19435/The Proposal

The Proposal
Date of Scene:	05 November 2024
Location:	Penthouse - Wayne Enterprises
Synopsis:	Harley Quinn meets Bruce Wayne for a business proposal.
Cast of Characters:	Harley Quinn, Bruce Wayne

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Harley Quinn has posed:
A meeting proposal. From one Harley Quinn to meet with Bruce Wayne directly for a business that will revolutionize Gotham forever! It's the kind of 'hail Mary' shot that Harley took when that desperation had sunk in. Specially after she had never gotten that money back from Tony. There's a lesson there, never loan money to co-workers, they will just screw you over.

So it had been quite the surprise when the meeting had been accepted and even a date arranged for Harley to come, in person, deliver the proposal to Bruce Wayne himself. It meant preparation, and lots of it.

And so it is quite the different Harley that comes walking up the steps leading to Wayne Enterprises. The first visible change is the sneakers are gone and there's a pair of high heels on her feet, black silk stockings covering long, shapely legs and disappearing under a black skirt. Atop is a blouse covering slender torso, her hair up in a twist, gathered in a professional bun and to finish the ensemble there's a pair of glasses over her eyes.

Is this even Harley Quinn? But she walks the steps up towards the entrance, right through the main doors to reach the reception, "I am here to meet with Mistah Wayne." that Jersey accent is still unmistakable though.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Within the lobby of Wayne Enterprise's a few pairs of eyes turn to regard the recent arrival. It isn't so much her appearance or even the way that she speaks that draws attention to her. It's the insistence that she's there to meet with Mistah Wayne. The name carries a great deal of weight in Gotham and especially in this particular building. To imply that one has a business meeting with the Chairman of Wayne Enterprises is going to draw a lot of attention. Whether that's from one of the attendants manning the front desk, the few security personnel scattered throughout the lobby, or even others there on their own business awaiting a meeting with one department or another. When Harley Quinn drops the name, there is activity behind the desk as a phone is lifted and questions begin to be presented. No doubt checking credentials, verifying the meeting is legitimate, the appointment's time, and every other matter of internal bureaucracy that transpires within a prominent business.

Eventually Miss Quinn's provided with her credentials and even an elevator ride with an escort from the security team. The man's surprisingly tight-lipped and doesn't seem exactly thrilled to be stuck in the confined space with the infamous Harleen Quinzel, but he seems to adopt a simple philosophy. Don't make eye contact and don't engage; everything's going to be okay.

The lift doors open with a soft chime to announce the car's arrival and that it's safe to exit. The security officer remains behind, though he does at least now turn a watchful eye toward Harley, likely willing her to leave the elevator and venture across the threshold.

Behind the dark marble floors have been polished to a gleam and the inlaid gold at the seams of the flooring seems to form artistically appealing geometric patterns throughout it. Here and there pillars adorn the floor space, creating breaks in line of sight and some further artistic appeal on account of those same pillars having been carved by expert hands into neo-gothic impressions. On the far side of the large room rests an impressively sized desk. Behind it a tall-backed chair is silhouetted by the mid-morning daylight streaming across large windows that seem to dominate the wall. Due to the time of year and the hour of the morning, that sunlight isn't direct; which only serves to further cast the large office into yet deeper shadow. The chair's silhouette is soon broken by the form of a man rising up from the desk and a strong, but friendly voice issuing from behind it as Bruce Wayne begins to circle the desk in order to offer a more personalized greeting to his guest and latest appointment.

"Miss Quinzel," Bruce's voice echoes ever so softly within the large chamber. His footsteps join that shallow echo as he strides across the polished floors on the soles of designer shoes. He's dressed as one might expect of Bruce Wayne in an office setting; a deep navy suit, bold red tie, and a smile to join it all together. As he draws closer to his arriving guest, Bruce's greeting continues with the offering of a hand, "to say it was a surprise for you to reach out would be an understatement, but the fact you did was a very intriguing prospect. Did you have any issues with getting signed in? Would you like a drink?"

The questions are delivered while hands are shaken and, by the end of those questions, Bruce's hand returns again to his side.

Harley Quinn has posed:
Not engaging is all fine and nice. But who can trust Harley to not engage back? They are on that trip up the elevator when silence is cut through by yours truly, lifting a small case of gum she got from her purse, "You look a bit tense. Want some gum?" she is so kind hearted. But she knows how corporate life can destroy one's life and soul. Not that she has ever worked corporate, mind you. But all her friends tell her so.

They are out at last, she tossing a smile back at the security guard, "Don't let them take away your dreams, darling." she says to him, giving it no mind that he's keeping a very serious eye on her and venturing forth, her heels echoing on the marble floors, eyes trailing the pillars before take in the ambience. Dark. Telling of someone who doesn't like to be on the limelight which is at odds of what she knows of Bruce Wayne. *How interesting.*

"Oh, Mistah Wayne. So glad you could receive me." A smile out of ruby lips, "No problem. But you should give Reuben..." that's the security guard, "... a few days off. He is letting the tension get the best of him. Mental health is as important as the physical after all." And Harley does know all about mental health, doesn't she?

