2. Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2

AN. I'm sorry it took me so long to update this. Full disclosure, I had the entire fic written in my head but the motivation to write it down was kind of hard to find. But then, "Ace Reporter" happened and it motivated me to finish this lol. Anyways, enjoy! Warning: angsty, cliché, and gay.

Kara is nervous.

Lena is currently heading over to her apartment so that they can prepare for tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a normal day – a Saturday; nothing special, no big occasion.

Except that tomorrow is going to be the day where Kara has to pretend to be Lena's girlfriend.

Tomorrow, Kara will have to swallow down her feelings; she will have to touch Lena, to hold her, to show her how much she loves her.

As a pretend girlfriend.

Except that Kara won't just be pretending. Not exactly. Because every touch; every look that she will throw Lena's way will be real and it won't simply be an act.

Kara is so screwedbecause everyone tells her that she isn't a good liar; that she isn't sneaky – but she has to be.

Lena can't find out.

Lena is just looking for a friend right now; someone who can help her with… whatever she is planning with Mina.

And Kara really can't jeopardize whatever remaining relationship she has with Lena. She doesn't want to. Kara's not sure she can take it if Lena asks for distance again.

She needsto be close to Lena. Kara craves her presence – the sound of her voice; the exotic smell of her perfume. Kara needs the lightness and ease she feels whenever Lena is with her.

And for that, Kara has to play this role perfectly – become the best pretend girlfriend there is.

And that's why Lena is coming over now – so that they can flesh out their stories, their lies.

Groaning, Kara sinks even further into her couch, hugging a pillow tighter to her chest; staring up at her ceiling with a frown.

She hates lying.

Before she can sink further into misery, Kara hears a light knock and she feels her heart skipping a beat.

Lena is here.

Standing up and trying to calm her racing heart, Kara immediately heads to the door and opens it; a bright smile on her face despite the nerves that she is feeling.

"Lena!" Kara injects as much enthusiasm into her voice, "Please, come in."

Kara steps aside as Lena timidly steps inside her apartment. Kara takes Lena's coat and sets it on the rack; after which, they both wordlessly head to Kara's living room where Kara asks Lena to settle down on her couch.

It's… awkward, to say the least. Lena is sitting as far away as possible on the small couch and she isn't meeting Kara's gaze.

Squirming in her seat, Kara decides to just get through with it and she swallows down her nerves. "So, Lena…" Kara starts and emerald eyes finally meet her own. Adjusting her glasses up her nose, she continues, "Um, about tomorrow…?" Kara's voice lilts at the end, making it sound more like a question rather than a statement.

Lena visibly flinches. Adjusting her position and turning slightly to the side, Lena is now facing Kara head-on, "Kara, listen. I know what I asked but… maybe we shouldn't do it. I mean, I can just ask someone else to do it. Or I can just tell Mina that I broke up with my girlfriend."

Kara's heart lurches and before she can even protest, Lena is speaking up again, her ramble apparently not done. Honestly, Kara would've found all this rambling cute if Lena's words weren't tearing through her heart, "I shouldn't have asked that of you, Kara. I…" Lena pauses, her hands waving in the air as she continues, "I want us to repair our friendship, and this isn't the best way to start it – with lies and with me, dragging you into my mess."

Kara feels conflict rage through her. On one hand, she wants to save herself from the inevitable pain of pretending to be Lena's girlfriend just for a day; on the other, she gets to have that one day. Just one. One spectacular day where she can have Lena – even if it's just for show.

Finally finding her voice, Kara chooses her words carefully, "Lena… its okay if you really don't want to do it anymore." Swallowing down the lump in her throat, Kara continues bravely, "But, the last time you needed me I… I wasn't there for you, Lena. I want to be here for you now. Let me do this for you." Kara's tone is firm and pleading at the same time.

Kara stays as still as she can and she meets Lena's gaze unflinchingly. Lena's face is a mask as she regards Kara quietly – her posture rigid and she definitely has her guards up.

Finally, Lena sighs and her posture relaxes. Kara can finally feel herself breathe again and her lips turn up into a small smile as Lena smiles at her slightly as well.

