InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "inconceivable!"

Selina Kyle // Catwoman (_bad_kitty_) wrote in knightsfall,
@ 2009-10-28 16:29:00

Business As Usual
Who: Selina, Her boss (Open)
Where: Wayne Enterprises
When: Early afternoon
What: Selina's boss has business with Wayne Enterprises

"He's late! The audacity! I know he owns half this town, but must he remind us with this 'fashionably late' crap!?"

"Indeed, sir," Selina said. It was all the man would hear when he was in a mood like this.

"This is an important meeting," he grunted. "I didn't want one of his lackeys. I wanted him, and I got him, and he can't even be here on time!?"

If she didn't know better, she'd say he was being stood up for a date, and it took a generous amount of self control not to laugh. "I understand, sir. Should I tell his secretary we're leaving? Reschedule?"

"Took me three months, THREE MONTHS, to get this appointment." He paused, smoldering and wilting. "No. We'll wait."

"Yes, sir." That's what she'd thought. She hated tact, yet it served her well all the same. "Even still, just in case he proves to be indisposed? Let me speak with her."

"Whatever," he grunted, waving her off.

Selina wrinkled her nose distastefully at his back as she moved out of the waiting area and toward the secretary's desk. For as much as Selina was certain Mr. Wayne's schedule was daunting, the woman didn't appear overwhelmed or harried. Neither was she bored and unprofessional. Maybe this was a kindred spirit, a woman putting up with an impossible man with elegance and poise. Then again, considering her nighttime activities, Selina knew no woman could really be a kindred spirit to her in this position. She must certainly still be one of a kind.

"I apologize for Mr. Wayne's absence," the woman said at once.

"Don't bother," Selina chuckled, dropping the pretense. "I simply... wanted to know a little more about the man himself. What we should be prepared for since we are afforded the time to prepare."

The woman smiled. "He's professional to a fault, I promise. This isn't typical of him. He is a busy man."

And rich. But Selina kept that obvious statement to herself. "Anything else?"

"Can I be blunt, Ms. Kyle?" the woman asked her softly, leaning forward across her desk.

"I welcome it," Selina smiled slyly in return.

"One cannot prepare themselves for Bruce Wayne," she snorted softly.

"Mmm," Selina replied, her voice almost a purr. "Forgive me for liking the sound of that. So... any minute now?"

"So I've been assured," the woman said with a slightly sheepish smile.

(Post a new comment)

darkestknight_
2009-10-28 09:18 pm UTC (link)

Bruce was arranging himself in the elevator up to the meeting room, straightening the sleeves of his jacket, making sure his cuff links were still fastened, when he reached up to wipe his tired eyes. He realized there was dampness on his fingers and gazed at it for a minute in wonder. He'd been crying again. Over Barbara. He knew it wasn't his fault--hell, the Joker hadn't even known her alter identity when he'd... But he couldn't help blaming himself, could never stop blaming himself. For what? Encouraging her when others would have turned her away, for nurturing her natural talent?

And she was doing alright, wasn't she? Better than alright. But the what if kept coming back to haunt him. What if the bullet hadn't only severed her spine, what if... He let the thought trail off. The elevator bell dinged softly and there was a moment he knew that his guard had been down, his face crestfallen and grim as the doors slid smoothly open. And then he snapped his business face back into place: the casual, Devil-may-care half-smile, the sharp, ever watchful gaze, the smugly flippant countenance.

He didn't bother apologizing. He'd read up on this guy, wanted to get the size of him, but actually doing business with him was out of the question. Unless Bruce could see an advantage to it, and often he could. "I'm late," he announced boldly, he tone suggesting a chuckle. "What did I miss?"

"Sir," he secretary said with a sly, knowing smile, handing him a file. "The Clocktower project, it's coming along?"

"Completed as of this morning," he replied, willfully ignoring his appointment for the moment. "Just came from there, the traffic was ridiculous and..." He caught sight of her and was momentarily speechless. Was this their plan of attack? Send a gorgeous woman to distract him? Because it was working. She was blonde, but not from a bottle; it was a strange sort of natural blonde, he thought, like cornsilk, the kind you just didn't see anymore. Her cheekbones were high and sculpted, her eyes shaped like a cat's. He was floored, he didn't even try to hide it.

