Chapter Text
CatCo Worldwide Media @catcomedia
Lena Luthor spotted hand in hand with unknown blonde - click HERE for more
Lena sighed, dropping her head into her hands. The headline was one of dozens, all plastering the same photo as the header image. PR had already called her several times, and her lawyers as well, and truly, there was nothing they could do but damage control at this point. They were lucky they’d gotten away with their relationship for so long, but now it was spiraling out of control. Kara was hers, her whole world where no one could say anything about it, and now that peace was imploding faster than she’d ever planned.
The image itself wasn’t even noteworthy, frankly, it was grainy and far too dark, a terrible picture on a good day. It shouldn’t be close to print-worthy, much less the front page of every newspaper in National City, yet at least six papers were sitting on her desk, their bolded headlines screaming at her. You wouldn’t have even been able to tell it was her, the photo was taken from behind, but the streetlight had illuminated her face as she glanced back, Kara’s curly blonde hair a fuzzy blur next to her, fingers very obviously intertwined. It was the saving grace that was stopping her from completely panicking, Kara’s identity was safe so far, but it wouldn’t be that way for long. Her phone pinged with a new notification.
The Daily Planet @dailyplanet
Lena Luthor off the dating market? What we know about the CEO’s new fling.
Lena scowled at the wording, but before she could even click on the article, a text from Clark came through.
Clark: The Daily Planet doesn’t know about Kara, it’s the same speculation as everyone else.
Lena sighed, giving him a thumbs up before dropping her phone onto her desk without care. Kara was fine, she was safe, probably working on her book at the moment and making the pasta she’d wanted to try. Her cooking had come leaps and bounds since they’d first met years ago. She twisted the ring on her finger, anxiety stewing in her gut. She wasn’t going to get anything done sitting here in her office, she needed to get home. Making up her mind, she scooped up her things and burst out of the office, calling back to Jess various excuses before making her way to the parking garage.
“Mrs. Luthor!” Frank exclaimed in surprise, “are you heading home already?”
“I need to be home with Kara,” Lena said, “please Frank.”
The man looked somewhat stunned at her near beg, before shuffling her to the car. “It’s a media circus out there Mrs. Luthor, so be prepared.”
Lena nodded sharply before ducking into the car, thankful for the tinted windows now more than ever. Frank wasn’t wrong, he could barely make it out of the garage with the swarms of people clustered around it. The camera flashes were blinding, even inside the car and Lena felt herself slowly becoming more and more overwhelmed. She shot off a quick text to Kara.
Me: I’m coming home
Kara: Are you okay?!
Kara: Please tell me the media didn’t like, break into your office or something.
Me: I’m okay, I just needed to see you.
Lena let out a shuddering sigh, squeezing her eyes tight as Frank finally made it onto the highway. She didn’t know why she was so affected by this, they’d been preparing for years to eventually reveal their relationship to the public. But she’d grown too accustomed to their bubble of peace, of that thrill that came with being with Kara, both then when they were dating and now as her wife, at existing as just the two of them without any strings or opinions weighing them down. Lena was used to this fame, her family’s notoriety was something she’d tried so hard to distance herself from, and she ended up making an even bigger name for herself rather than slinking back into the shadows. She was used to the press conferences and cameras and tweets about you because your eyebrow was raised just too much so naturally you were being a bitch-
And well, there was a lot that came with Lena Luthor. Kara was everything that she wasn’t, and Lena adored her for it, but it was at these times it made her anxious. Kara had gotten media training when they first started dating and again after they got married, but it was different from talking about what could happen vs. it actually happening. Kara was used to walking around without anyone knowing her, save the few fans who recognized her name from her novels. She volunteered at the pet shelter on weekends when Lena was away on business and regularly worked as a peer mentor with the local foster care system for teenage youths. Everyone at Noonan’s knows her order by heart and she has the local dumpling place on speed dial. Kara Luthor-Danvers was completely, utterly, normal.
She hadn’t even realized that they’d made it home until the garage door had closed behind them and Frank was opening her door. She was on autopilot, sweeping into the kitchen and practically throwing her bag onto the island, causing Kara to jump from her place in the living room.
“Honey!” she gasped, hand over her heart, “you nearly gave me a heart attack!”
Lena didn’t respond, instead wrapping her wife into a tight embrace and burrowing her face into her collarbone. She could feel Kara’s hand rubbing up her back and working the tension out of her shoulders, and she sighed, feeling the weight of the world slowly slip away in the embrace of her wife. God she loved Kara.
