2 Weeks Ago.
New York City...

Y/N: This blows.

You sat at your desk as you absent-mindedly spun a knife around in your hand. You were stuck in your room since it was summer, you just got your cast taken off, and you could go be Leviathan. Talk about a lousy start to summer. You sighed as you stared out the window. Gib had invited you over for video games and an unhealthy amount of pizza, but that was later on.

Your window was open so you could hear the sounds of the city below as you tried to think of something to do. Truth be told, you were lost. Between this new Kamala Law and your recovery, you had no idea what you were supposed to be feeling. Viv was still missing, Kamala was still in a coma, and you were still a wanted man.

Nadia: Mmm. I don't like this look on you.

You turned around but couldn't find anything.

Y/N: Either I'm going crazy from cabin fever, or Nadia just broke into my apartment.

Nadia: I did not break in!

She grew to normal size and plopped down on your bed with a cute smile.

Nadia: Your window was open, thank you very much.

You smiled a bit at her cheerful nature. Trust Nadia Van Dyne to still be happy despite everything going on. At least, you hoped this wasn't an act. You knew that she was taking this whole thing just as hard as the rest of you.

Y/N: So, what brings you here, chère?

Nadia raised a brow.

Nadia: Chère?

Y/N: Yeah. It's like saying beloved or dear. It's used when talking to a woman.

Nadia: I know but, I've never heard you say that before. Was, that an accent to?

Shit. It slipped.

Y/N: N-No. Probably just the way I said it.

Nadia looked at you for a moment. Yeah, she didn't believe that.

Nadia: Ms. L/N?!

Y/N: What are you...

Your door opened and your mom poked her head into the room.

Mom: Oh, hello dear. What do you need?

Nadia: Where was Y/N born?

Your mom looked at you but you shook your head and signaled for her to stay silent.

Mom: New Orleans.

You just dropped your head.

Nadia: So, was he raised there?

Mom: Yes. Me and my friend were living in a home we were renting at a time. I believe you may have met her son, Gib. These two have been inseparable since. Anyway, when Y/N was about 12 and Hailey was 10, we moved to New York because my friend had gotten me a job. We were struggling for so long.

Nadia looked at you in surprise.

Nadia: You never told me any of this before.

Y/N: I get a bit embarrassed about it. I picked up a lot of Cajun dialect and, yeah. I have a slight accent. It slips through sometimes.

Your mom smiled before leaving the room.

Mom: I'm running next door for a sec. Don't do anything stupid, Y/N.

Y/N: Why do I get singled out?

Nadia looked at you for a moment before she hugged you from behind and leaned in to whisper into your ear.

Nadia: I think it's cute.

You tensed up at her breath against your skin and, for once, you were actually caught off guard by her actions. She was normally reserved and very blunt when it came to her affection. She never actually tried to seduce you or flirt. If anything, she was embarrassed when you would playfully flirt.

Y/N: Y-Yeah?

Nadia: Hmm.

Dear god.

Nadia: Can I hear more of it?

Y/N: M-Maybe later. I, uh, why are you here?

Nadia pouted before she let go of you and sat back down on your bed.

Nadia: I wanted to see you. I've been busy with the GIRL program that I haven't really had time to hang out with anyone.

No one has, really. Everyone has been so busy either going back to being a normal teenager or still trying to be a hero with C.R.A.D.L.E running around. Hell, the government even raided your lab so you didn't have any of your new gear you were working on.

Y/N: Yeah. I've mostly been using this time to either hang out with Hailey and my mom or Gib and Hyde. I have been seriously slacking in the friend department.

Nadia looked at you for a moment before she had an idea. She looked over to your door, saw it was close, and jumped onto your bed to lay down. She laid on her side and held her head up with her arm as she looked at you with a smirk.

Nadia: Really now?

You raised a brow confused.

Y/N: What are you doing?

Nadia: What do you mean? Do you think little ol' me is up to something?

She batted her lashes innocently. Yeah, what was up with her? Was, was she trying to seduce you? This was new. You didn't particularly hate it, but it was new. You smiled as you turned back to your desk.

Y/N: No. Why would you, the most beautiful girl in New York right now, be up to anything? You're way too smart anyway. You'd be able to do something and not get caught.

You smiled as you heard her pout again. This, was gonna be fun.

Nadia: Well, I was, wondering if we could maybe cuddle for a bit?

