Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Lena enters the building with less guns pointed her way this time. She's a familiar face now, believe it or not. When she approaches the main hall, she's greeted with a nod from Alex and a bright smile from Kara, confidently sporting her Supergirl gear.

"Lena!" Supergirl is by her side in a second, beaming at her.

"I didn't know you were coming today?"

Lena smiles at her.

"Winn wanted to share some news with me. I suppose he's where he usually is?"

"His tech-cave, oh yeah he basically lives there now."

"I'm not calling it that." Lena rolls her eyes and moves to turn around. "I'll see you at lunch?" She waits for Kara to nod excitedly in reply before facing the hallway and making her way to the now familiar room.

Winn looks up when she closes the door behind her.

"Ever heard of the city Bray?" Winn asks a bit mysteriously.

"Can't say I have." Lena comes to a halt right behind Winn and examines the information on his widescreen.

"Are they...?"

Winn has compiled everything he's found, including some actual names and pictures.

Siobhan Byrne. 75. Bray, Ireland.

The picture under the name shows a kind looking grey haired woman. Lena smiles softly when she notices the striking resemblance to her mother.

Ciara Byrne. 52. Bray, Ireland.

Ciara's hair is just a shade lighter than Alodie's, Lena notices in an instant. Her eyes are dark and warm as she smiles at the camera. But she is, without a doubt, family.

"I think I've just found your grandmother and your aunt."

She's actually speechless, which doesn't happen too often. Even during the most difficult and intense meetings, Lena knows exactly what to say. But now, staring at the pictures of her biological family members, she's unable to find the right words.

"And I'm pretty sure Ciara has a son, which means you have at least one cousin." Winn adds, pointing at another picture of the woman with a younger man.

"Thank you, Winn." Lena croaks out, her voice giving away how she's feeling.

"No worries." Winn beams at her.

"Lena, this is amazing! Have you told your mother?" Kara stares at the pictures in awe.

"Not yet." Lena takes a quick look around the lunch room and gently puts the pictures back into her pocket. The place might as well be deserted, but Lena can't help but feel on edge. If this information falls in the wrong hands... Lena's certain she won't be able to relax until Lilian is arrested and put behind bars in the most secure prison she can think of.

"Are you going to? Do you think seeing these pictures might help her remember?" Kara wonders.

"They might. It would be even better if I could recreate an actual memory to show her. It's not just seeing them, she would be able to hear their voices, see their mannerisms. She would even be able to visit the place she grew up in-..." Lena cuts herself off and an idea starts forming.

Kara stares at her expectantly and tries to catch up with her rapid trail of thought.

"Of course." Lena whispers to herself.

"What?"

Lena looks at her again with determination in her green eyes.

"We're going to Ireland."

"I think this would really help her, Lena." Kelly agrees. Lena knows that telling her about her mother was the right decision. Kelly is truly an incredible addition to the team and her knowledge about dementia and amnesia treatments is extremely valuable.

All four of them, Kara, Alex, Kelly, and Lena, are standing in the middle of the control room at the D.E.O.. Kara's radiating excitement, while Alex is silently watching the interaction in front of her.

"I know. I'm going to show her the pictures and see if she recognizes them." Lena turns towards the secured medical bay of the D.E.O.. Alodie is staying in one of the rooms until Lilian is caught. She's safe there and Lena can visit her whenever she likes.

"I'll come with you. I still have to run a couple tests." Kelly realizes and turns to follow her.

Kara watches Lena and Kelly leave the room and is about to open her mouth when she's abruptly cut off by her sister.

"You're not going to Ireland." Alex says sternly.

"What? I really want to go!" Kara exclaims sadly.

"Supergirl can't just go on vacation." Alex hisses quietly.

"This is not a vacation! This is- this is really important to Lena and I want to be there for her." Kara pleads.

"Kara." Alex sighs tiredly. "I'm really sorry. You know you can't just leave, not with Lilian Luthor still posing as a threat to the city. You can go when she's behind bars."

Kara sulks even though she knows her sister is right.

Lena gently opens the door in case her mother is sleeping, but she finds her wide awake and in the middle of a conversation with Adam.

"Lena!" Adam exclaims and Alodie turns her way with a smile. It genuinely warms her heart.

"Hey Kelly. Is it time for some more tests?" Adam wonders when he notices the other woman.

"Yes, if you don't mind ma'am." Kelly addresses Alodie, ever so polite.

"That's alright, dear." Alodie replies and then focuses on Lena again.

Kelly walks over to the desk with medical supplies and grabs her clipboard filled with notes. Lena reaches out to grab her mother's hand and gently holds it.

"Hello mom. How are you today?"

"Perfectly fine, Adam was just telling me about Supergirl and her powers. This city is a bit odd, but I like it."

Lena can't help but chuckle at that.

"She saved me, didn't she?" Alodie asks a little bit unsure, as if she doesn't quite trust her own memories.

"Yes, she did." Lena replies quietly. "Don't worry, mom. You're safe. Nothing can happen to you here." She adds sincerely, noticing the fear in her mother's eyes.

Alodie relaxes a little bit and nods.

"I want to show you something." Lena reaches into her pocket and retrieves the pictures. She holds them up for her to see and hands them over so she can grab them.

The room is quiet for a moment as Alodie stares at photos in her hands. There's a short lived spark of recognition in the woman's eyes before she frowns and takes a closer look.

"You recognize them, don't you?" Lena asks her softly.

Alodie doesn't answer, her eyes don't leave the faces of her relatives.

"Are they-?" Adam begins cautiously.

Lena nods at him with a teary smile and then returns her gaze to her mother.

"Mom? How would you feel about going to Ireland with me?"

After yet another lead that ends in a long abandoned warehouse at the edge of town, Kara is very close to losing hope. How hard can it be to catch one single human? She appears to be everywhere but nowhere at the same time. It is, to put it lightly, incredibly frustrating.

Supergirl lands on the balcony of Lena's penthouse. The thud of her boots is accompanied by a tired sigh that escapes her lips. It's been a long day of playing cat and mouse without ever even getting near the damned mouse.

Lena's sitting on a couch in her living room, waiting for Kara to let herself in.

"No luck?" Lena asks when she notices her lack of energy.

"Nothing. I don't know how she does it. Are you sure she's not secretly an alien?" Kara sighs as she settles down next to her.

Lena chuckles lightly.

"That would surely be something for the headlines." Lena takes a sip of her drink before putting it down on the table in front of her. "I can assure you she's not. She's just- she's always been very...innovative."

"It's like she's always one step ahead of me." Kara sounds exasperated.

Lena leans a bit closer and puts her hand on Kara's.

"I know you're doing everything you can. It's not your fault she hasn't been caught yet." Lena tells her, trying to ease her tension a little bit. "One of these days she's going to try to make a move and we'll be prepared.”

Kara nods and intertwines their fingers.

"Lena, I don't think you should go to Ireland when she's still out there. Or at least wait until we've got a solid lead." Kara looks up to meet her eyes again. She sighs sadly. "And I’m afraid I can’t go with you."

"I know. And that's okay." It's not like she really expected Kara to drop all her Supergirl duties to go on a trip with her. "I'll just go with my mother, that's fine."

Kara frowns at that.

"Isn't Kelly coming with you?"

"Oh no, she has to stay here to supervise the new prototypes and ensure everything goes smoothly this time."

"So it's just going to be the two of you?"

"Yes, Kara. Why?" Lena arches an eyebrow at Kara's odd behaviour.

"Oh, nothing. It's just, you know, really far away. In a different country, a different continent even. You'll be on a plane for like, what, eleven hours, what if the weather-."

"Kara. We’ll be fine. I'll take my private jet, which I've designed myself. Its technology is going to get us through any kind of weather, trust me. I'll never let anything happen to my mother."

"I know that, but please, think about yourself too? If I can't be there to keep you safe, at least consider asking someone else to come with you? Preferably, someone who knows how to use a smartphone." Kara pleads with a hint of a playful smile.

"I'll have you know I've gotten a lot better at texting. All thanks to Adam. It's truly fascinating how there are smiley faces for every single emotion you can think of." Lena tells her proudly, she's also recently learned a couple of 'new' abbreviations. And yes, she is indeed very proud of herself.

"Emojis, oh I know, I'll never forget the day you sent me the one with tears of joy for the first time. I almost faceplanted into a skyscraper." Kara chuckles at the memory.

"That's on yourself for texting while flying." Lena teases her.

They laugh and just like that the tension is lifted off Kara's shoulders.

Kara suddenly looks up again, clearly deep in thought.

"What is it?" Lena asks curiously.

