A/N: Something some of you may have already noticed is that the timeline is a little switched up. Well, in this fic, the Deep has already been sent to Ohio before the Believe Expo, because let's just assume that Vought deemed it a good idea after noticing the hostility and decided that it wouldn't look good for two of the world's most popular superheroes to be at each other's throats.

Don't worry, it'll still come out at the Expo, along with John's debut, but I wanted to get John into the story a little earlier, because John's pre-established character would pretty much make it harder to write, since he would beat The Deep close to death and most likely cripple him, regardless of who's watching.

John

Well, this day wasn't so eventful, but I can't say the rest of my week is gonna be the same.

Once the little gathering of the Seven was over, which mostly just consisted of me sitting in on a meeting they had, that Ashley chick showed me to my… apartment.

Yeah, that feels weird. I'm not even kidding.

I had about an hour to get settled into the place and see give myself a little personal tour before I got a phone call from Edgar's office, because the apartments do have phones in them apparently, and next thing I know, I'm having a whole schedule of plans laid out for me.

So for a few hours, Monday through Friday, I have some tutoring, following through on his promise of basic schooling for me, so that's gonna be fun. But… I'll drag myself to them, because Papaw wants me to graduate.

After that, it's mostly different activities he says he needs or would be good for my image… I'm pretty sure that's Ashley or Stillwell's job, but I doubt he's the CEO for nothing. I gotta go film some promos, shit for advertisements and some video for when I debut as a member of The Seven.

There's also some meetings with the Seven that I'm required to attend before my lessons, so lucky me, I gotta get up even earlier.

Still, eight in the morning is better than five. I will not complain on that front.

He's got me set up to do some sparring lessons too, all of them with Maeve, so that's gonna be fun.

I honestly don't know what her deal is. Does she really not like me because I'm so much younger than everyone else on the team? Even Annie is about ten years older than me. Maybe Maeve just thinks I'm too inexperienced or something, or she's thinks I'm another A-Train.

Yeah, of everyone on the team so far, I don't like A-Train. Homelander seems like a decent guy, and Noir mostly just kept to himself earlier. The most I got from him was a nod and a thumbs up when I told them the same story I told Annie about Nebraska. According to Homelander, that's his way of saying good job. Maeve was civil, but I could tell there was something nagging at her about me. The only person I seemed to have a genuine friendship with was Annie.

Everyone else was civil or, in Homelander's case, putting on a bit of a welcoming show.

Though, like I said, A-Train's about the only one I actually don't like.

Seriously, when I got my powers, all it took was scaring the hell out of Mamaw, Papaw, and Maddie when I ripped my door off its frame, and ever since, I've been extremely careful around everything. I've worked on my self control to the point that I can casually open doors and operate shit that I could destroy with the slightest ease, and strangers are none the wiser.

So either A-Train hasn't trained himself with his abilities, he's careless… or he's just downright stupid.

Seriously, I can clap hard enough to level a building, and so far, I haven't had any civilian casualties in the five months worth of missions I've done for Alex. This guy has a brain that can probably see a bullet coming, so he has to have been careless to have not seen a girl or realized that there were innocents around him.

Though, to be fair, maybe I'm just giving him a hard time. I wasn't there, and I don't know the circumstances, but the way Edgar made it sound… he was just ignorant to those around him during the incident.

Still, not a good thing.

But for now, none of that is my prime concern.

"Hello?"

I did tell Maddie I'd call her and tell her how everything went as soon as I could.

"Hey, Maddie." I say as I plop down on the bed in my new apartment. "Shit's finally with for the day, figured I'd call you back. What are you up to?" Even though I'm calling to fulfill a promise, I genuinely like just talking to Maddie, and the question slips out before I can do anything about it.

"I was just trying to get homework done for Carpenter." Maddie answers, and I can hear frustration clear in her voice. "I'd like not to get detention, since I know Dad will just take it as an excuse to be a dick."

