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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 14:41:48 GMT -5
[The following events take place before the 'Job Interview' at an indeterminate time, but closely follow 'Trusting the Unknown...]
She'd taken a moderate route home. Scenic, more than anything, to rid herself of the adrenaline rush that the whole thing had brought on. Had she thought he'd show? Yes. But like that? No. He knew she knew he knew. Or whatever. Batman, who was Bruce Wayne, now was quite aware that she, Selina Kyle, was Catwoman. It was still such a puzzle to wrap her mind around, but it was one ball of twine she was unwinding in time. What a mouthful. Eddie would be proud. But even as she made her way over rooftops and through alleys the moonlight guiding her, she was still baffled. He'd greenlit...her helping him. Well, Bruce, hiring Selina. It'd always been a bit easier, to a degree, for Selina to banter, to flirt, to talk shop with Mr. Wayne. Even when they would sit and give their opinions and trade 'insider' secrets at the nightly ball/gala/fundraiser of the week, it had been a small insight to a man that the media slammed as a moron more often than it praised what his company did. And it always stank of something to her. And now that she knew what the off odor was, it was easier to understand.
And it wasn't.
So when her feet hit her her balcony, and she saw the soft silhouette stretch on the other side, she had to smile. Jasper always waited for her. A loving constant.
Once within her own walls once more, mask and cowl peeled back, did she reach down to the feline winding his way around her ankles. "Well well. Momma has to set out a few things for a meeting tomorrow. Care to help?" She chatted to the feline, easily stripping down and shedding her nighttime skin as she started the bathwater, and heading into her closet to set out what she was going to wear tomorrow. Pants? Hm...She contemplated the silk gabardine pantsuit, then there was her deep indigo dress. Or maybe even her skirtsuit. Considering she was going to 'barter' with Wayne about a job; a consulting job, even, with an office, she better go...big. That's what they said, no?
So it was the skirt, in it's deep charcoal color, the jacket, and a blouse in a shade of French lilac to offset the grey. A pair of nearly matching silk undergarments were pulled from her drawer, the garter and silk stockings next. Then it was the shoes. Oh, the shoes. She knew how the bitches in offices, and especially in high profile jobs scrutinized those. She could wear her Valentinos...but she was thinking the Manolos would suit her purpose. They were a muted black pump, platformed inside to allow for a lift without an unsightly heel. They were set atop the dresser as well, before she shifted to another armoire; plucking out a rather feminine watch; silver and hematite, a thin platinum bangle, and another with tiny amethyst stones inlaid.
Now it was the earrings; a pair of delicate drop earrings, or a pair of equally fine studs. The two pairs she set out atop her other things; something to contemplate for later. It was then she clicked her tongue as she headed into her bathroom, lighting a candle or two before slipping into the warm water, to think. Part of her was curious to see if Batman would show at her flat, part of her anticipating. Either way, she was going to prep for tomorrow. She had a day job, too, no matter what Batman thought she did in her off hours, not stealing.
Slipping into bed, she sent Liv a message to wake her up around noon. She'd have enough time to run a few errands with ease.
...and noon couldn't come any sooner. Drapes cracked, the light hit Selina as she mumbled, and a rumbling purr also met her happily. A low groan of irritation was her greeting to the day as she tumbled out of bed, and to her tablet; to check and make sure each and every appointment she'd set up was still in play. Save for one. She'd make a call later. For now she slipped into a simple blue dress, tugged on a pair of warmer knee high boots, threw her hair in a messy bun, and headed out. A haircut, massage, and mani-pedi were awaiting her after her stop at the very welcoming coffee cart she too often frequented in Robinson Park. After her little afternoon delight, she stopped for a light lunch as she made a few business calls, and then, finally headed home to dress, and depart. Amidst buttoning her blouse, she made that final phonecall. "Oh, hello Missy! Will Mister Wayne be in the office later? You're not quite sure? Well, if he does wake up from that nap,....yes, I know he's probably napping if he told you he was 'out at a Dev budget meeting, please let him know it'd be quite prudent to stay. Prudent...it'd be wise for him to stick around. Thanks hon!" Selina rolled her eyes in amazement. He really did go the full mile with even hiring his help. Either way...she was prepared, from head to toe, from heel to her carefully coiffed hair, her purse-cum-briefcase masquerading at her side, headset in her ear, and phone in hand. With a quick once-over in the mirror, she smirked, giving Jasper a quickly blown kiss as the car was waiting for her at the front of the building.
It wasn't too far to Wayne Towers, a few familiar faces smiling at her, several others casting rather lewd, or even dirty looks her way. She was already seen with Bruce, what sort of stir would there be now with her at the building. She was a consummate businesswoman, some columns even saying her small, intimate company was breaking down walls with how she ran it. It'd be smart for a larger company to sub-contract to her, or even hire her on. As if that would happen.
So when she finally came to see Missy, she had to hold her tongue as the girl was rather flustered, and tongue-tied on the phone. So when Selina pointed Bruce Wayne's office, the girl's eyes went wide, her head shaking back and forth vehemently. Perhaps she'd give both the secretary, and Bruce a few minutes. So, Selina found one of the plush, over-expensive chairs and sat, demurely crossing her ankles as she waited.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 19:23:59 GMT -5
Needless to say, the twist of tonight’s events had stirred quite the existential upheaval deep within him. Catwoman coming forward with her knowledge of his true identity as Bruce Wayne. Batman actually managing to scratch the surface when it came to how he truly felt about Selina. And above all, a new level of trust, compromise, and excited uncertainty was reached in their relationship with each other. Not that Batman and Catwoman were some “hot topic” couple whispered about by everyone in the city, nor were Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne anything more than one of the many dutifully mentioned blurbs listed alongside other numerous “scandalously involved” famous folks of Gotham in the Gazette’s Gossip Gab of the week column.
