I don't own these characters; DC/the CW does.
7: Solemn Oath
Lena expected Kara to do something over the top with her proposal, especially since she had Alex's help. Together they were a force, either when saving the world or romancing Lena. Every now and then, she allowed herself to get lost in fantasies, each more over the top than the last. Each one tickled her. While her Danvers would probably be able to pull off the things in her mind, they did not have the money for it and they would never tap her bank account, even if it was to make her dreams come true.
Still, she gasped when she stepped into the apartment to discover everything bathed in candlelight. Actual candles, because those two would risk burning the building down for romance. This was simple, but still better than any of her fantasies. Tonight is definitely the night.
Kara stepped out to greet her in a short maroon dress with deep red lipstick. She made it work for her. Lena's heart thumped in her chest and she throbbed a little lower as well. She's so damn beautiful. Looking at Kara all dolled up made Lena feel unworthy.
What had she done to deserve Kara Danvers, Supergirl, Kara Zor-El? The most pure being of this world, perhaps any other world? Kara managed to outdo Superman at his own act and somehow had decided Lena was worthy of bonding with, worthy of being with, worthy of loving. This was so bizarre considering almost no one thought Lena was worthy, not of her name, her fortune, or even her prestige. Hell, sometimes Lena thought she was one of the worst humans and Kara picked her to love. It was insane.
"Hope this is all right," Kara said with a shy smile. Her eyes darted around the penthouse.
"As long as you two blow out every single candle at the end of the night," Lena replied. She blew out a breath to help calm down, even though Kara was fully aware of the spike in her heart rate.
Kara laughed and kissed her. "I promise we will."
"Where's Alex?" Lena scanned the place for her girlfriend.
Kara grinned, face brighter than the sun would ever be. "In the back to help you change and then it'll be just us."
"Really?" Lena was surprised. Kara did not want an audience? She figured Kara would desire someone around to cheer, like they did with Vasquez. Not because she wanted credit or kudos, but a yearning to have someone celebrate this happy moment with them. And who better to celebrate with them than Kara's bond mate and Lena's girlfriend?
"This is for us. And, obviously, I talked about this with her. It's a moment between you and me. Something we're meant to share," Kara replied.
Lena wanted to debate that, but it sounded right. This was a moment between them. This was something for them. Yes, it would be satisfying to have Alex there, but her presence was not necessary.
"I like that," Lena finally replied. She kissed Kara. "I'll go change and join you out here."
Kara nodded, bouncing on her heels. Lena had to kiss her. She was too adorable. Then, Lena went to their bedroom. Alex was in there, dressed in her usual cargo pants and a grey Henley. She sat on the bed, hands folded in her lap. She smiled at Lena, close to bouncing like Kara. Lena would love to bring it up, but play-fight would bring the mood down.
"I love how not-subtle you both are," Lena said.
"We do our best for you." Alex shrugged. "We also have a general understanding of how inept we are at certain things."
"I'm sure you don't know the half of it," Lena replied with a laugh. She moved, standing between Alex's legs. Alex put her hands on Lena's waist as Lena went for a brief kiss. They smiled at each other.
"I'm here to help you get ready and then it's just you two," Alex said.
"What makes you think I need help?" Lena arched a challenging eyebrow. She was a fashion icon when she wanted to be.
Sucking her teeth, Alex rolled her eyes. "If I don't help, you'll stand here all night, being indecisive, since you know what's coming. I'm glad you didn't try to beat her to it."
It never crossed her mind. "No, I knew from Game Night, she wanted to be the one. I'd never take that from her. Eager as I am." Lena grinned. She clasped her hands together to keep from throwing her arms out. With every passing second, her blood turned into bubbles. She's going to propose! We're going to be married!
Alex chuckled. "She worked fast."
"Yes, she did." It had barely been a week since that Game Night. "Dress or suit?" Lena stepped over to the closet. So many choices. Damn, she's right. Lena had no idea where to begin. What does one wear to your engagement?
