Archive of Our Own

It is a relatively harmless idea at first. A suggestion made half-jokingly, half-seriously after they've both had a coupleof drinks on a Friday evening. All of their other friends have gone home and it is nearing close to midnight.

Lena is still nursing her whiskey with a pensive look on her face. Her dark brows are furrowed, her eyes narrowed, and her lips pursed.

Kara had noticed very early into the night that something was troubling her best friend but didn't want to pry or call attention to it in front of a large audience. Lena had zoned out for half of their games of charades, despite trying to participate. Kara knew whatever must be troubling her friend must be serious, as Lena was usually a force to be reckoned with at their weekly game nights. 

Kara clears some of the snacks away before sitting on her couch next to the scientist. She opens her mouth to ask Lena if she's okay but thinks better of it- the girl is clearly troubled, and asking such questions can seem patronising at times. She knows Lena will share it with her in her own time if she wants to. The blonde journalist puts what she hopes is a comforting arm around her friend and squeezes a bit. The other woman leans into the touch and rests her head on Kara's shoulder. 

It is comfortable, the way they are cuddled up on the couch, with the apartment quiet and peaceful. They both gaze out of the large window that shows the sleeping city below.

There are some floors in the skyscrapers that still have their lights on. The building's interior must be huge, but all seem like dazzling and bright little dots from Kara's vantage point. She imagines stressed office workers in suits and blouses furiously typing on laptops when Lena breaks the silence between them with an apology.

"I'm sorry I was a bit off today at the games," Lena says. Her voice is small, unlike her usual confidence. 

"It's okay. We'll beat 'em next time. Alex and Kelly won't know what hit them." Kara says lightheartedly.

The journalist is unsure if Lena will offer her more of an explanation, not that she needs one. She decides taking it easy and just being quietly supportive is better than asking big questions and demanding answers. They have known each other long enough and seen each other swing through various emotions to know how the other deals with stressful and upsetting situations.

Kara knows Lena will open up in her own time because she always does. The pair have known each other for a while now- they met at 15 and are in their mid-20s now. Lena had mixed feelings about the all-girls Catholic boarding school she and Kara had attended.

She still resents her mother for shipping her off far away at such a young age, but it had given her a strong work ethic, a good education and her friendship with Kara. They were an unlikely duo- Lena was an intellectual, strong, confident scientist and had been head of the pupil's lab and won every science fair project, whilst Kara was more open, empathetic, kind, sensitive, and courageous.

The young Danvers had been president of the school's book club and the school newspaper. They had been your typical black cat/golden retriever duo- Lena was the girl with very few friends who everyone thought was dark and icy, whilst Kara seemed to be easygoing and friends with absolutely everyone.

Lena avoided most of their fellow classmates and social events, as other people made her feel uneasy. She had learnt from a young age with her family it was better to keep a distance from people to avoid getting hurt.

It was Kara who accidentally broke Lena's self-inflicted isolation. Kara had asked to write an article on her winning science project. Lena shied away from the spotlight, preferring to blend into the background. But here was this boisterous tall blonde girl with a radiant smile asking Lena all about Quantum Physics and climate change, and Lena felt something she rarely ever felt around other people her age: she was at ease and comfortable. 

The two had been friends since and had stayed in touch despite being on opposite coasts for college. They both graduated and found themselves working and living in the same city: National City. It was nice for Lena to have Kara so physically close again, and their friendship continued to grow stronger and deeper.

Lena wasn't always the best at deciphering and expressing her own emotions, unlike Kara, but she hoped she knew the other girl knew how dear to her heart and how grateful she was for all the love Kara had shown her. Kara was the first person she'd called when she was worried about her dog having to be put down, the first text message when Lena's research was published and the first to hear the concept idea for what would become Lena's multi-million dollar business L-Corp.

Kara had been a good shoulder to lean on, to rant to, to cry to, to hug out of joy and when she needed comfort. She doesn't know what she did to deserve such love and such an amazing person in her life, but she is immensely grateful and will spend her whole life wondering what made her worthy of it.

She has been there for Kara too. Though the girl has always had a sunshine personality and a positive, optimistic outlook on life, the girl has not escaped unscathed from suffering.

Lena had been the one to fill out the questionnaire that Kara hoped would unite her with her birth mother and be there to wipe her tears when her mother had told her she had no desire to reconnect. Lena had driven Kara and Alex to the funeral of their father when he had unexpectedly passed from a heart attack in her second year of college.

They had been through a lot together, which is the only reason Lena felt safe whispering the words to Kara and admitting to what was weighing on her so heavily. 

"It's my mother," Lena said, breaking the easy silence between them eventually. "I got an invite a few days ago for my first cousin's wedding. I have to go, and I know my mother will be there." 

"Ah," Kara said, fully understanding the other girl's torment.

She had the displeasure of meeting Lillian Luthor a handful of times. The first time had been at a parent-teacher conference. Kara called Alex that night and described Lillian as 'being so frosty and cold she made Antarctica seem exotic and warm.'

Lena had always had a fraught relationship with her stepmother for as long as Kara could remember. It had taken some time, but Lena had opened up to her slowly when they were the only two boarders to not return home for Christmas break. Eliza had been working, and Alex was in college.

Lena's family was much more of a complicated mystery that unravelled itself over the late nights the two girls spent. Kara learned Lillian had always resented her and preferred Lex. Despite Lena being a prodigy, too, nothing she had ever done was enough for the older woman. It left a bitter taste in Lena's mouth that never faded, no matter how much whiskey she drank or how many years had gone by.

Kara had seen Lena grow and change over the years. She still had a small amount of sarcasm and broodiness to her- but was more confident socially now and had accomplished so much. She was a ghost of the self-destructive, nihilistic teenager Kara met years ago.

