Summary: Lena finds herself donating ten thousand dollars as she and a board member's wife get into a bidding war. The prize? A date with National City's Girl of Steel.
Authors Note: the idea of Supergirl being a charity prize and Lena donating 10k was from a tumblr post by dcjelliclequeen33.
Happy Holidays to all of my wonderful readers!
The Winning Bid
Rubbing my temples, I stared at Sam and Jess who sat across from me. Both looked perfectly content after their outlandish proposal for the fundraiser. Are you kidding me? Auctioning off a date with Kara, well Supergirl, as a prize for National City's Winter Fundraiser. It would bring in funds but how do I ask that type of question to my best friend? How will I feel seeing Kara on a date with someone? Especially another woman. She's not been on a date since Mon-El. Is she even ready for that?
"Miss Luthor?" Jess questioned. "Are you alright? You have that look in your eyes again."
"The one where she's trying desperately to not admit she's head over heels for her best friend and the thought of someone on a date with said best friend makes her skin crawl?" Sam's eyes narrowed. "Definitely," she chuckled. "If you strain too hard, you may burst a vessel. How are you going to explain that to Kara?"
"Shut up, Sam," I grumbled. The action caused the brunette to laugh harder. "I could fire you."
"You could," she smirked, "but you won't. You love me and Ruby too much." Becoming serious, Sam continued. "The fundraiser is in a few weeks so you'll need to ask Kara soon." Hearing a soft knock, the woman grinned. "I wonder who that could be? Someone who has permission to freely walk in and knock on your door." Jess looked between the two of us, refusing to make a sound. The tightness of her jaw barely hid her amused grin.
Running a hand through my hair, I tried to compose myself before the reporter entered. "Come in, Kara."
"Hey!" Blue eyes fell on Sam and Jess. "Oh, am I interrupting a meeting?" Placing her bag and jacket on the coat rack, Kara studied us. "Is everything okay?"
"Lena has a question for you." Sam stood with a grin. "Jess and I were just leaving. See you soon." With that, the two women left. "Oh, Lena!" Sam popped her head back in. "See you at the meeting this afternoon."
"Leave," I smirked. I should fire them both. Sadly, both are far too good at their jobs to lose. Sighing, I leaned back in my chair.
"What's going on? I could feel the tension as soon as I walked in." Taking a seat, Kara's brows furrowed. "And your heart rate is elevated." She paused to listen again. "More than just too much caffeine." Does she always listen to my heartbeat? My stomach dropped remembering a few select late nights after having one too many drinks. I hope not. "Lena?"
"Nothing is wrong," I tried to smile. "I have a meeting with the board later today and have a favor to ask you."
"Sure. What can I do?"
"I need Supergirl's help," I began. "The board has put me in charge of the door prizes for this year's charity event." Kara nodded, unsure of where I was going. "As you know, most of the attendees are of higher tax brackets so the prizes need to be elevated to compensate. Sam and Jess had the idea of auctioning off a date with-," My voice trailed off. I swallowed a groan. "With Supergirl."
"Oh…" Kara's face fell.
"Obviously, you can say "no" and I'll figure something else out." Half of me wants you to say no but I have no idea what else I'll do. I can't exactly auction myself up.
"It's for the children's hospital and Toys For Tots, right?" I nodded. "Then I'll do it."
Relief washed over me. "You really don't have to if-,"
"Will it help you?" The blonde studied me.
"You have no idea how much," I sighed.
"I'll do it," Kara smiled. Please, don't say it. "That's what friends are for."
Forcing a smile, I thanked the blonde and changed the subject. "When is Eliza flying in? I'm sure you and Alex are excited to see her."
"We are!" She beamed. "Mom insisted we still have the Christmas party." Kara paused, becoming bashful. "I hope you can make it. Alex invited Sam and Ruby. Everyone else will be there too."
As if I could say no to that hopeful sparkle in your eyes. God, I'm wrapped around this woman's finger. "Of course I'll come. I bet you've already decorated for Christmas."
