Welcome all you lovely people to Chapter 81
December 31st, New Year's Eve
Faber reluctantly prepared for the annual Gotham City Party, knowing that she would be attending alone this year. As she slipped into her elegant gown, a pang of loneliness tugged at her heart. The thought of facing the glittering crowd of celebrities, socialites, and politicians without Harriet or Kate by her side felt daunting.
The party was held on the rooftop of one of Gotham's shorter skyscrapers, providing shelter from the cold and rainy New Year's Eve weather. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the event was a staple in Gotham's social calendar, drawing in all the city's elite.
Faber knew that tonight, everyone who was anyone would be in attendance, including herself. As an heiress to a pharmaceutical empire and a rising star in the academic world, she had earned her place among Gotham's elite. But even amidst the glitz and glamour of the party, she couldn't shake the sense of emptiness that accompanied her solitary arrival.
Last year, Harriet and Kate had met at the annual party, marking the beginning of their relationship. Now, as they celebrated their anniversary in the comfort of their shared apartment, Faber couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. But she pushed aside her emotions, putting on a brave face as she prepared to mingle with the city's elite once again.
Faber's heart skipped a beat as she caught sight of the hickey on her neck in the mirror. Panic surged through her veins as she realised the potential implications of such a visible mark at the prestigious Gotham City Party. Without a moment's hesitation, she rushed to her closet, determined to find a solution.
Scanning her array of dresses, Faber's eyes fell on a plum-coloured sleeveless gown with a thigh-high slit. It was elegant and sophisticated, but more importantly, it had a high neckline that would effectively conceal any evidence of her recent escapade. With a sigh of relief, she quickly slipped into the dress, smoothing out the fabric as she mentally thanked herself for choosing such a practical option, and headed out waving goodbye and Happy new year to Harriet and Kate.
Dick couldn't help but chuckle at Damian's complaint about the restrictive nature of suits, sympathising with the younger Wayne's sentiment. Tim, on the other hand, seemed preoccupied with his phone, likely engrossed in a conversation with Cassie. As they waited for Bruce to descend the staircase of Wayne Manor, Dick's foot tapped impatiently, a nervous energy bubbling beneath the surface.
"Dick, kindly refrain from tapping your foot like a metronome," Alfred quipped, earning a sheepish grin from the eldest Wayne.
"Yeah, sorry Alfred," Dick replied, his foot finally coming to a halt as he glanced at the butler.
Bruce descended the stairs, his expression composed as always. "Shall we?" he said, gesturing for the others to follow him. Dressed impeccably in a suit matching theirs, Dick couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Despite the seriousness of their mission as the Bat-family, moments like these reminded him of the bond they shared as a family.
Bruce descended the stairs, his expression composed as always. "Shall we?" he said, gesturing for the others to follow him.
Dick exchanged a glance with Tim, both silently questioning the necessity of their attendance at the event. "Why is it all three of us have to go, surely you would rather us be on patrol with Barabara and Stephenie, it's New Year's Eve," Tim said asking the obvious question.
"For one, it's a rare occasion when we're not occupied with the teams," Bruce explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "And besides, we're Wayne men. Making an appearance at events like these is expected."
Tim raised an eyebrow, a hint of scepticism in his voice. "So, we're just going to stand around while everyone else parties?"
Bruce nodded. "There may be trouble, and it's better if we're there to handle it."
"Why are suits so restrictive, how am I meant to spring into action at the first sight of danger," Damian groaned.
Bruce ignored Damian's complaint. "Make sure your comms are on and working, double check throughout the night," he said, giving a knowing look to Dick. Damian was a little snake.
Dick sighed inwardly, resigning himself to the inevitability of their mission. "Alright, let's make it quick then," he said, following Bruce's lead as they made their way out of Wayne Manor.
As they pulled up to the venue, the flashing lights and cacophony of chatter greeted them. Waiting outside were Wally, Artemis, Cassie, and Barbara, a motley crew that Bruce had surprisingly permitted to join the festivities. Dick couldn't shake the feeling that Bruce knew something was afoot tonight.
"Hey, Mr. Wayne!" Wally's enthusiastic greeting cut through the buzz of the crowd.
Bruce acknowledged him with a nod before turning to Barbara. "Your father is here already?" he inquired.
Barbara nodded. "Yeah, he's been here for a while."
Meanwhile, Tim strolled over to Cassie, and Dick couldn't help but notice the subtle affection between them. It was a stark contrast to Damian's gloomy demeanour.
"I'm going to hate every second of this," Damian announced, his discontent evident.
Wally, ever the optimist, chimed in. "I beg to differ. I cannot wait for the food."
With that, Wally took the lead, guiding them through the bustling entrance into the heart of the party. Barbara had left as soon as they arrived to go patrol with Stephanie.
