Chapter Seven: New Confidence
Lena's POV
Relief washed over me. She actually wants to be with me. We sat in a comfortable silence until I heard a soft snore. Did she really just fall asleep on me? I suppose worrying about whatever we were and now having a full stomach would put her to sleep. Reaching behind me, I grabbed one of my many reads in progress. I might be stuck here for a while. Might as well use the time wisely.
No sooner did I finish my third chapter did Kara wake up. "Someone got comfortable."
Rubbing her eyes, Kara sat and stretched. "I'm sorry about that." Her cheeks turned bright pink. "I really didn't mean to fall asleep on you. I guess worrying about not messing things up took more out of me than I thought. And dinner was super good," she grinned.
"The way to your heart is through your stomach, got it." I smiled at the sleepy blonde. "You falling asleep on me gave me a perfect excuse to read a few chapters." I motioned towards the book I held. "I'd like it if you stayed here tonight. I can make breakfast while you bask in the sunlight."
"I'd really like that."
Xxx
Like last time, I woke to Kara snuggled against my back with an arm wrapped around me. I never liked being held. Even with Jack. It felt suffocating. With Kara it feels equal. I could easily get used to this. Thank God we were on the same page last night. My heart sank when she asked if I wanted to see other people. It took every ounce of courage I had to let her in. I'm not about to do that with someone else. Who was I kidding? This was always going to turn emotional. I love how Supergirl will save the city from whatever danger happens. Even those who would have her burned at the stake.
"You're thinking very loudly," Kara mumbled. "Everything okay?"
Rolling onto my back, Kara shifted to lay her head on my shoulder. "Everything is good. Do you need to check in with your sister? I'd rather her not break down my door worried that I've kidnapped you or something," I chuckled. Kara laughed nervously. "What? What was that for?"
"Uhm…. Remember how I said Alex was joking and my face gave us away?"
"Yes," my voice trailed. Why do I have a feeling this isn't going to end well?
"Well…. The day you got back from your business trip, Alex came over and asked what's been going on. For two weeks I was overly perky, then I was prickly, and that day I was both. She traced the van you used back to L-Corp. Since there was no evidence of a crime, Alex couldn't do anything. She asked what it was about. I said nothing. She called me a liar and said the only explanation for my mood swings was that I was sleeping with someone. She asked who it was. That it couldn't be that bad. That it wasn't like I was sleeping with a Luthor."
"You squeaked, didn't you?" I smirked.
"Yyyyeeeeaaaahhhhh…."
Sighing, I rubbed my face. "Continue. Because I know this story isn't over."
"I said that I couldn't help it. That you were sexy, gorgeous, brilliant, and-," Kara smiled sheepishly.
"And what? You can't stop there," I kidded.
"And your eyes," she mumbled. "I didn't tell Alex this but, even before you kidnapped me, I always thought your eyes were gorgeous. In person, I could easily get lost in them." Kissing blonde locks, I smiled. She always did hold my gaze as long as possible. "Alex noticed I said "her" and narrowed it down to you." Leaning onto her elbow, Kara smiled down at me. "She wants me to be happy and safe. She'd say that even if your last name was Smith."
"I'm glad to know your sister and mentor are on my side. However, what's the last bit that you're leaving out?" Kara grinned. "Oh, God," I paused. "Go on."
"Alex asked how it came about that we were even in the same room and I said that you, kind of, kidnapped me."
"There was no "kind of" about it." I smirked, desperately trying to hide a laugh. "I definitely kidnapped you."
"And I would let you do it all over again if it ended like this." Leaning down, Kara kissed me.
Rolling on top of her, I kissed down her neck. "We really should eat brunch."
"There's something else I'd rather eat at the moment." Kara squirmed under my touch.
"Very direct." Moving down, I pushed up the blonde's sleep shirt kissing the warm skin. I love making her squirm. Groaning, Kara whined. Leaning up, I studied the irritated Super. "That's not a good sound."
"Something is happening downtown. Alex is probably going to-," Kara's phone rang. "Call." Shifting to my side of the bed allowed Kara to reach her phone. "Hey, Alex. What's up?" I couldn't understand what Alex said but I knew from Kara's expression that she would be leaving soon. "Yeah, be right there. No, I'm at Lena's." A soft smile brightened the room. "Yes, we're together." Kara held the phone away from her ear just in time.
"Oh, thank God!"
Both of us laughed. "Let me brush my teeth and I'll head your way." Ending the call, Kara sighed. Mindlessly, she entwined our fingers. "Rain check on brunch?"
"We can always reschedule. National City needs their superhero."
