Kates

Katie wakes up in an office she vaguely remembers. She seats up and looks around a bit trying to figure out where she was at and how she got there but her mind feels a bit foggy.

"Luthor, you better not have slept over at your office again" A familiar voice calls out as the door is thrown open and you walk in heading over.

Katie looks at you confused as she rubs her temple. "Luthor?" she hadn't heard anyone call her that in a few years. And now that she got a closer look at you, you looked much younger than she remembered.

"What? Did you change your name when I wasn't looking?" You walk over and your gaze softens when she looks disoriented. "...bloody hell...how much did you have to drink last night?" you look at the empty bottle in the coffee table and then over at her.

"...I didn't drink...I think"

You get closer to her and right away you can tell she was lying. "....okay...I know this whole Kara being supergirl hit you pretty hard...but...you can't spend all day drinking"

Katie turns to look at you confused. "Kara?" she looks around wondering if she was filming and just forgot, but there was no cameras or crew around. The show had also ended a few years back so there was no way she was filming it. "Where....where is Melissa?"

"Melissa? Is that one of your workers?"

"No...Melissa, you know, Supergirl"

You walk over helping her sit down. "I don't know who Melissa is...but Kara is supergirl.." you reach out touching her forehead but she feels just fine so you wonder if her mind is playing tricks on her.
Katie stared at you, her mind reeling. This had to be some sort of prank, or maybe she was still dreaming. The last thing she remembered was wrapping up a long day of filming on set. But now, everything was different, and you—someone she barely knew in real life—seemed to be treating her like Lena Luthor.

She took a deep breath, trying to process what was happening. If this was real and not some bizarre dream or prank, she needed to play along until she figured things out.

"Right," Katie said slowly, trying to gather her thoughts. "Kara is Supergirl, and I... I'm Lena Luthor."

You raised an eyebrow, a hint of concern still in your eyes. "Are you sure you're okay? You've never called yourself by your full name like that. You usually just go with Luthor."

Katie nodded, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine. Just a bit of a rough night, I guess."

You sighed, sitting down across from her. "You know, even though we have our differences, you can always talk to me. I'm here to help, Luthor."

Katie studied your face, seeing the genuine concern.

"Thanks," she said softly. "I appreciate that."

You smiled, standing up. "Well, how about we get some breakfast? Maybe some coffee will help clear that foggy mind of yours."

Katie nodded, grateful for the suggestion. "Yeah, that sounds good."

As you led the way out of the office, Katie tried to take in her surroundings, looking for anything familiar that might give her a clue as to how she ended up here. After a few minutes, you returned with two cups of steaming coffee and set one down in front of Katie. She took the cup gratefully, inhaling the rich aroma before taking a sip.

"Thanks," she said, managing a smile. "I needed this."

"Anytime," you replied, sitting back down. "We've got a busy day ahead. Are you sure you’re up for it?"

Katie nodded, though she felt anything but prepared. She decided to rely on her acting skills and hoped it would be enough to get her through the day. "Of course. What's first on the agenda?"

You pulled out your phone, scrolling through the calendar. "We've got a meeting with the research team in an hour. They're presenting their latest findings on the new energy project."

Katie's mind raced. She had no idea what this project was, but she couldn't let that show. "Right, the energy project. I've been looking forward to hearing their progress."

"Then after that, we've got a meeting with the board to discuss the quarterly earnings."

Katie nodded, pretending to take it all in stride. "Sounds like a plan."

As the morning unfolded, Katie did her best to keep up appearances. During the meeting with the research team, she listened intently as the scientists discussed their work, trying to understand the technical jargon that flew over her head. When it became clear she was out of her depth, you stepped in, asking the right questions and guiding the discussion.

After the meeting, you gave her a concerned look. "Luthor, are you sure you're okay? You seemed a bit lost back there."

Katie forced a smile, grateful for your intervention. "I'm fine. Just a lot on my mind, I suppose."

You nodded, though you didn't look entirely convinced. "Alright….if you need to rest or a cold shower…let me know”

As the day went on, you stayed by Katie's side, noticing more signs that something was off. She seemed unfamiliar with routine tasks and occasionally stumbled over names she should have known. You did your best to cover for her, redirecting conversations and offering subtle reminders when needed.

During the board meeting, Katie once again found herself relying on you to fill in the gaps. You deftly navigated the discussions, ensuring the company's interests were well-represented. Afterward, as you both left the conference room, you couldn't help but voice your concerns.

"Look, I know things have been tough lately," you said gently, "but if there's something more going on. We might not have the best relationship, but I look after your interests in the company”

Katie hesitated, torn between maintaining the façade and confiding in you. But the day had shown her how much she needed your support.

She let out a breath and shook her head, while you had been filling in for her during the meeting you weren't someone she trusted. In her world, you were barely in her radar other than the few scenes you two had filmed together.

"...look, how about you get some rest? I'll handle the rest of the meetings...and you...you go to sleep, practice some yoga...or whatever the hell you do to unwind...just no more drinking"

"I'm not an alcoholic you know"

"no, you just drown your sorrows in liquor, totally not an alcoholic and that's definetly how a healthy person deals with their problems"

Katie just narrowed her eyes like Lena would have and she sees you smirk.

"There's the Luthor I know, all that's missing is a snarky comeback"

"I'll make sure to schedule it for when you return"

"Not your best, but we're making progress" you say with a chuckle before going off. You handle Lena's meetings with a few potential clients and even with some of the share holders that were not pleased Lena wasn't there but you had been able to smooth things over with your charming personality....and by that it just meant you didn't give them much of a choice other than to sit down and shut up.

After the final meeting of the day, you made your way to a restaurant to get some lunch as you had skipped breakfast earlier. The day had been more challenging than expected, but you managed to keep things on track. As you walked, your thoughts lingered on Lena's odd behavior.

Lost in thought, you almost didn't notice the sleek, gray form darting across the street. A large and what seemed to be a greyhound, looking both lost and confused, hesitated near the sidewalk. You quickly glanced around, seeing no owner in sight. Instinctively, you approached the dog, crouching down to offer a calming hand.

"Hey there, fella," you said softly, noting the dog's elegant features and striking eyes. It seemed disoriented, just like Lena had this morning. "Are you lost?"

The dog sniffed your hand tentatively, then pressed its head against your palm as if seeking reassurance. You smiled, gently stroking its head.

"You’re such a good pup. Come on, let's get you someplace safe."

With the dog at your side, you continued toward Lena's office. As you entered, you called out, "Luthor? I've got a bit of a surprise for you."

Katie looked up from her seat, where she had been unsuccessfully trying to relax. Her eyes widened in delight and disbelief as she spotted the greyhound. "Oisín!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy.

The dog bounded over to her, tail wagging furiously. Katie dropped to her knees, wrapping her arms around the dog's neck, her laughter filling the room.

You stood in the doorway, stunned. "You know this dog?" you asked, watching the unexpected reunion with curiosity.

Katie nodded, tears of relief in her eyes as she buried her face in the dog's fur. "Yes, this is Oisín, my dog. I can't believe he's here."

You leaned against the doorframe, a smile tugging at your lips. "Well, I didn't expect that. I thought you'd be upset I brought a dog into your office. Also...I didn't know you had a dog..." you let out a breath with a slight smirk. "guess there goes my plans to take him to the race track, I thought he might be a fast little guy"

Katie looked up, her expression softening knowing you were kidding...or at least, she hoped you were as your odds of survival were very slim if you were serious. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I don't know how he got here, but having him here means the world to me."

"Guess it was just good luck. He seemed as lost as you did this morning."

