Owner	Pose
Bruce Wayne	The Gotham Royal is a nice place. Civilized. Old school. Fancy, one might even say. But that isn't the same as being safe or wholesome or legal. The worst sorts of people still enjoy luxury. Sometimes more than most. Some rooms house fences, here to collect and distribute stolen goods, paying in gold and wire transfers. There are mobsters negotiating with their rivals. Witnesses in need of protection, planning to rat out those same mobsters. And, of course, hitmen blowing the wad of money they get for icing people on a nice place to lay their head. Flamingo is one such assassin. Flambuoyant, debonair, absolutely psychotic, attired in pink, he's just screwing on the silencer to go kill the fence down the hall. The one that screwed over the gangster on the third floor. The one that Selina Kyle is meeting right now. But Flamingo? Only one other person knows Flamingo is in town. And he's just emerged from the elevator at the end of the hall, a frightened couple of elderly people on vacation fleeing from him rapidly. Not a sight they expected to see on this trip to the big city. The Dark Knight himself. In the flesh. Flamingo's in room 1324. Selina and the fence are in room 1312. Twenty feet between the two doors. For now, only the Batman in between them.
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle is dressed professionally tonight, since her meeting with Freddy is... professional. Snug, black leather fits her well, and doesn't even creak when she moves. Quality leather doesn't do that, and Selina doesn't skimp when it comes to her working clothes. Even her goggles are pulled into place. There is a satchel on the table, assorted jewelry scattered loosely. Freddy is looking at a ring through a jeweler's loop. "Look, I -know- your rep and I know you wouldn't move any second-rate stuff. Catwoman. That's not the point. It's simple supply and demand..." he begins. "Supply and demand, my ass." she replies, pacing slowly. "It's highway robbery, and we both know it. But I'll play along, Freddy. What do you -really- want, hmm? You're usually a lot more reasonable than this. Something's got you on edge tonight."
Bruce Wayne	While the deal goes on in 1312, Flamingo emerges from his room. He's wearing his trademark bright pink, almost glowing, his mustache waxed and drawn out, his black hair slicked back. He's got his gun in hand and a grin on his face when he suddenly stops dead upon coming face to face with the Bat. "I have no quarrel with you, senor," he says. "The feeling's not mutual, scumbag." Enough words, then. Flamingo raises his pistol and fires two shots at Batman, but the detective ducks, his hand drawing from the cache at his beltline and flinging out a batarang. Flamingo, showing off as he always does, snatches it out of the air with his gloved free hand. "This is going to be fun!" he laughs, charging forward and letting loose another couple of shots, one fo them going wide enough to punch through the door of 1324.
Selina Kyle	The conversation continues in 1324, when suddenly there's the unmistakable sound of a bullet tearing through a cheap, wooden door. Catwoman immediately settles into a crouch, whip drawn and uncurling. She points a clawed finger at Freddy, then raises it to her lips on a silent 'shush' motion. Freddy looks terrified, but also like he was halfway expecting something like this. In a low voice, Catwoman says. "If you bolt, so help me I will run you to ground myself. Get down and stay down, and maybe you'll live through this." Moving quietly, she slinks to the wall behind the door and crouches down to wait.
Bruce Wayne	Batman grits his teeth at the assassin's display of proficiency. He knew the man's reputation well enough, but reputation was just another form fo bluster in a lot of cases. Except for his of course. Everything they say about him is true. Well, maybe not the drinking blood part. As far as anybody knew. Batman quickly moves to close the gap, "STAY IN YOUR ROOMS!" he calls out, the harsh bark of his voice rarely heard but hard to mistake. Certainly not for Selina. He moves close enough to lash out and kick low, aiming not for the gun but for the knee, drawing a sharp yelp as he drives a meaty fist into the killer's gut.
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle knows that voice, and she knows it well. Shit. The woman rises smoothly, pointing to Freddy as if to remind him of her last instruction. And threat. The door to 1324 opens and Catwoman finds it easy to follow the sounds of the fight. A moment after Batman drives his fist into the Flamingo's gut, the whip lashes out and wraps around the pink dandy's gun hand. A deft jerk wrenches it free, to clatter onto the floor.
Bruce Wayne	Batman whips his head at the sound of that whip, even as Flamingo's wrist is snarled. The distraction, unfortunately, gives the killer a bit of an advantage for the moment, and Batman's next words are cut off as the villain headbutts the Dark Knight in the mouth, splitting his lips and making him take a step back. "And here I thougth you liked young boys!" the killer laughs, tryign to wrestle free of the whip as he reaches for a knife with his free hand, drawing one out and slashing at the Batman. The vigilante dodges but only barely. He doesn't haev words for Selina yet. Business first.
