The very next day, something finally came up to distract Lena from her one-sided crush on Supergirl.
"Kara!" the CEO of L-Corp smiled warmly as the plucky young reported from CatCo stepped into her office.
"Just thought I, and some donuts, might drop in for a little visit!" Kara replied cheerfully as she waved a large box of donuts at Lena. Lena's eyes widened at once and she grinned broadly.
"You're my favorite!" she declared as she rushed over to embrace Kara... and then indulge in a few donuts. Kara laughed in response, hugging Lena just as tightly before following Lena's path and devouring some of the warm, sugary pastries.
The two spent a pleasant hour together, chatting. They spoke about everything and nothing, about good things and bad, but then at last, Supergirl's little demonstration popped up in the conversation.
"What did you think of it?" Kara asked Lena.
"I thought it was wonderful! As always," Lena replied, smiling a little as she said this.
"I'm sure Supergirl would be glad to hear you say that," Kara replied, giving Lena a look that she could not decipher.
"Well, that's provided that she could ever truly believe that a Luthor had genuinely had good intentions for and about her," Lena smiled dryly.
"Don't say that!" Kara's unreadable expression changed to one of sadness and hurt. "You are not your brother, and Supergirl knows that! She is very fond of you, and she knows full well that you mean her no harm! She would be glad to hear such praise coming from you!"
"You sound quite confident," Lena replied, but she had since begun to smile again, a warm feeling rising up in her chest that her hero thought highly of her. It really did mean a lot to Lena to think that someone like Supergirl liked and trusted her. And it went beyond the simple "Luthor/Super" dichotomy. There was something even deeper within Lena that was satisfied whenever she imagined that someone like Supergirl could manage to see the good in someone like her.
"I am!" Kara nodded assertively. "You know that she and I are... friends. I mean it when I tell you that she thinks you are a great person."
For a moment, no more words were spoken. Lena smiled at her lap again, reveling in what Kara was telling her. But in the back of her mind, she did wonder what Kara meant when she said "friends". Though Lena knew full well that Kara had a strange connection with the Girl of Steel, in the same way that Lois Lane did with the Man of Steel, she did not know what sort of connection it was that Kara and Supergirl had. Was it romantic? Platonic? Something in between? Or something totally different?
"How did you two meet?" Lena asked next, unsure of whether she was asking out of curiosity, or maybe even a little bit of jealousy.
"Ah, well, about that..." Kara suddenly looked very flustered and she started fiddling with her glasses. Although Lena felt guarded, interested and wary of what Kara's answer might be, she couldn't help but smile a little as she watched the adorkable blond twitch. The way she always fiddled with her glasses when she was nervous was something that Lena really did find quite endearing.
But then Lena's smile faded. She wondered, briefly, if maybe Kara and Supergirl were actually dating. Though she didn't disapprove, Lena couldn't deny a tiny amount of jealousy that Kara should be so close to the Girl of Steel. But then, even Lena didn't know if what she felt for Supergirl was anything beyond the typical high that everyone felt whenever she was around. There had been a few times when Lena couldn't tell the difference between love and envy within herself. Did she truly love Supergirl? Or was she so envious of the woman's talents, powers and morals that it was manifesting in a crush? And was she fond of Kara partly because she knew Kara had a special connection with the famed Kryptonian? And did the thought of knowing that Kara was special friends with Supergirl make Lena jealous? It was all so confusing! But, just for a second, the most bizarre, hilarious and inappropriate thought flashed through her mind. It was the idea of herself engaging in a polyamorous relationship with Kara and Supergirl. Now that would be a threesome for the ages! But Lena pushed the thought away again quickly, embarrassed both by the absurdity and inappropriateness of it.
All during the time that Lena was musing upon her feelings for Supergirl, Kara had been formulating a story about her own relationship to National City's champion. After a minute or so of sputtering and thinking, she finally came up with a basic outline.
"We met when I was younger," she said. "It was even before I started working at CatCo. Supergirl saved my neck one night and I managed to save hers not long after. Because I was one of the first people she ever saved, we've been really close ever since. I think she considers me as some sort of special friend just because we were both each other's first rescues."
"You rescued Supergirl?" Lena sounded genuinely impressed and interested. "Kara Danvers, you never cease to amaze me!"
"Ah, well, it's nothing too dramatic," Kara was suddenly blushing bright red. "She had been looking for a few bad guys and I actually knew where they hung out at and I was able to help her lure them into a trap. It was sort of like your L-Corp charity party!" she added.
