KissThe Boss
"Kara Danvers is my favorite person."
Kara, I'm worried about you. I miss you. -L
What the hell are you doing? You quit CatCo? -Cat Grant
Now I'm really worried. Why is Cat Grant calling me demanding to know if I've spoken to you? -L
Sighing, I fell onto the couch. Everyone's words whirled around in my head. Alex is worried. Lena is worried. Even Miss Grant is worried in her own way. What have I done? Leaning my head back, I groaned. It won't matter that I quit. When Edge buys CatCo, he'll fire anyone who defies him. Rubbing my face, I stared at the ceiling. I still can't believe I panicked and all but begged Lena to buy CatCo. What was I thinking? Thank goodness Lena wasn't hurt at the unavailing ceremony.
Feeling my phone vibrate, I groaned seeing a text from Jess. Even Lena's assistant is texting me now. Why do humans care so much about each other? Granted, that's one thing I love about them. Opening the text, I winced.
I don't know what's going on with you over the past few months but I know how it's affecting Miss Luthor. You avoiding her needs to stop. Either cancel your own plans with her, because I'm done breaking her heart, or put her out of her misery and end the friendship. I'm not trying to be rude but I care about my boss. Figure it out, Kara. -Jess
I've been a terrible friend. I really do need to check in with everyone. Maybe try to get my job back and do whatever I can before Edge cleans house.
After getting dressed, I sent a message to everyone apologizing for being caught up in my own stuff and that I hoped I hadn't burnt bridges. Luckily, all said the friendship was still intact. Rereading Jess' text, I knew I needed to see Lena face to face and apologize.
Arriving on Lena's floor, I waved at Jess. Ending her call, she leaned back in her chair, a brow twitching with irritation. "I assume you got my text message."
She really is mad at me. I understand why. "I did, yeah." I paused, glancing at the door to Lena's office. "Thank you."
"Are you here to break her heart?" Jess eyed me, hand hovering over her phone.
"No," I paused. "I won't leave her again unless she wants me to." I didn't mean that to come out so devotion-like but it's true.
A soft smile made its way to the assistant's face. "Good." Picking up the phone, she held it to her ear. "Miss Luthor, Kara is here to see you."
Lena's pulse skyrocketed. I continued to stare at the nameplate outside the thick door. I'm not leaving you hanging like that again. I swallowed hard. I need you too much.
"Send her in."
"Yes, Miss Luthor." Ending the call, Jess motioned towards the door. "You may go in."
"Thanks, Jess." I smiled at the younger woman. "You really are the best."
"I know," she laughed. "None of you would survive without me."
"Honestly, you're probably right," I shrugged.
Pushing open the door, my heart started pounding. I'm just as nervous now as I was with Clark. "Hi…" Turning in her chair, the businesswoman eyed me. She's so guarded. "I wanted to apologize face to face for not returning your texts, calls, and canceling our plans. I hope you can forgive me." Silence filled the room. Stormy green eyes pierced my soul.
"I can." Folding her hands, Lena's head tilted. "Why did Miss Grant call me? She was certain that you had spoken to me even after I told her that you've not spoken to anyone."
"I don't-," my voice trailed. "Because you're different from everyone else." Miss Grant saw that the instant I told her you were on Rhea's ship.
A dark brow rose. "Because I'm special to you is what Cat said."
My stomach lurched. "She's not wrong. I've been going through a lot of stuff. Sucking the joy out of the room." Biting my lip, I looked away. "I didn't want to make you or anyone else miserable too. I wasn't being very kind to myself."
Green eyes softened. "Kara," she breathed. Rounding her desk, Lena wrapped me in a strong embrace. "I know sorrow. I want to be here for you. During the good times and the bad."
"Thank you, Lena." Clinging to the younger woman, I sighed. "I'm so glad you weren't hurt at the cemetery."
"You're welcome." Rubbing my back, we stood there for a few moments. "I talked to Edge."
Stepping back, I swallowed hard. "Were you able to convince him to not buy CatCo?"
