checking in

[searchingfordistraction]

There's so much to do and see in Gotham, why waste his time tracking down a phone number when Bryce Wayne's penthouse is the most well-known private residence in the city?

The security is also an infinite improvement over some of what he's encountered lately. He examines it from afar for a little before he decides to just do this the polite way.

Well. The relatively polite way. He's not exactly immaculate after three days' wandering. Easier to let himself get spotted openly scoping out the security than to try to talk his way into the building.

Comments

[searchingfordistraction]

"Statement of fact," he says.

His expression gives nothing away.

[gothamsheiress]

"Duly noted," dryly.

The elevator comes to a stop with a ding, and the doors slide open onto the front hall of the Wayne penthouse. The view of Gotham through the enormous windows, from so high up and in the late afternoon light, is actually picturesque.

"Come in," Bryce says, stepping forward. "You can use the master bath. Would you like anything to drink?"

[gothamscitizens]

A Cockney voice from a little farther into the apartment calls, "Home early, Miss Wayne?"

The voice is followed a moment later by a white-haired butler, who stops and blinks at Jim.

"And with guests, no less. You should have telephoned ahead, Miss Wayne, I'd've put the kettle on."

[searchingfordistraction]

Jim smiles, hands in his pockets, as he steps out of the lift.

"Jim Moriarty," he says, almost blandly. "I'd love a cuppa."

[gothamscitizens]

Alfred's eyebrows snap down in a suspicious frown, and he glances at Bryce.

All he says, though, is "Right you are, Mr. Moriarty. Just get into Gotham, did you?"

[searchingfordistraction]

"I've been in town a few days," he says carelessly, gaze not straying from Alfred. "I needed a holiday."

[gothamscitizens]

"Not exactly a tourist hotspot, this time of year. Enjoying your stay?"

[gothamsheiress]

(Bryce will be over here rubbing her forehead.

And keeping a very close eye on Jim's reactions.)

[searchingfordistraction]

"Immensely."

Jim's body language is entirely at ease, his hands still in his pockets.

"It's been refreshing."

[gothamscitizens]

"I'm sure it has," Alfred says, very dry. "Seems to be quite the destination for some types."

[gothamsheiress]

"Alfred."

[searchingfordistraction]

"Not to worry," Jim assures him, "Miss Wayne has me on a leash. I've been very good."

According to the terms of their agreement, at least.

[gothamsheiress]

Bryce only barely manages not to roll her eyes.

"Jim," she says, just a little sharp, "the bathroom's that way. If you'd rather go back to Milliways now, let me know."

[searchingfordistraction]

He looks in the direction indicated, looks back at her to nod an innocent-looking thank you, then strolls off down the hall.

[gothamsheiress]

Bryce watches him go for about ten seconds before turning back to Alfred.

The conversation that ensues is whispered, tense, and involves the word "criminal" quite a few times. In the end, Bryce finds herself sitting in the living room glowering over the events that have let up to this -- again -- and Alfred finds himself making tea for a criminal mastermind. Neither of them are particularly pleased with the state of affairs.

[searchingfordistraction]

Jim arrives about ten minutes later immaculately clean and dressed in some of Bryce's workout clothes - yoga pants, tank top, and unzipped hoodie sweatshirt, all black. He's not a large man; clothing designed to give Bryce extra space to move is only a little bit tight on him, and the way he carries himself makes it look like a fashion choice.

"Hope you don't mind," he says, taking a seat. "I'll have them laundered and leave them with the Bar."

[gothamsheiress]

Bryce looks up from her contemplation of the skyline and raises her eyebrows.

". . . They suit you," she comments, surprised.

[searchingfordistraction]

"They're well-made," he says. "Versatile. They'd suit anyone who knew how to wear them properly."

Wearing clothing correctly is yet another thing the general populace seems to have difficulty with.

[gothamsheiress]

She can't help pointing out, "They're made for women."

[searchingfordistraction]

Honestly.

"And if I'd started out with that attitude, I'd look like this."

There's a subtle shift - his posture, his body language - and suddenly he looks exactly like a man uncomfortable in his female acquaintance's borrowed clothing.

Then he shrugs it off, continuing,

"A little openmindedness goes a long way."

[gothamsheiress]

"Well, I'm not in a position to argue with you about clothing and how it fits one's gender."

Not when people are still arguing over whether to call the Bat Bat-Man or Bat-Girl.

[searchingfordistraction]

"Certainly not," he says casually. "From what I'm gathered, Bruce outnumbers Bryce by a generous margin in the multiverse."

[gothamsheiress]

"Have you been keeping track?"

[searchingfordistraction]

"Well, I don't have an exact tally," he says, a touch dry, "the whole concept of 'infinite' makes that a bit physically impossible. But I've listened out for more specific references, that sort of thing."

That's technically accurate, if somewhat on the selective side as far as sharing the truth goes.

"Batman is a well-known story on any number of worlds, the Bat not nearly so much."

[gothamsheiress]

She nods. No need to mention the people she's met who know a Bruce Wayne. She's done giving Jim information freely, if she can possibly help it.

"And your adaptation? How well-known is that one?"