[IC] Nightwing: The New Knight(EasilyAmused and Jones Sparrow)

[Jones Sparrow]

The news spread quick about the events that happened that night. The Police Commissioner being kidnapped as well as Abigail Dent, the shooting commotion at the pier, the police squad all going to that location. The rumors spread that The Electrocutioner was the one behind it, and Two-Face came in to claim his territory. Most of the people thought it was the pier district, but it was something much more valuable to him. Dick was under extensive care for the past few days himself. After making sure the commissioner was alright and they had Buchinsky, he made it to the bat wing and collapsed. He had bruised a couple ribs from the gunshot he suffered. Lucius was already on the clock working on a more stable and durable suit for the masked hero. His whole body was a mess after the amount of electricity he had in his body that night. He major burns in his legs, and forearms. The only cure for this? Lots of liquids, lots of medicine, and lots of sleep. While Nightwing was recovering for those few days Tim patrolled the nights as Robin, making sure the city was alright. So far Two-Face hasn't made an appearance again, and the city has gone quiet after that eventful night.

Although he was supposed to rest, Dick tried many times to get up and see his capabilities, but the ribs seemed to be a problem. State of the art medicine thanks to Wayne Enterprises helped a lot. After what felt like a lifetime, he was able to at least go out and walk, but not dawn his suit. That, and Lucius was still working on the new suit. Abbie eventually responded to his text, but he never did. Mostly because his confirmations were true, but also he had to know how to approach this.

---

There was a knock on Abigail Dent's hospital door, and a nurse walked in. "Miss Dent, you have a visitor." She said with a smile, and inside came Dick Grayson. His black hair was neatly done, he wore a black suit with a blue tie, and he held a vase of flowers. "Hi." Dick said with a smile, placing the flowers gently on the table next to her. "How're you feeling?" Was the only thing he could really ask at this moment.

[EasilyAmused]

With Abbie’s biceps in wraps and her body in one of those stupid dressing gowns, she felt like a fool and most likely looked like one. Problem something along the lines of a mental patient, who couldn’t take care of herself; and now she was stuck alone in a hospital….

Time went by and her phone lay dormant, no one would talk to her and even her father wouldn’t message her. He was probably fully aware that when she had recovered she would reach out to him. It wasn’t just him she would reach out to upon her release from hospital. A few things moved through her mind and her body shook slightly at the thought. It was a long shot but if it worked it could help end a lot of problems that the city has.

It was a good week before anyone showed up and to her surprise it was Dick; though she was sure she would never see him again because of his lack of communication with her. They had went from talking and texting almost every day to no communication for nearly three weeks. The blonde opened her sleepy eyes to see the nurse come in saying something about a visitor. Which was followed by a neatly dressed Dick Grayson in a suite with a blue tie and he even brought her flowers. A smile moved across her full lips as she looked up at him with her hazel eyes.

“Hi.” She said softly, sounding sleepier than anything else. She proceeded to pull herself up from her laying down position, wincing as she used to biceps but at the same time; she really didn’t want to be lying down anymore. “Little beat up but just really ready to go home.” Her small shoulders rose and fell with a shrug before she gave him a small smile. “Though you’d be guaranteed a victory in pool with my arms out of commission; suit looks good on you by the way but I think I enjoy seeing you in jeans and a t-shirt more. Seems more like your style.” She said with grin on her face, “Thank you for coming by, you’re the first visitor I’ve had since I arrived. I was bringing to think people didn’t care.”

[Jones Sparrow]

Dick laughed at her comments, and smiled softly as he looked at her half tired. Of course she wasn't sleepy, she was tired of being in that room. Dick could relate in that sense. Her arms were still bandaged, her cuts and bruises from that night were no longer visible. "That pool match will have to wait. challenging someone when they're not at their fullest." At her comment of him looking better in a shirt and jeans he gave a laugh, looking down the the suit he had on. "You think so? I had a meeting earlier today, I don't think all the shareholders at Wayne Enterprises would have liked seeing me walk in in a pair of jeans." Dick said with a smile. When she talked about him being her first visitor, he was surprised. With all the socializing she has done he was expecting a lot more people would have had the decency of showing up to see her friend. "People definitely care." Dick said with a nod, then taking a short pause.

