You were making your way into Lex’s house as you look over as a little girl ran over toward Lex but stops when she sees you. Smiling down at her, you turn to Lex after a bit. “Is this your new little sister you told me about?”
“That’s right. She’s very bright” he said as you kneel down and hold out your hand introducing yourself.
“what’s your name?” you ask as Lena looks at Lex and he gives a little nod as she reached out and grabs your hand.
“I’m Lena.”
“That’s a pretty name”
She smiled at that and when you let go of her hand she runs over to Lex and hides behind his leg. “Come on, lets go work on our project” Lex says turning to head up.
“You’re going to do most of the work right?”
“Of course not.”
“Why not, you’re the oldest of the two of us, you need to be nice to me”
He laughs at that. “It’s not my fault you skipped so many grades. You’re smart, so you’ll be helping”
“I hope you’re not this mean to Lena”
Lex rolls his eyes as he heads up with you while Lena trails behind you but stops after a bit.
You stop after a few steps and look back. “come on little princess, you’ll be coming with us”
“Can I?”
“Of course”
Lena smiles at that and follows after you and Lex to his room to work on the project.
A few months pass, and you had been spending a lot of time at the Luthor home as usual mostly for school projects with Lex as well as to hang out with him. You had gotten to spend some time with Lena as well, but not as much as she was still rather shy around you.
One day you were getting to the Luthor house when you spot Lex’s girlfriend speaking to Lena.
“you really need to stop annoying Lex so much, do you really think he wants to spend so much time around a little kid?”
“Oh don’t worry, Lex has a lot of patience, he’s dating an annoying bitch after all” you comment from behind as she turns around and glares at you.
“Nobody asked you! You’re just Lex’s pity project”
“Oh no, I’m heartbroken” You comment sarcastically as you wipe away a fake tear from your eye. “now, why don’t you get lost?”
“you don’t get to kick me out, you’re a nobody in this house”
“I just did, you’re harassing Lex’s little sister, and once I tell Mr.Luthor that you hit his daughter…you’ll be lucky if you get to see your family at all”
“…but I didn’t even touch her”
“And who’s he going to believe? His son’s friend, or Lex’s flavor of the month?
“You…you…I’m going to tell Lex and he’ll toss you to the curb”
“You do that, I’ll be right here waiting”
She huffed but turned around storming off as Lena looks up at you. “Isn’t…this going to cause trouble for Lex?”
You look down at her and shake your head. “not at all. Lex doesn’t like her that much he was going to break up with her next week”
“Why?”
“Because she’s annoying.” You reach down and pick her up.
“But he’s not going to have a girlfriend anymore…”
“That’s fine. Everyone is replaceable, he’ll get someone new soon”
“Even me?” She adds quietly.
“Not you little princess, Lex can get a lot of girlfriends, but he can’t get anymore little sisters” you say with a smile as she lays her head down on your shoulder.
“I’m adopted…he can get lots of little sisters”
“but none will be as adorable and smart as you” you get inside and look over as Lillian was about to walk outside.
“There you are, some girl was here looking for Lex, I want you to make her leave.” She said as you raise an eyebrow.
“What’s in it for me? I’ll be going through a lot of trouble”
“You’re here all of the time, you should at least be useful”
“That wasn’t part of the friend contract I have with Lex, my services cost extra”
“Fine, what do you want?”
“an all expense paid trip to Disneyland with Lex and Lena”
“yes yes, just make the girl go away”
“Well aren’t I efficient, I got her to run away a few minutes ago” you say with a chuckle as Lena giggles a bit as you head up to Lena’s room.
Lillian sighted. “what would it take for you to break them up?”
“You can’t afford me Mrs.Luthor!” You call out in a singsong voice. You get to Lena’s room and place her down. “Now, why don’t we play? Lets get out your dolls alright?”
Lena smiles and nods as she goes to get her toys while you wait.
Years have passed since those early days, and now Lena is in high school. The bond between you and the Luthor siblings has only grown stronger. You often visit the Luthor home, this time to discuss a new business venture you and Lex are starting together.
As you make your way into the house, you spot Lena sitting on the staircase, her usually bright expression clouded with sadness. You approach her, concerned.
"Hey, little princess," you say softly, sitting down beside her. "What's wrong?"
She looks up at you, her eyes red from crying. "My boyfriend and I broke up," she admits quietly.
You frown, feeling bad for her. "I'm sorry to hear that, Lena. Want to talk about it?"
