Pretty sure whenever he gets the bill for this and sees just how much is charged, he's gonna start asking questions or... just somehow know it's me.
[ Bruce just be like that sometimes. Can't hide anything from him. Eventually he figures it out. Just a matter of whether or not he tells you that he has.
None of that matters right now though. What does is the fact that they're talking. Riding on a motorcycle together. About to get a bite to eat together after getting caught making out in the foyer like it's No Big Deal and all that โ which it's not. Really. Just who knows what certain other people would think or what have you because "professionalism" or whatever; like Bruce has room to talk there. Selina Kyle anyone?? ]
But oh baby, a way to my heart is definitely through my stomach.
Nah, he knows I can put down a lot of food too. Plus I can just blame the Titans.
[ He knows Barry is worried, but he doesn't want him to be. Jason can handle Bruce, and he'll handle Bruce for Barry if he has to. And really, it's true, Bruce can't say shit. He's done his fair share of whatevering all over Gotham, and hell, Jason knows Alfred would vouch for them. He's probably happy that Jason has some good role models and friends, and... whatever else this is.
Jason isn't gonna think about whatever else this is, though. He doesn't want to fuck it up by assuming anything again. This is just food. Hanging out and getting food like two perfectly normal people who do... things. Yeah. ]
Careful, now it sounds like you're flirting with me.
[ Jason grins, parking his bike behind the diner and removes his helmet to smirk at Barry. ]
You're the first person who hasn't complained about my reckless driving. I like it.
Oh โ was I supposed to? Slow down or you'll hurt someone. That better?
[ Ab-so-lutely teasing, Barry laughs a bit as he pulls his own helmet off and shakes the mess that is Helmet Hair out of his eyes, fingers carding through a moment after. With tucking said helmet under his arm, he gets himself off the bike and takes a moment to look around, definitely not recognizing the place which obviously makes sense with his being from Central City and all.
He takes only a few steps forward before he's twisting back to look to Jason. Waiting for him. ]
This where you usually go for a bite to eat or to, you know, get away from it all sometimes?
[ Jason lets out a small laugh, dragging his fingers through his hair as well, which pretty much sends it every which way. ]
Yeah, sure, man. Sounds real authentic.
[ It's definitely not the best part of Gotham... then again, there isn't much of Gotham that is the best part, but it'll take a lot for someone to steal this bike, Jason's made sure of it.
He catches up to Barry as they head for the diner, pulling the door open for him. ]
Mostly to get away from it all. Used to come here as a kid when my uncle and I would get kicked out of a bar, and he didn't have enough money for food. Owner was a sucker for a cute face, I guess.
[ Barry tosses a wink Jason's way, a little proud of how cheeky that was, and steps his way inside. It's about as one would expect a diner to look like and, honestly, it seems almost perfect in a strange sort of way for them. Some hole in the wall they can hide away in without having to deal with the rest of the world - the rest of either of their worlds - around them. ]
Alright, moment of truth.
[ Turning on his heels, he raises his brows to Jason. ]
[ Jason raises an eyebrow because yeah, okay, that was pretty slick. He likes this. He likes how easy this feels when they just go with it. It's so much better than that awkward, disjointed bullshit he was feeling earlier. This feels like... like before, when they were hanging out the first time, before anything else got in the way.
Except nothing got in the way here either, Jason reminds himself. It's alright. Maybe it'll be alright. ]
Come on, man. Who doesn't want to skulk away in a booth? Slidin' into a booth is like a nice, warm hug. Easier to hide, too, when someone's lookin' for ya.
Yes and yes. Clearly the right answer to that question.
[ With that? He wanders on over to a booth tucked away near the back of the diner, figuring it adds a little more to the whole privacy factor of this getting away from it all sort of vibe. Bag dropped off his shoulder, he dumps that in the far corner of the seat, helmet to follow and then, him, sliding on in with a puff of a sigh.
Comfortable in his seat, he folds his hands on the table before he reaches over to pluck one of those smaller menus tucked away with the salt and pepper and ketchup, etc. ]
You know I probably could eat every single thing in this place if I really wanted to. Like... no joke. I am being one hundred percent serious and then they'd kick me out and because I ate everything and there's nothing left to serve the other paying customers.
[ Jason smiles, ducking his head a little. Look, he likes to be praised, alright? If Barry hasn't already noticed... Jason doesn't realize how obvious he is about it.
