Chapter Text
“I missed the bus to the dorms, can I stay here?” Nia didn’t wait for an answer already halfway across the room, plopping down in her chair at the front row and setting her bag on the floor. Kara watched her, furrowing her eyebrows at the young teen.
Nia looked sad, sadder than usual. Normally she always gave Kara a warm welcome. Her face would light up and her eyes would shine. It was like for a second the cloud that hung above the girl was away but today that seemed to be the farthest thing from the truth. Nia's eyes didn’t even look towards Kara and once she was sat she didn’t look up. She was glued to staring at her desk picking at the wood that was falling apart on the edge.
“I hate those busses,” Kara chose to say. She shook her head looking down playing the annoyed card. “When I went here with my sister we always missed them. God she was so annoyed with me.”
“Why did you always miss them?” Nia asks.
“Well,” Kara smiles. She tapped her pen on the papers she was grading. “I didn’t have many friends but I had one, Kenny. Alex had some extra class where I didn’t so I would “nerd out” as she called it with Kenny.”
“Nerd out?” Nia laughs. It was soft but it was enough to make Kara feel like she did something good.
“I may be an English teacher but I love the stars, space, anything about it.” Kara leaned back in her chair looking out the window. You couldn’t see much but trees and more brick buildings. She could see part of the campus from up here, some students were laying on the lawn others were walking with friends. Kara's eyes weren’t on them but the glimpse of the blue sky she could see. “I’ve always felt a connection to space. It’s stupid I know.”
“It’s not stupid.” Kara turned and met Nia's eyes.
“Thank you for thinking it’s not. What made you miss the bus?” She asks softly, unsure of how it would go. She just got Nia to look at her and this could ruin it all. The sophomore didn’t look away though instead she held eye contact. Well it was more like she had zoned out staring at Kara which she didn’t know if that was better or worse.
Kara stayed silent, afraid speaking would hurt Nia in some way. She had to bite her tongue not to get up when she saw a single tear run down Nia's face. Her instincts were telling her to get up. To get up and hug her. To hold her. But she couldn’t do that, she couldn’t do that at all so she had to bite her tongue instead and pretend her feet were glued to the ground.
She waited as patiently as she could. She wasn’t inpatient, she just wanted to comfort Nia. The young girl looked so miserable and it would break anyone’s heart. Kara knew getting up and trying to hug her would not only spook Nia but make her run away.
“I was um supposed to go home on the weekend.” Nia mumbled. She looked like she was in a daze so far up in her head. “It’s my sister's birthday and they,” Nia paused, inhaling sharply. She looked down at her desk grabbing onto the side like it was keeping her grounded. Like if she didn’t hold on she would float up into space and die. “They called me and said they weren’t picking me up.”
“Why?” Kara asked as softly as she could. She was slow as she stood. She carefully walked towards the younger girl as she thought. Kara sat down at the desk next to Nia. “Did something bad happen to your sister?” Kara asks fearing the worst. All of Nias' teachers had been informed of what happened to her parents.
It was devastating, only a few months ago they died in a car crash. There was no hope in saving them and the poor girl was left to live with her grandparents who sent her here. God if Kara could she would have a few choice words with Nias grandparents for sending her to midvale high boarding school right after her parents death.
Nia needed love. She needed to be held and to be told she’s loved. She needed comfort. Any kind of comfort and not this dark cold shoulder she was getting from her supposed family.
“No. It’s me,” Nias voice cracked. “God it’s me- it’s always me.” Nia quickly crossed her arms on the desk and hid her face in them. Her body shook lightly and Kara's heart broke.
“Honey I’m sure that’s not true,” she said softly. Kara reached out gently rubbing Nia's back. “You're such a kind and beautiful person Nia.”
“T-They want me to be something I’m not,” Nia choked out. “I can’t go back but even if I-I did they don’t-“ Nia stopped herself but Kara knew what she was about to say. They don’t love me.
Kara wanted to say they did. Kara wished she could say Nia's grandparents loved her but honestly she couldn’t. She couldn’t and it infuriated her. Everything she's heard about Nia's grandparents has been horrible. First they sent her here after her parents died. Then Kara learns that the reason they sent her here is because she’s trans. It was just a rumbling downfall and poor Nia couldn’t catch a second to breathe.
