Sorry for the delay. It might be weekend updates for the next few weeks. I hope you enjoy. Also thanks for all of your wonderful comments, and opinions. You all are fabulous.
Cat walked into Lena's office the Friday before she would take back her throne. She walked past the assistant and her eyebrow quirked up as the woman brokered no fight and Lena already sat on her couch waiting. Naturally Lena was informed the moment the woman stepped foot in her lobby and she used the few precious moments to compose herself about the upcoming conversation.
"Little Luthor," Cat greeted Lena. Lena smiled slightly and rolled her eyes.
"One of these days you might have to call me Lena," the younger woman jested. Cat simply shrugged as she waited.
"You made your presence known at CatCo," Lena went straight to the heart of the matter.
"Of course, I did," Cat said nonchalantly, "If I didn't it would be too much of a shock. Those people know how I run my company and how we will go back to running my company. If I just dove in with no prep it would take too much time to adjust. Now they had about a week to get prepared both physically with work, and mentally for the demands."
Lena nodded. She was not angry at her appearance, but it did make it difficult when dealing with some of her current employees. She made a print out of James's text. None of which she replied to and gave them to the woman. Cat looked them over and clucked her tongue to the roof of her mouth and narrowed her eyes.
"I could fire him for harassment and conduct unbecoming in accordance to CatCo employee Handbook," Cat offered. Lena shook her head as she relaxed grateful the woman was on her side.
"Use it as collateral, just in case he goes rogue," Lena said and then leaned back further on her sofa instantly tired. Cat watched the woman and wished she could have that interview right then.
She smirked as she remembered Kara's interview. She was proud of her protégé. She asked some hard-hitting questions followed by some fluff then she hit her hard again all the while appearing to be nonintrusive. For a few seconds she forgot she was being interviewed as she and Kara had lunch. She watched the younger woman and took in her features. That damned scar was the only thing that confirmed it without a doubt that she was Supergirl.
"So, the Martian shapeshifter did a passable job as Supergirl, Kara," Cat said and watched the reporter gawp and struggle for words and then Cat, boldly shifted and raised her fingers to Kara's face and then brushed the scar on her eyebrow.
"You and the super have the same scar, same facial planes, and same amazing smile," Cat sat back with a sigh, "I am not stupid Kara, please, this time around, do not treat me as such."
"I never thought you were," Kara looked at the woman and then cleared her throat, "I always thought you were brilliant, Catherine," Kara said, and it was in a way Cat never heard come from the reporter, always from the hero.
"Then why lie to me?" Cat asked softly.
"I never wanted to make you a part of my life, a target, and I never wanted to insult you by making you sign a Non-disclosure agreement," Kara confessed.
"And yet you would insult me every day by lying to me," Cat stared Kara down then reached across the table and grasped the younger woman's hand, "You could have told me dear. You can tell me anything," Cat said as she squeezed the younger woman's hand, and then released her hold on the hand. Kara looked at her hand, blinked as she felt her heart want to explode out of her chest.
"You don't believe in off the record," Kara smiled softly.
"Neither should you, but for once I will make an allowance," Cat grinned as she saw the blush deepen on the hero's features.
"Why did you really leave?" asked the hero as she stroked her thumb over Cats fingers. Cat smiled softly at the reaction and then Kara looked up. Cat saw her blue eyes, looked into the them. Her breath caught in her throat.
"I had nothing to stay for Kara," Cat said testing the waters. Kara's brow creased. "I also needed to go to let you soar, and fly," Cat whispered but Kara could hear everything. Kara had a tear slip down her cheek.
"When you left, if felt like I lost a piece of myself," Kara shook Cat's hand and looked away, "It was equivalent to losing Alex," Kara said. Cat's heart stopped beating. Sister? Alex? SO I am a sister… a fucking sister!?
"But you found support in the Luthor?" Cat smiled as she watched Kara's smile broaden.
"She is amazing Cat!" Kara began, and the older woman sat at the table and listened to the woman she had very strong feelings for gush about a woman she was certain she was in love with.
Oh Kitty, what have you jumped into now, she asked herself.
"What are you smirking at you old shark?" asked Lena.
"Oh, you know, chewing up reporters and spitting them out," Cat chuckled as she saw Lena's face.
"Please tell me you were easy on the poor woman," Lena asked.
Cat only grinned and remembered and thought about all things that happened let herself feel.
