|
|
Post by Selina Kyle on Jul 11, 2015 3:01:56 GMT
The darkness surrounds Gotham like the plague, almost as if it was doomed to be anything but trouble. The trees and bushes that lined the edge of the Sionis property was where I was keeping a low profile, staking the house out. It didn't seem to bother me that the house was practically fully lit and people seemed to be coming and going as if there was some party going on. But I didn't really care about that, I was way too interested in getting into the house to get my hands on the things I'd seen Roman Sionis buy.
Things he probably bought for some girl that he didn't even truly care about and things that I wanted. And it seemed that he'd had more than enough to spare. As many times that I'd seen him come out of the most prominent jewelry store in Gotham. I know that he didn't know that I was watching and not that he would notice me anyways; I wasn't apart of his crowd, the wealthy people with all the right connections. Plus, I like to lurk in the shadows, watching when nobody realizes that I'm there. It hels my cause significantly.
I moved around some of the trees, moving to the back of the estate where it wasn't as well lit as the front was. This Roman Sionis guy seems very popular I think to myself as I dart over to the side of the house and press myself up against in in a shadow, staying out of the light. A few glances around before I start to climb with ease up the side of the house, using the gutter and rain spout for support.
Once on the second story, I test a window before pushing it open and chuckle to myself
SK:: "This shouldn't be so easy."
I ease myself into the dark room before I stand quietly on my feet, adjusting my leather "cat" suit a bit before looking around the area. I flip my goggles down over my eyes to enable my night vision so I didn't have to stumble around in the dark. After all, I didn't want to alert my new friends to the intrusion.
I guess nobody said they were smart I chuckle to myself in my head as I sneak into the master bedroom, looking for anything that would suit my taste. I stop for a moment, hearing some arguing coming from downstairs. I wait it out for a minute, stepping back against a wall to be enveloped by a shadow just in case somebody was to come upstairs. The moment passes and I go back to the task at hand, looking for anything that I felt the need to have. And I felt as if I needed a little more than usual tonight.
I run my fingers over some of the less-than-finer pieces of jewelry that Roman's girlfriend left out. It was obvious that they didn't mean much to her if she left them out in plain sight. Or perhaps, she'd been in a rush. No matter though. I move on before frowning as I spot a pair of emerald earrings just laying out on the nightstand. It looked as if they had been left out by accident, proving to me that the woman had been in a rush early on. Oh well, more for me I thought to myself before snatching them up and pocketing them away.
I move quietly over to the dresser, where the woman's jewelry box sat with a lock on it, almost as if it was a safe. I laugh silently to myself as I look at the lock on it and deem it child's play. I easily pick the lock before lifting the top of the box off and setting it to the side. I look down into the box, my eyes being greeted by tons of jewels staring up at me. It was like taking candy from a baby and being a child at Christmas all at the same time. I look through the pieces of jewelry, setting a few select pieces aside, no longer focused on anything but the task at hand.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roman Sionis on Jul 11, 2015 4:22:44 GMT
Despite being such a great criminal, at the end of the day that's all she was.. a criminal. She didn't think like a boss, she didn't have it in her to be more than just a lousy cat burglar. The whispers of her return ran through the city but Roman needed to see if it were true, after all.. there was more whispers of a different tone. Questions regarding The Cat's lineage came up, some said she was royalty, others denied it.
But tonight wasn't about figuring out who was who, it was more about seeing if The Cat was good as she thought she was.
Roman didn't think so.
"It's nice isn't it? Like everything else in that lock-box you picked."
Stopping dead in her tracks, The Cat.. she couldn't believe that someone managed to catch her in the act. With all the home-invasions she's managed to pull off in the past, her record definitely had more W's than L's, this.. amused her. Turning around, admiring a diamond locket as the light bounced off of the crystal, Roman's eyes fell on the woman all as he nodded.
"I heard you were back in town, didn't believe it though. I figured it was such a coincidence that Gotham City's famed thief 'disappears' during the incident.. so where'd you go? Costa Rica? Barbados? You start a new life across the Atlantic?"
Rome's tone was mocking, it didn't seem to phase The Cat all as she ran the diamonds through her hands, keeping her cool and remaining silent. It wasn't until Roman flicked his fingers and a dim light stationed directly above the bed came to life, The Cat's eyes narrowed towards Roman's occupied hands.. a shotgun, a sawed-off shotgun to be clear. Resting the barrel against his neck, he had a smirk across his face as he moved the gun away from his flesh and pointed at a huge oil painting hanging above a fireplace.
"If you're interested there's a safe behind the painting, but knowing the great Selina Kyle, you probably knew that.."
Pausing, Rome shrugged his shoulders and The Cat glanced over her shoulder.
".. guess not."
He moved towards his bed, all as Kyle kept her eyes fixed on the jewelry, he sat down there and leaned back just a bit all as he tapped at his temple with his right index finger.