Clearing her throat after her somewhat passionate plea, Kara asks curiously, "So um, if you don't mind me asking…" Kara bites her lip in hesitation, but at Lena's slight nod, Kara continues, "So you told Mina that you were dating someone?"

Lena averts her gaze and Kara can see a slight blush appear on her cheeks. Kara doesn't say anything and she allows Lena to gather her thoughts.

Finally, Lena meets her gaze again and probably for the first time since Kara's met her; Lena looks bashful, her voice timid, "I did."

Kara is taken by surprise when Lena suddenly stands up and starts pacing in front of her. Again, Kara stays quiet, respecting Lena's silence.

Kara watches as Lena runs a hand through her hair as she sighs heavily. Kara can see Lena squaring her shoulders as she finally turns to face Kara again. With her voice full of resignation, Lena starts to explain, "Two days ago, when she showed up to my office, I was honestly surprised. The last time I saw her…" Lena bites her lip, her voice quivering a bit, "She told me she didn't want to see me again."

Kara gasps at that and she feels a burning desire to ask, "Why?"

Why didn't Mina want to see her again?

Why did Mina show up now?

Kara can feel the questions at the tip of her tongue, but she doesn't voice them out. However, it must show plainly in her face as Lena chuckles a bit sardonically. Lena's eyes narrow and again, Kara fights the urge to fidget as Lena sharply asks, "You're curious, aren't you?

Kara shrugs and she refuses to cower under Lena's gaze, "Well, I would like to know you, your history." Right after Kara says it, she panics that Lena might realize her real reason for asking, so Kara immediately covers it up with a hasty, yet hopefully believable excuse, "I mean, I just want to understand in case she asks, you know?"

Kara feels herself panic; she stands up too and starts pacing as well, "I mean, I'll be your girlfriend you know? And I would like to know more about you; your past; your different experiences. Where you went to school. And really, you don't even have to talk about your history with her specifically! Just…" Kara stops pacing and she looks at Lena shyly, finally realizing that she was rambling, "I want to be a good girlfriend, Lena. And part of that is getting to know you."

Wincing internally, Kara is hoping that Lena didn't notice that she didn't even include the word "pretend".

Kara adjusts her glasses nervously as Lena just stares at her silently, seemingly contemplating her reply. Finally, Lena tilts her head faintly to the side, her voice full of curiosity as she asks quietly, "Is that the only reason why you want to get to know me, Kara? To perfect the role as my pretend girlfriend?"

Kara inhales sharply, finally realizing how her words sounded. She takes a step forward, passionately denying, "Of course not, Lena! You… you're my friend." Kara smiles genuinely at Lena, her voice going soft as she admits, "I've always wanted to get to know you better – even without all of this." Kara waves a hand in the air, silently indicating their situation.

Lena softens at Kara's admission too and they end up simply standing there, just looking at each other.

Kara's not sure how long they stay in that position until Lena clears her throat and indicates to the couch, saying "I think… I think we need to sit down for this." Lena takes a seat first and Kara immediately follows – this time, it's Kara who intentionally sits as far away from Lena as possible.

If Lena notices Kara's position, she doesn't say anything.

Kara watches as Lena steeples her fingers together in her lap. Looking down, Lena starts in a tentative voice, "I really don't know where to start, to be honest."

Feeling a pang in her chest, Kara tells Lena softly, "Lena…" Kara starts, trying to capture Lena's attention. When Lena looks back up at her, Kara continues with a soft smile, "You can tell me about her. I'm here to listen, okay?" And Kara aches to reach out; to hold Lena's hands; to give it an encouraging squeeze.

But she doesn't.

She can't.

Because once she starts touching Lena, she might not be able to stop.

Instead, Kara watches as Lena sighs and finally starts to open up, "I guess I should start with what happened to us." Kara nods slightly and she leans slightly to the side, her arm settling against the back of the couch.

Lena's tone grows a touch softer; her smile growing fond, "I guess, long story short is that she was my best friend in university. We met at the library during our freshman year and I was… captivated."

Kara swallows harshly, as she finally starts to understand; finally starts to get an idea of where this is going.

