Author's Note: The Runaways need some more fanfic love around here! And I was intrigued by Lex Luthor's remark about needing "a team of his own", as well as Green Beetle's implication that the Reach would "find them again in time". It made me wonder what exactly the kids were doing those two weeks in-between their primary episodes. So here's my take, a little introspective adventure. Beware of some fan theories and cross-over baddies. Story is titled after the Les Friction song of the same name. Cover artwork by me.

Also, I don't know much Spanish, and I've off-and-on self-studied Japanese for years but am still only beginner level; so please forgive any poor grammar in the non-English. I've purposefully not included translations because that's how they do it in the series, leave you guessing. XD If anybody wants me to include subtitles, just let me know.

Disclaimers: The cartoon Young Justice and its characters remain the property of © Greg Weisman, Brandon Vietti, Cartoon Network, and DC Comics Entertainment. All rights reserved to the original creators. No infringement is intended by this not-for-profit fan story that was written exclusively for fun.

Louder Than Words
a Young Justice fan fiction

I.

"With no choice, their backs to the wall,
work with us or lose it all..."

"What do you say?"

Virgil looked from Eduardo to Tye, sharing their same feelings of worry and uncertainty. He could tell Ed had misgivings over Lex Luthor's desire for trust, and in Tye's eyes was a bleak dare, as if asking what other alternatives they had at this point. When he turned to Asami, he found her hopefully watching the boys, waiting for them to lead the way. They were tired, hungry, and left without much choice—and here was someone offering a helping hand. Even better, he was offering them the chance to pave their own way. Virgil relented.

"Okay," he said. "I guess we're in."

Luthor smiled, a pleasant, charismatic flash of his teeth holding little warmth. His face was also a stony enigma, a seasoned businessman used to offering only what he felt necessary at the time; right now, his eyes were encouraging and friendly. Yet Virgil decided he didn't like Lex Luthor very much.

"But only on one condition. Seein' as how we're the ones with the superpowers, seems to me you need us more than we need you. Which means if we eventually want out down the line, that's it, end of story."

Now Luthor's smile showed true amusement, but he didn't argue the fact. "Of course. There are no pre-requisites with me, no stipulations or laboratory documents requiring a parent's signature. You lot are free to do as you please, and all I ask is for your help, from time to time."

Virgil exchanged nods with the others, even Sam, before saying, "Deal."

"Perfect. Then let's get this team off the streets."

Lex Luthor walked in a dignified manner back to the town car, but the Runaways hesitated. His assistant, a silently demanding woman, stayed behind, watching the kids with a patient and direct look. With no graciousness, she waved a hand towards the vehicle, and Virgil went, followed by the others, and then the suited lady.

She opened the backseat door for her boss and waited for each of them to board as well. Sam slightly bowed before getting in, followed by a brooding Ed, and Tye glared at the woman before he climbed inside. Virgil, however, paused, hearing his mother's age-old wisdom echo through his mind: never get into a car with a stranger. For some reason, the warning seemed fair.

Shaking it off, he joined his friends, sliding into the car too. He sat next to Tye, with Eduardo on the end; they allowed Sam to share the forward-facing seat with Luthor, so she wouldn't have to be smashed between the boys and allowed free space to avoid the businessman. They all sat uncomfortably when the assistant shut the door.

Silence ensued, and it was a good long while of driving before Virgil asked, "So, where're you takin' us?"

"Out of town for now. I'll set you up with an apartment, which you can consider your base of operations. A temporary base."

"Why?"

"In view of everything, it will be wise if you keep moving living arrangements. You're a new team and I think a low profile would be best, for starters."

"You keep calling us a team," Tye said suspiciously.

"Are you not?"

"Your team?"

Luthor appeared pleased with Tye's brute candor, an admiring grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. He returned, "I think you've formed a bond, made a team dynamic, long before I got involved. Remember, Tye, I said I've been watching you for weeks, so I've seen you four at your best."

"And our worst," muttered Ed.

"Consider them character-defining moments. Come to that–" Lex Luthor withdrew a smart-phone from his breast pocket and offered it to Eduardo Jr.. "Would you like to call your father? There is also a phone in the car, if any of you care to let your families know you're safe."

