'Family' Matters [Selina]

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

This was awkward. Really awkward. But it needed to be done. Not just for him, but to know what was going on with the 'family'. Yes, family. This was all that was coming to mind.

Bruce may not be his father, but it was the closest thing he was ever going to come to it. He had taken him in and mentored him. Giving him a home when he had nowhere else to go. The thoughts of being moved from family to family would have been a nightmare at the time compared to living with some strange man that ignored him most of the time until he discovered his secrets.

And now it was hard to say whether he was living the life of a dream or a nightmare. Some of the things he got into almost seemed to be a nightmare. The people he put in danger. The lives that were lost because of their activities. But it all seemed to weight out with the people he was surrounded by and and life he now lived.

He never regretted the choice, no matter the situation. It was the choice he made and now it was his life.

And now he found himself in the lobby of Selina Kyle's security company. The main office where all the business took place. And the office of Miss Kyle's resided at that time of day.

This was not something Dick did on a regular bases. Hell, this was the first time he had ever ventured into the doors of her company to talk to the woman. Usually their meeting consisted of masks and secrets.

And now here he was, Dick Grayson. Or better known to Gotham, the ward of billionaire Bruce Wayne. He had wanted to avoid anything to do with the two. Bruce's image with Selina was well known to the public by now. Talk and gossip was everywhere. And Dick could help but to want to avoid that trap of webs the best he could.

That why he stayed to his own city as much as possible. He didn't want to get involve. Plain and simple. But he always found himself involved. And for this he knew more of the reasoning. And it was becoming a growing problem.

Selina knew who he was. And Bruce knew who Selina was and knew that Bruce had known of his secrecy. This was becoming a growing problem.

First it was them and Alfred. Then Barbara, then Jason, Tim, a very some amount of others. And now Selina, and Kory was being dragged into this family matter because of him.

The net seemed to be cast and it was pulling in more and more as the years passed. Maybe not as fast, but if was growing. And Bruce had outed himself to Selina. Dick had kept the charades up against Selina, never telling her who Bruce was. And it had worked. And now, everything was coming down between them all.

But what Dick feared most from the start was her ties to the underworld. He had taken the risk, having to trust her because of the accident. But he always made sure to play it out that Bruce knew nothing of his night life.

And now this was becoming a threat. Especially with their last encounter with the Scarecrow....aka Dr. Johnathan Crane. And Dick was piecing the puzzle together quickly.

And with trying to find Edward Nigma...aka, the Riddler. Dick had growing concerns over her interactions. He trusted her, but he only put himself in danger and hid the rest from her line of view until now.

She knew from Bruce, and she could piece it together. And he knew that. But what was she after? Was she even after anything? Or was this all because of feeling Bruce and Selina shared for each other?

Since when did Bruce get any feelings beside anger? Ok, maybe he was being a little to harsh on him as well. But that's what happens when someone was so serious his whole life and then turned, going about showing these feelings.

Well not completely showing feelings. That was something Bruce always seemed to lack. He cared, but had an odd way of showing it.

All this time while this was running through his mind, Dick found himself being told that he was allowed to enter into the office of Selina Kyle. After he had gotten into the building, stating who he was. And it seemed the office was willing to let him in. They knew his ties.

Though it seemed some of the staff was curious as to why Richard Grayson was in the office.

He had ignored all glances, any comments that were made. His mind clouded by his own thoughts as he managed to talk his way through to get to the main office.

It was then that he found himself opening the office door to Selina's office now. He didn't need to wait like some client might have.

"Sorry to bother you, Selina," Dick said as he entered her office with the littlest of a knock on the door. "We need to talk."

And with that he closed the door behind him as he came forward into the room.

[Deleted]

It wasn't that she hadn't wanted the others, it was she needed someone...along Tim's age. Dick was...and would always be Robin to her, and Jason, well, he was Jason. She needed a teen.