"Ever since I heard the news about the whole situation you were in I've been busy. Bruce was a strong voice it came to crimes. He lost his parents to a mugger when he was a little kid, and did his best to make sure other people didn't have to experience that. Since he's gone now a lot of people have been trying to do what he's done and well.. I never wanted to be cast in Bruce's shadow, and try to be exactly like him. No one will be... But when it comes to keeping people safe and making sure everyone goes home at night without fear they will be attacked, I don't mind putting on this suit and fighting for this cause. I'm far from a business man or politician, but I think this is something I can do. I'll make sure stuff like this never happens to you or anyone else again."

[EasilyAmused]

“I appreciate what Bruce did. He was a rather good at helping out the people of the city. I remember him showing up to meetings about public awareness for drugs and crime. He would invest a lot of time in trying to help prevent crime on the streets and had Wayne Enterprises working on high security technology to help increase the town’s safety. If it wasn’t for him this town would be a lot worse off…” A smile moved across her face as she reached out a hand and placed it gently upon one of his that was holding the vase. “I see a lot of Bruce in you; you’re a wonderful person just like him and are just what this city needs.”

Isn’t it funny that she would say something like that to Dick but yet talk a lot of crap towards his alter-ego. “I think we’ll have to hold off on the pool until I get better. And I’m sorry for all the stuff you have to do. They’re supposed to let me out later this afternoon. Do you want to go out to dinner? I could use a happy night with a friend in comparison to what I’ve been dealing with lately.” Her hazel eyes were practically begging for him to say yes. She needed to go out, she needed to have fun just… just one more night before she committed to something she couldn’t turn back from.

[Jones Sparrow]

Her words were kind and flattering, but he didn't really agree and yell "thank you!" Bruce Wayne was a man similar to Dick, but he has done so much more. Suffered so much more, was so much more. A lot of people said that to him though. He was like his son... Again he should take that as a compliment, but after all he's done so far as the new protector, he didn't feel like a Bruce Jr.

He gave a soft smile and nod thanks, and he stared down at the hand that grabbed his. It was still soft and warm after spending weeks in the hospital. He hesitated on her offer. He knew who she was, going out was dangerous now, with the possibility of Harvey making an appearance... But her eyes begged him. And after hearing he was the only one to visit, Dick gave a smile and nodded. "I have a speech to give to a bunch of executive funders. I can pick you up later that night at 6?"

[EasilyAmused]

Would the pleading eyes actually work? He was the first person to visit her after being in the hospital for so long and for understandable reasons her father didn't show up to check up on her. Instead the only person to do so was non-other than the person she hadn't really expected. He should be so busy with all the important things that come with inheriting a billionare's lifestyle that worrying about possible friends shouldn't be on his priority list. But here he was, and agreeing for them to go out to dinner. Just a final hurrah for her before she made her choice. Oh she was going to miss him and his kindness... "Great." She said softly as she let go of his hand and slowly reached over to the pen and pad of paper. Eat to her bed. "Here's my address." With they she wrote down the address to her flat and handed it to him. "Don't be late." Was her teasing response as he took it from her. After a bit of light conversation he left and Abbie prepared to return home.

Ugh this night! Why did she ask him to do this!? Well she knew why but at the same time she needed and wanted this as well. Taking in a deep breath she checked her hair, her make up and her clothes; finally deciding on a white jacket top with a silver skirt and matching high heeled shoes. It felt nice to wear something long sleeved, it made her feel less ashamed that her arms were still in bandages. "Tonight, tonight you will have a good time out with a cute guy, than later tonight... Well it's not as fun but it has to be done." She said to herself in the mirror and nodding at her reflection. Before she hated herself, she wished to enjoy herself one last night.

