Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

By the time they arrived, the party was already in full swing. Which was partly Kara's fault because she needed a fair amount of convincing to actually go, and partly her sister's because Alex made her wait for full 20 minutes in front of their room, so she could finish making out with her girlfriend. It wasn’t an ideal start to the evening.

The finals season had just ended and students all across campus were celebrating and throwing parties. This particular one was hosted by Mike- who, while an insufferable jerk most of the time, undeniably knew how to throw a good party. Everyone went. Even Kara, who generally avoided these kinds of gatherings. She used to attend more often when Alex was single, but ever since her sister had gotten together with Maggie, Kara found herself tagging along less and less.

So here they were, on a Saturday night. Kara would have much preferred to be at the animal shelter where she volunteered, but she knew she deserved a break. And one or two drinks also wouldn't hurt. She had expected the party to be tolerable at best. She could sip something vaguely alcoholic, exchange a few pleasantries with her friends , and leave once Alex inevitably got too busy with Maggie to notice her absence.

What she didn't expect, was Lena. Which, frankly, was her own damn fault. Of course Lena was here. She was invited to everything and attended a fair share of it. People loved to be around her, they adored her, and Lena, in turn, seemed to bask in the attention without arrogance. It wasn’t vanity; it was just that she was… extraordinary.

She was in Kara’s class despite being three years younger, having proven herself a genius. Intelligent, resilient, ambitious. But despite her work ethic, she also had a social grace Kara could never quite manage. She was the centre of attention, not just because people gave it to her, but because she naturally commanded it. And on top of everything else—because apparently being a prodigy and socially magnetic wasn’t enough—Lena was also stunning.

People gravitated to her, craving her attention like it was something sacred. Every interaction with her felt like a gift. Kara had tried, desperately, not to belong in that category. To convince herself that she only admired Lena’s intelligence, her drive. To pretend she didn’t feel her stomach twist into impossible knots whenever Lena so much as looked in her direction.

She had probably been in love with her since the first day of class. Sleep-deprived and running on sheer willpower, Kara had stumbled into the lecture hall only to be stunned fully awake when she saw Lena. A small group of admirers had already gathered around her, but Lena had barely acknowledged them, too preoccupied with organising her notes. Then, as if sensing Kara’s gaze, she had looked up and met her eyes directly. Kara had frozen. And then—mortified—she had torn her gaze away and hurried to her seat.

That had been the first and only time they looked into each other’s eyes. Since then, Kara had simply watched from afar.

And that was exactly what she was doing now.

From where she stood near the entrance, Kara could see both the packed living room and the dining area beyond. The house was enormous, the kind of place meant for hosting. A fireplace stood at one end of the living room, thankfully unlit—drunk students and open flames were a terrible mix.

Lena was across the room, drink in hand, talking with a group of friends. The dim lighting made the edges of her silhouette almost glow, her black dress hugging every line of her body, her long dark hair cascading down her back. Occasionally, she swayed slightly to the music, effortless and elegant, entirely unaware of just how mesmerising she was.

Kara couldn’t stop staring.

Alex muttered something about getting drinks, and Kara hummed in vague agreement, not really listening. She was fairly certain her sister- and the rest of their friends- knew about her hopeless crush but had the grace not to bring it up. Which suited Kara just fine—if no one acknowledged it, she could continue pretending it didn’t exist.

“Earth to Kara.”

She blinked as Winn nudged her, pressing a drink into her hand. “You okay?”

“Fine,” Kara lied.

Nia appeared beside them, buzzing with energy. “Let’s dance!” she suggested brightly.

Kara shook her head before she could even finish the sentence. “Not happening.”

Nia didn’t insist, knowing it would be a losing battle and they started talking about vacation plans. Some time later the music cut off. A hush of anticipation fell over the room as Mike strode into the centre of the living room, clapping his hands together. “Alright, folks! Time for some games!” Some people cheered and he laughed. “That’s what I like to hear! Gather here, people!”

Kara’s stomach sank. This was her cue to leave.

She turned to go, but Winn blocked her path. “Nope.” He grinned. “You’re playing.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are.” He nodded discreetly toward the other side of the room. “Lena’s playing.”

Kara froze. And that moment of hesitation was all it took.

“Kara!” Mike called, beaming. “Glad you’re joining us! Sit.”

Before she could protest, he grabbed her hand and pulled her down onto the couch. She landed with a thud, plastering an awkward smile on her face. Directly across from her, Mike smirked.

She didn’t like that look.

Kara gulped nervously, only staying because she saw Nia sitting down on the floor, joining the game.

Then Lena sat down beside Mike.

Not just sat—practically draped herself over him, forcing him to shift away. He did so with an irritated scowl, but said nothing. Kara doubted he would ever challenge Lena outright; even an egotist like him knew better than to go up against a Luthor.

He looked at her angrily, but she didn’t care. Lena settled into place, crossed her legs, and tilted her head slightly, her gaze locking onto Kara’s with a quiet sort of amusement. A slow, knowing smile curved her lips.

Kara swallowed hard.

Soon, the circle was complete, and a hush fell over the room. In fact, the entire house seemed to quiet as anticipation thickened the air. Mike’s grin widened, confirming Kara’s suspicions.

“There we go,” he said, placing his hand on the bottle on the low table. “We’re practically alone now, so let’s make it interesting.”

A few chuckles rippled through the group as he spun the bottle. All eyes followed its movement, waiting for fate to decide the first pair. It slowed, wobbled, and finally landed between two boys—one lounging on the couch, the other sitting cross-legged on the floor. They exchanged amused glances before the one on the couch shrugged, leaning in for a kiss.

Mike, however, held up a hand. “Oh, did I forget to mention?”

The laughter faded into murmurs of confusion.

“Most of the rooms here are empty, and since we have plenty of them, we’re doing something a little different.” His gaze shifted, deliberately slow, until it landed on Kara. His smirk sharpened. “Instead of spin the bottle, we’re playing seven minutes in heaven. Or, actually,” he mused, tilting his head, “let’s call it 15 minutes in the utility closet… or any other room.”

Kara’s stomach twisted. Something about the way he said it, the way his eyes lingered on her, sent unease crawling up her spine. But around her, the others merely groaned or chuckled, brushing it off as another one of Mike’s games.

She exhaled and forced herself to focus on the game, willing her nerves to settle. The two guys stood up, exchanging grins before disappearing down the hall, likely off to the kitchen—or anywhere with alcohol.

The game continued. The bottle spun. Pairs were chosen and disappeared into various rooms, giggling. Kara paid little attention, too hyper-aware of the possibility—

And then it landed on her.

On her. And Mike.

Or maybe Lena. It was definitely Mike, but it was difficult to tell, and Kara was too nervous to think clearly.

Mike grinned broadly, standing. “Well, well—”

“Mine.”

Lena’s voice was low, dangerous. She didn’t look at Mike as she spoke—only at Kara.

Mike hesitated, jaw tightening, but ultimately sat back down. Lena, on the other hand, stood with absolute confidence and extended her hand.

Kara stared at it. Then at her.

Her heart thundered.

She could say no. Should say no and leave. But—

This was Lena. And this was probably her only chance ever to spend some alone time with the woman.

With slightly unsteady fingers, she took her hand.

Lena smiled.

Before Kara could second-guess herself, Lena was pulling her up and away, leading her out of the room. “You’re not forced into anything,” she murmured. “Say no if you want.”

Kara didn’t and Lena pulled her into a room.

They were in a bedroom—spacious, dimly lit, and filled with the lingering scent of expensive perfume. The kind of room that exuded luxury, with its high-thread-count sheets and velvet drapes. But Kara barely noticed any of it.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind them, Lena moved. Quick, decisive. Kara barely had time to react before she was backed against the door, breath catching as Lena’s hands skimmed her arms. There was a brief moment where their eyes met—Kara’s wide and uncertain, Lena’s dark with intent—before Lena exhaled her name like a prayer.

"Kara."

And then she kissed her.

Kara's world shattered. Or maybe it realigned. Either way, all she could feel was Lena—soft lips, warm breath, the way she fit against her so perfectly, as if this moment had been inevitable all along. Lena kissed like she did everything else: completely, with certainty, with no hesitation.

Time fractured. Minutes, seconds—Kara couldn't tell. All that mattered was the intoxicating press of Lena’s mouth against hers, the way their bodies melted together. When Lena finally pulled away, she sighed with content, eyes still closed as if savouring the sensation.

“I’ve wanted to do that for the longest time,” she admitted, voice hushed, thick with longing and desire.

Kara, for her part, could barely breathe. She stared at Lena, mind struggling to catch up, emotions roaring in her chest. “You know my name?” she blurted. It was the dumbest thing she could have possibly said, but her brain had short-circuited.

Lena chuckled, a rich, velvety sound. She reached up, fingertips ghosting over Kara’s cheek, tilting her chin ever so slightly. “Of course I do,” she murmured, her smile teasing but warm. “How could I not know the name of the most beautiful girl on campus?”

Kara's stomach flipped and her mind went blank. Her mouth opened, but nothing came out. Her heart pounded so loudly she was certain Lena could hear it.

"You think I'm pretty?" she asked dumbly.

Lena laughed—a bright, unrestrained sound that made Kara’s chest ache with something unbearable. Lena instinctively moved to cover her mouth, but Kara caught her wrist before she could.

“Don’t,” she whispered, gaze flickering to Lena’s lips. “Your smile is beautiful.”

Lena’s eyes softened. A flicker of something unspoken passed between them before she smirked, tilting her head. “Oh, so you think I’m pretty?” she teased, mirroring Kara’s words.

Heat rushed to her face. Before she could come up with any kind of response, Lena surged forward, catching her lips in another kiss—this one deeper, more urgent.

Kara moaned softly into it, gripping Lena’s waist as Lena’s fingers tangled into her hair. There was no room for hesitation anymore, no more second-guessing. She pulled her closer and Lena laughed into the kiss. The intensity of their kisses emboldened Kara, feeling as though Lena had unlocked something inside of her. Kara let herself fall.

She guided her toward the bed, their movements slow but deliberate. Lena kissed like she wanted to consume her, and Kara—Kara let her. She met her with equal fervour, her hands roaming, exploring, learning the shape of Lena’s body through the thin fabric of her dress.

They finally broke apart, breathless. The intensity between them pulsed, thick and charged. Lena’s lips were parted, her pupils blown, and Kara had never seen anything more beautiful.

“Oh, the things I could do to you if we had more time,” Lena murmured, her voice a sultry promise.

A thrill shot down Kara’s spine. She smirked, a confidence she didn’t quite recognise slipping into her posture. Gently, she pushed Lena back until her knees hit the edge of the bed. “You have no idea,” she whispered, lips grazing Lena’s ear, delighting in the shiver that ran through her.

Kara trailed kisses down her neck, slow and lingering, feeling Lena’s pulse quicken beneath her lips. Then she eased her down onto the bed, hovering over her, drinking in the sight before her.

Lena’s breath hitched. “Kara—”

“Shh.” Kara silenced her with another kiss, hands skimming over Lena’s thigh, hiking her dress up just enough to expose soft, warm skin. “So soft,” she murmured against her neck, lightly nibbing the sensitive skin.

Lena let out a soft moan, arching into her touch. Kara’s lips traced along her jaw, down to her collarbone, her fingers teasing along the strap of Lena’s dress, slowly easing it down—

And then—

A knock.

A loud, insistent knock on the door.

“Kara?” Alex’s voice, sharp with concern.

Kara groaned, pressing her forehead against Lena’s chest as she let out a soft, breathless laugh.

Chapter Text

Kara quickly pressed a finger on Lena’s lips. “Don’t make a sound.” The other woman giggled softly but obeyed, her eyes twinkling.

 “Kara, you alright?” Alex’s voice drifted in from beyond the door as she checked if it was unlocked, but Kara remained silent, lost in the charged space between them.

“Weird, I could’ve sworn she went in there,” her sister murmured, her voice fading as she walked away.

 Kara offered a nervous relieved laugh that mingled with the quick beat of her heart—just as Lena captured her lips again.

“Seems like you don’t want to leave,” she teased, her tone low and inviting.

Kara’s response was instinctive: a delicate bite along Lena’s collarbone. “Not when we’ve barely begun,” she murmured in a husky whisper before kissing Lena’s neck again. Then, with a fleeting hesitation, she pulled back to search Lena’s eyes.

“Hey, um— we can stop if you want,” Kara offered gently, her voice laced with vulnerability.

“Are you kidding?” Lena laughed, her mirth dancing as she held Kara’s gaze. “I’ve been waiting for this for years and you want to stop now?”

Before any more words could be exchanged, Kara’s lips found Lena’s again, reaffirming her silent promise. “I was merely being a gentlewoman,” Kara teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips as Lena deepened the kiss.

With growing urgency, Lena’s hands roamed, seizing the hem of Kara’s shirt and tugging it upward. Kara surrendered to the moment, allowing Lena to pull the shirt over her head until the cool air of the room kissed her bare skin.

Lena’s hands, confident and exploratory, moved to the zipper of Kara’s pants. “Needy,” she whispered into their shared kiss before helping Lena ease them down. In a brief, clumsy stumble that sent her foot momentarily snagging, Kara’s awkwardness only added to the raw intimacy—especially as she now stood before the stunning Lena in nothing but her underwear. Lena gently laughed at her clumsiness, but instead of embarrassment, Kara’s eyes shone with unabashed desire, after she quickly got rid of her underwear as well. “Now then,” she said darkly, lowering herself to claim her turn, “my turn.”

Lena’s eyes widened in surprise. She had long watched Kara from afar—always a timid, polite soul, always retreating before confrontations. Yet here, in this private sanctuary away from prying eyes, Kara was completely different. Transformed into someone bold and untamed. She liked the timid version- it was the one she fell in love with after all, but this? She certainly wasn’t complaining. Lena felt a wild surge of lust; the woman she had always admired was now boldly taking control. The sight was both disarming and intoxicating.

She usually enjoyed taking control over her partners but with Kara… well, what was a woman to do but completely surrender herself.

She could already feel her panties damp, and they’ve barely begun. No one’s had that effect on her before and if Kara decided to stop now, she would probably go crazy. But lucky for her, the blonde continued. Neither of them minded the fact they were still in Mike’s house; in fact, they completely ignored anything but each other.

Without a moment’s pause, Kara leaned in, tugging at the other strap of Lena’s dress before unzipping it. Lena, with a knowing smile, helped her slide the garment down, revealing her in matching black lace that perfectly accentuated every curve.

 Kara’s breath hitched as she drank in the view—Lena’s body, lithe and inviting, every movement a promise of what was to come. Her eyes roamed over the delicate lace, lingering on the swell of Lena’s breasts and the soft expanse of her stomach. Looking lower she realised Lena was already damp with anticipation.

She couldn’t help herself but blush, yet Lena didn’t give her a moment’s rest.

“Touch me,” she breathed, her voice barely audible yet laced with command. Kara could only obey.

Her hands trembled as she reached out to caress Lena’s silky skin, trailing along her collarbone and down between her breasts. Each soft gasp from Lena fuelled Kara’s growing boldness. She pressed a series of hot, open-mouthed kisses along Lena’s neck and chest, eliciting moans that vibrated in the charged silence of their hidden world.

Lena arched into the touch, her fingers tangling in Kara's blonde hair. "More," she pleaded breathlessly.

Kara’s response was both tender and teasing as she cupped Lena’s breasts through the lacy bra. Her thumbs teased at hardened nipples, drawing soft, desperate moans from Lena’s lips. Unable to resist any longer, Kara’s fingers reached behind to unhook the bra, discarding it carelessly as if shedding a layer of hesitation.

Her mouth watered at the sight of Lena’s flawless skin, her perfect breasts now unveiled. She lowered her head, taking one rosy nipple between her lips to suck gently. Lena’s back arched in a soft cry of pleasure, and Kara’s tongue swirled around the sensitive bud before she moved to lavish attention on the other breast.

"Oh god, Kara," Lena moaned, her hips bucking upwards seeking friction.

Meanwhile, Kara's hand trailed down Lena's toned stomach, fingertips dancing along soft skin. She traced the edge of Lena's lacy panties teasingly. Lena bucked her hips, silently begging for more.

"Please, Kara," Lena whimpered, voice thick with longing.

Kara lifted her head; blue eyes dark with desire as they met Lena's.

Slowly, she hooked her fingers under the waistband of Lena’s panties and, with deliberate care, slid them down Lena’s long, shapely legs. Lena lifted her hips to aid the process, desperate to erase the final barrier between them. Once the delicate fabric was discarded, Kara’s gaze swept hungrily over Lena’s exposed form.

"You're so beautiful," Kara murmured, trailing soft kisses along Lena's inner thigh.

Lena trembled in anticipation as Kara's mouth drew closer to where she needed her most. When Kara's tongue finally made contact with her slick folds, a cry of ecstasy tore from Lena’s lips. Kara explored every fibre of her, alternating between broad, teasing strokes and focused attention on Lena’s most sensitive spots, each movement drawing the woman closer to a crescendo of pleasure.

Lena’s hips rocked against Kara’s face, and she tangled her fingers in Kara’s hair, pulling her in with an urgency that spoke of years of suppressed longing. “Oh God, Kara,” Lena moaned, her hips synchronizing with Kara’s expert ministrations. “Don’t stop…”

Kara redoubled her efforts, sliding two fingers inside as she continued her rhythmic exploration, her tongue dancing over Lena’s clit in perfect counterpoint to her caressing hands. The dual sensations were overwhelming. Lena's back arched off the bed as the waves of pleasure built steadily, her body tensing with the promise of release.

With a final, precise flick of her tongue and a determined press of her thumb, Kara sent Lena over the edge. Lena’s back arched violently as she cried out Kara’s name, her orgasm crashing over her in powerful, shuddering waves. Kara, ever attentive, maintained her tender assault, drawing out Lena’s bliss until the trembling subsided and Lena gently pushed her away, breathless and oversensitive.

Kara placed soft, lingering kisses on Lena's inner thighs savouring the sweet taste of her lover’s arousal, giving her the time to catch her breath.

"Wow," Lena panted, her chest heaving in the quiet aftermath. "That was..."

"Amazing?" Kara supplied with a cheeky grin, crawling back up to capture Lena’s lips in another kiss. Lena moaned softly, tasting the lingering sweetness on Kara’s lips before pulling back slightly.

"Mmm, yes," she agreed, her hands roaming over Kara’s toned back.

“But I want more,” Lena demanded suddenly, her bashful tone betraying an inner hunger that had only grown with every touch.

Kara’s eyes darkened with desire. “More?” she echoed, her voice low and husky with anticipation. “So needy…” she teased, though the playful tone melted into earnest desire as Lena’s pleading eyes met hers.

“Please, give me more, Kara,” Lena begged, cheeks flushed as her need became unmistakable.

Kara’s mouth watered, unable to believe the sight in front of her. Lena- the perfect and confident goddess that she was- was now begging. And she was begging for her. The voice at the back of her mind told her her sister will worry, but Kara brushed it aside.

Determined to gift Lena a night of unrestrained pleasure, she whispered, “As the lady demands,” before capturing Lena’s lips once more in a fervent kiss. Her hands roamed Lena’s body with renewed urgency, caressing her breasts and teasing her sensitive nipples until they were practically begging for more.

Kara groaned softly, her hips involuntarily grinding against Lena's thigh. "God, Lena. You have no idea what you do to me."

Lena gasped as Kara's fingers brushed against her still-throbbing centre, and she whimpered against Kara's lips.

Slowly, teasingly, Kara slid one finger inside Lena's wet heat. They both moaned at the sensation, Kara revelled in the silky warmth enveloping her finger. She began to move slowly, stroking Lena's inner walls.

Lena arched into Kara's touch, craving more. Kara added a second finger, curling them slightly as she established a steady, rhythmic pace. Her thumb circled Lena's sensitive bud, drawing out breathy moans and whimpers. Lena’s body responded immediately—each thrust eliciting cries of delight and a desperate, almost pleading, rhythm from her hips.

"God, Kara," Lena gasped, every word laced with ecstasy. "It feels so good."

Kara trailed kisses down Lena’s neck, her teeth gently nipping as she murmured, "You're so beautiful like this," against Lena's flushed skin. Her actions were leaving faint marks on Lena’s flushed skin—tokens that would still be visible the next day. The thought of Lena wearing her marks sent a fresh wave of arousal through her.

Lena's fingers tangled in Kara's hair, holding her close as the pleasure built. She could feel herself getting close, teetering on the edge of release.

"Don't stop," Lena pleaded, her voice breathy and desperate. "I'm close.”

Hit with a sudden idea, Kara stopped her movements, her fingers still buried inside Lena, her breath warm against flushed skin. Lena let out a frustrated grunt, her hips instinctively rolling forward in search of friction. When Kara didn’t move, Lena’s eyes fluttered open, dark with pleasure but burning with irritation. “Why did you stop?” she demanded, her voice rough with need.

Kara smirked, her gaze heavy with dominance as she loomed over Lena. “I think I’m making this too easy for you,” she murmured, letting her fingers twitch ever so slightly but not enough to satisfy. Lena let out a shaky breath, her brow furrowing in both confusion and desperation.

Kara uttered a single word- a command. “Beg.”

Lena’s lips parted, her pride warring with her aching desire. A moment of hesitation passed before she swallowed thickly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please."

Kara hummed in approval but didn’t move. "You can do better than that," she teased, trailing her free hand up Lena’s quivering stomach, her touch featherlight, maddening.

Lena groaned, her body arching into Kara’s. "Please, Kara," she tried again, her voice trembling. "I need you. I need you so badly. Only you can help me."

Kara smiled, leaning down so her lips ghosted over Lena’s ear. "That’s my girl." And with that, she resumed her movements, rewarding Lena’s pleas with a touch so devastating, so precise, that Lena came apart beneath her, her moans echoing in the quiet room.

Her moans grew louder, her body trembling with each thrust of Kara's fingers. She was close, teetering on the edge of ecstasy. Kara could feel it in the way Lena's inner walls clenched around her fingers, in the desperate bucking of her hips. She increased her pace, curling her fingers more forcefully with each thrust.

"Let go, baby," Kara murmured against Lena's throat, her voice husky with desire. "I've got you. I want to feel you come."

As if given permission, Lena’s body convulsed in a final, explosive climax. A cry of pure pleasure escaping her lips, her entire being quivering as the climax pulsed through her, and Kara continued her ministrations until every last ripple of pleasure had passed.

As Lena's body began to relax, Kara slowly withdrew her fingers, eliciting a soft whimper from her lover, tenderly kissing the spots they had so thoroughly explored. She brought her glistening fingers to her lips, savoring the intimate taste of Lena’s arousal. If tasting Lena’s pleasure were a lifetime’s delight, Kara mused, she’d never want it to end.

She leaned back, taking in the whole view before her. Lena lay beneath her, breathing rapidly as her chest rose and fell with a seductive rhythm as she was gathering her breath again. Kara straddled Lena, pressing a soft kiss against her lips before pulling away. She trailed a line of heated kisses and delicate bites along Lena’s jaw, down her neck, and along her right arm, her touch a perfect blend of command and caress.

When Kara reached Lena’s hand—one adorned with silver rings—she paused to claim it. She sat back up and, with deliberate tenderness, lifted each of Lena’s fingers, kissing them slowly and savoring the intimate contact, Lena watching her expectedly.

 In a daring gesture she’d never attempted before, Kara slowly took Lena’s right finger into her mouth, her lips wrapping around it with slow, deliberate pressure. Her tongue traced along the length, teasing the sensitive skin with languid strokes before swirling around the base, a slow, sinful dance that sent shivers coursing through Lena’s body. Kara sucked gently, her warm mouth creating an exquisite contrast to the cool metal of the ring. Lena’s breath hitched, her mind going blank, her body tightening with every flick and caress of Kara’s tongue. With half-closed eyes, she watched in awe, completely enthralled, as Kara’s passionate attention rendered her breathless, the sight somehow being the hottest thing she’s ever seen.

Kara’s tongue lingered over the ring, its teasing motion both possessive and affectionate. She held Lena’s gaze, dark with desire, as she captured the ring between her teeth, pulling it off the finger in a slow, torturous glide. She smiled at Lena, her lips curling into a slow, knowing smile as she parted them just enough to reveal the ring, glistening between her teeth.

She took it out of her mouth and-ridden with lust and the continuous boldness- an idea sparked within her. She put the ring onto her own finger, as if branding herself with Lena’s mark. Still slick with her saliva, it slid on perfectly, a lingering token of the heat between them.

With a proud smile, she raised her hand to display the ring, and –had she not fucked to only half a mind- Lena would probably faint. Kara had done it in such an innocent, childlike manner, yet she left Lena nearly speechless, her thoughts swirling with intense sensations.

For a long, suspended moment she simply looked at Kara, the blonde gazing down at her. After she got herself together, and a deep, steadying breath, Lena decided it’s time she takes something for herself now.

Her eyes darkened with renewed desire as she licked her lips. "I want to ride you," she murmured, her voice carrying a rare hint of shyness that only made Kara want her more.

Kara’s breath hitched, but she didn’t hesitate. "Then take what you want," she whispered, her hands guiding Lena as she shifted beneath her, allowing the other woman to straddle her lap.

The weight of Lena pressing against her sent a surge of arousal through her body, and as their gazes locked, Kara knew she was utterly at Lena’s mercy.

Lena sat, and Kara drank in the sight. Lena was breathtaking from every angle, but like this—flushed, her skin glistening with sweat, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm—Kara couldn’t help but marvel. Lower still, the undeniable evidence of Lena’s pleasure made heat surge through Kara once again.

Lena leaned back, sweeping damp strands of hair from her face, and the sight of her body offered so openly sent a shiver through Kara. As entranced, she sat up, steadying Lena by the waist before placing a tender kiss against her throat, drawing a soft giggle. Kara’s hands roamed gently, reverently, as Lena cupped her face, guiding her into a kiss.

It was different from before—slower, purer, filled with something deeper than lust. A kiss that spoke of time lost and moments still to come. It felt out of place with their previous ministration, yet was their sweetest kiss yet.  "I think we’ve both been waiting for too long," Lena murmured softly, brushing her thumbs across Kara’s cheeks.

Kara smiled, pressing an innocent peck to Lena’s lips. "Good thing we have all the time in the world to make up for it."

Lena sighed in contentment, but Kara could feel her body humming with need beneath her. She let her lips trail downward, mapping the delicate slopes of Lena’s collarbones before reaching her chest. Lena arched into the touch, already seeking more, and Kara was more than happy to oblige. As Lena placed her hand on her shoulders to steady herself, Kara's lips wrapped around a hardened peak, sucking gently, while her hand slid lower between them, teasing with an agonizing slowness.