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle knows that Batman can hold his own in a fight. She's seen him fight. For that matter, she's even fought him on more than one occasion. This fight is only going to end one way. But she's also seen Bruce's scars, and not just the ones she caused. Bullet wounds, and knife wounds. Like the knife the Flamingo just drew. The whip is still wrapped around the villain's wrist, and Catwoman takes up the slack. He slashes at Batman, and she pulls with both hands. Hard. Hard enough to jerk the man in pink off balance, if not completely off his feet.
Bruce Wayne	Two slashes, back and forth, close to him but not enough to cut. Not that they'd get through the armor anyway. but you never know - the killer's knife might be something unconventional. Finally, though, he shifts in and traps Flamingo's knife arm under his, pinning it and leaving the knife helpless as he draws in close, face to face with the assassin. "Gotham is protected. Nobody dies tonight," he says. And then he begins to headbutt the Spaniard, again and again, driving him to his knees until blood starts to run out of his nose, mingling with Batman's own split lip, leaving the Dark Knight slightly stained with crimson as the armed man finally slumps to the ground. "Thanks," he says softly, his back still to Selina.
Selina Kyle	When Batman catches the knife, Catwoman frees the whip with a practiced shake. She slowly coils it up as she watches the headbutts begin. And when he speaks, she is actually still there. "You weren't here by accident tonight." she replies. It's not -quite- an accusation, but the point is only thinly veiled. Deep breath, exhale slowly. "But thank you all the same." Freddy would probably thank him as well, assuming he's following her orders and hiding under something.
Bruce Wayne	Batman removes a cloth from his belt and wipes his face after he finishes securing Flamingo, ziptying the man's hands and ankles, trussing him up like a roped calf. he rises up and tucks the cloth away. He's not leaving his blood for just anyone to find, after all. "No. But I was here for him, not for you. You are an unexpected...bonus," he says. "Up to no good, I assume?"
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle's goggles hide the innocent brow-lift, but the shrug and the coy smile are enough of an answer. "That all depends, really. The night is still young, after all." she purrs. "Oh. Or did you mean earlier?" Red lips pull into a wider smile, then. "It's nice to be thought of as a bonus, in any case. Much nicer than being stalked at a party."
Bruce Wayne	"If I were stalking you, you wouldn't know about it," he teases. "If you saw me, I meant for you to see me. Sometimes I just like to remind you that I'm around. In case you forget." "If you'd like to talk further, we should probably adjourn to the rooftop," he says, heading for the stairs. "Unless you relish a nice conversation with Gotham PD. I'm sure Bullock would love to see you in that outfit."
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle folds both arms over her chest, cocking her hip just so. "And if I decided to run, you wouldn't catch me either." she quips back. "Unless I wanted you to." He heads for the stairs, but she hesitates for just a moment. The door to 1324 is still slightly open, and Freddy has her... package. No, she'll know where to find him. And besides, she knows what's in the satchel. She catches up to Batman, then. "Bullock would love to see a lot of things, including my face without the mask." she agrees.
Bruce Wayne	Batman pushes open the door to the roof and steps aside to let Selina join him before he slams it shut and casually jams the lock so they won't be followed, breaking off a spare key in it. "Somehow they never seem to catch up with you long enough to get a good mugshot," he says. "Bet you'd look good in that, too." He moves to look out over the city, the high roof of the building giving a rather impressive view of the city itself, aglow even as the hour grows late. A city that never sleeps. Or maybe just can't. "So is that all it is, now that you're back in Gotham? Just business?"
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle moves with smooth grace through the door, giving a little hop and shimmy as she steps out onto the rooftop. She turns her head, smiling playfully and still peering through her goggles. "I look good in a lot of things." she quips back playfully. He moves to look out over the city and she glides up beside him. Not quite within reach, but then again he has quite the reach. "Perhaps. It's not always about just business with me, you know. Maybe I'm turning over a new leaf, after all? Trying my hand at joining the vigilante, do-gooders club."
Bruce Wayne	"If you were turning over a leaf, I would presume there are diamonds hidden under it," he says. Was that a joke? "Gotham's been under siege for too long. I spend a lot of time just trying to keep the fires out. To keep everything from going sideways. It's been through so much." He looks back at her, "I don't want to chase you anymore. I'm tired," he says. It's a startlign admission from the Dark Knight. "If you want to find me, you know where I live. But I have a lot bigger problems than cat burglars."
Selina Kyle	She listens, taking a step closer to the ledge herself, now. And a little closer to him as well. Arms folded, she looks out over the city while he speaks. "You have plenty of help, last time I checked the roster. A lot fewer empty rooms now." Selina pauses, then muses "I have often wondered whether I would still be welcome there; a Cat amongst all the Bats." "I used to enjoy the chase, you know. The thrill of it. And even getting caught, occasionally." The playful smile returns, then. "Maybe what you need isn't another sidekick, but a partner."
