Eye of the Beholder [Selina]

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Gotham City Central was buzzing with activity on the morning Princess Diana decided to go sight-seeing and do some shopping around town. Those activities didn’t require Wonder Woman’s participation, and so she went in her civilian identity of Diana Prince. If she ran into trouble, she could always change into her Amazon persona, but right now all she wanted to do was blend in with the locals and enjoy the experience of being in a new city.

It didn’t take long for Diana to discover that she really didn’t care for the glass and brick skyscrapers. In fact, the closed-in structures actually made her feel isolated from the elements and a bit claustrophobic. Gotham’s sterile gothic setting was vastly different from her homeland. On Paradise Island, she grew up enjoying nature - - seeing blue sky and feeling warm sunshine on her face every day. Here, the skies always appeared dark and gloomy, enhancing its somber ambiance. She couldn’t help but wonder how many Gothamite children never experienced nature’s splendor the way she had, and how many never would.

Diana had never seen a child before, until she came to America as Wonder Woman back in World War II. Even today, their innocence was refreshing to her. She loved posing for pictures, holding infants especially. Often, it made her think about having children of her own someday.

During her stroll, Diana passed several dress shops and did some window shopping. Most of the fashions she saw consisted of more material than she was used to wearing. She found it very odd that the skimpier outfits were the most expensive. In Man’s World, less was more - - at least price-wise.

Suddenly, Diana heard a woman calling her name. Looking over her shoulder, she greeted the stranger with a warm, friendly smile.

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The morning was a glorious one. Not too hot, not too much sun, and a day Selina had chosen to walk to work. Yes, even in heels. They were a pair of Choos, which of course, were comfortable. Not so comfortable was the price to most, but that was beside the point. As she was taking her time to the office, she'd paused in front of several windows, making a mental note of this and that. After about seventeen minutes, she vocally called her assistant, Liv on her earpiece, asking to delay all her meetings for the day until at least 4:45pm that day. Liv had no questions, and ended the call promptly as Selina called out to another statuesque, raven-haired woman. Dressed rather, plainly, from what she knew.



"Diana!" Selina called, refraining from using the Princess' full name. Heels clicking, Selina offering a warm smile to the woman as well, noticing the shop she'd stopped in front of. Offering a hand, Selina smiled, mildly shocked she was actually running into the woman, and of all places, 7th street. "Are you out window-shopping? I can show you a few places, if you're interested." It wasn't that the Princess' outfit was blah, but she could use something that was a bit more..flattering. "I'm Selina Kyle. Native Gothamite, and owner of Black Cat Security, consulting firm. And connesseur of fashion." Another big smile, her sunglasses pushed to the top of her head. "Or, if you wished, I could show you Robinson Park? It's a bit less concrete jungle than this area of the city." From what she knew of the woman, cities weren't her cup of tea, even with her tour going on. So hopefully a friendly face and an offer of something more familiar would help the woman. She admired what Diana was doing, and her even attempting to speak in Gotham was a wonder, or a severe questionable chink in her sanity. She hoped that the woman was just of a firmly idealistic mindset, and not of the Arkham mentality. But Selina wasn't going to cave to severe formalities. Sometimes in a newer scenario she would, but her intuition was telling her differently. Go the familial route. Sisterly.

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As Selina introduced herself, Diana greeted her with a firm handshake. Upon first impression, Selina appeared to be a strong and healthy young woman with ample breasts, curvy hips, and shapely legs. By the way Selina presented herself, it was unmistakable that she was one of those “take charge" kind of gals who was confident in whom she was as a woman. It made Diana proud to know females in today’s American culture were ambitious enough to compete with men on a professional level, although she wondered how many viewed their femininity as a commodity to be traded on to achieve success.

The low-cut suit Selina was wearing got Diana’s attention as she eyed the beautiful brunette up and down and studied her body language. Out of respect, Diana resisted the urge to stare at Selina’s chest and locked her gaze on Selina’s full, luscious lips instead. Selina’s emerald eyes seemed to sparkle and dance as she welcomed Diana to Gotham City and invited her to go window shopping or tour Robinson Park.

