Chapter Text
Kara has a dinner date.
Like a proper 'meet you at seven' dinner date.
And we'll wine and dine and talk about guns and films, and tell Maggie about that time you went swimming after eating spaghetti for lunch and it came out your nose when you got dumped by that wave... Actually, I think I've already told her that. Do you know Maggie enjoys vegan ice cream?
Kara doesn't realize she's early when she arrives at the restaurant, and so she's a tad flustered because she's holding a bouquet of roses, feeling her phone vibrate in her coat pocket and attempting to wrap a thin hair tie around the end of her messy (and annoyingly still wet) plait. Ungracefully, balancing on one foot, she kicks open the door with the toes of her boots and immediately places the flowers, her buzzing phone and her handbag on the wooden counter to the left of the cozy lobby.
The flowers were bought on impulse; she passes a small florist before and after work, and finally decided to take a look inside on her lunch break today. Yellow and orange roses are said to symbolize friendship and cheerfulness, so Kara purchased them as a gift for Maggie.
Kara doesn't mind being the third wheel tonight, she kind of welcomes it. She's taking a break from relationships for the foreseeable future she told Alex dramatically; it's too higgledy-piggledy and sure, she hasn't really been in a proper, proper relationship (well, not for long her and James are better as friends) but by God, her feelings have been AWOL recently, and she'd rather just focus on her friendships for awhile, her work and her family.
If anything happens though, and she actually meets someone that makes her heart stop (then start again, hopefully), then she'll happily reevaluate.
The restaurant is busy inside, families and couples are seated at many of the tables, but it's not overwhelmingly crowded, which is good because she's been flat out all day flying back-and-forth and back-and-forth again between the DEO and Catco, and Kara was this close to cancelling tonight, wanted nothing more than to collapse on her bed, drag the blankets up and over her head and not move an inch till morning.
But Alex has been excited about dinner all week ( Kara would go as far as saying Alex was a little giddy, but she won't dare tell Alex this) and it's kind of a big deal for her sister, so it's important to Kara too. Of course Kara has met Maggie and spoken with her on occasion, but Alex wants them to meet properly, to 'hang out a bit' and to do this, it has to be away from work, and while eating good food and drinking good alcohol.
Kara hopes that both Alex and Maggie have big appetites tonight, because she’s starving, so starving (can she just inhale everything, please?), and she wants to order the entire menu, or at least an entree, main and then dessert. Her stomachs already grumbling. It's Friday, and Friday calls for some rich, self-saucing chocolate pudding or churros. Yes. She'd happily eat some cinnamon and sugar dusted churros.
Kara slips off her thick coat and drapes it over her arm. Alex has sent an 'on our way!' text, and Kara feels calmer now, finds herself smiling, because she has gained an ounce more energy; it smells delicious in here, delicious and inviting and she can’t wait until she is seated and scanning the menu with her hungry eyes.
“Good evening,” a relatively young, well-dressed waiter greets her at the door. He has a boyish grin, blonde shaggy hair flicked back from his eyes, and a blue folder tucked in his hand. Thank God Alex is organised and booked well in advance. “Did you have a reservation?”
"Yes! It should be under Alex. Alex Danvers. A table for three?”
“Here we are,” his slim finger taps a name near the bottom of the page. He glances over his shoulder, looks at the table in the corner, the one with dishes still stacked on it. He turns back and gives her a lopsided grin. “We are just cleaning the table now. Would you mind taking a seat at the bar, ma'am? It will only be a few more minutes.”
“Sure. That's no problem at all, ” Kara responds, amused at his polite address. He gestures for her to follow him to the bar, pulls out a seat for her, takes her coat and encourages her to order a drink.
Kara checks her watch once he's left her; if they are coming from Alex's place they shouldn't be too long if they manage to find a park. She'll wait for them before she orders a drink, she decides, but there is a bowl of nuts on the bench in front of her, so she mosewell make the most of the free appetizer and indulge her poor appetite.
“Kara Danvers," a voice drawls her name, the tone warm and relaxed and seductive and who the hell? "Fancy seeing you here.”
Kara looks up, pulls her hovering hand away from the bowl and sees Lena Luthor sitting on the stool next to her.
Kara's mouth pops open.
Lena, with her lipstick and eyeliner both dark and thick, looks very pleased to her.