In a flash, Kara was back in front of me fully dressed in last night's clothes. "If you're dating Kara Danvers, we can't let people see Supergirl leaving your apartment."
"This is true." Standing, I pulled the Super in for a kiss. "Be safe. Kick some ass. I'll see you in a few days."
"I'll leave the proof of my article here. I wanted you to see it last night but plans changed."
"I'll read it while I drink coffee." After saying our goodbyes, Kara left to save the city.
Once coffee was brewed, I sat on the balcony and opened the proof copy of this month's CatCo Magazine.
From The Rolling Hills Of Ireland To The Concrete Jungle Of National City: A Lena Luthor Exclusive
I was lucky enough to sit down with Lena Luthor, the CEO of L-Corp, and ask the burning questions we've all wanted to know. Long before she became a business mogul, Miss Luthor learned to play Chess and the wonders of classic literature at a young age. This love of learning would lead her to graduate at the top of her class with two Masters degrees.
As I read Kara's words, my chest swelled. No one has ever talked about me with such respect and adoration. This article will definitely help people realize I'm not the monster I seem to be. Leaning back in my chair, I sipped the steamy liquid. Kara wrote this before we made our relationship official. Did she think I wouldn't realize her feelings for me after reading this? Picking up my phone, I sent a quick text.
The article was lovely. Thank you, Kara. -L
Xxx
Kara's POV
Arriving back at the D.E.O., Alex and I escorted the last escapee to the holding area. As we made our way back to the main area, Alex bumped shoulders with a grin. "Give me the details. You've been glowing all day."
"We talked last night and neither of us want to date other people. We're both working on expressing exactly how we feel but we want to be exclusive."
"So, she's your girlfriend? Officially?" Alex was hopeful.
"Yes," I beamed. "We want to see the media flounder trying to see if we're officially dating or not. So, for now, we're not making it "media official." But I wanted to tell you and The Super Friends."
"James has been pretty vocal about not liking anyone with the Luthor name because of Clark. How are you going to navigate that? And telling Clark. That's going to be interesting." I totally forgot about Kal-El. "From the looks of it, you've not thought that far yet."
"No, no I haven't. Think he'll be fine with a text?" Alex smirked. "They'll just have to accept it. Give Lena a chance to prove herself. Especially after they realize she hates her mother and wants nothing to do with her or Lex."
"What actually happened? Lex shot down her helicopter the day after you solar flared. She was thought to be dead and disappeared for a while. Then popped up but stayed out of the public eye."
"All of that's true. Lillian took Lena's body from the wreckage and experimented on her."
Alex halted. "Ex-Experimented how?"
"Lillian gave her a kryptonite heart…" Here comes the freak out.
"A kryptonite heart?" Alex exclaimed. "Kara, how?"
"All of her clothes are laced with lead so it doesn't hurt me or anyone else. She did that long before we started sleeping together. Lena hates it."
Relaxing, Alex shrugged. "Leave it to you to wind up with the one person who could, literally, hurt you in every way."
"We're careful with it."
"So, it doesn't hurt you when it's covered? Like at all?"
"No. I'm fine." I'm not telling you what it does do. Hearing a familiar throat clear, blood drained from my face. He might know though. Crap.
"Can she be trusted?" J'onn studied me as I turned to face him.
"Yes, she can be. Lena wants to do good with her company. She doesn't want to be feared."
"Does she make you happy?" I nodded, unsure of where this was going. "Okay." Space Dad relaxed. "Don't let your new relationship interfere with your duties here."
"I won't." We watched as J'onn made his way to the holding area. "So far, the people I care about seem to be accepting."
Alex continued walking. "Oh, he's probably known about you and Lena from the start. There's no way he didn't read your thoughts at some point in the past few weeks."
"Was it really that obvious that something had changed?"
"Oh, oh yeah. Red Kryptonite level changes," she paused. "Just in the opposite direction."
"Wow," I laughed.
"Are you going to invite Lena to game night this Friday?"
"I want to. I was going to talk to you and Lena about it this week."
"I say, bring her. I'm bringing Maggie. If she truly wants society to trust her, she needs a friend group. She makes you happy and takes steps to keep you safe from kryptonite so she already has some positive points in my book."
"Thank you, Alex."
Arriving home, I found a styrofoam cooler at my door. Using my X-ray vision, I saw food and a note inside. Picking it up, I entered my apartment and placed it on the table. Reading the note, I smiled.
