The House of El symbol stared back at Lena Luthor. Almost taunting her. As she sat on her couch, coffee in hand, she replayed her conversation from the previous night. Kara's reluctance to say anything, her avoidance of the subject, stung. All Lena wanted was to talk, to have an open conversation about kryptonite. She understood that it was a sensitive subject – for both of them. Given their families' respective histories with the substance, it wasn't hard to see why Kara didn't want her to bring it up, especially considering recent events.
Just then, a series of knocks on her door pulled the youngest Luthor from her thoughts. She set her coffee down and approached the door.
Opening it, Lena found herself face to face with Kara's sister. "Alex. What're you doing here?"
"I came to make sure you're all right," replied Alex. "Mind if I come in?"
Lena nodded and stepped aside.
"So, how're you feeling, Lena?"
"Well, considering I'm no longer a danger to your sister, I'm fine," Lena replied as she joined Alex in her living room.
Alex looked down at the ravenette's table, seeing the open box containing the suit Kara gave her. The emblem on the front revealed that it was the old version of the one her sister now wore. She looked at Lena, who cleared her throat and sat in front of it. So many questions were going through her head, but Alex restrained herself.
"Lena, why do you have Kara's old suit?" inquired Alex.
"It's not her old suit. Kara had Brainy make a replica for me," replied Lena, her eyes lingering on the emblem before meeting Alex's. "She didn't tell you?"
"No." Alex looked back at the white box. "How long have you had this?"
"About a couple of months now," replied Lena.
Alex looked at Lena, mouth slightly ajar. "Right."
"I'm surprised Kara never mentioned it. How is she?" Lena asked, taking a sip of coffee.
"Better," said Alex as she joined the youngest Luthor on the couch. "She's busy preparing for your date tonight."
Lena stared at the suit. "Right. Speaking of, how do you feel about Kara and me?"
"Well, you love her, right?"
The ravenette met Alex's gaze. "I do."
"Then, I'm fine with you having feelings for my sister," replied Alex, smiling at the youngest Luthor.
"Even though I'm a Luthor?"
"Lena." Alex rested one of her hands on Lena's knee. "You're more than your last name. She, like me, knows that you're a kind-hearted person who wants to improve the world."
The older Danvers' words made Lena smile.
Alex's phone chirped. Pulling it from her pocket, she saw a text from Kelly. "Well, as much as I'd like to stick around and chat, Kelly and I must get going. We're helping Kara with the planning."
Lena grabbed the box with the suit and got up from the couch. Handing it to the older Danvers sister, she said, "Mind giving this back to her? I'd do it myself, but I have back-to-back meetings today."
Alex took the box apprehensively. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," replied Lena.
"Okay," said Alex as she closed the box and carried it under her arm.
While waiting in the lobby, Kelly stood up as Alex came out of the elevator. "So, how's Lena?"
"She's good," Alex replied as they returned to the car.
Kelly nodded. "What's in the box?"
"It's a replica of Kara's old suit."
"Wow." Kelly and Alex started to walk back to their car. "Did Kara tell you about it?"
"No," replied Alex. "Which is why I'm talking to Kara when we get back."
Meanwhile, in Kara's apartment, the Kryptonian changed into her super suit, taking her hair out of its usual ponytail. And as she stared at herself in the mirror, hand tracing the insignia representing the House of El. She remembered Lena's reaction, how her eyes never left it as she sat next to her, and how she seemed uncomfortable despite her attempts to hide it. As though the world's symbol of hope burned her, Kara pulled her hand away. To know that Lena saw it as a reminder of her last name felt like a hot knife in the pit of her stomach. She looked away from the mirror as her phone pinged.
Alex: We got the wine you asked for. Be there in a few minutes.
Kara: Thanks!
Knowing that her sister was arriving, Kara flashed out of her apartment using her living room window. A quick trip to Dublin, and she came back with the scones she knew Lena loved. She set the box containing them down just as there was a knock on her front door. Still wearing her super suit, Kara opened it. There, standing in the hallway, was Alex and Kelly.
