Chapter 14: A Day In The Life of Jonathan.
"Nice save today Kent, you did good." A gravelly voice complimented to the newest player of the 'Metropolis Supers'.
"Thanks Coach!" Jon smiled as he slung his bag over his shoulder and stood at the doorway of the Coach's office. The large man stepped from his chair and walked over to the black-haired boy and placed his hand on the his shoulder, "We might even have our new Superboy."
Jon's eyes grew wide, surely the Coach of all people hadn't figured out what he does in his spare time. "W-what do you mean?" Jon nervously asked as he pushed his glasses up against his brow.
The large man released a hearty chuckle, "Come on Kent, You're part of the Metropolis-High Supers! Each year our star player is our 'Superboy', this year it could be you."
A grin appeared on Jon's face his dad was right, having a secret identity can be stressful and rewarding at the same time. "Gee Mr Peterson, I don't know about that." Jon happily replied.
"Yo, Jon!" A friendly voice called out. Jon turned round from talking with Coach Peterson to see his friend and teammate, Ryan Davidson with a few others from the team; Mark with his ginger frizzy hair and the well built and usually well spoken Kevin. "The cheerleaders want us to help with their routine, you down?" Ryan then asked.
Jon turned back to see if the Coach had finished his praise, "Go on Kent. You deserve your bit of teenage enjoyment." The large man laughed, patting Jon on his back. "Thanks again Coach," Jon smiled. The black-haired boy tightened his bag around his shoulder and gave a quick jog towards his Metropolis friends, "I'm down." He answered to Ryan as he joined the group, the four then making there way towards the field.
"Good, Kathy Branden will be happy." Mark chuckled.
Kevin elbowed Mark in the side of his torso, "Shh" he hissed.
Jon was intrigued, "Why would Kathy be happy?" he asked.
Ryan sighed and rubbed his forehead with his index finger and thumb, "Way to be discrete guys..." he groaned.
"Guys?" Jon questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Kathy has a pretty huge crush on you Jon," Ryan smirked. Mark stepped behind Jon and jumped onto his back, "Yeah Jonno, she got all kinds of hots for you!" the ginger teased. Jon blushed a little, "I'm sure it's nothing. It's probably just a prank." he said, brushing off their teasing.
Kevin picked Mark off from Jon's back and dropped him to the floor, Mark quickly scurried forward and stood back on his feet. "You have been friends for years after all, it's only natural for her to develop feelings for you." Kevin replied. Ryan turned round towards Kevin and lightly pushed him to the side, "You're just saying that because you've been chasing Sharmell around for years." He teased.
"I'm sure she'll cheat on those science books with you eventually Kev!" Mark taunted, when he saw the the angry look on Kevin's face Mark began to run away as fast as he could towards the open football field with Kevin hot on his heels. "Okay okay! I'm sorry sure she loves Einstein and Tesla just as much as she likes you!" Mark again taunted over his shoulder as his legs carried him towards the green.
Jon and Ryan were stood side by side laughing at the antics of their friends, the Mark and Kevin bromance was real. The two eventually walked out from the tunnel and stepped onto the grass they were playing on near an hour ago only this time they weren't planning on tackling anybody, especially the cheerleaders. That might not go down so well.
"Has your cute redhead friend asked about me?" Ryan asked.
Jon thought for a moment and another blush crept up his face as he recalled Sophie kissing him on the cheek. He knew it was probably a dare but it still counts, right?
"Not to me at least, has she not messaged you or anything?" Jon asked back.
Ryan let out a chuckle, "We've had like one conversation, I don't think she's a fan." He replied.
"What on Earth did you say to her? She's usually fine with talking about anything." Jon laughed.
"I may or may not have tried to make her jealous by talking about how cute I thought the G-Academy's Cheer Captain was..." Ryan sighed, running his hand over his short hair.
Jon smirked to himself, Ryan could not have messed it up anymore than he had with Sophie. "Does that tactic usually work for other girls?" Jon asked despite knowing the answer.
"It has to work eventually, right?" Ryan laughed.
