Chapter Text
Alexis was no stranger to pain. Growing up, she was great at giving the local medic a job. She climbed trees and got down the only way she knew. She picked up feral animals but wasn’t able to hold them for long. She ran into doors that should have been open. Fell out a window four times before her parents added bars (clearly an early attempt to imprison her and not a safety feature like they claimed).
And this newest pain?
A stabbed shoulder?
Pft. Nothing she couldn’t deal with.
Caine told her to move slowly and take her time mopping the deck, but that wasn’t Alexis’ style, so despite the aching in her shoulder she planned to have the deck spotless within the hour so Caine could see how seriously she was taking her punishment.
When the Captain exited the cabin with her clipboard, heading towards the rigging to check the knots as always. Alexis sped up her mopping, finishing off the final few planks before turning and intending to rush to the Captain’s side and announce her early completion.
But the deck was wet and slippery.
Usually Alexis could catch herself, and she did, her palms hit the deck rather than her head or side—but the impact going from her right hand to her shoulder was more painful than usual and the muscle quickly gave way, causing her to tip over and fall right onto her injured shoulder, making her let out a wail of agony.
She quickly covered her injured shoulder with her good hand, lying on her back, gasping for air, trying not to be noticed.
Then Caine’s head moved into her range of view, staring down at her.
Alexis could see the judgement in her eyes—probably reconsidering letting Alexis stay onboard already.
“Hey Captain,” Alexis managed to squeak out through pursed lips.
“You good?”
Alexis nodded, not daring to say anything more, scared the pain would show through her voice (as though her lying on her back in the middle of the deck didn’t give it away).
Caine squatted beside her. She grabbed one of Alexis’ left fingers between two of hers and lifted Alexis’ hand like it were some sort of bug, glancing at the shoulder below.
“You sure?” Caine repeated.
Alexis swallowed, she considered lying, but she was pretty sure the Captain already knew. “Actually, maybe, it might hurt more than when I was stabbed,” Alexis said, closing her eyes tightly.
“Yeah. That’s the lack of adrenaline,” Caine said very casually, surprisingly calm.
“Is it broken? Did I break it?” Alexis asked, worried she’d just messed up her entire adventuring life.
“Nah. Just dislocated.” Caine reassured. “I can fix it.”
“Really? Please do. It hurts sooooo much…”
Caine grinned. “Oooh, Sweetie. It’s about to hurt A LOT more.”
That was the last thing Alexis wanted to hear, but Caine wasn’t waiting for Alexis to voice that complaint, experienced hands already gripping the shoulder.
“Please—AGH!”
Alexis rolled over, and away from Caine, gasping as tears ran down her face. A few of the other crew-mates were holding back laughter.
Caine stood up straighter, dusting off her hands with a grin still plastered on her face. “Better?”
Alexis nodded, sniffling as the shadow of the pain loomed over her despite how brief it had been.
“Amazing job on the deck, by the way.” Caine looked around. “You’re really getting the hang of this.”
Alexis smiled, although it was forced and tearful.
“Grab yourself something to protect that shoulder from the armoury, okay?”
Alexis hummed and nodded before stumbling off.