#bc of course lena sees the patterns and connects the dots

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

The Darkest Timeline, Part 7

To Kara's surprise, Andrea's visit seems to unlock more of Lena's personality. She grows more animated, gesturing as she talks and prone to touching Kara as much as possible, whether it be a touch on the elbow or knee, or a clasp of her arm as they sit at the table. Once, while Kara is preparing dinner, Lena touches the small of her back as she reaches around Kara's head to reach the plates in the cupboard.

It sends a flood of endorphins coursing through Kara's veins, and a warm heat to settle low in her gut. Lena doesn't seem to miss a beat, not even pausing as she explains the show she's been watching while Kara's at work.

"I strongly suspect that they're going to drag the love triangle out to the end of the season," Lena says, rolling her eyes. "I'm sick of it already, but someone somewhere decided they 'chemistry' so what do I know..."

"Uh huh," Kara agrees, swallowing against a suddenly dry mouth.

That night, they curl up on the pullout bed in the living to finish the season finale. The love triangle in question is resolved with one of the men dying, leaving the woman in the throes of an existential crisis over what could have been, even as the other comforts her. Lena's asleep not long after, with Kara close on her heels.

It's becoming a frequent occurence, for Kara to fall asleep in front of the television and wake up wrapped around Lena. Lena doesn't seem to mind it-- if anything, she seems to expect it, pouting playfully when Kara tries to return to her own bed before a movie finishes.

She ought to feel guilty, Kara knows. She knows the boundaries of her previous friendship with Lena, but after so long divided, the smell of her shampoo in Lena's hair is intoxicating, mixing with the familiar warmth of their nearness to create a heady elixir of perfect belonging.

One morning, Kara wakes up to find Lena facing her, gazing at her with soft eyes. Her vision has steadily improved, little by little, and Kara can tell Lena is studying her in detail, her eyes tracing the lines of Kara's face as if memorizing every detail of her.

"Morning," Kara murmurs.

Lena smiles. "Morning."

"Have I got drool on my face?" She reaches up to wipe her cheeks, only for Lena's hand to make it there first. She cups Kara's cheek, rubbing her thumb gently across her skin as she looks deep into Kara's eyes.

"Can I ask you something?" Lena says softly.

"Anything," Kara whispers.

"Why don't you talk about it?" Lena says softly. "About us?"

Kara blinks, snapping to full wakefulness. She pauses, her hand still resting on Lena's against her cheek. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, I appreciate the chance to make my decisions, but... I don't think there could be any reality in which I didn't love you."

Lena worms her way closer, until their noses nearly touch. Kara's brain empties of any thought but their proximity. It steals the air from her lungs, leaving her breathless.

"I may not remember everything," Lena continues, "but my feelings for you... they don't feel new."

"Lena..." Kara all but gasps for air, floundering for the words to speak.

"I'm sorry for the time that we've lost." Lena gazes at her, intense and focused. "Maybe one day you can share your memories of us, but in the meantime... I don't want to lose out on making new ones."

Slowly, Lena leans in, pressing her lips to Kara's in a gentle kiss. It remains chaste, but her mouth lingers on Kara's, as though Lena can't bring herself to pull away.

"I love you, Kara," Lena murmurs against her lips. "I don't want to lose anymore time."

Another kiss punctuates her words, this time nibbling lightly. Kara moans in spite of herself, gripping Lena's hand a little tighter.

When Lena kisses her again, Kara's lips part to receive the tongue that darts out tentatively. For a long moment, she nearly loses herself in it, before she comes back to herself with a snap.

"Lena, Lena, wait!" she says, chest heaving. Lena pulls back, waiting expectantly. Kara swallows, closing her eyes. "We... we weren't."

Kara opens her eyes to see Lena blink, then flush in sudden embarrassment. "Oh, my god. I thought--"

Lena withdraws, and tries to take her hand with her, but Kara holds it fast, pressing it to her own chest.

"We weren't together, that way. But that doesn't mean I didn't want this."

Shaking her head, Lena looks away. "You don't have to say that just to make me feel better--"

"I know I don't," Kara returns. "But I'm telling you anyway, because it's true. You are... You're the most important thing in my life, Lena. I couldn't lose you."

At that, Lena stills her features wary, yet filled with quiet hope. Bringing Lena's hand to her lips, Kara kisses the tips of her fingers.

"You don't have to love me," Kara says softly. "But I do love you. And I will always be here for you. If we do this, I want it to be because it's something you want... not because you feel you should--"

Lena silences her with a kiss.

"I don't think I've ever wanted anything more."

#supercorp #darkest timeline #in which things get very supercorp #bc of course lena sees the patterns and connects the dots #coming to the logical conclusion #we've all been there #right? right