13: Skye Is A Smart Girl
19:22 October 10th
Skye was back at work, and Dick wasn't happy about it. He had been gathering information on Daniel Masters, but nothing was criminal. Sure, he was connected to Carla Falcone, but nothing stuck to her, either. Now she was inside the club, doing whatever she needed to do before it opened at eight for the sports crowd. Daniel Masters was in there with her, which made Dick twitch with worry. What if one of his pals came to do the same as they had done to Matthew Lyle?
And that reasoning had made him pull on the suit and head out as Nighting to keep an eye on her. It was selfish, he knew, but something was happening with the Falcone family, Daniel included. They had acquired the club for a reason, and he was going to find out. While watching over Skye, of course. He kept an eye on all sides of the building, and all the entrances. To his surprise, he saw Daniel Masters leave the back door and go into the building next to the club.
What the hell was there? Nightwing followed quietly, catching the door just as it was about to close. The guy didn't look back, and Dick shook his head. What an idiot, not making sure the door was shut. Going through the information he learned, Nightwing recognized immediately this building was supposed to be an antique shop. What was Daniel doing in here?
Obviously something suspicious. Daniel went through a dozen aisles of products for the store. It was easy for him to follow - a lot of shadows with the dull lights above. Daniel walked to a door on the other side of the building, and lights went on in a dusty office. Nightwing hovered near the window, just enough to see shadows and hear noises. Someone was in there, and not just Daniel.
"Is Frank on board, Danny?"
Carla Falcone.
"Yeah, he's taking it. Signing off on the paperwork to get it in."
"What about that blue haired girl?" Nightwing pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes.
"She's gonna be leaving soon, she told me tonight."
"How long?"
"A few weeks, maybe."
"I can't wait that long. The shipment his coming in one week. We need her to be on board, we can't have her walking into a box full of automatic rifles and freak out."
Nightwing grit his teeth, taking in the information. They were taking shipments of guns - were they selling them or just middle men? Probably middle men, but it was still dangerous. Either Skye had to get on board soon or get out of there now, before they asked.
"I have to get back. I'll work her."
Nightwing slinked into the shadows as Daniel passed by him. When he was back outside, he waited until Skye came out for a breather on her break. She seemed surprised to see him there.
"Nightwing. On a stake out?" Her voice was flirtatious and he felt the thump of his heart. Nightwing kept his face blank, though, and stepped forward. She raised an eyebrow.
"You could say that," he said softly. "I told you about Masters. What are you still doing working for him?"
"Is he really that dangerous?" Skye frowned. "He's connected, but he's a bit.. well, unfocused."
"Not him, it's the people he's connected with. You're in danger."
She stared at him for a moment, and she furrowed her brows, confused.
"Who are you?" It was a question he hadn't expected.
"We've discussed this."
"There's other people in danger, why come to just me?"
"Who says I came to just you?" Nightwing realized she was right, and also realized the look in her eyes. She was recognizing something about him. Shit. He stepped back into the shadows, making sure his face was covered enough.
"I know I know you." It was a statement.
"Just... be careful. Remember, you are in danger."
Dick left before anything else was noticed.
02:18 October 11th
The crowd kept her busy until she was done, but as soon as she was alone in her care, driving him, the thoughts came back to her. Nightwing. She knew him. Skye had that gut feeling, but couldn't figure it out. She didn't know a lot of people in Chicago. The people she worked with, really, were the only people. None of them had that build. Pressing her lips together, she thought.
When she pulled into the garage, she gasped.
Dick. No, it wasn't him! She was with him when she had seen Nightwing when Laura was held hostage. And yet… the build, the face, the eyes… If it wasn't him, would he know about it? His dad had connections to Nightwing - Bruce Wayne had connections to Nightwing? Why?
Her head hurt, and it was late. She needed to sleep on this information. If it was true, he was hiding it on purpose. She, rationally, could understand why. The part that was anxious and distrustful, though, was not happy. It didn't understand. They had gotten close - she had gotten close - and he hid this from her?
Another thought popped into her head. She was hiding something from him, as well. Groaning, Skye made her way to her bedroom and flopped onto the bed. She'd think about it tomorrow - it was too much to deal with tonight.
18:27 October 12th
Bludhaven
Nightwing let out a grunt as a large boulder came at his head. He tumbled out of the way and rushed Blockbuster head on, smashing into his face then flipping to the ground to trip him. He had been called back to his hometown to deal with Blockbuster, an old villain he had dealt with years ago.