He follows over to his favorite booth, smiling harder when that's the one Barry slides into, and he doesn't beam very often, but he really is right now as he slides in himself, tucking himself into the corner as he drops his helmet down next to him. ]
You can if you want to. Like hey, why not? Not like we're dinning and dashing. Seriously man, get whatever you want.
[ he pulls out a menu as well, flipping it over back and forth quickly cause he already knows it by heart, pretty much, but he needs something to do with his hands. ]
I gotta say, though. The chili dogs are the best. Loaded fries are to fucking die for and you have to try the chocolate strawberry shake. All at the same time, preferably dipped into each other, if you know what I mean.
[ maybe he doesn't expend as much energy as barry does, but he can certainly put some food down. ]
Oh dude, you are going to like... so regret those words. Trust me.
[ Jason here about to find out what it's like to wine and dine with The Snackhole. But it's... perfect, really. All of this right here. The diner, the playful banter between them, the... not being awkward and unsure about... everything. It's so much easier to fall into and Barry has to almost wonder just why they'd somehow ended up being as awkward as they had been with that text conversation. Maybe because it was text and not face to face as they had been the last time? Granted, that all started because of a text conversation, so... who knows, really.
Point is, they're here and neither of them seem to be unsure about any of this between them. At least when it comes to getting some grub in a diner tucked away in the heart-ish of Gotham City. ]
But, well. [ A raise of his brows, he smiles to himself and flips the small menu around between his fingers a couple of times. ] I do seem to like things being dipped into each other. If you know what I mean.
[ Bring on The Snackhole, he's ready. Plus, he's kinda curious now. He wants to see just how much Barry can put away without a stomach ache. Not that he wants Barry to get a stomach ache, but he has a feeling he really won't.
It is really good now, but Jason doesn't have to think very long about why they ended up as awkward and messed up as they did before. He knows he did it. He knows he jumped to conclusions and overreacted and then the whole thing snowballed into a mess because of his own stupid feelings. But he isn't going to let that get the better of him this time. Well... he's gonna try not to let it, anyway. It's hard not to though, when Barry makes him smile, and again, just seems to get him. ]
Wow. Wow.
[ Jason smacks his menu against Barry's, then slides down a little in the booth, his sneakered feet nudging against Barry's. ]
Can't believe you made it sound like you didn't have any game.
Oh, I don't. [ He's so quick to dismiss that. ] I'm so fast you don't even realize I'm consulting a Pickup Lines For Dummies book at the store up the street.
[ Rapping his knuckles against the table with raised eyebrows, he smiles. Is he teasing? Spoiler: he's just teasing. ]
Very interesting read. I learned a lot.
[ Dropping his small menu down to the table, he pushes back against Jason's feet with his own under the table and just... smiles to him. Because this is better. This feels right after things had somehow become wrong for a bit there. Jason's sure to shoulder a lot of the blame for that but, to be honest, Barry has a bit of that himself with how he didn't handle things sooner the moment that conversation became.. what it had. But they're here now and that's what matters.
That and their waitress coming over to take their order. Which? To no one's surprise, Barry goes and orders about seven or eight things off it with a smile and Very Serious Look because he's not joking. He will absolutely eat it all and he's starving. ]
[ Jason looks at him like he isn't sure for a moment, contemplatively amused look on his face, and then he snorts. ]
Better give that thing five stars, then. Though I'm not sure it would work on anyone else. I'm just cool like that.
[ This right here is why Jason thought that maybe Barry wanted to be with him. Like, not just random hookup kinda be with him, but something else. But he also realizes then that Barry's like... what? Five years older than him? It's not that much of a gap, but he's clearly still a stupid, emotional teenager- with experiences of someone way older than himself, but still, probably not what Barry is looking for.
And that's fine. He isn't going to get ahead of himself again. He's fine with it. It's fine.
He's just going to enjoy himself like the stupid teenager he is, and watch the waitress's face as Barry puts in a nice big order, followed by his own... which is like four things, but then he makes it five because why not. When she leaves, Jason sits up a little, crossing his arms on the table. ]
[ Barry's perfectly content with what he's ordered for himself which is, in hindsight, a little bit of everything plus something to wash it all down with... somethings to wash it all down with, that is. But with Jason crossing his arms on the table like he is, Barry leans back in his seat, legs stretching out underneath the table some and sort of slotting themselves around Jason's. ]
Well, that's a shame. We both know I like big things.