"Why don't you ask him?" Kara suggests and opens her mouth again to add something else when Lena just blankly stares at her. "Adam. I'm sure he'd love to go."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to keep him away from his job." Lena replies. She has thought about asking him, knowing that he'll drop everything and say yes in a heartbeat. But he truly loves his job at the Institute and it would feel wrong to take him away from it.

"Just think about it? I'm sure he wouldn't mind." Kara tries, knowing very well how hard it is to change Lena's mind. Lena can see the genuine worry in her eyes. Seeing how much she cares warms her heart in a way she isn’t quite used to.

Lena doesn't reply, instead she leans forward to capture Kara's lips with hers.

“What do you remember about Bray, mom?” Lena asks carefully. Alodie puts her now empty plate back on the table and turns to look at Lena.

“Cliffs.” Is what she says and Lena and Adam turn to look at each other with matching smiles. This is really promising.

“I can’t wait to see them.” Lena smiles. She’s seen pictures online and she’s already charmed by the city’s beauty.

“I’m going to miss you two.” Adam sighs. “You promise to keep me updated, right?”

Lena’s quiet for a moment. It’s clear that Adam cares a lot about Alodie and vice-versa. And he knows her better than anyone else.

“Adam? Would you like to join us?” Lena suddenly breaks the silence.

“What?” Adam looks confused.

“To Ireland. I know you have to work, so I understand if you have to decline.”

“Are you serious?! I would love to!” Adam beams. “But aren’t you going with your girlfriend?”

Lena’s brain short-circuits for a moment.

“Kara is your girlfriend, right? I’m sorry, I swear I’m not willingly reading all those gossip-magazines, but some of the patients just love to discuss celebrity news with me.”

Lena clears her throat and remembers how the English language works.

“Yes- yes she is. And no, she can’t. Catco needs her to stay here in National City.” Lena’s heart is beating so fast. Kara is my girlfriend! “So if you’re able, you’re welcome to join us.”

“Oh! Wow! Okay. I- I think they can miss me for at least a week, maybe longer. I’ve got plenty of vacation days left!” Adam tells her excitedly.

Lena smiles at his enthusiasm. But before she can say anything, the door opens and Supergirl enters the room with a serious expression on her face. Adam stares at the superhero in awe and Lena looks at her with concern.

“Supergirl?”

“Lilian Luthor has been sighted.” Supergirl begins and Lena’s heart drops to the floor. “She’s out of town. I think it’s safe for you to go on yout trip.” Supergirl finishes with a smile, though it’s clear she’s annoyed with herself for still not having captured her.

“That’s great news.” Lena hears herself say, but all she can think about is what Lilian must be planning. What the hell is she up to?

Kara is holding some kind of watch. It's silver and sleek, and it looks like any other watch at first glance, but when Lena studies it closer, a familiar Kryptonian symbol catches her eye. A small button pokes out in the middle.

"Just press the button and I'll be there in a minute."

"It'll take you a minute to fly to Ireland?"

"Approximately, yeah." Kara says casually, looking awfully pleased with herself.

Lena stares back at her and blinks.

"I don't know why I'm still surprised." Lena mumbles.

Kara grins at her and then sighs.

"I wish I could go with you."

"The city needs its superhero." Lena reminds her. And the city really does, especially now.

"I know." Kara replies. "But I need you."

That earns her an arched eyebrow, Lena's lips curl up.

"Wouldn't it be awfully villainous of me to keep Supergirl all to myself?"

"I don't see anything wrong with that." Kara says innocently enough, though Lena can't deny the sudden warmth she feels. Lena's eyes drop to Kara's lips and she-.

"Miss Luthor, Sam Arias is here to see you." It's her assistant, materializing in the door opening.

Kara jumps back a little, surprisingly startled by her sudden appearance.

Lena clears her throat.

"Right, give us five minutes?"

Her assistant nods and turns away, leaving the two alone again.

Lena doesn't hesitate when she steps forward to clash her lips onto Kara's. Kara reacts enthusiastically and smiles into the kiss. Lena’s hands move to cup Kara’s cheeks in a weak attempt to pull the girl of steel even closer. It’s a lot, and for a moment they both forget where they are and what’s about to happen in approximately five minutes.

Lena finally pulls away and smirks at Kara’s flushed state. She presses a chaste kiss onto the blonde’s cheek before returning to her desk.

“I’ll see you tonight?” Lena asks over her shoulder.

“Definitely.” Kara breathes and heads to the door when she hears footsteps approaching.

Lena puts a stack of papers away and clears her desk as much as she can. Her laptop is already secured in her bag and ready to go. She briefly eyes her liquor cabinet, but decides to leave it the way it is. She looks up towards the doorway when she hears a familiar voice.

“Lena Luthor.” It’s Sam Arias, smiling widely at her. God, she’s missed her.

“Sam.” Lena smiles back and soon enough she’s pulled into a tight, long overdue, hug.

“It’s been too long.” Sam sighs when she lets Lena go. And it really has been.

“How have you been? How’s Ruby?” Lena wonders.

“We’re fine. God, Lena, how are you? I heard about what happened. Are you alright?” Sam stares at her with concern.

Lena thinks back to that horrific night. Lex’s death. Without a doubt the worst night of her life, which is honestly saying something, because her life isn’t exactly uneventful. She remembers the look in her brother’s eyes when she pulled the trigger. He’d really though she wouldn’t do it, that she would spare him despite of everything he’s done. He’d thought her to be weak until the moment he realized he wasn’t going to get out of this one. He’d then looked at her with a sense of pride and Lena hates herself for all the times she had craved that exact look from him.

“I’m alright. I’ve- I’ve been doing much better, really. It’s good to see you, Sam.” Lena tells her earnestly.

Sam shoots her a smile before turning her attention to the cleared desk behind her.

“Are you sure about this?”

“Absolutely, I need some time off. And I know you make a fine acting CEO.”

“You flatter me. It’s really good to be back though.” Sam eyes the room and then returns her gaze to Lena. “And how’s your girlfriend doing these days? She looked a bit flushed when I passed her in the hallway.” She adds with a teasing smile.

Lena fights the urge roll her eyes at her.

“You know, I won’t take it personally that I had to find out about it from some shitty magazine.” Sam smirks.

“Since when do you read gossip-magazines?” Lena arches an eyebrow at the idea.

“Ruby pointed it out to me. She loves those magazines. Don’t ask me why.” Sam sighs, but doesn’t look too annoyed.

Lena chuckles.

“Paparazzi are relentless. I can’t sit on the same bench as someone else without being linked to them romantically.” Lena huffs.

“But it’s true though, right?”

“Oh yes.” Lena smiles genuinely. “We’re dating.”

“Thank god. Ruby would’ve been devastated.”

Now that L-Corp is in safe hands, Lena’s almost ready to go. She’s walking down the hallway of the med bay at the D.E.O. when she notices something out of the ordinary. The door to her mother’s room isn’t locked. In fact, the door is wide open. Lena can’t help but hear the voices from inside.

“You’ll take good care of her? Both of them?”

“Y-yes, Supergirl. But I-I don’t think Miss Luthor needs me to watch over her. She’s very brave.”

“Oh, I know she is.” Lena can almost hear the smile in her voice. “Adam, could you give me your phone?”

“Of- of course, Supergirl.” Adam hastily says, followed by a thud and a quick apology.

“There you go. Just text me when you need anything, alright?”

Lena decides she’s done enough eavesdropping and walks through the doorway. Adam looks as if he’s seconds away from fainting, Alodie is sleeping peacefully, and Kara is looking awfully pleased with herself.

“Su-supergirl just gave me her number! Her phone number!” Adam exclaims when he spots Lena in the doorway.

“That’s…wonderful, Adam.” Lena has to bite her lip to keep her face as neutral as possible.

Adam stares at his phone and then looks back at Supergirl again, still completely bewildered.

“I- I’m just gonna-.” He points at the doorway and disappears through it, leaving Lena and Kara alone with a sleeping Alodie.

“He’s a huge fan. He just can’t stop talking about you.” Lena chuckles lightly.

“He’s a good kid.” Kara smirks. She looks over her shoulder when she hears movement behind her.

“Lena?” It’s Alodie, now very much awake in her bed.

“Hello mom.” Lena greets her softly.

Alodie is staring at Supergirl with an unreadable expression.

“I’ll just- I’m going to get Kara. Nice to see you again Miss Byrne!” Supergirl says before speeding through the doorway. Lena facepalms inwardly when Kara comes walking through the door merely twenty seconds later. How on earth did she ever fall for this?

“Lena! Hey there, Miss Byrne.” Kara smiles brightly.

