Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter Text
The young woman lay on the cot in her prison cell, staring at the ceiling. It was already well past midnight. She had received a visit from her lawyer today, who had suggested countless tactics to secure a light sentence or even an acquittal. But the woman had barely listened to him. She wouldn't fight anymore, what would she fight for? Her loved ones were gone, and she knew exactly what she had done in response. Revenge. But it didn't make her feel any better. She had become a murderer. She couldn't deny that, there were about a hundred witnesses around her during the crime.
The grief over the losses was followed by despair and then this burning rage. Now, after the crime, there was only emptiness. The hearing was in a few days. She had already decided to plead guilty. Because the woman wanted to atone for her crime. Prison was exactly where she belonged now. Where else would she go? She was alone, and the city hated her. Here in this cell, she was spared the reproachful and horrified looks of the others and the unbearable memories of her many losses.
The woman fought against her tiredness. She didn't want to sleep. Because then the spirits of the dead she was responsible for would haunt her dreams. Suddenly, she heard a faint popping sound next to her in the cell. The woman sat up and saw a broadly grinning man next to her bed. "What are you doing here? I didn't call you," she asked, exhausted but in a whisper. The man tilted his head slightly: "Right, I'm not a genie either." The woman became angry: "What do you want here?" The man gave a slight bow: "Well, I'm here to help you, Kara Zor-El."
Chapter 2: Sisters' Evening
Notes:
Since Chapter 1/the prologue is so short, I am publishing the first real chapter today
Chapter Text
Six months earlier
POV Alex
Alex pushed with all her might through the crowd that had gathered in front of the building. Fans, reporters, curious passersby, all of them had been standing there for days, besieging the entrance, pushing each other aside just to catch a glimpse of the heroine. The sounds of cameras and excited murmurs filled her ears, but she tried to focus on her goal. Frustrated, she pushed her shoulder against the crowd, her eyes searching for the entrance that opened before her.
Finally, she reached the door and slipped through. Alex's steps slowed now that she was safely inside the building. She climbed the stairs and reached the apartment door she wanted.
Before she could knock, the door was flung open. "Half an hour late, but I forgive you," Kara said with a wicked grin, snatching the food bags from Alex's hand. Her eyes sparkled with joy and her face held an expression of loving superiority. She shuffled casually toward the sofa with her prize in hand.
Alex paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. "Hello Kara, nice to see you," Alex said in a mock-accusatory tone, but her voice was full of love and relief as she closed the door behind her and took off her jacket.
Kara turned around, a mischievous grin on her lips. "Of course, food was more important to you than greeting your sister," Alex teased, putting her hands on her hips. "At least you used to hug me."
"You used to be more punctual," Kara replied teasingly, her voice full of loving irony. At that moment, a hearty laugh erupted between the two, momentarily dispelling the tension of the day. It was a laugh full of connection, familiarity, and the certainty that no matter what happened, they would always stand by each other.
Kara dropped the bag on the table and was back with her sister in superspeed. Without saying a word, she hugged her big sister tightly.
As they walked back to the sofa, Alex noticed the pile of mail on the sideboard. She paused for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise and curiosity. “What kind of letters are these?” she asked quietly, looking at the pile.
Kara shrugged, a slight smile on her lips, but her eyes reflected a mixture of exhaustion and acceptance. "Oh, all sorts of things. Fan mail, love letters, reports of property damage, death threats."
Alex looked at her in horror, her brow furrowed. "Death threats?" Her voice trailed off, worried. "Don't worry, sis," Kara tried to reassure her as she plopped down on the sofa, legs stretched out, hands in her lap. "It's nothing. I'll handle it."
But Alex couldn't quite shake the worry. She slowly sat down next to Kara, her eyes searching her sister's. "And what about the crowd down in front of the building? Are you being besieged at CatCo too?"
Kara lowered her gaze, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah..." she admitted meekly, her voice barely above a whisper. "...but the interview where I told the world I was Supergirl was only three weeks ago. Things will calm down in time. I hope."
Alex placed a hand on Kara's shoulder, her voice softening, full of understanding. "Do you regret it?"
Kara looked down sadly, picked up one of the bags from the table, and nervously played with the paper. Her voice was quiet, almost fragile. "Actually, not really. I finally feel free. Free to be myself." She took a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "But I also have to admit that I didn't expect this reaction. They treat me like a rock star or a freak... it's all so much right now. All of this, the positive and negative reactions, the expectations... It makes me doubt whether it was the right decision."
A moment of silence spread between the two. Alex felt the weight in Kara's words, the uncertainty reflected in her gaze. She only wanted the best for her sister, but she knew that this path also brought pain and doubt.
"You had the courage to show yourself," Alex said quietly, her voice full of admiration. "And no matter what others say, you did the right thing because you're honest with yourself." Kara raised her gaze, her eyes searching Alex's, and a faint smile returned to her lips. "Thank you, Alex. That means a lot to me."
Alex snatched the bag back from Kara's hands, her movements quick, almost impatient. With a decisive grip, she pulled out the menu. Her voice was calm but firm. "Maybe some distance would help? Hey, you could finally go on vacation."
Kara looked at her annoyed, her eyes sparkling slightly with frustration. She shook her head, her arms crossed in front of her chest. "Supergirl can't go on vacation!"
Alex raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. "Exactly, Supergirl definitely can't take a break. The world could end. It's not like she has a whole team behind her to cover for her." Her voice was sarcastic, but her eyes showed concern that was difficult to hide.
Kara didn't respond, her expression remaining stubborn. "Besides, I just started my new job as editor-in-chief. Cat would cut my head off if I asked for a vacation now."
Alex snorted loudly, an expression of both frustration and concern. Then she tilted her head, her eyes searching Kara's as she spoke in a light, almost motherly tone. "Miss Grant is worried about you too, Kara. I'm sure she won't say no. Give yourself some space and peace."
She paused briefly, her voice softening, almost pleading. "I'd actually like to come with you, but I'm reluctant to part from Esme and Kelly right now. Besides, J'onn and I still have some work to do regarding the DEO reorganization."
