3760/OMG give me money!

OMG give me money!
Date of Scene:	29 January 2018
Location:	Gotham City
Synopsis:	Bruce Wayne throws a fund-raiser.
Cast of Characters:	Batman, April O'Neil, Green Arrow, Mariam O'Shea, Iron Man, Red Robin

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Batman has posed:
    The storm of Winter over the weekend had been heavy, the snow almost shutting down the city for a fair chunk of time even as it shifted to freezing rain. In the wee hours of the morning everything had been coated in a lovely sheen of ice, the trees glistening and the roads terribly dangerous despite the way they looked. Most individuals would have cancelled the charity event, since though the streets had been plowed and the walkways cleared, people were still hunkered in their homes despite the seasonal doldrums setting in.
    But when Bruce Wayne schedules a fund-raiser and sets to a task, it's rare for him to cancel. Oh the venue was changed, just outside the Ritz-Carlton where the initial plan for the soiree was to be, but while inside there is a lovely gathering area with bellboys and concierges doing their best to insure the guests are informed of the change and given suitable instruction and aid should it be needed... they'll be directed outside, across the street towards Saint Mary's Park where a mass of large tents had been raised and portions of the large lake had been set and prepped for ice skating.
    Children dash about in the playground which has been converted to a pair of large snow forts where an eternal snowball battle is waged between two sides that change all of the time. Inside the tents the caterers have worked miracles, even as the large industrial heaters work to keep the insides so nice and warm.
    And then there is the host, Bruce Wayne, smiling as he greets some of the attendees while he stands just outside one of the rather opulent tents, his smile a brilliant thing even as he addresses Ms. O'Neil. "I can understand some of the trepidation, Ms. O'Neil, may I call you April?" He goes on, "But I was struck this morning when I was leaving home, just the beauty of this occurrence and thought... why not celebrate it instead of hiding from it?"

April O'Neil has posed:
April O'Neil is in attendance, clearly, standing with Bruce and she has her phone held out toward him as she asks some questions... The reporter is wearing a nice white dress (she'd thought this was going to be indoors) but overtop of that dress now was her quintessential-trademarked (not really) yellow leather jacket that she originally bought just so people wouldn't run her over when she was on her bicycle... now its become a television staple 'that red head reporter with the yellow jacket!'

"I see." April said to Bruce with a soft smile and a little headshake. "Of course you can call me April, Bruce." She flashed a sly grin then, she maybe only be in her early twenties, but she'd play these games with the big names around town, to get on their goodsides.

"Sort of a celebrate-spring-time before Spring is even here?" She asked, still grinning lightly as she looked around at the others in attendance tonight. "Looks like quite a turnout, so thats great to see."

Green Arrow has posed:
    Oliver Queen is no stranger to charity galas, and be they in Gotham or New York or back home in Starling City, he sees the many functions they serve. Social interaction, charitable giving (both good for the soul and PR), networking (especially significant as Queens Consolidated looks to expand it's partnerships across different spheres of enterprise), and generally a good distraction from...the other job. For his part, Oliver is trying to play it low-key, pressing flesh and smiling wide, making sure to make mental note of precisely how many reporters and photographers he spots in the area, but also not afraid to help himself to some champaigne. The cold doesn't seem to be bother Ollie especially, though he also is certainly sticking close to the more heated part of the outdoor gala. "Stubborn old Bruce, refuses to back down from a committment," he muses to himself as he glances around the area for any other familiar faces, seeing that the man of the hour is already being chatted up by the press.

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    Mixing with the crowd is a figure that isn't one of the socialites or celebrities. Mariam is working class and that is what she's doing. Her charge happens to be the host of this mayhem. Her job? To keep him safe. Being a bodyguard in these settings was certainly challenging but she'd gotten a crash course on it the last couple of months. Tonight she is in a black suit, with slacks instead of her preferred skirt. This idea about being outside in the cold cramped her personal style a bit. Her shirt is white, tie red. Her trademark round, mirrored sunglasses are on her face despite the hour.
    She is a few feet away from Mr. Wayne, well within range to respond to a threat but not hovering quit as badly as she used to. She stands with a flute of champagne in her hand, watching the crowd from behind her sunglasses. Even when she sips from the glass, the level doesn't go lower.

Iron Man has posed:
Charity events in general are hit and miss with Tony Stark (although his contributions usually arrive in some form even if he doesn't show physically), but the Wayne events are almost always something he'll hit. Regardless of that, his timeline can vary on when /exactly/ he shows up. This time, it is reasonably early in the evening when the Stark Entourage arrives.

Tony himself is at the center of it in an immaculate black tux with accents on tie in red, flanked by two women who possessively are attempting to pull his attention off of the other, at least for the evening. Red vs blue, in dress colors, they are. Behind them is a group of various other socialites, aides, and at least one that looks like a grumpy bodyguard; the other hides it better.

