Erasing the Past [Summer, Nina]

[Deleted]

[Post downhill]

Being able to right a wrong was always a good feeling. Moreso when it pertained to a good friend. Albiet a good friend who had done stupid things. Stupid things with the Joker. But a benefit of being friends with Selina Kyle, and being a good friend of her's also meant tasting the perks of said friendship as well.

So after Selina had made arrangements with Nina to stop by, she'd made sure to alert Charlotte of her having company over later in the evening. Considering events in Nina's own life, it was easier to convene at her own loft, rather than meet at one of the hotels Nina had been staying at. And that was fine with her. Not that she knew how long it would take Nina to work her 'magic' on the unsightly brand on Summer's thigh, but she just knew that it would be done.

After contemplating where to do it, the place that made most sense was her room. Either the bed, or a chair could be utilized. She'd contemplated her wardrobe and pulled a long silk scarf from it, which would be used not only to restrict Summer's sight, but to protect Nina's identity. The less questions the better in this case, considering the two women did not run in many of the same social circles.

So now as she wait on her couch for either a phonecall, or the front desk to alert her of either Summer, or Nina, she would wait with her cup of tea, a purring cat at her side.

[Deleted]

Summer nervously approached her close friends elaborate home. Typically, an excitement bubbled up inside her as she bounded up the front steps and pressed the sleek button on the intercom to be allowed into the home. However, a bundle of nerves had configured in the pit of her stomach that wasn’t being soothed easily. Selina had a method of erasing the horrible brand that had been placed by the Joker and had haunted her for over a month. It had finally healed after a great deal of infection and left a dark pink scar amongst her pale thigh. The brand was significantly high on her inner thigh, only adding to the embarrassment of it.

Because of the location, she was unsure of what she was to wear. Surely whomever or whatever Selina had planned to relieve her of its persistent presence was going to need to have access to it, at least, she assumed. For that reason alone she had her silk robe from home draped over her forearm just in case she would need to change into it so that the brand could be accessed easier. The young reporter found it incredibly unusual that this procedure – whatever it was – was being held in Selina’s house hold rather than a more professional and public building. This entire situation was overall perplexing, but she knew she could trust Selina.

As she was let into the glamorous household and ushered toward Selina’s location, her heart pounded so loudly that she was convinced she could hear it in her ear drums. She was incredibly nervous with a great deal of questions racing through her head. Naturally curious as she was, one could only imagine the redhead in such a situation and how nosy she was as regards to what was going to happen. Was she going to summon some kind of doctor to relieve the brand? What procedure was this? She knew she wasn’t in the place to ask questions despite how many were on the tip of her tongue.

The moment her eyes fell on Selina lounging on a plush sofa, she forced a smile. “I’m really nervous.” She began, starting up to her. “I couldn’t remember what your text said. My phones been acting weird lately.” Summer informed, shaking her head and setting her robe down on the back of a one of the chic, modern chairs that decorated the room. “I brought a robe seeing as its - well…..the brand is pretty high up on my thigh, I wasn’t sure what I needed to wear for this.” Smoothing her white dress nervously, she cleared her throat before continuing. “There is a bit of scaring on my hip from his horrible aim….but I don’t exactly think he was really trying to make sure it looked good by any means.” Her face turned red as the memory resurfaced in her troubled mind, bringing a look of distress to her pretty face.

outfit: beginning outfit click here and robe click here

[Deleted]

As she heard the door open, her tea was set down as she stood. She'd gone more casual today than Summer, then again, considering it was her own home, she didn't have to face the media hounding her. So it was thin grey sweater leggings, a vivid blue top and bare feet, her hair pulled low and over her shoulder. Offering a hug to Summer, she nodded. "You're fine. And I can take a glance at your phone if you like." She went over to her bar cart and poured a healthy glass of wine for the redhead. "Here. We have a bit of time before we start, so..you drink this. And I will have to blindfold you, but I think that is the least of your worries, as long as the brand is removed?"

