The blonde gazed at the window of the car, taking another look at her reflection. Her long yellow hair had defined curls falling over her torso. Putting on an elegant pump, Kara was dressed in a black dress instead of a blue one, showcasing the best parts of her body. She felt quite odd using these clothes. The last time she checked, these clothes belonged to Red Daughter. The memory of her was not pleasant. Even then, Alex had just asked her, 'Exactly what should you wear today!' and then shooed the Kryptonian away from her place. The blonde was confused and frustrated. 'What's wrong with wearing a floral dress?' she thought. Kara still remembered the look she used to have when the red kryptonite was still in her blood. Even Cat Grant had praised her for finally 'dressing like an adult.' It was an exaggeration. Sure, most of Kara's clothing was colorful and stamped, but come on, who doesn't like Disney movies? If that were the case, this human certainly did not lead a good life.
The sound of pump steps echoed.
Using her super hearing, Kara heard a murmur and focused on a particular voice among a hundred people in the party. No long time after the murmur disappeared, replaced by a new sound: heartbeats. Kara smiled. She could recognize these beats wherever she goes. The beat was low but steady quick, calling the kryptonian to come closer as it sounded louder and louder, leading the way. At the entrance of the event building a distracted beautiful brunette was massaging her neck and moving her face kindly around. To everyone it could be just the exact view of "Lena massaging her neck", but Kara knew the CEO was only using an excuse to look around covertly, pulling her own cheeks further into a smile. It was Kara Danvers whom Lena was looking for.
"Lena." The CEO turned immediately, opening a big smile to see who was calling her. "Kara!'" She gave her a quick hug before pulling away. "I'm so glad you came. I was afraid you had to regret it." She confessed with a worried face. "I'm still worried, but I would never leave you alone, Lena. You're my best friend and I will always be here for you, no matter what happens."
A bright smile formed on the CEO's lips as the green orbs kept looking at the blue ones. Kara seemed so shining at this moment. Knowing that the Kryptonian was thinking of her made Lena's heart warm. When would Lena imagine that she would really have a friend, especially a superhero? And there they were, a Super and a Luthor, together. That was beyond anything she had dreamed of. On the other hand, Kara couldn't help but smile back, out to lunch. Seeing Lena happy was the most important thing in her life. Rao, how could a woman be so perfect? Lena was smart, kind-hearted, a beautiful soul, and so sexy. If Kara didn't know Lena very well, she would swear the CEO knows she loves her red lipstick and wore it just to please her. Or maybe Lena's body was more appreciated when she wore a low-cut dress... "Hehe," was what left the brunette in a giggle. "Wha... What?" Kara stuttered, coming back to Lena's side. "You know, the party is inside, but I don't mind staying here with you. After all, I'm the number one fan of Supergirl." Kara blushed, "Than... Thank you, I... Hum..." Lena giggled again. Knowing anything was coming from the blonde, she held Kara's wrist and pulled her into the building, smelling the shared scent of alcohol and salted food reaching their fabrics.
The decor was the same as the last parties they had been to: a stage for performances, stereotyped people, and for sure, a long table of food. Lena hurried to take two glasses of whiskey for both of them when the first waiter passed by. To the crowd, they were trying to fit in, but to themselves, they were hoping the drinks would be enough to handle the entire night in peace. Kara walked to the table and started plating while Lena followed behind. With a fruit salad and a sample of each food on a plate, the girls rummaged with their eyes around until they found an acceptable table and settled down, then they lived in their own peaceful world in the shadows.
"Wow, this food is amazing! I still haven't gotten used to the idea that we can eat as much as we want, and without paying anything! For Rao sake!" Kara was excited, eating food after another, filling her cheeks. "That's one of the rare good points of these meetings." Lena sipped her whiskey, looked up and laughed. She couldn't think of anything else than a squirrel after looking at Kara's full cheeks and her glinting eyes. A squirrel and a puppy, that yet could be dangerous. "You don't need to worry about food, Kar. Someone very intelligent once told me that eating is the best and most important part of life. And as I don't like to eat alone, I have my favorite person with me." Lena bit her tongue in an amused grimace, making Kara laugh. "You're awesome Lee, but I can't let you pay for my food every time." The CEO leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table, staring at the blonde, "And who pays you, Kara Danvers?"