Her hands returns to her front and she rests it atop her other hand.

"And I was just as surprised that you accepted! Gladly surprised, of course." her smile has turned into a wider grin, "So .., what do you know about roller derby?"

Bruce Wayne has posed:
While the room itself may be shadowed by the early morning gloom, Bruce Wayne seems as charismatic and chipper as one might expect of a billionaire. Time may be money, but Bruce Wayne's got enough that he can waste a couple hours if it truly comes down to it. His smile seems to suggest that he's intimately familiar with that fact. The newspaper articles that showcase his varied exploits as a billionaire playboy are sure to support that fact, too. His enthusiasm bleeds into that handshake, which seems to fly in the face of the fact that he's shaking hands with THE Harleen Quinzel. Her infamous reputation does precede her, of course. Could he be in danger? He certainly could be. However, Bruce Wayne seems to be of the mind that a warm welcome and a heap of charm may very well save him from the reformed criminal's potential ire.

Though the matter of Reuben and his apparent need for mental health awareness brings a swift conclusion to Bruce's smile. Instead a look of concern sweeps over his visage and he offers an equally swift nod in return. A prompt answer follows Harley's concerns, "I'll see to it that he's given consultation and support if that's the case. We, I, appreciate your candor and concern, Miss Quinzel."

Though the wide grin may be one that Bruce has seen before, though often in a more nocturnal setting; it's another thing to see it presented as part of a daytime discussion of legitimate business, charitable work, and mutual cooperation. A smile rapidly returns to Bruce's face as he steps aside, gesturing Harleen toward one of the two chairs that sits opposite the Big Chair nestled behind the desk, "I've seen a few bouts in my time, but I'd be happy to hear a more intimate explanation of it if you care to enlighten me". That seems to be the invitation, along with Bruce dutifully moving around his desk anew to resume his seat in the high-backed chair.

Harley Quinn has posed:
It's a charm that's quite infectious, meaning Harley is grinning just the same. Or wider even which is quite the dichotomy to how she used to appear for Bruce as Batman. That wide smile normally preceded some type of horrific crime or attack. But now? It but serves a presentation for .., roller derby? How times change.

Or are they still the same?

Harley paces forward to the offered chair, hips swaying under that snug skirt, it tight enough on her legs to show the contours of her thighs, "You have seen it?" she appears happily surprised, her eyes widening, "Always glad to meet a fan." now, let's not get carried away with it, Harley.

"But so .., a more intimate explanation. As I am sure you know roller derby is a game that's become more and more popular. I am a playah and also a team ownah. Of the Brooklyn Queens." a pause as a small frown mars her otherwise very smooth, very pale features, "Or was. Not gonna go into details but uh .., I lost the team." and the tension is telling that something truly dire happened. Of her doing? "And so ..., I thought .., why not return to my roots and form a team right heah, in the heart of Gotham?" She grins, "We got no team representing the city which is a shame because I am suwah Babs would love playing in her home town." wait, Barbara is part of this team?

"But anyway, I am gettin' ahead of myself. I have the idea, even the name too and uh .., the outfits." okay, that's a lot too, "But we need backing and financing." her eyes widening a touch, "The kind of money that I really can't get on my own.." well, she probably could but that might mean going back to a life of crime.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"Life's full of opportunities for entertainment, Miss Quinzel," Bruce answers with a bright smile as he seeks to remove his suit's jacket and drape it for the moment across the the high back of his chair. "An argument could be made that roller derby is akin to the gladiatorial events of ancient Rome, providing spectacle to the people, though with considerably more personal empowerment for the participants," Bruce concludes. While he doesn't go as far as to roll his sleeves up in some show of Everyman relatability, the shirking of his jacket does at least present a more modest approach to the discussion that is well underway with Harley's explanation. Despite his efforts to bring a degree of casual professionalism to the meeting, Bruce's face seems to show the seriousness that he takes the explanations given.

While Harley's explanation regarding the Brooklyn Queens could inspire a series of follow-up questions, it's likely that Bruce will save such inquiries for a later time. For now it seems that he's more inclined to look forward, at potentials, at prospects, and at the positives. A smile's quick to overtake his expression again when he's informed that many of the necessary arrangements are already prepared to go. Though the need for financial support is predictable and met by little more than an understand nod from Bruce. His hands soon come apart as he begins to speak, addressing the matters presented by his guest, "Are you seeking endorsement and support through Wayne Enterprises or the Wayne Foundation? While both are open to the prospect of charitable efforts and support for worthy causes, establishing the distinction is important for my decision making. I do appreciate that you've come prepared also, Miss Quinzel, as it shows your commitment and dedication to this plan. Both are important parts of the process and knowing that the project would have an enthusiastic and invested steward is a key element to its success". For a moment Bruce falls silent, allowing an artificial pregnant pause to allow for Harley's answers. Though he eases into follow-up questions smoothly enough, "What is your planned name for the team? For obvious reasons anything too provocative may require caution on the part of a potential supporter, as we must be very careful with the presentations that we associate ourselves with."

