Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Lena Luthor stood in the middle of her newly purchased living room, surrounded by unpacked boxes, the scent of fresh paint lingering in the air. A deep breath filled her lungs a breath that felt lighter, as if the weight of Metropolis had finally begun to lift from her shoulders. It felt liberating to be here.

“Mommy, I want pizza!” the sound of her daughter Leni’s voice cut through Lena’s thoughts. The little girl, a spitting image of Lena with dark hair and bright eyes, was sprawled on the floor, playing with a plush bear. Leni’s cheerful spirit always warmed Lena’s heart.

“Pizza sounds like a great idea, sweetie,” Lena replied with a smile, plopping herself down on the floor next to her. “What kind do you want?”

“Pepperoni! With extra cheese!” Leni exclaimed, bouncing with excitement. “Can we get the big one so we have leftovers?”

“Of course! It’s our first dinner in our new house. We need to celebrate!” Lena took her phone from her pocket and scrolled through a search she had done earlier for local pizzerias. Danver's Pizzeria had received excellent reviews and even had a cozy look to it.

She tapped the app and ordered a large pepperoni pizza with extra cheese. While waiting for the food, Leni continued to buzz about their new home, talking animatedly about how she wanted to decorate her room.

“I want unicorns and fairies, Mommy!” Leni exclaimed, her imagination vivid.

“Of course, we can make that happen,” Lena said, smiling at her daughter's enthusiasm.

As the timer for the delivery ticked down, Lena couldn’t shake off the feeling of anxiety gnawing at her. It was strange to feel free yet uneasy at the same time. But every laugh from Leni reminded her why they had made this leap.

*Knock! Knock*

“Pizza’s here!” Leni shouted, sprinting toward the door. Lena laughed softly, wiping her palms on her jeans before following closely behind.

When Lena opened the door, there stood a tall, blonde woman with long hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. She wore a bright red Danver's Pizzeria shirt and a pair of thick glasses perched on her nose. Her blue eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and nervousness, and a wide, shy smile appeared on her face.

“Hello! I’m here to deliver your pizza!” the woman said, her voice warm yet somewhat jittery. “Um, I hope you like it. I mean, it’s from Danver’s, so it should be good!”

“Thank you! We ordered a large pepperoni.” Lena smiled back, a gentle sense of camaraderie growing. She noticed the woman’s cheeks turn a faint shade of pink.

“Right! Large pepperoni!” The woman fumbled with the pizza bag, almost dropping it in her eagerness to set it down eyes glancing at the empty boxes littering the living room. “I hope you’re settling in well! National City is super great, you know? I’ve lived here forever! Well, more like a couple years, but it’s still forever! Haha uh…sorry. I tend to ramble.”

Lena couldn’t help but chuckle. “No worries at all. I’m Lena, and this is my daughter, Leni.”

“Hi, Leni!” The woman waved enthusiastically. “I’m Kara, like the…uh, like the…super kind?” She giggled awkwardly, clearly flustered. “You know, from the ‘Super’ city? If there was an official title for me, it would be ‘Super Pizza Delivery Girl.’”

Leni giggled, captivated by Kara’s odd charm. “Do you really have super powers?” she asked, her eyes wide with certainty.

“Maybe! I mean, I can eat a lot of pizza. That’s a power, right?” Kara laughed, tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

“Totally! Mommy can eat a lot of pizza too!” Leni replied, looking up at Lena.

“Alright, alright, it’s a superpower we share,” Lena added, rolling her eyes playfully. "I guess we should join the league of pizza enthusiasts."

Kara beamed, clearly delighted by Leni’s cheerful banter. “It’s an exclusive group! Only the best pizza lovers can join!”

“Do you want to join our pizza party?” Leni suddenly asked, her little face lighting up with hope. “You can stay and eat pizza with us! It’s our first day in the house!”

“Oh, n-no, I couldn’t possibly,” Kara sputtered, her cheeks flushing even deeper. “Delivery people aren’t supposed to, um, hang around! That’s against the rules. And it’s, you know, not super safe you could be a criminal mastermind or…um or one of those pizza raiders! What if you’re just luring me in so you can steal my pizza delivery powers?”

Lena laughed, unable to resist the infectious enthusiasm radiating from both her daughter and Kara. “I assure you, we’re just trying to celebrate a new beginning here, no criminal masterminds involved and especially no pizza thieves!”

Kara punctuated her nervousness with a hearty laugh, “Well, that’s a relief! And I appreciate the trust, really! I’m just usually…you know, not great with social stuff.” She pressed the pizza bag into Lena’s hands. “But I hope you enjoy the pizza! I’ve read that it’s the best in town.”

“I’m sure it is! Thank you, Kara,” Lena said, settling the box on the entryway table. “You know, if you’re ever in the mood for some pizza yourself, all you have to do is stop by!”

“Really? Like, on purpose?” Kara said, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

“Yeah!. It’s a pizza party, after all!” Leni chimed in, practically bouncing in place. “We could have fun games and even some unicorn cake!”

Kara’s eyes sparkled, and for a brief moment, Lena could see a glimpse of how much the invitation meant to her. “Oh wow! Unicorn cake? You’re serious?”

“Of course! I can make it,” Leni said with all the confidence of a five-year-old who believed she could already bake masterpieces.

“Okay, I’m intrigued!” Kara clapped her hands, looking quite animated. “I’ve never been to a unicorn cake party before. What’s your secret ingredient? Rainbow sprinkles?”

“Definitely! And magic!” Leni giggled, her imagination running wild. She turned to Lena. “Mommy, can we invite her?”

Caught off guard by her daughter's enthusiasm, Lena felt her heart warm at the idea after years of tension and hiding, could she really open up her life to someone new? “Um, sure… if she’s interested.”

Kara’s eyes grew wide with possibility. “Would you really? I mean, that sounds amazing! But I’m not sure I could bring enough magic to the party, I don’t even have a cape… or pizza powers,” she stammered, looking more uncertain than enthusiastic.

“Every party needs a little weirdness!” Lena reassured her with a teasing smile. “I mean, look at us. We’re the Luthors, and we just moved here. We’re basically the front row to ‘Weird in National City.’”

Kara laughed nervously, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Okay, but if I do come, you both have to promise to keep it low-key. My friends tell me I can be a bit… oddly out of place.”

Leni beamed, clapping her hands. “You’ll fit right in! Mommy and I are both a little bit quirky.”

“Maybe even a lot quirky!” Lena added, her tone lighthearted.

“Wow, this place must be a haven for crazies!” Kara quipped, her bashfulness starting to melt away. “You won’t have a problem with a little pizza-obsessed girl and a delivery girl who can barely talk to humans, then?”

“Well, I’d say you’re handling this quite well. Look at you! You delivered the pizza without slipping or falling,” Lena encouraged, earning Kara’s shy smile.

“True! I’m like… a pizza pro!” Kara wiggled her eyebrows, trying to be silly, her awkwardness endearing. “And now I’m in a new town wearing a pizza shirt! Is there a badge for this?”

“I could make you a badge!” Leni squealed, already diving into an imaginary world where she handcrafted little awards. “Though, I might just use stickers, like the ones I got from school!”

“Oh, stickers! Awesome! I’ll take the biggest one you have, with flowers!” Kara was clearly enamored. “That would be, like, my ultimate pizza delivery badge!”

Lena watched the two energize each other, feeling a warmth settle in her chest. Maybe this was the kind of connection she needed right now a reminder that things could feel normal again, despite the chaos she had left behind.

As if reading Lena's mind, Kara said, “You know, I um, I actually do hope to see you again. I mean, the invitation and everything. And hey, if you need help around the house or someone to… uh, you know, help kid-proof the place or anything like that, I'm your girl.”

“Thanks, Kara,” Lena said, grateful for the offer. “I may take you up on that. A second set of eyes never hurts, and I could use a break. Moving into a new house is exhausting!”

“Tell me about it my apartment is basically a black hole of takeout boxes and laundry, and it also has a pretty impressive collection of dust bunnies,” Kara chimed in, laughing lightly. “You know, one time I found a dust bunny that had formed a mini-territorial empire under my couch. I think it had its own flag and everything!”

Lena laughed, picturing Kara battling dust bunnies as if they were supervillains. “I can only imagine how wild that must have been! Maybe we could join forces someday and tackle dust kingdoms together.”

Kara was grinning like a kid with a secret. “I’m totally down for that! We could even create an army of cleaning supplies—we’ll call it the ‘Dust Buster Brigade.’ Sounds epic!”

Before Lena could respond, her phone buzzed, cutting through the humorous moment. She picked it up, just glancing at it. But before she could share a small distraction, Kara’s phone buzzed too, causing her to look down at the screen.

“Oh, it’s Alex!” Kara’s expression shifted to concern. “She’s probably looking for me. I told her I’d be right back after this delivery.”

“Alex? Your… boss?” Lena asked, raising an eyebrow as she recalled Alex’s name from her earlier research about the Danvers family. They were pretty famous around these parts.

Kara nodded, her tone slightly flustered. “Yeah, well, more like my sister. She runs the whole delivery operation, and if I'm late, she gets freaked out. She’s pretty driven when it comes to the family business.”

“Sounds serious,” Lena said playfully, folding her arms and raising an eyebrow. “But it’s not like you can just make someone wait for pizza! There should be a law against that… and you’re adorable!”

Kara blushed again, tugging at her ponytail. “Thank you? But I really need to take this. I’ll make the next delivery and help you at your party, I promise!”

“Of course! Just call us when you’re free,” Leni chimed in, looking up at Kara with wide, hopeful eyes.

Kara’s expression softened. “I will! Just a sec!” She pulled out her phone, glancing at the text before answering with a flustered grin. “Hey, Alex! Uuh… I’m at the Luthors’! Yeah, delivering pizza! I’ll be back in a minute.”

From the other end, a voice echoed through her speaker, sounding stern yet slightly amused. “Kara, where are you? We’ve got more deliveries waiting! You said you’d be quick!”

Kara glanced back at Lena, mouthing, “Told you!”

“Sorry, Alex! I lost track of time! They’re really nice! Like, super nice,” Kara replied, her voice raising in nervous excitement. “And Leni even invited me to a pizza party with unicorn cakes! How could I resist?”

“First, focus on making your deliveries, Danvers. You can party later! Do you really want me to come down there?”

“No! No, Alex, please don’t! I’ll be right there! Just let me finish!”

Lena smiled, but she could see Kara’s face start to turn a delightful shade of crimson. She was clearly overwhelmed.

“Hey, we can wrap this up,” Lena said gently, putting a soothing hand on Kara’s arm. “We get it! Responsibilities come first.”

“What if I, um, bring the next pizza delivery here? You know, like, teleport it? That’s a superpower, right?” Kara joked, trying to lighten the mood. “Or is it more of a ‘wish upon a star’ kind of deal?”

Leni giggled, placing her hands on her hips dramatically. “I wish for a pizza fairy to bring pizza anytime I want it!”

With laughter hanging in the air, Lena could see Kara’s shoulders relax a little, grateful for the enjoyable distraction. But soon, Kara’s face shifted back to concern as the call continued.

“Kara! Seriously, find your way back to the shop!” Alex's voice edged toward annoyance. “I’m not letting you eat pizza without delivering it all first!”

Kara winced. “Okay, okay, I’m coming! I’ll just I’ll just hurry!” She turned back to Lena, her eyes wide. “I really have to go, but I promise, I won’t forget about you two! I can’t wait for unicorn cake and pizza parties!”

“We’ll make sure you get a slice or two,” Lena promised sincerely. “Just remember, we’re serious about the invitation!”

Kara nodded quickly, visibly torn between wanting to stay and the pressing call of duty. She flashed one last bright smile, her awkward charm still managing to shine through. “This was... really fun! I uh, I hope you two have an amazing pizza celebration! Bye, Leni! Bye, Lena!”

With that Kara walked away muttering to herself and pulling her pant leg, Lena watching her walk away. Lena looked at her daughter who had immediately began shoving pizza in her mouth. Lena finally felt peace.

Chapter Text

Weeks had flowed seamlessly into one another since Lena Luthor and her daughter, Leni, moved to National City. The summer sun gave way to the crisp mornings of early autumn, and the usual rhythm of life began to settle in. Leni was excited about her very first day of school, a new adventure that Lena tried to instill with as much positivity as possible.

“Mommy, what if I don’t make any friends?” Leni asked, her bright eyes clouded with nerves as she fiddled with the new unicorn-themed backpack strapped to her shoulders.

“Sweetheart, everyone feels nervous on their first day, even the other kids,” Lena replied, kneeling to meet Leni’s gaze, a warm smile playing on her lips. “Just be yourself, and I promise you’ll find friends who love unicorns as much as you do!”

Leni’s face lit up with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “You think so?”

“I know so,” Lena said confidently, giving Leni a gentle nudge. “You’re strong and amazing just like a unicorn! Now, let’s get you to school and show them!”

With that, the two of them stepped out, and as Lena strapped Leni into her car seat, Lena felt a pang of melancholy. The legal battle she faced to reclaim her company and her position felt like an uphill trek with every day bringing more complications. But she pushed those thoughts aside for now; it was Leni’s day.

After dropping Leni off, a sense of emptiness lingered as Lena returned home. She plunged back into the chaos of paperwork, phone calls, and mounting pressures. Mindlessly, she pushed through the day until fatigue began washing over her in waves.

Eventually, overwhelmed by the burden of it all, Lena decided it was time for a break. She drove herself to a quaint café a few blocks away called Noonan's, famous for its artisanal coffee and cozy atmosphere. It was the perfect retreat for someone needing a moment of solitude amid the storms brewing in her life.

As she pulled into the parking space, Lena's spirits lifted a fraction. The café had a welcoming vibe, with relaxing music playing softly in the background. She stepped inside and was greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

Meanwhile, across town, Kara Danvers was deep in her own world, juggling her duties as a pizza delivery girl in a city where she often felt pulled in multiple directions. It had been a hectic few weeks. Each day had been a blur of pickup orders, afternoon classes, and balancing her family life without letting her few friendships slip away.

Late afternoon found her at a bit of a lull between deliveries, and her stomach grumbled, reminding her about lunch, she decided to stop in to her favorite cafe for a quick pick-me-up and a bite before returning to her duties.

“Hey Emily!” she greeted the familiar barista with a wide grin. “Can I get a medium latte and one of those cupcakes with the sprinkles, please?”

“Absolutely! Coming right up!” the barista replied, amused by Kara’s enthusiasm.

As she waited, Kara’s eyes skimmed the café, and they widened slightly when she spotted a familiar figure at the back Lena Luthor. It had been several weeks since their brief encounter, but the memory was fresh in Kara’s mind. Leni’s invitation for pizza still echoed, and Kara felt a warm twinge of regret at not having reached out.

Kara took her coffee and cupcake and approached Lena’s table, determined to say hello. “Hey, Lena! Fancy seeing you here!”

Lena looked up, startled at first, before breaking into a welcoming smile. “Kara! What a surprise! How have you been?”

“Busy, like always! You know, saving the world one pizza delivery at a time,” Kara joked, taking a seat across from Lena. “What about you? How’s life as a new National City resident?”

“Challenging... but good,” Lena admitted, glancing down at her coffee as the gravity of her recent weeks settled in. “It’s been a whirlwind adjusting to everything here. Leni started school today, and I’m trying to figure out how to reclaim my company from my ex husband. I thought this move would wipe the slate clean, but it turns out the drama follows me.”

Kara frowned, her heart aching for Lena. “That sounds tough. I know you’re not one to back down from a challenge, though. If anyone can handle a jerk, it’s you.”

“Thank you,” Lena said, grateful for the support. “It’s just overwhelming. I thought I could come here and start fresh, but it seems life has other plans.”

“Life can be a big jerk sometimes,” Kara agreed, her tone earnest. “But hey, on the bright side, you’ve got Leni, and she seems like a ball of sunshine! Plus, you’re definitely not alone in this.”

Lena's smile grew at the mention of her daughter. “That’s true. Leni is my little ray of sunshine. She makes everything worth it. Still, I’d like to be able to provide her with a stable environment, and that feels like a constant battle right now.”

Kara nodded thoughtfully, her usual quirky demeanor giving way to sincere concern. “You’re doing amazing, though! I mean, look at you, having coffee and tackling life problems head-on. Plus, if you ever want to talk strategy or just need a distraction, I’m here! Pizza delivery is what I do best, but I’m also an expert in distracting myself with fun.”

“Speaking of pizza, I owe you a slice for that last delivery,” Lena chuckled, recalling the awkwardness of their first meeting. “Where have you been? I was hoping to invite you over for Leni’s unicorn cake party, but I think I lost your number.”

“Oh, I’ve been running around like crazy with deliveries, it’s been non-stop!” Kara replied, her animated gestures adding to her excitement. “But I promise, I am not avoiding your invite. I just... well, I didn’t expect you to actually want to hang out again after that whole ‘super awkward delivery’ situation!”

“Hey, I thought it was endearing!” Lena's reply was easy and quick, and she meant it. There was something infectious about Kara’s quirky nature a refreshing energy that Lena could really appreciate. “And it turns out I did like the sense of normalcy it brought. This city can feel incredibly lonely at times, even more so when you're trying to rebuild.”

Kara's blue eyes sparkled with understanding. “I totally get that! National City has its own flavor of quirks. Between the people and the craziness, it can be hilarious and chaotic at once. But it’s also home,” she added, playful yet sincere. “Plus, Leni sounds like a little joy-bringer with all her unicorn enthusiasm! We need that kind of joy around here.”

“Exactly!” Lena beamed at Kara's enthusiasm. “She does have a way of brightening the dullest of days. I could definitely use more of that in my life, even amidst the storms.”

As they continued catching up, the air between them turned lighter. Lena released some of the tension she had been carrying, buoyed by Kara's energy. The way Kara was more relaxed now made Lena appreciate their budding friendship and she felt a sense of relief that they had turned from acquaintances to something more meaningful.

“By the way,” Kara said, leaning in a little closer in playful secrecy, “I might have an idea. You know those delivery goggles they use at Danver’s? I can see if I can bribe the gang there to let me borrow some ‘top secret’ equipment next time. It would totally boost our pizza party!”

Lena laughed freely, her eyes twinkling. “I haven’t heard of pizza goggles, but I’m intrigued! Just make sure they’re not out of this world. I wouldn’t want a delivery that arrives piecing together the universe while we wait!”

Kara grinned widely. “Right?! Can you imagine? We’d be like, ‘No, pizza should not arrive with dimensions included!’”

Their laughter echoed through the café, drawing a few curious glances. Lena couldn’t remember the last time she had laughed so effortlessly. It felt freeing almost liberating after weeks of feeling trapped under a weight of responsibilities.

“Speaking of parties,” Lena said, her expression shifting to something more genuine, “Leni has been asking for you quite often. She adored you when you did your ‘pizza fairy’ delivery. We could do an official unicorn cake party next week. I promise to have a huge cake bursting with sprinkles and maybe even some ridiculous party games!”

“Count me in! I’m always down for ridiculous party games,” Kara said, her excitement shining through. “I’m sure we can scare all the other kids with my dance moves. It’s been a while since I’ve shown off my infamous ‘Pizza Dance’!”

“The what?” Lena asked, suppressing her laugh as Kara got more animated.

“Oh, it’s something special!” Kara said, immediately showcasing a series of exaggerated and comically awkward dance moves right there in the café. “You have to imagine wearing pizza hats and tossing fake pizzas into the air, with lots of arm flailing!”

Lena couldn’t contain her laughter, the sound echoing through the afternoon air. “I’ll be looking forward to that! You realize this will now be the highlight of Leni’s school year, right?”

“Good! A true success story begins here!” Kara smiled, dropping back into her chair, her face beaming. “But seriously, I can’t wait for the unicorn cake party!” Kara said, her enthusiasm barely contained. “Leni is going to have the best time, and I’ll do my best to keep my pizza dance skills in check… for the sake of the unicorns, of course!”

Lena felt a warmth wash over her; she hadn’t realized just how much she’d missed genuine laughter and friendship. “You’ll be the life of the party, I have no doubt about that,” she said, grateful for Kara’s quirky energy that contrasted so perfectly with the tension in her life.

“Speaking of parties, I should probably let you get back to your serious adulting,” Kara said, suddenly pulling out her phone to check the time. “I know you’re likely juggling a million things at once like, uh, I really don’t want to keep you from multiple meetings or anything.”

Lena glanced at her own watch and let out a sharp breath. It was almost time to pick up Leni. “You’re right. I’ve got to get going. I really should prepare to hear all about her first day. I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of her new classmates.”

Kara's eyes glimmered with excitement. “Make sure to ask her if any of them were actually unicorns in disguise! I totally wish I could’ve gone with you both to school for that first day. I would have just popped in with cupcakes and ninja-star pizza slices!”

Lena laughed again, shaking her head. “That's a little over the top, even for you, Ms. Delivery!”

“Hey, sometimes over the top is the best way to go,” Kara replied rather seriously, her expression shifting to one of sincere encouragement. “You’re both doing great, Lena. And remember, you’ve got a friend in me.”

“I really appreciate that, Kara,” Lena said, her heart feeling a little lighter. “I might not admit it out loud often, but having you in my corner makes a big difference.”

Kara smiled brightly, her previous nervousness seemingly washed away. “And I’ll be there at the unicorn cake party, free pizza dance lessons included!”

With one last shared laugh, Lena gathered her things, feeling buoyed by the unexpected connection they were forging. “Alright, consider yourself officially invited! A pizza party extravaganza awaits!”

As Lena stood and prepared to leave, Kara called after her, “Don’t forget to text me the details! I want to make sure my pizza dance is ready and refined for the ultimate unicorn experience!”

Lena waved goodbye, her heart feeling full as she stepped out into the busy street. The sun hung lower in the sky, casting a warm glow around her. She felt refreshed and renewed, hopeful that perhaps in National City, she could begin to carve out not only a new life for herself and Leni but also build friendships that could support them through whatever lay ahead.

Pulling up to Leni’s school, Lena parked and hurried inside, her slight anxiety morphing into excitement at the prospect of hearing about her daughter’s adventures. She watched as parents gathered by the doors, eagerly looking for their little ones, and a smile crept across her face as she waited for Leni to burst out.

Moments later, the bell rang, and Lena's heart raced. Children filed out, laughter and chatter erupting. The first sight of Leni’s wide smile sent a rush of joy through Lena.

“Mommy!” Leni called out, running toward her, her backpack bouncing with each step.

“Hey, sunshine!” Lena knelt down, enveloping Leni in a warm hug. “How was your first day?”

“It was amazing! I made a new friend named Mia, and we talked about unicorns the whole time! We even drew them!” Leni exclaimed, still panting a bit from her excitement.

“That sounds fantastic! You’re already off to a great start!” Lena replied, giving her daughter a tight squeeze before they started walking back to the car.

“And guess what? We have a unicorn cake party soon!” Leni chirped, her eyes sparkling with delight.

“Oh really? Are you the one in charge of planning it?” Lena joked lightly.

“Yes! And there will be pizza, too!” Leni said, determinedly. “Can you come?”

“Absolutely!” Lena laughed, joining in her daughter’s excitement. The shadows of her worries seemed to dissolve in the face of Leni’s joy.

“Yay!” Leni clapped her hands. “Pizza dance with unicorn friends, and a big cake! This is the best day ever!”

And as Lena drove home, the laughter and chatter of her daughter filled the air, a soothing balm on everything that had weighed her down. The future was still uncertain, but she felt empowered knowing she had begun to build not just a home, but connections and friendships that would support her along the way.

Chapter Text

Lena Luthor stood in her kitchen, arranging plates with an precision that would impress a military commander. She caught her reflection in the polished surface of her refrigerator and smoothed down her cashmere sweater for the fifth time.

"Mommy, is Kara coming soon?" Leni bounced on her toes, her dark pigtails swinging. "You said she makes the best pizza ever!"

"She delivers the best pizza, sweetheart," Lena corrected automatically, then checked her watch. "And yes, she should be here any minute. Though this time she's our guest, not delivering."

"But she's bringing pizza anyway?" Leni's eyes sparkled with hope.

"No, darling. I ordered it from the restaurant. Kara gets to have a night off."

The doorbell rang, and Leni sprinted to answer it before Lena could stop her. "Leni, wait! We need to check who it is first—"

"KARA!" Leni's squeal of delight echoed through the penthouse.

Lena hurried to the door, ready to lecture her daughter about safety, but the words died in her throat. Standing in her doorway was Kara Danvers, but not as she'd ever seen her before. Gone was the red and white uniform with the pizza company logo. Instead, Kara wore fitted jeans and a sleeveless blue top that showcased arms that looked like they'd been sculpted by Michelangelo himself.

"Hi!" Kara waved, her smile bright enough to power National City. "I brought wine! I hope that's okay? The guy at the store said it pairs well with pizza, which made me laugh because, you know..." She gestured vaguely at herself. "Pizza is kind of my thing. Well, delivering it is. Was. Is? I still deliver it, I mean, just not tonight, obviously—"

"Come in," Lena managed, stepping aside. Had Kara always been this adorably flustered? Had her shoulders always been so... defined?

"Your arms are really big!" Leni announced, poking one of Kara's biceps. "Do you carry lots of pizzas at once?"

Kara laughed, flexing playfully for the little girl. "Sometimes! But I also rock climb on my days off. It's super fun!"

"Can I climb rocks too, Mommy?" Leni turned to Lena with pleading eyes.

"We'll discuss it later, darling." Lena's voice came out slightly higher than usual as she watched Kara bend down to help Leni untie her shoes, her muscles shifting under sun-kissed skin.

The doorbell rang again – this time announcing the actual pizza delivery. Lena answered it, grateful for the moment to compose herself. When she returned with the boxes, she found Kara sitting cross-legged on the floor with Leni, both of them deeply engaged in what appeared to be a serious discussion about pepperoni placement theory.

"—and that's why the pepperoni should never touch," Leni was explaining earnestly. "They get lonely if they're not independent."

"That makes perfect sense," Kara nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Although sometimes, if you arrange them just right, they can be like friends at a party with personal space bubbles."

"What's a personal space bubble?"

"It's like when you want to be near someone but not too near. Like how your mom is standing in the doorway watching us instead of joining us because she's trying to be cool and sophisticated."

Lena startled, nearly dropping the pizzas. "I was not— I was simply—"

"Mommy's face is red!" Leni announced gleefully. "Like pizza sauce!"

"It most certainly is not," Lena protested, setting the boxes down with as much dignity as she could muster. "I'm just... warm."

"Must be all that cashmere," Kara teased, rising smoothly to her feet. "Here, let me help with those plates. I'm kind of an expert at pizza-related table settings."

As Kara reached past her for the stack of plates, Lena caught a whiff of something that smelled like sunshine and vanilla. She found herself wondering if Kara's skin tasted as warm as it looked—

"Mommy! You're supposed to put the pizza on the plates, not stare at it!" Leni's voice snapped her back to reality.

"I wasn't staring at the pizza," Lena muttered, then immediately regretted her words when Kara's eyebrows shot up.

"Oh? What were you staring at then?" The delivery woman...former delivery woman? Current but not right now delivery woman? asked innocently.

"The wine!" Lena blurted. "We should open the wine. For the adults. Not for Leni, obviously. Wine is for grown-ups who make poor conversational choices."

Kara's laugh was rich and melodious. "I get it. I've been told I have a particularly distracting wine-carrying technique."

"That's not what I— You're teasing me."

"Maybe a little." Kara winked actually winked and Lena had to grip the counter to stay upright.

