𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐀 𝐅𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧?

———————————————

Mel groaned, kneeling on her knees as she checked under the bed she and Milo shared, "Where's my computer?" she muttered to herself, standing once more, "damnit, Kiko, stop stealing my shit!" she shouted, her voice bouncing off the cinder walls.

She quickly ruffled Milo's hair before leaving the room, walking down the hall. She passed Wally and Phantom's room, finally opening the right door to Kiko's bedroom.

"Give it." she said, not bothering to say anything else. She simply stared down the eighteen-year-old that was lying on the bed while the twenty-two-year-old made quick work to pause their game. Typical Kiko and Damian. Mel thought to herself.

Kiko looked up with a raised eyebrow, "I didn't take anything." he answered, nonchalantly. It made Damian chuckle, "What are you looking for?" he questioned, his deep voice rumbling through the room.

Mel's eyes remained on Kiko as she answered, "My computer. The one your little boy toy took from me." she muttered, listening as Damian choked on his breath while Kiko winked, "Uh, I think Damian prefers the term 'sugar daddy'." he corrected with a teasing smile.

He couldn't hide his laughter when Damian playfully pushed his face away, "Cállate," he chuckled with a shake of his head, "but I think Wally had your computer. I saw the kid taking it to his room last night." the older man explained.

"Was that so hard?" Mel questioned, looking at Kiko before she finally looked at Damian, "thanks, Rockenfort." she added, walking out of the room once more.

The two Supes watched Mel go. Kiko wore a teasing before, looking at Damien when his shoulder was nudged, "You gotta stop telling people I'm your sugar daddy, K.O. Sugar daddies are supposed to be rich and old. I'm only twenty-two and have about ten dollars to my name." he smirked, watching Kiko pull his glasses off.

Kiko only shrugged, "First off, you are old, Mr. Ah-I-can't-feel-my-back," he retorted, leaning over his bed to dig through his bedside drawer, "besides, you're doing better than me. I've got... Two dollars and forty-five cents." he counted, showing Damian the money in his hand.

Damian couldn't hide his laughter, looking around for his wallet, "Ah, shit, let me give you a five." he smiled, his laughter growing louder when Kiko wrapped his arms around his shoulders, "You're officially my sugar daddy!" he practically squealed, the two best friends falling into laughter once more.

Through the closed door, Mel was able to hear their laughter. She softly smiled at the noise, "God, those two gotta fuck one of these days." she said under her breath, walking back to Wally's bedroom.

Once Mel stood back in front of Wally's room, she knocked her knuckles against the door, "Wally?" she questioned, her voice significantly softer than before.

Mel was never one to raise her voice with Wally. Wally was another golden retriever like Milo.

She continued to knock before pulling her knuckles away, "Do you have my computer? Damian said he saw you with it." she said through the closed door, stepping back when it opened.

Wally stood in the doorway, holding her computer. He looked like a child who had been caught drawing on the walls.

It was endearing.

"Yeah, sorry about that, my computer died and Milo said I could use yours for a few minutes," he explained with a sheepish smile, "sorry." he said once more, feeling some relief when Mel simply smiled.

She leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms over her chest, "Oh, that's fine. Were you looking for some more clothes?" she questioned, chuckling when Wally's frown turned to a bright smile, "Yeah! Look, I found this shirt. Phantom said I could borrow some dress she has and just wear it over." he explained, showing Mel the screen.

As Wally excitedly explained, Mel's smile grew softer, "It's really nice, but are you trying to tell me that my clothes aren't good enough anymore?" she lightly teased, making Wally shake his head with his own smile.

"'Course not, I just finally saved some money and wanted to splurge on something small." he smiled, chuckling when Mel patted his shoulder, "Good for you," she nodded, stepping back until she suddenly snapped her fingers, "just don't take too long. I think Diana and Ben are making breakfast."

And as if on cue, "Breakfast!" Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy said in unison from the kitchen on the main level of the warehouse.

It was more like a small apartment complex, but it didn't matter. Damian and Kiko had spent years repairing and adding to the hidden warehouse on the outskirts of New York.

