Does he have her eyes?

[totally_bradical]

"Well dude, here goes... something." A young adult, upper end of college age at a glance, with blue eyes and black hair that he hoped wasn't too messy after his walk (he'd had the cab drop him off almost a mile away) approached the outermost gate of stately Wayne Manor. He was wearing a polo shirt at least half a size too small, collar popped, and a pair of khakis and high-tops. A thin folder was tucked under one arm.

He rubbed the back of his head as he paced back and forth in front of the gate a few times. "Come on... butch up. You wearing a rut at the man's front door ain't gonna help anything." Before he could talk himself out of it, he lashed an arm out and pressed the buzzer, holding it maybe just a little too long before releasing it. He fidgeted with the sunglasses pushed up his forehead as he waited for a response.

Comments

[fanboy_power]

After a moment or two, there's a little crackle from the speaker as someone starts to answer.

"Hello. Oh um, Wayne Manor. How c-can I can help you?" the voice sounded like it belonged to someone on the younger side.

[totally_bradical]

Sure didn't sound like an old British man. This had to be one of the various kids Bruce and picked up over the years. He was going to have to learn to keep them all straight.

"Good afternoon, I'm... here to see Bruce Wayne. I've got something kind of important to talk to him about that I didn't think would be good to do in public, or near his office. I just need a couple minutes." he held up the folder to what he assumed was the camera. "I've got some things for him to look over."

An uncomfortable pause. "Please. It's important. I promise this isn't some paparazzi nonsense, and nobody knows I'm here."

[fanboy_power]

There were certainly a lot of those kids to make sense of.

"Something important?" there was a bit of concern in that voice. "Um, who are you?"

[totally_bradical]

Hoo boy... CRINGE.

"My name is, was, Brady Beaumont. I can explain about that, but it's really better if it was more private."

He seems earnest enough. It's obvious something is troubling the young man, and that his life hasn't thrown much adversity at him up until now. "I have something you can tell him that might help. Is he even home right now, dude? As far as I know he is, but I know I might not be right.

I'll wait as long as I have to, just please don't call the cops on me for trespassing or anything.

Tell him... Tell him Andrea says she's sorry she had to give him back the locket, and she's even sorrier she had to give him back the ring."

[fanboy_power]

"One moment please," comes quickly, surprise in the voice's tone now.

"Sorry for the wait," that voice speaks up again, followed by the gate starting to open. "You can come up t-to the house please, Mr. Beaumont."

[totally_bradical]

Brady felt his heart jump like he hadn't since the night the Gammas ran out of Four Loko, and tried to substitute by mixing moonshine with Red bull.

"Cool... Thanks dude. Be right there. Call me Brad."

Oh no... somebody please tell him his voice hadn't actually just cracked. Lame! it's a long walk up to the house, maybe he'll be able to get his heart rate back under control by the time he gets there.

[nation_gothampc]

The door opened, and an older man stood there, gazing down.

"Yes, can I help..." His voice dropped off, and a hand shot up to cover his mouth.

"...my word."

[totally_bradical]

"My man." Brad countered, smiling without missing a beat. Banter came easy to him, and put him at ease as well, and that one in particular came low and over the plate.

"Good afternoon, Mister Pennyworth. Brady Beaumont, like I told the other guy." A very small lie, it would have been true 24 hours ago, but he still felt he had to wait to explain fully. He extended his free hand, the folder still clutched tightly at his side with the other arm.

[nation_gothampc]

Alfred recovered quickly.

"Master Beaumont. Please. Come in. I'll retrieve Master Wayne immediately."

His eyes still betraying surprise, he gestures for Brad to enter, then turns to seek out Bruce immediately.

Two. In nearly as many days.

The thought that this was likely some sort of villainous scheme did not escape Alfred's notice.

[totally_bradical]

Okay, so the old British dude is shaken. That can't bode well

"Sure thing."

Oh god oh god it's happening. He's here.

Brad followed along, his head on a swivel as he took in the place. It was... immense. And despite how many kids Bruce Wayne had adopted over the years, the scale of it made the comparative emptiness feel like a weighted blanket pressing down on him.

"So... you raised him after, uh, it happened?"

Brad... Dude. Wtf r u doin?

[nation_gothampc]

Alfred does not reply to he question; he must not have heard it.

"Wait here, please," he gestures to a chair in a waiting room. Then he slips out of the room and heads off to retrieve Bruce.

[totally_bradical]

Oh holy shit. Dude was either really mad or really polite.

Brad planted himself in a chair, fingers picking at the edges of the folder like it was a security blanket.

Wait, had he just... His hand went to his head and, yup, sunglasses still there. He stashed them in a shirt pocket, trying not to make his first impression any worse, and to sort out words in his head. He was going to need them soon.