Alex twisted her face into a wry grimace that showed her mixture of exhaustion and determination. "We both know a workaholic who could desperately use a vacation." She smiled slightly, but her eyes were serious. "You should ask Lena. She's been through a lot too and seems to be permanently stressed lately."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, and Alex watched Kara consider them. The suggestion of taking a break seemed to appeal to her more and more. And Alex was sure it had more to do with Lena than the break itself. Lena, the strong, smart woman, had been through so much recently. She had lost her adoptive mother and her brother again; even though both were criminals and psychopaths, they had still been Lena's family. These losses had left a deep scar on her, but Lena had always picked herself up, founded her own foundation to help others, and had since become the sole owner of L-Corp again.
All of this was an enormous burden on her shoulders. On top of that, Lena was now a witch, with magical powers she had yet to understand and control. The responsibility she carried was enormous. A vacation, Alex thought, with her best friend would do Lena a world of good. A moment of peace, to breathe, to find herself again.
Kara's smile widened, and she nodded slowly. "Alex, you've convinced me. I'll ask Lena. Although I'm not sure I can actually persuade her," Kara said, about to steal a French fry from Alex.
But Alex gave her a loving pat on her grabbing hand. "Hands off, it's mine. Your meal is in there," Alex said, and they both burst into hearty laughter. The mood lightened, worries forgotten for a moment. Kara grabbed the potstickers from the other bag.
"Good..." Alex murmured with a grin, but then she returned to the real topic at hand. Her voice became a little more serious, but still friendly. "I think you underestimate the effect you have on Lena. There's no way she'll be able to turn you down."
Kara looked at her sister in surprise, her brow furrowing slightly. "What do you mean?" she asked curiously.
Alex smiled wickedly, but her eyes betrayed her seriousness. "Well, what I mean is... uh... that Lena really likes you. And that she'll stand by her best friend in this situation."
A moment of silence ensued while Kara let the words sink in. Alex seemed relieved to have turned the corner and added with a little wink, "Basically, all you have to do is give her that puppy-dog look. It'll definitely work, that Luthor has gone soft." Kara looked at her sister indignantly. Then they both started laughing again.
In the last few weeks, Kara and Lena had been on a good path to rebuilding their friendship. But the subject of Lena and her relationship with Kara was a delicate minefield for Alex. She knew how careful one had to be not to upset the fragile balance. The two had only just gotten back together, built trust, and Alex didn't want to take any chances. Because she had witnessed how Lena had slowly but surely taken over Kara's heart. And she also knew that both of them felt more than they wanted to admit. Feelings that were deep and heavy, feelings they knew only too well, but which the lovelorn idiots were skilled at suppressing.
They sat together for a while, the faint crackle of the television in the background, while the last remnants of the food were placed in front of them.
After a few minutes, when the last scraps of conversation had died down and the food had been eaten, Kara broke the silence. "What movie are we watching today?" she asked with a mischievous grin that betrayed her curiosity.
Alex grinned broadly back, her eyes sparkling. "Of course, Terminator 2," she said with a wink as she leaned back.
Kara laughed softly, but there was a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "You've seen it a thousand times already."
"Sure," Alex replied, laughing. "But even the thousand and first time won't be a problem. You'll see."
With a slight sigh, Kara turned on the movie. They cuddled together. Alex liked the little bubble where she felt connected to Kara and loved the nurses' night.
Halfway through the movie, Kara's attention and senses were suddenly awakened. In the distance, they heard sirens, the wailing of emergency vehicles, getting closer and closer until Alex could hear it too. The sounds were loud, urgent, and brought a sudden silence to the room.
Kara and Alex glanced at each other briefly. Alex gave a barely perceptible nod. Without a word, Kara stood up, her eyes glowing with determination. Following her call, Supergirl flew into the night.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
Kara
The sky was dark, only the faint glow of the stars illuminated the night sky above National City. A small forest outside of town was engulfed in flames, the fire consuming its way relentlessly through the dry leaves, ferns, and branches. The heat was palpable, even from a distance, and the cracking of branches as they broke under the weight of the flames echoed through the night like an ominous echo.
Amidst the chaos stood a group of teenagers, desperate and panicked. They had camped in the forest and lost sight of the campfire. Sparks flew from them, setting the dry leaves and brush ablaze. The fire was out of control, and the fear in the teenagers' eyes was palpable.
The smoke grew thicker, making it difficult to see. The teenagers' voices trembled with panic as they tried to smother the flames with blankets and cloths or extinguish them with their bare hands, but the heat was too intense, the flames too fierce. Tears streamed down some of their faces as they desperately called for help.
Suddenly, Supergirl broke through the smoke. With her powerful presence, she hovered over the burning forest, her eyes filled with concern and determination. "Stay away!" Kara called in her warm but determined voice. With her cold breath, she began to fight the flames.
When Kara had extinguished the largest fires, the fire department arrived and relieved Supergirl. The heroine could now take care of the teenagers. "Stay calm, I'll help you," Kara said. She picked up the slightly injured campers and carefully carried them near the fire department, who were already busy extinguishing the fire and thus out of the danger of the smoke. Then Kara turned back to the flames.
After the fire was finally extinguished, Kara flew the injured teenagers to the hospital to receive treatment for their burns. But the mission wasn't over yet. Together with the fire department, Kara combed the area for any embers that could still pose a danger. Using her superstrength, she searched the area, her senses sharper than ever, to ensure that no spark remained unnoticed.
By the time the danger finally passed, it was already after 3 a.m. Kara was a bit exhausted, but mostly upset that a moment of carelessness had put lives in danger and interrupted sisters' evening. Kara had already texted Alex to inform her of the emergency and that she wouldn't be back anytime soon. Therefore, Alex was already back home and probably fast asleep.
Kara flew into the air to get another look at the damage and then took photos with her phone. The fire was extinguished, but the black scars it had left behind were still visible, a reminder of how fragile everything is if you're not careful.
She was still full of adrenaline and wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway. So she found a nearby building and sat on the ridge of the roof. It was a good place to organize her thoughts and process her feelings. The wind blew gently through her hair as she typed a short article on her smartphone at super speed about the fire and the importance of fire safety in the wild.