She hesitates, then nods. "It just... hurts, you know? I thought we were going to last, but I guess I was wrong."
You wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "Sometimes people come into our lives that we think will last forever….but then they leave. Just remember, those people that leave us, are replaceable. It doesn't make it any easier, but it does help us grow.
She sighs, leaning into your embrace. "I just feel so stupid for believing it would work out."
"You're not stupid, Lena. You took a chance, and that’s brave. It didn’t work out this time, but that doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. Someday, you'll find someone that won't be replaceable, that they will be there no matter what. Those are the type of people that are worth keeping around. And until then, you’ve got me and Lex. We’re not going anywhere."
She manages a small smile. "Thanks. I don't know what I'd do without you."
You smile back. "You'd probably have a much healthier outlook toward relationships, lets be honest, telling you that everyone is replaceable since you were little is probably not the best." you say with a laugh
Lena’s chuckles a little as she wipes her eyes. "So, what brings you here today? More business with Lex?"
"Yeah," you reply, standing up and offering her a hand. "But that can wait. How about we get some ice cream and watch a movie? Business can always wait when my favorite Luthor needs cheering up."
Lena takes your hand, her mood lifting slightly. "That sounds perfect."
You and Lena head to the kitchen, where you start rummaging through the freezer for ice cream. You find a few different flavors and set them on the counter, grabbing bowls and spoons as Lena picks out a movie.
As you scoop the ice cream, you hear footsteps behind you and turn to see Lex entering the kitchen. He looks at you, then at Lena, and raises an eyebrow.
"Shouldn't we be working on our business plan?" Lex asks, his usual serious demeanor on full display.
You grin, waving a spoon in his direction. "Business can wait, Lex. Lena's had a rough day, and she needs some cheering up. We're going to eat ice cream and watch a movie. You’re welcome to join us."
Lex crosses his arms, looking skeptical. "We have a deadline."
You smirk, knowing exactly how to get him to cave. "Come on, Lex. It's just one movie, and besides, it's important to take breaks. You wouldn’t want Lena to thinks work is more important to you than her, would you?"
Lena gives Lex a hopeful look, her earlier sadness still lingering in her eyes. "Please, Lex? Just this once?"
Lex sighs, clearly torn between his responsibilities and his affection for his little sister. Finally, he relents, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Fine. One movie."
You clap your hands together triumphantly. "Excellent choice, Mr.Crabs. Now grab a bowl, and let’s get this movie started."
Lex rolls his eyes but takes a bowl and fills it with ice cream. The three of you head to the living room, where Lena has already set up the movie. You all settle in on the couch, Lena snuggling between you and Lex as the movie begins.
As the film plays, you can feel the tension easing out of Lena’s shoulders, and even Lex seems to relax, his focus shifting from work to the moment with his sister and best friend. The room fills with laughter and the occasional comment about the movie.
As the credits roll, you glance over at Lena, who’s now smiling, her earlier sadness forgotten. Lex looks at her, then at you, and nods slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the small but important victory of the day.
"Alright, back to business?" Lex asks, his tone lighter than before.
You chuckle. "Yeah, yeah. But I think we all needed this break, don’t you?"
Lex nods, a rare, genuine smile crossing his face. "Maybe, but now, it’s time for work."
Lena leans her head against your shoulder, content. "Thanks for everything," she whispers, her voice filled with gratitude.
You smile, wrapping an arm around her. "Always, little princess. Always."
---
A few years have passed since Lena took over L-Corp and moved to National City. The transition had been a big one, but with your help, she managed to settle into her new role as CEO. However, your own business ventures eventually pulled you away, leaving Lena to navigate the challenges of running a major corporation on her own.
Now, for the first time since she moved to National City, Lena has decided to visit you. You've been busy with your own projects, but when you hear a knock at your office door, you're pleasantly surprised to find Lena standing there, looking every bit the powerful CEO she’s become.
"Lena!" you exclaim, getting up from your desk to greet her. "It’s so good to see you!"
Lena smiles, a mix of excitement and relief in her expression as she steps into your office. "It’s good to see you too. I’ve missed you."
You gesture for her to sit down, offering her a drink. "I’ve missed you too. How’s National City treating you?"
Lena sits down, accepting the drink with a nod. "It’s... different. There’s a lot to manage, and sometimes it feels overwhelming, but I’m handling it. Still, it’s not the same without you around."
You smile warmly, sitting back down across from her. "You’ve always been strong, Lena. I knew you’d handle it. I’m sorry I haven’t been there as much as I’d like."
