I am Vengeance, I am the Night, I am Batman.

((Guess I'll have to change that.))

#givethemnothing

pliablepaladin-deactivated20130

I saw that, O'Brian.

ANON MADE ME

#ebonmatriarch #jaytodd #submission

Typical excuse.

#pliablepaladin

I saw that, O'Brian.

#pliablepaladin

I have no questions, Mister Wayne, I merely wish to inform you of the truth behind Jason Todd's current status. We had wished to notify you sooner, but Jason himself had to keep his true status a secret beyond the initial success of the project, and we have respected his wishes.

Allow me to point you to a press release that we at SHIELD have released on his behalf.

I am more than willing to give you the means to contact him, should he wish to do so in return, though I will give you notice that he may not wish to do so immediately, as the past few days of re-connecting with family and friends alike have been a bit - stressful for him. Though, it is up to him to decide in the long run, in all honesty.

I will attempt to answer any questions that you may have.

Natalia Romanova Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. SHRA: Black Widow

He felt sick.

Sick, angry, elated, disgusted, afraid. He felt a little bit of everything, but at the forefront he was sick. Everything was starting to take on a surreal feel, though if that was because of the news or the fact that he didn't remember the last time he'd actually eaten something other than a few sips of coffee, he wasn't sure. All he did know was that Jason was alive. A part of SHIELD.

And hadn't contacted him.

For a moment his anger sparked a little hotter as he reread the line about the life model decoy. He'd buried a damn doll. Cried over that grave. Prayed over it. Cursed. Begged. In a way he'd gotten his wish--Jason was alive after all--but at what price? The man had been unstable in his second life, so what would he be like in his third? In a way, Bruce was afraid to find out.

But find out he must, and even as his fingers shook, he wrote out his response.

If Jason truly wishes to contact me, he knows any and every possible way to do so. I understand that the relationship between he and I was strained at best, especially toward the end, however I want him to know that I would welcome any word from him, even if it is just that--a word.

I do have one question that I hope you can answer for me. How stable is he since his return? The events that led to his prior resurrection left him on edge and unstable, which put him on track toward his attempt on his own life on more than one occasion. I just hope that what you have done has not put him in that state of mind once again.

Mister Wayne, I would like to speak to you concerning the current status of Jason Todd. I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

It had been a while since Bruce had allowed himself time to think about Jason. No, that was a lie. There wasn't a moment that his former Robin wasn't in the forefront of his mind, muddling his thoughts, making work nearly impossible. Life had become a world of black and white, soundless, colorless, nothing of it left to keep Bruce's interest. He was a man without a mission, a strange thing for one that had made it his entire purpose to be that single Mission.

Already a recluse on the best of days, Bruce hadn't been seen topside in Gotham since the "incident", instead sticking to simply Batman and nothing else. Alfred did his best to make sure the man ate and slept, but there was only so much the butler could do with the broken shards that once had been Bruce Wayne.

This message had come in one of his moments of solitary melancholy, having taken a little time to get out of the Batcave, having almost forgotten what sunlight was anymore. The moment the SHIELD emblem flashed in the corner of his screen, there seemed to be a spark of life in Bruce as he pulled the half burned out cigarette from his lips, the smoke ghosting around him like a bitter memory.

Opening the message, Bruce read over the short lines, dark blue eyes scanning each letter as if they were clues to some new mystery. What would SHIELD want with him? With Jason? Turning over the concept in his mind, Bruce leaned back in his chair, ignoring the soft squeak it made in protest as he snubbed out his cigarette in the almost full ash tray at the corner of his desk. There was only one way to really find out what they wanted--and that was to reply.

Ms. Romanoff, it would be my pleasure to speak with you, though I must say it is a strange request that you are making of me. Jason Peter Todd, as records have shown, passed away several months ago. However, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

#ebonmatriarch #ask #solo prose #RP

medusaliths-deactivated20121107

Diana: How long have you been skulking around here?