"You know I made it this easy to see if you'd try and rob me? I've only heard how good you are, never thought I'd get to see it in person as I figured you'd be long gone with a new name, and probably hair.. maybe even cheek-bones and some contacts or something- I don't know, I'm not a beautician or anything. But let me ask you something Selina, are you content with robbing houses- or is there more you're looking for? I ain't a shrink but I've been around'em for long enough to pick up some tricks of the trade and you're stealing to compensate for something, so what is it? You want attention? It's gotta be why you wear skin-tight leather, right? Right.. Of course I'm right, I know a lot more about you than you do about me."
Standing back up, Roman fixed the position of his shotgun, he still had yet to point it in Selina's direction, all as he looked up at her.
"You got daddy issues, is that what it is? I heard the rumors, I know that some believe you're old man Falcone's daughter.. I heard he's locked up in Arkham, blabbering off about scarecrows and bats, why don't you put your skills to use and bust your daddy out, bring him back here so I can shove the barrel of this shotgun into his mouth and spray his brains all over the wall?"
Despite trying, he didn't get a word out of Selina.. nothing. It bothered him that the rise he was looking for didn't come about, but there was a limit to the nonsense people could take... Roman would just keep poking until she gave in, sooner than later he'd attain his goal.
"Silent treatment, eh? Rude.. How is it that you break into my house, go through my stuff and don't even have the nerve to answer me when I ask you questions? With balls like that, there ain't no doubt you're a Falcone.. as gutsy as you guys are, you're equally as STUPID it seems."
.. no rise, now it definitely was beginning to infuriate him. To be a respectable burglar like Selina Kyle, the best trait was remaining cool under pressure, she knew that standing across from her was a possible psychotic with a sawed-off shotgun, looking to give him a reason to put a hole through her the size of a hockey puck. With both standing there and the dirty rumor coming up AGAIN over who Selina's "father" was, something she had heard on more than one occasion, it was an interesting dynamic, one that could get extremely explosive really.. quick. |
|
|
|
Post by Selina Kyle on Jul 11, 2015 5:10:16 GMT
This could make headlines in Gotham and I could already read the big, bold, black font: THE CAT CAUGHT IN THE ACT! It wasn't something that even screamed creative, but then again this was Gotham, things never got creative in print. But even so, I didn't want such a thing being spread around. But here was Roman Sionis, standing in front of me with that gun, that he was holding as if it was a factor in the upcoming game of chess, so to speak.
The not talking or answering his questions was going to get under his skin, more than his silly questions and insinuations got under my own. I knew that a man like him liked to have all the power and control. But what if I refused to give it to him? What then? Would he burst and combust into a rage? Or would he use that gun on me, like he was threatening to do so just by having it out. Ah, the gun. HE didn't like to use guns. That damn subconscious of mine just couldn't keep the thought of him out of my mind. But he was everywhere, lingering over every corner and on everybody's lips. Just the other day, some kids were playing some game, reenacting the last time that Gotham had seen him.
Damn it, get your head back in the present I snapped at myself in my mind. I look at Roman, my eyes just lingering on his and the silence between us seemed deafening. I pondered to myself, curious to see how long we could be like this in the silence before one of us cracked. Could we go for hours without moving or speaking? Or would he get fed up with my antics and just shoot me? It did make a girl curious.
SK:: "Your stuff? My, my, my. That poor girl of yours gets knocked around and doesn't even get to claim the gifts you've given her for beating her. Tsk, tsk, tsk. What kind of man are you, Roman?"
I smirk at him for a moment, letting him know that I knew about his violent tendencies toward his girlfriend. I'd watched him for awhile, staking him out. And I should've know that this was a trap but I hadn't looked too hard for the signs, my mind being elsewhere lately.
I take a well calculated step toward the window but he's too quick for that, moving his eyes with my own movements. He was quick, I'd give him that and maybe he had a brain in there, but he definitely lacked some smarts. I had to give it to him, he'd orchestrated his plan well and it got me here, right where he wanted me. But he should've known that The Cat never gets caught for long.
SK:: "What kind of man are you, Mr. Sionis?"
I look at him, baiting him a bit more with the same question as I take a step or two backwards toward the window once more. Even though the question would more than likely make his mind stop for a moment, he was still quick enough to not let me escape through that window.
SK:: "A man that puts his hands on another woman in the fashion that you do, is not a man at all. So you make up for it with these beautiful, expensive trinkets."
I run my fingers over one of the bracelets that I'd secured around my wrists, looking down for a millisecond to look at it before looking at him, to see his eyes too were on the bracelet. I wanted his blood to boil and I wanted to be the one to be getting under his skin and not the other way around, which is how he wanted it.
SK:: "I'd really LOVE to stay and chat but I don't like scum like you."
With an easy kick, much like the one she'd given to Bruce Wayne's cane three years ago, she'd knocked him off of his feet. She kicks the gun away from him after it clatters to the ground and she turns, ready to go to the window for her exit.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roman Sionis on Jul 11, 2015 5:37:25 GMT
<POP- POP>
Oh, that got her attention really quick.
The sound of two glocks popping, each at the latch of the window that held it open, causing it to slam shut.
