Words need to be spoken -- rp: rattle_thecages

[neverontime]

If Bruce thinks Alfred's little note to not miss dinner is out of place, he doesn't show it. After all, the older man has made a good point -- it's been almost a week since Bruce has sat down to eat anything, let alone dinner.  After the Joker's little introduction at his gala, Bruce has made it his point to be out and about every day, making sure

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[rattle_thecages]

"...you're not Alfred, either."

Rachel closes her eyes, cursing under her breath.

She should have known Alfred Pennyworth had something up his sleeve, but she'd been none the wiser. She genuinely believed they could have dinner while Bruce was away and she wouldn't have to see him.

Her heart hammers inside her chest but she doesn't let it show on her face. Rachel schools her expression into one of neutrality.

"I didn't know you'd be here."

Translation: I am not here for you.

[neverontime]

He gets that loud and clear. He wavers between excusing himself and continuing to act natural. Because it's Bruce, he's clearly going to go with the 'natural' route.

"Right, well, I didn't know I was going to be here either," he says, excusing his butler from any wrong-doing. It was better to have Rachel annoyed with him than with Alfred. "Last minute change of plans. I sent Alfred out, and I wondered why he wasn't pleased but he didn't say anything." And now he was rambling. Great.

"He should be back any minute....but before he does, can I say you're looking well?" That might be a hopeful look that crosses his face quickly, before vanishing beneath his calm veneer.

[rattle_thecages]

It's always been disconcerting, how good he is at hiding what he feels. Sometimes his expression is so unreadable Rachel finds it hard to believe he's feeling anything at all.

Logically, she knows better. She's known Bruce all her life.

But it's been so long since they really had a genuine conversation. Rachel doesn't count that night a few weeks ago because she's trying really hard to forget it. She can't, though, hard as she tries.

"Oh." She looks down before cursing herself for doing this, too. She is excellent at maintaining eye contact, damn it. "I guess I can wait for him. You have plans, I gather?"

[neverontime]

Bruce blinks a few times before he glances down and realizes that he is still in a towel. "Oh. OH, no. No plans." His brow furrows as he drops his one hand from the top of his head.

He gives her a crooked grin. "Give me 10 minutes. I'll be right back. I'm glad you're here...I wanted to talk to you. Just...10 minutes. 5 maybe, alright?" He gives her what he hopes is a pleading look and backs out of the kitchen.

In his room, he curses Alfred, who is almost positive will not be in residence any time soon. He wishes he could remember exactly what Alfred had said to him earlier in the day but he can't. With a sigh, he throws on what he hopes is casual wear and is back in the kitchen within 7 minutes.

She's still there, thank god and he worries it's only because she's too stunned to do anything else. "You are going to stay, right?" He cringes at the sound of worry in his voice, but he really wants to just talk to her.