Girl Talk [Selina]

It wasn't long and Selina had to smile. She was in her own quarters, naturally, when the text came through. And just like before, she was going to do what she needed. Batman knew how to contact her. They each had a comlink, no doubt that would trace her whereabouts, too. So to cover her own tracks, she left the com in her room, and a simple note slipped under the adjacent door. It read, simply;

"B-
Out on the town. Back later. Will notify if any clues...

~Catwoman "


She almost started to sign it with her first name, cussing under her breath as she folded the note and slipped it under the door. And just like that, she grabbed a rather large pair of sunglasses, and slipped out her own door. Even if he'd thought to lock her in, it was no issue. He had to rethink that little ploy. And if it was rigged with security? She didn't care either. He wasn't exactly cluing her in on his plans...so she was going to play.

It took little time to text Nina back the directions, as well as a simple, "See you soon! ~S" before she was in a cab to a little sushi joint she'd been to before. Years ago. And thankfully, it was still there. Ushered to a corner table, Selina sat, dressed rather demurely in a black dress, semi-height heels, and a blouse. Hair pulled back, dark glasses slipped to the crown of her head. She had already started on her first drink, some sort of fruity concoction that had a bite. Not her usual, but it was fun. Something that was severely lacking on this trip.

Once she spots the other woman, Selina raises a hand, smiling as Nina makes her way over. "Glad to see you could make it," She starts, her eyes twinkling at the other woman. It was good to know that a woman Edward picked...wasn't under his thumb.

"It seems that we're both being tucked away this trip, and unaware of some of the itinerary." She says softly. Selina isn't quite the brazen vixen she was prior. Then again, she's at the eatery of her own choice, hadn't just been on a rather long flight, and in the rain. She seems...almost more humane this time around, not all claws and teeth.

Selina takes in the other woman's words with ease. As she narrowed her eyes at her for a moment...something is off. And while she's not Batman, she can tell an injury. Especially if it's something she herself has encountered in the past few months.

“Tiff's an idiot. Trust me. Pulling that little ploy to get you both out of there, wasn't hard. He certainly is particular about his religion, I will say.” Emphasising the words both, and religion, Selina shrugs, and then casually motions to Nina's crutches. “Hopefully you'll be off those soon. I just...well, it was splashed in the papers. But I was mugged,” She takes a sip of her own drink, “...amongst other things. And trust me. It was hell being cooped up. Any injury that restricts like that, and you're used to going against, well, Eddie and Batman gets old. There is only so much of that Housewives of whatever show one can take.”

Smiling at Nina, Selina motions for her to continue on about the FBI Agent. “You said he had shot you. I'm surprised he hasn't been pulled from his position for that. And, you should order. It makes me look like a lush right now.” Laughing at her own joke, she interjects again;

“Not that, this little excursion has been anything but joyus, but you know how the boys get. Present company excluded, they're driving me nuts. And I apologize for barging in. Gotham to here with -that- sort of flightmate was ...you can only guess. And no clothing, either. The entire ride, in my suit.”

Selina just sits there for a few seconds. Now this is something she hadn't heard. And if she had heard about it, she would have done something. Not in the same lines of Batman-worthy, but a man who goes to these lengths to get information? It's all fitting together after her little meeting with Tiff. And if there had been any regrets prior to what she had done for Eddie, they're entirely washed away with Nina's admissions.

“You're kidding me.” Blinking several times, she gently shakes her head, quickly draining the remainder of her glass, a finger held to the waiter to bring another. Gently turning the glass in her hands, she is quiet. Something that Selina Kyle, or even Catwoman rarely is. It's not that she isn't used to Eddie's machinations, but what Tiff did is reprehensible. And to do it to Eddie's...well, girlfriend, is what label she is using..is even worse.

Finally ceasing fiddling with the glass, she sets it down and faces Nina. “I'm...horrifically sorry about that. Eddie...well, to be at his side, you must know that his ideas are never cut and dry. But considering I am a friend of his, both in costume, and not, for him to go to those lengths, I know it's odd to hear, but for him, that's a great admission of care. And while it might come off more as possession, well, that's just how Eddie is. Quirky, quizzical, and comical. But if he's going to those lengths, it means something, Nina.”

Shaking her head, she shifts to toy with a bit of hair before she continues. “But as for the Tiff debacle...that is why we're here. Well, at least as much as I know. I think B...” She ceases using the full rest of his name, a chill on the back of her neck. “B. has something more he's not telling me. And it probably has to do with your beau. And as unlikely as it seems...him and I have a temporary truce. The FBI have caused more harm than good at this point, and while him and I are technically on the opposite sides of the fence...I don't exactly follow the rules. And speaking on behalf of the nightlife of Gotham; We're all sick of the bullshit.” Selina pauses, flashing a charming smile to the waiter as he sets down another round for her, as well as a few platters of assorted food. Sushi, sashimi, other various finger-foods and sundries.

“I didn't quite know what you liked...so I got a bit of everything. But...B and I are here to talk to Eddie about joining forces to get him and his little crew gone. Flushed out. So then we can all sit and plot and do what we were all doing damn good before the FBI thought they could clean-sweep things.” Sighing, she tips her glass back, somewhat relieved to get that part out.