Lena knows part of the reason for her change and ease in her own skin and family trauma is because of Kara's gentle, nurturing personality, her kindness and most of all, her friendship. It had been an anchor for her in her toughest years. 

"I don't want to see her, but I know I can't avoid her," Lena sighed.

"I don't blame you," Kara says, exhaling.

Lena had a seat at the table of every Danver's Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving ever since they were 16. Kara was aware that Lena didn't like to go home to her family and chose to stay as a boarder because of her mother. Their expensive school had large grounds, but felt hollow, lonely and empty when all the pupils had left. Kara invited Lena, not expecting the girl to accept. Lena had been hesitant but ultimately thankful because it intertwined their lives further and taught her the magic of found and chosen family. 

"Do you know what she said to me the last time I saw her at that charity event 2 years ago?" Lena scoffs. "She told me my eggs were going to be gone if I don't get a partner and have kids soon!" Lena exclaimed. 

"We're only 24, and you were 22 when she said that," Kara says in disbelief. "You've got plenty of time. She's just bitter and over-critical of you as always."

Kara rarely gets angry, but having seen Lillian's mistreatment of her daughter over the years never fails to make her clench her jaw and make her blood boil. 

"It was actually kinda funny," Lena says. "She also said she didn't care if I found a husband or wife! She just said I better find someone soon, or I'm going to end up bitter and miserable as a spinster. Then she frowned a lot and criticised my weight and my new haircut." Lena recalls.

"Lillian Luthor is oddly progressive for being accepting of your sexuality." Kara burst out laughing. "She is still absolutely a villain in every other way, though," Kara adds. 

They laugh and smile at each other before Lena's face scrunches up into a frown again.

"She's definitely going to be critical if I turn up without a date. It's just so frustrating. I can be so confident, and then on the handful of times we have to be in the same room together, she manages to bulldoze any positive self-esteem I have. I hate it." Lena mutters. "If only you were there to talk back to her and make her speechless like you did the first time you met."

"That's it! That's the solution," Kara says, turning to face Lena and crossing her legs on the couch. The blonde girl puts both her hands on the shoulders of her friend before shaking her excitedly.

"What do you mean?" comes Lena's reply.

"I'll be your date. We can pretend we are a couple. It's such a simple but genius solution. You get a date, your mother won't be as critical, and my presence is comforting for you and it'll be easier to face your family. That's three pros and no cons. It's a win-win-win!" Kara says excitedly. She has always been a natural problem-solver and would do anything to ease her best friend's anxiety and problems.

A small voice in her head tells her its a bad idea considering her tender feelings for her best friend, but her loyalty and love for Lena wins over the small voice. She pushes it back down and reasons that it is a relatively harmless idea that will be more beneficial than harmful.

Lena looks sceptical. "Kara, it's really kind of you to offer, and your plan does make sense, but I think I love you too much to subject you to a whole day at an event that's going to be full of Luthors. Having that many Luthors under one roof is always a recipe for disasters. My mother is crazy, but so are most of my extended family that you'd have to meet and socialise with."

"That's fine. I'm a natural social butterfly. Plus, it's only for one day. I think I can manage that," Kara says confidently.

Lena mulls over the idea. "Okay," she says.

"Okay?" Kara replies.

"Okay, I hope you have a good suit or dress," Lena says.

"I'm sure I do," Kara says. 

"It's on the 28th. Are you sure you're free that day?"

"I'm free that whole week, actually," Kara says.

"Great. Looks like we're doing this, babe," Lena says, laughing. 

Kara tries not to blush at the term of endearment. She knows Lena means it jokingly, but it still stirs something in her. 

-

Alex is clearly not thrilled with the idea when Kara tells her. She looks at her sister as if she's an alien with 3 heads. The redhead's brow is raised in judgement, and then she cocks her head to the side in disbelief. 

"What?" Kara says, shrugging her shoulders and trying her best to look innocent. She adjusts her glasses and plays with the sleeves of her knitted sweater under Alex's intimidating and laser-sharp gaze of judgment.

"You've had a lot of terrible ideas over the years...but this one really takes the cake," Alex says.

"Why?" Kara rebuts quickly.

"Because you're going to get hurt," Alex says softly and sympathetically.

There is no judgement or ire in her voice, just concern for her younger sister. Kara knows Alex is protective over he heart and fully aware of her feelings for Lena. Kara had only realised when she was jealous of Lena's boyfriend last year. She doesn't know how or when she developed feelings for her best friend, only that what she feels is deep and real.

They had drunkenly kissed a few times in boarding school 'to practise for boys.' They both came out in college- Lena as bisexual and Kara as pansexual. It wasn't impossible for them to date, but Kara was terrified of ruining their friendship. Lena was such an important person in her life. The thought of losing her was unbearable.

"I'll be fine. It's only going to be for one day." Kara says.

"As long as you're careful," Alex says. She shakes her head before enveloping her younger sister in a hug. They spend the rest of their sister's night eating pizza and watching trashy TV. 

-

The 28th comes fast.

Kara gets so caught up in renovating her apartment that when she gets the notification the day before, she realises she has forgotten. She had decided to spend her week of leave from work to repaint some of the walls in her apartment and move the furniture around to make room for a new easel and painting space.

Lena messages her shortly after confirming their plan is still on. Kara calls her and reassures her they are. She goes to sleep after setting her alarm early for the next day. Lena had told her it would be about an hour's drive, and they. would need at least an hour to get ready before the ceremony started in the early afternoon. 

The blare of her alarm is never a welcome intruder, and she begrudgingly silences it.

A minute later, it screams at her again.

She groans into her pillow.

It buzzes again five minutes later.

She reaches out to grab her glasses from her bedside table and opens her phone. She had rather cleverly set 10 alarms all minutes apart, having anticipated she would sleep through or silence a few. 