With a heaviness settling inside her, Kara makes sure that her smile doesn't waver as Lena continues, "We just clicked. And she… she never saw me as a Luthor, Kara." Lena's voice is full of awe, as if she still can't believe that someone will see past through her last name. "And despite our different majors, despite our busy schedules, we still ended up spending a lot of time together and I…" Lena hesitates, and she looks away for a moment. After a beat, she looks at Kara again as she admits in a whisper, "I fell for her."

Speaking despite the lump in her throat, Kara asks carefully, "What happened, Lena?"

Lena laughs without humor, her voice going hard, "What always happens in movies, in TV shows – she met a boy. Jonathon."

After hearing the name, it finally clicks in Kara's mind as she remembers Lena's sharp question to Mina, "You're still together?"

Lena runs a hand through her hair, frustration clear in her movements and her voice as she continues, "They met our junior year and I was losing her. She was completely enamored with him and by our senior year, they were already talking about marriage and I… I didn't want to lose her, Kara."

Kara remains silent as Lena gathers herself before continuing, "I deluded myself into thinking that if I just said something; if I just let her know how I feel, that maybe I stood a chance but well…" Lena trails off with a shrug. Kara sees the quick flash of pain in her eyes before Lena breaks their gaze by looking down at her lap.

And Kara can't help it anymore – she can't stand seeing Lena like this.

Slowly, Kara reaches out and she settles a hand on top of Lena's. Lena stiffens at Kara's touch at first; but then, she turns her hands palm up, and gives Kara's hand a slight squeeze before she extracts them from underneath Kara's hold.

Dejection coursing through her, Kara slowly extracts her hand as well and places it back on her own lap.

Kara hears Lena sighing heavily before she looks back up and continues, "Then one night, I could no longer help myself. I was just so overwhelmed with love for her and I… I kissed her. She pushed me away, we fought, and she said that she no longer wanted to see me."

Lena runs a hand through her hair again, confusion and a bit of hope lacing her voice, "Then she showed up at my office two days ago." At this, Lena looks at Kara, wonder in her expression, "And it's been years, but she's talking to me again, Kara. When we talked in my office; when we were catching up, it felt like I had my best friend again. And I want her back. After everything that's happened lately…" Lena trails off, her smile falling a little, "I need her friendship back."

Kara feels like kryptonite is being injected into her system; her entire being is just aching.

And yet, she can't tear her eyes away from Lena.

She looks hopeful and… happy.

Happiness – that's something that Kara hasn't been able to give Lena lately.

But if Mina Murray can give her that?

Kara will do everything in her power to bring them back together.

Despite the tightness in her chest, Kara continues smiling at Lena; making sure to keep her voice even as she asks, "I'm sorry Lena, but if you want your friend back, maybe the two of you should hang out by yourselves?" Carefully, Kara continues, "I mean, of course you can still use my name if she asks about your girlfriend, but um, why do you need me at dinner tomorrow?"

At this, Lena's expression turns shy as she admits, "Well, it's honestly so juvenile."

Lena bites her lip and Kara finds her eyes dropping at the action, but she immediately brings her gaze back up as Lena clears her throat continuing, "I just… I didn't want her to pity me, Kara. I guess I just didn't want her to know that even after all this time, I'm still alone. So, it just slipped."

Lena shrugs nonchalantly as she continues, "So yes, I told her that I have a girlfriend; that there's someone waiting for me at home. But then, she suddenly wanted me to bring this someone to dinner and well… here we are." Lena gestures vaguely between them and Kara can notice her stiffening again; as if she's preparing for Kara to berate her or something.

Quietly, Kara informs Lena, "Lena, its okay." Letting out a light laugh, Kara tries to diffuse the tension, her tone turning slightly playful, "So, I guess we should come up with the story right?"

At Lena's arching brow, Kara continues thoughtfully, "The story about how we got together? How long we've been together – that sort of thing, I guess."

Kara notices the tension in Lena's shoulder easing off as she chuckles slightly as well, "I guess you really are a reporter. Wanting to make sure that you've got all your details right."

Kara flushes at that and before she can say anything, Lena adds in, "But you're right." Tilting her head slightly, Lena regards Kara curiously, "Maybe we should stick as close to reality as possible? We can tell her we met when you came in for an interview, became friends, and somewhere in between," Lena makes quick air quotes while saying, "we fell in love between all the conversations and laughter."