[nation_gothampc]

A large dog nosed his way into the room. He snuffled in Brad's direction before cautiously making his way towards the stranger.

[totally_bradical]

...PUPPY!

Brad immediately dropped to the floor and began crawling towards the dog. "Look at you, dude. Aren't you just the handsomest boy? Yes you are. Yes you are!"

His mother had never let him have pets.

[flyingg]

"Ace, what--"

In came Dick Grayson, in loose gym clothes (because he had been using the actual normal gym, albeit the gymnastics part of it) following the dog. He blinked at the young man approaching Ace, then tilted his head, ready to intervene if Ace took a disliking to him, but, honestly?

The dog deserved every bit of affection hi would accept, anyway. He wasn't going to interfere otherwise.

[nation_gothampc]

A cautious pause midstep when Brad just dropped down and the big dog's ears flicked. He sniffed as Brad laid on the praise, tail giving a few idle wags. After a moment of considering Brad, that big dog is going to give Brad a great big lick in the face.

[totally_bradical]

"Oh what a good boy. Aren't you just the sweetest dude? Oh you're so good. What a good giant baby." Brad accepted the lick with a happy laugh, as he began petting the dog about the ears, neck, and jowls.

It was then, while flat on his back in the most expensive house he's ever set foot in, practically baby talking to a dog, that he notices the first kid Bruce adopted.

"Oh. Hi there." Still petting the dog. "I'm Brad. Sup?"

[flyingg]

"Dick. Hi. I see you have Ace's approval, that's a good start."

Dick settled with one shoulder against the door frame, arms loosely crossed in front of him.

"I'm assuming Alfred has already talked with you?"

And was going to get started on what would be necessary for Brad's visit. Still, it didn't hurt to confirm.

[totally_bradical]

Brad sat up, but kept petting Ace. "Yeah, no doubt. Didn't say much." MERCIFULLY.

"I've got some kind of important stuff to talk to Bruce Wayne about."

[flyingg]

A flash of a smile. "That's me. I'd ask if you're here to see me," since a lot of people who come here do know about Dick, but a lot fewer of them ones that Dick doesn't know, "but I think you'd have let me know already."

He was rather certain that Alfred, even without saying much, would have gotten all the necessary information, which means any of the usual questions would be only a repetition. So instead, he crouches on Ace's other side, petting him, as well.

"How has your day been, Brad?"

Dick might have been tired, but simple hospitality and friendliness didn't cos that much.

[totally_bradical]

"So far, just a day. Leg day at the gym, breakfast, long ass walk so the cab didn't know where they were actually dropping me off. Pretty standard really, dude.

"Let you know what kind of day it really is after I talk to the big guy."

[fanboy_power]

A moment after the words 'big guy' are said, Eddie appears in the doorway. He might just sneak up on people even if he wasn't trying. He's dressed in jeans and a red polo shirt with a Robin-logo over the heart in gold.

"Excuse me," he offers a quick smile to Dick. "If y-you mean Mr. Wayne, he'll be here soon. He's j-j-just finishing an important call."

[nation_gothampc]

He is here.

He's already in the room, his eyes searching Brad's face, looking for... something.

"Dick, Eddie... could you excuse us, please?"

It was not a request.

[totally_bradical]

Oh. OH.

Get up. Get up right you absolute knob. Wipe off the carpet and dog dander but don't be too obvious about it.

Brad tried to get to his feet with a minimum of awkwardness.

"...thank you for seeing me, Mr Wayne."

[fanboy_power]

"Y-yessir," Eddie chimes, jumping slightly when Bruce just Batmans into the room. "Mr. Pennyworth s-says tea will be ready soon if you'd like some," he adds, trying to get Ace to follow as he slips back out of the room.

[nation_gothampc]

Once they were alone, Bruce turned to Brad.

"So. What is it you'd like to talk with me about?"

[totally_bradical]

Brad flipped through the papers in the folder he had with him. "My mother is Andrea Beaumont." He avoids eye contact, giving a measured pause. "She named me Brady Thomas Beaumont, and told me my middle name was after my dad's dad."

Another careful pause, watching for... he didn't know what, in the older man's face. Or anywhere in his body language.

"And until a couple days ago, that was totally my name," he pulled a page from the folder, extending his hand to offer it to Bruce. It was a form for a change of name.

Brady
Thomas
Wayne

"It's nice to meet you."

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce stares down at the hand, for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

He knew where this was going the moment he heard his name, saw his face.

Slowly, he takes Brad's hand and grips it firmly. "Hi there, Brad. It's... a surprise to meet you, but... it's also nice, too."

[totally_bradical]

The relief that swept over Brad had to be palpable.

