Batman/Bruce Wayne, Batwoman/Kathy Kane, Catwoman/Selina Kyle, and Nightwing/Dick Grayson belong to DC Comics/Time Warner.
I am using them without permission, however I have not and don't expect to make money from this.

Rated PG : language; violence, some mature concepts.

Reviews are appreciated, please take a moment to leave one.

A Woman Scorned

Conversations in the Dark

I pulled my courage together, dusted off the Batwoman costume I hadn't worn since that fight in the storage warehouse, and went out the next night, with more determination than actual plan. Since I had no idea of where to look for Batman, I decided to just ride the streets, listening in on the police radio bands. Maybe I'd hear a report of trouble, something that would attract him too. Or maybe he'd find me.

It was odd, out on those lonely streets in the middle of the night, so quiet and empty in the neighborhoods where most people were afraid to be out alone. This was a part of the city I had never really seen before, and one I found rather frightening. It occurred to me to wonder how embarrassing it would be for Batwoman to end up being mugged on her second appearance. But I had a few tricks up my sleeve, so to speak, and no one would find me an easy target.

As luck would have it, I got my chance that very night. A police call, an attempted robbery, the thief fleeing. It was nearby, and he was headed in my direction. No sign of Batman - but this was what I had signed up for when I put on this costume. At the very least it was another chance to prove myself.

Flashing lights and shouts warned me as I got near; I pulled over and left my 'cycle, running toward the sounds coming through an alley. Just garbage cans, dirt, a corner...

"Watch out!"

I didn't need the shouted warning; I saw him barely in time, a man with a gun, running at full speed right at me. We both skidded to a stop, startled. He snarled and raised the gun. I felt a rush of fear, tingling through me, my heart squeezing, everything seeming to slow down and become crystal-clear.

Instinct took over, honed by all the training I'd had, all the times I'd rehearsed just this kind of scenario in my head. I jumped forward, snapped a kick into his belly, and chopped at his wrist with the edge of my hand as he doubled over. The gun flew neatly through the air and clattered onto the cement. The man yelled a curse I won't repeat and charged, arms out to grab me. I side-kicked, getting him in the chest and rocking him back on his heels, then did a half turn and a spin-kick, the same move I had tried to use on Catwoman, but this time I caught the cape and whipped it out of the way. The blow connected, sending him crashing down on his back.

"Not bad."

The voice almost took me by surprise. I had been aware of someone chasing the man I had just knocked down, but hadn't gotten a good look. Now I watched a black and midnight-blue figure as he crossed the remaining yards to us, flashed me a grin and knelt long enough to snap a pair of handcuffs on my former opponent.

"Nightwing!" I exclaimed cleverly.

"Uh huh. And don't tell me, you're Batwoman."

"Where's your tall, dark, and creepy partner?"

"We're not joined at the hip."

I pulled myself together and got down to business. "We need to have a talk."

"Really? What about?"

"Catwoman." Even in the dim light, I could see his eyes narrow behind the mask.

"What about her?"

"Not here."

He nodded slowly, smiled again, and pointed up, at the rooftops above us.

"What about him?" I asked, nodding at the guy I had taken down. He was grimacing, starting to struggle against the cuffs. It hit me then. I had actually done it. Stopped a thief. And in front of Nightwing. Maybe that would show Mr. Go-Home-Little-Girl Batman.

"He's not going anywhere, and the cops'll be here any second." Nightwing stood. Next thing, he leaped, almost straight up, caught the ladder sticking down from a fire escape, and neatly swung himself over the railing. Turning back, he reached down to help me up.

I smiled at him. If he could do it without help... Of course I didn't have his strength, but there was a convenient garbage can... I caught a surprised and maybe impressed look on his face when I landed next to him after a running jump off the can, a bounce off the wall, and a quick flip over the fire escape guard rail.

"Very nice," he admitted, before getting to his feet and leading me upwards. Moments later we were alone on a windswept, bare rooftop. He faced me again. "Now, what about the Catwoman?"

"I know who she is." I took a breath when he didn't respond, and blurted it out. "She's Selina Kyle. She was dating Ronnie White, and I think she was using him to get information about where his parents kept their valuables. Then she tried to rob their storage compartment. And he's not the first one, I know she was involved with Andrew Mayhew - his house was robbed three months ago - and Oliver Stanton before him, his-"

"The safe in his basement was broken into. I know."

"You know?"

"We've known who she is for a little while now."

"How?"

"Batman knows lots of things." He was smiling ironically again, but this time it didn't seem directed at me.

I was slightly deflated, after all the discreet asking around I had done to get my information. But maybe it made things easier. "Now she's after Bruce Wayne. He's going to be next, if we don't do something."

"We?" His voice was just mocking enough to set me off.

"Yes, we! I owe Catwoman. And I don't intend to let her have another innocent victim. Maybe you and Batman have this all figured out already, but I've done my homework too. I intend to be in on this."

I know I saw a trace of amusement in his face, but also just a touch of sympathy. But still, all he said was, "Batman and I can handle it. It would be better if you don't get involved."