This was their moment. They would remember this for the rest of their lives. And, who knew how long that meant for Kara. She had to make this perfect, a precious memory.
"She loves seeing you in either, which I agree with," Alex said, standing up as if she planned to find an outfit for Lena.
"There you go being a sweetheart." Lena went into her closet to find something to match Kara. None of the dresses she went by would do.
Lena had a suit that matched Kara's dress. They would strike a dashing couple. They would need a picture to see how they looked together.
"You need me for anything?" Alex asked, standing at attention right outside the walk-in closet.
"I'm fine, thank you. I know exactly what I want to wear," Lena replied as she pulled the suit down. She held it an arm's length away to contemplate the choice. This'll work. Don't think too hard about it or you'll be here forever, like Alex thought.
Lena put the suit on with Alex watching. Neither of them tried any funny business. Lena wanted to be with Kara as soon as possible. She was about to rush out as soon as she finished with her last button, but Alex cleared her throat.
"Yes?" Lena asked.
Alex glanced down. "While your feet are rather cute, you might want to put on shoes."
With a yelp, Lena went rigid for a moment. Turning on her heels, she found the perfect black, high-heeled sandals to go with it. They usually did not wear shoes in the house, but for formal dates, they would bend the rules. She stepped out of the closet and Alex whistled.
"Stop. I have a wife and an alpha," Lena said with a dismissive wave.
Alex chuckled, holding her arms across her chest as if upset. "Those lucky bastards."
Lena smiled. "Yup. I should probably kiss you before I do my makeup." She stepped to Alex and kissed her cheek.
A grin lit up Alex's face and she swung her arms like a child. "Yeah, definitely a lucky bastard."
"Now, since you're helping, how should I do my hair? You both love the ponytail, but this is a special occasion." Lena went to the vanity mirror. If she knew this was coming tonight, she could have gotten her stylist to do her hair earlier.
Alex stood behind her. "Long hair has never been my thing for me, but I appreciate it elsewhere. We do love the ponytail. It gives you this air of power like bullets would bounce off you."
Lena nodded with a hum. She had an idea. Alex stood by, keep vigil as Lena put half her hair in a ponytail and let the rest hang free. She checked it in the mirror, seeing Alex nod.
"You're beautiful, but you're missing something," Alex said.
Lena arched an eyebrow. "Missing what?"
A soft smile settled on Alex's face as she went into her pants pocket. She held up a small red rose, barely in bloom. These two are too much. Lena smiled as her insides melted. She wasted no time kissing Alex, who squealed so cutely, and then relaxed into the embrace.
"What made you do this?" Lena asked in a quiet voice.
"Just so you think of me while you're being romanced by that wife of yours," Alex replied as she tucked the rose behind Lena's ear.
Lena's cheeks burned. "Oh, I did say before, didn't I?" She had said "wife" instead of their default "bond mate."
Alex smiled brighter. "You did and you're not wrong. You want this and you deserve it. So, go get it, beautiful." She hugged Lena tight.
Lena held back tears, holding Alex back. She buried her nose in Alex's neck for a long moment, inhaling her sweet scent. "Thank you for all of this."
With a chuckle, Alex pulled back to look Lena in the eye. "Kara deserves some credit, too."
Lena laughed. "Maybe we don't tell her that. She's smug enough as it is." Honestly, Kara deserved all the pride she had when it came to their relationship. Once they got together, Kara treated Lena as if she was holy.
"That she is. Are you planning to refresh your makeup?"
"I am. Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering how many more kisses I can steal before your face is forbidden," Alex replied with a smile.
"All kisses will be freely given. None need to be stolen, although you love the thrill."
"Guilty." Alex gave a light shrug.
Lena went in for another kiss. Alex returned it, wrapping her arms around Lena. Lena pulled back and gave Alex a teasing smile.
"Hey, you're going to wrinkle the goods." She motioned to her suit.
"The goods are looking good." Alex gave her a blatant once-over.