Lena moaned, her hips twitching in response to Kara’s teasing touch. When Kara finally slipped inside, Lena exhaled a shuddering breath, a wide smile on her face, as began to move, her pace slow and deliberate at first. Kara slowly started pumping into her, curling her fingers in perfect rhythm, while her mouth continued its worship of Lena’s chest.

The marks already blossoming on her skin only fuelled Kara’s hunger—awakened a deep, possessive need to mark every centimetre of her. Biting, kissing, sucking, no part of Lena was left untouched, and Lena, lost in pleasure, didn’t seem to mind. Her breath came slow and uneven, but Kara could feel the tension building again, winding tighter with every movement.

Lena whimpered, her voice breathless with need. "Kara... more."

Kara’s lips curved into a wicked smile against Lena’s skin. She let her fingers twitch, teasing, prolonging the anticipation. Lena’s breath hitched, her nails digging into Kara’s arms as her body tensed beneath her.

Kara pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to Lena’s throat, feeling the rapid beat of her pulse. "You’re so perfect," she murmured, before giving in—giving Lena exactly what she craved.

Their movements became more synchronized, the pleasure mounting between them as Kara worshipped Lena’s body with relentless devotion. The world outside ceased to exist; all that remained was the way they fit together, the way each touch, each moan, each whisper felt like a silent confession of everything they’d never dared to say.

Kara raised her head to capture Lena's lips, but the raven beauty was lost in pleasure, moaning softly, and unable to properly return the kiss. Lena opened her eyes, her gaze hazily locking with Kara’s as the pace between them quickened.

The only sounds were the slick, rhythmic noises of their passion and Lena’s soft, lingering moans.

As Lena reached the peak of her pleasure, her entire body tensed beneath Kara.  A cascade of ecstasy washed over her, and Kara held her through it, whispering sweet nothings while maintaining an intense, unwavering eye contact.

When the storm finally subsided, Kara pressed a lingering kiss to Lena’s lips.  Both were left breathless and utterly spent, as Lena smiled down at her, gently tracing patterns along Kara’s shoulders.

Kara withdrew her hand from Lena, causing a soft groan.

Then, raising her hand once more, she pressed it to Lena’s lips. In response, Lena parted her mouth, taking Kara’s fingers inside and tasting herself. Kara’s mind went haywire as Lena’s tongue swirled around her fingers, savouring every drop of her own pleasure. Despite the intensity of multiple orgasms, Kara sensed that Lena was already hungry for more—but a pause was needed.

She pulled her fingers out of Lena's mouth and the woman leaned in to kiss her, only for Kara to gently back away, evading her lips.

“I think we should stop now and leave,” she said, planting a soft kiss on Lena’s cheek. “While you can still walk out of here,” she added in a low, dark voice before Lena could protest. Lena pouted, but she continued.

"Don't want to stay here the entire day tomorrow, right?"

At that, Lena arched her perfect eyebrow in challenge, and smirked.

“That sounds like a promise, Miss Danvers.”

 “One I will thoroughly fulfil, Miss Luthor,” she agreed, sealing her words with one last kiss.

Aware of the reality they reluctantly pulled away from the intimacy of their shared moment, Kara helping Lena stand up. They gathered their clothes and quickly got dressed. The house was quiet, and although they hadn’t heard a sound, they still made sure the coast was clear before leaving the room.

Roaming the empty hallways and listening to distant sounds, Lena’s sense of direction led them to the front door. Hand in hand, as if this had been their routine for years, they stepped out into the cool night.

As they waited, Kara remembered to text Alex not to worry about her, hoping her sister won’t look for her. Lena’s apartment was nearby—she wasn’t in the dorm, but living on her own. This brought Kara comfort; it meant they could be as loud as they wanted without worrying about thin walls and Kara pondered about the different new sounds she would do her best to elicit from Lena.

They called a taxi, and throughout the drive, their hands couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. Kara did her best to resist slipping her hand into Lena’s dress, while Lena struggled to insert her key into her apartment door amid Kara’s teasing, wandering touches.

At last, the door was unlocked. They stumbled into Lena’s apartment, the door barely closing behind them as their clothes were discarded once again.

Chapter Text

Kara woke up suddenly, her eyes snapping open in alarm. The sun was already high in the sky- she’ll be late for class! Then she remembered: it was the weekend. Also the school year had just ended. A deep breath of relief escaped her as she relaxed, leaning deeper into the bed.

For a few precious moments, she closed her eyes, wanting to savour the lingering haze of sleep. Yet, even as her eyelids fluttered shut, her mind registered that something was off—the sunlight streamed from an unexpected angle, and an unusual scent filled the air. It wasn’t a smell she was used to in her own space, but one she immediately recognized. It was Lena’s perfume.

She opened her eyes again and her gaze slowly swept around the unfamiliar room. The bed was larger than her own, the sheets noticeably softer and a pristine desk sat by the window. The walls were painted a deep, sophisticated shade, contrasting beautifully with the soft golden light filtering through sheer, expensive-looking curtains. A sleek bookshelf lined with neatly arranged volumes stood against one wall, a few personal trinkets breaking the otherwise immaculate order. A plush armchair sat in the corner, a cashmere throw draped lazily over its back, and the faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air, mingling with Lena’s perfume. The entire space exuded elegance and warmth—so different from Kara’s small, cluttered dorm room that it felt like stepping into another world entirely.

But it wasn’t just the space that felt different—an unfamiliar weight pressed against her chest, her body ached in places she hadn’t expected, and her back throbbed as if marked by scratches.

As her physical senses caught up, so did the memories. Her mind pieced together the night before—the passionate moments, her sudden surge of confidence, Lena’s soft body, every caress and whispered word that still lingered like a sweet aftertaste in her mind.

Kara’s cheeks flushed, and she instinctively covered her face with her free hand. Had she really done all that? Acted so boldly—with Lena, of all people? And had Lena really- no, just the thought of it was making her too flustered. The memories sent a mix of embarrassment and exhilaration through her, leaving her unsure whether to celebrate or regret everything. Still, she was definitely leaning toward celebration.

With a silent prayer that it isn’t all a dream, Kara’s eyes drifted downward. There, nestled against her chest with an arm wrapped around her, was Lena—sleeping peacefully. Even with the faint bruises on her delicate neck, her graceful form was breathtaking. Her chest rose and fell in slow, measured breaths, and her serene expression made her seem almost ethereal.

Kara felt a tender ache as she watched Lena—so soft, unguarded, and yet so strong. Lena’s face, usually a mask of guarded emotions or stressed determination, now held only peace. The trust it might took for Lena to let herself go, to feel safe in Kara’s arms, stirred something deep within her – even if she was reading too much into sleeping Lena.

With a startling realization, Kara realized she liked that feeling, a lot more than she’d admit. She really liked the thought of Lena being vulnerable with her, all defences down, and that she wouldn’t mind being the one protecting her. In fact, she felt a sudden want, to be the only one protecting Lena.

And yet, amid the warmth of the moment, a shadow of doubt lurked. She wasn’t even sure if Lena liked her in the first place, if she actually wanted to spend more than one night with her. This could’ve been the beginning of something more or just a fleeting indulgence for Lena.

Only then Kara realised they were both naked under the covers. Her face flushed as she fought the urge to get up and dress. Yesterday she was completely fine with them seeing each other naked – and definitely doing more than just looking at each other. Now she somehow felt exposed and wasn’t sure if she’d be able to look into Lena’s eyes, once the passion deflated and they could think more rationally.

She gazed down at Lena’s face once more, suddenly hit with the want to kiss her forehead but decided against it, the fear of disturbing the fragile peace holding her back. Instead, she stared at the ceiling, silently wishing that this cocoon of intimacy could last just a little longer, or that Lena simply never woke up.

She had enough troubles and worries in her everyday life, a constant cycle of obligations and expectations. Now that the school year had ended, she could relax a bit, but the weight of her main troubles still remained. Yet, wrapped in Lena's warmth, she felt as she had the night before—as if the outside world had faded. Nothing beyond this room mattered; only her and the woman she was in love with. Maybe, Kara thought, this moment was all she had wanted. And if time would stop, trapping her forever in the right now, maybe she wouldn’t mind at all.

She knew they would have to talk about everything soon, and Kara dreaded that conversation. What did this mean? Were they now a couple, or was this just a one-time surrender to desire? Kara had never had a one-night stand—in fact, she’d never slept with anyone she wasn’t in a relationship with. Now, in uncharted territory, she felt utterly unprepared for what followed and at loss of how she should behave. Should she make breakfast for Lena, or simply slip away into the morning, maybe with a note behind?

Her eyes drifted back to Lena, only to see her quickly shutting her eyes again. A soft chuckle escaped Kara as she leaned closer and planted a gentle kiss on Lena’s nose. She wasn’t sure if that was a good thing to do, but it just felt right. “I know you’re awake,” she coaxed playfully.

Slowly, Lena opened her eyes. Though she had been awake for over an hour, the warmth of being cradled in Kara’s arms simply felt too good. She listened to the steady rhythm of Kara’s breathing and the occasional, adorable snores that punctuated the silence. If this was the only time she could savour such closeness, she might as well enjoy it to the fullest.

Kara’s breath caught in her chest as she took in Lena’s beautiful green eyes—so clear, so different from the hazy way they’d looked the night before.

“Good morning,” Lena whispered, and Kara couldn’t resist kissing her on the lips. Lena returned the kiss, and hummed contentedly as they pulled away. Despite feeling sore all over and dreading the thought of inspecting her body, she also felt an unexpected sense of calm and happiness. In fact, she probably felt more relaxed that she had in a really long time. It was as if most of her worries had suddenly melted away, even though the events of the night had stirred a few new ones.

“How did you sleep?” Kara asked softly. Lena didn’t seem to mind the attention, or the proximity, so maybe this did mean something. Or maybe Kara was just oblivious to after-night etiquette. “Very good,” Lena answered with a teasing tone. “We worked up quite a sweat last night.” Her smirk made Kara blush, and she quickly averted her gaze, half embarrassed, half delighted by the playful banter.

After a pause, Lena’s tone shifted as she added, “We should probably talk, huh?” Her eyes held a flicker of uncertainty as she glanced at the blonde. Kara nodded and gently coaxed her hand from beneath Lena. “Let me get dressed first, alright?” she mumbled embarrassed, and Lena softly chuckled.

Kara scanned the room for her clothes but found nothing familiar. Trying not to think of the fact she was butt naked, she ventured to the two doors at the end of the room, and opened the left one—only to discover it led to a bathroom. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she realized her mistake. “It’s the other door,” Lena offered helpfully.

Kara turned to see other woman sitting up on the bed, the comforter pulled over her chest. Lena didn’t mind the nudity at all—instead, she simply watched Kara with an amused expression. More than amused, Kara noticed, as Lena’s gaze appreciatively raked over her body. Mumbling her thanks, Kara slipped out through the correct door and disappeared down the hallway.

Lena was very comfortable in her spot, right where she was, a content smile playing on her lips. She’s had a very good look at Kara yesterday – also a fantastic show-and-tell of her skills- but she enjoyed the view in front of her just as well. It was baffling, and Lena marvelled at the difference between yesterday and today- or all other days. The woman who had commanded power over her and given her immense pleasures – pleasure that still left her sore – had now transformed back info a blushing dork, shy over her nudity.

Lena didn’t know why that was, Kara was built incredibly well. Unlike Lena, she usually didn’t wear tight, revealing clothes, and they hid her form, which just made it that much sweeter when seeing it.

She had toned arms, sculpted from what had to be years of training, a strong back that hinted at discipline and strength. Her stomach was flat, her abs subtly defined beneath smooth skin, and her legs, long and powerful, carried an unmistakable athletic grace. Lena traced her eyes over the curves and contours, marvelling at the effortless way Kara's body balanced strength and softness. She wondered how Kara managed to keep in such impeccable shape—perhaps she ran, or swam, or spent hours in the gym, training muscles that had brought Lena to the brink of pleasure over and over again the night before. The thought alone made her shift slightly, biting her lip as heat pooled low in her stomach. Perhaps she played school sports? Lena mused, her thoughts becoming slightly mischievous as she imagined a sweaty, spent Kara. She couldn’t recall seeing Kara in any of the school’s teams- but then again, Lena spent practically all her time at home or at the library, so the chances of actually seeing her were slim.

As Kara wandered down the hallway of Lena’s surprisingly spacious apartment in search of her clothes, Lena took the time to examine herself. The ache was apparent and she didn’t need to search for the reason for that, but she wanted to look over her body as well. With a suspicion of the results, she pulled the covers away and walked to the full height mirror to look at herself.

The view left her gasping. From neck to ankle, her body was adorned with bruises and tender marks, looking like she’s been attacked by a rabid pack. Her perfect, pristine, milky skin has been untouched beforehand- she was very adamant about its clarity and very rarely allowed visible marks- and now she felt like a completely different person.

Not that she minded, she realised with a startling realization. Gods what is this woman doing to my mind, she thought to herself, inspecting her skin. She had done a fair amount of marking herself, leaving Kara with bites and hickeys she’ll probably only discover later on, but Kara was another thing entirely.

Lena had more hickeys than she could count, scratches, bruises on her hips when Kara grabbed her just a bit too strongly, and were those teeth marks? She was glad the classes had ended, because looking like this, she would have to re-evaluate her entire wardrobe before walking outside. Though on the other hand, maybe walking with Kara while showing visible marks, wouldn’t be that bad- perhaps it would invoke a possessive side in Kara. That is, if the woman in question even wanted to be associated with her outside of this room, she thought with a frown.

Based on yesterday’s ministrations, Kara was very experienced. Sure it was possible she just had a natural talent, but the bigger chances were she got it from encounters. Which might have meant this sort of thing was a habit for her. The woman had a great appeal and a secret charm, Lena probably wasn’t the only one falling for it. Perhaps that was just Kara’s game- playing meek and timid, while revealing a bold and wild side in bed. She could feel jealousy growing within her and she quickly shut it down.

Although incredibly enjoyable, she had spent exactly one night with the woman, which wasn’t nearly enough to get all crazy possessive.  With a sigh, and one last glance at her reflection, she climbed back into bed, the sheets still warm with their shared heat.

She reached for her phone on the nightstand, her fingers brushing over the smooth surface before unlocking it. A flood of unanswered texts and missed calls greeted her, mostly from her best friend Sam. A barrage of messages of ‘Where are you??’ variety filled the screen, followed by one final text: ‘If you’re not hurt, I’m going to kill you.’

Lena chuckled, shaking her head as she typed a response. ‘You’re not going to believe who just woke up in my bed.’

Sam’s reply was almost instantaneous—no surprise there, given that it was nearly 11 AM, and her friend had likely been up for hours. ‘I don’t care, you could’ve texted yesterday,’ came the immediate response, followed quickly by, ‘Who??’ Lena smirked, her fingers hovering over the screen, debating how much to say. But before she could type a reply, the sound of the door opening drew her attention away.

Kara was taking her sweet time finding her clothes, also stopping to get herself a glass of water. She found her phone in the hallway, and once checking it, only revealed a missed call and some texts. Every room in the apartment held echoes of the previous night; she couldn’t help but feel a mix of embarrassment and pride as she recalled how she’d made Lena come on every flat surface in the apartment- as did Lena in turn. Kara couldn’t even look at the couch just thinking of the filthy things Lena had done to her there.

She had dreamed of Lena for so long, wanted nothing more than to talk to her, to spend time with her, just to be near her—and now, they had shared an entire night of pleasure. Even if it was short-lived and her feelings one-sided, it would remain a treasured memory. Kara did want more, of course she did and she hoped Lena felt the same, but if she didn’t, Kara would respect that too.

Gathering her thoughts, she slowly put on her underwear and shirt. She’d braced herself for Lena’s potential rejection, but still resolved to remain polite and kind. Finally, Kara walked back to the bedroom and took one last deep breath before opening the door.

Lena was still there, seated in the same spot, idly fiddling with her phone. The stark contrast between her raven hair and the bright sheets made Kara’s heart flutter. If this is the only time I see her like that, I want the image seared in my brain, she thought bitterly. As soon as she heard her, Lena put her phone aside and looked up. “You alright?” she asked gently.

Kara nodded, settling on the edge of the bed. “Yeah, just thinking,” she replied quietly, struggling to find the right words, not knowing how to start, how to explain to Lena just how much this night meant to her.

 After a moment of thick silence, Lena hummed understandingly and then, with a nod to herself, suddenly said, “Okay, I’m ready. You can say it now.” She had already imagined the worst scenario in her mind and now just wanted to get it over. She willed herself to play it confident but knew, if Kara rejected her, she would most probably cry.

Kara looked at her in surprise, her heart pounding in her chest. “What do you mean?” she asked.

 “That yesterday was just alcohol and atmosphere—that you don’t actually like me, and we should just go our separate ways,” Lena blurted out, her face not betraying anything but her eyes sparkling. Kara froze for a painful moment, her mind scrambling to gather itself.

Then, without thinking, she stood up and blurted, “Why would I say that? Yesterday was like all my wildest dreams coming true.” The words tumbled out before she could stop them, and her cheeks burned with the sudden confession.

Lena opened her mouth to reply but then closed it again. When she spoke once more, her tone had softened. “So you do really like me?” she asked, the words imbued with hope and uncertainty. Kara could only nod, her face still flushed.

“That’s great,” Lena said slowly, as if choosing her words with care. “Because I feel the same way.”

A wide grin broke across Kara’s face. “Really?” she asked, her voice laced with disbelief and joy.

“Yes, truly,” Lena replied, unable to suppress a soft chuckle, and Kara moved to sit by her side, pulling her into a tender kiss. As they broke apart, Kara noticed tears glistening in Lena’s eyes. “So, what does this mean?” Kara asked, a trace of doubt creeping into her voice. “Are we… girlfriends?”

Lena chuckled again—a sound that warmed Kara’s chest. “I would like that a lot,” she admitted. “But I think we’re moving a bit too fast.”

Kara looked at her, confused. “What do you mean?”

Lena offered a gentle smile. “We got the order all mixed up. And truthfully, we don't even know each other. Let’s start from the beginning and see where it takes us.”

“Which means…?” Kara began hesitantly.

“Let’s go on a date,” Lena finished for her.

The blonde paused, lost in thought. “Hmm, I don’t know about that,” she murmured.

Lena playfully nudged Kara’s shoulder, drawing a laugh from her. “Alright then, Lena Luthor,” Kara said at last, her tone light yet sincere, “would you like to go on a date with me?”

“I would love to, Kara Danvers,” Lena replied, and Kara sealed the promise with another kiss.

Lena smirked, pulling Kara closer by her shirt and deepening the kiss. But before they could continue, the gentle ring of Kara’s ringtone sounded from the hallway. Kara groaned softly, pulled away, rising from the bed. She walked out into the hallway and made her way to where she left her phone, seeing her sister was calling her. With a heavy heart and a resigned sigh, Kara answered the call.

“Good morning,” she said cheerfully, only to be met with her Alex’s urgent, curt tone. “Kara, where the hell are you?” she demanded. “I’m sorry, I just—” Kara began, but Alex cut her off. “I don’t want to hear excuses. You know Mom asked us to be here today—it’s way past ten and you’re still not here!”

Kara rubbed her face with her palm, the words stinging like a sudden jolt. Her sister had found a way to shatter what might have been the happiest morning of her life. “Yeah, I know,” Kara replied, resigned. There was no escaping the family obligations today. “Just get here, ASAP,” Alex ordered before abruptly ending the call.

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Lena remained cocooned in the soft sheets, cherishing the silence. She stretched languidly in the late morning sun, then rose to gather her things. Picking up some underwear, shorts, and a loose shirt, Lena prepared herself for the day. She didn’t bother with a bra—after all Kara had already seen everything last night. She couldn’t help but overhear Kara’s voice from the hallway. It sounded like she was already done, so she walked to the hallway. Leaning on the doorframe, Lena observed Kara standing silently, eyes closed, phone in hand.

“Everything alright?” she asked softly, giving her space but unable to hide her concern.

Kara turned, as if woken from a trance, her face softening as she saw Lena. “I suppose,” she replied sadly, moving towards Lena. She wrapped an arm around her waist and planted a tender kiss on her cheek. “Unfortunately, I need to go now. Some family arrangement I can’t escape.”

Lena’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she responded with a playful peck on the lips. “You sure you’re not running away?” she teased, wrapping her arms around Kara’s neck.

“Absolutely not,” Kara said confidently, shaking her head. “I would love to stay, but I really have to go now.”

Lena giggled, as Kara hugged her tightly. “Trust me, I would much rather stay here with you.” Lena hummed approvingly, and Kara kissed her cheek, savouring the warmth, before pulling away. She walked to the living room to collect the rest of her clothes and Lena trailed silently behind her.

“Mind giving me your number?” she said, breaking the quiet. “We need to arrange that date somehow.”

Kara dropped the sock she was putting on and retrieved her phone. She handed it to Lena, who quickly typed in her number, and Kara took the chance to get fully dressed. “Thanks,” she murmured when Lena returned the phone. She wanted to stay. Wanted to stay in this beautiful apartment and in Lena’s presence; talk with her or, well, do something else.

As Kara gathered her belongings and made her way to the front door, she paused for a moment and looked back at Lena. The hallway window caught the sunlight just right, casting Lena in a heavenly glow. Kara drank in the sight, now relieved at the notion she’ll see her again. Lena walked over to her, one last time pulling her close and kissing her. For a short moment Kara kissed her with abandon, as if taking this love and saving it for the day ahead.

She looked at Lena with a soft smile on her face as they pulled away. “See you later then,” Lena said gently, brushing her cheek with her thumb.

"See you soon,” Kara agreed, taking her hand in hers and kissing it gently. She stepped out of Lena’s embrace, and with a soft wave, Kara walked through the door and out into the day.

Lena lingered a moment longer, watching the door close behind Kara, her mind a swirling mix of emotions. For now, she pushed aside the tangled thoughts and simply savoured the new happiness bubbling within her. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Lena turned back toward the bedroom, mentally preparing herself to answer the cascade of calls and texts that awaited her.

Chapter Text

    Kara burst through the front door of the apartment building, her breath hitching slightly as she stepped onto the pavement. In another scenario, she would have turned around, glanced up, and waved goodbye one last time. But she had no idea which window was Lena’s, and she was on a tight schedule, so that would have to wait for another time.

She took a moment to survey her surroundings, since she wasn’t able to do that yesterday. The haziness of the night had obscured the details, and she had been… otherwise occupied, but now, in the light of day, she realised Lena’s neighbourhood was nice. Really nice.

The streets were pristine, lined with elegant brownstones and sleek, modern apartment complexes. The kind of place where the pavement was always spotless, the streetlights cast a warm, golden glow rather than a harsh fluorescence, and the occasional high-class car idled by with an air of effortless affluence. It was the sort of area that students couldn’t afford in most cases—unless, of course, they were a Luthor.

A part of her wanted to linger, to walk around and take in the architectural charm, the quiet hum of morning activity, the sense of calm sophistication that contrasted so starkly with the dorms she called home. But unfortunately she had no time for idle exploration. Instead, she hurried to the roadside, her eyes scanning for a cab. The street wasn’t particularly busy and luck was on her side—within seconds, a taxi slowed to a stop. She wasted no time sliding into the backseat, rattling off her dorm address before pulling out her phone.

Kara considered calling Alex, but she knew her sister had already left for Midvale. That call would probably only result in a fight, and she was in no mood for that. Instead, she checked her messages. As expected, there were several from Nia, a string of encouraging emojis that stopped coming after an hour or so. Kara blanched as realisation dawned—Nia had seen her leave with Lena last night. And, given that Kara had yet to respond, she had undoubtedly reached the only possible conclusion.

Her crush on Lena wasn’t exactly a secret, at least not to her friends, but the idea of facing them and recounting the details was a daunting one. Their teasing would be merciless, which probably meant it was better if she were spare on the details. With that in mind, she quickly typed out a message to Nia and Winn, reassuring them that she was unharmed and that she’d had a great night—nothing more, nothing less, just enough to keep them at ease. If they wanted to talk about her night, that could wait for some other time. Or never, Kara was good with that too.

Just as she hit send, the cab rolled to a stop. She thanked the driver, slipping him a tip for the smooth, quiet ride, before stepping out and dashing towards the dorms. A short walk through the university grounds separated her from her building—usually a route she enjoyed, especially in such pleasant weather. The air wasn’t hot yet, and the sunlight dappled through the trees, casting shifting golden patterns on the pavement. On any other day, she would have taken her time, savoured the tranquillity and enjoyed the walk. But not today.

Today, she apparently had no time for anything pleasant – at least until she was done with her visit.

She reached her dorm room in record time, taking the stairs two at a time while fishing for her keys in her jacket. She was already slotting the key into the lock when she noticed a figure leaning casually against the wall beside her door.

 “Busy night?”

Kara’s stomach dropped as she looked up to find Sara Lance smirking at her, arms crossed, an unmistakably knowing glint in her piercing blue eyes. Dressed in her signature leather jacket over a fitted black top, she exuded effortless confidence, her toned frame relaxed against the wall. Her blonde hair was slightly tousled, giving her a roguish charm that only added to the mischief dancing in her expression.

Kara groaned, her cheeks warming as she turned her attention back to the lock. “Don’t even start,” she muttered, pushing the door open and stepping inside. Sara followed without hesitation, shutting the door behind them.

“I’m waiting for you to start,” Sara countered smoothly, sauntering over to Kara’s bed and dropping onto it with an easy grace. “I’m waiting for you to start screaming and crying about your amazing night with freaking Lena Luthor!”

Kara groaned again, heading straight to her wardrobe and pulling it open with a little more force than necessary “How do you even know about that?”

Sara ignored her question. “How are you not freaking out?” she pressed, her grin widening, sparkle in her eyes. “Seriously, I’ve seen you spiral over way less, and now you’re just… calm?”

“Oh, believe me, I am freaking out,” Kara replied, pulling out a fresh pair of underwear. “I’m freaking out about everything! But my brain hasn’t fully caught up with the whole situation yet, so for now, I’m internally freaking it. And then, once I’ve had a minute to process, I’ll probably start screaming on the outside too.”

Sara laughed, shaking her head in amusement. “That’s fair. You do have a bit of a delayed reaction time when it comes to emotional crises.”

Kara shot her a flat look before grabbing her toiletries. “I need to take a shower. Try not to get too comfortable.”

“No promises.”

Rolling her eyes, Kara disappeared into the bathroom.

Not long after, she emerged back, feeling refreshed, her skin still tingling from the hot water, and the scent of fresh soap clinging to her. Dressed only in her underwear, she stepped into the room, only to find Sara sprawled lazily across her bed, arms behind her head like she owned the place.