"Alex!" Kara said, allowing Alex and Kelly to come in. "I got the last thing I needed for the date tonight. Thanks for getting the wine for me."
"No problem," said Kelly. "We're happy to help."
Kara closed the door behind Kelly and quickly changed back into civilian clothes before taking the bottle of wine from Alex. She took notice of the box her sister was holding. It seemed familiar to her. And it wasn't until she saw a remnant of the blue wrapping paper clinging to one of the corners that she recognized it.
"What are you doing with that?" asked Kara.
"Oh, this?" Alex opened the box, revealing the suit. "Lena wanted me to give it back to you."
"Why?" Kara asked as she examined the suit she'd given the youngest Luthor all those months ago.
"I don't know," replied Alex. "Why didn't you tell me about this, Kara?"
Kara looked down, fidgeting with the edge of her striped sweater. "Because I knew you'd disapprove of me giving Lena a gift like that."
"Do you know how risky that was?"
Kara nodded.
"You're lucky I was the one coming over to Lena's. She had this out in her living room." Alex saw her sister glance away nervously before meeting her eyes once more. "Why did you give her the suit?"
"I gave it to her because I wanted her to know that I don't see her as a Luthor," replied Kara. "But I guess our conversation last night messed things up."
Alex stood next to the Kryptonian, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
"How's she? Is Lena still upset?" Kara's voice had a fragility to it.
"Well, considering she gave it back, I'd say yes," said Alex.
"What do I do?" asked Kara, looking at her sister.
"Hear Lena out," replied Kelly as she rested her elbows on the island, folding her hands. "Listen to what she has to say and talk it out."
"I know kryptonite isn't a subject you like discussing," Alex said, her expression stern but caring. "Especially the history with it between you and Lena."
"You're right; it's not."
"But keep an open mind," added Alex. "Allow Lena to explain."
Just then, Kelly's phone chirped. It was a text from her boss. "As much as I'd like to stay and help, my boss is wondering where I am."
Alex let go of her sister, saying, "I should probably go too. I promised J'onn that I'd help him today."
"Okay," said Kara as she followed Alex and Kelly to her front door. "Thank you for helping me."
"Anytime."
With that, Alex and Kelly left Kara alone. Her eyes lingered on the suit still sitting on the countertop. Memories of the one time Lena wore it flashed through her head. Despite her apprehension, she'd gotten her to try it on. Kara's smile was small like she was fighting the wave of happiness. And as she stood there, staring at her house's emblem, Kara's phone rang. She looked at the screen to see her boss' number.
Picking it up, the Kryptonian said, "I'll be there in a minute, Andrea."
"You better be, Danvers. I need you to get the exclusive from Lena about her mother's recent attack," replied Andrea.
"You want me to interview Lena?" asked Kara.
"Yes."
"How'd you find out about Lillian's attack?" Kara closed the box with the replica suit as she spoke.
"I have my sources. Get to CatCo and start on that article," Andrea said.
Kara said she'd be there in five minutes before hanging up. Setting the box on the bench at the end of her bed, she sighed. "I hope this date goes well…."
The sun set below the horizon, turning the sky orange as the last of its light faded into night. The traffic of the cars below turned into white noise. And despite the threat of rain, the youngest Luthor couldn't help but enjoy the serenity that began to settle on the city. A chill in the air made Lena pull her overcoat tighter around herself as she stood on her balcony. She looked up at the darkening sky, noting the small figure flying about as she leaned against the railing. Her mind kept replaying her interview with Kara.
It was awkward. Neither seemed to know what to say to the other. Every time Kara made eye contact with her, Lena saw the hurt and sadness in her eyes. It stung like acid in her veins, but she didn't blame her. The last time she worked with kryptonite, it hadn't gone so well. So, the distance that currently sat between her and Kara was expected. Lena thought it would've diminished as they sat there. And if it hadn't been for Jess coming in to remind Lena that she had another meeting in a half-hour, she wasn't sure they would've said anything to each other. Thankfully, the interview went as planned after Jess broke the ice.
