A/N: My first one-shot and fanfiction! I wrote this back in 2012 and noticed it was lacking in details so I spent time revising it. I didn't really change much, just added more descriptions of events and thoroughly checked for grammatical mistakes. Hope you love it and not loathe it~! Please leave reviews!
Disclaimer: Nightwing and other related characters belong to DC and Warner Bros.
What a Knight
It's a cold winter night at Bludhaven. The cold breeze brush against my face and I have to restrain a shiver. I'm on my routine patrol in the city donning my vigilante persona Nightwing. I love my costume, don't get me wrong, but it is in need of some dire updates because I'm getting goosebumps on my goosebumps. Fortunately, it seems like tonight will be a slow night. Surely the city won't burn to ashes if I end patrol early. That's the perk of going solo, I can patrol on my own accord and end it vice versa.
I scan the city one last time before calling it a night. I grapple back to my apartment and climb through the window. I couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh after escaping the cold weather. I head towards the bathroom, stripping off my costume along the way. I could really use a nice warm shower, plus I need to wash off the stench of Bludhaven. I didn't even do much but what can you expect from Gotham's sister city.
After a nice long shower, I head toward my drawer and pick out briefs. I slide the undergarment on and pull out blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt. I go to my closet and skim through the jackets and coats I own. Today is the perfect occasion to wear my leather jacket, which has kevlar underneath. I put on a pair of converse and grab my wallet. I went for the keys on my counter but decided against it because a late night stroll isn't bad. I leave the building, time to grab a bite.
The restaurant I'm going to is a steakhouse because gosh it's been a while. A gust of wind hits me and I immediately shove my hands down my pockets. I should've worn gloves. I live at the East Side of Bludhaven which does not have a good reputation, but it works for me. Rent at my place is affordable and the location gives me insight into the city, particularly the corrupt part. That's actually why I moved to Bludhaven, it's the perfect setting to debut as Nightwing. Gotham is Batman's and Bludhaven is mine.
I feel somebody grab me by my bicep and I look down.
"Hey there handsome," says a woman in a flirty tone. My eyes roam around her body. She's wearing a tight red dress that stops on her thigh. A working woman, no doubt. In fact, if she decides to bend over, she'll be flashing something. She's wearing makeup, a bit too much for my liking. Personally, I think she would look much prettier if she removed a bit. The woman is leading me to an alley and...I know where this is going. I have no time for this nor am I interested. I brush her hand away from my arm and try to dismiss myself, but this lady is persistent.
"Come on, handsome. I promise I'll make it worthwhile." She says, her slender fingers trailing my jawline. I gently shove her away at arm's length.
"I really do have to go somewhere. Sorry."
"Hold it, jackass," says a man in a deep gruff tone. I heave a sigh and turn around. Standing across from a safe distance at the end of the alley was a man no older than me. I'm guessing her pimp.
"What?" I question, not bothering to hide the annoyance in my voice.
"This pretty lady is giving you a good offer. Be a gentleman and take it," he commands.
"Look, man, first I already rejected her offer. I'm the type of man who wines and dines with a pretty woman, not sleep with them for one night. Second, you really need to work on your attitude because you can't force potential customers, which I am not." I said in an irritated tone. I quickly turn around and walk away when I felt something graze my shoulder. I wince as I cover the wound with my right arm. I groan when I see the crimson color on my hand. I turn around and glare at the pimp, the gun still in his hand. He holds a triumphant grin on his face.
"Cocky bastard," I mumble before charging at the man. The gun that he was holding a firearm that holds 8 bullets. I successfully dodge his gunfire and tackle the guy onto the ground. He lets go of the gun and wraps his rough calloused hands around my neck. I quickly hit his vital points, knocking him out cold. I feel for a pulse, he's good. I look over my shoulder and see the working woman shaking in her heels. Shoot. I take out $5 and hand it to her: "Buy yourself a warm drink."
A wet trail down my arm reminded me of the bullet wound. I mentally slap myself. How could I forget? It may only be a graze, but I need it cleaned out. I run to a small clinic and is immediately taken to a room. Surprise, Stephanie's mom is my doctor!
"You're lucky, Richard. This wound isn't that deep. The bullet just grazed your shoulder," Mrs. Brown informs me.
"Thanks, doc." Mrs. Brown chuckles.
"It just needs to be bandaged so it'll prevent further bleeding."
She takes out the medical box from the cabinet and starts cleaning my wound with iodine. I don't know why, but for some reason, iodine reminds me of my childhood. Although I pride myself about my acrobatic skills, I wasn't a natural and would constantly get hurt when I was younger. I remember that I would fall and would get cuts and bruises. My mom would get the iodine, and clean the mild injuries. As a child, I would constantly whine and complain to my mother. Of course, she would ignore me and continue cleaning the minor wound. Gosh, I miss her.
Mrs. Brown finishes bandaging my wound and asks, "How did you get that wound in the first place?"
"It's sort of a long story Mrs. Brown, and I have somewhere to go right now."
"Alright. Be careful next time."
"I'll try my best!" I yell as I exit her office.
I run all the way to the steakhouse which wasn't too far from the clinic, thank god. When I reach the restaurant, my stomach grumble. Oh man, I can already imagine that nice juicy steak in my mouth...no that is not a metaphor! Before I can open the door, I hear someone cry for help. I spot three guys assaulting a woman. Not on my watch!
I climb onto an apartment building, which was above them, with a ladder. I put on my black domino mask and jump off the building, safely landing on my feet.
"The hell are you?" One of the man barks.
"Don't recognize me? Here's a hint," is what I say before giving an uppercut to the man.
