Chapter Eleven: A New Life

Kara's POV

Hours passed and I continued walking the same path up and down the hallway outside the medical unit. "The nurse's thoughts are good. I can't read Dr. Tennent's mind." J'onn tried to comfort me.

"Thank you." I leaned against the wall. "I know you don't like doing that to people." I wonder if dreams and thoughts are the same. Curiosity got the better of me. "Are dreams like thoughts?"

"No," J'onn shook his head. "They aren't the same." His attention moved towards the door. "They're done. Lena's being moved back into her room."

A few minutes passed and Dr. Tennent greeted us. "Everything went perfectly. I wish all of my cases went as smoothly as this one," he chuckled. "Once she's awake, I'll go over aftercare and everything else."

"Thank you." Sighing, I felt relief wash over me. She's okay. Thank goodness!

"What the hell?" Turning, I saw Alex examining the floor. "There's a dip? What happened?"

"I may have walked that path for the past few hours?" I offered with a grin. "Sorry."

"I'll have maintenance check it out," J'onn sighed. "Lena is being moved back to her room. Everything went smoothly."

"Oh, thank God," Alex breathed. "Let's get settled in her room. I know you want to be there when she wakes up."

Standing outside Lena's room, I swallowed hard. "I believe in Lena but what if it didn't work?"

Placing a hand on my shoulder, Alex squeezed. "The lead is like the lead in her shirts. You're safe from that. The only way you'll know for sure is to step through that door."

Taking a steadying breath, I placed my hand on the doorknob. Here we go. Stepping through the door, there was no pain. Hope filled my chest. Not wanting to wake Lena, I gave Alex a thumb up. Quietly, I pulled a chair closer to the bed and relaxed.

An hour or so passed before Lena started to stir. "Kara?" Her voice was husky with sleep.

"Hey, you." I kept my voice low. "Everything went perfectly. The doctor is very pleased with the outcome."

"That's great," the groggy brunette smiled. "You being in the room is good. Any pain?"

"None at all." Leaning down, I kissed Lena's forehead. "Doctor will be in soon to check on you and give us the post op rundown. How do you feel?"

"Fine for now. Not sure how I'll feel once the drugs start to wear off."

"True," I laughed.

Hearing a soft knock, Alex popped her head in. "How's the patient?"

"Pretty good," Lena smiled. "How did Kara really handle the last few hours?"

"She, literally, walked a dip in the floor outside the medical unit," Alex smirked. Leaning against the wall, my sister continued holding her thumb and index finger an inch apart. "She was a little worried."

"Oh, no." Lena covered her face as she laughed. "I'll pay for damages."

"Nah." Alex waved her hand. "We've already got someone on it. Glad you made it through."

Taking my hand, Lena smiled. "Me too."

Knocking, Dr. Tennent entered. "Good, everyone is here. So," turning his attention toward Lena and I, he continued. "Aftercare will be fairly easy but a lengthy process."

Over the next twenty minutes, the doctor explained everything and answered all the questions we had. "Once you've done it a few times, it won't be as unnerving." Handing Lena a packet of paperwork, he smiled at me. "Everything you need to do, step by step, is in the instructions."

"Thank goodness," I breathed. "My eyes were starting to glaze over a little."

"If you have any questions or concerns, you can call or message me. My information is also in the paperwork."

"Thank you, Doctor." Lena placed the packet on the rolling table. "At least I can work from home." She continued before any of us could argue. "All computer or phone work. Nothing too strenuous. I promise."

"I'll hold you to that." I folded my arms.

"I am aware," Lena smirked.

"Well, I can see that you'll be in good hands," Dr. Tennent laughed. "I'll be back in a while to check in."

"Thank you, Doctor." Lena and I spoke in unison.

Xxx

Lena's POV

Eventually, we convinced Kara to go home so she could get some much needed rest. Picking up my file, I reread the surgical notes. Everything did go as planned. With this outcome, barring any issues with the kryptonite, I won't need another operation. That's what we hoped for.

Leaning my head back, I thought about what this meant for us. I won't have to worry anymore. Kara was in here for hours and seemed no different than when we're at home. Maybe now, after I'm fully recovered, I can start my own life. One with Kara. Yawning, I heard my phone vibrate. Unlocking it, I smiled seeing Kara's selfie of her snuggled under the covers in bed.

Night, Lena. I'll be by tomorrow during lunch to check on you. Get some rest. I love you. -K

Not fair. You look so comfortable. Thank you for being here with me and taking care of me afterwards. I'll try not to be too stubborn. I love you too. Night. -L

Relaxing into the pillows, I tried to get comfortable. In three days, I'll be back in my own bed and in Kara's arms. I'll be glad to be home.

Hearing a familiar knock on my office door, I smiled. "Come in."

"Afternoon, Mrs. Luthor." Kara smiled as she held a to-go bag. "Ready for lunch?"

"Definitely, Mrs. Luthor." Rounding my desk, I kissed the blonde before taking a seat on the couch. "How has work been?"

"Excellent. Miss Grant checked in from D.C. and things are going well. Thank goodness she left me all of her tips and tricks. Between you and her, I'm running CatCo pretty smoothly."

"I know you miss reporting but you make a wonderful CEO."

"I learned from the best. I watched you for years before Cat offered me the position."

Holding up my glass, I clinked it with Kara's. "The Luthors run this town."

"In the best way possible," Kara smiled.

Startling awake, I heard the monitors beeping and Alex rushing in. "Hey, hey. You're good." The older woman looked over me quickly. "Bad dream?"