After Kara finished the article and sent the photos to CatCo, she put her smartphone in her pocket. Then Kara looked around. The building she was perched on was elevated on a ledge. It was surrounded by an overgrown garden until the forest with its dense trees began to adjoin it.
But the real highlight was the view: Kara could see the entire city, spreading out beneath her like a sparkling carpet. The lights of the streets, the glowing windows of the skyscrapers slowly illuminating in the dawn, everything was at her feet. To the west stretched the sea, shimmering in the rising sun as if competing with the first golden rays. For a moment, Kara felt like a guardian, watching over everything she held dear.
With a soft sigh, she rose into the air. Kara's red cloak floated gently behind her as she circled the old house. The Victorian building was a true gem of a bygone era. Its facades bore the marks of time: peeling paint, moss-covered stones that told stories of days gone by. The tall, crooked windows had broken panes through which the wind howled softly, as if the house itself were breathing. The ornate wooden porch was overgrown with vines that snaked around the pillars, wrapping the house in a green cloak, a living work of art that radiated both beauty and melancholy.
Kara was enchanted by this place, which had a mysterious charm.
Arriving at the entrance, her eyes fell on the "For Sale" sign, which was barely legible. The words were faded, the colors bleached, but the message was clear: The house had been forgotten, a relic of a bygone era. Kara jotted down the phone number on her cell phone, considered it for a moment, and thought: Maybe this is exactly the place I could call home one day. With her new position and the significant raise, that wasn't so far-fetched anymore. Of course, she would have to put a lot of work into the renovations first, but the thought of breathing new life into this old house fascinated her.
As the first rays of sunlight slowly illuminated the sky and bathed the city in golden light, Kara prepared to fly home. The day awaited her, full of tasks and challenges. After a long, soothing shower to get rid of the soot and smoke smell, she treated herself to a hearty breakfast and a moment of rest.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
In the morning, the reporter headed to an important press conference. Although she now held a prominent position as editor-in-chief at CatCo, she still didn't want to miss such an appointment. For her, it was a chance to prove herself, to raise her voice, and to show people that she was more than just Supergirl, that she was also a dedicated journalist.
The large hall was already well-filled, the air vibrating with anticipation. Kara took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders, and entered the room with a determined smile. But as soon as she stepped through the door, Kara immediately felt the atmosphere change. The gazes of the fellow reporters present, who had known her for years, were practically boring into her.
Her eyes scanned the room and she noticed how most people's attention was focused on her, even more than on the politician who was about to deliver his statement and was speaking to his advisors next to the stage. It was as if everyone was just waiting for the moment when she, Kara, would take center stage.
After just a few minutes, Kara was surrounded by several reporters. Some asked casual questions, others practically pushed toward her to snag a brief comment. Her mind raced as she tried to remain professional. But inside, she felt a mixture of nervousness and unease. It was as if the attention she was receiving was overwhelming her. Not just because of the questions, but also because of the unspoken expectations placed on her.
The politician took the stage, and for that moment, most people's attention was drawn to the front. His speech was precise, his words carefully considered. Kara listened attentively while taking notes.
When the politician finished his speech, Kara breathed a sigh of relief. The last questions for him had been answered, and the crowd slowly began to disperse. But as soon as she was about to leave the room, she heard the whispering, and felt the eyes still following her. In her mind, she counted the seconds until she could leave the hall, so as not to get into another unwanted interview situation. She quickly pushed her way through the crowd. Kara just wanted to get away, put the moment behind her, and escape back to the safety of her office. So much for freedom.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
Back at CatCo, they opened the elevator doors and Kara stepped into the open-plan office. As soon as she entered the room, several colleagues practically stormed toward her. Their faces were filled with a mixture of relief, respect, and even a touch of impatience. It was clear that she had worked hard over the past few weeks to settle into her new role as Editor-in-Chief.
Kara knew she was now responsible for solving problems, reviewing and approving articles, and providing support and advice to her colleagues. She was aware that she had to prove herself in her new position, not only to gain the respect of her colleagues, but also to build confidence in her abilities.
She had worked hard over the past few weeks to familiarize herself with the processes and tackle her tasks with great dedication. This was also reflected in the looks of her colleagues, who obviously showed her respect. Kara felt encouraged by this positive feedback, but she was also aware that much work still lay ahead.
But despite the friendly atmosphere, there were also doubts. With her super hearing, Kara could clearly hear the negative voices circulating in the hallways and behind closed doors. She tried to block out those voices, but they were there, like a quiet whisper that lodged itself in her head. Some colleagues felt that with only a few years of experience as a reporter, Kara was still too inexperienced for the position. They believed she only got the job because she was Supergirl, the famous superhero who was constantly in the news. These thoughts were difficult to bear, but Kara knew she couldn't let them get her down. She took a deep breath, pushed aside the doubts, and focused on what lay ahead. She wanted to prove that she was more than just the superhero image, that she was a competent editor-in-chief who took her work seriously and was there for her team. With a determined smile, she turned to her colleagues, ready to tackle the day's challenges.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
At noon, Kara had firmly planned to visit Lena. She wanted to ask her about her vacation and maybe spend some time with her best friend. The sun shone warmly through the windows of her office, and Kara felt the anticipation of a brief moment of peace.
But no sooner had she packed her bag and set off than her attention was interrupted by an urgent Supergirl emergency signal. A robbery at a supermarket, with a hostage situation. The situation was serious, the police were already on scene, and the emergency services were working feverishly on a negotiated solution.
In the past, Kara would have immediately thrown herself through the roof, overpowered the perpetrators, and freed the hostages, true to the style of an action-packed hero. But today she stood outside with the police officers who were carrying out their work according to established protocols. She was merely a support, an assistant, waiting for instructions from the well-trained staff.
It was a conscious decision she had made. She knew it was more important to give people the chance to solve their problems themselves, rather than having the heroine solve everything for them. This was now part of her new role, not only as Supergirl, but also as part of a team that relied on patience, negotiation skills, and trust.