"I want juice!" Leni declared, oblivious to her mother's crisis. "In a fancy glass like Mommy's meetings!"

The evening progressed with Leni dominating most of the conversation, sharing her expert opinions on everything from the optimal cheese-to-sauce ratio to why unicorns would make excellent pizza delivery steeds. Kara matched her enthusiasm at every turn, while Lena tried (and failed) not to stare at the way Kara's arms flexed every time she reached for another slice.

"And then," Leni was saying, waving a breadstick for emphasis, "the dragon said, 'I can't deliver pizzas because my fire breath makes them too crispy!'"

"That's a very valid concern for a dragon," Kara agreed seriously. "Though maybe they could specialize in extra-well-done crusts?"

"You're silly," Leni giggled. "Dragons aren't real pizza people like you."

"No? What kind of pizza person am I?"

"A strong one! Show Mommy your muscles again! She likes them. She keeps staring."

Lena choked on her wine.

"Oh really?" Kara turned to her, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I... that's not... I was merely making an observation about... classical sculpture and... relative musculature in... oh god." Lena buried her face in her hands.

"Mommy's face is pizza sauce again!" Leni announced proudly.

"You know," Kara said thoughtfully, "I teach beginner rock climbing classes on weekends. If you're interested in... classical sculpture. And musculature. From an academic perspective, of course."

Lena peaked through her fingers. "Are you asking me to go climbing with you?"

"Well, I was going to suggest coffee first, but if you want to skip straight to watching me scale walls..."

"Coffee!" Lena said quickly. "Coffee is... coffee would be lovely."

"Can I come too?" Leni asked hopefully.

"How about we get you started at the kid's climbing gym first?" Kara suggested. "Then maybe you can teach your mom some techniques before she tries to learn from me."

"Deal! But only if you promise to keep bringing pizza sometimes. Even though you're going to be Mommy's girlfriend."

This time both women choked.

"Sweetheart," Lena managed after recovering, "Kara and I are just going to have coffee. As friends."

"Uh-huh." Leni nodded sagely.

Kara burst out laughing while Lena contemplated whether it was possible for the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

"I'm beginning to think this whole pizza party was a setup," Lena muttered.

"You mean you didn't just suddenly decide to invite the random delivery woman who's been bringing you pizzas for the past two days over for dinner?"

"Well, when you put it like that..."

"For what it's worth," Kara leaned closer, lowering her voice so Leni couldn't hear, "I may have volunteered for your delivery route after the first time you answered the door in those reading glasses of yours."

Now it was Lena's turn to look smug. "Oh really? Do tell me more about these... objective observations you've made."

"Over coffee?" Kara suggested hopefully.

"Over coffee," Lena agreed. "Though perhaps we should discuss classical sculpture another time, when there aren't little ears present."

"Classical sculpture is boring," Leni declared, reaching for another slice of pizza. "Can we talk about dragon pizza delivery school instead?"

And so they did, while Lena and Kara exchanged glances that promised many future conversations about art, athletics, and perhaps a few subjects less suitable for five-year-old audiences. But for now, they were content to sit back and let Leni spin tales of fire-breathing pizza dragons, each stealing glances at the other when they thought no one was looking.

Though Leni, wise beyond her years, didn't miss a single one.

Chapter Text

"Aunt Sam, can we get ice cream?" Leni Luthor asked, skipping alongside her godmother at National City Park. Her dark pigtails bounced with each step, tied with green ribbons that matched her eyes...eyes that were identical to her mother's.

Sam Arias checked her watch. "Well, it's almost lunch time, and your mom would—"

"MISS KARA!" Leni's shriek could probably be heard in Metropolis where her mother was currently stuck in meetings. Before Sam could react, the five-year-old was racing across the park's grassy area toward a familiar blonde figure doing stretches near a tree.

"Leni, wait!" Sam called out, jogging after her charge. As she got closer, she noticed Kara wasn't alone. A shorter woman with auburn hair in workout clothes was with her, both of them cooling down from what appeared to be a morning run.

Kara's face lit up when she saw Leni barreling toward her. "Hey, small Luthor!" She crouched down just in time to catch Leni in a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Mommy's in Met-popolis so I'm with Aunt Sam!" Leni explained, then gasped as she noticed Kara's attire. "You have muscles again! Are you going rock climbing? Can I come? Did you bring pizza?"

The auburn-haired woman snorted. "Kara, I see why this address is your favorite delivery stop."

"Oh! Alex, this is Leni Luthor. She and her mom are our best customers. Leni, this is my sister Alex. She actually owns Danvers Pizza where I work!"

Leni's eyes grew as wide as dinner plates. "YOU OWN ALL THE PIZZAS?"

Alex laughed, a warm rich sound. "Well, not ALL the pizzas, but quite a few of them. Though I hear your mom orders enough to keep us in business single-handedly."

Sam finally caught up, slightly out of breath. "I am so sorry about that. Leni knows better than to run off." She gave Leni a pointed look, but the little girl was too busy processing the concept of someone owning "all the pizzas" to notice.

"It's fine!" Kara assured her. "Oh, this is my sister Alex. Alex, this is... um..." She looked at Sam questioningly.

"Arias. Sam Arias." Sam held out her hand to the Danvers sisters, who took it with a warm smile that made Sam's cheeks color slightly. "I'm Lena's best friend and Leni's godmother."

"Miss Kara!" Leni interrupted, tugging on Kara's workout tank top. "If Miss Alex owns the pizza place, can she make unicorn pizza? With rainbow cheese and sparkles?"

"That... would probably not taste very good," Kara said diplomatically. "But maybe I could draw you a unicorn eating pizza instead?"

"YES!" Leni bounced excitedly. "Can you do it now? Mommy says you're really good at drawing because she saw your notebook when you brought pizza last time!"

Kara's eyebrows shot up. "Your mom saw my sketchbook?"

"She said you draw pretty ladies," Leni continued innocently. "But then she got all red like a tomato and changed the subject. Kind of like how Aunt Sam looks at Miss Alex right now!"

Alex burst out laughing while both Sam and Kara turned various shades of pink.

"So, Sam," Alex said, finally releasing her hand but maintaining eye contact. "Any chance you're free for coffee sometime? I'd love to hear your thoughts on our menu. Maybe suggest some new vegetarian options?"

"Smooth, sis," Kara muttered. "Real smooth."

"Miss Alex!" Leni tugged at Alex's workout shorts. "Do you make the heart-shaped pizzas too? Because Mommy always gets happy when Miss Kara brings pizza, and hearts mean love, and—"

"Hey!" Sam called out quickly. "Who wants to go get smoothies?"

"ME!" Leni jumped up, then paused. "Can Miss Kara and Miss Alex come too? Miss Alex can tell us about ALL the pizzas!"

Four pairs of eyes turned to Sam, who found herself particularly caught by Alex's hopeful expression. "Of course they can, if they'd like to."

"I'd love to," Alex said immediately. "The morning rush at the shop is over, and I left my best manager in charge."

They walked to a nearby smoothie shop, Leni alternating between skipping ahead and running back to pepper Alex with questions about pizza-making ("Can you make a pizza as big as a house?" "Do you have a pizza swimming pool?" "Do you put pineapple on pizza or is that illegal?").

Sam noticed how Alex kept glancing her way, and how they somehow ended up walking closer and closer together while Kara entertained Leni with promises of unicorn drawings.

"Aunt Sam!" Leni bounded over with her smoothie. "Can I call Mommy? I want to tell her about Miss Kara's muscles and Miss Alex's pizza empire!"

Sam checked her watch. "Your mom's probably still in meetings, sweetie. We can try later."

But Leni was already pulling Sam's phone from her purse with the skill of a tiny pickpocket. "Please? She always answers for me! Please please please?"

"Leni..." Sam warned, but the girl had already hit the FaceTime button on Lena's contact.

To everyone's surprise, Lena answered on the second ring. Her face appeared on screen, looking slightly harried but smiling. "Hi, baby! Is everything okay?"

"MOMMY! Guess what? We saw Miss Kara at the park! And her sister owns ALL THE PIZZAS! Well, not all of them but lots of them! And Miss Kara's going to draw me a unicorn eating pizza and Miss Alex wants to have coffee with Aunt Sam and Miss Kara's arms are still really strong and can we have another pizza party when you come home?"

There was a crash on Lena's end of the call, followed by the sound of papers scattering. "You... what? Sam?"

Sam turned the phone to show Kara and Alex, who both waved awkwardly. "We ran into them at the park. Quite literally, thanks to your daughter's enthusiasm."

"Oh! That's... unexpected." Lena's voice went up an octave. "Hi, Kara. You look... athletic."

"Thanks!" Kara squeaked. "We were just running. And now drinking smoothies. Which is normal. Everything is normal!"

Alex rolled her eyes at her sister's rambling. "Hi, I'm Alex Danvers, Kara's sister and owner of Danvers Pizza. Your daughter's been telling me all about your pizza ordering habits."

"Has she now?" Lena's cheeks flushed visibly even through the phone screen.

"Mommy, did you know Miss Alex invented Aunt Sam's favorite pizza? And she thinks Aunt Sam is really pretty! They keep looking at each other like you look at Miss Kara's arms in her delivery uniform!"

Now it was Sam's turn to blush furiously while Alex suddenly became very interested in her smoothie straw.

"I, um..." Lena cleared her throat. "We'll discuss it when I get home tomorrow, okay sweetheart?"

"But Mooooom! Can't we have pizza tonight? Miss Alex probably gives family discounts and since Miss Kara's going to be my new mommy someday—"

"OKAY!" Sam interrupted quickly. "Leni, why don't you show Kara and Alex your cartwheel? You've been practicing all week."

This successfully distracted Leni, who handed the phone to Sam and dragged the Danvers sisters to a grassy area to demonstrate her somewhat wobbly but enthusiastic gymnastics skills.

"Sam," Lena hissed once Leni was out of earshot, "what is happening? Why is my pizza delivery crush at the park with you? Why is her very attractive business-owner sister making eyes at my best friend?"

"Pure coincidence," Sam assured her, though she couldn't help glancing at Alex, who was now spotting Leni as she attempted a handstand while Kara cheered. "But I have to say, Leni's right about those arms. Your pizza girl definitely works out."

"I'm aware," Lena groaned. "I've been dreaming about those biceps for weeks. This is mortifying."

"If it helps, she got very flustered when Leni mentioned you'd seen her sketchbook."

"Oh god." Lena covered her face with her free hand. "I didn't mean to look, but she left it on the counter last time and it fell open and... Sam, she draws beautifully. There were these incredible landscape sketches and..." She trailed off, biting her lip.

"And?"

"And maybe a portrait that looked suspiciously like me drinking wine."

Sam burst out laughing. "Oh, this is perfect. You're both disasters."

"I hate you." Lena paused, then asked in a smaller voice, "Do you think she'd say yes if I asked her out properly? Not just to pizza at my house with my daughter present?"

"Considering she just tripped over her own feet because you said she looked athletic? Yes, I think she might be interested."

"Mommy!" Leni had run back to the phone. "Miss Alex says we can have a special pizza-making party at her restaurant! She says she'll teach me how to toss dough in the air like Miss Kara does! Can we go? Please please please?"

"I... well..."

"And Miss Kara says she'll draw all the unicorns I want! And Miss Alex told Miss Kara that Aunt Sam's smile is pretty like pizza which is weird because pizza isn't pretty but Miss Alex says Aunt Sam is prettier than pizza and—"

"Your mom should go clean up whatever she just knocked over," Sam told Leni, trying not to laugh. "Say goodbye for now."

"Bye Mommy! Don't forget about the pizza party! And maybe we can all make heart-shaped pizzas because Miss Alex says those are for special people and Aunt Sam is special and—"

Sam ended the call before Leni could cause any more chaos. When she looked up, she found both Danvers sisters watching her with varying degrees of amusement and embarrassment.

"So," Alex said, rocking on her heels. "About that coffee..."

"How about dinner instead?" Sam surprised herself by asking. "I know this great pizza place. The owner's kind of cute."

Alex's face lit up. "I might be able to get you a discount."

"Miss Kara," Leni tugged at Kara's tank top again. "Are you gonna marry my mommy? Because you should. Then you can bring pizza every day and teach me to draw and maybe Miss Alex and Aunt Sam can get married too and we can all live in a giant pizza castle and—"

"Okay!" Sam clapped her hands. "Who wants to go feed the ducks?"

"ME!" Leni shouted, previous train of thought completely derailed. "Can Miss Kara and Miss Alex come?"

Sam looked at the sisters questioningly. Alex immediately nodded. "The lunch rush doesn't start for hours."

"Great," Kara muttered. "More time for Leni to plan our weddings."

"She's got good taste though," Alex told her sister, winking at Sam. "And fantastic matchmaking instincts."

Leni, oblivious to the adults' reactions, was already skipping toward the duck pond, chattering about how ducks probably loved pizza too and maybe Miss Alex could make tiny duck-sized pizzas.

Later that evening, after the Danvers sisters had reluctantly headed off (but not before Alex got Sam's number and promised Leni a pizza-making lesson), Sam's phone buzzed with a text from Lena.

Lena: Please tell me my daughter didn't actually suggest we all live in a pizza castle.

Sam sent back a laughing emoji.

Sam: Would you feel better or worse knowing your future sister-in-law already approved your employee discount?

Lena: Better. Definitely better. Though I should probably actually ask Kara out first.

Sam: True. Though according to Alex, Kara's been taking extra shifts on your delivery route for weeks now.

There was a long pause, then:

Lena: Think Alex would mind if I asked her sister out over pizza?

Sam glanced at her phone where Alex's number was saved with a little pizza emoji (courtesy of Leni).

Sam: I think she'd approve. Especially since we're having dinner tomorrow night.

"Aunt Sam?" Leni called from where she was supposed to be getting ready for bed. "Can we order pizza for breakfast?"

"No, honey. But maybe we can convince your mom and Miss Alex to host a pizza-making party soon."

"YES!" Leni cheered. "With Miss Kara teaching me to throw dough! And we can make heart pizzas! And maybe they can sleep over and—"

"One step at a time, kiddo," Sam laughed. "One step at a time."

Chapter Text

Lena Luthor had faced down hostile corporate takeovers, navigated international business negotiations, and raised a precocious five-year-old single-handedly. Yet somehow, none of that compared to the nervousness she felt watching her elevator numbers climb toward the penthouse, knowing Kara Danvers would be arriving in exactly seventeen minutes.

She'd already changed outfits three times, finally settling on a deep green sleeveless dress that she hoped struck the right balance between "I made an effort" and "I'm totally casual about making pizza with the woman I've been crushing on for weeks."

Her phone buzzed with a text from Sam: Sam: Leni wants you to know she's teaching Ruby how to draw unicorns "just like Miss Kara" and that you should kiss Miss Kara because "that's what people do when they love each other's arms."

Lena laughed despite her nerves.
Lena: Tell my daughter to stop matchmaking and go to bed.

Sam: Never. She's determined to get a second mom who can draw and make pizza. Though she did ask if this means Alex will be her aunt since "Aunt Sam looks at Miss Alex like Mommy looks at Miss Kara's muscles."

Lena: I hate you both.

Sam: No you don't. Now go get your pizza girl! And remember - Leni and I are having a sleepover so you have ALL NIGHT to admire those arms.

Lena was still blushing at Sam's text when the elevator announced a visitor. She smoothed her dress, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

And promptly forgot how to breathe.

Kara stood there in fitted black slacks and a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled to her elbows, showing off those unfairly toned forearms. Her blonde hair was styled in loose waves, and she'd switched her usual work glasses for a more modern pair that made her blue eyes even more striking.

"Hi," Kara said softly, holding up a bottle of wine. "I, uh, wasn't sure what to bring to a make-your-own-pizza date, but Alex said this pairs well with... everything?"

"You look amazing," Lena blurted out, then immediately wished she could disappear into her expensive hardwood floors.

But Kara's face lit up. "Really? I was worried it might be too much, but Alex said I should dress up a little, and she helped me pick this out, well, actually she threw out half my closet and made me buy new things, but that's not important, what's important is that you look absolutely stunning and I'm rambling again aren't I?"

"It's cute," Lena assured her, stepping back to let her in. "And thank you. Both for the compliment and the wine. Though I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about making pizza in front of someone who does it professionally."

"Oh! No need to be nervous. I promise not to judge your tossing technique." Kara followed her to the kitchen, where Lena had already set out various ingredients. "Though I should probably confess something..."

"What's that?"

"I may have been showing off a little with the dough tossing when I delivered to you. We usually just stretch it by hand at the shop."

Lena raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And why would you feel the need to show off for me?"

Kara rubbed the back of her neck, a gesture Lena had come to recognize as a nervous habit. "Because maybe I wanted to impress the beautiful woman who kept ordering pizzas and making my day better just by smiling at me? And whose daughter told me I had 'pretty muscles' which made you turn the most adorable shade of red?"

Now it was Lena's turn to blush. "Yes, well, Leni has never been one to filter her thoughts. I hope she hasn't made you uncomfortable with all her... observations."

"Are you kidding? She's amazing. The highlight of my delivery routes is when she opens the door and tells me about her latest adventures. Did you know she's convinced Alex to start developing unicorn-shaped pizzas?"

"Oh god." Lena laughed. "Please tell me your sister isn't actually doing that."

"She's got R&D working on it as we speak. Though so far they're looking more like deformed horses."

They fell into an easy rhythm preparing their pizzas, working side by side at Lena's kitchen island. Kara showed her how to properly stretch the dough ("It's all in the wrist rotation, see?"), while Lena introduced her to some of her favorite gourmet toppings ("Trust me, fig and prosciutto will change your life").

"So," Kara said as they waited for their creations to bake, each nursing a glass of wine, "can I ask about Leni's father? It's okay if that's too personal."

Lena took a thoughtful sip of wine. "No, it's fair to ask. His name is Morgan Edge. We were married for three years , but it ended badly. He's trying to take control of L-Corp through some rather underhanded methods while I was pregnant with Leni. Claimed I was 'emotionally unstable' due to the pregnancy." She smiled wryly.

"What an ass," Kara said with such genuine indignation that Lena felt her heart warm. "Does he... is he involved in Leni's life?"

"He sends birthday cards. Sometimes Christmas gifts. She's met him twice, but she was too young to remember. I have sole custody, and he seems content with that arrangement, especially after his latest startup took off. Having a child would complicate his 'bachelor inventor' image."

"His loss," Kara said firmly. "She's incredible. You both are."

Lena felt herself blushing again. "What about you? How did you end up working at your sister's pizza place?"

A shadow crossed Kara's face. "It's... kind of a long story."

"We have time," Lena said softly. "If you want to share it."

Kara took a deep breath. "My parents died in a house fire when I was thirteen. I was at a sleepover at my friend's house, or I would have... anyway. The Danvers adopted me. They already had Alex, who was fifteen at the time. She... she really helped me through it all. When I would wake up screaming from nightmares, she'd be there. When I was too scared to sleep because I kept smelling smoke that wasn't there, she'd stay up all night with me."

Lena reached across the island and took Kara's hand. Kara squeezed it gratefully.

"Mr. Danvers – Jeremiah – he died a few years later. Car accident. But before that, he and Alex would make pizzas every Sunday. It was their thing. After he died, Alex kind of... threw herself into perfecting their recipes. Said she wanted to keep his memory alive through food. When she was old enough, she took out a loan and opened the first Danvers Pizza location."

"And you started working there?"

Kara nodded. "I was in art school at the time, trying to become an illustrator. But Alex needed help, and honestly, I needed the routine. The stability. Something normal to focus on while I processed everything. Plus, it meant I got to spend time with my sister."

"Do you still draw? Besides the unicorns for Leni, I mean."

"You mean besides drawing beautiful women drinking wine?" Kara teased, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

Lena felt her cheeks heat up. "I didn't mean to look at your sketchbook that time..."

"I'm glad you did." Kara's thumb traced patterns on Lena's palm where their hands were still joined. "Though I should probably admit something else..."

"What's that?"

"I may have volunteered for every delivery to your address for the past three weeks."

Lena's heart skipped. "Really?"

"Alex teases me about it constantly. Says I'm the only delivery person who gets excited about working Friday night shifts because that's when you usually order."

"I may have been ordering more pizza than usual lately," Lena admitted. "Sam says I've completely abandoned my health food kick."

"Worth it though?" Kara asked, and there was something vulnerable in her voice that made Lena's chest tighten.

The oven timer chose that moment to go off. They reluctantly separated hands to retrieve their pizzas, which had turned out surprisingly well.

"Definitely worth it," Lena said softly as they settled on her couch with their creations and fresh glasses of wine. "Though my trainer might disagree."

"Is that why you go running at 6 AM? I've seen you sometimes when I'm doing deliveries for the breakfast rush."

"You notice me when you're working?"

"Lena," Kara set her plate down and turned to face her fully. "I always notice you."

The intensity in those blue eyes made Lena's breath catch. "Even before Leni started planning our wedding?"

Kara laughed. "Even before then. Though I have to say, your daughter is quite the wingwoman."

"She gets that from her Aunt Sam," Lena said, also setting down her plate. "Though lately she's been too busy planning Sam and Alex's wedding to focus on ours."

"Yeah, my sister's not much better. She texted me six times today about this date. The last one just said 'KISS HER' in all caps."

Lena felt herself leaning closer. "And do you always do what your sister tells you?"

"Only when it aligns with what I already want to do," Kara murmured, her eyes dropping to Lena's lips.

The first brush of their lips was soft, tentative. Lena reached up to cup Kara's jaw, feeling the slight tremble there. Kara's hand found her waist, steady and warm through the fabric of her dress.

When they parted, Lena kept her eyes closed for a moment, savoring the sensation. When she opened them, Kara was watching her with such tenderness it made her heart ache.

"Wow," Kara whispered.

"Yeah," Lena agreed, equally breathless.

"I've been wanting to do that since the first time you opened your door and tried to tip me with a hundred dollar bill because you didn't have anything smaller."

Lena groaned. "That was so embarrassing."

"It was adorable. You were all flustered and apologetic, and then Leni came running up asking if I was a pizza fairy."

"She still asks about that sometimes. Whether pizza fairies are related to unicorns."

Kara laughed, pulling Lena closer. "Your daughter is something else."

"She really is." Lena settled against Kara's chest, enjoying the solid warmth of her. "Though I have to admit, I'm glad she's at Sam's tonight."

"Oh?" Kara's voice held a hint of teasing. "And why's that?"

"Because it means I can do this again..." Lena tilted her face up for another kiss, this one deeper, more certain.

They spent the rest of the evening trading kisses and stories, their pizzas getting cold on the coffee table. Kara told Lena about her dreams of illustrating children's books ("Maybe ones about pizza fairies and unicorns?"), while Lena shared stories about Leni's early years and her own journey of learning to be a mother.

When midnight approached, they reluctantly acknowledged that the evening had to end.

"I should go," Kara said, though she made no move to release Lena from where they'd ended up cuddled on the couch. "I have morning deliveries tomorrow."

"Or," Lena bit her lip, "you could stay? Not for... I mean, just to sleep. It's late, and I have a guest room, and..."

"Lena," Kara pressed a soft kiss to her temple. "As much as I'd love to, I think we should take this slow. Do it right. Besides, what would Leni think if she found out I slept over before our wedding?" She winked.

Lena laughed. "Fair point. Though you should know she's already designing our wedding cake. It's going to be pizza-shaped, apparently."

"Of course it is." Kara stood reluctantly, pulling Lena up with her. "Would it be okay if I took you out again? Maybe somewhere that doesn't involve pizza?"

"I'd love that." Lena walked her to the door, their fingers intertwined. "Though I have to warn you, Leni will probably want to help plan it."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." Kara leaned in for one last kiss, sweet and promising. "Good night, Lena."

"Good night, Kara."

After Kara left, Lena's phone buzzed with a text from Sam: So??? Did you kiss the pizza girl???

Before Lena could respond, another text came through, this one from Alex to their newly formed group chat:

Alex: Kara just texted me a string of heart emojis. I'm taking that as a yes.

Followed by: Also Leni wants everyone to know she's already picked out her flower girl dress for both weddings.

Lena laughed, her heart feeling lighter than it had in years.
Lena: Tell my daughter to go to sleep. And Sam... thank you. For everything.

Sam: Any time, sweetie. Though fair warning Leni's now insisting on pizza for breakfast because "Miss Kara probably misses Mommy already."

Lena glanced at her cold, half-eaten pizza on the coffee table and smiled.

Lena: You know what? Just this once, pizza for breakfast sounds perfect.

Chapter Text

The credits of "Moana" rolled across Lena's massive TV screen, casting a soft blue glow across her penthouse living room. The remnants of their pizza dinner – courtesy of Kara's weekly "special delivery" – sat on the coffee table, along with a bowl of popcorn that was mostly empty save for unpopped kernels.

Leni, still humming "How Far I'll Go" under her breath, was sprawled across both Kara and Lena's laps on the plush sectional, her dark curls splayed out like a fan. At five years old, she was at that perfect age where magic still existed in everything, especially Disney movies and especially in Kara Danvers.

"Another one?" Leni asked hopefully, tilting her head back to look up at both adults with pleading green eyes that matched her mother's perfectly.

Lena smoothed a hand over her daughter's forehead. "Darling, it's already past your bedtime."

"But Mom," Leni dragged out the word dramatically, "it's Friday!"

"Which means you still have dance class tomorrow morning," Lena reminded her gently.

Kara, who had been unconsciously playing with Leni's curls throughout the movie, caught Lena's eye over the little girl's head. There was something so intimate about these Friday nights, something that made her heart flutter in a way that had nothing to do with the way Lena looked in her casual black leggings and oversized sweater (though that certainly didn't hurt).

"Actually," Kara started, her voice carrying that slight nervous tremor that always appeared when she was about to take a chance, "I wanted to ask you both something."

Leni immediately perked up, pushing herself into a sitting position between them. "Is it about more pizza? Because I vote yes."

"Leni," Lena chuckled, but her eyes never left Kara's face, studying her with that gentle curiosity that always made Kara feel like she was the most interesting puzzle Lena had ever encountered.

"Not pizza this time," Kara adjusted her glasses, a habit that both Luthor girls had come to find endearing. "I'm having a game night at my place next Saturday. Alex will be there, and Sam agreed.

"Aunt Sam!" Leni bounced excitedly. "Is Ruby coming too?"

"She sure is," Kara grinned, before turning slightly to face Lena more directly. "And a few other friends – Nia, Brainy, Kelly. Nothing too crazy, just board games and snacks. I thought... maybe you both might want to come?"

The hope in Kara's voice was impossible to miss, and Lena felt her chest tighten with affection. These past few months of growing closer to Kara had been unexpected in the best possible way. What had started as a chance encounter when Kara had delivered a pizza to her turned into something more.

"Games?" Leni's eyes were wide with excitement. "What kind of games? Do you have Candy Land? Mom never wants to play Candy Land anymore because I always win."

"That's not exactly why," Lena muttered under her breath, thinking of the countless hours spent watching her daughter somehow manage to draw the exact cards needed to win every single time.

"I have Candy Land," Kara assured Leni, "but I also have lots of other games. Pictionary, Jenga, Monopoly—"

"The Pokemon version?" Leni interrupted eagerly.

"Regular version, but we could always get the Pokemon one," Kara offered without hesitation, and Lena had to bite back a smile at how quickly Kara was willing to accommodate her daughter's interests.

