Summary: A mysterious painter named Sarah Bennett starts selling artwork in National City. Kara is tasked with finding out who this woman is.

A/N: Sarah Bennett is a nod to Katie's character in Slasher season one. Supercorptober 2023 day 22: art

Friends To Lovers

"You seem rather perky today," Lena grinned. "What is it?" Taking her normal seat on the couch, the businesswoman studied me. "Something good happen at work?"

Sitting, I unpacked our lunch. "Sort of. It does deal with work but not totally." Pulling out my phone, I brought up a picture and gave my phone to Lena. "Have you heard of this new artist, Sarah Bennett? Some of her paintings are in the newest collection at the art gallery in town."

"The one that opened last month?" A dark brow rose.

"Yes. I've saved a few pictures if you want to swipe through them. Beyond the woman's name, there's virtually zero information about her. Miss Grant wants me to find out who she is for an exclusive."

Handing me my phone back, Lena nodded. "How do you plan to do that?"

Grinning, I shrugged. "I was hoping you knew something about her since you know people in the art world. Or maybe a lead on the type of art she does? My guess is that she orders all of the art supplies online and has them delivered so she can keep her identity secret."

"Maybe she wants to stay hidden?" Lena offered. "Like Supergirl."

"Possibly. If that is the case, I'd write the article without revealing too much."

"You do have that talent," the brunette smiled. "You always respect the person you're interviewing and never write something they truly want to keep private." Lena chuckled. "I'd know."

"I do my best." Looking back at the pictures, I chewed the inside of my cheek. "She captures her subjects in a way that's incredible. Each detail is done with such care. With the amount of paintings in the gallery, she must have a studio somewhere in town."

"It sounds like you have a crush on Sarah Bennett," Lena teased. "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Heat crept up my neck. "Oh, I don't… It's just…her art is…"

"Kara," Lena placed a hand on my arm, "I'm joking. I'm glad you enjoy her art. If I find anything out, you'll be the first to know."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it," I smiled. "Now, let's eat!"

"Yes," the CEO laughed. "I don't want you to get in trouble for being late again."

Xxx

A few days passed and I still had no leads on Sarah Bennett. Sighing, I stared at the blinking cursor on my empty word document. "Kara Danvers?"

Looking up, I raised my hand. "Over here."

"I have a delivery." Placing an 8x10 package on my desk, the man smiled. "Sign here." Doing as asked, he tipped his hat. "Thank you. Have a good day."

"You too." Carefully, I unwrapped the brown paper. A soft gasp escaped my throat when I saw myself staring back. Oh, gosh. This is gorgeous! Unfolding a note, my cheeks flushed.

To my greatest admirer. This is how I see you. -Sarah B

Placing the note down, I picked up the painting. I look beautiful in this. Whoever this woman is, she sees me in a way I don't see myself. I have to find her.

Walking past my desk, Winn stopped. "Wow. That's incredible. Who's it from?"

"Sarah Bennett." I slid the note under my arm. "I guess she found out I'm a fan of her work."

"Does Miss Grant know yet?" The man grinned. "She's going to freak."

"No. It just arrived."

"Have fun dodging her," he murmured.

Taking my lunch break, I kept thinking about the painting. I wish I knew more about her. If I knew something, anything, maybe I could find her. Grasping at straws, I found myself in front of the art gallery. Maybe the owner knows something.

Entering the gallery, I went to the new artist section. My jaw slacked seeing a new painting. It was two women, one blonde and one brunette, sitting at a small table at a local coffee shop. That looks like me and Lena.

"Kara, you're back." John, the owner, came to stand beside me. "It just arrived this morning. She named it: Friends To Lovers."

My stomach dropped. How does she know? Turning, I tried to smile. "Hey, John. How are you doing today?"

"I'm good. Since Miss Bennett graced my gallery with her work, I've never been so busy. Her work is flying off the walls."

"Do you know anything about her? Miss Grant is breathing down my neck. She wants information but I can't find anything about her."

"Not much to tell," he shrugged. "After my cut, she wants all profits to be given to the local high school art program."

"That's nice of her," I mumbled. Reminds me of Lena and the children's hospital.

Glancing over his shoulder, John waved. "I need to go."

"See you later." I studied the painting closer. That's definitely us. How does this woman know how I feel about Lena? Panic filled my chest. What if Lena finds out? Turning, I nearly collided with John. "Oh, I'm sorry."

"You look like you've seen a ghost." His head tilted. "Are you alright?"

Fixing my glasses, I tried composing myself. "I'm…I'm fine."

Studying me, John chose to believe that I was alright. "This was dropped off for you." Handing me a note, he smiled. "I'll see you around."

"Thanks." Opening the note, my heart started to race. How did she know I was here? Looking around, no one else was in the building besides John and I.

You already know who I am, Kara. It'll be less creepy when you find out the truth. Like you, I'm scared. If you want to know more, meet at the table in the painting. You know it well. 7pm. -Sarah B

For whatever reason, I felt like I could trust her. I don't feel worried about this. If I told Alex, she'd think I was insane. Arriving at the shop, there was an envelope taped to the outdoor table. Looking around, I sighed seeing no one.

One step closer. Meet me at my studio if you want to know the truth. I can't keep the truth from you any longer. -Sarah B

Flipping the note over, I saw an address. Alex would kill me if she knew what I was up to. Guess I'm going on an adventure. Ducking into the alleyway, I changed quickly and flew to the other side of town.

Touching down, I changed back into my civilian clothes. Finding the correct address, I heard music coming from behind the door. Before I knocked, I saw a folded piece of paper. Unfolding it, my heart started to race again.

Our lives are about to change forever. If you're okay with that, come in. -Sarah B

Pushing open the door, I followed the music towards a dim light. I know that perfume. Swallowing, I paused at the doorway. Paintings and canvases lined the walls. Tables were full of different art supplies. There she is. My brow creased. She looks familiar. "Sarah Bennett?"

Placing her brush down, the brunette turned. "Hello, Kara."

My jaw slacked seeing the woman's face. "Lena? Y-You're….Sssssarah Bbbbb-,"

"I am." Coming to stand before me, Lena cupped my cheek. "I wanted to tell you the other day in my office but I was scared."

Leaning into the soft touch, I sighed. "What changed?"

"The panic in your eyes when you saw the painting of us and when you read my note. I was never sure if you felt the same way. The fact that you came here tonight, told me there was a good chance you returned my feelings."

"I do," my voice cracked. Feeling heat rush to my face, I chuckled nervously at the paint on Lena's cheek. "You have paint on your face."

"I normally do when I'm here," she smiled. Searching my eyes, Lena spoke softly. "Are you okay with this?"

Biting my lip, I nodded. "Friends to lovers, right?"

"Right." Tangling her hand in my hair and wrapping her other arm around my waist, Lena kissed me. Smiling into the kiss, I laughed. "What?" The shorter woman smirked playfully.

"I guess I do have a crush on the artist," I grinned. "A pretty big one if I'm being honest."

"That's good to hear. We'll talk about your exclusive later. I have other plans for tonight." Capturing my lips again, Lena deepened the kiss as she backed me against the wall.