Sure, outwardly seen at face value nothing drastic had changed between the Bat and Cat. But behind the mask? It was a whole new territory to cover, one without any true definition or set rules. One that drove Batman crazy, but also one that he wouldn’t part with for the world. Woe to the poor souls who dared test the Bat’s patience and skill the rest of that night, for the vigilante struck without mercy much harder and more swiftly than usual – letting out his apprehension and angst he felt for the upcoming meeting tomorrow with Selina Kyle that he now had as his masked counterpart, Bruce Wayne.
… And tomorrow did come with a swift vengeance.
After managing to get a whole two hours of sleep Bruce undeniably felt every aching punch his raw fists had delivered, coupled along with each throbbing blow his sore body caught during last night’s activities. There was one dull sting of pain he actually rather liked feeling upon waking up that afternoon – the slap Selina had given him across the face. It symbolized with tangible evidence that their rooftop rendezvous last night had indeed really happened, and also indicated that Selina Kyle might try contacting Bruce Wayne for a business meeting today.
Once the daily ritual of showering, shaving, ingesting protein highly efficient in all vita-nutrients and supplements to ensure his body remained the well-oiled machine it was, Bruce eventually showed up to his executive office nestled on the highest floor of Wayne Towers. Upon his arrival, his loyal yet dismally bright secretary Missy informed him of the message he had been expecting from none other than Miss Selina Kyle.
“A meeting with Miss Kyle today? Don’t I have a brunch or something with Amazon’s stock holders?” Bruce asked flippantly through the intercom patched from his office directly into the entrance foyer located just outside, where his secretary’s desk remained – Missy scrambling to finish filing her last nail before checking Bruce’s schedule.
“Mr. Wayne, that happened last week!” Missy had to stifle her bout of giggles – only to let loose the moment Bruce let out a smug little laugh for his next intercom reply.
“I suppose I’ll try and be available for whatever she wants to discuss. Just buzz me when she arrives, I may be finishing up some of those multi-million dollar marketing proposals… Or even more importantly, working on perfecting my back swing so I can slaughter anyone who dares to try and take me on at the golf course.”
Once again, Missy held back a fit of girlish giggles just long enough to acknowledge her boss’s wishes. It would be almost an hour later that afternoon when Selina Kyle arrived to Wayne Towers. Upon Miss Kyle’s arrival Missy immediately slapped on the second coating of bright pink nail polish and then successfully managed to buzz Bruce’s office intercom with an impressively skilled tap of her knuckle.
BUZZ! No reply. BUZZ!!! Again, no reply to the secretary’s effort in alerting her boss’s attention. BUZZZZ!!!
“Sorry Miss Kyle! Mr. Wayne said he would be here to meet with you... Maybe he for--” And just as Missy reached to press the intercom button once again, Bruce’s voice interrupted through the speaker.
“Missy, you better have a good reason for buzzing the ever-loving hell out of my intercom!”
“Oh, sorry Mr. Wayne! It’s just that Miss Kyle is here to see you now.” A pause met the secretary’s announcement before Bruce finally responded.
“Uh… Okay. I guess now is as good a time as any. Send Miss Kyle in.” And with that, Missy granted Selina access past the wooden double doors of Bruce’s office.
Kneeling down with his back facing Selina as she entered the office, was an athletically workout dressed Bruce, tying the laces of his track running sneakers. He took only a moment’s glance to peer over his broad, finely sculpted, muscular shoulder as a gesture of acknowledgement for her arrival. Unlike Selina’s sexy-chic professional business attire complete with graceful style and today’s hottest fashion, Bruce was clad in a pair of black high quality workout gym shorts and a skin tight black workout gym tank top – complete with sleek, expensive running shoes. Every finely chiseled muscle and sharply sculpted grove was visible before Selina’s gaze. Thick, well kept, richly black hair was slicked back serving to bring out the fierce intensity of his glacially-steeled blue eyes that peered above his clean shaven, well-defined jaw. Amazingly enough, not a single bruised mark, marred scar, or damaged blemish could be detected upon his pale flesh – his body looking just as delicately managed as his trust fund did.
This wasn’t a first time meeting for either of the Gotham socialites – both Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle ran in the same social circles. However, it was the first time for both Bruce and Selina to meet knowing now that one another were Bat and Cat. Bruce stood finally once finished with tying his shoe laces, and turned to meet Selina now face to face. Mask to mask.
“Selina! What a nice surprise to have you drop in! My secretary mentioned something about you wanting to meet with me right now? Problem is, I am about to go on a run as part of my training for the Wishes Made True Children’s Charity marathon I’m participating in next week. I can’t skip practice – Chuck Stavros is betting $40,000 on me getting winded by the fifth lap of the race. No way I’m letting Chucky win a bet like that! I’d never live that crap down if I proved his prediction right! Plus… It’s for the kiddies and all. So… How about a rain check?”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 20:30:39 GMT -5
Thankfully it was not a long wait, and Missy was...bubbly as could be. Offering the girl a smile, and a casual compliment on her shoes, Selina made her way into the Bruce's office. And while she was quite aware of what was in the office, she was not fully prepared for the sight before her. Not that she hadn't seen...the view before, but in this sort of scenery, well, surrounding panorama, it was something entirely new. And she had to admit, he was doing a great job at this mask as well. Something she hadn't been prepared for, as her attire clearly showed. Heels, suit, skirt, baubles, in high contrast to his..shorts, running shoes, and tank.
