Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Kara sends a quick text to her sister as she drops her suitcase in front of the manor-like house. She inhales heavily ; she made it. She managed to get an internship at CatCo Worldwide Media and will spend the entire summer working, three days of the week, under Cat Grant herself.

Unfortunatly, the internship is in National City, meaning that Kara had to leave her cozy bedroom in Midvale to make her debut in the big city. Which also mean she needed to find a place to stay. But not with Alex, who moved in National City two years ago. Kara can handle almost anything, but living on her sister's couch for three months is a bit too much. She at least needs a door between the place she'll sleep in and someone else's bedroom.

Which is why Kelly proposed she could live with her brother, leaving her and Alex some privacy. She already talked with Kelly's brother on the phone, James, and he accepted to let her stay in one of their spare bedroom for free, in exchange of some babysitting on her days off. And Kara is really good with kids.

And this is how Kara ended up on front of the biggest house she ever laid her eyes on, and Eliza's house isn't that small. She takes a deep breath and press the doorbell. A high melody resonate from inside the house, and Kara notes that no dogs comes barking. Too bad, she would've liked a fluffy companion.

She doesn't hear any footsteps inside, but after a few seconds, the door opens. And it isn't James.

Kara gapes like a fish out of water in front of the woman who opened the door. She knows she must look stupid, but she's a little taken aback by the woman's beauty. How is it even possible to look this good ? Straight black hair that looks too soft to be real, green piercing eyes and a razor sharp jawline. Kara has the passing thought that she needs to paint this woman at some point. The woman who strangely looks quite familiar.

But she shakes the thought away when she noticed the woman is looking at her with a perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised in amusement.

''Right !'' Kara shakes her head, dropping her backpack to present her hand to the woman, ''Sorry, I'm Kara. Kara Danvers.''

''Miss Danvers,'' The woman takes Kara's hand in hers, which is much smaller and much softer. ''You're here early.'' She lets go of Kara's hand who misses the contact instantly.

''I know. I was supposed to meet my sister before coming here, but she ditched me. So I thought I might come here early, instead of parading in the city with my suitcase.'' The woman raises the second eyebrow and Kara feels like she should've asked before. ''But if it's an inconvinience I can go ! I can just walk around and come back in two hours like I was supposed to ! Yeah, I should do that. I'm gonna do that.''

Kara bends down to take her backpack, but a soft hand suddenly rests firmly on her bicep. She raises her head to meet the woman's amused eyes.

''Don't be silly,'' The woman almost laugh, letting go of Kara when she drops her bag again, ''Let me show you to your room, so you can get yourself comfortable before James and the kids come back.''

Kara picks her bag up again, this time she follows the woman inside the house, noting the expensive furniture and surprisingly tidy house. She stops in front of a framed picture in the entryway. It's a family picture, a professional shot, the kind Eliza payed for them when they adopted Kara.

In the picture, the woman who opened the door stands on the right, her hand on the shoulder of a young boy. Another boy is next to the first one, mirroring him in every aspect, obviously twins. And a man is holding the shoulder of the second boy, his ressemblance to Kelly obvious enough that Kara recongnizes James. In his arms, James holds a tiny infant, their face barely visible from under the white blanket surrounding them, but their skin dark enough that Kara knows it's James child. The twins, on the other hand, are as pale as the woman.

Kara notices they all seem happy, all smiling to the camera.

''That's usually the case in these kind of picture, Miss Danvers.''

Kara jumps a little, the woman closer to her than she thought and apparently a mind reader. Unless Kara said it out loud. Which is probably more plausible.

''Are you telling me you're not happy ?'' Kara asks, knowing she might sound a bit nosy, but Eliza always encouraged curiosity, stating it's a natural part of learning.

''I love my children, Miss Danvers. I wouldn't be unhappy with them around.''

Kara can't help but notice the woman didn't respond to her question. But she doesn't get to press on, the brunette already leaving down a hallway with light footsteps on the carpeted floor. Kara follows, dragging her suitcase behind her.

The woman stops in front of a white door before opening it, gesturing for Kara to come inside. The bedroom is more than Kara was expecting. And she can't help but gape again for the second time today when she realises she has her own bathroom with italien bath and a dressing almost bigger than her childhood bedroom. This looks like a house in itself and Kara can't help but smirks at the thought that her bedroom is bigger than Alex's studio.

''- Already in the bathroom, but we can give you more if needed.''

Kara turns to the woman when she realises she's been talking to her this whole time. ''I'm sorry, what ?''

The woman smiles, apparently more amused than annoyed by Kara's short attention span. ''Towells in the bathroom, some toiletry products in case you don't have any as well, and feel free to ask for anything we forgot to supply.''

''Oh,'' Kara processes, her eyes going from the open bathroom door to the woman who looks at her with gentle eyes, ''That's kind, but that's too much.''

''We've thought you might rather buy your own toiletries, but we wanted you to feel comfortable, Miss Danvers. We want you to see our home as your home for the next three months.''

''That's really nice.'' Kara replies quietly, trying her best not to let her emotions show. She might feel a bit tearful right now, remembering a time when she didn't have a place to call home. And this woman wants to give her that only minutes after meeting her. ''Thank you, Mrs... ?''

The woman chuckles softly and Kara tries to hide her embarassment. So what if she doesn't know the name of the woman she's going to live with for a few months ? She's the one who didn't mention it when they met.

''Miss Luthor,'' The woman says with a tint of amusement in her voice, ''But please, call me Lena.''

Before Kara can reply anything, her brain seems to crash on something. ''Wait,'' She exclaims with wide eyes, ''Lena Luthor as in...''

''Lex Luthor's sister, yes.'' Lena says, her amusement replaced by a neutral expression, a bit defeated.

Kara shakes her head, ''I was gonna say the woman who created the safest cars in the world. My adopted mom has one, and your quick reaction safety saved me more than once ! I don't think I could drive a car that isn't one of L-Corp's without killing myself.''

Kara has to stop herself from going full fangirl mode. The woman in front of her is the person who made the biggest progress in the medical and technological field, mostly to save people's life or protect them. And she's going to share her home with her for three months.

Lena, on the other hand, looks at Kara like she just got kicked in the face. And Kara starts to think she said something wrong, and is about to appologies when Lena starts to laugh. Which really confuses Kara.

''I should've known,'' Lena says once her laughter quiets down, ''You're Alex's sister, of course you wouldn't judge me on my last name. Everytime we see each other, she asks me more question about my compagny and what were doing that I can answer.''

''Doesn't surprise me !'' Kara laughs, relief she didn't mistepped. ''What surprises me is that she didn't tell me she knows Lena Luthor !''

Lena chuckles as well, shrugging innocently. And Kara catches herself thinking she's beautiful. Even more so when she's happy. But she quickly shakes her head and knows that her usual crinkle between her eyebrows is present. ''Wait, who would judge you on your last name ? You did nothing but good for the world.''

Lena's face goes a shade darker and Kara internally curses for taking her smile away. ''You'd be surprised, Miss Danvers. Not everyone see me and my brother as two different people.''

''At least,'' Kara tries to bring the smile back on Lena's face, ''People who knows you won't judge you on something as insignificant as a name.''

But Lena's face only gets darker. Even the fake smile she's now giving Kara can't hide it. ''If only.'' She says almost too quietly for Kara to hear. But she does, and she has to promise herself not to interfere in her host's business to stop herself from bombarding her with questions. Who dares make this gorgeous woman unhappy ?

''Anyways,'' Lena announces, walking out the door and into the hallway, ''I'll let you unpack, I'll be in my office if you need me. Upstairs, third door on the left.''

Kara nods and watches as Lena walks away. Hopefully, she didn't make Lena uncomfortable ten minutes after meeting her.

Kara sighs, letting herself drop down on the mattress of her new bed, surprised at first at the softness of it, before remembering she's living in Lena Luthor's house. Which remind her to yell at Alex for not telling her about Lena sooner. So Kara grabs her phone, ignoring the message Alex send her and simply taping on the phone logo, calling directly her sister.

After two rings, Alex answers, ''Kara.''

''Alex !'' Kara almost shout in the device, aware Alex probably jumped at the volume and quite happy about it, ''Why didn't you tell me I was going to move in with Lena Luthor ?''

Kara can hear Alex's chuckles, meaning it was on pupose, probably knowing Kara would have a complete fangirl attack upon meeting her.

''Where would the fun be in telling you that ?'' Alex laughs, comfirming Kara's suspicions.

''Alex !'' Kara shouts indignally.

''What,'' Alex keeps on giggling, ''Did you have a full on gay panic when you saw her ?''

''No ! I mean, not a gay panic - not that she's not gorgeous, because she is ! - but more like, fangirl panic. I mean, she's Lena Luthor ! She's like my idol and you've known her for years and didn't tell me anything !''

Kara can hear Alex laugh on the other side of the line, ''Not years ! I've only met her two months ago.''

''Still !'' Kara accuses, making Alex laugh louder. ''How come you never said anything to me ?''

''Kelly and I planned on dumping you at their house if you ever got your internship and I wanted to see the surprise on your face when you met her. Now I'm gonna have to ask Winn to hack her security cameras to see it.''

''Don't you dare !'' Kara gets up suddenly, as if to physically stop Alex from calling their friend. ''Besides, I'm sure even Winn can't hack Lena Luthor.''

''Don't tell him that, he might take it as a challenge.''

''True. But you really planned on leaving me here for months ?''

''Well,'' Alex replies, ''When you applied for the internship, I knew you would ask to live with Kelly and I. Which would be hell, let's face it. I love you Kara, but I can't spend three months without sex and I didn't plan to do it with you three feet away.''

''Alex,'' Kara screams with a disgusted grimace, ''Gross !''

''What ? It's true. So yeah, Kelly and I started looking for places for you to stay six months ago. And two months ago, I met her brother in his gigantic house with his clever, gorgeous and really rich girlfriend and I knew I found the perfect host for Parasite-Kara.''

'' 'M not a parasite.'' Kara mumbles, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout Alex can't see.