Katie chuckled, still hugging Oisín. "I guess we're both a bit out of place, aren't we?"

You nodded, taking a seat across from her. "So, do you want to talk about what’s going on? Or should I just assume you'll just adopt any dog I bring into your office?"

Katie hesitated, glancing at Oisín, who seemed perfectly content. She was beginning to trust you more, especially after you unknowingly reunited her with her dog.

"Alright," she said, taking a deep breath. "I think you deserve to know. I’m not exactly the Lena Luthor you know. Somehow, I ended up here from a different world, where I'm not a business mogul, a brilliant engineer or anything of that sort...I'm an actress playing Lena on TV. I didn't even study theater, I studied History for heaven's sake."

Your eyebrows shot up in surprise, but you listened intently. "Okay, that's... unexpected. But it explains why you couldn't log into your account this morning... now...as for the dog...Oisín?"

Katie nodded. "He's from my world too. I don't know how he ended up here, but I'm so glad he did."

You leaned back in your chair, processing everything. "So, what do we do now? This company needs its CEO...it needs Lena"

Katie looked at you with a determined expression. "I have to figure out how to get back to my world. But in the meantime, I could really use your help."

"wow wow wow....hold your greyhounds Luthor"

"My name is Katie McGrath"

"...Fine, hold your greyhounds McGrath....you know what, that doesn't roll off the tongue as easily...I'll just call you Kates"

Katie let out a bit of a sigh and just scratched Oisin behind his ears. "I would rather you just call me Katie"

"Look Kates, I don't do helping, you want help, you should go to Kara"

"That's right! She's supergirl, if anyone can help me get back it's her"

"Just be careful with Alex, she might think it's another plan to get revenge on Kara given how you...locked her in superman's mancave"

"Oh....right..." Katie turned to you. "You're a supergenius alien aren't you?"

"well, I'm about average for my species, but compared to a human, I could be classified as a genius"

"You're a genius, don't you want Lena back? you two had a friendly rivalry going...right?"

"I wouldn't call it friendly."

"...you literally covered for me all day" She crossed her arms as you cough a bit at that and look away.

"That's because I don't see why your employees should have to suffer for their bosses mistakes."

"If you worry so much about them, isn't it better for Lena to be here?"
You leaned back in your chair, crossing your arms as you eyed Katie skeptically. "I don't do helping, Kates. If you want help, you should go to Kara."

Katie's eyes lit up. "That's right! She's Supergirl. If anyone can help me get back, it's her!"

You nodded. "Just be careful with Alex. She might think it's another plan to get revenge on Kara, given how you... locked her in Superman's mancave."

"Oh, right..." Katie turned to you, hopeful. "You're a super-genius alien, aren't you?"

"Well, I'm about average for my species, but compared to a human, I could be classified as a genius."

"You're a genius, don't you want Lena back? You two had a friendly rivalry going, right?"

"I wouldn't call it friendly," you replied with a smirk.

Katie crossed her arms, challenging your words. "You literally covered for me all day."

You coughed, looking away as you tried to defend yourself. "That's because I don't see why your employees should have to suffer for their boss's mistakes."

"If you worry so much about them, isn't it better for Lena to be here?"

You opened your mouth to argue, but before you could get the words out, Oisín padded over to you, his eyes wide and soulful as he looked up at you. His tail wagged slightly, and he tilted his head, as if pleading.

You sighed, glancing from the dog to Katie, who wore a similarly hopeful expression. "Oh, come on. That's not fair, using puppy dog eyes on me."

Katie shrugged, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "It's a powerful tactic. Can't resist it, can you?"

You grumbled, trying to maintain your resolve, but Oisín nudged your hand with his nose, and you felt your defenses crumbling. "Fine, fine. I'll help you. But only because of this manipulative little creature."

Katie beamed, reaching over to pat Oisín's head. "Thank you. It means a lot to me... and Lena."

You shook your head, a reluctant smile forming. "Alright, Kates. We'll figure out a way to get you back to your world. But first, we'll need to make sure no one else catches on that you're not the real Lena."

Katie nodded, determination in her eyes. "Thank you. I promise I'll do my best to pull this off until we find a solution."

You sighed, standing up and offering a hand. "Let's get started, then. First step: Keeping you far away from technology...you somehow destroyed half a years worth of work for one of your departments."

"....yeah, that's...a fair point. Technology and I don't mix."

"you're just lucky Sam had a back up for it...."

"She should get a raise, is she being compensated properly?"

"I'm keeping you far away from Human Resources and accounting too"

"What?! Why?"

"I have a feeling you'll start to give raises, bonuses and benefits as if you were Oprah giving away cars"

You and Katie left the office, heading towards Lena's penthouse. The evening air was cool, and Oisín trotted happily beside you, his tail wagging with each step.

As you walked, Katie seemed lost in thought. "So, Lena... how does she handle all of this? The company, the technology, the rivalry with Supergirl?"

You shrugged. "She's a force of nature. Brilliant, driven, a bit ruthless when she needs to be. But she also cares about people in her own way. That's why she's so successful."

Katie nodded, looking down at Oisín with a small smile. "I guess I'm going to have to channel my inner Lena, then."

"Don't worry," you reassured her. "I'll help you as much as I can. Just avoid touching anything with a screen in L-Corp, and we should be fine."

Arriving at the penthouse, you led Katie inside. The place was sleek and modern, with expansive windows offering a stunning view of the city. Katie looked around, impressed and slightly intimidated.

"Wow," she said, taking it all in. "This is incredible."

"Yeah, Lena's done well for herself," you replied, motioning for her to follow you further inside. "Come on, let's get you settled."

You showed Katie around, pointing out the essentials: the kitchen, the living room, the guest room where she could stay. Oisín, meanwhile, explored his new surroundings with curiosity, sniffing at everything in sight.

Katie turned to you, a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you for all of this. I know it must be strange for you, dealing with me instead of the real Lena."

You chuckled, leaning against the kitchen counter. "It's definitely not what I expected when I woke up today, but I've handled stranger things. Besides, it's nice to see this side of you."

Katie arched an eyebrow, amused. "This side of me? What do you mean?"

"I mean, it's refreshing to see Lena—well, you—being a bit less…oh what are the words…," you admitted, grinning. "Untouchable corporate genius, more regular person."

She laughed, a sound that was both genuine and infectious. "I'll take that as a compliment. Now, what's next on our agenda?"

"First, make yourself at home," you said, gesturing around the penthouse. "After that, I'll start to come up with a way to send you back to your world.." you let out a breath. "Thankfully, you're an actress so fooling people into thinking you're Lena will be easy, I'm sure you made this character your own, right?"

Katie sits down and leans back."Yes, too a degree...I always play as the woman I admire and I wish I was like. Before Lena, I played a witch in a show called Merlin, honestly...they're very similar personality wise. Strong women, incredibly capable, they're not afraid of conflict, and just complete badasses" Oisin goes over laying his head on her legs and she pats his head gently. "I'm just....shy and awkward who would rather be under her covers reading a book than taking over a kingdom or running a multi billion dollar company"

"Trillion" you corrected as you sit in front of her on the coffee table.

You settled on the coffee table across from Katie, giving her your full attention. "A trillion-dollar company, then. That's no small feat, even for someone playing pretend."

Katie chuckled softly, still absently stroking Oisín's head. "True. But it's all a bit overwhelming, you know? I'm used to scripts and cameras, not board meetings and business strategies."

"You're doing better than you think," you reassured her, leaning forward slightly. "Today could have gone a lot worse if you weren't adaptable. You managed to keep things together when most people would have panicked."

