Words: 3366
Pairing: Dick Grayson x (f)Stark!Reader
Featuring: Natasha Romanoff, Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd (mentioned)
Chapter Summary: Now that your first date is done, the world is more curious about this mysterious relationship. On this date, you go to Gotham for a mini-tour and a dinner, but you end up staying longer than planned.
Warnings: Jason's death/revival is mentioned, but it is not graphic.
Author's Note: Jason and his death is mentioned in this part, and I use say the "cover-up" for his death was a skiing accident. Tim and Damian even make a quick appearance!
*Edited*
---
While you weren't an Avenger, you spend a decent amount of time at the Avengers Compound and training with them. Even if you weren't going out to fight world threats, you could defend yourself, and it gave you something to do and practice. Besides, you liked having time to yourself in the training room or working with others.
"I saw the interview you did the other day," Natasha said as she dodged one of your punches. "You really thought of everything."
"What do you mean?" You asked between heavy breaths.
It took Natasha a moment to respond since both of you were so focused on the spar. "Your backstory to this relationship with Mr. Grayson," She clarified. "You guys really put it all together."
"We had to," You said. "Needed to make it believable, so we have to be on the same page on how we started dating, you know?" You told her. While most people believed in the ruse, there were a few people who knew the truth. A few Avengers, because it would be weird if your close friends didn't know and of course Dick's family, but past that, it was a secret.
"I think you pulled it off very well," Natasha said, then took a step back to give both you and her a break. "Almost like it's already true."
You rolled your eyes as you walked over to grab your water bottle. "Not funny," You said.
"I wasn't being funny. You play the role very well," She complimented, but you weren't having it.
"Thanks," You replied. "But I still can't stand him. Once we finish our last three dates, it's over and back to not caring," You told her.
Natasha smirked at you. "Mhm," She hummed when she walked into the adjoining locker room to wrap up her training. Trying to ignore her, you followed to freshen up.
The Avengers who knew about the ruse didn't make a big deal of the whole situation, but those who didn't were curious. They were confused about how you went from hating each other to going on public dates, and all you could say was that you've been secretly dating for a while, and that's why you've had to pretend to hate each other. Overall, it was a very confusing lie.
"What's your next date?" Natasha asked as you both cooled down.
"We're going to Gotham for dinner, and he's going to show me around before since it can get a little crazy after dark," You said. "I haven't been there too much, so I'm excited to see the city."
Natasha smiled. "Well, that will be fun. But do be careful; it can get crazy over there. I've seen a lot of news reports; I'm surprised your dad is even letting you go," She said.
You shrugged. "This was his idea; the least he can do is let us choose where our dates are," You said. Tony was a bit worried, but he trusted you and knew you two would be careful. Imagine the headlines if something went wrong...
---
The second date was already much less awkward than the first one. It was earlier in the day, so you two could walk around Gotham without too much worry, and so Dick could show you around easily. He started with Wayne Enterprises since it was a big building, but that was just the starting point. He didn't take you inside, which you didn't really care about, and he gave you background on what he knew about Gotham.
As you guys walked, you occasionally posed for pictures for fans or paparazzi. Typically, you wouldn't get as much attention if you weren't with your dad, but ever since this ruse started, it happened a lot more. Especially since you were out walking with Dick. It was bound to capture some stares and strange looks.
He told you about the circus he grew up in and that they were performing in Gotham the night his parents died, and Bruce was at the show. It was a difficult transition, but he got through it and enjoys being in Gotham, even if he doesn't live there anymore. He told you about the school he went to and where he'd go to escape Bruce in his teenage days. He even gave you some rundowns on where many of the Gotham villains would hang out if they weren't in Arkham like most of them are now, but you weren't surprised with the information he had on that. It was Gotham; the reports outside of Gotham were: if there wasn't a criminal on every corner, were you really in Gotham?
Then he took you to a nice restaurant for dinner, and you were already more relaxed than last time. You two had more time to comprehend the situation and work through what these dates were. He complimented the interview you had the other day, where you talked about your relationship and how you handled yourself online. It was a bit strange for you two to interact on social media, but you were doing it on a lot more posts. Likes and comments really changed how people saw your relationship, which was nice, and it was kind of fun being able to play a part.
You two went back and forth, talking about life since the last time you saw each other. You talked about Stark Industries and The Avengers, and even if you aren't on the team, you still enjoy training with them to defend yourself. It was obvious how much you loved being at the Avengers Compound with your friends and training with whoever had the time or watching a movie at night with someone who wasn't busy. Though you love being at Stark Tower with your dad, all your friends are at Avengers Compound way more often.
Dick talked about Blüdhaven, where he's lived for a few years. He had been back and forth between there and Gotham much more recently, thanks to this ruse. Bruce wanted to make sure the ruse wasn't disrupting his life or making it hard on him, but he also enjoyed being in Gotham to see Damian and Tim.
Though you two didn't like each other, this date was going much better than either of you expected. This ruse was working better than anyone could have expected; it's even working on you!