''Anyways, you now live with a super sexy woman with her three little devils you'll have to take care of some days a week for three months. Hope you enjoy your stay !'' And just like that, Alex hangs up.

Kara scoffs, looking at her screen, until a text from Alex comes in. A simple 'Love you tho' that makes Kara smiles despite herself. She puts her phone down after replying and starts unpacking, filling the giant walk-in closet and dropping her toiletries next to the ones Lena bought for her.

She stays busy in her bedroom until she hears the unmistakable noises of children inside the house. She pokes her head out of her bedroom just in time to see two boys running towards her at full speed.

''Boys ! Your shoes !''

Kara barely register the masculine voice shouting after the kids. The two boys stop in front of her with big matching smiles, two dimples for the boy on the left and one for the one on the right.

''Hi.'' Kara greets with a smile of her own.

''Mommy said you'd be here !'' The first boy exclaims.

''And James said you'll stay with us for a while.'' The other finishes.

Kara notices the fact that they didn't refer to James as their dad, and that the boy on the left grimaced a bit at the mention of their obviously stepdad. But before she gets to reply, the boys keep going.

''What's your name ? My name is Layton.'' The boy with two dimples states proudly.

''I'm Landon,'' One dimple boy continues, ''We're twins ! Are you really Auntie Alex's sister ?''

''I like Auntie Alex,'' Layton keeps going, making Kara wonder if they really want answers to their questions, ''And she's in love with Auntie Kelly.''

''I like Auntie Kelly. And Mommy used to be in love with a girl, too.''

''Her name was Andrea.''

''Boys !'' The twins turn to look at their stepdad who looks slightly furious, but quickly relaxes when the boys quiet down. ''Go take your shoes off and leave Kara alone.''

Before the boys go, Landon whispers to Kara, ''James doesn't like when we talk about Andrea.'' His stepdad frowns and points to the entryway where the other boy is already taking his shoes off, Landon trotting there with his head down. And if Kara finds it strange, she doesn't say anthing, pretending she didn't hear anything and smiling at James Olsen.

''Sorry about them,'' James appologies with a smile, ''They can be a bit much sometimes.''

''I think they're adorable.'' Kara replies.

James doesn't look like he agrees with her and Kara can't help but think about the picture and what Lena said.

''Do you want to come in the living room with us ?'' James asks, nodding towards the end of hallway where the kids disappeared, ''We can chat and you can meet the younger Olsen.''

''I would love to.'' Kara smiles and follows James to the room where the twins are talking excitedly to Lena who holds a young child in her arms.

The last kid is much bigger than in the framed picture, and obviously a girl if Kara knows anything about gender roles. She looks at least one, with a cute yellow sundress and an attempt at pigtails in her too short hair. And when she turns and looks at her, Kara sees her eyes are the exact same shade as Lena's. Unlike the boys who both have black eyes and pale skin, their little sister has green eyes and soft looking brown skin. And Kara knows she shouldn't be surprised at how beautiful the children are, especially when you look at the parents, even if it's only Lena for the boys.

''Kara, this is Jenny Eloise Olsen.'' James says as he coos over the little girl, making her giggles.

''Luthor.'' Lena adds, earning an annoyed look from the man, ''Jenny Eloise Olsen-Luthor.''

James huffs, as if the subject had little importance, even though Lena's expression says the exact opposite.

''And I heard you've already met the twins.'' Lena turns her attention back on Kara, waving towards the boys who are grinning at her.

''I have, indeed.'' Kara extends a hand towards the boys who seem delighted at the idea of a grown-up handshake.

The fastest grabs it first, shaking firmly Kara's hand, ''Landon Jack Luthor.'' He presents himself with what sounds like an attempt at adult voice.

When he lets go, Layton grabs Kara's hand. ''And Layton Jack Luthor, ma'am.'' Instead of shaking it, he presses a kiss on the top of Kara's hand, making her laugh loudly.

''Nice to meet you, gentlemen.'' Kara gets her hand back, grinning. ''I'm Kara Danvers. But you can just call me Kara.'' She turns towards the little girl still in Lena's arms and shakes her tiny hand, ''You too, Miss Jenny Eloise.''

Kara chuckles when the little girl tries to eat her fingers, taking her hand away and beams at Lena's smiling face.

''You really are spectaculary good with children, Miss Danvers.''

''And you get to call me Kara too, Miss Lena Luthor.'' Kara replies, presenting her hand to Lena for the second time today.

Lena laughs as she takes it, ''Kara it is.''

When Lena lets go, Kara turns to offer her hand to James as well, ''And you too Mr. Olsen.''

''Call me James, Kara.'' James takes her hand and shakes it firmly, ''After all, I've been your cousin's best friend since college.''

''Wait, what ?'' Kara takes her hands back, looking at the man in front of her, confused.

James laughs, ''Clark didn't tell you ? We were both surprised to learn that the Kara Danvers who was about to live in my house for three months was the same Kara Danvers as his little cousin.''

''Apparently, no one tells me nothing.'' Kara laughs, thinking about her phone call with Alex. Speaking of... ''So, my sister is dating my cousin's best friend's sister ?''

''I guess.'' James shrugs, ''It's a small world.''

''Sure is !'' Kara beams. She was nervous, coming to National City, having her internship with Cat Grant herself, and sharing a house with complete strangers for three months. But the strangers turn out to be not only Kelly's brother, but her cousin's best friend. And Lena Luthor, who is undeniably one of the most selfless people Kara has ever heard of.

''Jimmy,'' Lena asks James, pulling Kara out of her thoughts, ''Would you mind getting some tea or coffee so we can have a chat with Kara ?''

James doesn't seem too keen on being in kitchen duty, but Lena ignores him, simply gesturing for Kara to sit at the table. Kara follows her lead and sit in front of Lena, the little girl in her lap reaching immediatly for a toddler book Lena puts in front of her.

They don't talk, the silence comfortable, only perturbed by the sounds of James putting the kettle on in the kitchen and the twins playing together. Kara turns to them, watching as Landon – or maybe Layton – pulls out a plastic sword from behing the sofa and starts running after his brother.

Lena is watching them as well, not saying anything when the boys start jumping on the sofa, dropping cushions on the floor. Kara wonders for a moment if they are the kind of parents who allow everything to their children, because Kara might believe in freedom of play, but she's not fan of spoiled kids who believe they're entitled to everything, even at other people's expense.

''Are they... Allowed to mess the sofa ?'' Kara asks, shyly and afraid to sound rude.

Lena smiles at her, not offended in the slightest. ''I don't mind, as long as they tidy after. Which they usually do.''

Kara nods, relieved she won't have to look after messy children. Not that she wouldn't do it anyways. She watches as Layton – once again, it may be Landon – runs away from Landon's sword and throws himself on the sofa, cushions flying everywhere.

''Boys !''

Even Kara jumps when James comes back, shouting at the noisy kids. The twins stop in their track, feet on the back of the sofa and sword raised mid-air. The boy upside down on the sofa just looks at James with pure defiance in his eyes. The other kid starts putting the cushions back on.

''Layton, please.'' Lena asks gently, ''Can you help your brother tidy up.''

At this, Layton looses his rebellious glare and gets up to tidy up the mess. James scoffs, placing down a tray of cups, cookies and hot beverages. Lena seems on the verge of rolling her eyes, but smiles at Kara as she hands her an empty cup.

They serve themself in silence as the boys finish to tidy up. Then, the twins join them, one sitting next to Kara, and the other one next to Lena. Kara notices again how the boys try their best to be as far away from James as possible. She can't help but notice the slight tension between the twins and their stepdad.

The boy next to Kara smiles at her, only one dimple popping out. But Kara can't remember if it's Landon or Layton who only has one dimple. So, she bends towards him and whispers, ''Are you Landon or Layton ?''

The kid grins at her, probably used to this kind of questions, ''Landon. Layton is the one with the pretty face.''

''You have the same face.'' Kara replies, laughing.

''I know.'' Landon grins, proudly. ''Can you pass me a chocolate cookie, please ? Or two.''

Kara chuckles, handing the kid two chocolate chip cookies as she grabs a sugar cookie for herself.

''So, Kara.'' Lena says as Kara puts the entire treat in her mouth, her eyes going a bit wide at the bad timing for conversation, her cheeks puffed out. ''Kelly told us you might agree to watch over the kids some days.''

Kara swallows with difficulties, making Lena smirks at her. ''Well, I'm not planning on staying here for free. I work on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. I can watch over them the rest of the time when you need me.''

''Wednesdays are good.'' James states happily, ''The twins need to go to soccer practice and we usually can't make it.''

Lena nods, taking a sip of her coffee. ''If you can drive, you can borrow one of the cars. But of course, we would be happy to have you here, even if you don't want to look after the kids.''

The way Lena looks at her makes Kara believe she says the truth. If she wanted to, Kara could just stay here for three months, working only three days a week and nothing else. But that's not what Kara wants. She loves children and used to babysit every holidays to make a bit of pocket money. What Kara wants is to be helpful.

''I can drive,'' Kara replies, assurance in her words to make Lena understand how much she means them, ''and I want to help. I've been told I'm a good babysitter and I love soccer.''

Lena smiles at her in a way that makes Kara feel like she just passed a test. But she aced it apparently. ''Thank you, Kara. We could really use your help on Wednesdays, but don't worry about the rest of the time, James and I usually manage to have at least one of us home. And the twins' school holidays only start at the end of the month.''

''No problem,'' Kara smiles back, ''but if you need me when I'm free, I'll help happilly.''

The two parents smile at Kara, while Landon uses the distraction to sneak three cookies in his sleeves, crumbs getting caught in the fabric. The room is quiet, a comfortable silence only broken a few seconds later by the sounds of Jenny Eloise filling her diaper. Layton lets out a loud laugh and Kara chuckles when Lena hands the child over to James.

''Jimmy, darling, would you mind taking care of that while I give Kara a tour ?''

James happily takes the child, getting up and living the room. Lena motions for Kara to get up as well and follow her to the hallway. Kara has time to grab two cookies before following Lena. In the hallway however, Lena stops and turns towards the twins who followed as well. She puts her hands on her hips and stares at the one Kara is pretty sure is Landon.

