Well, you know what they say. There's nothing like a bully. Just promise me it won't be a one time thing.
[He doesn't need a promise. So long as he keeps doing he does, so will the Batman. But even then, he needs that engagement, that mental combat, that thrill, that he struggles to find anywhere else]
Which part? I mean, you don't HAVE to take me out if you win. Admittedly, I haven't been wined and dined in a while and I'd be stupid not to get a free meal out of it, but it's your money so you can do what you like.
God no. Not for anything more important than Sasquatch's baby. I guess I do occasionally hear from the rumor mill, but I take it all with a grain of salt.
Wow. Consider me impressed. Are you sure I can't find another way to weasel the information? There's got to be something between tabloids and bankruptcy.
That's perfect because I think your tabloid friends will catch on by then. A double-whammy of drunk and public sounds like an elegant recipe for disaster.
Sorry, about when did this happen? If you could give me a month and a year, that would be great. Not for any reason, certainly not for the purposes of locating back issues.
Sorry, disappointed about which part? The journalistic integrity? The provenance of the ass? The realization after the fact that the asses don't match? These signals are so mixed, they might start naming a drink after you.
I do, yeah. I've been saving up to get something but I'm too cheap to rent the parking. I'll save the story of the Frankenbike for dinner. If you win. ;)
Once I'm in it, I do okay, but the lead up makes me feel like I'm heading to the gallows. I'm not used to it. I don't have a lot of good experiences from around the dinner table, you know? But it's unfair for to put that on you.
Yeah. It matters cus I'm wondering if I'm there with you, in that big shower, do I get my fingers in your hair first? Or down your skin? Do you use liquid soap or solid?
[ it’s how he gets away with most things, really. by being lucky he’s cute. ]
Wednesday. I’m meeting J for lunch.
[ i.e., he’s working on a case and wants Jason’s intel. though as soon as he sends the text, he wonders if he’s said too much. Bruce will no doubt read between the lines. ]
[ how did he get here? Bruce is spying on him. tracked him without his permission, is messing with his case, yet he's angled invitation for a date and is agreeing.
[ As much as he wouldn't want to, he isn't above using them against you. Manipulating them for an advantage. Sometimes it happens without him realizing it. But more often than not? He knows exactly what he's doing. It isn't safe to trust Bruce with your feelings. ]
Well, I need a little help getting my hands on some party enhancers. I'm invited to a little get together tomorrow night. I'm sure the Master of Fear knows where I can find the really good stuff.
[ He's banking on it, in fact. Authorities pulled a body from the Gotham River a few nights ago. ]
You do realize who I am, correct? I doubt you want the party favors I make. Outside that unfortunate time, I had to work with the Black Mask. Don't ask about it, but he is the one you want to speak to. But don't. Tell me what you need, I can arrange it.
[ It actually took him a few minutes to respond, he really was sick, that body in the river? Yeah, they had the flu, and Crane has never been in the best health. His smoking certainly doesn't help. ]
Fine, here is the address.
[ He was going to be pissed off when he had to move again. He was trusting Bruce Wayne here. ]
I do. It's why I asked. I thought you might know who to speak to. A few of my friends are looking to try Bliss. But none of their usual dealers can get their hands on it.
[ That narrows his suspect pool considerably. Thank you, Jon. ]
Mr. Wayne, not that I should care, except that you do realize Bliss will destroy your mind. Correct? If you must have something Sionis peddles go for Thrill. My name may not be attached, but it was my creation, I am not proud of it. However, it will also not ruin your mind.
[ That Batman likely knows, given that was in a two-year period where Scarecrow kept Jon locked away. He had made the drug for Sionis during the War Games. While still produced, Jonathan had nothing to do with it. It had nothing to do with fear. ]
I apologize in advance for the state of my home. The backdoor is broken, feel free to come in that way. Batman broke it and I am still waiting for him to fix it.
[ The Batman does know. And while he is looking for an opportunity to shut down whoever is peddling Thrill, his main interest is stopping Bliss from becoming Another Problem. ]
Oh that's good to know. I'll keep that in mind.
[ Said like a man who is going to ignore this dire warning lol. ]
[ Jonathan might have made some calls to find out about it if he felt better. He hated when the street drugs were deadly like that. Not for any moral reason, no. Just worries of finding Harleen overdosed one of these days on a bad drug. ]
See that you do, again, Gotham needs you. So avoid Thrill.
