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Gotham Nights (Batman4560 & VelvetWhispers)

Selina barely had time to catch her breath before Bruce's grip tightened in her hair, pulling her to her feet. A gasp slipped from her lips, not from pain but from the sheer force of his control, the quiet demand in the way he handled her. She normally never surrendered this easily—never let anyone take the reins without a fight. But Bruce… Bruce made her crave things she hadn't even realised she wanted. He made her ache for his dominance, for the way he knew exactly how to unravel her without hesitation.

The hard edge of the desk met her palms as he pushed her down, her breath catching at the sudden press of his body against hers. His lips found her neck, trailing fire across her skin as he nipped sharply, sending a shudder coursing through her. The thrill of being held down, of being entirely at his mercy, made her whimper against the polished wood. She wanted more. Needed more.

"Bruce... please—" she barely recognised her own voice, breathless and pleading as he traced his fingers down her spine, slow and deliberate. When he shifted her panties aside and pressed inside her, Selina sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers gripping the edge of the desk as a deep moan escaped her lips. He filled her so perfectly, stretching her, claiming her in a way that made her body tremble. Then came the sharp crack of his palm against her backside, the sting melting into pleasure so intense she nearly lost herself right then and there.

Her breath hitched as he pulled the tie from her hair, letting the dark waves spill free. With each powerful thrust, her body moved to meet his, pushing back, desperate to take him deeper, harder. His hands were everywhere—tracing her curves, teasing her, tormenting her. When his fingers found her most sensitive place, rubbing slow, tight circles, her knees nearly buckled.

"Bruce—!" his name fell from her lips like a prayer, her body arching as pleasure coiled tight in her core. She was so close, too close, trembling on the precipice. In a haze of desperation, she reached for his hand, guiding those wicked fingers upward. She brought them to her lips, tasting herself on his skin before she wrapped his hand around her throat.

Their eyes locked—his dark and intense, hers heavy-lidded with pleasure and defiance. A silent challenge passed between them, raw and electric, as his fingers flexed around her throat. Selina's lips parted, a breathless gasp escaping, but she never looked away. She wanted him to see it—the way he unraveled her, the way she craved this, craved him. And in his gaze, she found the same desperate hunger, the same unspoken need, burning just as fiercely.

The second his grip tightened, she shattered. A cry of pleasure tore from her throat, her body pulsing around him, waves of ecstasy crashing over her as she lost herself completely. Every nerve was alight, her senses overwhelmed, the pleasure almost unbearable as she surrendered to the bliss he so effortlessly drew from her.
 
For the first time since Bruce her, Selina Kyle was putty in his hands. Every gasp, whimper and plea that spilled from her lips was enough of a motivator to keep Bruce pushing faster, harder. His breath came in a deep, heavy cadence. And when Selina took his hand and slid it up around her neck then turned her head to lock eyes with him... how could he not apply more pressure? His rough fingers started to tighten around her throat firmly, his tongue dragged along his lips for just a moment while Selina started to come unraveled around his tool. Bruce drew a slow, deep breath through his nose and tried to calm himself after the way she started to tense around his length.

The primal look in Selina's eyes was enough to bring anyone to their knees with a deep weakness but Bruce managed to hold out just a few moments longer. Taking an agonizingly slow pace, Bruce pulled himself out of Selina and slipped his hand off her throat only to grab her hips and swiftly spin her so she was sitting on her perfectly curved rear and bared to his carnal gaze.

For a moment there was no sound from Bruce, he simply admired Selina in the heat of the moment. Then all at once he was upon her again, his lips crashed into hers like a tidal wave upon the shore. The tall man firmly pushed himself inside of her again and clenched his throat while holding the back of her head and her hip to keep her close. His breath body pressed firmly into Selina's, heat and tension coiled in his body while he began grunting and moaning desperate for release, going mad for her. The tall man started to press into Selina hard enough that the desk slid across the table, scratching the hard wood in the process.

A soft giggle slipped past Bruce's desperate kisses, but his hand went right back to her neck to hold her in place. "Selina- Just-Nnnngh!" Bruce moaned and pressed himself completely against Selina's body until there was no air to get between them. Bruce's body trembled and stars exploded in his vision until his eyes rolled up into his head hard enough to make him whimper and bite against the top of her breasts until he felt his body go weak and was forced to pull away from her so he didn't collapse atop her. As he began to sink to his knees Bruce scooped Selina up and twisted so that he collapsed into his large seat with Selina in his lap.

"Do you like fires?" Bruce softly asked while locking eyes with the flushed woman while he caught his breath and held Selina close, wrapping his arms around her to stay warm while the desk's lamp light flickered and cast a warm orange glow upon them.


The couple found themselves cuddling, wrapped in two of Bruce's robes with a light blanket draped over them, sitting in the den on the ground floor. The fireplace roared with controlled flame that washed over the large square room. A few dozen feet behind them, two large glass doors offered a view of the full moon and garden hedge maze Alfred tended to, now covered in a small dusting of the last snow of the season. Bruce leaned against the sofa, keeping Selina snuggled up against his chest while he ran his fingers gently through her dark locks, playfully massaging her scalp in the process.

While the fire crackled and kept them warm Bruce started to consider how long he could keep hiding his secret from her. She was smart, Selina would figure it out eventually and Bruce knew it. But nobody was going to be as hard to deal with as the Joker surely. Maybe he could stop being Batman when Joker and Harley were safely locked away for life. He could tell her then, explain all the scars and injuries that she saw him with. "I should shave..." He finally whispered, breaking the silence between them.
 
Selina lay nestled in Bruce's arms, her body wrapped in the warmth of his robe and a blanket as the fire crackled before them. The heat of the flames licked at the edges of the dimly lit den, casting flickering shadows that danced across the walls. Outside, the rain had turned to snow, soft flakes tumbling in slow, hypnotic spirals beyond the glass doors that framed the moonlit garden. The world was quiet, and for once, so was she.

Her cheek rested against his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. The rhythmic motion, the deep, grounding presence of him, lulled her into a peace she had never known before. A peace that scared her. Selina Kyle didn't do comfort, didn't do stillness. She was a creature of the night, a restless wanderer, always moving, always searching. And yet, wrapped up in Bruce's warmth, feeling his fingers thread through her hair, gently massaging her scalp in slow, soothing strokes, she found herself surrendering to the moment. She wanted to stay. She wanted to drown in this feeling, to let it consume her entirely.

Her lips curled into a small, secret smile as her mind drifted back to their tangled bodies, the firelight painting their skin in hues of amber and gold. The way he had claimed her, worshipped her, driven her to the edge again and again—it had been more than passion, more than heat. It had been something deeper, something raw, something she had never dared to name before. He had made her lose herself, and yet, somehow, she had never felt more whole.

Bruce's voice broke the comfortable silence. "I should shave…" he murmured, his breath warm against the top of her head.

Selina hummed softly, tilting her face up to brush her cheek lazily against his jaw, feeling the faint rasp of stubble against her skin. "Mmm, I don't mind it," she whispered, a lazy smirk playing at her lips. "In fact, I quite like it."

He chuckled, a low, husky sound that rumbled through his chest, and she let her eyes slip closed again, relishing the feel of his arms tightening ever so slightly around her. For a fleeting moment, everything felt easy. The world beyond the walls of Wayne Manor didn't exist. Gotham's streets, with their crime and chaos, their danger and deception, were nothing more than a distant memory. The thrill of the hunt, the lure of the night—none of it mattered when she was here, wrapped up in Bruce.

And yet, she knew this peace couldn't last forever. Not with him. Not with his unshakable dedication to the city and its people. That was the thing about Bruce—he wanted to save Gotham, to mend its broken pieces, to fight for something better. It was what she found most endearing about him…and yet, it was also what made him such a mystery. He was willing to sacrifice himself for a place that had taken so much from him. She had always wondered how far that devotion went, how deep that need to fix things truly ran.

Selina shifted in his arms, tilting her head slightly, she let her fingers trace idle patterns along his chest, her voice soft but curious as she finally spoke. "You have everything—why do you still seem… restless?" she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated for only a breath before adding, "Do you ever wonder what life would've been like if you weren't Bruce Wayne?" She nestled closer against him, waiting, listening, watching for the answer in his dark, stormy eyes.
 
"Then when I go on vacation, I'll grow it out for you." Bruce softly chuckled while Selina seemed to melt into the squeeze of his arms. As she shifted to look up, he looked down upon her while she played with her finger along his chest. Selina asked two questions back to back that left him speechless for a moment. "All I really have are you and Alfred. The rest of this..." Bruce lifted an arm to gesture about. "Means nothing at the end of the day. But it never really mattered to me, I'd be just as happy living in crime alley as I would be here, or Metropolis. But my heart belongs in Gotham. I learned that when I did get the chance to not be Bruce Wayne. When I left... I very nearly didn't come back."

While he spoke, Bruce's jaw set firmly but his gaze and voice never wavered. His dark eyes seemed to stare off into nothing as his voice remained leveled, almost slipping naturally into what he did at night and alone. Bruce had to actively keep from revealing more about himself but as he spoke it served to reaffirm to himself that he needed to keep his secret from Selina just a little longer. There were too many dangerous people in Gotham that could hurt her, and her showing up to help might put both of them in worse danger, just like Catwoman had done.

"What about you? Clearly you could be doing anything, be anyone. You're a naturally gifted woman. Why stay a waitress? You clearly love this city enough to be doing something else that could better it." Bruce pondered, twirling a lock of her hair around his fingertip while he posed his question. The barrel chested man wanted to offer Selina a few contacts but was concerned she may see the gesture as a hand out, but if she mentioned needing the help Bruce would offer.

Bruce found himself often wondering what it was about Selina's past specifically that led her to run the roofs and stay in one of Gotham's harsher parts of the city. Part of him theorized that she was hiding from something, or someone. People often didn't look in the obvious places, and Bruce tended to not trust those types of people but something about Selina made him ignore all of his instincts and let his walls down every time he saw her face or heard her voice, the feel of her body was even more dangerous to his resolve.

Gently Bruce settled into the sofa and rested his head against the arm of the long seat and let his eyes close. "Stay the night? Let me take you home in the morning." Bruce muttered softly and brushed his lips against hers then gave Selina a playful peck to her lips. When she agreed, Bruce smiled and slid to sit on the sofa with his feet on the floor. He effortlessly scooped Selina up while her arms wrapped around his neck. The thin blanket fell from their bodies and Bruce walked her up three flights of stairs and down a long hall to his master bedroom that looked over the front courtyard of the manor.

It was dark, everything draped in dark blues to block out most of the light. To the left of the wooden door were a pair of end tables, white in color that flanked a massive king sized bed that was covered in silk sheets that were black and gold, matching the carpet that was placed under the bed. A single long dresser that matched his tables rested on the right side wall, leading to a private bathroom. All of witch cast an eerie shadow upon the room with what little moonlight entered from the massive window at the front of the room.

Bruce carefully laid Selina in bed then tucked the blankets around her and rolled over her and into bed next to her with a soft bounce. Without saying a word he gently reached out to cup her cheek then smiled at her before he let her settle in against him. Bruce soon found himself drifting off again in a way he only did when she was close...
 
Selina listened intently as Bruce answered her questions, her gaze never leaving his face. She had expected something flippant, maybe even teasing, but instead, his words carried a quiet sincerity that left her breathless. The lost look in his dark eyes as he spoke of nearly not returning to Gotham made her chest tighten. She had spent years perfecting the art of reading people, but Bruce was a puzzle—one she wasn't sure she should try to solve.

Everyone had their secrets, their skeletons rattling in the closet. She had enough of her own, though tonight she had bared a small portion of her soul to him. It felt... different. Easier, somehow. And yet, she could tell that Bruce wasn't ready to do the same. So she let it go. For now.

When he turned the conversation on her, posing his own question, she smirked, lifting her fingers to play with the fine hairs at the base of his neck.

"Oh, I think you've got the wrong impression of me," she teased, her voice light as he twirled a lock of her hair around his fingertip. "Maybe I just like being a waitress. Maybe I have mixed feelings about this city. Maybe I don't need to 'better' it, just get by in it."

She didn't say that she could see herself leaving Gotham. She didn't say that some nights she wondered if she was meant for more or if she'd already hit her ceiling. Bruce's unwavering devotion to the city was something she admired, but she wasn't sure she shared it.

When he asked her to stay the night, she hesitated. It wasn't that she didn't want to. If anything, that was the problem. She had never been the type to linger, to wake up tangled in someone else's sheets. But then Bruce brushed his lips against hers, stealing a kiss, and just like that, all her resistance melted.

She let out a soft sigh, nodding against him.

Before she could second-guess herself, Bruce scooped her up effortlessly, cradling her as he carried her up three flights of stairs. Her arms looped naturally around his neck, and she let herself rest against him, listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat. When they reached his bedroom, she took it in—the deep, midnight hues that bathed the room in shadow, the king-sized bed draped in black and gold silk, the furniture that was somehow both expensive and understated. A private retreat for a man who carried the weight of an entire city.

