Chapter Text
"Dr. Kieran is ready to see you," Jess says politely.
"Thank you," the blonde responds. She moves to follow the short assistant and goes through the door Jess opens for her. The door closes behind her with a thud.
A young doctor in a white coat approaches the blonde with her hand outstretched in greeting, "Hello. You must be Ms. Danvers. I'm Dr. Kieran."
The blonde reaches out hesitantly with a tight smile and shakes her hand. "Hi. Please, call me Kara."
"Well, Kara. Feel free to call me Lena. Dr. Hamilton let me know that this appointment is just to confirm the latest results. Just to have a second pair of eyes."
The doctor holds out her hand to have Kara sit across from her at her desk. Dr. Kieran pulls up the medical chart on her computer and studies it. The patient interrupts her.
"It's bad news isn't it."
Dr. Kieran can hear her voice become so small and broken. She looks up to see the blonde woman picking at her nails and tears filling her eyes. She summons as much warmth in her voice as she can, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm just verifying the results to ensure I give you the correct information. From what I'm seeing, your cancer is in complete remission, Kara. It's good news."
Blue eyes snap up and stare with disbelief. Tears stream down her face. A nervous hope fills her. "Are- are you sure?"
"I'm sure. You're cancer free." Lena smiles brightly at her. These are the good days, watching patients realize they still have their entire lives ahead of them. "We will still want to follow and have you test regularly to make sure it doesn't come back."
Kara starts sobbing uncontrollably. She chokes out apologies. Dr. Kieran moves around her desk to sit in the second chair meant for patients and holds Kara's hands in her own.
"It's okay, Kara. Take all the time you need. Do you want to call anyone with me here to answer any questions?" the doctor asks softly.
Kara shakes her head. "I- I never told anyone about it."
Lena's face drops. For every cancer patient, they always encourage having a strong support system in place of family and friends. "Y-you never told anyone?"
Kara shakes her head in denial. "I- I didn't want to bother them with this."
"Kara," Dr. Kieran says carefully. "I'm sure your family and friends and loved ones would want to know."
They sit in silence together, Kara's hands still in Lena's. Kara gets control of her sobs slowly, letting them turning them into hiccups.
"Do you have anyone who can pick you up and drive you home? You shouldn't drive like this."
Kara shakes her head, squeezing the doctor's hands. "I came on the bus. I'll be okay."
Something about the woman pulls at her. She can't deny that Kara is a beautiful woman, but something deeper than her looks is beautiful. Lena doesn't believe in a soul, but if she did, Kara has a beautiful soul. She can't stand to think Kara suffering through this on her own or even being alone once she leaves the office. An idea pops in Dr. Kieran's mind, and before she can process it, she opens her mouth in a rushed whisper. "How about I give you a ride home?"
Kara looks confused. "Y- you don't need to that."
"I want to. You shouldn't be alone right now. This is a lot to process and telling someone right now means you have to go through everything since you started seeing Dr. Hamilton two years ago. Let me make sure you get home safely?"
"B-but it's the middle of the day. Don't you have more appointments?" Kara asks hesitantly.
Lena smiles softly at the woman. "Actually, I don't really practice traditional medicine. I don't have patients; I'm a researcher."
"Then, why did you agree to see me?" Kara's head tilts to the size with an adorable crinkle between her eyes.
Lena's thumbs start to rub the backs of Kara's hands comfortingly. "I did this as a favor to Dr. Hamilton. We are good friends, and you made an impression on him. He wanted to be sure, so he asked me to review your medical information and meet with you."
The crinkle gets deeper and more pronounced. "If you aren't a doctor that sees patients, why you?"
Lena lets out a sigh as she leans back, her hands slipping out of the blondes. They both immediately feel the loss. Lena looks at the floor as she explains. "I suspect because the experimental treatment you were on was one that I developed. I'm the best qualified to read the results."
Kara's shocked to say the least. "Y-you created my medicine?"
"I created an experimental medication therapy to treat various forms of cancer," Lena says a bit morosely.
"Why do you sound defeated about it? You quite literally saved me." Kara leans forward and take the doctor's hands in her own.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. This is fantastic news." Lena tries to smile, but it doesn't quite meet her eyes. She is thrilled that the medicine is helping people, but it isn't doing it at the rates she intended. It was meant to cure cancer. She still hasn't achieved it.
