16: Twelve Year Old Nightwing

05:00 October 22nd

Dick noticed the sun was still down, the darkness filling the room, when he woke. The wine had made them both sleepy and relaxed, which had provided Dick with some fuel to add to his fire, so to speak. When Skye had pulled away from his lap, from that kiss, he had almost whined. He looked at his side and saw that Skye had pulled away from his and was facing away. Her back was close to his, though, barely touching. He rolled to his side and put an arm around her waist, yawning. Pulling her body closed, he breathed in her shampoo and dozed off again.

Half an hour later, the alarm through her phone went off on the nightstand nearest her. With a light groan, Skye lifted her head and reached out to turn it off. She pulled the phone off her charger. When she tried to turn into her back, she noticed Dick holding onto her. He looked at her sleepily.

"Hi," he said.

"Morning," she muttered, yawning. Her face flushed in the light of the cellphone screen. "I have to get up for a moment."

"Ah, right." he turned into his back, letting go as she stood. As she was going to the bathroom and brushing her teeth, Dick stretched and stood himself. They had to pack their things and then catch the plane back to Chicago in a few hours. He had only brought a small duffle bag with a change of clothes and toiletries, so that was easy to pack. Skye had a duffle bag of her own, opened with clothing falling out. Jeans, t-shirt, the blazer from last night. Black, lacy boy shorts underwear perked his interest. He wondered absentmindedly if she had a bra that matched.

"I'm too tired to be embarrassed. Stop looking at my underwear." Skye made him jump when she appeared next to him. She still had her skirt and blouse on from last night, but they were crumpled. She looked amusedly at him as she packed her own belongings.

"I'm too tired to feel guilty." Dick kissed her cheek then took his turn in the bathroom.

When he returned from showering and brushing his teeth, Skye had changed into gray and black striped leggings with a white t-shirt featuring an abstract picture. She pulled on black, flat ankle boots and put her heels into the bag.

"Eat before we head to the airport?"

"Are you sure we can't sleep in and have you call Batman for transport?"

"Even if I called for my father's private jet, it would take the same amount of time to fly . Don't you think flying in a private jet is a bit pretentious?"

"Yeah, but would we have to go through security?"

"Yep."

"Damn."

11:53 October 29th

Three days before she officially started her new job, Skye was moved into her new apartment. Dick had helped her pack during the day, with Laura helping at night. It was an emotional last night with Laura, and Dick bought them two bottles of wine for the event. Dick didn't stay, and she had a good, relaxing time with Laura, gossiping and watching stupid reality TV shows on Netflix.

Dick shipped her larger belongings - shelves, lamps, books, etc - to her new apartment, and Laura just packed a few clothing and toiletries for the carryon bag. Just in case she needed it or her things got lost. The flight was uneventful, but Skye missed Dick. Something had come up with Batman, and he had to go back to Gotham for something. Skye hoped for a safe trip and a text to her soon.

Three hours into her enjoying her new apartment, Dick sent her a message.

Dick Grayson

Settled in?

Skye Lovett

Yes! Is everything alright there?

Diana sent me some flowers for a welcoming gift.

Dick Grayson

Classy.

Everything is fine, just the usual.

Skye Lovett

Kicking ass and taking names?

Dick Grayson

Like always

I'll see you in a few days.

Skye Lovett

I start official on the 1st of November

Diana holds a charity masquerade ball on Halloween.

Will you be here for that?

Dick Grayson

I'll try.

Never been to it, but Bruce has.

Skye Lovett

Remember to have a mask.

Not your usual one of course.

Dick Grayson

I'll try to remember that. ;)

Skye grinned at that, and shut her phone when he didn't text her back. Breathing in deep, Skye took in the smell of a new apartment. It was shiny, with large rooms all around. The living room was the first thing you saw, with a sliding glass door that lead to a balcony, had dark leather furniture and dark wooden side tables and a coffee table. She had her television on the large TV stand that matched the other wooden furniture. The kitchen area had a separate place for the table, and her little two-chaired one looked tiny. The kitchen was big enough to stretch her arms out and not touch a thing. It hadn't been stocked, but Skye's kitchen stuff barely made a dent in the space. The bathroom was gorgeous, with a large tub that could fit two people. There was also a separate close-cased shower.

Her bedroom was her favorite place, she had decided immediately. Her bed, desk, and side table fit it perfectly. It had included a dark dresser, matching the wood in the living room. There was a walk in closet that most of her things would barely fill one side. The walls were bare in the whole apartment - she didn't have much to put up. She'd worry about that later. Diana's flower bouquet was a rainbow of colors, and placed on the coffee table in a clear, tall vase.

Skye took a seat on her new couch, leaning back with a sigh. She also had cable!

As she flipped through the guide to see what was on the television, it suddenly felt large and empty and… quiet. What should she do now? She had unpacked and was now available to relax and enjoy her new amenities.

But here she was, lonely in her new, fantastic apartment.

Skye Lovett

This place is too big. Is it sad I'm bored already?

Dick Grayson

You're just not used to it. Why not explore the city?