If anything, people were only now putting two and two together. The secrecy, the non-committal answers to the press. Yes, Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne were an item. Yes, they were seeing each other, but, oh, was there a rumor that Bruce Wayne was attending the Metropham Gala with someone other than her? Perhaps they were being coy. Or careful. Perhaps there was another way Gotham's golden child was going to proclaim his love to Ms. Kyle.

She didn't care. There were several proposals she had to go through before 3pm, and she was one third of the way done. It was irritating, and she had a dinner meeting. Sitting there poised in her chair, heels slid off, feet tucked under her, she could hear the soft chiming in her earpiece that notified one of her tagged familiars had crossed into the building. Licking her lips, she tapped her touchscreen to see who it was, and raised a brow. Richard Grayson. Dick. Robin, now Nightwing. Curious.

Letting her secretary know she was free, she said to let him in as soon as he got there, to hold all calls for the time being. If Bruce Wayne got a free pass, no doubt his adopted son would, too. Curiosity would ripple through her small office, but they knew the power of discretion.

As the door clicked open and he waltzed through, she gently set aside her papers, closing the file and setting her pen atop it. "No, there is always time for a chat." Without standing, she waved her hand to the chairs before her desk, or the seating area. "Sit. What can I do for you? It has been a while." There was a multitude of reasons for why he could be coming directly to her. Batman, was a first thought. Her and Batman, second. Bruce, and her, a third. Metropham, the little incident with Crane, fourth and fifth. To be honest, he could be coming just for advice on something, considering the myriad of areas her persona fit into.

"Are you ok?" She started, eyes narrowing slightly as he came toward her. Perhaps she didn't possess Bruce's level of paranoia, but he could be dosed with something. Better to be careful, than goofy on Joker gas, or fear toxin.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick walked over toward Selina's desk. The chairs near by in his range of view. He was quiet much like usual. Though the calm air around him was lacking. Yet he still remained composed.

He by passed the first question as he continued on and took a seat off to his left. There was some distance remaining between him and where Selina sat.

Exactly how it should be at that moment. He turned her. And he had been keeping her in arms reach. But recent events had caused him to question just how much he could trust her.

It was obvious how much Bruce seemed to trust her now. She knew he was Batman. She knew of the Cave and the secrets of the Manor. And now there was a kid being pulled into all this again.

A kid that knew nothing of their lives. Though if she knew of Catwoman's was still in the dark to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Dick replied as he took a seat. He sat back into the seat at first.

Then to become quiet again. He was putting things together in his mind. It was then that he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. There was a slight sign of urgency to his manner. His blue eyes coming to rest on Selina now as his demeanor seemed to change from. This wasn't the Dick Grayson that seemed to walk around Gotham or Nightwing. Though there was a fine line at times between him and his secrets. A gap that was miles away from Bruce's fronts.

Dick always seemed so put together when it came to knowing who he was. This side was another side Selina had not seen.

"There have been some recent events that have caused me to have more questions. And to be honest, it's about my trust in you," Dick started.

He knew this was not going to be an easy road to navigate. He knew in ways how Selina trusted him. Though he was sure she kept him at arms length as well.

"This doesn't just concern me. There's more involved now. More risk to all that is going on. And one of my concerns is Bruce," Dick finally let it out.

This was the side not many got to see. The side that showed interested in Bruce's well being. The 'son' of Bruce Wayne.

Feelings were not something that were greatly expressed between them all. At least as far as Bruce and Dick's concerns. Though, Selina in the mix was adding into the grounds of new territory. Dick couldn't recall a single woman being outside of the justice league net that might know of Bruce's night life. Then again, Dick made it a point to never get this involved. But Selina was a friend in ways to him. And he valued her view in ways.

Though there was the cold hard facts of her past and the still looming evidence of the underworld.

Dick looked to her. He wasn't staring her down. He in no way wanted to pose a threat to her. This was just his way of being honest to someone. Maybe even how he would talk to a teammate back in the days with the Titans. For the best interest of others and not of his own.

