You’re sitting under a park reading a book while you listened to music, failing to see a little girl in front of you trying to get your attention. That is until she walks over and gets your headphones off.
Looking up, you see a little girl with the prettiest eyes you had ever seen. “You better be a vampire asking me to get you out of the sun, kid” you say to the girl while placing your book down. Her skin was pale and her dark black hair fell down to her shoulders. She reminded you more of a pretty porcelain doll.
The little girl pouted and crossed her arms. “I’m not a vampire, I’m 5” Kneeling down, she sat back on her legs as she looked at you studying you closely.
“Oh, and a vampire can’t be 5?”
“No, vampires are old”
“Ah, my apologies, I forgot that being old was the number one rule of being a vampire” You tease as she tilts her head to her side and you follow suit.
She huffs and gets up straightening up your head before walking back and seating down before nodded. “yes, you’ll do”
“I’ll do what?”
She ignores your question and your confusion as she reaches into her pocket. “how much do you cost?”
“…my nana told me about kids like you, you want to buy my soul don’t you?”
“No, I want to buy you as a gift” She started to pull out dollar bills from her pocket.
Letting out a small breath you look at the money that she places between the two of you, there was exactly $3.25 there. “You want to buy me as a gift? For who?”
“For my mommy” She answers as she uncrumples the dollar bills and starts to place them neatly down.
You study the girl closely trying to figure her out. What kind of kid just tried to buy a random person at the park? “Don’t tell me, your mommy needs someone to help her out with the chores so you can spend more time with you?”
“No, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday, and she said she wanted to spend the whole day with the prettiest girl in the world.” She answers as she looks up at you giving you the most innocent look that made your heart melt for a moment. How was it possible there was such an adorable child on earth?
You hold back a laugh at that, as you knew what her mother had meant, but you wanted to see where this would go. “and that’s me?”
She shook her head. “No, My mommy is the prettiest girl in the world, so she’ll have to settle for you”
“..first of all, ouch, you really know how to knock someone down, don’t you?” You tease as you lean back against the tree.
“Well, it’s true. My mommy is the prettiest ever, she’s also the smartest person ever and the kindest too”
You lean forward, folding your arms as you glance down at the crumpled dollar bills on the ground. "Alright, so let me get this straight—you’re buying me as a gift because your mom said she wanted to spend the day with the prettiest girl in the world?"
The little girl nods, her dark eyes sparkling with determination. "Uh-huh. But since she's the prettiest, I thought you could be second place."
You can't help but chuckle at the matter-of-fact way she says it. "Second place? You really know how to boost a person's self-esteem"
She grins, clearly enjoying the banter. "Yup! You’re welcome."
"Wow, thanks, kid. I’ve never been so flattered and insulted at the same time." You watch as she carefully straightens the last crumpled dollar bill, clearly proud of her offering. "You’re really selling me on this deal with your huge fortune here. What’s the going rate for people these days—three dollars and a quarter?"
She giggles and shrugs. "It’s all I got. But I can do more chores and save up! I’m really good at it."
"Well, that’s good to know, in case I need a personal banker or something." You sit cross-legged in front of her, matching her posture. "But what’s your name, little boss lady? I need to know who I’m doing business with."
"Evie," she replies brightly, her eyes gleaming. "What’s your name?"
You pause for a moment, considering giving a sarcastic response, but something about her earnestness makes you settle on the truth telling her your name.
Evie tilts her head thoughtfully. "That’s a funny name."
"Hey, I didn’t pick it. Besides, you’re the one trying to buy people in parks. I think we both have our quirks." You gesture to the dollar bills. "So, Evie, what’s the plan after I’ve been purchased? Do I have to wear a bow or something?"
She taps her chin like she’s really considering it. "Maybe! But mostly, I think you just have to hang out with my mommy and be nice to her. She’s really busy a lot, and I want her to smile more."
The sweetness of her words catches you off guard, and for a moment, you feel your usual sarcastic armor crack. "Your mom sounds pretty special."
"She is," Evie says with absolute certainty. "She makes everything better. Even when she’s sad, she doesn’t let me know. But I can tell sometimes." She frowns a little, the first shadow crossing her sunny face.
You feel a pang of empathy for the little girl. "Yeah? Moms can be like that. Always trying to protect you, even when they don’t have to."
Evie nods solemnly before brightening up again. "That’s why I need to get her the best present ever!"
"Well, you’re definitely committed to the cause," you say with a grin. "But buying people as gifts is kind of illegal, you know. I don’t think your mom wants you to go to jail for human trafficking."
Evie’s eyes widen dramatically. "Is it really illegal?!"
"Super illegal. But don’t worry, I won’t tell. You seem like a first-time offender." You wink at her, and she bursts into laughter.