Alodie smiles up at her.

“I hope you have a nice trip, Miss Byrne.” Kara says politly.

“Oh, please call me Alodie, dear. And thank you sweetheart.” She winks at her.

Lena chuckles and grabs Kara’s wrist.

“Come.”

“Bye, Alodie!” Kara waves just before Lena closes the door behind them.

Lena smiles when Kara’s lips find hers instantly.

“I’m going to miss you.” Kara whispers against her lips.

"This is amazing. Did you really design this?" Adam takes in the interior of the private jet.

"Yes. It was definitely one of my favourite side projects." Lena replies absentmindly as she checks the route on the tablet connected to her plane.

"Side projects." Adam mumbles in awe and glances at Alodie, who's silently looking through the window and enjoying the impressive view.

"Supergirl."

"What did you say, mom?" Lena glances up from her tablet. She follows Alodie's gaze through the window and immediately notices the unmistakable streaks of red and blue next to them in the air.

Lena doesn't even try to pretend to be annoyed, an adoring smile tugs on her lips.

They've been in the air for at least four hours when Adam suggests watching something to pass the time. Lena presses a button to reveal the hidden television screen and Adam gasps in surprise. She hands him the remote to let him decide what to watch and he ironically settles on a documentary about Superman.

"They talk about him as if he's the strongest person in the universe when Supergirl is right there! She's literally stronger and faster than him!" Adam huffs and glares at the screen.

"Is she?" Lena asks with an amused smile.

"Definitely! This blogger has compared them a couple of times and Supergirl always wins."

"A blogger?" Lena arches her eyebrows.

"Yeah, Supergirl has a massive fanbase. Some people blog about every fight and public appearance." Adam explains and Lena secretly takes a mental note.

When Lena's tablet tells her they're nearing their destination, she can't do anything to calm her nerves. They aren't just going to explore Alodie's roots, they're also going to explore her own. And that somehow feels frightening and exciting at the same time.

"Lena. Are you alright, dear?" Her mother asks and Lena feels like she's about to burst into tears. Her mother has made such incredible progress.

"Yes." Lena croaks out, trying to sound strong.

Alodie reaches out to put her hand on Lena's in an attempt to comfort her. It's heartwarming and...safe.

The automatic voice of the jet tells them they're going to land in approximately ten minutes. Adam abandons the TV and stares at Ireland's landscape through the plane window.

"So what's next? Do we call them first or do we just drive to their home?" Adam wonders out loud.

Lena clears her throat before she starts talking.

"Well, it's too risky to contact them, so we'll just have to pay them a surprise visit."

And that's what they do. They rent a nice car, not too nice, because they don't want to stand out, and drive to their destination. Thankfully, the sky is clear enough to see the incredible view of the cliffs properly. They stare at it in silence, possibly still a bit numbed down due to the jetlag and absolutely enchanted by the beauty of their surroundings. Alodie is taking it all in with a smile.

When they arrive at the farm, Lena's heart is about to burst out her chest. This is real. This is really happening.

Lena parks the car and leaves the vehicle. "Just stay put, alright? I'll let them know who we are."

She closes the car door and walks up the pathway leading to the door. Before she reaches the doorbell, the door swings open to reveal a young man. He appears to be a few years younger than Lena. His eyes are just a shade lighter than her own, while his hair is a tad bit darker.

He's about to say something when he cuts himself off. Instead, he stares at Lena with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Hello." Lena tries a bit awkwardly.

The man blinks at her.

"You look so much like-." He shakes his head at the outrageous idea.

"My name is Lena. I believe we're related." She clarifies casually, despite the overwhelming nerves rushing through her body.

"Lena?" He gasps, his eyes widening. "Give me one minute?"

Lena nods and watches him turning away from the door and walking back inside. She looks back towards the car to see Adam giving her an encouraging thumbs up.

Suddenly, a woman appears in the door opening. Lena recognizes her from the photo and realizes she's Alodie's sister, Ciara. And her aunt.

"It's you." Is all Ciara says before wrapping her arms around her. Lena is a bit taken aback, but then relaxes in the woman's embrace.

"I'm so sorry, Lena. God. We didn't know how to contact you. They didn't tell us where you were. They only told us your mother died in a tragic accident." Ciara sniffs and lets her go.

"She didn't die." Lena tells her tearfully.

"What do you mean?" Ciara frowns.

Lena turns towards the car and signals her travel companions to get out.

Ciara stares at the action with wide eyes.

"O-oh my god, Alodie?!" Ciara rushes forward when she catches sight of her.

Lena quickly joins them.

Alodie looks at Ciara in wonder, but doesn't seem to recognize her immediately.

"Conor! Get your grandmother!" Ciara shouts back to the house. She returns her gaze to her sister and frowns a little at the lack of reaction.

"Ciara." Lena begins quietly. "She suffered a head injury and lost a lot of memories."

"Oh god." Ciara whispers.

Suddenly, a strangled cry is heard from the doorway as an elderly woman appears. Siobhan.

"Alodie?!"

Siobhan rushes down the pathway to join her two daughters.

"Is that really you?"

"Mam, she might not-" Ciara tries, but stops talking when Alodie suddenly breaks down crying. Siobhan embraces her immediately in an attempt to calm her down. She relaxes in the hug and her cries eventually die down.

Ciara puts a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder and sighs sadly.

Conor approaches the scene carefully.

"So I guess we're cousins, aye?" He says a bit dryly, but effectively breaks the ice.

Lena chuckles at the absurdity of it all.

"Do you have a brother?" Conor asks all of a sudden and Lena freezes up completely. But before Lena slips down a spiral, she realizes Conor is observing Adam.

"Hey there, I'm just the family nurse." Adam steps forward to shake his hand. "The name's Adam."

"Conor." He replies with an arched eyebrow. Conor looks at his relatives again before returning his gaze to Lena.

"Welcome to the family, I guess."

Dinner is an interesting event. Lena spends it silently observing the people around the table. Her family. Alodie and Siobhan are quietly talking on the other end of the table and Adam and Conor seem to get along very well as they're ranking the world's superheroes. Lena's not entirely sure if Bananaman really exists or if they made him up, either way, it's definitely entertaining.

"Lena?" She looks up at the sudden mention of her name.

Ciara is looking at her with a kind smile.

"What do you do?"

Lena blinks.

"I'm an engineer." Lena decides to settle on.

"Lena is the C.E.O. of a huge company in National City." Adam chimes in and the room grows tired.

All eyes are on her now.

"It's not that interesting, really. I sit in my office all day."

"Lena's been working on VR lenses for dementia and amnesia treatments."

"Adam." Lena glares at him. "I can hardly take credit for that."

"They wouldn't have continued with the treatments if you hadn't improved them significantly." Adam goes on.

"Is that true, Lena? That's incredible." Siobhan sounds impressed. The others continue to stare at her with genuine interest.

Lena is overwhelmed. She has always told herself that she doesn't need validation from others. The Luthors weren't particularly big on praising hard work or good results, no, words like "I'm proud of you" or even a simple "good job" are still a bit foreign to her.

Sensing Lena's discomfort, they settle on a different subject. By the time Lena's finished her plate, her eyes are struggling to keep themselves open.

The farmhouse isn't as large as her penthouse in National City, but it has plenty of spare rooms. Just not enough for the three of them. Thankfully, Adam is fine with rooming with Conor. Alodie gets the larger room next to her sister's and Lena's sleeping in the smaller room on the other side of the hallway.

While Lena is absolutely exhausted, she just can't shut her mind off. She throws her bag onto the floor and fishes her phone out of her pocket.

Kara 09:21 PM

Hey! Everything alright over there? Let me know when you arrive?

Lena 00:34 AM

I just had dinner with my family. It was great.

Lena's fingers have barely left her phone's keyboard when it notifies her of an incoming call.

"Kara, you didn't have to call."

"I wanted to hear your voice. How did everything go?" Kara wonders genuinely.

Lena sits down onto the mattress and fills her in. They talk until her racing mind calms down completely and her eyes fall shut.

She's awoken by the loud screech of a rooster and the harsh sunlight onto her face. Lena sighs and moves until her neck is in a much more comfortable position. Her dead phone is lying next to her on the mattress.

Lena sits upright and admires the view through the window. It's a sunny day without a sign of a single cloud touching the sky.

She grabs her charger and plugs it into the wall. After a much needed shower and applying a new shade of lipstick, she descends the stairs and enters the kitchen.

"Good morning Lena."

"Morning. Where are the others?" Lena looks around the empty space.

"They're off doing some work at the farm. You're welcome to join them, but I'm sure you're still tired." Siobhan smiles. "Drink your tea, dear."

