voicetesting

[stillbatman]

Charming.

[How does that one word convey such an overbearing quality of sarcasm? Magic. Or Batman. One of the two.]

This compulsion of yours isn't flattering or useful. For either of us. Give it a rest.

Comments

[rather_be_surfing]

Your mun probably has too much time on their hands. Seems to be what's up with mine. Give her a few days off and she decides to dig me out of the so-called mental grave.

[stillbatman]

And?

[Bruce is naturally inclined to cranky old man syndrome when confronted with people he doesn't know.]

[rather_be_surfing]

[And Derek is used to dealing with all sorts of cranky people. Comes with the job. He'll shrug and smile slightly.]

Just pointing it out that that may be what happened to you. If you're lucky, they'll put you back.

If you're not, well, man, I wish you luck. You'll need it right alongside anything else you've got.

[girlfriend_beyond]

Wayne.

Bad time to talk?

[stillbatman]

Miss Tan.

[They've never really had much to do with one another, but Bruce arches an eyebrow inquiringly.]

[laughingalltheway]

[ Can't resist any Batty boop he comes across, I tell you. Good thing he doesn't have a clue who this Bruce is or was or is! ]

Oh but, see, compulsions are the very finest things to follow, you know. A little impulse action, if you will, going with your gut, following your instincts? I find it funny, you know, amusing, humorous, entertaining even... Hah, hah.

You seem so glum, so disappointed. Why not a smile?

[stillbatman]

I don't need it 'pointed out'. I'm aware of how these things work.

[Bruce's expression is just a little dour.]

And I don't believe in luck.

[girlfriend_beyond]

[This is the first time she's really talked with Bruce Wayne from her time. The first Batman, though... And now she knows they're one and the same.]

That's right. Your assistant's girlfriend. I've been wanting to talk to you about him and his job.

[rather_be_surfing]

[Derek will shrug again, pushing away from the wall he'd been leaning on.]

Just trying to help. And have a decent conversation with someone.

[He'll drop the casual attitude for just a moment.]

Apologies for making a mistake and bothering you, sir. Hope it goes well for you.

[He'll give Bruce a nod and start ambling off.]

[stillbatman]

[... And you know what? Some things are just universal. People smile when they're happy, cry when they're upset, and any incarnation of the Joker is a recognizable pastiche of the jester's role. Still, though this may be a variant on his greatest enemy, Bruce doesn't look so much as ruffled. He's danced this dance once before.]

I'm not the smiling type.

[stillbatman]

Have you.

[It's not really a question. The manner in which she said his surname cemented some sort of acquaintance. More than what he's known in the past.

And there's an unmistakable accusation to the way she says that last sentence. She knows. He feels a brief flash of irritation at Terry, quashes it. As hard as he is on him, he knows Terry wouldn't have revealed his identity unless there was no other choice.]

[electric_mayhem]

Still as cranky as ever.

[stillbatman]

[Oh, it's you. Well, Bruce doesn't hate you, so although his expression stays... disgruntled, it's not actively irritated.]

Are you surprised?

[girlfriend_beyond]

I have. Though what I've wanted to say has changed...

If it's any consolation, he didn't tell me. I found out thanks to mental time travel shenanigans.

[byebye_mistah_j]

You look rather familiar. I'm not entirely sure why though.

[laughingalltheway]

[ Quite true, that is. This Joker's crazy in his own way, Bruce's Joker was crazy in other ways, but if you analyzed 'em you'd rack up just as much crazy no matter what. At the very least, Bruce isn't in for any random, violent 'jokes' this time around. ]

Oh, now, I can see that much; not the talkative type much either, are you? Oh come now, I'm sure you've got stories, see, care to have a seat, tell a tale, relax a moment? I'm sure, you know, see, I've got, well, a story or two to, ah, share. Perhaps I'll share if you do, hmm?

[stillbatman]

[Mental time travel shenanigans. What does it say about his life that that surprises him less than, say, Terry accidentally blurting it out over breakfast.

But Bruce says nothing. Merely looks at her, waiting for her to continue.]

[trainedbythebat]

(Yep. Doesn't matter what universe, how old he is or even if he's wearing the suit. Tim will always recognize that voice.)

Never change, do you?

[stillbatman]

[There aren't a lot of people who can say that they've surprised Batman. Any Batman, frankly. Maybe Jean-Paul excepted.

But Tim now joins those hallowed ranks, because Bruce is looking at him like he's seen a ghost.]

... Tim.

[stillbatman]

[Harley Quinn.

Or, more likely - Harleen Quinzel, by the look of her. Bruce just. Scrutinizes her.]

I think I'd remember.

[Hey, he may be an octogenarian, but he can still lay on the charm. And you bet he will until he figures out what's up with a version of Harley that looks... somewhat sane?]

[byebye_mistah_j]

[She offers her hand out.]

Well either way my name is Harleen. A pleasure to meet you.

[Now hopefully he will tell her his name and clear up why he was setting off an alert in her brain.]

[stillbatman]

[JUST BREATHE BRUCE funny how after all these years he still has to remind himself to do it, around the Joker.]

I don't 'share' with clowns, either.

[Is it cold in here or is it just Batman being pissed off.]

[trainedbythebat]

(Back in his Robin days, Tim would've enjoyed getting one opportunity to surprise Bruce. Not much has changed, the smile evident, though he'd be lying if he wasn't confused. He did survive, didn't he?)

Yeah Bruce, it's me.

[felinefemme]

Join the rest of the crowd unhappy to be here.

[stillbatman]

[On one hand, 'Bruce Wayne' only fails to be a household name when the households have no access to the news. On the other, Harley is... young. There's no reason for her to expect Gotham's bright young billionaire would be in his eighties and in front of her now.

And Bruce has always been a very convincing liar. So he smiles a touch, just for show, and keeps his voice well away from the inflections of the Batman.]

Thomas Draper.

[Handshake.]