Chapter Text
Kara stood in front of the full-length mirror in her warm, cosy apartment, admiring the reflection of the elegant gown she had chosen to wear for the evening. She adjusted the deep blue silk fabric, ensuring it cascaded gracefully around her, hugging her in all the right places. The gown had a classic yet modern feel, with a slight train that would glide across the floor as she moved. She couldn't help but smile as she remembered the way Lena's face had lit up when she’d watched Kara try it on at the boutique a few weeks prior. She’d loved that dress on her. Blue truly was her colour.
As Kara gazed at herself in the mirror, her heart fluttered with excitement. Tonight was no ordinary event; it was Lena Luthor's company gala, and she was honoured to be Lena's date. She was so proud of the work her girlfriend and her company had achieved over the past year – not only had they completed groundbreaking research, leading the world into its future in technology but the individual hardworking efforts of every employee themselves wasn’t something to be taken lightly. They all deserved this, and everyone was thankful that they’d have the whole night to celebrate their achievements with the people who had worked so hard to reach them. Looking back to her reflection the blonde turned her attention to her hair, which was effortlessly styled in loose waves that cascaded down her shoulders. The soft curls framed her face beautifully, accentuating her radiant blue eyes. She knew that Lena had a soft spot for her hair, often playfully running her fingers through it.
With a final glance back in the mirror, Kara grabbed her shawl and her purse and headed out the door. Her heart raced with anticipation as she made her way to L-Corp. After a short journey in the sleek black car Lena had pre-called for her (much to her gratitude, flying comfortably definitely wasn’t possible in this dress) Kara arrived. She made her way inside, and the sight inside that greeted her was beyond breathtaking. The main lobby had been transformed into a stunning wonderland of twinkling lights and elegant decor. It didn’t take long before she spotted Lena at the centre of the room, radiant in her own gown, an emerald green that perfectly complemented her dark hair and striking eyes. She was beautiful and Kara felt her heart swell with immeasurable love.
Lena welcomed Kara with a warm embrace and a gentle kiss. "You look absolutely stunning Kar’," The CEO whispered, her fingers brushing against Kara's cheek. Kara blushed, her cheeks flushing pink, “I’m so glad you came.”
Kara's smile grew even wider as she looked into Lena's eyes. "I wouldn't miss this for anything sweetie. You've worked so hard, and I'm incredibly proud of you." She leaned in for another sweet kiss, the soft warmth of Lena's lips pressing against her own.
As they separated from their kiss, Kara couldn't help but feel as though something was off about Lena's demeanour. Her girlfriend's usually confident posture seemed just a touch more guarded, and her smile, though genuine, held a hint of weariness behind its show.
"Is everything okay, love?" Kara asked, her concern evident in her voice. "You look a little worn down, have you been getting enough sleep?” The Kyrptonian asked, holding Lena’s cheeks in her hands.
Lena's eyes darted around the room for a moment, as if checking that outside person was eavesdropping on their conversation. "I'm fine, Kara. It's just been a long week with all the prep going on for the gala plus we've been grinding to finish some projects. It's just been a busy week that's all."
But despite her insistence, Kara couldn't shake off the nagging inkling that something else was going on. She knew Lena, and this wasn't just tiredness from a long week. She knew what her girlfriend was like when tired by now, she’d seen it all too many times. This was different. Tired Lena was a sleepy, clingy mess. This wasn’t it. There was something hiding in Lena's voice, a subtle vulnerability, something Kara hadn't heard before.
“Oh, excuse me a moment.” Lena’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts as she returned to reality.
“Of course, darling.” Kara murmured and softly kissed her cheek for a moment before stepping aside to allow Lena to slide away to greet one of the businesses' partners who’d made a move to approach her, Kara shot Lena a final look of question to which the ravenette nodded as if to say she was fine but as Kara walked away she made a mental note to keep an eye on her regardless of her insistence.
Kara decided to head to the bar for a moment. She knew Lena needed some space to handle her business partners, and she didn't want to add to her stress. The gala attendees mingled around the bar, clinking glasses and chatting animatedly.