She does the usual: stretch her arms, brush her teeth and hair, take her meds and supplements, and check her emails. The politician she has been chasing for an interview for months has finally relented, and she lets out a little victory dance.

"Somebody's happy this morning," says a familiar voice.

Kara jumps a bit before putting her hand on her chest, where her heart is beating rapidly.

"You scared me," she complains. A few years ago she had given Lena a key for emergencies. This is the first time the brunette has used it.

Lena apologises but smiles in a way that lets Kara know she's not all that sorry. "I brought breakfast from your favourite place," Lena says in consolation. She holds up two plastic bags that look very full. 

"You're forgiven," Kara says. Lena puts the food on the counter, before giving Kara a very tight and warm hug. 

"Hm, easily bribed by food. I'll make note of that," Lena says.

Kara gives her a pointed look. "You've known me for years. You had to have known that already."

"I do, I do," Lena confesses. "The server at the deli asked me if I was getting food for a family of 5. I mentioned it was for you, and he understood because you're a regular."

Kara laughed. "Alex told me the other day my appetite has probably stopped them from going out of business." The blonde started opening the bags and getting plates for them. Thankfully, the pancakes, blueberry muffins, coffee and other dishes Lena bought are still warm.

"Alex is incredibly smart and astute. She has a point." Lena says, grinning. She takes off her trench coat and hangs it next to where Kara's peacoat and neck scarf by the entrance. 

She washes her hands before sitting across from her best friend at the dining table.

"I just thought I would sweeten the day by getting you breakfast. I know you hate getting up this early, and having to spend the rest of the day with my family isn't exactly a good idea of fun." Lena says self-consciously. 

Kara reaches out to hold Lena's hand over the table. "Hey, it's okay. I offered, and I meant it. Anything to help you, I'll do." Kara says candidly and earnestly. "You don't owe me anything, but I do love to be fed." Kara says more lightheartedly. Lena gives Kara a thankful smile and squeezes her hand. 

"The breakfast is the least I could do. And if at any point you want to back out, you can. No hard feelings." Lena insists.

"I'll never turn down good food," Kara says, reaching out for a blueberry muffin. "Especially if it comes with good company."

"I'll let my accountant know he should expect some seriously big expenditures and that I might be bankrupt by the end of this fiscal year," Lena says teasingly.

"I'm sure you'll be fine. Good thing you are the CEO of a multi-million dollar business." Kara rebuts. 

"Not for much longer, by the looks of things, thanks to my girlfriend," Lena says. Kara tries to stay cool as Lena locks eyes with her when emphasising the word girlfriend.

'"I would feel bad at how expensive it is if you weren't a multi-millionaire. Well, for richer for poorer, right?" Kara manages to joke. 

"That reminds me, I came over early to rehearse our couple story. Just in case. We don't want to get caught out if one of my nosy relatives asks. And believe me, they will." Lena says.

"Sure. I was just thinking we could tell people the obvious. The closer it is to the truth, the easier it will be to remember. We met at boarding school, reconnected after college as friends, and started dating, let's say, a year ago. Your favourite colour is red, like your signature lipstick. You prefer coffee over tea, you're a workaholic and have always wanted to be a scientist, and you're an introvert. You like dogs and hate when people lie." Kara says.

Lena is taken aback slightly. Kara's attention to detail is impeccable. It shouldn't surprise her that the blonde knows little facts about her, given how long they've known each other. It strikes her that Kara is the closest relationship in her whole life. 

"How'd I do?" Kara asks.

Lena doesn't correct her. Lena's favourite colour isn't red anymore. It is the exact shade of warm blue Kara's eyes are. She doesn't know when she started having feelings for the blonde, but it's been a while. 

"Perfect," she says. They finish the rest of their breakfast whilst talking about the latest sports team Lena has invested in. 

"We didn't discuss outfits," Kara says, frowning.

"Mine's a surprise," Lena says. "I'm going to pick it up from the drycleaners in ten, and then I'll come back with my driver, and we'll set off for the venue."

"Would you prefer I wear a suit or dress?" Kara asks. Kara had a mixed fashion sense. She enjoyed dabbling between traditionally masculine and feminine clothes, and her closet was full of womenswear and menswear.

"Whatever you're most comfortable in. I'm sure you'll look great either way." Lena says. 

Kara adjusts her glasses and blushes a little. It's silly, she thinks to herself. She and Lena have known each other for years and are really comfortable around each other because they're best friends, yet Lena still makes her feel like a shy 16-year-old girl sometimes when she compliments her.

"Coolio," Kara says, very uncoolly. 

She sees Lena out before clearing up the remnants of their food. The blonde journalist heads to her bedroom and opens the wardrobe. She has a lacy summer dress that is gold from Alex's wedding, as well as a tuxedo. Kara hesitates for a moment as she weighs up her choice. She thinks about the weather, comfort and her mood before deciding to wear the suit. 

The suit is dapper, and she has received nothing but compliments whenever she's worn it. Getting it tailored was a smart choice, she thinks, as she does up the zipper of the black dress pants. She picks up the crisp, white dress shirt next. She has buttoned it up and put on the black velvet suit jacket when she hears the door open and footsteps. She grabs the silky, black self-tie bow and calls out to Lena.

"In the bedroom, darling," she says.

"No problem, I'll get changed in the bathroom," Lena replies.

By the time Lena walks into Kara's bedroom, the blonde is still exasperatingly fiddling with the bow. She has her phone out in front of her with Google instructions on how to tie it, but she can never get it quite right. 

Lena laughs at Kara, and Kara sees it through their reflection in the mirror.

"I was just going to ask you to zip up the back of my dress, but I can see you have more pressing issues, sweetheart," Lena says.