Lena grabs the warm cup from the counter and shoots her a thankful smile.

She cradles it and lets the steam warm her face.

"You look so much like her." Siobhan suddenly breaks the comfortable silence.

When Lena looks up at her again, she's met with an intense gaze from the elderly woman. She isn't sure what to say.

"She was always so adventurous, I could barely keep her still." Siobhan pauses, lost in old memories. "I was so afraid she wouldn't come home one day."

Lena swallows thickly.

"I'm so glad you found her." Siobhan adds, sending her a teary smile.

"I hope being here will help her." Lena puts her tea down on the counter. "It's- it's hard to say how much she remembers. I keep calling her 'mom', but I don't even know if she really understands that I'm her daughter."

Siobhan reaches forward to put her hand on Lena's.

"I'm sure she does, deep down." She squeezes her hand gently. "She was overjoyed when she had you. You were her everything." She sighs deeply and her eyes grow dark. "I didn't just lose my daughter that day, you know. I also lost my granddaughter."

Lena tries not to let her emotions get the better of her, but the tears fall anyway. She fails to put her well-practiced mask back on.

"Oh honey." Her grandmother says as she wraps her in a comforting hug.

Lena sobs into the woman's shoulder. She should feel ashamed, weak even, for letting herself go like this. Lilian's taunting voice is echoing through her mind.

Knowing what she's missed out on, the childhood she could've had, it feels like a dagger in her heart.

Lena's sitting on the couch in the living room, enjoying the easy conversation. It’s tea-time, so everyone sits around the living room with a steaming cup and a tasty biscuit.

"Have you bought the snacks, love?" Siobhan exclaims from the kitchen.

"Yeah! I put them all in the cupboard!" Conor yells back.

Lena can hear her grandmother moving around in the kitchen and pulling cupboards and drawers open.

"You forgot to get pringles!" Siobhan shouts after a moment.

Conor groans and sinks further into the couch.

Siobhan enters the living room and stares at her grandson expectantly.

"Alright, alright, guess I'll go buy some pringles." Conor sighs dramatically.

"Do you need any help?" Lena asks. She wouldn't mind getting some fresh air.

"Sure." He grins in reply.

And then they're sitting in the family's old jeep, on their way to the nearest Tesco.

"So why are those pringles so important?" Lena has to ask.

Conor laughs lightly as he turns the wheel.

"It's basically a tradition. It wouldn't be Eurovision night without a ridiculous amount of snacks." Conor rolls his eyes dramatically.

"Eurovision night?" Lena arches her eyebrows.

Conor turns his head to stare at her in silence.

"The road." Lena reminds him anxiously.

He quickly returns his gaze on the road again and pulls into the parking lot behind the supermarket. The car comes to a halt and the engine shuts off, leaving the two in silence.

"You've never seen Eurovision?" Conor asks in disbelief.

"It's a talent show, isn't it?" Lena vaguely recalls hearing something about how ABBA got famous.

Conor is baffled for a moment.

"I totally forgot you're from America for some reason. Eurovision is not a talent show, it's a whole experience, really. It's become somewhat of a tradition, to sit down and watch it with the whole family." Conor chuckles. "Did you know that Ireland is the most successful country at the contest? We've won seven times." He adds proudly.

Lena isn't sure what she expected to learn about the country she's from, but this isn't quite it.

“Have you ever been to the show?” Lena wonders.

“No, sadly the tickets are outrageously expensive and we haven’t hosted the contest in twenty-five years. I would absolutely love to go one day though, it’s like…” Conor suddenly pauses, averting his eyes.

“It’s like what?” Lena asks, curious about his sudden odd behaviour.

“It’s basically like gay pride, but without the actual parade.” And just like that, Lena understands why he tensed up momentarily.

Oh.

Lena grins.

“I don’t think it’s something I would particularly enjoy, but I’m certain my girlfriend Kara would love that.”

It takes a moment for her words to sink in, but when they do, Conor quickly turns his head and stares at her. Lena smirks at the dumbfounded expression on his face.

“And here I was thinking I’m the gay cousin.” Conor says eventually and Lena laughs loudly.

“So let me get this straight. This singer is representing Ukraine, but their song is in German?”

“Partly, yeah.” Conor replies, not taking his eyes off the screen.

Lena blinks at him.

“It’s best not to question it, dear.” Her grandmother shoots her a knowing smile.

Lena returns her gaze to the participant on the screen. It takes a moment for her brain to catch up with what her eyes are seeing.

The singer on the screen is wearing an outrageously shiny outfit with a matching hat that’s shaped like a star. Lena can say, with all honesty, that she’s never seen anything like it. The background dancers are something else entirely. They’re both dressed up in matching silver outfits that vaguely remind Lena of aluminium foil, and their dance routine mostly consists out of questionable arm movements. And the song... Lena isn't sure what genre this type of music even belongs to and at this point she isn't sure she wants to find out.

"This is the best thing I've ever seen." Adam is staring at the screen with fascination. Alodie, sitting next to him, is having a good time as well, judging by the twinkle in her eyes.

When the next act is announced in a short promo video, Lena blinks at the television in disbelief. Australia.

“Did that really say Australia?”

“Yup.” Conor replies as a matter of fact.

“We adopted Australia a few years back. Their songs aren’t bad.”

“They do take it way too seriously though. At least this year they sent a clown.” Conor adds casually.

Before Lena can fully process that sentence, an actual blue haired clown walks on stage and sings the first note of her dramatic ballad.

“Ugh, a ballad.” Ciara sighs.

"She's got a nice voice, doesn't she?” Lena frowns.

“Yeah, but nobody likes ballads. They’re a no-go.” Conor complains.

And then, finally, it’s Ireland’s turn. Everybody sits up straighter and stares at the screen in anticipation.

A blonde woman starts singing a beautiful ballad. The colours on the screen behind her are almost hypnotizing, lighting up to match with the lyrics. Everyone in the room is holding their breath in anticipation and when the lady finally hits that particularly high note, everyone either claps or cheers. It grows into full-blown yells of excitement by the end and Lena is absolutely perplexed.

“Didn’t you just say ballads are a no-go?”

Everyone in the room turns to look at her.

“You’re skating on real thin ice, Lena.” Ciara deadpans and Lena isn't too sure how serious she actually is.

Apparently, voting takes up the majority of the entire show. It's well passed 1 AM when Lena settles on top of her mattress. Ireland ended up in eleventh place, much to the disbelief of everyone in the room. Conor hadn't been lying, it truly was an experience.

Lena closes her eyes and is about to let the darkness carry her away, when she feels a sudden breeze against her skin. Her eyes flutter open and slowly focus on the figure standing next to the window. The figure is wearing a cape.

"Kara?" Lena whispers in disbelief. Did she drink too much wine?

"You're okay." Kara breathes out in relief. Her eyes stay glued to Lena's face, looking for any sign of discomfort.

Lena sits up and frowns.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"I- I may have overreacted a bit when I couldn't get ahold of you. Did you- did you turn your phone off?"

Lena glances towards her nightstand and realizes her phone is still connected to its charger. Shit.

"I didn't realise."

"It's alright. You've got the watch, right?" Kara smiles, looking a whole lot calmer.

"Of course." Lena reassures her.

"Awesome." Kara looks at her as Lena lets out a long yawn. "You should get some rest. I'm going back home."

Kara is about to turn towards the window, when Lena's exhausted voice sounds through the room.

"Stay." She whispers so quietly, anyone besides a Kryptonian wouldn't have heard her.

Kara turns to look at her again, a bit unsure.

"If they need you, they can call you, right?" Lena goes on and Kara eventually nods in reply. She looks back towards the window and instead of climbing through it, she closes it.

"I think Alex wouldn't mind if I stay here for a few minutes. At least until you fall asleep." Kara smiles warmly.

Lena looks pleased and lifts the covers of her bed, waiting for Kara to get the hint and slip in. Kara takes off her boots and hangs her cape over the frame of the bed before slipping under the covers.

She turns to her side to face Lena.

"Hey."

"Hello yourself." Lena smirks.

"I missed you." Kara breathes. She reaches out to touch Lena's cheek as if she can't quite believe she's lying next to her.

Lena leans into the touch and closes her eyes.

Kara boldly pulls Lena closer and allows her to rest her head onto her shoulder. She's out within a minute.

When Lena wakes up in an empty bed, she can’t help but feel a bit disappointed. With a sigh, she drags herself into the bathroom and gets ready for the day.

“Morning, sweetheart.” Siobhan greets her again, this time not alone. Alodie and Ciara both shoot her a smile, while Conor and Adam seem to be deep into conversation on the other side of the table.