The ravenette's phone chirped, pulling her out of her reverie.
Kara: I'm sorry about Andrea and the article.
Lena smiled and replied.
Lena: I expected that. And besides, I've got a feeling Lillian was behind it.
Kara: Do you think she did that as a warning?
Lena: Probably. I wouldn't put it past her.
Kara: So…are you ready for our date tonight?
Lena hesitated and set her phone down for a minute.
Lena: Yeah, I am.
Kara: Good.
Lena turned off her phone just as her assistant came in.
"Miss Luthor, your limo is outside," said Jess.
"Thank you, Jess," replied Lena as she walked back into her office.
With a quick text telling Kara that she was on her way, Lena grabbed her shades and headed down.
An hour later, the sun gave way to the half-crescent moon outside while Kara and Lena sat at her dining table. An aroma of roses mingled with the candles in the kitchen and on the dining table while laughter filled the empty apartment. The flickering lights of the candles cast a warm glow on both women. And neither noticed the passage of time. As Lena finished the rest of the chicken alfredo and potstickers, Kara got up from the table and grabbed the bottle of wine. It was nearly empty, but she poured what was left into their glasses.
"So, that's how your cat Streaky got his name?" asked Lena, sipping her wine.
"Yeah." Kara sat down. "It took a while to train him to use the litter box. And Eliza refused to allow him inside until he was."
"And that was the first time you felt human?"
"Mhm," replied Kara as she looked down at her glass of wine, swirling the red liquid around. "He taught me to control my powers."
Lena met Kara's gaze as she reached out and grabbed her hand. "That must've been hard, growing up knowing that you could hurt someone accidentally."
"Yeah, it was," Kara said, loneliness in her voice. She looked at the counter and saw the box of scones she'd gotten earlier. "Oh, I almost forgot, Lena."
"What?" asked Lena as she watched the Kryptonian leave the table only to come back with a small white box. "Wait. Is that what I think it is?"
"Scones from Dublin? Yep," replied Kara, a wide grin on her face as she handed the box to the youngest Luthor.
Lena took the box from Kara and opened it. Immediately, she was hit with the scones' familiar and mouth-watering smell. She set it down and looked at them. There were several varieties, ranging from buttery to blueberry. Grabbing one of the blueberry ones, Lena took a bite. The taste was rich and buttery, with the tang associated with blueberries. Swallowing, she looked at the Kryptonian, who'd grabbed an oatmeal scone.
"Mmm, these are so good, Kara," said Lena. "But I have to ask: why'd you get these?"
Kara fiddled with her scone. "I wanted to make this date special, considering it's our first."
The youngest Luthor blushed. "Well, you certainly outdid yourself, Kara Danvers. I'm surprised you managed to make dinner...without burning it."
"Okay, I take offense to that. I've been taking cooking classes," retorted Kara playfully, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her chair.
"I see. Well, maybe some more classes, and you can make scones," said Lena as she took another bite of her blueberry scone.
Kara chuckled and took a bite of hers.
Lena looked at the Kryptonian and said, "Kara, can we talk about what I said last night?"
That made Kara tense up. "About what?"
"About me working with kryptonite."
At the mention of the substance, Kara set her scone down and looked away from Lena. She eyed the city skyline and fought the gnawing urge to change the subject. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as Kara struggled not to grip her dining table and break it. Her heart raced, and she felt her breathing picking up pace. A tightening in her chest made her ball her hand as she fought the surge of emotions. The blood rushing in her ears drowned out any sound around her. And Kara failed to hear or notice Lena getting up and moving closer.
"Kara?"
The softness of the youngest Luthor's voice snapped Kara out of her reverie.
"Are you all right?"
"Honestly... no. I don't like the idea of you working with kryptonite again," said Kara as she forced herself to meet Lena's gaze.
"Why do you still have a problem with me working with it? I thought you'd gotten over that," Lena asked.