"You can't convince a man like Edge to do anything," she scoffed.
"So, what? CatCo is gone?" My voice shook.
A mischievous gleam twinkled in the woman's eyes. "No, uh, I bought it."
"Y-You bought CatCo?" I stared in disbelief. Lena actually bought CatCo. She's technically my boss. I'm not sure how to feel about this. What is this feeling in my stomach?
"Pretty badass, right?" Lena grinned. "I'm just trying in my own small way to be more like Supergirl. What do you think?"
"You're mazing," I breathed. Before I realized what I had done, I cupped the woman's face and kissed her.
After the initial shock, Lena relaxed and kissed back. Deepening the kiss, she placed her hand on my hip. Ignoring the alarm bells screeching in my head, I whimpered as Lena ran her tongue along my bottom lip. A soft moan escaped my throat as an agile tongue teased mine. I shivered feeling two fingers hook into my belt. Being jerked forward caused me to snap out of the instantaneous surrender.
Stepping back, my heart was pounding. "I-I am so sorry. I didn't mean to do that." With each word I stepped closer to the door.
"Kara," Lena smiled softly. Her perfect lipstick smudged. "It's okay." She knows I'm about to run. I just made out with my best friend, my boss, and enjoyed it. A lot. "Breathe."
"I…. I need to go." Dashing out of the office, I heard Lena call after me.
Once outside, I changed quickly and flew home. I needed to think. What did I just do? Why did Miss Grant say that to Lena? Why did I enjoy kissing her so much? It felt so easy. I want to do it again. It was nothing like kissing Mon-El.
Unable to answer any of the thousand questions swimming around in my head, I tried to watch TV. Nothing held my attention. Thankfully James never put in my resignation paperwork so I still have a job. I work for Lena now. She's my boss. I shivered thinking about what happened earlier. What is this feeling? The idea of Lena being my superior is…exciting? Feeling my phone vibrate, I saw a few unopened messages from Lena.
9:00 Kara, we need to talk. -L
9:06 I'm not angry about earlier. -L
9:30 Please, answer me. -L
10:45 I'm starting to panic. I know nothing about running a media outlet. I need you. I need your help. You were pretty upset when you left. Did you make it home safely? Are you still alive? Text me back something so I know you're still alive. -L
10:46 See you tomorrow, boss. -K I ended the message with my normal blue heart.
My stomach fluttered. She said she needed me. She cares so much. Why is she not upset about earlier?
10:47 Thank you. -L
10:48 See you tomorrow. -L Lena ended her message with her own signature green heart.
Xxx
Entering CatCo, I smiled seeing Lena outside Cat's office. Golly, she looks nice today. Why does James look annoyed and Lena confused? "Lena!" I smiled, a small book with a red bow in hand. "Welcome to CatCo."
"Kara," she took the book, "you didn't have to do that." A brilliant smile tugged at red lips as she opened the gift. Her eyes falling upon the note I left inside.
"It's a Danvers family tradition. First day of school, you get a planner."
"Well, it's lovely. In the Luthor household, the first day of school we would hire a private investigator to make sure our teachers' credentials were up to date," she chuckled.
"Oh, goodness," I laughed.
"Kara," James paused, "you knew that Miss Luthor would be here today?" Desperately, he tried to hide his unease.
"Yeah. She texted me this morning." And last night. Don't think about L-Corp. Don't think about L-Corp.
"I should have communicated more clearly, Mr. Olsen. I am sorry. It won't happen again." Lena's CEO voice fought the caring tone I've come to know.
"No, no. It's not a problem. I just feel bad because we're just not ready for a change in management. We, uh, don't even have an office for you."
"Oh, no. That's fine. I won't be needing an office." Lena walked towards the floor, power radiating with each step. "It's this new trend with CEOs. We like to roam free, ask questions, and hear unfiltered conversations." My phone began to ring and I fumbled with it. "That way we can understand how things are working. It's much easier when you don't have a desk." Turning back, Lena studied me. "Kara, do you think you could get me the docia on the Edge investigation, please?"