6pm arrived and the blonde locked the door behind her and climbed into the elevator to press the down button. The cage roared to life and she decended downwards to wait for Dick to arrive to pick her up. Tonight, tonight Abbie Dent was going to enjoy herself because it will be her last night for who-knows how long.

[Jones Sparrow]

He wasn't going to say no to Abbie. He had a lot of reasons to, the most important being that she was the daughter of the man Dick Grayson hated the most... but the fact that he was her only guest and her pleading eyes and the way she helped him during that night got to him. This was a bit of a dangerous decision that he was making, but this was going to be his way of thanking her for a number of things. He gently took the piece of paper from her hand, placing it in inner breast pocket, and giving a soft smile. He spend a few more minutes making sure she was going to be alright, and then he walked out. Now was the more difficult part of the day: being a business man.

---

"What you're asking, Mr. Grayson, isn't quite possible at this time--"

"I think I'm being very reasonable in my plans for this company. The numbers are here, ladies and gentlemen. What's worse, the results of those numbers are all around us in this city."

"Ever since Batman left, crime rates have been in a stalemate, the only large incident was the Two-Face one at the pier--" A shareholder said.

"There have been 17 unsolved kindapping in the past three weeks. Since the Abigail Dent case, that number went down... one." Dick said, standing up, obviously frustrated at the group of old men and women that were apart of the chair. Dick made a large presentation to give to the chairmen of Wayne Enterprises of his plans, but all seemed a bit torn. "I know we are all afraid of what will happen. Burce-- Mr. Wayne is gone, Batman gone, and now everyone's at a standstill. But I guarantee you that crimes are still going. I guarantee you that all the villains Batman put in Arkham will come back and try to take advantage of this city. Commissioner Gordon and his police force is the best this city has ever had, but if they don't get funded, Gotham will go back to the state Bludhaven has been in for years. We need to fund the GCPD, and the institutions that are housing these master criminals, places like Arkham. " Gray said, placing a hand on the table.

Everyone looked uneasy. They were surprised to see Dick Grayson walking in here and promoting to fund crime fighting, actually have a plan, and know what he was talking about. But like a lot of people in Gotham (both good and bad people), they were hesitant. What if they fund something they don't need? Or they don't fund something and the villains all team up to take advantage of Batman being gone? The only one who didn't look worried or angry at Dick was Lucius Fox. CEO of Wayne Enterprises.

He was also the gadget creator for Batman, and now Nightwing. He simply leaned back in his chair, looking down at the statistics and then up at the presentation. "When I first arrived in Gotham, this city was very far from being the place it was today... Crooked cops, politicians, criminals betraying criminals... It was not a great place. When Commissioner Gordon took control things got better, and when funding for the police department started thanks to Mr. Wayne, it was much better. And then Batman appeared and the city was saved. I agree with Mr. Grayson. We need to keep funding the police, we have to keep Gordon as police chief... and I think that Nightwing is here to stay. We should put faith in him as Bludhaven did."

Dick gave a small hint of a smile towards Lucius, and Lucius returned it. The shareholders all looked around, some nodding or shaking their heads to others, until Lucius couldn't take it anymore. "All in favor of Mr. Grayson's plan?" 12 of the 15 people there raised their hands. Dick gave a small pat to the table in triumpth, and Lucius gave a grin. "Looks like we will be following your lead, Mr. Grayson. All you have to do now is address the public."

---

Dick wasn't expecting that meeting to go well. There was countless hours of negotiating, talking, and thank god that at the end Lucius managed to sway most of them. He was not a business man, but he was glad that Lucius was, and was a lot like Bruce and Dick in their views of crime fighting. Now he was able to relax with... the daughter or Harvey Dent. Would he be able to relax? Sure. Dick always kept his cool around bad guys... But depending on certain women he found attractive, that could end badly.

