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Too Long Between Visits

October 6th, 2001

Participants: Dick Grayson and Barbara Gordon

Scene: Having been in Gotham for a couple of days now and having managed to catch up with many of his old friends, Dick decides to drop in on one of his oldest and dearest friends, Barbara Gordon, the one time Batgirl and now known as Oracle amongst the Superhero community...

Barbara Gordon's Apartment [Clock Tower]
The apartment isn't a large one, though it's comfortable for one person, perhaps two. The kitchen and dining area is in one room, and there is a small living room, with a TV set. There's also a pair of bedrooms, one for Barbara and a spare. Barbara's is enchanced with the needed equipment so she can move from the chair to the bed without assistance. Everything in this apartment has been sized down, so a woman in a wheelchair can access it, including the cabinets, the freezer, the dining table, the bed and the TV, among other pieces of furniture.
People and Things:
Barbara

Other exits: [FD] Front Door to Top Floor

Ding. With that soft, muted sound, the elevator doors slide open onto the rather dark and dismal 'hall'. A lone figure stands in the small lift, backlit by the light of the elevator, though not for long of course. Stepping out, Dick glances about absently and treads across the off-white carpeting towards the solitary door as the elevator doors slide shut behind him. Pausing before the doorway he raps on it three times before stepping back slightly and tucking his hands behind his back; waiting.

The door swings open, like someone had been alerted to his arrival, then a pleasent sounding voice from the kitchen area shouts, "Make yourself at home, Dick. Just fixing lunch."

As the door swings open, Dick steps into the comfortable apartment and glances about before stepping aside and closing the door after him. A certainly the warmth is more then welcome after the chilly autumn winds that sweep across the city beyond the comfort of the towers walls. Shrugging his shoulders idly, he slips off his jacket and wonders slowly through the room before folding it over the back of one of the chairs. "Thanks," he calls back, slipping down into the same chair and leaning forward, resting his hands folded atop one knee and peering towards the kitchen.

Barbara wheels out, giving him a smile, "And hows haven?" She looks at his face, "Warm enough?"

An answering smile lights on Dick's features and he dips his head towards her before allowing his gaze to roam through the comfortable room once more. "It's a big improvement to being outside right now. I think we're in for an early winter," he replies drily as his eyes center upon her once more. "As for the other... well, not a great deal has changed I'm afraid. Everytime you get rid of one rat, two more just seem to take their place," he says, his face and tone turning somber for a moment. But he doesn't allow the solemneity to linger long, forcing the smile back on to his face. "And how about you? I know I haven't checked in for awhile. How have you been doing?"

Barbara says, "I've been handing in there." She admits, pulling out a plate, "Hungry?" She pulls out a second plate. "And yes, I know how it is...like arkham here, one goes in, two come out."

"Exactly," Dick agrees quietly, leaning forward in his seat once more. "I knew it would take time," he says as a small shrug ripples through his shoulders. Glancing over towards the table he hesitates before smiling once more. "I'm alright, but if you were just about to eat I don't mind joining you. I skipped lunch," he replies, rising from the chair slowly

Barbara smiles and splits the giant omelet she was fixing into two pieces, passing one plate to Dick, "With the humvee, I'm much more mobile...even do a lot of my own shopping."

Nodding his thanks, Dick takes the plate and settles into his seat before laying it infront of him. "Smells great. Thanks," he replies, a smile splitting his features before he glances down, turning his attention to the food in front of him. Cutting off a portion, he begins to eat his half of the omelet, swallowing it down eagerly. "Tastes great too. I think I was hungrier then I thought," he chuckles. "I'm glad to hear you're getting out more. I was worried we'd never pry you out of here," he teases gently.

Barbara chuckles, "Dinah was woried about that too. I had to convince her that i do in fact have a life." She grins slightly.

"I can imagine," Dick agrees with a grin, eyes lowering for a momentas he resumes consuming the meal laid out before him. "It's such a burden to have nosy friends who are always poking into your affairs," he continues on lightly, leaning back in his seat as his gaze lifts once more, glancing over towards her. "And have you managed to convince her yet, or does she still have a few doubts?"