She shakes her head. "No, I understand. You’ve got your own businesses to run. But that’s actually why I’m here—I could use your advice on a few things. And maybe, I wanted an excuse to see you."
You chuckle, leaning forward. "Well, I’m always here for you, little princess. What’s on your mind?"
Lena takes a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I’ve been dealing with some... internal issues at L-Corp. There are people who don’t trust me after Lex’s little stunt, and it’s making it hard to get things done. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I didn’t expect this much resistance."
You nod, understanding the weight of what she’s saying. "There’s some people that just need a little bit of time to adjust to the new change, they will resist…but after a while, they’ll get over it. Now…there’s others that will put up a lot more resistance and those you need to get rid of. Give them a nice compensation package if you want to be nice, but get them out of the company or they will poison others."
Lena sighs, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "I was afraid of that…I was trying to do everything I could to not have to fire them. Maybe I needed to do more so that they wouldn’t put up so much resistance."
You reach across the desk, placing a hand on hers. "You’re doing more than enough, Lena. Every single one of your employees is replaceable, for every brilliant mind that you have, you can get twenty more from Asia for a fraction of the cost. Just remember, you are an incredible person, L-Corp could not have fallen onto better hands”
Lena squeezes your hand, a grateful smile on her face. "Thanks. I really needed to hear that. But I really wish you wouldn’t’ say that about my employees, they all play a valuable part in my company."
You smile back with a laugh. “You still hold such a kind heart, but the people that don’t believe in you don’t desserve that kindness. Now, why don’t we grab some dinner and catch up properly? Business can wait."
Lena laughs softly. "Sounds perfect. Just like old times, right?"
"Exactly like old times," you reply, standing up and offering her your arm. "Let’s go."
As you leave the office together, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride in the woman Lena has become. Despite the challenges, she’s still the same girl you’ve always cared about, and you’re glad to be there for her whenever she needs you.
As you and Lena step out of your office, the warm evening air greets you, a welcome change from the cool, air-conditioned interior. The two of you stroll down the street, heading to one of your favorite restaurants—a cozy spot you’ve been frequenting since you moved your operations to National City.
The restaurant is just as you remember: intimate, with soft lighting and a relaxed atmosphere. You’re seated at a corner table, giving you both a bit of privacy as you settle in with your menus.
“So,” Lena says, setting her menu down and looking at you with a mix of curiosity and concern, “tell me what you’ve been up to. I know you’ve been expanding your business, but I want to hear it from you.”
You smile, appreciating her interest. “It’s been... a whirlwind, to say the least. Expanding into new markets, opening new branches—it’s taken up most of my time. I’ve barely had a moment to breathe, but it’s been worth it. The business is growing faster than I expected.”
Lena nods, clearly impressed. “That’s incredible. I always knew you’d be successful, but it sounds like you’ve really taken things to the next level.”
“It hasn’t been easy,” you admit, leaning back in your chair. “There have been a lot of late nights and stressful decisions. But it’s also been exciting, seeing everything I’ve worked for come to life. Though, I have to say, it’s also made me realize how much I’ve missed just... having a life outside of work.”
Lena raises an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips. “You? All work and no play? I never thought I’d see the day.”
You laugh, shaking your head. “I know, right? But it’s true. I’ve been so focused on growing the business that I haven’t taken much time for myself. Or for the people I care about.”
Her expression softens. “You’ve always been there for me, even when you’re busy. But you deserve to take a break, too. You’ve earned it.”
“Maybe,” you say with a shrug, though her words hit home. “It’s hard to step back when there’s so much at stake. But I’m trying to find a balance. Seeing you again has reminded me how important it is to make time for the people who matter.”
Lena smiles warmly. “I’m glad. You’ve always been one of the most important people in my life, and I don’t want you to burn out.”
You nod, taking her words to heart. “I won’t. I promise. And I’ll make sure to be around more often—especially now that you’re here in National City.”
“I’d like that,” Lena says, her smile growing. “It’s been tough without you, but knowing you’re just a call away has made it easier. Now that you’re here, maybe we can both find that balance we’re looking for.”
You reach across the table, giving her hand a squeeze. “We will. And we’ll make sure to enjoy the journey, too. After all, what’s the point of success if you can’t share it with the people who matter?”
Lena squeezes your hand back, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I couldn’t agree more.”
The waiter arrives to take your orders, and after you’ve both chosen your meals, you continue catching up—talking about the ups and downs of your respective businesses, reminiscing about old times, and laughing at some of the memories.
