tushanshu | 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

[Well she hadn't been planning on going to the dance for any reason, even less so now with the revelation of York having settled down. The offer comes as a complete surprise to her.]

The ball could be targeted by anti-foreigner sentiment.

It's certainly a possibility, given some of our past... 'parties'. And I, as you know, am hopelessly incompetent when it comes to personal safety.

[Because reasons.]

[Where she would usually chuckle, Carolina's silent.] Armor should be formal enough.

[Because someone doesn't have a dress. :I]

I was rather hoping you'd consider something a little less (or would it be more?) formal, actually.

[It's not a date but...]

There's not time to. [Even if the seamstresses she's seen in the main areas were miracle workers, she's pretty sure any dress that would fit her standards wouldn't be done in time.]

Let me worry about that. If you're interested, I'll make it happen.

[She pauses, considering what could go wrong, but reminds herself that he asked out of protection and that she desperately needs to stop with the whole loner bitch attitude if she really wants to change.]

Then I'm interested.

[He smiles!]

Excellent. Do you have a colour you prefer?

Black. [She tries to make it come off as casual and natural, despite her usual default being her turquoise, seafoam green, whatever the hell that color is.]

Should be simple enough. I'll see to it.

[a slight pause, and then,]

Just as an aside, I do request that you not carry a gun while you're in my employ.

Don't need one. [That confidence is at least natural; he'd seen her in action and she doesn't need a weapon to cause some serious damage.] You're in good hands.

[And no questions about why he dislikes them, Carolina he could kiss you.]

I'm aware, or I wouldn't have asked.

-- Thank you, by the way.

[She's assuming that as someone who's not been in a literal war, that Bruce doesn't like the idea of a gun being around. It's one of those things that she strikes as the difference between civillians and soldiers, but still she nods and after his thanks she pauses.

She should say thank you, too, because she'd likely have stewed herself into a hole the night of the masquerade, imagining how much fun York and his girlfriend are having. Things that really aren't healthy and she knows aren't going to help her turn a new leaf.

After assembling her words from scratch,] I should be the one thanking you, Bruce.

I wouldn't go that far just yet. I have no head for alcohol and I plan on dancing with at least half the population of Keeliai. You'll have your work cut out for you.

[Carolina's surprised by the outright honesty and she finds herself smiling despite the actual words he just said. And boy does it brighten up her face.] Save one for me and I'll have your six the whole night.

Only one?

[Who says you can't mix business and pleasure when you're Bruce Wayne.

Batman, however, is another story entirely.]

That's a good look for you, you know.

[The smile. She's beautiful when she's not thinking too hard about being surly.]

You'll be busy dancing with half the population. [She'll just be glossing over his second statement like he didn't say it, but she's still almost flirting.]

Lovely women have a way of tempting me back to their side for a second indulgence, I find.

[Playboy is practically his middle name, even if he essentially never intends on following through with his myriad flirtations.]

I'll point them out to you at the event. [She'd mention that some roses have thorns, but that would require her calling herself a rose. Which is never happening.]

I'll be glad to have your astute observational capabilities at my disposal. Especially once I pass the first glass of champagne.

[That makes her chuckle outright, feeling very much cheered by his playful responses.]

Anything else I should know about the job before tomorrow night?

Nothing comes to mind. I'll sort out your attire and contact you before we're due.

Copy. I'll be ready. [And she's still smiling as she prepares to disconnect. Unless he's got something else to add.]

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