Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1
“So, you’re the new neighbour huh?“
Kara put down the box in her hand and turned towards the voice to see a young woman holding a brown bowl in her hands peering through her open door “Um, yes?“ Kara said, unsure what the stranger wanted from her.
“Sorry! It’s just uh- the door was open so-“
“It’s fine.“ Kara cuts in with a soft smile on her face “Do you need something?“ Kara glanced around the living room and felt her face burn with shame at the mess. Boxes after boxes are stacked on one another. There’s a box that’s half opened right in front of the stranger and another right by her feet with the contents of it spilling out from the box.
The woman grins, not minding the mess and holds out the bowl in her hand towards Kara “It’s a welcome soup for you.“ she says and timidly walks into Kara’s still bare apartment with Kara’s welcoming nod “I’m Remi Omens by the way, I live below you…“
Kara nods and takes the soup from Remi “Thank you, it’s very sweet of you. I’ll return the bowl once I’m done.“ Kara says with a soft smile on her face.
Remi blushed and cleared her throat “And you are?"
“Oh! I’m Kara, Kara Danvers.“ carefully holding the bowl, Kara makes her way to the kitchen with Remi fast on her trail.
“So, word around is you’re from National City?“ Remi says as she takes a seat on one of the two chairs near the kitchen.
Kara turned around to wash her hands and grimaced at the stranger making herself comfortable in her new apartment before putting a polite face for her guest “Do all tenants here gossip about the new person in the building?“
“Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to be a busy body it’s just Joe from maintenance was talking about a new girl from National City so it had to be you. I apologi-“
The nervous rambling reminded Kara of herself and it brought a small smile to her face. Kara chuckled and raised her hand to make the brunette stop her nervous explanation, “Relax, I’m just teasing. Yes, I am from National City.“
Remi’s shoulder relaxed and she smiled at Kara “So, what brings you to Metropolis?“
“Stop! please! It hurts!“
“Stop it please.“
Remi waited for an answer but the woman before her was miles away “Kara?“
Remi’s hand moved forward to touch the woman’s shoulder but just before her fingers could feel the fabric of the her clothes, Kara moved to the sink with her back to her, avoiding the woman’s touch.
Kara gripped the sink and took a deep breathe to even her breathing “Just needed a new scenery is all.“ she said quietly, but loud enough for Remi to hear her.
“Are you alright?“ Remi asked, concerned at seeing that Kara’s hand was shaking and her body tense.
“Hm? I’m sorry Remi, gosh I just have the worst headache… I think the move is starting to get to me.“ Kara turned and gave Remi a small tired smile.
Remi nodded and looked at Kara with a concerned look before backing off “Of course! Sorry to just barge in.“ She walked out to the door before yelling out, “If you need any help just let me know.“
Kara bit her lip as she walked over to close and lock the door. What was she thinking, leaving the door wide open like that?
Kara took a deep breath but she still feels light headed, she glanced down at her hand and stared at her shaking hand. She turned around and accidentally knocked down a couple of boxes with her arm “Shit.“ Kara sighed before reaching for the spilled contents and recklessly tossed everything back into the box.
She hurriedly went to the kitchen and opened one of the drawers which she had filled before. She grabbed the bottle of pill and shook it until two pills dropped to her palm. She can feel the walls are closing in, her breath is now shorter and her vision is starting to blur. She tossed the pills down her throat and gulped down a glass of water. She took deep breaths, waiting for the pill to start working.
“So, what brings you to Metropolis?"
Remi’s question echoed in her mind as she feels herself sway with every step she takes to her bed. Her mind is hazy, her throat is closing up on her, her hands tingles, and her eyes tears up from all the memory flooding her mind. She manages to get herself under the duvet before she passes out.
When the next morning comes, she was annoyed at everything and nothing. The early morning noises used to excite her for what the her day would entail but now it’s nothing but noises in her already loud mind. The sound of birds used to make her smile, now they make her frown. She hears people groaning and shutting off their alarms in annoyance, she hears people moving about in the confront of their own homes and preparing for their day.
Kara huffs before dragging herself out of bed. Today was her first day after all.
