Author23 @matchagottime4u - Tumblr Blog

Paperclips & Printouts

(Dick Grayson x fem!reader)

Summary: frusturated journalist trying to find alot of answers for her alot of questions, (might've crashed out) but it's okay!

Tags: Friends to lovers, fluff, relationship build up, Dick grayson has an humongus crush on you, slow burn.

extra note: I suggest listening to the song when the reader and dick are interacting or during a flashback

Word count: 7.9k (yikes) (got too passionate)

masterlist

AO3

chapter 6

Chapter 5

November 24th

The whole week had gone by with investigating this whole thing, you thought maybe you should’ve been a detective. Now, here you were at the library when you told you work that you would be interviewing people. This library should have something, there is no way.

You had climbed the stool and searched for the books, you saw books on cases that happened in the past but more specifically you had to find the main mole of this very case. Lady Vic, Zucco, Maroni, Falcone and the list went on, some of it was compiled with Gotham underworld.

You sat with all of the books at the library, and searched up Amy De’souza’s name, to see what she wrote about more specifically who she wrote about.

When you searched up her name, you read she was a Gotham born journalist who had then shifted to Bludhaven after her life was threatened for her journalism. She had exposed the Bludhaven underworld and exposed Gotham mob bosses keeping puppet mob bosses in Bludhaven and allying with Bludhaven underworld criminals after that… you saw nothing? You did furiously check every sight in this stupid library laptop and decided to start pressed the 3rd, 4th and then when you pressed the 5th tab you squint your eyes, <r/bludhavenmystery> you hummed softly pressed that and saw the title, ‘Did Amy De’souza Get Killed For Knowing Too Much?’ you furrow your brows reading everyone's response, did Amy come all the way to Bludhaven to seek safety so she could write about the issues in Gotham, you read how she was an independent investigative journalist so how did Juhan and Terry know about this? Did Juhan not say something more? How come you never heard about Amy De’souza? You tapped the end of your on your forehead, as you slowly deleted the search history and put the books back on the shelf.

It was the only right decision, you had to go back to the Record store. You saw that it was cleaned up now and no more police signs, talk about Bludhaven department corruption and lack of responsibility.

You enter the store non-chalantly, and whistle as you see a bunch of records and a random one. Oh great it was American Football, so it wasn’t completely random. As you walked to the counter, maybe you could pry you put your camera ready expression “long day isn’t it” you say as you put the record on the counter, you see a boy turn around as he responds “yeah–” he furrows his brows, “you” he says accusingly, you take a minute to buffer and realize it’s the boy that cursed and warned you “I told you to stay out of this” “I’m just buying the record man” you say defensively, ‘why is this kid working here’ he looks at you “yeah? And I shit glitter” you scoff “what the fuck did I ever do to you” you say because seriously what was his issue, “also aren’t you supposed to be at school” “what shit school ya talkin bout” you look at confused, “youth programs?” you suggest, “I ain’t join’in a program a man called Dick made” you press your lips to hold back your laugh, “Right” “that’ll be 23.50” “I’m sorry” “what ? ya want this for free” he waves the record, “uh no” you say as you take some cash you had left and pay for it, “so..” “i’m not answering any questions” “okay at least my doubts” “no” “please” “no” “I’ll buy one more record” “you’re bad at this” “okay fine!” you burst out and then sigh to compose yourself, and grab the record to walk out, before you walk out you look over your shoulder, “tell me, at least you knew Amy” you ask, and he looks at you taken aback, he takes his time to process your words and then nods.

After the failed attempt, you grumble to yourself and go back to the company building. Now, there were too many plotholes and you had to deal with this first by cornering your boss and editor. You could hear in the distance your friends calling out your name but you could feel the anger going to implode as you paced and stomped to the third floor on the elevator.

You swing into Terry’s office, both Terry and Juhan look at you surprised. “Good both of you gentlemen are here” you say as you let a sigh out, “would you mind kid, we were middle of discussing–” “shh” you say as you set your bag on the table.

