NatEli

NatEli is the slash ship between Nathaniel Richards and Elijah Bradley from the Marvel fandom.

Canon
Eli and Nat are best friends and founders of the Young Avengers. The two were constantly bickering, but also looking after each other, having a special kind of worry they don't quite share with any other Young Avenger.

Eli is quick to defend Nate when the rest of the group starts to ponder if his decision to stay will affect the present. When Nate panics about Kang, Eli tends to hold him and comfort him with his words. He isn't nearly as touchy with his other teammates.

When Nathaniel was in trouble and needed a super soldier, Elijah lied and told him he had just found one, pretending to be a super soldier for him. He then did what was necessary to become what he'd promised to Nathaniel.

The two unfortunately have to part ways at the end of the first volume, since Iron Lad has to become Kang to not mess up with the time stream. At the end of the first volume of Young Avengers, the two said goodbye with a tight hug.

When Eli woke up to Vision, the first thing he spoke was Iron Lad's name. He kept pressing on how the Vision reminding him of Eli despite being denied by them. Eli stayed by the Vision's side, who resembled his best friend.

Eli and Nate have also been teased for their relationship by their close friend Billy Kaplan, who stated that if they were gay nerds they'd be perfect for each other.

Quotes
"It's okay- You're okay- He's not real. He's just part of the VR program."

- Eli as he's holding Nate, Children's Crusade: Young Avengers

"You guys do know you're out-geeking even me at this moment, right?"

- Billy on Eli and Nate bonding, Children's Crusade: Young Avengers

"We follow Iron Lad."

- Eli defending Nate, Young Avengers (2005) #4

"I- Iron Lad?"

- Eli's first words as he wakes up, Young Avengers (2005) #8

"The truth is, when Iron Lad showed up at the house, he wasn't looking for me. He was looking for my uncle, Josiah. Joshiah had inherited my grandfather's powers, but he disappeared over a year ago. So, when Iron Lad told me he was in trouble- that he needed a super soldier- I lied and told him he'd found one. And then I did what I had to do to become one."

- Eli, Young Avengers (2005) #8

"-It's actually a messed-up storry... But one of my best friends used to be Kang the Conqueror... Pre-Conqueror phase, I mean."

- Eli, Captain America #600

Fanon
The shipping started in 2005, when the first volume of Young Avengers released. Since two of the four founder avengers were dating, it led the many readers into hoping Patriot and Iron Lad would also develop a romance at some point.

In 2011, Children's Crusade: Young Avengers was released. That one-shot had Billy and Teddy going out for a date night, they were also accompanied by Nate and Eli. That's the comic that had Billy point out how perfect they would be for each other if they were gay. Since Young Avengers is known for being "the gayest superhero team", the readers were hoping the writers would expand their relationship and sexualities from that point on, since they had no problem doing so with every other team member.

Fandom
FAN FICTION

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