L-Corp
Lena sighed in defeat, throwing the notebook across her desk, and leaned back in her chair. This was a conundrum, she had been feeling off, to put it mildly, a whole slew of symptoms with no known cause or origin. Lena could think of nothing that would cause these types of symptoms, yet here said symptoms were prevalent and persistent. It was like nothing Lena knew or even heard of, it wasn't the flu, it wasn't anything that she ate, it had nothing to do with lab work or research or any type of exposure to anything. Yes Lena had been working on various prototypes for armor, power suits, soldering, welding, inputting algorithms and code structure and definitely no use of chemicals. So back to square one, first what did she know, tapping the pen on the desk she went back to the little puzzle and mulled it over she started from the top: Step one what did Lena know, start with the basics and analyze the situation.
One Lena felt nauseous queasy, unable to eat, unable to focus or think.
Two Lena was unable to sleep even beyond her body's inability to sleep (insomnia sucked.)
Three Lena's anxiety was heightened, she felt more restless than usual (anxiety sucked too.)
Four There were times Lena felt lightheaded or her head was stuffed with cotton, then the unusual bouts of dizziness that she couldn't pin down the cause of.
Five Then the weird sensation like butterflies in her stomach, no accompanying nausea though.
Six Lena her heart raced, at times it felt as thought it would beat right out of her chest (medical condition aside.)
Seven The often unusual fluctuation in body temperature (she had always felt cold (no fever though.)
Eight Then the weird sensation of almost being on cloud nine then like she was falling off a cliff and there was that weird feeling in her stomach to go along with it.
Nine The symptoms came and went at all hours of the day and night.
Lena let out an exasperated gasp and ran her hands through her raven locks, what was wrong with her? Glancing at the list in front of her Lena couldn't think of a single disease or ailment that would cause these types of symptoms. Nothing came to mind and that pissed her off, more than anything else. Lena considered her recent surgery, surgery needed to repair the tear in her heart which unfortunately also revealed an arrhythmia and tachycardia. Even taking into account the medication she was prescribed, none of her symptoms mirrored the side effects for said medication, so that ruled that out. Grumbling as she tapped her fingers on her desk picking up her phone and dialing a familiar number grateful that Alex answered on the third ring. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, and Alex's concern for Lena's list of symptoms, Alex suggested Lena come to the DEO where she could draw some blood, run some tests and help Lena with whatever was going on with her.
DEO
Lena (clenching her jaw, she hated needles absolutely hated them; tattoo and piercing needles were one thing but hypodermic needles, no, no thank you): The symptoms come and go, I have no idea what this is, or what it could be, however it needs to bloody stop or go away.
Alex (warm brown eyes filled with concern; withdrawing the needle and taping a pressure bandage around the area): When did the symptoms start? How long have you had these symptoms? (Lena pursed her lips in thought; squeezing Lena's hand) whatever this is we'll figure it out okay (waiting for Lena to answer her.)
Lena (trying to think): A while now but they seem to be getting worse. (Alex look of concern) I don't (biting her lip) I can't, it's nothing I ate, nothing I was exposed to, nothing I did (agitation and frustration) I just want whatever it is to bloody stop (frustrated breath.)
Alex (setting the tubes of Lena's blood in the blood chemistry analyzer; picking up the clipboard): Well your body temperature is within range, (going down the list) your blood pressure is a tad high (glancing at Lena) the EKG results (a frown) considering your arrhythmia and recent surgery that could explain it, not entirely but (checking the machine) medication side effects aside which don't match any of the symptoms (checking Lena's vitals) Lena you work a lot of hours, you're a CEO of a major tech company, a board director of two other ones, you're also running a non profit, and you're a consultant for the DEO, (shaking her head) Lena this could be stress, this could be you're overworked. (Alex glanced at Lena fondly, Alex had always been impressed with Lena, her accomplishments at such a young age, her fortitude and intelligence among other things about her friend) maybe you need to take a few days off (Lena laughed) I'm serious, this type of stress and pressure on your body, let alone anyone else, would take a toll and it is going to take its toll (Lena frowned) you can't keep going at 1000 RPM's, eventually something is going to give out.
Lena (shaking her head): I know and I've considered it (motioning) you know I can't (letting out a breath) there's too much going on right now.