"N-No. Not a bad dream. Just unexpected." Apparently my subconscious wants to marry Kara. That's a bit unexpected. Yawning, I rubbed my eyes. "What time is it?"

"Nearly twelve. Kara said she'd swing by after you woke up. Do you need anything?"

"Water, please. How many times has she called checking in on me?"

"Twice." Handing me a cup of water, Alex took a seat. "Nurse will be in soon for a dressing change."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. How do you feel? Actually feel," she smirked. "I know you're putting on a brave face for Kara. Any pain? Discomfort? Something emotional?" My brow rose. "You asked her something big before surgery."

"It'll come out soon anyway." I placed the empty cup on my table. "Once things are settled and I'm fully healed, I asked if she'd move in."

"Are you having second thoughts?"

"No, not at all. I wouldn't have done this if I wasn't sure I wanted to be with Kara."

"Being with someone and living with someone are two different things."

Alex is like a sister. You can be open with her. "I think I'm worried that after Kara takes care of me for nearly two months, she'll see me as a patient and not her girlfriend."

"Ultimately you're worried about your sex life?" She asked bluntly.

"I wasn't…going to say it like that. But, yes, that's also part of it." This woman is as blunt as you can get. Even more than I am.

"Trust me, no matter how much Kara takes care of you, it won't change how she sees you romantically. If anything, I think it'll bring you closer because you're sharing a part of yourself with her."

"I've been doing that from the beginning," I chuckled.

"I still can't believe you got bored and kidnapped her," Alex laughed. "And what happened afterwards," she grinned. "Damn. Just damn."

My heart rate spiked. Kara would never. "What did she tell you?"

"No details. Just that sexy stuff happened." Alex pinched the bridge of her nose. "Never thought I'd say this but, thank you for kidnapping my sister. I've never seen her happier."

"I've never been happier," I smiled. "We're good for each other. We had an interesting start but the confusion was worth it."

Another knock. "Time for a dressing change." Walking in with a cart, Jenny, smiled. "Agent Danvers."

"Jenn," Alex nodded. "Do you need my help or should I give you some privacy?"

"You can stay. This shouldn't take too long." Sitting upright, I slid the gown forward enough to uncover the dressings. Thankfully, I could still cover most of my breasts. I watched as Jenny removed the top layer of dressing and began to clean the area. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Miss Luthor. How are you feeling today? Pain level?"

"I'm well. Already itching to go home."

"Of course you are." Alex scoffed playfully from the corner. "You still have at least two days."

Ignoring Alex, I continued. "Pain isn't too bad. Nothing I can't handle but I'll be ready when I can take more Tylenol."

"I'll bring you more with Lunch." I winced. "Sorry."

"It's okay. I know you're trying to be as gentle as possible."

Answering her phone, Alex shifted. "Hey, Kara. Yeah, she's awake. First dressing change of the day is about to be done. Let me ask. Kara wants to know what you'd like for lunch."

"I'm craving red meat so a burger, fries, and a caramel milkshake would be wonderful. I'll eat a salad for dinner."

Snorting, Alex relayed my order. "Alright. I'll let her know. Will you bring me a burger too? Thanks. See you soon." Ending the call, Alex slid her phone back into her pocket.

"All done." Jenny applied the last piece of paper tape. "I'll bring the Tylenol soon."

"Thank you," Alex and I spoke in unison.

"I don't know how many times that woman has sewn me up or bandaged me up over the years. Not one scar."

"That's good to know," I murmured. "I know Kara would love me either way."

"Definitely. Speaking of-," Alex trailed off as her sister entered the room. "Ears burning? Lena just talked about you."

"No," She smiled at me. "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm good. Very glad all I have to take is Tylenol. Even better now that you're here," I grinned. Kara turned pink.

"Oh, gag," Alex scoffed playfully. "Can I get my burger already?" We laughed.

Unpacking the food, Kara held out a tinfoil wrapped burger to her sister. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Unwrapping the burger, Alex took a bite. "I have to eat and run."

"Thank you for keeping me company." I popped one of Kara's fries into my mouth. "Girlfriend fry tax," I winked. "You can't beat a fresh French fry."

"You really can't," Kara agreed.

For the most part, we ate in a comfortable silence. Kara sat at the bottom of the bed and used part of my tray. Alex rushed out once she was done.

"How did you sleep last night?" Kara asked before taking a long sip of her milkshake.

"I slept alright. I'll sleep better when I'm at home in my own bed. Especially, if a certain cute blonde is snuggled up behind me," I grinned. She turns red so easily.

Smiling sheepishly, Kara bit her lip. "I'll be happy when you're home too."

Once we were finished, Kara tossed our trash away and snuggled against me. Careful not to touch my wound. "I missed this," she sighed.

"I did too." Pulling the reporter close, I kissed her temple. "Not much longer until I'm home."

"I'm glad." Realizing the time, Kara groaned. "I better get back to CatCo." Getting to her feet, Kara gathered her things and leaned over to kiss me goodbye. "I'll check in later."

"Okay." Cupping her cheek, I kissed the taller woman. Not meaning to, I deepened the kiss and held the back of Kara's neck. Kissing down her neck, I moved away fabric to place a soft mark. Shuddering, Kara's knees almost buckled. "Well, it worked," I grinned.

"Yyyyyeeeaaahhhh," Kara shivered. "It definitely did."

"I'm sorry," I smiled. "I know we can't do things for a while."

"It's going to be a long four to six weeks," Kara shrugged.

"It will be but it'll be worth it."