The night sky above National City was clear. Like on a postcard, the Moon was illuminating the park spread in front of the building. Lena was relaxing, breathing in the cool air, eyes following the 'guardian angel' who occasionally whizzed by watching over the city. When this quiet, everything seemed perfect. Perfect for a fresh start. If only her brother would allow her that and stop trying to kill her.

She was nursing the second glass of wine when she realized Supergirl was getting closer. It was a matter of time, she supposed. All things considered, Lena thought they would have had this kind of encounter days ago. After all, Superman was flying around the city as well. She begrudgingly placed the glass down and got up from the lounging chair. As if it's an armor, she wrapped the silk bathrobe tightly.

Supergirl landed soundlessly on the balcony. Lena wondered why she chose to stand so far. It wasn't as if she could harm the alien. Not without the kryptonite.

"Sorry to drop in like this, if you-"

"What took you so long?" she interrupted adding her trademark smirk. Completely fake but a good defense technique, she learned long time ago.

"You shot a man." her voice was resonating but not accusatory.

What was that? God, was she trying to be all fair and righteous with a Luthor? 'He was going to shoot me. And that woman.' was her impulse response. But Lena was taught to curve her impulses. Think, observe, manipulate, "And you were worried I enjoyed it?"

"I was worried it took a toll on you."

A throaty chuckle escaped her, "I've seen worse." that, definitively was true. But she never shot to kill before… Hens, the wine. She took a step towards her uninvited guest, "Now, ask me what you really want to know."

She quirked her eyebrows. There was something familiar in the expression.

"Whether I inherited the infamous Luthor madness?"

"I thought you were adopted."

Well, wasn't she quite informed? Not that it was a secret, "Nurture is a powerful thing. Perhaps it overrode the genetics?" the line of accusation was familiar, she'd heard it all (she'd questioned that herself many times). She turned away from Supergirl and went for the wine. Every time she mentioned her biological parents (good people do not dump a baby behind a criminal-infested nightclub), the urge to drown those thoughts in alcohol emerged.

"I like to think we all choose who we want to be."

"Did you get that wisdom from a fortune cookie?" she finished the wine in one gulp, "I have an early meeting tomorrow. Would you mind… flying off?"

After a long pause (was there a resigned sigh? Probably not.), Lena heard, "Thank you for saving my- that agent."

Lena walked back inside like nothing happened.

Living in a penthouse was incredible. She liked the luxury and comfort and there was nothing wrong with that. However, she wished she'd spent more time there. If she did, she would have noticed earlier that she didn't have a coffee maker. So maybe she woke up a bit hangover because she had maybe drunk a bit more of that wine after the encounter with Supergirl.

"Take me to decent coffee." she ordered the driver that morning.

Once the car finally (finally!) stopped she put on the sunglasses (why was it always so cheerfully sunny in National City?) covering half of her face, stepped out and in front of a charming little cafe. Like an addict, she rushed for her dose of caffeine, disregarding everything around her.

That turned out to be a colossal mistake on her part. She collided with someone; there was a sound of things dropping, then a splash… a splash of hot liquid on her new shoes, "Seriously?!" she was glaring at a blonde girl collecting her belongings mumbling apologies in the process.

Lena looked around, the customers were staring, some of them had their phones pointed at them. Great. She couldn't wait to see what the press would do with that. And she was just starting to repair the Luthor image. So Lena did what she had to –she fixed one of her public smiles and kneeled to help the girl. After picking up the rest of the papers the girl looked at her. And there, behind the glasses was the inquisitive, non-reporter Kara Danvers. A smile appeared on Lena's lips, a real one, "Miss Danvers?"

"Oh, Miss… Miss Luthor, I am so sorry!" all things collected, they were getting up now.

Lena did not tear her eyes from Kara, but the sound of the crowd disappointed by the lack of scandal did reach her ears, "No, it's my fault. Completely." she ran her hand over Kara's upper arm for assurance.

"I…" she shrugged and fixed her glasses, "It's no big deal. It happens to me all the time."

"Let me make it up to you. Please."