"About me getting about, no doubts. About me not having a social life?" She grins, "My first time out in days was to a library, that should tell you something.

Chuckling quietly with clear amusement residing on his features, Dick nods and settles back into his seat, resting his hands folded lightly on the table in front of him. "So you still have a little more work to do before you have her entirely off your case, hrmm?" he says, the grin on his face reflected in his eyes as well. "So besides pestering you to get out more -- preferably with other people -- how is Dinah doing?"

"She is bored, I think. I sent her to investigate the cyborgs however, so she'll have something more than just sit around the apartment, and beg for something to do."

Dick Grayson grows more serious for a moment as he nods in response. "Ahhh. Hopefully it won't turn out to be too serious," he replies quietly, eyes dipping once more as he finishes up the food on the plate in front of him, savoring the last few scraps. "That was delicious, thanks. You done with yours? Since you made the meal, the least I can do is clean up," he offers with a smile.

Barbara says, "Yes, thank you, that would be nice. Been digging up information on various folks..including hatter and crane."

Rising from his chair, Dick goes about gathering the plates and utensils, listening quietly as he does so. "Ahhh. I've heard that Crane has been causing trouble while I've been away," he admits, turning towards the kitchen with the dirty dishes in tow. "But not anything about the Hatter. Has he been causing troubles as well?" he asks as he disappears into the kitchen area, immediately heading towards the sink.

Barbara says, "He broke out, yesterday. Looks like the old revolving door was working again."

Setting the dishes down on the low counter, Dick begins to run the water into the sink, kneeling down to search for soap before adding that to the mix as well. Leaving the sink to fill, he walks back across the kitchen and leans against the doorframe leading into the living room, a troubled frown on his face. "That's bad news. You'd think they'd eventually be able to come up with a cell that could keep these people behind bars," he replies grimly.

Barbara says, "Oh some they do. Calendar man is still there....as is Pagan. People who never escape. It's just these few, who are smarter than the rest, it seems."

"I know. It's not an indictment of the entire system. They have their successes sure, and they're a lot better then the alternative," Dick agrees, expression and tone serious as he slouches in the doorway, arms folded across his chest. "But it's those smart ones that are so dangerous. You need a better mouse trap if you're trying to hold a smarter mouse," he says before shrugging his shoulders. "I'm sure everyone will keep their eyes open for him at least. Perhaps someone will spot him before he can cause too much trouble," he muses before turning back into the kitchen, wandering back over towards the sink that has nearly finished filling up.

Barbara says, "You realize that if everyone is watching one, the other mice would escape. So no matter what you do, someone slips out."

"I know," comes Dick's answer from the kitchen as he finally turns off the tap, the flow of water slowing and finally ceasing altogether. "I didn't say there were any easy answers. But it would be nice if we didn't have quite so much repeat business because the worst of those criminals were escaping. It's bad enough that we have a constant stream of new problems poping up," he replies, placing the dirty dishes into the water and allowing them to disappear beneath the mound of fluffy white soap bubbles that have formed atop the surface of the water.

"No easy answers, but there are ways to keep a eye on them. Remember the security cameras in the cells?

Hands buried in the soapy, hot water, Dick rubs the plates and utensils clean even as he cranes his neck backward, glancing towards the doorway leading back into the living room. "I know. They do the best that they can. It's certainly a step up from the standard incarceration facilities," he agrees before turning back to the sink, stacking the dishes beside it on the counter as he finishes cleaning them. "Do they have any idea how the Hatter managed to escape yet, or are they still looking into it?" he asks, voice raised slightly as he keeps his gaze focused on the sink before him.

Barbara says, "I believe they're looking at it. Wish I could say more, but if they don't know, then I don't know. But there was a shrink who suspected it." she frowns, "Why didn't the guy say anything."

As he finishes with the dishes, Dick pulls the plug at the bottom of the sink, allowing the soapy water to drain out. Grabbing a nearby dish towel, he plucks one of the plates from the pile and begins to dry it as he wanders back towards the doorway. "Maybe they don't need a better mousetrap as much as they need smarter shrinks," he replies drily before shaking his head and growing serious once more. 'You'd think they'd have learned not to take chances with these sorts of criminals. Even a suspicion might have helped."

