I don't own any of the characters in this story they belong to DC comics. This is a work of fanfiction written to entertain not for payment.
Bats Cats and Rats
By
Whistling Fish
Chapter 1 Spotting Your Prey
Selina stroked the sleek head of her feline friend Isis, named after an Egyptian goddess. Well named thought Selina as she tickled under the noble chine. Isis a proud, faun colored Siamese. She was descended from the cats of the Thai royal family. Sleek, with the looks to match her name. Not one of these fat lap cats fed on cream too idle to even move. No, not Isis, Selina Kyle's pet and Cat woman's accomplice, she was a graceful as she was beautiful.
"He'll be here soon," Selina whispered in her friend's ear, "and I want you to be nice to him! No hissing and definitely no scratching! He can get us in to see the Jeweled Rat of Maquitchu, exhibition."
Isis hissed at the word rat. She hated rats! Nasty, dirty animals!
Selina laughted, "Not that sort of rat my love. This rat is a beauty, a foot long and covered in diamonds with ruby eyes and a tail of solid gold, its whiskers are spun platinum and its nose the most exquisite black pearl. This rat is worth a lifetime of cat food, even the gourmet food you like". Isis ate only the best, as befits a cat of royal decent. "Our client is willing to pay a kings ransom to have it."
A loud knock on the door brought a smile to Selina's face, "He's early!" Selina stopped at the mirror, to check her hair, before opening the door!"
Bruce Wayne stood hesitantly at the door to Selina's apartment. Why did his heart always race and his throat dry up whenever he was in the presence of this infuriating woman. God what a mess, why did he have to be infatuated with Selina Kyle, anyone else and there wouldn't be a problem. But Selina in her other guise was Catwoman, and he was Batman! And as everyone knows Cats and Bats don't mix. Normally he tried to avoid meeting her in both his guises. But recently she seemed to be going out of her way to be at the same events as Bruce and more disturbingly to develope their friendship. The fact that 'the sexual chemistry between them made the air sizzle' as one society columnist had so aptly written after the last party they had attended together didn't help. Although Bruce Wayne acted the fool in public, underneath he was cold and calculating. As shrewd a businessman as he was a crime fighter. But when Selina was near he lost some of the rationality he prided himself on. Even so he knew there was more to this then the personal side, Selina was using him, but why? It hadn't been to raid the charity antique auction at Wayne Manor as he'd first suspected, nor to rob Kendell's Jewelers who had hosted the last Wayne Foundation fashion show. And Catwoman hadn't been near the Gotham Art Gallery where Selina had accompanied him when he had been invited to open a display of rare portraits.
Bruce was puzzled and infuriated, he couldn't work out Selina's motives. Alfred didn't help, with his suggestion that maybe Miss Kyle didn't have an ulterior motive, maybe she just wanted to be with Bruce Wayne, and that she'd make someone an excellent wife.
The door opened and Selina smiled up at him. "Hi Bruce, you're early, you'll have to give me ten minutes to get ready."
"Err.. Yes, sorry about that, the traffic was lighter then expected."
"Come in and make yourself at home. I'll just be a few minutes." Selina said heading for the bedroom. "Pour yourself a drink."
Isis sniffed the intruders scent on the air and was afraid. She watched him remove his coat. He didn't look or sound quite the same, but for all that she felt sure this was the Batman. She slide off the couch and hid behind it, so she could observe but not be seen herself. It was obvious, that Selina hadn't recognized the intruder.
Bruce walked over to the drinks cabinet. As he poured a tonic water into a whiskey glass every nerve in his body was screaming out that he was being watched, and being watched closely. He spun around, only to find the room apparently empty. A slight movement behind the couch caught his eye. He edged towards the bedroom door, so as to get a better view behind the couch.
As he neared the door 4ld of fury shot from her hiding place. The little cat stood between Bruce and the door to Selina's bedroom. Spitting hatred, her back arched and claws ready, Isis intended protecting her friend and owner from this suspiciously familiar character.
Bruce stood stock still, eyeing the spitting beast. He was poised waiting to defend himself from attack Selina ran out of the room, "Isis, stop it, whatever has got into you." she said scooping the taught bungle of fur into her arms. "Bruce I'm so sorry! This isn't like Isis." Selina looked at him distressed.
"She can probably smell the dogs on me." Bruce said comfortingly. Maybe it'll be best if I wait in the car."
"Yes, that would be best. Thank you." Selina said stroking the small head of the cat. She was whispering comforting words to her as Bruce left the apartment.
"Stood up again, Master Bruce?" Alfred asked accusingly.
"No Alfred! But I think Miss Kyle's feline accomplice, can see through my disguise. I definitely had the impression that Isis was reacting to Batman not Bruce Wayne."
"That could prove difficult, should you relationship progress." Alfred commented.
Bruce just stared out of the side window up towards Selina's apartment window.
Twenty minutes later Selina joined him.
A night of good food, excellent wine and dancing had mellowed Bruce. So he almost missed the emphasis Selina put on her next question.
"Have you been invited to the opening of the Jeweled Rat of Maquitchu, exhibition?"
"Mmmm yes, on Friday." Bruce replied as naturally as possible. He was outwardly relaxed but inwardly every nerve was tensed.
"Is there any chance I could tag along? I'd love to be amongst the first people outside Europe to see the legendary rat."
There was just a fraction too much pleading in Selina's voice. "Sure, why not!" Bruce said casually and was rewarded with a hug.
He felt sure he now knew the reason for Selina's insistence on renewing their friendship.
