Chapter Text
“Oh, golly! Sorry, excuse me!”
Kara could feel her face burning as she apologized breathlessly to the woman whose chair she’d stumbled into. The restaurant was packed – she had forgotten that it was Valentine’s Day when she decided to come in for her usual takeout order – and walking through the cramped aisles between tables was even more difficult than usual. She had hit the chair hard enough to almost tip it (and its occupant) over, but she had managed to catch it before that happened. She realized that she was still holding onto the chair and pulled her hands away quickly, fluttering them uselessly as she continued talking.
“I hope you’re okay! I’m just so clumsy, and then I was trying to avoid getting in that server’s way and I just, boom! Right into you. Are you alright?” She couldn’t seem to stop prattling on and staring at the other woman. It was understandable, though, right? Those pale eyes kept pulling her in – were they gray? Blue? Green? It didn’t matter; they were beautiful, captivating, and Kara was so flustered that she only had the vaguest impression of the rest of the woman’s appearance. Sleek, dark hair, pale skin, definitely gorgeous. She blinked hard, almost missing the soft reply to her question.
“I’m fine.”
“Okay, well, that’s great! Uh, I’ll just go? Yeah, um, enjoy your night!”
She managed to rip her gaze away from the other woman’s and turned to head toward the pickup counter. And, of course, she tripped again, this time managing to pull the beautiful fur coat hanging on the woman’s chair down to the floor.
“Gosh, I’m so sorry! Again!” She scrambled to pick up the coat. Oh, it was soft! Definitely more expensive than she could afford. She hoped the floor was still relatively clean. She caught herself stroking the lush fur and managed to turn the motion into a brisk series of pats, as if she had just been brushing it off. She practically pushed the bundled fur at its owner, barely registering when she felt the other woman’s fingers briefly slide against hers.
“Ah, here you go! I think it’s okay! Uh, I’m gonna -” She pointed jerkily to the counter, feeling her entire body flaming with embarrassment, and walked quickly (and carefully) towards it.
Fortunately, her food was all bagged and ready to go, so she just had to pay. After making some small talk with the cashier while waiting for her card to be approved, she picked up the bag and turned to leave. She took a deep breath and gave herself a tiny pep talk, which wasn’t weird at all, she just sometimes needed a little extra encouragement, okay? She did wish she could just fly out to the street, but that was out of the question. Finally, she was outside in the crisp air of a February in National City, having avoided any other collisions. She mostly stifled the victorious fist pump she gave herself after such a feat, but a muffled giggle told her she’d had an audience.
She turned her head swiftly to find the source of the noise and almost fell over when her eyes met familiar pale ones. There, leaning against the rough brick wall beside the door, was the woman from inside. She seemed to glow with the last rays of the setting sun, the light catching warm red and gold highlights in her hair and dancing over the incredible softness of that glorious coat. Kara felt her mouth drop open, but nothing came out of it.
The other woman’s smile grew, crimson lips contrasting prettily with white, even, and … sharp looking teeth. She held out a long, pale hand to Kara, who automatically took it, hastily cradling her takeout bag in one arm.
“What is your name?” Even her voice was beautiful, deep and clear, with the hint of an accent Kara couldn’t quite place.
Kara stood there, mouth still agape, hand still grasping the lovely stranger’s, and said nothing. It was only when the other woman squeezed her hand gently that she managed to snap out of her semi-frozen state.
“Oh, uh, Kara? I’m Kara Danvers! That’s me! Yeah!”
“Kara. How fitting. I’m Lena.”
“Oh, uh, nice to meet you!” Kara realized she was still holding Lena’s hand, becoming conscious of just how smooth and cool it was compared to her own slightly-damp palm. She pulled her hand back gently, regretting the lost touch immediately, and got a more secure grip on her takeout bag.
“So,” she said, drawing the word out awkwardly, “Did you need something? Oh my god, did I get your coat dirty? Oh no! I promise I’ll pay to get it cleaned! There’s a great dry cleaner like three blocks from my apartment! I spill things a lot, they know me, and they have same-day service, so you won’t even have to wait -”
“No! My coat is fine. I just came out here because,” Lena bit her lip, hesitating slightly, before continuing, “Because you gave it back.” Lena looked up at Kara through her lashes, a small smile quirking her lips.
“Um. Yeah? It’s yours, and it was my fault that it was on the floor in the first place!” Kara smiled brightly, feeling a little confused and a bit warm from having the undivided attention of someone so beautiful.
“Ah.” Lena seemed a little disappointed at her answer, and Kara felt her stomach twist.
“I’m sorry, I don’t really understand. Am I missing something?”
“Oh, no. It’s fine. Sorry to have bothered you.” As Lena turned to go, Kara reached out impulsively, catching her by the shoulder. Gosh that coat was so soft.
“Wait! Uh, I know that you probably just finished dinner, but I haven’t had mine yet. I know it’s a little weird, since we literally just met, but do you want to join me? I know a place – a bar, but it’s quiet – that shouldn’t be too crowded, even tonight. I’ll buy you a drink?”
Lena nodded, eyes shining, and turned to follow Kara.