Terry looked slightly offended but more curiously as Juhan narrowed his eyes to wait for what you were about to say, “you both,” you point at both of them “come clear with me, and tell me who actually Amy De’souza is” you fold your arms to your chest,

“I’m not leaving till you tell me right now” Terry sighs he gets up and sees everyone outside peering slightly and shuts the blinds, “what ya wanna know” “why are her things are here, and why did Juhan tell me she was a journalist here but it shows she's an independent journalist” “she needed somewhere to make an escape place so people who had eye on her wouldn’t suspect what she was writing” “why did you do that for her”

“she was my fiance” Juhan speaks up, you are taken aback “what, I don’t–” “she used her alias name while working here, I had told Terry and he helped us” you let out a breath, “you know how much time this would’ve saved me” you say, “look I’m sorry, I should’ve never given you this burden–” “no no no this is not a burden” “that’s it kid, you’re not writing on this topic, it will lead you death” “no!” you say, “you handed it to me, and if I have to die for this let me, I know my looks deceive you and all of these people that work here and all of you think I’m just a junior journalist who dresses up and does cute hairstyles but I swear by my life, if I give this up because I’m scared of death, I have failed my justice towards myself and the people.”

your index finger lands on his desk, “this is mine to write, and I am going to bring justice to whoever it may be fated to.” you compose yourself and smile, “thank you gentlemen, and Juhan–” you look at him, as he looks at you shocked, “when I mean justice to all, I mean to all.” you say as you walk out of the room, the two men share a look, “my ma is a gothamite, trust me this is in their blood” terry says, you see everyone else who had eavesdropped, including Dick who had just come to check how you were because Khadija texted on the groupchat that you were not..you peresay.

You smile at everyone, and they smile back at you. You were clueless that your voice could be heard from outside. You walked to your desk and heard footsteps behind you as you sat down on your chair. Khadija and Dick look at you with the ‘what was that’ look, you pout your lips and then hum “just a tad bit intimidation” you say, “this story is clearly not safe” Khadija says, “yeah and it can possibly get you in trouble” Dick whisper yells, “oh please, did mama raise a bitch” you say and you notice the lack of camera, “hey the crew isn’t here” “they’re not filming today” Dick responds “but stop changing the topic, you heard them drop it” “no” you say, “yes” “Dick, you can go and i don’t know lalala in your operational team but this is my job” “DJ could you give us a minute” Khadija clears her throat and leaves as Dick grabs your arm gently making you follow to the printing room, “I’m talking to you out of concern” “I get that but you don’t have to” “you know what happened in Gotham when you made the expose on Falcone” “It was an already known truth, I just fact checked it” “yeah, and then few days later you almost got abducted broad day light in college campus and you should be thankful I was there” now that, that ticked you off, “right” you nod, “thank you so much Dick Grayson you saved my life!” you let out a humorous laugh “NO, seriously I needed your broad masculine energy to save this hopeless cinderella from getting abducted” you stand closer to where he stands “listen to me clearly, I don’t need your savings or anything I am thankful you saved me that day and I’m thankful there are people concerned for me but I will tell you this once–” you breathe out, “ —I fought with my family for the degree I have, I stayed in Gotham with them so I could be in their sight and still study and I did my masters so I could leave that pit I was put inside that was called home.” your index finger pushed at his chest, “not everyone has privilege dick, this job and my degree was the only way out. Not everyone’s family gives them liberty. I will make worth of what I campaigned throughout high school till my moments in college and I will never give up a story knowing it could save people’s lives. Are we clear?” you tilt your head, and he gulps you could see his adam’s apple go up and down as he nods, “let me help you” he mutter, his hands wrap around your index finger shakily as if he was too scared to touch you, you look at him confused “please sweetheart” his voice cracks, “you mean too much” “I’m just a college friend Dick” he looks at you with a vulnerable hint, “you know it’s much more than college” you look away and he follows your face, “you’re not going to be alone, is all I’m saying” he says softly, “you know too much but realize too less of how much people care about you” his hands crease your knuckles, “so please, stop yelling at me I’m going to fall in love” you chuckle at his words, “you suck grayson” “just sucker for a good love” you push his chest gently, “fuck you” “you wanna?” “gross” you make a bleh noise sticking your tongue out as you leave the room, he leans against the wall and lets out a small smile to himself.

When you left the room, you see Henry, Khadija, and Samantha rush towards somewhere else and then wave at you, you wave back clueless.

“They have to be dating” “situationship” khadija looks in disbelief, “she hates that, the moment she feels like it’s a situationship she dips” Khadija says, “but it’s dick” khadija looks at Henry, “yeah, she could’ve shoot her shot in uni, oh wait she has other priorities” she says as she walks past Henry and smacks a book on his head, making henry get a slight ouchie and grumble at Khadija.

5:30 pm

*Fairy Khadija added you to a group chat*

You see the notification, while leaving work. You had to use the metro again, since you didn’t have a car… yet. Maybe this time you go to Gotham you’ll get a car with the money you saved up.

You waited outside the company for the bus, as you look at your phone

*Fairy Khadija is typing…*

Fairy Khadija: Dinner together?

Frat boi Hen: Hell yeah! Italian ? Chinese?

Dih son: hmm mexican

Samantha: Pho?

You hummed as you thought what you would add on,

You: Sushi?

Frat boi Hen : … serious?

