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[A few minutes later Bart is knocking on the door. He's looking a little worn thin, but not to the point where it would be a problem.]

Hey. Hope I'm not imposing...there's only so much waiting while the detectives do the work...

[Oh Bart. David immediately offers a hug, because he needs it.]

I know. Trust me, I know. It was so hard to figure out what to do sometimes. I did all I could but it didn't feel like enough.

[Bart hugs him back, clinging desperately for a few moments before pulling himself together, at least a little. Not because he needs to look tough, but because there's no point in falling apart right now. The job could resume at any time.]

I've got some scouts out keeping an eye on things. Red Hood will be on the warpath as soon as we're in the clear, which will be a problem, but not really one of mine.

But picking up the pieces...I don't know a better thing to start with than proper cocoa. The Bat-butler makes an amazing version, but I doubt I could do the same without help.

Wait, you know Hood?

[David was shocked to hear that. The dude was interesting.]

I didn't realize he was yours. The good news is that I know hot chocolate so well.

I don't really know him, but, well, I know his adopted brothers. Whether or not that means he's acknowledging the family is an entirely different question.

[And not one he needs to get into.]

I can't really go into details. It's...just not good stuff that this is bringing up. For any of us. The last time Joker got his hands on a Robin, he didn't survive the encounter. But Rob knows that and he'll get free as soon as he can.

[While things don't look great on the cameras, he has faith in his friend that if there's a way out, he'll find it.]

Adopted brothers?

[Interesting but he doesn't intend to pry. His mind immediately goes to Robin but he knows better. He swore not to pry.]

The Joker here... he's worse than the one we knew back in the ImPort world isn't he?

It's not important right now. Just that I know people who would throw down for the Hood, even if he isn't the nicest guy in the world.

[A pause, as he gathers his thoughts to explain just how much worse the Joker is.]

There are three people Robin isn't allowed to tangle with alone. Joker tops that list. And when you consider Rob is one of the most capable people I know...well, the guy has no limits. No consistent rules. Even his own people are just cannon fodder if the mood is right, or wrong, depending on circumstances. This guy is, without a doubt, Gotham's most dangerous criminal. And Gotham makes Central City here look tame by comparison.

So, yeah, it's not great. But those of us familiar know that. And at least we know he likes to put on a show. Grandstanding. Tendencies towards certain targets that suit his nature.

But knowing the general what and where doesn't help us with stealing the thunder just yet. So I'm choosing to focus on recovery.

Honestly, I'd throw down for him too. Guy was good, even if was also a bit of a punk.

[So yeah, the Joker that David had known was more... moderate. That's weird to think of.]

Recovery is smart to consider. We should, you know, start on this. Do you want to learn more than cocoa?

My best friend is currently being tortured by a clown who thinks it's funny that he seems to reset when knocked unconscious. I've got a bad knee that goes with the fact that healing fast doesn't always mean healing right. So he's going to need comfort and friends until the Robin's ready to fly again.

[Because Bart isn't even allowing the thought to form that Tim might not survive.]

I can make soup and sandwiches and general stuff okay. But cocoa is traditional for these kinds of things.

Oh Bar.

[Yeah, time for another hug. A very serious hug. This is David embracing you the way you need embraced.]

You know that whatever you want, whatever you need, I'm here for you.

[For a moment, Bart resists, because the last thing he wants to do is break down before they're out of the woods, but finally, he relaxes, squeezing back to make certain David knows he appreciates the offer.]

I have to hold together for now. I can do that. And, well, I do know how to do basic trauma response and stuff. So it won't be impossible. We've got a lot of stuff to run down, and the numbers are messy.

Right now what I really need is a bit of harmless distraction. There's nothing I can really add to the brain trust, and until it's time for things like civilian evac or whatever, my powers don't add much. Too visible, for one thing.

[Bart's thought a lot of this through, many times over. It's not great, knowing you're mostly useless, but he is doing his best to focus one what he can achieve in the endeavors.]

[Sometimes the only time you get to break down is while you're still in the thick of the woods and you've got someone to watch your back.]

I understand, but please remember I'm here to support you if you need it, Bart. I swear it. Now come on, I'm going to teach you how to do this, and that starts with the milk.