Tony is waylaid by a group of photographers, and does the exact opposite of being subtle or laying low. He engages with them, smiles grandly, makes a show of it, flirts with the female reporters. He spots Bruce though, and begins the somewhat slow move over that way, as he's engaged multiple times en route.

Red Robin has posed:
    He would like to say that it was a pleasure to be here. He really would. This is what happens when you miss the blacktie event at the manor because you are 'working a case'. The repercussions of missing the nice ladies looking to fix Wayne's wards up with nice young ladies were made very clear to young mister Drake-Wayne by his brothers-- he has to do this event.

    He doesn't mind this event so much. Tim can busy himself in the actual logistics handling things. He has cultivated a capable persona in public, but one who can still stick his foot into his mouth. He is wearing his sunglasses, and despite himself, he has a small, rather happy smile on his lips. His teeth show, just a little as he starts over towards 'Bruce'. He cannot help but admire the act.

    He moves to the older man. "Dad." he puts a coffee cup on the conveniently located table near  Bruce. A quick glance confirms it is  filled with a steaming beverage that Tim knows Bruce enjoys.  In his own hand, he has an equally large coffee cup filled with a steaming cup of triple sweet black coffee. He spares April a little grin, then moves to stand back and behind Bruce. Out of the way, but available to help. He leans over to handle an issue with some of the folks working it. Issue is quickly sorted, and he just takes another drink. As usual, he is the 'camera shy' and 'nerdy' ward. Today, though, the kid is actually smiling and bordering on happy rather than awkward.

Batman has posed:
    "Oh I'm sure it might ruffle some feathers," Bruce says to the reporter, even as he gestures a bit to the side to the ebb and flow of people. There are distinctly some of the stuffier of the upper class individuals who might not cotton to the idea at first as they walk across the street, a man with a large mustache and a heavy coat makes a bit of sound as he passes by with his wife, something sounding like a 'hoom-ha-hrmf' even as he wanders into the tent.
    Bruce gives the couple a small wave and a nod, "Mr. Gray, so good of you to indulge my little flights of fancy." But he turns back to April, "But once they get inside the tents they'll find the territory forgiving. All the usual food, and drink, and even a string quartet. But I thought seeing the ice and letting some members of the public enjoy the winter with us... well why not?"
    Inside the tents, indeed, it is much as Bruce Wayne has said. The string quartet provides a lovely ambiance for the room as people circulate. There is a chocolate fountain and a rather well put together buffet of fine trifles. The bar seems to be doing a brisk business with a variety of tall tables around it where people have gathered. There's even an MC who is thanking everyone as the donations are made and tallied, the current cause being Gotham Youth Centers.
    At Tony's entrance, however, Bruce looks up and lifts a hand in greeting even as the man is delayed. A nod is given and his voice lifts, "Mr. Stark!" There's a half-grin there, even as the poor man is descended upon by the other members of the press. Sidelong, to April, he mouthes, "Nice to see someone else deal with it."
    But then Tim arrives with the needed coffee and the elder Wayne avails himself of it. "Thanks, Tim. Much obliged." He gives a nod towards April, "This is Ms. O'Neil, though she has done me the kindness of allowing me to call her April." He tilts his head as he takes his first sip of coffee, "If you need to rush off to speak with Mr. Stark, April, I will entirely understand." He smiles easily.

April O'Neil has posed:
April regarded the respones that Bruce provided her with and she replied to them, at first, with just smiles and soft nods. "The world wouldn't expect anything less of you, Bruce." She said back to him before she pulled her phone back. "Thank you for answering some of my questions though, I know you're busy so I won't hold you up any further."

Her eyes were drawn to Tony Stark when he made his grand appearance... of which she lingered her light blue gaze upon for a moment or two before Bruce's words with-regard to Tony... drew her look back to him, and she grinned. "I imagine so." She said.

At the introductions to Tim, April would extend a hand to him. "Its a pleasure, sir." She'd say, then nod once more to Bruce. "If I can make it through that entourage of his, we'll see." She showed another little grin. "Thanks again, for all of this. It looks like it'll be a night to remember."

Green Arrow has posed:
    Oliver continues to make his way around the tents, finding himself bobbing slightly to the music played by the quartet, taking a moment to politely applaud as he keeps glancing around the premises. He eventually glances back towards the big man, only to see that Tony Stark has arrived as well. "More big fish coming into the pond," he muses to himself before turning and pulling out his check book. He makes a generous donation to the charity in question, adding it to the fish bowl before he makes his way through the crowd and around the perimeter, sliding towards the host of the evening. He also keeps one eye open. Another thing about big charity events: they rarely go as planned. Doubly so for when they are staged in Gotham. After all, very few things go as planned in Gotham.