"Handle it? I don't see you doing anything."

"What are we supposed to do, walk into Commissioner Gordon's office and tell him we saw the Catwoman's face for a split-second, in the dark? Ask him to arrest Selina Kyle based on that? He'd laugh us right out the door, before he got around to tossing us in the can on general principle."

Oddly, the frustration in his voice calmed me, reminded me that we were on the same side, and in the same boat. "Yeah, I know. Damn. What's your plan?"

He shrugged slightly. "Keep an eye on her. Wait for her to make her move, and catch her in the act."

"Catch her in the act. Before or after she robs Bruce Wayne? Maybe hurts him?"

"Mr. Wayne will be protected."

"Yeah, he will be." I stood up in sudden determination.

"Wait. What are you going to do?" he asked.

"Since you and Batman don't intend to do anything useful, I will."

"What?"

I turned away and started for the fire escape and my Batcycle waiting below. "I'm just going to have a little talk with Ms. Kyle," I threw over my shoulder. A protest followed me. But I had no patience to listen.

I knew where she lived, and it didn't take long to get there. But - once there, I stopped to think. What was I going to do? Just knock on her door? Then what? Demand that she get her paws off Bruce? Appeal to her better nature? There was no reason to think she had any conscience, any reason to stop what she was doing. Threaten her? Slap her around? I didn't really have it in me, not to mention I suspected she might end up slapping me around.

I almost decided to leave, but just as I was turning away, a car pulled into the driveway of the small house she was renting. I stepped back into the trees and watched as Selina got out and started for the front door.

She stopped only a few steps away from the house, and looked right at me. "I know you're there," she said calmly. "You might as well come out."

Damn. How come everyone could disappear into the shadows except me... I took a step to where she could see me clearly, and saw an expression almost of disappointment flicker over her face. She had expected to see someone else... maybe the Batman. At least I had surprised her that much.

"I remember you," she said disdainfully. "What do you want?"

"I know what you're up to," I said in my best attempt at a scary, whispery Bat-type voice. "I want you to leave Bruce Wayne alone."

"Why so concerned?" She seemed cool as a cucumber, and completely un-intimidated.

"I'm concerned about any law-abiding citizen who's threatened by a vicious criminal like you." God, I sounded incredibly pompous.

"Oh..." Selina smirked. "I don't think Bruce feels threatened."

"But you're only after his money. Admit it." I moved a little closer, anger bringing my determination back.

"That's not true."

"Tell that to Andrew Mayhew. Oliver Stanton. And Ronnie White."

"You don't know anything about it." But she frowned, seeming uncomfortable at last.

"Leave Mr. Wayne alone, Catwoman."

"Or what?"

"You'll find out." We were face to face, glaring.

"I think this has gone far enough." And again I was taken by surprise. At least this time Selina was too. We both jumped and turned as two dark figures emerged from a cluster of trees near the corner of the house. It was Batman who had spoken.

Selina recovered fast. "Are you going to threaten me too?" she asked defiantly.

"I don't need to say anything, do I? Except that I'm watching."

"Go right ahead. You won't see anything." She seemed about to head for her door again when she hesitated, her hard surface seeming to crack for just a moment. "This time is different, Batman. I'm not out to harm Bruce."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"It's true." Her chin came up. "He's a good man. He's been nice to me. I've - I've fallen in love."

"In love?" This time it was Nightwing who spoke, sarcasm heavy in his voice. Batman was silent.

"Yes. I suppose you have no reason to believe me, but it's true." She paused again before going on in a softer voice. "Catwoman is gone. For good. I - I had my reasons for her, maybe not good ones, but... I'm sorry for what I've done in the past, but that's all over now. Finally I have the chance to have a normal life. A real life, with the man I love. Please..." The note of pleading, the hint of a tear in her lovely green eyes, and the pitiful expression on her equally lovely face almost convinced even me. I could imagine what effect they'd have on two big dumb susceptible males.

"Give me a chance, all of you. Just - just let me be happy." With a last plaintive glance at all three of us, Selina finally opened her door and went inside. The click of the lock as she closed it was followed by silence.

Both men were just staring. I glared at them. "You don't believe that load of crap for one second, do you?" I demanded.

Batman's eyes turned to look at me with a distinctly unfriendly glint. "I thought I told you to go home, Batwoman," he said, his voice dropping into that silky whisper that warned me he was angry, more angry than I really saw a reason for. Unless he just didn't like me intruding on his turf.

"I don't answer to you."

"I already told you I don't need your help. Or want it. Stay out of this, it doesn't concern you."

I crossed my arms. After a brief staring contest, he turned and vanished into the night with amazing speed. I stepped into his partner's path before he could follow.

"You ratted me out, didn't you?" I said.

"Sorry." He shrugged, smiling a little.

"Is he always like this? Rude? Obnoxious? Weird?"

"Not always." His smile widened, and then faded. "He's right, you know. This is dangerous work. Too dangerous for-"

"A woman?"

"I was going to say an amateur."

"Hmm. How long have you been at it?"

"Touché. If it's any comfort, Batman came down just as hard on me at first as he has on you."

