14: A Half Naked Dick Appears

09:57 October 13th

Skye felt good it was off her chest. By the way Dick had paled when she told him her suspicion, she knew she was right. He was Nightwing. He probably expected her to get angry, but Skye was not that at all. She felt … safer. More at ease. He had come to her rescue - even if she didn't need it - that first night, and Dick had done the same thing out of costume.

The knock on her door told her Dick was here. She let him in with a soft smile. He looked uncomfortable and nervous. Skye had made pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and cut up some strawberries into halves. She had put out two plate and syrup. He sat down, still silent.

"Eat," Skye said firmly, sitting next to him in a kitchen chair.

"Skye, I don't know what to say."

"Am I the first to figure it out?" She put a pancake on her plate, then some eggs. After pouring on some syrup on her food, she looked up - he hadn't answered yet.

"How are you so calm?" Dick looked amused now, more at ease. He put a few strawberries and bacon on his plate.

"I had time to think. You didn't answer my question." She took a bit of pancakes and chewed.

"Yeah." He nibbled on a strawberry. "Well, besides… actually, yes. My team mates took a while to figure out my actual name, but that doesn't count. Kind of the opposite."

"You work with Batman and others?" Dick pressed his lips together, hesitant. "I googled it, it's easy to see you guys working together."

"Then I guess that I can say."

"You work with Miss Prince, don't you? It's known she's Wonder Woman."

"Sometimes." He ate another strawberry, then started on a piece of bacon.

"What do we do now? You know my secret, and I know yours." It was an issue that had kept her up all night. She didn't know the rules for this kind of thing, for masked vigilantes like Dick Grayson aka Nightwing.

"Can I trust you?" The question made Skye frown. "I do trust you, but I need to hear you say it while you look at me.

Dick took her hand and leaned close, putting their faces inches apart.

"Yes, Dick, you can trust me."

"Take the job with Diana. Get away for Club Arctic. They are involved in illegal guns."

"Falcone Family," she murmured, eating.

"Yes." He let go of her hand and eat another piece of bacon.

"Would I be able to see you?" She picked at her eggs for a moment before taking a bite.

"Of course," Dick answered. He seemed surprised that she had asked that. "Did you think we wouldn't?"

"Before I knew who you were, I didn't realize you had the connections to come to D.C. to see me."

"Ah," Dick answered thoughtfully. "I'm coming to see you?" He grinned playfully.

"Well, I'm sure Diana has things I'll need to do. If I get the job," she reminded both of them.

"You will."

"With my resume, I doubt it. I don't want to be hired because I'm your girlfriend."

Dick grinned at that word and Skye felt her cheeks flush with pleasure.

"It won't be like that, I promise. Diana is the most honest person I know. If she thinks you can do it, she will hire you. And you can."

"Are we... good?"

"Definitely."

02:17 October 20th

It's been a week, and Dick felt that things had gone back to normal between Skye and him. He had gone out every night, catching bad guys and a few familiar villains, while Skye researched Diana and her business. On the 15th, Skye had gotten an email from Diana Prince personally to congratulate her on getting an interview. She would be going to D.C. late afternoon on the 21st, and Dick had decided to go with her. Unless the Falcone Family decided to pull a stunt that all could see.

Tonight, he had battered and bruised a few guys who were taking the illegal guns from one spot to another. The guns were 'lost', as the Falcones had heard, but were actually in the hands of the authorities. They were not happy, and Dick was worried if the family would act out while he was gone. Now that was out of the way, he was Nightwing, sitting just inside Skye's bedroom window on the desk chair, the curtains closed tightly. A lamp was the only light in the room. Skye was dozing on the bed, fully clothed in leggings and a big white t-shirt.

He watched her for a moment, her blue hair messy and covering most of her face, then stood. The mask had come off as soon as he was safe inside her room, so silent she hadn't woken. It was snooping, he knew, but he made his way through her apartment. He had never done that since he had known her. The living room had enough room for a couch, a chair, and a television. The kitchen was just as tiny, but a tiny two-chaired table fit perfectly. The bathroom was as expected, decorated only with the essentials. Her bedroom was the most personal room in the place.

A queen-sized bed with different colors of blue that made up her pillows, sheets, and comforter was in the corner. Besides that, there was a nightstand that was simple - just a table, really - with a lamp. In the room there was also a tiny desk big enough for a laptop and desk chair. The whole place was lived in but clean, with a few things thrown around. Dick could learn a lot about Skye by just looking around her bedroom. Her favorite color was blue, obviously, but it also included all different shades of blue. The photos on the wall weren't in frames, but stuck on there with the sticky putty for that purpose. Photos of Skye with Laura, Matthew, Frank, Jesse, and others from Club Arctic were the only kind of photos there. There were no photos with family, which Dick could understand after what had happened.

