Dick & Iggy PSL Open Post/Overflow/Inbox

[cohero]

DICK & IGGY

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[dead_tongue]

Iggy doesn't protest the gift - he's a sucker for them, and he enjoys soft things. The animal winds up being a tiger.

"It turned out wonderfully," Iggy says softly.

He climbs into the car (stowing his tiger in the back seat) and waits for Dick to start it up.

"The whole date experience, huh? That means dinner. If you're sure you're okay with that then, yeah, I could totally eat. You've got somewhere in mind, I bet."

[cohero]

"If you don't mind. I mean, we can always order in if you're tired from walking the park." Dick takes Iggy's hand when they reach the car, and now he's soft and tender. He really does truly care for Iggy. Maybe he was a little rough in the park because he wants to be better than all those other men. Dick will figure it out eventually, but this. This is the side that feels the most earnest.

He'll get it one day. Perhaps. "I'm glad you like your tiger." He takes Iggy's hand before they leave the lot and brings it to his lips to kiss each fingertip and then flips it over to run an open mouthed kiss against his pulse, savoring the way Iggy's heart beats so strong right beneath his gentle touch.

"I had a great time too. I'll work at finding a better experience for you next time we go out. You mean the world to me and I want things to really work." Dick keeps hold of Iggy's hand as they pull out, setting it on his knee.

[dead_tongue]

Iggy squeezes Dick's knee. "Don't be silly. This was a great experience. You know... we're allowed to have our disagreements. It doesn't ruin the whole date."

He looks over at Dick curiously.

"You really have a sort of all or nothing mentality. Do you think that's because of how you were brought up? Or is it a holdover from your exes?"

[cohero]

"Oh, I wasn't talking about that. I wasn't sure you actually liked all the animals. I know we're alright." Dick reassures Iggy when they pull to a stop at a light. He glances over and tips his head.

"I know that my brain works differently because of who I am, and how I was raised. I was raised as a weapon. If I didn't do well, I was punished. I've been literally thrown to a wolf in order to be taught not to fear. I was about eleven, had no weapons. It was night. I was chased until I learned to take control and kill it, to conquer all fears. I learned that I had to control everything then. It's why I failed all my relationships. I thought I had to do everything myself. I pushed until it all broke. I cared deeply, but then I never trusted any of them to be strong enough to handle things with me."

The light changes and he goes quiet for a little bit. It was a lot to offer up all that information at once. A little too much, honestly and he feels strange for saying it all. He knows that he's trusted Iggy with a lot, but there's parts of his life, his psyche that he's not proud of , that he doesn't truly want to talk about and this is getting closer to it. There's so much there, so much more than they've ever touched on.

It's enough for now.

[dead_tongue]

"They were cute!"

Iggy listens, frowning more and more deeply. He himself has familial issues - more than he realises - but he's never had to kill a literal wolf. It sounds inhumane.

"Dick, sweetie, you really have to go to therapy," he says gently. "Either a superperson one, or you just lie enough not to give yourself away. But like... honey, that's not healthy."

He squeezes Dick's knee again.

"You don't have to agree. And let's not even argue. Just... think about it, maybe.

"But for now? Where are we eating, handsome?"

[cohero]

When Iggy suggested it before, Dick went to therapy. He saw Leslie, the same person that Bruce and Jason saw. It was a lot of talk about abuse and things that were probably true on some level, but he didn't agree with on others. He didn't do as much talking as she wanted.

It was hard to open up to someone who seemed to know more about him than most the rest of the world. "I've gone, remember. I'll go again. I know you think it's important." He smiles softly and continues down the road.

"I've been in the mood for some really great lobster. This place has the best. Don't worry. They have plenty of other options if you don't like that. They're a world class restaurant on top of that building right there in front of us. The restaurant slowly rotates around, not at a discernible speed, but so slow you don't realize you're moving until you look out and the scenery is completely different. It's spectacular at night. We have window seats, unless you're afraid of heights."

[dead_tongue]

"So long as you keep going," Iggy says. He knows going once doesn't accomplish much of anything.

Iggy looks over and smiles. "No, not scared of heights. I guess if it rotated fast everyone would hurl, huh?"

[cohero]

"If it rotated that fast, it'd be a roller coaster and not a restaurant." Dick laughed as they parked, and he went around to Iggy's door and opened it for him-- some habits die hard.

"I plan on going. I'm not sure if I'll keep seeing this therapist. She knows too much about the .... family, and is very biased, but I will make sure that I'm getting new thoughts and strategies. You know I want to improve things."

It's all true. He does want to improve. It might take a long time to do so. These things have taken years to learn, and will take a long time to unlearn, but he's doing a lot of things step-by- step and at least he and Iggy and talk about things.

With their hands linked, Dick takes him to the elevator and lets Iggy push the button if he wants. It's a ride up, but it's glass so the view is great.

