tushanshu | [video]

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[video]

Well, that was... quite the event, now wasn't it? I'd like to extend my thanks to anyone that helped clear out the infestation of those little creatures.

[Bruce tosses the camera a disarming smile, pushes a fountain pen out of the view of the camera. There's a slight shift in his demeanor, the sort that few people would be able to recognize much less understand. Batman has just hung up his Bruce Wayne hat.]

I'd actually like to address a matter that concerns us all. I notice there've been considerable tensions lately between the metahuman or powered individuals and those who are more commonly considered 'baseline'. It's my understanding that we're all here to help this world inasmuch as we can regardless of our abilities or beliefs. As with all things, there is always the potential for those with power to abuse that power, but it's my belief that the majority of individuals here deserve our trust equally as much as our respect.

[You owe him for this one, Clark. He coughs, and then brightens.]

Also, it's my understanding that the first wave of Foreigners began arriving a year and four days ago. I know many of you are missing your friends, your families, and others may have those friends or families with you. For better or worse, this place has been a prison, a home, a second chance to a variety of people, many of which are no longer with us. The community we've created here has been strong and each obstacle we've encountered we've overcome, together. And together is the only way we can move forward.

[He folds his hands on the desk in front of him, gives the camera a firm nod.]

On that note, Wayne Enterprises is always hiring, and my pharmecutical branch is available for anyone missing medications from their respective homes, so if you've any interest in working for or speaking with the longest-standing foreigner-run business on Tu Vishan, my office is in the Metal Sector, and I'm available between six AM and noon on Mondays and Tuesdays. Thank you for your time, Keeliai.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, actually...

[He trails off, leaving his meaning rather... intentionally ambiguous.]

[Oh.]

[Oh.]

[...ew.]

Well, that's just unpleasant.

[Change of subject? Change of subject.]

I'd ask how you've been...but I guess that answers the question.

[Sort of.]

I didn't hurt it!

[HE'S VERY ADAMANT ABOUT THAT OKAY Bruce Wayne is a total pacifist!11]

At least I don't think I did. It's... difficult to distinguish with these creatures, but I got it purring again after a moment so I don't think I hurt it.

[He makes a considering noise, and then jumps into her subject change.]

I'm perfectly well, tribbles aside. What about you, Zatanna? I feel like it's been forever.

[Uh-huh. Right.]

[She's already moved beyond the tribbles by this point, though the fact that the creature sounded like it survived the encounter was a small comfort. As evident by the fact that she visibly relaxes at the news before answering his question.]

Pretty sure that's my line; between you and your son, I'm starting to wonder if that business of yours is just one, giant black hole of time management.

[A smile. To show that she was joking. Mostly.]

Keeping out of trouble. [Mostly] Of course, that sort of thing tends to get boring, so I'm sorry to say, not very many interesting stories to share.

Dick helps out a great deal, as I'm sure he's told you. I'm sorry to keep him so busy, but it's difficult to find reliable help here.

[A helpless little frown, and it's... honestly genuine. He keeps trying to usher Dick into another line of work, and it keeps making him more adamant about staying a vigilante, so. That's definitely a thing.]

I know it's going to make me sound terribly old, but staying out of trouble is significantly better than the alternative, however 'boring' it may be.

You're right. It does make you sound old.

[She smiles, trying to suppress a sigh. She likes Bruce. Really, she does. He's been nothing but kind to her ever since they met on the Turtle. It was enough that she almost considered feeling guilty for knowing she wasn't going to be taking his advice on the subject.]

[Not that she did it on purpose, of course. Things just...tended to happen.]

[And speaking of things happening...]

Actually, I would have to see him for him to tell me anything. He tends to be almost as elusive as certain friends of mine from back home.

[She could name names...except she didn't actually know his name. Which was only part of the problem.]

If you happen to see him before I do, think you could let him know I promise not to hex him on sight if he ever decided to pop in just to say 'hi'? Sometimes, it's hard not to think he's trying to avoid me for some reason.

Well, I'm over thirty-five now. Practically ancient to the iPod generation.

[Of which he obviously considers Zatanna a part. Nevermind that thanks to the Sliding Scale of Comic Timelines Bruce technically grew up in the nineties. Give that a moment to sink in.]

I doubt very much he's avoiding you. Dick's just-- well, he's a bit of a workaholic. I suppose that's one of the worse traits he's picked up from me.

Practically?

[A tease. He actually looked quite good for his age, in her opinion. ~~And good job there, comics.~~]

You two really need to get out more.

I'm serious.

You'd rather I say literally? Do spare my poor ego, Zatanna.

[He laughs.]

We get out plenty! It's just... mostly for work...

[Your ego can take it.]

You know what they say about all work and no play, Mr. Wayne.

It... gets a lot accomplished...?

[RIGHT?]

Close.

[Not even close.]

It makes you go premature grey and causes wrinkles. [A dramatic pause, to let the sheer horror of such a fate sink in, before she adds:] ...oh yeah, and something something being really dull on top of that.

It's been a while since I've seen the movie.

If I haven't gone gray by now I think I'm probably safe. Wayne men age well.

[Excuse you.]

That what my dad said about Zatara men. Then my mom had me.

[/is excused]

I have four sons and a daughter, Zatanna, you can't possibly be any more of a handful than they are.

[FAMOUS LAST WORDS.]

Those sounds like stories I would just love to hear sometime.

[About Tim and Dick specifically. Because of reasons.]

[-Hint Hint-]

[Cheerfully,]

Sorry, I have an obligation to keep the blackmail material on hand for their future significant others.

[She pretends to seriously ponder this notion for a moment.]

...how "significant" are we talking here?

[Shit son.

Bruce's expression doesn't so much as flicker, and his tone is mild when he speaks,]

I was thinking engagement party announcement level of significant.

[Otherwise known as: Dick don't you dare. One of these days Bruce is going to have to tell him about Kori and that entire disaster.]

[Well, way to ruin her fun with things that are never going to happen. Ever. As is evident by the very flat look on her face.]

You're missing out on prime parental embarassment opportunities here, Mr. Wayne. Just saying.

Oh, I think Dick would be rather gratified to find out I've got his back on this one.

[So cheery.]

Oh, sure. Take his side.

[Stop smiling. It's almost contagious.]

Well, he is my son.

[... he. actually means that tho. he and Dick have had their difficulties, but. He does mean it.]

[Darn. The one thing she always had a difficult time arguing with. Fatherly pride. The fact that this was technically a different father and son...it didn't seem to matter.]

I know he is.

Like I've said before: I can see the resemblance.

[Oh, it matters. Just not in a way Zatanna is (currently) privy to, alas.]

Only where the good traits are concerned, I hope.