3166/A Fantastic Dinner Party

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A Fantastic Dinner Party
Date of Scene: 30 August 2020
Location: Grand Dining Room - Wayne Manor
Synopsis: Some of the Bats have a nice dinner with some of the FF. The drama may not come from the direction you expect.
Cast of Characters: Bruce Wayne, Reed Richards, Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Susan Richards, Dick Grayson, Valeria Richards, Stephanie Brown, Carrie Kelley, Jennifer Walters




Bruce Wayne has posed:
It's been a while since Bruce Wayne has hosted the esteemed "First Family" of superhero-dom at Wayne Manor, and it seems recent circumstance has made for a good excuse, even amidst all the insanity that's been going on with the Court of Owls. Maybe all that craziness is the BEST reason to do something like this. It may end up crazy...with his family such things rarely end up being entirely staid affairs...but at least it might be the mostly-harmless and enjoyable kind of crazy.

Alfred of course greeted the guests as they arrived and escorted them to the dining room, where somehow plenty of appetizers yet not quite enough to ruin anyone's appetite were present, in several varieties that are tailored to the guest's personal tastes...Alfred's known some of them almost as long as Bruce, after all.

The dinner is no less varied, but since this isn't a George RR Martin novel we'll just assume that there was a lovely three-course meal of superb quality that somehow manages to be high-faluting enough for the Wayne family's reputation while still being straightforward enough that say, a Ben Grimm wouldn't be put off. Of course plenty of beverages both alcoholic and not are available, and at this point, with the last remnants of the main course having been tidily swept away by the ever-efficient Mr. Pennyworth, it's time for dessert! In this case, individualized mini-souffles, the flavors tailored to their recipients. So far the conversation has been mostly small talk and catching up on the, shall we say, "civilian" side of the Wayne family's life. For tonight, so far, at least, "the work" has been set aside. Always subject to change though, sadly.

And of course there IS the proverbial elephant in the room, evidenced somewhat starkly by the fact that Jason and Valeria have been seated next to each other. Not even Bruce has broached the topic though...not yet anyway. And he doesn't seem inclined to break that trend at the moment, settling for souffle and a cup of fresh-brewed coffee. Though it seems conversation DID eventually shift towards "work" though Bruce seems perhaps a touch uncharacteristically "light" about it as he speaks towards Reed and Sue:

"I really have no idea beyond making some kind of demonstration. He didn't actively hurt anyone, and honestly taking down the drones and the airship seemed...almost too easy." Referring, of course, to a recent airship attack by a certain Doctor who may or may not actually have a license.

Reed Richards has posed:
"It's posturing," Reed says with a wave of a hand, smiling amiably, "Sometimes he just likes to make sure everybody remembers he's still there. He was the same way in college. It's less about actively achieving the result and more about everyone knowing he could do it if he wanted. It's honestly kind of endearing, don't you think?"

As Reed speaks, he pulls a ballpoint pen from the inside pocket of his suit jacket - he's been convinced to eschew the blue jumpsuit and lab coat combination for the evening. He pulls the linen napkin towards himself, unfolds it, and shamelessly begins to jot down a series of complex figures along the corner in his scrawling hand. All while still looking towards Bruce.

"He did the same thing for my birthday."

Tim Drake has posed:
Tim has been characteristically introverted and mostly quiet this evening, since being among family he doesn't need to be 'on' and a perpetual font of cheer and leaderly... whatever. He has, throughout the night, shot increasingly consternated and mildly confused looks towards Jason and Valeria, because //nothing about that adds up//. Not that he can really say anything, himself, and also not that there's not a slight twinge of a sort of jealousy that comes from the fact that his own girlfriend is definitely not here-- she may know his and Jason's civilian IDs, and Carrie's now, but technically she didn't know anyone else's (though Tim, the World's SECOND Greatest Detective, highly suspects she's figured out the rest of the core family and just hasn't said anything. You don't have to be a world class detective when your girlfriend refers to your mentor as 'Batdad', if we're being honest). But she's not family, and this is a family dinner. A family dinner Tim has packed away a fair amount of. Growing teenage boy and all, who spends his nights jumping over rooftops and unfortunately lately sloshing through sewers and the undercity.

