22 ⚜ Video

[restingstitchface]

This is a world where nobody can be certain what is real. Tabloid scandal and tittle-tattle surround our mad lives. Journalists take shots at clearing the superstition enveloping those who choose to wear a mask, and like most they do it for the money, selfishly exposing the names of heroes and villains alike.

[His right hand hoists up a headline, framed at the bottom with his left palm. The accompanying photograph is of a blonde propping up a bar, split with a shot of her professionally dressed in a skirt and doctor's jacket. Hair up, round glasses. A girl so neat you can take her home to meet the family.]

Party Girl Harley Quinn Goes Profesh: Can It Last?

What trenchant contempt. Such grubby hands, tearing off flesh to show the bones beneath! Masks contain a definite meaning, an intellectual formula, are expressions of human feeling for the surrounding world. They are creations of the human mind and, as such, deserve respect. No matter whether they're an identity behind which one reconstructs their self or a shield that protects loved ones.

We understand how dangerous they can be. Do they think they can hide before facing the consequences of this drivel?

[Blech! He lays down the page.]

Guess it all boils down to one question for me, anyway. One more important than Harleen Quinzel's metamorphosis.

[He refuses to call her a doctor.]

What's Batman's deal?

Comments

[restingstitchface]

[How edgy.]

Several people have cut themselves discovering that moniker for themselves, I'd wager.

[He's not dismissive, however. He's respectful - just not as respectful as he is for his own name.]

[pummelgranite]

It came from worshipers, actually.

[restingstitchface]

[Hmm. His expression remains impassive, but beneath stirs curiosity.]

When did I say it didn't?

[He tilts his head, birdlike.]

Which pantheon?

[pummelgranite]

Hellenic. But nah, you gotta be good to your mystery cults, right?

[restingstitchface]

Depends on one's definition of good.

There are individuals who relish being struck with pain, you know.

[pummelgranite]

Uh huh.


[ Her lips just, slowly quirk. Like he's said something funny. ]


And you're Jonathan Crane. Right?

[restingstitchface]

Doctor Jonathan Crane.

[Kids today. So rude.]

[pummelgranite]

Doctor Jonathan Crane.


[ Do you possibly detect a hint of sarcasm? It's actually a little tough to tell. Her face is pretty straight. ]

[restingstitchface]

[He gives a short nod. Then adds.]

You're mirroring my speech pattern? Congratulations on this milestone in your development.

[Mirroring beginning as early as infancy. Fancy that!]

[pummelgranite]

Congratulations on yet another sick burn starting with a sarcastic use of "congratulations." Ever think about leaning a second zinger?

[restingstitchface]

I am exerting the satisfactory level of effort for our conversation. Nothing more.

[pummelgranite]

Awe, he does have another joke.

[restingstitchface]

Good lord, I do. I wonder if that means something.