Earth 40

Kara listened intently all that J’onn was telling her about the relationship between Lena Luthor and Supergirl while she glanzed from time to time to Lena, who was listening silently with a sad smile on.
On Earth-40, Supergirl and Lena Luthor were recently the most famous couple. They were very loved in the country, and specially in National City, where they helped. Kara had her kriptonian powers and Lena had the technology and economical power of her company, L Corp. On the other hand Kara Danvers worked as a journalist at CatCo, and obviously almost anyone knew who she really was.
“Because of that, when Kara wasn’t wearing her Supergirl suit she couldn’t be affectionate towards Miss Luthor in public”. Said J’onn.
“That seems logical” was Kara’s response. “But…How did this come to light?”
“It was Cat who had the idea of showing us as a couple and that way promote our relationship”. Affirmed Lena, who finally broke her silence.
“Cat?” asked a surprised Kara. The Cat she knew was not fond of gossip.
“Yes, Cat Grant herself” assured Lena.
Kara frowned, she didn’t completely understand it. Lena, realizing that proceed to clarify.
“See… on one occasion a photographer caught us kissing, Supergirl and I, I mean… he worked for CatCo Magazine and showed the pictures to Cat Grant. She, instead of publishing them, called me to ask about it, and I told her I was dating Supergirl because I didn’t think that was something bad I had to hide.
“Of course not” added Alex.
After coming out and starting her relationship with Maggie Sawyer, Alex completely backed Kara when the blonde confessed she was falling in love with Lena Luthor. Kara looked at her and smiled, the support between the Danvers sisters was absolute, just like on her own Earth, and she felt a pang of longing then.
“And then Cat Grant asked us to introduce ourselves to the world as a couple” continued Lena “it would be a show of tolerance between humans and aliens, of confidence, of connection, of respect… of love, that could help a lot of people”.
“That’s true” said J’onn “since their relationship was made public, others arose between anonymous humans and aliens that weren’t afraid of being a couple in front of everyone. L Corp also gained confidence, leaving behind its past as Luthor Corp.
“And I suppose Cat wanted the exclusive” noted Kara.
“Well, Cat insisted she named and promoted Supergirl and therefore she deserved to introduced her relationship.
“Yes, that’s like her” admitted Kara.

“Now that you know how was everything before our Kara changed…” J’onn resumed the conversation to avoid further rambling “you’ll have to play both parts, Kara Danvers at CatCo and Supergirl with Lena to end those damned rumors.
“Some people speculated there was a bad breakup between Luthor and Supergirl, and that’s why Supergirl was gone for good” pointed out Alex “Said it was expected of a Luthor”.
“You see, even now some still maintain I’m bad” murmured Lena sadly.
Those ill-intentioned rumors angered Kara. How many good things would have to do Lena Luthor to be free of her brother’s sins?
“Then, do you agree Kara?” inquired J’onn, snapping her out of her thoughts.
“Yes” exclaimed Kara. Knowing about the rumors had convinced her.
“Great, you would just have to fake it up when you are Supergirl and Lena Luthor in public, and you won’t need great displays of affection, you were always very discreet.
“Oh, it would be easy, then” affirmed Kara. Lena happily grinned, that unfamiliar Kara didn’t think a sacrifice to pose as her girlfriend.
“I think if you share some kisses and hold hands it will work” piped Alex “you can’t show yourselves as just good friends, there has to be more. You understand, right Kara?”
“Yes, yes I understand” assured Kara blushing soflty. Lena eyed her and smirked.
“Then we have nothing else to say” sentenced J’onn “Cisco’s invention will remain at the DEO facilities so that Winn can have a look at it, and I’ll contact Cat Grant, inform her of the developments and focus things for the media.
XXXXXX

Lena said she wanted to stop by L Corp before arriving home and Kara accompanied her, after all, the more time she spent with Kara, the more she’ll get to know her and the easier would be to pose as her girlfriend. Lena happily agreed and hoped onto her private helicopter while Kara returned to L Corp flying as Supergirl.

During the short time she spent flying, Kara thought about the differences she encountered in this new Earth, but specially about the one that difference she liked most: that Lena Luthor was respected and loved, while the Lena of her own world still struggled to show her good intentions. The moment she got back she would do everything in her power to make Lena get the recognition and respect she deserved, and she would thank her for her actions against Cadmus and Medusa.