Of course… that's Floyd for you. The fucking meth-head does anything he can to find an excuse to tear into Maddie. I remember the first time I saw Floyd after I got my powers, me and Maddie had stopped by to pick up a necklace her sister had left that she didn't want them selling. We were unfortunate enough to find Floyd home, and long story short, I broke his arm when he raised a hand to slap Maddie.

I don't regret it a single bit. Only reason I didn't go to jail is because, of course, fucker had meth in system at the time, so not only would I be looking at jail time, or prison time, but he'd be the cell right next to me, probably for ten years, and so would Alice.

"So, how'd everything go?" Maddie asks, her voice back to its cheerful tone as she says it. "You like it?"

Even though she's not here, I habitually shrug my shoulders. "It's not bad." I answer honestly. "I got my own apartment, and Monday through Friday, I'm set for tutoring lessons because Papaw'd have a fit if I didn't, not to mention that it's the law, and the team don't seem too bad, except for A-Train."

"Oh, him. I heard he ran through some poor woman when he was chasing bank robbers." Of course Maddie would know about that. It's safe to assume something like that would be public knowledge, which just goes to show how little attention I pay to superheroes. Well, real ones anyway.

"Didn't seem like he felt too bad for it, got pissed when I said something."

"What about Queen Maeve?" I can hear the excitement in her voice as she asks the question, so it's safe to assume that Maeve is probably her favorite superhero on the Seven. Maybe in general. "What's she like?"

"Couldn't tell you." I admit with a sigh, running a hand through my hair. "She don't seem to like me. Seems like she's annoyed that I'm only sixteen."

"It makes sense." I can hear Maddie's voice say on the other side of the phone with an understanding tone. "She's probably used to working with adults, and let's be honest, you've only been going on missions with Peter and Rachel for five months."

She has a point there. I am still a newbie with this whole superhero gig, even when I was doing it secretly.

Or, I thought I was anyway.

"Well, I hope she comes around. Black Noir is… silent, and Homelander seemed welcoming." I explain with a small smile on my face, knowing she's gonna want to be hearing all of this. "I did make friends with Starlight, though."

"The new member?" Maddie says in a surprised tone, before it changed to one of curiosity. "What's she like?"

"She's nice." I say with a habitual nod. "She's really wanting to help people, said she was looking forward to working with me."

"She's always been nice. Even before she was in the Seven, which hasn't been that long admittedly, she's always seemed so kind." Maddie's tone is one of admiration as she speaks, and I can't help but to grin.

"Oh? You like her, huh?"

I so wish I could be there to see Maddie's cute little blush of embarrassment, but I'll settle for the frantic and nervous stammering.

"W-What?! No! I-I just happen to keep up with her, like I do most superheroes!" She stammers in her defense. "And besides, I have my eye on… someone else."

I can't help but to raise an eyebrow, grinning as I enjoy teasing Maddie further, and ignoring the pang of jealousy that wells up in me.

I don't love my best friend, shut up. Well, I do but- ah, I'm digging myself in a grave.

"Oh?" I tease. "And just who's the lucky lady?"

"It's a boy! You know I don't like girls like that!" She's practically screeching in my ear, forcing me to pull the phone away amidst fits of laughter. "Quit laughing!"

I only laugh harder.

When I finally come down from my fit of amusement, Maddie waits patiently until I'm done, before she speaks once more.

"You're a dick."

"Yup."

I can hear Maddie let out a sigh on the other end. "Anyway, what else happened?" She asks, trying to get the topic away from her apparent crush. Most people might try to interrogate their best friend for it, but it's her life, and if she don't want to tell me, it's none of my business.

"I got meetings with the Seven before my tutoring on the same days, and then I'm bouncing between filming promotional shit for my debut, and training with Maeve." I recount the days events to Maddie, letting out a sigh. "Don't think I'm excited about filming or the training, honestly."

"Why are you filming promos for your debut?" Maddie asked curiously, a hint of confusion in her voice. "Aren't you gonna be saving lives?"

I shake my head out of habit in response to her question. "No." I answer. "They're gonna formally announce me to the public at the Believe thing going on at the end of the week."

"The Believe Expo? Isn't that some Christian thing?" Now I get the confusion.