“It's just going to take either some hated cooperation, or, some forced participation.” There was no way around it. Eddie was going to help one way, or the other. Situating a pair of chopsticks in her hand she chooses a few items and places them on her plate before eating. Once two of the items are gone, she continues, nearly dropping the chopsticks, not before her deft fingers shift them easily, nearly automatically as a weapon.

Her face gone pale, her jaw nearly slack, there is a panic in her eyes. He had followed her? Blinking rapidly, her demeanour shifts almost automatically. Much like a familiar foe of Batman would realise the shift, Selina to Catwoman has a subtle change.

Quietly sitting there, she runs through everything. If he followed her, that violated their truce. No questions asked. He followed her with no warning. Does that mean.....Selina blinks quickly again, her face now blankly looking up at Nina. If she was compromised, if he saw her saunter out in that dress, and toy with Eddie, or even when she initially dropped him, it could be bad.

“Nina, thank you. For that bit of information right there, I owe you. Any time. Day, or night. Anything you need. I just...” Selina sits there, stoically, unmoving. “If I have been compromised, this could turn out poorly.”

She'd be slammed in Blackgate. No reason for her to be in Arkham, really. She was just a skilled theif with a love for felines. But...if she needed to, she might be able to send a call to Bruce. Or even Marc.

“I may be fucked.” She says quietly, reaching for her glass again as she drains it, watching the woman in front of her. Well, she might as well enjoy her possible last moments before prison.

“I appreciate it, one way or the other. This....certainly changes things.” A finger is raised, another glass brought out to her. Nursing this one for a few minutes as they both continue to eat, she's trying to figure out how to word things. It's not the alcohol it's the intricacy of things. She's friends with Eddie. She is a love interest, and foe of Batman. And now, she's placed in the middle of more than one interaction at this point.

“I guess, it's expected. Even with a truce, he's going to do as he wish. He really, always has.” She muses, shrugging, her shoulders rolling back as she settles into the chair a bit. Does she care that she's one of the world's reknown thieves, and she's getting thoroughly sloshed? Not particularly. Batman, clearly can find her. And if he has figured out who she is, it shouldn't matter if she comes stumbling back in after a night out. He's dealt with kitty before. Taking in a large breath, and sighing, she points her chopsticks at her dinner-mate.

“I just...even if he did figure out who I am, there is a certain interplay to this all. A very, very calculated game of chess. First, you have Edward and B. Foes. One of the better, after myself of course. But then again, you never read in the papers about Catwoman killing, or, sadly, shooting someone.” Raising a brow she motions to the crutches at the table side. “The Riddler, on the other hand had a knack for wordplay, as well as ruthlessness.”

“Then, this is where I come in. I...am a friend of the Riddler. As Catwoman, we have worked on heists, or favors for items has occurred. But, on top of that, Selina Kyle and Edward Nigma...are friends. He's gone as my date to Gala's prior. Of course, there were always ulterior motives, but still. A friend.” Going to pop a bite into her mouth, she smiles, washing it down with more of her drink.

“Feel free to ask any questions. I've realised that sometimes a sort of 'crash course' is needed, and of course neither man is good at that sort of thing,” She adds, a light, loose chuckled added. “Then, you have B. He hates the Riddler. And Eddie. And, knows that I, his foe who laughs in his face, is friends with both sides of the coin.” Snickering at her own play on words, she shakes her head, shifting in her seat yet again. Harvey would love that.

“So, you have me. Catwoman. There has been this...tension, one could say, for years. I thieve, he finds me, we go through this whole joke of 'That's illegal. Really? So is breaking and entering!' A bit of flirting, a heavy dose of hand to hand, delicious combat, then sometimes I get away, sometimes I don't, hit repeat with a minor variation. Sometimes I laugh in his face when he broods. Sometimes he slaps me.” Another sip, the rather violent words tumbling from her lips like she was reciting a poem.

“There is attraction. There always has been. If anyone could take him down, it would be me. And I've been asked to. Eddie wants me to, Crane does. Ozzie. But no. There is no point in stealing if there is not that added kick of a Bat-encounter. If I wanted no challenge I'd head back to France. And trust me. That's -no- fun. But...what really may screw things up, is that day to day? I do good. I have a profitable, benevolent company. Yes, I participate in those socialite gigs. But I donate my money. Mostly to a feline habitat up the river, and to several charities. So...while what I do after dusk is...technically bad, it's a hobby. And one that I don't -need- but I enjoy. Trust me, most of my things are earned...the legal way.”

Taking a breath, and waiting to see if Nina's eyes have popped out from her head yet, Selina continues, almost ready for another drink, and still as poised as she could be. Possibly a bit more loose lipped, but...she's good for now. “But...compared to 'Gotham's Golden Boy' child, whatever moniker they've given him now, I'm an angel. Have you seen what that man does? Women. Fast cars. Throws around funds like it's pocket change. Yes, he buys things on a whim, and commands all that is Wayne Enterprises, but...he's not invested in it. Not like his parents were. Dr. Wayne was amazing, if you've gone back to read what he's done. It was a pity, yes, that they passed, but...ugh. Bruce. He's been kind to me lately since I was in the hospital, and that whole Zsasz incident, even genuine. But I wonder how many other women he's got on speed dial to go with him to this opening, or that opening, or whatever.”