Dick Grayson pulled up to Abbie's apartment in his car, memorizing the address she gave him earlier today. He climbed out of his car, taking his time to make sure his suit was nice, and hair was at least presentable, and then walked in to the lobby to meet up with Abbie.

[EasilyAmused]

Abbie tapped her fingers against the bar as she watched the numbers click down to the lower floor. There was a lot on her plate at the moment. Between the pain from her injuries and the tightness in her stomach, she really didn’t want to deal with this. At this point she didn’t have much of a choice. She had to pick one side or the other and she was really hoping she was making the correct decision.

Right now she was making the only choice she knew would turn out completely positive and that was spending time with Dick before she made her choice. All things considered, she didn’t expect him to be the one who showed up at her hospital bed to say hi and check up on her. He had more important things to do then see her… right? Well, maybe he did actually enjoy her company, maybe he actually liked being around her… but that couldn’t affect her choice. Her choice needed to happen and she had to enjoy herself with him just… just once more before she made her ultimate choice.

The bell dinged above her, pulling her out of her thought pattern and the door slid open revealing the waiting lobby. Smiling, she adjusted her strap on her shoulder as she slid gracefully out of the elevator. It is funny how much your live changes after you find out your father is a super-villain and mob leader. Huh.

“Staying classy with the suite are we?” She asked playfully with a smile in her voice as she came up behind him. “I hope everything went well today; thank you for coming out with me tonight. I’ve spent way too much time in the hospital that getting out and with a friend really means a lot to me.” A small nod and a grateful smile indicated that that wasn’t lying. “So, what would you like for dinner? I know of a few great restaurants. Seafood, Steak, Pasta, Japanese, Greek; what sounds good?”

[Jones Sparrow]

Dick had his hands in his pockets, tapping his foot, and looking around the lobby. A lot of people not even noticing who he was, and after the stressful day he had, he liked being in the shadows, much like his alter ego. He checked his watch on his wrist casually, and then heard the voice of Abigail Dent. He turned to face her, yet again amazed by her beauty. he gave a small laugh and shrugged. "The meeting ran a bit late so I wasn't able to drive home and switch into some skater shoes, jean shorts and the t-shirt with the jelly stain on it." Dick said jokingly, looking at her once more. "You look great for someone who just got out of the hospital... I mean, you look good all the time, but... I'm bad at compliments." Dick admitted, giving an embarrassed smile. "As for dinner plans, I have never had Greek styled food. Is it any good?" He asked innocently. Dick was a man that always seemed to try new and creative things, mostly when it came to crime fighting, but when it came to social events, club parties were probably the only thing he specialized in thanks to his teenage years.

"My day went rather well. Sitting in a stuffy office with 15 old men trying to propose police funding was like I was asking them to shoot themselves in the head... But it finally worked out." Dick said as they walked out of the lobby and towards his car. Taking out the keys he pressed a button and the doors opened by themselves. He looked over at Abbie with a grin, and motioned for her to get in. "After you, Miss Dent."

[EasilyAmused]

His comment about his change of clothing made her grin and when he tried to compliment her while not really knowing what to say, she couldn’t help but giggle softly and felt her face turn a small shade of pink. “Thank you…” She said softly staring down at her shoes in a bit of shyness. It was funny to think he wasn’t good at complimenting and at the same time, she wasn’t used to getting compliments outside of a party area where it’s just standard to when you attend someone’s party.

Smiling brightly at him, she followed him out to the car and when he clicked the button and the doors open she let out a small laugh. “Nice ride, love the color.” She said with a nod as climbed into the passenger’s seat and buckled in. “I’m glad the meeting went well even though you had to deal with a bunch of tough people.” She gave a nod before they started out of the waiting area. “You’ll like this restaurant, the food is wonderful and it’s kind of a hole in the wall.”