Lena Luthor at a restaraunt.
Lena is not at work.
Ever since Lillian was escorted to jail, Kara has bearly heard from Lena. And it's not for a lack of trying on Kara's behalf; she has messaged Lena, spoken to Lena's assistant, Jess, but Lena has been busy according to the short text replies Kara has received back, and the she works late every night. Literally every night, from Jess.
Lena turns on her stool, carefully crosses her legs, and her black pencil skirt rides up her thigh a little. Kara glances away, but can't help but think that Lena Luthor always, always looks so well put together. Despite the crap and betrayal this woman has been through, she just looks as powerful as ever.
“Lena!" Kara greets, finally, and it's a little loud because she's realized she's been thinking and not speaking. "Hello… Hi!" she unconsciously wipes her palms down the thighs of her jeans. It shouldn't, but it feels strange seeing Lena away from L corp and with a wine glass cradled in her hand.
Of course Lena would socialize, Kara thinks, she's young and-
"Hey Kara," Lena says softer, more friendly.
There is something about Lena that makes Kara nervous, and Kara knows that Lena can see that. It's just so much easier to talk to Lena as Supergirl, when she's strong and confident and with her hands on her hips kind of thing. Just like Lena. But as Kara Danvers? It's a whole different story. However, it doesn't stop her from wanting to talk to Lena because she does. She likes Lena. The woman is interesting and inspiring and kind. She's had it rough, but like Winn and Kara like to sing (on occasion ) When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Amusement twitches in Lena's features like she can read Kara's thoughts; the upward curve of her red lips, and the subtle lift of her left eyebrow makes the pink rise on Kara's cheeks.
Lena runs the pad of finger along the rim of her glass. “I feel like I haven't seen you in ages. How have you been? Can I-” her head tilts, her gold earring dangles. “Can I get you a drink? Or are you meeting someone?”
“Oh,” Kara shakes her head, presses two fingers to the frames of her glasses and adjusts them. “No, thank you. I'm meeting Alex and her- her girlfriend. I'm just early... and super hungry..." she adds sheepishly, in case Lena was wondering why Kara's hand was like a scoop ready to get every peanut in the bowl.
"Well, we can't have that," Lena grins and slides the bowl of peanuts closer towards Kara, then she picks up a small handful herself, and Kara watches her pop them delicately between her dark lips.
“Are you meeting someone?” Kara asks, follows Lena's lead and picks a few nuts (only like three because she doesn't want to look greedy).
“No," Lena chuckles, covers her mouth as she chews. "It's just been… a long, stressful… tiring,” she sighs, looks genuinely frustrated. “Day. Week. Month. You get what I mean."
“I do,” Kara agrees, nodding vigorously. If only she could tell Lena that she knows exactly how she feels. Those days where you just want time to freeze so you can do... nothing. Absolutely nothing. “You don’t have to work tomorrow, do you?”
“God no,” Lena widens her eyes. “No. After this drink I'm going home and staying home," she lifts her chin slightly as if reminding herself that she will be going home, not work. "I left my laptop at the office to avoid temptation."
“You deserve it," Kara nods, not wanting to bring up her mother in case it makes Lena uncomfortable. "A restful weekend, I mean."
"I don't know about deserve exactly, but it does sound rather nice, doesn't it?” Lena rests her elbow on the bench, and her cheek on her closed fist. “... After everything with my mom… I am just exhausted,” she whispers the word, a secret hidden behind a face of calm and professionalism. Kara's heart, out of no where, suddenly aches.
"I'm sorry," Kara responds instantly.
"Don't be. I should have been prepared to be dissapointed by my family, again."
"No one should have to prepare for that," Kara replies honestly, her heart pounding, her growing frown now permanent. "Have you - are you thinking of visiting her?"
"No."
It sounds final the way Lena says it. An end to her relationship with her mother, but also an end to this line of conversation. Kara doesn't want to pry, push her, so she leaves it. Silence follows and Kara scrambles to think of something to say that doesn't include the weather's been pretty bad lately...
"Sorry," Lena is the first fill the quiet. "I didn't mean to sound snappy."
"It's okay. You didn't."