“How are you doing?” Kara asked softly, steering them to the couch.
Lena pulled her close, resting her head on her shoulder. They sat for a moment as Lena composed her thoughts. Kara knew she’d speak eventually, even if it took her all night to voice them. She knew her better than Lena knew herself.
“I’m worried about you,” she finally said, barely more than a whisper, as if the world could find out even in the safety of their home, “they were so demanding leaving L-Corp, and it was awful for me. I don’t want you to experience that.”
Kara sighed, bringing her fingers to card through Lena’s hair. “We knew this would happen eventually Lee,” she pressed a kiss to her hair, “is it really all that unexpected?”
Lena glanced up at her wife, “Are you really not that worried with the paparazzi demanding to know who you are? They’re ruthless.”
Kara grinned, “Love, you act like I didn’t know this when I married you. I’m just surprised we got away with it for so long.” Lena curled into her side, feeling Kara’s gentle fingers rubbing soothing motions on her scalp in a way that made her boneless, “Besides Lee, look on the bright side, we still have all the mystery in the world, except now we can do something about it.”
Lena pulled back from her wife, narrowing her eyes. “You want to troll people on the internet.”
“Yes!” Kara grinned, “I’ve been dying to do something like this since my last novel.” She had that devious smile on her face, one that screamed like she was scheming, and well, technically she was. Kara grasped her hands in excitement, “What if we followed how it played out in my book? It’ll be like little clues of who I am until we make some official press release or something.”
“How long have you been planning this?”
Kara pressed a kiss to her cheek before pulling back, grinning wider than before, an eyebrow raised in an expression that was so Lena’s it nearly made her laugh. “Honey, why do you think I wrote that book?”
God she loved her wife. How could she take something Lena had dreaded and make it into a game?
“Only if I get the final say,” she said, “since you’ve apparently been doing all the planning.”
Kara beamed that smile of hers that made Lena melt inside, “Deal.”
***
Lena Luthor @reallenaluthor
[image]
My girl ♥️
Lena smiled down at the Twitter post. It was simple really, her hand intertwined with Kara’s, their rings glittering in the sun. You could tell they were lying down on lawn chairs together, hands cupped on the side table, their sprawling estate green and blooming from spring. It was so simplistic, but Kara had been vibrating with near excitement since they’d staged it, demanding that the details be ‘just right’ to align with her most recent novel.
Honestly, it was less stressful than anticipated. It was thrilling to get to share Kara with the greater public than just their friends and family, as well as playing out this scheme. It was similar to how they’d been before the fateful photo, a thrill from the chase, but this time there was no worry about being found out at all because it would be the end goal all the same. She’d set her phone on silent, but glanced down at the notifications, curious now beyond belief.
keller @ll.boss: did THE lena luthor just confirm she’s in a relationship???? With a woman?????
noella g @kyalin: exCUSE me, is that a ring??
Daughter of El @daugh.el: @kyalin not just a ring, but MATCHING RINGS
mango @thayrina: @daugh.el no way lena luthor is married
CatCo Worldwide Media @catcomedia
BREAKING- Lena Luthor shares Twitter post, implies marriage to mystery woman
Lena laughed at the headline, putting her phone down. Naturally, the media outlets were speculating if she was actually married to a woman, at least they weren’t calling them ‘good friends’ or some other speculative nonsense.
***
Her next post was one she was more excited about than Kara, though not by much. The photo was simple, a steaming cup of coffee on the coffee table, Kara’s hand reaching for it from where part of her lower body was visible, curled up on the couch. Lena’s coffee was in front of her, lipstick stains around the rim. It was woefully domestic, and teasing, blatantly flaming the fire that had been ignited around them.
Lena Luthor @reallenaluthor
[image]
Weekend coffee dates
She turned off her phone glancing over at Kara who was still curled up next to her, eying her now over the top of her book.
“You post it yet?” she asked softly, eyes glittering.
Lena just nodded, mouth suddenly dry. Two years of marriage and countless more dating and she still found herself startled still by her wife. Her hair was tumbling out of a messy ponytail, golden curls brushed haphazardly away from her face and behind her ears. She was wearing one of Lena’s old shirts, coffee stains and mishappen necklines, and yet she was more gorgeous than anything she’d ever seen. Lena crawled over to her, pressing a soft kiss to Kara’s lips, who let out a squeak at the surprise affection, before melting into it. Kara shifted, pulling Lena into her arms, and pressing soft kisses to her forehead. Lena could die right here and be happy forever, curled up in the arms of Kara for the end of days.
