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he's ([info]misterenigma) wrote in [info]rooms,
@ 2015-02-16 09:44:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:!dc comics, *journal, *log, eddie nigma, holly robinson, selina kyle

eddie/selina/holly
[Private to Selina and Holly. Cat group lock.]

I- can I sleep on your couch for a few days? I've been alone with computers for the past weekend and my stress levels are at an all time high. I'll cook and clean.


(Post a new comment)


[info]badnews
2015-02-16 06:18 pm UTC (link)
Cook and clean? Selina, can we keep him?

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-16 07:07 pm UTC (link)
Come on over, Eddie. We'll even get you your own apron.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]badnews
2015-02-16 07:38 pm UTC (link)
A mob cap.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-16 07:41 pm UTC (link)
In bright green.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]badnews
2015-02-16 07:42 pm UTC (link)
A question mark dangling from the brim.

Eddie, do you have your own duster? Or do you need a new one?

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 05:10 am UTC (link)
You two joke, but I'd wear just about anything.

I have my own duster. How do you two not have a duster??

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:27 am UTC (link)
I don't dust, Eddie.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 05:30 am UTC (link)
With all the cats you let in there?!

This is good. I was trying to think of a way to work out my anxiety. So far the only thing I came up with was competitive pinball or good old fashioned ganja, but cleaning is much, much better.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:32 am UTC (link)
Oh, you'll have plenty to clean. And you can help me figure out what to wear to meet Bruce on some mystery thing. You always did like women's clothes.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 05:34 am UTC (link)
Ooh, tell me about the mystery thing.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:38 am UTC (link)
Something about meeting him in some door. He gave me directions, and Rolex with a button to push to let him know when I was ready.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 05:41 am UTC (link)
I'm so, so proud. With enough prep time, he can do just about anything.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:45 am UTC (link)
I haven't seen him in months. He has a lot of groveling to do. But, what does one wear to a mystery door, Eddie? Catsuit, a slinky dress, something comfortable?

Please don't say the latter. So dull.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 05:47 am UTC (link)
Well, you don't want to look like you're trying too hard. He's there to impress you, not the other way around. Still, I asked a woman out in my PJ's today and I would not recommend. Why not a sundress? Men love sundresses.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:49 am UTC (link)
What woman, and did she say yes? Or should we talk about this once you're here, with a duster in your hand?

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 05:51 am UTC (link)
I think you know, but I want to see your face when you guess.

I'll be there in a jiffy. Don't try anything on without me.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: Group lock
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:55 am UTC (link)
We'll sit on the couch and wait for your little green presence, Eddie.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 06:18 am UTC (link)
[Eddie didn't bother knocking. He built the security for Selina's apartment and on more than one occasion came by to do simple tune ups to her fancy force fields and everything else that came with it. No, he simply swept the door open with great fanfare, a duffle bag over his shoulder that contained everything from jam-jams to emergency suits for business things. Eddie himself was in the Death Star geeky t-shirt and jeans. Very casual for the green man.] Greetings furry eared friends. [Eddie called and stepped inside, carefully dodging one of the many cats prowling the apartment.] You know I never noticed, but this place looks like an antique store threw up. I love it. [And, really, what better than a couple days of housework to get his mind off romancing a god?

He made a twirling hand gesture in greetings towards the force field control station. It said hello to him in his mind in Kryptonian and unfortunately, he only knew the basics of that language. Not that he was complaining about having another task to learn. Eddie set the duffle bag down on the kitchen table and took out two bottles of very fine red wine. He clinked them together happily. There wasn't a universe where Eddie would help Catwoman pick out outfits without a glass of wine.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 06:32 am UTC (link)
[After her day of normalcy - which she was still processing - Selina had gone back to the loft. After all, the penthouse at the Egyptian wasn't an option, not when there was no Egyptian. Oh, there was a casino there, but it was part strip-club, and it was all owned by Gotham's Tourism Dept. As if Gotham needed a Tourism Department, and wasn't that just indicative of what was wrong with the city they all loved to hate.

So, she'd gone home, and she'd put on a pair of Bruce's pajama pants - left during his short habitation - tied at the small of her back, and a black tank. A tall glass of wine came next, and then Eddie's message had been a very nice distraction as the wine disappeared - pity.] Don't insult my clutter.

[He was right; the loft was a disaster, but no one ever said the kitty cat had good taste. Well, not beyond personal attire. She liked to hoard things, and maybe that was just her Gotham childhood. Either way, she put on something mellow, jazz as Eddie manipulated the force fields, and then she flopped onto the couch with very little of her normal grace, arms over the legs, and she was glad to be home. She motioned to the racks of clothing that lived in the back of the huge loft.] Bring me a glass of that wine, and tell me about your pajama proposal.

