Daybreak Rendezvous [Selina]

[Deleted]

[Follow up to thread:  Underneath it All ]

All the Wayne Tower employees were well aware of and quite accustomed to being subjected to the scandalously sordid love life of their employer, Bruce Wayne. Hell, his countless steamy escapades with this hot actress of the week, or that sexy model of the moment, or (insert whatever beautiful woman title at the time here) were featured daily in the Gotham news media. Bruce Wayne, the Prince of Gotham, clearly was enjoying his high profile, fast and loose, playboy lifestyle – never committing to just any one woman. So when Gotham’s Prince was seen leaving his private corporate gym with the Princess of Gotham, both sharing the exact same scandalously disheveled, flustered state of “strenuous” activity, not a single employee batted an eye.


After all it was business as usual, meeting adjourned. Closing out a very lucrative business proposition on a clearly positive note – even going so far as to end their meeting by gifting a six pack of root beer to Selina, as a token of appreciation for a new-founded prosperous future partnership. Even though a six pack of root beer certainly made for an odd gift to give to a new business partner of Wayne Enterprises, his employees just chalked it up as yet another one of his eccentric antics. Only he and Selina truly knew the intent behind the glass bottles of soda… And only Selina was somehow capable of intrinsically knowing just how to temporarily lower his heavily guarded walls for one brief moment so she could steal a single glance of his heart, only to have those heavily guarded walls raise right back up once again.


The rare glimpse of his heart made fleetingly visible to her right after she had quietly asked him that single question of purity within the privacy of the heated moment they shared inside his corporate gym...  

“...You brew this yourself?”   

She had asked him after taking a sip from the chilled glass bottle of root beer he had brought for her to drink. Such a simple question asked in the most soulfully insightful way. She knew him so very well by knowing exactly what the answer already would be, long before he said it… Of course Bruce brewed and bottled his root beer, pouring energy, time, and skill into the mixture of spice and flavor. Adjusting the fizzy concoction as many times as it took in order to achieve perfection. It wasn’t just some pastime shallow hobby; it was a way for him to simply escape from the grim torment of his life. It was a therapeutic release made utterly sacred due to the fact he had learned how to brew root beer from his father so very long ago… Selina asked that question because she knew, somehow, on a deeper, unspoken level, how much the enjoyment of indulging in this homemade root beer truly meant to him.


And with that, she managed to catch a fleeting glance of his heart. They needed to talk. Seriously talk. When Selina Kyle departed Wayne Tower to continue on the rest of her day – she would be keen to notice a small, cleverly hidden folded note wedged between the root beer bottles.


The note read:
“In the past 5 years, I’ve never taken a single night off. Until now. Feel like spending an evening in with me? I’ll be home all night. You know where to find me. -B”


And true to his word, come the end of the day Bruce left his penthouse office perched high atop Wayne Tower and made his way back home… Fighting the urge to seclude himself to the confines of the Batcave, and instead cleaned himself up, trying to bide his time till Selina’s hopeful arrival...

[Deleted]

They parted on good terms. She had exceeded expectations, and even loftier goals. Thankful for the discreetness of his employees, Selina was able to change back into the remnants of her more 'professional' outfit, being able to artfully style her clearly tousled hair, and dab a bit of gloss to her lips, complimenting her already glowing complexion. It was with her things, and an additional gift she was sent on her way, shaking her head at the whole encounter. It was a business deal, done not so properly, but sealed with success. And as she headed back to the office, she made the decision to instead head home for a languid bath to mull things over.

They'd have to talk. And she had a few hours before Charlotte was due home from school. So as she crossed the threshold to her own personal haven, she set the six-pack of root-beer-cultivated by Bruce Wayne, himself, on the counter. Gently removing one of the bottles, she was amused to see the folded slip of paper fall from where it had been artfully wedged. Setting the remaining five bottles in the fridge, she brought the lone bottle, and the note into her own rooms, making sure her door was cracked (Jasper liked to come and go, always), as she went to start a bath, light a few candles, and pop the top on the exquisite beverage. Quirking a bit of a smile at the scrawled words, she had to admire the effort. It wouldn't be all flowers and chocolates with this man. But a night off for him; now that was something.