Bruce: Long enough to hear that none of you could get past your cartoonish, slack-jawed dumb-foundedness over the situation and secure any answers as to why a man who we all know is dead walks around articulating like a walking anachronism. Catch.

Kyle: That is, by far, the most complex sentence I’ve ever heard anyone utter.

Wally: Ten bucks says he’s been hiding in the shadows for the last hour, just so he could come up with a put-down that classy.

#...#You'll never know

speedandcharm

drhfquinzel replied to your post: Can my life be normal for twenty minutes?

It wasn’t that long ago, was it.

Hmph. Hey, you should take over for me for a few days. Get some roller blades or something, get a flash suit tailored for you. You’ll fit in just fine.

drhfquinzel

Bruce grounded me from taking part in any thrilling heroics, sorry.

speedandcharm

Well isn’t Bruce a big ol’ party pooper.

#I saw that West

Christ, what'd I miss?

World’s greatest detective or not, I can’t keep up with the gossip rags. Only Kardashians and teenaged girls can manage that. I wonder how Kim is doing anyway. I haven’t seen her since that function in Miami.

*he shrugged a bit before taking another sip of his wine, his gaze following Tony’s glass* Oh that’s right, how rude of me. You’re not much of a drinker anymore. Good to hear. *Bruce lowered his own glass, tapping a finger against the half-filled flute distractedly* Otherwise, that would be an influence I don’t want in my son’s life.

*Tony chuckled,* they’re brainless rich kids, nothing differentiates them from the other kids that have their father’s credit cars, save for the cameras.

*He places the wine on the table behind him* You really are behind on the times, aren’t you Bruce? I haven’t touched alcohol for seven years, *he paused,* there is nothing wrong with alcohol in itself, controlling how much you drink is another matter, however. *Tony glanced around the room, seeing who else was drinking before his eyes finally settled back on Bruce, his eyes fluttering to the glass before giving him a pointed look,* that’s funny, I’m sure he’s been to more than one benefit or charity that’s had alcohol served more than once

I've had other things on my mind besides keeping up with other heroes and their personal issues. *he returned the pointed look, lips curling downward in a slight frown* Being at a function where alcohol is served versus being exposed to alcoholism are two completely separate things. I just wanted to make sure that you were going to be a good influence at least. He's pretty adamant about keeping me out of his life, so I just want to keep an eye out from the outside.

After all, I am still his actual father.

Christ, what'd I miss?

None of the Lanterns have reported anything… sinister in the universe. Surprising indeed.

*he picked up a second glass, lifting it in a slight salute* I am known for my thoughtfulness. Or is it something else… Hm. I have a hard time keeping up with the gossip.

*his eyes narrowed at the mention of Jason, fingers tightening around the stem of his glass* Yes. That wasn’t a very… good time for the family. We’re still recovering from it. *his tone had a hint of finality to it, not wanting the turn in conversation to continue*

The Sorcerer Supreme hasn’t sensed anything either, though I wouldn’t be surprised if something turns up soon.

*He lifts up his own glass before nonchalantly lowering it, he’s beaten and been around alcohol long enough not to get distracted by it. Tony silently nods, allowing the topic of Jason to slide, speaking of him and the incident, especially during Christmas, would do him no favors.* Yes, you’re a philanthropist, *he quirked an eyebrow,* my Bruce, I thought you were the world’s greatest detective?

World's greatest detective or not, I can't keep up with the gossip rags. Only Kardashians and teenaged girls can manage that. I wonder how Kim is doing anyway. I haven't seen her since that function in Miami.

*he shrugged a bit before taking another sip of his wine, his gaze following Tony's glass* Oh that's right, how rude of me. You're not much of a drinker anymore. Good to hear. *Bruce lowered his own glass, tapping a finger against the half-filled flute distractedly* Otherwise, that would be an influence I don't want in my son's life.

