6652/You're Bringing WHO!

You're Bringing WHO!
Date of Scene:	24 February 2019
Location:	Restaurant in NYC
Synopsis:	Jason Todd introduces Kitty Pryde to his father, Bruce Wayne
Cast of Characters:	Red Hood, Shadowcat, Batman

---

Red Hood has posed:
Jason is probably looking for some major brownie points with Kitty. That would explain his choice of restaurants for breakfast. Russ and Daughters Cafe is an extension of the Russ and Daughters store. After a ride into New York on his bike, Jason parked in the parking garage, before helping Kitty off, and escorting her to the cozy little restaurant.

Inside, as the staff behind the bar work on smoked salmon, an open kitchen provides an over-the-counter connection like one feels in the store; a soda fountain bar beckons with homemade sodas, egg creams, shrubs, and superb cocktails; friendly staff proudly wear the iconic white Russ & Daughters lab coats. He holds the door for Kitty so that she may enter first before he follows after her, before waiting to see the young woman's reaction.

Yes, he picked a Jewish restaurant to have breakfast with his girlfriend. This is a rather important breakfast however. After crossing the white tiled floors to help Kitty into a seat, he settles into his seat. As he's looking over the menu, the waitress comes over. And Jason holds up a finger. "Just coffee for the moment. We're waiting on a third." He hadn't mentioned a third in his texts to Kitty this morning as they planned the date.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde's smile grows, spreading across her face quickly as she sees where Jason is leading her into. "You didn't have to," she tells him as Kitty reaches over to slip her hand into Jason's and give it a soft squeeze. "But thank you," she tells him, turning to flash a warm smile up to Jason, her other hand moving to rub his arm for a moment before she turns back and lets Jason lead her over to a seat.

Kitty's wearing a warm sweater and jeans, the toes of black boots sticking out of the denim below. A leather jacket overtop which she removes and hangs over her chair as Jason helps her into it.

The mention of waiting for a third brings a curious look from Jason. "Have a friend meeting us today? Or is Damian over here or something?" she asks, bringing up the only friend or family that she's met so far. "Or do I get a chance to meet someone new from your life?" she asks, Kitty's voice making that sound like something she'd enjoy having happen.

Batman has posed:
     The pair settle down for a moment, and that's when the presence of the third party is heard before seen or felt. How they're heard is an engine. Ferrari's tend to have that distinct sound, especially when someone pays to make sure his own has a little bit more torque. A silver Ferrari suddenly appears going through the parking lot, before it takes a parking spot. Why such a noisy showing? Sometimes appearances matter. It's to show his son that maybe he could have haggled for a better car. And possibly to fend off any comments that may have made Bruce feel old. When the engine dies, that's when the speakers could be heard. Dolores O'Riordan's lyrics about the bombings in Washington caused by Provisional Irish Republican Army. The song continues for a few moments, before Bruce ends it. No one could hear a few soft words said to one particular person, that may not be around to hear it.

     Getting out of the car, Bruce stands there and straightens out his dark blue suit. A small adjustment is made to his tie as he approaches the door. Bruce is all smiles and waves to people that point him out. Apparently, Bruce does not know the meaning of "subtle."

     A wave and smile go directly to Jason and Kitty as he spots them, "Sorry. I did not mean to be late," he approachs the pair and stands there waiting to greet the pair. If Kitty gets up, Bruce will kiss each side of her cheek as if she is in France, then give her a hug. A mixture of decadence and warmth. Jason gets the typical one arm hugged while pulling the other hand close. Bruce will sit down after the greetings. "I'm Jason's father. He has told me so much about you, Katherine," he gives Kitty a million dollar smile.

Red Hood has posed:
"Well, yes." Jason responds. He's wearing a black thermal style shirt beneath an open flanel shirt. A leather jacket over that which comes off as he takes his seat, with jeans and boots finishing off the look. "I happened to be visiting the Manor this morning when you messaged me." he admits with a little chuckle. "And Alfred /might/ have been making waffles. I wasn't sure. And if you've ever had Alfred's waffles, they're like paste. Stick to your ribs, throat, all the way down type paste. You could use it to wallpaper things."