She tried to be understanding, and calm. But the whole thing pissed her off. Especially when Summer was dragged into this. With the Joker. Who'd already fucked not only her over, but Theo, and now Summer. She could only hope the news-anchor would be kept in the dark moreso. She was a breath of fresh air in Selina's life, and didn't need to be dragged to the dark-side of dual-identities. Just like she'd fought to keep Nina from donning one.

"Summer, you sit. I'm waiting for our other guest to arrive, and then we'll have to restrict your sight. Until then, we can hang out." She'd almost slipped and mentioned Doctor, but caught herself at the last minute, watching her rather large, furry Maine Coon make himself at home with the redhead. Nina had said she'd call before arriving, just in case. "This friend of mine is someone I trust. You can trust her, too. It's just we need to keep a few things under wraps. It's not that we don't trust you, it's just more to keep her safe, if that makes sense?" She was balancing along that fine edge of the fence again, mixing friends who were aware, but not shin-deep in her other life. And Nina? Well she'd been through hell, and back. She was more than aware of how nasty things could get.

[Nina Stenet]

It had actually taken quite a bit of doing for Nina to be convinced to do this. Yes, she has a superpower that can be used to heal things that otherwise couldn't be, but there's a whole wide world of people with injuries that only she could fix and it's not like it's an easy thing for her to do - it takes time and quite a bit of mental effort. And since she can't come even nearly close to being able to fix everyone, how is it fair for her to pick one person out of the massive throng of people who could use it just because that person happens to be a friend of a friend? Especially when their problem is merely cosmetic when there's so many others who actually need her help?

Then again, the person asking is Selina, and though the problem is cosmetic, based on the description of what it is and where it is, it's not exactly trivial. Yes, there are people who would argue harder and longer that it is, but not all scars are purely physical - some are emotional and others are even social. And Selina is a friend, and Nina has a heart, after all. Still, when she agreed to come she merely agreed to see it for herself and decide then, though she wouldn't have offered that much if she didn't think that there was a good chance that she'd do it. It's not like she's been getting much else that's of a real benefit to anyone else lately - or at least that's what it feels like - so perhaps it would even benefit her in a way. She hates feeling like she's doing nothing.

When they arrive at Selina's building, Shawty makes it a point to go first as they head to the apartment - it wouldn't do to accidentally bump into Ms. Gleeson in the hallway or something. A reporter is the last kind of person that she'd want knowing about her gift, even if Selina trusts her. So it's Shawty who knocks on the door to announce their arrival.

[Deleted]

Accepting the hug, Summer embraced the brunette quickly, giving a small squeeze as they pulled apart. She couldn’t help but smile as her dear friend moved to pour her a hearty class. Accepting it with both of her shaking hands, she brought the glass to her lips and took a timid sip of the dark red liquid. “No, its okay, my boss thinks I am at the elementary school for career day and he’s really the only person I would need to contact right away. We can just keep it turned off.” She said with a smile, finding this entire practice somewhat foreign. She was a bit relieved to have shown up early, making work of the contents of the glass before her.

The idea of being blindfolded worried her a bit, but she knew it was a necessity. “It might take me a moment to get used to the idea, but I know it has to be done. But…” she began, looking down with her eyes filled with worry. “Is that why this person does not want me to see them?” Summer asked, setting the glass down momentarily. The young redhead hugged herself as if almost reassuring herself, glancing around the room as Selina instructed her to sit. Placing herself in one of the chic, modern pieces of furniture that adorned the brunette’s home, she quickly reunited with her wine glass.

“Is someone after her or something? What would happen if someone found out she was helping me?” Summer asked, her eyebrows rose slightly as she brought the wine glass to her lips once more. “I’m sorry. I just- I don’t know how she is going to do this. I’ve tried every cream and product alive to try to get rid of this thing and talked to at least a dozen plastic surgeons. This is almost too good to be true.” The knock on the door grabbed her attention, causing her gaze to instantly drift off in the direction of the sound. She forced a smile of worry. “I'm sorry Selina; I don’t know why I am so bothered by this. I just need to relax. This is going to make all of my problems go away.” Taking a deep breath, she proceeded to calm down.

outfit: beginning outfit click here and robe click here

[Deleted]

Selina nods, hoping that her keeping rather calm and chipper translates enough to the redhead to keep her the same. Selina puts her own mug down before letting out a laugh. "We'll get you changed, first, then head to my room. That is probably the safest place in my home. And no, it's not that she's wanted; yes, she's a woman, but it's more for the sake of keeping what she can do...from others. She's a trusted friend of mine, and I don't want to put what she does in jeopardy. And it's not exactly my place, either." She grasps the woman's hands, squeezing them warmly.

