章節 19: Chapter 19
[3rd POV]
The morning for Madelyn Stillwell was anything but pleasant, considering what had happened the day before.
She pursed her lips and listened to the steady click of her heels on the smooth floor as she thought about how the recent events would affect the company and her role.
The first issue was Homelander's freedom which had led to a backlash on the internet that had never been seen before.
Of course, there was Starlight who was supposed to read from the teleprompter and calmly leave the stage but suddenly launched into a monologue about religion.
'Who cares about this? Stupid little bitch.'
Madelyn thought, trying to get her emotions under control that had become increasingly difficult lately.
She had too much to deal with in such a short amount of time.
"You certainly took your time."
Homelander said as the doors opened before her.
It was the same scene once again.
She was called in as if she wasn't the one in charge but rather the one being controlled by them.
This was incredibly frustrating, no matter how hard she tried to distance herself from it.
There were many people watching her as if they were waiting for a show to start. It looked like even Black Noir chose Homelander's side this time.
"Why did you call me?"
She nearly grimaced, barely holding back from screaming.
"Oh, just a trifle. I wanted you to approve Deep's idea."
Homelander said while pointing to Deep, who was sitting silently, trying not to draw attention.
"And what idea is that?"
Madelyn sighed and decided to listen to what was being proposed.
She couldn't refuse as he had subtly hinted at what would happen to her child if she did.
"The dolphins at 'Ocean Land,' they're being treated very poorly."
Deep mumbled uncertainly under her piercing gaze and then fell silent.
"They're underfed and living in poor conditions, and this needs to be highlighted in the press."
Homelander continued for him, taking over the conversation.
"I don't think this makes sense. 'Ocean Land' is an important advertiser, and we receive significant revenue from them through Deep's brand. To lose them over a few brainless fish…"
"Madelyn, you know they're much smarter than that."
Homelander interrupted while raising his hand.
"And I support The Deep in his work. It's a good cause and will help improve the corporation's reputation."
"And could you remind me who's responsible for this mess?"
Madelyn responded with disdain, staring intently at him.
"Are you angry at me?"
Homelander asked with surprise.
"You have no idea how much."
She almost growled, and her glare practically burned through him.
"Well, my sincere apologies."
He replied with absolute indifference, ignoring her anger.
"Now, back to the matter of the aquarium."
"This is not happening. You will apologize to everyone and say you got carried away. The aquarium issue is closed. We're not going against them!"
Madelyn lost her composure and yelled at someone for the first time in her years at Vought.
This surprised even Homelander, let alone everyone else present.
"I will not apologize, and the aquarium issue is not closed."
Homelander replied indifferently while everyone else shrank in their seats, except for Noir and Maeve.
"I understand that you don't want to withdraw your statements, but the aquarium… Why do you care about it? This spineless idiot can't even stand up for himself, let alone for these stinky fish."
"I…"
Deep raised his hand like an obedient student.
"Shut up!"
Deep's hand immediately dropped under the table, and Madelyn turned her gaze back to Homelander.
"You don't get to talk to me like that. I created you. I came up with Homelander and brought him to life! It's because of me that you're the symbol of America!"
"Really? Well, why not make Blue Hawk the symbol of America? If it's all thanks to you why not repeat the process?"
Homelander scoffed, looking down at her condescendingly.
"What? Cat got your tongue?"
She responded with silence.
He walked slowly toward her while smirking. He stopped right in front of her and towered over her.
"Let's be honest, my image was primarily based on Soldier Boy as a prototype. Eagles on the shoulders, the blue suit... and the cape I suggested should be styled like the American flag. Don't flatter yourself, Madelyn."
He smiled down at her.
"You were just my handler once. I was the one who pushed you up the career ladder, not your skills. I can just as easily remove you from your position if necessary. So... don't test my patience."
"If I do what you ask... it will undermine the trust in me. I could get fired."
She forced a strained smile, trying to regain her composure.
"You won't be fired. Just do what's necessary. You know what to do, no need for me to teach you."
"And the scandal with Starlight and... you?"
Madelyn looked at him expectantly.
"Spin it positively, as a sign of our... humanity and independence from the corporation... our civic stance."
Homelander waved dismissively, clearly losing interest in the conversation.
"Now, you may leave."
Madelyn clenched her teeth, biting back any retorts, and silently left the room.
She now had to deal with the mess they had created but then again, it wasn't the first time.
...
The remaining meeting ended extremely quickly, considering no more topics were left to discuss.
However, there was one topic that needed to be discussed without prying ears.
Black Noir, The Deep, and A-Train, stayed in the room while only the women left.
A-Train couldn't keep his seat still during the meeting and kept moving around. He wasn't looking me in the eyes as he was still sweating.
"Black Noir. Deep."
I called out to the heroes who stood behind A-Train without a word.
"What's going on, guys?"
A-Train asked the increasingly nervous.
"Is this because of the recent raid, Homelander? I promise I'll find that Asian girl!"
"You don't need to be so nervous, A-Train. You don't need to help me find her because I already know."
I replied with a soft smile, once again scanning his body with X-ray vision.
"Another matter... have you been taking Compound V?"
"I... haha... just a little bit. It won't happen again!"
"Shortness of breath in the world's fastest speedster... not a good sign."
I shook my head under the panicked gaze of A-Train.
Then, Noir and Deep's hands fell on his shoulders, increasing his nervousness.
"Guys, what are you doing?"
A-Train asked, fearfully looking at his comrades.
"You need treatment."
Deep said sympathetically, firmly holding him in a seated position.
Black Noir nodded silently, showing that he also agreed with Deep's opinion.
"And what happens next?"
A-Train asked while pressing his lips together and understood that he would be treated forcibly.
