1. Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

AN: Ok, I know Jessica De Gouw played "Helena Bertinelli/The Huntress" in Arrow, but I am completely ignoring that right now. I'm using her "Mina Harker" persona from Dracula (2013) in this, okay? Okay. But there's no vampirism or whatever here. I'm taking liberties with the history between Lucy x Mina too.

PPS. Hope this isn't too weird.

Enjoy!

Kara is finally back on her own Earth.

She is beyond exhausted and she just wants to lay on her bed and get some rest. Stepping through the portal and right into the middle of her dark apartment, she is broken out of her reverie by a startled yelp, followed by some colorful expletives.

Light suddenly comes on and Kara turns on her heel, finding herself being engulfed in a tight hug. Recognizing the warmth and scent that is now surrounding her, Kara relaxes into the sudden, yet familiar embrace of Alex.

However, just as Kara is about to hug Alex back, she abruptly finds herself being pushed back. Alex is still firmly gripping her shoulders; however, she is now looking at Kara from head to foot.

Kara stays as still as she can; quietly confused, but still allowing Alex to do whatever it is she is doing. Alex's tense posture finally relaxes, and Kara finds herself being engulfed in another hug as Alex softly whispers, "Welcome home, Kara."

Smiling, Kara finally gets to hug Alex back. After a few moments of silently soaking each other in, Kara steps back from the hug and drags Alex to sit down at the couch. Tentatively, Kara asks, "So… I guess time kept moving here while I was away?"

Frowning, Alex hugs a pillow to her chest. In a tense voice she confirms, "Yes, you've been gone for four days, Kara." Sighing heavily, Alex continues, "J'onn has kept up appearances as Supergirl, but unfortunately, not as Kara Danvers."

Kara gasps at that, but before she can get a word in, Alex raises a hand to silence her. "Don't worry, James talked to Snapper and told him that you're away on a family emergency."

Relief floods over Kara, grateful for her friends and all of their help, "Alex, thank you so much I –"

Once again, Kara finds herself being cutoff as Alex sharply tells her, "I'm not done."

Kara shuts up instantly and she sits up straighter, taken aback by Alex's cutting tone. Alex must notice her sudden tenseness, as she reaches out and softly takes Kara's hands into her own.

Gently, Alex rubs her thumb across Kara's knuckles as she softly admits, "I was so worried about you, Kara. Actually, we all were. Even if you left a note, it was still very short notice. And although I was able explain the situation to mom, J'onn, Winn, and James, we were still very concerned." This time, Alex's tone grows tense again, "We wish you could've had some back-up, Kara. And before you tell me that there were other heroes there or whatever, I mean back-up from this Earth. Do you get what I'm trying to say here?" Alex asks, her gaze unwavering and her grip on Kara's hands suddenly growing tight.

Kara swallows back the guilt she is feeling, finally realizing the effect of her sudden departure. She nods timidly and she gently squeezes Alex's hands back, "I am so sorry for putting you through that, Alex. It's just well, they needed me and…" Kara trails off as she looks down, shrugging.

Kara finds her head being softly raised by Alex's soft fingers gripping her chin. Allowing her head to be lifted, Kara shyly meets Alex's gaze.

Alex smiles at her gently, despite her eyebrows still being scrunched up in obvious exasperation. "Well, you are a hero, Kara – we can't fault Barry for asking your help. Just… not so short notice next time, okay?"

Kara nods eagerly at that, comforted with the knowledge that Alex isn't truly mad at her. Sheepishly, Kara asks, "Can I get a hug again?" And just to be careful, Kara uses her best pout and puppy dog eyes.

Alex laughs at her, and tugs her hand. "Come here you," Alex says, her voice full of adoration now.

Kara relaxes into her sister's embrace, and after a few moments, she slides down and settles her head on Alex's lap. Kara hums in contentment as Alex starts to play with her hair.

Finally, the events from these past few days catch up to Kara and she starts to feel her exhaustion once again.

Now in the comforts of her apartment, with her sister watching over her, Kara allows herself to finally succumb to sleep.

