Work Text:
Lena had been visiting the same Starbucks every morning at 5:20, for the past week. It was too early to be stopping by, buying coffee (for normal people’s standards, anyway) but having to be at work right at 6:00, it was a must to have caffeine, especially when she had a long and tiring day ahead of her.
Sam, her trusted partner and friend, suggested this and if she had a chance to thank her in person, she would show all of her gratitude. Not only was the coffee a godsend, but there was also a cute, blonde barista that worked there.
Maybe this was her calling. Being a lawyer made her oddly subdued as if working a case and working public speaking wasn't enough. Maybe meeting someone personally would be good for her. And for others. She was supposedly getting too rough in tone and it interfered with the way she delivered specific cases that made her furious inside.
The girl. The cute, blonde barista was always so friendly, always so talkative. She looked like she could be a therapist, even a motivational speaker. You could talk to her about your problems and she would give you encouraging words to hold on to.
Kara, her name tag read.
Her name was Kara. Kara, who flashed her pretty smiles and beautiful, blue eyes. She was good at speaking and worked up an ongoing conversation with the customers. She had Lena’s name and order memorized. That shouldn't make Lena feel any more important than the rest of the strangers, but it makes a bright smile appear on her usually stoic face.
It wasn’t a surprise Lena came back the next morning although it was 5:43 and she was running late than usual. She impatiently waited in line, regretting not ordering her usual on her phone for pickup. It was her turn next in line and Lena stared dumbly at the blonde in front of her. Kara’s hair was down today, which complimented her blue sundress. Lena gaped for a bit before realizing she hadn't taken the cup out of Kara's hands. She apologized quickly, distractedly, said something in-between “I’m sorry” and “oh, thank you,” that it took her more than two minutes to also notice she was holding up the line.
It was her mistake staring at Kara. It was her mistake staring at Kara and making a fool out of herself.
She found herself back in Starbucks. Again.
It was a month later. Lena was sitting on one of the barstools upfront, typing away on her laptop. Sam stopped by earlier to drop off some paperwork - paperwork that had to be checked and finalized by tomorrow afternoon. Lena insisted doing work at the safety of her home would be better, but Sam suggested for the hundredth time that seeing the outside world would be great for her. To have some time out to enjoy herself.
She was wrong.
The place was swarmed with people rushing in and out. Her anxiety was creeping up, and it almost jumpstarted her into fleeing, but she glued herself to her seat. Documents, Lena. She closed her eyes. These are documents you have to get done, regardless of whether you're comfortable or not.
To make her even greater than uncomfortable in the “oh my god, this pretty girl sat beside me and I’m trying not to freak out” way, Kara gently settled herself on one of the barstools beside Lena and smiled.
“Dr. Luthor, right?” She held out her hand in greeting.
“It’s only Ms. Luthor,” Lena replied, accepting the hand. “I may be a lawyer, but I have no official title.”
Kara perked up at that knowledge. “Wow! No wonder I see you on TV all the time.”
“P-Pardon?” Lena stammered. “You’ve seen me on television?”
“Well, yes. Aren't you, like, a sponsor too?”
“Yes, I am.” Lena had a perplexed look on her face. “I truly apologize. I’ve never met someone who followed closely on my work.”
Kara just grinned and slipped off of the stool.
“Have a nice rest of your day, Lena.” She walked towards the double doors and waved behind her. “You deserve a break.” She disappeared behind black-colored doors.
Lena felt her spirits rise.
Two days later she entered Starbucks and sat at the tables in the back. She'd taken her expensive fountain pen out of her purse and began sketching a golden retriever on one of the leftover square napkins.
This time she didn’t order anything, just sat down and pulled out her briefcase. She could feel the blonde’s eyes on her. Smiling briefly, she snapped her briefcase closed and stood up, pushing her chair back and intentionally leaving the napkin.
Undoubtedly, Kara cleaned up the tables and found a drawing of a dog and a feminine scrawl below.
Hello Kara,
You can tell I am not one to initiate contact, but I figured it would be appropriate for this time.
I like you and if I could have your permission, I would like to take you out to dinner sometime this week. You don't have to let me know as soon as you receive this letter, because I understand how busy you are, but when you are ready to decide you can find me in my law firm.
You know where it is, right? I'm sure you do since you watch me on television.
Lena Luthor, Esq.