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]

It's not so much dredging something up as it is brushing sand away. I don't try to bury what happened to me. I don't get much chance to.

And it's not like getting hit by a car, among other things, is something you forget easily.

[iamthenightwing]

No, I guess it wouldn't be.

It's not easy. When something like that happens to you, remembering it without letting it consume you. Getting your life back together. When... [He shakes his head.] Well, it helps to have someone there. I think that's part of why what you do is so important. It's why... well, why I know I'm glad to hear you're doing well.

I guess it's why I signed up to be a Big Brother earlier, too. [He laughs.] I'm sorry, I really did come here just to discuss the program. I'd been hearing so many good things - I'd wanted to talk to you for a while, but this was the first time I got the chance with everything that's been going on.

[not_a_wonder]

It can be hard. Good things shape us, but the bad that happens to us does that as well. I hope... you've had that sort of support, when you needed it.

I suppose that makes it a bit easier, hm? Actually signing up for the task instead of having it sprung on you?

[iamthenightwing]

[Is she... does she mean... no, he must be reading too much into things.]

I... think I have more often than not, I suppose.

It does make it a little easier! Though having a nudge in the right direction now and again can be nice, too. I'm... very busy, these days, but that shouldn't mean I can't make time for the things I need to.

Speaking of, I'm not actually sure of the... process here? Will I be matched up with a younger sibling randomly, or is there some type of personality and interest matching process, or?

[not_a_wonder]

Good to hear.

[Nessie presses her lips together briefly, as though she were holding some thought back from crossing those lips. Then she says,] It's a bit more than a nudge, isn't it, having your adoptive father adopt more children? Unless he consulted you?

Oh, well... the form has a section for special skills and interests? We do try to match up kids who match those interests, or at least would benefit from those skills. And the background check and upcoming interview will let us know just how... difficult... of a Little Sibling you're likely to be able to handle. Not that we won't be available to help, of course!

[iamthenightwing]

Well, I mean - [He finds sudden interest in stirring his coffee.] ... things sort of... fell into his lap. I understand that now. But... a little warning would have been nice, yes.

[Maybe then he'd have been better at it.]

Hey. [He puts on a grin.] Do your worst! I think I can handle any of the kids you've got. [Lord knows he's had worse.]

[not_a_wonder]

I really hope so. Some of these kids... the things that were done to them, by adults that they should have been able to trust...

It's hard to hear. It's even harder to live through. But they deserve all the help we can give.

[iamthenightwing]

[He nods, sobering.] I know. I'm sorry, I certainly don't mean to be flippant about it, it's only... well, my... my brothers came up through a lot, too. I know it's important to have someone who can help. Who'll be there. Who... who they can come to if they need.

[... Dick takes a very, very long drink of his coffee.]

[not_a_wonder]

You can tell them that, but it's up to them to accept.

And it can be hard to accept that they don't believe you.

[iamthenightwing]

I- [He looks visibly struck by the comment.]

I...

... I think sometimes you just keep wondering if they'd have believed you if you told them the right way.

[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.