the most wonderful time of the year

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

WHO: BATFAM and friends!
WHERE: The Bathouse
WHEN: Thanksgiving Day
WARNINGS: batangst, family drama, look who’s in this log
SUMMARY: holy shit Dick invited everyone now what do
FORMAT: words



[ When all is said and done, the place really does clean up pretty nicely. No visible cluttery mess aside from that half-assembled Christmas tree in the corner of the living room, and there’s appropriate mood music on in the background. Make yourself at home and grab some food before it’s gone. ]

Comments

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

[ Ambushing her the second the walks through the door would probably be the wrong move. But eventually he'll have to make his way over with one of those brownies in hand, leaning a little like it's an accident on one of the nearby sofas. ]

There's turkey in the fridge.

[slingshots]

[ Oh yeah, she's pretty much aware of him immediately, but pretending otherwise is all part of the totally casual act, here. So she doesn't glance over until he makes the first move, and then it's totally placid, like there's nothing going on, and certainly like there wasn't any agonizing over whether or not to show up. ]

Yeah? Keen. Could be I grab some before I head out.

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

Already broke out the serving size tupperware. [ Hey, if she's willing to sit for two minutes in the same room with him without fleeing he'll take it as a victory. And grab a real seat in the opposite chair, across from her. ]

But no reason to take off just yet.

[slingshots]

[ There's a pause, like she's trying to call up some kind of snarky reply. It doesn't really work out though, because the look that goes with it when she looks up at him is just way too earnest to really fit with this smooth act. ]

You sure?

[ Sure, she was invited and all, but is it really okay? ]

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

[ He should say something else. Give her one of those brilliant pearls of wisdom Alfred would have had on hand. Something. ]

...Anytime.

[slingshots]

Cool.

[ Not a very enthusiastic reply, but at least it's an attempt. Because, hey, the answer could have been "no I changed my mind get out". You never really know. And then, in the spirit of having absolutely no idea what else to say, in a few seconds she pushes herself up out of the chair with a half an awkward nod toward the kitchen. ]

Guess I'll go catch up on the eating.

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

[ Why can't he ever get this right. He lets out a small sigh, then gives up and waves her off. ]

Yeah. You do that.

[ Whatever container she tries to leave with will be one he slides another extra chunk of turkey into. ]

[slingshots]

[ That should be her cue to escape. It means she's not obliged to try and make awkward small talk, she could just pick up tomorrow night's dinner and make off into the night.

But... she still pauses, halfway past his chair on the way to the kitchen. ]

Hey. [ A glance down at him, awkward and uncomfortable. ] You busy next week? Like... Wednesday?

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

[ It's really the last of her he was expecting to see for... a while, anyway. For a second he just stares, before then the words finally click right. ]

...Think I could clear my schedule.

[slingshots]

[ A smile! Short-lived and a little nervous, but still a smile. Maybe it's asking for trouble, but she does want to see him. Just not in the company of Two-Face, or Batwoman, or any of the people here. ]

You tried that new Thai stand on 43rd and Park yet?

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

[ He's almost afraid to say anything. Afraid to move and chase her away. ]

Heard the stuff's nice and greasy.

[slingshots]

Yeah. [ a beat, and before it can stretch too far into awkward pause territory: ] How's 7?

[batmantled.livejournal.com]

[ ...Aw. Yeah. She gets a broader, more natural smile. ]

I'll see you then.

[slingshots]

[ There's a quick, nervous little smile with her nod. ]

Til then.

[ aaannndd making her escape into the kitchen. ]