Wedging the note near her vanity mirror, Selina cracked open the amber bottle, tossing the opener back where she had found it. Because what woman doesn't have a bottle opener in her bathroom? Taking her time, she enjoyed a rather warm, fragrant bath as she enjoyed a bit of jazz, bubbles, and a one-of-a-kind beverage made by a rather unique man.

Several hours later...

She had agonized over many details. What time to get there, what to wear. What to pack, if anything. And the fact she wasn't going to be going out. Jeans, or a skirt? Casual, or something in between? After spending more than her standard amount of time in her closet, she settled finally on a deep plum wrap dress, and boots. Something that hinted at what they would usually be doing at the same time in the night, but with a different face.

Taking care in picking out a few nicer underthings as well, she pulled a warm hooded tunic and a pair of leather leggings and tossed them on her bead as well with a pair of heels; one could never be under-prepared. It was with a few other minor items packed into a small overnight satchel was she prepared in that case. It was a few minutes in front of her mirror while she added a bit of mascara, lip color, and eyeliner, and gently styled her hair. Another small bag was packed with toiletries and tucked into her satchel as well. Phone, tablet were brought, keys, and she was done.

Taking a deep breath, she slipped the note he had given her into a small notebook, making sure to pack that as well. A gentle hum ran along her spine, a tentative electricity that she hadn't felt since she was a teen. Part of her was nerves, part of her was at ease. It wasn't like she was going on a first date; she already knew the man, but on the other hand, she knew nothing of him. Why he did what he did. What for. When it started. Why it started. She had been able to piece together so much, but those pieces also left some gaping holes she just couldn't make sense of.

Leaving a note for Charlotte, she also left a string of numbers for the girl as well; her credit card number to order dinner if she wanted. Sending a quick text as well, she said that she'd be gone for the night, but if any need arose, to give her a call, or shoot her a text. One final hug to Jasper, and keys in hand, she left for the illustrious Wayne Manor. The night was balmy, her heart pounding louder than she thought as the route was quickly traversed, the miles between the city and Manor home closed by the speed of a luxury vehicle.


It was minutes later when she saw the faint glimmer of sensors that would signal her arrival to the man of the home; and she quietly parked her car, shouldered her bag, and made her way to the front door. The exquisite home caused old memories to surface; not bad ones, but bittersweet. She, too, once had a home similar to this. But now, it seemed, neither had families to fill such large mausoleums. Perhaps tonight would bring about different futures for the two of them. To say the least, there was no real turning back at this point; there was too much at stake. So with a bold hand, she knocked three times on the massive front doors, a quick prayer that someone would hear her.

[Deleted]

Greeting Selina Kyle upon opening the massive front doors of Wayne Manor was the familiar stapled sight of the Wayne Family’s long-time caretaker and butler, Alfred. A kindly grin radiated upon his wizened face, causing his dark brown eyes to twinkle in the evening light.


“Ah, good evening Miss Kyle! I trust your travel here went well. The woods around these parts can be a bit fickle to navigate through, once night has settled in. Then again, I suspect you could give Master Bruce a run for his money when it comes to nocturnal navigation.” A knowing wink was suddenly given, jovially accompanying his elderly, British accent.


“Do come inside! Master Bruce is expecting you.”


Alfred cordially showed Selina inside, taking her coat and any other items she wished to discard, now leading her down the marble tiled gaping maw of a grand hall. Lining the rum colored polished wooden walls hung enormous masterpiece paintings, intermittently depicting historical scenes of battle or ceremony. The sheer size of Wayne Manor was monumentally epic – it’d probably take an entire day from sun up to sun down just to take a tour visiting every single room within. Not counting all there was to see outside.

As Selina made her way past an endless display of luxurious gothic décor themed rooms and halls which Alfred kept immaculately clean, she’d perhaps start to notice the impersonal feeling and ambiance that the exquisite dark décor carried. No paintings or pictures of anyone from the Wayne Family, no personal affects or touches to show endearing memories or affection. In fact, the entire Wayne Manor felt as though it was more like a museum that housed really nice (and really expensive) things, rather than a home someone lived in – let alone spent their childhood in. Empty and cold.


Upon coming to a parlor, sectioned off from entryway due to a set of closed French doors, Alfred finally brought Selina to a stop. “Do forgive me for saying so, but, I have you to thank for somehow managing to successfully get Master Bruce to stay in for the night. Tonight will be the first night in years where instead of spending the night worrying over Master Bruce’s safety, I’ll get to spend the night getting a much needed good rest.”


