hypnobyl:

The first time Kara enters Cat’s apartment, she’s shocked to see a large tank in the living room. None of her research on Cat prior to her employment suggested Cat to be in any way a fan of animals, especially if they were in her home, but that definitely appears to be an animal tank. She glances at her former boss, wondering if her new privileges extend to delving into Cat’s private life. Maybe not, she decides. They’ve only just become friends, and she can’t jeopardize this fragile thing between them. She wants more, and she’ll never get more if she’s booted entirely from Cat’s life.

Fortunately, Cat saves her from asking the question by moving to the edge of the tank, reaching in, and pulling out a large lizard, approximately a foot and a half long, covered with spines, and climbing–attempting to climb up Cat’s arm. Cat kisses the lizard’s head and turns.

“This is Alfonso.”

“Um, hello?” Kara steps forward. “Is he a bearded dragon?”

“Correct.” Cat offers Alfonso to Kara, who takes him delicately into her arms. “Carter wanted a pet a few years back, so we decided a reptile was appropriate. No loud noises, no damage to my hardwood. But Carter lost interest after a few months, and I ended up taking care of him. I couldn’t just get rid of him.”

“A pet is for life,” Kara adds, gratified when Cat nods and smiles. She can’t get enough of Cat’s smiles, and this one is the brightest she’s seen yet. She has nothing against the half-smirks that slip out at work when Cat is particularly proud, nor the subtle twitching of Cat’s lips when she wants to smile but can’t. But this smile is open and happy–and Kara is excited that she’s been gifted something so precious.

“Did you have a pet growing up?”

Kara thinks about the heasue she’d had as a child. The creature was akin to a bearded dragon, perfectly suited for Krypton’s hot surfaces and lack of water. She can’t mention that, however, since they’re still pretending Cat doesn’t know. Instead, she substitutes as best she can.

“I had a bearded dragon, too.”

“Alfonso seems to like you, so I assume you have a way with lizards, just as you have a way with almost everything else?”

Kara flushes. “Well, I wouldn’t say that…”

“You have to own your accomplishments, Kara.”

She brightens at the use of her name. She’d forgotten that outside of CatCo, behind closed doors, they were allowed to use proper first names.

“I try, Cat. But most of the things I do are group efforts, so it feels odd to take full credit. I didn’t make your latte, I just picked it up. You should thank Rebecca at Noonan’s for how good your coffee is in the morning. My family… My family had a motto. Stronger together.”

“Regardless, you have done amazing things, and you should be proud. I know I am.”

“Really?”

Cat fixes her with a stern look. “Am I in the habit of lying?”

“Only to your mother.”

Cat snorts and rolls her eyes. She takes Alfonso back and eases him back onto his sunning rock. “Can I offer you a drink?”

“Water, please.”

Kara follows her into the kitchen. “I’m proud of you, too. I know it probably doesn’t mean anything, but–”

“It does,” Cat says, her voice low but steady. “Thank you.”

“Oh, of course.” Kara fidgets with the hem of her shirt until Cat hands her a glass of water. She gulps half of the contents down before remembering to act like a civilized human being.

“So, tell me more about your lizard.”

Kara lets Cat guide her to the couch. “You really want to know?”

There is a moment of silence, and Kara searches Cat’s gaze to no avail. Whatever the other woman is feeling or thinking is behind a barrier of practiced indifference. Finally, Cat nods.

“I’d like to know whatever you’ll tell me about yourself.”

Kara scoots a little closer, hoping she’s not misreading the moment. “May I… May I kiss you?”

Cat nods, and Kara brushes her lips against Cat’s. It’s simple and pleasant, and very short. Cat doesn’t complain, although her eyes follow Kara’s mouth, especially when Kara’s tongue darts out briefly.

“Did he have a name? Your lizard?”

Kara relaxes into the couch, aware that Cat will discuss what just happened when she feels good and ready to. Cat is very particular about expressing herself, and it’s something Kara really loves. When Cat speaks, it means something. “Eeno. He was a little bigger than Alfonso, and more orange.”

She answers all of Cat’s questions and even dares a few of her own. Cat answers without hesitation, and Kara realizes that this could very well be something real. As the topic dwindles away, Kara puts a hand on Cat’s wrist.

“Thank you for letting me meet him.”

“He’s got good taste in people,” Cat replies. “I had to have you meet before I decided to pursue you.”

“You pursue me?” Kara laughs her disbelief. “Remind me which one of us kissed the other–”

Kara’s statement is cut off abruptly as Cat kisses her.