"Yup!" Kara beamed. "Day after Thanksgiving I put everything up."
"Of course you did," I grinned. I love seeing how happy Christmas makes her.
"Halloween is your holiday and Christmas is mine!" She paused. "Have you decorated yet?"
My stomach dropped. "I don't normally decorate since…" My voice trailed.
"Oh…" Kara fumbled, brow creasing.
What is she planning? I know that look. "Do I need to bring anything to the party?"
"We do a gift exchange each year. All gifts are under fifty dollars."
"I'll make sure to pick something up then." Besides the gift I got you yesterday. "Did you have to promise not to use your x-ray vision on the gifts?" I teased.
A light blush tinted the reporter's cheeks. "Yes," she shrugged. "Years ago."
Chuckling, I smiled at the bashful woman. "Well, I appreciate your help. I'll pitch the idea to the board this afternoon and let you know if the idea is accepted."
"Sounds good."
Realizing Kara only brought her bag and jacket, my brow furrowed. "Did we have a lunch that I forgot about? Or coffee…" Flipping through my planner, I skimmed this week's page for anything highlighted in blue.
"No, no. I was on this side of town for a story and wanted to say hi."
"Oh, okay." My chest warmed. She wanted to drop by just to see me. Ugh! Kara, just friends don't do things like this. Not that I'm not happy to see you. "It's appreciated since I know how busy both of us are this time of year."
"I'll always make time for you," Kara smiled with a soft blush.
"Well, seeing you is always a welcomed surprise."
Xxx
"Does anyone have ideas on door prizes for this year?" Richard, one of the older board members, asked. "We need something different. Most of the people who bid already have, or could buy, everything from previous years."
Glancing towards Sam, I cleared my throat. "Supergirl said she would be willing to auction a date with The Girl of Steel." Silence fell over the room, all eyes on me.
"That…that's incredible," he stammered.
"A date with Supergirl? That's definitely something new," another member said. "It's brilliant."
"Then it's settled. The Hawaii trip, a date with Supergirl, the yacht, and a few other things will be auctioned off."
Xxx
Wealthy invitees mingled in their own groups. "Are you going to be okay seeing Supergirl on the arm of someone else?" Sam whispered, holding out a flute of champagne.
Taking the offered glass, I smirked. "It's one date. Nothing will come of it." Glancing around, I scanned the crowd for Kara and our friends. They should be here by now. Where are they?
"I don't know. Juliette Roberts is the highest bidder at the moment." Taking a sip of champagne, Sam continued. "I knew her and Bobby had an open marriage but I didn't know blondes were her type. She always gives you bedroom eyes at events."
I pitched the idea. I can't bid. What have I done? Juliette will try her hardest to get Kara into bed. "It'll be fine. Everything will be fine." Please let it be fine.
"Lena! Sam!" Kara called.
Turning, I smiled at the reporter and all of our friends. "Glad you could make it." Giving Kara a hug, I noticed one person missing. "Where's Alex?"
Squeezing gently, Kara lingered with her chin on my shoulder, breathing in my perfume. "Sorry we're late." Stepping back, she continued. "Alex won't be coming tonight. Mom caught an earlier flight."
"I don't want to keep you, or Alex, from spending time with Eliza. If you need to go-,"
"No, no," Kara waved dismissively. "Mom normally comes in, unpacks, and sleeps for the night. Her visit will actually start tomorrow when she wakes up at eight in the morning," she winced.
My brow rose. "You're the morning person. What's that look for?" I chuckled.
"She can be perkier than me sometimes." The blood drained from my face. "Exactly," Kara laughed. "I'll make sure you have plenty of coffee before I introduce the two of you."
"It's greatly appreciated." Turning my attention, I motioned towards the auction table. "Things have only been open for an hour and bids are high. Supergirl's Date Night being the most sought after."
"By many people," Sam added with a wicked grin. "Currently, Supergirl is going to be on the arm of a board member's wife."
A flash of panic crossed the blonde's face. "Oh." Taking a steadying breath, she tried to smile. "It's for the kids, right?"
