"I'm Batman!" (Selina Kyle)

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Rowdy Yates stared at himself in the full-length mirror hanging on the back of his office door.  By the smile on his face, there was no doubt that he liked what he saw.

“I’m Batman!” he exclaimed dramatically, grabbing the edges of his cape and whirling them about in front of him.  Then he stopped and laughed.  For a moment, he felt like a kid again!  “Now I know why those vigilantes and villains like dressing up like this,” he mused, straightening his cowl.  The costume was empowering, making him feel like there was nothing he couldn’t do.  “What a rush!  I could get used to this!  Best fifty bucks I ever spent!  Kinda kinky, too . . . .”

Noting the time, Rowdy took one last look in the mirror before he went downstairs to greet his customers.  The masquerade  party was starting promptly at 7 p.m., and he could hardly wait to see everyone’s costumes.

When he got downstairs, Rowdy started mingling almost immediately.  Most of the tables were already occupied.  Some of the crowd was just wearing simple masks to cover their eyes, while others were dressed in full costume regalia, ready to drink, eat, and dance the night away.

Walking over to the bar, Rowdy gave a high-five to his business partner and barkeep for the evening, Jimbo Flemmons.  “How’s it going, bud?  Judging from the size of the crowd, it looks like we’re going to have a packed house tonight.”

“No complaints here,” Jimbo retorted, fixing Rowdy a beer from the tap.  He was dressed as a mild version of the Joker, wearing a green wig, white makeup, ruby lipstick, and a Joker T-shirt with jeans and sneakers.  “The more, the merrier!  Say, I haven’t seen your lady friend, Selina, yet.  Are you sure she'll show up?”

“She’ll get here late, but she'll be here,” Rowdy assured him.  Deep down, he hoped Selina would arrive earlier than midnight so they could enjoy more of the evening together.

“All business and no fun makes Selina Kyle a dull girl,” Jimbo teased, handing Rowdy the freshly-poured beer mug.

Rowdy laughed.  There was certainly nothing dull about Selina Kyle.

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She'd torn her closet apart trying to find a few things that would work together. It had taken a few hours, but her final 'look' had been achieved. A pair of fitted black leather pants, an intricate, expensive corset lashed about her waist, and a pair of stilettos. It seemed like enough for a 'theme' night. And not to far off from what she would normally don for at night. But considering she was usually seen in some sort of business attire during the day, because, well, she ran a decent business, this may be a shock for those who knew her. If they were going to be at this little shindig.

A mask had been easy enough to get; a domino one that barely fitted over her eyes, leaving enough space to do her eyes up dramatically, and the rest of her makeup with a flair. She looked exotic, her porcelain skin coloured here and there with blush, rouge, or eye shadow.

"Not bad," she murmured to her cat as she glanced in the mirror. It came off a bit Gothic, but she didn't mind. It was a sleek look, save for her hair, which was a romantic, yet unhinged mass of curls and braids woven in. She looked like a creature that ate, and breathed the night. That not only enjoyed the shadows, but toyed with them. A quick glance at the time said it wasn't quite midnight, but she had a feeling that Rowdy wouldn't be too horribly off put by her arriving early. And she wanted to get a bit of insight into how his establishment worked, so time would be on her side.

A towncar was waiting for her downstairs, her phone, credit card, cash and id with it, and tucked away. The drive was warm, and relaxing as she stopped at the bustling club, a brow raised as the line outside was slowly being allowed inside. Entering the queue, it didn't take long for her to be pointed at as well, stamped, not paying a cover, and allowed in.

Her eyes took in the lighting, the music, the attendees, and she smiled. This was going to be fun. She'd received a card or two for free drinks. Why not. It wasn't hard to find one of the many bars, and as she sidled up to the three deep bar, she'd barely been able to ask for her drink, or proffer her card, before it was already paid for. She blamed it on the outfit, because honestly, no one would really know it was her in this sort of thing, unless they ran in different circles. And even now, she could see many of those keenly represented in the costumes tonight.

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Although he didn’t actually physically see her enter the nightclub, Rowdy knew exactly when Selina had arrived. Thanks to his empathy, he had “that feeling” and got excited when he picked up her distinct presence.  “She’s here, dude!” he told Jimbo, who was up on stage with him, playing electric guitar for the band.

Jimbo kept chording and looked out into the audience.  “How the hell do you know that?”