Hours passed as Kara stood patiently beside the police officers conducting the negotiations. She heard the voices giving orders, the quiet conversations, the nervous glances of the emergency personnel. With her super senses and powers, she also kept an eye on the situation inside the building. She sensed the tension in the air, the fear of the hostages, and the uncertainty of the perpetrators. But Kara had faith in the experts.
And then, after a long, nerve-wracking wait, the perpetrators surrendered. The negotiations had been successful. The police were able to bring the situation under control, the hostages were freed, and the perpetrators were arrested. Kara breathed a sigh of relief.
She had learned that being a hero today meant much more than just quick actions. It was about patience, trusting the people around her, and the willingness to remain calm even in difficult moments.
While the emergency services were taking the final steps, Kara flew into the sky and thought about the planned visit with Lena. Unfortunately, it was too late for today, and she hoped to find time for it tomorrow. Every day that passed without seeing Lena, she clearly felt how much she missed the CEO.
Chapter 3: Get away from everyday life
Chapter Text
Kara
The next day at noon, Kara made her way to L-Corp. She landed gently on the balcony of Lena's office and looked inside through the large window. The CEO was engrossed in her work, staring at long spreadsheets of figures. Occasionally, she jotted notes on the pad in front of her. The quiet rustling of paper and the typing on the keyboard were the only sounds at that moment. Lena sat upright, her back straight, her posture exuding authority and confidence. She was dressed in a smart, dark suit that accentuated her graceful figure and her hair was tied back in a neat bun.
Kara admired her best friend's graceful yet authoritative appearance. Lena exuded a natural elegance, which was further enhanced by her calm, controlled manner.
Lena suddenly looked up and spoke into the empty room: "Do I smell Big Belly Burger?" Kara entered through the already open balcony door with a grin: "I knew you'd be hungry and your nose just proved it. Hello Lee."
"You are and will always be my favorite person and you know me way too well." Lena hugged her best friend, beaming with joy. Kara felt a tingling sensation at the touch and returned the hug tightly.
"Sit down, I'll just finish my work quickly." Kara walked to the opposite side of the room and carefully sat down on the large white sofa, which acted like a silent witness to all her conversations and thoughts. With a soft sigh, she reached for the burgers she had hastily unpacked and began to carefully arrange them, her mind focused on the conversation with the request Kara had planned.
She watched Lena quickly type on her laptop, her brow slightly furrowed, as if lost in thought. Kara could see her friend's small movements, the quick, practiced movement of her fingers across the keyboard, the occasional wrinkle of her nose as she reread a line. Shortly afterward, Lena rubbed her eyes briefly, as if chasing away the tiredness and slowly rose. She crossed the room to sit down on the sofa next to Kara.
"How's my favorite reporter?" Lena asked in a gentle voice as she sat down next to Kara. They both began eating their burgers. But Kara felt the words burning inside her even before she could speak them.
She could have simply said "good," but she knew Lena would immediately notice that something was bothering her. This wasn't just a small thing; it was a burden weighing heavily on her heart.
Kara took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before summoning the courage to be open. She immediately let loose and talked about the many little problems she'd had since the interview and her doubts about whether this was the right decision. She looked at Lena, her eyes searching for understanding, for compassion. The blonde superheroine felt the words weighing heavily on her tongue.
Lena gently placed a hand on Kara's knee, her touch warm, comforting, as if to say, "I'm here for you."
"Oh Kara," Lena said sympathetically. "I had hoped so much that it would free you and allow you to be completely yourself. Take away the burden of a dual identity. It helped me and I feel freer than ever before, accepting all parts of myself and not making my decisions based on what Lillian, Lex, or anyone else expects. Is there anything I can do for you?"
Kara immediately accepted this template: "Actually, I wanted to ask you something. Alex ordered me to go on vacation. She said I seemed even more stressed than before, and maybe some distance would calm things down a bit. But if I went on vacation alone, I could quickly get bored and would constantly think about work here. So it would be nice if my best friend came with me." Lena beamed at Kara, making Supergirl's heart race. For Kara, Lena's enchanting smile was the most beautiful thing in the world, an expression of warmth, trust, and infinite connection.
"I'm pretty sure your best friend can't say no," Lena joked, immediately enthusiastic about the idea: "Please, Kara, can I organize it for us? I own a beach house in the Caribbean. It's wonderfully quiet there. There would only be the sea and the sun. I have to admit that I haven't been there in years and have occasionally let L-Corp employees use it. But it seems to be available at the moment."
Kara felt a wave of relief wash over her. This was much easier than she thought, and Lena's suggestion was simply perfect. This is exactly what they both need right now, and the prospect of being alone with Lena for several days felt like a dream.
In that moment, Kara felt her heart beat faster with joy. The burden of everyday life, the doubts and worries, seemed to fade into the background for a moment. With Lena by her side, this vacation wouldn't just be a break, but a chance to rediscover herself, gain new strength, and enjoy the beauty of life. And by beauty, she meant Lena.
She placed her own hand on Lena's and squeezed it: "That sounds perfect. When do we start and how long can you take a break?"
Lena thought for a moment before answering Kara: "I still have to sort out a few things here, but it should work out by next Monday. We can fly on my private jet and then stay there for 14 days? Oh, and you're invited, of course," she concluded enthusiastically.
"Lee, two weeks sounds great, but I'll cover my own travel expenses."
"No argument, I own the house and the jet anyway. But I have one condition: your Supergirl suit stays at home, no heroic deeds, no use of your powers!"
"Okay, then you'll also forgo your work laptop or tablet, no emails or spreadsheets during that time," Kara said with a wink and held out a hand to Lena, who immediately took it: "Deal! Then I'll have to kick you out now, too, because I have a lot of planning, organizing, and preparatory work to do."
After a quick hug, Supergirl flew off again, a broad grin on her face.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
Kara stood in front of the glass door of Cat's huge office, her hand shaking slightly as she prepared to knock on it. Her heart was pounding in her throat and a feeling of uncertainty mingled with the fear of the answer. She knew the next task would be difficult.
She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the rising guilt that crept inside her like dark shadows. She hadn't told Lena yet that she would have to ask her boss first. Maybe she should have asked Cat first before involving Lena. But at the same time, Kara knew that she would never go on this vacation without Lena. It wasn't just a trip to recover and gain distance from the chaos of their current situation, but a shared adventure, a chance to strengthen their relationship.