"Can we go, Mom? Please?" Leni turned those devastating puppy eyes on her mother. "I want to see Ruby and play games and eat snacks and—"

"Breathe, darling," Lena laughed, reaching out to tuck a stray curl behind her daughter's ear. She glanced up at Kara, who was watching them both with such naked hope and affection that it made her breath catch. "What time should we arrive?"

"You'll come?" Kara's whole face lit up like a sunrise, and Lena felt her heart skip a beat. How was it possible for someone to be so genuinely radiant?

"Well, I can hardly say no when you're both looking at me like that now, can I?" Lena teased, gesturing between Kara and Leni's matching expressions of pure joy.

"YES!" Leni launched herself at Kara, wrapping her small arms around the blonde's neck. "We're gonna have so much fun! Can we bring something? Mom makes really good cookies – well, Martha makes them, but Mom helps sometimes by tasting them to make sure they're perfect."

"A very important job," Kara agreed solemnly, though her eyes sparkled with amusement as she held Leni close. "And you don't need to bring anything except yourselves, but if Martha wants to send cookies, I definitely wouldn't say no."

Lena watched them together, her chest tight with emotion. There was something about seeing Kara with Leni that always undid her completely. The way Kara never talked down to her daughter, never treated her as anything less than a full person with valid thoughts and feelings. The way she remembered every little detail Leni told her, from her favorite Pokemon (Sylveon) to which ballet positions she was struggling with in class.

"Game night starts at six," Kara continued, still holding Leni but looking at Lena now with those impossibly blue eyes. "But maybe you could come a little early? Help set up?"

There was something in Kara's voice, a hint of something more than just a request for assistance with party preparations. Lena felt her cheeks warm slightly.

"We could do that," she agreed softly. "Couldn't we, darling?"

But Leni had already moved on to planning mode. "What should I wear? Can I wear my Pokemon t-shirt? The one with Sylveon? Or should I dress up? Is it a fancy party? Will there be decorations? Can I help decorate?"

"Slow down, sweetheart," Lena laughed. "Let poor Kara answer at least one question before asking three more."

"You can wear whatever makes you comfortable," Kara assured her. "Alex usually wears jeans and a t-shirt, Kelly likes sweaters, and Brainy... well, Brainy's fashion choices are uniquely his own."

"What about you?" Leni asked, settling back between them. "What will you wear?"

Kara pretended to think hard about it. "Well, I was thinking maybe my blue button-down—" she glanced quickly at Lena, who tried to hide her blush at the mention of the shirt she had once offhandedly commented brought out Kara's eyes "—and some nice jeans."

"Mom says you look pretty in blue," Leni announced with all the innocent honesty of a child, causing both adults to flush red.

"Leni," Lena began, mortified, but Kara cut her off with a soft smile.

"Thank you," she said simply, though her cheeks were pink. "Your mom looks pretty in everything."

Now it was Lena's turn to blush harder, and Leni looked between them with the shrewd observation skills that sometimes made Lena wonder if her daughter was actually a tiny adult in disguise.

"Can we bring games too?" Leni asked, mercifully changing the subject. "I got this new card game called Sushi Go that's really fun. The cards have cute little sushi faces."

"Of course you can bring games," Kara nodded. "The more the merrier. And I know Nia loves cute things, so she'll probably love Sushi Go."

"Who's Nia?" Leni asked, settling more comfortably against Lena's side but keeping her attention on Kara. "Is she nice like Alex?"

"Nia is very nice," Kara assured her. "She's a reporter, and she loves Disney movies almost as much as you do. And Brainy – that's her boyfriend – he knows everything there is to know about space. I bet if you ask him nicely, he'll tell you all about the constellations."

Leni's eyes widened. "Real space? Like with aliens and stuff?"

"Exactly like that," Kara nodded. "Though maybe don't mention aliens too much around him or he'll talk all night."

"Cool," Leni breathed, clearly already planning her space-related questions. Then she yawned widely, unable to hide it behind her small hand.

"I think that's our cue," Lena said softly, running her fingers through Leni's curls. "Time for bed, darling."

"But we have to plan for game night," Leni protested around another yawn. "We need to... need to make a list..."

"We have a whole week to plan," Lena reminded her. "Right now, someone needs their beauty sleep if they want to be ready for dance class tomorrow."

"Will you both tuck me in?" Leni asked, looking between them hopefully.

Kara glanced at Lena, not wanting to overstep, but Lena was already nodding. "Of course we will. Go brush your teeth and we'll be right there."

Leni hugged them both quickly before scrambling off the couch and heading toward her bedroom, her sock-clad feet padding softly on the hardwood floors.

Alone now, Lena turned to face Kara properly. "Are you sure about this? Game night seems like it's your special thing with your friends. You don't have to include us just because—"

"Lena," Kara interrupted gently, reaching out to take her hand. "I want you there. Both of you. You're..." she paused, seeming to search for the right words. "You're important to me. To us – all of us. Alex adores Leni, Sam's already planning some kind of playdate with Ruby and Alex and everyone else is going to like you both just as much as I do."

The almost-confession hung in the air between them, heavy with possibility. Lena's fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around Kara's.

"Mom! Kara!" Leni's voice carried from her bedroom. "I'm ready!"

The moment broke, but something warm remained in its wake. Kara stood first, tugging Lena up with their still-joined hands. "Duty calls," she said softly.

They found Leni already in bed, her wild curls spread across her purple pillowcase, clutching her favorite stuffed animal – a wolf that Kara had won for her at the carnival last week.

Lena carefully tucked the blanket more securely around her daughter, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. Kara did the same, and something in Lena's chest clenched at the tender gesture.

They tiptoed out of the room, Lena leaving the door slightly ajar – just how Leni liked it. In the hallway, they stood close, neither quite ready for the evening to end.

"Thank you," Lena said softly, "for including us in game night. Leni's obviously thrilled, and I... I'm looking forward to it too."

"Yeah?" Kara's smile was hopeful and sweet. "I was thinking maybe you could come over around five? Help me set up, maybe have a little time just... us?"

The way Kara stumbled slightly over the last word, the way her eyes dropped briefly to Lena's lips before darting away, made Lena's heart race.

"I'd like that," she managed, her voice slightly husky. "Very much."

"Good," Kara breathed, swaying slightly closer. "That's... good."

They stood there for a moment longer, the air between them charged with possibility, before Kara reluctantly stepped back. "I should go. Let you get some rest before dance class tomorrow."

"Right," Lena nodded, following Kara to the front door. "Text me the details for next weekend?"

"First thing tomorrow," Kara promised, gathering her coat. She paused at the door, turning back to Lena with that sunshine smile that never failed to make Lena's knees weak. "Sweet dreams, Lena."

"Sweet dreams, darling," Lena replied softly, watching as Kara headed toward the elevator.

Just before the doors closed, Kara called out, "Hey Lena?"

"Yes?"

"You really do look pretty in everything."

The elevator doors closed on Kara's grinning face, leaving Lena standing in her doorway, cheeks flushed and heart racing, already counting the days until next Saturday.

Inside her room, Leni smiled into her pillow, not quite as asleep as she had pretended to be, and dreamed of game nights and family and the way her mom smiled whenever Kara was around.

Chapter Text

The late afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Karas' loft as she rushed around, arranging snacks and board games on her coffee table. The knock at her door made her heart skip a beat, knowing exactly who would be on the other side.

"Coming!" Kara called out, adjusting her glasses unnecessarily before opening the door to reveal Lena and Leni, the latter bouncing excitedly on her toes.

"Kara!" Leni exclaimed, immediately wrapping herself around Kara's legs in a tight hug. Her dark hair was pulled back in two neat braids, making her look like a miniature version of her mother.

"Hey, sweetie!" Kara laughed, bending down to properly hug the five-year-old. "I got your favorite chips!"

Lena watched the interaction with soft eyes, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "I hope we're not too early," she said, stepping inside as Kara moved aside.

"You're right on time to help me set up," Kara replied, her gaze lingering on Lena perhaps a moment longer than necessary. "I may have gone a bit overboard with the snacks."

"You? Overboard with food? Never," Lena teased, following Kara into the kitchen where various bowls and platters were laid out. She was wearing a casual sweater and jeans instead of her usual corporate attire, and Kara couldn't help but notice how the soft material highlighted her curves.

Leni had already discovered the stack of board games. "Mommy, look! They have Candy Land!"

"Indoor voice, darling," Lena reminded gently, though her eyes sparkled with amusement.

As they arranged the snacks and games, Kara and Lena moved around each other with an easy familiarity, their hands occasionally brushing as they reached for the same item. Each touch sent a small thrill through both women, though neither acknowledged it openly.

"So," Kara ventured, watching Leni carefully organize the game pieces by color, "how was your week?"

"Better now," Lena replied softly, then cleared her throat looking away.

"Mommy makes mac and cheese now!" Leni announced proudly. "She only burned it once!"

Kara burst out laughing while Lena gasped in mock offense. "I'll have you know that was a very sophisticated cheese caramelization, young lady."

"That's what you said about the toast too," Leni giggled.

The doorbell rang again, and soon the loft was filled with their friends. Alex arrived first, immediately zeroing in on the way Kara and Lena were standing close together by the kitchen island.

"Well, well, well," Alex smirked, accepting a hug from her sister. "Cozy setup you've got here."

Before Kara could respond, Sam and Ruby walked inside, followed quickly by Winn, James, Kelly, Nia, and Brainy. The loft was soon filled with laughter and cheerful chaos as everyone settled in for game night.

They started with Pictionary, breaking into teams. Leni insisted on being on Kara's team, along with Lena and Alex. The little girl proved to be surprisingly good at guessing the drawings, especially Kara's.

"Unicorn!" Leni shouted, bouncing in her seat as Kara drew what could generously be called a horse with a stick on its head.

"That's my girl!" Kara high-fived her, while Lena watched them with undisguised affection.

"Getting pretty domestic there, sis," Alex whispered to Kara during a snack break, nodding toward where Lena was helping Leni with her juice box.

"We're not." Kara protested weakly, though she couldn't take her eyes off the scene.

"Right," Alex drawled.

The evening progressed through several games, with Monopoly being vetoed after Lena and Sam's competitive streaks threatened to turn it into an all-night affair. During Charades, Kara's attempt to act out "butterfly" had Lena in stitches, her laugh making Kara's heart soar.

"That was clearly a duck having a seizure," Lena teased.

"It was a beautiful butterfly and you know it," Kara pouted, causing Leni to giggle.

"I think Kara makes a good butterfly," Leni declared loyally, patting Kara's hand. "Even if she looked silly."

As the night wore on, Leni began to droop, eventually falling asleep curled up on Kara's couch. Lena carefully picked her up, and Kara led them to her bedroom where they tucked the little girl into Kara's bed, surrounding her with pillows.

The others began to leave shortly after, with knowing looks and meaningful smirks directed at Kara and Lena. Alex was the last to go, hugging her sister tightly.

"Don't do anything I wouldn't do," she whispered, earning a playful shove from Kara.

Finally alone, save for the sleeping Leni, Kara and Lena began cleaning up, working in comfortable silence. Their hands met over a stray popcorn bowl, and this time, neither pulled away immediately.

"Thank you for inviting us," Lena said softly, her fingers lingering against Kara's. "Leni had a wonderful time."

"I like having you both here," Kara replied, turning to face Lena fully. The moonlight streaming through the windows cast a ethereal glow around them, and Kara felt her breath catch at how beautiful Lena looked.

They gravitated toward each other slowly, the air between them charged with anticipation. When their lips finally met, it was soft and sweet, a gentle exploration that quickly deepened into something more passionate. Lena's hands found their way into Kara's hair, while Kara's arms wrapped around Lena's waist, pulling her closer.

The kiss seemed to last both an eternity and not long enough. When they finally parted, both were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other.

"I've wanted to do that all night," Kara admitted, her thumb tracing patterns on Lena's hip.

"Me too," Lena whispered, her eyes shining with emotion. "You're amazing with Leni, you know. The way you are with her... it means everything to me."

"She's an incredible kid," Kara smiled. "Just like her mom."

They shared another tender kiss before Lena reluctantly pulled away. "I should get her home to bed."

"Text me when you get there safely?" Kara asked, helping Lena gather their things while she went to get Leni.

"Of course," Lena promised. She emerged from the bedroom with a still-sleeping Leni in her arms, the little girl's face peaceful.

At the door, Kara pressed a soft kiss to Leni's forehead, then one to Lena's lips. "Goodnight," she whispered.

"Goodnight, darling," Lena replied, her smile radiant even in the dim hallway light.

As Kara closed the door behind them, she leaned against it with a happy sigh, her fingers touching her lips where she could still feel Lena's kiss. Her phone buzzed with a text from Alex:

Alex: Finally! 🎉 Don't mess this up or I'm taking Leni's side in the divorce 😉

Kara laughed, sending back a series of eye-roll emojis before flopping onto her couch, hugging a pillow to her chest. The apartment still held traces of Lena's perfume, and Kara could hear Leni's laughter echoing in her memory. For the first time in a long while, everything felt perfectly right.

Twenty minutes later, her phone lit up again:

Lena: Home safe. Leni didn't even stir during the transfer to bed. She's still clutching the paper butterfly you made her during Pictionary. Thank you for a wonderful evening... and an even better goodnight. Sweet dreams, darling. ❤️

Kara hugged her phone to her chest, grinning like a teenager after their kiss. As she got ready for bed, she couldn't stop smiling, already looking forward to their next game night - and all the moments in between.

Chapter Text

The glow of the laptop screen cast harsh shadows across Lena's face as she squinted at yet another contract. The words had started blurring together hours ago, but she couldn't stop not when she was so close to getting Luthor Corp off the ground. The clock on her desk mockingly displayed 9:47 PM, another late night in what had become an endless string of them.

Her phone buzzed for the third time that evening. Without looking, she knew it was Kara. Sweet, persistent Kara, who had been more than just her friend for the past few months. They hadn't put a label on it yet, both too busy with their own chaos to have that conversation, but Lena felt the shift in her heart every time Kara looked at her.

Kara: Miss you! Hope you're remembering to eat something other than kale 💚.

Kara: Alex says she saw you at the courthouse today. Everything okay with the company stuff?

Kara: Just checking in... again. You know where to find me if you need anything 🤗 And yes, that's code for "I really want to kiss you right now"

Lena's cheeks flushed at the last message. Before she could respond, her phone lit up with a new message from Sam.

Sam: Leni had a great time at Ruby's soccer practice today. She scored her first goal! Wish you could have seen it. Also, your girlfriend's been moping around the pizza shop according to Alex. Maybe do something about that?

"She's not my—" Lena muttered to herself, then stopped. What were they, exactly? The weight in her chest grew heavier. Her daughter was living her life, achieving milestones, and here she was, buried in paperwork, fighting to reclaim what Edge had tried to steal from them and possibly missing out on something amazing with Kara in the process.

A knock at her front door startled her from her thoughts. Lena frowned, checking the time again. Nobody should be visiting at this hour. She made her way to the door, heels clicking against hardwood floors, and peered through the peephole.

Her heart did more than skip a beat, it performed a whole gymnastics routine.

"Kara?" Lena swung the door open to find the blonde standing there, armed with two large paper bags that smelled divine and wearing that sunshine smile that never failed to make Lena weak in the knees.

"Surprise!" Kara adjusted her glasses with her shoulder, since her hands were full. "I thought if Mohammed won't come to the mountain, the mountain should bring potstickers and that amazing pasta from Giorgio's that you love."

"I... you didn't have to—"

"I know," Kara cut her off gently, stepping close enough that Lena could smell her familiar perfume. "I wanted to. Now, are you going to let me in, or should I eat all this by myself in your hallway?"

"As if you could resist sharing with me," Lena teased, heart fluttering when Kara leaned in to press a soft kiss to her cheek as she passed.

"You know me too well," Kara replied, moving around the kitchen with familiar ease. She'd spent countless evenings here before something that made Lena's heart race with possibility.

As they settled in to eat, Kara's knee pressed against hers under the table, a casual intimacy that felt both thrilling and completely natural. They talked about L-Corp's upcoming opening, about Leni's soccer victory, about all the little moments they'd missed in each other's lives lately.

"I miss you," Kara admitted softly, playing with Lena's fingers across the table. "I know you're doing important work, and I'm so proud of you, but I miss us."

"I miss us too," Lena whispered. "I'm sorry I've been so distant."

"Hey, no apologizing." Kara squeezed her hand. "I understand why. I just... I want you to know that I'm here. For all of it. The late nights, the stress, the victories and setbacks. I want to be here for all of it, if you'll let me."

Lena's breath caught in her throat at the intensity in Kara's eyes. "What are you saying?"

Kara took a deep breath, then smiled that special smile that Lena had started to think of as hers alone. "I'm saying... I love what we've been doing, these past few months. The dates, the kisses, the way you scrunch your nose when I steal food off your plate—"

"You do it constantly!"

"—but I want more," Kara continued, laughing. "I want to be able to tell people you're my girlfriend. I want to take you and Leni out properly, as a family. I want to be here on the hard days and the good ones. I want... you. All of you. If that's something you want too?"

Lena felt tears prick at her eyes. "You want to be my girlfriend? Even with all of... this?" She gestured vaguely at the papers scattered across her desk, the evidence of her currently chaotic life.

"Especially with all of this," Kara affirmed, standing up and pulling Lena to her feet. "Because this is you, fighting for what matters. And you matter to me, Lena Luthor. So much."

"Leni adores you," Lena murmured, stepping closer into Kara's space. "She asked me the other day if you were going to be around more often."

"Yeah?" Kara's hands settled on Lena's waist. "What did you tell her?"

"I told her I hoped so." Lena reached up to cup Kara's cheek. "I want that too, you know. All of it. Being your girlfriend, building something real together. I want you in our lives, properly."

"Is that a yes?" Kara's smile was brilliant.

Instead of answering, Lena pulled her down into a kiss. Kara responded immediately, drawing her closer, one hand tangling in Lena's hair. They'd shared many kisses over the past few months, but this one felt different—like a promise, like a beginning.

When they finally parted, Kara rested her forehead against Lena's. "I'm taking that as a yes."

"Yes," Lena laughed softly. "Yes, I'll be your girlfriend. Yes to all of it."

"Good," Kara murmured, stealing another quick kiss. "Because I already promised Leni I'd teach her how to make my famous chocolate pecan pie, and it would have been really awkward to explain why I couldn't if you'd said no."

"You did what now?"

"She may have caught me leaving your place last week and extracted several baking-related promises from me," Kara admitted sheepishly. "That kid drives a hard bargain."

"She gets that from me," Lena said proudly.

"Oh, I know. Must be why I'm so crazy about both of you."

They ended up on the couch, Lena tucked into Kara's side as they shared ice cream and made plans for family game nights, for proper dates, for a future that suddenly felt wide open with possibility.

"Stay?" Lena asked quietly when the ice cream was finished and the night had grown late. "Just for a little while longer?"

"As long as you want," Kara promised, pressing a kiss to her temple. "I brought that documentary about quantum mechanics you've been wanting to watch. You know, the one you said would probably get all the science wrong?"

"You hate those kinds of documentaries."

"Yeah, but I love watching my girlfriend get all worked up about the inaccuracies. It's cute."

Lena felt her cheeks warm, both at the word 'girlfriend' and the teasing. "I do not get 'worked up.'"

"Lee, you threw a pillow at the TV during the last one."

"They were completely misrepresenting the double-slit experiment!"

Kara's laughter filled the room, and Lena found herself joining in, the stress of the past weeks feeling lighter somehow. As they settled in to watch the documentary, Lena made a mental note to clear her schedule for tomorrow afternoon. It was time to watch her daughter play soccer, with her girlfriend by her side.

The company would still be there. But these moments? These were the ones she couldn't afford to miss.

"Hey Kara?" she murmured as the documentary began.

"Hmm?"

"Come over tomorrow? I'm thinking of cooking dinner with Leni. Our first proper family meal."

The smile Kara gave her could have powered all of National City. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, girlfriend."

Chapter Text

The morning sun peeked through the blinds of Sam Arias's kitchen window as she stood at the counter, fighting a losing battle with the coffee maker. She'd been up since dawn, helping Ruby prepare for her science fair project, and now the one thing she needed most was refusing to cooperate.

"Come on, you overpriced chunk of metal," Sam muttered, pressing buttons randomly. "I paid way too much for you to betray me like this."

The sound of a key turning in the front door made her look up, and a smile spread across her face as Alex Danvers walked in, already dressed in her usual black attire with a paper bag from the local bakery in one hand and a carrier with two coffee cups in the other.

"Having another showdown with the coffee maker?" Alex asked, amusement dancing in her eyes as she set the breakfast items on the counter.

Sam groaned, dropping her head dramatically onto Alex's shoulder. "It hates me. I'm convinced it's possessed by the spirit of Morgan Edge just to spite me."

"Wouldn't put it past him," Alex chuckled, pressing a kiss to Sam's temple before handing her one of the coffee cups. "Here, I got your usual caramel macchiato with an extra shot and enough sugar to give a horse diabetes."

"My hero," Sam sighed contentedly, taking a long sip. "How did you know I needed this?"

"Because it's Tuesday, and you always forget to program the coffee maker on Mondays after helping Ruby with homework all evening."

Sam's heart fluttered at how well Alex knew her routines. "Speaking of Ruby, she finally left for school. The science fair project is officially complete, though I'm pretty sure I now know more about renewable energy than I ever did as CFO of a multi-billion dollar company."

"That's my girl," Alex said proudly. She'd been helping Ruby with the technical aspects of the project whenever she could spare time away from the pizzeria. "Though I still think we should have gone with the volcano."

"The last thing we need is you two conspiring to blow things up in my house," Sam teased, poking Alex in the ribs. "I haven't forgotten about the 'minor incident' with the pizza oven last month."

Alex raised her hands defensively. "Hey, how was I supposed to know that many jalapeños would create that kind of reaction? Besides, the fire department said the damage was minimal."

"Only you would consider a small explosion 'minimal damage,'" Sam laughed, reaching for the bakery bag. "What's for breakfast?"

"Bear claws. And before you start with the health lecture, yes, I got you a whole grain muffin too."

Sam's eyes lit up as she pulled out both items. "See, this is why I keep you around. You enable my bad decisions while simultaneously being my impulse control."

"Someone has to be the responsible adult here," Alex smirked, stealing a bite of Sam's bear claw.

"Says the woman who suggested we install a zip line between the pizzeria and my house building."

"It would have saved so much time during lunch rushes!"

Their peaceful breakfast was interrupted by Sam's phone buzzing. She glanced at the screen and rolled her eyes. "Morgan Edge is trying to call an emergency board meeting. Again. Probably another attempt to solidify his hostile takeover before Lena can gather enough evidence against him."

Alex's expression hardened slightly. "Want me to pay him a visit? I still have some contacts at the FBI who owe me favors."

Sam's heart warmed at Alex's protective instinct, even as she shook her head. "As much as I'd love to see you go all badass on him, Lena and I have this handled. Besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "I much prefer watching you get worked up over pizza toppings."

"Pineapple does not belong on pizza, Sam! It's a hill I'm willing to die on!"

"Which is exactly why I ordered a Hawaiian pizza last time."

Alex narrowed her eyes. "You're lucky you're cute."

Sam winked, gathering her things to go see Lena. "And don't you forget it. Are we still on for lunch?"

"Actually," Alex said, suddenly looking a bit nervous, "I was thinking maybe we could play hooky this afternoon? Ruby's at school until late for science fair setup, the pizzeria's closed for renovations, and you and Lena got enough dirt on Edge to justify skipping one board meeting."

Sam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Alexandra Danvers, are you suggesting we be irresponsible adults?"

"Maybe?" Alex shuffled her feet. "I just thought... we could use a break. There's this nice spot by the lake I found during my morning runs, and I packed a picnic basket..."

Sam's expression softened. For all her tough exterior, Alex could be adorably awkward when it came to romantic gestures. "You had me at hooky," she said, pulling Alex in for a quick kiss. "Let me just send a few emails first."

An hour later, they were spread out on a checkered blanket by the lake, surrounded by trees and the sound of birds chirping. Alex had indeed packed a proper picnic basket, complete with wine, cheese, and of course leftover pizza from the pizzeria.

"Cold pizza is still better than Hawaiian," Alex declared, taking a bite of her slice.

Sam just shook her head fondly. "You know, for someone who owns a pizzeria, you have very strong opinions about pizza."

"It's not an opinion, it's a fact. Back me up here in all your years in the corporate world, did you ever see pineapple pizza served at a business lunch?"

"No, but I also never saw anyone doing parkour between office buildings until I met you."

Alex grinned sheepishly. "That was one time, and it was an emergency! Ruby needed her homework delivered before class started."

"Most people would have just let their girlfriend's daughter take the late grade."

"Yeah, well," Alex shrugged, trying to hide her blush, "Ruby's special."

Sam's heart melted a little more. She'd been worried at first about dating again, especially with Ruby at such a crucial age. But Alex had slipped into their lives so naturally, never trying to replace anyone or push boundaries, just offering her own brand of love and support in whatever way was needed.

"You're special too, you know," Sam said softly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from Alex's face.

Alex caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Careful there, Arias. Keep being sweet and I might have to reconsider my stance on pineapple pizza."

"Now that would be a true miracle," Sam laughed. She leaned back on her elbows, soaking in the sun. "This was a good idea. I forgot how nice it is to just... stop sometimes."

"That's because you're always taking care of everyone else," Alex said, shifting to lay her head in Sam's lap. "Ruby, the company, dealing with Edge's schemes, making sure I don't blow up my own pizzeria..."

Sam ran her fingers through Alex's short hair. "Says the woman who personally delivers pizza to the children's hospital every Wednesday because, and I quote, 'hospital food is a crime against humanity.'"

"It is! Have you tasted their excuse for marinara sauce?"

"No, because unlike some people, I don't regularly break into hospital kitchens to investigate their cooking methods."

Alex pouted. "It was research! For the good of the patients!"

"Mhm," Sam hummed skeptically. "Just like how teaching Ruby to pick locks was 'educational'?"

"Hey, those skills might come in handy someday!"

"She's thirteen, Alex. The only locks she needs to pick are in her math textbook."

They fell into comfortable silence, watching clouds drift by overhead. Sam found herself thinking about how different her life had become in just two months. Before Alex, her days had been a rigid schedule of work, parenting, and trying to help Lena regain control of the company. Now, there were surprise breakfasts, impromptu picnics, and so much more laughter.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Alex asked, noticing Sam's contemplative expression.

"Just thinking about how you've ruined my perfectly organized life," Sam replied with a fond smile. "I used to be very professional, you know. Strict schedules, proper business attire, no spontaneous afternoon picnics."

"Sounds boring."

"It was. But it was safe." Sam paused, threading her fingers through Alex's. "You make me want to be a little dangerous."

Alex sat up, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh yeah? How dangerous are we talking? Jay-walking? Mixing plaids with stripes? Ordering pineapple pizza?"

"Let's not get crazy here," Sam laughed. "But maybe... something like this?" She pulled Alex in for a deep kiss, one that tasted of wine and marinara sauce and possibility.

When they finally broke apart, Alex was wearing that soft, slightly dazed smile that Sam had come to treasure. "You know," Alex said, "for someone who claims I ruined their organized life, you're pretty good at spontaneous yourself."

"I learned from the best. Though I still draw the line at parkour."

"Give it time," Alex winked. "Ruby's already asking for lessons."

"Don't you dare!"

Their playful argument was interrupted by Sam's phone buzzing again. This time, it was a text from Ruby.