"Right," Sam and I spoke in unison.
Realizing I needed to speak with Sam alone, Winn got Kara's attention. "Well," he clapped his hands together. "I'm going to scout out the food. I'm starving. I bet I can eat more appetizers than James. Can you spot us?"
"Sure…" Kara gave me a quick look before following behind the two men.
Once they were out of earshot, Sam turned to face me. "Okay, I had no idea she'd be this miserable. Jess and I went in 50/50 for a bid. I'll go put her name down and try to save the poor woman."
"You and Jess are far too nice. Never leave L-Corp," I breathed.
"Only if we're following you," Sam smiled, placing a hand on my arm before walking away.
Over the next hour, I mingled with other attendees and played office politics. This is torture. Noticing a smiling face approaching, I motioned towards the blonde. "David, may I introduce you to CatCo's amazing reporter, Kara Danvers?"
"Ah, Miss Danvers. I've heard quite a bit about you. Your stories on L-Corp and other local businesses are wonderful. Definitely not just fluff pieces like most new to the game." Holding out his hand, he smiled. "David Thompson."
"It's a pleasure," Kara smiled. "I pride myself in showing both sides of the story no matter what side I'm on."
"You do it well. Miss Grant chose you well." David sighed as an older man tilted his glass towards us. "I'm being beckoned elsewhere." Giving us a polite smile, he said his goodbyes and left us.
"Thank you for saving me," I whispered. "Who won the eating contest?"
"You're welcome. Winn," Kara laughed. "Ironically."
"We have a-," Sam stopped. "Hey, I need to steal Lena for a moment."
Glancing between the women, I smirked. "You know she's going to listen in now. You made it sound like something bad is happening."
The brunette cringed. "It's not "the world is on fire" bad." Sam paused, knowing how I'd react. "Currently, Juliette is still in the lead. She keeps outbidding everyone else." Tightening my jaw, I tried keeping my composure. Kara will notice any change in me. I need to keep it together.
"Is that the board member's wife?" Kara asked.
"Yeah," Sam sighed. "She's…a lot."
"I'm sure I can handle it." The shaky smile Kara gave spoke volumes. "Who is she?"
Scanning the crowd, my eyes fell on the redhead. "The older woman with red hair by David. Green dress." A loud laugh rang through the ballroom. "Her."
Curious blue eyes met mine at my tone. "Is she that bad?"
"She's a tally keeper," Sam groaned. "She likes to do things with famous people and boast about it later." My jaw clenched at the thought.
"What kind of things?" Kara questioned.
You sweet, innocent, beautiful, fool. I can't let Juliette try to sink her teeth, or anything else, into you. "Adult activities that most people who care about each other do behind closed doors." Please catch my drift.
"Oh…ooooh." Pale cheeks pinkened. "Oh..." Startling, Kara fumbled with her clutch as her phone vibrated. Pulling it out, her head tilted. "It's Alex." Answering, Kara scurried away.
"Lena, Samantha, how are you both?" Juliette gilded towards us like an angel of death.
"Fine," we answered.
"Auctioning a date night with Supergirl was a brilliant idea, Lena. How did you get her to agree to such a thing?"
"I asked. She agreed." I did my best to keep my answers civil.
"I appreciate it. Looks like I'll be going to dinner with The Girl of Steel herself." Juliette's tone dripped with intent. "I highly doubt anyone will outbid me in ten minutes. Tata." With a wave, the woman left to target her next victim. "Ah, Marven!"
Jealousy flaired my nostrils. "How much do you have in savings?"
Sam's brow creased. "Uh, a decent amount. Why?"
A soft growl vibrated my throat as I pulled out my checkbook. I signed a blank check and gave it to Sam. "Whatever the price, place it. Afterwards, you can use this to pay yourself back. Start at ten thousand." Ripping the check from its book, I held the paper towards my friend. "I may not be able to bid but you can."
Sam stared a moment. "You mean business. I've not seen that much discontent since Edge." Her eyes narrowed. "No, this is more. You're out for blood."
"Go."
