< couples_therapy - Harmless >
Patient: Nadine Lewis
Fandom: Batman
Partner(s): Dr. Jonathan Crane ( arkhams_dr )
Harvey Dent ( in_dent_nation)
Words: 432
"Such a brute." His voice was soft, his touch softer. He traced the outline of a bruise forming on her cheek. The result of another argument, of another backhand to her cheek.
"It doesn't hurt."
"You don't need to lie to me, Nadine. I'm hurt that you are."
"I'm sorry." She reached up and touched his hand. He regarded her as he always did. He was a doctor first. Always a doctor first.
"It would be best if you stayed here. He wouldn't miss you."
"Yes he would." She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. She did not see the predator's gleam in his eyes. "He needs me there, and I need him."
"You certainly don't, Nadine," he said. He spoke softly, and she missed the passion that was always in her husband's voice. Whether he was happy or angry or... whatever, he was always passionate. This man... He was always so clinical. "You don't need someone who will strike you, who would hurt you without remorse."
"He does feel remorse." Her tone became cold, and she sat up and pulled away. He frowned but held up his hands in defeat, or in the appearance of it.
"Of course, of course. Your necklaces." A bitter edge had crept into his voice, but she did not hear it.
"He never means to do it."
"But he still does. Again and again."
"It's nothing..."
"Nadine, you don't have to live like that." His voice was almost hypnotic. "You could stay here, stay with me." She did not understand his cat-like smile. "Wouldn't that be nice?"
"I couldn't leave him alone," she replied. However, her head tilted when he touched her cheek again. She leaned closer to him, her eyes shut. He smirked, and she did not see it. "I married him. I made my vows."
"Such a sense of duty." He stroked her hair. "I do envy him, having you so devoted. You hardly come to see me anymore." His expression was the perfect mimicry of pain.
"I'm sorry," she said again. "I should come more often, I know. But it always makes him so angry."
"You have to go back to him?"
"Yes. I'm sorry. I can't leave him."
He frowned, and this time she touched his cheek. He caught her hand, pressing it against his cheek. His eyes bore into hers, and she could not look away.
"Could you stay tonight?" he asked.
She was silent for several moments. Then, finally, "Yes. I don't want to go home tonight."
He smiled at her, and she saw only tenderness, not triumph. He drew her closer, and she did not resist.
How could Harvey get so angry? Didn't he know that Jonathan was harmless?