[ Motherfucking grin right there. He's truly on a roll today.
Huffing a laugh, he runs a hand over his mouth before he smiles to Jason, playful and carefree much like Barry Allen himself can be once he gets past the awkward. Plucking a napkin off the table, he starts to roll it between his fingers as he sits there, taking a look around the place while waiting for their drinks and then food to arrive. ]
[ Jason likes this closeness. From the kiss, to the bike, to their legs intertwined under the table. Maybe it's sappy or whatever, but Jason secretly likes all the sappiest shit. ]
Did you memorize the whole book? Are you gonna use every single one on me? Cause I gotta tell you, you've already snagged me.
[ Barry is playful and carefree, and really fucking adorable. Jason doesn't know if he's ever thought about anyone in an adorable capacity, but here it is.
When Barry looks around the diner to take it all in, Jason goes quiet for a moment too, contemplating his next words. ]
Hey, um. About before... I was kind of a dick for being so... uh... dismissive. About you, and why you were there to see Bruce. I wasn't thinking, I was just reacting, and that was shitty of me. I know how important the stuff with your dad must be and I'm... I'm sorry. I was a total jerk.
[ The thought of having snagged Jason gets a more shy smile out of him, letting his gaze flick up to the other for just a moment before he's looking back to his napkin he rolls between his fingers. Snagging someone... now there's something he doesn't hear associated with him every day and it sort of has him wonder just what exactly Jason means by that.
Before he can really contemplate or even think to ask, he's speaking and Barry flicks his gaze up from his napkin to settle on the other across from him. ]
I mean โ sort of gave you a bit of a reason to be.
[ With how their last conversation prior to today had gone.
Straightening up some in his seat, he rests his arms against the table as well and smiles a bit before he comes to just drop his chin into his palm, elbow resting there on the table. ]
You're here now โ not being a jerk, so. [ He teases with a smile pressed into his palm. ] That's what matters.
[ If Barry were to have asked what Jason meant by that, he might've just given a shrug and a sly grin, not really wanting to get too deep into it. He's trying to take this as it comes now and not jump to any conclusions. He probably needs to slow down just as much as Barry does.
But Jason does want Barry to know that he knows he can be a colossal dick, but he doesn't always mean to be. ]
Nah, you were fine. Really.
[ But he's glad that Barry smiles at him, and keeps it real. He really isn't like anyone Jason knows, and that's a good thing. ]
I'll try to spare you any more jerkiness, at least for the day.
[ good luck, a voice in the back of his head tries to tell him, but he shoves it away. he doesn't have to be a jerk all the time, right? he can do this. anyway, it's hard to be a jerk when a giant milkshake gets put down in front of him, and look, he's gonna be a fiend about it cause he starts licking at the whipped cream right away. ]
[ Barry's half-tempted to make a comment about how Jason definitely loves to lick up cream, but. He decides against it. Too Much is a thing after all, so he just smiles in secret to himself as he watches the other go at it.
His own drink is an ice cream float because, of course it is and he's all smiles to their waitress when it's set down for him, Barry plucking a straw from the carousel they have of them at their table. ]
So... [ He starts then, straw plopping into the ice cream float. ] ...how have things been since we last spoke?
[ It hasn't been too long, thankfully, but. It's felt long enough? At least it has for Barry. Not that they were really talking much to one another prior to that to begin with. However, might be nice for that to change? At least Barry might think so. ]
[ it's been a while since he's been to this diner... get away has been a lot harder lately than usual, so he appreciates that he can be here with Barry right now, really going at his milkshake. he doesn't suck down too much of it just yet, though. he has a lot of things he wants to dip into it.
Barry's question has him looking up again though and he scrunches his face a little, along with a shrug. ]
Fine, I guess. Been training a lot more lately so I've been pretty busy a lot.
[ keeps his mind off of the shit that bothers him when he gets to punch it all out instead. ]
[ Wearing a shy smile on his lips, he stirs his straw around in his ice cream float for a moment before he grabs the spoon beside him and dips it into the ball of ice cream floating there. This is... nice. Being here like this. Even if they'd more or less made a run for it from Alfred kind of. It's still nice and something they maybe both needed, just like that night together. ]
Things going ok in Gotham though? No super powered bad guys shaking thing up or anything?
Yeah? Don't want it to show too much, you know? Takes the assholes off guard every single time.
