2238/Chilling with the Waynes

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Chilling with the Waynes
Date of Scene: 26 June 2020
Location: Grand Hall - Wayne Manor
Synopsis: Hank McCoy, Carrie, and Alfred watch the Match Game. Easy evening of chatting.
Cast of Characters: Carrie Kelley, Henry McCoy, Alfred Pennyworth




Carrie Kelley has posed:
There had been so many visits to Gotham lately that Carrie was running out of delightful places to bring Hank. Of course there was one yet she hadn't invited him to. The Manor itself. There was plenty to do here, even of a mundane variety, from a walk on the grounds (to running on the grounds) to the pool to the library and of course just the relaxing sitting room/living room. Surely there was something suitable to watch on TV, or someting DVRed that had been too long ignored.

Carrie leads the way along showing off the rooms and such like a tour guide. "This place really is way too big even with all of us here. And we rarely *are* all here," she explains to Hank with a warm grin. "If it weren't for Alfred I'm quite sure the place would fall to disrepair."

Henry McCoy has posed:
It's been a long time since Henry was nervous. But here he was, dressed in a black polo, jeans and wide sneakers, getting a tour of the Wayne manor. He listens as she speak, peering around the place as he does. "This place is enormous." He says, grinning just a bit. "We're not going to disturb people, or upset anyone by claiming one of the rooms to watch TV?" He asks.

His footsteps are measured, as if he wanted to make sure he wasn't scuffing the floor. He's definitely on jittery legs. Poor Beast.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"Quite astute, Mistress Carrie," the aforementioned butler agrees, his tone wry, from a few paces behind the pair. He is, as always, dressed in an impeccable suit and bow tie, and drawn up to his full impressive height by his practiced posture.

"Doctor McCoy, I can assure you, neither myself nor the Master of the house will begrudge you the use of a chamber or two. We have some few to spare." Though the butler's voice is measured and polite, there is something underlying his look that is difficult to put a finger on. Many have heard the expression, 'staring daggers.' Prior to this very night, few have had cause to use the phrase, 'staring lint rollers.'

Carrie Kelley has posed:
"Well I did tend to notice a thing or two while growing up here, Alfred," Carrie responds with a glance over her shoulder to flash the older butler a warm smile. The look on his face causes her pause though and a bit of a puzzled look in turn. What on earth had Dr. McCoy done to earn such a look? She'd spent enough time around him herself at this point to not even take the fur into account, sadly.

She reaches out to take hold of one of Henry's hands giving it a reassuring squeeze. "He's right though, there's tons of rooms that go unused. We'll just avoid the main study. He likes to leave it untouched since it was his fathers." There's a hint of hesitation there, and she shrugs. "Sentimental value." Also away from hidden doors that lead to hidden stairs that lead to hidden caves.

Henry McCoy has posed:
He wasn't entirely suprised, his hearing being what it was and all. Henry turned, nodding to the other man - a friendly smile on his face. "Mr. Pennyworth. A pleasure to finally meet you. Carrie has had nothing but good to speak of you." He assures, extending over a hand to the other man. The daggers are always expected, and blithely accepted. It was his lot in life.

There's a glance to Carrie and a nod. "I trust in your decisions here... it's your home, right?" He chuckles a bit. "I've no want to tread into sentimental rooms - it seems a bit forward." A glance back to Alfred.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
The lint rollers that dance in his eyes do not indicate any hostility toward Dr. McCoy, but simply warn of the woe that will fall upon any strand of electric blue fur that dares to linger on the premises once its owner has departed. The butler extends his own hand to meet McCoy's, navigating its slightly odd topography without difficulty or delay, and delivers a firm but friendly squeeze. "I endeavour to be the best representative of the household that I can, Doctor," he answers. "Might I offer you a glass of wine? And of course, refresments for the young lady?"

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley steps back slightly to watch the two greet one another. One arm crosses lightly over her stomach to cup the elbow of the other which reaches up to just gently rest over her chin and lips. Considering. Watching. Perhaps even judging the interaction in some manner. Hank had been overly nervous being in the 'old homestead' even though he'd already met all the many and assorted brothers she had. There was still something to be said for the parental figures apparently.

"I think some snacks and drinks would be lovely. We were just going to relax awhile and catch up on the DVR. Though you don't need to get it all, Alfred, I know where things are as well." There's a pause as she adds, just in case it comes up, "I'm not just offering to try to get a glass of wine, either."