"And now you're partners."

"Yes. This is the choice I made. But it's not easy, and not something I'd recommend to anyone else." A quick shadow moved over his face before he said softly, "Goodnight," and melted into the darkness.

"I really have to learn how to do that," I muttered.

I began to hear things after that, reports from well-meaning friends, from recent acquaintances who didn't know about my history with Bruce, and of course from the inevitable gossips and busybodies. Bruce and Selina had officially become an item. They were seen together frequently, in restaurants, at parties, out shopping, on the street. People began to assume it was serious.

As the days wore on, I began to question my own motivation, as well as hers. How much of what I felt was genuine concern for Bruce, and how much was jealousy? Because I was jealous, there was no denying that. Every time I heard their names in the same sentence my stomach tied in knots, and not just because I still thought she was up to no good. The image of them together, kissing, touching each other, began to haunt me.

Had she been honest with him? Had she told him about the Catwoman? How did she really feel about him? Was it so unbelievable that she would fall for him? I'd be the first to admit that Bruce was the kind of man who could easily capture a woman's heart. Still - this was Catwoman - how could I trust her? How could Bruce? And in any case, what could I do?

It wasn't long before I saw them again for myself, this time at the theatre. Harvey and Gilda had taken pity on my lonely and depressed state and were taking me out for dinner and a play. As soon as we saw Bruce and Selina arriving, we knew it wasn't going to be the relaxing evening we had hoped for. No one said anything, we just exchanged looks across the lobby and quietly went to our respective seats. I sat there, talked, and laughed until the play started, trying very hard not to scan the room for Bruce's face. I saw it anyway; they were seated not far from us. I caught a blaze of green from Selina's eyes.

As the actors went through their lines, all I could see was the way Selina had been holding Bruce's hand, so possessively, the way she had looked up into his face adoringly. By the end of the first act, I couldn't have told you anything about what the drama on the stage was about. When intermission came, all I wanted was to use the bathroom, hide back in my seat, and wish I had a good stiff drink. No such luck. Naturally, since I didn't want to see them, there they were as soon as I stepped out of the ladies' room, standing together, looking over the crowd.

Wearing a fake smile was becoming a habit. I wrestled my face into the appropriate expression and greeted them. "Hi, Bruce. Selina."

"Hello, Kathy." Selina was smiling, just as falsely, I thought. "You look so - comfortable. Good to see someone who doesn't care about dressing up for the theatre."

"Thanks." In spite of myself I was wishing I had worn something better than jeans. "I guess I don't feel a need to impress people with clothes or jewelry. But that's a lovely outfit you're wearing."

"Thanks." There was a satisfying flare of irritation in her eyes.

"And love the earrings." I only wished I could ask if they were stolen.

"These?" She raised a hand to touch one of the sparkling emerald studs decorating her ears. "Bruce insisted on giving them to me. Wasn't that sweet?"

"Yes, sweet." With an effort, I refrained from bashing that smug smile off her face. "Bruce is so generous," I went on airily. "He gave me a pair just like that. Except they were diamonds."

If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under right now. "But it's not just jewelry," Selina purred. "We've been out together almost every night for weeks." She gave him an adoring look which he greeted with an uncomfortable smile.

"Mmm, how exciting," I said sweetly. "But maybe you should cut back on the late nights, you're starting to look tired."

"Uh - well, it was nice to see you again," Bruce said hastily, taking her arm as her face twitched with annoyance. "Selina, we should be getting back."

"Yes, we should. So nice talking to you, Kathy."

"Enjoy the rest of the play." When in an embarrassing situation, always fall back on trite small talk.

"I'm sure we will," Selina murmured. "A wonderful performance, don't you think?" I wondered if she meant the actors or us.

With as much speed as possible, I retreated from the battlefield and returned to our seats, only to find Harvey and Gilda in a huddle with Millie Billingsley in the aisle. Millie is one of those fortunately few members of the upper crust who thinks a nouveau riche upstart like me had no business being involved with an aristocrat like Bruce. I hesitated, torn between reluctance to listen to her gloat over our breakup and malicious curiosity about how she felt about his new girlfriend. They spotted me and abruptly stopped talking. To my relief, Millie excused herself and walked away.

"What was that about?" I asked as I joined Harvey and Gilda and we seated ourselves.

"You know Millie," Harvey said, frowning.

"We should tell her," Gilda said. "She'll hear about it sooner or later."

"It's probably not even true. Just Millie trying to start trouble."

"Tell me what?" I asked.

"Kathy..." Gilda's face crinkled with concern. "Like Harvey said, we don't know if it's true. But Millie said she heard that Bruce and Selina Kyle are engaged."

"Oh."

"If you want to leave...?"

"No, I'm fine." I smiled. "It's been over between Bruce and me for a while, after all. Why should I care? I hope they'll be very happy."

To my everlasting gratitude, the lights went down just about then. The play started again. I didn't hear a line of it. Bruce and Selina, getting married? There was no more choice; I had to stop him, or at least make sure he knew the truth about her, even if I had to tell him about Batwoman.

TBC...