DISCLAIMERS

1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by DC Comics. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.

2. This is a femmslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.

3. Identity Crisis never happened here... or at least, not Zatanna's brainwashing of Selina to become a do-gooder. Other than, it's pretty much pre-New 52.

PART 10

Selina stared at the two outfits laid out on the bed.

They might as well have been doorways. For each one led to a different path.

A beautiful, purple cocktail dress.

And her black catsuit.

Selina glared silently at them.

She had no idea what to do.

It had been a couple of hours since their argument. Though "argument" was too light a word. As was "fight". What they had was... all but a breakup.

She had tried to catch up with Zatanna, but the magician had disappeared. Selina had wanted to go to the Dini Deck's auditorium, but she did not have much time to make final preparations for the heist... and still make it back for Zee's show.

Though it seemed that was a moot point, now.

Closing her eyes, Selina's face was covered with fresh tears. How did this happen? How had she allowed it to go so wrong, so quickly? Why did she not hide her costume better? Why... why did she bring it in the first place?

She knew why. She reasoned it was because the couple needed the money - but it was not the full reason. Part of her wanted to be the Catwoman again. She wanted to feel the thrill of the "chase". The risk of being caught. True, their money state was not ideal, but it was not the full reason she had planned the heist, really. Zee was right. They would get by just fine.

Selina had had trouble hiding her guilt. After she had printed off the vault map and Zee had returned from her business meeting, the couple had gone to the hotel restaurant for a romantic meal. Selina wanted to enjoy their evening out, but her own guilt had ruined it. She hoped Zatanna did not see how quiet, how withdrawn Selina was, but the magician was not stupid: if she loved Selina as much as she said she did - and indeed, as much as Selina loved her - then she surely noticed.

Selina's heart ached. Her worst fears were coming true. If she did the job, she knew her beautiful magic lady would leave her. She would be alone once more. After Bruce, Slam, all of her previous lovers... she thought Zee was "The One". She was not lying when she said she wanted to spend the rest of her life with the heroine. And she knew she had come to that decision on her own.

Groaning, Selina thought back to what she had said to her beloved. Holding her head, she could not help a sob escape. How could she have said those things? She accused Zee of the very thing the Leaguers had. How could she? Selina knew it was untrue... she felt it in her heart. Her love for Zee was real.

More tears ran down as she looked back at the two items of clothing. One led to a lifetime of bliss with the woman she adored. The other led to what gave her her kicks - being the Catwoman was like a drug. To be the greatest, most stealthy thief in the world. Could she really give that up?

Numbly, Selina began reaching out for her costume. Her hand stopped and hovered over it. Part of her wanted to get over it, to put the suit on confidently, as she had done countless times before. To be the infamous Catwoman. Doing what she did better than anyone else.

But... she wanted to be with Zatanna. Wanted the woman so bad it hurt. She loved Zee more than anything.

Did she not?

She had been the Catwoman most of her adult life. The thieving, criminal Catwoman. She had been with Zatanna for five months. Her perfect, adoring, adorable Zatanna. She loved being the Catwoman. But she also loved Zee.

Which did she love more?

Her hand moved over to the dress, but remained above it. She hated this. Hated the indecision. She was known for her decisiveness, her ability to process any situation and act accordingly. But now, when her heart was at stake... she was frozen solid.

Her love of thrillseeking versus her love for her magic lady.

Closing her eyes tightly in an attempt to stop the tears that refused to end, Selina knew it was time. The window of opportunity to rob the Dini Deck dry was closing. If she did it, Selina knew she would be going home alone, but with enough money for a lifetime. And still the infamous Catwoman.

Or spend a lifetime with the woman she loved.

She had to make a decision. Now.

A lifetime with her love of things... or her love of Zee?

Her eyes shooting open, Selina gasped.

She knew what she had to do...

TO BE CONTINUED