Chapter Text
If asked, billy would say his favorite hero was Superman, closely followed by Wonder Woman or Batman. After that, the list is much looser, but he does admit the Flash and other founding members of a recently formed justice league. He caught snippets of each of their exploits through random newspapers and the radios people occasionally left on. If asked his favorite villain, he would be a little confused by the question. After a little thought, he would respond with the Riddler, the Trickster, or Captain Boomerang. Mostly for their motifs, because he can’t be sure of personality with the limited information that he had access to. If asked his favorite fairy tale, his response would be quick. Cinderella. A story of hope, and staying good despite everything trying to make one bitter. Plus the classic animation version is the last thing he remembers watching with his family. After that night, full of fever and movie bliss, they had left for the dig. And had never come home. He holds to that year-old memory of his mother's singing and his father's laughter.
But no one really asks Billy these questions. A homeless 11-year-old does not tend to have people that care about opinions on “trivial” things. But answers to such questions feel defining as a child, deserving of deep consideration.
Billy thinks over his choice of a favorite hero as he tugs at his ratty sweater. Red like the flowing cape often seen streaming behind the hero. He shivers a little as the wind picks up. Winter is just around the corner. He had survived his first winter on the streets last year, kicked out at the height of the cold season by Uncle Ebenezer, the cruel old man. So he is better prepared this time around for the snow and the cold and had a better idea of what work he could do.
Currently, he is on his way to Mrs. Betty’s. She’s a sweet old lady on the outer edges of the city with no local family. She never asked too much about his home life and paid really well for yard work. He arrives and greets the kind lady. He grabs the rake and begins working on the leaves in the yard, occasionally humming to himself. Leaves move easily and he soon has a pile forming. He hauls it to the back where she has a compost bin waiting. He keeps working, ignoring that his stomach rumbles and that his arms feel sore. Mrs. Betty calls him inside after an hour, with a smile.
“You’re doing a lovely job!”
“Thank you. Did you need something?”
He tilts his head as he brushes his hair from his eyes. It’s getting a bit long. He has to be careful to look somewhat cared for. He would need to cut it soon with the pair of scissors he has squirreled away behind a dumpster.
“Yes. I’d like to give you this meal, as a treat. You’ve been such a large help to me. I couldn’t have done most of this work with my bad back.”
“Oh golly, you didn’t need to do this ma’am. I’m happy to do it!”
“But I wanted to.”
He happily takes the Captain Bellybuster burger with a grin. As he unwraps the burger he notices that there is some sort of red ticket inside. He looks at it excitedly, finding that it is a VIP ticket prize for the Flash museum. His heartbeat quickens in excitement. Maybe Mrs. Betty would let him keep it. While the Flash is not his most favorite hero, he is still really excited to get a peek at all the different gear and documented stories available at the museum. He quickly eats the rest of the food. When Mrs. Betty lets him keep the ticket he hugs her tight, excitement taking over his more rational thoughts.
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Billy bounces on his feet throughout the tour, eyes wide. The bus ticket had been a bit of a blow to his tight budget, but Billy considers this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for himself. He is with a small group of other winners, blending in easily, moving unnoticed as a parent-less child.
The tour guide walks them through the main museum point out objects of interest collected both from the infamous Rogues and from the Flash. Billy plans to come back and look after the guided tour is over. Then they are led into some back rooms to get a sneak peek at upcoming exhibits, get some more in-depth explanations on how the museum got their prices, and how news around the Flash worked. Then the tour guide puts her hands on a set of double doors and gives the group a grin.
"So! Whose ready to meet our city's hero??"
Billy's bouncing stops as his eyes widen. He would get to meet the Flash?? He had not been expecting this. He had not planned for this. Excitement flows through his veins. He tries to smooth down his ratty sweater and runs his fingers through his still too-long bangs. The doors open and the Flash zips in, the wind quickly following his blurry steps.
Billy covers his mouth to keep himself from saying anything embarrassing as the people around him clap and cheer. The Flash starts taking photos with people and Billy feels a little bad that he does not have a phone to capture the moment. But he shrugs it off like he shrugs off a lot of things. He gets to have this moment of seeing the Flash in his element, and he is content. The Flash grins and looks straight at him.
"Ready to take a photo kid?"
Billy blush's and grabs his arms, slightly star-struck.
"Er… I don't have a camera, sir. But I'm good! Thank you for the offer!"
Billy says with a bright smile. The Flash frowns and vanishes. Everyone seems a little surprised by his sudden disappearance and then his immediate return. The Flash is holding a polaroid camera and is grinning.
"I know someone who won't mind us borrowing this for a pic!"
Billy gives a blinding smile, unable to express his joy accurately in words. They stand together for the photo and when the polaroid prints Flash signs it with a flare.
"Thank you!"
Billy enthusiastically accepts the picture. He holds it close to his chest. Flash then gives his goodbyes and then rushes out of the museum.
"And that ends the guided tour! Thank you so much for participating in the contest."