p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"/ strongelliot's apartment/strong, A32 mainland/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path opens a curtain suddenly, as the bright morning light pours into the room and over the hungover Elliot, slumped on the black leather sofa. His ruffled hair shifted over his face as he groans. Elliot's breath was slow and stank of alcohol, but being this close to his sleeping face... he just looked like a scarred puppy. "Hey," I say softly at first, shaking his shoulder. The MRVN placed the trickster on his side over the sofa- which is good. If Elliot rolled on his back while being emthat/em drunk, he could've drowned in his own puke./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Whatsa?" he murmurs incoherently, "Sweetheart, we can go again later..." He rolls the other direction. I narrow my eyes./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Alright, wake the fuck up," I say as I slap hard into his back. The man shudders as he wakes up, jolting halfway up the sofa before looking at me./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""God!" Elliot squeals before squinting at us, "No rest for the w-wickedem, I guess/em. The heck you guys doin' here?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I cross my arms. "We have our second round tomorrow. Or did you forget?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He grunts as he straightens out in his seat, begrudgingly rubbing his eyelids. "Oh shit. Yeah, yeah, I'll make myself a coffee. We'll be in the range in no time, chief."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I sigh as I sit beside him. "You realize that kind of drinking isn't healthy, right? We need you in your best physical shape."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot's chocolate eyes adjust to the light as he sluggishly looks at me. His tall form slouches towards me as he replies with a grin, "What can I say? I'm a party pleaser."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I keep my stare on him, hearing Path's clanking steps in the open kitchen. "Elliot, you don't need to please anyone," I say firmly. His expression seems to sober up slightly. "You just need this team. And we need you if we're going to win."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He rubs his tanned cheek with his palm, then nods slowly. "Sorry, Wraith. I just... got lost in the crowd before I remembered we were gonna talk to Bangalore." He blinks at me. "How'd that go?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I smile slightly, feeling color in my cheeks at the memory of Anita's sultry expression. "It went fine. I learned a new thing or two, but nothing that gives me a lead on my past."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Yeaaah. 'Fine', huh?" Elliot playfully pinches my arm. "Oh yeah, I'm sure it went emfine/em.~ That chick wanted to eat you up like Leviathan stew./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""emElliot/em!" I snap hot-faced as he bursts in a laugh./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Pathfinder clanks in the room with a steaming mug. "Coffee, friend!" he whirls cheerfully, a smiling emote on his screen./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Ohh," Mirage cooes as he stands and takes the mug, pointing at the robot approvingly with his other hand, "Now that's a real bro right there. Now who wants to help me take a cold shower?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path and I look at each other- "Not it," "Not me!" We denied similtaneously. Elliot crackles another mischevious laugh./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Ahh, this is the best squad, right here," he sighs, raising his mug. "Give me ten minutes, I can shower allll by myself.~"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I raise my brow as he turns towards his bedroom door. "You're saying that a little too proudly."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smirks at me before entering the doorframe. "Hey, these days, I'm not emusually/em in the shower alone." The door shuts. I sigh, deciding to help clean up the vomit on the floor. Elliot really was like a helpless, stupid puppy sometimes./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"A puppy that was really good at killing people in the Ring./p
p class="p2" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"/ 4 hours later, strongthe training area/strong/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path and I were always diligent in the training area. But for a hungover man, Elliot was doing very well. He seemed even more focused than usual- it was hard to get his attention, even, as if he were deep in thought. After his standard workouts, Elliot's Longbow targets were quickly throughly punctured over the past hour./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I sigh as I put the R-301 Carbine back into the crate. "Alright, let's have a lunch break." Elliot yawns and nods as he puts his Longbow over his shoulder./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Pathfinder grapples loudly towards us, hopping between the approaching Elliot and I. "Allow me! I brought food!" the robot beeps cheerily. I smile./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Path, you never stop surprising me," I chuckle. "What's on the menu?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Smoked cod fish with garlic risotto! A countryside favorite." His screen shows a proud, beaming emote./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot stares. "Dude. Be my roommate."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Pathfinder's pupil becomes large with pride. "I must fetch it from the ship. I won't be long, friends!" With that, the robot clanked happily towards the docks./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I look at Elliot, whose deep eyes seem lost for a while. I ask, "Are you feeling alright?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot smiles weakly, "Wha? Oh yeah, I'm-I'm fine. Just y'know..." He sighs as he puts the Longbow on a nearby ledge. "Wraith, somethin' has been on my mind since we started teaming up."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""What's that?" I step closer, curious- Elliot seemed more cautious than usual./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"The tall sunbeaten man looks at me. "You don't need to be embarassed or impressed by everyone that calls you beautiful, or notices how great you are. You are absolutely loyal and special- I just don't want the first guy or gal to see it to blow you away."