[ Kyle blinks, not used to using his abilities to read others on a regular basis but he catches those quick changes and he offers a tight look. ]
I'm sorry. I'm sure others will mention it. Tim was here, as were several versions of others. I've known a few from Gotham in my time here. Your name was mentioned a time or two by friends. I just hadn't put them together until now.
[ That's all it is. Just someone he knew. People he's known. Definitely not more than that. ]
Tim helped me to get through some trauma before I came here by learning to defend myself.
[ Okay. That's useful information, actually. Elements are uncomfortable but not surprising and it's... manageable.
He's fine.
...he hates being confused. He also hates feeling exposed.]
I've read back through the network. [ IT remember? And that degree is real. It's also one of several, but those are irrelevant. ] There are other people here now who know us both.
The timelines and realities don't seem to line up for any of us - present or likely past. Tim is probably close, but he's years ahead of me, which leaves... more room than I'd like.
I never assumed you wouldn't, though I would warn to be careful how deep you dig. The city has a bad habit of broadcasting things not only unsettling but cruel and sadistic and it may contain a familiar face or two.
[ He thought of Dick being punished by Logan as Nick had been and knew that had been broadcast to the city. He suspects there might be more as well of others he knows. ]
I wouldn't be surprised. Some worlds seem to draw people here more than others.
Yeah, that's something I've dealt with but not on more than months. There was a time when there was six of us from my world but only three of us have been here for any amount of time.
[ He's seen it. He's not going to comment on it or acknowledge it or emotional response to it. ]
The splinter points are disorienting, as much because of people's reactions to who I am there or then as differences in them. I'm dead, I'm alive, I'm absolutely out of my mind-
[ Kyle winces at that. He's been lucky in that and, for the time being, he's alive and well in his world from what he has learned. ]
I hope you find that balance. I think that's the most important thing here.
You're throwing yourself in and a lot of people don't do that. I hope it helps you while you're here and I'm glad to have you on board. I'll have to arrange for you and Alex to meet. He's done some work for me here, but he teaches technology at the community center for those from times without devices or even electric lighting and such.
I'm looking forward to the work and structure of it.
[That is absolutely, completely, sincere.
Bruce is really (really) good at intuitive leaps. There's a pause after mention of Alex, though. A pause where he actually goes physically still for a half second, because he realizes that he can't make that one and is going to have to ask. He manages to at least look perplexed rather than frustrated. ]
I'd be happy to meet him, but I'm not sure I understand why I should. Shared interest, or do you need help at the Community Center?
That's something you and I share. I don't do well without something to keep me busy.
[ He smiles at that question, because he can understand why. ]
Shared interests and Alex would probably appreciate it. He knows more about Gotham than I ever did. [ This place has made it all real, and he has no plans to treat it any other way. No matter how that knowledge came in their world. ]
The Community Center was actually started by Tim. Then it was run for a while by one of the Graysons. The one from Gar's world. Now it's run by Laura, though it's owned by Logan I think. It does a lot of good work and people work to keep it going.
[ Bruce's expression doesn't so much shift as it closes. He wasn't being open before but was selectively showing a facet of himself that was real.
Mention of Gotham - and Dick and Tim - and the hair on the back of his neck stands up, the set of his jaw and shoulders subtly change, and a blank wall comes down behind his eyes.
Immediately. Like some switch flipped and warmth turned off and was replaced by... remote.
Not psychotic, though More like wary, uncomfortable and incredibly guarded. ]
I haven't had time to look deeply into the history of the Community Center, but I have no doubt that the work it is doing is useful and necessary. Alex's name is new. I'll make a point of meeting him.
[ Kyle can almost physically feel the change and it's distressing to say the least. It hadn't been his intention, though he knows in his desire to try and help with adjusting to this place he goes to far.
He stops where he is, hoping Bruce stops as well though he won't be surprised if he doesn't. He speaks either way though. ]
I hadn't meant to say the wrong thing. I'm talking about parts of my life that have been important to me here, both the center and those that run it and have run it. I hadn't meant to ... seem intrusive and I apologize.
[ Bruce takes another step and a half or so, but it's not to 'leave' Kyle behind, just build in physical distance. Once he's past Kyle he turns back to face him.
That he holds one hand up, palm out and open, when Kyle finishes isn't a 'stop talking' signal, though it may look like that. It's almost a... physical space preservation measure.