It had been a long time since he'd thought of... that. His life just didn't allow for it anymore. That shook him out of it a little, the reminder of what he was and why it could never work. "And I've been rude," he said softly, offering his hand to the woman. "Bruce Wayne," he introduced.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-10-28 09:31 pm UTC (link)

Suffice to say the secretary had been right. He was indeed something to behold, the pictures in the paper not doing him justice, and in that way Selina didn't brother hiding the sly little smile that slipped through her defenses. She reached out and took his hand graciously, squeezing just enough to infer that she wasn't a pushover.

"Selina Kyle," she replied, peeking up through thick lashes. "Mr. Raymond's personal assistant. And..." She peeked just past his arm toward the secretary, then smiled up at him again, the look as smooth as her features. "We weren't kept waiting too horribly long. I personally have learned to make allowances."

"Yes, Mr. Wayne, John Raymond." Selina was almost batted aside by the man, who seized Bruce's hand and pistoned it up and down. Selina all but preened haughtily behind him, straightening her fitted jacket. "Can we get down to it, please?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-10-28 10:24 pm UTC (link)

Right, the business part of this business transaction. Bruce tried not to look as put out as he felt, that mask of smug amusement frozen on his face; he'd had lots of practice at this, and was almost as good at it as knocking guys' teeth down the backs of their throats. Well, this was the same thing really, just minus all that physical violence, he considered with a smirk.

He wrenched his hand from Raymond's and gestured for him to follow. Well, actually, when he swept his hand toward the meeting room, it was in fact Selina he was looking at and Selina he waited for before entering the room itself. Placing his finger beside his nose, he indicated wordlessly that his secretary should hold all his calls; she nodded at him absently, catching the familiar gesture immediately.

Bruce graciously offered Selina a chair and then sat himself, trusting Raymond to find his own seat as he leaned back, crossing his ankle over his knee. His eyes remained on Selina; he doubted that Raymond was ever any the wiser. "To tell you the truth, Mr. Raymond," Bruce began carelessly, "I've looked the specs you sent me up and down." Here he threw away the folder his secretary had just handed him; it was a fun trick he liked to play. The truth was, he had truly scoured the specs the man had sent him, doubted any of it was the truth but went over absolutely every number ten times before discarding it and with none of the nonchalance he was showing now. "And they're just not adding up."

His mind was miles away, his mouth saying these things automatically. His true thoughts were something like: 'Selina, that's a pretty name. Unusual, too. Firm handshake, confident. Like that in a woman. Don't like the intimidated ones. Probably thinks I'm an ass--hell, I think I'm an ass when I act like this.'

"I just don't think that this is the sort of venture that suits Wayne Enterprises, if you understand me." Oh, was he finishing up already? This speech seemed to take shorter and shorter every time. Maybe it was just his automatic pilot, he was getting too used to it. He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table in front of him. "I'm sure there are other, less... scrupulous entrepreneurs you can petition, but I'm just not seeing a fit here."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-10-28 10:41 pm UTC (link)

It certainly wasn't lost on her that Bruce had yet to tear his eyes away. He was being polite to her even as he played her boss like a fiddle. She could almost feel Raymond bubbling into a panic at her side, but she continued to smirk her amusement at Bruce, demurely hiding the look behind her fingers when Raymond shot her a glare.

"I can assure you that you're mistaken," Raymond said, and Selina visibly winced, knowing that wasn't exactly the way it should be put.

"I did go over the numbers myself before it was sent out," Selina put in carefully, not entirely sure she wanted to defend her boss besides needing the day job. "Forgive me if I didn't catch all the typos." This was partly true. Raymond had been so nervous and edgy about this meeting that everything had been checked by everyone. She knew bravado when she heard it on Bruce's part.

"You know, the whole thing was just really an offer, all of which is negotiable," Raymond was quick to point out. "There's plenty of moving room, as much as you want."