She doesn't have to say anything, the kid seems to understand immediatly. He sighs and pulls out the cookies from his sleeves, handing them over to Lena who nods gratefully. She then turns to Kara with a smile, while Landon pouts and crosses his arms. ''Landon would eat his entire weight in cookies, and then can't sleep at night because of the prolonged sugar rush.''

Lena gives a cheeky smile at her son who's too busy brooding to pay her any attention, then leads them down the hallway, towards Kara's bedroom. When Lena turns her back, Kara taps the pouting child on his shoulder. Landon gives her a puppy look that would make everyone's heart melt in seconds and Kara hands him one of the cookies she took. Landon's eyes go wide and a grin stretches his face. Kara is worrired the kid might start shouting in glee, but he closes his mouth abruptly when Kara puts her finger on her mouth, noding towards Lena. The boy places the cookie on his chest, as if Kara had just given him the most precious treasure, and he whispers a genuine 'thank you' that makes Kara beams at him.

In front of her, still walking them to the end of the hallway, Kara catches the moment Lena turns her head around with a smirk, having obviously seen the whole cookie scene. She starts to feel a bit guilty, having gone against Lena's parenting, but Kara is pretty sure Lena would have tell her off if she had done anything wrong.

Lena stops at the last door, Kara's bedroom, and turns around to face Kara and the twins. ''Let's start here, shall we ?'' Kara nods and sees the twins nod too, as if they were being given the tour as well. Lena smiles, ''As you know, this is your bedroom. I hope you'll feel at home here, and if you want to invite someone over, please let us know first so I don't call the police thinking a burglar managed to break my security.''

Kara can't help but blush a little at the idea of telling Lena about possible lovers. Not that she would bring over anyone, she's here for an intership, not running after boys and girls and all. She nods anyway and Lena smirks at her, clearly amused.

''Great,'' Lena claps her hands before walking past them towards the closest door, ''now let's keep going.''

The kids follow the entire tour, making comments here and there about different things that happend in different rooms. Like the fact that Layton once threw a plastic boat at Landon and cried for hours when he realised his brother was actually hurt, or the time Jenny Eloise managed to crawl into the Tupperware cupboard and made everyone panic as to where she could've vanished to.

Lena is pleasant, laughing with Kara at the boys stories, adding comments of her own and making Kara smile more often than not. She leads them through the entire house – which is close to gigantic – from the veranda and TV room downstairs, to the bedrooms and office upstairs, even to the labs and gym in the basement. Kara can barely register how amazing the house is. Lena offers her office for Kara to work in if she ever needs to, but Kara refuses politely, having already noticed the desk in her bedroom.

Of all the rooms in this house, and there is a lot, Kara's favorite is the tea room upstairs. She was quite surprised to learn Lena has one – like, who has a tea room in this century ? - but the room is lovely, quiet and next to Lena's massive library. The view is amazing, directly facing a small lake that Lena informs her usually froze in late winter, surrunded by trees and Kara can see birds nests from where she is.

That room is heavenly and Lena gives her the time she needs to appreciate it, not pressing her to move on, simply standing by the door and looking at her like she is trying to read her, comprehend her like a new book.

But Kara doesn't care, simply watching out the window to the faune and flore she can see, amazed by the size of Lena's property and the fact that this kind of small heaven exist in such a big city. Somehow, it reminds her of home. Not Midvale, where she lived since she was twelve, but further up north, in Canada, where she was born. The house she used to live in with her parents was in the middle of nowhere, Kara can't even remember the name of the village. They had a small house, but Kara used to sneak into the attic to watch out the window, the view directly towards a small river on the right and the dark forest on the left. It was simply beautiful. It was a long time ago.

Kara doesn't realises she's crying until she feels Lena's hand on her elbow. She breaks out of her thoughts and looks at the woman who's staring at her with an understanding smile, as if Lena can somehow feel what Kara feels and she relates it.

''Sorry,'' Kara wipes her teary eyes, letting out a wet chuckles, ''I'm just a bit emotional I guess. The view is fantastic, it reminded me of my birth parents.''

Lena's smile gets even softer at this. She doesn't take her hand off Kara's elbow, and Kara doesn't ask her to, somehow finding the simple contact soothing, grounding. ''Are you adopted, Kara ?''

Kara nods at the question, her eyes going back towards the view, ''I was adopted by the Danvers when I was twelve. I used to live in Canada before, in a place with a view like this.'' Kara waves towards the outside and Lena follows her gaze. ''But the middle of a forest isn't always a safe place to be, and a drunk hunter came in our house in the middle of the night and murdered my parents. I wasn't there, I was sleeping at Clark's place that night.''

Kara doesn't move when she feels Lena's hand slide down, grabbing her wrist instead. ''I'm sorry, Kara.'' Lena's voice is soft and Kara turns to look at her instead. Her green eyes are focused on the world outside the window, melancolic. ''I was adopted too, you know. Sort of. When I was four, my birth mother died, she drowned in a lake. Like this one.'' Lena nods towards the expense of water but Kara doesn't take her eyes off her. ''Lionel Luthor, flew to Ireland to get me back and adopted me. I didn't know he was my real father until after he passed away. After Lex went mad and Lillian tried to make me follow her dark path. So the only hope I wouldn't turn out like them died that day. Because I really am a Luthor.''

Kara frowns at the pure look of desdain in Lena's eyes. The Lena Luthor she heard of is a strong woman, using her corrupt last name for good, to make the world a better place. She never thought she could hate the name that much. Not after all the good she managed to do with it.

She's about to say so when Lena laughs it off, ''Don't worry, Kara. I don't really hate my last name anymore. Probably thanks to the twins' dad. He taught me to make it my own and change my legacy if I didn't like it. Which is why all my kids are named Luthor.''

''Yeah, I noticed they don't have their father's last name like Jenny does.'' Kara can't help but point out, the statement more of a question.

Lena's smile turns a bit sad and Kara cringes mentally for being the cause of it. ''No, they don't. Their dad passed away when I was pregnant. His name was Jack, their middle name. But he wanted them to be called Luthor anyways and for their names to start with a 'L', like it's tradition for the Luthors. I refused at first, but like I said, he made me proud to be who I am.''

''You should be.'' Kara agrees and Lena's smile change to something more grateful than sad, ''But why Jenny Eloise, then ?''

Lena's face fall a bit, a darker veil behind her eyes, ''I may be proud of being a Luthor, but not everyone is.''

Kara frowns. She can't mean that.. ? ''James isn't proud of you ?''

''Oh, he's proud of my accomplishements. For him, I am Lena. Not Lena Luthor. The name is quite taboo around him. I had to fight to even get my kid to have my last name, his condition was that he would choose her name. So, Jenny it is. And Eloise was my birth mother's name. I wanted it to be Jenny's first name, but it's apparently too close to a name starting with 'L'.''

Lena rolls her eyes at that and Kara can't help but be a little surprised. James is her boyfriend, he should love her for who she is, last name and legacy included. But Kara doesn't say it, feeling it might be too intruding into the life of her host. Instead, she wriggles her wrist that Lena is still holding and grab Lena's hand, giving it a quick squeeze before letting go.

Lena smiles at her softly. Kara smiles back.

''Anyways,'' Lena shakes her head, not loosing her soft smile, ''Let's keep going before the boys actually destroy the room.''

Kara turns to look where Lena is now looking at the twins, one of them crawling between cushions thrown on the floor, and the other one throwing more for him to dodge.

''Good idea.'' Kara laughs and Lena stops the messy game. The boys get up as one and start putting things where they were before leaving first, ready for the rest of the tour.

''Oh, by the way.'' Lena stops in the doorway and turns to Kara. ''You probably noticed, but Layton isn't James biggest fan and vice versa. If you could please make sure the boys don't play some bad tricks on James while we're not here that would be amazing.''

''Bad tricks ?'' Kara questions. The way Lena says it sounds like it happend a few times before.

''Let's just say James wasn't actually bald when we first met.'' Lena smirks and exits the room, leaving Kara's imagination run free as to what the boys might have done to him. And what they might do to her if they don't like her. At least she knows Landon is on her side thanks to the cookie scene. But Layton might be harder to win over.

- -

Or not, Kara thinks that night at dinner, when Layton sits next to her and starts a conversation on Harry Potter. The books, Kara learns, not the movies. And apparently, the twins both finished all of them by themself, as well as the Percy Jackson series.

''The Percy Jackson have like sixteen books !'' Kara says, more impressed than confused, ''How do you have time to read them all ?''

''We're allowed to read at school when we finish all of our work before the others. Which happens a lot.'' Layton states proudly.

''So, you're basically saying that you two little guys are actual geniuses like your mother ?''

''Hell yeah, we are !'' Layton shouts, slamming his hands on the table.

''Layton !'' Lena and James both yell at the kid, surprised over the boy's audacity, while Kara tries her best to not burst out laughing, hiding her mouth behind her hand.

''Sorry, Mommy.'' Layton appologies, not without a little smirk thrown Kara's way.

''Well,'' Lena gets up, giving a pointed look at her son, ''since you're grown up enough to think you can use this kind of language, why don't you clear the table with James while Kara and I go have a little chat.'' She gives Kara a look she can't quite decipher and Kara wants to hide, her brain screaming at her she did something wrong.

But she gets up, and follow Lena outside by the back door. Follows her as she walks through the blossomed garden to gigantic willow, its leaves cascading like a perfect dome around the trunk. Lena pushes through the branches, Kara still behind her, and sits on a leave covered bench at the foot of the tree. Out here, everything is dark, the lights of the house barely penetring the thick branches. The place feels like a shelter, calm and isolated.

''Sorry,'' Lena chuckles, ''I needed some fresh air and you looked like the perfect excuse. So you can relax, you're not in trouble, Kara.''

Lena smiles softly at her, her green eyes looking like part of their surrounding. And if Kara thought she looked beautiful earlier, when she was simply smiling at her, she looks heaven sent right now.