Kara wakes up to an incessant ringing. Finally recognizing it as her alarm clock, she regretfully opens her eyes and reaches out for her phone on the coffee table, shutting the alarm off. With her apartment now blissfully quiet, Kara sits up and realizes that she's still in her couch, only this time, Alex is no longer with her.

Groaning, Kara gets up and is about to start getting ready for work when a thought strikes her. Alex and those closest to her may know where she's been, but there's one other person who Kara owes an explanation to. Someone who Kara cares deeply about.

Someone who, Kara finally realizes with a start, she may have truly hurt the last time she saw her.

Realizing that said person has no idea where Kara has been for the past four days, she is suddenly very awake and is roaring to get through the day.

Kara needs to get to LCorp as soon as she can.

Unfortunately, the soonest that Kara is able to manage is lunch time.

That's one thing that Snapper can't take from her. However, instead of focusing on her own stomach, Kara heads to Noonan's and purchases a meal – both for her and Lena.

Lena.

The thought of the other woman brings an inexplicable pain and joy to Kara's heart. Butterflies flutter in her stomach, and Kara can't help but feel excited to see her friend again.

However, her excitement is quelled when she remembers her last encounter with Lena – both as Kara Danvers and as Supergirl. Her happiness dimming slightly, Kara also remembers that she hasn't thanked Lena yet.

For everything she's done. Everything she's sacrificed.

Lena Luthor deserves the world, and Kara wasn't even able to give her a simple, "Thank You" and "I'm Sorry", before she went and disappeared for the past four days.

"Well," Kara thinks as she smiles at the cashier, finally receiving her order, "I'm here now and I'll make sure to make it up to her."

Determined to fix what she may have destroyed with Lena, Kara heads to LCorp armed with coffee, a delicious meal, and her brightest smile.

"Hey Jess, is Lena in?" Kara smiles charmingly at Jess, and she holds up the takeout bag she's carrying, "I brought lunch."

Before that day, Kara and Lena occasionally had lunches together. With Lena's explicit approval of her entry into the building anytime, it wasn't unnatural for Kara to suddenly drop by during lunch hour with a bag of takeout. Jess has been surprisingly accepting every time.

This is why Kara is taken aback when Jess looks up at her seriously and asks, "Have you set an appointment today, Miss Danvers?"

Stuttering in surprise, Kara replies with a small frown, "Um… No, I-I haven't." Nervously adjusting her glasses up her nose, Kara continues, "I… just got back in town actually and was wondering if I could talk to her?"

Sighing, Jess informs her, "I'm sorry Miss Danvers, but Miss Luthor is currently in a meeting right now. She probably won't be done for at least another… 15 minutes or so."

Kara's shoulders slump, but she perks up immediately as she earnestly tells Jess, "I can wait out here. I just… I have something important to tell her." And just as she did last night with Alex, Kara uses the best pout she can manage.

Kara tries not to fidget under Jess' intense gaze; however, she finds herself confused when Jess starts to chuckle. Smiling slightly, Kara asks timidly, "Um, is everything alright Jess?"

Jess smiles back at Kara as she starts to explain, "Look, I like you Miss Danvers." Kara is pleasantly surprised by the admission, and her smile brightens sincerely. Kara doesn't say anything, allowing Jess to continue, "Admittedly, Miss Luthor has been, dare I say, lighter, after she met you."

Now, Kara absolutely beams at that; however, her elation is short-lived as she sees Jess' smile falter, "But four days ago when everything… went wrong for her, you were nowhere to be seen, Miss Danvers." And this time, Kara can discern the bite to Jess' tone.

Kara's own smile falls as well, and she meets Jess' gaze unflinchingly; accepting the reproach and slight anger in her tone. Voice low yet firm, Kara admits, "That's… that's why I'm here, Jess. I want to explain and hopefully make it up to her."

Again, Kara finds herself under Jess' quiet and intense gaze. Suddenly, Jess gets up and tells Kara, "Well, you can take a seat and wait. They're probably wrapping up now. After that, you only have about 15 minutes before she has to go on another meeting. Meanwhile I," Jess steps out and away from her desk, "Have been allowed to take a quick break too. So..." Kara is surprised by Jess' sudden shyness; after all, she was being straightforward and stern earlier. Regardless, Kara keeps quiet as she waits for Jess to continue.

