*************************************************
Tim, with his young daughter Kara and her friend Ashley in tow, goes up to Terry's office and wrangles the young man into joining them for a quickie picnic in the park. It wasn't the first time he had tried to pull Terry into a different environment in hopes of getting him to 'spill his guts'. He'd had little success. Terry had made it clear he didn't want to talk about the experience, but Tim refused to cease in his efforts. He knew what Terry was dealing with inside and he knew his continued attempts were, at the least, a solid sign to Terry that he was always available support whenever Terry felt he needed it.
He rebuts Terry's first expected refusal by proclaiming that his beautiful wife, Grace, had made a special effort to pack enough for all of them and would be disappointed if leftovers were brought home. He pretends he doesn't see the look on Terry's face signaling the second refusal and doggedly adds with a chuckle,
"And I promise I won't turn this into a therapy session. It's just a chance to get out, enjoy the great weather and visit a little. What do you say Terry? We won't hold you for more than an hour."
Terry shook his head, long-suffering smile on his face, "I appreciate the invitation Tim, but--"
Tiny hands suddenly grasped one of his larger and tugged insistently. He gazed down at four-year old Kara's pixie features as she pleaded. "Oh please Terry. Dad said he won't let us play very long at the park if he doesn't have someone to talk to. And me and Ashley never get a chance to do stuff together. And she can only visit once a month. Right Ashley?"
The other little girl skipped forward to grab his other hand, head bobbing enthusiastically. "Please come with us? We wanna play."
Terry gave Tim a wry look, "Why do I get the feeling I'm being set up?"
"Ummm..." Tim smiled innocently. "Maybe because you are?"
Kara was tugging again, her child-pitched voice eager with anticipation. "It'll be fun Terry. Just wait and see."
After a reluctant moment, he agreed. "Okay. But only for an hour. There's some important work I have to get finished today."
The girls jumped up and down and squealed their delight, while Tim slapped him on the shoulder.
"We knew you wouldn't let us down. Come on little ladies." He began ushering Kara and Ashley to the door. "We're off to the park."
The door opened before they reached it and Max walked in. She stopped in sudden surprise, a welcoming smile lighting her face.
"Well look who's here." She bent over to embrace Kara who bounced forward to meet her.
"Maxy! You can come with us too. It'll be so much fun!"
"Well, you know I like to have fun. Where are you going?"
"To the park. And Terry's gonna come along."
"Oh?" Max straightened and sent a neutral glance at the man. So much for having fun, she thought to herself.
"Join us Max." Tim hurridly seconded his daughter's invitation. He felt the sudden tension in the room. Heavy enough to collapse the floor beneath their feet and land them all at basement level. Bruce hadn't been overstating his casual remark during a recent conversation about the silent war between these two since Max had returned. Maybe this was an opportunity to play peacemaker. "Grace packed a boatload of food for a picnic and the more, the merrier."
"I'm afraid I'll have to pass this time gang. There's this project Mr. McGinnis needs finished by the end of the day and I'll have to work through my lunchbreak to get it done."
There was a hint of scolding in Terry's low voice. "Considering this unforseen circumstance, the project can be put on hold for awhile Ms. Gibson."
"I appreciate the consideration sir." The crisp distaste in her tone indicated otherwise. "But I'd like to get it done and not have it hanging over my head all weekend."
Their eyes met and held for a count of seconds, like combatants, each waiting for the other to drop their gaze first. Neither won, the silent conflict ending simultaneously, as Tim broke the tension in the room by proclaiming cheerfully,
"All right then. We'll have to do this another time when you can join us Max. Girls... Terry..." He urged Terry along past Max who had stepped aside from the door. " Let's get moving before all the benches get taken. I'm getting too old to sit on the ground. Catch you later Max."
"Bye Maxy!" Kara waved.
"Have fun." Max smiled and returned the wave. As the group exited the office she noted the men casting quick glances in her direction. Tim with brows raised questioningly and Terry's blue eyes showing--regret?. She shrugged in irritation after the door closed. Her 'boss' would be the first to tell her that he had nothing to be sorry for.