Alex (checking the machine): Lena there is always a lot going on (reading over her list) you might need to (green eyes looked at her like she was speaking a foreign language) you heard me it's for your own good. (Squeezing Lena's hand) a few days is all (green eyes widened) it would be good for you, give your body a chance to rest (understanding how much pressure the younger woman was under.)
Lena (shifting; not wanting to think about it): Could it be something due to my heart the abnormality, the arrhythmia (Alex shook her head?) This is confounding, what else are we missing? What aren't we seeing?
Alex (reading down the list): Let's see you're far too young to be in menopause (a breath) that certainly doesn't apply to you (Lena's questioning look) pregnancy (arching her eyebrow?)
Lena (incredulous look): Do you even need to ask (a smirk?)
Alex (shaking her head): That's why I said it doesn't apply to you (grinning) but um (motioning.)
Lena (groaning): No, no way, (Alex chuckled) moving on then….
Alex (giggling): Right (continuing down the list) and you haven't been out of the country recently, no business trips, nothing for pleasure (a muffled groan and I wish) okay then (trying not laugh at Lena's obvious discomfort over routine topics) nothing new in your diet (another shake) okay so let's see (what was really going on here? What was wrong with Lena, none of this made sense.)
Lena (loudly): I haven't been able to go anywhere due to Lex and Lillian trying to kill me, the weekly assassination attempts, (motioning) helping out Supergirl and the DEO (pausing) which I don't mind in the least (blowing out a breath) running L-Corp and trying to keep it out of Lex's hands (sitting up) I haven't been anywhere Alex. (Biting her bottom lip) and I certainly can't afford to step away from responsibilities even for a few days (throwing her hands up) ugh (yelling) dammit I don't need this.
Alex (turning at the sound of the door opening): It's okay calm down honey (pulling Lena into a one armed hug) breath in and out. (Soothing) it's okay we'll figure this out, okay we've eliminated the list of usual symptoms (rubbing Lena's back) it'll be all right.
Kelly (knocking): All right if I come in (taking in the scene) what's the matter? (Concern) what's going on (rubbing her hand up and down Alex's back, squeezing Lena's hand noticing how Lena looked lost confused upset and frustrated.)
Alex (shrugging): I don't know (kissing Kelly softly) Lena came to me this morning with a list of symptoms and I'm running some tests. Based on her symptoms alone it's nothing I've heard of, no exposure, no side effects, nothing stands out and (waving the clipboard around) we were reviewing her questionnaire?
Kelly (kissing Alex softly): Lena what's wrong (pulling up a stool to sit next to the younger woman?) Talk to me honey, what's the matter?
Lena (unsure): I don't know what's wrong with me. That's why I'm here, hopefully we can determine what's going on based on the analysis and data then proceed with a plan to resolve the issue. (Sternly) and it needs to be resolved, (a moment) these symptoms are proving to be a right bother.
Kelly (motioning to Alex): Can I see that clipboard of yours love (taking it as Alex handed it over?) Let me see, no, no, that's definitely not it, can't be that, no, definitely not (making a noise in her throat) mm I see.
Lena (nervously): What? What is it? (Looking at Kelly who was trying to hide a knowing smile) what is it.
Kelly (having a pretty good idea of what was going on): I have a possible explanation for what might be going on with you (this was rich, trying to hold back her laughter, she could see what was going on with Lena as clear as day; as brilliant as Lena was, as smart as she was Lena was completely oblivious to the obvious.) It's nothing serious, I'm just going to wait for all the tests to finish then we'll know more (how many degrees did Lena have, not that it mattered, but for someone so smart well, love is blind after all.)
Lena (taking a breath): And (Kelly squeezed her hand?)
Kelly (trying not to laugh): Let's wait on the blood analysis first okay.
Alex (confused, concern): What do you think it is?
Kelly (trying not to laugh, if Alex hadn't figured it out yet then she wasn't saying; she wondered sometimes how two people who were so smart couldn't figure out what was right in front of them; especially considering that her and Alex were deeply in love and Lena, well Lena was a lost cause): How much longer, before the test finishes honey?
Alex (checking the timer): About 15 minutes or so (mulling over Kelly's words) Kelly if (a soft kiss as Kelly stood up.)