My own religious beliefs aren't fixed, per say. I believe in God, I believe in The Devil, Hell, Heaven, all that stuff. However, I don't necessarily follow the bible, or christianity, or any specific religion for that matter. I don't believe in Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, that kind of stuff, because while I do believe in the supernatural and the paranormal, I also know science is real, and let's be honest, if humanity follows any specified religion to the letter, we're fucked anyway.

"Oh… great…"

"Yeah, it's that Ezekial guy hosting it. It's for Capes for Christ." She explains in further detail. "I'm not a big fan of him. He's always doing that fucking 'pray the gay away' stuff, and since people believe superheroes are literally made by God…"

"I see where you're going with this." I say when she trails off. I still find that so stupid. With superhumans being public knowledge, you know, with superheroes and all, you'd think people would have the common sense to realize that we're born because of our genes, not divine intervention.

Actually kind of pisses me off to know humanity is apparently that stupid. The scientists and doctors have to know otherwise… at least, I hope so.

"Should I be expecting a bunch of religious assholes telling me about God, our savior, and shit like that?" I know I could probably ask Edgar or anyone else involved, but considering Maddie's apparently more of a superhero text book than I thought, she probably has an answer.

"Maybe not all of them. Some of the guests might just be there to see some superheroes." Maddie says in an attempt to calm me. "I'd be there to see your debut, but… well, I don't have that kind of cash."

I can't help but to raise an eyebrow. Considering Peter and Rachel have the Red Hawks at hand, which is a modified SR-71 Blackbird painted red, and Peter's a licensed pilot… well, she's got a free trip anywhere. How much could the ticket be? I make sure to voice the question too.

"Five grand."

"Jesus Christ!"

Maddie giggles over the phone at my outburst, but seriously, who charges that much for a ticket to a religious expo?! Fucking hell.

"I don't think they'd appreciate you taking his name in vain." Maddie giggles at my expense.

"They take my potty mouth and kiss my ass." I can't help but to say. "I'm not gonna hold my tongue for a bunch of idiots." I can't help but to be a little disappointed, though. Honestly I'd love it if Maddie could be there to see me show myself to the world as the newest member of the Seven, but assuming my first paycheck is next week, that might be- wait. "Hey, I wonder if I could get Edgar or someone to get you a ticket."

"Me?" She seems honestly surprised at the suggestion being for her more than me making the suggestion at all. "Why not Bryan and Debbie? Hell, James and Shiela would be more deserving than me."

I raise an eyebrow in response, in spite of the fact that she can't see it. "Okay, one: Mamaw and Papaw won't want to make that trip considering they don't have the cash to make it, hate the Red Hawks, and can just watch it considering it'll be televised. James and Shiela won't be allowed, because legally, we can't just overrule Willie's decisions unless we have them for visitation. Two: what makes you think they deserve it more than you do?"

"They're your family, John."

"So are you." I say with a fond smile. "And I got a lot of making up to do."

I can hear the sigh of frustration on the other side of the phone, and I can't help but to wince. I've been… admittedly bugging Maddie when I say that.

"John, I told you, you're forgiven." She assures me once more, before her frustration gives way to a gentle laugh. "It's not like I didn't help to cause the situation fighting you against it, especially when I didn't have a good reason too in the first place."

"No, don't you dare try to take any blame." I say, instinctively sitting up on my bed. "That was my fault, and mine alone, and I will do anything I can to make up for it."

"You already have."

"Doesn't feel like it."

When I first agreed to join Alex's militia… well, Maddie didn't like it. She was pissed, fighting me the whole way, and at the time, I was ignorant to her issues, and didn't understand why she was so against me joining when she was always with me. In response, I made the worst mistake of my life. And I do mean the worst mistake.

I cut her out. Thought it'd teach her lesson. But it was just cruel, I realize that now.

And when I finally tried to talk to her… well, she wasn't exactly friendly. Neither her or Levi. Quite the opposite, they hated my guts, told me to get lost. Worst pain I've ever felt in my life. Emotionally, anyway.

