Chapter Text
Sitting by the beach, watching as the Sun sets over the horizon, and as the water kisses her feet; Kara took everything in, she'll miss everything midvale has to offer. Tomorrow, she'll be off to MIT, to start building a future for herself. She doesn't know what awaits for her there, being alone, without Alex, her sister by herside.
Alex is studying in National city University miles away from her. The both of them have a very loving and sisterly bond she always dreamed of having since she was but a little child on Krypton. Being adopted by the Danverses was an unexpected blessing for her. The end of Krypton broke her, and being trapped in the Phantom zone for years, where no time exist made it even worse. And to top that, her baby cousin who she was supposed to take care of is already grown up when she arrived on earth.
Kara hates how Kal-El just hand her to the Danvers like they aren't family. Fuck him she used to think when she learned English days after she lived with the Danvers. Eliza and Jeremiah loved her like she's their own. Alex on the other hand had been a Bitch to get along with- even Alex agrees with her being a pain in the ass those days. However, now, Eliza and Jeremiah loves how much their two daughters are inseparable even though them being partners in crime is also a pain in the ass sometimes.
"Hey" Kara looked when she feel someone stand beside her. She was so busy reminiscing that she didn't hear Alex walking towards her. "Mom wanted me to tell you that Dinner's ready" a huge smile becae evident in Kara's face, she was about to stand up but Alex sat next to her "Let's sit for a few minutes more. I think we both need this" the red head said looking towards the sea. Alex wasn't a naturally born redhead, but unlike Kara who loves her blonde locks, Alex colored hers red saying it feels more her. Eliza and Jeremiah being the perfect parents smiled and responded that You do what makes you happy and comfortable sweetie.
The redhead faced her sister, "It's unbelievable that you're going to college already" Kara looked at her and smiled asking the older woman if she's about to give her sappy going away speech. "Yes now shut up." The redhead slightly punched her younger sister. "It's like yesterday you were just this little bitch that came and became my sister in a blink" both of them where laughing when Alex continued "Now you're this woman who got the full ride in MIT, and I'm just so proud of you" She paused and looked sincerely towards her sister "You'll going to the other side of the country Kar, I'm gonna miss you so much. If you ever need someone, you can fly to me or I can fly to you. But I just want you to be really careful. I know being an alien isn't that welcome in our society yet, so be careful on who you trust with your secret. I just want you to be safe. And if you ever have a stupid boyfriend that hurt you. Just call me I know many ways how to dispose a body".
Kara immediately hugged her sister and wipe the single tear that escaped her eyes. "I'm gonna miss you too. Although I think the first option is much cheaper. And on the boyfriend part, I think I can manage to take him out on my own" the both laughed at Kara's last statement. As both face the setting sun, they listened to the birds chirping, and to the calming sound of the waves.
The girls enjoyed the silence, with the unspoken aggreement that they'll both miss the peace that Midvale offers, as Alex is set to return to National city after they all drop Kara off to the airport tomorrow. They both heard their mother shout from the veranda of the house calling them both, Kara stood up first, helping Alex along. Both walk with arms around the other "You think mom will cry at dinner the way she did before you went to college?" the redhead laughed her lungs out nodding at her sister's comment.
"I think she'll even cry harder tomorrow when we drop you off at the airport." she responded. And God how right they both are. Eliza cried her eyes out at dinner and when they're about to leave Kara at the airport the day after. She was waving to her youngest until they can't see her anymore. the older blonde also shed some tears when they drop Alex off at NCU, with her eldest grinning at her mother saying it's already her third year in college, Eliza shrugged it off responding "you'll always gonna be my baby girl as I'm always going to be you mom"
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Building after building pans in and out of view, and then slowly it changes into pictures of greens as they exit the city completely. Lena was just staring towards the window, thinking that maybe being in college at 16 will bring her trouble, being young and capable of beating older people and their egos; or it's a blessingbecause she'll be away from her father and the toxicity of being a Luthor. She suddenly looked to her right when she feel someone hold her hand. A soft smile greeted her "It's going to be okay my brave girl" her mother soothingly said. Being adopted at a young age in the a chaotic family isn't what Lena wanted, but after hearing those words from Lillian bring her comfort like no other words can.