“Good morning.” Lena greets them. She thanks her grandma when she’s handed a cup of coffee and looks towards the boys.

“Adam? Can I talk to you for a moment?” She asks quietly.

“Of course.” Adam points towards the empty chair in front of him.

“Should I..?” Conor moves to stand up, but Lena shakes her head.

“You don’t have to, I don’t mind. You could help, actually.” Lena realizes.

Adam stares at her expectantly as she sits down.

“Right, it’s about my mother, obviously. Have you noticed any progress?”

Adam looks over at Alodie before returning his gaze to Lena.

“Not really. I mean, sometimes it’s like she knows exactly who everyone is, but then she gets this look in her eyes…” Adam sighs.

Lena nods thoughtfully.

“I think it’s time to visit some of the places she used to go to. Her old school, the cliffs, a pub…” She thinks out loud.

“Or you could start with looking through old photo albums?” Conor suggests a bit dryly.

Lena’s brain glitches for a moment.

“Right, that’s a brilliant idea, actually. Why on earth didn’t I think of that.” Lena sighs. Though, she knows why. The Luthors weren’t exactly the type of family to take photos and proudly collect them in an album. Lionel would rather pay for a painter to get a ‘traditional painting’ done to obnoxiously display on the wall instead.

“I’ve got my smart moments.” Conor smirks at the two.

“Guess being smart runs in the family.” Adam jokes.

“So does something else.” Conor teases and Lena chokes on her coffee.

Siobhan brings out a huge stack of photo albums from the attic. Conor is visibly cringing at the prospect of seeing old pictures of himself.

“Oh please, you were such a cute baby.” His mother tells him when she notices his lack of enthusiasm. He sinks deeper into the couch.

Lena’s sitting in between her mother and her aunt when she’s handed one of the thicker photo albums. A small card with her name on it is taped to the open page.

“That’s your birth announcement card.” Siobhan taps on the page with her finger. “I’ve kept them all.”

LENA BYRNE

24/10/1993

With love, kisses, hugs, and best wishes.

Welcome to the world.

“We didn’t know much about your father. He wasn’t really, officially, in the picture.” Siobhan looks grim. “We do know that he already had a family in the States, which is why your mother broke it off.”

Lena looks up at that.

“She did?” Lena frowns.

“Yes, she wanted to move back to Ireland with you. In 1997.”

Lena feels an overwhelming sadness settle inside her heart.

“And when she didn’t come back…” Siobhan tries to keep her emotions in check. “We didn’t even know the guy’s last name. All we knew was that they were at some holiday resort and that Alodie was involved in a horrific accident. They sent us a letter, telling us she’d died and that you were in safe hands.”

Lena clenches her jaw.

Suddenly, a soft hand tenderly touches her jawline. Alodie is staring at her with so much love, it’s almost overwhelming.

“Lena.” Alodie looks at her with a warm smile and something tells Lena that she truly does know. She knows that Lena is her daughter.

“Mom.” Her eyes are welling up and her throat feels too tight.

She’s pulled into a warm hug and all she can do is cry as her mother strokes her back. Her embrace is everything Lilian lacked. Warmth, safety, familiarity, love…

"I love you." Alodie whispers against her hair and Lena's heart is about to burst.

Her mother pulls away a little to properly look at her.

"Are you alright?" She asks and all Lena can really do is nod.

Alodie turns a page of the album on Lena's lap and smiles brightly.

"You were so small." She points towards a picture of a baby, proudly held by her younger self.

Lena is speechless, she's never seen baby photos of herself before. It never really occurred to her that they exist at all.

Another picture shows her younger self lying in a crib, almost too tiny for her large blanket.

"You were born three weeks early." Siobhan tells her, sounding emotional.

"I was?" Lena sounds hoarse.

"You had to stay in the hospital for a while. It was nerve wrecking for us all." Ciara chimes in.

"You were adorable." Conor grins at the picture.

"Just wait until we get to your baby photos." Ciara grabs another album from the pile and Conor groans.

Lena sends Kelly an email about her mother's progress. She can barely contain the happiness she feels. With absolute certainty she can say that she's never been this happy before.

Lena closes her laptop and fishes her phone out of her pocket. She presses on Kara's name and hits dial. The dialing tone sounds five times when Lena suddenly feels a rush of wind from behind her. She cancels the call and turns around with a smug smile.

"You called?" Kara smiles, not in the slightest looking as if she just travelled across an entire ocean.

"Isn't Alex going to be mad?" Lena crosses her arms and chuckles but Kara just shrugs.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her."

Lena finds that she just can't stop smiling.

"How was your day?" Kara asks as she steps closer.

"Amazing." Lena breathes. "She really knows who I am, Kara. I- I have my mother back." She pauses. She still can't believe it. "And all those baby photos, my baby photos. This all just- it all seems too good to be true?"

"You deserve all the good things that are happening right now. Embrace them." Kara says sincerely.

Lena lets out a shaky sigh as she leans forward to close the distance and capture Kara's lips with her own. Her hands find their own way towards Kara's warm cheeks and she strokes the skin with her thumbs. Before she knows it, Lena's slowly pushed backwards until her back hits the wall and her neck is attacked with wet kisses. Her head falls backward a little, granting her more space. Lena groans at the sensation. They move frantically, both too wrapped up in the moment. Almost too wrapped up to hear the creaking sound of the bedroom door.

Kara pulls away a little and frowns at the sight of the open door.

"What is it?" Lena breathes, her gaze falling down towards Kara's lips again.

"I swear that door was closed when I got here."

Lena looks over Kara's shoulder and huffs.

"Well, someone left the window open when they arrived." Lena says pointedly. "It's probably just the wind."

Lena moves out of Kara's arms to close the door before walking over to the window to secure its lock. Kara's behind her in a flash, kissing the back of her neck and Lena closes her eyes. She promptly turns around to reclaim her lips.

The kiss grows deeper and Kara's hand slips underneath Lena's shirt.

"Wait." Lena whispers against her lips.

Kara pulls away immediately.

"Are you okay?" She looks at her with concern.

"Yes, I'm more than okay. It's just- my grandmother is sleeping on the other side of the hallway." Lena sighs deeply.

"Oh. Right." Kara's eyes widen.

"And the bed frame creaks obnoxiously loud. I'd rather not scar my entire family for life." Lena winks at her and Kara chokes on nothing. "I mean we don't have to use the bed, obviously-." Lena adds and smirks at the deepening blush she's witnessing.

Lena laughs and looks at Kara adoringly.

“How are things back home?” Lena softly asks after a moment of silence. She decides on a different subject altogether, before things escalate.

Kara sighs deeply.

“The same. It’s been awfully quiet, actually. Still no sign of Lilian. It’s almost like she vanished completely.” She frowns.

Lena puts her hand on Kara’s bicep.

“If anyone can find her it’s you. Don’t give up.” Lena strokes the material of her suit.

Kara suddenly freezes and reaches for her ear.

“I’m sorry. I have to go.” Kara says apologetically and kisses her one last time before swiftly opening the window and disappearing into the night.

Adam keeps glaring at her. At first, Lena figured he'd just had a rough night, which is understandable considering the rooster's loud wake up calls.

But his anger isn't directed towards a farm animal, Lena specifically seems to be on the receiving end of his death glares.

"Adam, are you alright?" Lena tries when it's just the two of them left in the kitchen.

"Fine." Adam doesn't even spare her a glance.

Lena raises her eyebrows, unsure what to make of his odd behaviour. She's trying to think of a subject that will surely cheer him up. Of course.

"What's that Supergirl blog called again? I'd like to look it up later." Lena tries, but apparently that was the wrong thing to say as Adam's glare only grows deadlier.

"Supergirl." Adam almost hisses and Lena is absolutely baffled.

"Adam? Did something happen?" Lena wonders worriedly.

Adam huffs and puts his plate down in the sink before promptly leaving the kitchen. Lena just watches him go with confusion.

The cliffs are absolutely stunning. The water beneath is rough and relentless as it hits the rocks. It's clear and bright out with the blue sky stretching over the horizon. It's a perfect day to admire the view.

They decided to take the old jeep. She sat cramped up in the back, sandwiched between her mother and her grandmother. Conor was driving and a sour looking Adam accompanied him in the passenger's seat.

Ciara decided to stay at the farm to get some work done, because the farm animals aren't going to feed themselves.

"What do you think?" Conor asks smugly.

"It's absolutely stunning." Lena has to shout a little to make herself heard over the ever-present wind.

"What's up with him?" Conor wonders.