By the time the check arrives, it feels as if no time has passed. Lena looks at you, her eyes full of warmth. “Thanks for tonight,” she says softly. “I really needed this.”
“So did I,” you reply with a smile. “Let’s make sure it doesn’t take this long for us to do it again.”
“Deal,” Lena agrees, her smile matching yours.
A few months have passed, and life has returned to its usual hectic pace. Your business is thriving, keeping you on high alert nearly every day. Despite the constant demands on your time, you always make sure to be there for Lena, especially when she needs to talk or when things get more dangerous—like when she gets involved in Supergirl’s world.
Today is one of those days.
You’re in the middle of a meeting when your phone buzzes with an urgent notification. Glancing at the screen, you see a message from one of your contacts who keeps an eye on local events. The message is brief but chilling: Lena is in danger. Situation involving Supergirl. Sending coordinates.
Your heart skips a beat as you immediately end the meeting, offering a quick apology before rushing out of the room. You know that when Lena gets roped into one of Supergirl’s missions, things can escalate quickly, and you’ve promised yourself to always be there when she needs you.
Within minutes, you’re in your car, speeding toward the location sent to you. The closer you get, the more signs of chaos you notice—streets blocked off by police, smoke rising in the distance, and the faint sounds of sirens blaring in the background.
When you finally arrive, you park a safe distance away and make your way toward the heart of the disturbance. As you navigate through the crowd, you spot Supergirl engaged in a heated battle with a group of armed individuals, their high-tech weapons causing significant damage to the surrounding area.
And then you see her—Lena, crouched behind some debris, trying to stay out of the line of fire while working on a portable device that seems to be linked to whatever Supergirl is fighting.
Without a second thought, you make your way to her, your movements swift and deliberate. “Lena!” you call out, catching her attention.
She looks up, her face a mixture of surprise and relief as she spots you. “What are you doing here? It’s dangerous!”
“I heard you were in trouble,” you reply, quickly crouching beside her. “You know I’m not going to let you face this alone.”
She opens her mouth to argue, but you shake your head, giving her a look that says there’s no time for discussion. “What do you need me to do?”
Lena hesitates for a moment before nodding, knowing better than to try and dissuade you. “I’m trying to disable their weapons, but they’ve got some kind of encryption on the system. I’m almost through it, but I need a few more minutes.”
“Consider it done,” you say, glancing at the battle. “I’ll buy you some time.”
You position yourself between Lena and the fight, keeping a close eye on the action while she works. You’ve always had a protective streak when it comes to Lena, and today is no different. As Supergirl continues to hold off the attackers, you spot a few of them breaking off, heading toward your position.
Quickly, you grab a discarded piece of metal, using it as a makeshift shield as you rush forward to intercept them. You might not have Supergirl’s powers, but you’re no stranger to danger, and you’ve learned how to hold your own in a fight.
With swift, calculated movements, you manage to disarm one of the attackers, using their own weapon to take down the others before they can get close to Lena. You can feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins, but your focus never wavers from the task at hand—protecting Lena.
Behind you, Lena continues to work, her fingers flying over the controls as she breaks through the encryption. Finally, she lets out a triumphant sound. “Got it!”
Just as she speaks, the weapons of the remaining attackers suddenly power down, their threat neutralized. Supergirl quickly takes advantage of the situation, subduing the rest of the enemies with ease.
With the immediate danger passed, you turn back to Lena, breathing a sigh of relief. “You did it.”
Lena smiles, but there’s still a hint of worry in her eyes. “We did it. Thank you for coming. I didn’t want to drag you into this.”
You reach out, pulling her into a quick hug. “You didn’t drag me into anything, Lena. I had to drive here myself after all” you tease.
She returns the hug, holding on for a moment longer than usual. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You won’t ever have to find out,” you reply softly, pulling back to look at her. “Now, let’s get out of here before something else blows up.”
Lena nods, and together, you make your way out of the danger zone, Supergirl giving you a nod of thanks as you pass by.
Later that night, you find yourself in Lena’s penthouse, the city’s lights casting a soft glow through the expansive windows. The adrenaline from the day’s events has finally worn off, leaving you with the dull ache of injuries that, while not critical, still sting with every movement.
Lena insists on tending to them herself, leading you to the bathroom where she gathers a first-aid kit. You sit on the edge of the bathtub, trying to downplay the pain as she carefully cleans and bandages a cut on your arm.