Lena's tone is laced with humor and sarcasm, "At that point of the story, our acting chops will have to come in."

The pang that Kara feels in her chest grows and she feels like it's about to swallow her whole.

"My acting chops are being tested right now,"Kara thinks ironically to herself. Smiling despite everything, Kara nods slightly in agreement, "Yeah, actually that sounds about right. We can do that."

Again, a thought passes through Kara's mind as she realizes, "Well, that's what happened to me anyway, so I guess I won't be acting much after all."

Kara wasn't able to get much sleep, not that she needs it much, but still.

It was a long, restless night.

Today's the day.

Kara is currently heading over to Lena's apartment, deciding to take a cab rather than flying there. After all, she needs time – time to think; time to prepare herself for what's to come.

It was a short ride; barely 30 minutes, and Kara can feel herself panicking again as she stands outside Lena's door. Kara is an hour early for their dinner, but Lena had asked Kara to come ahead of time.

After all, it has to look like Kara regularly spends time at her girlfriend's apartment.

"Pretend girlfriend,"Kara corrects herself furiously. "Because this", she reminds herself, "this is all just part of the plan".

Taking a deep breath, Kara finally brings her hand up and knocks lightly on Lena's door. Kara didn't have to wait that long before the door opens and she finds her breath being taken away.

Lena Luthor looks stunning.

Of course she always looks beautiful, but today she's just… absolutely breathtaking.

And Kara stands there gaping before she hears Lena loudly clearing her throat, immediately breaking Kara out of her daze.

Stuttering, Kara adjusts her glasses as she blurts out, "Lena! You… you look stunning! I mean, not that you don't always look beautiful but today, wow just, um." Kara gulps, realizing that she's just blurting out one compliment after another but she honestly doesn't care because, "Wow," Kara finishes breathlessly.

Kara's gaze immediately darts up to Lena's face again as she hears her chuckling nervously. Kara watches as Lena brings a hand up to the back of her neck, looking up at Kara shyly. In a small voice, Lena compliments her as well, a small smile gracing her lips, "Thank you, Kara. And you look beautiful as well."

Clearing her throat once more, Lena steps aside as she gestures for Kara to get inside, "And thank you again, for coming in early. For going along with my plan."

Nodding, Kara finally steps inside Lena's apartment. Taking off her coat, Kara studies her surroundings; takes in the feel of Lena's home. It is so unbelievably Lena and Kara finds herself wanting to spend more time with her here, or anywhere really – outside of this act that they're doing.

Kara follows Lena as the latter leads her towards the living room. They both settle wordlessly on the couch before Kara breaks the silence between them again.

Kara looks at Lena gently, waving a hand dismissively in the air as she says, "You don't have to thank me, Lena." Fiddling with her glasses, Kara adds in a stutter, "I…I'm trying to be a better friend. Of course I'd be happy to help you with whatever you need."

The word friend burns in Kara's tongue, but she's careful not to let it show. Instead, she smiles genuinely at Lena – after all, she does mean it.

Kara will do anything to help her.

They spend the hour simply talking.

At first, they were polishing their story, their lies. But eventually, they ended up talking about random things.

That is until they hear a knock on the door signaling the arrival of their guest.

"Mina Murray is here," Kara thinks to herself as she straightens up in her seat. Kara starts to stand up but then, Lena places a hand on her knee, effectively stopping her and short-circuiting her brain at the same time.

Kara's wearing a skirt and Lena just touched her bare knee.

And Rao, Kara isn't prepared for the barrage of emotions that that single touch brings her.

So she stays still, would probably be unable to stand even if Lena asks her to. Feeling a blush creep up on her neck, Kara clears her throat as Lena gets up saying, "I'll get it."

Kara shakes her head as she finally gathers her thoughts again. Standing up, she firmly tells Lena, "We should greet her together. I mean, that's more couple-y right? Welcoming guests together?" Kara does her best to not fidget as Lena stares at her intently. But then the knocking starts again, effectively breaking their gaze.