Lena is relaxed, right there, under the foliage of the gigantic tree. She looks younger, not the business woman and scientist Kara saw in the magazines, not the mother and girlfriend Kara met today. She looks like Lena Luthor, a 28 years old girl who shouldn't be carrying that much on her shoulders.

She looks simply magnificent.

''I come here when I need time for myself.'' Lena explains, no longer looking at Kara, her eyes now roaming through the leaves as if she could see past them. ''The kids aren't allowed because of its proximity to the lake and James wouldn't even think about looking for me under a tree.''

She chuckles, looking a bit too sad for Kara's liking. So Kara drops her hand on top of Lena's, on the bench between them. Lena doesn't move, but Kara sees her the corner of her mouth lifting up.

''I'm not unhappy, Kara.'' Lena breaks the silence after a while of Kara just looking at her and her staring at the leaf-covered sky.

''I didn't say anything.'' Kara replies, her eyes not leaving Lena.

''You don't have to. I see how you look at me.''

''How do I look at you ? Like you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met and I didn't see you smile nearly enough in the few hours we've known each other ?''

Lena chuckles at that, her smiles brightening her face like a beacon, drawing Kara in.

''Here we go.'' Kara smiles as well. She means it. She knows all the good Lena does to the world, she deserves more than most to be happy.

''No,'' Lena shakes her head, her smile not leaving, ''Like I'm not as happy as the woman in the framed picture.'' She states, this time, looking at Kara.

Kara only looks at her, not really knowing what to say. Like Lena said earlier, these kind of picture are meant to look like happy family portraits, but Kara knows she was actually as happy as the picture made it look when she took one with the Danvers.

Kara shrugs, ''Maybe you could just change the picture.'' Lena frowns a bit so Kara continues, ''Too high expectations are not really good, you know. You can be happy without having to look like a stock photo for a billboard ad.''

Lena laughs at that, her eyes staring at the foliage again. ''You know what, it isn't such a bad advice, Kara.''

''Does that mean you're gonna follow it ?''

Lena turns to her again, the corner of her lips flipped up. ''Maybe I just might.''

Kara sighs softly at that and they both stay here for a while, looking at the dancing leafs in the warm wind, Kara's hand still on top of Lena's.

When Kara's leg starts to bounce up and down and her fingers start a quick taping on top of Lena's hand, Lena takes the hint, and with a low chuckles, invites Kara to come back inside. And it's only when Kara watches Lena taking her muddy socks off, that she realises they both went out there with no shoes on.

With bare feet and muddy socks in her hands, Kara makes her way toward her bedroom. She passes the twins who are running towards Lena in their pyjamas, wishing her goodnight as she goes. Kara returns it before going into her bedroom, throwing the dirty socks in the laundry basket in her bathroom and flopping down onto the bed, sighing. She quickly texts Eliza to let her know she's safe and well arrived, before calling Alex again.

- -

Kara thought that working under Cat Grant would be... different. She's not complaining, not at all, she just wasn't expecting to be bringing coffee. All day, navetting between Noonan's and Cat Grant's office, bringing coffee, pastries and salads. She's pretty sure Miss Grant doesn't even drink half of the coffee she brings her, but she asks for it so Kara delivers.

But Kara isn't one to complain. She worked really hard to get this internship and she's sure as hell gonna make the best out of it.

And after all, she still get to look around and see for herself what life is inside a media compagny.

''Kiera !''

And that as well. Miss Grant doesn't bother to learn her real name. But Kara stopped correcting her about after lunch on her first day, when Cat Grant made it perfectly clear that she doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon. So Kiera it is.

Kara gets up from her desk, in front of Cat Grant's secretary, Siobhan. Who isn't a big fan of Kara. Probably because since she got here, Miss Grants hasn't ask for Siobhan to do anything other than read her mail for her.

But Kara doesn't dwell on the nasty look thrown her way and enters Cat Grant's office.

''Yes, Miss Grant ?''

''I need you to find Nia Nal in the reporters room and get her to me.'' Cat orders without even glancing up at her intern.

''Sure thing, Miss Grant.'' Kara replies happilly, already acustomised to Miss Grant's attitude, ''I'll be back in a jiffy !''

Kara doesn't miss the look Cat Grant gives her, but she's out of the door before she can say anything. Now all she needs, is to find that Nia Nal. Shouldn't be too hard.

When Kara enters the reporters room – which is more of a reporters floor – all she sees is busy people everywhere. She tries to stop a man for a second, but he shakes his head and keeps on his way. Everyone is too busy to stop, even for a second. Kara walks deeper into the busy room, until she finds a bald man barking orders around.

''Hm, excuse me, sir ?'' Kara asks, shyly.

The man stops mid yell and the reporter he was shouting at uses the distraction to escape.

''What do you want ?'' The man growls, ''Who are you ?''

''I'm Kara Danvers, Cat Grant's intern ?'' Somehow, Kara manages to make her statement sounds like a question and the man snorts.

''What does Cat want, now ?''

''Hm, Nia Nal ?'' Again, sounds like a question.

The man turns around, shouting the poor girl's name. A few seconds later, a young reporter with dark hair and eyes like a doe comes running, carrying three cups of coffee.

''Yes, Snapper ?'' The man scoffs at her and Nia shakes her head, ''I mean, Mister Carr.''

''Whatever,'' Snapper waves his hand, ''Cat needs you upstairs. Go with ponytail, so she can get out of my way and let me do my job.''

Nia Nal nods and follows Kara who says her goodbyes cheerfully to the bald man. Once in the elevator, Kara lets out a deep breath, making Nia chuckles next to her.

''You're new here, ponytail ? I've never seen you before. But I'm pretty sure your name isn't actually ponytail, is it ?''

Kara laughs, ''No, and it's not Kiera either.'' Kara shakes her head in front of Nia's confused frown. ''I'm Kara, Kara Danvers. Cat Grant's intern for the summer.''

Kara presents her hand to the other girl, realising too late that Nia still has her arms full of coffee cups. But Nia expertly frees one of her hand to shake Kara's.

''Oh, you're the intern ! I've heard the fight to get the internship ended up in blood. Congratulation for winning the Hunger Games !'' Nia laughs, her hand still shaking Kara's enthusiasticly, ''I'm Nia Nal, the last recruit down in the reporters' hell hole.''

Kara laughs, pleasantly surprised by Nia's bubbly personality. Not that she doesn't enjoy Siobhan's compagny...

They get to Cat's office, Kara staying silent the entire way there, Nia talking enough for both of them. Kara is slowly starting to think she should've discreetly taken the coffees away from her.

Cat Grant lets them both in, closing the door behind them.

''Nia,'' Cat starts, turning to Nia who looks a little more straight postured than before, ''I called you because I need you on a special asignement. I didn't want to let Snapper choose whoever he thinks might be good enough for this. I choose you.''

Nia beams at that and Kara can't help but smile proudly as well.

''Lena Luthor finally agreed to give CatCo an interview on her newest medical breakthrough.'' Cat informs Nia, completely ignoring Kara.

''I didn't know L-Corp made a new medical breakthrough.'' Nia points out.

''Exactly !'' Cat grins, a bit predatory. ''We're to break the news. More exactly, you're to break the news.''

At this, Nia starts to look more nervous than happy, the responsability of writing probably the biggest story of the month and having to interview a genius CEO, quickly scratching her nerves.

''Don't worry,'' Kara puts a comforting hand on Nia's shoulder, ''Lena isn't that scary. She's actually a real softie.''

Kara laughs, blind to the looks Nia and Cat are giving her.

''Lena ?'' Cat Grant asks, breaking Kara out of her laughter, realising everyone is looking at her. ''You know Lena Luthor, Kiera ?''

''Hm, yes ?'' Kara asks, unsure if it's a good thing or not, ''I live with her, actually.''

If Kara wasn't so scared she said something wrong on her second day, she would laugh at Nia's comically wide eyes. But instead, she simply looks between Cat Grant and the reporter with crippling nerves.

Cat Grants ends up shaking her head, a small smile on her lips. ''Well, Kiera, it looks like you're going to be useful after all.'' Kara almost scoffs at this, like she didn't work her ass off for two days to make Cat happy. ''You're going with Nia, see what you can learn. Now shoo,'' Cat waves them out, ''the interview is in twenty minutes, you better have some questions ready before you get there.''

Nia and Kara leave the room, Nia's eyes still wide as she mumbles, ''Interview in twenty minutes, better have some questions ready. Does she realises L-Corp is twenty-five minutes away from here ?''

''Well, I hope you walk fast and know how to multitask !'' Kara replies cheerfully.

Nia looks at her with still a bit of surprise, but a grin on her face. ''I multitask like no other ! Hold that.''

Nia dumps her three cups of coffee in Kara's arms and pulls a pad and a pen out of her back pocket, starting to scribble questions while Kara tries her best to free her way before she bumps into someone. Or something, Kara thinks when she has to grab Nia's arm to steer her away from a wall.

All in all, they make it to L-Corp in barely more than ten minutes, having run two streets when Nia finished her questions. The young reporter is out of breath, showing her badge at the security, making Kara laugh.

''How are you not even sweaty ?'' Nia asks in the elevator taking them to the CEO's office, ''And how do you manage to chat when you run ?''

''I work out a lot.'' Kara shrugs, laughing at Nia's scoff.

Nia only has time to catch her breath and finish the last of her coffee – having drank the two others on their way, Kara couldn't hide she was quite impressed – before they arrive in front of Lena's assistant's desk.

The woman on the other side raises an eyebrow in front of Nia's flushed face and Kara's grin, making the two girls straighten their composture. Nia clears her throat before introducing them. The secretary nods, pointing to the waiting area and telling them to sit until Lena is ready for them.

Kara laughs when Nia lets herself fall on a chair, still looking like she just ran a marathon. ''Maybe you should drink some water, you look like you need it.''

Nia rolls her eyes playfully, ''I had enough to drink on our way there.''

''Coffee doesn't count, Nia. Unless you're aiming for a heart failure.''