Ruby: Mom! My project won first place! Can we celebrate at Alex's pizzeria? Please please please?"

Sam showed the message to Alex, who was already reaching for her keys. "Tell her I'll make her favorite – extra cheese, no pineapple."

"You're going to hold onto that pineapple grudge forever, aren't you?"

"Until my dying breath," Alex confirmed solemnly. Then she softened. "But for you and Ruby? I might be persuaded to keep a small supply in the kitchen. Just don't tell anyone I have a reputation to maintain."

Sam felt her heart swell with affection. "Your secret's safe with me, Danvers."

They packed up the picnic, Alex insisting on carrying everything despite Sam's protests. As they walked back to the car, hands intertwined, Sam thought about how sometimes the best things in life come from letting go of perfect schedules and carefully maintained order. Sometimes they come in the form of a pizzeria owner who teaches your daughter lock-picking and brings you coffee just when you need it most.

"Race you to the car?" Alex challenged, already bouncing on her toes.

Sam rolled her eyes fondly. "Some of us are wearing heels, you know."

"I'll give you a head start!"

"You're impossible," Sam declared, but she was already slipping off her shoes. "First one there has to tell Ruby why there are scorch marks on the pizzeria ceiling!"

Alex's indignant "That was one time!" echoed through the park as Sam took off running, laughing all the way to the car. Perfect schedules were overrated anyway.

Chapter Text

The soft glow of the television illuminated Lena's penthouse living room as she settled onto the plush leather couch beside Kara. They had finally convinced Leni to try watching a grown-up movie with them a romantic drama that Kara had been raving about for weeks.

"Are you sure you don't want more popcorn, sweetie?" Lena asked her daughter, who was sprawled on the floor surrounded by pillows.

"No thanks, Mommy," Leni replied, already fidgeting with her unicorn plushie. At five years old, she had the attention span of, well, a five-year-old.

Kara smiled fondly at the little girl. "The movie's about to start, munchkin. Ready?"

Twenty minutes in, Leni was clearly losing interest. The romantic plot wasn't exactly designed to capture the imagination of a kindergartener who preferred stories about magical creatures and superheroes.

"Mommy," Leni announced with all the gravity a five-year-old could muster, "I'm going to play with Princess Sparkles in my room. This movie is boring."

Lena chuckled. "Alright, darling. Door open, please."

"I know, I know," Leni sing-songed, already halfway to her room with her favorite unicorn tucked under her arm.

As soon as Leni disappeared down the hallway, Lena felt herself relax further into the couch, unconsciously leaning closer to Kara. The blonde's familiar scent of vanilla and something uniquely Kara wrapped around her like a warm blanket.

"She lasted longer than I expected," Kara whispered, her breath tickling Lena's ear.

"Mmm, a whole twenty minutes. Must be a new record," Lena replied, suppressing a shiver as Kara's arm brushed against hers.

They continued watching as the movie's romantic tension built between the main characters. Lena found herself increasingly distracted by Kara's presence the way she would occasionally gasp at tender moments, how her fingers would drum lightly against her knee during tense scenes.

When a particularly passionate scene began to unfold on screen, Lena suddenly became hyper-aware of every point of contact between them. Kara's thigh pressed against hers, their shoulders touching, the heat of her body seeping through the thin material of Lena's silk blouse.

Unable to resist, Lena let her hand drift to Kara's arm, her fingers tracing gentle patterns on the soft skin. She felt Kara's breath hitch, and when she turned to look at her girlfriend, the intensity in those blue eyes made her heart race.

Time seemed to slow as they gravitated toward each other, the movie forgotten. Their first kiss was gentle, tentative a question being asked and answered in the same breath. Kara's hand came up to cup Lena's cheek, thumb brushing softly against her skin.

The tenderness quickly gave way to something more urgent. Lena's fingers tangled in Kara's golden hair as they deepened the kiss. Kara tasted like popcorn and possibility, and Lena couldn't get enough.

They lost themselves in each other, the world narrowing to just this moment the soft press of lips, wandering hands, racing hearts. Kara's fingers traced the line of Lena's jaw, down her neck, leaving trails of fire in their wake.

"You're beautiful," Kara whispered against her lips, and Lena felt the words in her soul.

The sound of tiny feet padding down the hallway reached them seconds before Kara somehow sensed Leni's approach and pulled back, smoothing her hair. Lena barely had time to catch her breath before her daughter bounded back into the room.

"Mommy, can Princess Sparkles watch the movie too? She promises to be quiet," Leni asked, completely oblivious to the charged atmosphere.

Lena cleared her throat, grateful for her daughter's perfect timing. "Of course, darling. There's plenty of room."

Kara shot her a look that was equal parts amusement and frustration, her cheeks still flushed. The desire in her eyes made promises for later, but for now, they settled back to watch the movie, this time with a unicorn and its owner between them.

As Leni chattered about Princess Sparkles' opinions on the movie, Lena caught Kara's eye over her daughter's head. The soft smile they shared held all the warmth of their earlier passion, tempered now with affection and the sweet reality of family life.

Later, after Leni had been tucked into bed with Princess Sparkles standing guard, Lena walked Kara to the door.

"Next movie night at my place?" Kara suggested, her fingers intertwining with Lena's.

"Definitely," Lena agreed, pulling her in for one last kiss – sweet and full of promise. "Though maybe we should stick to animated films when Leni's awake."

Kara laughed, pressing their foreheads together. "Probably wise. Goodnight, Lee."

"Goodnight, darling."

As Lena closed the door, she leaned against it with a happy sigh. Her lips still tingled from Kara's kisses, and her heart felt full to bursting. In her room, she could hear Leni's soft voice telling Princess Sparkles a bedtime story.

This, she thought, was everything she'd ever wanted love, family, and the promise of more perfect moments to come. She touched her lips, smiling at the memory of Kara's kisses, and headed to check on her daughter, already looking forward to their next movie night.

The credits of the forgotten movie rolled silently in the background, but Lena didn't mind – she had her own love story unfolding, and it was better than anything Hollywood could dream up.

Chapter Text

"Spill it, Luthor," Sam demanded, settling into the plush chair in Lena's temporary office. She set two steaming cups of coffee on the desk between them. "How's things with your hot delivery girl?"

Lena couldn't suppress her smile, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "She's not just a delivery girl, Sam. She co-owns the pizzeria with Alex."

"Uh-huh, but that's not what I asked," Sam smirked, leaning forward. "Come on, give me the details. How's the domestic bliss going?"

"It's..." Lena paused, trying to find the right words. "It's perfect, honestly. Kara is just... she's amazing with Leni. Yesterday, she showed up at the penthouse with a homemade pizza because Leni mentioned missing their 'special Friday pizza' when we had to cancel last week due to my meetings."

"God, you're so smitten," Sam laughed. "Your face gets all soft when you talk about her."

"Like you're one to talk! How's Alex?" Lena countered, raising an eyebrow.

Now it was Sam's turn to blush. "Alex is... she's incredible. Ruby absolutely adores her. Last weekend, they spent three hours working on Ruby's science project together. Alex got so excited explaining molecular structures that she almost knocked over the entire model."

"Sounds like the Danvers sisters have a way with kids," Lena mused, taking a sip of her coffee.

"Speaking of work," Sam straightened slightly, "how's the opening going? Found a suitable COO candidate yet?" She tried to keep her tone casual, but Lena could hear the underlying interest.

"Actually..." Lena drawled, "I might have someone in mind. Brilliant financial background, excellent management skills, great with people... currently wasting her talents at Edge Global..."

Sam's eyes widened. "Lena Luthor, are you offering me a job?"

"Technically, I haven't offered anything yet," Lena smirked. "But hypothetically, if I were to offer you the position of COO at the new L-Corp's National City branch..."

"Yes!" Sam exclaimed, then composed herself. "I mean, hypothetically, I would be very interested in discussing such an opportunity."

"Good to know," Lena laughed. "Now, back to Alex does she still get that adorable crinkle between her eyebrows when she's concentrating on something?"

***

Across town at Danvers Pizzeria, Alex was rolling her eyes as Kara practically floated around the kitchen, humming while she prepared deliveries.

"Earth to Kara," Alex called out, waving a hand in front of her sister's face. "You just put pineapple on Mrs. Johnson's pizza. She hates pineapple."

"Oh!" Kara quickly fixed her mistake. "Sorry, I was just thinking about Lena and Leni. They're coming over for dinner tomorrow, and Leni asked if we could make pizza together."

"You're teaching Luthor how to make pizza again?" Alex teased. "Bold move."

"Hey, Lena's not that bad in the kitchen anymore," Kara defended. "She only set off the smoke alarm once last week."

"Progress," Alex chuckled. "Though I'm pretty sure that's because you've been doing most of the cooking."

"Like you can talk," Kara shot back. "Sam told me you burned water trying to make pasta for Ruby."

"That was one time!" Alex protested. "And in my defense, I got distracted helping her with her homework. Did you know Ruby's actually really interested in forensic science? We were discussing blood spatter patterns and—"

"Nerd alert," Kara coughed into her hand, dodging the dish towel Alex threw at her.

"Says the woman who spent three hours teaching a five-year-old about constellations using pizza toppings as stars."

"Hey, Leni remembered all of them! She's brilliant, just like her mom," Kara sighed dreamily.

"God, we're both so whipped," Alex laughed, leaning against the counter. "Did I tell you what Sam did last weekend?"

"Only about fifteen times," Kara teased. "But go ahead, tell me again about how she surprised you with tickets to that true crime podcast live show."

"It was perfect! She remembered me mentioning it months ago, and she got Ruby a sitter and everything. We had dinner at that new Thai place, and then—"

"Wait," Kara interrupted, checking her phone. "Speaking of your girlfriend, guess who just ordered a large margherita for lunch delivery to unofficial building of L-Corp?"

"Go," Alex waved her off. "But don't spend an hour 'delivering' it like last time. We actually have other customers."

"That was one time!" Kara protested, grabbing her keys. "And technically, I was helping Lena with some paperwork."

"Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"

Back in Lena's office, Sam was still processing the job offer. "So, if I took the position hypothetically when would you want me to start?"

"Hypothetically," Lena smiled, "as soon as you can give notice to Edge. The building renovation is almost complete, and I'd like to have my COO involved in the final stages of setup."

"Edge is going to have a fit," Sam grinned. "I can't wait to tell Alex! She's been saying for weeks that I'm wasted at that company."

"She's right," Lena agreed. "Plus, this way we get to work together again. Though please try to keep the gossiping about our love lives to lunch breaks."

"Speaking of love lives," Sam wiggled her eyebrows, "how's the whole 'meeting the family' thing going? Have you subjected Kara to the full Lillian experience yet?"

Lena groaned. "No- I can't and won't subject Kara to that at least not yet."

Sam cringed slightly in her seat but before she can say anything a knock at the door interrupted their conversation, and Kara poked her head in, holding up a pizza box. "Special delivery for Sam Arias?"

"My hero!" Sam exclaimed. "Though I have a feeling you're not here just for me."

Kara grinned, setting the pizza down before moving to kiss Lena hello. "Maybe I just wanted to see my favorite CEO."

"Wow, I feel so special," Sam deadpanned. "I'll just be over here, third-wheeling with my pizza."

"Actually," Kara said, pulling away from Lena reluctantly, "Alex wanted me to ask if you're free tonight? She's trying that pasta recipe again."

"Should I be worried?" Sam laughed.

"Nah, I wrote down detailed instructions this time," Kara assured her. "Plus, Ruby's going to be there to supervise."

"My thirteen-year-old supervising my girlfriend's cooking," Sam shook her head. "What has my life become?"

"Speaking of dinner plans," Lena interjected, "are we still on for tomorrow night, darling? Leni's been practicing her pizza dough tossing with paper plates."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Kara beamed. "Though maybe we should stick to rolling the dough this time. Last thing we need is another ceiling fan incident."

"That was your fault!" Lena protested. "You're the one who told her professional pizza makers throw the dough in the air."

"And on that note," Sam stood up, gathering her pizza, "I'm going to leave you two to your domestic squabbling. Some of us have work to do. You know, at least until a certain CEO officially poaches us from our current jobs."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Lena said primly, but her eyes were twinkling.

After Sam left, Kara pulled Lena into another kiss. "So, poaching Sam, huh?"

"News travels fast in this town," Lena murmured against her lips.

"Small price to pay for having our favorite people close by," Kara smiled. "Though Alex might kill you if you make Sam work too many late nights."

"I think we can arrange something mutually beneficial," Lena smirked. "Speaking of which, don't you have deliveries to make?"

"Are you kicking me out, Ms. Luthor?"

"Never," Lena pulled her closer. "But I'd hate for Alex to have to explain to Mrs. Johnson why her pizza is late again."

"Fine," Kara sighed dramatically. "But you're making it up to me tomorrow night."

"I'm sure we can arrange something after Leni goes to bed," Lena whispered, delighting in the way Kara's cheeks flushed.

Back at the pizzeria, Alex was already planning her dinner with Sam and Ruby when Kara returned.

"So," Alex started, "how many times did you get distracted kissing your girlfriend this time?"

"Only twice!" Kara defended. "And I'll have you know I delivered all the other pizzas right on time."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, sis," Alex laughed. "Now help me figure out this pasta recipe before I burn down my kitchen and ruin date night."

As they worked, both sisters couldn't help but smile, thinking about how perfectly their lives had come together. Between their thriving business, amazing girlfriends, and the family they were building, everything felt right in their world.

Even if some of their pizzas occasionally arrived a little late.

Chapter Text

The L-Corp lobby gleamed with polished marble and fresh flowers, everything perfectly arranged for the grand opening. Lena stood at her office window, fourty floors above the growing crowd, watching the morning light catch on the new signage. Her fingers absently traced the edge of her desk, the smooth surface grounding her as her anxiety mounted.

"Ms. Luthor?" Jess's Lena's assistant voice came through the intercom. "Your mother is here."

Lena closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Send her in."

Lillian Luthor swept into the office like a winter wind, her Louboutins clicking against the floor with precise, measured steps. "Well, darling, you've certainly made quite the spectacle of yourself."

"Hello, Mother," Lena replied, keeping her voice steady. "I wasn't expecting you until the afternoon ceremony."

"A mother can't surprise her daughter?" Lillian's smile didn't reach her eyes as she surveyed the office. "Though I suppose surprises are more your area. Like suddenly announcing a cross-country move and corporate rebranding without consulting the board."

"I don't need to consult anyone about my company's direction," Lena stated firmly, though she could feel herself shrinking under her mother's gaze. "L-Corp is mine now."

"Ah yes, secured quite nicely in your divorce settlement," Lillian settled into a chair, uninvited. "Speaking of which, how is Morgan these days? Still fighting the custody arrangement?"

Lena's jaw tightened. "Morgan signed away his rights to Leni. He has no interest in being a father, which you would know if you'd bothered to meet your granddaughter more than once."

"Children are so... consuming, aren't they?" Lillian mused, examining her manicured nails. "I do hope you're not letting motherhood distract you from your responsibilities. The board is already concerned about your... emotional decisions."

Before Lena could respond, a gentle knock interrupted them. Her heart sank as she recognized the familiar pattern – Kara's special knock.

"Come in," Lena called out, her voice sharper than intended.

Kara entered with her usual sunny smile, holding up a Danvers Pizzeria bag. "Hey! I thought you might need lunch during all the..." She trailed off, noticing Lillian's presence. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Yes, you did," Lena snapped, panic rising in her throat as she saw her mother's calculating gaze shift between them. "I'm in a meeting. You can't just barge in here whenever you want."

The hurt that flashed across Kara's face made Lena's chest ache. "I... I'm sorry, I just thought—"

"Well, you thought wrong," Lena cut her off, her voice cold and distant Lillian's voice. "Please leave."

Kara stood frozen for a moment, confusion and pain evident in her blue eyes. "Right. Of course. I'll just... I'll leave this here." She set the bag on the edge of Lena's desk, her movements careful, as if any sudden motion might shatter the tension in the room.

As Kara turned to leave, Lena caught a glimpse of something small tucked into the bag – a folded paper heart, clearly made by Leni. Her daughter had probably insisted on sending it with Kara, wanting to cheer her mommy up on her big day.

The door closed with a soft click that somehow hurt more than if Kara had slammed it.

"Well," Lillian's voice cut through the silence, "at least you still know how to handle the help appropriately."

Lena's fingers curled into fists beneath her desk. "Kara is... she's a friend."

"Friends don't typically look that wounded by professional boundaries, darling," Lillian observed. "Unless there's something you're not telling me?"

"There's nothing to tell," Lena lied, the words tasting like ash in her mouth. "Now, about the opening ceremony—"

"You know," Lillian interrupted, "Morgan was so beneath you too, but at least he came from money. Had connections. What could a pizza delivery girl possibly offer you or Leni?"

Everything, Lena wanted to scream. Love, acceptance, joy, warmth – all the things you never gave me.

Instead, she straightened her spine and met her mother's gaze. "The ceremony starts at two. I have work to do before then."

Lillian rose gracefully, smoothing her already perfect skirt. "Just remember, darling – everything you do reflects on this family now. You're not just playing with your own reputation anymore. Think about Leni's future."

The mention of her daughter made Lena's chest tight. "I always do."

After Lillian left, Lena remained at her desk, staring at the Danvers Pizzeria bag. With trembling fingers, she pulled out the paper heart. In Leni's wobbly handwriting it read: "Good luck Mommy! Love you and Kara!"

Lena pressed her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle a sob. She'd just hurt the woman she liked so much to appease a mother who had never shown her real love at all. And for what? To protect a corporate image? To shield Leni from Lillian's disapproval?

Her phone buzzed with a text from Sam.
Sam: Just saw Kara leaving. She looked devastated. What happened?

Lena couldn't bring herself to respond. Instead, she watched through her window as Kara's familiar figure emerged from the building below, shoulders slumped in a way that was so wrong on her usually buoyant girlfriend. She watched until Kara disappeared around the corner, taking a piece of Lena's heart with her.

The pizza sat untouched, growing cold as Lena prepared for the opening ceremony. She could already hear her mother's voice in her head, critiquing her speech, her posture, her choices. But louder than that was Leni's voice from that morning: "Can Kara come over after your big party, Mommy? She promised to help me build a pillow fort!"

Lena glanced at her phone, thumb hovering over Kara's name. The last message from her girlfriend still showed on the screen: "Proud of you ❤️"

The intercom buzzed again. "Ms. Luthor? The press is arriving for the ceremony."

"Thank you, Jess," Lena replied automatically, slipping her CEO mask back into place. But as she gathered her notes, her eyes kept drifting to the paper heart on her desk, and she wondered if she'd just sabotaged the best thing in her life to please a woman who had never been pleased with her.

The opening ceremony would be perfect, of course. Lena would give her speech flawlessly, charm the press, and present the confident, controlled image Lillian demanded. But for the first time, standing in her gleaming new office with her mother's approval and her girlfriend's broken heart, Lena wondered if success was worth the price of happiness.

She carefully tucked Leni's paper heart into her jacket pocket, close to her own heart, and headed down to face the cameras. Maybe later, if she hadn't ruined everything, she could explain to Kara why she'd panicked. Why her mother's presence reduced her to that scared little girl desperate for approval. Why she'd lashed out at the one person who had never asked her to be anything but herself.

But for now, she had to be Lena Luthor, CEO of L-Corp. Even if being a Luthor meant feeling more alone than ever.

Chapter Text

The hallway outside Kara's loft seemed longer than usual as Lena stood there, her heels in one hand and Leni's crumpled paper heart in the other. She'd left her daughter with Sam for the evening, knowing this conversation needed her full attention. Her other hand hovered over the door, trembling slightly before she finally knocked.

The seconds stretched like hours until she heard movement inside. When Kara opened the door, Lena's breath caught in her throat. Gone was the sunny smile she loved so much, replaced by guarded eyes and tension around her mouth.

"Lena?" Kara's voice was quiet, uncertain. She was wearing old sweatpants and a faded National City University hoodie – her comfort clothes.

"Can I..." Lena's voice cracked. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Can I come in? Please?"

Kara hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. The silence as Lena entered the apartment was deafening compared to their usual warm greetings.

"I brought your jacket," Lena said softly, holding up the leather jacket Kara had left in her office the day before. "And I... I need to explain about today."

"Do you?" Kara's voice was controlled, but Lena could hear the hurt underneath. "I think you made things pretty clear this afternoon."

"No," Lena shook her head, tears already threatening. "No, I didn't. I made everything worse, and I..." She took a shaky breath. "I hurt you. I hurt us. And I'm so sorry, Kara."

Kara crossed her arms, not in anger but almost like she was protecting herself. "You know what hurt the most? It wasn't even the words. It was watching you become someone else right in front of me. Like the Lena I know just... disappeared."

"She did," Lena whispered, a tear escaping despite her efforts. "When my mother's around, I become this... this version of myself I hate. The perfect Luthor daughter she always wanted. Cold. Controlled. Cruel."

"Your mother doesn't control you, Lena."

"Doesn't she?" Lena laughed bitterly. "You saw what happened today. One look from her and I'm suddenly fifteen again, desperate for approval I'll never get. And I..." Her voice broke. "I threw away the best thing in my life trying to please her."

Kara's expression softened slightly. "Lena..."

"No, please, I need to say this," Lena stepped closer, clutching the paper heart. "Do you know what Leni asked me tonight when Sam picked her up? She asked why I was sad when today was supposed to be happy. She asked where you were, because you always make me smile when I'm sad."

Tears were flowing freely now, but Lena pressed on. "And I realized that my five-year-old daughter understands more about love and happiness than I do. Because I let my mother's coldness make me push away the warmest person I've ever known."

"I would have understood," Kara said softly. "If you'd just told me you weren't ready for your mother to know about us—"

"That's just it," Lena interrupted. "I am ready. I'm more than ready. I'm in love with you, Kara Danvers."

The words hung in the air between them. Kara's arms dropped to her sides, her eyes wide.

"I'm in love with how you make crazy pizza shapes just to make Leni laugh," Lena continued, her voice gaining strength. "I'm in love with how you remember everyone's favorite orders at the pizzeria, not just what they want but why they want it. I'm in love with how you see the best in people, even difficult people like me."

"You're not difficult," Kara protested automatically.

"I am," Lena smiled through her tears. "I'm complicated and damaged and I carry so much baggage. But you... you make me feel light. You make me feel safe. And today I let my mother's presence make me forget all of that."

She held out the crumpled paper heart. "Leni made this for me – for us, really. Because in her mind, we're already family. And I almost ruined that because I was scared."

Kara finally moved closer, gently taking the paper heart. Her fingers brushed against Lena's, sending familiar sparks through both of them.

"I'm in love with you too," Kara said quietly. "Even when you're being difficult. Even when you're scared. I love all of you, Lena Luthor."

A sob escaped Lena's throat as Kara pulled her into an embrace. She buried her face in Kara's neck, breathing in the familiar scent of vanilla and home.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered against Kara's skin. "I'll spend every day making it up to you."

"You don't have to," Kara stroked her hair. "Just... don't shut me out again. Let me be there for you, even in the hard moments. Especially in the hard moments."

Lena pulled back just enough to look into Kara's eyes. "I don't deserve you."

"Hey, none of that," Kara cupped her face, thumbs wiping away tears. "You deserve everything good in this world. And I plan to spend as long as you'll let me proving that to you."

Their first kiss was salt-tinged from tears, but sweet with reconciliation. When they finally parted, Kara rested her forehead against Lena's.

"Stay?" she whispered.

"Sam has Leni for the night," Lena replied. "I'm all yours."

They ended up on Kara's couch, Lena curled into Kara's side as they talked about everything – Lillian, the opening ceremony, their feelings. Kara ordered them pizza ("Because emotional conversations require comfort food, Lena"), and they ate it straight from the box.

"I told my mother off, after the ceremony," Lena admitted, playing with Kara's fingers. "Told her that if she wanted a relationship with her granddaughter, she needed to accept my choices. All of them."

"How'd she take that?"

"About as well as you'd expect. But for the first time, I didn't care. I looked at that paper heart Leni made, thought about you, and realized I already have the family I need."

Kara pressed a kiss to her temple. "Speaking of family, Alex may have threatened to ban you from the pizzeria for making me cry."

Lena winced. "I probably deserve that."

"Don't worry, I told her you'd make it up to us with free L-Corp coffee for the shop."

"Done," Lena agreed immediately. "Though I hope that's not all I have to do to make it up to you."

Kara pretended to think about it. "Well, there is one thing..."

"Anything."

"Come to game night tomorrow? Leni's been practicing Candy Land all week because she's determined to beat Alex."

Lena felt her heart swell with love for this woman who always put family first. "It's a date. Though we might want to warn Alex – Leni's gotten scary good at board games."

"Must run in the family," Kara teased, pulling her closer.

They fell into comfortable silence, the city lights twinkling outside the window. Lena felt the last of her anxiety melt away, replaced by a bone-deep certainty that this – being here with Kara – was exactly where she belonged.

"I love you," she whispered, testing the words again now that the storm of emotions had passed.

Kara's smile was brighter than all the city lights combined. "I love you too. Even when you're being a Luthor."

"Especially then?"

"Especially then," Kara confirmed, leaning in for another kiss. "Because that's when you need to hear it most."

As their lips met, Lena made a silent promise to herself, to Kara, to Leni she would never let fear of her mother's judgment come between them again. She had something better than Luthor approval now. She had love.

And love, she was learning, was stronger than any corporate empire or family name. It was stronger than fear, stronger than doubt, stronger than years of conditioning. Love was pizza shapes and paper hearts, game nights and gentle forgiveness. Love was Kara Danvers, holding her close and promising forever with every kiss.

Love, Lena realized, was finally feeling like she was home.

Chapter Text

Lena Luthor stood in front of the mirror in her penthouse bathroom, adjusting her emerald green sweater for what must have been the hundredth time. Her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed down non-existent wrinkles.

"Mommy, you look pretty!" Leni's voice piped up from the doorway, where she stood in her adorable thanksgiving-themed dress, complete with tiny turkeys along the hem. "Can I wear lipstick too?"

Lena turned to her daughter, grateful for the distraction from her nerves. "Thank you, darling. And maybe just a tiny bit of lip gloss?" She reached for her most subtle pink shade, one that was barely noticeable.

"But I want the red one like yours!"

"When you're older, sweet pea. Now, are you excited to meet Kara's mom?"

Leni nodded enthusiastically, her dark curls bouncing. "Is she nice like Kara? Kara always gives me extra cheese on my pizza when we visit the restaurant!"

"Don't tell Alex that," Lena chuckled, thinking of Kara's sister and business partner who pretended to be strict about portion control at their pizzeria but secretly slipped extra toppings to kids herself. "And yes, from what Kara tells me, Eliza is wonderful."

The doorbell rang, and Leni sprinted toward it, shouting, "Kara's here! Kara's here!"

Lena's heart did a little flip at the sound of her girlfriend's voice greeting Leni with her usual enthusiasm. "There's my favorite pizza taste-tester! And wow, is that a new dress?"

"Yes! Look, it has turkeys on it!"

"I see that! You look absolutely amazing, Leni-bean! And speaking of amazing..." Kara appeared in the bathroom doorway, wearing a soft blue sweater that made her eyes sparkle. She let out a low whistle. "Wow, baby. You look stunning."

Lena felt her cheeks warm. "You don't think it's too much? Too formal? Too-"

"Perfect," Kara interrupted, stepping forward to kiss her softly. "You're perfect. And Eliza is going to love you both so much."