Green eyes look over the fretting young woman. "I know it makes little sense, but if someone cared enough, they'd have to deal with me, first, Summer. And considering who I am, and what I do, there are very few people that would even chance that." She's speaking of herself as Selina Kyle, but also of her as Catwoman. And to tangle with either woman is either a fun thing, or the exact opposite.

"She's gifted. I don't know how much she'll speak with you on that, but trust me. I trust her enough, and I take care of those that are my friends, hon. So trust in the fact, that I trust her. With my life, even." She laughs again lightly at the mention of plastic surgeons. "You mean they can't fix everything? Color me surprised." Her eyes flick to the door as she hears the knock, and stands. She needs to get Summer set up, first. "Looks like our other guests are here, but we're going to get you in my room so you can change. Use the bathroom, wherever. Just sit either on a chair, or on my bed. And don't forget your drink. One of the keys to relaxing." She smiles warmly again as she stands, and leads Summer to her room. She'd dimmed the bright windows so the sun isn't as bright. Other than that, the room isn't changed much, other than Jasper is sprawled in a patch of sun; his tail flicking here and there. A nod to the cat, and she envelopes the woman in a warm, firm hug. "You can use that sash to tie over your eyes. Or I can do it when you're ready." Disengaging from the embrace, Selina leads her to the bedroom and shuts the door firmly once she's ensconced within.

And then it's back to the door, which she unlocks and opens with a smile. It's Shawty, which of course it would be, considering. "She's in the bedroom, changing, considering the location." Stepping aside, she allows room for both women to enter and make themselves comfortable. She has a few questions for Nina. "Thanks for doing this, honestly. She's going to change in my bedroom, and the door is closed for now. I have a blindfold, but do you want earplugs for her, too? It won't exactly get rid of all sound, but will muffle your voice slightly? Or you can tell me what you need said, and I can instruct her?" She's slightly concerned with how all of this is going to play out, but a bit of communication is all they need to have a solid plan to move forward.

[Nina Stenet]

Though it seems to take a very long time for Selina to answer the door, neither Shawty nor Nina are concerned about that. It's not hard to guess that the reason for it is exactly what Selina is doing - making sure that Nina and Summer don't cross paths while the latter can see her. Shawty simply nods to Selina's greeting then waves over at Nina who had been standing a casual distance away to indicate that all is well.

They file in quickly, and Shawty gives the place her customary glance, but it's Ms. Kyle's place so she's not too worried. She trusts the woman is far more capable of noticing anything dangerous in her own home than even she would be. Then again, that's not the worry here - if anything the worry would be something dangerous showing up on the doorstep. How aware is Mr. Nigma of the continued friendship between the two women? But then again, paranoia is a part of Shawty's job description.

Nina, on the other hand, isn't concerned at all about that. No, she's more concerned about how this visit with Ms. Gleeson will go - she may know exactly what she's doing with her gift, but she's not used to actually meeting the people she's helping face to face as she's doing so, even if there's a blindfold involved. Still, she's quick to return Selina's smile, though at the questions that Selina asks first, she hesitates for a moment before responding, "I can disguise my own voice - that's no problem, and probably the most comfortable for everyone." She smiles after that statement, as she used what is most certainly not her normal speaking voice - which is a high and pleasant soprano. What she just said is in a much lower pitch - low enough to effect the quality of her voice and that would make identifying her difficult. "I got the idea from Batman, actually," she adds, "I don't imagine he always talks like that." Though unlike him she doesn't go so far as to make her voice into a growl or anything like that. No, the way she's speaking now is simply low and definitely not her usual voice, but very normal-sounding otherwise - she's had to use it once before.