“Trust me,” Rowdy replied with a smile and a wink, “it’s more than gut instinct or intuition.  It’s time to do that song I wrote this afternoon.”

“The new one?” Jimbo asked.  “That’s for her?  Shit, bro!  You must have it real bad!”

“Just play the damn song, Joker!” Rowdy ordered, unstrapping his saxophone and exchanging it for a wireless microphone.

“Okay . . . Batman,” Jimbo snickered.

Turning his back to the audience, Rowdy gave Jimbo a smile and the middle finger.  Then he turned back around and addressed the crowd.  “Good evening, everybody!” he beamed.  “I know you’re all having a great time!  Right now, the band and I would like to perform a brand-new number I wrote today for a very special lady.  It’s called You Had Me at Hello.”

The crowd went nuts!  Rowdy’s groupies lined the bottom of the stage and roared in anticipation as the lights dimmed and multi-colored spotlights shined on Rowdy and his crew.  After a few clicks of the sticks from the drummer, music exploded through the club, and Rowdy wailed out these words that came straight from his heart:

I can feel you comin' from a mile away.
My pulse starts racing from the words that you say,
And you say so many of them like you don’t have a clue
That I’m signed, sealed, delivered with a stamp on.

You don’t have to try too hard.
You already have my heart.
You don’t got a thing to prove.
I’m already into you.  So . . .

Hold, hold, hold, hold me tight now
‘Cause I’m so, so good to go.
Don’t say, don’t say good-night.  You know . . .
You had me at hello.
You had me at hello.
You . . . had me at hello.
Don’t say, don’t say good-night.  You know . . .
You had me at hello.

(To hear the full song, go here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNdihJEITYA )

As Rowdy sang, Jimbo closed his eyes and lost himself completely in the music, his fingers dancing their own magic on his well-worn electric guitar.  With all his heart and soul, he knew this was what his best friend, Rowdy Yates, was born to do.

When he started singing “Oh” at the bridge of the song, Rowdy motioned for two bouncers at the bar to escort Selina onstage.  She didn’t have much of a choice in the matter, and moments later, Rowdy and Selina were dancing together in front of everyone.  On the last chorus, Rowdy twirled Selina in a circle and backed her into him so he was standing behind her, his right hand holding the wireless mic and his left arm hugging her waist.  A picture of elegance and grace, the couple continued moving together to the music in perfect sync.  It was just like a scene you’d see in a romantic movie.  The onlookers enjoyed it so much that women got emotional and grown men cried.

When the song ended, Rowdy and Selina took their bows.  Then Rowdy acknowledged the band with a sweeping gesture of his arm.  As the crowd responded with a thunderous applause, Rowdy pulled Selina close and officially greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“Hello, Selina,” he said into her ear.  “Welcome to my world.”

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Sipping her drink at the bar, she is surprised to see the stage already occupied. Scooting up onto the stool she is hovering near, she crosses her legs, and leans against the hightop table. Narrowing her eyes, she realizes the voice on stage being pumped through the club is Rowdy. So that must make the man...no, make that Batman there, is him.

Her jaw drops. And it seems that the Joker is on the guitar, with him. Holy shit. That sort of pairing would normally be a disaster, as everyone knows. But now...? She can't believe it. The song can't be for her. She's just barely met the man a mere five hours ago. But the crowd is alive, and the song, honestly, isn't that bad. But if it's for her, which she can't believe is, she's flattered. Highly. And can't believe she did a damn thing to warrant such lavish attention. As her eyes flick around, she hopes to God that her costume is enough to keep her a bit incognito for now. Rowdy must be aware she is in the club, but how? Perhaps his system is already advanced enough that he doesn't need her? So many questions...

It was a second later, she found two rather large men escorting her to the stage. Her cheeks are already flushed, but she's quite aware of what to do on the stage, her dancing background surfacing as he twirls and spins her, somehow, her being orchestrated into his perfect vision of who she is.

As the final chords of the song fade into the sound system, the screeching and cat-calling from the throngs of groupies reaches a crescendo. Wide-eyed, stunned, she is eyeing the crowd. He certainly has a following, which is something she wasn't aware of. Damn.

As her heart thumps, she's quite aware of the appreciative glances she's getting as well, her cheeks now afire as he kisses her, and then whispers over the loud roar of the crowd a welcome.