Barbara nods, "Exactly. But perhaps I can put a extra eye on things. I've been thinking about a VR cam."

"Anything that might help them out certainly would be a good idea," Dick agrees, continuing to towel dry the plate clutched in his hand absently before shaking his head slowly. "Well, I guess it's a good thing I decided to come back to town and check in when I did," he continues on quietly, turning back into the kitched to finish drying up the rest of the dishes.

"Exactly. Now, I have to set up the VR room. Harold working on it.

Returning to the low coutner top, Dick begisn to hastily dry the remaining plate and utensils, replacing them in their proper place as he finishes up. Towelling dry the small puddles left on the smooth surface of the counter, he listens as he works. "Ahhh, so you're already well along with this idea. You'll have to show it to me once he's finished it off," he answers back, hanging the damp towel back up to dry.

Barbara chuckles, "I will. I like to show you the plans, though their in the...you know where."

With his own little chore finally complete, Dick emerges from the kitchen one finally time. "There, all done," he announces, wandering over towards his chair, reclaiming it by sinking down into it. "Ahhh. Then we'll have to check them out the next chance we get then. It shouldn't be too hard to find some time to manage that," he agrees.

Barbara grins, "No, it shouldn't."

Settled into his seat once more, Dick once again turns his full attention to the discussion at hand, eyes flickering over towards her. "Good, it's settled then," he agrees with a smile, twining his fingers together where they rest on his lap. "So, aside from the Hatter's escape and Crane's antics that I have heard about, have I been missing anything else important by being away lately?" he asks, growing just a touch more serious.

Barbara says, "The Joker and Harley are up to their old tricks....what's odd is...little from Ivy. She's usually active.""

A frown creeps across Dick's face at her words though he just nods and remains silent as she speaks. Rubbing his thumb across his chin thoughtfully, he finally shrugs. "Well, I don't know if that's good news or not. I'd hate to think she was working on something big," he muses before a faint smile flickers over his expression. "Maybe we'll be lucky and she'll decide to hibernate for the winter," he continues with dry humour.

Barbara nods, "That's my fear too. But I don't know for sure."

Nodding his head in understanding, Dick flashes a smile towards her, leaning forward in his seat slightly as he does so. "I'm sure if there's any clues to be found about what she might be up to, you'll find them. Until then we'll just have to keep our eyes open," he replies easily though a thoughtful line continues to crease his brow. "Well, I guess Tim was a little premature when he said things around here had been mostly quiet," he muses.

"Exactly, and tim is a little premature." She grins, saying, "You know, I think those cute tight pants do something to the brain."

The furrowed brow of concern disappears at once, replaced instead by a growing grin. "Maybe. Though it could just as easily be that Bruce is keeping him in the dark. It's not exactly unheard of," he replies drily, shaking his head slowly. Oh yes, he's been there at time or two in the past. "And hey, lets not blame the pants. They're certainly a step up from the shorts. I definately don't miss them, especially in weather like we've had the past couple of days," he says, grin firmly etched on his features.

Barbara chuckles, "And the black body suit....let me tell you this...inhaling was a risk in itself."

An amused laugh escaping him, Dick smiles in reply as he sinks back into his seat once more, arching his fingers -- forming a sort of pyramid with his hands. "I'm sure it had all sorts of drawbacks, but at least it was fetching," he says with a grin and a wink. "And probably warmer then my shorts," he continues on, the dry note of humour touching his words once more. "Ahh, sometimes a little progress is definately a good thing."

Barbara chuckles, "Progress though would get me out of this chair...but...if I did..."

His expression growing somewhat more serious once again, Dick nods his agreement. "There is that, yes," he replies before falling into a thoughtful, if momentary silence. "It just means that there's still progress to be made on some things."

Barbara says, "But the problem is...what would I do if I got that option....would I become normal? Since this is normal."

