Work Text:
Lena Luthor was not having a good day.
No—scratch that. She was having an absolutely terrible day.
The kind of day where everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
The board had been relentless in their insistence that L-Corp’s latest project be put on hold. A major investor had pulled out at the last minute, which meant Lena had to rework the entire budget for the quarter. And on top of that, her headache was pounding, courtesy of spending hours in tense negotiations with people who seemed to enjoy wasting her time.
By the time she finally had a moment to breathe, it was already well into the evening, and she hadn’t seen Kara all day.
That—more than anything else—made the day even worse.
Because Kara was her light, her warmth, the only thing that could pull her out of the suffocating weight of the corporate world.
And right now?
Right now, she needed her.
With a sigh, Lena pulled out her phone and called Kara, pressing it to her ear as she leaned back in her chair.
It rang twice before Kara picked up.
“Lena?”
Lena’s eyes fluttered closed at the sound of her voice, already feeling some of the tension leave her body.
“Hi, darling,” she murmured, voice softer than it had been all day.
“Are you okay?” Kara’s concern was immediate, and Lena smiled just a little, despite herself.
“I just—” Lena hesitated, swallowing. “I had a really terrible day.”
A pause.
Then—
“Where are you?”
Lena blinked. “My office, but—”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
Lena sat up. “Kara, you don’t have to—”
But Kara had already hung up.
Lena stared at her phone for a moment, stunned.
And then, slowly, something warm spread through her chest.
Because Kara—sweet, wonderful, perfect Kara—hadn’t even hesitated.
She hadn’t asked if Lena wanted her to come.
She hadn’t asked if Lena needed space.
She had just dropped everything and said, I’ll be there in five minutes.
Lena swallowed hard, gripping her phone tighter.
Because—
She had never had that before.
Never had someone who would just run to her when she needed them.
Never had someone who would just show up without expecting anything in return.
But Kara?
Kara was already on her way.
And suddenly—for the first time all day—Lena felt like she could breathe.
---
Exactly nine minutes and twenty-seven seconds later, Kara burst into Lena’s office.
Lena barely had time to process it before Kara was right there, stepping around her desk and kneeling in front of her chair, hands gently gripping Lena’s knees.
“Hey,” Kara whispered, eyes scanning her face with so much concern, it made Lena’s throat tighten. “I’m here.”
Lena let out a slow breath, heart aching.
Kara had come.
Kara had run to her.
And she was looking at Lena now like she was the only thing that mattered.
Lena swallowed, her fingers twitching slightly before she reached out—slow, hesitant—and buried them in Kara’s hair.
Kara’s expression softened even more, and she tilted her head into Lena’s touch, like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Lena exhaled shakily.
“It was a bad day,” she admitted quietly.
Kara nodded, squeezing her knees lightly. “Tell me?”
Lena hesitated.
She wasn’t used to this.
She wasn’t used to someone wanting to hear about her day, to someone caring enough to just sit with her and listen.
But Kara?
Kara had always been different.
So Lena took a breath, her fingers still gently carding through Kara’s hair, and she told her.
About the board. About the investor. About the absolute migraine-inducing stupidity of people who thought they could intimidate her.
Kara listened to all of it, her eyes never leaving Lena’s face, her expression shifting between sympathy, frustration, and—most of all—undeniable love.
And when Lena was finally done—when she had finally gotten it all out—Kara just…sighed softly.
Then, before Lena could react, Kara leaned forward and pressed a slow, lingering kiss to Lena’s forehead.
Lena’s eyes fluttered shut.
And God—
For the first time all day, she felt safe.
When Kara pulled back, she gave Lena a small, knowing smile.
“You’re so strong,” Kara murmured. “But you don’t always have to be.”
Lena’s breath caught in her throat.
And Kara—sweet, precious Kara—reached up, brushing a thumb gently over Lena’s cheek.
“Let me take care of you too,” Kara whispered.
Lena’s eyes burned.
She didn’t realize she was crying until Kara’s fingers caught the first tear.
Kara didn’t panic.
She didn’t make a big deal out of it.
She just moved closer, sliding her arms around Lena’s waist, holding her like it was the easiest thing in the world.
Lena melted into her immediately, letting out a slow, shuddering breath.