[Her smile said maybe she had an idea who the date-ee was. Maybe. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking. Regardless, the kitty cat was in a decent mood, and it showed.]

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]badnews
2015-02-17 06:39 am UTC (link)
[Holly had spent the day out. All the better for working out just how far Bruce's wish had dismantled her city, and all the better? For avoiding the edgy prickle of something oh-so-not-required in the pit of her belly. The city was wrong, the people in it? Were all wrong and she had a tiny feeling? Her wish was all tangled up in this, too.

When she came through the loft door, she looked like she'd spent too many hours in the only shelter left in Gotham, the kind that rich kids showed up at to do 'community service', and to take photos of themselves doing good on their iPhones. It was the only place in Gotham still running some kind of safety net, and the girls she'd known? Had washed up there, or in the strip clubs or were gone. Holly didn't want to think about that.]

Shower. [She announced it to the room, to Selina who managed to slink even in pyjamas that didn't look like they belonged to her, and to Eddie, who she caught the tail-end of a complaint about the decor. And she was so glad that the loft was still here that she didn't care. She liked things as much as the next girl, probably even more, and the things in the loft? She was now attached.]

And if there's more of that when I'm done [Looking at the wine as she made a bee-line for the shower.] I'm going to need it. [And water began to hiss, abruptly.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 06:52 am UTC (link)
[Eddie felt like they were in the backstage dressing room of some epic stage drama the three of them had been playing for years and years. They had some time between the acts to take off the question marked bowler hats and flop instead of pounce. Chatting and gossiping before they had to put on their brightly colored costumes and get on with the show. Alright, so he was feeling a little dramatic since the wishes had gone through. The funny gas in the air, the way his city was flipped on its head, it all made him sort of bubbly. And, so far? The only one who could ground him was Muerte, even if thinking about her when she was off in the god garden made his ears burn a little pink.

He looked through the kitchen drawers as Holly walked in and he peeked out from the kitchen to give her a little wave. It had been years since he saw her and he was just glad to have all of this when he needed it. Finally he found the corkscrew and with a pop and glug, he poured two glasses of wine. He left the third glass empty for Holly to help herself when she was back and then walked over to the couch, gingerly handing the mess of limbs named Selina her wine.] Cheers. [He clinked hers against his and then walked over to his window forcefields, touching the sparking energy to make them shimmer. Eddie was in good spirits too, even if he had a feeling Muerte wasn't coming back with good news.]

Well, it started off as a warning. No, please don't speak to me right now or I'll say something you don't want to hear. And, frankly? I'm not completely sure she did want to hear it. So far we've been doing great flirting without ever acknowledging that's what it was. [He sipped his wine and leaned up against his forcefield to look at Selina.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 07:49 am UTC (link)
[Selina took the wine without moving from her legs-over-couch arm, head against the pillows slouch. She was a boneless and yet graceful thing, and Etta sang about love coming along at last, and Selina sipped as she watched Holly pull the curtain that served as a bathroom wall. It was strange, all this lack of divisions. She was still caught in false memories of a life with walls, and she was having a hard time shaking the feeling that she had responsibilities, things that mattered and child that depended on her.

She sipped the wine. It seemed like a good distraction, rich and bold. Clink.] Nice vintage, riddle.

[The forcefield sizzled, and her mossy green eyes regarded their new, albeit temporary roommate.] I was talking to her earlier. [Oh, it was a hunch, but the kitty cat liked taking risks, and she figured this was a very, very good bluff, her certainty that he was talking about Em.] We were talking about you, and then- [She made an expansive gesture with one hand.] Poof. I was hoping it was because something good happened. [She took another sip, and she was all feigned innocence as she quirked a brow at him.] Did it?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 08:06 am UTC (link)
Oh, were you? I admit this is a very easy riddle. [Eddie was known to be a flirtatious man before Stephanie ever came along. He always had women as bodyguards and top mooks. He'd say that he simply preferred their company, but that was a little like saying he went to Hooters for the chicken wings. After the divorce, he was a lot more shy around women. Cautious under the mask of charm. And really, there was only one person he'd ever attempt to give his heart to. So, that's what this was. An attempt that could fizzle before it even started.] What did she say about me? [Eddie's dark eyes tick tocked with different possibilities playing in that neon green brain of his. He walked over to the rack of clothes and click, clicked through the options.]