"Ah," Lena smiled dryly at the memory. That had been an interesting night, and it had been made all the better because, to some extent, it was the first time she and Supergirl had really gotten the chance to work together. It was the first time Lena had ever been able to prove herself directly as an honest, worthy and competent ally to the Girl of Steel, though it had sadly been cut short by the arrival of Lena's conniving mother, Lillian.
"Yeah, Supergirl is great," Kara said when silence began to settle between the two friends once again.
"She is," Lena agreed, a very soft and gentle quality to her voice as she said this.
"And hey, you know, if you ever wanted to hang out with her, I can definitely help you set something up," Kara added next, suddenly looking shy.
"What?" Lena's face went blank as she tried to process what Kara had just said.
"You and Supergirl," Kara replied. "If you ever wanted to hang out with her again, just for fun, I can easily arrange it."
"Oh, no, no, it's fine. I couldn't ask either of you to do that for me," Lena muttered embarrassedly, heartrate increasingly rapidly as a sudden vision of herself and Supergirl going on a date together flashed through her head. It was very appealing, but also very terrifying.
"It would be no trouble at all!" Kara continued to insist. "We'd both be totally happy to do that for you!"
"But Kara, I'm not really a fan, you know?" Lena asked pleadingly. "It's more like a... respect. A distant admiration! I don't really-"
"Don't be silly!" Kara interrupted as Lena continued to stutter. "I mean, go ahead and call it "respect" or "distant admiration", but there's no shame in being a Supergirl fan! It sounds like you want to get to know her better and who can blame you? Who doesn't? I'm just saying that I could definitely help set something up, so why not use that to your advantage?" she continued to suggest to the Luthor.
"No, Kara, I don't think-" Lena tried to say, but it was too late. Kara already knew exactly what she had in mind for the Luthor later that night.
Once L-Corp shut down for the day, as Lena exited the building, she found Kara Danvers waiting for her in the parking lot.
"I set you and Supergirl up for a late-night coffee date tonight!" Kara replied. Lena went pale.
"You what?" she rasped in terror.
"ASAP, at the little coffee shop just four blocks down," Kara said, still grinning broadly.
"Kara. You shouldn't have!" Lena choked.
"I know, that's what makes me so nice!" Kara joked.
"No, Kara, that's not what I meant!" Lena cried. "I mean, I am grateful, but you really shouldn't have!"
"Oh come on, what's your worry?" Kara asked playfully. "I know I didn't give you much of a heads-up, but it's only coffee. It'll be casual!"
"That's not it either!" Lena continued to panic. "I just don't think I can do this!"
"Lena, it's a coffee date," Kara said incredulously.
"With the Girl of Steel!" Lena reminded.
"Who is very down to earth and understanding," Kara finished. "And Luthor or not, she considers you a friend. You have nothing to fear."
"Oh, don't I?" Lena scoffed. "Besides, maybe it's not her I'm scared of. Maybe it's me..." and she finally managed to capture Kara's attention.
"Believe me, Kara," Lena explained when Kara gestured for her to elaborate. "I am incredibly grateful for everything that you and Supergirl both have done for me, but you have to understand that something like this will not be easy for me. I know that Supergirl trusts me, but you haven't seen her and I interact. I think that there are still moments when my last name means more to her than my first. I can really explain it, but there are moments when I can tell that she still doesn't totally trust me. Even if she wants to, there's something standing between us that prevents us from every truly seeing eye to eye. But even if that weren't the case, then some of the problem still lies within me..." Lena paused to collect her thoughts. After heaving a reluctant sigh, she continued to confess to Kara.
"You see, even if Supergirl were to trust me 100%, I still don't think I would feel comfortable around her just because there are so many things that could go wrong between us. I've worked so hard for so long for this world to stop judging me for my brother's crimes that the last thing I need to do is somehow mess things up and ruin it all. The last thing I want is to do something that would cause Supergirl to distrust me..."
And that was Lena's deepest, darkest fear. Even under the embarrassment of having a celebrity crush on Supergirl and even under the awkwardness of the Luthor/Super dichotomy, it was Lena's biggest concern that she would do something to jeopardize her relationship with the Girl of Steel and sour the way Supergirl saw her. As of right now, they were on amicable terms, but it was still a very shaky and fresh bond. It wouldn't take much for it to go south, and Lena didn't want that. She wanted Supergirl to like her. She wanted to impress Supergirl. She wanted to feel like Supergirl could be proud of her, and that they one day might be comfortable enough to call each other friends instead of just allies. One of the things Lena wanted most in the world was Supergirl's pride, trust and approval, and she didn't want anything to jeopardize that goal, including herself. So if distancing herself from National City's hero would keep Lena safe from making an error in Supergirl's presence, then so be it.