"Yes, Ma'am!" Jogging as fast as her heels would allow, Sam made her way towards the auction table.
I was a fool thinking I'd be okay seeing someone dating Kara. My feelings are starting to seep out no matter how hard I try to keep them in. I need to tell her the truth. Soon. Feeling my phone vibrate, I saw a message from the perky blonde.
Sorry I had to leave so quickly! Space Dad called me and Alex in. Let me know who wins. -K
I will. Stay safe. -L sliding my phone back into my clutch, I sipped my second glass of champagne. Hopefully I'll win.
Ten minutes dragged by. Relief washed over me as Sam approached with a triumphant smile. "One jealous CEO and ten grand later, you are officially going on a date with Supergirl. Well, technically, I am," she grinned. "You are never going to live this down. I hope you know that," she laughed.
The winners and grand total for the night was announced before the event ended. Everyone congratulated me on another excellent fundraiser and Sam for winning the grand prize. I did my best to keep a coy grin at bay when I saw Juliette and her husband pass by. Her nose tilted upwards in contempt as she passed Sam.
Once I was home and changed into something more comfortable, I made some tea and called Kara. Waiting, I took a seat on the balcony. I chuckled seeing a streak of red flash in the night's sky. Ending the call, I smiled at the blonde hovering a few yards away. "Almost done with rounds?"
"My final pass for the night." Typing a quick message, I held my phone towards the Super. Pulling hers out, she read my text. With a smile, she nodded. "Twenty minutes?"
"Until then." With that, she was off.
Hearing the front door open, I turned the page of my book. "I'm still out here."
"Be out in a minute. I was going to make some food."
I chuckled silently. Of course she's hungry. "Your favorites are in your cabinet. I restocked it earlier this week." A giddy squeal came from the kitchen causing me to laugh.
Moments later, Kara joined me with a bowl of Raman with a spicy sauce, boiled eggs, and beef tips mixed in. Sitting beside me, the blonde shoveled the noodles into her mouth with a satisfied hum. "So yummy!" The smell drew my attention as I glanced over. Without asking, Kara stabbed a piece of meat and egg with her fork and twirled noodles around it. "Try it. It's not as spicy this time. I promise." Looking between the offered fork and my friend, I narrowed my eyes. "I swear," she chuckled. Most likely remembering the torment of the last time when I had to drink nearly a gallon of milk and eat four slices of bread to get my mouth to stop burning.
Leaning forward, I wrapped my lips around the fork and took the offered bite. Kara's attention lingering on my mouth as I chewed. Thankfully, the sauce wasn't as spicy this time. It had a kick, but wasn't bad. Swallowing, I nodded. "Much better. I'm sure it's a salt bomb though." Wiping a dribble of sauce from the corner of my mouth, I popped my thumb into my mouth to clean my finger.
"Yeah, it is," Kara grinned. Curious blue eyes glazing over with thought. "But it's so good!" I nodded in agreement as I went back to my book. We sat in silence until Kara was done and sighed from a full stomach. "So, who won the date night?" For all of her effort to hide it, I could still hear the worry in the Super's voice.
"Uhm, technically, Sam won." I paused, intrigued by the amount of relief that cascaded down the older woman's features.
Her brows creased. "Wait, what do you mean "technically?"
"While Sam was placing the bid, I was the actual bidder." I paused as the information sank in. "Since it was my idea, I couldn't bid but I also couldn't let Juliette win." Kara's head tilted at my tone. My heart thundered in my ears. "I gave Sam a blank check and told her there was no limit."
"You did that for me?" Her voice was a whisper.
"I did. I saw how uncomfortable you were about this whole thing. I never should have asked you in the first place. I apologize."
"It was for the kids." Kara paused, a soft smile curving her lips. "At least the best woman won."
"I suppose."
"You are the best," Kara huffed. "Don't you dare think otherwise."
Smirking, I shook my head. "Fine."
Turning bashful, Kara picked at her nails. "When would you want to go on the date?"
My brow rose. She still wants to go on one? I figured it wouldn't happen since I won. "You still want to go?"