[ A moment later. ]
Absolutely not, Batman broke it, Batman can fix it. It is not about the money, it is about making a point.
[ True to his word, the back door was still unlockable, the door frame still cracked from the last time Bruce visited, not that Jon knew that. A massive, but decretive cage was in the living room, visible from the backdoor. Only one bird inside, Craw; the troublemaker.
Jon, despite how bad he felt, was making his way down the steps from his bedroom. Dressed in dark pajamas, a robe around him, and Nightmare on his shoulder. He looked like death was warming over, but he rarely gets sick. So when he does, it is a total manflu. ]
[ True to his word, Bruce arrives exactly 1 hour later, soup packed neatly. Possibly some cold and flu medication Jon's free to take or not. Funny thing is, Bruce remembers breaking the door. Remembers the reason why the door was broken in the first place. He'd have a contractor out here Monday. ]
[ His already deep voice, more of a rumble than normal just from all the coughing. Coming around the steps, he leaned in the doorway. His hair a mess, round glasses on. As sick as he was, he looked older than he was, but he wasn't aiming to impress the local billionaire.
He's seen the people Bruce courts in the papers. Why bother dressing up? ]
Please forgive the mess, Craw got a little upset and threw a fit.
[ It was pretty clean, just a lot of Halloween decorations. The mess in question was the cat toys all over the floor, one ripped apart. ] And this one is Nightmare.
[ He motioned to the larger bird on his shoulder. One who has attacked Batman before, back before Joker nearly killed the old bird and Jon stopped bringing them on jobs. The problem with Crows was they could recognize people, even with masks. But, Nightmare and Craw just cawed, but nothing more hostile.]
[ The birds aren't the only ones here who could remember faces. Bruce'd never forget the one that tried to take his eyes out, since he'd very much like to keep them where they are. He's not expecting Crane to be dressed up. If he's sick, it would be almost cruel to expect it. Besides if he's here languishing under the flu, he's not out terrorizing Gotham.
Bruce could be happy with that. ]
You're perfectly fine, Doctor. Your birds are beautiful. [ little assholes. ] If I had known I would have brought treats for them.
[ That would be Jon's favorite, and if anything happened to Nightmare, all of Gotham would know. It would be a bad day for everyone. The old bird making a clicking sound before croaking 'Fuck' in a perfect mimicry of Jon's voice. Something he's done before around Batman.
As tired as Jon was he lifted his thin hand so Nightmare could jump over and perch on his fingers as he moved over to the chair. Too tired to keep standing. He motioned to the couch for Bruce. ]
Thank you, and yes, they certainly are. [ Rude. ] No need to worry there, they are both perfectly spoiled creatures. They lack for nothing. So, thank you for the soup. Did you find what you were after? If not, I did get a contact number, but again. I advise against that drug.
[ That Bruce doesn't doubt. The birds are clearly well loved and it's...more nuance Bruce takes in for the file he's keeping on Jon. It's a very human side that he can appreciate. ]
You're welcome. There's also some medication if you need it.
[ He clasps his hands together and eyes the bird, idly wondering if it's going to be the thing that outs him at last. ]
I did find what I was looking for, actually. Thank you for the help.
[ Jonathan had been terrified of birds before his amygdala broke, Nightmare had always seemed the exception to that rule. Craw came after he was broken beyond repair. Truth be told if he left the toxin alone he would heal, but that was never happening.
And part of why Hal Jordan does everything possible to stop the yellow lantern rings that keep trying to come to Gotham. No one needs Jonathan Crane to join the Sinestro Corps. The twice he got to wear the ring was enough for all to know how terrible that idea was. ]
I was running out of NyQuil, between you and me. Thomas hates that I try to use it to sleep through these illnesses. So, I appreciate it. I am glad to hear you found what you were after, just be careful with it. It's on my list to look deeper into as a few women have died from it and I know a friend is into party drugs. I do not want that near her.
[ Bruce had to realize he was talking about Harley. ]
[ If Bruce knew, he might have subtly encouraged weaning Jon off the toxin. Maybe he could finally get his mental health sorted. Maybe Bruce could do something that actually helps him, instead of mitigating the damage Scarecrow could cause. He didn't want it to be like this forever. ]
Ah well, I think sleeping is good for illness. You'll feel better in no time with a little r and r, Dr. Crane.
[ he still eyes the bird, though it's with a curious gleam. Not a malicious or apprehensive one. ]
Thank you, I appreciate your concern. I don't think I'll use it myself. But I have some friends who want to experiment.