[dead_tongue]

The door opening is pretty sweet. Iggy unfolds himself from the car.

"Sometimes it takes a while to find one you vibe with," Iggy says about the therapist. "But you will." He's aware that things do take time.

The ride up in the elevator is pleasant. Iggy holds Dick's hang and watches the world fall away, smiling. He keeps smiling until they're in the restaurant and being seated. Then his expression freezes a moment before he recovers and looks to Dick's face.

"This is nice," he says, ignoring the fact that a dead guy is standing by a table several feet away. It's not like anyone else can see him, after all.

[cohero]

While they're walking across the restaurant, Dick takes the time to kiss Iggy's hand feeling better about the evening and the date as they go. He's actually trying to come up with something for their next date-- hoping that maybe Iggy will offer some ideas over dinner. They haven't talked about shared interests much and Dick wants to start doing a lot more together.

Having been a trained detective, and known for spotting the moment a situation changes, Dick is alerted to Iggy's body language almost immediately. He searches for a threat. There's no gunmen, no one that seems out of place. He's still on alert when the waitress comes over to offer them a drink. Dick orders a bottle of wine and shoos her away.

"What's wrong. You're making me tense, and if there's someone about to hurt us, I need to know. Remember, I do this for a living." Dick slides his hand under the table and places it on Iggy's knee, squeezing tightly. There's genuine concern in his eyes.

[dead_tongue]

Iggy's expression stays perfectly pleasant. He puts a hand overtop of Dick's and squeezes.

"Nobody can hurt us," he assures Dick very quietly. He absolutely does not want to draw the ghost's attention.

He takes his hand back and pulls his phone out, still smiling. He types quickly and turns his screen so Dick can read:

dead guy. please don't react.

[cohero]

There's a set about Dick's shoulders that has trouble relaxing even with Iggy's pleasant face and his quiet tone stating that nothing can hurt them. It's been a while since he's even considered the powers that accompany his boyfriend, and so it's the last thing on his mind until his phone alerts him.

Pulling it from his pocket, he takes a quick glance and then relief spreads across his features. Out of all the things in the world-- this is something that he trusts Iggy with. Reaching across the table, Dick takes his lover's hand and glances at the menu. ]

So, I know that I'm having the lobster. Have you thought about what you'd like tonight. I know their pasta is pretty good here as well. If not they have an amazing Wagyu steak, if you like beef. I don't really know what your favorite food is. You'll have to school me so that I can take you out with that in mind next time.

[dead_tongue]

[The touch is appreciated. Iggy is used to seeing ghosts, but that doesn't mean he likes it.

He looks at the menu too.]

Oh. Uhm. I like almost anything... is there salmon? I love salmon.

[He looks at Dick and smiles.] Or oysters, maybe?

You know, I almost went vegetarian, actually.

[cohero]

Did you really? What made you change your mind?

[Under the table, Dick's leg brushes along Iggy's up and down-- not only as a comfort, but letting him know that the world will always go on despite how messed their worlds might get at times. Neither of them win the life award, and Dick is so thankful that he can share this in a way. He knows he doesn't get it and never will, but he will always do his best to support his boyfriend-- because that's who Dick is.

He's always there to be strong when anyone else needs it. Plus, Iggy has sexy legs, and Dick loves playing a little bit of footsie under the table. It makes a date fun.]

We can share some oysters as an appetizer if you want. They've got Rockefeller, the ones with cheese and spinach. They're really good. Then they've got salmon over here. Looks like it should be delicious.

[dead_tongue]

I have a hard enough time eating remotely healthy already, so putting an extra hurdle in there was just too much. Also I really like fish. And ramen. Veggie ramen is never as good.

[His smile widens a little and he nudges his leg back.]

Okay! That sounds good.

[cohero]

I agree, veggie ramen is never as good as the real stuff. Maybe next time we go out, I'll let you take us to your favorite ramen place. I hear there are some good ones around. All this talk of food is making me hungry. I hope the waitress comes to take--

[Speak the words and she shall appear. The current waitress was extremely kind and happened to recognize Dick. Thankfully when she attempted to flirt, he quickly informed her that he was on a date and while she seemed slightly surprised, she apologized and offered them a bottle of wine on the house. Dick was used to getting things by flirting, but this was the first time he got it by not flirting. He had to laugh.

That was the thing with money, everyone -- and that was everyone seemed to want a piece of him. He was usually safe in upper scale restaurants, but this was a new one that he'd been trying out.

Placing their order, he was assured it would be out quickly and that the food would be above par- Dick never expected anything less. He was pretty embarrassed by now, but that was his life in public, and while they hadn't run across a lot of that type of thing yet. It was bound to happen from time to time. ]

Sorry about that. At least we will have some nice wine in a few minutes to distract ourselves with.

[dead_tongue]

You'll probably be underwhelmed. It's not very fancy.

