Summary: Fear of spiders, a coveted cardigan, and an accidental reveal. SuperCorptober Day 27: Cardigan
A Coveted Cardigan
Kara's POV
Arriving at the outdoor cafe, I waved when I saw Lena at our normal table. "Hey, I'm glad you could step away from the office." My brow creased at the two cups and pastries that were on the table.
"I should be thanking you. I know Snapper has everyone on a short leash right now." Taking a sip of coffee, Lena continued. "I know your go-to order so I went ahead and placed it. I hope that's okay."
"Definitely." Taking a seat, I took a long sip of coffee. "Perfect. How's your day been?"
"Besides an incident outside my office, fine." Lena rubbed her temple. "Ken from accounting is very lucky that I can take a joke."
"Oh, no. What happened?" I wonder if it has to do with the heart rate spike I heard this morning.
"Ken set a spring release box on the floor next to Jess' desk and made it look like it had fallen so she'd pick it up. Being the nice person that I am, I picked it up to put it on her desk and a fake spider leapt up from it." Covering her face, Lena shuddered. "I love Halloween but I hate spiders. Even the ones that look fake, I can't stand."
"Oh, goodness. Alex did that to me once when we were kids," I grumbled. "She had extra chores for a week. How did you know it was from Ken?"
"There was a note at the bottom of the box. I guess it's common knowledge that I'm a decent person and Ken rushed towards my office to pick up the box. The elevator doors opened when I shrieked and he approached with caution." I tried not to laugh as Lena told the story but I couldn't help myself. I know the glare he got. I've seen that bone chilling glare. "He started apologizing as walked up. Swore up and down that he was going to get fired and blacklisted."
"You are so much more than a "decent person," I smirked. "But I could see how someone would think they'd be fired for that."
"He told me to steer clear of the employee break room and kitchen. After promising to not do it again, I let him go back to work. "
"I'm sure he felt terrible about scaring you."
"The look of horror on his face spoke loud enough," Lena chuckled. "How's your day been?"
"Pretty good. Like you said, Snapper is keeping everyone on a short leash. For a few minutes, I thought I was going to need a rain check for today."
"If you did, I would have just brought it to you," Lena smiled. "You always bring me food when I'm too busy to leave the office."
"You're the best." Finishing my pastry, I remembered the first time Lena brought me lunch since I moved floors.
"Kara," Lena gained my attention as I darted from desk to desk.
Stopping, I smiled. "Hey! What are you doing here?"
"You said you couldn't step away for lunch so I thought I'd bring it to you."
"Thanks!" I smiled. "I finally got a desk so we can eat there if you're able to stay. I need to give these to my boss. I'll be right there."
"Sounds good."
Entering Snapper's office, I could feel his judgmental scowl. "Ponytail, what have I said about non-CatCo people on the floor?"
"Technically, she still owns CatCo. So she is a CatCo person."
Grumbling, he glared. "No fraternizing with the higher ups either."
"We're not…it's not like that," I stammered.
"Mmhmm. Whatever you say, Ponytail. Eat and get back to work."
He would not let up on me after that. I had to prove we weren't in a relationship so I could continue covering Luthor stories. "Soon, I may get an actual office if I decide to become chief editor."
"You're thinking about going for the promotion again?" I nodded. "You'd do a fantastic job. I know you would miss reporting though."
"Thanks," I blushed. Realizing the time, I pouted. "I hate to eat and run."
"Duty calls." Getting to her feet, Lena wrapped me in a strong embrace. "I'll toss everything away. I don't want you getting in trouble again."
"I appreciate it." Reciprocating, I squeezed gently. She gives the best hugs. I hate when they end. "Oh! Friday, will you bring my cardigan to game night?"
"Sure. After you left, I hung it next to my coat in the closet."
"Thanks! See you later."
Xxx
Lena's POV
After a long day, I took a much needed soak in my tub. When I finished a few chapters, and a glass of wine, I placed a bookmark and stepped out of the now lukewarm water. Drying off, I slid into my favorite purple lace nightgown. I don't get to enjoy relaxing, self care nights too often but after the spider incident this morning, I needed it. I shuddered remembering it.