[ It's him, he's friends. And he wants to break down the chemical components and make an antidote for an overdose. ]
[ That was like asking the old man to stop smoking or to take better care of himself. It was never happening. The toxin was his life's work, and he would tinker at it as long as he could. ]
I agree, sleeping it off is the best thing. Sadly, he reminds me often that I am not that kind of doctor. We will see, but thank you, Mr. Wayne.
[ He meant it too, moving Nightmare back up to his shoulders, his tired eyes took in the handsome billionaire in his Halloween themed living room. What a strange life he leads. ] Well, as long as you don't I shall call it my good dead of whatever amount of time.
Not to be a downer, Mr. Wayne, but I tried that. For a very long time, I tried to be what I thought the world expected of me. Every turn I was reminded that I was nothing and I deserved ever abuse I ever suffered even before I turned to crime.
So no, I see no point in any good deeds, outside of those I give a shit about. Which somehow includes you these days.
[ The words spoken before he turned quickly and sneezed. Nightmare fluttering away. He sounds awful, but the years of smoking certainly doesnt help.]
[ Crane's been useful in working some of his recent cases. Bruce's used the intel to dig up leads and that have helped to move the investigation forward. But sometimes, Bruce wonders if he's allowed this to go on longer than it needed to. It's not like he needed Crane for intel. Not when he had Barbara and her many many eyes spread out across the city.
Crane just gave the information Bruce often needed a nuance that helped him see the clues and how they fit together more clearly. He could provide things cameras could not - like motivation. ]
That's very kind of you to say. [ He pauses ] If it means anything to you, I don't think you're nothing.
[ Crane had no idea, of course, if he did, Jon would drop all the niceties and likely accuse Wayne of using him. Ruining any chance to keep the calm almost friendship for good.
Looking up at Wayne again when he spoke, the rarest of smiles crossed his face. One that made him look closer to his age. Despite the gauntness of his features. The only downside to that smile is it made the scar on his chin from Lyle Bolton's abuses in Arkham all the more noticeable. Not that Crane ever admitted to what happened, beyond 'fell down some steps.']
Kind? No. I just speak the truth when it comes to you. Though, thank you, it is kind of you to say.
[ Honestly? Bruce was using Crane. Not in a way that he'd consider malicious; it wasn't like Crane was being forced into anything. Bruce wasn't dangling him off rooftops and demanding answers in exchange for leaving his bones in tact. The relationship was mutually beneficial. Though maybe the trade off is tipped in Bruce's favor more often than Jon's. Bruce couldn't help it, though. He'd always look for the advantage.
He catches that smile and damnit if it's not a nice thing to see from Jon. It almost makes him smile too. Almost. But not quite. ]
I should let you rest, Doctor. Can I check on you in a few days?
[ As long as Crane didn't know he couldn't care. The worst part would be finding out someone he'd grown to trust was again betraying him. Not a new feeling, just another point towards the world being cruel and people not being worth dealing with.
Nightmare, still watching Bruce with distrust, while Craw was trying to get at the bars to get to the billionaire.
Jon's smiles were very rare, almost as rare as his natural accent slipping.]
Perhaps, but please don't hesitate to call upon me again. Should you wish.
[ it's just the nature of a relationship with Bruce. It'd (almost) always be transactional. Especially with someone like Jon; someone he's not really supposed to be associating with. Any of his friends who knew would question him about it, wonder if he's finally gone mad. Maybe he had.
He stands when Jon does, nods politely and turns to go. Hope that bird doesn't decide to attack while he's on his way out. ]
and I would prefer you let me handle the dude selling drugs to tweens by bombing their car without needing a movie play by play but we don’t always get what we want
[ Even if it's not the master bathroom it's still probably got one of those over the top luxury showers that takes up half the room, has no real curtain, and those rainfall style heads built across the whole ceiling. Tim's already naked, hair slicked back as he stands under the water, and yeah okay maybe he looks Bruce up and down before answering. Who wouldn't? ]
[ Such was the nature of excessive wealth. Over the top luxury. But it meant there would be room for Bruce to move around without crowding Tim against the wall of the shower. Even if that might be the idea. He sheds his sweats and boxer briefs after Tim's had his look at him. He slips into the shower when he's ready and takes his time to wet his hair and let the water wash off the sweat.