Kara’s buzzing phone jolted her out of her musing, causing Kara to shift to answer it.
“Hey Alex!” Kara said brightly, and face lighting up. “How are you and Kelly? And my niece!”
“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Alex’s voice came through the phone. “Put me on speaker will you?”
Lena sat up as Kara switched the call, “I could hear you anyways Alex.”
Alex snorted, “You were that close to my sister? Jesus Luthor.”
Lena rolled her eyes. She loved Alex deeply, the two of them got along like a house on fire after a rocky introduction. Kara now laments that she should have never introduced them, much to Lena’s pleasure.
“Anyways, I’m seeing your little social media stunt Luthor. Whose idea was it to follow Kara’s book?”
“Mine!” Kara said brightly, “Why do you think I wrote it?”
“HA!” Kelly’s voice echoed through the phone, “You owe me $20 Danvers!”
“Luthor really? Dropping the ball here,” Alex bemoaned, “But seriously, you’re breaking the internet.”
“That was kind of the point Alex,” Lena said smugly. She stood up, pressing a kiss to Kara’s cheek. “Talk to your sister, I should answer some emails from Jess before she panics anymore.”
***
noella g @kyalin: im sorry but this is the most DOMESTIC POST EVER
Alicia @marina.forever: @kyalin i need to know who this mystery woman(????) is asap
roanie @chappellrrfan: two gays having coffee in the morning like, this is ENDGAME
CatCo Worldwide Media @catcomedia
Lena Luthor continues implying mystery marriage, more at 8
boulder @korrasami: does lena luthor actually wear lipstick at 7:30 am or is it for the bit
jamie @tlok: @korrasami this feels awfully familiar, but i can’t remember where i would have seen something like this
***
Over the next week, she dropped several more hints through her stories. A photo of Kara’s hands as she drove the two of them to Alex and Kelly’s place for dinner. A picture of their shadows, holding hands. Several snarky comments to those on Twitter, just enough to give nothing away but fan the flames. It was the most she’d posted on her Instagram and Twitter in ages, and people were eating it up. Even L-Corp’s stock was rising, her PR team and investors both soaking up the unexpected benefits of her ‘sordid’ affair, if you listened to the gossip.
Tonight though, they were going out to dinner, at one of Lena’s personal favorite places, where they were guaranteed anonymity. She’d wait till they were already at dinner to post the photo, but she couldn’t help but stare down at it reverently. She was staring at the mirror, fixing her mascara with one hand, the other cradling the side of Kara’s face, blocking what her hair didn’t, which spilled over her shoulders in soft waves as she pressed a kiss to her cheek. You could see nothing of her face, yet for the first time, everyone could see her wife. Her strong arm which had hooked around her front, holding her gently. The deep red of her dress that hugged her muscular frame. The shine of her wedding ring from where her hand was on Lena’s waist. The curve of Lena’s own smile, which felt like staking claim. This woman was hers, and hers alone.
“Need anything, Mrs. Luthor?” the waitress asked, snapping Lena out of her thoughts. Lena glanced over at her wife, who had scarfed down the bread and oil they’d set out as an appetizer.
“Just another appetizer please.” She reached over and snagged the last piece, “Enjoying yourself?”
Kara smiled softly at her, “You know I love this place Lena, thank you.” Her eyes drifted to Lena’s phone. “Have you posted it yet?”
“Just did.” More bread arrived at their table. “Let’s enjoy dinner love.”
Lena Luthor @reallenaluthor
[image]
Queen of Hearts
***
CatCo Worldwide Media @catcomedia
BREAKING- Lena Luthor drops most exposing photo yet with mysterious blonde
boulder @korrasami: holy shit this is so gay
noella g @kyalin: that woman has ARMS my GOD
keller @ll.boss: @kyalin I understand lady luthor hot DAMN
aloy @sobek: isn’t this the woman from earlier? Same blonde from before right?
Alicia @marina.forever: @sobek it has to be!
jamie @tlok: is it just me or has all of these posts been carbon copy of lavender nights??
epidote @she.ra: @tlok omg wait you’re so right
***
The last post was the one Lena was most nervous about. She’d been silent on the relationship front for weeks, waiting until the annual L-Corp STEM gala. Kara had attended before, but for the first time, she’d be attending as her wife. Lena was nervous, perhaps even more so than Kara, who had taken everything remarkably well. They were getting ready now, herself in a deep maroon suit that complimented Kara’s glittering navy dress beautifully. She’d longed for moments like this, knowing she’d get to have this beautiful woman, her woman, on her arm, at her side, but she couldn’t help but be nervous. She glanced over at Kara, who had gone silent from quietly singing along to the songs she’d been playing on her speaker earlier. Now she was simply staring at her reflection, one hand lightly touching the string of diamonds Lena had given her for their anniversary this year.
