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

[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."