A New Roomate [Mary]

[catgirl]

Kitrina leaned back, placing her weight on her arms and palms. Night had finally found it's way to Gotham City, the blackish shade shining with the white lights of stars. Who ever said the city wasn't pretty had obviously never seen this view. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the cool air in through her nostrils, feeling it fill her lungs with autumn. On the outside she was calm, relaxed, placid, and she tried to spread that feeling through her whole self, but was unsuccessful.

Inside her mind was still buzzing, full of unanswered questions, thoughts of the days ahead. Just for something to concentrate on she ran through the escape route she had planned incase the landlord decided to come check up on the room, although it was hardly unlikely to happen anytime soon. It helped only slightly, instead simply shifting her attention to what she had learned today in class with Sensei. He had given her a one-on-one session after the actual class to help her prepare for the upcoming competition, and she had done some serious damage to the test dummy. After she had finished it had nearly ever limb broken, muscle tissue bruised, and the tip of its noise broken off. Poor Jeff.

L.B. squirming on her lap caused Kitrina to open her eyes. The Siamese was looking straight up at her. He cocked his head slightly to the side. "Yeah, I'm hungry to. Let's go see if there's any cans of tuna in the cupboard." The small, agile body jumped from her lap onto the apartment floor and padded quickly towards the kitchen. Kitrina smiled slightly and cast one more glance at the city before turning around and sliding off the windowsill.

No sooner had she taken a step than a noise outside alert her of visiters. She held still, listening to the happenings on the other side of the door. A male voice was listing off the 'high points' of living in such a complex. Kitrina barely had time to leap out the window before the door opened and they entered.

"And the view is just spectacular. There's a small patch of trees before you see the rest of Gotham City. I've had people pay just to come and take pictures..." Kitrina rolled her eyes as Frank Choan rambled on. He was so lame.

From the sounds leaking out the window and into the night, Kitrina determined that there were two people in the room; and by the sounds of it, they were looking the other way. Holding her breath, she pulled herself up to peak into the window. A woman stood beside the landlord as he pointed out different 'perks' to the room. L.B. had done his part and slipped into hiding. Good boy, she smiled. Silently Kitrina dropped down again and listened to the conversation.

Obviously he was trying to sell the appartment, her appartment. Sure, he didn't know she lived there, but that didn't make the situation any better. Where would she go? What would the Gensons think about her just disappearing? Would they question the new girl about where she went? That was the least of her worries. Kitrina scowled and cocked her head so that she could hear better.

[mm]

The apartment seemed to have everything that was essential and even a great view yet still within her current budget which had lately been dwindling at an alarming rate. Hence the reason the eighteen year old brunette was here in the first place. Having to move out of the nicer apartment she had been taking up space within due to the minor problem she and the other citizens of Earth referred to as being unemployed, Mary Bromfield was desperate. The inside could use a fresh coat of paint and some spackling to cover some cracks in the walls, a feat Mary wouldn't mind taking upon herself but it was still decent for the price. The kicker being that it was also a 2 bedroom flat, meaning that she could have company and invite guests whenever she chose.

The small patch of trees was the selling point, the biggest one in Mary's mind. It would provide an excellent escape and hiding place, close enough to the apartment whenever she had to make the transformation. ""I'll take it. Where do I sign?" She smiled faintly, shuffling through her purse while the landlord Frank Choan opened a manilla folder.

Adjusting her ponytail as she looked around, one thing seemed off about the place. The fact that she'd had so much on her mind lately, what with not being able to get out of Gotham and all, accounted for the fact she had taken so long to notice it but according to Choan this apartment hadn't been lived in for months. He himself admitted it had been some time since he'd been in here or anyone had expressed an interest in this place. Why then do I not see any dust collected? And why...is it just me or does it smell like a cat has been in here recently?" She silently raised the questions to herself but kept them there as opposed to asking Frank who seemed clueless

A few minutes later the I's were dotted, the T's crossed and Mary Bromfield had a new home. Frank Choan was gone and Mary trekked outside to her car, popping the trunk and starting to unload the first of the boxes when the hairs on the back of her neck raised in tune to the feeling she was being watched.

