3. Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

AN. Here's the final chapter. Enjoy!

Kara spends the next two days distracting herself. She hasn't heard anything from Lena and Kara doesn't mind, of course she doesn't – Lena's just bonding with her friend again.

So she immerses herself with DEO missions, taking down as many bad guys as she can. Today, she finds herself concentrating over a puff piece that Snapper has assigned to her. She could have finished this article hours ago, but she's stretching it out and she's cutting it close to the deadline – keeping her mind occupied with this article rather than the one she saw from a gossip magazine earlier.

It was a candid snapshot of Lena and Mina together. At a restaurant. Seemingly on a date; at least to Kara's eyes anyway.

Kara couldn't help herself – she bought the magazine and quickly read the short article that accompanied it on page 6: "Gal Pals: Lena Luthor, enigmatic CEO of L-Corp was spotted having lunch with Doctor Mina Murray, a renowned neurosurgeon from Princeton-Plainsboro Hospital. According to sources, the two women went to the same university and were quiet close. Doctor Murray is currently in National City attending a medical conference but it seems like she's making time for her dear old friend."

The magazine is stashed at the bottom of her bag now, but she can still recall the picture-perfect image of Lena and Mina. But more than anything, Kara remembers the way that Lena looked – she's leaning forward in her seat, her hands presumably waving around, and she has a huge smile on her face. She looks happy – truly and genuinely happy in Mina's presence.

Kara is abruptly pulled out of her musings when she feels the vibration of her phone. Sighing heavily, she grabs her phone and frowns when she sees the message from Alex: "Supergirl, we need you at L-Corp. Now."

Dread curls in Kara's stomach and before she can reply, she hears Snapper screaming for her. Kara wants to ignore him, but she has an idea of what he must want so she rushes to his office instead.

Clenching her jaw, Kara waits for whatever her boss has to say, "Ponytail! Forget that puff piece I made you write. Go to L-Corp, now." Upon hearing his words, Kara's apprehension doubles and she doesn't even let Snapper finish as she immediately says, "On it."

Kara sees choppers flying overhead L-Corp and multiple news vans outside the building. Inside the police cordon, Kara sees black vans and NCPD squad cars and she immediately scans the crowd for familiar faces. Finally spotting Alex and Maggie, Kara immediately lands next to them, urgently asking, "Where's Lena?"

Alex turns to her immediately and Kara feels dread pooling in her stomach as she sees her expression.

Before Alex can answer her however, she hears a familiar voice and Kara can feel herself breathe again, "I'm right here, Supergirl."

Kara swiftly spins around and she sees Lena right behind her. Kara's eyes narrow as she spots the bandage on Lena's forehead and she takes a step forward, only to be stopped by Lena's raised hand, "Don't, please. I'm okay."

Kara freezes in her spot and before she can say anything, Lena continues, her voice hard and seemingly devoid of emotion, "They're holding Mina hostage."

Lena looks so aloof in this moment; straight posture and chin proudly jutting out – she looks calm and composed, every bit the CEO. But Kara knows better; after all, she heard the slight trembling in Lena's voice as she mentioned Mina's name and Kara can see that she's clearly holding back tears.

So, Kara makes up her mind and she squares her shoulders; turning towards L-Corp and preparing to fly off, ready to save Mina – only to be prevented by a hand grasping her cape, effectively stopping her flight.

With a frown marring her face, Kara turns on her heel and she meets the concerned gaze of Alex.

In a hard voice, Alex informs her, "Agent Schott detected Kryptonite signatures in there, Supergirl." Alex's voice turns quiet as she speaks through gritted teeth, "And there could be bombs in there. You can't go, it's too dangerous for you."

Apparently, Alex's voice wasn't that low as Kara hears a panicked voice exclaim, "Bombs?"

Kara and Alex simultaneously turn towards Lena and Kara can see fear and worry all over her expression. Wanting to calm her down, Kara assures her, "Don't worry Miss Luthor, I'll get Doctor Murray for you."

Out of the corner of her eye, Kara can see Alex about to speak up but Kara throws a hard expression at her, making her intention clear: "I have to do this." Alex looks at her carefully and Kara doesn't back down. After a beat, Alex lets out a deep sigh and she nods faintly, pinning Kara with another hard stare, "Be careful."

Kara nods back, understanding her sister's silent message. Finally, she turns around to fly off but once again, her flight is interrupted when she hears a desperate whisper, "Kara, wait!"