Having said that, her smile disappears as she shifts more into 'business mode'. "Shawty, I'd like you to stay in here, if you don't mind - we want to give Ms. Gleeson as much privacy as possible. And I'm ready whenever she is," she adds, not shifting her voice, if only to help keep herself from slipping up with it later.

[Deleted]

Tightly gripping the stem of the wine glass, Summer took another lengthy sip before setting it down easily on the sleek table beside her. Her eyes locked with Selina’s she managed a shaky smile as the woman took both of her hand. As her close friend spoke, the young reporter nodded with each sentence. “Okay, I understand.” But in all actuality, she had a million other questions racing through her head. Was this procedure going to hurt in any way? Until her tipsy confession to Selina at Rooster’s club, Summer didn’t even know that erasing the brand was possible! This all seemed too good to be true; some mysterious woman was going to relieve her of the emotional torment and physical scarring completely.

Another genuine smile surfaced at the brunette’s next words. “Very true, I know I certainly wouldn’t want to be on your bad side.” Summer reached for the wine glass she had abandoned, still holding it with both her shaking hands. This mysterious woman was someone Summer had been thinking about for the past few days. “If you can trust her then I am sure that is good enough for me. It’s just – it is really hard for me for me to let go of the control I guess. I don’t know why I am such a nervous wreck.” Taking another sip, she knew the knock signaled it was time. Drink in hand, she followed Selina through the familiar home, complimenting on notable changes that she had made to the elaborate, chic decorations.

Once they reached Selina’s room, she forced a smile as the woman hugged her once again before turning to leave. “Okay, um….Selina…thank you so much for doing this.” She was so nervous she had almost forgotten her manors and she certainly needed to show her appreciation. Summer didn’t take any time before removing her clothes, stripping out of the cardigan and dress. Folding them neatly and setting them on the modern couch, she sat her heels on top of the neat pile. Leaving her bra and underwear on, she slid into the silk, cream material of her robe. Folding one side over the other, she tied it before turning toward the series of floor-length mirrors.

Biting her lip, the brand was clearly exposed due to the short length of the robe. She took a long look at it before grabbing her glass of wine and taking another sip. With is wishful sigh, she ran her fingers through her curls and started toward the sash and Selina’s larger-than-life bed. Biting her lip, she placed it over her eyes, revoking her own vision and knotting the material tightly in the back of her head. Summer sat down on the plush comforter, allowing her thoughts to get the best of her. She could smell her singed skin all over again, the taste of the gag pulling tightly at the corners of her mouth, the horrible screams that played on a loop. Seconds had passed before Summer released she was screaming herself ripping the blindfold off her face and throwing it to the floor.

Panting slightly, she buried her face in her hands, leaning forward as she tried to calm herself down. She had been living with this mental torment for months and today was no exception. Taking a series of deep breaths, she chugged the rest of the red wine before reaching down to grab the blindfold once more. Setting the glass down, she brought the material to her eyes for a second time before tying it once again behind her head and sacrificing her vision.

outfit: summer is just wearing this now ohhhlalaaa!

[Deleted]

Selina locks the door behind the two and offers them both something to drink before engaging upon this whole endeavor. She's pretty at ease; but then again this is her own home. Despite the circumstances, she's secured most of her time, and the time of those present so they will not be disturbed. And even if the only wildcard does show, all three other women are aware of who it would be. And Charlotte is quick to ask nothing, say nothing, and comment later. Weird is standard now in the teen's life.

So as Nina states she is ready, Selina sighs quietly. At least that little aspect is taken care of. The sight was one thing, but hearing? She's more than grateful Nina had the forethought on that. Because while nearly entire sensory deprivation is one thing, it's also another added trauma after dealing with the Joker. Closing her eyes for a moment, she realizes she doesn't really even like dealing with the clown. "That's fantastic. And I appreciate it. I'll let you introduce yourself once we get in there, unless you prefer me to do so? You're aware of who Summer is. And Batman..." She shakes her head at the thought. Of all the ideas to get from Batman, this one isn't half bad.