Blinking, she snaps out of it, and smiles, her hand going to his cheek before she starts toward the backstage. She needs a moment. Never before in her life has she been thrust into the limelight like this, and it's flattering, really, and truly. But it's quite a bit to take in, and she needs to catch her breath. And not while everyone is staring at her.

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Rowdy was taken aback when Selina touched his cheek and then walked off the stage.  His first thought was he had done something wrong to offend or embarrass her.  He chased after her and found her backstage.

“Are you okay?” he asked, removing his cowl so she could see his face.  “Hey, I thought you’d be flattered by that song, but I screwed up royally, didn't I?  Oh, Selina!  I am so sorry if I embarrassed you in any way.  I didn’t mean to . . .“

His voice cracked as he took in her beauty and thought about how he’d hurt her unintentionally. Then his eyes welled with tears, and his voice suddenly caught in his throat, rendering him speechless for a long moment.

Swallowing hard, he just stood there, not knowing what else he could do or say to right the wrong he had done.

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The absence of lights, and cheering, sound and the darkness of off-stage had settled her. Somewhat. Able to finally catch her breath that had somehow been snatched from her lungs during their impromptu show was now being gratefully exhaled.

Hand to her chest, Selina as only vaguely aware of Rowdy, until he spoke. The voice didn't match. It had rendered her unable to speak until the cowl was removed, and she chanced a tentative smile, her tumultuous emotions finally reigned in. Barely.


Her fingertips went to run along his face; the high brow ridge, the sculpted nose, his chin. Even the bare smattering of stubble along his jaw. Rowdy. He was before her. Nearly crying. Gasping, she choked out a feeble laugh, before shaking her own head in disbelief, curls bouncing along her shoulders.

"You could have told me!" She gasped, laughter in her voice. "I...haven't been on stage in years. It....what a shock. I should have told you I'm not a huge fan of stages...but my God you put on a show. I just...the shock. The effort..." She was rambling, but in partial awe as her words mirrored the feelings bubbling up to the surface.

"Don't cry. I just...not embarrassed. Just...quite flattered, impressed even, but who wouldn't get their nerves a bit raw at Batman...doing that?! You are daft, Rowdy Yates. But you sure put on a good show, you know..." Her words steadied, as did her heart as she finally could wrap her mind around the whole thing. She was still shaken, but her certainly was an entertainer at heart, no one could question that.

And he was mighty lucky she'd walked off stage, fighting her instincts tooth and nail instead of ...acting naturally.

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Rowdy watched as the exotic beauty before him explained her actions.  Although he didn’t doubt her, he read her emotions anyway, just to feed on them.  The way Selina was feeling right now was so rich that it made Rowdy giddy -- almost drunk.

Joy . . . excitement . . . happiness . . . shock . . . awe . . . admiration . . . There was too much to take in all at once.  He was so glad he had made her that happy, at least for a few minutes.

Rowdy laughed when she got on his case for not telling him about the song.  “If I told you about it, it wouldn’t have been a surprise now, would it?" he whined playfully.  "What can I say?  You inspired me this afternoon.  Yes, I wrote that song in about an hour.  I think it's pretty good.  By the way, I love your costume," he complimented.  "It’s not what I expected.  It’s . . . different, but in a good way.  I love it.”

Rowdy thought Selina’s rambling was cute as she went on and on about the emotions she -- they -- were experiencing.  He just let her vent until she got it all out of her system, enjoying the moment with her.  She felt so . . . alive.

When Selina had finished expressing herself, Rowdy pulled down his glove and looked at his Rolex.  “We still have time before our meeting,” he told her.  “How about we go and dance some more?  This time, on the dance floor though.  I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours -- dance moves, I mean.  Like I always say, pleasure before business!”

Unknown to Rowdy, his eyes suddenly lit up for a second.

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"True, and I appreciate, well, all of it. But I'm supposed to be looking over your club to see where there are security vulnerabilities. And yes, I wouldn't mind having a bit of fun, too. But taking me on stage? And....all of that?" Her heart quickened again at the shock. And the need to run that was rearing it's ugly head again. But then, there he was complimenting her costume, and she was mighty glad she was somewhat masked. Covered. Able to hide, even though what she was wearing wasn't hiding much, and her shoulders, and upper body were pretty much exposed.

