Chapter Text
"You're so human."
"Kara."
Kara's had enough.
Weeks have passed since Kara's been using her powers at work. Weeks since noticing how Cat likes her coffee. Weeks of trying to make Cat's life the easiest it can be. And of course, Kara isn't saying that Cat owes her anything. It's just that it's frustrating.
Cat is frustrating Kara. Beyond the usual amount. Because Kara can see Cat. Almost a year of watching Cat. Looking at her. Looking for nonverbal cues. Like when she needs an extra strength tylenol instead of a regular strength one.
It's when she starts sighing heavily while reviewing layouts. That's the first step. It's followed by Cat rubbing continuous circles into her temple. Next, she'll reach for the cup closest to her desk. It's full of m&m's. She'll sigh again because it isn't something stronger. She'll then look wistfully to the single bottle of bourbon she keeps at the bar.
Kara picks up on theses things, so that's how she knows that Cat is holding back. Not to toot her own horn, but Kara is aware of how she looks. By Earth and Krypton standards, she's beautiful.
Physically.
She remembers Alex mapping out the symmetry of her face when they were teenagers. Alex gruffed at how much more symmetrical Kara's face was than her's. Kara assured her that that wasn't true.
"Alexandria, I think you're beautiful too. I like how when you smile you get this smart look in your eyes. It looks like trouble. Like you're planning something."
"Alex."
"Alex?"
"You can call me Alex. My friends do."
Kara immediately gave her soon to be signature puppy eyes. Quick to diffuse the heaviness—and really Alex didn't want to make Kara cry. If only for the fact it's messy. And loud.
"Besides only Mom calls me Alexandria when she's upset at me. So just call me Alex, okay?"
Kara nods her head vigorously.
God she really looks like a puppy.
So she knows she's attractive. She also knows that Cat's gaze has started to linger. And that's how they're here. After hours, beginning an argument that for all intents and purposes, is no longer work related.
"You are. You're so human. What is it? Is it your shared societal notion that fluidity in sexuality doesn't exist? Or are you too scared to admit how you feel? Is Catherine Grant finally scared of something?"
"Kara."
It was only her name but it was as strong as a warning as any. Here's where Kara would normally concede. Normally being the key word. But as the night is going thus far, nothing's fucking normal. So Kara does the opposite.
"Again."
Cat doesn't know how to respond. Again, this is abnormal.
"Say it again."
Confusion clouds her face momentarily, but then it softens in recognition.
"Kara."
It's spoken so lightly. It's reverent almost. Kara closes her eyes. The content hum that leaves her mouth is almost an amen.
"Cat."
You probably guessed it by now, but yup not normal.
"Cat."
"Kara's going for two. Bold," Cat thought.
"Please say my full name."
Now it's Cat's turn to release a shudder of a breath.
Never one to do as she's told. Cat gives her a prelude to the answer Kara wants. Still trying to give Kara an out for the line that's about to be crossed.
"Now, Kara. Darling, are you aware of what you're asking? Of the implications of this," she gesticulates with a flick of her wrist, "entire conversation? Hmm? Because accusing someone of being quote on quote, too human is a pretty alien thing to say.
Kara makes to answer. Cat cuts her off.
"Alien in the sense of not normal of course. Heaven forbid I accuse you of being say, a certain blonde cape crusader who begrudgingly looks amazing in leather red boots, yet again. Right, Kara?"
Eyes doing the full front of her pleading, Kara just says one word.
"Please."
Cat, jumping to give Kara anything and everything, willingly complies."
"Kara. Kara Zor-El. Do you really think I'm scared of loving you? Of admitting that I've probably always have been in love with you ever since the moment you surpassed the first lobbed obstacle set before you? Most of them by me. That even before you took up the mantle of National City's Girl of Steel that I haven't been utterly and thoroughly impressed by you? The Kara Danvers side of you."
God, Cat might regret this whole professing proclamation if Kara keeps looking at her like that. She soilders on.
"Kara Zor-El, you are smart. You are talented. And astonishing. All of you. Both halves. How many times am I going to have to say it for you to accept it?"
A bubble laugh escaped Kara's lips.
"God, that must mean she's happy, right? Get it together Cat. This is just like reading another person you've interviewed before," Cat thought.
"Do you mean that?"
"Kara, darling, when have you ever known me to say something I don't mean?"
"Never. Do you think- can I kiss you right now?"
"God, yes."
And so they kiss. It's a lot of teeth. They can't stop smiling. Kara's smile is too contagious and honestly Cat's just so fucking happy.
They kiss and it's not to a fading sunset, but to fading office lights in the buildings around Catco. If they're both honest, it's kinda perfect. However much of a headache it'll be for HR, it's nice that their first kiss was on Cat's balcony in Cat's office. Cat's office being the first place Ms. "ordinary" Kara Danvers walked in for her interview with Cat.
Cat starts thinking about the new job that Kara will need. No, she won't fire her. She's not a sleaze of a CEO, but she definitely can't continue this with Kara if she's in a position of any capacity of authority. Professionally at least. And she remembers where's she's at. Inside Kara's embrace. And what she's doing. Kissing Kara. And all the logistics can wait till the following work day.