Just got off of work and needed to unwind a bit, so here is a new addition for your reading. Hope you enjoy!

Nicknames

The first time it happened, everyone fully expected that there would be dire consequences. It was fairly well-known to all that Timber Wolf didn't respond well to anything that resembled a dog reference or canine joke. It was also well-known that Phantom Girl hated being called 'Your Highness', 'Her Majesty', or anything implying that she was privileged or snobbish.

The morning had started out as normally as any morning that involved the Legion of Superheroes. A few people were up and about, getting breakfast and mingling with their teammates. Timber Wolf had gotten up early and was making pancakes in the kitchen when Phantom Girl walked in carrying a pale orange piece of clothing and one of his uniforms in each hand.

"Look at this!" she'd exclaimed, shaking both pieces of clothing as she marched up to him. She was oblivious to the curious glances of their teammates who were in the nearby vicinity as she glared at the feral teen.

"What was this," she held up his uniform, "doing in my laundry? Look what happened!" she waved the other item, which turned out to be a cape.

Besides a slight narrowing of golden eyes, Timber Wolf made no indication that he'd heard her. He remained focused as he flipped two pancakes onto a new plate, acting as if she weren't even there.

Clenching her hands tighter around the clothes, Phantom Girl raised her voice loud enough to draw everyone's attention in both the kitchen and sitting bay areas. "Hey, Puppy, did you hear me or do I need a dog whistle to get your attention?"

Everyone froze. They watched as Timber Wolf turned to face her. His voice was deceptively calm despite the fact that there was no ignoring the tension filling the air. "What did you call me?"

"You heard me the first time." She tilted her chin up, refusing to be intimidated. "Don't ignore me, and it won't happen again."

Timber Wolf leaned back against the counter behind him and crossed his arms. "Listen, Princess, just because you say 'Speak', doesn't mean I'm going to bark."

"Guess that means you're not getting a treat," she snapped back.

His ears went back against his head, his lips pulling back slightly to reveal the tips of his pointed teeth. Phantom Girl returned his glare with one of her own. The two were caught in a silent staring match until Timber Wolf snatched his uniform from her hand. "Just so you know, Princess, I wasn't the one who did this. It was Trip's turn to do the laundry."

"Oh," Phantom Girl stepped back a bit, glancing over to where Triplicate Girl had a sheepish grin on her face.

"Heh, ummm, sorry?" she apologized. "I wasn't paying attention, and-"

"It's fine," Phantom Girl said. She turned back to where Timber Wolf was looking at her expectantly. "Guess I owe you an apology."

"Whatever, just don't call me 'Puppy'," he said, reaching to the side and handing her the plate of pancakes.

"Don't call me 'Princess'," she responded as she accepted it. Turning on her heel, she grabbed the bottle of syrup from a dumbfounded Lightning Lad when she passed by his table. Flicking her eyes at his stunned look, she said, "Close your mouth, Lightning Lad, before you start catching flies."

Lightning Lad stared from Phantom Girl, who was now eating her breakfast, to Timber Wolf, who had continued making more food, both acting as if nothing had happened. He looked at Superman who was sitting next to him and said, "Are you seeing this? I mean, look at them!"

From a few seats over, Saturn Girl warned, "Lightning Lad…"

"No, I'm serious," he continued pointing from one to the other, "she just called him 'Puppy' and he called her 'Princess' without anyone getting maimed or killed!"

"There's still time for that," Phantom Girl said between bites.

"Just leave it alone," Timber Wolf added.

Superman placed a hand on Lightning Lad's shoulder. "Maybe you should quit while you're ahead…"

Lightning Lad shook his head. "It makes no sense. If I had done that, then they'd be out for revenge. How is it that nothing's happening?" His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Wait a second… there's something going on between you two, isn't there?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Timber Wolf said stiffly.

"Neither do I," said Phantom Girl, rising from her seat. After dumping her empty plate in the dishwasher, she picked up her now orange-colored cape and left the sitting bay, Timber Wolf's gaze following her out the door.

Saturn Girl saw Lightning Lad start to open his mouth again. Cutting him off before he could dig himself a deeper hole, she telepathically said, Garth Ranzz, mind your own business. There's no point trying to understand something beyond your grasp.

But—

No.

Glowering in his chair, Lightning Lad kept his thoughts to himself, still firmly believing that there was something weird about these new nicknames... even if his teammates didn't want to admit it.