"You can't know that," Lena muttered, falling into her girlfriend's embrace.

"Actually, I do know that," Kara said firmly. "Because one, you're brilliant and kind and amazing with kids - I've seen you at the pizzeria with our little customers. Two, you rebuilt L-Corp from the ground up to focus on helping people, which is exactly the kind of thing my mom respects. And three, you make me happier than I've ever been. That's all Eliza needs to know."

"Can we go now?" Leni called from the living room. "I'm hungry!"

"Just like Kara," Lena teased, finally relaxing a bit.

"Hey! I resemble that remark!" Kara grinned, taking Lena's hand. "But she's right - we should get going. Alex will kill us if we're late, and then who would make her favorite white pizza with extra garlic?"

***

The drive to Alex's house was filled with Leni's excited chatter and Kara singing along to Christmas songs ("It's still November, darling." "It's after Halloween, Lena, therefore it's Christmas season!"). When they pulled up, Lena's nerves returned full force at the sight of all the cars already parked outside.

"Deep breaths," Kara squeezed her hand. "It's just family."

Family. The word still made Lena's heart skip a beat. For so long, it had been just her and Leni against the world. Then Kara had walked into her life seven months ago, and everything changed.

Before Lena could spiral further into her thoughts, the front door burst open and Ruby came running out. "Leni! Come quick, Nia is teaching me and Winn how to make paper turkeys!"

Leni looked at Lena for permission, practically vibrating with excitement. "Go on, darling. Just be careful!"

They watched as Leni raced inside with Ruby. "One minute here and she's already abandoned us for crafts," Kara laughed, grabbing the pie they'd brought from the backseat. "Come on, beautiful. Time to face the family."

The house was warm and filled with delicious smells and laughter. Winn and Nia were indeed at the dining room table, surrounded by colored paper and looking rather confused as Brainy attempted to explain the "optimal fold trajectory for maximum turkey aesthetic." Sam was in the kitchen with Alex, both wearing matching "Kiss the Cook" aprons and bickering good-naturedly about basting techniques.

And there, coming down the stairs, was Eliza Danvers.

Lena's grip on Kara's hand tightened.

"Mom!" Kara called out joyfully, and Lena found herself being gently pulled forward. "Mom, this is Lena, and somewhere around here is her daughter Leni-"

"Making turkeys!" came a small voice from the dining room.

"Making turkeys," Kara confirmed with a grin. "Lena, this is my mom, Eliza."

Eliza Danvers had kind eyes and a warm smile that immediately reminded Lena of Kara. "Lena, sweetheart, it's so wonderful to finally meet you. Kara hasn't stopped talking about you for months."

"Mom!" Kara protested, blushing.

"It's true," Alex called from the kitchen. "It's always 'Lena this' and 'Lena that' and 'Oh my god, Alex, you should see how cute Leni is when she tries to toss pizza dough!'"

"All true statements!" Kara defended herself.

"It's lovely to meet you too, Dr. Danvers," Lena managed, still tense.

"Oh, please, it's Eliza," she said, and then, to Lena's surprise, pulled her into a warm hug. "And any woman who can make my Kara smile like that - and who I hear is teaching science experiments to elementary school children through L-Corp's new education initiative - is already family in my book."

Lena felt tears prick at her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Miss Eliza!" Leni's voice rang out as she finally noticed the new arrival. "Look at my turkey!" She held up a somewhat lopsided paper creation covered in glitter.

"Well, isn't this beautiful!" Eliza exclaimed, kneeling down to Leni's level. "You know, I think we have some more craft supplies upstairs. Would you like to make another one with me?"

Leni's eyes lit up. "Can we make one for Mommy and Mama Kara?"

The room went quiet for a moment, and Lena's heart stopped. They hadn't really discussed labels yet, though Leni had started calling Kara that a few weeks ago and Kara had teared up the first time...

But Eliza just smiled wider. "I think that's a wonderful idea, sweetheart. Come on, I'll show you where the special glitter is."

As they watched Eliza lead an chattering Leni upstairs, Kara wrapped her arms around Lena from behind. "Told you so," she whispered.

***

Dinner was a beautifully chaotic affair. The food was incredible - Alex and Sam had outdone themselves with the turkey, though Kara insisted on serving some of their pizzeria's garlic knots alongside the regular rolls ("It's tradition now!"). Winn and Brainy got into a heated debate about the historical accuracy of the first Thanksgiving while Nia recorded it on her phone for "posterity." Ruby taught Leni how to make a volcano out of her mashed potatoes, much to Sam's dismay and Alex's poorly hidden amusement.

"More gravy, dear?" Eliza offered Lena, who realized she'd been sitting there just taking it all in.

"Oh, yes, thank you," Lena accepted the boat, then found herself adding, "This is... I've never had anything like this."

"A gravy boat?" Kara teased gently.

"A family Thanksgiving," Lena admitted quietly. "Growing up, it was always formal affairs with the Luthors. Business associates and political allies. Then after... well, it's just been Leni and me. We usually order in and watch movies."

"Well," Eliza said firmly, "you'll never have to do that again. Unless you want to, of course. But you'll always have a place here."

"Hey, maybe next year we can host at the pizzeria!" Kara suggested excitedly. "We could make thanksgiving pizzas!"

"Absolutely not," Alex and Lena said in unison, then grinned at each other.

"Turkey pizza could be interesting though," Sam mused. "Like with cranberry sauce instead of marinara..."

"Don't encourage her," Lena groaned, but she was smiling. "The last time Kara got experimental with toppings, we ended up with the potsticker pizza incident."

"Which was delicious!" Kara protested.

"It really wasn't, darling."

"Leni liked it!"

"Leni also likes ketchup on her ice cream," Lena pointed out.

"She gets her adventurous palate from her Mama Kara," Eliza commented with a twinkle in her eye, and Lena felt warmth spread through her chest at how natural it sounded.

***

Later, after the dishes were done (by Winn and Brainy, who had lost a complex game of rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock) and the leftovers were packed up, they all gathered in the living room. Leni was curled up asleep in Eliza's lap while the older woman softly stroked her hair. Ruby was teaching Nia and Sam some TikTok dance. Alex and Kara were arguing good-naturedly about who made the better pizza dough ("Mine's fluffier!" "Yeah, because you don't know how to properly develop the gluten structure!").

Lena sat on the couch, taking it all in again, when Eliza caught her eye and smiled knowingly.

"Overwhelming, isn't it?" she asked softly.

"A bit," Lena admitted. "But in the best way."

"They're a lot, but they're worth it. And you, my dear, fit right in." Eliza looked down at Leni, then back at Lena. "You've done an amazing job with her. She's a wonderful child."

"Thank you," Lena whispered, feeling those tears threatening again. "That means a lot, especially from someone who raised Kara and Alex."

"Speaking of Kara," Eliza's eyes twinkled, "I haven't seen her this happy in... well, ever. The pizzeria was her dream, but you and Leni? You're her joy."

Before Lena could respond, Kara flopped down next to her on the couch. "What are we talking about?"

"How you clearly don't understand the science of gluten development," Lena teased, falling easily into their banter.

"Et tu, Lena?" Kara gasped dramatically. "And here I was, about to ask if you wanted to come help make breakfast pizzas at the shop tomorrow morning!"

"Breakfast pizzas?" Leni mumbled sleepily from Eliza's lap. "With chocolate chips?"

"Don't give her ideas," Lena groaned, but she was smiling as she leaned into Kara's side.

"Too late!" Kara announced. "Chocolate chip breakfast pizza is now on the secret menu! We'll call it the Leni Special!"

"The Leni Special!" Ruby perked up. "Can I help test it?"

"Oh god, there's two of them," Sam muttered.

"Three," Alex corrected, pointing at Kara who was now excitedly listing possible breakfast pizza combinations.

Lena watched as her girlfriend's eyes lit up with each new idea, as her daughter sleepily contributed increasingly absurd topping suggestions, as their family alternatively encouraged and teased them. She thought about how seven months ago, she'd been worried about moving to National City, about starting over, about whether she could really rebuild L-Corp into something good.

She never could have imagined that a pizza delivery would change everything. That she'd fall in love with the sunny owner of a local pizzeria who gave extra toppings to kids and sang Christmas songs in November and looked at Lena like she hung the moon. That her daughter would gain not just a second mother but a whole extended family of wonderful weirdos who accepted them completely.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Kara whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"Just thinking about how lucky I am," Lena replied honestly. "How thankful."

"Funny, I was thinking the same thing," Kara smiled. "Though I was also thinking about how to incorporate turkey and stuffing into a breakfast pizza..."

"Darling, no."

"Darling, yes!"

And as their family laughed around them, Lena thought that maybe, just maybe, she'd try whatever weird pizza combination Kara came up with next. After all, taking chances had worked out pretty well for her so far.

Chapter Text

Lena Luthor stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of her top-floor office at National City L-Corp, watching as workers below installed the prototype for her revolutionary water filtration system. The project had consumed months of her life, promising to bring clean water to communities that desperately needed it. Her attention was divided between the installation and the quarterly reports spread across her pristine desk when her phone buzzed.

The caller ID showed "Leni's School." Her heart dropped.

"Ms. Luthor?" The school secretary's voice was carefully neutral. "There's been an incident involving Leni. She's hurt—"

Lena didn't let her finish. "I'm on my way."

With trembling fingers, she fired off a text to her assistant to cancel all meetings for the day, then immediately called Kara.

"Hey beautiful, I was just about to make your favorite—" Kara's cheerful voice came through the speaker.

"Kara," Lena cut in, her voice cracking. "The school called. Leni's hurt. Can you—"

"I'm closing the pizzeria right now. Text me the address, I'll meet you there."

This was why Lena had fallen for Kara Danvers. No questions asked, just immediate support when needed. A CEO dating a pizza shop owner wasn't exactly the match society expected, but Kara had brought more joy into their lives than Lena could have imagined.

The drive to the school was a blur of worst-case scenarios playing through Lena's mind. She'd fought so hard to protect Leni from everything from the weight of the Luthor name, from the press, from the whispers about her father's abandonment. But she couldn't protect her from everything, could she?

Kara was already there when Lena pulled up, pacing outside the delivery car that had the "Danvers' Pizzeria" logo on the side. Her blonde hair was pulled back in its usual messy bun, flour still dusting her shirt from the morning's work. The moment she saw Lena's car, she rushed over.

"They wouldn't let me in without being family," Kara explained, reaching for Lena's hand. "But I could see Leni through the window. She's sitting up and talking."

Lena squeezed Kara's hand hard before they walked in together. The school secretary recognized them both Kara had been picking Leni up regularly since she and Lena started dating and immediately led them to the nurse's office.

Leni sat on the examination bed, her dark hair falling out of its usual neat braids, tears streaking her face. Her left arm was carefully supported in a makeshift sling, and Lena's heart shattered at the sight of her baby girl in pain.

"Mommy!" Leni's voice wavered. "Kara!"

"Oh, sweetheart." Lena rushed forward, carefully gathering her daughter into her arms. "What happened?"

The school nurse stepped forward with a grim expression. "It appears there was an incident on the playground. A second-grade boy—"

"Tommy pushed me," Leni hiccupped against Lena's shoulder. "I was on the monkey bars, and he said girls shouldn't be allowed to play there, and he pushed me."

Lena's vision went red. "Where is this Tommy? And his parents? I want them contacted immediately—"

"Ms. Luthor," the nurse began, "The principal is already handling—"

"My five-year-old daughter was assaulted on your playground," Lena's voice took on the steel edge that made board members quiver. "I expect—"

"Hey, Leni-bean," Kara interrupted smoothly, moving to sit on the examination bed. "That must have been really scary. You're being so brave. Does it hurt a lot?"

Leni nodded, her lower lip trembling. "It really hurts, Kara."

"I bet it does, sweetheart. But you know what? I broke my arm when I was just a little older than you, and you know what made it better?"

"What?" Leni sniffled, curiosity peeking through her tears.

"Alex drew the coolest pictures on my cast. Dragons and rockets and everything. And everyone at school wanted to sign it. I felt like a rock star."

Lena felt some of her fury ebb as she watched Kara work her magic. This was another reason she'd fallen so hard Kara knew exactly how to calm both Luthor women when they were upset.

The emergency room was predictably busy, but Lena's name carried weight, and soon they were seeing a doctor. X-rays confirmed what they'd feared: a clean break that would require a cast for six weeks. Lena held it together as they set the bone and applied the cast, but every whimper from Leni felt like a knife in her heart.

Later that evening, they sat in Lena's penthouse apartment, Leni curled up between them on the couch. Her pink cast was already adorned with several unique drawings: a pizza slice wearing sunglasses (Kara's contribution), a unicorn with rainbow hair (Lena's attempt), and a fairy riding a dragon (a collaborative effort that had Leni giggling despite her pain).

"Mommy?" Leni's voice was drowsy from the children's pain medication.

"Yes, darling?"

"Can Kara stay tonight? She makes the best pancakes when I'm sad."

Lena met Kara's eyes over Leni's head. They hadn't done any overnight stays yet, careful to take things slow for Leni's sake. But there was such love in Kara's blue eyes, such genuine care for both of them.

"Of course I'll stay, Leni-bean," Kara said softly. "And I'll make you heart-shaped pancakes in the morning."

"With chocolate chips?" Leni asked hopefully.

"Is there any other way to make pancakes?"

Lena felt tears prick her eyes as she watched them together. The day had been a nightmare one of her worst fears as a parent realized. But somehow, having Kara here made it bearable. Made it feel like they could handle anything as long as they were together.

Later, after Leni had fallen asleep in her own bed (only after extracting promises from both women that they would check on her regularly), Lena and Kara stood in the kitchen. Lena was methodically washing dishes, needing the mindless activity to process the day.

"I should have been there," she said suddenly, her voice thick. "If I wasn't always at work—"

"Stop." Kara gently took the dish from Lena's hands and turned her around. "You're an amazing mother, Lena. Accidents happen. Kids get hurt. It's not because you're working to make the world a better place."

"But she was all alone when it happened. Scared and hurt and—"

"And the first person she asked for was you," Kara reminded her. "Because she knows, no matter what, her mom will drop everything and come running. That's what matters."

Lena let herself be pulled into Kara's embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of flour and vanilla that always clung to her clothes. "Thank you for being there today. For knowing exactly what to say to her. For... everything."

"There's nowhere else I would have been," Kara said simply. "You and Leni... you're my family now too. If you want that."

Lena pulled back slightly, searching Kara's face. They hadn't said those particular words yet. But looking at Kara now, Lena knew it was true. Somewhere between pizza deliveries and impromptu movie nights, between business lunches and playground pickups, they had become a family.

"We want that," Lena whispered. "We want you."

***

The next morning, true to her word, Kara made heart-shaped chocolate chip pancakes. Leni sat at the breakfast bar, her cast now featuring an entire menagerie of magical creatures, regaling them with plans for all the things she wanted her classmates to draw on it.

"And Ms. Johnson said I can show everyone my cast at show and tell on Friday," Leni explained excitedly. "Can you come, Kara? You can bring pizza for the class!"

"Leni, honey, Kara might be busy with the pizzeria," Lena started, but Kara was already nodding.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Leni-bean. And pizza for your class? That's the best idea I've heard all week."

Lena watched as her daughter beamed at Kara, all traces of yesterday's trauma temporarily forgotten in the excitement of being the class celebrity. She thought about the meetings she needed to reschedule, the water system installation she needed to check on. But for now, she just wanted to sit here with her family, eating heart-shaped pancakes and planning show and tell pizza parties.

The world could wait. This was where she needed to be.

Chapter Text

"Okay, wiggle those fingers one more time for me," Dr. Chen instructed, smiling warmly at Leni.

Lena watched as her daughter demonstrated her newly freed arm's mobility, her heart swelling with relief at seeing those small fingers moving normally again. Six weeks had felt like an eternity, especially to an energetic five-year-old who couldn't understand why she had to be so careful all the time.

"Look, Mommy! They're all working!" Leni exclaimed, flexing her fingers with exaggerated movements.

"They certainly are, darling." Lena caught one of those tiny hands and pressed a kiss to it. "Although I must say, I'm going to miss your beautiful unicorn cast a little bit."

"Don't worry," Leni said seriously. "Kara promised we can still draw unicorns on my arm with washable markers. She said it's like having a new canvas every bath time!"

Dr. Chen chuckled as she made some final notes in Leni's chart. "Just remember to take it easy for the first few days, okay? No monkey bars just yet."

"That's okay," Leni declared. "I'm never going on the monkey bars again. I'm going to be a professional pizza maker like Kara instead. It's safer."

Lena bit back a laugh, remembering the numerous burns and cuts Kara had shown off from her years in the pizza business. But she had to admit, watching Kara teach Leni how to toss pizza dough in their kitchen (using practice cloth, of course) was infinitely preferable to playground equipment.

The drive home was filled with Leni's chatter about all the things she could do now that her cast was off. Swimming lessons, cartwheels, and proper hugs topped the list.

When they reached their building, Leni was practically bouncing in the elevator. "Can we call Kara when we get home? I want to show her my arm!"

"Of course, darling." Lena smiled. "Why don't you do the honors?" She handed Leni the keys, watching as her daughter carefully selected the right one a skill she'd been extremely proud to master recently.

The moment the door swung open, the apartment erupted with shouts of "SURPRISE!"

Leni shrieked in delight as streamers popped and confetti rained down. The penthouse had been transformed into a pizza lover's paradise. Balloons shaped like pizza slices floated everywhere, and a banner proclaimed "OUR BRAVE GIRL" in glittering letters. Alex, Sam, and Ruby stood grinning behind the kitchen island, which was laden with pizzas of every variety. And there was Kara, wearing her "World's Best Pizza Artist" apron (a gift from Leni), beaming like sunshine personified.

"You guys!" Leni launched herself at Kara first, who caught her and spun her around. "Did you make all these pizzas?"

"Sure did! We've got your favorite triple cheese, Ruby's barbecue chicken special, your mom's fancy fig and prosciutto—"

"And MY favorite meat lover's supreme," Alex cut in, already holding a slice. "Which I've been smelling for the past hour while we waited!"

"Alex has eaten half the garlic knots," Ruby tattled, dodging her playful swat. "Mom had to physically restrain her from them!"

"They were calling to me!" Alex defended herself. "Like little garlicky sirens!"

Sam rolled her eyes fondly. "You're ridiculous. Leni, sweetie, come show me your arm! Does it feel weird without the cast?"

As Leni proudly displayed her newly freed limb to her honorary guests, Lena found herself drawn to Kara's side. "You did all this?"

"Well, Sam let us in she's had a key this whole time, by the way, which makes me slightly jealous but yeah, I wanted to celebrate our brave girl." Kara wrapped an arm around Lena's waist. "Is that okay?"

Lena turned in Kara's embrace, struck by the simple rightness of this moment. Her apartment their apartment now, really...filled with laughter and love and the smell of fresh pizza. Her daughter, whole and happy, surrounded by people who adored her. And Kara, wonderful Kara, who had orchestrated it all.

"More than okay," Lena murmured. "Although Sam having a key and you not having one is rather ridiculous at this point."

"Oh?" Kara's eyes sparkled. "Is that so?"

"Mmhmm." Lena reached into the drawer behind her and pulled out a small box with a bow on top. "I was going to do this more formally, but—"

"Kara!" Leni's voice interrupted them. "Ruby says you made dessert pizza too! Can we have it now?"

"Better go handle that," Kara laughed, pressing a quick kiss to Lena's cheek. "Hold that thought?"

The next hour was a whirlwind of pizza, games, and general chaos. Ruby taught Leni a celebratory dance she'd learned at cheerleading practice. Alex regaled them with stories from her days as an ER assistant, carefully edited for five-year-old ears. Sam took approximately one thousand photos, declaring that "Cast Off Day" was definitely celebration-worthy.

Finally, when the pizzas were demolished (except for the carefully packed leftovers for tomorrow) and the dessert pizza was nothing but scattered chocolate smears, they all collapsed in the living room. Leni was curled up in her favorite armchair, drowsy but happy, while Ruby showed her something on her phone. Sam and Alex were arguing good-naturedly about the merits of pineapple on pizza, a debate Kara steadfastly refused to enter despite being a pizza professional ("All pizza preferences are valid in my pizzeria!").

Lena took advantage of the moment to pull Kara onto the balcony. The spring evening was perfect, the city lights twinkling below them like earthbound stars.

"So," Lena began, suddenly nervous despite having practiced this speech in her head all day. "About that thought I was holding..."

"About how Sam has a key and I don't?" Kara teased. "I mean, I'm not jealous or anything, but I did make all the pizzas today..."

"You know," Lena said, pulling out the small box again, "when I gave Sam that key, it was purely practical. She needed to be able to get in for emergencies, business meetings, last-minute babysitting. But this..." She opened the box, revealing a key with a pizza-shaped keychain. "This means something entirely different."

Kara's breath caught. "Lena..."

"I know you practically live here already. But I needed you to know that this isn't just about convenience or practicality. This is me telling you that I am absolutely, irrevocably in love with you, Kara Danvers."

"Even though I always smell like pizza?" Kara's voice was thick with emotion.

"ESPECIALLY because you always smell like pizza." Lena laughed softly. "Because you make my daughter smile even on her worst days. Because you organize surprise parties and teach her silly songs about pizza toppings. Because you've made this place feel more like home than it ever has before."

"I love you too," Kara whispered, taking the key with trembling fingers. "Both of you, so much. You know that, right?"

"I do." Lena stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Kara's neck. "Although you might regret saying that when Leni wakes you up at dawn to make breakfast pizza."

"Breakfast pizza is a completely valid culinary choice!"

"Only you would say that."

"You love it."

"I love YOU."

Their kiss was interrupted by a small voice from the doorway. "Are you guys being mushy again?"

They turned to find Leni watching them, nose scrunched up in that adorably judgmental way only children can manage.

"Just a little bit," Kara admitted. "But guess what? Your mom gave me a key to the apartment!"

Leni's eyes lit up. "Really? Does that mean you'll be here ALL the time now?"

"Only if that's okay with you, darling," Lena said carefully.

Leni appeared to consider this very seriously. "Well... you DO make the best pizzas. And you know all the good stories. And you always check for monsters under my bed better than Mommy does—"

"Hey!" Lena protested laughingly.

"—so I guess it's okay." Leni wandered over to them, holding up her arms to be picked up. Kara obliged, settling her on her hip. "But you have to promise to make breakfast pizza tomorrow."

"Deal," Kara agreed solemnly. "Should we pinky swear on it?"

As Leni and Kara performed their sacred pinky swear ritual, Lena felt her heart might burst with love for both of them. Inside, she could hear Sam and Alex arguing about whether they should order more food ("We literally just ate ten pizzas, Alex!"), and Ruby's music playing softly from the living room.

This was her family. A bit unconventional, perhaps, but perfect in its own way.

"Mom!" Ruby's voice carried from inside. "Alex is trying to order more garlic knots!"

"I'm not TRYING, I already DID!"

"Alex, I swear to god—"

"Garlic knots!" Leni perked up. "Can we have more?"

"Not tonight, sweetheart," Lena laughed. "But maybe Kara can make some fresh ones tomorrow... with her key."

"With my key," Kara repeated softly, joy radiating from her smile. "I like the sound of that."

Later that night, after their guests had gone home (Alex clutching her precious container of leftover garlic knots), after Leni had been tucked into bed with promises of breakfast pizza, Lena and Kara stood in their kitchen. Kara was carefully arranging her new key on her keyring while Lena watched, content.

"You know," Kara said suddenly, "the first time I delivered a pizza here, I never imagined..."

"That you'd end up with your own key?"

"That I'd end up with my own family." Kara's voice was soft with wonder. "Thank you for ordering pizza."

"Thank you for delivering it." Lena stepped closer, resting her head on Kara's shoulder. "Although I still maintain that I didn't order anchovy pizza."

"Sure you didn't," Kara teased. "Just like you didn't order pineapple last week."

"That was Leni!"

"Mmhmm. Our daughter has excellent taste."

Our daughter. The words settled into Lena's heart like they'd always belonged there. Maybe they had.

"Speaking of taste," Kara continued, "what toppings do you want on your breakfast pizza tomorrow?"

Lena groaned. "You're really going to enable this breakfast pizza obsession?"

"Hey, I pinky swore! That's a sacred oath, Lena. Besides..." Kara held up her new key, letting it catch the light. "I have to make sure I earn my key privileges."

"Darling, you earned those privileges long ago. Probably around the time you spent six hours drawing increasingly elaborate magical creatures on a pink cast."

"Best art project ever."

"Best everything ever," Lena corrected, pulling Kara down for a kiss.

Tomorrow there would be breakfast pizza and morning meetings, school drop-offs and dinner plans. But tonight, there was just this: a key, a kiss, and the knowledge that sometimes the best things in life come with extra cheese and a side of love.

And maybe, just maybe, a few garlic knots.

Chapter Text

The familiar crack of pool balls and the low hum of conversation filled Al's Bar on Friday night. Kara leaned against the worn wooden bar, watching as Alex lined up what she claimed would be "the shot of the century." Sam and Lena exchanged knowing looks they'd heard this proclamation three times already tonight.

"Twenty bucks says she scratches," Sam whispered to Lena, who was nursing her second beer of the night.

"I don't take sucker bets," Lena replied with a smirk, then called out louder, "Any time this century, Alex!"

"You can't rush perfection, Luthor!" Alex adjusted her stance for the fourth time.

Kara smiled, soaking in the comfortable atmosphere. These double dates had become a monthly tradition, a chance for all of them to unwind without responsibilities. No L-Corp emergencies, no pizza deliveries, no emergencies, and though none of them would say it out loud no five-year-old asking for "just one more story" at bedtime.

"I love Leni more than life itself," Lena had declared earlier that evening, "but Mommy needed this beer."

The shot finally came and went exactly as Sam predicted, the cue ball following the eight ball directly into the corner pocket.

"That's another round you owe us," Sam crowed, pulling Alex into a consolatory hug that did little to soften the blow.

"I was robbed," Alex grumbled. "The table's uneven."

"Sure it is, sweetie," Sam patted her cheek. "Kara, want to show your sister how it's done?"

But Kara wasn't listening anymore. Her entire body had gone rigid, her bottle frozen halfway to her lips. Through the friday night crowd, she'd caught a glimpse of familiar blonde hair, a particular swagger that still haunted her dreams sometimes.

It couldn't be.

But it was.

Sara Lance stood by the jukebox, looking exactly as she had three years ago. Same confident stance, same predatory smile as she chatted up a redhead who was clearly already under her spell. Some things never changed.

"Kara?" Lena's voice seemed to come from very far away. "Are you alright? You've gone pale."

"I—" Kara's throat felt too tight. "I need some air. Just... just give me a minute."

She set her beer down with shaking hands and headed for the back door, not running she wouldn't give Sara the satisfaction, even if Sara hadn't noticed her yet but walking quickly enough that Lena's concerned call of her name faded behind her.

The night air hit her face like a slap, but it didn't help clear her head. She leaned against the rough brick wall, trying to remember the breathing exercises her therapist had taught her after... after everything.

"Well, well. Kara Danvers."

No. No no no.

Sara's voice was exactly as she remembered it smooth as honey and twice as sticky. Kara kept her eyes fixed on the ground, watching as Sara's boots came into view.

"What's wrong, baby? Not even going to say hello to an old friend?"

"We're not friends." Kara was proud that her voice only shook a little.

"No?" Sara stepped closer, and Kara pressed herself further against the wall. "We were a lot more than friends once. Or have you forgotten?"