She sighed, a mixture of relief and doubt on her face. "I guess. It's just... hard to believe that I can actually pull this off. Lena seems so far removed from who I am."

"Maybe," you acknowledged, "but you've already started to step into her shoes. You handled the team, kept up with the board, and didn't let anyone suspect anything was wrong. That takes talent and guts, Kates."

Katie smiled at the nickname. "You keep calling me Kates. I wish you would call me Katie"

You smirked and you were going to be snarky again but nod. "Sure, why not, I'll start calling you katie. But you know ... I wonder what Lena would say if she knew her imposter nearly wiped out all of her company with the press of a button?"

Katie laughed, the sound lighter and more genuine this time. "She'd ban me from ever entering L-Corp....But seriously, thank you for all your help today. I don't know what I would have done without you."

You shrugged, trying to play it off, though you felt a warmth spreading at her gratitude. "It's no big deal. I'm doing this for Oisin anyways. Besides, you're not so bad for someone who just stumbled into this world. And who knows? Maybe by the time you get back to your world, you'll have more of Lena's badassery rubbed off on you."

Katie smirked, glancing around the penthouse. "Here's hoping. In the meantime, I suppose I'll try to not touch Lena's computer..."

The months that followed were a whirlwind of challenges and adjustments, but you and Katie managed to keep up the appearance that nothing was amiss. In front of the public and L-Corp employees, "Lena" remained as strong and competent as ever, while behind the scenes, you handled the intricate business dealings and critical decisions that kept the company running smoothly.

Katie had adapted impressively, learning enough to maintain her cover in meetings and public appearances.

One night, after a particularly long day, you found yourself back at Lena's penthouse, going over a stack of documents that had piled up. The soft glow of the desk lamp illuminated the room, casting long shadows on the walls. You were engrossed in your work when you heard soft footsteps behind you.

Katie, dressed in comfortable lounge clothes, approached quietly, Oisín trotting at her side. "Hey," she said softly, leaning against the doorway. "You’re still working?"

You glanced up, rubbing your eyes. "Yeah, just trying to catch up on some things I missed at the office. It's been a crazy day."

Katie moved closer, her expression thoughtful. "You've been doing so much. I don't know how to thank you."

You waved a hand dismissively, offering her a tired smile. "It's fine. We’re a team, right? Besides, it's kind of fun keeping up the charade."

Katie chuckled, taking a seat across from you. "Fun, huh? You must be a glutton for punishment."

You laughed, shaking your head. "Maybe. But seriously, Katie, you're doing great. You've come a long way since that first day."

She looked down, fiddling with a pen on the table. "I couldn't have done it without you. You've been my anchor in all of this."

You leaned back in your chair, stretching your arms. "Well, it's not like I had a choice. Oisín would never forgive me if I let you flounder."

Katie smiled, reaching down to scratch Oisín behind the ears. "He's been my rock too. I don't know what I would have done without both of you."

There was a moment of comfortable silence before Katie spoke again, her voice more serious. "Do you ever think about what happens if we can't find a way to get me back?"

You sighed, considering the question. "Honestly? I try not to dwell on it too much. We're doing everything we can. But if it comes to that... we'll figure something out. You're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Katie nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I just hope Lena is okay, wherever she is."

You reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "This is Lena we're talking about, she's probably running that world by now...or at the very least running a multi billion dollar company"

Katie squeezed your hand back. "Trillion" she corrected and you chuckled at that.

"Hey,it hasn't been that long, I'm being generous with billion"

Katie glances down at some documents and notices some of them weren't for L-Corp. "What's this?" she asks as you look over.

"Those are the documents for my company"

"...your company? But didn't you only work for Lena after you lost a bet with her?"

"I do only work for Lena, but I own my own company. I'm not technically a worker since I'm the owner...but I do have duties I have to do"

Katie frowned at that. "...you're pushing yourself too much...is this why you haven't been sleeping properly?"

Katie looked at you with concern, her eyes softening. "You're pushing yourself too much. Is this why you haven't been sleeping properly?"

You shrugged, trying to downplay it. "It's nothing I can't handle. I've managed busier schedules before."

Katie didn't seem convinced. "But you're handling two companies now. That's a lot for anyone, even someone as capable as you."

You leaned back in your chair, crossing your arms defensively. "It's just part of the job, Katie. Besides, Lena would do the same if she were here."

Katie shook her head, her brow furrowed with worry. "That doesn't mean you should. You need to take care of yourself too. You're not invincible."

You sighed, feeling the weight of her concern. "I know, but there's so much to do. And I can't let L-Corp or my company fall behind."

"You're not alone in this," Katie insisted gently. "You've been helping me all this time. Let me help you too."

You hesitated, caught between your stubbornness and the sincerity in her voice. "I don't know, Katie. I don't want to burden you with more than you already have."

She reached over, placing her hand over yours. "You're not a burden. We're in this together, remember? You said it yourself: we're a team."

You looked at her, seeing the determination and compassion in her eyes. It was a reminder that you weren't alone in this strange situation and that maybe it was okay to lean on someone else for a change.

"Alright," you relented, a small smile tugging at your lips. "I'll let you help, but you have to promise not to try and run my company. One L-Corp is enough for you."

Katie laughed, nodding. "Deal. I’ll stick to what I know—or at least, what I’m learning."

You felt a wave of relief, the burden you had been carrying feeling just a little bit lighter. "Thanks, Katie. It means a lot."

She squeezed your hand again, her smile warm and genuine. "Anytime. Now, why don't we take a break? You've been working non-stop."

"sounds like a good idea, what book are we reading this week?" you asked as she smiled and went to a bag where the books were before she went over and held it out to you as you looked down at it.

Given how much Katie liked to read, the both of you had made a small book club, in which the only members were Katie, Oisin and you. You had a sinking feeling that Oisin just went for the snacks and for the pats he got.

Katie rummaged through her bag and pulled out a book, holding it up with a grin. "I thought this might be an interesting choice for our little book club." She handed you a copy of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

You took the book, examining the cover. "Ah, a story about a magical competition and a mysterious circus. Sounds intriguing."

Katie settled onto the couch, patting the spot next to her for you to join. Oisín curled up at her feet, clearly ready for his part in the book club, which mostly involved sleeping,pats and scratches.

"I figured it would be a nice escape," Katie said, opening her copy. "It's about as far from running a company as you can get. Plus, it's beautifully written."

You nodded, flipping through the pages. "I've heard good things about it. A little magic might be just what we need right now."

Katie laughed softly, her eyes lighting up. "Exactly. And who knows, if everything else fails, maybe we can run away and join a magical circus of our own”

You laugh at that. “Lena would murder you if she comes back and sees she’s in a circus for some reason”

You settled in beside her, feeling the tension of the day start to fade. The room was quiet, except for the soft rustle of pages turning and the occasional sigh from Oisín as he made himself comfortable.

As you read, you couldn't help but appreciate how Katie had found a way to use her love for stories to bring a sense of normalcy and connection to this strange situation. It was one of her strengths.

After a while, Katie spoke up, her voice thoughtful. "You know, this whole experience feels a bit like a story sometimes. Like we're characters in a book, trying to figure out where we fit and what our roles are."

You glanced over at her, smiling. "And what's your role, do you think?"

She shrugged, her expression playful yet sincere. "I think I'm the protagonist who's figuring things out as she goes. And you? You're the wise and slightly grumpy mentor who's guiding her."

You chuckled, shaking your head. "Slightly grumpy? I'll have you know I'm perfectly cheerful."

Katie laughed, nudging you with her elbow. "Sure you are. But seriously, thank you for being there for me. You've been my anchor in all of this."