"So I can’t buy you?" she asks between giggles, still trying to play along.
"Nope. But I’ll tell you what—I’ll throw in my services for free this time, as long as you promise not to get arrested, deal?"
Evie beams. "Deal! You can hang out with us for my mom’s birthday!"
"Sounds like a plan." You lean back on your hands, smiling as you watch her scramble to pick up the dollar bills and stuff them back into her pocket.
“ you know… Evie, you seem pretty smart for a five-year-old. What’s your story?"
She hesitates, her tiny hands fiddling with her pockets, before answering, "I grew up at this big house with lots of other kids. But then my mommy picked me, and now I have my own room and toys! And I don’t have to share all the time."
"Ah, so you got adopted recently?" You raise an eyebrow. "That’s a big deal. Bet your mom feels pretty lucky to have found you."
Evie blushes a little. "She says that all the time. But I think I’m the lucky one. She’s super busy, but she makes time for me, even when she works a lot."
"Well, it sounds like she’s got her priorities straight." You look at her thoughtfully. "And she’s gonna love whatever gift you get her, even if it’s not a random person from the park."
Evie’s lips curl into a mischievous smile. "I’m still gonna try to give you to her. She’ll like you."
"Yeah? Why’s that?"
"‘Cause you make me laugh," she says simply. Then she grins wider. "And you’re pretty too—just not as pretty as her."
You laugh, shaking your head. "You’re something else, you know that?"
Evie stands up and puts her tiny hands on her hips. "I know! That’s why I’m gonna be just like my mommy when I grow up. I’ll be smart and run a company and make people do what I say."
"Oh, you’re gonna be a boss lady, huh?"
"Yup! Just like her!" Evie says proudly, and for the first time, you start to wonder just who her mother is.
But for now, you let it slide, leaning forward and lowering your voice as if you’re sharing a secret. "Well, boss lady, if you ever need help with that company of yours, you know where to find me."
Evie giggles, clearly enjoying your playful attitude. "Okay! You’re hired."
"That’s probably the only way you can legally buy people, paying them by the hour”
She groans. “so I’ll have to pay them three whole dollars every hour?”
Not able to hold back a laugh you hold your stomach at that. “You’re a billionaire in the making, already trying to pay someone three dollars an hour”
“That’s a lot of money!”
You finally catch your breath from laughing, wiping away an imaginary tear. "I’m telling you, kid, with that attitude, you’ll be richer than your mom in no time."
Evie puffs out her chest, proud of her three-dollar-an-hour business model. "Good! Then I can buy all the presents for her."
You smirk, still amused by her logic. "Well, if that’s your plan, you might want to start saving now. Pretty sure people cost a little more than a sandwich."
She tilts her head, frowning as if doing serious math in her head. "Okay, I’ll pay you five dollars."
"Wow, I’m moving up in the world," you say with mock enthusiasm. "But honestly, Evie, you don’t need to buy anyone to make your mom happy. I’m sure whatever you come up with will be special."
Evie scrunches her face in thought, then suddenly brightens up. "You can help me! You’re funny, and you make me laugh—maybe you can make her laugh too!"
"Is that part of the deal now? I have to be a stand-up comedian for your mom?"
"Yup!" Evie says with a nod, completely serious. "She doesn’t laugh enough. But when she does, it’s the best."
Your heart softens at the genuine concern in Evie’s voice. It’s clear this kid loves her mother deeply, and you start to feel a strange tug in your chest, something unfamiliar. "Alright, alright," you say, raising your hands in mock surrender. "I’ll help. But no buying people, okay?"
Evie grins widely. "Okay! But you still have to hang out with us for her birthday."
"I’ll be there," you agree, then add with a teasing smile, "For the low, low price of free."
She laughs, bouncing on her toes. "Yay! Mommy’s gonna be so surprised!"
"Surprised, huh?" You raise an eyebrow, wondering just who her mother is. But before you can ask, you hear a familiar voice call out from the distance.
"Evie! Time to go!"
Evie’s face lights up, and she waves enthusiastically toward the approaching figure. You squint slightly, the sun casting a glare across the park, and then you see her.
Lena Freaking Luthor. It was impossible to not know Lena Luthor given how much she was on the news. Not always for good things, but hey, with a face that pretty, she could pay you three dollars an hour and ask you to do anything she wanted.
Evie bounces over to Lena, tugging her hand toward you. "Mommy! I found the perfect present for you!"
Lena’s gaze flickers toward you, her expression unreadable for a moment before she arches a brow. "Oh? And what might that be?"