"But you're happy with the whole thing, right?" Sara continued their conversation, her voice brimming with excitement, though Kara detected the familiar undercurrent of concern beneath it.

 "Overjoyed," Kara replied with a firm nod, her lips quirking into a small smile as she crossed the room toward her closet. She pulled open the doors, rifling through the neatly folded clothes in search of something suitable for the day ahead.

Sara, propped herself up on her elbows, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Hold up," she said, her tone suddenly serious as she sat up further. "Just what are those marks?"

Kara frowned at her, confused, before catching the unmistakable sultry lilt in her friend’s voice. That was never a good sign. Heart pounding, she turned to the mirror, taking in her reflection properly for the first time since last night.

"Oh god," she breathed, the shirt she had been holding slipping from her fingers.

Sara burst into giggles, springing off the bed to stand behind her, peering over her shoulder with an impish grin. "Well, by the looks of it, you definitely had a fun night.”

Kara had no words—no coherent thoughts beyond sheer mortification. How had she not noticed this earlier? Her skin was a canvas of Lena’s handiwork—bite marks scattered along the inside of her thighs, crescent-shaped nail imprints running down her back, and the most damning of all, a deep, unmistakable hickey blooming high on her neck. A declaration. A claim. Whatever it meant, Lena had known exactly what she was doing, and there was no hiding it.

Sara laughed like a teenager, her hands landing on Kara’s shoulders as she gave them a gentle squeeze. "Now I really need the details."

Kara swatted her away, her face burning hotter than the sun, as she quickly retrieved the fallen shirt and shoved it back into the wardrobe. Thank god for that one tank top with a high neck—because that was exactly what she needed right now.

"I'm not telling you anything," she declared, grabbing the top and slipping it over her head as Sara flopped back onto the bed, undeterred.

"Then I’m just going to ask the culprit," Sara countered smootly, a wicked challenge glinting in her eyes.

Kara whirled around so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet. "Don’t you dare," she warned, pointing a finger at her friend, her expression a mix of panic and exasperation.

Sara only laughed in response, and despite herself, Kara couldn't help but smile too.

She moved to her desk, searching through a small jewellery box before plucking out her mother’s earrings and fastening them on. As she did, Sara finally caught up to Kara’s hurried pace.

“Where are you running off to, anyway?” she asked, sitting up again

Kara met her gaze in the mirror. “Lunch with my mother,” she said simply, fastening the clasp on the second earring

Sara rolled her eyes. “Right, that’s today already.”

“It’ll be fine,” Kara replied, more to reassure herself than anything. She grabbed her brush, running it through her damp waves. “It’s summer break—maybe she’ll be more relaxed now.”

Sara hummed noncommittally, casting a glance out the window at the bright, cloudless sky. After a moment, she turned back. “You want me to drive you? You know, also for moral support?”

Kara breathed a small laugh. “It’s fine, thank you. I’ll just take the bike.”

Sara arched a brow. “You sure about that?” she asked, well aware of Kara’s mother’s disapproval of her motorbike.

“Positive,” Kara confirmed without hesitation. She had already weighed her options, and this was the most practical one. She couldn’t trouble her friends for rides, and her only usual option—Alex—was long gone. Knowing her sister, she had probably left early after realising Kara wasn’t going to be ready on time. A cab to the countryside would be too expensive, and there was no reliable public transport to get her there. That left her bike, which she genuinely preferred—despite the inevitable disapproval it would earn her.

Not that it would be the only thing displeasing her mother today, Kara thought bitterly, catching her own reflection.

“All looking good?” she asked Sara, turning slightly.

Sara stayed quiet for a beat before nodding approvingly. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she spoke. “You know, Kara, you’re an adult. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

Kara waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been avoiding this for over a month—it’s only fair I go home for a few hours.” She knelt to grab her boots. “And with any luck, after today, she’ll leave me alone until September, and I’ll be free to do whatever I want for months.”

“Preferably Lena Luthor,” Sara added slyly, her smirk pure wicked delight.

Kara groaned, her face flushing as she muttered something incomprehensible, which only made Sara laugh harder.

Realising Kara was ready to leave, Sara pushed herself off the bed, following her out into the hallway as Kara locked the door behind them.

“But for real,” Sara said, her tone turning serious. “If you need an escape, just let me know and I’ll rush to your rescue. With a spaceship if necessary.”

Kara let out a startled laugh, caught off guard by the abrupt but entirely typical shift in Sara’s tone. She was grateful for this unexpected visit—somehow, Sara always found a way to lift her spirits.

“And where exactly would you find a spaceship?” she asked, amusement flickering in her eyes.

Sara winked, her grin widening. “I have my ways.”

Kara couldn’t help but laugh again, shaking her head as they parted ways. No matter how difficult the day ahead might be, at least she had friends like Sara to remind her she wasn’t alone.

Just as she reached her bike, her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw Lena’s name flashing on the screen, a small smile tugging at her lips before she even opened the message.

I hope you got home safely. Also… I may have left something in your bag. Consider it a memento.

Kara’s brows furrowed in curiosity as she glanced down at her bag, slung over her shoulder. She’s had it with her this entire time, yet hadn’t even opened it once. Quickly unzipping it, she rummaged through the contents before her fingers brushed against something unfamiliar. Not daring to pull it out, her breath hitched. A delicate silk bra—deep emerald green, undeniably Lena’s, the scent of her perfume lingering.

Heat rose to Kara’s cheeks as she bit her lip, torn between exasperation and something much softer. Fingers tightening around the fabric, she typed out a response.

You are unbelievable.

Three dots appeared almost instantly.

And yet, you’re still smiling.

A few minutes later, Kara was on her bike, the familiar hum of the engine beneath her providing a steady backdrop to her thoughts. She was way behind schedule—though, to her mother, there wasn’t much difference between being ten minutes or two hours late. She didn’t want to displease her mother any further by arriving too late, so she sped up appropriately, allowing the wind to cool her warm skin. A part of her regretted leaving Lena—or even Sara—so abruptly, but no matter how much she tried to shake it off, that familiar dread of being late to a family event always clung to her.

With almost an hour of driving ahead, her mind wandered. Most students relished the chance to go home on weekends or during holidays, but Kara wasn’t one of them. For her, home visits weren’t something to celebrate. Her family was chaos, with not much love or warmth lost on her. It wasn’t that she felt unwelcomed, exactly, but there was no deep-seated longing to be there, either.

Kara was adopted; not that it factored much, but the fact remained. Her birth family had been part of a cult, but luckily social services had intervened when she was still a toddler, removing her from that life before she could even remember it. Malnourished little Kara, that hadn’t really seen the outside world, was taken to safety before any damage could be done. Originally, she had been meant to live with her aunt in Midvale, but elderly Martha was already struggling with her own young son, Clark, and couldn’t take on another child. So, after a brief stint in the system, Kara had ended up with the Danvers. They were supposedly distant relatives, though she had never found any real proof of that, nor did she see any resemblance between them.

She was beyond grateful they took her in, because no matter what, her life with them was unimaginably better than the one she would have if she got stuck in the system.

Her adoptive father, Jeremiah—a man she had never gotten to call ‘Dad’—wasn’t a particularly memorable person. A former soldier turned drunk was a sour man of few words, most of them cold and unfeeling. He had never been abusive, just indifferent, spending most of his time alone with a bottle or two for company. At one point, Eliza had loved him. They had met as teenagers, had the classic romantic love story, but somewhere along the way, Jeremiah had changed, and that love had eroded until nothing was left.

 Eliza had given him chance after chance, but he had squandered them all. With two daughters to care for, she couldn’t afford to waste any more time with him, couldn’t risk him someday retorting to violence after one too many drinks. So, after one final ultimatum (which he, of course, didn’t obey), she had thrown him out—and Jeremiah didn’t hesitate much either leaving them all behind. Kara suspected Alex still kept in touch with him, but she herself hadn’t heard from him in years. Nor did she care to. The man was a stranger to her.

Elizabeth Danvers, on the other hand, was devoted to being a mother. Once a successful scientist, she had put her career on the side to focus on raising her daughters, instead settling into teaching science at a local primary school. She loved her daughters and had given them everything she could, ensuring they never went without. There was a clear difference in the way she treated them, Kara has felt that since childhood. She knew she could never quite measure up to her sister, but when it came to basic needs Eliza treated them equally.

Sure, Alex had always gotten better gifts. She had been sent to summer camps that Kara hadn’t. She had been granted more freedom, while Kara had faced stricter rules. As a teenager, Kara had resented her mother for it. She had hated the imbalance, the feeling of always coming second. But as she grew older, she realised those things didn’t matter. They had left a sour taste in her childhood, sure, but in the ways that truly counted, she had been cared for. She was fed and warm and always, always safe. She knew the difference wasn’t because she was adopted—in fact, Kara suspected that Eliza often forgot she hadn’t actually given birth to her—but simply because they were different children.

There’s always been the colder treatment and a lack of love, and Kara couldn’t deny it was far from regular motherly nurturing, but perhaps the real problem wasn’t that she had been treated badly. It was that Alex had been treated so much better.

Because there was Alex. The golden child. Always perfect, always blameless.

Alex, who had never been grounded despite getting detention. Alex, who hadn’t been punished after almost crashing the car into a lake. Alex, who had been free to do whatever she pleased.

Kara didn’t hate her. In fact, she imagined that, if they had been strangers, they would probably have even been great friends. But she couldn’t say she loved her, either. Alex had always been distant and cold to her. Kara couldn’t pinpoint when it had started—there was no singular moment of betrayal or fallout that she could remember. Perhaps Alex had simply taken that behaviour from their mother or was bothered by the fact that Kara stopped her from being a single child- not like she could even remember those years anyway. She had another theory, a more plausible one. Kara had arrived only a few months before Jeremiah had left, and she suspected that, in Alex’s young mind, the two events had become linked. That, on some level, Alex had blamed her for their father’s absence. And Alex had continued to blame her for everything possible throughout the years- whether out of convenience or hatred, Kara couldn’t tell.

She had never been in Alex’s way. As a child, she had quickly given up on the idea of them being close. But still, her sister had always seemed to have a problem with her. She hadn’t liked having her at the same school, hadn’t liked when their social circles occasionally overlapped. In high school, there had been a girl—one Alex had liked, but who hadn’t felt the same. Kara had never even spoken a word to her, yet somehow, Alex decided it was her fault.

Over the years, Kara had extended an olive branch more times than she could count. Most of the time, Alex had refused it, meeting her with resistance. But sometimes, just sometimes, she had relented. They had shared a few good moments—memories Kara now deeply treasured. And though their relationship would never be perfect, though it would never be easy, at least it was managable.

It wasn’t ideal, but it was better than constant bickering (which was the norm in high school). And for Kara, it had to be enough and since it couldn’t improve, she wanted it to stay that way.

Kara’s eyes swept over the horizon, drinking in the landscape that had remained unchanged despite the years that had passed. The road curved gently along the hillside, bordered by tall, swaying pines on one side and a steep drop overlooking the lake on the other. The water stretched out below, a vast expanse of deep blue shimmering under the afternoon sun, reflecting the sky like polished glass. In the distance, the mountains loomed, their peaks softened by a hazy summer heat, standing as silent sentinels against the horizon.

The air rushing past her carried the scent of pine, mixing with the distant, almost imperceptible hint of freshwater. The steady hum of her bike beneath her was grounding, a low vibration that kept her tethered to the moment, even as her thoughts drifted.

She wasn’t sure what she had expected to feel, making this drive again.

Her family was much like this place—beautiful from a distance, picturesque, but up close, the cracks in the foundation ran too deep. She had spent years wrestling with her feelings about them, trapped in a contradiction she could never quite untangle. She had told herself she didn’t need them, that she didn’t care, that she was fine on her own. And yet, in the quietest moments, she still reached for those fleeting glimpses of unity, those rare and fragile moments where love felt tangible. She had held onto them like fragments of a dream, convincing herself they were enough.

But they weren’t. In truth, she wanted more. Wanted a mother that would call her often, a father that would care about her, a sister that would be there for her.

Kara exhaled slowly as she tightened her grip on the handlebars. If she stripped everything down—if she crossed the good with the bad, weighed the warmth against the cold—she knew the truth. She had always known it, deep down.

She’ll never have the perfect family life, not even after years of trying. And perhaps it was time to stop trying.

The thought settled over her like quiet resignation, a truth she had been slowly acknowledging for too long. But here at that moment, with the road stretching endlessly ahead and the wind rushing past her, it felt oddly freeing.

But it had been a daunting thought and it wasn’t so simple. Which meant she would continue to avoid it for as long as she could. She was determined to not lose hope entirely, not ready to let them go just yet. Sharing blood (or in her case not even that), didn’t mean much to her, but after all, family was only one and she didn’t want to lose it – at least not completely.

Now that she was older, slowly finding her own family and her own place in the world, Kara had begun to distance herself from her family more. It wasn’t an abrupt break—more like the gentle pulling away of a tide, receding further each time. There were good memories, of course, but the unpleasant ones balanced the scale and she had to give a chance to herself to move forward, to let go of the past and carve out a life that truly felt like hers. Not that she intended to disappear completely but she also stopped clinging to them the way she used to. She would always keep in touch, she would be there when Eliza grew older and needed her—but she had no plans to spend more time with them than she wanted to. Because despite it all, perhaps that was for the best.

University had been her first step into the world beyond them. Three years behind her, she was well-adjusted to nearly everything—the routine, the independence, the friendships she had built. Campus life had become second nature, a place where she felt truly herself. In high school, she had excelled in nearly everything, but particularly in sports and science. She had even been offered a sports scholarship—something her family never found out—but she had turned it down in favour of enrolling in a science program instead. Journalism had always intrigued her, a quiet passion she had never fully explored, but science was where her true interests lay. She thrived in calculus especially, consistently among the top in her classes, and her success in a national competition had even earned her a partial scholarship. While early mornings and long lectures weren’t exactly enjoyable, she loved learning, and if a bad day ever struck, she had her friends to make it better.

Kara considered herself very lucky to have found them. Her first true friend since she was a child had been Sara, a girl (now woman) who had intrigued her from the very first day. They had sat together at all their enrolment ceremonies, where Sara had shamelessly flirted with new classmates and Kara failing to suppress her guggles. When they were younger, Sara tried her luck with her as well —unsuccessfully. Sara was undeniably attractive, and Kara could appreciate that (and she surely did), but she simply wasn’t her type. They hadn’t immediately became great friends, but it didn’t take long until they had fallen into an easy friendship, one that had later became a defining part of Kara’s university experience. They sat together in all their shared classes, went on trips, trusted each other with everything—Sara was an incredible person and an even better friend.

She was also a mystery and full of surprises. Beneath her laid-back, flirty exterior lay an incredibly sharp mind and an unwavering sense of loyalty. She had a fascination with quantum physics and an unmatched skill in martial arts. She was the type of person who would drop everything to help a friend and, if necessary, throw a punch to defend them. Which, in fact, she had done—multiple times. It was never a good idea for her opponents; Sara always won, quickly and effortlessly, while also looking great.

Among their group, Sara was the most visible, the one who drew attention wherever she went. But the rest of their friends were just as remarkable in their own ways.

There was Nia, the calm, quiet presence, two years younger than them. Kara couldn’t even recall how their friendship had begun—Nia had simply drifted into her life one day and never left, becoming a steady, comforting presence. She also carried the trophy for being the only friend in their group that had never tried to sleep with Kara. Nia was kind, gentle and shy, but Kara knew there was brave side to her, one that would fight against any injustice. Nia studied oneirology, the science of dreams, and Kara was grateful that their university was one of the few that offered the program. Nia’s insight often proved invaluable; she had an uncanny ability to read dreams and offer advice that, more often than not, turned out to be exactly what they needed.

Someone that needed that advice a lot was Winn, another essential part of their circle. He was studying computer science, which, for him, was more than a field of study—it was his entire world. Kara had befriended him in one of their shared classes and had slowly helped him come out of his shell. She had introduced him to their friend group, encouraged him to socialize, and even attempted to help him talk to girls—though, so far, that particular endeavour hadn’t yielded much success.

And then there was James, two years older than the rest of them, studying photography. Kara had never shared any classes with him, but he had been good friends with her cousin, and they had connected through Clark. James had a natural ability to put people at ease and was rarely seen without a camera in hand. He was always taking pictures of them, capturing candid moments and turning them into memories they could keep forever, the pictures always looking impeccable. He was fun to be around, yet had just finished his studies, and Kara wasn’t quite sure how the next year would feel without him around.

As she rode on, the road stretching endlessly ahead, Kara allowed herself a small smile. She had found something real there—something of her own making, and these people were the exact reason she was realizing she didn’t need her family as much as she thought.

Always too soon, Kara arrived at her childhood house—a place she had long since stopped calling home. It stood as picturesque as ever, nestled by the tranquil expanse of the lake in the countryside, its pristine white walls and deep blue shutters exuding an effortless charm. The garden was well-kept, Eliza’s handiwork evident in the neatly trimmed hedges and the flowerbeds bursting with colour. Beyond the house, the calm waters of the lake stretched toward the horizon, reflecting the soft hues of the afternoon sky, while the surrounding trees swayed gently in the breeze. It was beautiful, almost painfully so, a house that should have felt warm and welcoming. But to Kara, it was nothing more than a structure, a relic of a past she had been trying to detach herself from.

She sighed as she spotted Alex’s car parked in the driveway—just another reminder of the privileges her sister had been afforded while Kara had been left to figure it out by herself. The familiar pang of unfairness surfaced, but she pushed it aside, unwilling to let it dictate the rest of her visit.

Cutting the engine of her bike a few hundred metres before the house, she rolled it the rest of the way and parked behind the garage, hoping its absence from sight might keep her mother in a better mood. A futile effort, perhaps, but she was willing to take whatever small advantage she could get.

As she stepped onto the front porch and reached for the handle, the door swung open before she could touch it.

“You’re late,” her mother said, her voice cool and impassive, arms crossed over her chest in silent reprimand.

Kara exhaled slowly, biting back the automatic need to bristle. “I’m sorry, Mom. I got caught up yesterday and slept in today,” she said, stepping inside and pressing a quick, perfunctory kiss to her mother’s cheek.

The gesture was almost mechanical, a habit ingrained more out of routine than affection. She didn’t particularly feel like a daughter here, and Eliza never exuded the usual warmth of a mother. But Eliza had always insisted on being called ‘Mom,’ and Kara obliged. It wasn’t something she would have minded letting go of, but despite everything, there was a small, inexplicable comfort in having someone to call ‘mother.’

“With a party, yeah, Alexandra told me,” Eliza remarked, one brow arching in that distinct way that carried unspoken disapproval.

Kara suppressed an eye-roll, forcing herself to remain composed. Of course Alex told her, but it wasn’t worth the argument. Not yet, at least. They were ought to start bickering at some point, it could at least wait until lunch.

“I’m sorry,” she said again, voice neutral.

Eliza ignored her apology with practiced ease, already turning on her heel and heading further inside the house. “I hope you’re hungry,” she said over her shoulder.

Kara quickly toed off her shoes and followed behind, already steeling herself for the afternoon ahead.

As she walked through the hallway to the living room, her eyes couldn’t help but wander to the framed photos lining both walls. There were some family portraits, a few candid shots with pets, but mostly, it was just Alex. Her mother’s prized gem, displayed at every opportunity. There were few solo photos of Kara, but at least they were there and that always warmed her a little. Their relationship was cold, but despite everything, her mother most probably still loved her. She had been provided for, never abused—maybe she shouldn’t complain. She knew she was more fortunate than plenty of other kids, so maybe Eliza was right, and she should be more grateful.

“You can talk for a while,” her mother said, breaking her thoughts. “The food will be ready soon.” She disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kara standing in the hallway.

Kara stepped into the living room, finding Alex lounging on the couch, her face illuminated by the soft glow of her phone screen. A faint smile tugged at her sister’s lips—a clear sign she was likely talking to her girlfriend.

“Hey,” Kara greeted.

Alex barely acknowledged her, offering only a distracted murmur in response.

“I expect you to be on time next time,” their mother called from the kitchen, the pointed remark landing with little effect. Kara almost asked why she had to be here so early if the food wasn’t even ready yet, but she bit her tongue. Just another one of her mother’s rules- though surprisingly, it applied to both of her daughters.

Kara sighed and dropped onto the couch beside her sister. Alex didn’t bother moving her legs, leaving Kara squished against the armrest. She wasn’t particularly eager to talk, and since their mother didn’t seem to need any help, Kara leaned her head back, closed her eyes, and tried to relax.

The exhaustion crept in, slow but unrelenting. Only now, with a moment of stillness, did she realise just how drained she was. It made sense—she had spent most of the night… exercising, and was now running on only a few hours of sleep. Coupled with the emotional turmoil of the last twenty-four hours, it was no wonder she felt worn down. She had been thinking too much today, so clearing her mind, she let herself drift.

Her plan had been to rest her eyes for just a moment, but the next thing she knew, gentle kicking stirred her awake. Kara blinked, disoriented, before glancing at the clock. Nearly an hour had passed.

Her sister put down her phone and was apparently in a mood to talk. “Where did you disappear to yesterday?” Alex asked looking bored, her tone more curious and annoyed than concerned. “We said we’d leave together.”

Having the best night of my life, Kara thought, before searching for a believable excuse. “Sorry,” she said, rubbing her eyes. “A friend got sick, and I had to take her home. I think she drank too much.”

The lie slipped out effortlessly, a testament to how used she was to lying to Alex.

Alex narrowed her eyes. “Couldn’t you have at least texted me? I waited for a long time.”

Kara resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her sister was not a patient one- a ‘long time’ likely meant ten minutes of half-hearted searching before she left with Maggie. Normally, Kara might have been mildly offended, but today, she really couldn’t care less.

“I had to clean up after her,” she continued her fabrication. “And then I fell asleep. I completely forgot.”

It was a perfectly plausible lie, one that had actually happened before. But something about it didn’t quite satisfy Alex this time. Perhaps Kara didn’t seem sorry enough.

“Didn’t you play that stupid game with Mike and the others?” Alex probed further.

“Not intentionally,” Kara replied, keeping her voice even. “I got pulled into it, but I left almost right away.” Only then did Kara remember that Alex was right there yesterday and probably saw them playing. She could only hope her sister wasn’t there long and didn’t see her disappear with Lena.

A flicker of doubt crossed Alex’s face, but after a brief pause, she simply shrugged. “If you say so.”

Kara took the opportunity to reach for her phone, hoping to put an end to the conversation. But Alex still wasn’t finished.

“Which friend did you say got sick?” she asked.

“Sara,” Kara answered immediately, looking Alex straight in the eyes, almost challenging her to ask any more questions. It was the safest lie and her usual cover. Sara hadn’t been at the party, so no one could contradict her, and if Alex asked, Sara would cover for her without hesitation. Kara was confident of that. But since Alex disliked Sara—more like despised her—the chances of her checking were slim.

Predictably, Alex relented, and reacted as expected: a deep frown, averted gaze, and a swift end to the conversation.

Kara wasn’t entirely sure what had happened between them. Once, Alex and Sara had been close—closer than Kara had been with either of them. But something changed a few years ago. From what little she had gathered, they had been romantically involved, but their expectations hadn’t aligned. Sara had been looking for fun, while Alex had been looking for something serious. The fallout had been messy. Sara had broken Alex’s heart—or at least, that was Kara’s best guess—and their friendship had never recovered.

Kara had taken Sara’s side in the conflict. It had brought them closer, forging a deep friendship and she didn’t regret it, but she sometimes wondered what might have been if she had sided with Alex instead. Maybe, if she had supported her sister back then, they would have developed a normal sibling relationship, by now they could be good friends.

Then again, Kara had practically been the reason Alex and Maggie got together, and nothing had changed since then. So maybe it had nothing to do with that at all.

Before she could spiral any further, her mother’s call broke through her thoughts, summoning them for lunch.

“Girls! It’s ready, come eat!”

They stood up and made their way to the dining room, Alex once again glued to her phone, her fingers moving swiftly over the screen. Kara, meanwhile, automatically stepped in to help their mother carry the dishes to the table, out of her goodwill but partly due to the habit ingrained over years of being the one expected to do so. As they filled their plates, Alex remained absorbed in her messages, occasionally smirking at whatever she was reading.

Eliza didn’t say anything, but Kara knew better than to take her own phone out. One of the longest-standing rules in the house had been no phones at the table. Alex, of course, had usually gotten away with it, but Kara had learned early on that her own disobedience would result in sharp reprimands. They were adults now, and Kara no longer feared her mother’s scolding, but she still believed in respecting house rules, no matter how unevenly they were enforced.

Only once Eliza spoke did Alex finally tuck her phone away, though not before finishing one last message.

“So, girls, how did you do on your finals?” Eliza asked, her tone warm, but her gaze settled more on Alex than Kara.

Alex shrugged noncommittally, her eyes focused on the food. “Good enough. It should be fine.”

“Wonderful,” their mother said with a pleased smile. “But you know, darling, I don’t want to pressure you. Even if the results aren’t fantastic, don’t worry, alright?”

Alex gave a small nod, and Eliza continued, “Of course, I believe in you, so I know you’ll do great.”

Finally, she turned to Kara. “And you?” she asked, her voice lighter, less expectant.

“Great,” Kara replied confidently. “Everything went well.” She wasn’t boasting, just stating a fact. She had always done well, and she had no doubt she’d get good grades again—just as she always had.

“That’s good,” Eliza said, nodding to herself. “You should keep your grades up; I don’t want you slipping.”

“I won’t,” Kara sighed, forcing herself not to react. She had consistently outperformed Alex their entire lives, yet their mother never worried about Alex’s grades. Kara, though? She always had to be kept in check, had to keep a good grade, do her homework, study all the time. She swallowed the familiar frustration and focused on her food.

“Well then,” Eliza continued, turning her attention back to Kara. “This party yesterday.”

Kara rolled her eyes, already bracing herself for whatever lecture was coming, expecting words she’s heard a hundred times before.

“I don’t want to see you partying too much. Either of you,” she said, looking from Kara to Alex and back again. “Especially you,” she added, her gaze lingering on Kara. “First, you got yourself a bike, now parties, and next thing you know, you’ll be falling in with a bad crowd and doing drugs.”

Kara stared at her mother in disbelief, her fork frozen mid-air. She couldn’t be serious, again barking up the same tree. Kara had been nothing but exemplary since childhood—kind, responsible, obedient. Getting a bike was the closest thing to rebellion she had ever dared, and yet, her mother had freaked out, acted as if she had announced she was running off to join a gang. Eliza had been convinced it was the beginning of a downward spiral, that Kara would soon be covered in tattoos, doing drugs, and throwing her future away. It was ridiculous, and absolutely nothing changed since she’s made that purchase.