"Uh," I glanced over the phone screen. "There's something I need to deal with. Can I get it for you later? Is that okay?"
Holding onto the planner as if it were a lifeline, the business woman seemed taken aback. "Yeah, sure."
"I'm sorry." Rushing out, I averted Lena's gaze. One look and I'll spill everything. This is a terrible idea. I'm always one eyebrow twitch or smile away from spilling my guts. Why did I think this would work? And now that I've kissed her. Golly. I want to feel those lips again. Trying desperately to clear my mind, I shook my head quickly.
Landing in the D.E.O., my brow creased seeing Alex, Maggie, Winn, and J'onn standing around. "What was the general alert for? Yes, I get them too," I paused. "I want to know what's going on with the city at all times."
"Detective Sawyer brought this in this morning." J'onn turned towards the monitors. Winn brought up footage of two bank robberies that occurred. All guards were unconscious on the floor as a blonde woman strode in and out of each bank with ease. Reports stated that she used nothing. She simply walked in and out. No one tried to stop her.
"Wow," Winn moved towards a nearby computer. "It looks like a silent alarm was tripped. It's at twenty five and Cedar."
"It looks like that's our new friend."
In minutes, I landed inside the vault. The blonde robber was still filling a bag. "I have you cornered."
"Do you?" She continued with her task.
Curiosity getting the best of me, I took a step forward. "What did you do to them up there?"
Turning slowly, the woman smirked. "I only wanted to play. But they didn't want to play with me."
"Well, you're not going to get away with it." I took another step forward. Keeping an eye on her while keeping myself between her and the door.
"Oh," she chuckled. "You think you're the cat and I'm the bird." She took a step towards me. "You got it backwards." A menacing bite in her tone. She hoisted the bag onto her shoulder. "You could join me. Maybe then you could be happy. See, money equals happiness. More money, more happiness."
"Your priorities are seriously out of wack." I shook my head.
"I know, right?" She started to laugh.
"Put the bag down." Walking towards me, the blonde kept eye contact. The world felt as if it was imploding. My heart started racing and I couldn't breathe. Unable to stand, I stumbled away as she walked past me. Sliding to the ground, I felt nothing but terror as my vision blurred.
"Kara! Help me!" Lena screamed. "Please!"
"Lena?" I mumbled. "Where…"
"Everyone, get out of the bank!" Maggie screamed as she saw me. Making her way into the vault, she knelt beside me. "Kara, Kara. It's okay." Pulling out her phone, Maggie called Alex. "Get the van. Something has happened. Supergirl...I don't know. Something's happened."
Sitting on the examining table, we waited for my vitals to come up. I hate this. I hate this so much. "I'm fine," I groaned.
Alex grabbed my shoulder when I tried to get up. "No, you're not," she smirked.
"Actually, all of her vitals are normal." Winn scanned the tablet screen, a crease formed between his brows.
"See? I told you," I huffed.
"None of the human victims remember what happened in there," Maggie began. "Do you?"
"I don't know. I felt like the walls were closing in on me. Like I was suffocating." I will not tell them about Lena's scream. My stomach lurched. I need to see her. I need to make sure she's okay and it's all in my head.
"It sounds like she made you feel claustrophobic," Alex said, hand on her hip.
My brow creased. "Claustrophobia is a human problem."
"You used to have episodes like that when you first came to Earth."
"That was a long time ago," I snapped. Getting to my feet, I put distance between myself and Alex. "We need to find out who she is and how to stop her."
"Well, at the moment, you're our best clue." J'onn met my gaze. His eyes turned red as he scanned my mind looking for any residual psychic energy. "She's not like me. The residual energy is only used by meta humans."
As Winn and J'onn discussed a plan, my hand itched. I need to call Lena and see how she is. It took every ounce of control I had not to use my earpiece and call her in the middle of the DEO. "When you find her, let me know."
"It's not safe," Alex smirked.