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    As Tony and his entourage approach, Mariam picks out the bodyguard pretty easily. She lifts her drink to her lips quickly, hiding her expression behind the simple movement. A flicker of movement catches her attention and she turns her head in that direction. Mr. Queen, working hsi way closer to Mr. Wayne. She turns her head to the front and continues scanning, keeping that flute in her right hand in an idle posture.
    She doesn't acknowledge Tim's arrival although she does note it, smiling a bit as she remembers the last event that Mr. Wayne's wards attended--and the matchmakers in attendance. She finds herself scanning the crowd, wondering if they will be attending tonight. Hopefully not.

Iron Man has posed:
"Your dance card has several open slots for my name, doesn't it?" Tony is flirting with one of the photographers, who is caught off-guard by it. "I, uh, yes, Mr. Stark, of course," she agrees.

"Great. If you need any slot filled later, let me know." A wink. She must be new, and she isn't sure how to deal with it at first (nor the clear innuendo): which of course just makes Tony play with her more. It is effective in getting him some better shots, though.

The women with him mostly cold stare at her. Tony finesses the reporter group, for actually quite a bit longer. One might even suspect there was a reason for him to be interested in talking to the press: well, even more than usual, that is, he always basks in that attention and welcomes it in his relaxed and outgoing way.

Even so, Tony tosses a cool salute-like wave to Bruce when addressed, with a call in return: "Glad to see that the show must go on; now I don't need to host a party myself this month!" accompanied with a broad grin. "Or do I?" This is more to the reporters, in Tony's playful manner.

Batman has posed:
    As April makes her departure, Bruce turns back to Tim with a small smile that has only a small element of pain to it. Not that April was bad in her role as a reporter, but still... she's a reporter. He lifts the coffee cup up and nods to his adopted son and murmurs, "Everything in order?" He asks even as he starts to step away and towards the 'airlock' that allows them to enter the tent through one set of flaps, step a few paces, then open another set without bringing in a draft of the chill outside.
    Once he's in there in the tent area he plants the smile back into place and gives a few waves to people in greeting. "I figure seventy five minutes here, meet and greet, then I'll extract." He looks towards Mariam as if making sure she caught that, but then looks back towards Tim and adds, "Have a few meetings to make before the sunrise."
    But a moment or two after they share a few words it's then that he'll espy Oliver Queen. A smile slips into place, a little more roguish than one might expect as he calls out. "Ollie. Did I invite you? Are you crashing?" He asks with a tone of incredulity to it, but his smile allays any possible ill will. A few steps carry him towards the man and once they're close enough he'll jerk a thumb over his shoulder, "Stark's outside, you should go chat with him. He makes you reflect on your status as a billionaire and imagine you must be doing something wrong." His lip curls a bit.

Red Robin has posed:
    "Ms. O'Neal. A real pleasure. You're really popular at the university. Your channel, and umm, 'Our Animated Universe' are like the only things on my Youtube notification lists." He has a firm handshake, and a distant, slightly crooked, as if he is awkward, sort of smile. He makes eye contact, and will note, "I'm not a sir. Tim is more than enough for me, please." as she vacates he returns Bruce's little look.

5tHe does look over towards the approaching Tony Stark and hooks his right thumb on his pants pocket. He tilts his head to one side. He tilts a brow. "It's a good thing he likes cameras." He notes quietly, and not at all in a nasty way. It's almost a tone of admiration. He adds a wink to his 'dad', as if it's good someone does. He gives a gentle little shake of his head as if to shake it off before taking a little swallow from his artificially sweetened coffee.

    "That's Oliver Queen? Huh. Thought he would be shorter, I don't know why." He notes to himself, and moves around to head towards Mariam. He notes to her, "Think any of Stark's bodyguards are SHIELD agents?" He asks it in a slightly star-struck voice as he settles in next to her. He adds as well, "Need some coffee, Mariam?" the follow up is quick.

Green Arrow has posed:
    Ollie finally catches the attention of Bruce, laughing slightly at the banter and shrugging his shoulders. "Heard from a friend who heard from a friend," he jokes back, giving a firm hand shake. "Was in town anyway, following a lead, figured I would make an appearance." He raises an eyebrow at Bruce a bit. He glances over towards the snowball fight, before looking back towards Bruce. "Plus figured I could use some target practice," he adds cryptically at a slightly lower register, with an added wink.

    As Tony makes a spectacle of himself (per usual), that draws Oliver's attention for a moment. Shaking his head. "There but by the grace of God," he muses before glancing back towards Bruce with a slightly raised eyebrow. "Let me guess: you invited /him/ so you wouldn't have to be the biggest ham at the shindig?"

April O'Neil has posed:
April's handshake wasn't anything to write home about, soft and arguably 'weak' depending on your desired descriptor. She smiles at Tim though. "Oh yeah? You watch my make-up videos on Youtube, Timmy?" She teases him and shakes her head to dismiss the tease after speaking it. "I'm just playing with you... Thank you, though, for following all of that. I know its a lot of kookiness, but the internet loves kookiness, so you have to give what your audience demands, right?" Her YT channel was mostly videos regarding superheroes and supervillains but it also delved into conspiracy theories and... well... some of them get really 'out there'.