**
The children's park was a newer one, built two years ago when Batman was in the prime of his, apparently, four-year existence. Downturn of crime in the area had triggered the moving in of responsible citizens which in turn stimulated local business. Parents had contacted these now more profitable business' and asked them for donations to develop the park. They used their own labor to construct the variety of equipment felt necessary for the children.
Lunch eaten, the young girls were happily playing on the equipment contained within the busy park while Tim and Terry sat on a bench talking. Tim continued to cast a regular watchful gaze towards his daughter and her friend.
A faint interruption intrudes on the rhythm of the park's peaceful aura. In the middle of a sentence Tim halts and looks up. The sudden alert stance of the older man causes Terry to tense and turn his attention outwards.
There is an unusual shifting among the adults and children scattered around the area that had been relaxed only moments ago. Parents and caregivers move towards their children. The children's uneasiness grows to fear when they see it in the adults. They quickly join the adults at their beckoning. Soon it's evident what the cause of worry is --- a relaxed group of Jokerz striding into the area. Laughing, loud joking and teasing hits among each other.
Terry and Tim rose similtaneously from the bench.
"Jokerz." Tim stated tensely, eyes riveted on the two little girls under his care. "I heard rumors they might be moving back into the area, but hoped it was just that."
"They don't belong here." Terry growled at the sight of the approaching menace. He remembered spending many hours patrolling this particular area as Batman, making it safe for the average citizen. His gut churned in disgust at the personal affront. Disgust with the scum that liked to make a habit of causing trouble and disgust with himself for letting a moment like this happen. Whether he'd admit it to himself or not, he still saw the world through the eyes of Batman. And Batman had clearly shirked his duties of late--nevermind the reason for it.
"Damn." Tim murmured, alarmed to realize the Jokerz will get to the two little girls first. Preoccupied playing in the sandbox at a far end of the park they were just beginning to sense something wrong. Setting off at a fast walk, Tim reasoned with himself that the Jokerz wouldn't be bold enough to cause trouble out in broad daylight with witnesses clearly in view. That was the logical train of thought which which was runover easily by the much bigger 'protective parent' train of thought. If those delinquents harmed even a hair on either child's head, there'd be hell to pay. The old crimefighting techniques were still in place and though the older body might have to suffer a little to carry them out he wouldn't hesitate to do it.
"Kara!" he yells to let his daughter know he's coming and urge her to come to him. Ashley responds first and scrambles from the sandbox while Kara stares up at the approaching Jokerz, mesmerized by their colorfully painted faces and strange exaggerated movements.
The five Jokerz casually surround the sandbox, their attentions focused on the little girl who stared in open-mouthed astonishment up at them. Tim freezes for a split second at the sight just as Terry rushs past him. So quickly does he move that the Jokerz are surprised when he shoves one of them aside and steps protectively in to shield Kara.
He flashes a wry, hopeful grin around to each painted face.
"I know you all have the mentality of five year olds, but physically I think you're a little too big to be playing here. The garbage dump is just a few blocks away. I bet you'll find lots of things to play with over there. At least you won't look out of place."
Terry kept his gaze shifting to the crowd around them as he reached down to set Kara on her feet and edged her back to the opening he had made coming in. Blessedly predictable, the Jokerz responded to his taunt and gave him the time he needed to get Kara to the safety of her father's arms.
"Did he just insult us?"
"Yeah, yeah I think he did."
The Jokerz began to close their circle. He heard Tim call out sharply to his daughter. She responded by dashing towards him, innate ability helping her dodge hostile hands that reached out to grab her. In moments Tim was hugging her tight in his arms.
Relief flooded Terry. A big smile came to his face as the five delinquents completely surrounded him. He felt an almost forgotten rush of adrenaline stir inside and sensed his body shifting instinctively into combat readiness. A study of the made-up faces revealed none to be familiar. Probably a new gang or one that had kept a low profile when Batman had been a prominent threat in Gotham.
"Did you insult us?"
"Me?" Terry pointed at himself, then shook his head. "That would really be stupid. I mean-- you might actually understand what I'm saying and take offense. And then I'd really be in trouble. "
"I think that was an insult too," commented a hefty-looking female sporting droopy black dog ears and a spotted face.
