Birthday
Almost a week has passed since Kara and Lena have returned from Vegas, and Kara has not been doing good. Kara has been a complete and utter mess. She doesn’t know how to deal with her feelings she has discovered for Lena. While at the same time she doesn’t want to talk to anyone about them. Kara knows what people will say. They will say she should tell Lena about her feelings. But the thing is, that terrifies Kara more than anything. Kara doesn’t think she can actually tell Lena how she feels because she’s not sure if Lena really feels the same, and Lena has become so important to Kara that she doesn’t think she could deal with losing her, even if that meant Kara has to just remain her friend forever.
However, Kara isn’t sure how she will be able to deal with having sex with Lena again. Kara knows that it is going to be a major problem because if they were to have sex again it would mean something to Kara. Then the fact that it would mean something, possibly for the first time in Kara’s life, at least knowingly, would probably make it very difficult for Kara to contain her feelings. But on the other hand Kara doesn’t know how to go about stopping having sex with Lena, as of course Lena will have questions, and Kara won’t be able to give her any answers, at least without ruining things as well. Then at the same time Kara doesn’t want to stop having sex with Lena, she really, really enjoys it, even if now it will become an incredibly emotionally painful thing for her.
Thankfully for Kara since she and Lena got back from Vegas they have been rather busy. There is just over 3 weeks left of the semester and for both of them it is sort of crunch time in their various classes. Lena has several papers to write and tests to prepare for, while Kara also has a few papers to write as well as working on her journalism class final. The journalism class final project for the semester is very important to Kara as it will determine her grade for the overall course, where if she is top of the class, which she is currently, she will be offered a summer internship at CatCo, Kara’s dream job. So because Kara and Lena have both been very busy they haven’t actually got together since they got back, and their interactions have been limited to a few texts and some casual conversation in the classes they share. So all in all this has allowed Kara to hide her inner turmoil from Lena, at least for now.
This is all about to come to an end though, as today is Saturday, and Kara has been invited over to Sam and Lena’s for Ruby’s birthday, where the women will also be having a sleep over. Kara really doesn’t want to go, because she doesn’t think she can stand spending an evening with Lena without bursting her heart out. But Kara doesn’t want to disappoint or upset Ruby, she knows that the girl is excited about her coming over.
Kara starts her day by getting up and getting dressed. She knows that Alex is coming to pick her up at around 10. Kara kind of wishes that she’d been like Nia, James, Winn, Eve and Brainy who said that they would get there in the evening. However Kara had been persuaded by Ruby to spend the entire day with the young girl. Not that it really was much of a persuasion. Sam literally just asked Kara and told her that Ruby really really wants Kara to spend the whole day with them as they make a day of it for her birthday. So of course Kara had to agree, even if it might kill her having to spend so much time with Lena while her emotions are going crazy inside her.
Kara gets ready and is incredibly nervous. She fidgets with what clothes she thinks about wearing, and then once she’s dressed she just paces back and fourth as she waits for Alex to arrive. Thankfully for Kara Alex arrives on time, sending her sister a text that she is outside. Kara then leaves the house and gets into Alex’s awaiting running car.
“Hey Kar.” Alex smiles as Kara gets in and puts on her seat belt.
“Hey Alex.” Kara replies, putting on a smile.
“So you ready for today?” Alex asks as they begin driving.
“I think so.” Kara nods.
“Well you better be! I was over at Sam’s yesterday and Ruby was so excited about today. She has a whole day planned out of things she wants to do.” Alex smiles.
“I bet she does.” Kara nods.
The two sisters then just sit in silence for the few minute drive, listening to the music on the radio. It’s not an awkward silence or anything, nor is it that unusual. So Alex doesn’t pick up on the fact that something is wrong with Kara. Kara is glad of that. She’s not ready to have that discussion. Kara and Alex soon arrive at Sam and Lena’s, knocking on the front door. Ruby is the one who opens it very excitedly.
“Aunt Kara!!! Alex!!” Ruby yells with a smile as she tries to take both sisters in for a hug. Unfortunately Ruby’s arms aren't quite big enough for that so she just ends up hugging one leg of each woman.
Kara and Alex both chuckle.
“Hey Ruby. I hear it’s someone’s birthday.” Kara smirks.
“Yeah!! It’s mine!!” Ruby smiles up at Kara.
“Oh is it? I thought it was your mom's?” Kara teases.
“No! No! It’s mine!” Ruby says excitedly.
Kara laughs.
“Yeah you bet it is.” Alex smiles. “So how old are you today?”
“This much!” Ruby says happily as she holds up 5 fingers.
“Yes you are, well done.” Alex smiles.
