Chapter Text
You're not sure why you agreed to it. Maybe to make your dad happy and get off your back, maybe to get over rumors. But really, you think it was because you're a bit bored and looking for some spice in your life. When you realized how serious your dad was about this, you got a bit worried. When you realized who you agreed to go on a date with, you nearly regretted it.
But, like you already assessed, you were bored. And maybe trying to fake being in love with someone you can barely stand would make things interesting, at least for a few weeks.
It would only be four dates. Your dad already put out a statement that your hatred for each other during interviews and parties was really a coverup for you two dating. But after four public dates, you two could publicly break up, then go back to normal. Well, you both were asked to cool it on the insults and jabs after you "break up," but a little is better than nothing.
You waited outside of Stark Tower, scrolling on your phone. It was a cold night in New York City, but your scarf and hat kept you warm as you read through Twitter. Ever since your dad posted about the situation a few days ago, your feed was full of "I knew it!" and "took them long enough," and it was starting to drive you crazy. It was only the first date, and you already couldn't wait for it to be over.
"Miss Stark," The deep voice caught you off guard as Dick Grayson walked up to you with some flowers in his hand. The blue and black scarf was covering the bottom half of his face, but you could practically hear the smirk underneath. You're not sure why he agreed to this ruse as well, maybe because Bruce didn't give him a choice.
"Good evening, Dick," You forced a smile out. He handed you the flowers as you put your phone in your pocket. "Are you excited for tonight?" You asked.
Dick nodded. "Of course, our first public date not having to hate each other," He said, then winked. You never knew who was listening.
It was only a few seconds before Happy drove around the corner for you two to get in the car. Dick opened the door to let you in and got in after you. Happy was glad to take you to the restaurant and back to The Tower; he was interested in how you two would pull this whole thing off.
"Dick, this is Happy Hogan. Head of security, and he drives me around when I need him," You introduced. "Happy, this is Dick Grayson."
"Nice to meet you," Dick said, and Happy replied the same. He started driving, really just wanting to hear the gossip about yours and Dick's plan.
"So, the restaurant is very nice. My dad got us a reservation, so I'm sure some press found out about the Stark reservation and will turn up," You said. "I mean, normally dad uses a fake name when he makes reservations, but he knows we need this ruse to pass as real, so the press will be of some help," You explained.
Dick nodded. "I get it; Bruce said the same."
"Speaking of, I'm surprised Bruce went along with this. It seems like something he wouldn't be interested in you doing," You stated but meant it as a question. Why did Bruce agree to your dad's plan?
He shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure. I think he thinks your dad is right that we've been a little, well, at each other's throats during events recently, and they want us to remedy that. Plus, it might get some attention off him for a few weeks, and he enjoys that every so often," Dick explained, to which it seemed he didn't know the full answer either.
"Yeah, I think my dad just doesn't want to ruin my reputation because I don't get along with someone. Like he gets along with everyone he meets!" You rolled your eyes. "He literally fought Captain America once and has the balls to tell me to cool it?" You rambled, and you noticed Happy holding back a laugh.
"Oh well," Dick said, "At least it will be something fun to do for a little while. Brush up on my acting skills."
You didn't respond to his joke, and you two rode in silence the rest of the way to the restaurant. Luckily, it wasn't too much further, and Dick was opening your door to let you out before you knew it. You didn't even need to give your name to the hostess; she recognized you and quickly led you to your table. Ordering a drink from the waiter and getting a few minutes to look over the menu, you peeked over it to look at Dick.
"You know the rules, right?" You asked.
Dick didn't look up. "What, of ordering food?" He asked.
"No. Of our...situation," You said the last part much quieter.
Though his head didn't move, his eyes did look up at you. "Oh, of course. I assume like movies and books: no telling anyone else, acting like we've been in love forever, and don't actually fall in love. Am I missing anything?" He asked and looked back at the menu.
"Those are the basics, yep," You said and went back to the menu yourself. "Oh, and we have to post on social media sometimes, and if you do any interviews, we'll have to talk about it."
"Naturally," Dick said. "I think you forget; I've been around Bruce a long time. I know how to charm and play a part," He said. You weren't entirely sure what the last part of his statement meant, but you assumed it was because of all the parties he attended with Bruce and how he had to change as he grew up in two different environments, but he didn't touch on it anymore. "What are you going to order?" He asked.
You rambled off a few items that sounded good, as did Dick, and ordered when the waiter came back. After giving your menus up, it gave you a chance to look around. You didn't want to admit it, but you were a little nervous. Not to be on a date, but you were nervous about keeping up the ruse and making sure no one figured it out. You noticed you were in the middle of the restaurant, not directly next to windows, and you were surrounded by many other tables. However, that didn't stop you from seeing camera flashes out of the corner of your eye and the occasional phone pointed in your direction from other customers. You were a bit scared to check your social media because you knew no matter what, you and Dick would be all over it.