"I gotta get inside this tent though, because I very very much do not want to freeze my parts off." She clutched her jacket closed around her torso and would move into the fancy tent with the live musice and food.

Once inside her blue eyes would scan the place 'I so... do not belong here.' She awkwardly told herself in some self-depricating doubts about her own place in this world.

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    At the question from Tim, Mariam glances over toward the group around Tony Stark. "No, the bodyguard most definitely isn't," she murmurs, tone slightly disapproving of something she's seeing. Then she goes back to focusing on the crowd at large while continuing to speak to the young man standing nearby. She makes sure to keep her voice low. "Now some of his other people might be. Like the gal in the Red Dress. Not sure though. Have to see more."
    At the offer of coffee, she shakes her head negatively. "I prefer not to drink anything while working but thank you. And I better follow Mr. Wayne. You should too. Much warmer inside." With that, she follows Mr. Wayne through the double entrance into the warmth of the tent, keeping an eye on everyone coming close to him.

Batman has posed:
    In answer to Tim's query about possible SHIELD agents, Bruce replies with a casual, "Probably," Even as he keeps that same plastered smile on his face. But when Ollie makes his way over the man's smile eases a little. "Well, I suppose I won't have you thrown out. This time." He gives a nod to the other Billionaire but then shifts to the side so they can all be somewhat shoulder to shoulder, a small clique just off and some ways from the bar.
    When Ollie mentions Tony Stark, however. Bruce finds himself in the curious place of defending the man. "To be honest, Ollie, I think he's very brave." A glance is given distantly towards Mr. Stark, but he continues. "The way he chooses to live and some of the decisions he's made. It takes courage."
    There's a beat then... and he adds, "Also the reporters fixate on him for their next soundbyte."

Iron Man has posed:
The spectacle of Stark outside continues for actually some time, so the interior is spared it for a little longer. But it certainly is cold, and woman-in-blue-dress complains about wanting something to drink (a complaint Tony can really get behind), and the whole of them moves inside as Tony abruptly deems himself ready to go in. He accidentally nearly bumps into April as he enters, but not quite, and reacts to her with a close-proximity, shining charismatic smile. If not ready for it, Stark can be an overload up close. "Ah! Sorry about that, red. How bright yellow does something have to be before I don't run into it? I guess we have discovered," Tony kids, charming and relaxed. He steps directly to his left and hooks champagne off a passing tray, offering one to April.

Green Arrow has posed:
    Ollie is good at picking up on subtle gestures, so he follows Bruce lead to move away from the throng a bit, finishing off his champaigne and setting it on a table as they go. He turns to consider Stark again and sniffs slightly. "I trust your judge of character," he says honestly enough with a slight sniff. "I admire his extracurricular activities to be sure, just curious about his intent with the act." Pause. "If it is an act. But you're right in him making a good smoke screen, especially if you have other business to get to..."

    He trails off as he sees Miriam approaching them, running a hand under his nose a bit as he nods his head. "The tough is coming to check in on you," he says before plastering his own wide grin on, placing a hand on Bruce's shoulder, speaking a bit louder. "I'm telling you Bruce, Aspen is really going through a renaissance. We should plan a trip, try out the slopes, really make a bachelor's weekend of it."

Red Robin has posed:
    "I think that pretty much all the avengers are pretty darn awesome." Tim say cryptically. It is also strangely sincere. He's thinking of a certain one though. "I mean, it's a tough job. There are pressures and strains from the responsibilities. It's one thing to want to help people, but to do it under that sort of scrutiny? I am surprised anyone does it at all." He subconsciously brushes his lapel. He moves after Mariam. He usually obeys that sort of instruction from security. That being said though, he starts to do the patented Tim Drake wallflower routine.

    He sips his coffee and just sort of drifts away from the center of attention. He is not far or too obvious about it, but he is more interested in watching than being watched. All of Wayne's wards can be trying for Mariam. Tim's antisocial tendencies are perhaps extra trying, as the boy is just 'so shy', and he seems to be so easy to lose in crowds. Today he is a bit closer than normal, actually seeming to have latched onto Mariam. He seems to look about owlishly. At least he isn't asking questions?

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    Once inside the tent, Mariam spots her client and moves that direction then veers to the side instead of actually approaching. No need to be right beside him. Instead, she takes up a spot with a small group of people nearby but remains on the alert as she listens to them making small talk around her. "I suppose," she murmurs to Mr. Drake as she goes back to scanning the crowd. She takes a mock sip of her champagne then glances at a woman getting a little closer, reading her a moment then dismissing her as no threat after all.
    "Can't say I'd want to be in the spotlight all the time. It makes for a difficult life. Not to mention, those closest to them. They end up in the spotlight just as much as the members. It's like being a celebrity instead." She shrugs slightly. "I don't think I could deal with that sort of pressure. I'll stick to behind the scenes."