Selina had crossed one leg over the other, her slender limbs fitting together just perfectly. "Mr. Wayne, is there anything I can do, personally, to assuage these negotiations into something a bit more... sociable? As Mr. Raymond's personal assistant, I take it upon myself to see to these things. He is a busy man."

Raymond's expression alluded to the fact that he wasn't sure if she should be trusted in this position, since this was the first time he could remember her volunteering for it. "Yes... I trust Ms. Kyle to be well-versed in the company and a fine enough representative."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-10-28 11:47 pm UTC (link)

He was used to the bluster; the bluster was good, it threw his opponents off their game. And so Raymond's reaction was no surprise; that, at least, he was completely prepared for. What he had not been counting on was Ms. Kyle's smooth interruption. He raised an eyebrow, his smirk turning into something more sincere for a moment. "Far be it from me to question Ms. Kyle," he replied. "It must have been my mistake."

He cleared his throat and straightened his jacket, sitting more upright now. "Perhaps Ms. Kyle could be of assistance in helping me check her... figures." He tugged the end of his tie, happy that Alfred had insisted he wear one of his nicer ones as well as his father's gold tie pin. He cleared his throat again. "I usually leave the office at five o'clock sharp." He made a show of checking his watch. "If she's not adverse to the idea, I'd welcome her company at Wayne Manor. In a strictly professional manner, naturally," he added, hoping that the push he put behind the words didn't make him sound insincere.

He told himself he wasn't taking advantage; if what she said was true, than he'd be wrong and they would work things out in a strictly business-like fashion. He hated to think that his reputation might make him out to be some sort of lech, but things like that happened. The invitation was genuine, if still a bit playful.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-10-29 01:04 am UTC (link)

"Good!" Raymond chirped, for all he saw now was an opportunity for Selina to save them. "Grand!"

"Took the words right out of my mouth," Selina grinned. Raymond rose and Selina felt obligated to follow, though she crossed to Bruce and pressed a hand to his shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'll arrange to be at your front gate just after five then, Mr. Wayne." There was a good bit of muscle beneath the suit that she was feeling, and it caused her to let a little puff of air slip past her lips, though she usually didn't show that kind of "weakness" around men.

She turned and exited, refusing to look back for fear of seeming too eager. Though eager she surely was.

* * * * *

Mr. Raymond, in his intense need for business with Wayne Enterprises, arranged for a rather nice car to take her to Wayne Manor. The driver announced her arrival, and Selina's first thought was that she could get used to this. A spoiled cat lying on a silken pillow being stroked by a doting owner. Yes, that could do nicely.

The driver dropped her off at the roundabout that led to the front door. Just as she was about to arrange for him to wait, an older gentleman approached and called to them. "You can let him go if you like, Ms. Kyle. Master Bruce can arrange for a ride home. We have several."

He was smiling with such genuine cheer she was forced to smile back. She waved the driver off, then approached with her hand extended, shaking with the other man who immediately introduced himself as Alfred.

"It's a pleasure," she said gently as he led her inside.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-10-29 05:26 pm UTC (link)

Bruce made the trip home in record time, nearly bowling straight into Alfred in his haste to take the steps up to his room three at a time. "Emergency, sir?" Alfred asked with curious nonchalance.

"A girl," Bruce replied, throwing open the doors to his wardrobe and beginning to rifle through his clothing critically.

Alfred raised an eyebrow. "Here, at Wayne Manor?"

"It's been known to happen," Bruce replied dryly, selecting a shirt he thought was just the right amount of dressy and casual.

"Not in a bloody long time," Alfred teased back. "Shall I prepare a fire in the drawing room? It's a much more, ah, intimate setting for a dinner than that drafty old dining room."

"Appreciate the sentiment, Alfred, but this is a business meeting," Bruce said even as he was shucking his shirt, getting snagged on his clothing in an anxious haste Alfred hadn't seen him use even when the most direst of emergencies was breaking in the city below. Alfred raised his eyebrow again, this time more skeptically, more pronounced. "I just don't want you thinking I've invited her here for anything less than... gentlemanly," he said carefully.