You felt a warmth in her words, realizing that despite the challenges, this unexpected partnership had become something meaningful. "Anytime, Katie. And for what it's worth, you're doing a pretty good job at this protagonist thing."

The two of you continued to read, the quiet moments interspersed with laughter and conversation. Sure, you were both stressed trying to run L-Corp and trying to find a way back, but the two of you knew how to take small breaks to unwind.

A few weeks had passed since that evening in the penthouse, and Katie had grown more accustomed to her role as "Lena." She was still learning, of course, but with your guidance, she'd become more confident in navigating the complexities of L-Corp.

Today, however, was different. You were called away to handle an unexpected crisis at your own company, leaving Katie to manage L-Corp on her own for the day. She sat at Lena’s desk, staring at the emails piling up in her inbox and the documents waiting for her approval.

Katie took a deep breath, reminding herself of the advice you'd given her: to use her strengths and not try to imitate Lena. She could handle this. She just had to approach it her way.

The first issue was a problem with a major client, who was unhappy with a recent product launch. Katie frowned, remembering how you'd handled similar situations but knew she wouldn’t be able to. You had used manipulation and a little force to get what you wanted and she wasn’t like that.

Instead of relying on complex technical jargon or playing hardball like Lena might or how she had seen you handle it, Katie decided to address the issue with open communication and understanding. She picked up the phone and called the client directly.

“Hello, this is Lena Luthor. I understand there have been some concerns with the recent launch,” Katie began, her voice steady and warm. “I’d like to hear your thoughts and see how we can resolve this together.”

The client was surprised at first but responded positively to her direct approach. Katie listened attentively, taking notes and offering solutions that addressed the client’s concerns. By the end of the call, the client seemed more at ease, and a follow-up meeting was scheduled to ensure everything was back on track.

Katie felt a surge of relief. She had handled it in her own way, and it worked.

Her next challenge was an internal matter—a team was struggling with a project deadline. Instead of issuing stern orders, Katie decided to visit the team in person.

She found the team in one of the conference rooms, looking frazzled and overworked. Katie entered with a smile, bringing a sense of calm to the room.

“Hey everyone, I hear things have been a bit hectic,” she said, taking a seat at the table. “Let’s talk about what’s going on and how we can get things moving smoothly again.”

The team was initially hesitant but gradually opened up about their challenges. Katie listened, asked questions, and encouraged them to share ideas. Together, they brainstormed a new plan that would help them meet the deadline without burning out.

As Katie left the conference room, she felt a sense of accomplishment. By using her skills in communication and empathy, she had found solutions that worked for L-Corp and its people.

Later, back in the office, Katie took a moment to relax, feeling more in control than she had in months. She realized that she didn’t need to be exactly like Lena to succeed. She could rely on her strengths to lead effectively.

When you returned later that day, Katie was eager to share her experiences.

“How did things go?” you asked, settling into a chair across from her.

Katie grinned, recounting her day with enthusiasm. “I handled a few things differently, but it worked out. I think I’m finally finding my footing here.”

You listened, impressed by her adaptability. “That’s great to hear. You’re doing amazing, Katie. Lena would be proud.”

Katie beamed at your words, feeling a growing sense of confidence and belonging. Together, you were not only keeping L-Corp afloat but also building a partnership that was stronger and more resilient than either of you had imagined.

“Thank you..but I do miss acting.” Katie said with a soft breath.

You leaned back, considering Katie's words. "Acting, huh? Well, that's a pretty big change from running a company like L-Corp."

Katie nodded, a wistful smile on her face. "Yeah, I miss it. The thrill of stepping into a new role, the creative process, and working with a team to bring a story to life. It's what I've always loved."

You tapped your chin thoughtfully. "You know, if acting is really what calls to you, there's no reason you can't find a way to make it work here."

Katie raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"Lena has the resources to finance her own projects," you explained. "Why not use that to your advantage? You could produce films or series, and even star in them."

Katie looked thoughtful, the idea taking root in her mind. "I never really considered that. Producing my own projects would let me have creative control and get back to what I love. Plus, it could be a great way to bring new stories to life."

"Exactly," you agreed, warming to the idea. "You'd be leveraging Lena’s business acumen while pursuing your passion. And with L-Corp’s backing, you’d have access to top-notch resources and talent."

Katie nodded slowly, her eyes shining with excitement. "It sounds like a dream. I could bring more diverse stories to the screen and have the freedom to experiment with different genres and roles."

You smiled, feeling her enthusiasm rub off on you. "And who knows? Maybe one day you'll be known as both a successful CEO and a groundbreaking producer. It's the best of both worlds."

Katie laughed, the sound full of possibility and hope. "That would be something. I never imagined this situation could lead to such an opportunity."

"Sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the best destinations," you said with a grin. "So, what do you say? Want to explore this idea further and see where it takes you?"

Katie chuckled. "So deep, where did you read that?"

"A fortune cookie during lunch"

She rolls her eyes and chuckles."In all seriousness... I’d love to give it a try...we don't know how long I'll be here for"

"Great, then it's decided, lets go for a drink"

She laughed. "Fine, fine, but we're taking the driver. The last time we couldn't get an uber to pick us up because of how drunk you were"

"It's not my fault you gave your driver the day off"

"That's true, but it was your fault that you got drunk"

A few hours later, you and Katie found yourselves in a lively bar downtown. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, with people chatting and laughing, the sound of clinking glasses and music filling the air. You settled into a cozy booth near the back, away from the bustling crowd.

Katie looked around, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "This place is great! Thanks for suggesting it."

As the night wore on, the two of you relaxed, enjoying the music and the company. Katie's laughter was infectious, and you found yourself forgetting the stress of the past few months. It was a rare moment of peace, and you were grateful for it.

But as the evening progressed, you noticed more and more people eyeing Katie. She was stunning, even in her casual attire, and it didn't take long for someone to muster the courage to approach her.

A tall, confident-looking man walked over, a charming smile on his face. "Hey there," he said, leaning against the table. "I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. Mind if I join you?"

Katie glanced at you, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. You gave her a reassuring nod, but inside, you felt a strange irritation.

"Sure," Katie said, smiling politely. "This is my friend—"

"I'm Peter," the man interrupted, not even glancing your way. He was focused entirely on Katie, and you felt your irritation grow.

"So, Katie, what do you do?" Peter asked, leaning in closer.

"I'm an actress," Katie replied, her tone friendly but distant. "Well, I used to be. Now I’m... exploring other opportunities."

"An actress? That's amazing!" Peter exclaimed, a little too over the top. "I'd love to hear more about it."

As the conversation continued, you felt a growing sense of discomfort. You couldn't quite put your finger on it, but something about the way Peter was talking to Katie bothered you. It wasn't just that he was hitting on her; it was the way he seemed to dismiss your presence entirely.

Finally, you couldn't take it anymore. You cleared your throat, drawing Peter’s attention. "Excuse me, but we're actually in the middle of a conversation here."

Peter glanced at you, clearly annoyed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt." But there was a bit of edge to his ‘apology’.

"Well, you did," you replied, your tone sharper than you intended. "Katie, why don't we go get another round of drinks?"

Katie looked at you, surprise and a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Sure, why not?"

You stood up, guiding Katie away from the table. As you walked towards the bar, she chuckled softly. "Jealous much?"

You frowned, feeling a flush of embarrassment. "I'm not jealous. I just didn't like the way he was treating you. He was rude."

Katie smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Sure, whatever you say. But thank you for the rescue. I was starting to feel a bit uncomfortable."