Between the light conversation they had and her directions, they arrived to the outside of the restaurant in a older looking building. “I promise, it’s more than meets the eye.” She said excitedly as she climbed out of the car, the building was an older building in downtown Gotham, it was in need of a remodel but the brown brick building design gave it a much more classic look compared to the rest of the new buildings around it. She hurried to the door to have it open with a young man in a pair of black slacks and a white dress shirt with a black bow tie.

“Welcome to Athena’s.” The man said brightly as he gave Dick a head bow as he arrived. “Table for two?”

“Yes please.” Abbie said with a grin as she looked up Dick and the two followed the Host into the restaurant.

The restaurant, despite the outside it was busy and beautiful inside. The restaurant showed a lot of beauty and elegance as they arrived inside and were lead to a corner table lit by candles along the wall and a gentle look chandelier.

As they took their seats across from each other the young man placed down the menu and explained the specials that were running in the evening. Upon him leaving she took a section to observe everything around them; people were talking and laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Flirting and whispering sweet nothings… she’d miss this, she really would. Moving her hazel gaze back to Dick she gave him a grin. “I really like the Athenian Platter.” She explained pointing at the picture display on the menu. “Goes great with a red wine.”

[Jones Sparrow]

When they arrived at the restaurant, Dick gave a skeptical look, but then again he knew that looks could be deceiving. He followed her into the building, and saw the place was actually very nice. It had a beauty to it, and Dick gave a smile to the host, giving a small bow in return. The two made it to their table, and sat down. He once again thanked the host and the two were now alone. He eyed the menu, some of it was in Greek, and due to his extensive training with Bruce long ago he recognized some of the words or phrases. He looked up at he when she made her suggestion. "Is that so? Well, I guess I'll have that then." Dick said with a smile, placing the menu down. "So how're you feeling? It good to be back in the land of the living?" He joked, knowing just the feeling of having to stay in place for a long time.

[EasilyAmused]

Half of her couldn't believe he was actually sitting here with her, and the other half was incredibly grateful that she had made a new friend that was willing to spend time with her. It tugged at her heart to think of the decision she had to make here before the night was out... No, now is not the time to think about that. Now is the time to enjoy herself with an attractive nice fun young man in a suit.

Placing down the menu she gave him a good grin, "It's very nice, much nicer than anything else. Plus now I have company aside from nurses and doctors in a horrible smelling hospital." She opened her mouth to continue before the water arrived. She placed their orders and the waiter left to retrieve the wine for them. Her gaze moved back to him as a gentle hand ran through her hair before twirling a bit of the end around her finger in a playful manner. "Doesn't seem like society has turned you into a diva just yet. I'm glad to see I haven't lost the good guy to the billionare's diva status while I was out of commission."

[Jones Sparrow]

"Fair enough. I've had my fair shares in hospitals... BludHaven was a dangerous place. That and I was a dumb kid before Bruce found me after..." His voice trailed off, but he coughed and smiled. "But yeah, I'm sure its nice to be out and about." The waiter came back and they ordered their meal, and once again they were alone. Her comment made him laugh, shaking his head with a large smile, a part of his mind thought the way she played with her hair was cute, but he didn't feel like telling her that... "Oh believe me, they have tried, but failed. I'm a hard man to break." Dick said half jokingly.

"When I read about how Bruce left everything to me I wasn't so sure that I wanted to do this. To live in a mansion and fake a smile and pretend to be a billionaire when I know I'm not. But this came with benefits. And I think those benefits are why Bruce stayed when there's so much darkness and corruption in this city. The parties are fun, you meet some decent people from time to time, and you have the ability to change things." Dick said quietly with a nod, then shaking his head. "I'm sorry, It's just been an long day and apparently business is still on my mind. No, I'm not a diva, and you'll be happy to hear that I will try my very best to stay away from that path. Don't expect me on a tabloid magazine any time soon."

