the leftovers. Lena ate a bowl of fruit.
Lena: I'm trying to keep my figure.
Kara: But I like it when you -
Lena glanced at Kara with an arched eyebrow, and Kara hurried from the room. I admit that is one trap most spouses are wise enough not to fall into, but it seemed Kara had much to learn.
Lena: I apologize about that.
Cat: You just pretend this is a conversation between friends.
Lena: Isn't it?
Cat: Fair. I wonder, and I'm sure the fans reading this will too, but is it hard feeding a Kryptonian?
Lena: Not when you're a billionaire.
The response was unintentionally shy, but it fits Lena. She tilts her head back for a kiss as Kara floats back into the room. Kara settles on the couch next to her and puts her arm around her. It's odd to see them in action, I admit. I have no idea how two people can hold so much power over one another with no concerns about their dynamic. Where Lena fails, Kara succeeds. Where Kara stumbles, Lena remains balanced. They are imperfectly perfect, and it seems the knowledge of their relationship overshadows the biggest secret of all.
Cat: Would you like to start with the obvious?
Lena: And what is the obvious?
I smile and share a secret glance with Kara before preparing myself.
Cat: Well, I am sure the world will want to know what it's like being married to Supergirl?
Lena turns to Kara. Kara nods once, and Lena sits up straight. For privacy, I will not repeat what's being said. Lena had no idea this was Kara's coming out as much as it was an in-depth look into what would be the hottest couple in National City. Lena discreetly wipes a tear from Kara's eye and kisses her cheek, whispering something in her ear. When Kara laughs, it fills the room, and Lena leans back into Kara's arms.
Lena: I apologize about that. I had no idea – anyway, to answer your question, being married to Supergirl is like being married to a runaway train. There is no stopping her once she puts her mind to something, and I am always scared she will crash and get hurt. I wait for her every night, waiting for a call or a text to tell me that the fight I'm re-watching on the television didn't end with her not getting back up. That's one thing that Kara promises me, and that's if she can, she'll always get back up. There's also the fact Kara can fly to Italy for coffee and be back before I can finish breakfast. It has its perks as much as it has its downsides.
Cat: You know what comes next…
Lena: I do. And I know my brother made a name for himself in an unbecoming way. I will spend the rest of my life atoning for his sins. But I am not him, and I have no interest in world domination. Hating aliens is not a concept I am familiar with. I know this can be taken in poor taste, but some of my best friends are aliens. Me being married to Kara is less about her being Supergirl and more about her being an alien. That was a challenge I adjusted to. Kara is one of a kind.
Kara: That feeling is mutual.
Lena blushes and hits Kara on the arm.
Kara: I'm serious. I don't think the world truly understands what a gift we have in Lena. Our universe is blessed for the simple fact she exists.
Lena: She says things like this often.
Cat: How do you survive.
Lena: Lots of expensive scotch and chocolate cake.
Kara squirms at the mention of cake, and Lena rolls her eyes in affection.
Lena: There is cake in the fridge, darling.
Kara bounces off the couch and runs into the kitchen. I laugh because if you knew Kara, then food was the fastest way to her heart.
Lena: This is why I love her. But I will admit that I was in love with Kara for longer than when I said it. We first met when she insensitively asked if having Luthor for my last name was as hard as it sounded. The night she asked, my life had become extremely challenging and full of confusion. I had just lost two people that I loved more than anything in the world, and I felt alone. So here comes Kara, wearing this god-awful dress-
Kara: Hey!
Lena: - and she plops down next to me. All I saw were her eyes. I had a rom-com moment where it felt like I was drowning in them. And then she opened her mouth, and I hated her.
Kara: Lies!
Lena: Maybe, but she was still annoying.
Cat: Have you two ever fought?
Lena: All of the time.
Kara: Lena is insufferable in the morning.
Lena: And Kara can be stubborn and arrogant. Comes with the cape.
Kara: Rude.
Lena: But I love her all the same. She has been disgustingly patient with me since we started this journey, and she has loved me as I am. I told you this before, but this magazine is about how much better my life is with Kara. She is an incredible nut case who wears cartoon onesies and watches Disney movies with full permission to sing whenever she wants. Kara is so sweet because she eats donuts, pancakes, and bear claws every day. And she is everything good in this world, and everything bright and beautiful. And I know people will wonder how someone like her could ever be with someone like me, but Kara truly is the love of my life. And I love that she's trying to make a name for herself outside of her obstinate, bullheaded cousin.
Cat: I see you kept your promise.
Lena: I told you I would.