''Better sooner than later.'' Nia shrugs with a smile, letting Kara know she's only joking. Kara raises an eyebrow at her, making the reporter laugh out loud.

This earn them a dirty look from the secretary, but before they can appologise, the office double doors open. Lena steps out of it, not even glancing at them, giving her assistant a file and signing whatever she gives her in exchange. Then, the secretary nods to them and Lena finally turns around.

The look of complete surprise when she sees her makes Kara smile.

''Kara !'' Lena exclaims, walking towards her and Nia, ''When you said you were Cat Grat's intern, I wasn't expecting her to send you on the field.''

''If by 'the field' you mean fetching coffee, than yes, she sends me out every hour.''

Lena laughs at that, making Kara smile again and her assistant stares at them with wide eyes. She finally turns to Nia when she calms her laughter. Nia, who is nervously playing with her reporter's pad.

''And, you are ?'' Lena asks with a perfectly shaped eyebrow raise.

Nia gawks, her mouth hanging open, and Kara thinks back to her first meeting with Lena. Somehow, she isn't surprised that the CEO has this exact effect on everyone.

Nia finally shakes her head when Kara pokes her in the bicep, ''Nia Nal. I'm a reporter for CatCo Worldwide Media and I'm here to interview you on your newest medical breakthrough ?'' Somehow, her sentence turns into a question half way through.

Lena only smiles at that and gestures for them to follow her. They make it into her gigantic office, everything white and expensive looking, and Lena sits behind her desk, motionning for the other women to sit as well.

Before she sits, Kara notices the glasses and water jug in the corner. Pointing at it, she silently asks Lena if she can help herself. Lena nods, her attention going back quickly to Nia who starts to explain the protocol of being recorded.

Returning with the other women, Kara puts a full glass of water in front of Nia with a pointed look, before sitting next to her. The reporter rolls her eyes but takes a sip. Kara sits back and turns to Lena who is looking between Kara and Nia with a raised eyebrow and an expression that completely confuses Kara.

But Kara doesn't get to ask, Nia finishing her glass rapidly and starting the interview.

Kara listens, watching as Nia starts shy and hesitant, and gains confidence as the questions go. And Lena. When Lena starts to talk about her compagny's progress in the labs, her eyes start to shine. Really shine.

She looks passionate and proud, in a way Kara has never seen her. In the four days she's been living at her house, Kara had a few talks with Lena. Mostly around her children and her life outside L-Corp, being unsure if Lena wanted to share anything about her compagny with someone working for Cat Grant. And Kara has seen Lena proud, when she talks about her children. She's seen her relaxed, when they sat under the tree. She's seen her focused, when she received an e-mail from work. She's seen her amused, when Kara becomes a blushing mess in front of her.

But Kara has never seen her the way she is right now.

She knows why, obviously. Lena's progress at L-Corp save hundreds of lives everyday, she should be proud. But still, Kara can't help but think there is something more behind it. Not just the fact that Lena and her team are making medical breakthrough after medical breackthrough.

When Kara thinks about it, maybe it has something to do with her last name.

Kara remembers their conversation in the tea room on her first day in National City. She remembers how Lena was proud of her last name and legacy she built for it, yet still unsecure about it. Maybe at L-Corp, Lena can be Lena Luthor, without any insecurities. Something she can't be at home. Not around James at least.

''Kara ?''

Kara jumps slightly, having been pull out of her thoughts suddenly. She looks between Lena and Nia, who are both looking at her, Lena with an amused raised eyebrow and Nia with a smirk.

''Yes ?''

Lena's smile grows in front of Kara's lost face, ''The interview is over, Darling.''

''Ah.'' Kara intellectually replies, blushing at the petname and stubbornly ignoring Nia's cocky grin.

Lena chuckles, getting up from her leather chair, Kara and Nia copying her. She leads them to the door and opens it for them, saying warm goodbyes to Nia before turning to Kara.

''Kara ? Are you still okay with taking the kids to soccer practice tomorrow ?''

''Of course, Lena !'' Kara replies cheerfully, ''If you trust me driving your car.''

''I'll make sure it's one with quick reaction safety, don't worry.'' Lena smirks at her and Kara chuckles. ''And if you don't want Jenny with you, I can bring her to work in the afternoon.''

''I'm sure we'll be fine.'' Kara waves her off. ''Little Jenny Bean can keep me company while the boys loose some energy.''

''You wish !'' Lena laughs, and even if Kara doesn't take her eyes off her, she can see Nia looking at them with raised eyebrows. ''They get even more excited after soccer. I hope you can handle three over excited children.''

''Well, they don't call me Supergirl for nothing.''

Lena laughs even louder at this, having already heard her boys calling Kara Supergirl when they realised she could lift them both at the same time.

''Well, Supergirl, I guess we'll see about that.''

And if the flirty way Lena says her nickname isn't enough to make her choke, the way her eyes roam up and down Kara's body certainly is. Lena walks back to her desk after that, leaving a flushed Kara and a giggling Nia on the doorstep.

Kara elbows Nia in the ribs when she doesn't quiet down and her giggles turn into full waves of laughter.

''Girl,'' She says, out of breath, ''You have it bad for Lena Luthor ! You're in so much trouble.''

''Shut up.'' Kara mumbles, but Nia hears her perfectly and laughs louder, earning them a frown from Lena's secretary.

They leave swiftly after that, taking their sweet time going back to CatCo, Kara telling Nia how she ended up living with Lena Luthor and babysitting for her.

Back at the office, Nia makes a photocopy of her notes and gives them to Kara, proposing her to make her own article with them. Cat Grant approves of Nia's idea, and the young reporter gives Kara an appologetic smile when her boss order her to write the article on her free time, before Friday. At least, Kara thinks, she can ask Lena at home if she has any more questions.

All in all, Kara finishes her second day with her first interview, her first article to write and a new friend.

- -

When Kara gets out of the shower on Wednesday, she's falls face to face with Jenny Eloise. Well, more like face to knees. Kara stares at the small child in her pale yellow dangarees, her binky in her mouth and bright green eyes fixed on Kara's, before Kara realises she's naked as the day she was born.

Quickly, she grabs a towell, wrapping it around her chest, while the child still stares at her.

''Hm... Hi ?'' Kara asks the child who lets out a baby chuckle, making Kara's heart melt on the spot.

Jenny raises her chubby fingers towards Kara, obviously asking to be carried. And after a few seconds of hesitation, Kara does. She takes the toddler in her arms, her towell slipping off a bit, but she'd rather end up naked than drop the kid.

''Kara ?''

Lena's voice rings outside her bathroom and Kara makes her way out, Jenny Eloise sucking loudly on her binky in her arms. When Lena sees the child in Kara's arms, she lets out a deeply relieved breath.

''Thank god.'' She sighs, taking the child from Kara, ''I looked for you everywhere, Jenny. You shouldn't disappear like that.''

Kara smiles at the way the child pouts around the pacifier, making Lena visibly melt and drop the scolding. And that's when Lena raises her eyes to Kara. And Kara realises she's not wearing anything else than a fluffy, pretty short towell.

Kara blushes bright red when Lena lets her eyes roam over her barely covered body, stopping at Kara's eyes with a smirk.

''Hm, my-'' Kara stutters, making Lena's smirk turns into a cocky smile, ''Jenny was in my bathroom. I mean, I got out of the shower and she was there.''

''You're telling me you flashed my sixteen months old daughter ?'' Lena asks, obviously teasing, but Kara still panicks.

''Not on purpose ! She was just there when I stepped out of the shower. I would've known, I would've put a towell on before ! Or not gone out. I mean, I couldn't stay in forever, so maybe the towell was the better oprtion, but-''

''Kara, Darling, stop.'' Lena laughs, freeing one of her hands to put it on Kara's forearm and Kara's blush extands to her neck and chest. Somehow, the simple contact additionned to the fact that's she's practically naked makes her entire body shiver.

Lena seems to sense it and lets her hand fall back towards her. She gives Kara a last once over before making her way out. And Kara swears she hears Lena whisper 'You lucky thing' to her daughter.

Once she is dressed and presentable, Kara joins the whole family over breakfast. She is welcome by a chorus of 'Good morning !'s and she replies enthusiastically, making her way to the kitchen. She grabs her favorite mug and fills it up, putting some bread in the toaster. In just the few days she's been here, Kara already developed a morning routine she follows happilly.

Once ready, she drops her breakfast on the table, sitting down next to Landon, in front of Lena. The boy was the one deciding on Kara's place, judging her the best table partner since the cookie scene. Kara didn't protest, surprisingly well fitting into the Olsen-Luthor family life easily.

''Kara ?'' James asks as Kara takes a sip of her too hot coffee. She nods to let him know she's listenning. ''So, are you still okay with taking the twins to soccer practice ?''

''Yes, don't worry.'' Kara replies, ''And, like I said to Lena yesterday, I'm okay with taking little Jenny Eloise with me.''

''Oh, you already talked to Lena about it ?'' James asks, his voice slightly higher, throwing a look at Lena Kara can't quite place.

''Yeah, we talked about when I saw her at L-Corp.''

''I didn't know you two met at L-Corp.'' This time, Kara sees the look for what it is. Reproach. And she's about to ask if it was okay, before thinking better of it. James doesn't get to dictate what Lena does or doesn't.

Lena seems to feel the same. She simply shrugs, sipping on her coffee, ''It's work, honey, I don't tell you everything that goes down there.''

Kara feels the icy tone in the petname and she bites down on her toast to stop herself from appologising.

''You don't tell me anything, these days.'' James mumbles and Lena's eyebrow raises dangerously.

''I'm not compelled to tell you my every move now, am I ?''

Kara chews on her breakfast, realising what's happening, and she's the one who started it. She looks at the twins who do not seem really perturbed by the scene.

''You could've just mentionned it.'' James continue.

''It's work James. Since when do you care about what's going on at L-Corp ?''

''I always care about your company.''

Lena looks surprised at this, her look still predotary, as if she was just about to bite James' head off.

''Oh, really ?''

Her hand puts her mug down and rests flat on the table. Kara takes one look at the scene and she knows that none of this will end well for anyone, especially not James.

