It Happened in a Flash

She needs to be strong

They soared over the buildings for what seemed like forever, neither wanting the moment of serenity to end. Eventually, Kara flew in the direction of his apartment and gently landed at the entrance she smiled slightly as she let Barry out of her arms, knowing that any spectators would find the scene a bit odd. He blushed as he got out of her arms and took her hand gently, she returned his grip and they entered the building. They went up to his apartment in silence, the place quiet as most people were already home or left for the evening. As Barry opened the door Kara's mind wandered back to Iris' words, which seemed to ring in her ears relentlessly. "maybe you're just a failure." Kara knew she had said these words in spite and pain but that didn't lessen the value they held to her. She bit her lip as she wondered how much truth her words had held. "You ok?" Barry asked breaking their silence and pausing her train of thought.

She looked up and realized that he was leaning against the open door with a look of concern consuming his facial features. She looked into his eyes and noticed an emotion she had come to hate over the years; pitty. She knew it always showed up with care but that didn't stop her from hating it so. It made her feel weak, vulnerable, these were weaknesses humans dealt with, she was stronger than that. "I'm fine Barry." She said firmly as she swiftly walked by him.

"No, you're not." He stated, closing the door.

"Barry I said I'm fine, I don't need you to take care of me," Kara said, instantly regretting how she worded it. But she didn't correct herself, though it was harsher than intended she had meant what she said. 

Barry's face dropped slightly at her words, "I know you don't need it but I want to, I need to."

"Barry I said I'm fine" Kara repeated walking into the living room, Barry following behind. She sighed putting her purse on the couch before turning around.

Suddenly Barry connected the dots "This is about Iris." He was unsure but stated it as a fact and warily awaited her response. 

"So what if it is?" Kara inquired, turning to face him.

"What she said was complete bull, you know that right?" 

"Ok" Kara replied simply.

"Kara come on, just talk to me," Barry said placing a hand on her arm looking at her, and once again looking at her with pity.

"Stop looking at me like that!" Kara exclaimed exasperatedly as she pulled away from his touch.

"Like what?!" Barry questioned his face becoming more hurt as he pulled back his hand from her.

"Like I'm broken! Like I need someone to fix me! Like I'm some wilting flower! I'm not! So what if I think Iris was partly right?! It's really not your concern! I'm not some human who needs pity, who's weak and needs someone to constantly help me stand! I'm better than that, stronger... I have to be." Kara exclaimed, muttering the last part under her breath attempting to conceal it, but he heard.

"You think I don't know that?" Barry finally responded after several seconds of silence had passed between them. "You think I don't marvel at your strength? Kara, you are stronger than I will ever be, and not just physically. I know how much you lost and yet every day you have a smile that's so bright it challenges the sun itself. You keep me hopeful." Kara smiled lightly at his words. "But just because you're strong doesn't mean you're immune." Kara's breath hitched at his words, knowing he had just stated the truth she never wanted to accept.

"I have to be." She breathed out.

"No, you don't. You can let words hurt you. You can be human." Kara flinched at his words. " It doesn't make you weak, it makes you strong. It's those human emotions that give you something to fight for, enemies to despise, people to love." Kara looked up at him as he nervously stuck his hands in his pockets before continuing. "Kara it isn't a weakness to be a little human, it's what makes you a hero." He started getting closer.