"Thank you. I ..tried. It's been so long since I've been to a theme night at a club. So..." She shrugged, not quite sure of what to say. Blinking her eyes, she was quite sure his own had caught the glint of one of the lights, or a camera flash as she had seen them illuminated for a second. "This, is the meeting, Rowdy. I'll dance with you, but I need to be allowed to look around, too. Without being hoisted on to stage, or..." her words lost their steam as she realized he was much more into pleasure before business. And she'd blocked out time specifically work work, despite it being under the guise of ...pleasure, one could say.

"I will dance. But I need to look around, and get this done, trust me on that, please." She said firmly.

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When Selina got all firm with him, Rowdy did a double take.  What the fuck?  After all that just happened, she wanted to . . . work?  Rowdy thought about what Jimbo had said about Selina earlier:

“All business and no fun makes Selina Kyle a dull girl.”

Jimbo had hit that nail squarely on the head!

Getting closer to Selina was like a slow dance -- one step forward, two steps back.  The more Rowdy got to know Selina, the more she reminded him of a cat.  Her emotions could turn on one thin dime, and he of all people knew that because of his empathic abilities.  Now he was feeling embarrassment . . . a fear . . . a reluctance inside her.  Instead of embracing him fully, she wanted to run and . . . hide from him?  Didn’t she realize how beautiful he thought she was -- on the inside and the outside?  Wasn’t she fully aware by now of his feelings for her?  He had gone out of his way to make a lasting impression on her.  Had all his effort been in vain?  A waste of time?  Why did all she want to do was run and hide?  And work?  WORK?!!?  What . . . the . . . fuck?!?

Now Rowdy was pissed.  Now he was the one whose emotions did a complete 180.  Selina's timid yet direct words cut him to the quick, and he shut down completely and started building the emotional wall around his wounded heart.

“Okay, Selina.  You want to keep this professional.  Fine.  Let’s do that.”

Reaching into the pocket of his pants, he pulled out his keys and tossed them to her.

“Here.  Go.  Get the fuck out of here and leave me the hell alone.  Go look around, snoop, whatever.  I don’t give a shit anymore.  If you want to consult with me later, I’ll be on the dance floor.  You know where to find me.  As for me, I'll go and have fun . . . without you.”

After fixing his cowl, Rowdy turned and walked away before he said something else that he’d truly regret.

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Selina blinked once, then twice. Side-stepping his keys, she didn't even bother to reach for them. He was so enraged, he must have forgotten about their meeting several hours earlier. Where she was to canvas his club, so that she could redo his security, so the fate of the Iceberg would not befall his own establishment. Had he forgotten that? He had been struck dumb from a business meeting with her, that he had caused such a scene? Perhaps to another woman, it would have been flattering. But considering her dedication to keeping parts of her life private, and from the media, she was mildly appauled. He'd gone to great lengths, she could appreciate that. But she just wasn't the sort of woman who needed all the lights, camera, and action to be thrust into the limelight.

Had she ever given him reason to take this meeting as anything other than professional? Honestly, she had no idea where that thought had even been assumed from her! And now his words were so harsh, and so angry, that she stood there, completely in shock. She had come to this event, to be able to see what his establishment was about. Not to be hauled on stage, pointed out, and then...flaunted. Blinking several times, she walked a few steps, before opening her phone, and sending a text message. She knew better than to run, but she needed to compose herself. This was a client, and clearly, there was a misunderstanding. So finding the stairs that would lead her back to the main floor, she waited until her phone notified her of a response, before ordering another drink, and letting the music wash over her.

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“What’s your problem?” Jimbo asked when Rowdy got back to the bar.  He noticed that Rowdy was physically shaking, he was so upset.

Rowdy didn’t respond.  He felt like such an asshole.  Selina didn’t deserve what he had said to her.  “What did I just do?” he muttered under his breath over and over and over again.

Jimbo kept silent.  He hated when Rowdy got like that.  He assumed Selina didn’t like what Rowdy had done, embarrassing her with the song and all.

Rowdy was panicked.  There were so many emotions running through his body right now, and his heart was pounding heavily in his chest, about ready to explode.  He couldn’t remember being this upset.  Ever.

Rowdy was an artist.  He was passionate about his music.  He felt like he had fully exposed his soul to Selina, and she wasn’t appreciative.  Well, she was appreciative, but not in the way Rowdy expected her to be.  If someone had written a song for him, he’d be all over that person with praise, affection, and affirmation.  Now he’d gone and burnt his bridge with Selina, probably ruining their friendship forever.  Rowdy blew air, knowing that he’d lost face with Selina.  Now he was the one who wanted to run away and hide.