So with a little hesitance Kara settled on something else. “You deserve better.” She didn’t know how Nia would take it but she hoped it would be taken in a good way. “Nia, you are one of the most caring and kind students and people I have ever met. Your heart is big and beautiful and if someone can’t love you they don’t deserve you. I know you want them to. I wish I could tell you they did but I’m not them. You deserve to be comforted especially after what happened. What your grandparents are doing, have been doing is wrong and you need to know that. It’s not your fault at all. You are who you are and what you are is an amazing person.”
Nia picked her head up. Her eyes were red and puffy and tears were still running down her face. Her lip wobbled as she tried her best to keep herself just the slightest bit together. “Did I-I do something wrong to deserve this?”
“No of course not,” Kara sighed. She scooted closer to Nia and opened her arms. An invite if Nia wanted it and Kara was grateful the teen took it. Nia quickly leaned into Kara's arms wrapping her own around her teacher. “You did nothing wrong at all. I’m so sorry that all this has happened. You don’t deserve it Nia, you don’t at all. I can’t imagine how hard it is but I’ll always be here for you. You can come talk to me if you ever need.”
Nia held Kara tighter. Like she wanted to hold on forever but not even a second later she let go and pulled back. Nia wiped her face and sniffled. “I’m sorry Mrs.Danvers.”
“Nia,” Kara let out, giving her a look. “You have nothing to apologize for, what did I just say?”
“I-I can always talk to you.”
“Exactly.” Kara grabbed Nia's hand and squeezed it. “And I mean that. Hey, who cares about the busses do you like Chinese food? You must be hungry.” Nia seemed confused but nodded slowly. “Great! Why don’t we get some, would that be ok?”
“I guess I could eat but you don’t have to. I-I can walk to the dorms and-“
“No. I can take you back when we’re done. Oh! We can even get ice cream. Do you like ice cream?” Kara asks.
“Of course but-“ Nia tried denying Kara agai.
“Nia I know I don’t have to but I want to. If you really want to go back to your room I can take you so you don’t have to walk but my offer for food and ice cream stands.”
“I-I want to,” Nia said softly. Kara smiled and stood. She walked over to her desk grabbing her purse and shoving random papers inside of it along with her phone.
“Great, just give me a minute to tell my wife. I’ll be back.” Kara gave Nia a smile before leaving the room.
Kara really didn’t want to leave Nia alone in her dorm room. Kara was adopted by the Danvers when she was young but she was welcomed into loving open arms. Besides Alex having problems accepting Kara she still loved Kara. Nia's story was so very different for many reasons and it was heartbreaking.
If it was Kara she’s not sure what she would have done. She probably wouldn’t even have the energy to get out of bed let alone do school or eat. She felt like she had to help Nia. I mean what kind of person would she be if she just watched her drown? She couldn’t. That wasn’t Kara she had to help Nia. She had to outstretch her hand for Nia to grab if she wanted it and Kara hoped too everything Nia would take it.
And sure, yes it was just Chinese food and ice cream. It was just a conversation and a hug but it was something. It was a comfort that maybe Nia hadn’t gotten in a while. I mean who knows how long that poor girl has gone without a hug. How long has it been since someone looked like they cared? Nia didn’t seem to make friends and it just made Kara think about how hard it was for her to make friends.
She just wanted to protect her. Maybe a small action of kindness could be the small light that Nia needs. Maybe the Chinese food or the hug could be what she needs just to keep her going and make her happy. Because Nia's happiness is what mattered the most.
Kara sighed when she came to Lenas door. She could only imagine the look Lena would give her. With the biggest smile Kara could muster she opened the door to her wife’s classroom.
“So! I’m going to take Nia to get Chinese food and ice cream. Do you want me to bring you home leftovers? I can get you ice cream? Do you want-“
“Kara,” Lena stopped her. Kara's face flushed and she looked down at the disapproving look on her face.
“Look, I know I shouldn’t but Lena she’s hurting. God Lena she came into my class in such a daze because her dumb grandparents uninvited her from her sisters birthday! She says they don’t love her and I can’t tell her they do because it doesn’t seem like they do. She just needs love and maybe some food will help! Maybe if she’s offered a shoulder or-“
“Kara-“
“Or a hand that’s there to grab if needed,”
“Darling please-“
“Or just someone to give her some love because she feels-“
“Kara!” Lena yelled louder forcing Kara to stop. Lena raised her eyebrow in a manner that made Kara gulp. “Ok now that you're done I don’t disapprove.”
