On the dance floor with Mar'i

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

Once they're alone, Bruce's hands discreetly holding the young lady near him as they dance, he murmurs to her, "There's public Bruce and private Bruce, Mar'i. I don't let one meet the other when it's possible. Sorry."

Comments

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"I'm not used to the division," she admits quietly. "I more or less grew up with everyone knowing ... my grandfather's vocation." As the music continues, she adds, "You dance very well."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

"Thanks, but I'm a hack. Your father, he's the graceful one of the family. You having a good time?" In public, in a nice suit, he seems almost human. Almost nice.

Almost.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"I'm not sure," she says honestly. She flicks a glance at Ibn dancing with Diana, and for a moment her face is filling with longing, despair, and hope.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

"Mar'i, for your sake, you need to stop wearing your heart on your sleeve. Where you're from, things might be more honest. Here it's a liability."

Bruce follows her gaze to Diana, raises a brow, but says nothing more.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

Her chin lifts. "Whatever else I am, I'm also Tamaranian, sir. Our tears are never hidden." Her mouth twists in a brief scowl. "Don't worry. Humans are always inventing reasons and excuses for other people. They find it easier than asking for the truth."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

"Not everyone's like that." Bruce laughs, trying to look like he's having a grand old time. "Well, you're going to be all over the news tomorrow. If you can, for my sake, for your sake, for the Graysons' sake, cheer up a bit?"

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

There is the slightest edge to her smile. "An alien noble at a charity ball is news enough. She never actually has to do anything. But for the family's sake." She tilts her head again and giggles.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

Bruce grins. "OK, but without looking like you checked your brain with your coat at the door."

Then the definite sound of flesh hitting flesh, and Bruce glances at Diana and Ibn. A momentary glimpse of pure Bat can be found in his eyes before he laughs again. "Wow, that was dumb."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"I doubt it," she murmurs, then more loudly, "No true gentleman would treat a lady in such a fashion."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_darkknight_/]

The dance concludes and Bruce leans forward to kiss Mar'i's cheek. "That was splendid. I see grace does run in your end of the family."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

It doesn't just run. It gallops.

Dick grins, not a small hint of pride in his expression, then turns to his daughter.

Tired of twinkling those toes yet, or do you have a few minutes for another round on the dancefloor?

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She curtsies, her grin a mirror of his own. "I'd be happy to."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

A brief nod to Bruce, then Dick steps forward, taking her hand and moving easily into the tango struck up by the quartet.

Are you alright?

A brief flick of his eyes towards the target of Diana's assault.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She refuses to look at Ibn. "I will be," she finally says. "I'm looking forward to learning why."

[-nightwing-.livejournal.com]

A wry smile, and he spins her away, pulling her back again.

You and I both, though I hope you won't hold it against me if I pump an alternate source.