The Secret's Out
Kara wakes early in Lena’s queen-sized bed with the raven-haired goddess still snoring softly next to her. There’s a sour taste on her tongue, but she brushes it off as morning breath. Kara gently eases out of the bed, collecting her underwear and dress from the floor before sneaking out of the room. Slipping on her dress, Kara takes a quick glance around the penthouse before silently opening the balcony door.
“Where are you going, Kara?” Lena’s voice makes her freeze. She slowly turns around to face the woman who’s rubbing her arms from the chilly morning air.
“I’m just going home, Lena.”
“Without saying anything? Sneaking out like this is a one-night stand?” Kara winces at that. She didn’t mean to make it seem like that, but she does need to take some time to process what happened last night.
“I’m sorry… I just need some time. This is…” She searches for the word. “…overwhelming.” Lena looks crestfallen but nods slowly.
“Oh. Of course, I understand, Kara.” Lena bites her lip anxiously looking at the floor. Kara sighs before taking a few steps toward Lena.
“I just think we need some space. We both hurt each other and I’m not sure that jumping into a relationship right away is the best idea.” Kara reaches out to tuck a stray piece of hair behind Lena’s ear.
“When did you become so wise?” Lena chuckles sadly. Kara laughs, but it sounds hollow even to her own ears.
“I don’t think I am, Lena.” She pauses for a moment, collecting her thoughts. “It’s not that I don’t want you, Lena… I do. More than anything. I –”
“Then why can’t we be together?” Lena asks, interrupting her. “If we both love each other and want to be together, why not just do it?” Kara stares into the emerald orbs staring at her, welling with tears. Her mind spins. She opens her mouth, then closes it again. Lena furrows her eyebrows, confused. “Kara?” She swallows, her mouth suddenly feeling dry.
“I-I don’t know.” She casts her eyes down, fidgeting slightly. Lena lifts her chin, catching her piercing blue eyes with her sorrowful green ones.
“If there’s no reason holding us back, why are you so hesitant, Kara?” Lena gently caresses her cheek and Kara leans into the touch, closing her eyes. What if Lena’s right? What if she’s overthinking this for no reason? If Lena loves her, and she loves Lena… what’s stopping her? A small thought forms in the back of her head. Will you be able to protect her? Tears begin escaping from beneath her eyelids. “Kara, baby… what’s wrong?” Lena softly wipes at the tears. She opens her eyes.
“What if I can’t protect you?” She whispers, her heart squeezing from the thought of losing Lena. Lena pulls her into a hug, her arms wrapping tightly around Kara’s back. Kara sniffles, the tears steadily falling now despite her trying to stop them. The two women embrace for a long time before they break apart.
“Can you stay? We can talk about this, Kara. Please.” Lena wipes the remainder of the tears from her face. Kara nods, not trusting her voice. Lena guides her to the couches, propping Kara up with pillows and throwing a blanket over the two of them. Before either of them can begin speaking, Lena’s phone rings loudly from the kitchen counter. Startled, both women jump, then start giggling.
“Hello?” Lena answers, her professional tone surfacing instantly. Respectfully, Kara just watches as Lena’s smile drops and her face turns pale. “How did this happen?!” Kara stands quickly, moving to comfort the CEO. “I’ll handle it,” Lena finally says, hanging up the phone. For a moment, Lena just stands there.
“Lena? What’s wrong?” Kara begins to soothe the other woman by running her hands up and down her bare arms.
“I-I don’t understand… h-how could this happen.” Lena’s legs give out, but Kara holds her up, guiding her to the closest bar stool. Lena buries her face in her hands, a small sob escaping from her chest.
“Shhh, it’s okay,” Kara says gently. “It’ll be okay, Lena. I promise.”
“H-how can you promise t-that?” Lena hiccups. Kara places a kiss on Lena’s forehead.
“Because I have hope.” She begins rubbing circles on Lena’s back until the raven-haired woman calms enough to tell her what happened.
“It’s out, Kara,” Lena says, hanging her head. “The world knows I’m not a true Luthor.” Kara’s heart breaks from the dejected way Lena looks right now. “I’m ruined…” Lena buries her face into Kara’s neck, the warmth of her breath tickling the sensitive skin. Kara pulls Lena tight against her, letting the woman fall apart in her arms. She doesn’t know who leaked the information, but she knows that whoever did will regret their actions.
LATER
“You better find out who leaked the information, Winn,” Kara snaps angrily, pacing back and forth on the first floor of the DEO. Winn frantically types on the keyboard, the keys clacking loudly.
“Kara, it’ll be okay,” Alex says, trying to relax the Kryptonian woman before she does something rash. “Once we find out who it was, we can handle it. In the meantime, shouldn’t you be helping Lena at CatCo? Trying to get ahead of the situation?” Kara stops pacing, staring at her sister like she’s the alien in the family. She chews the inside of her cheek, frustration welling up inside her.
“You better tell me if Winn finds anything, Alex. I mean it.” Kara storms off to the helipad before Alex can reply and takes off into the evening sky, heading to CatCo. She lands on the street nearby, trying to compose herself. Why does something always come up when Lena and she are trying to fix their relationship? Will they ever be able to fix their relationship? It’s been a rollercoaster for sure.
“Kara, come here.” Lena beckons her over the moment she steps off the elevator. “I set up a press conference for tomorrow morning. Here’s my statement, what do you think?” Lena pushes the laptop toward Kara so she can read the words. Leaning over Lena’s shoulder, Kara takes a deep breath, taking in her perfume mixed with her scent before reading the statement.
Yesterday, an anonymous individual released evidence that I, Lena Luthor, am adopted. I am standing in front of everyone right now to say that this statement is true. I am adopted. Lillian and Lionel Luthor adopted me when I was four years old. At this point, I know nothing about my biological family. Despite the fact that I am not a true Luthor, I have worked just as hard as anyone else to build up my career. I know the Luthor name is seen in a negative light, but I have dedicated my life to changing that. Thank you. No questions, please.
“It’s perfect, Lena.”
“Really? You wouldn’t change anything?” Kara shakes her head. “Well, that’s a relief.” Lena sinks back into her chair, the weight of the situation clearly taking its toll. Kara begins massaging her shoulders, kneading the tight knots out with her fingers. A soft sigh comes from Lena’s lips.
“Did you sleep at all last night, baby?” Kara asks softly, already knowing the answer.
“No,” Lena replies, stifling a yawn.
“Lena… You can’t expect to tackle a problem without proper sleep,” Kara says seriously, turning Lena’s chair so she’s looking at her. Kara brushes her hand over Lena’s cheek and the raven-haired woman leans into the touch. “It’s getting late. C’mon, I’ll take you home.”
“Will you stay with me tonight?” Lena asks hesitantly. Kara takes her face in her hands, kissing her lips softly.
“Of course, Lena. Let’s go home.”