Whisper

Blondie

A/N: Hi, don't feel like you need to be a silent reader. I love hearing from everyone. Comment with kindness.

O - O - O

Niobe spoke with Steve until Bruce made his way to her side. 

"Hey Bruce," she said. "Everything okay?"

"You weren't there," Bruce said.

"I had to speak with Steve," she said. "Do not worry, I have not forgotten you."

Niobe waved at Steve who was beyond confused. The new bond between the Jedi and Bruce had still gone unexplained to the rest of the team. She took Bruce's hand and they walked back into the house.

"Are you okay?" Niobe asked.

"Yeah," he said. "I spoke with Nat."

"You like her, right?" Niobe asked.

"How'd you know?" He asked.

"Being a Jedi is useful," she said.

She smiled, teasing him. They sat down on the couch in the living room.

"She likes you too," Niobe said.

"I don't understand how," he said. "I know you said I'm not a monster, but my brain has spent years convincing myself that I am. I can't just turn those thoughts off."

Niobe placed a hand on his back.

"I know," she said. "I'm here until you can. You do not have to deal with this alone."

Bruce gave her a weak grin.

"Even if I am not on Earth," she said. "You must see that there are people here to support you."

"Are you leaving?" He asked.

"Anakin has been in contact with me," she said. "He mentioned that he is coming to take me home. I do not know when, but he could be here at any moment. I am not sure how far he has gotten in finding a way to me." 

"If saying this isn't too bold," Bruce said, "I would rather you stay here. You mentioned how much you lost. We can be your new family. We love you."

Her heart softened. She wanted to agree, to promise to stay at his side, but how could she ignore what she knew. Her world was in chaos. 

"I want to say yes," she said.

"Then say yes," he said.

"I cannot," she said. "My galaxy needs me. They are suffering. Anakin is alone. Your planet has heroes and that does not include me. You must stand on your own."

Bruce's eyes fell closed. His heart ached for her. He could not be selfish.

"I understand," Bruce said. "But you must understand that there'll be a fight over you leaving."

"I do," she said. "If you will excuse me, I must speak with Anakin."

Bruce nodded and let her leave.

OOOOOOO

Niobe sat out in the backyard. She had been ignoring the whispering voice at the edge of her mind. She could sense a turmoil she was not sure she wanted to face. Nonetheless, Niobe opened her self to the force. As she reached for Anakin, she was hit with a wall of anger. The emotion was suffocating. She keeled over clutching her chest.

"What are you doing!" Anakin said.