"Of course I do!" Realizing how eagerly the answer came out, she looked away. The slightest pink coloring the tip of her ear. "I mean, you did win."
My eyes narrowed. Does she want to go because it's me or out of obligation? "Kara, you don't have to go out of some kind of obligation. I-,"
"No!" Her head snapped towards me. "It's not…I don't feel…" She stammered, looking down. "It's not out of obligation."
"Then what is it?" I whispered. Does she feel the same about me?
"I…I need to go." Getting to her feet, Kara rushed out the door before I could open my mouth to protest.
Xxx
Days passed and there was no sign of Kara. I know Eliza is here so she's probably spending all of her free time with her mother but I can't shake this odd feeling. Being dropped off at my building, I took the elevator to my floor and heard something shatter as I approached my door. Pulling out my taser, I heard Alex cuss. What the hell?
"She's going to be here any sec-" Kara paused. "Second…" Smirking, I put my taser away and waited for the door to open. "Jess said you were working late…"
"Jess is in on whatever this is?" I questioned, brow raised.
"It's not a B&E if you have a key!" Alex called.
"What have you done?" I brushed past the blonde and stopped seeing a seven foot, fully decorated, Christmas tree in my living room by the sliding glass door. The lights twinkled against the glass. "Kara…" I breathed. Looking around, I saw other Christmas decorations around the living room, in the kitchen, and a half empty box on the couch.
"I wanted to be done by the time you got home. That's why I enlisted Alex. Mom offered to help but she thought it would be strange being in your apartment before you were introduced. She helped by getting all of the decorations. I hope you like it," Kara smiled sheepishly.
"She didn't know about this?" The agent exclaimed. "You told me she knew about this!" Rubbing her face, Alex huffed. "I'm sorry. I thought you knew about all of this."
"I had no idea," I smiled. "You've done an amazing job." Warmth filled my chest as I examined the intimate details. "Growing up, Lillian decorated but it was more a formality than a celebration. This," I motioned towards the living room, "is definitely not that."
"So, you like it?" Kara grinned.
"I do, yes. Thank you." I hugged the women and continued to stare at the gorgeous tree. She did all of this for me? Is this why she's been avoiding me the past few days? "How long have you been planning this?"
"Since I found out you didn't decorate for Christmas," Kara smiled. "I know it's not your holiday but still. I wanted to give you a little Christmas magic."
"You definitely did that. Dinner is on me. Pizza?" I paused, knowing what Kara wanted to add. "And pot stickers."
"Yes!" Kara answered, popping up on her toes in excitement.
"Sounds good," Alex agreed.
The rest of the night, we ate pizza and finished decorating. My apartment looked like a winter wonderland by the time Kara was done. Jokingly, I made her promise to help me take everything down in January.
"I'm heading out," Alex slid into her jacket. "Need a ride?"
"No, I can fly. I need to talk to Lena." Alex's eyes narrowed a moment. Kara's slight nod answered a silent question.
"Alright. See you guys later," she paused. "Oh Lena, Mom asked if you could arrive a little early for the party. So you guys can meet and get to know each other before everyone else arrives."
"I don't see that being a problem. I always give everyone Christmas Eve off work."
"I'll let her know. Later." With that, we were alone.
Kara was quiet a few minutes, most likely waiting for Alex to be out of the building before she spoke. "I'm sorry for running out the other night. I shouldn't have done that to you."
"I understand not wanting to be in awkward situations but what happened?" Knowing the Super, I started cleaning up the empty to-go boxes so all my attention wouldn't be on her.
"I was nervous. I've not been on a date in a long time. Last time I was, it was at a dive bar. Not that you'd take me to a dive bar," she chuckled. "You'd probably take me to one of our favorite fancy restaurants."
"Or I could cook dinner for us here." Pausing, I leaned against the counter. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm fine going out like we normally do, ordering in, or cooking a meal here. It's up to you."
"You were going to cook?" I nodded. "But you hate cooking."