"I.. I hope it's okay. Part of me was... well, kind of coming from an angry place at my mom when I changed the name, but, I dunno, just seemed like a change I needed right then." Brad shook his hand, not sure when to let go.

"There's... well, you probably got some questions, right?"

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce releases the grip on his end and glances at his hand, still being shaked.

"Well, why don't we start with you telling me a bit about yourself."

[totally_bradical]

"Sure... we can do that." He releases Bruce's hand and goes to sit down.

"So... Mom said it wasn't her place to tell me all the details, that there was stuff between you that should stay between you, until you decided I was ready. This was before I even knew who you were. For most of my life she just told me, yeah, she knew who my father was, but it wasn't time for me to know.

"Mom says was pregnant with me right before she left Gotham the first time. My grandpa, he died when I was just a baby, threw a fit but Mom kept me. She had some family friends take care of me for a couple years after her dad died. Said she went a little crazy and wasn't in good place to be a mom. Said she had to get stronger and find her direction again. I know that probably sounds harsh, but I was fine, really.

We moved around a few times after she came back, always big cities. I think Mom likes being able to get lost in a crowd. Boston, Star City, Philly, New York for one summer. We're not... y'know--" he gestured around the room, "--like you but we're comfortable." A pause. "And yeah, I know 'we're comfortable' is the cop-out for people who don't wanna say they're really rich, but... it's about right. Mom always got me into good schools, money wasn't ever something we had to worry about, but I think we're 'normal' rich compared to you." He shrugged and took a deep breath.

"Once I got into college I started getting more persistent with her. Told her that I was supposed to be getting ready to be an adult, be on my own, all that stuff, and I deserved to know. She told me 'Your father leads a complicated life. Are you sure you want to be exposed to it?' and I didn't even stop to think, I just told her yeah.

I mean... she wasn't wrong. You're Bruce Wayne."

[nation_gothampc]

The pieces fit together. The story is plausible, at least.

"Your mother and I..." He pauses, thinking. "I hope she's well."

[totally_bradical]

Brad cocked a grin. "You kidding? The Angel of Death looks at her and takes off running. Mom's a force of nature." A small laugh before sobering again.

"Oh, uh... not sure if the little guy or Mr Pennyworth passed it along, but... she said to tell you she's sorry. That she gave back the locket; and... sorrier that she gave back the ring." He fidgets slightly. "She told me to mention that so you'd know this wasn't some scam." He nods to the folder. "I'm not a law major, but it all looks pretty official, but it's still really just ink and paper, I guess."

He took a deep breath. "Look, Mister Wayne.. Bruce? I... I don't even totally know myself why I'm here. Just seemed like the thing to do. I'm not gonna try to pretend like you owe me anything, not money or your time outside of today. Mom never put your name on my birth certificate, and I'm not going to ask for a paternity test or anything. I know you've got your own life... your own kids you've taken in or adopted, and I'm not gonna be surprised or angry if you don't need or want me in it.

But if you have the time... I'd like to know you. Know about the other side of my family.

And have you know me, if you're interested."

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce's brow furrowed, searching for the right words.

"Brad. This has been... a bit of a shock, I'll admit. It may take... some time... to process everything." He regarded Bad carefully.

"But... if you're willing to give me that time... I will make it for you."

[totally_bradical]

Brad tried to hold back his excitement, but a knee started bouncing. "As much time as you need... I just transferred into Gotham U, so I'm not in town for a while. Going to look at an apartment later today; did some time in Greek Life already and not sure if it's for me again."

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce nodded. "After your apartment viewing... did you want to come by for dinner this evening?"

[totally_bradical]

"Yes!"

Dude, don't seem desperate!

"If I won't be in the way..."

[nation_gothampc]

"It's no trouble," Bruce promises. "I'll just have Alfred cook for one more. You can meet the others."

[totally_bradical]

"Sweet. Thanks.

Oh, right... uh.. I know you've had a bunch of them in and out of here over the years, how many of them are 'home' right now?"

[nation_gothampc]

"Fewer than a dozen," Bruce jokes. Then he sobers. "Look, Brad... I'm... I can't promise I'll be the best father to you. I've already missed out on a lot."

[totally_bradical]

Brad smiles and gives Bruce a half-hearted jab on one shoulder. "I don't need someone to play catch or teach me to shave... just.. be you, I guess. We'll figure it out, man."

[nation_gothampc]

"Yes," Bruce smiles. "We will."

[nation_gothampc]

Bruce stands at the window, watching Brad leave, Alfred at his side.

"Alfred?"

[nation_gothampc]

"Yes, Master Bruce?"

[nation_gothampc]

"Gather the others, and keep Damian distracted. We have things we need to discuss."

[nation_citizens]

Down the way from Wayne Manor, a shadowed figure observes from the shadows, watching Brad's cab leave...