As they stood at the buffet table, Artemis and Dick observed the scene unfolding before them. Wally, true to form, was busy indulging in the offerings, while Cassie and Tim disappeared into the crowd, drawn to the allure of acrobatic performances that Dick found rather lacklustre - they had nothing on him. Meanwhile, Bruce navigated the room with his usual grace, Damian begrudgingly trailing behind him.
"I can't shake this feeling that something's off tonight, and I think Bruce knows it," Dick confided in Artemis, his unease growing with each passing moment.
Artemis nodded in agreement, her expression mirroring his concern. "Yeah, I got that vibe the moment we walked in. Maybe we should split up and do some recon. We might be able to prevent whatever's brewing before it gets out of hand."
Before they could act on their plan, Wally's sudden gasp diverted their attention. Following his gaze, Dick and Artemis were met with a sight that stole the breath from their lungs, before Artemis firmly nudged Wally to stop his gaping mouth. Descending the staircase with an air of effortless grace was Faber Loralle, her presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room, including Dick, much to his reluctance. She was a vision of beauty that left him momentarily speechless.
"Dude, no way i'm gonna be meeting Faber Loralle twice, score!" Wally let the words slip.
"Don't push your chances," Artemis warned. Wally gulped at the look on his girlfriend's face.
Much to his surprise, Faber made a b-line for the three of them, and was shocked to see a smile on her face that seemed genuine. He quickly deduced it was more likely that it was for Artemis and Wally.
"Artemis, Wally, what are you doing here? Do you usually come to these sorts of events?" She asked cheerfully, which was unusual for her at these sorts of events. But Dick had come to learn Faber Loralle did not inherently have an icy heart. After seeing how she interacted with his friends at the christmas party, and she was not cold or rude when he had saved her as Nightwing. He wondered perhaps just as he and Bruce had their masks she had her's.
"Not usually, but we managed to score an entry, courtesy of the Waynes," Wally replied with a grin, his enthusiasm palpable.
Faber's smile widened, but when her gaze landed on Dick, the familiar tension returned. "Dick," she greeted him, her tone guarded.
"Faber." That all too familiar tension returned.
"Did you come here with your father? I must admit I am surprised to see you at an event like this so soon. You're not in trouble, are you?" Faber teased, her words laced with playful scepticism.
Dick chuckled, shaking his head. "Yes, I came with him, and my brothers. You should meet my youngest brother, Damian. He's a bit of a prick sometimes, so you'd get along swimmingly," he said, unable to resist a smile
"Ouch,' said Artemis and Wally chimed in unison, once again getting front row seats to A Dick vs Faber stand-off.
Faber stifled a laugh, her icy facade momentarily thawing. "It's good to know you take just as much pleasure insulting me as I do with you," she remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I would love to catch up later, but I'm afraid I must reconvene with some business partners while the night is young. Come find me in an hour if I don't see you. I may need rescuing from some slimy businessman," Faber said, as she excused herself.
"Certainly, ma'am," Wally replied with a weak salute, earning a playful roll of the eyes from Artemis. Once Faber had departed, Artemis turned to Dick with a knowing look.
"I can't believe we had to witness that, again," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Dick raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "What do you mean?"
"Dude, you two need to have sex already. The whole 'enemies' thing is clearly a joke," Artemis teased, her tone light but pointed.
Dick's eyebrows shot up in surprise, caught off guard by her bold statement. Before he could respond, Wally interjected with a mischievous grin.
"Nah, babe, Dick already has someone he's doing the dirty deed with," he said, his tone sly.
Artemis arched a skeptical brow. "Oh really? Who's the lucky girl?"
"That's the catch," Wally replied with a hint of excitement. "She's a thief!"
"Dude!" Dick exclaimed, shooting Wally a reproachful glare. "What happened to bro code?"
"Hey, she's my girlfriend, dude. There are no secrets in this relationship," Wally bragged, leaning in to plant a kiss on Artemis's cheek.
Dick scoffed inwardly, knowing that Artemis was hiding her own secret – an engagement ring that she had yet to reveal. He had suspected that she would pop the question at Christmas, but he hadn't dared to ask, fearing her wrath if she knew he had hacked her phone.
"Fraternising with the enemy, eh? That's new for you. Do I know the mysterious woman?" Artemis prodded, her curiosity piqued.
"No, and there's no chance I am telling," Dick replied with a playful grin, knowing full well that Artemis wouldn't let the matter drop.
Artemis exchanged a knowing glance with Wally, who shrugged in response. "Hey, I've asked, but he won't budge," he insisted
Faber had managed to make her way round the room engaging in only brief conversation necessary to her family's business. She ended by making her to Bruce Wayne and his son (save the best till last).