It went a lot better than I expected. I thought I was going to get a no, big and bold. Instead, I got pools of ink and a nice, long hug. She's forbidden to date humans. It's very elven. [He seemed amused.] So, she told me she'd ask her brother Destiny about the rules, if she can without getting me hurt. He's going to tell her no, but do you think even Destiny can see everything this hotel offers?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 08:23 am UTC (link)
I was. I was teasing her about tangoing with you. [Selina took another sip, and she watched as Eddie moved across the space to the racks of clothing; hey, a girl liked having options. She slid her legs off the arm of the couch, and she turned and slid one leg beneath herself, so she could watch as the riddled man went through her wardrobe.] You know I always tease her about you. I asked if she was feeling this little itch to fuck like rabbits.

[She chuckled. She'd hated Em for a very long time but, somewhere along the line, she'd come to care for the infuriating little women who refused to admit she felt the things a woman felt. It was always like that for the kitty cat - hate, and then not.] Of course you got ink and a hug. [But then she quirked a very curious brow.] She has a brother named Destiny? Is he the... how does she always phrase it? The representation of a concept? Something like that? Is he fate? [Oh, the kitty cat hated fate. Not as much as she hated fishnets, but it was a near thing.] Why is he going to tell her no?

[And then, with the kind of lazy curiosity that came with remembered things.] I hear you wished for someone's mother back? Was that your wish, or was it hers?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 08:39 am UTC (link)
[Eddie held up a slinky red thing. All curves and lines too low. He considered it, glanced at Selina and then decided against it. This date with Bruce was likely going to be one full of confessions and starlit romance. He knew something about that, he spent years threading his fingers with a woman he thought was going to be forever. So sure, he knew the sort of thing a woman should wear to a night of L words. Eddie was focused on the dresses when Selina purred fuck like rabbits and nearly spat his wine out at the vulgarity.] Oh my god, meow face. I can just imagine all the nos she put together for that. [And then gave his little rogue laugh, bright and scandalous.]

He's like that, yes. A lot more of a representation than Muerte is, at least by my estimation. She gets fondly annoyed when she talks about him like a little sister would. It's sweet. [He smiled and reached for something green. Big surprise.] He'll tell her no because he thinks he knows how everything works here. He'll think the rules are the same. That if she gives in to me [A waggle of his eyebrows.] I'll be sent to hell or something like that. I don't think they are. I don't think Muerte is so black a white and if she has feelings for me, we can figure something out. There isn't a puzzle I can't solve.

[He looked up at Selina when she mentioned Stephanie and sighed.] Word does travel fast. [Eddie pointed to the force fields and they glittered before forming a big smilie face made out of pixels.] My wish was to speak to computers, to get them to do things that hacking and science can't. Stephanie didn't know what to do with her wish, big surprise, so she gave it to me. I didn't want it, so I tried to give it back. Tried to give her someone to lean on that wasn't me, so she wasn't so lonely.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]badnews
2015-02-17 04:58 pm UTC (link)
[The hiss of water ended and the curtain that divided one part of the room from the other rattled over the rail as Holly drew it back. Damp, and loose, soft pants and baggy t-shirt sticking to wet skin, and her hair was sand sticking to her neck, but clean and she could hear enough of all that representation to figure out they were talking about Eddie's feelings.

She padded over bare floors, and she snagged the wine-glass and poured a splash of something that unknotted snarls for days when the snarls weren't snags from something magical wished across a city, and she curled up in the unoccupied corner of the couch, bare toes and comfortable tangle of limbs. Nothing graceful, and she looked at the grinning force-field pixels without full comprehension.]

What about you? Are you leaning on Muerte, these days?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-17 05:24 pm UTC (link)
[Selina liked that slinky red thing, and she gave him a look that was all pout when he set it aside.] Are we forgetting that I haven't seen him since before the holidays? Don't dress me like a frump, Eddie. I'm apparently not memorable enough for him to want to flap his batty wings at as is. But he got a smile when he almost spit his wine out.] Oh, the lady doth protest a lot. [And her smile went lusher, warmer when Eddie laughed that little rogue's laugh; god, she hadn't heard that in so very long.

She sipped as he talked about Fate, and then she rolled her eyes.] Oh, please, brother or not, fate or not, Em's been crazy about you for however many years in weird non-human time. [She gave him a knowing little look.] It takes a lot to part a woman from her obsessions, Edward, even when it's for the best. I'm here, aren't I? With you picking out a dress, when I could be getting a lot more attention in Marvel than from the Mayor. [Not that she wasn't considering making good on her promise to visit after the holiday, because she was.