"Stupid like I said. You'd think before you rob my house you look into my background.. Gotham's Most Deadly Shot, an award I have yet to lose."
Despite not looking it, Sionis was well-conditioned. With that great conditioning came his marksmanship with weapons, especially the two glocks he carried in the holster to the side. Standing up, he kicked the shotgun off to the side, beneath the bed as now.. there was nothing holding Roman back from putting two hollow-points into Selina Kyle's body, leaving her dead on the spot.
"You're right Kyle, I'm not a man.. I am THEE MAN. I RUN Gotham City, I'm GOD."
His voice boomed, Selina's eyes narrowed back to the window, she knew she was quick but maybe not quick enough to open the window and get out of the room without being shot.. even once. Pointing the glock in his right hand in her direction, she smirked.. all as her eyes looked at the gun that was facing the ground in his left hand.
"Here we stand with two possibilities. One.. I shoot you, you die- I feed your body to my pet tiger in the back and that's the end of this story. Or option two.."
Clanking the butt of the guns together, he pointed both glocks at Selina now.
".. I let you skate, not something I usually do but it comes with a price. You'll owe me, and when I say "owe" I mean you work for free when I need something. If I want you to go rob the Mayor's house and bring back a cup of tea, you do it. If I want you to break into that dirty pig Jim Gordon''s house, bring me back pictures of his kids so I can put them on my death-wall, you do it. If I want you to rob your own place and bring me back your lingiere, you do it and you ask no questions about it. Maybe I'd put it on, parade around town as Romana.. it don't matter.. I Gotham's God.. And right now, your fate is in my hands.. So you decide Selina. What do you wanna do? You wanna die on the spot, full of lead- bleeding out on oak flooring, or do you wanna live to see another day- knowing that you'll owe me? Your call brown eyes, it doesn't ma-"
Kyle tried to take a step toward the window, hoping to catch Sionis off-guard but Roman followed her with the gun, taking another shot just for fun which must have effected her hearing from the proximity. The good thing about Sionis' home was that.. he had it sound-proof, maybe it was out of paranoia- maybe it was not, but what mattered the most was at this distance, Roman wouldn't miss a shot, and he wasn't standing close enough to Kyle to fall victim to another strike. She had two options in his eyes- she's lucky she was even breathing after laying a hand- or well, foot in her case, on him. One thing she did notice however, despite his marksmanship was his hands trembling- not out of fear, rather out of need. Was it worth the risk to see if something like that would effect the shot? It wasn't the smartest idea, but she wasn't with much options.. or of course, was there an Option 3 Selina had in mind that her cool persona wasn't tipping off at the moment?
"Tick- Tock, Pussy Cat.. I ain't got all day. Cats got nine lives, right? Wanna find out what number you're on now?"
Guns still in her direction, he gave her options- a shot or work-- it was her call. |
|
|
|
Post by Selina Kyle on Jul 11, 2015 6:19:42 GMT
He was quick, I'd give him that but he thought he could out smart The Cat. He should know that absolutely nobody could outsmart The Cat. Sure, you could maybe render me a bit stumped for a moment or two but things always came back in a full circle and would've let him in the dust. I narrowed my eyes at him but I remained calm, just like how I was trained to do. I didn't let him get under my skin, not the way that he wanted to of course. He could do petty things like he just asked, wanting me to work for him, under his name but he simply forgot one thing: I only worked for myself and nobody else.
I stand there, looking at him with his proposition lingering in her mind. I didn't answer to scumbags like him; scumbags that used their own girlfriends as punching bags. I let him wait, letting the silence linger in deafening silence between us again.
SK:: "And what about option C?"
I look at him, a mischievous glint in my eyes as I stand across from him, the gun still in his hand and with me weaponless, or at least to his knownledge. Unbeknownst to him, I'd been living at Wayne Manor, having all of The Bat's weapons at my fingertips and it wouldn't have been me if I had been the good house guest who didn't snoop around. So of course, I did just that. And low-and-behold I found the stash of weapons and tools that he used for himself. But Roman Sionis didn't have to know that; I rather liked keeping him in the dark.
SK:: "Oh, there's no option C?"
I frown, tilting my head to the side. Acting as if I believed that there wasn't an option C but there was always an option C. Always. Especially if you're The Cat. He didn't offer me an option C so I had to make one for myself.
I take a step to the side, watching his gun and seeing how he keeps it trained on me. I click my tongue against my teeth, giving him that look that I get when I know I have somebody right where I want them. He knew the look, too. I was sure that he'd heard of it.
SK:: "There's always an option C, Mr. Sionis."
After the words left my mouth, I threw a couple of gas capsules at Mr. Sionis' feet, letting the gas blind his vision for a good amount of time as I kick the window with my bladed heels, breaking it open before easing myself out onto the windowsill and back flipping off of it and landed on my feet on the ground before. I didn't waste my time in looking back as I took off on a dead sprint to get as far away from the Sionis estate as I can.
