Chapter Ten: Love This Heart

Kara's POV

Waking the next morning, I felt Lena's arm wrapped around my waist. Not wanting to give up snuggles, I scrolled through my phone. The Super Friends group chat had exploded with the social media posts about us.

8:45 I can't believe how much traffic the twitter post got in just a few hours last night! It's even more now. -W

8:46 it's going to be interesting. The shots from last night are great. -J

8:47 I know right? They both looked great. -A

8:50 Ten minutes! -W

8:51 Why are you people awake? -M

852: Oh, right. I forgot. Still half asleep. -M

8:53 Morning guys! Thanks for waking up to see the drop. -K Everyone liked my message.

8:55 How was last night? You and Lena looked fantastic! It won't be a surprise that you're the power couple. -A

8:56 It was great! I know she did! -swoons- The food was okay. -K

8:58 Oh, God…. -M

8:59 Here we go! -W

Nine came and the Tweet with a picture and article link dropped. We look so happy. Cat used both pictures of us. I smiled seeing the second picture. I love when Lena randomly kisses me.

The rumors are true. L-Corp's CEO, Lena Luthor, is in fact dating Kara Danvers of CatCo Media. These two amazing women will take on the world side by side.

As I read, Miss Grant's words about us warmed my heart. For all of the tough love she's given me over the years, she really does care. The chat continued to blow up with comments about the article. So far, most comments on social media are positive. I know that will probably change. There's always the hateful crowd.

Yawning, Lena stretched behind me. "Morning."

"Morning." Rolling to my back, I laid Lena's arm across me. "Sleep well?" All she did was nod. "The picture and article dropped a few minutes ago."

"How did it go?"

"So far, pretty positive. I hope L-Corp stocks don't take a huge hit."

"They might dip but nothing too bad. Being able to hold your hand or wrap my arm around your waist in public is worth it to me. No one will notice the dip paycheck wise."

"You're seriously such a good boss."

"I found myself again. I never wanted people to fear me and I always wanted to treat my employees better than Lex did. I closed myself off after the accident and became cold towards everyone. Now, I'm not. I have you to thank for that."

Turning to face the brunette, I took her hand in mine. "Why me?"

"Your love made me feel safe enough to open up again and be the person I was when I moved to National City."

Her eyes have changed so much since we started seeing each other. They're more beautiful than ever. She smiles more too. Golly, that smile. It melts me. "I'm glad I could give you that safe space." Leaning forward, I kissed soft lips. "Coffee?"

"I'll make the pancakes."

Xxx

Like any news, our relationship cycled out of the mainstream media over the next two weeks. We would still get some positive and some negative reactions when we were out but it didn't bother us. L-Corp stocks did drop by a fraction of a percentage but bounced back quickly.

Closing her book, Lena looked down at me. "Can I bounce an idea off of you?"

Pausing the TV, I shifted to my back. "Sure. What's up? If it's work related, I'll do my best."

"It's not work related." Placing her hand on my stomach, Lena bit her lip. "I've been looking into different types of hearts. I want to give my whole self to you and I can't do that because of the kryptonite."

Don't panic. She's a brilliant engineer who has probably thought of every possible situation. "I can understand that. I just want you to be happy and healthy. Is something wrong with the kryptonite or is it that you don't want it anymore?"

"The latter. I've been toying with the idea of building a mechanical heart since I can't exactly get a heart transplant. There's no telling what the kryptonite has done to my body over the years. If that's not possible, I also thought of having a lead plate installed over the kryptonite and having a skin graft put over it." Mindlessly, Lena entwined our fingers. "I just want to be skin to skin with you and not worry about hurting you every time my shirt shifts."

"I appreciate you talking to me about this. I really do." I kissed Lena's knuckles. "If you were to get rid of the kryptonite all together, we would have to find a way to weaken me enough to…" My cheeks began to flush. "Because we both enjoy that. It could be in the form of a lead covered kryptonite bracelet or you could even create a red sun lamp that we could keep here."

"That is true. For me, I don't like the idea of creating something like a ring or bracelet to weaken you because it's something I've done. My heart is a part of me that I didn't have control over." She paused. "Does that make sense?"