Lena's cheeks heated up once again. "You're distracting me rather than helping me."
Alex held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, I'm sorry. Can I help you with your makeup?"
"I feel like you should keep your hands to yourself."
"You're probably right. I'll cheerlead from the side."
Lena gave Alex a quick kiss and then went to her vanity. She touched up her makeup with Alex standing behind her at attention. Adorable. I freaking love these two. Both Kara and Alex were adorable.
"Would you hate me if I said you were cute?" Lena asked, even though she was very aware of the answer.
Alex's face twitched. "I would wonder why you'd say that."
"Because you are. Kara loves it."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "Loves when you call her cute or loves it when she perceives me as cute?"
Lena smirked at her and then went back to doing her makeup. "Yes."
Alex groaned, but did not make a sound after that. Lena focused on her makeup. Once she was done, she took a moment to admire herself in the mirror. She took a deep breath.
"You look perfect," Alex said.
Lena stood to face Alex. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."
"I'm sure you did. Now, you go there and enjoy your date and your proposal. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
Lena did not argue that, even though her instincts wanted to. What had she done to earn being engaged, married, and bonded to the living symbol of Hope? She did her best to be a good person, but she was never sure she succeeded. Hell, most of the time she was sure she was an awful person, especially considering how cutthroat she had to be in business.
"Hey." Alex put a finger Lena's chin to direct her gaze to Alex's eyes. "You do deserve happiness."
Lena took a deep breath to keep from tearing up. "Sometimes, I wonder."
"We know and we're here whenever you're doubtful. You deserve happiness and you deserve this. Get it, girl." Alex gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as she chuckled. Then, Alex slapped her ass to put her on her way.
She yelped, but got moving. She gave Alex a quick glare before she exited the room. Alex had the nerve to smirk at her. She would get Alex back later.
She met Kara back out in the main common area. Kara rushed over to her, looking at her with stars in her eyes. Lena was light from the look. The light burned in her blood and then sparkled deeper than that. How could a person who was a god on Earth hold her in such regard?
"You're…" Kara trailed off. "There are no words." She took Lena's hands in her own and caressed her fingers with a gentle touch.
"It's incredible for you of all people to say that, especially while you look like that," Lena replied. Kara was a damn goddess, after all.
Kara smiled. "I only speak the truth. Come."
Kara led her to a small table by the balcony doors. The curtains were open, and the view of the city skyline was the backdrop of their date. A silent witness — the only type of witness they needed — to this glorious moment. Kara was giddy, but contained the energy while avoiding vibrating, which was an actual thing she did when she got very excited.
Kara pulled Lena's chair out and then rushed to sit across from her. Dinner sat between them with several candles for company. Kara stared at Lena rather than shrimp and pasta in front of her. Kara damn near had hearts in her eyes. Was she going to ask before they made it through the first bite?
"This looks phenomenal," Lena said to end the prolonged moment of silence. She craved the full effect more than her dinner, but they had to make it through dinner… probably. She was not sure how these things worked. She had quite a bit of romantic history, but never a proposal. At least not a real one.
"It should. It's from your favorite National City restaurant."
"Oh, so not directly from Italy?" Lena teased.
Kara laughed, but sobered quickly. A light blush settled onto her cheeks. "I want this to be as down to Earth as possible so to speak. I respect this planet, this country, you, and your culture. The lead-up is just as important as the main event."
Lena nodded, flattered Kara put so much thought into this. "Agreed. Of course, I didn't realize it was so important."
It was almost embarrassing to be so unaware of her emotions and desires. She should have known from so long ago she yearned to be married to Kara. She wanted that connection as much as she wanted their bond. She wanted the request, the ceremony, the everything. The very thought made her stomach quiver.
Kara offered her a pout. "How did we miss that for so long?"
Lena's smile had to be a little small and sad. "I feel like that's a long list for both of us."
Kara snickered. "Probably." She took Lena's hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. "But, I'm happy we figured out. I want everything with you. We might not know what everything is right now, but I want it all with you."