Henry McCoy has posed:
The shake returned is firm, but careful - clearly he's still getting used to the new shape of his hand. "From all she's mentioned, you are the pillar that holds everything up." Henry offers over, complimenting the other man. "Drinks would be excellent - we'd be happy to help, where needed?" He clearly didn't expect the other man to do everything, but he also didn't want to disrespect him in his duties.

A glance over to Carrie with a chuckle. "Is that a tactic that works here? I somehow doubt it'd be met with success." He grins.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"I would trust your integrity with my very life, Mistress Carrie," Alfred tells her, his voice and expression perfectly neutral. "I would, however, be a rather poor butler were I to neglect the bottles." His very slight emphasis on 'butler' and 'bottles' draws attention to the words' similarity and entwined origins.

He inclines his head to Henry's compliment, graciously accepting without dwelling on it. "Regardless, it is no trouble -- while you begin on your programs, I shall be happy to get started on a charcuterie board. Perhaps some popped corn?" Surely he must be messing with them now. Would anyone unironically say 'popped corn' in the year of our lord 2020? There is no evidence whatsoever that he's kidding, though.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley allows a wry grin back toward Hank with the subtle shake of her head. No, no that wouldn't work at all. Though she didn't try such things anyway. Out of all the 'kids' she was rather good about what she imbibed or didn't imbibe in. "That sounds good, Alfred, thank you. If you *do* need any help though, you know we'd be glad to." While she speaks on both of their behalves in this case, she was fairly sure it was okay given the sentiments.

"Well then. I guess we should see what's on. I'm told there was some show I needed to see on it, but I don't know what it's about." Mostly because in spite of her skills and focus on certain topics, television was rarely one of those topics. Plus she'd been suitably distracted as of late with her company.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Odd manners of speech are nothing too shocking to Henry, thankfully. Old colloquialisms don't phase him in the least. He offers a smile and a nod to Alfred. Clearly, he agrees with Carrie's comment. "Thank you again, Mr. Pennyworth. I appreciate the hospitality."

"Something to see? Hopefully it is light-hearted? I think the world could use more of that, with the occurances in New York." He says, his tone dropping a bit.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"But of course, sir." Alfred inclines his head to Henry, straightens back up, and heads for the arched doorway to exit the room. On the threshold, he pauses, as if remembering something. "Perhaps the Match Game revival," he suggests over his shoulder. It seems like an oddly specific recommendation. "I put it on the DVR. I know you're quite interested that Robin character, Mistress Carrie." With that, he has vanished toward the kitchen and the wine cellar.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
That... THAT earns a sudden siffening from Carrie in response though she smoothly responds to Alfred without hesitation, "Oh! Right, of course. Thank you for the recommendation Alfred." Match Game show? ROBIN? She pauses a breif moment to lift a hand pinching at the bridge of her nose while inhaling slowly. "...May need a drink after all," she utters morosely before flashing Hank a grin.

"Well. Let's see how badly my..." Her gaze flits to where Alfred had vanished before completing quietly, "Co-worker has acted. Come on, best sitting room is this way," she offers while ushering him in the direction of the one typically used in the first place by the Wayne kids.

It's a comfortably lavish room justas all the rest were. A lovely mahogany and leather couch with some added throw blankets over the back for the occasional chill. A large TV setup, a coffee table that looked just as heavy as the couch, and a few armchairs. That along with a rug on the floor that looks as if it might be ACUTAL Oriental, if a bit aged, finishes off the room. Other than the nicknacks *everywhere*. All tasteful, most likely antique.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Either he's oblivious, or he's good at faking it! Hank nods again to Alfred as the other man steps away with his suggestion. Eyes go to Carrie then, a sympathetic smile. "He's one of the people who works with the Batman, yes?" He asks, canting his head to the side.

Following along with the young lady, he still keeps peering around - quite enamored with the architecture. "Sitting room." He grins, amused at the terms used. "I suppose with as large as an estate as this is, you need a sitting room every so often to rest between jaunts?" He half-teases. As the step into said room, he smile wide at that. "Plenty of character in here." He peers over the knicknacks. "Quite the collection."

Henry grins and glances to the couch. "Looks comfortable - blankets and all." He moves over in that direction. "Your choice, of course?"

