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Vexon University was a beautiful campus.
Every time Kara flew over the red brick buildings and manicured greenery, she let out a breath of awe. She had the privilege of seeing the entire campus ground from above; most people would never have the chance. Which was a damn shame.
Tucked in an upscale neighborhood near downtown National City, this was where Lena taught on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons and assisted students on Wednesday mornings during office hours. Usually, she left the school before 5pm, but sometimes during midterms or finals week she stayed late to grade exams and assignments. She hated bringing work home, so she preferred to finish everything before leaving her office.
Oh yes, and labs.
Lena was a Biology professor who taught lecture class sections and lab. Working with bacteria samples and nutrient broths meant that sometimes Petri dishes and test tubes needed to be checked regularly late into the night. While she did have Teacher’s Assistants that helped her prep for upcoming lab activities, she still preferred to be easily reachable during these times.
Kara appreciated the fact that her wife left her work, at work . It made their time together at home much sweeter and less stressful for the both of them. Lena was really trying to break the bad habits she had developed at LuthorCorp and at the Luthors.
Really, if the Lena from the previous multiverse could see the Lena she had the great pleasure of knowing and loving today, Past Lena would probably be gobsmacked and very worried.
CEO Lena Luthor never took a break, never believed she deserved one. She had to be cold and ruthless in order to stand up to her Board of Directors and competitors. It was a daily battle to fight against discrimination and bigotry from others due to her gender and her family name; because being a woman in a man’s world was never easy.
Professor Lena Luthor put her mental and physical well-being first. She was warm, kind, and understanding. Her students loved her because she was strict but nurturing. She ran a tight ship, but her students were loyal and hardworking for a reason. She had won their respect.
Today was Thursday night. Earlier that day, Lena’s classes had their midterm in the lab section. Reading through every student’s lab report and giving detailed feedback took a good chunk of time, even though the class only had 22 students.
Sure, Lena could simply use a rubric like some other professors and grade based on things present and absent in the report. But that wasn’t how real-life journals and articles worked. She focused on content, making sure the student understood the lab and the goals. Her method of grading ensured that students actually learned, instead of grinding away for a grade.
Touching down in the dark shadows at the edge of the campus, Kara slowly strolled around, watching as acorns hit the brick walkways and dogs yapped at squirrels. The warm orange light of the tall street lamps gave the whole area a golden glow. It was breathtaking.
The Biology department was on the top floor of the Science building, above the Chemistry and Mathematics departments. Lena’s office was a little smaller than the tenured professors who had been at the school longer, but she loved it so much. It had personality and charm, something she couldn’t have at L-Corp.
As Kara walked down the halls, she saw large posters with long, elaborate titles and detailed graphs. Large glass windows looked into classrooms and laboratories. She even saw a few fish, turtles, and even a snake. Tucked into a corner was a study nook, designed to look like the inside of a tree. Across from the study nook was where the Biology department offices sat.
Walking past the darkened offices of the other professors, she laughed at the corny jokes and comic strips posted on the doors and whiteboards. The Biology crew was a nice bunch, a little nerdy but very welcoming and humble. Lena joked on their way home from the start-of-school mixer that in order to teach Biology one had to be a bit quirky.
“Even you?”
“Especially me. Have you met me?”
Lena’s office was the only one with its lights on. Kara wasn’t surprised, given the time of night. Knocking on the door quietly, she waited for the absentminded, “Come In” before entering.
“Doctor Luthor, it’s time to go home.”
Lena’s head shot up. “Kara! I’ve missed you.” Her face softened. She stood from her chair as the blonde rounded her desk, accepting the hug that she knew was coming.
“How’s it coming?”
“Two more left. Do you want to wait?” Adjusting the thick square glasses on her nose, Lena picked up her pencil again.
“Sure. I’ve got dinner waiting at home, if that’s an incentive.”
“You bet it is.” The professor smirked and resumed grading.
As the sound of paper scratching and Lena’s mumbling resumed, Kara looked around the office. The window on the right had a view over the main square of the campus. Moonlight shafted in, piercing through the dark evening sky.
Adorning the walls were framed photos of Kara, herself, and their friends. The newest addition was a series of photo booth strips from karaoke night last Friday. Her favorite photo was a black and white shot of her in bed with Finn curled up on her chest. She was laughing at how many coins she had managed to put on him without him waking up. Unbeknownst to her, Lena had snapped a photo from the bedside.
“Aaaaand, done.” Lena packed away her laptop and notebook into her satchel and pulled on her coat. “So, what did you do all day?”
“Sat in boring meetings with Cat and a bunch of investors and stockholders. I’ve never been happier to see the clock hit five.”
Lena swung her bag over her shoulder and turned off her desk lamp. Holding out a hand, she smiled tiredly. “Walk me out?”
“Gladly, m’lady.” Kara bowed dramatically and led her to the door.
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