I slow down after I've made a good enough gap between me and the estate and I go back to lurking in the shadows. I didn't want him coming after me and finding me so easily. I wanted him to sweat and think about he'd almost had The Cat in his grasp, under his control. But he should've known that The Cat doesn't work for anybody.
It didn't take long before I was standing in front of Wayne Manor, the place where I'd been living since my return to Gotham. I felt that as if it was the only place I could go and feel as if I had a home. I let a laugh escape my lips, tonight's events playing back in my mind as I move to the side of the house and push the window up and ease myself into the house. I could use the front door but where was the fun in that?!
I shut the window behind me, pushing my night vision goggles up onto my head as I walk over to the coffee table that is still covered by a white sheet and I deposit my findings onto the table. I smirk as I look at the loot, actually managing to get away with more than I thought I had. It was a goodnight, despite getting caught in the trap that he'd set for me.
I collapse down against the sofa, sending a silent thank you to The Bat for helping me elude Mr. Sionis, even if he wasn't here. I freeze before sitting up slowly and then standing to my feet, hearing something just behind me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bruce Wayne - The Batman on Jul 13, 2015 23:42:22 GMT
"Miss Kyle, what a splendid surprise!"
Alfred's tone was dripping with sarcasm as usual, all as I remained behind the door to the right that led from the kitchen to the living quarters. Despite Alfred popping in here and there, the toll the house had taken since I left was apparent. Not only was it dark, gloomy and pretty much as depressing as could be, but the smell bothered me.
"Oh now dear, do you really believe I didn't know you were using the estate as sanctuary?"
With a chuckle, Alfred moved toward the coat-rack, one of the few objects not covered with a white sheet and placed his hat upon there. I peeked through the crease in the door, noticing Selina standing there shocked, I hadn't seen her for years, all due to the fact that she no longer wanted the life we tried to create in Italy.
"If I knew you'd be here Alfred I'd had cleaned up a bit, you know me.. Little Miss Tidy."
She could respond like no other, the woman did still hold part of my heart. Despite coming to the conclusion that we'd both never really be able to live out our lives like originally intended, it was nice to see that Selina hadn't changed too much. She still had her edge and she could squeeze into the suit as well, pretty impressive I may say.
"May I ask who you borrowed from tonight? Maybe some multi-billionaire? Or was it some poor ol' chum who thought he hired maid-service but instead was robbed blind?"
"Gosh Alfred, you give me no credit! Is that all you think I am? A no good thief?"
"Nonsense Miss Kyle, from what I understand diamonds and gold is the least of your major crimes. Did you manage to send back Master Bruce's heart after ripping it from his chest?"
Zinger, oh that Alfred. Selina let off a chuckle of her own at Alfred's remark, all as she shrugged her shoulders and tossed the night-vision googles off to the side.
"I don't know where Bruce is, last I heard he was competing in limbo contests in Bora Bora."
"If I may Miss Kyle, why did things not work out for you two? It's what you wanted, right?"
"Long story short Alfred; I have commitment issues. Bruce is.. well.. Bruce, I'll always have feelings for him, he helped me achieve what I wanted but in the end.. I couldn't stay. We're two different people on two different planes. Regardless on if my name is Selina Kyle or not, we couldn't change who we are on the inside.. Bruce is a savior, he's a hero. He's a man that no matter what the odds say, will still charge forward and do it blindly because that's who he is. Me, though? I'm far from a hero.. I'm just a very skilled criminal, one that loves the thrill of the moment. We both misunderstood what we thought was 'love' when it was just major.. major lust. Bruce is the kind of man that a girl dreams of, but once she has? She.. doesn't know what to do with him."
"This would of been valuable information to have BEFORE we both decided to disappear to Florence to start new lives, Selina. You don't think a heads up saying 'I'm having second thoughts' was appropriate? I mean.. I kinda faked my death and all, I left the city because it's what we both decided was needed.. instead, you just wanted a quick get-away."
After hearing enough from Selina, I moved beyond the door and stood there, for the first time in years, in the same room as the woman who I believe I loved. With my arms crossed over my chest, I sported a mid-trimmed beard, my hair was slicked back to the best of it's ability. Cocking my head back slightly, I let my head tilt to the right as I looked on, surely if Selina was able and willing to confess to Alfred over hidden sentiments, she'd be ready to put her cards on the table when I was around. As shocked as she looked to be staring me in the eye, I felt a sense of.. happiness that she knew I was within arm's reach now, as complex as things seemed, there was an attraction between us both that couldn't be denied.
|
|
|
|
Post by Selina Kyle on Jul 15, 2015 3:54:14 GMT
I could feel my breath slowly slipping out of my lips as I stared at him, blankly. I'd say open mouthed but my bottom lip was in between my teeth. I...didn't know what to say to him or how to react to him being here. It wasn't what I expected out of him. I thought...he enjoyed his time in Florence but maybe, maybe I had been wrong. But I didn't feel as if I was wrong, not at all. I wasn't as happy as I should have been in Florence; that life, it's just not what I wanted but I didn't expect that. I wanted to be happy; I wanted to be happy with him Oh, how I so badly wanted just that. But I couldn't lie to myself and be miserable to keep him happy, could have I? No, I don't think so. And if he thinks about it, he would've found that he wasn't happy with being there either. He wasn't being the hero there, not like he was here in Gotham and Gotham would always, always need him.
