Late Night Rendezvous

[vigilant]

In the years he's known her, Bruce has called Selina Kyle at least a dozen times on the phone. Dinner dates. Charity dates. Blind dates. You name it. But now, he was calling Catwoman. The sleek, slinky, slippery Catwoman who has been playing cat and mouse with him on the Gotham rooftop for nearly half a decade. Bruce would never admit that it had been a secret fantasy of his. A deeply buried wish that conjured itself into the tattered mess of his subconscious when he was asleep, leaving in its wake tangled bedsheets and many sleepless nights. Calling Catwoman... as Batman. No eye contact. No masks between them. Just the sound of their voice, and the rise and fall of their breathing... All things that said little, but meant much.

That was why, even though he could have made some deplorable excuse, gone straight home, changed, and examined the thumbdrive at his leisure in the Batcave, he didn't. He had studied it, alright. But he knew, in the back of his head, that there was no point. He wouldn't be able to access it. This was Catwoman. But he wouldn't be Batman if he didn't try. And try he did. Over and over and over. But to no avail. The blasted file wouldn't open, and though he was sure, given more time, he could crack it... He didn't have time.

"Selina."

It was Bruce, in his suit, in his office, behind his desk, smiling flippantly at his secretary, who had been peeking at him through the glass window. It was Bruce, idle and killing time by doodling on some rather important corporate document. But the voice was all Batman. Deep, rumbling, raspy, and harsh. The voice of a monster from Hell. A menace in the night. Terror to the villains, hope to the people. Gotham's Dark Knight. And the outside world would never know, because it would be their little secret. A secret world all their own, away from the prying eyes and flashing cameras of those around them. Something about that made Bruce's breath quicken and drew out an unusually rough edge in his voice.

"I want you... to come see me tonight at the Wayne Manor."

[Deleted]

Afer her 'meeting' at Wayne Enterprises, Selina had gone shopping. She'd needed this and that, and had picked up just what she needed. And as much as she hated it, she had wanted to stay. Noting the secretary's look when she left, as well as the other brokers, she felt giddy. It was a different feeling, mixing both mask, and, well, mask. She wasn't really Selina Kyle, philanthropist, business owner, and all that purely. Then again, she wasn't all leather and purr as Catwoman, either.

So as the day had drawn on, she'd tried not to be glued to her phone. She had other things to attend to. Work, for one of them. Both of the night, and day variety. Now and then she'd have an email, or a phonecall, or a text from someone needing a favor and they were usually well compensated. So a few of those were responded to, as well as few actual business transactions.

It wasn't until she had settled in, halfway into a glass of wine and some lovely, lovely jazz that her phone had rang. Glancing to the number she narrowed her eyes; it was one she didn't recognize. Setting down her glass, she picked up the phone; at least it was ringing in through her 'offical' line, and not her 'after-hours.'

It was someone she had been expecting. "Bruce." She returned over the line, her affect not flat, nor friendly, possibly a bit coy. It had taken him long enough to figure out he couldn't crack the thumbdrive. And now..he what?

"Oh. I guess I'll get a few things together. Would you call this a more casual, or formal affair?" Two beats. "And I'm surprised you're not picking me up. I've heard such high praise from your other...dates." She was teasing him now, a perfect blend of Cat and woman.

[Deleted]

"I'm not planning on wearing a suit, if that's what you mean," he replies, saying many things at once with that simple statement. It eliminates the Batsuit, the business suit he's wearing now, or any formal suits. In other words: it's going to be casual. Or at least as casual as Bruce gets - the only time he'd consider wearing a T-shirt and jeans would be as part of an undercover style operation. But if she'd been hoping that he'd dress more nicely for her, then she should have asked to for this meeting more nicely.

Yes, he's still infuriated by how she'd simply walked in and interrupted his nap time. Not that he'd completely minded everything about it... But still, the sheer nerve! And he can't say that he doesn't have strong reservations both about Dr. Stenet and what Selina thinks should be done about the woman. Reservations that are quite a bit easier to keep in mind while speaking to Selina over the phone rather than in person. Add in the mild frustration of trying to access her files, and the result is a somewhat foul mood.

"If this is a date, it was rather forward of you to tell me to call you," he grumbles, his tone nothing but serious, "And not the least bit attractive." Of course, there had been many, many things about that conversation that were completely the opposite, but on that one point alone he can't help but balk. Shortly after she'd left (translation: once he was able to think straight), he'd had half a mind to ignore her demand for help and instead take the time needed to crack the thumbdrive. But upon reflection, Selina's worries about Dr. Stenet are too important to ignore.