As Nina mentions him not talking like that all the time, she lets out a secret sort of smile. No, truth be told, he doesn't speak like that all the time. But it's certainly creepy when he does speak like that, in a suit other than the Batsuit. As orders are given to the blonde, Selina motions to the kitchen, and the mini-bar. "Feel free to make yourself at home. Refreshments, kitchen, have at it if you need to." With a smile and a wave of her hand, she leads Nina down the short hall to her spacious room. "I wasn't quite sure if you needed anything, and Summer is a bit...wary about the pain. I forgot to ask about that, too." Lightly knocking to signal to Summer they're entering, she opens the door with an audible click, and opens it for Nina.

"Summer, we're here." She calls out quietly to her friend before shutting the door behind Nina and going to sit beside the redhead on her comfortable bed. Embracing her in a side-hug, she hopes this will go well for all involved. And hopefully to make a new memory instead of lingering on an old wound. "A bit of talking, then we'll get down to it, hon." She nods to Nina, and motions to the stool, and chair she's set near the bed, in case the Doctor needs either to work. There is also a multitude of other items accessible in not only her room, but the bathroom.

[Nina Stenet]

The offer of a drink is gently refused by both women and for roughly the same reason - too much on their minds to want one, even if they're grateful for the offer. "I'll do it," Nina says easily, as she'd actually feel more comfortable if she was the one explaining herself to the young woman than Selina - there are certain things the she is or isn't comfortable being said.

It doesn't surprise her in the least when her comment about Batman gets a smile, and she takes that as confirmation - Selina obviously knows far more about the man than she does, after all. Her attention shifts to Shawty as Selina invites her to make herself at home. Though at first the young woman looks a bit hesitant about the idea of not remaining with Dr. Stenet, as she's sure that the woman needs a lot of protecting just now, but then her gaze shifts over to Selina and she simply states, "Make sure the blindfold stays on." In a way temporarily transferring her duty to protect her boss over to the other woman by naming off her primary worry at the moment. Having said that she turns toward the kitchen, obviously deciding to take Selina up on her invitation.

As they head down the hallway, Nina nods quickly to Selina's words and says, "No, I probably won't need anything - I'll have to see it first to know for sure." Hopefully it's something she can tackle with her powers alone, though, as that would be far less complicated for her and far less unpleasant for Ms. Gleeson.

Entering the room, as Selina settles herself on the bed Nina opts for the chair and pulls it over so that she can sit in front of the redhead. "Hello, Ms. Gleeson," she greets first as she settles herself in the chair and pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts on what she ought to say, "First of all, I'm sorry about the blindfold - I have... quite a few reasons to keep what I can do a secret from most people. But, I'm sure that it would relieve you to know that I'm a fully licensed medical doctor, so what we're doing here is a lot more kosher than it probably feels. And Selina said that you're worried about pain? You don't need to - you literally won't feel a thing. In fact there's a good chance that I won't even have to touch you. And please, let me know if there's anything we can do to make you feel more comfortable. And feel free to ask me any questions you want about anything - either now or later - I can't promise to answer all of them, but you won't upset me by asking." Because while there actually is a few questions someone could ask her that would probably upset her, in order to even think to ask any of them would require someone to know who she is and a bit about her life recently.

[Deleted]

With the little episode she had just endured, the shaken redhead couldn’t hide her trembling. Still, she was more than willing to reign in her stubbornness for just one evening and comply. If it meant ridding herself of the control for just one more day in order to dispose of the horrible brand on her upper thigh, then it was completely worth it. Clutching onto the silk sheets in order to hopefully hide her nerves, she turned her covered gaze in the direction of Selina’s voice. “Hello,” She managed simply, swallowing. For once the redhead was a loss of words. Should she introduce herself? Well, clearly the other woman knew who she was – even if she didn’t watch television surely Selina had told her by now.

“O-okay. Sounds good. And hello to you as well, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She said a bit quietly. “You can tighten it…if you need too. I can’t see, but it was a bit difficult to tie.” She indicates to her shaking hands, though that doesn’t even amount to the mess of nerves in her stomach. Biting her lower lip, Summer proceeded to listen the lament to leave the mysterious woman’s lips. She clutched the sheets once more in attempt to stop the trembling, but it didn’t seem to have an effect than it had prior.