I know. I'll keep you posted, but I'll probably drag him to the farm so I can keep an eye on him for at least a few days before letting Robin bury himself in work. But it's going to be the three of us for a bit, I think.

[He leaves it at that, though. Because he doesn't have more to say on the matter, and learning to cook comfort foods is probably the most productive thing he can manage right now.]

I'd ask about cookies, but I already know your opinions on baking...

[[ooc: wrap here?]]

I'll make sure not to swing by while he's there, but do tell me if you need medical consultation. I can do that by video if I have to.

[It's the best thing he could offer Bart.]

I have no negative opinions on baking. I'm just bad at it. Now come on, let's do this lesson.

I am going to have to stay at the shop til the power's back on. How are you holding up?

[IT's one of the few remaining lights to see by, here in the darkness. David wants to go outside, wants to breathe in the evening air, wants to fight the panic and pain. Instead he types back with shaking hands.

He hasn't had to type out a text while in the presence of someone who knew about his powers since... well, in months. A lot of them. A year now?]

Do that. Stay safe. I'll bring you food and water.

Not great.

[ Honestly the darkness is something that feels weirdly like Ivalice to Balthier, any that's not something he wants to deal with right now.

His powers haven't been hit yet, probably because they're weaker and he's less attached to them, so he doesn't even realize that's also going on. ]

I'll be fine if you need to take care of yourself, and I'll be here if you want the company.

I didn't charge my phone today. The guild should be sending someone to help; if I don't see you by morning I'll come by your apartment.

I'm sorry I can't be there right now.

[For David it's... agony.]

Hopefully this will resolve by morning.

[He doesn't believe that. He also doesn't know if he'll be there, isolated in the dark. If not, he'll put a note on the door he supposes.]

Don't worry about me. I had dinner with Laurie tonight, remember? She's got my back.

[ Between the cauldron incident and the jaegers and the dopplegangers in Sunset, Balthier feels fairly certain whatever this is willresolve, but not by morning. He's just not accepting dealing with it without seeing David, especially if he isn't doing well. ]

Forgive me. I'm scattered.

David, if you do need me, you're my priority. Please don't hesitate, alright?

[ They've been doing much better since their camping trip, but David's had episodes of being distracted and withdrawn, especially since getting Tommy as a roommate. 'Not great' isn't reassuring. ]

I know how to handle this, I promise. This is nothing new.

[While the power in his phone doesn't fail him then, his service does. No bars left to send the completed message of: 'I've adapted to being human before, I can do it again']

@ josh.foley mentioned you on a post.

Edited 2022-08-06 10:46 (UTC)

David, would you like to come by my place sometime after work?
I'd like to go over the blueprints for the actuators with you, if you're willing.

It would be good to know that someone other than Peter was familiar with them, should anything happen to me.

[It's not even necessarily the chip situation; anything that took him out of commission would doubtless have to tear up the actuators first. And if anything happens to them, Otto may not be physically able to manage all the repairs on his own. He's been thinking a lot, since the blackout, about how risky his dependence on them really is...but there's no way now to eliminate that risk, only potentially mitigate it.]

[Well color him surprised. He hadn't even thought that a coworker might want him around after work hours. Granted David was one of those code monkeys that really didn't notice people at work. Best way to reach him tended to be e-mail, even at his side. So yeah, he's shocked. ANd also strangely delighted.]

I'd be happy to. Especially if you're going to let me look over the blueprints of your beautiful friends. Doubly so for the fact that you'd trust me to help out if things went sideways.

[Otto's friendly with his coworkers, but he also tends towards a powerful and narrow focus; if he's busy, he'll just not notice them. David's different, though, he knows David socially already. He considers him a friend!]

Of course. I should have asked before.
I realized during the blackout that I've probably been a little irresponsible. Peter has helped me with repairs in the past, but I don't want to lean entirely on him.

[Peter's not always around - and more to the point, Otto doesn't want to put that kind of pressure on the boy. He never meant to; he supposes he just hadn't wanted to dwell on the worst-case scenarios.

Anyhow, he'll send his address and a time and they can work out logistics or whatever!]

There is nothing irresponsible with being nervous to share details that would make you vulnerable.

Do you need food when I come over? I've got this wonderful artichoke and cheese casserole I make.

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sounds good

text, early in power outage

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