It had been a few days since his release from house arrest and Scott Lang had never appreciated his freedom as much as before this, apart from the three years he had spent in prison. He had went over to his ex-wife's house the first thing in the morning and had spent an enormous amount of time with Cassie outside the confines of a closed space. Still, at the back of his mind, he couldn't stop thinking about Hope. He was sure that the Pym-Van Dyne family will be having a celebratory family reunion and he didn't want to intrude, therefore, he thought he should give her some space and time before contacting her.

He woke up bleary-eyed, partially exhausted after this long outings with his daughter, awoken up by the rays of sunlight that had streamed through the curtains. He flipped over and laid on his stomach, his mind wandering to Hope, once again. For the past two years, he had missed having her by his side, missed waking up next to her, missed her kisses, her soft touches, he had missed everything about her, and their recent reunion had reignited the old flame between them. He was certain her feelings were mutual too, judging by the way she had kissed him on the docks, even though he was nearly hypoxic, he was still able to appreciate her soft lips on his.

He inhaled deeply, determined to muster up the courage to ask her out. She and her family were still on the run, but things had toned down a little after his release from house arrest, and he figured out that they could meet discreetly. He was about to reach out for his handphone on the bedside table when it vibrated. To his surprise, it was a message from Hope. His eyes widened, and he sat up on his bed, his sleepiness disappearing instantly.

Hey Scott.

Hey. I was just thinking about you. Without hesitation, he pressed send, though he immediately regretted it, hoping it wouldn't scare her away.

On the other side, Hope was sitting at the dining table in her house, staring at her phone screen, smiling at his reply.

Really? To be honest, she couldn't keep him off her mind too, and for the past few days, she had been struggling with dealing about her feelings for him. Seeing him in person again, she realised her anger towards him had slowly dissipated, she couldn't stay angry around him for very long and was replaced by a sense of longing and affection instead.

I was just going to ask you out. He decided to try his luck.

Maybe we could meet up? She was straightforward.

They received the messages at the same time. He jumped on the bed, his smile expanding into a gleeful grin, while her smile deepened, her dark green eyes brightened. He waited for her reply with bated breath.

Sure. Where? She replied.

What about that favourite taco food truck of yours? I know they're still around there. He had brought her there for their first date as she had asked him to surprise her. Frankly, it was because he simply couldn't afford a fancy lunch back then but he also wanted to be unconventional, in his own way. Deep down, he knew she wouldn't mind because even though she was born wealthy and privileged, she wasn't materialistic and snobbish.

I seem to recall that they're actually your favourite Scott. How could she forget their first date where they had sat on a bench by the roadside eating tacos, while he was making her smile and laugh the whole time by being himself. It made her realised that one of the many things she loved about him was, him being able to stay true to himself. Even though he seemed like a goofball on the surface, she knew he was unpretentious, modest and intelligent. He didn't have to try too hard to impress her because she was already falling for his genuine self.

It became your favourite too. He could still remember the way he had made her laugh, and how he couldn't stop staring because he was mesmerised by her. At that time, she was starting to let loose after reconciling with father, and most importantly, she was letting her walls down because of him. She rarely laughed when he had met her and suddenly, it hit him at that time that all he ever wanted to do was to make her happy. They had returned to the taco truck several times after their first date.

Though still wearing a smile on her face, she rolled her eyes. I'll see you there then.

Deal.

And so there they were, at the taco food truck, waiting in line for tacos. They had greeted each other with a simple hello, and were now standing side by side in silence, shoulders lightly brushing against each other, their hands so close they could feel their little fingers grazing each other. It was the first time they were both truly alone together, as their previous encounter were amidst chaos and other people.

"How's Janet doing? She's adapting well?", he turned to a look at her, smiling a little, breaking the silence.

"Mom's fine. She's amazed at how far technology has come and dad's been updating her about the progress and advancements of his research and our suits. We're just spending time together as a family. Everything's great.", she explained enthusiastically, her eyes sparkled with excitement. They were making up for lost time and she was glad to have both of her parents by her side once again.

"That's great! I'm glad that things worked out well in the end.", he gazed softly at her. He felt contented knowing she was happy.

"I'm glad too.", she beamed.

"Your orders please?", they were interrupted by the vendor.