Dih son: c’mon tell something greasy

Fairy Khadija: this is not a foreplay chat

Samantha: I think sushi is tasty

You smile at sam’s response

You: sorry guys, can’t make it to dinner. Waiting for bus to take to the metro

Dih son: I’ll pick you up?

Fairy Khadija: omg you should let me drop you home

Frat boi Hen: I lit can be all of yous personal chauffeur

Samantha: been a while since daddy paid you

Frat boi Hen: haha 👏

Fairy Khadija: meet at THE diner, 6:00pm

*Dih Son sent you a text*

Dih son: hey hang on, i’m omw

You: texting and driving hmmm

Dih son: im texting while it’s red light!!!!

You laugh at the text and look up from your phone, while you wait you take out a cigarette and light it up. You exhale the smoke out, suddenly in a swift motion you feel a man invade your presence “miss, do you have a lighter” he asks, you look up trying to not freak out as you nod and light up his cigarette “thank you” he mutters as he stands beside you, “you italian?” he asks “no” “you look exotic” you raise your brows, “you better tell me who sent you” “aren’t all Gotham woman so sweet with their tongue” he chuckles but you heard a crack in the voice and it awfully sounded familiar, you look closely and blink again “Wally fucking west” “what no im not wally—” you take off his stupid peaky blinder hat as he coughs out the cigarette and see the ginger seamlessly give you a huge smile “exotic?” you ask, “hey, that’s literally the first ever thing you told me when we met at the Owen's house party that your ex called you that” “ages ago! And you weren’t even- wait.. Where is Dick” you ask as you throw your cig bud and stomp on it and hear a honk from behind, you walk as wally laughs “he literally looked like the peter griffin meme” you say loudly so Dick could hear it and hit Wally with your bag in the process gently.

Wally makes you sit on the passenger seat, and he sits on the back. You turn back to look at him and see him take off the stupid coat and he was wearing his usual graphic tee and sweat pants. “Okay, i’m betrayed right now” you say as you look at dick, “when did he come?” “just for a short few days visit” he responds, “Dicky boi shifted to a new apartment, so I thought I’d help” Wally says, “whattt, congrats” you say, “you goin to Gotham this week?” Dick asks as he does a u-turn, “nah, I’m tired of travelling from the train.” you sigh, “we can go together” he says, “no way” “what? Im serious, wall is coming too it’ll be a fun road trip” you hum, “i’ll let you know”

You guys reach the diner, and you get out of the car excited to meet everyone. You see Henry waves from inside through the glass window. You wave back, “first one to reach the door gets their food paid” you while running “what the fuck, she’s still a cheater in games” wally says as he runs too, dick runs but you reach first as you do a victory dance showing the ‘L’ with your hands, “real mature” wally says with a fake attitude and you smile at him entering the diner, henry comes and gives you a side hug and dabs up Wally and Dick.

You go and give a group hug to Sam and Khadija, you take off your coat and put it aside as you go to the corner of the diner sofa chair. “What we eating i’m starving” you groan as you pat your stomach leaning back on the coach, “they have bat burgers here now” you sit straight fast, “no way” you say surprised, “way” Henry says, “but can it match to Gotham bat burgers” Dick asks, “we shall see” you see smiling.

Everyone had seemed to get along pretty well, wally was of course being the kind silly guy he is making everyone laugh. Your fries had unfortunately gotten over so you decided the person who was sitting parallel to you, who was Dick Grayson you steal his fries and he notices “hey thief” he whispers and you laugh, as the conversation went on Dick took the fries on his tray and put it on yours, you smile at him as he kept on listening to the convo.

“Want me to drop you home?” Dick asks while you guys walk behind the others, “no it’s fine, Khadija will drop me off” you smile, “thanks for picking me up tho” you say looking ahead of you and see Henry and Wally get along pretty well “they know each other from before?” pointing at them “yeah, had game night once and wally was in town so they met and maybe Henry stole my bestfriend” he jokes with a sad sigh, “jealous?” you tease “nahhh” he says, “maybe” you laugh.

“Get home safe” he says as you reach Khadija’s car, “worried bout me?” “always” he mutters only to you “let me know if you’re gonna go Gotham this week” he says walking backwards, “sure!” you reply as he sends you a flying kiss and you flick it, his hand lands on his chest as if he got wounded you laugh getting inside Khadija’s car.

You sigh, as she gives a look “bid your boyfriend goodbye?” “he’s not my boyfriend” “hmm” she looks at you, “what? I’m serious” you smile as her “fool anyone but you can’t fool me” she says, “what are you talking about?” you say confused, “you don’t like him?” “what! No!” you say, “he’s a friend Khadija” you say as she looks at you in disbelief and starts the car.