"Do you remember what I said when I was under the influence of Lillian's red kryptonite? About how I said I still have some trust issues regarding you and kryptonite?" continued Kara.
Lena nodded.
"There was some truth to that. While I know you'd never use it against me, I feel uneasy about you working it, especially after what happened with Reign," added Kara. "And considering what we went through with your mother, I'm more than uncomfortable with you choosing to work with it again."
"I understand, but I didn't decide to work with kryptonite on a whim, Kara," said Lena as she returned to her chair. "I fought with myself, wondering if I should even bring it up, but after last night, I decided enough was enough."
Kara leaned back, trying her best to listen to Lena as she continued to explain.
"When Lex injected me with the very serum I made to kill him, I chose to work with it again," Lena continued, noticing the stiffness in the Kryptonian's posture as she talked. "I started drawing up plans for an anti-kryptonite serum resistant to most variants."
"Really?" asked Kara, relaxing a little.
"It's still in the early phases, and I've yet to make any prototypes, but it looks promising," said Lena.
Kara leaned forward, resting her arms on the dining table. "If this does work, that means I wouldn't need that claustrophobia-inducing nightmare of a suit?"
The ravenette nodded. "Your body would rely on the serum, which, if it works as I hope, will make the green variant less deadly. You could be near it for long periods with little to no effect. Not to mention that the other variants would have a lessened effect on you."
"That's amazing, Lena!" exclaimed Kara, beaming at the news from her girlfriend. "I could kiss you right now."
"What's stopping you?" asked Lena.
That was all it took for Kara to get up and walk over to Lena, who also got up. There were only inches separating her from the gorgeous ravenette. She could feel her warm breath against her skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. And without hesitating, she closed her eyes and cupped Lena's cheeks as she gave into her desire to kiss her. Their lips met, and without warning, the Kryptonian felt her pulse quicken as the shorter woman placed her hands gently on her hips. Lavender and vanilla. Kara could smell that as she traced the youngest Luthor's jawline with a gentle caress, her heart still beating against her rib cage. A hand moved from her back to her hair, entangling itself in her blonde locks. It finished as quickly as it started, leaving the Kryptonian breathless as she met Lena's gaze. Kara stepped back, wanting to give the shorter woman her space.
"I'm sorry I didn't hear you out last night," said Kara, fiddling with the edges of her sleeves. "I should've listened to you before shutting it down."
"It's okay. I realize that my timing wasn't exactly...great. And I know it wasn't easy to hear either." Lena stepped closer to Kara. "But I have to ask; did you think I'd use it on you?"
Kara swallowed and licked her lips. "Well…"
Lena raised one of her brows.
"It may have… crossed my mind," Kara continued. "But only briefly. I know you'd never hurt me intentionally, Lena."
The youngest Luthor stepped away and looked at the floor. "I'm hurt that you would've thought that at all, Kara."
"I know."
"However, I understand why you did. The fact that I made kryptonite to use on you after I ..." Lena trailed off, memories of her walking into Kara's apartment, seeing the Kryptonian wearing her suit, her hair up in its usual ponytail, and her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, flashed in her mind.
Unable to see Lena so distraught, Kara grabbed her hands. "Lena, look at me, please."
Lena obliged, and their eyes met.
"I trust you, even with the one substance that can kill me," said Kara. "And if this idea of yours works, I'll forever be grateful."
Lena smiled. "Thank you for allowing me to explain and not shutting me out."
"You're welcome," Kara said, smiling. "So, shall we continue our date?"
"There's more?" Lena asked, surprised.
"Yep!"
Lena rested her right arm across Kara's chest as she watched Rose let go of Jack. The image of his frostbitten face sinking to the inky depths of the North Atlantic Ocean made her cling to the strong woman next to her. Despite having seen the film several times since its release, the ending, the loss of Jack, and the sorrow Rose carried with her as she lived for the man she loved, the end still affected her. Tears trickled down her cheeks as the film's credits began to roll, and the iconic song "My Heart Will Go On" began.