“You know, this really isn’t necessary,” you say with a forced grin, attempting to brush off the concern in Lena’s eyes. “I’ve had worse, and I’m still standing.”
Lena gives you a look, one eyebrow raised, clearly unimpressed by your bravado. “You don’t have to act tough, you know. It’s okay to admit that it hurts.”
You let out a soft chuckle, but there’s no real humor in it. “It’s just a scratch, Lena. I’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with worse.”
She sighs, her hands gentle as she applies a bandage. “I know you have. But just because you can handle it doesn’t mean you have to pretend it doesn’t hurt. Especially not with me.”
There’s a softness in her voice that cuts through your defenses, and for a moment, you’re tempted to keep up the act. But the sincerity in her gaze makes it impossible. You’ve always been able to be honest with Lena, and tonight is no different.
“It’s not that I’m pretending,” you admit quietly, wincing slightly as she moves to another injury. “It’s just… I don’t want you to worry more than you already do. I’ve always tried to protect you, to be strong for you. It’s hard to show weakness when I know how much you’ve been through.”
Lena’s expression softens, and she pauses her work, reaching up to gently brush a strand of hair away from your face. “You don’t have to protect me from everything, you know. You’ve done so much for me over the years, more than I could ever repay. But you don’t always have to be the strong one.”
There’s a moment of silence as her words sink in. She’s right, of course, but it’s still hard to let go of that instinct to shield her from anything that might cause her pain or worry.
“I guess I’ve always seen it as my job to protect you,” you say with a small smile. “Even when you don’t need it.”
“And I appreciate that more than you know,” Lena replies, her voice soft. “But it’s okay to let me take care of you sometimes too. We’re in this together, remember?”
You nod, feeling a warmth in your chest at her words. “Together,” you repeat, the word feeling right in a way you hadn’t realized you needed.
She finishes bandaging your wounds, her touch gentle but sure. Once she’s done, she takes a step back, looking at you with a mix of concern and affection. “There. All patched up.”
You offer her a genuine smile, grateful for her care. “Thanks, Lena.”
She smiles back, though there’s still a hint of worry in her eyes. “You’re always there for me, so it’s only fair I’m here for you too. Besides, you’re not as invincible as you like to pretend.”
“Hey, I’ve got to keep up appearances,” you tease, trying to lighten the mood. “Can’t have people thinking I’m just a softie.”
Lena laughs softly, shaking her head. “You might fool everyone else, but not me. I know the real you.”
There’s a comfortable silence between you for a moment before she speaks again, her tone more serious. “You scared me today, you know. Seeing you run into danger like that… I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.”
Her admission catches you off guard, and for a moment, you’re not sure what to say. You’ve always known how much you mean to Lena, but hearing it like this, so raw and unfiltered, hits differently.
“I’m sorry, Lena,” you say softly. “I didn’t mean to worry you. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping you safe.”
She nods, but there’s still a shadow of worry in her eyes. “Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay? I can’t lose you.”
You reach out, taking her hand in yours and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I promise. I’m not going anywhere.”
Lena looks at you for a long moment, as if trying to convince herself that your words are true. Finally, she nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Good.”
You both sit there in comfortable silence for a while in this quiet moment, you realize just how much Lena means to you—how deep your connection runs, and how far you’re willing to go to protect it.
A week had passed since that night in Lena’s penthouse, and things had mostly returned to normal—at least on the surface. But beneath the routine of running L-Corp and navigating the challenges of National City, Lena found herself grappling with feelings she hadn’t expected.
It was a quiet evening, and Lena found herself at Kara’s apartment. Kara had insisted on having a girls’ night, complete with wine and takeout. As they sat on the couch, glasses in hand, Lena’s mind kept drifting back to you—your words, your presence, and the way you’d always been there for her.
“You’ve been a bit quiet tonight,” Kara observed, tilting her head slightly as she took a sip of her wine. “Everything okay?”
Lena hesitated, swirling the wine in her glass as she considered how to put her thoughts into words. “I’m... just trying to sort something out in my head.”
Kara smiled gently. “Anything I can help with? You know I’m a great listener.”
Lena let out a soft sigh, deciding to take the plunge. “It’s about... someone. A friend.”
Kara’s eyes brightened with curiosity. “Oh? Tell me more.”
Lena bit her lip, feeling a swirl of emotions as she tried to find the right way to explain. “It’s about her—she’s been in my life for so long, and she’s always been there for me, protecting me, supporting me. She’s like... family. But lately, I’ve started to think…that I don’t see her as…family.”