Listening quietly where he sits near to her, Dick nods his head slightly as she speaks but doesn't otherwise interrupt until she's finished. "I think that's all it would be, Babs. Just an option. You've adapted amazingly. A lot of people wouldn't have been able to, at least not nearly as well. They would have let it come to define their life, and you didn't. And even if they somehow managed to come up with a way to fix the damage, it would still be your choice on whether or not you'd even want to undergo it. Walking doesn't define you anymore then then not being able to does," he answers quietly, his intent gaze locked on her before he shrugs. "Not that it's something you have to dwell a great deal on in the here and now."

Barbara nods, "Exactly, unless this stem cell research pans out.

Dick Grayson nods his agreement and shifts in his seat, half turning where he sits. "Which is a rather big 'if'. Until then, you still have quite a bit of time before you have to start considering things like that," he states quietly, brow furrowing once more. "Do you? Wonder about that, I mean?"

Barbara says, "Oh, occasionally. But I rather not worry about it...nothing I can do."

Dipping his head in agreement with that particular sentiment, Dick drapes one arm loosely over the back of the chair he sits in. "That's true enough," he acknowledges with a faint smile, idly drumming his fingers against the back of his seat. "I hope I wasn't interrupting anything earlier, by the way. I probably should have let you know I was going to stop by, but I wanted to touch base and see how you were doing. I know you keep yourself pretty busy."

Barbara smiles, "no, your not interupting. I was only spicing together details about other attacks.

Oh my, even more attacks. Is there anyone out in this city not causing problems as of late? "Oh?" Dick inquires, the frown threatening to reemerge on his features once more. Perhaps he shouldn't have absented himself from Gotham for so long, afterall. Though it certainly seemed like a good idea at the time. "I'm amazed that you can keep up with it all."

Barbara says, "I think the computers help me cover the information. After all." She says, putting her hands flat on the table. "the internet is something, if used carefully, can bring out a lot of info.""

"As you've proved time and again," Dick agrees with a wry smile, finally straightening in his seat once more and letting his arm fall back to his side to rest on in it's more proper place -- remarkably, on the arm rest. "It's not so much that you can find such obscure information on it that's so remarkable. It's the sheer volumn of information on the widest flung areas," he explains quietly.

"One can find both, if one knows where to look." She smiles slightly, tilting her head slightly. "Course you have to know where to look.

Chuckling quietly, Dick nods his head, dipping it towards her slightly as if to concede the point. "I'll take your word for it," he remarks wryly, steepling his fingers together once more. "So long as it works, I guess we can all just be grateful for that."

Barbara says, "Exactly. Long as nothing happens to it, we're fine."

Smiling in response, Dick nods his head and stretches his arms out above his head before regaining his feet once more. "True enough. And I suppose I should stop stealing all your time," he says, glancing down at the watch encircling his wrist. "Though I hope you haven't minded the distration too much," he says, glancing back over towards her as a teasing smile spreads across his features.

Babs chuckles, "You? A distraction? If you were that, you'd be very girl's fantasy.

"Uh huh," Dick replies, arching an amused brow in response before an answering chuckle rumbles out from him. "Well, I suppose I'll have to work on my distracting skills then," he says as his smile broadens into a grin. "I'm going to be in town for at least a few more days before I have to get back to Bludhaven. At the very least I should be around more regularly for the next little while... at least after I've spoken to Bruce," he continues, his features clouding for just a moment at the mention of that name before he gives a small shake of his head, leaving the grin fixed firmly in place again. "Regardless, I hope you won't mind seeing a bit more of me. I'll have to join with Dinah in that annyoing chorus convincing you to get out more," he says with a wink.

Barbara chuckles, "i don't mind your company, Dick...you know that." She smiles, "drop in anytime."

Turning to retrieve his jacket from the back of the chair, Dick smiles and nods before tugging it on. "Good enough then. I should probably see you in the next day or two, depending on how things go. Maybe we can drag you out of here for a few hours. To some place other then the library," he says with a grin as he walks over towards the door before glancing back over his shoulder. "Thanks again for the supper Babs. It was great. I'll catch you later," he says, heading dipping in a gesture of farewell as he opens the door.

Barbara smiles, waving slightly, "Be safe dick, be safe."

Dick Grayson strides out of the comfortable apartment into the dark hall, closing the door behind him before making his way to the elevator -- and out into the increasingly dark, cold Gotham evening.