Chapter 9
Nate landed the Waverider on a roof, a couple of buildings away from the one Lena and Oliver were supposed to visit, turning the invisible shield on.
Since they were early, Felicity finished Lena’s fake ID as the CEO reviewed the details of their story with Oliver once again.
Kara left them to their tasks and slowly approached her sister who was sorting her guns in her bag. “You did bring the big guns.” She joked.
Alex smiled. “Well you never know what you might need. I’m sad I didn’t bring my alien gun though.”
The blonde chuckled. “You’re very fond of it, aren’t you?
“You have no idea,” The agent smirked. “One of my best discoveries.”
Kara wriggled her hands before taking a deep breath. “So…”
The brunette stopped sorting her guns and looked at her sister, raising her eyebrow. “Yes?”
“Are you ready to leave?” The superhero asked carefully, knowing the upcoming conversation wouldn’t be easy.
“What??” Alex frowned. “Kara you can’t be serious?”
Supergirl sighed. “Alex, we had a deal.”
“But that was before all of this!” The agent protested, fully facing her sister and resting her fists on her hips.
“We can handle it,” Kara reassured her, squeezing her sister’s shoulder. “We have reinforcements since our last confrontation with Savitar and we have a solid plan. Sara and Mick went to get some supplies and the brainiacs are working on the devices. We have it cover.”
“And when the big battle starts, who will have your back?” Alex asked worriedly, she was always there to back up her sister during fights and she didn’t want it to be any different because they were on another earth.
The blonde smiled softly. “All of them.” She paused before confessing. “I already have to worry about Lena, if I have to worry about you getting hurt too, I’ll never be able to step into that pod to help Barry.”
“So Lena can stay?”
“It’s not about who has to leave or who can stay,” Kara sighed wearily, the situation was starting to take a toll on her. “At this point you’d have to knock her out and carry her through the portal to make her leave. I swear this woman is as stubborn as you but…” She sighed again. “I won’t lie, I’m worried about her but it’s Lena, no one can stop her from helping people, that’s just who she is.”
Alex smiled fondly, between Maggie, Lena, Kara and herself, stubbornness was a common trait. “Be your own hero, yeah yeah…”
“And you’re an awesome one.” The superhero nudged her sister playfully.
“So let me help.” The agent said earnestly.
“You did and now it’s time for you to go back to Maggie, to the DEO and be my hero there. I’ve been away for a while and I need to know that you’re taking care of our earth while I’m gone.” The blonde insisted.
The brunette sighed, resolute. She knew Kara was right in a way, she had her own aliens to fight and their little gang had Kara’s back but it was still hard. “I’m not gonna win this one, am I?”
Kara chuckled. “Nope.”
“Fine.” Alex stepped closer and hugged her sister tightly. “You better be safe and come back to me.”
“Always.” Supergirl nodded. “Besides, the potstickers here aren’t really good.”
The brunette laughed. “Take care of Lena too, she’s…”
“I know.” Kara could see the worry in her sister’s eyes and she was grateful for Alex’s protectiveness toward Lena, the two of them had come a long way and it made her really happy.
“Good. I want her back in one piece too, she called me GI Jane,” Alex smirked. “I need her back on our earth to have my revenge.”
Kara shook her head in amusement before nodding in a fake seriousness. “Noted.”
“And if there’s anything you need, you know where to find me, I’ll come right back.”
“Yes.” The younger Danvers knew her sister was worried and was trying to reassure her as much as she could. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Alex hugged her again before moving away to say goodbye to everyone. Once she was done, she approached Lena and guided her out of the ship so they could talk on the roof.
“Ready to go back?” Lena questioned once they were outside.
“Ready yes, willing, not so much…” Alex answered honestly. “But I promised Kara so…” She sighed. “Take care of Kara, okay? And make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.”
“Always.” Lena smiled reassuringly. She could see the woman really didn’t want to leave them so she tried to comfort her by telling her things would be okay, even though they all knew the risks.
“Don’t do anything stupid either,” The brunette looked at her sternly to show she was serious. “You have to take care of yourself too, remember you got stabbed not too long ago.”
“Barely.” Lena waved dismissively before smirking. “And look on the bright side, if anything happens to me here, the lovely AI will make it all better.”
“Lena.” Alex said warningly. “I mean it.”
Lena rolled her eyes. “Fine, I’ll go easy and try to be careful.”