“Miss Danvers, despite you having a Degree in Journalism and Communications you also have a PhD in Science in Earth and Planetary Science but you opted for a career in journalism. Why the sudden career change? Don’t get me wrong, our team at Luthor Corp here would definitely benefit from your expertise but... I am curious as to why?"
Kara gripped the edges of her blazer as she eyed the poised woman interviewing here. While Kara had done her research and was aware of what the younger Luthor had looked like, Lena Luthor’s beauty still astounded her. Her eyes were emerald green with a hint of blue and Kara found herself mesmerized by them. Lena Luthor sat in front of her as if she owned the world. There was only confidence in the way the younger Luthor projected herself.
“My parents were both scientists, and when they both passed… it seemed only right for me to pursue science. Science has always and will always be a part of me." Kara adjusted her glasses. “But then my cousin went into journalism and made a name for himself. He didn’t take me in when my parents passed and I was adopted by a wonderful family but I suppose that’s why I took journalism as well, to connect to him and while journalism has been a challenge, it’s not something I enjoy as much as science. That’s when I came across the job opportunity here."
“I’m sorry for your loss, Miss Danvers.“ Lena said, her voice laced with sincerity. “I dare say you’ve made a name for yourself as well, no? A Pulitzer after only a year in journalism. That’s quite the achievement.“
“It was just luck, is all.“ Kara replied, her expose on the corrupt working environment at a rather big company had garnered attention and it was one of her proudest work. She had stayed up countless of nights, tripled check every sources and missed work to investigate. It all was worth it.
Lena glanced down at the paper on her table and grinned “And Miss Grant had nothing but praises for you, I can count on one hand the number of people she considers competent and you’re one of them.“
Kara felt sick at the mention of Cat’s name. Kara glanced down at her hand and sees the tremble. She curled her hand shut hard.
The younger Luthor, seemingly unaware of Kara’s tense shoulder and internal panic rounded the table with a very warm smile on her face. “Welcome to the team, Miss Danvers.“
Her first day was as dull as it can be. Though it was nice to go back to nerd mode and use her brain for equations, it was also very tiring for her to suddenly revisit all the theories and concepts. They had given Kara her own office which was nice, but she’d barely stayed there for five minutes to appreciate the space before she was called away to the lab.
She was introduced to everyone there by Lena Luthor herself which was a shock to Kara. Apparently, Lena Luthor was very much involved and hands on with every project on board. Kara had thought that she’d barely even share the same space with Lena but apparently from the way things are, it seems as if they’ll be working very closely with each other which not what Kara had in mind when she applied working at Luthor Corp.
The day started and ended fast. She stayed back for a while to go over the files of all the projects so she’s caught up on them and then once the clock hits 10, she left. She walked around the corner and went into the back alley and shoots to the sky.
Kara flew in the direction of Luthor Manor, knowing that not a soul would be there at this time of the night. Kara had done her research and stake outs. The maids and servants would often leave by latest at 7pm. So, it was a surprise to her that once she had broken into one of the many rooms in the manor, she could hear a heartbeat in the vicinity of the house and someone moving about.
“What the-“ Kara muttered out before catching herself to stay quiet when she heard footsteps closing in. Panicked, she flew up and stick her whole body to the ceiling and prayed to Rao the person didn’t look up. Kara thanked Rao for the fact that every room in the manor had a high ceiling so she wouldn’t really be in the peripheral vision of the person walking in.
Kara heard the door open and flick of the light switch. She held her breath as she watched as Lena Luthor walked into the room with a frown on her face.
What is she doing here? Kara knew for a fact that the younger Luthor had a place of her own. For the three weeks that Kara had staked out the Manor, not once had Lena set foot here.
Kara watched as Lena walked around the room, eyeing every corner with her brows furrowed. Lena walked into the restroom and then walked right back out.
Was she looking for something?
Lena opened the closet and closed it with a relieved sigh when there was nothing inside. Kara felt as if her heart was about to leap out of her chest from nerves. Lena made her way back to the door with a small comment of “Weird.“ and flicked off the light switch and left.
What the hell was that? Had there been a sensor that she’s wasn’t aware of?
