01 ⚜ Video

[restingstitchface]

[The video feed clicks on and shows a man with tidy hair, a clean face, a neat black suit and a pair of leather shoes. He doesn't speak immediately, but his gaze never strays - there's nothing behind it, no gleam in his eyes that betrays his fascination. He needs to understand the predicament he's in, and wants to hear what everyone has to say. Or perhaps he's just curious. He's a doctor and scientist, clinical and precise. He's not used to being away from his work. The people who'd brought him here had stripped him of his belongings, causing him to utilize other means - and he had to do it without drawing suspicion for as long as possible.

He offers a small smile. Witnessing facial expressions raises the level of group trust, he knows. He would rather have used audio, but this would give a better impression. Meanwhile, his blood bubbles under his surface; he wants to find those scared of being here. He has nothing else to keep him but work. His fingers were itching to insert themselves into everyone's dark places. He wants to understand them. He wants to see what makes them tick. He calmly hides his hands in his legs. His cold disappointment at being separated from witnessing the results of his fear gas flooding Gotham is nearly overwhelming.

He stares into the camera with sharp blue eyes. His tone has a slight lilt.

Anyway. Hello, you crazies in spandex. This is your unfriendly neighborhood psychiatrist. Perhaps you've met him before?]

I won't claim arriving here was my choice, but I'm aware that's not a unique situation.

Now.

I'm looking for participants in a clinical research study. My name is Jonathan Crane, and I need willing persons to discuss their experiences in this new... life... if you will. You will not be required to pay any bills, and will be adequately compensated for your time. I want to make this city safer. Whether or not you decide to volunteer is completely up to you.

[He's completely honest. Honestly.]

And it should go without saying that I wouldn't be so unkind as to ignore those in crisis. I'm a psychiatrist. In fact, I was a professor as well. Mental distress is something I am trained to deal with. Whenever you or somebody you know needs support, please let me know. I'm here to help.

Comments

VIDEO.

[indenture]

... Dr. Crane?

[ Dr. Jonathan Crane? Well hm. ]

That's an awfully generous offer.

[restingstitchface]

[Oh the delicious irony of Crane being a two-faced snake. Sadly, he doesn't know this man. Yet.]

It's a rather nice deal, I know. These are special circumstances.

[And he's going to use them all he can.]

[indenture]

[ Oh, Harvey knows. He won't be volunteering himself up just yet, that's for sure. ]

That's for sure. But you seem to be taking them in stride, at least -- calmer than most people who turn up here. Does that come with the job?

[restingstitchface]

[Crane takes plenty in stride. Attorneys. Work. The sound of screaming.]

A doctor, even of the worst of times, ought to be calm and tranquil, yes.

[indenture]

[ This is so bizarre to him. In an "almost funny" sort of way. ]

What's your secret?

[restingstitchface]

[His brows curve up.]

My mind's power over my body. [For one.] Is there a problem you have with keeping calm?

[indenture]

Oh -- I wasn't asking for me. [ He says it quickly. ] Just wondering if stress exercises would be a part of your "study."

[restingstitchface]

They are something I am considering, yes.

If the person involved trusts me.

[He's trustworthy. Totally!]

[indenture]

You probably won't find much of that in your first week, Crane. There's a lot involved in trusting a shrink.

[restingstitchface]

Well.

People exhibit a tendency to fear more than trust those who have only helped them on their paths. It's an unfortunate circumstance of my line of work.

[indenture]

Interesting.

[ He even manages to sound sincere while saying that. Really, he's curious to hear what Crane has to say. Trying to determine if this is the Dr. Crane he knows or... an uncanny coincidence. There is, after all, very little physical resemblance. ]

Why do you think that is? [ In a way Harvey understands what he means, though. ] Or is there a name for it?

[restingstitchface]

[Crane's eyes seem to lighten up when discussing this sort of thing.]

That depends.

Katagelophobia is the fear of ridicule. My opinion? The patient fears revealing weakness out of a fear of vulnerablity - the same as most people. Nearly everyone experiences intimacy and commitment issues at some point in their lives.

[A pause after that food for thought.]

The partnership of fear and mistrust is quite intimate...

[indenture]

[ Harvey is quiet, listening to Crane speak. Well, he isn't wrong; that's what Two-Face was like during most of his therapy in Arkham. Driving his doctors to nervous breakdowns and laughing about it. ]

I can imagine. Not to mention failure. [ A pause. ] Have you ever heard of Arkham Asylum?

[restingstitchface]

[Crane blinks. His reaction shows that name rings a bell, although it chimes only a little. Looks like he's also thinking about failure, though.

He's quiet, perhaps for a bit too long.]

Yes. I worked there until recently. [He isn't the same person now as then.] Are you from Gotham?

[indenture]

[ Aha. Harvey manages to repress a victorious sort of half-smirk, although Crane might notice the way his mouth twitches. ]

Until recently? Something happen? [ He asks it casually enough (or tries to), then pauses. Nods. ] I was District Attorney in Gotham some years back. Ever heard of Harvey Dent?

[restingstitchface]

[Oh he does, Harvey.

But seeing as he has no idea who you are, he's keeping a calm face.]

No. [His lips thin. Was that his answer to your first two questions, or the third? Hmm.] You've been here for a while, I'm guessing?

[indenture]

[ That single word "no" is enough to speak volumes; Harvey makes the assumption that it covers the last question, because something always happens at Arkham. Especially with someone like Crane working there. ]

Here? About a year. It's a quick adjustment for any Gothamite -- arguably not much worse than living there.

You're off to a good start.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane gives a small smile at Harvey's remark.]

Given the circumstances, I thought it wise to hit the ground running.

[Sink or swim. He wasn't afraid - he wasn't afraid of almost everything.]

[indenture]

Apparently.

[ His eyebrow quirks upward. ]

As long as you don't trip first.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane gives a small, firm quirk of the head. The corners of his lips rise a touch more. His voice is quiet.]

Oh. I'm not afraid of that.

I agree, though; it's always a good idea to be careful.

[indenture]

Between you and me, you won't have it easy. Most of the people here have it out for psychiatry.

[restingstitchface]

[Crane tilts his head back. He still doesn't look scared.]

Ignorance. Fear of the unknown. People ignore the reality in front of them that psychiatry can help people.

[indenture]

Oh, is that it? [ Harvey raises his eyebrow, but manages a mild enough smile in return to Crane's expression. An image, at least, of calm. ] I guess I wouldn't know -- you're the expert. I've never been in therapy.

[ Because he's not about to be truthful with Crane about that. ]

[restingstitchface]

[Crane's expression mirrors Harvey's. He quirks an eyebrow and stays calm.]

Perhaps you should consider it. If so, I recommend you approach myself, of course.

[Nosy, Crane.]

[indenture]

[ Oh god. Oh god. That's the fastest way to feel dirty all over isn't it. Harvey's eyebrow twitches mildly but that's the extent his expression seems to change. ]

Oh. You'll be my first stop. [ A beat. Then, dryly: ] If ever necessary. And if you'll have me.