Kingdom
Dawn in National City, it has always been a very essential moment for Lena. Waking up before the sun rises has always been part of her routine. The young Luthor used to start her days with nothing more than an espresso in her quiet and immaculate penthouse. She liked those quiet mornings. She never thought those days were numbered. Not even when she met Kara Danvers. And, she couldn't have been more wrong.
Before she knew it, the peaceful and quiet mornings were soon replaced by chaotic and very loud, early days. Lyra's & Kara's demands of attention are on the rise, Lena's impeccable penthouse is far from being what it used to be. From cookie's crumbs, stacks of laundry to be done, to a pile of empty baby bottles, Lena doesn't recognize her home anymore and she's too happy to even care.
Yes, Lena is happy, thrilled to see how her spotless penthouse became this messy home in a blink of an eye. It's not easy to handle it all at once and yet, Lena is doing an amazing job at it. Somehow, the lonely Luthor has been able to adapt fast to her new habitat, to her new pack and to her new morning routines.
The day starts earlier than before. At 2am, Lena wakes up to warm up a big bowl of postickers. Pregnant moms are hungry at unexpected hours and Kara is not the exception. The blonde reporter has always had a big appetite which has gotten even bigger now that she's expecting triplets. That's right! There's a trio on the production line and both moms couldn't be happier. Kara always dreamed about having a big family and Lena is making that dream a reality.
"Lee, you read my mind! Postickers! Yey!"
Kara beams of joy when a very tired Lena gives her the warm meal even before she had to ask for it. Pregnancy cravings are not easy to manage but, it's helpful to know Kara is constantly craving for the same thing. Lena might need to consider owning a potsticker restaurant too. It's what a tired CEO thinks when her head touches the pillow, once again. She has some hours of proper sleep before the next round of postickers. Her tired eyes want to stay closed but, one glimpse towards the big belly of the blonde, it's enough to keep her awake a little longer as she happily gazes at the pregnant woman she adores.
How did she manage to put 3 babies inside Kara? Lena doesn't know. A science's mystery still to solve. But, regardless of the reasons, Lena feels proud of herself for such masterstroke. Just like any stallion, Lena struts along, proud to be the only one who has knocked up one of the most powerful beings in the Universe. She's not the kind of person who likes to show off but she has eyes, she's not blind! She has seen how many people would have loved to be in her place. As Kara, as Supergirl, the blonde is a magnet no one can resist but, it's too late for the rest of the world. Kara's taken, she belongs to Lena and her big belly that's starting to show up is the living proof of it.
Lena smiles each time she looks at Kara's belly and her smile gets bigger when she sees the sad eyes of Kara's admirers admitting defeat. Jealousy doesn't look good on anyone but how good it feels to be the one creating it. Lena tries to not be smug about it but in the end, her Luthor's genes shine through and more than once, Alex has to remind her there's nothing to be cocky about, even if the CEO disagrees. The actual situation they're living it's an amazing feat from someone with Lena's background.
From being a lone wolf to a pack of 4 kids, all in one shot. It's a big change. Especially for Lena. Her entire life, she has been alone. Even when she became a Luthor, she felt alone in that big mansion and that cold family she got. Over the years, she got used to it. She got comfortable and embraced loneliness as her only companion in life. Now, in the twinkling of an eye, loneliness has been replaced by two Kryptonians who are constantly craving Lena's attention. Between the baby Lyra, who loves to be in Lena's arms even when she sleeps, to Kara, who is constantly gluing herself to Lena, it's hard to even remember how her life was before these two came into her world.
The CEO doesn't complain but, it's a lot to process in a short period of time. Lena's life made a 180° turn when her home got invaded by Kryptonians. Lex's biggest fear is finally becoming a reality as Kara and her descendants are monopolizing everything. Even his mother's affection. It's a crazy thing to say, but Lilian is more than okay with the news of triplets. She's even renovating the Luthor's mansion so Lena can expand her family even more.
More kids, sounds crazy and yet, Lena cannot close that door as she's loving every second of being a mom. Even when a howling cry wakes her up just a few minutes after she was finally getting a little sleep after feeding Kara.
She should feel exhausted, grumpy and yet, all she feels is pure happiness when little Lyra stretches her little arms towards her. She wants to be held by Lena and when it happens, as if by magic, the unstoppable cry stops.
