bakerstreet | p.s. i still love you

Dick isn't exactly a fan of mingling, but he is very experienced at it - he's been doing this since he was a little older than 9, after all, and even before that he had a habit of mixing with the audience after a show. He knew how to talk to strangers and be witty and charming and, more importantly, how to get information out of them without them even realising it. He doesn't know exactly what information they need, right now, but he's gently nudging people into chatting in the hopes they give away something Effie can use, and happily translating everything they're saying the whole way - and doing everything he can to ensure Effie is included in the conversation as well, of course.

He's making sure not to keep talking to anybody too long and to keep it moving, talking to people just long enough to make it look as though they're genuinely mingling rather than actively looking for someone.

"If you have, I've missed it too." he admits, because so far nobody's been too suspicious - at least, not so much that it was noticeable "Do you want to keep looking or get out of here, if it is a trap we can always leave before they spring it."

Effie pinches the bridge of her nose, taking a deep breath to clear her brain for a moment. None of this makes any sense. The lead on the story about Damien Darhk could have been utter bullshit, but she'd had no real reason to believe otherwise. It wasn't the first time rumors flew about the man (on more than one occasion, and many years before now). It didn't seem so far-fetched, and it's a hell of a story if true.

The truth of it is? Effie's feeling like she's been had, though she can't figure out why someone would try.

She makes a point to turn away from the guests, signing to Dick as his back faces a corner of the room. "I have no idea what trap whoever's trying to spring. But my guess is that this was all set up to make sure that you were going to be my date." Effie shakes her head, feeling a little taken advantage of and looking all the more frustrated about it. "Because I was just supposed to have a single ticket sent to me. You conveniently had two. Don't you think that's a little odd?"

"I have something of a reputation," Dick admits "I didn't think it was that strange that I was given a plus one, but now that you mention it..."

The concerning part was why, if his presence was also part of whatever trap was due to be sprung - and while he hadn't considered the possibility before now, he didn't want to dismiss it - was it because he was Dick Grayson, heir to Bruce Wayne, or was it the far more worrying option of because he was Nightwing?

"Maybe we should just get out of here. Pretend we can't keep our hands off each other, I'll act a little drunk and loudly suggest we go back to our hotel room and then we'll head for the exit" As much as he might normally want to stick around and prod the trap, he didn't want to put her in any more danger than she already might be, and he just wasn't prepared to be dragged into something right now. Sure he had a few things tucked away, he always did, but it was hardly a full utility belt, and there was way too much at stake if he needed to go full Nightwing on the situation.

Of course he has a reputation. He's Dick Grayson. Who the hell doesn't know that name? Or handsome face? But the fact that he was in the right place at the right time to conveniently take her on as a +1 as a favor to someone he'd only known in passing (even then, briefly so)? A bit odd, to put it mildly.

Effie nods at his suggestion to skedaddle, ready to make a so-called 'Irish goodbye'. Then comes the plan. She grins half-awkwardly at said plan, glad that she's facing away from the party goers because it's not the most convincing smile, and who would believe them, then?

C'mon, Effie. You're a smart girl. Get your shit together. "Not sure I've pretended that kind of thing, but if you want to start... I'll follow your lead." She's got a feeling he's had to pull the escape trick more than once. Being surrounded all the time has to be incredibly frustrating.

"Okay," he nods, stepping a little closer to her - partly to start selling it and partly to ensure nobody could see their conversation "Follow my lead. This is going to escalate quickly so we can get out of here sooner. If I go too far, just tell me you want a glass of wine and I'll dial it back. Deal?"

As soon as he's sure she understands and agrees, he slides an arm around her waist and tugs her closer with a flirtatious grin. He glances around the room as if checking they're not being watched (in reality he's taking another chance to scope out the place, see who might be paying attention to them, and promptly pretending not to notice any of them) and pulls her a little further into the corner. It affords them a little privacy and a touch more safety while also selling the idea he's really just wanting alone time with her.

She nods, grinning almost stupidly as she takes a deep breath. Just work. Just work. Get out of this damn place in one piece. Something went wrong/was wrong from the minute Effie was supposed to have gotten the invitation. The funny part? She had been on the list as a +1 for Dick. Not the other way around.