Kara gulps before laughing and running her hand through her wavy hair. Lena is wearing a beautiful, form-fitting, silky green dress that matches her eyes. There is a slit at the thigh, and the neckline is low cut, showing off her collarbones. Her hair is down and straight, her lips a bold red, and her lips fashioned in a smirk. 

It makes Kara weak in the knees.

"It's fine," she says when she manages to regain her composure. Kara ushers Lena over to where she is standing in front of the mirror. Lena sits down at the vanity table as Kara zips up the back of her dress. Lena's skin is soft and milky, and her Dior perfume invades Kara's senses.

"What do you think?" Lena says, biting her lips in the mirror nervously. "I haven't been to a wedding in a long time, and I wasn't sure-"

"-You look beautiful. Stunning." Kara cuts off Lena's negative train of thought. Kara puts a comforting hand on Lena's shoulder. Her skin is warm. Lena squeezes Kara's arm, and mouths thank you.

"Do you need help with your bowtie?" Lena asks. 

"Please," Kara says. 

Lena stands up. Kara is usually a few inches taller than her, but Lena's heels make them the same height. Lena's hands are soft and delicate. They tie the cloth around Kara's neck effortlessly. Kara puts her arms on Lena's waist without much thought. 

"There," she says. "Perfect." 

Kara assumes Lena means the bowtie is tied correctly, but Lena means Kara looks perfect. In the golden sunlight, her eyes are blue, her skin clear, her smile radiant, and her outfit makes her look achingly handsome. 

Lena runs her fingers over the lapel of Kara's suit before getting her bag. She pulls out a small red, rose and a silk, green pocket square. 

"So we match. My lipstick is red, and my dress is green." Lena says as she tucks the small, square cloth into Kara's breast pocket. She then pins the rose into Kara's lapel. When she looks up and meets Kara's gaze, she sees the blonde looking at her intently with admiration and affection. She blushes, and the hair on her arms stands on end. 

The moment feels warm, intimate, and real. 

There is no audience to perform for or pretend in front of yet, but they have eased into behaving like a couple without much thought.

It feels real, they both think to themselves.

Their faces are just inches away from each other, and it would take very little effort to close the distance between them. 

Kara doesn't know whether to be grateful or angry at Lena's phone ringing loudly, which interrupts their blissful bubble. 

She answers the call. 

"Yes, we'll be down in five minutes, Albert. Thank you." Kara hears Lena say.

She turns to Kara with a smile, and it's as though the moment never happened. It gives Kara whiplash, but she quickly snaps out of it and nods at Lena.

"I'm ready if you are," she says. 

"Let's go," Lena responds.

Kara is the last out and locks her apartment. She takes a deep breath as she closes it and takes a moment to collect herself before joining Lena in the sleek, chauffeured Bentley. 

Kara sits right next to Lena in the backseat despite not needing to. Their closeness is not new. They have always been very physically affectionate with each other. Lena wasn't used to it when they first met but had eased into it shortly after. Just having Kara near eased her naturally.

She is glad Kara has come to accompany her for the wedding. Very few people understand her situation and the Luthor's craziness. Her family name had intimidated and been a red flag for several past dates to the point Lena stopped trying. She couldn't blame them for fleeing when they put 2 and 2 together and realised who she was and who her family was. It was either that or Lena's ingrained distance and wariness that eventually drove everyone away. 

Kara had always stayed, though.

The blonde unbuttoned her suit jacket and put it on the free seat next to her after taking something out from the inside pocket. A second glance showed Lena it was a pair of wired headphones. Kara wordlessly offered Lena one earbud and put the other in. Kara hit play on her phone, and Lena's ear was filled with the sound of smooth jazz and Frank Sinatra's crooning voice. It's unsurprising Kara had a playlist on her phone with Lena's favourites, but the thoughtfulness still made her heart soar.

Lena smiled before squeezing Kara's bicep in appreciation. Kara's muscle under her shirt was harder than Lena expected.

Kara nestled up to her and put her head on her shoulder. It felt nice, but Lena knew this was the calm before the storm. She resigns to looking out the window as the road passes them by in a quick blur. 

After 15 minutes of Kara leaning on her shoulder, the CEO realises the girl has fallen asleep on her. It warms her heart. She skillfully and carefully removes Kara's glasses and folds them before putting them in her handbag without rousing the slumbering girl. 

Lena doesn't know what she would be doing if Kara hadn't come with her. Probably hyperventilating, or the voice in her head would be spiralling, trying to predict and prepare herself for all of Lillian's harsh scrutiny and comments.

She lets herself relax a bit and reclines back more comfortably into the leather seat. She closes her eyes, and instead of hearing Lillian's chiding tone, she mimics Kara's soft and steady breathing, inhaling and exhaling and then swallowing.

Some of her nerves dissipate, which is a rare occurrence.

They arrive much too quickly for Lena's liking. She could've spent hours with Kara's head on her shoulder, their legs brushing against each other, and their bodies with no space between them she thinks to herself. 

She could've spent hours with Kara's head on her shoulder; even if it hurt or ached after the weight, it would've been worth it for Lena.

She gently rouses Kara trying to coax her out of sleep.

The girl wakes by stretching her neck and with a small whine. 

"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you," the girl says. Her voice is huskier than normal, and Lena finds it attractive. Her admiration of Kara beyond being friends is getting harder and harder to deny or repress, but she has bigger problems.

"It's fine. You look cute when you sleep, anyway. We've arrived. Are you ready to head in?"

"Yeah," Kara says before grabbing her jacket and putting it on. She gets out of the car first, despite Lena being closer to the door. Kara quickly jogs over to Lena's side and opens her door for her.

"Nice to see chivalry isn't dead," Lena mutters with a grin.