Finally, Jess tells her softly, "Make it up to her, Kara. She's been sad without you." And with that, Jess walks out and leaves Kara completely speechless.

Kara is patiently waiting outside Lena's office; seated on the comfortable couch right across from Jess' station. She is quietly contemplating everything that has led her to this point, and Kara recalls every single thing that Lena has done for her. For Supergirl. For National City.

However, Kara's musings are cut short when two women emerge from Lena's office; stopping just right outside the door.

One, is the very woman who has been plaguing Kara's thoughts more and more – Lena Luthor.

The second woman on the other hand, makes Kara frown a little as she takes her in. She is elegantly beautiful. Nowhere near Lena of course, but still, beautiful nonetheless.

Still seated on the couch and slightly hidden away from view, Kara can't help but overhear, "So, I'll see you this weekend, yes?" Asks the other woman in a refined, accented voice.

Kara's heart lurches upon hearing Lena's bright laughter. However, she can feel her chest inexplicably and painfully constricting once she hears Lena respond with no hesitation, "Of course, Mina. Let me just double-check my schedule, and I'll text you with the details."

For some unknown reason, Kara feels her breathing get heavier as she watches Mina leaning in towards Lena, giving both her cheeks a kiss. Even from this distance, Kara can see Lena blushing as she smiles up at Mina shyly.

Out of nowhere, a thought pops into Kara's mind, "Apparently, you aren't the only one who elicits that look from Lena. That flushed face and genuine, bright smile." Frowning, Kara shakes the thought away and continues to observe the women at the door.

"I miss you, Lena," Without even meaning to, Kara still hears the whispered words with the help of her super hearing. Mina's voice is quiet; intimate even, "What I did to you… The way we left things…"

Kara can't help but gasp. Guiltily realizing that she is listening in on such a private moment, Kara concentrates on stopping herself from hearing even further.

Unfortunately, her small gasp is enough to catch Lena's attention and Kara now finds herself under Lena's intense gaze. Mina apparently notices Lena's distraction and turns in Kara's direction as well.

Kara stands abruptly, adjusting her glasses nervously as she hears Mina asking, "Well, who do we have here, Lena?" Kara steps forward with a bright smile; however, her hold on the takeout bag tightens just a little as she hears Lena's name rolling off of this other woman's tongue.

The way Mina says Lena's name is intimate; it entails a certain familiarity and knowing.

And Kara can't understand it, but the thought that this woman knows Lena absolutely grates at her.

Still, Kara doesn't let her smile dim as she extends a hand out to Mina, introducing herself politely, "Hi, I'm Kara Danvers."

Mina graciously takes her hand and shakes it firmly. Despite herself, Kara can't help but feel a bit charmed. The woman in front of her is smiling stunningly as she formally introduces herself as well, "I'm Mina Murray."

"Miss Danvers, this is a surprise." At that, Kara and Mina break their handshake as Lena catches their attention, "Are you here for an interview, again?"

Despite Lena's pleasant tone, Kara can hear an undercurrent of tension. Luckily, Mina seems to have missed it as she asks Kara with interest, "Oh, you're a journalist? You must meet Jonathon, I'm sure that you will enjoy speaking with each other."

Just as Kara is about to confirm that yes, she is a journalist; and no, she isn't here for an interview, Lena sharply asks, "You're still together?" Kara looks at Lena in surprise, the bitterness in her tone catching her off-guard.

Out of the corner of her eye, Kara notices Mina turning to look at Lena as well. Although, where Kara is looking at Lena in confusion; Mina's look is one of silent understanding and… sadness?

Kara watches as Lena waves a hand dismissively in the air. In a gentler voice, Lena retracts her question with an apology, "I'm sorry, Mina. That was out of line and you don't have to answer it."

Kara is growing increasingly uncomfortable; this moment is obviously too private, and something that she really has no business in. Timidly, Kara takes a small step back as she starts to excuse herself, "Um, I should go and leave you two to… talk."