He doesn't really chime in regarding Doctor Doom, though the conversation about it has his nose wrinkle slightly in annoyance.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason is indeed seated next to Valeria but in true Bat Fashion seems intent on giving nothing away, except to maybe shoot an amused smirk or two at Tim when he catches the younger Bat giving him and Val confused looks,

As the talk turns to Doom and his little demonstration, Jason chimes in, "Sorry I missed that, sounded like a fun time," he says, and why wouldn't it, they got to shoot down an airship! He misses all the good stuff.

Susan Richards has posed:
    Susan has been inquisitive as to the goings on of Bruce and his increasing variety of heirs and heir-esques, wearing a fetching but modest Fantastic Blue dress. She nods her head as Reed speaks, with a sympathetic - almost but not quite pitying - smile. "You get used to it, honestly. A robot attack here and there, it's practically how he says hello. You'll no he's serious if he sends your home into space.
    When Reed mentions his birthday, Susan smiles brightly "In fairness, he did leave a gift!" Susan dabs at her desert and quietly adds, "... For Valeria."

Dick Grayson has posed:
Dick was also present, and seated amongst his family. He has been enjoying himself most of the evening, cracking a joke here and there. He has been paying attention to the conversation about Doom and he says, "Well, fortunately the drones were relatively easily dispatched. Turns out they are allergic to pew pew pew," he jokes regarding the Batplane's arsenal.

Susan's reference to a gift for Valeria gets a raised brow, "I do have to ask, what was the gift?" Dick asks and takes a bite from the souffle, which is amazing, as expected.

Valeria Richards has posed:
Valeria Richards pokes at her souffle with mild aggravation, her mind a state away and spending more time piecing through the puzzle her current problems have been presenting her, at least until her mother mentions her present from her godfather. She glances up, idly replying, "Pierre is an excellent Doombot." Because of course she has a Doombot, and of course she named it, and of course she thinks this is quite normal of an affair. She's in a Fantastic Blue swing dress in a 1950's style that flatters her slender form, her hair swept up and hair and makeup Instagram perfect. Jason's not giving anything away, and neither is Valeria, but the very fact they are both very studiously //not// interacting in any way that could remotely be... telling... is a tell in and of itself.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown wore one of her nicer dresses, and was introduced to the Reeds before the meal began. Not having been around the Wayne family until the last few months, her first chance to meet the superhero family that so many look up to.

She'd mostly stayed quiet during the meal, just small comments to those sitting beside her. Stephanie wouldn't want to admit she was a little star struck, but it was definitely the case. Though the longer the dinner goes on, the more comfortable she's begun to feel, and finally she starts to speak up a little more. "You'd think having your own nation would be enough for some people," she says with a wry smile and a shake of her head.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley had dressed up a bit in a civilian fashion for the dinner, opting for a green dress. It wasn't so much due to her red hair as it was a throwback to when she was Robin-ing and green was the thing. Dress aside that hadn't stopped her from enjoying every bit of the dinner Alfred had prepared as much as she could. Now she leans back in her chair relaxed while listening to the exchanges between everyone. Jason gets an odd look every now and then but only out of amusement more than confusion.

Dabbing her spoon into the souffle she lets out a small sigh. "It wasn't that bad. There was no civilians injured, so much as frightened. Though really it was more like he was testing our defenses to see how good our response time was or something." Valeria's remark of the Doombot named Pierre earns a grin. "Does he still wear the cloak or have you modernized something for him?"

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Jennifer has met Bruce Wayne and a number of his wards back when she was a full fledged member of the Fantastic Four, but she's never been to Wayne Manor itself. She's been to manors before, but none of them compare to the sheer grandeur of this one, so she spends most of the time in the prelude before the dinner trying not to gawp. She's dressed in a nice black dress, not too fancy, but fancy enough to suit the occasion.

During the meal itself, she compliments the chef for each course, finding each of them delicious and participates in the small talk, regaling the two families some of the more bizarre and hilarious tales of her adventures. She drinks the wine that's paired with each of the courses, pairing that with water as a palate cleanser. The alcohol doesn't affect her, of course, but the taste of each vintage is exquisite.