“Don’t try, just be.” The agent hugged her and when she broke the embrace, Kara was standing behind them with a smile. Her sister handed her the travel device and she took it. She pressed the button and the portal opened. “See you on the other side, Luthors.” She winked before jumping in.
Kara chuckled before turning toward Lena, gently taking her hands in hers. “Are you okay?”
The CEO smiled tiredly. “I… I think so. I think I wasn’t expecting to learn so many things during this journey, on top of the technological discoveries.”
The blonde smiled softly. “Do you want to talk about it?”
The raven-head woman shook her head. “Not now… I … we have things to do but when we’re home, I promise.”
Kara hugged her tightly, enjoying the warm and comforting embrace of her lover on the peaceful rooftop.
After a while, Lena asked. “Are you okay?”
“Honestly, I’m exhausted.” The superhero admitted. “I can’t wait to go back home and cuddle on the couch with you, with all the best take out of National City and just relax.”
“Sounds like heaven.” Lena cupped Kara’s cheeks and kissed her softly. “Just hang on a bit longer, the reward will be worth it.” She winked.
Kara chuckled. “I never do things for a reward but I have to admit it helps.” She leaned to capture Lena’s lips again. After a while she reluctantly pulled away. “We should get back inside.”
They took a few steps toward the ship. Lena chuckled as she remembered something about the older Danvers. “You know, Alex asked me to join her and Maggie at the shooting range someday, for I quote ‘a friendly competition.’”
“Oh Rao,” The blonde exclaimed as she stopped walking. “That won’t end well.”
“It’s nice,” Lena confessed. “I mean, I never thought she would want to include me in something like that.”
“She thinks of you as some kind of second sister now, you know, not that she would ever admit it at loud but…”
“It’s weird and sometimes I even surprise myself but I think the same about her and Maggie.” Lena agreed.
“I know, we’re family.” Kara beamed, speaking the words as if there was no other way in the world.
“We’re Family…” Lena breathed out. Alex was right, she might not be able to forget her past but she could make peace with it. She had a family now, people who loved her truly and that was all she needed to know. She moved closer to Kara and pecked her on the lips a few times, the kiss slowly becoming more passionate.
Someone cleared their throat loudly. “I don’t mean to be a cockblock or anything but Felicity is requesting your presence.” Sara was smirking.
“We’ll continue this later.” Lena murmured with glimmering eyes, pecking Kara’s lips one last time before turning to Sara. “We’re coming!”
Sara chuckled. “Oh sorry, hun, I don’t think that’s on the menu for tonight, we have shit to do.”
“Sara!” Kara gasped before blushing brightly.
Sara laughed as she went back inside the ship with the two women in tow.
Lena thought she was in a bad spy-movie, there was just no other way to describe her current situation. Felicity had given her some fake glasses with a hidden camera in it to follow the exchange with the real estate agent and she couldn’t understand why they needed all this equipment. Oliver and her were just supposed to buy a building, not go undercover to reveal the worst scam ever encountered on this Earth. Kara could see and hear them from the ship with her super hearing and X-ray, so the double measure was a bit too much for her. She had tried to argue but they all seemed to think it was a good idea so she decided to play along and get this over with as fast as she could.
The CEO emerged in the main hub in her power suit, ready to go to the meeting. She scanned the room, Kara was clearly giving Oliver instructions, Felicity was making sure the glasses were working, and Sara and Thea were talking together. She guessed Cisco and the others were working on the aliens devices to save as much time as possible.
As Lena walked toward Kara, she caught a glimpse of Sara and Thea’s conversation.
“I really dig this CEO look. But I don’t know which look is hotter, power suit, tactical gear or just casual?” Sara said
“I don’t know about hotter but I think this outfit forces respect.” Thea answered.
“Yeah but the tactical gear gave some vibes…” Sara declared.
Thea raised her eyebrow “Vibes?”
Sara smirked. “Yeah, like ‘I’m gonna torture you and you’re gonna enjoy every second of it’ vibes.”
Thea looked at her in disbelief. “God, you’re a lost cause.”
Lena snorted. “Very classy, Ms. Lance.” She said, not hiding the fact that she had heard their entire conversation.
Sara winked as Thea laughed. The CEO shook her head in amusement before stopping next to Kara. “I’m ready.”
Oliver nodded. “Let’s hope this works.”
“You should know that when it’s business related, I always get what I want.” The raven-haired woman replied proudly.