Kara and Alex head inside the house with Alex handing Kara her bag which has Ruby’s present in. Alex then crouches down and picks Ruby up, giving her a kiss in her check. Ruby just smiles and snuggles into Alex. Kara, Alex and Ruby head into the house and they can smell that something is being cooked so they make their ways into the kitchen. Lena and Sam are helping each other make a cake for Ruby.
“Hey guys.” Alex announces as she puts Ruby down.
Sam and Lena look up at Kara and Alex.
“Hey you two.” Sam smiles. “I would come over and greet you but I’m kind of a mess.”
Sam truly is a bit of a mess, she has flour in her hair and chocolate on her face. Lena is the complete opposite.
“Yeah I can see that babe. What happened?” Alex asks.
“Ughh. I got flour all over me when I ripped the bag of flour open and it went all in my face. Then I’ve been stressing making this chocolate cake Ruby asked for her birthday.” Sam explains.
“Not to mention she literally burnt the first attempt and then made be go out to the store to get more ingredients.” Lena says.
“I put you in charge of watching the timer while I was in the shower!” Sam says.
Alex laughs and so does Kara, just on instinct, she is still feeling very awkward. Upon Kara laughing Lena catches Kara’s eyes and smiles at her. Kara smiles back at Lena and her heart hurts. Lena’s smile is just so beautiful to Kara. Kara wants to see Lena look at her like that all the time. Kara’s heart begins to beat rapidly. Kara takes some deep quiet breaths in response.
“I’m almost done with this. I’m going to put it in the oven and then take another shower. This time I will put you in charge, Alex, of watching the timer, please?” Sam asks.
“Sure thing babe.” Alex smiles and walks over to her girlfriend.
Alex leans in to kiss Sam.
“Don’t I’m all messy.” Sam says.
“I don’t care, you’re still beautiful.” Alex replies and kisses Sam on the lips.
Kara watches Lena roll her eyes. Even Lena rolling her eyes makes Kara’s heart jump out of her chest. Kara then looks at Ruby and notices she is just smiling at Sam and Alex kissing. Clearly the girl really likes Alex and Sam being together. After about 10 seconds of silence Ruby looks at Kara and notices the two bags of presents in Kara’s hands.
“Are those my presents!?!” Ruby asks excitedly.
“Yep. You bet.” Kara smiles down at Ruby.
“Can I open them now pleaseeeeeeeeee.” Ruby begs.
Kara laughs.
“Ruby, you Alex and Kara can go into the living room and open your presents from them.” Sam says as she ends the kiss with Alex.
“Yes!!!!!” Ruby yells and grabs Kara’s hand and yanks her into the living room.
Kara is pulled into the living room by Ruby and Alex soon follows behind them. Ruby sits down on the couch and Kara and Alex sit either side of her. Kara gives Alex her bag first to give to Ruby.
“Here you are little one.” Alex smiles as she takes the present out of her bag and gives it to Ruby.
Ruby smiles happily and takes the present and begins unwrapping it. The present itself is a medium size box. Just small enough to fit into the present bag which Alex brought. Ruby takes off the wrapping paper and then carefully opens the box. Inside is three things. Firstly there is a new soccer ball which will need to be inflated. Then there is a envelope addressed to Ruby and finally there is another small box. Ruby grabs the other small box’s and opens it. Inside the small box are two beautiful looking silver metal bracelets.
“Oooo pretty.” Ruby hums as she picks the bracelets up.
Alex smiles.
“Yeah. These are two special friendship bracelets. You are meant to wear one and then you give the other bracelet to one of your friends or family for them to wear. If both people wear them it is supposed to mean that neither of you will ever be apart from one another for a long time.” Alex explains.
Ruby takes on bracelet and then puts it on her hand. She continues just to study the bracelets.
“You can give the other bracelet to whomever you like. A friend at school or aunt Lena or your mom, or anyone.” Alex says.
Ruby looks up at Alex.
“Will you wear it?” Ruby asks sheepishly.
“What?” Alex asks, surprised.
“Will you were the other bracelet Alex?” Ruby asks as she bites her lips.
“Oh, uhhh... are you sure? You don’t have to give it to me just because I got them for you.” Alex says as she holds back tears.
“Yes. I want you to stay with me forever Alex.” Ruby nods.
Alex gasps at this reply from Ruby and just nods her head. Ruby then picks up the other bracelet and puts it on Alex’s wrist. Once Ruby does this Alex can’t hold back her tears anymore. Ruby looks up and notices Alex crying.
“Why are you crying? Are you upset?” Ruby asks, confused.
“No.... these are happy tears. Come here.” Alex smiles as she wipes her tears away and reaches out for Ruby.
Ruby gets into Alex’s lap and takes her in for a hug.
“Love you Alex.” Ruby says as she hugs Alex.
Alex now wants to cry even more, but she doesn’t want Ruby to be even more worried or confused as to why Alex is crying.