The stupid grin works well enough. All systems go.

Effie slides her arms over his shoulders. If she's honest, there's very little faking the easy, flirty smile. He's a nice enough guy. He's handsome, and maybe more than anyone has a right to be. As they slide into the corner a little more, she's got one hand to spell between the two of them as she offers a lazy, sultry grin. "This okay? Exit stairs farther than I thought."

Nobody's approached them yet. So far, so good. Right?

"You're perfect" he signs with a grin, leaning in like he's kissing her neck, though in truth the angle means he doesn't have to do anything more than move in close and tilt his head a little, though he's certainly close enough for his breathe to ghost across her skin.

It gives him a chance to look around over her shoulder, surveying the best route out of her as he plots his next move. He'd rather move fast, so the time for subtlety is probably not now. He draws back, pulls her in as close as he can manage and gives her a quick, apologetic look before he does the thing that's really going to sell this.

He kisses her.

Strange thing, pretending. Effie's well aware that this night has been all about it. Smile like he's the best thing in the world, or at least the room. Play spies and pretend to mingle with the people while trying to solve the case of the missing informant. They'll pretend to like you, just long enough to get a word out of Dick. You're then on your way to being pretend lovers, even though it's hard to really pretend a flush in the cheeks.

And you'll pretend that the pretend kissing of the neck doesn't feel even a little real with his breath there.

That pretend kiss that Dick's planting on her? Well. For the moment, Effie thinks it's kind of nice to pretend. She's pretty sure that no one's ever kissed her like that. It's easy to melt against him, and she's not sorry in the slightest. If it's pretend for the night, then it's just perfect.

After a moment, Effie reluctantly breaks that kiss and smiles. You'll pardon her pink cheeks, Dick, as she feels a smidge breathless in the moment. "We might've scared them. We should go."

Dick's feeling a little breathless himself when he breaks away. He'd thought this was going to be easy, he pretend flirts with women all the time - but they're rarely as smart and funny and beautiful and charming as Effie, and he isn't usually inclined to kiss them (he doesn't normally let it get that far).

He grins, it's a little wild, and he nods, stepping away just enough that he can grab her hand and tug her towards the exit - exactly how he would if he'd decided to hell with the party he was taking his date home right now. Which kind of is the case, but not technically for the reason it looks like.

He carefully ignores the part of himself that wishes it was. He can think about that properly later.

This night has certainly not turned out the way Effie'd expected, but she's also having the best time. Even if her source is somehow nowhere to be found. That's something to contemplate on for tomorrow. Running out the side door to escape this party/prying eyes/potential danger? It's like something out of a movie. And what a trope it is.

Effie keeps it in perspective. It's a show. Isn't it always?

Of course there's an entourage of press waiting outside, looking for anyone to stop and interview. Dick Grayson is the main target, of course. He's hand-in-hand with the date he came in with, and they're escaping early. Morning news local gossip? Of course it is.

Without being able to properly speak with him as they go, Effie manages to squeeze Dick's hand and offer a somewhat mischievous smile. At least that's real.

Dick flashes her a quick, reassuring grin, his eyes sparkling with equal mischief, and squeezes her hand back.

The press are eager to ask them questions of course, but if he actually stopped to answer them it would somewhat ruin the whole eager-to-get-out-of-there act, which is the excuse he'll use if anybody questions him about it later. Truthfully it's partly that and partly just because he really hates smiling politely and answering all the horrible intrusive questions the press comes out with.

"I'd love to stay and chat but we've got places to be. Very busy." he calls cheerfully as he dodges his way through the press, keeping a tight hold of Effie's hand as he tugs her along with him. It's a pathetic and vague excuse, but really that only sells the whole thing, right?

Being able to read lips is a talent Effie is more than thrilled to have perfected, and she laughs silently at Dick's declaration to everyone as they escape. She would've loved to be able to yell something like 'So long, suckers!', but for now? Enjoying this moment is pretty spectacular. She's never had a night like this, and she sincerely doubts she'll have another after it's over.

