Warnings: She/Her pronouns, Fluff
Song Recommendation: Postcards from Far Away by Cold Play
Rain fell over Gotham city. It's cadence keeping time with the distant honks of car horns. I listened to it's gentle sounds, and the birds that sang happily in its presence. I sat under a gazebo in Gotham's most beautiful city park. The gazebo overlooked a lake, and the trees that lined it. Sketchbook in hand, and a letter F graphite pencil. I enjoyed the gentle cool breeze, and the smell of fresh wet dirt.
My hair was loosely tied up, and I was sketching the landscape that sprawled out before me. Every once in a while I would push up my glasses when they slid down my nose. My callus fingers deftly moved among the paper, and I glanced up and down from the lake to my paper.
Right when I was about to start sketching out the clouds I noticed a man jogging towards the gazebo to escape the rain. His dark hair was slick from the rain, and his shirt clung to his body. He stopped under the safety of the gazebo, and bent over placing his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
I didn't pay him too much attention, and continued my sketching. The sounds of his breathing, the rain, and my pencil surrounded me. Out of my periphery I saw him stand up and run his hand through his hair. He smiled, and swiveled his head in my direction.
I remained focused on my drawing.
"Do you mind if I sit next to you?" He asked, jolting me out of my concentration, "Sorry. I didn't mean to spook you."
Without waiting for an answer he sat next to me at a comfortable distance.
"My name's Dick." He smiled at me.
"(F/N)." I responded curtly, and spared him a glance. His dazzling blue eyes reflected like the sunny glittering rain. For a moment I felt entranced by them, and wished to capture that beauty on canvas.
"I've never met a (F/N) before." He responded with jubilee, and I caught those shining sapphires looking at my sketch, "That's gorgeous."
He smiled, and looked up at the lake, and back down at my sketch. I could see him comparing the two, and amazement overtook his expression.
"It's fine." I said quietly. I stretched the sketch out in front of me to try and look at it from a distance to check my value, "It'll look better once I begin to paint it."
"Honestly, I wouldn't mind hanging that sketch alone in my apartment." He said, and ran his hand through his hair again.
There was a silence, and I decided to go back to my sketching. I could feel his eyes watch me, and it made me feel like a performer. Art comes in many different forms, but usually it was a very personal and private process for me. Despite that, I didn't mind an audience this time.
He leaned back in his seat, and I relaxed my tense shoulders. I'd never shared such a comfortable silence with a stranger before, and it actually felt quite magical. The rain continued to fall, and the sun shone through the clouds. For another ten minutes we sat like that until the rain stopped.
"Well, it was wonderful to meet you (F/N), but I must be going now." Dick said as he stood up and smiled.
"Likewise, Dick." I gave him a small smile, and waved him off as he continued to jog the trail. Everyday for the rest of that week I would come to the same gazebo and continue to study the landscape. Oddly enough, everyday I would also see Dick jogging up the trail, and stop to take a breath at the same gazebo. At the same time every morning like clockwork he would jog up, and stop to say hi.
Eventually, I found out that he was none other than the infamously handsome adopted son of Bruce Wayne. I'd only ever heard about the Wayne family in the news, but Dick Grayson seemed much more of a down to Earth person than I had assumed. He's just like any other citizen of Gotham. Albeit a dangerously attractive citizen of Gotham, but normal none-the-less.
He'd sit by me, and talk to me about my art. He frequently mentioned how he would love to buy my original sketch if I was willing to part with it. I told him that I would be happy to just give it to him once I was finished with the painting. That sketch was more of a way to lay out the values and groundwork for the painting I was about to start.
"Do you create paintings for a living?" Dick asked with a curious glimmer in his eyes.
"That's my dream." I turned to him, giving our conversation my attention, "Right now it isn't enough to sustain myself completely, but I'm really really close. I have a waitress job to help keep me afloat, but my brand in Gotham's art scene is really growing."
"If you don't mind, I could tell Bruce about you. I'm sure he would love to commission you to paint a portrait." Dick said with excitement.
I laughed a little at his enthusiasm.
"I don't usually do portraits, but if Bruce Wayne wants one, I can't decline." I smiled.
There was a pause in our conversation, and I looked at my sketch.
"I think I'm ready to start painting tomorrow." I told Dick.
"You have a beautiful smile." Dick said out of the blue.
I felt my pulse quicken at the compliment, and I had trouble making eye contact with him. My face was surely dusted with pink.
"Th-thanks." I timidly said, and fiddled with my pencil a bit.
"You know, I never got your number." Dick said unfazed by my shy demeanor.
"Oh, of course." I replied, "Here, this is my card."
I handed him my business card, and it had my name, number, email and a beautiful photograph of one of my watercolor paintings on the back. It was a painting of the Gotham skyline at dawn.
When he grabbed it his fingers passed over my own, and it made my heart jump. His hands were callous and warm. I was definitely blushing after that. I felt like a fool, getting flustered over such small things.