"For real?" asked Virgil, a spark of hope at the thought of calling his parents.

"This is not a lockdown. I said, with me, you have all your freedom."

Eduardo promptly shook his head no, awkwardly turning to stare out the window. Even though the idea of speaking with his folks was appealing, Virgil hesitated. He didn't want to jeopardize the well-being of his family, even in the slightest; after all, they had agreed to leave him under the care of S.T.A.R. Labs and he'd already put them in a spot of bother by running away. However, the gesture put a favorable light on the businessman.

"Maybe later," he said.

"If you wait until tomorrow, I will arrange to have clean devices delivered for you. Once you're settled, I wouldn't recommend using the landlines."

"Paranoid much?" Tye jeered.

"And why not? Although I work with the Reach, I don't think that frees me from their watchdogs. On the contrary, it makes me a prime target. I take the utmost precautions, especially knowing they may in fact be playing me. You know firsthand they enjoy playing with humans."

Crossing his legs and pulling himself up straight in the seat, Tye met Luthor's eyes with a fierceness. "Okay, give. What exactly is your deal? What do you want us to do?" At the serious implication, all the Runaways waited expectantly for the answer.

"I liberated you to be free as I am not, to take action when I mustn't. Obviously, I can't expose myself as leaking any of this information, and at the moment I shouldn't break ties with the Reach. I stand closer to the helm and therefore am able to obtain deeper secrets—knowledge which could just save this planet in the end. This is an alien invasion, my young friends."

"You afraid of them?" Eduardo asked.

"To an extent. Being so close to the root of evil, I consider myself at greater risk. Likewise, if you are seen with me it also puts you four in even greater peril. We all need to be on the defense."

Virgil cocked his head as he listened to Lex Luthor, taking in every word and its inflection. He didn't seem scared, and his tone wasn't courageous; he seemed blunt and thoughtful, making him extremely hard to judge. If he was worried for himself, or for his new team, he hid it well. Virgil understood Tye's apprehension. What is this guy's game?

In the end, it didn't matter. He was giving them an opportunity for some payback, a chance to use their newfound meta-powers to hit the aliens where it hurt. And if indeed this was a scheming takeover plot by the Reach, they might even save some lives. All it took was a vision of his family bound and chained by Black Beetle, his sister podded for the scientists, for Virgil to be all in.

Surprising the others with his earnest query, he said, "So you'll give us missions when somethin' comes up?"

"Precisely."

"And in the meantime?" Tye countered.

"You can do as you see fit," Luthor stated, flicking his shoulders in a shrug. "But I might suggest getting in the Reach's face a bit, in any small way possible. If you'll allow me time, I shall devise a plan for you to go for the throat—"

"While we keep nippin' at their heels," Virgil said, eagerly grinning.

"I like the way you think, young Mr. Hawkins."

Eduardo wore a side-grin, inspired by the notion of being a rabble-rouser, while Tye remained darkly lost in his own mind, considering the pact set forth. Suddenly, Lex Luthor turned to Sam, who remained quietly observant and politely puzzled all the while.

"Asami-chan, nani o kangaeteru ka?"

Perking up at the sound of her native language, she gripped the edge of the seat with both hands and tilted her head from side to side, reflecting. Finally she replied, "Saa na… Shiretakoto watashi wa wakaranai zutto. Demo ne, Riichi o tatakau tedasuke ga shitai."

"Brave girl."

Happy to be connected to their conversation, Sam looked across at the boys with a smile. She gave them a thumbs up, and Virgil guessed she, too, was all in. He also noticed Tye brighten at last, mimicking her smile. For some reason, it made him pleased to see.

"In any case," Luthor went on, "tonight is for recovering. If you decide tomorrow you want out, that is entirely understandable. Just know if you take this task I will be in your debt."

Indebted to a group of teens. Somehow, Virgil liked that idea. Finally relaxing into the seat, he wondered what the others were thinking. Would he still be as excited to do Luthor's bidding if he had to do it alone? He'd gotten used to working with them, being among a group.

As they pulled into the parking lot of an efficiency apartment complex, Luthor informed, "Mercy will go in and sign the necessary paperwork. It's best this be the last time we're together in person, though I'll be in touch. And available if you need me."