Kara adjusted the glass on face and Lena laughed. She rested her sore back against the chain and slightly covered the lips, enjoying each second of Kara's face. After a few moments, the Kryptonian finally had the power to look back at the brunette, who was waiting with a smug smile. Kara crawled. It didn't mean anything good. "Hum... okay, I take care of the Earth...", Kara started, "...and I, your food." Lena finished. The blue orbs kept looking at the woman. Was this serious? Then Lena cocked an eyebrow. "Alright, you're hired."
Lena burst into laughter.
Kara looked down, feeling her cheeks burning. How could she ask about hiring the powerful Lena Kieran Luthor? Even so, the CEO didn't stop laughing. Slowly, the nervousness was broken, and Kara started to chuckle and broke out in laughter. The two of them smiling together; it was as if everything around them disappeared. The icy barriers, the toxic air, the crushing pressure... nothing else existed, just the joy of each other's company.
This was the party they knew.
A sound from a microphone started to speak, silencing their laughter. Lena was called to the stage, receiving all the spotlight on her. The project to improve hospital technologies was a chance to help vulnerable people, especially children, as Lena had special care in her hospital. The world was changing, and technologies had to keep up with those changes. Lena was sure that with quality technologies in her favor and the heroes, a new world with more peace could be at hand, and she, along with the employees of L-Corp and Catco Worldwide Media, would do everything in their power to create a new era with more quality of life and truth...
"...looking for a fair and hopeful world for everyone." Lena's eyes were on Kara's as a wave of claps sounded. Fair and hope, two words that matched perfectly with Kara. Maybe it was Supergirl who saved lives, but it was Kara who was truly Lena's superhero because she saved her heart. She healed her wounds and helped her walk ahead with another point of view. Kara Danvers was the real hero, and her heart was in Supergirl because they were the same person. No matter suits, no matter last names or powers, all Lena knew was that Kara, her Kara, was the true hero. "Now I'm going to call someone very special to me and to everyone. Please, come here our dear editor-in-chief Kara Danvers, our famous Supergirl!"
Kara took her black glass off her face and flew to the stage. The moment her heavy boots landed on the floor the crowd went crazy, receiving a shy smile in response.
"Thank you National City, for inviting me to this amazing event, for welcoming me... It means a lot to me. I know you're wondering why I hid my real identity for years, and believe me, I never wished for this, but I had a motive, even though my choice hurt many people I love. My family, coworkers, friends who never deserved to go through this, but I did, and I will never forgive myself."
Lena's mouth opened in surprise, trying to keep the tears in her wet eyes. Returning to this part of her life was always painful. Not just because of what she almost did, but also because of those memories. Faithfulness, compliance, and kindness had all become sheer frustration, jealousy, anger, and fear; a mixture of bitter feelings that just wanted to get rid of all the pain through revenge, and all that for the sacrifice of a life. In the end, it wasn't just Lena Luthor who was the only victim forced to make painful decisions. Kara had been, too, and now Lena knew this. This was not something Lena liked to remember, but it was necessary. As Kara says, sometimes we need to go through bad things to make us stronger, and that was exactly what happened in their relationship.
"I know you're curious why I revealed my real identity as Supergirl only right now, and actually... I'm tired. I... I just wanna be myself. You know, I... I sacrificed myself for years, and I can't handle it anymore. People say 'oh, she has powers, she's awesome,' but I'm not better than anyone here. I also have work and get nervous when the deadline approaches. I also feel scared, hurt, bored... I'm not perfect, and Lena knows very well of this." The young Luthor couldn't help nodding exaggeratedly, holding back a soft chuckle like Kara. "You see? I'm just like you, doctors, scientists, chemists... everyone. My powers were just born with me, not else, but I also have a heart.After all, everyone here just wants a happy life, right? So why should it be any different for me? Just because of my powers... Can't I be happy too?"
Kara looked around slowly and breathed deeply. She had done it!, she had asked everyone!
The crowd was in shock, sustaining an awkward silence in the room. The editor-in-chief looked down, playing with her sweaty hands. Almost immediately Lena walked to the reporter and embraced the blonde in a tight hug. A tear rolled down. Kara hugged the CEO back, resting her forehead on her friend's shoulder. It was necessary to just smell Lena's perfume to make the Kryptonian lose all her armor and fall into her kind, protective arms. Tears started to form on Kara's face. Her body was shaking shyly, still unsure if showing her vulnerability was what a superhero should do, but she didn't care. Facing her feelings was scary. It was worse than feeling unable to save the planet. It was much worse, and she couldn't understand why. The Girl of Steel could never have a normal life. Supergirl would never choose to have love over saving Earth's life. Kara would never put her feelings above others'. She knew all this, her mind made it clear that she could only dream of what others had, but saying it verbally hurt too much. It was gruesome.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm with you." A kind and sweet voice came from Lena's mouth, warming Kara's heart. "You did a good job, Kara. I'm proud of you."