He knew she could take this either way. And he was prepared for either. He'd either leave her angry with him or hurt in his concerns toward his family.

[Deleted]

He wasn't fine. When this sort of thing happened, when Dick, whom she never really associated with, other than nocturnally, came to her place of work, things were not 'Fine.'

So as she put away what she was working on, closing a file and setting her pen atop it, she watched him. Keenly. He wavered on where to sit, finally stopping and sitting. And then leaning forward. She sat, finally as well, when he started talking. Ahh. He must have been talking to Bruce, as well. At least Batman had met Charlotte. Did she need to set up a night-time balcony meeting with Nightwing, now, too?

But the fact he was questioning her trust, now that was ouch. But if anything, Richard Grayson was his father's son. When it came down to it. The same edge, the same no-nonsense approach when coming down to the facts.

"I'm guessing you've talked to Bruce. He's came to see me, and her, as well." She started, rifling through a few things on her desk. Once she found what she was looking for, she tossed it to land on his side of the desk.

"That is her file. 16 year old juvenile delinquent. It was random chance that the officer who was supposed to take her case was out that day. I went and talked to her. I'm now her legal guardian. And no, as of now, she's not aware of any of us. But, I'm guessing she will need to be introduced to you all. And enlightened." Her own tone was rather serious. Dick, and Bruce knew better than to sit and lecture her on this.

Look at what Bruce had done. "Are you really that worse off, considering Bruce took you in, Dick? I have the means. I have the money. If I can help one girl stop stealing so she can survive, and get her into something productive, like gymnastics, and possibly, just possibly help her gain a bit of self-esteem, is it really that villanous?" The last word was said quietly. He knew, and she knew, that her position as Catwoman had never hurt people. She didn't kill. She just stole. Took. And for once, she was trying to make it up.

"So whatever Bruce told you is bullshit. Not that he is aware of much, other than seeing her. She's jaded, angry, and scared. Her parents are junkies, her brother is doing fine in a foster-home, but she chose the damn streets." Sitting back, she crossed her arms over her chest. "I've been on those streets. And let me tell you, they're not nice. Especially to girls."

So if he wanted to think that Selina was truly jeopardizing his 'family,' he could think again.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick was a bit caught off guard at the returned remark. He sat up straighter. Selina had his undivided attention now.

And he thought about it for a moment. What he had just said could have been taken two ways, and Selina had taken it as an attack and criticizing of her taking in the girl.

Not exactly what he had in mind....

He let her go on with her defense. Sure Bruce may have expressed some concerns over the matter. Though Dick wrote them off as the usual worries over safety.

He of all people knew the effects of bringing children into this dark life style. A decision that changed someone's life. Nightwing was proof of that in many ways. The consequences only proven over time the dangers of the job. Jason being one of those sad results.

Dick for one, was not about to lecture her on this subject.

Unfortunately his trust wavered at times in people. Given the evidence of current times and past history. It was possible. Could she be playing them?

Going off the love interest with Bruce, to infiltrate his mission and work. Was it all just an illusion to bring down the Bat?

He hated that his thoughts had comes to this. But recent events had led him to question his trust. And to see Bruce trust Selina as much as he did, it seemed no one else was going to question it.

"That's not why I am here. And trust me, I can't say I fully trust it, knowing the risks that one faces getting into these shadows. And you know I wouldn't go back to a point. It's who I am and what I live for now," Dick replied.

He took a moment. Pausing to let it sink in that he was not attacking her.

"My concerns are regarding what has been going on with you between the underworld works and this family. I can't help but question that there might be something else behind all this. With what has happened with the Riddler and Scarecrow. It's hard not to question those 'friends' around you," he calmly said.

Looking directly at her, Dick spoke his words. His true thoughts that had accumulated over time. Maybe it was one of those like father like son moments. Not being able to trust others when there seemed to be facts pointing elsewhere.