Eyes widening, Kara spins around as she asks a little breathlessly, "What did you just call me?"

Kara can feel Alex stiffening beside her as well but she pays her no mind, her attention solely on Lena. Finally, Lena speaks up as she reveals, "Kara, I know it's you. Please, you don't have to do this."

Worry coating her voice, Lena steps even closer, her hands now grasping both of Kara's shoulders, "I'm worried about Mina, but… but I can't let you get hurt."

Kara swallows harshly and she considers denying her identity. But then she stares into emerald eyes and she just can't do it any longer. She doesn't deny it anymore because she is so tired of all the pretending – tired of all of the different roles that she has to play – Supergirl, Kara Danvers, girlfriend.

So, Kara simply raises her hands and she removes Lena's hands on her shoulders. Not wanting to let her go just yet, Kara clasps Lena's hands on her own as she smiles down at her stating, "Don't worry, Lena. I'll get her back safe."

Kara can feel Lena's hands tightening around her own as she vehemently says, "No! I heard what Agent Danvers said – they have Kryptonite, Kara and it could kill you!" Taking a deep breath, Lena's tone turns soft as she says, "National City needs you, Supergirl. And I…" Kara watches as Lena bites her lip and she looks down for a moment, seemingly collecting herself. Finally, she looks back at Kara as she continues, "I need my friend, Kara. I need you."

Kara can feel a wave of emotions coursing through her. But then, she remembers Mina; she remembers how happy Lena is whenever she is in Mina's presence, how light and cheerful and free she looks whenever they're together. Kara remembers Lena' stories; how she speaks about Mina; and how she admitted, "It felt like I had my best friend again and I want her back."

Instead of saying anything, Kara remains silent and she simply tugs Lena closer; engulfing her in a hug and not even caring who can see them in this moment.

Finally, she pushes Lena back and with one last look, Kara flies off to save the woman who has Lena's heart.

Kara blinks up slowly; her head is pounding and she squints at the light above her, still groggy and confused. Slowly, she starts to regain her senses despite still feeling weak. Kara starts to reacquaint herself with her body and her surroundings as she realizes where she is – the DEO.

Panic washing over her, Kara tries to get up only to be stopped by a searing pain in her chest and a soft hand on her shoulder. Lying back down, Kara tries to catch her breath – only to have it hitch again when she sees the person who stopped her from getting up – Mina.

Kara opens her mouth to speak but Mina beats her to it by saying, "First of all, let me just say thank you for saving my life, Supergirl." Mina starts to move around; checking Kara's IV and vital signs, "I know I'm not the first person that you want to see right now, but I…"

At this point, Mina stops everything that she is doing and she gently places a hand on Kara's shoulder. Mina meets Kara's gaze sincerely as she softly says, "I don't know how to thank you. And this –" Kara watches as Mina waves her hand around, indicating their surroundings, "This is something that I'm good at and I wanted to do this for you. I figured it's the least I could do."

Kara's head is still spinning but she forges through the grogginess and pain as she sits up and against the headboard. Grasping the hand on her shoulder, Kara speaks up and she winces internally at how weak her voice sounds, "I'm glad you're safe, Doctor Murray." Biting her lip, Kara hesitates slightly but decides to continue, "And… there is one other thing that you can do for me."

At that, Mina visibly perks up and eagerness laces her tone as she says with a smile, "Anything, Supergirl. Just name it."

Kara can't believe that she's about say this. But then flashes of a bright smile and eyes twinkling with joy flashes through her mind and Kara's decision is made, "Take care of Lena?"

At her words, Mina's face falls and confusion is clear in her expression but she still assures Kara by saying, "Of course."

Kara smiles at that and she slips down again, finally succumbing to sleep once more.

The next time that Kara wakes up, her head is no longer pounding and she feels her strength fully restored. However, she doesn't get up and she chooses to continue laying down, wallowing in her thoughts and misery.

"I have no right to be miserable. I should be happy!" Kara berates herself internally, "Mina is safe and now… now Lena has her love back."

Kara can feel herself tearing up but then she hears someone clearing their throat and Kara looks to her side; seeing a hesitant Lena by the door. Kara smiles tenderly at her and she sits up without any difficulties.

Slightly amused, Kara watches Lena rushing towards her – arms outstretched, obviously ready to catch Kara if she falls. Chuckling lightly, Kara assures her, "I'm okay now, Lena."

