Nightwing Chapter 4: Bird's Nest, an arrow fanfic

My name is Dick Grayson. Ever since I was young, I made a vow to uphold justice, and lived under the shadow of a dark knight. But the dark knight has his city, and I needed my own. It was time I moved out of the dark knight's shadow, and step up. This is my city. My story. And now, it's time for me to rise.

-Gli Amanti, Valentine's Evening-

Dick Grayson had been in a lot of troubling times and dangerous scenarios over his life. He's survived the trauma of his parent's murder and the ensuing investigation to bring the mastermind, Tony Zucco, to justice. He's braved countless nights battling the criminal underworld of Gotham with his mentor, the Dark Knight. He's recovered from every conceivable form of injury, some of which were near fatal. And yet, as his life flashed through his eyes at that very moment, he knew that this moment was definitely the most dangerous one of his life.

"Care to explain this situation, Dick?" the redhead to the right of Dick asked, her hands on her navy blue dress.

"Yeah, can you explain this, Dick?" the redhead to the left of Dick added, her arms crossed on her royal purple dress.

"Ahh… yeah… you see… about that…" Dick stumbled, trying to find the right words to get him out alive. He could hear his brother's reaction to such a situation in his mind: Really, Dick? How'd you get yourself in such a mess? Meanwhile, his father would simply be standing there, smirking.

Man, I'd rather be taking on the League of Assassins than this right now, he bemoaned.

-Gotham, 48 Hours Previously-

A red-haired woman walked through the front doors of Shay Enterprises. Dressed modestly, with her hair in a ponytail and bangs that could almost cover her eyes, Cheyenne Freemont informed the desk receptionist that she was a journalist for The Bludhaven Bugle, took a seat in the waiting area, and waited to be called up. After a few minutes, the desk receptionist called out to her, "Mr. Shay will see you now."

Nodding, Cheyenne gathered her things and moved to the elevator, taking it to the top floor. After stepping out of the elevator, she emerged into an ornate corridor, decorated in a very two-tone modern style. The door itself was open, and from within a bit of light entered the corridor. Cheyenne made her way to the door, opening it and saying, "Mr. Shay?"

"Please, take a seat," a male voice within the office curtly said. Cheyenne did so, occupying a seat in front of his mahogany desk. Looking around, she saw that the office was sparse, but stylish with what did decorate the room, being of a similar ilk as the corridor outside. A man stood facing the window, dressed in a grey business suit. Turning around, she saw that the rumors were true: Mr. Shay was, indeed, a handsome figure.

"So this is just an interview for the newspaper," Cheyenne began, taking out her notepad from her carrier bag's pocket. "I just have a couple of questions."

Mr. Shay walked from his place by the window and stood directly in front of her, leaning slightly on his desk. "Ask away, Ms…?"

"Freemont," Cheyenne answered. "Once again, thank you for agreeing to this interview- the Bludhaven Bugle truly appreciates it. I figured it might be easier if we started with some casual questions before we get into the nitty-gritty of running one of the hottest new start-ups in the United States. So let's start with this: Do you have any interests outside of work?"

Before answering, Mr. Shay moved to the chair beside Cheyenne, taking a seat and staring at her with his hypnotic eyes. "What about you? I'd like to know more about you," he inquired with his silky voice.

"There's really not much to know about me. I'm just the reporter for the paper- I mean look at me," Cheyenne responded, deflecting his question.

Still, Mr. Shay continued to stare at her. "I am."

Feeling shivers go down her spine, she tried to get back to the interview. The process had lasted for another five minutes, with Cheyenne trying to steer the conversation back to the simple question, and Mr. Shay intimidatingly flirting with her. In the end, she stood up, apologized for coming, and then subsequently marched off. Taking out her phone, she dialed a number and pressed it to her ear as the elevator doors closed.

"Perry, what kind of assignment have you given me?" Cheyenne asked, annoyed.

"What do you mean? How'd it go?" the man on the other line asked.

"I'm not going to interview him."

"What? Why not? He's the mastermind behind one of the-"

"I don't care, Perry. I'm getting bad vibes from this guy."

"Alright, alright. I'll send someone else over. See me when you get back in town- I'll have your next assignment for you when you get back."