Still remote, but there is... an attempt being made on his end.
Because, well. Many reasons involving intersecting lines of connection between them leading to somewhat tentative trust - and also just a general attempt at fairness.
Justice?
Both]
You didn't do or say anything wrong. You spoke about points of commonality and gave me information I needed. My discomfort with that being information you have is my problem and I'll manage it.
[ Kyle remains quiet for a long moment, almost impossibly still as he watches Bruce. Listening to this words and knowing that what he is going to say might not help in the moment but he hopes it helps Bruce in the long run.
Someone that important to Tim and idolized by Gar and he's going to do what he can for him. ]
This place will tear apart any sense of privacy you have. They broadcast our secrets to the world, and treat us like reality tv stars in the way they play games with who we are.
I shouldn't have added to that. I am apologetic for that.
Come on. Let me show you my pet project if only that it will likely require the most attention of any area of the hospital. Whether our clients are having issues or those that would want to kill them.
[ He doesn't love what he's hearing but there's not another strong reaction. Privacy and secrecy are the... surface of things, but what it actually is....
He probably couldn't articulate if someone he loved's life depended on it.
Not important right now. He just nods and resumes walking with Kyle. ]
The pet project being the food bank for the city's vampires? What kind of attention does it need?
[ He hates feeling uncertain, wanting to try and make things okay right now. Bruce is new to the city and he deserves not to have too much dumped on him. ]
Right now the security is basic. A key we keep at the nurse's station. If there was a way to do it, I'd like to have higher security on the door, possibly with a number lock or such.
There's two things that have to be considered beyond that and while I don't try and alarm people, they're things I consider often. One that those using this facility are possibly coming in... let's call it on edge. Second there are hunters in the city that would see those using this facility dead. I'm not sure what the options might be but I'd be curious to see what could be done.
is the sort of 'redirect' the people who know Bruce best would do. It is so dead on it actually makes Bruce shoot Kyle a look that is...assessing, but not warning.
Then he lets the redirect work.
Because that is... an interesting problem. He has more than one idea, immediately. ]
What beyond a need for blood do the vampires who use this clinic have in common? Ideally biologically in common.
[ Getting that look, Kyle assumes that his very not so subtle admissions about his own reality in connection with the room as he withdraws a key and unlocks the door to a small but comfortable seeming lounge. A couple of chairs and couches, a fridge in the corner, and everything in navy and oyster grey. ]
The need for blood is the one thing I can say for sure tying them... [ He pauses and then changes his wording. ] Us together. There's a few common threats, beyond hunters, and most possess stronger than average strength and speed. Beyond that, the abilities change from one to the next.
Some of the legends you hear are true. Garlic seems to be the one false that makes most laugh. I still enjoy it quite a bit in cooking, but then I can still consume human meals with no issues. Many can't.
My condition is also not a secret, and this place reminds others of it constantly. I also didn't come here with it. It's something that happened here.
[ Bruce follows Kyle in, and flops down in one of those chairs like he owns the place - but he drops into a 'leaning forward, forearms on his knees' position, rather than an artful sprawl.
Meaning, though there's no comparison (yet), he's both engaged in the problem and not putting on an even metaphorical mask.
Kyle being a vampire isn't a thing that holds most of his attention, though 'happened here' is something he finds a little alarming. ]
I'm sorry; that must have been traumatic for you and people close to you. I'm not asking for abilities and commonalities so I can take advantage of them, though I won't pretend to be noting them. I'm looking for something I can use to create an automated security and screening system to keep people who don't need to use the resource out.
Speed and strength above human ability would work but that's not fool proof here. Body temperature or pulse range. ...Even amount of blood currently within an in individual's system could work, though it would keep out vampires who have recently fed.
Thank you. I appreciate it. It was a choice made, whether in my right mind or not so I accept it and do my best with it.
[ A small smile curves Kyle's lip at the way Bruce settles down on the chair, moving to settle onto the couch opposite him so they can talk. ]
I know it likely seems overly protective, but in a way its like patient confidentiality. Just looking out as best I can for those coming to me.
I'll have to look into it. A lot of them do run colder than average human temperature, but I couldn't say all of them. Some have heartbeats and others don't. The temperature and pulse though are those most likely to fall out of human range.
Yeah, amount of blood wouldn't do much. I know my body expends it slower than many, and my heart still beats where others don't.