When the talk turns to Doom, she shakes her head. "I'm sad I missed that, /and/ your birthday, Reed. It's been a while since I punched a Doombot. I kind of miss it in a way."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"I suppose there's something to be said for nemesis that aren't immediately murderous." Bruce admits, his expression, for a brief moment, passing through something darker, before the amiable smile returns, and more or less genuinely at that. "It was a relatively new experience for us, though I don't think anyone directly punched it." He notes to Jennifer, chuckling a bit, "But next time I'll see if I can direct it your way." His own souffle? Chocolate. Pairs well with the black coffee he's sipping. "I'm sorry Damian didn't make it tonight. He insisted on patrolling. But naturally if the opportunity arises I'd love to send him your way, Reed. He has the mind for science, but so far it's largely been focused in other directions. I would very much like to see him become more well-rounded in that regard."

Tim Drake has posed:
Is that an almost inaudible snort from Tim at the mention of Damian's mind being suited for anything other than murderhoboing and being a short $#@$ with the worst attitude problem and the world's largest shoulder chip? Nooo. He's too polite. Usually. He takes a bite of his souffle: raspberries and blackberries; and a swig of his already nearly-empty (again) unsweetened iced tea. Alfred really frowns on sodas, especially at dinnertime, and that was a tug-of-war Tim knows better than to get into when there is company. "Murderous ones are the sort we usually deal with," he chimes in, in that sort of dry mock-cheer that really isn't. "And I got to test out one of my new staves on his drones, so I suppose overall I'm good with Doom's demonstration. No one was hurt, afterall."

Reed Richards has posed:
"Just don't go punching Valeria's Doombot," Reed adds to Jennifer with a shrug, underlining something on the napkin, "I'll admit I've grown a little attached to him, myself. He's like a pet. A tyrannical, self-aggrandizing pet. A cat, I guess?"

"It'll be nice to meet him," he says of Damian with a smile, "I've missed having a youngster around the lab. Valeria is more interested in the instant gram these days, and Franklin's dyeing his hair."

Susan Richards has posed:
    "It's a Doombot." Susan answers Dick with some resignation in her voice. "One that gets sparklier every time I look at him!" The latter is noted with relative good cheer.
    Susan tilts her head as Bruce speaks, wincing a little at the 'murderous' line, but smiling with some interest as Damian is mentioned. "Ooooh! That'd be lovely; we haven't hosted one of your kids in..." Susan peers at Jason briefly, "... ages." Susan looks to Bruce again and earnestly ask "What's he like?"
    Susan sulks a little when Franklin's hair is mentioned. A perfectly good hair color gone to waste for youthful rebellion! Or a very specific girl, she hasn't interrogated him yet.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"So /that's/ Pierre," Dick says with a bit of a snort and nods to Susan and Val. "A pet Doombot? That's not too shabby of a gift." He raises a brow, "Though I am a bit surprised, definitely is a unique thing, though judging by the blue cape and sparkles it has a unique look that distinguishes Pierre from other Doombots?"

The talk of Damian gets a nod from Dick, "Yeah, a little exposure to the education would go a long way, and give him another perspective." He ponders, "Also it was a good time from what I remember, though then again I was kind of our guinea pig."

Valeria Richards has posed:
"Ugggghhh //Dad//. It's not INSTANT Gram." Valeria rolls her eyes. Regarding the cloak, she shrugs. "No, he has the cloak, just blue, and I've added glitter. He shoots glitter cannons and I send him after Russian spies and guys who send genetalia pictures unsolicited on social media. So far, he's been very busy." From her tone, it's obvious which she considers the larger threat and annoyance between the two. Her souffle is drizzled with caramel and chocolate, which she would normally love, but she's not in the mood for it, so she continues poking at it with her fork but not eating any of it.

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason smirks around his souffle as he supplies to Dick more details about Val's robot. "It fires sparkl-" he says, before giving a glance to Val as she fills in that particular blank. "Yeah, that."

The smirking continues when Sue asks about Damian. "Like me, just, more so." He was sure that'd make Damian welcome at Four Freedoms. He takes another bite of dessert. "Yeah, our villains tend to be on the more murderous side of things, except for a couple of rare exceptions."