"Same." Lena squeezed her hand back. They gazed into each other's eyes like two idiots in love. "I love you so much, Kara." It needed to be said.
Kara's face lit up. It made Lena fall deeper in love with her at that very moment. "I love you, too."
-8-8-8-8-
Kara was not sure how she did not burst from anticipation. She wanted to get down on one knee the second Lena walked in the door, screw the plan. Then, when Lena came back out, dressed for a date, looking like some cosmic deity beyond her understanding. She managed to control herself for them to have dinner. But, it was so hard!
One of the things keeping Kara calm and settled, though, was a content hum in her chest. Lena reveled in this simple date. Basking in this feeling was enough for Kara to smile across from her bond-mate, ring burning into her side, but safe and waiting.
They discussed their future as they ate. Where would they go from here? Maybe find some property outside the city, outside the country, to be alone more often without pressures from society. Oh, and obviously Alex would have to come along. Kara would fly them back to the city as often as they needed. No, it was not safe, but it was an idea for now until they had something better.
"What about children? Do you want children?" Lena asked before taking in a forkful of food.
Kara nodded. "Of course, I do. According to various Kryptonian sources, I might be able to have a child with Alex. Alex doesn't think so. I guess we'll find out eventually, even though so far it hasn't come into being." She shrugged, as if it was no big deal. She would leave this one to fate. "What about you? You're definitely on your way." She laughed.
Lena snickered as well. "Like you're not." Alex might be an earthly expert on Kryptonian, but if the Kryptonian sources say it was possible, then it probably was. "I've never considered children, but I'd like to have them with you and Alex. I'd like to leave a lasting legacy beyond the work I do with L-Corp. And, I'd like to raise someone who could bring kindness to this planet."
"You are the kindness on this planet." Kara grabbed Lena's hand once again. She would never let it go if possible. That's marriage. And it was possible that was why she did not grasp it. Bond mates meant one soul, but marriage was one life in the sense of being a unit, physically together quite often. "You are the sun." She meant it.
A shy smile conquered Lena's face with a blush painting her lovely cheeks. "I'm trying."
"You're doing an amazing job, beloved. You are a wonder. I need you to remember that and carry that with you. Supergirl thinks you're a wonder." It should not mean much, not like Supergirl was anything more than Kara, but she understood the symbolism of Supergirl. It meant something to Lena.
"I need you to remember that as well. You survived the worst not because you're a curse or undeserving, but because you're strong and you bring people hope. You're a blessing, not just to me or Alex, but to this world and beyond," Lena replied.
Kara sniffled, but shook her head to keep her tears at bay. "Thank you for that."
"It's only the truth. Yes, you make me feel special, like there's no one like me on Earth—"
Kara snorted and had to squeeze Lena's hand. "There's no one like you in this universe, Lena." Why did Lena and Alex not understand these things? "No one is like you across any universe. There's a reason why I beam over every time I realize you decided to pick me. You're with me when you can be with anyone, despite all the mistakes I made."
It was Lena's turn to give her hand a squeeze. "I don't want to be with anyone else and you've done your penance, darling. Please, stop beating yourself up over the past. We're here, in the present, together, and loving each other."
Kara grinned. "That we are. And, you'll have to forgive me for this. I can't wait any longer, not after that pep talk… or the knowledge that you want to raise children with me." She had to do this now or she would burst. Hell, or Lena would beat her to this and while they had not talked about it, they all knew she planned on this. She was far from subtle… a trait she probably learned from Alex.
Lena only smiled at her as Kara climbed to her feet. She stepped to the side of the table and got down onto one knee, careful of her dress, not wanting to split it. Lena's emerald eyes glistened already. Kara shook her head.
"Please, don't cry until I make it through this or I'll cry and might never finish," Kara said.