If it weren't for Jason revealing himself and a fight breaking out, it probably would have stayed that way. And I would have no one to blame but myself for hurting Maddie like that. But Maddie got a front row seat when she followed us into the forest, all the way to Tibe and Jack showing up, and Jack flooding my lungs with water.

I… almost died. I was out of it by the time they left, and I later found out from Jason when we had our rematch that Maddie was the one that kept them from finishing me off. And when I woke up in Area 51's med center, Maddie and Levi were right there.

I had a sobbing apology from Maddie, and the fact that she felt the need to apologize for saying something very well deserved strikes me to this day.

But I made a promise, to myself and to her, to never abandon her like that again.

So I don't care what she says, if I'm forgiven… I got a lot to make up for. And I will till my dying day.

Our conversation is interrupted at that, unfortunately, by a knock at my apartment door.

"I hate to end the conversation, but someone's knocking at my door." I say, a small amount of sadness in my voice.

Maddie's voice holds it too, but she's understanding. "You can call me back later, or tomorrow if you need to. I won't go anywhere."

I can't help but to smile at her words. "Thanks, Maddie. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye, John."

I wait for her to hang up the phone on her end, a habit I've developed from accidentally cutting people off in the past, before hanging up on my end as well and setting the phone down on my bed.

The knocking sounds off once more as I stand up off of my bed.

"I'm coming!" I hollar to whoever is on the other side as I approach the door quickly, before pulling it open.

Admittedly, I was expecting it to be Edgar, Stillwell, or Annie, but I'm honestly surprised when I find myself looking at none of them.

Instead, it's Queen Maeve on the other side of my door.

"Sorry for knocking so hard." She actually apologizes, and I can't help but to raise an eyebrow.

"Wasn't that hard." I say with a shrug. "What's up?" I'm a little confused, since she seemed annoyed with me earlier, like my presence was irritating.

"I wanted to come check up on you." Maeve answers, to my surprise. "It's usually a hectic day for any new member of the Seven, and considering your age, I figured I'd see how you're doing."

"Really?" I can't help but to say in disbelief. "Earlier, you looked like you wanted nothing to do with me."

"What?" She looks genuinely confused when I say it, so I elaborate.

"When I met the team earlier." I explain, crossing my arms and leaning against the doorframe. "You were giving me the evil eye. Figured you didn't like the fact that some kid was joining up on your team."

Maeve looked surprised at my words, before she actually let out a laugh. "Oh, no." She said with a shake of her head. "It wasn't that, it was… something else."

As quickly as any positive emotion was there, it was gone, and she suddenly seemed a whole lot more tense than she was earlier, more guarded.

"What was it?" I can't help but to ask curiously. She was giving me the angry looks, so whatever it was had to have involved me somehow.

"It was… well, it was your age." Maeve admits, letting out a sigh as she levels her gaze with my own. "And… well, honestly, you were about on point, but not for the reasons you think. I wasn't giving you the evil eye."

My brow furrowed. Now I'm even more confused. "So, I was right about what I said, but wrong about the reasons?" That… don't really make sense.

"I'll be straight with you, kid." Maeve said in a serious tone. "You have no idea what you're getting into."

"How bad can it be?" I say as I stand up straight. "We save lives, and we get paid for it. If we gotta make a movie or two on the side, so what?"

"You don't understand." Maeve responds with a shake of her head. "This place, these people… they'll corrupt you." Her tone is almost sad as she says it. "Break you down, tear you apart piece by piece, until you're nothing like who you used to be."

That was… foreboding.

I'm not sure what to make of her words. She says it with such conviction and seriousness, that I find it hard not to believe her, but at the same time…

"What's so bad about it?" I can't help but to ask. Outside of A-Train, no one really seemed that bad, and even then, A-Train was just an idiot. It's not like he's out to hurt me, and even if he was, what could he do? Piss me off and get the shit knocked out of him? "Is this about A-Train?"

Maeve lets an amused snort escape her, that's somehow mixed with frustration, if that makes sense. "Please, he's a small fry." She says with derision in her tone. "Black Noir's deadlier than he could ever be, and that's saying something. No… It's Homelander that you have to worry about."