“Honestly, why can’t we do both?” Diana questioned. There was no malice in her voice, only innocent curiosity, highlighted by her slight accent. “Unless, of course, you have plans for this afternoon.”

As Diana spoke, she kept looking at Selina’s stylish suit and tried picturing herself wearing it.

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Diana herself towered over the gymnast, who's discerning eye didn't go unnoticed by Selina. While the other woman's outfit was fine It just wasn't exactly helping her. Pursing her lips, Selina narrowed her eyes the slightest bit, her mind making up a route of sorts. That is, if the Princess wanted to embark.

While she wasn't unused to the attention, it was a different feeling coming from the tall Amazon. Not only was she kind, and courteous in person, but she was a looker, too. So while her own upbringing may not have been one of American, or even Gotham standards, it was something Selina was familiar with from her time abroad.

Nodding slightly, Selina laughed; a warm, rich timbre. "Of course we can do both. As it is, I'm free today. If you want, I can show you the store where I purchased this suit, even. I think it a bit different cut, it would look ravishing on you. Nothing against your current choice, or what you've been wearing....but something with a certain, flair, I'm thinking could make your message come alive even more. But which would you prefer? I know it's a bit early, but there is a stand I know has a fantastic espresso, and breakfast in the Park, or we could shop first. Either or works with me," she said brightly.

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Diana didn’t take offense to Selina’s critique of her outfit. In fact, she actually welcomed a womanly perspective and insight. No one knew that when Diana was in her secret identity, it was a conscious decision on her part to dress ultra-conservatively. Normally, in this persona, she wore boring solids instead of prints or textured materials. Her plain fashions were definitely a far cry from her decorative and flamboyant Wonder Woman costume, which was less inhibiting and showcased a greater amount of flesh.

Diana was genuinely surprised that Selina was taking an interest in her this way. Since her return to the United States, Diana had made many male friends, but what she truly desired was to forge more female friendships, like the ones she had back home on Paradise Island. It was what she was used to, having grown up in an Amazon society. Women in “Man’s World” wore more material than Diana cared for. She was most comfortable in the short, colorful togas she and her sisters paraded around in all year round. At the moment, Diana tried to imagine Selina in a royal purple toga, knowing she’d make a beautiful Amazon and would look absolutely stunning dressed in that attire.

When Selina laughed out loud, Diana tensed, but then she realized that the woman was laughing with her, not at her, and she relaxed. She was relieved to hear that Selina’s schedule was clear for the day, and the very thought of having someone accompany her into the clothing stores actually excited the Princess.

“I would appreciate your help, Selina,” Diana told her sheepishly, “and your company. I want to look my best for my audiences here in Gotham. I need to get -- and keep – their attention so that my message of peace, hope, and unity will not fall on deaf ears.”

When Selina mentioned breakfast, Diana wondered if Selina had skipped the most important meal of the day. She also wondered if she had too many preconceptions about the culture in the United States. She still had a lot to learn about the people that lived here.

“If you haven’t eaten, we can do that first,” Diana suggested, gently placing her arm around Selina’s shoulders and steering her toward the boutique’s entrance. “Or we could go shopping first and eat a big lunch later. I hear shopping really works up an appetite.”

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Selina smiled. Diana was honestly genuine. That spoke much of her upbringing, as different as it was from her own. Much of her own behaviors were naturual, but also born out of necessity. "Oh no! I've had breakfast, and this is a fantastic place to start. Your outfit currently is fine, but maybe just a bit of something to bring out that figure, and, like you said, to keep their attention. I've been following your tour so far, and...I have to admit, you're brazen to come to Gotham. As much as I love my city, it's a cesspool of negativity, despite those few bright shining stars. I hope more women, and men can take your words to heart, and start the change on a personal level." Selina nods, as the doors are opened for the two women as they start to peruse the different tops, bottoms, and other sundries within the shop.