And for once—
For once, she didn’t have to be Lena Luthor, CEO of L-Corp, genius billionaire, untouchable business mogul.
She just got to be Lena.
And Kara?
Kara just held her.
And God—
Lena had never felt so loved.
---
Lena had no idea how she had gotten so lucky.
She had spent the entire day trapped in a horrible mood, drowning in frustration, exhaustion, and the overwhelming weight of everything—
And then Kara had arrived.
And suddenly, none of it mattered anymore.
Kara had this way of making the world feel lighter.
Of making even the worst days feel bearable.
And right now, as she cupped Lena’s hands in her own, tilting her head slightly in that way she always did when she was thinking, Lena felt her heart soften in a way it never had before.
“So,” Kara started, her thumbs brushing over Lena’s knuckles, “we have two options.”
Lena raised a brow, lips twitching. “Oh? Do tell.”
Kara smiled. God, Lena would never get tired of that smile.
“There’s this cute café a few blocks from here,” Kara explained. “They do little drawings on the drinks and stuff. It’s super adorable.”
Lena felt warmth bloom in her chest.
Kara was suggesting something soft. Something lighthearted.
Something just for them.
But then—Kara paused.
“Or,” Kara continued, her voice turning a bit more gentle, “if you’re really tired, we could just go straight to your penthouse and rest.”
She searched Lena’s face, her brows slightly furrowed.
“I just want you to feel better,” Kara murmured.
Lena exhaled, feeling something tight unravel inside her.
Because Kara wasn’t just asking what Lena wanted—
She was asking what Lena needed.
And God, no one had ever done that before.
Lena squeezed Kara’s hands, touched beyond words.
“Kara,” she said, voice barely above a whisper.
Kara blinked up at her, expectant.
Lena smiled—small, but genuine.
“I want to be with you,” she admitted.
Kara’s cheeks flushed the most adorable shade of pink.
And Lena chuckled, brushing her fingers over the back of Kara’s hand.
“I want to see you giggle over your silly little drink,” she teased.
Kara pouted, but there was so much fondness in her expression, Lena nearly melted.
“I want to watch you light up when you taste something sweet,” Lena continued, voice softer now.
Kara blinked rapidly, lips parting slightly.
And then—
“I want to be happy with you,” Lena finished, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Kara’s ear.
Kara exhaled sharply, like she had forgotten to breathe.
Then, suddenly—
Kara grabbed Lena’s wrist and dragged her out of the office.
Lena let out a surprised laugh. “Kara—!”
But Kara was on a mission.
“We’re going to that café,” she declared, determination in every step.
Lena laughed, allowing herself to be led like a lovesick fool.
And God—maybe she was.
---
Twenty minutes later, Lena was watching Kara in absolute awe.
Kara had been right.
The café was adorable.
But nothing—
Absolutely nothing—
Was as adorable as Kara right now.
She had been beyond excited when she saw the little drink art, eyes shining like a child seeing snow for the first time.
And now?
Now, she was happily eating, her entire face lighting up with every single bite.
Lena was entranced.
Kara sighed contentedly, cheeks puffed with food, and Lena felt her heart do the stupidest little flip.
And then—
Lena noticed it.
The tiny smudge of sugar on Kara’s nose.
Lena’s lips twitched.
“Kara,” she said, trying not to laugh.
Kara blinked up at her, eyes wide and innocent.
Lena’s chest ached.
“You have…” Lena gestured vaguely, leaning in slightly.
Kara tilted her head. “Hmm?”
Lena chuckled, soft and warm, before lifting her thumb and gently wiping the sugar away.
Kara froze.
Her eyes widened just a bit, her breath catching.
And Lena?
Lena was gone.
Because Kara stared at her like she was something precious.
Like Lena was important.
Like she was loved.
And Lena—
Lena couldn’t help herself.
She let her thumb linger, brushing lightly against Kara’s skin.
Kara’s cheeks flushed.
And God—Lena was so in love with her.
She glanced down at Kara’s lips.
And smirked.
“There’s sugar there too,” Lena murmured.
Kara frowned slightly, raising her hand to wipe it away—
But before she could—
Lena leaned in and kissed her instead.
Kara let out the softest little gasp, her body melting instantly.
And Lena?
Lena lingered.