“You-You dont?” Kara asks, surprised. She had expected Lena to be totally against it. Saying that teachers should not meddle in students' personal lives or something.
“I think we both know I can understand a shitty family.” Kara's face fell and she nodded. She walked towards her wife and grabbed Lenas hands. “Your heart is very pure Kara and I do think Nia needs that right now. Anyone could use your light,” Lena chuckles. “As long as you don’t try adopting her we’ll be fine.”
“Cant make any promises the more I hear about her grandparents the more I hate them.”
“Kara Danvers hating someone? They must be awful,” Lena let out. Kara nodded because there was nothing else to say. They were awful. How could they not accept Nia? How could they just send her off like she was nothing like she didnt matter.
“I'll make sure to bring you home leftovers.” Kara leaned down kissing Lena softly.
“Kara?” Lena asks as she pulls away. “I know its hard sometimes to separate your own trauma well helping someone so if you feel yourself falling just take a step back. Your heart is big but sometimes you need to breathe just like everyone else.”
“Thank you,” Kara hummed. She couldn't help but lean down again and kiss Lena for a little longer. “See you later, I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Kara left the room, she tried to let Lenas words sink into her as she walked back to her classroom. Lena was right, I mean god Kara had told her that herself. She told Lena a hundred times to focus on herself and breathe. Sometimes they all just get caught up in each other and ignore there own feelings and don't realize what there doing is because of there own past.
Kara made it back to her classroom quickly and was happy to see Nia at her desk still. The teen looked up and smiled the slightest. “Ready?” Kara asks. Nia nodded, grabbing her back and slinging it over her shoulder.
“Sorry if I took too long,” Kara says as she shut the classroom door behind Nia and locked it.
“Its fine,” Nia shrugged.” Kara nodded looking Nia over as they began to walk. She seemed better. She wasn't smiling but she wasn't crying anymore and Kara took that as a win.
The hallway was quiet as they walked. Only a few students and teachers were still actually in the school. Most students by now were at the dorms or out on the campus lawn. Walking down these hallways always reminded her of when she went to the school. When her and Alex would race down the halls yelling at each other to hurry up. She had so many fond (and bad) memories in school.
“So,” Nia started small, “you have a wife?” She asks. “A wife who's a teacher.” Kara laughed.
“Yes,” Kara hummed. Most students were not aware they were together. She couldn't even be a little annoyed at Nia for asking. She remembers how much teacher drama meant to students. When you found out two teachers were married it was some of the most insane things.
“Do I know her?” Kara thought for a moment. Lena taught advanced classes at the school. She helped other ap teachers with there own schedule giving them notes if needed. She was definitely the smartest teacher at the school and in the world if you asked Kara's opinion.
“Do you take any ap classes?”
“God no,” Nia let out in disgust. The reaction made Kara snort trying to hold back her laugh. “But can I know?” The curiosity in Nias eyes Kara couldn't turn down.
“Mrs.Luthor.”
“You're married to Lena Luthor!” Nia exclaimed. It was enough for a few classroom doors to open and teachers' heads to pop out. Kara blushed looking down at the ground.
“Yes.”
“How does no one know this! The whole school doesn't know she's married!” Nia seemed amazed by the idea.
“We don't really bring it up I guess. Its not needed to.” They were so perfect in there own little bubble. They weren't perfectly trying to hide it but there was no reason to make it obvious.
“So are you rich?” Nia asked. “Do you have like a mansion? Do you-”
“Nia,” Kara laughs softly. She looked at the teens face and Nia was smiling. She was genuinely smiling and it was such a difference from earlier when she was crying. Kara was going to tell her that they shouldn't talk about it but now she couldn't. Because Nia was smiling and Kara aimed to please. “We do have...money,” Kara starts hesitantly.
“Why does she work here then? Doesn't she own a company in the city? Why be a teacher?”
“Lena loves kids. She loves teaching and she loves watching people light up with curiosity and want to learn. She loves teaching and helping people understand. She has a very big heart god I’d even say it was bigger than mine. She may have inherited her family's company but this is her dream. Sure to most it may seem like nothing, it may seem horrible but to her she loves it. She’s happy and thats what matters the most.”
“Is that why you're a teacher?” Nia asks.