Despite her assurance, Lena still closes the distance between them quickly and oh – Kara finds herself being hugged very tightly. Lena buries her head in the crook of Kara's neck and Kara can do nothing but encircle her arms around Lena's waist. Shortly, Kara can feel wetness trickling down her neck and she can feel Lena's body trembling with silent tears.

Kara is confused but she doesn't let Lena go; instead, she adjusts their position and she carefully tugs Lena up so that she is now sitting partially on Kara's lap and on the sun bed. Kara isn't sure how much time passes as she continues to rub comforting circles on Lena's back. Finally, Lena's trembling starts to subside and Kara can't help but smile a little at Lena's cute little hiccups.

After a moment, Kara feels Lena slowly pulling back and when their gazes meet again, Kara finds herself completely enamored by the woman in her arms. Finally, Lena pulls back completely as she stands up and straightens her clothes.

Kara watches her with a slight frown, a hint of disappointment coursing through her. But then, Lena settles beside her again; sitting down on the edge of the bed. Kara straightens up when Lena tenderly takes ahold of the hand closest to her and she looks at Kara shyly from beneath dark lashes.

Finally breaking the silence between them, Lena starts timidly, "I have to apologize to you, Kara."

Kara startles at the apology and she immediately tells Lena, "Lena, what happened at L-Corp was not your fault and –"

Before Kara can say anything else, she sees Lena shaking her head as she cuts Kara off, "That's … that's not what I'm apologizing for."

Tilting her head to the side, Kara regards Lena curiously. Lena must see her confusion and she sighs deeply before she continues, "When you got back from your… family emergency, I know I said some really hurtful things." Kara is about to say something but again, Lena cuts her off with a slight squeeze to her hand.

Pleading evident in her voice, Lena says, "Please, let me say this Kara." Acquiescing, Kara nods for Lena to continue.

Using the hand that isn't holding Kara's own, Lena runs a hand through her hair as she speaks up again, "Accusing you of only befriending me for the stories, pushing you away; I… I was being petty, Kara."

Kara can feel Lena's grip on her hand tightening; her voice sounding more desperate, "After everything that happened with my mother, I needed you beside me and Kara… you weren't there."

Kara flinches at that but she doesn't say anything; instead, she listens intently to Lena, ready to take whatever she has to say, "And I was so confused because I saw you, Supergirl, flying around National City and you were saving everyone else but me."

Understanding finally dawns on Kara and again, she wishes that she could have done things differently before she left to help Barry.

Kara's musings are cut-short when she hears Lena's shaky voice continuing, "And then both you and Mina showed up to my office on the same day and you were both acting so naturally, like nothing was wrong and I… it was too much, too fast and I lashed out, Kara."

Lena's gaze is unwavering and so apologetic and Kara can't find it in herself to look away, "I lashed out at you; not at Mina, and it was then that I realized that a part of me is truly a Luthor."

At that last statement, Kara could no longer help herself as she rebukes Lena gently, "Lena, don't say that."

Surprisingly, Lena cracks a smile at her reproach and she waves Kara off saying, "Not the murderous, psychopathic part, no. But…" Kara watches as Lena's smile drops; turning serious again as she continues, "Luthors, we… we don't do well with loss. Particularly, losing things… people that we truly care about."

Upon hearing Lena's words, a small flicker of hope blooms in Kara's chest but she holds her tongue and she keeps herself from expecting too much. Again, she says nothing allowing Lena to continue, "That day, seeing you and Mina again; both of you coming back into my life after I've lost you… I realized that I could only let one of you in. Mina."

Kara is indestructible – she is honest to Rao bulletproof and she can withstand bombs and missile explosions and yet, Lena's words absolutely shatter her.

Kara tries to hide it, tries to keep her emotions away from her face but oh, Lena can read her so well and when Kara looks down, she immediately feels soft hands underneath her chin; bringing her gaze back up.

Tenderly, Lena's thumb caresses Kara's cheek and Kara finally realizes that her tears have fallen and oh Rao, she is so embarrassed that Lena is seeing her like this. Kara tries to look away again but Lena's grip is firm and despite the hurt she's feeling, Kara allows herself to be held in place.

Lena continues to wipe at the remaining tears on Kara's cheeks and when her tears finally subside, Lena continues gently, "Kara, I lashed out at you because I wanted to push you away. I didn't want to let you in anymore because if I lost you again I…"

Kara freezes when Lena leans her forehead against hers as she confesses in a low, strangled whisper, "Loss does strange things to my family and I don't think I can take it if I ever lost you, Kara. I don't know what I would do."

