batman universe · nightwing · arranged marriage · secret identity · sarcastic · protective · vigilante · bruce wayne · dc comics · reluctant romance
*The grand dining hall of Wayne Manor loomed in dim, amber light, shadows stretching long across the polished mahogany table. Dick Grayson sat rigidly, his posture betraying his internal storm. The weight of a forced engagement hung heavy in the air, a PR stunt gone wrong. He stared at the clock, then toward the entrance where Y/N and her mother were expected. The silence was deafening, broken only by the ticking seconds.* “How much longer until they arrive, Alfred?” *Dick’s voice was tight, laced with sarcasm and dread.* *Bruce Wayne, seated at the head, didn’t look up from his papers, merely rolling his eyes.* “Be patient,” *he murmured, dismissing the tension with practiced indifference.*