Chapter Seventeen
Lena's POV
Standing out of sight, I waited for Kara and her parents to finish their conversation. Kryptonian traditions state we bind ourselves for the rest of our lives. The thought of marriage never scared me because we had divorce. But this is forever. Warmth filled my chest at the thought. I must love her. The thought of binding myself to Kara for the rest of our lives doesn't terrify me.
When the sound of cooking started again, I pushed off the wall and made myself known. "It smells fantastic in here."
Kara's head snapped up. "Lena, hi," she squeaked. Her hand instantly covered a small black box.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" My eyes fell to the box.
"Setting the table would be helpful." Alura pointed towards a cabinet. "Dishes are in those. Would you set six places?"
"Of course." Making my way towards the cabinets, I glanced over my shoulder. "The normal: plates, cups, silverware, and napkins?"
"Yes," Kara answered as she exited the kitchen.
Hearing the blonde enter our bedroom, I turned quickly. "May I have your blessing to marry Kara? I know that's not exactly how things work on Krypton but I want to ask."
Alura and Zor-El shared a glance before answering. "Yes, you have our blessing," Alura smiled.
"Thank you." Turning back to the cabinet, I gathered the plates and cups.
Over dinner, Linda and Mikhail told us about their new lives on Argo. While they were both in different levels of school, they learned similar things about Kryptonians, humans, and other alien races along with the planets they came from. Since neither of them had much formal education, they learned quickly. Linda and Mikhail would fill in blanks about Earth where they could. It was good knowing both were flourishing on Argo and making friends of their own.
"How is everyone?" Linda asked, glancing towards Kara and I.
"They're doing well. They asked if we'd say hi for them." I smiled towards Mikhail. "J'onn will be happy to know you've made friends who also play something similar to soccer." The boy smiled triumphantly as he ate.
"Hopefully we can visit soon," Linda sipped her water.
"Definitely. I think that could happen relatively soon since things have calmed down." She wants to ask about Lex. I can see it in her eyes.
As if reading my mind, Kara asked, "Mikhail, after dinner, will you show me that move J'onn showed you?"
"Sure!" The rest of dinner was filled with small talk or comfortable silence.
Once everything was cleaned up and food had time to settle, Kara and Mikhail went outside to kick the soccer ball around. Linda and I watched from the outdoor seating area. "Was Lex ever caught?"
She cut right to it. "He was, yes. Came to my office and started yelling about the fact that Kara and I were together. He lost it when he found out I'm Kryptonian."
"Did he attack you again?"
"Yes. He shattered his hand when he tried to punch me." I chuckled seeing Mikhail get the best of Kara. "Come on! You can do better than that!"
"I have no powers here! He's fast!" She called back, sticking her tongue out. "You come try!"
"No, thanks. I'll stay here," I waved dismissively. "Speaking of no powers," I turned my attention back to Linda, "how did you acclimate here?"
"It was strange at first. Now," she flexed her hand, "I'm used to it. I miss flying though."
"Now that I'm used to my powers, being here feels strange." Leaning on the railing, I sighed. "I'd miss flying too." Something else is eating away at her.
"Before you arrived, I heard Alura and Zor-El talking about pressure from the council." My brows creased. "The council believes that the two of you should marry."
An annoyed groan rumbled my throat. "Well, they won't have to worry too long." I smiled seeing Kara slide into a kick. "I predict we'll be married by the end of this year." Thankfully we don't have super hearing on this planet.
"That's fantastic news," Linda smiled. "I'm happy for the two of you."
"Thank you. Any potential interests for you?" My brow rose.
Blue eyes grew a moment before casting downward. "There's someone in town. He helped me when I first got out of quarantine. He's very cute," she chuckled nervously. "Tox-Na says he wants to hang out more. He's around your age, I believe."
She's so bashful. "That sounds promising. You know, if he ever breaks your heart he'll have me and Kara to deal with. Hell, Alex would probably get in line to kick his ass too."
"I have no doubt," Linda chuckled. We continued to cheer for Kara and Mikhail as they played on. Both were covered in dirt when they were done.
That night, as I held the sleeping blonde, I thought about what I overheard and what I asked Kara's parents. It would have been the only time I could have asked them. I don't regret it. Once we're home, I should ask Eliza and J'onn too. Just cover all of the parental bases.