"Homelander?" I can't help but to say in confusion. While I haven't known him for long, I have heard of him, and even in the meeting earlier, he seemed like he couldn't hurt a fly if he tried. What would be so bad about him?

"Yeah." Maeve nods her head. "He is a monster, and do not let him fool you for a second."

"Um… okay…" I'm honestly not sure how to take her claims. On the one hand, it seems like she's trying to look out for me, but on the other… I don't know what could make Homelander so bad. He doesn't seem like he's that bad of a guy, he's a superhero for christ sakes.

I don't want to just write her off, but I'm not gonna go all spy mission on Homelander either.

"Well… thanks for the warning." I say, and I mean it. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out." What for, I have no fucking clue, but as long as it soothes her… and besides, what could it hurt? After the stunt with A-Train, I'm gonna be keeping an eye on all of them anyway.

Don't get me wrong, Annie and Homelander don't seem too bad… but they aren't Rachel and Peter either. I trust those two, I trust them with my life, but outside of Homelander, I don't know jackshit about any of the heroes here. And even then, I only know of Homelander based on what I've heard on the news every once in a while.

All of these people, even Homelander, are relative strangers to me, and until I get to know them, I'm gonna be keeping an eye on them all. Including Annie and Maeve.

Maybe I'm being a little paranoid, but after the stunt a certain electrokinetic psycho pulled on Maddie… yeah, no, I'll take my chances.

Maeve continues to eye me for a moment, before letting out a sigh. "Look, I know we don't know each other too well, and maybe we got off on the wrong foot." She admits, before bringing her eyes up to mine. "But I don't have anything against you, kid."

I look at her for a moment, silence falling between us as I mull over her words.

Before I let out a sigh, and give her a reassuring smile. "Water under the bridge." I say with a shrug. "Makes me feel a little better, considering you're gonna be training some time this week."

Maeve actually let's an amused chuckle escape her at my words, before raising en eyebrow as she looks at me with a grin. "Think you can take me, kid?"

I can't help the grin on my own face at her words. "I don't know. Guess we'll find out." I joke, though in all actuality, I probably could take her in a real fight. She might be better trained, she can fight better, but that doesn't really mean much when one punch from your opponent can just bring you down without a struggle.

Though, to be fair, maybe she probably could put me on my ass before I can hit her. Now, keeping me there… that's a whole different story.

Maeve smiles at me for a moment, before she lets out a sigh. "Alright, kid, I'll leave you alone. I imagine you want to get settled into the place." She says, her face falling slightly as something else seems to come to her mind. "Besides, we have those meetings every morning." She grumbles.

I can't help but to chuckle. "At least it's at eight instead of five. I will not miss waking up that early for school."

Maeve let's a snort of amusement escape her at my words. "Right. Well, I'll leave you alone, kid."

I watch her as she turns and begins walking away, before moving back into my room- apartment…

That is going to take some getting used to.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Shut. The. Fuck. Up.

Admittedly, I could've been more careful with the clock… but that's not my main focus right now. Shutting the damn thing up is. The loud crash of the clock pretty much exploding is lost on me as I sit myself up off the bed with a groan.

I'll say this; these beds are comfy.

I throw the cover off of me as I pull myself into an upright position at the edge of the bed, rubbing my eyes as I let a yawn escape me. "Alright, what's first?" I mutter to myself, trying to recall the schedule that Edgar had written up for me for the week. It's… Sunday, so no tutoring. I don't think I have training with Maeve today either, though I do have to shoot some of those promos. That's gonna be fun.

Though the first thing is… the meetings.

Right, I'm part of the Seven now.

The Seven.

That still feels so weird to say. I mean, when I was with Alex's militia, there wasn't really a name for it. It was just… the militia. No fancy name needed. It's the same with superhumans. You don't hear us being called mutants, or revenants, or some other fancy name like they do in movies. We're superhumans, why not just call us what we are, you know?

I think the closest to an actual name I can think of is the fact that me, Pete, and Rachel are often called the, ahem, Golden Trio by the rest of the militia.