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "I just... I don't like seeing you get hit on by guys like him. It felt wrong."

Katie reached out, touching your arm gently. "Hey, it's okay. I appreciate you looking out for me. But you know I can handle myself, right?"

You nodded, feeling a mix of relief and confusion. "Yeah, I know. I just... I don't know why it bothered me so much."

Katie smiled, a soft, understanding look in her eyes. "Maybe it's because you care about me more than you realize."

"No, that can't be it. It must be something else...maybe indigestion"

Katie rolled her eyes and nudged your arm a bit. "you won't die for admitting you care about me"

"It'll be a cold day in hell before I start to care about Lena Luthor, or her impostor"

Katie froze in mid-step at that. "...is that all you see me as even after all this time? Just....Lena's impostor?"

"What? No Katie I-"

Katie took a breath and just walked past you to the bar. "it's fine...you don't have to see me as anything else...when I leave you won't have to deal with Lena's impostor anymore" She didn't know why but it hurt to think that you only cared about her because she looked like Lena.

The mood shifted sharply as Katie walked ahead, leaving you standing there, feeling a mix of regret and confusion. You hadn't meant for your words to come out that way, but they had, and now Katie seemed hurt, her earlier warmth replaced by a chill.

You watched as she reached the bar, her posture tense as she ordered drinks. It was clear that your attempt at humor had backfired spectacularly. You wanted to approach her, to explain that you didn't mean it like that, but something held you back—pride, maybe, or fear of making things worse.

As she waited for the drinks, she kept her gaze firmly on the bartender, her expression guarded. You hesitated, your mind racing for the right thing to say, but the words wouldn't come.

Eventually, she returned to the booth, placing a drink in front of you without a word. The silence between you was heavy, an awkward tension that felt like a chasm. You took a sip, trying to find a way to break through the barrier that had sprung up between you.

"Katie, I'm sorry," you said finally, your voice quiet. "I didn't mean it like that. I just... I don't know why I said it."

She looked at you, her eyes searching yours for sincerity. "I know you didn't mean it, but it still hurt. It made me feel like I'm just a placeholder for Lena."

You shook your head, leaning forward earnestly. "That's not how I see you at all. You've become someone important to me, Katie. You're not just Lena's impostor—you’re your own person, and you're amazing."

Katie studied you for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "I appreciate that," she said, her voice calmer now. "But I need to know that you see me for who I am, not just as someone filling in for Lena."

"I do see you, Katie. I promise," you assured her, reaching across the table to touch her hand gently. "I don't just see you as Lena...if I did...I wouldn't be as invested in helping you as I am...or even here celebrating. My relationship with Lena is complicated at best."

She held your gaze, her eyes warm despite the lingering hurt. "Alright," she said, her lips curling into a faint smile. "Apology accepted. But maybe next time, try being a little less of an idiot?"

"I can't make any promises" You say with a chuckle as Lena smiles a bit at that and takes a sip of her drink.

After a few more drinks, the tension between you and Katie melted away, replaced by the familiar camaraderie you had come to cherish. The bar was bustling with energy, and the two of you relaxed into the rhythm of the night, enjoying the music and the lively atmosphere.

As the evening wore on, you found yourself indulging more than you intended. The alcohol seemed to loosen your tongue, and you were soon in a fit of giggles, the world around you taking on a pleasantly fuzzy quality.

Katie watched you with amusement, shaking her head. "You’re really something when you’re drunk, you know that?"

You waved your hand dismissively, nearly knocking over your drink in the process. "I’m not drunk," you declared, trying to sound convincing but failing miserably. "I’m just... happy!"

Katie laughed, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Sure, let’s go with that. But I think it might be time to head back before you decide to dance on the tables."

"Okay, okay," you agreed, struggling to stand but managing with Katie's help. "But for the record, I have excellent dance moves."

"Save them for when you’re sober," Katie teased, guiding you toward the exit.

The night air was cool and refreshing as you stepped outside, a welcome contrast to the warmth of the bar. Katie hailed a cab, and soon you were both on your way back to Lena's penthouse.

In the backseat, you leaned against Katie, your head resting on her shoulder as you fought to keep your eyes open. "You know," you mumbled, your words slurring slightly, "you’re really pretty."

Katie looked down at you, surprise and amusement in her expression. "Oh? Is that the alcohol talking?"

"Nope," you insisted, lifting your head to meet her gaze. "It’s true. You’re pretty, and you’re smart, and you’re... kind of dorky, but in a really cute way."

Katie chuckled, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "I think that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me while drunk."

"I mean it," you said earnestly, though your words were punctuated by a hiccup. "Not because you look like Lena. You’re... you’re just you. And that’s why I like you."

Katie smiled, her expression softening as she reached over to brush a strand of hair from your face. "Thank you," she said softly. "I like you too, you know."

The cab pulled up to the penthouse, and Katie helped you out, her arm around your waist as you stumbled slightly. As you made your way inside, you couldn't help but feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the alcohol.

Inside, Katie guided you to the couch, where you promptly flopped down, a contented sigh escaping your lips. She disappeared for a moment, returning with a glass of water and some aspirin.

"Here," she said, handing them to you. "You’ll thank me in the morning."

You took them gratefully, managing to get the pills down with only a little sputtering. "You’re the best, Kates."

Katie laughed softly, sitting down beside you. "Just try not to be too hungover tomorrow, okay? We’ve got a lot to do."

"Yeah, yeah," you murmured, already feeling your eyelids growing heavy. "But I meant what I said. You’re amazing."

Katie watched you as you drifted off, her expression thoughtful and fond. As you slipped into sleep, you felt a comforting sense of closeness, knowing that whatever happened next, you wouldn’t be facing it alone.
The next morning, you woke up with a pounding headache and a fuzzy memory. The sunlight streaming through the windows felt like a personal attack, and you groaned, burying your face in the couch cushions.

You heard a soft laugh and turned to see Katie sitting at the kitchen island, a mug of coffee in her hands. "Good morning, sunshine," she called, a teasing smile on her face.

"Ugh, what happened last night?" you muttered, sitting up and rubbing your temples. "I feel like I got hit by a truck."

Katie stood up and walked over, offering you a glass of water and some more aspirin. "Here, this should help."

You took them gratefully, gulping down the water. "Thanks. Did I do anything embarrassing?"

Katie hesitated, her smile faltering for just a second before she shook her head. "Nothing too bad. You were just... very honest."

"Honest?" you repeated, frowning. "About what?"

"About me," Katie said softly, her eyes searching your face for any hint of memory.

You blinked, trying to piece together the fragments of the night before, but it was all a blur. "I don't remember," you admitted, feeling a pang of guilt. "Did I say something stupid?"

Katie shook her head, but there was a strange look in her eyes. "No, not stupid. Just... surprising."

You watched her for a moment, sensing there was more to it but not wanting to press. "Well, I'm sorry if I made things awkward."

Katie forced a smile, but her mind was racing. She couldn't stop thinking about your words from the night before. It had been such a candid moment, one that had caught her completely off guard. She felt a strange flutter in her chest now, an unfamiliar nervousness that she couldn't quite place.

"It's okay," she said finally. "Let's just focus on getting through the day. We've got a lot to do."

You nodded, grateful for the change of topic. "Right. What's on the agenda?"

Katie rattled off the list of meetings and tasks for the day, her usual confidence returning. But as she spoke, she found herself stealing glances at you, her mind drifting back to the previous night. She felt a warmth spread through her as she remembered your words—how you saw her, not as Lena's impostor, but as her own person.

Throughout the day, Katie couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness. It was there in the background, she found herself second-guessing her actions, wondering if you were noticing her in the same way she was starting to notice you.