Slowly descending herself to the ground, her hearing tuned to Lena moving about near the ground floor of the manor. She heard a drawer open and then closed. Then she heard Lena leaving the manor. Kara had stood still the entire time, too scared to move. Once she was sure the younger Luthor had left the vicinity of the manor, Kara moved to one of the room on the second floor below.
The room was neat and tidy. There wasn’t anything that could openly indicate that the room belonged to Lex Luthor. Kara could feel her skin crawl at the fact that she’s in Lex Luthor’s childhood bedroom. She wouldn’t set foot here if she could, but she’s desperate.
She looked everywhere. From the study table, the drawers, under the bed (Kara was glad not to find any magazines under there) and even used her x-ray vision.
“It must be here somewhere.“ she muttered and sat on the bed to look around again when her eye caught a silver chess piece by the bedside table. Odd. Why is there only one chess piece here?
Kara grabbed the pawn and fiddled with it as she looked and walked around the room. She mindlessly returned the pawn to the chess board which was on Lex’s study when a part of the wall separated itself and opened. It led to a secret room where Kara could see Lex’s works.
“Wow.“ Kara snickered at her luck and walked into the room “Now, where are you?“
Lex’s whiteboard was full of equation for what Kara figured was for his Lexosuit. Kara rummaged around and grabbed a handful of what she deemed useful and superspeed read through his journals. She grabbed the ones containing the information needed and went out of the room. She returned the pawn to Lex’s bedside table and left the manor, hoping she’ll never need to go back there.
She barged into her apartment through the window and laid all of the things she’d gathered onto the dining table. She’d remembered all of Lex’s scribbles and notes on the whiteboard and even though she’d superspeed read through his journals, she needs to read them all again. Slowly, this time.
She made herself a cup of tea and began reading through one by one of his journals. From what she had gathered, Lex knew that Clark is Superman and is planning something. What exactly, she’s not sure. There’s a mention of green kryptonite involved but that wasn’t what she’s looking for.
“It’s not enough.“ She growled and then cursed under her breath when she noticed that she’d tore the journal she was holding apart. She needs more information. More notes on kryptonite. The question is, where can she find more?
“Useless.“ Kara tossed the torn journal in her hand to the surface of the table and gripped the edges of the table “Does all he care about is green kryptonite? Where’s his notes on red kryptonite? Other research? Other projects? There must be something.“
Kara had made a decision and she planned on going through with it. She’s lost too much to let a dead end hinder her plans. Her phone buzzed and she glanced at it from where she was standing. It was a message from Alex.
I miss you. The text had read, Kara bit her lip and resisted the urge to fly home to National City. Home? She hasn’t stepped foot in National City in years and yet, a part of her still longed to be there. Alex is still there, waiting and calling and texting. But Kara had been silent. Not a word from Kara at all and yet Alex still never stopped.
Kara knows that Alex could have easily tracked her phone and showed up to where she was. Alex always knows where she is, but Kara also knows that Alex wouldn’t do that. Alex knows that Kara’s not ready. That being said, time is running out and Alex’s patience is running thin.
Kara could feel the tears brimming in her eyes. Her body tenses and her shoulder shakes as a lonely broken sob echoes the dimmed apartment.
It’s been two years.
Two years since the incident. Two years since she’s quit CatCo, stopped seeing her friends, family and two years since she’d put on the cape.
“ t’s stated here that you handed in your resignation two years ago, and only now are you seeking employment again. May I ask what you were doing during the two years? There wasn’t any mention of you working anywhere here in your resume during that two years.“ Lena asked, her brows were furrowed as she looked at Kara.
Kara gave Lena of what she hoped would look like a genuine smile instead of a fake one.“I travelled for a bit, and I did some freelancing during that time. None worth mentioning is all, which is why I left it blank.“
“I doubt anything written by you is not worth mentioning.“ Lena said with one of her eyebrow lifted.
Kara blushed under the attention and readjusted her glasses. “Just a small role here and there and not all journalism work.“
Lena hummed and continued to stare at Kara, clearly indicating that she wants to know.