[ He lifts both his eyebrows up a little, in mild surprise. ]
It doesn't seem overly protective. Even if you weren't concerned about the safety of your blood bank clients, the security and safety of the entire hospital is at risk if people start trying to kill one another, here.
If nothing else people who might otherwise seek medical care start avoiding it, or there's structural damage.
[ He has other thoughts about this but he can wait to move on them. Right now he's a little more willing to be... more personal. ]
Does the rate you expend blood influence how frequently or how much blood you need?
And that's where I'm at right now. I want to do what I can for everyone, but that means knowing I have potentially dangerous people in here and those that are wary of them.
Sadly most of the damage that's been done here has been by the gangs. We do what we can to keep them away but it doesn't always work.
[ And he takes a lot of risks working to try and keep them away, to make sure that the hospital is as safe as it can be.
He nods at the question. ]
It does for me, and as of late I've been one using the bank more than others. I haven't asked others directly if its the same for them.
[ He doesn't have enough information - yet - to deal with the gangs, or even really consider how to handle them, but it's not something that will be forgotten. ]
Can you hand out a basic, anonymous, survey when people come to use the lab. Make it voluntary, nothing about weaknesses, but something like body temperature at the time they need to use the clinic?
[ Kyle falls quiet for a moment, considering that. ]
I think we could make that work, yeah. Maybe not everyone will answer, and honestly I don't know all of those in the city that have need of the facilities but it might be enough.
I'll get working on that and get the information to you as soon as possible.
Then I'll get to work pulling together a basic security system and can refine the range once I have that information. I'll work out exceptions or a wider range, as and if I need to.
[ It's nice to have a project to work on that's relatively straight forward. He might, probably will, ultimately expand things to the entire building.
I'm really glad you contacted me. Wolf, who works here part time, did a lot of work putting this space together for us to try and make it comfortable and not clinical. I can't leave security on the side though. Just because we've been through changes doesn't mean we don't deserve to be safe.
[ Even if he knows he may well be one of the few of their kind to have killed in the city. At least that was publicly broadcast, at least.
A brow arches at that. He really should have seen that coming. ]
I'm sorry he's back here. He deserves better than to spend years here only to get dragged back into it all.
I need an income stream, direction, and access to a medical facility.
[ Should he lay that last part out? Maybe not, but he's still working on learning Kyle and this kind of thing is a good way to get there. ]
Working on this is an good way to make sure we both get what we want. Even if I was more disturbed by the idea of vampires, having them wandering around hungry and defensive sounds like a losing proposition for the city.
[ But that's the... side conversation and train of thought (and, yes, he's holding both in his head. Normally he'd drop one, but he's not interested in faking that at this instance. ]
Bad things - or good ones - don't usually have anything to do with what they deserve. My question is what you intend to do now that he is back.
Are you in need of medical assistance yourself, or is this for someone else?
[ Because he's not against it, but he also can't help but wonder how much space and area he'll need. If only to accommodate. ]
Thankfully there is rarely a case of that happening unless the city has their sick hand in things, but I never want it to happen. Not to mention that some have no interested in more direct means of feeding.
[ Yep, easy things to talk about. The rest not so much. ]
I intend to be there for him as a friend. To offer the same as he did when I came here before and told me about the city, watched out for me when things got bad, if he ever needs it to be there if the gangs or others become a problem in the Down.
If he remembers anything, I'll apologize for how I withdrew from everyone when I met my sire. None of my friends deserved that and I still regret that time in my life.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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I'm sorry. I'm sure others will mention it. Tim was here, as were several versions of others. I've known a few from Gotham in my time here. Your name was mentioned a time or two by friends. I just hadn't put them together until now.
[ That's all it is. Just someone he knew. People he's known. Definitely not more than that. ]
Tim helped me to get through some trauma before I came here by learning to defend myself.
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He's fine.
...he hates being confused. He also hates feeling exposed.]
I've read back through the network. [ IT remember? And that degree is real. It's also one of several, but those are irrelevant. ] There are other people here now who know us both.
The timelines and realities don't seem to line up for any of us - present or likely past. Tim is probably close, but he's years ahead of me, which leaves... more room than I'd like.
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[ He thought of Dick being punished by Logan as Nick had been and knew that had been broadcast to the city. He suspects there might be more as well of others he knows. ]
I wouldn't be surprised. Some worlds seem to draw people here more than others.