“Yes,” Kara said simply. “How about when we get the food you can ask more questions if you want?” Nia immediately brightens up at the idea and nods agreeing.
Nia seemed like after that she was trying to walk faster. Kara felt like she was being pulled through the halls of the school and down the stairs and then outside across campus to the parking lot.
Kara didnt understand why Nia would want to know more but anything to make the girls' day better. They quickly got in Kara's car and left the school. The streets were never busy, especially in such a small town like midvale.
Nia had turned on the radio and they listened to pop music. Kara tapped her fingers on the wheel along to it humming. Nia did the same staring out the window watching as all the trees and buildings passed them by.
“Have you been out a lot?” Kara asks.
“Not really,” Nia mumbled. “I haven't left campus.”
“What?” Kara asks, shocked. “Nia you've been here for half a school year, how have you not left campus?”
“Haven't really...left my room.” Kara could feel the wall being placed down. The edge that she was pushing on and she understood.
“Well then! You will love this. There is this amazing chinese place me and Lena always eat at. Its my favorite, they have this cute outdoor seating area we can sit at.”
“Like in the sun?” Kara snorted, rolling her eyes at the response.
“Its under a canopy, don't worry.” Nia seemed to accept that answer and nodded.
A few minutes later they had arrived pulling into a parking spot and getting out of the car. Thankfully inside they could order quickly and there food was done in minutes. Kara was jumping on the balls of her feet. She was more hungry than she thought she was and eating chinese food had been on her mind all day.
If she hadn't of gotten it with Nia she would have gotten her own and ate in Lenas classroom annoying her wife. Lena always loved it though and Kara knew it. The way she laughed and would hide her smile behind her hand or drink so Kara couldn't tell she was enjoying it.
Outside thankfully the side was low enough to where it wouldn't blind them or feel like they were burning. It felt cool with a breeze and looked like a beautiful day. The two sat outside, setting there food out, taking what they wanted and began to eat.
“Thank you, for this. You didnt have to Mrs.Danvers and-”
“Nia,” Kara laughed. “How many times do I have to tell you I wanted to. I mean what would you have eaten in your dorm?”
“I don't know ramen.” Kara gave a disapproving look. Sure she's done it too but after feeling down and sad that just sounded like it would make it worse.
“Well this is much better and I would have eaten it anyway so I should be saying thank you for being my guest.” Nia smiled the smallest, grabbing her drink taking a sip hiding behind her. “Do you have more questions?”
“What made you want to be a teacher? Especially here. I'm sure marrying someone like Lena Luthor you don't have to work a day in your life.” Kara blushed.
“Like I said earlier, I used to go here. My adoptive mother used to go here and when me and my sister could go she sent us here.”
“You're adopted?” Kara should have expected the question but it took her back. She blinked trying to gather her thoughts.
“Yes, when I was 13.” She could see all the questions pass across Nia's face. She could see how much Nia wanted to ask but surprisingly Nia didnt. She took a bite of her food instead.
“How did you meet?”
“I used to work at Catco media as Cat Grants assistant when I was younger. I was sent with a reporter to meet Lena and we had...a moment.” Kara smiled at the memory. Her sheer awkwardness was enough to make her feel embarrassed now. “Lena had said I was a reporter and that day I went to Miss Grant and said that’s what I wanted to be. Funnily enough Cat knew.”
“So you both just...started so far off? I'm amazed you would leave that for this.” Nia motioned around. “Why be here? There's nothing here and a teacher! You became a reporter you-you married a billionaire!” Nia said.
“When an opportunity is in front of you for change and growth you should take it. Cat taught me that. I had been a reporter for so long I did everything I could and then Eliza had mentioned an opening at midvale high. I love kids and god I love helping people. I just...this makes me happy.”
“You are insane,” Nia said immediately. Kara laughed. She laughed so hard her drink almost went up her nose and she had to grab a napkin to wipe her mouth.
“Oh god Nia,” Kara continued to laugh. The younger girl started to laugh along with her. “You’ll understand one day when you're older.”
“Oh wow, did you just when you're older me?” Nia scoffed. A second later her eyes widened. “Oh my god Mrs.Danvers I’m sorry I didnt mean-”
“Nia its ok it was funny,” Kara continued to laugh. “Now eat some of your potstickers before I steal them. Also you can call me Kara when we’re not in class, you're making me feel old.”