"Oh! Bruce. I'm so sorry. Didn't know you were training this afternoon, forgive me!" She demurred, her hand going to her chest for a moment, in a show of not wanting to inhibit him. "I just had a friend that said you were in need of some services...and I thought I could offer those to you." She continued, her green eyes not missing an iota of detail in the man before her. Each muscle was stripped bare of the Kevlar and ..whatever other compound he clad himself in each night. While it was rather tight, the show of flesh...was something else. Even at their little benefits, their parties, the two were usually fully clad at that, and it was usually the female that was more scantily clad, not the male.
So, as she gently set down her purse-cum-briefcase, she pulled out a tiny flash drive. "I have my resume, and proposal here for you. I also have it in hard copy form, if you want to look that over," shining a bright smile at him, her eyes scanned his office as she slipped the fine paper folio from her bag as well, and slipped it onto his desk, the tiny drive gently set atop it as well. Leaning into the finely made piece of furniture, Selina crossed her ankles, as she watched him with a feline ferocity hidden behind that smile.
"It shouldn't take that long, and no, I'd rather not take a rain check. I know you're quite a busy man, and Missy was such a dear to get me in to see you, you know. I wouldn't want to waste that sort of opportunity." And to be honest, she wanted to know who had done his makeup. She'd received several text messages later on about 'Batman this, Batman that' whining that had gone on after she had retired for the night.
But that wasn't the point. Batman last night had given her sage advice. Impress 'Bruce Wayne.' Easy enough. But knowing the man behind 'Bruce Wayne,' and how much of a pragmatist the man behind the dual masks, was making this more of a chase than she had anticipated. And she doubted he'd had a running partner in quite a while.
And of course, she liked to prowl. So while Bruce yapped on about Chuck Stavros, of all people, as her nose scrunched up, she only nodded, slipping off one bracelet, then the next, her watch following as she set them delicately on his desk. Next her suit-jacket was slipped off, the item folded gently as well. It wasn't that hard to turn her near-perfect hair into a ponytail with a rubber band plucked from his desk, her eyes narrowing to slits as she paced; still in heels, to one of the book-case/cabinet combos in his office. "Do you mind if I borrow a few things off you?" She smiled, walking out the office door back to his secretary Missy. "Missy? Could I borrow your shoes?" It was not a desperate question, nor a plea. Selina Kyle was not begging. It was the question of a sister asking a sister for a favor. When the blonde balked slightly, Selina pointed to her shoes.
"Hon, I doubt you got a ride here, and you'd never ruin a pair of Cole Haans without a guilty conscience. So...running shoes, sneakers...whatever. Please. And hell, if I get this gig, maybe you'll be my secretary." The pair of bright pink Nike Air's were handed over open mouthed, the girl saying "...But...they're 7 and a halfs!" Selina only winked back, with a gentle retort. "Good thing my socks are thick, I wear a 7!" She called back to the girl before her heels brought her back into Wayne's office. And if he didn't have socks for her? Well, she'd get to that hurdle if it came to it.
"How about I help you train. Maybe I up the ante a bit, for this training session, with money of my own?" Raising the shoes, as well as the stakes, she hoped he'd offered up some sort of ...clothing for her to wear. As much as she wished she had her own running attire...his would work for the moment. A pair of shorts, and hopefully another tight fitting tank-top procured would be more than enough for her to work with. Hell, if she could turn a man's shirt into a dress, she could run in something makeshift.
And if he still said no, she'd call him out on what he was hiding in his office. To the untrained eye, it was a full on miss. To her, it was quite apparent. Their little game of cat and mouse was clearly on, her race for respect, and to win; her goal.
"You know, I'm used to us being dressed to the nines! This is such a more raw meeting. I hope this goes to demonstrate my ability to adapt, and showcases my keen observational skills. Not that I'm trying to sell myself to you, so I'll keep the vernacular out of it, Bruce." She patted his arm genially, her fingertips lingering slightly on his muscled, keenly toned forearm.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 3:43:52 GMT -5
She simply wouldn’t be Selina Kyle if she hadn’t been the ever-resourceful “cool cat” that she was; her ability to improvise and accommodate to any unexpected twist and turn of the business world was unmatched. Bruce couldn’t help but hide the silent smirk that slid over his lips the moment he watched Selina not only side-step his attempt to brush off her business proposal by adjusting her tactics for their meeting, she made it a clear point to challenge him at his own corporate-based head games. He had stated a good run was his top priority and so she made it her top priority to go on that run with him in order to discuss her projected idea of commerce. The moment Selina had laced up Missy’s borrowed sneakers; Bruce took liberty to lead the way towards his private indoor gym – located one floor beneath his corporate head office.
“Touché, Selina. Should’ve figured you would have no problem landing on your feet no matter what.” Bruce commented with a boyish grin, now standing in the elevator lift with Selina by his side.
Once the lift doors opened, Bruce led Selina out onto the lower floor which now revealed a massive, high-tech, lavish indoor gym. Complete with running track, sauna-spa, washroom facilities, and juice bar – all overlooking the bustling downtown scene in one breath-taking view. Bruce now began to stretch out a bit after arriving at the starting point of the running track.