Not exactly what we planned but I hope you enjoy it. Leftovers are also inside. -L
After a quick change, I pulled out my phone to text Lena. Made it home safely. Thank you for the food! Are you still awake? I know it's late. -K
Before I could open the box, my phone lit up with Lena's face. Accepting the video call, I was met by a sleepy brunette. "Hey, I hope I didn't wake you." She's so beautiful.
"I was reading." Rubbing her eyes, Lena yawned.
"I won't keep you long. I know you have to get up early. Thank you for the food. I'll probably eat the leftovers tonight and brunch in the morning before I go to work."
"Sounds like a plan. Did you get the bad guy?" Shifting, Lena set her phone to lean against the pillow I use.
"We did." Reheating the leftovers, I sat at the table and began to eat. "I told Alex more about us. She thinks you should come to game night Friday. I was going to bring it up tomorrow."
Fear flashed in sleepy green eyes. "Do you think that's a good idea?"
"I want to introduce you to my friends. Alex wants to meet and get to know you. After the initial shock, Winn will try to steal all of your time because you also like tech." Lena chuckled. "I may have to pry you away from him. Maggie should be pretty cool as long as you don't have any warrants out for your arrest."
"Which I don't. My mother on the other hand…" Lena's voice trailed.
"James is the only wild card." My nostrils flared remembering some of his comments.
"Not a Luthor fan?" I shook my head. "James, is he Jimmy Olsen?"
"Yeah." Finishing my food, I rinsed the dishes and put them in the dishwasher.
"No wonder he's not a fan." Clenching her jaw, Lena thought. "As long as you'll be there, I'll be there. I want to meet your friends and sister. I'll be honest, I'm nervous."
"I can understand that." Getting comfortable in bed, I propped my phone against a pillow. "Do you mind Chinese? It's Maggie's week to choose food. Nine out of ten times she always chooses Chinese or Japanese food."
"I'm good with that." Yawning, Lena snuggled into her pillow. "I'll miss waking up with a certain party snuggled up behind me."
Grinning, I hid my face. "I can't believe I did that."
"No complaints here."
We talked a few more minutes before saying goodnight. After plugging in my phone and turning off the lamp, I snuggled into the covers. Oh gosh. Lena will see my place.
Xxx
Waking the next morning, I missed having Lena in my arms. Scrolling through my emails and texts, I smiled seeing a message from the brunette.
Good morning. I hope you have a good day at work. Enjoy breakfast. -L
Sitting up, I texted back. Morning. Since you cooked it, I'll definitely enjoy it. I hope you have a good day at work too. The new issue of CatCo Magazine is out. I'll bring you an issue if I can. -K
Sounds good. -L
Walking into CatCo, I felt different. More confident. Some people noticed it right away and made room as I walked by. "Kara," James greeted. "I just saw the article. Your pictures are great. I'm kind of jealous. You took those with an iPhone, right?"
"Hey, James. I did." Putting down my things, I picked up the magazine that was on my desk. The cover looks fantastic. Lena really does look like a powerhouse behind her desk. "What did you think?" Flipping to the article, I saw a note in Miss Grant's handwriting.
Good work. I expected nothing less from you.
"It was really good. Shed a different light on her. I still don't trust her though. If you're going to be friends with her, be careful."
We're more than friends already. "Well, maybe you'll get to know her this week at game night."
"What?" His brow creased.
"I've invited her to game night. Alex is bringing Maggie and I'm bringing Lena."
"Alex and Maggie are dating. I don't see the-," My words dawned on him. "Are the two of you…? Is that where you've been disappearing to?"
Looking around, I made sure no one was paying attention. "Yes, we are. For now, we're keeping it from the media."
"I have so many questions…" James murmured. "We tried to date and then there was Cat's oldest son. How did you…"
"I've always found her attractive. I just kept it to myself."
"Oh, okay," He nodded slowly. "Have you, uh, told your cousin yet?"
"No. I've not figured that part out yet. Everything is so new. We're navigating it ourselves."
"Just be careful." Looking past me, James grinned. "Someone else seems satisfied with the article too."
"Oh, Kiera," Miss Grant called. Turning on my heels, I made my way towards her office. "Well, we're wearing adult clothes again. I like it." Ushering me inside, the older woman closed the door behind me. "I won't have the initial sales numbers for the hard copies until next week. The digital copies have sold more in nine hours than any digital copy has sold since we started selling them."
"That's fantastic!" Triumph filled my chest.
"Here," Miss Grant slid a crisp copy across her desk. "Take this to your girlfriend when you go to lunch."
"Miss Grant-,"
"Don't deny it, Kiera." The woman smirked knowingly. "No one walks into work on a Monday with that strut unless something really good happened over the weekend." I hung my head with a laugh. "Congratulations."
