Work Text:
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“You know what I’ve always wanted?” Kara put away the cups she was holding and reached into the dishwasher for another pair. “A fall photoshoot, except it’s a bunch of women in cozy outfits holding big swords.”
Lena belly-laughed as she wiped the counter in front of the sink with a rag. “Wouldn’t that be a fun article to print? I’m sure your sapphic audience would love it.” Who didn’t love a pretty woman holding a sword? Honestly, she wanted to be one of the models, just so she could hold a sword. “We should bring cloaks and capes back into fashion, too. I will never know why people stopped wearing them.”
The taller woman gasped as she stacked plates. “You’re right! Wouldn’t it be fun to incorporate older fashion into modern wear?”
“I think I’ll pitch it to the committee. There’s no way they’re going to say no.” The bright grin on the blonde’s face was too much. Rising up to her tiptoes, she pressed her lips multiple times into her best friend’s right cheek.
Kara blushed bright red and slowly brought her hand up to where Lena’s lips had been. “What was that for?”
“You’re adorable.”
The Kryptoninan grinned and wandered slowly away, out of the kitchen.
“Kara, come back here! There’s still dishes to put away, and you’re the only one tall enough to reach the mixing bowls.”
—
A week later, Lena had forgotten entirely about their conversation over dry dishes. But evidently, Kara hadn’t.
“Lena, guess what!” Kara burst through the door, a ball of excited energy.
“You found a cute dog on the way home?”
“Well, yes, but that’s not it! I talked to my editors last week, and they agreed with me! We’re having a fall forest photoshoot with swords tomorrow!”
Lena put down the book she was reading. “Congratulations! Who’s shooting?”
“We assigned the project to EJ, because they like medieval things and swords. They know how to balance the light and pose models. When we announced the project, they practically begged to be point. The editors had no issue. Nia is working on the shoot as well, she’ll be interviewing the models.” Kara shucked off her coat and threw it on the back of one of the chairs at the kitchen table before collapsing next to Lena. “Oh, and EJ wants us to be in the project.”
“They want us to hold swords?” Be still her beating heart. Her childhood dream was coming true after all.
“Yeah, they kept talking about our ‘gay energy’ and how it would be a ‘gift to the sapphics’ if we modeled. I know how much you love women with swords, so I wasn’t going to say no.”
Resting her chin on the blonde woman’s shoulder, Lena tried to hide the smile that was blooming on her face. “Where are you getting the swords from?”
“EJ was prepared. They know a gal here in National City who creates weapons and armor for cosplayers, reenactors, and medieval enthusiasts.
“Well, only one thing left to do.” Lena stood and made her way to her bedroom.
“Where are you going?” Kara sounded mildly insulted that Lena had abandoned her roost on the couch next to her.
“To sleep! So tomorrow can come faster.”
Behind her, Kara laughed, but followed her lead. “Goodnight, then. See you tomorrow.”
—
“Alright, Lena, can you put your sword over your shoulder like a baseball bat and put your other hand on Kara’s shoulder?”
Lena nodded and did as she was told. EJ gave them a thumbs up. “Alright, hold that pose…”
The photographer snapped away gleefully as Lena ducked down to Kara’s level and gave the blonde a kiss on the cheek.
“Lena, could you do that again, please?”
Birds twittered and squirrels scampered above them as Kara and Lena listened to EJ’s expert instructions.
While shooting on location outside had its challenges, overall Kara had remarked that it was a good idea to shoot in the woods on the outskirts of National City. It was quiet and untouched by modern humanity, simply Mother Nature thriving. The models made sure to not disturb anything.
EJ and Nia had posted on social media about the project, asking friends and members of the local LGBTQ+ community to serve as paid models for the shoot. Six women and feminine-aligned nonbinary people were recruited. They were paid handsomely and the contracts were negotiated to ensure fairness for all parties involved.
Kara was impressed with how many people Nia knew. Her social web was insane. She ought to give her a raise.
“Good, now give me Game of Thrones . No smiles, just angst.”
They were the fourth set of models that EJ was shooting, the last before the big group shots. Everyone was having fun, the atmosphere was glowing, there was great music pumping, it was all-around one of the best days Lena had had this year.
The clothes they were wearing came from local queer clothing small businesses that EJ had recommended as consultants. Lena was definitely a fan of their cardigans; she would have to ask EJ for the name of the shop again. She was definitely planning on buying some clothes from them.
She swung the sword she was holding gleefully. “I love today.”
“Me too.” Kara giggled and brandished her sword like a Star Wars character. “Lee, should I get a sword?”
“She takes commissions…” She felt her eyebrows dance. She had been considering buying one as well.
The taller woman nodded and turned her attention back to the camera.
“Alright, next pose…” EJ removed the chair and looked around. They saw a tree and motioned them towards it. “Okay, Lena, you lean against this tree from the left side, and Kara, do the same on the right. And then look at each other, smile, and cross your swords.”
At that moment, the sunlight broke through the canopy and hit their crossed weapons. The reflected light bounced everywhere and lit up their faces. EJ was going wild, clicking away at their shutter.
“Great! Okay everyone, group photo!” Slinging their camera to the side of their leather harness, EJ directed the models into one long line. The swords were sheathed and hung at waists, and everyone was touching another model in some way. The pose made Lena think of sports team group photos at her university, but a much less toxic environment. Something about being in a space of non-men made her feel safe.
The model next to her nodded. “It’s different. The vibe is different when it’s just us.”
“Oh, did I say that out loud?”
“Yes you did, girl. It’s a mood.” They snapped their fingers. “You’re not wrong.”
EJ directed them through a few more group poses, bringing in some props for layering and to mix things up. Finally, by the time the sun was going down, they had reviewed their shots and were happy with the day’s work.
“And that’s a wrap! Thank you, everyone!”
The group whooped and cheered, raising their swords up high. The camera crew and consultants applauded everyone’s hard work, clapping each other on the back.
“We did good work today.” Kara came up to her and bumped their shoulders together. “You looked like you were having fun.”
“I really was.” Lena grinned and patted the sword at her waist. “I think I’m going to buy this.”
The other woman threw back her head and laughed. “I saw that coming.”
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