15916/Christmas Eve Visitations

Christmas Eve Visitations
Date of Scene:	24 December 2023
Location:	Interior - Wayne Manor
Synopsis:	Selina stops by the Manor on Christmas Eve.
Cast of Characters:	Batman, Catwoman

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Batman has posed:
Wayne Manor is all decked out in it's Christmas finery and looks almost warm and welcoming on this Christmas Eve day. If the weather would cooperate, it would surely be almost festive, though that no doubt has more to do with the work of Alfred then the house's actual owner.

Of course this is GOtham so the weather certainly is not cooperating. It is overcast and cool, with a drizzling rain that soaks everything thoroughly and makes it feel colder then it truly is. It certainly doesn't look like a White Christmas this year, but sometimes life is full of surprises.

Either way, for the moment Bruce is very much ensconced inside, in the Manor's library in front of the roaring fireplace there. Bright ornaments and decorations seem to absolutely populate the rooms and halls of the house, adding a certain unlikely Christmas cheer.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle has not visited Wayne Manor since way back when they briefly dated and actually started to get serious. Of course things were complicated, it wasn't exclusive, and she didn't enjoy being controlled.

Eventually she left out in her own, falling back into familiar bad habits, mostly keeping to herself, at least until Harley rang her up and had the brilliant idea of bringing her over to visit Bruce after everything was said and done.

Honestly she would rather leave the past in the past but she was just the tiniest bit concerned with someone named 'Satana' running around playing his ever so charming assistant and doing who knows what to him...

Nit like it's her business anymore but it's Christmas and all that, may as well make a good show of appearance at the very least, just to make sure he and his goons are off her back.

She sighs, pausing on the front steps, rather annoyed that Harley is running a bit late, hesitant to enter the manor without..Well, backup.

Batman has posed:
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the forthcoming visit from Selina is not exactly a huge surprise. Though it didn't take any great detective work, or extensive psychological profile on Gotham's most prolific catburglar to know that she would soon be arriving.

Harley just told him.

Still, Bruce always allows for the possibility that people might change their mind and while it might be smack dab in the middle of the holidays, he can still get some work done while waiting for her to show, reading through files by that roaring fireplace, hot chocolate close at hand. Thanks of course to Alfred.

While one single night in the past more or less defines him -- the night his parents died -- he doesn't dwell overly much on past relationships. Sometimes they end. That's just how things go. So while he might not have any issue with her decision to move on, it also doesn't change certain things about him either.

He has certain rules, certain lines that he won't cross. Nor is anyone near him allowed to cross them either. That doesn't really change no matter how they are.

A little alert pops up on his tablet, the video feed from the front door showing her outside. Hesitating. And the dark haired billionaire leaves her to make her own decision, turning back to his reading.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle sighs, checking her watch, hissing, "Damnit Harles I can't believe you just stood me.."

she mutters in annoyance, and she should leave but she is terribly curious and maybe a bit concerned. When she left, things were pretty open ended afterall, she needed her space, he searched for her but couldn't find her..

With a sigh she steps up to the door, and rings the bell. "No going back now.." she mutters.

Batman has posed:
While Bruce Wayne might not exactly live a normal life, the holidays are still a fairly big deal in and about the Manor and as such Alfred is rather busy. Enough so that he is out running errands at the moment.

So it is indeed Bruce who arrives at the door, opening it up and greeting her in an unlikely holiday sweater, looking anything like the Dark Knight of Gotham City. "Selina," he says in quiet greeting. "Come on in," he offers simply.

Of course the front hall is immaculately decorated -- Alfred's diligence again -- with the signs of Christmas everywhere. Wreathes, pine bunting, ornaments of the finest make, all giving the Manor a festive feel that is so at odds with it's owner.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle doesn't really celebrate Christmas, not really having any family and feeling pretty isolated from old friends lately too..

Her festive consists of black jeans, and a red velvet shirt. And that's about it.

Seeing Bruce again after so long brings back bittersweet memories, forcing a smile and a nod, trying to act like everything's peachy.

"Bruce, it's been along while..Heck, I wouldn't be here if Harley hadn't dragged me out, and now she's stood me up. Go figure, how're you?"

