19: Dick Is In The Doghouse (Oh, and another sex scene)

18:46 October 31st

Skye was a happy girl - Dick had stayed with her the last few nights, she was starting her new career path tonight as Diana Prince's personal assistant, and she was felt like a mysterious princess if her dark blue floor-length cocktail dress and dark mask. It was gorgeous, framing her eyes like a black butterfly made of lace. Dick had one a dashing black suit, a black skinny tie, and a dark mask himself. It was black with curling vines as decoration made of gold. It was the same shape as his Nightwing mask. It amused Skye.

They were now entering the ballroom of a prestigious club that Skye had never heard of. It was tall and classic, with three chandeliers and gold trimming all around. Skye had her arm through Dick's as they entered, being greeted by waiters in tuxedos and plain black masks.

"What do we do now?" she murmured to Dick, looking around nervously. There were conversations going all around her, murmurs she couldn't quite make out. It was filled enough that she and Dick had to wind around the room to find Diana.

"Skye, there you are," Diana grinned. It was clear that she was in front of her, even in a gold butterfly mask. Her tall, lean figure was wearing a long black gown with off-the-shoulder straps. Her dark hair was down around her shoulders, and Skye was a little jealous. Not that she didn't mind her blue, short hair, but Diana's hair seemed perfect.

"Sorry we're late, it's more crowded than I thought it would be," she apologized.

"No need to apologize. I understand. Hello, Dick."

"Diana," he said with a slight bow of his head. A smile was on his face as he gazed around the room. Wining and dining the big wigs, huh?"

"Dick," Skye hissed, pulling at his arm. "This is a serious party…"

He glanced at her with a frown, and she felt bad for hissing at him. Skye was just nervous as this was her first time in public as a representative for Diana.

"I'm just…" Dick trailed off and placed a kiss on her cheek. "Alright, I'll try to be serious tonight."

"Thank you," she said, relieved. Diana watched the exchange with amusement, sipping on a glass of champagne.

The next few hours was filled with introductions and conversations with people that Skye would find herself interacting with in the near future. Business owners, media moguls, politicians, and billionaires seemed to pass by her in a quick flow. Dick seemed at ease, shaking hands and nodding, making small talk like a pro. Skye wondered if he had been through this kind of thing before, being Bruce Wayne's son.

Speaking of Mr. Wayne, he came up to her a little while later as Dick chatted at her side with a music producer he was a fan of. Or maybe he was putting on a show for the guy, but whatever works. Skye smiled at him, relieved to see a familiar face.

"How are you feeling? You look a little overwhelmed."

"A little - there are a lot of names I know but people I've never met. It's… interesting. I guess I have to get used to it, though."

"From the reviews I hear, everyone thinks you are the perfect person to be at Diana's side."

"Thanks," she said, blushing a bit. A compliment from Bruce Wayne was nice.

"Bruce, you're late," Diana teased in an even voice, coming up to them. "Where's your mask?"

"Here," he said, holding it up in his hand.

"It's a masquerade ball, put it on." Diana smiled with amusement as she took the mask and placed it over his head. She adjusted it over his eyes.

Skye watched, feeling the intense tension between them. Dick was right, there was something there. Diana seemed to be at ease with it, but the tense way Bruce stood told Skye he was still getting used to the idea of the connection. It was completely adorable.

"Thank you, Miss Prince," Bruce said smoothly, his voice a little deeper. Skye cleared her throat, and sipped at the glass of champagne that she had just taken from a waiter. Bruce seemed a little put off by the moment, but Diana grinned and turned back to Skye.

"Where is Dick?"

"Right here," Dick said, materializing next to Skye. "Bruce, you made it. Nice mask."

With pressed lips, Skye elbowed Dick discreetly. He jumped and grunted lightly. He had been so serious and conversational the last two hours, but now with Bruce he was back to playful, teasing Dick. Sure, she really enjoyed that side of him, but this was an important evening for her!

"Sorry," Dick murmured, squeezing her hand quickly. "It's Bruce." Like that was an excuse.

Skye knew she was being a little unreasonable, but she didn't care. She took a step away from Dick and turned her attention fully to Diana.

Dick was confused as hell at Skye. She turned away from him even when he apologized for one little joke. He had been doing well, he thought. It was an important night for her, he knew, but this was Bruce. It wasn't like he would get offended and treat her differently. Bruce took his arm and pulled him away from the two women.

"Wait a while, don't push it right now," Bruce advised him.

"What are you talking about?" Dick feigned ignorance.

"You pissed her off, so now you'll have to wait until she calms to talk to her."

"Oh, like you know women."

"I know enough," Bruce said, his tone a bit harsher.

Dick pressed his lips together and glanced back at Skye, who was speaking with a young politician with Diana. She had on a wide smile and talked animatedly. Jealousy pulled low in his stomach, but he didn't make a move to join her. Bruce was right, even if he didn't want to admit it.