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown often fails to filter her inner voice, but in this case she manages to avoid any mention of stabbing people at dinner even that's going through her head rather strongly. Even if it wasn't Damian who was the stabber in the last such incident.

Stephanie gets a spoonful of her soup as she listens to the conversation. She gets a soft grin at Jennifer Walter's talk of missing punching Doombots. "I don't know if you have a newsletter but I'd like to subscribe to it if I could," Stephanie tells her. "Or maybe just your instagram feed if you have pictures of this," she adds, smile growing a bit.

Stephanie glances over towards where Jason is sitting. Then around at some of the people as they make comments or just have expressive looks. Then back to Jason again, a bit of curiosity creeping into Steph's own expression.

Jennifer Walters has posed:
"I wouldn't /dream/ of punching Pierre," Jennifer says. "Valeria's really attached to him." And Valeria is Jennifer's favorite niece, even though that's left unsaid. "You know I can't say 'no' to her." Her own dessert is a cream cheese filled soufflé that somehow makes it a cheesecake hybrid. It, too, is drizzled with some caramel to make a simply delectable dessert.

"I should make an instagram account," she muses. "I can see myself taking selfies while holding a villain up in the air by the scruff of his neck. #JustHeroThings."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley groans a little bit at mention of Instagram. A slow shake of her head comes as she considers it while taking another bit of the chocolate and raspberry souffle onto her spoon. Just a little at a time so she could best enjoy it. "I really ought to do a civilian presence on Instagram. It makes sense for a socialite to do that, but I really can't find the time to be bothered. Between work, training, charity functions and dating..." Her head shakes again.

Another glance is stolen toward Valeria and Jason. She'd already had that chat with Jason though so she wasn't about to bring up the apparent elephant in the room. Instead she looks around to everyone else with a little awkward clearing of her throat. "By the way. I know this isn't the best time to bring it up, but I was wondering... I mean, I'd like permission from everyone, if it's okay, to let Henry know about, well. Us. He knows my identity already and I know he would keep everything secret. It would just make things easier than having to concoct the occasional lie to keep the rest of the identities secret. But," she adds giving a shrug. "I understand if you'd all rather not."

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"I have a few accounts that are managed pretty much entirely by Wayne Enterprises PR, but I'm fairly sure an Instagram isn't one of them, though I think the PR Department has tried to get the kids to sign on from time-to-time. At least I get to review everything that comes out of my virtual mouth before it's sent...or Alfred does, most of the time, but needless to say..." A brief glimmer of humor crosses his face, "Social media isn't something I'm terribly interested in pursuing, for a wide array of reasons."

Bruce looks to Reed, "As for Damian he's...stubborn, fearless, arrogant, driven, and likely even more...intense...than I was at his age. He was raised as an assassin by the League. Sanding down some of the rough edges that come along with that life is...a work in progress." He glances to some of his other "kids" at the table and grins slightly, "And that was likely the diplomatic version that I imagine some of the kids are internally scoffing at."

Tim Drake has posed:
"Bring it up in front of everyone, why don't you?" Tim replies to Carrie with a wry look, then shovels the last of his dessert in his mouth, then fork clattering into an empty souffle cup. He peers down at it, as if it has betrayed him by being suddenly empty. He totally wasn't the one that... okay yes, he was. Bruce's assessment of Damian leads Tim to give the most absolutely bland and expressionless face he can at Reed and Sue. "You'll love him."

Reed Richards has posed:
"I imagine he's a bit less sullen," Reed answers, glancing towards Tim and then back to Bruce with raised eyebrows, "I don't think anybody in this or neighboring dimensions can outmatch you for sitting in brooding silence, Bruce."

Having finished the equation on his linen napkin, Reed holds it up and looks around before asking: "Can I keep this?"

Susan Richards has posed:
    Susan manages an expression that's something like 'a pleasant sympathetic grimace' as Bruce describes Damian, wincing slightly as Jason pitches in. "Sounds like a handful." She says, with the benefit of Damian not hearing it. "But if we can convince people to give us a lease after our building got pulled underground by mole monsters, I'm sure we can manage pretty much anything~. I like to think we can still be good influences.
    A brief peek back at Valeria and Jason. There are always complications!

