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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 14:02:39 GMT -5
His expression was nothing more than concern.
"I couldn't sleep, so I was wandering the halls and I heard you screaming...made me think there was an intruder."
Now that he could see she was fine, though, he was no longer alert.
"That must have been one hell of a nightmare."
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 14:10:28 GMT -5
*Lois was aware that she was visibly shaking and was determined to stop herself. She wasn't the type to voluntarily show weakness.*
"Yeah, met my future in-laws," *she said, meaning it to be funny but coming across as nothing more than an obvious deflection.*
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 14:36:26 GMT -5
He grinned at her attempt at humor. If she was cracking a joke, then everything was just fine.
"I can't imagine what meeting in-laws would be like. But if you need to get it off your chest..."
He raised a questioning eyebrow.
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 15:03:47 GMT -5
"--No," *Lois answered far too quickly.*
"I'm... fine."
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 15:28:31 GMT -5
He eyed her carefully. His assessment might have been too hasty.
"Are you sure about that? I'd hate to just leave..."
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 15:55:05 GMT -5
*Lois got out of bed and stood there, opposite Bruce.*
"Yeah, I'm sure. I just need fresh air and something alcoholic," *she said emptily, holding her arms close to herself.*
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 19:28:14 GMT -5
He nodding, wanting to push the issue but fairly sure it would backfire.
"I'll have Alfred send you something...?"
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 20:19:17 GMT -5
"Mm-hm," *she said with an automatic nod, eyes not meeting his.*
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 20:42:35 GMT -5
"Wine, then." He muttered, backing out the door already.
Though he acted as though all was well, worry followed him as he went to give Lois' request to Alfred...
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 21:21:05 GMT -5
*Lois was able to keep it together until Alfred brought the wine. As soon as Alfred left, Lois broke down.
She felt as if the room was closing in on her and she stood there feeling just as helpless as she did in her dream. Her breathing quickened, sweat beaded on her brow. The only thing that she thought would help was the wine.
With shaking hands, she fumbled with the cork. Trying to pour the wine was even worse. Her shaking hand sent more wine spilling than into the glass. Frustrated, Lois hurled the wine bottle across the room with a scream. She watched it shatter to bits against the wall and the crimson liquid streak the down the wall.
The color... it set something else off in her head.
She desperately needed somewhere confined, quiet, alone and didn't remind her of that horrendous dream.
With faltering steps, Lois made her way to the bathroom. Once inside, she shut the door, turned the cold water nob all the way and almost collapsed on the floor of the shower. The ice-cold water beat down on her, so cold that each droplet felt as if they penetrated her skin... but in it was a strange peace that she couldn't describe.
So, she sat there, huddled, wet and shivering with vacant eyes.*
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 22:15:56 GMT -5
Alfred had sensed something wrong, and had nudged Bruce in the direction of Lois' room. Neither, however, had any idea of what was wrong entirely.
Bruce knocked lightly on the door. When a long stretch of time had passed with no answer, he almost barged in--but paused when he finally heard the muffled sound of the shower through the closed door.
He hesitated there, undecided, but a feeling in the back of his mind nagged and wouldn't let it go. Finally, after waiting perhaps a beat too long, Bruce shoved the door open and moved into the room with careful steps. Nothing, but the sound of the shower. He slowly moved across the room, steps cautious as he drew closer to the bathroom. It wasn't until he was almost there that he saw the shattered wine bottle.
All hesitation gone, he moved into the room, pausing only when he saw Lois huddled in the shower. Wordlessly, he moved near to her, ignoring the water when it started pelting down on his head. Ignoring everything except for her, he sat down next to her and wound an arm around her shoulders.
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 22:29:03 GMT -5
*A few seconds passed before Lois moved. She inched closer and slowly put her head on his chest, shivering.*
"It feels like this is the only place where he can't get to me," *she muttered, almost to herself.*
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 22:44:32 GMT -5
He wrapped her in both arms, comforting.
"We'll stay here for a bit then. Just you and I."
The water had gone lukewarm, but he didn't move from his position.
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Post by Lois Lane on Nov 28, 2008 22:54:29 GMT -5
*Lois's hand clung to his shirt.*
"You don't have you be here," *she said, unaware that her words and her actions were completely contradictory.*
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Post by Bruce Wayne on Nov 28, 2008 23:28:20 GMT -5
The water had finally cooled, and Bruce moved only to reach up and turn the faucet off before settling back with Lois.
"I'm not here because I have to be." He said quietly.
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