Kara: What promise?
Lena: Me talking about your cousin.
Kara: Be nice.
Lena: That was me being nice.
Cat: I take it your feelings for the Man of Steel are similar to your brothers?
Lena: Superman is my wife's family. That is all I will say on the matter.
Cat: Of course. Please, continue.
Lena: My life has not been the same since I met her. And to add to a point I was trying to make earlier, I am not Lex. I support the right for everyone to live as they please, as long as they do so respectfully and kindly to those around them.
Kara glides back into the room and picks up Lena, putting her on her lap.
Lena: This is so embarrassing.
Kara: Hush, you enjoy it.
Lena shrugs as if she can't deny it, and Kara kisses her shoulder.
Kara: You would think the scariest part of this experience was me finally coming out as Supergirl. But I think the part I'm most nervous about is introducing the world to my wife. I am protective of Lena, a sentiment shared by everyone in our family. I treasure our memories and the life that we've built and continue to build with one another. So, when I decided to go through with this, I wanted to make it known I love Lena with everything in me. I will protect her with my life, and I will do so by any means necessary. My idea of justice goes out of the window when it comes to my wife, and I urge everyone to remember that. While I have a set of rules and guidelines that I live by, it all means nothing if Lena is in danger.
Cat: Are you saying you would burn the world down for her?
Kara glances at Lena and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Lena: Baby…
Kara smiles and looks at me. She says with utmost sincerity, "If she asks it of me, yes."
Lena knew her week was too good to be true. They were too happy, too content, so it made sense that something went wrong. It was Friday night, hours before she would be at home sleeping in bed with her wife, and she was currently fighting to stay conscious. Teo slapped her cheek a few times, and Lena blew out a frustrated breath. Then, Alex burst into the office with a team, and Lena snorted.
"I told you she would show up," she said weakly.
"What's the point in having a super wife if she doesn't show up when you get shot?"
"My wife is in Metropolis at the moment," Lena sighed, holding the gauze to her hip. "So I knew this one would get here first."
"Of course, I would," Alex muttered, dropping down in front of Lena.
"Past behavior almost suggests otherwise."
"I will ignore the snark and make sure you aren't dying."
"Just a flesh wound, Director."
"Yes." Alex clicked her tongue and stood up. "But you would be the one who gets shot in the same spot twice," she said.
"That would explain why I heard two shots."
Alex helped Lena to her feet and gestured to the two men with the stretcher.
"Call ahead, tell them she's coming in hot and needs emergency surgery. She's lost a lot of blood," Alex said.
Lena leaned heavily into the other woman until Alex gently placed her on the stretcher.
"That was my favorite couch," she whispered.
"I'll clean it for you, Wayne. Just stay alive, okay?"
Lena nodded, and her eyes closed.
"Ah, fuck. Go, go!"
The men ran out with Lena on the stretcher, and Alex tapped her earpiece.
"J'onn, Lena's on her way with two GSWs to the hip, same location."
Got it. I'll get Kara.
Alex turned to Teo and asked, "So what happened?"
"Lena wasn't even supposed to be working tonight, but she wanted to get a few things done before taking off for the weekend. Jess got sent home an hour ago, and I was on my rounds when I heard gunshots. I got here, and Lena was on the couch with the first-aid kit and gauze around her hip. She just smiled and bet me that you would get here before her wife."
"Did she give you any kind of description?"
"All she said was it was bound to happen at some point. She said the shooter never entered the office. I ordered one of my men to look at the cameras, and we got a suspect. His name is Michael Graydon. He's the overseer of Lena's labs. He knows the blind spots of the cameras, but we caught him in the reflection from Lena's balcony."
"Good. Where is Michael now?"
"I already sent men after him, and they've reported that he's not home. His car was abandoned by the marina, and they're checking the airport as we speak."
"He won't use a plane," Alex mused. She walked over to the balcony and opened the door. "I know we're not on the best of terms right now, but I need your help, Di!"
Teo watched her leave the door open and glance at her watch. He was about to ask what she was doing when Wonder Woman crashed down on the balcony. She entered the office, saw the blood, and turned to Alex expectantly.
"Lena was shot by who we believe is the overseer of her labs. His name is Michael Graydon. Security had already gone to his apartment, but he wasn't there. And his car was found abandoned at the marina. They're checking the airport, but I don't think that's where he'd go. I'm thinking a train station or the bus depot."
"Do you have a picture of him?" Wonder Woman asked.
Alex looked at Teo, who nodded and took out his phone. He showed Wonder Woman Michael's employee photo. She stared at it before heading back to the balcony. She stopped by Alex and pointed to the blood, and Alex nodded.