During a break between meetings, Katie caught herself staring at you, her thoughts swirling. She realized with a start that what she was feeling was more than just nerves—it was attraction. Your drunken confession had stirred something in her, something she hadn't been ready to face until now.

She sighed, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. This new dynamic between you was unexpected, and she wasn't sure how to navigate it. But one thing was clear: she couldn't ignore her feelings any longer.

As the day came to a close, you both found yourselves back in the penthouse, the weight of the day's work lifting. Katie took a deep breath, deciding it was time to address the elephant in the room.

"Hey," she said, her voice soft as she approached you. "Can we talk?"

You looked up, sensing the seriousness in her tone. "Of course. What's on your mind?"

Katie sat down beside you, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. "Last night, you said some things... about me. And I've been thinking about it all day."

You frowned, trying to remember. "I'm sorry, Katie. I really don't remember what I said."

She reached out, taking your hand in hers. "You said I was pretty and smart, and... dorky, in a cute way. You said you liked me for who I am, not because I look like Lena."

Your eyes widened in surprise, the memories slowly trickling back. "I did? Wow, I... I'm sorry if that made things weird."

Katie shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "It didn't make things weird. It made me realize something. I think..." She didn't know what she felt for you...was it just gratitude? Maybe it was friendship? While she didn't know what it was, she wanted to figure it out in case she did something she couldn't take back.

"Yeah?"

"...it's...nothing...just, don't worry about what you said last night, alright?"

"Alright" you smile relieved you hadn't scared her off with your drunken rambles.

Over the next few days, Katie's behavior towards you became noticeably different. She seemed more cautious, her usual confidence replaced with a nervous energy whenever you were near. Every accidental brush of your hand, every close proximity seemed to make her flinch slightly, as if she was trying to distance herself, yet couldn't quite manage it.

During meetings, Katie was hyper-aware of your presence. She’d glance at you frequently, her gaze lingering for just a second too long before she quickly looked away. When you sat close to her, she would adjust her position or shift uncomfortably, almost as if she was trying to maintain an invisible barrier between you.

You began to notice the change and felt a little guilty. It was clear that your drunken confession had affected her more than you’d anticipated. You worried that you’d somehow ruined the comfortable dynamic you’d built together.

One afternoon, as you were working side by side, Katie’s reaction to a casual touch was particularly noticeable. You reached over to hand her a file, and when your fingers brushed against hers, she pulled back sharply, her face flushing slightly.

You frowned, your heart sinking. “Katie, are you okay? I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Katie’s eyes widened, and she quickly forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just a bit jumpy, I guess. It’s nothing.”

But it was clear that something was amiss. You tried to shake off the unease, but the awkwardness persisted. You felt like you were walking on eggshells, unsure of how to address the issue without making it worse.

Later that evening, after a particularly tense day, you decided to confront the situation. You found Katie in the penthouse, working late into the night. The room was dimly lit, and she was engrossed in paperwork.

“Katie,” you said softly, approaching her. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Katie looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. “Sure, what is it?”

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. “I’ve noticed you’ve been acting differently lately. If I’ve done something to make you uncomfortable, I want to know. I don’t want to ruin our working relationship or make things awkward between us.”

Katie’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and she set her pen down, her eyes searching yours. “It’s not your fault. It’s just... I’ve been feeling a lot of things lately, and I’m not sure how to handle them. Your words from the other night... they made me realize that I may have feelings for you, but I’m scared of what that means for us.”

You stared at her, your own feelings a tangled mess. “Katie, I don’t want you to feel like you have to put up walls around me. Nothing has to come of this if you want to keep things as usual. After all....we have been getting along just fine till now, right?"

Katie hesitated, your words lingering in the air between you. Her expression flickered with a mix of hope and uncertainty. “Yeah, we’ve been getting along fine,” she said, her voice tinged with disappointment that she couldn't hide.

You sensed her disheartenment and quickly added, “But I don’t want you to feel like you can’t talk to me about how you feel. I just don’t want to push you into anything that could complicate things.”

Katie nodded slowly, absorbing your words. “I understand. I just… I’m worried that I’m pushing you away by being so awkward.”

You shook your head, your heart aching at the thought. “You’re not pushing me away, Katie. I just didn’t expect all of this, and I’m trying to figure out how I feel, too.”

Katie managed a small, hesitant smile, though uncertainty lingered in her eyes. “I guess I’m just afraid that if I let my feelings show, I’ll ruin what we have. I don’t want to lose you as a friend.”

“I feel the same way,” you admitted, relieved to finally voice the fear that had been gnawing at you. “But I’d hate to see you holding back or feeling uncomfortable around me.”

Katie let out a soft sigh, a mixture of relief and frustration. “I don’t want to hold back, but it’s hard not to be self-conscious around you now. Every time I catch myself staring or wanting to say something, I feel like I’m overstepping.”

"You know what...how about a kiss? We'll get this out of the way, and we'll see if there's anything there...if there isn't, then there's no reason for us to be so awkward around each other, right?"
Katie blinked in surprise at your suggestion, her eyes widening slightly. “A kiss?” she repeated, as if testing the word on her lips.

You nodded, trying to appear more confident than you felt. “Yeah, a kiss. Just to see if there’s something there, or if we’re just overthinking things.”

Katie hesitated, her gaze locked on yours as she considered the idea. After a moment, she nodded slowly. “Alright,” she said, a touch of nervousness in her voice. “Let’s give it a try.”

You both leaned in, your heart pounding in your chest. The room seemed to shrink around you, everything else fading away as you focused on her. As your lips met, a spark of electricity coursed through you, surprising in its intensity. Her lips were soft and warm against yours, and you found yourself lingering, savoring the moment more than you’d expected.

Katie responded in kind, her hand gently resting on your shoulder as she leaned into the kiss. There was a breathless quality to it, an undeniable connection that neither of you had anticipated. When you finally pulled away, you both lingered, your foreheads resting together, catching your breath.

You searched her eyes, seeing the same mix of wonder and confusion that you felt. Katie let out a soft, nervous laugh, her cheeks flushed. “Well, that was… something,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.

You chuckled, feeling the heat rising in your own cheeks. “Yeah, it was… okay,” you replied, attempting to downplay the spark you both felt.

“Definitely okay,” Katie agreed, but her eyes told a different story.

You both settled back, trying to mask your racing hearts behind a veneer of calm. “Well, now we know,” you said lightly, though the lingering warmth of the kiss told you there was more to explore.

Katie nodded, her smile a mix of relief and uncertainty. “Yeah, now we know,” she echoed, though neither of you could quite believe that it was just ‘okay.’

As the conversation shifted to safer topics, you both knew there was a new layer to your relationship. Whether it was a spark that would ignite something more or simply a fleeting moment, only time would tell. But for now, you were content to explore this uncharted territory together, with curiosity and caution in equal measure.

The days following the kiss were a whirlwind of confusion and heightened emotions. What was meant to ease the tension between you and Katie had instead intensified it, and now, the air crackled with unspoken words and hidden glances.

Whenever you were in the same room, it was as if an invisible thread pulled your eyes toward her, even when you tried to focus on anything else. Meetings were a study in stolen glances and lingering looks that neither of you could resist. You found yourself thinking about her constantly, her presence filling your thoughts in a way that was both exhilarating and maddening.

Katie, for her part, was no better off. She, too, was caught in the web of uncertainty and attraction. She often dreamed about you, waking up with her heart racing and an inexplicable sense of longing. It was driving her insane, and she struggled to maintain her composure, knowing that any slip might reveal the depth of her feelings.