“Love you too Ruby.” Alex nods as she kisses the top of Ruby’s head.
Kara just watches in awe but can’t help but feel her heart hurt inside. She is really happy for Alex and Ruby. She’s really happy that Alex has found Sam and that Ruby loves her so much. But watching Ruby tell Alex she loves her and for Alex to say it back, it makes Kara feel awful. Kara feels awful because it just was so easy for them. But for Kara, she has to fight with her emotions to decide what to do. She can’t just go blurting out that she is in love with Lena. So Kara can’t help but be a little jealous.
Alex and Ruby soon part and smiles at one another.
“Why don’t you open the envelope next.” Alex smiles.
Ruby nods and moves off of Alex’s lap and grabs the envelope and opens it. The envelope contains some printed out pages. Ruby can’t read it really.
“What is it?” Ruby asks, confused once more.
“Well it’s a confirmation booking. I booked for me, you and your mom over the summer to go to this adventure place for a few days. We will stay in a log cabin in the middle of the woods and then during the days there are all sorts of fun activities for us to do. We can go rock climbing, walking at the top of the trees, zip lining and all sorts of fun stuff. We’ll even have a big grass patch to play soccer by our cabin if you like.” Alex smiles.
“Wow! This is amazing!!!!” Ruby says giddily.
Ruby takes Alex in for another hug.
“Thank you Alex!!” Ruby squeals as she hugs Alex.
“You’re welcome little one.” Alex smiles.
“When can we go?” Ruby asks.
Alex and Kara laugh.
“It’s not for a while yet. In about 3 months.” Alex says.
“Owwwww.... that’s like forever.” Ruby moans.
Alex laughs again.
“Oh it’ll happen before you know it. But don’t worry we’ll do fun stuff in the meantime.” Alex smiles.
“Okay.” Ruby nods.
“So how about you open Kara’s present now?” Alex smiles.
Ruby then turns to Kara with a big smile and an excited look on her face. Kara gets her present out of her present bag and hands it to Ruby.
“I’m afraid my presents may not stack up to Alex’s.” Kara says.
“I don’t care.” Ruby smiles as she opens the present, tearing the wrapping paper.
Once the wrapping paper is removed Ruby sees a box with pictures showing all the art supplies inside.
“So I know you like to draw Ruby, and I really love the picture you gave me. I’m even going to have it framed!” Kara says, “So this is a bunch of art supplies. Inside there are colouring pens and pencils and some paint brushes, so you can try painting as well. There isn’t any paint, but we can go get you some once your mom is okay with it, so we can have a place so you don’t paint and ruin your clothes or something.”
“Oh my god! This is amazing aunt Kara!” Ruby squeals and hugs Kara happily.
Kara hugs Ruby back.
“You’re welcome kiddo. But I got you something else.” Kara smiles.
Ruby pulls away from the hug and looks up at Kara excitedly.
“Yeah?” Ruby asks.
“Yep. Have a look in the bag.” Kara nods to her present bag.
Ruby then grabs the present bag and looks inside.
“CANDY!!!” Ruby yells excitedly.
“Yep. I know you have a sweet tooth, so I got you these. These are actually some special candies as they come from England. So you’ll have to savour them, and not eat them all at once. And you should be a bit careful as some of the British chocolate has more sugar in because it’s a higher quality.” Kara explains.
“Candy!” Ruby yells again.
Sam then walks into the room followed by Lena.
“What did you get Ruby honey?” Sam asks with a smile.
“Candy!!” Ruby yells as she takes some of the candy out of the bag to show her mom.
Sam rolls her eyes.
“I can see that Rubes, what else?” Sam asks with a smirk.
“I’m pretty sure Kara won. Should have realised a way to a kids heart is through sugar. Just like Kara.” Alex says.
“Hey, not it’s not.” Kara huffs, fake annoyed.
“Yeah, for Kara its potstickers.” Lena says with a grin.
Kara frowns again and tries desperately to hide the little jump her heart just did when Lena talked, with Kara realising Lena knows her so well.
“Alex got me a soccer ball and these bracelets that we are both going to wear and we are going on a summer adventure with climbing and things and Kara got me these art things and CANDY!” Ruby says excitedly, all in one breath.
Kara, Sam, Alex and Lena all laugh once more.
“That sounds great honey. Did you thank both aunt Kara and Alex?” Sam asks.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!” Ruby says with a happily smile a she takes both Kara and Alex in for another hug in turn.
“You’re welcome darling.” Kara replies and her heart does a little jump as the words leave her mouth. Kara realises that she has picked up the darling phrase from Lena.
“Yeah, I’m happy you like them.” Alex says.