Y/N: Sorry, I'm heading over to Gib's later.

Nadia: B-But....

Y/N: We're gonna play video games and eat pizza. Hyde's gonna be there to. Maybe we'll go to the movies after. Or we can get ice cream. The possibilities.

Nadia: But I...

Y/N: I might even spend the night seeing as I can't be Leviathan anymore. Oh, the hardships of a teenager.

The room got quiet as you waited for Nadia's response.

Nadia: But, I wanted to go on a date tonight. I had a whole plan and everything.

You slowly spun around to face her. She was looking down at your bed before she laid on her back to stare at the roof. Or, so she thought.

Nadia: Is this a bunk bed?

You nodded proudly.

Y/N: Nikki was gonna move in with us, until Daisy offered him a room at her place. I already built it so, it's staying.

Nadia: Oh.

And just like that, she went back to pouting.

Nadia: We haven't gone on a date in a while. I was hoping you'd be free.

You looked at her for a moment. The way her hair fell behind her and the way her eyes seemed to glow in the morning light.

Y/N: Alright, chère. How 'bout this?

Nadia turned her head to look at you. Now that you weren't trying to actively hide it, your accent was much clearer.

Y/N: After I'm done with Gib and Hyde, how 'bout we go git ourselves some dinner? After that, we can git down to a place I know and have a real date.

Nadia looked at you with a smile on her face.

Nadia: I, actually kinda like that accent. Like, a lot.

You smirked as you stood up and walked over to her.

Y/N: Yeah?

Nadia smiled back as you began to lean closer.

Nadia: Yeah.

You gently kissed her before you heard the familiar jingle of keys. You separated and heard the front door open signaling your mom's return. You just sighed.

Y/N: I'll meet you at yours later on. Wear normal clothes. No dresses or fancy clothes or anything.

You then leaned in and kissed her cheek.

Y/N: And no super hero talk. We're just gonna be normal ass teenagers.

Nadia just smiled as she bit her lip. You smiled as you kissed her again. And again. If your mom wasn't in the other room, you may have done a bit more than just kiss.

Nadia: I should go.

Y/N: You should.

She reached up and pulled you down to kiss you again. And again.

Y/N: We really...

Nadia: Shouldn't.

Mom: Y/N? You home?

You just sighed as Nadia stood up. You ran a hand through your hair as you nodded.

Y/N: Yeah. I'm still here.

Mom: Alright. Let me know when you head out.

Y/N: Got it.

You turned back to Nadia.

Nadia: See you tonight.

You smiled as you kissed her forehead.

Y/N: You to, chère.
--------
Hyde: So, this guy is a super soldier.

Gib: Yep.

Hyde: But you can kill him with a knife?

Y/N: Yep.

Hyde: The hell kind of game is this?

Y/N/Gib: Halo.

You and Gib returned to your match as Hyde just shrugged and went back to drawing. You bit down into another slice of pizza as your eyes followed the movements on the screen. You fired off some rounds and just like that, you won the match.

Gib: Again?!

Y/N: You still can't win against me. Even after all these years.

You laughed as you tossed your remote down to finish eating. Gib just threw his down in frustration before grabbing himself another slice. Hyde passed you his notebook and you took a look at the new costume design he made for you.

Y/N: This looks sick man! I like that you added the hood back.

Hyde: Figured I could do some kind of mix between your old costume and your new one.

The concept was to keep the long coat but add a hood. There was also more armor on the shoulders, elbows, and knees. It was more suited for your lines as well.

Y/N: It works. Sucks I can't wear it though. Stupid Kamala Law.

Gib: Oh yeah. Have you guys gotten the new line up?

Y/N: Not yet. Riri is working on it still.

After Kamala's Law was passed, the government pretty much came in and took everything away. Your lab was raided for the most part and they took all the gear you weren't able to snatch before. They also cut all the lines that the Champions were using for communication. Even the Fourms was under investigation.

To make matters worse, they took the CMB. That left Nikki without a place to stay so he lived in the apartment for a while before Daisy came in and offered him her spare bedroom. Nikki accepted and the two had been good friends. Miles had just decided to keep being Spider-Man cause, well, screw C.R.A.D.L.E. Of course, you haven't heard from him in a while.

Hyde: This is still bullcrap. I can't belive they can do this. Why should they even care? You guys are doing good and you're constantly saving lives.