Christ, what'd I miss?

Hm. I will keep that in mind then.

Yes, it is quite fascinating. And disturbing at the same time. This can’t be having a good affect on the universe as a whole. Matter can’t occupy the same space as other matter. Multiple universes converging together? Seems like a recipe for disaster.

My main focus… Well. I have been distracted, I admit. Personal issues, I’m sure you understand.

*Bruce reached to the side, lifting a glass of wine from the table, able to take a sip before pausing to look at Tony over the rim* Oh, how rude of me. I see you don’t have anything to drink. Here, I’ll get another. *he holds out the glass to Tony, his expression passive*

On that we can agree on, this multiverses collapsing on each other can’t be good, frankly, I’m surprised anything still exists! Much less planets not erupting into chaos due to all of this.

*Tony’s eyes flicker to the wine flute, without missing a beat, he lightly takes the glass from Bruce’s hand and nurses it, a smile on his face.*

Why thank you Bruce, that’s quite thoughtful of you.

As for personal issues, yes, I’ve herd of some of that as well, like Jason’s attempted suicide? Poor kid.

None of the Lanterns have reported anything... sinister in the universe. Surprising indeed.

*he picked up a second glass, lifting it in a slight salute* I am known for my thoughtfulness. Or is it something else... Hm. I have a hard time keeping up with the gossip.

*his eyes narrowed at the mention of Jason, fingers tightening around the stem of his glass* Yes. That wasn't a very... good time for the family. We're still recovering from it. *his tone had a hint of finality to it, not wanting the turn in conversation to continue*

Christ, what'd I miss?

No not seems, is.

Ah, you’ve been looking into this multiverse matter? What have you found? I’ve been working closely with some of the best minds: Reed Richards, Hank Pym, Stephen Strange, and T’Challa regarding that matter. It’s a fascinating phenomenon.

Tell me, is this what your main focus has been these past few months?

Hm. I will keep that in mind then.

My main focus… Well. I have been distracted, I admit. Personal issues, I’m sure you understand.

Christ, what'd I miss?

My reputation precedes me. Or perhaps it’s obvious seeing as this is a family gathering.

Another me? Yes, I’ve been seeing that phenomenon. Arrested Two-Face twice the other day. The irony wasn’t lost on me.

And your eldest son gave Damian his blessing to invite me, who am I to say no to an 11 year old? Much less one I consider family?

Arresting the same person twice from different universes, that must have gone over well with the GCPD. I’m surprised that hasn’t happened more often within the caped community in general.

#bleedingedgefuturist #What?

Oh no, I know you're an invited guest. I'm not about to counter that at all. Damian certainly seems... close to you. Especially now. Name change considered and all.

Yes, the GCPD is still scratching their heads about it. I promised the Commissioner that I'd look into it, but it's still up in the air.

Christ, what'd I miss?

I had to do some quick business talk with Pepper…for a few hours.

Hm, so you’re Tony Stark. I’m surprised we haven’t really met in person before now.

I hope the holidays find you well.

Yes I am, and you’re undoubtedly Bruce Wayne.

Yes, I’m quite surprised we haven’t already, though I have had contact with another…you.

And same to you Mr. Wayne.

#bleedingedgefuturist #Yes #Hearing things

My reputation precedes me. Or perhaps it's obvious seeing as this is a family gathering.

Another me? Yes, I've been seeing that phenomenon. Arrested Two-Face twice the other day. The irony wasn't lost on me.

Christ, what'd I miss?

I had to do some quick business talk with Pepper…for a few hours.

Hm, so you're Tony Stark. I'm surprised we haven't really met in person before now.

I hope the holidays find you well.

#don'tbehostile

I'm sorry that I'm late. Duty called.

Better fashionably late than never, right?

aflyinggrayson-blog

Right! Though I’m not sure what’s left of the food.

* He laughs*

Thanks for showing up Bruce, really.