"Lena got shot in the hip twice just under her ribs. My only concern is that she lost a lot of blood. Still, I sent her ahead to the DEO with strict instructions to operate as soon as possible. They know she gets priority."
"Because of the magazine?"
"No, because I gave her the clearance."
Wonder Woman arched an eyebrow and said, "Working hard to make up for the last couple of years, I see."
"Harder than I would anything else."
"By the way, her Dad is in the elevator," she whispered. "I was with him when you called."
Wonder Woman was gone before Alex could react, and she turned to Teo.
"Fuck," she said.
"What?"
Alex looked over Teo's shoulder, and she paled. Someone cleared their throat, and Teo turned slowly.
"Oh, shit," he whispered.
Batman's eyes went to the blood on the couch, and he rose to his full height.
"What happened to my daughter?" he growled.
Kara hung the last banner and stepped back, putting her hands on her hips. Jack and Sam were in Jump City with her decorating the house for the after-party, and they all told Lena different stories about where they'd be that night. Raven hovered in the air beside her and folded her arms. Jinx was in the living room watching television with Ruby.
"Wow. You are so whipped," Raven said.
Kara chuckled and tapped her earpiece when she heard J'onn calling her name.
"What's up?" she said.
Michael Graydon bounced his legs as he waited for his train out of National City. Shooting Lena was a mistake, but the twenty million blinded him to his morals. All he had to do was fire a warning shot somewhere soft and fleshy, but the gun went off twice, and he panicked when Lena went down with blood pouring from her stomach. If Lena died, then he would die. It was just supposed to be a threat. A hand suddenly grabbed the back of his coat and yanked him into the air. Michael screamed as he was turned around. His breath caught in his throat as he saw Wonder Woman. And then he fainted.
Lena's eyes fluttered open as she came to, and she grabbed her hip.
"Fuck," she rasped.
"Good, you're awake. Now I can go tell your family to stop terrorizing my men."
Lena glanced to the side, and Alex carried a cup of water to her. She had a black eye, and Lena gestured to it as she drank.
"This is from Michael Graydon, the man who shot you. He decided the best way to escape would be to flail his arms and legs until we let him go. And unlike your family, I am not indestructible."
"My Dad is human."
"Your Dad wears a bulletproof mask," Alex hissed. "I have no protection for my face. I need this face."
"Why? It's not your best quality," Lena said.
"I think I liked you better when we weren't on speaking terms."
"Aren't you the one who insisted we start texting?"
"I was emotionally drained from my conversation with Kara, and she forced me to do it."
Lena smiled and handed the cup back to Alex.
"For the record, you're my family too," she said.
"Don't get sentimental on me, Wayne."
"Getting shot was not on my to-do list for my anniversary," Lena sighed, shifting on the bed.
"You okay?"
"Just sore. Where's my wife?"
"Probably thinking of different ways to kill Graydon without causing a media catastrophe for Cat."
"It would seem aggressive after the magazine release." Lena groaned and added, "Crap, the party is tonight."
"You need to be taking it easy."
"It's my anniversary."
"Fine. Don't listen to the woman who knows what she's doing."
"Didn't you drop out of medical school?"
Alex glared at Lena and walked over to the door, opening it. Kara dropped her fist and scrunched her face.
"How did you know I was here?"
"Because there's a motion detector connected to my tablet."
"Oh."
"Come in. Your wife is awake and being a pain in my ass."
"Your sister is trying to keep me in this bed," Lena whined.
"Well, you were shot," Kara said.
"But our party!"
"Oh, it's still happening, but you'll be in a chair and high on pain medication the entire time."
"Better than being with Alex all day."
"Oh, my God," Alex sighed. "How are you married to her?"
"Lots of patience," Kara fake-whispered.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing."
Alex snorted and patted Kara on the arm.
"Good luck, sport. Lena, don't tear your stitches, or I'll switch your pain meds for tic-tacs."
"Jump off a cliff."
Alex winked and left the room. Kara chuckled and closed the door.
"I might regret getting you two on good terms," she said.
"We're not on good terms. Alex is the bane of my existence."
"You two have only been talking for twelve hours," Kara pointed out.
"And yet…"
Kara grinned and came over. She bent down and kissed Lena sweetly.
"Hi," she whispered. "I'm glad you're awake. You scared me."
"I'm sorry. I didn't intend to get shot on our anniversary."
"Of course. I should've been there."