Then he brushes his fingers along the small of Tim's back. ]
[ It's also something Tim is just as used to as Bruce, easily making himself comfortable in the space as if he's owed it. He doesn't move back to give Bruce room, not that it's needed in one this size. They could have every Robin in here and -- okay it might start getting crowded with every Robin but the point stands. Tim almost reaches out to touch Bruce when Bruce beats him to it, and his spine arches into it on reflex. ]
So you are. Though you needed one anyway, looks like. Training?
[ His fingers linger where Tim's back arches into his touch, and Bruce takes his time to admire his lithe build. Perfect. Always perfect. He wants to lean in and kiss him, but for now he pulls his hand away and reaches around him for the shampoo. ]
Yes. I couldn't sleep.
[ Not while the case he's been working on weighs so heavily on him. He lathers up his hair before rinsing it in the warm water flowing overhead. ]
[ Tim holds back on further chiding about that if only because he is aware it's a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Damien might be Bruce's flesh and blood, but he and Tim were birds of a feather. Tim reaches back to grab the conditioner, gesturing Bruce to duck down a bit so Tim can easier reach his hair. ]
[ Yes, it would be hypocritical, but Tim still isn't wrong. Bruce hardly slept. Not until exhaustion overtook him. The case had been consuming him. Sleep's been an afterthought.
He ducks at Tim's encouragement and sighs when he feels Tim's fingers in his hair. That's relaxing. ]
[ Tim takes his time with it, letting his fingers work in a scalp massage as he combs the product through Bruce's hair with his hands. ]
Mmm. The occasional benefit of company.
[ He could do it for longer, but it's surely not comfortable for Bruce needing to duck his head down like this for Tim to reach easily. He's just as thorough working his hands through when washing it out too. ]
[ Bruce doesn't mind the bending. He can ignore that dull ache that's setting up in the back of his neck in favor of sliding his hands over Tim's hips and he tells himself it's to keep himself steady while Tim worked the conditioner into his scalp and then rinsing it out. ]
[ Just to keep steady, of course. Any interest showing from that touch is totally coincidental, not at all related to how nicely Bruce's strong hands settle on his hips, like they're made to be there. His own settle at the back of Bruce's neck when he's done rinsing the older man's hair out, not inclined to put space between them again. ]
[ They're still close and Tim doesn't seem to mind it. Which Bruce notes. So he leans into it, brushing his lips against Tim's shoulder and along his neck, murmuring as he ghosts kisses along his skin. ]
[ Bruce just hums while he backs Tim up against the wall of the shower so he can press more open mouth kisses against his neck and hiking his leg up over Bruce's hip. ]
[ Tim is halfway there already, bringing a leg up to grind their hips together as his hands grip Bruce's shoulder's tighter, pulling him closer as he gasps softly at the press of a hot mouth against his neck. ]
[ He can't help but be pleased at Tim's seeming eagerness to continue what they're doing. Bruce's mouth works along the curve of his neck, the strong line of his jaw until he gets to Tim's lips and kisses him there too. He's getting hard under the grind of Tim's hips and that feeling makes him groan quietly. ]
Absolutely not. Just you is better than fine, don't worry. Besides, I already warned you that it's going to be Slum City. You'll just have to trust me to take care of you. (:
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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aaah, that overflow image is cuter than it has any right to be
You know I can smell you coming from a mile away, right?
[His sense of smell has sharpened over time - but it's an imperfect tool.]
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[ Also scents can be disguised, Os. ]
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I just read your lastest tag :)
Nice one! >:]
Oh, ha ha.
Laugh it up while you still can!
Makes it all the more satisfying when I finally gouge your throat out.
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@reneger
Re: @reneger
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@flybackhome
Now have you decided what you're selling or do you want me to decide?
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You know that you own way more stuff than I do, right?
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This was your idea, Jason.
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*FOREVER*
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okay.
but i hope you learned to babysit your pants better
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@prettyredbird
thanks!
ofc!
Didn't someone from the League get close enough to attack you recently?
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You approached me.
And my answer is still no.
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[ it's different when Bruce does it. ]
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[ Maybe because Bruce never managed to lose his whole spleen, Tim. ]
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First, because this isn't about me. We are discussing you.
Second, I still have my spleen.
@restingstitchface
hello boo
😘
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[Interesting. Challenging. Frightening. Take your pick.
But will it, though? It's not like Batman made him who he is.]