Bruce laid her down with care, tucking the blankets around her before rolling over her to settle in at her side. Selina curled into him instinctively, his warmth seeping into her skin as his palm found her cheek. He smiled softly, and for the first time in a long while, she felt something dangerously close to peace.

Before she knew it, sleep claimed her.



Selina stirred in the early hours of the morning, her senses slowly sharpening as she became aware of where she was. Bruce's bedroom. His bed. His arms still loosely draped around her. She exhaled, shifting just enough to look at him in the darkness.

He looked softer like this—unguarded, his face relaxed in sleep. She reached out, running her fingers along the sharp line of his shaggy jaw, brushing his tousled hair back. Her lips pressed gently to his forehead, a fleeting gesture, before she carefully slipped from his embrace.

Wrapping herself in his robe, she padded quietly down to the library. The fire had burned out, leaving only a lingering warmth in the room, but the desk lamp still cast its dim glow over the space. She nudged the desk back into place, a smirk playing at her lips as she recalled their night of passion. Her fingers found Bruce's t-shirts draped over a chair, and without thinking, she pulled it on. The hem fell to mid-thigh, his scent wrapping around her like a second skin.

Her heels and coat were nearby, but her hair tie was nowhere to be found. With a huff, she gave up the search, slipping her shoes on before booking a cab. As she descended the grand staircase, the last thing she expected was for Alfred to be waiting at the bottom, hands neatly folded in front of him before he passed her her umbrella, expression as unreadable as ever.

"Off so soon, Miss Kyle?"

Selina arched a brow. "What, no breakfast in bed?"

"I would have brought it up myself, had I known you'd still be here." His lips twitched in amusement. "Master Wayne's overnight guests tend to be... inclined to linger."

Selina smirked, crossing her arms. "That so? Well, I like to keep things interesting."

"Indeed." Alfred gestured toward the driveway. "Shall I fetch you a car?"

She shook her head as her cab pulled up outside. "Already called one, but thanks, Alfred."

He inclined his head, ever the gentleman. "Safe travels, Miss Kyle."

The cold air bit at her as she stepped outside. The grounds of Wayne Manor were blanketed in fresh snow, the dark sky beginning to pale at the edges with the promise of dawn. She exhaled, watching her breath curl into the air before making her way down the long drive to her waiting cab.



Selina entered her apartment to the familiar sound of paws padding against the hardwood. Her cats circled her, rubbing against her legs, tails flicking expectantly. She crouched down, scratching behind Midnight's ears before moving to feed them.

As the coffee pot hummed to life, her gaze drifted to the small batarang pinned to her fridge. Her fingers traced the cool metal, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

What the hell was she doing?

She had spent years carving out a life on her own terms, keeping everyone at arm's length, never letting herself get too comfortable. And now, suddenly, Bruce Wayne was complicating everything.

Not just her nights, but her heart.

With a sigh, she padded back to the couch, sinking into the cushions as Isis jumped onto her lap. As much as she wanted to pretend otherwise, she knew the truth.

This was far from over.
 
Bruce slowly awoke when his arms settled into the bed without Selina there to hold. For a few moments he didn't open his eyes, instead he furrowed his brows and tried to pull himself closer to the woman that wasn't there until he had moved to the place Selina once lay. The spot in the bed was still warm. His ears perked, listening to the room itself for sounds that would indicate she was still there but the only thing he heard was the sound of a running car in the courtyard. Bruce quickly pulled himself from bed and moved to the window to watch as a taxi slowly pulled away towards the drive down the road and through the forest that surrounded Wayne Manor.

"Sir if you're going to stand around all day, you may consider putting on pants." Alfred's voice rang out from the doorway. Bruce cracked a soft smile and glanced over his shoulder. "You're lucky I'm wearing pajamas at all. Was that my shirt Selina was wearing?" Bruce asked, Alfred shrugged his shoulders in response and threw a pair of slacks at him. "Perhaps you should give her a drawer, Sir. I suggest you get dressed for your meeting with Mr. Kent."

Bruce's eyes widened in realization and he swiftly darted off to the bathroom to get ready...


A fresh shaved Bruce sat inside a small diner at the edge of Gotham just before the bridge that led out of the city. At the far back corner he sipped a black coffee while he scanned the menu. His black suit was tailor made for his body and made him look slim and tall. Just as his stomach started to churn with hunger the front door swung open and a small metal bell rang. In walked a man wearing a long tan coat and a suit that was one size too big in a light shade of blue. His red and yellow tie hung hastily put together along his neck. He quickly glanced about and made eye contact with Bruce, then cracked a big grin and hustled over to him to sit across the booth.

Bruce reached out to shake the man's hand. "Clark, thanks for meeting me." The man with the glasses cracked a toothy grin and shook Bruce's hand in return with a shockingly tight grip. "Thanks for meeting me, I've been covering this Joker thing in Gotham for two months now and it just seems to be getting worse. How can I help?" Clark asked in return, getting right to the point while picking up the menu and flagging down the waitress.

"I need to know if you, or your partner know how to take over news airwaves on the radio or t.v. Thousands of lives might depend on it." Clark adjusted his glasses just as the waitress came by to get their orders. Bruce lifted the mug of coffee and shook his head. "This will be fine thank you." Clark chuckled. "He'll have a cheesburger medium, a slice of apple pie and a glass of milk please. I'll have the same." The waitress took the orders and walked away. "It won't hurt to have something bad for you once in a while Bruce. I'll talk to Lois, but I can assure you that I personally can't help with hijacking airwaves. Sounds illegal. So Lois will likely know how to get it done." Clark admitted.


Two full days passed and again Bruce hadn't called Selina, but at eight in the morning on the third day, Bruce stood outside of Selina's apartment door with a single red rose in his left hand behind his back and rap't his right handed knuckles against the wooden door. Bruce wore another form fitting suit that clung to his body in a way that made him look casual, while his hair tumbled in front of his face just a little while he sheepishly glanced down at his feet until the door opened swiftly.

"Selina! Are you free today? I kinda wanna take you out after I finish some work but I have to leave to Metropolis for a day to do it. I was hoping that you'd be up to a trip?" Bruce asked and pulled his left hand from behind his back to offer her the rose. "So, wanna take a car ride? Alfred is driving." Bruce glanced about and leaned in to whisper playfully. "I think he likes you."
 
Selina barely cracked open the door before she found herself staring up at Bruce's stupidly handsome, stupidly fresh face. Meanwhile, she was fairly certain she looked like she'd just crawled out of a dumpster fire. Which, given how little sleep she'd gotten, wasn't far from the truth.

She'd been up all night trying to track down any whispers about where the Joker and Harley had slithered off to. Between fence sitters, terrified informants, and a city that seemed to enjoy enabling its most psychotic residents, she had nothing. Worse than nothing. If she'd been more like herself lately—more focused, more ruthless—she'd already have Joker in her claws for what he'd done to her. But Bruce…

Bruce took up too much damn space in her head.

And now, here he was. Standing on her doorstep with a rose, looking at her with that boyish, sheepish smile like he hadn't just flipped her entire life upside down.

Selina let out a breath, grabbed his tie, and pulled him into her apartment, brushing a kiss to his cheek as she took the rose from him. "If you keep spoiling me like this, I might start expecting it." She twirled the stem between her fingers before bringing it to her nose.

As they moved further inside, her cats swarmed Bruce immediately. Bastet stretched up onto his leg, purring like an engine, while Isis wound herself between his feet, trying to trip him up. Midnight, the grump, sat on the counter, watching judgmentally.

Selina smirked as she made her way to the kitchen, flipping the coffee pot on. She glanced down at herself—loose shorts and a certain billionaire's abandoned T-shirt, the very one he'd left behind that first night he'd stayed over. She'd told herself it was just at the top of her laundry pile. Nothing more. Nothing else to it.

Liar.

"So," she mused, leaning against the counter as the coffee percolated, "tell me about this trip to Metropolis."

She shouldn't go. She should say no.

Bruce already consumed too many of her thoughts, tangled himself too deeply into her life. It was getting dangerous, her feelings for him. Too real, too fast.

But then he looked at her like that.

Damn it.

Selina exhaled, filled an old Coke bottle with water, and placed the rose inside. She'd only just gotten rid of all the Valentine's flowers, and here she was again. But her smile made it clear she far from minded.

She turned back toward Bruce, sliding a steaming mug of coffee in front of him. With a smirk, she nudged the carton of eggs next to it. "Need a protein boost?" she teased, recalling with horror the way he'd downed two raw eggs like some kind of lunatic the last time he was here.

After some more back and forth, she finally relented playfully. "Fine. But you owe me dinner." And with that, she padded off to shower and get ready.




Sliding into the car before Bruce, Selina settled into the leather seats and adjusted her baseball cap lower over her face. Her Gotham Rogues sweatshirt was oversized, sleeves covering half her hands, and she'd paired it with jogger jeans, sneakers and a long, woollen trench jacket—low-key, comfortable, and good for travel. In her bag, she'd packed a sleek black dress and heels. Just in case. Never know what Bruce had planned.

"Morning, Alfred. I see you're still chauffeuring Gotham's favourite billionaire playboy around. I'd say I feel bad for you, but I think you secretly enjoy bossing him around."

Alfred raised an eyebrow, starting the car smoothly. "Miss Kyle, if you think I spend my golden years driving him around out of necessity, you're sorely mistaken. This is purely for my own entertainment."

Selina laughed, settling into the seat as they pulled away from the curb. "You know what? I believe that. What's the over-under on how many times you've had to pull him out of a bad date?"

"Oh, I lost count years ago," Alfred mused. "But I will say, you're the first one I haven't had to rescue from an excruciatingly awkward conversation about stock portfolios."

Selina feigned a gasp, turning to Bruce. "Wait, you actually talk about stocks on dates? And here I thought I was special."

Bruce appeared to sighed, shaking his head while Alfred smirked triumphantly.

She laughed outright at that, relaxing into the seat as they pulled away from the city.

As the car sped down the road, the banter continued, light and easy, with Gotham's skyline fading behind them. For now, she let herself enjoy this—enjoy Bruce, enjoy the way he looked at her like she was more than just a woman who lived in the shadows. But the feeling lingered in the back of her mind: just how much more complicated was this going to get?

This was a terrible idea. She already knew that. But as they drove toward Metropolis, Bruce beside her and Alfred throwing barbs from the front seat, she let herself enjoy it. Just for now.
 
"Oo-h-!" Bruce gasped when Selina grabbed his tie and tugged him inside, a soft blush played at his flesh while Selina kissed his cheek. Bruce's brow arched up. "You should expect it, at least from me." Bruce chimed in then bent at his knees to pet Bastet and Isis then he shot Midnight a smile. "Good morning ladies, did Momma give you, your treats?" Bruce asked and straightened up to look towards the coffee pot as it started to warm.

Bruce pondered for a moment before he spoke in response to Selina. "I'm buying a company to help four friends and to make sure the truth is always available to the people." He tried to explain without giving up what he was doing specifically in case Selina started to put stuff together and discovered what he did when they weren't together. Bruce smiled at Selina and leaned up against the counter opposite of her and continued. "... It should be an all morning thing so I'll have to take the entire day away from the office for it. Would hate to be spending it alone..." Bruce gave Selina sheepish smile in hopes she would say yes.

Without answering Selina's question he picked up an egg and cracked it into the coffee mug Selina slid him and drank the entire thing in two quick gulps, letting the steaming liquid wash down his throat and fill his body with a deep warmth. "Only dinner? I thought you might want to go shopping, Metropolis has a completely different fashion from Gotham's. Some things you can only get there." Bruce pondered and watched as Selina sauntered off to take a shower.

Hardly doing more than flicking his wrist, Bruce pulled his phone from his pocket and shot Alfred a text about needing twenty minutes. The tall dark haired man started to look about the apartment now that he had some more time to get accustomed to his Girlfriend's home. Outside of being well put together for a place on the East End of Gotham, Bruce couldn't help but notice one of his batarangs against the fridge. Last time he thought it was a magnet when he was making breakfast. Now... Now he could get a better look at it. It wasn't completely uncommon for someone to collect a batarang from time to time in Gotham. Sometimes they fell off of a roof, or were pulled out of a crook while they ran. It was just something Bruce hadn't expected to see at Selina's.


Bruce had to suppress a good giggle on the way down the steps next to Selina with how she was dressed in clothes so unlike her that she looked like a stranger for a moment to him. Bruce opened the door and helped Selina slide into the back seat then scooted in behind her and already she and Alfred were hitting it off at his expense in a playful way. He pressed his forehead to the window as the car pulled away. "Is it too late to change my mind about leaving Gotham today?" Bruce chimed.