Lena sniffed and nodded. Kara took a breath. She had practiced this with Alex, but now her mind was blank. Come on, don't let all of that hard work go to waste. Of course, she could say anything and Lena would agree. But, this was meant to be something worthy of Lena. She deserved an amazing proposal.
"My dearest Lena, you've been a magnificent gift granted to me like the light of Rao and more powerful than the rays of this yellow sun. I'm more than fortunate to have you in my life and willing to build a life with me. I want nothing more than for you to remain in my life for always and continue to build a life with me. I want nothing more than for you to stay by my side, stay in my soul, and be in my life as much as possible always and forever," Kara said. "So, will you marry me?"
Kara went into her pocket — yes, luckily, this dress had pockets — and pulled out the small, black velvet ring box. Taking another breath, she popped it open. She held it up for Lena to see. Two gems — ruby and emerald — pressed together with platinum wrapped around them.
"It's beautiful," Lena breathed.
Kara smiled. "That's not an answer."
Lena threw herself on Kara. "Of course, yes!" She wasted no time kissing Kara with everything she had.
Kara struggled to maintain her balance and focus on kissing Lena and holding the ring, but she managed. She was already overexcited, but there was no way she would tumble with her beloved overjoyed in her arms. Dear Rao, I will never be able to thank you enough for Lena. She was not sure what she did for such a blessing, but she would do her best to continue living her life as she was to do her best to show her thanks for having Lena.
Lena broke the kiss, only to plant several kisses all over Kara's face while muttering "yes" over and over again. Kara laughed as a joy unknown filled her heart and burned through every bit of her. Warm did not cover the sensation. How could this feel so amazing when she was already bonded to this woman and legally married? This is marriage and why it's so important. She might never be able to put words to this whole situation, but the sensation was tattooed to her soul.
"Do you feel it, too?" Kara asked in a whisper.
"This almost dreamy elation?" Lena asked, touching the center of her chest. "A warmth spreading from my chest, beaming in spaces I wouldn't be able to explain in a million years?"
Kara smiled. "Exactly that."
"Kryptonian bonding is a hell of a thing," Lena said.
"I wouldn't believe it if I didn't feel it with both of you. It's incredible." Kara would never trade this connection for anything.
Lena nodded. "I love it like I love you."
"Yeah, that's what the feeling is — our love, mixed and growing. Can I put the ring on your finger?" Kara was eager to see her ring on Lena's finger.
"Of course!" Lena let loose a sound that was half a sob and half a laugh.
Kara wasted no time easing the ring onto Lena's left ring finger. It was home, like Lena was home. This was nothing short of a miracle.
Lena wiped away a tear from Kara's eye. "Are you all right, my love?"
Kara smiled. "I'm more than okay. I needed to do this. Not just because you wanted it or deserved it. I needed to do this for us." She never would have guessed it. "I feel beyond closer to you now. We are two in one."
Lena nodded. "This is forming meaning to you now, hmm?"
"I thought I had a handle on it. I thought I understood why this was necessary, but I only get it now. This feeling is new, weird, but amazing. You're amazing," Kara said, kissing Lena.
Lena chuckled. "You're also amazing, which seems silly to say to Supergirl, but you need to hear it. You're amazing, with or without superpowers. You're amazing because you're Kara. Now, can I admire this ring for a moment?" She put her hand up, holding her arm out as far as possible. "You made this yourself, didn't you?"
Kara arched an eyebrow. "Is there another way to present jewelry to my bond mate?" She meant this question. She had made their bonding bracelets as well. This was a personal matter, so she needed to make it as personal as possible.
Lena grinned. "No, I suppose not. Of course, the ring I have for you was made by a jeweler."
Kara blinked. "You didn't have to. You knew I wanted to be the one to propose."
"Doesn't mean I can't have a ring for you as well. We're engaged to each other, after all."
"You're right…" Kara frowned. "But, it'll be too many rings." This messed up the math she figured out with Alex.
Lena's brow wrinkled. "Excuse me?"