Cheyenne ended the call, returned the phone to her pocket, and walked out of the elevator. No sooner had she exited the building, however, that she accidentally bumped into a man with short, stylish hair, dressed in a bomber jacket and jeans.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the man apologized.

"No, don't be," she replied. She continued on her way, deciding that she first should return to her hotel room and figure out what to do. It had been a couple of blocks walk, but soon she arrived at the hotel. As she walked into the lobby, however, she realized a sudden fact- the man she bumped into had been walking right next to her the entire time, and was now making his way to the front desk.

"How awkward…" Cheyenne murmured to herself. She proceeded directly to the elevator, pressing a button and waiting for the doors to close. Right before they did, however, the man from before walked into the elevator as well, pressing a different button as the doors began to close once more.

"Funny seeing you here, huh?" the man remarked with a friendly tone. He had a kind smile and a handsome face.

"Yeah," Cheyenne chuckled. "I didn't realize you were walking here too."

"Well, most strangers never really bother to say hi or apologize, but whatever. I'm Dick, by the way- well, technically Richard Grayson, but I prefer to be called Dick," the man said, introducing himself.

"I'm Cheyenne Freemont," Cheyenne responded, shaking the hand that Dick had extended.

"So, what brings you to Gotham?" Dick inquired. "You can't be from the city if you're staying at a hotel," he observed.

"Oh, it was supposed to be an interview," she explained. "I'm actually a reporter for the Bludhaven Bugle, but my interview didn't really pan out."

"You're from Bludhaven? That's funny- I'm actually from Bludhaven too," Dick remarked. "Though I'm originally from here."

"That's nice- what brings you back?"

Dick was silent for a moment, before saying, "Uh… just taking a break from my job."

"Yeah, I understand that," Cheyenne agreed. "Hey, if you're originally from here… would you happen to know some of the spots around here?"

"Yeah, I still know 'em," Dick confirmed.

"I… look, I know we just met and everything, but you seem like a pretty nice guy."

"I would hope so- I try to be friendly."

"Yeah," Cheyenne chuckled. "Anyway, I've never been to Gotham before, so would you mind showing me around?"

"Of course," Dick grinned. "Meet you downstairs in an hour?"

Cheyenne agreed, and the two got off on their respective floors. Changing out of her interview suit and into more casual clothes, Cheyenne headed for the lobby at the appropriate time, meeting Dick who was still dressed in the clothes she had seen him in. They walked out of the hotel together, and Dick began showing her around the city.

To all logic, this was a stupid idea. Dick was really nothing but a stranger to Cheyenne, but he really did seem like nothing but a nice guy. Besides, if he did have any dirty or nasty thoughts, Cheyenne had a secret that would made sure he wouldn't be a problem for her. Luckily, he didn't seem like he had any untoward thoughts, and the two Bludhavenites had a lovely time touring the city.

Over a round of drinks at a local bar that Dick said he used to frequent, Cheyenne made a bold move, asking Dick to a date on Saturday. Responding that he had nothing better to do, he accepted her proposal, and they agreed to meet at the fancy Gli Amanti restaurant since, as Cheyenne reasoned, "Everyone loves Italian, right?" Dick laughed at the reasoning, and the two walked back to the hotel together.

Yeah, Cheyenne was definitely getting some good vibes from this guy. Or at least, she hoped she was getting some good vibes.

-X-

-Gotham University, 24 hours before Valentine's Day-

The minute hand struck the twelve, and with that the class that Barbara Gordon was teaching suddenly scrambled to pack their books. Barbara, herself, was relieved that class was over, and quickly reiterated what the homework for the weekend was before the class disbanded, quickly shuffling out of the room.

Removing the glasses from her face, the redhead with the flowing hair began packing her own things when a knock on the door preceded the voice of someone she knew quite well, "I'm looking for Professor Gordon- would you happen to know where I could find her?"

"I probably could, Dick," she grinned in response. Turning around to face her longtime friend, she gave him an affectionate hug. "What brings you to town, Dick?"

"I just needed some time off the job," Dick explained. "After the business with Tad… I needed a breather."

"I understand," Barbara nodded.

"How about you, Babs? College kids treating you well?"

"Honestly, between Gotham's criminal underworld and Gotham's university students… I'd rather face the criminal underworld," she laughed. "They're less complicated."

