Arranged marriage AU with a twist. It was written for Kate on AO3, and I'm pretty proud of it so... All mistakes are mine, sorry!
-X-
Marriage had always been a cause for tension in people. Some would never marry; some married over and over. When it came down to it, the government decided marriage wasn't worth the trouble or money. Therefore, sexuality became a thing of the past and couples were created by fate...and a giant machine. It mattered not the gender or race.
When a child was born, their names and blood were set into a central machine and randomly, they were matched with another's. Some would wait years until they found their person, while others had one for them the day they were born. However, every child had one before their seventh birthday. It helped keep away overpopulation and large age gaps.
Kara, from day one, had her person. She didn't know who they were, but she knew the day and time she was to be married. As tradition, only her parents knew the information and while in her heart of hearts she knew it was law, it didn't stop her from being wary.
-X-
Relationships became a thing of the past, leaving children to focus on their studies and to grow as people. Teenagers were active, doing whatever they wanted without the urge to connect on a physical level with another person. Most were fine with that. Kara had not been.
In high school, she'd met a girl who stole her breath away the moment she smiled. Alex Danvers was a year older than her, with warm chocolate eyes and short brunette tresses that Kara wanted to get her fingers lost in. She was kind and funny; the perfect girl.
One night, after almost two years of friendship, Kara admitted her feeling to the girl. Fear shook her bones and rattled her teeth, but she was determined. No matter what, Kara would not apologize for them and she would tell Alex the truth, even if it cost her Alex.
"Alex, I'm in love with you," Kara informed her confidently as they sat on Alex's twin sized bed.
Tilting her head, Alex studied the blonde curiously. "You are? What about your…"
"I don't care about my stupid marriage," Kara spat. "I love you and I refuse to feel bad about it! What's so wrong with loving someone?"
Alex always adored Kara's passion. She had feelings for the younger girl, but unlike Kara, her anxiety forced her to keep them locked away behind the iron door of her mind. To have Kara admitting something with such feeling… It frightened her, but she would not allow Kara to think she was alone.
"I'm in love with you too," Alex whispered softly, staring down at her hands.
"Y-you are?"
Nodding faintly, Alex glanced up at the beaming blonde.
Throwing caution to the wind, Kara lunged for Alex and captured her lips. One hand slipped into Alex's hair, the other rested at the nape of her neck. Fingers dug slightly into Kara's hipbones and she tugged the younger girl closer.
Ever since that day, the two remained in a secretive relationship. They would spend weekends at each other's houses, go on vacations - anything they did, they'd do together and no one ever stopped to question it.
-X-
Kara strolled into Noonan's, her eyes flittering around until they landed on Alex. She was sitting at a table, their friends James and Lucy across from her. A sticky bun and hot coffee was set in front of an empty chair.
'Alex knows me so well,' Kara thought delightfully.
Hurrying over, she dropped into the chair and sniffed the sweet treat. "Ah…"
Laughing, Lucy shook her head.
"What?" Kara questioned innocently, glancing at the younger Lane curiously.
"Your obsession with food is hilarious."
James tossed an arm over Lucy's shoulder and brought her close. They'd recently been married, and while Lucy was new to the friend group, she was already well-liked. Her sister, Lois, had married Kara's cousin Kal nearly four years ago, so the two had been acquainted before she married James.
Lucy studied Kara curiously. "I know it breaks tradition, but I've got to know: is your wedding soon? I'm so tired of being the only married girl here," Lucy joked. "I want someone else to understand the struggle." She winked at James.
Chuckling awkwardly, Kara shrugged and bit into her sticky bun.
"Oh my God, it is!" Lucy squealed excitedly.
Alex cleared her throat and stood, "I'm going to get another sticky bun." She stalked over to the counter and sighed.
She knew, deep in her heart, that her time with Kara was running out but knowing that and actually hearing it made it so much worse. They'd agreed, years ago, to never tell the other when their weddings were. They worried it would taint their time together. They'd only count down to their separation than actually get to enjoy life.
She hadn't told Kara her wedding was fast approaching, but it was. She was to be married in two weeks, at the courthouse not too far from her apartment. She couldn't stand the idea of losing Kara, but she knew she had no choice. But, she was determined to make the most of those two weeks with her lover.
-X-
Alex pressed a kiss to the top of Kara's head as it rested comfortably on her shoulder. They were completely clothed, laying on the roof of Alex's apartment. There was less than a week until Alex was supposed to be married.
