The White Wraith

Chapter 25: Chemistry

Kaldur's POV

I sighed. Black Canary was definitely understanding and calm, but I did not like having to speak to her about everything.

I was fortunate that she was such a good listener.

"I was the general, but behaved like a solider and sacrificed myself. I am not fit for command and must resign as leader. It would not be the first time my place on this team was questioned." I told her.

"And who do you recommend to take your place?" She asked.

"Artemis is too raw and untrusting. Kid Flash too rash and impulsive. Miss. Martian remains too eager to please. Superboy carries too much anger." I said.

"Making either Robin or Wraith the logical choice." She continued.

"Yes, but Robin is so young." I said.

"You are all young." She interjected.

"Perhaps, but I cannot let him take the burden. It would not be right." I said.

"And Wraith?" Black Canary asked.

"Wraith... She's who the team wanted before. She has two years of previous experience and has been with us since the beginning. She is the most empathetic person on the team, but..." I trailed off.

"But?" Canary asked.

"Wraith takes the failures of everyone around her and she carries them. She is weighed down by guilt and sadness. Making her the leader would only cause her even more suffering." I said.

"You've noticed a lot about who Wraith is. That's not an easy accomplishment. Even for Superman." Canary said.

"I try to understand everyone on the team to the best of my abilty. And they are not ready to be leader. Not yet. It appears I will have to withdraw my resignation. Again." I told her.

There was a moment of silence as Canary let my words soak in.

"And being leader after everyone tried to replace you... How does that feel?" Canary asked.

"Natural. I have gotten used to being in command. But I do question myself sometimes when things go wrong and wonder if Wraith could have done better." I admitted.

"How do you feel about Wraith?" Canary asked.

My eyes widened and I looked up quickly. Canary's eyes widened.

"Well," she said, "I meant to ask if you felt jealous or angry that the team chose her over you, but... You're in love with her aren't you?"

I blushed, "It's not... like that. Not exactly."

She leaned forward, "I never got the details. What exactly happened after you pushed Martian Manhunter through the zeta beam?"

I pursed my lips, "Wraith filled the room with smoke. It was too dark to see, but we found each other and she created a pocket of clear air for only us. We argued. And then the lasers blasted us. Nothing more." I lied.

"Nothing?" She questioned.

I shook my head.

"Interesting." She leaned back and nodded.

There was a moment of silence as she sat quietly, watching me and thinking. I shifted uncomfortably.

"You may go now. Tell Robin that I'm ready to talk to him." She said, nodding toward the door.

"Thank you." I said, standing up and leaving.

I walked into the kitchen and there was a thick layer of silence as everyone was thinking about the events that traspired yesterday.