"Yeah right," Tye shot back. "How do we know there's no cameras inside, or Reach cronies waiting to jump us? You already said you've kept watch on us, so this could be some sort of elaborate trap."

"You have the word of Lex Luthor, and let me tell you, there are not many people to whom I give it." Tye tipped his head and gave him a mirthless look which said he didn't buy it. "Yet, I appreciate your care. You may handle the front desk if you wish, Tye, and choose the room yourself, if that helps set your mind at ease." He pulled out a wad of cash inside a gold-plated money clip, holding it out to them. "Use this as you'd like. I'll cover all your expenses from here on out, so rest easy."

Mercy was opening the car door for them when Tye snatched the money clip from him, his eyes still glowering with distrust. He was the first out the door, intent on doing exactly what Luthor offered. Sam followed, bowing once again to both Luthor and Mercy out of wary gratitude.

"Do take care of yourselves," Lex Luthor warned, his voice suddenly thick with concern. "I want your help, but there is also danger that comes with independence. Especially for you lot, and I think you know the reasons why."

The last in the vehicle, Virgil exchanged a long, foreboding look with Ed before replying, "Yeah, I think we do, thanks."

The place was nicer than he expected, yet nowhere near the same caliber as Lex Luthor's fully-loaded town car. Still, it was furnished, warm, and—for now—safe. Virgil turned to Mercy Graves and held out his hand for the apartment key. She cupped hers around it and gave him a look that made his blood freeze.

He arched a brow, but her loyalty was dangerously clear. "We get it," he said, though the courage drained from his voice under her stare. "We keep everything on the D.L., and if we get caught our lips are sealed."

The woman had naturally low eyebrows which gave her a permanent glare, but the darkness in her eyes lifted slightly, pleased. She handed him the key, crisply turned about, and shut the door without so much as a farewell.

So Eduardo said sarcastically, "¡Adiós!"

"Seriously, man, that woman is like a robot." Despite himself, he looked out the peephole to make certain she was not in earshot. "They didn't get copies of the key, did they?"

"Absolutely not," Tye said. "I made sure to request only the one."

"Well, at least we got a place to crash. And thank God 'cuz I'm beat."

Virgil strode to the couch and leaped over the back, landing on the not-so-soft cushioned seat. In front of him was the kitchenette, a small island nook, and on his side a bay window. He kicked his feet up onto the scuffed, stained coffee table and sighed.

A self-conscious silence fell over the room, as if they were in a stranger's home unwelcomed. The atmosphere grew sullen, heavy, and it seemed like none of them wanted to keep the previous happenings alive. After a time, Ed tiredly sat down next to Virgil and Sam dropped into the loveseat, crossing her legs underneath herself and massaging her feet; she'd taken her shoes off at the door.

Sensing the circling anticipation, Virgil opened the conversation. "So what do you guys think?"

"I don't like it," Tye spoke up quickly. "That man makes me feel dirty. He's like a used car salesman."

"I got the pitch, too, but I think he's more a flip-flop."

"What does that mean?" asked Ed.

"I think he's true to what he says at the given moment, but he'll change his tune if a new opportunity comes up."

"Yeah, 'cuz we're an investment." Tye sounded angry and Virgil wasn't quite sure why.

"Well, at least you protect your investments."

"So you trust him, Virgil?"

"I dunno. At the moment, I think I do. How 'bout you?"

"Dude, I just lost my best friend tonight. I'm not sure you should be asking me that right now."

Oh, damn. Virgil bit his lip, regretting the pry. Tye Longshadow was the only one who knew Blue Beetle as a person; to the rest of them his actions were an introduction. But for Tye, they were a betrayal. Even Lex Luthor made a point to mention Blue Beetle becoming a turncoat, which had to be a slap in the face. Virgil also did not consider they were perhaps lifelong friends, making the matter even more sensitive.

"I'm sorry, man." Tye only shook his head by way of accepting the apology, while avoiding having to talk about it. "So you want out of Luthor's deal?"

"His team?" the Mescalero boy mocked. "Hell no, I'm in." That caught Virgil off-guard, and Tye clarified, "I'm not giving up on Jaime, and at the very least I want some retribution. This is something I think we deserve."