April O'Neil has posed:
April stood off to the slight side and watched the Wayne party make their way into the tent. She was inside, so that was a start, now she'd just planned to mingle and make some contacts while here... maybe get a few phone numbers (for work stuff) and just enjoy the night. She didn't want to be a nosey reporter here tonight, she wanted to make contacts.. not break them.

And then she was almost collided into by Tony Stark. "Oh. I'm sorry." She told him, taking another step back to her right in her heeled shoes. April had to grin at his comment about her faux-leather jacket and its yellowness. "Any brighter and this thing'll have to have batteries." She made one of her classic bad April jokes and punctuated it with a little nerdy laugh to boot!

"I don't wanna be the person who who electrocutes Tony Stark though, so I think I'll just keep it how it is and just get more out of the way next time." She said back at him, flashing the billionare a grin.

Batman has posed:
    In response to Ollie, Bruce had said, "She's a good sort too," He commented off-handedly, his eyes giving nothing away as he doesn't look in Mariam's direction. But then he answers the other billionaire philanthropist with a nod, "Aspen sounds great. You know that's what I should have done," He snaps his fingers as he speaks a touch louder than normal to Ollie, "Set up a man made mountain of snow and had skiing."
    But then he takes a step to the side and away, "If you'll excuse me for a moment." He steps by Tim and gives him a nod, touching a hand to the watch on his wrist as he signifies the likely time of departure. But for now he advances to another group of people and starts to schmooze as is his required way being the host and all.

Green Arrow has posed:
    Ollie nods his head, relaxing some as Bruce gives the bodyguard following him the sign-off, though Ollie does instinctly give her one more look over for good measure; he's used to having to slip around and avoid the attention of bodyguards, sometimes his own. He then nods and laughs at Bruce's suggestion, giving him a chummy pat on the back. "An idea for the next time you decide to raise money in the middle of a blizzard," he chuckles before nodding his head. "But of course, don't let me keep you," he says before turning his own attention away and mingling a bit more. He does take Bruce up on his advise and starts to wind his way towards Stark to observe him more up close, hoping to see if he can see some of what Bruce admires about him. Always keep an open mind, he tells himself. Even if he rarely ever does.

Iron Man has posed:
"You'll need to get fame another way, there's a club that have attempted that one. They have jackets. I don't think they are quite that color, though - more of a prison inmate orange chic," Tony teases, "So I think you're still unique there." Tony's obvious-bodyguard moves forward to kind of give April an evil eye for suggesting damage on his boss. Tony seems relatively oblivious about that.

The waiter that had the champagne tray gives drinks to red-dress and blue-dress, and they seem a bit more mollified by getting attention in that form for the moment.

Tony has no idea that he's being referred to on his larger than life behavior. And, well, it continues: he is approached by a group of well-dressed men that rather urgently request meetings to discuss business, and are so glad to get his ear here at this party, and so on. It diverts him from April. They seem to mostly be focused on some kind of upgrades to some hardware and equipment, but they are vague. Tony clearly knows what they mean, and is agreeable, and neatly throws one of the aides at them to schedule meetings--- and breezes through them with red-dress escort towards the music (after downing the champagne). To all appearances Tony is having a great time, and will certainly hog a lot of spotlight all on his own.

Red Robin has posed:
    His sigh is soft. Tim looks outside at the kids in the snow, and his eyes are drawn to an older woman comforting a crying child for a long moment. The child has dark hair, pale skin. His features darken for a moment as something chases across his face. Some emotion that is there, then gone. He lifts his coffee to his lips to take a really long drink.  He idly shakes the cup, for a mere instant. He settles his arm over his stomach for just a second as well.

    Bruce catches him in that moment. It's a rare moment for Tim. He nods at Bruce. "Yes sir." He replies to Bruce. Tim isn't one to linger on that. He watches the other man, then actually checks his watch. He draws in a breath, then downs his coffee. "Excuse me." he moves past Mariam to toss his cup into the recycle bin.

    He takes a few moments to return. April might have been mean-mugged by a bodyguard, but when Tim comes back past her, she gets an encouraging wink. "These things can be difficult if you do not know a lot of people here. " Tim says carefully, as if he is watching his words. He considers for a moment. He looks like he goes to say something else, but his eyes dart to her phone, then he lapses quiet. He moves back towards Mariam. It's relatively safe. He pushes his left hand through his mop of hair, and just looks awkward. Sometimes, it isn't as much an act as Tim might like.

April O'Neil has posed:
April takes a sip from the glass of champagne that Tony had gotten her (greatest glass of champagn ever!) and she smiles to the man's words. "Hey, at least its not a green jacket... I don't want to look like a golfer, right? Those guys are boring!" She teased, knowing full well that there were four Mutants out there somewhere right now who'd be quite upset at her for speaking ill of their color right there. April grinned some before she spoke to Tony again. "Are you feeling okay, Mister Stark? You look a little, pale'ish..." She asked him, immediately regretting it... overstepping with her big mouth!