And she was almost sorry she brought up Stephanie.] I saw her at the university. She's so young. [Which was, in Selina's estimation, all that really needed to be said about the adorable blonde bat. And then the water cut, and she watched as Holly curled up on the couch.] We hope he is. kitten. [Was her response to Holly's question, and she reached over and tucked a strand of blonde off Holly's forehead.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-17 06:49 pm UTC (link)
I'm not going for frump, I'm going for something romantic. Something maybe in pink or a baby blue. [Eddie took another sip of wine and was not surprised to find that there wasn't anything close to that on the rack. He found something that had just a hint of lace, though and held it up for Selina's consideration. He made a face at the mayor thing and his little tiff with the Bat in charge played on his features for a half of second. Bruce had, after all, completely ruined all his plans and it almost felt like the Bat didn't trust the cat and riddled man with their methods. He knew that wasn't it and it was just some insecurity at play, but still. A moment passed and he shook it off. But if Selina wanted to dig deeper, she could. He changed topic:]

Muerte and I have been very good at acting like there was nothing there. [Another thoughtful sip of wine.] I think everyone saw it except us. [Eddie had moments in the past where Muerte's touch made him flinch, made him move because he was afraid there was something there that would ruin his years with Stephanie. The fact was, towards the end of his time in this Gotham before vanishing, it was easier to touch Muerte. Easier to confide and trust her without worrying about getting hurt.] As for Stephanie? I'm glad she's young. The older version of her would [He imagined the anger of his ex wife watching him courting his best lady friend.] not be pleased. This way she can forget about me. I'm over her, and I want her to have a good life without me.

[When Holly walked in he brightened up a little. Again, just happy to see her alive and well.] Yes. It's time for me to move on. No reason to be a miserable bachelor my whole life, not when there's someone around that I care about. [It was logical and a little sweet which was Eddie Nigma in a nutshell. He smirked.] What about you, Holly? Shouldn't you be out there living it up with all the crazed young people?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]badnews
2015-02-17 06:57 pm UTC (link)
[Holly didn't think Selina could frump in a brown paper bag, but she laughed at pink or baby blue as wardrobe options.] Black. [She said it confidently, without needing to look at the row of clothes on the rack, because blue or pink were her wheelhouse, not Selina's, and even then? She was hot pink, nothing romance about her.] Classic. Romantic like old movies.

[And she leaned into the glide of fingertips that smoothed damp hair away from her forehead, casual comfort and gratitude that Bruce hadn't wished this away too. Selina and the loft were home, the way the old apartment with the rusty pipeworks had been home when she'd been new and trying to learn how this Gotham worked. And Holly didn't like to think about things you became attached to, because being attached? Was how you wound up losing them. She listened instead, to Muerte and Eddie speaking about a woman instead of Death.

And she hadn't realized just how Stephanie had come back, all the way. Young, and that meant disconnected, it meant losing things she didn't know she had. Maybe new starts were what was needed, but Holly, Holly liked baggage way too much to let it go completely.]

Me? [That was practiced arch, and she fed a little of the learned lessons, the accent barren of Gotham street-slums temporarily, and flexed her toes.] I'm waiting out the magical desire to go get fucked. It's a little like being on the street without getting paid otherwise. [She nudged Selina with her toes.] You, on the other hand. Slink up.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-18 01:48 am UTC (link)
[Selina knew Eddie was kidding about the pink and baby blue - or at least she hoped he was - and she made a face of absolute disgust, even if she wasn't sure about the perennial black the kitten suggested.] If he wants pink or baby blue, he can date Iris or Zatanna. [She pointed the glass at Eddie.] Don't you dare tell me she doesn't wear pink or blue. I don't want to hear it. [Fishnets wasn't about pastels, but it made the kitty cat feel better to say it, and she was allowed to be catty; it was part of the costume. But then his features shifted, and Selina was too accustomed to the myriad of expressions comprised Edward Nigma not to notice.] Oh? And what was that for?

[But then she had to scoff.] Em hasn't been good at doing anything of the sort. And, yes, everyone saw but you. [But she agreed with him about Stephanie. She wanted the little blonde not-Bat to be happy; it just didn't seem to be happening.] So, once she defies her big brother, where are you taking her, Montague?

