As the limo pulled away from Cat's, Kara buried her face in her hands. She hadn't even managed to make it a whole day without letting her crush affect her work. The fire was unavoidable and she would have left for it no matter what, but Adam… She hadn't handled him as well as she should have. She was Cat Grant's assistant. She was Supergirl. A few insinuations from a friend should have been cake. Cat expected at least that from her.

Her feelings just felt so new and raw and Adam's teasing had rubbed her all the wrong ways. She had never had a brother. Her sister's ribbing had always been gentler and less public. She pulled out her cell phone and texted Alex a personal SOS. Her phone started ringing almost immediately.

"What's wrong?" Her sister's voice calmed her and she relaxed into the soft leather of the limo.

"I know it's late, but think you are up for some pizza and TV? I could use some company."

"Of course. I'm just finishing up here for the night. I'll be over in a half hour. Want me to bring the pizza?"

"That would be awesome. Thanks, Alex."

"No problem. Whatever it is will be okay. I promise."

"Thanks. I'll see you in a bit," she said, ending the call.

She pushed the button that took down the privacy window and the driver smiled at her. "Hey Bob. Could you let me out here?"

He pulled over on the dimly lit street. "Are you sure, Kara? We're still a ways from your place."

"Yeah. I just need some time to think."

"Alright. I'll keep my phone on in case you need me."

"I'll be fine, but I appreciate it," she said, smiling softly as she climbed out onto the deserted street. She waved him off before ducking into a dark alley and switching over to her Supergirl outfit and taking flight. It stunk of fire and smoke, but the rush of air cleared the smell from her nose.

The lights of the city comforted her and she tried to let herself slip into the zone as she flew the long way to her apartment. Even with all the rushing air, she could still feel the warm of Cat's body pressed against her own. She landed on the fire escape and climbed through her window,

She flopped onto her couch still in costume even though she knew her couch would reek for days. It just seemed like too much effort to change. She didn't look over when the door to her apartment opened or when Alex settled next to her, placing the pizza on the table.

"That bad?" Alex asked.

"I don't know. Not really," Kara eventually said. She let her head fall back against the sofa. "Maybe?" She shook her head. "No. It's not."

"Okay…" Alex said, studying her face as it fluttered through a range of emotions. "What happened?"

Kara turned to her with a wry smile. "I was silly."

"Silly?"

"Do you remember back when I was in college and I had that terrible crush on that one psych professor?"

"Yeah. You ended up doing half her research for her book."

"Yeah. I did," Kara said, with a laugh. She looked over at her sister, gritting her teeth. "It's happening again."

Alex's eyes narrowed. "You're doing all of James' work? Kara, you paint…"

"No. No," Kara said, shaking her head. She looked at her hands. "The crush on the older woman part."

Alex's eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly. "Cat Grant? Seriously?"

"I can't help it!"

"You've managed to for three years! What changed?"

"Her stupid son pointed it out to me."

"Oh, Kara. You know you can't," Alex said, with a little laugh.

"I know. It's silly, but I can't help it."

"It's not the end of the world to have a crush on your boss."

"I messed up tonight and let it get to me. She's mad at me now for ignoring her."

"You had a literal fire to put out."

"She doesn't know that. Adam kept making us talk. It was weird and she could tell. She's going to figure it out and I'm going to die of embarrassment."

"I'm sure you aren't the first assistant to get a crush on her. She's got a… very strong personality," Alex said.

"That's an understatement."

"You'll be fine. She seems like she'd handle it professionally. Just, you know, don't write her next book for her."

"At least I'd get paid this time," Kara grumbled. Alex snorted.

"Do you think it's out of the realm of possibility?" Kara asked, wringing her hands together.

"You and Cat Grant?" Alex asked. "Actually getting together?" Her lips pursed together in that familiar sisterly way that meant she was actually thinking about it. Kara appreciated that she hadn't just laughed in her face.

"Yeah. I mean the more I think about it the more I like the idea. Even though I know it's stupid."

"It is pretty stupid, Kara. She already almost figured out your secret."