Kara's words finally breaks the intense staring between Lena and Mina. The two women glances at Kara's direction; Lena, with a slight frown on her face. In contrast, Mina is smiling kindly at Kara as she apologizes, "Oh dear, you don't have to do that. I was just headed out anyway." Mina glances back at Lena, and Kara notices that Mina's smile has grown just a touch softer again, "This weekend, okay?"

Lena smiles at Mina as she nods in agreement, "This weekend. And please do mind your phone, Doctor. I still have to text you the details."

Kara's brows arch up when she hears the teasing lilt in Lena's voice. Once again, she feels like an intruder to something she isn't supposed to be privy to.

Mina laughs loudly at that, and she finally bids her goodbyes to both Kara and Lena as she finally turns to leave.

With Mina's departure, Kara is finally left alone with Lena.

Feeling happy at the thought, Kara turns to face Lena with a bright smile. However as she turns, Kara sees a stoic expression on Lena's face, immediately causing her smile to falter.

Without a word, Lena tilts her chin to the side – a silent sign for Kara to follow her.

Quietly, Kara follows Lena inside her office, gently closing the door behind her. Lena continues to walk forward without glancing back at Kara. Finally, Lena takes a seat behind her desk, and she looks questioningly up at Kara.

Brow arching up, Lena's voice is cool, composed, and professional as she asks, "What is it you want, Miss Danvers?" Looking down at her wrist watch and looking back up at Kara again, Lena informs her, "I do have a meeting in 15 minutes, so if this is an interview," Lena's voice grows sharp at that and Kara winces, finally understanding, "I have to decline."

Momentarily glancing down, Kara inhales deeply trying to calm her nerves down. "I really messed up," she thinks mournfully to herself.

After a beat, Kara finally regains her resolve and she looks back up, meeting Lena's gaze with a sincere look on her face, "I'm not here for an interview, Lena. I'm here because I…" swallowing harshly, Kara forges on, "I missed you." Kara's voice is strong and sincere; her gaze unwavering as she openly shows Lena how much she means it.

Kara notices something flicker in Lena's expression; however, it disappears just as quickly as it passes. Before Kara can even begin to fathom what it was, Lena manages to bury it behind a stoic expression once more.

Without breaking their gaze, Lena stands up again and she steps ominously around her desk.

Now directly in front of Kara and just a few steps away, Lena crosses her hands in front of her body. Tilting her head up, Lena quietly starts, "Tell me, Kara," and Kara finds herself growing worried at the slightly dangerous edge to Lena's voice, "What is worth the story?"

Genuinely confused, Kara says apprehensively, "Lena, I don't know what you're talking about. What do you mean, "was it worth the story?""

Chuckling darkly, Lena casually leans against her desk, arms still crossed, and chin still haughtily jutting out, "Was our entire friendship a pretense, Kara? Were you assigned to do an exposé on me? Did you just befriend me for the sole purpose of trying to uncover my dark secrets? Are you back here, ready to conduct an interview and waiting to see if I'm going to snap, right after Lillian?"

Kara can't help but gape at Lena in shock. Before Kara can even formulate a response, Lena continues in a sickly-sweet voice laced with silent fury, "Tell me Kara, is the story worth it? The money, the fame? After all, you had to befriend a devious, murderous, and absolutely psychopathic Luthor to do so." And Kara hears it – beneath all the anger lies pain, betrayal, and hurt.

And Kara's certain it isn't entirely because of her.

No. This is something more.

The Luthor name has been thrust into the spotlight again; and with that comes a world of pain and isolation. And Kara wasn't there to support Lena during her mother's downfall.

"Not to mention whatever that was with Mina earlier. It must have dredged up some memories too." Kara thinks grimly to herself.

Lena is about to reach her breaking point and Kara's prepared to take all the anger and pain that Lena is about to let out.

This is something that Kara can do. Willingly.

Kara's tone is tender, yet firm at the same time as she tells Lena, "You know that isn't true, Lena. Right now, I'm not Kara Danvers; the journalist. I'm a friend and I care about you," Kara emphasizes without hesitation; bravely stepping closer to Lena, "And everything that they have said in the press, that isn't you. Your family does not define who you are, Lena."