They were sat in the booth in the corner. Lena was observing Kara fidgeting, tapping her fingers against the paper cup. She wasn't aware of the strand of hair that escaped her ponytail. Lena liked it, she wondered what Kara would look like with her hair down. Though it was difficult to imagine the buttoned-up, cardigan-wearing girl let loose… not fully buttoned-up, Lena noticed as she glazed down the blonde's neckline. One button loosened upon impact. Only then did something catch her eye, a reporter's ID card, "So, you do want my opinion on high-waisted jeans?"

Kara leaned back, staring at her like a confused puppy. Usually that would annoy Lena but for some reason she found it charming.

"You're a reporter." she glanced down at the ID card again.

"Oh, no! I mean, yes…" she took a deep breath and smiled, "I am sort of a reporter. Now. I wasn't then. But I haven't had anything published so I'm not a real reporter yet... It's only my second day, though."

"Congratulations, anyway. Maybe one day I'll have the honor of being interviewed by you."

"I think it's the other way around, but thanks. How are you liking National City?"

"Well, if you disregard couple of assassination attempts, it's quite lovely. Perfect actually for rebranding my company."

She quirked her eyebrows, "How so?"

"If I can be accepted in Supergirl's city, I can have a chance of a somewhat normal life."

"It sounds a bit like you don't like Supergirl."

"You misunderstood." though, only in part, "Living in the shadow of Lex's crimes has forced a link between myself and Superman and by extent Supergirl. I don't handle well being forced. Now, every good I do will amount to nothing if I do not have their approval. "

When Kara's hand covered hers, the bubbling anger in her was starting to quell. What was it that made this now reporter's presence affect her in such way?

"Why do you-"

Lena pushed the chair and stood up. 'You're strong, sis. Never let anyone doubt that.' The fake smile was back, "Now, Miss Danvers if you want me to answer your questions you'll have to schedule an interview."

"I didn't mean it like that." she said and Lena believed her wholeheartedly.

"You're cute. So I'll tell you… I go both ways."

Kara blushed and tilted her head. She opened her mouth but nothing came out.

"On the topic of high waisted-jeans." she clarified, all innocent like.

Kara laughed. Like a ray of sunshine that was, "Great… I'll have that in mind."

"I think we got off on the wrong foot."

Lena didn't even flinch at the sound, like it was natural to have nightly visits from the resident superhero, "First time we met you saved my life. Second time I saved the life of an agent of yours. It's hard to get off on the more right foot, wouldn't you say?"

"But you don't like me?"

She should team up with Kara Danvers, "I'm trying to rise above the circumstances of my birth and form an opinion based on experience. You should do that too, however ill-advised it may seem in this particular case. "

"Do you always presume to know everything?" there was teasing in her voice. Supergirl was full of surprises.

"Yes." she smirked as she resumed her menial task of rearranging the books.

Supergirl swung her head to the left, "I have to go." and without waiting for response, with the gush of wind she was gone.

That was that. Lena sighed, she wasn't disappointed. She was not. Butting heads with the young woman was not something she found enjoyable.

She flopped on the sofa and turned on the TV. The news about the roaring fire in the suburbs was playing. Flames were swallowing houses, people were screaming. The firemen were helpless. Then she appeared. She burst into a house which suddenly collapsed on her. Lena ignored the irrational fear that took over her being. It was completely without bases of course since a few seconds later Supergirl appeared with a child safe in her arms. Lena was being ridiculous. Angrily, she turned of the TV and tossed the remote aside. It bounced off the cushion and onto the floor. Instead of a thump, a now familiar gush of wind happened.

Supegirl was standing in front of her - a half smile on her lips, remote in one hand and pizza in other, "Getting to know someone is always better with food."

She came back! Full of surprises indeed, "Fine." she complied as Supergirl's smile grew, "But only because I'm starving."

Supergirl was eagerly waiting for Lena to set the table. She placed a slice of pizza in front of her and Supergirl went for it immediately.

Lena was watching her with curiosity. It was amazing how… normal she was. Lena's knowledge of Kryptonians came primarily from bias source, so this shouldn't have been that fascinating.

She must have been staring because her guest suddenly froze, pizza hovering midair, "Flying takes a lot of energy." she explained awkwardly.

Lena lowered her gaze towards her own plate, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"What are you doing?"

"What?"

