A/N: Set after S6 finale. A ficlet that wouldn't leave my brain. Rated T for language. No show spoilers.

The Instigator

Hearing a knock, Lena finished setting up the buffet line. "Will you get that?"

"Of course." Opening the door, I smiled at my sister and her wife. "Hey, guys! Glad you could make it."

"We are too," Alex smiled. "Hey, Lena."

"Hi," she waved. After the initial hugs and greetings, Alex came into the living room with me while Kelly talked with Lena in the kitchen.

"You look so happy, Alex." I bumped shoulders with the older woman. "I've never seen you shine like this before. You and Kelly are great together."

"Thanks. I'm glad we were able to get a sitter tonight and join you guys. I know movie nights don't happen as often now." Pausing, Alex glanced into the kitchen before turning her back to the women. "How are things with you and Lena? You've been spending a lot of time together."

"Good. While we both have a lot of work, we always make sure to do a weekly dinner or lunch together." Most of the time it's multiple meals a week but I'm not complaining. "We have a lot to make up for."

"Uh-huh." Alex folded her arms. "Have you seriously not talked about your feelings yet? I basically pelted the bouquet at you in hopes it would start the conversation. The look on Lena's face when you caught it, the fact that you snuck off to talk at the wedding, and everything you've been through. Kelly and I were betting that one of you would have said something by the time we got back."

"I want to," I shrugged. "Especially since she knows everything now. There are no secrets between us."

"Except one," Alex murmured. Grumbling, I glared at my sister.

"Ready to eat?" Kelly asked, gaining our attention.

"Always!" I laughed.

"I'm glad we both make a decent salary now. It's easier to keep you fed," Lena teased. With a smile, she held out a plate for me.

"And you taught me to cook. So less take out." Smirking, Alex shook her head. "What?"

"I never thought I'd see the day when you could actually cook."

"She's come a long way in the kitchen," Lena beamed. "It's been my pleasure teaching her. We talked about it for so long but between running L-Corp and saving the world, we never had time."

"I only set four things on fire," I grinned.

"Kara's ice breath came in handy," the brunette laughed.

Getting my food, I went to claim my normal spot. I tried not to smile too much when Lena sat beside me and pushed her feet under my thigh. Ever since I came out as Supergirl and Lena left L-Corp to start the foundation, the air between us has changed. We spend more time with each other when we're free. Maybe Alex is right about Lena having feelings for me too. More than best friends.

"While I know a rule for girls night is no shop talk," Lena began. "How is work for everyone? Just a quick check-in. Nothing too in-depth."

"Good," Alex and Kelly answered.

"How's the foundation?" Alex asked before taking a bite of pizza.

"Fantastic. There are a few scholarships in the works for women who want to get into a STEM related field. Before graduation, I've been asked to speak at a few local high schools about the foundation and how I got into a STEM field. I'm pretty excited."

"You'll do great," I smiled. Everyone gave a little summary of work before we moved to other topics.

"Tonight's viewing is The Continental." Alex picked up the remote and signed into her Peacock account. "It's a prequel to the John Wick movies. I think we'll only watch the first two episodes. They're ninety minutes each."

"Kara and I picked last time. We can finish the last episode tomorrow." Lena got more comfortable. "Separately, if you can't stay the night."

Kelly leaned into Alex. "We have to relieve the sitter at eleven. James was busy so it couldn't be an overnight movie night this time." They look so cute together. I wish Lena and I could be like that.

"Alright, let's go!" Alex hit play. "Action, guns, and all the foul language we can muster."

"Perfect," Lena chuckled.

Halfway through the first episode, I went to make popcorn. As it popped, I saw Alex and Kelly cuddle and desperately wanted that with Lena. Biting my lip, I thought about the businesswoman. There's that horrible feeling in my stomach again. I want a romantic relationship with Lena but I'm so scared. I hated not having her in my life. Feeling my phone vibrate, I opened the message from Kelly.

Trust us. Lena is crazy about you. I'm pretty sure she can feel your longing gaze by now. -K

Rubbing my temple, I shoved my phone back into my pocket. Once the popcorn was divided between two bowls, and the perfect amount of salt was mixed in, I made my way back to the living room. Handing one bowl to Alex, she gave me "the look." Smirking back, I shook my head quickly. Taking a seat, I gave Lena our bowl.

"Thank you." Shifting closer, the brunette placed the bowl in my lap. "I can't eat it all on my own."

"Damn." Alex pointed towards the screen. "The Adjudicator looks like Lena! Almost sounds like her too."

"I let my accent slip once and you mother fuckers never let me forget it." Lena grumbled, her Irish accent became thicker with each word.

The effortless impression of The Adjudicator caused Alex to howl with laughter. "Oooooh!" She wiped her eyes, trying to catch her breath. "We pick because we love. Besides, some find it rather attractive. Dare I say…sexy?" The agent smirked.

My heart started to pound. Dang it, Alex! I told you that in confidence. Now I'll be dodging questions all night after you leave.