Batman has posed:
The Bat Family might be a little dysfunctional, but it can still be a family. Which means that Christmas is a cheerier time of year then most. Enough so that even Bruce is willing to get into the spirit of things it seems. At least a little.

Closing the door behind her, the dark haired billionaire dips his head her way and gives a little nod, motioning for her to come deeper into the Manor, starting to lead her back towards the library.

"She mentioned that you might be stopping by," he agrees casually. "It's possible that she's out with Alfred, helping to take care of some last minutes chores and lost track of time," he suggests before shrugging his shoulders.

She's a little unpredictable. Realistically she could be just about anywhere.

"Things are going well with me Selina thanks," he offers up quietly. "And you? How are you?"

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle arches a brow, "Out with Alfred...? Heh, I guess things are same old with you two then.." she smirks and shrugs.

As for herself, her gaze on him hardens just a bit. "Oh you know, trying to keep out of trouble while still making a living, Although I suppose our contract has been invalidated.." she smirks.

Batman has posed:
He isn't about to speak for Harley in regards to where things stand, simply giving a small shrug and ushering her into the library, just as decorated and festive as the rest of the Manor. Though perhaps even a little cozier, with that fire glowing brightly in the huge fireplace. Little trays of Christmas treats are also laid out, perhaps in anticipation of her arrival, or just for the family gathering later. Either way.

He is undaunted by her gaze, but then that is surely no surprise. "You have any number of skills at your disposal Selina. I'm sure you can find a means of making a living," he retorts drily. Clearly there is a little bitterness there. But that's not his problem.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle shrugs and follows him into the library, chuckling in spite of herself. "Oh, I like what you've done with the place..It sure is...Cozier than I last recall.,"

Again she has to wonder if Harley had something to do with that but..

"Oh sure, I'll bet any one would looove to hide an exhoojer turned thief." she responds dryly, "But you promised to leave me alone as long as I only targetted criminals. Seems a win win situation. don't you think? I stay out of your way, you stay out of mine.." she smirks.

""So how have you been Bruce?"

Batman has posed:
"I haven't changed that much," Bruce counters drily. "I'm not much of an interior decoractor. This," he says, motioning about the room with a small shrug of his shoulders. "This is Alfred's work. He's a big believer in excess sometimes," he adds with the faintest of smiles. "And I'm a little more willing to indulge that then before, perhaps," he conceeds.

"I think you probably sell yourself a little short," the dark haired man counters quietly, a small shrug rippling through his shoulders. Reaching for a tray of Christmas treats, he offers it to her, studying her quietly for a moment. "Our arrangement stands of course. Do what you do, leave innocents out of it and don't kill anyone. And things don't need to turn unpleasant," he allows.

Turning, he moves towards the fire. "They go as well as they can. Gotham's still Gotham, you know that. But the family is mostly good, things are running smoothly with the Justice League so, in the grand scheme of things?" he offers up, giving another little shrug.

That would be a not so bad then.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle rolls her eyes, snorting even. "Come on Bruce, you know me better than that. I'm not a monster, I don't kill innocents.."

Her tone seems a touch cooler as she takes in the festive decorations with a shrug. "I don't want us to be enemies.."

Batman has posed:
"Clarity is important. I'm not always the best communicator, but I know that," Bruce counters drily. It never hurts to make sure the terms are both clearly understood so there's no misunderstandings later.

When she's not interested in any of the holiday treats, he simply returns them to the table, moving to stand close to the fireplace, arching a brow. He's not entirely sure if he believes her, based on the expression on his face. But he gives a simple shrug of his shoulders. "No need for us to be enemies then," he says calmly. "You seem to have constructed something in your head Selina. I have no problem with the fact that you left. You're entitled to live your own life. Do what you want. Within the confines of our arrangement."

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle does notice the treats but does not accept right away..She's got a lot to get off her chest it seems, and partaking in refreshments at the moment is at the bottom of her priorities.

"Glad we got that clarified then.." her tone seems cooler than before, either with faint a note of annoyance...Or hurt..

"I never meant to hurt to you, you know..I just needed space and I'm not a big fan of rules and confinement.."