"What do you want, Sara?"

"Can't a girl say hi when she runs into her first love? Especially when she hears said first love is dating Lena Luthor, of all people." Sara's laugh was sharp as broken glass. "I have to admit, I didn't believe it at first. The pizza girl and the CEO? Sounds like a bad Hallmark movie."

"Don't." Kara finally looked up, meeting those familiar blue eyes that once held her whole world. "Just don't."

"Don't what? Don't point out how far you're reaching? Come on, Kara. You really think someone like Lena Luthor is going to stick around? With you?" Sara's voice took on that gentle, concerned tone that used to precede her cruelest cuts. "I mean, what could you possibly offer her? Besides mediocre pizza and daddy issues?"

Kara felt herself shrinking, becoming smaller with each word. She was twenty-two again, believing she deserved every sharp word, every "accidental" bruise, every "you made me do this."

"I heard she has a kid too. Brave of you, taking that on. Although we both know how good you are at disappointing people who depend on you."

"That's quite enough."

Lena's voice cut through the night air like a blade of ice. Kara hadn't heard her approach, but suddenly she was there, stepping between Kara and Sara with the same authority she used to face down hostile boards of directors.

"Ah, speak of the devil." Sara's smile was all teeth. "Or should I say speak of the Luthor?"

"You must be Sara Lance." Lena's tone could have frozen Hell itself. "I've heard so much about you. All of it disappointing."

Sara's smile faltered slightly. "Have you heard how your girlfriend falls apart at the slightest criticism? How she—"

"What I've heard," Lena cut in, taking a step forward that had Sara involuntarily stepping back, "is that you're a sad, pathetic woman who can only feel powerful by making others feel small. But let me make something abundantly clear: Kara Danvers is worth more than your entire existence."

"You don't know anything about us—"

"I know everything I need to know. And I know that if you ever come near her again, you'll learn exactly why the Luthor name still carries weight in certain circles." Lena's smile was pure steel. "Do we understand each other?"

"Are you threatening me?"

"Christ, Lance, take the hint and fuck off before I make you."

Alex had appeared in the doorway, Sam's restraining hand on her arm the only thing keeping her from launching forward.

"You always did need big sister to fight your battles, didn't you, Kara?" Sara's voice had lost its smooth edge, turning bitter.

"No," Kara found her voice at last. "I needed her to help me see I deserved better. Better than you. Better than what you made me believe about myself." She straightened up, stepping away from the wall. "I have better now. I have love now. Real love, not whatever twisted thing you called love."

"Real love?" Sara scoffed. "Let's see how real it is when—"

"Leave." Lena's command cracked like a whip. "Now. Before I call security and have you removed from the premises. I'm sure the police would be very interested in those outstanding warrants in Starling City."

Sara's face went white. "How did you—"

"I'm a Luthor. I know everything about anyone who hurts the people I love." Lena's voice dropped lower. "Would you like to test exactly how much I know?"

For a long moment, no one moved. Then Sara stepped back, her facade cracking to reveal the ugliness beneath. "Whatever. You deserve each other." She turned and stalked away, disappearing around the corner.

The moment she was gone, Kara's knees gave out. Lena caught her before she could fall, lowering them both gently to the ground.

"I've got you," Lena murmured, holding her close. "I've got you, darling."

"I'll kill her," Alex was saying somewhere above them. "I'll actually kill her this time."

"No you won't," Sam replied firmly. "You're going to stay right here and help me make sure Kara's okay."

"I'm fine," Kara managed, but the words came out choked with tears she hadn't realized she was crying. "I'm fine, I just... I haven't seen her since..."

"Shh," Lena stroked her hair. "You don't have to explain anything."

"But I do!" The words burst out of Kara. "You deserve to know why I just fell apart like that, why I'm such a mess, why—"

"Hey." Lena pulled back just enough to cup Kara's face in her hands. "You are not a mess. You are the strongest person I know. You survived her. You built a life you love. You love my daughter with such open generosity that sometimes it takes my breath away. Nothing she said changes any of that."

"But—"

"No buts." Alex had crouched down beside them. "What she did to you... that wasn't your fault. None of it was your fault."

"I should have been stronger. Should have fought back more. Should have—"

"Should have nothing," Sam interrupted, joining them on the ground despite her designer jeans. "The only person who should have done anything different was her."

Kara let out a shuddering breath, leaning into Lena's embrace. "I'm sorry I ruined date night."

"You didn't ruin anything," Lena assured her. "Although I might have ruined our chances of ever coming back to Al's, given the threats I just made."

That startled a weak laugh out of Kara. "My hero."

"Always." Lena pressed a kiss to her temple. "Now, what do you need? We can go home, or—"

"No." Kara took a deep breath, then another. "No, I don't want to let her chase me away. I just... can we go back inside? Maybe finish our game?"

"Of course." Lena helped her to her feet. "Although I think it's Alex's turn to lose spectacularly again."

"Hey!" Alex protested, but her eyes were soft with relief as she watched Kara straighten her shoulders.

"Actually," Kara managed a small smile, "I think it's my turn. And I'm feeling lucky."

They made their way back inside, Lena's arm firmly around Kara's waist, Alex and Sam flanking them like guards. The familiar sounds of the bar washed over them pool balls cracking, bad country music from the jukebox, the steady hum of conversation.

"You know," Lena said softly as they reached their table, "I meant what I said out there. About you being the strongest person I know."

"I don't feel very strong right now."

"That's okay. I'll be strong for both of us until you do again." Lena squeezed her hand. "And then tomorrow we'll go home to our daughter, who will definitely want chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and everything will be a little bit better."

"Our daughter," Kara repeated softly, feeling some of the night's darkness recede. "I like when you say that."

"Good, because I like saying it." Lena handed her a pool cue. "Now show these amateurs how it's done."

Kara lined up her shot, feeling Lena's love wrap around her like armor. Sara's words tried to echo in her head, but they were drowned out by the memory of Leni's laughter, by the weight of the key in her pocket, by Lena's unwavering faith in her.

The balls scattered across the table with a satisfying crack.

"Now that," Sam declared, "is how you break."

Later that night, curled up in their bed, Kara finally let herself cry properly. Lena held her through it all, murmuring soft words of love and reassurance.

"I thought I was past it," Kara whispered into the darkness. "I thought I was stronger now."

"You are stronger. Being affected by trauma doesn't make you weak, darling. It makes you human."

"What if... what if she was right? About me disappointing people?"

"Kara." Lena's voice was fierce in the darkness. "You have never disappointed me. Or Leni. Or anyone who actually matters. The only person who should be disappointed is Sara, in herself, for throwing away someone as precious as you."

Kara was quiet for a long moment. "Did you really know about warrants in Starling City?"

"No," Lena admitted. "But I would have found something if I needed to. No one hurts my family."

Family. The word settled around Kara like a blanket, chasing away the last of Sara's poisonous words. She had a family now. A real one, built on love and trust and chocolate chip pancakes.

"I love you," she whispered. "So much."

"I love you too." Lena pulled her closer. "Now get some sleep. Tomorrow's Saturday, and you promised Leni you'd teach her how to make heart-shaped pizzas."

"Can't disappoint my girl, can I?"

"Never have, never will."

Kara drifted off to sleep with Lena's heartbeat under her ear, knowing that whatever ghosts might haunt her past, her future was filled with nothing but love.

And maybe some heart-shaped pizzas.

Chapter Text

Lena was in the middle of reviewing the quarterly projections when her office door swung open without warning. Only three people had that kind of clearance: her assistant Jess (who always knocked anyway), Kara (who wasn't due with lunch for another hour), and—

"Surprise, little sister!"

Lex Luthor stood in her doorway, tanned and grinning, wearing a ridiculously loud Hawaiian shirt that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent.

"Lex?" Lena stood so quickly her chair rolled backward. "What— How— When did you get back?"

"About six hours ago." He crossed the room in three long strides and swept her into a bear hug. "Turns out even paradise gets boring after six years. Well, that and Mother's weekly calls were giving me metaphorical tumors."

Lena laughed into his shoulder, breathing in the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with... "Is that coconut oil?"

"Don't judge. The Maldives does things to a man." He released her, holding her at arm's length to study her face. "You look happy, Lee. Happier than I've ever seen you, actually. What's changed?"

"Everything." Lena couldn't stop smiling. "God, Lex, so much has happened. Where do I even start?"

"How about with why there's a children's drawing of what appears to be... is that a pizza-eating unicorn on your wall?"

Lena turned to look at the framed artwork that had pride of place next to her degrees. "That would be courtesy of your niece."

"My WHAT?" Lex's eyes went comically wide. "Lena Luthor, did you have a child while I was gone? Because I have to say, that seems like the kind of thing that warranted at least an email—"

"I did try to email but it bounced." Lena clarified, pulling out her phone to show him photos. "This is Leni. She's five now."

"Five?" Lex studied the pictures, his expression softening. "She has your eyes. And apparently your habit of correcting people's scientific accuracy, if this photo of her arguing with a mall Santa about reindeer migration patterns is any indication."

"That was last Christmas. Poor man didn't know what hit him." Lena swiped to another photo, this one of Leni covered in flour, beaming proudly next to an equally flour-covered Kara. "And this is Kara."

"Ah, the source of the pizza artwork, I'm guessing?" Lex's eyes twinkled. "Given the 'World's Best Pizza Artist' apron and the general chaos in your usually pristine kitchen?"

"She co-owns Danvers' Pizzeria with her sister. Well, and my heart, if we're being honest."

"Lena Luthor, was that actual sentiment I just heard?" Lex pressed a hand to his chest in mock shock. "Who are you and what have you done with my pragmatic sister?"

"Oh, shut up." Lena swatted his arm. "Love looks good on me."

"It really does." His teasing smile shifted to something more genuine. "Tell me about her?"

Lena sank back into her chair, Lex taking the seat across from her. "She's... she's sunshine personified, Lex. She makes the best pizza in National City, tells terrible dad jokes, and loves Leni like she's her own. She's been living with us for a month now, and honestly, I can't remember what life was like before her."

"And Mother? What does she think of your pizza-making paramour?"

"Mother doesn't know yet. She's been in Europe for the past few months, thank god. Although someone will eventually tell her how much Danvers Pizzeria delivers here."

"Not me," Lex held up his hands. "I've spent six years avoiding her criticism of my 'wastrel lifestyle' and 'abandonment of family duties.' I'm not about to subject myself to her opinions on your love life."

"Is that why you really came back? Mother?"

"Partially. Her weekly calls about how I'm squandering my potential were getting more frequent. But mostly..." He looked around her office, taking in the subtle changes the family photos, the children's artwork, the general sense of warmth that had been missing before. "I missed this. Missed you. Missed having a purpose beyond drinking coconut drinks on the beach."

"Well, your timing is perfect actually. I could use your help with the new water filtration system rollout."

"Already trying to put me to work?" He laughed. "At least buy me lunch first."

"Speaking of lunch..." Lena checked her watch. "Kara should be here soon with my daily dose of vegetables."

"Vegetables? Not pizza?"

"She's very concerned about my nutritional balance these days. Apparently, living off coffee and pizza for two months straight was 'concerning.'" Lena made air quotes around the word.

As if summoned by their conversation, there was a knock at the door followed by Kara's sunny voice. "Special delivery for the most beautiful CEO in National City!"

"Come in, darling!"

Kara bounded in, carrying a takeout bag and wearing her signature smile. She stopped short at the sight of Lex, her eyes widening slightly.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were in a meeting—"

"Not a meeting," Lena assured her. "Kara, this is Lex. Lex, this is Kara."

"The famous pizza artist!" Lex stood, extending his hand. "I've heard so much about you in the last ten minutes."

"And I've heard absolutely nothing about you in the last six months," Kara replied cheerfully, shaking his hand. "Which I'm guessing means you're the mysterious brother who abandoned corporate life to become a professional beach bum?"

Lex burst out laughing. "I like her already," he told Lena. "She's got your sharp tongue but with better delivery."

"Speaking of delivery," Kara held up the bag, "one kale Caesar salad for my health-conscious girlfriend. Don't worry, I snuck some croutons in there."

"My hero," Lena deadpanned. "What happened to 'pizza is a perfectly balanced meal'?"

"That was before I saw your cholesterol results, babe." Kara dropped a kiss on her cheek. "Besides, this way you can really appreciate pizza night."

"She's got you eating croutons?" Lex looked impressed. "Even Mother couldn't manage that."

"She fights dirty," Lena grumbled. "She got Leni involved. Do you know how hard it is to argue with a five-year-old about nutrition?"

"Very," Kara confirmed cheerfully. "Especially when said five-year-old has been thoroughly coached in guilt-tripping techniques by her Aunt Alex."

"Ah yes, the sister," Lex nodded. "I've been catching up via photos. Although I notice there are significantly more pictures of pizza-making disasters than actual pizzas."

"That's because Alex is usually the one causing the disasters," Kara laughed. "She's banned from the kitchen after The Great Pizza Fire of 2024."

"Do I want to know?"

"Probably not," Lena and Kara answered in unison.

"So, Lex," Kara perched on the arm of Lena's chair, a position that had become so natural it made Lena's heart ache with happiness. "What brings you back to the corporate world?"

"Honestly? I missed this." He gestured between them. "Family. Purpose. Although I have to say, the family I left was significantly smaller and more uptight."

"Hey!" Lena protested.

"Am I wrong?"

"...no, but you don't have to say it."

"Speaking of family," Kara checked her phone, "Leni wants to know if we're still on for pizza night? She has, and I quote, 'very important topping choices to discuss.'"

"Wouldn't miss it," Lena assured her. "Lex, would you like to join us? Meet your niece properly?"

"I'd love to, but are you sure? I don't want to intrude on family night—"

"You ARE family," Lena interrupted firmly. "Besides, Leni has been dying to show off her pizza-making skills to new people. Fair warning though, she takes after her mother in the kitchen."

"Which means?" Lex raised an eyebrow.

"Which means she's absolutely brilliant at ordering takeout," Kara teased. "But we're working on her technique. She's already mastered the art of dough-tossing, even if her aim needs work."

"There are still flour marks on the ceiling," Lena added.

"Battle scars of culinary education," Kara said solemnly. "Also, your ceiling needed character anyway."

Lex watched their easy banter with a growing smile. "You know, Lee, when I left for the Maldives, I worried about you. Worried you'd work yourself to death in the office, never letting anyone in."

"She tried," Kara confirmed. "But then she ordered pizza, and well... the rest is history."

"Best order of my life," Lena murmured, leaning into Kara's side.

"I'm glad I came back," Lex said softly. "Even if Mother's reaction to all this is going to give us all metaphorical tumors."

"Oh god," Kara's eyes widened. "I haven't even thought about meeting your mother. Should I be worried? Should I take an etiquette refresher course? Do I need to learn which fork is for what?"

"Darling, Mother once made a senator cry over using the wrong wine glass. There's no preparing for her."

"Great," Kara groaned. "Just great. Maybe I should go back to the Maldives with Lex."

"Absolutely not," Lena pulled her closer. "You're stuck with us Luthors now."

"Speaking of being stuck with Luthors," Lex checked his watch, "what time is this pizza party? Should I bring anything? What's the proper attire for meeting a five-year-old pizza chef?"

"Six o'clock," Kara answered. "Bring your appetite and maybe a change of clothes. Flour fights are not uncommon."

"Flour fights?" Lex looked delighted. "Mother would have an aneurysm."

"Yet another reason we love them," Lena smiled. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a salad to pretend to enjoy while my girlfriend watches to make sure I eat my vegetables."

"The things we do for love," Lex sighed dramatically. "I'll see you both tonight then. Should I bring wine?"

"Juice boxes might be more appropriate," Kara suggested. "Leni's very particular about her grape juice vintage."

***

Later that evening, watching Lex teach Leni the proper technique for spinning pizza dough while Kara documented the whole thing for posterity (and future blackmail), Lena felt her heart might burst. Her family had grown in the most unexpected ways while Lex was gone, but somehow, seeing him fit so seamlessly into their chaos made it feel complete.

"Mom!" Leni called out. "Uncle Lex says in the Maldives they put pineapple on EVERYTHING! Can we try it on pizza?"

"Absolutely not," Lena and Kara answered in unison, then dissolved into laughter at Lex's offended expression.

"The Luthors are obviously uncultured when it comes to tropical fruit," he told Leni seriously. "But don't worry, your Uncle Lex will educate you."

"Not if you want to keep your kitchen privileges," Kara warned, but she was smiling.

"You know," Lex said later, after Leni had been tucked into bed (but not before extracting a promise from her new uncle to teach her more "exotic" pizza toppings), "I came back because I thought I missed having a purpose. But really, I think I just missed having a family."

"Well, you have both now," Lena assured him. "Although fair warning, family game night gets pretty competitive."

"Let me guess you're banned from Monopoly?"

"Actually, that's Kara. She's ruthless with real estate."

"Pizza empire building translates well to board games," Kara shrugged, unrepentant. "Besides, you're the one who's banned from Scrabble after the Great Dictionary Debate of 2024."

"That was a perfectly valid scientific term!"

"Not in Scrabble it wasn't!"

Lex watched them bicker with fond amusement. "Definitely better than the Maldives," he decided. "Although I might need those coconut drinks to survive game night."

"Welcome home, big brother," Lena smiled. "Metaphorical tumors and all."

"Home," Lex repeated, looking around at the apartment filled with evidence of love and life and yes, quite a bit of flour. "Yeah, this is definitely home."

Chapter Text

The click of Lillian Luthor's heels against L-Corp's marble floors announced her arrival like a countdown to chaos. Employees scattered like startled pigeons, ducking into elevators and around corners, their instincts for self-preservation well-honed after years of Luthor family drama. The security guard at the front desk didn't even attempt to stop her one arch of her perfectly sculpted eyebrow had him shrinking behind his monitor.

Jess, Lena's ever-loyal secretary, was made of sterner stuff. She rose from her desk as Lillian approached, positioning herself between the family matriarch and Lena's office door like a particularly well-dressed bouncer.

"Mrs. Luthor, I'm afraid Ms. Luthor is in a meeting—"

"With my son, yes, I'm well aware." Lillian's smile was razor-sharp. "Family business trumps corporate scheduling, dear."

Before Jess could protest further, Lillian had swept past her and thrown open the double doors to Lena's office. The scene that greeted her was enough to make her pause, if only for a moment.

Lex Luthor, her pride and joy, stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows wearing of all things khakis and a blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. No power suit, no Italian leather shoes, not even a hint of the carefully cultivated image she'd spent years perfecting. He looked... common.

Lena, seated behind her imposing desk, looked up with an expression that shifted from surprise to irritation faster than Lillian could blink. "Mother. What an unexpected... pleasure."

"Spare me the false pleasantries, Lena." Lillian strode into the room, her attention fixed on Lex. "I came as soon as I heard. Really, darling, working as a mere employee? This is beneath you."

Lex's shoulders tensed, but his voice remained steady. "Hello, Mother. I see your flair for dramatic entrances hasn't diminished."

"And I see your sense of proper station has." Lillian gestured at his attire with clear distaste. "What happened to the son who understood the importance of presentation? Of power?"

"He grew up," Lex replied simply. "He realized there are more important things than power. Like family. Real family, not the twisted version you tried to create."

Lena stood, moving to stand beside her brother in a show of solidarity that made Lillian's lips thin to nearly nothing. "Lex is doing excellent work here, Mother. His innovations in sustainable energy—"

"Sustainable energy?" Lillian's laugh was sharp enough to cut glass. "You were meant for greater things than playing with solar panels, Lex. The Luthor name—"

"The Luthor name is exactly why I'm here," Lex interrupted. "Lena has transformed it into something to be proud of, not feared. I want to be part of that."

The argument might have continued indefinitely if not for the sudden burst of childish laughter from the hallway. All three Luthors turned as the office doors swung open again, revealing a sight that made Lillian's eyes widen in genuine shock.

Kara Danvers that irritatingly cheerful woman who always seemed to be hovering around Lena was piggybacking a small dark-haired girl in a private school uniform. The child had her arms wrapped around Kara's neck, giggling as the blonde pretended to stumble around like a drunken giraffe.

"Faster, Mama K!" the little girl demanded, kicking her heels against Kara's sides. "The floor is still lava!"

"Oh no, oh no!" Kara played along, hopping from one imaginary safe spot to another. "We're running out of solid ground! Quick, what should we do?"

"To Mommy's desk! It's the only safe place!"

Neither of them had noticed the tense family tableau until they were halfway across the room. Kara froze mid-hop when she spotted Lillian, her playful expression faltering. The little girl, however, merely tilted her head curiously at the newcomer.

"Leni," Lena broke the awkward silence, moving quickly to take her daughter from Kara's back. "Darling, how was school?"

"It was awesome! We learned about dinosaurs, and I told everyone that Uncle Lex showed me how to make a working volcano, and Ms. Thompson said that was very advanced, and then at recess I—" Leni paused, finally registering the strange atmosphere in the room. Her green eyes, so like her mother's, fixed on Lillian. "Who's the scary lady?"

Lillian drew herself up to her full height. "I am your grandmother, child. Lillian Luthor."

Leni's nose wrinkled. "No, you're not. Grandma Eliza is my grandmother. She makes cookies and doesn't look like she smelled something bad."

A choked sound that might have been a laugh came from Lex's direction. Lena pressed her lips together, clearly fighting her own amusement, while Kara suddenly became very interested in straightening her glasses.

"I see you haven't taught the child proper manners," Lillian said coldly to Lena. "Though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given the... company you keep." Her gaze flicked dismissively to Kara.

Leni's little face scrunched up in anger. "Don't be mean to Mama K! She's the best! She makes pancakes in funny shapes and can carry me AND Mommy at the same time and knows all about the stars and helps me with my homework and—"

"Mama... K?" Lillian's voice dripped with disdain. "Don't tell me you're allowing this... person to play at being a parent to your child, Lena?"

"Kara isn't playing at anything," Lena's voice had dropped to a dangerous register that made even Lillian take notice. "She's been more family to Leni to all of us than you ever were."

"She's my second mommy," Leni declared proudly, reaching out to grab Kara's hand. "And she's awesome. Unlike you, you're just mean. Like the Evil Queen in Snow White, except your dress isn't as pretty."

Lex didn't even try to hide his laughter this time. "Out of the mouths of babes, Mother."

Kara, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, finally spoke up. "Leni, sweetie, that's not very nice. Even if someone is being unkind, we should try to be better than that, remember?"

Leni considered this, then nodded solemnly. "You're right, Mama K. I'm sorry you're mean, Mrs. Luthor. Maybe you should try being nice instead? Mommy says everyone deserves a second chance. Except for people who don't recycle. They're hopeless."

The utterly bewildered look on Lillian's face was something Lena would treasure forever. Her mother, who could reduce CEO's to stammering messes with a single glare, had been completely wrongfooted by a five-year-old's earnest advice.

"I... that's..." Lillian struggled to regain her composure. "This is precisely why a child needs proper guidance. Really, Lena, allowing her to be so... familiar with the help"

"Kara is not 'the help,'" Leni interrupted, making air quotes with her fingers just like she'd seen her mother do. "She's family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. That's from Lilo and Stitch. Have you seen Lilo and Stitch? You kind of look like the social worker lady before she learned to be nice."

"I do not look like—" Lillian caught herself, apparently realizing she was about to argue with a kindergartener about Disney movies. "This is absurd. Lex, surely you can see this... this mockery of what the Luthor family should be?"

"What I see," Lex said quietly, "is exactly what the Luthor family should have been all along. Love, support, acceptance. Look at them, Mother. Really look. When was the last time you saw Lena smile like that? When was the last time anyone in our family felt free to just... be?"

Lena had indeed been smiling, watching her daughter fearlessly face down the family matriarch while holding hands with both Kara and Lex. It was the kind of scene Lillian would have sneered at in a Hallmark movie, and yet here it was, playing out in real life.

"They even have game night every Thursday," Lex continued. "Did you know that? I went last week. Lost spectacularly at Monopoly to a five-year-old because someone—" he shot an accusing look at Leni, who giggled "—has already mastered the art of proper real estate investment."

"Mommy says diversification is key to a strong portfolio," Leni recited proudly.

"Game night?" Lillian looked like she might faint. "Monopoly? What's next, family picnics in the park?"

"Oh, we do those too!" Leni chirped. "Every Sunday when it's nice out. Mama K makes the best sandwiches, and Uncle Lex brings his chess set, and Mommy pretends she's not having fun but she totally is. You could come if you promise to be nice. And bring cookies. Grandma Eliza says you should never go to a picnic empty-handed."

The suggestion hung in the air like a soap bubble, fragile and iridescent with possibility. Lillian opened her mouth, closed it, then opened it again.

"I... that would be..."

"Entirely inappropriate," Lena finished for her, but there was something different in her tone now not quite soft, but not as hard as before. "Unless, of course, you're willing to accept that this is my family now. All of it. The game nights, the picnics, the terrible puns Kara teaches Leni—"

"Hey! My puns are awesome!"

"—the fact that your son is happy working on renewable energy instead of world domination—"

"Though I do miss the evil lairs sometimes," Lex mused. "They had excellent acoustics."

"—and most importantly," Lena continued, ignoring them both, "the fact that I'm happy. We're happy. Just as we are."

Lillian looked around the office, taking in the family photos on Lena's desk (game nights, birthday parties, Christmas mornings), the childish drawings pinned proudly to the walls (several featuring a stick figure in glasses standing alongside other stick figures), the way Kara stood protectively close to both Lena and Leni while somehow managing to look more concerned than confrontational.

"I... need time to think," she finally said, which was probably the closest thing to a concession anyone had ever gotten from Lillian Luthor.

"Take all the time you need," Lena replied. "We'll be here. Though if you do decide to come to game night, be warned Leni shows no mercy at Candy Land."

"That's right!" Leni nodded vigorously. "And Uncle Lex cries when he loses at Operation."

"I do not cry," Lex protested. "I express manly disappointment."

"Through tears," Kara stage-whispered to Leni, making her giggle.

Lillian watched this exchange with an expression somewhere between horror and fascination, like a naturalist observing a previously unknown species in its habitat. Finally, she straightened her already perfect posture and turned to leave.

"This isn't over," she announced, but it lacked her usual menace.

"Of course not," Lena agreed. "It's family. It's never over."

As Lillian reached the door, Leni called out, "Don't forget about the cookies if you come to picnic! Chocolate chip are the best, but snickerdoodles are okay too!"

The door closed behind Lillian with a quiet click, leaving behind a moment of stunned silence before Leni turned to her mother with a serious expression.

"Mommy, why does your mom look like she's always sucking on a lemon?"

The tension in the room broke as everyone burst into laughter. Kara scooped Leni up and spun her around, while Lena leaned against her desk, shaking her head in amazement at her daughter's fearless candor.

"That's just her face, sweetheart," Lex explained, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "Though I have to say, I've never seen anyone handle her quite like you did."

"Well, somebody had to tell her to be nice," Leni said pragmatically. "Mama K says it's important to stand up to bullies, even if they're family. Especially if they're family."

Lena moved to embrace her daughter, pulling Kara into the hug as well. "When did you get so wise, my little love?"

"Probably around the same time she started beating me at board games," Lex suggested, joining the group hug without hesitation. "I'm telling you, she's going to run L-Corp before she's ten at this rate."

"Nuh-uh," Leni shook her head. "I'm gonna be a scientist-astronaut-veterinarian-pizza maker like Mama K."