Harley Quinn has posed:
That Bruce seems to *get it* right from the start is quite the surprise for her. She might had been expecting a more stuffy meeting, though going right into comparing it to gladiatorial combat? Which it pretty much is? "Yes, exactly!" she adjusts her glasses even to control some of her giddiness, "It's the kind of place to let loose and really let some of that aggression vent out in a good way." is that what Harley uses it for? There's been weirder cases of therapy that worked.

As for Enterprise or Foundation? "I hadn't really given it much a thought on which .." she purses her lips together, "Though the Foundation might make more sense." Harley talking about making sense? Hah!

"And yes, this is my passion project. Like it was back in Brooklyn, I am fully focused on it now. Laser-eyed, really." she grinning again, always a dangerous thing, "And if this goes ahead I am already prepared to present a draft of the outfit for a next time we meet. I could even bring my star girl." she bobbing her head at this as if that was becoming cemented as a plan.

But Bruce asked for a name did he not? "Gotham City Sirens." isn't that catchy?

Bruce Wayne has posed:
The enthusiasm out of his guest and latest pitch presenter is enough to maintain a smile, of varying strength, upon Bruce's features. He nods along with Harley's explanation and seems rather taken by the idea. That doesn't mean that he's sold entirely on it though and that is heralded by the low clearing of his throat. That sounds seems to wash away at least some of the starry-eyed enthusiasm that's overtaken the man and instead finds it replaced by something much more pragmatic. His expression doesn't encroach on stern or grim, but he does at least adopt a more professional neutrality as he begins to address elements of the pitch, "I do really like the name that you've chosen. That said, I have to address at least a couple matters of concern. Your past is going to be a matter of concern for some, but your activities since your reform will act in your favor. Along with some of the endorsements you've received in the form of reassurances from notable figures". Bruce shifts in his seat, but not uncomfortably so. In fact it seems that he's getting more comfortable on account of the prospect of a meeting that's going to take a few more minutes of his time than expected and will demand more tact than a simple matter of budgets and reports.

"I think the Wayne Foundation would be the best home for this project, if we decide to endorse it. There will be some some contractual expectations. Naturally the fine details will come down to the lawyers who draw up that agreement."

Then Bruce leans back into his high backed chair, one arm coming to rest upon the arm of his chair in order to adopt a more comfortable position that he may watch Harleen, her reactions, and consider those while he speaks as the early morning sun begins to creep around the edge of their view, further silhouetting the man in shadow and sending a couple bright beams of sunlight toward Harley's own seat.

"Behavioral and ethical expectations, yearly community service requirements per member, maintaining appropriate attitudes, keeping the reputation of the Wayne Foundations in mind while acting as a proxy representative of it, and other such demands," Bruce offers as a preview of potential contractual obligations and agreements. He then lifts a hand to thoughtfully rub at his jawline with a palm, nodding along with the flip side of the likely agreement, "You would act as the steward for the team, funding would be provided so long as contractual expectations are met, create opportunities for the Gotham City Sirens and the Wayne Foundation to promote combined community outreach and inclusion," he begins to trail on, but stops himself with a rueful smile before he continues, "but I think you get the point."

Harley Quinn has posed:
There's a lot that can be read out of the corporal language of someone and Harley is quite the good reader of people. But Bruce? It's hard enough for her to pinpoint where he stands which is quite the uncanny quality to have. It has her cant her head to the side in a thoughtful manner at Bruce, considering him in a new light. The more relaxed posture, arm back and comfortable as if he was not in the presence of the former clownette of crime.

Because he believes she's reformed or something else?

In the end her lips twist up in a graceful smile, vibrant, "I believe I can sell that pitch to the rest of the girls." he assures Bruce about the commitments they may have to do. And knowing Harley she will most likely turn it into something fun for the team to do.

Or as they say: Shenanigans.

She leans forward then, that same smile still present, "I am more than willing to show that I have taken a new page in my life." her voice soft, hand up to brush some hair out of her face.

"And yes.." A pregnant pause then, " ... I get the point."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"Then I think we're in accord, Miss Quinzel," Bruce answers with a prominent smile and a renewal of his enthusiasm. He leans forward in order to extend a hand across the desk, offering it toward Harley in order to shake on this prospective arrangement. While his hand remains extended, it seems that Mistah Wayne is on his way toward bringing their meeting to a conclusion, "For now I think it wisest if we forestall further discussion of specifics. You talk to your people, I'll talk to my people". Bruce's hand withdraws back to the invisible line that separates the two halves of the desk.

His hand again returns to rest along the length of his chair's arm, his elbow cocked back and his head canted ever so slightly while the same charismatic smile remains. Then he offers further hope for a potential partnership between the Wayne Foundation and Gotham City Sirens, "If you'll leave your contact information with my assistant, we will be in touch prior to drafting a preliminary agreement to determine your, and your team's, willingness to commit. Until that time? I wish you luck in your efforts, Miss Quinzel. I'm sure I'll be able to influence the Foundation's lawyers to see this made possible."

Then Bruce begins to rise up, gesturing vaguely to the room as a whole. It's obviously a mild physical cue that their meeting has drawn itself to a conclusion.