She found an open spot by the bar and ordered a glass of champagne for herself. It wasn't like she could get drunk, but it still helped to fit in. As Kara sipped on her drink, she couldn't help but watch Lena from afar, smiling as she realised just how lucky she was to be here alongside her. Lena was a natural in social situations, despite her introverted tendencies. Her girlfriend had ability to put people at ease, making them feel important and valued, just another thing Kara loved about her. She moved through the crowd with grace and charisma, engaging in conversations that seemed effortless. It wasn't just Lena's beauty that captivated the Kyrptonian, but just the way she carried herself so professionally.
She was truly a force to be reckoned with. The blonde found herself lost as she continued to watch over her girlfriend, she was lost in her own thoughts when she saw Lena subtly crinkle her nose, her breath hitched once before her head ducked down slightly. It was a small, almost imperceptible gesture to anyone not paying attention, but it happened three times in quick succession, and she clearly saw Lena apologise for the outburst to which whomever she was speaking too reached into a purse, handing her an unlabelled packet which the CEO quickly accepted, tucking it into her pocket before continuing her conservation. Now that caught her attention.
Kara couldn't help but furrow her brows as she observed Lena's unusual behaviour. She knew that something was up, and to say she was concerned was an understatement. Lena wasn't an open person when they'd first met and every now and then Kara had to remind her that she can be vulnerable with her - that she wouldn’t ever judge her for it. It was something they were working on so she continued to watch her from a distance, not wanting to intrude but also not willing to let the issue slide.
As Lena excused herself from the conversation, Kara discreetly made her way closer to her girlfriend. She approached Lena with a warm smile, trying to act casual while keeping her voice low. "Is everything okay, love?" she asked, concern etched in her voice.
The CEO looked slightly surprised to see Kara by her side so suddenly but quickly composed herself. "Of course, darling," she replied, her smile returning, though it seemed a bit forced. "Just some business matters to attend to, you know how it is at these events." The Luthor smiled down at her girlfriend before turning her head away to discreetly sniffle behind her wrist, attempting to pass the action off as her looking over the attendees. But that did little to combat the fact the blonde had super hearing and quite clearly saw through the attempt. Kara bit back the urge to sigh and discreetly took Lena's hand before whispering, “Do you want to go get some fresh air for a moment? It’s a little stuffy in here.” She added, hoping it would encourage her to take her up on the offer.
In truth she was more grateful for the excuse to leave the crowd so the two made their way out through the grand doors and into the cool night air. In the softer, more natural lighting, her concern deepened. Lena's usually vibrant complexion had turned ashen, and her eyes held a behind them. Kara's keen eyes couldn't miss the pallor of her girlfriend's face. The poor thing looked exhausted.
The contrast between the gala's warmth and the chilly evening sent a rolling shiver down her spine. The CEO attempted to conceal her discomfort, but she couldn't help the way her body tensed against the cold. Just as Kara reached out to run her arm over her girlfriend’s goosebump covered one, Lena drew in a sharp breath, taking a step away before ducking into her elbow.
“Hih! Hih-Hh’tshoo!”
Her sneeze had been much less restricted and restrained then her earlier ones and judging by the small wet sniffles that Lena didn’t hold back afterwards it must’ve been a relief.
The Kryptonian couldn't hide the worry in her eyes as Lena sneezed so suddenly. It was a clear indicator that her girlfriend was not feeling well. She quickly took off her shawl and gently draped it over Lena's shoulders.
"Bless you, sweetheart, you don't look well. Is there something you're not telling me?" Kara asked, her voice filled with concern as she led her girlfriend to a nearby bench.
Lena let out a soft, defeated sigh, her facade crumbling. "I didn't want to ruin the evening.” She sniffled in defeat, reaching into her pocket and pulling out the packet from earlier, which Kara now realised had been tissues. She blew her nose quietly before letting her head fall onto her girlfriend’s shoulder.