With how close Kara is standing to Lena right now, she can feel the warmth radiating off of Lena's body; can smell the intoxicating scent of her perfume.

And standing so close to Lena; looking into stormy, emerald eyes, Kara finally admits it to herself.

This is different.

Lena is different.

She's special.

And as Kara finally acknowledges the truth of her feelings for Lena, she finds herself even more desperate to resolve everything.

Lena doesn't say anything. She looks completely unaffected by Kara's words and instead, Lena inquires in a suspiciously calm voice, "Where were you, Kara?"

Taken aback by the sudden question, Kara unconsciously shifts her weight from one foot to another, supplying the excuse that Alex and James has built for her. "I was out of town for a family emergency." It isn't a complete lie, but it isn't the truth either.

Kara winces inwardly. As much as she wants to tell Lena the truth; as much as Kara trusts her; Kara doesn't want Lena to carry the burden of her secret on top of everything else. Not right now. "I just got back last night and I… I wish I could have been here for you Lena."

Lena closes her eyes briefly and opens them after a beat. Without any hint of malice, but just a statement of fact, Lena replies softly, "But you weren't."

Sighing heavily after that remark, Lena uncrosses her arms and moves behind her desk again; clearly putting some distance between them.

Before sitting down, Lena regards Kara intensely once more, "Supergirl flat-out ignored me and continued on with her heroic duties, even after I turned against my own mother. And that… that I could swallow." Kara frowns slightly at that, but then remembers that J'onn shifted to Supergirl a couple of times when she was away.

Not saying anything, Kara listens as Lena's voice grows soft and quiet, "Thank you, for telling me where you were. But you… you just disappeared without a word. And after that weird interview, after everything that happened with my mother… I needed you, Kara; I needed my friend, but I just felt so used."

Lena lets out a harsh laugh as she continues, "Growing up the way I did as a... a Luthor, I'm used to feeling like people are only using me for my name; my money; my power. I just…" Kara watches as Lena bites her lip in hesitation and Kara can feel herself tear up a little.

With a heavy sigh Lena meets Kara's gaze head-on, "I never expected to feel it from you." Lena finally admits as she takes a seat, shuffling through the papers on her desk; avoiding Kara's gaze.

Kara hears herself letting out a strangled gasp. She will never regret helping Barry, but not for the first time, does she wish that she could have done things differently. Have left things differently.

Desperately stepping forward, Kara braces her arms on Lena's desk as she tries to catch her attention. Pleadingly, Kara asks, "Lena, what can I do to fix this?"

Lena pauses and with a document in hand, she looks up at Kara; a small, sad smile on her lips,"You were my only friend in National City, Kara Danvers; and I want to trust you again," Lena starts sincerely, but she shrugs sadly as she continues, "I just don't know how."

It has been two days since Kara has spoken to Lena.

And since then, Kara has been respectfully keeping her distance. No matter how much she is aching to see Lena, or to hug her and touch her; Kara is respecting Lena's wish.

Hugging a pillow tighter to her chest, Kara closes her eyes as she remembers the silently whispered, "I need some space, Kara," and the silence that followed right after.

Currently, she is sulking in her apartment – after finishing at CatCo early, and with no DEO case, Kara had no choice but to just head straight home.

Everyone around her has noticed her sour mood as well, and surprisingly enough, they have left her alone for the past two days. Although, Kara's sure that it's just a matter of time before Alex runs an intervention.

Hearing a knock on her door, Kara sighs heavily thinking how right she is. Alex is here.

Kara opens the door; grumbling with a pout, "Alex, I'm okay I –" Kara stops mid-sentence, mouth gaping open when she sees who's on the other side of the door.

Lena Luthor.

Lena waves tentatively at Kara, and Kara immediately shuts her mouth as she lets out a surprised, "Lena!"

Eventually remembering her manners, Kara opens the door even wider as she invites Lena in, with a hurried, "Please come in."

As Kara steps aside, Lena's shoulder brushes against her own and she clenches her jaw to prevent herself from gasping at the contact. Once Lena is in, Kara turns around for a moment – both to close the door and to gather herself as well.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your evening like this," Kara hears Lena's tentative voice from behind her. Letting out a deep breath, Kara finally turns around to face Lena.