Kara sighed and gave Lena a tight lipped smile, annoyed that the younger Luthor wanted such information out of her, but this is a job interview and Lena is her employer so she deserves to know and has the right to know. “Um, I did some work for Wayne Industries as a consultant on a few of their projects that first year and then I followed along with Ms. Diana Prince as a speech writer last year before I moved here.“
“Huh, some big names there Miss Danvers.“ Lena had a look on her face that Kara couldn’t decipher. Perhaps she was impressed or perhaps she was intrigued as to how a mere journalist could dabbled with such individuals “I’d dare say, having it on your resume would do in your favour.“
Kara grinded her teeth, not feeling comfortable at what has now become somewhat of an interrogation. “They’re also friends of mine, and I did those jobs as a favour hence, which is why I left it out of my resume.“
Seemingly picked up on Kara’s discomfort, Lena’s face softens and she nodded in understanding. “Of course." She said. “I’ve met Miss Prince a few times, and Luthor Corp is one of Wayne Enterprises many ally. Perhaps your employment here could mean an even more joint venture between the two companies." Lena ended the conversation with a hopeful comment and Kara was just glad to have it end.
“Perhaps.“ Kara said.
Kara wiped her tears and sighed knowing that if she wants more information then she’d have to ask for help which is a bother because the last thing that she wants right now is people in her life. Another question is, whose help does she need?
Her next day at work was just as dull, when Lena Luthor entered the lab, Kara was a bit distracted. She’s still wondering about why Lena was at Luthor Manor last night and how it looked like Lena was aware that Kara had broken into the manor. Kara is also distracted by how annoyingly gorgeous the younger woman looked even with the ridiculous lab eye protection and lab coat. Well, only the eye protection. The lab coat was definitely a look that made Kara recheck her equation because she wasn’t entirely focused while doing them.
“Miss Danvers.“ Lena greeted her as she approached Kara’s section in the lab “How has it been so far?“
Kara nodded her head “Good.“ Kara doesn’t know what else to say, it’s her second day and the work had all been utterly boring. She’d barely spoken to her co-workers and had opted to keep to herself.
Lena grinned and waited for Kara to elaborate more but Kara was just staring at her with a blank look on her face so she opted for a “Great then, If there’s anything you need or want to talk to me then you’re welcomed in my office at any time.“
Kara nodded her head with an awkward smile on her face, seemingly uncomfortable at the approach. “Thank you, Miss Luthor.“ Kara said.
Lena stared at Kara before glancing towards what she was working on and then she smacked her lips together making a ‘tsk’ sound before walking pass her “Right. Well, I’ll leave you to it then.“ leaving Kara wondering if she was doing something wrong to warrant the ‘tsk’ noise from her boss. Kara felt her nose itch and sneezed just as a co-worker walked pass by her.
“Bless you.“ He said.
“Thanks.“ Kara replied mindlessly as she eyed the data on her computer.
He grinned from the response “Guess someone is shit talking you.“
“What?“ Kara looked to her right to see him fiddling with his tie as he looked at her with a cheeky grin on his face.
He leaned on her desk. “There’s an old saying that you sneeze when someone is talking shit about you.“
Quiet uncomfortable with him invading her space, Kara gave him a polite smile. “Oh.“ before giving him a look that said ‘you’re making me uncomfortable’
He seemed to have gotten the hint when he mumbled something about getting back to work.
Kara sighed and hoped that that was not his attempt at flirting with her, she’s got too much on her plate right now and frankly, she has no plans to make friends at all. Her dull day is now ruined with a bad mood and she gritted her teeth as she continued to work.
As the days pass, she worked endlessly on her reports, research and calculations. One of the perks of working at Luthor Corp is that they’ve got the best equipment for everything and her inner nerd was very giddy to have such equipment to use. She was always one of the first people in the office and would leave late at night when her mind is exhausted to the point that she knew that as soon as her head lands on her pillow, she’d immediately pass out. Kara doesn’t want time to stare at the ceiling before bed, Kara doesn’t want time so her mind could wander so she worked herself to the bone. Kara’s quite glad that her work is taking over her time as she’s still unsure of where to go next to for her plan, she doesn’t know where Lex’s private labs are and she’s stressed beyond believe so she needs to distract herself.