Kara breathes out a sigh of relief when Lena simply nods at her. Finally, Lena turns around and heads for the door and Kara immediately follows after her. Once they are in front of the door, they look at each other and they both let out a sigh, visibly squaring their shoulders as they prepare themselves for the act that they are about to start.

Tentatively, Kara reaches out and she places a hand at the small of Lena's back, and she feels relief course through her when Lena smiles genuinely at her in response. Finally, they face forward again as Lena opens the door, finally revealing their guest.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, all three of them finally head towards Lena's dining room where they all settle in. Their casual conversation continues throughout the appetizers but as they finally start their main course meal, Kara braces herself as Mina clears her throat and regards Kara curiously.

Setting her cutlery down, Mina's gaze shifts to Lena as well as she finally asks, "I hate to be rude but…." Looking between Lena and Kara, Mina continues, curiosity burning in her tone, "Honestly, I was a bit surprised when I found out you two are dating. It's just well, you two seemed tense with each other the last time I saw you."

Unwillingly, Kara feels herself stiffening at that, but thankfully Lena saves her from answering as she replies lightly, "Admittedly, we were having some issues but we've settled it." Kara smiles tightly but then she relaxes when Lena faces her and settles a hand on top of her own. At that, Kara lets go of her fork and she turns her hand palm up; gently holding Lena's hand.

They smile at each other softly and Kara has to remind herself that this isn't real; that this is just an act for Mina's benefit. The thought of their pretend relationship dampers Kara's mood once again, but she's careful not to let it show. Instead, she squeezes Lena's hand as she continues to smile adoringly at her.

Their intense gaze is broken when they hear Mina clearing her throat. With one last squeeze to Lena's hand, Kara finally lets go as she takes ahold of her cutlery again; facing Mina once more.

Finally, they hear Mina speaking up again as she says with a smile, "You're adorable together."

Kara blushes at that but she says nothing and smiles at Mina instead. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Lena nodding simply, but she remains quiet otherwise as well.

After that somewhat awkward exchange, the rest of their dinner passes quietly as they all finish their meals. After which, they all proceed to Lena's living room – Kara and Lena sitting close together on one end of the couch and Mina on the other; all three of them sipping on wine.

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Mina starts the conversation again as she inquires, "So, a reporter and a CEO huh? How did that start?" Mina asks, interest clear in her tone.

"Here we go."Kara thinks to herself before she answers somewhat vaguely, "Well as you know, I'm a reporter and um, it's totally cliché but I fell for her, you know? Somewhere in between everything." Kara fidgets in her seat adjusting her glasses up her nose.

Mina chuckles softly, setting her wine glass down on the coffee table. After that, she shifts fully to her side; resting her arm on the back of the couch as she rests her head on it. Still smiling, Mina continues to prod for information, "I mean, I hope you don't mind me asking but… what made you fall for her?"

Before Kara can begin to answer that question, Mina laughs as her gaze turns to Lena then back to Kara; expression turning shy, "I'm sorry, if that's too personal. It's just…" Shifting slightly, Mina's expression turns a bit serious as she continues, "I would like to get to know the woman who has captured my friend's heart you know?" Kara notices that Mina's expression has turned sharp; something more than curiosity lacing her tone. At the thought, Kara can't help but think, "Am I getting a shovel talk right in front of Lena?"

Apparently, Kara isn't the only one to notice as she feels Lena tensing beside her; her tone quiet but the reproach in it is clear. "Mina…"

Before Lena can continue, Kara places a hand on Lena's knee and pats it gently. Looking at Lena, Kara simply smiles at her as she says softly, "Its okay, Lena."

At that, Kara turns back to look at Mina. Kara looks at her straight in the eyes as she sincerely and simply states, "Well… who wouldn't fall for a girl like her?"

Mina tilts her head slightly to the side and she regards Kara with a single brow raising in curiosity. Kara feels another burning gaze coming from her side, but she pays it no mind as she continues to look at Mina candidly.

Finally, Mina speaks up again, "That's a vague non-answer. Come on," Kara watches as Mina shifts in forward in interest, mischief lacing her voice, "Tell me. Imagine Lena isn't here."

