Mamma Penguin
There's something in life, neither of them was expecting to experience first-hand: becoming a mom. Kara's expectations to build a family were never high. She has always felt like an outcast. The last of her kind while Lena, she has never considered having kids. The burden of her last name is not something she wanted to pass on. And yet, here they are, being part of the cycle of life. Witnessing, in the front row, the miracle of new life, as it's created inside the matrix. Within minutes, something miraculous has begun. Inside the matrix, a cluster of cells has formed from the mix of their DNA. A tiny bead that holds the potential of new life.
"It isn't this amazing, Lena?!"
It's indeed a very wondrous event. But, amazing is not the word Lena would use to describe this moment. Unsettling seems more appropriate. It's an unsettling breakthrough, to believe this bio-Kryptonian technology in the form of an egg is bursting with life. Life, linked directly to them. Lena gulps hard when that thought gets very loud in her mind. The CEO is still trying to wrap her head around the idea of what is happening when Kara stars a parade on her own. Dancing and jumping around for joy.
"We're having a baby! We're having a baby! Lena! You & me! A baby! YEY!"
A big smile, it's what the blonde has to offer to a very overwhelmed Lena. The raven-haired woman is not taking the news with the same joy as the blonde. How could she? She's a Luthor! A workaholic who barely makes time for other things besides work. How is she supposed to take care of another human being? She's already doing an awful job taking care of herself. She's not ready to be a mother. She's very certain that she's not gonna be a fitting mother. Her wide green eyes hadn't taken away from the matrix. She's till finding it hard to believe this is even real.
"Lena?"
The lack of response from the CEO and her shallow, rapid breathing is starting to worry Kara.
"Lena, are you okay?"
How is she supposed to answer that? She has no idea how she feels and maybe she doesn't need to speak a word. Her stiff posture and the strong grip of her hands over her arms it's enough to show her distress. Kara stays quiet, observing, waiting for Lena to process the information given. For a genius like her, it shouldn't take too long to understand how advanced, extraterrestrial technology can make this happen and yet, it has been more than half an hour and Lena is still frozen in time & space. No trace of joy in her face. Just distress. It brings down Kara's hopes of having the family she was already dreaming to have with her.
This wasn't planned. It wasn't even foreseen in the near future. So, Kara understands, if this is something Lena doesn't want to be part of.
"If this is the last I'll see of you, I get it…"
Kara sadly sighs, turning her head down in defeat. Lena's reaction is not what she would have hoped, but she's not going to hold it against the dear Luthor. She loves her too much for that. Moreover, it was an accident, an unexpected consequence of a silly action which Kara will not hold Lena responsible for.
"It's okay, Lena, you don't need to say a word. I know this wasn't planned and probably not wanted, on your side. Playing no role in raising this pup, it's also an option for you…"
It's all up to her, now. It's what Kara tells to herself. It's scary and overwhelming, but she has no doubt she will rise to the challenge and hopefully, her big sister, Alex, will give her a hand with it, too. Alex, Eliza. How will they take the news? Will they be disappointed? Will they support her decision to keep the baby? She's a little worried about counting on her family for this. Alex will definitely scold her. Kara is supposed to know better than becoming a mother by accident, but even if she gets scolded more than once, Alex will not let her deal with this alone.
The DEO Agent has a big heart, a soft spot for her little sister. No way, she will be there, to help her raise this child. She'll be there all the way and she might even try to kick Lena's ass, for which Kara makes a mental note to not let that happen. Lena shouldn't be punished if she doesn't want this. After all, she's not afraid of being a single parent, but she fears for the well-being of the artificial womb. If it stays here, in the Fortress where temperatures drop below freezing, the embryo might die and never develop.
How they fare over the coming months will determine whether the cells grow or die. It's vital to ensure the best conditions for the matrix, so, Kara has no second thoughts when she picks up the big egg-machine, putting it over her shoulder, ready to take it with her. She lifts it so easy that Lena gasps in shock. It's not like Lena was surprised to watch Kara's strength on display. It's not that, it's more like a waking call, forcing her to get back to her senses because right now, her future baby is no longer safe on the ground. The eyes of the CEO get bigger of shock because the fear of Kara, dropping the matrix, becomes at this moment, her biggest fear.
