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[torchbearer]

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[batsymbol]

( slight tilt of his head, he leans forward some, hand pressed flat on the table. )

I want you here.

[torchbearer]

[ he feels the echoes of that. you are our lantern. we trust you with our lives. ]

Why?

[batsymbol]

Because you were there for me when I found myself here. When I didn't want anyone around me.

[torchbearer]

Of course. We're friends.

[ the answer comes easily. kyle doesn't even need to think about it. ]

I guess that makes me sound like a hypocrite. But you're . . . grounded. I haven't been in ages.

[batsymbol]

Does your art help with that?

( with being grounded. )

[torchbearer]

Sometimes, yeah. I used to run a comic in the newspaper some time ago. Nothing big though.

[batsymbol]

Why did you stop?

[torchbearer]

I got called away for a bit. Trying to help the Lanterns get re-established.

[batsymbol]

So why don't you do it here? A comic.

[torchbearer]

[ he can't help but smile. ]

You have no clue how commercial artists work, do you?

[batsymbol]

Draw up a comic and I'll fund it for you.

( very bruce of him, even here. )

[torchbearer]

I like to think I'm above nepotism, thanks.

[batsymbol]

My name doesn't mean anything here. Bruce Wayne doesn't exist. This is a friend helping a friend with something he loves.

[torchbearer]

I don't know, Bruce . . . I've always made it on my own merit, tough as it can be.

[batsymbol]

Do a comic and if you change your mind, just know the offer is there for you. Whatever you decide, I'll support you.

[torchbearer]

[ he sighs. ]

I'll think about it.

[batsymbol]

( a nod. )

That's all I ask.

[torchbearer]

Okay. I can do that.

I do miss it.

[batsymbol]

Well. You've got time now.

( to draw. to doodle. to do something he loves. )

[torchbearer]

[ he sighs. ]

For now.

[batsymbol]

I told you. You can stay here as long as you need.

( words soft, they're completely genuine. )

[torchbearer]

Thanks.

[ a pause. ]

Though . . . I should go back sometime. Check on Jason.

[batsymbol]

Whenever you're ready to.

( he's not about to keep kyle from jason. but he hopes kyle will take some time for himself to feel better — feel a little more himself . even if it's with drawing and painting a little. )

[torchbearer]

[ kyle sighs. ]

Can anyone be ready for that?

[batsymbol]

No. But sometimes we have to make ourselves be.

( bruce has thrown himself into a lot of things he probably wasn't ready for. )