And, also upon reflection, his attempts to be furious with her are tainted by the memory of how she'd looked as she'd left his meeting room... There are downsides to having a photographic memory - or would this one be an upside? It depends on which moment you ask him, really.

[Deleted]

She had to raise a brow. Was he flirting? He was grumbling, that was for sure. And when had he ever, ever said she hadn't been attractive! Racking her brain for a moment, her eyes glanced around her room. No suit. So casual. Bruce Wayne, Batman casual anything? Interesting. Tapping a finger on her chin, she listened and planned while he crabbed at her.


"I'll be there in ...well, however long it takes to get from the city, to your Manor. We really should get this done and over with concerning Nina." She states. Whatever he'd been preoccupied with; be it as Bruce, or Bat, Nina needed to be at the forefront. And sooner, rather than later, especially considering Eddie's odd, peculiar behaviors.

"Anything I should pick up for a treat?" She queries, curious if he's eaten dinner yet.

[Deleted]

He can picture her on the other end of the phone line now, confused - at least a little, anyway. Throwing Catwoman... Selina... a little off balance can be a small feat of its own - even a bit satisfying. She threw him a little off balance by what she did, and there's only one way he knows to restore it: by bringing the situation back under his control. Unfortunately, it's a bit too difficult to determine exactly how well he's succeeded in that just yet - it's all too easy for someone to hide their reactions when only their voice can be heard.

"Agreed," he replies, the annoyance in his voice now replaced with a certain thoughtfulness. If Dr. Stenet is indeed considering putting on a mask, keeping her from doing so is a top priority. He doesn't trust the woman, and Gotham hardly needs another amateur running around in a costume at night no matter which side she's on. Either way, it will only cause trouble and endanger not only Dr. Stenet but perhaps many more. And that's besides his latest attempts to track down the Riddler. He only hopes that if they're going to do this together, he can keep his mind on the business at hand. Catwoman has always been... distracting... and finding out who she is behind the mask made it worse. And her finding out about him made everything all the more... complicated...

Her question causes a slight pause. Because, for one, while he's accustomed to occasionally working with someone he's not accustomed to them offering to bring a 'treat'. And for two, even if they did he'd say no as a matter of course. But this is Selina asking, and he unexpectedly finds himself actually having to think about it. "If you want... you can surprise me..." he says almost casually, as if he doesn't really care either way. Though he immediately justifies that answer to himself - he's willingly going out of his way to help her solve this problem her way, so it's only right that she pay him back for it somehow.

[Deleted]

Really? A few words, that was it? Selina rolled her eyes, conceding that something would be better to eat. Or would it? Didn't he have a butler? Either way, the phonecall was cut short with a click of a button. And now....she had to contemplate what to wear. The simple wrap dress she wore was not going to be appropriate. Another sip of her wine; and the glass was set on her desk, the reports file she had been going over shut. A simple pair of jeans, boots, a light, fitted sweater. It was getting chill in the evenings.

Once changed, she assembled a bit of this and that and placed the food items as well into a bag, along with her own shoulderbag. If she needed to...change, she had a few spots she could en route back to Gotham. Always prepared. But even so, she shouldn't be this...nervous. She'd broken up a meeting with -the- Bruce Wayne earlier. She'd tangled with Batman for..years now.

So why was she so nervous, now? It was just...Bat, and Cat...meeting....face to face, in plainclothes....about a mask matter.

No wonder she was jittery.

Sliding behind the wheel of her vehicle, hopefully the drive would give her a bit of peace.

[Deleted]

Bruce tucked his phone away into his pocket and stood up, taking the thumb drive with him. AAs he walked toward the door to his office, he checked his keys. He didn’t put any great effort into choosing which car he drove to the office; it was never one of the good ones. Alfred ensured there was one ready for him, and a measure of satisfaction in the fact that he could, and had, master all of the cars in his collection. The fact was lost on him this particular evening. The 1932 Maserati 4CS 1100 handled well for its vintage and attracted more than enough attention, but it would be nothing more than a commuter to him for the moment.

Making his way out of his office, he was surprised to see his secretary, Matilda, still there. She rarely stayed past five in the afternoon, and never left early without permission. Most people thought of her position as wasted, and her credential as mostly eye candy, but both she and Bruce knew better. He raised an eyebrow, and she smiled while she pulled out her to-do list, kept on paper and never in a digital format.

“The Hayes Firm is waiting for an answer, sir. They’ve called six times this week.”

“Not interested,” Bruce answered. They were a better than average investment firm, heavily favoring technological opportunities. Bruce wasn’t happy with the direction they were headed in, or who they did business with.

“They’ll be disappointed, sir.”

