#Billy coming in dressed as a cranky british chainsmoker

[redrobin-detective]

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It was the annual Justice League Halloween party and the costume theme was to dress as your favorite hero coworker. No one was surprised when Clark showed up in a tacky Batman costume, one clearly purchased at the dollar store but his dedication to staying in character dispelled all doubts of his sincerity. Barry wore a green Ringpop and domino mask while Hal chatted up Diana, who herself was wearing an Aquaman inspired dress, in a Flash themed snuggie. Bruce quietly stood off to the side and made sure no one commented on his Robin costume. At least this version has pants.

But though no one said anything, they were all awaiting a special arrival. Dinah had taken some of the younger kids out trick or treating but would be bringing them back to the Watchtower to enjoy a bit of the party before bed. It was Captain Marvel’s third Halloween with the League but Billy Batson’s first. They were all eagerly awaiting which hero the young god would dress as.

“It’s gotta be Supes, kid is practically an expy of him,” Hal told Zatanna emphatically even if he secretly was holding out hope the kid would come dressed as him. 

“Yeah but Bruce’s kid and him are practically attached at the hip and I know for a fact Jason is going as Wonder Woman so they might try to match,” Zee, as Deadman, commented. She herself thought the little magician would pull off her tailcoat and tophat quite well, perhaps saving the fishnets for when he was a bit older.

“It doesn’t matter who he comes as,” Victor defended as he straightened out his white cape and lightning bolt shirt. “He’s gonna look cute either way but I did tell Billy I’d be dressing as him so...”

“Dinah, baby, love of my life,” Ollie whispered into his phone, away from the others. J’onn in his Supergirl suit leaned in closer as he munched on Oreos. “You gotta tell me what the little guy is wearing, the betting pool is off the charts and I’ll let you in on the action if you just-”

“Oliver, you’re already a billionaire,” Dinah sighed affectionately from the other end of the line. “But we’re on our way back now so you’ll find out soon enough but uh,” she paused, “you might wanna prepare yourself. His choice is quite controversial.” 

While the Leaguers bantered and argued and ate way too snacks, they all wondered what teammate their youngest member would come as. What superhero did Billy Batson look up to the most? Who’s costume would he don for All Hallow’s Eve? Everyone not so secretly hoped they would be chosen. 

“Hey everyone, we’re back!” Dinah announced, brushing off her makeshift Zatanna costume. It was similar enough to her own and she hadn’t had time to shop this year. Jason made a beeline for Bruce, his glittering gold tiara and star patterned pants drawing attention as he chatted with his guardian about his haul. It made it easy to overlook Billy’s much subtler costume.

“Oh my god I’m going to kill that man,” Zatanna groaned into her palm as she took in the boy’s clothing. Her hand helped to conceal the small smile threatening to peek through. Billy certainly wore the rumbled shirt and trenchcoat a lot better than John ever did.

“John Constantine? Really?” Hal asked in a screeching voice. “The guys a two bit con artist and like not even a real member of the Justice League! He’s barely third string!”

“Whut can I say?” Billy said with a rakish grin and a horrific British accent. In his right hand, he held a blue lollipop like one would a cigarette. “Imma nasty piece of work.”

“Hey there Bill,” Clark sighed, also disappointed in the kid’s costume choice. The children’s Superman costumes were just too adorable and would have suited Billy much better than the Hellblazer in his opinion. “That’s an, er, interesting choice there, son.”

“Well, ya know how it goes,” Billy continued, slouching to the side and sliding a lazy hand into the trenchcoat pocket while he popped the lollipop back in his mouth. “We all got our demons, some o’ them are just more visible than others.”

“That’s a little too on the nose for my tastes,” Barry said with a grimace, imaging all the bad run-ins he’d had with the magician. “So we all agree that Bill needs his Constantine visiting hours cut short before he picks up any other bad habits.”

“Agreed,” Hal, Victor and Ollie agreed hastily.

“You wankers will get your knickers in a twist over anything,” Billy said, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. He was very much aware of the stir he was causing and was enjoying it. He loved the League and respected them all but some days Billy felt like John was the only one who understood the real him, a dirty street rat just doing his best.

Billy reached into the inner pocket of his coat and pulled out a little flask. He fought back a smile as he undid the cap and took a long swig. He could tell them it was just apple juice but where was the fun in that?

“Constantine!”

#billy batson #john constantine #I did a half finished sketch of Billy in a too big trenchcoat holding a lollipop like a cig the other day #and it was too cute not write #Every JLAer: god I hope Billy comes dressed as me #Billy coming in dressed as a cranky british chainsmoker #JLA: there is no god #John shows up 2 hours late with a pint wearing a shirt that says 'I'm the bleeding Batman' and is instantly mobbed #John takes a look at Bill as is like 'that my spare trenchcoat?' #Billy: would I really be John Constantine if I didn't steal from a poor drunk bastard? #Fair enough John would say and they'd clink their flasks (one booze one juice) in solidarity #bc for all Billy wore the costume as a sort of joke #John really is one of his heroes and wanted to respect that #Clark goes home that night and cries into Lois's shoulder #no one wins the betting pool #John is both very touched and very very worried #John: Zee am I a dad now??