[ nineteen; ]

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ Bruce has, somewhat predictably, been hiding out in his room all day today. Towards the evening, though, he ventures into town. He doesn't do any window shopping and in fact he looks a little peeved as he makes a bee-line for a flower shop, purchases something and then heads back to the castle.

From there he goes right up to the roof to sit on the ledge and watch the sun setting over the horizon. He doesn't move for a very long time, instead just sitting there and thinking, gently cradling two white roses in his hands.

Bother him if you like, but saying he's not one for conversation at the moment would be an understatement. ]

Comments

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

People who have names that are only on syllable tend to not get nicknames.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

So? I had plenty for... [Awkward pause and Jason makes a vague hand gesture.] My Bruce.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ Awkward pause is awkward as Bruce figures out what to say and how to say it. ]

It's not that I mind, but I know you make the distinction between universes more than I the rest of us do.

[ And even though Bruce wants to get to know Jason and work with him and all that, he doesn't want to push. ]

[toughest.livejournal.com]

It's— You're great, really, and I appreciate everything you've been doing for me.

[Another pause, in which Jason stares at his mug and takes a deep breath.]

But it's not the same.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

... I know.

[ There's not much he can say outside of that, so he just gives Jason a sympathetic look. ]

[toughest.livejournal.com]

[He briefly glances up to catch that look before letting silence fall for a little while.

Until he says, decisively,] You can be B.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ He's surprised, and it shows a little, along with a small smile. ]

Alright.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

[He looks back up at Bruce, returning the smile before he nods to himself.]

It works for both Bruce and Batman.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

Calling me B in both identities doesn't exactly help with keeping what's left of my secret identity, though.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

Just how much is left of it?

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

Not much. It only takes a little digging in the journals to be able to find it. There's still a good amount of people who don't know, though.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

Alright, I'll be subtle about it.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

It's appreciated.

[ Even if the comment had been meant mostly as a joke. ]

[toughest.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

[It's hard to tell with you sometimes, okay.]