"They will place you in a cell on the lower floors and hire specialists who can help with your situation."
I decided to clarify for him.
"Popclaw and your brother will be able to visit you."
"No, I don't want them to see me... like this."
He protested, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"You need to stop taking all that junk for them, even if it's not for yourself. It will be a great reminder of who you're striving for. Noir, if you please."
Noir's sharp jab to the neck left A-Train bewildered.
"Ow, what the f—"
He cut off mid-sentence before collapsing to the side, losing consciousness.
"Whoa! I didn't know you could do that."
Deep exclaimed in surprise.
Noir merely shrugged, smiling under his mask.
Of course, the smile was quite eerie, considering the battle scars covering his face with the deeply ironic nickname.
Fortunately, it didn't change the fact that Black Noir genuinely sympathized with A-Train and wanted to help.
This indicated that I had one less problem to deal with as I now clearly saw his side.
"Well, you know where to take him. Just need to inform Popclaw and his brother. I'll leave that to you, Deep."
Homelander nodded affirmatively, showing his readiness to carry out the task.
"Black Noir, you'll need to ensure our comrade doesn't escape for his own good."
Noir nodded in response, and he and Deep carried him to the elevator to take him to the lower floors.
...
[Homelander's POV]
I decided to head to my apartment where a guest was already waiting for me.
Maeve sat in a chair with her legs crossed when I entered.
"You know, I've never seen Stillwell snap at anyone before. She wasn't even mad at me for that incident with the broken arm and missing the group photo shoot."
Maeve smiled when reminiscing about one of the moments she didn't regret.
"Is that why you came here? To reminisce about the past?"
I smiled at her when noticing something usually hidden from her eyes.
It was excitement.
"Don't play dumb."
She snorted, getting up from the chair and stepping close to me.
She looked intently into my eyes, and her hand grabbed the most precious part, making me gasp involuntarily.
She smiled with her plump lips curved into a predatory smile.
"You know, I literally got wet from what I saw. I'm going to suck you so damn good as a thank you... so sweetly, you'll never forget it."
The sound of her sexy, throaty voice and the words she spoke left me speechless.
I could only look on as this fierce woman slowly bowed her head while keeping eye contact.
...
[Homelnader's POV]
The next day, I was already standing at the therapist's door on time for my appointment.
I couldn't refuse with such a significant problem.
I pushed the door open and confidently walked in.
"Sorry for being late."
I smiled my signature smile.
The man behind the desk looked at me with bewilderment, clearly surprised by my appearance.
That is understandable since I hadn't booked an appointment with him.
"Sir?"
A voice sounded from behind the couch where Deep was sitting.
"Hello, Kevin."
I nodded to him, sat down in the chair, and adjusted my cape so it wouldn't get in the way.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Homelander, but there shouldn't be any outsiders during therapy sessions."
The therapist smiled tightly.
"True, but I'm certainly not an outsider especially in this case. Right, Kevin?"
"Of course, sir."
Deep agreed obediently.
"Since that's the case, I'd appreciate it if you'd let me stay for at least one session. I can compensate for the inconvenience."
"I'm afraid some things can't be bought so easily."
"How about four hundred thousand bucks?"
I smiled, watching his eyes widen at the mere mention of the sum. It's useful to be a multimillionaire sometimes.
"Well?"
"Very well, we can begin our session. Kevin, why don't you start by telling us what you've done?"
"I..."
"Wait a minute, what kind of problem are you trying to solve?"
I abruptly interrupted him, addressing the therapist.
"Well, we're trying to restore Kevin's self-confidence. I'm helping him understand that he's important as a hero and as a member of The Seven."
The therapist explained.
"But that's not the problem. Or are you not being completely honest with the person who wants to help you, Kevin?"
I stared into his eyes, not breaking my gaze.
He swallowed hard and could barely look back, constantly avoiding eye contact.
"You shouldn't pressure him because it might cause him to shut down."
The therapist said with worry.
"As far as I'm concerned, I'm doing the right thing. You have no idea how deeply rooted his psychological issues are. He won't reveal everything to you because he denies it himself"
I frowned, looking at Deep who seemed to shrink.
"Kevin, show them."
"Sir, I..."
"Show them."
I said more forcefully.
"Alright."
Kevin sighed and unzipped his chest, revealing to the surprised therapist the gills he uses to breathe underwater.
"This is where his real psychological issues stem from."
I sighed, rising from the chair and walking behind Kevin.
"He's a great hero, no worse than the others and even more effective than some. However, he is greatly hindered by his insecurity about being incomplete. He has trouble talking to fish as equals and even being sexually attracted to them. That should be taken care of before he is accused of bestiality which is a very bad thing."
"Kevin, if you had just said..."
The therapist said in astonishment.
"Sorry...
"Well, I won't disturb you. Kevin, I really hope this helps you."
I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"The first step towards solving a problem is acknowledging that it exists. Don't be shy about admitting your issues because I'll definitely listen to you."
"Thank you, sir."
"And yes, they're a lot more charming than you might think. There's no need to be embarrassed about them."
I said with a smile while pointing at his gills. He was least at fault for their presence.
"Thank you, Mr. Homelander. Your assistance will greatly help address Kevin's issue."
The therapist extended his hand.
"All for his own good."
I smiled, shaking his hand.
"You'll get paid soon but I have to leave now."
"Goodbye, Mr. Homelander."
"Just Homelander is fine."
I replied and left the room.
I sighed quietly before moving on.
I did everything I could in that situation, and now it all depended on Deep himself.
[A/N: Pleave leave some honest review on the novel and each powerstone really do make difference to the fanfic.
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Abyssuit
Abyssuit [A/N: Pleave leave some honest review on the novel and each powerstone really do make difference to the fanfic.
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