Lex burst into fresh peals of laughter. Lena just sighed and pressed a kiss to her daughter's forehead.

"How about we all go get ice cream to celebrate surviving Hurricane Lillian?"

"Can I get three scoops?" Leni batted her eyelashes hopefully.

"Two," Lena countered. "And no using your pout on Mama K to get more you know she can't resist it."

"I can too resist it," Kara protested weakly. "Sometimes. If I don't look directly at her."

"Sure you can, darling." Lena patted her arm consolingly. "Just like you can resist potstickers and puppy videos."

As they gathered their things to leave, Leni tugged on Lex's sleeve. "Uncle Lex? Do you think Mrs. Luthor will really come to game night?"

Lex considered this carefully. "I don't know, munchkin. But if she does, promise me one thing?"

"What?"

"Beat her at Monopoly too. For me."

Leni's grin was pure Luthor mischief. "Deal. But only if you admit you cry at Operation."

"I do not—" Lex caught Lena's raised eyebrow and deflated. "Fine. I cry at Operation. But only because the buzzer startles me!"

As they left the office, their laughter echoing down the halls of L-Corp, Jess allowed herself a small smile. She made a mental note to order an extra set of Operation batteries for the next game night, just in case they had a new player joining them. After all, if anyone could bring Lillian Luthor around, it would be the irresistible force that was Leni Luthor and her two moms.

And if Lillian did show up? Well, Jess would make sure to have her phone ready to record Leni's inevitable Monopoly victory. Some things were too precious not to preserve for posterity.

Or blackmail. She was still a Luthor employee, after all.

Chapter Text

Lena stood in her L-Corp office, fingers drumming nervously against her desk as she reviewed her plans one final time. Everything had to be perfect. The private jet was fueled and ready, their bags were already packed and secretly stored at the penthouse, and Sam had triple-confirmed she could handle both L-Corp and Leni duties with Alex's help. Still, Lena couldn't help but worry. It wasn't every day you surprised your girlfriend with a trip to Greece for your first anniversary.

The past year had transformed her life in ways she never thought possible. Between Kara's sunny smile and Leni's immediate declaration that "the pretty lady with the glasses should come to our pizza party," Lena hadn't stood a chance.

Now here they were, one year later, and Lena still couldn't quite believe her luck. Kara had seamlessly integrated herself into their lives, bringing game nights and impromptu dance parties and endless love. She made pancakes in the shape of dinosaurs and hearts for Leni's breakfast, brought Lena coffee during late nights at the office, and somehow managed to make both mother and daughter feel like the most special people in the world.

The envelope in Lena's desk drawer seemed simultaneously too much and not enough for what Kara had given them. But she knew her girlfriend's passion for history, had listened to her enthusiastically explain Greek architecture and mythology to Leni for hours. The way Kara's eyes lit up when she talked about the Parthenon or the Oracle at Delphi... well, Lena would move mountains to keep that light shining.

With a deep breath, she gathered her things and headed home. She had a dinner to prepare, a girlfriend to surprise, and a future to start building one ancient ruin at a time.

***

"Close your eyes," Lena whispered, holding an envelope behind her back. The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the dining room, casting dancing shadows on the walls.

Kara bounced on her toes, practically vibrating with excitement. "Lena, you know I'm terrible at surprises!"

"Just humor me, darling." Lena's voice held that special tone of affectionate amusement reserved solely for Kara's antics. "It is our anniversary eve, after all."

With an exaggerated sigh, Kara closed her eyes, though she couldn't suppress her eager smile. "If this is another painting of me sleeping on the couch with potstickers scattered around me..."

"That was one time," Lena laughed, moving to stand in front of her girlfriend. "And it was adorable. But no, this is... well, open your eyes and see."

Kara's eyes flew open, immediately focusing on the envelope Lena held out. Her name was written on it in Lena's elegant script. With trembling fingers, she opened it and pulled out...

"Plane tickets?" Her eyes widened as she read the destination. "Greece? GREECE? Lena!" She launched herself at her girlfriend, envelope clutched carefully in one hand while the other wrapped around Lena's waist. "Are you serious?"

"Completely." Lena pressed a soft kiss to Kara's temple. "You've talked about wanting to see the Parthenon since our third date. I figured our first anniversary was the perfect excuse."

"But what about work? And Leni? And—"

"All taken care of." Lena led them to the couch, pulling Kara down beside her. "Sam's handling L-Corp, Alex has the pizzeria covered, and they're both watching Leni together. Everything's arranged for a full week."

Kara's eyes filled with happy tears. "You planned all this? For me?"

"Of course for you." Lena cupped Kara's cheek, thumb brushing away a stray tear. "You deserve the world, Kara Danvers. Though I'll start with Greece and work my way up."

The next morning was a whirlwind of last-minute packing and goodbyes. Leni was thrilled about her upcoming "adventure week" with her aunts, though she made both her mothers promise to bring her back "something cool and probably magical."

"No cursed artifacts," Alex warned as they dropped Leni off, earning an eye roll from Sam.

"That was one time," Sam protested. "And how was I supposed to know that Egyptian cat statue would start glowing?"

The flight to Athens was long but comfortable in first class jet ("Lena, this is too much!" "Darling, if you think I'm flying coach for twelve hours, you don't know me at all."). They arrived as the sun was setting, painting the city in hues of gold and rose.

Their hotel suite overlooked the Acropolis, its ancient columns glowing in the evening light. Kara stood on the balcony, awestruck, while Lena wrapped her arms around her from behind.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Lena murmured.

"It's incredible." Kara leaned back into her embrace. "I can't believe we're really here."

Their first few days were a blur of exploration. They wandered through the Plaka, getting lost in narrow streets lined with shops selling everything from traditional crafts to tourist trinkets. Kara insisted on trying every local delicacy they encountered, while Lena documented everything with her camera.

"For Leni," she explained, snapping a photo of Kara attempting to eat a gyro bigger than her head. "Though maybe not this particular shot."

"Hey!" Kara protested through a mouthful of food. "I'm adorable."

"Always," Lena agreed, stealing a quick kiss that tasted of tzatziki.

They spent a full day at the Acropolis, Kara practically bouncing with excitement as their guide explained the history of each structure. Her notebook was filled with questions and observations, and Lena found herself falling in love all over again watching Kara's passionate enthusiasm.

"Did you know the Parthenon was built without using any mortar?" Kara rambled as they walked back to their hotel that evening. "The blocks are so perfectly cut that they stay in place just through their own weight! And the columns aren't straight – they're slightly curved to create an optical illusion that makes them look straight from a distance. Can you imagine the mathematical precision that took? In ancient times?"

"Fascinating," Lena replied, though she was more fascinated by the way Kara's eyes lit up as she spoke.

They explored the ancient Agora, wandered through the National Archaeological Museum, and took a day trip to Delphi where Kara insisted on asking the Oracle (or at least, the archaeological remains of where the Oracle once sat) if they would live happily ever after.

"The Oracle says yes," Kara declared solemnly.

"The Oracle's been quiet for about two thousand years, darling."

"Then I'm interpreting the silence as a yes." Kara grinned. "You can't prove me wrong."

Their evenings were spent discovering local tavernas, sharing plates of fresh seafood and glasses of wine as they watched the sunset paint the sky in impossible colors. One night, they found a tiny restaurant tucked away from the tourist areas, where the owner insisted on bringing them his grandmother's special moussaka recipe after learning it was their anniversary.

"To love," the old man toasted them in heavily accented English, refusing to let them pay for their meal. "May it be as eternal as our ruins, but much better preserved!"

On their last night in Athens, they had dinner on their hotel balcony, the Acropolis lit up against the night sky. The air was warm and fragrant with jasmine, and somewhere in the distance, someone was playing traditional music on a bouzouki.

"Thank you," Kara said softly, reaching across the table to take Lena's hand. "Not just for the trip, but for... everything. This past year has been the best of my life."

"Mine too." Lena's voice was thick with emotion. "You... you've given me and Leni everything I never thought I could have. A real family. A home."

They finished their meal in comfortable silence, trading soft glances and gentle touches. Later, they fell asleep in each other's arms, the distant sound of the city's nightlife drifting up from the streets below.

The next morning, they woke early to watch the sunrise from their balcony, sharing coffee and fresh pastries from the bakery down the street.

"We should bring Leni next time," Kara suggested, licking honey from her fingers. "She'd love all the mythology stuff. Plus, she could practice her negotiating skills in the markets."

"God help the poor shopkeepers," Lena laughed. "Our five-year-old driving a hard bargain over ancient artifacts."

"She gets it from you, you know. That scary businesswoman energy."

"Please. You've seen her with Alex's puppy dog eyes. That's all you, darling."

They spent their final day revisiting their favorite spots, buying last-minute gifts (including a decidedly non-cursed replica of an ancient owl statue for Leni), and taking countless photos to add to their growing collection.

As their taxi wound through the streets toward the airport, Kara pressed close to Lena's side, watching the city scroll past their windows.

"I don't want to leave," she sighed.

"We'll come back," Lena promised, kissing her temple. "Maybe for our second anniversary?"

"I love you," Kara said simply, and Lena's heart swelled with emotion.

"I love you too." She squeezed Kara's hand. "Now, shall we place bets on whether Sam and Alex have survived a week with our daughter?"

"Oh, they're definitely exhausted. But I bet Leni has them wrapped around her little finger by now."

"Darling, she had them wrapped around her finger the day she met them. The real question is how many ice cream dinners they let her have."

"What they don't know won't hurt them," Kara grinned, then sobered slightly. "Thank you again, Lena. This was... perfect."

"You're perfect," Lena replied softly, and as they drove toward the airport, the morning sun turning everything to gold, she knew that the Oracle active or not had been right. They would indeed live happily ever after.

Though they might need to have a serious talk with Sam and Alex about proper dinner protocols for five-year-olds.

But that could wait until tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Kara adjusted her bow tie for the hundredth time, staring at her reflection in Alex's bathroom mirror. The tailored black tuxedo fit perfectly, thanks to Lex's insistence on having his personal tailor handle the alterations ("A Luthor proposal demands sartorial excellence, future sister-in-law!"). Her hair was swept back into an elegant low bun, and the diamond ring in her pocket felt like it weighed a thousand pounds.

"If you fidget with that tie one more time, I'm going to tie your hands behind your back," Alex threatened, appearing behind her in the mirror. Her sister looked sharp in her own navy blue suit, the cut emphasizing her athletic build.

"I'm nervous," Kara admitted. "What if—"

"If you say 'what if she says no' I'm going to throw something at you." Alex turned her sister around to face her. "Kara, that woman looks at you like you hung the stars. She lets you make horrible jokes and laughs at them. Her daughter calls you 'Mama K' and has already asked me three times when you're going to 'make it official.' Trust me, she's going to say yes."

"You really think so?"

"I know so. Now come on, Sam texted that they're almost done getting ready."

The conversation with Lex a week ago played through Kara's mind as they drove to the hotel where the ball was being held.

***

"I need your blessing," Kara had blurted out, bursting into his office without preamble.

Lex had looked up from his computer, one eyebrow raised in perfect imitation of his sister. "Well, hello to you too, Kara. Please, come in, make yourself at home. Oh wait, you already have."

"Sorry, I just... I'm going to ask Lena to marry me. And I know technically I should ask your mother, but..."

"But she's terrifying and still refers to you as 'that pizza girl' even though you co-own a successful restaurant chain?" Lex's smile was knowing. "Wise choice coming to me instead."

"So... will you give me your blessing? To marry Lena and adopt Leni?"

Lex had stood then, coming around his desk to face her directly. "You know, when Lena first told me she was dating someone new, I had my usual background check run."

Kara's eyes widened. "You what?"

"Standard Luthor procedure, I'm afraid. But do you know what I found? Nothing scandalous, nothing concerning. Just countless small acts of kindness. Donations to children's charities. Free pizzas delivered to homeless shelters. College funds set up for your employees' kids. You're a good person, Kara Danvers. More importantly, you make my sister and niece happier than I've ever seen them."

He'd pulled her into a surprise hug then. "You've had my blessing since the day Leni drew a family portrait with you in it and Lena cried happy tears. Now, let's talk about getting you a proper suit for this proposal..."

***

The hotel ballroom was transformed into something out of a fairy tale. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over elegant table settings, while floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the National City skyline. Medical professionals, business leaders, and socialites mingled in their finest attire, but Kara only had eyes for one person.

Lena stood near the stage in a deep emerald gown that made her eyes glow like gemstones. The dress hugged her curves before flowing out gracefully, and her dark hair was styled in loose waves over one shoulder. She was in CEO mode, charming potential donors with that perfect mix of intelligence and charisma that never failed to make Kara's heart race.

"Close your mouth, you're drooling," Sam teased, appearing beside them in a stunning red gown. "Though I have to say, you both clean up nice."

Alex's response died in her throat as she took in Sam's appearance. "You... wow."

"Eloquent as always, Danvers." Sam pressed a quick kiss to Alex's cheek. "Come on, let's give these two a moment before Lena has to give her speech."

As the couple moved away, Kara approached Lena, who turned as if sensing her presence. The way Lena's eyes darkened as she took in Kara's attire made her blush.

"You look... incredible," Lena breathed, reaching out to straighten Kara's already-perfect bow tie. "I might have to fight off half the women in this room tonight."

"Have you seen yourself?" Kara pulled her close, propriety be damned. "You're breathtaking."

"Flattery will get you everywhere, darling." Lena's smile turned apologetic. "I have to give my speech soon, but save me a dance after?"

"Always."

Kara found their table, where Alex and Sam were already engaged in what appeared to be a heated debate about proper pizza toppings with Lex and his date. The ring felt heavier with each passing minute.

Lena's speech was perfect, of course. She spoke passionately about L-Corp's commitment to advancing medical research and making healthcare more accessible. She shared stories of families helped by their programs, of breakthroughs made possible by their funding. By the end, there wasn't a checkbook in the room that remained closed.

As the orchestra began to play and couples moved to the dance floor, Kara felt her nerves return full force. The plan was to propose after their first dance, but suddenly every scenario she'd rehearsed flew out of her head.

"Breathe," Alex whispered, squeezing her shoulder as she passed. "You've got this."

Lena found her then, holding out her hand with a soft smile. "May I have this dance?"

Kara took her hand, leading her to the dance floor with more confidence than she felt. They moved together easily, months of practice in their living room with Leni standing on their feet making the formal steps feel natural.

"Have I mentioned how handsome you look tonight?" Lena murmured as Kara spun her. "The suit was an excellent choice."

"Have I mentioned how much I love you?" Kara replied, pulling her close as the music slowed.

"Mmm, you might have mentioned it once or twice. But I never tire of hearing it."

The music came to an end, and Kara knew it was now or never. Taking a deep breath, she kept hold of Lena's hand.

"Lena, this past year and a half has been the most amazing time of my life. Meeting you and Leni... it changed everything. You've given me a family, a home, more love than I ever thought possible."

Understanding dawned in Lena's eyes as Kara slowly lowered to one knee, still holding her hand. The surrounding couples stepped back, creating a circle of space around them. From the corner of her eye, Kara could see Alex filming with her phone while Sam wiped away tears.

"You're brilliant and beautiful and so incredibly kind. You're an amazing mother, a dedicated CEO, and the love of my life. Leni is the most wonderful bonus I could have ever hoped for, and nothing would make me happier than officially becoming her other mom." Kara pulled out the ring box with slightly shaking hands. "Lena Luthor, will you marry me?"

Tears were streaming down Lena's face as she nodded emphatically. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

The ballroom erupted in applause as Kara slipped the ring onto Lena's finger a vintage emerald and diamond piece that had belonged to Kara's birth mother. She'd barely stood up before Lena was kissing her, pouring all her love and joy into the embrace.

"I love you so much," Lena whispered against her lips.

"I love you too." Kara couldn't stop smiling. "Both of you."

"Speaking of both..." Lena pulled back slightly, her eyes twinkling. "We should probably call our daughter and tell her the good news before she explodes from anticipation. She's been texting me every hour asking if you've 'done it yet.'"

"Wait, you knew?"

"Darling, Leni caught you practicing your proposal speech in the mirror last week. She's been beside herself trying to keep the secret."

Kara laughed, drawing Lena back into her arms as a new song began. "That explains why she kept giving me thumbs up and whispering 'good luck' every morning."

"She also asked if she could be the 'flower girl AND the ring bearer because that's twice the fancy clothes.'" Lena rested her head on Kara's shoulder as they swayed. "I told her we'd discuss it."

"Whatever she wants," Kara agreed. "I just want to marry you and make our family official."

"Our family has been official since the day you stayed up all night making get-well dinosaur cards when she had the flu." Lena lifted her head to meet Kara's eyes. "The paperwork is just a formality."

They danced a while longer before being swarmed by well-wishers. Alex and Sam hugged them both, while Lex made a show of welcoming Kara to the family "officially this time."

"Mother's going to have opinions about this," he warned, but his smile was genuine. "Though I suggest waiting until after the wedding to tell her about the adoption papers. One shock at a time."

Later that night, after countless dances and congratulations, they video called Leni, who screamed so loudly their elderly neighbor's dog started barking.

"Finally!" Their daughter bounced on her bed, barely containing her excitement. "Did you do it like we practiced, Mama K? Did you remember all the words? Did Mommy cry? Can I wear a princess dress AND a suit to the wedding?"

"Yes to all of the above," Kara laughed, holding Lena close as they sat on their couch, still in their formal wear. "Though we'll have to discuss the logistics of a mid-ceremony outfit change."

"I'll figure it out," Leni declared with all the confidence of a five-year-old who had never heard the word impossible. "This is gonna be the best wedding ever! Can we have pizza instead of cake?"

"We can have both," Lena assured her. "Now, shouldn't you be in bed, young lady?"

"But this is important family stuff!" Leni pouted. "And Ruby said I could stay up until you called."

"Did she now?" Sam's voice came from off-screen. "We'll be having words about that, young lady."

After a few more minutes of excited chatter and multiple promises that yes, they would start planning everything tomorrow, they finally got Leni to go to bed. Kara and Lena sat in comfortable silence, both admiring how the ring caught the light.

"Happy?" Lena asked softly.

"Incredibly." Kara pressed a kiss to her temple. "Though I have to ask... how long did you know I was planning this?"

"About three weeks. You're terrible at keeping secrets, darling. Plus, Alex and Sam are even worse at subtle reconnaissance."

"And you didn't say anything?"

"And ruin all your careful planning? Never." Lena turned to face her, eyes soft with love. "Besides, it was adorable watching you try to be sneaky. Especially when you asked Lex for his blessing and he immediately texted me a play-by-play of the entire conversation."

"I'm never living that down, am I?"

"Never." Lena kissed her softly. "But that's okay. We have the rest of our lives for me to tease you about it."

"The rest of our lives," Kara repeated wonderingly. "I like the sound of that."

"Me too." Lena stood, holding out her hand. "Now, future Mrs. Luthor-Danvers, shall we celebrate properly?"

Kara took her hand, letting herself be led toward their bedroom. "Lead the way, future Mrs. Danvers-Luthor."

They had a wedding to plan, adoption papers to file, and undoubtedly some drama with Lillian to navigate. But for now, they had this moment this perfect, joy-filled moment and each other. Everything else could wait until tomorrow.

Though they should probably start looking at princess dress-suit combinations sooner rather than later. Knowing Leni, she already had sketches ready.

Chapter Text

The stack of papers on their dining room table seemed to mock Lena as she stared at them, her green eyes burning with frustration. Another rejection letter sat atop the pile, its formal language doing little to mask the underlying prejudice. She grabbed her wine glass, taking a long sip as she tried to steady her nerves.

"Mommy?" Leni's small voice came from the doorway, her dark hair in slightly messy pigtails Kara's handiwork from this morning. "Why are you sad?"

Lena quickly wiped at her eyes, forcing a smile. "I'm not sad, darling. Just thinking about some work stuff." The lie felt bitter on her tongue, but she couldn't bear to explain to her five-year-old why the world seemed determined to keep their family from being official.

"Is it about Kara being my other mommy?" Leni asked, showing the perceptiveness that sometimes caught Lena off guard. "Tommy at school said she can't be my real mom 'cause she didn't make me in your tummy."

Lena's heart clenched. Before she could respond, there was the sound of keys in the door, Kara returning from her shift at the Pizzeria. The scent of fresh-baked bread and tomato sauce clung to her clothes as she walked in, her blonde hair pulled back in a messy bun.

"Hey, my favorite girls!" Kara called out cheerfully, though her smile faltered when she saw Lena's expression. She'd gotten good at reading her fiancée's moods over the past year.

"Mama K!" Leni ran to her, and Kara scooped her up with practiced ease, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Mommy's sad about the papers again."

Kara's blue eyes met Lena's across the room, understanding passing between them. "Hey munchkin, why don't you go pick out a book for bedtime? I'll be there in a few minutes."

Once Leni had scampered off, Kara approached Lena, wrapping her arms around her from behind. "Another rejection?"

"They cited 'traditional family values' this time," Lena's voice was tight with anger. "As if our love for her isn't worth as much as some straight couple's would be. As if you haven't been more of a parent to her in the past year than her biological father ever was in his entire life."

"We'll keep trying," Kara promised, pressing a kiss to Lena's temple. "We'll find a way. I'm not giving up on our family."

"I just hate that we have to jump through these hoops at all," Lena turned in Kara's arms, burying her face in her shoulder. "You're already her mother in every way that matters. You're there for every scraped knee, every nightmare, every triumph. You make her special heart-shaped pancakes when she's sad. You learned to braid hair from YouTube videos just so you could do her hair for school."

"And none of that is going to change, papers or no papers," Kara assured her. "But I understand why it matters. I want it too...to be legally recognized as her mother, to know that no one can ever question my right to be there for her. To be able to make medical decisions if needed, to pick her up from school without extra authorization..."

Lena pulled back, wiping at her eyes. "I'm sorry I've been so snippy lately. It's not you, it's just..."

"Hey," Kara cupped her face. "You never have to apologize for feeling frustrated about this. It's not fair, and you have every right to be angry."

From upstairs, Leni called out, "Mama K! I picked Goodnight Moon!"

"Again?" Kara laughed. "That's the third time this week!"

"She loves it because you do all the funny voices," Lena smiled despite her mood.

"I'll be right up, sweetie!" Kara called back, then turned to Lena. "Come join us? There's nothing we can do about the paperwork tonight, but we can cuddle with our daughter and remember what really matters."

Lena nodded, letting Kara lead her upstairs. As they settled onto Leni's small bed, the little girl between them, Lena felt some of her tension ease. This was her family, regardless of what any document said.

***

Months passed, filled with more applications, more rejections, more frustration. Lena threw herself into her work at L-Corp, while Kara split her time between the pizzeria and Leni. Alex, picked up extra shifts without complaint when Kara needed time for another adoption hearing or meeting with their lawyer.

"I don't know how much more of this I can take," Lena admitted one night, after they'd put Leni to bed. They were sitting on their balcony, sharing a bottle of wine. "Every rejection feels like they're telling us we're not good enough, that our love isn't real enough."

"They're wrong," Kara said firmly. "And we'll keep fighting until they see that."

But even Kara's eternal optimism was tested as the process dragged on. She started keeping a journal, documenting every moment with Leni – first day of kindergarten, lost tooth, dance recital. If she couldn't be legally recognized as Leni's mother yet, she'd make sure there was a record of how much she loved her, how present she was in her life.

The breakthrough came unexpectedly, through a chance encounter at the pizzeria. A regular customer who happened to be a family court judge got talking with Kara one day about their situation. She listened sympathetically and, while she couldn't promise anything, she offered to review their case.

Kara kept it secret from Lena, not wanting to get her hopes up. She worked with their lawyer, gathered character references, documented her relationship with Leni. Alex helped her compile financial records showing her stability as a business owner.

Then, finally, the news they'd been waiting for arrived just days before Leni's sixth birthday.

***

"Mommy, why do I have to wear the fancy dress?" Leni asked as Lena helped her into the purple party dress. "It's just pizza at Kara's restaurant."

"Because it's your birthday, darling," Lena smiled, smoothing down her daughter's hair. "And birthdays are special occasions."

They arrived at Danvers Pizzeria to find it decorated with balloons and streamers. Alex greeted them at the door, grinning suspiciously wide.

"The birthday girl is here!" she announced, leading them to a private room in the back.

Kara was waiting there, looking nervous but excited. She was wearing a blue button-down shirt that matched her eyes, and she was holding a large wrapped present.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," she said, kneeling down to Leni's level. "I have something very special for you."

Leni tore into the wrapping paper eagerly, revealing a leather-bound photo album. On the cover was written "Our Family" in gold letters.

"Open it," Kara encouraged softly.

Inside were photos documenting their time together. Kara teaching Leni to make pizza dough, the three of them at the beach, Kara reading bedtime stories, family game nights. And on the final page was a document, its official seal gleaming.

Lena gasped as she realized what it was, her hand flying to her mouth.

"What is it?" Leni asked, looking confused.

"It's a very special paper," Kara explained, her voice thick with emotion. "It says that I get to be your mother, officially, legally, forever. If you want me to be."

Leni's eyes went wide. "You mean... you're really my mommy now? For real?"

"For real," Kara nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. "If that's okay with you?"

Leni launched herself into Kara's arms with such force that they both tumbled backward. "Yes! Yes! I wanted you to be my mommy forever and ever!"

Lena watched through her own tears as their daughter officially, legally, finally their daughter covered Kara's face with kisses. She felt Alex's arm around her shoulders, supporting her as her knees went weak with relief and joy.

"How did you do this?" she asked Kara once she could speak.

"I had some help," Kara smiled, still holding Leni close. "And a lot of luck. And I refused to give up, because this is what I wanted more than anything to be a real family with you both."

"We were always a real family," Leni said with the certainty only a child could muster. "But now everybody else knows it too."

Lena joined them on the floor, wrapping her arms around both of them. "Yes, we were, weren't we? And now we have the papers to prove it."

"Can I call you Mama now?" Leni asked Kara seriously. "Instead of Mama K?"

"You can call me whatever you want, sweetheart," Kara said, her voice cracking. "I'm just so happy to be your mom."

"Mommy and Mama," Leni tested out the words. "I like it."

Alex brought out a special heart shaped pizza and they celebrated together, their little family finally complete in every way.

Later that night, after Leni had fallen asleep between them on the couch, exhausted from the excitement, Lena turned to Kara.

"I can't believe you did this," she whispered. "How long have you been working on it?"

"Months," Kara admitted. "I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to give her and you the security of knowing that no one can ever question our family again."

"I love you so much," Lena said, leaning over their sleeping daughter to kiss her fiancée. "Thank you for never giving up on us."

"Never could," Kara smiled. "You and Leni are everything to me. Speaking of which..." she reached into her pocket and pulled out another envelope. "I have one more surprise."

Inside was a marriage license application. "I thought, now that this part is settled... maybe we could start working on making the rest of it official too?"

Lena's eyes filled with fresh tears. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes to everything with you."

Leni stirred between them, blinking sleepily. "Are you guys being mushy again?"

They both laughed. "Yes, baby, we are," Lena admitted. "Because we're very happy."

"Because we're a real family now?" Leni asked, snuggling closer to both of them.

"We always were," Kara said, echoing Leni's earlier words. "But now everybody else knows it too."

They stayed there on the couch together, their daughter between them, the adoption certificate and marriage license on the coffee table, the future bright with possibility. The struggle had been worth it for this moment, for the knowledge that their love had been strong enough to overcome every obstacle.