"Mr Wayne, always a pleasure to see you at these events," Faber said, giving a curt nod to Bruce. She then looked down beside him, "and you must be Damian, a pleasure to finally meet you,' Faber said, offering her hand to shake. Damian shook firmly. "That is quite a grip, are you sure you're only eleven is it?"
"And a half," Damian added.
Faber chuckled at Damian's response, a hint of amusement lighting up her eyes. "You're practically eighteen," she added, her tone playful as she glanced at Dick.
"That's what I keep telling this old man," Damian quipped, a mischievous sparkle in his eye as he seized the opportunity presented by Faber's remark.
"Damian," Bruce warned.
"Well, age is just a number, isn't it?" she remarked with a teasing glint in her eye, her words carrying a lighthearted tone as she joined in the banter.
Dick chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That's right. And besides, I'm not the only one getting older around here," he added, casting a playful glance in Bruce's direction.
"Damien ," Bruce pressed clearly, wishing for his son to zip it. He decided to steer the conversation in a more beneficial direction. "I have a proposition for you."
"Is that so?" Faber raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued by Bruce's proposal.
"I would like you to consider allowing your labs to merge with Wayne Enterprises' science department. With our combined facilities, I am certain the outcome will be most beneficial for not only Gotham, but the world," Bruce explained, his tone earnest as he outlined his vision for the collaboration.
Faber sighed, her expression thoughtful. "Sir," she began, then corrected herself with a small smile, "Bruce, as much as I appreciate your offer and know you would flatter me with a generous sum, I'm afraid I cannot entertain the idea. As you know, my parents' legacy means everything to me, and I am satisfied with how it is now."
Bruce nodded, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes. "I understand," he said simply, respecting Faber's decision.
"I like a woman who knows what she wants," Damian interjected, earning a chuckle from Faber.
"Well, aren't you the charmer," Faber teased, amused by Damian's boldness. "You clearly are your father's son."
Damian rolled his eyes, a smirk playing at his lips. "Please, my father's charm has nothing on me," he declared, prompting a small scoff from Bruce and a soft laugh from Faber.
As Faber turned to leave, she noticed a figure approaching the trio. It was an older version of Damian, whom she assumed was Tim, accompanied by a pretty blonde girl by his side. She couldn't help but smile at the sight, noting the familial resemblance between the two brothers.
"If you'd excuse me," Faber spoke up, addressing the group, "I'm going to get myself a glass of champagne and try to have some fun while I can."
With a polite nod, she made her way through the crowd, weaving her way towards the bar. As she poured herself a glass of champagne, Faber couldn't shake the feeling that tonight was going to be more eventful than she had anticipated.
Faber situated herself by a table, strategically positioned to have a clear view of the city and the impending fireworks display at midnight. Her thoughts were momentarily interrupted by the unexpected presence of Grayson.
"I just can't seem to avoid you, can I?" Faber sighed, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"I was beginning to think you were stalking me," Dick quipped with a grin.
Faber scoffed, "Don't flatter yourself."
Dick chuckled. "Do you know what I've realized?"
"Please, enlighten me," Faber replied sarcastically.
"I think that if you got over your nonsensical hatred for me, we would be friends," Dick stated matter-of-factly.
Faber raised an eyebrow. "Are you admitting you want to be my friend?"
"No, not really," Dick admitted, "But I do think, looking at you now, there is more than meets the eye."
Faber felt a flush of warmth spread across her cheeks as Dick's gaze lingered on her. If she didn't despise Dick, she could easily see them becoming more than friends. "I met your brother, quite the charmer," she remarked, attempting to steer the conversation away from her own feelings.
Dick chuckled softly. "Please, he's the devil in disguise. He probably has a crush on you."
"Oh, definitely," Faber replied, her tone filled with a hint of pride. A brief moment of silence passed between them as they both gazed out at the city.
Finally, Faber sighed, breaking the silence. "I'm gonna say something, and I am only going to say it once."
"Should I be scared?" Dick joked, arching an eyebrow.
"Terrified," Faber teased, "But seriously, I think there is already too much hatred and deceit in this city. Perhaps I should leave my 'hatred' for you behind as we enter the new year. Although, this could just be the champagne talking."
"I think I'm having a seizure, can you repeat that?" Dick quipped, clearly surprised by Faber's statement.
Faber shot him a glare. "I said I would only say it once, but I am serious. Could you see yourself doing the same?"
"Consider us starting on a blank slate as soon as it turns to the new year," Dick replied with a genuine smile.
Suddenly, the countdown began, and Dick and Faber turned to watch as the fireworks illuminated the night sky at the stroke of midnight. However, their moment of celebration was short-lived as Faber noticed something hurtling towards them.
She lifted her hand to point infront of them drawing Dick's gaze. "What is—" Faber began, but before she could finish her sentence, Dick sprang into action, grabbing her and pulling her towards him.
I actually love writing Faber/Dick scenes so much, lemme know what you think though!