Meanwhile, Alex’s life had been far more interesting. Kara didn’t know how much their mother actually knew, and she wasn’t one to tattle, but Alex was a wild spirit and had gone through a true rebellious phase. She used to smoke, she was often late to class due to hangovers, and she even had a tattoo—one that she’d had for five years, and somehow, their mother still hadn’t known about. Sometimes, in her more defiant moods, Kara wondered what would happen if she just spilled every one of Alex’s dirty little secrets, just to see the reaction. But that wasn’t who she was and she would never betray Alex like that, even if their relationship was far from perfect. On top of that, she would never endanger Eliza and Alex’s relationship.

So instead, she simply hummed noncommittally and let the conversation move on. They spoke lightly about summer, the conversation drifting in and out of polite engagement. Their mother had laid out her plans for them months ago, ones Kara had yet to find a way to escape. But Eliza hadn’t mentioned them in weeks. Maybe she had forgotten, or maybe she had finally accepted that Kara wouldn’t go along with them. Either way, Kara wasn’t about to remind her.

As they talked, Kara noticed Alex was quieter than usual, not contributing much to the conversation, pushing her food around more than eating, her fingers occasionally twitching toward her phone. Something was clearly on her mind.

“Hey, is everything alright?” Kara asked gently.

Alex barely reacted, just shrugged and didn’t say anything.

“No, Alexandra, Kara is right,” Eliza chimed in, placing a firm yet gentle hand over Alex’s. “If something is wrong, you can tell us.”

“Nothing is wrong,” Alex said irritably. “Then what’s happening, dear?” Eliza asked again. Alex sighed, staring at her plate for a moment before glancing at her phone one last time. Then, she blurted out, “I proposed to Maggie. We’re getting married.”

Kara froze, fork halfway to her mouth, her eyes widening, lost for words. Her gaze flicked to their mother, whose expression was eerily similar—a mix of shock and speechlessness.

“Wedding?” Eliza finally echoed, as if she hadn’t heard correctly the first time. “Don’t you think it’s a little too early?”

“No, I don’t,” Alex replied firmly. “I’m practically done with school, and we love each other. Maggie’s it for me, mom. I’m completely certain of that. Either I marry her, or I don’t marry at all. So why wait?”

Eliza opened her mouth, hesitated, then closed it again, her expression unreadable.

Kara took the opportunity to step in. “Well, if you’re sure,” she said slowly, searching Alex’s face. “Then I support you. So… congratulations.”

Alex turned to her, her expression softening with gratitude. “Thank you,” she murmured, and Kara bitterly thought how rare these sisterly moments were between them.

A beat of silence stretched before Eliza finally spoke again, gathering her thoughts. “Fine,” she said at last. “I don’t like how fast you’re moving, but fine. I admit I can see you two are clearly in love and Maggie is a very nice young woman.”

Alex looked at her, cautiously hopeful.

“But,” their mother continued, “You have to finish school first. No wedding without a degree. That’s my condition if you want my support. And I want a proper meet-up with Maggie’s family. Soon.”

Alex exhaled, then nodded quickly. “Yeah, of course,” she said, her excitement bubbling over. “That was the plan from the start. And sure, we’ll arrange it.”

She stood up, moving to press a quick kiss to their mother’s cheek. “Thanks, Mom. Kara,” she added before hurrying off, already typing on her phone.

Moments later, Kara heard her voice carrying from the next room as she called Maggie. She turned back to her mother, who had fallen into a contemplative silence. Unsure what to say, with Eliza deep in thought, they finished the meal without another word.

After lunch, Kara helped her mother clear the table and then offered to wash the dishes, giving herself a moment to think and unwind. Eliza retreated to her room, while Alex disappeared to god knew where. Finally alone, Kara pulled out her phone to share the news with her friends.

She tapped into what she thought was their group chat and typed Alex is getting married!!!

Only after sending it did she realise, with growing horror, that the last contact she had messaged wasn’t the group chat—it was Lena.

Her heart pounded as she stared at the screen, bracing for Lena’s reaction. It wasn’t anything bad, nothing embarrassing, but was this appropriate? Should she have waited until their date to talk again? Was it too forward to message Lena about something so personal? She had no idea, and all she could do was hope Lena wouldn’t think she was being intrusive.

A reply came almost immediately. Never been on a wedding on the first date but alright!

Kara exhaled a laugh, relief washing over her. Thankfully, Lena didn’t mind.

I'm so sorry, that was meant for my friends, Kara typed back. Besides, we don't even have the date yet.

So that's an un-invite? Ouch. Lena replied.

Kara typed quickly, before Lena could misunderstand. Keep your schedule next year open, I suppose.

Only after hitting send did she realise the implication—that she was assuming Lena would still be around, still be in her life. It was a thought she didn't want to examine too closely. Didn’t want to fall deeper so soon.

Deal, Lena replied, and Kara ignored the warm feeling in her chest as she turned her attention back to the dishes, letting her thoughts drift.

She still couldn’t quite wrap her head around the fact that Alex was getting married. True, her sister was definitely old enough, with just one year of school left and a decent future ahead of her, but marriage—that was huge. At least to Kara it felt like something distant, something to consider years down the line. She hadn’t expected Alex to marry anytime soon, not when this was only her second serious relationship. And they’d only been together a year.

Yet Alex’s words had stuck with her. If she was certain, why wait indeed? And Kara had to admit, her sister had always been careful, methodical. She wasn’t impulsive, never took unnecessary risks – not when it came to feelings. If Alex had made this decision, it wasn’t on a whim; it was something she had thought through completely. The only thing left for Kara to do was support her, and she would, wholeheartedly. Besides—a wedding! Kara had always loved weddings. There was something beautifully melancholic about them, something that always left her wistful. And now, she would get to experience one up close, preparing, celebrating- hopefully also planning. She had never had a chance to do that, but she could only imagine it would be very fun. If Alex allowed her to help, it could be a bonding experience, perhaps.

As for herself… marriage was something she wanted. Someday. But it wasn’t on her horizon yet. She’d never been in a relationship that made her even consider it. Not seriously, anyway. Sure, she’d had countless daydreams, half-formed fantasies of standing side to side with a certain woman, but they had always felt just that—fantasies.

Except now, maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched after all.

Kara shook her head, clearing the thought before it could derail her completely. She finished washing the dishes and made her way back to the living room, where Alex and Eliza were sitting on the couch, deep in conversation. Alex had returned, and Eliza didn’t seem upset, which was a good sign.

She sat beside her mother, joining their idle chatter, all of them deliberately avoiding further discussion of the wedding.

After some time, Kara realized the visit had gone well so far, which meant it was time for her to make an exit before either of them found something to criticise her for.

"Thanks for lunch, but I should get going," she announced, standing up.

Both women looked at her.

"Already? It’s still early," Eliza said, frowning, despite the fact Kara’s been there for a few hours.

"I have things to pack," she lied. "And I’m meeting some friends later."

"Haven’t I told you not to make plans on the days you visit me?" Eliza’s tone grew sharper. "And I hope you don’t intend to go to another party."

Kara sighed, choosing to ignore the first part. "I’m not a party-goer, Mom. Yesterday’s event was an isolated one."

Eliza narrowed her eyes but before she could speak again, Alex cut in unexpectedly. "Need a ride?"

Kara blinked. Alex had rarely ever offered her a ride—she was far more likely to leave her stranded. Maybe Kara’s support had meant more than she realised. Or perhaps Alex wanted an excuse to leave and go to Maggie. Suppressing her surprise, Kara shook her head with a small smile.

"No, thanks. I have my bike."

The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she instantly regretted it.

"You still have that?" Eliza’s expression darkened as she stood. "I told you to get rid of that death machine! It’s dangerous, Kara! And it attracts the wrong people."

My queue to leave, Kara thought, swiftly moving to the hallway before her mother could start another lecture.

"Thanks again, goodbye!" she called as she slipped on her jacket.

She was nearly out the door when Alex appeared besides her, leaning against the wall with a thoughtful look.

"I still think there’s something about that party you’re not telling me," she murmured.

Kara forced a tight-lipped smile. "Nope. Nothing to share."

"You don’t have to hide it from me," Alex insisted, but Kara simply hummed before stepping outside.

She would definitely hide it from her. One pleasant afternoon didn’t suddenly mean they were best friends, sharing secrets. And as far as Kara was concerned, her family would be the last to know about Lena. She wasn’t delusional—she knew they weren’t in a relationship yet—but if things went well (and she had high hopes they would), they could be soon.

Dating Lena was the most exciting thing on her horizon, but introducing her to her family? That was something she dreaded.

Not just because Lena was, well, Lena—the composed, meticulous, flawless woman who would undoubtedly clash with her family’s energy while also definitely impressing them—but because Kara had never brought anyone home before. In fact they hadn’t even known about most of her relationships. Alex knew about the boy she had dated in primary school and the girl she had briefly been with in high school, but that was the extent of it. Kara wasn’t even sure if Eliza knew she wasn’t straight. She assumed Alex had told her at some point, but they had never spoken about it.

Not that it mattered. If Lena ever met them, she would find out soon enough.

Kara glanced at the lake one last time before slipping on her helmet and straddling her bike.

She’s had a good day and the wedding news had left her feeling sentimental, but she had more pressing things to focus on—like planning the perfect date. Now that she had a chance with Lena, she absolutely could not mess it up. It had to be perfect.

Chapter Text

Lena exhaled quietly, the sound barely more than a whisper in the stillness of her apartment. Her gaze lingered on the door as it clicked shut behind Kara. Just like that, her golden dream had vanished from view. She remained still for a moment, her thoughts spinning in ever-tightening spirals.

Not gone for good, Lena reminded herself, quieting the nagging voice in her head that whispered otherwise.  What had transpired between them—the only thing that happened between them—had barely passed, and Lena couldn’t quite catch up with it all. She could hardly believe any of it had actually happened.

Slowly Lena crossed the room and made her way to the tall windows that overlooked the street below. Her eyes, keen as ever, immediately found Kara’s figure as she slipped out of the building and into the morning bustle.

She was clearly in a rush, but silently Lena almost wished that Kara might pause and glance back, maybe waving goodbye. Lena caught herself, surprised by the thought. It was so innocent, so… domestic. That was the sort of thing reserved for lovers in novels or films—not for her. Certainly not after a single night, she knew better than that.

Leaning her forehead against the cool window, Lena closed her eyes for a moment as she relished the sensation of the chill against her skin. Through the glass, she watched Kara slip into a cab and drive away. This – whatever it was -  felt different. Kara felt different. It was unlike anything she’s ever done before. This wasn’t just another fleeting encounter; it wasn’t a flirtation wrapped in expensive wine and witty banter. It wasn’t a mistake. It wasn’t a night of fevered touches and forgettable names.

There were real feelings involved—on her side undoubtedly, and she hoped, on Kara’s too. Lena wasn’t accustomed to such feelings. She was more familiar with brief, passionate interludes—quick and intense, the kind of encounters that left her waking alone, or her disappearing in the morning. Nothing lasting, nothing that left her wanting more.

She wasn’t used to having such feelings; this was uncharted territory. The desire to have someone close, to build something lasting, something serious — it was all new, and it scared her. The thought of what might happen if Kara disappeared now—a thought she couldn’t quite shake yet—sent a tremor through her. She wasn’t used to caring this deeply, to wanting more than a momentary connection. But she supposed it was only natural she was feeling this way, after all. Because this wasn’t just any woman, it was Kara- the one she had been dreaming of, the only woman she had ever truly desired. She had spent years admiring Kara from a distance, fantasising about her but never daring to approach. She had kept her distance, too afraid of rejection and even now, that fear lingered. Sure, Kara had spoken reassurances, made promises—but words were just that, fleeting and worthless.  Perhaps Kara was simply toying with her, playing with her emotions for a moment of comfort before she could vanish. Perhaps their conversation had been a lie.

Lena breathed deeply, shaking her head in disbelief. This was ridiculous. No, she told herself, it wasn’t possible. Kara wasn’t like that. True, they were indeed strangers and Lena actually had no idea what Kara truly was like. But she had seen the sincerity in her eyes, the warmth in her voice. What Kara had said—those words were honest. Lena could feel it.

Turning away from the window, she made her way to her bedroom, her mind whirling but determined to find peace, at least for now. She was thinking too much of it, spiralling already, and following the train of thought would only lead her nowhere. She refused to let herself worry today. Tomorrow, she would overanalyse their interaction, every word, every touch, and wonder what would come next. Tomorrow, she might doubt, might fear the future. But today? Today, she would savour the happiness, relish the joy of having finally gotten the woman of her dreams.

Falling back onto her bed, Lena smiled broadly, staring up at the ceiling in delight. I got my woman! she thought with a giddy excitement, kicking her feet in the air. If there ever was a moment to celebrate, it was right now.

She would spend who-knows-how-long in this state had the beeping of her phone not interrupted her reverie.

Reaching for it, she remembered she still hadn’t replied to Sam. But when she checked, it wasn’t Sam’s name that appeared on the screen. It was her brother Lex’s.

Good morning, Lee. Have time for lunch? his text read.

Lena frowned, her brow furrowing as she read it. She had time—though, certainly not by her own choosing—but how would they manage to meet up for lunch? Lex was back home in National City, too many kilometres away. It was too far for either of them to make the trip on impulse plans.

Just as her thoughts turned to another possibility, Lex sent another message as if reading her mind Yes, I’m already on the way. Be there soon ;)

Lena’s lips curled into a smile as she realised what that meant. Lex was coming to visit!

For a short moment, horror gripped her as she imagined what might have happened if Kara had stayed longer. If that were the case, she wouldn’t have known about Lex’s visit, and he would possibly find them in a compromising position. Lena shuddered at the thought, but quickly shook it off as she sat up. There was no sense in dwelling on such dark scenarios.

With a deep breath, she picked up her phone again, her fingers hovering over the keys. She decided to give Sam some more information, a mercy and torture at the same time. All she texted was It was Kara. That would be enough for now. Sam would undoubtedly want to process everything, but Lena could afford to let her friend figure it out on her own. It was a little bit cruel, as Sam will undoubtedly freak out, but Lena enjoyed toying with her in such a manner.

Placing the phone aside, Lena rose from the bed and made her way into the living room. Her apartment needed tidying, especially before Lex arrived. She switched on her Roomba on the way, assessing the situation. The place was a mess—at least by her usual standards, where everything was spotless. A spilled glass of water was on the counter, a chair lay on the floor, and the couch was almost pulled apart.

This place definitely needed cleaning. Not that it would be the first time Lex would come upon remainings of the previous night, but this time, Lena didn’t want him to know. She had never been one to hide her life from her brother, to keep secrets. Once she figured things out with her, Lex would be one of the first to know. But she wasn’t ready to talk about Kara yet—not when everything was still so uncertain. She trusted him completely, and knew she could trust Lex with all her secrets. Perhaps because he was one of the only people that knew her biggest secret, or perhaps simply because he was a good brother, but either way, for now, she wanted to keep this to herself. The previous night and everything involved would remain hidden, and if a clean apartment could deter her brother from finding out too soon, then that’s what she’ll do.

Lena set the music playing softly in the background, her body gently swaying with the rhythm as she moved through her apartment, still feeling the soreness that lingered in her muscles. As she tidied, returning her place to its impeccable state, her mind kept drifting back to Kara. She recalled the small gift she had given earlier and decided it’s time to text her. As she glanced down at her phone, she ignored the flood of missed calls and texts from Sam. Kara’s responses came swiftly, bringing a smile to Lena's lips. While she wasn't an expert in relationships, this, at the very least, felt like a step in the right direction.

Turning once more to ensure everything was in its place, the thought of Kara made her remember her physical state. Lena bleached as she considered the marks that marred her skin. She had been careful to tidy the apartment, but what good would that do if her brother saw the lingering marks all over her body? She rushed to her bedroom to try and fix the situation.

Thankfully, her arms bore only faint traces, so she settled on wearing a short-sleeved top, not needing to deal with the weirdness of wearing a sweater. As for the marks that were still visible (far too many for her liking) she covered them with makeup, doing her best to conceal them.

She still wasn’t completely content with the results, but before she could deliberate further, the buzz of the intercom echoed through the apartment, and Lena’s heart skipped a beat. She walked swiftly to the door, hearing her brother's familiar voice.

“Your favourite brother is here!” Lex called out with his usual joviality.

Lena rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t help but smile as she unlocked the door for him. “You’re my only brother,” she quipped, and a minute later she was opening her front door to find Lex ascending the final few steps to her apartment.

He looked effortlessly composed, as always—his sleek black attire and glossy brown hair speaking volumes about the care he took in his appearance. As soon as their eyes met, his face lit up, and he walked straight toward her, enveloping her in a warm, tight embrace.

Lena inhaled his familiar cologne as she squeezed him back, realising she missed him more than she had thought. They had both been so wrapped up in their lives lately—his demanding work schedule and her relentless finals—that it had been weeks since they’d seen each other. They did keep in touch through calls and regular texts, but it wasn’t the same. The suddenness of his arrival was somehow precisely what Lena needed.

“It’s so good to see you,” Lex murmured, his voice muffled in her hair, before pulling away to look at her. If he saw any marks on her, he had the grace not to say anything.

“You too,” Lena replied with a genuine smile, leading him further into her apartment. “Though, I would have appreciated a heads-up next time. What if I’d been occupied?”

“Oh please,” Lex said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “All your visitors are long gone by this hour; I knew you'd be alone.”

“Perhaps,” Lena said, arching an eyebrow as they sat down at her kitchen table.

Lex narrowed his eyes, not fooled by her, his gaze flicking to the closed door of her bedroom. “Is someone still here?” he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“Of course not,” Lena answered quickly, for the only time grateful that Kara had already left. “But someone could be,” she added slowly, allowing herself to hold on to the glimmer of hope. “Anyway, how are you doing?” she continued, changing the topic.

Lex didn’t buy her diversion, of course. His eyes remained suspicious, but he allowed her to change the subject, nodding in agreement. “We’ll come back to that later,” he said, before answering her question. “I’m great. Work’s been... well, you know.” He tilted his head toward her knowingly, and Lena nodded.

“But otherwise, everything’s just fine. I’ve missed you, though,” he added, his tone softening.

“You know you’ll have to miss me a little longer,” she replied, a touch of humour in her voice.

Lex stretched his back, his fingers laced behind his head. “Do you really have to go?” he asked, his tone suddenly more childlike than she would have expected. “Dad’s so much easier to deal with when you’re around.”

Lena chuckled softly, “I need this, Lex,” she said, her voice quiet but resolute. “You’re a big boy, you can handle him for a little longer.”

“If I must,” he mumbled, though a smile tugged at his lips. “I booked us a table at our favourite place,” he said, brightening. “Thought it would be a nice spot for our reunion.”

Lena’s smile widened at the mention of the restaurant. They had frequented it for years, ever since Lex’s college days, and despite visiting less often in recent times, they always enjoyed returning. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere relaxed, and it brought back fond memories of simpler times.

“We still have two hours until the reservation,” Lex said with a grin. “Plenty of time to catch up.”

“And speaking of nice spots,” he continued, his voice softening with a touch of sentiment. “I visited our treehouse the last time I was home.”

Lena let out a surprised laugh, raising an eyebrow. “Wow. And did you actually manage to squeeze yourself in there?”

Lex smirked. “You know, it’s surprisingly spacious. I’m fairly certain we could both fit in there just fine. We used to stand up in that thing, how about that.”

Lena tilted her head, her gaze drifting slightly as she let the memories wash over her. “Our little kingdom,” she murmured, a fond smile tugging at her lips.

Lex huffed out a quiet laugh. “You were such a tyrant.” He adopted a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, scrunching his face into a stubborn scowl. “‘No boys allowed!’”

Lena groaned, though she couldn’t help but laugh knowing exactly how accurate his mimicking actually was. “The story of my life,” she breathed, before turning back to Lex, “Gosh, did I really sound like that?”

“Like an absolute menace,” Lex confirmed, shaking his head in mock exasperation.

Lena rolled her eyes, then smirked as she met his gaze. “Well, I made one exception, didn’t I?”

Lex clutched his chest dramatically. “Oh, how generous. I feel so honoured.”

“You should be,” Lena shot back, feigning seriousness. “To this day, you remain the only boy I willingly allow into my personal space.”

Lex pulled a face, wrinkling his nose. “Ew. Disgusting. Take that back.”

Lena burst out laughing, leaning forward to swat his arm. “Oh shut up, you love it.”

He shook his head, but a small, genuine smile remained on his lips. “I really do,” he admitted, just quiet enough that it almost got lost beneath their teasing.

Lena’s laughter softened as she studied him, realising that—beneath the theatrics—he meant it. Their childhood, their bond, everything they had built together… It mattered. It always would.

She nudged him with her elbow. “We should go back there sometime. Just the two of us. One last hurrah before it officially collapses under the weight of our adulthood. Especially yours. You’ve been gaining weight,” she added, looking at him with faked concern.

Lex looked at her, offended, “How dare you.” Then he grinned. “But deal. You get to be the one to test if it’s still stable, see who gained so much weight, huh.”

Lena smirked, ignoring his remark. “Coward.”

Lex simply raised his eyebrow in silent agreement.

Lena had not planned on meeting her brother today, but as it turned out, this was shaping up to be one of the best first days of the holidays since she’d started school. Waking up beside a woman she had feelings for, followed by an impromptu visit of a family member—what more could she ask for? Of course, she missed her parents as well, but unfortunately she had already made other plans, meaning she wouldn’t be able to visit them much over the summer. These spontaneous visits, however, were just what she needed.

Lena was fortunate in that she was loved by—and loved back—her entire family. It could have been vastly different had life played out another way, for she was adopted. Lena was the child of Lionel Luthor and the woman he had an affair with. She first lived with her mother, but she died when Lena was only three years old, and Lena had no memories of those early years. From the stories she had heard, however, her mother had been kind, patient, and had adored her.

When Lena’s mother passed, it seemed as though the young girl might be abandoned to an uncertain future. With no other relatives to turn to (and the community surrounding them not quite ready to take on raising a child), Lionel, despite the circumstances of her birth, decided to take her in. He welcomed her into his home and family, and Lena knew that her (step)mother, Lilian, played a large part in making sure she was taken in as well.

Lilian could have chosen to neglect her or treat her as nothing more than an inconvenient reminder of her husband’s indiscretions. She could have subjected Lena to abuse or rejection, but she did none of that. Instead, Lilian accepted her with open arms and treated Lena as her own daughter. She was warm, loving, and supportive in every way, though she could also be fiercely protective and overbearing.

She made sure Lena never felt like an outsider, celebrating her achievements just as she did Lex’s. She would attend every recital, science fair, and school event, clapping the loudest and making sure Lena knew how proud she was. On Lena’s first day of school, Lilian had been the one to hold her hand tightly, whispering reassuring words until she felt brave enough to walk through the classroom doors. And when Lena came home crying after being teased about not being a 'real Luthor,' it was Lilian who knelt before her, wiped her tears, and told her in no uncertain terms that she was just as much a Luthor as anyone else in the family.

Lilian’s protectiveness made her somewhat unpopular among the PTA crowd, and she was not particularly well-liked by all their friends’ parents. She never hesitated to challenge teachers (or anyone else for that matter) if she felt they were being unfair to her children. But to her it didn’t matter how she was viewed; as far as Lilian was concerned, if it was for the benefit of her children, she was more than willing to be the villain.

Lilian and Lionel’s relationship had not been the traditional, romantic kind of marriage, but it was amicable. By the time Lena came into their lives, they had already made amends after Lionel’s transgressions, and their bond was one of cooperation and partnership, not love. They worked together in presenting a united front for the sake of their children. Though they did not share a passionate romance, Lena appreciated the stability they offered.

Lionel was a good father to his children and Lena had a good relationship with him. He had always been patient and supportive of his children’s ambitions. Despite his packed work schedule, he always made time for them, encouraging them in every endeavour. As CEO, he worked relentlessly for the future of LuthorCorp, but even more so for the future of his children, ensuring they would always have a secure plan B should their dreams not come true.

Much to Lionel’s satisfaction, both his children had chosen to follow in his footsteps and join the family business. Despite Lex being older, it had practically always been understood that Lena would someday take over the family company. And, strangely enough, both she and her brother were perfectly content with this arrangement. However, that did not stop their father from working with and training them both equally, just in case either of them decided to pursue something else.

For Lena, for now this usually meant working on various projects during her summer breaks or part-time, but Lex had fully entered the workforce as a LuthorCorp employee, working directly under their father. While he enjoyed the work, it came with its own set of challenges. Lionel, wanting to teach his children modesty, made sure that both of them earned their positions through hard work—meaning they were also tasked with the more tedious projects or menial tasks, and given little special treatment. For a while, Lex was fine with that, but as time passed, he slowly grew more frustrated.

He understood where his father was coming from, but Lex had bigger dreams. He was ambitious, and passionate, and he had ideas—good ideas. Ideas he felt could revolutionise the company if given the chance. But after spending months completing projects given by his father (ones he deemed unimportant), Lex had little time left to pursue his own ambitions.

Lena understood the frustration. She had been in a similar position herself one summer when she was younger, back in her high school days. Despite everything, however, at home or at work, there had never been any unhealthy competition between the siblings. And for that, Lena was grateful.

Because that’s who her brother Alexander was—the perfect brother. From the moment he met Lena, he adored her and was fantastic with her. He always helped her, was supportive, kind, trustworthy, and always honest. When she was little, he would read her bedtime stories, even making up his own when she demanded something new. Whenever she had nightmares, he would sneak into her room and sit with her until she fell back asleep.

There was also their secret place – the treehouse nestled in the farthest corner of their estate. It was their sanctuary, a place where they could escape from the expectations of being Luthors and simply be siblings. They spent hours there as children, reading, plotting grand adventures, or simply talking about their dreams. Whenever Lena felt overwhelmed, Lex would take her there, reminding her that she was never alone and that she could always count on him.

He was also fiercely protective. When Lena was bullied in school, Lex had stepped in without hesitation, ensuring that no one dared to make her feel like she didn’t belong. As they grew older, he was her greatest confidant, the one who encouraged her to chase her ambitions, even when she doubted herself. He was the first to celebrate her successes and the first to pick her up when she stumbled.

He was everything a sibling should be, and Lena had always adored and cherished him. Even now they still enjoyed one another’s company. Whether it was indulging in old traditions like their favourite restaurant visits, simply sitting in comfortable silence or working on grand plans, their bond remained as strong as ever. No matter how much time passed, Lex was always there for her, and Lena had always appreciated him.

“So now that finals are over, have you given any more thought to life after university?” Lex asked, picking up on the conversation they had started the day before.

“Not really,” Lena admitted, shaking her head. “I mean, my plans haven’t changed much—I think I’ll stay here a little longer.”