So she clears her throat, loudly.

Loud enough for everyone to look at her. Lena seems to relax in front of Kara's wide eyed expression, understanding she was about to argue with her boyfriend in front of her children and guest. Her hands go back to her mug as she gives Kara an appologetic smile.

Kara sighs. They all finish breakfast in silence, only disrupted by Jenny throwing her empty oatmeal bowl on the floor with a loud 'More !'.

Kara smiles at the way the child talks, letting the 'o' running longer than necessary. Jenny doesn't talk much, her vocabulary only consisting in small words barely recognizable by someone who isn't around her constantly. Like 'duck'. Kara was quite surprised on Sunday, when Jenny started yelling 'Uck !' around the house.

The toddler gets a second helping of oatmeal and Kara finishes her breakfast. James kisses his daughter goodbye and leaves the house, still obviously iritated by the earlier argument. Kara notices the way Lena holds her head high, daring him to come any closer before he leaves. And James seems to understand he better not try to show any affection such as a goodbye kiss if he truly cares for his neck.

Once he's gone, Lena visibly relaxes. Not under-her-tree level of relaxed, but more at ease. She packs a dark grey diaper bag with everything Jenny might need, as well as each boy's backpacks. She even packs a bag of snack for the kids and Kara, labelling everything for Kara to remember.

Kara simply watches her, the boys playing upstairs and the smallest on the carpet, with some wooden cubes.

''You know,'' Kara starts, her hands fidgetting, still a bit nervous, ''It's only one afternoon, I'm sure we'll be fine.''

''I'm sure you will.'' Lena stops her packing to smile at Kara, making her less nervous. ''But I'll let you know I usually never trust anyone other than myself when it comes to my children.''

''And somehow I'm not surprised.'' Kara replies easily and Lena gives her a laugh in return.

When she stops laughing, Lena starts her packing again, but this time with a bit of hesitation in her movements.

''Kara ?'' She asks after a few silent seconds.

Kara hums and Lena continues. ''I'm sorry. About the scene earlier.''

''Don't worry about it.'' Kara immediatly reassures her host.

''No, really.'' Lena turns to her, looking more sorry than she needs to be. ''It must be quite uncomfortable to share a table with quarelling hosts. James and I don't usually argue in front of anyone, especially not the kids or our guests. So really, I'm sorry.''

Kara nods. She can see Lena is sincerly feeling bad about it, and dismissing her appologies just doesn't feel right. ''Thank you. For appologising.''

Kara stops herself from asking questions. None of this concerns her in any way, but she can't help but wonder if Lena and James argue a lot. Because the way Lena said it made her think they do. And if yes, then why are they still together ? Lena never stroke Kara as a woman who would let herself stay unhappy to keep the pretty apparences. Yet, Kara starts to think this is how it really is.

Or maybe, they just had a bad moment like it can happen in any relashionship and Kara is reading too much into it. And she shouldn't read anything into it, really. Alex scolded her more than once for always being in other people's business.

So Kara doesn't say anything, instead, she watches as Lena takes her leave soon before lunch, kissing each of her children on the forehead and squeezing Kara's bicep as she says her goodbyes.

After that, Kara makes good use of the massive kitchen to make what looks like a small feast. The kids happilly eat all of their plate's contents, Landon helping himself to a second service, before Kara has them strapped in their seats in the car.

Lena let Kara borrow one of her cars, letting her choose the one she prefered. And Kara almost fainted when Lena took her into her garage. If Kara was expecting something fancy from Lena Luthor, she wasn't expecting rows of cars straight out of collection magazines.

When she pointed out, Lena only smirked and told Kara she enjoys the best ride she can get. Kara had blush at the tentative look Lena was throwing her way and chose the simplest car on display. Which is still a more expensive car that the Danvers could ever afford with their two scientist's salaries.

On their way there, Jenny falls asleep as Lena had plan, only waking up when the boys start yelling excitedly when they arrive. They carry their own backpack and Kara carry the rest, a sleepy Jenny in her arms as well. Landon whispers a small 'Supergirl' when he sees her grab the youngest's binky that fell of her mouth without dropping any of her luggage.

They get to an open air stadium and the boys leave Kara and Jenny, running towards their friends and their coach. Kara chooses a spot on the many chairs placed in the shadow, already filled by parents and younger siblings. She drops the bags next to her and let Jenny sit on her lap, the child waking up slowly, her head resting on Kara's chest.

Kara sighs, content. It wasn't as difficult as Lena made it sound. They got there without any incident or unhappy screams, and the boys seem to have a good time, laughing with other kids their age.

As Kara watches the twins being led inside the building to get change, a silhouette appears in front of her.

''So the rumours are true. Lena Luthor did find someone good enough to watch after her kids.''

Kara frowns at the tall woman in front of her, relaxing slightly when Jenny lets out a happy squeal for the lady.

The woman laughs, sitting in the free seat next to Kara, and Kara sees a child - more pre-teen than child, really – sit next to her.

''Samantha Arias,'' The woman, Samantha, introduce herself, offering her hand to shake. ''Lena Luthor's only friend.''

Kara chuckles, shaking Samantha's hand. ''Kara Danvers, Lena's house guest who was starting to worry about the lack of socialisation from her host. Now I feel much relieved, I might actually get some sleep tonight.''

Samantha lets out a loud laugh, not caring about the looks the other moms give her. ''I like you.'' She says between two waves of laughter.

When her laughter dies down, Samantha introduce her daughter, Ruby. Kara waves at her and the child gives her a shy smile.

''Ruby's playing with the older team,'' Samantha explains, ''We usually wait here a bit to see Lena if she comes, but she told me it wasn't her this time, that it was a friend of hers and I got confused. Since when does Lena has friends who aren't me and that she trusts enough to leave them with her children ? So, we stayed a bit to meet you.''

''Lena really doesn't trust anyone with her kids ?''

Samantha shakes her head with a chuckles, ''Do you know how many nannies Lena hired since the twins are born ?'' When Kara answers the negative, Samantha continues. ''Zero. She never even let me watch over them for too long. She barely even trust James with them !''

Kara's eyes go wide. She knew Lena was protective of her children, but James is Jenny's father. It seems a bit extreme. But then again, Kara noticed the tension between James and the twins.

''But somehow, she trusts you.'' Samantha states, looking a bit suspiciously at Kara. ''What makes you so special, Kara Danvers ?''

Kara feels a bit anxious in front of Lena's friend, afraid to say something wrong. But she doesn't know why Lena trusts her. She's not sure there really is something making her so special, just circomstances. Lena needed someone with her children at the same time Kara needed a place to live.

But it's not what Kara ends up saying.

She simply prentends to really think seriously for a few seconds before saying, with the straightest face, ''Definitely my biceps.''

Samantha seems surprise at first, before she starts laughing even louder than earlier. Kara even sees Ruby giggle behind her hand.

''There's probably more truth behind it than you think.'' Samantha replies, still laughing, her eyes wandering over Kara's arms.

Kara mentally reprimands herself as her cheeks turn a new shade of pink. She turns her head towards the field just in time to see the kids come back from their changing. Kara spots the twins in the pack of energised children. They all wear black jerseys with black shorts and high knee black socks. One of the twin has the number 08 on the back of his jersey, the other one the number 10. Kara is way too far to tell them appart. But she starts to think Layton might be number 10, especially when he kicks a small cone out of the field, earning him a scolding from the coach.

They start the warm ups the moment Kara's phone rings. She reaches for it in her pocket, snorting when she sees the caller is no one else than Lena. She doesnt have any problem believing Samantha about the over protective part, having texted Lena just before leaving home. She answers with a little eye roll.

''Lena ! It's a real surprise to hear from you thirty minutes after we last talk.''

Kara can see Samantha's interested face turning towards her. But she ignores it, focused on Lena's reply.

''Maybe I just missed your voice.'' Lena purrs, a bit too flirty.

Kara blushes again, her mouth falling open. She knows Lena did it on purpose, a way to calm Kara's sass, but her brain still does a full blockage. And even if Sam can't hear what Lena said, Kara still sees her smirk next to her.

''You're still there, Kara ?'' Lena asks on the other side of the line, amusement spilling from her words.

''Still here.'' Kara mumbles, her brain slowly going back in working order.

Lena chuckles, before finally asking the question Kara knows is the real reason of her call. ''How are you getting on ? How are the kids ?''

''All good,'' Kara smiles, even if Lena can't see, ''Boys are warming up and Little Miss Jenny Eloise is perfectly happy making heart eyes at Samantha.''

Kara spares a glance at the woman next to her who mouths 'Just Sam' and Kara nods.

''Wait, Sam is here ?''

Lena sounds slightly worried about this and Kara snorts.

''Yeah, she's been interrogating me since I arrived.''

Sam scoffs next to Kara and Lena chuckles.

''She hasn't been mean to you, has she ?''

''Not at all.'' Kara shakes her head before throwing a wink towards Sam, ''She's been drooling over my biceps, though.''

Lena laughs at this, making Kara smile bigger. ''Can you blame her ?'' And Kara's blush is back full force.

''Anyways,'' Lena continues after a few seconds of silence, ''If you're confident you're in charge and Sam isn't too annoying, I'll leave you to it. Text me when you get home and I'll see you tonight.''

''Sure thing !''

With a last soft goodbye, Lena hangs up.

Kara doesn't want to look at Sam, pretty sure she's ready to tease the hell out of her. She even consider pretending Lena didn't hang up.

But Sam lets out another loud laughter and Kara rolls her eyes. Is everyone in her life really going to tease her about Lena ?

''I see Lena's charms have already hit you.'' Sam chuckles and Kara sighs with a smile, not really as annoyed as she pretends by Sam's attitude. She drops her chin on top of Jenny's head and the child presses her face closer to Kara's chest.

Kara watches as the coach rounds up the kids to give them instructions before practice really start. It takes two hours of children running around, with just a little friendly match in the last minutes before they're ready to go home. During the whole time, Kara and Sam talked about almost everything. And Kara is not really surprised to realise that Sam is really sweet and great company, especially when she stops teasing her.