Lena follows his gaze to see Adam still leaning against the jeep and not looking impressed by the view in the slightest.

"No idea. He's been like this all day."

"Did you talk to him last night?"

"No, why?" Lena frowns.

Conor turns his head to look at the rough water in front of them again.

"Well, he said he wanted to talk to you, so he left to see you. But when he came back he was awfully quiet. I thought you two had gotten into a fight or something."

Lena closes her eyes and sighs.

"What time was that?"

"Pretty late. The rest had already gone to bed."

Shit.

The open bedroom door...

Did he-.

"I- I'll talk to him." Lena reassures him, trying to ignore the panic she feels.

Lena moves away and touches the watch in her pocket. Her thumb lingers before finally pressing the button.

Lena looks back towards Adam, trying to catch his gaze, but to no avail.

She takes a deep breath and walks back to the car.

"Nice view, isn't it?" Lena tries.

"I guess."

Lena sighs sadly.

"Adam, what's going on? You know you can talk to me. You can trust me."

Adam stares at her in disbelief.

"Trust you? After you-." The anger in his eyes is apparent.

"After I what?" Lena holds her breath.

"I- I saw you last night. With Supergirl." Adam clenches his fist.

"How can you do that to Kara?" Adam asks sharply.

"Adam, I can explain. It's not- ."

"What? It wasn't what it looked like? Please, I'm not a genius, but I'm not that dumb." Adam looks away.

"I know you're not." Lena sighs. Suddenly, she notices someone hovering in the air. Thank god.

"Adam?" Supergirl tries when she descends. She lands just behind the jeep, away from any peering eyes.

Adam's face lights up momentarily before the light in his eyes dims again. He pushes himself off the car and turns to face the superhero.

"What do you want? Haven't you done enough?" He huffs.

"Adam, I- I don't know what you saw, but-."

"I think you were about to take a bite from her neck if I recall correctly." Adam shoots back.

Lena closes her eyes. This is bad. She quickly joins Supergirl's side.

"Right.." Kara sighs deeply as if she's mentally preparing for something. "Adam. I- I understand why you're angry, cheating is a horrible thing to do. But I swear nobody is cheating on anyone here. There's- there's more to it."

"Supergirl." Lena warns her. Is she going to-.

"No, let me." She lowers her voice, only for Lena to hear. "You two have become such good friends, I'm not going to be the one to ruin that."

Adam stares at them with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Adam, I think you're very bright and kind. I know you're selfless and always available if anyone needs help. That's why I know my secret will be in safe hands." Supergirl says sincerely.

Adam frowns and looks as if he's about to comment.

A part of Lena desperately wants to jump in and give Kara another way out. Polyamory is a totally valid explanation. And what about open relationships? Or a sudden break-up? But there's another part of her that's absolutely sick and tired of lying. A part of her that knows how much harm comes from secrets and lies. And that part is winning. So she lets her say it.

"I'm Kara Danvers." Supergirl states quietly.

Adam just keeps staring at her as if the words aren't quite landing.

"What?"

Kara silently takes her glasses out of an invisible pocket and slowly slides them on. The expression on Adam's face would've been hysterical if the moment hadn't been so tense.

"Oh." Adam's eyes widen. "Oh my god."

Kara pockets her glasses again and carefully studies his reaction. Adam turns to Lena in shock.

"You weren't cheating on your girlfriend, because she IS your girlfriend. Oh my god, you're dating Supergirl!" He exclaims a bit loudly, but thankfully nobody is within earshot.

"Yes, I am. But Adam, you have to realise-."

"I can't tell anyone. I know how secret identities work, though I've never known one myself before!" Adam is so excited, it's almost contagious. "Don't worry, Kara. Your secret's safe with me. Scout's honour."

Lena can't help but chuckle at that.

"Thank you, Adam." Kara beams before turning towards Lena. "I have to go now. I'm actually not allowed to come here anymore." She sighs.

"Why?" Lena frowns.

"I had a pretty big fight with Alex yesterday." Kara says sadly. "So, no more surprise visits I'm afraid."

Lena automatically grabs her hand.

"You'll catch her soon enough. Then everything can go back to normal." Lena reassures her, squeezing her hand a bit. She can't wait to finally see Lilian behind bars.

It's been a week since they arrived. It's only been a week, but Lena finds that she's already sucked into a new daily routine. It feels familiar, as if she's been doing it for years. And she's not complaining.

It's a beautiful morning and Lena decides to join Conor on his way to the chicken pen. There's something remarkably peaceful about collecting eggs, Lena has to admit. It's a lovely change from those endless business meetings back at L-Corp.

"So, tell me about your girlfriend?" Conor breaks the comfortable silence as he refills the chickens' water bowl.

"Her name is Kara. She's a reporter." Lena smiles.

"Cool. Do you really think she'd enjoy watching Eurovision?" Conor tries to pet a chicken but it shoots away. Lena chuckles at the chicken's frantic movements.

"Oh, definitely. Now that I think about it, Kara and Eurovision might actually be a very dangerous combination." Lena laughs, she can already picture Kara belting along to dramatic ballads.

“She’s more than welcome to join us next year. I’d love to meet her.”

Lena smiles at the idea of Kara meeting her family. Though, there’s still a lingering fear that just won’t leave her alone.

“How did they take it when you came out?” Lena asks quietly.

Conor throws some leftovers on the ground and is instantly circled by the chickens. He walks through the sea of fowl and stops just before Lena, who’s patiently awaiting his answer on the other side of the low wired fence.

“My mum was great when I told her. But my dad…” Conor sighs deeply and rests his forearms on the fence. “We didn’t talk for years. My parents separated when I was quite young. And I was never really close to my dad, but it still hurt, you know?”

“You deserve better than that.” Lena comments sorrowfully. “Have you spoken to him recently?”

Conor turns his head to stare at the chickens. Lena envies how unbothered they are by the outside world.

“The last time I saw him was in the hospital right before his death.” He finishes.

His words hit her hard. She’s taken back to the year of her own father’s death. The year she lost the last remnants of love she received from her family. He wasn’t a great father, not in the slightest, but he never once alienated her or made her feel like she isn’t supposed to exist.

She can only imagine how hard it must’ve been for Conor. When death comes, it takes all promises and second chances with it.

One look into her cousin’s eyes tells her just how much it still hurts him. Silently, Lena wraps her arms around his slightly shaking frame. The fence is a bit awkwardly sandwiched between the two, but Lena isn’t bothered.

They stand there for a while, accompanied by the surprisingly relaxing clucking sounds of the chickens. Lena stares off in the distance, not looking at anything in particular. That is until her eyes land on a lone figure standing on the other side of the property’s fence. They're just standing there, motionlessly, mostly hidden in the shadows.

"Conor?"

"Hmm?" Conor clears his throat and leans back to look at her.

"Who's that over there?" Lena motions with her head, too afraid to point.

Conor turns to look at the shadowy figure and squints with his eyes.

“Oh, that’s Agatha, our neighbour. She’s blind.” He tells her easily.

“Blind? Then why is she staring right at us?” Lena isn’t taking her eyes off the woman. She can just make out her large sunglasses.

Conor frowns but eventually shrugs and continues on feeding the animals.

Of course, Lena is not going to be able to fully relax without knowing everything about the mystery woman from next door. And there isn’t much to know about her.

Agatha is thirty-six, graduated from Trinity College in Dublin where she studied languages and cultural studies. Her Instagram feed shows a happy woman, with pictures of her getting kissed on the cheek by a man, presumably her boyfriend. They look happy and kind, and not at all like someone who would help Lilian Luthor with her deranged ideas.

Lena shakes her head and wills the absurd idea out of her head. She’s been feeling so happy and light, there’s no more room for her paranoia.

So she forces herself to go on with her day. She replies to Kelly’s email and calls Sam for a quick update on her company’s status. Soon enough, any thoughts of the shaded lady have left her mind completely.

Lena connects the VR lenses to her laptop and waits for her software to start up. She has enough information and images to reconstruct another memory, she’s sure. Ciara even forwarded her a couple of videos of her mother. Videos of birthday parties, holidays, her mother working at the farm…

There’s one video in particular that triggers a memory instantly. Lena’s memory. The video shows Alodie walking into the sea at a beach. She walks further and further, until eventually she disappears out of sight completely, letting the waves engulf her. And then, she reappears again, sweeping her wet hair out of her face and laughing joyfully.

Lena desperately wants to avert her gaze, but she just can’t look away. She keeps seeing the waves and her mother’s head as it disappears into the sea. At least this time she eventually resurfaces.