Before tonight, Effie had never really given Dick Grayson much thought beyond a guy who got extremely lucky and was living the best life he could imagine. At this point, she can't imagine it still isn't a true statement, but now Effie can tack on 'And he's a genuinely nice guy' on top of it. Maybe he's really only being nice to her as a favor, but she never really got that impression like she has from others.

Her hand grips his a little tighter as they try to figure out where the car is to escape into. They do still have their car, right?

One of the advantages to to being so well known is that by the time they'd made it through the gauntlet of paparazzi, the valets were already waiting with the car. Dick steers her towards it and grabs the keys of the guy with a thank you (and a hefty tip) before holding the door open for Effie. There's still a few photographers trailing after them snapping pictues, but Dick mostly ignores them.

Once Effie's settled, Dick gets in the car, flashes her a quick, reassuring grin, and drives off - he's on auto-pilot heading back to his own apartment, but any minute now he'll stop and think to check where she wants to go. The important part is getting away from there, once they're definitely safe they can figure out what's next.

Effie had wanted adventure in her life, and tonight has definitely offered it. It's not quite what she'd expected, no. Who honestly thinks they're going to wake up one morning and have to go a bit incognito with one of the best known individuals in this city? Certainly not Effie Rask.

She's still working on a reasonable adrenaline high when Effie realizes that they're not quite going to where she'd been picked up. Maybe Dick knows some sort of back way, but considering she doesn't live anywhere near the north part of the city? It's a little tough to sign to a person while they're driving, but she taps Dick on the arm to give him a pretty confused expression and mouth the words, Where are we going?

Dick glances at her out the corner of his eye, he's more practiced at lip reading than a socialite probably should be, but it's a simple enough sentence that he figures it won't be too suspicious that he manages to interpret it. He realises, then, that he hadn't stopped to ask her where she wants to go, but the logic of it pops into his head before he's even finished the thought.

He turns so he can still keep half an eye on the road but she can see his lips better as he explains "Back to my apartment. If there is anything suspicious going on, that's where they'll expect us to go. This way we keep our cover a little longer."

Besides, he'd rather stay with her, just in case. It could be absolutely nothing, a contact getting cold feet, but Dick hasn't survived as Nightwing, and Robin before that, as long as he has without erring on the side of caution.

"Unless you'd rather go to yours?"

Effie keeps getting the feeling that there's something bigger going on than just her source not showing up. It's not Dick's fault, no, but this charade between them keeps going. Normally, she would not be going home with a man she barely knows. But she hasn't felt unsafe with him. If anything, she's felt a little safer about this whole thing because of him.

After a few long beats, Effie nods and smiles, trying to keep Dick's attention on the road by simply signing, "Your place is okay."

Dick nods, turning his full attention back to the road as he continues driving towards his apartment building - keeping an eye on the rearview mirror to make sure they're not being followed.

He pulls into the underground garage and into his space, stopping the car and then waiting - making sure nobody else is coming into the garage after him. Once it seems the coast is clear, he gets out, crossing round to open the door for Effie.

"I'm in the penthouse, the elevator's over there." he explains, nodding towards the corner of the garage.

It's all playing out a little like a spy movie. Gotta be careful about not getting too wrapped into everything. She has a feeling that Dick's had to do this before. He is, after all, one of the most famous people she's ever come across. He's in every paper, every magazine. He's everywhere in the world, whenever he wants to be. And as far as she knows, on account of Bruce Wayne.

So, of course he lives in the penthouse. She grins a bit as they move toward the elevator. "This entire night did not go at all like I thought it would. Thanks for that."

"I'm sorry you weren't able to find your source, but I hope you had fun." he signs back, waiting for her to enter the elevator first and then stepping in after her and pressing the button for his floor. He doesn't know how much fun she could have had, they weren't there for very long and now she's going to be all over the tabloids in the morning, but he hopes it wasn't too awful.

There's a tiny part of him that's tempted to make up something about cameras in the elevator, to imply they might still be being watched and use it as an excuse to get close, but that feels like a level of subterfuge that crosses over from charming to sleazy and as much fun as he had flirting with her, it was alright because she was in on it too. It's disappointing to not have the excuse anymore, but maybe that could allow for a little genuine flirtation, just to see how she responds - he just doesn't know how appropriate it would be. Maybe after they make sure they're definitely safe.