"Kara! Put that down, NOW!"
The blonde tilts her head to the side, she frowns as she doesn't understand what worries the other woman so much. It's not like she would let the matrix fall and even if it slides from her fingers, she has no doubt that she'd be fast enough to catch it before it touches the floor but…
"Kara! Put it down, now! It's my baby in there! How can you be so reckless?!"
"Your baby…?"
"Yes, it's my ADN, too, you know…"
"I know, but you don't have to…"
Lena sighs, she has always followed her sense of responsibility to determine her actions. It's what brought her to National City in the first place. She felt responsible for Lex's actions and decided to do something about it, but this is beyond responsibility. The young Luthor knows it and she feels it when she stretches her hand and touches the artificial womb. It's warm, so warm that it makes her smile.
"Lena, you…"
"I'm doing this. Not because I've to, but because I want to. I want to be there for the baby. Even if having me as a mother might not be the best for him"
"Do not say that, you'll be an amazing mother!"
Lena chuckles, she can always count on Kara to cheer her up. She cannot understand how Kara can have so much faith in her. She's not that optimistic, but she will try. For now, Lena just can wish for the best just like Kara, even if it's not in her nature to do such a thing. Be positive, hope for the best. That will be a real challenge for her. Anyway…
"Kara, for my peace of mind, please, just put it down before you give me a heart-attack!"
Kara doesn't like to be scolded, but she cannot stop smiling when Lena finally understands her shared responsibility and looks happy about it. It's soon Lena's time to take care of it. Kara finally puts the matrix down and the dear Luthor takes over the matter, putting her coat over the matrix, and getting ready to learn everything she needs to know. There's no doubt, Lena is already acting like a protective mother.
Like any new mother. They have plenty to learn and get ready for. They have quite the journey ahead of them and no idea of where to start. Lucky for them, Kara knows exactly what to do but…
"No! We will not use NatGeo documentaries as a guideline to take care of our baby, Kara!"
"But… but…"
The blonde pouts, she sees no wrong in following the advice of the documentaries she watched and she spends the next hour rambling about how they should follow the example of wild animals like the penguins while Lena takes her time to read all she needs to know about the matrix in the Fortress library.
"Lena, we can take turns to take care of the matrix! Like the penguins!"
Kara gives more details about the nesting and incubation of penguins. About how one parent takes care of the egg while the other goes to hunt. And, the CEO knows that her girlfriend means well but, she can't stop rolling her eyes as she hears this dork talk. She loves this dork blonde, but she will not be half present during the growth of their baby, so, she sends an email to her new CFO, Samantha Arias, informing her that she's in charge of everything, starting today. Sending the email was easier than what she thought.
"Lee, are you listening to what I'm saying…?"
"Sure…"
She's not. Conditions start to change in an instant, the Fortress is getting colder and Lena has read enough information about the matrix to understand how delicate it is. Keeping the artificial womb in top condition the following months is from now their top priority. And for someone of the richest in the world, like Lena, it shouldn't be hard.
"Are you sure about this, Lena?"
"I'm sure. Put it down, slowly, really slowly and carefully, darling"
Kara rolls her eyes, she doesn't need to be told twice to be careful while manipulating the matrix. She does as told and Lena releases the breath she was holding when the matrix is finally settled down in the middle of her penthouse without a scratch.
Her bachelor home may appear inhospitable and cold, not the perfect place to keep the egg-machine, but Lena believes it's the safest place in the world for their baby right now.
It's always about location. The big windows of her home and its high position, grants the perfect entry of sunlight during the day. The matrix will need sunlight, a lot of it, so Lena doesn't lose time and installs a very complex system of artificial sunlight to guarantee solar energy during the night. This is going to be more than enough to keep it warm and yet, the couple makes a nest of blankets around the matrix.
"Should I sit over it? Birds do it"
"You will not sit over our baby, Kara!"
The blonde pouts. All her ideas are thrown through the window. It feels so unfair. And, before she has a tantrum, Lena makes the time to explain why it's not necessary to act like birds. The matrix is not exactly an egg.