You stand up, brushing off the grass from your pants, suddenly feeling a bit awkward under Lena’s piercing gaze. "Uh, yeah, about that—Evie’s been trying to buy people in the park. You might want to have a chat about human trafficking laws, you know, the normal stuff for a 5 year old"
Lena’s lips quirk into a small smile as she looks down at Evie. "Is that so?"
Evie pouts, tugging on her mom’s hand. "But she’s funny, and I thought she’d make you smile."
Lena kneels down, brushing a strand of hair from Evie’s face with such tenderness that it almost makes your chest ache. "You already make me smile, sweetheart. You don’t need to find anyone else for that."
Evie beams, clearly delighted with her mother’s response, but still adds, "But she’s really good at it!"
Lena glances up at you, her smile growing slightly wider. "Well, then. Maybe we should invite her to the party. What do you think?"
You fold your arms, giving Lena a sly smile. "I don’t know. I don’t come cheap. Evie was trying to pay me three dollars an hour. I don’t know how you could beat that”
Lena chuckles softly, her eyes glinting with amusement. "That’s a little high, don’t you think?"
"Tell me about it, I’m going to put a down payment for my house with that kind of money" you reply, grinning.
Lena stands, her eyes holding yours for a moment longer than necessary, before turning to Evie. "How about we let our new friend decide if they’d like to come?"
Evie looks between you and Lena, her eyes wide with hope. "Will you come? Pleeease?"
You can’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. "Alright, kid. I’ll come."
Evie jumps up and down, clapping her hands. "Yay!"
Lena looks at you, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "I guess we’ll see you at the party then."
“So should I expect your butler to drop by the invitation? Or will it be delivered by a golden drone?” You tease.
Lena chuckles, her gaze warm but sharp as she meets your teasing grin. "No butlers or drones, I’m afraid. Just a simple invitation—though I could make an exception for Evie’s gift, if you’d prefer something more dramatic."
You laugh, shaking your head. "I’m good with simple. I’d hate to set the bar too high for my future three-dollar-an-hour gigs."
Lena raises an eyebrow, her smile never quite fading. "We'll be sure to negotiate that rate later." She glances down at Evie, who is still bouncing with excitement. "For now, I suppose you'll be joining us for my birthday. Evie can be quite... persuasive."
"Yeah, I’m starting to see that," you say, your voice light but your attention split between Lena and the little girl clinging to her. There’s an undeniable warmth between them, a bond that pulls at something deep inside of you. Lena’s public persona—calculated, formidable—seems to melt away in Evie’s presence, and you wonder how often anyone gets to see this side of her.
Lena straightens, adjusting her grip on Evie’s hand. "We’ll see you on Saturday, then?"
"Saturday works," you reply, your grin easy. "I’ll bring my best jokes. Wouldn’t want to disappoint the birthday girl."
Lena’s expression softens, and there’s something almost playful in the way her eyes linger on you. "I’m looking forward to seeing how well you can perform under pressure."
"Careful, Luthor," you tease. "You might be setting yourself up for disappointment."
Her gaze flickers with something unreadable before she tilts her head slightly, as if studying you more closely. "Somehow, I doubt that."
There’s a beat of silence, charged with the kind of tension you can’t quite put your finger on. Before you can overthink it, Evie tugs on Lena’s hand. "Mommy, can we get ice cream now?"
Lena breaks her gaze away from you, smiling down at Evie. "Ice cream it is.”
“You should keep an eye on her, she might try to buy the ice cream boy” You tease Evie with a playful smile on your lips.
Evie giggles, nodding enthusiastically. "Okay, I won’t! But only I already have the best present!”
You snort, shaking your head. "Good to know I beat the ice cream boy, and that I’m off the market. I’m a hot commodity it seems"
Lena’s lips twitch into a smirk as she looks back at you. "For now."
There’s something in the way she says it, something that sends a spark of curiosity—and maybe something else—skittering up your spine. You don’t have time to dwell on it before Lena gestures toward Evie. "Shall we?"
You nod, offering a small wave to Evie. "See you soon, kiddo. Try not to cause too much trouble until then."
Evie grins, waving back as she and Lena begin to walk away. But just before they’re out of earshot, Lena glances over her shoulder, her eyes locking with yours one last time. "See you Saturday."
On Saturday, you arrive at Lena’s penthouse, the air warm with early autumn sunshine. The upscale neighborhood oozes wealth, but somehow it doesn’t feel too pretentious—likely because it’s Lena. You take a deep breath, glancing at the small gift in your hand before heading toward the entrance.
Before you can knock, the door swings open, and you’re immediately greeted by a small, excited bundle of energy.
"You're here!" Evie squeals, practically launching herself at you. Her arms wrap around your legs, hugging you tight as she beams up at you. "I was so worried you wouldn’t come!"
You chuckle, ruffling her hair. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world, kid. What kind of birthday guest would I be if I skipped out?"
