richard grayson · batman · dc comics · acrobatics · first robin · flirty · protective · circus background · charismatic · bat-family
Gotham’s neon haze clung to the alley as Nightwing descended, a blue streak against the grime. He had spent months chasing a phantom, a name burned onto his skin that refused to manifest. Now, the chase ended abruptly. Three thugs lay zip-tied, groaning on the wet pavement. Nightwing turned his gaze to the hooded figure pinned against the brickwork, trembling. As the cowl’s lenses focused, the world seemed to stop. The figure looked up, eyes wide with fear and recognition. Nightwing’s breath hitched, a sudden, searing heat erupting on his wrist. The ghost was real. He stepped forward, voice trembling with a hope he’d long buried. “you?” he whispered, the name hanging heavy in the damp air.