April closed her eyes until she heard Tim's voice, to which she opened and looked to him. "Oh yes, I've... learned to pretty much stay back and look like I belong... while I wait for security." She motioned to Tony's goon with her drink glass. "To kick me out." And she grinned softly toward Tim.

Batman has posed:
    Bruce continues to make the rounds through the main tent, the string quartet playing lightly just to provide enough ambiance to lend the proceedings some measure of classic poise. With the reporters focused on Mr. Stark and then the subtle swell of his admirers, it leaves the host the time and ease of movement to meet and speak with each group of backers.
    He smiles to a group of older women and can be heard telling them, "I think it's best to take action before people have the chance to fall to illegal activity. These youth centers will hopefully make a difference in the lives of some of the young people who live in the disadvantaged neighborhoods. Give them a place to go where they can function without the full weight of the world hanging heavy upon them."
    All lovely bits of dialogue offered to them with a weight of sincerity behind them, but through it all he keeps mindful of the time he spends there, never staying too long in one place and continuing on. It's only after he's made a round about the main tent that he pauses there next to the bar and waits for Mariam to draw close enough. He'll gesture for her to approach and when she does so he'll give her a nod, "So I imagine by this point you've had your fill of champagne and caviar to last you a life time."

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    With Mr. Drake moving on, Mariam lapses back into silence. She moves easily through the small groups she is near, drifting from one to the other. They are always within a short distance of her charge. The time discussion was noted. The clock is running in her head.
    Although Mr. Drake isn't actually her charge, she often finds herself watching over Mr. Wayne's wards as well as the man himself. It's a bad habit really, splitting her attention that way. Knowing how much they all mean to Mr. Wayne, she can't simply ignore them though. It's not in her genetics or something.
    As Mr. Wayne motions, she takes the few steps necessary to join him, taking up a spot at his side although her gaze is more on others than the man himself. "Can't say either is to my liking," she admits as she sets the flute of champagne on an empty tray being carried by a server. "The idea of fish eggs costing thousands of dollars just boggles the mind." She peeks at him beneath those sunglasses, her eyes hidden from view. "That one bowl over there probably cost more than my salary."

Iron Man has posed:
"Of course! I'm always better than okay. I just work too much, making the world better. The burden of being me," Tony answers April as he swings away on towards the next distraction, in his relaxed yet still arrogant manner. However, he'll claim another drink just after the dance with one of the members of his entourage, and a very careful eye will catch the exhaustion slam in like a freight train. He washes it away with drink, though, which is quite a Tony move, to those that do know him at all.

The aide comes over with a report about the meetings but gets waved away with a 'not now' gesture, and instead the women chat him up, closing rank a little, as if at least one of them was aware of something being amiss here. They end up near the food, which Tony picks over, after gesturing for his entourage to give him some space. They're well trained, and they do.

Red Robin has posed:
    "Well, you don't record me, and I will make sure that Security doesn't bounce you out?" Tim says it carefully again. "I was sheltered, and I'm awkward, and I don't want to embarrass my dad. He didn't have to adopt me. He didn't have to take me in. He has, and he's family. I don't want to let him down. Okay?" Tim gives her an honest smile. "I don't want special treatment, I just don't to embarrass my dad. That is a poor thank you. He'd understand, but⦠he adopted the others when they were younger. I just⦠don't like to let him down."

    His sigh is soft, "Also, you should abuse the free stuff a little more." He gives April a small smile. "How do you pick out what stuff to put on your channel? Your video on the uses of old tunnels to store alien weaponry post invasion, for example? How do you figure stuff like that out? Do you have like contacts and sources that are connected to that? If so, how do you know they are trustworthy?"

Batman has posed:
    Sidelong, towards Mariam, Bruce tells her, "To be fair, my father once told me he thought that caviar was a very Emperor Has No Clothes thing. Everyone's just afraid to say it." His lip twists wryly even as he crosses his arms over his chest and turns his head to the side, giving the impression he's speaking very seriously with the associate at his side. To those who don't know him they might well imagine he's being very stern and serious with her.
    But then he turns back and gestures with a nod in the direction where Tony Stark is holding court, serving his role well as the deployed noisemaker meant to draw the attention of all the various 'torpedoes' in the water. "Notice anything strange about, Mr. Stark?" He asks her even as he leans to the side and takes up a flute of champagne from one of the servers. He holds it and takes a sip seemingly.

April O'Neil has posed:
April's eyes swept back over to Tony and she watched him quickly shuffle off her question and move on. "Okay, well if you ever need a reporter who's awesome!--" He was gone. She muttered the rest. "... Just give me a call. I'm under 'Nerd' in the yellow pages." She shook her head lightly side to side and sipped her drink again.