"I did," Lena smiles gently. "But it's sweet of you to pretend I didn't." She takes a large sip of wine, stares down at her polished nails for a moment. Lena does look uncomfortable now and vulnerable. Kara watches her press her lips tightly together. She wants to pull Lena in for a hug because she's good at that and-
"Your dinner guests have arrived," Lena pipes up, her voice strong and smooth again, a stark contrast to moments before. Like the flick of a switch. Kara spins in her seat and spots Alex and Maggie at the front desk, hand in hand. She smiles at the two of them, the teasing smile Maggie throws Alex. They look in love, Kara thinks, even from this distance.
"Did you want to join us?" Kara asks, turning back to Lena and picking up the bouquet of flowers. "You're very welcome to."
"No, no," Lena blinks, looks taken aback by the offer. Kara wonders if she was thinking the same thing about her sister and Maggie. "Thank you, but I think I'll say no."
Kara nods but finds that she doesn't want to leave her. When people are upset, Kara hates leaving them, especially alone. And despite Lena being able to slip on a mask of indifference, Kara doesn't believe it. Lena is hurting, of course she is. Who wouldn't be?
"Okay..." Kara hesitates. "But if you change your mind, our table is around the corner and at the far end. I can promise you good food and... and conversations about the good food," she smiles.
The way Lena's nose scrunches as she lets out a light laugh, makes Kara grin and feel giddy for making her friend laugh.
"Thank you for the lovely offer," Lena responds. "Have a good night."
Kara orders a pizza to go when their plates are cleared, and she's full but not super full. She'll have it for lunch tomorrow, she tells Alex and Maggie, only to hear a scoff in reply from Alex.
"I will!" Kara insists.
"I have a feeling someone," Alex looks at Maggie and mouths 'Kara', "will get the munchies as soon as she gets home."
"I like your style, Kara," Maggie laughs, sends her a playful wink. "It's live to eat, right?"
"Amen," Kara grins and then pouts when she lifts her glass to clink against Maggie's only to realize it's empty. The drink was great, she should have ordered another while she had the chance.
Her phone vibrates on the table, and Lena's name flashes on the screen.
"Mon-el?" Alex asks.
"No," Kara shakes her head absently and taps on her phone to open the message. "It's Lena."
Lena
By any chance are you still here?
10:25pm
Kara
Yes! Is everything okay?
10:25pm
"Everything alright?" Alex asks. Kara perks up at the hint of concern in Alex's voice, the absence of distrust, and it pleases her.
"I think so. I bumped into her earlier while I was waiting for you guys," she puts her phone down and smiles. "You guys ready to go?"
"Yeah," Maggie nods, removes the strap of her bag from the back of her chair and swings it over her shoulder. "Did you want a ride? Or are you..." She wiggles her eyebrows and makes a 'wooshing' sound that makes Kara laugh.
"Yes, I'm doing whatever that was. That's a great impression. It's actually better than Alex's 'weeeeesh.'"
"My impression is subtle and it works," Alex defends herself.
"Uh huh," Kara gives her a tight lipped smile. "Of course."
Alex swats at her, and Kara would usually dodge it but her phone vibrates in her hand again.
Lena
Are you still eating?
10:27pm
Not exactly an answer to her question. In fact, Lena answered a question with a question. Typical, but it makes Kara smile.
Kara
Nope! I'm basically ready to leave :) what's up?
10:27pm
Lena
Okay this sounds terrible, I know, but could you pretend to be running late for dinner and come save me from my very lovely but very talkative new friend? I'm at the bar... same seat.
10:28pm
Lena
Sorry.
10:28pm
Alex raises her eyebrows at the giggle that erupts from her younger sister. Kara's eyes are glued to the screen of her phone as they wait in line to pay. Maggie nudges Alex, winks flirtatiously and asks how well Kara really knows the Luthor.
"Don't even go there," Alex responds.
"I'm just saying," Maggie spreads her hands in an early surrender. "The woman makes her laugh."
"Everyone can make Kara laugh."
Kara
LOL! I'm coming. Can I use your real name?
10:29pm
Lena
Thank you, Kara! Yes, Lena is fine.
10:30pm
"Right," Kara looks ups from her phone. Two sets of eyes are firmly planted on her: one amused, the other suspicious. "I'm going to wait for my pizza, but I'll see you two tomorrow?"
"We can wait with you," Alex offers, taking her receipt from the front of house worker and thanking her.