Evie bounces on her toes, her excitement infectious. "Come on, come on! I want to show you everything!"
Lena appears in the doorway a moment later, looking effortlessly stunning despite the casual setting. She’s dressed in a sleek black dress, understated yet elegant. The kind of outfit that says she’s ready to relax but still exudes her signature poise.
"Evie, give her a second to breathe," Lena says, smiling as she watches the interaction between the two of you.
"It’s fine," you reply, grinning at Lena. "I’ve got plenty of energy to keep up."
Lena’s lips quirk into a smile. "Well, I’m glad you made it."
Evie tugs on your hand, practically dragging you inside. "I want to show you my room! And the decorations! And the cake!" She’s talking a mile a minute, and you can’t help but laugh, allowing yourself to be pulled along.
"You’ve got quite the party planner on your hands," you say to Lena over your shoulder, your tone teasing.
Lena follows, a soft laugh escaping her. "She’s been excited all week. I think she’s more enthusiastic about the party than I am."
You’re led into the living room, where the decorations are simple but elegant—streamers in muted tones, tasteful floral arrangements, and a beautifully laid-out dining area. It's clear that while Lena’s wealth is undeniable, she values subtlety and taste over excess.
Evie points out every little detail with pride. "Mommy said I could pick the flowers! And the cake is chocolate because that’s her favorite!"
"Sounds like you’re a professional party planner in the making," you say, genuinely impressed. "Everything looks amazing."
Evie beams, thrilled by the compliment, but then she narrows her eyes in mock seriousness. "But you have to promise to help make her laugh today."
You exchange a glance with Lena, who rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "I’ll do my best, but I have a feeling you’ll be handling most of that."
Evie gives a determined nod, clearly satisfied with the plan.
As the day unfolds, it’s filled with laughter, light-hearted moments, and a warmth that feels almost foreign in a home as grand as Lena’s. Evie insists you play party games with her and Lena, and soon you find yourself caught up in rounds of charades, where both mother and daughter are surprisingly competitive.
"Okay, okay, this one’s tough," you say, pulling an absurd pose to act out a clue, making both Evie and Lena burst into laughter.
Lena’s laugh is rare—low and genuine. You find yourself momentarily mesmerized by it, realizing that Evie was right: when Lena laughs, it really is the best.
As the sun starts to set and the party winds down, Lena’s more relaxed than you’ve ever seen her. The tension that usually surrounds her seems to have melted away, and the way she interacts with Evie is nothing short of heartwarming.
"You did good today," Lena says softly, as Evie runs off to grab a party favor for you. "She’s happier than I’ve seen her in a while."
"Just doing my part,"
"Well, for what it’s worth, thank you."
"Here! I made this for you!"
You blink, genuinely surprised. "For me? But it’s not my birthday."
Evie grins up at you, full of mischief. "It’s a thank you for making Mommy happy."
You glance at Lena, who looks just as surprised as you, but there’s a softness in her expression that she doesn’t try to hide this time.
"Well," you say, kneeling down to Evie’s height. "I guess I’ll just have to treasure it, then. Thanks, kiddo."
Evie beams, clearly satisfied with herself, before scampering off to grab another slice of cake.
Lena steps closer, her voice low as she speaks just for you. "She’s not the only one who’s grateful.” She places down her drink. “So, you’ll be staying… for the after party, right?”
You nearly choke on your drink at that as you were pretty sure that meant something different. “After party? “
Lena laughs at that and shakes her head. “It’s the party my friends are throwing me, this is the party Evie organized with me because she wanted a party just for the two of us and her present”
“I’m glad I made it to the exclusive party then” You smile as you sat back. “And sure, I can stay around for the after party, I have never said no to free drinks and food, besides, your daughter bought me as a birthday present for you for like three dollars, so I’m pretty sure that means I have to do whatever the birthday girl says.”
Lena smiles and nods. The three of you spend some more time together, until Evie falls asleep and Lena takes her to bed. The two of you leave after a bit as Lena had one of the maids watching after Evie while the two of you went off.
You and Lena arrive at the after-party, hosted at a swanky rooftop bar downtown. The atmosphere is much different from the intimate setting you just left. Here, the energy is alive—ambient lights strung up around the terrace, music thrumming through the air, and the city skyline glittering in the background. A few of Lena’s friends have already gathered, their laughter and chatter creating a light buzz.
Lena leads the way, her hand casually brushing against your arm as you both walk in.
As you enter the rooftop space, you spot familiar faces in the crowd. Kara is the first to notice you both, waving energetically with that signature smile that could light up a room. Beside her stands Alex, arms crossed but with a smirk that softens her tough exterior. James, Sam, and Andrea are also present, deep in conversation by the bar.
