Nightwing: Heartless

Part 22: Meeting Wally

Dick's apartment was on the top floor of the building, and by the time they reached it, Willa was out of breath. She noticed Dick was barely breathing hard. Annoying. He was the one carrying all the groceries too, which made it worse. His workout routine must be insane, she decided.

Dick handed Willa the key to the door and she pushed it open, holding it for Dick. She closed the door and looked around. She didn't know what she had been expecting, something more lavish? It was nice, from what she could tell. Open floor plan connecting the living room and kitchen with a small dining area. A hallway led to what she assumed was the bedroom and bathroom. It was definitely smaller than she had expected, but it also made sense. Dick was a low key guy. This made sense for him.

She made her way to the kitchen where Dick was unloading the groceries. He had sworn he could make the best spinach alfredo in Gotham. Willa doubted whether he could make spinach alfredo at all. Dick answered his phone, pressing it against his ear with his shoulder to keep putting things away. He pointed cabinets out for Willa when she held up items.

"Wally, this isn't a good time," his eyes flicked up to Willa. "I know. Dude, I understand..." he turned his back to Willa and dropped his voice.

Willa watched his shoulders tense. It seemed like this was how every phone call went. She wondered for the millionth time what was causing him so much worry. He never talked about it with her, most of the time he 'had to go' after his phone rang, while other times he pretended it never happened. It wasn't a healthy way of dealing with whatever it was. She wished he would talk to her.

She shrugged off her coat and walked back to the front door where a coat hook stood and placed her on top of Dick's. The door swung open, startling her and the person in the doorway.

"I just want to talk about this Artemis-" he stopped when he made eye contact with Willa. They just blinked at each other, taking the other one in. Red hair, phone pressed to his ear, freckles, Willa observed. "Hi." He said and hung up his phone.

"Hi," Willa smiled. Dick was at her side in a second, phone back in his pocket. This must have been who he was arguing with. Either he was already on his way over when he called Dick or he found the fastest taxi in Gotham.

"So, uh, not a good time, huh?" The guy scratched the back of his neck and offered Dick a lopsided grin.

"Your observation skills are unparalleled," Dick teased.

They did the bro hug thing and Wally turned his attention back to Willa, giving her the same lopsided grin that made her automatically like him. "I'm Wally." He extended a hand.

"Oh, the best friend. I'm Willa," she said and shook his hand.

"Ah, Willa, yes..." he looked to Dick for help which just caused Willa to laugh at their faces.

"You have no idea who I am," she guessed.

His face grew redder, "Dick's a private person."

"So I've gathered." Now it was Dick's face who got a little pink. He headed back to the kitchen before Willa could tease him about it. Wally followed him and they bent their heads together quickly, whispering. Willa cleared her throat, "should I-"

"-no," Dick said, "please don't. Wally didn't know I was busy," he shot his friend a look, "but I am."

"Hint received," Wally laughed and crossed to leave. "It was nice to meet you Willa."

"You're welcome to stay," Willa offered, "if you're hungry." Wally paused, obviously considering it. He looked over Willa's head, probably asking Dick for permission, "Dick is fine with it, now take your coat off."