"Thanks, (F/N)." Dick smiled, "Well, I should get going, but I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, see you Dick." I waved slightly, and watched as he jogged away.
When the following morning arrived, I got a call from my boss at the diner I waitress at. He asked me to come in early for a double because one of the other waitresses quit. Honestly, I didn't think too much of it besides having to work more.
I was working through the day, and when I went on my break I noticed I got a text from an unfamiliar number.
(219)-773-6969
Hey! This is Dick, from the gazebo at Gotham's Lake Park.
I didn't see you there today, is everything alright?
*8:09 a.m.
I felt my pulse quicken at his concern for me, and I couldn't help but smile.
Me
Hi Dick! Sorry I got called into wrk early today
*just now
I put Dick's number into my contacts while I waited for him to respond.
Ocean Eyes
No worries, I just missed talking to you this morning
Where do you work? Maybe I'll stop by
*just now
When I read his text I felt adrenaline rush through me. He missed me? He wanted to stop by my work too?
Me
I work at the Stonework Diner on Clancy Ave
I wouldn't recommend eating anything tho
It's all pretty trash food, but our coffee's great!
*just now
"(F/N)! You're break's up! We got customers!" Our cook, Q, yelled to me.
"I'll be right there!" I responded just as impatiently. I stood up, and tied my apron back around my waist, and checked my hair in my hand mirror. I slipped my phone into my apron pocket, and made my way to greet the customers.
Once I got them settled with their drinks, and put in their order I heard my phone ding with a notification. I slipped it out, in the back of the house, and looked at who texted me.
Ocean Eyes
Well, I like coffee
I'm on my way rn
*11:42 a.m.
I felt like a schoolgirl, getting excited over a boy. However, I couldn't ignore the rush of happiness that went through me when I knew Dick Grayson was coming to visit our crappy diner just to talk to me.
No more than six minutes later, our hostess sat Dick at the counter, and told me that he requested I wait on him. I was carrying some food to a table and told him I'd be with him in a minute. He smiled and waved at me, then turned to read a menu he had in his hands.
I got back and stood at the other side of the counter, and I leaned on it smiling at him.
"Coffee?" I asked with glee.
"You got it." He responded, I turned only a foot away and poured him a mug of coffee, "I never imagined that you worked at a place like ... this."
Dick made a strange face when he said "this", and I laughed at his remark.
"Well, starving artists are still very real, and I've worked here for so long that I feel like it'd only be a hassle to apply anywhere else at this point." I said while setting his coffee down.
"Somehow I feel like you won't be starving for very much longer." Dick said as he proceeded to put a large amount of cream and sugar into his coffee. I giggled at the amount of sugar he was adding, "What's so funny?" He smiled
"Oh nothing, I just never pegged you as someone who likes sugary coffee." I responded.
"Well, I'm sorry that I like flavor." He mocked, "As I was saying, I think you should put in your two weeks notice because I talked to Bruce about you last night."
I felt a spike of excitement, and grinned at his comment.
"Go on." I said.
"Well, I put in a very good word for you, and Bruce wants a commissioned portrait from you. He said that some of his walls in his vast mansion are too bare, and that he wouldn't be opposed to asking for you to paint more than just one piece for him." Dick said, and took a sip of his drink, he grimaced a bit as his coffee was still too bitter for his taste, "I'm sure Bruce will also put in the good word to his famous and famously rich cohorts and friends as well."
"Wow, thank you so much Dick!" I felt almost like crying from joy, "How can I repay you?"
"Well, for starters, you can buy me a frap' after you get off of work." Dick said with a laugh, "I thought you said the coffee was good?"
"Oh I'm sorry, your highness. Please forgive me for my transgressions. I didn't know you preferred coffee flavored sugar instead of real coffee." I said in mock apology, and I made a dramatic bow as well.
"Ha. Ha. You weren't kidding when you said this was a trash diner." Dick looked the place up and down, and made a face of disapproval, "Bruce will be thrilled to know you'll no longer be working here."
Dick stayed for another hour and chatted with me before we got our afternoon rush. He said goodbye, but that he would walk me home after I got off of work at 9:30.
The rest of the day went pretty smooth, and I was in a cheerful mood because of my interaction with Dick. I was so excited to get off of work, and see him that I ended up closing my side of the diner early.
It was dark already, and I waited outside the front entrance.
Me
I got off of work early but
don't feel rushed to get here
*9:13 p.m.
I slipped my phone into my back pocket, and watched the cars wiz by. There weren't many people out tonight, but I wasn't too scared of standing outside by myself. My phone buzzed, and I pulled it out to see Dick's text.
Ocean Eyes
Sure thing! I'm not too far away
Be there in a minute
*just now
I smiled, and sighed looking at his text.
"Hey." An unfamiliar voice said. I looked up to see a man in his late thirties talking to me, "Beautiful night isn't it."
"It is." I said with a little uncertainty. He stood little more than six feet away from me. His hands were in his pockets as he looked up at the city's night sky.