She pressed into Kara’s lips gently, savoring the sweetness, the warmth, the way Kara’s breath hitched against her.
And then—without thinking—
Lena licked the last trace of sugar away.
Kara whimpered.
Lena grinned against her lips.
“Delicious,” she murmured, voice low and teasing.
Kara hid her face in her hands.
Lena laughed.
And for the first time all day—
She was truly, utterly happy.
---
Lena had never seen Kara this flustered before.
And God, it was adorable.
Kara still had her face buried in her hands, her shoulders slightly hunched like she was trying to disappear.
Lena, still grinning, tilted her head slightly.
"Darling," she teased, voice low and amused, "are you really getting shy now?"
Kara let out a muffled whine, peeking through her fingers.
"Lena," she groaned, her cheeks still dusty pink.
Lena chuckled, absolutely delighted.
"What?" she teased, leaning in slightly. "I was just helping you clean up."
Kara finally lowered her hands, pouting.
"You licked me! In front of people!" she accused, her voice slightly high-pitched.
Lena raised a brow, entirely unbothered.
"You had sugar on your lips," she defended smoothly.
Kara huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Still!"
Lena smirked.
"You liked it," she said confidently.
Kara's mouth opened—only to immediately close again.
Her cheeks deepened in color.
Lena laughed.
"See?" she teased, reaching for her coffee. "I know you too well, Kara Danvers."
Kara grumbled under her breath, taking another bite of her pastry as a distraction.
Lena just kept watching her, smiling softly.
And God—this was what she needed.
Not just rest—
Not just a break from work—
But Kara.
Kara, who made everything feel lighter.
Kara, who could turn a bad day into something beautiful.
Kara, who was currently adorably pouting as she nibbled on her food.
Lena sighed happily, resting her chin in her hand as she admired her girlfriend.
Kara blinked at her.
“…What?” she asked, mouth still slightly full.
Lena smiled.
“Nothing,” she murmured, “I just love you.”
Kara nearly choked on her bite.
Lena laughed.
Kara coughed, swallowing quickly before she gaped at Lena.
“You can’t just say that so casually!”
Lena grinned, sipping her coffee.
“Why not?” she asked, genuinely amused.
Kara flushed again, squirming slightly in her seat.
“Because—because it—it makes me weak,” she admitted, dramatic and flustered.
Lena smirked.
“Oh?” she purred, leaning in slightly. “Weak, huh?”
Kara narrowed her eyes.
“Don’t use that against me.”
Lena just laughed, utterly in love.
Kara huffed again but still reached across the table to grab Lena’s hand.
Lena stilled, her breath catching slightly at the warmth of Kara’s fingers lacing with hers.
Kara squeezed her hand gently, her expression shifting into something softer.
“…I love you too, you know,” Kara murmured, voice quieter now.
Lena felt it like a punch to the chest.
A beautiful, warm, devastating punch.
She swallowed.
“I know,” she whispered back, squeezing Kara’s hand in return.
Kara smiled.
And in that moment, Lena knew—
She was the luckiest woman alive.
---
After finishing their drinks, Lena and Kara walked back toward Lena’s penthouse.
It wasn’t far, but Kara had insisted on walking.
She had said something about the fresh air being good for Lena after a long day, but Lena had a sneaking suspicion Kara just wanted to spend more time together before they got home.
And honestly?
Lena was more than okay with that.
She kept stealing glances at Kara as they strolled down the street, her fingers lightly brushing against Kara’s own.
Kara, of course, was completely oblivious, too busy rambling about how cute the café was and how they should go back another time.
Lena just hummed, her lips curved in amusement.
And then—
Kara suddenly paused, tilting her head.
Lena raised a brow, following her gaze.
“…What is it?”
Kara’s eyes lit up.
“There’s a bookstore here?” she gasped, practically vibrating.
Lena sighed fondly.
“Of course you would find the one bookstore on this block,” she teased.
Kara grinned, grabbing Lena’s wrist.
“Can we go in?”
Lena blinked.
“…You do know we were on our way home, right?”
Kara pouted.
“But books, Lena.”
Lena exhaled dramatically.
“You already have more books than you can possibly read,” she pointed out.
Kara beamed.
“But not these books.”
Lena stared at her for a moment.
Then, finally, she sighed in defeat.