"Fine, I'll probably get yelled at tonight."

"Yep."

"Fantastic."

Finally, it was time for them to leave the party. The crowd had dwindled down to half the people. Dick was leaning against a wall near the food offerings when Skye came up to him. She looked guilty, chewing on her lip.

Maybe he wasn't going to get yelled at.

"We can leave if you want," she said slowly, watching him to see what he did.

"Do you?" He stood straight and moved to stand in front of her, taking her hands.

"Yeah, I'm a little tired. All the people and talking, you know."

"Alright." Dick took her hand, and led her through the small crowd toward the exit. A few times they were stopped, people wanting to see goodbye to Skye. Finally, they were outside and the car they had taken came to a stop on the curb. The driver tipped his hat as he held the door open for them. Once they were in the back, the car took off back to Skye's apartment building.

"I didn't mean to make you upset," Dick finally said after a few moments of anxious silence. He took her hand once more, keeping it between them on the seat. They both took off their masks.

"I know it's silly, but it was an important night for me. All those people, they were the people I'm going to have to interact with, stay on their good side, for Diana." Skye sounded frustrated with herself as well as him. She kept her eyes forward while Dick leaned against the door, watching her.

"I get it, and I did my best after you asked me to. It was with Bruce that I made a little joke - is that such a big deal?" As soon as he finished, he saw the frustrated look on her face worsen. She took her hand away from him.

"Yes, it is. There are other people there besides Bruce, Dick. People were watching you joke around. They aren't going to take me seriously if you keep doing that around me while with them." Skye crossed her arms and looked out her car window.

"I get that, but I think you're overreacting."

"I think you're being an asshole."

Dick kept his mouth shut for the rest of the ride to the building, and up the elevator. This was their first serious fight, and he admitted that he thought she was wrong. Granted, she was right about him behaving in the presence of these people, but damn it, it was only a few jokes!

They entered the apartment just as quietly. Skye tossed her mask on the couch, then leaned against the wall to take off her heels, which fell next to the mask. She ignored him as she stepped past him and into the bathroom. Dick sighed, walking into the bedroom to take off his blazer and tie. Why was he feeling guilty? It wasn't his fault she was overreacting. He looked at the bed. He probably should just change into sweatpants and get comfortable on the couch. Their third night together as sexual partners and it was already messy.

He turned to leave the room, stopping when he saw Skye standing in the doorway. They stared at one another for a long moment. Skye looked away.

"I know I'm overreacting. I'm still mad at you, though."

Well, that was something. Maybe Bruce had been right - letting her blow off steam should have been his first action.

"Alright. I guess I'll be on the couch."

"Just for tonight," she said quietly, wrapping her arms around her.

Dick nodded and grabbed his sweatpants before going into the bathroom for a quick shower. He saw Skye's door closed when he finished his shower. After sitting his nice suit on the floor, folded, near the television, he laid on the couch, one arm behind his head and one hand on his stomach.

It was quiet. Dick sighed and closed his eyes, trying to get himself to relax and fall asleep. He missed Skye's body next to him, though, and his eyes popped open. How frustrating. Hopefully they had this mess fixed before he left tomorrow afternoon to head back to Chicago. Unfortunately, moving once again after almost five months wasn't something he looked forward to. He'd stay in Chicago a bit longer, dealing with the Falcone Family. Once that was finished, he'd come stay in D.C. with Skye.

He hadn't told her that, Dick realized. Was she stressed about him leaving? The thought was both adorable and irritating. He had said that things wouldn't change between them, thought after he thought about the pain she had gone through…

Damn, he needed to be more understanding. She had admitted to overreacting - Dick should have taken that as her saying she understood why he was upset as well. Tomorrow they'd do the talking thing and deal with it as couples should.

He woke to the sounds of sizzling bacon. The smell was the thing that woke him. Dick sat up and stretched, rolling his neck and shoulders. The bed was expensive and comfortable, but not amazing to sleep on. he stood and saw her in the kitchen. The view from the living room was her standing with her back to him, focused totally on the bacon.

Dick saw fried over-easy eggs - two each - on two plates, french toast - three each, and orange juice on the table. He quietly walked into the kitchen, wondering if he should interrupt her concentration or wait. He decided to sit at the table and wait.

Skye turned around with a small plate of bacon a few moments later and jumped. Dick watched her take a deep breath and sit the plate of bacon on the table with the other food items.

"Good morning," he said.

"You're distracting without a shirt," Skye muttered with a little smile. She turned fully to look at him.

"You're just distracting," he replied without thinking. Her silk shorts were very short, and the silk top was held up by barely there straps. She wasn't even wearing a bra. He wondered if this was part of a play from her. Then he felt stupid for thinking that of her.

"I was hoping it could help my apology." Well, whatever works, Dick thought. This did help.