“Aren't you?” Kara could have choked on her food if she had put it in her mouth.
“Nia! I’ll have you know I am in my early 30s!”
“I feel like you don't want me to say what I’m going to say,” Nia grimaced. Kara's mouth fell open and she couldn't believe what she was hearing. 30 wasn't old! She was still young, very young.
“Kids are so ugh!” Kara huffed shoving a potsticker in her mouth. Her cheeks puffed out and she glared at a random chair her eyes landed on. Nia softly giggled to herself quietly continuing to eat.
Kara couldn't pretend to be annoyed; she was happy. Nia was smiling and laughing and hopefully all thoughts from earlier were gone. She knew it wouldn't be a forever fix but right now this was ok.
Nia was funny, she was smart and a little chaos shined through where you could really see how much of a teenager she was. It reminded Kara of herself. How Kara was a nerd when she was younger and would make dumb jokes no one laughed at or referneces only Kenny knew. Sometimes Alex would understand but pretend not to just to annoy her.
Nia made puns, she made tv show references old and new and pop music references of celebrities she looked up to and jokes that made your drink spurt out of your nose. It was like the sun shined on Nia and she grew. This was Nia, this was Nia away from the sadness. Away from all the tragedy she was forced to endure.
Kara had realized this was Nia before her parents died. Before she was left to fend for herself. This young funny and smart girl was who Nia really was when the cloud wasn't hanging above her head storming so bad it blew everything away.
It was different from the Nia in her class. Nia seemed free here. Even in class Nia was sad, sure she smiled but this, this was something Kara hadn’t seen before. Then that thought made Kara understand the reason she hadn't seen this before was because Nia didnt have any friends to pull it out. She didnt have a person to help let the sun shine on her.
And everyone needed a person, everyone needed someone to care for them and love them. Everyone needed someone who would help the sun shine on you. Who would make you laugh and make you feel warm. Everyone needed at least one person, one friend who could help them and make them feel good.
“I think I’m done,” Nia spoke, bringing Kara out of her thoughts. Kara smiled standing from her chair.
“Great, let's clean up and walk to the ice cream place.” Kara made sure to keep a bag with leftovers for Lena and the rest was all thrown away. “Its just a couple shop’s down,” Kara said tilting her head down the street.
Nia followed right next to her on the sidewalk. The small town was a little busy tonight. Some kids from midvale high even seemed to be about. It was getting later in the day but the sun was still in the sky. That just made more people come out of there houses and go to the shops to buy last minute things or eat dinner. Kara imagined that some people were here from the arcade that was a couple blocks away or other activities for kids or even adults to hangout at.
The ice cream shop was small but very cute. Kara had been to it all throughout her childhood. Eating ice cream with Alex and Kenny and sometimes Eliza who joined them. Upon entering the shop a rush of cold air hit them making them shiver.
There was a small line of a few people. Some stood off to the side trying to see what flavors they had behind the glass. “What do you want?” Kara asked, she already knew what she wanted.
“Double chocolate chunk?” Nia asks.
“Same,” Kara gasps happily. When she gets to the counter she already as her card out and orders two cups with three scoops of double chocolate chunk ice cream. “This is my favorite,” Kara hummed happily as she handed Nia her bowl.
“Same actually.” They walked over to a booth in the store sitting down across from each other. Kara stayed silent as she ate. She could tell something new was on Nias mind and decided the best option was to wait. “I used to eat this with my mom,” Nia musses. She turned the bowl around in her hand examining it before taking a bite.
“It is the most excellent flavor,” Kara spoke softly. Nia smiled, she laughed softly. She brought her hand up to her face wiping a tear from her eye.
“Ya it is, we used to get ice cream at least once a month. My mom always said a break was good.”
“We all need moments for air.” Kara nodded in agreement.
“Kara,” Nia says slowly, testing the name on her lips. “I really...appreciate today. And please don't stop me when I say this but you really didnt have to. You didnt and...it-it means a lot that you did.” Nia looked flushed and was fidgeting more now. She shoved another spoonful into her mouth and kept her eyes locked on her ice cream bowl.
“Just like your mom said, everyone needs a break.” Nia nodded.
It was silent again but this time it wasn't bad. It was peaceful and Kara let it happen. Nia seemed to be in her head but it wasn't bad. Right now she needed to so Kara sunk into her own head eating her ice cream.