I kept my phone in my hands in case this guy was some thug, and I needed to dial 911.
"My name's Rick." He stepped closer to me as he spoke.
"Mhm." I responded. He was expecting me to introduce my own name, and he grimaced when I neglected to tell him.
"C'mon. What's your name?" He stepped closer to me, putting a hand on my shoulder, "I don't bite."
I tried to step away, but he kept his grip on my shoulder.
"Don't touch me." I said firmly.
"Bitch." He said under his breath, but I still heard him.
He looked like he was about to do something, but he didn't have the chance before a fist connected with his jaw and knocked him onto the sidewalk.
"Get away from her." Dick said as he moved in front of me in my defense.
The man held his jaw in anger, and sat up. He saw Dick and knew he couldn't take him.
"Fuckin' dick." He said before he stood up and hurried his ass away.
Dick watched the man walk away before turning to me.
"Are you okay?" Dick asked in concern.
I sort of stood there for a second in shock, before coming to my senses. I looked up into Dick's eyes, and nodded my head.
"Did you know that guy?" I asked, finally able to talk.
"No, why?" Dick asked confused.
"Well, he called you 'fuckin' dick'. I didn't know if maybe he knew that your name is Dick." I said.
Dick laughed.
"Yeah, probably just a lucky guess." Dick said, "Here, let's leave before he comes back."
Dick started to walk down in the opposite direction, and he held a hand on my back directing me. I was stunned that Dick was so strong. I knew he was fit, but he punched that guy like it was nothing.
"My motorcycle is parked a couple blocks away." He said pointing in front of us.
"A motorcycle?" I said wide eyed, "I've never ridden a motorcycle before."
"Really? Well, I think you'll like it. It's not too difficult to learn to balance on it, so I'm sure you'll be fine. It's like riding a bike." Dick said reassuring me and smiling.
"Okay." I said, "Hey Dick."
"Yeah?" He responded.
"Thanks, back there." I said, looking at my feet, "I mean, you were like a hero. I just sort of froze up when he got that close to me. I'm really glad you showed up when you did because I don't know what he would've done if you hadn't." I shivered at the thought.
"Hey, if I'm there to help you I won't back down. People like that deserve to get punched." Dick said, and we walked up to his parked motorcycle.
"Thank you Dick." I said, and I wouldn't admit it, but I felt so safe in his presence. I was beginning to think that maybe I liked Dick as more than just a friend.
He taught me how to sit on the motorcycle, and he gave me his blue and black helmet to wear. He sat in the front, and told me to sit behind him. I was really glad that I had a helmet on because when he told me to wrap my arms around his torso, I was blushing like mad. I rested my helmet on his broad shoulders, and squeezed him a bit tighter each time he accelerated.
He laughed, and I tried my best to not move around too much. After I got over my initial fear, I was able to enjoy it. Watching the city street lights wiz by, and feeling Dick so close to myself. He was warm and strong. The scent of his helmet smelled like sweet cologne and vanilla. I felt safe, and fuzzy on the inside. Like I had met someone truly wonderful.
We got coffee that night, and I insisted that I pay for his drink since he saved my ass earlier. We talked for hours, some about Dick's day job as a police officer in Bludhaven, and others about what music we like. I found out that he was on a vacation from his job to visit his family in Gotham. It made sense that he was a police officer now. He felt like he was so trained to handle dangerous situations, and that explained why he was so strong and muscular.
After we were done he drove me to my apartment complex.
"That was really nice, thank you Dick, for everything." I said with a smile.
"Of course (F/N)." Dick said, smiling at me.
I looked into his bright blue eyes, and got lost in them. I gathered as much courage as I could and grabbed his broad shoulders. I moved to my tip toes, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. I saw his eyes widen a bit, and I quickly turned to my door.
"Good Night Dick." I said, and waved at him.
He looked like he was in a daze, until a second later he woke up.
"Y-yeah. Night, (F/N)." He said and slowly waved back.
I smiled and closed the building's door behind me. I pressed my back against it, and let out a sigh of relief. I stayed there until a couple seconds later I heard Dick's shoes walking away, and the sound of his engine revving and driving away.
After that night Dick would text me often, and I would still see him at the park everyday. Eventually, I went to the manor and met Bruce Wayne. I painted him many portraits and even a handful of landscapes. Bruce Wayne introduced me to a larger world than I could have ever imagined. Eventually, I was able to sell my art as a full time job. I quit my job at that diner, and Dick even asked me out on a date. All the puzzle pieces were falling into place.
I never would've guessed that painting in a park would lead me down this path. But hey, I wasn't complaining.
Oliver-
I haven't had much time to write lately, but this one shot just flew right out of me in a slew of passion. I was listening to those "(insert song here) but it's raining outside" videos on YouTube a lot lately, and it made me want to write something fluffy. No matter how much I love angst, fluff is still nice every once in a while.
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