“They’re over-valued. Offer to buy them out sixty cents on the dollar. They’ll ask for more, you’ll explain to them, politely as ever, that I have neither the time nor inclination to enter into a negotiation, withdraw the offer, and let them know our business has concluded. Use Frank’s name. Next?”

“Symbicore Pharmaceuticals.”

“Reissue the offer. Their costs are overstated, even with higher transportation costs. If they can find a better deal, advise them to take it.”

“Very good, sir. The Croft twins are expecting you at the Belasco tonight.”

“I’m busy. Send Steve.”

“With all due respect, sir, they’ll be expecting to see you.”

“They’ll have to settle for seeing my money, and Steve will treat them well. I really need to go, and so do you. Why are you here so late anyway?”

“Because you are, sir.”

“Go home, and take tomorrow off. That’s an order,” he added with a smile. When she started to complain, he put up his hand to stop her. “Go. I am.”

Without another word, he left the office and headed for the garage. The drive home was uneventful, though to slow for his comfort. Why had Selina brought him the information and what was she expecting from it. He didn’t sell the services of his alter-ego to anyone; she ought to be aware well aware of that. He decided guessing wouldn’t help; he would find out when she wanted him to. She was very frustrating in that regard. And, at the same time, refreshing.

He parked the car at the back of the mansion and made his way in through the kitchen, noting the appearance of Alfred as he made his way toward his room. He had, no doubt, prepared his wardrobe for the twins. Well, if pressed, he could pick out his own clothes well enough.

“I’m dining in tonight,” he told the butler. “One guest. Selina. Come up with something she’ll like.”

“Very good, Sir. And the twins?”

“Taken care of.”

Alfred rolled his eyes in his head, the only sign of his disapproval of the constantly changing life of Master Bruce. Why was keeping a date so hard, especially with the Croft twins? Master Bruce has already answered that question, though. Ms. Kyle was very fetching, and she carried a mystique that caught Bruce’s attention. He’d long ago decided that she might be very good for Master Bruce. Perhaps he was beginning to see that as well.

“Will that be a full dinner, Sir?”

“No. Something light. Mint would be a good theme. And tea.”

Bruce went to his suite and ignored the suit Alfred had chosen for him. Instead, he opened a drawer barely used and pulled out a pair of khaki cargo pans, a black polo shirt, and a pair of loafers. After a quick shower and shave, he dressed, retrieved the drive, and went to the front door, thinking she should be there any time now. Something told him the night would not go as planned, not that he had a specific agenda in mind.

[Deleted]

Traffic always irritated her. And usually she had a driver, but that wasn't necessary at this point. So as she wove through the irritating, slower vehicles, she was grateful for the fine quality of her own exotic car. Smooth, fast, and clearly overpowered as she barely had to tap the gas for speed. Once she was out of the throngs of Gothamites heading here or there, she was surprised at how easy it was to find the mansion. A lovely overhang of trees guided her to the large estate, a minor question of where to park answered when she chose a spot beneath a tree, a bit from the front of the large building.

It was with a deep breath did she shut her car off, and gather herself, as well as her bags, pocketing her keys and walking surely to the door, a soft knock given to the large door. She was expecting Alfred in the nearing twilight hours, not...a very oddly casual Bruce Wayne.

In all the years they'd been talking, and interacting, she'd seen him clad numerous ways; fine suits at work, expensive tuxedos at galas and fundraisers, masks for balls, his entire getup for Batman....but never this. Not Bruce Wayne the Prince of Gotham, nor Batman, fear of the Night...but just Bruce. He looked at ease, to a degree, his undertones of unease barely noticeable. But she knew him, more than she'd let on, or he would. So while khaki shorts, a polo, and....loafers were worn, they were quality. Finely made, yet worn and comfortable, fitting him just as well as an Italian made suit.

She was more used to being casual, and put together. While she did have an assistant, she liked to feel...human and do her own errands at times. So with a taciturn smile, she offered him a bottle, and a hello. As she stepped over his threshold, she had to remember she was on his turf. And that he had just showered, considering his still mildly damp hair, and the faintest whiff of scent she caught as he held open the door.

[Deleted]

Bruce smiled as Selina entered the mansion and offered her a chaste kiss by way of greeting her. He accepted the wine, reading the label and year at a glance. It was very tasteful, and would compliment most things, much like the giver.

It’s good to see you,” he offered. She was as gorgeous in jeans and a sweater as in any evening gown, and looked just as at home in either. Then again, he had a hard time imaging clothing she wouldn’t look comfortable in, apart from an orange jumpsuit.

“Very good.”

He led the way deeper into the mansion, though he thought she probably already knew the way. That was her job, after all.