Kara notices that she is conflicted. "If it's something you can't share, I understand. But if you can and want to talk about it, I'm here."
Lena blushes and looks away momentarily. "This is supposed to be an appointment for you."
"Well, people say I'm a good listener. I got my good news, and I get to thank my savior personally. The least I can do is listen." Kara squeezes her hands.
Lena clears her throat. "Well, I've been stuck as of late with no progress. I've been on a sabbatical to take a break and let my brain rest. When I get focused on a project, I tend to put my all into it. I- I haven't been able to get back into it. Every time I try something, I fail."
Kara can hear the anger and frustration coming from the raven haired doctor. She lets a silence settle before speaking softly. "Well, clearly there was progress because you just told me that I'm in remission. I don't have cancer anymore."
Lena smirks a bit. "And that is why I think Dr. Hamilton wanted me to see you. He didn't give me your records until about an hour before this appointment. I had no idea you were one of the patients trialing it."
"He's a smart man," Kara says with a soft smile.
Lena smiles back. "That he is. And now I can see how you've made such an impression on him. You are incredibly... disarming."
"Is that a good or a bad thing?"
"I don't know... yet. How about I drive you home now that you got me to bare my petty problems?"
Kara scoffs, "Those are hardly petty problems. When you cure cancer, remember to thank me when you accept the Nobel Peace Prize for keeping you on track."
Lena lets out a melodic, fully body laugh. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kara opens her mouth and shuts it, debating herself internally. She gulps down a lump in her throat. Maybe its the high of being cancer free; maybe its the incredibly smart and beautiful woman sitting across from her. "Instead of you driving me home, can I take you out for a thank you lunch?"
This time Lena looks confused, but she still has a smile on her face. "A thank you lunch?"
"Yeah. You saved my life, and as you said, I can't tell anyone without having to deal with telling them everything. Please?" Kara unleashes her best puppy pout. She can see the doctor's resolve weakening.
Lena knows she shouldn't cross that boundary, but technically, Kara isn't her patient. The blonde already managed to turn her own appointment into processing Lena's insecurities. Letting out a deep breath. "Alright, I will go to lunch with you. But I pay to celebrate your good news."
Kara's eyes narrow. "This was supposed to be to thank you lunch."
"Well, I'm turning it into a celebration," Lena challenges. "Take it or leave it."
"Fine," Kara relents. She will have to come up with a way to repay her.
Kara patiently waits for Lena to hang up her lab coat and gather her belongings. Kara lets out a breath. In the span of the last half and hour, she found out she doesn't have cancer anymore, met the woman who developed the medication that saved her, and now is going out with that said woman to share a meal. She watches the doctor carefully. Kara was so distracted when she first walked into the office, she hadn't noticed that she was shorter and so attractive. Of course she noticed those forest green eyes and dark hair. Those red lips and pale skin is a killer combination.
"Ready?"
Kara is snapped out of her reverie. "Yeah."
Lena guides the blonde to the parking garage. When she points out the Tesla, Kara's eyes widen. She gulps as she eyes the doctor carefully. Lena just chuckles at the comical response. "Come now. I'm a doctor. A successful one - most of the time."
Kara just nods and silently slips into the passenger seat. Lena pauses while carefully watching the blonde's discomfort. "I can always drive you straight home. No hard feelings."
Blue eyes snap up to intoxicating green. "What? No! I- I'm just a bit shocked. When I meet people with wealth, well... let's just say you are nothing like them."
Lena eases the car out into the street. "I definitely want to hear more about that. But, first, what's your favorite food?"
Without any hesitation, "Potstickers."
Lena arches her brow and hums. "I'm guessing one of my favorite restaurants serves that. If not, I know the chef." Lena makes a few turns to head towards the other side of town.
They ride mostly in silence, just asking simple questions. Kara is silently trying to work out where the doctor is taking her. She knows almost every restaurant in the city that serves potsickers, but the district they are headed for doesn't have one to her knowledge. When Lena pulls up to a valet, Kara's jaw drops.
"Dr. Kieran!"
"Please, it's Lena."
"This is way to expensive!"
"Successful doctor remember?"
"I'm too underdressed."
"Oh, now you're just trying to come up with excuses. You look great."
Kara blushes profusely. Lena puts her car in park and turns to her passenger. "Kara, I promise you it'll be okay. Like I said, I know the chef. It's lunch hour, and I promise no one will care if you are wearing a cocktail dress versus your pajamas. What do you think?"