“Hey, you finally made it!” Kara says as she approaches, her tone playful but welcoming.
“Had to wrap up Evie’s party first,” Lena responds with a smile, still a bit of softness in her voice when she mentions her daughter.
Kara’s eyes flick from Lena to you, a slight twinkle of curiosity in her gaze. “I hear Evie had a pretty great party planner,” she says, her eyebrow raised in your direction.
“Evie’s the mastermind,” you reply, hands raised in mock surrender. “I was just hired help—for a generous three dollars an hour.”
Kara laughs, and Alex, standing nearby, shakes her head, a grin playing on her lips. “Well, you’re lucky Lena didn’t try to rope you into this party’s planning committee,” Alex quips. “That’s a full-time job.”
“Don’t give her any ideas,” you say, giving Lena a playful side-eye, though you’re pretty sure she’s already considering it. “They’re really getting their money’s worth”
Before Lena can retort, James and Sam join the group, with Andrea following behind them. The rooftop has filled out now, with more people arriving, drinks in hand, and the music growing louder.
“Happy birthday, Lena,” James says, pulling her into a friendly hug. “It’s good to see you out of the office for once.”
“Even I need to take a break every now and then,” Lena replies, her expression lighter, though her sharp eyes never lose their focus.
Sam gives her a more heartfelt embrace, leaning in close. “You deserve this. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.”
Lena smiles at Sam, clearly appreciating the sentiment, and for a moment, you see the depth of their friendship. They share a history that goes beyond the surface, something built on trust and loyalty.
“You two staying close to Lena’s side, then?” Andrea jokes as she approaches, nudging both you and Kara. “I see you’ve formed the official ‘keep Lena out of trouble’ squad.”
Kara laughs, shaking her head. “You know Lena. Trouble usually finds her, no matter what.”
Lena arches an eyebrow at the group, the corner of her mouth quirking into a half-smile. “Are you saying I’m difficult to handle?”
“More like impossible,” Alex chimes in with a grin.
The conversation continues, light-hearted and full of playful teasing, with Lena at the center of it all. But every now and then, you catch her glancing your way, her eyes holding yours for just a little too long before she looks away again.
As the evening progresses, drinks flow freely, and the rooftop grows more crowded with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. You find yourself at the bar with James, ordering another round of drinks. He gives you a sidelong glance, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.
“You seem to be staying close to Lena,” James comments, handing you one of the drinks.
You shrug, trying to play it cool. “She’s good company.”
James smiles knowingly, though he doesn’t press further. “Just... be careful with Lena,” he says, his tone softening. “She’s been through a lot. More than most people realize.
As you rejoin the group, you notice Kara and Alex deep in conversation with J’onn, who has arrived, his usual calm presence grounding the room. Lena is off to the side, talking to Andrea and Sam, though her gaze flickers to you now and then.
Eventually, you find yourself alone with her again, standing at the edge of the rooftop, the city lights reflecting in her eyes. The noise of the party feels distant, as if it’s just the two of you up here.
“Having a good time?” you ask, leaning against the railing.
Lena turns to you, her expression softer than before. “I am. It’s... nice, being surrounded by people who care.”
There’s a moment of silence between you, the unspoken weight of her words hanging in the air. You know she doesn’t let her guard down easily, and the fact that she’s even acknowledging this means something.
“You deserve it,” you say, your voice quieter now. “You deserve people who care.”
Lena looks at you, her eyes searching yours for a moment before she glances down, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Thank you... for today. For being there with Evie. She adores you, you know.”
You chuckle softly. “She’s a good kid. She’s got a pretty great mom too.”
Lena’s smile grows, but there’s something else in her expression now—something more vulnerable, more open. “You’re... more important to her than you realize. She seems to think the world of you already”
Before you can respond, the door to the rooftop swings open, and Kara appears, grinning as she calls out, “Hey! We’re about to do a toast! You two coming?”
You and Lena share a glance, the moment suspended in the air, before Lena nods. “We’ll be right there.”
A few months have passed since Lena’s birthday party, and the closeness between you, Lena, and Evie has only grown stronger. You’ve become part of their lives in a way that feels both effortless and comforting. Dinners together have become a frequent occurrence, whether it’s at Lena’s apartment or at a cozy restaurant. Trips to the park are now routine, with Evie running ahead, her laughter filling the air, while you and Lena follow close behind. You’ve even taken them out on more adventurous activities—hiking through nature trails, kayaking on the lake, and lounging on the beach as the sun sets.
As you spend more time together, you’ve noticed that protective instinct in you growing. Not just for Lena, but for Evie too. You can’t quite shake the feeling that someone is always lurking, watching. It’s subtle—just a glimpse of a shadow or a figure out of the corner of your eye. But it’s not one of Lena’s friends, and the few times you’ve discreetly tried to follow the figure, they’ve disappeared before you could get close.