“Not just when it’s business related, babe.” Kara chuckled. She leaned closer to her fiancée and whispered. “Be careful, and if you need me, just whisper my name, I’ll be there.” She kissed the woman’s cheek.
“I’ll be in my element this time, don’t worry,” Lena reassured. “I’m sure everything is going to be fine.” She whispered ‘I love you’ in Kara’s ear and smiled like she always did when her lover said it back. She kissed Kara’s cheek and turned toward Oliver. “Shall we go, Mr. Mayor.” She asked in a fake reverent manner.
Oliver rolled his eyes. “I hope your acting abilities are better than that.”
Lena simply smirked and pushed her glasses on top of her nose as they walked toward the ship door.
As soon Lena stepped inside the building, Oliver winced beside her. She scanned the place and saw a man in suit and a woman standing in the middle of it.
“I know this woman, it’s Mrs. Powell. Her husband owned several companies around the country.” Oliver whispered. “He died not too long time so she’s probably sorting out his business here and in Star City before moving to a bigger area. She’s not really a threat but she’s annoying and if she’s here, it means she wants as much money as she can get and doesn’t trust the real estate agent.”
The CEO locked eyes with the red-headed woman from afar and smiled courteously before turning to Oliver. “Don’t worry, I eat people like her for breakfast.”
“You shouldn’t underestimate the situation.”
Lena rolled her eyes. “Your faith in me is overwhelming.” She put her smile back when they reached the two people.
“Mr. Queen, how nice to see you.” Mrs. Powell greeted him with a polite smile. “I haven’t seen you since Mrs. Michel’s gala.”
“Mrs. Powell, always a pleasure.” Oliver shook the woman’s hand. “Allow me to introduce you to Ms. Zorel.”
Lena shook her hand in her turn. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Powell.”
“This is my lawyer, Mr. Patterson.” Mrs. Powell introduced him before focusing on Oliver. “I have to admit I was intrigued when I received a call from my estate agent telling me Mr. Queen wanted a tour of this building. Of course, I insisted on taking care of it myself, I wouldn’t want just anybody doing business with you.”
“I’m flattered,” Oliver smiled charmingly. “But I’m sure my secretary told you I’m not the one doing business today. Ms. Zorel would like to invest in Central City and I’m here to help her with that task.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you around?” Mrs. Powell raised in inquisitive eyebrow at Lena.
The CEO opened her mouth to reply but Oliver answered for her before she could even start. “She is from Ireland so that should explain it.”
Lena glared at him before quickly turning around to smile and nodded in confirmation when the woman looked at her. “Yes, I’m indeed Irish and since I don’t know the city very well yet, Mr. Queen recommended this building and a few others that he thinks might suit my needs.”
“Hmmm,” Mrs. Powell looked at her up and down without any discretion. “No offense Ms. Zorel, I have nothing against you but I usually don’t sell to… foreigners.” She looked at Oliver. “Where did you say you two met?”
“We didn’t.” Lena replied quickly.
“It was through a mutual friend.” Oliver offered his answer with another smile.
Mrs. Powell raised an eyebrow. “And do I know this friend?”
“I’m afraid you don’t, Mrs. Powell.” Oliver said.
Lena watched Oliver smile once again and fought the urge to roll her eyes. Clearly the woman was fishing for information to use at her next gala and they didn’t have time to talk in circle if the woman wasn’t ready to sell. She decided to change her approach. “Do you question all your potential buyers this way or is this a special treatment reserved for me for not being from here?” She raised her eyebrow in defiance. “I’m here to offer you a deal. From what I’ve gathered you have close to zero chance to sell this building in the near future. Far be it from me to presume but I’m sure you would like to get rid of this constant reminder of your past failed investment. You are as aware as I am that you can’t allow yourself to be too picky.” Lena paused and locked eyes with the woman before concluding her ‘sales pitch.’ “Now I have an offer to make, are you interested or not?” She smiled politely but her face was hard. She wanted the woman to see that she meant business and wasn’t afraid to leave if she wasn’t serious about selling. It was all a façade, they knew they needed this building and fast but as far as Mrs. Powell knew, they had other buildings to visit.
The red-headed woman stared at her for a while as Lena put her poker face on. After a moment, she spoke. “I’m sorry dear, I didn’t mean to offend you. I am interested but I just want to make sure you can be trusted.”