Kara just winks at her in return. This couple's stuff is easy and feels so easy to Kara, even though she hasn't seriously dated someone in a while. She realised she was pansexual years ago and has never felt so strongly attracted to someone's personality and looks like she had to the brunette who is currently holding her arm.

"I'll follow your lead. Let me know if you want to leave or are uncomfortable. The first sign of trouble, and I can invent a fake emergency on the spot as an excuse." Kara whispers so only Lena can hear. "I'm serious, I was always a really good actress in the school play."

"I know. I came to watch every play you were in, even before we were friends because you were so charismatic," Lena confesses.

Kara turns to her and grins.

"Okay," Lena says. "Here goes nothing."

-

The venue is a stunning French Chateau-style mansion out in the countryside. It has a long, gravel road on either side, with a fountain in the centre and immaculate, trimmed greenery. The chateau itself is visually stunning: 3 storeys tall with gleaming, symmetrical glass windows and domed spires sitting at either side. A waiter in a tuxedo with a tray of champagne tells them the wedding is in the garden behind the chateau and that the reception dinner will be inside. Kara thanks the waiter, and Lena and her walk hand in hand to the garden. 

Garden is an understatement, Kara thinks. The 'garden' is the size of a football stadium. On either side, there are neat rows of freshly bloomed tulips, roses, dahlias, peonies, lavender, sunflowers and sunflowers.

"Here," Kara says, picking a rose and putting it behind Lena's ear. "Now we're really matching." she grins.

"I don't think we're allowed to pick the flowers. You might get us kicked out before the actual wedding starts." Lena whispers, though there is no real tone of scolding in her voice.

Kara shoots her a cheeky grin. "I won't tell if you don't."

They both look out in front of them. It is quite a sight. There are rows of chairs in the centre, waiters hobbling around with gleaming silver platters with canapes and drinks, whilst the classical piano is being played expertly by presumably a hired musician. The ambience is pleasant despite the sheer amount of guests- there are definitely more than 100 people present, huddled in varying groups chatting. 

Kara peers and realises she is missing her glasses. "Hey, did I leave my glasses at home?" she asks her date.

"No, they're in my bag. Here," she says, getting them out and handing them to the blonde. "I took them off when you were sleeping."

"Ah, thanks," Kara says, accepting them. She puts the black frames on and can see a bit more clearly now. Thankfully, she still spots no sign of Lillian or Lex. 

"Big turnout," Kara comments.

"Yeah, Luthors tend to have long invitation lists. Some events are exclusive, but weddings are always big. My family tend to feel the need to invite every business associate they've ever had as a way of networking and keeping things friendly." Lena explains.

"Right," Kara says, nodding.

"See that old man over there with the girlfriend half his age? That's the president of the father's old country club. The woman near the piano who looks like she's had more than her fair share of champagne is my mother's old friend. The woman by the bushes over there is her daughter." Lena points out various people and some background information.

Kara is soaking it all in with wide eyes.

Some of National City and America's most elite and rich business people are here, as well as famous and important people. They are in various important industries, from sport, finance, law, media, oil, energy, healthcare and politics. Kara squints and sees a grey-haired man who ran and lost the last presidential election as the Republican candidate. She is hardly surprised, and it makes her laugh a little that she is in a room full of intimidating big names and yet Lillian is their biggest problem. 

"I don't mind if you give your card or contact details out to some people, but I'm not sure how fond of journalists they all are," Lena tells Kara.

"It's fine. I'm here for you in a personal capacity. I'm not in work mode." Kara says. "My only job today is to be the best fake girlfriend and date in history."

"You're doing a pretty great job, don't worry," Lena says warmly. "We should go socialise. I'll try and start out easy with people I know are nice."

Lena leads them over to a tall woman dressed in a blue silk dress with a large silver necklace. The woman is a famous face, and Kara recognises her as being from the soap drama her mother loves to watch. She is friendly, and Lena and her make small talk about how beautiful the summer weather is and how good the food is. Kara is happy to be Lena's silent support. The topic shifts to Lena's date and Kara feels two pairs of eyes on her.

"I don't believe we've met yet." the actress says.

"This is Kara, my girlfriend," Lena says proudly.

Kara blushes. Her head knows their arrangement is fake, but her heart still skips a beat.

"Hi," Kara says, smiling.

"She's quite the eye candy in that suit if you don't mind me saying Lena," the actress says.

"I agree," Lena says. 

"You'll have to keep a close eye on her, or someone might just steal her from you," the actress warns.

Kara is unsure what to say, unused to being so desired or perceived.

Lena's grip on Kara's hand tightens. "I'll try," she says.

Kara doesn't have time to process the interaction because a waiter asks them all to be seated for the groom's entrance and then the bride's. 

Kara doesn't pay much attention to the man. He looks like every other guy there- dressed to the nines and sweating under the summer sun.

They all rise for the bride's entrance. Lena's cousin's wedding dress looks like it is very expensive: it is white, made from white lace and satin and has a very long trail.

Lena whispers it's custom Ellie Saab from Paris. Kara isn't exactly unused to being surrounded by such opulence and wealthy individuals, having gone to a very expensive private school on scholarship. It was still worlds away from her humble home in Midvale, but she had learnt to be a social chameleon over the years. 

Kara knows she should be paying attention to the ordained minister and the couple, but she can't stop stealing glances at Lena. 

She looks ethereal as the July sun's gold rays fall on her skin. Her usually dark green and blue, eyes are bright, and the heterochromia in her eyes is more pronounced than it usually is. It is an enchanting sight.

The blonde sees something she has never seen in Lena's face before as the couple say their vows. It looks like an aching longing, wistful and lonely. Kara shifts her attention back to the couple. Their vows are sweet- making promises to each other and telling each other how much love they have for each other. Lena looks as though she might cry when the couple kiss but swallows it instead and claps like the rest of the audience.