"So, I decided to take advantage of the moment and invite dad to join us for breakfast." he starts to say, glancing outside when the Ferrari comes by, and he smirks. He can't help it. The debate for the Rolls was out the window, clearly Bruce went for the nuclear option.

Yes. Really down to Earth there. *sigh*

Once the Ferrari is parked, that's when Bruce makes his appearance in the restaurant. Really, the differences between father and adopted son are subtle. While he may not be biologically a Wayne, Jason pases reasonably as one as he standing up. Gripping Bruce's hand for a one armed hug, he whispers in the man's ear. "Subtle, Bruce. Reeeeeal subtle." There's no malice there. He knows when he's been one-uped.

And then he turns that Wayne charm on Kitty. And there's just a small, albeit for a moment, nervous smile at Kitty.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty has just those few moments for the words to sink in before she hears the roar of the engine. "Your dad?" Kitty repeats. For the Jewish young woman, meeting her boyfriend's parents looms in a way it probably does not for others. Kitty swallows down a little gulp and then turns to look towards the car and the man that comes inside.

Kitty does indeed rise to her feet, glancing to Jason and then back over to the approaching Bruce Wayne. Doing her best to lose the deer-in-headlights look that she's sure she must have. Kitty's hands wring for a moment in front of her before she pushes them down to her side, and steps forward to meet Mr. Wayne as he reaches the table.

The continental greeting brings a soft smile to Kitty's face, helping push some of her nervousness away. And at the hug, she slips her hands up to the backs of his shoulders, returning it gently. "I don't think you were late at all. We just were ordering coffee," Kitty replies to Bruce Wayne. "It's very nice to meet you sir. I hope that your trip into the city was a pleasant one," she tells him. Yes she's still a little nervous, without a doubt. Her eyes look over to Jason. Seeing that smile of his and giving him back her bravest look. Kitty realizes they will be waiting on her to sit again, and she retakes her seat once the father and son have completed any greetings.

Batman has posed:
     "Rule one, Jason, never make Dad feel old," Bruce teases about the subtle remarks. Sky blue eyes look to Jason for a moment.

     Seeing Kitty loosening up, a small bit, Bruce smiles. "Please. Tell me about yourself. And how did you meet my son? He hasn't really brought a woman to my attention before. I know that means more than he could ever say, I do want you to feel welcomed within my family. However, I'm a parent. I -have- to be nosey," he teases with a smile. When it's time for him to get a drink he'll be all smiles, "Coffee. If you have heavy creme could you bring that out here?" he asks unsure if they use the real stuff of the packets of powder. Either is fine, he just prefers to add the creme himself.

Red Hood has posed:
With the waitress heading off to get the coffee, Jason considers for a moment. While he may be more than willing to throw a criminal off a building, or someone to the wolves, perhaps it says something that he actually speaks up for Kitty.

"We met at the Kingston Park Street Festival a few weeks ago." Jason explains. "A friend of hers had done a painting that was on display there, and I had bought it for the rebuilding of Ma Gunn's reform home and orphanage." It had helped that Ma Gunn had gone straight in her older years - after Jason threw her out a window.

"She asked me out for coffee, I followed that up with dinner. Pretty soon after that, we started texting and then decided to start dating. It's gotten.. well, like you said, I don't bring girls to meet you. That's more of a Dick thing."

As for the rest of the questions, however? Jason is going to leave that up to Kitty to answer. His own blue eyes are darker than the other two; a side-effect of his resurrection. When the coffee arrives at the table, he takes his plain black and sips from it with his eyes closed. "Oh, sweet caffinated nectar." he says with a sigh. Then his attention turns back between the other two at the table.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde is loosening up further as the surprise of the visit passes. "I'm sorry if I seemed a bit surprised. Jason didn't mention you were coming until you were nearly in the door," Kitty says, giving a good-natured smile but giving Jason a playful look as if she will find a way to get even.