"I love you so much…"
Lena whispers with so much sweetness in her voice to the little girl who's curled in her arms, gripping on her with her tiny hands. Just like her dear blonde mother, baby Lyra loves to snuggle in Lena's arms. The warmth that Lena provides calms her down, but she gets a little fussy when her huge appetite wakes up too. Just like Kara, Lyra has a huge appetite to ease. Thankfully, in record time, Lena gets a bottle of formula ready for her. The first of many…
It's around 4am when Lyra is finally asleep in Lena's arms after emptying her 3rd bottle of formula. She belched very loudly and now that she's sleeping, it's time to put her down in her crib. With a little luck, Lena might be able to get at least 1h of proper sleep, now that her little one is happily dreaming, but it's such a beautiful view to watch her sleep that Lena decides to skip her sleep time and instead she keeps the baby in her arms and watches her sleep.
She's pure perfection in Lena's eyes. The dear CEO cannot stop contemplating the beautiful miracle she got. Lyra's simple existence is more than what Lena ever dreamed. A love this big, Lena never thought she could feel. It was never on the charts for Lena to have this kind of happiness and probably that's the main reason why Lena spends the rest of the night, watching over the little heir who will soon be able to see with her own eyes, her future Kingdom: L-Corp.
For the very first time, Lena contemplates the possibility of bringing Lyra with her, at work. The CEO needs to take care of something in person and Kara is not in conditions to follow around a very hyperactive baby. Their little child is getting wildly out of wing now that she has started to crawl. She's very fast, even Kara has trouble keeping up with her.
Up and down, from North to South, little Lyra wants to take everything in, she's so curious about everything, she got that from Lena, she is not scared of anything, she got that from Kara. And, the combination of both, it's what makes her mommies very nervous, especially when little Lyra crawls her way out of their radar.
"Lyra, where did you go?! Lena! LENA! I lost sight of Lyra once again!"
"Darling, do not panic, I'll find her, please calm down…"
And while Lena tries to calm down a very hormonal Kara, little Lyra giggles when she gets to explore her surroundings without supervision. Every sight, every sound, every smell, triggers the growth of connections in her brain. The more Lyra interacts with the world, the smarter she gets. Lyra is like a sponge, taking everything in, like the lipstick she finds over the floor of the bathroom. Despite being so young, Lyra is more than capable to take the lead in any situation and this time is not the exception. In no time, she figures out how to get the tube out. She can barely contain her excitement when she sees the red tube. She's fond of textures and colors and the red lipstick of Lena will suffer the consequences of this inquisitiveness.
"No, no, no! That's not food!"
As her tongue is especially sensitive, rich in nerve endings, she uses it to learn about shapes and textures. Everything she finds goes directly inside her mouth, something that Lena doesn't approve of at all.
The dear mother finds her just in time before Lyra could put the smashed red mass inside her mouth. Lyra giggles, looking very amused by the mess she made. Contrary to the baby girl, Lena doesn't seem amused by the little mischief. She needs to scold her but, one adorable pout of little Lyra is enough to avoid any reprimand. While the baby is still pretty little to talk, her personality is already starting to show. And, she's very clever, just like Lena, because she knows exactly what cards to play to get away with anything she wants.
"I'll find a way to get immune to that pout, you'll not get a free pass every time. young lady"
Lyra might be too little to understand a word from what her mother is saying, but her little smirk is enough to make Lena doubt that. This girl is more of a Luthor than what Lena wants to admit. And a deep sigh gets out of the raven-haired woman when she realizes that she has a little troublemaker in her hands. It has been decided, Lyra will keep close to mom for the rest of the day. It makes the baby Lyra very happy.
Lyra waves her tiny arms and legs in excitement when Lena settles her down in the baby seat installed in their new family car. Sportive and luxurious cars are a thing from the past. Now, Lena goes for a large space and the best note in safety for kids.
"Are you well settled?"
Lena receives a big, bright smile from the baby as a confirmation that they're ready to go. While the baby is still pretty little to talk, Lyra is very aware of her surroundings and begins to communicate with bubble sounds. During all the car drive, she doesn't stop to babble, looking at the city through the window. Of course Lena doesn't understand a word of what she's saying but never the least, she puts her full attention to the baby who rambles just as much as her blonde mother. It makes Lena smile at the resemblance between her two favorite people in the world.
The CEO has her doubts about this. Exposing her little angel to the unknown dangers of the world is a fear not so easy to overcome but, Lyra's bubble smile makes the decision easier. Lena might fear for the worst but from the moment they get in the car, they get nothing more than happy smiles. From her chauffeur to the concierge at the door and her assistant, Jess. Everyone receives Lena and the baby Lyra with so much joy. A nice welcome that's very well noted by the curious baby who's looking around from her very comfy stroller.
"Welcome back Ms Luthor! OMG! You brought your baby girl!"