Overwhelmed, Kara gently pulls back, wanting to see Lena's eyes as she asks in a voice choked with emotion, "Lena… what are you saying?"

Kara watches as Lena's eyes slowly blink open again and oh, Lena's guards are down and she's showing Kara everything that she's feeling.

Kara can hardly believe what she's seeing and she still finds herself at a loss even as Lena says tenderly, "Kara… I rarely allow myself to feel but when I do…" Taking a deep breath, Lena continues with a small, shy smile, "I love hard, Kara. I love with an intensity that consumes me and that day, in my office, I realized two things: First, I already forgave Mina for everything and I was ready to welcome her back into my life. Second, I didn't want to let you in anymore because… I –" Lena swallows harshly, as she continues in a low voice, "I'm scared. I'm scared of letting you in and losing you because I am completely and utterly in love with you, Kara Danvers." Lena finishes, a little breathless and a hint of wonder coating her voice.

Kara is at a loss for words and she finds herself even more speechless as Lena continues, "But after everything that happened…" Kara feels a tremble coursing through Lena's body; a slight frown appearing on her face, "I realized how stupid I was for pushing you away."

Lena's thumb swipes across Kara's cheek fondly as she continues with a slight smile, "You once told me to be my own hero, Kara. And part of being a hero is to be brave isn't it? So here I am, being brave and asking you –" Biting her lower lip, Lena looks away for a moment; taking a deep breath before she looks at Kara again; determination evident in the set of her jaw, "Would you go on a date with me?"

Inexplicable joy overwhelms Kara and she can feel tears streaming down her cheeks again as she lets out a strangled laugh. Apparently, that was the wrong reaction as she feels Lena stiffening. Before Lena can say or do anything, Kara pulls her in for a hug as she finally admits, "Everything that I said as your pretend girlfriend… I meant all of those, Lena."

This time, its Lena who pulls away and Kara can see the curiosity in the arch of her brow.

Cupping Lena's face, Kara confesses, "Lena, I fell for you a long, long time ago – after you told me that you wanted to make a name for yourself outside of your family and way before you made that alien virus inert."

And Kara can't help but chuckle slightly, feeling a certain lightness that she hasn't felt in a long time. Then, Kara recalls Lena's words when they were fabricating their story and borrows them before she continues, "So yes, Lena – I did fall in love with you between all of our conversations and laughter."

Kara watches Lena positively light up, laughter spilling out of her as well. At this moment, they are simply two friends who have finally decided to be honest with each other and their feelings for one another – they aren't a Luthor and a Super and everything else that comes with their names; they're just Lena and Kara.

Kara knows that they still have a lot to talk about but for now, they simply bask in each other's presence – sitting close together and laughing with each other.

Eventually, their close proximity registers in Kara's mind and she seeks out Lena's gaze again – only to find out that Lena is already staring at her just as intensely.

With shy smiles on their faces, they both lean forward as their lips meet for a gentle, long-awaited kiss.

Fin.

Bonus:

What happened on Lena and Mina's "date" aka the magazine picture?

"So, your girlfriend is nice. I didn't think that was your type." Lena watches as Mina's brow quirk up, curiosity and teasing clear in her voice as she continues, "I remember the people that you used to date and they were, well… not like her."

Lena finds herself taken aback, momentarily worried as to how she can answer this question. But then, flashes of blue eyes and a bright smile courses through Lena's mind and she smiles to herself as she realizes that Mina's question isn't hard to answer at all.

Clearing her throat, Lena starts, "She is… different." Chuckling, Lena continues, waving her hands around as she tries to describe Kara, "She's smart and funny and she's just so… light, Mina. I don't know how else to explain it. I mean, I know that she carries loss too – oh, she's adopted like I am," Lena is so immersed with her thoughts of Kara that she doesn't notice Mina's brow raising higher at that, "And living with that loss… that's not easy. But she hasn't let that change her – she's still so optimistic and… and so unlike me." Lena's voice trail off at the end as everything finally clicks into place – why she lashed out at Kara, why she wasn't so keen to let her in again. But then she realizes the truth to her words too – she and Kara are too different; and not just because she's a Luthor and Kara's a Super but because Kara is light and pure and Lena's… not.

Before Lena's thoughts could spiral even further, Mina thankfully distracts her by saying, "Well, I meant what I said last night you know? You two are adorable together. The way she looks at you and the way that you talk about her? You guys truly are meant for each other."

AN. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this one! - L