Still, fear gnawed at her. What if Cat rejected her proposal? What if she had to deprive Lena of the friends who meant so much to her?
She stood still for a moment, her hand on the door and closed her eyes. Thoughts swirled in her head. She tried to formulate a strategy and went over her arguments again.
Then she raised her hand, knocked gently and waited. Kara heard Cat's "Come in" and entered her room. The Queen of the Media sat at her desk, so powerful yet so calm, looking at her with a knowing, understanding expression over her glasses.
"Kiera," Cat said in her deep, commanding voice, which radiated both authority and concern. "I hope it's important, but please keep it brief. I have a conference call in two minutes."
Kara hesitated, so much for her speech, which she had mentally prepared. Now the new tactic was simply peeling off the band-aid in one fell swoop.
"Miss Grant," Kara began firmly, though her heart was still pounding. "I would like to request two weeks' leave starting next Monday."
The media mogul took off her glasses, carefully placed them on the table in front of her, clasped her hands on the table, and looked at Kara for what felt like an eternity. Her eyes, radiating so much wisdom and power, seemed to peer into Kara, as if trying to penetrate her deepest thoughts and fears.
Finally, she put the glasses back on, turned her attention to the monitor in front of her and without looking directly at Kara, only an "Okay" came out of her mouth.
Kara felt a mixture of relief and uncertainty spread through her. "What, just like that?" she blurted out promptly, her voice full of surprise and a hint of disbelief.
"Kiera, I'm glad you're even taking a break. You're like me, they'd have to kick us out of the building to let us take a vacation," Cat said, still without looking directly at Kara. Then she waved a hand roughly toward the door. "Well, that's settled, Kiera, the work doesn't do itself. Besides, you still have to find someone to cover for your absence."
"Yes, Miss Grant..." Kara replied as she hurried to the door. "...and thank you." Cat Grant just grinned to herself.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
Lena
Lena Luthor stood silently in front of the graves on the Luthor estate, the sun shining warmly on her face, but a deep melancholy in her eyes. The wind blew gently through the trees surrounding the old estate, rustling the leaves. Before her rose her family's gravestones: the venerable monument to her father, Lionel, whose name was emblazoned in golden letters on the black marble; the simple yet dignified grave of her adoptive mother, Lilian, who had treated her so harshly during her childhood, but ultimately showed her a mother's love.
Next to it was a grave with an empty coffin for her brother Lex, who was trapped in the Phantom Zone. Lena had had him declared dead so she could manage Luthor Corp and all the family's properties. Whether Lex was still alive or had already lost his life in this dangerous environment, Lena didn't know. It didn't really matter to her. Her brother had died for her long ago.
Lena carefully knelt down and placed flowers on the ground in front of the gravestones. She remained silent for a moment, then slowly rose and took a deep breath.
At that moment, her mind began to wander. She thought of the villa behind her, of the dark memories anchored there, of the power games, the manipulations, and the struggles for control. But at the same time, Lena realized that she also saw an opportunity here: The building, with its countless wings and rooms, could be much more than just a place of bitter pasts.
She considered converting the property into an orphanage for extraterrestrial children. A place where children who had lost their families or planets through war, persecution, or other tragedies could find protection and security. A place that offered them a second chance, far from incomprehension and xenophobia.
"If we approach this correctly," Lena thought, "we could disarm the traps and alien countermeasures Lex once installed. Instead of using them as weapons, we could turn them into a protective mechanism, creating a safe haven for those who need it most."
She already had the perfect person in mind to lead the orphanage. She imagined Kelly, with her strength, courage, and empathy, taking over the management of the children's home. Kelly would not only ensure order, but also warmth and understanding, exactly what the children need. Lena knew she wouldn't be returning to the property to live there herself, so it would serve a good purpose after all.
With a determined look, she turned away from the graves, ready to further develop the plans and take the necessary steps to transform the property into a place of protection and hope.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
In preparation for her upcoming vacation, Lena gave her two assistants instructions before meeting with her CFO. She had managed to recruit Eve for the foundation. On Earth 38, she had been a good support until her betrayal and since Eve hadn't worked with Lex or Leviathan on this new Earth, she could trust her here. So she wanted to give her a chance, perhaps because she still felt some guilt about combining her AI Hope with Teschmacher's consciousness. Lena wanted to make amends this way and, in doing so, give away second chances. It was a gesture of forgiveness, a chance for a new beginning for Eve, for herself, for all the mistakes she'd made. She thought of Andrea and Kara, who also played an important role in her life. For her, the decision to give them a second chance had been a good one.
At L-Corp, she was lucky that Jess was already working in the company's marketing department, so Lena only had to promote her to her secretary. Lena knew that with her ambition and quick wit, she would once again be a valuable asset. Even though Jess was surprised to be offered this position, she was ambitious and got to grips with things very quickly. Because that was necessary. In the short time since Lex had returned to the helm of Luthor Corp, he had founded several new subsidiaries, no doubt to conceal covert and secret projects. First, she renamed the company L-Corp, brought back many of her trusted and reliable employees, and initiated several new research projects. But now there was still the search for Lex's concealed crimes. Lena had practice, however, having had to deal with this situation five years ago when her brother went to prison and she and the company moved to National City. Without Jess, Lena would have been overwhelmed by the flood of tasks.
Now the two sat opposite each other at Lena's desk. In a calm but firm voice, Lena gave her assistant clear instructions. Her words were precise, but there was a quiet warmth in her voice that showed how much she valued Jess. She explained which tasks had priority, which deadlines she couldn't miss, and which details she should keep track of. It was a routine Lena had missed greatly since leaving Luthor Corp under Lex's leadership.
Shortly after Jess left the room, the door opened quietly, and Samantha Arias entered. She gently pushed the door shut behind her, her eyes immediately seeking Lena's. With a light but determined step, she sat down in the empty chair in front of Lena, who watched her posture attentively and curiously.
Samantha seemed thoughtful. "Something's not right here..." Sam began, her voice calm but with an underlying edge. She looked directly at Lena, her expression serious, almost skeptical.