Loyalty and selflessness is what Lyra witnesses the moment they step into what one day will be her Kingdom. Her eyes don't recognize any of the faces in front of her, but there's one person she knows very well. Lyra's eyes focus best on objects, two feet away, more than twice the distance of a human baby her age. And, that's the reason why she gets out a very loud squeal with obvious delight the moment her eyes notice the presence of her grandmother, Lillian, from very far.
Lena is compelled to walk faster towards her mother as little Lyra cannot wait to greet the old Luthor who's standing in the front door of Lena's office.
"She's happy to see me?"
Lillian cannot believe how happy the baby looks, it's so strange and yet she waits no time to say hello to the baby and hold her so she can show her around their Kingdom.
"You make me so proud"
Lillian says to the little baby while she hears about the incident from this morning. Lyra smiles with the compliment, and Lena rolls her eyes.
"Really mother, do not encourage her to get in troubles and get away with it"
"Please Lena, she's a Luthor, of course she will get away with anything she settles her mind in it, I made sure to have the best legal team for it"
"Mother…"
"You must admit it's very impressive how good she's at reading people. I mean, you're one of the most difficult people to get through and yet, she already figured out a way to shut down all your defenses"
Lena doesn't make a comment about it, resignation written all over her face. She squeezes her eyes with frustration. Lyra needs limits, even if she's not sure how to settle them. But, Lillian might have a better idea to help in Lyra's learning.
"Good leaders lead by example, never forget that, Lyra. And, there's no better leader than your mother, Lena. So, you just keep an eye on whatever she does, follow whatever she says and you'll be okay"
Lyra nods, she wants to learn everything Lena is willing to teach. Learning what it really means to lead this Kingdom, get to watch mom in action. She cannot wait.
Lena doesn't know what to say after that statement, this is the best compliment and sign of affection she has received from Lillian in years. With a blush in her cheeks, she only mumbles...
"Thank you for saying that"
"There's nothing to thank me for, it's the truth…"
Both women stay quiet, looking a little uncomfortable, they're still not used to showing emotions between them. If Kara was here, she would probably know what to say or maybe even force them to hug. They look away when the idea pops into their mind. They're still Luthors, after all.
"I should go, I will see you in the board meeting"
"Yes, I'll be there…"
"You'll bring her?"
Lillian and Lena look at the energetic little baby who's suddenly very calm and attentive to their conversation. Lena raises an eyebrow, not falling for this act of good behavior.
"No, she will stay with Jess. I cannot predict what she might do all the time, besides, board meetings are not for kids"
"I think she would like it…"
"Mother…"
"What? It's true, there's a spark in her eyes every time she sees you in charge. She would love to see how you tear apart those silly men of the board"
Lena chuckles, and the excitement in her little Lyra makes her raise her eyebrow once again. Seriously, this baby will be her doom. Anyway, Lena's decision is final and Lyra will not assist the meeting… at least not yet. Lillian doesn't push the subject, but before leaving she says…
"I know I haven't really earned any right to give you any parenting advice but, if I might, you should know children don't do what you want them to do all the time, when you want them to do it. But, you love them anyway…"
She loves her. Lillian loves her. Again, Lillian leaves Lena speechless but, with a big smile on her face. Yes, Lena is loved, really loved and the little baby she has as company today is the living proof of it. Alone at last, Lena hopes to be able to work, but that's far to be a reality when Lyra is very excited to explore the new territory that is Lena's office.
"Lyra, no! I need those reports for the board meeting!"
Too late, the piece of papers has been smashed on Lyra's little hands, the baby giggles while Lena sighs, this is gonna be a long, very long day.
"Lyra, you'll stay with Jess and you'll behave, understood?"
The little baby pout, she wants to join the fun and go with Lena. She's got the making of a ringleader, and now, she feels ready to take a major step in her development and join Lena in her board meeting. Lena disagrees and this time, the adorable pout doesn't work on her kind mother. She doesn't cry when Lena leaves her behind, but her puffed cheeks show how unhappy she's.
"Aww, you're so cute when you puff your cheeks like that "
She's not supposed to look cute, she cannot act cute when what she really wants is to act like her mom, Lena. And, talking about Lena, it's a turning point for her, the time has come to lead again L-corp. She loves her work, she's sharp as a shark even with months of absence and while she knows Lyra is not alone, she's with Jess who didn't hesitate to jump at the chance to act as a babysitter, Lena cannot stop worrying about her little mini me, who's already babbling orders, pointing out things and puffing her cheeks to look tough. Lyra is making a very big impression on the young assistant who runs from one side to the other in Lena's office, trying to follow the baby boss orders the best she can.