"She never threatened me with it."

"What about your job? She threatened that."

"That was more concern for the people of the city. She was worried about all the people I could be saving while I'm working for her. She never once said she would out me. She knows the value of Supergirl better than anyone else I've met." Kara let out a little happy sigh. "She's been my Supergirl though all of this."

Alex groaned. "You have it bad."

"Ugh, I know."

"Is dating her what you'd really want? I mean she seems so… high maintenance and well, fancy."

"You think she's a snob."

"I don't think she's a snob. I think she's rich." Alex glanced around Kara's apartment littered with her easels and knick knacks. "Which you are not."

"You don't know her like I do. She came from money, but she built everything on her own. Her mom cut her off when she decided on journalism."

"So she was poor for five minutes and understands? Her haircuts cost more than my rent."

"She has an image that she needs to maintain."

"And you would fit that image? Her one son is your age and the other is a teenager."

"I like Carter."

"Enough to be his mom?"

"He's really good at Settlers of Catan."

"Oh, Kara. I could be wrong. I don't really know if I even want to be wrong," she said, mumbling the last part. "Sorry."

"It's okay," Kara said. "I knew it was hopeless to begin with. Stupid Lucy and Adam have been trying to get my hopes up. I needed a bit of reality."

"Sorry," she said, opening the pizza box. "Have some pizza. It'll make you feel better."

"Thanks."

Cat stepped off the elevator and didn't remove her sunglasses. Everyone knew immediately to stay out of her way. Kara knew it meant orange juice after coffee and to push back any meeting before 10. She followed her boss to her office, watching the sway of the older woman's hips sadly. At the door, Cat hesitated. She lifted her glasses to look her over.

"Don't hover today trying to prove something Kiera. I'm not in the mood," she said, before turning and pushing into her office. Kara watched her for a minute before sighing and dropping into the chair behind her desk. As if she didn't already know Cat was in a mood.

"What was that about?" Winn asked. She shrugged at him before taking out her phone and angrily texting Adam.

The morning stayed quiet. Everyone seemed to instinctively avoid getting in Cat's way. Kara was pretty sure an email containing simply the word 'sunglasses' had made its way through the office early on.

Just after lunch, Lucy Lane arrived at the office, looking as impeccable as ever. James magically appeared out of whatever hole he'd been hiding in to greet her.

"Not here for you," she said, kissing his cheek. Lucy smiled at Kara. "I have a meeting with your boss."

"You do?" James and Kara said at the same time. They looked at each other concerned.

"She called me herself yesterday and asked me to come by," Lucy said with a shrug.

"She did?" Kara asked, looking down at her planner. Nothing had been added about a meeting with Lucy.

"Yep. She wouldn't say what it was about. I hope she hasn't forgotten about client confidentiality. I'm not about to spill any government secrets."

"I wouldn't put it past her," James said, grinning.

Kara knocked lightly on the door before entering. "Miss Grant. Lucy Lane is here to see you."

"Ah yes. Send her in," she said, standing and smoothing out her skirt.

"Um…"

"Kiera, I'm busy. Get Lane."

Kara sent Lucy in and joined James against a desk to watch them as they settled across from each other on the couches. Cat looked extremely pleased with herself. Lucy looked mostly bewildered.

After the job offer, Cat showed her some of the pending cases to give her an idea of what she'd be signing on for. As the conversation drew to a close, Lucy's eyes fell on James and Kara. Their heads turned so fast, they nearly collided. She chuckled fondly at their complete lack of subtlety. Her laugh caught Cat's attention and she looked up at the fools pretending to be busy.

"I assume work place romances aren't frowned upon if you are trying to hire me," Lucy asked, watching Kara. The girl couldn't help shooting quick glances into the office even though both her and Cat were watching.

"They aren't exactly encouraged, but as long as it's kept out of the workplace they are fine." Lucy looked back over at the domineering woman and found her watching Kara with a softer look than she expected.

"Have you ever dated a coworker?" Lucy asked.

Cat looked over at her. "It's not easy."