It was also then that Lena confessed another mildly embarrassing secret to Kara. This wasn't the first time she'd had a little celebrity crush on a super. When Superman was the name on everyone's lips and heart, he had been the one that Lena secretly idolized and hero-worshipped. Like Supergirl, to Lena, Superman symbolized every good thing that she could think of: hope, peace, love, truth, justice, equality, fairness, diversity and trust. He symbolized unity and understanding across all borders, barrier and boundaries. He meant so many things for Lena, and that was part of the reason why she was so struck by him. Besides, he was really handsome. What woman didn't have some sort of crush on the mighty Man of Steel?
In fact, Lena had been to several of his demonstrations before and had adored every single one of them. And at one point, she even managed to secure an autograph from him, courtesy of Lex Luthor back when he and Lex had still been best friends. That autograph used to be one of Lena's guiltiest pleasures, but then after the whole "war on Superman" thing from Lex began, Lena had reluctantly parted with the autograph, seeing it as something that compromised her relationship with Lex. Back then, Lex had been the most important thing in Lena's life, but after she began to see enough of his true, dark nature, she quickly backed out of their relationship and went underground, vowing never to speak of him or Superman ever again. When she stood between Superman and Lex, she felt like she was being pulled in half, two worlds each calling her name, both of which attracted and repulsed her in their own ways.
But after all was said and done, even after Lex had been securely locked away, Lena still felt awkward around Superman. She could no longer see him as the same spotless hero he used to be but, at the same time, she agreed with most of the things he had done to Lex. Lex had needed to be stopped, so Superman stopped him. Lena could agree with that. But it didn't exactly look good or sincere on her to sing his praises. Because of that, Lena had been stuck in that odd limbo between Lex and Superman and she never spoke of either of them, seeing them both as taboo subjects for someone like her to talk about.
But then Supergirl came into the picture and Lena found herself a new hero to idolize, one who was just like Superman, but a little less personally conflicting to know and respect. But even though, so far, all of Lena's interactions with Supergirl had been positive, there was still some semblance of shame, fear, worry, mistrust and wariness between them. And it was coming from both sides. This was why Lena still wasn't sure how she felt about the famed Girl of Steel, and this was why Lena didn't feel comfortable hanging out with her. Even if it was only to get coffee.
"Oh, Lena," Kara murmured gently as Lena finished up her story. She reached out a comforting hand and soothingly ran it up and down Lena's back, gently reassuring her that everything would be ok.
"I know you're nervous, but trust me when I tell you that a lot of your fears are unfounded," she said. "Supergirl likes you far more than you think and she didn't agree to this coffee date just because I asked her to. She also wants to get to know you just as much as you want to get to know her. Besides, I think she's a bit nervous too..." Kara paused to smile. "When I first asked her if she'd be willing to do this with you, she seemed just as intimidated by you as you are of her. I think you two are on pretty even playing fields, though you may not believe it. Besides, even if you do make a few mistakes tonight, I doubt that will alter Supergirl's opinion of you too drastically. She isn't that easily shaken. You can't get her to hate you after a few minor slip-ups. Especially not after you two have saved the day together several times over already. You have a lot less to worry about than you think. You are a far better, kinder person than you give yourself credit for. You won't scare her away, nor will you mess up. I promise."
And although it took a while, Kara finally managed to build up Lena's confidence enough that Lena felt ready to pursue this coffee date. It was just coffee, after all. How hard could it be?
"Alright Kara, I'm ready," Lena promised at last.
"That's the spirit!" Kara replied with a smile. But the moment Lena stepped into the coffee house that Kara told her Supergirl would be at, she grew nervous once again. She fiddled with her blouse as she looked around for the Girl of Steel.
"Ms. Luthor!" and there she was...
But despite all of Lena's previous misgivings, the coffee date turned out just fine. There had been a few stares early on and a few visitors to the café did ask for pictures and autographs, but after a few minutes, it quieted back down and everyone left Supergirl alone in peace. As Lena came to learn, she was an excellent conversationalist. Maybe she was a bit stoic and distant, but she was incredibly charismatic, charming and friendly. Underneath that godlike exterior was a very real and very human soul. She almost reminded Lena of herself! Once Lena got to know Supergirl, Supergirl proved to be incredibly friendly and kind and open and chatty. It just took a bit of talking to break the ice. But there really hadn't been anything to fear after all! The date went off without a hitch and Lena didn't make a single mistake!
"I was wrong about you, Supergirl," Lena said as their little late-night coffee date came to a close.
"What do you mean?" Supergirl asked, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.