[She tucked Holly's hair behind her ear when the girl learned closer, and she playfully grabbed the kitten's toes when she nudged, even as two of the kittens tried to help bat at the moving toes. Selina chuckled.] What did you wish for, kitten? I wished for a boring day, normalcy, and there wasn't one good thing about it. [A lie, of course, but come on - did anyone really expect different?]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-18 05:19 am UTC (link)
[Eddie gave Selina a look, all fancy pants attitude, and rested his wrists on the top of the clothing rack.] Well, I told Mr. Mayor his wish was stupid. I told him there's too many small people getting stepped on because of the fortune 500 brats speeding around. And, then I told him he wouldn't have enough time to be Bat and Mayor. We all know he half asses Bruce Wayne, he has to, so there's no way he can be vigilante and fucking mayor at the same time. [He drank the rest of his wine and picked three options. One black cocktail dress that he could see the cat he knew in the 60's wearing, one glimmering mermaid tail colored tiny thing and one long, flowing green dress.] Try these on. [Eddie instructed and went to the kitchen table to get more wine.]

I haven't exactly thought that far ahead. [Eddie said from behind them and then sighed.] I don't want to plan something and just have her tell me no, sorry Eddie. That would keep me sleeping on your couch for weeks. My heart would be broken. No one wants that.

[He brought the wine bottle with him and offered to fill up the girls' glasses before taking Selina's place on the couch once she got up.] Normal sounds terrible. [Eddie said and no, he didn't mean a word of that either.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-18 06:01 am UTC (link)
[Selina quirked a brow, and she scoffed as she stood and walked to the clothing rack.] He won't need the Bat here. Or did he tell you he was still doing that, because I doubt it was his intention, Eddie. [She hadn't asked, and maybe her assumption was wrong, but she was pretty sure Mr. Mayor? Intended to just be Mr. Mayor. As for half-assing being Bruce Wayne, she just sighed as she took the green dress first, and disappeared behind the changing screen.] He doesn't have time for Bruce Wayne as it is, no. Or those of us associated with Bruce Wayne. [And wasn't that the story of the kitty cat's life?

The pajama pants and tank flipped over the edge of the changing screen, and she stepped out in the green a few seconds later, but her expression was pensive, despite the dress that fit like a glove.] Do you think he'll never have time for it? [It was a candid question, more candid than she ever was, but there was something in the air, and she trusted Eddie's opinion.] And what if he wants me to go mountain climbing? Hmmmm?

[She did grin at the admission that he'd be on the couch for a week if Em turned him down.] Oh, come on, Edward. You always think ahead. [She walked back to the couch, and she took her newly-filled glass from the endtable.] Normal was horrible. I don't recommend it. [Finally, a sigh.] What do we rogues do if Gotham stays like this? [She waved her glass at the wall of windows, and then she took a sip before going back to try on the mermaid tail.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-18 06:35 am UTC (link)
He told me he could do both, meow face. I'm worried. [Eddie sighed and draped his arm along the back of the couch and looked up at the ceiling while the cat got dressed. He dropped a look at Holly, because really she was the kind of person who got the most fucked over by this new Gotham. No protection, no clinics. A mob city was a hundred times better in the riddled man's opinion.] He's going to run himself into the ground. I immediately offered to help with mayoral duties, but I don't think it's going to stop the inevitable.

[When Selina stepped back out, he looked up and then tilted his head to the side in consideration. It was maybe a little too flowy, too goddessy. Too green. Another sip of his wine.] I fully believe you could go mountain climbing in that. [He smirked and then considered her more serious question.] That's a good riddle. I think without some people in his life insisting that he slow down, he won't have time for anything except for Gotham. Did you know Alfred went missing? I went to help him fix up the manor the other day and he's just poof. Gone.

[He sighed and yes he always thought ahead. A roll of his eyes.] ...Muerte and I go drink, karaoke and dance all the time. But, it's always as friends. I just want to take her dancing. It's simple, I know, but the most over the top thing I could think of would just make a god laugh. It's the little things that count. [He looked down at his shirt and remembered placing Muerte's hand there. He remembered her clinging to him and pressing her smile into his t-shirt like she was trying to hide it. Things like that? Were the most important parts of the puzzle to him.]

[And, as for the rogues?] I don't know how long I can play mayor assistant. [Whisper.] I wouldn't mind if we started taking.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-18 08:10 am UTC (link)
He can't do both. [Selina frowned. Honestly, how was he planning to do that? And she wondered if maybe she should contact the Mayor and ask if he still had time for this little outing. After all, he'd set it up before things had changed, before Gotham had changed. That concern showed on her features for a minute, and she was intelligent mossy green as she looked at the riddle. He was right about Bruce running himself into the ground, and she rubbed her temple as Eddie looked at the dress.] I didn't know Alfred went missing. While you were gone, no one told me anything, Eddie. [Maybe that sounded a teensy bit bitter. Maybe.