"I'll have to put a picture of him on my desk with one too many buttons undone to remind myself of his good qualities."

Cat laughed. "Probably a good idea."

Outside the office, Kara's eyes widened. "That was a genuine laugh. That was real." Cat actually laughed at something Lucy said. Really laughed.

James crossed his arms over his chest. "What do you think they are talking about in there?"

"Kara does have this handy ability called super hearing." Winn said, leaning back in his chair.

"Yeah, but that just feels wrong. Doesn't it?" Kara said, looking from Winn to James. "Is that wrong?" she asked James.

"Do it," James whispered.

Before she could really consider giving in to the temptation, the pair made their way to the door.

"We'll be in touch," Cat said, heading past everyone without a glance.

"She is so nice," Lucy said as she approached her friends.

"Nobody has ever said that before," Kara said, shaking her head slightly.

James cleared his throat. "Um, so did she want something from you?"

"Yes! She wants me to be her general counsel. Starting immediately," Lucy replied with wide eyes.

"What?" Kara blurted out. She crossed her arms against her chest. James looked back at her with the same bewilderment on his face.

"Congratulations. That's… that's amazing," James said, enveloping Lucy in a hug. "So you would be here?" he said as he released her.

"Ah yeah. I have to think about it a little bit, but…"

"The old GC's office is on this floor," Kara inserted. They would have to move their secret hideout.

"Wow. Then you would be right here. That's…" James said. Kara wondered how he would feel when the shock wore off and he allowed himself to complete the thought.

"Yeah," Lucy said, her grin already fading slightly at his awkwardness.

"James," Cat called from across the office and he looked relieved. Kara could see Lucy noticed as well. He hugged her again and ran off to see what Cat was waving at him.

"That was really…" Lucy said, "I don't even know."

"Miss Grant has that effect on people."

"You would think it was about her," Lucy replied with a smirk. Kara felt herself flush.

Lucy's smile faded. "James seemed more put off by it then I would have expected."

"Give him some time to get used to the idea. He'll come around," Kara said.

"I need time to get used to the idea myself. Do a little research."

"It's a great job. Did you know 90% of CatCo companies are run by women?"

"I didn't," Lucy said, watching Cat and James across the room. "I can see why you like her."

Kara had been trying to avoid hovering, but Cat had been mad at her for avoiding her. Or at least drunk Cat had been. She kept hesitating at the door and it was clearly getting on Cat's nerves. She wanted to make things right.

"Kiera," Cat eventually gritted out. "I thought I mentioned hovering."

"Miss Grant," she started, stepping back into the room and closing the door. "I just want to apologize for last night. I didn't do my job."

"You didn't," Cat said, shuffling some papers on her desk. "But no awkward pictures of Adam and I looking like we hate each other surfaced so you got lucky. At least, if you were Supergirl, you would have had a neat excuse," Cat said, gesturing behind her to a video of Supergirl carrying a woman out of last night's burning building. Cat sniffed and Kara knew she was thinking about how Kara had smelled like fire.

Kara missed the brief period that her boss had been embarrassed by her "mistake". She should have known it wouldn't last. She wondered if Cat's suspicions were rising again and if she going to just bait her and wait for the moment when Kara simply couldn't go on with the facade.

"What does Adam have on you?" Cat asked quietly.

"It's nothing, Miss Grant. Just some friendly teasing," she said, clutching at her skirt.

"It obviously made you uncomfortable enough to disappear on me for an extended period of time. I can speak to him if you'd like."

"I can handle it. I don't need you to solve all my problems for me."

Cat raised her eyebrow and leaned back in her plush desk chair, seemingly unconvinced about that last part. "Get it resolved Kiera. I don't want it affecting your work again."

"It won't. I promise."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

"I'll do my best to not let it affect my work," she tried.

"Better," Cat said. "You need to be more careful with your words. You stutter around instead of getting to the point." Cat swiveled in her chair to look at the monitors behind her. "You could do with taking a page from her book. Confidence is attractive."

"Yes, Miss Grant."