It’s Friday when Lena Luthor approached her again. Kara’s well aware that the younger Luthor frequently visits the lab but after her second day, Lena’s left her alone just like all of her co-workers once they realized that Kara’s not too eager to make friends.
It was late, everyone else has left the office with excitement to rest for the weekend or have a chill Friday night but Kara’s still at her desk. She’s tired, but not too tired so she opted to work a bit more so she can pass out immediately once she’s home.
Kara had just yawned and rubbed her eyes with the tip of her fingers when a voice echoed the empty lab.
"If you keep this up Miss Danvers, I might think that you’re gunning for my spot.“ The voice said from the door of the lab, with her body pressed to the side of door.
Kara stiffened at the voice before relaxing once she realized who it was, perhaps she was more tired than she thought if she hadn’t heard the woman entering the lab. She didn’t even bother to turn around to look as she chuckled at the comment. “I don’t think you have to worry about that Miss Luthor.“
Lena arched her right eyebrow as she walked towards where Kara was. “No? You’ve been putting in more hours than I have and it’s only your first week.“
Kara shook her head and continue to read the report on her desk. “I’m jus-“
“A workaholic?“ Lena stopped right behind Kara and squints her eye at the report she was reading. “Isn’t this meant to be worked on next month?“
Kara hummed. “Just getting a head start is all.“ She turned her head around only to find her face inches away from Lena’s.
Kara stared the woman as Lena continued to read the report, seemingly unaware of their closeness. Kara could practically feel Lena’s breath and smell the strong scent of the other woman’s perfume. Kara moved her body a bit to the side to add some space between them as well as to give Lena some room to read over her work.
“You know, this is meant to be a collaboration right? This isn’t at all what your expertise is on. This part is meant to be done by Dr. Jones and myself.“ Lena said.
“Not like it’s anything I don’t know, thought I might just help a little.“
Lena’s lips thinned and there was an annoyed look on her face before she cooled her features then she pointed at the papers on her desk with a questioning look. “May I?“
Kara nodded her head. “Yes, of course." She stood and gestured for Lena to take her seat which Lena did.
Kara moved to watch how the younger Luthor’s eyes were glued to the paper and her presence was forgotten already. She continued to stare at the other woman who was now mumbling the equations and theories under her breath, seemingly double checking her work.
Kara cleared her throat and stood awkwardly stood next to Lena. She looked questioningly at Lena when she saw a smile on Lena’s face.
“Well, are you sure you’re not gunning for my job?“ Lena asked with a teasing smile. “Great work, Miss Danvers. Perhaps you could take on a few similar projects as this and give it 6 months or so then you can get yourself a promotion to head researcher.“ Lena reached out and placed her hand on Kara’s shoulder, her thumb caressing the fabric of Kara’s coat in a comforting manner.
Kara tensed from the touch before she relaxed and moved herself a step back, pretending to grab a few papers near the end of the table, effectively making Lena’s hand drop without making it too obvious.
“Thank you, Miss Luthor. I’m sorry if I overstepped, I just needed to take my mind of off things and work helps with that so…“ Kara said, there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Lena waved her hand “Not at all, it seems like I finally have someone on my team that I can fully trust without having to check in on them every few days.“ Lena bit her lip before pulling herself up from Kara’s chair “No plans for tonight? I heard some of the team members are going for drinks at the bar across the street.“
Kara shook her head and gave Lena a tired smile. “No, I didn’t really feel like it.“
Lena nodded her head and didn’t question further. “Well, you’re done for the night. Orders directly from the boss.“
Kara lets out a laugh at the command. “Is that so?“
A look of relief flashed across Lena’s face at Kara’s laugh.
Lena hummed, her hands fiddling with the edge of the desk. “If you’re stubborn, then word is that you might even be forced to take Monday off.“
“Well then I don’t exactly have a choice now, do I?“ Kara replied. “Wouldn’t want to make the big old scary boss mad.“ She moved to hang her coat to the back of her chair.
“Wha- I’m not big, old or scary.“ Lena mocked offence, clutching a hand to her chest.