She was four when her birth mother died, and Lionel Luthor took her in; When she was introduced to Lillian, the brunnette woman wasn't at all welcoming towards her. Lena knew at a young age, that the loving nature that her mother raised her to, will never be possible with the Luthors; with Lionel being an alcoholic, with Lillian hating everything she does, and Lex being passive with his parents behavior, as long as he was left alone to mind his business. Lex was the only one who talked to Lena normally, and played with her, even if its chess- that they later figured out that Lena was a natural at.
It was a year into living in the mansion when Lillian's and Lena's relationship changed. It was the middle of the night, Lex was at friends house, leaving her alone with their parents; She woke up hearing screaming and some things breking. Five year old Lena left the comfort of her bed, carrying her teddy bear. She walked towards the dark hallway and followed where the sound is coming from, with her ending up infront of her father's study.
She and Lex wasn't allowed to go in, only if Lionel isn't drunk and is in the mood for company, he will let Lena read books in there. But that moment Lena didn't think about the cosnequences that she might be facing, her curiosity won the best of her. She slowly open the door peaking at what's happening inside. She saw Lionel clearly drunk, shouting towards Lillian who's shouting towards him in return.
Lena listened realising they're fighting about Lionel's alcoholic tendencies and it's effect towards the company, and something about whores, which at the time Lena didn't know what the word means. But she figured out it means bad because after Lillian said it Lionel was furious and slapped Lillian hard enough for the side of her lips to bleed.
Young Lena was shocked witnessing how violent her father is, but slapping her mother wasn't the end. Lionel held his wife by the neck, and reached for the letter opener on his table. He pointed it towards Lillian, the littlest Luthor was so afraid of what her father was going to do, she run towards the two, hugging Lillian, shielding her from her father.
"Father please don't hurt mother" she cried, making both freeze on spot. Lillian looked at the Little girl, seeing how afraid Lena is for her safety just melted her heart in an instant. She was just about to say something when Lionel grabbed the little girl's arm, pulling her away.
"What are you doing here you insolent child?!" he screamed making Lena cry harder "Did I not make myself clear that you are not allowed here?"
"You're hurting mother....that's bad" Lena whispered, but that didn't make things better. It only made Lionel ever more furious with the littlest Luthor. He gripped her hard in the shoulder with one hand and the other hit the little girl hard on the face. The Luthor head, yelled at Lena how ungrateful she is, he gave her a name, he gave her a home when she's supposed to be alone now. Lionel was about to slap her again, when Lillian run towards the them and held back her husband's hand.
Lionel shook his arm free from her hold "Lionel stop it! she's your fucking daughter!" the woman yelled making Lena looked at her with tearful eyes- she's a real Luthor? and this monster is her real father? He paused then punched Lillian in the core making the older woman stagerring back.
All his attention turned to Lena, and then Lionel's eyes travelled to the teddy bear that her daughter was embracing. Saying that she needed to grow up, and be a real Luthor he pulled the stuffed toy away and throw it into the fireplace letting fire turn it into nothing. Lena screamed and Lionel hit her again for it, He was about to hit her again when Lillian hit the back of his head with a vase making him lose consciousness. All the while Lena run towards her teddy that landed on the other end of the fire place, Lillian didn't noticed it fast enough she turned after Lena extended her little arm towards the bear.
She got it but little Lena didn't account for the fire in between her and the teddy, she screamed in pain as her upper arm was burnt, letting go of the bear in to the fire. Lillian immediately pulled her away, hugging the girl "my teddy!" the littlest Luthor said as she cried. Lillian placed her on the carpeted floor of the office and got the teddy bear and patted the fire out with her shoes. the matriarch handed Lena her teddy and the girl immediately hugged it as if her life depended on it. Lillian, meanwhile, carried the little girl out and asked the butler to call their family doctor.
Lillian sat in Lena's bed, still hugging the little girl who's sobbing due to her physical and emotional trauma brought by Lionel's actions. The matriarch hugged her tighter, thankful at the littlest Luthor, because if not for her, it's possible that Lionel would've stab that letter opener at her neck.
She kissed Lena's head and whispered "It's going to be okay my brave girl", Lena buried her head towards Lillian's chest, and at that moment, Lillian knew that this little girl will forever hold her heart.
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The moment the wind touched her skin, she stepped out of the car. She stayed in her place and closed her eyes, breathing in the cold air of Massachusetts- it's a brand new start. Lena opened her eyes when she felt Lillian's hand on her shoulder "Goodness, my girl is all grown up" her mother said with tears pooling in her eyes. The youngest Luthor gave her a sad smile, god knows how much she's gonna miss her mother.
