16759/Breakfast

Breakfast
Date of Scene:	02 July 2025
Location:	Paris, France
Synopsis:	Bruce and Nick caught up with each other at breakfast in Paris.
Cast of Characters:	Batman, Phantasm (Drago)

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Batman has posed:
Dressed smartly, his suit making his presence more glaring and his financial standings unquestionable. Not a tuxedo, but definately top end. Holding his phone near his ear, he sounds like he's conducting business already.

His eyes wander over the place, noting the limited seating and nodding about something. Might be that is ideal for him.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Laduree Champs-Elysees is not quite the first name that comes to mind when someone asks for breakfast suggestions. But for those who aren't heavy eaters AND have the foresight of making reservations, it can be an experience.

Open for all meals, with limited enough seating that even with all tables and seats filled, it feels spacious as no one is on top of each other.

As the door opens, a man dressed a bit more conservatively enters in. The clothing isn't trash but more confirms to the smart casual approach. Dress pants, a deep green toned Henley shirt, and shoes. In lieu of a knit cap, the man's lengthy locks have been tamed back to a low set ponytail.

As Nick glances in to the restaurant, pale eyes take in his surroundings.

Batman has posed:
Closing his phone, Bruce considers the new arrival for a moment. Face placed, he nods to the man in recognition. His phone rings again and he takes it to hand as he starts to sort out his seating arrangements with the staff.

Once he has his seat he settles and opens a soft attache' case and produces a file folder. He opens it and thumbs through the pages, the first few anyway. Considering he looks at Nick again as if contemplating a conversation.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Catching a bit of movement, Nick's glance focuses upon the one nodding. There's a brief moment as the locational context was missing but the pricy suit helped a bit.

There's a momentary look of surprise before the rocker smiles slightly, returning the nod.

As Bruce is led off, it is Nick's turn to speak with the maitre d'hotel.

Whether or not the maitre d saw the quiet exchange or not is debatable. But the relatively nearby nature of the table Nick is shown to, less debatable and more fact.

As Nick registers who his table neighbor is, there's a crinkle to his eyes to accompany the silent chuckle.

It appears Gotham is representing in that corner of the dining area.

Batman has posed:
The movement catches his attention and Bruce meets Nick's gaze once more. Since the other is situated nearby he does at least take the time to interact a bit.

His attention shifts to a couple at another table and grimaces a hint. He looks to Nick and says,"Mr. Drago. It has been a while. You picked up a tail somewhere." Turning his file page he adds,"Probably looking for an autograph. Maybe more, but I can't say."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Having been seated and given a menu, the performer's fingertips rest upon the black bound listings.

"It has been indeed, Mr. Wayne." Nick greets, pausing as he considers the last time he saw the man in person. "The adoption event. I believe. My participation in such matters was a little lacking last year. I'll have to correct that."

Despite the mention of picking up a tail, Nick's expression remains neutral. There is a temptation to look the way Bruce did but he holds off.

"Probably an autograph." He allows, "Maybe a picture. But they'll have to speak with one of my agents if they're wanting more."

Batman has posed:
Moving his attention from the file to his menu, he studies it a moment. A nod and he replies,"It is good to stay involved. Not just for the tax shelter. It keeps people's eyes on you. No bad publicity so they say."

He indicates something on the menu with the passing waitress and then turns the pages on the folder again. Shaking his head he admits,"I am glad I don't have people after me for pictures. Almost worse than some of the demands I do get."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the server scoots off to tend to Bruce's order, it does give a bit of an indication to how much time Nick has left to make up his own mind.

The menu is skimmed, a decision decided upon, and the mini-tome set down.

"I can honestly say 'tax shelter' is not the first thing I think of when it comes to charity events." Nick admits, "...Maybe that's something that happens a few brackets above me." There's no venom to the tone, but almost...playful. "And considering who you are, I find the claim that people don't seek out your picture to be a little suspect."

Nick pauses as the server comes back, this time to his table. Once his order is put in, he calmly watches as the server walks off.

"...There are worse things people can ask for than a picture. Well- supposing they even ask."

Batman has posed:
Not too interested in the waitress, Bruce doesn't comment on Nick's lingering eye.

"You'll learn soon enough." he assures his conversational partner,"Tax brackets change quickly. Just a matter of time. Oh the pictures do happen, mostly people trying to fabricate stories about fake pregnancies and the like."

He nods as he agrees,"Like you said. Worse things than a pictures. A lot of them don't ask." He turns another page and glances at the newest arrivals, dismissing them a moment later.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick's lips purse together in thought regarding learning soon enough. "...Fair point. But hopefully that won't become the primary reason for doing such things. That'd be kind of sad."

So he says to the billionaire who in all probability would be one of those types.

The agreement to the lack of asking causes for a bit of a sigh, "They really don't. Although it does give plenty of practice with finding different ways of saying 'No' in those instances."

There's a minor emphasis on the 'No' as it is spoken. Perhaps this is way number 204?

Batman has posed:
"Not the primary reason no. Just as well you manage your finances accordingly. I give to the charities I do because I believe in the benefit of each. You have to be mindful the legitimacy of thm as well." Bruce advises.