“If that’s what’s bothering you, Mr. Queen can vouch for me.” The CEO stated, touching Oliver’s arm and squeezing it to show the woman that they were somehow ‘close’.
“Oh, you would do such a thing for the friend of a friend?” Mrs. Powell questioned Oliver, the hint of a smile on her lips as she noticed the gesture.
Lena sighed, Oliver was right, this woman was a pain. It was clear their plan wasn’t going as smoothly as they expected. She glanced at Oliver who seemed to think the same. She saw him brush his eyebrow twice with his finger, a sign they had agreed on to signal the other of a change of plan.
Oliver sighed. “I think we’ve been made, honey, we should tell the truth.”
“Wha…” The CEO prided herself on having a good poker face but to say she was surprised by his words would be an understatement. It wasn’t part of ANY plan. She tried to compose herself quickly and cleared her throat, smoothing her skirt. “Is it wise?” She said hesitantly. It was uncharted territory for her. They hadn’t discussed this possibility, what was she supposed to do, be all over him? She shuddered at the thought.
“Come on pumpkin, don’t be shy.” Oliver offered a smile and reached out to grab her hand.
Lena took his hand and approached slowly, jaw tight despite the smile plastered on her face. She was aware of the woman’s eyes on her and couldn’t glare at Oliver for the pet name. “I just don’t want to ruin things before the official announcement.” She stated after a moment, it sounded like the safest answer she could come up with. She felt Oliver’s hand move from her hand to rest on her lower back. She knew he was just playing the part but there was only so much a woman could take. “I don’t particularly look forward to the public eye on me.” She kept talking as she discreetly slid her hand behind, twisting Oliver’s finger before lifting his hand off her back. She leaned in to whisper to him. “If your hand wanders again, I’ll crush it with my stilettos and trust me I’ll take good pleasure in doing it.” She kept her head on his shoulder to keep up the appearance and tried not to cough at the strong smell of his cologne. She was missing Kara’s nice perfume so much right now. She was a lady lover for goodness’s sake, why did she always end with men copping a feel at galas or whatnot. She knew Oliver was respectful but she was losing patience and this little last minute idea was not welcome. She was pretty sure their friends were having fun watching the scene right now through her glasses, everyone except for Kara.
Oliver smiled through gritted teeth. “We didn’t meet through mutual friends, I travelled to Europe and met this feisty one and it was, wow, love at first sight.”
“That sounds more like you.” Mrs. Powell smiled, proud to have discovered the truth that wasn’t even one. “Isn’t he charming?”
“Mmmm,” Lena was grateful the woman was oblivious and clearly just wanted to hear the new gossip. “Oliver is… definitely my type, blond, blue eyes, strong arms …” But not the right chromosome, she did not add. She patted his chest and leaned a bit closer for the show. Mick was right, the things you had to do for the greater good. At least the description fitted Kara too. She smiled at the thought.
“I didn’t peg you for a romantic Mr. Queen but wow what a ring!” Mrs. Powell grabbed Lena’s hand before she could react.
Lena kicked herself, she had forgotten to remove her engagement ring and it was probably why this annoying woman was trying to know if they were a thing. She took her hand back, trying not to be too abrupt. Now she had to make sure the woman would keep quiet. They had created a fake ID to keep Barry out of the spotlight but now Oliver was in it. “Please don’t tell anyone, we want to keep this a secret until I start my company here. I wouldn’t want people to think I’m with Oliver for his name.”
“Of course, I’ll be as silent as a tomb.” Mrs. Powell smirked before looking at her watch. “Well as pleasant as this is, I have matters to attend to. My lawyer is staying to discuss your offer and if I agree, he will call you in the next few days.”
“Hum…Mrs. Powell.” Oliver looked at Lena when he saw that she was starting to leave.
“Actually,” The CEO rushed to continue, stepping away from Oliver. “I am supposed to go back to Ireland soon for business, I’m sure you know what it’s like. I was thinking perhaps we could close the deal tonight.” She smiled.
“Tonight? I don’t know,” The red-headed woman frowned, clearly hesitant. “It’s not really the standard procedure, there is all this paperwork…”
“Would a couple hundred thousand help your rethink the matter?” Lena raised her eyebrow.
The woman hummed as she mused then smiled. “Make it four and you have a deal.” She offered her hand.
Lena shook her hand. At least that part was easy. She hoped Felicity could quickly gather more money. “Then we have a deal and I’ll pay the price you’re asking for this building.”