“You’ll want to be careful about making the kinds of entrances you did today. My secretary is very reliable, and you’ll give her a complex. She’d be difficult to replace. Also, talk amongst the board members will hurt your professional reputation. Jealousy is always a bad thing.”

As they walked, Alfred appeared in a doorway. “Good evening, Miss Kyle. Charming as ever, I see,” he offered with a nod and the hint of a quite genuine smile. “Where and when will you be dining this evening, sir?”

“In the oriental garden,” answered, handing the bottle to the butler. He knew that there were heaters that could provide heat against the chill and something akin to candlelight, with the aroma of the garden to set the mood. The lilies and jasmines were delightfully fragrant.

“In an hour?” he continued, not answering as much as asking Selina. “Until then, we’ll be in the library, and we’d prefer to not be intruded up, not that you would.”

Alfred followed the meaning, not necessarily taking the message as having sexual overtones. No guests. Well, that was normally the rule anyway. “Or course, Sir. Dinner will be ready when you are.”

As Alfred backed away, Bruce led Selina toward the library. The books were classics, many of them first printings or rare manuscripts, but none of them merited his interest at the moment. Instead, he headed to a computer. He slid the thumbdrive into place and moved out of the way, offering the seat to Selina.

“You went out of you way to get this information into my hands, and equally so to ensure that I could not access it. You could have just dropped by.” The words were a jibe, but “dropping by” on Bruce Wayne was almost always a wasted effort. It was well known that he simply didn’t take visitors, though for her exceptions could be made.

[Deleted]

The kiss was a nice touch, but she wondered it if was just...manners. Nodding as she offered Alfred another small bag of things, she wordlessly followed Bruce through the manor. While she had been there before..it had never been this, well, intimate. Even if they were doing business. The sort of business that usually required moonlight and her in leather, and masks for the two of them. So as he took the drive and set up a computer for her, she waited until it had booted into a ...seemingly custom OS before she sat, a few titles of the books she had skimmed tucked away in the back of her mind. If he had read them, she'd be impressed. If he had them for a collection; the same.

"I could have. But then again, would you have wanted this sort of detailed information available to nearly anyone," she paused, unsure of how to address him. "Bruce?" she continued, ticking away at the computer for a moment, before the files were accessed, and available for him to peruse. "I know most of this is probably what you already know about....them. But there are some gaping spots. With Eddie...Edward Nigma. And Jonathan Crane, especially. Something is going on with those two..and I have a feeling Nina is going to get stuck in the middle. And not in a good way." She had to stop herself from using her more familiar, friendly monikers for the men, considering how he viewed them. To her..they were contemporaries, and at times, friends. To him? They were something entirely else. So while she stood, and leaned against the sturdy desk for him to go over the files, she took a breath in.

"You know...this is me sacrificing...for her. I'm giving you insider information, Bruce." Came her quiet admission as her mind flooded with more awkward, unasked questions. She was here in casual attire. So was he. And they were in limbo; neither in their philanthropist fakery, nor hiding behind a mask. They were both forced to show a glimpse of the real person behind it all, and taking a rather huge risk. Especially after that double date they'd endured.

"So...we need to figure out a plan, to keep her safe. I've already done as much as I could with my Firm; updating the security, inside and out to prevent one of them getting in; I went over most of it with Shawty, as well. So..now all I need is a bit more flexibility and cooperation from you. And discretion, considering my name would be shot to hell if they knew I had come to you." Raising a brow, she glanced at him, finally, trying to gauge his reactions. Especially considering she was mere feet from Bruce Wayne. Wearing loafers.

[Deleted]

Bruce watched as Selina took the seat. Her aroma was alluring and her movement like silk: soft, smooth and strong. The catch in her voice before she said his name made her sound vulnerable. Was that another face, another lure, or was that Selina? He had no way to know for sure, and as he thought about it, he wondered if she did, either. Was there a Bruce Wayne, apart from the playboy billionaire and the cowl? He didn’t know the answer to that. Part of him hoped so, and part of him wanted the wall up the possibility before it was looked at. After all, wouldn’t a “true” Bruce Wayne, out of necessity, be a hindrance to the mission? But, some questions were difficult to ignore.

“Not e-mail, silly. But you’re right; I’m not very easy to contact. Perhaps a formal arrangement is in order. Black Cat can take on an advisory security role with Wayne Enterprises, and if there were to be a security issue, said relationship would trump any meeting I happen to be, um, sleeping through. We can have it formalized tomorrow, if that’s acceptable.”

“Eddie?” he thought to himself, but he didn’t call her on the slip. She was a rogue, but if she had been trying to get access to his computer system, this wasn’t the way. This computer was cut off from his own database as much as possible. She’d have no advantage getting in from here than any other computer in the city. If that was her goal.