[ endurance is key, Bruce always tells him. as long as he stays standing, he can get through anything. maybe that's the case here too. if he can keep his footing, he can get through the regular parts of life too. ]
Just the usual shitheads. Swear to god if I hear another riddle I'm gonna kill someone.
[ every once in a while he wouldn't mind a super powered bad guy, though. he and Batman would kick their ass and it would be a wild time. ]
Gotham's got a steady supply of dirty cops that I've got the pleasure of taking down every once in a while, so there's that.
[ He smiles around a quiet huff of laughter as he says that, spoonful of ice cream float there in front of his lips before he goes about taking a generous bite from it and yeah, that sure hits the spot. ]
But I mean โ that's good? That it's nothing world ending that needs like... everyone and anyone to help out. Sounds kinda cool in theory but when things get really bad out there... sort of kills the mood of how cool it all is.
[ Just, you know, saying from experience and all. ]
Hell, I could probably write my own at this rate with all the bullshit.
[ sometimes he wonders, though- doesn't Bruce get tired of kicking the same criminal's asses? doesn't it bother him that they all just keep coming back? not really for him to say, though. he's just doing his job, and trying to have a blast with it.
best milkshakes in all of Gotham right here, though. Jason's sure of it.]
So long as everyone comes out alive and well? Yeah. Feels good to have a team.
[ Friends, in Barry's case.
But that's right around when their food arrives and Barry's eyes light up when he sees the plate of burger + fries, large salad, LARGE LUNCH PLATTER, sweet potato fries, stacked club sandwich, bowl of pasta, perogies with sour cream, a breakfast plate all set down before him... which may take a trip of having to turn around a couple times to set it all out. ]
Oh, wow. This is such a good starter. Thank you very much!
[ Jason doesn't know how he feels about teams, though. Mostly he feels like he doesn't need them. He's good with just him and Bruce, or him and Dick sometimes. More people always make things more complicated.
Deep down he wants friends too, though. That's the tricky part.
But oh god, all the food, and they even have to bring a small table over to hold all of it while Jason slides it all as close together as he can get. Along with his waffles, cheese fries, chili dogs, and burger. ]
Gotta say, I'm excited to watch you put all this down.
[ Jason says with the most amused look his face. The owner of the diner doesn't look as amused, though, and he comes over, eyes narrowed at Jason. ]
You better not be pulling any of your usual bullshit, Jason. Can you even pay for this, or am I calling the cops?
[ Jason's look turns even more amused as he digs into his pocket for his wallet, pulling out a black credit card that has his name on it and hands it over. ]
Why don'tcha keep the tab open, Johnny. We might want some more.
[ Any normal person would most definitely think he was being a bit of a troll or even nuisance with ordering All This Food since... how? But oh there be a how alright and that how is thanks to the speed force that he's connected with now, burning up calories like they're nothing.
When the owner comes over and gives Jason the business with his "warning" of sorts, Barry just looks over with straw in his mouth, sucking back on the ice cream float he keeps close by while Jason handles it all and flashes that card. ]
Thank you?
[ Said more to the owner there with a smile before he turns back to Jason and huffs a laugh, reaching for a couple fries first. ]
Wow. You sure know how to wine and dine a guy. I might just have to sleep with you after this.
[ He grins to Jason there, bumping his leg with the toe of his shoe beneath the table, clearly feeling playful and pleased with all this food here in front of him. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ Bruce just be like that sometimes. Can't hide anything from him. Eventually he figures it out. Just a matter of whether or not he tells you that he has.
None of that matters right now though. What does is the fact that they're talking. Riding on a motorcycle together. About to get a bite to eat together after getting caught making out in the foyer like it's No Big Deal and all that โ which it's not. Really. Just who knows what certain other people would think or what have you because "professionalism" or whatever; like Bruce has room to talk there. Selina Kyle anyone?? ]
But oh baby, a way to my heart is definitely through my stomach.
[ Central City's snackhole after all. ]
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[ He knows Barry is worried, but he doesn't want him to be. Jason can handle Bruce, and he'll handle Bruce for Barry if he has to. And really, it's true, Bruce can't say shit. He's done his fair share of whatevering all over Gotham, and hell, Jason knows Alfred would vouch for them. He's probably happy that Jason has some good role models and friends, and... whatever else this is.