[EasilyAmused]

Dick didn’t seem like someone who enjoyed talking about his past and when he cut himself off from speaking she merely gave him a nod of understanding. It wasn’t long before he continued talking, sharing more about himself than she had expected and when he apologized she couldn’t help but give him a soft grin as she reached out and patted his hand gently with hers. “It’s okay; you went from 0 to 100 in less than a week so I can understand you being overwhelmed. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be looking for you dumping coffee on someone’s head in a tabloid.” She said with a teasing smile across her full lips as she pulled her hand off of him and leaned back against the booth’s seat as the waiter arrived and poured them each a half glass of wine.

“To Dick Grayson not becoming a diva.” She said holding up her glass to him. The small clink could barely be heard over the talking and laughter that was happening around them. It was nice to be out and about with someone she enjoyed her time with. And, sadly enough, she wasn’t sure how many more of these she would get. “Now that you’ve got a lot of the business out of the way,” She began as she placed her sipped wine glass down onto the table and turned her gaze to his face. “What’s next in your adventures?”

[Jones Sparrow]

"I mean if the coffee shop gets my order wrong I might dump it in on them in frustration." Dick said jokingly, thanking the man who poured their drinks. He gave a smile and clinked his drink with Abbie's before taking a sip. He looked over at Abbie for a second, as if examining her for a second. His crime fighting brain told him that she was a dangerous person. She was the daughter of Harvey Dent. She could make one call and kill anyone she wanted thanks to Two-Face's goons... But she also had a lot of sadness in her face. Whenever she let go of the constant smile on her face, when she was looking around he saw how she really felt. What was she thinking? He didn't think she knew about her father's alter ego as weird as that seemed. She may be just trying to take in all that's happened, and what she's found out. She may not be a dangerous person personally, but he could never be too careful, especially after all he's seen.

"My adventures will include trying to help clean the streets by funding the police and other sources." He thought about the encounter with Doctor Strange that happened weeks ago at her party, and wondered if he would be someone to look in to. He gave off a weird vibe, though, so he didn't really want to bring him up. "I'll also be probably going to a lot more parties, charity events, and board meetings in the future. But that's the beauty of it, right? Of the future? You don't know where you're going later one, but you know where you're going now." Dick looked at her with a soft smile before taking another sip of his wine. "How about you?"

[EasilyAmused]

His talk about the coffee shop made her giggle slightly as her hands played with the bottom of the wine glass. Half of her wanted to be flirtatious, fun and bubbly. She couldn’t deny that he was attractive and fun to be around; but at the same time, she was dealing with a lot of different things and difficult things right now. A small shiver shook her body as she looked back around the restaurant; her face would drop slightly, showing that she had a lot on her mind and what it was wasn’t exactly the most pleasant.

But when she would look back at Dick, she couldn’t help but smile. Seeing him made her happy despite all the things she was currently going through. He seemed like a genuine person and that was something she really respected about him. And something she hoped would never change. “Me?” She asked, a little surprised that the question turned on her. “Oh I’ve just got a lot on my plate right now. So I guess we’ll just see how the future plays out.” With that she reached her hand across the table, placing it gently upon his. “Personally, I like the present.”

[Jones Sparrow]

There was obviously something going on with Abigail Dent. She gave smiles and nods whenever they looked at eachother, but whenever she glanced around the room, there was a split second of sadness and dread. As if she was taking it all in for the last time... He couldn't help but analyze everything, but not everything he noticed were depressing. He noticed that whenever Abby was complimented she scrunched her nose up a little bit when smiling thank you. Every once in a while when she seemed uncertain or nervous, her fingers would mess around with her earlobe... She has small little dimples whenever she smiles... and her eyes light up whenever she laughs... But, these were small, unimportant things he's just happened to notice.

His suspicions grew when her response to his question started to be very vague, but his mind stopped when her hand went over his. His main reaction was to yank his hand back, but fortunately he played it cool and his hand flinched very very subtly. His intense blue eyes locked into Abby's warm brown ones, giving a small shrug and smile. "I've been moving too fast recently to stop and enjoy where I am now..." Dick started, his hand turning underneath Abby's so that he could gently grab it, running his thumb gently across her fingers. "But the present is treating me good so far..." He didn't really know what he was doing. He knew full well who she was, but he was willing to take a risk. She looked beautiful, and although she had an off vibe to her, it wasn't anything threatening or evil... And this was harmless right now.