"I- I'm sorry. I'm just out of my depth here a bit. You were gracious enough to turn this into a celebration lunch, and I've been rude." Kara looks down into her lap, playing with her sweater nervously.
Lena tilts her head and angles it down, trying to get Kara to look at her. She's careful to keep her voice soft and comforting. "Hey, you of all people do not need to apologize today. I'm sure this is all a lot to process. If this is too much, I can still take you home."
Lena holds up a solitary finger towards the valet to give them a moment in privacy. The doctor struggles to let the silence settle around them, but she absolutely does not want to rush the young woman into a decision. She starts to question what they were doing. Kara just found out she is cancer free and instead of going out with family and friends, she is going out with a woman she just met. Lena is about to call the whole thing off herself when Kara interrupts her thoughts.
"Thank you, Lena, for understanding. Yes, let's go eat. I know you said I shouldn't apologize, but I'm going to. I'm not quite myself today. From being anxious for the results to being relieved that the treatment worked... it's a lot. But, I would still like to have lunch with you."
Lena smiles warmly at the blonde before she exits the car. She rounds to the passenger side just in time to hold out her hand for Kara. The doctor lets her hand slip away just as they get to the door. Lena is sure to be the perfect gentlewoman and hold to door open and guide her in with her hand on the small of Kara's back. The hostess brightens once she sees it's the doctor that has come.
"Lena! It's so good to see you! It's been to long."
"Hi, Eve. Could you let the chef know we are here?"
"Of course! She would probably murder me and cook me if she didn't find out you where here."
Eve quickly takes them to the doctor's usual booth in the corner of the restaurant. She provides them with menus before rushing to the kitchen. Kara quickly reviews the menu to see if the blonde's precious potstickers are on the menu. She doesn't have to look too long because those strong shoulders slump across from her. Lena smiles to herself, fully prepared to brighten Kara's mood again.
"Lena freaking Luthor."
Lena rolls her eyes as she quickly stands up to hug the chef. Kara looks puzzled. She doesn't tune into the chitchat until she hears her own name.
"This is Kara, and we are here to celebrate. She would really love some potstickers. Think you can do it, Sam?"
"Think I can do it? Ye of little faith. I haven't made potstickers in ages, but I'm happy to whip them up." Sam smiles brightly at the blonde. She extends her hand. "Hi, Kara. I'm Sam."
Kara shakes it. "Hi, Sam. Nice to meet you."
"Are you vegetarian or any restrictions I should know about?"
"No. I love meat. No allergies or restrictions. I can always just order off the menu; I don't want to be a bother."
"Oh, honey. It's not a bother at all. Besides, I'm about to give you the best potstickers you have ever had." Sam has a silent conversation with the doctor, trying to figure out who she is to her best friend.
"Well, I'll send out some appetizers. Lena, I'll make you something special, too. Now, sit. Enjoy each other's company. I'll check in on you later." Sam heads back into the kitchen as Lena seats herself again.
"Why did she call you Luthor? I thought your last name was Kieran?" Kara asks quietly.
"You caught that, did you? My last name truly is Luthor. I go by Kieran because of the stain the Luthor name is. I- I'd really appreciate if you keep this to yourself. I don't advertise that Lena Kieran is the same person as Lena Luthor."
"Lena Luthor: why does that name ring a bell?"
Lena sighs. A sad smile fills her face. "Most likely because you have heard of my brother: Lex Luthor of Luthor Corp."
Kara's eyes widen at the realization. "Y-you're..."
Lena's face falls. Tears well up in her eyes. It rarely goes over well when someone finds out her true identity. She knows that Sam didn't mean to let it slip, but she's a bit mad at her best friend. She swallows a lump in her throat before getting out in as steady of a voice she can manage, "i-if you want to leave, I can get you a cab home."
Kara is quick to hold out her hands, hoping Lena will will place her hands there. In a soft and caring voice, "Lena, look at me?"
Lena shakes her heads keeping her eyes firmly down.
"Please?"
Kara waits patiently for those perfect green eyes to meet hers. "Can I hold your hands?"
Lena tentatively brings her hands up and slips them gently into the callused, tanned ones. Kara squeezes them reassuringly. "I'm not judging you. I was just surprised because you are so different from your brother. I never would have guessed that you were from the same family. You are your own person, and you are the person that developed an effective treatment for cancer."