“You all right love?” Lena asked softly, walking over to Kara and kneeling next to her chair.
“When you gave me this, you said that the first time you wanted me to wear this was when I could be your wife, in public. And now we’re here and…” she sniffled, wiping at her eyes, “I’m scared?”
Lena grasped her hand softly, rubbing her thumb over her knuckles, “Why are you scared darling?”
Kara let out a wet laugh, “We’ve just, been building to this for weeks now. And it’s been so much fun, I’ve really enjoyed it. But, what if I let everyone down? I’m not exactly an heiress or anything spectacular.”
“Kara Luthor-Danvers,” Lena said sharply, cutting her off. “You are more than spectacular my love. You are everything, my dear, I fear I cannot breathe without you. You are my peace, my home, but more than that, you are Kara. My wife, my dear you are everything, a true diamond in the ruff. They could say anything and everything and I would never care, and neither would our family.”
Kara smiled softly, wiping the tears from her eyes gently. “God, Lena Luthor-Danvers, you just- you render me wordless.”
“My favorite writer wordless? Must have been an impressive feat.”
Kara silenced anything else from her with a passionate kiss, all heat and fire, desire wrapped up in one touch. Lena cupped Kara’s jaw, begging for more with a simple brush of her fingertips, gasping deeply as Kara deepened the kiss, holding her body close to her. Every contact point was on fire, Lena felt everything and nothing at all, consumed by her desperate love for her wife.
“Wait-” Lena panted, “We need the last picture.” She tugged Kara up from where they had tumbled to the floor, framing the camera just right so that only the slightly smudged lipstick of Kara’s lower jaw was visible in the frame, their outfits gleaming in the soft light of their bedroom. Lena gripped Kara’s hand, bringing it to her heart, their rings glittering. She glanced up at Kara, smiling softly at the amazing woman she got to call her wife, effectively catching only their lower jaws and below in the picture. It wasn’t fully accurate to Lavender Nights , but it was to them.
Lena Luthor @reallenaluthor
[image]
See you soon ;)
***
Alicia @marina.forever: HOLY SHIT IS LENA REVEALING HER PARTNER TONIGHT??
keller @ll.boss: @marina.forever omg what are you talking about?????
noella g @kyalin: @ll.boss THIS
keller @ll.boss: @kyalin im actually dead omg omg
aloy @sobek: THEY HIT THE PENTAGON
CatCo Worldwide Media @catcomedia
In most risque photo yet, Lena Luthor suggests imminent reveal of unknown partner
boulder @korrasami: lena luthor goes silent for WEEKS then drops this?!?!
natasha @shieldwives: @korrasami i am UNWELL
noelle g @kyalin: is anyone watching the l-corp live stream of the green carpet???
mango @thayrina: @kyalin i am!!
Daughter of El @daugh.el: @kyalin keep me posted!! work is packeddddd atm
natasha @shieldwives: her car is pulling up now!!
keller @ll.boss: i am so gay lena luthor is a suit my god
Alicia @marina.forever: @ll.boss it’s a good night to be a lesbian
noelle g @kyalin: SHES REACHING FOR SOMEONE OMG OMG
aloy @sobek: oh. my. god. she’s fucking gorgeous
jamie @tlok: NO FUCKING WAY
epidote @she.ra: @tlok YOU CALLED IT HOLY SHIT
noelle g @kyalin: ?????? share!!!!
jamie @tlok: THAT’S KARA DANVERS. SHE WROTE LAVENDER NIGHTS
natasha @shieldwives: YOU’RE KIDDING
noelle g @kyalin: they’ve been RECREATING THE BOOK THIS WHOLE TIME???
epidote @she.ra: this is the gayest shit ive ever seen
keller @ll.boss: GUYS ITS NOT JUST KARA DANVERS. It’s kara LUTHOR-DANVERS
noelle g @kyalin: thats so gay im dead
mango @thayrina: this is the best night of my life
noelle g @kyalin: y’all this is so cute. “I finally decided everyone needed to know the light of my life.” i’m actually melting
boulder @korrasami: @kyalin i love love so much
natasha @shieldwives: did she just say they’re lesbians?? Omg i could actually cry the representation
epidote @she.ra: @shieldwives one small step for man, one massive leap for lesbianism