Feeling the cool air of the bedroom, I slid into the long cardigan Kara left behind. Nuzzling the fabric, I smiled. It still smells like her. Sadly, she remembered it. My stomach dropped. Loving Kara from the shadows makes me feel terrible. I need to tell her how I feel. Sighing, I smirked at myself. I'd rather do this than lose her forever.
Entering the kitchen, I put the kettle on and prepared my nightly cup of tea. Turning back, I saw something scurry across my counter. Screaming, I darted across the apartment and felt a gust of wind come from the balcony.
"What is it?" A familiar voice asked.
"Kill it! Please!" I pointed towards the kitchen.
Moments later, the balcony door closed. "It's gone, Miss Lu-," Supergirl's voice trailed off.
Opening my eyes, I was met by a stupefied hero. Eyes wide, mouth agape, and no words to be had. "Supergirl?" That's the same look she gave me on the Daxamite ship years ago. Looking down at myself, I realized the cardigan was open revealing my nightgown that didn't leave much to the imagination. So she is attracted to me. Why must it be the wrong blonde? Sauntering over, I pressed the woman's chin upwards. "You may want to close that."
"Y-Yes, Miss Luthor." Supergirl stammered, trying to look anywhere but at me.
She's so flustered. Buttoning most of the cardigan, I spoke. "Better?" All she did was nod. "I appreciate your help."
"You're welcome," she cleared her throat.
Entering the kitchen, I poured myself a cup of tea. "Would you like a cup?"
"That would be nice. Thank you."
As I fixed both cups, I kept an eye on the Super. She's keeping her distance. That's not normal for her. "I hope we can keep this between us."
"Of course. No one else needs to know you're scared of spiders."
My brow rose. "How did you know that I'm scared of spiders? I didn't see what exactly scurried across my counter but it wasn't a spider." My head tilted. "There are only five people who know I'm terrified of spiders and I don't think you'd talk to most of them."
"I…um…" The blonde tried to come up with an explanation but failed.
"I'm fairly certain that you've not had a conversation with my mother, brother, Jess, or Ken and Kara wouldn't have told you." Offering a steamy mug, I examined the Super's face closely. No. How have I never seen this before? "Kara?" Panic washed over the blonde's face. I spoke before she could open her mouth. "Don't you dare lie to me."
Hanging her head, Kara took the mug. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I've wanted to tell you but my sister and boss-,"
"Want you to keep your secret identity a secret." Taking a seat on the couch, I sighed. "Even from me."
"They gave me the green light to tell you yesterday." Kara stared at her tea. "I've been too scared to tell you because I've been lying to you for years now. Ever since we became friends, that's the one thing you've asked me to never do," her voice shook. "Everything else has been true. I wanted one person that I could just be Kara with."
"Come sit." I patted the seat beside me. "I understand where you're coming from. I'm desperately trying to not be hurt by this but I can't help how I feel."
"I understand." Placing her tea on the coffee table, Kara sat beside me.
"Good." Wrapping my arms around the blonde, I pulled her close. "You will always be Kara to me. The only thing that changed is that you have a few new tricks up your sleeve."
Carefully, Kara wrapped her arms around my waist. Her head resting against my chest. "You'll always be my Lena too."
"Your Lena?" I questioned with a grin. Every muscle in Kara's body tightened. "When did I become yours?" Not that I'm complaining.
"N-N…th…that's not…." Kara stammered. She began to relax as I rubbed her back.
"No more secrets?" Kara nodded, unsure of where I was going. "I know you love me as a best friend but are you falling in love with me too? I'm fairly certain you're attracted to me by a few of your reactions," I paused. "Especially tonight." The woman's grip tightened on my clothes. "We're going to be okay no matter what your answer is."
"I've already fallen for you…" She swallowed hard. "And yes, I'm attracted to you."
"Well, that's a relief." Thank God!
Meeting my gaze, Kara whispered. "You're okay with that?"
"Yes, because now I don't have to secretly snuggle or wear your clothes because they smell like you. Now, hopefully, I can just snuggle with you."
Hear burnt the Super's face as a goofy grin appeared. "I may or may not do the same thing…"
"Kiss me, you beautiful goober." Tilting Kara's chin upwards, I pressed a gentle kiss against soft lips.