Tears trickle out of Lena's eyes. She can't wipe them away because her hands are enveloped in Kara's. She almost doesn't believe the words that came from the blonde. She sniffles.
"Oh, no. Please don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry," Kara pleads.
"What lab were you created in?" Lena chuckles and cries. She can't bare to let go of Kara's hands, so she brings both their hands up so she can wipe away tears with the back of her own.
Kara smiles and looks a bit confused. "What do you mean?"
"Today was supposed to be all about you. And not only did you have to listen to my woes at work, but you also have managed to find out that my family is greedy and immoral. And somehow, you are still sitting in front of me. Most people run for the hills once they find out I'm a Luthor."
"Well, I'm not most people, and I don't like being fussed over. You gave me good news, and I hope I can bring you some happiness today."
Lena says in a small voice, "You already have. Thank you, Kara."
"There is nothing to thank me for."
The women are interrupted by Sam bringing out some fresh appetizers. She eyes Lena carefully with her tear streaked face. The doctor smiles up at her and mouths that she is alright. They thank Sam as she heads back into kitchen. They smile softly at each other before digging in. Lena's face drops when Kara lets out a loud, deep, filthy moan with the first bite.
"This is so good," she moans with her mouth full.
Lena quickly gathers herself. "Sammy is the best chef in National City."
Kara tries another bite of a different appetizer. She lets out an impossibly filthier moan at the flavor. This time, Lena chokes on her own bite. Kara quickly rushes to her side and pats her back.
"Lena! Are you alright?"
Lena nods her head as she continues to cough gracelessly. She croaks out, "I'm fine," before chugging some water to clear her throat.
Kara returns to her seat, watching the doctor carefully just to make sure she truly is alright. They enjoy the food and each other's company. Before they know it, Sam is bringing out the main dish. Kara gets a variety of potstickers that look absolutely scrumptious. Lena gets a healthy quinoa, tofu, stir fry bowl overflowing with green vegetables. Sam hovers for each of their first bites. Both women hum in delight. Lena offers up a forkful to Kara.
She scrunches her nose at all the green healthy things. "I don't do vegetables."
Lena blinks slowly. "I'm sorry... You don't do vegetables?"
Kara nods vigorously as Sam and Lena share a look. Kara hesitates before offering Lena one of her beloved potstickers. In true fashion, she pinches and holds it out with her fingers rather than using a fork. Lena simply leans forward and takes a careful bite. Her lips brush against Kara's fingertips before she lets out a sinful moan. Kara blushes and immediately thinks it is worth it to share one.
"Sam, you outdid yourself again," she says as she crews the potsticker.
Sam watches the whole action and chuckles. "I think you are the one outdoing yourself. Enjoy, ladies. Let me know if there is anything I can get you."
Lena gives a puzzled look at her friend as she retreats to the kitchen. Lena turns her attention back to the blonde. They share their meal in great comfort. They are joking and laughing like they have been friends their entire lives. Lena talks about how she got into research. Kara explains that she meets all the horrible, rich people while writing articles for Catco. The blonde profusely promises to not reveal Lena's identity in the magazine. Lena oddly trusts her with ease.
Kara finishes her meal quickly, practically inhaling the potstickers. Lena takes her time, enjoying the flavors of the stir fry. By the end of the meal, both women are relaxed with smiles on their faces. Sam comes out to check on them and bring out a secret dessert she had been whipping up. "How was everything, ladies?"
"Sam, best potstickers ever," Kara praises. "And that is not a title I give lightly."
Same smiles and laughs. "Well, I promise not to let it go to my head. I also whipped up some pineapple tarts for dessert."
Kara stares in awe and disbelief. "You are my favorite."
"Are you talking to me or the food?" Sam jokes.
Kara looks up, "Both."
Lena playfully scoffs. "Sure, she brings you food, so she's your favorite."
Kara holds Lena's hand gently. "Ah, don't be upset. She is my favorite, but you are my hero."
Lena's pale cheeks flush. Sam just has a knowing smile on her face as she slips back to the kitchen, allowing them some privacy. It's seems to her that Lena has finally met her match. Sam will have to take her out one night and get some drinks in her to learn the story.
Lena gathers herself again from being thrown off by the beautiful woman in front of her. "Well, despite your superpower of diverting attention, this is to celebrate you and your future. Congratulations, Kara."