“With your predisposition, I’m fairly certain you could manage getting a PhD while working,” Lex said with a knowing smile.

Lena couldn’t exactly disagree. She had a genius-level intellect, and she had never played coy about the fact—Lex knew that better than anyone. Her memory was exceptional, her tactical mind sharp, and her ability to process information always seemed to outpace those around her. It was how she had ended up three years ahead in her studies – which was how she ended up in the same year as Sam. And later on, also Kara.

Lena was studying bioengineering, business, and physics—an ambitious academic combination by any standard. She fully intended to pursue at least one PhD in the future, but for now, three bachelor’s degrees seemed like a solid first step. Science fields had always come naturally to her; she had excelled in them since childhood. Business, on the other hand, had been a path encouraged by both Lex and their father, and she shared their sentiment. If she was going to take over LuthorCorp one day, she deemed it appropriate to have the proper education to complement the hands-on experience she was gaining from her father’s teachings.

“I know,” Lena agreed with a slight smirk. “But I’ve got other things to focus on in the meantime. I can’t juggle three different things at once.”

“That makes sense,” Lex conceded with a shrug before dramatically dropping his head into his hands. “I’m just wondering how long I’ll have to suffer running LuthorCorp alone.”

Lena laughed at his theatrics. “You’re making it sound like you’re actually struggling,” she teased. “Which I know you’re not.”

Lex peeked at her through his fingers before grinning, his expression light with mischief.

The Luthor siblings shared an easy catch-up, their conversation flowing effortlessly, lighthearted and full of the usual banter that had been a constant in their lives. Before they knew it, it was time to leave for the restaurant. Lena made her way to her room to change, and finally glanced at her phone again. A small pang of disappointment rose in her chest when she saw Kara hadn’t reached out, but someone else certainly had—Sam. The flood of missed calls and messages on all possible platforms was impossible to ignore, and Lena could already imagine the angry voicemail waiting for her.

For a brief moment, Lena thought about leaving her friend in the dark a little longer, but quickly dismissed the thought. Sam could seriously hold a grudge, and ignoring her for a whole day after something like this might turn into an entire summer of silence. With a sigh, deciding not to risk it, Lena called her.

The phone rang, and Sam picked up on the second ring, not bothering with a greeting. “You slept with Kara?” she demanded, practically yelling into the phone.

“Good day to you too,” Lena replied calmly, her lips curving into a smirk as she imagined Sam rolling her eyes in frustration.

“Don’t you ‘good day’ me!” Sam’s voice was sharp with irritation. “You can’t seriously drop a bombshell like that and then just vanish!”

Trying her best to keep a straight face and not provoke her further, Lena responded, “Well, I’m sorry. I was... occupied.” She picked her words deliberately and they elicited the expected reaction from Sam.

“Oh my god,” she gasped, before dropping her voice to a conspiratorial hush. “Are you two still together?”

Lena chuckled softly. “No,” she said with a shake of her head, “Lex is visiting.

Sam hummed thoughtfully, taking a moment to digest the information. “Hm. But that really happened? You and Kara?”

“It did,” Lena confirmed, her smile broadening as the memory of the night came rushing back. “After that stupid game.”

Sam let out a laugh. “Wow, then it actually played out way better than you expected.”

“Oh hush,” Lena teased. “But yes, it somehow worked out... wonderfully.”

She sighed contentedly, recalling the events of the previous night. For a moment, Sam fell quiet, and the silence stretched a little too long.

“Sam?” Lena asked, breaking the silence.

“Still here,” Sam replied simply. “I’m just waiting for you to tell me everything.”

Lena laughed. “Oh, that’ll take way more time than we have right now. Lex is here, and we’re about to head to lunch.”

“Yeah, alright, I’ll let you go this time,” Sam relented with a dramatic sigh. “But tell me, was it good?”

Good? It was incredible. The best night of her life. Groundbreaking. World-shattering. But Lena simply answered, “It was.”

“Okay then, ‘Miss Got-Your-Girl,’” Sam said, her voice light with a smile. “Have fun with your brother, but as soon as he leaves, you call me, and I’m coming over. Got it?”

“Alright, deal,” Lena agreed, feeling a grin spread across her face before ending the call.

As Lena stood before the mirror, she carefully selected a more elegant ensemble for their lunch out, mindful on the marks she hadn’t had the chance to cover. She opted for a sleek, tailored black dress that hugged her frame perfectly, its high-neckline and modest length giving it an air of sophisticated class. The dress, simple yet refined, had subtle detailing—thin, lace-like panels running along the sides, adding a delicate touch to the otherwise minimalist design. The soft fabric moved with ease as she slipped it on, complementing her graceful movements.

She paired the dress with a pair of black heels that elevated the look without drawing too much attention. A thin silver necklace rested against her collarbone, with a small pendant that sparkled ever so slightly under the light.

Lena made her way outside with her brother. Only as they reached the garage did Lena realise that Lex had arrived in her car.

“You drove here with my car?” Lena asked, looking at the sleek black Corvette c8 parked in front of her. She could weep looking at her precious car again.

“Well,” Lex said with a knowing smile, “I figured since you’re not coming home for the summer, you can at least enjoy having your car while you’re still here.”

Lena couldn’t help but smile widely. “And how are you getting back home?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, I’ll take the bus... or something,” Lex replied nonchalantly, clearly not having thought the logistics through.

Lena giggled, skipping towards the car. “Throw me the keys, I’ll drive,” she said, already excited at the prospect.

Lex obliged, tossed her the keys, and Lena caught them mid-air before sliding into the driver’s seat. She settled in, her fingers instinctively gripping the wheel as her body sank back into the plush leather seat. She inhaled deeply, letting the soft hum of the engine fill the space around her. The purr of the car beneath her was like music to her ears and she could almost feel the engine’s power vibrating through her fingertips. As the engine roared to life, Lena felt a familiar spark of excitement flutter in her chest

She leaned back slightly, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she adjusted the rear-view mirror, her eyes glancing momentarily over the sleek lines of the dashboard.

She missed this—this car, the feeling of control and freedom, the thrill of the speed. This car was almost a better surprise than Lex’s visit... almost.

Once Lex had settled into the passenger seat, Lena drove off. The ride was smooth and calming, and if they hadn’t had a reservation, she would’ve taken a lap around the town. But that could wait. There was time to enjoy her car later.

Nonetheless, Lena’s always enjoyed the speed and they arrived at the restaurant with plenty of time to spare.

To their luck, the restaurant was quiet, the calm atmosphere a welcome reprieve from the bustling city outside. The stillness only added to the relaxed mood, giving Lena and Lex the perfect opportunity to enjoy their meal and conversation without interruptions. As the hostess greeted them with a recognizing warm smile, her eyes flickered to Lena with a knowing glance. She led them to their usual table by the window, the one they had frequented for years. Lena didn’t miss the way the hostess’s gaze briefly dropped when their eyes met—there was a shared history there, they knew each other a little more… closely.

Normally, Lena might have tossed out a compliment, flirted a little, but today, her mind was elsewhere. Kara’s lingering presence in her thoughts made it difficult to focus on a company of another woman. She could feel the weight of Lex’s watchful eyes, no doubt noticing the change, but thankfully, he didn’t acknowledge the shift.

They ordered their drinks, and sipped the wine while flipping through the menu. After less than a minute, Lex leaned back in his chair, looking utterly pleased with himself as he swirled his wine.

“So, you remember Dad’s brilliant new CFO? The one he practically stole from that German firm, like she was the financial wunderkind?”

Lena flipped through the menu, eyes alight with anticipation. Corporate drama Lex shared was often very good, and she somehow always managed to miss the best of it. “Vaguely. What happened? Did she embezzle millions, or is she still clinging to her career?”

Lex smirked. “Oh, she’s clinging, alright. But not for long.”

Lena arched an eyebrow. “Oh? Do tell.”

Lex leaned forward, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial murmur—the kind reserved for only the juiciest of gossip. “Alright, picture this. High-stakes board meeting. All the top executives, sitting around that obnoxiously long table. Dad’s at the head, looking about two seconds from rolling his eyes into another dimension. And in walks our dear CFO like she owns the building—ten minutes late, of course.”

Lena hummed, already entertained. “Bold move. Let me guess—she doesn’t even acknowledge it?”

“Oh, of course not.” Lex sighed theatrically. “She just saunters in, heels clicking like she’s about to fire half the room.”

Lena grinned. “And then?”

Lex smirked. “Then she does try to fire half the room.”

Lena gasped, nearly choking on her wine. “She what?”

“Oh, yeah,” Lex said, nodding with barely contained amusement. “She walks right in, doesn’t sit, doesn’t greet anyone, just slaps down a folder and says—and I quote—‘I’ve reviewed the financials, and I’m shocked at how much dead weight we’re carrying. I propose a complete restructuring, effective immediately.’”

Lena's jaw dropped. “She actually tried to purge the executive team?”

“Oh, it gets better.” Lex’s eyes gleamed. “Then, with zero hesitation, she calls out three department heads by name and tells them, ‘Your contributions are negligible, and quite frankly, I don’t see the need to continue funding underperforming divisions.’”

Lena let out a delighted, horrified laugh. “She just casually told people they were being erased from the company in front of everyone?”

Lex grinned. “Like it was Monday morning housekeeping.”

Lena shook her head in disbelief. “And Dad?”

Lex’s smirk turned absolutely wicked. “Oh, you know he just sat there, watching her dig her own grave. Didn’t say a word. Let her keep going.”

Lena narrowed her eyes. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

Lex chuckled darkly. “Oh, Lena. You have no idea.”

He leaned in further, voice practically vibrating with glee. “Not only was she gutting the company like it was her own personal empire, but she was also so confident in her little power move because she thought she had the board wrapped around her finger.”

Lena’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, please tell me she tried to stage a coup.”

Lex smirked. “She did. And it was spectacularly miscalculated.”

Lena clapped her hands together, positively vibrating with anticipation. “Okay, okay, spill!”

Lex took a slow sip of his wine, drawing out the suspense. “So, turns out, she’s been secretly meeting with certain board members—planting ideas, feeding them numbers, promising them a ‘more progressive leadership’ if they backed her plan.’”

Lena gasped, eyes widening. “She actually thought she could manipulate the board into backing her against Dad?”

Lex smirked. “Not just the board. She also thought she had Morgan Edge in her pocket.”

Lena’s jaw dropped. “Not Morgan?”

Lex nodded, barely containing his laughter. “Oh, she thought she had him. Turns out, she had no idea he was feeding everything back to Dad.”

Lena let out a delighted gasp. “Of course he was. Such an obedient dog.”

“Oh, absolutely.” Lex grinned. “Edge was never actually on her side—he just let her think he was, so she’d get overconfident. She gave him way too much intel, and he just sat back and let her self-destruct.”

Lena shook her head in absolute awe. “What an idiot.”

“Oh, it gets even better.” Lex’s smirk turned absolutely diabolical. “Dad let her finish her little speech. Let her dig her own grave. And then?”

Lena leaned in, eyes locked on Lex’s. “She still wasn’t done?”

Lex exhaled, dragging out the moment. “And then, the pièce de résistance—she turns to Dad. Looks him dead in the eye and says, ‘It’s time for you to step aside and let someone younger and more innovative take charge.’ ”

Lena clutched her chest, gasping like she’d just witnessed a murder. “She really thought she could out-alpha Dad in his own building.”

“Then, Dad just leans back, steeples his fingers, and says—calm as ever—‘Before we entertain this discussion, why don’t we listen to your own words?’”

Lena blinked. “Wait… what?”

Lex’s smirk deepened. “Oh, did I not mention? Someone—probably Edge—recorded one of their secret meetings.”

Lena almost screamed. “YOU’RE LYING.”

“I am not,” Lex said gleefully. “Dad had her own voice played back to the entire board—her talking shit about half the executives, calling Dad ‘replaceable,’ and literally saying, ‘The board is too spineless to stand up to me.’”

Lena fell back in her chair, clutching her chest. “There’s no way all that happened.”

Lex burst out laughing. “Oh, but wait. There’s more.”

Lena sat up, eyes wild. “How could there be more?!”

Lex smirked. “After the recording finished, Dad still didn’t fire her. You know he isn’t going to do that outright. It would be too easy.” He swirled his drink, eyes gleaming with delight.

“Dad leaned back, steeped his fingers, and gave her that look. The one where you can feel the termination letter being drafted in real-time.”

Lena laughed. “How long did she last after that?”

“She’s still technically employed. But she’s drowning in every miserable, impossible project HR could throw at her. She’s so deep in budget reviews and compliance audits, I haven’t even seen her for days.”

Lena winced. “Oof. The slow kill.”

Lex smirked. “The Luthor kill. A masterpiece.”

Lena exhaled sharply, “Did she try to save herself?”

“Oh, she tried,” Lex drawled. “She started sputtering some nonsense about being misunderstood, about how ‘context matters,’ and that she was only ‘trying to be strategic’.”

Lena snorted, knowing the outcome. “Of course dad didn’t buy it for a second.”

Lex nodded. “And with the situation she’s in right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if she starts crying in her office by next week. Though I assume she might try to resign sooner.”

Lena shook her head in disbelief. “And here I thought LuthorCorp was due for a boring summer.”

Lex smirked. “Oh, please. Give us some credit. We specialise in disasters.” Then he raised his glass. “To poetic justice.”

Lena raised the glass back at him. “To the most spectacular corporate downfall I have ever heard.”

She marvelled at the story, thinking just how much she’s missed. And how much more she won’t be there for. She knew she had half of her life of company drama in front of her, but she still couldn’t help but miss it all. Those months she spent at the company had some very fun moments. There was drama even in those short months and her and Lex were always there, shoulder to shoulder, whispering to each other, doing her best to look like confident heirs and not giggling like little kids. And all that awaited her again. Even with them older, taking on bigger roles and working even more, they would have that again, Lena knew that for sure. Even if her time as a full-time LuthorCorp employee was still years away.

The waiter came again and they ordered their food before conversation continued, this time lighter and easier.

“I know you have to go, but do you really have to?” Lex asked after their food arrived, his tone almost whining as he looked at her. “Mom and Dad will really miss you as well, you know.” Lena wasn’t sure why he was starting this again. Did he really have such a hard time at the company that he needed her there? Or was he just bored out of his mind? Her brother was always known for getting lonely fast, needing someone to gossip with and entertain him.

She took a bite and looked out the window, the city below unfolding in a wash of muted colours. “I know,” she replied softly, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “I’ll make some time to visit them before I leave. I’m not entirely confident about this either. It’s been a long time since I’ve spent the whole summer there... But,” she paused, glancing back at Lex, “I want this. And more importantly, I really have to do this. Mom and dad can wait. So can you. And so can my work at the company.”

Lex nodded understandingly, taking a sip of his wine. “Your girl can also wait, I’m assuming?” he asked, his gaze steady on her. So he was finally starting the topic. Lena has been wondering when that would happen. Still, she decided to play innocent.

She furrowed her brow. “What are you talking about?”

He fixed her with a pointed look. “Don’t act coy with me, Lena. I’m not blind and something’s clearly different about you. Either you’re planning world domination, or there’s a new girl. A serious one,” he added, his voice lightening towards the end.

Lena leaned back slightly in her chair, not at all caught off guard by his astute observation – it was exactly what she expected. “Hm, no,” she said thoughtfully, “I was thinking about world domination after I take over LuthorCorp.”

Lex smiled at her joke, a genuine, amused smile that reached his eyes. “So it’s the other thing.”

Lena remained quiet, her attention turning to her plate as she poked at the food, her mind still far from the present. Lex, ever the perceptive one, sensed her reluctance and softened his tone. “How serious is it?” he asked gently, not wanting to push too hard but clearly concerned. He knew he had to tread carefully if he wanted to get anything out of her.

Lena looked at him, her eyes finally meeting his. “It’s not,” she said slowly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I mean, it hasn’t even started yet. Not really.” She took a breath, the weight of her thoughts evident. Which is why I didn’t say anything, Lena thought, but continued speaking. “But I think I have a good chance, and I can’t mess this up.” Her tone grew firmer as she spoke more to herself than to her brother. “This is my one chance. I absolutely cannot blow it.”

 Lex was quiet for a moment, absorbing her words. His expression softened as he spoke. “I understand,” he said kindly, his voice low. “Then I hope it does all work out well. And we’ll talk more once you’re ready.”

Lena nodded with a grateful smile. “Okay, thank you.”

He returned the smile before leaning back in his chair. “May I at least know her name?”

“Not yet,” Lena replied with a shake of her head, her lips twitching at the corners. Lex had been her confidant for years, but revealing too much too soon felt like risking her already fragile hopes. Plus, if she told him it was Kara, he would piece everything together in a heartbeat. Perhaps he already had, but for now, she wanted to leave him with a lack of the confirmation.

Lex hummed understandingly and continued eating, his silence encouraging her to continue without any further pressure.

Naturally, Lex was well aware of Lena's crush—he was familiar with all of her dating history, or if it could even be called that. Typically, Lena didn’t do relationships. She had never particularly felt the urge to be tied down to someone, to bind herself to just one person. She valued her freedom too much, wanting to live freely, unburdened by the weight of commitment. The idea of devoting herself to another, giving them her trust, her body, her soul, to let go on such a personal level —she didn’t feel herself quite ready for all that yet.

She’d always imagined that someday, in the distant future, she would settle down with a steady partner. Perhaps even marriage, children—though the thought of that seemed far away, more of a fantasy. For now, Lena wanted to have fun, wanted exhilarating and fleeting encounters. And she had no shortage of that. Her natural charm, coupled with her stunning beauty, played right into her hand and made it effortless to attract attention. She rarely had trouble finding lovers.

Whether it was at dorm parties, in crowded clubs, or at one of the many university events, her nights often ended with her bringing a girl home. She also found her fun with classmates, though she normally preferred not to mingle with them in such a way, not wanting to mix the two communities. Back in high school, she’d had a brief fling, but it hadn’t lasted long enough for her to even count it as a relationship. It had ended without fanfare, and there had been no deep emotional ties to speak of, either.

And now, at university, it seemed like Lena had her pick of beautiful women vying for her attention. So why not indulge? She certainly enjoyed the power of choice, the thrill of deciding from all the possibilities. And with so many choices, of course she had to latch on to the one person who didn’t desire her. Didn’t even particularly acknowledge her existence, for the matter.

From the moment Lena had seen Kara, she wanted her. Kara was not her usual type—not the bold, sexy, confident women Lena had been drawn to usually. No, Kara was dorky, sweet, reserved. Lena was enamoured with her vibe and held-back nature. And, of course, Kara was also ridiculously attractive which certainly helped the cause.

At first, Lena hadn’t let the crush exactly bother her; she pushed it to the back of her mind, treating it like any other temporary infatuation. She certainly had her goal set, but it didn’t stop her from living as usual. Yet, somewhere along the way, she realized just how long her crush has been going on for and she couldn’t ignore it anymore. The crush hadn’t gone away.  It had grown deeper, more consuming, until one day, she realized that it was no longer just an idle attraction. She wanted Kara. Not in the way she usually wanted others, for a night of passion and excitement, but in a way that went beyond the physical. She needed her.

Despite having exactly no interaction with Kara, she found herself more drawn to her – by simply observing her. Lena was fascinated by that, not quite understanding how it even happened.

But she loved watching Kara, the way her hair swayed when she moved, how animated she was when speaking to her friend, how she sometimes let her laugh take her over. Lena couldn’t get enough of it. She often made sure to sit somewhere near at lunch, she always carefully listened to all her school presentations and secretly always sought her out at parties. Sometimes, Lena wondered if her behaviour was a little stalker-ish, but she didn’t care much. She wasn’t doing anyone any harm—just existing in the same space, keeping her distance.

Over the course of months—then years—her feelings had grown deeper. She realized that the crush wasn’t letting go. It was here to stay. And, as much as it confused her, Lena couldn’t help but fall further into it. She had tried to ignore it, tried to focus on her other options, but when it came down to it, to her wonder (and a bit to her annoyance), there was only one person she wanted. Not only wanted, needed. And it was Kara.

In the past few weeks, during her various (unsuccessful) attempts to get closer, it dawned upon her that it wasn’t just about desire anymore. She didn’t want just a one-night stand or a fling; she wanted something more. She wanted Kara close,  wanted her to be someone she trusted, someone she could rely on. She wanted – a relationship.

And as the greatest wonder in all this, she had managed to get Kara close. And what she was feeling now, it wasn’t possessiveness. It wasn’t (just) lust. It was something much more tender. It felt like something lasting, something more important than anything she had experienced before.

That was why Lena had promised herself to nurture this, to be patient. Kara falling into her bed hadn’t meant much yet. Lena was determined to work for it; to ensure this relationship started and worked out properly. She wanted it to be real. And that meant taking things slowly.

She didn’t want to get too excited and rush into telling everyone, declaring a relationship before it had even started. And Lex, of all people, not pushing her to talk about Kara meant more to her than he might understand. There would be a time for that, a time to share what had developed between her and Kara, but for now, they should talk about other thing.

So Lena shifted the focus to her brother.

Always curious, she leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “What about you?” she inquired playfully. “Any love on your side?”

Lex smiled, meeting her gaze. “There is someone, actually. But we’re still dancing around each other for now.”

Lena’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Who?” she asked eagerly, leaning in.

“It’s Eve,” Lex said slowly, as though afraid of her reaction.

Lena blinked, taken aback. She had known Eve for years and could hardly believe what she was hearing. “The assistant?” she asked incredulously.

“Don’t judge me,” Lex replied, raising an eyebrow, a teasing challenge in his voice.

“Don’t worry, I’m not,” Lena said, raising her palms in surrender. “I’m just surprised. How did that happen?”

“I’m not quite sure either,” Lex admitted with a shrug. “We worked together a few times, and then we were suddenly having coffee together. And then we... kissed. More than once.”

Lena smiled, her heart swelling with happiness for her brother. He hadn’t had much luck in love, and she knew he deserved someone who would love and take care of him. While she didn’t know Eve very well, she seemed like a good match; perhaps they’d make a fine pair.

“Well then,” Lena said, raising her glass, “I hope this time next year, there will be four people at this table.”

Lex smiled softly, his gaze warm. He clinked his glass to hers, his voice quiet but sincere. “I hope so too.”

All too soon, the sun began its descent, casting warm hues of orange and pink across the sky, and their evening came to a close, as it was Lex’s time to leave. The air between them was heavy with the weight of unspoken words, the kind only siblings understood.

“I really won’t mind if you stay with me for a day or two,” Lena offered for the third time, her voice laced with a tinge of hope as they drove back to her home.

“Nah, it’s fine, Lee,” Lex replied with a shrug. “I’d love to take your offer, but I have to get back home. Work awaits.” He fiddled with his phone, his gaze briefly flicking to the screen before returning to the quiet night outside the car window. “Dad is finally letting me work on my stuff again, so I’ve got to make the most of it while I can.”

“If you’re sure,” Lena said, pulling into her garage, her heart light at the simple pleasure of having her car back. A small part of her still relished the freedom it brought, even if it was only for a short while.

“I’m sure,” Lex confirmed, smiling at her, but she could see the flicker of excitement in his eyes as he thought of his project. “But how do you plan on getting back home?” She asked, glancing at him as she parked.

“Already got the jet ready,” Lex said, dropping his phone into his coat pocket with a casual flourish.

Lena rolled her eyes playfully. Lex had always loved that thing. “Of course you do,” she teased.

They exited the car, and Lex walked her to her front door. He paused, turning to face her as softness overtook his usual confident expression. “It was really good seeing you. I miss you a lot,” he said quietly.

Lena nodded, fighting the tears that were threatening to well up. “I know. I miss you too,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. There was something bittersweet about their parting—she knew their next meeting could be months away. “If you need anything, anything at all, call me,” Lex said sternly, his tone firm. “Even if you’re halfway across the world, I’m here for you.”

“I will,” Lena assured him softly, a warm smile breaking through the sadness. “Thank you.”

Lex wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. Lena closed her eyes as she squeezed him back, enjoying this feeling a moment longer. She’s always been a huger and her brother’s hugs felt reassuring and comforting. Sometimes in his arms, she felt like a child again. “Don’t be a stranger,” he said, kissing the top of her head before pulling away, his hands lingering on her shoulders for just a second longer.

He turned and began walking towards the road, and Lena waved after him, watching as he disappeared into the night. She remained at the front door for a moment, unsure when she’d see him again. Hopefully soon, if she made the effort to visit him. But chances of that were low and she will probably have to wait until autumn. As much as she regretted not insisting on him staying longer, she understood. He had his own life and had to be there, and she had her own plans, including inviting Kara over, which she definitely didn’t need her brother around for.

With a soft sigh, Lena slowly made her way to her apartment. Maybe she could call Kara now. She still owed Sam a proper conversation, but at that moment, she wanted to hear Kara’s voice. Was that out of line? Lena mused to herself. What could they even talk about? She found herself lost in thought as she unlocked the door and stepped inside.

But as soon as she bent to take off her shoes, she froze. A pair of unfamiliar shoes stood by the front door. Her heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening. “What the…” Lena’s mind raced. Was it Kara? Had she come to surprise her, to see her? But then again, how would she have gotten in?

Lena frowned, her instincts kicking in. If it wasn’t Kara, there was only one other possibility. She cautiously walked further into the apartment, her heart still beating a little faster. And there, standing in her living room, arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently, was she.

Her brown hair freshly cropped, not even reaching her shoulders. Her arms were crossed as she tapped her foot impatiently. “You’re late,” Sam said, her tone dripping with annoyance.

“I don’t have a curfew,” Lena quipped, rolling her eyes as she shrugged off her jacket. She walked towards the hallway to hang it, deliberately ignoring the pointed look Sam was giving her.

“That’s all you have to say?” Sam asked, eyebrow arched in mock severity. She was trying to sound harsh, but the corners of her lips twitched, threatening to betray her amusement.

Lena didn’t bother acknowledging her, simply breezing past and sinking into the couch. She let out a contented sigh, stretching her arms over the back of the cushions before closing her eyes. “Please don’t start,” she said, smirking. “I’ve had a wonderful day, and I’d really like to keep it that way.”

Sam huffed but dropped the act, plopping down beside her. She tucked her legs beneath her, elbow resting against the back of the couch as she turned to face Lena, her expression alight with mischief. “Wonderful day, huh?” she mused, her voice dripping with implication. “I bet there was an even better night. I can see the hickey, by the way.”

Lena’s hand instinctively flew to her neck, her fingers grazing over the evidence Kara had left behind. She cracked one eye open, meeting Sam’s gaze, only to find her friend smirking triumphantly.

“There’s a lot more where that came from,” Lena admitted, her voice laced with amusement.

