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[ The audience goes wild as Haly's Traveling Circus begins its three-ring opening act extravaganza. The performers swarm the floor in a choreographed riot of colors and music, and Dick just knows he's gonna get lost in the crowd.

When's Jack gonna give in and let him have his own aerial act? The accident was five years ago. He's ready. He's got a routine worked out and everything. All he needs is a chance.

Not that he's ever gonna get one as long as he's stuck doing boring old handsprings through boring old flaming hoops all the way over in the third ring. Total baby stuff. He could do this in his sleep. He catches two juggling clubs mid-double-backflip, spins once more in midair, sticks the landing, and the crowd goes nuts. Okay, that felt pretty cool, maybe it was more impressive than he'd —

... Or maybe the elephant's stealing the show. Aw, come on, Zitka... ]

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[ It's not like Dick had been waiting or anything. He had a show to do, and chores to stay on top of, and he's working on his new routine, because one day Jack's gonna say yes. But... he checks his phone every few minutes. Just in case the ringer isn't on. Or in case he missed a call while he was rehearsing. In case, in case, in case.

He's sprawled on Zitka's huge back watching the clouds roll by overhead when it finally does ring. He answers so fast that he fumbles it, and he just about flails right off the elephant's back before he catches the stupid thing. ]

Whup— uh, hi! Sorry! Hello?

[Pause.]

Tell me I caught you in the middle of a routine. Are you flipping around in the air fifty feet off the ground?

[ A giddy little tingle spreads from his stomach through the rest of him, his ears to his toes, and he grins. ]

Nah, you missed that. Now I'm just chilling with my BFF.

[ Zitka snorts loudly. ]

Your BFF sounds like an elephant. [KF flicks a grape into the air and catches it in his mouth.]

Good guess. [ Another elephant snort. ] She says hi.

Heya.

So whatcha doin'? [doh] I mean, besides chilling. Which you just told me.

Not much. Just kinda waiting for an important phonecall.

Yeah? [KF's insides do this stupid squirmy thing and his grin gets dumb.] Who from?

This guy I know. Kind of smart, kind of awesome, kiiind of a superhero... don't tell anyone, but I think he's a pretty big deal.

[HE THINKS I'M SMART]

Well geez, if he's someone you think is pretty hot stuff, then I guess he really must be.

[ His ears are burning, jeez... ]

Oh, did I say hot stuff?

You implied it. [KF kicks back onto his bed, crossing his ankles.] Where are you guys going next?

[ He might have implied it a little bit on purpose. ]

Santa Fe. Ever been?

Just passed through on my way down to Phoenix. Didn't stop, though. Have you been there before?

Couple times.

That was an invitation, by the way.

Ummm...is it in the next four days? Because I-I can't.

... oh.

[ He tries to hide the disappointment in his voice, but there's an uncertain little waver that gets through anyway. ]

That's okay. I mean... it's... not that great. You won't be missing much.

Dude, no, I want to. I really really want to, but uh...

[SIGGGH.] I'm grounded. No out-of-state travel for a week.

... Grounded? But you're a superhero.

Okay well I'm not from outer space, and I do have parents. I came back late for my curfew when I visited you last so I got grounded.

I mean, I'm sixteen! Who gives a sixteen-year-old an eleven o'clock curfew? It's just dumb.

[ Dick groans, running a hand down his face. His fault. HIS FAULT. He got Kid Flash grounded! He's basically a supervillain. ]

Oh, man, I'm so sorry. And I even kept you after I knew!

[p sure supervillains don't try to get kf GROUNDED kiddo]

Yeah I kind of kept myself after I knew so it's not a problem. By the time I noticed I was already gonna be late, so...don't beat yourself up over it.

[ the tiniest smile. ]

... I hope it was worth it.

One hundred percent. [KF smiles, jiggling his foot.] Y'know, aside from the fact that I can't come see you this time.

We'll just have to have twice as much fun next time.