Alfred smiled at Selina and then gently knocked upon the wooden French doors before opening. For as attentive as Alfred had been to Selina during their short trek through the Manor, the moment they reached Bruce at their destination he definitely became less of a presence while still remaining absolutely kind, polite, and hospitable – offering refreshments and announcing tonight’s dinner menu. And just like that? Alfred was gone, leaving Selina alone with Bruce in the extravagantly decorated parlor.

A roaring fireplace crackled brightly on the right side of the large room where a massive portrait hung directly above – a portrait of a very firm, serious, intense looking man: Dr. Thomas Wayne. A vast bay window with a view overlooking a garden patch, surrounded by books lining the wall from floor to ceiling on the left. Plush, dark furniture was eloquently placed around the room accompanied with a few small game tables for chess or cards. And in the very back of the room was a very unique looking wine cellar of sorts, fronted by a wet bar.


Bruce had been stiffly sitting in one of the plush chairs, reading through a copy of today’s edition of Gotham Gazette – crime section, of course. He was clothed in a preferred outfit of choice, a simple black form fitting shirt over a pair of black athletic kick boxing pants, a pair of sleek black workout shoes completing the sporty-casual look. He figured, if Selina ended up deciding not to come over tonight then he could lose himself in a heavy sparring session of martial arts, or something. But she came, she was here, and he much more preferred to lose himself in her rather than a sparring session any day of the week.


“Used to never come in this room,” He said quietly. “Only came in here when I was kid. As time moved on, I stopped coming to this room – didn’t step foot in here for years.” He stood up, setting the newspaper aside on the end table.


“I learned how to brew root beer from my father in this room. Then… A month ago, I suddenly got this urge to come back to this room and brew root beer once again.” It was a simply stated fact by a man who was anything but simple.

[Deleted]

Her eyes went wide when of all people, Alfred made a comment about her nightly activities. Did everyone know?

Stepping over the threshold to Wayne Manor was an experience. She handed over jacket, and her small overnight bag, thanking him as he lead her through the grand great hall, and down different corridors. It was eerily familiar. Her family hadn't had this much money, but they had something. But as she glanced along the walls, she noticed how bare they were. How devoid of personal touch. That was sad. Pursing her lips, she was navigating new waters. Very new. And it made her slightly uneasy.

It wasn't much further, before they stopped in front of a massive set of doors. She felt like she was getting a bit of a thank-you, from Alfred, a light smile playing on her lips as he spoke to her. Enveloping him in her arms, she pressed a kiss to his cheek. "It's been a long time coming, Alfred. I just hope...it works out. And I hope you enjoy your rest. Truly."

Biting her lower lip was her first thought in crossing into the study? Would she call it that? It was an expansive room, a looming portrait, enviable windows. A lovely, warm fire, and gorgeous leather chairs. A man's room, no question asked. But the man sitting within-she blinked, taken off guard by what he was wearing.

Perhaps that was because she was so used to seeing him in suits. Suits, and more suits. The sliver of flesh on his calves was shocking. Bare arms? Even more. It was a reversal of sorts she hadn't pictured. He looked so casual. So at home.

It baffled her. She was used to dark and his Batman suit. Or dark and ...a regular suit. Instead she got...dark and workout, man gear.

She felt overdressed. And awkward. And exposed. Brushing back her hair over her shoulder, she waited until he stood, and came to her. She noted the peculiar setup, which he then explained.

"Quite a fine hobby. And where do you usually occupy your time, if not this room?" The games, the windows. The fire. She could live in the warm, rich room if she only had a book and throw.

[Deleted]

Bruce smiled as he looked Selina up and down, admiring her plum wrap dress and then smiled as he gazed into her eyes.

"You look beautiful, Selina."

Turning to walk back to the bar and pick up two glasses, Bruce stopped for a moment to look up at the painting of his father. Thomas had been an amazing man, and maybe if he'd lived, Bruce often wondered what he would have done with his life. A Judge, probably. Sighing slightly he turned back and walked over to Selina, hearing her question as he handed her a glass of ginger beer.

"I've got a man cave I go and spend some hours in. Can't let you see it though. Secret Man's Business."