He furrowed his brow. That didn’t even make sense. He was being paranoid. Selina, or Catwoman, whichever guise, had had better opportunities to hack his systems, unless she’d been specifically hired for something recently. She didn’t sell out friends, though, on either side of the law. So, again, the thought of her fabricating the situation didn’t make sense.

“Dr. Stenet,” he clarified, watching her rise to her feet.

He couldn’t help but take in her curves and flats as he took the chair she’d just vacated. It was a woman’s body. Granted, she was in exquisite shape, but he’d seen many. That didn’t mean he’d lost the taste for the female form, just that he was accustomed to it. But, this was her body, and that made a significant difference.

“Stop,” Bruce said after her admission. He looked up at her and his face was stern. Almost like Batman, but not quite. He wasn't trying to intimidate, he was just disappointed. “I’m not for sale. You gave me information; thank you. But if you expect to buy my services, you really don’t know who I am. ”

After a brief pause, he continued.

“Dr. Stenet made her own bed. She supports the Riddler, if not materially than in her heart. You want me to save her from her own desires? I can’t do that. She has to want help. If you want me to lock up the Scarecrow and ‘Eddie’, I can help you there, but I don’t think that’s really what you want. And even after I do, as sure as the sun rises in the east, they will be out again. And, I’ll be there to stop them, again, but Dr. Stenet will be at risk, again, like she is now, like she chooses it to be.”

He turned the chair to face Selina and let out a deep sigh. “You want me to help you? If can find a way, I will. Not because you give me information. Not because you’re witty, smart, sexy, and look good sitting with me at a party. Not because your leather suit makes you absolutely delicious, or because you are fantastic on a rooftop. I will help you because, despite your hobbies, you’re a good person and I care about you.”

Theft was something they would have to talk about sometime. If there weren’t victims from it, he wouldn’t care, but every theft is not just an illegal reallocation of funds, but it is a violation of those stolen from. It wasn’t a game, despite the thrill that made Selina tingle with passion and be filled with life. There was, unfortunately, much more to it than that.

She’d seemed to take everything he’d thrown at her well enough. Granted, the end result was him doing what she wanted him to do, sort of, but not for the reasons she’d assumed. The information was a bonus, and also opened a light into her own operations. Granted, she trade someone else’s information as quickly as their diamonds, but he suspected that she had gathered the information on her own, or at least mostly. What was she doing associating with them was the question, but not the one he’d be asking tonight.

He chuckled as he turned back to the screen. It was probably out of place, but he wasn’t exactly a typical person. He believed Selina was being as honest with him as she dared. He had no idea that that meant or how to get her past that level, but he was being honest with her, in as much as he thought he could be without chasing her away.

“As long as I don’t start wearing a collar around my neck that reads ‘Property of Catwoman’ I would presume that discretion isn’t a problem. You know, I don’t really scream ‘I am the night’ from the rooftops,” he added with a grin. “Pure fiction.”

He tapped through the files as he glanced, speed-reading through them for any direct or related clues. After several minutes, he stopped. Still dressed in loafers and a polo shirt, the man at the compute was no longer casual Bruce Wayne, and he might as well have never been corporate Bruce Wayne. He’d become the Batman, and he was connecting and correlating the data he gotten from the drive. It made sense, if considering a deranged criminal, and more if Crane was dropped into the equation. Time was a problem, though. There were no indicators of when. Stenet was in danger, and he was convinced it was of her own doing, but he might be able to help.

“Selina, how long have you had this information? Where is she now?”

[Deleted]

Selina shook her head at his statements. "I was able to find you, and contact you. As much as you construct everything so seamlessly, or so you think, Bruce, I was able to get through. And now that we've just played on what everyone else has seen at the galas, the banquets, I doubt anyone is going to question that. Those investors know better than to comment on your napping, or to say a word about me interrupting your meeting. They'd lose face with you, and subsequently with every other company they tried to work with. You know that, and so do I." She countered. Fighting the urge to cross her arms across her chest, she settled for pushing a piece of hair behind her ear.

"If you want, put me down as a consultant for your firm. Even if it's initially a farce, hell, you know I'm good, so I could be of legitimate help later. Even better if it affords me a way to alert you of any, well, tomfoolery on the rogue end." She paused, her eyes narrowing at his comments.