One evening, while you’re out with Kara and Alex, they mention that Lena’s often been a target because of her company and her family name. It’s not news to you, but the way Alex says it, with that steely edge in her voice, makes it feel more immediate, more real. "She’s been dodging threats for years," Alex had said. "But lately, it’s been worse. More coordinated. More dangerous."
Your protective instinct goes on high alert after that conversation, and you start paying even closer attention, never letting Lena and Evie out of your sight when you’re with them.
Today, the three of you are getting ice cream from a small cart parked near the corner by the park. Evie’s eyes light up as she orders her favorite flavor, her excitement contagious. You and Lena exchange a glance, sharing a soft smile as the vendor hands Evie her cone.
Just as you’re paying for the ice cream, you sense something’s wrong. The feeling is immediate, visceral. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a figure approaching quickly. Before you can react, they grab Evie, their movements swift and calculated.
"Evie!" Lena’s voice cracks with panic, but before either of you can reach her, the figure is already sprinting toward a waiting car.
Without a second thought, you take off after them, your heart pounding as you hear Lena’s footsteps right behind you. The car door slams shut, the engine revving as they prepare to speed off. But you’re faster. You push yourself harder, lungs burning as you close the distance. Just as the car starts to accelerate, you leap onto the back, grabbing onto the trunk with all your strength.
The car swerves, the driver trying to shake you off, but you refuse to let go. You dig your fingers into the metal, holding on tight as the wind whips past your face. Lena’s voice fades behind you as the car picks up speed, but your focus is laser-sharp on one thing—getting Evie back.
You manage to pull yourself onto the roof of the car, your body balancing precariously as it barrels down the road. Through the rear window, you catch a glimpse of Evie in the backseat, her wide eyes full of fear as the kidnappers argue amongst themselves.
With a surge of adrenaline, you smash your fist into the back window, shattering the glass. The car swerves again, but you manage to hold on, using the broken window frame to anchor yourself. One of the kidnappers in the front seat turns, panic flashing across his face as you reach in, your fingers just inches from him.
But then, they make a sharp turn onto a side street, the force of the turn nearly throwing you off the roof. You grit your teeth, refusing to let go. Not when Evie’s life is at stake.
The driver hits the gas, the car speeding toward an underpass. You know you’re running out of time. If they reach a more secluded area, it’ll be harder to stop them. Summoning every bit of strength you have, you pull yourself through the broken window, forcing your way into the backseat where Evie is huddled.
The kidnapper next to her reaches for a weapon, but you’re quicker. You grab his arm, twisting it sharply until he cries out in pain, dropping the gun. "Stay down!" you snarl, your eyes blazing with fury.
You turn to Evie, your voice softening despite the chaos. "Hold on tight, kiddo. I’ve got you."
She nods, tears streaking her face, but there’s a fierce determination in her eyes that reminds you so much of her mother.
The driver tries one last desperate move, slamming the brakes in an attempt to throw you forward, but you brace yourself, keeping Evie secure in your arms. As soon as the car stops, you kick open the door and pull her out with you, sprinting toward safety.
Behind you, the car screeches as it attempts to make a quick getaway, but you don’t care. Evie is safe in your arms, and that’s all that matters.
A few moments later, Lena arrives, breathless and wide-eyed. The second she sees Evie, she rushes over, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace. The relief on her face is palpable, and for the first time, you see tears welling up in Lena’s eyes.
"You saved her," Lena whispers, her voice thick with emotion as she looks at you. There’s gratitude in her gaze, but also something deeper, something unspoken.
You nod, your heart still racing, but the adrenaline starting to fade. "I’ll always protect her," you say quietly, your eyes meeting Lena’s. "Both of you."
Lena holds your gaze for a long moment, her grip on Evie tightening as if to anchor herself. And in that moment, you know, without a doubt, that you would do anything to keep them safe.
Later that night, after finally getting Evie to sleep, you and Lena quietly exit her room. The house feels still, the lingering tension from the day ebbing away now that Evie is safe. You turn to Lena, offering her a soft smile as you grab your jacket, preparing to leave.
"Well, I should get going," you say gently, not wanting to disturb the peace of the moment.
But as you reach for the door, Lena’s hand suddenly catches yours. The unexpected warmth of her touch halts you, sending a quiet pulse through your body. You turn back to her, surprised, and her eyes are full of something unspoken—a mix of gratitude, vulnerability, and something else that has been building between you for a while now.
“Wait,” she says, her voice soft, almost pleading. She doesn’t let go of your hand, and for a moment, you’re both frozen there, standing at the edge of something deeper.