“I gotta’ admit, I’m impressed you’re willing to accompany me for a run – this must be some service you have to offer…”
He then flashed Selina a wicked grin. And yet, even despite the boyish/devilish grins he cast, it would be painfully clear to Selina to see that no smile he presented ever truly touched the light of his eyes. Of course, his nuances of expression were so well displayed, so well-rehearsed; it’d be incredibly hard to see that something remained distant or detached and hidden within. Only a very select few were able to see that Bruce Wayne was nothing more than a mere puppet. A marionette, whose strings were pulled by a lurking, darkly shadowed puppet master.
“However, I won’t waste your time by using tactless innuendo-based-charm on you. I owe you more than that. A lot more than that.” He added quietly and then took off into a brisk jog once he was sure she was ready to follow.
“So… This friend who recommended you to me – I’m thinking it’s a mutual friend we have in common. If so? I’ll be completely honest… I know next to nothing about Black Cat Security. Except for the fact that you single handedly built the corporation yourself from the ground up, handling all financial backing and funding, responsible for the company’s consecutively growing success rate in consumer approval and relations, as well as achieving one of Gotham’s top ranks for absolute security guaranteed.”
His brisk jog didn’t falter or slow as he spoke, neither did his controlled, steady breathing. Icy blue eyes remained focused ahead of him, catching glimpses of the svelte socialite beauty in his peripheral vision to his right side.
“Bet I sound like one of those bloated stock holders now, huh? Repeating bullet points that simply highlight your company’s accolades like some well-trained parrot.” Blue eyes now flashed over to give her the quickest of glimpses.
“So, let's skip the typical pleasantries of corporate bull shit. We're beyond that, right? Tell me what Black Cat Security can do for Wayne Enterprises. What can a business partnership with you do for me?”
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 4:41:41 GMT -5
It wasn't the most flattering, but it was better than wearing her skirt and heels 'running.' So after she'd slipped into one of his own tanktops; black thankfully as she'd have felt a bit more exposed than she'd have liked, and a pair of his shorts, and borrowed shoes, she was shocked, and not, for the fact he had a fully equipped-and then some gym beneath them. Very convenient. "You seem a bit shocked at that, but I'll take it as a compliment, Mr. Wayne," she demurred back to him as she returned a playful smile to him in the elevator. It was a nice touch how he worked that little bit into it. Now, hopefully he wouldn't make the same mistake as most did; be it night, or day, and continue with the feline puns.
"My work keeps me flexible, and quite adaptable. I just wish I would've known to pack ...a few other items." Smirking slightly, she begins to bounce a bit on her toes. She doesn't have long before they're in the gym, and he starts to stretch, which she engages in as well. "Well, I usually work out daily; in the morning, you know yoga, cardio, stretching, but I'm always game for a 'sweat sesh' as the kids are calling it, you know. Save I doubt most of them have their own...setup like this." With a bit of a wink, she waited for him to start, her own footfalls closing in on his. The fact it was all an act...didn't faze her much. She'd seen him smile a few times, and this wasn't even close to what she'd seen before. It had to be a year or two back when they had first started...really talking, one on one at those events, when she'd heard him laugh..and really smile, the eyes of his crinkling, and emotion flooding into them.
...but that was not now. They were acting, a game within a game, a mask upon a mask, trying to get legitimate business done, sealed, finished, set up, that was beyond her touting herself as a fantastic consultant that Wayne Enterprises needed. So when he started talking again, setting the scene, she nodded through their run, turning to her side as they jogged to avoid a pillar that was right in her path. This pushed her a bit closer to him than she'd have thought, moments of them in the dark flooding into her mind for a moment. "A good mutual friend. One that I don't always see eye-to-eye on, because of a few different views, but someone I'd trust their judgement on. And I'm shocked you know nothing!" She teased back in return. He'd captured the essence of her company, from how she built it ground up, with her own funds, to how she was reaching out to those in Gotham. But he knew, or didn't, how she had 'acquired' those start up funds. Maybe that was for another ...meeting.
"...yes, but that still doesn't explain what I do. You know how I built it, and that seems to be it." She laughed at his words, shaking her head at them. "They'd be focused on stocks, bonds, and dividends, so no. And I agree, we're much beyond that. So what I can do for you..." She paused, thoughts swirling through her mind. What couldn't she do for him in her position.
"...is more of an unfair question. It's more what can't BCS do for you, and for Wayne Enterprises. Currently I'm a small, female run Gotham based company. Born, and bred here. Everything but a few years abroad for college. I can lend you more credibility. I specialize in security; not only brick and mortar systems, personnel, but other errata such as theft prevention, walk-throughs to help those who want something customized for their homes, and I've consulted frequently with Gotham PD." She let that last bit sink in for a moment with him. "And Wayne Enterprises is severely lacking in that area. I'm not asking for much, just...give me an office, and I'll give you a head's up when I hear of anything that may affect business." The words were loaded. She would not only give him information on their day-to-day schematics, but those tidbits she came across at night. "Think of me as a reverse thief. I prevent things from getting lost, or stolen. Anything they can do, I can do better, and more secure."