April's eyes returned to Tim and she put a soft smile up for him. "That sounds like quite a story... Its a shame I'm beholden to no recording now." She mused. "But thank you, still." At the topic of her video selection she smiled and shook her head. "Its all on my website. Lists and lists of what the stories upcoming can be, and people vote on them. I'll choose the top most wanted ones. That way I'm hoping to ensure that I'm staying fresh on what people want to hear about most."

A single nod then to punctuate the statement. "So I hope, at least."

Green Arrow has posed:
    Hanging around nearby, Ollie is able to take in most of Stark's conversation with O'Neil. He rubs under his eye, a nervous habit of when he's fighting against his worst impulses, but something about that last statement really sticks in his craw. And as Stark downs yet another drink, he steps forward and clear his throat, stepping into the same general sphere as the head of Stark-Fujikawa.

    "And what precisely would you say is the hardest part of being Tony Stark? The fast cars, the supermodels? The adoration of a nation for piloting a glorified machine of war?" He shrugs his shoulders, holding up his hand. "Sorry, maybe I'm stepping out of line, but from the outside looking in? Seems like the hardest part is finding the next, best way to make an ass out of yourself." He snorts, hearing a few gossiping whispers at that particular jab, inwardly wincing. Yep, he should have stayed away from this one, but now he's in it. "So which is it Tony? what is your particular, unique burden?"

Mariam O'Shea has posed:
    At the question, Mariam lets out an indelicate snort before she can stop herself. "Other than he has an ego the side of Idaho? And here I thought you had the biggest ego on the planet," she murmurs, knowing it isn't really true but it does fit the role he prefers to play as Bruce Wayne. "I've been proven wrong." She catches the eye of another server and he gives a brief nod then heads her direction. He picks up a specific flute off his tray and offers it to her then moves onward. This one, she does sip. Sparkling cider, which a keen eye might catch isn't actually champange but they would have to be looking for it.
    She continues after the sip. "He's a little...off. Seems ready to drop one second and then he flips the switch and is back again." The moment of exhaustion had been seen. "Maybe burning a bit of the midnight oil when he should be resting."

Red Robin has posed:
    "There is no story there. My mom died. Then a little afterwards, my dad did. The vultures swept in and picked apart my father's company. Everyone wanted a piece of Drake industries, but not so much a piece of Tim Drake. Bruce did. Rather than get richer, he chose to save me from foster care." He looks over at April. "I'm very grateful. He's never complained, and he's made me feel welcome. But, we really don't like to talk about it. But for a fellow nerd, I'll tell you."

    Tim regards April for a long moment, and then gives a little nod. "I know that. I mean how do you come up with the ideas. What do you work to have that sort of knowledge. I meanâ¦"He pauses.

    He leans forwards. "You're Batgirl, aren't you?" he whispers it. "You have to tell me if I ask. Those are the rules, like with a cop." He looks at her up and down. "I thought you'd be taller." It's hard to tell if he's serious or joking.

    His blue eyes look at her, and he starts to grin. "Seriously, your viewers just tell you stuff to research? I mean, yuo must get like a jillion red herrings?" 

April O'Neil has posed:
April looked over to Bruce while Tim explained that bit of backstory to her, she took a sip from her drink and softly nodded twice to what he said. "He's quite the giving man, it would seem. Has a soft spot for those with troubled parental history... I only know a little of the Wayne family history, but I know it follows along those lines, if I recall correctly."

She looked back to Tim and the smiled a little at his questions further toward her work. "I get e-mails on a... constant basis. There's never a shortage of people who have wild theories about why something happened, or is going to happen next. From alien weaponry secretly manufactured by Stark, to the idea that the entire invasion this past fall was actually a powerful Mutant Psychic who had control of all of our minds... and nothing actually happened."

April grinned. "Tune in next week." She says with a grin, another sip from her champagne. April would excuse herself as she saw someone who was signaling her over, a colleague from work.

"Nice to chat with you, Tim. Would love to do more soon." She'd say to him then.

Iron Man has posed:
"Oh, I suppose my sarcasm wasn't apparent. Sometimes I'm too subtle," Tony smiles directly into the flaming aggression aimed at him. "All of the things you listed are exceptionally great aspects. I really recommend the supermodels."

A sleek smile and a pause.

"If you really do want an answer, what is the hardest thing? -- it likely is needing to constantly one-up what I've previously done," Tony says, and grandly turns to the no doubt shell-shocked and affronted crowd. Tony is a grandstander.

"I don't mean only the array of newly upgraded machines that improve safety for those the Avengers protect, or Stark-Fujikawa's recent safety systems to improve transportation safety for the public. I mean other tangible ways. We always need to do /better/. That is-in part- why I have given my sizable donation to this charity tonight, and will continue to do so, including those through the Maria Stark foundation. Something like that certainly one-ups things like those fast cars, though not to everybody, sadly," Tony says. He doesn't bother to ask if Ollie agrees, just breezes right along with his smile and manner. "For now, anyway. There's always a faster car to own," Tony says with a sort of dismay about all the cars he might like to own in the future, with an idle shrug and deep drink, turning away, entirely relaxed.... maybe.