Bruce Wayne	"I do. They're good. They mean while. They try hard. They fight for me. For Gotham." "But you know me well enough to know that the buck stops here. This is my city, Catwoman," he says. Of course he knows her name, but he's not going to say it, not out in the world. Never knew what ears were about. He manages a small smile, "We have had some good ones, yes. Remember the time I chased you to Paris? That fight on the Eiffel Tower? I think that tourist is still running." The last makes him consider quietly for a long moment. "Partners should compliment each other. It's good for them to be different. But you have to have the same goals in mind, if things are going to work." "What are your goals?"
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle chuckles softly at the mention of Paris, her smile softening at the memory. "Yes. Good times." she replies. Her weight shifts, arms unfolding to settle on her hips instead. "Our goals are more alike than you realize, I think. It's no longer just about the money or the thrill for me..." she pauses, then adds. "Well perhaps it's still a -little- bit about the thrill. Believe it or not, I do want to do the right thing." Generally speaking, of course. "You said it yourself, you can't be everywhere. And there are places even you can't go. Things even you can't reach. But I promise not to tell anybody."
Bruce Wayne	"I understand thrills. People think I don't. But my blood pumps just like everybody else. My heart races. I just keep it under control. Because if it gets too out of control, I risk becoming something I don't want to be." "That's what the fear has alwasy been before. Criminals are a fearful, cowardly lot. Present company excluded. I used the terror of the Bat to keep them in line. But the fear is eroding. They're growing more mad, more violent, more impossible to frighten. The Joker is just the point of the spear." "Like I said, cat burglary, property crime, fraud, blackmail - in the face of a city dealing with human trafficking, serial killers and psychotic super-terrorists, I have to priorize."
Selina Kyle	"I'm not offering to be another Robin." Selina replies, almost casually. "And I don't need to sell you on my capabilities. You know what I can do. You know that people will talk to me who only run from you." "You're good, Bat, don't get me wrong, but even you have limitations." She smiles again, turning to look at him. "Maybe I could prioritize, too. After all, a girl can only rob so many banks and precious pretties before it all becomes so very dull."
Bruce Wayne	"Are you sure? I think you'd look really good in the outfit." "Limitations. I don't like that kind of negative talk," he says. But again, there's a hitn of a smile at the corner of his mouth. He isn't exactly mellowed. But he's beginning to accept the realities of the world. Of mortality. He's spent enough time fighting side by side with gods to know that he's still just a man underneath the suit. "I'm sure I could find a few things to challenge you. And I like the outfit you have now. The goggles are cool."
Selina Kyle	Selina Kyle smiles a little in return. "Oh, there are plenty of things to challenge me without you offering." she replies. "Don't forget, cats are very independent and we don't do tricks for treats." Catwoman sidesteps smoothly closer, then, balancing on tiptoe on the very narrow roof ledge. Between him and the city. Facing him, and looking up. "Thanks. They're military grade. Not as good as yours, but very nice." Hands on her hips, she stands perfectly still. "I'm offering a truce. Let me try my hand at being a good girl... or at least a -better- girl. If I get bored and go back to my old, sinner's ways, you'll be the first to know."
Bruce Wayne	"I can probably get you better ones. But like you said, I know you're independent. And I do like the aesthetic. You always did know how to put together a look. I miss the purple one sometimes, though. You must've needed special tools to peel that one off of you." "The only reason we don't need a truce is because I'm already at peace with you. I'm happy to have you back. I'm happy to have your help," he says softly. He pitches his voice low, "Alfred will be glad to see you, too. He's made comments. Something about me getting off my high horse."
Selina Kyle	The smile returns. "Peeling it off was easy. Putting it on was the hard part." she purrs, raising up a little more onto tiptoe and yet still not managing to look eye-to-eye. "I've missed Alfred's tea, as well. And he's right, of course. About your high horse, I mean." Selina raises and lowers again, balanced both precariously and casually on the ledge. "You might want to give the others some notice, in case someone tries to throw a net on me or something. And pass the word that I'll help when I can. If I answer the phone, then I'll help."
Bruce Wayne	Batman's head cocks his head and looks up to the sky as his signal shines up on the clouds, calling him to action. "Duty calls. I'll let them know." He reaches to his belt and draws off a launcher, firing a cable off to a nearby building. "Come by sometime in the daylight. I'm sure he'll make you a cup. And maybe we can have a better talk in more comfortable clothes." "I'm glad you're back." And with that, he drops and swings, gliding off into the night.
Selina Kyle	He swings off, cape brushing past her, and Catwoman remains balanced there on her perch. "And then he swung away into the night, out of my life..." she muses, chuckling softly to herself. Selina watches him go, thoughtful for a moment as her gaze shifts to the signal against the clouds. Then something occurs to her. "So help me, Freddy, if you bolted on me..."