"We've known each other a long time," Dick broke the silence. "Probably since a few years after I was adopted, right?"
"Um, I think so. Dad is friends with Bruce, so it makes sense, and we saw each other at a lot of parties," You said, a little unsure of the whole timeline. You were never super close with Dick. Being the same age set you two up for a lot of competition within the media, especially with Tony and Bruce behind both of you, and it turned into you two not getting along very well. Over the last few years, it has gotten much worse as you got older, the more exposure you two get, and the more arguing that is blasted everywhere.
However, you got along with his brothers just fine. "That's what I thought. Billionaire parties, tons of fun," He laughed.
You giggled. "They can get a bit repetitive. Sometimes I convince dad to let some Avengers attend them, and they always add a little chaos to the scene," You said.
"Oh, I bet!" Dick said. "Next time I'm at one, make sure to bring some Avengers. It'll make things much more entertaining and maybe distract my brothers from how much they hate going to parties," Dick smiled.
"Will do," You said. Unlike how you were with Dick, you got along pretty well with his brothers. You and Jason used to be partners in crime at parties, even if he was quite a bit younger than you. You always helped him get the best snacks and sometimes sneak away to watch some TV or play video games. You loved having him at parties, and you treated him like you would a little brother. It still hurt not being able to attend parties with him, but sometimes you could get Tim to join you in some shenanigans. He and Damian did enjoy your access to the best snacks, even if they aren't as rebellious as Jason was. Dick wasn't sure how you got along with the others so well; he always thought that if you didn't like him, you wouldn't like them. But he was wrong; he'd admit that.
You two went back and forth, awkwardly creating conversation topics. You had to be careful talking about the ruse if anyone around could hear you or if someone could read lips perfectly. But you also had to make it seem like this was a normal thing for you two, not a first date. This included Dick asking about Stark Industries and The Avengers and you asking about his life now. He was a little more guarded giving his answers, though you didn't mind, and you did find out some things. You knew he came from the circus, and he told you a bit more about that, and you found out he lives in Blüdhaven but goes back to Gotham pretty often.
Overall, you two enjoyed your meals and had a decent date. After eating and paying, Happy was waiting outside for you to take you back to The Tower so you could go to bed and Dick could drive home. Before you got in the car, you stopped and pulled out your phone.
"Am I just going to hold this door open all night?" Dick asked, a bit sarcastic.
You shook your head. "We need to take a picture to celebrate our first public date," You reminded him.
He put his head back like he remembered and shut the door, shifting to stand next to you. You held your phone out and looked at him, asking a question with your eyes. He nodded a few times quickly, and you kissed his cheek, snapping a few pictures. Satisfied, he opened the door back up for you to get in, and he followed.
"How'd it go?" Happy asked.
"Good," You both said at the same time. There wasn't much conversation, and you posted the best picture on Twitter and Instagram for your followers. There were already articles and photos out about your date, and you knew this was going to blow up bigger than you wanted it to. But at least it would please your dad.
Dick got out of the car first when you arrived back at The Tower and hugged you goodbye. "One down, three to go," He whispered to you, and you nodded in agreement, then pulled back. "I'll text you later, have a good night, my dear," He emphasized and walked in the direction he came from earlier to get back to his car. You scanned your ID once in the lobby, since it was already locked up from the public, and headed up the elevator to the living levels.
It wasn't too late; it was before ten o'clock. You knew your dad would still be up and ready to hear about your date, and you were trying to figure out what to say on the elevator ride up.
The elevator dinged, and FRIDAY announced that you were home. To your surprise, your dad was sitting on the couch chatting with someone else. "Hey, kiddo!" Tony called, and you walked over. "How'd it go?"
"Fine," You shrugged. "It was a little awkward, but I think we were both trying not to say anything wrong because there were other people in earshot," You said, then realized your dad was talking to Peter Parker. He was a few years younger than you, but you didn't mind; you loved having him around. He always seemed to cause some type of chaos.
"I saw the picture you posted. You guys look like you're playing the role well!" Peter encouraged. "All the responses seem to believe it, at least."
You nodded. "Well, that's good, because we have three more dates to get through," You said and sat in the chair adjacent to the couch. "I can't believe I agreed to do this. I can't believe I agreed to date Dick Grayson," You sighed.
"You'll get over it," Tony reminded you. "Maybe after this, you guys will stop your arguing entirely."
"Don't count on that," You warned. "I still can't stand him."
Peter turned to look at you. "I don't get it; he doesn't seem terrible."
"You didn't grow up with him," You rolled your eyes. "But you're right, dad. I'll be able to get through this."
Tony smiled, knowing you would. You'd tough it out and make it a good show, no matter what. He had no worry about this plan, and he was proud of you for taking it so seriously. He had high hopes for this ruse.