Reed's assessment earns an apologetic look and she wryly notes "Said Mr. 'No Noise in the Miracle Lab'~"
    She does look curiously to Carrie, though, when she speaks of revealing indenties. Obviously she has no right to but in - and she's never even tried a secret identity - but it sounds a little risky.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Sparkle cannon?" Dick snorts. "Well, for those crimes, pretty fair." He figures he knows why Russia, but he gives a nod. "So yeah, should make things interesting." The eldest Batling nods to Jason, "Very different, in my opinion. You are each your own people," he chuckles, "Besides, I don't think Damian will be the same pupil you were." Dick chuckles.

"Though Bruce is right, he does fit that description, he'll be different than the rest of us by a margin." Dick looks to Carrie, "Hm, that's a good question, definitely something to ponder on." Though he is curious to see Reed and Susan's responses, and is not surprised.

Jason Todd has posed:
Noticing, finally, that Val isn't actually eating her food, he leans over, to whisper, "Everything okay?" he says, though it's hard to miss the looks from around the table.

As for Carrie's question, he smiles and shrugs, "I'm good with it, if he hasn't worked things out by now though he needs to give back one of his PHDs." Speaking of degrees and such. "Reed, have you met Carrie's boyfriend, Dr. McCoy?"

Jennifer Walters has posed:
Jennifer finishes her soufflé with a satisfied sigh. "Alfred, once again you've outdone yourself." She watches as the others talk shop for a while before excusing herself. "I need to go find the ladies room," she says. "Don't burn down the mansion while I'm gone," she teases Valeria.

She, then gets up to go do her thing, and on the way back gets distracted by the gallery.

Valeria Richards has posed:
Val glances over to Jason, and then leans back, kissing him lightly on the cheek. "Full," she replies simply. It had been a fairly sizeable and rich meal, after all. She may or may not be being completely truthful, but it's a good enough response. She looks over to Carrie with an amused look, though she doesn't say anything, just watching for a moment before going back to picking at her souffle. She does eat a small bite of it, and it's good. Alfred made it, so of course.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
"He definitely got that gene." Bruce notes, not quite under his breath but not quite a full announcement. Damian certainly has his moods. "He's diligent once he's set to a task, and he's eager to learn...even in the areas he's near enough an expert in." He offers by way of Damian, before turning his attention to Carrie. "In all honesty Carrie I would be somewhat surprised if he hasn't made the connection already, for several of us, anyway. He's likely just too polite to say anything about it." He adds, "Which is a roundabout way of saying I don't think you have to keep it bottled up, at least for myself and likely your siblings. But I don't presume to speak for Stephanie, Cassandra, or Kate." He looks to Jason, Tim, and Dick, "And if any of you strongly feel otherwise, now's the time to speak up." There's a flicker of a grin, "I know we're not normally a Democracy but I suppose I'm feeling generous tonight. Unanimity or no. This affects us all, and while I believe Dr. McCoy trustworthy, there may be outside factors I haven't seen yet."

That grin adds a tilted brow as Val pecks Jason's cheek, the expression shifting more wry now, though he doesn't call any other outward attention to it.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley turns beet red when Tim responds to her which results in the ever mature reaction of her sticking her tongue out back at him. "It's rare we're all together in a room at the same time without some life threatening situation at hand," she points out giving a little wag of her spoon before swinging it back around to dip into her mouth. It's savored a moment before she reaches for a napkin to dab the corner of her mouth.

"Damian's not that bad. He's just got an inflated ego and a temper. If you talk to him like a peer he calms down a lot. He really is amazingly smart, too," she adds with a grin toward the Richards' to try and reassure them. "But, yeah he does have some... emotional control issues I'd say. He's getting better." She hopes.

Jason too gets a tongue stuck out at him though she grins widely. "He may have already but he's been so very polite about trying to not discover our secrets. Still. I wanted to ask. It's not something that needs an immediate answer." Though it does seem to get a main one as Bruce speaks earning a nod in response, as well as a grin. "That does sound like him... A bit too polite at times." The kiss goes unremarked upon other than stealing a glance toward Sue and Reed to see how THEY react.