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley gestures toward the couch which was plenty comfortable and large enough for three or four. Perhaps more if they didn't mind being close to one another. "Best seat in the house," she suggests with a chuckle. Another glance over her shoulder is given before she nods to his earlier question. She opts to plop down on the couch leaving room to either side for him to join her.

"Robin is his side kick. Protege. Partner. However you want to look at it. It's a title in it's own right. There have been many Robins." Pausing, she adds, "I was Robin once. This is the latest. We all know each other and work together, though for obvious reasons things are kept hush." Thankfully she knew he could appreciate that.

Leaning forward she snags the remote to flick on the television which lights the room up with a hum. "So. Let's see if this is good, or bad, or what."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Once the decision is for the couch, he moves over there to allow her the first seat. Once she's settled, he takes up a spot to her right. "Hrm. Is it like the Dread Pirate Roberts then?" He asks, not even making light of the situation. "Anonymity is a fantastic thing to have in that line of work. If I had the option, I'd have chosen it for myself." A wry grin, motioning to his blue furred self.

"Before the serum, I looked... big. Large hands, large feet - nothing too untoward. But then... when I saw what they were planning with that serum, I needed to take action." A slight chuckle. "And my actions had consequences."

Once settled in, he grins. "Do you expect it to be bad? It is a dating game, yes? And they have heroes on it? Interesting."

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred reenters the room as silently as one can in the kind of shoes that he wears. He is actually pushing a cart, because as far as this butler is concerned, anything worth doing is worth doing above and beyond. As promised, the centerpiece is a thick wooden tray adorned with cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, and nuts. Next to that is a bowl of fresh popcorn and a pair of bottles of sparkling water.

He stops the cart next to the coffee table and sets each of these items before Carrie and Henry, then retrieves a bottle of dry white wine from the structure of the cart itself. He uncorks it with a practiced flourish and pours Henry a small taste, so that he can decide whether he wants the full glass. The whole nine yards simply aren't far enough.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
A horrified look crosses over Carrie's face at mention of a dating game. She looks down to the remote in hand, then the TV even as she starts queuing up the DVR. "Oh, god, I hope not. That would be terrifying. He's a kid." Plus... he's not exactly 'smooth' but she opts not to mention that. The DVR preview mentions a trivia game which earns a sigh of relief. "Oh, good, he'll have a chance then." Looking amused she settles back just in time for Alfred to show up.

"Thank you, Alfred, it looks amazing," she gushes just before ... doing nothing. No, he was serving wine. He RARELY had chance to do such a thing, she was NOT getting in the way there.

Henry McCoy has posed:
As a person who enjoys the finer things when he can, Hank sits up straighter. The sample is brought up to scent the aroma, a smile over his face. There's a small sip and then a nod. "That is wonderful. I am afraid to ask the vintage..." He looks to the other man, nodding and offering his glass over.

A wince at the mention of the youth of the Robin on the show. "Ah, well, yes. I don't think they'd allow someone too young to participate? Maybe I was wrong about the format? It could be like the memory game?" He hopes.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"An '89, sir," Alfred answers without hesitation. He obligingly fills the glass to the proper level, sets the cork back on the cart, and leaves the bottle on the coffee table to breathe. He offers Carrie a smile as he does so, perhaps in appreciation for the compliment, perhaps for the space to earn his title -- it's characteristically hard to tell what, exactly, he's thinking.

After moving the cart out of the way, he gestures to an antique armchair, off to the side but positioned co-equal to the sofa. He's a butler, but he's also a member of the family, after all. "If neither of you objects...?" he asks, his voice genteel.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley had turned her attention away from the television to watch as Hank indulges in the wine. It's impossible for her to not smile watching as he enjoys it, and she quite frankly looks... well. She might be a bit smitten by the Doctor. When Alfred glances toward her she nods toward him in silent thanks as well. "Of course Alfred, you're always welcome," she agrees with a chuckle as she leans forward to take up one of the non-alcoholic drinks herself. The show begins, thankfully showing it to be reminiscent of a trivia slash matching game from the seventies. "This ought to be interesting. How long ago was this, anyway?" Not too long, clearly.

Henry McCoy has posed:
He takes the wine glass back with a smile and an appreciative nod. "Thank you again, Mr. Pennyworth." His tone is genuine. Settling in, he looks relaxed for the viewing. Another nod as Alfred asks if they don't mind. "No, of course." He agrees with Carrie.