"She caught me off guard last time." I set my jaw. "It won't happen again."
Arriving back at CatCo, I was immediately noticed by James as I walked onto the floor. "Hey, everything okay?"
"Yeah. I'm just running late. Lena called a meeting for the newsroom."
"She did?" His brow creased.
"Did she not tell you?" Her heels. Relief washed over me hearing her normal heartbeat.
"No, no she did not." Exasperation was clear.
"Kara," Lena smiled. "There you are."
"Hey! I'm sorry. It didn't work but…" I shrugged.
"Good meeting?" James asked, trying to keep the shortness from his voice.
"Yes. I just went around to all the different departments and gave them a little pep talk." Green eyes turned on me. "I really missed you there."
My phone began to ring and I fumbled for it. "Shoot." Seeing that it was Alex, I walked away. "I, I have to take this." I ignored their banter as I entered the elevator.
Making my way to the new robbery location, I tried to ignore the ache in my chest. I'm failing as a reporter, as a best friend, and now this. I can't be defeated by a human. Landing in the parking garage, I waited for the woman to appear. Using my heat vision, she stepped aside at the last second.
"Trying to use your powers on a psychic? Really?" She scoffed.
Stepping out from my hiding spot, I smirked. "It almost worked." Facing me, she used her powers and sent me stumbling back.
"Supergirl, are you alright?" Alex asked in my earpiece.
"Someone else has come to the play," she chuckled. "Your friends should be careful." Using my ice breath only irritated her more. Sending another psychic wave, the woman walked towards me. "Mind over matter."
The familiar nausea flipped my stomach as the world spun. Lena's screams filled my head. Trying desperately to get back on my feet, I stumbled. It's not real. She's fine. Lena is at CatCo. "What are you doing to me?"
"Fear is a powerful tool," she smirked down at me.
The parking garage turned into Lena's L-Corp office except it wasn't organized and pristine. This office was trashed. Behind the blonde, blood smeared across the floor. Following the trail, I saw Lena face down in a pool of red.
Falling to my knees, I tried to get to her but fell forward. "Lena…"
"Supergirl!" Alex called.
Rolling to my back, I gasped. "I'm here!" My heart is pounding. Thank Rao that wasn't real.
Back at the DEO, I tried to dodge my sister's questions. "It was the same as last time." Alex studied me. She knows I'm lying.
"We got our girl!" Winn picked up his tablet. "Gale Marsh is her name." He continued talking about the woman known as Psy but I couldn't focus. All I could think about was seeing Lena face down in a pool of blood. My stomach rolled. It wasn't real. Lena is fine. She's at CatCo being the amazing CEO that she is.
Once everyone got their assignments, I pulled Winn aside. "I need to talk to you." I had to tell someone. Pulling him away from everyone else, I continued. "I know how she's doing it. I felt it this time. She's targeting people's fear."
"H-How do you know that?" He stammered.
Swallowing hard, I tried to keep my voice steady. "I saw…I saw a loved one die. I couldn't save them. I was helpless." I took a deep breath. "We have to stop her, Winn."
"You should tell J'onn and Alex this."
"No. They'll just worry. You have to be the one to solve this. That's why I'm telling you. You're already working on the psychic dampeners. This will help." My phone rang and I jumped. Pulling it out, I saw Lena's smiling face. "It's Lena. I have to take this. Thank you, Winn." Answering the phone, I tried to keep my voice steady. "Lena! Hi. I need…can we…" Realizing Winn's curious eyes were still on me, I turned and walked away.
"Kara, what's wrong? Is everything okay?"
"N-No. I mean, it is now. I was caught in the middle of a bank robbery and the person who…. I just….are you okay?" I paced back and forth trying to get my thoughts in order but failed. I need to know she's okay.
"I'm fine. Worried about you. Do you need to take the rest of the day off?"
"No. I'll be back shortly."
Walking onto my old floor, I gained Lena's attention silently and motioned towards the private elevator. Thankfully no one paid either of us attention as we entered the elevator together.