"Are you okay?" inquired Kara, noticing Lena's tear-stained cheeks.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Lena loosened her grip on Kara. That's when she felt the tell-tale outline of her family's crest. "Kara…?"
Kara gulped, knowing that the youngest Luthor had discovered her suit.
"Are you wearing your suit underneath that sweater?" Lena asked, her voice growing quiet with every word.
Kara nodded, fear plastered across her features.
"Have you been wearing it this entire time?"
The Kryptonian gave Lena a small half-smile as she nodded again.
The ravenette separated herself from Kara as she looked down at the cashmere sweater. Its light blue fabric dotted with tiny red roses gave no sign of what lay beneath its soft texture. But she knew. There was no doubt that she touched National City's symbol of hope. There was a war of emotions as her eyes lingered on Kara's sweater. Memories of the times the Kryptonian had worn it in front of her replayed in her mind. And each one felt like a sharpened dagger aimed directly at her heart. After a few minutes, Lena forced herself to look elsewhere before she said or did something she'd regret.
"Lena..?" Kara's voice sounded fragile, even to her ears. "Are you mad?"
The youngest Luthor shook her head as she said, "No."
"Then what is it?" asked Kara.
"I…" Lena struggled to find the words. "I just forgot that you wear it, that's all."
"Lena…"
"I'm fine, Kara." Lena folded her hands, still avoiding eye contact.
"No. You're not, Lena. I can hear your heart racing. And…" Kara went to hold her girlfriend's hand, which only made her pull away further. "You're pushing me away."
Lena sighed.
"Are you honestly that bothered by the suit?"
The question was vulnerable, and Lena couldn't help but meet Kara's worried gaze. There was a pause as she tried to say something before resigning and simply replying with a small "yes."
The answer, unwavering in honesty, and the fragility of the admission made Kara shrink into her section of the couch. Her eyes never left the shorter woman. And she saw that her reply had left shaken as well. Her hands trembled, even as she tried to disguise it. Thanks to her heightened hearing, Kara heard the stifled sobs she was trying to hide. She badly wanted to cross the distance between them and wipe the tears from her cheeks. But instead, she stayed where she was, allowing the youngest Luthor to move at her own pace.
After a few moments of stifling silence between the two, Lena wiped her cheeks and turned to face Kara. Eyes red from crying, she said in a shaky voice, "Kara, can I ask you something?"
Kara nodded, fully attentive to the youngest Luthor.
"Can you change into the suit?"
Kara's eyes widened as she processed what Lena asked. "A-Are you sure, Lena?"
The ravenette nodded in response.
"Okay," said Kara, getting up from the couch. "I'll be back in a minute."
Kara stood in front of her full-length mirror, staring at herself, her reflection peering back at her, reflecting her every emotion. She slowly pulled off her cashmere sweater, revealing the royal blue top. Kara placed a hand on the insignia adorning her chest. Memories of the night before, the way Lena reacted when she saw her wearing the suit, flashed in her mind. She couldn't forget the apprehension and... fear in the ravenette's eyes. Lowering her hand, Kara changed into her suit, including her signature red cape, before returning to the living room.
Lena sat on the end with her hands folded in front of her and looked up as the couch moved. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw the infamous suit. It was one thing to see it on TV or plastered on a CatCo magazine, but seeing it in person was a whole other thing. And no matter how often the ravenette saw Kara in it, the awe and shock never ceased. Nor did the reminder that her last name was Luthor, which she always tried to forget.
The emblem, the symbol for the House of El, caught Lena's eye the most. Its subtle yellow outline served to highlight its brilliant red color. And compared to the rest of the suit, it was smooth, likely made with a flexible rubber-plastic mix, so Kara could wash it without damaging it. The cape, the same brilliant red as the insignia, accentuated it, making it stand out further from the sea of royal blue.