After all these years, Alfred could still be surprised at how old-fashioned Master Bruce could be, whatever his reputation said of him. He was like his father that way. Smiling. he moved calmly past Bruce and began to pick out clothing, handing them piece by piece to Bruce as he dressed. "I hope you didn't wreck the Lamborghini getting here this quickly," he observed dryly.

"The Lamborghini can be replaced," Bruce muttered, his fingers busy fumbling with the buttons of his shirt. "This girl..." He let the words trail off. "Kyle, Selina Kyle. I've never met anyone like her before," he said in a moment of complete and unguarded honesty.

He was waiting in the drawing room, fire roaring in the large marble fireplace, when Alfred showed her in. He ran a hand through his hair at the last minute and then moved to greet her, offering her his hand once more.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-11-01 06:13 pm UTC (link)

Selina took his hand in another shake, this one a bit more gentle, and when her fingers tightened about his, there was something less competitive in the touch. "Good evening, Mr. Wayne." She smirked. "Is this where we begin saying to one another, 'oh no, call me Bruce.' 'Oh well then, I'm just Selina.'"

Alfred raised a playful eyebrow at this as he excused himself. His last words on the matter were to be called if he was needed and supper would be ready shortly.

"He's kind of a delight," Selina pointed out as Alfred exited. "The sort of help everyone wished they had, I'd say."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-11-01 08:21 pm UTC (link)

"Don't let him hear you say that," Bruce replied with a gentle yet mischievous half-smile, thrusting his hands into his pockets as he led her toward the small table he'd set up to make it look formal. It was formal, he kept telling himself; it just happened to be formal with a very unusual, beautiful and confident woman. It didn't have to be formal. "He already thinks to highly of himself," he teased. He thought he could hear a tray being dropped in the distance, it's echoing clatter ringing off the manor's stately walls.

"He's been more than that to me though," he told her, holding a chair out for her in a gentlemanly fashion. "He was my legal guardian after I lost my parents. So I suppose you have him to thank for my impeccable manners." He smirked but his expression soon turned serious as he took his own seat.

"Back at the office..." he started, clearing his throat. "I didn't mean to question your work. You have to know the type of guys I'm used to dealing with day in and day out and, well, with all I'd heard about your boss." He chuckled, his cheeks coloring a little. "I'm... really transparent, aren't I? Most people don't even bother to notice."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-11-01 08:55 pm UTC (link)

Selina was charmed and a little surprised at this, as well as slightly saddened for him, though she didn't let it show. If he was anything like her, he wouldn't want pity.

When he pulled out the chair for her, she seated herself and replied with, "I'll be sure to thank him personally, then."

Selina picked up the nearest pen and began to deftly twirl it between her fingers, never even glancing down as she did so. She rolled her eyes at his apology.

"My job is fairly clear, forgive my candor," she began. "Cover Raymond's ass. Period. Therefore, if any mistakes are made or discovered, it falls upon me to take blame and make corrections, regardless of how much involvement I actually had." She shrugged. "It's a living.

"As for your act back at the office," she smiled unguardedly, "it's not that you're transparent so much as... I suspect most of the people you come into contact with are too intimidated to notice. That or they believe what they read in the papers about the playboy billionaire. I tend to come at things with a different perspective, that's all."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-11-01 09:29 pm UTC (link)

"I bet you do." He smiled; it was sudden and filled with genuine warmth as well as a bit of embarrassed awkwardness. What was it about Selina that brought out that quality in him? The bashful boy he might have been if he had been allowed to grow and mature as other boys had. He wasn't intimidated, he definitely wouldn't say that, but the fact that she could see through him as deftly as she could see to the heart of him was a bit unnerving and intriguing at the same time.

It wasn't that he didn't have a spot of fun here and there--though Alfred would say not near enough--but it was just such a refreshing change not to have to play the playboy, to be able to act and say as he wanted to. No, as came natural. "Remind me to give my secretaries and PAs a pay hike," he told her playfully, inclining his head toward her.