Sam wiggled her eyebrows. “So it really was Kara?”

Lena exhaled through her nose, giving a small nod. “It was.”

“The quiet, sweet, adorkable Kara?” Sam pressed, her grin widening.

“The very same,” Lena confirmed, finally opening both eyes and turning to face her friend properly.

Sam leaned forward, intrigued. “And? Was she any good?”

A slow, almost dazed smile spread across Lena’s lips, her excitement impossible to contain. “She’s crazy good,” she said, shaking her head slightly, as if she still couldn’t quite believe it herself. “I didn’t expect it at all. As soon as the doors closed, it was like a switch flipped—complete 180. And then, well…” She trailed off, her smirk speaking for itself.

Sam let out a bark of laughter. “Wow! Who knew she had it in her.”

Lena chuckled, but her cheeks warmed slightly at the memory.

“I didn’t even see you sneak out last night,” Sam continued, tilting her head. “When did you get back here?”

“Oh, we made our escape a little later,” Lena replied vaguely, feeling the blush creep in, before adding, “But it… started back there.”

Sam’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping slightly before breaking into a full grin. “Wait, in Mike’s house?!”

Lena simply nodded, biting the inside of her cheek to contain her laugh.

Sam groaned dramatically, shaking her head. “Damn, Luthor. Good for you!”

Lena couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s antics. There was no one quite like Sam.

“How many times did you come?” she asked, always curious when it came to Lena’s sexapades, despite how often they occurred.

"I stopped counting after five," she admitted with a wry smile. “My whole body hurts today.” Sam just smirked at her, as Lena continued, mirroring her smirk. “You can trust me, I returned the favour-  that was a night she’ll definitely remember.”

“As will I,” Lena replied with hurry, tucking her legs under her, preparing to dive deeper into the conversation.

Her voice dropped slightly, a conspiratorial lilt creeping in. “There’s this thing she did, with her tongue. No one’s ever done that to me before.” She felt heat pool in her belly just from thinking about it.

“What did she do? Come on, don’t tease me,” Sam practically beamed, getting more comfortable.

“Not allowed to say,” Lena said, her eyes glinting as she shook her head slowly. But," she added, drawing out the word as her grin widened, "she did teach me her ways."

Lena leaned in, eyes narrowed with wicked delight. “And I did some very nasty things right on the spot you’re sitting on.”

Sam looked at her with silted eyes. “If I hadn’t known you as an absolute clean freak, I would probably leave right now.” Lena grinned in reply.

"So, tell me more.” Sam said. “What's she like? I mean, when she’s not doing unspeakably filthy things to you."

Lena arched a brow, her smirk returning. "Well, she was doing filthy things most of the time, but in between? She’s sweet, wrapped me up in a blanket, kissed my forehead. Who does that anymore?"

"Kara Danvers, apparently," Sam replied, looking equal parts amused and impressed. "But don’t you even think of dodging my question with wholesomeness. I want the spiciest tea."

Lena bit her lower lip, just slightly, eyes flickering with something darker. "Alright, ," she conceded. "So, there was this moment... She had me pinned against the wall, her thigh between mine, and her mouth—" she let the word linger, watching Sam hang on it, "—everywhere. Her hands were so sure, so confident, like she knew my body better than I did."

Sam let out a low whistle. "That’s some lesbian mind-reading magic right there."

"And then she took her time," Lena continued, eyes half-lidded now as she remembered. "She looked up at me while she was going down on me—held my hips so tight I thought I’d bruise. Like she was anchoring me there, like she didn’t want me escaping, not that I could even remember how to move." She exhaled a soft, shaky laugh. "And when I came the first time, she just didn’t stop. I mean, she gave me a second to breathe, to remember where I was—but then she just kept going, Sam. Just... relentless. Like a woman possessed." Her cheeks flushed visibly now, her tone a mix of wonder and disbelief. "It got too much, and somehow still not enough. I was trembling, half-gone, everything raw and electric. I think it was after the third orgasm in a row that I finally tapped out. Or maybe I just begged her to stop—I don’t even remember. Everything was so loud in my head. She would’ve kept going, I swear. She wasn’t done with me, but I couldn’t take another second."

Sam looked stunned. Slightly traumatised. Slightly impressed. Mostly nosy. "Sheesh. Okay. Yeah, alright. That’s not a one-night stand, that’s a pilgrimage."

Lena laughed, flushed but triumphant. "And I repaid the favour, believe me. Got her laid out on the bed, legs shaking, trying to cover her face while I—"

"Say no more." Sam squealed, waving her hands in faux horror. "Actually, wait—say a little more."

Lena giggled, feeling giddy, feeling younger somehow due to Sam’s antics. "I made her beg. Not like a quiet little plea. I mean, beg, Sam. Hands clutching the sheets, voice cracking. It was... intoxicating. She paused, as if replaying it in her head. "I don’t even know for how long I kept her there. Just hovering. So close she was trembling, right on the edge, and then I’d slow down or pull away entirely. Every time she thought it was finally happening—I took it away. I was going to keep her there longer, really push her." A sly smile crept across her lips. "But then she looked at me like she might actually strangle me, so I gave her what she wanted."

Sam stared at her in silence for a beat before dramatically falling back into the cushions. "I hate you. You are living the dream."

Lena sighed dreamily, her gaze drifting to the ceiling. "Maybe I am. But it wasn’t just the sex. It was... her. The way she looked at me, like she couldn’t believe I was real. The way she worshiped me … it was entirely new."

Sam sat up again, her grin softening into something sincere. "Well, shit. That’s not just good sex. That sounds... serious.”

Lena nodded, lips curving into a fond smile that she couldn’t quite suppress. The images were still vivid in her mind—Kara's eyes, her breathless moans, the quiet moments in between. She glanced at Sam, feeling the warmth of shared laughter and trust.

“Tell me more,” Sam said, her eyes practically sparkling in excitement, and Lena could do nothing but oblige.

It was way after midnight once Sam finally relented and let Lena go to sleep. After drilling her relentlessly for all the details—questions about just about everything—, she announced it was her time to leave. Lena had helped her out, sharing everything. Sam had been insistent, as she always was, and Lena had given in. She did want to keep this thing with Kara a secret, just a little longer, but Sam was her best friend. She couldn’t hide it from her, especially since Sam already knew something had happened.

And truth be told, Lena wanted someone by her side as she tried to figure out this relationship with Kara. Sam wasn’t exactly a relationship expert, but she had far more serious experience than Lena did. She might not always act serious, but she could be very helpful by offering great advice, and she was certainly someone Lena trusted to know the truth.

Lena had always had a hard time keeping things from Sam. Especially due to Sam’s great various interrogation tactics. They had met back in high school, and from the start, it had been a fast friendship, never falling out or leaving each other behind. Sam also studied business, so they shared a lot of classes, which made spending time together easy.

Lena took her studies seriously, of course—she wasn’t one to slack off, and she always made sure she was on top of things. But it was nice having Sam around, especially when things got overwhelming. If there ever was a great friend, it was Sam. She had a way of making things seem lighter, like life was a little less intense with her by Lena’s side. Sam had always been the mom of their group—loyal, funny, and always looking out for everyone. She kept an extra jacket in her bag for when the weather changed, and made sure everyone drank water when they got a little too drunk. She had that nurturing side to her, and as much as Lena had occasionally found it overbearing, it was hard not to appreciate it. It felt good- knowing she’s always there to take care of them

For the time being, “them” meant just the two of them. But hopefully that would change when school started again in the autumn, and their full group would be reunited.

After a long, relaxing shower, Lena dressed in comfortable pyjamas and sank into her bed. The sheets were cool against her skin which did feel pleasant in the summer night, but she already missed Kara’s warm presence. She couldn’t quite end this day without reaching out and opted for a simple text Goodnight. She hovered over the screen for a moment, her fingers tempted to add a heart emoji, but she hesitated. She didn’t want to overdo it—just a simple message was enough.

She didn’t expect the reply but it came almost instantly. You really should be asleep by now, sweet dreams.

Lena smiled as she read Kara’s words. She laid back in her bed, letting her eyelids flutter closed. Sleep found her quickly, and Lena drifted off feeling at peace, her mind still humming with thoughts of Kara.

Chapter Text

“Give me one more,” Sara commanded, her voice cutting through the silence of the empty dojo, sharp and insistent. The sound bounced off the padded tatami floors and bare walls, the only witnesses to their exertion. Morning light filtered in through the high windows, casting long shadows that flickered with their every movement. It was early—so early that the world outside was still half asleep—but that was precisely the point.

The building belonged to the school and, with most students gone now, the campus was quiet; eerily quiet at this hour. They could have chosen anywhere to be alone, but they had intentionally come here, drawn by the promise of uninterrupted intensity. No distractions. No curious onlookers. Just the two of them, locked in a relentless rhythm of movement and response, push and resistance.

Sara’s breath was ragged, her chest rising and falling with exertion, but she wasn’t done. Not yet. She still had plenty of energy. Sweat glistened at her temples, dampening stray strands of blonde hair, but there was a hunger in her eyes—she wanted more. Needed more. Yet this wasn’t up to her; it depended on the woman in front of her, the one matching her move for move.

Her partner had yet to give up, though Sara had driven her hard, tested her limits with each demand. She had worked her through it, pushed her, stretched her (and her endurance) to its edge. At this point, she merely waited for that inevitable moment when the other woman would break, when she’d yield with a gasp and concede. But there was always the chance she wouldn’t. She had remarkable resilience, after all – something she had proven multiple times before.

And Sara had no intention of stopping until she got exactly what she wanted.

“Oi, that almost hit me!” Kara protested, recoiling instinctively as Sara’s foot sliced through the air just centimetres from her side. The movement was so swift, so precise, that for a split second Kara thought she’d been caught. She wobbled slightly, thrown off rhythm, her focus slipping from the sequence of strikes she was supposed to be executing.

“Then react faster next time,” Sara drawled, utterly unimpressed, holding up her gloved hands once more in invitation for her friend to continue. Her stance remained steady, her eyes sharp, the kind of ease that only came with relentless practice. She barely even looked winded, unlike Kara, who was slick with sweat, struggling to keep pace, not used to this the same way Sara was.

“You’re so unfair,” Kara grumbled, her breaths heavy as she forced herself to continue, her muscles aching from exertion. She had fun, but now she started to regret agreeing to today’s practice. “I’m still sore all over.”

“Oh, poor you,” Sara mocked, shifting smoothly from side to side, forcing Kara to adjust her movements, making it even more difficult to strike accurately. A teasing smirk played on her lips before she added, “You had sex.”

Kara faltered, nearly missing her next strike. She shot Sara a glare, her ponytail swinging behind her as she regained her rhythm. Sara merely shrugged, her expression unbothered. "And I almost dislocated my shoulder the other day when three people tried to fight me."

Kara finished the set with a frustrated huff, her legs burning. She let her arms drop, resting her hands on her thighs as she caught her breath, her chest rising and falling heavily. “You still won, though, right?” she asked, glancing up at her friend with a knowing look.

Sara grinned, tugging off her gloves and reaching for the water bottle. Without a word, she tossed it to Kara, who caught it with quick reflexes before gulping it down gratefully. The relief was immediate, though her body still hummed with exhaustion.

“Of course I did,” Sara replied, her tone laced with confidence as she rested her hands on her hips. “Those idiots actually thought it was a good idea. They’re lucky we weren’t using staffs.”

They really thought they were onto something, Sara mused to herself, amusement flickering in her sharp blue eyes. It had been their final training session before the summer break, and their instructor had decided to mark the occasion with a grand friendly battle.

Since the only person capable of not merely matching, but beating her, was already away on vacation, there wasn’t one single fighter in the dojo present who would pose a genuine challenge to Sara’s skill. Therefore, it had been decided that she would take on two opponents at once. But even that had proven a bit too easy. She had beaten them without much struggle, barely breaking a sweat, leaving their instructor with no choice but to up the ante. Three against one. That had been a challenge, at least for the first minute or so.

Even then, she had won, her movements fluid, precise, effortless. She knew their instructor would have intervened if things had taken a serious turn, but the woman had merely stood on the sidelines, arms folded, watching with that same unreadable expression. Well, almost unreadable. There was that always present small, knowing smirk that curled at the corners of her lips, and it set something alight inside Sara.

Ugh, she hated that smirk. She wanted to fuck it from her instructor’s beautiful face, wanted to replace it by a gasp, a moan—preferably a cry of her name. She had the hots for her sensei from the very first day she had stepped into this dojo, and she was quite certain the older woman was aware of it.

In the early weeks of training, back when Sara had first started university, she had been bold, decided to test the waters and made her intentions clear in ways that left little room for misinterpretation. But her advances had been met with polite rejection. A lesser woman might have given up then and there.

Sara, however, was not a lesser woman. She had time. Two more years, to be exact. And if there was one thing she excelled at, it was patience.

She had plans; so many plans. And every time her instructor stretched, or adjusted her stance, or slipped out of her kimono at the end of a session, those plans only expanded. She wasn’t in any rush. But she wanted her— she really wanted her. And she was used to getting what she wanted, especially when that meant getting people in her bed.

“You still here?” Kara asked, waving a hand in front of Sara’s face, noticing her friend lost in thought.

Sara blinked, shaking her head. “Yeah, yeah,” she muttered, her smirk returning as she focused on Kara. She stretched, rolling her shoulders as she watched Kara recover. She arched a brow, and acted before Kara could say anything.

With an impish grin, she suddenly lunged forward, feigning a quick jab toward Kara’s side. Kara, caught off guard, barely twisted away in time, yelping as she stumbled backward. “Hey!” she cried, indignation burning in her eyes.

Sara was not bothered. “You’re too slow,” she teased. “I’m just helping you improve.”

Kara groaned, rubbing her temples. It was way too early for all this. “This is why I hate sparring with you.”

“Liar,” Sara shot back easily.

The tension broke as Kara laughed despite herself, shaking her head. Of course she lied; training with Sara was one of her favourite activities.

Her friend misunderstood the light mood for a raise of motivation. “Ready for more?” Sara asked with a smile, putting her hands up again.

“Nope,” Kara admitted stubbornly, before flopping onto the tatami like an exhausted child. They’ve been at it for long enough and she didn’t want to spend the whole day limping around.

Sara chuckled. “Now come on, we’ve barely done, like, five exercises,” she teased. “Surely you can do more?”

Kara faked a chuckle, but her mind was already elsewhere. As soon as her body got the chance to rest, her thoughts wondered. Her attention drifted towards the window, eyes distant, a towel draped loosely over her shoulders.

Sara nudged her with her foot. “Oi, what’s got you all serious suddenly?” It was more of a rhetorical question, she had a pretty good idea what was bothering her… again.

“Nothing,” Kara said automatically, shaking her head. But Sara wasn’t fooled. She could practically see the gears turning in Kara’s head, deciding whether to lie or not. As usual, Kara caved to honesty.

“I just… don’t know about this date!” she finally admitted, throwing her hands up in frustration before looking at Sara as if she held all the answers. “I mean, where should I take her?” Here we go again, Sara thought to herself.

She tilted her head, a slow smile forming as she realised their training session was most definitely over. She settled herself next to Kara, arms resting on her knees.

“I know it needs to be special,” Kara continued, running a hand through her damp hair. “I can’t just take her to a café or the park.” She waved her hands wildly. “It needs to be something big.” She hadn’t been on that many dates in the recent years (barely any if she were honest) and now she had a hard time planning this one. The one that really mattered.

Sara hummed in thought. She wasn’t exactly known as a romantic, nor was she one for elaborate date planning. But she knew what she liked, what her friends liked – and she knew what worked. “Well,” she began. “I don’t think it has to be big. I think something meaningful is much better.”

Kara glanced at her, listening intently.

“Something on a smaller scale could actually be better. A place that’s important to you could come with a nice story. Something that actually means something to you. That could be a great bonding experience,” Sara reasoned. “Or somewhere you generally enjoy going—let her see a bit of your world.”

Kara nodded slowly, processing the suggestion. Nia did say something similar to that a day prior.

“Or,” Sara added, her grin returning. “You could just take her bungee jumping or something else wild. Get her heart racing, that ought to do the trick.”

Kara huffed a laugh, shaking her head. “You’re secretly a really good date planner, aren’t you?”

Sara flashed her a cocky grin, though the faint pink dusting her cheeks betrayed her. She quickly averted her gaze. “Don’t even start,” she mumbled before schooling her features and turning back. “Were you even listening to me?”

“Of course I was,” Kara nodded eagerly. “And it’s great advice, but Lena’s sooo rich. She can go anywhere, do anything. What if anywhere I take her, she’s already been? Or worse, what if she’s been to the better version of it?”

Sara rolled her eyes. Was she even listening to her? “And that, dear Kara, exactly proves my point. You can’t try to ‘out-money’ her, that’s clear. But it’s also not important, that’s not what a date is about.”

Kara sighed, looking almost defeated. Sara, however, found this entire ordeal quite endearing.

If it were her, she’d probably take the lady to a nice restaurant (The High Garden, for example, a perfect blend of classy and affordable) before taking her back to her apartment and spending a hopefully very pleasurable night together. Simple and efficient – a tested and proven combination. But Kara was not her. The woman was a hopeless romantic, and since the two women had already skipped a few steps with their first night of passion, things worked a little differently for them now.

Which meant Sara had to try a little harder to ease Kara’s nerves.

“Give her a memory,” she said simply. “Give her a meaningful experience. A reason to love you. Or, if she already does, give her another one.” Kara’s expression shifted, and Sara rushed to continue before she could be mocked for the sentimentality of it all again. “Maybe the shelter or something? That could be nice,” she suggested.

“You think?” Kara considered it for a second before frowning. “What if she’s allergic?”

Sara agreed, rubbing her face. “True. Didn’t think of that. But it was just a suggestion, so keep thinking. There are so many places you like going to, surely one of them will do.” Plenty of them will do, if Kara only stopped overthinking this. Sara had known Lena for years. Obviously not as good as she knew Kara, but hers and Lena’s paths crossed a while back. And she knew the raven-haired woman well enough to understand she didn’t want excessive luxury or grand gestures – what Kara didn’t understand yet, was that Lena would be perfectly fine with a picnic in the park.

Kara groaned dramatically before collapsing onto her back, flinging an arm over her face. “This is so haaard,” she whined before peeking at Sara through her fingers. “But thank you. That was, well, surprisingly solid advice.”

“Surprisingly?” Sara shot back, raising an eyebrow. “I am a love genius, thank you very much. Don’t doubt me. You’ve seen me in action before, so don’t play coy now.”

Kara laughed, unable to argue. She had seen Sara in action before, and she was, infuriatingly, fantastic. Kara could never understand how effortlessly Sara could not only start and carry conversations, but also effortlessly charm people. Men, women—it didn’t matter. Sara had a magic touch and a silver tongue. And, unfortunately for them, she was absolutely aware of it.

Sara was just about to continue speaking when they were interrupted by a knock.

“Kara Danvers?” a voice called from the doorway, drawing both their gazes towards a man in a courier’s uniform. In his hands, he carried a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

“Yes?” Kara responded hesitantly, pushing herself upright. She certainly didn’t expect this.

“I’ve got a delivery for you,” he announced, stepping forward. Kara rose from her seat, approaching him with an air of curiosity.

“Just need your signature here,” he said, offering her a small clipboard. Kara dutifully scribbled her name before accepting the bouquet.

The courier gave her a polite nod and a warm “Have a great day,” before departing, leaving behind only the faint scent of flowers in his wake.

“What’s this all about?” Kara murmured, settling back down and placing the grand arrangement between Sara and herself. The flowers were exquisite, their vibrant hues and delicate fragrance making it clear they had been chosen with care.

The bouquet was a masterful composition of soft pink ranunculi, their delicate, layered petals unfurling in perfect spirals, as if caught in the midst of a quiet confession. Among them, the gentle curve of bellflowers added an air of sweet tenderness, their dusky pink hues blending seamlessly into the arrangement. And weaving through it all, sprigs of myrtle, their glossy green leaves catching the light, grounded the bouquet in a quiet sort of devotion. The scent was fresh yet warm, a delicate harmony of floral sweetness with an underlying note of something lingering.

“Ooh, those are some really pretty flowers,” Sara noted appreciatively, leaning in to inspect them more closely. After a moment, her eyes lit up in triumph. “Aha!” she exclaimed, plucking a small card from between the velvety petals. With an air of mischief, she handed it to Kara.

Kara’s blue eyes flicked over the words, and a look of surprise flickered across her face. “They’re from Lena,” she said, almost in disbelief. Of course they were from her, who else would do something like this? Her fingers tightened slightly around the card as she read on. “She’s taking me on our first date. This weekend.”

Sara’s grin widened. “Really? Show.” She leaned forward, reaching out to snatch the card, but Kara was faster. With a deft movement, she pulled it away, shielding it from prying eyes.

“Not your business,” she said, narrowing her eyes in mock suspicion, a teasing lilt to her voice.

Sara let out a bark of laughter, raising her hands in surrender. “Alright, alright, I get it.” A smirk still lingered on her lips as she leaned back. “But that’s great, isn’t it? Now you have more time to figure out where to take her when it’s your turn.”

“Yeah,” Kara murmured.

Sara could see Kara fretting, her pretty head filled with needless worries. Her poor friend, the hopeless romantic, agonising over the grandest love of her life. Love that was already here, love that was suddenly within reach; she only needed the confidence to grasp it. And Sara was truly happy for her. Kara had always longed for love, and she deserved to have it—especially with someone like Lena, who was genuinely a stellar match in all aspects. Sara definitely approved of that union.

“Whatever you’re thinking about, stop it,” Sara instructed, her voice firm yet laced with gentleness. She leaned forward slightly, watching Kara with knowing eyes. Kara hesitated, uncertainty flickering across her face, but before she could find her words, Sara pressed on. “Don’t worry,” she reassured, her expression unwavering. “I’m serious.”

Kara opened her mouth, a protest forming, but Sara was quicker. “You’re overthinking this. The whole deal. So just… stop. You’ve got the beginnings of something wonderful here, and you need to admit it to yourself. That’s the first step.” A smirk tugged at the corners of her lips, but there was nothing teasing about her tone. “Now, just go on this date. See what Lena has planned for you. Because let’s be honest, it’s going to be fantastic. And once you do, I guarantee you’ll be inspired, and you’ll have a better idea where to take her next.”

Kara exhaled slowly, nodding in agreement, before hesitating again. “But—”

Sara lifted a hand, cutting her off. “Take her anywhere. Wherever you want. And even if something doesn’t go perfectly, that doesn’t mean Lena won’t love it anyway. Say you go on a picnic and it starts raining? Boom. Instant romcom moment. You’re both laughing, running for cover, maybe sharing a kiss under an awning somewhere. You end up at a fair and it’s too crowded? Easy fix—you shield her with your body, and suddenly the proximity has her blushing. Something embarrassing happens? That’s just a story you’ll end up telling a million times over until your future grandkids start groaning every time they hear it.”

She flashed a quick grin, nudging Kara with her foot. “Whatever happens, you’re both going to have an amazing time, I can guarantee you. So let your heart decide, and if you’re really indecisive, pick at random. And what if it’s a very simply date? Doesn’t matter, it will. be. Perfect. Got it?”

Kara took a moment to absorb it all before a slow, genuine smile spread across her face. Her friend’s words were finally reaching their mark. The tightness in her shoulders eased, and when she nodded again, this time it was with confidence. “Alright. Yeah. I can do that.”
Sara smirked. “Oh, and definitely take her somewhere on your bike. That thing is a money maker.”

Kara let out a bright laugh, the tension finally breaking. “Thanks. Truly.”

Sara stood, stretching, before offering Kara a hand. “Come on,” she said, pulling her up with ease. “We’ve got things to do. Now that the date is settled, you need an outfit. Something that screams 'I am sexy and wild in bed, but also very girlfriend material.” It was time they left, took a shower and went on with their day. And since the date of the date was now revealed, Kara needed to put together an outfit. And Sara would not pass an opportunity to help.

Kara groaned playfully, but Sara was already grinning, the gears turning in her head. There was no way she was letting Kara go unprepared for this. Her friend was right on the precipice of something; she just needed to accept it.

Kara should simply enjoy this love, embrace it, and live it to the fullest.

As far as Sara was concerned, that was the last thing she wanted for herself.

After a very meaningful relationship in high school that had ended tragically, she had made a firm decision: university was the time for fun. No relationships, no attachments, no looking for love. She didn’t want it, and she certainly didn’t need it.

Living the way she did now—regular one-night stands and the occasional dates—suited her just fine. In fact, it fit her perfectly, and she had no intention of changing that. The family she was born into (meaning her father and sister) was more than enough for her, and with the exception of her sister’s boyfriend, she had no desire to expand it.

And, at the very least, but a reason nonetheless: she simply did not have time for any romantic entanglements that lasted. Her life was packed with her studies, her friends, family, and training—where on earth would she find the time, let alone the effort, to nurture something more?

Sometimes, a fleeting thought crept in that perhaps she simply hadn’t met the right person yet, that love would find her eventually. That someday she would simply meet someone and boom, true love. But that was just movie nonsense. She had met so many wonderful women and men, fantastic ‘potential mates’, and not a single one had managed to stir anything within her. And that was perfect.

She didn’t want love. She wasn’t looking for a relationship.

The last thing she needed was for someone to crash into her life and mess up her mind.

Chapter Text

Kara stood at the agreed spot near her dormitory, basking in the last rays of daylight. The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon, leaving streaks of warm gold and soft lilac across the sky. A cool breeze of the approaching night carried the scent of grass and distant flowers.

Her friends had intended to wait with her like two concerned mothers, but she managed to shoo them away, which meant she ended up alone on the pavement. She needed time to clear her head, and their worrying did her no good. The low hum of the quiet campus life behind her offered a comforting backdrop as she waited. Her breath was steady now, though her shoulders were still hunched with tension.

She was dressed and ready, but still felt nervous, unsure what to expect from the night. Her outfit was impeccable, a look set to perfection, giving her some more confidence. She considered that a solid starting point.

Two hours earlier, in her chaotic dorm room, she was feeling far from confident.

"I have nothing to wear. This is going to be a disaster," Kara wailed dramatically, spinning away from her wardrobe like a movie heroine undone by fashion.

Sara, lounging sideways across Kara's desk chair with all the grace of a cat who owned the place, rolled her eyes. "I know for a fact you've got a bunch of cute outfits. You just like to panic."

Nia, perched cross-legged on the bed with a soothing presence, smiled gently, her mind whirring with various dress options.

“But nothing is date with Lena good.” Kara countered, clutching a handful of hangers like a lifeline. “Maybe I should just cancel. I can’t show up in jeans. Who knows where she’s taking me!”