Lena raised an eyebrow, her expression calm, but her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She knew Sam wouldn't make such a statement so easily, without a reason.
"In the nine years we've known each other," Sam continued in a light but firm tone, "you've never taken a voluntary vacation. So, Luthor, what's behind this?"
Her voice was calm, but her gaze held a mixture of curiosity, concern, and a small spark of suspicion. She leaned forward slightly, her arms crossed over her chest, as she looked directly at Lena.
Lena slowly leaned back, her fingers interlaced in front of her, her posture calm, but her eyes betraying an inner turmoil. She studied Sam for a moment, her mind racing as she tried to find the right words.
"You know me well, Sam," Lena finally said in a gentle but firm tone that betrayed a certain determination. "But since Lilian's death, I feel ready to just be myself. To make my own decisions. And above all, I've resolved to take care of myself, my physical and mental health."
Her voice softened, almost vulnerable, but the determination in it was unmistakable. She looked deep into Sam's eyes, as if to say: This isn't a game, this is my truth.
Sam snorted slightly, a trace of doubt still in her eyes. "That may be," she replied, "but L-Corp is still in transition. And I find it hard to imagine you giving even a thought to a vacation."
She paused briefly, her voice softening, almost worried, as if she wanted to protect Lena from herself.
"I know you've been through a lot, Lena.", Sam said quietly, her expression becoming thoughtful, almost vulnerable. "But this feels different. As if you're hiding something."
Lena looked at Sam for a moment, her expression becoming thoughtful, almost vulnerable. For a brief moment, she seemed to withdraw into herself, as if tearing down an inner wall, only to then put it back up again.
"You're just imagining things, Sam," Lena said in a feigned indifference that barely concealed the inner tension. Then she smiled slightly, a small, knowing smile that spoke louder than words. She looked away, as if trying to hide the truth from herself.
"Aha, Luthor," Sam said with a mischievous, triumphant grin, "I bet a blonde Kryptonian beauty has something to do with this."
Lena took a deep breath, her eyes searching Sam's, but she said nothing. Instead, she let the moment hang in the air for a moment, as if lost in thought, before finally answering with a slight, almost mysterious smile: "Maybe."
"Oh, come on, Lena," Sam urged, her voice becoming even more playful. "You have to give me a little more. How did that go? What's the real story behind it?"
Lena sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping slightly, as if she were shedding a weight. She knew Sam wouldn't let up. "Well," Lena began slowly, her voice becoming quieter, almost a whisper, "Kara was ordered to take a timeout by Alex. She asked me if I could accompany her. That's all there is to it."
"Ah, yes, of course... that's all there is to it," Sam laughed, her voice full of irony. "So you're just a good best friend doing a kind deed. Oh, come on, Lena. As if you don't just want to spend a lot of time alone with Kara. Are you finally going to tell her how you feel about her?"
The room seemed to stand still for a moment. Lena felt her heart beat faster as she felt the words rising inside her. She knew Sam had suspected the truth for a long time, but she didn't want to admit it.
Lena closed her eyes for a brief moment, took a deep breath, and then opened them again. Her gaze was firm, but also full of tenderness and a faint longing.
"Maybe," she repeated quietly. Lena had thought about it for a long time. Every time she resolved to finally tell Kara the truth, her courage failed her. Especially since Kara had never reciprocated her flirting attempts. Now that she knew the whole truth, it could, of course, be due to Kara's Kryptonian upbringing. But did Lena want to take that risk?
When Sam was about to start again, Lena cut her off: "Can we please finally get to the real reason for this meeting?" Sam raised both hands in surrender, but couldn't stop grinning knowingly. Luckily, Sam actually dropped the subject and the two of them were able to take care of the organizational details.
⸻ ☼ ⸻
Lena sat in her limousine, gliding smoothly through the streets, but her mind was anything but relaxed. She was on her way to pick up Kara and her pastries. Vacation. Lena didn't know how to relax and not work anymore. Before breakfast, she had answered a few urgent emails and given her assistant the final instructions. Her replacements were very reliable and would be able to cover for her in her absence. But the tension remained. Lena was reluctant to hand over everything and there was still so much to do.
Her chauffeur, Frank, stopped the vehicle one block away from Kara's apartment building. Her friend wanted to sneak out unnoticed, which probably meant jumping out the back window. Fans and reporters were still outside the building, waiting to intercept Supergirl. Lena didn't have to wait long before someone landed behind the limousine, quickly opened and closed the trunk, and then opened the rear car door. "Hello Lee," Kara greeted her, beaming with joy. "Welcome to the Luthor Uber," Lena joked as she pulled the Kryptonian into a tight, warm hug.
Being around Kara, Lena felt not only much more comfortable, but also stronger, more optimistic. It was as if an invisible force flowed through their contact, a tingling sensation that spread through her stomach and simultaneously lifted her up. Kara radiated a certain aura that Lena couldn't quite define yet. It was a mixture of warmth, strength, and an almost magical presence that surrounded her. Lena felt a sense of connection spreading through her that went deeper than words. It was as if Kara carried an invisible source of energy within her, constantly recharging her.
On the drive to the airport, Kara talked excitedly about the many things she had planned for her vacation. Lena leaned back and listened. This enthusiasm and joy were contagious. Once they arrived at the airport, they had to wait in the waiting area while the private jet was prepared for takeoff and their luggage was loaded.
Lena and Kara stood side by side in front of the huge window, which bathed the room in a soft, warm light. Outside, the world stretched out in all its vibrant diversity: airplanes shot into the sky like silver arrows, their engines roaring loudly as they took off or landed and the crowds moved in a ceaseless stream.
Lena took a deep breath, turned away from the window, and looked into the crowded waiting room. Her eyes glided over the scene, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I like to observe people and imagine their life stories," she said in a voice full of thought. Her eyes sparkled in the light, as if she were discovering secrets hidden in the crowd. "What are their characters? Why are they here? Who is the person standing in front of them and what is their relationship to each other?"
Kara grinned, her eyes also fixed on the people. She felt the warmth in Lena's voice, the passion for observing, for immersing herself in the speculations and the little stories each person carried within them.