Virgil couldn't help but grin at his fiery words; he knew they'd need that brazen attitude. Then Tye looked at him questioningly. "I'm surprised you were the first to accept. Don't you wanna go home?"

"I would love to, but Beetle was right 'bout one thing; it's too dangerous to be around my family right now. In a way, I'm glad your friend found us when he did. If they waited—if Beetle was sent afterwards—we'd all be sittin' ducks in Dakota City! And my family might... Nah, I can't do that, I won't."

"But that's just it, isn't it?" They turned to regard Eduardo. "They are all still looking for us. Already, both S.T.A.R. and the Reach sent people after us. They will come again."

"Yeah." Virgil thought back to Luthor's parting words, another warning. "Everyone has it out for us. That's why we gotta stand together and fight." Sensing Asami's detachment and knowing she wanted to be a part of their dynamic, he asked, "Right, Sam?"

She shrugged. But to prove she was paying attention and trying she said boldly, "Faito! Tatakaimasu."

The boys gazed at each other, certain of the word. Ed responded with one of his impish side-smirks, saying approvingly, "El espíritu de lucha. Fight, with or without Luthor."

Tye dug the bundle of cash from his pocket and said with dark humor, "Well, for tonight at least, the pizzas are on Lex!"

"So if we're a team, we need a name."

"Do we?" Ed seemed to ponder more on finishing his umpteenth slice of pizza than Virgil's playful suggestion; finally, with vague disgust, he chucked the crusty remains atop the carry-out box and leaned back. "I thought we were laying low?"

"Besides, that's just stupid." Tye sat on the floor with Sam, using the advertisements in the back of the phonebook to try teaching her basic English sentences. "It's not like we're gonna be busting through walls proclaiming, 'Here I come to save the day'!"

Virgil smirked. "You're not gonna be bustin' off no more roofs, Tye?"

"I hope not."

"C'mon, man, that was pretty cool. I don't know much 'bout that astral projection stuff, but sure was fierce, like magic!"

Tye sniffed, not in mockery but with resolve. "I don't believe in magic."

"Really? Even with all these superheroes around?" Tye shrugged. "What do you call it?"

"Ga'an. Spirits," he answered bluntly. "There's power in everything, it's what connects us to the Spirit World. I guess my meta-gene just allows me to tap into that."

Something in his English made Asami reflect, and she threw in, "Youna Shinto desu ne." She beamed then, finding something in common with the Native American beliefs—and the boy.

Tye couldn't stop the blush rising to his cheeks, so to fend off the gratifying remark he said, "I dunno too much about it; you'd have to ask my grandfather."

"No como es brujo?" asked Ed.

"Not me, dude. But now that my eyes have changed color, everyone's gonna think I am some sort of brujo Medicine Man."

"Is that a bad thing?"

Although Tye shook his head, he added rather sorely, "I was expected to run for Tribal Council someday. Technically, I was a shoe-in with the Elders 'cuz of my father." He said in Ed's direction: "You might know what that feels like?"

Eduardo Jr.'s countenance fell sullenly in agreement, and Virgil queried, "And you don't wanna?"

"I don't care enough," Tye replied.

"Yet you're worried about your eye color?"

"I—" The boy broke off, knowing anything he said would come off like a childish excuse. Instead, he sighed in resignation. "I feel like I've always been fighting something or someone, you know? Apache survival of the fittest, I guess. Grandpa said I stopped at a crossroads and never found my path." He stretched out his legs, dejected, and scoffed, "Whatever."

The burden and lost emotions came down heavily upon his silence, so Ed turned it back around to the start, to Virgil's original dialogue. "Maybe we should call you Apache Chief then?" He grinned with good-humored wickedness.

Tye smiled back. "Shut it, El Dorado."

Now Ed laughed. "Ah hermano, I would not worry about your tribe. We're not magical superheroes. Look at my Dad. It's all science with him, and I'm no better than a Zeta tube."

Catching his underlying hurt tone, Virgil said, "But you know you're better, right, bro? You totally took control over it when you teleported with your old man. Which, by the way, was heroic, straight up."

