𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑, COLBY MADDEN

1x02: Trust No One

The morning sun spilled weak light across the cluttered living room, casting long shadows over half-packed suitcases and piles of clothes. Vic was already shoving folded shirts into a duffel, muttering under his breath, while Eva zipped up a bag with more force than necessary. The tension in the air was so thick, Y/N swore it pressed against her skin like humidity.

"Well," Vic announced, his voice carrying a grim kind of cheer, "Texas has been fun, but it's time for this supervillain family to hide out in some other unsuspecting suburb." He threw a glance toward the rest of them, eyes bright with mock enthusiasm. "Who's up for Sheboygan? We can go wherever you want. We just have to move quick. I've... done some things."

Colby leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, jaw tight. "Yeah, and you've mentioned those things about five times already. But I'm not going anywhere without Y/N." His eyes flicked toward her, quick and determined, like he'd already made up his mind.

Y/N shifted uncomfortably near the window, her hands curling into the sleeves of her sweatshirt. "I don't want to move," she said, the quiet firmness in her tone cutting through the noise of zippers and Velcro straps.

Eva sighed as if she had been expecting this. "We have no choice. We're not safe here since Amy told Hartley our secret."

Jake, lounging lazily on the couch, sat up straighter. "Come on, do you really think Hartley would tell anyone? She's... Hartley."

Vic snapped his fingers in frustration. "We can't take that risk. She tells one person we're villains, the authorities will lock us up forever—if Onyx doesn't find us and destroy us first." His voice dropped at the last part, and Y/N noticed the way Eva's eyes flickered, betraying a trace of worry.

Colby, who had been scrolling on his phone, smirked. "I say we move to the beach so I can scare some surfers by shape-shifting into a shark or a man-eating crab. Either way, I'm snacking on someone."

Jake rolled his eyes. "We can't leave. We just started school, and I like it. You know, I'm the first student at Valley View High to be nominated for Student of the Month after being here less than a month."

Vic stared at him flatly. "Oh, Jakey. You always find a way to disappoint me."

Before Jake could argue, Vic froze mid-step. "I knew it! She ratted us out. Save yourself!"

Everyone turned—except Y/N, who already felt the prick of irritation down her spine—to see Hartley standing in the doorway, her bright smile paired with an awkward wave. "Good morning! How are my favorite supervillains?"

Y/N crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing just slightly. Living with Hartley meant knowing her habits, her quirks, the little ticks in her voice when she was nervous. And right now, Hartley was nervous.

"Oh wow," Colby muttered, "she really snuck up on us, didn't she?"

Hartley stepped further inside, excitement bubbling in her voice. "I was up all night thinking about it, and I have so many questions. Have you met Captain Valor? I heard his real name is Doug. And Sparkle Girl—she smells like truth, justice, and coconuts, right?"

Vic gave a thin smile. "Hartley, we'd love to answer all your questions, but now's... not really the best time. We're still kind of processing the fact that you know our secret."

Hartley's smile faltered. "What's wrong? Don't you trust me?"

Y/N didn't answer, but the silence she left behind was answer enough.

"Of course we do," Eva said quickly. "In fact, we trust you so much we want to lock you in a medium-sized box and never let you out."

"I'm... gonna head out. See you at school," Hartley mumbled, backing toward the door.