And Kara can't help but laugh ironically at that because Lena is so close – Kara can feel the heat of her body and smell her perfume and she's looking at Kara so intently it's hard to imagine she isn't there.

Still chuckling lightly, Kara fidgets with her glasses as she clears her throat; flushing furiously as she tries to stall, "Are you really going to make me say it?"

Mina stays quiet; brow still raised indicating her curiosity. Sighing, Kara decides to give in and she decides that she's going to be honest. Unable to lie about this, she'll reveal how she feels and deny it later on – she'll simply tell Lena that it was just an act; just simple words to make Mina believe.

Just like their plan.

Straightening in her seat, Kara clears her throat as she starts carefully, "Well… a girl, or more accurately, a woman like her. I mean, she's Lena Luthor you know?" Kara chances a glance at Lena and Lena's staring at her so intensely that Kara immediately looks away before Lena gets the chance to see the truth behind her words.

Instead, Kara faces Mina again as she continues, "Powerful CEO of L-Corp. But more than that, she's wildly intelligent and witty; but she's also a bit of a nerd when it comes to her inventions but she's still really cool! And well, she is extremely beautiful – and I don't just mean her looks. She's one of the strongest people I've ever met and um, you can you know," Finally noticing that she was rambling, Kara tugs at her glasses; looking down as she continues shyly, "You can stop me any time with the compliments if they're becoming... you know, a bit too much."

Kara almost flies out of her seat as she feels Lena's arm encircle her waist. Kara allows herself to be pulled as Lena tugs her closer and presses a kiss to her cheek. Kara blushes instantly; even more so when Lena stays close to her, her voice full of reverence as she simply whispers, "Darling…"

Kara can't take it anymore. She stands up abruptly, frantically excusing herself with some lame pretext of grabbing another bottle of wine.

Successfully making her escape, Kara braces her hands on the kitchen counter; breathing deeply as she reigns her emotions back in again.

She knowsthat she just sold their act; but again, she has to remind herself that that's all this is – an act, a lie. She wanted to be honest about how she felt; to make it more believable, to make herself look like the perfect girlfriend.But thinking back to the things she's said, Kara is afraid that she has revealed too much of how she truly feels.

Sighing heavily, Kara straightens up and she brings a shaky hand up to push her glasses back up her nose, getting ready to head back to the living room. Turning around, Kara honest to Rao squeals as she comes face-to-face with the woman that has her so conflicted.

Probably anticipating her surprise, Lena immediately cups a hand over Kara's mouth, effectively muffling her sound of surprise. With her heart pounding hard in her chest, Kara brings a hand up and removes Lena's hand over her mouth; shaking her head slightly as she berates herself internally, "Rao, was I really that distracted? So full of thoughts of Lena that I didn't even hear her come in?"

Trying to calm down, Kara quietly asks, "Lena! What are you doing here?"

Kara finds herself stepping back; her back hitting the kitchen counter as Lena steps closer to her. Kara swallows harshly as she hears the quiet, yet sultry tone of Lena's voice as she starts, "Well, you were taking too long and I…" Kara can't help but look down as Lena bites her lip, but she immediately brings her gaze back up as Lena continues bashfully, "I was worried."

A little breathlessly, Kara asks, "Worried?"

Lena looks so concerned and she is looking up at Kara so sincerely as she reveals, "I know you don't like lying, Kara. I'm sorry that you've had to say some pretty big lies back there."

Upon hearing Lena's words, Kara feels like screaming. She wants to shake Lena and tell her that everything she's said to Mina is the truth and that the only lie she's telling tonight is this game of pretend.

But Kara doesn't do it; instead, she smiles sweetly at Lena and tells her, "Its okay, Lena. I wasn't lying completely anyway."

Upon seeing Lena's arched brow, Kara panics and she immediately backtracks saying, "I mean, of course I'm not in love with you or anything like that!" Gesticulating wildly with her hands, Kara takes a deep breath as she looks at Lena genuinely, "I just… I meant it when I said that you're smart, beautiful, and strong. And you're… you're an amazing woman, Lena. I don't have to lie about that." Kara finishes a little breathlessly, her voice growing quieter towards the end.