"It's too many rings. We'll also end up with rings from Alex and we'll have three, but she'll have two. We have too many rings." This would not do. They should not do anything to even imply that their relationship to each other superseded their relationship with Alex. This would turn into such a mess.
Lena let out a brilliant laugh. It sounded like bells. She kissed Kara. "That was adorable. We don't have to wear the engagement rings later on if she gets us rings and we get her rings. Jewelry can be put on and removed, after all."
Kara breathed a sigh of relief. "You're right. You're right."
"I've been known to have a decent idea or two. Like, how about we finish this meal and then work our way to the bedroom?" Lena winked.
"I like the way you think." Kara gathered Lena in her arms and stood up for both of them. She put Lena down in her seat and then moved back across her. She lost herself in Lena's gaze, feeling like she was in some wonderful dream. "I love you so much." She could not be more pleased with herself for this, for finally understanding marriage, and for being able to give Lena this. There's no way we can't do this with Alex at some point.
Lena smiled. "I love you, too. I look forward to the life we build together." She picked up her cutlery and they went back to dinner.
-8-8-8-8-
Alex stayed out until she was certain Kara and Lena were done with dinner. She entered the penthouse and went to her room. She had not used the bed in a long time, but she planned to use it tonight. She wanted to give Kara and Lena as much alone time as she could. They knew where to find her if they wanted her in bed tonight.
As Alex went through her nighttime rituals, ready for bed. But, she paused and went into a trunk rather than to bed. She had to dig through it, but found what she sought — a notebook. A planner. For her wedding to Maggie. She had been ready to get married.
It seemed like a lifetime ago. The wound on her heart had scarred over, a reminder of what had happened and a monument to a marvelous, charming love. Like many of her scars, she did not regret it. Yes, it ached, even now, but she learned a lesson and that was always important.
She had learned what the future meant to her and what she wanted in life. It cost her Maggie. Maggie would always hold a special place in her heart. That scar would always hold weight, meaning, and emotion. But, it probably would not have worked.
Maggie was a great love, but Kara was Alex's soul. Kara had been her first love and it had always been a different love than anything else she had ever experienced. They would not have been able to run from their bond forever. She was not sure how she and Maggie would have navigated that. Sometimes, in dark, quiet moments, she considered Maggie would have accepted. She would have accepted Kara, but not kids, and it still hurt.
"Hey," Kara said, forcing Alex to look up.
Alex relaxed as she took in Kara's tussled appearance. Her hair was wild and her makeup messy. She stood in the doorway nude. Kara was always comfortable in her nudity, especially when she realized how humans admired her form, even when thinking she was odd.
"Hey, what are you doing over here? We agreed," Alex replied.
Kara stepped inside and sat down next to Alex. "Yeah, but we wanted to check on you."
"Phones work," Alex replied in a low tone.
"You haven't answered yours," Lena said from the doorway. She had on a short, emerald green robe. Green was her favorite color and she looked absolutely divine in it.
"Hmm?" Alex pulled out her phone while Lena sat on her other side. Two missed calls and five text messages in their thread. Yikes. "Sorry. Lost in my head."
"Trip down memory lane?" Kara nodded to the planner.
"Missing Maggie?" Lena asked with misty eyes, like she felt Alex's pain. Hell, it was possible she did since Kara felt Alex's discomfort.
Alex shook her head. "No, just remembering when I learned what marriage meant to me, what a family meant to me, and what I wanted in the future."
"And what's that?" Lena asked.
"Beyond a loving partner, or partners now, having enough faith in each other to know we can pick each other up and make each other better regardless. Maggie didn't want kids, for a lot of reasons, but many of them boiled down to her not having faith in herself or in me to help her through. She was scared to be a parent because of how her parents treated her, but I think that just would've made her better."
"And you think she didn't believe you'd be there for her to help her be the best damn parent she could be?" Kara asked.
"I think she would've sooner accepted you as my bond-mate than have kids with me," Alex replied.