Supergirl pointed to the knife and fork in Lena's hands. She was a lady from the Luthor family, table manners were carved into her brain. 'Even at the dining table, you should show that we weren't wrong to make you a Luthor' her step father would often reprimand. But, Supergil had the point. She put down the cutlery and took the greasy slice.

Supergirl was now the one watching with curiosity.

"It's good." she admitted after the first bite.

The blonde hooted triumphantly.

God, that superhero appeal was really strong. Maybe it's the whole savior/victim thing (though, Lena refused to wear the mark). Or maybe it was the pull towards something diametrically different from herself. They broke eye contact and ate the rest in silence. Admittedly, Lena did throw a glance or two at her guest. And she did notice the flexing of the biceps and the way her honeycomb hair was falling over her shoulders.

"I left the pizza place's leaflet on the table. If you want to order some time."

"I will. They sure have speedy delivery."

Supergirl smiled again. Lena realized she liked it very much, especially when she was causing it. "I try… and I kind of want you to like me."

I kind of want you to like me, too. she thought, "Why?"

"I think it could be interesting. And you…" she appeared distracted, "And you want to fight for good and… uh, I really have to go. Duty calls."

This time she didn't whoosh away.

"I understand." Lena nodded, "I hope you'll finish that thought these days."

"Me too." and with that she was gone.

Lena bit the inside of her cheek to hide the smile even from herself. If Lex saw her now, he would kill her with his bare hands.

The next evening, Supergirl didn't show up. Not that Lena was waiting; she just stayed up until midnight going over some proposals. And there was no sight of Supergirl for the rest of the week. Not even on TV, and the city had its fair share of news worthy crises. Maybe she was taking a break since Superman was still around. It seemed unlike her, then again Lena didn't really know her… and she didn't have the time to ponder on why some blonde didn't show up on her balcony. She had the company to run, the name to rebrand. And Mr… she checked the card again, Mr. Blake would help her with that.

She pressed the button on the intercom, "Send him in, Emily"

Promptly, a tall dark haired man entered her office.

"Mr. Blake." she extended her hand and smiled. His palm was sweaty, "I'm so glad we have the chance to talk."

He stuffed his hands in coat pockets and nodded.

Getting right down to business, she was browsing through his credentials, "The youngest head of PR in the state? Impressive." she looked up from the file and straight into the gun barrel. Remembering the drill, her hand was slowly reaching for the panic button under the desk.

"Don't you dare." he growled, "Get up."

She complied immediately and put her hands where he could see them. Better not test him again,"Mr. Blake… I don't… if you want money-"

"I don't want your blood money! But I do want you to pay. Your brother killed my family." she jerked as the words hit her, "And now I'll kill you."

"I know you-"

"You don't know." his voice was raspy, at the verge of breaking.

He wasn't the coldblooded assassin on Lex's payroll, but an unbalanced man. Collateral damage of her brother's war. But he was right. She didn't know anything. The intercom buzzed. Lena jumped at the sound. The odd mixture of dread and hope overwhelmed her.

Blake waved the gun at it, "Get rid of them. Quickly."

Her hands were shaking and it took her three times to get the button, "Yes?"

"I'm sorry to interrupt Miss Luthor but there is a Miss Danvers from CatCo asking about an interview."

Kara? She shouldn't be here. Not now. "Next week! Tell her… tell her I will let her know."

"Yes, Miss Luthor."

:And Emily." Blake pressed the cold metal against her collar bone. She gasped, "Take the rest of the day off. I'm going home after this meeting."

"Yes, Miss Luthor."

"Good." her captor huffed as the line went dead. The stench of alcohol hit her, "Now, where were we?"

Lena remained motionless as her heart was raging inside the ribcage.

"It's time to send your brother a message."

"He won't care." she cried out in despair, "I'm not… I'm not like him. He wants me dead."

"Lies!"

"You'll just be doing him a favor. And no one else."

He must have felt the sincerity of her words because he began to hesitate. He pressed his palms against his temple and was now audibly wailing. It was now or never. Lena looked around and came to realize she hated the minimalist design. There was nothing at hand but the small, fragile lamp. She grabbed it and aimed it at his head.