“Alrighty, calm down,” Nia said, serene as ever. "You’ve definitely got good clothes. And are you sure you don’t have any idea where she’s taking you?"

"None," Kara groaned, once again reaching for the small card she already had memorised by this point. "All she said was to dress casually elegant. What does that even mean? Casual and elegant are two different vibes. Is that some kind of rich person dialect? Am I too poor to understand it?" She questioned, the pitch in her voice rising.

"You’re so cute when you’re a drama queen," Sara teased, rising with a dramatic flourish to re-open the wardrobe Kara had just slammed shut. "Now let’s see. Hmmm...” she hummed, rummaging through the hangers. “Aha!" She exclaimed and pulled out a sleek black dress, holding it triumphantly.

“Perfect,” she declared. “This will work just fine. You can never go wrong with a little black dress.”

Nia nodded approvingly, “And you can match it with a leather jacket.”

Kara frowned, still not convinced. “I don’t know,” she said. “It doesn’t feel right.”

“Okay, something else,” Sara muttered, reaching back into the closet before pulling out another dress. “This one?”

“Nope,” Nia replied quickly. “Green is not Kara’s colour.”

“Agreed,” Sara said, putting it back. “Which colour then?” she asked Nia, ignoring Kara, who tried, and failed, to add anything.

"Blue," Nia said confidently. “Matches her eyes.”

“Great minds think alike,” Sara smiled, tapping her temple. “Well, jeans are blue,” she grinned mischievously.

“If I didn’t know you were kidding, I’d throw you out of my room now,” Kara scowled, failing to fight a smile. “I do have those nice trousers I bought in spring,” she added hopefully.

“I doubt that’s the right choice,” Sara said thoughtfully, glancing to Nia for a second opinion.

“It’s not, too office-y," the brunette agreed and Kara threw her hands up in frustration.

“See, this is what I meant!”

“You can always wear that skirt you wore to Coachella two years ago,” Sara quipped, a grin on her face.

“I’m never wearing that thing in public again, and you know that,” Kara said, shuddering from memory. She really had to burn that skirt someday.

“Alright then,” Sara said with a shrug, “I suppose we keep searching.” Nia stood up to join them, while Kara remained half-resigned, arms crossed.

“And besides,” Sara added. “I’m sure she’s more interested in your naked form anyway, so clothes don’t matter at all.”

Kara glared at her, “I’m never helping you again. Ever.”

“Oh gods,” Sara gasped theatrically, ignoring Kara’s comment. “I hope you have some sexy lingerie!”

“I’ve got it!” Nia suddenly shouted, interrupting them before they could start bickering. “Your midnight blue dress! The one you’ve never worn before.”

Sara’s eyes lit up, “You’re so right, how wasn’t that our first idea.” She started rummaging through the wardrobe, eventually finding what she was looking for way at the back, still wrapped in protective plastic.

“This one’s the money-maker,” she said softly, a smile playing on her face.

"Really?" Kara hesitated, “Are you sure?”

“Definitely,” Nia said with a big smile, nodding like a child.

“Now try it on,” Sara laughed, pushing the dress to Kara. “Go, go.”

Kara, still unsure, took the dress and changed. She felt like a parade puppy, with Nia and Sara looking at her expectantly, big eyes on their faces.

“Wow,” Nia breathed.

“It’s perfect. Just right.” Sara murmured, nodding to herself.

"And it just so happened," Nia said, reaching into her backpack and pulling out a small box. "That I've got a perfect set of earrings to match.”

“What, Nia, no,” Kara said with a shake of her head as her friend opened the box. “Your mum gave you those.”

“And this is a big moment,” Nia insisted softly. “You’re borrowing them, and that’s final.”

“The kid’s right,” Sara agreed, handing Kara the delicate pieces. “Let’s see the set.”

Kara thanked Nia once more, before turning to the mirror. As she fastened them on, Sara reached into the closet once more, emerging with a pair of shimmering silver heels.

“I think this is the only viable shoe option,” she said with finality, handing Kara the shoes. “This will be perfect.”

Kara had no choice but to obey and slip them on.

When she looked in the mirror, it hit her all at once— her friends were right, she did look beautiful. Not the kind of beautiful built on someone else’s gaze, but a feeling rising from within. And she couldn't help but hope Lena would agree.

The dress was a deep, inky navy that shimmered ever so slightly under the soft overhead light, its delicate fabric catching glimmers like stardust. The sheer long sleeves added a whisper of mystery, and the cinched bodice hinted at curves with delicate, deliberate charm. A slit ran up one leg—tasteful, but daring enough to spark mischief.

“Breathtaking,” Sara said with a smile on her face, her voice awed.

“Now all that’s left is hair and makeup, and you’re complete,” Nia added, pulling up a chair for Kara.

Kara was lost in a daze, didn’t even say anything, just sat down and followed their instructions, letting her friends take over. Nia’s fingers were deft and confident, curling Kara’s hair with practised grace, while Sara leaned in occasionally to pass tools and offer quips that floated over Kara’s head like white noise. She wasn’t ignoring them on purpose—her thoughts were simply elsewhere, spiralling through possibilities, hopes, and the echoing thought: this is actually happening.

By the time she blinked back into awareness, Nia was already applying the finishing touches, her expression serene in concentration.

“You all right?” Sara asked softly, catching her gaze in the mirror, picking up on her silence.

“Yeah,” Kara replied. “Yes, thank you," she said again, putting on a grateful smile. Nia paused to look at her, brushing a final curl into place. Kara continued, her voice a little breathless. “It’s just finally catching up to me. This is happening for real. I’m going on a date with Lena.”

“And you look perfect,” Sara beamed. “Now take one last look at yourself, because you’re beautiful.”

Kara smiled at them, rose up, and stepped toward the full-length mirror. Her friends worked wonders and she couldn’t be happier with the results. She looked radiant —and even if the night didn’t go to plan, this feeling alone made it worth it.

Kara heard the car before she saw it. She knew little of cars, but the sound alone was enough to tell her it was far too expensive to belong to any student she knew. She ignored it, assuming it would pass her by, blended into the background hum of the city evening. But instead, it approached. Then stopped right in front of her.

For a fleeting moment, Kara panicked. Her imagination unspooled into dramatic scenarios: maybe she was about to be abducted to do crazy favours for some rich old men and maybe Nia and Sara were right to be so wary about letting her wait alone because this will turn into the worst night of her life and everything will turn to shit. But then she spotted a familiar silhouette through the glossy windscreen—Lena, in the driver’s seat, looking almost as stunned as Kara felt.

Luckily for them both, Lena recovered faster. She leaned over, lowering the passenger window with a soft mechanical hum.

"A lady as beautiful as you definitely shouldn’t be left standing alone," she said, her voice laced with dry charm and a soft smirk playing on her lips.

The words worked like magic, dissolving the fog in Kara’s mind. "Well, lucky for me I’ve got good company then," she replied with a smile as she opened the door and slipped into the car.

It smelled – expensive. The interior being just as nice—leather seats with buttery-smooth texture, controls gleaming under the dim console lights, and a spaciousness she hadn't expected. It felt less like a car and more like a private lounge on wheels, definitely better than any car she'd driven in before. Kara was suddenly all too aware of her more modest upbringing. She pushed the thought down. Tonight wasn’t about that.

Lena was already easing them into motion, one hand on the steering wheel, the other resting casually as they pulled into the street. From her profile, lit intermittently by the glow of passing streetlights, she looked radiant. And Kara, to her immense relief, realised she'd hit the dress code perfectly.

"Well, good evening," Kara said, aiming for something light and composed, though she felt anything but.

"Good evening to you," Lena returned, the smile tugging at her lips becoming more pronounced as her eyes flicked briefly to Kara’s.

"So… where are we going?" Kara asked, voice lilting with curiosity.

"You’ll see when we get there," Lena said with an arch of her brow. "Somewhere nice."

Kara hummed softly in response, letting the silence stretch. Soft music filled the car, subtle and atmospheric, like the soundtrack to a film just beginning. It still didn't feel enough, and she searched for words to say, only to come up empty. Worrisome thoughts started filling her mind. If she was lost for words after two minutes, how would they spend a whole night together. She thought the quiet might become awkward—but to her surprise, it wasn’t. It felt calm. Comforting. Once she calmed down, she didn’t feel the pressure to speak or fill the space with idle chatter. Somehow sitting next to Lena in companionable silence felt… natural.

Strange, she thought. How can silence feel like this?

It made no sense, but somehow she felt like perhaps they'd been holding the words for each other for so long they got used to the silence. Maybe they’d been speaking in silence all along.

Kara was so lost in the moment that she barely registered when the car rolled to a stop.

"Wait a sec," Lena said, unbuckling her seatbelt just as Kara reached for hers. There was no time to question her instruction; Lena was already outside, her heels clicking lightly against the pavement as she moved around the car.

Kara caught her breath when Lena came into view. With the car no longer dividing them, she could take in her full appearance—and heavens, she was stunning. How is she going to survive the night?

Lena opened the door and extended her hand. "Shall we?"

There was something timeless about the gesture, and Kara, heart fluttering, slipped her hand into Lena’s. She climbed out slowly, a little dazed. The chivalry of it, so simple and unexpected, made her feel warm inside.

Now standing side by side under the amber hue of the lights, Kara got a proper look at Lena. Her breath caught.

Nope. She definitely wasn’t surviving the night.

Lena wore a stunning black dress that fit her like a glove—it clung to her frame with effortless elegance. One side was sleeveless, held up by a single delicate strap, while the other flowed into a long, sheer sleeve that draped with the elegance of falling ink. The neckline dipped daringly, leaving just a little too little to the imagination, and very inappropriate memories started filling her mind. And the skirt—short—offered no help in grounding her. Lena looked utterly breathtaking, and Kara couldn't look away.

"Beautiful," Lena breathed out suddenly before Kara could say anything herself. Her voice was hushed, reverent—as if she couldn't believe the vision standing before her. And maybe she couldn't. For a heartbeat, Kara thought Lena might be just as stunned as she was.

“You’re gorgeous,” Kara replied, her voice barely above a whisper, and it trembled just slightly. She attempted to hide the blush blooming across her cheeks, but there was no hiding from Lena—not when those eyes were devouring her with such unguarded awe. Lena’s lips curved into a smile that could’ve ended wars. She gently tugged Kara’s hand, clasped warmly in her own, leaning in to place a soft kiss on her lips.

She pulled away. “Let’s go in.”

They moved in tandem, like they’d done this a thousand times before, not letting go of each other's hand. It didn't seem like Lena wanted to let go, and that suited her just fine. Lena's fingers laced through hers with gentle possessiveness, and Kara let herself be led, trying to push past the fluttering in her chest. It was ridiculous—like she was thirteen and walking next to her crush for the first time.

As they crossed the glossy expanse of the parking lot, Kara finally took in her surroundings, including the tall building, standing before them. It was one she recognised, if only vaguely. She didn’t frequent this part of the city, mostly just passing by, but even she knew of this place.

It wasn’t just a restaurant. It was the restaurant. The crown jewel of the city’s culinary offerings—ten stories of indulgence. A tower of cuisine: each floor a different, meticulously curated experience. It was extraordinary and luxurious and absolutely ridiculous. Just the type of thing people did when they had way too much time and way too much money. Kara had only been here once, and it had been a splurge—a celebration with Sara after they'd gone through a particularly difficult period. They’d dined on the fifth floor—Chinese—and it had been otherworldly. It had also nearly emptied Kara’s bank account.

This wasn’t dinner. This was a statement.

Kara swallowed hard as they stepped into the gilded lobby. Her heels clicked too loudly on the marble, and for a moment, she felt like a child playing dress-up. Light spilled from the massive crystal chandelier that hung like a crown above them, casting glittering fragments of gold across the marble floor. The doorman greeted Lena with a nod that was far too familiar for it to be their first interaction. She seemed entirely in her element - of course Lena knew this place. She was this place.

She strode through the space with elegance Kara wished she could mimic. In the mirrored walls, she caught their reflection—herself slightly wide-eyed, Lena regal as ever. They reached the elevator, and as the doors closed behind them, it felt like the air had shifted.

“I had Italian in mind,” Lena said suddenly, her voice gentler now, almost uncertain, breaking her comfydant façade. “If that’s alright?”

“I love Italian,” Kara answered, offering a warm smile and a reassuring squeeze of her hand. The tension in Lena’s shoulders melted a bit, and she smiled back before pressing the button for the tenth floor.

The elevator began to rise. And then Lena turned to her, properly.

“I can’t stop looking at you,” she said, the confession tumbling from her lips without ceremony. She stepped closer, a slow, deliberate glide, until Kara instinctively backed up—her back coming to rest against the cool mirrored wall.

“You’re just so dazzling,” Lena murmured, now mere inches away.

Kara barely had time to breathe, let alone reply. Lena’s hand came up to cup her cheek with astonishing tenderness, her thumb brushing lightly against Kara’s skin.

Before Kara could react, she kissed her.

It wasn’t tentative.

It was heat and hunger, wrapped in silk. Lena’s lips moved against hers with confidence, with familiarity, like she’d imagined this kiss a thousand times and now, she was claiming it. Kara let out a soft, involuntary moan as Lena’s tongue slipped between her lips, deepening the kiss, coaxing her into surrender.

Kara didn't think—her body responded instinctively, electric with desire. Her free hand slipped around Lena's waist, drawing her closer, and pressing their bodies together.

Lena shifted her stance, slotting a leg between Kara's, pinning her against the wall in the most exquisite way. It sent shivers down her spine. Her fingers tangled into Kara's hair now, and Kara thought she might combust right there, on the marble floor of a five-star lift.

She kissed her back like she was starved for it, like she'd waited too long for this exact moment and wasn't going to waste a single second.

No one had ever kissed her like this. No one had ever touched her like this—not just lips and hands, but presence. Lena kissed like she wanted all of her, like Kara wasn’t just beautiful or sweet or interesting. She was everything.

And Kara wanted to be. For her, she would let herself be everything.

The ding of the elevator arriving came far too soon.

Suddenly Lena pulled away, leaving them both breathing hard. Her lips were slightly parted, eyes half-lidded, and a smirk slowly curled at the corner of her mouth.

She gave Kara one last peck before whispering, “And the night’s only started.”

She reached up and gently wiped the corner of Kara’s mouth with her thumb—a slow, deliberate motion that made Kara's pulse skip. Then she stepped back with feline grace, reclaiming a sliver of space between them.

Two pings later, Kara was still catching her breath when the elevator doors slid open. She did her best to compose herself, smoothing her dress and hoping her face wasn’t as flushed as it felt. She wasn’t entirely sure how to walk after that kiss, but somehow her feet found motion.

The first thing she noticed was the silence. A soft thread of classical music played from concealed speakers, delicate and atmospheric, but there was no low murmur of conversation, no clinking of cutlery or shuffle of waiters. Kara glanced around the space, scanning for other diners—and discovered there were none.

The floor was immaculate, white tablecloths dressed the handful of tables, lit by small golden lamps that cast warm pools of light. But otherwise, it was deserted.

“We’ll be all alone tonight,” Lena said gently, as though she were offering a rare gift. She stepped forward, her tone casual but layered. “Do you have a preference where to sit? There are a few options, but I’ve always preferred the balcony.”

Kara blinked. “Alone?” she repeated, still stunned.

Lena turned back with an elegant nod. “I thought some privacy would be delightful.”

“Wasn’t that crazy expensive?” Kara asked, her voice more breath than sound.

Lena waved a hand, effortlessly brushing it aside. “Don’t worry. The owner’s a friend of my father and she was glad to do me a favour.”

Kara said nothing. She didn’t quite know how to respond. She wasn’t quite comfortable with the extravagance—but just this once, maybe she could enjoy it.

“Where would you like to sit?” Lena asked again, either missing, or choosing not to acknowledge Kara’s hesitance.

Kara pushed the discomfort aside. “The balcony sounds perfect,” she said, lifting her chin slightly.

Lena smiled, clearly pleased, and led the way.

She was right. The balcony was perfect.

The city stretched out below them, a tapestry of golden lights flickering to life beneath the purpling dusk. The last threads of sunset lingered at the edges of the skyline, painting everything in a soft amber glow. A gentle breeze moved through Kara’s hair, carrying the faint scent of lemon blossom.

Shortly after they settled, a waiter appeared with silent grace, offering menus and a polite greeting. Kara noticed the way Lena returned the greeting with casual familiarity, exchanging a few quiet words. The moment felt oddly surreal—as if Kara had wandered into someone else’s life.

They placed their drink orders—a glass of red wine for Lena, white for Kara.

As they waited, Kara flipped through the menu. Since Lena had already spent so much money, Kara wanted to take it easy, pick the least expensive item on the menu, and save her some money.

She was mortified to discover this was the kind of place, where menus didn’t have prices.

She scanned quickly, hoping for clues, something familiar and simple. Which was easier said than done, as she didn’t know what half of those words meant. She hated the thought of sounding foolish if she asked. She wanted to be considerate—after what Lena had already done, she couldn’t stomach the idea of choosing the most extravagant thing on the list.

In the end, she chose a classic pasta dish she thought she recognised, hoping it wouldn’t be the most expensive.

Lena, on the other hand, ordered with a grace that came from long familiarity. She selected something Kara had never even heard of, a name she couldn't repeat even if she tried. But her voice was smooth, confident, elegant. This world clearly belonged to her.

Kara couldn’t deny it—being all alone in a restaurant, with no one to eavesdrop or interrupt, felt amazing. There was something liberating about it. No noise, no crowd, no distractions. Just her and Lena, a candlelit table, and a view of the city that looked like it belonged in a dream.

Even the waiters seemed to know better than to intrude. They were discreet; came and went like ghosts. Kara found herself wondering if they were trained for moments like this. They probably were. She wouldn’t be surprised if the staff were used to guests committing all sorts of heinous acts in places just like this one.

The night started with an effortless flow that surprised Kara. She had expected some awkward pauses, faked laughter, but none of it came. They talked. A lot. They were quickly done with the small talk, and then they spoke a lot about school. Both were relieved at exams being over and joked about the preparations for next year.

The conversation drifted to their hobbies. Lena admitted she didn’t have any beyond reading (she did count the projects at her summer job ‘hobbies’ but Kara strongly disagreed), and a few pet projects she reluctantly labelled as “work hobbies,” though Kara quickly argued that didn’t count either.

“I don’t think ‘corporate espionage’ is a proper summer pastime,” Kara teased, sipping her drink with a raised brow.

Lena smirked. “It’s efficient leisure.”

Kara laughed and leaned in, brightening further as she launched into a passionate monologue about her own hobbies, and the animal shelter she volunteered at.

She spoke with animated affection, her hands moving as she described the chaos of mealtimes, the delight of training sessions, and the endless stream of cats and dogs with personalities larger than life. She pulled out her phone and showed Lena a seemingly infinite gallery of animals—all of whom she knew by name and with a story to top.

Lena watched all of it, eyes soft with fondness, never once seeming to be bored. Her laughter was quiet, genuine, and she offered thoughtful questions, clearly engaged.

When the topic moved to summer plans, Lena's energy dimmed. She became more reserved, her answers short, vague. Kara noticed the shift, but didn't press. She had an idea why, with impending plans already all drawn for her as well. Her date might be in a similar situation and Kara tucked that thought away, but making a mental note. That was a conversation they needed to have—just not tonight. Not when the wine was soft on the tongue and the stars had just begun to glimmer over the city.

It was the topic of family that drew Lena out again.

She spoke about her brother first—light-hearted stories that painted Lex as complicated, clever, sometimes infuriating, but deeply loyal. Then came tales of her parents: breakfasts in the garden, late-night debates over classical music and politics, the smell of fresh paper from her mother’s endless novels.

Lena lit up as she spoke, glowing with every memory. Her smile, bright and open, was something Kara couldn’t stop staring at.

She seemed happy. Truly, simply happy, having a family that (at least on the surface) seems nothing short of ideal.

And Kara felt something twist in her chest.

She was glad for Lena, of course she was. But she couldn't stop the pang of envy, the ache of imagining what it might have been like to grow up in a home like that. Lena had the experience she had always wanted – caring parents, a trustworthy sibling, someone to be happy to come home to.

“What about your family?” Lena asked softly, as though realising she’d spoken too long.

Kara hesitated. “Oh,” she said after a beat. “Not much to talk about.” She waved a hand vaguely. “Deadbeat dad, distant mother, a sister- well you know Alex.”

Lena nodded, sympathy gentle in her expression.

“I think anything I say might just depress this date,” Kara added with a wry, self-deprecating chuckle, hoping she hadn’t already done so.

But Lena didn’t look put off. She reached across the table and placed her hand over Kara’s, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said quietly. “But perhaps that could change someday. I’m sure you’ll have a much better family of your own.”

The implication in those words rattled something in Kara—hope, maybe. Or fear. She wasn’t sure which.

It was too much, hopes she didn’t allow herself, couldn’t allow herself, and she couldn’t handle it.

She pulled her hand back, shaking her head with a small smile. “I do already. I’ve got my friends. They’re fantastic.”

Lena didn’t protest the shift in subject. Her gaze didn’t falter.

“They really are,” Kara continued, her voice growing brighter. “You should meet them someday. I mean, you probably already know some of them, but you need to meet everyone properly.”

She launched into a spirited rundown of her friend group, each anecdote a new splash of colour. Sara's irreverent humour, Nia's wisdom disguised as whimsy, and all the times they encouraged Winn to talk to girls.

Lena leaned back in her chair, wine glass in hand, simply watching her with quiet amusement and something even softer.

And Kara kept talking, because for once, someone was listening like she mattered.

When the food arrived, Kara’s plate steamed invitingly, wafting rich, comforting aromas her way. She'd eaten a version of this before, but here (perhaps simply due to her company) it looked so much better.

But one glance at Lena’s dish had her mouth-watering. It was, ostensibly, a simple chicken steak drizzled in a burnished golden sauce, but the way it was plated—artful, almost sculptural—made it look like a Michelin-star masterpiece. Then again, she wasn’t sure if this place had a star… Maybe she should check that tomorrow.

She tore her gaze back to her own meal and took a bite.

The flavour exploded across her tongue, warm and balanced. She let out a soft groan, eyes fluttering shut for a moment, unaware of the effect it had.

When she glanced up again, Lena’s gaze had darkened noticeably.

They continued to eat, chatting lightly. Kara tried her best to avoid making lovey-dovey eyes at Lena's plate, but apparently, her subtlety left much to be desired. In her defense, she's never claimed to be - especially when it came to food.

“Do you want to try it?” Lena asked suddenly, an amused tilt in her voice.

Kara blinked, caught red-handed. “I mean, um,” she stuttered. “If you don’t mind. But it’s okay—”

Lena chuckled, cutting off her stammering. “Considering what else we’ve shared, I certainly don’t mind,” she said, voice low and amused. Heat flared across Kara’s cheeks. Her mind immediately flitted back to the elevator… and the other night.

She didn’t move at first, unsure of the etiquette, until Lena cut a generous piece of the chicken and held it out to her on a fork.

Oh, that's how we're doing it.

Kara leaned in, tucking her hair behind one ear, and took the bite. The flavour practically sang across her tongue.

She closed her eyes and moaned quietly in appreciation.

When she opened them again, Lena looked dazed, leaning forward slightly, almost unconsciously, a faint blush on her face.

Kara cleared her throat. “Want to try mine?”

Lena blinked as if waking from a dream. “Sure,” she said lightly with a shrug. “It looks delicious.”

She leaned forward, expecting Kara to mirror her gesture with a forkful.

But the blonde had other plans.

She quickly leaned in and kissed her.

It was soft and unhurried, chaste in a way that felt almost reverent. Kara lingered for a beat before pulling back, and Lena hummed quietly.

“Sorry,” she said, eyes wide, suddenly unsure. “I hope that was okay. I just… really wanted to kiss you again.”

Lena giggled and lifted her hand halfway to her mouth before seeming to remember herself. “It was a very good thing to do,” she replied, eyes glittering with warmth. “You can kiss me whenever you want. There’s no need to ask.”

Kara smiled shyly, returning to her dish. She offered it across the table and Lena accepted the bite with a soft hum of approval.

Their talk continued in a relaxed manner, the atmosphere warm and tinged with laughter. Kara even introduced Lena to a few of her wonderful puns—some truly terrible ones—and Lena, to her eternal credit, had the grace not to roll her eyes at all of them. She smiled, and chuckled, and even let out a full laugh once or twice. Kara decided then and there that if Lena's laughter was the only sound she ever heard again, she would have absolutely no complains.

Silence stretched at one point. It wasn’t awkward, just soft and unhirried; somehow with Lena that seemed to be the norm. But Kara came to this date prepared, and she had questions to ask.

“Tell me something,” she said, drawing Lena’s attention from her plate. “You get the chance to time travel. But you can do it only once, never again, and then you come back to today. When do you go?”

Lena raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching. “Prepared some questions, hm?” she teased. For a moment Kara prayed for the ground to swallow her. Then Lena continued.

"Such a basic question," she murmured. Kara thought she was teasing her again, but Lena was deep in thought now. "But a good one, if considered properly. A second chance or a look into the prophecy.”

Kara hummed in agreement, giving Lena some time to think, glad to have opted for this over the ‘pineapple on pizza’ discussion.

“Can I travel to the past or the future?” Lena prompted.

“Either,” Kara replied, folding her arms on the table.

“And how long can I stay?”

“However long you want,” Kara answered, impressed by Lena for taking this so seriously. “Just not, you know, forever.”

“Can I influence the present?” Lena asked.

Kara took a moment to consider that. “Let’s say no.”

“Alright,” Lena nodded slowly, eyes drifting toward the flickering candle between them. “As tempting as it is to meet someone like Emily Dickinson, or see if the world ends in nuclear ruin… I think my answer’s going to be disappointingly personal.”

“You can’t disappoint me,” Kara jumped in. “There’s no right or wrong. Just your thoughts.”

Lena looked at her a moment longer, before she spoke, voice soft. “I would go back about 30 years. To Ireland. And meet my birth mother. When she was younger and… still alive.”

Kara reached to hold Lena’s hand, to hopefully comfort her, but gave her time and peace to continue when, and if, she wanted to. They seemed to have been on the precipice of a heavy topic, and Kara didn’t want to push her in either direction.

“Of course I love Lilian, she’s my mum,” Lena continued after a breath. “But I wouldn’t pass an opportunity to meet my birth mother. So I would go there, and just meet her. Hear her voice, spend some time with her, if I could.”

A ghost of a smile played on Lena’s lips.

“I’d ask her things, too. Especially about our family, our history. There are some important questions I still don’t have the answers to, and no one can give them to me anymore."

“Family recipes?” Kara asked softly, trying to lighten the air without brushing off the weight of the moment.