Jason isn't gonna think about whatever else this is, though. He doesn't want to fuck it up by assuming anything again. This is just food. Hanging out and getting food like two perfectly normal people who do... things. Yeah. ]
Careful, now it sounds like you're flirting with me.
[ Jason grins, parking his bike behind the diner and removes his helmet to smirk at Barry. ]
You're the first person who hasn't complained about my reckless driving. I like it.
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[ Ab-so-lutely teasing, Barry laughs a bit as he pulls his own helmet off and shakes the mess that is Helmet Hair out of his eyes, fingers carding through a moment after. With tucking said helmet under his arm, he gets himself off the bike and takes a moment to look around, definitely not recognizing the place which obviously makes sense with his being from Central City and all.
He takes only a few steps forward before he's twisting back to look to Jason. Waiting for him. ]
This where you usually go for a bite to eat or to, you know, get away from it all sometimes?
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Yeah, sure, man. Sounds real authentic.
[ It's definitely not the best part of Gotham... then again, there isn't much of Gotham that is the best part, but it'll take a lot for someone to steal this bike, Jason's made sure of it.
He catches up to Barry as they head for the diner, pulling the door open for him. ]
Mostly to get away from it all. Used to come here as a kid when my uncle and I would get kicked out of a bar, and he didn't have enough money for food. Owner was a sucker for a cute face, I guess.
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[ Barry tosses a wink Jason's way, a little proud of how cheeky that was, and steps his way inside. It's about as one would expect a diner to look like and, honestly, it seems almost perfect in a strange sort of way for them. Some hole in the wall they can hide away in without having to deal with the rest of the world - the rest of either of their worlds - around them. ]
Alright, moment of truth.
[ Turning on his heels, he raises his brows to Jason. ]
Booth or counter?
no subject
Except nothing got in the way here either, Jason reminds himself. It's alright. Maybe it'll be alright. ]
Come on, man. Who doesn't want to skulk away in a booth? Slidin' into a booth is like a nice, warm hug. Easier to hide, too, when someone's lookin' for ya.
no subject
Yes and yes. Clearly the right answer to that question.
[ With that? He wanders on over to a booth tucked away near the back of the diner, figuring it adds a little more to the whole privacy factor of this getting away from it all sort of vibe. Bag dropped off his shoulder, he dumps that in the far corner of the seat, helmet to follow and then, him, sliding on in with a puff of a sigh.
Comfortable in his seat, he folds his hands on the table before he reaches over to pluck one of those smaller menus tucked away with the salt and pepper and ketchup, etc. ]
You know I probably could eat every single thing in this place if I really wanted to. Like... no joke. I am being one hundred percent serious and then they'd kick me out and because I ate everything and there's nothing left to serve the other paying customers.
no subject
He follows over to his favorite booth, smiling harder when that's the one Barry slides into, and he doesn't beam very often, but he really is right now as he slides in himself, tucking himself into the corner as he drops his helmet down next to him. ]
You can if you want to. Like hey, why not? Not like we're dinning and dashing. Seriously man, get whatever you want.
[ he pulls out a menu as well, flipping it over back and forth quickly cause he already knows it by heart, pretty much, but he needs something to do with his hands. ]
I gotta say, though. The chili dogs are the best. Loaded fries are to fucking die for and you have to try the chocolate strawberry shake. All at the same time, preferably dipped into each other, if you know what I mean.
[ maybe he doesn't expend as much energy as barry does, but he can certainly put some food down. ]
no subject
[ Jason here about to find out what it's like to wine and dine with The Snackhole. But it's... perfect, really. All of this right here. The diner, the playful banter between them, the... not being awkward and unsure about... everything. It's so much easier to fall into and Barry has to almost wonder just why they'd somehow ended up being as awkward as they had been with that text conversation. Maybe because it was text and not face to face as they had been the last time? Granted, that all started because of a text conversation, so... who knows, really.
Point is, they're here and neither of them seem to be unsure about any of this between them. At least when it comes to getting some grub in a diner tucked away in the heart-ish of Gotham City. ]
But, well. [ A raise of his brows, he smiles to himself and flips the small menu around between his fingers a couple of times. ] I do seem to like things being dipped into each other. If you know what I mean.
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[ Bring on The Snackhole, he's ready. Plus, he's kinda curious now. He wants to see just how much Barry can put away without a stomach ache. Not that he wants Barry to get a stomach ache, but he has a feeling he really won't.