“Okay, well I’m going to go have another shower. I have put Ruby’s cake in the oven. Alex can you please check the oven every now and then to make sure the cake isn’t over cooked, and then take it out when the timer is up.” Sam says.
“Sure thing babe.” Alex smiles.
“Good, thank you. Once I’m ready I’m just going to put the chocolate icing on Ruby’s cake and then put it in the fridge. After that we will leave and head to our first activity.” Sam smiles.
“And where are we going?” Kara asks.
Sam grins.
“We are all going to go bowling first, and then we are going to head to a nice big park just north of the city where we can play with the soccer ball with Ruby.” Sam explains.
“That sounds great!” Alex smiles.
Kara can’t help but wince at the mention of bowling. Kara still doesn’t like the idea of sticking her fingers in bowling balls, where other people have put there fingers who could have been picking their noses for all Kara knows.
“Okay, well you guys chat amongst yourselves while I take a shower.” Sam says, “And remember to check the oven Alex.”
“Yes dear.” Alex replies sarcastically.
Sam begins to walk away.
“Oh and Ruby! No eating any of that Candy!” Sam calls out as she heads upstairs.
“Awwww.” Ruby moans with a frown.
Kara and Alex laugh.
“Come on Ruby, why don’t we check the oven and then go outside to pump up your new soccer ball.” Alex suggests.
“Okay.” Ruby nods with a smile.
Alex then gets up, followed by Ruby, and heads out into the kitchen. Lena then moves over and sits on the couch next to Kara.
“Hey.” Lena smiles.
“Hi.” Kara replies, her heart doing another jump, with Kara feeling a bit awkward and shifting in her seat.
Lena notices.
“I can tell you are feeling awkward.” Lena says.
“Wha... what?” Kara asks, nervous.
“Don’t worry. I’ve got three bottles of hand sanitiser for us to use while we go bowling.” Lena smiles.
Kara realises Lena thinks Kara must be acting awkward because of the bowling. Kara knows that she has to play it off that, that is the case now.
“Oh, well that’s a relief.” Kara says, pretending with a smile.
Lena smiles back at Kara, and Lena’s smile hurts Kara's heart.
The groups first destination was the bowling alley and they all had a lot of fun. Kara was even able to momentarily forget about her inner turmoil of her heart, while at the same time using hand sanitiser that Lena offered her regularly. The group played 4 games with Alex winning the first one, Ruby winning the second one (with some help from Alex and the other women purposefully losing), Kara won the third game and then Lena won the final one. As they bowled the group ordered food to eat while they were having fun. It was just typical fast food. Lena and Kara had a burger each which was pretty awful, Sam and Alex had a hot dog and Ruby had some chicken nuggets and fries.
Once the group left the bowling alley the next destination was the park which was a 40 minute drive north of National City. They all crammed into Sam’s car. Alex and Sam sat in the front, with Alex being a good girlfriend and offering to drive. Then Lena, Kara and Ruby sat in the back. Ruby of course was sitting in her car seat which meant that Kara had to sit in the middle back seat. Sitting in the middle seat wasn’t really a problem for Kara, the problem was that this meant she was right next to Lena, pressed up against her. Kara had to focus intensely on scenery out the windows as they drove by, not glancing at Lena even for a second.
Eventually the group arrived at the park and it was incredibly beautiful. It was essentially a red wood forest which had several large grass areas between sections of trees. The group began their time in the forest by walking through it, with Ruby being amazed by how mystical and amazing the forest was. Ruby was fascinated by how tall the trees were. To a five year old girl this was truly magical. After they walked around they got to a grass patch and began playing with the soccer ball with Ruby. Sam set up a blanket for them to sit on if they wanted to take a break. Most of the time it was Kara and Alex playing soccer with Ruby, with both Sam and Lena opting to watch on and cheer the other women.
As the afternoon came to a close the women made their way back to Lena, Sam and Ruby’s home. They got back at around 5PM where they put Ruby down for a brief nap before everyone else arrived.
At 6PM all the other guests began to arrive for Ruby’s birthday party evening. Kara, Sam, Alex and Lena were going to be the only ones that actually took part in the sleep over as Ruby didn’t really know the other people that well and obviously wouldn’t be comfortable sleeping around them, but the other people were going to celebrate for the evening with Ruby none the less. Eve was the first to arrive followed by James and Winn and then Nia and Brainy.
Currently all the friends are chatting in the living room downstairs, Ruby then comes walking down the stairs, rubbing her eyes, having just woken up from her nap.
“There’s the birthday girl!” Kara smiles.
Ruby looks at Kara and then looks at all the other people and gets a very nervous look on her face. Clearly the girl is a bit uncomfortable with the amount of people here for her birthday. Kara decides to get up off the couch and go over and pick Ruby up.