They are informed by a waiter that dinner will be in an hour and that they should stay outside and socialise until then. 

Lena points towards some distant cousin and says they should start there.

Kara politely congratulates the mother of the bride, Lena's aunt, and several other relatives. She is thankful they ask very few questions after Lena introduces her as her girlfriend. It feels nice.

Until it isn't. Lena's face visibly falls at the sight of her approaching mother and Lex. She clenches her jaw, draws her lips into a tight, thin line and swallows before holding on to Kara's hand a bit tighter. Kara squeezes their joined hands and puts a hand on Lena's shoulder in support and comfort.

Lillian's smile looks like it pains her. It is a weird, sort of twisted grimace, whilst Lex's is more arrogant. He has always looked like he knows something Kara hasn't, and the air of superiority he exudes has always annoyed her on the few times they've met. 

Lex is the first to break the silence. 

"Lenaaaa," he calls out, stretching out her name. To an unsuspecting guest unfamiliar with the Luthor clan, it might seem as though he was genuinely happy to see his younger sister. Kara knew better than that.

"Lex," Lena returns politely, with very little inflection or emotion in her voice. "Mother," she says, nodding once towards Lillian.

"We weren't sure you'd make it," Lillian says. 

"Eleanor was one of the few people who wrote to me frequently when I was in boarding school. The only actually," Lena informs her mother. "Her and I always got along just fine." 

Lillian doesn't seem to care about the revelation. Her expression is always the same- a tight smile with a small hint of displeasure. 

Kara can tell Lena's comment is full of sadness from the isolation she had experienced from her family whilst at boarding school. Lillian very rarely gave Lena the time of day due to her schedule. She never made time for her adopted stepdaughter, but seemed to always have time for Lex. 

Kara could tell it still wounded Lena to see Lex praised so much and Lillian's attention towards him. Lex had never struck Kara as being anything special. He was just smug in a suit, with very little genius. Lena had always been more impressive and had accomplished more despite Lex being a decade older and having inherited Lionel's companies.

"We should catch up sometime sis," Lex says. "The president of the largest drug company is over there, and I'm going to go network," he informs the group. "Wish me luck," he says.

"You don't need luck. You're brilliant," Lillian assures him. Lena watches the exchange with a frown and her arms crossed.

"It was nice meeting you, Keira," Lex says before leaving.

Lillian's analysing gaze is now solely directed at Kara. Kara doesn't find herself feeling nervous, even though she probably should. They have to sell this whole fake couple thing, after all.

"What brings you here, Miss Danvers?" Lillian asks her. Her tone is formal and questioning as if she is in a boardroom interviewing Kara for a job. 

Kara can tell Lena has the urge to answer for her but gives her a reassuring nod that she has it handled.

"I'm your daughter's date," Kara informs Lillian.

Kara doesn't think Lillian is very satisfied with her answer, but then again, she has rarely ever seen the woman approve of anything from anybody except Lex.

"I see you finally took my advice and found somebody," Lillian says, looking at her daughter. "And what do you do for a living?" 

"I'm a journalist," Kara says.

Kara knew Lillian would likely not be impressed by her occupation and would prefer Lena marry a boring, old, unethical oil baron or something.

"Not just any old journalist, a Pulitzer-prize-winning one," a voice interrupts them. 

"Sandy?" Kara says, in surprise at the new arrival in their circle.

"It's lovely to see you, Kara," Sandy says, smiling. "Forgive me intrusion on your conversation, I saw you and wanted to say hi and congratulate you on your recent Pulitzer. You've always had an integrity and skill very few people in journalism possess these days."

Sandy had been one of the very first entrepreneurs Kara had interviewed a few years ago. He had founded a start-up focused on renewal energy, and had become an industry leader very quickly.

Judging by the small glint in Lillian's eye, she was well aware of who the man was. 

"Thank you. Sandy was one of the first interviews I did," Kara explains to Lena.

"Ah, I remember. It was a great piece." Lena says, smiling genuinely for the first time in her mother's presence that day. "I'm Lena Luthor," she says, offering her hand.

He shakes it with enthusiasm.

"I'm well aware of who you are, Miss Luthor. I've read all of your research. It's absolutely brilliant and ground-breaking. It is impressive what you've been able to accomplish in your 20s. I didn't properly start until my mid-30s."

Lena beams at Sandy's praise and compliment, and it makes Kara smile. Sandy has always been polite and kind, sending the blonde greeting cards every holiday, though they hadn't properly had dinner or spoken for a while.

"Thank you, Sandy," Lena replies.

"Have you read any of my son Lex's work?" Lillian butts in.

Sandy frowns. "Oh, it was debunked years ago. I don't believe he has published anything worthwhile reading." Sandy says candidly.

Kara tries not to laugh or smile. Lillian practically had steam shooting out of her ears. 

She leaves shortly after she is called away by a relative.

"I insist you both dine with me sometime in National City. I will be there in a fortnight for a meeting." Sandy says.

"I'd love to," Kara says. 

"We'll be there," Lena affirms.

"Brilliant," he says, giving Kara another hug before leaving.

Kara and Lena exchange a look before bursting into laughter.

"I think we got the worst of it out of the way," Lena says.

"It's really hot. Would you like me to grab us a drink?" Kara says.

"That would be great. I'll have some red wine." Lena says.

"Be right back," Kara says with a smile. 

When Kara reappears, she sees Lena has been cornered by two women and a thin, wiry man. The man is wearing a monocle and has a thick, brown bushy moustache that reminds Kara of the Pringles mascot. 

She hands Lena her drink and quietly stands by her side before one of the women eyes her. 