Kara was hopeful after today it would be better for Nia and that the young girl understood Kara was here for her. Because Kara was, she really was and if she was being honest she felt protective over Nia. She was just a kid, a kid going through something horrible alone and Kara hated that.
~
Kara felt conflicted when she got home. She felt distraught and she knew Lena could tell as soon as her eyes landed on her wife. Kara set the bag down on the counter. She took the ice cream out of the bag and put it in the freezer. Lena grabbed her leftovers and put it in the microwave.
“How did it go?” Lena asks. Kara went to the island counter and leaned on it. She grabbed the sides of the counter and squeezed it. She took a deep breath. Lena was patient, she was patient as always and gave Kara the time she needed to gather her thoughts.
“Sometimes I feel like I was abandoned,” Kara started. Its a thought that had crossed her a couple times. Her anger she felt for Nia about her grandparents casting her aside. Kara could feel it. Kara could really feel it inside of her.
Lena even told her to be careful. To make sure she still breathed but here Kara was and she wasn't breathing. She wasn't breathing because Nia was casted away. Nia was sent away and Kara was left behind. She was left behind and she was angry she was upset and angry and she didnt understand why and-
Lena gently wrapped her arms around Kara's waist from behind. She leaned herself against Kara and laid her head on the girl's shoulder. Kara deflated into her wifes arms. She deflated so much because it felt like she was sinking and she hasn't felt that in awhile.
“She was basically abandoned, casted away,” Kara broke out. Tears brimmed at her eyes but she couldn't push them away.
“I know darling,” Lena whispered.
For a moment Kara wished the world would stop just so she could focus. Just so she could get back in her head and not a thousand miles far away. She focused on Lenas hands. Focused on Lenas arms wrapped tightly around her. Focused on the pressure of Lena against her. Focused on Lenas thumbs softly rubbing into her skin.
She inhaled deeply after a moment. Forcing the air to fill her lungs and slowly let it out. Her hands relaxed on the counter. She turned around in Lenas arms sniffling.
“Do you need a moment?” Lena asks. Kara shook her head no. She was fine and she needed to get this out. She had to get this all out now.
“You should have seen her, Lena. She was so happy today. Just for a moment she was smiling and joking and she was happy. She wasn't sad or crying or thinking about how her grandparents don't love her. She deserves to be happy all the time and how could they hurt her!” Kara let out. She was frustrated and she didnt understand why.
She wanted to ask them why. She wanted to go right up to them and ask them how could they. She wanted to ask how they could be so closed minded and so hateful. How they could be so horrible and just outright miserably terrible. They were destroying this poor girl's heart. They were breaking her and they didnt seem to care all for what?
“She's a kid! She's a kid and she was left! She-She was left.” Then it was hitting her like a truck again. Tears blurred her eyes and Kara leaned forward shoving her face into Lenas neck.
“Oh darling,” Lena let out. She held Kara tighter as she cried. They left her. They all but left her and Kara couldn't handle it. She still couldn't handle it herself. She gripped Lenas shirt tightly, something far inside of her, afraid of Lena slipping away.
“It-it doesn't go away,” Kara cried out. “That feeling. That memory of being left behind. It-It doesn't leave and I know how she-she feels.” Kara's body shook. Her chest felt tight and all she could do was whimper. Her air was gone and she was clinging onto Lena for it.
“I’m right here Kara. I’m not gonna go away, I’m right here.” Kara nodded. She nodded and held tighter if that was even possible. “You did such a good job today. You helped her and I know she's overly thankful. I know you want to change her grandparents but you cant. You know what you can do though?” Lena paused waiting for a response and when she heard Kara hum she continued. “You can be there for her. But Kara,”
Lena pulled back, making Kara pull away. Lena cupped Kara face using her thumbs to gently wipe her wife's tears away. Kara tried not to cry. Bit her lip to stop herself from fully breaking down once again.
“You have your limits darling and you need to be aware of them. God you know how hard it is for me and my family stuff.” Kara nodded she understood. Part of her felt bad for crying to Lena about all of this. “Your feelings are valid,” Lena let out like she heard Kara's thoughts. “You can be there for her of course you can but Kara you really need to take care of yourself.”