"Here, look. These are indicators of volumes of heat, energy and nutrients. Like you see, the matrix is warm enough right now, you don't need to sit over it like birds do, darling"
"Okay… can I at least hug it? I'm very warm"
"Fine, but not too tight, darling. It's very fragile"
"I can be very careful, Lena"
Lena just hums, it's not like she didn't trust Kara, but the crystal vase she smashed this morning while changing the water of the flowers, it doesn't help to put her mind at ease.
"You know what, Kara, let me wrap it with bubble paper first"
The blonde rolls her eyes and dramatically drops her body over the white sofa that's beside the matrix, this is gonna be a long day.
"We need to high up the volume of nutrients. They are decreasing fast…"
Lena is not surprised. Kara's DNA is involved after all. Maybe buying a farm will be a good investment. If the baby eats as much as the blonde, Lena might need to start doing some preparations, henceforth. She will plan for the future later. Now, she needs to do something about the level of nutrients stored in the machine. The stock installed in the matrix by default will not last long. And, for the next couple of months, the matrix has to be nurtured by them, around the clock in order to give their baby the best possible start.
"What do we do, Lee?"
"We need to open the compartment of food and insert enough nutrients to keep the gauge above 80% at least. The information in the Fortress indicated that only liquids are allowed. So, we might have to mix it all"
"Like a milkshake?"
"Yeah, something like that"
"Okay, more importantly, where is your food?"
Lena shows what she has in the fridge and Kara makes a disgusting face when she sees only green things. In a flash, Kara flies to her home and returns with her arms full with food, enough food to feed anyone over a week at least. Sadly, her efforts are in vain as Lena is very fussy on the food that should go into the matrix.
"But, Lena. Potstickers have proteins and there's salad in the burger, that counts, right?"
"Kara, we will not feed our baby with greasy food! It needs quality nutrients!"
The blonde gasps, feeling offended that her choice of food gets a veto and she wastes no time to veto Lena's choice, too.
"Kale delivers good nutrients, Kara"
"NO! My kid will not be fed over with only green things! He will think the food on this planet is awful! You're going to traumatize him before he's born!"
They start their first real fight as parents. The delivery of nutrients becomes their first big challenge that ends with a negotiation. They settle with a compromise of 50% vegetables and 50% meat, at least for today.
The level is now below 60%, so they waste no more time to prepare the mix. Concerned with the well-being of the embryo, they hurry to mix it all and put it in the matrix. They schedule an alarm and establish a proper balanced diet, too. To avoid future, longer discussions on the matter. The worry in their eyes calms down a little when the level is up to 95%. They've reasons to be worried. The first months are crucial to define if the tiny cluster of cell implanted grows or dies. Keeping it warm and fed up properly is essential so the embryo can build up some blubber, muscle and more in the following days.
Their bond with the embryo grows strong as any mother and child. With a few months of growing to do, their little one still has a long way to go. It's gonna be a challenging period of months. The pressure is on. Especially because their pup arrives at a time of turbulence.
There's a new villain, someone who goes by the name Reign and they don't want to even think about the unimaginable and infinite dangers the world holds for their baby. They've so many enemies. It's not safe out there and a strong need to protect their baby overwhelms them.
"I think we should keep this as a secret for now, Kara"
"What? Why?!"
"It's too risky to let people know"
"I know, but… can I at least tell Alex?"
Lena nods and Kara wastes no time to give her a call and tell her the good news.
"Alex! I'm having a baby!"
"YOU WHAT?!"
The call brings a very angry Alex to Lena's home. The moment the dear Luthor opens the door, she finds herself put against the wall.
"Alex! What are you doing?!"
"Kara, you shut up! This is between her and me!"
Lena gulps hard when she stares at the killer look Alex has right now.
"You got my baby sister knocked up?! You will answer to me, Luthor!"
"Well, technically I didn't…"
"Oh, you plan to not take responsibility, it's that what this is?!"
Lena opens her mouth to rephrase her sentence, but it's very difficult to speak while Alex is holding her by the neck. Kara had enough of this nonsense, she puts them apart and sits her big sister in front of the matrix.
"What the hell is this?!"