"I'm back"
Lena announces when she steps into her office after the board meeting. Once inside, she raises an eyebrow with the panorama she has in front of her.
"Everything is okay, Jess?"
"She's more bossy than you, Ms Luthor"
Lena chuckles with the comment, she's amused to find a very tired Jess, trying to catch her breath while Lyra is on the top of her game, babbling while looking at some papers in Lena's desk, she's already acting as her mother and, Lena tries to hide her smile but she can't.
Being the future leader of this Kingdom is exhilarating but, Lyra cannot keep for long, she needs to take a nap and that's when Lena is finally able to get some work done till someone interrupts their evening.
"Morgan Edge, what a surprise…"
Lena says with an unpleasant tone as she sees the man standing in front of them. Jess comes in too, directly after him, he doesn't budge when the assistant requests his exit.
"It's okay, Jess. I've this…"
"But, Ms Luthor…"
"Leave us alone, please"
Jess hesitates, but she concedes to her boss' request. Now, alone, Morgan Edge finally exposes the reason for his visit.
"Lena, let's get to the point. You don't have the time to lead two companies. I want Catco and you'll make it happen if you know what is the best for your family"
Lena is very cautious, it's still fresh in her mind how despicable this man can be. Lena will not take unnecessary risks but she must face the challenge to smash this man with nothing more than words and Lyra wakes up just in time to see it all. Lena smirks when she sees the sparks in Lyra's eyes. Her mother was right, this little girl loves to watch her lioness mother going straight for the jugular of any threat.
Lyra will have a ringside seat as Lena shows her exactly how it's done. As the lioness she's, Lena will teach her pup how to lead. But also, how to survive out there, Lyra will also have to learn how to stand up for herself in the face of danger. Such as unexpected visitors surrounding their Kingdom.
If he thinks Lena's an easy picking now, just because she's a mother, well, he couldn't be more wrong. Many people might believe that she got soft but Lena's sharper and terrifying than ever, especially now that she has a little one to protect. And, like any lioness, Lena will not defend the Kingdom alone.
"Lena, let's show our little heir how we deal with little threats like him…"
"Little threat?!"
Morgan Edge feels offended by Lillian's comment. The old woman didn't hesitate to show up when Jess told her about the unwanted presence of Morgan Edge. Lillian almost killed him once, and he gulps hard when he notices the killer vibes coming from the old Luthor. Soon, his cocky attitude turns into fear when he finds himself encircled by two lethal lionesses.
He doesn't escape the ordeal unscathed.
"I didn't know he was able to cry like that"
Lena admits and Lillian smirks, looking very happy about their feat. It's exhilarating to see them in action and, Lyra giggles,looking so excited about what happened. The old woman looks at the little girl who has sparkling eyes of excitement, and she softly caresses her little cheek as she says…
"He will not be the last threat we might face, but it doesn't matter. One day, all this will be yours and till that day comes, we will protect it for you"
Lyra smiles, she doesn't look scared about the dangers that surround their Kingdom. The little girl is very bold, and she knows there's nothing to fear. For her, the journey isn't an ordeal. Each day is packed with new discoveries. And, today has been special, today, she got to know her kingdom and how to protect it.
Everything she sees is in a delicate balance and she will do her best to keep it and protect it just like her mom.
"Well, it's time to head home"
Home, Lyra shows a big smile when she hears the word. She might be a baby but she understands the meaning behind that word. As soon as Lena approaches, little Lyra stretches her arms towards the dear Luthor and fills her with kisses the moment Lena holds her in her arms.
"You're welcome to join us, mother. We can have dinner together"
Lillian looks surprised by the invitation. A tiny smile appears on her face, and while she appreciates the offer, she declines it. She still has some things to take care of.
"Mother, do not try to kill him again. Okay?"
Lillian doesn't reply, she just smirks and leaves them alone. Lena sighs, now she feels bad for Edge. He has no idea the monster he scooped out from its cave. Anyway, with the little girl in her arms, Lena is ready to leave the office.
"We will see you tomorrow, Jess"
"The baby boss is coming too tomorrow?"
Lena chuckles with the nickname given and nods, she's not sure if that is good news for her assistant or not. But yes, Lyra is coming back to L-Corp and the little girl looks very happy about it.
The sun is down when they make it to the car, the excitement is in the air as soon they will meet with Kara again. And, while it's hard to be patient, especially when your tummy is rumbling. Baby Lyra is doing her best to stay calm while Lena settles her into her baby-seat. Once Lena is sure all the belts are in place, she gets the bottle of milk out, such a welcome sight for baby Lyra who feels more than ready to face the hurdles of growing up as a Super Luthor. Especially with a full stomach.