A few moments later, the blonde calmed down, and Lena guided her to their table, or at least she tried to. People stopped them on their way to thank them for the project work and to encourage Kara in waving voices, even if not everyone managed to ask what they wanted. At first, Lena was angry at the interruptions, but after a while, she just welcomed them with a smile. Lena was aware of how hard it was for Kara to talk about this taboo, let alone in front of the most important people in National City. She was really happy that Kara was taking it step by step, and most of all, she was beside her friend to support her. This should be a new beginning for both of them, and Lena would always be by Kara's side, just as Kara had been by hers.
"It's admirable what you're doing in your new project, Miss Luthor." The brunette stopped immediately, recognizing the annoying voice. Her green eyes rolled around. "Mr.Edge, didn't know people still allow murderers into charity events like this. Or do you still plan to poison children with lead?" Her harsh words reached him, responding with a smug smile. "Having contacts helps you with many things. You should know this, Miss Luthor."
"It's you who should be ashamed for daring to turn up here after all you did." Kara put her hands on her own waist. Morgan Edge spun at her down and laughed. "Curiously you also surprised me, Miss Danvers; or should I say Supergirl? It even sounded like Miss Luthor was talking." Lena stepped in front of Kara, using her own body to protect her. "Guess you should go, Mr.Edge. We don't want anyone to be in a can at such a beautiful event, even if this someone deserves it." The CEO stared at the former big real estate tycoon, not hiding her dislike for his comment. He made a forced laugh, forming a deep line on Lena's forehead. "It's so funny you asked me this. You who tried to kill your own friend. What did you do, Miss Luthor? Got an alliance with the worst enemy of heroes, Lex Luthor? Yeah, so don't ask me such pathetic things or it's you who's gonna be in the can again."
"Watch your mouth before talking about Lena." Kara positioned herself in front of the brunette. Brown eyes lowered to see Kara's finger pointing at him. He didn't hold back before letting out another smirk. Oh, how she hated this sexist! "Unlike you, Lena didn't kill innocent people to gain power. She did bad things? Yes, but she's not unscrupulous like you."
"I am-... Puff-... Hahaha! You're a friend of someone who tried to kill you, who do you think you are? Your powers don't mean anything. You're still that dizzy girl at Catco who cries in fear of everything." A hand immediately holds Kara's. The foster corrupt CEO gazed at the girls' crossed hands and then looked up at Kryptonian and Luthor. He stopped for a few seconds and smiled. The women got ennogious. "It's really a pity, Kara. I'd love to have you working with me and trying to help you be something in your poor life, but unfortunately destiny... did not want us on the same team."
Eyebrows got closer on the blonde's face, "Yeah, it's a shame. I hope you don't forget you have all my attention, Mr.Edge."
"Don't worry, I will never forget it. Have a nice night, girls."
Morgan straightened his coat and walked away, being followed watchfully by Lena's eyes. When he disappeared from her vision, she leaned in closer to Kara. "Take care from now on. He's not the kind of man who gives up easily, especially now that he knows you're Supergirl," she whispered, Kara nodded. That was clearly a threat. "He must not have liked what I did to him last time." Lena raised her eyebrow as if trying to read the mind of the blonde. She failed miserably. "Well... let's say a swim was good for his health." Green orbs widened. Lena brought a hand to her mouth as a chuckle escaped. Her enjoyment was so contagious that Kara had to laugh too, remembering the scene on the open sea. His face was hilarious. "Had I ever told you that you're awesome?" Lena asked her, "Hum... maybe, but I'm not sure." Kara pretended, causing Lena to giggle. "Kara Danvers, you are awesome."
The Kryptonite made a purring sound. Another laugh broke out.
The girls continued to enjoy the event and returned to their food on the table, trying to completely ignore Morgan Edge's existence. They were aware that the former Catco CEO was not someone to be underestimated. He was greedy and knew how business worked, having many chances to stay one step ahead of them with his long contact list. Regin may have scared him last time, but she was not here anymore. It was just the kind and hopeful Kara now, and that was exactly why this could be a problem. But they didn't care. Tonight, in this moment, they should just be present for each other, and that was what they did.