Kara chuckled and walked alongside Lena out of the lab.
“How are you getting home?“ Lena asked as she waited for Kara to turn off the lights.
“Oh, I’ll just walk. The last bus was at 11, I think?“ Kara lied, she couldn’t really tell her she was going to fly home now, could she?
Lena puckered her lips and a look of worry flashed across her face. “Would you like a ride, Miss Danvers? It’s already late, I don’t exactly feel comfortable letting you walk alone at this time of night.“ Lena offered.
Kara’s step faltered for a few second before she gave Lena a polite smile “That’s very kind of you to offer, but-“
Lena shook her head and the expression on her face showed that she’s determined to get what she wants “I insist.“ Lena said. “It’s the least I can do for you for working overtime.“
Kara smirked at Lena’s very obvious tactic. “I think the overtime payment is very generous already, but since you insist…“
Lena grinned “Great, my driver is already up front.“
As they got into the car, Kara rattled off her address to the driver and sunk into the seat. It was comfortable, warm and although half an hour ago she wasn’t that tired, she could feel the exhaustion sinking in.
“How are you liking Metropolis so far?“ Lena asked.
Kara’s eyes are heavy so she leaned her head back to the headrest as she turned to Lena, blinking tiredly and slowly “It’s okay.“ she said.
“Just okay? Metropolis has to step up its attraction points then.“
Kara shrugged. “It’s the same I suppose, nothing has really changed here, has it?“
Lena looked confused before asking. “Oh, I was under the impression that you’ve never been here before.“
Kara turned to look out to the moving streets, feeling bare and nervous under the young Luthor’s watchful eyes. “I come here every now and then to visit my cousin. The last time I was here, it was when his wife gave birth I think? So, about three years ago?“
“Ah, I prefer National City myself. The weather is less depressing there, no?“
“Metropolis does has its… dark and gloomy mood going on here.“
Lena laughed. “At least it’s not like Gotham.“
Kara joined Lena’s amusement with a small chuckle. “Yeah, at least it’s not that.“
The ride wasn’t long and both of them had basked in the comfortable silence between them after that small conversation. Kara had thanked Lena and Lena had waved her off with a smile on her face and a warm heart.
It wasn’t until Kara was in her bed and about to drift off to sleep did she realize that she had genuinely laughed for the first time in a very long time and she didn’t feel all too guilty about it. In fact, it had felt good. She hadn’t meant to laugh, and it wasn’t even a funny joke that had made her laugh. It was an unexpected laugh that came from nowhere while Lena Luthor was teasing her and Kara’s thoughts blurred even more as she gave in to exhausted.
Lena’s late-night visits to the lab kept on happening over the next few months. Kara’s still stuck and hadn’t had any lead regarding her personal project and any leads regarding Lex has only led her to a dead end, so she works. She worked her ass off just like before and every couple of nights without fail, Lena would show up and they’d either work in silence or they’d chat a bit while Kara worked and Lena just seemingly content at keeping Kara company while she responded to a few emails on her laptop or phone.
Kara was a bit wary and annoyed at first, she was certain that Lena had wanted to keep an eye on her or go over her work but Lena seemed genuine and didn’t double check Kara’s work at all for all the times that she was there. Lena just seemed delighted whenever they’d both deep dive into a conversation, discussing their opinions on matters of the world. Kara finds herself finding comfort in Lena’s company.
On the nights that Lena visited Kara, Lena would insist sending Kara home despite Kara’s assurance that she’s fine to walk but Lena is stubborn and Kara is worn down and tired by the time they both are to leave for the day so she relents and gives in every time.
It had become somewhat of a routine and Kara finds herself feeling exited whenever she heard Lena’s loud heels clacking into the lab. They’d become friendly over the past few months but Kara wouldn’t go as far as say that they’re friends. Perhaps that was why Kara hadn’t pushed the younger Luthor away, they’d never talked about anything personal and Lena never seemed to push after getting the impression that Kara’s reluctant to share about her life. So, ever since the first night, all they’ve ever really talked about was work.