Ed's face went from stunned gratitude, to embarrassed pride. He muttered something too quickly in Spanish, then renounced, "You say, out of the blue. I had to do it, you know?"

"And that's how you spot a superhero, if you ask me. It's not 'bout powers or science; it's about doin'."

Tye grinned and suggested, "Oh, okay. So I guess you don't want a codename anymore?"

"Of course I do. But I want a good one, 'cuz I'm keepin' mine forever."

"Fine, but please don't call me Apache Chief on the streets."

"What about Sam?"

The Japanese girl glanced up from the phonebook with her eyebrows raised. She shrugged, waiting for something more understandable. Suddenly, Eduardo cried, "Samurai!" And his eyes glittered at the foreign concept, idolizing the imagery.

Sam seemed to shrink from the word, and her eyes became unfathomable, like she was gazing at something from the past—something altogether unhappy. She sadly shook her head, countering, "Ronin."

There was something pitiful in her manner, and the boys shared in her sense of unease and despair, all thinking back again. Sam dropped her head almost shamefully. Until Tye laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his voice encouraging. "Yeah, I guess we're all outsiders now."

"But we're in it together," added Virgil, giving her a strong nod.

"Sou," Sam said, her cheerfulness returning. "Famiri."

"Family, exactly. And I think it's time these kids hit the hay."

"Nani?"

Even Ed said, "Idioms, difícil, man."

"Sorry." Virgil chuckled. "I meant we should try to sleep."

"Good idea," Tye said, stretching his arms above his head. "There's two bedrooms and only two beds." He gave a frank look to Virgil and Ed. "Boys dorm?"

"Shouldn't someone keep watch?" Eduardo asked, and by his expression they knew he was hung up on the aliens and being hunted.

"I think it's safe tonight," answered Virgil. "We haven't been here long."

"Still, I'll sleep out here, if that's okay?"

"Sure, bro." Tye escorted Sam towards her solo room, but Virgil held back for a moment; Eduardo's face said he had more to ask. "Ed?"

Rising to his feet, the little Latin American boy asked shyly, "My Dad... was he...?"

Virgil's temperament softened, finally getting his unrest. "Sam got him out."

Before she closed the bedroom door, Ed called for her attention. "Sam? Um, I don't know if you'll understand but: thank you for saving my Dad."

He talked slowly and clearly, and Sam's eyes moved back and forth as she tried hard to register each word against what Tye had taught her. She nodded carefully, and then smiled. "Dorado-hakase wa Edu-kun no otousan desu, hai."

"He is okay, right?"

A pause. "Un, okay. Otousan ga zenin buji de." She nodded. "Dad is okay."

Ed smiled, one of the brightest any of the Runaways had seen on his face. "Thank you."

"No sankyuu."

He attempted to hide a breathy laugh, and even Virgil couldn't stand how adorable her attempts were, grinning to himself. Ed returned her nod then, and as he started back to the couch Asami said, "Edu-kun. Shimpaishite, otousan ga... for you."

Eduardo lingered on her phrase, but there was something heartfelt in the Japanese sentence, a connection between otousanand Dad, that made him tip his head again in appreciation.

"Oyasumi, famiri." Sam dipped her body slightly towards each of them, and they automatically replied in turn, "Good night."

She closed the door softly, and Virgil watched Ed sit and remove his scarf; then he stared at his hands for a long while, and Virgil could only imagine what deep thoughts or regrets were plaguing Eduardo Jr..

As he followed Tye into their shared bedroom, Virgil whispered, "Maybe we should have left Ed back at S.T.A.R.. I feel bad for that kid."

"Dude," said Tye emphatically, "his Dad signed him up for the testing. If we left him there, they'd never resolve anything, not in that place."

"I guess you're right. Anyway, we've drawn our battle lines and until the fight is over, I think this famiri is our best hope for survival."

"Damn straight."

Suddenly it hit him, and it was too silly not to share. Virgil dramatically snapped his fingers. "The Super Friends!"

"Oh geez, man, you're killing me! Just give it a rest already!"

Note: Chapter is titled using lyrics from the song "Circus Sideshow" by Hollow Point Heroes. No copyright infringement is intended, with all rights reserved.