And besides the few minutes of tantrum from Jenny when her snacks ran out, everyone has a great time. When the kids come back from the changing rooms, all running towards the seats to their parents, the twins and three other kids make their way towards Kara and Sam.

They stop in front of Kara as Landon reaches for the snack in Kara's bag.

''Is it true you're a superhero ?'' A very ginger little girl asks Kara.

Kara laughs and Sam does the same.

''Yeah she is !'' Landon shouts with his mouth full of cookies. ''She's Supergirl !''

''Can you show us how strong you are ?'' Another boy asks, looking way too excited about it.

Sam is still laughing and Kara smiles at the children, a bit scared at the pure admiration in their eyes, not wanting to disappoint them.

''Well,'' Kara whispers secretly, ''I can't really reveal my true identity in broad daylight.''

She expects the kids to be a bit disappointed at this, but their eyes only shine more, the confirmation that Kara really is a superhero not lost on them.

''Can you just carry her, please ?'' The ginger girl asks, pointing at Sam.

Sam laughs, throwing her head back as she stands up. She turns to Kara with a smirk. ''Come on, Supergirl. Show us what you got.''

And Kara takes the challenge for what it really is. She gets up as well, giving Jenny to Ruby who looks delighted about it, and takes a step closer to Sam. She pulls her sleeves up, throwing a wink at Sam when her eyebrows shot up, and she bends over, passing her arms around the woman's hips. Effortlessly, having spend enough time in the gym to be used to carry much heavier weigh, she lifts Sam in her arms, pulling her closer to her when Sam's arms snake around her neck with a suprised huff.

The kids around her cheer and clap, making Kara laugh and almost drop the woman. She can see Ruby with a phone pointed towards them when she turns around, setting Sam back on her feet. Kara turns towards the children, now aware that other parents are smiling and cheering at her as well. She bows to them with a smile, earning another row of claps.

''God,'' Sam sighs next to her, ''I don't know how Lena's going to survive having you around for three months. You really are something, Kara Danvers.''

Kara smiles at Sam, unsure how to take the obvious compliment. She gets Jenny back from Ruby who is busy on her phone and picks all the bags up.

Sam laughs at this, taking the boys' backpack from Kara's arms. ''Enough display of strengh for today, Supergirl.''

The boys say their goodbyes to their friends and follow Kara and Sam towards the car, talking excitedly about how awesome Kara was. Kara smiles the whole way to the car, strapping Jenny in her seat and giving a hug to Sam and Ruby as goodbye.

Once again, Jenny falls asleep in the car, but she doesn't wake up this time when they arrive. Kara leaves the bags in the car, carrying a sleeping toddler inside, putting her down in her bed. She puts the baby monitor on and empty the car. The boys are kicking a soccer ball inside, shouting at eachother and having more energy than they had before practice.

Kara sighs. ''Boys, what do you want to do now ?''

The kids stop their game with thoughtful faces. Kara smiles in front of the identical faces. In a few days time, Kara ended up being pretty good at telling them apart. Not really physically, both kids having the exact same face, apart from the dimples, but more in their attitude, the way they talk, move or the look in their eyes.

Landon always seems more quiet, relaxed. He isn't, of course, but that's the kind of vibes he gives off. Layton seems more agressive, energised. And maybe he is, always ready to run off or pick a fight. But in a gentle way, somehow.

''Maybe you can play chess with me ?'' Layton asks.

''Well...'' Kara looks around, trying to find something else to do. She comes up with nothing, so she turns back to the child. ''I don't actually know how to play chess.''

The twins' faces lilght up in amusement, making Kara pout.

''I'll teach you !'' Landon shouts, taking Kara's hand and leading them towards the coffee table while Layton goes to get the chess board. ''And we can kick Layton's ass together.''

''Landon !'' Kara laughs, ''I'm sure your mom woudn't be pleased about your language.''

Landon only shrugs with a smile, ''Mommy always swears. One time, I heard her say 'fuck you' to Auntie Sam.''

''Landon !''

- -

When Lena comes home, later that day, Jenny is awake and Kara knows how to play chess, Layton and Landon having taugh her as best as they could before beating her again and again in only a few moves. They all decide to go for a walk around the estate to show Kara the lake and its surroundings.

It's enormous.

And beautiful. The boys find some sticks to throw in the water, competting as to which can throw better. Lena ends the game when Landon almost knock out his brother with a heavy branch.

At first, Jenny stays hapilly in her mother's arms, but soon enough she asks to be put down. Lena's only condition is that her daughter holds someone's hand when they're near the water. And it is how Kara and Lena end up holding each a little hand and swinging a giggly toddler every three steps.

Their walk lasts longer than Kara thought, the property even bigger than what it seems, and Lena has to put her three children in the bath after they rolled in the mud, throwing the wet clothes in the washing machine.

Kara uses the time away from the kids to start on her article. L-Corp's new medical breakthrough is quite astonishing. It's a serum, made to be injected into volunteer cancer patients going through chemiotherapy, to protect their good blood cells, making the cancer cells the only vulnerable ones.

The serum was tested on already a hundred patients of three different kinds of cancer, and Kara is quite baffled over the numbers Lena gave Nia.

Unfortunately, the serum doesn't work for every type of cancer. According to Nia's notes, lung cancer was the most fortunate, and breast cancer the least. But the huge steps Lena is making towards a full cancer cure isn't lost on Kara who feels unconditional pride.

Which bleeds into her writing, Kara realises after a few paragraphs. But she simply shrugs it off and keeps on writing.

When James comes back this evening, it's as if the morning scene never happend. He plays with his daughter and cook them dinner while Lena is answering some email on her laptop, sitting on the couch. Kara plays with the boys, getting beat up again at chess. She sees the way Lena laughs quietly everytime one of her boys completely destroy Kara, and Kara pouts after the fifth consecutive time Layton beats her mercilessly. Lena gives up on her work at that, sitting next to Kara on the floor, facing her twin boys.

''Come on Kara,'' She says, bumping Kara's shoulder with her own, ''I'll help you beat up two eight years old.''

Kara huffs but Lena only laughs, placing the pawns back as the twins do the same. The game is a lot more interesting with Lena by her side, but the twins win anyway when Kara makes a horrible move that makes Lena hides her face in her hands in embarassement.

''Dinner's ready, everyone.''

James calls cheerfully and they all get up to join Jenny and James who are already sitting at the table.

After dinner, Lena calls up for another 'chat' with Kara and takes her outside. Kara remembers to put shoes on this time, but Lena doesn't bother, walking bare feet on the grass. They get under the tree in silence and Lena sighs the moment they sit down.

Kara looks at her, the way Lena throws her head back, watching the leaves and branches above her head, looking more relaxed by the second. She's beautiful like that, Kara can't help but think. Lena always seems even more beautiful under this tree.

''Stop staring, you creep.'' Lena smirks, not even glancing at Kara.

''Sorry,'' Kara blushes, ''You just always look beautiful when we're out here.'' And Kara blushes deeper as Lena turns her head towards her. Why did she say that ?

But Lena only smiles, putting her hand on Kara's, a reflection of the first time they were here. They don't say anything else. Kara doesn't ask why Lena feels the need to isolate herself again today. Or why she wanted to take Kara with her. They simply stay there, listening to the soft wind in the branches and enjoying the peaceful evening atmosphere.

They stay here, under the tree, until, once again, Kara starts to be fidgety, not really good with staying put for too long. She tries to calm her restless energy down, not wanting to deprive Lena of her moment of peace. But Lena notices anyway and gets up, her hand still holding Kara's. Kara follows suit, not that she has much choice with Lena's hand pulling her up.

Lena doesn't take her hand out of Kara's immediatly, and Kara doesn't say anything, surprising herself with how right the touch feels. Lena only lets go when a brown cat appears in front of them, freezing when it realises it's not alone.

''No !'' Lena shouts, clapping her hands and letting go of Kara's in the process. ''Shoo ! Get away !''

The cat doesn't wait for her to repeat herself before it's gone, running towards the street.

''Lena !'' Kara scolds the woman, ''Why did you scare the poor thing off ?''

''He shits on the lawn.'' Lena huffs with her chin high, as if she was actually proud of scaring a stray cat, ''I don't have pets so I can go outside in my garden with no shoes on.'' Lena points to her bare feet, ''But this little bastard comes here and piss all over the grass. I don't like him.''

Kara looks at her, mouth open in surprise and eyebrows high. There is actual hatred in Lena's word to a point where it's actually comical. Lena never stroke her as the kind who would hate a cat for doing its business in her giant garden. And with this thought, Kara burst out laughing. Lena's face shoots in her direction with raised eyebrow, making Kara laugh even louder.

Lena waits patiently for Kara to calm down, with only one eyebrow up now. Once Kara is calm enough to look Lena in the eyes again, the other woman crosses her arms over her chest.

''Are you done ?''

Kara chuckles at that and Lena seems to expect another round of laughter, if the way her head falls to the side is anything to go by. But Kara only grins at her, nodding towards the back door for them to go back inside.

They make their way in and Lena wishes Kara goodbye, going upstairs, towards the sound of children. James is still in the living room, playing with Jenny with a toddler size puzzle. The kid doesn't seem to actually contribute anything to the making of the picture, simply chewing on the plastic pieces while James try to teach her how to put them together. Jenny squeals happily when she sees Kara, making James look up.

He smiles at Kara when she passes, glancing behind her, probably expecting Lena to follow. When he realises she's not coming, James turns back to Kara.

''Had a nice chat ?''

For a second, Kara thinks she can hear a second meaning to that question. But she quickly shakes it off in front of James' genuine smile.

''If by chat you mean Lena shouting after a cat, then yes, we had a lovely chat.'' She replies with a genuine smile of her own.

''Yeah,'' James laugh, ''She really hate that poor thing.''

Kara rolls her eyes, and when she understand the conversation is over, she bids James goodnight and leaves to her room.