Kara’s expression softened with understanding. “You mean... you’re developing feelings for her?”
Lena nodded slowly, her eyes downcast. “Yeah. But it’s complicated. She’s been like a big sister to me, and she’s Lex’s best friend. I don’t know if what I’m feeling is real or if it’s just... confusing familiarity with something else.”
Kara reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lena’s arm. “Feelings are never easy to navigate, especially when they involve someone who’s been such an important part of your life for so long. But that doesn’t mean they’re not real.”
Lena sighed, leaning back against the couch. “I just don’t know if I should act on them. What if it changes everything? What if she doesn’t feel the same way? And even if she did..that’s going to change things too”
Kara took a thoughtful sip of her wine before responding. “It’s natural to worry about all those things, Lena. But you can’t control how you feel, and if those feelings are real, they’re not going to just disappear. The question is, what do you want? Do you want to explore what’s there, or do you want to push it aside and keep things as they are?”
Lena let out a small, humorless laugh. “That’s the problem. I don’t know what I want. I care about her so much, and the idea of losing what we have terrifies me. But at the same time, I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like... if things were different.”
Kara gave her a reassuring smile. “It sounds like you’re caught between fear and hope. And that’s okay. But maybe you don’t have to make any decisions right now. Maybe you just need to give yourself some time to figure out what you really want—without the pressure of having to choose one path or the other immediately.”
Lena nodded slowly, appreciating Kara’s perspective. “You’re right. I need to give myself some time to sort through all of this. ? She means so much to me, and I don’t want to mess that up.”
Kara squeezed Lena’s hand gently. “Whatever happens, just know that I’m here for you. And I’m pretty sure she feels the same way about you—whether it’s as a friend or something more. You’ve got people who care about you, Lena, and no matter what, we’ll get through this together.”
Lena felt a wave of gratitude wash over her as she looked at Kara. “Thank you, Kara. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Kara smiled warmly. “You’d figure it out, like you always do. But I’m glad you don’t have to.”
As the night went on, Lena felt a bit of the weight on her shoulders lift. She still didn’t have all the answers, but at least she knew she didn’t have to face her confusion alone. For now, that was enough.
The sterile atmosphere of the prison was almost suffocating, but you had grown used to it over the years. As the guard led you down the familiar corridor, the distant clanging of metal doors and the occasional murmurs of other inmates faded into the background. You were focused on your destination—Lex’s cell.
When you reached his cell, the guard unlocked the door, and Lex looked up from the chessboard already set up on the small table. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he saw you, and he gestured to the chair opposite him.
“Right on time,” Lex said, his voice smooth as ever. “I’ve been eager to see if you’ve improved your game since last time.”
You chuckled, taking the seat and surveying the board. “I think you’ll find that I’ve learned a few tricks. Let’s see if you can keep up.”
Lex smirked, and the two of you began the familiar dance of strategy and anticipation that chess always brought. As you moved your pieces, you started catching him up on everything happening outside the prison walls—L-Corp’s latest ventures, the political climate, your own business expansions.
But it wasn’t long before the conversation shifted to Lena. It was almost inevitable; she had been on your mind more often lately, even if you hadn’t fully realized why.
“She’s been doing incredibly well at L-Corp,” you said, moving a knight across the board. “She’s really grown into the role of CEO, even faster than I expected. She’s decisive, innovative... really something to be proud of.”
Lex nodded, studying the board thoughtfully before making his move. “She’s always had potential. But I get the sense you’re more than just proud of her.”
You paused, caught off guard by his observation. “What do you mean?”
Lex looked up, his eyes sharp as they locked onto yours. “You talk about her more than anything else. And it’s not just pride in her accomplishments—it’s something more. You’ve always been protective of her, but this feels different.”
You frowned, considering his words as you moved a pawn forward. “Of course I’m protective. She’s like a little sister to me.”
“A little sister,” Lex echoed, his tone thoughtful. He made his next move, then leaned back in his chair, watching you closely. “But siblings don’t usually inspire the kind of emotion I hear in your voice when you talk about her..”
You blinked, taken aback by the suggestion. “Lex, I’ve known her since she was a child. I’ve always looked out for her. It’s natural to care about her.”
“Natural, yes,” Lex agreed. “But the way you talk about her, the way you light up when you mention her—it’s not just concern or familial affection. You might not realize it, but it’s clear to me.”