Kara smiles softly at Lena as she adjusts her glasses, "You're not interrupting, Lena." Hesitantly, Kara continues, "It's just, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm surprised that you stopped by."

Kara watches as Lena crosses her arms. But when Kara notices a small smile appear on Lena's face, she starts to feel her gloomy mood start to disappear. Shrugging, Lena tells her, "Its okay. I was the one who asked for space after all."

Mesmerized, Kara watches as Lena bites her lip before she continues, "Its just, well..." Lena tilts her head down as she sighs, and looks back up at Kara through her dark lashes, "Do you still want to be my friend, Kara?" Lena asks her quietly, gently.

Kara jumps a little as she sincerely tells Lena, "Of course, Lena! Of course I still want to be your friend!"

Lena smiles fully at her now, and Kara beams at her right back. After a few moments of simply just staring at each other, Lena clears her throat and that snaps Kara back to attention. Finally, Lena speaks up again, "I just… I need your help, Kara."

Lena starts pacing in front of her and Kara stays quiet, waiting for Lena to continue. "Do you remember Mina? From two days ago?" Lena asks her, peering curiously at Kara as she stops her pacing.

Kara immediately feels a pang to her chest upon hearing Mina's name. However, she doesn't let it show; instead, she simply smiles at Lena, "Of course I remember her." Tilting her head slightly, Kara curiously asks, "What do you need help with, Lena? I mean, whatever it is, of course I'll be happy to help."

Kara notices a slight frown appear on Lena's face. In a voice that is surprisingly low and sultry, Lena asks, "Are you sure about that, Kara?"

And Kara hears it – a sliver of challenge lacing Lena's words.

Swallowing harshly, Kara nods her confirmation as she softly tells Lena, "Of course I mean it Lena."

With Kara's earnest reply, Lena's rigid posture softens a little. Kara can hear the hesitation in Lena's voice as she starts, "I need…" Lena bites her lip, seemingly preventing herself from saying anything more. Lena's uncharacteristic bashfulness is starting to concern Kara. So, she steps forward and tenderly places a hand on Lena's shoulder; giving it a slight squeeze of encouragement.

Kara holds her breath as Lena looks at the hand on her shoulder – secretly relieved when Lena doesn't shrug it off. Sighing, Lena looks at her straight in the eyes again as she says, "I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend this weekend."

Kara winces as Alex shrieks at her, "You agreed to do what? Kara!" Disapproval drips in Alex's voice and Kara finds herself slumping even further into her couch.

Kara buries her face in her hands; a dizzying mix of emotions coursing through her.

She feels the couch dip beside her, but she retains her position as she confesses, "She needed me, Alex. And I… I need my friend back."

Suddenly, Kara finds herself being pulled into a hug. Now surrounded by Alex's warmth, Kara stops covering her face and buries her head into the crook of Alex's neck instead.

However, Kara stiffens when she hears Alex's quiet, careful words, "Friendship? Is that really it, sis?"

Carefully, Kara extracts herself from Alex's hug as she acts as innocent as she can, "Of course, Alex. What else is there?"

And right after Kara asks the question, she really, really wishes that she hadn't done so in the first place. Alex stays quiet; she is simply looking at Kara, understanding clear in her expression.

Kara tries to fight it; she tries to not give in. But Alex is just looking at her so patiently,and Kara is tired. She is so, so tired and she just needs someone to understand.

"Alex," Kara starts and she recognizes how broken she sounds; softly admitting, "I think I'm falling for her."

"Oh, Kara." Alex coos and Kara finds herself in her sister's comforting embrace once more. And now with Alex gently rubbing her back, Kara finally allows herself to break.

For herself.

For Lena.

For the opportunities she's wasted; the trust she's lost.

Sniffling quietly, Kara decides in this moment that no, she will not give up.

She will gain Lena's trust again; even if it was only as a friend.

Kara wants to be in Lena's life again, and if pretending to be her girlfriend is the only way to get some piece of her back, Kara will be the best pretend girlfriend there is.

Even if she breaks her own heart in the process.