Supergirl (running in): What's going on? Why is Lena…
Alex (pursing her lips; Lena's heart rate increased all of a sudden): That's odd…
Kara (hugging Lena, enjoying the scent of lavender jasmine and honeysuckle): Hey, what's wrong? Are you hurt, sick...
Kelly (watching Lena's vitals on the monitor for a moment): Babe (a soft kiss) babe I can guarantee that what Lena has (smirking) or whatever is going on with her is nothing to worry about (smiling, squeezing Alex's hand.)
Lena (glancing back and forth between the two lovebirds; how could they be so casual about what was wrong with her): What? I'd prefer to wait here, until the test are done. I could be sick, or contagious. And there you two are carrying on as if, (sputtering) this could be dangerous.
Kara (totally confused; sitting on the edge of the gurney): I don't understand (slowly scanning Lena's body for any signs of injuries, broken bones or internal bleeding, she found nothing) what happened to prompt all these tests?
Kelly (biting back a laugh; this was too much calm cool collected brilliant Lena Luthor oblivious, frustrated over something so simple that it was completely overlooked and Kara was no better, super powered alien, certified genius CEO and neither had a clue): Lena I firmly believe that you're not contagious and this is no disease. Kara, she's fine but maybe you two need to talk a bit (watching as Kara pulled Lena closer and held her) or not in your case (winking at Alex and trying to laugh at the absurdly amusing situation.)
Lena (confused): Are you sure (even more confused now then she was when she came in?)
Kelly (mischievously): Absolutely, you're going to be fine Lena (holding back her laughter.)
Kara (brow furrowing): What does she mean? Can someone (looking between Alex and Lena) explain what's going on? (Motioning) Lena thinks somethings wrong with her, Kelly doesn't think somethings wrong with Lena. (Worry) Alex this is serious, there could be repercussions, Lena could be in danger.
Alex (thinking, running through different scenarios): I don't' know (why was Kelly laughing) what's so funny. (Even more puzzled as to what was going on with Lena and what did Kelly mean?)
Kara (shrugging): Kelly do you know what's wrong with Lena (a warm smile was her answer?)
Alex (folding her arms across her chest): Kelly, Lena could be in danger, she could be sick we have to (waving her hands around) what's going on?
Kelly (playfully): It's not contagious, it's definitely not a disease and Lena is in no serious danger (grinning) except to herself (leaning up pressing her lips to Alex's) you just finish up the tests and let me know the results (sitting down next to Lena and Kara; watching as Kara whispered words of reassurance to Lena, Lena leaning into Kara's touch. How had they not figured it out yet? Kara was a tactile person, Lena was touched starved, yet here they were holding onto each other, touching each other and again no clue.)
Alex (totally confused): Huh what, wait a minute (noticing Lena and Kara) oh that's helpful.
Kara (protectively): If Lena has something, one I won't catch it and two she won't be alone no matter what (a mumbled thank you.) I'll be with you every step of the way no matter what it is.
Lena (snuggling deeper into Kara's warmth): I appreciate that but we still have no idea what this is.
Kelly trying not to laugh, she had figured everything out based on Lena's symptoms and her answers to the questionnaire. No it was definitely no disease, it wasn't contagious, it was, however what most people desired but hardly found, tales told by poets and singers alike, old as time itself, hard to define, harder to explain, something beautiful, something amazing and something rare.
Lena (watching Kelly for a moment, her posture was relaxed, she didn't seem worried at all): You know what's wrong with me?
Kelly (noticing Lena's vitals): I have an idea yes (Lena's eyebrow arched) don't worry it isn't anything serious and nothing to worry about that I can promise you (grinning as Lena's green eyes narrowed.) Relax you're going to be fine.
Kara (glancing at the monitors): Your heart rate increased for a bit then it just dropped off (wrapping her cape around Lena) I'm here, whatever it is I'm right here (kissing the top of Lena's head.)
Lena (coming to a slow realization; there were the butterflies again; her mouth was dryer than the Sahara, her skin tingled): Thank you (pressing a kiss to Kara's cheek.)
Kelly (barely stifling her laughter, Alex glared at her; Lena was in serious danger from herself, the whole situation was hysterical): Kara, Lena's fine (both of them looked at her like she had lost her mind.)