He notes the waitress preparing and moving in the direction of the table and so he starts to put his papers in his attache'. A hint of a smirk and he adds,"That is the word the world needs to hear more and wants to hear the least. It seems to be one the current generation didn't hear enough growing up."

At least now he's had to have a hand at parenting now. It isn't quite the words of someone that doesn't have first hand experience anymore.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods. "I do get that. While the album participants have a say in the where, the shelters that benefit from the Holiday Hope project proceeds go through a vetting process before they're even considered for that year."

The musician sits back into his seat, making use of the back of the chair's frame. "Well, that's an observation that probably depends on the background of the child. I heard 'No' plenty of times growing up. Closed doors are common when you don't have the money or when someone bigger has a grudge."

Nick pauses as the server brings out a tray consisting of two table's worth of orders. Dishes and glasses placed, Nick watches the server work before picking up the conversation as she leaves.

"Maybe it's less the need of more exposure to that word and more exposure to that word when paired with the right question."

Batman has posed:
"Perhaps I should be more mindful my thoughts." Bruce admits with a shrug,"I am used to dealing with elite brats in my past I suppose. I have met many walks of life. My opinion might be slanted." There is a shrug and he admits,"I'm just a rich man that lost his parents young. They never really had much of a chance to do right or wrong I suppose."

A polite nod to the server and he examines his food as well. He listens and adds with a nod,"I think you might be on to something there. There are plenty of parents out there that are less that worthwhile and over use the word in all the wrong settings. Could cause trouble of it's own I would think."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods as he looks over to the plate set before him. Off to the corner of the table, a decorative box is wrapped up with a bow upon it.

"Well, you haven't really gone out of your way to dismiss contradictory view points when presented to them. So I would consider you more mindful than most." Nick acknowledges, "Wade's of a similar mindset, I think."

The coffee cup is eyed. "But...As much as we lament the overuse. I think the biggest change to my life for the better did involve a form of 'Yes'."

Batman has posed:
Taking fork in hand and starting to stir his food, Bruce nods,"Depends on the contradictory I suppose. I don't put much thought in too many no. There are a few. Mostly those that are trying to tell me what I have to think. You will find contradiction on some issues then."

He eats a bite, washing the food down before he adds,"People have a right to their opinion. People don't have a right to tell someone what their opinion must be. That was an issue in the board rooms for many years before it became common place."

He considers the last of the other man's comment and nods,"I suppose I can see that. Yes is important too, but within reason and tempered with wisdom."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick chuckles. "I wouldn't say reason and wisdom was paired with the one I was thinking with. More- Alcohol and good conversation after a less than pleasant eight years of turned backs."

The coffee cup is lifted. "As I have more time to reflect upon it, I suppose luck, fate, or a combination of the two also had a hand in it."

Batman has posed:
"I used to know a man that would say we make our own luck." he replies and considers the food again. After a bite he mutters,"Well. I suppose I still know him, but we don't associate much anymore."

He takes another bite and chews thoughtfully. Shaking his head he admits,"I am thinking I should have slept in a little longer." He might not be a rocker, but he does have a reputation for being the playboy and all that.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods slightly, "I suppose we make some of it ourselves. But some variations seem to come at birth or from others."

The performer's brow raises as he picks up on the change in tone.

"...Falling out? Or life just got busy?"

A sympathetic glance is given to the mention of being tired. "...I get that feeling. I don't really have a normal sleep schedule, myself. Sometimes you just get so focused on things that you forget simple things like that."

Batman has posed:
There is a shrug and he admits,"I was born into wealth. I suppose that might make me lucky. Then my parents were killed when I was eight years old. Maybe less so."

Considering his question, Bruce shrugs a little,"As for the other, I suppose it is a bit of both really. We were friendly, then we weren't. Life changes things."

A drink of his coffee and he nods,"Self inflicted. It must me fun for us or we wouldn't do it right?" That sounds like he almost believes it, but his eyes don't really confirm it.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"It would be nice if it was simply for the fun. But I've had enough therapy to recognize a portion of it is a coping mechanism. It is something we can control when there are a lot of things we can't."

Nick sets a finger upon his own cup. "I was ten when I lost my mom. Father wasn't in the picture then."

Batman has posed:
Taking another bite of his food, he chews thoughtfully and then Bruce nods,"Sometimes it is difficult to find it fun." he agrees. He means party and dancing right?

A soft sigh and he adds,"You have my sympathies. It's not easy growing up without them. I was fortunate in having something most people don't. My family's butler raised me and watched over me."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"No it wasn't." Nick agrees, "But...things work out if you hang in there long enough. Even if it takes decades."

The musician quiets for a moment as he considers things. "...Did he treat you like family? Or more a duty?"

Batman has posed:
A nod and he motions the waitress to refill his coffee. Considering the words for a moment he admits,"He treated me like a son. He did the best he could and better than anyone should have had to. He made sure I got my education and made sure I knew how to run my company when I was old enough."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Hearing the description of Alfred's treatment of Bruce, Nick gives a small smile. "...glad to hear it. It's good when the person raising you wants you there."