I look at him, my bottom lip still in between my teeth as I look him over. He was still attractive; more so with the scruff. I always did like a little scruff on a man and he made it look so...so delicious. I couldn't deny the fact that I was still attracted to him, no more than he could deny that he was still attracted to me.
"Appropriate? Hmm. That's not a word that's ever been associated with my name. When has anything I've ever done been deemed appropriate?"
I look at him again, the urge to just take him and kiss him ran through my body but I wouldn't..I wouldn't be following through with that urge. I tuck my hair loosely behind my ears before looking over at Alfred. The air had been light as Alfred and I had bickered back and forth but now as I stood in front of Bruce Wayne himself, it was heavy. What does one say to the man that you left because you didn't want that life anymore? One you left alone. In Florence. In the pretend life that you had built with them.
It wasn't an easy decision to make back then, not as easy as he's making it appear to be. I had stayed longer than he realized but I didn't want him to know that. I didn't want him to know that I had tried so hard to make it work so I didn't disappoint him or hurt him. His feelings were the only ones that I had taken into consideration at the time. He wouldn't see it as considerate if I explained it to him; he'd just see it as another way for me to get out of a situation, which I was very good at. Just ask Roman Sionis.
"Well, you know me, Bruce..."
I look at him, once again my eyes studying his facial features. I lingered for a moment on his lips, wondering if they still felt the same before looking back into his eyes from the distance between us.
"I've always been good at quick get-aways."
I wink at him, trying to lighten up the mood but the mood didn't seem to want to lighten. I had left this man, the man that I truly did love but would never admit that out loud to him. But I couldn't have stayed in Florence, living a life that wasn't meant for me. I was a criminal at heart and the thrill of it just...made my blood rush with adrenaline. But he too needed Gotham, he just didn't know it yet. He was the hero that Gotham deserved and he'd always be that hero. I knew that he would always need Gotham, whether he wanted to admit it or not. Just like I needed that piece of me to live in the thrill of a steal.
"So, Gotham needs you again, does it?"
I turned the conversation back to him, moving it away from me. I didn't know what he expected me to say. Did he want me to admit that the feelings had been real? The relationship we had wouldn't have last through this; returning to Gotham, him being the hero and me being the criminal that I was. Even if what I wanted was something that could be real now, it wasn't something I was going to pursue.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bruce Wayne - The Batman on Jul 16, 2015 1:03:26 GMT
"It does need me especially with you robbing it blind."
Was it a joke? Was it a jab? It didn't matter, Selina took it with a smile.
"I didn't know my abandoned home was Casa de Kyle, thanks for.."
Reaching my hand out, I wiped my index finger across a wooden table that had accumulated quite the amount of dust and looked down at it, before wiping said dust on my black pants.
".. up-keeping. The irony is so great, you breaking in here three years or so ago and pretending to be a maid all to lift my finger-prints. That's gotta be love right? It's gotta be."
Letting a little smirk cross my face, Alfred looked at Selina, then to him all as he nodded his head lightly.
"Well Master Bruce and Miss Kyle, I feel the need to retire myself from this conversation. I will had tea on the stove-top, also I need to prepare dinner. Will you be staying with us Miss Ky-"
"No. I'm afraid not, Alfred. All as I'm sure Selina has more pressing issues at hand."
That fired out and hit it's intended target, that was years of frustration balled up and tucked away that was waiting to rear it's ugly head. I thought I understood her position in life, being conflicted with love and life but really I threw that analogy out of the window when she left me- that stung. I wouldn't admit it but that hurt me and pushed me into isolation. The thought of returning to Gotham under my own free will hit me a few times but I decided to stay away for a few reasons.. but I couldn't be selfish anymore, not when my mother and father made the promise to keep Gotham City at the forefront of the world. As Selina stood there, she knew that I wasn't very thrilled with her presence, but part of me was happy to see that was healthy and alive.
"I'm not going to give you a lecture, you know what happened and you know the toll it took. But let me make this as clear as possible Selina, I do plan to get back to work.. this city needs the help. I know there's a few other people out there trying to take up the mantle but it's not the same- they're not me. I'm giving you fair warning, you're not exempt. If we run into each other, I will take you down, you've earned that with your actions."
I kept a stern look across my face, it sorta took Selina back as I don't think she thought I'd pick up where I left off and have her in my cross-hairs.
"As good as you are, I'm better. As fast as you think you are? I'm quicker. Tread lightly, don't make the mistake of getting caught because I'll enjoy locking you away like you locked me away for the past few years. You took years away from my life due to your fear of commitment, you lied to me and played me for a fool.. I won't go out of my way, but not if but WHEN our paths cross, Blackgate Prison will have a new inhabitant."