“I-I thought I was, I guess it just...overflowed,” she mumbled. She had felt fine but maybe she also hadnt. Maybe she was ignoring the small itch she has that was building and building till now. “So we can keep her?” The way Kara said it made Lena laugh.
“She's a child Kara, not a dog.” Kara pouted.
“I know that,” Kara mumbled. She wrapped her arms around Lena. “It’s heartbreaking, she needs someone. We could be that someone. She’s here and she’s alone; she was outcasted right after the only two people who ever accepted her were ripped away.”
“Seems you've made up your mind already.”
“Are you mad?” Kara doesn't know why she's asking. Kara doesn't know why she's scared. Nia needed someone. They both understood that hell Lena said it and yet Kara was scared. Kara was worried Lena would tell her no and that she should stop. God knows why Lena would ever say that.
“You have the heart of a golden retriever. How could I be mad?” Kara smiled and laughed. “There you are,” Lena beamed, running her thumbs across Kara's cheeks. “Smiling bright as always.”
“Stop,” Kara blushed trying to look away but Lena held her in place.
“I love you, your heart is one of the biggest reasons why. Yes Kara we will be there for her, hell if you asked I’d probably buy her an apartment.”
“I love you,” Kara said effortlessly. It was so true and she felt it so much. She loved her. She loved her more than anything and it made her body thrum. She loved Lena Luthor because she, like Kara had thought earlier, had a bigger heart than Kara did herself. Lena would never admit it but Kara could see it.
“I love you too.” Kara leaned forward and kissed her softly. It was sweet and lasted for a few seconds. When they pulled back they both smiled like dorks at each other. “Oh, your food.” Kara looked towards the microwave confused, finally remembering.
“I never turned it on.” Lena shrugged. She gently pulled away from Kara to turn on the microwave. “I could tell you needed to talk.” Kara had to bite her tongue to stop herself from melting. To stop herself from professing her love, from rambling out her vows all over again. “Why don't you tell me about your adopted daughter,” Lena teased.
“Oh shut up! But she's funny. Like really funny you should hear her. I think you two would get along.” Just like that Kara was leaning against the island countertop and telling Lena everything under the sun that Kara had learned about Nia.
“Sounds like you two had fun. Maybe next time I’ll be invited?”
“Did you want to be?” Kara gasps like she had accidentally hurt Lena.
“Kara I’m joking, I knew you and Nia needed to be alone today. But if it ever happens again and she doesn't mind I wouldn't care if I was invited.” Kara nodded and made a mental note to invite Lena next time. Nia had enough questions that she's 100% sure she would jump at the idea of talking to her.
“I think she likes you, she asked about us and called me insane for leaving catco. She also called me old.” Lena laughed as the microwave beeped. She took her food out and set it on the counter. Kara didnt even hesitate grabbing a fork and eating a potsticker. “O-Oh this is hot,” Kara blew out of her mouth. Lena hid her smile by looking away from her wife.
“We are the farthest thing from old. We look like we could be in our early 20s, don't worry.” Lena kissed her cheek. Lena was more graceful taking a bite of her food making sure to blow on it before putting it in her mouth unlike Kara.
“I wasn't but god that was a shot at my heart. I mean us? Old?” Kara scoffed. “If anyones old its Cat- Don't tell Miss Grant I said that!” Kara immediately rushed out. It was like a flitch flipped and she looked like when she was Cat Grant's young assistant afraid of making ehr boss upset.
“You're very cute,” Lena says, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. “And I wont, you think I want Cat to kill you? Besides its Cat.”
“Oh god,” Kara inhaled in fear. “She knows,” Kara squeaked out eyes wide. “She always knows!”
“I’ll protect you as much as I can darling.” Kara was going to die. Cat Grant was going to kill her, it was official. Well if Kara died by anything Cat Grant being her killer was the least surprising thing.
“She’d bring me back from the dead just to yell at me after!” Kara yelled. “I’d be her assistant all over again!”
“It wasn't that bad, you love her.” Kara smiled. She smiled such a soft and loving smile because yes, she did love Cat. Cat meant so much to her like a third mother or just someone she admired and looked up to so much.
“Of course I do, Its Cat.” Kara paused. She drummed her fingers against the counter. “Lena, thank you for being...my air.”
“Always and thank you for being mine.” Lena grabbed Kara's hand bringing it up to her lips kissing it softly. She squeezed Kara's hand as she held it.