Woo! It's a matching game, as in matching clues. Relief! "Interesting encapsulates a broad spectrum of descriptors..." He chuckles.

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
Alfred takes a seat and leans back, settling comfortably. "Indeed it does, Dr. McCoy," he agrees, watching the opening sequence whirl by and the host, Greer Grant, take the screen and begin introducing contestants. "I believe it aired just a couple of weeks ago, but I would have to check, to be sure. At my age, these details begin to fade."

He sets one elbow on the armrest and leans his chin onto his hand. "I never saw the original version of this show," he comments idly. "It didn't air in England."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
"Your mind is sharp as it ever was, I'm sure," Carrie responds to Alfred with a grin. She knew he was a clever man and likely could list off details that you would have forgotten yourself. If only to help keep Bruce's schedule in order if anything.

The familiar voice of Robin on the television announcing who he was draws her attention. Along with a bite of her lip when he snaps at the 'camera monger' to move on. Her hand reaches out to snag a slice of cheese to chomp on resisting the urge to groan at his LOVELY winning personality shinning through. Though she'd like to comment... She doesn't. Hank doesn't know Alfred knows and she hadn't outed any of her teammates after all. Just herself.

"This ought to be interesting then. I don't think I've ever seen it, either. Though I've probably seen more 'The Price is Right' than anyone ought to."

Robin's first answer being 'Get a real job.' Just... has her chewing more fervently.

Henry McCoy has posed:
Clearly amused, Hank is chuckling at the various answers as they come up. "Robin certainly is a ... direct young man, yes? Is that a learned trait? Part of his persona as a hero? Or just him, even under the mask?" He's clearly musing to himself - not expecting answers. "They certainly came up with a gamut of heroes to come on and entertain the world."

A nod to Alfred as well. "I never had too much time for television, I was always practicing for football, or studying." A wry grin. "I do wonder if they are given prompts to their answers, for comedic value." And then there's Deadpool. "No, I take that back - Deadpool is most certainly not on any script."

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"I like to imagine I've maintained my faculties, but one must remain aware of one's faults," Alfred answers Carrie with a gentle smile. He gives Henry a quizzical look for a second, but does not voice whatever question occurred to him. Instead, he turns his attention back to the television. More's the pity.

"'Camera monger'?" the butler echoes the current Boy Wonder dryly. "I shudder to imagine what long-suffering fool was tasked with teaching that child English. Not to mention manners." By the time the first question's answers roll around, his gaze is absolutely withering. "Those three gentlemen are actors," he says, his words icy and slow. "Mistress Carrie, have I ever mentioned to you my years spent treading the boards as a thespian?" One fingernail taps at the upholstery. "I'm quite sure I've mentioned them to... some of the members of this household."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley is quite busy stuffing herself though she wasn't that hungry. It was so much easier to hide the occasional groan or grimace behind a slice of sausage, or cheese, and gulped down with seltzer. "Oh, yes, I'm sure they were told roles to fill for comedy. I mean. None of them are actual comedians so they'd need the help." Yes. YES they need help but not the sort that she could offer right now. A good solid swat upside the head at least.

"Several times, Alfred. It sounded like a wonderful time," she offers back with a grin before glancing aside to Hank again. "He really does have the best stories, too."

Henry McCoy has posed:
At the mention of acting, Henry looks over to Alfred. "I am envious, then. I love theater. Especially the musical sort." He offers over with a grin. "I was fortunate to have scored tickets to Hamilton, and even more so to have Carrie come with me." A grin over to the woman. Oh! Right! Food! He collects up a few of the sausage and cheese slices, sampling a bit of each.

Once the snack is finished, he chuckles. "Deadpool... is just Deadpool. I don't know of the others, honestly. I don't recall meeting Tigra while I was among the Avengers..." A smirk. "But Deadpool, he is most certainly 'on' all the time."

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"I do look back on the years I spent without a real job fondly," Alfred says with a perfectly neutral smile, his voice laced with that fondness and not a hint of anything else. He inclines his head toward Henry. "Ah, but I envy you, sir; that sounds like a lovely evening. I haven't had time to act myself since Master Bruce was quite small, but I do make it a point to see a production as often as I can. You might not expect it, but the city of Gotham produces quite a number of stage talents. Perhaps," he speculates, cocking his head to one side, "due to the unfortunate scarcity of real jobs."