“Hey, you remember everyone right Ruby?” Kara asks as she brings Ruby over. “These are my two roommates Winn and James. I believe you played video games with Winn when you were at our game night. Then over there is Nia and Brainy. Then this is Eve, you haven’t met her, but I’ll tell you a secret, she’s one of the nicest people you will ever meet.”
Ruby looks at everyone curiously in silence for a moment.
“Hello.” Ruby says with a little wave.
The group then break out into a round of greetings, making a fuss over Ruby which puts a big smile on her face and makes her a lot less nervous. Kara brings Ruby over to the couch to sit between her and Sam.
“You have a good nap honey?” Sam asks as she strokes hair out of Ruby’s face.
“Yes mommy.” Ruby nods.
“That’s good.” Sam smiles.
“Can we have my cake now?” Ruby asks.
Kara and Sam both laugh.
“Not yet. We need to eat dinner first.” Sam replies.
“Aww.” Ruby moans.
Kara laughs again.
“I know how you feel Ruby. Growing up I argued with Eliza that cake could be dinner.” Kara grins.
Ruby smiles up at Kara.
“Kara, you’re such a bad influence.” Alex says.
Kara shrugs.
“Anyway, as it’s your birthday Rubes what would you like us to order for dinner?” Sam asks.
“Hmmmm.” Ruby says thinking.
“We can get anything you like.” Sam smiles.
“Yeah we could get Chinese if you want.” Kara says, clearly with an agenda so she can get potstickers.
“Kara! Stop trying to influence her!” Alex scolds her.
“Yeah! God Kara! I mean........... I wouldn’t mind an Indian.” Lena says with a wink.
“Lena!” Sam scolds.
“I could go for a burger.” Eve now joins in with a smile.
“Well we all know that pizza is the best thing for a birthday party.” Winn says.
“You and your pizza Winn.” James says as he shakes his head and rolls his eyes.
“Yeah, aren’t you a bit obsessed with pizza, Winn?” Nia asks.
“It’s like the best food ever! There are so many varieties with all the toppings and crust choices and whether you want Italian or deep dish. How can I not love it!” Winn replies.
“Yes, technically I calculate at our local pizza place there are 347 different varieties of pizza available, depending on the toppings and types of pizzas.” Brainy adds.
“Shush! All of you!” Sam says and then turns to Ruby, “Don’t listen to them honey, whatever you want we will get.”
Ruby looks at Sam for a moment.
“I want PIZZA!!” Ruby announces.
Winn cheers, Alex shoots him a glare and he quickly stops.
“Are you sure honey? You really don’t have to get it just because Winn wants it.” Sam says.
“PIZZA!!” Ruby yells with a smile.
Sam laughs in response.
“You’re the best Ruby!” Winn says with a smile.
The evening proceeds from there. The group order a bunch of pizza, enough to feed an army. Everyone tries to chip in to pay for it all but Lena promptly refuses, reminding them she is rich after all. The group then eat all their pizzas and then afterwards sing Ruby Happy Birthday before cutting the cake for them all to eat. Ruby herself eats about 3 slices of chocolate cake, getting the chocolate all over her face.
At around 8PM people begin to leave the party with Ruby now being a lot more confident and saying goodbye to everyone. In fact when Eve left Ruby hugged Eve and told her that she looked like a princess which made Eve blush.
“Alright Ruby it’s time for the sleep over.” Sam says once everyone has left.
“Okay.” Ruby yawns.
“Why don’t you go change into your pyjamas while we set it up.” Sam suggests.
Ruby nods and makes her way upstairs.
“Uhh.... I’ll go with her and help her change, just to make sure she doesn’t fall asleep. Then I’ll get changed as well.” Alex says.
“Okay babe. Thank you.” Sam smiles and gives Alex a brief kiss before Alex walks upstairs. Sam then turns to Lena and Kara. “Okay ladies, seeing as Ruby seemed to love that blanket pillow fort that you guys made a few months ago I thought we’d make another big one. I got a bunch of blankets and pillows to try and do it.”
“Uhh okay. It might be a bit of a squeeze.” Kara nods.
“That’s fine.” Sam says with a grin. “I’m sure some of use don’t mind being cuddled up together.”
Kara’s heart hurts once more, thinking of being cuddled up to Lena.
“Uhhhh... yeah....” Kara says awkwardly.
Kara, Sam and Lena then begin to make the blanket fort and set up all the pillows inside. Kara takes charge with the design with Lena being utterly useless, not having actually helped make the previous fort, while Sam hasn’t ever made a blanket fort either, her experience has just come from looking them up online. So it is ultimately left up to Kara to make the fort, with her ordering Lena and Sam about, being a bit bossy as she does. This isn’t because Kara likes to order people about or is frustrated with having to be the one to take charge. It’s simply because Kara is very nervous that if Lena and Sam do something wrong the whole fort will come crumbling down.