"Really?" Lena's brow rose. A mischievous grin tugged at red lips.

"We have a whole episode and a half to get through. We can talk later." I desperately tried turning everyone's attention back to the show. Anytime The Adjudicator came on screen, I could feel Lena glance at me. Thank goodness she can't hear my heart racing. I became acutely aware of her body heat beside me. I'm so dead if she asks me questions.

It was just after ten when the first two episodes were over. Yawning, Alex and Kelly grabbed their things. After hugs, they said their goodbyes and left.

For the most part, Lena and I cleaned the kitchen in a comfortable silence. "Tonight was fun. I'm glad they were able to join." Breaking down the pizza box, I pulled out the kettle. "Tea?"

"Not tonight," Lena paused. "In another universe, as a Luthor, I could see myself being like The Adjudicator." Mindlessly, she wiped down the counter.

Leaning against the island, I folded my arms. "You're too good to be like her. You could act the part but never be like that one hundred percent."

A soft smile graced the brunette's lips. "Especially since I have you in my life again."

"Me?" I questioned.

"When we were at odds," Lena began, "I felt myself being swallowed by darkness. The only thing that helped was your smile." After hanging the dish towel, she stood before me. "In the darkest time, when I was numb, I would think about it. How it could brighten up even the darkest of rooms and make my heart melt. For the briefest of moments, warmth would fill my chest. It was quickly replaced with pain but at least I felt something."

Feeling a lump in my throat, I wrapped Lena in a strong embrace. "I'm so glad we're together again." I paused, realizing what I said. "As…as fr…" I hate that word. "In each other's lives again."

"Me too." Lena sighed, nuzzling her nose into my hair. Leaning back, she smiled. "Couch for a bit? Then bed?"

"Sounds good to me." Pushing off the island, I made my way towards the living room.

Without warning, Lena took the back of my shirt and whispered into my ear. "There are rules at play here, silly girl." Something between a whimper and a moan escaped my throat and I found myself on my knees. "Oh?" Walking around me, Lena stood. "That was quite the noise." Intrigue was clear in the younger woman's voice.

Refusing to look upwards, I kept my mouth covered. "Lena, I'm…. I have no idea where that came from. I'm…I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize for it."

"R-Really?" I met darkening green eyes. "You're not mad?" Her heart is pounding and so is mine.

"Honestly, I'd like to hear it again. Maybe we should make some tea." Lena made her way back into the kitchen. "We've been dancing around something for years. Now that I know everything, might we actually talk about it?"

Sitting back on my feet, I swallowed hard. "You…you've known? H-How I've felt?" Oh, gosh.

"I have. Now, get off your knees while we talk. From that delicious sound you made, I'm sure you'll be on your knees plenty in our future." Lena shot me a devious grin.

Standing, I laughed nervously. She's already planning ways to drive me absolutely insane. "I…uh… What gave me away?" I paused, slightly embarrassed. "Before just then."

"Let's sit for this conversation," Lena smiled. "I want you to have my full attention."

"Okay…" Taking my normal seat, I waited for the tea to finish. I guess we're really about to have this conversation. From her initial reaction, she doesn't sound angry. It sounds like she enjoyed the noise. My cheeks started to burn. She called it delicious. And that mischievous look in her eyes. I shivered at the thought.

"I'm not mad. I can hear your panic from here." The blood drained from my face. "No, not in a magic-y way. I just know you and that look when you get quiet."

"That's a relief," I laughed. Grabbing a pillow, I clung to it.

Setting a tea tray down, Lena took her seat beside me. "To answer your question, the tongue tied stammering in my office when you were with your cousin was the first indication."

I took the offered mug. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. The way you looked at me and always came to my defense was another. It always came across as more than just friendship." Smiling, Lena cupped my cheek and caressed it with her thumb. "You fell first but I fell harder. I was jealous when I found Alex in your apartment when I asked if you knew how to contact Supergirl."

"That explains your facial expression," I grinned. "Alex wondered what was up after you left."

Taking a sip of tea, Lena sighed. "I couldn't help it. I didn't know she was your sister at the time so I thought some woman was in your apartment. I hated seeing you with Mon-El. When he came back from the future, I was afraid you were going to get your heart broken again."

She's being so honest and vulnerable. "My greatest heartbreak was when you were mad at me." I bit my lip remembering that horrible time. "The pain in your eyes…it destroyed me. It hurt more than kryptonite."

"We've traveled an interesting road." Lena sipped her tea.

"But we've done it together," I smiled sheepishly.

Placing her mug on the table, Lena took mine also. "We have." Scooting closer, she took the pillow and glanced towards my lips.

"Oh, please for the love of everything, kiss me already." I blurted, heat rising up my neck.

"With pleasure." Cupping my cheek, Lena pressed a soft kiss to my lips. Hearing me sigh, she took it as a sign to deepen the kiss. Tangling her hand in my hair, Lena did just that and I couldn't be happier.