“…Fine. Five minutes.”
Kara cheered, dragging her inside.
And Lena?
Lena just smiled.
Because, really—
She would let Kara drag her anywhere.
---
Lena didn’t let go of Kara’s hand. Not even for a second.
And honestly? Kara didn’t seem to mind.
If anything, she seemed completely at ease, her fingers comfortably laced with Lena’s as they moved through the small bookstore.
It was cozy—warm, lined with tall wooden bookshelves that smelled of paper and ink. Soft music played from somewhere in the background, and Lena could see a few other customers wandering between the aisles, some sipping on coffee from the small café section at the back.
It was quaint—definitely not the type of place Lena would have ever gone to on her own.
But Kara?
Kara lit up the second they stepped inside.
Lena could feel her girlfriend’s excitement just from the way Kara started moving—bouncing slightly, tugging Lena toward different shelves as she started scanning the spines with wide, eager eyes.
And God, she was adorable.
Lena didn’t even mind that she had zero interest in whatever books Kara was currently geeking out over.
She was too busy watching Kara.
Her bright blue eyes.
The way she bit her lip as she focused.
The way her glasses slipped down her nose, only for her to absentmindedly push them back up again.
Lena sighed, squeezing Kara’s hand slightly.
Kara glanced up, blinking at her.
“What?” she asked, tilting her head.
Lena smirked slightly.
“Nothing,” she murmured. “I just like watching you.”
Kara’s cheeks immediately dusted pink.
“Lenaaa,” she whined, lightly nudging her.
Lena just chuckled, tightening her fingers around Kara’s hand.
Kara grumbled something under her breath, but she was smiling, her dimples showing as she turned back to the books.
Lena sighed, feeling her stress completely melt away.
She needed this.
She needed Kara.
And Kara always knew when Lena needed her—knew exactly what to do, knew exactly how to make her feel better without even trying.
Lena never had that before.
She never had someone like Kara.
And she wasn’t about to let her go.
Not now. Not ever.
---
It wasn’t long before someone recognized her.
It was inevitable.
Lena Luthor—walking through a tiny bookstore, holding hands with a woman.
She wasn’t exactly blending in.
A few whispers started first.
Then, not-so-subtle glances.
And finally—
“Excuse me, Ms. Luthor?”
Lena sighed, already preparing to be annoyed as she turned her head.
A man—likely in his late 40s—stood near the end of the aisle, dressed in a suit that screamed finance bro. His expression was polite, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes—the same look Lena had seen a hundred times before.
Lena immediately put on her business face—calm, cool, untouchable.
“Yes?” she asked smoothly.
The man smiled slightly, gesturing toward her. “I thought that was you. I don’t mean to bother, I just—”
His eyes flickered toward Kara.
And lingered.
Kara noticed immediately, her lips parting slightly as she instinctively took a small step closer to Lena. Prideful but didn't try to bother her girlfriend.
And Lena?
Lena noticed it too.
She straightened slightly, eyes darkening.
The man’s gaze finally flickered back to Lena.
“I have to admit, I never expected to see you here,” he said with a small chuckle. “Or… in such company.”
Kara stiffened.
Lena tilted her head slightly, her grip on Kara’s hand tightening.
“…Such company?” she echoed coolly.
The man smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Just surprising, is all,” he said lightly. “A Luthor, shopping for books with an—” He hesitated, glancing at Kara again. “…a reporter?”
Lena’s expression darkened.
Kara inhaled sharply, looking more than ready to pull Lena away and avoid the situation entirely.
But Lena?
Lena wasn’t about to let it slide.
She arched a brow, her voice dropping into something dangerously cold.
“I’m sorry, are you under the impression that I care about what surprises you?”
The man blinked, caught off guard by her bluntness.
Kara squeezed her hand, probably in an attempt to calm her down—but Lena was not about to let someone talk about Kara like that.
The man cleared his throat, shifting slightly. “No, I just—”
Lena cut him off.
“I don’t explain myself to strangers,” she said smoothly. “And I certainly don’t owe you an explanation for who I choose to spend my time with.”
Kara’s lips parted slightly, her blue eyes flickering toward Lena with something soft and adoring.
The man, however, looked flustered.
He opened his mouth—only to promptly close it again when Lena smirked slightly.