All eyes turned to the analyzer as it beeped signaling that the analysis was done, Alex pulled the reports off the printer, glancing between the papers in her hand and the monitor, then at Lena then at Kelly.
Kelly (taking the paper from Alex's hand; trying not laugh): Let me see this (looking at Lena who was snuggled into Kara's chest) Lena have you ever heard of quantum entanglement?
Kara (furrowing her brow): What (it had to be something to do with Lena's lab, something she had been working on) what's that got to do with anything?
Alex (pinching the bridge of her nose): Quantum entanglement (mulling over the words) that's…
Kelly (shaking her head): Bear with me a moment (the bewildered look on everyone's face had her biting her lip) well Lena care to explain.
Lena (settling on her feet): Quantum Entanglement is an often criticized theory in regards to Quantum Physics (motioning) basically Quantum Entanglement is the so called physical phenomenon that occurs when groups of particles are generated, share spatial proximity, where the quantum state of each particle of group particles is no longer independent of the other particles, regardless of proximity or distance.
Alex (mumbling, repeating what Lena had said): Okay (considering the situation) that's (trailing off.)
Kara (brows furrowing; wrapping her arm around Lena; feeling Lena shiver): Is she sick, what's wrong with her (nervously.)
Lena (pondering over the question, the puzzle was all there, there was something she wasn't getting): What does that have to do with anything?
Kelly (biting back a smirk): Tell me this, what are C8H11NO2, C10H12N2O and C43H66N12O12S2.
Alex and Kara shared a look, neither knew what those were either, where they chemical compounds, something that Lena had been exposed to possibly. Had Lea or Lillian tried to poison her, had they sent an assassin armed with a chemical weapon.
Alex (worried): If she's been exposed to something then we need to get her into isolation, (running through the protocols in her head) we need to trace those compounds down, we can set up a search for materials containing the properties in those compounds. Lena may not be the only one affected, we have to put National City on alert (Kelly shook her head no and winked at Alex.)
Lena (thinking over the chemical names): Um (mumbling) SE Selenium, CM Curium, CS Cesium (Kelly shook her head) um (running through the periodic table) wait…
Kara (covering her face): Those are the chemical names for dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, they're not toxic (a light bulb moment) she's not sick, she's oh Rao (giggling) oh (that explained things.)
Alex (having figured out the little puzzle): Wow, oh wow (laughing) wait (continuing to laugh.)
Lena (thinking): Wait that, that's what wrong with me. All these symptoms, all the (her words falling off as Kelly and Alex howled with laughter.) This isn't funny, I thought there was something seriously wrong with me.
Alex (handing Lena the paperwork): There is something wrong with you, (teasing) you're so smart that you didn't figure out the obvious (trying not laugh.)
Kelly (throwing her hands up; yep that proved it Alex and Lena were both hopeless): You're one to talk, baby, (Alex glared at her) two of the smartest people I know and wow (laughing harder.)
Alex (covering her face): I'm a doctor, my first thoughts were injury or sickness not (motioning…)
Kara (looking between her sister and Lena then at Kelly): Wait what…
Lena (realizing what was actually going on with her, those butterflies she felt only happened when Kara was around her, the warm tingles any time Kara touched her, the dryness in her mouth when blue eyes gazed at her with such loving fondness, those same blue eyes seeking her out whether it was from across the room, or across the multiverse): Oh, oh okay (Alex and Kelly were still laughing) it's not funny (laughing herself) I can't believe this, I'm an idiot…
Kelly (chuckling): No oblivious would be appropriate….
Alex (laughing): Oblivious to the obvious (cackling.)
Kara (shaking her head): Can't believe what? (Alex and Kelly yelled Lena's in love with you.)
Alex (realizing what she just said; Lena Luthor was in love with her sister): You two need to (covering her face as she tried to wrap her mind around the idea of Lena and Kara and no she wasn't going there, not going there. She had suspected all along that Lena was in love with Kara and vice versa and was happy for them but she didn't want details.)
Lena (covered her face, blushing right to the tips of her ears): Really, seriously (yelling. Why hadn't she, what about, and then there was and) Kara um...
Kara (wide eyed): She is, she can't (turning to Lena) you are? Why didn't you say something?
