[The initial address is easier to manage, the trouble comes in her question. Bruce has not been on the receiving end of this inquiry for a very long time- when it came from Alfred or Jim or Selina the words were always are you safe or are you hurt. Those were easy, they had columns with boxes that could be ticked off, a measurement that allowed him to say yes or no. Okay is open to interpretation, and while Bruce usually thrives in those grey areas the danger here is that he might tip his hand. Bruce believes that he is 'okay,' as the word goes. He's able to function just fine albeit a bit slower, more carefully than normal. His obstacles are minimal, pain and discomfort are sensations he's long since learned to push through. But people who see him this way wouldn't believe that to be the case. They would expect him to make a quip or to complain about the constant ache.
Something he might do if he were facing someone else. Eleven, he thinks, like Riku, is prone to worry for the sake of others. He suspects that this is because each of them are sensitive to pain- that it's easier for them to find empathy for others. It's a difficult sensitivity to navigate. But it's also the reason that he likes them.
This still leaves him with the question. Eleven is watching his face, what little she can make out in the dark. Her lantern is tied around her waist to keep her hands free. Bruce looks back at her and feels a fondness he isn't sure he has a right to.]
it's okay! life happens, and i'm happy to wait for you u3u
[The initial address is easier to manage, the trouble comes in her question. Bruce has not been on the receiving end of this inquiry for a very long time- when it came from Alfred or Jim or Selina the words were always are you safe or are you hurt. Those were easy, they had columns with boxes that could be ticked off, a measurement that allowed him to say yes or no. Okay is open to interpretation, and while Bruce usually thrives in those grey areas the danger here is that he might tip his hand. Bruce believes that he is 'okay,' as the word goes. He's able to function just fine albeit a bit slower, more carefully than normal. His obstacles are minimal, pain and discomfort are sensations he's long since learned to push through. But people who see him this way wouldn't believe that to be the case. They would expect him to make a quip or to complain about the constant ache.
Something he might do if he were facing someone else. Eleven, he thinks, like Riku, is prone to worry for the sake of others. He suspects that this is because each of them are sensitive to pain- that it's easier for them to find empathy for others. It's a difficult sensitivity to navigate. But it's also the reason that he likes them.
This still leaves him with the question.
Eleven is watching his face, what little she can make out in the dark. Her lantern is tied around her waist to keep her hands free. Bruce looks back at her and feels a fondness he isn't sure he has a right to.]
I'm a little tired.
Were you hurt?