"And who might you be? Shouldn't you be carrying platters and serving? Do your job?" the woman barks at her.

"Great Aunt Sasha, this is Kara. She isn't a waiter. She's my date." Lena explains. 

The lady cautiously eyes Kara before continuing her long-winded rant about 'wokism' and how young people have ruined politics.

Kara has never met this relative but can tell she isn't somebody to be trifled with or interrupted.

When they are able to break away, Kara lets out a comically big breath. 

"Wow. I think my tongue might be bleeding from the amount of times I had to bite it in that conversation," she says to Lena.

"Yeah. Extended family holidays and dinners were always a pain when she was present. I, of course, always stood out like a sore thumb as a black sheep because I'm a proud feminist and progressive democrat." Lena sighed. "I'm really sorry she was so rude and dismissive of you."

"It's fine," Kara reassures her. 

"You're sweating," Lena notes, frowning.

"Because it's boiling hot, and not because you're family make me nervous, I promise," Kara reassures her. It is true: the sunlight is pleasant but comes with a sticky and thick humidity.

"Here," Lena says, pushing her drink into Kara's hand.

She unties Kara's bowtie and undoes the first three buttons of Kara's shirt. Kara hopes Lena doesn't notice the gulp she takes when she feels Lena's warm hands against her skin when undoing her buttons.

Lena opens Kara's blazer and puts the small, black cloth in her inner breast pocket, before smiling.

"Better?" Lena asks.

"Y-Yes." Kara says. 

The moment is tender, and again, it feels like they are a real couple. 

Kara is beginning to see why Alex was worried, but the smile she is greeted with on Lena's face quashes any doubt or discomfort.

A bright, white flash and a click interrupt them.

It is a man holding a large camera.

"I'm the wedding photographer," he says. "Would you like another picture?"

Lena had always hated taking pictures. It was only mid-way through college that she realised their value. She kept a Polaroid of her and Kara in her dorm room, as well as several of the handwritten cards and letters she had received from the thoughtful blonde in her bedside table drawer. 

Lena wanted to remember this moment, and she was incredibly thankful to have Kara as her date, even if it wasn't fully real.

"Yes, please," she says, to Kara's surprise.

They stand next to each other.

"Come on, get a bit closer and touch each other like you were before. It looked very picturesque and intimate. I can see you guys clearly have a lot of affection for each other, so don't be shy!" he says. 

Lena looks to Kara to see if she's comfortable. Kara nods, and Lena smiles back.

Kara stands behind Lena and puts both her arms around her, enveloping her and putting her head slightly on the brunette's shoulder.

Lena eases into the touch quickly and smiles genuinely. It is nice to be held like this by Kara. 

It feels easy and right. They click and fit perfectly next to and with each other, she thinks.

"Beautiful stuff!" the photographer praises. 

He takes a few more shots of them looking at each other. They get so lost in each other's eyes they forget the have an audience.

Kara goes off to get another drink whilst Lena stays and talks to the photographer.

"Is it possible you could send me the images?" she asks.

"They are all going to be sent to the bride and groom, but if you give me your contact details, I could send yours to you directly. We also offer printing and framing," he tells her. 

Lena gives the man her personal email, which is quite rare. She prefers to do things through her secretary Jess, but this is personal and intimate. 

"Dinner should be in 15," Kara says as she reappears with two champagne flutes and a smile. 

"Great," Lena says, taking a glass.

"Excuse me," a voice near them says. "Have we met before? You look very familiar?" The voice belongs to a woman who looks like she is in her mid-20s, with medium-length brown hair. Her skin is tan and freckled. She is wearing a feminine black pantsuit. 

"I'm Lena Luthor, cousin to the bride," Lena says politely.

"Ah," the woman says, smiling. "I saw your speech at the Women in Business conference a few months ago in New York, but I couldn't place your name. I'm terrible with names and faces," the woman says.

"It's not a problem, and thanks," Lena says. 

Kara is glad Lena has received compliments today, and it hasn't been all doom and gloom because of her mother and brother. It pains her slightly to see kind strangers able to see the good in Lena, and her accomplishments, but her own blood family had been unable to.

"I'm Samantha Arias, CFO of the New York Times," the woman says. "But most of my friends and colleagues call me Sam."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Lena says. "This is Kara Danvers, my girlfriend," she says, gesturing towards the blonde. It warms Kara's heart and cheeks to see Lena try to include her in every conversation and talk about her with such pride in her tone.

"Danvers, huh? Most impressive journalist at Catco. I'm sure the team at The Times have tried to poach you a number of times." Sam says.

"They've made a couple of offers here and there, but I'm very happy at Catco and in National City. New York is nice enough to visit, but National City will always be my home." Kara says. 

Sam is friendly, and they exchange numbers. The CFO excuses herself to go and stop her daughter from eating any more canapes, much to their amusement.

Lena cocks her head at Kara.

"You didn't tell me the New York Times made you an offer," Lena says. "That's a pretty big deal and seems like the kind of thing best friends would tell each other."

There is a hint of hurt in Lena's tone, much to Kara's dismay.

"There wasn't a chance I would've taken it, so I didn't really think it was worth bringing up," the blonde says, fiddling with the frame of her glasses.

"It sounds like a great opportunity. Catco is big, but the New York Times has a wider reach internationally." Lena says. "Maybe you should reconsider."

"You do realise I'd have to relocate? And that New York is a 5-hour flight from National City? You really want to ship me off and away, huh?" Kara says light-heartedly. 

Lena frowns. The thought of Kara moving away isn't one she has considered since they ended up in National City together after being apart for college. It hurts. There is a prickle in her chest at the thought of giving up her and Kara's weekly brunches and game nights with the others. 