Her grip on your hand tightens just a little, pulling you closer, and without thinking, you step toward her. The space between you shrinks as the air feels charged again, just like earlier. Your free hand gently comes to rest on her arm, and you can feel her pulse quicken beneath your fingers.
You both stand there, the world shrinking down to just the two of you. Lena’s breathing hitches as her gaze flickers between your eyes and your lips, and you can feel her hesitating, caught between wanting to close the distance and holding back. Your heart races, every fiber of your being aware of her proximity, her warmth, the soft look in her eyes that she rarely shows anyone.
You tilt your head slightly, leaning in as your hand rises to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. The tension between you is almost unbearable, like a string pulled tight, and you’re both on the verge of crossing a line you’ve been dancing around for too long. Just as your lips are mere inches away, your breath mingling with hers—
Lena’s phone suddenly buzzes, loud and intrusive in the silence. The sound jolts both of you back to reality. She blinks, breaking the spell as she glances down at her phone, the moment slipping away.
“I—sorry,” Lena says, looking conflicted as she checks the screen. “It’s one of my overseas clients… I have to take this.”
You nod, trying to mask the disappointment with a small smile. "Of course."
Lena takes a step back, her eyes filled with apology. She fumbles for her phone, and as she turns to answer it, you step forward and gently place a light kiss on her cheek, lingering just long enough for her to feel the warmth of your lips. It’s a brief, tender moment, but the gesture holds all the emotions you haven’t been able to say out loud.
She pauses, her breath catching slightly, her eyes wide as she looks at you. "Goodnight, Lena," you whisper softly, a small smile tugging at your lips before you head for the door.
Lena watches you go, her hand instinctively touching the spot on her cheek where your lips had just been, her heart still racing from the almost-kiss that will linger with both of you long after you leave.
Later that night, after a game night at Kara’s, Lena pulls up to her penthouse, the quiet of the street offering no hint of danger. She steps out of her car, keys in hand, already thinking about getting inside to unwind. The evening had been a welcome distraction, but the thought of a glass of wine and the peace of home calls to her.
As she walks toward the entrance, however, a sudden movement catches her eye. Before she can react, a man steps out of the shadows, a glint of metal catching the dim streetlight as he pulls a knife from his jacket.
Lena freezes, her breath hitching as the man lunges at her with the blade. Panic surges through her, but before the knife can reach her, a blur of motion appears out of nowhere. It’s you.
You slam into the man with full force, tackling him to the ground just as the knife swipes through the air where Lena had been standing. The impact knocks the wind out of both of you, but you quickly scramble up, your eyes sharp and focused as the adrenaline takes over.
The man is quick to recover, slashing wildly with the knife as you dodge his strikes, keeping him away from Lena. It's a brutal and chaotic struggle, and he manages to land a shallow cut across your arm, but you barely feel it as you focus on keeping him off-balance. The two of you grapple, your strength and instincts outmatching his wild desperation. With a well-placed hit, you manage to knock the knife from his hand, sending it clattering to the ground.
For a moment, you think you've got the upper hand. But the man recovers faster than expected, shoving you back just enough to create distance. He sees his chance and bolts, running down the street and disappearing into the night before you can give chase.
You’re left panting, your arm stinging from the cut, but your mind is already racing, your eyes scanning the area to ensure Lena is safe. She rushes over to you, her face pale with shock and worry as she reaches for you.
"Are you okay?" Lena’s voice trembles, her hands fluttering over your arm as she sees the blood seeping through your shirt.
"I'm fine," you say, though your breath is still ragged. "Just a scratch. Let's get inside before he comes back."
Lena nods, though her eyes are still wide with concern. She quickly unlocks the door, helping you inside the penthouse where Evie is already fast asleep. Once the door is securely shut, Lena leads you to the couch, her hands shaking slightly as she moves to grab a first aid kit.
“Sit down,” she insists, her tone brokering no argument.
You comply, wincing slightly as the adrenaline begins to wear off and the pain of the cut sharpens. Lena kneels beside you, her brow furrowed in concentration as she carefully cleans the wound.
Her hands are gentle but efficient, the softness of her touch contrasting with the harsh sting of the antiseptic. She works silently for a while, her worry evident in the tense set of her jaw. You watch her, the heat from the earlier almost-kiss still lingering between you, though now overshadowed by the evening’s unexpected violence.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Lena finally says, her voice barely above a whisper as she wraps a bandage around your arm.
“I wasn’t about to stand by and let someone hurt you,” you reply, your tone soft but firm. “You and Evie mean too much to me.”
Lena’s hands still for a moment as your words hang in the air, and she looks up at you with a mixture of gratitude and something deeper—something that mirrors the closeness you both felt earlier in the night.