“Now,” she continued, her voice silk and steel, “if you’ll excuse us, my girlfriend and I were having a lovely evening.”
Kara made a tiny noise, her face turning pink.
The man’s eyes widened slightly.
And Lena?
Lena just smirked.
And with that—she turned away, gently tugging Kara back down the aisle without another word.
---
The moment they were alone again, Kara exhaled sharply, tugging on Lena’s hand to slow her down.
“Lena,” she hissed, eyes wide.
Lena raised a brow, still feeling the lingering burn of irritation in her chest.
“What?” she asked.
Kara gestured vaguely.
“You—you just called me your girlfriend in front of a complete stranger!”
Lena sighed.
“Yes, because that’s what you are?” she said slowly.
Kara groaned, pressing her hands to her flushed face.
Lena smirked.
She tilted her head, reaching out to gently pull Kara’s hands away.
“Kara,” she murmured, her voice lower now.
Kara bit her lip, peeking at Lena.
Lena’s expression softened.
“I don’t care what people say about me,” she said, gently cupping Kara’s cheek. “But if someone talks about you like that? That, I won’t stand for.”
Kara’s breath hitched.
Lena’s fingers tightened slightly, her gaze locking onto Kara’s.
“I don’t care what they think,” Lena whispered, “but I do care about you., I won't hide you, never.”
Kara’s eyes softened.
“…You’re really not afraid?” she murmured.
Lena shook her head.
“No,” she admitted. “Not when it comes to you.”
Kara swallowed.
And then—slowly—she leaned in.
Lena met her halfway.
And right there, in the middle of the bookstore—
Lena Luthor kissed Kara Danvers.
And she didn’t care who saw.
---
Kara melted into Lena’s lips, her heart hammering against her ribs as warmth spread through her chest. It wasn’t their first kiss—not by a long shot—but something about this one made Kara’s entire body buzz.
Because Lena wasn’t holding back.
She wasn’t hesitating, wasn’t worried about who was watching. She was kissing Kara like she meant it, like she wanted the whole world to see.
And Kara—Kara had never felt so loved.
Lena’s fingers curled under her chin, keeping her close, and Kara sighed softly against her lips, forgetting everything else—
—Until someone loudly cleared their throat.
Kara practically jumped, her cheeks burning, as she pulled back, eyes wide with embarrassment.
Lena, however, just let out a low sigh, taking her sweet time as she slowly opened her eyes.
Kara’s stomach flipped at the way Lena looked at her.
Dark green eyes, half-lidded, lips still parted slightly like she wasn’t done kissing Kara yet.
Kara barely had a chance to process before someone’s voice cut through the air.
“Well, well. I suppose I should have expected this.”
Kara turned fast, and oh—
Her stomach dropped.
Because standing right there, arms crossed, an unimpressed eyebrow raised—
Was Jess.
Lena’s assistant.
Kara let out a small, humiliated noise, practically trying to hide behind Lena.
Lena, on the other hand, sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Jess,” she muttered.
Jess nodded politely. “Ms. Luthor.”
Then, her eyes flickered toward Kara, and—oh God.
Kara was so embarrassed.
“Ms. Danvers,” Jess greeted smoothly.
Kara made a strangled noise, her face still burning.
Lena, however, just tilted her head, her cool business expression snapping back into place.
“Did you need something, Jess?” she asked, arching a brow.
Jess shrugged. “Just making sure you’re still alive, considering you vanished from your office without telling me.”
Lena let out a short laugh.
“Not only am I alive, Jess, I’m actually enjoying my evening.”
She turned to Kara, and suddenly her expression softened.
Kara bit her lip, feeling that warm flutter in her stomach again as Lena’s fingers briefly brushed against hers.
Jess noticed.
And she sighed.
“Alright,” Jess muttered, rubbing her temple. “This is real, isn’t it?”
Lena smirked.
“I’m not in the habit of faking relationships, Jess.”
Jess gave her a flat look. “No, but you are in the habit of avoiding emotional attachments, so forgive me if I assumed this was just some passing interest.”
Lena rolled her eyes.
“Kara isn’t a passing interest,” she said simply.
Kara blinked.
Lena said it so casually.
Like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Jess sighed again, then turned her gaze back to Kara.
