Author's note: This is an Elseworld tale so I have taking great liberty in how the characters are portrayed but hopefully it's not too out there. Let me know what you think.

"So when can I expect my invite?"

Kal sighed, "I don't want a bash this year, Kara. I told my parents I want something small -just at home with family."

"Well, I think I certainly qualify as your family." Kara half joked, slightly put off that her fiancé had yet to request her presence on his birthday.

Kal chuckled, "You certainly do. Do you really want to spend a day with my parents? Your future in-laws?"

They strolled along the familiar path towards Kara's home. The summer breeze cooling their skin against the hot sun.

Kara frowned in annoyance, "They were my aunt and uncle first. What makes you think I don't enjoy their presence?"

Kal sighed again but didn't respond. The two of them continued idly along. How could Kal possibly explain to his own cousin that he would rather spend time alone with his parents? She would take great offense to it -telling him this is not something normal couples did. It was suffocating to always spend time with her, sometimes he just wanted to be alone. As prince, he was fated to one day become the king, taking his father's place to rule all of Krypton. That was a lot of responsibility on his plate, and for as long as he could live freely, he would. He relished the quiet in his home. Away from the prying eyes of the public, away from those making demands of his time, away from the detractors of his parents. In his room, he could be in solitude, and use his time as he liked.

"You can come over in the evening, if you'd like," He finally responded, trying to compromise.

"Gee, I thought you'd never ask," Kara's tone dripped in sarcasm as she stopped in front of the veranda. "Have you thought about anything for the wedding?"

"What do you mean?" Kal absentmindedly, kicked at the gravel.

"Themes, colours, dishes. Anything of the sort?" Kara's voice grew louder. She crossed her arms, "do you really expect me to do everything?"

"Of course not, I just thought you would enjoy planning for it. In fact, I give you permission to plan all of it."

Kara began tapping her foot in annoyance, "This is your wedding too, Kal!"

"I just want it to be all over," Kal muttered out loud without realizing. His gaze immediately fell upon Kara's, hoping she didn't realize what he had said.

"That's your attitude about the most important day of your life?" Kara was taken aback by his statement. She knew Kal always valued his space but felt he asked for too much. It was simply not normal for one person to act as aloof as he did at times. She felt like she was constantly pestering him when all she was asking was to spend time with her fiancé!

"I'm sorry," Kal apologized earnestly, not wanting to argue. "It's just...you know I don't like large gathering. And everyone's going to stare at us..." He looked up at Kara, hoping his eyes could show the apprehension he felt. Her face was unreadable.

"I'll think about it. Honestly, I will." Kal suggested.

He saw Kara sigh and loosen up, bringing her hands down to her sides and she came down the veranda steps towards him. "Alright. I'll come visit with a cake tomorrow."

"Thank you," Kal said softly trying to please her and gave a short smile.

He stood there awhile, trying to meet Kara's gaze as she stared at him with curiosity. The air between them felt awkward. He knew what she was expecting but would never dare say. Many of their interactions, since becoming betrothed to one another, consisted of moments like this. Her hinting at Kal to display affection towards her -a hug or a kiss. But he always feigned ignorance. And thankfully, for Kal, Kara, out of some sense of dignity, never verbalized her desires. He knew she wanted a sign of affection from him to reassure herself that Kal did indeed love her. But he always felt it would be too forced, and besides, these intimacies were better left until after the wedding. He fidgeted nervously, "So I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?"

"Ugh, yeah," Kara said, rolling her eyes as she made her way inside.