Title: Firsts
Summary: Takes place shortly before The Long Halloween begins.
Disclaimer: Batman and Catwoman belong to DC Comics.

Bruce Wayne

Usually upon arriving at these functions, I begin to secretly curse Alfred. He's the one who practically forces me to attend. I don't want to be here. I never want to.

This time, it's a wedding. I hate weddings. Everyone's so sickeningly happy, or pretending to be. Either way, they bother me. But today, I have a reason to be here. I can feel a small smile forming despite myself. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing, yet, as I've ignored my better judgment and have forgone conducting a full background check on her...thus far. This time, I want to learn everything there is to know about her directly from her.

Alfred is always telling me I have to try and be social. I suppose he's right. That's what I'm attempting to do tonight. Besides, it serves a purpose. If they all think I'm simply another of the idle rich, well, they won't suspect anything else from me.

I make my way towards the reception area. I approach the newlyweds casually, surveying everything around me. I've become exceptionally adept at instantly memorizing the people and things in my surroundings.

At night this is extremely important. Not being able to identify a hidden opponent or his weapon can be a costly mistake.

This skill is also useful during the day, especially when trying to avoid young socialites who have been trained to smell out and attack millionaire bachelors. Two such women are currently trying to beat each other and be the first to attempt to secure the Wayne fortune. The leggy blond is faster.

"Why Bruce, I didn't know you were back in Gotham. When did you get back?"

"About two months ago."

The short blond has accepted defeat for the moment and is nursing her wounded pride with a drink at the bar.

I continue my meaningless conversation with the Michele, with one "L." This I know, but pretend not to. I know everything about these people...I have to. And I've discovered that each one is the same as the next, completely money hungry and even more self-involved.

I'm finally able to pry myself away from Michele, but not before promising to save a dance for her. I then make my way to congratulate the newly married couple.

We exchange pleasantries until someone else approaches to congratulate them and I leave to find a seat.

Two other young women quickly make their way to my table. I'm polite, but don't encourage their not so subtle invitations. Eventually, they tire of trying to get my attention and leave, but more take their place shortly.

I quickly get bored of dancing and talking to these women. I've been here an hour and I figure that's long enough. Maybe she won't show. I shouldn't be waiting for her anyway. Nothing good has ever come of any relationship I've attempted. Why would this...why would she be any different?

I stand up to make my exit and that's when I see her.

She's wearing her raven hair down and I can't help but wonder if it's for me. Her eyes are a more luminous shade of green than I remember and her smile is unlike any I've ever seen.

Her hand is resting on Covington's arm and again contempt swirls in the pit of my stomach at the mere sight of the boy.

As he leads her to a table, she looks around the reception area and we momentarily lock eyes. She looks away without giving any form of acknowledgment, but she leaves me trying to catch my breath.

"Selina Kyle."

"What?" I'm surprised to see Harvey Dent take the seat next to me. He likes these types of events even less than I do.

"The woman you're staring at—"

"I don't stare, Harvey." The words come out with more anger than I would have liked.

"Perhaps not usually...but, you were staring at her."

I attempt a change of subject, "Where's Gilda?"

"You know she doesn't like these things. I'm only here because I went to school with the groom. But, don't try to change the subject, Bruce. What's the story with Ms. Kyle?"

It bothers me that he knows her name, but I relax my face and my voice follows suit, "No story. I only met her last week."

"Is that right?" he smiles and pulls on my arm, "Sit down, Bruce. You can't possibly want to leave now."

Selina Kyle

As I scanned the area, I saw him. I've been trying to ignore him since that night at the museum. More importantly, I've been trying to ignore all my thoughts of him. He sent me flowers...with notes...asking me to dinner. I never replied. I couldn't.

I shouldn't have kissed him. It shouldn't have happened...for no other reason that I simply should not have allowed it to happen.

I've never been ashamed or embarrassed of anything I've done. I left that damn "school." I worked for Stan. I put on that costume. I've always done what needed to be done. No regrets. No apologies. But...I told myself when I got into this that I would be more successful if I didn't have anything holding me back, tying me down. That's part of the reason why Holly...God, Holly...and Maggie...

God, now is not the time for that.

I just...I work better alone. Hell, I function better alone.

And I had been doing well. Rich, powerful men kept asking me out. I didn't have to do anything and they kept taking me to the most important, exclusive places by their own accord. Making it so easy to take what I wanted without spending days casing the particular location.

Shit. I had been doing so well, but then...those eyes...that kiss...those damn hands...damn you, Bruce.

I've felt his gaze on me since I arrived, but I haven't allowed myself the satisfaction of gazing back. I know once I do...

Enough. Thinking about him is not helping. Besides, you don't need two men in your life to complicate it. Focus on this guy talking to you. He's your purpose for being here. What's he been talking about? Right, his upcoming wedding. All these damn weddings.

"Your uncle's very generous." I say, quite proud that I manage it without any hint of sarcasm, or bitterness.

"Oh, that he is," he smiles, as he reaches for his bride-to-be.

They both tell me - no, they insist - I make it to their reception if I cannot attend the ceremony. I give them with a genuine smile and tell them I would be honored to share in their special day.

She practically attacks me with a fierce hug that I wouldn't have thought possible given her thin frame. She then turns to the groom-to-be, "Johnny, why didn't you introduce me to your charming friend sooner? Never mind, we've met now." She turns back to me with a eerily large smile, "Well, Selina, I expect to see you next Saturday."

"Of course I'll be there." I reply as though we've been life long friends.

"Well, we do have to get going. We still have some last minute things we need to attend to." And with that, the future Mrs. Vitti grabs her fiancée and they disappear into a crowd of people.

Once they've left, I see Teddy walking towards me, so I decide to go elsewhere. As I walk towards the bar, I'm actually tempted to order a drink. I was fully prepared to attend the Vitti wedding as Ted's guest, but now I don't have to. Only yesterday he became quite upset with the flowers I received that day from Bruce. The little bastard actually felt entitled to read the card. I kicked him out for that, but I let him back in after he stood outside the door apologizing profusely. But he's outlived his usefulness and I don't have to put up with him anymore.

I should get out of here. I got what I wanted, a personal invitation from the marrying couple themselves. Now, I'll be able to get into The Roman's compound without any problem and I can study the layout from a more convenient position than a rooftop. Rooftops inevitable lead to the Bat. And this would be much easier without his interference.

Ever since I found that picture...my mother and...well, I can't help wonder.

Damn my curiosity.

Hell, it's probably better if I don't know. What could possibly change if I do know?

"Ms. Kyle? Selina?"

"Hmm?"

"Selina! Hello? I've been talking to you. Have you been listening?"

How long has he been standing there? Can't he get the point? I probably have to spell it out for him.

"Listen, Ted..." as I turn to face him I look over his shoulder and see the D.A. stand up and walk away, leaving Bruce alone with three young socialites at his table, "...you feel like dancing?"

"Sure." Ted smiles and leads me to the dance floor.

I can feel Bruce's eyes on me, but I force mine to stay on Ted like he's the only person present.

A little after the third song begins, Ted's endless chatter is interrupted by a low, sexy baritone, "Excuse me. Mind if I cut in?"