"Thank you. We're not announcing it yet. When we decide to go public, we want you to break the story."
"That is appreciated. Now, get to work. You have other stories to work on."
Sitting at my desk, I pulled out my phone. Miss Grant knows. I apparently strutted into work today. Lol. She understands we're keeping it from the media for now. Can I bring you a copy on my lunch break? -K
Strutted? Now that's something I'd like to see. Yes. I'm free from 1-2. I'm glad she's respecting our privacy. I didn't expect anything less from her. -L
Feeling a little mischievous, I made sure no one was paying me attention. You want to see me strut, huh? Maybe I'll strut into your office, take a seat on your desk, and see where things go. -K
Putting down my phone, I bit the inside of my cheek trying to will my face not to turn red. I can't believe I sent that! Seeing the text receipt, I groaned inwardly. And she's seen it! Oh, gosh. Now she's typing!
Things would go very well for you. Especially if you're wearing a dress or skirt. Who knew such a good girl like yourself knew how to sext. Granted, we already knew you had a naughty streak. -L
I shivered reading the text in Lena's sultry voice. What can I say? You bring it out in me. -K
I bring a lot of things out in you. -L
You do indeed. -K
While I do enjoy this banter, shouldn't you be working? -L
I was about to sign in. I wanted to say hi and ask about lunch. -K
If we were to keep this up, you wouldn't get much work done. I'd have you squirming in your seat too much. All you'd be able to think about was my touch. Possibly my tongue as well. -L
LENA! -K
Oops. Too late. See you at 1. -L
Golly. Work is going to be hard to focus on now. Sighing, I smiled as I signed in. Less than four hours to go.
Exiting the elevator, I greeted Lena's assistant as she was leaving for her lunch break. "How are you doing today, Jess?"
"I'm well. Yourself? I saw the article you did. It was fantastic."
"Thank you. I really hope it helps National City see the real Miss Luthor and not the one they've built up in their mind." It feels weird calling her that now.
"Me too. She's such a good boss," Jess beamed. "I'm off to lunch. Miss Luthor said you could go on in."
"Thanks. Enjoy!"
Entering the office, I waived noticing Lena was still on a call. Unpacking lunch, I got us each some water. As I walked back, I made sure to strut. I can feel her eyes burning into me. She must like the dress.
Ending the call, Lena made her way towards me. "So you are wearing a dress today."
"I am." Standing, I hugged the brunette before receiving a quick kiss.
"It looks good on you." Noticing the Tupperware, Lena continued. "What have you brought us?"
"Nothing super special. Just some Fettuccine Alfredo that I made this morning. Cooking goes a lot faster when you don't have to wait for water to boil." Using my heat vision, I warned my food and gave it to Lena. "Pretty sure you didn't want me to zap yours while you hold it."
"That would have been a bit of a shock," Lena chuckled. "It smells wonderful."
"Thanks." As we ate, I thought about what Jess said and the initial digital sales. "The newest issue has sold more digital copies than we've ever sold."
"Really?" I nodded. "I guess a lot of people were curious about me."
"Jess thought the article was fantastic. A lot of people at CatCo did too."
"I've tried to be more open and friendly since our talk. I think some people are waiting for me to snap. Others, like Jess, seem open to the change."
"It'll take some time." Finishing my lunch, I packed the container away. "I think the article will help."
Finishing her own lunch, Lena picked up the magazine and flipped to my article. "Cat picked some great pictures."
"They were all good. No matter which ones she picked, she couldn't go wrong."
"Of course you'd say that," Lena smirked playfully. "You know, it's a good thing we talked about feelings before I read this."
"Why do you say that?" I scooted closer to see the article.
"Because the care and compassion behind your words says you have some sort of feelings about me. Definitely not someone you see as a quick release once a week."
"I don't know why I thought I could just have sex with you," I mumbled. "The second time I saw the real you in your eyes, I knew I was a goner."
Closing the magazine, Lena placed it beside her. "What were you going to do if I didn't feel the same? If I did just want sex."
"Enjoy the time I had with you while it lasted. That's why I was so nervous before I asked if you wanted to see other people."
"That question did seem to come out of nowhere." Wrapping an arm around me, Lena pulled me close. "Luckily, for both of us, we felt the same way."
"Yeah." I snuggled into the brunette and wrapped an arm around her waist. I don't think what I feel right now is love but it's heading in that direction. I just hope Lena feels the same way eventually.
"Don't get too comfortable. You have to go back to work soon. No naps for you," the shorter woman kidded.
"But you're so comfy!" My whine caused Lena to laugh.