"Hey! Language! We are not sure if it can hear us and understand us already. So, please watch your mouth when you talk in front of your future nephew"
"Kara, what are you talking about?"
"What Kara is trying to tell you, Alex. It's that this is the matrix. A very complex Kryptonian machine where our baby is growing right now"
Lena is always better at explaining things. So, Kara makes some tea for them while she lets them talk alone about it.
"So, like you can see, Alex. I didn't knock her up…"
"Yeah, well… I'm still not apologizing about my reaction. You can really knock her up"
"Alex…"
Kara is back with their cups of tea and she doesn't stop attacking her big sister with puppy eyes till the redhead finally mumbles a sorry. Lena chuckles, she takes it as an apology.
"Wait a minute, what do you mean by 'I can knock her up'?"
"Oh, you didn't know? Kryptonians are different from us. They can conceive regardless the sex of their partner. Man. Woman. It doesn't matter. All Kara needs it's to be in her fertile days, get a big amount of your DNA, saliva, for example, and really want to get pregnant. The power of her mind, it's essential…"
"Okay, so, if she doesn't want to, there's no way that she…"
"Oh, but I want to, Lee…"
"YOU WHAT?!"
Kara just giggles while Alex and Lena look shocked to see that the blonde has settled her mind already on the matter. Lena gulps hard, it looks like she can get Kara pregnant with nothing more than a French kiss. They have been doing more than that. How is that Kara doesn't look worried? Well, that's because, Kara is not afraid to get pregnant, actually, she's looking forward to getting knocked up by none other than Lena Luthor.
The conversation continues and Lena realizes that Alex's medical expertises and her knowledge about Kara's anatomy might just be the extra help they need. And, everything looks good, but…
"We must go, Kara. J'onn just called me, there's an emergency ..."
Kara must go hunt those who put the city in danger. And, it's hard to see her leave now, more than ever. Lena never thought she would feel like this ever. Fearing for Kara's well-being and the idea of losing her and doing this alone, it's an awful thought that Lena shakes out of her mind. She will not let her fears and insecurities ruin the joy of this incredible journey that awaits them like a family.
Family, just thinking about forming a family with Kara, it feels like a dream, something unreal and yet, it's happening. She's going to get her happy ending with the love of her life and Lena cannot wait to spend her days & nights with the dear reporter. But, like always, bad things happen when you least expect them.
'Is Supergirl dead?'
It's the heading of all newspapers. The news of the battle of Supergirl against the mysterious Reign, it's in constant display on all the channels. And, no one is more worried about the dear hero than Lena. She manages to eat and sleep just enough to keep an eye on the matrix. She calls Kara again. Her calls go unanswered. Kara could be gone by now. It's hard to know what to do.
The CEO is not surprised that the first moment she starts to dazzle a happy life with someone like Kara Danvers, life proves her wrong and makes her miserable all over again. But, as tragedy strikes, the dear Luthor must stay strong for their baby. She must trust the dear hero will persevere and emerge victorious from this deadly threat. And, while that happens, she plans to take care of the matrix by herself.
"God. When was the last time you slept?"
Lena rolls her eyes, looking annoyed by Alex's comment. She doesn't need to be reminded about her lack of sleep. She's very conscious, she has barely slept in nearly a week. She's surviving on nothing but coffee. That's one of the reasons for Alex's visit. She came to bring her more coffee.
"You need to rest, Lena. Let me help you"
"You can help me with, making Kara wake up from her coma"
Alex sighs, it's not like she's not trying to. But, it's taking time. Even Mon-El came from the future to help. So, she expects to be able to give good news soon. But till then, Lena has no intention to do anything that could mean taking her eyes away from the matrix. She doesn't want to keep her eyes away from her baby that right now is not bigger than a blueberry.
The embryo is still too fragile. It requires Lena's full attention, especially now that Kara cannot help. So, she will sleep just enough time to keep on track the development of the baby.
"I'm here, sweetie. I'm here"
Indeed, the dear Luthor has always been there. Checking on the levels. Putting an extra blanket. Talking to it because, it seems it's important to talk to an unborn baby. Or, at least that's what says the big amount of books she's reading.