Chuckling to myself, I nodded my head as I walked aside of Selina- heading to the fireplace. She didn't budge, but as I moved past her, I caught her scent and it almost caused me to lock up- call it pheremones, but something about the woman was too attractive-- she was polarizing. But managing to keep myself on the path forward, I kneeled down and looked into the fireplace, it hadn't been used in quite sometime- but that brought forth another comment from me.
"Oh.. And I'd appreciate it if you stopped using my home as a safe-house. You lost the right to share a roof with me. You're a hustler, right? So go hustle. Create a new life like you wanted, I'll sit back in my estate that's been harboring a known fugitive with heat, water, a shower and a kitchen. You might love to chase the thrill, but let's see how far that gets you once GCPD realizes Selina Kyle is back at it again and your face is plastered all over the city. This time though.."
Standing up, I dusted my hands off and looked up back at her.
".. you won't have the luxury of lifting my prints again and selling me out again to get yourself the Clean Slate Initiative to save you.. nor will you have the ability to avoid prosecution due to my connections. Call me bitter and I'll agree, but you deserve it- you know that."
I had promised myself to forgive her for everything when I was alone but that was a lie, there's no way I would be able to allow an apology for how she treated me. Her actions were cruel, whether or not she wanted to admit that, she left a hole in my heart and it's not something that would fade anytime soon.
|
|
|
|
Post by Selina Kyle on Jul 16, 2015 4:26:39 GMT
His words hurt but I should have expected him to react like that to me being here in his house. And what was I thinking? Was I really thinking that he was just going to let me stay here after I did what I did? But I knew that his reaction would be more like it was. It hurt, yes but it was justified. I didn't want to hurt him, I truly didn't but I felt trapped in Florence, as if I didn't really belong there. Would he have let me thieve the people there in Florence and just turn a blind eye? I don't believe that he would have, even if it meant having me still there with him. But he wouldn't have been able to just sit by and let it go on, after all he is The Bat, whether he wore the suit or not. It was in his heart and soul, it was the sole definition of who he was.
I watch him wipe his finger along the surface of a table before looking me, pointing out that I'd been a horrible house guest. Heh, just wait to you see your stash of Bat weapons slightly diminished I think to myself but my eyes were still trained on him. Part of me wanted to just grab his face and kiss him but the other part of me wanted me to steer clear of him. Because these feelings that I still had for him would be the reason that I would get caught. He may think that he doesn't need me but I saved him from Bane three or so years ago and he'd end up in some sticky situation where my skills would come in handy. And of course, I'd be right there because for some reason, my heart seemed to beat for him more than it did for others.
"Why, Bruce, I didn't think that you would mind. After all, what use did you have of it in Florence?"
I look at him, my eyes looking over his face again as he nears the fireplace. Casa de Kyle I think to myself, thinking that it hadn't sounded so bad. But he was right; what right did I have to stay here when I had torn his heart out for my own selfish reasons? Maybe I should have handled it different; maybe I should have suggested that he come back with me. But still, where would that have left us? Those were the questions I wanted to ask; the what ifs and the maybes. But he made it clear that he didn't want to listen to me or even speak to me anymore.
I wanted to pretend that he wasn't here in Gotham and that I wasn't just a few mere feet away from him. He didn't know what I felt toward him, he didn't know that I had wanted to go back shortly after arriving back in Gotham but I wasn't that girl; I wasn't the girl that would go back so effortlessly and just beg somebody to take me back.
I move closer to him, watching him and gauging his reaction. He didn't step back or maybe he was too scared to step back, I wasn't sure. I keep my well trained eyes on him as I get as close to him as he'll let me before moving my lips so they were right next to his ear.
"The only way that you will ever catch me, is if I want you to."
I pull back from him after lingering for a second with my lips right next to one of his ears. It took a lot of willpower not just to wrap my arms around him and try to explain things. But perhaps another time. I back away from him, keeping my eyes on him before grabbing my sack of loot so that I could disappear from his estate. After all, one must not linger in somebody's presence when they're clearly unwanted.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bruce Wayne - The Batman on Jul 16, 2015 5:13:04 GMT
After feeling her breath on my ear, and now on my shoulder.. I had to show a lot of restraint. She knew how to play her games, Selina was the type looking to plant a psychological time-bomb. She'd say something now and in a few days, it'd explode and cause mass damage. I picked up on that with the time we spent together and despite her attempt to flip my promise into an act of flirting, I chuckled lightly before turning and looking her in those big brown eyes, struggling to keep myself back from engaging in what I missed.
"Then I suggest you don't get sloppy or allow it because I promise you..."
To give her a dose of her own medicine, I leaned in as well- allowing my breath to fall upon her ear-lobe and let off a smile in the process.
".. our next run in won't be so seductive."