Her fears eased slightly when the woman informed her she could ask questions at any time. “Okay, thank you.” She began. Her curiosity was peaked and the little information she was provided only made her want to know the woman’s identity even more so. “Just let me know what you need me to do, I can’t thank you enough for doing this. This thing has caused me a lot of pain.” She swallowed for a moment as she attempted to erase the reoccurring image of the Joker’s devious grin from her head. “This ability you have to heal me- did you acquired it or was it something you were born with?” Summer asked, hoping to distract herself.

outfit: summer is just wearing this now ohhhlalaaa!

[Deleted]

Nodding to Shawty as she watches the bodyguard head toward her kitchen, she turns back to Nina. "Makes sense. I have a few things set up as well in the bedroom."

After she settles in beside Summer, she's quiet and listens to Nina speak. She was right, it's much easier for Nina to explain things, than herself. She's a bit surprised when Nina says it won't hurt. She hadn't been aware that Nina's gifts and skill extended that far. Dang.

She squeezes Summer's hand reassuringly as that bit of information is revealed. And she can't be happier for her friend. No pain, and the brand removed! If Nina ever does get hard-up for money, she could probably do some fantastic work in cosmetic surgery. But knowing her, and her set of morals and standards, she'd do something else before she went to that depth.

When it's brought up it could be tightened slightly, Selina's on it, her fingers gentle and firm at the same time as she skillfully makes sure the redhead's tresses aren't caught in the scarf covering her eyes, and in the same time, tightens it slightly. Summer is still trembling like a leaf, and Selina isn't usually one to ply someone with liquor, but does reach for the woman's glass and slips from the bed for a second, before refiling it and taking a sip for herself. Pressing it to Summer's hand she guides it to her mouth. At least it is something familiar. Asking for her trust for this is quite a bit. The line they're all tightroping is faint, but she's hoping does not get blurred.

Ready in case Summer is done with the glass, Selina listens quietly to the question. And ever the investigative reporter, Summer is keenly on point with a question she's shocked that she, herself, has never asked Nina in the span of time they've been acquainted, too. Her green eyes flicker to the Nina with a grin on her lips.

[Nina Stenet]

Though she has her license, Nina is far more comfortable in a lab than with a patient - mostly because working with an actual person is something that she's much less familiar with. So though she's aware that she ought to do her best to make sure that Ms. Gleeson is calm and comfortable - have a good 'bedside manner' - she doesn't really have a lot of practice with that sort of thing.

And she suspects that Ms. Gleeson is an especially hard case for that on top of that - she can see the trembling and can guess that it has something to do with how the injury was acquired, and it's enough to make her wish that she could just throw caution to the wind and allow the blindfold to come off if it's distressing her. However, keeping her identity a secret is also extremely important to her - far more important to her than the young woman's comfort. So Nina is of the opinion that Ms. Gleeson will simply have to endure this in exchange for the removal of that constant reminder of some memories that she probably wants to forget.

Of course she's pleased to see that the offer to answer questions had the effect that she hoped that it would. If the situation was reversed, she's sure that the sheer number of unknowns in this setup would be the most unsettling thing about it. So offering to answer questions is actually a rather small and simple way to help ease that, even if she'll obviously avoid answering any questions that would help answer that most obvious question of who she is. Questions other than those are almost trivial to answer, on the other hand, so she's happy to provide that method to help Ms. Gleeson to be more relaxed about this.

Another thing she isn't exactly used to is receiving thanks for what she does, and that causes Nina to break into a smile though she says, "Don't thank me yet - I haven't even started." Shifting gears quickly, she adds, "First I'd like to see what I'm dealing with - if you'll show me?" Not a request that she takes lightly because Selina had explained that it was in a bit of a delicate area and now she's asking Summer to show it to someone she's not even seen. Still, though she could possibly find it with her power alone, seeing it with her eyes is helpful - it's hard to 'see' the bigger picture with her gift.