"She is doing remarkably well, my protégé," Cat mused as she and Lena sat back and relaxed for the amount of time they had until Lena's next meeting.
Kara flew around the city patrolling the area and everything in it. She was thinking a lot about the women in her life. Alex seemed to pull out of whatever downward spiral she was in, and Kara was elated to see this. She knew the woman had a secret, not a bad one, but something that helps her from time to time, and Kara would never take that from her. She was just happy she could breathe a bit better knowing Alex was doing better. Then there was Lena and Kara smirked. She let the wind flow through her hair and smiled as she went through a mental checklist on all the things she absolutely adored about the smaller woman. She could not get enough of her wit, her passion, and her brilliant green eyes as they sparked when she talked of something she loved. She fell into the smaller woman every time they touched. It was electric and comforting all in the same moment. Love… did she love Lena? Hell yes she did. Then there was Cat. Her smile slipped slightly. That woman put her through an inferno. She tore her down only to help her rebuild who she was, what she was capable of, and in her own way it was an effective teaching strategy. But… Kara clenched her jaw. Three years ago, she would have walked on kryptonite to savor a warm smile from the older woman. She would walk through a gauntlet to save her, and she would never stop trying to do so. Cat was … well Cat. She was a pinnacle of perfection that Kara held every person against. She was Kara's standard for beauty, attraction, and passion. With her arrival Kara had been tossed into a tailwind, yes, but she could see into her own heart that she wanted two women, but something drew her to Lena more.
"You should eat before you drop, Supergirl," came a voice on the wind and she smiled. Lena was on her balcony and watched the woman flying about with binoculars. Kara zoomed to the brunette and the promise of food. She smiled as she landed softly on the terrace and Lena Luthor came close and embraced her friend.
They walked side by side Lena's arm around Kara's waist, and Kara's arm over her shoulders. It was comfortable. They walked into the office, and Kara's eyes lit up as she saw pizza boxes sitting on the coffee table by the sofa. The blond practically leapt toward the floor and dug in. Lena sat down and faced the woman as she ate her fill.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Kara asked as she took pepperoni and popped it in her mouth. Lena smiled and shook her head.
"I had a salad and some ancient grains earlier. Alex said you were patrolling tonight, so I ordered pizzas for you to keep you fueled," Lena smiled as Kara held a thumbs up because her mouth was so full of the treat.
"You talk to Alex often?" Kara asked with a smile on her lips. She loved the idea of her sister getting along with her best friend, someone she hoped someday would become…. More.
"We have become friends," Lena said carefully, and that fact did not go unnoticed by Kara, "She and I have similar feelings, thoughts, and issues," Lena said vaguely. In all actuality, Alex was becoming more of a confident than Kara in some instances. It was their humanity that everyone seemed to miss, everyone's expectations of each woman and how they have had to cope, or not cope.
"I love how you can talk to her," Kara said as she reached out for Lena. "I love how you are able to be friends with her, I was so afraid that you would not."
"Yes, well we are not exactly in the same social circles, and we are rather abrupt, and somewhat brash women," Lena said chuckling.
"No, you are both beautiful, captivating women, who can become rather closed off from the world, and would do anything to protect the people they love," Kara said softly holding Lena's chilled fingers in her hand. Lena's eyes never left Kara's and Kara lifted Lena's fingers to her mouth and breathed warmth into her cold fingers. Lena watched spellbound by the gesture, and then she snapped out of it. She looked into the eyes of a savior, and hero, and wondered if she was worthy of Kara's love. Was she worthy of her kindness?
"Thank you," Lena said as she squeezed her fingers around Kara's and pulled slowly out of her grasp, her own thoughts fueling the action to pull away when her gut, when her heart wanted to pull the woman toward her, embrace her, and hold the blond in her arms. Kara softly smiled, but Lena saw the slight rejection in her eyes. Lena slid closer to the woman in red and blue and leaned a head on her strong shoulder. She witnessed the sun beaming from Kara's instantaneous smile. Lena stayed like that until Kara leaned and Lena grinned as she rest against the woman as she wrapped a protective arm around her back. There was a tone and Kara sighed as she reached for her phone.
"I have to get back to work," Kara said standing looking down at Lena. Kara took a chance. She leaned down and kissed her friend's cheek too close to her lips for it not to be an accident, but too far away for it to be questionable.
"Would you like to have lunch tomorrow?" Kara asked, and Lena swallowed and then grinned.