"I mean that I was worried that you might not like me very much," Lena confessed. "I was worried that you would cast judgments on me, but I can see now that I was the one doing all the judging, not you. You came with a totally open mind and it was me who was worried."
"Don't worry, Ms. Luthor," Supergirl chuckled. "I was just as nervous as you. I'm just better at hiding it I suppose. But I am glad to know that you feel at ease around me," the Girl of Steel extended her hand and Lena willingly shook it, trembling a little as she felt sparks fly from the touch. She wondered briefly if Supergirl felt the same and, just for a second, the idea of being Supergirl's Lois Lane felt just a little bit realer than it had just a day and a half ago. But of course, Lena still didn't dare bring it up. It was only their first "date" after all! Instead, she quickly forced a more professional expression on as she and Supergirl both stood up from their table to go.
"I'll be sure to thank Kara for this lovely date," she said as she and Supergirl exited the café.
"As will I," Supergirl agreed. "But actually, before we go, I have one more thing I want to do."
"Oh?" Lena's heart was suddenly roaring in her ears.
"Yeah, let me borrow your phone," Supergirl requested. Flustered, Lena obeyed without a sound. Once Supergirl had her phone, she turned it on and opened up the camera app. Before Lena could protest, Supergirl pulled her in close and took a selfie.
"There ya go!" Supergirl handed the phone back to Lena and Lena's face switched back and forth between excitement, joy, pride, pleasure, embarrassment and awkwardness as she looked at the photo. Well. She could cross "selfie with Supergirl" off of her secret fangirl bucket list.
"Thanks," she muttered shyly, then she turned to leave.
"Wait! One more thing!" Supergirl cried and Lena gave her a nervous, embarrassed smile as she turned back towards the Girl of Steel one last time. That was when the Kryptonian handed her a piece of paper. It read: To my friend and ally, Lena Luthor, from someone that she can always call upon and never have to fear or hide from: Supergirl.
"Your autograph?" Lena asked incredulously, but she was smiling so hard that she was sure her face would split in half.
"Kara told me you were a fan," Supergirl smirked a little.
"She what?!" Lena's face went pale again and there was anger at Kara glittering in the depths of her eyes.
"Promise me you won't kill her and I'll gladly go out with you on a second date!" Supergirl laughed, but before Lena could even register what she had said, she had jumped straight up into the air and taken flight, quickly vanishing from view as she went higher and higher up.
The next day, Kara swung by L-Corp.
"How did the date go?" she sing-songed.
"I hate to admit it, but you were right. It went fine," Lena smiled dryly at her. "Though I'm not sure I would've used the word 'fan' to describe how I felt about Supergirl," she added with a smirk.
"Well, what can I say?" Kara twiddled with her glasses sheepishly as she carefully avoided Lena's eyes. Lena's face softened again. Kara really was incredibly adorable and endearing. And besides, Lena owed her big time for getting her that little dream date with Supergirl.
"Thank you," she said, a note of true warmth in her voice as she gave Kara all the credit that she deserved.
"I'm glad it went well," Kara replied with a smile, the last of her own nervousness fading away as she met Lena's eyes happily. "Supergirl said she really enjoyed herself and I, personally, hope you two manage to get together again some time."
"We'll see," Lena replied, though another smile flitted across her face as she entertained the thought.
A few minutes later, she was alone again, Kara having returned to CatCo. With her gone, Lena heaved a sigh. She still wasn't quite sure how she felt about Supergirl, but that coffee date last night had at least made her feel a bit more secure in her friendship with National City's champion. Besides, now she had Supergirl's autograph and picture. Although she would never admit it to anyone, not even Kara or Supergirl herself, Lena had both the selfie and the autograph currently stored in the top drawer of her desk. As soon as she was sure that Kara was gone from the premises, Lena pulled the selfie and the autograph back out of her desk drawer and smiled fondly down at them.
"Thank you Kara," she whispered. "And thank you... Supergirl..."
AN: This second chapter wasn't originally supposed to exist, but here it is. Consider it a sequel/deeper look into Lena's relationship with Supergirl. And yes, based off the canon in this fic, Lena thinks that Kara and Supergirl are two different people and while she has (potentially) romantic feelings for Supergirl, she feels none for Kara.
I like to think that this is because Lena's relationship with Supergirl is inherently more tumultuous than her relationship with Kara, so while Lena thinks about Supergirl quite often, because she feels so much more at ease with Kara, she doesn't even stop to wonder if she feels anything for Kara (romantically speaking). In other words: Lena ships SuperCorp, but not necessarily Karalena, if that makes sense.
But either way, this was just a follow-up chapter on the first because why not?