Still shaken up, I stopped the elevator between floors. "Sadly, your office has glass walls."
"Kara, you're trembling." Wrapping me in her arms, Lena held me. "Breathe. I'm okay." Leaning back, the shorter woman cupped my face and pressed her forehead against mine. "In through your nose, out through your mouth." I did as instructed. Leaning back, the businesswoman narrowed her gaze. "You're the gum thief. That was my last piece!" Lena scoffed playfully. "How did you even get the gum?"
"I got you more! It's in my bag." I couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm glad you're okay." Leaning back, the businesswoman studied me. "I really hope you're not constantly in danger as a reporter. I'm not sure how I'll be able to do the job if I have to worry about you being in danger every time you leave the building."
If only you knew. "Not every time. I promise." Her hands are so warm. And soft. "How are you?"
Crossing her arms, Lena tried to put on a brave face. "I'm alright. Doing my best to stay on top of everything and keep James involved."
Cracking a smile, I laughed. "Which is sooo easy for you, I'm sure."
Green eyes narrowed. "I'm your boss. I'm certain you're not taunting me on my first day."
"I would never!" The playful glint in Lena's eyes helped uncoil the anxiety that held tight in my chest.
Becoming serious, Lena looked me over. "Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so."
Xxx
As I worked at my desk, I listened for Lena. It was becoming more and more difficult to focus with the sound of her heels and the smell of her perfume so close for so long. "Kara," the businesswoman leaned on my desk. "I think I know what's going on."
Turning in my chair, I tried to keep from fidgeting. "What do you mean?"
Worried green eyes studied me. "You're rushing in and out of the office, not focused on work."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Deflect. Try not to think about her dying in front of you.
"I grew up in a household with the most deceptive people in the world. I can tell when someone is lying to me." Not all the time. Ugh. Now I feel guilty again. "You don't have to hide from me, Kara. If you need to take more time to mourn Mon-El then just take it."
Knowing I was about to lie, I turned back to my work. "I appreciate it, Lena. But that's not what's going on with me."
"Okay. Then what is? You can tell me, you know."
Not this. I can't tell you I saw you die because of me. Or that I want to kiss you again. Gosh, how much I want to do that again. Standing, I turned towards Lena, hoping to shut this conversation down. "It's personal. And I don't want to talk about personal things at my job. I have work to do." Lena's gaze changed from caring friend to CEO and I wanted to shrink. What have I done?
"Okay," she stood. "Then let's talk about work." Folding her arms, the shorter woman stared me down. "This is unacceptable behavior for an employee. You ran out this morning when I gave you an assignment. You missed a staff meeting." Ashamed, I looked away and fidgeted with my glasses. "And now, when asked to do a job by your boss, you act like it's an inconvenience. I did not spend 750 million dollars on a company as a favor to a friend. I'm a businesswoman and this is an investment. I plan to get out of it everything I can." Lena studied me a moment longer. Looking around, she made sure no one was within earshot. "What has gotten into you recently? I've made plans and you kept avoiding me. Then you come to L-Corp, all but beg me to buy CatCo, I do, you kiss me, pretend like it never happened, and then you're extremely rude to me on my first day. I know there will be some growing pains but something is going on. Please, tell me."
"I ...it's complicated." Looking away, I was grateful to see no one around. "I will get in touch with your contact at the bank."
Deflating, Lena nodded. "Okay. Thank you." As I left, I could feel Lena's eyes on me.
Entering the elevator, my phone rang. It was Alex telling me Psy hit another bank. As I waited for the elevator to move, the familiar tightness started in my chest. The small box of air became hot and the air thick. I have to get out of here. Pressing the button, I tried to breathe. Unable to do so, I fell to my knees.
"In through your nose. Out through your mouth."
Lena's words played as a montra in my mind. I did whatever I could to find her heartbeat in the building in hopes it could help ground me. When I couldn't focus on it, I burst through my elevator shaft and into the open sky. "Alex, I'm on my way."