Yeah, that's something I've dealt with but not on more than months. There was a time when there was six of us from my world but only three of us have been here for any amount of time.
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The splinter points are disorienting, as much because of people's reactions to who I am there or then as differences in them. I'm dead, I'm alive, I'm absolutely out of my mind-
I'm sure I'll adjust, eventually.
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I hope you find that balance. I think that's the most important thing here.
You're throwing yourself in and a lot of people don't do that. I hope it helps you while you're here and I'm glad to have you on board. I'll have to arrange for you and Alex to meet. He's done some work for me here, but he teaches technology at the community center for those from times without devices or even electric lighting and such.
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[That is absolutely, completely, sincere.
Bruce is really (really) good at intuitive leaps. There's a pause after mention of Alex, though. A pause where he actually goes physically still for a half second, because he realizes that he can't make that one and is going to have to ask. He manages to at least look perplexed rather than frustrated. ]
I'd be happy to meet him, but I'm not sure I understand why I should. Shared interest, or do you need help at the Community Center?
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[ He smiles at that question, because he can understand why. ]
Shared interests and Alex would probably appreciate it. He knows more about Gotham than I ever did. [ This place has made it all real, and he has no plans to treat it any other way. No matter how that knowledge came in their world. ]
The Community Center was actually started by Tim. Then it was run for a while by one of the Graysons. The one from Gar's world. Now it's run by Laura, though it's owned by Logan I think. It does a lot of good work and people work to keep it going.
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Mention of Gotham - and Dick and Tim - and the hair on the back of his neck stands up, the set of his jaw and shoulders subtly change, and a blank wall comes down behind his eyes.
Immediately. Like some switch flipped and warmth turned off and was replaced by... remote.
Not psychotic, though More like wary, uncomfortable and incredibly guarded. ]
I haven't had time to look deeply into the history of the Community Center, but I have no doubt that the work it is doing is useful and necessary. Alex's name is new. I'll make a point of meeting him.
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He stops where he is, hoping Bruce stops as well though he won't be surprised if he doesn't. He speaks either way though. ]
I hadn't meant to say the wrong thing. I'm talking about parts of my life that have been important to me here, both the center and those that run it and have run it. I hadn't meant to ... seem intrusive and I apologize.
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That he holds one hand up, palm out and open, when Kyle finishes isn't a 'stop talking' signal, though it may look like that. It's almost a... physical space preservation measure.
Still remote, but there is... an attempt being made on his end.
Because, well. Many reasons involving intersecting lines of connection between them leading to somewhat tentative trust - and also just a general attempt at fairness.
Justice?
Both]
You didn't do or say anything wrong. You spoke about points of commonality and gave me information I needed. My discomfort with that being information you have is my problem and I'll manage it.
...It may take me five minutes, though.
[ ...not actually manage it. Bury it? ]
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Someone that important to Tim and idolized by Gar and he's going to do what he can for him. ]
This place will tear apart any sense of privacy you have. They broadcast our secrets to the world, and treat us like reality tv stars in the way they play games with who we are.
I shouldn't have added to that. I am apologetic for that.
Come on. Let me show you my pet project if only that it will likely require the most attention of any area of the hospital. Whether our clients are having issues or those that would want to kill them.
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He probably couldn't articulate if someone he loved's life depended on it.
Not important right now. He just nods and resumes walking with Kyle. ]
The pet project being the food bank for the city's vampires? What kind of attention does it need?
no subject
Right now the security is basic. A key we keep at the nurse's station. If there was a way to do it, I'd like to have higher security on the door, possibly with a number lock or such.
There's two things that have to be considered beyond that and while I don't try and alarm people, they're things I consider often. One that those using this facility are possibly coming in... let's call it on edge. Second there are hunters in the city that would see those using this facility dead. I'm not sure what the options might be but I'd be curious to see what could be done.
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is the sort of 'redirect' the people who know Bruce best would do. It is so dead on it actually makes Bruce shoot Kyle a look that is...assessing, but not warning.
Then he lets the redirect work.
Because that is... an interesting problem. He has more than one idea, immediately. ]
What beyond a need for blood do the vampires who use this clinic have in common? Ideally biologically in common.