Though she's also quite aware of Summer's need to distract herself, and fortunately it isn't difficult for her to ramble off answers to such questions while keeping most of her focus on what she's doing. "A mixture of both, actually," she replies, "I'm pretty sure that I was born with it but discovering that I have it took some time. Mastering using it after I discovered it also took a long time - it's not at all a matter of me simply willing healing to happen. I've heard other metahumans describe their abilities working that way, but I actually have to know exactly what I'm doing for it to work." Then again, her gift also seems to be far more versatile than average, so perhaps that's the trade-off.

[Deleted]

Before she could even notice it, the redhead was alternating between grinding her teeth and sucking in her cheeks; both nervous habits she had developed at a young age. Alongside fiddling with her trembling hands, the redhead had regressed from her usual, confident self to a nervous wreck. The reassuring squeeze from her close friend – if not the closest – managed to ease her fears slightly, as well as the ability to ask questions. The professionalism of her mysterious healer despite the situation was everything she had hoped and expected in a medical setting, but she still couldn’t shake her nerves.

Thankfully, like any good friend, Selina was there with a refilled wine glass after helping tighten the blindfold. It now fit snuggly over Summer’s eyes and no light was showing. The material was so thick that it was basically impossible to see anything through it, not even the silhouettes of the other women in the room. A bit hastily though with her manners and etiquette in consideration, she made work of the sweet red wine that composed the glass. Sending a quick “Thank you,” in her dear friend’s direction – or at least where she assumed Selina sat.

At the mention of the brand, even the relaxing feeling accompanied with the wine couldn’t even help her forget the intention of this meeting. “Of course,” Summer said a bit quietly, “Selina, I’m sorry- would you mind helping me?” She asked, offering the nearly-emptied wine glass toward where she assumed Selina was. The moment the elegant glass left her hands, she moved toward the robe and began to undo the tight knot on the side of her waist. Opening the front of the robe, it wouldn’t take the pair very long at all to see the hideous brand that was left on her upper thigh despite the ample amount of skin showing.

Even though she couldn’t see it, she could only assume the stranger’s reaction was a mix of shock and disgust – but then again, Summer didn’t even know the woman let alone her mannerisms. Perhaps she was completely unphased by the mark. After all, she was a doctor and Summer quickly concluded that the woman had surely seen much worse.

Thankfully, the woman’s answer to her other question helped distract her from the image of the brand that was burned into her brain. “That’s fascinating…Do you typically associate with many other metahumans? Would you say there are a good amount of them in the city other than the ones who go about in masks?” She asked, almost as if she was conducting an interview.

Actually…..that might be the best approach to it all: just conduct this entire thing like an interview.


outfit: summer is just wearing this now ohhhlalaaa!

[Deleted]

The nervous tics that Summer was engaging in were not lost on her. If she could help her friend find a calm center within her, she was going to try. It seemed the alcohol was helping, but only minimally. Offering up another reassuring smile she tried to help Summer as support.

As soon as the glass of wine was drained, Selina was already at the ready, her fingertips playing along Summer's wrist first, before she finally loosed the stem of the wineglass from the redhead's fingers. "No worries, doll. I've got it." With a barely perceptible shift on the bed she moved to set it on the bar cart within her bedroom, moving to Nina's side to see the full view of the brand upon the other woman's inner thigh. Glancing to Nina, her eyes were wide as she had taken in the damage. Nina was doing her an immense favor that she would not take lightly in regards to repaying. These women were not only pivotal in her life, but in Gotham's as well. The fact she was able to bring them together like this was a feat in and of itself. And one that she was grateful for.

And even as she took her fill of the branded flesh and sat down, she hadn't been able to stifle a laugh at Summer's words. Ever the inquisitive reporter. She had to hold her tongue as she could've just as easily responded to the question, considering her own nightlife activities. But that would have given away much too much to someone she didn't care for having to cross that line. There was a certain passion for life that Summer had, that she didn't want tainted with the seedier, darker side of Gotham. Even though she'd been subject to at least Joker's machinations at hand of her own curiosity. Reaching to grasp Summer's hand again, she gave it another reassuring squeeze.