Gib shrugged as he gave it some thought.

Gib: I guess I can see their side of it. If a bunch of heroes who are also kids just started dying, it could be a problem. Plus, a younger superhero would be more prone to making mistakes and in that line of work, someone could die from said mistake.

Hyde: But what gives them the right to speak for them?

Gib: Well, they are kinda vigilantes so they're already criminals by definition.

Hyde: They're heroes.

Gib: I'm not saying they aren't. I'm just saying, from personal experience, I get why people worry. I mean, Y/N has been my best friend since we were babies. He died and I thought that was it. For a lot of people, it is.

Y/N: Guys.

The two looked over to see you looking at the controller in your hands.

Y/N: Can, can we talk about something else? Please?

Gib and Hyde looked at each other before they apologized and went back to doing what they were doing. You just sighed before your alarm went off. You checkes your watch and saw that it was a reminder for your date with Nadia.

Gib: You two going out? It's been a while since you two went on a date.

Y/N: Yeah. After I let my accent slip, I decided to take her out.

Hyde: Your accent?

Gib: Ha! I was wondering how long it would take.

Hyde: Wait, what accent?

You and Gib gave a knowing look to each other.
--------
Cresskill, NJ...

You stood in front of the GIRL Labs door as you pulled on your shirt collar. It seemed a bit smaller than last time. Was it because you were getting buffer? You hope so. You entered the room where you immediately found Shay and Ying talking in Shay's lab space.

Shay: Hey. Haven't seen you around for a while.

You waved back with a smile.

Y/N: I was kinda restrained to my house for a bit. Between almost dying, again, and my broken leg, I had to stay in bed and rest for most of the start of my summer break.

Ying: Yikes. Nadia said that you were doing better now though.

Y/N: Yeah. Just bored mostly. Where is Baby Wasp, anyway?

Shay: In her room. Said something about "finding the perfect outfit".

You rolled your eyes with a smile. You kinda figured this would be happening. She hadn't gone on a date with you for a while so she was definitely overthinking it.

Ying: You two going out?

You nodded.

Y/N: Yep. I'm taking her to a place I used to go to.

Shay raised a brow as she leaned on the table to look at you.

Shay: A place you used to go to? Now that you said that, I don't thi k you ever talk about what about you were doing before you joined the Champions.

Ying: That's right. You were a solo hero, right? What kind of things did you use to do?

You froze up at the question. You were honestly surpised that you had gone this long without anyone asking you about your past. They normally just accepted the fact that you were Leviathan for two years and left it at that.

Shay: Y/N? You good?

Y/N: Y-Yeah. Uh, I just, ah, fought bad guys.

Ying: You said that your mom was the first Leviathan. Did she teach you how to use your strings and knives and stuff?

Y/N: Y-You asking a lot of questions.

Ying looked at you suspiciously.

Ying: And you seem to have advanced training. Why are you so nervous?

You rubbed the back of your neck as you awkwardly smiled.

Y/N: No reason. Uh, my mom wasn't the one who taught me how to do that stuff. I, uh, picked it up as I went.

Before Ying could press you for answers, Nadia came out of her room dressed up for your night out. You looked kver and smiled, both because you could now avoid any more questions and because she looked beautiful. As always.

Nadia: Oh, you're already here.

Y/N: Yeah. You ready to head out?

Nadia: Sure. Just let me get my shoes and we can go.

You waited patiently as she returned to her room to retrieve her footwear. While you waited, Ying had grabbed your wrist and pulled you aside.

Y/N: Uh, what's up?

Ying looked around to mkae sure the two of you were out of earshot from Shay and Nadia before she looked at you.

Ying: I was trained by highly skilled assassins who taught us a lot of things. Now, I want you to tell me the truth.

Y/N: What truth?

Ying: Where did you learn to fight and use knives and everything else you do?

You looked at her for a moment before you sighed.

Y/N: That's really not your business, Ying.

Ying: It is if it could get Nadia hurt. Who taught you?

You both stared at each other, before you gave in.
--------
Nadia: Wow. How have I never heard of this place?

You both had just arrived to the place you knew very well. It was a building that looked like a normal warehouse on the outside, but you knew better. Out in the front, there were a few people hanging around talking or smoking. Nadia immediately noticed that they were all around your age.

Nadia: What is this?

Y/N: You'll love it. Trust me.