She ducked back behind the changing screen, but she didn't try another dress. No point maybe, and she would need to talk to their esteemed Mayor first. Tank and pajama pants once more, she stepped out and reclaimed her wine, and then she curled herself up in the armchair and looked at the pair on the couch.] Take her dancing, Eddie. [Her smile blossomed again, warmed.] What are you thinking? [Because that look down at his shirt? It meant something.]

Maybe you'll like politics. [It was possible.] It's kind of a riddle, in its own way. [His whisper made her smile, made her sip her wine. And, like him, she thought Gotham was in more trouble without the mobs. The Families, oddly enough, kept a certain level of peace in the city. Peace meant money, and that was all they cared about, that and their territory.] Give this Gotham a few weeks? And we'll have a full-on class war to deal with. [She lifted a shoulder.] I was already fighting that war before. Nothing new.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-18 08:41 am UTC (link)
You're the only one who can get through to him. He just got pissed at me. [Eddie wasn't surprised that Selina was kept out of the loop while he was gone. Eddie, whether he liked to admit it or not, was one of the ties between the family. Between everyone. And, the vanishing of him and Stephanie likely left a big gap between all the moving pieces in Gotham. And, he wished Bruce gave Selina more of his time. Eddie thought they had something good, but good things had a time stamp on them if you didn't handle them carefully. Whatever the case, getting Selina to talk some sense into Bruce was necessary. And if they were lucky? This was all temporary.

He wasn't paying attention when she asked what he was thinking and he made a soft ooph! noise in surprise.] I ah- [Eddie rubbed the back of his neck. His ears turned a brighter shade of pink and he shook his head. The wine made the static in his mind swim pleasantly.] Muerte. Before she went to see her brother, I could feel her smiling against my chest when I held her. She tries to hide how funny she thinks I am. But she always buries it in a place I can find it. [The riddled man didn't need to be told always that he was smart, that he was funny, that he was right. He liked when he could pick up hints of it from other people, people he cared about. A smile into his shirt was more than someone taking his face in their hands and telling him outright how great he was.

He cleared his throat, waggled his eyebrows and moved past it. Eddie closed his eyes in thought, brain tick tocking and then ping she could practically see the question mark over his head. Back to business:] We need to get protection for the working girls ASAP. I'll need both of your help with that. Even if this is temporary, the shit that will happen to them won't be. And then I need to figure out how to open at least one more clinic.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-18 10:47 am UTC (link)
Oh, you have such faith. What am I supposed to tell him? Give up your office? Give up the cowl? [She made a sound of sheer disbelief.] I think you're overestimating how much Mr. Wayne talks to me about anything important. [She shook her head.] He always talked to you about things, Eddie. He never talked to me about things. I think he even talked to Stephanie more than he talked to me. [And that had only gotten worse after the green man had disappeared, the not talking.] But I'll try, seeing as I feel an overwhelming need to see if he still has time for this little outing. He planned it before his new job.

[She finished her wine as he rubbed the back of his neck, and she chuckled when his ears turned pink.] I think pink's your color. Don't you, Holly? [But her chuckle turned into something soft, a genuine smile at that talk about Em smiling against his chest, and she hummed her approval. Oh, she didn't want to push too much. But that she approved was without question.] I hope she goes dancing with you. [Was all she finally said, though the warmth in her voice was unmistakeable.

And then it was down to business, and it was good to have something to focus on.] I can get you the money for a temporary clinic. [She grinned.] I've been itching to steal something after my day of dullness. How are we going to offer protection? Do you have any muscle to spare?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]badnews
2015-02-18 07:25 pm UTC (link)
[Bruce didn't listen, as far as Holly could tell and the noise of disbelief was echoed from the damper corner of the couch as she swallowed wine and felt the warmth course down her throat, a pleasant hum under the skin that did a little something to counteract whatever had people in Gotham feeling differently. But Bruce didn't talk to her. No one did, except Selina, but if Bruce canceled the outing, because he was too busy Mayoring? Whoever had granted her wish had a real problem coming.]

I think that's more tomato, than pink. [But the warmth of fondness softened the sting and she liked Eddie happy. Far more than the bitter man he'd become, twisted in on himself and hating it for it. Dancing? Sounded like a very good plan and Holly couldn't think of anything taking priority.] You should take her somewhere there's live music. Maybe another door, somewhere old.

