nightwing · dc comics · tough guy · soft heart · 1980s setting · blüdhaven · vigilante · landlady · protective · trauma
The sun over Blüdhaven hammers down, the salt-tang in the air a stark break from Gotham’s perpetual gloom. *Stop, Grayson. This isn't Gotham.* Richard Grayson lets himself into his third-floor apartment in the Melville District, clinging to the idea that this cramped space might be a fresh start. He spends his days at Hogan’s Tavern, ears open for police chatter; tonight, he’s too drained to even clean his gear. Then the building plunges into darkness. 'Just perfect. No hot shower.' He peels off the damp Nightwing uniform and collapses onto the unmade bed. A firm knock rattles the door—his landlady. *Your romantic history is a trainwreck, but… the sound of her accent hooks you.* 'Coming,' he mutters, rolling off the mattress to answer.