You made it to the door and knocked on it. A metal slit opened and someone peeked out. The man inside immediately recognized you.

Bouncer: El Cucuy!

He looked back for a split second before the slit closed. The door was then unlocked. Nadia raised a brow as the door swung open.

Y/N: C'mon, chère.

Nadia followed you inside where the real party began. Inside, music blasted as the main room was crowded with people dancing. Tables were set off to the side as well as some lounges that were off limits to most people. The balcony above also had people hanging around talking, drinking, laughing, and dancing.

Nadia: Woah.

Y/N: Pretty neat, ain't it?

Nadia: What is this place?

Y/N: La Casa El Toro. The House of the Bull. An underground club.

Nadia: And you used to go here? This doesn't seem like your kind of scene.

Y/N: It used to be, chère. Not anymore though. I just figured you'd like to go dancing.

Nadia: Well, you figured right, mister. Let's dance!

She grabbed your wrist and dragged you the dancefloor. Everything was fun. The music was good, everyone was having a good time, and you felt more relaxed than you had been in the last few months. As you danced with Nadia, you felt free.
-------
Nadia: Are you sure you're alright?

You just nodded with a smile as you sat on the seat you had found. Your leg had started to hurt after being on it for too long so you needed to sit down.

Y/N: Yeah. I'll be good in a minute.

Nadia sat next to you and looked at your leg. Besides some faint scars, it looked normal. Hell, the doctors were impressed by how fast it was able to heal. Not bad for a kid without a healing factor.

Nadia: So, the guy at the door said something when he saw you. What was it?

You looked back down from the balcony you were both sitting at. You spotted the bouncer talking to someone who was hidden by a wooden beam.

Y/N: Uh, just said welcome. Like, welcome to the club or something.

Nadia: It sounded like he called you something.

Before you could answer, you heard a low whistle. One that you recognized.

???: Well, well, well. If it ain't Y/N L/N. In the flesh!

You turned around to see a two people heading your way. One was a latino boy who was a bit older than you with messy black hair and dark brown eyes. He was dressed in a white button up with a black vest. The other was a Caucasian girl who was your age. She had long blonde hair tied in a bun with a red rose in her hair. She was wearing a red dress.

Nadia: Do you know them?

Y/N: Yeah. I do.

The two reached you and the boy smiled.

???: As I live and breathe. Long time no see.

Y/N: I've been busy.

???: Too busy to see your old friends? You hurt me, man.

The boy looked at Nadia and smiled as he checked her out.

???: Who's the pretty lady?

You sudtley moved so that you were somewhat in font of Nadia to stop him from leering.

Y/N: This is Nadia. My girl.

???: I see. Well, Nadia, my name is Xander. This here is my friend, Lilith. It's a pleasure to meet you.

He gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles which, for some reason, pissed you off. He then turned back to you.

Xander: So, what brings you here after so long?

Y/N: Date. What are you doing here? I thought you didn't come here on weeknights.

Lilith: We don't. We're having a meeting upstairs. Of course, you wouldn't know that.

Nadia looked at you from the corner of her eye.

Y/N: Right. I'm not running with you guys anymore.

Xander: True. But, no matter how far you run or what you do, you will always be one of us.

Lilith: El Cucuy.

Nadia: El Cucuy?

Y/N: Actually, that's our cue to leave.

You stood up with Nadia following. Before you could leave, Xander grabbed your wrist.

Xander: You know, she'll let you back in. She has a soft spot for you.

You snatched your wrist away as you glared at him.

Y/N: And I feel nothing for her.

You grabbed Nadia's hand and left the two standing there. Xander smirked while Lilith watched you leave.

Lilith: Why does he get the approval of mama?

Xander watched you leave the building with a wide smile.

Xander: Because, he's The Boogeyman.
----------
You found yourself driving away from the warehouse in Bobbi's car, which she had agreed to let you use, in silence. Nadia was still trying to piece everything together while you were just trying to forget it as a whole.

Nadia: Where are we going?

Y/N: Somewhere else. I, actually wanted to show you something.

Nadia just looked at you slightly concerned. You ended up on a dirt road before you stopped the car. You put it in park and smiled as you turned to her.

Y/N: We're here.

Nadia and you stepped out of the car. You walked to the hood of the car and Nadia gasped at what she saw. You were on a ridge that overlooked all of Cresskill. It was late but the lights shining in the city shined bright.