"Yes, I found out a painting of my best friend was listed at the art festival," Kitty says, expounding on Jason's tale. "So came into town to see it. I think she'll be very happy to hear where it's going to be hanging," the young woman says of the destination being the orphanage. Kitty pulls out her phone and pulls up a photo. "Here is the painting," she offers, passing it to Bruce. There is a young girl in a field of yellow flowers. A flower that only grows in Russia, he might notice. She's making a crown out of them.

"He's been... mostly charming," Kitty says, her grin again just a little teasing as she looks to Jason. "And he's been making me very happy," she adds, giving a soft, somewhat shy smile as she looks back to Bruce.

Batman has posed:
     And Bruce is all ears about the festival. Honestly, he likes the chance meeting. The fact that it's random happenstance over art. "That is very nice of you, Jason," Bruce knows there is more for Jason's reasoning getting the photo.

     Jason talks about texts, dinner, and everything else. This causes Bruce to turn his head to Kitty. "Tell me your favorite meal. Spare no detail. Jason's Grandfather, is an amazing cook. I'm surprised he hasn't insisted upon inviting you to dinner with the family already. You may get to meet some of his siblings," then he looks between the pair for a moment. Bruce does give a small toast about caffeine.

     Kitty takes over the storytelling reigns, even shows Bruce a picture of the painting. "If this is a friend of yours. Please give her this," and Bruce pulls out a business card with a direct line. "I'm always in the market for some new art," then he waits for a few moments as she keeps talking. A small smirk pulls at the corner of his mouth, "Mostly is a good way to describe Jason. He's mostly good. Mostly behaved," Bruce winks at Kitty. "No. He's a good kid. We might have our troubles, but he's good." Then he looks to Jason, "Don't hurt Kitty. I'm sure you won't, and I know she won't hurt you. I don't think any of your brothers have been this fortunate. Remember this," he says trying not to talk like Kitty isn't there. However, he does want to convey that he likes Kitty, and she's a good one.

Red Hood has posed:
"She knows I'm adopted." Jason explains after a moment. There's a subtle grin at that. "I think that's one of the reasons why she wanted to meet you. I told her how you found me on the streets - and took me in, and decided to adopt me." there's a little shrug of his shoulders as he takes another, longer drink from his mug.

After a moment, he considers, and comments, "Kitty's a teacher at a school in Westchester." While he's playing the card low, it's little doubt which school it is. But he's not going to bring that up.

The talk about him though causes Jason to smirk slight. "Aww, y'all gonna make me blush." he says with a playful drawl as he reaches for Kitty's hand, giving it a light squeeze. "I told her about your funding of the rebuilding of the school. We were just talking earlier about that unfortunate event in the park last night. And what we could maybe do to help."

Shadowcat has posed:
"I did get to meet Damian. Seems like a really good kid. It's great seeing him so involved in martial arts," Kitty replies to the mention of Jason's siblings. "It's something I think more kids should get exposed to. But I heard about how well he's doing in the competitions," Kitty says.

She leans back in her chair as she's asked about her favorite meal. "Well, I should probably say 'cereal' given how much I eat it. I'd claim it's because I'm on the go, but that would not be the truth," Kitty says, blushing just a touch at the admission. "My mother makes a lamb shakshouka. She uses some cayenne pepper and paprika and a few other American spices instead of the traditional North African," Kitty says, and goes on about the dish a little more, which vegetables are in it and such.

At the card being offered, Kitty takes it and smiles warmly. "I'll pass it on. Illyana is my friend that is the painting's subject. Her brother Peter is the artist," Kitty replies.

The mention of her teaching Kitty takes a sip of her coffee before motioning with her hand. "Well, I'm at a school for the semester. Doing guidance counseling. I'm going to school at Oxford, getting a Ph.D in astrophysics. But I decided to take a semester break and come back home," Kitty replies.