She flinches when her bedroom door opens. Alodie appears in the doorway, her smile disappearing when she notices Lena’s distress.

“What is it, love?” Alodie sits down on the bed, right beside her.

“Nothing, I’m alright.” Lena croaks out, swallowing thickly.

Alodie looks at the screen and then back at her daughter.

“You can tell me anything. Please know that. I believe we have a couple of years to catch up on.”

Lena breathes shakily.

“Do you remember what happened that day at the lake?”

Alodie is quiet for a moment, deep in thought.

“I vaguely remember being there on holiday. The shore, the lake. The rest is...flashes.” She eventually tells her.

Lena tries to keep her eyes from welling up, but she can feel herself losing that battle. Her quivering bottom lip is giving her away.

“I just- I stood there on the shore and did nothing. I didn’t run, I didn’t scream, I didn’t even cry. I just stood there a-and w-watched.” Lena cries, letting the tears runs freely now. “I’m- I’m so s-sorry.” She sobs, letting out her repressed anger at herself.

“Oh Lena. Sweetheart. It isn’t your fault.” Alodie sighs sadly, embracing her from the side. “I should’ve known better. I should never have gone into the water with waves that high. I’m so sorry you had to witness that.”

Lena lets her head rest on her mother’s shoulder and closes her burning eyes.

“I’m sorry you didn’t have the childhood you deserved.” Her mother adds sorrowfully and Lena sobs into her shoulder. It’s as if a weight is lifted off her shoulders. She realizes how long she has longed for a conversation like this.

Alodie is remembering more every day. Small details, random events, name of long lost friends… Lena’s set on filling the remaining gaps. Together with Siobhan and Ciara, she compiles a list of highlights consisting of fond memories and important events.

Lena unplugs her device and closes her laptop.

“Are you ready?” Lena asks her mother.

Alodie nods, but suddenly seems to change her mind.

“Wait.” She suddenly says. “I’m in the mood for ABBA.”

Lena laughs, feeling the tension leaving her body immediately. She walks over to the record player on the dresser and picks out “ABBA’s Greatest Hits”. When the needle hits the vinyl and the first notes of Dancing Queen fill the room, Alodie’s smile grows.

Lena opens the tiny box and hands it to her mother, who carefully takes the lenses out and puts them over her eyes. With a reassuring smile and a nod, she lets her know she’s ready for the simulation to begin. Lena hits start.

Her mother sinks back into her chair and suddenly goes rigid.

Lena frowns and quickly checks her tablet for any abnormalities. A gasp leaves her mouth when she notices the giant spike in her mother’s heartrate.

“Mom?” Lena exclaims worriedly.

“End simulation.”

Nothing happens.

“End simulation!” Lena tries again, sounding desperate. When nothing changes, Lena grabs her laptop and opens up her software. Her hands are shaking heavily as she types away.

A breach…

How could she have missed it.

“No, no, no. Please mom, wake up. I’m not losing you again.” Lena whimpers. Her fingers hit the keys as quickly as possible while she tries to locate the breach’s origin.

“Hold on, mom.” Lena sniffles as she waits for the software to process her request.

When she sees the address, she flinches. It’s coming from the neighbour’s house.

Lena touches the watch in her pocket and quickly presses the button. Quickly, she puts her laptop aside and throws the door open. When she arrives downstairs, she’s out of breathe. The living room grows quiet at her arrival.

“Lena?” Conor worries.

“Someone has to stay with my mother. Something- someone is hacking into her lenses. It’s- it’s bad.” Lena tries to explain hurriedly.

“Woah, Lena. Breathe.” Ciara stands up and puts a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“The signal is coming from the neighbours’ house. I- I’m going to investigate.” Lena takes a deep breath before turning towards the door.

“Wait.” Conor exclaims suddenly. He walks over to the fireplace and yanks the displayed riffle off the wall above it. “It’s not only for show.” He shrugs and quickly joins Lena’s side by the door.

“We’ll stay with her. Go! Please, be careful!” Siobhan shouts when they rush outside.

Lena’s filled with adrenaline as she jogs alongside her cousin. The lights in the neighbours’ house are all turned on.

Her heart is wildly pounding in her chest as she approaches the doorstep. She looks at Conor, who gives her a reassuring nod while he adjusts his grip on the riffle, before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

There’s movement coming from the living room. Conor presses his finger against his lips and quietly rounds the corner.

“Don’t move or I’ll shoot!” He exclaims demandingly. Lena quietly joins his side and gasps.

A woman with bright grey eyes is standing in the middle of the room. A pair of sunglasses at her feet. In her rigid hand, she’s holding a large knife.

“Agatha, drop the knife.”

She doesn’t move a finger, in fact, she’s totally rooted to the spot, rigid.

“Conor, look at her eyes. She’s not in control. She’s wearing VR lenses.” Lena realizes, staring at the woman in shock.

“Are you telling me VR lenses can control minds?” Conor hisses in disbelief.

“That was before we got rid of the glitch. They should be safe now.” Lena frowns. Her eyes land on the laptop on the small table in front of the television.

Lena slips passed the rigid woman and takes a seat in front of the laptop.

She recognizes the coding pattern right away and makes a few alterations. Suddenly, Agatha snaps out of her rigid state and readjusts her grip on her knife.

“Lena? Conor? What is going on?” Adam’s voice suddenly sounds from the hallway.

“Adam, stay back!” Conor shouts over his shoulder.

He doesn’t listen.

He steps inside the living room just when Agatha throws her knife. Lena’s heart stops beating.

Out of nowhere, a rush of wind fills the house and all Lena can see is red and blue. Supergirl.

Supergirl is standing right in front of Adam, casually holding the knife between two fingers.

“Sorry, I got held up. Everyone okay?” She quickly scans the room and shoots Lena a reassuring smile. Lena can breathe again.

“She- she’s hacking into my mother’s lenses. I’m trying to get rid of the-.” Lena’s voice falters when somebody else enters the living room, coming from the kitchen.

No.

“Oh, don’t let me interrupt you, I’m here to enjoy the show.” Lilian Luthor walks over to a chair right next to the couch where Lena’s sitting and nonchalantly sits down.

Lena is speechless and freezes up entirely.

Supergirl jumps in action immediately, but weakly falls to the ground halfway.

“Kryptonite.” She groans as her veins glow a toxic green.

“Why are you here?” Lena glares at her step-mother.

“Why do you think? To finish what I started.” Lilian answers smugly.

“Lena? Just give me the word and I’ll shoot her.” Conor tries to sound brave, though it’s awfully clear how scared he is.

Lena’s childhood flashes before her eyes. The odd duck, the outsider, the bastard child. She never felt welcome or loved. Lex always came first and Lena had grown to accept that, even though it made her feel worthless. His legacy continues to haunt her up until this day. After everything, her biggest fear is still becoming just like him.

"No, don't. She deserves to rot in prison." Lena decides.

"I'd like to see you try. I've always admired your willpower." Lilian says conversationally.

"I'm sure you have." Lena clenches her jaw and returns her gaze to the laptop.

"You better hurry up. You don't want your dear mother to slip into a coma, do you?" Lilian smiles sweetly as if she just asked her if she fancies icecream for dessert.

"What did you do to her?” Lena seethes.

“I merely made my own glitch, a virus if you will. In human form.” Lilian explains easily and smugly eyes the rigid woman in the middle of the room.

Lena swallows thickly and keeps typing rapidly. When Lena finishes another string of code Agatha's arm jerks forward.

"This isn't helping. I need to access the system now!" Lena exclaims desperately.

She is tapping with her fingers onto the hard surface of the laptop when her eyes land on the small Obsidian box on the table in front of her.

"You're not getting away with this." Supergirl hisses, but Lilian just shoots her an amused smile.

"The cops are coming!" Adam chimes in, trying to sound brave.

"Are they? How sweet." Lilian says sarcastically.

Lena's fingers are shaking as she places the lenses onto her eyes. She takes a deep breath and hovers with her index finger over the activation button.

"Lena?" Supergirl calls her name and stares at her with wide eyes.

"Call Winn if I don't make it. He'll know what to do." Lena breathes shakily, but she's determined.

"Lena! You don't know what it will do to you! It might be dangerous!" Supergirl exclaims.

Lilian just looks at her step-daughter with interest.

Lena stares right into Kara's eyes, trying to tell her what she desperately wants to say, without words. I love you.

She hits the button.

It's pitch black when Lena opens her eyes. She's all too familiar with this place, though something feels very off. The nothingness is claustrophobic and the quietness rings in her ears.

But there's something in the distance, something among the stars.

"Hello?" Lena finally finds her voice again. Experimentally, she takes a step forward and finds that her limbs are responding. She quickly moves forward to the shape in the distance.