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I flush deeply, unsure where this was suddenly coming from. "What are you talking about?" I murmur./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smirks, almost sweetly. "You might've been really experienced before the whole memory wipe, Wraith, but I've been watching ya- you're an amazing woman with no memory of relationships, or people that could try to take emotional advantage over you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I watch his deep concerned gaze- and suddenly, I felt vulnerable again. As if Elliot was seeing through me. I was beginning to see that he was more empathetic and understanding of people than I realized. My hands ball into fists, uncomfortable. "Why are you bringing this up?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He leans back against a stone ledge, still keeping his eyes on me. There's a long moment of silence before he admits, "Because I don't want Anita to claim you, then break you." He mutters softly, "There, I said it."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I didn't understand why, but I suddenly felt defensive. "Why are you so damn convinced I'll date her?" I growl. "What difference does it make to you?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot starts, "It doesn't-"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Clearly, it does!" I snap./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Suddenly, Elliot scowls as he shouts towards me, "Fine! Maybe it does! Maybe, emoh/em, I don't know, I emcare/em about my fucking teammate, wandering the Outlands with the life experience of a three year old."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I burst as anger rises to my throat, "A three year old?! Really Elliot? You really think emI'm/em the helpless one?" I scoff, raising my hands up as I walk away. "I am so beyond words for you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Hey!" he protests, slapping his hand against the stone to get my attention. I look back at him defiantly- but his expression wasn't angry. It was... sad. His baritone voice is gentle. "I'm sorry. You're not helpless or naive, that's not what I meant- but if you get emotionally compromised before we win... it'll be just as bad as if I keep drinking every night. I just want you to be careful. Wraith, I had to say it."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"My tight gaze relaxes. I realize... he was right. Elliot was only worried about the same things I was- being manipulated ever again./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Elliot," I say softly, feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry. I see why you're concerned."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smiles slightly. "I realized how much you're looking out for me this morning- how far you're willing to push us to win. I-I want to do the same for you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I feel a tide of warmth in my chest. I chuckle, "Thanks; really, Elliot." I smile shyly. "That means a lot."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smirks jokingly. "Oh yeah, I forgot another thing; I'm emtotally/em jealous of Anita getting personal time with you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I give a wide smile, "So that's it? What a shame- get some IMC insider knowledge and I'll interrogate you soon enough."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He gives a faux impressed look. "So that's it? Consider it done." He winks. I blush, helplessly./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Damnit Elliot," I complain before turning around. He giggles mischeviously, whistling as he picks up a different gun to practice./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path's cod fish needed to get here sooner./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path opens a curtain suddenly, as the bright morning light pours into the room and over the hungover Elliot, slumped on the black leather sofa. His ruffled hair shifted over his face as he groans. Elliot's breath was slow and stank of alcohol, but being this close to his sleeping face... he just looked like a scarred puppy. "Hey," I say softly at first, shaking his shoulder. The MRVN placed the trickster on his side over the sofa- which is good. If Elliot rolled on his back while being emthat/em drunk, he could've drowned in his own puke./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Whatsa?" he murmurs incoherently, "Sweetheart, we can go again later..." He rolls the other direction. I narrow my eyes./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Alright, wake the fuck up," I say as I slap hard into his back. The man shudders as he wakes up, jolting halfway up the sofa before looking at me./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""God!" Elliot squeals before squinting at us, "No rest for the w-wickedem, I guess/em. The heck you guys doin' here?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I cross my arms. "We have our second round tomorrow. Or did you forget?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He grunts as he straightens out in his seat, begrudgingly rubbing his eyelids. "Oh shit. Yeah, yeah, I'll make myself a coffee. We'll be in the range in no time, chief."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I sigh as I sit beside him. "You realize that kind of drinking isn't healthy, right? We need you in your best physical shape."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot's chocolate eyes adjust to the light as he sluggishly looks at me. His tall form slouches towards me as he replies with a grin, "What can I say? I'm a party pleaser."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I keep my stare on him, hearing Path's clanking steps in the open kitchen. "Elliot, you don't need to please anyone," I say firmly. His expression seems to sober up slightly. "You just need this team. And we need you if we're going to win."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He rubs his tanned cheek with his palm, then nods slowly. "Sorry, Wraith. I just... got lost in the crowd before I remembered we were gonna talk to Bangalore." He blinks at me. "How'd that go?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I smile slightly, feeling color in my cheeks at the memory of Anita's sultry expression. "It went fine. I learned a new thing or two, but nothing that gives me a lead on my past."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Yeaaah. 'Fine', huh?" Elliot playfully pinches my arm. "Oh yeah, I'm sure it went emfine/em.~ That chick wanted to eat you up like Leviathan stew./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""emElliot/em!" I snap hot-faced as he bursts in a laugh./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Pathfinder clanks in the room with a steaming mug. "Coffee, friend!" he whirls cheerfully, a smiling emote on his screen./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Ohh," Mirage cooes as he stands and takes the mug, pointing at the robot approvingly with his other hand, "Now that's a real bro right there. Now who wants to help me take a cold shower?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path and I look at each other- "Not it," "Not me!" We denied similtaneously. Elliot crackles another mischevious laugh./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Ahh, this is the best squad, right here," he sighs, raising his mug. "Give me ten minutes, I can shower allll by myself.~"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I raise my brow as he turns towards his bedroom door. "You're saying that a little too proudly."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smirks at me before entering the doorframe. "Hey, these days, I'm not emusually/em in the shower alone." The door shuts. I sigh, deciding to help clean up the vomit on the floor. Elliot really was like a helpless, stupid puppy sometimes./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"A puppy that was really good at killing people in the Ring./p