1:20 am

You were doing your research, and you finally gave into the temptation and opened up Amy De’souza’s files.

You went through them in disbelief, the more pages you turned the more things were aligning and what aligned was one name, Josephine Mark. That was one of the women that was killed at the record store, and you quickly opened a tab and searched for the autopsy that was in the bludhaven pd reports.

You squinted as you saw the autopsy, they were all shot brutally. You saw the CCTV footage that was released and a guy wearing a mask came in first and shot all the cameras surrounding the shop but in the autopsy there were markings all over the three people's bodies. What could possibly happen, you went through Amy’s files and you let out a breath. That record store had drug dealings and underworld connection would give the owner the drug and he would pass it onto people. You bit your bottom lip, because it made sense it wasn’t just murder this seemed deliberately planned.

That’s when you saw the name in Amy’s later files, Penguin. She wrote about him while she was in Gotham and then had to flee Gotham because she got threats. Afterwards she exposed the nuclear bombings… you turn the page frantically and see the highlighted words, ‘POISONING WATER CHEMICAL PLAN — WATER SYSTEM BLUDHAVEN.’ you blink as you remember the news that came out this week your Senior Journalist had written about the water acid that was in the water system of Bludhaven which caused most people to get sick. Are they trying to make people comfortable with the water and immune to it? Is this an experiment they’re doing on innocent civilians ? What is in this chemical? You look at the chemical name ‘Organophosphate’ you hum.. People have been fine now after the sickness went away and they are working on filtering the water but how did Amy know this years prior?

You let out a breath, for a quick cig break. You open your window which is near the fire extinguisher, light up your cigarette and look outside the chilly Bludhaven. Moments like this made you glad that you moved out of Gotham but Bludhaven is barely stable. Gotham wasn’t the problem at all and you knew that, it was the pit you were consumed in while living there. You see some dude flipping on top of buildings, and joke to yourself that it’s probably Nightwing “someone called for me?” you yell dropping your cigarette as you look at Nightwing who was now hanging upside down smiling at you, “what the fuck” you say looking at your cigarette fall and then at him, “what are you doing here?” “protecting the city” “no! I mean—” you gesture to your window, “here” you whisper “why are we whispering” he whispers, “because people will see you” you whisper, “so?” he asks, as he lands on the fire extinguisher “mind if i come in” “what no–” he hums as he pushes you aside gently and invades inside your apartment, “hey this is—” you look outside the window left and right to see if someone saw, and shut the window “this is trespassing!” you say looking at him, “what are you doing” you squinting your eyes “what’s this” he asks, “just files of a previous journalist” you say as you move him away and close your laptop and files, “that’s suspicious” he says, “me not wanting a rando reading my work is suspicious?” “you could be planning something” “like what” “arson.” “haha.” you respond back, “can you leave now?” resting hands on your waist and he copies the way you’re standing, “hmm …no” he smiles, “you know you’re awfully similar to my friend” Nightwing stops messing with the fruit basket on the table, “who would that be” “his name is Dick” you say, “but he’s less pushy” you side eye him, “sounds like a crush” he says, “right” you snort “men and women can be platonic” you say “do you want to have something or what its not everyday a vigilante visits you” you say, “hmm, cupcakes” you look at him with your brows raised, “i have cinnamon rolls?” you say and he nods happily, you take the cinnamon roll and warm it in the microwave incase its too stiff, “why are you wearing a victorian era nightgown” he asks, “why are you wearing spandex and running around jumping roofs,” you say “okay ouch” he says seeing you place the cinnamon roll on a floral design plate and slide it towards him.

“So, you haven't been writing about me” he says as he chews, “because I got a big story” you say excited, “trust me nightwing, there’ll be someone else for that, but now I have moved on” you smile dreamily at your achievement and an idea pops in your head, “hey” you say, “do you know what Organophosphate is” you ask pronouncing the chemical name slowly, he squints his eyes “why’d ya ask?” “simply” you smile, he says your name “what? It’s in the police reports and you were the one who told them” you shrug, “I don’t know much about it” “then why the hell are you a vigilante” you groan in frustration, “okay you’ve overstayed your welcome now” “because I didn’t provide a information you needed?” he questions and you nod shamelessly, “wow, you’re really evil” he jokes as he approaches you and gently places his index finger on the side of your nose and moving your head side by side as you look up at him and he smiles, “evil but gorgeous” he mutters, your eyes roam around his face, it felt so familiar “It’s too dangerous for me” he whispers under his breath, “don’t you have a city to save” you blurt and he sighs in defeat, “you know what I feel bad for Dick now” he says and you blink, “you know dick?” and you see his body language change, “no i’m just assuming” you look at him confused, “gotta go princess, have a city to save. Thanks for the cinnamon roll.” he says as he opens your window looking back at you and smiles. You go to your window and watch him practically fly away and shut your window and curtains in a speed and lean into your couch hand on top of your chest, you let out a deep breath “he’s just a flirt” you repeated that to yourself a million times before grabbing a glass of water for yourself.