[catgirl]

Kitrina nearly screeched. She had baught it. That lousy, cheap, unfit for buying her house woman! There were things she wanted to yell, things that she would not have wanted her mother to ever hear her say, that is, if she was still alive. Kitrina watched helplessly as the woman signed the paperwork then sauntered out to her car. As soon as she was bent over in her trunk Kitrina hoisted herself into the room.

Just when she had finally thought things might be going well for her, this happens. Now what? Go back to living on the streets. Like hell. Uh-uh, no way. Life was going to stay good no matter what it took. Ideas began streaming through her mind, thoughts on how to get rid of this 'roomate' of hers. Most were horrible, cruel things that she would never actually be able to carry out. But man, would it have been nice to.

Finally she settled on the idea of using intimidation and fear. If she was lucky, this was just an average woman she could easily scare off. But in the case that she wasn't, Kitrina had a backup. Women were always suckers for a sob story, and she had the best one of all. Putting her plan to imediate action, she found the rod she saved for thieving and waited in front of the door for the woman to return.

[mm]

Despite no longer having the luxury of living off the shelter of her rich adopted parents Nick & Nora Bromfield from all the way back in Fawcett City, and that by her own choice, wanting to prove she can make it on her own and be her own woman, Mary Bromfield still had nice things that belonged to her such as clothes and some conveniences. It might be a long time before she could afford expensive new things but alot of the things she owned, such as her clothes for example were tasteful and luxurious in quality, such as the designer sweater and dress slacks she wore at the moment.

Leaning for a moment as she propped her hands on the trunk she'd just raised, her baby blues fell studiously on the number of boxes in the space before her, her thoughts counting the number that were in the back seat. She couldn't say she wasn't tempted to take only a few in tonight and leave the rest of them until morning. And then she remembered where she was and the thought was quickly dismissed. This is Gotham, not Fawcett. Leave your belongings in the trunk until morning and you might not even have a car by then, let alone possessions to take out of it. Pessimism wasn't one of her favorite traits in anyone, especially herself but this was Gotham. She'd been around it long enough to be anything but. The fact that such a place could sour the attitude of someone as idealistic as Mary said alot of this city that never seems to sleep.

Gritting her teeth, her back tightening and her arms straining as she lifted the heaviest of boxes, sat it on the bumper for a second and slammed the trunk shut, her mind drifted yet again to the telltale signs that her new landlord either was too dumb or too uncaring to pick up on. Signs that this apartment had unexpected or unwelcome visitors. Thus it was no surprise really when she reentered the building and saw the young woman standing in front of it holding some sort of weapon with a threatening look in her eyes. "This didn't take as long as I thought. I was wondering when you'd get to showing your face." She whispered and set the box down in preparation for the inevitable argument.

[catgirl]

So someone had noticed how strange it was that the lights were on, everything running, and a small smell of cat hung in the air. That made Kitrina feel a little better, knowing that this woman wasn't incompetent, but at the same time dampened her hopes of scaring her off. It looked like she was going to have to use the sob story after all, and a quick scan from head to toes told her it was probably the best anyways. Kitrina almost scowled but held her outside demeanor semi-threatening. No matter how much she despised using this tactic she had to play it up right.

Folding her arms across her chest, Kitrina glared at the woman. This was a process. If she dropped the 'tough guy act' now it would all crash and she'd never make it. After the woman started asking her questions about her being there, like she figured she would, and possibly threaten to call the police, she would start her little break down.

"Aren't you smart. That idiotic landlord has been by this flat several times in the last month and never even gave a second glance. But then, I think I heard the doctor dropped him by accident." Kitrina rolled her eyes and frowned. "You can't have it, this is my home. Go back to whatever rich boyfriend bought you those clothes."

Great, build up the disgust, get her thinking your worthless. Then cause a scene. They're always suckers for kids whose life has been messed up. Which really, was quite the percentage of Gotham. But hey, you either make due and learn or wallow in self pity and become the nothing that they tried to make you in. Well, she wasn't going to be nothing, not as long as she could stand it.

