tushanshu | [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

[A slightly amused smile.]

Sorry, I have my speakers up a little high here. I conduct a lot of business while I'm wandering around the house, I find it helps to be able to hear the people I'm speaking with.

Then by all means. After lunch?

After lunch.

And...hey, thanks again. I really appreciate it.

Of course. I'll see you then, Mr. Stilinski.

[Just a little after lunch, call it one or so, Stiles is waiting at the meeting spot. He has his pill bottle with him, and honestly he's a bit nervous. What if this guy needed to meet Chris Hansen? Hnnngh damn.]

[Oh, and here's Bruce! He's just gaily walking through the marketplace, stopping once in a while to absentmindedly chat with whoever's running it. He seems to know a few of them by name, and he purchases wares here and there until he's packing several bags by the time he encounters Stiles - whom he almost walks right past. Then he takes a step backwards.]

Hi! Stiles, right? Sorry I'm late, the kedan on the corner had these new casserole dishes I just had to have. I don't even know how to make casserole.

[THE MOST HELPLESS SMILE.]

[He raises a hand as Bruce starts to walk by, and then stops, stymied. Uh...! Oh. Hi.]

Well, a dish is a good start. Maybe some tuna at some point? And this is a way weirder conversation than I envisioned.

I don't think tuna is a good idea for me. One of my boys still hasn't forgiven me for the travesty of a tuna sandwich I foisted on him once during my time without a personal chef.

[No seriously Alfred left and it was awful and Tim basically told Bruce he was never allowed near tuna again and it's one of those things he's never lived down.]

I'm Bruce, by the way. I'd, um, shake your hand but-- [he holds up his bags helplessly.]

[Okay this guy is either the best actor on the planet or he's legit. Although...if he's the head of a big company, the "actor" option is more likely.]

Stiles. Hey, look, I don't mean to be rude, Bruce. But...my Stranger Danger alarm is pretty finely tuned, and I'm just wanting some reassurance I'm not gonna end up a lampshade in your feng shui power nap office.

[Bruce looks at him agape for a moment, and then his expression shifts into a wry smile.]

Lampshades? Never. I do find myself in the market for a throw rug, though. Unfortunately you're a bit on the small side, so I believe you're safe for the time being.

[He doesn't seem the least bit offended. Hell, he'd rather kids be suspicious than not.]

I'm not sure what sort of assurances I can give you beyond saying 'I'm not a crazy axe murderer, I promise.'

[He smiles wryly, and then just shrugs helplessly.]

I guess I don't have much of a choice but to trust you. I mean, you have to admit it's more than a little Lifetime Special Feature.

[Bruce shifts the bulk of his bags from one arm to another.]

Is that one of those... documentary programs? I don't have a lot of time for television.

...Yeah, no, never mind. Memo to self, pop culture references not appreciated on the turtle.

[He extends one hand, and grins a little.]

Can I help you carry anything?

[Might as well, the guy's getting him his meds.]

You're speaking to the wrong Wayne. You could always try one of my boys, they might have better luck in that particular venue.

[HE IS DEFINITELY NOT TALKING ABOUT TIM OR ANYTHING GOSH. And then Bruce brightens a little.]

I'd be glad for the help. Here.

[And he dumps a couple bags off onto Stiles.]

So where were we, again?

[Really, dude? Maybe you need the ADHD medication.]

We were going to go back to your office, so I could get my Adderall.

Right. Right, sorry. A lot on my mind. Most of it's hair, I'm afraid.

[Prepare yourself, Stiles, for the World's Most Charming Smile, and then Bruce sets off down the street towards his office.]

I'm kidding, by the way.

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