"I've always wondered what it'd be like to fly among the stars," Kara murmured contently, playing with Alex's fingers absently.
Smiling gently, Alex said, "I stopped wondering after I found you, because you let me reach out and touch them whenever we're together."
Giggling, Kara kissed Alex's jaw. "Sap."
The blonde sighed as the weight of the situation began to settle on her. She couldn't imagine a life without Alex, and even after her wedding, she refused to let the woman walk out. She would fight for her lover - she would always pick Alex over anyone else.
"Things will be okay," Alex lied, swallowing the lump in her throat. She knew exactly what Kara was pondering over; it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out.
"You don't believe that," Kara replied quietly.
Alex laughed. "I have to believe it or I'll go crazy. But we always knew this wasn't permanent."
"I wish it was," the blonde admitted, cuddling closer to the shorter girl.
Combing her fingers through Kara's hair, Alex replied, "Me too."
-X-
After that night, Kara had grown distant. They still talked, regularly, but the blonde seemed rather…off. It was disconcerting, but Alex realized it may be for the best.
"Oh, Alex, this outfit is perfect for you," Eliza cooed. The purple robe clung nicely to her curves while being rather conservative in style.
Robes were a required piece of the ceremony. A hood was essential, covering their heads until the joining couple were face to face. Then, the official presiding over their union would instruct them to be lowered. Only then would the two meet.
The family members also had to wear robes, though theirs were black and hooded. Only those getting married could wear colorful clothing.
"Are you sure?" Alex worried, nibbling her bottom lip and spinning awkwardly in front of the mirror.
"Definitely." Eliza nodded with a gentle smile. "You'll be a beautiful bride."
Sighing, the brunette gazed at her reflection. God, she wished Kara could see her…
-X-
The courthouse was a rather large building with white columns lining the front. Her hood raised, Alex was led inside by her mother. Her father had died in an accident when she was a teenager, but she knew he'd be standing beside her in spirit.
Room 218 loomed overhead and Alex swallowed hard.
The official stood outside the room with a warm smile on his face. "Welcome. Go on inside. You're the first one here."
Stepping in, Alex peered around the room. It was rather bland, but the alter was beautifully decorated with flowers draped along the sides.
"It's going to be okay," Eliza assured, squeezing Alex's hand.
Alex stood in front of the alter and waited for her betrothed. It seemed like hours until the sound of shoes filled the otherwise silent room.
"We are ready to begin," the official announced as he strolled down the aisle.
Following close behind was Alex's future partner. They took their spot next to Alex and waited. Their robe was a stunning royal blue with silver woven in around the waist.
"Step up to the alter."
Moving as one, the duo moved onto the alter but faced straight ahead at the official.
Then, the ceremony began. "Today, I am here to officiate the joining of these two people. As our laws command, the two have no idea who they shall be marrying today, but we believe they are to be together. Fate is a funny thing, but never in my years have I come across a couple that were not meant. Therefore, it is my great pleasure to announce your joining to the world and to your families. Please, turn to face each other."
Inhaling deeply, Alex twisted to gaze at her partner. They were lanky, but taller than she was. It made her think of Kara and her heart clenched.
"Drop your hoods, so we may pass along the rings."
Gripping the material tightly, she tugged it down and glanced up.
"Oh my God," Alex blurted.
In front of her stood a stunned Kara, her hands still wadding the hood of her robe.
The official, oblivious to the stunned room, took two silver rings on a pillow and held it out for Alex. Shaky fingers wrapped over the cold metal and she stared down at it.
Kara grabbed the other, her gaze never straying from Alex's features.
"Left hands out," the official commanded, "Alex, slip the ring onto Kara's fourth digit, please."
Alex did as instructed, a smile breaking through her surprised expression. It was Kara…She was marrying Kara. Oh, God, she was marrying Kara!
Kara repeated the action, warm skin sliding against hers.
"As customary, the more prestigious of the two last names shall be taken, so I would like to introduce you to the new Mrs. Zor-Els. You may kiss if it plea-"
Alex lunged forward and tangled her fingers in Kara's hair, tugging her mouth onto hers.
"Well," the official mumbled, studying the couple curiously, "I'm glad to see you're amicable in this union."
"Oh yeah," Kara whispered, resting her forehead against Alex's. "Definitely."
"I guess Lucy has two people to complain to now," Alex laughed as Kara led her from the alter.
Kara beamed at her wife. "Good."
-X-
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