"No, no, no. It won't be long, you guys go. But thank you," Kara smiles at Maggie. "I had fun tonight."
"Likewise," Maggie agrees, squints her eyes and points a finger at Kara. "And remember, Danvers, next time I'm taking you guys to the all you can eat place down town."
"Are you sure you're okay to wait?" Alex asks once more.
"Yes! Go, go!" She shoos them out.
Kara spots Lena in the same seat she left her in. The woman is slightly slouched now (maybe a little tipsy?), resting her elbow heavily on the counter. The carefully twisted bun at the back of her head looks a little loose, Lena's fingers are entwined through her dark hair.
She watches the woman nod to the person opposite her, the interest on her face seemingly genuine. Kara wonders if it really is, but then she sees Lena ask a question and furrow her brow as she waits for an answer. Kara can only see the back of the man's head, but his arms are gesturing widely, excited about whatever he's telling Lena.
Lena catches her eye from across the room and immediately sits up, smiles gratefully.
Taking a quick breath for confidence, Kara strolls over. "Lena!" She gives a big, hearty wave. "Hey... girl..." She finishes awkwardly, watches Lena's lips quirk at the unexpected greeting.
"You're here," Lena breathes, stands, pulls Kara in for a hug and presses her lips to her cheek. "Sorry," she whispers then pulls away.
Kara clears her throat. She resists the urge to press the tips of her fingers to the spot Lena's lips surprisingly landed. Is there a smear of lipstick left on her cheek?
"I'm sorry I'm late... The traffic was disastrous, you know how it gets..." Kara glances at the man watching their interaction, and she nods politely at him. Looking back at Lena, she asks if they should get a table.
"Yes, of course," Lena nods, touches her lightly on the arm. Lena turns to the man seated next to her and stretches out a hand for him to shake. "It was lovely to meet you, Zachary. I hope your game launch goes well, and I look forward to reading about it."
"Oh, thank you. Thank you. Yes. Have a wonderful night, both of you," he gives them a little wave despite his clear disappointment, and Kara follows Lena's quick exit to the far end of the room. They weave between tables and slide into a booth in the corner. A secluded area where the lights glow warm but dim.
"Thank you." Lena says, shuffling over to make room for Kara. "I'm usually okay at excusing myself, but I had stupidly already mentioned I was waiting for someone."
"It's no problem at all," Kara assures her. "I'm glad I could help. He, he seemed nice though," her voice rises.
"Oh, he was. Of course. I just- I didn't come here to talk about work... his or mine. How did your dinner go?"
"It was good. Really good actually," Kara nods. "Maggie, she's really great. Her and Alex get along so well... It's... I'm just really happy for them."
"And did she like the roses?"
"The? Oh! Yes. I'm more of a carnation girl myself, but the florist said that that particular color meant friendship and i thought since Maggie and...which now I'm saying it aloud it sounds a little corny," Kara grimaces. "I'm glad I didn't mention that to Maggie..."
Lena shakes her head. "Going to the effort to buy someone flowers... And actually purchasing a specific type because of what they symbolize, that is a very kind gesture, Kara."
Kara blushes and shrugs. "Oh, I guess. Maybe. So how was-"
"Ah," the male waiter Kara met earlier places a box on their table. "Excuse me. Your pizza."
"My pizza!" Kara slaps her palms on the warm cardboard. "Yes. Thank you!" She watches him go and looks at Lena's bewildered expression.
"Uh, I had a terrible case of food envy..." she explains. "Want a piece?"
"I haven't had pizza in years," Lena replies, reaching for a napkin.
"What? No, Lena, that's terrible," Kara gasps. "Really? But pizza nights are... Pizza nights are the best."
Lena pauses her movements and raises an eyebrow. "What do pizza nights entail?"
"Well for starters, romcoms. Any good romcom will do. And pajamas. That's the first rule. And then you want... wh- what?" Kara startles when she finds Lena grinning at her.
"Nothing, sorry, don't stop," Lena responds, waving her hand. "It's just refreshing to talk about something different for a change."
"About pizza and pajamas?" Kara chuckles.
"Yes," Lena nods, laughing. "Actually, yes," she eyes her for a moment. "... Kara, can I get you a drink? Or are you wanting to go home?"
"Okay," Kara nods. "I'd love one."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."