Stephanie Brown has posed:
Stephanie Brown tells Carrie, "I'm far from great at it, but if you want someone to help take some pictures for it? More than happy to help out." She gives the redhead a quick grin and then gives Jennifer Walters a thumbs up about the idea she should take such pictures with villains. "That would be amazing," she says with a laugh. "Can I even suggest a few that you could go after?" she says. Joking. Just joking.

She listens to Bruce's commentary on the topic of one Henry McCoy. "Well, he is an Avenger. That's kind of a high recommendation, I figure," she says. "Yes, it might be he's figured it out. If Bruce is ok with him knowing about us as a group, I trust Bruce's judgment there," she says.

Reed Richards has posed:
"I think we may have met?" Reed asks, peering towards Sue as though he stares the majority of his memories in his wife, "I've certainly read his work on genetic diversity. Very interesting stuff. I'd wager he'd give Doctor Pym a run for his money on the biology front. I don't see why you couldn't trust him, though I'm but an observer and I don't have much to say in the realm of secrecy."

Susan Richards has posed:
    Susan seems... preoccupied since the advent of the Smooch, and is a bit startled when Reed speaks to her, looking from him, to Bruce, then quickly scanning the periphery of her memory to recall what's being discussed. "Mm!" she intones affirmatively with a quick nod and a vaguely embarrassed look. "I mean, they don't just let anyone into the Avengers right? In fact it's... mostly scientists there, I think?" She takes a sip of coffee and admits, "Not many secret identities over there either, though."

Tim Drake has posed:
Tim frowns a bit. He had been somewhat... outvoted on the way the Outsiders handled IDs. By somewhat, being entirely outvoted, and while he understood the reasonings for everyone else's desire for openness and trust... he's a Bat to the core, and openness and trust are pretty much not how the fly, generally speaking. He idly spins his fork on the table, hearing everyone else cheerfully and quickly chime in affirmation, scowling just as deeply as he had at Conner and the others back then. "How far does it go?" he asks finally, quietly. "One, then another. Eventually, may as well put the Bat signal on the front of Wayne Enterprises at this rate."

He pushes back from the table. "Good to see you, Doctor Richards. Sue. Val. Tell Frankie hi for me." He pushes his chair in. "I'll be down in the labs. Do whatever, I'm outvoted anyway." Again. "Night." And he slips out of the dining room by way of the kitchens, hands thrust in the pockets of his slacks, scowling deeply enough it makes Bruce's Bat-face look cheery.

Jason Todd has posed:
Val's kiss on his cheek is met with a grin from Jason before he turns and if she lets him he kisses her fully on the lips. It's brief but it's there, and very public. "We all happy now?" he asks the table, defiantly before going back to his food for a couple of bites as Tim leaves.

"Sounds like him," Jason says to Carrie, before he smirks and asks, "How's the New York crash pad by the way?"

Dick Grayson has posed:
The smooch between Val and Jason gets a chuckle from Dick. He would say more, but then the topic shifts to identities, and he looks at Carrie, "Do you trust him with your life? With all of our lives?" He asks not sternly, but with seriousness, "If so, that is something to consider." Though when Tim leaves, he frowns, letting it set, though Jason's segue saves him from commenting further.

"A new place, eh?" Dick asks, "Hopefully you got a good rate on it, renting or buying?"

Susan Richards has posed:
    "Oh." Sue murmurs a little dejectedly as Tim leaves, hopefully throwing out a soft "Take care! It was good to see you again!"
    Her lips press very, very tightly together for a moment - roughly the duration of a deep breath - when Jason flagrantly kisses her daughter at the dinner table, and Susan briefly becomes preoccupied with a lock of hair before putting her hand on her chin. Keep your cool, Susan. They're talking serious identity and hidden location(???) stuff right now.
    Susan realizes that her free hand has turned invisible, and brings it back to visibility with a quick shake. That's embarrassing. Mooooods. "We should probably... catch up soon about the kids in general, Bruce." She notes very softly.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce frowns as Tim departs, perhaps cluing in on what some of Tim's objections may have been, and eventually notes, "Perhaps that was a topic we may have wanted to discuss under different circumstances." He glances towards Carrie, but then his attention is nabbed by Sue, who manages to get a chuckle out of the "plainclothes" Dark Knight, "I'm not sure they qualify as "kids" anymore, Sue."