Nadia: Wow.

Y/N: You like it?

Nadia just nodded as you sat on the hood of the car.

Y/N: I thoight so. Sorry, I wasn't planning on coming here until later.

Nadia turned back to you and smiled. She sat on the hood next to you and placed her hand on top of yours.

Nadia: What happened back there? Why did they call you El Cucuy? What were they talking about?

You just shook your head.

Y/N: Just, some stuff I used to do.

Nadia: You mean, before you joined the Champions?

You nodded.

Y/N: I, uh, used to run with a bad crowd. Back when my anger got the best of me and I was looking for Bucky. I met a woman and she told me that she could help me, if I helped her first. She was the one who taught me most of what I know.

Nadia: Was it, a gang?

You rubbed the back of your neck.

Y/N: Something like that. We used to break into places and steal a bunch of stuff. I actually kept a lot of my cut and used it to make my Serpant Tounges and gloves.

Nadia looked at you slightly concerned.

Y/N: I was with them for about two years. When I made that promise to Hailey, I walked away. I decided to fully become Leviathan and help those in need. A few months later, I met the Champions.

Nadia: This woman, she exploits children to steal for her?

Y/N: Somewhat.

Nadia: And, have you ever thought about taking her down?

Y/N: Yeah. A few times. The thing about it, has messed up as it is, is that she treats everyone with kindness. She doesn't punish anyone, she doesn't force anyone to stay, she doesn't do anything to them. Besides the stealing thing and running an underground club, she really isn't a bad person. She treats everyone as her own kids so much that everyone calls her Mama.

Nadia: Mama?

Y/N: And a lot of these kids are either runaways, homeless, or orphans. They don't have anywhere else to go. I don't want to take that away. Besides, they aren't in any danger and they can chose to participate in the robberies or not.

Nadia gently squeezed your hand before she returned her gaze to the city below.

Nadia: For what it's worth, you make for a better hero. I can't see you being a thief.

You smiled as you kissed her cheek. Nadia hummed and leaned on your shoulder as the two of you listened to the car radio while you looked out at the city below. Nadia smiled as she looked up at you.

Nadia: Hey.

Y/N: Hm?

Nadia: Earlier, in your room, I was actually trying to seduce you. Did it work?

You looked at her baffled. She just, really outright confessed it. Wow. This girl was really something else.

Y/N: Yeah. I, kinda noticed. You know you don't really have to seduce me, right?

Nadia looked at you a bit confused.

Nadia: I, don't? The magazine I got from Tiana said that seducing your boyfriend or husband is the key to a happy relationship.

You smiled as you laughed a bit. There were times you forget that she spent most of her life locked away with the Red Room.

Y/N: Chère, you have me wrapped around your finger. Trust me, you don't have to try very hard.

Nadia smiled as she leaned back into you. The two of you watched the lights dance around for a moment.

Nadia: Are we staying here until sunrise?

Y/N: If you want to. We have a couple of hours.

Nadia smiled as she looked back at the car.

Nadia: Do we now?
------------
6:15 AM...

You put the car in park as you finally reached Pym Laboratories after a full night of being somewhat normal teenagers. You both got out of the car and you walked around to hold Nadia's hand as she beamed. You were sure you cleaned up enough for Bobbi to not notice what you may or may not have done in the backseat.

Nadia: That was, a very fun night.

Y/N: Yeah. Sorry for the little bumps we ran into.

Nadia: Don't be. I got to know you even better now. Thank you for opening up.

You wrapped your arm around her and kissed her head.

Y/N: Thanks for letting me, chère. You are, truly too good for me.

Nadia: No way. You're perfect to me.

You both smiled like fools, unaware of a car pulling up. You both stood there in front of the door, you were going to head home to get some sleep, where you gave Nadia one last kiss.

Janet: Are you two just getting back?

You both separated at the voice of Nadia's stepmother and Avenger, Janet Van Dyne. You both looked at her.

Nadia: Uh, yes.

Janet: And, is that a, hickey on your neck?

You lifted your hand to your neck and sighed.

Y/N: Yes ma'am.

Janet looked at the two of you and sighed as she walked past the two of you.

Janet: To be young again.

She entered the building and you smiled.

Y/N: Uh, I'll see you later. I'll text you later on today.

Nadia: Sounds good.

You kissed her again as Timber appeared. You smiled and grabbed onto the wolf.