"I don't know what sort of cuisine you're going to be wanting, but if there is a specific entree, or something you'd like to try, we could call in a reservation. Then again, I'm doubting any establishment would turn down the offer of having you dine there. It really is quite an honor, you know. I'm surprised the paparazzi haven't started harassing you yet. They're quite the vultures here. Gothamites certainly eat up their gossip; be it video, print, or internet buzz."

As she goes through a wrack, she spots a deep blue dress; fitted through the bodice, a deep v-neck, and flared skirt, she holds it up for Diana to look at. "This is fantastic. With heels, a bit dressier, or something for the day. Are you looking for a complete wardrobe, or business only, or yes to all of the above?" Clothing was a passion, and she honestly loved to help others look their best. A bright smile lights up her features; green eyes glinting with joy, the hint of satisfaction on her lips as a woman scurries to their side to help them start setting aside pieces.

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Diana was flattered that Selina was a fan of her tour, but she was taken aback when Selina called her “brazen” for coming to Gotham. She was also very surprised that Selina had shared such a negative perspective of the city and its inhabitants, despite the love in her heart, which was plainly evident by the genuine concern and conviction in her voice.

“I have come to Gotham City to help her rise from the ashes, like the legendary phoenix,” Diana explained as they entered the shop. “I want to be a positive influence - -on both the men and the women of this township. I have no control over whether or not people will change for the better because of my views. My objective is to inspire hope by planting seeds in the hearts of the victims of this post war zone. Hopefully, the soil of their hearts isn’t as hard as you imagine it to be. I remain optimistic for your people, Selina, and I believe they can change, but they must have the personal desire to do so. I’m here to persuade that change, not force it on them. They have free will and must act on their own accordingly. All I can do is share my message and motivate them towards a more positive direction . . . for their lives and for their way of thinking.”

Suddenly, Diana lost her train of thought when her eyes took in all the beautiful clothing hanging everywhere on the racks around the store. In her opinion, there were too many choices. When Selina asked her if she was looking for one or two outfits or a complete wardrobe, Diana looked at her quizzically, not knowing how to answer the question. “I am overwhelmed,” she confessed. “These garments - - they’re all so beautiful. I want everything I see!”

When Selina showed the Princess the deep blue dress, Diana nodded her approval. Almost immediately, a saleswoman ran over to assist them. After Selina asked the clerk about shoes and other accessories that would go with the dress, the employee got dollar signs in her eyes thinking about the commission she’d make from the sales. Deciding to provide the best customer service possible, she ran off to gather items to accommodate Selina’s request, leaving Diana to bask in the soft glow of Selina’s warm smile.

“I would prefer eating outside, Selina,” Diana whispered to her as they watched the clerk scurry around the store like a mad woman, grabbing items left and right. “Does Robinson Park have hot dogs? I haven’t had one of those in a long time.”

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Did Robinson Park have hot dogs? Well, if it didn't, there must be a strike. So in response to Diana's question about food, she nodded, her own green eyes watching the clerks scurry around as well. It brought a bit of a smirk to her eyes. Two monied women, of course the store would be in a frenzy. No doubt one of the heavily made-up women recognized Selina, if not Diana as well. The paparazzi in Gotham were horrible, but they did get the word out on who was who, even if they did take their liberties, and it was rather sensational. Either way, she broke into a grin at Diana's confusion, coupled with joy over the clothing.

"Come, friend. We can discuss both your hopes for this city, and how to narrow down from buying 'everything.' I can remember once when I had so many choices, too. And let me tell you, getting everything isn't always the best; some garments flatter more than others, and you want to build a base of sorts. Basics, a foundation of things, that you can add to. If you have favorite colors, we can go from there, or styles, even. Something that can transition from your speaking engagements, to after-event drinks and socialization. It will help, too, once we have the clothing, to go and get you a few accessories. Getting them all at one places is a bit blase. " Gently resting her arm about the other raven haired women's shoulder, Selina nodded to several thing that were shown to the duo, and shook her head at others. While some trends were just that; trends, there were a few classic pieces that would suit the woman better than others. They'd highlight her femininity, yet not diminish her strength.