[mm]

Hmm. The tough person act. No doubt soon to be followed by a play for my sympathy. Mary Bromfield may not be privy to the Wisdom of Solomon without the aid of the spoken word, and she might have been born in the dark but it wasn't last night. The truth stuck out like a sore thumb, she had already put the pieces together. The girl had nowhere else to go and had been sneaking around just to keep from living on the street. Mary could relate because she had a brother who had been in the same position after their uncle kicked him to the curb. Mary grew up in the lap of luxury. Billy started his education in the school of hard knocks.

Mary's eyes never wavered. She already knew what she was going to do but her expression remained stoic throughout the other lady's [tantrum/i]. Whatever problems this girl had were none of her business unless she chose to talk about them, or unless Mary found out at some point her activities were illegal. Bottom line? She had nowhere to go and she could never be so heartless as to walk in, drop the girl out a window with her cat and tell her to hit the ground running. She did however want to hear Kitrina admit the truth before she played her hand.

"I can't argue that he may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer. His number is on my callback list at the moment by the way." She answered, cellphone already pulled from her purse at this point and her finger caressing the redial button.

[catgirl]

Now would be the time to start the breakdown, but something just didn't feel right. She had a feeling this woman was smarter than the average bear. Still, she couldn't just leave everyhing hanging there. Time for an inpromto performance.

"You really think that he's going to do something? I can tell you his reaction. First he'll listen to you, astonished that someone could have possibly pulled he wool over his eyes. Then he'll come down to check it himself, in which case I'll have already left with any possible clue. From there, if you did find any clue that I was here he'd call the G.C.P.D. who wouldn't be much help at all. Hun, when you've lived as I have, you plan out every move you make before taking a single step."

Kitrina clenched her fists, feeling the vile in the back of her throat. How dare this come in here with and think she could fool her, a thief, niece of Mario Falcone. She had been through more in her sixteen years of life than this woman had. A stinging in her eyes told her that tears were threatening to spill out, but she wouldn't let them. No, she wouldn't degrade herself to crying. Still, it would have a nice effect.

"Listen here, Princess, you go ahead and call the damn landlord, I don't care. And while you're at it, call your mommy and tell her how you kicked a homeless girl back on the streets. I knew that people in this town are cruel, but you would think someone with a life like yours would at least have some sympathy."

With that she turned around to find her backpack sitting in the corner. Everything she needed was in there. Well, everything except food, which she would just have to steal later. Kitrina picked it up, slung it over a shoulder, and walked towards the windowsill.

[mm]

Seriously, if the woman thought this performance would get a rise out of Mary she had another thing coming. She did listen intently to every word that spilled from her mouth. It dripped with venom and frankly it did sting Mary's ears. Struck a chord as well but Mary Bromfield didn't let it show. Neither did she give any sort of response whatsoever until after Kitrina was finished speaking. She did indeed dial the Landlord's number, waiting as it rang, raised an eyebrow and smirked at the girl when she turned to grab her backpack.

"Finished yet? I certainly hope so because this uncooperative attitude of yours is getting us nowhere. Just relax and play ball. Maybe the police will go easy on you in the end and give you a light sent..."

Mary had to admit, she was enjoying her own performance. Tit-for-tat as the saying goes. She almost felt sorry for enjoying this, perhaps a little too much enjoyment when the landlord interrupted her on the other end of the phone. Pushing the proper button, it immediately went into speakerphone mode so her guest would hear every syllable.

"Hello?" The obviously befuddled landlord and slightly sleepy one at that answered on the other end.

"Hello. Mr. Choan. Sorry for disturbing you. I'll make this short and sweet."

"Okay...?"

"Remember how when I first inquired about this place you told me it was a 2 bedroom and that if I wished I would be allowed guests or even a roommate if the need arose? I wanted to wait until I confirmed things and finalized them before letting you know but I have a friend who will be sharing the place with me. Pets are allowed, correct?" She asked.

"Oh, I, uh, I see. Yes pets are fine and your arrangement is fine. Of course I will be over there tomorrow to have her name added to your lease as well but that is not at all a problem. Any other questions?"