- -

Kara finishes her article the next day. Cat Grant didn't say how long or short she needs to make it, so Kara improvised. James is home with the kids, if Layton's shout of 'You're not the boss of me !' resonating through the house every twenty minutes are anything to go by. But Kara knows how to ignore shouts, having spend enough time in a University dorm, trying to finish assignements at the last minute.

After an entire day inside her bedroom, finishing and byproofing her article, Kara finally steps into the hallway. She's met there by Jenny, her binky in her mouth as always, looking up at her with a yellow teddy bear in her arms.

''Mama ?'' The little girl asks around the pacifier, pointing at Kara.

''Definetely not, J-Bean.'' Kara replies, closing the door behing her. ''What are you doing here on your own ?''

''Mama !'' Jenny replies happily, raising a hand towards Kara, the other one holding her bear by its ear.

''Yeah, please don't call me that.'' Kara gringes as she picks up the child, ''I don't exactly want to reap the wrath of Lena Luthor.''

Jenny doesn't understand, obviously, and she pats Kara on the cheek with a grin that makes her binky fall. Kara picks it up and put it in her pocket, planning on washing it later. The first thing she notices when she enters the living room, is James. And no one else.

James is simply sitting on the sofa, sipping on a cup of coffee, the twins nowhere in sight. There is toys everywhere, and now that Kara is a bit closer, she sees that James looks really tired.

''Hello, Supergirl.'' Kara hears a whisper at her right and looks to see Landon, his body facing a room corner but his face smilling at Kara. And with one more swipe of the room, Kara finds Layton in the same position, in front of the opposite corner, but his face looks like pure rage and is facing James.

Right, Kara just walked in when the kids are being grounded.

But Kara is here for a mission, so she takes a deep breath and call, ''James ?''

The man almost jumps off his seat turning towards Kara who feels like flying away. But James simply gives her a tired smile and Kara relaxes. She knows how it is, really. She has done her fair share of babysitting and she's met some children who didn't get along with her at all. It can be hard and tiring, especially when there's two of them.

''Hey Kara. Do you need something ?''

''Yes, actually.'' Kara says, bouncing Jenny to place her correctly on her hip. ''I need to print an article, do you have a printer ?''

James nods, ''I think there's one in Lena's office. Third door on the left when you get upstairs.''

''Thank you !'' Kara replies, leaving for the stairs, only realising once she's at the top that she still has the child in her arms. But she shrugs it off, continuing her way towards the office.

During the tour, Lena didn't stop long for her to appreciate her office, only openned the door to show them before moving on. This time, Kara has time to take it all in. The room is big, and surprisingly light. There is a magnificent desk made of dark vernished wood and a bookcase full of heavy encyclopedias. A cabinet in a corner, closed with a heavy lock and a printer/scanner next to it. Perfect. Now, Kara realises, all she has to do is go back downstairs to get her laptop.

She drops Jenny with James on her way down, watching as Landon picks up toys while Layton is still in the corner, fuming. She picks her laptop and quickly print the four pages of her article. She reads it over one more time and, happy with the result, she abandounds work for the day, deciding to go help James so he can relax a bit.

As it is, James is more than happy to let Kara be in charge of the kids, much more trustful than Lena, apparently. And the twins are delighted at the idea of another afternoon with Kara.

''Kara, Kara !'' Layton jumps around her excitedly, ''Can you come play with us in our house ?''

''Am I not already in your house ?'' Kara laughs, picking a sleepy looking Jenny up.

''No, this is Mommy's house. We have our own.''

Intrigued, Kara lets the kids lead her outside, apparently sharing the same relashionship with shoes as their mother, to a gorgeous treehouse on the other side of the garden. Well, more like a tree castle.

The wooden house isn't exactly in a tree, at least, not all of it. There is two doors, one up the tree like a normal treehouse, and one on the side, to the part that is actually on the floor. Because this treehouse has apparently two floors ; one in the tree and one on the ground.

Kara decides to uses the door on the side, barely having to bend over to come inside. And she gasps when she sees the interior. Everything inside is made of wood, painted in pastel colors. Unlike usual treehouses, Kara can't see any spiderweb or moisture, as if someone kept the house looking fresh and clean constantly.

The boys lead Kara towards a wooden table, making her sit on a too small chair. Then, they disappear behind a curtain to what sounds like to be the kitchen. There is also a ladder on the left, leading to the part of the house in the tree.

Kara can't help but be completely astonished by the small house. Whoever designed it deserves some kind of award. They managed to make a small tree house look gigantic yet cozy.

''This place is amazing !'' Kara remarks when the boys come back with fake wooden food, ''Who made it ?''

''Mommy designed it,'' Landon explains as he serves Kara and Jenny, ''She didn't build it, but she painted it.''

''Well, your Mommy is amazing.''

''Of course she is.'' Layton replies matter-of-factly, making Kara chuckle.

They stay inside the small house for what feels like hours, and maybe it is. Jenny is fast asleep on Kara's chest when there's a knock on the wooden door. Landon opens it to reveal Lena, barefoot and carrying a paper bag from Noonan's.

''Delivery !'' Lena announces with a sing-song intonation. ''Someone ordered pastries ?''

The twins shout happily, making Jenny winces before she goes back to sleep. Lena steps inside the house, sitting in the free tiny chair next to Kara with a smile thrown her way.

''Just in time, Lena.'' Kara says with a grin, ''We just had tea but your children forgot to feed me and I'm starting to starve.''

''And here I thought I taught them basic hospitality.'' Lena shakes her head with a smile.

Layton scoffs at that, pointing at Kara's wooden plate. ''We gave you vegetables ! Vegetables are good for you.''

''Maybe,'' Kara responds, ''But I was trying to pity your mother to have some pastries.''

Lena laughs next to Kara, loud and free, and Kara finds herself enjoying the sound of it. Craving it.

''You don't need to pity me into feeding you, Kara. The sight of you with my sleeping daughter charms me enough that I'm willing to offer you a croissant. If you'd like one, of course.'' Lena pulls a perfect looking butter croissant out of the bag and waves it in front of Kara.

''French food is the direct way to my heart, Lena.'' Kara replies as she takes the pastry. Lena smirks.

''Speaking of, you said you were from Canada, right ?''

Kara hums around a mouthful, discreetly wiping the crumbs off the sleepy toddler's hair. Lena notices and shakes her head.

''Do you speak French, Kara ?'' Lena asks with a genuinely intrigued expression.

''Evidemment que je parle français !'' Kara replies in her perfect French, her American accent vanishing the moment she opens her mouth. ''Pour qui tu me prends ?''

Lena raises an eyebrow at Kara's cockiness. ''Pour quelqu'un qui a un peu trop d'assurance, apparemment.''

Kara's mouth falls open, ''You speak French too ?''

Lena laughs at this, making Kara's chest puff out a bit, proud to have gotten another real laughter out of her host.

''I speak eight languages, Kara ! Although, my Greek is a bit rusty.''

And Kara is pretty sure her mouth is on the floor now. She knows she looks ridiculous, but Lena really surprises her everyday. And Lena chuckles, placing two fingers under Kara's chin and closing her mouth with a smirk. Kara simply blushes, putting the rest of her pastry in her mouth. And Lena smiles, sliding another pastry towards Kara before turning her attention to her kids.

They stay there, playing for another hour, pretending to eat wooden food and drink invisible tea. Jenny wakes up after Kara drops her fake carrot on her head. At some point, Lena offers Kara a tour of the room in the tree, that turns out to be a bedroom, with cushions and blankets, comfy and tight. Really tight. Tight enough that, when they lie down on the mess of blankets, Lena's side is completelly pressed into Kara, making her blush harder than she ever did and Lena giggle, her breath tickling Kara's jaw. But they don't get much time to enjoy this, the twins running and jumping on the both of them, shouting and laughing.

When they get back inside the house, the twins immediately run away, leaving Lena and Kara in the living room. As Kara watches Lena setting Jenny on the floor so she can catch up on some work, an idea forms into Kara's mind.

''Lena ?''

Lena raises her head, her expression soft the way it always is when she looks at Kara.

Kara inhales deply, ''I was just wondering... I had to write an article, for Cat Grant. Remember, two days ago, when Nia and I went to L-Corp ?'' Lena nods, as if she could forget about it in two days time, ''Well, Miss Grant asked me to write the article as an exercice, I guess. I have to give it to her tomorrow, wich is a bit short noticed for an article, but it's just a training practice, I guess, so it doesn't really matter. Well, I mean, it does matter since-''

''Kara, Darling,'' Lena interrups her, ''Was there a question you wanted to ask ?''

''Right.'' Kara's shoulders drop and she claps her hands together, ''Do you want to see it ? The article, I mean !''

Kara feels like a child, wanting to proudly show her creation to her parent. But it feels kind of personal, somehow, having to write about Lena. So she wants her to read it, even if the thought of being judged on the way she saw Lena's breakthrough is quite scary. But Lena simply smiles at her, patient and understanding.

''I would love to.'' She replies. And, just like that, Kara's worries are gone.

Kara leaves towards her bedroom, walking back a few seconds later with the few pages she printed earlier. She hands them to Lena and takes a sit next to her, watching her as her eyes scan the lines, reading with a serious expression that Kara has seen before when she answers e-mails about work.

Lena is a fast reader and her face doesn't let on anything she might think or feel while she does so. Which means that Kara is back at being fidgety before Lena even reaches the last page. And when she's done, Lena simply gives Kara back her work, nodding, her serious expression still there, as if she was just looking for the right words to end Kara.

And then, she looks Kara in the eyes and smiles. She looks at her in a way she never did before, not just soft, but with something else that Kara isn't sure she can identify. Something close to gratitude, but with something more.

''It's amazing, Kara.'' Lena says quietly, her voice as soft as her smile, ''You have a true talent with words.''

Kara tries to shrug it off but Lena shakes her head.

''Really, Kara. This is absolutely incredible. Cat Grant would be a fool not to publish that.''

And Kara laughs at that, ''She won't publish it, I'm not a reporter.''

''Well, you could've fooled me.'' Lena replies, her soft expression replaced by a more flirty one, teasing Kara like she does so well. And Kara blushes, as always.