No, he is not letting that one go.

"I find myself surprised that you would find yourself associating with that... gentleman, Doctor," he says, when Deadpool has reappeared on the screen.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley bites her lower lip trying to repress a smile. She could tell when Alfred was irked a bit and he certainly was now. "It was an excellent show," she agrees with Henry giving a nod. "And the work put into it was quite obvious. No one actually educated in the arts would even think of saying that wasn't a real job in any way, shape, or form." Which does spring to mind... It might be time to work on Damian's social skills and learn him some arts. He had been all work too much lately. Though this show was perhaps a start in the right direction?

The next answers prove that no, no this was a disaster on all levels.

At least Deadpool is a suitable distraction. "Huh. I've kind of heard of him but always thought he was an urban legend. ... Then again, I guess some might think that of Batman and crew if they weren't from Gotham."

Henry McCoy has posed:
Well, he's certainly not sure how to respond to Alfred on that first bit. "I think it was the nature of being a football player that kept me from the drama club at school." A wry grin. "Some deluded sense of what was considered masculine or not." The doctor shakes his head. "The things we learn as we get older." He smirks. "I think Gotham has a wonderful amount of talented performers. I was hoping to see a production while visiting." A glance to Carrie.

And then, Deadpool. "I don't really work with him, truth be told. He tends to make appearances while I am off doing... well, what I do." A smirk. "He's like a cameo of bad ideas and good intentions. I think. He's really hard to puzzle out, and not being specialized in any sort of psychoanalysis, I imagine any of my guesses would be just that."

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"I suppose we must all make the best of the situations we are presented with," Alfred answers Henry thoughtfully. "Be that crowded extracurricular schedules or erratic coworkers. I am no stranger to either one, and I suspect few can claim to be." He offers Carrie a fond smile, grateful for her attempts to counterbalance Damian's ill-advised comments.

He watches the show continue to unfold with the same look of perfect aplomb. When the commercial break ends, though, he finds himself nodding as the host refers to it as a trainwreck. He even neglects to look disapproving when Tigra's language has to be censored and the TV ends up asking what the >quack< is going on. "I think we all share that burning curiosity, Miss," is the only comment he offers.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
"I suppose there's characters all around," Carrie murmurs in regards to Deadpool. Though the way Robin was going he might get chalked up there too, only on the more severe side of things. Ah well. At least the conversation here was pleasant enough to allow her to relax again.

"Whereas I could never quite make up my mind on what I wanted to focus on. Though I'm glad to have met you while you've figured out that isn't the end all be all of being masculine," she adds with a chuckle only to cringe at herself. "Was that awful?"

Henry McCoy has posed:
There's a slight shift of position, even he can sense Alfred's displeasure at the language on the television show. "Quite... and where we can, we try to guide the people to the right path of behavior. Futile as it is with some people, we still try. There's got to be hope for redemption, right?" A grin.

Hank chuckles to Carrie, nodding. "Well, I won't say I was insufferable back then - just a misunderstanding of what was 'proper' in terms of activities for a young man. Thankfully, I grew and learned." He laughs. "I'd love to try for a musical role someday - though I think the only musicals I'd be suited for are Disney productions or Pixar ones."

Alfred Pennyworth has posed:
"Oh, I daresay you could find a director interested in your talents, depending on your vocal skill, of course," Alfred ventures. After a moment's thought, he adds, "And, I suppose, your comfort with a certain amount of 'stunt casting.' Raceblind casting has been quite common in theatre for some time. While, in theory, this would merely be an extension of that, it would be sure to draw quite a bit of media attention."

The butler glances at the screen again, just as Robin makes a crude but pithy comment about Thor, and carefully gets up from his chair. "That said, I suppose I should retire for the night. There are some things I ought to attend to downstairs," he says. "You may leave everything when you're finished, I shall be happy to tidy up before I retire for the night."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley can't really fault Robin for THAT response. Still, she manages a grin as the two talk about theater and the stage. "I've yet to hear you sing but I wager you've got a wonderful voice, Henry," she agrees with a nod. "Just don't ask me to sing with you. You might go deaf." She's joking, surely. Right?

When Alfred stands to leave she nods toward him as well. "We can manage that much at least, Alfred. Have a good night and thank you for joining us."