A day like any other

Jonah pulled up a pair of athletic shorts. Body slick with sweat from a particularly rigorous ‘personal training’ session with Black Canary.

“We’ve got to work on your flexibility.” Black Canary was pulling up her own pair of short seam shorts “enhanced physical body will only get you so far.”

“You didn’t seem to be complaining earlier.”

“Well, perhaps your body has some advantages. But I’ve had better.”

“Oh yeah?” Jonah padded his body with a towel before throwing one to Black Canary.

“Besides.” Black Canary caught the towel “It’s about fighting too. You will need every advantage you can get. Heros rarely get given fair odds on the job. Have you been going to Wildcat’s open classes?”

“Yeah. He beats me harder than you do. But far less amenable.”

“I sure hope not.” Black Canary smirked “His lessons will look good on your Justice League application.”

“But I haven’t applied.” Jonah questioned.

“You don’t apply to the Justice League, you are invited. I’m sure there’s a long file already on you. Especially with your, unique, background.”

“You read my file.” Jonah accused.

“Yes. I needed to know who you were just as much as any other ranking league member. I have no problems with your origin. Obviously.”

“You’re right. I just don’t like the idea of being studied like that.”

“Nobody does. If it makes you feel better, the file is classified.” Black Canary said.

“How does my application look?” Jonah asked.

“Pretty good so far. If you keep up the good work, I think in some time you will get an invitation to join as a junior member.” Black Canary fluffed up her long blonde hair as she gave him a conspiratorial look “If anybody asks, I didn’t tell you this, but you might want to increase your independent arrest record.”

“Is that an important part of the process?”

“Oh yeah. The League likes heroes who are self-sufficient in addition to being team players. But what’s really important is Leaguer testimonials, not just your stats. Whether or not we can trust you.” Black Canary clarified.

“Which you can’t do.” Jonah guessed.

“Due to the confidential nature of our friendship.” Black Canary finished his thought “But Hawkgirl gave you a glowing review in her most recent mission report.”

“Really?”

“You sound surprised. Did something happen on your mission with her?”

“No. Nothing happened.” Jonah answered honestly.

“Aright then.” Black Canary wasn’t convinced “Well I better get going. Busy day ahead of me.”

Jonah watched as Black Canary walked out of the training room. A good view if there ever was one any. Her tight shorts hugged her ass and showcased her long legs sprouting from her small frame.

“Can I sit here?” Jonah asked, clutching a food tray.

“Of course. Take a seat.” Responded Nightwing, who had a tray of food of his own.

They were in the Watchtower cafeteria, where all the heroes and employees rubbed shoulders to eat the same mediocre food. Today Jonah had a sloppy joe and an apple. It was Wednesday and apparently every Wednesday was sloppy joe day. Or at least that was what he was told.

The cafeteria was busy that day. While Jonah wanted to sit alone, there was no table empty enough. So, he decided that it would be easiest, and most enjoyable, to sit with the male hero he was ‘closest’ with. Namely, Nightwing. A man so friendly that it was probably impossible to dislike him.

Hawkgirl was there at another table, eating lunch with two young heroes, a blonde and a redhead. Jonah didn’t want to but accidentally made eye contact with her. They both averted their gazes.

“Are you going to take a seat or what?”

“Oh sorry, just lost in thought.” Jonah sat down.

“Don’t mention it. Have you two met.” Sitting beside Nightwing was a man in a red suit and yellow boots. They seemed like good friends the way they spoke to each other.

“I have not. Name’s, uh, Porter.”

“Ha. My ‘name’ is Flash” he said, shaking Jonah’s hand “Nightwing has told me a lot about you.”

“Only good things I hope.”

Flash laughed “Of course.”

The trio ate and talked. Nothing of importance was said but the time passed enjoyably. It was just what Jonah needed. He liked Flash. He seemed to have unlimited energy and good spirit. It probably came from the amount of food he ate. Jonah counted at least four sloppy joes while he was seated with them. He found it strange that despite them not knowing a single thing about his personal life or background the conversation still flowed perfectly. Jonah eat his sloppy joe as cleanly as possible before moving on to his apple which he saved for last.

A young man with the same aesthetic as the Flash appeared at the table. Jonah recognized him as Kid Flash, formerly Impulse. He was speaking to Flash senior about something innocuous. Joking with each other at super speed. Part of the joke involved food. Jonah couldn’t quite track the conversation due to the speed. He didn’t like to be out of the loop.

In a blur of yellow and red, Kid Flash stole Jonah’s apple. Despite his super speed he decided to stop and gloat. His mistake, he should have known better.

Jonah’s instinctually reached out and grabbed Kid Flash’s wrist. Hard. Jonah acted purely out of a defense to himself. A bad habit drilled into him from an unfortunate upbringing.

“Nobody steals from me.” Jonah said to himself as much as he did to Kid Flash “I could send your limbs to the corners of the earth before you even blinked.”

Gripping his wrist harder, Kid Flash cried out in pain. Jonah had forgotten his strength. This was just a kid, barely older than 19. Realizing what he was doing Jonah dropped the speedster’s wrist.

Silence choked the cafeteria. All eyes were on Jonah now. He couldn’t take the attention, the pressure. Without another word Jonah dropped Kid Flash’s wrist and left. Retreated.

Nobody came after him. No one followed him out of the room and into the cold hallways of the Watchtower.

Later, there was no mention of his public outburst but one. Jonah received a private message from Robin, team member of Kid Flash.

I hope this message finds you well Porter. I heard about your recent ‘incident’ with KF. You shouldn’t feel too bad about it. Kid Flash means well but he has a habit of pushing things too far. If you are worried about his wrist, don’t be. Kid Flash has already forgotten the whole thing. The guy can’t hold a grudge for his life. Look, if you want to apologize, or if you just want to have a place to feel welcome. The team will welcome you with open arms. Let me know what you think, the rest of the team wants to meet you properly. – The one and only Robin