"She's gone. She got away."
Xxx
Unable to focus on work, I went home and recited a mantra I hadn't used in nearly a decade. I hope this helps. I need to keep everyone safe from this woman. As I chanted, I heard Alex enter using her spare key.
"What are you doing?" Sitting on the arm of the couch, my sister studied me.
"It's a Kryptonian meditation practice. We say an ancient mantra to strengthen the mind."
"I've never seen you do that before." Alex kept her voice low and calming.
Sighing, I bit the inside of my cheek. "I've never felt like I've needed it."
"Winn is still working on the psychic dampening technology. We had a nice chat," she paused.
Groaning, I leaned back. I know that look. Damn it, Winn. "He told you everything, didn't he?"
"He's not very good at keeping secrets," Alex smirked. "We used to talk about stuff like this. Why didn't you tell me you saw someone die? Was it me? Or Mom? Is that why you didn't tell me?"
Entering the kitchen, I poured myself a glass of water to keep my hands busy. "I didn't want you to worry."
"You fight the most dangerous and evil people on the planet. So I'm always going to worry. That's part of being a big sister."
"I don't…I don't know how to fight this one." My voice shook. "I should be able to stop her. But then she makes her way into my mind and forces me to watch…" I bit my tongue remembering Lena covered in blood. "To watch someone I love die. It's…" I wiped the sweat from my forehead. "It's torture. How am I supposed to deal with that?"
"By remembering that your fears don't define you." Sliding to the floor, Alex continued. "Who you are as Supergirl. Who you are as Kara. That's what defines you. She's got nothing on that."
"No." I shook my head. "Who I am with Kara feels broken. I lost Mon-El. Lena keeps asking me where I'm going. Which is new and horrible. Alex, I'm trying to be myself again but everything that used to make me feel good, like a relief, has disappeared."
"It's not always going to feel like that. I promise."
"My life as Supergirl is the one thing in my life that I can count on. I can go out there and help people. I can make a difference in the world. I can feel strong even though a huge part of me feels so weak and she's taking that away from me. If I don't have Supergirl, what do I have?"
"You've got me. You've got Lena. And all of our friends." Alex laughed. "I know at first I didn't trust Lena but, good God, that woman would move mountains for you. She's a force to be reckoned with."
I'm in deep. Even the mention of Lena makes me warm inside. "I know that." Scooting closer, Alex wrapped her arms around me.
Getting a call from J'onn, Alex and I were ordered back to the DEO. Our new friend was causing chaos downtown. Winn finished the device that should help block Psy's powers. They would set up a perimeter and I needed to keep her out of my head long enough to get a good shot off.
Landing at the wreckage, everyone was in a mass panic. A wrecking ball had fallen and almost smashed a woman and her child. Tossing it aside, I looked for the meta human. "Psy!" I pointed Winn's device and tried to aim only to be knocked back by Psy's powers. I tried to fight off Lena's screams and cries.
"Lady Bird, Lady Bird, fly away home." Using another blast of her power sent me smashing into a brick building. Trying to focus, I saw Lena crawling towards me. Reaching out with bloodied hands. Gashes and scrapes everywhere on her pale skin. Rocking back and forth, I watched Lena take her last breath.
"Hey, it's me." Alex appeared beside me, squeezing my shoulder. "It's okay. You're okay." I whimpered. "Lena is safe. I made sure she's safe."
"Alex, there's so much blood. How is she okay? No one can…"
"Look at me." I did. "She. Is. Safe. I swear to you."
"Alex," I sniffled. "I think, I think I'm in love with her."
"I know," she smiled. "We'll talk about it later. Now, go show Psy who the Girl of Steel really is."
Taking a deep breath, I harnessed my anger and flew into the sky. I won't be manipulated like this! Landing a few yards from Psy, I spoke with newfound power. "You're not going anywhere."
"Hmm." She slammed a car door shut. "What did you see, I wonder. What brought the Girl of Steel to her knees?" Using her powers again, confusion flashed across the woman's face when I barely faltered.