Putting a bit more of an emphasis on the "tive" portion of the word to allow my breath to fall hard on her, I saw her body tremble a bit.. now who was the one planting psychological time-bombs? I had a strong inkling that we both shared the same sentiment of one another. I knew that Selina wanted to live the life she promised me, but she was unable to because of her fear of commitment. Now that I was back in Gotham, maybe in the end- it worked out for the best. If they found out who was beneath the cowl and I was attached to Selina, she'd be target number one and I don't know how I would live with myself knowing that not only did I almost bring Gotham to the brink of eradication, but she lost her life due to my actions. I never forgot Rachel, she was going to forever be apart of my heart and mind, but Selina seemed to have curbed that- she made me feel whole again.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a dinner date with an eighty-two year old. At least I know he'll be there and won't up and vanish lik-"
As I turned after steering clear of Selina.. she had pulled my own trick on me and disappeared. With a smile over my face, I couldn't help but to shrug and nod.
".. so that's how that feels."
With a nod, I continued forward and moved through the doors of the kitchen- Alfred had quickly put together something fast and convenient, with the stress of the past few days beginning to finally subside, my appetite was returning. I think a big part of that was seeing first handed and not hearing through word of mouth that Selina was indeed in Gotham and she was safe. Noticing Alfred sitting at the table with a newspaper pulled close to his face, I also took a seat and reached out for the fork near the bowl of soup there.
"Lovers quarrel over, I assume?"
"Now.. Now, Alfred. You know what happens when you 'assume,' you make an ass out of you and me.. But honestly, you're nipping at the tip of the iceberg with that one."
"In the event you run into Miss Kyle under different circumstances, say while you're on the prowl and you catch her in the act- what happens?"
"I don't know yet Alfred.. I told myself that I'd come down on her, come down hard but I don't know if I've got it in myself to do that. As much as she tore me in half, I still love her. Yeah, Bane nearly broke my back but I recovered, Selina broke my heart and I don't know if there's a way to fix that with 'haste' as you like to say."
"I suggest that you keep that in mind sir, sooner rather than later you're bound to cross paths."
".. and I'm not looking forward to it."
While Alfred and I had our conversation regarding the 'what if's' once I got back into the swing of things, little to my knowledge Selina had picked up some of my skills along the way. She had hid from me in plain sight, when I thought she had vanished earlier, she just stepped away and out of view. She had her ear pressed against the door that separated the kitchen from where we had our volatile talk and.. I noticed the door adjusted a bit out of the corner of my eye. Alfred was in the midst of a sentence and noticed me standing up, but instead of cutting him off I waved my hand in a signal to tell him to keep talking. As he did so, I approached the swinging door, reached out and grabbed hold of the handle and with one quick motion YANKED it open..
".. what's seems to be the trouble Master Bruce?"
There was nothing- there was nobody. One would say the wind was to blame but I knew better, especially due to the fact that Selina had the reflexes and grace of a cat.. even though I said I'd come down hard on her if we crossed paths, she didn't need the reassurance from my words to know it was highly unlikely. Truth be told, I didn't know what'd happen if we'd cross roads while I was under the cowl as The Bat and she was in the process of breaking the law. It's something that will develop on the spot.. it should be interesting to say the least. Returning to the table and taking a seat again, I picked up my spoon and went back to my supper.. all with my mind fixed upon figuring out the next step.
"Master Bruce, to get a pulse on things might I advise watching The Grey Knight Festival as they'll be airing Oswald Cobblepot's announcement live, and after will have The Darin' Graysons."
"Absolutely, we've gotta figure out what he's up to.. and The Daring Graysons? What's that, a sideshow?"
"Daredevils, sir. Quite talented if I may say, especially the son.. Dick Grayson."
"It'll be a good way to take my mind off of things."
"I'll prepare the television console at once."
"Oh.. and Alfred.. If you see Selina sneaking in, pretend like you don't notice her. I know she has no-where to go, as long as she's sly about it, I don't mind."
"Very well sir. Also, should I contact Master Blake regarding your return?"
"Good call Alfred, I need to sit down and touch base with him.. He knows what Cobblepot is up to and he'll be a good source of info. Also, I wanted to see first hand his close-quarter-combat skill, I know you told me he trained hard but I want to see it for myself. Any leads on anything else going on? Any word on Joker? Sionis? Or even Redface?"
"None sir, but I will continue to be on the lookout."
"Thank you."
If there was one man I could rely on, it was Alfred Pennyworth. As he left me in peace to finish the rest of my supper, I knew that a lot was going to happen sooner.. but I couldn't shake the feeling that Selina and I had unfinished business, whether it was due to our personal lives or how our personas would clash once in Gotham- I needed to figure out what would be done if we did in fact come into contact with one another- but not as Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle.. rather as The Bat and The Cat.. Decisions, decisions..
|
|
|
|
Post by John Blake - Nightwing on Jul 22, 2015 0:15:32 GMT
John Blake walks into the dinning room and he sees Alfred standing by himself. He exhales and speaks.
"I thought Bruce would have been in here."
Alfred walks up to John and nods his head.
"He was thank you for coming at this time Master Blake we needed you."
Master Blake walks around the dinning room and nods his head looking out the windows. Thoughts had started to rush to his head and of why he came back. He placed a hand on a window sill and looked outside.
"It took me awhile to come back Al, but I'm glad I did. You needed me. So here I am where is Bruce anyways?"