"But get it straight. I'm not buying you, or a damn thing from you. Do I know who you are? That can, and could be argued. I know facets of you. I know your damn masks. I know the jovial, bordering on lewd 'Mister Wayne' from the balls. I know Batman...from our years of cat and mouse games. But hell if you think that I, am going to try and buy your goddamn anything, Bruce. While I may be very skilled at acquisitions, my legitimate money, from my very profitable company, I could throw at you just as well as you throw it at others. I'm coming to you because I've tried, she's tried, and now SOMETHING, something is going to happen, and I don't have all the resources to protect her. That's not my kink, not my realm of expertise. I do security. I did as much as I could for her, without setting guards everywhere, which would just be picked off like ripe berries. At this point, not for myself, but for Nina...Dr. Stenet..whatever you want to label her.. .I need the cloak and dagger bullshit you use, and I need her safe." He was being a bit of an asshole, something she -had- seen before from Bruce Wayne. And Batman. But the fact was, neither of those two identities could seem to see grey-tones. Yes, Edward was the Riddler. Yes. that was bad. But she was hoping that in sacrificing a bit of her own secrecy, another person could be spared from the sort of mild-hell that both Catwoman and Batman dealt with daily. On top of the corporate rat-race as well. And the paparazzi, and the society shindigs.

Selina was impassioned, turning away from him. "You don't get it. Nina supports Edward, not the Riddler. Her and I have even had those conversations. This is to prevent her from picking up a mask....which she had done, once already....and to keep something sacred." Selina gathered herself and stood before Bruce, while he sat in the chair.

"She's a better asset to us all as a civilian. And both you, and I know that it's better to stay on one side, or the other, without having to ride the double-lives. It's who we are..but no one should be forced to do it for the sake of security, when there are already competent people who have already made that sacrifice." Swallowing, her eyes scanned the room, a bit put out there was no sort of refreshment. Nina was too valuable to just...be subject to this sort of life. She could help in so many other ways..that would benefit Selina, and Bruce, to an extent, if he proved he could help her this one time. So instead she focused partly on the fact he'd tried so hard to be 'casual' in a pair of ...khaki shorts, and loafers. With a polo. Something that she doubted he even wore during 'casual' days at the office, or Wayne Manor.

"And while I know she supports Edward," she reiterated that statement, "I know you can't just continue to lock them up. And no. They broke up after China. You wouldn't have known that..considering you've been preoccupied with whatever as of late." Selina waved her hand dismissively. "But do what you want with Jon and Eddie. Eddie..whatever the hell he's doing..he deserves it. And Jon....on the principle of being an asshat..sure. I could press charges on him for endangerment, not allowing me to leave the condo...and several other things...but it seems Dick and yourself took care of that for the time being." A faint shudder traveled her spine. She'd rather not have another drop in like that with Jon. Not for a while. It just wasn't her hobby to beat people.

Raising a brow, she looked into his eyes. "My hobbies don't include breaking people bodily, Bruce. Yes, I do what I do. But I'm good at it..and it doesn't...hurt people the same way you do. Even if there is a reason....you can't just bring that into this right now." Her heart twisted, thinking of Nina, and his words. "She has her personal bodyguard with her. Shawty. She's quite capable, and yes...she is going to be at risk, but hell. What do you call this? Do you not think I catch flack for Catwoman flirting with Batman? That will always be that way. If something changes...it may change. But that is a mouthful of ifs, and whens, and possibilities that may never occur..." She trailed, a pink coming into her cheeks as he agreed to help, and complimented her in the same breath. He was so damn stubborn. Even if he was going to assume she would traded whatever she wished, freely, with no thought whatsoever behind it. He barely knew her.

In the quiet moments as he would scan the the files, she would hold her tongue about his little collar joke. She would peruse the library, looking at the titles and the pieces of art on the walls until he spoke.

"I'm not a dog, nor are you, Bruce. So unless you've been yapping to everyone about what is going on between us, other than those that were at that dinner...no one is going to know. We carry on, doing what we do, until otherwise. The only thing I can see changing right now is that I may be a bit more helpful with what knowledge I have, that can benefit you, or the both of us...." She strode over to the computer, already having noted it was connected to no intranet, or internal network. "What information? This is information I've had since I've donned a mask. Since I've gotten to know the rogue's, and consider some of them my friends." She glanced at him oddly. "Some of it you probably know, but some is...day to day oddities I noticed as well." The question was mildly insulting. Information gathering was her life. Those interactions with the men and women he sought to put behind bars, again and again, was a normalcy for her. Yes, while it did put some of her own operations in light, she was a proper businesswoman, just as he ran his own business. There were just some attributes that traversed her mask, and non-mask duties.

"She, meaning Nina, is at home, with Shawty, and under security as far as I'm aware..which was a few hours before I came here. She should be safe." She stated, minorly irritated. "I would like to hope you've come up with some sort of plan...even a Bat-sighting would put most of the rogue's off in fucking with her. Others...well, others would see it as a challenge..." She mused, sighing.

