Christmas in Blüdhaven: Recrimination, Part Two
by Smitty
"Where are Kon and Cass?" Dick asked, landing lightly on the roof next to Tim.
"Up to no good," Tim replied absently as he studied the building across the way. He finished his survey and looked up. "They're in Avalon Hill, casing Blockbuster's old place."
Dick didn't twitch.
"They're a wacky pair, aren't they?" he asked casually.
"Not like you're thinking," Tim replied. "You're not contractually required to put the doom on Kon."
"I -- yeah, ok, it would have been fun." Dick rested his hands on his hips and glanced across his city. It seemed cold and foreign, barely six weeks gone. It moved on and forgot quickly. More quickly than Dick. "Look. I should tell you what's up here." He closed his eyes and turned his face into the wind. "I ---- I hate having to tell you. It was bad enough telling Bruce. I think it's worse admitting it to you. I want to do right by you."
"I know," Tim interrupted.
"What?"
"About Blockbuster. I know I'm not supposed to know. But I do."
"Oh." Dick inhaled slowly. "And?"
"I still want to be you when I grow up."
Dick exhaled and couldn't help but smile.
"Thanks."
Author's Note: Christmas in Blüdhaven is written in the same general style as Jingle Bells, my attempt to write 24 200-word ficlets--one per day until Christmas, sort of like an Advent calendar--with characters from around the DCU. Christmas in Blüdhaven differs, however, by each of the ficlets being loosely linked and progressing toward a greater conclusion. The title was derived from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas in Sarajevo" because everything and everyone in Blüdhaven is currently something of a wreck.