On Wednesday, Kara was grumbling under her breath as she stared at the broken stapler in her hand. Kara had gotten at least a dozen messages from Alex and it was fairly obvious that Alex's patience is almost gone with her silence and she had gripped the stapler a bit too hard as Alex’s messages poured in one by one, each harsher than the one before.
Kara heard a chuckle near the entrance of the lab and turned her head around and tried to hide the stapler put of sight but based on the look of amusement on Lena's face, she was too late.
"Did the hulk stop by the lab or did you throw it out of anger?" Lena asked as she put her purse on one of the desk and continued to walk towards Kara.
Kara’s face was grim as she mumbled, "I threw it." and threw the stapler into the trash.
Lena frowned before looking at Kara in concern. "Bad day?" she asked as she took a seat beside Kara.
Kara tilted her head and nodded her head. "Yeah, you could say that."
“Anything I could help with?“ Lena asked.
“No.“ Kara answered.
As usual, Lena doesn't force Kara for more information and seemed content with Kara's always short answer so which is why the shock was evident on her face when Kara continued to share.
"I’ve just been receiving some unpleasant messages from someone all day long and that has been... frustrating is all.“ Kara provides before continuing, “And I'm tired."
“Unpleasant?“ Lena asked, her face turning into a concerned one before morphing into a scowl. “Is someone harassing you?“
“No! No, nothing like that… nothing to worry about.“ Kara said and gave Lena a smile to prove that she’s okay.
Lena seemed thoughtful before she relaxed and nodded her head in understanding but she still looked concerned.
Kara's phone buzzed again and at the corner of her eye, she could see Alex's name and she sighed before grabbing her phone and turning it off completely. Kara ignored Lena’s questioning look and sat down, immediately grabbing a paper on her desk so they could go to work.
"Would you like to go out for a drink?" Lena blurted out.
For a moment it was just silence in the lab with only the sound of machines echoing the empty and dim room. Lena’s cheeks turned pink at the realization of what she'd just said and she seemed just as surprise as Kara was at the invitation.
"Sorry, is that weird? I mean, never mind just forget I asked. We can review the progress or if you're tired you can go home. I'm sorry, maybe I should lea-"
"I’d like that." Kara said as she snapped out of her shock. “I’d love a drink, actually.“
"You uh- you would? Yeah? I mean, you can say no Miss Danvers. I don’t mean to be unprofessional-“
Kara laughed at Lena's nervous rambling. "I think it's about time you call me Kara, no?"
Lena beamed at Kara. "We can go to my office? Or the corner bar."
Kara shrugged. "I'm fine with either." She said before a loud growl of her stomach echoed the lab. Kara bit her lip in embarrassment and she can feel the heat up her neck as she turned pink.
Lena laughed with a fond look towards Kara. "Well, that's our deciding factor then. The bar it is."
Kara huffed but her cheeks remain as pink as ever while she packed up her belongings.
They walked side by side to the corner bar and Kara was relieved to see that it was fairly empty. They chose a booth hidden at the far end. Kara was practically drooling while she ordered and kept bouncing her leg in anticipation for the food. They kept the conversation light and were both very relaxed until the news showed Superman's latest rescue.
"I wonder what happened to her." Lena mindlessly mumbled as she stared at the news before taking a sip of her drink.
Kara tensed, her body now stiff as a rock and her jaw is tight shut. She didn't need to ask who because she already knows. She can feel her heart beating faster than usual out of nerves.
"Do you ever wonder?" Lena asked her.
"What?" Kara asked quietly.
"Supergirl, of course." Lena answered and she looked at Kara with a frown on her face. "She disappeared a couple years back and no one has seen her ever since."
"Oh, um guess I've never given much thought about it." Kara continued to stare at the wood of her table, not daring to look at Lena for this conversation.
"I just hope she's okay somewhere out there." Lena said wistfully.
Lena's comment got Kara's attention and Kara finds herself looking into the sad looking emerald eyes.
Kara bit her lip, not wanting to say anything that would arise suspicion.
"You know I had plans to move to National City a few years back because of her?" Lena shared and then laughed as if she, herself, knew that it was an absurd thing to do.
Kara's brow furrowed. "What?"