November 25th

The Bludhaven Bulletin, 9:30 am

3rd Floor, Printing Room

You were inside the printing room, obviously you weren’t printing out pictures of a bunch of people you were looking into so you can pin their pictures on the board that’s back in your apartment because you ran out of ink with the printer at your place. So, when Khadija had entered it startled you “oh Khadija” you say with a nervous chuckle as you moved to face her hoping you could hide the pictures you’re printing and somehow hide your dignity. Khadija looks at you with her brows raised “what are you doing” she asks as she tries to peek at the printed paper but you block the view “just work stuff” you say with a affirmative smile she hums back looking at you suspiciously “how long will that take?” she asks “10 more minutes” “you’ve been here for 20 minutes” “just not that tech-savvy” “you hate printing and always get over with it in 5 minutes” “this printer is slow” you bang the top of the printer and giggle “okay you need to tell me whats going on” Khadija says as she crosses her arms and looks at you and you look at and copy her posture and pose “stuff” “what stuff” “important” before you could even blink she moves past you and takes the paper(s) you were printing while you close your eyes trying to calm yourself down.

“Why are you printing pictures of these people” she asks as she looks at you as if you were a hysterical crazy person, “what the fuck is happening with your investigation” she yell whispers, “can you shut up” you whisper yell back at her, “the crew is probably here, and it’s for me to dodge them” you mutter and you look around and back at Khadija’s mad but concerned look. You let out a sigh, “okay clearly, you want answers and I’ll tell you, but one of the crazy things was Nightwing came to my apartment last night” Khadija gasps her eyes widened “WHAT!” you cover her mouth trying to hush her, “yeah and he knew Grayson” “our Grayson?” “Yes” you nod frantically, “THE Richard John Grayson” as soon as you say his name you see the printing room door open and well speak of the devil, “woah ladies, am I interrupting girl talk” he jokes while Khadija hides the paper behind her and you stand close to her and smile at him, “hey dick, you look tired” you say, “hi to you too” he says as he walks towards the printing machine while you and Khadija keep staring at him, he yawns while whatever he was printing was printing… and then he looks at the two of you staring at him.

“Can I help you with something? Is there anything on my face” he touches his face, “your dark circles increased” Khadija says you nudge her and then look at him “you look fine dick” you say and there is a 3 second silent pause, “okay I’ll pry I can’t hold this in my stomach” you say as Khadija nods and shuts the door, “you know nightwing” you whisper it to Dick, “what” Dick whispers back with a shocked look, “yeah, crazy story but he came to my apartment last night more like trespassed and he knew you!” you say in a hush tone, “well,” Dick sighs, “what are you saying" he asks confused and you explain the whole story for 10 minutes.

He let's out a sigh, "can we go back to where you mentioned about me to him?" he questions you, "ohh.." you say realizing that your lack of sleep was catching up to you, "yeah oh" he says "did you telll DJ, she'll start investigating with you-" “but I already know” Khadija says emerging out of nowhere making the two of you jump , “omg khadija” You say you hands clutched to dick’s arms and then you let go, for a moment dick liked that touch. He liked it so much that he started cheesing when you held onto him and when you let go, he had a natural pout, “okay well, if we are done with investigating me.” he says as he grabs some plain extra A4 size papers, his crease your hips slightly as he moves away to leave the room before leaving he looks at you “see you at lunch” he says with a tired smile.

You watch him leave, his cologne lingering in the air. Khadija clears her throat, “you are explaining me everything after work is done” she says as she hands you your printed paper and you clutch them to your chest, “okay” you say, “sleepover” you add and she smiles, “sleepover it is” she says as you leave the printing room.

12:00pm

You look at the photos you printed and sigh, putting them aside, starting your story properly. You see Henry talking to the camera as he comes out of the elevator and he claps his hands when he sees you and gestures the camera to pan at you, “well well, princess bubblegum” he says with a frat boy smirk “would you like to try my 100 grams of protein sugar free brownie” he says, “you see I’m trying to become a fitness chief, maybe open my own bakery one day” he sighs smiling dreamily towards the camera, “thanks Henry” you say as he gives you a brownie, and surprisingly they tasted good instead of farts. You hum with a smiling nod, “these are amazing” you say and gives a thumbs up, “what would you rate it out of 5” he says using a random pen as a mic, “hmm 4?” you say and you look at Henry’s surprised face “not bad not bad” he says, “thank you Princess bubblegum, see you later” he says as he does a dramatic spin “and cut” he says, “so like when you edit, while editing after I spin I should disappear and add like smoke effects” he explains to the cameraman who just obliges to him, “what’s this for?” you ask, “oh nah, it’s just a short break typa thing in middle of the show it’s called ‘Office Tries Henry’s Goods’,I pitched to the producers who are doing the show for us” Henry explains, “and they just said yes” he laughs expensively, “amazing times” he sighs as he bids you farewell and pats the camera man’s back while the other camera’s pans at your confused face.