What started off as an abandoned warehouse, with barely functioning lights, turned to a somewhat functioning apartment-like warehouse.

It was amazing, but it only grew more amazing when Phantom added extra protection with her abilities. The warehouse was becoming a new home for the displaced Supes and group. A safe point for the makeshift family.

When the group first arrived, Mel and Milo introduced the Supes to three students who attended Godolkin University.

Wally Bowen, the ghost of the university. Kiko "K.O," the glitch. And Damian Rockenfort, stronger than Wally and Kiko's combined strength.

The three of them took care and built the warehouse. They made it a place to call home while the rest of the world burned and crumbled.

—————————————

"Pancakes are ready and coffee's brewing." Soldier Boy said over his shoulder while Wonder Woman handed Phantom a cup of coffee.

Phantom nodded her head in thanks, the cup holding itself up in a small cloud of red wisps. She held her other hand out, curling her fingers towards the cabinets.

The cabinet doors opened and plates made their way towards the table, setting down in an organized fashion.

Damian and Kiko made their way down to the kitchen, seeing everyone else was already making their way down.

Milo stood by Mel, handing the two Supes coffee before Wally appeared beside him. They shared a smile until Soldier Boy handed him a plate of pancakes.

Soon, everyone was sitting at the dining table, "Thanks for breakfast, Ben, and thanks for the coffee, Diana." Wally politely smiled, seeing the two Supes smile.

She patted Wally's shoulder, sitting beside Soldier Boy and Phantom, "It's no trouble, Wally. I'm just glad Ben's cooking is still edible." she teased, smiling when Soldier Boy scoffed, "Oh please. Says the one who nearly put the kitchen in flames."

His teasing words were met with a kiss to his bearded cheek. It was something that made Soldier Boy chuckle, leaning towards Wonder Woman to kiss her lips in return.

The sight was something that never failed to make Phantom smile. To see the two people she cared for most; to see them finally find solace and peace within one another.

After forty years of blurs and haunted memories. Losing one another and finding each other again. It was all a mess, but it was a mess that was coming together.

And it was something everyone in the makeshift group could get behind.

But they found each other after all those years and to make it out in the end. To make it out in the end together.

Even if their ending wasn't exactly their true ending.

But none of that mattered. Not now. Everything was finally getting better and things were beginning to make sense.

As the thoughts continued to swirl in Phantom's mind, she averted her attention to Mel when she heard the woman say, "I like the new look." she said from her spot beside Milo and Wally.

Phantom took a small sip of coffee, looking down at herself. No longer was she the teenager that was once trapped in Russia or the teenager that nearly killed Soldier Boy and Wonder Woman.

It seemed like Russia wasn't all that.

Being trapped in Russia gave her enough time to finally become the person she reflected herself to be. She could finally be the age Vought forced her to be. No longer would Phantom be thrown into the limelight at the young age of thirteen until she was sixteen.

Finally, Phantom was able to morph herself to be twenty-six. She knew it was the right age, but it was the age that made the Supe comfortable and not wanting to yank her hair out.

It was a nice change.

"Thank you," Phantom smiled, nodding her head in thanks, "I finally figured out the trick to make it stick... Just keep breathin'." she snickered, watching as nearly everyone burst into laughter. Everyone but Soldier Boy and Wonder Woman.

It was clear that Kiko's influence and hours of watching Spongebob Squarepants were beginning to rub off on her.

Milo cleared his throat when he saw the confusion on the older Supes expression, "The show about the sponge and pineapple." He clarified with a small smile.

His words made Soldier Boy nod while Wonder Woman broke into a smile, "Oh, well, that's kinda funny." she smiled as Mel's phone began to ring.

Mel grabbed her phone, snapping her fingers, "Quick, what are the bets?" she quickly said, looking at Damian when he nodded, "Wrong number." he answered, chuckling when Mel and Wally answered, "Your mom." they answered in unison.