[But the girls sobered the smile off her face, and she thought Gotham, this Gotham, needed a lot to make it anywhere close to safe.] What they need is an alternative to pimps. But they don't know what safety looks like here.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-19 04:00 am UTC (link)
This takes a woman's touch, that's all I'm saying. [Eddie fluttered his eyes at her and then smiled at Holly. She was remarkably good at imagining romantic things like dresses and music for someone her age.] That's a very fine plan. But, I don't want to talk anymore about it in case she really does say no. In which case? This is all utterly pointless.

[He liked the distraction of work, of something to do so he didn't have to think about the rogue itch in the back of his skull. Eddie was always the strategist behind the bat family while he was here. But, now? He wasn't part of that family anymore and that gave him a certain amount of freedom when it came to problem solving.] I must confess, I'm not entirely sure how the business works. [Eddie was the kind of guy who paid a girl for a session just to get information out of her. If he came up to a girl on the street, most of them were relieved. Some used to see it as a ticket to join his gang.] Protection- I thought it was a pragmatic thing. Don't want to damage the thing you're selling. [He steepled his fingers in thought, pressing his fingertips to his chin.] Hrm. Most of the guys I had are either locked up for petty crime or begging on the street now. Right now, all I have are my drones. I could try to put a gang together, but it would take time. We need a more immediate solution and I have a feeling the girls aren't going to trust the first person who promises not to hurt them. [And then he sighed because bat family would be an easy solution.] There's still some bats left, couldn't we get Jason and the rest to harass the pimps into being nice?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-19 04:19 am UTC (link)
[Selina listened as Eddie and Holly went back and forth, and then she tucked herself back into the corner of the loft and made a little phone call. It wasn't long, and it wasn't particularly successful, and she walked back out to the little plotters a few minutes later, having heard all of Eddie's little suggestions.

She tossed her phone on the bed, and then she stretched out on her belly and regarded the two on the couch.] The problem in this Gotham isn't the working girls. You're thinking our Gotham. The probably here? Is the divide between rich and poor is somehow wider. [She said it like it was inconceivable, because she thought it was. The class divide in Gotham had disgusted her before. And now? Now it was even worse.] So, I think we there's a need for some Robin Hooding, but that's just me. Pimps are never nice, here or there. [Said the voice of experience, and she motioned toward the phone.] And he says he can he be Bat and Mayor. And I think he's getting touchy about everyone blaming him for everything. For what it's worth? I think I granted the disappearing mob wish, and not to him.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-19 06:19 am UTC (link)
[Eddie nodded and then sipped at his wine. He was interested in trying to change the very fabric of Gotham back to what he remembered and it just wouldn't work here. Scaring pimps or relocating girls wouldn't get the job done fast enough. But, if they had money, cash, they could at least keep out of the streets.] Robin Hooding I can do. I can release codes, passwords, secrets to the right guys and hit the rich hard on the digital side of things. I'm sure black and white hats are looking for a little revenge. Meanwhile, if you're Catwomaning around town, they'll have a hard time managing theft from both fronts. It will without a doubt create chaos, but anything is better than this.

[He rubbed his temple at the comment about Bruce.] I was harsh. [Eddie wanted to blame it on the hotel, that feeling of his rusted shut heart springing open didn't make him sweeter. It made him intense and demanding, which wasn't exactly in the spirit of Valentine's Day. But, it was also because he was protective of Gotham, of the little people that he used to be. That was a relatively new feeling, thanks to trying to be a green bat for a few years.] I believe it was a mix of wishes, too. It makes sense that people would try to change Gotham with a wish. [He rolled his eyes.] Is the date at least still on? [Because that was a valid concern, okay.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-19 06:53 am UTC (link)
[Her smile went lush when he said he could Robin Hood.] The Mayor won't like it. [She felt like that should be said aloud, just to be safe. Bruce was trying to save Gotham one way, but what they were discussing? It was very rogue, and it wasn't the kind of tactic that a Bat or politician would employ. As for chaos? Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing.] We'll need to figure out distribution, but that shouldn't be too hard. [After all, this was what she did. Back home, before changes in Gotham, before changes in everything.]

You'll make amends. [She said of his being harsh to Bruce.] You always do. You two? Are thick as thieves. [And she could say that without jealousy now, without feeling like it took anything from her, and that was a good feeling. She had no idea when that had changed, but it had, and she was fairly sure they would all be happy about it.] I think Bruce just wished for the ability to make it better. Gordon wished for the mafia gone. Someone had to wish for this little itch. [And she didn't mention the emotional thing. She figured they all felt it, and why put it out there in the open, uncovered?]