Lena moved closer to the Kryptonian, her eyes never leaving the emblem. Her hand trembled as she slowly reached out and touched it. She traced the edges as she tried to remind herself that beneath it was Kara Danvers, someone who wasn't just National City's hero. Lena felt the rhythmic rising and falling of the Kryptonian's chest. An ever-present reminder that she's as alive as her. And as the two sat in awkward silence, Lena felt the racing heartbeat underneath her fingertips. It was so fast that she wanted to pull away.
But something warm and strong rested on top of her hand. The touch was soft, as if the person was afraid to frighten her, but unyielding as Lena tried to remove herself from its grip. So, she stayed, and for the first time since Kara put on the infamous suit, she met her eyes, hand still pinned to the emblem.
"It's still me underneath, Lena," Kara said, a vulnerability in her voice as her eyes darted back and forth nervously, trying to gauge Lena's reaction. "I'm still Kara Danvers."
Lena looked down at Kara's hand over hers. "I know…."
"Then why'd you seem uncomfortable last night?" asked Kara. "I thought you were okay with me in my suit."
Avoiding the Kryptonian's gaze, Lena replied, "I am, but between what happened at the docks and what Lex did, I realized I'm a Luthor, and nothing I say or do will change that."
"Lena..."
"And if I'm being honest..." The ravenette pulled her hand away, finally freeing herself from Kara's grip. "It's hard for me not to look at you and..."
"Remember what I did?" asked Kara.
"Yeah..."
Kara glanced over at the innocuous white box sitting on the chair in front of her. "Is that why you gave back the suit I made for you? Because of what happened last night?"
"Yes," the ravenette replied. "But that isn't the only reason I gave it back."
"Oh?"
Lena swallowed. "Wearing that suit, having it in my hands, isn't something I feel comfortable with. I'm not a hero, Kara; I'm a Luthor."
"Lena, you're not..." Kara reached toward Lena, only to see her shrink away.
As she pulled her hand back, Kara saw Lena distance herself further, returning to her spot on the end of the couch. She heard Lena's heart beating rapidly in her chest. And despite her attempts to conceal it, the Kryptonian saw how her hands trembled as she folded them. Kara instinctively moved closer but kept her distance. The youngest Luthor's body tensed up at her presence as though she was going to hurt her. Unsure of what to do, Kara found herself gripping the edge of the cushion, knuckles white.
"Lena." There was a significant pause as the ravenette turned her attention to the Kryptonian. The latter wrung her hands as her gaze shifted to the box. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she said, "Would you be willing to put the suit on again?"
Lena blinked, turning her attention to the chair with the box. "I-I don't know..."
Feeling that she had overstepped, Kara quickly added, "You don't have to, Lena."
Thinking about it for a second, Lena nodded.
Kara paced back and forth in front of her couch. The infamous red cape swayed behind her with each step. Hands on her hips, she chewed the inside of her cheek. She looked out her windows, turned around, and walked back toward her TV. The night sky looked calm, with the few stars shining through the city's light contamination. Right now, Kara wanted to be amongst the constellations, far away from her current worries. Away from worrying about Lillian and her next move, from worrying about whether Lena could feel comfortable now that she knew.
Footsteps approaching the living room pulled the Kryptonian away from the window. And as she saw Lena, a brief smile appeared before falling.
There, standing in front of the Kryptonian, was Lena. Her shoulders slumped forward, making her appear even smaller than she already looked in the suit. Which, without its signature cape, looked unfinished. The royal blue material clung to her figure while remaining breathable. And as she rubbed the side of her arm, turning her head to the side while Kara approached her, she felt it move with her. Like it was one with her. Lena's jet-black hair, in stark contrast to the primary colors of the infamous suit, cascaded down from her shoulders, covering half her face as she cautiously returned her gaze to Kara. Her hands remained folded as they rested on the scarlet red skirt.
"It still looks good on you, Lena," Kara said as she stood before Lena, blue eyes meeting green. "I think it suits you."
"Kara…" Lena began. "Don't."
Kara grabbed the youngest Luthor's hands and pulled her toward the couch as she sat down. "Do you know why I gave you that suit?"
