Christmas Party (1/2)

The hard life of a superhero requires a grand balancing act between civilian and hero life. Often, duty requires great sacrifice. It is up to each hero to decide when and where they’ll help once they’ve chosen the path or the path has chosen them. There are no set hours, and the pay, if any, is atrocious. Morale is difficult to maintain. That is why relationships between heroes are essential and common; only they know the true extent of your struggles. Most active superheroes are part of one or more teams for the efficiency of power projection and social benefits. The Justice League, as the greatest of all superhero teams, is no different. They often host social gatherings for holidays or superhero-related significant days. The most famous is the JSA-JLA Thanksgiving, but they also have events like Christmas parties. Porter was at one such Christmas party.

It was still a couple weeks until Christmas day to not conflict with people’s families. It was a great turnout. The main conference rooms, control center, and cafeteria of the Justice League’s Watch Tower had all been decked out in holiday decorations and refreshments. Eggnog in hand, Jonah mingled with a number of JL employees and costumed heroes.

“… and so you mimic the power of any animal. But just one at a time?”

“Mimic isn’t the right word, but it is close enough. I can be as fast as a cheetah or as strong as a gorilla.” The hero Vixen was chatting with Jonah.

“Useful.” Jonah was trying his hardest to maintain eye contact with the animal hero. On one hand, it helped that Vixen was gorgeous; she had beautiful dark skin and the face of a model. On the other hand, her tight tan costume showed off a crazy amount of inner side boob. That Jonah couldn’t help but anticipate a nip slip.

“I think Green Lantern is calling my name. Great talking to you, Porto.” Vixen quickly exited the conversation.

“It’s Porter- ah, what’s the use.”

“That’s a tree I wouldn’t bark up if I were you, friend.” A friendly masculine voice stated behind Jonah.

“Just trying to make some friends, Nightwing.”

Starfire and Flash accompanied Nightwing. The three Titans were full of merriment. Unlike some sterner Leaguers, these three understood the social aspect of being part of a superhero team. The joy and trust that came with being with people who understood your troubles translated to happier heroes and more effective teams.

“You’ve got to appreciate the man's optimism.” Flash wrapped his arm around Porter. “Take it from me. Try chatting up a couple of civilians; it's far simpler that way. Easier to settle down and start a family.”

“You don’t seem the type to me.” Jonah replied incredulously.

“We all have to slow down eventually.”

“Porter is not yet the age of settling. Being a hero shouldn’t always be filled with grimness. We all deserve fun.” Starfire added.

“Well, not everybody can be as…gregarious as you, Star,” Nightwing replied. Jonah could feel years of melodrama with that one pause. He wouldn’t be surprised if Nightwing suspected that Jonah knew fine well of Starfire’s generosity.

“Anyway.” Flash continued, “As you know, I’m a world traveler, so I have many connections, and I was chatting to ol’ Saint Nick.”

“You know Santa Clause?” Jonah feigned shock.

“Yes, us speedsters gotta stick together, y’know. Like I said, he and I were talking, and he told me that you were all alone this Christmas.”

Jonah knew that this was leading somewhere, but the reminder of him spending this Christmas alone hurt him a little bit. He had never spent a proper family Christmas due, but at least back home, he was, well, home.

“What Flash meant to say is that we got you a gift,” Nightwing explained. “It's from us three and Robin.”

There were two flashes of air as the Flash disappeared and reappeared with a perfectly gift-wrapped, large rectangular box. On top of the box was a card.

Jonah politely opened the card first and tipped it over. “What, no cash?” His joke elicited a laugh from his limited audience, and he continued to read the card.

The card had plenty of free space, with the only printed words saying ‘Merry Christmas’ below it written in neat handwriting, ‘hope you stick around.’ However, the empty space was filled with the signatures of the various people he had met. Many members of the League, the three Titans he knew, and the entire junior team. Jonah couldn’t help but appreciate the gesture.

“Thanks, guys; I appreciate it.”

“That’s not the best part. Open the box.” Flash said impatiently.

Following the instructions, Jonah carefully unwrapped the paper and opened the white cardboard box. Inside was a neatly folded pile of fabric and armor. It was a superhero costume!

Nightwing smiled proudly. “We know how hard it is to get proper equipment in our line of work, and we assumed you were sick of using the basic JL set.”

He was right; ever since Jonah abandoned his previous persona, he had been stuck with a basic blue spandex suit, which was nothing except utilitarian. This suit was different, however.

Jonah pulled the set out of the box and held it up to the light to examine. Still with a form-fitting base, the dark green and gold costume had many more layers and features that would identify him more easily to the public. The main feature was that the upper half of the torso featured a half-cloak which split in the middle and featured a cowl. The mask that would protect his identity covered only the top half of his face, similar to that of the Flash or Doctor Mid-Nite.

“Robin and I commissioned our costume guy for you.” Nightwing continued. “We assumed that since you would be facing many different biomes, you would need an adaptable. Because of that, your cloak can unclasp and roll down, and the cowl is made of a lightweight material that keeps out the sun as much as the snow.”

“It's perfect!” Jonah exclaimed. “I don’t know how to repay you.”

“It's Christmas, man. Your thanks is good enough.”

“Why don’t you go try it on,” Flash added.

It wasn’t long before Jonah returned to the party in his new costume. It fit him perfectly. He tried not to worry about how they got his measurements so perfectly. Looking down at his new marketable form, he saw embossed on his chest a logo of two interconnected doorways like portals. It was a nice touch. Jonah received many compliments on its aesthetics, but more so, he could feel its superior construction and utility. Nightwing even guided him through how his goggles work. They weren’t exceedingly high-tech but could block out bright lights and had night vision and infrared modes.

While still admiring his new outfit, Jonah glanced across the room and caught the eye of Hawkgirl. She was chatting with Zatanna and Power Girl, but they made eye contact. She flashed him a smile, gave him a little thumbs-up, and mouthed, ‘Not bad.’ With a heavy glass of eggnog in his hands, Jonah lifted his glass to her with a wink.