From working sheets and financial reports, to spend her days reading pregnancy books. It's a 180° change for Lena. She doesn't complain. She's loving it. She still feels out of her element, especially at night when she cries, mourning the absence of Kara and their life together that was just starting to take shape. But, she hasn't lost hope that the hero will be back, again.
And, while the dear hero is fighting to stay alive, the baby has been growing rapidly well.
The tiny cluster of cells implanted begins to take shape. While her face and limbs are still forming. Inside her torso, tiny lungs are developing. And, a heart is already working away. Lena couldn't feel more proud of the strong heartbeat of the baby. So strong like the unique bond between mother and baby.
Over the course of the following days, it was supposed to be only them, the baby and her, but that's all about to change as Lena receives the unexpected visit of the last person she wanted to see.
"Mother…"
Lillian Luthor is here and she's speechless at what she sees.
"So, it's true, you and that Kryptonian are having a baby…"
"Who told you that?! How did you find out?!"
Lena steps in front of the matrix, like a lion protecting its cub when a threat is nearby. Lillian has witnessed many key facets in Lena's life. Unlike any other, she looks happy about this, which increases the concern in Lena. Lillian calculates her steps towards the young Luthor, she knows that look, one false step and she will have a lioness like Lena, going directly to her throat.
"When you become a mother, your biggest concern is your child. For the next months, your only concern will be the embryo's survival. Do I make myself clear, Lena? L-Corp, Catco and everything that you have to manage, it's going to be on my hands for now"
"Why are you doing this? What is your plan?"
A chance to start over? Does she plan to kidnap the baby and raise it as an evil Luthor? Lena thinks the worst of her and Lillian doesn't blame her. Her last actions with Cadmus doesn't make her look good. And, talking about Cadmus…
"You were supposed to be in jail. Did you escape? And who told you about my baby?!"
"I didn't escape. I got free for good conduct"
"Please…"
"It's hard to believe. I know but, it's the truth. And, about the baby, someone from the future paid me a visit while I was in jail"
She will not mention the name of Brainiac nor the details of what he showed her, but whatever she saw, it was enough to give her a change of heart. There's more than one way to find a purpose. For Lillian, her only purpose in life starts now. She doesn't expect Lena to understand her actions, but it's worth the try.
"I can't stay too long. I just wanted to see you. I've plenty of things to do. Starting with helping the DEO so, your Kryptonian can be brought to you. It seems that in another timeline, it was your help that solved it all but, for now, my intellect must be enough…"
"Mother…"
"You stay here. She will be back, I promise…"
At dawn, Lillian's promise becomes real when Kara lands on the balcony.
"KARA!"
The blonde is back and Lena rushes to hug her. She has been waiting for her and not alone. The baby has changed so much. A downy hair now covers its head. With legs and arms now almost fully formed, the baby wriggles around in the artificial womb. These mouvements build up the muscles she'll need to take her first swing out of the matrix, in a powerful sweeping motion. Till that day, it continues growing rapidly well.
"Lee! It's kicking! It's moving! Look!"
"Yeah, it's…"
Lena is so happy that Kara could be back for this. She's not sure how everything was solved besides the fact that people of the future were involved as well as her mother. The idea of Lillian helping is unsettling. She doesn't know how to feel about it, but Kara assures her that there's no reason to worry.
"You always see the best in others, Kara. Even when there's nothing good…"
"I know she did bad things in the past and she hasn't been the most lovely mother to you, but she cares deeply about you, Lee. I can tell. She wants a second chance to know you and be there for you, just like my mom…"
"Your mom?"
"Oh, right! So, let me tell you…"
Lena looks very surprised when Kara tells her about Argo, about her mother Alura and about Sam's alter ego. She had no idea that her CFO was indeed Reign and she was getting ready to take action on the matter, but Kara reassures her that all is good now. Brainiac and Lillian released Sam from Reign and all is good.
"So, this Brainiac and my mother worked together to save the world?"
"Yes!"
"He's from the future, right?"
"Yes!"
"Did he pay a visit to my mother, in jail?"
"Huh?"
"I want to talk with him"
It looks like Lena knows how to make good friends in the future because this Brainiac loves her so much that he decided to mediate between her and her mother. Trying to save them some years of ups and downs.
