| Gotham City – July 12
Nova landed lightly on the fire escape outside his apartment, his ability to detect energy, which he called Nova sense, alerting him.
Two presences. Inside.
He narrowed his eyes. His place was supposed to be empty. The lights were off, but that didn't mean much—whoever was in there could be waiting for him.
His muscles tensed as he subtly increased the intensity of his localized anti-gravity field, a precaution in case he needed to act fast. He was ready.
Slipping through the window with effortless ease, he landed silently, scanning the room with his enhanced perception.
Then—
The lights flicked on.
"Happy Birthday to you~!"
Selina and Kori stepped out from behind the couch, grinning as they sang in unison.
Joseph blinked, momentarily stunned.
That's right. It was his birthday.
With everything that had happened in the past few years—his mother's death, surviving alone, constantly working—he'd stopped celebrating. No one had ever remembered, and he'd stopped remembering too.
And yet, here they were.
As they reached the end of the song, Selina gave a dramatic bow while Kori clapped enthusiastically, her emerald eyes bright with excitement.
Joseph exhaled, letting the tension ease from his body as he removed his helmet. He met their eyes, something warm stirring in his chest.
"...Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it," he said, voice quieter than he intended.
Selina smirked, leaning against the arm of the couch. "You really forgot your own birthday? Guess it's a good thing I'm thorough."
Of course. Joseph should have known. Selina had definitely broken into his apartment before and dug through his things.
He hadn't even thought to ask when her birthday was—and yet, she'd gone out of her way to find his. He'd have to return the favor, breaking into her house and everything.
His gaze flicked to Kori. He wasn't sure how birthdays worked for Tamaraneans, but maybe he'd ask her later.
For now, though—
He smiled and let himself enjoy the moment.
**
| Mount Justice – July 17
Joseph stood in the workout room, rolling his shoulders as he finished setting up the weights.
Ever since he got back from the Arena, he'd ditched his home workout equipment. There was no point in lifting 300 pounds when his strength had skyrocketed past the need for it. He could lift over a ton now, and if he really wanted to challenge himself, he needed something on a much bigger scale.
He'd overheard the Psions saying that his muscles didn't atrophy anymore but he still liked to train. Even if he only improved a little, it was worth it.
Besides, there was something therapeutic about lifting weights.
He had invited Superboy, curious to see how the clone's strength measured up to his own.
Superboy, of course, had moodily refused.
Yeah. Definitely a character.
After finishing his routine, Joseph headed to the shower room and cleaned up. He changed into fresh clothes before making his way to the mission room, where his Nova Sense picked up three returning presences.
Probably Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash.
He arrived just as Superboy entered from another hallway, with M'gann trailing behind him.
Joseph raised an eyebrow. "So… how'd it go?"
The three boys looked frustrated.
"Not great," Robin admitted, rubbing the back of his head.
"Speedy turned us down. Again," Kid Flash added, arms crossed. "Guy thinks he's too good for us."
Aqualad sighed. "He believes he does not need adult supervision or, as he put it, a 'clubhouse' to train with us."
"And he called the Team a joke," Robin muttered. "Said the League only put us together to keep us busy—to keep us in our place."
Joseph thought about that.
He couldn't fault Speedy for feeling that way. It had been nine days since the Team officially formed, and they still hadn't been assigned a real mission.
Sure, he didn't mind too much. He had access to the training facilities at Mount Justice, and, honestly, he was here mostly to spend time with Kori whenever she was around.
But still—it was kind of annoying.
The Zeta-Tube flared to life with a mechanical chime.
"Starfire B-07."
Kori emerged, dressed in her costume.
Her expression was hopeful as she looked around. "Have we been assigned a mission yet?"
Joseph shook his head. "Nope."
She frowned, clearly disappointed. Then, after a moment, her face lit up with determination.
"Then let's go ask for one," she said.