And considering Diana was from more of a European background, it would be, well, tacky to try and plaster some of America's more fashionista items to the woman. Some she herself wouldn't bother with. But as they started to wean the armfuls of dresses, skirts, blouses, jackets, and suit-sets, Selina took a seat on the chaise outside the rather expansive dressing room, musing on the Diplomat's words.

It was true, Gotham was a shit-hole. But it was a city, even with all it's flaws and beauty. The people here were hardened, and a hardy brand of survialism thrived here. She was curious to see how Diana's message would be receive, a feeling that some of the younger generations, her own included; would take the message to heart. Taking out her tablet, she also jotted down a few ideas herself, several she'd like to bring up to her shopping companion.

"First things first, hon. We shop, then we eat!" She said with a smile to Diana, nodding to the deep navy pantsuit she was modeling, a creamy ivory blouse coupled with it. "I know a fantastic place where we can get you a pair of heels that would go with that. If you decide to purchase it, that is!" She laughed, eyes twinkling.

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Two hours passed like seconds as Diana tried on all of the outfits that caught her eye. As she admired herself in the full-length mirror outside the dressing room, she wondered how her new look would be accepted by others, especially by the media. She didn’t want her message to be overshadowed by her fashions in their news coverage.

Every now and then, she glanced over at Selina, desiring her approval on a particular outfit before she made a firm purchase decision. Once she had modeled the last dress, she changed back into her own clothes and then was escorted by the saleswoman to the cash register.

Taking Selina’s advice, Diana had decided to buy a good base of garments - - a mixture of formal, casual and day dresses and a few suits with optional pieces to swap out. She tended to lean toward black, blue and gray - - colors not “Wonder Woman-ish.”

“Ten outfits total,” the clerk gushed, beaming with excitement about the sale and thinking about what luxuries she’d be getting with her commission. “Will that be cash or credit, ma’am?”

Diana reached into her purse and pulled out her debit card. “Please have everything delivered to the penthouse of Gotham Suites,” she instructed as the woman quickly took the card and ran it before the Princess changed her mind about the purchase. Then Diana turned to Selina, who was still seated on the chaise, and said with a wry smile, “How about lunch . . . and then shoes?”

A few minutes later, Diana and Selina were on their way to Robinson Park, which was within walking distance, only two blocks away. When they passed a newsstand, Diana saw herself with Bruce Wayne in a photo on the front page of The Gotham Gazette  under this headline:

“ROYAL WELCOME: PRINCE OF GOTHAM MEETS AMAZON PRINCESS”
Story & Photo by Vicki Vale

Then her eye caught Selina’s picture on the front cover of one of the other tabloids - - surprisingly enough, also with multi-billionaire Bruce Wayne.

“I had no idea you were a celebrity!” Diana laughed, pointing to the magazine and directing Selina’s attention to it. “You and Bruce Wayne are very photogenic.”

Diana took a moment to buy both the newspaper and the gossip magazine to read later. As she and Selina continued on their way, Diana kept looking at Bruce’s picture and making conversation.

“It’s nice to know we have one thing in common, Selina - - Bruce Wayne. He’s a very handsome man, to say the least, but I know there’s more to him than meets the eye. What can you tell me about him?”

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Offering her advice to the woman wasn't hard. After a few pieces, Selina had an idea for what Diana did, and did not prefer. So with a discerning eye and a smile, she aided the woman in expanding her wardrobe in a mere two hours. It was fun, and she was quite glad she'd indulged in that espresso beforehand. She had been anticipating conference calls and a few drop-ins, but this was much more entertaining.