It is really good now, but Jason doesn't have to think very long about why they ended up as awkward and messed up as they did before. He knows he did it. He knows he jumped to conclusions and overreacted and then the whole thing snowballed into a mess because of his own stupid feelings. But he isn't going to let that get the better of him this time. Well... he's gonna try not to let it, anyway. It's hard not to though, when Barry makes him smile, and again, just seems to get him. ]
Wow. Wow.
[ Jason smacks his menu against Barry's, then slides down a little in the booth, his sneakered feet nudging against Barry's. ]
Can't believe you made it sound like you didn't have any game.
no subject
[ Rapping his knuckles against the table with raised eyebrows, he smiles. Is he teasing? Spoiler: he's just teasing. ]
Very interesting read. I learned a lot.
[ Dropping his small menu down to the table, he pushes back against Jason's feet with his own under the table and just... smiles to him. Because this is better. This feels right after things had somehow become wrong for a bit there. Jason's sure to shoulder a lot of the blame for that but, to be honest, Barry has a bit of that himself with how he didn't handle things sooner the moment that conversation became.. what it had. But they're here now and that's what matters.
That and their waitress coming over to take their order. Which? To no one's surprise, Barry goes and orders about seven or eight things off it with a smile and Very Serious Look because he's not joking. He will absolutely eat it all and he's starving. ]
no subject
[ Jason looks at him like he isn't sure for a moment, contemplatively amused look on his face, and then he snorts. ]
Better give that thing five stars, then. Though I'm not sure it would work on anyone else. I'm just cool like that.
[ This right here is why Jason thought that maybe Barry wanted to be with him. Like, not just random hookup kinda be with him, but something else. But he also realizes then that Barry's like... what? Five years older than him? It's not that much of a gap, but he's clearly still a stupid, emotional teenager- with experiences of someone way older than himself, but still, probably not what Barry is looking for.
And that's fine. He isn't going to get ahead of himself again. He's fine with it. It's fine.
He's just going to enjoy himself like the stupid teenager he is, and watch the waitress's face as Barry puts in a nice big order, followed by his own... which is like four things, but then he makes it five because why not. When she leaves, Jason sits up a little, crossing his arms on the table. ]
Don't know if this table is gonna be big enough.
no subject
Well, that's a shame. We both know I like big things.
[ Motherfucking grin right there. He's truly on a roll today.
Huffing a laugh, he runs a hand over his mouth before he smiles to Jason, playful and carefree much like Barry Allen himself can be once he gets past the awkward. Plucking a napkin off the table, he starts to roll it between his fingers as he sits there, taking a look around the place while waiting for their drinks and then food to arrive. ]
no subject
Did you memorize the whole book? Are you gonna use every single one on me? Cause I gotta tell you, you've already snagged me.
[ Barry is playful and carefree, and really fucking adorable. Jason doesn't know if he's ever thought about anyone in an adorable capacity, but here it is.
When Barry looks around the diner to take it all in, Jason goes quiet for a moment too, contemplating his next words. ]
Hey, um. About before... I was kind of a dick for being so... uh... dismissive. About you, and why you were there to see Bruce. I wasn't thinking, I was just reacting, and that was shitty of me. I know how important the stuff with your dad must be and I'm... I'm sorry. I was a total jerk.
no subject
Before he can really contemplate or even think to ask, he's speaking and Barry flicks his gaze up from his napkin to settle on the other across from him. ]
I mean โ sort of gave you a bit of a reason to be.
[ With how their last conversation prior to today had gone.
Straightening up some in his seat, he rests his arms against the table as well and smiles a bit before he comes to just drop his chin into his palm, elbow resting there on the table. ]
You're here now โ not being a jerk, so. [ He teases with a smile pressed into his palm. ] That's what matters.
no subject
But Jason does want Barry to know that he knows he can be a colossal dick, but he doesn't always mean to be. ]
Nah, you were fine. Really.
[ But he's glad that Barry smiles at him, and keeps it real. He really isn't like anyone Jason knows, and that's a good thing. ]
I'll try to spare you any more jerkiness, at least for the day.