“I bet you like it when she’s bossy.” Sam whispers to Lena.
“Hmm.... I’ve not witnessed this before. I think it might be something we’ll have to revisit next time we..... have fun.” Lena says to Sam with a wink.
Little did Lena and Sam know but Kara heard everything. Well perhaps Lena and Sam did know, there is the possibility they were teasing Kara. Either way it does nothing to help Kara with her current situation, if anything it makes her heart hurt even more.
A few minutes later the ladies finish the fort. It is pretty well made and uses three of the couches to make a fort with enough room for them all to sleep inside. They will all be sleeping on the floor between the three couches with a bunch of blankets and pillows.
“This is amazing Kara. Ruby is gonna love it.” Sam smiles.
“I hope so. I’ve just got some anxiety over it all coming crashing down with a gust of wind or something.” Kara replies.
“Let’s hope not.” Sam nods.
“Okay well I’m going to go change upstairs.” Lena announces. “Kara I presume you will want to borrow some pyjamas as I didn’t see you bring any?”
For the first time Kara realises that she forgot to bring pyjamas. She does not like the idea of sleeping in a bunch of clothes that are Lena’s, and smell like her, and remind her of Lena. That isn’t going to do Kara any good. Kara thinks about saying that she is just going to sleep in her clothes but she’s wearing jeans, that wouldn’t be very practical, or comfortable for that matter.
“Uhhh, yeah thanks.” Kara nods, nervously.
Lena heads upstairs, shooting Kara a smile as she leaves.
“You okay Kara?” Sam asks with a frown.
“Uhhh yeah....” Kara says, not very convincingly.
“Kara, that didn’t sound very convincing. You can talk to me you know.” Sam says with a sincere smile.
“Yeah.... I don’t really want to talk about it.” Kara says.
“Okay, I’ll drop it. If you change your mind let me know. I’m gonna got head upstairs to change as well.” Sam smiles and then heads upstairs.
Sam heads into her bedroom and sees Alex finishing changing.
“Where’s Ruby?” Sam asks.
Alex turns and sees Sam with a smile.
“Oh, she heard Lena come up and she’s in with her.” Alex replies.
“Oh okay.” Sam nods.
Alex notices a frown on Sam’s face.
“What’s up?” Alex asks.
“Uhh nothing. It’s just.... I think Kara might be having an issue with something..” Sam’s says.
It is now Alex’s turn to frown.
“Why? What makes you think that?” Alex asks.
“I’ve just noticed all day she’s been a bit anxious and awkward at times, more so than usual. I just asked her about it and she just told me she doesn’t want to talk about it. So clearly something is bothering her.” Sam explains.
Alex is silent for a moment.
“You don’t think it’s about Lena do you?” Alex asks.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if it is. They did just get back from a trip together.” Sam replies.
“Yeah. Kara hasn’t really been giving me details about what actually happened in Vegas. She just has told me they won and got black out drunk.” Alex says.
“Yeah, Lena hasn’t given any specifics either. She said the same thing, and just said she woke up in bed with Kara in a penthouse suite at the Bellagio.” Sam says.
“Wow! Now Kara did not mention that!” Alex says.
“Yeah. I tried to get information out of Nia, but she told me she’s been sworn to secrecy.” Sam informs Alex.
“That is suspicious. What the hell happened in Vegas?” Alex says with a frown.
“Your guess is as good as mine. But is probably best if we leave it for tonight.” Sam suggests.
“Right.” Alex nods.
“Well I’m going to get changed into my pyjamas. Why don’t you bring Ruby downstairs and show her the fort we’ve made.” Sam smiles.
Alex frowns.
“I was hoping I’d get a little glimpse.” Alex winks.
Sam laughs.
“Oh you’ll see me naked very soon. How about we both take a shower tomorrow morning?” Sam suggests with a smile.
Alex goes wide eyed.
“Now I want to go to sleep quickly.” Alex says eagerly.
Sam laughs and takes Alex in for a kiss.
“I’ll look forward to it my love.” Sam smiles.
Alex goes even more wide eyed upon hearing Sam call her ‘my love’, they haven’t told each other they love each other yet. After a few moments Sam realises what she said.
“Uhhh that just slipped out.... I uhhh..... you don’t have to say anything.... I....” Sam begins nervously.
“I love you.” Alex interrupts.
Now it’s Sam’s turn to go wide eyed.
“I love you. I know we’ve only been dating about three months but I love you. I think I’ve known for a while now. You are amazing Sam. You are so beautiful and kind and just an amazing person, and an even better mother. I feel privileged that you have allowed me to be part of your life.” Alex says as she steps closer to Sam.
“Oh Alex.” Sam says crying.