Even while Diana was in the dressing room, Selina had picked up a few things. One of them being a dress. Two of them, for sure. She was glad she'd been able to convince Diana to pick up a more fancy gown as well. "You're going to that Luthor event, aren't you? It will be held in Metropolis, but it'd be a fantastic opportunity for you to meet others, as well," Selina mused to Diana through the dressing room door. She highly doubted Diana heard of the event, and if she was in that boat, well, she had a solution. A light smile came to her face. It was always lovely to have new friends. And women were a treat, even.

Once Diana's purchases were rung up, Selina offered her own card, and had the items wrapped. "Lunch sounds fantastic. And shoes, even better. I know of a place that has the best selection." And she did.

Walking along the flower-lined pavement, Selina turned to where Diana had been looking. Fuck. Tabloids. They were entertaining, but annoying as well. Even with a good friend working in Television, those damn paparazzi love to cover the galas, benefits, and anything monied. "That's you, too! So don't give me that 'celebrity' bullshit. I'm certainly nowhere near Princess status!" She exclaimed, despite a pink rising to her cheeks.

"It's only because I tend to support a few causes, and thus, get invited to several events. And Bruce, well, he's usually at the events, too." Smiling, she had to laugh at the magazine covers, her eyes slipping to a few more colorful ones featuring a few faces she knew even better; and even one with Catwoman on it.

"Be careful you don't look too hard at those, Diana. Don't want you falling and tripping!" Selina laughed, hooking her arm in her newfound friend's. What should she say about Bruce Wayne? That they'd seen eachother at the worst, had an ongoing flirtation for the better part of 5 years? While they wore masks? That at events they gravitated toward one another, sometimes laughing and mocking other party-goers behind their flutes of champagne? Or that she'd seen him beat a man senseless, and weep unabashedly in the same vein?

"Oh, I think you have to speak with him. He's one of those...need to see it to believe it sorts, Diana. And it shows there that he personally welcomed you to Gotham! And I agree, he is quite easy on the eyes. How about you tell me your impression about him, and I'll tell you know if your perception is correct, and which 'Bruce' you met that day."

Her words may sound like nonsense and cyclical to the other woman, but they weren't. Sometimes Bruce Wayne was cordial, sometimes a shameless playboy, at times an airheaded fop, or even a gracious host. But there were many facets to the man, and of all people to ask, Selina was probably one of the best. She was rather skilled in jewels.

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Diana cocked her head at the mention of Luthor’s party.  “Lex Luthor?” she asked. She knew he’d given Kal-El problems in the past. That he was "staging an event" struck her as ominous. “I haven’t heard about it before, but it’s definitely something I’ll look into.”

Diana’s eyes widened at Selina’s use of profanity. She wasn’t accustomed to that vernacular, but she knew Selina was taking liberty in expressing herself. Diana enjoyed the passion that accompanied it.

As Selina hooked her arm and answered her question, Diana studied the photos. Like most women, just looking at Bruce Wayne’s handsome features got her a little hot and bothered. What attracted her most was the animal magnetism that exuded from Bruce’s dreamy blue eyes. Yes, her initial meeting with the enigmatic Bruce Wayne had been both impressive and memorable.

Prior to arriving in Gotham City, Diana had done some research on “Gotham’s Prince,” as Vicki Vale had so admirably dubbed him. Mostly everything Diana had read had been surprisingly shallow and uninformative. What she did learn about him was common knowledge to most.

Bruce Wayne was the son of Thomas and Martha Wayne. The couple had been highly respected in the local community, due to the fact that they had invested much of their lives and personal resources into Gotham to make their city grand – for their son and for the future. It grieved Diana’s spirit to know that Bruce’s parents had been murdered and would never see the fruits of their labor. Considering Gotham’s current condition, she prayed to Athena that their valiant efforts had not been in vain.

Bruce’s parents had left their son a very rich orphan. With all his wealth, Diana knew Bruce never needed to work a day in his life. Despite his tragic past, Diana thought it was very endearing of Bruce to continue his parents’ legacy by helping Gotham. Yes, it was admirable that Bruce devoted his energies to charity work like his father, but was he doing enough? Diana had her doubts. To Diana, it looked like all Bruce Wayne did was throw money at problems instead of actually rolling up his sleeves and getting involved and actually doing something for his fellow citizens.