"I hate cooking for one. If I'm cooking for us or our friends, I'm more open to it. I know you said there wasn't anything I needed to bring but I was going to ask again to make sure. I found a recipe for an eggnog pie." Kara's eyes grew. "I was going to make it because I know how much you love eggnog during winter."
Biting her lip, Kara battled with herself. Ultimately, whatever she was battling with won. "You're the best."
"I do what I can," I smiled. "Once we're done, should we watch a Christmas movie?"
"Yes!"
Curling up on the couch with hot cocoa, Kara and I chose The Polar Express. Tossing a blanket over our laps, I glanced at the tree once more before pressing play. She is truly an amazing person. After taking a sip of her drink, Kara placed it on the table and let her head rest against my shoulder like she always did during movies.
Xxx
Christmas Eve arrived and I couldn't shake the nervousness that took hold of my stomach. After fixing the neck of my oversized sweater, I fingered my hair. Taking a deep breath, I looked myself over in the mirror. The wide neckline showed my collarbones and a peak of cleavage. The dark wash jeans hugged my figure well and balanced the bagginess of the sweater. Why am I so nervous? It's not like I'm meeting a significant other's mother. I'm meeting Kara's mother. The mother of my best friend. I groaned. I wish I could accidentally get trapped under mistletoe and Kara release me. One kiss. I'm sure that's all it would take for both of us. Before I nitpicked my appearance more, I walked away from the mirror.
Retrieving the gift I got Kara, I looked over the small crystal knight chess piece pendant. Wrapping the sterling silver chain around my fingers, I remembered the late nights in my office when I taught her the game.
Rubbing her face, Kara moved her knight. "Your turn."
"Very good. Someone catches on quickly," I teased. "Not quickly enough though. Checkmate."
"Nooo." Kara hung her head with a laugh. "You beat me again."
"I've played for over twenty years. I've had a lot of practice." Resetting the game, I noticed Kara holding her knight. "While I'm not damsel in distress, you've always come in like a knight to rescue me from the latest assassination attempt."
"If I'm your knight, what does that make you? My queen?"
"Possibly."
She picked it up so quickly. I half wonder if they had a game like it on Krypton or if Eliza taught her as a child. Closing the velvet box, I brushed my fingers over the fabric. If she knew how to play already, that means she used it as an excuse to spend time with me. Tucking the gift into my purse, I called Matthew and waited for my ride.
After picking out and wrapping a bottle of wine, I made my way to Kara's. Food container and wine bottle box in hand, I knocked on the familiar door. Hearing a snort from Alex and scurrying footsteps, the door opened revealing a just as nervous blonde. Her cheeks pinkened when she saw my outfit. "You made it!"
The smell of warm cider wafted into the hallway. Of course I made it. That's the same look she gave me when she saw me in the red Daxamite dress. "I gave you my word." My eyes flickered to the older woman standing beside Alex. "And your mother requested I come early. Hello, Mrs. Danvers."
"Good evening, Miss Luthor," the woman smiled.
Stepping inside, I gave Kara the food container and slid out of my coat. "Where do I put this?" I held up the gift.
"I'll put it under the tree," Alex offered. Taking the present, she made her way towards the tree. "No eating the pie until after dinner." She smirked at her little sister. "I have my eyes on you."
"But it's eggnog!" Kara whined. "And Lena made it."
"I said, no," she glared. Turning her attention to me, Alex continued. "Make yourself at home. There's nothing we can do for now until the food is finished. Drinks are in the fridge. Cider is on the stove."
"It smells delicious." I hugged Kara quickly before making my way into the kitchen. "It's nice to finally meet you, Miss Danvers."
"You as well, Miss Luthor." The woman paused, a motherly smile directed my way. "From everything I've read and that Kara has told me, I feel like I know you to an extent already. If you're alright with it, can we forgo the proper greetings?"
"I would be grateful for that since I already call you "Eliza" when you come up in conversation with your daughters."
"Very well then. "Lena" it is. I've seen your TED Talks. You're quite brilliant."