Without realizing it, you two stayed and talked at the restaurant much later than you intended. You were hoping to get back to New York tonight, and since it's over an hour's drive, you needed to leave at a decent time. But when you looked at your phone and saw it was already dark outside and maybe not entirely safe to be driving through, you knew you would have to wait until morning.
"Well, I stayed much later than I meant to," You told Dick as you two were getting ready to leave. You were there for at least an hour after you guys were done eating, just chatting. It was weird; why didn't you leave earlier? Did you really lose track of time that badly? "Is there a good hotel around here that you recommend?" You asked.
Dick looked at you, confused, as he put his jacket on. "No," He said. "Not for you to stay in alone, at least. Especially since you're the Stark, that would be dangerous," Dick said. "I'll call Bruce, and you can stay at the Manor tonight; that's the best option," He declared. Before you could tell him no, he put his hand up. "Don't worry; we have plenty of room. I'll make sure Alfred knows, and he'll make up a room for you."
You knew he was right about Wayne Manor being the safest place for you to stay. You wouldn't admit it, but staying in a hotel in a city you barely know scared you a bit, mainly because of the reputation Gotham holds. You decided it was best not to argue and let Dick call Bruce and Alfred.
Alfred was the one to pick you up from the restaurant, so at least he knew from there, and he said he would make up the room when you all got back. He informed you Bruce was still busy working, which should have confused you from it being so late, but it didn't because your dad does the same thing. He said that Tim and Damian might pop in to say hello, but that would probably be about it. That was all good to you; you just needed a safe place to sleep for the night.
Alfred left you and Dick in the main living room while he got the guest room was made up for you. You two sat in silence as you scrolled through your phones, and you were looking at the replies from the picture from your walk around Gotham today. "You're back later than I thought you would be, Dick," A voice made you jump and look up from the sudden entrance. You calmed down when you noticed it was Tim. "Oh, hey, I didn't know you were coming here."
"Wasn't the plan; dinner ended late, and it wasn't smart for me to drive back to New York tonight. I'll be going back in the morning," You explained. "But it's good to see you, Tim! I haven't seen you in a while."
Tim nodded. "Yeah, you too. We've been busy, but I'm sure we'll run into each other at some party soon," Tim said. Before it could get awkward, Alfred appeared behind him to let you know your room was ready if you wanted to head up there.
Alfred led you up to your room, which was next to Dick's, and down the hall from Tim and Damian's to make it easy if you needed anything or got lost. He found some pajamas for you to wear, and once you changed, he would put your clothes in the washer so you had them for tomorrow. It was an eventful day, and you were ready to go to bed pretty much immediately. You thanked Alfred for everything, plugged your phone into the charger he gave you, and shut off the lights. After looking through your phone for a little longer, you fell asleep.
---
You woke up in the middle of the night to a loud noise. Part of you believed it was just wind, but it didn't sound like wind entirely, and it was freaking you out. You tried to ignore it and go back to sleep, but the sound continued, and you couldn't get it out of your mind that something was causing the noise, and it wasn't wind.
You decided to see if Dick heard the noise because if he knew what it was, it would calm you down a bit. You opened your door quietly, your phone in hand, and walked a few steps to his room. You knocked on the door a few times, trying to be just loud enough to wake him but not too loud. "Dick?" You asked in a hushed voice, and when there was no response, you knocked some more. Finally, you just pushed the door open since you were getting in your own head.
To your surprise, the room was empty. You weren't quite sure how to feel about that, but you didn't have time to decide before the noise echoed again and made you jump. Maybe someone was just in the kitchen for a late-night snack and was making a ruckus. As you made your way down the hall, you noticed Tim and Damian's doors open and their rooms empty, too. You retraced your steps from earlier to figure out how to get to the kitchen, and by sheer luck, you didn't get lost.
You were even more confused about all the noise when you noticed it was loudest where you were, but the kitchen and surrounding rooms were empty. You tried your hardest to convince yourself it was just the wind, and it was loudest here from the big windows, and hoped some water would calm your nerves. You searched the kitchen for a few minutes for a glass and filled it at the sink, then sat at the breakfast bar to drink your water and look through some more social media.
You were only halfway through your glass when you heard voices.
"We've had Gotham handled; most of our guys are still in Arkham. You should be able to get back to Blüdhaven soon. Someone will notice when Nightwing is spending more time in Gotham while Richard Grayson is also here," You heard. You looked around, unsure where Damian's voice was coming from, and the whole layout of the Manor confused you.
You heard a loud noise of a door opening, and when you looked around again, you saw the grandfather clock in the connecting room moving. "Yeah, I'll get back soon. It doesn't hurt for me to help out sometimes, though," Dick's voice rang from the clock.
"We've got it covered," Damian replied as they walked out of the clock.
You were putting together everything they said and trying to figure out what they meant. As you pieced it together, your jaw dropped as you continued to stare. You locked eyes with Dick as you stared at the secret door. Next to him was Damian, and behind them was Alfred.
Dick's eyes widened when he saw you and realized you heard them talking. "Oh, hey," Dick said and put his hand on the back of his neck. "How much of that did you hear?"
"Assuming by her reaction, Master Dick, I'm going to say all of it," Alfred responded.