What got Diana’s attention the most was Bruce’s demeanor, in real life and in photographs. He always looked so laid back and comfortable. She reasoned that he didn’t have a care in the world, blessed with more money than he could ever spend in his lifetime. She couldn’t help but wonder how similar he was to other rich men she had encountered in America - - lazy, spoiled and lacking a solid work ethic.

She hoped Bruce wasn’t like most businessmen she knew, either. All that mattered to them was a healthy balance sheet at the end of the fiscal year. She was certain there was more substance to Bruce Wayne than that, but she didn’t know why.

She was aware that  Bruce was a ladies’ man and kept late hours, out gallivanting all night. She imagined him coming home with those beautiful eyes all bleary-eyed, and sleeping until noon. Although she didn’t approve of that playboy behavior of action and romance, such was the way of a prodigal.

When Selina asked about her impression of Bruce, Diana replied, “Bruce was the perfect gentleman that day.  I’m sure there’s more to him than meets the eye though. There's something familiar about him, but I can't quite put my finger on it.”

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Eyes glinting, Selina gently squeezed the woman's arm. "No worries. I have in mind someone that can take you. He's pretty fantastic at these sorts of events," she gently teased. The man could be an utter disaster, too, at times, at these sort of events. "He'll make you look good, and hell, who wouldn't want to take a Princess!" Selina gushed, pointing to a small kiosk several yards ahead of them.

"Well, I'm glad to hear he behaved himself. It may be the old money that he comes from, but at times he's wild and unforgiving about what he throws his dollars at, and at other times, it seems all the training he has, well, shines through."

Pursing her lips, she had to think on that familiarity. For years, it had taken her time to tie what behaviors both men had. And in the end...it was even a surprise at how well-crafted each persona was. It wasn't until they had been thrown together under such extreme circumstances that a light had dawned on her.

Smiling to herself, as if lost in a daydream, Selina had to agree. "I wish I could give you any insight on that one. I know the man well...but not well enough to say exactly what is familiar about him. We've been to enough events together, and on the same committees...but other than that, nada. Have you been to his tower, though?"

[Deleted]

The Princess arched an eyebrow when Selina mentioned a mysterious escort for her. Because of business connections, Diana reasoned that Selina was acquainted with dozens of handsome men who would jump at the opportunity of spending an evening with the fabled Wonder Woman at Lex Luthor’s gala affair. Diana grew curious about the special person Selina had in mind for her. The words had barely registered with Diana when Selina directed her attention to a kiosk machine a few feet away. As they both used debit cards to withdraw money for lunch, the conversation focused once more on Bruce Wayne.

Diana listened to Selina’s assessment of Bruce, which reminded her of something her mother had told her before she’d left Paradise Island: “No one in Man’s World is perfect, especially the males.”  Diana had been warned that most men were hedonistic and had duplicity about them. Just like her mother had experienced with Hercules in ancient days, Diana had witnessed that the majority of men in today’s society would do or say whatever it took to use others to achieve their selfish objectives and desires. And the females seemed to be just as bad. That behavior reminded Diana of the Nazi spies she had fought on American soil in World War II.  More than anything, she hated deception . . . from either gender.

The Princess refused to believe in Queen Hippolyta’s blanket-stereotype that all “outsiders” were bad and untrustworthy. Keeping an open mind, Diana made that determination for herself, on a case-by-case basis; unfortunately, personal experience had proven her mother to be correct in most of those cases. And although she had only seen the “nice side” of Bruce Wayne, Diana realized he wasn’t that well-behaved all the time. From what Selina was sharing, Bruce was a hybrid - - part gentleman and part scoundrel. Selina knew the man well and enjoyed both personalities, which was intriguing in itself.