Kara immediately straightened, feeling a wave of nerves.
But Jess just studied her for a moment—then nodded.
“I can’t say I’m shocked,” she admitted. “You’ve been scarily protective of her since she came to L-Corp.”
Lena didn’t even deny it.
Kara blinked rapidly, turning to look at her girlfriend.
Lena just shrugged slightly, unbothered.
Kara’s heart skipped.
Jess sighed again, shaking her head. “Alright. So. This is happening.”
Lena smirked. “It’s been happening, Jess.”
Jess just groaned, rubbing her temple.
“Fine,” she muttered. “I suppose I should just be grateful that Ms. Danvers is a genuinely good person.”
Kara blinked.
Jess thought she was a good person?
Lena, however, tilted her head.
“What, did you think I’d fall for someone who wasn’t?” she asked dryly.
Jess opened her mouth, then immediately closed it.
Lena smirked.
Kara, meanwhile, was still trying to recover from how casually Lena had admitted they are together.
She hadn’t even hesitated.
Hadn’t denied it.
Hadn’t acted like it was something to hide.
Lena had always been protective and so strong.
But she had always thought maybe she was imagining it.
But no.
Lena had just admitted it outright.
Kara felt warm.
A little lightheaded.
And maybe—just maybe—more in love than she ever was.
Jess must have noticed something in Kara’s expression, because she just sighed.
“Alright,” she muttered. “I’ll leave you two to your… book date, or whatever this is.”
Lena huffed a small laugh.
“Thank you, Jess.”
Jess just gave her a look before turning to Kara.
“I’ll have your back if you ever need me,” she said simply.
Kara blinked rapidly.
Then—her eyes widened.
Because oh.
Jess meant it.
Like—really meant it.
Her tone was genuine.
Sincere.
Like she was saying: Lena might be my boss, but I can still be on your side too.
Kara felt her chest tighten.
She smiled softly.
“…Thank you, Jess,” she murmured.
Jess just nodded.
Then, with one final sigh, she turned and walked away.
Kara and Lena stood there for a long moment.
Silence.
And then—
Lena exhaled slowly.
Then—she turned to face Kara fully.
And her expression—
It was so soft.
“Kara,” Lena murmured, stepping closer.
Kara’s breath caught.
Lena reached out, gently cupping her cheek, tilting Kara’s face up slightly.
“I would do anything to protect you, to be with you,” Lena whispered.
Kara shivered.
Her heart was pounding.
And when Lena leaned in—
Kara met her halfway.
Lena kissed her gently, slowly, like she had all the time in the world to cherish Kara.
And Kara—Kara felt like she was floating.
Like nothing else mattered.
Not the people around them, not the fact that they were still in the middle of a bookstore where Lena had been instantly recognized the moment they walked in.
No.
All that mattered was this.
The way Lena held her close, her fingertips grazing Kara’s jaw like she was precious.
The way Lena kissed her—not just like she wanted her, but like she was hers.
When they finally pulled apart, Lena was smiling.
A real, genuine, soft smile.
Kara felt warm all over.
“You always kiss me like you’ll never get another chance,” Kara whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Lena tilted her head slightly, her thumb grazing Kara’s cheek.
“Because I don’t take a single second with you for granted,” she murmured.
Kara’s heart flipped.
And Lena—Lena just looked at her, like she could stare at Kara forever.
Kara felt her throat tighten, emotions swelling in her chest.
She couldn’t believe this.
Couldn’t believe that Lena Luthor—
The brilliant, powerful, intimidating CEO of L-Corp—
Looked at her like this.
Like she was the most important person in the world.
Kara swallowed hard, flustered.
She quickly cleared her throat, stepping back slightly.
“I—I should, um—” she glanced at the bookshelves. “I should pick something before they think we’re just here to, uh…” She trailed off, cheeks burning.
Lena smirked.
“Oh, but watching you get adorably flustered is so much more fun,” she teased.
Kara groaned, covering her face. “Lena.”
Lena laughed, and God—it was such a beautiful sound.
Then, gently, she reached for Kara’s hand again, intertwining their fingers as she guided her toward the shelves.
“Alright, sunshine,” Lena murmured. “Let’s find you a book.”
And just like that—all of Lena’s stress from the day was gone.
Because Kara was here.