Lena swallowed.
"I gave it to you because I never saw you as just another Luthor." Kara squeezed Lena's hands as she closed the distance between them. "You're the Luthor who's going to change the world. The one I want to share my world with – every single part of it."
"But I'm still a Luthor, Kara," countered Lena as she jerked her hands away. "That's all I'll ever be…."
Kara looked at Lena as though she'd kicked a puppy instead of pulling away. "No, that's not true, Lena."
"Kara…"
Before Lena could finish speaking, Kara flashed into her bedroom, a gust of wind blowing Lena's hair from her shoulders. She pulled out a box from beneath her bed. Kara didn't wrap it in a light blue wrapping paper like the one that held the replica suit. Instead, the off-white color remained uncovered, baring a few creases. On the upper right-hand corner, in her handwriting, was Lena's name. And the content inside was even more important. So, with a growing knot in her stomach, Kara returned to the living room and handed it to Lena, who took it apprehensively as she sat beside her.
"What's this?" Lena asked, eyeing the box quizzically.
"Open it," replied Kara, refusing to reveal the content inside.
"I don't know, Kara." The ravenette fiddled with one of the corners.
"Open it, please, Lena," pleaded the Kryptonian as she looked at Lena.
Lena caved. Carefully, she pulled the top off and revealed what was inside. A replica of Kara's red cape was folded neatly with a few pieces of pale blue tissue paper. She stared at it, processing what she saw before pulling it out. The material felt light in her hands but sturdy. And as she set it down in her lap, Lena noticed a small inscription etched into it with gold inlay. She recognized the language it was in.
"That's Kryptonese," said Lena, gently running her forefinger over it. "El Mayarah."
"Do you know what it means?" asked Kara.
"Stronger together."
"The emblem on my suit isn't just my family's crest; it also stands for El Mayarah," Kara continued as Lena looked away, eyes landing on it. "And when we're together, we're stronger."
Kara got up and grabbed the cape from Lena's lap. She held out her hand toward her, hoping she'd follow her lead. There was apprehension in Lena's eyes, but the ravenette returned Kara's grasp. Using her super strength, she pulled her to her feet, and together, they walked into her bedroom. Kara reluctantly let go as she draped the notorious red cape over her shoulders. And as she secured it to the suit, she felt Lena's body tensing under her touch. To see her girlfriend, the person she adored more than anything, so nervous and fragile stung as though someone had poured liquid kryptonite directly onto her heart. Still, Kara stepped back and gave Lena space as she looked at her, blue eyes beaming despite the pain.
"Wow…" muttered Kara as she looked at Lena, now fully dressed in her old suit. "You look amazing."
The youngest Luthor looked at herself in the mirror, covering her mouth with her hand. She staggered back. The suit she'd seen a thousand times on Kara now was on her. National City's symbol of hope adorned her chest. She lowered her hand and grabbed the cape. Lena looked down at herself before meeting the Kryptonian's eyes.
"The cape certainly ties all this together, doesn't it?" Lena asked, turning to her side, watching as the red fabric moved with her. "I see why you ditched the skirt, though."
"It does," said Kara. She took a few steps toward the youngest Luthor. "A-Are you okay, Lena?"
The ravenette nodded as she turned away from the mirror and Kara.
"Then why do I get the sense that you're not?"
The cape slipped from her grasp as Lena straightened up, arms tense at her side. "Why'd you give me this, Kara?"
Kara looked down at the ground, fidgeting with her hands. Her mouth was dry, and it felt like sand going down her throat each time she swallowed. The Kryptonian shifted her weight from one foot to the other before deciding to sit on her bed. It moved beneath her as she pulled her cape from behind her. Kara looked over her shoulder at Lena, seeing she hadn't moved. Tucking some of her hair behind her ear, she broke the silence that began to settle between them.