"Yeah, but I'd be even more of an asshole if I went that route." He added the bacon to his plate and began to eat, putting a little bit of syrup on the french toast.

"The food is another way to apologize."

"It's fantastic," Dick assured her. He hummed with appreciation as he swallowed the food.

"Dick, I'm sorry. I was upset over a little thing…" Skye chewed on her lip, picking at her food with her fork.

"You were," he agreed. She glanced at him with a glare. He held up his hands in defense. "I'm apologizing too, give me a moment."

"Alright, go ahead." She nibbled on a fork full of eggs. "Do you accept my apology?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry for being an asshole when I should have been supportive." Dick used one hand to reach out and take hers. "I promise to do better next time."

The look on her face was different than what he expected. Her eyes grew intense, and she dropped her fork. Standing, she grabbed his hand and pulled. Dick stood and let him pull him down the hallway. A smile was on his face - he couldn't help it. Relief and amusement rolled into one.

Skye closed the door quickly behind her when they entered, then jumped on him. He grunted and fell back on the bed, holding her waist as she straddled him. Dick looked up at her, blinking. It was a surprise, to see her so…. in charge and confident in this situation. The other times they had been together, Skye had been shy and a little hesitant.

"Lay back and let me," she said, her breathing ragged already. Dick felt his own body heat up as she ran her hands over his bare chest. He moved up onto the bed so he could relax with his hands under his head.

Skye felt so bad about her freak out the night before. When she woke and saw Dick lying uncomfortably on the couch, she decided to make him a yummy breakfast and hopefully let him enjoy the view of her new pajamas. She did not expect that their breakfast would be on the table getting close as he lay beneath her, half naked.

Now, though, it seemed like the best idea. She had missed him terribly next to her the night before. Skye hungered for his touch, so she acted on it. Running her hands down Dick's chest, Skye bent down and nibbled on his skin, moving down to nibble on his nipples. Dick moaned and Skye grinned. He was responding to her touches, and it made her much more confident.

"You're gorgeous. Why are you so turned on by me?" She meant to say it to herself, but it came out of her lips as she kissed her way down to Dick's navel. A hand came into her hair.

"Can't put it into words," he said, gasping as she licked his hip bone. "It's just the way you are."

"That works," she complimented, taking his sweatpants and pulling them down. After they were out of the way, she stood, taking off her own clothes. Dick's eyes watched her, then he licked his lips.

Without taking a moment to rethink her decision, Skye moved over him and took him into her mouth. Dick sucked in a breath and held onto her air as she moved. She used her mouth and tongue. Skye had never done this before, but her arousal was too high for her to stop now.

Dick panted and cursed as she let herself go. She was enjoying the feel and taste of him in her mouth when he pulled at her hair. Skye looked up at him, and grinned. He narrowed his eyes at her and grabbed her under her arms, pulling her up and on her back.

"You're a tease," he said roughly, bending down and biting her neck. Skye gasped, holding tightly to him, as he reached down and touched her. He used his fingers to make her moan and whimper while he kissed her. Skye was overwhelmed with sensations, and shuddered in his arms, crying out his name.

Skye saw Dick reach over and fumble in the tiny drawer of her nightstand, trying to fish a condom out of the box he had bought the day before. His tongue stuck out of his mouth, which made Skye laugh and snort. He found the condom and quickly moved back over her.

"Are you laughing at me?" he asked, grinning. Skye took the condom, pushing at his chest so he could sit up.

"Oh, yes. You're adorable," Skye complimented, focusing her attention on rolling the condom down on him. Dick let out a hum of impatience, then pushed her onto her back. Skye laughed loudly, wrapping herself around him as he thrust inside her.

"Dork," he teased, burying his face into her neck. They groaned and moved their hips together. Their lips found each other's, heated and passionate.

It didn't take long for both of them to cry out and hold onto each other as they passed over the edge of pleasure. Dick groaned and held her tightly, immediately rolling to his side. She curled up into his chest and didn't let go. They were messy, but stayed where they were for a moment.

"I'll be back," he told her. As he was in the bathroom, Skye rolled onto her back and took a few deep breaths. They were alright, now. Their conversation had brought them back to normal.

Dick entered the bedroom and went back to his spot beside her on the bed, wrapping an arm around her and propping up his head with the other.

"You have to go back to Chicago this afternoon," Skye said into his chest.

"I have to deal with the Falcone Family. They are the biggest threat to the civilians in the city right now."

"I understand." Skye still didn't like the idea of Dick leaving for longer than a day or so. She was so used to seeing him every day or so. She knew they'd talk every day, though, so that made it a bit easier. "When will you be able to visit?"

"Probably this weekend," Dick answered. "You can always call and text, you know."

"I know."

"Does it make you feel better if I tell you I don't want to leave?"

"A little."