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ps. always up for psl and such if that's okay with you of course. i love your bruce
ahhh thank you! We can totally psl if you want!
wonderful! can i add you on plurk?
Sure! I'm tapsters
A warning if you don't.
thank you :)
And you know what they say, right? What doesn't kill you makes you stronger? Every escape and every loss; everything is progress.
[And what do doctors love to see if not progress?]
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You had a chance to do something good. You chose poorly. You will face the consequences.
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And I will make your life a nightmare.
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[He doesn't need a promise. So long as he keeps doing he does, so will the Batman. But even then, he needs that engagement, that mental combat, that thrill, that he struggles to find anywhere else]
@iocus
Jason, we're going to have a very serious problem.
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cw: wrist injury
Attached is an image of Jason’s rushed stitches around his wrist.]
Told you.
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@farcry
There's work to do.
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I’m here for another 48 hours whether you like it or not.
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You gonna come after me?
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Fine. I'll go.
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@iocus
Why do you do things like this?
sorry dw dropped this notif
<3
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[ says the man who regularly eludes the police. ]
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@oversight
Are you asking me to bid on you?
Thanks for moving!
np! also not me forgetting i moved it lmao
No promises it won't be awkward, however.
oops!!
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sorry for the delay – I was out of town, but back now!
Welcome back!
ty!
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[ no it won't, but John doesn't need to know that. ]
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It won't be a true disaster unless they catch me streaking again.
Allegedly.
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Would you prefer to go out or have dinner at the manor? Asking so I'll know how much extra I'll have to pay Alfred for this.
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I'll just bring both.
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[ He has a few of them. Some of them bat-themed. ]
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[ Yes, you do. He will never take a direct invitation. Why are you trying to get me at your table? Like a shifty-eyed old dog. ]
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@superiorloki
Why are you so interested?
@farcry
I'm in a board meeting.
So yes.
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Should I feel bad for distracting you, though?
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I thought we didn’t talk about these things on main.
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In that case, I was debating with myself whether you were the shampoo first or the body wash first type.
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You're serious?
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[ can Bruce read the teasing smile on his face? ]
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Funny that you think I would be concerned about that if you're there with me.
that icon, so CUTE
I’m being considerate because right after I get you clean I’d get you all dirty again.
it's that real smile
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Yeah? Been running through your mind nonstop?
I’m surprised I’m not exhausted.
[ badum-tssss. ]
Do you miss me?
[ never did he ever think he’d flirt with Bruce like this. ]
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I do. When will you be back in town?
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Wednesday. I’m meeting J for lunch.
[ i.e., he’s working on a case and wants Jason’s intel. though as soon as he sends the text, he wonders if he’s said too much. Bruce will no doubt read between the lines. ]
Why? Thinking about asking me out on a date?
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Maybe I will. Dinner?
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You gotta know how to ask nicer than that, Bruce.
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Would you join me for dinner?
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Just name the place and the time.
[ how did he get here? Bruce is spying on him. tracked him without his permission, is messing with his case, yet he's angled invitation for a date and is agreeing.
he's more fucked than ever. ]
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I'll make the reservations and send it to you.
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Full service. At what cost?
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[ Or on Dick. If he feels like he can't escape Bruce's looming presence. ]
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You know what a date is, right, Bruce? It's different from an interrogation.
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[ Maybe ask a series of strategically placed questions to ascertain the nature of his lunch with Jay. But definitely not an interrogation. ]
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[ are they going to be having seafood for dinner? because he thinks things are starting to smell a little fishy. ]
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[ He just wants to take him to dinner and maybe fuck a little before patrol. It's all fiiiine. ]
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[ does he trust him with his feelings? to not try to manipulate him with all the new leverage Bruce now has against him? ]
Should I?
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You can.
oops lost this
[ Bruce will read the teasing sarcasm. he knows you, Bruce. possibly better than anyone else. how does it feel to be seen? ]
<3
I mean it Dick.
💙
Do you?
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I care about you, Dick.
[ Is...that sincere? ]
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I know. Thanks. Just hard to accept it sometimes.
[ a beat. ]
I care about you, too.
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How can I make it easier for you?
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You could try making time for me when it doesn't have to do with Jason.
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[ Noticeably not a denial. ]
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Alright. I’ll let you know when I’m in town next.
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[ He's annoyed. But he'll manage. ]
@hosannas_of_anguish
I can get Alfred to make chicken soup for you, if you'd like.