"Mom? Is that you?" Lena exclaims into the darkness. Finally, she comes close enough to see what's waiting for her with the stars.

It's her. Her mother. Motionlessly staring into nothingness.

"Mom!" Lena comes to a halt right in front of her. Her mother's eyes focus on her face and stare at her blankly. Lena breathes out in relief.

"It's going to be okay. We just have to wake up." Lena reassures her. What did Kara do in this situation? She just kept talking, didn’t she?

"Mom, it's not safe here. This place is messing with your head. We have to get out, okay?" Lena tries again. "Just say the words, you know the ones. Only you can, mom." She adds, trying to keep her voice steady.

Alodie just looks at her as if she's trying to process what's being said to her.

"I can't lose you again, m-mom. Not after everything. I wouldn't be able to cope." Lena takes a sharp breath before continuing. "I need you, mom. Please, wake up."

Alodie blinks and her whole expression changes significantly.

"Lena." She whispers before closing her eyes. "End simulation." And just like that, Alodie disappears right in front of her eyes.

Lena tries to calm her breathing. She's about to close her eyes and say the words herself when she hears something to her right.

It's the woman, Agatha, looking absolutely terrified.

Lena doesn't hesitate when she steps forward to approach the shaking woman.

"Hello?" Lena tries softly.

The woman gasps and turns her head towards the sound of her voice.

"Who's there?" Agatha cries out.

"My name is Lena." She replies carefully.

"Lena who? Do I know you?"

"Lena Byrne." Lena's heart skips a beat. Saying it feels right.

"Where- where am I? What's going on?" Agatha shudders.

"This is a simulation. It's going to be okay, I'm going to get you out of here, alright?" Lena tries to reassure her.

"H-how?"

"Just repeat the two words I'm about to say. If it works I'm going to-." Lena is cut off when the space around them begins to shake and flicker.

"What- what's going on?" Agatha cries.

"The simulation, it's- I think it's deleting itself." Lena realizes with fear.

"Don't worry. We're going to get out of here. Just repeat the two words I'm going to say, alright?" Lena is filled with adrenaline as she watches the world go black pixel by pixel.

Agatha nods quickly and waits for Lena's words in anticipation.

"End simulation."

Lena inhales sharply as her eyes shoot open. It takes her a moment to get used to the brightness.

"Lena?" It's Kara, with her glasses and a worried look.

"Kara? Where am I?" Lena blinks and looks around the room when her eyes are able to focus again. Her eyes eventually land on Ciara, Conor, and Adam, quietly observing her from the couch they're sitting on.

Is this the living room?

"You're okay, we're at the farm." Kara smiles at her before tears fill her eyes. "Please, don't do that again. It was very brave, but also very stupid."

"I had to save her." Lena states firmly. With her hand, she pushes herself upright on the couch. "Where is she?"

"She's upstairs with Siobhan. A specialist is with them." Ciara tells her.

"A specialist?" Lena arches an eyebrow.

"Kelly is here." Kara explains quietly.

Lena smiles tiredly.

"How are you feeling?" Kara asks worriedly.

"Tired." Lena rubs her eyes clean.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps descending the stairs breaks the silence. Kelly appears in the hallway, smiling at Lena when she notices she's awake.

"Hey there." Kelly approaches her and gives her a quick once-over. "You're both okay. Your mother is sleeping upstairs. You got her out just in time, Lena." Kelly breathes deeply.

"Did Agatha make it out?" Lena worries.

Kelly nods. "She's fine. You saved her life."

Lena doesn't comment on that, she's just glad to hear her plan worked out

"Lilian?" Lena wonders, returning her gaze to her girlfriend.

"A certain Martian helped the cops out. He made sure she's behind bars before he flew home. Wherever that might be." Kara adds quickly. Lena chuckles lightly and closes her eyes in relief. It's over.

"I'm going to call Alex and fill her in." Kelly excuses herself and disappears into the hallway.

Lena notices how pale Conor and Adam still are. She pushes herself off the couch and gets back on her feet.

“I should probably introduce you.” Lena winces a little when she puts all her weight on her legs again. She waves off Kara’s concern.

Lena clears her throat and turns to face Ciara and Conor.

“This is Kara, my girlfriend.” Lena knows, rationally, that she doesn’t have a reason to be this nervous to say this out loud, but that specific kind of fear always lingers in the back of her mind. Rejection.

Conor stands up with a bright smile on his face.

“Conor. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Lena hardly talks about anything else.” He winks and holds out his hand to shake Kara’s.

“Shut up.” Lena huffs, though she can’t bring herself to be mad.

“Nice to meet you.” Kara beams and happily shakes his hand.

Ciara slowly joins them, looking at Kara with an expression Lena can’t quite decipher before a smile tugs at her lips.

“Good to see you, Kara. I’m Lena’s aunt.” Ciara leans forward to give her a warm hug. Lena smiles at the display.

“And who’s this lovely lady?” Siobhan wonders when she enters the room, followed by a tired looking Alodie.

“Mom.” Lena breathes and quickly throws her arms around the woman. She’s okay. She’s alive.

“Sweetheart. Hello again, Kara.” Alodie smiles at the sight of her. And Lena just knows that Alodie understands very well what Kara means to her, it’s a certain look in the woman’s eyes.

“This is Kara. She’s my girlfriend.” Lena says again when she finally lets go of her mother. Siobhan’s smile only widens at her words.

“Welcome to the family, dear.” Her grandmother steps forward to embrace her in a warm hug.

It’s a year later when Lena and Kara walk up to the farm, hand in hand. Lena chuckles lightly at her girlfriend’s ridiculous outfit. She’s dressed in green from head to toe, her green button-up is even decorated with tiny clovers.

The door is thrown open even before they reach the doorstep.

“They’re here!” Conor shouts over his shoulder. He pulls them both in a hug.

When he catches sight of the private jet behind them, his mouth falls open. “Oh my god, Lena.”

Lena just grins at his reaction.

“Kara, are you already dressed up for tonight? You look great.” Conor eyes her outfit in awe. “It’s going to be so much fun. We were just deciding on what snacks to buy” He adds with a bright smile.

“Actually.” Lena begins and she grabs a small box out of her pocket. She hands it to Conor who stares at it with confusion.

“What is it?”

“Open it.” Lena smirks and watches him slowly unwrap his present. When the paper is discarded of, he only needs to lift the lid to see what’s inside. He gasps loudly and stares at it with wide eyes.

“No. No, you’re kidding me, right? This is a prank.” He looks up at Lena and stares at her in disbelief.

“It’s not a prank.” Lena assures him, chuckling at his reaction.

“What’s going on, Conor?” Ciara wonders, appearing in the door opening.

Soon enough, Alodie and Siobhan join her side as well.

“Lena just handed me tickets to tonight’s finale.” Conor says in disbelief.

“She what?” Siobhan stares at Lena in shock.

“Actually, I’ve got us all VIP tickets. You can join us in the reserved lounge if you like.” Lena clarifies and Conor looks as if he’s about to faint.

“If we leave now, we’ll arrive in Rotterdam in about an hour and a half.” Lena checks her watch and returns her gaze to her speechless family again.

“Oh my god, are you serious?” Conor stares at her in bewilderment.

“Yes, so what do you say?” Lena smirks, raising one eyebrow.

“I think we’d all be fools to decline such an offer. You’re truly a godsend, dear.” Siobhan walks down the pathway and presses a kiss on her granddaughter’s cheek.

“Mom?” Lena looks at her mother.

“I’d love to, sweetheart.” Alodie closes the distance and wraps both her daughter and Kara in a warm hug.

“I’ll just lock up and meet you guys in a couple minutes, yeah?” Ciara yells as she quickly gets back inside.

“Where’s Adam?” Conor wonders when he’s recovered from the shock.

“He’s already waiting in the jet. It’s unlocked.” Lena chuckles as she watches Conor sprint towards the jet.

“Did you two really just fly all the way from America? You must be exhausted.” Alodie realizes with a frown.

“Actually.” Lena pauses and looks at Kara with a soft smile before continuing. “We purchased a house in Bray last week. We’ve been staying there for two days now. We’re not selling our apartment in National City, though, we’ll still live there too.”

“That is incredible, dear!” Alodie starts to sniffle a little. “I’m so happy for you two.” She embraces them again.

“Okay, I’m ready! Let’s go!” Ciara shouts as she slams the door shut.

When they all board the jet, Lena looks around the cabin with tears in her eyes. Kara gently squeezes her hand and gives her a warm smile.

Lena has never felt this happy in her life.