You stared at the board, your mind racing. Could Lex be right? You had always cared deeply for Lena, but you had never allowed yourself to think of it as anything beyond the protective instinct you’d developed over the years. But now, with Lex pointing it out, you couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to your feelings than you’d acknowledged.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you said, though your voice lacked its usual conviction. You moved another piece, trying to refocus on the game.
Lex studied you for a moment, then moved his queen. “You’ve always been good at hiding your emotions from yourself, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Just something to think about.”
You were silent for a few moments, your mind still turning over Lex’s words. Could you really have feelings for Lena that went beyond what you had always told yourself? The idea was unsettling, not because it was unwelcome, but because it was something you hadn’t been prepared to face.
“Checkmate,” Lex said suddenly, breaking you out of your thoughts.
You looked down at the board, realizing he had you cornered. “Damn, you’re getting better at this.”
He smirked. “I’ve had a lot of time to think.”
As you reset the pieces for another game, you couldn’t shake the thoughts swirling in your mind. Lex had a way of seeing through people, even when they couldn’t see themselves clearly. If he was right, if you really did have feelings for Lena... what were you supposed to do about it?
The game continued in silence for a while, the only sounds the clinking of pieces on the board and the occasional murmur from the hallway outside. But your mind wasn’t on the game—it was on Lena, and the complicated feelings you were just beginning to confront.
“Whatever you decide to do,” Lex said suddenly, his tone softer than before, “just make sure it’s what you and Lena really want. I may have had tried to kill Lena…but in my family that’s like a rite of passage… I still love my little sister”
You looked up at him, surprised by the unexpected advice. “Who are you, and what have you done with Lex Luthor? He would never admit to anyone he loves anyone from his family”
He chuckled, shaking his head.
As you left the prison that day, Lex’s words echoed in your mind. For the first time, you began to seriously consider the possibility that your feelings for Lena were more than you’d ever allowed yourself to believe. And with that realization came a new wave of uncertainty, one that you knew you’d have to face sooner or later.
In the days following your visit to Lex, his words lingered in your mind, unsettling you in ways you hadn’t anticipated. You had always been good at compartmentalizing your emotions, keeping things in neat, orderly boxes where they wouldn’t interfere with your life. But now, those boxes seemed to be breaking open, and you didn’t know how to handle what was spilling out.
The solution, it seemed, was to put some distance between you and Lena. If you avoided her, maybe these feelings—whatever they were—would fade. It was easier to focus on work, on expanding your business, on anything that didn’t involve sitting down and confronting what was happening inside you.
And so, you began to subtly pull away. You didn’t completely disappear; after all, Lena still relied on you, especially when things got tough. You were there when she needed you—when she called in the middle of the night, about needing advice with some issue at L-Corp, or when she found herself in another dangerous situation, often due to her involvement with Supergirl. But the quiet moments, the times when you’d normally sit and chat over a meal or catch up at her penthouse—those were fewer and farther between.
Lena noticed. Of course, she did. She was too perceptive not to. But she didn’t push, at least not at first. She tried to catch you for a conversation a few times, suggesting lunch or dinner, but you always had a convenient excuse—a meeting, a business trip, something that kept you too busy to sit down and talk. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to see her; it was that you couldn’t trust yourself to stay composed if you did.
But Lena was nothing if not determined. After several failed attempts to get you alone for a serious conversation, she decided she needed a different approach. She knew you well enough to realize that there was one thing you couldn’t resist: the urge to protect her.
The plan she came up with was simple but effective. She’d stage a situation—something that would make you think she was in danger. It wasn’t like she hadn’t been in real danger before, so this wouldn’t seem out of the ordinary. But this time, it wouldn’t be real. It would be a ruse, designed to get you to her so she could finally have that talk.
It was late one evening when your phone buzzed with a text. You glanced at the screen and felt your heart skip a beat when you saw it was from Lena.
Lena: I think someone’s following me. I’m at the park, but I can’t see who it is.
Panic surged through you. Without a second thought, you grabbed your keys and headed out the door. You didn’t even pause to consider how suspicious it was given she knew Supergirl; all you could think about was getting to Lena and making sure she was safe.
When you arrived at the park, it was eerily quiet. The streetlights cast long shadows across the empty paths, and the only sound was the distant hum of traffic. You scanned the area, your heart pounding as you looked for any sign of Lena—or her supposed pursuer.
“Lena?” you called out, your voice echoing in the stillness.
