Chapter Text
There’s a soft knock on her office door. Lena Luther massages the tension headache before granting access.
“Miss. Luther, Kara Danvers is here to see you.” Jess, her newest assistant, reports. “I can tell her you’re busy.” She quickly adds upon seeing the exhausted CEO at the large desk.
“No, no, she’s a friend,” Lena waves her assistant away, giving herself a mental pep talk before putting on a smile.
“Lena! There’s a new restaurant that we have to try tonight!” Kara bursts into the office all sunshiny and bright. She practically flies into the room and stands in front of the desk, the sun behind Lena casting a light into the office and making the reporter’s body glow.
“What? What’s on the menu?” Lena pushes back the headache that wants to become a migraine. She tries not to glance at the stack of papers she needs to go through, nor the emails that keep multiplying on her computer.
“Potstickers!” Kara’s eyes are wide with excitement behind her glasses. Lena tilts her head, forcing herself not to grimace at the pain the motion shoots through her head. “The whole menu is different potstickers, all made right there when you order! We have to go! They open in half an hour!”
“Okay, I can’t say no to that,” Lena also can’t resist the blonde who is bouncing on her heels. She even lets a laugh loose, despite her head begging for a Scotch and lie down at home. “Let me freshen up. I’ll meet you downstairs in ten.”
“Yes!” Kara speeds out of the office then sticks her head back in. “It’s within walking distance so you might want to change shoes.” She nods to Lena’s Stilettos.
“Got it,” Lena gives a short nod.
She knows she can’t say no to her closest friend in National City. Ever since she took over L-Corp, Kara has been at her side through the ups and downs Lena has endured, both professionally and personally. What Lena never expected, was to fall for the awkward reporter in glasses who can make Lena go to a new restaurant when Lena’s entire body screams no.
After a quick freshening in her office’s en-suite bathroom, Lena changes her shoes, grabs her bag and rides the elevator down to the lobby. Kara stands from a couch when the elevator doors open.
“Hey, I’m sorry to burst in there like that. Are you feeling okay?” Kara places a hand on Lena’s arm and there’s heat at their connection. Or maybe Lena just thinks so.
“No, no, I’m fine,” Lena hopes the migraine medication she took before coming downstairs kicks in soon. “Let’s go fight the crowd for your beloved potstickers.”
“Great!” Kara links her arm in Lena’s and leads them out into the setting sun’s glow.
Lena allows Kara to take control of their route and enjoys the company. She wants to close her eyes and soak it all in but she has to watch where she’s being led. Lena trusts Kara with her life, well, her and SuperGirl. Lena’s friendship with Kara keeps her grounded on the most stressful of days. Just when Lena thinks she can’t handle another downfall, Kara is there to give her strength. A perfect paradise just before everything implodes.
“Tonight is going to be wonderful,” Kara pulls Lena closer as they approach an inconspicuous looking business. There’s a short line at the door, but not as crowded as Lena thought an opening day would be. No sign above the door, no tag on the window, just a door with two large windows on either side. Lena can’t see through the windows that reflect outside instead of showing inside.
“Are you sure this is the place?” Lena looks around nervously, but feels assured when Kara smiles at her.
“I’m sure,” Kara replies, tugging Lena to the end of the line.
Lena is surprised they are seated only fifteen minutes after the doors open. Kara’s eyes are wide as she scans the laminated menu. Lena doesn’t realize she’s staring at the woman across from her until Kara looks up and smiles.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asks, her concern making Lena’s body yearn for the comfort.
“I’m fine, just been busy at work,” Lena holds up her menu to block the other side of the table.
“Oh my goodness,” Kara groans, sitting back in the booth with a pleased smile on her face. “I am so full! Those were amazing!” Lena is equally as full, even though she only ate half the number of potstickers the trim woman consumed.
“How did you manage to eat so many?” she asks, poking at the basket with her chopstick.
“I have a bottomless pit for a stomach,” Kara is still sitting with her eyes closed and a content smile on her face. Lena stares without fear of being caught now. She’s used to the butterflies in her stomach when around Kara. The fast heartrate, sweaty palms, jittery hands are all common when they’re together.
“I should head home,” she mutters, looking away.
“Oh, I bet you’re exhausted,” Kara waves at their waiter and settles the check before Lena can protest. “I’ll walk you back,” she stands and offers her arm.
“Kara, I can walk back to the office,” Lena assures with a smile. Her standing makes a dull ache return to her head. Lena doesn’t realize she made a face until Kara is in her space, concerned eyes studying Lena like a well-known book.
“Why don’t I walk you home?” Kara offers. “Work can wait until tomorrow.”
“You’re teaching me bad habits, leaving work for tomorrow.” Lena lets herself be led out of the restaurant to the sidewalk. “I can catch a cab, Kara. My apartment is on the other side of the city from yours.”
Police sirens echo from a couple blocks away.
“Are you sure?” Kara’s attention is grabbed by the sirens but she quickly looks back at Lena.
“Yes,” Lena nods, taking out her phone to call a cab. A few minutes later, a yellow car pulls up to the curb. Kara opens the door for Lena and before she can say thanks, the blonde is gone.
The cab driver wants to talk. Lena keeps her answers short, hinting that she doesn’t want to have a conversation with a stranger. When she finally makes it up to her penthouse, Lena swears it will be the last time she goes somewhere with Kara as a friend.
She’s going to tell her friend how she feels. Lena has nothing to left to lose, doesn’t how to use, or what to do with her feelings. She takes a long shower, mulling over her decision. Lena dresses in her softest silk pajamas and crawls between the sheets of her king-size bed, her head finally clear.