The trip was easy and playful with banter until after a two hour car ride, Alfred stopped the Rolls Royce at a tall building at the heart of Metropolis, The Daily Planet. Atop the massive skyscraper rested a spinning planet on a sharp axis that had the name of the company splayed around the hollow metal globe. Bruce drew a deep breath and drummed his fingers against the arm of the door, peering up and out of the window at the building. "I always forget how big this place is in person... So, Selina, are you coming in with me?" Bruce asked and looked over to his companion with a raised brow.


The elevator hummed as it churned its way up to the top floor. Bruce stole a glance at Selina every few seconds, trying to not comment on how cute she looked trying to hide from prying eyes at the most viewed News Station and Paper publisher in the country. He was fairly sure that she had been made out by someone on the first floor but she didn't need to know that. Instead he gently nudged Selina with his hip. "Thank you for coming out with me." He spoke as the elevator hit the floor before the last. "By the way, how do you know Batman? I saw that batarang, it looks real." Bruce pondered, just wanting to see where she found it.

With the elevator coming to a final stop, the doors swished open smoothly and Bruce stepped out first into the busy bullpen that made up the top floor of the Daily Planet, the only building that reached higher into the sky in the city was Lex-Corp.

Men and women rushed past the duo as they reported and spoke to one another in a hurry. The sound of keystrokes and paper shuffling mixed with pen scrawls and random bits of information filled the air. Bruce started to step forward until he reached the halfway point of the room where a large hand shot out and grasped Bruce by the arm firmly. "What are you doing here Bruce?" Clark asked, then gave Bruce a firm hug before he spotted Selina. "And who is this? I thought I was your only friend." Clark questioned then reached out to shake Selina's hand.

"Oh... There are a lot of firsts happening for me right now." Bruce started. "Clark Kent, this is my...." Bruce glanced around, noticing a few eyes on the trio, including the woman sitting at a desk next to Clark with a nameplate of Lois Lane. Bruce leaned in and whispered into Clark's ear. "My girlfriend, Selina Kyle. But she is trying to lay low." Clark lifted his head as if to say he understood. "Selina, this is my best friend, Clark Kent." Bruce said after standing straight again.
 
Metropolis rose from the horizon, its towering skyscrapers reflecting the morning sun like polished glass. Unlike Gotham, which loomed with gothic spires and permanent shadows, Metropolis felt open—too open. The city practically glowed, its streets neat and shining, its skyline marked by the unmistakable golden orb spinning atop the Daily Planet. Selina smirked to herself. It was a city designed for someone like Superman: bright, hopeful, and unashamedly grandiose. No dark alleys or winding streets to slink through unnoticed. If Gotham was a panther, Metropolis was a golden retriever.

The car ride had been easy enough—if you didn't count the endless teasing between Alfred and Bruce. Selina had leaned against the leather seat, sipping her coffee and letting their back-and-forth flow around her like warm air. She knew Alfred was sharp as a whip, but she hadn't quite expected him to be so…cheeky. She loved it of course.

"Oh, don't worry, Miss Kyle. Master Wayne has only been talking about Metropolis all week. You'd think he was proposing to the city." Alfred had merely hummed. "Let's hope you don't ruin your suit grovelling on the steps of city hall, sir."

Selina had simply grinned and watched Bruce sink into the seat beside her, defeated. It was always fun watching someone else outwit him.

Now, as they stepped into the elevator of the Daily Planet, Selina began to truly feel the weight of their entrance. The ride had been smooth, the streets almost welcoming, but here? Here, there were people. People with cameras. People with smartphones. People staring. At her. At them.

She exhaled through her nose, tilting her face away as the elevator doors slid shut. As if that would stop the murmurs. She could practically hear the tabloid headlines writing themselves. Bruce Wayne's latest fling caught slumming it in Metropolis! Mysterious Gotham woman or something worse?

Bruce bumped his hip against hers, pulling her from her thoughts. "Thank you for coming out with me."

Selina arched a brow, giving him an exaggerated once-over before returning the gesture with her own playful bump. "You're welcome. But next time, you're proving just how charming you really are first."

The elevator hummed along, the numbers climbing. Just as she was beginning to relax, Bruce threw out a curveball.

"By the way, how do you know Batman? I saw that batarang. It looks real."

Selina had been settling into the ride, her usual confidence wrapping around her like a second skin, until Bruce's question sliced through the moment like a well-aimed...well a well-aimed batarang. Her posture stiffened, though only for a fraction of a second—just long enough for her mind to race through a dozen possible answers. He'd noticed the batarang. Of course he had. That damn thing had been on her fridge for months, a little trophy from one of their late-night games of cat and bat. Still, she hadn't expected Bruce to bring it up, in an elevator of all places, with nowhere to slink away to. She turned her head slightly, catching the teasing glint in his eyes, and willed herself to look just as nonchalant.

Selina's lips curled into a slow, feline smile. "Oh, Bats and I? We're good friends. Well, acquaintances. I borrowed it from him. He's very generous."

Bruce narrowed his eyes. Before he could pry further, the elevator dinged open.

The bullpen was chaos. Organised chaos, but chaos nonetheless. Phones rang, reporters paced, papers flew from desk to desk. The energy of it buzzed around them like a living thing. Selina followed Bruce through the room, her gaze flicking over names on desks.

Then, out of nowhere, a firm hand caught Bruce's arm.

"What are you doing here, Bruce?"

Selina blinked, recognition flashing in her mind. The guy from the circus. The one with the camera.

Bruce recovered quickly, offering up introductions. "Clark Kent, this is my…" He hesitated, eyes darting around. Smart. Even he knew the vultures were circling. He leaned in, whispering, "My girlfriend, Selina Kyle. But she's trying to lay low."

Clark's brow lifted slightly before turning his attention to Selina.

Selina smirked, shaking his hand. "No camera today? I almost didn't recognise you."

Clark let out a sheepish laugh.

"Nice to meet you Clark." Selina smiled, but her stomach twisted. She could feel the room's eyes still on them, like waiting wolves.

And just like that, Bruce was being pulled away. Some suited executive type approaching, shaking hands, talking about signatures and contracts. He shot her an apologetic glance, but Selina waved him off. "Go on, billionaire. I'll be fine."

As Bruce disappeared into an office, Selina turned back to find the bullpen's focus shifting. More than a few reporters were eyeing her pointedly, notebooks half-raised, fingers itching for quotes.

Then, a tall woman with shoulder-length brown hair approached.

Lois Lane.

Selina had never met her, but she knew of her. Lois was dressed sharply—blouse tucked into high-waisted slacks, a press badge clipped to her belt. The kind of woman who could smell a good story from miles away.

Lois offered a smile, polite but firm. "Miss Kyle, would you mind if we talked?"

Selina crossed her arms, shifting her weight onto one leg. "Is this a chat, or an interview?"

Lois gave her a knowing look. "That depends on how much you like talking."

Selina pursed her lips in mock thought. "Well, I do enjoy a good conversation."

With a chuckle, Lois gestured to her desk, guiding Selina smoothly into a chair before pulling out a small recording device. She flicked it on, her expression calm but intent. "Alright, let's start simple. You and Bruce Wayne. What's the story?"

Selina smiled. "Oh, isn't it obvious? He's very rich, you know."

Lois snorted. "And here I was expecting a heartfelt romance."

Lois leaned forward slightly, tapping her nails against her desk as she studied Selina with an amused smirk. "Alright, let's cut to the chase. What's the deal with you and Bruce Wayne? How did that happen?"

Selina reclined in her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "Well, Lois, I was strolling through Gotham one night, saw this poor little billionaire looking lost and helpless, and I thought—why not? He could use some guidance." She flashed a teasing smile. "Or, you know, he just kept showing up until I gave in. Hard to say."

Lois chuckled, clearly not buying it. "Come on, Selina. The whole world wants to know. Gotham's most eligible bachelor finally settles down, and it's with you? What makes you different from all the other women he's been seen with?"

Selina feigned a thoughtful expression. "I suppose it's my sparkling personality. Or maybe my ability to keep up with him—most people find that exhausting." She gave a sly shrug. "Or, you know… I'm just really, really good at getting into places I shouldn't be."

Lois arched a brow. "Are we still talking about relationships, or is this turning into a confession?"

Selina smirked. "That depends—are you recording this?"

Lois lifted the small device she had placed on the desk and gave it a tap. "You tell me."

Selina's lips curled mischievously as she nonchalantly slid the recorder closer to her. "I plead the fifth."

Lois leaned back, clearly enjoying herself. "Alright, let's try something easier. What's the best and worst thing about dating Bruce Wayne?"

Selina drummed her fingers against the armrest. "Best thing? He's got this whole brooding, tortured, 'I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders' thing going on—it's very dramatic. Great for the aesthetic." She winked. "Worst thing? He actually carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Try getting a guy like that to take a day off."

Lois laughed. "Yeah, that tracks. So tell me, what's a typical date night like for you two?"

Selina tilted her head. "Define 'typical.' Because with Bruce, that can mean anything from dinner at a five-star restaurant to scaling rooftops in the dead of night." She smirked at Lois' curious expression. "I mean intensive rooftop parkour challenges, of course. It's all the rage in Gotham."

Lois gave her a knowing look. "Uh-huh. And if you weren't with Bruce Wayne, what would you be doing right now?"

Selina stretched her arms dramatically. "Sleeping in, stealing art, maybe lounging on a yacht somewhere… hard to say."

Lois laughed again, shaking her head. "You're impossible."

Selina grinned. "I try."

Lois leaned in, eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Alright, tell me this—how does Bruce Wayne really wake up in the morning? Does he roll out of bed perfectly groomed like some kind of billionaire Ken doll, or is he a complete mess?"

Selina smirked, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Oh, he tries to be put-together first thing in the morning, but I've caught him—hair sticking up in about five different directions, squinting at the coffee machine like it personally offended him. Very tragic." She sighed theatrically. "And yet, somehow, still unfairly handsome. It's a real problem."

Lois chuckled. "And what about you? How does a woman like Selina Kyle start her day?"

Selina leaned back, feigning deep thought. "That depends. Am I waking up in Gotham? In Metropolis? Somewhere I technically shouldn't be?" She gave Lois a teasing look. "Let's just say I'm flexible with my routine."

Lois smirked. "Speaking of flexibility—what's the biggest perk of dating Bruce Wayne?"

Selina's lips curled mischievously. "Oh, that's easy. The cars. Have you seen his garage? It's like a playground for grown-ups with a taste for speed." She sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately, someone doesn't trust me with the keys as often as I'd like."

Lois raised a brow. "Can't imagine why."

Selina gave her an innocent look. "Me neither."

Lois grinned, tapping her pen against her notepad. "Okay, now the real question—has he ever tried to cook for you?"

Selina snorted. "Oh, Lois… no. And I thank the gods every day for it." She shook her head. "Bruce Wayne can do a lot of things, but putting him in front of a stove is a crime waiting to happen."

Lois chuckled. "Duly noted. So, last one—if you had to describe your relationship with Bruce in one word, what would it be?"

Selina tapped a finger against her chin, then grinned. "Unpredictable."

Lois laughed. "That's probably the best answer I could've expected."

Selina winked. "Trust me, it's the only honest one."

Lois smirked. "Any plans for today after he's done here?"

Selina stretched her arms over the chair, looking utterly relaxed. "Haven't decided. What's good in Metropolis?"

As Lois clicked off the recorder, Selina let out a slow breath, realising just how much of what she'd said had been absolute nonsense. Not one answer had been real—not truly. Sure, there were slivers of truth woven into her playful words, but the core of it? Lies. Or at least, deflections. And she wasn't even sure why she'd done it, not until she sat there, watching Lois scribble notes, and felt a quiet, protective heat bloom in her chest. She had misjudged Bruce once—fallen for the carefully crafted mask the tabloids had painted of him, the billionaire playboy with more money than sense. But now she knew better. She'd seen the man beneath it all—the one who brooded at his desk late into the night, who cared too much and carried the weight of Gotham on shoulders already bruised from battles no one would ever hear about. And maybe that was why she couldn't bring herself to offer up anything real, anything true. Because this was theirs. And Bruce, for all his ridiculous wealth and maddening nobility, wasn't just some headline for people to gawk at. He was hers to protect, too.

Lois listed off some suggestions—restaurants, a museum, some swanky rooftop bars. All while Selina listened intently… and subtly swiped the recording device right from under her nose...and then the notepad.

When Lois finally wrapped up, she extended a hand. "Thanks for your time, Selina. This was fun."

Selina took her hand with a sly grin. "Oh, the pleasure was all mine."

As she walked away, she threw the notepad in the trash and tucked the recording device into her pocket with a quiet chuckle. Lois Lane might be good. But Selina Kyle was better.
 
"KENT! Go find Olsen and get him in here to take a photo of the occasion. Lane, I want that report on Superman defeating that... that... Metallo by the end of the day! And you!" A tall, portly but clearly once very well built man with greying hair shouted and pointed to Bruce. Bruce glanced at Selina then to Clark before the man stalked over like a panther hunting prey and shook Bruce's hand while he wore a big toothy grin. "Bruce Wayne you son of a Bitch! It's nice to see you again. C'mon lets get this company wearing the Wayne logo."