She looks over to Jason and she looks a little saddened. "Yes, that was... really troubling to see. I mean in Russia it was bad enough. But here as well? It is troubling seeing that level of prejudice," Kitty says. "I'm sorry, not the most pleasant breakfast conversation though, is that?"

Batman has posed:
    

     "Sometimes genetics are overrated," Bruce says to Jason talking about being adopted. "Oh give it time, Jason. Soon we'll be making you regret being in our family, or in her case, dating you," Bruce smirks at the young man. Honestly, he would be happy if Kitty Todd becomes a reality. However, that's far far far too soon.

     Bruce is all ears when it comes to the next few bits of information. "Damian is gifted, but could always use more friends. Sometimes he has troubles socializing," he believes that is the understatement of the year. Sky blue eyes are still looking between them. Details about the lamb are kept close. A nod comes from Bruce, "Tell Peter I'm interested to see his work," and then he listens to the woman talk about counseling. A nod comes from Bruce, "The anti-mutant demonstrations in Gotham is troubling. If you could arrange a meeting between myself and the school head, I would be grateful. I would like to give a donation for any repairs,"

Red Hood has posed:
Let's get a couple of anniversries under the belt before we start discussing Kitty Todd, shall we?

Her discussion of the lamb is taken in and he grins. "Don't think I've ever had lamb prepared like that before. Perhaps when we get around to meeting your parent." Jason responds with a small smirk, as the waiter comes over. "I'm going to have the Eggs Benny." orders as he listens to Bruce's offer.

Damn. That's one way to get your foot in the door. "I know you're probably going to be busy, Kitty - I can make the trip up to Westchester next weekend. I'll cover the bed and breakfast." He's going to try not to strain Kitty's salary any further than it has to be. That comes with dating. "By then, I should be healed up."

The questioning session is turned over to Kitty now - Bruce left the opening, this is the time she can ask away.

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde orders the omelet, giving the waitress a friendly smile before she turns her attention back to Jason and Bruce at the table with her. She asks Jason, "I hadn't had a chance yet to ask how you were doing. I was worried about the puncture but you seem to be getting around just fine," Kitty tells him.

She glances over to Bruce, realizing she isn't sure how much he knows about Jason's wounds. Well, Bruce is his father. Of course he knows.

Kitty takes a sip of her coffee and looks over to Bruce. "I was wondering, Mr. Wayne, how is that you came to adopt Jason? He and I have talked about a lot of things, but I don't think I've never heard that story. Or even, if Jason knows?" Kitty says as she looks towards Jason on that point. "What it was about him that caught your eye? And when did you decide he was someone you wished to bring into your family?"

Batman has posed:
     "I haven't had it prepared like that, but I've had the traditional way. It's good," then he looks to the waitress, "Omlete." He gets it a particular way, pretty much as close to a south western style without bearing down on any dietary issues.

     Sky blue eyes look to the pair for a moment. "What wounds?" he asks to Jason. Then Bruce is quiet for a while.

     "Jason was trying to steal the hubcaps off of a very expensive car of mine. Where some people would have been offended, I saw a kid that had potential, angry with the world, and he just needed opportunity. In some ways, I saw myself in him. That is how we met, and why I took him in. From then it's an easy process," he admits softly looking to the pair. He hopes that is enough to sate the questions. "And yes, there were some hardships at first. His upbringing was not a good one prior. I could relate to certain hardships, and wanted to take him away from that."

Red Hood has posed:
"I told you I was a street rat." Jason admits quietly, looking to Kitty as Bruce relays the story.

A very expensive car. Heh.

"I try not to be too much of a pain in the ass." comes the response. "But I've had my fair share of times where I've been stubborn. When I was younger, Bruce worked nights." he explains. "I mean, he had his fair share of special projects. And this was one of them. I had gotten sick with the flu. But I didn't want him to go alone. I was convinced that if I went to work with him, maybe I could help." he chuckles a little at the thought. "I was a brat."