Nothing the slight shift in his demeanor, Selina moved to lean against the desk again, arms folding across her chest. "So, what's the plan, Stud." She almost purred at him, instead a borderline seductive murmur coloring her words instead.

[Deleted]

Bruce let the comment about the Board Members losing face go. There were always machinations within the company and he didn’t want to flame them. He had talented people in the proper positions to get the job done, though sometimes the ego’s rubbed against each other. The he often appeared to be incompetent could be an issue, though. The board had tried to wrest control from him before. They had been outmaneuvered and the problem people replaced, but he preferred not to give anyone ammunition to do that again. She was right, though; in the end, it wouldn’t matter and she had played the role to a ‘T’, including just the right amount of teasing. The woman knew her craft. He was also glad that she saw the wisdom in a professional arrangement. Granted, there would be rumors, but her skills as a security consultant were quite impressive. There would be no lack of real work.

When she started in on him about her not trying to buy him, he frowned, though let her speak her piece. She was wrong about the masks, or at least his, and she was deluding herself about an attempted acquisition. It may not have been her intention, but he believed that she was just as aware of the self-interest most people felt as he was. He’d be lying if he claimed not to use other’s self-interest to his advantage; she was definitely right about that.

“Tell me if you remember this: ‘You know...this is me sacrificing...for her. I'm giving you insider information, Bruce. So...we need to figure out a plan, to keep her safe.’ That’s a transaction, giving to get. And, yes, I do it a lot in business relationships. If that’s what we have, fine. Perhaps my hoping it was something more was a bit premature or wrong altogether.

“I . . .” he paused, making sure that this was what he wanted to say. “. . . apologize. That was uncalled for. The masks aren’t an issue, though. Bruce Wayne is the only mask I have. Batman is who I am. If you haven’t figured that out about me, then we aren’t ready for anything beyond a professional relationship.”

He pushed the chair back from the desk and turned it to face her. Sitting while she stood didn’t particularly bother him. He was at a slight disadvantage if something started, but not one he couldn’t recover from, and sitting made him less of a threat then id he stood. She wasn’t taking a fighting stance, but she rarely did. She struck and pose and then attacked from out of nowhere, or created a diversion and disappeared. She was wrong about cloak and dagger; she did it well. She didn’t represent the threat he did, nor did she have the mystique he managed. She was a prowler, maybe part cat, to the average Gothamite. He, on the other hand, was anything from a vampire to a demon from hell, depending on who you asked. Some of the rogues new better, some didn’t, but he presented a more credible threat than she did.

He listened to her arguments, though he already knew he was going to help her. He didn’t agree with her about the cloak and dagger stuff, but that was semantics. He was a large, looming threat to virtually everyone in Gotham, and she was the lithe burglar that every cop of the force dreamed of frisking. How was the problem, though.

“You don’t get it. Edward is the Riddler. One is a mask of the other. You can’t split him apart and choose which side to like; it doesn’t work that way. She likes Eddie? She’s stuck with both. It’s like buying groceries for an addict. You haven’t bought them drugs, but they will sell the food to get them.”

He watched her as she talked. He knew she was a good actress, one of the best; she was definitely on his level. Did she really mean what she said? He thought so. She seemed very sincere, and very concerned. He decided he would take her at face value, but he’d made that decision before he ever called her.

Bruce’s eyes twinkled at the purr. Like her, the sound was difficult to define but easy to recognize. He raised an eyebrow at the idea that she might be trying to charm him, and decided that she was. It suited her, though, and went a small way in smoothing the hackles along his back the conversation had raised.

“The plan is that we take the Riddler down before he can make his move. And the collar was a joke; seriously, discretion?

“As to your hobbies, you’re beginning to get a fan club. Some girl is pulling jobs that are superficially similar to yours. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed. Not your caliber, but some of the press are confused by it anyway, but I thought you’d want to know.”

He pulled out the drive and shut the compute down, letting it wipe its ram clean as it did. Standing, he led her to the door.

“My question about the information was specifically on how recent it was. The Riddler won’t strike when we expect him to. My prediction is that it will be sooner rather than later. If you know where to find him, tonight, it would help.” If she didn’t know, then a Bat-sighting would be in order. And, perhaps, a breach of discretion.

He opened the door and held it for her. “You look thirsty. I have a bar in the den. Shall we?”

[Deleted]

Her eyes drifted to watch him. Batman, in loafers. She couldn't get that out of her mind for the moment. And while she had no idea of what was going to occur when she came here, to Wayne manner, a heated discussion in the library, overlooking a computer, and then a jaunt to the den for a drink would not have been in mind. As he wiped the data from the laptop, she made sure to snag the flashdrive as well as they walked past.