Bruce then smiled widely. It was rare for him to smile, but around Selina he found himself unable to help himself. She brought out the happy side of him, and he enjoyed being around her. Taking a sip from his glass, Bruce kept his eyes on Selina and looked at her for a few moments, enjoying her presence before he spoke up again.

"What about you, Miss Kyle. Where do you usually occupy your time?"

[Deleted]

Taking the glass with both hands she nodded, the faintest of pink tinging her cheeks. It was odd. No aggressiveness, no blatant flirting. If anything there was a timidness to the two of them. A normalcy that came across as peculiar. They had been stripped bare in this moment, in his home. No masks, no reason to hide. No face to put on for the press, or for those hidden eyes in the night. It was just Selina and Bruce, nothing more, nothing less.

As she sipped her drink as he moved and spoke, she watched him. She'd heard rumors of a Bat Cave, but who hadn't. Then again, she'd never had thought it so close to his own home. She had a few small nooks in her own loft, but very few were privy to them. Charlotte was aware of the one room, but not the second.

A smile crept on her lips as he mentioned his man cave. Of course. She walked over to one of the couches and slid her feet from her boots before she sat, legs drawn up beneath her skirt. Even at her core, there were still feline traits to her. There wouldn't be a Catwoman if there was not the feline woman at the thief's core.

As he fired the question back at her rather languidly, she had to smile. "Oh, you know. Working at the office, consulting with clients, helping the GCPD when need be. Philanthropic efforts, and more work." And it was true. Her business was getting a bit of a push due to Metropham's visibility, and her own works with her cat sanctuary had been going as they always had. She wasn't lying in the least. "And Charlotte, but you know how that goes, having a teen in the house." She was bringing the topic up lightly. He'd been through two boys of his own: Dick, and now Tim.

[Deleted]

Bruce smiled as he watched Selina sit up on the couch, folding her legs underneath her. It almost seemed every move she made was done with fluidity and grace. It was second nature to her, as if every move she made was to draw his eyes to her. Turning slightly to take his eyes off Selina, Bruce glanced out the window at the lights of Gotham. For the first night in years he was not out patrolling. Would tonight be the night Joker set off canisters of Joker Gas in the tonwn square? hat Two-Face rampaged through City Hall mowing down everyone he could see? That Riddle set off a bomb under Wayne Enterprises? He was not certain. Not one hundred percent certain. And that worried him. He should be out there, protecting his city, saving it from itself. He had to go.

Turning back to look at Selina, the words lost themselves on his lips. She was here. Selina was here with Bruce. No more Masks. No more games. Just someone he cared for deeply, that he had been through so much with. For one night, Gotham would have to wait. It was his night to look after Bruce Wayne. Steppping towards her, Bruce sat on the couch beside her, reaching a hand out to run softly across the skin of her shoulder as he smiled at her.

"I know the feeling. There are times when I question if I was right to offer my home to Tim and Dick. Did I take them away from a proper childhood? Did I remove them from a proper life? Dick's grown up to be such a great man, but...sometimes I wonder how his life might have gone without the responsibilites he holds. Time, on the other hand, found me. Traced me down. Stepped in to save me. He WANTED this life. Sometimes I think he's more crazy then The Joker."

Smirking Bruce took a sip of his ginger beer and then looked back up at Selina, smiling as he chuckled to himself.

"Is it almost sad, we're sitting here, promising each other a night off, and I manage to bring up work again. Feel free to stop me."

[Deleted]

Sad? Now that was something she had not thought the great Batman had been capable of: regret. So when he reached to touch her, she watched him with interest, careful to take in the whole of what lay before her.

To a degree, they were both out of their element. Stripped bare, no masks, no darkness, no barriers to hide behind. They were both human, but it was hard to fathom such an instance after years of flirting and ingrained behavior. "It is something for you to not be out at night. No patrols. Does it eat at you to trust others to defend the city against my counterparts? While you are indulging in a bit of peace and quiet?" She did not mean to say it roughly, as it was the truth.

It was hard for her to not be scaling rooftops either, meandering here and there, scoping out the nights. As it was, her own nocturnal escapades had shifted slightly, but she was still a prominent fixture in Gotham. Then again, even Edward had chastised her for losing her touch. Perhaps he had not been entirely cued in to what her plans had been. Not that he'd asked, either. His loss.