"You don't have to worry about that, sweetheart. You haven’t ruined a thing, I’m just sorry you haven’t been able to enjoy your night.” Kara murmured, taking the ravenette’s hand in her home, “How about we head back inside. I don’t want you getting a chill. I’ll get you something warm to drink too.” She helped Lena to her feet, supporting her as they made their way back into the gala.
They found a cosy, secluded corner with a plush couch. Kara arranged the shawl around Lena and made sure she was comfortable. The Luthor leaned into her girlfriend’s warmth, and the blonde hero couldn't help but stroke her girlfriend's hair soothingly. The rest of the evening passed in a hazed blur of conversations, laughter, and the occasional gentle sniffle coming from Lena. Kara had also fetched a hot cup of tea for her, hoping it would alleviate some of the discomfort from the soreness in her throat and they sat together for the rest of their time there, Kara occasionally stealing a moment to press a comforting kiss to her girlfriend’s now warmer forehead.
Despite not feeling her best, Lena had to admit that being in Kara's embrace made her evening much better. Her CEO persona melted away, revealing a vulnerable woman who simply needed her girlfriend's care and love.
As the gala wound down, Lena's condition didn't seem to improve. She had been sneezing intermittently, and her energy was waning rapidly. Kara couldn't bear to see her like this, knowing she needed rest and care. With a concerned glance, she leaned in close to Lena and whispered, "I think it's time to head home, my love. You need some good rest."
Lena nodded weakly, leaning against Kara for support. They said their goodbyes to the remaining guests and made their way to the exit. Kara hailed a cab, and they settled inside, Lena shivering slightly as the cold evening air hit her. Kara wrapped her arms around her, providing warmth and comfort.
During the car ride, Lena's eyelids grew heavy, and she let out a soft yawn. Kara couldn't help but smile at her girlfriend's adorable sleepiness. She gently stroked Lena's hair and whispered, "Just a little while longer, sweetheart. We'll be home soon."
When they arrived at their apartment, Kara gently woke Lena, who blinked her eyes open sleepily. "We're home, sweetheart," Kara whispered, helping her girlfriend out of the cab.
Taking her hand, she guided Lena into their apartment, and as soon as they were inside, she could see how pale and tired Lena appeared. The night had taken its toll on her, and it was clear she needed to finally get some rest.
"Let's get you comfortable, my love," Kara said, leading her into their bedroom. where she carefully helped her girlfriend out of her elegant dress which she hung neatly on the back of the door before turning back to help her girlfriend change into a soft pair of pyjamas, to which Kara couldn't help but smile at how adorable Lena looked in them - even when under the weather she still found a way to be gorgeous, "You look so cute like this Le', but let's get you into bed, hm?"
Lena sniffled and nodded as she climbed into their bed, yet despite the thick covers now surrounding her, the Luthor still shivered a little as she tried to settle down, watching as Kara headed to their bathroom. She must've fallen asleep somewhere in between because by the time Lena had stirred awake again, the small bedside table beside her had some new additions. Tissues, water and a small tub of VapoRub.
"You're awake baby?" Kara couldn't hide her surprise as came back into the room and saw her girlfriend's open eyes, she'd expected her to stay asleep until morning but at least she could check her temperature without having to worry about disturbing her now, but she still asked anyway, “Can I check that temperature of yours sweetie?”
After the thermometer beeped, Kara read the result. "A little fever, my love, not too bad. Do you wanna head back to sleep sweetie? I’d bet it’d do you some good."
Lena gave a weak smile, her voice a soft, raspy whisper, “’m too stuffy to sleep.”
"I’ve got you love." Kara smiled as she reassured her, pulling a chair close to their bed. She picked up the tub of VapoRub and gently began applying a small amount to Lena's exposed chest. The mentholated scent filled the room, offering some relief to her congestion.
Lena sighed in relief as the soothing balm's vapours began to clear her up a little. She snuggled deeper under the covers, feeling the warmth of her loving girlfriend by her side. "You're amazing, Kara," Lena murmured, her sleepy voice still hoarse but the gratitude behind it was clear.
“Just rest love, I’ll be right here when you wake up, okay?”
“I love you.”
“I love you too silly, now get some sleep sweetheart.”