He folded his arms on the table in front of him and looked at her frankly in the eye. "So, you know I'm not a fool and I know you're not responsible for your boss's embellishments to his accounts." He made a sour face. "Men like Raymond, they're not the worst I've dealt with: they get involved in things they aren't ready for, business opportunities, let's call them, with consequences that they aren't remotely capable of dealing with. They give themselves ulcers worrying about it at night." If you're going to do something, doing it half-assed wasn't something Bruce respected, but he thought he'd spare her that nugget of wisdom lest she think him the psychopath he agonized over becoming.

He shrugged. "I try not to get mixed up in it, save myself the ulcers. So," he said with a theatrical sigh, "now that we've gotten that out of the way, how would you like some dinner. I have outstanding reservations to all the restaurants in Gotham--ever dine on the private terrace of Giordano's of Gotham?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-11-10 04:08 pm UTC (link)

Selina agreed wholeheartedly. Raymond was a small fish who wanted to be big, and if that meant stacking decks in his favor, he would. The man simply didn't realize what a bad idea that was when it came to the truly big boys like Bruce, who weren't only big but insanely professional. Therefore, she nodded at what he had to say, but that smelly little bit of loyalty she might have left for poor ole Raymond disallowed her saying anything further.

"Giordano's?" she smiled. "Never quite so nice, no." That was the one thing about being a cat burglar. She could have jewels and money and nice clothes if she wanted them, but it just wasn't possible to steal your way into a nice restaurant. "If you're willing to treat me, I'm certainly willing to allow it."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-11-10 06:44 pm UTC (link)

Bruce's stomach did a funny little turn, one he could have sworn was almost like anxiety or fear but far more enjoyable. How did she do that, surprise him? "I'll just... Alfred," he said, excusing himself for a minute.

"Giordano's, my my," was Alfred's amused comment, and Bruce felt his brow pucker into something near annoyance but quite a bit similar to embarrassment as well.

"Just... the car," Bruce said, his voice held more than a hint of pleading, and not only for his request to be fulfilled but to be fulfilled without further comment.

"Of course," Alfred replied, still smiling. As always, having complete faith in Alfred's judgment proved to be an unshakable part of Bruce's psyche; he chose just the right car--not too flashy or expensive, but enough so that Selina would feel as if she were going in style. He'd also called ahead to Giordano's so that they'd be expecting Mr. Wayne and a guest; the private balcony was being cleared as they spoke.

He opened the door for Selina, bowing like an old-fashioned gentleman. "Your chariot, my lady."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-11-10 06:54 pm UTC (link)

Selina chuckled, the sound sensual as well as amused as she took her seat. "You really are too much," she said as he closed the door behind her and got behind the wheel. "By that I mean... I guess I didn't expect you to be a gentleman. Maybe I do let the papers get to me just like everyone else, but color me pleasantly surprised."

She wetted her lips and watched the darkening world pass by out the window. "This might sound apropos of nothing, but so many people see dirt and grime in this city. I just see so much beauty. Even in the darkness. Shining something up doesn't make it beautiful. Accepting it for what it is..." She laughed a bit at herself. "I don't know what I'm on about. I'm just a night owl, I suppose. I get this way when I see that dark silhouette of the buildings against the sky."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-11-10 07:50 pm UTC (link)

"Press is good sometimes," he commented neutrally, though inside he was pleased to hear her say it; he worked so hard on his image, it seemed to him it was sometimes impossible for anyone to look at him as anything different, which was why he cherished his friends. "It keeps people like your boss on their toes. If they happen to think I'm a spoiled idiot, so much the better." Revealing all your secrets on a first date? He laughed to himself shaking his head slightly. She'd already seen through him; he'd revealed himself alright, not necessarily on purpose. there was something so exhilarating about that.

His expression pulled into something more earnest as she spoke of the city. "Then we're kindred spirits," he told her softly. "I love this city, the Waynes have always lived here, since there was ever only an Old Town. Gotham at night, it's always reminded me of Christmas, the lights on a tree, you know? there's something comforting to that, soothing."

He paused for a moment. "My father wanted to clean the city up, and he did a fair share." Though it hadn't saved him, he silently added. "But it's darkness is part of what makes it beautiful. You could hide forever in a city like Gotham and just... melt into the night."