After the incident at college, Skye's parents had basically pulled away and did their own thing. He had learned, through his own detective skills, they were selfish and petty people. Her mother was living the dream with her second husband in a mansion in Texas. Her father was on his own in the wilds of the Ozarks in southern Missouri. He glanced back at Skye, who seemed to be moving.

"Dick, what are you doing here?" She sat up and yawned, stretching.

"It was quiet out there, so I decided to see you."

"How long have you been here?"

"About forty minutes."

"If I didn't know your secret, I'd be a little terrified at you sneaking into my bedroom through my window."

"I'm sure you would," he teased back, sitting next to her on the bed. She crossed her legs and grinned at him, her eyes still sleepy.

"I like the costume. It's kind of hot."

"I'll keep that in mind." He leaned forward and kissed her. She looked cute, all messy and sleepy, and he itched to touch her. Dick knew, though, she would have to make the first move. Even though she hadn't been the one assaulted, Skye had seen it, and that had left as big a scar as anything. See, he was a gentleman, and he was proud of it.

"Hm. I'm tired, so I'm going back to sleep. Are you going to stay or go slinking in the shadows again?"

"Do you want me to stay?" It was the first time that had happened. The past week, he'd visit for a few minutes in the night, then leave. A few times they had gone out, once to a movie and another spending the day at a pumpkin patch.

"No snooping," she said, pointing a finger at him. Dick held his hands up in defense. "At least stay until I fall back asleep if you do have to leave."

"I can do that," he said, feeling a little emotional. Skye yawned and laid back down, moving under the blankets. She was on her side facing the door, so he laid next to her, his back facing the wall. The suit made it a little uncomfortable to cuddle, but Dick didn't give a damn.

She sighed, relaxed, and dozed off again has he put an arm around her. His arm propped his head up to look down at her. He'd stay a bit longer, he decided.

He woke to Skye getting out of bed, and squinted towards the window. Damn, the sun was shining. He had stayed a bit longer than he had thought. Skye sent him a smile and went into the hallway to the bathroom. Dick looked down at his outfit and then the window once more. He wasn't a stranger to being out in the light with his costume, but he preferred the night. He sat up.

"I thought you were going to leave after I fell asleep."

"Looks like I did the same," he muttered, watching her pull her hair back and put a tie in it. He saw her alarm clock on the nightstand and saw it was near ten in the morning. "A bit early for you, isn't it?"

"I've gotten used to not working nights anymore over the past few days. I'm trying to get a new routine with sleeping for the job. If I get it."

Dick didn't say anything. It was a way to keep herself humble, he knew, but it was a little irritating she underestimated herself. He stood and ruffled his hair.

"Are you going to go back to your apartment in that?" She sat in the desk chair, opening her laptop.

"Do I have a choice? I can sneak into my own apartment." He grabbed his mask and put it on, then headed toward the window. Dick saw Skye roll her eyes. "What?"

"I can get you something to change into, Dick. Give me your key." She held out her hand. "And your address. Cause I've never asked, have I?" Skye hummed thoughtfully.

"Here," Dick said, pulling out a key from a hidden pocket. It was just a key, an extra in his suit just in case he needed to get inside quickly. "No snooping," he said, using the same words she had used earlier. After grabbing a pen and paper from Skye's desk, he wrote the address down.

"No peeking," she said, nodding. "Jeans, t-shirt good?"

"Shoes, too."

"Got it." Skye kissed him and left him alone in her apartment.

It took a moment for him to realize he given her a key to his most private place in the city. His apartment. That was a step forward. He tried to think of anything he didn't want her to see in it, but nothing came to mind. She already knew he was Nightwing, so he she wouldn't be surprised to see a stash of electronics and other weapons he used. While he waited, Dick took of his mask, flinging it on the bed.

He needed a shower. Would Skye mind? It would take a good ten to fifteen minutes to get to his apartment, so he could be in and out quickly.

He found a blue and white striped towel folded in the hallways closet as he made his way to the bathroom. He stripped on the tiles, the door closed, and tossed his gear in the far corner. The shower was quick and hot, with steam climbing in the bathroom when he was finished. He wrapped the towel around his waist - it fit just so.

There was a knock at the door as Dick stepped out, and he froze. Skye wouldn't knock, he was sure, so it was someone else. There was a key turning, then the door opened. Dick was frozen in the middle of the hallway in a towel.

"Oh, boy," Laura said. She turned her back to him and shut the door quickly.

"Hi, Laura," Dick said, not sure what else to include. He quietly shut the bathroom door, hopefully allowing his gear to be hidden. He was about to explain, with Laura frozen, staring at the door, when it opened.