"It does," I nodded. "The final decision is yours and I will support you either way. But wouldn't it be safer to keep the kryptonite and put the lead plate over it? You'd still be able to be skin to skin but it sounds less risky since the kryptonite is stable. Obviously, if that changed, you could reevaluate."

"I hadn't thought of it that way." Lena nodded in thought. "Maybe I'll look into the sun lamps first and go from there. Possibly make a stationary one for here and a portable one for travel or my office." I squeeked. "I know how much you enjoy sexy times in my office," Lena teased.

Laughing nervously, I grinned. "I'm not going to deny it…"

"I enjoy it too," Lena smirked mischievously. "I'll look into the lamps. For now, let's put a pin in the conversation and talk about it again later."

"Sounds like a plan. I'm sure Alex, J'onn, and Winn would be happy to help. I swear, if Winn didn't work for the D.E.O. already, he would beg you for a technical job at L-Corp."

"He's a smart man. I would hire him instantly." Picking up her book, Lena opened it. "One more episode and then bed?"

"Yeah, since we both have work tomorrow." Rolling back towards the TV, I laced my arm around Lena's knee and snuggled into the pillow that rested on her lap. Pressing play, I continued watching my show. Whatever Lena chooses to do, I hope she's happy. That's all that matters.

Xxx

Lena's POV

Over the next few weeks, I researched red suns with the help of Kara and the D.E.O. Sadly, not much came of it. No matter what I tried, I couldn't synthesize its rays. Sighing, I set my tablet down. What am I missing? There has to be something.

Wrapping her arms around me from behind, Kara kissed my shoulder. "Hey, I believe in you."

"I'm glad one of us does." I feel defeated. I can do so much but I can't seem to do this.

"You've got this." Resting her chin on my shoulder, we stood in silence. The only noise was the hum of the machines around us.

"How would you feel if I got the lead implant and had a skin graft over it?" Turning, I wrapped my arms around the blonde. "Then in a few years, after technology progresses, I'll try again. I truly don't think it exists on Earth right now."

"I would be okay with that. Will the lead be thicker than what's in your shirts? And how would the lead not leach into your system?"

"No. I'll make it the same thickness. I can create a specialized type of lead that won't leach into me. As for the graft, I can use some of my own tissue to grow a piece large enough to cover the area on my chest. Since it's my own tissue, I'm less likely to reject the graft. I don't want to use kryptonite on you. Even through the skin overlay, there shouldn't be an issue."

"It's so sexy when you talk about science." We both laughed. Placing her hands on my chest, Kara looked at where my heart was. "I know you want to be done with this heart. I would gladly wear a kryptonite bracelet if you wanted to build a heart for yourself."

"I know." Placing a hand over hers, I smiled. "I've looked into building a heart. At the moment, I'd have to have a complete heart transplant every ten to twelve years." Kara's face paled. "Neither of us want that. Yes, people with pacemakers have surgery every eight to ten years to change the batteries but that's less stress on the body than a full transplant."

"I want you safe, healthy, and happy." Cupping my face, Kara kissed me gently. "I love you and don't want to lose you yet."

I wondered when that would come up. "I know." As of now, she'll outlive me by decades. Until I find a way around that, I'll enjoy the time we have together.

Xxx

Creating the lead plate and skin overlay was much easier. After scheduling some time off, I met with J'onn and Alex to see about arrangements. Unable to have a traditional surgery, J'onn called in a few favors and supplied one of the hospital rooms at the D.E.O. Kara all but moved into my apartment before surgery day so she could take care of me afterwards.

The night before surgery, Kara couldn't hide her nervousness any longer. Pulling the woman into my arms, I kissed her temple. "I'll be in good hands. J'onn trusts this doctor and we've been over the surgical plan a hundred times."

Snuggling against me, Kara pulled up the covers. "I know we have been." Taking hold of my shirt, she rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm just scared. I love you and this heart. I don't want anything bad to happen to the woman I love."

"I know you don't." Kissing the blonde's forehead, I smiled. "I love you too. I'm glad you're able to be there tomorrow and afterwards." I should just ask her now. She spends most of the week here already.

"Me too."