"Oh, you guys are a lot smarter than I thought. I'll have to upgrade your mentality to the seven-year level. And believe me-- that's a compliment."
"Hah. Hah." A wiry, medium height, green-cheeked Jokerz spoke the words without any humorous inflection. His gray eyes studied Terry intently. "You're a tough-guy aren't ya? Somehow those fancy clothes don't fit you very well."
"They're tailor made. Bet you can't say the same about yours." Terry met the bold gaze easily while his mind reconsidered that this particular Jokerz might be at a higher status in the gang hierarchy. He grinned, his tone dropping an octave as he spoke a subtle challenge. "And I bet you wanna find out how tough me and my clothes are."
It took him considerable self-control to keep from being the first to let a fist fly. To be able to let loose on this bunch of deserving clowns and rid himself of weeks of pent-up emotion was overwhelming. His muscles literally ached from the tension of holding back, but he was certain that his outward stance remained relaxed.
Green-cheeks must have sensed Terry's desire to pound someone. He grinned and shook his head, about to speak when the wail of distant sirens began to fill the air. All five clowns looked skyward and glimpsed the police hovercraft approaching. A gesture from Green-cheeks had them begin retreat.
"Maybe some other time tough-guy." Then he laughed loudly at sight of the grimace Terry couldn't stop.
Fists clenched in frustrated anger, Terry took a step towards his retreating 'live punching bags'. A loud shout averted his single-minded determination.
"Terry!"
It was Tim. He hurried over, Kara still held securely in his arms, Ashley clinging to his pant leg. At sight of the thundercloud that suffused Terry's face, Tim stopped in his tracks. "Whoa." He shifted Kara to his other side and pushed Ashley behind him, putting distance between the angry young man and the girls. "Easy son. Maybe you should take a jog around the city. I'm sure you'll find something out there that could use a good beating. Like a tree or brick wall."
Terry's chest slowly expanded and released as he found control over his emotion. "Yeah." Tim wondered if Terry realized his voice had dropped into deep bat mode. "Maybe I'll do that."
Tim watched Terry walk away, his long, powerful strides carrying him quickly past the scattered clumps of concerned park goers and police.
Tim, with his young daughter Kara and her friend Ashley in tow, goes up to Terry's office and wrangles the young man into joining them for a quickie picnic in the park. It wasn't the first time he had tried to pull Terry into a different environment in hopes of getting him to 'spill his guts'. He'd had little success. Terry had made it clear he didn't want to talk about the experience, but Tim refused to cease in his efforts. He knew what Terry was dealing with inside and he knew his continued attempts were, at the least, a solid sign to Terry that he was always available support whenever Terry felt he needed it.
He rebuts Terry's first expected refusal by proclaiming that his beautiful wife, Grace, had made a special effort to pack enough for all of them and would be disappointed if leftovers were brought home. He pretends he doesn't see the look on Terry's face signaling the second refusal and doggedly adds with a chuckle,
"And I promise I won't turn this into a therapy session. It's just a chance to get out, enjoy the great weather and visit a little. What do you say Terry? We won't hold you for more than an hour."
Terry shook his head, long-suffering smile on his face, "I appreciate the invitation Tim, but--"
Tiny hands suddenly grasped one of his larger and tugged insistently. He gazed down at four-year old Kara's pixie features as she pleaded. "Oh please Terry. Dad said he won't let us play very long at the park if he doesn't have someone to talk to. And me and Ashley never get a chance to do stuff together. And she can only visit once a month. Right Ashley?"
The other little girl skipped forward to grab his other hand, head bobbing enthusiastically. "Please come with us? We wanna play."
Terry gave Tim a wry look, "Why do I get the feeling I'm being set up?"
"Ummm..." Tim smiled innocently. "Maybe because you are?"
Kara was tugging again, her child-pitched voice eager with anticipation. "It'll be fun Terry. Just wait and see."
After a reluctant moment, he agreed. "Okay. But only for an hour. There's some important work I have to get finished today."
The girls jumped up and down and squealed their delight, while Tim slapped him on the shoulder.
"We knew you wouldn't let us down. Come on little ladies." He began ushering Kara and Ashley to the door. "We're off to the park."