Despite your attempts to act as if nothing had changed, it was clear to those around you that something had shifted. Kara Danvers, ever perceptive, noticed the way you and Katie seemed to gravitate towards each other. She exchanged knowing glances with her sister Alex, who smirked knowingly whenever she caught you two exchanging looks.

James Olsen, who had always been good at reading people, couldn’t help but notice the tension between you and Katie. He’d seen the way your interactions had changed, and it was more than obvious what was happening.

Jessica, Lena’s ever-efficient assistant, was perhaps the most attuned to the situation. She noticed the way Lena’s eyes followed you whenever you left a room and the way Lena seemed more distracted than usual. Jessica had long suspected that something more than a professional relationship was brewing between you two, and the recent developments only confirmed her suspicions.

Despite your efforts to keep things under wraps, the secret was out—at least among your close circle of friends and colleagues. They watched with a mix of amusement and concern, eager to see how things would unfold.

One evening, as you were wrapping up work, Kara approached you, a teasing smile on her face. “So, when are you going to admit that you and Katie are more than just friends?” she asked, her tone light but curious.

You chuckled, trying to brush off her question. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you replied, though your cheeks betrayed you with a hint of color.

“Come on, it’s obvious to everyone,” Kara said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You two are like magnets.”

“I know I feel it” You admit quietly "but I don't think she'd want to go any further...or even explore if there is something"

"then why don't you find out? it's clear you both are trying to be so secretive...but even James knows something is up"

Meanwhile, Katie was having a similar conversation with Alex, who had cornered her in the kitchen.

“You’ve been acting different lately,” Alex observed, raising an eyebrow. “Something on your mind?”

Katie sighed, knowing there was no point in denying it. “It’s complicated,” she admitted, glancing down at her coffee.

“Complicated how?” Alex pressed, genuinely curious.

Katie hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the jumble of emotions inside her. “I like her,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “More than I should, and it’s making things… difficult.”

“Then maybe it’s time you two stopped pretending,” Alex suggested, her voice gentle. “You’re both clearly into each other.”

Katie nodded, knowing Alex was right. But acknowledging her feelings and acting on them were two very different things. She just needed to find the courage to take that step, to move past the fear of ruining what they had built together.

As the days passed, you and Katie continued to dance around your feelings,. It was clear that something had to give, but neither of you was quite ready to make the first move..

A few weeks had passed, and the tension between you and Katie had only grown. Every glance, every touch, every shared moment felt like it could be the one. Yet, despite the encouragement from your friends, neither of you had taken that final step to acknowledge what was clearly there.

One afternoon, a routine outing turned into a nightmare. You and Katie were crossing a bridge downtown when a sudden explosion shook the structure. A villain, intent on causing chaos, had attacked, and the bridge began to collapse under the assault. Panic ensued as people scrambled to safety, but amidst the chaos, you and Katie were separated from the main group.

The bridge swayed precariously, and debris rained down around you. You found yourself clinging to a piece of twisted metal, the ground far below. Katie was hanging onto your hand, her eyes wide with fear as she dangled over the abyss.

“Katie, hold on!” you shouted, your voice strained with effort. The weight of both of you was too much for your precarious grip, and you felt yourself slipping.

Katie looked up at you, her expression determined despite the terror in her eyes. “I can’t let you die because of me,” she said, her voice shaking. “You have to let me go.”

“No!” you cried, tightening your grip on her hand. “I won’t let you go, Katie. We have to hold on until Supergirl gets here”

But Katie shook her head, tears brimming in her eyes. “I can’t risk both of our lives. You need to let me go.”

Before you could protest further, Katie made the heartbreaking decision. She released her grip, and for a horrifying moment, you felt the weight of her hand slipping away. She began to fall, her eyes meeting yours in a final, desperate look.

Without thinking, you let go of your hold on the metal and plunged after her. The wind rushed past you as you fell, the world a blur of noise and chaos. You reached out, managing to grab onto Katie just as you hit the water below with a bone-jarring impact.

The world went dark for a moment as you were pulled under, but you clung to Katie, refusing to let her go. When you finally surfaced, gasping for air, you saw Katie's face, her eyes wide with shock.

“Why did you do that?” she spluttered, coughing up water as you both struggled to stay afloat.

“Because I couldn’t let you go,” you replied, your voice breaking with emotion. “I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you.”

Katie stared at you, her expression a mix of disbelief and something deeper. “You could have died,” she whispered, her voice choked with tears.

“But I didn’t,” you said, your grip on her tightening. “And neither did you. We’re both alive, Katie. That’s all that matters.”

Rescue teams quickly arrived, pulling you both from the water and getting you to safety. As you sat wrapped in blankets, shivering from the cold and the shock, Katie looked at you with a new intensity in her eyes.

“You really meant it, didn’t you?” she said softly, her voice trembling. “When you said you wouldn’t let me go.”

You nodded, feeling the weight of everything you hadn’t said hanging in the air between you. “I meant it, Katie. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

Katie’s eyes filled with tears at your words.

In that moment, surrounded by the chaos and the aftermath of the attack, you both knew that things had changed irrevocably. There was no going back to the way things were.

As you sat there, drenched and shivering, the weight of the moment hung heavily between you and Katie. The world around you seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in a fragile. The chaos of the attack had given way to a profound stillness, as if time itself had paused,.

Katie leaned closer, her eyes fixed on yours. Her hand, still trembling, reached out to brush against your cheek, and you felt a surge of warmth spread through you, dispelling the chill of the water.

“Katie,” you murmured, your voice barely audible over the distant sounds of sirens and the frantic activity around you.

She smiled softly, her eyes shining with a tenderness that made your heart ache. “I know,” she whispered, leaning in closer, her lips just inches from yours.

But just as your lips were about to meet, a sudden rush of wind and a bright blur interrupted the moment. Supergirl descended from the sky, hovering right above the two of you.

“There you two are!” she exclaimed. “Are you okay? We need to get you out of here.”

The near-kiss was shattered, and the bubble of intimacy burst. Katie pulled back, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. You both nodded, still reeling from the intensity of the moment and the abrupt interruption.

Supergirl gently helped you both to your feet, guiding you away from the water’s edge. “Come on, let’s get you home,” she said, wrapping her arms around you and Katie. In a blur of speed and a rush of wind, you were lifted into the air, soaring above the city as Supergirl carried you to safety.

The journey back was swift, and before you knew it, you were standing on the balcony of Lena’s penthouse. Supergirl set you both down gently, her expression softening as she looked between you and Katie.

“I’m glad you’re both okay,” she said, her voice warm with genuine relief. “Take care of each other, alright?”

With a final nod, Supergirl took off into the sky, leaving you and Katie alone once more.

The atmosphere between you was thick with the weight of everything unsaid, the memory of the almost-kiss lingering in the back of your mind. You both stood there, dripping wet and exhausted, unsure of what to say or do next.

Katie finally broke the silence, her voice soft and tentative. “I guess we have a lot to talk about.”

You nodded, feeling the gravity of the moment pulling you closer together despite the awkwardness. “Yeah, I guess we do.”

She met your gaze, her expression unreadable. “Do you want to... talk now? Or should we wait until we’re not, you know, soaked and shivering?”

A small laugh escaped your lips, easing the tension just a little. “Maybe we should dry off first. But... I do want to talk, Katie. I want to figure this out with you.”

Her smile returned, warm and genuine despite the lingering awkwardness. “Okay. Let’s dry off and then... we’ll see where this goes.”
As Katie stepped into the bathroom, the tension in the air seemed to follow her. She could feel her heart racing, her mind a whirl emotions. The events of the day—the attack, the fall, the near-kiss—had shaken her more than she cared to admit. But as she turned on the shower and let the hot water cascade over her, she tried to sort through the tangle of feelings.