"It wouldn't have made too much of a difference. I didn't even know I'd been shot until it happened. Did you break the sound barrier getting to me?"
"No, but Sam did. I had Jack with me. Ruby went through the portal with Raven and Jinx."
Lena blinked, and she asked, "Wait, they're all here?"
"Mhm. J'onn gave us an empty room to wait for you to wake up. Alex has been giving us updates the entire time."
"Did she really get hit by Michael?"
"Yes, and Alex broke his nose in retaliation by slamming his face into the wall. J'onn pretended not to see it."
Lena sighed and rubbed her eyes.
"I can't believe Michael shot me. I trusted him," she said. "Why did he do it? Did he say?"
"Twenty million dollars from ViaCorp."
"He shot me for pocket change from a start-up?"
Kara laughed and carefully climbed into bed with Lena. She draped her cape over them and said, "Baby, I think you might need to go back to sleep."
"But I won't have time to get ready for the party."
"Oh, honey. We moved it to Sunday," Kara whispered.
"So I have time to look pretty?"
"Yes, baby," Kara promised.
Lena yawned and turned into Kara as best she could. She tucked her face into Kara's neck and promptly fell back asleep. Kara counted to fifty before she snapped her fingers twice. The door opened seconds later, and Sam poked her head into the room. She glanced at Lena and then opened the door wider. Jack, Ruby, Raven, Jinx, Bruce, and Diana entered the room with blankets and pillows. They set up shop in random places, and Alex clicked her teeth as she came in with extra covers. She handed them out and was about to leave when Sam snagged her by the shirt.
"Get your ass down here, Danvers," Sam hissed.
"Yes, we all know you've been sleeping in the office next door," Diana said softly. "You might as well join the pile."
Alex blushed and got down next to Jack and Sam. Jack fluffed out his cover and put some of it over Alex. Kara watched her sister with a smile, knowing it would take a minute before she realized that no one hated her. The family was wary of her, but they didn't hate her. Kara snickered when Jack dropped his head on Alex's shoulder, and Alex flipped Kara off. Raven used her powers to dim the lights, and the family soon fell asleep.
Early that next morning, J'onn entered the cell where Michael Graydon sat with a broken nose (from Alex), a bruised jaw, and a busted lip.
"You look worse than the last time I saw you," he said.
J'onn glanced at the agent on duty, who shrugged.
"That pink-haired bitch tripped me," Michael huffed.
"Ah, well, I am sorry to hear that. Are you ready to give up the name of the man who hired you?"
"I did."
"We know no one from Via-Corp paid you to shoot Lena. I have kept this information to myself, but all I need is a reason to pass it along to the multiple people who would love to get a minute alone with you."
Michael shifted, and J'onn dismissed the agent with a look. Once they were alone, J'onn stepped closer to the cell and clasped his hands behind his back.
"This is me being nice, Mr. Graydon. I will ask you one last time. Who hired you?"
"I was hired to hurt her, not kill her," Michael said.
"Not good enough. I need a name."
J'onn waited, and sure enough, he saw the man in Michael's mind after a panicked one-way argument. J'onn stiffened, and he quickly turned on his heel. He found the agent on duty outside and said, "He does not leave your sight."
"Yes, sir."
J'onn went to the medical bay and poked his head into the room where Lena slept away in Kara's arms. Everyone else was wide awake. Alex noticed him first, and she frowned.
"Is everything alright?" she asked.
All eyes went to J'onn, and he cleared his throat, saying, "Beaumont Miller is who hired Michael Graydon."
"Why does that sound so familiar?"
"Because he works for Lillian Luthor."
The air was sucked out of the room, and Diana clenched her fists.
"I thought that woman was out of the country."
"As did I, but if she's back and hiring men to kill Lena-
"Then this won't be the only attempt," Sam finished.
"Michael said he was hired to hurt her, not kill her."
"So this was a warning," Alex said.
"Lillian is the type to get what she wants by any means necessary, and I doubt she would kill Lena outright," Sam said.
"But why now?" Raven asked.
"The magazine came out yesterday," Ruby said, shifting when people looked at her. "And Mom said that Lillian hates all things alien."
"And Lena is proudly and publicly married to an alien."
"Not just any alien," Diana said.
"A Kryptonian," Jack murmured.
"Lillian isn't getting her hands on Lena," Kara said, finally speaking up. "Last night was a fluke, and it will not happen again."
"Agreed," Bruce grunted.
"Can you guys plan my protection detail later?" Lena huffed, hiding her face. "It's too fucking early for this shit."
"Language," Diana and Sam scolded.
"Fuck off."