"I was called out here for you?" he growled. Blockbuster growled back and picked up a park bench. It flew past Nightwing's head, only inches from giving him a good wack. "Wow, you need to aim better."
He jumped jump once more and smashed Blockbusters face with his feet. The big guy fell, making the ground shake. Nightwing wasn't even out of breath. He crossed his arms as he looked down at Blockbuster. The guy was down for the count, and move forward decided to finish and leave him to the authorities.
As he changed in an old building that Bruce owned for this type of thing, Dick checked his phone. Nothing from Skye. He frowned, his chest tightening. She hadn't talked to him since that night in the alley when Nightwing told her she was in danger. It was only a day and a half but… still. She would usually text him.
He laid on a cot that was there and started to charge his phone, reading through the texts he had sent since then.
Dick Grayson
Good morning, how was work?
I'll be out of town for a day or two for work.
Skye?
You must be busy. Text me when you can.
Is something wrong?
Nothing, and he had a bad feeling. Sighing heavily, he put a hand on his face. Maybe he put too much pressure on her with the engagement party. There had been so many people and a lot to take in. A few days on her own was normal. Dick knew in his gut, though, that was something was wrong. As soon as he got back to Chicago tomorrow, he'd see her.
He was about to doze off when his phone beeped. Skye.
Skye Lovett
I think I'm going to try for the job with Miss Prince. What do you think?
I sent my resume today, although it's pretty bare.
Dick Grayson
I think it's great if you really want to do it.
Did the whole party thing make you uncomfortable?
I apologize.
Skye Lovett
No, it wasn't that.
You're out of town? Where?
Dick Grayson
Jersey.
I'll be back tomorrow afternoon.
I assume we should talk about why you're acting strange.
Skye Lovett
Excuse me?
Dick Grayson
I only meant you're not acting like yourself.
Usually we speak every day.
Skye Lovett
You're right, but it's complicated.
I guess we do need to talk.
Dick Grayson
I'll see you tomorrow?
Skye Lovett
Day after, I have errands and work.
Brunch at ten?
Dick Grayson
Sounds good.
Dick let out a sign and put the phone on the side. This early in the relationship and they were already having troubles? No wonder he never stuck around after this point. That comment made him sigh again, putting his hands on his face. He was such a jerk, and he didn't even know what he did. He just knew he was a jerk.
He made made it home in record time, and headed over to Skye's apartment after a quick shower. Knocking for a few moments, Dick checked his phone for the time. She didn't have work for another view hours. No one answered. Dick knocked again, and he heard the knob turn. Holding his breath, he watched the door slowly open and Skye look at him through a crack.
"I'm about to leave," she murmured, not looking him in the eye.
"Skye, did I do something?" He sounded like he was whining, but he wanted to know. She looked to the side and didn't answer. He opened his mouth, but she stopped him.
"No, it's honestly not you. It's me and how I deal with things." She took a deep breath and opened the door. "I do have to leave soon, I have to get groceries. But I can wait a few more minutes."
"Good," he replied, walking in. She shut the door behind them and sat on the couch. She was wearing simple jeans and a white sweater. Her blue hair was down and a bit messy. Dick stayed standing.
"First, I should tell you why I've been acting… strange." She kept her eyes down and bit her lip. "Just don't say anything, okay?" We can talk tomorrow, but right now I just want you to know."
Dick nodded, and his found it hard to breath. What was happening? He stayed where he was, near the door in his leather jacket, sweater, and jeans. He waited, but his heart was pounding. Taking a deep breath, she continued.
"I think you're Nightwing."
Dick lost his breath and he almost stumbled forward, but he didn't say anything, just as he had promised. Pressing his lips together, he waited until she was finished.
"It was easy to figure out once I thought about it. I'm relieved, to be honest. I felt a connected with him as well as you, and I felt so bad." Another deep breath. Dick's legs were feeling a bit weak, but he stayed still.
"If you are nightwing, then you probably know what happened. I guess I am relieved that I don't have to explain all the horrible details. So, that's everything," Skye stood and finally looked into his eyes. She smiled at him, and it wasn't angry as he thought.
"Time for you to leave, we'll talk tomorrow, once you and I both calm down." She put her hands on his arm and pushed him toward the door. Dick let her, but stopped before she closed the door in his face.
Dick put his hands on either side of her face and pressed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Tomorrow," he murmured, then left.