Part of her was mildly amused that he was not objecting more to her taking on a ward of her own. She had thought there would be more resistance, considering he had taken in boys on his own prior. Perhaps she had assumed incorrectly.

Sipping at her own drink she watched as he had eased beside her, almost tentatively. This was a man not used to the raw intimacy provided in one's home. On the other hand, she dealt with the newness as if she'd done it a million times before. Just because she was not clad in leather and claws did not diminish who she was. Catwoman was a mere magnification of the woman's feline grace and prowess.

"Now for me to ask, or even tell you to not speak of that would be unfair. Considering we met at 'work' you could say. How difficult is it for you to wrap your mind around the socialite being the thief?" She smiled at that, watching his expressions change, if any.

[Deleted]

Bruce found it too easy to slip into melancholy. Especially in this house. It held years of memory, pain, and loss within its walls. Still, when he had taken on his wards the house had changed slightly, never to return to its original state. Their rooms were still brighter than the rest, and the house had the scent of life lingering in the formerly stale air. Though she didn't live in a living-mausoleum he suspected that she found a similar change was wrought in her home. It was hard to scold her for wanting such a thing, even if it was putting a youth at risk. In Bruce's experience these kinds of kids sought out their thrills wherever they could. At least with Selina she was somewhat safe and capable of being taught how to be an upstanding citizen.

"I trust Jim," he said. "When I was in the east I met a man named Congshen who told me he could see every burden I carried, weighing me down and keeping me from achieving anything. He said I should stop carrying thoughts, emotions, and pain from years ago. Leave it in the past and always reside in the present free and content. I never was good at heeding his advice, but tonight I think I can. Besides, I think Alfred would have sedated me if I hadn't already made plans for tonight. Anything to get me to rest. I much prefer this option."

Bruce smiled as they enjoyed their drinks. He had no idea how she could be so open, and yet so calm and collected. As though this were just another part of the routine that was her life. He suspected she would have gotten along well with Congshen. They both had an aura of preparedness that Bruce almost never saw, as though every movement were rehearsed and well-planned. The aura that only came through for him when he donned the cowl.

Bruce looked down into his drink, his smile fading slightly and his eyebrows crooking into a look that was almost angry, but seemed mostly neutral. Then his face softened, "I was surprised," he surrendered. "It makes sense. You've always been different from other women, and from other criminals. I can't believe I never knew. Were you ever planning on telling me if it hadn't come out?"

[Deleted]

Her brow furrowed lightly. He had poised a peculiar question to her. "Come out?" She queried quietly, not quite gathering what he was asking. "That is the point of the whole thing, Bruce. To make it that no one will guess who you are. My own lives are not so different, at night, as in the day, but those with the right mindset are able to put it together. There are some themes in my life that just hold true no matter what I do." And that was true. Felines were in her life. And her work. And in her blood, if she were really being honest.

But as he brought up Gordon, she had to nod. She worked near daily enough with the man to know there was more than met the eye. He hadn't made Commissioner on ass-kissing. It had never been brought up, but she was pretty convinced he was quite aware of who she was. After-all, they had history, from her being a petty thief as a teen, to now. And just like a beloved stray, she's befriend the first one to show her a kindness. And so she'd stuck around.

As he relayed a bit of insight into his own younger years, her mind wandered to a fond "Uncle" of her's. He'd not been a true blood-relative, but a man who'd come upon her one day when she'd had it rough, and offered her hospitality. And so much more. Sipping her own drink before turning to him, she gently reached out to touch his jaw, fingers barely caressing him. It wasn't that she was unsure of if touching him was fine. After all, they had been quite close at his office quite prior. It was just she didn't know how much would be too much. And she knew quite well how too much could be the killing blow.

"Alfred, and your friend Congshen are both wise men. But I disagree with both on a few minor details. Congshen, while wise, also needs to realize that our past is what makes our future. But only to an extent. We're both orphans of chance. We both dealt with our pains in drastically different ways. We can never forget the how. But we can't continue to cling to it as an excuse. If we do that, we'll never move forward from those childhood patterns, thoughts, and ideals." Her fingers withdrew from his face slowly.