"Or maybe she just didn't want children, sweetheart. She's allowed not to want children as much as you're allowed to want them," Lena said. "Maybe it's time to accept it wasn't a failing on either part. You wanted different things. Sometimes, it happens."
Alex sighed, body dropping as if she was defeated. Of course, she considered that. Hell, it was probably true. Maggie more than likely just did not want kids and she had a right to that.
"Sometimes, it's easier to come up with a reason. It's easier to think I failed than to accept we just parted because of one thing. What if I lose you over one thing?" Alex glanced at Lena and then at Kara.
Kara snorted. "History has proven time and time again you're stuck with me." That was true enough. If Kara was ever leaving her over one thing, it would have been Astra. Instead, Kara found it in her heart to forgive Alex, to stay with Alex, and even accept she was bonded to Alex.
Lena put a hand on her arm. "While I don't know the future, I'm very happy with you now and would have many, many talks with you before thinking of departing, especially over one thing. I haven't seen any evidence of this dreaded 'one thing' coming up either. But, we should all sit down and discuss the future, before the wedding."
Alex rolled her eyes. "You're already legally married."
"It didn't count. We have to have a proper wedding now," Kara said, patting Alex's thigh.
"Featuring our beloved Alex." Lena kissed her cheek.
"Yeah? Again, you two are the married couple," Alex replied.
"Yes, but you're ours, so you're in this, which is what we were calling you about. Dates as couples are nice, but we usually only do that when one of us is busy. This isn't that. Yes, Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor are engaged and will be legally married, but you'll still be in our bed every night. And by 'our' I mean Kara, Lena, and Alex. We're all in this relationship," Kara said.
"It might be three couples, but it's one relationship," Lena added.
"And none of us are busy, so come to bed," Kara said, taking Alex's hand.
Alex nodded. "Of course." She had no idea why this had not occurred to her. Why would she need to sleep in her room just because they had a proposal dinner? "Why the hell did we agree to this?" She laughed. Possibly the same reason you've been fighting them on the idea of being married to you. Legality doesn't matter. This is about emotion rather than a contract.
"I blame Kara," Lena remarked.
Kara gasped and pressed a hand to the center of her chest. "Why me?"
"Because you always act like you know everything when it comes to us and you planned tonight," Lena replied.
"With Alex's help." Kara pointed to Alex.
Alex gasped. "You're gonna throw me under the bus after I helped you with that wonderful date that ended with you getting laid?"
Kara held up her hands in surrender. "Okay, I'll take the blame. I have to concede I don't know everything when it comes to us. I mean, I didn't think about the marriage thing until it was in front of my face and I was able to see so many reactions to it. So, I'll stop being a know-it-all around here, even though I think we all know eventually you two are going to exchange marks."
Alex sucked her teeth. "You just said you'd stop!"
Kara laughed. "I can't help myself."
"We know," Lena replied.
Alex took a deep breath. "Would it bother either of you if I call Maggie sometime? I think I need to talk to her, maybe even try to be friends with her again." She needed to move past blaming herself for what happened between them and how they broke down.
"To understand it wasn't your fault?" Lena asked.
Alex's brow furrowed as she tried to order her thoughts to make sense of what she needed. "Yes, to understand it wasn't my fault, but also, she was an excellent friend. She helped me a lot in life. I think I could still use that kind of support." She did not want to put too much on Vasquez being her only friend.
Kara shrugged. "If you think it'll help you, doesn't bother me. Not like I'm not still best friends with my ex."
Lena shook her head. "Hell, I've employed several of my exes, so I'm fine. In fact, we share an ex we're good friends with." She pointed between her and Kara. "But, just make sure she knows you're our alpha now."
"You could just bite her to make that statement," Kara said with an innocent grin.
Lena and Alex groaned together, but it was a much needed tension breaker. Alex put the book away and allowed Kara and Lena to lead her to bed. There, Lena showed off her ring to Alex, even though Alex had seen it already and could barely see it in their dark bedroom. But, whatever made Lena happy.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: the wedding.