You see Terry come out of his office, and try to hide from his sight. That day when you lashed out on him made you embarrassed back at home and you wanted to groan, “Hey Kid” you hear his voice as he approaches you, you look up from your desk and sigh “hey terry” you give a sorry smile, “look, I apologize–” he cuts you off, “ah ah no, it’s okay I have 3 daughters I understand, used to it in fact” he says his hands resting on his hips, “I just wanted to tell you to be careful, this is not something light” he gives you that dad look when they are warning you, “and if anything, if you get any threats or some shady people coming up to you. You gotta let me know” he says and you nod, “ clear?” “Yes boss” you say, “You’re a strong woman kid, don’t burden ya self” he says patting your head and laughs walking away.

John Wayne High School, 12:30 pm

“Carl I’m gonna run late, we have to get over this quickly,” Dick says as he gets out of Carl's car and follows him inside the school “why, you going on a date?” “no but I promised someone lunch” Dick says as Carl stops at the school gate, “ahhh that cute journalist” he says teasingly and Dick just scoffs with his signature smile “don’t worry, I won’t take long, just need to talk to the officials of the school ya know” he waves his hand dismissively.

“You know, I have a girlfriend too” Carl says, “oh im not dating—” dick says before getting cut off “oh please, me and my girlfriend did the same hush hush thing” he smiles nudging Dick with his elbow, “she must be the one keeping it in the low?” he says “don’t worry my woman does the same” he says with a chuckle as they walk into the crowd of students “the crew are here too?” Dick asks, waving at the camera man confused, “yeah…” Carl sighs and just pats Dick’s shoulder. “So, how’s the new apartment thing going?” Carl asks and Dick is about to answer but then…

Midway walking Carl turns around to look back and stop, “woah what the–” Dick turns around to look where he is looking “why’s my girlfriend here?” Carl says , “oh she’s the teacher in red?” “no, she’s a part time frozen yogurt chief” Carl looks at Dick, and the camera pans to Carl’s face and then Dick looks at the camera and then at Carl, he follows Carl’s eyes , “which one is she…?” Dick says with a slight panic “the one in the grey hoodie” “oh..” Dick says looking at Carl’s supposed girlfriend who was taking stuff out of her locker “maybe she’s a guidance counselor or something—” Dick cuts Carl off "no" “She's probably a tutor helping–” “No. nope. no.” Dick says shaking his head, Carl looks at Dick “no? Okay…” before Dick could do anything Carl starts following his supposed allegedly now we know minor girlfriend, “hey look Carl, we don’t have a lot of time” Dick says trying to stop Carl but he kept on walking “Lara ""ohh okay…” Dick says as Carl calls out the girl’s name and moves away, “Carl?” Lara says, a bit stunned, “are you a student here?” Carl asks as the camera pans to Dick who’s is now wishing he had won the rock,paper,scissor with henry so he could’ve skipped this and by now he would’ve been pacing back in forth in the office waiting for what pick up lines or stupid jokes to tell at you during lunch, “yeah..” Lara says awkwardly looking around, “you never told me you were in high school?” Lara gives an awkward smile “this is weird… i gotta go for spanish” she quickly walks away leaving Carl stunned as he turns to look at Dick and yells “OH MY GOD” he says his hand on his head, “oh my god indeed” Dick says before pressing his lips together, “I had no idea,” Carl says still shocked, “well..” dick gives a quick glance at the camera, “that’s not gonna hold up in court” he shrugs, Carl shakes his head, “we didn’t do anything illegal” he turns around to looks at the path she had walked few minutes ago, “except knock over a mail box with couple of her friends”

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One-on-One Interview

“You know, knowing Carl for the short time I have worked here and with his complicated love life–” Dick sighs and rubs the back of his neck, “I- I- have no defence for this” he says, and then rubs his face.

“I will actually jump off a bridge.” Carl said looking at the camera, “will you break it off with–” “OF COURSE I ALREADY HAVE” he says and then sighs, “I’m sorry” he apologizes to the interviewer, “It’s alright Carl.”

