NINJAMEME MASTERPOST 8|

[whatfriendsdo]

I have nothing to say here DEAL W/I.

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[whatfriendsdo]

[She eases her fingers between his, holding on lightly enough not to hurt him or herself. Murphy watches their linked hands. She wonders if she's changed, or if it's the fact that he didn't keep her in the dark for her own protection that makes this different.

As hard as he clearly makes things for himself, she can forgive him wanting this to be easier. Inhale. Exhale.

She's been dating Batman. Objectively, kind of awesome.

Keep breathing. Reorient her thinking.]

...Have you ever actually played a single game of polo? [Teasing? Maybe a little.]

[cowled]

[He arches one eyebrow. It's not quite surprise.]

Mm. That's classified information, I'm afraid.

[His tone is at odds with the words. He may as well be asking 'Are we going to be all right?']

[whatfriendsdo]

[Are they? She draws her hand out of his and rests both on her lap. Her palm is bleeding again from trying to clock him with the IV stand.]

...Don't lie to me again. Tell me if it's something you have to keep secret, but don't lie to me again.

[cowled]

All right.

[That's... probably the most reasonable reaction he's ever had to this sort of conversation, honestly. Someone who understands that not everything can be shared.

If she didn't have her place in his heart before this, she'd have earned it with that single sentence. His fingers flex against the side of the cot and he pulls away, the entire motion something of a flinch.]

[whatfriendsdo]

[When he pulls back, for a second she's terrified she's said the wrong thing. Wouldn't be the first time. Definitely won't be the last. She holds her breath until she can speak without nerves, as gruff and impersonal as possible.]

You okay?

[cowled]

[He smiles. Just a little.]

I'll be better once you're out of this hospital room. I can get them to release you, if you'd prefer. We-- I have all the necessary equipment to continue any treatments you need in the Manor.

[whatfriendsdo]

Really? [That startles the cool distance right out of her. She's not sure what she thought would change, with the truth in the open. Her track record with significant others sticking around through the first big speedbump hasn't exactly been stellar. With the promise of reasonable honesty, maybe there's no reason for him to leave, but she still half-expected it.]