"So you still go out then?"

"Only if I need to. I'm busy enough being the brain for everyone and doing this day job- I could use some sleep too, Grayson."

"Fair enough. Hey, are you free?"

A wry smile presented itself on her face. "Why, Dick? Actually asking me out on a date?"

"I'm on vacation, Barb- I could use a good time with a friend," he answered.

"What do you mean by 'good time', Grayson?" she winked.

Suddenly cognizant of what exactly had escaped his mouth, Dick chuckled, slightly flustered. "Ah… well… y'know-"

"If you want that kind of 'good time', you better at least buy me dinner first, former Boy Wonder," Barbara teased, giggling slightly.

Regaining composure, Dick responded, "How about on Valentine's Day, then?"

"Huh?" Barbara asked, stunned by his proposal.

"Would you like to go on a date with me on Valentine's Day?" Dick repeated.

Now it was Barbara's turn to blush. "Uhh… umm…"

Dick's heart suddenly began to pump a little bit faster the longer she took to answer his question. Finally, Barbara said, "Yeah, I'd love that."

"Great," Dick answered, breathing a sigh of relief. There was a slightly awkward silence for another few minutes, before Dick asked, "So… are you free later?"

"Unfortunately, no…" Barbara stammered. "I've got so many papers to grade, and there are some cases that need solving… but I will definitely see you on Valentine's. Where… um… where would you like to go?"

"How about Gli Amanti?" Dick suggested, his voice petering out towards the end.

"Yeah, sure," Barbara smiled. "Everyone loves Italian, right?"

"Yeah," Dick smiled back. "Anyway… I guess I'll see you then." Awkwardly making his retreat, Dick shuffled out of the door, leaving Barbara to giggle as he did so.

-X-

"Hey Tim, how've you been?" Dick asked into his phone. Leaning back on a chair in his hotel room, he put his feet on the nearby bed as he stretched out his legs.

"I've been good, Dick," Tim Drake responded. "You finally finding some free time?"

"Only for right now- I'm taking a vacation from Bludhaven for a few days."

"Can vigilantes take vacation days?" Tim asked, laughing. "What would Bruce say?"

"He won't say anything, because you're not telling him anything," Dick responded. "Still, I am in Gotham for the weekend."

"Sweet! Hey, will you be busy tomorrow?"

"Sorry bro, but I'll be busy. I've got a date with a reporter from Bludhaven- 'Cheyenne Freemont'," Dick explained. "I'll be busy on Valentine's Day as well- I've got a date with Barbara."

"For real? You actually asked Barbara out?" Tim asked, incredulous. Then, quickly following his statement, he said, "Wait a second… you have a date with Barbara on Valentine's?"

"Yeah," Dick answered, now a bit defensive.

"And you have a date with this Cheyenne Freemont on Saturday- aka tomorrow?"

"Uh-huh. Why?"

"Dick… tomorrow is Valentine's Day."

Silence. "No, you're kidding me. Valentine's is on Friday this year."

"No bro- that was last year. Besides, today is Friday!"

Today is Friday… Dick thought to himself. Suddenly realizing the messy situation he had gotten himself in, Dick nearly dropped his phone. "Oh no."

"Oh yeah, bro," Tim began to tease.

"No no no no. Cheyenne's a nice woman, and Barbara's… well, she's Barb. Oh no no no no no…"

"Way to go, bro," Tim added, trying to stifle his laughter.

"Hey, shut up man! Great! This is just great! What am I supposed to do now? What if Cheyenne finds out- worse; what if Barbara finds out?"

"'What if?' Don't you mean 'when'?"

"Shit, you're right… Tim, help me out here!"

"Huh, me? Why me?"

"You were always the smart one, Tim!"

"Yeah, but you're pretty smart yourself, Dick."

"Not as smart as you! Come on, Tim, please?"

Tim was silent for a few moments as, to help out his big brother, he began formulating a plan. "Hmm… where are these dates happening?"

"Cheyenne asked me to Gli Amanti, and I asked Barbara out to… Gli Amanti," Dick moaned, burying his face in his left hand.

"Oh man… Dick, you really fucked up this time, huh?" Tim laughed.

"We can talk about that later. Anyway, any ideas?"