Bruce shook Perry's hand and offered him a gentle smile. "It's good to see you too Mr. White. I'm looking forward to having you and your company aboard Wayne Enterprises." Clark darted off, smiling at Selina and nodding at her then glancing towards Lois. "Finish that article before you go chasing another story Lois." Clark scolded then vanished to find their photographer. Bruce was forced to shuffle off towards Perry's office, who looked over his shoulder at Selina as if he was trying to apologize.

The meeting went about as fast as one like that could, just a few quick signatures and some exchanging of jokes. Bruce had been working on purchasing the Daily Planet for almost as long as he had been dating Selina due to other suspicions about a few staff members there but with Joker now running around Gotham, owning the Planet might come in handy in ways he couldn't predict... yet.

Slowly the office door was opened and Bruce, Perry and two lawyers stepped out while they shook hands one last time. As they did a scrawny man roughly Clark's age with shaggy red hair and a camera hanging from his neck swooped in front of them and lifted his camera to snap a photo of them all sharing a laugh. The lawyers took off swiftly, moving to their next meetings. Perry moved about to help direct the traffic of the day and keep his employees working. Bruce glanced about for Selina for a long pause then spotted Lois rifling around her desk frantically. "Lois, have you seen Selina anywhere?" Bruce asked while walking over and leaning up against her desk.

Lois looked up through her lashes at Bruce and then over her shoulder. "Your lady friend gave me a fabulous interview then headed towards the elevator. Based on her hat and sweater I'd guess she was trying to hide in the bathroom or across the street. If you don't mind," Lois turned her phone's recorder on for lack of her audio recorder. "What about Selina caught your eye?" Bruce narrowed his eyes for a moment then couldn't help but crack a grin. "She challenges me." He spoke honestly and stepped away just as Clark came up to the top floor again. "Hey, I just saw Selina sitting in the car with Alfred eating something. Where does she put it all?" Clark asked, and Bruce shrugged his shoulders while stepping into the elevator. "Roof running I guess. Ask her at dinner tonight. Same place as always?" Bruce asked while Clark started to not before the doors shut in front of him.


Bruce slid into the back of his short black limo next to Selina and glanced down at the food in her hand. "So, how was the interview with Lois?" He asked and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Alfred, every time I eat a snack you say I'll ruin my appetite. Why do you two get one?" Alfred glanced at Bruce from the rear view mirror. "I'm too old to care about what I eat anymore and Miss Kyle's sweet tooth speaks to my love of sweet and salty." Alfred held up his pretzel and small cup of sweet dipping sauce.

Slowly Bruce furrowed his brow but relaxed into the seat. "Well after signing that and finishing things up, I think we deserve a reward. Alfred, can we take Selina shopping around Metropolis please? She should have something nice since we had subjected her to the torment of Miss Lane. Bruce winked at Selina as Alfred started to drive towards the shopping district of Metropolis...
 
Selina strolled out of the Daily Planet with a casual air, but the moment she was out of sight, her fingers curled around the tiny recorder Lois had slipped onto the desk. Nice try, Lane. With the deftness of a seasoned thief, she plucked it apart, tiny pieces of tech snapping under her practiced touch. Once satisfied it was well and truly beyond recovery, she chucked the remains into a random bin. No need for Bruce's grumpy paranoia when she could handle things her own way.

Now, for something actually enjoyable.

She tracked down Alfred easily, the old man having taken up a polite, patient stance beside the car. "Fancy a walk, Al?" she asked, slipping her arm through his before he could argue. "I have an insatiable craving for something salty and sweet, and I need a distinguished gentleman to escort me."

Alfred gave her a long-suffering look, but amusement twinkled in his eyes. "You need me to escort you to a pretzel stand? My dear, if you need a bodyguard for such a task, then I daresay Gotham's rubbed off on you."

"Oh please, if I needed a bodyguard, I'd make Bruce carry the pretzels for me. This is treating you, Alfred. Humour me."

With an exaggerated sigh, Alfred relented, and together they wandered down the bustling street to a modest stand, where Selina promptly insisted that Alfred order everything that caught his fancy. He protested, of course, but she silenced him with a saccharine smile and a reminder that she was treating him today whether he liked it or not. He let her pay after that.

They walked back to the car with a bag full of warm pretzels, cinnamon-dusted bites, and enough dipping sauces to make a lesser man weep. Selina linked arms with Alfred again as they strolled.

"So," she said lightly, nibbling on a honeyed pretzel bite, "be honest with me, Pennyworth. How's our favourite brooding billionaire holding up?"

"Master Wayne?" Alfred took his time selecting a piece from the bag, his face thoughtful. "As well as can be expected, given his workload and his… particular hobbies, fixing Gotham's endless problems." He clarified quickly. "You've been good for him, though. He broods less."

Selina smirked. "He broods differently now. More dramatic, if you can believe it."

Alfred sighed, shaking his head. "I can believe it."

They reached the car just as Bruce emerged from the Daily Planet, his gaze immediately landing on her. Selina, comfortable and content with her winnings, settled into the back seat of the limo and resumed savouring her treat. Bruce slid in beside her and immediately eyed the food in her hands.

"So," he mused, "how was the interview with Lois?"

Selina didn't bother answering right away. Instead, she turned to Alfred.

"Alfred, every time I eat a snack, you tell me I'll ruin my appetite. Why do you two get one?" Bruce asked, sounding deeply aggrieved with mock betrayal.

Alfred, utterly unrepentant, held up his pretzel and its accompanying sauce. "I'm too old to care about what I eat anymore, and Miss Kyle's sweet tooth speaks to my love of sweet and salty."

Selina snickered and turned back to Bruce, who looked vaguely put out. "Oh, you poor, poor thing," she cooed dramatically. Then, before he could protest, she grabbed a sizeable chunk of her sweet pretzel and pressed it straight into his mouth. "There. No more pouting."

Bruce made a muffled sound of protest but chewed dutifully. When he swallowed, he gave her a look that was equal parts fond and exasperated. "Well, after signing that and finishing things up, I think we deserve a reward. Alfred, can we take Selina shopping around Metropolis? She should have something nice since we subjected her to the torment of Miss Lane."

Selina let out a soft laugh, smiling conspiratorially. "Oh, please. If anyone was tortured in there, it was Lois Lane. She was practically vibrating trying to get something useful out of me."

She waved off the idea of shopping with a flick of her fingers. "I don't need more stuff, sweetheart. But Lane did give me some rather intriguing ideas for what we could do."

As she spoke, she reached for Bruce's tie and began undoing it with nimble fingers. "First, I think we ought to hit The Metropolis Museum of Science & Technology—Superman's own little Smithsonian. Lots of gadgets, history, maybe even something you haven't seen yet."

His tie came loose, and she moved on to unbuttoning his suit jacket, slipping it off his shoulders. "And after that, I propose a Centennial Park walk. Ice cream break included. Because, darling, this whole getup is too stuffy for an impromptu date, and I refuse to spend the afternoon in Metropolis dragging around Gotham's favourite brooding businessman."

She flashed him a playful smirk. "So, what do you say, Brucie? Science, sunshine, and sweets? Or should I just kidnap Alfred again and make him my date?"
 
"Okay, no shopping then..." Bruce began to speak but Selina took his tie and undid it with what seemed to be a practiced ease. Bruce knew all he needed to know about Superman an by the end of the night would have confirmed his theories on who Superman may have been but if Selina was with him, visiting a Superman Museum wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to deal with. Then off came his dark suit jacket, and up came the idea of walking through a park. It was odd to Bruce, going for a walk in the park but Metropolis wasn't Gotham, it was safer.

"Alfred, the museum please." Bruce requested with a tone that was almost breathless while his dark sky blue eyes locked with Selina's emerald greens. The tall man drew a steady breath and tossed his jacket and tie across to the other side of the limo bench so he didn't have to sit on them. Bruce took Selina's hand and laced his fingers with hers. "I think you may be the first.... maybe second person to ever turn down a shopping spree on my dime. You never cease to impress me." Bruce chimed and Alfred rolled his eyes and rolled the divider up as he drove towards the museum.

"How are things going in the East End? I heard the ice cream parlor is re-opening thanks to a mysterious donation. Has the community come together since the fires?" Bruce asked, hoping that the tragic events managed to bring some peace to the dangerous area of Gotham. Bruce then added after a few moments of silence. "Do I really brood that much?" He asked, maybe he had let Selina get too close into his personal world, maybe she was more observant than Bruce gave his girlfriend credit for or maybe Bruce was terrible at hiding things. He didn't believe the last option though.


Alfred opened the door for Selina and Bruce rounded the other side, to offer her his elbow. "I'll be across the street having tea. Enjoy the museum you two." Alfred winked and sauntered off. Bruce waved to Alfred and glanced back to Selina. "He likes you more than me. Should I feel threatened?" Bruce asked with a grin on his face while they entered the massive building.

The duo entered through the front doors and were met with a light flash of a bulb and, and a picture of Bruce and Selina printed out of a camera held by a prop Jimmy Olsen. "Holy Cow, that will look great on the front page!" A recorded message bellowed from its mouth. Bruce took the photo and put it in his back pocket. "I'm keeping this." He said matter of factly. "Come on before we trigger it again."

The first hall of the museum was dedicated to Superman racing a train each on an opposite wall. Bruce chuckled to himself when the pushed past two doors that swung on hinges and looked like an explosion in a comic book. "FASTER THAN A SPEEDING BULLET, MORE POWERFUL THAN A LOCOMOTIVE!" A voice rang out from the intercoms. "This seems a bit overblown don't you think?" He asked and glanced down at Selina.

"Sent to Earth from the dying Planet Krypton..." The duo stepped up to a large model of an exploding planet, with a rocket racing from it and moving towards the planet Earth. The model turned on a dais to show an action figure standing atop a massive model of the Daily Planet holding an American Flag. "Now, Superman, Stands for Truth and Justice, operating out of the City of Metropolis.

The pair continued their circuit while others milled about ahead of him. "Over the past five years, The Man of Steel has battled the worst that the world has to offer, from Parasite and Live-wire, to Bizzaro and intergalactic Bounty Hunter Lobo!" On a track, a life size Superman model looped around the rounded room the stepped into and circled the models of the villains the announcer declared.

Bruce put his arm around Selina's shoulders and held her close while his eyes darted around the room, taking in the way it had been painted to look like the Metropolis skyline. The models honestly looked very life like and seemed to have the suits of the villains who Superman had bested in the past and the model wore his suit with the black backgrounded shield. The first few rooms seemed to be surface level displays but it seemed like more work went into each room.

As they continued, Bruce started to watch Selina more carefully, seeing what she found interesting in the museum, and got lost in her smile long enough to have not realized that they had come to a grand chamber depicting the entirety of Metropolis.
 
Selina let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head as she regarded Bruce with amusement, undoing his top shirt button. "Well, if I ever start saying yes to shopping sprees, you'll know I've been body-snatched. Or concussed. Either way, call a doctor." She laughed, her fingers squeezing his as Alfred, ever the tactful one, rolled up the divider. She smirked at the old butler's timing and let herself shuffle closer to Bruce, pulling the arm with the hand holding hers over her head to slip around her waist as they settled in for the drive.

When he asked about the East End, her expression softened. "It's going pretty well, all things considered. It's still the East End—dangerous, rough around the edges—but there are good people there. Always have been. We take care of our own." She exhaled, thoughtful for a beat before adding, "That's why I never left, you know? No matter how bad it got, it's home."

When Bruce mentioned if he really brooded that much Selina laughed, the sound rich and teasing as she leaned into Bruce just a little. "Oh, it's definitely a vibe you give off," she said, eyes glinting with amusement. "In fact, you were doing it just a minute ago when you got in. All furrowed brows, dark and broody, staring off like you're contemplating the weight of the world. Very dramatic, very you." She gave his hand a playful squeeze, tilting her head as if assessing him. "I mean, you have the jawline for it, so I'm not complaining. But yeah, Bruce—you brood." Her smirk softened, something fond slipping into her gaze before she cleared her throat and looked ahead, as if suddenly finding the streets far more interesting than her own thoughts.

At the mention of the ice cream parlour reopening, her lips twitched into a smirk. "Oh, yes, a very generous, very mysterious donor." She hummed, nudging her shoulder lightly against his. "Wonder who that could be..." Of course, she knew exactly who it was. She was 90% sure it was because she'd once mentioned, in passing, that it was her favourite place to get ice cream in Gotham. He did things like this—things that made it impossible not to lo—

She caught herself mid-thought, her heart stuttering. No. Nope. Not finishing that sentence, not even in her own head. She needed a distraction. Quickly.