He was pulling into a parking garage; it was owned by Wayne Enterprises and so a key card took him to a street-level private lot where he smoothly pulled into an empty space. It was just a short walk over to the restaurant.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

_bad_kitty_
2009-11-10 10:17 pm UTC (link)

Hearing him talk about Gotham that way was like watching someone cut open her heart and pour the blood into a cup and simply drink it. She had a true affection for this city, even the dirty parts, and it was moving to hear someone like him speak the same things. She sometimes wondered, in spite of her attempts at do-gooding, how much of her was cultivating the dirtiest parts. Then again, it could always be worse. She could end up in Arkham, and then she really would know she was gone.

When they entered the restaurant, it didn't take long for them to get lead to the private balcony and seated. The waiter, before anyone could even open their mouth, was pouring champagne that Selina was sure must be absurdly priced. No doubt it was made of the tears of orphans or some such, anything to justify the price tag.

There were a few who turned their heads, but Selina had no doubt in her mind that they were used to seeing Bruce with different women. Of course, she wasn't a model or actress or reporter or anything really. Most of them looked like they were trying to recognize her from somewhere, and she openly laughed at this.

"Starting to think I should've worn my sunglasses and scarf," she smiled. "Should we expect paparazzi?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2009-11-11 02:01 am UTC (link)

He cleared his throat awkwardly, feeling as if he should have warned her that this would happen, feeling stupid and abashed for not thinking of it sooner. He only ever went out anymore when he wanted publicity of the sensational kind; keep himself in the minds if not the hearts of the citizens of Gotham. "I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "We should have gone somewhere a bit more private."

He smiled to himself, a wicked sort of a thing as his mischievous and dark sense of humor began to surface. "I think Raymond might be a little taken off guard by a picture of the two of us, a headline, 'Gotham's Playboy Spotted With Slinky Stranger.'" He chuckled to himself; not bad, probably better than they'll do, he considered.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bad__kitty
2011-07-19 11:15 pm UTC (link)

She sipped the champagne. It was just as amazing as she'd known it would be. Delicious and bubbly and expensive. Selina never pretended to be a cheap date, and she felt no guilt as Bruce could clearly afford it.

"Slinky," she smiled, red lips parting prettily over her teeth. "Am I?" She gave a cool shrug of one shoulder. "I can't say I'd mind being a sensation."

Before the waiter could come around again, she pressed her hand to his and said, "order for me. Seafood, if you'd be so kind."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2011-07-20 02:45 am UTC (link)

"Ah, well, if it's sensation you want," Bruce chuckled, "stick with me. I can't guarantee what they'll be saying is anything flattering. Or perhaps absurdly flattering; you can never predict it." The cringing, bowing waiter appeared and Bruce spoke quickly and fluently in Italian, ordering mussels and pate for an appetizer and two entrees, chicken for himself and, as requested, fish for Selina. "Then again, they rarely have much flattering to say about me. Not undeservedly," he admitted with an abashedly amused look.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bad__kitty
2011-07-20 02:51 am UTC (link)

The smile curving her mouth was becoming very pleasant and rather permanent it seemed. Somewhere between the Italian and the self-abasing comment, she was starting to feel very comfy indeed.

"I think that's only because you're not showing what you really are to them," she said. "A man who speaks Italian that well didn't learn it simply to pick up chicks. I must be right on that score. And, most importantly, I think I'm grinning enough to let all the photographers and rubber-neckers know that I'm having a fabulous time. So in that regard, there's hardly a bad word to say, is there?"

She said all this smoothly and without hesitation, practically lounging in her chair, as if she could just curl up with contentment.

