Chapter 2
Wounds are slow to heal, Kara forgets sometimes.
Alex has a limp in her walk for a week, she covers her arms with long sleeves and jackets, and complains about the ‘stifling heat’. It’s those in-between moments that Kara worries the most. How much Alex pushes herself to keep up appearances until she’s back home again, slouching against the kitchen counter.
Alex stretches her arms out to ease the tension in her bones, wincing at the sound of her spine adjusting. There’s no one scrutinizing her, but she crosses her arms and watches Kara busy herself with making tea, silent with the sound of water running.
Until Kara can’t hide the look on her face, the worry in her words. “How do you feel?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a truck,” Alex makes a derisive noise, glimpsing at Kara before she sighs. “Which isn’t really a stretch.”
“Well, I’m glad you weren’t.” Kara mumbles, just loud enough for the corner of Alex's mouth to quirk up.
And she can’t ask ‘don’t do this again’, instead she crosses the distance and untangles Alex from herself. Her hand curls around Alex’s wrist, thumb brushing against her pulse point.
Kara ducks to nudge her forehead against her sister’s temple, steadying them both.
“I’ll take it easy,” She listens for Alex’s heartbeat, strong and consistent. “Promise.”