She didn't want to say it loud, but she's nervous with leaving her mother alone in the mansion with her father. Lionel is still the same, although now, his a bit ill- cancer. Lena didn't want to admit it but she's thankful to the universe for giving her father cancer. His illness made Lex take over the company in Metropolis earlier than expected and she's set to take over the National city Branch of Luthor corp after graduation. "Promise me you'll visit me here?" her mother smiled sweetly and nodded.
Looking at the historical building infront of them, Lena admired how the newly renovated seven story dormitory projects simplicity and elegance. As their driver unloads her suitcases, she reached for her mother's hand to pull her towards the door.
As they enter into the lobby, Lena sat in the wing chair by the beautiful glass covered semi-dome; while her mother talk to the head of the house, whom she spoke with before when she personally arranged Lena's accomodations. The youngest Luthor quietly sat there as she take on the view. The lobby is overlooking the courtyard as well as the Charles river from afar.
Lena observed the grills by the side, which reminds her of her brother, whom she wished was with them today- but due to business obligations, he's thankful he manage to take his mother and sister to the airport that morning.
Moments later Lillian arrived with Lena's dorm key and they both made their way up. turns out her room is on the 5th floor, walking the L-shaped corridor, Lena, the geek that she is,figured out the room numbering pattern and identified her room as the one on the end of the corridor. "Oh it's by the corner. The one on the right." she said to her mother.
Lena was just about to unlock the door when the door next to hers opened. "Lena Luthor?" A voice called making the duo look at the man who just came out of the door. Lillian slightly looked up at the tall young man in front of them, 'oh God let it not be her ex' She whispered to herself. Because the last thing she wanted for her daughter is the drama of having an ex around. And Lex ofcourse will have a fit once he found out Lena's next door neighbor is an ex.
"of all the people who would've thought we'd be next door neighbors" Lena teased the ravenette man infront of them. She faced her mother, who's observing the man "Mother you remember Ray Palmer? We met at a science convention before and then we competed against each other at a chess championship" she saw the realization hit her mother, Lillian shook the young man's hand when he greeted her. Ray Palmer is also the son of David Palmer, a known associate of the Luthors.
"It's nice to see you again Lena, and I know we'll be seeing each other again. Because you know? you're my neighbor and we live literally beside each other" he rambled making Lena giggle saying he didn't changed at all. "anyways I have to go. See you soon and hope you enjoy your stay here". he smiled politely at the two and walked away.
As they two enters the room, Lena was immediately taken by the perfect 180 degree view of the river and the courtyard. "This view is to die for, although I still don't understand why you want to stay here. It's a very small room." Lena faced her mother with a Im-not-explaining-this-again look. "I know, I know that you want an authentic college experience. But Darling, I can get you a penthouse around here, with your own butler, cook, and maid so all you have to do is study"
"Mother" they youngest Luthor said raising her eyebrow. "again I'm saying no. Please just let me have this. to live simple and I dunno normal? You know I don't like parading the Luthor riches" Lillian hugged her and told her that she understand and that she'll miss her so much. "I'll miss you too"
They both waited for the driver to take Lena's suitcases into the room before Lillian decided to leave. They shared one more hug before the matriarch started to walk towards the elevator. She was waiting for it to arrive at their floor when she heard someone running towards her direction. When she saw Lena by the curve her heart warmed up. She opened her arms widely as her daughter launch herself towards her mother "Just call anytime, darling. I'll come here immediately." she whispered to her daughter. When Lena pulled away the older woman wiped the tears on her daughters cheek "It's gonna be okay my brave girl" and she kissed Lena's forehead.
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Kara just pulled her suitcase out of the taxi and then thanked the driver afterwards. She took a deep breath and stood infront of her new dormitory. With one hand on her suitcase and the other on her hip she inhaled everything in "to a better future" she optimistically said to herself.
She took out her phone and started a conference call with Eliza and Alex. the latter was the first to answer the facetime call and then a moment later Eliza appeared with Jeremiah by herside "Hey guys!" she said happily. Guess where I am?" Kara then faced the other way the historical building that will serve as her dormitory in the background. "I'm hereeeeee!" she said happily.