Alex takes Sam in for a kiss. Sam kisses Alex back before pushing her away. This results in Alex giving Sam a confused look.
“Let me get this out first.” Sam says.
Alex’s nods in response.
“I love you Alex. I love how caring you are and how loyal you are. I love how you interact with my daughter. There are many people out there who would just try to get to my heart through my daughter, with them only spending time with her to appease me. But I can tell that you truly love and care for Ruby. You have no idea how happy that makes my heart. You are the first person since Lena who I feel I can let my walls down and be safe with. You are incredible, beautiful, passionate and remarkably sexy. I love everything about you.” Sam says.
Alex now has tears in her eyes. Sam then takes Alex in for a passionate kiss. The two kiss for a while before they are interrupted by Ruby pushing her way into the room, opening the door that was only partially closed.
“Ruby!” Lena calls out from the landing.
Sam and Alex quickly pull apart. Ruby notices that Alex and Sam were kissing but also sees that they are both crying.
“Is something wrong? You’re both crying.” Ruby asks nervously.
At this comment Lena steps in through the door.
“No, everything’s fine Ruby. These are happy tears. Alex and I just told each other we love one another.” Sam smiles.
Ruby nods, confused, not really understanding.
“Congratulations you guys.” Lena smiles.
“Thanks.” Alex smiles back.
“Right, anyway, you three go downstairs, and I’m getting changed.” Sam orders them, shooing them away.
Alex, Lena and Ruby head downstairs and walk into the living room. Ruby sees the fort for the first time.
“Oh my god!! A blanket fort!!” Ruby yells in excitement.
Kara smiles at Ruby.
“Yep. Your mom said you really liked the fort we made last time, so we’ve made a slightly bigger one for all of us to sleep in. We just need to be very careful that we don’t knock it and cause it to fall down.” Kara says, also directing a look at Lena and Alex.
Lena and Alex nod in response, understanding they have to be careful.
“This is amazing aunt Kara! Thank you!” Ruby smiles as she takes Kara in for a hug.
“You’re welcome little one.” Kara smiles happily, hugging Ruby back.
“Kara, I’ve put some pyjamas for you on my bed.” Lena says.
“Right. I’ll be right back.” Kara smiles and heads upstairs.
A while later the women all get into the fort with a bunch of blankets and pillows. Alex and Sam snuggle together under a shared blanket on one side of the fort. Kara and Lena are on the other side, although they both have their own blankets and are not snuggled together. Kara has just played it off to Lena the she’s a bit hot. Ruby is then in the middle of the two pairs of women with Lena and Sam either side of her.
The group all get comfortable and start their pillow fort sleepover by watching a Disney film on the TV. Just like last time they only get about 10 minutes in before Ruby is fast asleep. Once this happens Sam turns off the TV and the group all fall asleep.
Kara takes her time trying to go to sleep, her heart doing weird jumps just thinking about how she’s laying next to Lena, the women that she is pretty sure she’s hopelessly in love with. Hopelessly in this sense that the romance is hopeless.
The next morning Kara wakes up and feels very comfortable. She feels warm and like she is being hugged from the side. Kara opens her eyes and notices that in her sleep Lena has snuggled over to her and has her arms wrapped around her, with her head on Kara’s chest. This really makes Kara feel bad. She loves it, but also hates it, so much. Her heart feels like it can’t take much more. Kara feels like she is going to have an anxiety or panic attack so she quickly but gently unwraps herself from Lena and gets up. Kara then makes her way through the fort. She notices that Ruby has climbed between Sam and Alex in her sleep. Kara can’t even really process that as she’s just focused on not having a panic attack right now.
Kara gets out of the fort, thankfully without knocking it down. She then makes her way upstairs to the bathroom. Kara goes inside and runs the tap, splashing water on her face. Kara tries with all her might not to break down, but it’s hopeless. Kara then breaks down in tears, her heart hurting so much. Kara cries for a good 10 minutes solid before she is soon interrupted by Alex opening the door, scaring the life out of Kara.
“Kara? What’s the matter? Why are you crying?” Alex asks.
Kara sees so much care in Alex’s eyes that it makes her cry even more. In response Alex just quickly moves over to Kara and takes her in for a hug.
“Oh Kara.” Alex says as she hugs her sister, with Kara sobbing into Alex’s shoulder. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not here. Please can we leave?” Kara basically begs.
“Okay.” Alex nods softly.
Alex just continues to hug Kara for a moment until she gets her breathing and tears under control.
“I’ll drive us back to my apartment and we can talk.” Alex says.
“Okay. Don’t tell....” Kara begins.
“I won’t. I’ll just tell Sam you are not feeling well and I’m taking you home.” Alex says.
“Okay.” Kara nods.