"Damn, it's that masked freak, Nightwing. Let's get out of here," the second man says. Wow, they must really underestimate me if they think I'd let them escape. I quickly beat them up, but not without performing a show for the lady. Man, do I love flips. I tie up the goons and walk to the poor woman.
"Are you okay, miss?"
"I will be, right after this." She said before she presses her lips onto mines. Suddenly I felt dizzy and nausea. The last thing I heard before my vision faded was her strangely familiar laugh.
*Somewhere*
I slowly stir as I regain consciousness. What happened? I remember saving a woman from three toxic men...tying the goons up...a kiss...and a familiar laugh. I look at my surroundings and sees an endless green. Of course! How could I be so stupid! A toxic kiss, that laugh, Poison Ivy did this! But why is she at Bludhaven? Speaking of Ivy, where is she?
"I see you've finally awakened." Speak of a devil.
"What do you want Ivy?" I snarl.
"What I want is revenge! Your daddy bats have been giving me trouble at Gotham. He ruins everything! He killed my babies!" I roll my eyes. Like that's new, "That's when I got an idea. He destroys my baby, I destroy his!" Ivy hiss.
Wait, hold on. Baby? Baby! I am no baby! I'm a grown man for crying out loud! She's in my city!
"So you're going to destroy me? What's the point if he's not here to witness it," I muse.
"Please, darling. Neither bird or bat fly too far from his coup. Batman has probably already tracked me down in this city. It's only a matter of time before he shows up," Ivy says, "Once Batman arrives and tries to save you, I will destroy the both of you! A bird and bat with one stone."
"Is that so Ivy?" I sneak a quick glance up to see 'daddy bats' on the rooftop. When is Bruce going to make his move?
"Yes!" She says, before summoning a bunch of plants. That's his cue. Batman breaks through the glass rooftop and takes out a Batarang and throws it to Ivy. Ivy screams and falls on her knees, causing the vines around me to loosen. I take the opportunity to escape. While Bruce was struggling with Ivy 'babies', she tries to run away. Seriously, why are people underestimating me today? I tackle her down and knock her out cold with a quick punch.
"What took you so long?" I ask Bruce while tying Ivy up.
"Let's just say I had a very long night," Bruce says. Batman calls Commissioner Gordon to come to Bludhaven to get Ivy. Good because I don't want Batman's rogue to be dealt with in Bludhaven. The city has too many bad eggs running around the city. When Gordon arrives with other GCPD officers, Batman hands over a growling Ivy. After they left, I ask Bruce if he wants to stay at my place for the night. Don't get me wrong, things are still tense between me and Bruce, but Alfred taught me how to be courteous. I lead Bruce to my apartment, jumping over rooftops. I take out civilian clothing that I think would fit him. As I wait for him to change, Bruce initiates a conversation.
"How was your day?" Bruce asks.
"It was alright." Silence fills the room. Well, this is awkward. That's when a growl erupted.
"What was that?" I ask. I'm pretty sure that didn't come from me. Bruce doesn't answer. I turn around and we lock eyes.
"Are you hungry Bruce?" Bruce avoids my eyes and I bite my quivering lips. He is definitely hungry.
"So...you want to go to this steakhouse I was supposed to go to?"
"...Okay."
"Great, you're paying!"
*Steakhouse*
"This is ...amazing!" I practically moan.
Bruce is eating his third rib. He has a whole bunch of BBQ sauce on his face. I've never seen him like this! I need to show this to Alfred! Wait, I have an even better idea: everybody gets to see this wonderful moment! I know, I know, I'm such a generous person sharing such rarity. I snap a quick picture with my phone and upload it on Facebook. I can't wait for those likes to come flying in! Ooh! Already 50 likes! Do you know what the best part is? He doesn't have a single clue what's going on!
*NEXT DAY at Wayne Manor* Third POV
"Pardon me, Master Bruce," says Alfred.
"Yes, Alfred?"
"Look at what I found on Facebook," Alfred says as he shows Bruce the post. Bruce remains seemingly nonchalant until he grabs his coat and leaves the mansion.
"Dick!" Bruce shouts, and he is not calling his son by his name.
Alfred stares at the picture in awe.
"Well done, Master Dick."
Please check out my other works as well:
Melancholy Birds and Bat - Category: Comics (Batman) Summary: With the Robin title taken away, Tim Drake makes his debut as Red Robin in Paris. However, after an unforeseen development threatens Gotham, the reborn Batman and Robin must reunite the melancholy birds to end this debacle. Of course, it wouldn't be a reunion unless the presumably dead Jason Todd resurfaces once more. (A/N: Pre-New 52 and Rebirth, weeks after Battle for the Cowl)
A Miracle or a Dream - Category: Cartoons (Batman the Animated Series) Summary: What was a seemingly normal day changes in a matter of seconds when thirteen-year-old Teri Anderson is confronted by the Clown Prince of Crime. Next thing she knows, a miracle happens! Teri finds herself in the BTAS world, and things just get crazier from there. Is Teri experiencing a miracle, or is it all just a dream?
Howling in the Shadows - Category: Anime (Assassination Classroom) Summary: Who would've thought a nasty divorce would result in a class full of colorful personalities and assassinating the best teacher in the world? That's exactly what happened to Angel Wolfhart, who now goes by Angel Asuka. Angel might not look much, but this kid is a wolf in the shadows, it just takes the right type of teacher to bring it out.
Akatsuki vs Zombies - Category: Anime Xover (HOTD x Naruto) Summary: Akatsuki members Tobi and Deidara were on a mission to capture the 3-tailed jinchuruki when they were sucked into a wormhole and find themselves in a world where they can't use ninjutsu and there are walking corpses after them. Will these two rogue ninjas be able to survive the zombie apocalypse, or will they get help from a certain group of 4 kids and a nurse?