Her rant done, her glass empty, she doesn't even have to raise a finger to the waiter when another glass is ready for her.

It was a loaded question. And as much as she was already drinking, she was not hesitant to respond. Closing her eyes as Nina asked the questions, she laughed lightly. Would it change things if she knew who he was? Yes. Why? Because neither her, nor him were ever willing to sacrifice themselves for a cause. In all the years of back and forth, neither had ever given an inch. It was always, always a brief flirtation, and nothing more. The same words, you're stealing, unless she really pressed close contact.

Opening her eyes, she faintly smiled. "We're too stubborn. I don't think it would change things, but it might. Me? I'm not so different across the board. Catty, flirtatious. Suave businesswoman. Compassionate. As Catwoman? I'm all of that, but with no apologizes. And him? I don't know what is under that mask. A man who is driven. Clearly. And holds it so dear to his heart to rid Gotham of ...people like me, sadly.”


Sighing deeply, her fingers knit around her glass. “And as much as I hate to say it, he's probably got a slew of neurosis. On par with those he goes against to be honest. Me? You could just call me a kleptomaniac. A thrill seeker. I have the money, the means. But am I deeply disturbed? No. Yes, I have gone through my own tragedies, but...I'm able to pass, to function better than say, Harvey, or Eddie, or Oswald. I think, honestly, Nina, that is why I could call them 'friends,' as much as a world known thief could. Some I do count other as friends other than that, such as Eddie..but still.”

She sighed, finishing up the few bits and pieces on her plate. Her words were slowing, as if the alcohol was hitting her, finally.

“But what it boils down to, is Batman willing to love a criminal. He'd try, and want me to change. I know this.” And for a second, a dim light went off in Selina's head as she grabbed her phone, sending out a text to someone. “He followed me, D. My cover may be compromised. ~S”

Raising a hand to dismiss the whole thing she started on her glass again, sipping it while listening to Nina. “You have any thoughts? Seeing Eddie...you must know what I'm talking about. Has he tried to get you into something green, yet?” Breaking into a Cheshire smile, Selina laughed. The man was obsessed with green.

She laughs at that. Pure Nigma right there. Even at the thought popping up in her head she laughs. Maybe that could be marketed...for something. Shaking her head at the other woman's joke, Selina palms her phone, about to reach down and return it to her purse. Instead, the severe swing of moment causes her to drop the phone with a clatter, her usually nimble body almost toppling from her chair.

“Dammit!” She mutters, a hand going to stop her fall. Unfortunately for her; it's her still healing arm, and she nearly bangs her head as she's able to grab the cell. Maybe it's the world telling her to chill, and keep it at her side. That; that sort of response she can stand by. Or sit by. So straightening herself, she nods to Nina. Hoping the woman won't bring it to attention in poor taste about her drunken antics.


“That...right there is Edward. There was a time when I started, he...tried to get me to join with him. Some green spandex thing. Loved the color...but spandex? Maybe if you're dealing with your feet on the ground more, and have hired...help,” She smirked at that. Help was a nicer way to put 'hired thugs.'

“But he's a good man. I just...he's complicated, as is any. And...I guess you could say you're very right, Nina. You're...a breath of fresh air with my current, well, as you can see, companions. You're level headed. Logical. And despite your injuries you are still willing to go against him. Remember, my offer still stands, for you telling me that snippet.” Twirling the stem of her glass between her fingers, she finishes the last of it, not asking for another. Considering her little almost tumble from her chair? She was going to pause for now.

Switching from her empty glass to one full of water, Selina broke into a smile. “Well, that spandex get-up he did fancy for a while...that was something.” Giggling a bit, she finally ceases and agrees. “He does look better in the suit. If you're going to commit crimes, why not do it while looking good. And I do admit...this shirt collection is to die for. If you ever want a tutorial on how to make a dress like that, I'd be sure to help you out.” Raising her glass, she could feel the reflection of a light in the water making her ill. Maybe she had imbibed a bit much.

But she wasn't going to apologise. No need to. She was single. Not dating anyone. And the realisation of Batman betraying her trust? Oh well. She wasn't going to play as nicely now. And if that provided a security breach to him, so be it. Leaning over to gaze at Nina a bit more, she cracks another smile.

“Good. Because he's got control issues. And if he can't control you, the more, the better. Actually. That makes me think of a phone call. I told him I'd give him a ring.” Grabbing her cell, Selina sort of waves it in the air before fussing with it, and grabbing a number. It rings a few times, before she hears the familiar voice on the other end.

If he's annoyed, or was in the middle of something; be it sleep, a woman, party or otherwise she can't tell. But it seems he's...taken aback by her voice. “Bruce! It's Selina. How ARE you?” She starts.