[ good luck, a voice in the back of his head tries to tell him, but he shoves it away. he doesn't have to be a jerk all the time, right? he can do this. anyway, it's hard to be a jerk when a giant milkshake gets put down in front of him, and look, he's gonna be a fiend about it cause he starts licking at the whipped cream right away. ]
no subject
His own drink is an ice cream float because, of course it is and he's all smiles to their waitress when it's set down for him, Barry plucking a straw from the carousel they have of them at their table. ]
So... [ He starts then, straw plopping into the ice cream float. ] ...how have things been since we last spoke?
[ It hasn't been too long, thankfully, but. It's felt long enough? At least it has for Barry. Not that they were really talking much to one another prior to that to begin with. However, might be nice for that to change? At least Barry might think so. ]
no subject
Barry's question has him looking up again though and he scrunches his face a little, along with a shrug. ]
Fine, I guess. Been training a lot more lately so I've been pretty busy a lot.
[ keeps his mind off of the shit that bothers him when he gets to punch it all out instead. ]
no subject
[ Wearing a shy smile on his lips, he stirs his straw around in his ice cream float for a moment before he grabs the spoon beside him and dips it into the ball of ice cream floating there. This is... nice. Being here like this. Even if they'd more or less made a run for it from Alfred kind of. It's still nice and something they maybe both needed, just like that night together. ]
Things going ok in Gotham though? No super powered bad guys shaking thing up or anything?
no subject
[ endurance is key, Bruce always tells him. as long as he stays standing, he can get through anything. maybe that's the case here too. if he can keep his footing, he can get through the regular parts of life too. ]
Just the usual shitheads. Swear to god if I hear another riddle I'm gonna kill someone.
[ every once in a while he wouldn't mind a super powered bad guy, though. he and Batman would kick their ass and it would be a wild time. ]
Gotham's got a steady supply of dirty cops that I've got the pleasure of taking down every once in a while, so there's that.
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[ He smiles around a quiet huff of laughter as he says that, spoonful of ice cream float there in front of his lips before he goes about taking a generous bite from it and yeah, that sure hits the spot. ]
But I mean โ that's good? That it's nothing world ending that needs like... everyone and anyone to help out. Sounds kinda cool in theory but when things get really bad out there... sort of kills the mood of how cool it all is.
[ Just, you know, saying from experience and all. ]
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[ sometimes he wonders, though- doesn't Bruce get tired of kicking the same criminal's asses? doesn't it bother him that they all just keep coming back? not really for him to say, though. he's just doing his job, and trying to have a blast with it.
best milkshakes in all of Gotham right here, though. Jason's sure of it.]
Feels good in the end though, doesn't it?
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[ Friends, in Barry's case.
But that's right around when their food arrives and Barry's eyes light up when he sees the plate of burger + fries, large salad, LARGE LUNCH PLATTER, sweet potato fries, stacked club sandwich, bowl of pasta, perogies with sour cream, a breakfast plate all set down before him... which may take a trip of having to turn around a couple times to set it all out. ]
Oh, wow. This is such a good starter. Thank you very much!
[ The waitress be looking at Barry like ๐ ]
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[ Jason doesn't know how he feels about teams, though. Mostly he feels like he doesn't need them. He's good with just him and Bruce, or him and Dick sometimes. More people always make things more complicated.
Deep down he wants friends too, though. That's the tricky part.
But oh god, all the food, and they even have to bring a small table over to hold all of it while Jason slides it all as close together as he can get. Along with his waffles, cheese fries, chili dogs, and burger. ]
Gotta say, I'm excited to watch you put all this down.
[ Jason says with the most amused look his face. The owner of the diner doesn't look as amused, though, and he comes over, eyes narrowed at Jason. ]
You better not be pulling any of your usual bullshit, Jason. Can you even pay for this, or am I calling the cops?
[ Jason's look turns even more amused as he digs into his pocket for his wallet, pulling out a black credit card that has his name on it and hands it over. ]
Why don'tcha keep the tab open, Johnny. We might want some more.
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When the owner comes over and gives Jason the business with his "warning" of sorts, Barry just looks over with straw in his mouth, sucking back on the ice cream float he keeps close by while Jason handles it all and flashes that card. ]
Thank you?
[ Said more to the owner there with a smile before he turns back to Jason and huffs a laugh, reaching for a couple fries first. ]
Wow. You sure know how to wine and dine a guy. I might just have to sleep with you after this.
[ He grins to Jason there, bumping his leg with the toe of his shoe beneath the table, clearly feeling playful and pleased with all this food here in front of him. ]
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but the duck was the good part
poor ducks, always getting dragged into these things.
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