[ 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]

It was a long time ago.

[ The arm pat is nice, mostly because it means things aren't quite as awkward between him and Jason, but Bruce can't help a dry: ] Thanks.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

You could always give it a try again.

[It's just... too easy for Jason to feel comfortable around Bruce because, his or not, it's still Bruce.] You're welcome, old man.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

Maybe someday.

And I'm not that old.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

Let me know when that day is.

And you are, compared to me.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

You're sixteen. Everyone twenty and up is old compared to you.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

Exactly! So old man it is.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ SCOWLS. ]

[toughest.livejournal.com]

[You get such an innocent look, Bruce.] Unless you prefer old chum?

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ He is not fooled by that innocent look. ] I would prefer neither of them.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

You're such a party pooper. [POUT.]

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

I don't party unless absolutely necessary. [ But he looks less scowly now than he did before. ]

[toughest.livejournal.com]

[He snorts, amused.] I know.

But really, nicknames aren't that terrible.

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

They are when they have the word 'old' in them.

[toughest.livejournal.com]

Got any better suggestions then?

[isthenight.livejournal.com]

[ ... silence. He's got nothin'. ]

[toughest.livejournal.com]

[Not at all surprised.]

... Yeah, I thought so.

[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.