"Tell you what, rich boy, when it reopens, I'll take you out for the best ice cream in Gotham. My treat." She grinned at him, a playful glint in her eyes. "And before you argue, yes, I do buy things sometimes."

By the time they arrived at the museum, she shrugged off her coat and left her baseball cap behind in the car, still slightly troubled by her own thoughts. But Bruce, ever the perfect distraction, had her focus shifting again when he murmured, "He likes you more than me. Should I feel threatened?"

Selina snorted, stepping out of the car. "Oh, absolutely. I mean, Alfred and I are thinking of running away together. We're just waiting for the right moment to break it to you." She shot him a teasing grin before her attention snapped toward the bright flash of a camera. A curious smile played on her lips as she turned, but before she could even get a look at the picture, Bruce had already snatched it up, tucking it into his pocket with a simple, "I'm keeping this."

She arched a brow at him but let it go with an amused shake of her head. "Guess I'll just have to trust it's a good one."

As they walked through the museum, she took genuine interest in the exhibits, pointing things out, asking Bruce for his thoughts, and bantering lightly about some of the more dramatic displays. It was easy, fun, and—if she wasn't careful—dangerously comfortable.

When they stepped into the grand chamber depicting all of Metropolis, she took a slow look around before scoffing lightly. "Superman is overrated."

She smirked when Bruce glanced at her. "I mean, come on. He's 'super' because, well... alien genetics. He was born with it. But Batman? That's skill. Dedication. Training. Blood, sweat, and a whole lot of brooding...Kinda like you." She grinned up at him, a sparkle in her eye.

Selina couldn't believe she was standing in the middle of a Superman shrine, of all places, singing the praises of Gotham's very own enigmatic, bat-shaped menace. The big bad Bat—the same one who'd spent months chasing her across rooftops, scowling from the shadows, always the immovable force against her irresistible charm. He'd been a wall more than once, standing between her and what she wanted, though she'd never truly seen him as an enemy. More like a begrudging teammate in an unspoken game, each of them knowing the other's next move before they even made it. A game of cat and bat, if ever there was one. She smirked at the thought, amused at the idea that he probably viewed it all very differently—probably some self-righteous crusade against crime, a noble burden he carried on those impossibly broad shoulders. Typical. And yet, here she was, defending him like she was carrying Gotham's banner herself. Maybe the city's corruption had finally rubbed off on her, or maybe—just maybe—it wasn't corruption at all.

"Am I showing the black of Gotham runs through my veins a bit too much?"

Realising she sounded a little too much like a kid with superhero trading cards, she laughed at herself and stepped forward, letting her gaze sweep over the massive depiction of Metropolis.

Metropolis was bright, clean, and bustling in a way that made for a great day out—fun, even. But Gotham lived in Selina's bones, curled in her veins like smoke from a distant rooftop fire. It was everything she was, and she was everything it was—its sharp edges, its darkened alleys, the way it never surrendered, never let the weight of the world crush it entirely. Gotham wasn't easy, but neither was she. It was a city of survivors, of people who clawed and scraped and stole back their own little pieces of happiness however they could. She wouldn't trade that for anything. Metropolis might shine, but Gotham? Gotham had soul, rough and unbreakable.

"I'll admit, it's impressive. But..." she tilted her head, a playful air about her as she looked back at him, "it's no Gotham."
 
"I understand. Gotham lives in all of us. I visit crime alley, a lot. I should hate it but I can't seem to get it out of me. Sometimes I feel like I would do more for Gotham than I would what little family I have left." Bruce started to brood but caught himself and let a smile splay over his strong jawed face. "Well I'll have to keep myself from being so readable then. I've got to keep my image looking a specific way for the fans and paparazzi right?" He continued, "You didn't need me to buy you things when we met and I know you can do it now. But I'll let you treat me to ice cream, in fact I'll hold you to it."

"Oh? Is that so? Well when you and Alfie get to wherever you're going just remember he has a few ex wives. He's a money grub and black widow." Bruce chuckled and led Selina into the museum.

Bruce grinned ear to ear at Selina when she commented about trusting him. "Oh no, we both look awful, its perfect." Bruce tried to not start laughing when Selina gave him an almost concerned look. "I'm gonna put it in my dash so I can see you on the way too and from work."

The museum was simple, fun and clean. But Selina, the one who seemed a bit more hopeful in the relationship said something that Bruce hadn't expected. "Overrated? The Man of Steel? Selina..." Bruce frowned for a moment. "No. That is what makes him something to aspire to. Like a religious figure. Err... Jesus for instance. He too was reported to have abilities that no human had. Yet we as a people aspire to be as much like him as possible. He gives hope to others in a way that someone like Batman, as much as he might try, simply can't. Superman, in my view, seems to be what happens when someone has a tragic event happen in their lives and makes the best of it, and I suspect Batman is on the opposite end of that spectrum."

"It's good to see the Gothamite in you showing though. You don't say things like that often. Unless its about the East End." Bruce chuckled as he looked down at Selina. Their eyes locked in an intense gaze while he considered the way she seemed to look at him as if she were happy to compare him to Batman and his heart swelled in size. "Thank you, for thanking as much as me as you would someone who is trying to do some real good in the city. It means a lot." Bruce leaned in and gave Selina a gentle kiss to her lips.

Selina stepped forward to look at the large display of Metropolis and continued to compare it to Gotham. "Of course it's not, it's just shiny, new. Gotham is old and weathered. The people are more resistant to the world around them. The people here don't know what true terror is yet. Hopefully they never will." Bruce wrapped his arm around Selina's waist and led her through the next display.

Casually the duo entered a blue hued room that looked to be made of crystal, ice blue in shade from floor to rafter. "Dwelling in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman monitors the earth for any trouble the world may need Superman to aid with." The museum recording explained simply. The display was simple and had a large chamber with a single chair and bed also made of the strange hexagonical shaped crystals. "This is an odd thing to just have at a museum. It must be either extremely accurate or completely made up and with no point of reference." Bruce commented and stepped out of the display to a hall that seemed to run to a gift shop and a final display before hitting the technological part of the museum. Bruce walked into the gift shop and bought himself a blue shirt with the Superman S shield splayed across the chest, then looked behind the counter at a stack of grey and black Batman shirts, and looked to the clerk with a brow raised in confusion. "Oh, he's very popular in Metropolis." The clerk explained, Bruce bought a tee for Selina and handed it to her. "For his biggest fan." Bruce winked and started to slip his shirt off just to throw the blue one on. "Is it me?" Bruce asked as they stepped out of the museum.

Outside Bruce looked about for Alfred but couldn't see him. "Well, he knows the plan. I'm sure he will meet us at the park. Do you want to walk to the park? It's not far off." Bruce asked and then looked up. "And it very rarely really seems to rain in Metropolis so the weather should hold up." Bruce began to walk, keeping Selina closer towards the buildings. "Do I get to buy the ice cream today at least?" He questioned as the pair strolled down the sidewalk towards the park.
 
Selina squeezed Bruce's hand when he mentioned Crime Alley, her fingers curling around his with quiet understanding. Her heart clenched at the thought of him standing there, alone, returning to the very place that had taken everything from him. She knew what it was to have a place hold you in its grasp, to haunt you in ways you could never quite shake. But the idea that he would do more for Gotham than his own family? That hit differently. It wasn't surprising, not really. Bruce Wayne and Gotham were woven together too tightly for one to exist without the other. Still, it made her ache for him in a way she didn't often allow herself to dwell on.

The moment was fleeting, though, replaced quickly with amusement when he mentioned Alfred's ex-wives. Selina's brows shot up in surprise. "Alfie, a black widow? Never would've guessed. And here I thought I was the only one in your life with a notorious reputation."

She shook her head, laughing when Bruce talked about putting their picture on his dash. "You know, we do live in the age of smartphones." She lifted her sleek Wayne Tech phone and flashed it teasingly. "You could just set it as your lock screen like the rest of the modern world. But hey, if you wanna go old-school, who am I to judge?" The mischief in her tone was unmistakable, her green eyes twinkling as she nudged him playfully.

Her amusement didn't last long when he started comparing Superman to Jesus. She folded her arms, arching a sceptical brow. "Bruce, you cannot seriously be comparing Superman to Jesus." Her lips twitched in barely-contained laughter, but there was something thoughtful in her gaze. "Hope's all well and good, but Batman offers people something more than just that." She tilted her head, considering. "Hope is passive. It's a dream, a wish. Batman gives people the strength to fight. To survive. He reminds them that even in the darkest places, you can claw your way through." There was a fierce certainty in her words, something deeply personal. "Hope is looking up at the stars. Survival is keeping your feet on the ground and fighting for every breath."

She wasn't sure if he'd argue, but he didn't give her the chance, because the next thing she knew, he was kissing her, and she was melting into it. She leaned into him, into his warmth, into the way he made her feel—like she belonged, like she was safe, like he was hers. When she pulled back, her voice was softer, more genuine than she usually let it be. "You do more good for people than Batman and Superman put together, you know that?" Her heart swelled with something dangerous, something warm and terrifying. She ignored it. "And don't you dare argue with me on this one."

When he made his comment about Gotham's people being more resistant, she nearly corrected him. They weren't just resistant—they were relentless. But as his arm slid around her waist, she let it go, let herself fall into step with him as they moved through the last few exhibits and into the gift shop.

Bruce buying a Superman t-shirt nearly made her snort. She loved this side of him—the one that could be playful and carefree, the side he rarely let out to breathe. It was a rare thing, and she savoured it. Her gaze lingered as he tugged his shirt off, taking in every line of muscle before he replaced it with blue. When he asked if it suited him, she smirked. "It looks good, but if I had a choice? I'd always prefer you shirtless."

With a smirk, she used his broad form to shield herself as she pulled off her own Gotham Rogues sweatshirt, tying it around her waist before slipping into the Batman tee he had picked for her. When she caught their reflection in the glass looking like a pair of hick tourists, she let out a soft laugh. "Think Bats would approve?" she mused as they walked out.

Fingers slipping through his, she gave his hand a squeeze. "Let's go," she said easily when he asked about walking to the park.

As they strolled, Bruce asked if he got to buy the ice cream this time, and she sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But if you get the boring vanilla, I reserve the right to judge you."

The park was beautiful, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun. Trees lined the pathways, their leaves rustling in the warm breeze. Families played in the grass, joggers passed by, and the scent of flowers and fresh-cut grass filled the air. It was peaceful in a way Gotham never was—no sirens, no distant shouts, just laughter and the occasional bark of a dog.

They made their way to the ice cream stand, and when Bruce got his, she stole a lick before he could react. "Mm, not bad," she said with a smirk before offering hers in return. At the last second, she deliberately smeared some on his nose. "Oops," she said innocently, eyes dancing with mischief.

Finding a quiet spot, she led him to a bench near a small fountain, where the water shimmered under the dimming sky. The world felt a little smaller here, a little quieter. She sighed contentedly, leaning into him, letting the warmth of the moment wrap around her.

"Thank you," she murmured after a moment. "For bringing me along. For another amazing date. I'm not used to this, you know." Her fingers traced lazy circles against the back of his hand. "You've turned my life upside down." Her voice was quieter now, her gaze locked onto his. "I hope you know you don't ever have to prove anything to me. You're perfect as is."

As she spoke, her face moved closer to his, her breath warm against his skin. And then, finally, she closed the distance, pressing a perfect, lingering kiss to his lips, the world around them fading into nothing but this moment, just them.
 
Bruce couldn't help but turn just the faintest shade of red when Selina said she liked him shirtless. "I- you don't ask about the scars... You don't even care do you? It wouldn't change what you thought about me would it?" Bruce pondered while Selina used him to shield the her from the world and changed shirts as well. His eyes lingered on her curves for a bit longer than would be acceptable in most cases. "He'd be stupid not to..." Bruce said almost dumbfounded.

"Selina, do I look like the kind of man who eats vanilla ice cream?" Bruce asked with a chuckle. Bruce pulled his button down over his body to cover his arms but left it open so the blue shirt was visible and his button down was un-tucked.

Bruce bought Superman ice cream and turned right into Selina stealing a lick of his then tagging him with her ice cream in the nose. Bruce stood upright and chuckled only to reach for a few paper towels with one hand then plopped his cone against her forehead and gave it a gentle twist to leave a splotch against it. "Unicorn." He chuckled and dragged his cone over his nose to clean it.

Cleaned, Bruce and Selina sat together and enjoyed ice cream before dinner, not that Selina knew it. "You don't have to thank me, Selina. If I'm being honest it's getting kind of hard to not have you wi-" Selina cut him off with a kiss that took his breath away. At first, Bruce's blue eyes widened until he melted into the deep kiss. His eyes fluttered shut and the ice cream in his hand fell to the floor with a splat as his hand grabbed her hip and tugged her closer. When she started to pull away, Bruce took a chance and deepened the kiss on his end for just a moment then let her pull back while he wore a smile on his face.