"Right. One crunchy taco supreme for the lady please and one soft taco supreme with double cheese for me. Take away. That right?", he grinned and winked at Hope.

Her mouth curved into a small grin, touched. "You remember."

"Of course I do.", he would never forget her favourite things.

"Here you go!", the vendor handed over a paper bag to Hope.

"Let me get it.", she was about to pay but was stopped by Scott.

"Hey, no, it's on me, I insist.", he refused.

They turned away from the taco truck and walked down a flight of stairs. "You know, I never got to say thank you, for helping us...", she glanced appreciatively at him. Without him, they probably wouldn't have been able to save her mother from the Quantum Realm.

"It's no big deal, it's the least I could do, after my screw up...", he paused and cleared his throat, he gave her a sideway glance, hoping to catch her reaction.

She just looked at him, slightly tight-lipped, expression masked. Occasionally, when they were together, it was hard to gauge her response or feelings but as he got to know her better, he was familiar with her facial expressions and body language. She was contemplating his statement. "Whatever happened, happened Scott. It's in the past now and you paid the price."

"I wouldn't have done it if the price included losing you.", he blurted out impulsively, but honest.

"You didn't lose me. I wouldn't be here if you did.", she stated plainly as she looked at him affectionately, a thin, shy smile blossoming on her face. To be honest, it didn't help that for the past two years of his house arrest, she had been secretly keeping tabs on him, which had only made her miss him more.

He was slightly taken aback by her reply, he didn't know what to say, so he just gazed at her endearingly. "I'm famished. Shall we eat?", he clapped his hands together, and walked towards a bench, while motioning for her to come over.

"You sound like you haven't eaten for days.", she laughed and sat next to him.

"I had a lot of ice-cream.", he half-joked, which was partially true. He took the paper bag from her and unwrapped her taco, taking a bite before handing it to her.

"Hey! That's mine!", she glared at him and smacked his shoulder.

He flashed a goofy smile. "Sorry. Habit.", he quipped with his mouth full.

"Some things never change.", she smirked.

They ate their tacos in silence, soaking in the warm sun, and enjoying each other's company. It had been a while since they were so carefree. It reminded them of old times. Occasionally, he stole glances at her, looking at her side profile, hoping she wouldn't notice. "You've got a little bit of mayo there...", he stared at her and pointed at her upper lip.

"What?", she turned to him.

"Hold still." His gaze fell on her lips, and he lightly bit his lip, resisting the urge to kiss her there and then. Still, without a thought, he leaned forwards, reached his hand out and gently wiped the smudge off with his thumb. "There, all gone.", he smiled warmly.

She looked at him, and her eyes shone with fondness. He was always so gentle with her. "Thanks.", she mumbled.

They stared at each other tenderly for a few seconds, tension rising. For some reason, they still gave each other butterflies.

He swallowed a lump in his throat. "Maybe we could hang out again, some time, maybe with Cassie?", he asked carefully. "She misses you." I miss you, he wanted to say.

"I would love to.", she replied without hesitation.

"Great!"

She cleared up the empty wrappers and placed them in the paper bag. "I'll better get going. Thanks for the lunch Scott.", she smiled softly and stood up.

"Hey Hope...", he lightly grabbed her hand, as he stood up abruptly and pulled her towards him. She turned around, slightly surprised by his touch. They were facing each other now, both of their faces only inches away that they could feel each other's breath. Their eyes meet, his stare intense, and quickly, she looked away and gazed downwards. He tilted forwards, and closed the distance between them, the tips of their noses slightly touching. He took it as a good sign when she didn't move backwards. Feeling braver, he cupped her cheek, and gently caressed it with his thumb. She bit her lip, hesitant, while he dipped his head, their lips almost touching. He couldn't withstand the desire to kiss her, and so he did, as he softly pressed his lips against hers. She reciprocated immediately, her lips parted slightly as their kiss deepened, and she melted into his body, her hands running up his hair, as his other hand slid around her waist, his grip on her tightened. They pulled apart after a moment, both taking in shaky, shallow breaths.

"Let me take you home?", he grinned widely and stroked her hair.

"Sure.", she nodded, still feeling exhilarated from the kiss.

And so, he took her hand in his, and together they walked towards her car.