"I accept your apology, and while it may have been a transaction, you don't..quite get it, Bruce. I'm talking risking pride, and face, and my identify with those that you fight to put away. I'm putting up a lot to save Nina. She's..more of an asset than you can believe. And I do accept your apology. I just...this is new territory. You and I both know it. But before we even start on that subject, we need to get Nina safe." She ran her fingers through her hair, glancing over his shoulder a moment as she tried to collect herself.

"I don't know where Edward is. I know that he was in Africa. And ...that he was healed..for some reason. And that whatever he had done..is messing with his mind. I don't know where he is now..and what?!" Her eyes flashed wide at the mention of the copy-cat crimes. Perhaps he would share with her the information he -did- have on the crimes.

"You're talking about the new, cat-themed petty theft? Pick-pocketing? I've been following that. If you want, my company can look into it. I think...it'd be better for a face that is not Catwoman to catch this...meddler. I don't want a side-kick, and I can't....not that I won't..do what you do." Losing a sister had made her fiercely independent. Rehabilitating a child with the same proclivities as herself...was not in the cards. Taking a step foward, a stormy look coloring her features.

"I'd love a drink, but a past dinner here has taught me you are a teetotaler, Bruce. You're a fine actor, if that is the case. All those times at the benefits...the women on both arms...." She offered a tentative smile, waiting for him to stand as well, to lead her to this den. "I brought a bottle of sparkling pear cider. It's rather refreshing..." She murmured, a pink tinge blossoming on her cheeks, almost like a grade-school crush offering some handmade trinket.

[Deleted]

Bruce watched Selina talk. He watched her expressions, the movement of her eyes, she shape of her mouth, the way her nose moved as she articulated her words, the small lines that appeared with certain expressions and words, and disappeared again as though they had never been. She was absolutely beautiful, a face worthy of Helen of Troy. The way her face moved as she talked, smiled, frowned, and smirked did nothing to take away from that beauty; it defined it. They transformed her from a dangerously beautiful face into a amazingly beautiful woman into the person that he cared about. He cared about her far more than he should, and that left him with questions that he didn’t have answers for. But, she was right; those were questions for another time.

“He won’t stay in Africa. There are too many grudges in Gotham for him to ignore.”

He watched her eyes light up at the idea of someone trying to take her MO. He knew his disapproval of her activities bordered on hypocrisy; he stole information on a regular basis, sometimes just on the basis that he didn’t believe those who had it could use it safely. It was a line he chose to walk, though, and he would continue to oppose the outright theft of goods, or information, for personal gain. What that meant for the future, he didn’t know. So far, it meant that he went out of his way to catch Catwoman in the act and return the goods. It worked most of the time, but put him a very precarious position.

“Thought you’d be interested,” he said with a smile, and drew another thumbdrive out of his pocket, tossing it up in the air for her to catch. “And I don’t expect you to take on a sidekick. Then again, I had never expected to do so myself, either.”

He smiled as she complemented him on his acting ability, though she was quite adept herself. “You’re not such a bad actress yourself. And, teetotaler might be just a little bit of an exaggeration, but I simply can’t afford to be caught intoxicated. People could die. But, just because I have a bar doesn’t mean it is only stocked with alcohol,” he said with a teasing grin.

He changed direction in the hallway, offering her his arm, and leading then toward the garden instead of the den. “The pear cider sounds great.”

He stopped in the kitchen along the way, finding the bottle chilling in ice. He grabbed it and two glassed, then gave a nod to Alfred.

“We’ll be in the garden, Alfred. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Very good, Sir,” the butler answered, and then paused as he looked the couple over. “It it’s not too forward, Miss Kyle, the two of you make a dashing pair.”

Bruce smiled and led Selina to the garden. A weathered granite table and benches awaited them; the surfaces showed signs of having been used for decades, and looked ready to serve many more. He offered a seat to Selina, then went about opening the cider. After pouring, he offered Selina one and took the other. He sat down next to her, looking over the garden and the starry sky above.

“I trust your instincts,” he admitted. He didn’t let on that he knew Dr. Stenet was far more than she appeared. “An appearance by the Batman won’t throw the Riddler off, though. Depending on what he knows, he might be waiting for just that. From what I can see, he’s currently the greatest threat to her at the moment. We’ll need to stop him to keep her safe. Apart from protective custody, protecting her isn’t possible without putting the rest of Gotham on the back burner.”

He didn’t mention that he wasn’t ready to take Dr. Stenet into his confidence. He believed it was obvious, and bringing it up would only serve to upset Selina. “And I’m not talking about the police. The Commissioner is a good man, but he just doesn’t have the resources to stop Nigma.”