[ He's definitely going to ask that favor. ]
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No need to do that, I am unsure if I am contagious yet and would not care to risk someone as important as Mr. Pennyworth.
[ Which is why Jon shouldn't be sitting up smoking, but the man was terrible at keeping himself alive. ]
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[ He's banking on it, in fact. Authorities pulled a body from the Gotham River a few nights ago. ]
Alfred won't mind.
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[ It actually took him a few minutes to respond, he really was sick, that body in the river? Yeah, they had the flu, and Crane has never been in the best health. His smoking certainly doesn't help. ]
Fine, here is the address.
[ He was going to be pissed off when he had to move again. He was trusting Bruce Wayne here. ]
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[ That narrows his suspect pool considerably. Thank you, Jon. ]
I'll bring it to you. Don't worry.
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[ That Batman likely knows, given that was in a two-year period where Scarecrow kept Jon locked away. He had made the drug for Sionis during the War Games. While still produced, Jonathan had nothing to do with it. It had nothing to do with fear. ]
I apologize in advance for the state of my home. The backdoor is broken, feel free to come in that way. Batman broke it and I am still waiting for him to fix it.
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Oh that's good to know. I'll keep that in mind.
[ Said like a man who is going to ignore this dire warning lol. ]
I'll fix your door.
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See that you do, again, Gotham needs you. So avoid Thrill.
[ A moment later. ]
Absolutely not, Batman broke it, Batman can fix it. It is not about the money, it is about making a point.
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Ah well. If I ever meet him again, I'll remind him.
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That said, I will make sure they are in their cage when you arrive, just let me know a few minutes beforehand.
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[ True to his word, the back door was still unlockable, the door frame still cracked from the last time Bruce visited, not that Jon knew that. A massive, but decretive cage was in the living room, visible from the backdoor. Only one bird inside, Craw; the troublemaker.
Jon, despite how bad he felt, was making his way down the steps from his bedroom. Dressed in dark pajamas, a robe around him, and Nightmare on his shoulder. He looked like death was warming over, but he rarely gets sick. So when he does, it is a total manflu. ]
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Dr. Crane?
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[ His already deep voice, more of a rumble than normal just from all the coughing. Coming around the steps, he leaned in the doorway. His hair a mess, round glasses on. As sick as he was, he looked older than he was, but he wasn't aiming to impress the local billionaire.
He's seen the people Bruce courts in the papers. Why bother dressing up? ]
Please forgive the mess, Craw got a little upset and threw a fit.
[ It was pretty clean, just a lot of Halloween decorations. The mess in question was the cat toys all over the floor, one ripped apart. ] And this one is Nightmare.
[ He motioned to the larger bird on his shoulder. One who has attacked Batman before, back before Joker nearly killed the old bird and Jon stopped bringing them on jobs. The problem with Crows was they could recognize people, even with masks. But, Nightmare and Craw just cawed, but nothing more hostile.]
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Bruce could be happy with that. ]
You're perfectly fine, Doctor. Your birds are beautiful. [ little assholes. ] If I had known I would have brought treats for them.
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As tired as Jon was he lifted his thin hand so Nightmare could jump over and perch on his fingers as he moved over to the chair. Too tired to keep standing. He motioned to the couch for Bruce. ]
Thank you, and yes, they certainly are. [ Rude. ] No need to worry there, they are both perfectly spoiled creatures. They lack for nothing. So, thank you for the soup. Did you find what you were after? If not, I did get a contact number, but again. I advise against that drug.
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You're welcome. There's also some medication if you need it.
[ He clasps his hands together and eyes the bird, idly wondering if it's going to be the thing that outs him at last. ]
I did find what I was looking for, actually. Thank you for the help.
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And part of why Hal Jordan does everything possible to stop the yellow lantern rings that keep trying to come to Gotham. No one needs Jonathan Crane to join the Sinestro Corps. The twice he got to wear the ring was enough for all to know how terrible that idea was. ]
I was running out of NyQuil, between you and me. Thomas hates that I try to use it to sleep through these illnesses. So, I appreciate it. I am glad to hear you found what you were after, just be careful with it. It's on my list to look deeper into as a few women have died from it and I know a friend is into party drugs. I do not want that near her.
[ Bruce had to realize he was talking about Harley. ]
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Ah well, I think sleeping is good for illness. You'll feel better in no time with a little r and r, Dr. Crane.