Lena nodded her head with a smile. "When I saw the news covering her rescues, I was always so amazed." Lena laughed breathlessly and there was a look of awe in the glint of her eyes "I mean, who wouldn't right? And things were bad here so I thought about getting a new start there at National City."
"Well, why didn't you?"
Lena shrugged though her posture remained as perfect as ever even when her eyes are now hazy with alcohol in her system and she’s sat at a low class bar. "I wanted to be the Luthor who shares her home with a Kryptonian and in a way she's an inspiration to me but when she disappeared, I guess National City didn't seem that exciting anymore I guess. So, I delayed my move."
Kara remained quiet and fiddled with her fingers as she watched Lena.
"Don't get me wrong, I definitely need a new start which is why I’ll be leaving but-"
"You're moving away?" Kara's eyes went wide and there was a feeling of dread and sadness over the reveal. Kara wouldn’t go as far as calling them friends, all they’ve done throughout the few months was work together after everyone has gone home. They were colleagues at best, but deep down, Kara found comfort in Lena’s company and have grown attached to her presence.
Perhaps it was the way Lena never pushed Kara to be friends. Or perhaps it was because they were intellectually on the same level. Their conversations were always a joy in Kara’s dull days.
Lena nodded her head hesitantly and her lips pursed in hesitation before she said "Well not anytime soon that’s for sure, but I am planning on it."
"Why? I mean, what does that mean? Like, you're quitting?"
Lena shook her head and didn't seem to mind Kara's questions. There was a smile on her face, as if she had expected that.
"If all goes well then I'll be taking charge there and who knows? Maybe change the company's direction for the better."
Kara's eyes softens as she look at the woman before her. Kara doesn't see her as Lex Luthor's sister, she never has. What Kara sees is a woman overshadowed by her guilt and shame over the action of her brother. Kara sees an outcast and a woman hated by many simply because of who Lena was related to.
"I'll say that you're already doing that here." Kara said and reached out for Lena's hand to comfort her.
"It's not enough, not enough at all compared to what Lex is and has been doing." Lena gripped Kara's hand and held on as if it was her life line. "Perhaps you won't believe me, but you seem to not hate me, Kara. You haven't once treated me like I'm a Luthor and you never looked at me with hate but i- I'm not like him or my family." Lena said with tears in her eyes. "What if Lex was responsible for Supergirl's disappearance? God, what if she's dead? I just-" Lena takes a shuddering breath before she seemed to realize that she's openly crying at the bar. She faked a laugh, wiping the tears away and her cheeks pinked from embarrassment.
Despite the urge to comfort Lena over Lex’s involvement in Supergirl’s disappearance, Kara remained quiet and looked at their joined hands. All she could hear right now is Lena’s sniffles and despite knowing each other for only a short time, Kara knows that the younger Luthor is kind and it does something to her heart to see her cry in front of Kara.
"You know there's no shame in loving him right?" Kara asked warily, her voice low and firm.
Lena clenched her jaw and there was sorrow and anger in her eyes as she stared Kara down right there in their booth. "How can you say that? God, after everythi- what he's done and what he's doing right now? How can- I should't even-"
"He's your brother, Lena. There's no shame in loving family."
"He's a monster. What's it say about me if I still love him when he's such a horrible man?" Lena’s jaw was clenched and her body, tense.
"You can still love him and disagree with him. You can still love him and be angry with him. It says that you're a woman full of love with a gentle heart. It says that you're a loving sister. It says that you're too good to hate and have a big heart." Kara whispers fiercely, the look in her eye made Lena believe her for a short moment and that moment was all Lena needed to accept the fact that her love for her brother is still there alongside her hatred towards him.
"I shouldn't love him." Lena whispers.
"But you do."
"But I do." Lena whispers quietly with defeat, anger and anguish all mixed together laced in her voice.
"And that is okay." Kara assures her.
“And that’s okay.“ Lena repeats, while nodding her head. Lena gives Kara a teary smile and leaned her head back. She sinks down further into her seat and closed her eyes. Her heart, in pain. Her hand, warm from Kara’s warmth. And her mind, a bit buzzed and at ease from the acceptance.