"I don’t know what I’d do if..." she trails off, her voice wavering slightly.
You reach out, your hand gently resting on hers. “Hey, I’m okay. And so are you. That’s what matters.”
Lena nods, but her eyes remain on yours, filled with unspoken emotions that neither of you are quite ready to voice yet. For a moment, you sit there in the quiet of the penthouse, the city lights glowing faintly through the windows, and the weight of everything that happened presses down, but also something else—the undeniable connection between you.
You can feel the pull between you again, but this time it’s different. It’s heavier with the reality of the danger Lena faces and the lengths you’re willing to go to protect her. As she finishes tending to your wound, her hand lingers on yours, her thumb brushing softly against your skin. There’s a look in her eyes, vulnerable yet strong, as if she’s on the verge of saying something important.
But instead, she takes a breath, steadying herself. “Thank you,” she whispers. “For saving me.”
You give her a small, reassuring smile, squeezing her hand gently. “Always.”
Lena finishes wrapping the bandage around your arm, her fingers lingering against your skin for just a second longer than necessary. Her eyes meet yours, and once again, you feel that familiar pull—the one that’s been building between the two of you for months now. The air is thick with unspoken words, and this time, there’s no buzzing phone or imminent danger to pull you away.
You lean in slightly, testing the waters, and Lena doesn’t move away. In fact, she seems to lean in too, her lips parting slightly, her breath mixing with yours as you close the distance. The world around you fades away, leaving just the two of you in the warmth of the dimly lit penthouse.
But just as your lips are about to meet, a small voice breaks the moment.
"Where's the ice cream?" Evie suddenly appears in the doorway, rubbing her sleepy eyes and looking between the two of you with a confused frown.
You and Lena pull back abruptly, both of you flustered, trying to compose yourselves. You clear your throat and smile at Evie, whose wide eyes are now focused intently on you.
"I uh... got a little sidetracked," you admit sheepishly, scratching the back of your head. "There was a bit of an... issue outside."
Lena stands quickly, smoothing her clothes and offering Evie a warm smile, trying to mask the tension that had just filled the room. "We’ll get some ice cream in a minute, Evie."
But Evie, ever observant and cheeky, isn’t so easily distracted. "What happened to your arm?" she asks, her little face scrunched up in concern as she notices the bandage.
"I just bumped into something," you say casually, waving off the concern. "I’ll be fine. But hey, how about we do something better than ice cream?"
Evie's face brightens. "Like what?"
Lena smiles, stepping into the role of mother effortlessly, though the edge of worry still lingers in her eyes as she watches you. "How about a little family movie night? Popcorn, blankets, and ice cream after?"
Evie’s face lights up with excitement, and she immediately agrees, running over to grab the blanket from the couch. Lena throws you a grateful glance, silently thanking you for handling the situation with ease.
The three of you settle onto the couch, Evie snuggled between you and Lena as the movie begins to play. Popcorn and ice cream are quickly forgotten as Evie giggles at the screen, and for a while, the tension of the night is replaced by the warmth of laughter and the simple comfort of being together.
As the movie winds down, Evie’s energy fades. Her eyelids grow heavy, and soon, she’s fast asleep, her little body curled up between you and Lena. You carefully lift her in your arms, carrying her to bed while Lena follows, pulling the blankets up over Evie as she settles in.
After whispering goodnight, you both tiptoe out of her room, the stillness of the penthouse returning once more. When you close Evie’s door, the weight of the earlier moment lingers between you again, the pull undeniable.
Lena looks up at you, her eyes softer now, the vulnerability from earlier still there but mixed with something even more tender. “Thank you,” she whispers again, her voice so quiet you almost don’t hear it.
"For what?" you ask, stepping closer to her, feeling that familiar warmth from before.
“For everything. For being here. For protecting us.” Her voice catches slightly, and she takes a small breath, her hand reaching up to gently touch your cheek. "I don’t know what I’d do without you."
The sincerity in her voice cuts through you, and this time, there’s no hesitation, no interruption. You reach up and cover her hand with yours, your thumb gently brushing across her knuckles.
"Lena..." you begin, your voice low and tender, but the rest of your words are lost as she closes the distance between you.
This time, neither of you hold back. Her lips press softly against yours, tentative at first, as if testing the waters of something new. But soon, the kiss deepens, sweet and full of everything you’ve both been holding back for so long.
It’s gentle, slow, and perfect—a kiss that says all the things you haven’t been able to put into words. When you finally pull back, your forehead rests against hers, and both of you are breathing a little harder, your hearts racing in sync.
Finally, Lena whispers, “Stay.”
You smile softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear before nodding. “Of course." There was nothing that she could ask for that you would ever say no to.