Phantom closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, "M.M." she answered, smiling when Soldier Boy nudged her shoulder, "No cheating," he softly chided, "but one of those fucking survey dickheads." he said, looking at Wonder Woman, "Hughie?" she answered with a soft smile.

Mel nodded to each answer before looking at her phone, "And... Phantom was right... Again," she said, sighing a bit as she answered the call, "this is a surprise, M.M., I haven't heard from you in a while." she said, watching everyone continue their meal.

"No, you know I won't tell. Don't even try. We have someone who already scrambled any and all connections. Don't bother. Nope, nope, nope." Mel said with an exasperated sigh, finally groaning when M.M. continued to speak, "listen, I'm fine with everyone being there. But Butcher? I thought he died already." she muttered with a frown, rolling her eyes when Milo nudged her shoulder.

Finally, Mel caved, "Fucking fine. We'll go." she muttered, ending the call before she threw her phone towards the couch.

She stood from her seat, looking at Phantom when the Supe tilted her head, "What's going on?" she questioned, seeing Mel roll her eyes again, "We are going back in the city." she grumbled, motioning to herself, Milo, and Phantom.

Phantom stared until she scoffed, "Oh don't tell me that world's going to shit again." she frowned, watching Kiko snicker while Damian shook his head, "With Homelander still breathing, it'll always be going to shit." he retorted, sarcasm laced in his words.

Everyone gave a silent agreement as Mel walked off to pack for the trip. Milo was quick to follow, grabbing his plate, "Thanks breakfast, SB." he said, following Mel back to the bedroom.

Once everyone began to disperse, Wally stood from his spot, "I'll help you with the dishes." he said, brightening when Wonder Woman smiled, "Thank you, Wally, could you actually get started while we talk to Phantom?" she questioned, taking hold of Soldier Boy's hand.

As Phantom and Soldier Boy walked off to Phantom's room, Damian and Kiko gathered the dishes, "We'll help you, chamaco." the older man said as the three of them began to wash and dry the dishes.

—————————————

Across the warehouse, Wonder Woman knocked on Phantom's door, "Sweetheart, can we talk to you?" she called, opening the door when Phantom gave a hum of approval.

The Supes stepped into the room, smiling with sympathy when they saw Phantom sitting on the bed. They sat on either side of her, their warmth a comforting and soothing presence against Phantom's racing mind.

"I'm shocked you haven't packed half your room yet." Soldier Boy teased, feeling the tension slightly dim as Phantom smiled, "I don't think I'm gonna go." she admitted, looking down at her lap.

Phantom fiddled with her fingers, touching the small rings that lined her fingers. She didn't have to look at their faces to see the shock and confusion.

It only took a moment before Wonder Woman tilted her head, "Why not? I thought you've been wanting to have a reason to go out." she frowned, watching the younger Supe shake her head, "I know and I have, but I shouldn't," she explained with a small sigh, "if Homelander knows that I'm around. That I'm still alive. He's gonna know that the both of you are still alive. If I'm made then the rest of us are made. I'm not risking anyone... Especially the two of you."

As Phantom began to ramble and lose track of her words, Soldier Boy reached out to grasp her shoulder, his hand steady, "Hey, hey, deep breath, come on, Marie." he soothed, his voice a gentle rumble that spoke through Phantom's chaos.

Phantom looked into Soldier Boy's eyes before Wonder Woman took hold of Phantom's hand, "What's making you so worried that Homelander will find us?" she frowned, wanting to know what was troubling her daughter.

"I don't know, it's just a feeling." Phantom answered, squeezing Wonder Woman's hand in return. She knew her words weren't exactly a lie. There were some things that were better left unsaid.

Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy shared a look, deciding what to say, "He's not," Soldier Boy finally said after a moment, "and he won't ever find the three of us. Any of us. Marie, we're safe here." he promised, his voice sincere and promising.

As Soldier Boy's words set in, Wonder Woman reached up to caress Phantom's cheek, "They'll need you, Marie. Without you, they won't stand a chance against Homelander and everyone else." she whispered, her voice dropping so no one would hear.