"As for Alfred, he loves you, Bruce. As much as he can for a son not of his own loins. And I'm quite aware of your non-sleeping. I've seen it on the rooftops, when you miss a blow, or I'm able to escape a hold of your's. It's barely perceptible, but between board meetings and errata at Wayne Enterprises, and then putting your all into the night, and keeping your body sharp, your mind sharp...you need the rest. Be it of mind, or body, or whatever, you can't keep running yourself ragged. Learn to accept Alfred's care and concern as love, and not duty."

Pulling in a deep breath, she thought of Dick visiting her at the office. "You know Dick questions this. He stopped by with a few concerns. Said that it took a lot to get you to take a night off. That you'd never done it prior. He's a good kid, despite being grown. I actually knew who he was, before you knew who I was. That's a bit of a story, perhaps for another time." She waved her hand in the air, dismissing the tale for another time. While it was comical in it's own right, it wasn't for this meeting.

"But yes, I've always been different, Bruce. I've had to be. It's tiring balancing the facades. It's honestly rare to be able to discuss it. Cat, Bat. Our more philanthropic, public faces. And beyond that, Bruce and Selina. The two broken children that chose different paths due to different options. I had to fight my way back to luxury, honing my skills while I graduated University. You had the money from the beginning to do this." She motioned again to their surroundings.

"But still, here we are. Fighting day and night, invisibly to reclaim all we lost. No one understands the battles, because they can't see them. And we can't share them. Because our coping methods, aren't exactly 'kosher.'" Breaking into a demure smile she raises her glass to his, a light clinking sound made.

"But to honestly answer your question, I think that in time, it would be known. Either public to private leaking, night to day, something. I caught you in the alley. I just can't wrap my mind around how you figured it out it was me. Not that it matters, but as the saying goes, 'Curiosity, cats,' and so forth." Her hand reached out one more to draw him closer, if he'd allow it, for a kiss. There were some times when actions spoke much louder than words.

[Deleted]

Bruce listened carefully as she spoke to him, her fingers leaving tingling trails across his face as she tried, as so many did, to explain their concern for him. He didn't expect them to understand why he was the way he was. The knowledge that a mistake in a single night could make all the difference. Still, tonight he was taking their advice, though it had initially pained him.

Now, he felt better. "Alfred is a great man. Maybe the best I've ever known. He raised me to be a man that I think my parents could have been proud of, even if they would want me to take more time for myself, and perhaps for a family.

"Dick is growing into a good man," he continued softly after she spoke. "Don't take his worries the wrong way. He just watches over me." It wasn't like Bruce to be fatherly, but maybe thinking of his own parents had brought it out of him for a moment. 

Bruce listened to Selina intently before toasting their glasses. She was a wise woman, in her own right, and it was a true pleasure to have someone talk to him about his secret with understanding, instead of the usual lectures he got from Clark and Dick, or the childlike admiration that Tim occasionally displayed. Instead he had someone who could understand the idea of wearing so many masks. Bruce had let Tim create him an account on that detestable Twitter, because it was necessary for the facade.

It was the same attitude that had led to Lucius Fox getting carte blanche on his research tracks. Fox had ballooned the Wayne Corp's R&D budget, but to create the impenetrable facade of the Batman he had little choice. Selina seemed to understand that, with her own company and, of course, Catwoman. 

"Yes," he finally agreed, "Rarely do I get to talk about it with someone who isn't about to give me a lecture on how I conduct myself. I said Dick is going to be a good man, but that doesn't stop him from telling me exactly what he thinks of my lifestyle."

He felt her reaching out to him then, their moment of shared understanding and experiences drawing him towards her until they were kissing, his hand cupping her cheek. For the first time in a long time Bruce felt his worries drift away. He was no longer aware of the endless passing of each second spent off duty, or of the possibility of danger lurking around every alley and street of Gotham City.

He pulled back and looked into her green eyes for a long moment while his finger traced the line of her cheek. For the first time in as long as he could remember Bruce was unhurried. There was no rushing from one priority to the next, no need to be ahead of the game. He could just...linger. He cupped the back of her head as he leaned in for another long kiss.

[Deleted]

His words stung as much as she wished they didn't. If only she'd had someone like Alfred. In a way she had, in the guise of someone else's mother, but she, too, had been taken too soon before her time. So instead she nodded barely, understanding the worth that Mr. Pennyworth had to the once orphaned man sitting beside her.