The door opened before they reached it and Max walked in. She stopped in sudden surprise, a welcoming smile lighting her face.
"Well look who's here." She bent over to embrace Kara who bounced forward to meet her.
"Maxy! You can come with us too. It'll be so much fun!"
"Well, you know I like to have fun. Where are you going?"
"To the park. And Terry's gonna come along."
"Oh?" Max straightened and sent a neutral glance at the man. So much for having fun, she thought to herself.
"Join us Max." Tim hurridly seconded his daughter's invitation. He felt the sudden tension in the room. Heavy enough to collapse the floor beneath their feet and land them all at basement level. Bruce hadn't been overstating his casual remark during a recent conversation about the silent war between these two since Max had returned. Maybe this was an opportunity to play peacemaker. "Grace packed a boatload of food for a picnic and the more, the merrier."
"I'm afraid I'll have to pass this time gang. There's this project Mr. McGinnis needs finished by the end of the day and I'll have to work through my lunchbreak to get it done."
There was a hint of scolding in Terry's low voice. "Considering this unforseen circumstance, the project can be put on hold for awhile Ms. Gibson."
"I appreciate the consideration sir." The crisp distaste in her tone indicated otherwise. "But I'd like to get it done and not have it hanging over my head all weekend."
Their eyes met and held for a count of seconds, like combatants, each waiting for the other to drop their gaze first. Neither won, the silent conflict ending simultaneously, as Tim broke the tension in the room by proclaiming cheerfully,
"All right then. We'll have to do this another time when you can join us Max. Girls... Terry..." He urged Terry along past Max who had stepped aside from the door. " Let's get moving before all the benches get taken. I'm getting too old to sit on the ground. Catch you later Max."
"Bye Maxy!" Kara waved.
"Have fun." Max smiled and returned the wave. As the group exited the office she noted the men casting quick glances in her direction. Tim with brows raised questioningly and Terry's blue eyes showing--regret?. She shrugged in irritation after the door closed. Her 'boss' would be the first to tell her that he had nothing to be sorry for.
**
The children's park was a newer one, built two years ago when Batman was in the prime of his, apparently, four-year existence. Downturn of crime in the area had triggered the moving in of responsible citizens which in turn stimulated local business. Parents had contacted these now more profitable business' and asked them for donations to develop the park. They used their own labor to construct the variety of equipment felt necessary for the children.
Lunch eaten, the young girls were happily playing on the equipment contained within the busy park while Tim and Terry sat on a bench talking. Tim continued to cast a regular watchful gaze towards his daughter and her friend.
A faint interruption intrudes on the rhythm of the park's peaceful aura. In the middle of a sentence Tim halts and looks up. The sudden alert stance of the older man causes Terry to tense and turn his attention outwards.
There is an unusual shifting among the adults and children scattered around the area that had been relaxed only moments ago. Parents and caregivers move towards their children. The children's uneasiness grows to fear when they see it in the adults. They quickly join the adults at their beckoning. Soon it's evident what the cause of worry is --- a relaxed group of Jokerz striding into the area. Laughing, loud joking and teasing hits among each other.
Terry and Tim rose similtaneously from the bench.
"Jokerz." Tim stated tensely, eyes riveted on the two little girls under his care. "I heard rumors they might be moving back into the area, but hoped it was just that."
"They don't belong here." Terry growled at the sight of the approaching menace. He remembered spending many hours patrolling this particular area as Batman, making it safe for the average citizen. His gut churned in disgust at the personal affront. Disgust with the scum that liked to make a habit of causing trouble and disgust with himself for letting a moment like this happen. Whether he'd admit it to himself or not, he still saw the world through the eyes of Batman. And Batman had clearly shirked his duties of late--nevermind the reason for it.
"Damn." Tim murmured, alarmed to realize the Jokerz will get to the two little girls first. Preoccupied playing in the sandbox at a far end of the park they were just beginning to sense something wrong. Setting off at a fast walk, Tim reasoned with himself that the Jokerz wouldn't be bold enough to cause trouble out in broad daylight with witnesses clearly in view. That was the logical train of thought which which was runover easily by the much bigger 'protective parent' train of thought. If those delinquents harmed even a hair on either child's head, there'd be hell to pay. The old crimefighting techniques were still in place and though the older body might have to suffer a little to carry them out he wouldn't hesitate to do it.