"If I am over stepping the boundaries in any way, say so and I will leave. I can't help to wonder over these matters. I know how much you mean to Bruce," Dick would respect her decision if she became infuriated by his questioning her loyalty and stance.

He knew he was rolling the dice on a touch subject. Though being who he was, it was his place to question motives. Hadn't he always been taught to always keep an open mind and know that something are too good to be true? Or in other words, always watch your back.

[Deleted]

Maybe she had fired off a bit too quickly at him. Her eyes had narrowed quickly as he spoke, and she couldn't quite get a feel on what he was going to say. Who was going to be next on lecturing her? Gordon? Bullock? Edward? She shook off everything with a slight shake of her head.

"I apologize, then. I've been coming under a lot of heat for bringing her into my home. Unnecessary heat. So it's a bit of a sensitive subject. But please go on, since I so rudely reacted." Leaning back slightly in her chair she watched him with a keen eye. For once when the so-called 'bad' guy does something good, she gets the attention. What bullshit.

"I knew the risks. I weighed them. I've seen what can happen; things could go either way. But if it came down to it, it would be dealt with before jeopardizing any of you. Trust me on that fact." How closely she guarded her own identity could be called into question, but that of others? She would guard that with her own life, considering some of the secrets she knew. There were some that just could not be revealed.

And then he turned on a dime and brought that up. Who she knew in the underworld. Who her so-called 'friends' were. Her jaw went tight at the accusations. He had been there when Crane had flipped out.

"Eddie is one thing. I've known him as long as I've worn my cowl. He's a true friend. Jon? Crane? That was bullshit, through and through. And I still can't wrap my mind around it. Elevators still affect me. I can't thank you enough for being there. But I went to see Eddie. He disappeared, I went to his home, and get Crane instead. And let me tell you, that man barely makes my acquaintance list." She spat, a shudder tracing along her spine.

"The underworld is what I do. I steal. I am a thief. But just because everyone assumes all I take is things, please rethink that. If anything, I've been sending more information along to Bruce than I've been out taking things." Part of which hurt more than injuring herself, but there had been a subtle shift in her goals ever since her and Bruce had their heart to heart.

"You're not overstepping your boundaries. If anything, you're one of the few to notice the shift. Being close with Bruce, takes compromise. But also, with who I know, and who knows who I know, and who doesn't, I still have some appearances to keep up. Question my motives all you want, but I don't betray things that aren't mine to begin with, Dick."  This was certainly better than Bruce hauling in and yelling, but in another way, it was just as painful. Did anyone trust her?

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"I'm sure you can understand my concern in ways. There have been many that have tried to pull the wool over my eyes," Dick replied.

There really have been things in the past he wish he could just forget. Though given the situations, it was something he had to just move on with. And learn from.

"Ok, I can see where you are going with this. But I have my opinions on Nigma as well. And not exactly in a good light," he responded.

Dick sat back a bit more. Letting his tense body slack a bit in the seat a bit now. Letting everything sink in as he heard her out. He could hear by the tone of her voice that there was truth in what she was saying. She had been nothing but truthful with him since whatever she had been up to with Bruce. He didn't want to think about it.

Those two could have there space. He was just watching out for his family.

"It's hard not to have concerns. There are a number of ways if some of your associates know anything, they might try to use it against us...maybe even against you with intentions of more than just harming you. Being apart of the family comes with risks, something all of us have come to know. And you're putting yourself more so in the line of fire with your 'friends' knowing you," Dick explained at first.

Glancing around at the office and out the window for a moment, he just needed a moment to think. Just slow his mind down and try and accept what was going on. He could on levels. But there were so many mental levels when it came to being a bat-member.

"I have a lot of respect for you. Though my interest lay with the family. I'm sure you can respect that as well," Dick said as his eyes returned back to Selina.

He didn't want her to take that the wrong way. But withholding his feelings was something he was good at doing. And he wasn't about to get all mushy when it comes to how he views his family. Though he would do what he had to to protect them.

