An Understanding

Brandy threw a fit

She just about had it.

The curses that flew

Some of the things she said

Bruce wasn't even sure he knew.

She was trying to nurse her burnt hand

He approached with caution.

Not sure her unleashed temper

Was something he wished to withstand.

"Here let me see?"

She just glared at him.

"Brandy?"

"It's fine! I'm fine!"

She held her hand close to her chest

"Give it here."

Bruce pressed.

Brandy thought once again to refuse

But seeing the determination on Bruce's face

She knew this was a battle she'd lose.

It hurt like hell

She held out her palm

It already started to blister.

"Damn it!" she heard him whisper.

He walked away and got his balm.

The same stuff Lou use to put on his scars

He opened the jar

Brandy covered her nose.

"What is that smell?!"

He swiped out some of the gel.

"It smells bad but it works great.

It's what I used on my burns."

He wiped it gently over her palm

"I'm sorry I got irate."

His apology took her by surprise.

"I just couldn't handle Jacob talking about Lou

Like he knew all she put herself through."

"You mean all she put herself through for you."

Brandy pulled her hand away.

She wanted to walk past him but he stood in her way.

"What is it? What do you have against Lou?"

Brandy pushed him aside.

She grabbed a bandage and wrapped her hand

She knew there was no way to make him understand.

"The food, it's ready, I'll make you a plate."

Bruce stopped her. "Dinner can wait."

"It's already getting cold."

"I'm used to eating cold food it'll be fine."

Bruce poured Brandy some wine.

"Why won't you answer me?"

"Because I can't," said Brandy

She made him a plate anyway,

Threw the burnt cake away.

Placed the plate in front of him, he handed her a glass.

She didn't take it. "Sorry, my brother was being an ass."

"Jacob's hurting Brandy it's easy to see. I shouldn't have let him get to me."

"Well, you're hurting too. You know... over losing Lou."

He flinches at her name, like just saying it causes him pain.

Brandy shrugged on her coat, "I'll be back in a few."

"Where are you going? It's late. I don't want you out there alone."

"I'll be fine. I just need some time."

Bruce knew if she wanted to go. There really was no way for him to say no.

"Then I'm coming with."

Brandy placed her bandaged hand on his chest to stop him. "Please don't do this."

"Do what?"

"Act like you care. I'll be fine out there. With me, you don't have to pretend. I get that I'm just a means to an end."

"Maybe you are." Bruce was not holding back.

Brandy needed to know the facts.

"This was a marriage of necessity.

Feelings don't come into it, not for me.

Donovan said the boys would follow

If getting married to you I could swallow.

You're Lou's sister. I'm doing this for her.

Let me come with you, Brandy. I have to keep you safe, you see. 

I think it's what Lou would want of me."

Brandy saw her opportunity. "I think I see."

She let Bruce follow her outside, trying not to mind.

"Just one question, if you please...

If you're in Oh Aces and I'm in BG,

How are you going to protect me?"

Bruce opened his mouth but Brandy wasn't done.

"And another question to follow number one.

Those bounty hunters are still looking for you.

About them what will you do?

Last but not least, and most importantly,

Lou wanted her business to move to BG.

You want to make her happy? Move the boys here.

It's a simple solution...dear."

She grinned a bit as she reminded him of her trick,

Which he still hadn't seen through...a bit thick?

Bruce's brain was full and he couldn't think.

He felt himself teetering on the brink

Of breaking down or blowing up.

"I don't know what to do.

About the bounty hunters or protecting you.

I don't want to be here in BG because there are too many memories.

Everything reminds me of Lou, how she's not here, and how I'm stuck with you!"

Brandy let him have his rant and then she said,

"You know if you go back without me, you're dead."

"I know. They'll think I killed you or something.

And there goes the chance at my leading."

He fell silent, trying to see some way to come to an agreement that day.

"It's what Lou wanted...then it's what I'll do.

I'll stay here in BG with you.

But...we've got to go back to Oh Aces for a day or two.

When the boys see we're together, they'll follow us back.

Please say yes because another plan I lack."

"Well, I have one..."

She pulled out a gun.

The shot was fired before

He could even react.