Kara had to wait for a while at Lena’s office balcony. If it wasn’t for her kryptonian nature protecting her from feeling warm and cold like the humans she would have frozen in that winter weather. When Lena stepped into her office and spotted Supergirl at the other side of the glass she hurried to let her in.
“Sorry” she apologized “my helicopter is not as fast as you”.
“Don’t worry”
Kara gifted her with a sincere smile and entered the office. Lena could not keep her eyes off of her, it was like having her girlfriend by her side once again. What a strange sensation. She only averted her eyes when Kara spoke once more.
“I’m curious about that picture” Kara pointed at the frame Lena had hanging at the wall where she appeared together “I noticed it’s the same as the billboards all over the city”.
“It was the cover of CatCo Magazine where we made our relationship official” remembered Lena “the magazine sold so well the city council asked for it to made the billboards of National City… I suppose after your revelation as a superhero our relationship was the most popular thing that happened to this city” Kara eyed the picture intently “What’s wrong?” asked an amused Lena.
“It’s just, I don’t know how I could have posed like that, I’m not good at posing and worse yet with company” confessed.
Lena smiled even more and recalled that day’s memories.

The photographer tried to immortalize them together but Kara couldn’t keep calm and kept looking forced.
“Honey, relax” begged Lena softly “I don’t understand, you have taken pictures for CatCo before”
“But it wasn’t the same Lena, I was alone and now you’re here as well” Lena smiled.
“That makes it more interesting don’t you think?” whispered the brunette suggestively when the photographer inspected his camera. Kara flushed and Lena laughed “I adore you”.
“Don’t laugh Lena! Dressed as Supergirl I shouldn’t appear so…
“Adorable?” suggested Lena, smile still present on her face.
“Well, yes. I should appear soberer” affirmed Kara frowning.
“I like you when you’re all business too…” mumbled Lena into Kara’s ear.
“Lena!” exclaimed Kara, she was starting to be very agitated and regrettably they weren’t alone to act on her impulse and devour her girlfriend. She adored this seductive side of her girlfriend.
“Sorry, if you allow me…” interrupted the photographer “I think the picture should show power, trust and the connection between the two of you.
“And how can we pull that off?” asked Kara, stressed. Lena was giggling again.
“Supergirl, Miss Luthor…” called Cat Grant, entering Lena’s office “Given that this will be the cover of my Magazine, can I make a couple of suggestions?”
“Please” begged a grateful Kara.
One way or another, Cat always ended up helping her in moments of necessity even though they were as silly as this photo op.
After more than twenty minutes of debating possibilities among all except for Kara, they finally took the final photo. Kara was serious and imposing, with a serene and proud expression. Lena grappled her arm, hiding softly behind her, a relaxed gesture on her face and a gentle smile that showed how secure she felt beside her girlfriend.
“It’s perfect” manifested Lena and kissed Kara on the cheek.
“it’s pretty…” said Kara.
“it’s the next best-selling number of CatCo Mag.” Sentenced Cat.

“Lena?” Kara called the brunette for the third time, and finally she shook her head and came back to the present.
“Sorry, my head was in the clouds” Lena turned her attention to Kara “we had help from an expert” added Lena with a smile.
XXXXXX

Alex was puffing out a throwing pillow for Maggie, who was sitting on the sofa.
“Where will Kara spend the night?” asked Maggie.
“I suppose at my sister’s apartment, I lend her the keys” answered Alex, taking a seat beside her girlfriend.
“Don’t you think she will feel uncomfortable there? It’s not her house. Maybe you should have told her to stay here instead.”
“With us?” inquired Alex.
“Sure, we have a spare bedroom.”
“Better not… it’s violent for me” Alex looked away.
“This Kara is innocent, and so are you.”
Alex exhaled and tried to dodge her girlfriend, but Maggie was faster and grabbed the redhead’s face with her hands.
“When will you stop torturing yourself for what happened?” spoke Maggie softly, throwing in a sweet smile.
“It was my duty to take care of my little sister, and I didn’t do it Maggie…” lamented Alex. “And because of that many colleagues were injured, even Lena and you…”
“Alex… I’m fine, and Lena and the others… you stopped her before she killed anyone.”
“But she’s sick and I don’t know how to help her, and you…” Alex got rid of Maggie’s hands and looked at the brunette’s leg and the tangle of iron and wires around it.
“Danvers, on guard!” Maggie exclaimed suddenly.
“What?” Alex became bewildered.
Maggie gave no explanation. She lunged towards Alex and maneuvering over her she immobilized the expert DEO agent holding her arm behind her back and surrounding her neck.
“I what?” inquired Maggie “Were you insinuating I’m not able to kick your ass anymore without breaking a sweat, Danvers?”
“Ok, I got it!” blurted out Alex, trying to get rid of her girlfriend’s grip.
When her girlfriend released her, Alex caught her breath and stared at her lovingly. If it wasn’t for Maggie she probably would have gone mad. Alex Danvers had a hard time knowing she couldn’t do anything to amend things, and that powerlessness was eating away at her.
“I think I’m going to call Kara and tell her to come here” Maggie smiled tilting her head. Alex loved that gesture “but first I have to kiss you”.
This time it was Alex who took Maggie by surprise, framing her face and kissing her impulsively. Maggie didn’t miss a beat and returned the kiss, clutching her neck. Alex leant forward trying not to hurt Maggie’s leg, until she hovered over the brunette. Maggie was still grabbing her neck while Alex’s hands creeped under her shirt. Maggie gasped. Alex smiled feeling powerful.
“Call Kara right now” whispered Maggie trying to catch her breath “because if you wait one more minute I assure you, you won’t…”
Alex laughed against Maggie’s neck.
XXXXXX