It doesn't take the elevator long to reach his floor, and once again he motions for her to go first.

[ooc: That last tag of mine was painful. Wow, I was tired. lol Thank you for humoring me. ♥]

The party's over. The spell's mostly broken, she thinks. Their roles were played well enough. The memory of that kiss, though? That's going to linger on her lips for a while. "I'm not sure what I was expecting out of the party tonight. A story for tomorrow or maybe next week, I guess. Maybe it's just as well that they didn't show." She smiles at him as the door opens. "I learned that Dick Grayson isn't quite what the articles would have everyone believe."

She steps out of the elevator, wishing for all the world that she were actually at her place and changing out of all the foundation garments underneath her dress in anticipation of something more comfortable.

_{[Oh hush it was just fine <3]}

"Oh is that so? Going to make me your story instead?" he asks with a teasing grin "The real Dick Grayson, your greatest exposé yet"

If only she knew.

He opens to the door to his apartment and motions for her to go inside. The door leads into a short corridor, beyond which is a large open-plan living area and spacious kitchen. It's not the tidiest place in the world but it's not a total mess either. Above the fireplace is a framed poster for 'The Flying Graysons' - it's old and a little worn, but clearly well loved. There's framed photos, too, all around the room, mostly of his family and friends, but there's a small number of him and his parents before the accident.

"Make yourself at home, can I get you a coffee or something?" He figures she ought to stay for a little while to make it believable and then he'll call her a cab to get home.

[♥ ♥]

Effie pauses to look at the photos, and the poster. She knows a little about Dick's past, but she's polite enough to not ask too much. The lack of parents is something she knows a little about, even if their experiences are clearly different.

She laughs silently at his tease. "It probably would be, but I don't know you well enough, and I don't write deadline stories about people I like." Welp. That cat's out of the bag, so let's change that subject onto the offer of a beverage.

"Tea or beer or whatever you've got will be good. I'm a cheap date." She shifts her feet a little. "Would it be okay if I took of my shoes? These things are killer." Effie isn't trying to make herself at home, and she swears they'll go back on when she leaves. "I don't get out often enough to have a reason to wear them."

Now did she mean people she liked as in people she enjoyed spending time with and liked as people, or people she liked? Dick isn't entirely sure but he is sure he'd like to find out.

Once he's done playing good host, anyway.

"Tea I can do," he nods "Please, go ahead. Make yourself comfortable." he motions towards the couch, stopping himself just short of offering her a t-shirt or something to change into. Partly because, while she looked very beautiful in her dress, the idea of her in one of his t-shirts was somehow even more attractive.

He steps into the kitchen area and starts making them both a cup of tea, leaving her to take the place in if she wants, or just get comfortable on the couch.

The night's still young-ish, Dick. Don't overthink it quite yet.

"Thank you," she signs with a smile, taking him up on the offer to take a seat on the couch. Her legs are crossed very ladylike as she unbuckles the shoe (strappy shoes are just gorgeous, but getting them on and off is more than a pain sometimes). Dick might have a small scandalous peek at an ankle if he decides to poke his head in while she's occupied.

Once they're off and sat off to the side on the floor, Effie appears much more relaxed than she's actually felt all evening. She's wiggling her very pretty manicured toes, waiting for Dick's eventual return with the proffered tea.

This is certainly not the way she'd expected her night to go. Not by a long shot.

It's only a few minutes later when he returns with two mugs, handing hers over and depositing his on the coffee table so he can kick off his own shoes and strip off his jacket and tie before sitting in the armchair opposite her - it seems safer to put a little distance between them for now, so he isn't tempted to do something stupid.

"So I know your evening was a bust, but you never did answer whether or not you still had fun?" he asks with a soft smile.

As nice as it was to be able to pretend to be her date, he thinks he prefers this - quiet alone time, a chance to actually get to know her without having to put on a show for the cameras.

p.s. i still love you

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)