Bruce, Selina and Alfred stepped into a long diner at the city limit of Metropolis with twelve booths, a bar at the counter that held eight stools and a single round table to hold eight people. Alfred sat at the bar but Bruce too Selina to the furthest booth away from the door and stood aside to let her slide in, then he sat next to her. Out the window, the sun had just lowered over the horizon, casting the city in a moonlight purple. Outside a red sedan pulled up and the lights went out. The doors swung open and out stepped Lois and Clark. "I invited some friends for dinner. I hope its okay." Bruce whispered in Selina's ear as one hand reached to rest atop her thigh and the other gently moved to cup her chin and move her gaze to him and away from the couple walking past the windows and towards the front door of the diner.

Without waiting for Selina to protest the idea of spending time with others, Bruce pressed his lips to hers and started to kiss her, all passion and no hesitation. His lips worked against hers twice before his tongue slipped past her lips and teeth so he could massage her tongue with his. Softly he cooed into the lip lock and pulled away as the front door opened. "You're safe with me, Selina." Bruce whispered into her ear and turned with a smile on his face as he stood up and Clark spread his arms to greet Bruce.

Clark scooped Bruce up into a big hug. "Bruce! Finally gave in and got a Superman shirt huh?" Clark asked with a chuckle and Bruce nodded up and down. "He does seem like the perfect boy scout. You were right. Lois, nice to see you again." Bruce shook both of their hands and waited for his friends to sit before he sat again.

"So, that's what you look like when you're not hiding from the world." Clark joked and reached out to shake Selina's hand. "It's nice to meet you again Selina, how are you enjoying Metropolis?" Clark asked while the waitress shot around to take their drink orders and hurried off. Bruce watched Selina carefully to make sure she wasn't overloaded with too much going on at once then shot Lois a glance as if to keep her from prying too hard on Selina.
 
Selina melted into Bruce's deepened kiss, unable to resist the way he claimed her with such certainty. His lips moulded against hers with a heat that sent a shiver down her spine, her fingers curling against the fabric of his shirt as she let herself be lost in him. The world faded, leaving only the taste of him and the steady, reassuring pressure of his hands. Her thoughts flickered back to what he had said in the gift shop—about his scars. Any other time, with any other man, the curious cat in her would have wanted to uncover the story behind every mark, to trace each line with teasing fascination until the truth spilled from his lips. But Bruce had been right. She didn't care. It wouldn't change the way she saw him. She was crazy about him.

When he finally pulled away, his blue eyes half-lidded, his breathing slightly uneven, it took Selina a moment to notice the ice cream cone lying pitifully on the ground between them. A laugh bubbled up in her throat, and she smirked.

"Oh, look at that. Turns out even Superman has weaknesses," she teased, holding out her own cone for him. "Good thing I don't mind sharing."

Sliding into the booth at the diner, Selina arched a brow at Bruce as she glanced around the simple establishment. "Didn't peg you for a greasy spoon kind of guy," she mused, half-jesting, though there was a flicker of genuine surprise in her tone. The sleek billionaire in him seemed at odds with the faded vinyl seats and the scent of sizzling burgers in the air.

She turned to the window, her gaze following the last streaks of golden sunlight as they disappeared beyond the Metropolis skyline, casting the city in deep hues of purple and navy. That was when she saw them. The couple stepping out of the red sedan.

Lois Lane and Clark Kent.

Selina's stomach twisted.

She didn't do people. Not as Selina Kyle. Not like this. The thought of playing nice, of sitting through dinner with the likes of the perfect reporter and the wholesome farm boy, sent her instincts into overdrive. She was already opening her mouth to protest when Bruce leaned in, silencing her with a kiss that stole the breath from her lungs.

His lips were all passion and certainty, his hands sure as they claimed her with a hunger that sent her mind spinning. She gasped against him, her arms wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as she met his fervour with her own. Whatever objections she had were burned away, lost to the fire of the way he kissed her as if she were the only thing in the world that mattered.

When he pulled away, she barely had time to catch her breath before his deep voice rumbled against her ear.

"You're safe with me, Selina."

It was ridiculous how those words settled something deep inside her, how the tension in her shoulders melted just enough for her to breathe again. But Bruce was already turning, greeting Clark with a handshake and a smirk, leaving her momentarily stunned in their booth.

She swallowed down whatever lingering anxiety remained and turned as Clark reached out with an easy smile. "So, that's what you look like when you're not hiding from the world. It's nice to meet you again Selina, how are you enjoying Metropolis?"

Selina smirked and took his hand, shaking it smoothly. "Oh, you know. Just swell," she quipped lightly, masking any trace of nerves with her usual brand of charm.

Her sharp green eyes flickered to Lois, offering a half-smile as she leaned back against the booth. "How's that write-up going?" she asked, tilting her head in mild amusement.

The night was just beginning, and Selina wasn't sure what to expect. But as Bruce's hand remained resting warmly atop her thigh, grounding her in a way she hadn't realised she needed, she figured she could survive one dinner.


Lois Lane leaned back slightly, her fingers wrapped around the chilled glass of water the waitress had just set down, and fixed Selina Kyle with a knowing look. "How's the write-up going?" Selina asked, her voice smooth, almost lazy, like a cat stretching in the sun.

Lois fought the urge to narrow her eyes. The write-up. Right. The same one tied to the notepad and recording device that had inexplicably vanished from her possession. She'd spent the better part of the afternoon tearing through her office, her bag, even the backseat of Clark's car in search of it. No dice. It wasn't until she forced herself to sit and really think—replay the last time she'd had them in her hand—that it clicked. The last time she'd seen them was in Selina Kyle's presence.

And now here Selina sat, watching her with a shielded sort of amusement, as if daring Lois to call her on it.

Bruce Wayne's girlfriend had stolen her notes.

The realisation should have annoyed her more than it did, but Lois had to admit—there was something interesting about Selina Kyle. Women who dated Bruce Wayne usually did everything short of sending out press releases to announce their new status. The billionaire playboy was a prize, and most of his arm candy couldn't wait to be part of the spotlight that came with him. Selina, though? She was different.

Everything she'd said in that so-called 'interview' had been, as far as Lois could tell, a complete fabrication. But why? What was Selina hiding? And more importantly, why was Bruce so utterly captivated by her? Lois Lane trusted her instincts, and her instincts told her that Selina Kyle was anything but the vapid socialite she pretended to be.

So, instead of scowling or demanding her things back, Lois simply smirked. "Oh, you know, just peachy. Lost a few crucial details, though. Maybe you'd be willing to give me another interview?" Her tone was casual, but the challenge was clear.

Selina's lips curved into a slow smile, and her green eyes glimmered with mischief. "Maybe. One day."

Lois huffed a soft laugh, shaking her head. This woman was good.

She turned her attention to Bruce, and that familiar curiosity sharpened again. Bruce Wayne was an enigma. Always had been. The man had more masks than just the one the media whispered about, and right now, he wasn't wearing the mask of billionaire playboy or elusive CEO. No, the Bruce Wayne sitting across from her now looked almost… settled. Like he was exactly where he wanted to be. With Selina Kyle tucked at his side, his hand resting absently on her thigh as if she belonged there, he seemed different.

Lois Lane didn't trust different. Different usually meant there was a story to dig up.

Her fingers tapped lightly against the glass before she spoke again. "You know, Bruce, I think one of these days, I'd love to get your perspective on things too." She arched a brow. "You're long overdue for an exclusive."

Before he could respond, the drinks arrived, and Lois took the perfect opening to shift gears. She leaned slightly forward, the teasing edge slipping effortlessly into her voice. "So, Bruce, should I start calling you 'boss,' or are we pretending this is just a casual business move? What exactly do you plan to do with one of the most respected newspapers in the country? And don't say 'run it well.'" She lifted a brow, lips twitching. "And does this mean we get unlimited access to Wayne Enterprises scandals, or is that still off-limits?"

She watched him carefully, gauging his reaction, but mostly? She was just having fun. Because if anyone could ruffle Bruce Wayne's carefully curated feathers, it was her.

And Selina Kyle? Lois stole another glance at the woman beside him. She was going to be interesting to figure out.
 
"I'm not, but Alfred is, and I like the charm of places like this. Besides.... you get the best milkshakes here, and milk can't be that bad for you." Bruce reasoned about the greasy spoon comment, but her attention soon turned to Lois and Clark entering the diner. Luckily Bruce's kiss seemed to be just the thing she needed to keep her grounded and calm enough to mingle with Bruce's friends.

Predictably, Selina poked a nerve about Lois and her interview, and in turn Lois subtly jabbed Selina about what might have happened to Lois' interview notes. Bruce would have to 'ask' Selina about them in private but he enjoyed how Selina continued to give Clark's partner in crime a hard time.

Bruce then took a sip of water while Lois asked about an exclusive but before he had to explain that Clark had first dibs on an interview the drink orders came around. Swiftly, Bruce took a sip of his strawberry shake and shrugged.

"Lois Lane, who told you my scandals are off limits? I'd only want an honest reporter speaking about my scandals so I expect you to report on each and every one of them." Bruce answered first after licking his lips and sliding his drink over to Selina. "And no, you don't have to call me boss. I just want the paper to run the way it always has. Why fix something that isn't broken. I just think an honest news company is rare in the world today and want to make sure that it stays that way. If I own the majority of its shares, I don't have to worry about someone limiting what you get to report outside of your own natural talent. If anything you are going to get raises. Maybe Clark can get off of Clinton Street." Bruce joked.

Clark's eyes swiftly but subtly widened before he settled in again. How does he know where I live? Clark pondered silently. "Unless.... Lois, you prefer to call me Boss? I can't really stop you if that is the case can I?" Bruce shot back at Lois and then pondered and glanced to Selina and gave her thigh a gentle squeeze. "I have an offer for you, Lois. If you go on a date with Clark, I'll give you the first interview for any Wayne Enterprises scandal for the next year. Deal?" Bruce offered the woman and waited to see how she would react.



"Bruce, how did you meet Selina? Did you two bump into one another?" Clark asked then nudged Lois to make sure that she didn't start digging too deep. Bruce looked to Selina then grinned. "Miss Kyle saved me from a very boring dinner date and made sure that I didn't have to spend it with a terrible bunch. At first I thought that Selina would be the worst possible person in the world to spend my time with but it turns out she is incredibly interesting. Even if she is a bit of a tangled Mystery." Bruce explained. Clark nodded enthusiastically with wide eyes.

"Well, Selina, Bruce is lucky to have you. Hopefully Bruce isn't driving you crazy taking you to all his board meetings and public appearances?" Clark turned his attention to Selina, trying to get to know her while keeping the conversation light and casual until she decided she would open up to him.

The food came around and lazily Bruce started to munch on a french fry while he watched Selina respond to Clark. Sometimes Bruce thought that he was going to lose everything if he stayed with Selina. She made him feel at peace, and that made his work as Batman sloppy. All he wanted to do was keep her safe and grow old with her, to give Selina everything she could ever need while they made the city better together. He just didn't know how to stop being Batman and doubted Selina would understand, if Alfred didn't how could anyone else?

Dinner went on like this, Lois, Bruce and Selina playfully jabbing at one another while Clark kept everyone jovial and light hearted. As the group left the diner and Bruce insisted on paying, Alfred and Clark stole a few moments to themselves to speak about something away from everyone else. Then Clark and Lois said their goodbyes and Bruce helped Selina back into the car while Alfred started the limo and rolled down the divider.

"Well, Selina where would you like me to take you?" Bruce asked while giving Selina's hand a gentle squeeze.
 
Lois barely batted an eye at Bruce's offer before shifting her gaze to Clark, smirking.

"Kent, you getting your friend to ask me out on a date? Didn't know we were back in high school," she quipped, tilting her head as if assessing the idea. Selina caught the flicker of amusement in Clark's expression before he composed himself, adjusting his glasses.

Selina sat back, listening to the exchange, enjoying the rare moment of simply observing rather than playing the game herself. She curled her fingers around Bruce's under the table, letting his warmth seep into her skin. Here, in this small diner, with the scent of sizzling burgers and the hum of conversation around them, she allowed herself a moment to relax.

Clark's question about how she and Bruce met pulled her attention back, and her lips curved as Bruce replied with that familiar charm of his, painting their first meeting in just the right light. Her knowing smile deepened.

"Oh, yeah. Bumped right into him," she added with mock innocence, sipping his shake. "And then relieved him of his dreadful company of one that evening. I'm practically a saint."

Laughter rippled around the table, even Lois shaking her head with a smirk.

When Clark turned to her again, eyes warm and curious, asking, "Well, Selina, Bruce is lucky to have you. Hopefully, he isn't driving you crazy taking you to all his board meetings and public appearances?" she took a dramatic pause, glancing at Bruce as if contemplating her answer.

"Oh, it's dreadful, Clark," she deadpanned. "The constant flash photography, the stiff formal wear… The worst part? The endless droning about stock options. Sometimes I think I'd rather face a pack of rabid dogs."

