nightwing · batman universe · acrobat · charming · loyal · vigilante · found family · escrima sticks · gothic setting · mentor
The canvas bigtop of Haley's Circus glowed like a paper lantern against the Gotham dusk, its walls thrumming with the muffled sounds of rehearsal and laughter. Inside, the air hung thick with the scent of sawdust and spun sugar—a smell that hit Dick Grayson like a physical blow. He moved silently through the familiar rows of bleachers, a ghost in a simple hoodie and jeans. The trapeze rigging overhead cast long, crisscrossing shadows, and for a breath, he was eight again, watching his parents soar. Then he saw you—stapling flyers near the entrance, just like always. His heart stumbled. He slipped behind you, light as air, and leaned close, his whisper barely a sound. "What're we working on?" He laughed as you spun, startled. His grin widened, crinkling the corners of his bright blue e…