—------------------------------------------------------------

1:30 pm, Lunch room.

“Okay let’s see you have, one.. Two..” you say as you count the coins rested on Henry’s palms since he wanted to use the vending machine, “that’s a button henry” you say as you pick the button up and show it to him, and he hums “I must have more coins—” “you know it’s fine, let this be my treat” you say “no what, I can’t let a lady pay” “no henry I am okay with it and you're clearly out of coins” “no it’s fine, you work hard for your money you know journalist and all” he smiles fisting bumping your shoulder gently, “okay? But i’m not broke henry” you say “okay but you live alone” he says, “so do you” you say using the vending machine to get him the drink he wants, “yeah but I’m—” he huffs “you know” “I really don’t” “oh come on, you’re making this awkward” “you’re literally trying to hint i’m poor” “woah woah, I just really care about the gender pay gap” that was your last strike as you pick up the drink he wanted and shove it in his chest, “get out of my sight before I punch you” you say as henry gulps while nodding and walks away.

“Hey bro!” Dick says as Henry walks past him, “not the time” Henry says as he pace walks and sits next to Khadija, “okay…?” he says confused as he turns to look at you, “hey pretty” he smiles approaching you, “hey” you respond putting your card back inside your wallet, “where’d ya go?” you ask looking at him, “nothing, just that high school advert thing. Carl dragged me” Dick says exhausted as he leans against the vending machine, “you look tired” you say looking at his dark circles slightly building in, “i’m good” he says with a smile making his dimple appear, “had lunch without me?” he tilts his head, “oh yeah, had a big fat lunch” you pat your stomach making dick frown mockingly, “I’m kidding, Henry made some stuff for us for lunch c’mon we were waiting for you” you say as you gesture him to follow.

As all of you are at the same table, you try Henry’s meal he had made for you guys. “Oh henry this is actually good” you say as you eat the pasta he made, “yeah my secret recipe is love” he says with a heart symbol with his finger, “oh now it tastes awful” Khadija says jokingly making henry give a mocking furrowed brow and you laugh, “dick you should try it, it’s really good” you say. As much as Dick loved his work bestfriend, he simply just hated the fact he never made or even thought of making you a home cooked meal and now he has to witness you enjoy someone else’s home cooked meal! Was he jealous? Pftt… Dick Grayson could never get jealous. “C’mon it can’t be that good” he jokes (slightly) as he bites into the pasta and it in fact did taste good,”it’s actually good” he hums, “thanks dear” Henry says as he bats his eyelashes.

After lunch, Dick was walking you back to your floor “planning on going to Gotham?” he asks, “Actually yeah, are you going?” you ask, “yeah of course” he says “we can go together” he says, and you floor comes, “then we are up for a two hour road trip” you say before leaving, dick gives a tired smile flying you a kiss but this time you catch it and pretend to eat it “barf” you say as you giggle and his hands land on his chest clutching his heart, “betrayal” he says before smile, “bye dickie” you say waving at him, “hey–” he protested but the elevator doors had slid to close and his head leans on it letting out a small smile. His heart felt like it would fall out of his chest, and that’s how Dick Grayson had been feeling since that one interaction with you in college.

A very long time ago

It was before spring break at Gotham University, the college had hosted a festival at the campus and every student was told to attend it and bring over their family and friends.

You were a volunteer student at the game stand, if the player wins the game they get a trinket and cotton candy. As you were cheering onto the students playing but they ended up losing, “aww man” you say with a small smile “it’s okay, I will still give you guys—” you look around and lean into whisper at them “some cotton candy” you say and then wink at them, oblivious to you Dick Grayson was the next player and had seen you sneak behind your friend, Owen who was also a volunteer ,come to your place as you gave the two students cotton candy.

“Hey!” Owen says as he greets Dick, “ay dude you showed up!” he says excited to see Dick, “of course dude, you ask and I don’t come?” Dick says, “where’s the game master?” he jokes as he hints at you, “ahh, she is kind of corrupt. Feels bad when people lose and anyway gives them cotton candy” he laughs looking back at you, “so wanna start?” “nah, i’ll wait for her” Dick says his head tilting to look at you “ah right” Owen says with a smile, “hey game master, there is someone waiting for you” you rush back while Owen goes back to packing the trinkets inside cute bags and smile at Dick, “whoopsies, I apologize” you say as you set up the game, as you explain him the rules “so, ya ready?” Dick nods “born ready” he says as he plays the game with alot of confidence but somehow ends up losing, “this HAS to be rigged” he says, “nope” you shake your head with your arms crossed to your chest, “really?” he raises his one brow, but he couldn’t help but notice your beauty.