How could he apologize when he didn’t have the courage to face Selina again?  He didn’t know how he could meet with her for the consultation later.  It would be so awkward.  And it was all his fault.

At that moment, Rowdy wanted Selina Kyle, but he needed Vicki Vale.  Walking toward the kitchen, he pulled out his cell phone and found the news reporter's personal number in his contact list.  He was so disappointed when her answering machine picked up.

“This is you-know-who.  I’m you-know-where.  Leave your you-know-what, and I’ll return your call you-know-when.”  <BEEP!>

“H-Hey, Vee.  It’s the Rowdster!” Rowdy said nervously.  “I’m calling to -- you know – Man!”  He stopped to catch his breath.  “I’m calling because . . . Look, I really needed to hear your voice right now.  I guess your answering machine is better than nothing.  When you get this call, call me back.  I don’t care how late, okay?  Thanks.  Bye.”

One of the pastry chefs heard Rowdy in distress and came running to his aid.  “Are you all right, boss?  Can I get you something?”

“Anything but humble pie,” Rowdy sighed.  He wondered if the real Batman had problems with the ladies, too.

[Deleted]

Considering the time it's taking for her order to get to her, she waves it off to the bartender, and wades into the throngs of people on the dancefloor. There is a slight vibration, and she has attempt a smile. She's in good hands, despite the slight hiccup to the night. That takes a decent weight off her shoulders.

And ever the consummate professional, she's going to do what she came to do, and follow through on what she told Mr. Yates. First of all, she's going to start on the dance floor, which has several areas, and levels. Curious.

A quick glance above scanning she is able to spot some cameras, but not the amount to really cover the space. As she's watching, a pair of strong hands grabs her around the waist, tugging her to dance. In the mass of masked, costumed people she is able to faintly make out that it's ...an Elvis. Complete with sunglasses, and...blue suede. The whole shebang. While there is no mask, the getup is pretty damn good. What he does next surprises the hell out of her...

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Like a bat out of hell, the man in the Elvis giddup moved his hips like a pro, pulling Selina close to him, not grinding, but definitely moving with a certain air of confidence and mystique.  After a moment he pulled her in and looked down to her.

His hands stayed at her waist and when he pulled her in he wrapped one arm around her, and the other directly on her back. 

"Hail to the king, baby."

And then he dipped her and planted a kiss on her without apology.  The faint taste of cigarettes lingered on his breath, but the taste of whiskey and cherry was strongest, with a hint of sugar.  He'd been drinking an old fashioned.

[Deleted]

Rowdy-Batman stepped out of the kitchen just in time to see Elvis lay a big, wet one on Selina’s luscious lips.  At first, Rowdy was shocked to discover Selina in the arms of someone else so soon, acting so brazenly on the dance floor, when, obviously, she knew he wanted to be with her.

Making his way straight to Selina, Rowdy interrupted the couple’s special moment, pushing Elvis aside as he addressed her.

“Selina!  What the hell are you doing with this guy?  Do you enjoy adding insult to injury?  Do you know how much you’re killing me right now?”

[Deleted]

Now that was truly out of nowhere. The bad dancing. Oh god, the bad dancing. Swung around, she entertained him, until he dipped her. The words, oh the words. She was laughing, near giddy at his quote.

The kiss really was something, a few folks around the duo spreading away. "Pay to play..." She teased, catching her breath, and thankful he'd made it. "Favorite movie, you asshole. But thank you." Catching her breath, her arm was on his for a second. And a second was all she had as Batman came to her rescue, it seemed.

"I'm making sure my bodyguard is having a good time, and knows where I am. My regular who shadows me on this sort of gig was preoccupied, so I called in a favor. Usually I like to keep my cover a bit more, under, when I am looking in to a new venue. And not that I don't trust you, but this is a new place, you're new to town. I never go in without backup."

And backup she had. In the form of an over 6 foot tall, horribly dancing Elvis. "No insult to injury. But I came to work, then play, and you're inhibiting me from doing the first part, so I can do the second, again." Sure, he could have identified her in a different way, but hell. It was Elvis! Not to say that she'd never given him any impression other than professional during their one, only meeting. Turning to her blue suede guard, she motioned to Batman. "If you wish, Mr. Presley, feel free to introduce yourself to Mr. Yates."