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[helpdesk_hero]

This is David Alleyne, I'm not available at the moment.
Please leave your name, contact information, and what this is regarding after the beep.

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[helpdesk_hero]

I'm buying things now. Come over.

[He's done the best he can to help Bruce at the man's request, but there's only so much David's been able to do.]

->Action

[kid_flash_found]

[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...

[helpdesk_hero]

[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.

[kid_flash_found]

[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.

[helpdesk_hero]

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.

[kid_flash_found]

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.]

[helpdesk_hero]

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?

[kid_flash_found]

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.

[helpdesk_hero]

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?

[kid_flash_found]

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.

[helpdesk_hero]

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.

[kid_flash_found]

[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.]

[helpdesk_hero]

[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.

[kid_flash_found]

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?]]

sounds good

[helpdesk_hero]

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.