Standing under the stream, Katie thought about you—your bravery, your kindness. She realized with a sudden burst of courage that she didn’t want to keep hiding her feelings, didn’t want to let fear or uncertainty hold her back any longer.

The decision settled over. She wanted to tell you, to show you, how she truly felt. With renewed determination, Katie quickly finished her shower, dried off, and slipped into a robe, her mind made up.

Meanwhile, you sat in the living room, scrolling through your phone absentmindedly as you waited for your turn to shower. The adrenaline from the day had left you feeling exhausted, yet restless, your mind drifting back to the moment by the river and the emotions it had stirred.

Just as you were lost in thought, you heard the bathroom door open, and Katie emerged, her hair damp and her cheeks flushed. There was a new intensity in her gaze, a quiet resolve that made your heart skip a beat.

“Katie, are you—” you began, but your words were cut off as she crossed the room.

Before you could fully process what was happening, she was in front of you, her eyes locked on yours with an intensity that took your breath away. She hesitated for just a moment, searching your face as if seeking reassurance.

Then, with a burst of courage, she leaned in, capturing your lips in a soft yet decisive kiss. The warmth of her lips against yours, the tentative yet sure way she held you, was both surprising and utterly right.

You were caught off guard, your phone slipping from your fingers as you instinctively responded, leaning into the kiss, your heart racing with a mix of surprise and exhilaration.

When she finally pulled back, her breath mingling with yours, she searched your eyes but was unsure what she was looking for. “I didn’t want to wait any longer,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I wanted you to know how I feel.”

You were silent for a moment, trying to find your voice amid the rush of emotions. “Katie, I... I didn’t expect that,” you admitted, your heart still pounding.

“I know it’s sudden, and I know there’s a lot we need to figure out, but I couldn’t keep pretending that I didn’t feel anything.”

You nodded slowly, reaching up to tuck a damp strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m glad you did,” you said softly, a smile tugging at your lips. “I’ve been feeling the same way, but I wasn’t sure how to say it.”

Relief washed over her features, and she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “So... what do we do now?”

You took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We take it one step at a time,” you suggested, a warmth spreading through you at the thought of exploring this new chapter together. “And we see where this goes.”

Katie nodded, a genuine smile lighting up her face. “I’d like that,” she said, a hint of the usual confidence returning to her voice.
In the months that followed, you and Katie settled into a new rhythm, a growing closeness that seemed to deepen with each passing day. It felt natural.

Work became a different kind of adventure as well. The office felt lighter, and you often found yourselves exchanging glances and quick touches during the day . Despite the demands of your jobs, you managed to carve out time for each other, your relationship becoming a source of strength and joy.

One day, as you sat across from each other in the office, both immersed in work, the air around you seemed to shimmer. You were in the middle of a discussion about a new project when the room was suddenly filled with a soft humming sound, growing louder and more distinct.

“What’s that?” Katie asked, looking up from her laptop, her brow furrowed.

Before you could respond, a bright light appeared in the center of the room, swirling and pulsating with energy. Your heart raced as you watched the light take shape, a portal slowly forming before your eyes. Papers rustled, and the air felt charged with energy.

The portal stabilized, revealing a figure stepping through—a woman with striking features and an unmistakable air of confidence. It was Lena Luthor, looking exactly as she had when she disappeared into the other world.

Katie’s eyes widened in shock and recognition. “Lena?” she breathed, standing up abruptly.

Lena Luthor looked around the room, her gaze finally landing on you and Katie. A mix of emotions played across her face. “You must be Katie,”

You exchanged a glance with Katie, who seemed both stunned and intrigued. “How?” Katie asked, her voice filled with disbelief and curiosity.

“I’ve been working on trying to get back for months,” Lena explained, stepping fully into the room. “It wasn’t easy, but I managed to recreate some of the technology from my world and adapt it to your own.”

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of Lena’s words settling over you. It was a reminder of the past, a reminder of the world Katie had left behind, and of the ties that still lingered.

“What does this mean?” you asked, breaking the silence and trying to gauge the implications.

Lena’s gaze softened as she looked at Katie, her expression filled with understanding. “It means things can go back to normal”

Katie hesitated, her mind racing with possibilities. She glanced at you, her feelings for you were undeniable, and the thought of leaving felt impossible. Yet, the chance to return to her own world was what she had wanted since the moment she got there.

You reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, offering silent support. The decision was monumental, and you wanted her to know that whatever she chose, you’d be there.

“I'm afraid both of us can't be here at the same time for too long, it could cause unpredictable effects into the universe" Lena told the two of you.

Katie gave a nod and she looked over at you and then over at Lena. "So I can't stay...and she can't come with me?" She asked softly as she looked over at the portal that was starting to shrink.

Lena shook her head. "i'm afraid not, after all, there's another her in your world as well...."

"...but you're not me....I mean. I'm not you, I'm just an actress and this is a fictional world"

"Oh, well you see the way it works is-" She looks over when the lights in the office starts to flicker and the portal grows even smaller.

You grab Katie's hand and smile a bit. "it's okay...I know you have to go....your family and your friends are there"

Katie quickly hugs you at that and burries her face against your neck for a moment as Oisin walks over.

"Katie...you have to go now" Lena told her as the portal was becoming even more unstable. She figured it was because they were still within the same universe.

Katie nods and lets you go before she says a quick good bye and hurries to the portal with Oisin. As quick as she goes in, the other you comes out of the portal.

Lena calls out their name as she runs over and hugs them and that's when you know that you can be with Katie if you wanted to. Before you can even think about it, you were already running toward the portal and jump in right as it closes.

You felt a strange sensation as you leaped through the portal—a mix of exhilaration and fear. The world around you warped and twisted, and for a moment, you were engulfed in darkness. Then, as suddenly as it began, the feeling dissipated, and you found yourself standing in a place both familiar and foreign.

You took a deep breath, your heart pounding as you realized the enormity of what you’d done. You had followed Katie into a world you knew nothing about.

The sound of footsteps drew your attention, and you turned to see Katie standing a few feet away, her eyes wide with shock and something else—relief. She had been talking with her friends, but now she was frozen in place, her gaze locked on you.

“Y-You came after me,”

You nodded, your heart full of emotion. “I couldn’t just let you leave,” you admitted, taking a step closer. “Not without knowing how I really feel.”

Katie’s expression softened, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She closed the distance between you in a heartbeat, pulling you into a fierce embrace.

“I didn’t want to leave you,” Katie murmured, her voice muffled against your shoulder. “But I didn’t know how I could ask you to come with me.”

You pulled back slightly, just enough to meet her gaze. “I didn’t need to be asked,” you replied, your voice steady and sure. “I want to be where you are.”

“I can’t believe you’re really here,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

“I’m here,” you affirmed, your heart swelling with certainty. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

Katie’s smile widened, and she leaned in, capturing your lips in a kiss that felt like coming home.

The decision to follow Katie had been a leap of faith, but it felt like the right one.

“Ready to show me around?”

“Absolutely not,” Katie replied, with a laugh. “After what we just went through, we’re staying home for a while. I have had my fill of adventure for the rest of my life, so we’re going to stay home with Oisin and with a few books.”

You laugh at that. “Oh no, reading and spending time with you, how torturous” you tease as you get your arms around her. “however will I survive?”

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine” Katie teases with a smile. She might have had her fill of adventures for the rest of her life, but her new life with you was just beginning.