[Deleted]

Selina nodded to Dick, more than well aware of people who'd tried to fuck him over in the past. He was just using gentler terms for him. And she was quite sure he was trying to steer her closer to the topic of 'bat-family' and security. Biting her inner lip, she watched him as he watched her.

But she could respect what he was doing. "Hey, he's my friend, Dick, and half of what he does, more than half, isn't right, nor do I back up in any way. He's nuts. But he's still a friend of mine that is nuts. Things get complicated, and you would be one to understand that. Especially in all the years we've known one another."

Which had been many years. She could still remember him in Robin's costume, quivering when she'd first snapped her whip at him. He'd grown into his own under Bruce's close guidance, and had made himself a new name. They weren't without their issues, but she was proud to see where he had gone, and what he'd become.

"Trust me, Bruce and I have wrestled with this. And I, myself as well. Why do you think it too this long for Bruce and I to even...do anything? I get enough hell for being seen with Bruce out in public. He's created such a persona, that even Edward thinks it's insulting to Batman that I concern myself with 'that fop Wayne' . And I know it could be used against me. It hasn't, and I know that is a 'yet.' But so far, it hasn't been used against myself, or any of you." Pursing her lips, she steepled her fingers as she continued.

"I lost my family. Most of us have. So we've been with, survived without, and most of us have cobbled together a new 'family unit.' And while it may not have the best choices, we understand the complications. I'm done denying myself a happiness I could've had years ago. I'm understanding, and have understood those complications, and risks. I've weighed them against numerous other 'what-if's,' and finally came to a conclusion. Bruce and I have discussed guidelines, he has protocols in place. And as odd as it is, you have to trust the two of us in the steps, and subsequent path we're taking." She licked her lips, and sat back once more.

"I entirely respect your interest in this. And what it means for the family. But I doubt there has ever been a matriarch for your glum, gloomy, and overly brooding patriarch. And you're soon to have one, if you haven't noticed her presence has been there, unofficially for quite a while. But I do appreciate you voicing your opinions with me, and your quite thickly veiled threat. I'd rather cut off my own arm than betray any of you. Believe that."

And she wasn't lying. She'd tripped into their life by accident, perhaps, and somehow regained a second family. One that had taken time to learn, and accept her. But she while she didn't fully agree with what they did, or what Bruce did, there was levels of compromise she'd had to accept.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

All the time while she spoke, Dick listened. His shoulders no longer tense as he listened. His mind being put at ease over her confronting his some what attack to her.

Her answers were logical and tactical with how to handle the situation. There was no doubt Bruce had spoke with her.

Dick could tell the by change in her manner of handling the situation. And he knew he could put more faith in her.

"Well this is news to me," Dick commented on the new influence among the brooding group.

He sat back in his seat slightly after he had spoke. Only to prepare himself to speak again.

"Since when did Bruce decide to hand over the reins a bit? You're not going to get him on a vacation are you? Because that would be a first for anyone in years without a reason for work," Dick joked.

The tense in the room was being broken down now. And his usual causal talk was beginning.

Selina had managed to convince him. For now...He'd always keep an eye out. Not just on her, but everyone. Something he had always been taught. Though he trusted more willingly than Bruce.

[Deleted]

She wasn't lying, and had no reason to. Dick had been there before she had come on the scene, and in a way, she had seen him grow, and he had seen her change, and get closer with his 'father.' So there was no reason she needed to mince words with him. She was blunt, and direct but in her own way. Her loyalties were clear as crystal even.

So when she saw him relax she shifted her legs, crossing one over the other as she could tell he got it. He understood. She cracked a bit of a smile as he revealed this was, truly, new to him. "We haven't hashed out all of the details yet, Dick. But we're getting there. And no doubt you'd be the first to know," she added. "And I don't think he's relinquished the reigns, per se. But he is open to a bit of compromise. And a very little bit." She demonstrated how little by the bare sliver between the two fingers she held up. Very little.

