Appetizer (1/3)

A biting December wind cut through Star City like a cold knife. Prevailing winds from the Pacific Ocean poured into San Francisco Bay and **** itself between the city's towering skyline. Jonah tried to make his way through the wind without freezing to ****. He bundled himself thickly in a warm coat as he pushed through the wind and the crowds.

Jonah had just worked his way out of a Christmas market when he turned into what he thought was a particularly well-sign posted alleyway. Instead, it was another part of the shopping area. A wide alleyway cut the block of buildings in two. Styled in a European manner on pedestrian walkways, every couple of steps revealed a new storefront that extended deep into the parallel buildings.

At least it's out of the wind, Jonah thought as he used the shortcut.

Jonah’s frigid voyage was because he felt he was growing accustomed to teleporting everywhere. Furthermore, he felt that his civilian life was lacking. This earth was supposed to allow Jonah to create a new life, not just a new career as Porter.

A couple of the guys at work had invited him out for a drink as he was clocking out, and he decided to take them up on the offer. They went to a brewery near the office. The place was nice enough—warm, spacious, and with a large selection of craft beer. Jonah tried his best. He got a pilsner with a fancy name and chatted with the guys, but he couldn't connect with them. All some of them wanted to talk about was the recent game. Gotham Knights vs Seattle Supersonics. Jonah didn’t catch that one, or any basketball game for that matter. The other guys were discussing a TV show he didn’t have in his own world. The New Order: Last Days of Europe, some alt-history Cold War show about Germany winning World War Two. Jonah just smiled and said he’d put it on the list. After one beer and as much chit-chat as he could manage, Jonah left.

Walking past bright windows with colorful food on display, Jonah pondered whether he should eat out or cook something at home. He decided to cook at home. His apartment was meant to be empty tonight, and he remembered that he may have had some leftover chicken and rice.

“Excuse me.”

Did he have any ‘Oreos’ in the pantry? No, not Oreos, ‘Chocos.’ Completely different. Sure, they tasted 95% the same, but that last 5% is essential.

“Excuse me, Pal.” A voice repeated, and a hand jostled Jonah out of his thinking.

Jonah turned around to see a tall man with a wide smile. He had just stepped out of a nearby store called ‘Jester’s: Game and Pub.’ He was ginger with a strong jawline and a powerful runner's build.

“Sorry, do I know you?”

“You do.” The stranger chuckled. “But you probably didn’t recognize me. Porter.”

Jonah investigated the features of the man closer. A spark of recognition came with the fiery individual’s hair.

“Flash?”

“Good eye.” The man winked. “I’d prefer if you called me Wally.”

“Well, Wally.” Jonah stuck out a hand with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jonah Richardson”

“Well met.” Wally West, aka the Flash, returned Jonah’s handshake.

“Is it ok for me to know your secret identity?” Jonah looked behind his shoulder for any eavesdroppers.

“It’s only fair. I must admit I already knew your name and face.”

“Because of the JL files.” Jonah posited.

“Exactly. I’m not all about smoke and mirrors like the Bats. You’re in the biz, so you get it.”

“I try my best.” Jonah chuckled warmly.

“How about you come in for a drink or a game, pal?” Wally gestured to the pub he just left.

“One drink, sure.” Jonah raised a single finger. “Then I have to get home.”

“That’s a good start.” Wally gave Jonah a big smile and led him through the dark wood door.

Jester’s Game and Pub was a surprisingly spacious environment. It had the warm features of a classic pub but the strong lighting of a space that needed its patrons to actually read things. It was a mixed-purpose establishment that served two types of customers: nerds and nerds who drank. On one side of the building was a sectioned-off bar, another was dominated by seating tables that could hold drinks and board games, a third section had large tables for the more expansive board games or wargames, and the final section was a store to purchase said games.

“Uff da, sorry about that.” Wally let out a quintessential midwestern apology as he bumped into another patron.

Wally’s table was already filled with multiple plates of food and a large pitcher of beer. He flagged down another glass for Jonah and then poured him a serving.

“Sorry about all of the food. You can have some if you like. Super speed, super metabolism.” Wally explained as he bit into a corndog.

“So, what are you doing all the way out here? Aren’t you based in Keystone City?” Jonah asked as he tentatively ate a loaded tater tot.

“With powers like ours, we can be anywhere we want, right? Really makes the world smaller if you don’t stop to smell the roses or whatever.” Wally accidentally bit the stick of the corndog he just finished. “But to answer your question, I’m here with the ol'sidekick.” He pointed to the other side of Jester’s to a relatively short teenager with brown hair and golden-brown eyes as he meticulously painted a mech figure.

“Is that?” Jonah began.

“Yeah, that’s Kid Flash, but it's not my place to tell you his name.”

“I understand.” Jonah answered, obscuring the fact that he already knew Bart Allen’s name.

“I took him to visit the Titans across the bay. I thought that he would like to join them instead of the team. He’s an adult now. I believe he’s ready to step out fully into the spotlight, but he’s not so sure. He’s been struggling ever since the Flash.” Wally paused. “Died.”

Jonah sipped his beer. “We can talk about something else if you like.”

“No, it's fine. I'm still getting used to the rebrand, is all. I think he is, too.” Wally said, once again referring to Bart. “The transition from Impulse to Kid Flash has been difficult for him. I’m still not sure if it was the right decision.”

“I know we’ve only known each other for half a year, but you seem different. More-”

“Grown up?” Wally finished Jonah’s sentence. “Yeah, I’m surprised too. A lot has changed. I’m rethinking everything in my life. For the first time, I’m seeing the benefit of slowing down. Of letting my roots grow.”

“I think I get what you mean.” Jonah looked Wally in the eyes; he could see the restless spirit pull his mind somewhere else. Somewhere solid.

“Life comes at you fast.”

“Is it a girl?” Jonah said with an unknowingly melancholic smile.

“How’d you know?”

Jonah shrugged. “You wear your heart on your sleeve.”

“Is there something wrong with that?”

“Not at all.” Jonah replied, “It’s an admirable virtue.”

“What about you Jonah? How’s life treating you?” Wally turned the conversation onto Porter.

“It’s going well.” Jonah threw out the standard answer before he had time to think. It was a difficult question. He had been so **** to cover his bases and protect himself that he hadn’t had time to stop and analyze the foundations he was building. “I’m starting from scratch, so it’ll take time, but I can’t complain. I have a good job and a warm place to sleep. Wait, you still haven’t answered what you are doing here specifically.”

“Right. I’m just trying to be a good older brother, is all. I felt that KF needed some real-world time. He loves this game called Lancer, so once he’s done setting up, he’s going to teach me. Apparently, it's about mechs fighting each other with dice. I don’t really get it, but he likes it, so that’s all that matters. You can join if you like.”

“That’s fine. I really ought to get going. I have some real-world time of my own to get to. I’ve got a bus to catch.”

“Really?” Wally asked incredulously. The question ‘no teleporting’ was easily read between the lines.

“Really.” Jonah said with a smirk. “And thanks for the drink. Next ones on me.”