SIX. [RL with Elektra]

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[Bruce has been settling in well. It's been strange to stay in one place, somewhere he not only doesn't have to work but shouldn't work so as to keep a low profile - and even stranger to live with someone that knows everything about him. Bruce has tried to keep himself busy as well as he could, doing various housework and keeping up with his

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[namedfortragedy]

[She knew it was coming eventually. For as long as she could remember her father had done everything in his power to ensure his daughter was both intelligent and strong. Elektra could see where all of this was going and simply chose to ignore it. She was genuinely happy for the first time since her mother died. The last thing she needed to do was screw it up by thinking about it. Too bad she knew just looking at him where this was going. Ignoring it wasn't an option anymore.]

I'm listening. [She gestures for him to come in. Even in a good mood he practically needed a written invitation to come inside. She expected this time wouldn't be any different.]

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[She was right about that. He slipped inside and shut the door behind him, approaching so that they're close beside one another. The short kisses they've exchanged have been all they've done, and Bruce doesn't feel dissatisfied with that - far from it. But if he's going to leave, he doesn't want to make it impersonal; it'd feel like a slap in the face to everything they've overcome to be open with one another.

With her admonition not to hold back still in mind, he reaches out and takes her hand. Meeting her eyes, he says, unwavering,] I need to leave, but if all goes well, I'll be coming back.

[namedfortragedy]

[Logically she knew she should keep her guard about. It'd make things easier in the long run. When he standing next to her being so open about his feelings she couldn't help wanting to return it. It wasn't like she was following her better judgment about anything else lately.]

Do whatever you have to do. [She squeezes his hand.] You know I'll still be here if things go right or wrong.

[She makes it a point not to ask for details. He can tell her or not tell her though naturally she hoped he would.]

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[He feels compelled to tell her, so he takes a silent breath and starts.]

I know. It means a lot to me. I... need to go back to Virginia, to the university. There's someone here in New York that may be able to help me, but he needs the data from the accident, and the only place it might still be is Culver U.

I'm not planning on seeing her, but it might happen anyway. [No need to say who she was.]

[namedfortragedy]

[No, he doesn't. She's quiet for a moment, silently debating with herself on what to say. When Elektra speaks up she sounds resolved.]

I think you should see her if you get the chance. [Even if he might change his mind about whatever they were. That is something she worries about. He could see there was more than to her than the front of the seemingly perfect, strong daughter of a successful man. She was damaged and really who would want that?]

You owe it to yourself and to her to settle things.

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[He hesitates.] Wouldn't it just hurt her? She has to have moved on by now. And it'd put her in danger. General Ross, her father, is the one in charge of regaining me.

They've never gotten along, but... [Bruce shakes his head.] I don't want to put her in that position.

[namedfortragedy]

Actively looking for her would be a bad idea. If you run into her by chance though that's a whole other story.

[She's willing to bet it would happen no matter how low the chances are.]

I'm just saying if she sees you by mistake running in the opposite direction would be a wasted opportunity.

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I won't do that, [he agrees, still under the delusion that it's possible for him to go to Virginia and not talk to Betty.] I'll talk to her if I see her, I promise.

... Thank you for being so understanding about this. I'm lucky to have you.

[namedfortragedy]

[She smiles despite herself. It's in her nature to be understanding and patient with her loved ones to an absurd degree. Elektra knows well enough to downplay it even if Bruce wouldn't take advantage of it.]

We've been through this already. We do a lot for each other, we're lucky to have each other, and you don't want to compete over who does a better job of it.

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[That provokes a short laugh out of him.] No, I definitely don't want to compete with you over anything. I know how that'll end.

[namedfortragedy]

For what it's worth I really think you'd win this time. [Because beating him would be losing in a different way.]

So... when are you leaving exactly? After this conversation?

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[He seriously contests that he's done more for her than she's done for him, but Bruce is also fully aware that competing over it isn't worthwhile, as she's pointed out. So he lets it drop.]

I figured tomorrow. And I can't accept any help - I have to do this alone. [His grand gesture gets ruined as he realizes he's still reliant on her for money, too, and adds self-consciously,] Except for your generous contributions of cash, of course.

[namedfortragedy]

You know your life would be a lot easier if you let me loan you one of my bodyguards and a car for this.

[She respects Bruce enough to let him run his own affairs so she doesn't push any further than that.]

But, I'm fine just doing that too. You should know though if something goes wrong there isn't a scenario where I don't try to help you out of it.

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Having a bodyguard would be attracting attention; even cars can be traced. I'll be fine hitchhiking.

And if something goes wrong... I'd appreciate the help. [As her hand is still in his, he squeezes it gently.]

[namedfortragedy]

Good because I wasn't taking no for an answer. [Despite how stubborn that came out, she's relieved she won't have to argue with him about it. She's certain if the roles were reversed he wouldn't just leave her.]

If everything goes right, what's going to happen with you? Aside from coming back.

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... Ideally, I'll be cured. I could be totally normal the next time you see me. [Bruce doesn't honestly believe that's true, though. His voice is quiet as he speaks, because it's too incredible to actually happen.] But I don't think that will happen. It's a chance, and I have to take it. That's all.