Holding her hand.
Loving her back.
And for the first time in her life—
Lena didn’t feel alone.
---
Lena didn’t want the day to end.
Not when Kara was smiling like that, her eyes sparkling as she flipped through the pages of a book she had just picked up.
Not when for the first time all day, Lena wasn’t thinking about work, or board meetings, or the stress that had been suffocating her just hours ago.
No.
All she was thinking about was Kara.
How beautiful she looked under the warm glow of the bookstore lights.
How easily she made everything feel lighter, safer, better.
And Lena didn’t want it to end.
Didn’t want Kara to just say goodnight and go back to her apartment, leaving Lena alone again.
So, before she could overthink it, she spoke.
“Have dinner with me.”
Kara blinked, looking up from her book.
Lena’s heart skipped.
She hadn’t meant to make it sound like a demand—but maybe it had been.
Because God, she just—
She just wanted more time with her.
“Dinner?” Kara repeated, tilting her head slightly.
Lena nodded, squeezing Kara’s hand, still laced with hers.
“Yes. Dinner,” she said softly. “Just us.”
Kara’s lips parted slightly.
She looked down at their hands, the gentle way Lena was holding her.
Then, she glanced back up, her expression softening.
“…Okay,” she whispered, smiling.
Lena’s chest tightened.
Kara had no idea what that one word did to her.
She nodded, clearing her throat.
“Good,” Lena murmured. “Because I really wasn’t ready to let you go yet.”
Kara blushed.
Lena chuckled, pulling her toward the register so Kara could buy her book before they left.
She knew exactly where she was taking Kara.
And she was going to make tonight last as long as she could.
-+-
Dinner was perfect.
Lena had taken Kara to an intimate little restaurant, not too fancy, not too casual—just right.
The kind of place where no one bothered them, where they could just be together without the weight of the world pressing down on them.
And Kara—Kara was adorable.
She had gone through three baskets of complimentary bread before Lena had even gotten through half of her first glass of wine.
She kept scrunching her nose every time she tasted something she really liked, which was everything.
And Lena—
Lena couldn’t stop smiling.
She watched as Kara happily hummed around every bite of food, her eyes practically sparkling with delight.
And Lena just—
She couldn’t believe this was real.
That Kara was here with her.
That she wasn’t alone.
That she had this.
This happiness.
This warmth.
This love.
Because that’s what it was.
And God, Lena was drowning in it.
By the time they finished dinner, Lena didn’t want to take Kara home.
Didn’t want to say goodbye yet.
So she didn’t.
Instead, she turned to Kara, hesitating slightly before speaking.
“…Come back to my place?” she asked, voice soft.
Kara blinked.
Lena rushed to continue.
“Not—not for anything, um, intense,” she added quickly. “I just… I don’t want the night to be over yet.”
Kara’s lips parted slightly.
And then—
She smiled.
A small, sweet smile that made Lena’s heart ache.
“…Okay,” Kara murmured.
And just like that—
Lena felt like she could breathe again.
-+-
Lena’s penthouse was warm, cozy, filled with the soft golden glow of dimmed lights as Kara curled up on Lena’s couch.
She looked so at home here.
And God, Lena wanted to make sure she always felt that way.
That this was her place, too.
That she belonged here.
“Alright,” Lena said, settling beside Kara with a glass of wine in her hand. “Pick a movie.”
Kara glanced at her, lips twitching.
“…Even if it’s a superhero movie?” she teased.
Lena groaned dramatically, leaning her head back against the couch.
“Must you torture me?” she sighed.
Kara giggled, snuggling closer.
And Lena—
Lena melted.
Because God, Kara was warm.
And she smelled like vanilla and sugar, like comfort and home.
And Lena just wanted to keep her close.
So she did.
She wrapped an arm around Kara, pulling her against her chest as Kara scrolled through movie options.
And Kara—Kara didn’t resist.
She just melted into her.
Like she belonged right there.
Lena rested her chin on top of Kara’s head, inhaling softly.
She didn’t even care what movie Kara picked.
Because all that mattered—
Was this.
The way Kara’s fingers absentmindedly traced circles against Lena’s arm.
The way she sighed happily, completely at ease in Lena’s embrace.
The way she belonged here.
And Lena—
Lena never wanted to let her go.