That got a laugh out of everyone, even Bruce shaking his head, though his thumb traced lazy circles against her thigh under the table. Of course she'd never been to any, but if it made them laugh what was the harm.

The conversation flowed easily after that, light-hearted teasing exchanged over bites of food. Selina found herself liking the rhythm of it, the natural way Clark balanced Bruce's gruffer demeanour, and how Lois gave as good as she got. Usually, people in Bruce Wayne's orbit were desperate to bask in his light, but these two… They weren't vying for attention. They were comfortable.

She decided, much to her own surprise, that she actually liked them.

Lois, sharp as a whip, always ready with a retort, wasn't afraid to poke at Bruce just as much as she did her partner. Clark, the perfect contrast, easy-going but perceptive, wasn't intimidated by Bruce's presence. They were real. Honest.

And, in some strange way, Selina respected that.

After their meal, goodbyes were exchanged, Bruce settling the bill as Alfred had a quiet word with Clark before the other pair departed. Selina let Bruce guide her back to the car, their fingers still entwined.

"Well, Selina, where would you like me to take you?" he asked, his voice low, squeezing her hand.

She glanced at him from beneath her lashes, considering. "There is one place I'd like to go."

Bruce didn't question her. With a simple phone call, they arrived where she had in mind.

The rooftop of the Daily Planet.

Selina stepped away from Bruce's side as soon as they reached the edge, the city of Metropolis stretching out before her like a living, breathing thing. The skyline glittered with a thousand lights, neon signs flickering, cars weaving through the streets below like veins pulsing with life. It was stunning. Different from Gotham's looming shadows, its eerie beauty steeped in danger. This was brighter, grander—hopeful in a way Gotham never was.

She exhaled, slow, steady, taking it all in. It was better than the depiction they'd seen at the museum, more alive. The cool night air brushed against her skin, lifting stray strands of her dark hair as she rested her hands on the ledge.

"If we're lucky," she murmured, half-heartedly, "we might even see Superman flying by."

Up here, above it all, she felt weightless—untethered. No walls to box her in, no expectations pressing against her, no one trying to pin her down. Just the open sky, the endless horizon, and the thrill of knowing she could go anywhere, be anything. Freedom had always been her drug of choice, and right now, she was intoxicated on it. A part of her wanted to take off running along the rooftop's edge, to leap without looking, just to feel the rush of the wind whipping against her skin. But for once, she didn't need to run. Not with Bruce standing just behind her, his presence grounding her without caging her.

She felt Bruce's presence, steady and warm, but for now, she simply watched the city below, letting herself get lost in it just a little longer.
 
Bruce stood atop a lot of roofs in his time on earth, but the Daily Planet's roof was easily the warmest one. Maybe it was because he and Selina were there together, maybe it was because Metropolis was safer than Gotham simply by having Superman there. Whatever the reason, Bruce felt a strange sense of content. "Yeah... maybe." Bruce muttered and took a few paces backwards so he could watch Selina gaze out over the cityscape with a sense of awe. The tall man cracked a smile and thought to himself: If I'm ever going to tell her, now would be the best time.

Carefully Bruce stepped up behind Selina so he could wrap his arms around her waist from behind and pressed his chest to her back so he could nuzzle up against the crook of her neck and shoulder. Softly he whispered into her ear while moving them both so that if she whipped around she wouldn't risk falling off the roof top. "Selina, I have to tell you something..." He started.

Mid sentence, behind Bruce a blue and red blur shot up in the distance and paused. Superman looked over the skyline and darted down and past Bruce and Selina, whipping wind around them, causing Bruce's shirt and Selina's hair to wildly blow about in the Man of Steel's wake as he soared closer towards the center of Metropolis. Bruce growled under his breath and stepped closer towards the roof access and let go of her, only to hold Selina's hand. After a lingering thought and glance at the beautiful woman, Bruce just couldn't bring himself to admit it yet. Telling her would only complicate things and she was too good of a woman to saddle his burden with.

"C'mon, we shouldn't linger too long." Bruce gave Selina's hand a gentle squeeze then started for the entrance back into the building...


In the car, Bruce sat in silence, simply enjoying Selina being close as the streetlights lingered on the side of Bruce's vision before they passed by. "Thank you for humoring my friends." He finally said, breaking the nearly twenty minute silence, just as the limo started to pass the bridge back into Gotham. "I thought you might try to come up with an excuse to not come if you knew a few reporters would be having dinner with us." Bruce explained with a half grin painting the corner of his mouth.

The limo came to a stop at Selina's building and Bruce got out to help Selina from the seat and walked with her up to the apartment door. "Do you have any plans Friday? If not I'd love to go out. No idea on what we could do, but... I want to do something." Bruce asked, still feeling his heart thump rapidly in his chest like it did the first time he asked her out.

Finally the pair stopped at Selina's door, Bruce held her hand and looked at the woman wearing a Batman tee, looking casual and relaxed, a far cry from how she looked at the start of the day. "It's been amazing being with you today." Bruce leaned in and gave Selina a deep but quick kiss then nipped her bottom lip while pulling away. "I'll see you later. Don't go breaking into anything, thief." Bruce winked and started to walk off while Selina let herself inside...



It was time. Batman was taking one last pass over Gotham to make sure that he had tracked Joker to the right place, knew where the Clown would strike and when, but everything needed to be in place for when everything went belly up and time was of the essence. First a stop at the top of a building two blocks away from the GCPD. There James Gordon stood, a brown trench coat hung loosely around his body and a matching hat covered his greying hair while he chomped down on a thick cigar. In his left hand was a manila folder clutched tightly. Jim stood, glancing about the rooftop but when Batman's voice came out from over his shoulder, Jim jumped with a startle and turned on his heels. "You've got to stop doing that!"

"Sorry." The Dark Knight growled as he stepped out of the shadow of the building. "It's almost two in the morning. I didn't think you'd come." Jim started while lifting the file. "That Allen kid knew his stuff. Was able to figure out what you were babbling about. He said the chemicals when put together would cause a horrid muscle spasm that would kill with time and leave the victims with a smile on their faces. Sick son of a bitch." Gordon continued to explain. Batman in turn thumbed through the folder and scowled.

"I was setting up a back-up plan. I'll try to keep you in touch next time. I'm still working on that." Batman seemingly apologized. "Thanks, Jim. Use this information to help as many people as possible." Batman handed Jim back the folder and Jim looked down to put the folder back into the inner pocket of his jacket. As he looked up to ask what happens next, Batman was gone...
 
Selina leaned back against Bruce's chest, her body fitting easily into the shape of his embrace, a rare moment where she allowed herself to simply exist in the warmth of another. The city stretched out before them, endless and alive, but she barely noticed it when he whispered against her ear, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Selina, I have to tell you something..."

"Mmhmm," she responded, not really listening, too wrapped up in the feeling of him holding her. She could get used to this.

Then, just as suddenly, the moment shattered.

A rush of wind exploded around them as a streak of red and blue shot through the sky. Selina's hair whipped wildly in the gust left behind, strands lashing against her face as Superman soared past, effortlessly slicing through the skyline like a shooting star. Her heart pounded—not from surprise, but from the sheer force of it, the way the air vibrated in his wake. She blinked after him, half in awe, half in irritation.

And just like that, whatever Bruce had been about to say was gone, lost in the whirlwind left behind by the Man of Steel.

Bruce let go of her waist but took her hand instead, his fingers strong and warm against her own. He didn't say another word about it, and strangely, she found she had already forgotten to ask.



The car ride back was quiet, but not in a way that felt heavy. Selina had never been one for sitting in silence with someone else—it always felt like a game, a way for the other person to try and fill the space with useless noise. But with Bruce, it was different. There was no pressure, no need for words. Just his presence beside her, the city lights flashing past in the reflection of the glass, and the quiet hum of the car as Alfred drove them back towards Gotham.

It was peaceful. Comfortable.

She let her head rest lightly against the seat, letting the silence settle between them until Bruce finally broke it.

"Thank you for humouring my friends." His voice was low, almost thoughtful. "I thought you might try to come up with an excuse to not come if you knew a few reporters would be having dinner with us."

Selina smiled, tilting her head just slightly in his direction. "I must be getting too predictable," she murmured, amused at the thought. Predictability had never been something she was known for, but somehow, Bruce always seemed to know her better than anyone else. A dangerous thing, really.



They stood at her apartment door, the night pressing in around them, though the warmth between them remained. Bruce's fingers lingered against hers, reluctant to let go, even as he asked, "Do you have any plans Friday? If not, I'd love to go out. No idea on what we could do, but... I want to do something."

Selina didn't even hesitate. "I'm yours on Friday," she said smoothly, her lips curving into a playful smile.

Bruce exhaled a quiet chuckle, then leaned in, stealing a deep, lingering kiss before teasing her bottom lip with a light nip that made her knees go a little weak. "It's been amazing being with you today," he murmured, his breath warm against her mouth.

Then, with a wink, he turned to go. "I'll see you later. Don't go breaking into anything, thief."

Selina grinned as she watched him disappear down the hallway, her fingers lingering against her lips.



The next night, Selina stood in her storage unit, the dim light casting long shadows over the treasure trove she had amassed over the years. Priceless paintings leaned against one another in careless stacks, their ornate frames gleaming. Jewellery, delicate and dazzling, glimmered from velvet-lined boxes. Artefacts from all over the world rested in quiet exile on the shelves. And then, of course, there was the trunk full of cash. She popped it open, the scent of crisp banknotes filling the air as she grabbed a wad and stuffed a handful into each pocket.

Most of her money was tied up in offshore accounts, scattered under various aliases, but cash was always useful for when things got messy. Lately, though, she hadn't been making as many withdrawals. Between Bruce and tracking the Joker, her usual routine had been slipping through her fingers.

A dangerous thought.

She sighed, locking the unit back up, before disappearing into the night.



Catwoman crouched on the ledge of a crumbling old building, the Gotham skyline stretching out in the distance. Below, a dark figure moved with precision, his cape flaring out with every step.

Batman.

She had been following leads on the Joker for weeks now, but this… this felt different. She was close. And if she was close, that meant he was even closer.

Catwoman smirked to herself as she settled in to watch, her golden green eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Let's see what you're up to, Bat."
 
Two days after Bruce dropped Selina off, Batman stalked towards an old church that was surrounded by a myriad of crumbling buildings. His massive Batmobile rested at the end of the road, as if daring someone to try to break in.

As his heavy booted feet carried him down the road towards the church covered in neon clown graffiti, a deeply cold wind rustled through the air and caused his cape to billow out around the Batman. His shadow cast a long specter over the front wooden door until the Dark Knight kept walking past the building and around it. As he moved, the Bat checked his gear and then drew a grapple gun from the back of his belt and fired it off into a gargoyle that watched the back of the church. The grapple reeled him up into the air and atop the building's roof silent as death.

Carefully and swiftly the man moved like a wisp across the roof towards its domed center. Swiftly the man stalked and searched the grey stone domed center until he found an access door and pulled out a set of lock picks from the front left pack of his yellow belt. The Batman deftly started to work at the lock and then there was a gentle pop as the tumblers fell into place and the Caped Crusader put the picks away then deftly slipped inside.

Slowly Batman stepped down a wooden steps while listening to death metal music blaring from below. The man shook his head in disbelief at how stupid some criminals were. In the time it took the Joker and Harley to commit their series of crimes, they also inspired pockets of anarchists who could do serious damage if moved by the actions of the Clown like Duo. Batman had tracked the biggest pocket of 'Jokerz' to the run down church and decided it was time to get rid of them before Joker made his big move, whatever it would end up being.

He stopped at a landing where a fuse box was mounted to a pair of two by fours screwed into the support beams of the building. A grin spread over his face and swiftly the Caped Crusader flipped all the fuses and stepped back the way he came as the lights went out. Batman jumped up and spread his arms and legs to perch himself up into the hall of the stairwell to look over the fuse box. His eyes zeroed in on the space between the doorway of the floor and the fuse box a few feet away. Slowly his hand reached into the gauntlet on his forearm and drew a flat and thin batarang that was blunted at its edges and readied it.

After the shouting of confusion downstairs had died down, a heavy thump of footfalls echoed up to the closed door, muffled. The door slowly creaked open and a light flooded towards the fuse box from a cell phone. Slowly one large man in overalls and clown face paint stepped into the room and started to lumber towards the box. The Batman waited until the man entered his field of view then suddenly the Batman broke into movement. His batarang flew through the air and collided with the back of the mans head. The clown stumbled forward and whipped around to face whatever hit him hard enough to cause the clown to hiss in pain.

By the time the portly man had turned, Batman had thrown his legs forward and dropped down, using his cape to glide down and drop his booted feet hard into the large mans face. Batman thudded his gauntlet into the wall with one arm and caught the goon's phone with the other. He used his feet to keep the now unconscious clown pinned up against the wall as Batman placed the phone atop the fuse box and grabbed the goon by a strap of his overalls and then slowly lowered him gently to the floor so he could place his feet down next and start moving again.

