On The Darkest Night [2]

Nostalgia

02
Nostalgia
Season One: Episode 8

When the day had long faded into night, the sidekicks put on the ritz and went to Donna's showing. The building was bustling with people. Donna and Alister waved at a few people.

"Wow all of this for you?" Dick asked.

"Yeah, she's kind of a goddess with a camera." Alister responded.

"Some of the works were published online, but most of it's my personal stuff from when I traveled." Donna said with a shrug.

Alister looked at the beautiful art. Pride swelled in his heart. "These are so good, Don. I told you they were amazing. Didn't I tell you?" He rambled.

Donna chuckled. "Don't be a dork... But you did tell me." She gave in. Donna hugged him.

"Al was right. This is really good." Said Dick.

"Don't sounds so shocked." Donna said.

"No, I mean it."

"Yeah, I know you do." She said. It was so easy for her to get him riled up. "All right there's some people I need to talk to. You two will be fine right?" She asked. Donna gave them both a look.

Alister and Dick locked eyes. Alister turned away first. He shook his head at Donna. "Of course we'll be fine. You go do your thing." He shooed.

Donna vanished in the crowd. She left Alister and Dick standing in an awkward silence.

Dick shifted on his feet. "So... Where's this Jerry guy?" He asked.

Alister shot Dick a look. "His name is Harry and I don't know. He should be here soon."

Dick nodded. "Are you two... You know?" Dick asked. He regretted every syllable that left his lips.

Alister's brow furrowed. "You do not get to ask me that question. Besides, would it matter if we were?" He asked. He genuinely wanted to know Dick's answer.

Dick thought for a second. He wanted to scream "Hell yeah, it matters!" A simple shrug did the trick instead.

"Hey, as long as you're happy. The least I could do is meet the guy, see what he's about." Dick said.

Alister snorted. "And who are you, my Uncle Carter? I don't need you to vet anyone for me. Besides you're terrible with small talk."

Dick made a face. "Bullshit. I know how to make small talk" He said.

"You can't have a conversation that's not agenda-driven. Every time you talk to someone it's like an interrogation. Not to mention how confrontational you are." Alister shrugged.

"I'm not confrontational." Said Dick. He was ready to butt heads.

"You're doing it right now, as we speak. You're the king of confrontation." Alister teased.

"Am not," Dick said.

"Are too," Retorted Alister. He housed a grin on his lips to match Dick's. His heart thrashed against his ribcage. He hadn't felt this way in a while. It was dangerous.

"Al, there you are." Said Harry. He caught the look in their eyes. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting?" He asked.

Alister shook his head. "No, of course not. Harry, this is Dick Grayson... An old friend of mine and Donna's." He said with a forced smile.