[ he still eyes the bird, though it's with a curious gleam. Not a malicious or apprehensive one. ]
Thank you, I appreciate your concern. I don't think I'll use it myself. But I have some friends who want to experiment.
[ It's him, he's friends. And he wants to break down the chemical components and make an antidote for an overdose. ]
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I agree, sleeping it off is the best thing. Sadly, he reminds me often that I am not that kind of doctor. We will see, but thank you, Mr. Wayne.
[ He meant it too, moving Nightmare back up to his shoulders, his tired eyes took in the handsome billionaire in his Halloween themed living room. What a strange life he leads. ] Well, as long as you don't I shall call it my good dead of whatever amount of time.
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I think you could do a lot of good deeds, Doctor Crane. If you really wanted to.
[ They don't always have to punch each other. Give peace a chance, Jon. ]
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So no, I see no point in any good deeds, outside of those I give a shit about. Which somehow includes you these days.
[ The words spoken before he turned quickly and sneezed. Nightmare fluttering away. He sounds awful, but the years of smoking certainly doesnt help.]
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Crane just gave the information Bruce often needed a nuance that helped him see the clues and how they fit together more clearly. He could provide things cameras could not - like motivation. ]
That's very kind of you to say. [ He pauses ] If it means anything to you, I don't think you're nothing.
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Looking up at Wayne again when he spoke, the rarest of smiles crossed his face. One that made him look closer to his age. Despite the gauntness of his features. The only downside to that smile is it made the scar on his chin from Lyle Bolton's abuses in Arkham all the more noticeable. Not that Crane ever admitted to what happened, beyond 'fell down some steps.']
Kind? No. I just speak the truth when it comes to you. Though, thank you, it is kind of you to say.
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He catches that smile and damnit if it's not a nice thing to see from Jon. It almost makes him smile too. Almost. But not quite. ]
I should let you rest, Doctor. Can I check on you in a few days?
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Nightmare, still watching Bruce with distrust, while Craw was trying to get at the bars to get to the billionaire.
Jon's smiles were very rare, almost as rare as his natural accent slipping.]
Perhaps, but please don't hesitate to call upon me again. Should you wish.
[ Standing, clearly about to go back upstairs.]
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He stands when Jon does, nods politely and turns to go. Hope that bird doesn't decide to attack while he's on his way out. ]
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[ Nightmare started off Jon's shoulder before Jon caught him in both spidery hands. ] No, we're going upstairs, leave Mr. Wayne alone.
@turdusmigratoriusmortuus
You're smart enough to know I keep back ups of everything.
[ His back ups have back ups. And also yes there is a camera on Jason's suit. Somewhere. Probably with the tracker he put on it. ]
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got new armor
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[ He unsends that a second later. ]
When were you going to tell me?
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you don't want me to die again, do you?
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[ Read: hey tell me when you get hurt okay ty ]
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@restingstitchface
You think very highly of yourself.
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So yes. I do.
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It isn't an improvement.
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@zesti
How was the party?
Thank you!
Too loud, poor company, bad drinks.
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Was there a reason for you to be there?
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Were you feeling lonely tonight, Tim?
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A little bit.
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Then he brushes his fingers along the small of Tim's back. ]
Well, I'm here.
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So you are. Though you needed one anyway, looks like. Training?
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Yes. I couldn't sleep.
[ Not while the case he's been working on weighs so heavily on him. He lathers up his hair before rinsing it in the warm water flowing overhead. ]
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[ Tim holds back on further chiding about that if only because he is aware it's a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Damien might be Bruce's flesh and blood, but he and Tim were birds of a feather. Tim reaches back to grab the conditioner, gesturing Bruce to duck down a bit so Tim can easier reach his hair. ]
Let me.
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He ducks at Tim's encouragement and sighs when he feels Tim's fingers in his hair. That's relaxing. ]
That feels nice.
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Mmm. The occasional benefit of company.
[ He could do it for longer, but it's surely not comfortable for Bruce needing to duck his head down like this for Tim to reach easily. He's just as thorough working his hands through when washing it out too. ]
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I should keep you company more often.
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You could help me out next time.
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How about right now?
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Mmm. You want to help me wash up?
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[ He's not moving, except to press in closer to Tim. ]
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[ He doesn't move away, feeling the heat of Bruce's body against his. ]
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(I need smutty icons)
Yes-
so do i
Have you been thinking about me?
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OR!!
You can come slum it at my place and we'll make something together.
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