Another faint laugh as they rounded the corner, their pace as solid as it had started. "I don't want a partnership, because I know my company is nothing like yours. It's smaller, more ...intimate. But I can give you a value able asset, one that no one on the market is able to present you with. And if you do move forward; I can give you business." Pausing slightly, her eyes flicked to either side of them before speaking once more. "I would have need of whatever resources you could give me...for a remodel. A friend across the bay has chosen me for a restoration that for some reason, you weren't chosen for. While I have the expertise, I don't have the equipment. So, our little 'partnership' could extend to this; you'd be my silent partner, once could say. And I need your mind behind some of the schematics and set-up." If only she could tell him more right now, but everything was a bit, well, too public, even in the gym. And as much as she hated it, she was curious how he explained the scars that were barely noticeable on his arms.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 7:30:47 GMT -5
“Sweat-sesh… That’s a new one. Looks like I’m turning to you as my go-to when it comes to keeping up with the kids and their crazy lingo these days. I just learned what twerking meant the other day! Imagine my surprise when I found out it didn’t mean to “text while working” like I initially thought.”
Another teasing smirk flashed as the two headed down the empty track. Bruce now kept his attention steeled onto Selina, letting his mind absorb her proposal while his body moved on auto-pilot and kept a slightly ever-increasing brisk pace. As she spoke, Bruce was unaware of the faintest slip of a smile starting to touch his lips and somehow managing to barely reach the light of his eyes. So plausible, so well-spoken, so prudent in her delivery of this business venture – such a stark contrast to the snarky wit and teasing innuendos she was notorious for making as her alter-ego. Sure, Bruce had seen Selina conduct professional business before at numerous events they both attended, had read about her conduct of commerce in a myriad of business magazines. So in all honesty, seeing her conduct the same impressive, professional manner as she did before him now was really nothing new… All the same, he was genuinely astounded.
He knew her as, “Selina-the-close-socialite-friend” (or, “closer-than-close-socialite-friend-with-benefits” as the tabloids liked to report time and time again). He also knew her as, “Catwoman-the-mesmerizing-thief-criminal” (who walked that grey line between the black side of being truly immoral and the white side of being inherently virtuous). And now? He was getting to know her as, “Selina Kyle-the-honorable-business-associate” (and thus far, she is good at what she does by effortlessly combining her two worlds together to exist in one).
“So, basically you’re proposing W.E. should fortify its theft prevention and risk assessment in overall company security, as well as venture into providing consumer security on a much more personal level?”
At that moment, he picked up the pace from brisk jog to a steady run – noticing her footfalls matching his own step by step.
“Seeing as how you are Gotham based and your publically known business credentials are rather impressive, I wouldn’t need much more in a background check regarding your credibility. Also, you mentioned that you have recently acquired a new venue across the bay for business – Perfect! That answered my next questions regarding how home based the reputation of BCS is, and if you have experience or are capable of working outside Gotham’s jurisdiction.
“Now, when you state your company is “female run” – do you mean exclusively as a company policy? Or, that you don’t wish to lose your main title as creator and owner of BCS? W.E. associates itself as an equal opportunity employer and if the right applicant, female or male, comes along to perhaps consult for BCS down the line, I don’t want to get some messy class action lawsuit on my hands.”
Again, the pace was upped to a fast run. Now he would began to feel his heart beat a bit faster, feel his breath become a touch more streamlined – but no sweat broken, yet.
“Now your idea of a silent partnership between BCS and W.E. is interesting… Even though it wouldn’t be public knowledge of our companies working together to strengthen each other’s assets, W.E. would still be held accountable for any transactions having or exceeding high end market value that BCS affiliates with. So I would have to step in and approve or deny any high valued conglomerate contracts proposed to BCS. But, as a silent partner – on a smaller scale, it would be expected for you to handle and judge best whom you work with and how.
“An office with capacity to support staff can easily be granted. A budget detailing resources can be created – on the condition that regular audits are conducted. Any resources or products funded or supplied by W.E. cannot go live until approved by me… However, if you fund or supply the product or resource yourself? Then, that’s where your trust as a silent partner would come in. Speaking of trust… How would BCS handle company theft or illegal use of security information? How connected are you with the GCPD?”
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2013 8:53:31 GMT -5
Selina snickered at his comment on lingo of the day. Cringing at his new-found understanding, she shook her head as she re-ran the videos she'd seen through her head. In the midst of their run, she was easily enough able to take her hair out of it's binder, re-gather it, and pull it back with ease. Not that she was off-kilter about coming unprepared to a ...running meeting, but still, she was quite unflappable in this. And him? Well, she'd never seen him this exposed; her durations with him were either fully cloaked in darkness and Kevlar, or fine suits he cared so little about. So to see him in a mere tanktop and shorts, and her...in his clothing as well was something else. But still, not enough to distract her from the multi-layered task at hand.
So when he started spewing verbiage at her, she turned to him, staring as if he was speaking French. Then again, she knew French, so maybe Mandarin; but she knew enough to get by in that, as well. Either way, he was speaking so peculiarly that she had to laugh out loud at him, shaking her head as they paced one another, foot-fall for foot-fall. This was not the man she quietly mocked the other benefit attendee's with. This was not the ominous cranky and humorless Bat, bent on JUSTICE and the LAW. This was the Bruce she had glimpsed moments of when it was just the two of them among a sea of socialites. For as much media and business coverage his company got, this was never put in his honor. It was always his 'antics' rather than his mindset that was written in the same journals her own name was cropping up in, more and more. So this consummate businessman was someone...she could yammer with, and explain her terms. Because clearly, he understood what she was proposing.
