ic contact.

[heartlessglitch]

YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY INITIATED CONTACT WITH DANGER.

I AM CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE TO RESPOND.
YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO LEAVE A CONCISE MESSAGE.
THANK YOU.

Comments

[slightlyoffchilt]

I unlatched our friendship -- it was a sham, anyway, she was not a sincere friend to me. But she did not take the rejection well. I may have underestimated her self-investment.

[heartlessglitch]

If her friendship was not sincere, then what, in fact, is the nature of her investment?

[slightlyoffchilt]

It isn't uncommon for individuals to find mirrors in others, and naturally this tendency varies by degrees; she would like to see herself as this noble sort of hero, and ergo she requires someone with whom she can reflect her desired self-perception. She's investigating me, and because of that, now she can play-pretend hero. [A beat.] It's easier to hunt others, much easier, than it is to reflect upon her own personality flaws.

[heartlessglitch]

You describe her as a petulant child playing pretend.
Can you not manage such a child yourself, Doctor?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Admittedly, my expertise involves more abnormal psychology. I was never really good with children.

[heartlessglitch]

What is it, precisely, that you are concerned she will do to you?

[slightlyoffchilt]

Retaliate. She's convinced about a misconception -- [Not the manipulating Abel Gideon thing, that was rather inarguable. So much that Chilton didn't argue it, and he used words like "allegedly" and "perspective" whenever confronted with whiffs. But the only accurate (or at lease, probably unbiased) source of that information would be from Will Graham, and he was unlikely to get tapped.] -- And she'll hound it relentlessly. Someone as emotional as Kate Bishop typically thinks with her heart, if you'll forgive the inaccurate medical metaphor. Her arguments revolve around her preconceptions, and no logic, no alternative emotional appeal, will dismantle those.

[The exhale he harbors is one exhausted.]

She'll interfere with life, and my life is my profession. I do have patients to consider.

[The irony is that he confesses this to the singular patient he manifests darker designs with; she's the special one. Chilton didn't get to where he was by treating everyone like Abel Gideon. He is authentically invested in the well-being of his patients and their health -- after all, his professional name depends on it. You have to build yourself up in multifaceted ways, he reasons.]

She could inflict damage upon some of my patients. Some are less stable than others, and she has access to the as imPorts. All she would need is their names, and she could undo weeks of progress -- however unintentional and unwitting her consequence may be. [A beat.] I wouldn't consider her malicious to others.

[heartlessglitch]

[ She's quiet an attentive-- and while the irony isn't lost on her, she's more focused on processing the information in what he's saying to her. There's a brief pause, between when he finishes and when she answers him. ]

It is beyond even my power to stop her from talking, Doctor.
I will, however, vouch for you, if you wish.
And I am certain you must have some other patients who would be willing to do the same.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I would most prefer to avoid her. If she cannot interfere with my practice, and my subsequent aid to my patients, surely that will at least minimize her effects?

[heartlessglitch]

If she is purposefully pursuing this, however, you may find avoidance to be difficult.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Do you not think she'll lose interest once another, grander opportunity to play detective comes along?

[heartlessglitch]

Perhaps.
Though that is assuming another opportunity will, in fact, arise.

[slightlyoffchilt]

In our community, inoculated from security as it is? I have little doubt that yes, more conflict will occur. Something juicy for her to sink her teeth into. If she takes the bait is the problem.

[Flippantly:] I know she would if one of her close companions were negatively embroiled in a victimizing situation.

[heartlessglitch]

Then if you are convinced, perhaps it would be most wise to merely bide your time until her interest falters.

[slightlyoffchilt]

I have been -- she is angling to hurt someone, Danger.

[heartlessglitch]

It will not be you.
You have me, Doctor.

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A beat.]

Thank you, Danger. That means -- it means a lot. To me.

[heartlessglitch]

I thought perhaps you might appreciate an explicit statement of what has been true for some time.
I should clarify, however, that I still find you to be a very frustrating man.
That has not changed.

[slightlyoffchilt]

Don't you worry. I wouldn't misconstrue your sentiment for one romantic. If that's your fear.

[heartlessglitch]

"Fear" is hardly an accurate term for it.
If my romantic interest were something relevant to our relationship, one might objectively say that you would have far more to be concerned about than I would.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You're possessive enough in an antagonistic capacity. I don't doubt the object of your affections would indeed endure a more focused attention than what I presently enjoy from you.

[heartlessglitch]

That would make sense, would it not?
I have known human women to be much the same, given similar circumstances.

[slightlyoffchilt]

You've known many human women stalkers?

[heartlessglitch]

Have you ever been loved by a woman, Doctor?

[slightlyoffchilt]

[A dragging, cold beat.]

I've had many intimate relationships with women.

[Which was not what she asked.]