p class="p2" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"/ 4 hours later, strongthe training area/strong/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path and I were always diligent in the training area. But for a hungover man, Elliot was doing very well. He seemed even more focused than usual- it was hard to get his attention, even, as if he were deep in thought. After his standard workouts, Elliot's Longbow targets were quickly throughly punctured over the past hour./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I sigh as I put the R-301 Carbine back into the crate. "Alright, let's have a lunch break." Elliot yawns and nods as he puts his Longbow over his shoulder./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Pathfinder grapples loudly towards us, hopping between the approaching Elliot and I. "Allow me! I brought food!" the robot beeps cheerily. I smile./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Path, you never stop surprising me," I chuckle. "What's on the menu?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Smoked cod fish with garlic risotto! A countryside favorite." His screen shows a proud, beaming emote./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot stares. "Dude. Be my roommate."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Pathfinder's pupil becomes large with pride. "I must fetch it from the ship. I won't be long, friends!" With that, the robot clanked happily towards the docks./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I look at Elliot, whose deep eyes seem lost for a while. I ask, "Are you feeling alright?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot smiles weakly, "Wha? Oh yeah, I'm-I'm fine. Just y'know..." He sighs as he puts the Longbow on a nearby ledge. "Wraith, somethin' has been on my mind since we started teaming up."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""What's that?" I step closer, curious- Elliot seemed more cautious than usual./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"The tall sunbeaten man looks at me. "You don't need to be embarassed or impressed by everyone that calls you beautiful, or notices how great you are. You are absolutely loyal and special- I just don't want the first guy or gal to see it to blow you away."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I flush deeply, unsure where this was suddenly coming from. "What are you talking about?" I murmur./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smirks, almost sweetly. "You might've been really experienced before the whole memory wipe, Wraith, but I've been watching ya- you're an amazing woman with no memory of relationships, or people that could try to take emotional advantage over you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I watch his deep concerned gaze- and suddenly, I felt vulnerable again. As if Elliot was seeing through me. I was beginning to see that he was more empathetic and understanding of people than I realized. My hands ball into fists, uncomfortable. "Why are you bringing this up?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He leans back against a stone ledge, still keeping his eyes on me. There's a long moment of silence before he admits, "Because I don't want Anita to claim you, then break you." He mutters softly, "There, I said it."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I didn't understand why, but I suddenly felt defensive. "Why are you so damn convinced I'll date her?" I growl. "What difference does it make to you?"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Elliot starts, "It doesn't-"/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Clearly, it does!" I snap./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Suddenly, Elliot scowls as he shouts towards me, "Fine! Maybe it does! Maybe, emoh/em, I don't know, I emcare/em about my fucking teammate, wandering the Outlands with the life experience of a three year old."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I burst as anger rises to my throat, "A three year old?! Really Elliot? You really think emI'm/em the helpless one?" I scoff, raising my hands up as I walk away. "I am so beyond words for you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Hey!" he protests, slapping his hand against the stone to get my attention. I look back at him defiantly- but his expression wasn't angry. It was... sad. His baritone voice is gentle. "I'm sorry. You're not helpless or naive, that's not what I meant- but if you get emotionally compromised before we win... it'll be just as bad as if I keep drinking every night. I just want you to be careful. Wraith, I had to say it."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"My tight gaze relaxes. I realize... he was right. Elliot was only worried about the same things I was- being manipulated ever again./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Elliot," I say softly, feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry. I see why you're concerned."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smiles slightly. "I realized how much you're looking out for me this morning- how far you're willing to push us to win. I-I want to do the same for you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I feel a tide of warmth in my chest. I chuckle, "Thanks; really, Elliot." I smile shyly. "That means a lot."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He smirks jokingly. "Oh yeah, I forgot another thing; I'm emtotally/em jealous of Anita getting personal time with you."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"I give a wide smile, "So that's it? What a shame- get some IMC insider knowledge and I'll interrogate you soon enough."/p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"He gives a faux impressed look. "So that's it? Consider it done." He winks. I blush, helplessly./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;""Damnit Elliot," I complain before turning around. He giggles mischeviously, whistling as he picks up a different gun to practice./p
p class="p1" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"Path's cod fish needed to get here sooner./p