"Definitely," the brunette confirmed. Kara beamed once more down upon Lena and then took off into the night.
Lena picked up her phone and sent a text. She was surprised by the quick turnaround.
Lena: What are you doing?
Alex: Playing with sharks. Want to join me?
Lena: No thank you, I would prefer to keep my fingers and toes. Have fun.
Alex: What's wrong Lena?
Lena sat there looking at her phone. How had this woman come to know her so well in just the few weeks of their foray into friendship?
Alex: Lena?
Lena looked down at the message. What could she say? She had never lied to Alex. Omitted information yes, but lied to her, no.
Lena: Can I ask you for a favor?
Alex: Of course, but it will cost you
Lena's eyebrows came together. Was Alexandria Danvers finally showing her that she simply wanted to use the Luthor?
Lena: cost?
Alex: Ice Cream
Lena sighed and let out a laugh between a chuckle and a croak. Her heart beat once again, her chest felt light as it unclenched from the tension of possible treachery. She placed her hand on her forehead and let a small sob escape. Ice cream. That's all.
Alex: Lena, you can ask me for anything, and if it is in my power to give I will try to get it to you. How can I help you?
Lena: Alex… can you tell me I am worthy once more… please?
Lena looked up at the ceiling and bit her lip as she brought her phone to her chest and felt her heart beat, no pound in her ribcage. Then the tone came, and she slowly looked down at the screen.
Alex: You are worth friendship. You are worth life. You are worth happiness. You are worth Kara's love. You are worth it. You are worth everything.
"Oh Alex," Lena whispered as she hugged the phone to her chest then replied.
Lena: Thank you… just thank you so much.
Alex: Any time. Feel better?
Lena: Yes. Your words were like magic on a tortured soul.
Alex: Kindness has its own magic. If you need me I'll be here when I can.
Lena blinked. She read the words, then she re-read the words. Kindness has its own magic…. No way. Lena replied a thank you and she would talk to her later. She ran to her computer and searched up those words, and then scrolled down, and then clicked. On a site and her eyes widened. No, fucking, way!
She found the author, she found the story and then right below it was an excerpt she had read many times. Her grin grew. Alex read fanfiction. Harry Potter fanfiction at that. The agent was full of secrets.
Alex closed her phone as she sat on the white couch. Her mind wondered as she thought of Lena. What could prompt her to text her with such a request? She looked over to the shark she was playing with. It was quite a surprise when Alex got a phone call from the blonde telling her to bring the documents. When it happened Alex blew out a lungful of air and looked a Jonn. He nodded and went to the NDA locker. They had many drawn up for Kara since the woman couldn't keep her mouth shut about being Supergirl. She grabbed a briefcase, and then sped over to CatCo in one of the unmarked cars. Usually she would take the bike, but she didn't want to risk losing the case, so she threw everything into the back of a black Jeep, with black out windows, and black rims and wheels.
When she got to CatCo she thought she would have to deal with a great white shark, ready to tear into her and rip her limb from limb, but what welcomed her was a smiling, almost cheery Cat Grant.
"Come in, sit down, and give me those documents," Cat said, and Alex was taken back. She thought she would have to fight the woman to sign these documents. Alex shrugged and then handed Cat the entire case, and then sat down. That was two hours ago. She looked over to Cat and then walked over to the desk. It was her first official day back as boss and Kara said she was doing great, but she had changed. According to Kara Cat Grant was… nicer. Still an ass kicker, but not as domineering. She looked down at the blonde and she read each paper and signed the bottom of every document.
"Why did you call me up for this Cat?" Alex asked standing there watching the woman. She never lifted her eyes from the paper and Alex thought she was being ignored then a scratch of a pen and brown eyes slammed into hers.
"Kara said the reason why she never told me she was Supergirl, was because she never wanted to put me through this. She felt like it was a stipulation to our relationship," Cat said and then watched Alex.
"Relationship… and what kind of relationship is that Miss Grant?' Alex asked going slightly defensive for her sister. Cat only grinned as she sat back in her chair observing.
"Protégé, dear. Master, apprentice, then friend," Cat let the smile slip but not completely, "We could never become friends because of this mountain of paperwork she felt would make me think our bond up the pen and put on her glasses. Alex got the message. Back to work. She sat in the chair in front of Cat's desk and looked at her phone. She just got a DEO message. Jonn wanted to know if it was done yet. She typed back no, but getting there.