"Okay, I'll play along," Kara said, laughing, her voice full of curiosity. She took a step closer, her eyes scanning the crowd for an interesting couple. "What about those two over there?"
She pointed to two people who seemed to be engaged in a lively discussion. A young couple huddled close together, their faces brightly illuminated by the warm glow of the room's lights. The woman laughed heartily, while the man looked deep into her eyes, his hand resting tenderly on her shoulder.
Kara watched them for a moment, her mind wandering. "What have they been through? Are they newly in love, or have they known each other for a long time? Perhaps they've just been through a difficult time, and this is their moment to regain hope."
Lena nodded thoughtfully, her eyes glittering in the light. "They could be anything," she said quietly. "Perhaps they're friends who support each other. Or a couple going through a crisis but still sticking together. Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most."
They were silent for a moment, while the world outside continued on, and the two women lingered in their own little world. Lena seemed lost in thought, her hand resting lightly on Kara's shoulder, as if sensing the connection between them.
"You know," Lena finally said, "it's amazing how much you can read in people's faces. Their dreams, fears, hopes. Sometimes it only takes one look to know what's on their minds." Lena then pointed to a group of teenagers sitting on a bench and on the ground in front of them, laughing and chatting.
Kara cast a curious glance at the group. "Looks like they're having a good time," she said quietly. Lena nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, that's true. These young people seem so carefree, but who knows what they've been through. Maybe they're here to escape everyday life, or just to have fun."
They watched as a boy with a baseball cap and a backpack laughed alongside the others. Lena thought for a moment. "The older boy might come from a family that places a lot of responsibility on him. He sits very stiffly and upright, and despite his friends, he keeps a watchful eye on the whole group."
Kara pointed to a girl with colorful hair and a homemade bracelet who was telling a story loudly and wildly gesticulating with her hands. "That girl might be the one who always tries to make everyone laugh because she's insecure herself sometimes. You can sometimes see it in her eyes."
Lena looked at the group for a moment. "Each of them carries their own worries. Maybe they have problems at home, or struggle with expectations that are difficult to fulfill. And now here in the group, they're far away from those problems and have their friends for support."
Kara continued to look around, pointing to a man in a business suit and a much younger woman in a summer dress. Both were talking. "Well, he seems very bored. She, on the other hand, is beaming, which you can see right up to her eyes. So I don't think she's his daughter. More likely his girlfriend. She seems to love him very much," Lena speculated.
"So why do you think he's so standoffish?" "Well, that can also be a facade. Believe me, in business, you often wear a mask and appear authoritarian. It's hard to show your feelings." Kara looked at Lena with a crooked grin: "Yeah, I noticed you, pretty hot." As soon as the words were out, Kara blushed and quickly looked away. Did she really just say that? Lena's heart skipped a beat, then she caught herself: "In the long run, a life like that can be very lonely if you don't let anyone get close to you."
Kara looked at her again and their eyes met. No one said another word or wanted to break eye contact. There was tension in the air. Lena felt the urge to lean closer to Kara. To touch her or...
The announcement came and the friends jumped. Their jet was ready for takeoff and they headed to the security gate. At the beginning of the flight, the two women chatted exuberantly, then fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
They sat opposite each other and Lena found herself staring at Kara, lost in thought, desperate to touch her. Kara smiled so enchantingly, her lips so seductive, that Lena could barely contain herself. The feeling of unconsciously staring grew stronger the longer she watched the blonde woman. Her heart pounded and she had to restrain herself to avoid the urge to touch her or take her hand.
"Pull yourself together, Lena," she whispered to herself. "She's your best friend." But deep inside, there was this quiet, barely controllable desire that tempted her again and again.
At the same time, Lena noticed that Kara also seemed to be watching her repeatedly. A quick glance, a slight frown that seemed almost like a silent question. Don't get your hopes up, Lena warned herself. The friendship was too precious to her to jeopardize with unrequited feelings.
Suddenly, Kara broke the silence, her voice soft but full of meaning. "Do you remember the last time we flew in your jet?" she asked, her eyes gazing into the distance for a moment, as if reveling in the past.
Lena took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly with nostalgia and wistfulness. "Sure. We were in Kasnia. Almost crashed." She shook her head, the memories still aching. "And on the flight back, I blamed myself so much for leaving you behind to chase Eve."
Kara seemed to think for a moment, her expression softening, but her eyes betrayed a deep sadness. "Do you know that I wanted to tell you the truth on that flight?" she asked softly, almost in a whisper. "You stood up and turned your back on me. I stood behind you, took off my glasses and assumed my typical Supergirl pose."
She took a deep breath, her voice softening even more, full of emotion. "Then you started talking about Eve's betrayal and how important our friendship and my honesty were to you." Her lips curled into a sad smile. "That's when I lost my courage again."
Kara sighed heavily, her eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion. "For a long time, I wondered if you would have taken it better at that time if I had told you I was Supergirl instead of learning it from Lex." She closed her eyes briefly, as if reliving the memories. "But after I later had the chance to play out some scenarios where I told you who I was, I realized it probably wouldn't have turned out well either."
Her voice became almost a whisper. "I just waited too long..."
Lena looked at Kara in confusion, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean? You could play out scenarios?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and concern.
Kara opened her lips to answer, but for a moment she seemed to be searching for the right words. Then she took a deep breath, her eyes filled with pain and regret. "It's hard to explain," she began quietly. "Do you remember Mxy? He was sentenced by the court to make amends for his misdeeds. Since he also owed me something, he offered to save our friendship. Mxy sent me to a point in our past, where I could reveal my secret identity to you and then see how you would have reacted and how the timeline would have changed. If I had been satisfied with the result, Mxy would have made it real."
"Kara..." Lena looked at her in shock. "It's very dangerous to mess with time. You didn't really do that, did you?"
"Oh yes... and it's only gotten worse each time. On my first attempt, I chose the time just before Mercy Graves attacked L-Corp. We were sitting on the couch in your office, having lunch. While I was dealing with the attack, you fled all the way to Metropolis to talk to Sam. You were worried that I would think you were a villain, like the rest of your family, but luckily Sam was able to calm you down and convince you otherwise. I was happy and was about to use that timeline right away, but then Agent Liberty poisoned the atmosphere with kryptonite, and you didn't get back in time to save my life with your anti-kryptonite suit."
