Homecoming

Jay's inaugural extraterrestrial escapade had come to a close—a thrilling ride that was harrowing yet, upon reflection, oddly amusing. Though he wouldn't wish for a repeat, the journey had its charms.

Huntress, understanding the exhaustion of the spacefaring group, spared them an interrogation. She promised to handle 'clean-up' and would seek details from Jay later—a relief for everyone involved. After the tumultuous events, the only things more longed for than their homes were their beds.

As they exited the cordoned Kord International Creatives building, Jay reveled in his Kryptonian "solar battery" physiology. The sun's rays, warm and generous, washed over him, erasing his fatigue in an instant. It was as if each depleted cell was being plumped with vitality, a sensation of unparalleled comfort.

Basking in the sun's embrace, he said, "I love the yellow sun. I think I'll take a whole day's sunbath when I get back—no, I'll fly to the sun's surface, I've never tried that. It must be thrilling."

Kara chuckled, "I'd advise against that. You're more likely to get overstuffed or never want to see the sun again."

Turning to her, Jay saw the sunlight kiss Kara's alabaster skin, turning strands of her hair into spun gold. It was a sight beyond words.

Kara caught his gaze and tilted her head, "What's up? Is there something from the junkyard in my hair?"

As she felt her head, Jay laughed, "No, just... marveling at what we've been through. I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks."

"The feeling's mutual." Kara's smile waned. "I must have missed Ms. Grant's plane. She's going to be furious. I'm probably fired."

"Don't worry, she won't do that. Trust me, she actually likes you."

"Well, we'll see soon enough." She sighed, twirling a lock of hair. "And I need a shower. I must smell terrible."

"Ha, me too."

"So... see you around?"

"Yeah, I've got to report to my mom, and you know, my dad." Jay hesitated, then added, "After all this is settled, and we both have time, maybe..."

Kara smiled, "Let me guess, a proper date?"

"See, we do sync sometimes."

Their shared laughter sealed the plan. "Alright, a real date it is. Don't stand me up."

With that, Kara levitated gently, floating away like a feather. Jay watched her vanish into the clear blue sky, which seemed even more azure than before.

Jay's cosmic adventure, spanning universes and leaping galaxies, happened in a mere dozen hours. Yet to Mrs. Reynolds, who anxiously awaited at home, it felt like centuries.

She had prepared a litany of complaints for Mr. Reynolds, but they evaporated the moment he and Jay appeared at the doorstep. Her teary embrace was wrung with relief. It was a family moment, one of grateful togetherness.

When Mrs. Reynolds pushed them away, pinching her nose, she asked, "Which one of you stinks?"

Jay raised his hand sheepishly. Urged to shower because he smelled like a mobile junk yard—which he confirmed was accurate—father and son took turns freshening up. Mrs. Reynolds busied herself in the kitchen, preparing a welcome-back feast.

After his shower, Mr. Reynolds seemed rejuvenated, his tiredness washed away. Jay queried about his father's investigation, discovering their findings in the office matched the clues leading to Kord Technologies, human trafficking, and unlawful experiments—a shocking revelation.

The dark underbelly of these events traced back years, unnoticed by society. The silent disappearances, even of influential figures—how could the government be oblivious? Or more chillingly, what role had it played?

Some mysteries were solved, leading to even more daunting questions. Jay felt the complexity of their ordeal, potentially a vast conspiracy, and wasn't sure he was ready for what might come next.

Their somber discussion paused as they sat in silence on the living room couch.

Breaking the quiet, Mr. Reynolds apologized, "Thank you, son. I'm sorry for not sharing the burden with you and your mom. We're a family—we should trust and support each other. My actions caused this."

"It's okay, Dad," Jay comforted, patting his shoulder. "It's over now. What matters is we're back, right?"

"Right," his father acknowledged. "Despite your extraordinary powers, I've always seen you as my child, my boy. I worried too much, neglecting that you've grown up."

"You can talk to me about anything, Dad," Jay reassured. "Together, we can handle it."

Passing through, Mrs. Reynolds smiled at this tender scene. Clearing her throat, she announced, "Mr. White from the Daily Planet sent his regards and gave you a few days off. It got me thinking, when was our last family picnic?"

"That's a great idea," Mr. Reynolds agreed. A thought struck him, and he turned to Jay, "Maybe invite that girl you were with? Supergirl, right? She seemed really nice. Do you have her number?"

Jay cringed at his father's subtle hint.

"I do, but I'm not sure she'd be up for it."

"Try! Youth is for taking chances. No regrets!" Mr. Reynolds struck a dashing pose reminiscent of his younger days. "Or say it's because she saved my life, and I'd like to thank her personally."

"Alright, I'll ask." Jay conceded, if only because the reason didn't sound too bad.