[Iggy watches all of this with amusement. He's been to plenty of dinners with rich guys, but Dick is definitely the youngest and the smoothest. He could definitely be a playboy.

While Dick handles ordering, Iggy risks a glance back at the dead guy.

Still there.

He sighs quietly and smiles at Dick.]

It's cool, I don't mind. She probably thought we were just friends. You have very low key bi-guy vibes, you don't broadcast "I love dick" like yours truly.

[cohero]

You know that I eat in a lot of different little dives places too. I'm rarely about being fancy. This side of me, is not who I am. It's a night to remember, but it's not what I normally do, where I eat when I go out. I like beer and hot dog stands, or a great pizza joint. I wanted our first date to be nice, for you to remember.

[Wrinkling his nose, Dick realizes that Iggy thinks he does this all the time. It's so rare that Dick actually goes to places like this. He much prefers dive bars, and little mom and pop shops over places like this. He lives a pretty humble life and tries to live a normal-ish life for someone who works the way he does.

Next time they have a date, it's going to be a lot different he figures. Far less of this, and a lot more of who Dick really is.

When they're done with the order, Dick sighs.]

Well, you're my only guy. So I guess that tracks. I don't look at anyone else.

[dead_tongue]

[Iggy shrugs. Even if Dick does like a good dive bar, he still has waitstaff who are happy to fall all over themselves to please him. Money talks.

Iggy lifts his eyebrows at that last statement.]

...hope you're not expecting the same, because I've got eyes. Even if we're monogamous, baby, I'm looking at hotties.

[cohero]

[Waitstaff only fawn over him when they know him, and he does his best to be just another guy when he can. He doesn't like to be the subject of his income. That's far more a thing for Bruce Wayne.

Honestly, it's why Dick spends a lot more time eating in and staying in than going out. Then when he does, it's to places that serve to go-- it's not like he works to garner attention. Money may talk, but Dick tries to make his talk less.

That makes Dick pause for a second. ]

You know, we never talked about being exclusive... I didn't know if we were or not, and I know ... neither of us are dead by the way. We're allowed to have eyes. I'd be sad if you didn't share someone you found hot with me. A good view is always a good view.

[dead_tongue]

No, we haven't.

[He grins.] Same! I like looking.

On a more serious note, we can talk about it if you want to. I admit to a little evasion on the subject. It's--

[He pauses. The ghost is staring at him.

Iggy clears his throat.]

I don't want it to become an argument or a "Iggy, it's up to you" deflection. You know? I want it to be like... an important conversation, sure, but not dire. And I'm in no rush to nail us down into anything. I really don't care if you fuck half this restaurant, baby.

[cohero]

Personally, I have no desire to sleep with anyone else. That's me. I know it's a conversation to be had, and I'm not going to argue about anything.

[The oysters arrive, and Dick smiles. He glances at Iggy and realizes that he'd spaced out for a little bit. Biting his lip, Dick adjusts his chair slightly, moving it in toward the table but sliding it over to maybe block the view? He doesn't know, because he can't see.

His leg slides along Iggy's. ]

I'm also not going to put it all in your lap. I mean, we are dating and so it's our conversation to find a place we find comfortable. Did you want to take the rest of our food to go, babe? I wouldn't mind eating at home if you wished.

[Dick takes an oyster and holds it up for Iggy to try, still doing everything he would on any other date.]

[dead_tongue]

[Iggy smiles brightly.]

Thanks. I don't know much about relationships, but I do know they need to be collaborative.

[At the question he shakes his head, gaze dropping for a moment.]

No. I'm fine.

[He's happy to focus on trying the oysters instead, looking about as pleased as can be.]

So you don't love the playboy lifestyle? That's funny, then, you hooking up with me.

[cohero]

I know that too. I was pretty good at communicating in most relationships about this type of thing. It was work that always got in the way.

[Dick nods and takes a bite of the oyster, fishing it out with one of the tiny forks. He has fun going back and forth between feeding himself and feeding Iggy, because it's romantic and he loves watching Iggy take it from the fork with his lips. It's a mild turn on, if not a little more than that. What can he say-- his boyfriend is hot.]

Maybe I never wanted to be like Bruce in that way, or maybe I'm wired a little different. I mean, it's not like I haven't just slept with girls once or twice and gone my way, but half the time it's been someone in my business... Not always the great side either.

[He laughs softly, thinking about jinx then sighs as he remembers her fondly. She was dangerous, but wasn't all bad. It was sad that she had to die the way she did. At least she did it helping save the world.]

You were the first man I ever found really attractive enough to go all the way with. I still don't know how that all happened, but it did.

[dead_tongue]

It's just extra funny since you're rich, you know? And I'm a gold digger.

[He's happy to be fed - Iggy isn't unused to being pampered. He enjoys it most of the time.]

Yeah, dunno! I wasn't even in girl clothes when we met!

[He bats his eyelashes.]

I'm just that pretty.