"And as for a vacation, I don't know how persuasive I can be in that. Maybe a 'stay-cation,' as much as I hate the term. I know the coastal islands are beautiful this time around. And I have a few friends in Italy, if he wanted to take a few days away. But you know Bruce." She grinned an all-too familiar Cheshire smile.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

Dick sat back. Listening to Selina talk on about Bruce allowing her to have some input over his line of work. He could almost laugh over this all. Bruce actually going soft for once?

He gave a slight smile of amusement over her comment of Bruce giving a bit.

"I'm surprised he even let you get your hands on the reins," Dick replied.

Then again, he didm't follow the two on what they were up to these days. All he knew was Bruce was still putting up the same routines with the team as usual. And if they made a comment towards his love life he could just as easily give a backhanded comment back to them or write it off as useless banter.

And between the rest of the family, that was part of the fun. Who could get Bruce to crack at least a smile first. At a smile would be a one in a million shot.

"Good luck if you ever want to try and drive the b-mobile. Why do you think Tim and I have motorcycles," Dick said half jokingly.

Dick laughed at the last part of her comments regarding Bruce. It was all true.

"You know work will follow him there two. Can't recall a signal vacation that didn't involve work," he said.

[Deleted]

She raised a hand to his comment. "I never said that, Dick. He lets no one near those. You're quite aware of that." While she had a different sort of influence over Bruce, and Batman, Dick also had worked with him in close ways she never had. But to say he was handing over the reins was even stepping a bit far for her.

She shrugged at the next comment. She had no desire to drive it, and her gesture showed that. "Why do you think I have my own motorcycle." She winked at the man, her mind drifting back to their little incident. Their banter was now less chilly, more conversational, even if Bruce was the butt of their joking for the time being. He did bring it about himself now and again.

"I am aware that he will never be able to fully shirk his duties. But if even for a few moments I can get him to," she paused, searching for the right words. "If I can get him to just be himself for a short time, it'd be well worth it." She added quietly. Sometimes there was work on behalf of the other party, to get the other half to relax. She could do that job willingly.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Some times it seems he keeps the best things for himself," he commented once more jokingly.

They all knew this wasn't always the case.

The equipment they were given to use was strictly for work. And they all knew that. But it wasn't like they all carried kryptonite around with them. Well in the exception of Nightwing. Though considering he did work with Supergirl.

And like Batman, it was just a safety precaution.

"It would probably take a lot more than a minor down time to get him to be himself," Dick replied.

He paused for a moment. Just a thought passing through his mind at that moment. And it seemed fine to just say things out at that time.

"The in between of Bruce seems to be when he is between work and home," Dick replied. "There is very a way to shut down his mind from work mode."

[Deleted]

She laughed lightly at the joke. They were clearly on the same page. She licked her lips as he commented again. It was true, what he was saying. There were ways to get him off-kilter enough that the time well spent in costume helped ease him down a bit later. But still, there were nights when she could just not get through to the man behind both masks. It was a gamble at times. But the effort was fun, no matter the endgame.

Smiling a knowing smile at him she nodded. "You don't know how correct you are there, Dick. I think out of all the people in this city, we know the man quite well." She was about to continue when Dick brought up another thought. One she had noticed herself too far and few between.

"You're correct. It's rare. You have to find him in a very specific mindset. But if you have any advice on how to pinpoint him, I'm all ears." Any information to help she'd take.

[Dick Grayson - Nightwing]

"Alfred knows him best," Dick replied.

He held back any other comment he wanted to add to that considering Alfred had his times of not fully understand Bruce at times during work. The conversation was in a lighter mode. And he wanted to keep it that way.

This wasn't an easy subject. Bruce was never someone that was easy to talk to or about in respects to the family. He was the head of it and expected compliance when it comes to working together as a team.

"You should know. Half the time you two played cat and mouse, I just went off on my own to patrol," Dick laughed.

He knew Bruce had his games with Selina when they were suited up. And Dick hadn't wanted to stick around for the boring back and forth games to just let the 'criminal' get away.