"Thanks, Alfred."
"Oh, my god," You breathed out and shook your head to make sure you were seeing and hearing clearly. "Dick, you're...you're Nightwing?" You asked, and he didn't reply, just looked down with a sigh. You turned your head to Damian. "And Damian...you're Robin?" You asked.
Damian also didn't reply, but he didn't have to. "Oh, my god. Bruce is Batman," You concluded.
Alfred gave one nod before he spoke. "I will go let Master Bruce know of the situation," He said before excusing himself and walking back into the clock.
Dick walked over and sat on the chair next to you while Damian stayed back, not saying anything. "I thought you were asleep," Dick said.
"I was, but then I heard a noise, and it woke me up. When I went to ask you if you knew what it was, you weren't in your room. Then I saw that Tim and Damian's rooms were empty, too. It freaked me out," You told him. "So I came down to see if anyone was in the kitchen and decided to get a glass of water."
"I see," Dick said, and before you could add anything more, Bruce and Alfred walked into the room from the clock.
Bruce looked at you, who had wide eyes when you saw him. "Miss Stark, I hear you've figured out a few things."
"Yeah, but you don't need to give me a lecture. I'm not going to tell anyone; you don't have to worry," You promised him.
It looked like Bruce didn't believe you. "You're sure?"
"Yeah, not even going to tell my dad," You shook your head. "He doesn't even really care. I mean, he keeps an eye on the Justice League like I'm sure you do for The Avengers, but he's not too concerned with your secret identities," You said.
Dick turned his head back to you. "He isn't?"
You shrugged. "Surprisingly, not really. I mean, he's curious, but if you stick to your stuff and we stick to ours, he's good. I'm not going to spill your secret, and as soon as our ruse is over, you won't have to worry about me at all."
Bruce stared at you for a few seconds, trying to read and see if you were lying. When he came to his conclusion, he nodded at you. "Alright then, that settles that," He turned.
"That's it, Father?" Damian asked, clearly confused as to why it seemed like Bruce didn't care.
"That's it, Damian," He said and walked back to the clock. "I'll be downstairs; everyone get some sleep. Dick, will you walk her back to her room?"
"Sure," Dick said and stood up, waiting for you to follow.
There was an awkward silence between you two as he led you back through the manor. "So, you've been doing this for a long time. How old were you?" You asked hesitantly.
"Uh, I was nine when I was adopted, so a little bit after I was that," Dick answered.
"Nine?" You nearly yelled, and it made Dick jump. "When I was nine, my dad freaked out if I was in his lab without adult supervision. Even if I was just sitting there!" You said.
Dick chuckled at your response. "Well, Tony and Bruce are a little different."
"I guess so," You said as you neared your room. "Thanks for walking me back."
"Of course."
You started to walk into your room when it hit you, and you stopped walking. "Oh, my god," You breathed out.
Dick also stopped in front of his door. "What?" He asked.
You took a deep breath as you turned to him. "Jason didn't die from a skiing accident, did he?" You asked slowly.
"No," Dick answered, not attempting to hide it. You knew their secret; you were going to put it together.
Your breath hitched as you heard the answer you didn't want. "What happened?"
Dick shook his head, but decided he had to tell you. "Joker," He answered quickly and clearly, not elaborating further.
"And Joker's still alive?" You raised your eyebrow, growing even more upset.
"Yeah, we have a code. Sometime's it's an unfortunate one," He confessed. You nodded and went to walk into your room, done with the conversation. "Uh," He stammered, making you stop and look back at him. "I know you two were pretty good friends, so," He said, like he was working in his head if what he was about to say was right.
"We were. What?" You asked.
Dick took another few seconds to respond and a deep breath. "He's alive."
Your eyes widened again, and you leaned closer. "Wait, so he didn't die?"
"No."
"Ah, revived, then," You concluded, somehow weirdly familiar with hearing that someone you knew came back from the dead. You were used to it by now.
"Yeah," Dick said. "He's been back for a little bit; we're still working through it."
You two stood in silence, thinking, for another minute. "Is he here?"
"In the manor, no. In Gotham, yes," He answered. "I don't know if you've seen it, but he's the Red Hood that's been around."
The name sounded familiar, and you were sure it had come across your radar. You knew as soon as you got back into bed, you would look him up for more explanation. "Thank you for telling me," You said, and Dick pressed his lips together.
"Of course, you deserved to know," He said. "Sleep well."
"You too," You said, and both of you went into your rooms and you got into bed. You quickly pulled up Google on your phone and typed in Red Hood, ready to read every single article about him. It really should have confused you more with him being alive, but you were just happy. You were probably one of the few people in the world not confused or freaked out by people coming back to life, and maybe he'd show up at some part eventually.
As you fell asleep, you had a lot to process. Dick, Damian, Bruce, Jason, and even though you didn't see him, you knew Tim was a part of this, too. You weren't sure your mind would even let you fall asleep with all this information running around your mind, and you tried your hardest. At least in the morning, you'd get back to New York and get to hit some punching bags or spar with a friend as you thought about everything you had learned.