"Oh my God, you died?" Lena asked, horrified.
"Hmm...well, understandably, I didn't take the timeline, but kept trying. The second time, I tried to prevent us from fighting over the kryptonite you had created to fight Reign. That attempt ended with you trying to stop Reign without kryptonite, but it failed, and you died in my arms. Rao, that was such a horrible feeling... losing you like that... unable to save you... and it felt so real, like my whole world had collapsed, like I'd lost everything, again." Kara sniffed and felt her eyes moisten.
Lena leaned forward and placed her hand on Kara's knee to comfort her. Their eyes met again. Tension hung in the air of that small booth after Kara's confession, until Lena sighed softly and broke eye contact.
"Well, uh... attempt three," Kara continued, her voice husky. She quickly took a sip of water from the glass in front of her. "Mxy and I went all the way back. It was one of our first meetings in your office and you're telling me you didn't come here to make friends. Well, I just flew out the window at superspeed as Kara Danvers. That reality was going so well. We became partners and did so much good for the city. A Luthor and a Super."
The friends grinned at these words. "When Lilian was on trial, you were asked on the witness stand to reveal Supergirl's identity, but you refused." Kara seemed proud, but then her expression darkened. "And then everything went wrong in my attempt. Lockwood kidnapped you and blackmailed me into revealing my real name. And since I and the DEO simply couldn't find you, I did it. I was able to save you, but my other friends became the target of the Children of Freedom. Alex, Winn, Jonn, even Cat Grant. All of them were murdered."
This time Lena had tears in her eyes, and Kara comforted her with a hug. When Lena had recovered, Kara spoke again: "Well, I was completely devastated by this. I thought I'd finally found the right time, but that was just an illusion. And then I was so desperate that I thought it would probably be best if we had never met or become friends."
Kara sighed sadly and looked Lena straight in the eyes. "Rao, it was hell. When Lex's drones attacked your helicopter, I wasn't there, and the helicopter crashed. Severely injured, you were kidnapped by Cadmus, transformed into a Metallo variant, and returned to National City two years later, killed Lex, and took over the city as a tyrannical dictator. You declared Supergirl a terrorist. When we met, you didn't recognize me, Kara, and attacked me. Because I didn't want to fight you, your Metallo version killed me with her kryptonite heart."
Lena's face was pale, the color draining from her cheeks, leaving her skin almost transparent. Her eyes were wide open, filled with fear, insecurity, and a deep inner fragility. It was as if a dark shadow had passed over her heart, a shadow revealing all her doubts, fears, and the dark thoughts she had long carried with her. If she had never met Kara, if her mother had exerted such a strong influence on her, she would have become a villain.
A part of Lena had always feared that a dark side lurked within her, a side that could one day turn against everything and everyone, against the good, against what she once stood for. She was afraid that if she took the wrong path, she would become a villain, a shadow of herself. This fear was like a cold stab in her heart, intensifying the more she thought about it. And now, as she looked at Kara, she realized that this fear wasn't unfounded. There had been a time when Kara had called her a villain, a memory that pierced her heart like a painful stab. And if she was honest with herself, that had been justified. Because she had acted wrongly.
"When exactly had that been?" Lena asked, her voice trembling, barely above a whisper. Her words were laced with uncertainty about whether she could even bear the truth. "When you were able to consider those options?" She already knew the answer, but asking felt like an act of self-destruction, an attempt to pull the truth from within her.
Kara bit her lower lip, her eyes lowered in shame, as if she were ashamed of what she was about to say. Her voice was soft, almost fragile, as she answered: "I flew to you afterward and landed on your balcony. You thought I was going to apologize again, or dissuade you from working with Lex. But I told you that you had to take responsibility for your actions now. That I would be there for you if you could forgive me. But I wouldn't blame myself anymore, because I can't change it." Her eyes searched Lena, trying to convey the truth and the remorse in her gaze.
Lena listened, her thoughts swirling like a storm in her head. The words echoed within her as her heart grew heavy. And then, in a voice barely more than a sharp breath, she said, "You called me a villain." The words were sharp, almost like a dagger piercing Kara. It wasn't an accusation, but a painful realization, an acknowledgment of her inner brokenness.
Kara seemed to hold her breath for a moment, her eyes filled with regret and pain. Then she began to speak in a voice that trembled and was filled with regret: "Oh Rao, that wasn't my intention, Lena. Please believe me, I never considered you a villain. Yes, I had some doubts at the time, but I would never give up on you. I wanted to pull you out of the abyss you were hanging in, you just wouldn't let me..."
"It was definitely a wake-up call for me. I always assumed you wouldn't give up, but that evening I thought I'd gone too far. That even Supergirl had no hope left." Lena's lips formed a tentative smile that expressed more pain than joy, but also a trace of hope slowly stirring within her. "And it was only my pride that kept me from coming back to you," Lena added quietly as she closed her eyes to hold back the tears.
Lena was grateful to Kara for bringing some clarity to this memory. She looked at her friend, her eyes full of understanding and love, and knew they had gone through those dark times together.
"But you came back," Kara said with a warm smile. "Knocked on my door and asked for help. And since then, our friendship has been stronger than ever. No secrets, no lies, no more doubts standing between us." Her voice was full of conviction as she smiled broadly at Lena, as if to say: We've overcome everything, together.
Lena smiled back, a genuine, warm smile that reflected the relief and joy she felt. "I'm more than glad about that, too," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. "Because I really missed you. Angry, yes, but also missed you." A small laugh escaped her and for a moment, everything seemed to be right again. The darkness that had previously surrounded them gave way to a feeling of connection and understanding.
After a few hours of flying, they reached a small island. They then took a ferry for another hour to a neighboring island. There was a cute little harbor town with a shopping area, small cafes, a farmers' market, and a resort. The taxi took them out of town to the other side of the island. The road led through a tropical jungle. Lena saw the beach house looming in the distance and was sure that the next two weeks would be something very special.