To somewhat protect herself from the impact she shut her eyes, but it never came. The lamp fell on the floor. That was it, she was about to die. She was afraid to open her eyes, staring death in the face was not something she'd like to relive. He was touching her arm now and she immediately was wriggling away, she would never let that happen to her. Never.

"It's ok." she heard a soft tone.

Supergirl! Lena realized and allowed herself to look. She'd swooped in, disarmed and knocked down the assailant in a matter of seconds. Probably faster. She'd showed up out of nowhere and saved her again.

Lena pushed her hand away, "What are you doing here?" she demanded, willing her voice to be steady.

"I… there was that guy." she pointed to the unconscious Blake, "…and the gun pointed at you… I mean, is obvious why I'm here."

"I was handling it."

"Didn't seem like it from where I was standing." she retorted matter-of-factly. A color Lena thought superheroes didn't possess.

"You mean from where you were spying on me?"

She huffed, "What? Why would I…what?!"

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer – and you're not sure which one I am."

"I…" There was a pause and to Lena that was enough to claim she was right, "Don't smile like that. It's my job to know these danger things."

She stepped into Supergirl's personal space and the blonde didn't budge. She smelled like lavender and honey. Lena pressed the intercom, "Emily? Are you still here?"

"Yes, Miss Lutor." came an immediate response.

"Come into my office, please."

It would be an understatement to say Emily was shocked upon entering the office. Her half annoyed and more-pale-than-usual boss was standing next to Supergirl who was smiling sweetly at the newcomer. And to top it all, the nice man was passed out on the floor.

"Would you mind calling the police to escort Mr. Blake to the station? And paramedics, just in case." she requested calmly.

"Um…" she started but couldn't verbalize the thought, so she nodded and rushed out.

"Do you have to wait for the police?" she asked Supergirl.

"I'd prefer to."

"Fine." she sighed. All this craziness was making her suddenly flushed, "I'll go freshen up."

Lena leaned heavily against the door of her in-built bathroom and exhaled. She was not good at handling this. Lex sending people to kill her was somewhat expected, she could deal with that. But this desperate man… that was something else. She pushed herself off the door and looked in the mirror. God, she was a mess. Why was she doing this? Atoning for something she never did? She should have taken the money and spent the rest of her days on some tropical island.

A knocking stopped the train of depressive thoughts. The police was quick, "What?"

"Can I…" Suergirl started meekly, "Can I come in?"

Lena quickly brushed the smeared mascara and smoothed her sleek hair. Sure, it was hell of the day anyway and it was only 11.30. Another chat with Supergirl won't make any difference.

The moment the door clicked she answered, "Yes, I am fine. No, I did nothing to that man. His vendetta against Lex just took the wrong turn."

"I know it isn't your fault."

"Will you drop the act already?!" her shout rang in the confined space, "You're you and I'm a Luthor. We shouldn't be talking like this. It's not normal and I don't trust that you could ever trust me."

She blinked the confusion away, "Trust is something that is earned. And I'd like to believe someday we'll get there."

Lena stared at her. A beacon of hope personified.

"And just to clarify, It's not the act, it's superhearing so that's how I know what he said. Also, I am nice. In an endearing way, many say."

Lena pulled her closer by the arm, "I am under a lot of stress." she was trying to rationalize while simultaneously remembering to breathe, "Adrenaline is working like crazy. My mind is foggy and you really should leave before I do something reckless."

The words, however, did not have the desired effect and Supergirl inched closer which only revealed to Lena that Supergirl's sky blue eyes had a hint of green in them. Those eyes narrowed trying to decipher the meaning behind Lena's words. That prompted Lena into doing the thing she really, really shouldn't. She wrapped her fingers around the nape of Supergirl's neck and crashed her lips against hers. Despite them being so soft and unexpectedly responsive, Lena knew she shouldn't have been doing this. And even when she felt herself being yanked by the blazer, one body pressed firmly against the other, she knew it would end and what then? Stop! The voice in her foggy mind was screaming. And she did. She allowed reason to prevail and pushed the girl of steel away like she was nothing. The look on her face was one of utter shock, "I have to go… and wait for the authorities."

She bolted into the hallway where the secretary was. What the hell was that?!