[She rolled her eyes in return.] Yes, and he says we're not mountain climbing. So, the green? [She looked back at the dresses.]

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-19 07:38 am UTC (link)
[Eddie hehe'd at her warning and when he blinked he could see a couple tipsy stars. Sober or not, Eddie's faith in relying on the bat family to solve this problem was remarkably low. Grayson was out joyriding and the rest of the bat fam wasn't making a peep. He could send them a list of sex rings to bust and they might get around to it. Screw that.] The bats are racing cars against rich people and the politicians are doing paperwork. It's time for the rogues to come out and plaay. [He waggled his eyebrows.

And, no he couldn't stop the sigh of relief when Selina mentioned how close he and Bruce were without sounding bitter. It was a cloud over their heads, it had been for years while he was in this Gotham and to see it drift away was nice. It helped that Eddie didn't feel competitive with Selina anymore over Batman. That mutual need to take the number one spot with the Bat was a destructive, dangerous force. And, ironically, something that took out rogues back in his Gotham all the time. So, no he just smiled at her, glad that Bruce hadn't bailed on the date. His mind wandered off towards his own romance for a second, a flittering, fluttering butterfly of a thought that warned him all signs pointed to no. He shook the thought away and then nodded at the dresses.] Green. Always green.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]badnews
2015-02-19 07:50 pm UTC (link)
[Holly didn't rely on the Bat family for anything. Bruce had given her a nice shopping experience and the evidence? It was hanging alongside the rails of long slinky dresses, but she didn't have a lot of faith in this whole mayor-and-Bat idea. Bruce? He meant well, but he didn't follow-through and now his son was mouthing off about fast cars and dumb moves and she didn't think he could handle that, either.

But he hadn't screwed up the date, yet. And she wondered - guiltily, oh so guiltily if maybe that had something to do with her wish. The wish she hadn't actually confessed to, and wasn't all about sex, so didn't have responsibility for the dirty itch inside-out that pressed doing something. She smiled in the direction of the dresses and shook her head.]

Not green. Green is your color. Red. [She pointed, to long, backless silk, that swished instead of slink.] Make him think about Valentine's that don't suck.

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]spacecowboys
2015-02-19 11:27 pm UTC (link)
[The kitty cat chuckled when Eddie said the bats were racing cars and doing paperwork.] This town? Like this? [She motioned outside.] Would've never birthed a Bat, Eddie. That means no little bats either. Let them race their cars and do their paperwork. We both know Bruce would've done something legal or political if his life hadn't been ruined when he was small, and he would've never known the likes of us. Just look out the window, and realize this is life without the Waynes dying. [Which begged the question of what all the rogues would obsess over now? Because this place didn't need a Bat. Petty crime? Wasn't about bat wings. They all knew it.

As for unspoken wishes, Selina would be worried if this invitation hadn't come before any of that. Oh, sure, whatever happened now would be influenced by it. But it could be worse, and she climbed off the bed and looked toward the clothing rack.] I think? It's time for something he hasn't seen before. Maybe she had something pink or baby blue hanging around. Maybe.

[She smiled at Holly as she passed her, another tuck of blonde behind the little blonde's ear.] You'll keep Eddie busy while I'm away, so he doesn't lose his mind waiting on Em's answer, kitten?

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Re: in person: eddie in the cat house
[info]misterenigma
2015-02-20 07:22 am UTC (link)
[Eddie made a noise in the back of his throat. There was a clown in the tiny attic of his mind that shouted tragedy breeds comedy just like the riddled man had heard a thousand times while locked up in Arkham.] There wouldn't be us. [If there hadn't been a pile of dead Waynes on Crime Alley, there would never be a cat, a clown, a question mark, a poisoned flower. They'd all be stitched into the fabric somehow, their own eccentricities modified for a place like this. Eddie? Well, he'd probably be some tech master bored out of his skull and too busy hating everyone to step out of his superiority complex. Everyone else would be locked up like that, too, because that's what this version of the city did. Lock people up.

So, maybe the rogues were the key to solving this thing. And, Eddie? Eddie didn't mind letting that neon green show. There was no Stephanie in his life. He didn't have to be anyone's daddy, anyone's bat, anyone's punching bag anymore.

Eddie pulled himself out of dizzying question marked thoughts and smiled at baby blue and the way Selina said Maybe like it was a door cracked open enough to let a sliver of light in.]

Thank you in advance for humoring me, Holly. I promise no ugly crying if Muerte tells me no. [Eddie said like he was a huge burden and with a smirk, he went to the kitchen to find something to snack on. Cats? Loved their treats.]

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