Lena (taking Kara's hand in her own): Um well I never thought and you and I and then (leaning up and kissing Kara) oh never mind (another kiss) we can discuss it later (enjoying the softness of Kara's lips brushing against her own.)
Alex (softly): Oh that is, disgustingly cute (turning to give both women some privacy.)
Kelly (tugging Alex toward the door): Let's leave the two clueless lovebirds alone Alex.
Alex (realizing): Oh my Gods Lena Luthor is love with my sister (turning around) Lena you better not corrupt oh seriously (Lena had her arms around Kara's neck and was kissing her softly) if you're going to defile (wincing) seriously you two (clapping her hand over her mouth) my pure sweet innocent sister (covering her eyes.) I can't believe that it took a chemical blood test analysis to oh my Gods (thinking of all the ways she could tease Lena about this, and Kara as well.)
Kelly (wrapping her arm around Alex): Well now that we solved that how about (whispering several suggestions in Alex's ear.)
Kara (breaking the kiss): I don't want to hear that about my sister either Kelly (trailing her fingers down Lena's face) how about we get away from the peanut gallery and (grinning) go somewhere a little more private.
Alex (teasing): That's a good idea, maybe actually have a conversation (grinning.)
Lena (licking her lips): My thoughts exactly (tracing the crest on Kara's chest; smiling as Kara kissed her again) it is serious you know (another kiss) I'm in love with you.
Kara (softly): I'm in love with you too, have been for a while (Lena's questioning look) I wasn't sure what you felt.
Lena (smiling): Well I wasn't sure either...
Kara (chuckling) it only took a chemistry analysis to figure it all out.
Lena (walking with Kara down the hallway): I will never live this down (grumbling Alex was going to tease her mercifully for this.)
Kara (smiling down at the beautiful women in her arms): How long (swallowing) how long…
Lena (snuggling into Kara): I don't know, I just know that when I'm with you that I feel like I'm the only one that matters, that I would do anything for you, that you are everything to me.
Kara (opening the door): That's what all those flowers and food deliveries meant (she too had been oblivious) and the flirting (knowing smirk) wow I had no idea.
Lena (blushing): I didn't intend them in that manner at first (clearing her throat) but uh yeah. (They both started laughing) we were pretty oblivious.
Kara (teasing): My beautiful little genius didn't even know (teasing.)
Lena (groaning): Ugh don't remind me (shaking her head) I can't believe I didn't think of it. It never dawned on me (a breath) it should have (stammering) I mean but not that I had really had a reference point (looking into blue eyes) I never felt this way (shifting) well not as strongly or intensely.
Kara (taking Lena's hands in her own): I know why (Lena gave her a puzzled look) because what example of love do you really know (cupping Lena's jaw.) What example of something that is selfless, kind, compassionate have you know? When has being with someone else not been one sided? Or someone just wanting you to be you? (Firmly) you're nothing like Lex or Lillian, you're good, you're kind, you've helped so many people, you've saved people (staring into Lena's mismatched eyes which were quite extremely sexy) you've saved me. (Softly) how could you know love, if you never experienced it in truest sense (placing a gentle kiss on the corner of Lena's mouth?)
Lena (melting into the warm words and gentle touches): I (leaning into Kara) you're right and (contented sigh) thank you for believe in me (reaching up to cup Kara's jaw) so you and I (getting lost in Kara's eyes, a kiss on the corner of Kara's mouth as she wrapped her arms around Kara's broad shoulders.)
Kara (gently picking Lena up and cradling her in her arms): You and I (a soft kiss) my place or yours, Ms Luthor?
Lena (considering as Kara took flight): Mine, (mischievously) we have a lot to talk about and I don't want any interruptions (seductively.)
Kara (grinning): Of course Ms Luthor first class (speeding off towards Lena's penthouse.)
Lena and Kara spent their evening cuddled up on Lena's couch talking about what was between them. How both women wanted this, maybe had wanted this longer then even they realized. Neither woman had felt this way towards anyone else, felt the all encompassing warmth that the other woman provided.
The feeling of love and being loved just for who they were. All it took was a chemistry blood test to figure it out, a fact that would provide teasing material for a very long time to come between their friends. They were in love, they were together, they were Lena and Kara in love.