The two eventually caught up with the group of Cheerleaders who were laughing at Mark and Kevin's 'play fight'. Jon walked over to the two boys scrapping on the grass and separated, "Come on guys, we're here to help not cause problems." He addressed. Kevin climbed to his feet from on top of Mark who in turn took Jon's hand and was pulled to his feet.
"Thanks Kent," The leader of the Cheer Squad said.
"No problem Dani," Jon smiled. Near the back of the group of the girls he could see Kathy, trying her hardest to avoid eye contact with him, "Are you okay Kathy?" he then asked her.
Kathy's eyes widened and she began to stammer her words, "I, uh... I'm fine." her eyes then darted towards Dani, "I left something in the lockers I'll be back in a second!" she quickly announced, running away from the gathering of people and running away from Jon before she said something embarrassing.
"Good job Kent." Mark laughed.
"What did I do?" He asked.
"Dawn: Is anyone in the Watchtower right now?
Zach: I am.
Dawn: Sorry Z, I kind of need a girl's help. Is it just you?
Zach: Yeah. I think Mar'i is joining soon though.
Don: I'll come join you in space on one condition Zachary.
Zach: What is it?
Don: You get your mom to stop by in costume to say hello.
Dawn: You are vile Don.
Don: I've been told.
Jonathan: Guess who is almost the star player of the Metropolis Supers!
Damian: Most likely some dense fool who suffers from one concussion too many.
Mar'i: I didn't realize you joined Jon's team Damian. (Also Dawn what do you need? PM me)
Jonathan: Uh Damian it's actually me.
Don: Hot damn, Mar'i shoots fire anywhere!
Damian: I stand by my statement.
Sophie: Be nice Damian. Seriously though Jon, good job cutie.
Mar'i: Yeah nice going Jon!"
"Turn your phone off while you're at the table," Lois instructed as she placed the plate of pie in front of her Superboy.
"I'm sure there's no harm in it," His father replied.
"When we're at the table it's family time." The reporter said sternly, walking back towards the kitchen.
"Sorry Ma," Jon replied, shutting his Holophone down. He could catch up with the group chat after he has eaten.
Lois placed a large plate and portion in front of her husband and then a placed a plate of food for herself in front of the empty seat and joined her family. The family tucked into Lois' homemade pie eagerly while making small talk. The part of the evening meals that Jon always enjoyed was hearing his mother and father talk about everyday life, such as what happened on their way to work or what kinds of stories they are chasing for The Daily Planet and sometimes they'll even talk about the funny things Jimmy Olsen had done and how Perry White would retaliate with his smart words. It was nice for him to see this side of his father, especially because of who his dad is. When you're the child of the most powerful and most heroic being on the planet you have a lot to live up to and a lot to admire so seeing that person being as normal as everybody else, it's humbling to Jon. It was a value Clark wanted to pass on to his son, to be humble.
Clark turned to his son with that heroic smile of his, "I hear you've joined your schools football team."
"Uh-oh. Busted." Jon mumbled.
"You what?" Lois asked Jon.
"Apparently Jon is on his way to being the teams 'Superboy' according to Coach Peterson." Clarke calmly announced.
"Don't worry I make it fair! When I get hit I fall down and when I throw the ball I don't use my strength!" Jon quickly blurted out.
Clark released a small chuckle and shook his head, "You're half kryptonian Jon, it'll never be fair."
"It is! I promise!" Jon quickly replied.
"Clark, I'm sure Jon make's it fair for everyone. He is your son after all." Lois said to Clark as she placed one of her hands over his, then winking to Jon. Clark nodded, "Do you promise?" he asked his son.
"I promise." Jon answered. "Come and see my next game, you'll see!" He then blurted out.
Lois let out a giggle and Clark looked at her with a smile.
"We'd love to Superboy." Superman answered with warmth in his voice.
A/N: Just some response to the reviews from last chapter:
Galaxee962 - I'm glad you enjoy the difference between Don and Dawn!
BraziaRios - Thanks for the high praise!
I'm planning on doing "A Day In The Life of" chapters for each of the characters so expect them every now and then. Next chapter is more Lian and Rose along with Damian and Mar'i.