"After things settle back down, will you move in with me?"

"You want me to move in?" I nodded. "Not just so I can take care of you?"

"Correct." I'm ninety nine percent sure I know her answer but my stomach is flipping.

Shifting, Kara kissed my cheek. "I'd really like that."

"Then it's settled. You'll have full access to the library," I paused. "I may have to install a double bookcase to add yours to the collection."

"Living here, with you, and a huge library? Sounds like a dream."

"It really does." Reaching over, I turned off the lamp. "Let's get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow."

Xxx

Arriving at the D.E.O., I was greeted by J'onn and Alex. "Morning."

"Morning," Alex smiled. "I'll keep an eye on Kara while you're under."

"Thank you." Snaking my arm around the Super's waist, I kissed her cheek. "She's been a wee bit worried."

"I can't help it," Kara whined.

"J'onn, may I have a word?"

"Of course."

"Be right back." I squeezed Kara's hand before following the martian.

Entering a nearby empty room, he turned towards me. "What do you need?" I tapped my forehead. "Okay."

I know you don't like doing this but I know Kara would listen. She's so nervous. While I don't believe anything will go wrong, if it does, don't let me live on a machine. I don't want Kara to waste her life by my bedside. I love her too much to do that to her.

"Alright. Anything else?"

Taking an envelope out of my bag, I gave it to J'onn. It's my updated will. If anything was to happen, Kara gets my apartment and everything inside. When it comes to my finances, beyond charitable donations, she would also receive that. Alex gets my car and liquor cabinet. Information about L-Corp is also outlined. Thank you for doing this. Kara loves me and may not be able to make certain decisions out of grief.

"Understandable."

"Thank you," I sighed. "I'm glad that's taken care of."

"You're welcome."

Opening the door, Alex, Kara, and Winn were standing around trying not to look suspicious. "Why am I not surprised?" I smirked.

"I told them not to," Alex shrugged.

"As if you weren't the second at the door," Winn mumbled.

"Shut up, Winn!" Alex threw a paper ball at the man's head.

"Alright, children," I smirked. Alex and Winn stuck out their tongues. "I'm going to get ready. I'll see you on the other side."

"You got this," they spoke in unison.

Following close behind, Kara tried keeping a brave face. Entering the room, I set my bag down. "Will you get the door so I can…" Shit. I hadn't thought about the fact the surgical gown wasn't laced with lead. "I can change closer to surgery."

"Thank you." Wrapping me in a strong embrace, Kara let her chin rest on my shoulder. "I know everything is going to be fine. I just worry."

"I know you do." Her hugs always make me feel better. I'm not worried about the surgery. I'm worried because I can't control the outcome. Hearing a light knock, I took a step back. "Come in."

"Hello, hello." Dr. Tennent entered with a smile. "We're almost ready. I wanted to see if either of you had any questions before we take you back."

Glancing towards Kara, I shook my head. "No."

"Alright." Skimming his file, he spoke. "General anesthesia, installation of a lead plate, skin graft overlay. Shouldn't take more than a few hours. Making sure you have sensation of the grafted area will be the most difficult part. We'll keep you here for a few days to make sure the skin takes. After that, you can go home. You will need to take it easy afterwards. I'm sure Kara will wait on you hand and foot."

"You bet!" She smiled. "It might drive Lena crazy."

"Might?" I laughed. "It will."

"I'll be back in about five minutes." Leaving us, Dr. Tennent closed the door.

Turning towards the worried reporter, I cupped her face. "I love you and will see you in a few hours. Everything will work out."

Placing her hands over mine, Kara smiled. "I know it will."

Closing the gap between us, I kissed Kara gently and put all of my love for her behind it. "Alright, I need to change. I love you. I'll see you soon."

"I love you too."

Once I knew Kara was out of range, I stripped down and put on the gown and underwear. I hate these. They're so uncomfortable. Getting settled on the bed, I waited. Hearing a knock, I spoke. "I'm decent."

A nurse walked in. "Alright. We're ready to go."

Wheeling me down the hall, I thought about Kara and the life we would share together. Soon, I won't have to worry so much about accidentally hurting her. I can actually be fully with her.