She smiles faintly at him, almost apologetically. "Our...Arrangement was made within the terms of our..Relationship. Since that's up in the air, I am no longer required to live by those confinements. I'm only..'behaving' myself out of a desire to change my ways..And maybe only partly for old times sake.

Batman has posed:
"Things change Selina," comes Bruce's quiet reply, casually leaning against the mantlepiece of the fire place.

"You don't owe me an apology. Relationships change and evolve. And sometimesthey end. I'm not holding it against you. As I said, do what you need to do. But you know me and you know that there are some lines that I can't let be crossed. That's the only thing I'll say on the matter," he says simply.

Her clarification on their arrangement draws a simple shrug from him. "Fair enough. And if you are trying to do what's right because it's right instead of some bargain struck with me, so muc the better. It's the best reason to do something. I hope you stick to it, I truly do," he says sincerely.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle shrugs, grabbing a snack casually from the tray after some thought, munching on it slowly.. "Yeah.." she sighs, "I suppose some things change..Other things never change. I'm not your enemy but maybe sometimes I can be your ally. And while I regret...Some things..I think we worked well as a team." she smirks.

"I'm sure we can again sometime, better than butting heads at least, or pretending the other doesn't exist, don't you think?"

She winks playfully at him then, running her fingers through her cropped raven hair.

Batman has posed:
Lifting that mug that is still very much in hand in her direction, Bruce dips his head in seeming agreement. "I won't argue with that," he agrees quietly, taking a sip of the warming dark liquid with a quiet sigh before finally abandonning his place by the fire, walking towards one of the comfortable looking couches that have been arrayed about the room to allow reading.

"I'm sure that we still will find that we have areas of overlap, like concerns. You're good out there Selina, I've never denied that. I'm sure that when the occasion arises we can still manage to make a good team," he says confidently.

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle smirks at some private thought, nodding. "Yes, perhaps..Perhaps more. Perhaps less, only time will tell. Hopefully not too much time."

She frowns, reaching into her purse, fumbling around for something.

"This may or may not be appropriate all things considered, but given tis the season and all that.,Consider thus a gesture of good will..And a promise.."

She offers him a small box wrapped in green holographic paper and fastened with a gold ribbon. "Merry Christmas, Bruce."

Batman has posed:
He is not always one for social nicities. His concerns tend to run in different directions but as she takes that wrapped package out from her purse and offer it up, Bruce smiles briefly. "Thank you. I appreciate it Selina," he says quietly, sincerely.

He walks past the couch he was headed towards, plucking up a wrapped package from the table there, offering the small wrapped box to her in turn. Apparently he came prepared. Or maybe Alfred was involved. The elderly gentleman would certainly be capable of it. "For you," he offers back quietly.

Then, lifting his mug in her direction once more, that faint smile slides over Bruce's features. "Merry Christmas to you Selina. Hopefully it is a good one."

Catwoman has posed:
Selina Kyle arches a brow in surprise at the gift offered in turn, although it causes her to smirk a bit too. "Heh, a cause for every eventuality huh.." she shrugs, slipping it in her purse. She will open it later where he can't see her reaction, maybe on the front doorstep where his cameras spit her without her realizing.

As for his own gift, should he open it, he will find it to be a simple gold cat shaped brooch, perhaps a parting gift or token that he will never forget the influence she had on his life...

Or just a random cat brooch.

"Well it's been fun Bats, I gotta go..But..I suppose we are bound to cross paths again soon. Take care of yourself." she smiles a bittersweet smile as she lets herself out.

Batman has posed:
Setting that mug down, Bruce dips his head in acknowledgement, moving to circle around the couch and fall in beside her once more, walking her back in the direction that they came.

The present remains unopened for now -- not until the evening at least -- and he quickly guides her back towards the front entrance.

"I like to be prepared," he says simply. And boy does he. "And Harley let me know you might be by, so there was time to make sure I had something for oyu," he says, giving a little shrug.

When she opens it she will find a silver charm bracement, complete with a little cat charm of course. What else?

"I look forward to it Selina. Don't be a stranger," he says quietly, opening that front door, a brief burst of cool air flooding in, that light drizzle continuing to make it a grey day outside.

Leaning in, he brushes a kiss across her cheek. "Have a happy holiday."