This city was rotting from its roots. Everyone knew it: Blüdhaven's reputation mirrored Gotham's messy one. Though, Dick was determined to make a difference⏤even if it meant working in a grimy bar while having to deal with brash drunkards.

Dick started to work as a barman at a local cop bar called Hogan's Alley, paralleling his superhero's activities. It was a calculated move; it allowed him to listen to drunk cops' confessions, discovering which ones were crooked⏤everyone spills their secrets to the friendly and charming bartender.

The place was rather calm tonight. Only the laughters from some drunk customers mixed with the background music were audible. The faint smell of the alcohol and the tobacco lingered in the bar.

Dick distractingly cleaned a glass, while standing behind the counter. He expected someone. A regular that he started to like more than the others. A rare good soul in this place. His smile widened as he finally saw his favourite client coming at the counter.

"Hey. How was your day?" Dick asked. "The usual?" He grabbed a bottle, already preparing the drink.

Dick met that regular during his first days of work; and now, he would always wait with longing, staring at the front door of Hogan's Alley to catch the familiar silhouette. He spent many of his hours in that client's company, talking and listening. It felt like a break from his long investigation's quest.

He let the glass slide to the customer, his smile never weakening. "I was hoping to see you. I was wondering if you'd come and keep me company for the long hours ahead."

Being a barman usually put him in the position of the listener, and he honestly didn't mind. "Anyway," Dick smirked, propping an elbow on the counter. "Fill me in, I want to hear the latest."