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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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I got frozen by Captain Cold. [He sniffs.] A few weeks ago. Been on ice.

What? So that's why— oh my god, I-I thought you dumped me! Gustav offered to break your legs but I told him it was okay...

No, I don't wanna dump you. But if you wanna dump me after this, that's...okay... [it's not okay in the least]

[ He doesn't say either way right now, because he's still kind of hurt and upset and maybe he wants KF to stew just a little, even though that's not very charitable, considering . . . ]

So... wait, wait, when you say on ice...

Apparently, you gotta be really careful when you thaw people out like that. [KF really only lived through it thanks to his powers.]

[ For a minute, he forgets how to breathe. ]

... I wish I could come visit.

'm okay.

...I thought 'bout you. [KF shifts his weight with a grunt and coughs into the collar of his pajamas.] Is that weird? We make out once and I think "damn, what's he gonna say when I don't call?" while I get frozen.

[ Dick chokes out a sound, like a laugh and a punch to the gut at once, and holds the phone tighter. ]

... it's not weird. Or if it's weird... I dunno. It's good weird. I like it.

Now I feel bad for all that stuff I thought. [ He sniffs a little, his voice going softer. ] I'm sorry. I took down your poster and everything. Missed you too much to see you every day.

's okay. [Sniff.] I shoulda told someone we were dating. Haven't even told anybody. That's kinda low of me. [KF's eyes drift shut before he forces himself back awake with a sharp inhale.] 'm sorry. You...prob'ly felt bad the whole time.

No, don't...

[ Dick bites his lip, worrying it with his teeth for a moment. ]

Am I a terrible person if I'm kind of glad you got frozen? I mean— because it means you didn't dump me and we can see each other again and—

... jeez, yeah, it sounds even worse out loud.

Dude no, I'm with you. M' glad you didn't like...block my number. [He won't mention how crushed he was when Dick didn't pick up the first time he called, either.] I kind of like you 'n all.

... hey. Next time you visit, if you're feeling up to it? I'm gonna take you up on the trapeze. So you can see how I felt when you kissed me.

[ That's maybe the lamest thing he's ever said in his life, and he's really glad KF isn't around to see how red his cheeks go. ]

Grayson that was the corniest thing I've ever heard, [KF says, but even though his voice sounds like a shaken bag of rocks, the smile is pretty obvious.]

You loved it, don't lie.

... dude, I really wanna be there to hold your hand or something. I think I'm turning into a cliché.

I'd feel better if you were here. But, y'know. [KF coughs again, and there's a lull in conversation and the white background noise of movement as he reaches for his water and sips through the straw to wet his throat.]

Look, I'm...I won't lie to you. This'll probably happen again.

[ softly: ] I know. Comes with the whole "saving the world" thing. Can't be a hero if you're not in danger, like I can't really wow a crowd if they don't think I might miss my landing. Job hazards. I get it.

But can I just— is there anyone I can check with? A number I can call or someone I can text or a Justice League hotline for superheroes' significant others?

[KF's heart thumps painfully against his ribs. He hadn't considered the danger on Dick's end, doing his routine; it just hadn't entered his mind. Of course Dick could get hurt, just like his parents, and the only way KF would know is if he read the news the next day.]

I-

...I...have to talk to the Flash. If it was just about me...

Oh no, I don't mean— you don't have to! He doesn't even know me, I can't ask for something like that...

I'll make sure to leave a note, or instructions or something. So you can at least get a call.

... this is really morbid, huh?

Yeah it is. We live pretty weird lives, huh?

Wouldn't trade it for anything, though.

Sap. [But KF's voice is warm. He wouldn't trade it for anything either.]

Listen. 'm gonna go to sleep. Can I call you t'morrow?

You can call me anytime you want.

Sweet dreams, KF. And stay warm, okay?

[Kid Flash stumbles over the nickname, EKG beeping more rapidly as he swallows hard against a cough. Don't ruin it, don't ruin it.] You too. [......WHY WOULD DICK NEED TO STAY WARM] I mean uh, the dreams. You have good dreams. ...dreaming.

[ohgod] Okay bye. [HANGING UP NOW.]