tushanshu | video;

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video;

Well, this is... embarrassing, if I do say so myself.

[He laughs a little, just to prove how completely embarrassed he is. Look. Do you see his embarrassment? Because it's totally there.]

Here it is, almost literally the eve of this masquerade and I find myself without a date. I hope none of you gentlemen mind me cutting in on you when the time comes.

[His tone is a little at odds with his expression, which is patently apologetic. His voice, however, is steeped in savoir-faire. Because what playboy wouldn't be happy to go stag amidst a party of beautiful women, I mean really.]

And on that note, I would officially like to extend my gratitude to Favrielle nó Eglantine for making this event a possibility in the first place, and for sharing this aspect of her culture with us. She's been a rock of our community for some months now, and she deserves every ounce of recognition her genius affords her.

[encrypted; AGENT CAROLINA | hackable]

Carolina, would you be interested in coming with? As a bodyguard of sorts, a strictly professional basis.

[encrypted; OLIVIA DUNHAM | hackable]

I don't suppose you're feeling up to a dance or two? I cut a mean tango.

[encrypted; BAT!DICK | unhackable]

Keep an eye on the newcomers.

[It goes without saying that Bruce is suspicious of both Tim and Jason, oops.]

[encrypted; ROBIN!DICK | unhackable]

I need to speak with you.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[O-oh Bruce. That little speech actually makes her a little emotional, and she has to take a moment to compose herself before replying on the network.

By the time she opens the video feed, she's serene and collected, and there is a pleased smile on her face.]

It's my pleasure, Mister Wayne. [She inclines her head toward the screen.] This particular holiday is important to me and I'm glad to share with among all of those who have made my stay in this city all the better.

[And then her lips twitch up just a bit, after giving that gracious answer, and adds on a more personal note:]

As for a dance, I would be a poor hostess indeed to leave a guest in want of one.

[His answering smile is... closer to genuine than he usually manages in this persona, actually.]

I feel like I'm forever asking you to call me 'Bruce', Favrielle.

[He tips his head in a nod.]

I'd be honoured.

[Her smile widens further, showing a hint of teeth.]

I'm afraid I'll slip up every now and then, though only out of respect, Bruce.

[His official thanks had the tones of some formality, and she had responded in kind.]

Is there any particular dance you're partial to?

I could teach you to salsa, if you'd like.

[He knows all the dances. All of them.]

Or would you prefer something more classical?

I wouldn't be opposed to learning something new, if you'll grant me one of the more classical dances as well.

[Because if she screws up the salsa, she'll still be able to make up for it with a waltz or something of that nature.]

Then it's a date, Ms. Eglantine.

[What the lady wants...]

Oh come now, if you insist on me calling you Bruce, you must call me Favrielle.

[She pauses a beat, and then idly flips through her small scheduling notebook. They have an appointment soon, don't they?]

I think I can manage that.

[His smile is a little wry, though. And he notes her flipping--]

Tomorrow, I think? Just after noon.

[She looks up a moment, and then her lips spread into another smile.]

Yes, that's exactly it, thank you. I had thought it was coming up soon.

Is there anything in particular you'd like me to bring?

Well, if you're offering, lunch would be lovely. An opportunity to not have to take the time to cook or go out to eat would be appreciated.

I'll bring your favourite.

[because he's charming.]

Thank you, I suppose this means I'll have to give you my best work.

[Her expression grows a bit mischievous, but she inclines her head.]

Until tomorrow then?

I'll see you then.

[Favrielle closes the feed and gets back to work.

And, the next day when it's time for his fitting, everything is done. Well at least, her commission for Bruce is done. There's still a great deal of work to finish and it seems as if not enough hours in the day in which to accomplish them.]

['Rough night' is putting it mildly. There's something about the kedan element that's becoming more violent, and more intelligent in the execution of that violence. Bruce spent nearly half the night engaged in a variety of different conflicts, and he wears the marks of the worst ones across his skin like a topographical map of various injuries.

One in particular has him moving a little slower than usual today, though he hides it well. A knife wound, down through the subcutaneous layers, just nicking the latissimus dorsi through his kevlar/nomex uniform. The strength and precision of the blow surprised him. If it had been an upward thrust instead of a slash it would have penetrated a kidney. And due to its placement, it was hell to stitch closed.

He could have asked any one of his Bats to do it, but he wasn't in the mood. He'd simply set up a mirror and done the best job he could. He cleaned it, stitched it, applied a dressing over top, bandaged the whole thing together and forgot it ever happened.

Which is why he's balancing a tray of food (Keeliai doesn't have the resources necessary to make 'take-out bags' a component of day-to-day life, and Bruce promised to return the tray later) in his arms as he knocks on Favrielle's door with a very awkward elbow. This is a man for whom getting shot is a commonplace occurrence but managing lunch is rather beyond him.]

[Favrielle is not far from the door when he knocks, which is perhaps for the best, as that elbow didn't make a sound to carry through to other parts of the house.

She opens the front door with a smile on her face, because as much as this is her work, her work brings her joy. And she's all the more pleased to do it for someone who truly appreciates her work. Bruce isn't just one of her best clients, but one of her favorites, and a friend besides.

Seeing him balancing the tray of food makes her smile drop a moment as she immediately reaches out for it.]

Here, let me take that.

Would you? I have no idea what I'm doing.

[The comment is offhandedly self-deprecating, and his relief almost palpable as she takes the tray and he lets himself in.]

They didn't have any take-out containers, so I improvised.

[Favrielle takes it and immediately carries it into the living room area. She sets it on the coffee table with ease and straightens to head back toward him.]

You improvise well enough, Bruce. [With a smile, she holds out a hand again.] Shall I take your coat?

By all means.

[He shrugs it off with only a little stiffness to the motion. A selfish indulgence, acknowledging his pain.]

How's your day gone so far?

Busy, as to be expected. I'm organizing an event that no one here has seen before, even at its worst.

[Explaining things over and over again is becoming tiresome, especially with so much work to be done. She huffs a small sight, but her eyes catch something in his movements. Favrielle's done enough fittings for him to notice something is off. She takes the coat, but not without a narrowing of her eyes.]

What happened to you?

[And oh, there is nothing to her tone to suggest that she's asking him if something did happen. She already knows something must have, for his movements to be like that.]

You aren't the only one that's been busy.

[He still isn't capable of being wholly Batman around her, so the words are accompanied by a slight flicker in his expression. Conflicted.]

[She frowns, but simply nods and lets it go. For now, in any case. Her stomach is growling and she's smart enough to know she'll have a better idea of what's happened to him when it's time to get him changed into his masquerade clothes.

So Favrielle simply leads him from the front door, hangs his jacket in a nearby coat closet, and offers him a seat.]

Then it would seem both of us have worked up an appetite.

[He nods, rolls up his cuffs and steps to the table to pull out a chair for her. It's not that he isn't capable of more casual conduct, it's that Favrielle makes it seem... natural rather than obligatory.]

Lucky I brought extra, then.

[And he's back to his usual charming self.]

Indeed.

[She accepts the pulled out chair with a nod and murmured thanks, and after serving some food for both of them, starts to eat. Conversation remains light throughout the meal.

Favrielle asks Bruce about how he's been keeping busy, what has been happening with his business, and carefully avoids talk of anything related to his masked activities. Instead, when the conversation draws to a lull she mentions how plans for the masquerade are progressing, what one person asked to have made, or what another person chose for colors for their mask.

By the end of the meal, she carefully wipes her mouth with a napkin and rises to her feet.]

Well then, should we see to your fitting?

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