"None at all. Thank you so much and I apologize for disturbing you." She answered and hung up. A look of complete seriousness on her face when she addressed her new roommate whether the girl would like that concept or not. "You're right. Smart types do plan out everything in advance and I have known what I was going to do ever since I figured out someone else was using this place illegally. Now it's legit so how about you? Any other questions? Name's Mary Bromfield. And yours is?"

[catgirl]

Stopping at the window, she swallowed back the last remains of any tears as she listened to the conversation. A roomate? Great. Things had gone from bad to worse. Eyebrows raised and arms crossed once again, she turned to the woman as she introduced herself.

"When I said sympathy I didn't mean the kind where you're so sweet as to let me live with you. I meant the kind where you get the hell out of my house! There are plenty other appartments around here that I'm sure your daddy would pay for you to live in; or you're pretty, get a boyfriend. I don't want to have to answer to you."

Kitrina ignored the request for her name. If she decided not to stay she didn't want her name given to the police as a runaway. Orphanages around here weren't neccessarily fun. And if she did stay, and idea that she really wasn't sure she liked, something would have to be done about having it on the lease.

Standing there, all the pros and cons flashing through her head, she was starting to think that maybe it would be a good thing after all. No more hiding, worrying about someone taking it from her, actually being able to take a shower without having her ear shoved against the wall to listen for Frank. Still there, were going to have to be some rules lied down.

"If I stay here there are some things we should clarify. There won't be any questioning of what I do when I go out. My business is my business. You are not over me in any way, shape, or form. I make my own rules, curfews, ect. My bedroom is off limits. We might be roomates, but that doesn't mean you get to know everything about me. Heck, you will probably never even come close to knowing a tenth of everything I do. My life is my life, and if you know what's going on with it it'll be because I tell you of my own free will, not because you're pestering me. Got it?"

Yeah, it was a bit harsh, but if this woman kicked her out for her rude behavior that was just fine. She would find somewhere else to live. This appartment was making her a softy anyways. Too much luxury. Maybe some time out in the streets would do her some good. Whether she stayed or didn't, a 'camping trip' would be maybe to make sure she still had her back bone. Althought, it seemed unlikely that all those years of 'training' would disappear in the measly year and a half that she had been in the appartment.

[mm]

"No no, let me tell YOU something." Mary answered back, the look in her eyes speaking volumes about the fact she didn't intended to be pushed around anymore than the other girl did."From THIS moment on, I couldn't care less what you do. You are welcomed to stay in OUR new apartment or you can pack up your tuna cans and get out of MINE. I stuck my neck out for you the as I would have done for anyone else. If this situation isn't good enough for you then pffft. There's the door! This place officially is leased to me. Your rules are fine with me but they work both ways."

Anything else the girl said afterwards fell on dead ears as Mary picked up the box she brought from her car and carried it ro her room, locking the door shut. If her new roommate wanted to take an attitude then Mary could match it. Although neither of them knew it, each of them held secrets that may shock the other And Mary had no interest at this moment about sticking her nose in where it didn't belong but she expected the same courtesy. She was here, she would stay here and was hell bent that this other lady would not under any circumstances intimidate her.

[catgirl]

Kitrina stood completely still for a moment as her roomate yelled at her then stalked away. It wasn't until the lock clicked that she broke out in laughter. Well, she had gotten one heck of a response. It was good to know she could get such a display out of the girl; showed that she still had it.

Now that it was safe to relax, Kitrina lied her bag back in it's corner and perched back up on the window. She would put it in her room when she went to bed later, but now she was too awake to go to sleep. L.B. crept out of his hole and lept up onto her lap. "Guess we're staying bud," she whispered, running her hand over the Siamese's creamy brown fur.

Whoever this Mary girl was she'd find out. The best bet who be the police station, but since it was crawling with FBI these days it wasn't the safest choice. Maybe the library. Kitrina bit her lip and looked over her shoulder at the city beyond the trees. Since they were on the third story the treetops weren't much of a hindrance. That was one of the major reasons she fought so hard to keep the place. At least now she would be able to.