“Well, I think we have enough for today” announced Lena tiredly “I should go sleep a little, and you too.”
“Yeah…” replied Kara without looking at her.
“What happens?”
“Alex lent me the keys to her sister’s apartment, but… I think it’s going to be too odd for me…” admitted her soberly.
“You could stay in my apartment if you wanted” offered Lena immediately.
“Huh?” Kara lifted her head and met Lena’s beautiful green eyes. “Are you sure?” Kara hesitated “I don’t want to be a burden; my arrival has altered your lives enough”.
“Absolutely not!” exclaimed Lena “and more after accepting posing as my girlfriend to calm everybody’s mood.”
On the inside, Lena wasn’t sure if inviting Kara home was a good idea. However she looked at her, she was the living image of her girlfriend, exactly like her, and not just physically, but also her way of being. But, maybe because of that she couldn’t avoid it, she wanted to keep her close. Kara made a face considering the Luthor’s offer when her borrowed DEO cellphone rang, it was Alex.

“Yes?”
“Kara, where are you?”
“At L Corp, with Lena.
“I know I gave you the keys to my sister’s apartment but… if you want you can come home, we have a spare bedroom Maggie and I.”
“Sleep at your house?” repeated Kara out loud, as if she wanted to make Lena know. The green-eyed girl looked at her with a smile, but she wasn’t able to hide her disappointment. Kara didn’t need anything else “Thanks Alex, but Lena already offered me her apartment and I think it will be good for me to be seen around there for credibility’s sake, don’t you think?”
Lena looked away but her face showed satisfaction, Kara smiled at her.
“Oh, I didn’t think about that, it’s a great idea” affirmed Alex “I bet Lena’s apartment is larger than ours too.”
Kara listened to Maggie grumble and struggled to hide her laugh. Alex sounded happy and relaxed for the first time since she knew this Earth’s version of her.
“Good night Alex.”
“Good night Kara, and greet Lena for us.”

“You’ll stay with me then?” asked Lena to make everything clear.
“Yes…” Kara lost herself for a moment in her emerald eyes. Did the Lena of her Earth so beautiful and green? “Oh! Alex sends her regards.”
“Alex can be a bit rude but deep down she’s a softie” replied Lena. Kara was surprised for how well she described her sister, it was clear in Earth-40 the fact that they’re sisters-in-law made them know each other very well “Well, do I ask for my helicopter or do we try flying there?” she inquired. Kara tensed a bit at that.
“Well… I suppose we should try to fly together” admitted Kara. If she wanted to be believable she couldn’t be nervous or insecure about having the Luthor in her arms.
“I think the same, but I think I’ll have to guide you, I don’t suppose you know where I live” Kara nodded.

Lena let Kara lift her in her arms. She did that effortlessly and both started to raise above L Corp’s balcony. Then Lena gave Kara directions and the kryptonian started to get moving slowly. Lena grabbed Kara’s neck and buried her face on her golden locks.
“Oh God, you smell just like her”, thought an affected Lena.
“Are you ok?” asked Kara, worried to see Lena so shriveled.
“Yes, sorry” answered Lena raising her head “it’s a habit.”

Lena tried to keep her distance considering she was in Kara’s arms; she didn’t want to make the blonde uncomfortable. She had enough to deal with herself. How to trick her body and make it believe those strong arms weren’t her girlfriend’s? How to avoid her body’s reactions towards that missed contact? She was glad Kara was looking straight ahead because otherwise she would have noticed Lena was starting to blush. And then she remembered Kara didn’t need to look at her to figure out her reactions, she had super senses. She moaned embarrassed and Kara almost missed a beat.

Kara had been convincing herself Lena’s heart rate was due to her fear of flying and even more of flying with someone she wasn’t used with. But that unexpected sound revealed another motive for Lena’s state of being: the strange sensation of a body so familiar and so strange at the same time. She thought it was best to focus on the route and not pay any special attention to Lena, otherwise she would end up scaring her with turbulences. However, her body betrayed her from time to time, and forced her to admit it was nice to feel Lena’s warm body next to her on National City’s nocturnal sky.

To be continued…