"I know people at the New York Times who live in various cities. You don't necessarily have to live in New York," Lena reasons. "And if you did...it would suck to see you go, but I want what's best for you. And I'll always support you, no matter what." Lena says with conviction. "We could make the long-distance work. I'd fly to you every two weeks, and you'd come back for the holidays, right?" Lena says. 

It sounds like a conversation a real couple would have. 

"It's all a big hypothetical right now. But I would always make time for you, no matter what the circumstances are and how far apart we are." Kara says. "And yes, we could travel. Maybe your next invention should be teleportation."

It eases the unpleasant sensation in Lena's chest. Kara presses her lips to Lena's forehead. The conversation was definitely an emotional one, and this wasn't the right time or place for it. She promised Lena they would discuss it properly afterwards. 

A waiter announces that dinner is ready, and they can head inside. 

The interior of the chateau is as beautiful and breathtaking as the exterior. A large chandelier adorns the ceiling, and the flooring is chequered. It reminds Lena of the chess board her father would pull out every Friday evening to play with. The walls are adorned with large, historic portraits and oil paintings with gold frames. The waiters lead them to a large ballroom, which has been changed into a dining room. Rows of candlelit tables sit to the right, whilst to the left is an open dance area. The room is gold, with ceiling art that looks like it is from the Italian Renaissance period.

"Luthors have their cons, but they aren't too shabby and sure know how to throw a decent event," Lena tells Kara dryly.

Kara laughs.

They end up sitting next to Sam and a girl who can't be older than 13. Lena knows she should have chosen a seat closer to the front of the hall rather than the back. All of her family are seated close to the bride and groom's table, but she doesn't want to be near her mother. She goes to the front briefly to congratulate Eleanor, and they have a nice conversation, promising to catch up over dinner after the couple returns from their honeymoon in the south of France.

Lena returns to the table just as the waiters start coming out with various platters. There is every kind of seafood available, salad, and various dishes that are French that Kara tries to pronounce and fails to. Lena knows Kara could probably pronounce them properly if she tried, but she can tell the blonde is trying to make Sam's daughter laugh. It works.

"She's really good with kids," Sam tells her as she holds a platter so Lena can put some lobster and oyster on her plate.

"I know. She has a niece who adores her. Esme is the apple of Kara's eye for sure." Lena tells the CFO.

"I think you might be the apple of her eye, too," Sam says. "I hope I'm not overstepping because we only met today, but I can see the way she looks at you when you're not looking," Sam says quietly and thoughtfully. 

Lena swallows. She knows Kara loves her, but she isn't sure if it's in the same way she loves her. 

Had they been convincing actors and fooled Sam, or was there really something there?

The question doesn't leave her mind throughout the 3-course dinner. Her conversation with Sam moves on to other topics like the stock market and the news, but Sam's observation sticks in her head.

Kara puts a gentle hand on her thigh and leans close to her ear.

"You okay?" she says.

She cups a hand around Kara's ear.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Lena whispers.

"Why are we whispering?" Kara says.

"You started it," Lena says childishly.

"I just wanted to check if you were okay. Remember, we can leave any time you want. I don't have work tomorrow, and I don't think you do either." Kara says.

Kara's thoughtfulness has always made Lena feel so soft and cared for in a way she never thought she'd be able to.

"I was thinking we could stay overnight if you want, and it gets really late. Eleanor told me they rented the whole chateau out, and she reserved a room for me and my plus one. I was thinking of staying because I don't like to use Albert or any staff past 8."

"I'd love to, but we don't have a change of clothes," Kara says. Lena and Kara had travelled to a few cities together and been abroad a handful of times on holidays, so staying away from the brunette wasn't new. It was always nice to escape the chaos of city life, and the countryside of the quaint castle was peaceful and nice. 

"I said the same to Eleanor, but she told me the castle provides silk pyjamas for their overnight guests. It's staffed like a hotel." Lena tells her. 

Kara doesn't see the harm in spending a night in the bubble they've created. The evening feels nice and lively and full of possibility. 

After the cake cutting, Kara takes to the dancefloor at Ruby's insistence. They dance around, and Lena can see how carefree Kara looks as she shuffles and spins Ruby to the jazz playing in the background.

Kara comes back a few songs later and puts a hand out to Lena.

"Kara..." Lena warns.

"One dance?" Kara says.

Lena gives in after one look at Kara's pleading puppy dog face.

The band happens to choose that exact moment to play a slow song. Kara places a hand on Lena's waist.

"Now is probably a good time to tell you I don't know how to waltz," Kara admits.

"It's fine. We can just slow dance like this."

Lena puts both of her arms around Kara's neck, and Kara understands and puts her hand on Lena's waist, holding her as they sway gently with their foreheads touching.

"Can I tell you something?" Lena says.

"Always," Kara says.

"I don't want this night to end. I ended up having a lot more fun than I thought I would." Lena says.

"I'm glad to hear that," Kara says.

"I'm only having this much of a good time because you came," Lena says. 

Kara smiles. They stay on the dancefloor like that as the band play another song.

"Today has felt like a fairytale," Kara says.

"You have been quite the prince charming," Lena says smoothly.

"I think...I- I don't want to pretend anymore," Kara says.

Lena jerks back and looks at her. 

"I mean, I want this to be real. Us, together, as a couple, I-"

Lena swallows and nods. "I want this too," Lena says, her voice breaking. "I've wanted it for a long time, I think."

"Better late than never," Kara says, kissing her forehead.

They spend the night at the castle. They dance and hold each other and talk until midnight. They kiss each other tenderly on the balcony of their room. 

It is perfect.

-

Lena keeps the picture of her and Kara from the wedding in her wallet after ordering a print copy from the photographer. Kara keeps Lena as her lock screen on her phone. 

They know their how-we-got-together story is the stuff of romcoms, and Alex never lets them forget it.