[Visual] the great big city's a wondrous toy

[tinynarcissist]

In the hours since he awakened in a room not his own, in a building definitely not his parents' house, Adrian has quietly gathered as much information as he possibly can. He knows the room belongs to someone older, but a little trial and error shows him how to get clothes his own size from the kind of science-fictiony cupboard. And some time spent

Comments

[visual]

[luthoran]

Well that explains why someone didn't show up to work that morning. Lex's experiences with children are few and far between, and he takes a breath before replying in his usual fashion.

"You might need help finding your way out of that building first."

It was clear that this... other Adrian Veidt was still inside Luthor Plaza. Lex felt responsible for his employees but this was a new situation entirely.

[visual]

[tinynarcissist]

So the man knows where Adrian is. That's either a good thing (he might know where Adrian's parents went, or how he can get to them) or a bad thing (he might get Adrian in trouble for trespassing). Of course he could also be a kidnapper, which unfortunately is probably the most likely scenario.

What he wants to say is that he can do it himself. What he actually says is, "Yes, sir, I guess I probably do." Just in case that was a test of some kind. Adrian hates failing tests, but he's learned to be very good at it.

[visual]

[luthoran]

The response made everything even more strange. "So you don't remember this place?"

Lex may be coming off as pushy, but for one thing he often does and for another this was Adrian Veidt. He's certain that if their situations were reversed that the other man would be wanting to satisfy his curiosity just as much.

[visual]

[tinynarcissist]

What a weird question. Why would he remember a place he's never been? Adrian eyes the image of the man suspiciously, trying to figure out what his angle might be.

"I don't remember ever seeing it before in my life." Normally he'd leave it at that, but if the man has information, maybe Adrian can get away with being a little bit pushy just this once. "Do you know why I'm here in someone else's room?" Mr. Long has called him a 'prisoner', but Adrian wants to see what this man will say.

[visual]

[luthoran]

Well that was a loaded question. Lex doesn't want to lie, but how do you begin to explain that a person has regressed from their adult nature inside a city they are trapped in? The pushiness doesn't bother him in the slightest and only serves to remind him exactly who he is talking to.

"You were brought here to this city by what I can best describe as alien captors. I was taken too, and this building that you're in is mine. The aliens allow everyone to keep one possession from home, which explains your cat." He avoids using the name Bubastis, no need to make him even more suspicious. "The room you are in is yours if you want it, though if you find that there's something you like better I certainly won't force you to stay."

[visual]

[tinynarcissist]

At the mention of his pet, Adrian glances down and rubs at Bubastis's ears. For a brief instant something seems odd, as if he shouldn't have a pet like this, but immediately it's gone, leaving only an unsettled feeling behind.

"What happened to the person who used to be in this room? Did they take him away?" Too many questions, Adrian knows it's only a matter of time before he's reprimanded for his curiosity, but he has to know. As much as he can, as fast as he can, before they make him stop. "What's your name?"

[visual]

[luthoran]

There were many questions, but Lex knew not to expect anything less. Certain qualities people had remained lifelong traits, and he imagined that the quest for knowledge was one of these.

"I can't guarantee you that I have all the answers, but I'll do what I can. My name is Lex Luthor." Lex does want to help since this is Veidt. Child or not, he is still going to figure things out and Lex doesn't want to be on the wrong end of things when that happens. "I'd rather answer those questions for you in person. I'm a little far from your room right now, but let me know when you get settled in a little and I'll make the trip."