[EasilyAmused]

It was nice to hear that the present was treating him well. And his smile, god that smile; a girl could get lost in it. Abbie found herself unconsciously smiling back at him, unsure of really why but it happened. Though as quickly as it came, it lowered slightly as her free hand went to play gently with her earlobe and earring. This was supposed to be a nice night, she couldn’t let this get to her; not now; especially when he gently held her hand.

The night went well, the hand-holding continued and she felt lighter than air despite what was weighing her down. Her body would turn slightly in her chair depending on the topics at hand and her body would tense slightly with his movement, as if not wanting him to move or leave. There was even a point in the evening where she had to excuse herself to use the restroom and give herself a pep-talk in the mirror, reminding herself this was supposed to be a good team between the two of them and she couldn’t let him see her cry. Happiness was her focus right now, not the sadness she was going to experience soon. The night ended well, and no matter how much she insisted he wouldn’t let her pay and they left the restaurant climbing back into his car.

“Thanks for tonight.” She said softly as she leaned back in the comfortable seat as he drove her back to her flat. “I really needed this and I really needed some good company.” One hand played delicately with the rim of her skirt while the other lightly played with her earlobe. She found herself staring out the window more than looking at him, maybe it was because she didn’t want to distract him by engaging him in conversation while he was driving… or it was because she couldn’t look at him at this moment; she might cry.

They pulled into the parking area and she climbed out the vehicle. Normally she’d invite him inside, but she couldn’t… she just couldn’t. “Thanks again Dick. Have a great rest of your night…” With that she turned around and started inside. She was about half way to the door when she stopped. Her heart pulled at her chest, she couldn’t take it anymore.

Turning around she called to him. “Wait.” With that she returned to him, closing the gap between them she reached up and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him down… into a kiss. Their lips touched and it took all of Abbie’s will power not to break down at that moment. After a few moments of holding the kiss, she pulled back and let go of his shirt. “G—good night…” She said softly, stumbling over the words before going inside the building and into the elevator without looking back. As soon as the door shut, leaving the blonde in the elevator alone she broke down crying. This isn’t how she wanted to say good bye to Dick but she didn’t have a choice. Good byes meant he wouldn’t get hurt…

----

The top of the Police Station was silent compared to the loud echoes of the streets around it; Batman is gone, but Nightwing is here… and Robin’s still here. The Bat-Signal flickered twice in the air.

Tim’s phone exploded on his hip and he activated it under his mask as he was out on patrol. “Barbara what’s up?”

“The Bat-Signal just flickered…”

“I’m on it. Why do you sound stressed…”

“It wasn’t my dad…”

Robin stopped what he was doing, leaving a small pause in the conversation. “Huh… I’m on my way, call Dick.” With that he hung up the phone and he was off.

Robin dropped down on the roof of the police station and looked around before his eyes fell on a figure. “Robin.” A female’s voice said as the figure turned around. Robin’s eyes fell upon a blonde curved body in a white business suit with straight blonde hair, white tennis shoes and a familiar face. “We need to talk.”

“I bet we do Miss Dent.”

[Jones Sparrow]

The night went well under the circumstances, and the weird feeling Dick was having. Abby wasn't telling him something, but then again he couldn't blame her. She has had a ton thrown at her, and has been alone for a while. But whenever she was engaged in a conversation with Dick, or looking towards him, her sadness seemed to vanish. The food was delicious as Abby promised, and they seemed to hold hands at every chance they could get. Dick mostly did to to help Abby calm down, but there was the back of his mind that enjoyed feeling her hand in his, and seeing that beautiful smile. When the food was all gone, Dick absolutely refused to let Abby pay. It was his way to pay back for the party he was invited to, and the coffees she bought so long ago. Plus, it felt like the Wayne fortune was limitless. He could pay for a nice dinner and a couple glasses of wine.

