Re: Pepper P/Bruce B
I don't think you can protect her, Bruce. That's how it all works. But help - talking to her? Walking away from something that's been there for so long, it's difficult to do unless something makes you. I don't think it's impossible. The way she feels about you shows just enough to notice and I don't think Selina means it to be seen.
I had a boyfriend all the way through high school and I don't remember it being difficult at all. I remember a lot of tears, and a lot of pizza with girlfriends and going into agonies over the prom.