"Dick, I -! Laura." Skye looked between the two of them, and pressed her lips together to hold in a laugh. "I... just hold on, Laura." She rushed by her friend, apologizing, and pushed Dick into the bedroom.

His whole body burned with embarrassment - which was a first, to be honest. He wasn't shy about his body, but this was just a weird situation.

"I didn't know she was coming over. Did she see…? Why are you in a towel?" Skye frowned, holding out the bag of clothes she had brought with her. She turned her head from him, as if not wanting to look at his almost nude body.

"I needed a shower. No, she didn't see... but I think she's a bit… yeah."

"She'll think you stayed the night."

"I did stay the night," Dick grinned.

"Not in the way she might assume."

"Hm," was all Dick replied, still grinning.

"Get dressed," Skye murmured, still looking away. "I'll go talk to Laura."

"Wait." Dick held onto the towel around her waist with one hand while the other took her hand to pull her close to him. It was a bold move for him towards her, but it was a moment he couldn't pass up. Their fronts were pressed together, with her hands on his bare chest.

"Um…" Skye cleared her throat but didn't pull away.

"Probably a bad moment for this." She squirmed, and Dick flushed, realizing she had felt his arousal.

"I just wanted to kiss you." Instead of a chaste kiss she probably expected, he bent down and kissed her with passion. Dick felt smug when he pulled back, seeing her out of breath and darkened lips from his kissing.

"Well, that was nice," Skye breathed. Dick let go and turned to the bag on the bed. "I'm gonna go now…"

Skye was mortified, but also elated. That kiss was something, and Skye would admit that being pressed against him had been very… nice. She was sure her face was red, and with her uneven breathing, Laura would know something happened just then.

"Laura, I'm sorry, I didn't know you would be here. I had to get Dick some clothes from his apartment." That was a sketchy excuse, Skye knew, from the Laura's face.

"He stayed the night?" Laura finally relaxed, moving to sit on the couch. Skye saw her glance at the closed bedroom door. "I didn't know you were.. you know, that close yet."

"No, no, nothing like that. He fell asleep here on accident."

"Right," Laura said, not entirely convinced. Skye grinned, though, and sat next to her. Laura saw the look. "It's serious, isn't it?"

"It's only been a few weeks…"

"What about the job in D.C. you're interviewing for?"

Dick chose that moment to walk out of the bedroom wearing the jeans, black t-shirt, and tennis shoes she had brought back for him.

"She's gonna get it, I'm sure of it." He stood near the couch to join the conversation. Skye looked up at him, appreciating the support, then turned back to Laura.

"And it's with Diana Prince? Wonder Woman? You are so lucky. Are you going to work with the Justice League?" Laura gasped excited. Skye was surprised she was such a fangirl.

"I doubt it, I'm just a civilian to them, I bet," she laughed, glancing at Dick. He was cool as a cucumber, an amused smile on his face the whole time. "I'll be in her office, taking phone calls, keeping a schedule, that sort of thing."

"Still, that's so cool. I'm going to miss you, but this is amazing."

"Laura, I don't know if I got it yet. I have the interview tomorrow afternoon. I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning and then early the next day to come back."

"You're so pessimistic."

"No, just a realist."

"I agree with Laura," Dick commented. "I know Diana, and she wouldn't offer the job if she didn't think you would do it." Skye knew that, he had said it many times. Still, it was something she had to wrap her head around.

"You know Diana Prince?" Laura gasped.

"A friend of my father's," Dick said, shrugging.

"I met her at one of Dick's friend's engagement party. I told you that." Skye had told her only the important details to the job offer, she realized. "I didn't mention that it was for Dick's friend, did I?"

"No, you didn't. Dick, you... wow, this is awesome. I'm sorry, I just love her. She's amazing."

"A lot of people think the same way," Dick chuckled.

"I'm sorry I burst into your apartment. You didn't answer so…" Laura blushed and shrugged. With a look toward Dick, her face reddened even more.

"its okay, no big deal." Dick shrugged nonchalantly. "I have to go anyway." He looked at Skye. "I have my other clothes in the bathroom, could you hold onto them for me? I gotta get to work."

"Yeah, sure," Skye answered, nodding. It was the best way to handle the situation, although it might have sounded odd to Laura. Dick said goodbye, and the girls replied. With that, he left.

"Why didn't he just take his clothes?" Laura wondered aloud, looking confused. "Oh, I get it, he'll be staying the night again, won't he?" She waggled her eyebrows.

"We haven't done that," Skye insisted, flustered again.

"He's amazing, Skye. He really cares about you. I can see it. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks. I… care about him too."

"What are you going to do if you go to D.C.?"

"We'll make it work. I may be busy there, if I get it, but he has ways to visit. His father is rich."

"Wow, he is the whole package, isn't he? I'm a little jealous."