"Thank you. I don't know what you told her, but she seems more…"
"Human? Motherhood material? Loving?"
"Carrying…"
"Oh, well… it's a start, I guess…"
It's indeed a good start. Lena can even relax and her body language shows it. Time flies and soon, the baby will reach almost 18 inches. An indication that the birth can happen, in any second.
Just a few instants away from becoming a mom. Kara is enjoying her last taste of freedom, flying around, in the sky. She forms a torpedo-like shape to glide faster through the air. And, while a plane flies at nearly 500 miles an hour, our dear hero can reach speeds of nearly twenty times that. Kara's fast, very fast. And, speed alone is not the only factor she relies on, to fly. Her hearing is essential, it allows her to balance in the air. And, the sense of hearing is an attribute her baby girl already has. A super hearing that will help her explore the world, just like Kara
Yes, it's a girl! And, like a straw in a cup, The baby moves freely inside the matrix. Already listening to anything nearby. The baby girl gets desperates to get closer to the sweet voice that has been keeping her company the past months, so desperate to finally meet the owner of the voice that's talking to her that she starts to kick, just strong enough to hatch out of the matrix.
"Kara!"
Lena calls for the blonde, she gets worried when the egg-machine starts to hatch. What did she do wrong? She wonders and to be honest, her only mistake, it's to be so irresistible that even her own baby can't wait to be in her arms.
"OMG! KARA!"
The dear Super lands, just in time to witness how the matrix cracks and Lena catches in her arms a crying baby.
'OMG, Lena! She's here!"
Yes, their baby has been born and she's catching air for the very first time. Her sensitive nose crinkles as she starts to perceive so many aromas. Her crying gets louder when she feels cold hands, trying to clean her nose and mouth. Nothing seems to soothe her till she hears it again, this time more clear. The voice that has always been there all along.
"It's okay, sweetie. I'm here… I'm here…"
Yes, the owner of that sweet voice she has been hearing all along is here and when the baby opens her eyes and sees her mother, Lena, for the first time. It's a fireworks of love. The baby smiles and wiggles with joy.
"Awww, Lena, she loves you already! Look how happy she's to see you!"
Lena cannot believe how lucky she's. It's a moment like any other. Pure joy. No words. But, the new parents haven't the time to celebrate, their baby is hungry. She's Kara's daughter after all.
Lillian was in the office, in L-Corp when she received the news. A short text message from Lena telling her that the baby girl was born with good health and a big appetite.
'We might need to consider purchasing a dairy company.' It's Lena's message, attached to the photo of a hungry baby girl who was already finishing her 3rd bottle of formula. Lillian tilts her head back, laughing so loud that even the people on the first floor could hear her.
Now that the angst has vanished from their lives, they settle in their new life. It's like Kara says, they are stronger together and that's how they manage to carve out an even stronger bond after the storm. And such a strong bond comes with new challenges, Lena wasn't prepared to, like Kara's stamina after birth.
Lena was putting down their sleeping baby when Kara landed, just in time for dinner. Lena wasn't craving for anything in particular, contrary to the blonde who's already settling them on the sofa so she can get what she wants.
"Darling, I'm too tired to cook, let's order. What do you've in mind: Chinese, Italian…?"
Lena tries to stand up, so she can bring the menus they've in the door of the fridge, but she's pushed back to sit by a very horny Kryptonian.
"Kara…?"
"I want YOU"
"Oh…"
Kara pulls herself forwards by bringing her arms around Lena, tucking the brunette tightly against her body. The dear reporter shows no problem to easily glide off the clothes of the dear Luthor who's right now at her mercy.
"Kara…"
"I'm hungry for you, Lena…"
The raven-haired woman gulps hard, already getting sore from the marathon of physical activity that awaits for them. Neither of them could be happier that they didn't wake up the baby and yet, new fears rise in Lena's head once again when Kara announces a few days later that she's pregnant.
"Lena, I'm pregnant!"
"YOU, WHAT?!"
It seems that the baby boom season is not over. And, soon they will have another baby to nurse.
NOTE: Hello, not sure what name to use for the kids, any suggestion linked with the topic of the book is very welcome :)