Diana watched as Selina pursed her lips, deep in thought. After Selina disclosed the extent of her relationship with Bruce Wayne as a business associate and partygoer, Diana was no closer to figuring out the reason for the familiarity she felt concerning the enigmatic billionaire. She supposed that mystery would be solved another day.

When Selina asked her about Wayne Tower, Diana responded in the negative. She did mention, however, that she would love to visit the grand structure one day, having heard about its observation deck covered by a giant glass dome. She imagined how lovely the view of Gotham City was from that high vantage point.

As Diana and Selina started walking again, Diana grew more serious in her demeanor. “May I share something with you?” she asked timidly, leaning into Selina more. Her heart seemed heavy and her shoulders burdened.

After a moment of awkward silence, Diana continued. “Just as Gothamites have been at war, I, too, am in a battle of my own against the war god Ares," she confided. “He has a stronghold on Gotham City, and I believe this is the main reason for all the criminal activity and insane behavior of its citizens. He has corrupted your people with his influence, and it is my duty to save them . . . from Ares and from themselves.  I have vowed my life to oppose his evil machinations, wherever he may rear his head.

“A confrontation with Ares is inevitable." Fire flashed in her eyes at the thought of the glorious battle. The outcome, though, was far from known. "No one knows what tomorrow holds, or even if there will be a tomorrow. That is why we should live our lives to the fullest today. I just wanted you to know .…”

She stopped herself short with a faraway look in her eyes, as though she was experiencing a vision that only she could see.

“I want you to know that I have enjoyed your company very much this day, Selina Kyle. We have only known one another for a short time; we have only spent the last several hours together, but in that short span of eternity you have touched my heart in more ways than you can ever imagine. I consider the few close friends that I have made in Man’s World my extended family. I hope I can count you among them.”

Meanwhile, in the distance, five men wearing black leather jackets were watching both ladies from a park bench.

[Deleted]

As the two continue on, Selina waits at the machine while Diana pulls out some cash. She's learned in Gotham that there is a time to use a card, and other times; such as dining, cash is King. Casually looking over her shoulder and around them as she waits, nothing is amiss. Then again, it's later morning, and not many other people are out save for the younger crowd, and many, many tourists.

As Diana finishes, Selina has to smile at the mention of Wayne Towers. "Well, Diana. I have a temporary office there, considering I have a long-standing consulting position there. And hell, it may be easier for me to get you set up prior to the benefit, unless you'd rather be surprised by your date to Luthor's shindig?"

Taking the opportunity to send an email via her phone, Selina smiled to herself. The date would be confirmed sooner, rather than later, and with minimal arm-twisting, even. And to be able to afford Diana that view would be a fun little jaunt. "Maybe somewhere between lunch, and shoes I can take you there. It'd be no imposition, trust me!" She said brightly, noticing the other woman's changed countenance.

Nodding, Selina indulged the woman. "Of course you can share with me," she said, looping her arm through the other's. If any passersby managed to look up from their phone/paper/gadget, it would look like a pair of very close, intimate friends, despite the two women meeting mere hours ago. "You should have no worries about your feelings, Diana." Selina encouraged as she listened to the other woman erupt into story.

Quiet as the ambassador spoke, she took the information to heart. Maybe Gotham was a hot-bed of criminal activity due to Ares, or maybe it was just because...large cities tended toward such lurid activity because of the human condition. Either way, she filed Ms. Prince's views away for a later date. Maybe the woman was just aspirational in her views, but Gotham was a darker city. A daunting place to take to task when wishing to rid it of such a dark taint. Nodding, encouraging the woman to continue, Selina reassured her by squeezing her arm gently, encouraging her to keep talking on Ares, and what she saw for the future.

Smiling as Diana touched on friendship, she had to admit that yes, she did feel a kinship with the woman. "I agree, Diana. At times, especially in Gotham, it's hard to find those in which we can see eye to eye with. I try to put forth the generosity that has been shown me, in others. I believe that series of actions is called 'paying it forward.' And as I have struggled in the past, and have had help, I hope to do the same for others. And it doesn't hurt that I tend to be drawn to idealistic, strong-minded, and willed women, and cultivating deep friendships with them as well. Or, that I know some divine places to shop." The last bit was added for a light laugh to lighten the mood, especially considering how honest, and serious Diana's words had been.