They climbed back into Dick's car, and they drove in mostly silence, which Dick was fine with. He could get his thoughts together, and try to figure out what Abby was so focused on. "It's my pleasure, Abby. Welcome back to the land of the living." He said jokingly to her thank you. Dick parked right outside of her apartment building, and the young billionaire climbed out of the car with Abby out of respect. "Goodnight, Abby. I had a great time." He said with a smile, and as she turned to walk, Dick did the same thing, walking to the driver's side door. Before he could open it he heard the blonde say "Wait." and before he could register what was happening she grabbed the front of his shirt, and their lips touched... And it felt better than what he guessed. her lips were like velvet, big and full. It had a hint of flavor, something sweet like honey. He guessed that it was her lip balm, her lipstick, or something from her dinner. Either way he enjoyed it.

She pulled away said her final goodnight, and left without looking back. Dick stood there, watching her walk into the elevator and leave his sights. Dick Grayson smoothed out the front of his shirt, his eyes still fixed on the elevator, and then climbed back into the car.

-----

"Hey, Barb."

"The Signal flickered just a few seconds ago. It wasn't my dad. He knows He's gone."

"I'll check it out, tell Tim--"

"He's already on his way there. Hurry, though. I don't know who we're up against."

Minutes later the Night Cycle zoomed down the street, navigating through in between cars and alleyways. If Gordon didn't activate the Bat Signal, who did? Everyone knew that Batman was gone... But people did know his allies were still around. This was an interesting way to get their attention, and it worked.

Nightwing appeared to the scene to see Tim Drake standing in front of a woman dressed in white. White suit, white shoes, white everything... Upon further inspection, Dick's heart dropped. Leaving him a bit sad that he knew something was going on with her earlier. "Miss Dent. Glad to see you made a full recovery." Nightwing said, walking up next to Robin. "What exactly do we need to talk about?"

[EasilyAmused]

Abbie had crossed her arms staring down Robin, she couldn’t believe she was doing this. Her heart was racing, her head was pounding but she had to remain calm.

“Tim, turn on your scanner under your mask.” Barbara said into the earpiece which Robin followed directions.

“I don’t have anything on me, but scan me if you want.” Abbie said sounding annoyed with the formalities.

“We can’t be too careful Miss Dent, especially with…”

“Who my father is, I get it.” Her voice sounded irritated but her crossed arms and swaying feet said she was sad.

“Tim, she doesn’t have anything on her, not even a bracelet or earring that could hide a listening device. And the only thing within a five mile radios is a cat about two miles east. Well that and Dick on his bike…”

That’s when Nightwing arrived and Abbie turned her hazel-green gaze to him. Her lips pushed together has he spoke. Letting go of her lips she spoke to him, “It’s still tender; looks like you’re back on your feet though. That’s good to see Nightwing.” Yes she used his name, no insults, no bickering, no rude comments; she used his name.

“We need to talk about the situation at hand.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “I know you don’t have any reason to trust me but I’m now in a place where I can finally help. With my father being…” Her voice cracked slightly, her attention moved to her feet. Nothing was more obvious than she was in pain; pain from finding out who her dad actually was. “who he is means that I have an insight into the underbelly of Gotham. This means I can help.” Her gaze moved back up to the two heroes. “There’s a lot happening, and some big things are going to go down. Now I’m in the middle of it. My father wants me to help, learn to take over the family business and… I can’t, I have… Someone---” Her drug out a bit before taking in a deep breath and letting it out to calm herself down. “I care about and I don’t want him to get hurt.”

“I have some ideas and would like to prove to you that I’m on your side.” She locked eyes with Nightwing, knowing full well that he was the one most likely to make the decision and she found herself holding her breath in anticipation.