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[heliophilic]

This is M. I'm most likely out punching someone. Don't worry, they deserve it.

Probably.

I'll call you back later.

TEXT | VOICE | VIDEO

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voice; december 1st

[performance]

Hey, M. Do you have a minute?

voice;

[heliophilic]

Always got a minute for you.

[performance]

I...

[ It feels silly, now that he's trying to actually put words to it. But he only hesitates a moment. ]

... Today's my birthday. Which is tacky to announce, I know. I mean, I'm actually glad I don't have any parties to attend today or anything like that, but I... I guess I feel like I need to say it out loud. To someone. Mark it as important without making a big deal of it.

I figured maybe you'd understand.

[heliophilic]

[M catches himself in time before he says "actually, I don't," since he doesn't have the slightest clue as to when his is. It isn't what Dick wants to hear. It isn't until he catches himself does he think he gets it. It's not about the birthday, it's about sharing something special with someone else. And that's an entirely different beast.]

I think I do.

[He adds, his voice a touch softer:]

Happy Birthday, Grayson.

[performance]

Thanks, M.

[ And that's enough to get Dick to smile, his tone brightening a little. He's had a rough few months. It's hard not to let it show. But even just that much manages to pull him up enough for him to sound more or less like his usual self when he follows up: ]

Hey, this means you've been putting up with me for almost a whole year now. We should celebrate.

[heliophilic]

When did mind reading become one of your powers? I was going to ask if there was something you wanted to do to celebrate.

[performance]

Can't go wrong with kicking bad guys in the face.

[heliophilic]

You know you just described my ideal Thursday night.

Want a hot chocolate after?

[He'd say go out for a beer, but this Dick's still like 12, right?]

[performance]

Now who's a mind-reader?

[ Wow! He held a closed beer can once! He's totally a man! ]

[heliophilic]

I've always been under the impression a birthday has to end in a celebration. Preferably with some kind of cake.

Am I wrong?