Mrs. Power turned toward Oliver. “Mr. Queen, why are you standing so far from your fiancée? You should congratulate her, she just made a deal.” She smiled almost dangerously.
“She just likes to do things her way.” Oliver side hugged Lena and when he saw Mrs. Powell stare expectantly, he resigned himself and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Congratulations, pumpkin.”
Lena wasn’t expecting the kiss and a noise that sounded like a mix of chocking and coughing escaped her throat.
Mrs. Powell stared at her. “Is there something wrong, dear?”
Lena cleared her throat. “No, nothing is wrong. I just remembered I have an early conference call tomorrow, I completely forgot.” She looked at Oliver pointedly. “You should have said something, honey.” She used the term of endearment like a warning.
“Right,” The red-headed woman nodded curtly. “Well I leave you two with Mr. Patterson. It was a pleasure to do business with you, Ms. Zorel.”
Lena shook her hand again. “Likewise.” She smiled politely.
“Mrs. Powell.” Oliver leaned closer to the woman as he took her hand. “We were serious about keeping this conversation between us. I would hate for a rumor to start circulate about how eager you are to use your husband’s money so soon after his death.”
Lena was close enough to hear his comment. She was rarely surprised by people but she had to admit his barely subtle threat was impressive.
Mrs. Powell stared at Oliver, gauging if he was serious or not before nodding. “Fine, let’s say I wasn’t here and Mr. Patterson took care of this.” She nodded her goodbye and once she was away, Lena and Oliver took care of the paperwork with the lawyer.
As soon as Mr. Patterson left, Lena punched Oliver in the arm. The last time she had done such a thing had been with Lex when she was in college and he had annoyed her to no end. She had gained control of her feelings since but she didn’t like to be blindsided. “Why on earth did you do that exactly?”
Oliver glanced at his arm with a frown before looking at Lena. “She knew I wouldn’t vouch just for anybody so when I saw her stare at your hand on my arm, I gave her what she wanted to hear.”
The CEO stared at him incredulously. “Because us being engaged is more plausible than you helping a friend?”
“Well I used to be a playboy and you’re wearing an engagement ring.” The man shrugged.
“F*kin eegit …” The raven-haired woman growled in Irish.
“What?”
“Nothing...” Lena sighed tiredly, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I know this type of woman, you better hope she took your threat seriously or the news about us will be all over town by tomorrow. Now, if the coast is clear can we call everyone? I need to see my real fiancée alone so I can forget about all this.”
Oliver frowned. “I’d like to avoid those type of images.”
“And I’d like to remove the smell of your cologne, I guess we both want different things right now.” She snapped despite herself but to her surprise, Oliver chuckled. “What’s so funny?”
“Did you just insult me in Irish?”
“It’s nothing too bad.” Lena replied almost embarrassed. It just slipped out.
He shook his head amused. “Do you think Kara is going to be mad?”
This time it was the CEO who chuckled. “Very.” She smirked.
When it was clear, the team brought the ship inside the building. As soon as they stepped out of the Waverider, Lena and Oliver noticed everyone was laughing. They definitely had enjoyed the show, except for Kara who clearly wasn’t amused.
“Congratulation pumpkin, you got us the building.” Sara announced laughing.
Lena and Oliver growled at the time. “I swear I didn’t know he would do that.” Lena quickly said when she saw Kara approach her.
“I know,” The blonde pulled Lena close to her and kissed her longingly, only parting when they were both breathless, ignoring the whistling around them. “I’m proud of you, you handled this perfectly so never let anyone tell you you don’t deserve to be CEO.” She pecked Lena’s lips again before turning to Oliver.
Oliver rolled his eyes. “Let me guess, you want to melt my face off?”
Supergirl gave him a pinched smile. “Oh you have no idea…”
“Sorry but it did the job.” Oliver declared.
Lena bit her lower lip. “You’re hot when you’re jealous.” She took Kara’s hand. “Come on.” She ignored everyone as she dragged her toward the ship.
“Where are we going?” Kara followed her confused. “Aren’t we supposed to help unpack and all?”
“Our room and I’m sure they can survive without us for an hour.”
Sara noticed them and whistled. “Have fun ladies.”
The superhero turned around and blushed. “It’s not what you think, we’re just… tired.”
Sara snorted. “As if.”
Lena didn’t care if they were teased or even that they should be helping; she just needed to be close to Kara for a few moments.