"So, you are voluntarily doing this for Kara?" Alex asked. Once again, the woman didn't look up, and then scratch of a pen on paper.
"Yes," the blond said with no other additions to the statement or clauses, or looped conversation to get out of later if she had to. She was simply honest. Alex found it refreshing. Cat signed the last paper and flipped it onto the stack and then flipped the stack over first page now on top. Alex took the papers and put them in the briefcase and then Cat motioned her to sit down. It had been a trying afternoon.
"I don't want to have this get in the way of any relationship Kara and I could have," Cat said as she sipped from her now cold mint tea. Alex nodded and then ran a hand through her hair.
"What do you want from her?' Alex asked. No matter how much Lena was on her mind, Kara loved the woman, she also knew when it came to Cat Grant anything was possible. Brown on brown and it was the blonde the looked away first.
"I will admit this to you because you are going to keep your mouth shut, and you are her sister. The possibility of coming back here, coming home, and being with Kara was intoxicating. I jumped the gun on that and I didn't count on one thing," the CEO paused and watched Alex and then the brunette indicated she should continue, "I didn't count of the Little Luthor," Cat said and the watched Alex. Her eyes flew wide, and then a grin spread over Cat's lips as if she was just given the world in the palm of her hand.
"It would seem the Little Luthor has her hooks in not one but two Danvers," Cat teased. Alex sat back, mask on her face, "Oh please, I perfected the mask when you were in diapers. Your eyes flew open at the idea of Lena Luthor," Cat giggled giddy and clapped like a little girl, "There it is again."
Alex stood up, grabbed the briefcase, and made for the exit but the question that was voiced by Cat Grant penetrated the air.
"Would you like to go the CatCo Annual gala coming up in a few weeks?" Cat asked. Alex turned around and found the blond had walked half the length of the room. Alex felt her eyes rove over her body, land on places she had not thought Cat Grant would be interested in, especially from her.
"I am lost. You want me to go to your Gala. As what? Security detail?" Alex scoffed and then she tensed and stood stock still as Cat grant circled her.
"You are quite beautiful, Alex," Cat purred.
"And you are a shameless flirt," Alex laughed.
"Be that as it may, I am a fine judge of hidden gems," Cat slipped close to Alex, "Diamonds in the rough," Cat whispered as she brushed Alex's arm. Then ran a finger down her forearm from her elbow to her hand. Alex dropped the case and quick as lightning clenched Cat's biceps. Alex didn't like the way the woman ogled her, sized her up, and tried to use sex to get something.
"Out with-it Cat. I am not a piece of meat to be toyed with," Alex gritted as she let the older woman go.
"How about a game?' Cat said with a smile on her lips.
"Again, get to the point or I walk out now," Alex growled.
"Alex," Cat said this time softly as she sat on the couch and indicated to the other sofa and the agent narrowed her eyes and took the invitation. "I think there is one way to see if there are possibilities," Cat said and Alex grabbed the case to leave.
"Come with me as my date, dress the part, shine up, and mingle. Let's see what the Luthor has on her mind," Cat said and then Alex looked back to the woman. She shook her head.
"I don't have a dress," Alex grinned lying.
"I didn't say you had to wear a dress dear," Cat countered.
"I don't have a tux… dear," Alex smiled cheekily at Cat.
"That would be no problem, all you have to say is yes," Cat said and then Alex looked at the woman. Alex got it now.
"If you wanted a date so you would not have to go alone, next time ask without veiled motives. I might have said yes," Alex stood.
"I want to make your sister jealous, and the Little Luther, I want to gauge her reactions. You are a pawn in a chess match, and I plan on using you as such," Cat smirked at her choice of words when Alex's mouth dropped, "I promise to keep it PG-13 dear. Nothing risqué. I am attracted to you Alex, but I am not that type of attracted dear."
"A pawn," Alex said and then she looked at Cat, "I prefer bishops," Alex said and then turned and walked from the office.
"Does that mean yes?' Cat called, and all Alex did was lift her hand and wave. Cat sat back and let the wheels turn in her mind.
There was a knock on the door. No one should be there. Not at all. When she opened the door, she was met with a glorious sight.
Coffee Ice cream in a waffle cone with caramel drizzle and a note. She tipped the delivery boy.
Lena,
You are worthy of the heavens, the earth, and everything in between.
Alex