I kept my footing and took a step closer. "It was a lie."
"Fear is not a lie." With each blast of her power, I took a step. "Fear cripples. Annihilates spirits. It is the only weapon that matters." Standing face to face with the woman, I ignored her nervous ramblings. "Why aren't you scared anymore?"
"Mind over matter." It has never felt so good to knock someone out in my life. Alex and the authorities arrested Psy and helped the injured.
Needing to see Lena and to apologize, I went back to CatCo. I smiled seeing her leaned over a desk filling out paperwork. "No rest for the boss?" I tried not to fidget when Lena stood and crossed her arms. "I got in touch with your contact at the bank. He will be a great source on Edge."
"I'm glad it was valuable."
Picking up a random object, I turned it in my hands and looked anywhere but in Lena's direction. "I need to apologize for my behavior. You're right. I have more baggage about Mon-El, and a few other things, than I thought."
Relaxing, Lena stepped towards me. "I know it can't be easy…"
"You were just trying to be a good friend and I bit your head off," I shrugged.
"This is new for me too," Lena smiled.
"Working with friends?" I grinned.
"No. Having friends. Luthor's don't have friends. We have minions," she chuckled.
Laughing, I met her gaze once more. "I would gladly be your minion."
A dark brow rose and a playful smirk tugged at red lips. The action caused heat to tint my cheeks. "There's going to be a learning curve for both of us."
"No, Lena, today you were a great friend and an amazing boss."
"Thank you. I really want to give you a hug but I'm afraid that would show favoritism."
"Uh, screw that! Bring it in." A wave of calmness washed over me as I hugged Lena. Her perfume filled my senses as I nuzzled the woman's shoulder. "I'm glad you're here."
"Me too." Stepping back, Lena kept her hands on my shoulders. "Why was I basically abducted by your sister, who definitely does not work for the FBI, today?" Her head tilted knowingly.
Every muscle in my body tensed. "I….that's a very complicated answer. Can we speak privately? Please?"
Before Lena could answer, the private elevator doors opened. "Yes, we can. Before that, there's someone I want you to meet." Turning, I recognized the woman as the mother I saved earlier. "I'm so glad you could make it."
"Thank you so much for understanding," the brunette smiled apologetically.
"I am no stranger to family drama. Kara can attest to that." Turning to me, Lena started the introductions. "Kara, this is Samantha. She is going to be taking over for me at L-Corp."
"That's great. It's lovely to meet you." Smiling, I held out my hand.
"You as well."
Xxx
Entering the penthouse, a strange sensation overcame me. This feels like a home away from home. I didn't realize I missed coming here after work. Relaxing on the couch, watching a movie, and sharing a blanket with my best friend. My stomach flopped. A best friend I may lose tonight. "I…I don't exactly know where to start beyond I'm sorry."
"Take a seat. We can start there." Doing as instructed, I sat on my normal side of the couch while Lena sat on hers. "You've been keeping something from me, haven't you?"
"Two things, yes." Turning my attention downwards, I pulled a pillow against my chest. "I didn't realize the second part until today," I mumbled.
"Which do you want me to know more?" Lena's voice was calm but guarded.
"The other won't matter if you can't forgive me." Clutching the pillow, I prayed this wouldn't go badly. "I'm…I'm Supergirl." Her heart rate spiked. Here it comes. The anger. The rejection. When nothing came, I met an unreadable gaze. "Lena?"
"So, you, Kara, saved me all those times?" I nodded, realizing she was processing aloud. "That means you risked your life to save me from Matello. From Rhea." I continued to nod. "You sent Mon-El away to save all of us."
"I wanted to tell you the truth but…but it always ends up putting people in danger." Biting my lip, I buried my face into the pillow. "I also wanted one person I was just Kara to. Someone who didn't look at me with awe because of the suit or because of my powers."