"Thank you, Eliza. I'm flattered." She's looking at me like I'm her daughter. Is that what a healthy mother does? Anyone she remotely cares for gets that look. "When I'm not putting out a company fire or two, I can help Alex or Kara."
"Thank you for that." Eliza's eyes glistened for a moment. "You've helped keep my girls alive and safe. You didn't turn your back on Kara when she told you the truth. We were all worried about what would happen considering…"
"I pride myself in not being like my family. I knew the truth for a while." I smiled glancing towards the blonde who was currently arguing with her sister over something. "There are some things you can't change even if you try." Her eyes and smile failed her. I played along until she felt comfortable enough to tell me.
Turning her back towards her daughters, Eliza lowered her voice. "Kara is more herself when she's around you. It took a while for things to get back to normal around James and Winn since their attraction wasn't-," Something in my expression caused the woman to stop. "Oh… Wait, you two aren't-," she glanced between me and Kara. "I thought…"
"You thought…" I tried to coax the older woman. "What?"
"N-Nothing." She sipped her hot cider. The timer on the oven sounded gaining her attention. "I need to get that. Can't let the ham over cook."
Did she think we were together? For her to think that, Kara must talk about me often. Or maybe Eliza assumed we were together since we spend so much time together? My heart started to race. Kara's attention moved to me when she heard it. I need to know if Kara is attracted to me also. And I need to know before our date.
Everyone arrived shortly after the food was finished. Kara's table wasn't quite big enough for all of us to fit so we were seated nearly elbow to elbow. Topics of conversation were kept light since Ruby was present. Mostly we talked about what Ruby wanted to do for winter break and different Christmas movies. Every so often, I would catch Kara's gaze since she was seated across from me. Her soft smile turned sheepish when she realized she had been caught.
Sam and I offered to clean the kitchen while everyone else either set up the gift exchange, picked a movie to put on for background noise, or visited. "How was it meeting the future in law?" Sam whispered, a coy grin on her face.
"I could ask you the same question," I smirked. "I see the way you look at Alex and vice versa. Besides, Alex and Ruby are crazy about each other. It would be a perfect match. Alex has always wanted to be a mom."
"Buzz kill," Sam mumbled. Turning back to the dishes, a soft smile graced the brunette's lips. "She said that's why her last relationship didn't work out. She's so good with Ruby. Has been from the start."
"Have you pursued her yet?"
"No. Although, she looked pretty confused when I said I won the date with her sister." Sam's shoulders shook with laughter.
"I bet that was entertaining." I glanced at the two sisters. "I guess you told her what happened?"
"I had to. She laughed and said Winn owed her twenty bucks." Of course they had a running bet. "Are you going to tell her anytime soon?"
"Yes. I'll wait until January. I don't want to ruin her favorite holiday if she doesn't feel the same way."
Turning to whisper, Sam patted my shoulder. "Trust me and Alex, that girl is head over red heeled boots for you. Hell, her own mother thought you were already together."
"What?" Kara shrieked. Gaining everyone's attention, the reporter's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink. "Everything is fine. Nothing to see here," she floundered. Eliza looked mortified.
Turning her attention back to me, Sam chuckled. "Told you."
"What's next?" I asked, hanging a dish towel.
"Gift exchange?" Alex offered. Gathering around the tree, we each took a seat on the couch or the floor. "So, each of us will pull a number one to six, Ruby has her own gift, we pick one gift in that order. Obviously, you can't pick your own gift. If you get something you don't want, you can trade with someone. No judgment. Any questions?" No one spoke up. "Alright, here we go." Pausing, the agent smirked at her sister. "You know the rules," she warned teasingly.
"Yeah, yeah," Kara waved a hand dismissively. "I know."
Passing around a bowl, we each picked a number. I chose number three. Before anyone chose their gift, Alex passed a medium sized box to Ruby. "Do you want to open it now or wait?"
"Now," Ruby smiled. Ripping through the paper, her eyes grew. "Oh, wow!" Unwrapping the entire gift, revealed a trunk-like box with the entire Harry Potter book collection inside. "This is awesome!"