Rolling towards me, Kara snuggled into me. "My CEO," she mumbled, arms wrapping around my waist.
Trying desperately not to laugh and wake her, I kissed Kara's forehead. "Always."
Xxx
I woke to the sound of laughter. That's new. I wish we had coffee. Note to self: bring instant next time. Rubbing my eyes, I yawned and stretched. Turning, I kissed Kara's cheek. "Hey, it's time to get up." A grumble is all that came from the blonde. Smirking, I chuckled. "I'm fairly certain I smell breakfast."
Shooting up, the covers pooled at Kara's waist. "Food?"
Shaking my head, I stood and dressed. "If all else fails, mention food. That will always get you out of bed."
Grinning, the blonde stretched. "Yeah. Food or my Supergirl alarm." Looking around the room, Kara debated something. "I like it here but I miss Earth." Her gaze fell on me. "Does that make me a bad person?"
"Not at all." Sitting back on the bed, I rubbed the older woman's back. "Earth has been your home for over a decade, nearly two. Your informative teenage years were spent there and you have a found family. Feeling a stronger connection to Earth makes sense. Krypton will always be a part of you but it doesn't have to be all of you."
"Thank you," Kara smiled. Wrapping her arms around my shoulders, she nuzzled my neck. "I love you."
"I love you too." We sat there a few minutes before I leaned back. "Now, let's get you fed. A grouchy Kara is not a fun Kara."
Because everyone had their own duties after breakfast, Kara and I were left to our own devices during the day. Walking around the market, we were drawn in by the smell of food from a nearby vendor. Following Kara's nose, we found ourselves standing in front of two men cooking various proteins and vegetables. "This smells amazing." Both men seemed a little shocked and nervous. "How are you doing today?" Kara smiled.
"Great," they answered. One man elbowed the other before checking on the food.
"How may I help you, Daughter of El?"
"Kara, please," she shrugged. "What would you be willing to trade for two proteins?"
"For you and your mate, it would be on us," the cook called over his shoulder.
"We couldn't do that," Kara pouted.
"We don't have anything but knowledge and stories of Earth," I offered. "Would that work?"
"Yes!" His eyes grew. "Is it true that Kryptonians have powers on that planet?"
"It is. Because of the yellow sun." Kara began telling the men about her powers and that she uses them to help others. Both men were fascinated.
After a few minutes, we thanked the men and took our food. Finding a bench, we began to eat lunch. I wasn't sure what kind of meat it was but it tasted amazing. Some passersby saw us and smiled with a nod, whispering when they thought we couldn't see. "Probably more citizens curious about us. The eldest daughter, believed dead, shows up with stories of another world. Then comes back begging for help to save a human. Said human becomes Kryptonian. Then an exact copy of you makes her way to Argo. If something like that happened on Earth, a reality show would be created," I paused. "Or at least a cringy TV movie." Silently, the Super watched the men and women walk by. "Kara?"
"They're wondering when our wedding will be held," she whispered.
"That's not surprising." Kara's attention moved towards me. "Linda said she overheard your parents talking about the pressure council members have been putting on them." I paused, choosing my words. "I was half expecting them to make it a condition of using the platinum Kryptonite."
Blood drained from the woman's face. "I wonder if that's why they asked about marriage," Kara thought aloud.
"Possibly." I need to keep this light. I don't want to pressure her into anything by accident. Becoming lost in thought, Kara chewed her lip. "Would talking things over help?"
Kara swung her feet like a nervous kid. "It's way too soon."
"For me or for you?" Brows creased, curious of my thought process. "You grew up here. How quickly did couples marry before you were sent to Earth?"
"For the most part, matches were made out of compatibility. Marriage for love was a new concept by Cal-El's parents. You, eventually, grew to love your partner."
"I've loved you for years." My heart is pounding. "A lot of people say we're a perfect match because we balance each other out."
Meeting my gaze, worried blue eyes searched mine. "I've loved you for years too." Kara's bottom lip trembled as she took a shaky breath. "What would you say if I asked?"
"You'll have to ask and find out," I grinned.
Sliding to one knee, Kara pulled out the small black box. Nervous electricity filled the air between us. "Lena Luthor, would you marry me?"