It was true, everyone knew you as much as people knew him, but they knew you because of your volunteering and achievements which were so admirable “well, if it’s not rigged go on a date with me” he says with his silly smile, which takes you back, “yikes buddy” Owen says, “I’m afraid our game master is already taken” he shrugs, and gestures his eye towards Theodoros, he was a pre-law student who was head of the GSU MUN committee and currently he was serving food in the food stand and it did smell really good, he turns back to you and gives an apologetic smile , “oh it’s okay” you say, as you say your name to him as if he didn’t already know and he introduced himself to you as if you already didn’t know.

Dick hated that you were already taken but he wasn't surprised, because you were beautiful. Beautiful in the sense, as if you came from Venus which is known as the planet of love and carved with care and so much attention. And as much as it wasn’t his first time seeing you or being in the same space as you, he introduced himself in the hopes of you guys don’t go pretending to be strangers again for the next 20 and you guys were just two people who had coincidentally gone to the same elementary school, middle school, high school and now college… What's next ?Work place?

“Okay, how bout I give you some Cotton candy” you say tilting your head ever so sweetly, yeah.. That’s why he called you a darling because that’s what you were. You gesture him to the back of the stand and offer him cotton candy, “don’t eat too much, they’ll make your teeth rot” you joke very lamely, but he still laughed because he just liked this moment so much, “see you around?” he asks before leaving, “sure” you say and wave at him.

But of course this wasn’t the only interaction you both had.

Because now? There is no Theodore to worry about.

One and a half year ago

You are now an employee! Finally after escaping the bullshit small media company you were working for, saved up and escaped from your family. You had moved into Bludhaven, in your tiny apartment after you got that internship at Bludhaven Bulletin which was okay amount of money and afterwards they made you a full time employee! proper salary!

You met Khadija while interning, you became close friends and she was your very first friend in bludhaven beside your landlord who was a sweet lady with a thick Italian American accent.

You never bothered to mix freely with the other department employee till you were asked to print some files but the printer on the 3rd floor ran out of ink so you just went to the 6th floor. You asked this tall guy who looked about your age and he introduced himself as Henry Philips, and he just showed you the way to the printing room. You thank him and go to the printing room.

“Yo, I thought we had only one junior journalist” Henry says as he sits on his chair which was beside Dick, “don’t we? I thought it was only DJ” he says as he mindlessly scrolls through his mail on the computer, as Henry nods “yeah, she’s pretty”, she introduced herself to me and says your name, “wait” Dick says, maybe he misheard it, “what was her name again?” henry squints his eyes and repeats your name which makes Dick stand up from his seat, “oh my god” he says and that feeling came on his chest all over again, and this time it felt like it would swallow him because he thought he’d never see you again after the graduation party or after that one time you guys met at the local cafe 8 months after graduation but by then in those times you guys were in separate relationships with different people and that was the last time, both of your had bumped into each other.

Was this a sign? He looks at Henry and has to explain the lore within 10 minutes so he can pretend to bump into you after 20 minutes.

Henry was processing the info too quickly, and he now saw his buddy for the first time this rapidly yearning for a woman. And helped him orchestrate a plan, and pretend that he ‘bumped into you’

You hum a tune softly as you leave the printing room with the files, and bump into someone’s shoulder and look up to see who this idiot was but you were taken aback, “oh my god” you say shocked, “Richard?” you say as he looks at you and whatever he had planned had gone down the drain because even after all these years of not seeing you, he was still star struck. The way your eyes felt like a galaxy when you stared at them, his landing at your nose, where he wished he could've landed a small kiss and then trail a kiss to you glossed lips, at the house party Owen had hosted. You both were tipsy and giggly, and he snaps out of it finally saying your name as if it was his last breath and quickly shakes this feeling off, “what a small world huh” he says, and you nod in agreement, “yes it is, you work here?” you ask, “yes yes” he nods, “just you know thought I could try this, but i’m still doing my youth center” he explains and you hum, “that’s good, we should catch up” you say, “uh how about lunch?” he asks and you give him a smile, the same smile you gave him in the campus spring festival, “sure” you say as you wave at him and walk away.

It felt like he was seeing you again for the first time again.

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Hey guys! Super long chapter please bare with me🫰. WALLY WALL WALL FINALLY HIT THE CHAPTER (I AM GOING TO DODGE THE ACCUSATIONS OF CREATING MY OWN CHARACTERS )

I hope you enjoyed this chapter , im going to upload the recent chapter that was uploaded next. And i have not proofread so far so im really sorry if there are too many errors! ALSO

the reference during Carl and Dick is from The office you press here to watch it

ALSO BARE WITH ME FOR THE SLOW BURN I PROMISE YOU IT WILL BE WORTH IT. :3❤︎⁠