"Forgive me," she said, "but I hardly ever get to be this candid with anyone. I'm expected to dance around my superiors and do what I'm told. Candor is my favorite thing, and I'm rarely afforded the chance to use it."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2011-07-20 03:21 am UTC (link)

Bruce's expression became thoughtful, almost troubled for a moment. He refilled his glass but only played with the flute's stem instead of taking a sip. "I can't afford candor at all," he admitted, the frown lingering on his brow, even as his mouth smiled. "Usually. Except with Alfred, as I believe you were witness to. He knows me too well, I think," he chuckled. "Can't fool him. Or... you, so it seems. Granted, I've tried harder to look like more of a jackass. But I seem to actually be enjoying myself." He made a small, almost surprised 'hmph' noise at the back of his throat, still not taking that sip, wanting to keep himself sober.

"So, your blustery boss--Raymond. How exactly did you come to work for him?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bad__kitty
2011-07-20 02:24 pm UTC (link)

Selina understood keeping up an image when he was so often in the public eye. What she didn't understand was keeping up a bad image. His reputation as a womanizer and overall asshole preceded him, and yet he seemed to need that. It was curious to say the least.

She knew this question was a distraction more than anything, but she went with it. "I've made my rounds as a temp and secretary in plenty of offices. For the people that care about that sort of thing, I had a lot of good recommendations. Raymond goes through assistants like tissues. It's a revolving door in that place, in regards to that at least. I was told he was a difficult customer, and I immediately rose to the challenge. It wasn't hard to get in since he always needs a new assistant, but it is hard trying to stay. Daily abuse is something most women wouldn't be able to handle, and I understand that fully, but I have a way of... shutting that part of myself off. The me who walks around that office is not really me."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2011-07-21 03:10 am UTC (link)

Bruce gave her a candid lopsided grin, steepling his fingers and resting his elbows against the table. "Yeah, I know the feeling," he murmured softly, glancing down at the pristine tablecloth. "Luckily, I have good people watching over my company for me. And there is no shortage of men like Raymond in this city, sadly. I won't even begin to deny that Wayne Corporation is that much different; unfortunately, the glass ceiling exists everywhere. But at least I can say we try." He chuckled at himself. "I sound like I'm giving you a sales pitch. Guess I'm not very good at small talk that's...." He laughed helplessly. "Completely shallow?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

bad__kitty
2011-07-21 03:18 pm UTC (link)

"Small talk is shallow by definition," Selina smirked. "It's all about the weather and whatever surface level thing we can come up with to fill silences. It's harder to share the real things inside of us.

"I'll be honest, Bruce, I don't date a whole hell of a lot. Not for lack of offers. Still, I'm not used to whatever conversation we're supposed to be having either. I spend most of my free time working out, training, and taking care of my cat, Cleo. When I'm not working."

She bit her bottom lip. "Can I tell you something very, very real? When I first came here, I was a stripper. No one really knows this about me, because I have a professional life now where I keep my clothes on. But hey, that's a conversation starter, isn't it?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

darkestknight_
2011-07-21 08:05 pm UTC (link)

"Well, then that puts you in good company," Bruce said evenly, "in the company I keep." He laughed humorlessly. "If you're looking for judgment, you're not going to find it here. Though I just opened myself up to a lot of judgment, didn't I? It's not like I pay them to..." The helpless laugh again. "Just to come out with me, that's all I pay them for. so you don't get the wrong idea." But, of course, everyone was supposed to get the wrong idea, wasn't that the idea?

"I go out--I need to be seen, for... one reason or another, but I don't usually date. My life is... difficult. That's... fair warning. It's... complicated." He pursed his mouth. "And there's... a conversation killer." He laughed and there was more humor in his eyes now.

"I don't have a cat, but I have Alfred. And I have... a foster son. Well, Dick's long gone, grown up, and Jason told me where I can stick it. I found Tim a good home recently, and that did my heart good. They're all... real bad luck cases; I try to help. They like to put that on the magazine covers, to show how philanthropic I am." He gave her a knowing wink.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

(no subject) -

bad__kitty, 2011-07-22 01:39 am UTC

(no subject) -

darkestknight_, 2011-07-22 10:02 pm UTC

(no subject) -

bad__kitty, 2011-07-22 10:12 pm UTC

(no subject) -

darkestknight_, 2011-07-23 02:59 am UTC

(no subject) -

bad__kitty, 2011-07-23 04:15 pm UTC

(no subject) -