"He is around Master Blake. We need your skills."
Master Blake nods his head.
"I'll stick around as well."
|
|
|
|
Post by Bruce Wayne - The Batman on Jul 22, 2015 0:34:46 GMT
"Problem number one, how was that discreet?"
In good faith I left a lot to Blake, everything from the layout and existence to The Cave to information regarding Lucius Fox and how he could step up in my absence to hopefully become something even bigger than The Bat. He did- he became Nightwing, a vigilante that patrolled Bludhaven and had done quite the job from what I heard. Stepping into the room, I didn't smile- I kept a pretty stern glare crossed over my face as I looked in Blake's direction all as Alfred watched on.
"You don't barge in and talk about what we do, you're smarter than that Blake. There's a reason why I left what I left to you, I trusted you. I know that you've gone on and figured out your own game in Bludhaven, I appreciate it and want you to keep up the good work- but be discreet, all we need is for these people to figure out who we are and it all falls apart."
I could tell from the look in Blake's eye that he had developed quite the edge, he didn't appreciate being lectured by me- and granted, he shouldn't be. This was all a test, I wanted to push him as far as possible to see where his breaking point was. The quickest way to test a man's sanity is extreme criticism, how he took my words would say a lot regarding where he was as both a man and as an icon for the people. As Bruce Wayne, my usual self- I would carry this cocky, not too bright persona- only flashing brilliance when I needed. Blake needed to make sure that John Blake and Nightwing had separate identities, I know he was new[er] to this than I was, but there as always something you could learn.
"Be smart Blake, I know you have it in you. Unless of course- you want me to keep going, I've noticed at least eight different problems with you already.."
Wanting to smile, I forced it back as I'd see what Blake was made of from a psychological standpoint.
|
|
|
|
Post by John Blake - Nightwing on Jul 22, 2015 0:41:27 GMT
"You've always taught me to learn Bruce. Making mistakes lead us to making changes and learning right?"
I shot a quick smile. I knew that would catch him off guard. Making mistakes was something that I had done before. I wanted to change them and in due time I would.
"When you were gone I had to do things on my own. That is what I have been doing and that is what I will continue on doing. Of course it might not be the smartest thing but I will again learn from those mistakes. You asked me for help and here I am."
I walked up closer to him now and nodded my head.
"I'm here to help. You can take it or leave. Either way Bruce, I'll be fine."
|
|
|
|
Post by Bruce Wayne - The Batman on Jul 22, 2015 0:54:44 GMT
That edge, I really liked it. Blake quickly showed me that despite being thrown heavy criticism, it wouldn't budge who he was as a person and how he would confront a situation. My status- who I was didn't matter to him, Bruce Wayne or not, John Blake would stand his ground and that was what I was looking for out of him. Standing with my arms crossed over my chest as I looked off in Alfred's direction, he gave a nod of approval as I nodded very slowly myself.
"Take it or leave it, huh? What if I told you that I'd leave it, to leave your gear at the door and go back to GCPD? Then what? How'd you like to know that I'd be getting back in the game and you're not needed anymore? Would you still carry that attitude like you're untouchable? I've only heard what you're capable of doing Blake, I haven't seen it for myself. I've got pretty high standards kid, I don't know what they're good- no offense Alfred-"
Without looking in his direction, Alfred chuckled.
"None taken Master Bruce."
".. is compared to my good. My definition of good allowed me to now just save Gotham, but wiped out an ancient League of Assassins that operate in the dark. My definition of good locked The Joker away in Arkham-"
".. Yeah your definition of good also was allowing Dent to get a facial graft and make a return as DA, fooling the people of Gotham.. right?"
He had answers, I'll give him that. Obviously he had the mental makeup to continue our line of work, but it wasn't going to stop there. Blake was attempting to assert his dominance, I know I was gone for a while but not long enough to relinquish the cowl.. not when I was here to take it back. But that zinger? I wouldn't lie.. I LOVED it.
"Very good, you've done your homework. Did Alfred pack you a lunch and make sure to have tied your shoes before you went to big boy school too?"
|
|
|
|
Post by John Blake - Nightwing on Jul 22, 2015 1:04:01 GMT
There was Bruce again. Thinking that he had to teach me more. Deep in my heart I knew I needed more training but I didn't really want it. I wanted to prove to him that I could do it. The last line hit me in the gut though. A chuckle came from my body as I looked at him.
"I sure did dad did you need to check it?"
Another chuckle and I looked at his eyes with intensity.
"You might not have seen me in action Bruce. But I know what I am capable of and Alfred knows what I am capable of."
I looked over and saw Alfred nod his head. I looked back at Bruce his eyes still trained on me and I smiled.
"You might not believe me Bruce and that is fine. But like I said I know what I can do. You can put anyone in front of me and I will be able to fight them. You might see me as some little kid that needs his hand held wherever he goes. But sooner or later I will prove you wrong, you might not like it and you might come and complain about my attitude to Alfred but know that deep down I can back it up."
I smirked as I started to walk away.
|
|