Valeria Richards has posed:
Valeria does let Jason kiss her, and actually looks smug afterwards, glancing around the table as if daring someone to challenge or comment on it. No one does, at least yet, which allows her to settle back into her chair, her hand moving over to take Jay's hand under the table. Tim's departure garners a skeptical look, though she doesn't say anything specifically. The talk of secret identities is vaguely annoying, when she's been a public figure her entire life.

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley opens her mouth to protest when Tim gets up... but she doesn't stop him. A guilty look flickers over her face as she lets him go cool off with a sigh. Best not to poke at him when he was in this mindset even if she was very, very tempted to call out after him that HIS girlfriend knew. That was just petty. "Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. Just been a lot going on lately in general..."

Then Jason mentions the crash pad causing her to redden again. This was not a great way for her to keep her secrets. Darn pale skin. At least this was one of the only topics she found unable to really control her reactions to. "It... it's not mine, Dick," she answers with a little clearing of her throat. "It's Henry's. We thought it would be good to have a place midway between Gotham and upstate New York." Here she sinks down into her seat some deciding to go quiet At least Jason's kiss to Val might prove a distraction.

Dick Grayson has posed:
"Indeed, probably for the best to have this topic of business brought up," Dick says, nodding to Bruce. He chuckles, "Firstly, compared to you most of us are kids!" Dick snorts, "We are your kids, that stink doesn't wash out." His mirth is a little dented with the departure of Tim, but he looks to Jason kissing Val back and shakes his head.

To Carrie, Dick nods, "makes sense, but still, good to have a place to just be. It's why I still have my building."

Susan Richards has posed:
    Sue just smirks a little and waves her hand, breezily noting "I'll stop calling them kids when they start finding grey hairs, that's all I'll say~"

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason does take Val's hand under the table now, and when a talk about 'the kids' is brought up, he grins and says. "Oh, have that talk now, I am sure we kids don't mind."

Though Carrie isn't entirely off the hook either. "And personally, C, I think it's a great idea. Glad for you guys. Kate's getting me set up with a place in her building, but that's mostly going to be for show," as in he's still going to be spending his time in his little Park Row lair.

Bruce Wayne has posed:
Bruce chuckles once more, shaking his head slightly, "That seems a bit on the high end for me..." He pauses a moment, then grows a little more somber, "We live dangerous lives in a dangerous world, and whether by choice or by circumstance of birth our children are part of those lives. I find it...difficult...to deny them any opportunity for comfort, solace, or possibly...especially...more. We ask so much of them that I simply don't feel we have the right to take that away from them. Parents or not, and especially given that they're old enough to make their own decisions in that regard. We may both, in our own ways, live in ivory towers, but it doesn't do any good to lock them way from the world, however tempting it sometimes may be...." Virtually all of Batman's sidekicks have been "fired" or at a minimum "grounded" at least once in their careers, out of a sense of overprotectiveness following perceived mistakes made, whether on their part or on Bruce's. He'd like to think he learned a few lessons from it.

"And even less good to lock them away from the things in the world that are worth experiencing, protecting, and encouraging."

Carrie Kelley has posed:
Carrie Kelley smiles a bit more relaxed at Jason, and Dick, and the others. Tension aside this was a nice evening with family and extended family and... it was rare to do this these days. "Thanks, Jaybird," she offers back with a grin. "Well. Enough about me on that note." Now she was free to finish her dessert.

Susan Richards has posed:
    Susan slumps her shoulders and sighs a little. Bruce may not be... entirely wrong. Still, a moment of thought does bring a mischevous, teasing look to Susan's face as she says, "So, does that mean Bruce Wayne's going to stop denying himself nice things? I'd like to see that sooner or later~"

Jason Todd has posed:
Jason watches the back and forth between Bruce and Sue wordlessly, though he does give a quick smile to Val at the results of their little demonstrations.

Carrie gets a nod, "No problem," he tells her with a genuine smile.

Valeria Richards has posed:
Valeria squeezes Jason's hand, and then stretches slightly. "I was promised a tour," she says idly, glancing over to Jason pointedly. For values of tour. Also, Mom and or Dad might be disinclined to allow it under the guise of 'need to leave now'. But if they want to talk more just with Bruce...