Kara's face turns pink, and she looks away, biting her lip. She softly whispers, "Thank you."
The women delight in the dessert. Kara eats all of hers in a split second, and then eyes Lena's plate since she doesn't finish the tart. The doctor smirks at the blonde's very unsubtle hint that she wants to eat what's left. Lena pushes the plate the rest of the way and smiles at the way Kara lights up. Lena watches amusedly as Kara demolishes the last of the dessert.
"Shall I take you home?" Lena asks.
Kara's smile falls slightly. "Yeah, I suppose I've taken enough of your time."
"You haven't taken anything, Kara. I've enjoyed this time with you." Lena's brows furrow. "I'd love to spend more time with you, but surely you have your job or other responsibilities to get back to?"
Kara can't bring herself to look at those piercing eyes. "Yeah, I suppose."
"Kara, darling, what's wrong?" Lena asks with nothing but kindness in her voice.
"Nothing. Let's just go." Kara looks defeated.
Lena is confused as to the sudden change in the blonde's mood. She wonders if it was something she said or what caused it. As the doctor get up and hold out her hand, Kara doesn't take it as she stands. Kara fishes out her wallet from her messenger bag.
"Hey, hey. I said I would take care of this. Put your money away."
"I can't let you do that."
"Sam is going to put it on my tab. We don't have to pay right now. Come on. Let's get out of here." Lena wants to hold Kara's hand, but she is careful not to push any boundaries.
The valet quickly brings around the Tesla. Lena opens the door for Kara and shuts it carefully. The doctor is trying to figure out how to cheer up the blonde again, but she can't figure out what went wrong to begin with. As Lena slips into the driver's seat, she looks up from fastening her seatbelt. Kara's crying silently in the passenger seat. Lena turns her body as best as possible. She takes Kara's face in her hands and wipes the tears away with her thumbs. The blonde collapses into her arms and lets loose body wracking sobs. Lena holds her tightly and lets her cry. Lena shoos off the valet from watching as she just lets Kara cry it out.
Once Kara gathers herself, Lena pulls back a bit. "Is there somewhere I can take you to be more comfortable?"
"C-can you drive me home, please?"
"Of course."
Kara provides Lena with her address. It's a good 20 minutes drive. Lena glances over at the blonde frequently to make sure she was doing alright. She breaks her heart to see her so hurt. In such a short amount of time, the doctor finds that the woman has wormed her way into her heart. As she pulls up, she asks where she can park. Kara guides her to the back parking lot.
"Kara, do you have someone here for you? I don't think you should be alone right now," Lena asks cautiously.
Kara simply shakes her head no.
"Do you want to be alone?"
Kara shakes her head again.
"Do you want to call anyone?"
Again, Kara shakes her head.
Lena pauses for a split second before asking, "Do you want me to come inside with you?"
Kara looks at her lap. She plays with her sweater again. Silence fills the space for just a few heavy moments - before she nods her head yes. Lena doesn't hesitate. She opens her door and moves around the car to open Kara's. She helps the woman out and guides her into the building. They take the elevator to the third floor as Kara digs through her bag for her apartment keys. When Kara holds the door open for the doctor, Lena appraises her surroundings. The apartment just fits Kara. She smiles to herself at the homey and comfortable atmosphere. Kara drops the bag heavily before she breaks down into tears again.
Lena is quick to scoop her up into a tight hug. She comfortingly shushes in her ear as she asks if they should move somewhere comfortable. When she feels the nod of approval, the doctor guides them to the couch in the living room. Thankfully, the apartment is an open concept and makes navigating it easy for them both. As soon as they reach the couch, Lena sits them both while still holding the woman in her arms. Kara curls up into Lena's lap. They don't share any words. Lena just calmly rubs her hands up and down Kara's back while holding her tight.
After a while, Kara's sobs die down. They turn into hiccups that turn into heavy breaths. Kara falls limp against Lena, fast asleep. The doctor can't bring herself to wake her up. Through med school, she's definitely slept in worse places in more uncomfortable positions. Lena just holds her tight and scoots them to be as comfy as possible before shutting her own eyes. Lena struggles with the idea that there is no one in the blonde's life to help her through this. Kara is such an amazing woman; she must have friends and family that love her. Lena quickly succumbs to sleep with the warm weight on top of her and full stomach. The sleep the afternoon away.