And in the morning, Kara would make heart shaped pancakes for her daughter officially, legally, wonderfully her daughter and they would begin their new chapter together, stronger for every battle they'd fought to get there.

Chapter Text

Alex Danvers had faced down countless challenges in her life, but somehow, sitting across from a thirteen-year-old girl at their favorite ice cream shop felt more daunting than any of them. Ruby Arias stirred her triple chocolate sundae, looking at Alex with curious brown eyes that were so much like Sam's.

"So," Ruby said, a knowing smile playing at her lips. "You didn't just invite me for ice cream on a Tuesday afternoon because you missed me, did you?"

Alex laughed nervously, fiddling with her spoon. "That obvious, huh?"

"Alex, you've been bouncing your leg under the table for ten minutes, and you haven't even touched your rocky road," Ruby pointed out. "Plus, you keep touching your jacket pocket like there's something important in there."

"You're too perceptive for your own good, kid," Alex shook her head, amazed as always by Ruby's intuition. "You're right. I wanted to talk to you about something important. About your mom."

Ruby's face lit up. "Are you finally going to ask her to marry you?"

Alex nearly choked on air. "How did you—"

"Please," Ruby rolled her eyes in that distinctly teenage way. "You've been looking at her like she hung the moon for ages. And ever since Kara proposed to Lena, you've been even more obvious about it. I saw you looking at rings on your phone last week when you thought I was doing homework."

Heat crept up Alex's neck. "Well... yes. That's actually why I wanted to talk to you. I know traditionally people ask the bride's parents for permission, but your mom's parents aren't in the picture, and honestly... you're the most important person in Sam's life. Your opinion matters more than anyone else's."

Ruby's playful expression softened into something more serious. "You want my blessing?"

"I do," Alex reached across the table to take Ruby's hand. "Ruby, I love your mom more than I ever thought possible. And I love you too. So much. You two aren't just the woman I love and her daughter you're my family. But I would never want to move forward with this if you weren't completely comfortable with it."

Ruby was quiet for a moment, studying Alex's face. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"Do you promise to always make Mom laugh, even when she's stressed about work? And to make her take breaks when she's working too hard? And to keep making your special chocolate chip pancakes on Sundays?"

Alex felt tears prickling at her eyes. "I promise. All of that and more."

"And..." Ruby's voice got smaller. "You'll still want to come to my soccer games? And help me with my science homework? Even when you and Mom are married and maybe have other kids someday?"

"Oh, Ruby," Alex moved to the other side of the booth, pulling the girl into a tight hug. "Nothing could ever change how much I love you. You're not just going to be my stepdaughter you're my kid, period. Marriage won't change that, and neither would any future siblings. You're stuck with me, kiddo."

Ruby hugged her back fiercely. "Then yes. Yes, you have my blessing. But can I help you plan the proposal? I have ideas!"

Alex laughed, wiping at her eyes. "Actually, I was hoping you would. I want it to be perfect for her."

They spent the next hour plotting, Ruby's excitement growing with each detail they planned. By the time Alex dropped her off at soccer practice, they had a solid plan in place.

***

Two weeks later, Alex's hands shook slightly as she chopped vegetables in Sam and Ruby's kitchen no, their kitchen, she corrected herself. She'd practically been living there now anyway. Ruby was setting the table, humming quietly to herself.

"Mom just texted," Ruby reported. "She's leaving L-Corp now. Operation Perfect Proposal is a go!"

"Don't say that so loud!" Alex hissed, though she couldn't help smiling at Ruby's enthusiasm. "And did you finish your part?"

Ruby patted her pocket. "All twenty of them. Ready to be placed at a moment's notice."

Alex took a deep breath, focusing on the familiar motions of cooking to calm her nerves. She was making Sam's favorite her grandmother's secret recipe chicken piccata, with fresh pasta and roasted vegetables. The ring box felt heavy in her pocket, but in a good way, like it had always been meant to be there.

The sound of keys in the door made both Alex and Ruby jump.

"Something smells amazing!" Sam called out as she entered, setting down her briefcase. She looked tired but beautiful, her hair slightly messy from running her hands through it all day a habit she had when stressed.

"Tough day?" Alex asked as Sam came into the kitchen, wrapping her arms around Alex from behind and pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

"Budget meetings all day," Sam sighed. "But this is exactly what I needed to come home to. My two favorite people and something that smells divine."

"Go change into something comfortable," Alex told her. "Dinner's almost ready."

As soon as Sam was upstairs, Ruby sprang into action, placing the first note where Sam would find it in their bedroom. The others would come later. Alex had spent hours writing them twenty reasons why she loved Sam, twenty moments that had made her fall deeper in love, twenty promises for their future together.

When Sam came back downstairs in soft pants and one of Alex's old t-shirts (which made Alex's heart flutter), her eyes were soft and slightly wet. She was holding the first note.

"What's this?" she asked, holding up the paper that read 'Reason #1: The way you make everyone around you feel safe and loved, like they could conquer the world with you in their corner.'

"Just something I wanted you to know," Alex said casually, though her heart was racing. "Dinner's ready."

Throughout the meal, Ruby kept finding excuses to get up, secretly placing notes where Sam would discover them later. They talked about their days, laughed at Ruby's stories about school drama, and Alex watched Sam slowly relax, the tension of her workday melting away.

After dinner, Ruby insisted on doing the dishes part of their plan leaving Alex and Sam to wander into the living room. Sam found another note tucked into her favorite book on the coffee table.

"Alex," she said softly, reading it. "'Reason #7: The way you dance in the kitchen when you think no one's watching, but sometimes I am, and I fall in love all over again.' What's going on?"

"Keep reading," Alex encouraged, her voice thick with emotion.

Sam found more notes, each one making her eyes shine brighter with tears. "'The way you believe in everyone around you, even when they don't believe in themselves.' 'How you taught me that family isn't about blood, it's about love.' 'The way you've made space in your life for me, even when it wasn't easy.'"

Finally, Sam found the last note, tucked into the frame of their first photo together a candid shot Ruby had taken of them laughing at the park. "'Reason #20: Because loving you and Ruby has made me understand what home really means, and I never want to live anywhere else but in this love with you.'"

When Sam turned around, Alex was on one knee, the ring box open in her trembling hands. The ring was elegant but not flashy just like Sam, beautiful in its simplicity.

"Sam Arias," Alex's voice shook with emotion. "From the moment I met you, you've challenged everything I thought I knew about love. You showed me that love doesn't have to be complicated it can be as simple as Sunday morning pancakes, helping with homework, and dancing in the kitchen. You and Ruby aren't just the family I chose you're the family I never knew I was always meant to have."

Sam was crying openly now, one hand pressed to her mouth. Ruby had appeared in the doorway, filming everything on her phone while trying to hide her own tears.

"I love the way you put everyone else first, but let me take care of you sometimes too," Alex continued. "I love how you've built this amazing life for yourself and Ruby through sheer determination and love. I love that you're the strongest person I know, but you're not afraid to be vulnerable with me. I love that you've made space in your heart for me, and I want to spend the rest of my life trying to deserve that space."

Alex took a deep breath. "I asked Ruby for her blessing, because this isn't just about us it's about our family. The three of us, together. And she said yes, so now I'm asking you: Samantha Arias, will you marry me?"

"Yes," Sam breathed, pulling Alex to her feet. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!"

Their kiss was salty with tears and sweet with promise. Ruby cheered and ran to join them, turning it into a group hug.

"Did you help plan this?" Sam asked her daughter, laughing through her tears.

"Maybe a little," Ruby grinned. "I had to make sure Alex did it right. She was so nervous!"

"Hey!" Alex protested, but she was laughing too as she slid the ring onto Sam's finger. It fit perfectly.

"I can't believe you wrote all these notes," Sam said, gathering them up. "Twenty reasons?"

"I actually had trouble limiting it to twenty," Alex admitted. "I could have written a hundred. A thousand."

"Well," Sam pulled her close again. "We have the rest of our lives for you to tell me the others."

"The rest of our lives," Alex repeated, marveling at how right those words felt. "I like the sound of that."

Ruby pretended to gag. "Okay, this is getting too mushy. Can we have dessert now? Alex stress-baked three different kinds of cookies yesterday."

They all laughed, and Alex pulled both of her girls officially, permanently her girls now close. The ring sparkled on Sam's finger, catching the light like a promise.

Later that night, after Ruby had gone to bed (but not before making them promise to let her help plan the wedding), Alex and Sam lay tangled together on the couch, Sam's head on Alex's chest.

"Thank you," Sam said softly, tracing patterns on Alex's arm.

"For what?"

"For loving us both so completely. For making this about our whole family, not just us. For asking Ruby first that means more to me than you know."

"She's part of the package," Alex said simply. "The best part, some days. Though don't tell her I said that, it'll go to her head."

Sam laughed softly. "Your secret's safe with me." She was quiet for a moment. "You know, when Ruby was little, I used to worry that no one would ever want to take on a single mom with a kid. That I'd have to choose between finding love and being the mother she deserved."

"And now?"

"Now I know I never had to choose," Sam lifted her head to look at Alex, eyes shining with love. "Because the right person would love us both, exactly as we are. And you do."

"I do," Alex kissed her softly. "And I always will."

They fell asleep there on the couch, wrapped in each other and their dreams of the future of wedding plans and family vacations, of more Sunday pancakes and soccer games, of a lifetime of loving each other exactly as they were.

And upstairs, Ruby lay awake in her bed, smiling at the ceiling as she thought about how sometimes families aren't born they're built, one love story at a time. And she couldn't wait to see what the next chapter would bring.

Chapter Text

The Danvers' family home had always been a sanctuary of warmth and acceptance, and today was no different as Eliza bustled around her kitchen, preparing tea and snacks for her daughters' video call. Her heart was already full knowing they had news to share mother's intuition told her it was something good.

When the call connected, four smiling faces filled her screen: Kara and Lena on one side, Alex and Sam on the other, all practically glowing with happiness.

"Mom!" Kara beamed, practically bouncing in her seat. "We have something to tell you!"

"Let me guess," Eliza's eyes twinkled. "Would it have something to do with those beautiful rings I see on certain fingers?"

"We're engaged!" all four women announced simultaneously, then burst into laughter at their synchronization.

"Oh, my darlings!" Eliza pressed her hands to her heart, tears of joy welling in her eyes. "Both my girls getting married! Tell me everything who proposed first?"

"Kara did," Alex admitted with a laugh. "She actually inspired me to finally ask Sam."

"And Ruby helped plan the whole thing," Sam added proudly. "She even filmed it."

"Where is my granddaughters?" Eliza asked, looking for Leni and Ruby.

"Leni is taking a nap and Ruby is at soccer practice," Lena explained. "She was so excited about showing off her new family photo album the one we got her for her birthday when Kara's adoption was finalized that she wore herself out."

"Speaking of family," Eliza said carefully, "have you thought about the guest list yet? Will Lillian be attending?"

A shadow crossed Lena's face. "I... I haven't spoken to her in months. I'm not sure she'd even want to come."

"Sweetheart," Eliza's voice was gentle. "She's still your mother. Whatever has happened between you, she should at least have the chance to be part of this joy in your life."

"But after everything she's done..." Lena hesitated.

"People can surprise us," Eliza said softly. "Sometimes they just need an opportunity to show us they've changed."

Kara squeezed Lena's hand. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you. But your mom did seem different the last time we saw her. Less... rigid."

After the call ended, Lena sat in their living room for a long time, staring at her phone. Finally, she typed out a simple message: "Would you like to have tea with me, Kara, and Leni this weekend? There's something I'd like to discuss."

To her surprise, Lillian's response came almost immediately: "Name the time and place. I'll be there."

***

The private tea room Lena had reserved was elegant but comfortable, with plush chairs and natural light streaming through large windows. Leni was dressed in her favorite purple dress, excited about the prospect of fancy tea and cookies, though slightly nervous about meeting her "other grandmother" again.

When Lillian Luthor walked in, Lena almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the severe business attire and perfectly coiffed hair. Instead, Lillian wore a soft cashmere sweater and her hair in a relaxed style that took years off her face. But the biggest difference was in her eyes the usual icy calculation was replaced by something warmer, almost vulnerable.

"Lena," Lillian said softly, then her eyes moved to Kara and Leni. "Thank you for inviting me."

"You look different, Mrs. Luthor," Kara observed with her characteristic directness.

"Lillian, please," she corrected gently. "And yes, I suppose I am different. Retirement has given me time to... reflect on many things."

"You retired?" Lena couldn't hide her surprise. Her mother had always seemed permanently attached to her work.

"Six months ago," Lillian nodded, settling into a chair. "After my last project was completed successfully, I realized I had achieved everything I'd set out to do professionally. But I'd sacrificed so much to get there most importantly, my relationship with you."

Leni, who had been quiet until now, suddenly spoke up. "Are you my grandma now too? Like Grandma Eliza?"

Lillian's breath caught slightly. "I... I would very much like to be, if that's alright with you and your mothers."

"Do you know how to play chess?" Leni asked seriously. "Mommy's teaching me, but I'm not very good yet."

"I do," Lillian smiled a real smile that transformed her entire face. "I taught your mother to play when she was about your age."

"Really?" Leni looked at Lena with wide eyes. "You never told me that!"

"It was a long time ago," Lena said softly, memories flooding back of quiet afternoons with Lillian, learning strategies and patterns, one of the few times they'd truly connected.

"I still have the set we used," Lillian said. "Perhaps... perhaps I could bring it next time? If there is a next time?"

The hope in her voice was unmistakable, and something in Lena's chest loosened slightly.

"I'd like that," Leni declared, then added with all the gravity a five-year-old could muster, "But you have to be nice to my moms. Both of them. Because they love each other and they love me and we're a family."

Tears sprang to Lillian's eyes something Lena had never seen before. "You're absolutely right, dear one. And I have a lot to make up for in that department." She turned to Kara. "I owe you an apology. Many apologies, actually. The way I treated you, the things I said... I was wrong. I was so focused on what I thought was best for Lena that I couldn't see what actually made her happy."

"And what changed?" Kara asked, not unkindly.

"I saw you together," Lillian admitted. "At the park a few months ago. You didn't see me, but I was there. Lena was laughing really laughing, in a way I hadn't heard since she was very small. And you," she looked at Leni, "were showing off your new dance moves. The three of you looked so... complete. Happy in a way I never managed to make my family."

"Mom..." Lena started, but Lillian held up a hand.

"Please, let me finish. Lena, I failed you as a mother in so many ways. I tried to mold you into what I thought you should be, instead of seeing and loving who you actually were. I pushed you away when you needed me most. And I'm so, so sorry."

Lena felt Kara's hand slip into hers under the table, offering silent support.

"When I saw you with your own family," Lillian continued, "I realized that you had become a better mother than I ever was. You gave your daughter what I never gave you unconditional love, acceptance, the freedom to be yourself. And Kara... you've given Lena what I should have a love that builds her up instead of tearing her down."

"It's not too late," Lena found herself saying, surprising even herself. "To be part of this family. If you want to be. If you're willing to accept us as we are."

"I do want that," Lillian said earnestly. "More than anything. Which is why I've also been seeing a therapist. I'm trying to understand why I made the choices I did, and how to be better. For you, for your family... for myself."

Leni, who had been surprisingly patient through this adult conversation, suddenly piped up, "Does this mean you'll come to the wedding?"

All three women froze. "Wedding?" Lillian repeated carefully.

Lena took a deep breath. "Yes. That's actually part of why we wanted to meet. Kara and I are getting married. And Alex and Sam too, actually."

For a moment, Lillian was very still. Then, to everyone's shock, she smiled a wide, genuine smile that made her look years younger. "Both Danvers sisters at once? Your mother must be over the moon."

The tension in the room broke as they all laughed.

"She is," Kara confirmed. "She's already talking about helping with both weddings."

"Would you..." Lena hesitated, then forged ahead. "Would you like to help too? With the planning?"

Lillian's eyes filled with tears again. "You would want that?"

"You're my mother," Lena said simply. "And I think... I think maybe we both deserve a chance to see if we can do better this time."

"I'd like that very much," Lillian whispered. Then she reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. "I brought something, actually. I wasn't sure if I should give it to you, but..." She handed it to Lena.

Inside was a delicate sapphire pendant on a silver chain. "This was your grandmother's," Lillian explained. "She gave it to me on my wedding day. I thought... well, if you wanted something blue for your wedding..."

Lena touched the pendant gently, tears spilling down her cheeks. "It's beautiful."

"Like my mommies!" Leni declared proudly, making them all laugh again.

"Yes," Lillian agreed, looking at Kara and Lena with genuine warmth. "Exactly like your mommies."

They spent the next hour sharing tea and stories, Leni charming Lillian with her questions and observations. When it was time to leave, Lillian hugged Lena somewhat awkwardly, but with real feeling.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For giving me another chance."

"Thank you for wanting one," Lena replied.

As they walked to their car, Leni holding both her mothers' hands and swinging between them, she asked, "Can Grandma Lillian teach me chess next weekend?"

Lena looked at Kara, who smiled and nodded. "I think that can be arranged."

Later that night, after Leni was asleep, Lena curled up against Kara on their couch. "Did that really happen? Did my mother actually apologize and act like a human being?"

"It did," Kara confirmed, running her fingers through Lena's hair. "How are you feeling about it?"

"Confused. Hopeful. Scared," Lena admitted. "What if it doesn't last?"

"Then we'll deal with it together," Kara promised. "But I think she meant it. The way she looked at Leni... that wasn't fake."

"She reminded me a little of how she used to be, when I was very young," Lena said softly. "Before everything got so complicated. When she used to teach me chess and tell me stories about my grandmother."

"Maybe that version of her isn't gone," Kara suggested. "Maybe she's just been buried under years of pressure and expectations and mistakes. And maybe now she's finally ready to find her way back."

"When did you get so wise?" Lena teased.

"Oh, I've always been wise. It's part of my charm," Kara grinned, then grew serious. "I just want you to be happy, love. And if having your mother back in your life a better version of her would make you happy, then I'm all for it."

"I love you," Lena said simply. "And I can't wait to marry you."

"Even with both our mothers helping to plan the wedding?" Kara raised an eyebrow.

Lena groaned. "Oh god, what have we gotten ourselves into?"

"The best kind of chaos," Kara laughed. "The family kind."

And as they drifted off to sleep that night, Lena thought about bridges how sometimes they take years to build, but once they're there, they can connect things that seemed impossibly far apart. Maybe that's what they were doing with Lillian building a bridge between who she was and who she wanted to be, between the family they had been and the family they could become.

It wouldn't be perfect, and there would probably be setbacks along the way. But as she felt Kara's steady heartbeat beneath her cheek and heard Leni's soft breathing from the baby monitor, Lena knew that whatever happened, she had all the family she needed right here. Anything else including a reformed Lillian would just be a bonus in their already beautiful life.

Chapter Text

The morning sun rose over National City beach, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold that seemed crafted specifically for this day. White chairs lined the sand in neat rows, an elegant arch of white roses and blue hydrangeas marking where four lives would officially become two families. The ocean provided a gentle soundtrack of rolling waves, as if nature itself was celebrating with them.

Inside the beachfront property they'd rented for the occasion, organized chaos reigned as two brides' rooms buzzed with activity. In one, Lena and Sam helped each other with final touches, while in the other, Kara and Alex shared a quiet sister moment before the ceremony.

"I can't believe we're both getting married today," Alex said, adjusting Kara's bowtie. They'd both opted for suits Kara's in cream with a blue bowtie that matched her eyes, Alex's in classic black with a deep burgundy tie.

"Remember when we used to sit on the roof and talk about our future weddings?" Kara smiled, tears already threatening. "I don't think we ever imagined this."

"A double wedding with the loves of our lives? While co-owning a pizzeria?" Alex laughed. "Definitely not. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

A knock at the door revealed Eliza, already dabbing at her eyes. "Oh, my beautiful girls," she breathed. "Look at you both."

"Mom, don't cry yet," Kara pleaded. "If you start, I'll start, and then Alex will pretend she's not crying..."

"I don't cry," Alex protested automatically, even as she wiped at her eyes.

In the other room, Lena stood before a mirror in her dress a sleek, modern gown with delicate lace details. Around her neck hung her grandmother's sapphire pendant, her something blue. Sam wore a softer, flowing dress that seemed to catch every breeze.

"Mommy, you look like a princess!" Leni exclaimed, twirling in her own purple flower girl dress. Ruby, stunning in her junior bridesmaid dress, nodded in agreement.

"Both our moms look beautiful," Ruby said, helping Sam with her veil.

A gentle knock announced Lillian's arrival. She paused in the doorway, her usual composure faltering at the sight of her daughter as a bride.

"Lena," she whispered. "You're breathtaking."

"Thank you, Mother," Lena smiled, their relationship still new and tender but healing more each day. "I'm glad you're here."

"Grandma Lillian!" Leni ran to hug her, careful not to wrinkle her dress. "Did you bring the special thing?"

Lillian nodded, producing an antique hairpin. "As promised. This belonged to your great-great-grandmother. Something old, as tradition requires."

As she carefully pinned it into Lena's dark hair, their eyes met in the mirror. So much said in that silent moment apologies, forgiveness, hope.

Outside, guests were arriving. James and Kelly Olsen helped arrange final decorations while Winn Schott fussed with the sound system. Nia and Brainy arrived arm in arm, followed by Lucy Lane. Even Lex had come, standing somewhat awkwardly to the side until Leni spotted him and ran over, breaking the ice as only children can.

The last to arrive were Clark and Lois Kent. Kara watched from the window as her cousin shifted uncertainly, clearly unsure of his welcome after years of distance. But today was about healing all family rifts.

Finally, it was time. The guests settled into their seats as soft music began to play. Ruby and Leni proceeded down the aisle first, scattering flower petals, followed by the other members of the wedding party.

Then the music changed, and everyone rose as the brides appeared. They'd decided to walk together Kara and Alex side by side, then Lena and Sam, each pair escorted by their chosen family member. Eliza walked with her daughters while Lillian accompanied Lena and Ruby walked with her mother.

At the altar, they arranged themselves – Kara and Lena on one side, Alex and Sam on the other, their children standing proudly between them. Hank Henshaw, Eliza's longtime friend who'd gotten ordained for the occasion, smiled warmly at them all.

"Love," he began, his deep voice carrying across the beach, "is not just about two people joining their lives together. It's about families intertwining, communities growing stronger, and hearts opening wider than we ever thought possible. Today, we celebrate not one but two such unions proof that love multiplies rather than divides."

The ceremony continued with personal touches from each couple. Winn played a song he'd written for them. Leni and Ruby read a poem they'd composed together about their unique family. Then came the vows.

Kara went first, her voice trembling with emotion:

"Lena, from the first moment you ordered pizza you turned my world upside down but you made it look so elegant that I had to reconsider everything I thought I knew. That's what you do, Lena. You make me see the world differently, make me want to be better, make me believe in impossible things. You and Leni aren't just the family I chose you're the family I didn't even know I was wishing for every time I saw a shooting star. I vow to spend every day showing you both how magical you are, how worthy of love and happiness. I vow to make you heart-shaped pizzas when you're sad, to dance with you in the kitchen, to hold you through every storm. I vow to be not just your wife, but Leni's other mother, your partner in all things, your home no matter where life takes us."

Lena wiped tears from her eyes before beginning her own vows:

"Kara Danvers, you crashed into my life like a ray of pure sunlight, melting walls I didn't even know I'd built. You loved me not in spite of my sharp edges but because of them. You taught me that family isn't about blood or duty it's about choice, about showing up every day and choosing to love even when it's hard. You became a mother to my daughter so naturally, so completely, that sometimes I forget there was ever a time when you weren't part of us. I vow to never take that love for granted. To remember the miracle of you choosing us, every single day. I vow to be your safe harbor, your adventure companion, your biggest supporter. I vow to love you through every challenge, celebrate every joy, and face whatever comes our way together. You make me believe in fairytales again, and I can't wait to write our happily ever after with you."

By now, there wasn't a dry eye on the beach. Even Lillian was openly crying, while Eliza had given up entirely on maintaining composure. Clark wiped suspiciously at his eyes while Lois squeezed his hand.

Then it was Alex's turn:

"Sam, before I met you, I thought I had my life figured out. Then you and Ruby showed me everything I was missing. You taught me that strength isn't about never falling it's about how many times you get back up, how many people you help up with you. You're the strongest person I know, not because you never struggle but because you face every challenge with grace and determination. Ruby, you stole my heart from the first time you corrected my soccer technique," Ruby grinned through her tears. "and watching you grow has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I vow to be the wife and mother you both deserve. To support your dreams, to cheer at every game, to make pancakes on Sundays and hold you through nightmares. I vow to love you both with everything I am, to be the safe place you can always come home to."

Sam's voice shook as she responded:

"Alex, you walked into our lives like you'd always been meant to be there, filling spaces we didn't even know were empty. You loved Ruby like your own from day one, never trying to replace anyone but simply adding your own unique love to her life. You taught me that I didn't have to be everything to everyone that it was okay to lean on someone else, to share the load. You make me stronger by showing me it's okay to be vulnerable sometimes. I vow to be your partner in all things, to face whatever comes our way together. I vow to love you through every season of life, to build our family stronger each day, to remind you always that you are enough exactly as you are. Ruby and I aren't just gaining a wife and mother we're gaining the piece of our hearts we didn't know was missing."

The rings were exchanged Leni and Ruby proudly performing their duties as ring bearers. Finally, Hank pronounced them married, and cheers erupted as both couples shared their first kisses as wives.

The reception was held at the pizzeria, transformed for the occasion with twinkling lights and flowers. They'd hired other staff to work, but Kara and Alex insisted on making one special pizza themselves heart-shaped, just like the ones that had become their signature over the years.

Speeches flowed along with champagne. Eliza spoke about watching her daughters grow into the amazing women they'd become. Lillian surprised everyone with a heartfelt toast about growth and second chances. Clark Kent stood to offer an olive branch in the form of welcome to his new cousins-in-law.

The first dances were magical both couples swaying under the stars on the restaurant's patio. Then Kara and Alex shared a sister dance that had everyone crying again, followed by special dances with Leni and Ruby.

As the night wound down, the four brides found a quiet moment together, watching their friends and family celebrate.

"We did it," Kara whispered, holding Lena close.

"We sure did," Alex agreed, her arm around Sam's waist.

"To the Danvers-Luthor-Arias family," Sam raised her glass.

"That's quite a mouthful," Lena laughed.

"It's perfect," Ruby declared, joining them with Leni.

And it was.

***

*ONE YEAR LATER*

Danvers Pizzeria had expanded to three locations across the city. The walls were covered in family photos game nights, dance recitals, science fairs, family vacations. Heart-shaped pizzas remained their specialty, a symbol of the love that had brought them all together.

Leni and Ruby grew into remarkable young women, surrounded by more love and support than anyone could ask for. Sunday family dinners remained sacred, rotating between homes, always ending with board games and laughter.

Lillian became the grandmother none of them expected but all of them needed, her chess matches with Leni evolving into deep conversations about life and legacy. Eliza relished her role as family matriarch, her home in Midvale remaining their gathering place for holidays and celebrations.

But most importantly, love continued to multiply. Through challenges and triumphs, through ordinary days and special moments, through all the seasons of life, they remained each other's home, each other's strength, each other's happily ever after.

Because sometimes the best stories aren't about how love begins, but about how it grows, evolves, and creates families that defy every expectation. And in National City, in a pizzeria that became so much more than just a restaurant, four women and their children wrote exactly that kind of story one heart-shaped pizza at a time.