"No, that's not what I'm saying. I already do that, and I do it better than Wayne Enterprises does, at a better price. I already provide risk assessment, theft protection, over-all company security, and consumer blah blah on a very personal level, Bruce," she parroted back at him eloquently. "And if you're looking for a background check, I have one with me, already ran if you would like to peruse that. If not, I believe there is a company on the 18th floor of this tower than can do one, and I'd love to go down there with you to get it done and over with. But I can tell you, other than a rough few years as a teen, you can see I do nothing to impede the law." She was lying through her teeth, but her eyes shone brightly, a certain pride in how she could fire back at him just as intricately as he could, with clarifying force.
Nodding to his mention of her new acquisition, she made an additional addendum,"I've also done work abroad. That's initially where I started my business, but Gotham was calling me home...and considering the market, I've flourished in what I've been able to do here." And it was true, in a sad way. For as much as Batman and company, and Gordon and his officers were trying to keep crime off the streets, Gotham called to derelicts and crime like a moth to flame. And while she was helping it, she had also hurt it. But her company had done more good than bad, she always told herself. And as of late, her fingers had found less to pilfer that was enticing.
"The second, Mister Wayne. I am the CEO, creator, owner, you name it of BCS. I have female, and male employees that I trust implicitly. And if you wish to take on other consultants, I have no issue with that; there should be no reason any class action suit should cross your desk." She turned to him, a smile on her lips, her cheeks a rosy hue; but not from the run. This verbal sparring was just as enjoyed as their nightly encounters. And coupled with a run, it was a welcome challenge. "But I will admit, again, that you won't be able to find anyone better than myself. Especially since you have three cameras, the XLT9700, tweaked with WayneTech, watching us at the moment, not to say how many others you have that aren't specifically trained to watch facial features, that are on the running track." He was so pedantic, but she understood the concerns.
As he upped their pace, she smirked to herself as he rambled on, and she formulated just the right way to respond. A measured sigh escapes her lips as she can feel her muscles finally loosen up as she hits her stride; that sweet spot where her mind takes over, and she's able to fully think. As far as she is aware, Lex and LexCorp...didn't have her sign a contract. But Luthor does implicitly trust her (his first mistake, sadly) and his judgement is so overshadowed by sticking it to Bruce...that he can't see clearly. "But you could publicly say that you have taken me on as a consultant; it won't damage, nor benefit us, really, other than publicity, and what I can do for you. Rarely, save for in our friend across the bay, would I need anything -from- you. But in this case, for the Arkham and Blackgate overhauls, I will need the equipment to refit the place. Because, well, sadly I'm in the canvassing and fixing business, not the making of alarms and cameras corporation. And your product is the best out there." Well, with a few tweaks it would be. There were several machines overseas that she could talk him in to getting; if he really wanted control over Arkham as Batman. But that was a conversation for a totally different time.
"And I don't think you'd have to step in if it wasn't something that was connected directly to WE. If it was my own consumer, then you would be left out. But that depends on if we partnership; be it silent, or not. And then after that, are you ready to deal with the media backlash? They will link us in more ways than one, if you can get what I'm saying." Part of her wanted to stop right where they were, and tell him he was being insane. She understood he was being serious, but why could he never flourish like this in board-meetings? Yes, he was up most nights just like she was; but was tarnishing his image the best way to do it? And she really didn't want to argue the issue.
But if he was going to slap a leash on her and restrict who she could, and could not do business with, she'd leave right this minute, his image at the Gala be fucked. Even though business wise Lex had offered her tuna tartar and a shiny collar, Bruce had offered her a warm lap, time and time again. So, loyalties were loyalties, to a point. Coughing gently, she rolled her neck as she started to favor her prior-broken ankle. It wasn't that it hurt, it was just...untested. So gritting her teeth she worked through it; realizing the pain was more mental than in reality physical, a short silence between them as they now ran the track at a brisk pace. "Thank you for at least treating me like an adult in who I work with." She murmured quietly, before wrinkling her nose at his offer of 'support staff.' So much for getting ahead in a 'man's world.'
"I just want a small office, no support staff, just a phone, if possible. It'd probably use it for more inner-city meetings, and for rendezvousing with you when necessary..." But for more than that? The disgust on her face was tangible. "Go ahead with the audits. If I barely use it, everything will go by quicker, and ...are you daft?" Is he really asking such stupid questions at this point?
Stopping abruptly, her hands fall to her hips as she just stares at him queerly. "Who the fuck are you, and why are you asking me stupid questions?" She fires back at him. "I'm going to have you supply things for me, because that is what your company does. I just do the consulting, and tell people what the hell is wrong with their building, home, whatever. Company theft at my office doesn't occur, and the information is encrypted before it leaves the walls. Remember that thumb drive about Nina? The one you couldn't crack? That is how things run at BCS." Was she mad? Not really. She was more baffled at him asking such asinine things. Especially when she knew under the Wayne Guise, and beside the Batman voice, was Bruce. And while Bruce was covering his ass, for Wayne, clearly Batman was off doing something else. Napping, probably. Or brooding. But he certainly wasn't listening.
"Bruce, do you not get that I'm coming to you for ...two reasons, really? A-because I have intel that you can't get anywhere else and secondly, B I've been asked to revamp, redo, re-evaluate the security across the board for Blackgate, and Arkham Asylum, and I'm asking you to furnish the equipment with your company. In our city. Does that make sense?" She didn't want to treat him like he was a moron, but shit.
"I have been asked to come in on cases at least once, twice a month. There was a break-in at a quaint cafe that I pulled security footage to narrow down the shooter. And GCPD trusts me well enough to let me take on legal guardianship of a 16 year old with no questions asked. So, why again does GCPD matter?" She felt like this was some inner-circle comedy, and she wasn't quite in on the joke, not yet.