“Something like that,” Lena replied, smiling to herself. “In a way,” she added softly, a faraway look on her face.

Kara gave her a minute, watching her in the candlelight, before she spoke again.

“And if you could change the past, would you?” she asked, her tone careful. “Go back and make sure she stays alive?”

"I… don't think so," Lena said slowly. "Gosh, that makes me sound so selfish,” she added, rising a hand to her face. “But despite everything, my life has been nothing short of fantastic. And I wouldn’t risk ruining that. I’ve always believed that even the smallest events have consequences, so with those conditions, I wouldn’t time travel at all.”

“The butterfly effect,” Kara nodded to herself, familiar with the concept. “That’s probably the most thought out answer to this question anyone’s ever given me,” she continued with a wry smile. “I’m sorry if I brought the mood down with it, though.”

“Not at all,” Lena reassured her. “It was my answer that did it, not your question. And besides, I always enjoy some good mental stimulation.” She smirked, a sparkle in her eyes. “Or any other stimulation.”

Kara raised her glass and gave Lena a pointed look over the rim as she took a sip, and she let her off the hook… this time.

“What’s your answer?” she asked.

“I’d go back to save Laika,” Kara answered without hesitation.

“You studied,” Lena noted with amusement, and Kara nodded earnestly.

“I came prepared.”

“Care to elaborate?" Lena prompted, leaning in with intrigue.

“There’s not much to say,” Kara shrugged. “I would just go there and adopt her and she’d have a nice life here with me.”

“Somehow, that does not surprise me at all,” Lena said with a nod. “And if you couldn’t change anything?”

“Well, I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise the future brings,” Kara said thoughtfully. “So I would go back
. If I were to relieve a moment, maybe one of the rare, really fun trips with my family. Or I'd go back to witness something before my time. Like the Seneca Falls Convention."

"A historical moment and a reasonable answer," Lena replied, and Kara felt pleased. That was a very mundane topic handled very thoughtfully.

"My turn for a question then," Lena said, eyes dancing. “Who’s your ‘hall pass’? Not that I agree with the concept, just curious,” she added quickly.

“Yeah, it’s a stupid idea,” Kara answered. “I mean, why would the celebrity make it okay, cheating is bad either way, and I definitely wouldn’t, I would never, I just think it’s-“

A pointed look from Lena stopped her rambling.

“…Brie Larson,” she mumbled in surrender.

“Good pick,” Lena agreed with a nod.

“And yours?” Kara asked back.

“Cate Blanchett,” she immediately replied. Oh, she definitely thought about that.

Kara gave her a playful look but chose mercy over teasing. “Fair. Very fair.”

“Can I ask something else?” Lena asked, her voice hesitant, like she didn’t want to impose too much.

“I’m not telling you which of my classmates I’d sleep with,” Kara said, raising her arms in faux surrender.

Lena narrowed her eyes. “I hope you’ve stopped considering that by now,” she said slowly.

Kara didn’t even have time to process the quiet weight of those words—Lena’s unspoken claim—before she continued.

Her voice was careful, thoughtful. “So we've mentioned family before," she said. "And you don't have to answer, but … how do you feel about having kids?”

Wow, that was a heavy shift in topic. Kara’s eyes widened as she looked at Lena.

“It’s just hypothetical,” Lena hurried, noticing Kara’s panicked expression. “I’m just curious about where you stand."

“Well, I’m still young,” Kara replied, gathering her thoughts. “So definitely not until I finish school and figure out my life… at least partly. But yeah,” she said with a soft smile. “I imagine I do want a family some day. It’s nice to think about. Coming home to a little girl running into your arms. Or a boy. Reading them bedside stories, teaching them how to ride a bike, hold their hand on their first school day. I’d like that.”

Lena was quiet. She watched Kara, as she spoke with a growing smile on her face. The blonde really seemed to have it all figured out.

“And there are patterns I’d like to break,” the blonde added, her voice softening. “Some things I’d want to do different, and better, than my parents.”

“I’d like them too,” Lena offered. “Since I was a little girl I’ve dreamt of having a family.” A smile tugged at her lips. “What you’ve described sounds pretty ideal. But there are also arguments against it.”

She looked at Kara, her smile fading slightly. There was something heavy in her eyes, as if she was scared it would push her away, give her a reason to walk away.

"Besides the obvious dangers, I would certainly have to figure out the whole work-life balance beforehand. And definitely figure out some other things in my life. And then there’s my family…” she trailed off. “Not the Luthors, my birth family. There’s a lot there. With my genes, I’d have to think twice.”

She tried to finish lightly. “But then again, if the child’s not biological, that problem is fixed.”

It was the second time Lena had hinted at something in her lineage. Kara’s worry flared—was there a genetic condition? But she didn’t press. She was sure Lena would say more if, and when, she would have to. Until then, she could look the other way.

“It’s weighing on you a lot, isn’t it?” Kara asked softly, balancing on the edge of the topic. "The whole child thing."

“It is,” Lena admitted. “There’s so much I’d have to consider before bringing a child of my own into the world. A lot my partner would have to consider.” She glanced at Kara, and she couldn’t ignore the swell of emotions in her chest that evoked.

“I would be fine without them. I could definitely be happy like that too. But if all goes well, I’d like a family. I imagine having children would mean I’d truly succeeded and everything worked out,” Lena concluded softly. Her voice was steady, but her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her napkin.

Lena drew in a breath, then let it out slowly. “Sorry,” she said with a crooked smile. “That got heavier than I meant it to... again."

Kara was at a loss for words. While Lena was the one to start this topic, it was a very heavy subject for her. It weighted her in a way Kara didn’t quite understand, and probably wouldn’t for a while. So she did the only thing that felt right: she held Lena’s hand and held it tightly. Present a comforting presence, someone she would hopefully depend on. And someone she could always count on to lighten the mood.

She leaned forward conspiratorially. “You seem so put together, so tell me, what’s something you are just terrible at?”

Lena chuckled at that. From the way her shoulders relaxed, Kara could tell she succeeded, and the tension cracked like mist under sunlight.

They continued their game of questions on a much lighter note, with no more heavy questions. Kara even pulled out her phone to ask the questions she’d saved in her notepad. She challenged Lena’s smirk with the most important question: what was her plan for the zombie apocalypse? Bravely, she even dared to broach the pineapple debate - Lena handled it with grace and merely said anyone should be free to eat whatever they want, and that was the topic closed.

“It baffles me,” Lena spoke once their plates had been cleared and Kara was calculating whether she could handle a dessert as well. Her voice was soft with disbelief. “How did we manage to spend so much time so close, and yet we never even spoke. We’ve been classmates this entire time, and somehow it took us this long to find each other.”

“Well,” Kara smiled, leaning forward to rest her hand gently over Lena’s. “I imagine we were just waiting for the right time and place. Everything happens when it’s meant to, right?”

“I like to think so too,” Lena murmured, turning her palm to interlace their fingers and give a small squeeze.

Kara let out a breath, then chuckled. "It's kind of funny, isn't it? All those years we spent sharing classrooms but not words. I can only imagine how much time I spent looking at you from afar. Especially in the classroom."

Lena laughed. "I admit to doing my own share of that."

“Technically, I was just appreciating the aesthetic,” Kara said with mock innocence.

“Oh? Of my handwriting?”

Kara gave her a look. “Of your everything.”

That earned her a raised eyebrow and a pleased smirk from Lena, who leaned in a little closer. “Bold of you to flirt when your delivery was so delayed.”

“Better late than never,” Kara countered, grinning.

They laughed together, and in the gentle hush that followed, their joined hands stayed perfectly still between them. There was no rush to speak. Being close was enough.

“So then,” Lena started after some time, sounding completely non-chalant. “When did you realise you liked me?”

Kara paused, eyes on Lena. Her mouth opened, then closed again. She was about to stammer out something vague when she noticed Lena glance away and avert her gaze. Was she shy about this? There was the tiniest waver in her voice, and that flicker of shyness made Kara unexpectedly bold.

“Probably since the first day,” she answered plainly, leaning back but keeping her hand in Lena’s.

“What?" Lena asked, eyes narrowed, no longer flickering around. “But we didn’t even know each other. I was just a stranger.”

“Still,” Kara replied with a shrug, the faintest smile playing on her lips.

“You mean, that was just attraction, right?” Lena continued, all her shyness gone. “But when did you start to really like me?”

“It certainly was attraction as well,” Kara said with a chuckle. “But that’s the day. First eye contact, boom. Instant connection. Recent events made me think you might have felt that too.” Her voice dropped at the end. That first eye contact really set the deal for her, but doubts started creeping in at the thought of Lena not feeling the same.

“No, of course I did,” Lena hurried. “But back then I was, well, occupied. And besides, it doesn’t quite work like that, does it?” she asked softly.

“What doesn’t?”

Lena opened her mouth to say something but faltered. A moment later she spoke. “Feelings.”

Kara considered it. “It does for me, I guess.” She was not sure how else to explain it. It's true, she fell fast, and she fell hard. But that’s just w-

“That’s just who you are, isn’t it?” Lena asked with a smile, finishing her own thoughts. “So much love inside you, and all just bursting to get out.”

Kara wasn’t sure if it was because of Lena’s soft giggle, or her saying the word ‘love’, but something warm bloomed in her chest.

“Sara said something similar once,” she murmured.

“So that was truly it?” Lena prompted once more.

“Truly,” Kara nodded.

“Remarkable,” Lena said with a soft look in her eyes. Kara felt a blush on her face, sensing the weight behind the words.

She cleared her throat, trying to shake the heaviness. “So what was your moment of realization?”

“For lust?” Lena teased, with a glint in her eyes. “That first moment, definitely. Seeing you all sweaty, and breathless, I just….”

Kara fought the urge to hide away with all her might and just looked back at Lena with a raised eyebrow. She refused to give her the satisfaction of flustering this time.

“You know what I meant.”

“I know,” Lena replied with a smirk. Who could blame her for being a tease. Though if she had to admit it, Kara standing her ground was somehow even more intoxicating than her squirming.

“Well, if I have to pick a sudden moment,” she began, this time serious. To Kara, she seemed almost eager, as if she'd been just waiting for her turn to answer. “Probably when you saved a child from the lake on that school trip.”

Kara looked at her, listening. She remembered that day well, it was one of the moments she risked her well-being to help someone. While walking, Sara and her fell behind the group, and she imagined only Sara had seen the whole ordeal – with everyone noticing it only later. But apparently, Lena had been watching. Even back then.

“You saw that?” she asked quietly.

“Of course I did,” Lena said. “It wasn’t just seeing you all soaked, though, um, that definitely did it, too.” She cleared her throat. “It was seeing you act so selfless, throwing yourself into freezing water without hesitation. You didn’t even bat an eye, didn’t even wonder if it was a good idea, you just decided to help that kid. You saw someone in danger and acted. No dramatics, no calculation. Just pure instinct. Even though jumping into the lake was a sure way to ruin your day, and dangerous on top of that.”

Kara stared at her, in a way seeing Lena in a new light, as she paused to take a breath.

“I have never seen anyone act so heroic. Ever. And it wasn’t loud or showy. There was no one watching, no one to applaud you for it. It was probably the best show of your character one could give. So yeah, that was the moment,” Lena finished. “The moment I decided to walk into it,” she added under her breath, so quietly Kara didn’t understand her.

Kara blinked, momentarily taken aback. She’d never imagined Lena had been carrying that moment with her all this time, and remembering it so clearly. The idea that something she had done without thinking could linger in someone else like that… made her chest ache, in a good way.

“That was months ago,” Kara said after a few seconds. “Why didn’t you act on it?”

“Why didn’t you?” Lena replied without missing a beat, raising an eyebrow.

Kara opened her mouth, then laughed softly. “Touché.”

There was a lot to unpack there. But that would include feelings she didn’t really want to let out into the open. Doubts she’d kept carefully buried, thoughts she'd been hiding away. She had a feeling Lena’s side of the story wasn’t so simple either.

“Well,” Kara said lightly, “I guess we’re both a little slow.”

“I prefer ‘deliberate,’” Lena replied with faux sophistication.

“Right. And what would you call you making your claim at the party?”

“A moment of admirable honesty,” Lena deadpanned. “You’re welcome.”

Kara rolled her eyes playfully, nudging her with her foot under the table. “Next time, I’m going to let you fall in the lake.”

"But then you'd have to jump in after me," Lena smirked. "Which would’ve worked out great for me, come to think of it.”

Kara groaned. “You’re impossible.”

“Yet here we are,” Lena said, raising their joined hands.

This time, Kara didn’t have a comeback—just a smile that stretched too wide and a heart that felt entirely too full.

At some point, somewhere between dessert menus and new glasses of wine, Lena got closer. And suddenly she was no longer sitting across from Kara, but beside her, shoulders brushing, knees just grazing. Kara felt her every movement like a pulse.

The wine kept flowing. So did their conversation. But Lena’s touches grew bolder. A light brush of Kara’s hair behind her ear. A hand resting on her thigh—dangerously high, deliberate in its stillness. Kara tried to focus on her words, but Lena was making it increasingly difficult to think about anything at all.

“There are advantages to being all alone,” Lena murmured, her lips brushing just below Kara’s ear. Her voice was like velvet, low and promising. She pressed a kiss to Kara’s jaw, then another.

“Lena…” Kara breathed, unsure if it was a protest or a plea.

Lena’s lips trailed to her neck, kissing softly, teasingly, as her hand tightened gently on Kara’s leg. “We’re in public,” Kara whispered, heart thudding.

But that didn’t discourage Lena. “There’s no one here,” she replied, her mouth hot against Kara’s skin. “No one’s coming. They know better than that.”

Kara reached up, placing her hands on Lena’s shoulders—not to pull her closer, but to pause. To catch her breath. “I don’t—” she started.

Immediately, Lena stopped.

She pulled back slightly, eyes searching Kara's with concern. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice soft, sincere. "I don't want to push you. I just thought…" She leaned back, giving Kara space. "I apologize."

And just like that, Kara felt the absence like a cold draft. The warmth of Lena’s body was gone, the pressure of her touch lifted, her skin suddenly felt too bare, too untouched. She missed it – more than she expected

Her gaze dropped to the table. Her thoughts were spinning again, but this time, not from fear or doubt. From wanting.

Because the truth was—she did want Lena. Desperately. And it was an exciting idea. She just didn’t want to be reckless. Or out of place. Or caught. Or—

Her fingers curled into the edge of her napkin. But wasn’t that the point? It was bold and sharp and a little dangerous. Nothing about this night had been what she was used to. Nothing about Lena had fit into a box Kara could understand. This was definitely not a thing she'd ever done better. But nothing with Lena was anything like she's ever done better. And all Lena's advances tonight got her more than a little turned on.

She thought she’d feel like a guest in Lena’s world tonight. But here she was, wanted. Touched like she was precious. Looked at like she was everything.

“I mean,” Kara murmured, still not looking at her. A blush crawled up her neck as she stared at the candlelight and everywhere else but at Lena. “We can… just…” Her eyes finally met Lena’s. “If someone does walk in, you’re going to owe me. Big time.” She leaned forward a little, lips barely hiding a grin.

The look that bloomed on Lena’s face was nothing short of feral.

She didn’t hesitate. One heartbeat later, she was on Kara again, her lips crashing into hers with fervour, hands threading through golden hair, pulling her close with a hunger barely restrained. Kara gasped into the kiss, her body instantly igniting under Lena’s touch.

Lena deepened the kiss, slow and consuming, like she meant to map every curve of Kara’s mouth.

She groaned into the kiss, her hands never still—one tangled in Kara’s hair, the other exploring the delicate curve of her thigh. Her touch was teasing, confident, sending heat rushing to Kara’s face and a slow burn down her spine.

She pressed a kiss to Kara’s jaw, then her throat, as her fingers slipped between her thighs. Kara’s breath hitched as Lena’s hand grazed sensitive skin, sending a shiver of anticipation through her.

Her fingers reached Kara’s underwear, finding it damp. “Well that tells me everything,” Lena whispered against her lips, voice low and heady, an absolutely wicked smirk on her face.

Lena’s fingers moved with devastating precision, gently rubbing circles over Kara’s clit through the thin lace of her underwear. She could feel heat radiating from her body, as Kara's eyes fluttered shut and her head tipped back. Every brush of Lena’s fingers sent sparks through her body, the tension winding tighter with every pass.

Lena took her time, mouth trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses along Kara’s neck, her teeth grazing tender skin in maddening intervals. Kara squirmed under the attention, thighs clenching as Lena’s fingers traced teasing paths, brushing just shy of what Kara needed most.

Then, at last, Lena slipped beneath the fabric.

Kara gasped—a soft, broken sound—as Lena pushed her underwear aside, fingertips finally sliding through slick heat. She was already so wet, and Lena’s low, appreciative hum only made it worse.

"Don't tease me," Kara groaned, her voice shaking with want. Lena chuckled against her skin, the vibration sending shivers down her spine. She was way too turned on by all this and not in the mood for any kind of teasing.

To her luck, Lena obliged and her two fingers sank into her with smooth, practiced ease. Kara choked on a moan, her hips lifting instinctively, seeking more. Lena delivered, her rhythm slow at first, dragging each thrust out with exquisite control.

Kara’s hands flew to Lena’s shoulders, anchoring herself, holding on. Lena’s lips found hers again, the kiss messy, frantic, all heat and tongue and desperation.

Lena broke the kiss just long enough to breathe, “You feel incredible,” before curling her fingers inside Kara and dragging a sharp gasp from her throat.

Her thumb circled Kara’s clit again—this time with firm, tantalising pressure—and Kara bucked beneath her. The pleasure climbed fast, every nerve coiled and singing. Lena returned to her neck, kissing her with careful deliberation as Kara trembled on the edge.

And Lena gave her exactly what she needed—thrusting harder, deeper, her thumb pressing her clit just right until Kara shattered with a cry muffled into her shoulder. Her entire body seized with release, a wave of white-hot pleasure crashing through her, leaving her breathless and shaking in its wake.

Lena didn’t move until Kara’s chest stopped heaving. She kissed her softly, reverently, easing her down from the orgasm with a gentleness that stole Kara’s breath all over again.

Then, meeting her gaze with a wicked smile, Lena drew her fingers back and slipped them into her mouth without a second thought. She tasted Kara slowly, her eyes fluttering closed in something that looked like bliss.

Kara flushed, unable to look away. She’d seen Lena do this before—but the effect was always the same: devastating.

“You’re so irresistible,” Lena whispered, lips brushing Kara’s once more, and with a faint taste of herself on Lena’s tongue, Kara almost melted into her.

After a very delicious dessert (which Kara found hard to focus on, considering what they’d just done), they moved to the edge of the balcony, leaning on the guard and watching the view.

They’d fallen into a companionable quiet, the city lights painting soft glows across the pavement. Kara’s hand brushed against Lena’s, hesitant, like she still wasn’t quite sure she was allowed to hold on.

Lena glanced sideways, her lips quirking. “So I’ve got another question.”

Kara hummed, gaze fixed on the stars peeking through the dusky blue. "Sure." She wasn’t sure what to expect, but Lena’s tone was casual enough.

“What did you want to be when you were little?”

Kara smiled, almost sheepish. “A vet.” She still remembered that dream, and all of her plushies becoming her patients.

Lena raised an eyebrow. “That makes sense. I should’ve guessed, with you volunteering, and how much you love animals.”

“I’ve wanted that for as long as I know, but I remember this moment, when I was six,” Kara went on, her voice softening. “There was this baby bird in the garden. Fell out of its nest. Everyone said to just leave it but I couldn’t.”

Lena listened without interrupting, sensing the shift in Kara’s tone.

“I made this awful splint out of popsicle sticks and tape. Fed it soggy cereal and checked on it every hour. I even wanted to miss school because of it, but Eliza didn’t let me.” Kara paused, laughing under her breath. “It flew away a week later. I cried for ages. Like, full-on meltdown. Jeremiah thought I’d lost a friend.”

“In a way,” Lena said gently, “you had.”

Kara nodded, a faint, wistful smile on her lips. “Things changed since then. Life changed. But back then that was all I wanted. I didn’t want to just fix something for a second—I wanted it to stay fixed. Stay safe. I suppose I still do.”

Lena turned to face her fully, studying Kara’s expression as though memorising it. “You really do see the world that way,” she murmured.

Kara blinked. “What way?”

“Like it’s broken in places,” Lena said slowly, “and it’s your job to make it whole again. Like you have to carry all the shattered bits, even the ones that don’t belong to you.”

Kara’s lips parted, words catching in her throat. She didn’t know how to respond—no one had ever said it like that before. So plainly. So… accurately. It almost made her afraid of how clearly Lena saw her.

Lena reached for her hand—not brushing this time, but fully intertwining their fingers, firm and certain.

“Maybe,” she continued, her voice barely above a whisper, “you should let someone carry some of yours, too.”

Kara’s throat tightened. She looked down at their joined hands, then up at Lena’s face, illuminated by moonlight. No more words were exchanged, but none were needed.

And somehow, in that quiet, the weight in Kara’s chest felt much easier to bear.

She could’ve stayed like that – watching Lena, memorising the way the light caught in her eyes forever. But then Lena tilted her gaze skyward, to the stars above them, a world away. Kara followed her. It was beautiful. The sky was impossibly clear, endless and glittering, the moon shining just enough to give them some light.

“When I was a child, I wanted to go to space," Lena shared. "So Lex taught me the constellations. He said they would be my map once I was out there, and I would always find my way back. I still remember most of what he thought me.”

“Oh, really?” Kara mused. She could hear the subtle challenge in Lena’s tone and met it with one of her own. “Alright, then… which one is,” she pointed at a random cluster of stars. “That one?”

Lena leaned closer to see exactly where she was pointing, her shoulder brushing Kara’s, giving her another hint of her wonderful perfume. “The Leo constellation,” she replied almost immediately.

“That one?” Kara asked, and Lena was quick to answer again.

“Lyra.”

Kara narrowed her eyes playfully. She didn’t know stars; Lena could be making this all up. But she spoke with confidence, and Kara believed her.

“Hmmm,” she hummed, trying to find something harder without having any without what she was looking at anyway. She raised her arm and pointed at a random cluster, low on the night sky. “Those stars.”

Lena smiled, turning her gaze to her, a soft, knowing smile on her face. “The Lover,” she said softly, leaned in, and pressed a kiss to Kara’s cheek. Kara’s heart fluttered and she smiled contently, as Lena settled her head on her shoulder. Her body warm against hers, they watched the city glitter below.

It was quiet.

Kara doubted it was really so calm, but there was the kind of hush that came from being just high enough above the chaos. The sounds of traffic and the general nightlife noise were distant, nothing but the occasional whisper of wind to keep them company.

She wasn’t used to this. It was new – as everything about tonight. It was beautiful, yes, but that nagging feeling of not belonging returned. This was Lena’s world. She was used to the luxury, but Kara came from something simpler.

Lena fit here like she was born for it – because she was, it was her everyday life. But Kara didn’t.

And it was something she could never give her. She would not be able to take her on a helicopter ride for their date, could not hire someone to write a song for her, or take her on a trip to another country on a whim.

It had been bothering her for the entire night, the feeling of lacking something. It came and went in waves, and every time she’d pushed it down, but there, looking at the view, Lena so at ease, it all came rushing back.

She tried to keep smiling, to not let the weight of it settle too visibly on her shoulders, but Lena was too perceptive for that.

“You’ve gone quiet,” she said softly, turning just enough to study Kara’s face. “Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just…” Kara hesitated. The words were right there—tangled up. She knew this was something they had to talk about, but she didn’t want to spoil the night. It had been so perfect.

Lena reached out, her fingers wrapping gently around Kara’s hand. “Hey. You can tell me.”

Kara took a slow breath. “It’s just… this is a lot,” she admitted at last. “Too much.”

Lena didn’t interrupt. “This was a truly perfect date,” she started and her voice grew quieter. “But I don’t want you spending so much money on me. It makes me… uncomfortable. I can’t give you the same in return. I probably never will.”

Her eyes stayed fixed on the city below, watching headlights flicker like stars across the winding streets.

“You don’t have to,” Lena replied gently. “Look at me.” She reached up, guiding Kara’s chin gently until their eyes met. “I don’t want you to think about that. None of that matters to me. I’m more than happy with whatever you can give me.”

“But it’s everything,” Kara said, her voice cracking slightly. She motioned around them. “You’re used to it, this is your lifestyle. I don’t want you to settle for less. You’ll only end up disappointed.”

“I’m not settling for anything,” Lena said, with quiet conviction. “I’m choosing.”

She leaned forward, her eyes shining with unspoken emotion. “I’m here because I like you. Because I think you are fantastic. It doesn’t matter whether you have a Fortune 500 company, or 7 private jets. It matters that you’re kind. And honest. You make me laugh. You make me feel seen. You’re not ‘less,’ Kara. You’re exactly what I want.”

Kara looked at her, lost for words.

“And you’re beautiful,” Lena added with a slightly bashful smile, her voice thick with feeling, eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “Please don’t pull away. Don’t let me go, when I’m holding on to you. I promise you, I will never be disappointed in you, because anything you give me—just you, just your time—is perfect.”

She took Kara’s hands, brought them to her lips, and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “You are perfect.”

Kara's throat tightened and Lena continued. "But I will keep the luxuries to a minimum, if it makes you uncomfortable," she finished with a soft chuckle.

Kara simply watched Lena, and there were too many words in her head to pick the right ones, so instead, she moved.

Lowering their joined hands, she slid one arm around Lena’s waist and pulled her close. Lena’s hands rose to cradle her face, and Kara kissed her—deep and sure and filled with everything she couldn’t say aloud. There was longing in it, and gratitude, and … love. She tasted salt of their lips, unsure from whom, but she didn’t care either way.

When they parted, a radiant smile was on Lena’s face. “I’m sorry for ruining it,” Kara murmured.

“You didn’t ruin anything,” Lena reassured her, her voice unwavering. “I’m glad you told me. I want you to tell me when something feels off, or when you’re worried, or unsure. I want you to tell me everything.”

Kara leaned her forehead against Lena’s, her smile trembling but real. Maybe she didn’t belong in Lena’s world. But right now, she was in her arms—and that was the only thing that mattered. Because they could make a world of their own.

Kara glanced around, then back to Lena, her pulse loud in her ears. "What happens now?"

Lena tilted her head slightly. "Now? Now I think I’m going to take my beautiful date home."

Kara smiled. "And after that?" she teased.

Lena smiled back. "Then I'd like to take off my dress and show you what I have underneath."

Kara straightened, offering her hand. "I can allow that."

Lena took it.

They walked out into the night together, fingers still laced, the world shifting quietly around them.

As if it, too, had been waiting for this all along.