Kara tries not to fidget under Lena's intense stare – emerald eyes are regarding her so carefully, so thoroughly and Kara feels like Lena is seeing right through her lies; her pretense.

Finally, Kara sighs in relief when Lena gives her a small, genuine smile instead as she gently says, "Thank you, Kara."

A comfortable silence settles between them in that moment – genuine smiles painted on their faces as they continue to look at each other quietly.

That is until Kara hears the scraping of a chair and muted footsteps headed towards the kitchen. An idea suddenly popping in her mind, Kara suddenly steps forward and she grabs Lena gently by the waist, twisting them and effectively switching their positions.

Lena's back is now against the counter and Kara has her trapped. Stepping even closer, Kara brings her hands up and she cups Lena's cheeks as she leans down, quietly whispering, "Just go with it, please."

Lena's eyes are wide and Kara can see a flicker of uncertainty on her expression. But then, she nods her assent; her hands settling on Kara's waist, gripping her tightly.

At that, Kara finally closes the remaining distance between their faces – angling her body carefully so that it looks like she's kissing Lena fully when in reality, she's just kissing the corner of Lena's lips.

After a beat, they hear Mina's startled voice as she exclaims, "Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you. Let me just get back to the living room and allow you to um, finish."

Before either Kara or Lena can say anything, Mina is already out of there leaving Kara to face the consequences of her sudden action.

Immediately letting go of her hold of Lena's face, Kara steps back and she looks at Lena sheepishly, "I'm sorry, I just… I figured we were gone too long and um… I always see it in the movies you know? Couples escaping somewhere to um… make-out." Kara stutters throughout her words, blushing furiously as she looks at everywhere but at Lena.

Kara is surprised when she simply hears Lena chuckling and Kara's gaze immediately shifts back to her. Kara finds herself at the end of Lena's amused gaze; affection clear in her expression, "Don't worry about it, Kara. That was… that was a perfect act for Mina to witness."

Kara nods eagerly at that and she watches as Lena holds out a hand for her to take. Without further hesitation, Kara clasps Lena's hands as they finally head back to the living room together.

Settling back down on the couch, Kara looks at Mina sheepishly as she apologizes, "Um, I'm sorry about that…"

Before she can even finish, Mina waves her off saying, "Don't apologize for that, Kara. Your words earlier were lovely and I'm guessing both of you got ah – carried away." Mina teases with a chuckle and Kara once again feels herself blushing. Discreetly looking at her side, she notices Lena blushing slightly too.

Kara thinks of something to say; some form of excuse but Lena beats her to it, saying, "Oh, I'm sure you understand, Mina. I mean, you are dating a reporter too after all. You know they're good with words."

At Lena's words, Kara notices as Mina's expression shifts from amusement to sadness. The mood in the room suddenly changes, especially when they hear Mina's soft confession, "We're friends, Lee. But no, Jonathon and I are no longer together. I'm not dating anyone, Lena."

Kara doesn't know what to say, she simply stares at Mina; a flurry of emotions overwhelming her as a single thought occupies her mind, "Mina's single too."

Thankfully, Kara doesn't have to say anything as Lena gets up and moves to sit closer to Mina. Kara watches as Lena immediately wraps her hands around Mina's shoulders; she doesn't say anything but she simply tugs her closer for a hug.

And Kara can see it – it's obvious that this is something that they used to do a lot and that despite the years of separation, there is still something there– something that Kara isn't privy to.

Kara watches them quietly, allowing them to have their moment. But then, Lena looks back at her and Kara can see conflict and confusion swirling in Lena's emerald eyes. Kara smiles tightly at her and at that moment, she decides to step aside so that Lena and Mina can talk further in private.

Gently, Kara starts, "Um, hey," Mina lifts her head from Lena's shoulder and Kara finds herself at the end of two emotional gazes.

Clearing her throat, Kara continues, "Why don't you guys stay here and talk? I can go and let you catch up." Kara throws a look at Lena, urging her silently to take this moment. Luckily, Lena understands her message and she simply nods at Kara.

Kara starts to get up but before she heads out, she carefully leans over and she presses a tender, lingering kiss to Lena's cheek.