"Kara!" he yells to let his daughter know he's coming and urge her to come to him. Ashley responds first and scrambles from the sandbox while Kara stares up at the approaching Jokerz, mesmerized by their colorfully painted faces and strange exaggerated movements.
The five Jokerz casually surround the sandbox, their attentions focused on the little girl who stared in open-mouthed astonishment up at them. Tim freezes for a split second at the sight just as Terry rushs past him. So quickly does he move that the Jokerz are surprised when he shoves one of them aside and steps protectively in to shield Kara.
He flashes a wry, hopeful grin around to each painted face.
"I know you all have the mentality of five year olds, but physically I think you're a little too big to be playing here. The garbage dump is just a few blocks away. I bet you'll find lots of things to play with over there. At least you won't look out of place."
Terry kept his gaze shifting to the crowd around them as he reached down to set Kara on her feet and edged her back to the opening he had made coming in. Blessedly predictable, the Jokerz responded to his taunt and gave him the time he needed to get Kara to the safety of her father's arms.
"Did he just insult us?"
"Yeah, yeah I think he did."
The Jokerz began to close their circle. He heard Tim call out sharply to his daughter. She responded by dashing towards him, innate ability helping her dodge hostile hands that reached out to grab her. In moments Tim was hugging her tight in his arms.
Relief flooded Terry. A big smile came to his face as the five delinquents completely surrounded him. He felt an almost forgotten rush of adrenaline stir inside and sensed his body shifting instinctively into combat readiness. A study of the made-up faces revealed none to be familiar. Probably a new gang or one that had kept a low profile when Batman had been a prominent threat in Gotham.
"Did you insult us?"
"Me?" Terry pointed at himself, then shook his head. "That would really be stupid. I mean-- you might actually understand what I'm saying and take offense. And then I'd really be in trouble. "
"I think that was an insult too," commented a hefty-looking female sporting droopy black dog ears and a spotted face.
"Oh, you guys are a lot smarter than I thought. I'll have to upgrade your mentality to the seven-year level. And believe me-- that's a compliment."
"Hah. Hah." A wiry, medium height, green-cheeked Jokerz spoke the words without any humorous inflection. His gray eyes studied Terry intently. "You're a tough-guy aren't ya? Somehow those fancy clothes don't fit you very well."
"They're tailor made. Bet you can't say the same about yours." Terry met the bold gaze easily while his mind reconsidered that this particular Jokerz might be at a higher status in the gang hierarchy. He grinned, his tone dropping an octave as he spoke a subtle challenge. "And I bet you wanna find out how tough me and my clothes are."
It took him considerable self-control to keep from being the first to let a fist fly. To be able to let loose on this bunch of deserving clowns and rid himself of weeks of pent-up emotion was overwhelming. His muscles literally ached from the tension of holding back, but he was certain that his outward stance remained relaxed.
Green-cheeks must have sensed Terry's desire to pound someone. He grinned and shook his head, about to speak when the wail of distant sirens began to fill the air. All five clowns looked skyward and glimpsed the police hovercraft approaching. A gesture from Green-cheeks had them begin retreat.
"Maybe some other time tough-guy." Then he laughed loudly at sight of the grimace Terry couldn't stop.
Fists clenched in frustrated anger, Terry took a step towards his retreating 'live punching bags'. A loud shout averted his single-minded determination.
"Terry!"
It was Tim. He hurried over, Kara still held securely in his arms, Ashley clinging to his pant leg. At sight of the thundercloud that suffused Terry's face, Tim stopped in his tracks. "Whoa." He shifted Kara to his other side and pushed Ashley behind him, putting distance between the angry young man and the girls. "Easy son. Maybe you should take a jog around the city. I'm sure you'll find something out there that could use a good beating. Like a tree or brick wall."
Terry's chest slowly expanded and released as he found control over his emotion. "Yeah." Tim wondered if Terry realized his voice had dropped into deep bat mode. "Maybe I'll do that."
Tim watched Terry walk away, his long, powerful strides carrying him quickly past the scattered clumps of concerned park goers and police.