The aide dodges in and attempts to hand Tony a message; Tony looks absolutely annoyed suddenly, and admonishes the aide, distracted. ...About not handing him things.

Batman has posed:
    For a time Bruce turns his head and looks across the way at the gathering of people there. He's not close enough to hear the conversation, or Ollie's raised voice and conversational jabs. But he can tell by the shift in body language, the faint coloration to people's features, and those looks of embarrassment nearby that some matters proceed apace. He frowns to himself, then looks back towards Mariam. "Will need to look into it." Though the way he says it... perhaps it's more meant for himself than for her.
    He holds his flute of champagne and starts to make his way across the room again, though any advance on his part is at times slowed by the social obligations of being the host. He smiles to a group of people gathered near the buffet and pauses long enough to share a few words. Then he carries on only for an older woman with grey hair to step in front of him and demand he say hello to Mr. Pinkinsly her Papillon in her purse. He does so.

Green Arrow has posed:
    On the one hand, that is a more cogent answer than Ollie was anticipating. On the other...well, if Stark was meant to be a distraction, then Queen is never one to not prod someone to be their best selves. And whatever else Bruce is clearly trying to create a smokescreen for, this is certainly going to at least make the tabloid rounds. For his part, outwardly Ollie just rolls his eyes and turns to walk off in the other direction. He makes eye contact with Bruce as he's being introduced to a pup, smiling wide as he reaches down to pet to cute pup. "Always nice to meet a sweet canine who believes in charity." He looks up towards Bruce with a coy grin. "You were right about Stark. Absolute peach that one," he says. "Has a chip on his shoulder about a mile long, and something to prove himself and everyone else. And yes, I did make sure I wasn't just looking in a mirror."

Red Robin has posed:
    Getting his answer, Tim nods affably. When she turns, he narrows his eyes and hisses after her, "Hey, Batgirl?" No response.

    There are raised voices, and Tim makes his way towards Mariam. He rolls his eyes as he gets closer. "Do I need to go get the car?' he asks her as he approaches. He adds, quieter, "I think April O'Neil is Batgirl. Keep an eye on her."

    Content now that his cover as the nerdy, but socially awkward Wayne ward is well in hand, Tim Drake just settles in a few feet from Mariam. He puts his hands in his pockets and sort of absently fidgets. He doesn't really expect an answer from Mariam.

Iron Man has posed:
Tony Stark was distracted by the aide at first, but didn't forget Ollie. He glances back to be sure Ollie isn't going to do something weird (people that 'lose arguments' when they try to hate on Stark sometimes get violent), and instead finds the other man just walking away.

Tony blows a few kisses off of both hands in a quick volley to Ollie's back, which gathers some amused chuckles of his small audience. He encourages those around him though: "Really, do donate." Tony is upbeat, positive, and starts to launch into some great reasons why they should give to Bruce's charity of the night. He savors the attention, and since Ollie made so many people look his way, he'll use it.

Batman has posed:
    "Queen, you're a charmer." Bruce says sidelong and there's perhaps a bit of a rumble to his voice that normally isn't there, but he smirks slightly then turns away from Mr. Pinkinsly, "Good boy." He says and then starts to utilize some of the cover provided by the Emerald Archer and his inquiry of Tony Stark's motivation. He slips back to the rear exit of the tent, pausing long enough to hand off the flute of champagne.
    Distantly he'll lift a hand in the direction of Mariam and Tim, signalling that he is likely making a bit of his departure. Only for him to be caught as he's about to step out.
    "Mr. Wayne, where are you off to?"
    But then, to his credit, Bruce replies without missing a beat, "Out to make sure the ice rink and the snow forts are still doing well, Mrs. Graham. Need to make sure everyone's having a good time." His smile is there, effortless, easily given.
    "Then by all means, Mr. Wayne." She smiles as she steps past him towards the bar. As she goes Bruce lifts a hand just enough of a signal to the others in his entourage so they'll know his planned departure. Without further ado he slips outside.
    Once he's outside, however, he touches a hand to the side of his head and murmurs sub-vocally. "Memo, contact Stark. Tomorrow. Business hours."

Green Arrow has posed:
    "I have my moments," Oliver says with a shrug, straightening his tie and pulling his coat around him. He has his own business in town to get to, so he will be slinking off soon himself. Hopefully gossip reports of his notable appearance and potential signs of a certain Robin Hood wannabe making an unusual appearance in Gotham don't draw too many red-string conspiracy theorists attention. But some thing about Tony's defense does ring true to Ollie. "Always need to do better," he parrots. "Well said Mr. Stark." He slips through the rest of the crowd and makes his exit, his own fast car waiting for him to make a speedy exit.