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Last Edit: Dec 10, 2013 2:12:22 GMT -5 by Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2013 2:09:24 GMT -5
In a very distinct way, Bruce knew his attitude towards Selina’s business proposal would not only catch her off guard to an extent, but he figured it would do well in rattling her. Of course the woman of hard earned socialite business and honorable professional respect had immediately earned his favor the very moment she had improvised to follow him on his whimsical little escapade of a meeting set up by going on this run.
Hell, the woman had managed to charm her way into Batman’s favored grace; it’d be damn near impossible for Selina Kyle to fail with Bruce Wayne. And as he predicted, he did indeed rattle the stable confidence in business that belonged to the nouveau riche who now ran in stride alongside him, matching step for step. Yet, catching Bruce Wayne off guard was the innate way Selina’s tone switched into thanking him on such a quiet and personal level… Thanking him not so much for the seriousness in which he was bestowing upon her business proposal, but more so thanking him for allowing her to see the true face that lived like a ghost behind the masks of Bruce Wayne and the Batman – the face of Bruce. Underneath it all.
And just like the sleek feline she was and held truest to, her claws came out – she froze in their gallant pace of running, forcing him to also come to an immediate stop. Her words hissing at him in shock, annoyance, and intensity – answering all of his “asinine questions” somewhat out of lip-service and somewhat out of angry retaliation. There was a lot to take in with her heated explanation – re-vamping so much of Gotham’s crime facilities and psychiatric treatment centers like Blackgate Prison and Arkham Asylum – all business tasks hired out to her from that “friend across the bay” no doubt. And then there was the matter of a sudden mention about her taking on legal guardianship of a 16 year old…?
When the hell did that happen?!
Icy blue eyes focused in their keenly intense way that only Batman himself was capable of doing, now truly gleaning over her every shapely, svelte curve and perfectly feminine outline. Green eyes sparkling back at him like luxurious emeralds glittering amidst a sea of porcelain flawless flash… Dark hair pulled back, save for a few sexy little strands that now slipped down beside her lovely cheekbones. Full, pert, velveteen lips curled in their slight smirk the way they always did whenever she was presented with a challenge. God, she was beautiful.
“Taking on Gotham’s criminal and psychiatric facilities to re-vamp as your current business list to-do as hired out by that “friend across the bay”, no doubt. It makes complete sense – you’re telling me these reasons really because of the fact that Gotham may not be in sole reliance upon W.E. anymore. Other companies with extravagant budgets are starting to move in given the recent set-backs W.E. has experienced in the matter of maintaining reliable security and stability.”
He then took a step closer, his heart beating faster within the confines of his taut, broad chest.
“And considering your question about why your relationship of trust with the GCPD would matter given your new addition to the Kyle family…?”
He suddenly grabbed her close, wrapping his muscular vise grip completely around her silken soft frame. He spun her within the blink of an eye, so that she was now pressed against the cool glass pane of the window wall overlooking all of downtown before them. Pinning her tight, feeling her heat burn against his own, taking in the delicious sweetness of her scent, Bruce held both her wrists in his firm, calloused grip.
“It matters because I’m the only one who has just the right size of handcuffs to bind you with.” He growled darkly against her ear, the faint scratch of his clean shaven jaw scraping alongside the delicate flesh of her cheek.
Heated breath caressed like flames upon the soft of her neck and a sudden, unexpected nip was given to the side of her jaw… Followed by a fierce, electrifying kiss now consuming the fullness of her lips. Bruce bit lightly into the kiss, parting her own plush tiers with his tongue to seek her own out to play. Heat intensified tenfold as he deepened the kiss he attacked her with, the sharpness of his jaw scraping along the silk of hers, while his chiseled form of steel ground wantonly against hers. The Prince of Gotham keeping Gotham’s Princess pinned to the coolness of that window glass, towering high above their sovereign kingdom so far down below.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2013 3:06:52 GMT -5
She'd probably spoken too much. While yes, they were more than aware of the other, she still wasn't sure there was trust there. Or anything. Other than the tangible tension in the air that filtered down like a soft rain whenever she spent more than fifteen, twenty minutes in his presence. And they must have been reaching that time limit, even if they were running a track. So when she stared back at him; so exposed, so bare as he clearly insulted her, she couldn't believe it. Yes, he was Batman. Gruff, single-minded, humorless. But that was borne of tragedy. And perhaps if he had taken a different route, she would have been different, as well. But as different as they were, there was something there, and as much as they could, and would argue who did what, wrong vs right, good vs evil, they'd continue to be drawn to oneanother like moth to flame.
She'd seen it happen, time and time again, no matter the distance, the days, the arguments. And that was before she knew the man behind the mask. Now, it made more sense, and made her head hurt beyond reason. Life was like that. One thing started to pan out, and you'd get a few curveballs. It was a good thing she had a keen eye and a talent for flexibility, otherwise she'd be in Arkham, and not on an outpatient basis.
So even when she had rolled her eyes that night that she had to approach 'Bruce Wayne,' she'd gone at it the best way she knew; being herself. Not that he'd see this aspect, this facet of her; but she as a damn good businesswomen, it was just tweaking her night routine, for her daily one, the target wasn't the same, but the basic elements were. There was a costume, there was the banter, the goal, and the seduction. There was always that, even if most people thought to sensationalize what the word meant. If you could make someone want something so badly, incite their passion...you were being seductive. And in her life? No thing was untouchable. So as she waited for him to say a word; anything, she puffed a breath of air to blow the wayward strands of hair off her forehead. Such an unfortunate running outfit, she had to admit, a casual glance to the window they were beside returning her eyes to him. How she wanted to run her bare fingers over his exposed arms to places where she knew he had been marked.