There was no answer, but after a moment, you spotted her sitting on a bench near the fountain, her arms wrapped around herself as if she were cold. Relief flooded through you as you hurried over.
“Are you okay? Where’s the person who was following you?” you asked, your voice tinged with worry as you crouched in front of her.
Lena looked up at you, her expression unreadable for a moment before a small, almost sheepish smile tugged at her lips. “There wasn’t anyone following me,” she admitted softly.
You blinked, confused. “What do you mean? You said—”
“I lied,” Lena interrupted gently, her eyes meeting yours with a mixture of determination and regret. “I had to get you here somehow. You’ve been avoiding me.”
Realization dawned, and you felt a mix of emotions—relief that she wasn’t in danger, guilt for having avoided her.
“Lena...” you began, but she shook her head, standing up from the bench and taking a step closer to you.
“No, let me talk,” she said, her voice firm but not unkind. “I know you’ve been pulling away, and I don’t know why. But I do know that we need to talk about whatever it is. You’ve always been there for me, and now I want to be there for you. Whatever’s going on, you don’t have to deal with it alone.”
You took a deep breath, feeling cornered but also knowing she was right. “It’s not that simple, Lena.”
“Then explain it to me,” she insisted. “Help me understand. Because I care about you, and I don’t want to lose whatever this is between us....I don't want to be replaceable to you”
You looked at her, seeing the sincerity in her eyes, and felt your resolve crumbling. Maybe Lex was right. Maybe it was time to stop running from these feelings and face them head-on.
But where to begin? And how could you possibly explain the tangled mess of emotions that had taken root in your heart without risking everything you had with her? The answers didn’t come easily, but as you stood there, looking into Lena’s eyes, you realized that this conversation was inevitable—and maybe even necessary.
“I’m scared, Lena,” you admitted finally, your voice barely above a whisper. “I’m scared that if I let myself feel what I think I’m feeling, it’ll change everything between us. And I don’t want to lose you.”
Lena’s expression softened, and she reached out to take your hand, squeezing it gently. “You won’t lose me."
"what if I do? Lena...everyone in my life has been replaceable...that's the way i have wanted it ever since...well you know...you and Lex have been the only ones that have been irreplaceable in a....familiar way...and what if by....taking things in a different direction...i lose that with you? What if...we both become replaceable in each other's life?"
Lena listened intently, her eyes never leaving yours as you poured out your fears. She understood what you were trying to say, the deep-rooted apprehension that had driven you to keep her at arm’s length. It was a fear that she herself had grappled with many times over the years—especially after everything she had gone through with her family, the betrayals, the constant need to prove herself.
But there was something else in her eyes, something that told you she wasn’t going to let you go that easily.
“We won’t,” Lena said softly, her voice steady with conviction. “I know it’s scary. Trust me, I’ve thought about this too. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t lose people by loving them more. You lose them by not being honest, by not giving yourself a chance to see where that love can take you.”
She took a step closer, her hand still holding yours, and you could feel the warmth of her skin, the gentle pressure of her fingers against yours. It was grounding, anchoring you to the moment.
“I’ve never wanted to be replaceable in your life,” Lena continued. “You’ve been there for me through everything—when I lost my mother, when I took over L-Corp, even when Lex turned on me. You’ve always been the one constant. And maybe that’s why I’m so sure about this...about us. Because I know, deep down, that what we have is real. And it’s worth fighting for, even if it means taking a risk.”
You felt a lump in your throat, her words resonating with the very fears that had been gnawing at you. Could it really be that simple? Could you both hold onto what you had and still explore this new dimension of your relationship?
“I don’t want to lose what we have, Lena,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “But I also can’t deny that...there’s something more. And that scares the hell out of me.”
“I know,” Lena replied, her voice barely above a whisper now. “But you don’t have to do this alone. We’ll figure it out together, step by step. I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you.”
She squeezed your hand again, her eyes searching yours for any sign that you might pull away. But for the first time in what felt like forever, you didn’t feel the need to run. You didn’t feel the urge to compartmentalize or shove your feelings into some dark corner of your mind.
Taking a deep breath, you nodded, finally allowing yourself to lean into the possibility of something more. “Okay,” you said, your voice steadying. “Let’s take it one step at a time.”
Lena’s face lit up with a soft smile, one that made your heart ache in the best way possible. “One step at a time,” she agreed, and with that, she pulled you into a gentle hug, holding you close as if to remind you that you were safe, that you were home.
And in that moment, you knew that whatever came next, you wouldn’t have to face it alone.