"Well… I could ask Barbara to help me patrol for a few hours- that ought to at least delay your date with her for a while. Maybe you could quickly get through your date with Cheyenne and then transition to your date with Barbara?"

"I guess… I don't really have much of a choice, do I?"

"Not really, Dick."

Dick ran the plan through his mind, then sighed before burying his face in his hand again. "Toaster strudel," he moaned.

-X-

-Gli Amanti, Valentine's Day-

On the verge of sweating buckets but keeping his focus razor sharp, as if he were about to bust a drug cartel with Bruce, Barbara, and Tim, Dick Grayson stood outside of the restaurant in his suit, waiting impatiently for Cheyenne to appear. Finally she appeared in a stunning navy blue dress that caught Dick's breath. After greeting her and complimenting her on her appearance, Dick held the door open for his date, and the two were quickly seated.

The following few hours passed by torturously slow for the Bird of Bludhaven. He enjoyed Cheyenne's company- in fact, if it weren't for the second date on his itinerary, he'd probably be enjoying his date even more. Cheyenne was a kind and fun individual, and Dick didn't find many of those kinds of people turning up in Bludhaven. He intended on asking her on a second date, based on his current one- though definitely making sure he didn't schedule it on the same day as another date.

After they had finished their meal, Cheyenne excused herself to use the restroom. After she had walked away, Dick began wondering how long Tim could keep Barbara out on patrol when, walking through the door, was Barbara herself, dressed in a royal purple dress that took Dick's breath away.

"H-hi, Dick," Barbara greeted him, blushing.

"H-hi, Barb," Dick responded, stunned.

"W-well, don't just sit there! Say something!" Barbara said.

Honestly, Dick didn't know what to say- his brain was momentarily arrested. As he was searching for words to speak, however, a voice from behind him said, "Yeah, why don't you say something?"

Cheyenne had returned from the restroom, and had quickly sized up the situation. She walked to Dick's right and, her fire red hair falling down her left shoulder, she put a hand on her dress. "Care to explain this situation, Dick?"

Barbara had also quickly sized up the situation and turned to Dick with a hurt expression. "Yeah, can you explain this, Dick?" she asked. She crossed her arms over her dress as her scarlet red hair fell down both of her shoulders, framing her face.

As he thought of a way out, he caught something… suspicious. Normally, when two beautiful women in gorgeous dresses are confronting a handsome idiot, everyone in the immediate vicinity would turn to look at the juicy scene. But that was exactly what was suspicious: there was no one in the immediate vicinity. There was no one in the restaurant at all- neither customer nor staff.

His mind suddenly caught on the quandary, Dick was about to alert his dates of this when a smoke suddenly came rushing into the room. The gas quickly covered the whole room, and the three began coughing and retching. Before long, Cheyenne was knocked unconscious.

W-what is this!? Dick thought to himself. Looking to Barbara, she nodded in understanding of what was happening. The two of them rushed to the doors to try and open it, but found that the doors were locked shut.

Without opening his mouth, Dick gestured his head at the windows. Barbara nodded and they each grabbed a chair to try and break a window open, but by now the gas was beginning to affect their bodies. Dick felt sluggish… sleepy…

Barbara dropped to the floor next to Dick. Finally, the Bird of Bludhaven himself fell, unconscious.

A/N: Hey everyone! BKA37 here. With Valentine's Day coming up pretty soon, I figured "Why not have a Valentine's Day special?" And since we could use a break from the heaviness of last week's episode, I thought "Let's go with something funny." So I hope you had at least a good chuckle from this week's episode. Don't worry if you missed the action- they'll be back next week. Now, I've gotta ask: Who do you like with Dick? Are you Team Barbara, Team Cheyenne, or perhaps someone else (Like Team Kory)? I'm only asking because it's Valentine's soon. XD Anyway, until next week, stay awesome everyone!

UPDATE: Hey everyone. I'm really sorry about this, but due to some unexpected circumstances affecting me in my real life, I will not be able to release Episode 5 today, Thursday, February 19. I will, however, make up for it with two episodes next Thursday, February 26, so expect Episodes 5 and 6 next week. Once again, I'm really sorry about this. Until next week, tell me: What do you think of Slade from Cartoon Network's "Teen Titans"? ;)