𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐑, COLBY MADDEN

2x19: Runaway Hearts

The morning started like any other in Valley View—or so Colby thought. He was sprawled on the couch, scrolling through his phone, while Y/N made pancakes in the kitchen, humming a Christmas carol she'd heard on the radio.

"Colby, can you pass me the syrup?" Y/N called, stacking pancakes high on a plate.

"Sure, sure," Colby replied, glancing up just in time to see Vic storming in, his expression more frantic than usual.

"Colby! Y/N! We've got a problem," Vic announced, waving his arms.

Y/N tilted her head. "What kind of problem? Is it school-related?"

Vic's eyes darted around, like he was expecting the walls to start listening. "No, no... bigger. A superhero—yes, a real superhero—is on the way to Valley View."

Colby nearly dropped the syrup. "Wait... what? A superhero? Why? Who?"

Vic rubbed his forehead. "Don't know yet. Just got a tip that they're coming because of... well... you, Colby."

Y/N froze, spatula mid-air. "Wait, me too?"

"I'm not sure. Could be either of you, both of you... or just the area. But the important thing is—they're coming, and you can't be caught unprepared."

Colby felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, and for once, his usual bravado disappeared. "Uh... what do we do?"

Vic paced back and forth. "You have to... hide. Figure out a plan. And you may have to leave the city temporarily. Which... yes, means moving. Possibly forever, if they track you here."

Y/N's hand flew to her mouth. "Move? Forever? Colby, that can't—"

"I know," Colby interrupted, his voice tight. "I know. But... it's not my choice. It's... the situation."

Y/N grabbed his hand. "Hey, we'll figure this out. Together. We always do."

But even as she said it, she could feel the panic rising in her chest. What if they were forced apart? What if the superhero forced Colby to leave? The thought was unbearable.

Vic sighed. "Look, I can shield you for a while, but eventually, the superhero will get close. You have to decide—do you run, or do you try to stay and face it?"

Colby stood, running a hand through his hair. "I... I don't want to leave you. Not now, not ever."

Y/N shook her head, determined. "Then we won't. We'll find a way to handle this without splitting up."

Vic hesitated, then said, "I can help you disappear for a bit, create a diversion... but it's risky. You'll need to stick together and trust each other completely."

Colby swallowed hard, determination settling over his panic. "We stick together. No matter what."

Y/N nodded fiercely. "No matter what."

They spent the next hour hurriedly packing essentials: clothes, snacks, a few gadgets Vic thought might help. Every item brought a pang of anxiety, but also a sense of urgency.

As they were about to leave, a flash of light appeared in the sky. Both Colby and Y/N froze.

"That's them," Vic whispered. "They're close."

Colby grabbed Y/N's hand. "Ready?" he asked.

"For anything," she said, squeezing back.

The city outside was quiet, almost too quiet, as if holding its breath. Colby led Y/N through the alleys behind his house, using his speed to stay ahead of any potential detection. Vic stayed behind, keeping the lights on inside their house flickering to create a false impression that they were still there.