"Family is peculiar to me, Bruce. While you have cobbled together one about you, I have always been a loner, taking refuge here and there, with those that will have me. But when it comes down to it, I'm still a loner. Don't take for granted those that express concern." She wasn't fully truthful, considering she had few close friends she did consider family, but it was not the same as the 'Bat-family.' And it never would be. Even the animal he had claimed as his namesake kept family about. A cat did what it pleased, when it pleased. And it chose it's own family, for whatever time it needed.

So as she clinked her glass to his and sipped, she had to think on how similar, and vastly different they both were. And her mind meandered as she wound the path to how she had come to sitting on a couch with Bruce Wayne, heir of Gotham by day, and feared Vigilante by night.

"...but isn't that hypocritical, considering he still wear's Nightwing's mantle? Unless the fact he is a police officer by day is giving him some form of inflated self-delusion, I don't get where he has any right to lecture you." Her lips pursed tightly at the thought of that. She'd been under Dick's keen scrutiny, and she understood where such devotion stemmed from, but really? To criticize? Her head shook slightly as she let out a held breath at the thought.

"Then again, not everyone can date a princess who flies." She laughed, her glass set aside as he reacted like she'd hoped. They'd finally connected; or reconnected that day at his office, in the gym of all places. And now they were able to bond over their shared, yet differing experiences. "And I'm the least informed person to sit and lecture. My own life is fractured into masks and lies. I understand, but I don't lecture."

As they effortlessly twined to one another, Selina sighed lightly. It was a continuation of each flirtation they'd initiated on the rooftops. There was no dire need to flee while trading barbs and insults. Instead she could fully focus on their individual brokenness, and now on how they could mend such a thing, and possibly, perhaps, move forward.

But this time, she wasn't going to be the first to pull away, or to end this tender moment as she met him once again. If he wanted less, he could move first.

[Deleted]

Bruce tried to scrutinize Selina as they sat together. For some reason he had trouble reading her, and he couldn't always know what her reactions meant. This had distressed him for a long time. Bruce had learned how to read faces from the best of them, but when it came to this crucial moment he had nothing to draw upon.

Bruce shrugged, "Selina, I made so many mistakes when I was young." He displayed the palm of his hand, on which a faint pink scar still showed, "I thought that if I could stand the physical pain of a flame, I could learn to handle the pain I felt inside..." He closed his hand into a fist, "Dick is young, like we were. We can't deny him the quick judgement that comes with that. He'll be better than I ever could be when he's my age."

His reverie was snapped when Selina reminded him of Diana. They both shared a laugh, "Diana is a strong woman. I won't deny that there's always a little thrill of adrenaline when I see her. It's the same with Superman. You can see why they work so well together. They have that inhuman strength that just makes you hope they don't take offense to you."

He considered for a minute.

Selina reminded him of many of the people he had met in his life. She was beautiful, well off, educated, and witty. On the other hand he felt a connection with her that he didn't feel with most people. Besides their common bond of loss, there was the understanding around their shared secrets. Bruce found he couldn't stop, he couldn't even move.

[Deleted]

His show of scar was something. She had made note of it before, but had never pressed him for answers. It would have been in bad form to press in such a public place on where he had won the pink scar puckered along his palm. If she were more superstitious she would have glanced longer to see what lines in his palm were obscured now.

Perhaps late she would, and could explore that. Nodding quietly to his observations she sipped again at her wine. As she shifted on the couch, glass set down once more she moved to run her fingers through his dark hair. It was a rare treat for her, considering his cowl was usually there. Instead of hard ...whatever he utilized for the material, it was a yielding, soft thing. Sighing lightly she froze for a moment, the realization of just what was occurring giving her pause. This was Bruce Wayne. Scion of Gotham, of Wayne Enterprises. Playboy Billionaire, paparazzi prince. And still he was just as broken as the scared little boy in an alley years ago. The man borne of pain and loss.

The Batman. How was she to reconcile the fact of those two drastic components into one neat little life? How was she to fit her own discord to that? As the questions ran through her mind, her body tensed, her fingers gripping his hair, and then releasing. Maybe she couldn't do this. Perhaps she should leave. It could only end in nothing less than heartbreak, no? She had lost before, perhaps this would just be better to cut and run. But she found herself rooted to his touch, unable to tear herself from his side.


Why?