Skye Lovett

I feel stupid for not thinking about that.

It's a bit lonely, if I'm being completely honest.

Dick Grayson

I wish I could fix that

I have to go, talk to you later.

Skye Lovett

Later.

With a sigh, Skye put her phone on the table and turned the television onto a local news channel. Thunder rolled outside, and she saw the patter of rain against the glass windows through the curtains. The skies were gray, like her mood.

After half an hour of watching the news, Skye stood up and decided to take a walk in the rain. She had an umbrella in the closet, which she had just put there a little while ago. She changed into simple jeans, knee high heeled boots, and a blue sweater. It wasn't cold enough to have a jacket on, though. Grabbing the blue and white polka dotted umbrella, Skye left her apartment.

Humming, she made her way down the hallway to the elevator - her apartment building had an elevator - and stopped at the little lobby where security had a tiny desk. There was a coffee place on the right side of the main floor. Smiling, she ordered a hot chocolate from the young barista. The girl had blonde pixie cut and piercings in her cheeks.

"Here you go, doll."

"Thanks," Skye answered, nodding. The girl's nametag said "Bobbi".

When she got outside the building, the doorman nodded to her politely as she pulled open her umbrella. He was in his forties with dark skin and a crinkle at the corner of his eyes when he smiled. The sky was still gray, with the rain falling down enough to need the covering. The sidewalks was busy, her building being in an area of the city that was full of well-off businessmen and women.

Grinning, Skye put her freehand in her pocket, and realized she had left her new keys in the apartment. She cursed, looking back. She had been walking for a good twenty minutes, so her building was far back. Her phone was in her back pocket, though. She bet the security people had a way to get back into her apartment. At that moment, the sun started to come through, and the rain stopped. Pulling the umbrella closed, a smile came to Skye's face at the warmth.

Suddenly, she heard a vehicle honk at her. She turned to see a black limousine with dark windows. Anxiety gripped her until the back window rolled down, showing it was Bruce Wayne behind it. It pulled to the side of the street, and other cars seemed to angrily pass. Bruce showed no signs of caring as he smiled at her.

"Skye! Dick told me you had moved here today. Do you need a ride somewhere?"

"I locked my keys back in my apartment. I was walking and… kind of got lost." Skye held the umbrella with both hands in front of her.

"Get in, we'll get you back to the building." Bruce opened the door and scooted over. Only hesitating a moment, Skye moved in to the car and buckled herself. "How do you like your apartment so far?"

"It's fantastic. It's… above my pay grade, I feel."

"I doubt it. You'll be extremely busy with Diana."

"I have a feeling I will. What are you doing in D.C.?"

"I have a charity event tomorrow. I'm going to my penthouse now to settle for the night. Paperwork to go over." The limo rolled to a stop. Skye saw that it was her apartment building. She hadn't even told him where she was living - Dick probably had.

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne. I appreciate it. Dick said he'd be in town before tomorrow."

"I know," he replied with an even smile. It was like he knew everything. "Have a nice afternoon, Skye. You both should join me for dinner when he arrives. I'll be sure to stick around for it."

"Yeah," she replied with a nod. Skye left the limo and gave Bruce a little wave. He nodded back and the dark vehicle smoothly left the curb. The doorman raised an eyebrow. "I locked my keys in my apartment. Is there a way to get in?"

"Speak to security, Miss. By the way, was that Bruce Wayne?"

"Yeah…" What else could she say? "I'm… well, it's a long story. I just know him through a mutual friend."

"Wow," was all he said, curiosity in his eyes. The doorman was polite enough not to ask her to elaborate. Skye was let back into her apartment by large, muscled man with a security outfit.

"Thank you," she said, sighing with relief. The man nodded and went back to the elevator to go back to his post at the front of the building. There had been two at the desk.

Skye shut the door behind her, then turned. Crying out, she put a hand to her chest when she saw Dick shuffling through her refrigerator, dressed as Nightwing. He looked up when he heard her. He had a coke in one ungloved hand and an unpeeled banana in the other.

"I was hungry," he said, looking sheepishly as he shut the fridge door.

"I thought you weren't going to get back for another day." Skye put her umbrella against the wall by the door then stepped forward to hug Dick. She kissed his cheek. Instead of pulling back, Skye kissed him on the lips, tilting her head for better access for a moment.

"I missed you," he said with a grin.

"What's with being Nightwing?" Skye pulled away and let him open the cold can. He drank a few gulps then sat the can down on the counter to peel the banana.

"Had a meeting with Batman and the League." He took a bit and chewed. "I'm happy for this, but you need more food. You won't survive on soda and fruit."

"I planned on going this afternoon," Skye said, rolling her eyes. "Wait, you had a meeting with the league? The Justice League league?"

"Yeah, that's what I said," he teased with a wink, taking another bite of banana.

"Classy."

"It wasn't that big of a deal. Just one of those meetings where Batman is updated on certain things happening around the world."

"Ah. Oh, I saw your dad a few moments ago. He gave me a ride back."

