[The anger has drained away for the moment. John can't actually do anything right now. He can't run out after the Joker. He can't help Alfie's efforts. He can't get the Joker to cough up his location. He can't protect Bucky from himself and the mess that's been made with the story of the aquarium that's come out.
He's been holding back on a lot, far too much, and as he looks down at the bloodstained hat in his hand, tears come at last. John bows his head, and just lets them fall. His shoulders shake and his ribs burn as his chest hitches. The optimist in him knows there's a chance she'll be back, but that's not winning out just at the moment.
He hadn't been here to protect her. He's lost another friend, the use of his leg, and the respect of more than a few people for his lying because of that carelessness.
Quark or Bucky might find him in a back corner of the pharmacy, trying very hard to keep his small gasps quiet.]
Day 164 (after the obits)
He's been holding back on a lot, far too much, and as he looks down at the bloodstained hat in his hand, tears come at last. John bows his head, and just lets them fall. His shoulders shake and his ribs burn as his chest hitches. The optimist in him knows there's a chance she'll be back, but that's not winning out just at the moment.
He hadn't been here to protect her. He's lost another friend, the use of his leg, and the respect of more than a few people for his lying because of that carelessness.
Quark or Bucky might find him in a back corner of the pharmacy, trying very hard to keep his small gasps quiet.]