Shifting slightly to pull the other woman into a hug, Selina then released her, putting the woman at arm's length while she gazed at her. "If you do need help when your confrontation with Ares arises, remember me; I know, and have some valuable allies. Never forget that. And we'll get you to your goals, if not today, a later date, hon. But are you ready to partake in hot dogs, as you wanted?" She asked, a light smile on her features.

[Deleted]

Diana was impressed to hear that Selina had a consulting position and a temporary office at Wayne Towers. After Selina had sent the e-mail from her phone, she answered Selina’s question honestly. “I would like to be surprised by your mystery man, if that’s all right. It will give me something to look forward to when Luthor’s lavish party finally draws nigh.”

She nodded when Selina suggested an afternoon tour of Wayne Towers. She couldn’t believe how gracious and accommodating Selina was being - - going out of her way to make sure Diana felt welcomed and comfortable in Gotham City. Her genuine care and concern spoke to Diana’s heart. She was thankful when Selina gave her permission to share about the war god Ares and a future conflict that seemed inevitable.

Selina was open and responsive to Diana, which put the Amazon’s anxiety at ease. She was looking forward to cultivating a meaningful friendship, too. When Selina revealed that she knew of “some divine places to shop,” the mood lightened with laughter from Diana as well.

Selina’s offer to help in the fight against Ares was totally unexpected and caught Diana off-guard. This intriguing woman seemed to have more resources at her disposal than Diana ever imagined. “Thank you, sister,” Diana told her as they started walking again. “Although I am not comfortable with mortals endangering their lives by putting themselves in the paths of gods, I appreciate your support and courage to stand with me in the time of battle. I have fought alongside numerous warriors in my lifetime, and I have learned that each had something to contribute. I beg your forgiveness, but I did not recognize you as warrior-born.”

The Princess smiled when Selina reminded her of getting hot dogs for lunch, but it faded quickly as the group of five men in the distance approached them. Diana knew in an instant that they might not be the sort that she and Selina would want to get to know. Their overpriced tennis shoes and underpriced “gold” jewelry didn’t immediately create the best of first impressions, not to mention the whole black leather jacket look. The biggest of the quintet was carrying a baseball bat, and they were a long way from the stadium. One of them had a gun tucked into the waistband of his pants. And . . . was that a knife another guy was holding?

“Those are not good men,” Diana whispered to Selina, assessing their surroundings. The park was sparsely populated, and virtually everyone else was plugged into a phone of some kind. She’d seen this kind of mentality before; they would rather ignore the truth than get involved in something real. She grabbed Selina’s elbow, turning to make a hasty, strategic retreat. They needed to move to somewhere more secluded. If they were in danger, she didn’t have her powers as Diana Prince. She needed to change into Wonder Woman without compromising her secret identity.

“Hold it right there, ladies!” the leader ordered, waving his large bowie knife at them. This one, bald as a cue ball, sported a handlebar mustache and was dressed in a T-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans. When he nodded to his two buddies standing directly behind him, they removed their guns, training them on Diana and Selina. “Excuse us,” the thug said mockingly, “but my friends and I . . . we were hoping you could give us something to remember you by. Feeling generous? Because we want more than just your money . . . .”

As he spoke, the other four cretins moved in tightly around the two women, leaving little in the way of personal space. They laughed like a pack of trained seals at their leader’s introduction of them.

Diana appeared incredulous and indignant. “Selina, are these men robbing us or . . . ?” she asked, feeling tarnished and defiled at the very thought of them touching her.

Meanwhile, the small horde of armed creeps continued to hoot and laugh. One of the gunmen grinned broadly at Selina. As his ominous smile widened, his acne-scarred face split in two.