Gotham City's Own Paris Hilton

[not_a_wonder]

[Nessie isn't surprised that there wasn't a lot of turnout for this "Be a Big Sibling" sign up event. Although everyone in Gotham City knows that crime affects the children of the city, there aren't a lot of people willing to help fix that.]

[Of course, the stringent background check required for it might also scare some people off.]

[She hands off a copy of the brochure and says,] "I hope you'll consider being a Big Sibling for one of our foster kids in need! They could use more good influences in their lives."

[The woman smiles at her, and moves on to Nessie's boss for the presentation.]

[Nessie hears another person step up to her table. She holds up another brochure, and says again,] "I hope you'll consider being a Big Sibling for one of our needy foster kids!"

[[OOC: (Added 23 July 2022) Although this particular scene was written beforehand, chronologically it comes after scenes that are being played at this time.]]

Comments

[not_a_wonder]

[Nessie frowns slightly, and sets her coffee aside.]

Sometimes... Sometimes there isn't a "right way", Dick.

[iamthenightwing]

... no. I guess there's not.

[He sighs.] That's the hardest part of all of this, isn't it? Not being there when they need it, but not being able to be there even when you want to.

[not_a_wonder]

It is hard, but what's important is letting them know that they are loved and cared for. For however long they allow themselves to believe it... you're making their life better now, and sometimes that all anyone can do.

[iamthenightwing]

Heh. [Dick scrubs a hand over his face.] You've got some wisdom in there, Ms. Kapatelis. No wonder I keep hearing such good things.

I think I needed to hear that. Thank you.

[not_a_wonder]

If I have wisdom, it has been hard won. [She shrugs smoothly.] As Athena wills it, then.

You're welcome, Dick. [She pauses, looking uncertain, then forges ahead.] I hope I'm not being too forward, but... it seems to me that you might need someone to talk to? I don't mind being that person, if you'd like.

[iamthenightwing]

It's... complicated. I... [He sighs.] What do you know about... my family situation?

[not_a_wonder]

[Nessie drains her coffee, and leans in close so that she can speak quietly.]

Listen. It'd be kind of hilarious to hear you trying to dance around in... pixie boots... about this, but is a local coffee shop really the place to bring this up?

[iamthenightwing]

[Dick audibly chokes on the last sip of his coffee, sputtering.

That... he really did not think she knew that much.

When he has himself under control, he finally says,] Perhaps.... we'd be better talking about this someplace quieter.

[not_a_wonder]

I agree.

I'm going to pull a book out of my purse. It's a memoir about the founder of the Big Siblings program. When we leave here, you'll be carrying it. Make sure that some of those lurking paparazzi can see the title?

That, combined with the cell phone videos probably already circulating on TMZ, will help deflect any speculation that this is more than "strictly platonic". Sound good to you?

[iamthenightwing]

You've thought this through. [A bit of cheer returns to his voice, and he obligingly takes the book.] All right then, Vanessa. Let's ditch some paparazzi.

[not_a_wonder]

Well, I've been carrying the book for a few days. But I've learned that it's best not to leave the things I do open to speculation.

[She smiles warmly and, after leaving a few dollars as a tip, rises to leave.] After you, Mr. Grayson.