But no, he decided to talk at that point. He just...seemed to continue to not get it. Unless that was his ploy to get her impassioned, to catch her off guard; or at least to attempt it. "No. I'm telling you because I know who you are, we both know who hired me, and I respect your devotion to this city-" And as he closed the distance between them, her hand splayed on his chest, echoing a familiar gesture they both knew.
"And sadly, Mister Wayne, there are some areas that I can get into, that you're not allowed." She breathed, the words barely past her lips when she was in his arms. It was electric; the standard layers of leather, Kevlar, and who knows what stripped away to leave them touching; bare skin to bare skin, a treat they never had. It was an odd dichotomy; her heated flesh cool against the window, and afire where he was still restraining her. There was nothing more to it; he was restraining Catwoman, but peering at Selina. Her heart caught in her throat as he mentioned Charlotte; no, not by name, but the tone he used was disapproving.
"You have no right to say a damn word on that topic, Bruce. Need me to list why?" She whispered, her tone sickly sweet. There was no way this man was going to lecture her on taking in a child, when he'd done it, time and time again. At least Dick had turned out moderately fine, considering. But still, he had no right to lecture her.
Her eyes snapped wide as he..did he try to threaten her? Was he trying...something? Either way, a slow-burning smile crept to he lips as she felt his words wash over her; his unshaven face brushing roughly over her cheek. A laugh bubbled from her chest, as she leaned into him. "No one makes cuffs to hold me, Stud. And even you know that." She murmured into his ear, the slightest shift in his body giving her enough purchase to do so. But she wasn't allowed more words after that, her newly manicured nails biting into his bare, muscled bicep. For once, that may leave a mark, as she felt not only his lips, but his teeth on her skin.
It was something new, to be kissed like this. They'd played, chased, mimicked torture in the form of flirting to one another for years. So to have it culminate in an action like this, here, in a near-comical embrace, seen as others by standard 'Bruce Wayne behavior' her mind kept running miles upon miles an hour, in awe at how he'd planned it, even in the case they were interrupted for who knew what reason. Her fingertips ached to run through his hair, her wrists tugging at his highly personal restraint and getting no give. Damn. A deep breath did nothing to free her, either, but did she really have much to complain about? Instead she utilized the hold he had on her arms to leverage herself and pull her legs up in a smooth motion; even as she was pressed against him, pressed against the wall; and wrapped her thighs around his waist. If he wanted close contact, there really wasn't a more pure form they could achieve; skin to skin, muscle to muscle, mouth to mouth. It was only after she'd pressed into his mouth; her lips parting ever so slightly as she tasted a mix of sweet....and something familiar. ...was that rootbeer? She pondered somewhere in the back of her mind, did she finally disengage her lips from his enough to breath a question against his mouth. "I'm guessing this is a yes on my proposal," she teased him, green eyes meeting his tempered blues.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2013 4:28:45 GMT -5
Maddening the way she managed to wrap herself around him like a finely woven bit of silky twine. The pulsing heat of her lithe frame only served to fuel the molten inferno roaring up from within himself. And it was in her use of that very singular nickname she had claimed him with years ago that made the darkness within rise forth like the endless black of a starless night sky. The moment her tantalizing lips broke the seal his had created, he felt his body hitch in protest – stiffen in anguish and absolute need. Steely blue eyes narrowed into razor sharp thin slits as her breathy words caressed his senses.
“No need to guess, Selina. You of all people know I stand firm on each decision I make. Leave no chance for question. Details will be worked out later... Privately.”
He shoved her once more roughly against the flawlessly smooth, cold panel of multi-reinforced window glass – well aware of the blooming fog that crept across the shiny spans brought forth by their entwined heat. The way her leg wrapped about his sharply angled form made him grind further against her as if stroking her in such a way to bring forth a very much desired purr. Another searing kiss was delivered, this time to her supple throat, teeth faintly nicking her in a teasingly sharp way right where the beat of her pulse ticked. He tasted the sweetness of her skin, so clean and light – like the sweetest froth of cream and pulled away only to leave an angry red mark on her skin from where his lips had just been.
Her own personal claws had once again claimed their mark upon his muscular forearms, just as his own personal bite claimed mark upon her throat. Two predators finding harmony in other another’s mastered weapons of choice found between tooth and nail. He suddenly hiked her up completely, both hands now sliding down the curve of her waist to squeeze upon her hips and then wedge beneath her rear to arc her up, making it possible for both of her legs to wrap without hinder around his lower torso. Her back still pinned to the glass, her legs now made to bind about his waist, his hands moved back to each of her wrists to clamp fiercely back down around them once more.
His jawline again brushed along her own, allowing the heat of his husky gruff voice to smolder against her ear, “But this, Kitten, is HOW I stand so unquestionably firm with my decision over your proposal right now.” Another sharp and biting kiss crushed against her lips as one hand moved to now reach the hem of her borrowed athletic black gym shorts – hinting to take things so much further. No, not hinting. Intending. Wanting. Needing. Knowing.
“Yes. Don’t guess it. Know it.”…………………………….
[Fade to black…]
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