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The need for blood is the one thing I can say for sure tying them... [ He pauses and then changes his wording. ] Us together. There's a few common threats, beyond hunters, and most possess stronger than average strength and speed. Beyond that, the abilities change from one to the next.
Some of the legends you hear are true. Garlic seems to be the one false that makes most laugh. I still enjoy it quite a bit in cooking, but then I can still consume human meals with no issues. Many can't.
My condition is also not a secret, and this place reminds others of it constantly. I also didn't come here with it. It's something that happened here.
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Meaning, though there's no comparison (yet), he's both engaged in the problem and not putting on an even metaphorical mask.
Kyle being a vampire isn't a thing that holds most of his attention, though 'happened here' is something he finds a little alarming. ]
I'm sorry; that must have been traumatic for you and people close to you. I'm not asking for abilities and commonalities so I can take advantage of them, though I won't pretend to be noting them. I'm looking for something I can use to create an automated security and screening system to keep people who don't need to use the resource out.
Speed and strength above human ability would work but that's not fool proof here. Body temperature or pulse range. ...Even amount of blood currently within an in individual's system could work, though it would keep out vampires who have recently fed.
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[ A small smile curves Kyle's lip at the way Bruce settles down on the chair, moving to settle onto the couch opposite him so they can talk. ]
I know it likely seems overly protective, but in a way its like patient confidentiality. Just looking out as best I can for those coming to me.
I'll have to look into it. A lot of them do run colder than average human temperature, but I couldn't say all of them. Some have heartbeats and others don't. The temperature and pulse though are those most likely to fall out of human range.
Yeah, amount of blood wouldn't do much. I know my body expends it slower than many, and my heart still beats where others don't.
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It doesn't seem overly protective. Even if you weren't concerned about the safety of your blood bank clients, the security and safety of the entire hospital is at risk if people start trying to kill one another, here.
If nothing else people who might otherwise seek medical care start avoiding it, or there's structural damage.
[ He has other thoughts about this but he can wait to move on them. Right now he's a little more willing to be... more personal. ]
Does the rate you expend blood influence how frequently or how much blood you need?
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Sadly most of the damage that's been done here has been by the gangs. We do what we can to keep them away but it doesn't always work.
[ And he takes a lot of risks working to try and keep them away, to make sure that the hospital is as safe as it can be.
He nods at the question. ]
It does for me, and as of late I've been one using the bank more than others. I haven't asked others directly if its the same for them.
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Can you hand out a basic, anonymous, survey when people come to use the lab. Make it voluntary, nothing about weaknesses, but something like body temperature at the time they need to use the clinic?
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I think we could make that work, yeah. Maybe not everyone will answer, and honestly I don't know all of those in the city that have need of the facilities but it might be enough.
I'll get working on that and get the information to you as soon as possible.
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[ It's nice to have a project to work on that's relatively straight forward. He might, probably will, ultimately expand things to the entire building.
Either way, he leans back in his seat, finally. ]
Now, about Tim.
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[ Even if he knows he may well be one of the few of their kind to have killed in the city. At least that was publicly broadcast, at least.
A brow arches at that. He really should have seen that coming. ]
I'm sorry he's back here. He deserves better than to spend years here only to get dragged back into it all.
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[ Should he lay that last part out? Maybe not, but he's still working on learning Kyle and this kind of thing is a good way to get there. ]
Working on this is an good way to make sure we both get what we want. Even if I was more disturbed by the idea of vampires, having them wandering around hungry and defensive sounds like a losing proposition for the city.
[ But that's the... side conversation and train of thought (and, yes, he's holding both in his head. Normally he'd drop one, but he's not interested in faking that at this instance. ]
Bad things - or good ones - don't usually have anything to do with what they deserve. My question is what you intend to do now that he is back.
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[ Because he's not against it, but he also can't help but wonder how much space and area he'll need. If only to accommodate. ]
Thankfully there is rarely a case of that happening unless the city has their sick hand in things, but I never want it to happen. Not to mention that some have no interested in more direct means of feeding.
[ Yep, easy things to talk about. The rest not so much. ]
I intend to be there for him as a friend. To offer the same as he did when I came here before and told me about the city, watched out for me when things got bad, if he ever needs it to be there if the gangs or others become a problem in the Down.
If he remembers anything, I'll apologize for how I withdrew from everyone when I met my sire. None of my friends deserved that and I still regret that time in my life.
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