Owner

As Kara entered her house, the familiar scent of spices wafted through the air, momentarily grounding her in reality. Jack had already started cooking dinner, unaware of the monumental change that awaited them both. She walked into the kitchen, her legs feeling like jelly, still trembling from the shock of the news.

"Hey, Kara," Jack greeted her warmly, stirring a pot of bubbling sauce on the stove. "You're just in time for dinner. How did everything go at the doctor's?"

Kara hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she needed to tell him about her diagnosis, but the words caught in her throat, tangled up with the uncertainty and desire swirling within her. Taking a deep breath, she tried to steady herself, sinking into a chair at the kitchen table.

"Jack... I tested positive for the Owner variant of the virus." Her voice trembled as she **** out the words, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes.

The room went silent, save for the gentle simmering of the sauce on the stove. Jack stared at her, his face a mixture of shock and concern. He set down the spoon he'd been using to stir the sauce and moved closer to her, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Kara..." he whispered, reaching out to take her hand. "We'll get through this together. I promise."

She could feel the sincerity in his touch, and it offered a small measure of comfort amid the turmoil inside her. As they sat there, their fingers entwined, the world seemed to slow down for a moment, allowing them both to process the reality of their rapidly changing lives.

"Thank you, Jack," Kara murmured, her voice thick with unshed tears. "I just... I never expected this. I don't know what's going to happen."

"Neither do I," he admitted softly, squeezing her hand gently. "But we'll figure it out, one step at a time. Together."

"Kara, I know it's scary," Jack said, his voice strong and reassuring despite the uncertainty that hung in the air around them. "But consider this: if I end up becoming a Sucker, and you're an Owner, we won't have to be separated. We can stay together."

Kara looked at him, her eyes searching for any hint of hesitation or doubt. But all she saw was determination and unwavering support. She swallowed hard, her throat tight with emotion.

"Are you sure, Jack?" she asked, her voice barely audible. "Are you really willing to... to become my first Sucker?"

Jack nodded resolutely. "Absolutely," he replied without hesitation. "I love you, Kara. And if this is what it takes to keep us together, then I'm more than willing to do it."

Kara felt a warmth spread through her chest as she heard those words. Though the future remained uncertain, Jack's love for her was a constant, shining beacon of hope. It brought her solace and allowed her to quiet some of her fears, at least for now.

With their hands still joined, they moved to the kitchen table, where Jack had prepared a simple but hearty meal. Kara ate with a newfound appetite, finding comfort in the familiar act of sharing dinner with her partner. Jack, on the other hand, seemed to find the food bland and unappealing, leaving half of his meal uneaten.

"Are you not hungry?" Kara asked, concern lacing her voice.

"I guess I'm just not all that hungry," Jack admitted, forcing a small smile. "Don't worry about me, though. I'll be fine."

Kara reached over and scarfed his uneaten portion too, her hunger insatiable all of a sudden.

After dinner, they decided to turn in early, hoping that sleep would bring them some semblance of peace. As they lay in bed, their bodies pressed close together, Kara found herself clinging to Jack's steady presence, seeking reassurance in the rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her fingertips.

"Everything will work out just fine," Jack whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin. "I promise."

And as Kara drifted off to sleep, cradled in the arms of the man she loved, she allowed herself to believe him. For tonight, at least, everything would be okay. Tomorrow was another day, and they would face it together.