"Anyway, Alfred told on me. Told Bruce that I was trying to push myself. Bruce had the faith in me to think that I could make that decision. Until he saw me. He said I couldn't go with him on this business trip. I was heart-broken. But I went to watch television on the couch. I was so mad at Alfred for tattling on me." He sips on his coffee. "Then Bruce came down. He found me on the couch. He had cancelled his trip, so he could stay home and take care of me and watch movies. That's when I knew he was more than my foster parent."

"I knew he was my father."

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde listens to the tale from Bruce Wayne of how he first encountered Jason. She smiles softly as she does, her eyes going over to Jason to give him that smile along with an admonishing shake of her head at the attempted theft. Though her eyes are still warm, and the expression in them softens and becomes even more gentle as Bruce goes on about taking Jason in. "I'm really glad that you did. He's turned into a pretty fine man from everything I've seen," Kitty tells Bruce.

She looks over to Jason then, listening to his tale of his relationship with his father. To say that she is charmed by hearing it would be underselling her expression. "That's a beautiful moment," Kitty says quietly to both men.

Her eyes go back to Bruce again and Kitty looks thoughtful for a moment. "Jason has kind of swept me off my feet a bit. When we met, I was in about the most opposite place of looking for someone that I think I could be in. And I don't know. Maybe that's what opens you up enough to let the right person when the happen along. Even if it's just standing together admiring a painting." Kitty smiles over to Jason softly. "Or watching a couple celebrate their anniversary in a restaurant, wearing their best dress and best suit, and imagining they life they've had together."

Batman has posed:
     Bruce remembers that night fondly. To him, there was no decision. In reflection, Bruce figures his dad would have done the same for him. All of that bravado, showmanship, and everything else dies. His expression softens a bit, "To me, I knew where I had to be and should have been. I was happy to cancel the trip, even if it's very out of character. Sometimes, a little time off won't kill anyone. Especiallay when, it's your son that needs you," Bruce looks off, remembering it quite clearly. Sometimes people wonder why he tries to save Jason. Moments like that, are the reasons why. Somewhere, under all the anger, Jason is a good man and always has been. He just needs to see it.

     "As I said, sometimes genetics are overrated," Bruce smiles and starts to pick up that discarded bravado. Everyone is flashed that smile again. "How did you get involved with the school, Katherine?" he asks Kitty. Bruce wants to see if a similar memory can cme from her. Some tale where she may have helped a student ina similar way.

Red Hood has posed:
As they're talking, Jason gets a text on his phone. Glancing at it, he frowns, keeping it under the table as he does so.

Unknown: Have information. Meet at docks.

"Sorry, I need to tend to this." Jason says apologetcially. Glancing to Kitty, he rises to his feet to give her a quick, if affectionate kiss. And he winks. "Now the real interrogation can begin." It's said teasingly, before he glances to Bruce. "Like I told Damian, I want this one to stick around. Can you make sure she gets a ride back to the school?" he asks, reaching to squeeze his father's shoulder.

Releasing Bruce, he heads towards the door, giving one last glance towards the table and gives Kitty a wink before he slips out to head to his motorcycle."

Shadowcat has posed:
Kitty Pryde watches Jason depart. Warmth and fondness fill her gaze for Jason as he leaves, and she watches until he's out of sight before turning back to Bruce. "Oh, the school?" Kitty asks, having to cast her mind back to the topic for a moment to remember what she'd been asked.

"I attended it. Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters," she replies to Bruce. Kitty pauses for a moment as their food arrives. As Jason's plate is set down, Kitty asks the woman, "Could we get a to go container for his? He had to depart."

The young woman looks back to Bruce. Though she was a little nervous when he first arrived, Kitty seems to have slipped into a comfortable feeling with him. "They recruited me back when I was 13, and I attended for a few years before going on to Oxford then," Kitty offers.

"I'm from Illinois originally. But the school felt like a different sort of home for me. So the chance to go back and be a part of it like this is something I can't pass up. I knew a lot of the students still, though I've been away at Oxford for a bit."