Alex then leads Kara downstairs and gives Kara her car keys so she can get into the car before her. Once Kara has gone out the front door Alex goes back over to the fort and enters. She then kisses Sam on the cheek to wake her up.
“Hmm hello.” Sam smiles.
“Shh, hey. It’s still early, Kara’s not feeling well. I’m going to take her home.” Alex says quietly, trying not to wake Lena or Ruby.
“Oh. Is she okay?” Sam asks, knowing it's not because Kara is ill or anything.
“I don’t know. We’ll talk.” Alex nods.
“Okay. Call me if you need me.” Sam says.
“I will. I’ve got to go now. Too bad about that shower.” Alex comments.
Sam smiles.
“We will have many other showers.” Sam winks and then takes Alex in for quick kiss.
Alex drives Kara back to her own apartment in silence. Alex doesn’t really want to ask Kara what’s wrong and start the whole conversation in the car, nor does she think Kara wants to. Eventually the two make it into Alex’s apartment and Kara settles on the couch in silence. Alex follows her sister and sits right next to her.
“Okay Kara. What’s wrong?” Alex asks as she places a hand on Kara’s leg.
Kara begins crying again, her heart hurting and her emotions overwhelming as she thinks about it again.
“I love Lena.” Kara sobs.
Alex remains silent for a moment.
“Okay.... I need some context. Why does that upset you?” Alex asks.
“Because I love her and there’s no way she feels the same. I don’t want to admit my feeling and lose her.” Kara sobs even more.
“Oh Kara. What brought all this on? Did something happen in Vegas” Alex asks.
Kara nods her head and then sobs for a moment.
“I..... we..... we got drunk...... I don’t remember much...... but.... I remember we were in bed and we...... I told Lena I love her..... and then she said she loved me...... we kissed..... and then I don’t know...... we then almost got married..... Nia stopped us when she found out...” Kara says.
“What?! Married?! That’s insane Kara!” Alex says shocked.
Kara sobs more, that not being helpful from Alex.
“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound like that.” Alex says, now feeling bad. “But if Lena said she loved you too, then surely that’s a good thing?”
“We were drunk. I’m not sure if Lena even remembers it. I mean if she does she hasn’t mentioned in. I don’t know which thought is worse. Because there is no way Lena can love me. She’s told me she doesn’t do romance or relationships. Like what if she just said that as a drunken I love you thing.... I just don’t know..... all I know.... is that night ruined me.... I was happy with Lena until Vegas..... I didn’t know about my feelings..... I was content.... Vegas ruined everything!” Kara says.
Alex sighs.
“Kara, I don’t think it’s Vegas’ fault. I think you’ve had feelings for Lena for a while, you just haven’t realised. I think this was bound to happen eventually. Maybe not in this exact way, but still.” Alex says, “But if it makes you feel any better I’m pretty sure that Lena loves you as well. So is Sam.”
“What?! Sam?” Kara asks, confused.
“Yes. We’ve both spoken about you two. We’re a bit worried that you both won’t realise you are in love, and basically already sort of dating.” Alex says.
Kara sobs again.
“That just makes me feel even worse!” Kara says.
“I know. I’m sorry Kara. But look, I think you need to tell Lena. I’m pretty sure she feels the same. Then if she does you guys can be so happy together, you can put all these tears behind you.” Alex says.
“But..... but what if she doesn’t.... what if I ruin everything..... what if....” Kara says and then sobs even more.
“That’s a risk you’ll have to take. I can’t force you to do anything Kara. I hope you do speak to Lena about it. But just think, will things really be any better if you pretend that everything is okay? All that will do is eat you up inside, and that’s not fair to yourself.” Alex explains.
“I know.” Kara sobs.
Alex takes Kara in for another hug.
“Hey, you can stay here for a while. It’s still pretty early. Why don’t you go back to bed in the spare room. Maybe some more sleep will make you feel better.” Alex suggests.
“Okay.” Kara nods.
Alex then gets up and guides Kara to the spare room.
“Thank you.... Alex.... I love you.” Kara says, tears still running down her face.
“It’s what I’m here for Kara, and I love you too.” Alex smiles taking Kara in for another hug yet again.
Kara nods as they part and heads inside the room.
“You sleep. I’m not going anywhere. Actually, I might take a nap as well.” Alex smiles.
“Okay.” Kara nods.
Alex smiles at Kara and then closes the door. Kara then gets into bed lost in her thoughts. She thinks about her heart and how it feels funny when she thinks about Lena. Let alone how fast it beats when she looks at Lena or imagines all the things they’ve done in bed, or even just the mundane moments like laughing and chatting together. Kara feel so overwhelmed by Lena. Kara then thinks that maybe, just maybe Lena could feel the same way. It gives Kara a small amount of hope which allows her to drift off to sleep.