Phantom listened to their words, knowing it was all true. She knew she had become the greatest barrier against Homelander and his efforts to destroy the world.

It didn't matter if the Boys had two Supes like Annie and Kimiko. None of it mattered against Homelander. They had no chance of stopping Homelander.

Not without Soldier Boy, Wonder Woman, and Phantom.

Especially Phantom.

"Fine," Phantom soon sighed, rubbing her temple, "I'm only going for a few weeks, but if nothing is solved by them, I'm coming back." she explained, watching her parents smile.

The older Supes nodded, "Deal." They answered together, turning their heads when Mel called from the hallway, "I love family sentiment as much as the next person, but we have things to do and people to see." she grumbled, holding her own bags.

Milo chuckled from his spot beside her, leaning against the wall, "You just say that so your brothers won't visit." he muttered, smiling when Mel nodded, "And I have good reasons." she smiled, kissing his cheek as she walked off.

"We have to get going, you know how pissy M.M. gets if anyone's late." Milo said, looking at the reformed family with a warm smile.

Phantom nodded once more, standing from her bed, "I have to get packing." she said, chuckling when Soldier Boy kissed the top of her head while Wonder Woman caressed her cheek once more.

As Wonder Woman and Soldier Boy left the room, Wonder Woman looked at Milo, "We'll pack snacks for the drive." she said under her breath, smiling when Milo's eyes shut with relief, "Thank you." he whispered as Phantom shut the door.

Once everyone was gone, Phantom sat back onto the bed. Her smile grew tight before it finally faltered, disappearing when she sat in the middle of her bed.

All it took was concentration of breath while the rest of the world slowed. Phantom's eyes fell shut and she was taken back to a place more familiar than not.

The mud and blood used to sicken Phantom. But now? It was the only thing that kept Phantom's senses high. The red skies and thundering clouds melted into the background, holding no real threat.

Phantom stood in place, feeling the thunder shake the ground. Her shoes slightly sunk into the mud as she began to walk across the barren land.

It didn't take long before she reached what she was searching for. A simple structure that built itself over the months.

A shack. More run-down than the warehouse could ever become. When Phantom first came across the shack, she thought it was odd that the shack had even come to be.

But the Supe stopped questioning the shack when she came to understand what its true purpose was.

Phantom took careful steps up the decaying wood, pushing the door open. Inside held nothing. No rooms or walkways. Just four walls and a door in the middle of the farthest wall.

The door was just as rotten as the rest of the shack. The hinges were rusted and the door knob was the only thing that remained gold from years of use.

Small winds passed through the shack, beckoning Phantom closer. She listened, stepping forward and kneeling in front of the rotting door.

Phantom sat with her legs crossed, allowing her eyes to fall shut once more. Listening to the thunder and gentle winds, Phantom felt herself beginning to levitate.

Without warning, the thunder stopped and the winds died. The land was silent as the Supe curled her fingers, sensing the doorknob's rattles.

The door threatened to open as Phantom dug deep in the minds of those in Vought. Everyone. From the highest members to those who were just hired.

It was the one thing Phantom could thank Russia for. Newfound abilities that only strengthened her original ones.

After a moment, Phantom opened her eyes. Her eyes glowed with scarlet and newfound information. The door forced itself open, helping Phantom peek into the life of Homelander.

She watched Homelander storm out of the conference room. As he walked, Phantom tried to sink deeper into the reality, trying to get into Homelander's head before it was too late.

But it wasn't meant to be. Not yet, at least.

Phantom's eyes were forced open, the door slamming shut before she was yanked from the shack and mud.

She softly gasped, waking back in her bedroom as she fell onto the bed with a small thud. Phantom looked around, gently tugging at her hair as she went over the information once more.

It didn't take much to know that Homelander was on the verge of another breakdown. Knowing that Homelander was close to losing his mind. It made Phantom smile.

The Supe loved watching Homelander. She loved watching him lose his mind and become infuriated over small things.

Phantom loved it because it'd make his death that much sweeter.