Batman continued down the steps until he saw a series of light streams from flash lights and phones accompanied by confused voices. "I don't get it, it's finally not storming out and now the power goes down? Doesn't make sense!" Someone cried out in complaint. "Sit down and drink up we don't gotta go out tonight unless the boss does something anyway!" Someone else shouted. The man in grey and black knew that the gang would be off aim and easy to take advantage of in their mental state.

Swiftly Batman drew four small canisters from the right side of his belt. He shook them in his palms as he stepped into the back room of the church where two clowns sat at a table and were drinking from a bottle they passed back and fourth. The goons turned to look at the lumbering shadow of Batman. One stood up in shock but was met with a boot to the stomach that doubled him over. The Batman jumped up and sent his knee crashing into the goons face to send him crumpling to the ground hard. Batman twisted and kicked the table over and atop the other clown then jumped atop the toppled table and smashed his boot into the stunned clown's face.

The door to the alter and stage of the church were erected opened and two small cylinders flew through the air and landed at the edges of the pews. A few of the gang members that had spotted the canisters put their lights on them in confusion then they started to violently strobe a brilliant bright light. Two more flew into the isles and repeated the strobe like effect.

Just as a thug started to move to snap one of the cylinders, he stumbled and toppled to the ground in a drunken haze. Batman bolted from the doorway and slid across the floor, kicking the cylinder under a few pews to change where a pocket of the light was coming from. His left hand reached out to grab the fallen clown's head and smacked him against the floor to keep him out. "The fuck was that!?" Someone shouted but Batman was already up and moving in the strobing lights.

"Jesus it's Batman!" One of the men shouted and drew a gun, from the far end of the church he started to open fire blindly at any flickering shadow he saw. Everyone in the church suddenly dropped and tried to hide from stray gunshots. "Stop shooting you moron!" Batman didn't waste time and pulled his cape around his body to hide his center of mass in the rapidly flashing lights. Deftly he weaved around and over pews, springing in large strides from one pew to the other as he closed the distance. Batman jumped and landed fifteen feet away from the moron firing is gun then kicked a beer bottle that was tipped over right into the mans throat. The goon dropped his gun and stumbled back against the wall, clutching his throat.

Eight more to go...
 
High above the dim chaos of the ruined church, Catwoman perched on the rusted beams of a half-collapsed balcony, her emerald eyes narrowing as she watched the Bat work. The strobing lights flickered erratically, illuminating brief snapshots of his precise, brutal efficiency. A strike here, a well-placed throw there—he moved like a force of nature, all controlled fury wrapped in Kevlar and shadows.

She cocked her head, taking in the sharp lines of his figure as he weaved through the wreckage of broken pews and drunken Jokerz. Efficient, methodical, but predictable. His brute-force approach was terrifyingly effective, but even the mighty Bat could stand to learn a few tricks about misdirection and finesse. Still, she had to admit, watching him dismantle an entire gang with nothing but grit and the occasional flying beer bottle was… impressive.

Not that she'd ever tell him that.

With a lithe roll of her shoulders, Catwoman pushed off into a prowling crawl along the beams, shadowing his movements with effortless grace. Her catsuit clung to every inch of her body as she slinked along, the leather whispering against metal. The Jokerz never had a chance, and she could already tell where this was leading. Batman was here for a reason, just like she was, and for once, their interests aligned.

Time to make her move.



The Batmobile loomed at the end of the crumbling street like some great black beast, its matte finish drinking in the dim glow of the city lights. A throne of power and menace, just sitting there, unguarded.

Perfect.

Catwoman stretched herself languidly across the hood, splaying out like a feline in the late afternoon sun. The heat from the engine still radiated through the metal, warming her as she arched her back in a slow, indulgent motion, letting the stretch accentuate every curve.

The black catsuit gleamed under the flickering streetlight, the supple leather hugging her body like a second skin. A zipper, teasingly left undone just enough to be distracting, glinted at her neckline. Her thigh-high boots crossed at the ankles, the wickedly sharp claws at her fingertips tapping out a lazy rhythm against the sleek frame of his precious car.

And then, there he was. Hulking, brooding, dark as ever, stalking out of the night like a storm wrapped in Kevlar.

"Well, well," she purred, tilting her head just enough to regard him with playful amusement. "I knew you had a thing for dramatic entrances, but that?" She let out a low whistle. "You sure do know how to clear a room."

She rolled onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow. "Though, I have to ask, was the beer bottle to the throat really necessary? Poor guy's going to be coughing up hops for a week."

With effortless grace, she slipped off the hood, landing on the cracked pavement in a slow, deliberate prowl. Circling him like a cat studying her prey, her fingers trailed lightly over the armoured plating of his suit, feeling the tension coiled beneath it.

"We both know why we're here," she murmured, her voice smooth as silk. "You want the Joker. I want the Joker." She leaned in just a fraction, ruby lips curling into a knowing smirk. "And I think we both want him to pay for what he's done—to Gotham, to us."

She spun away with a teasing flick of her claws, sauntering a few steps ahead along the vehicle before turning back to face him. "So why don't we do the sensible thing, just this once, and work together?" She arched a brow, arms folding beneath her chest. "I promise I'll try to keep up."

The challenge in her eyes gleamed bright, a dare wrapped in leather and mischief.

Your move, Bat.
 
Seven minutes passed from the time the battle downstairs started to the time the old front door of the church swung open and the Caped Crusader silently stalked down the steps, making sure his gear was secure and he hadn't left anything behind. The Jokerz were each secured tightly to a pillar or support beam, most with sever injuries, some had simply surrendered before they had to trade blows. The Batman skulked down the steps and slowly made his way down the road towards his car. He wondered if the tip offs he and Alfred left was enough to get the GCPD to look into the four other pockets of Jokerz Batman had managed to track through the city.

Then he saw her, draped over the hood of his car, all curves and seduction wrapped in leather. Batman's nostrils flared and his body tensed in anticipation of a fight. "I don't like being stalked." The man growled in response to the woman who moved up to prop herself up on an elbow. "It's more than anyone who believes Joker is someone to look up to deserves." Batman responded with a snarl, subtly glancing back over his shoulder towards the gang in the dismantled house of worship.

While Catwoman prowled around Batman's body with a clawed finger exploring the plates of his armored suit, Batman's jaw set firmly and his fingers flexed in his gloves, ready to lash out and snatch her if needed. "And when that is over, what then? You go back to stealing in Gotham? It has to end, I can tell you're not a bad person. If you were you wouldn't be robbing crime lords and trying to expose them." The Caped Crusader reasoned, eyes watching Catwoman's legs as she spun away and put distance between them.

"You think you can keep up with me?" Batman questioned, prowling along the opposite side of his car. His gaze fell down to her chest for a moment, her zip left open just enough to draw the eye, tempt him into licking his lips. Then he thought about Selina. He had hurt her more than enough over the course of them dating. If she found out he was Batman, if he found out Catwoman was hard to resist, it would break her. So he found the will to resist. "If you want to help, keep your eyes on the news. Be ready to act." The Masked Man growled and pressed a button on his belt buckle, causing the canopy of the car to slide open. Batman jumped into the car and glanced over at Catwoman.

"I mean it. You're better than being a thief." The man looked forward and the canopy slid shut, then the engine roared, the Batmobile took off leaving Catwoman alone on the road. The Batman released a sigh of relief at getting away from Catwoman. She distracted him in ways he hadn't expected a crook to do. The stunning and sultry Catwoman made him sloppy and if she were so intent on helping he would need to learn how to keep himself focused.


"Sir, it has been quite some time since you asked Miss Kyle out. Have you figured out what you will be doing for your date?" Alfred asked while yanking the blinds of Bruce's room open. The beams of light broke through the windows and caused Bruce to flinch in confusion. "ALFRED! Close those... please." Bruce groaned and rolled over to grab the hard pillow and pulled it over his head to block out light. Bruce shifted his legs until he was propped half way up on them and slowly dragged his body up to a seated position.

"I have no idea Alfred. Between Joker and Harley, Catwoman, learning to work with Gordon and confirming my best friend is an alien that can't feel pain... Selina is... my refuge. I don't even know if I can give her what she deserves... or wants." Bruce reasoned until a pair of pants and balled up shirt collided with the back of his head and Bruce fell forward with the force of the blow but didn't quite topple.

"If you still needed to impress her, she'd not agreed to see you today, nor would she have come to check on you at the front door in the middle of a storm. I suggest you get yourself showered, dressed and put something on that will cover the scent of kevlar and leather." Alfred stalked past Bruce and added as he left. "Breakfast is already cold as is the coffee, and I'm going to detail a car that isn't the Rolls Royce. Drive something less flashy. Mister Wayne."

Bruce fixed Alfred with a glare that soon softened into a gentle smile. "Thanks, Alfred." Bruce muttered and jumped out of bed to rush to the shower, swiftly and furiously scrubbing his sweat slicked flesh using an earthy body wash to try and kill the scent of the bat suit.

As he stepped out of the shower, Bruce grabbed up his phone off the dresser and shot Selina a text message swiftly.

-Will you be free in two hours? I think I know what I want to do for our date.-
 
Catwoman arched her back slightly, stretching her arms above her head, the leather of her suit creaking as she luxuriated in the warmth of the Batmobile's hood. Her green eyes flickered over the dark form of the Caped Crusader as he stalked toward her, all tense muscle and brooding menace. Predictable as ever.

"You don't like being stalked? Oh, darling, you wound me." She sighed dramatically, propping herself up on an elbow. "Besides, I thought you liked a little shadow play."

He growled something in response, all clenched fists and self-righteous indignation, but she barely listened. Instead, her gaze flitted over the carnage he'd left behind in the building—the Jokerz, trussed up like Christmas presents, some barely conscious. Brutal. Efficient. And, of course, entirely lacking in finesse.

Catwoman slid off the hood in one graceful movement, stalking towards him. A single claw traced along the armoured plates of his chest, and she let out a low, appreciative hum. "You're all power, no poetry, Bat. You really should work on your delivery—something a little more… theatrical." She spun away, putting a deliberate sway in her hips. "If you're going to terrify criminals, at least make it fun."

He prowled around the car's opposite side, eyes dark beneath the cowl, tracking her movements. Calculating. Judging. As always.

"I can keep up with you just fine," she purred, catching the way his gaze flickered, just for a second, down to her unzipped collar. She smirked, arching a brow. "And don't think I didn't notice that."

For a moment, just a moment, she saw hesitation flicker across his face. Something thoughtful. Something guilty. Interesting. So he wasn't as immune to her as he liked to pretend.

His next words made her roll her eyes. 'You're better than being a thief.' Oh, please. She barely managed to suppress a laugh. "And you're better than brooding on rooftops, but here we are."

Then, before she could press him further, he was gone. The Batmobile roared to life, leaving her alone in the dark street. She exhaled sharply, arms crossed, watching the taillights disappear into the night.

"What a bore," she muttered, then sighed, stretching her arms above her head once more. "Fine. If he doesn't want to take me up on my offer, I'll just do it myself."



Days later, in a dimly lit, exclusive gallery tucked away in Gotham's underbelly, Selina Kyle leaned lazily against a marble-topped counter, her manicured nails tapping against the surface. Across from her, a nervous, sweating man in an expensive suit dabbed at his forehead with a silk handkerchief.

"The price is final, darling," she purred, inspecting her nails. "A Monet isn't a carton of milk; you don't get to haggle."

"It's just… it's a little steep."

She smiled, slow and sharp. "You're not just paying for the art, sweetheart. You're paying for the risk, the planning, the execution. And, more importantly, you're paying for the fact that if you try to double-cross me, I'll know exactly where to find you."

He swallowed hard.

Her phone buzzed.

Selina glanced at it, arching a brow. A text from Bruce.

-Will you be free in two hours? I think I know what I want to do for our date.-

Shit.

She'd completely forgotten about their plans.

She sighed, pocketing the phone before offering the client her most dazzling, dangerous smile. "So. Do we have a deal?"

The man nodded rapidly. "D-Deal."

"Smart boy."



When the knock came at her door, Selina barely had time to collect herself. She'd thrown on the black dress in record time—slinky, hugging her curves in all the right places, its thigh-high slit offering just enough of a tease. Her open-toed stilettos clicked against the wooden floor as she hurried to the door, handbag in hand—catsuit neatly stuffed inside, a cardigan lazily draped over the top.

Bruce Wayne had perfect timing. Of course he did.

She swung the door open the second he knocked, eyes flashing with wicked amusement before she grabbed his tie and pulled him into a slow, lingering kiss—one designed to make him forget whatever noble speech he'd been about to give.

When she finally pulled away, she grinned up at him. "Mmm. You clean up nicely, handsome." She trailed a single finger down the lapel of his jacket, gaze flicking up to meet his. "Ready to go?"
 
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