They chatted for a while asking how her travel was, which Kara said it was okay, it was a long 6hr flight but it was better than what she expected flying commercial for that long. They spoke for a while until Kara entered the lobby, she turned of her mic while she was talking to the head of the house that welcomed her and given her keys. As she steps into the elevator, she again chats with her family, laughing at Alex's stories about her adventures with her girlfriend-Maggie.
She occationaly looks up looking for her room number, when she saw it she returned her attention to the chat, not thinking that when she entered the room there's already another person settling in. She laughed so loud after Alex's joke that it echoed to the whole studio type room.
Alex's laugh siezes when she noticed someone behind her sister "Uhm Kar, I think you have someone in there" Kara suddenly turn around seeing a beautiful Ravenette woman, whose emerald color eyes are staring at her. Kara smiled and immediately turn back to her family and said goodbye.
She placed her carry on on her bed, which she figured out is the one by the wall because the other one already have a bed sheet and all. "Hi. I'm sorry about that I just miss my family so much that I forgot the possibility of you being here first" The other woman didn't respond she just stared at her "Oh, I'm Kara Danvers" she reached over her hand which the Ravenette shook.
"Lena Luthor"
Kara's head leaned to the side "Luthor is an uncommon name, but are you perhaps related to Lex Luthor?" Lena expected the question, ofcourse they'll ask if she's part of 'the Luthor' family. So she nodded, making Kara smiled brightly "Oh wow! What a coincedence right?! I'm roomates with my cousin's bestriend's relative!" that part she didn't know.
"I'm sorry what? You're related with-" Kara interupted Lena by saying Clark's name "well now that's a small world" in which Kara nodded in aggreement.
"So how are you related to Lex?" she asked as she turn to her suitcase and started unpacking her things.
"I'm his younger sister"
"Oh that's gre-" Kara stopped suddenly remembering something. She faced Lena again "Wait does he have another sister, because if I remember it corretly his sister is younger than me by a year or two. Well except of your some genius that you're advance and is now in college" Kara rambled.
Lena wanted to facepalm herself, 'goodness i'm roomates with a girl version of Ray Palmer' She thought to herself. "No it's just us two" And then Kara stood up and walk towards her immediately, saying that they should call Clark and share the good news. The ravenette was just about to say that that'll probably not a good idea, because she's not in the mood to talk. being an introvert that she is, she just wanted to sit and enjoy the view while she sip her hot choco; But Kara was already typing on her phone and moments later Clark's voice was heard from the other line.
To the younger woman's luck, Clark just wrapped up a meeting with her brother whose standing near him at the time. Kara happily told him if he can also put Lex on, which Clark gave her a confused look- turns out it's a video call 'Lucky me' Lena said to herself.
"What is this about Kara?" Clark said as Lex came into view.
Kara walks towards Lena, but stopped when she stood infront of younger woman "Look who my roomate is" then Kara switch to the rear camera."Say hi!" She said to Lena who shyly did what was asked of her.
Kara saw Lex snatch the phone away from Clark "Holy fuck that's my sister!" Lex shouted on the other line, making Lena laugh. Okay maybe Kara's idea is a bit better than she thought it was before. They talked for half an hour, and by that time, Kara knew that same as her, Lena got the full ride in MIT, even though they can afford it. The blonde also gather from Lex that Lena is only 16, and is a chess prodigy, if not already a master. Therefore after the call they both found themselves infront of the personalised chess set that Lillian gifted her daughter on her 6th birthday. Each piece is engraved with Lena's initials- LKL. and then the side of the board is engraved with an 'Always with you darling, love mother'.
Kara smiled at that, but as the game continue her smiled disappeared as it takes all of her to defeat Lena, but in the end the younger woman won. "Ra- God you're good"
Lena smiled at that "Thank you for boosting my ego" she said giggling a little. "Although you are a good opponent, better than our neighbor Ray" Kara blushed at her statement "and lastly I think you're supposed to say Rao"
"Well yeah bu-" Kara paused when she just realised what Lena said. She wanted to speak but no word came out of her mouth, all she did was stare dumbly at Lena, who smirked and raised her eyebrow as if saying Don't you dare lie to me woman. " you know? how?"
"Clark" she replied simply "Don't worry you're secret's safe with me" somehow Kara felt secured with how Lena said it. That she just knew she can trust the woman infront of her.
"Well now that you know, I'm declaring it" Lena's head slightly lean to the side in confusion "Lena Luthor. You are now officially my bestfriend".