"You wanted someone to see you for you and not your name. I know the feeling." Sighing, Lena stretched her legs towards me. Her version of an olive branch. Doing the same, I slid my legs under hers. Feeling safer, I placed the pillow in my lap. "You'll always be Kara to me." Lena fidgeted with her bracelet. "The kind hearted reporter who gave me a chance."
"You deserved an opportunity to be your own person. To be Lena Luthor and not just another Luthor," I smiled.
As information sank in, more questions came to the surface. "Why would you risk your life to save me?" She continued before I could speak. "Matello almost killed you. Rhea could have." She paused, meeting my gaze. "It's different when I'm involved. You saved me for a different reason."
Because I am actually in love with you. The thought hit me harder than Superman ever could. I do have feelings for her. "Because you're special to me."
"I know that look. Something just clicked." Lena paused. "What was it?"
"The second part…" I looked away, chewing the inside of my cheek. "I…I have feelings for you. Not just as a best friend."
"I know," Lena's voice was soft. She continued when I turned my attention back. "You're not the type of person who goes around kissing people. The longing and passion behind your half of the kiss spoke volumes," she paused. "Especially when you let me deepen it."
Heat rushed to my face. "How long were you going to let it last?"
"Not much longer. That's why I jerked you forward. Otherwise, I would have been more strategic to get you pressed against me." I felt my ears burn hotter remembering the kiss. "I bought CatCo because it means so much to you." Lena chose her words. "I care about you, Kara. More than a best friend should."
She bought CatCo for me? "Y-You did?"
"Of course I did." Smiling nervously, Lena's gaze drifted towards her hands. Flashes of the shy Lena I saw after my first article came to mind. She has that same smile right now. "There are very few things I wouldn't do for you," she mumbled.
"I know the feeling…" Taking off my glasses, I placed them on the table. "I guess I don't need these here anymore."
"Not unless you want to wear them." Scooting closer, Lena cupped my cheek. "Earlier, it was so hard not to kiss you again. I knew a kiss would reset your brain but I wasn't sure how you felt about me." She paused. "And we were in the workplace. It'll be hard enough not showing favoritism towards my best friend. It'll be especially difficult to not show it towards my girlfriend." My breath hitched. "Too much?"
I leaned into Lena's warm touch. "You want to date?" Now my heart rate is the one to skyrocket.
"I have wanted to date for a while now." Lena's thumb brushed my cheek. "You were taken."
"What about CatCo? You're my boss." I shivered at the thought. A dark brow rose and I thought I'd die. "There's a strict no dating policy."
"Eventually, when I find a suitable buyer, I'll sell. For now, Snapper is your direct boss. If you want to go public, we'll need to visit HR first." Lena paused, a devious grin tugging at her lips. "Unless you want to sneak around with your boss for a while." Lustful green eyes drifted towards my lips. "Long nights at the office. No one but me there to see how hard you're working…" Her voice dripped with seduction. Gently, Lena brushed her thumb over my bottom lip. "Thoughts?" All I could do was shudder. "Something tells me you like the idea of me being above you," she chuckled darkly. "In multiple ways."
I nodded, my face turning deep crimson. "I've never snuck around with anyone before…"
Leaning forward, the brunette brushed her lips against mine. "I haven't either." Lena unclipped my hair and tangled a hand at the base of my neck as she spoke against my ear. "But the positively dirty thoughts I'll be having from now on will be a lot more enjoyable with you under me." I squirmed in desperate need of friction. "Now that I've kissed you, I want to feel your lips on my skin."
"Lena," I breathed. She's killing me.
"I want to feel you against me. I just can't decide where. Here, where there is no chance of being caught or at CatCo where there is a chance of being caught." Hot kisses trailed down my neck. "Originally, L-Corp would have been ideal. That couch would have been perfect. Or my desk."
"Please…" I rasped.
"What do you want, Miss Danvers?" Teeth raked gently over my earlobe.
I squirmed more, feeling Lena's warm breath on my neck. "I want you."
Leaning back, dark green eyes searched mine. "Are you sure?"
"Rao, yes."