Chapter Text
Lena never got used to the chilly plunge at 5am. Despite logging thousands of hours in the pool since age 9, breaking collegiate swimming records, and starting every morning with a butterfly sprint, she loathed the temperature shock of that first dive. At least she pretended to hate it, especially when in the presence of Metro Avenue Luxury Apartments' fellow early risers.
Arriving at the Hydro Spa along with the usual group of tenants each morning, Lena went through the motions of rubbing away goosebumps and pretending to psych herself up. She’d coyly smile to her neighbor Warren as he meandered through the middle lane. He'd offer reassuring advice: You’ll warm up in no time, take it from a sloth like me! You move twice as fast! Not wanting to lay it on too thick, she’d concede after a shoulder shake and finally jump.
Despite the charade she’d put on moments before, once Lena slid out of the humid air and into the water’s embrace she was euphoric.
Underwater was tranquility. The layer of “Lena Luthor: National City’s Next Millennial Mogul'' dissolved into Lena Laomedeia from the planet Nodeisi. This Lena was incredibly strong, could breathe underwater, and sprouted fins propelling her faster than a speedboat. But this Lena could exist for only brief moments of submersion.
Not wanting to arouse suspicion, Lena Luthor reluctantly resurfaced, swimming at the pace of a (Olympic-level) human, and prepared for her Earthly responsibilities. Water was home. It was the act of leaving her underwater sanctuary that Lena really loathed.
The elevator dinged on the twelfth floor of L-Corp, doors sliding open to the effervescent Jess. She wielded a folder in one hand and a steaming latte in the other.
“Good morning, Ms. Luthor! Here's the brief for your 9 o’clock.”
Her assistant fell into step with Lena's purposeful strides. She nodded hello to her employees while the click of her heels echoed.
“Thank you! So,” Lena leaned in playfully, lowering her voice as she glanced around the floor. “How’d it go?”
“So fun!” Jess beamed, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “He likes oldies, so went to a speakeasy and saw a cover band. Danced a little. Then he asked me out again!”
“Damn right he did. Sounds perfect!” Lena congratulated her as they arrived at her massive office. She was thrilled for her assistant who wasn't too absorbed in L-Corp responsibilities to enjoy her twenties. Anyone evaluating Luthor's work-life balance would say she took on too much. But the 28-year-old saw the business as something bigger than herself, allowing her to contribute in the safest way possible. Lena was willing to take on workloads that left little room for leisure.
“It totally was! Not bad for the apps," Jess gushed before snapping back into professionalism. "I’ll go sort your agenda for the day.”
Lena chuckled as her assistant scurried off, settling at her computer and pulling up her schedule. She had meetings all day to discuss the gala, the first of which was starting shortly. Taking a hearty swig from her cup and smoothing out her blazer, she was ready to put her CEO skills to use.
After a particularly heated negotiation—reminding one Morgan Edge that he was not dealing with a timid schoolgirl—Luthor sped to her office for her 4pm appointment. Her pet peeve was lateness, but her meetings with the temperamental investor always put her a good fifteen minutes behind schedule.
Rounding the corner, Lena was met with sandy-blonde hair woven into a neat braid. The guest was fixated on the colorful artwork adorning the wall.
“You must be the Catco reporter. Right this way!” the CEO said breathlessly, barely slowing her pace. She strode to her desk, tucking an errant strand of hair behind her ear.
“Please, make yourself comfortable, Ms...?” Lena offered as she sat down, for the first time turning her attention to the woman in front of her. Her gaze locked with striking blue orbs as she straightened some files on her desk.
“Danvers, but, uh, you can call me Kara.” The reporter retrieved a notepad from her messenger bag. A red tint crossed her cheeks, “Sorry about my gawking back there,” she gestured towards the lobby, “I couldn’t help admiring the Callen Schaub painting. That’s Argosy of Adventure, right?”
“The original. You have quite the eye, Kara.” Lena complemented, appraising the woman across from her. Simple black-framed glasses and a Peter Pan collar. Conservative attire that subtly hinted at an athletic frame underneath. There was a nervous energy about the blonde. Luthor was determining whether it was rooted in wholesomeness or deception.
"It’s hard not to be mesmerized by Schaub’s work. There’s a certain calm from each piece. The precision of the angles contrasted with the randomized paint splatter, it’s a welcome distraction.”
This chick's either a romantic, or well-researched. Lena concluded.
“Well then, Kara, you’ve established that you have taste. I’ll admit, I didn’t peg you for the modern art type. Aren’t Catco reporters more preoccupied with the sins of high-waisted jeans than contemporary explorations of mental health?” She challenged.
“Some of them, maybe.” The blonde laughed, unfazed, spinning her pen. “But most of us just enjoy connecting with people, finding hidden truth and sharing it out.”
Lena arose from her seat, walking over to pour water for her guest.
“I suppose we Luthors are mercifully boring in that regard,” the brunette noted, uncorking the crystal decanter that housed scotch after business hours. “Transparency and tame extracurriculars don’t make for sexy headlines. You don’t need to dig far to discover how un-hidden that truth is.”
“The Luthors’, maybe. I want to know yours.”
“How are the two any different?”
“You’re the first female CEO of the company, you’ve spearheaded alien-inclusive initiatives, and, most recently, opened a childrens’ hospital under the ‘boring’ Luthor name.” The corner of Lena's mouth quirked up at Kara’s air quotes.
“You’re making waves, Ms. Luthor. But not much is known about you.”
Lena returned to the desk. The blonde accepted the water, fingers brushing in the transaction. Overshadowing the tingling of Lena's hand was the feeling she'd seen this face before.
“Please, if you prefer Kara, then by all means-”
“Lena it is. I—the Catco readers are curious. What drives you?”
“Representing my last name.” Lena shrugged.
“How have you managed to stay so under the radar?”
“By not flaunting my first name in the process.”
The reporter's eyes narrowed.
“Not flaunting…or concealing?”
“Ah, some steel under that argyle.” The CEO was mildly surprised, maintaining eye contact as she sipped her water.
“There’s plenty of privilege afforded by my last name, obviously. My family owes it to National City, to everyone, to advocate for those without the same means. While I’m still learning the entirety of what that entails, I intend to pay that. Anything else is a distraction.”
Kara nodded and scribbled on her notepad. Her follow-up was interrupted by the buzzing of a phone, though Lena spotted a reflex just a bit too quick to be human.
“I’m so sorry! It’s my sister, I hope you don’t mind?” She asked, but already had the phone to her ear.
“Not at all. Please.”
The brunette watched her hurry out to the office balcony. The blonde spoke quickly, a look of concern washing over her features. Lena occupied herself with paperwork as the call ended.
“My apologies, Lena. My sister’s car broke down and needs a ride.”
“Of course! I hope she’s ok!”
“She’ll be fine! I told her to get that rust bucket fixed.” Kara laughed, shaking her hand. “I really appreciate you taking time for our interview.”
“No sweat. I hope this isn’t the last time we talk.” Lena smirked.
“Me neither.”
There was that blush again, as the blonde rushed out of the office. Luthor decided it wasn’t a bad color on Supergirl.