"Hm. Where did you go?"

"Up the street. I locked myself out. Didn't you notice me flirting with the security guard who let me back in?"

Dick frowned as he swallowed the last of his food. Skye grinned at the look on his face and took the peel from him. She tossed it into the empty trash near the wall then turned back to him.

"That's not funny," he murmured, sending her a playful glare.

"It's not funny that you scared me to death a moment ago."

"I didn't know you were gone. I wanted to surprise you." He looked sheepish as he drank his soda.

"And I appreciate it." Skye waited until he sat the can back down before wrapping her arms around him once again. "And with the suit."

"You like the suit."

"I do." Her face reddened, but she didn't care.

Dick had been worried as soon as he snuck inside the apartment, but a quick conversation with Bruce told him he was with her and was on her way back. He hadn't expected her to jump like that. She kissed him and he found himself not wanting to let go. It was getting to be difficult for him to stay patient. Of course he would, but still…

Damn hormones. The little comment about the security guard had made him irritated for a moment, then her smile made him want to kiss her again. Now that he was changed into sweat pants and a white t-shirt, Dick ruffled his hair and made his way back into the living room from the bathroom to see Skye starting a new jigsaw puzzle on the coffee table.

"Is that …"

"You and Batman, yes, I thought it was cute. Found it at the gift shop in the airport here."

"They made me look like I'm a teenager."

"No, they didn't," she assured him as he sat down next to her on the floor to help. "You look like you're twelve."

He poked her on the side of her leg and then leaned to the side, kissing her cheek. They put the puzzle together in the quiet apartment, discussing and sometimes arguing where pieces went. After an hour of playfully discussing and squabbling, Dick stood and stretched. It was a third of the way done, being a 1,000 piece puzzle.

"I thought you were working on your right leg?"

"No, I was working on the left arm."

"You're left arm?"

"You think it's funny, don't you." Dick shook his head as he went to the kitchen for a quick drink of water.

"Yes. You're putting yourself together." She giggled.

She was so adorable, smiling and giggling like that. And understanding. His career path was dangerous, and here she was, joking around with him while putting together a puzzle of him and Batman posing. It was a drawing instead of an actual photo, which was why he looked deformed and young. He came back and sat next to her. His phone sounded.

Bruce Wayne

Did Skye tell you I invited you to dinner tonight?"

"Who is that?" Skye asked curiously, putting Batman's right eye in place. She found a few green pieces to fit the trees.

"Bruce. He invited us to dinner?"

"Yeah, I forgot! Sorry."

"That's fine. Wonder what fancy place we'll be going this time. I hate wearing a suit."

Skye sorted and put a park bench together behind Batman in the puzzle. Dick grinned at his own joke and replied.

Dick Grayson

Just did. When and where?

Bruce Wayne

It's serious, isn't it?

Dick Grayson

Are you going to bring Diana?

Bruce Wayne

You're ignoring my question.

Dick Grayson

I learned from the best.

Bruce Wayne

No, I won't be bringing Diana.

And it is.

Dick Grayson

It is.

Dick glanced at Skye, who had stood and treated herself with an apple. She was slicing it up in the kitchen, humming a tune to herself.

I'm in love with her.

Bruce Wayne

I wasn't expecting that answer.

Does she know?

Dick Grayson

I just realized it myself.

"Wow, you are close to your father." Dick locked his phone and sat it next to him, feeling his heart beating at the admission he just told Bruce. Skye sat back down with a plate of sliced apples on her side of the coffee table.

"Yeah," Dick said, shrugging.

"I'm a little jealous," Skye admitted. "Since you know about my college incident, you know about my parents, don't you?"

"Do you know where they are?" Dick didn't have to answer her question - it was already known. He sat back against the couch bottom and watched Skye pick out a few pieces from the box near the plate of apples. She bit her lip before answering.

"No. But I doubt I want to know." She glanced at him. "You know, though."

"Yeah, I looked it up after I read your file."

"You have a file on me?" She snapped her head to him and he raised his hands up in defense.

"Not a file per say! Just information in one place. Batman was the one who initial sent it to me." Skye narrowed her eyes. "He's a father figure. It happens." Dick grinned, trying to get her to stop being so angry.

"Hm," was all she said, taking a bit of apple with a loud crunch. She was angry with him, and he couldn't blame her. He had researched her like a suspect. It may have been stalking, but he was doing it to know what was… shit, he was digging himself deeper in his own head. "I'm sorry."

"You were interested in me from the beginning," she finally said, a small smile on her face as she put a few pieces into place. Batman and Nightwing were complete, with a lot of park not put together behind them.

"I…" He cleared his throat, relieved that she wasn't totally angry at him. "I guess so."

"Why?" It was a casually tone, but he knew the wrong word would dig him into a grave faster than the file thing.

"You seemed strong. You were surprised at first, scared, but then you knocked the guy out and cursed at him." Skye finally looked at him again, grinning. He grinned back. "It was kind of hot."

Skye rolled her eyes.

"What time are we meeting Bruce? And where?"

"He'll let me know."