"I hope you enjoy the books as much as Kara and I did when we were kids," Alex smiled. "Your Mom is also a big nerd like us who enjoyed them too. Don't let her tell you any different."
"Oh, I'm quite aware of Mom's nerdiness," Ruby laughed. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome, Kiddo."
The gift exchange didn't take long. For the most part, everyone was happy with their gifts. The only ones to exchange their gifts were Winn and Kara. A bookstore card for an electronic store card was a fair trade. Winn had his eyes on a new computer part and Kara has gotten back into reading.
Around midnight, everyone started leaving. Sam carried Ruby to their car, Eliza left with Alex, and the boys shared a ride. Once I knew we were alone for the night, I retrieved the small box from my purse. "Kara."
"Yeah?" She questioned from the kitchen. Her eyes moved to my hands. "What's that?"
"I got you something." I lifted the box. "Do you want to open it tonight or tomorrow?"
A sheepish grin curved the woman's lips before she disappeared and reappeared in a flash. "Depends," she held her own box, "when do you want to open yours?"
"Tonight is fine with me. I know we're cooking for Alex and Eliza tomorrow morning." I paused, remembering what Kara said weeks ago. "I'll need to get up earlier since I need a sufficient amount of caffeine before I see the morning person side of your mother."
"I'm good with that."
Taking a seat on the couch, we exchanged the small boxes. A lump formed in my throat when I saw the small sterling silver queen chess piece. Meeting Kara's gaze, I smiled. "Great minds think alike, I suppose."
"Do you like it?" Kara asked, biting her lip.
"I love it." The jeweler's comment makes more sense now. "It's funny, the jeweler made a comment about how I wasn't the first one to ask for a chess piece necklace that week."
"Jess told me about the place. I didn't think about the fact that you'd shop there too," Kara shrugged. "But," looking down to the box, a soft smile graced the woman's lips, "I really, really like this."
"I'm glad." She's battling with herself again. What's going on inside your head?
"I can't wait to wear it tomorrow." Closing the box, Kara put it on the coffee table. "Lena, I-," she began. "I want…never mind." Shaking her head, Kara stood and walked towards the Christmas tree.
Clearly she wants to tell me something. I need to proceed with caution. "What is it?"
"It doesn't matter," Kara whispered, wrapping her arms around herself.
Standing, I walked behind the skittish blonde. "It matters to me." I kept my voice low. My heart pounding in my ears. "You can tell me anything."
Turning towards me, the Super searched my eyes for something. "I don't…I don't want our date to be…"
"I paid ten thousand dollars because I couldn't stand the thought of another woman taking you on a date. The thought of Juliette, or any woman, trying to kiss you made my skin crawl." I paused, realizing how that sounded. "Unless you wanted to date them." I can see the dots connecting in her mind.
"Y-You did?"
"Jealousy got the best of me and Sam will never let me live it down." Taking Kara's hand in mine, I smiled. "I love you. I have for a while now. I've always been scared of losing you from my life. That's why I've not said anything before now."
"What changed?" Kara choked out.
Cupping the woman's face, I caressed her cheek with my thumb. "I think you feel the same way." Glancing towards her lips, I bit my own. "Can I kiss you?"
"Look up," Kara smiled. Frowning, I did. Mistletoe hung from the ceiling between us. "Alex and Mom have been telling me for months that you probably feel the same way I do. Alex hung this before you arrived." She paused, grinning. "I think human tradition states you have to kiss me?"
"Yes, I do." Closing the gap between us, I kissed Kara softly. The kiss was slow at first. Snaking an arm around the blonde's waist, I pulled her fully against me, deepening the kiss. Breaking away, I caught my breath. "Sam has been telling me the same thing." Staring into bright blue, I continued. "I wanted to tell you before the date but I didn't want to say anything until after the holiday season was over."
"Why?" The older woman's brow creased.
"I didn't want to ruin the holidays for you. I didn't want to ruin Christmas."
"You didn't ruin Christmas. You made it even better." Wrapping her arms around my neck, Kara kissed me again.