"I'm giving this to you because you're a hero, Lena. You saved my life and the lives of my friends and family countless times, even when I messed up as Supergirl." Kara felt the bed shift as Lena sat next to her. "You're my hero, and I want you to see that. I want you to see that you're more than just another Luthor."
Lena turned to the Kryptonian, eyes searching the blue ones gazing back at her. "I'm Supergirl's hero?"
"Yes," Kara admitted, beaming at the ravenette as she nudged her with her shoulder. "You're Supergirl's hero, and Kara Zor-El's as well."
A feeble smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as Lena avoided Kara's eyes. "I guess I shouldn't have pushed you away last night. You were only trying to help."
"I understand, Lena." Kara held out her hand for Lena to take. And when the ravenette took it, she laced their fingers together. "I just hope you'll start to feel more comfortable around me, whether I'm in my suit or not."
Lena squeezed the Kryptonian's hand. "I'm starting to."
A little while later, Lena was lying on the couch with Kara, her head on her shoulder. She closed her eyes and inhaled, catching the familiar scent of her sugar cookie body wash. She kept them closed as she moved her hand from Kara's waist and up her body, feeling the knitted fabric of the suit against her palm. Lena's fingertips grazed the bottom of the El family crest. The smoothness was a jarring change from the rough material around it. She traced the edges until her hand rested on the Kryptonian's beating heart. Its rhythmic, thunderous beat was powerful, just like the woman beside her. An arm wrapped around her shoulder, and Lena felt the immense strength Kara possessed as her body moved closer to the Kryptonian's. But she never felt safer, knowing that National City's hero would never hurt her. Lost in the sensation of being in Kara's grasp, the cape draped over her like a warm hug; she ran her hand along the symbol on her chest.
"Are you okay?" asked Kara, her eyes never leaving the youngest Luthor as she traced the outline of her family's crest. "Do you want me to change?"
Lena shook her head as she braced herself against Kara. "No, I'm fine, Kara. You can stay in your suit. I like seeing you in it."
"You do?"
"Yes," replied the ravenette. "Your eyes light up every time you put it on. You love wearing it; I can see that."
"I do," Kara admitted, her cheeks reddening as she averted her gaze. "Especially around you."
The ravenette rested her hand on the El family crest. "While I'm glad you feel comfortable wearing it around me, I should probably change."
"Don't, please," said Kara as she tightened her grip on Lena's waist. "I love seeing you in my old suit, and I'd like it if you'd wear it for a little longer."
"I-I don't know, Kara." Lena bit the inside of her cheek.
"Please?" Kara shifted on the couch, moving into a sitting position. Her expression went from relaxed to her signature puppy dog eyes. "For me?"
Lena relented, knowing full well that the Kryptonian would keep up the cute expression until she caved. "Okay, but only for you."
"Yay!" exclaimed Kara, wrapping her arms around the Luthor and planting a quick kiss on her cheek. "I want to show you something."
"Oh? And what exactly do you want to show me?" asked Lena.
"Do you remember that place I told you about weeks ago?"
"The place we can only go if you fly us there?" Green met blue as the ravenette met Kara's gaze, eyes searching for confirmation. "Is that what you want to show me?"
The youngest Luthor got it in the form of the Kryptonian nodding.
"You know I don't like flying."
"I know," Kara replied, putting her hand over Lena's. "But you'd be flying with me, and I promise I won't let anything happen to you."
"Kara…"
"You don't have to if you don't want to, but I was hoping you'd let me take you there."
Looking at Kara's pleading expression, Lena couldn't find it in herself to say no. "Fine, I'll let you fly me there."
A big, beaming smile appeared on Kara's face. "I love you, Lena Luthor."
Lena shifted, straddling the Kryptonian's hips as she leaned forward to kiss her. "I love you, too, Kara Zor-El."
A/N: Well, that's it. That's the end of the story, folks. Thank you for staying with me on this wild ride. Thanks to all who favorited and followed it. It made my day; I will enjoy reading the ones you leave after this. I'm glad you enjoyed this little story of mine. Hope you all have a wonderful day!