But now, I'm on an actual licensed and sponsored superhero team. Branding is a big thing, all that stuff. The Seven, Homelander, Queen Maeve, Black Noir… and now I actually got to get used to being called The Juggernaut on a regular basis.

Anyway, I'm getting off track.

I stand up off the bed, groaning a little out of habit as I stretch, even though it's not really needed. There's a lot of stuff I still do these days that have stuck as more habit than necessity. Ever since I got my strength, I don't really need to stretch, pop my joints, loosen them up, things of that nature, but I do it anyway.

I make my way towards the washing machine they have hooked up in this place, because of course they have a washer and dryer, and pop open the dryer, where my clothes from last night lay, clean and fresh.

Yes, I slept nude last night. Bite me.

It doesn't take long for me to get my clothes on, and right as I'm finishing up, throwing my red button up on and rolling up the sleeves, I get a knock at my door.

"Juggernaut!" The familiar and aggravating voice of that Ashley chick comes through the door, and I already want to beat my head into the ground just hearing that. Seriously, she's actually calling me 'Juggernaut' ? Are you serious? She knows my name for God's sakes!

I don't try to hide my annoyance, my lips tightened in thinly veiled frustration as I throw open the door to my apartment, giving her a look that should make my irritation blatantly obvious.

Apparently, common sense was not a trait this one inherited.

"There you are!" Ashley says, giving the most overblown and contrived smile I've ever seen as her eyes meet my own, seemingly ignorant to my frustration at her mere presence. "I was sent to get you, take you to your very first meeting."

"I know where the damn meeting room is." I say without any effort to hide my frustration, and I have to admit, I feel the slightest bit of satisfaction when she visibly flinches at my tone, face falling for a moment, before it picks right back up.

"Mr. Edgar didn't know if you'd remembered, so he sent me to guide you just in case." Now, there's the slightest bit of frustration on her own face, hidden beneath that fake-as-shit smile. I'll take that as a win.

"Tell Mr. Edgar, I appreciate the sentiment, but I can get there by myself." I tell her rather bluntly as I grab the key sitting on the nearby counter and step out of the apartment, locking up the door before giving her one last look as I take off down the hall.

I can hear her footsteps coming up behind me, and it takes everything I have not to groan in annoyance. I mean, she is right up my ass, and she's starting to actually piss me off.

"Can I help you with anything else?" I hiss through gritted teeth.

"I'm just following Mr. Edgar's orders, making sure you actually do know the correct way."

It's taking everything, every little bit of restraint I have, not to knock this fucking bitch out.

"You know what, let's make something clear to you." I say, stopping in my tracks and spinning on her, giving her the downright nastiest glare I can muster. "I don't like you. You're annoying, you never shut up, and it's clear you could care less about anything other than what I can do for the company." I growl, enjoying the look of complete disbelief on her face. "I've been as nice as I can manage with you, but I'll tell you straight up, you're pissing me off. I'm not asking, I'm telling you to leave me the fuck alone."

I stand there, looking at her for a few moments, before beginning my stride once more.

She doesn't follow.

With a sigh of relief that she seems to have finally gotten the hint, I make my way towards the Seven's meeting room with little difficulty. The big metal doors are clamped shut, and I half assume I'm gonna have to ask someone to open it for me, but the door splits and slides open once I get close to it.

Within is the same team I met yesterday, and I gotta say, I honestly feel like the odd one out here.

Most of them seem to be occupied with their own thing. Black Noir's reading a book, A-Train's messing around on his phone, Homelander is standing at the window on the opposite side of the room behind his chair, and I'm honestly not sure what Annie or Maeve are doing, if anything.

Annie shoots me a polite smile and a small wave, and Maeve flashes me a friendly grin, which I can't help but to return.

"John." Homelander's voice pipes up as he turns around, giving me a friendly smile as he does so. "Or do you prefer the Juggernaut?"

"John's fine." I say with a smile as I make my way into the room, taking a seat in one of the two unoccupied chairs next to Black Noir, since they're the only ones not in use at the moment. "I never was a fan of the Juggernaut name, to tell the truth." I can't help but to remark with a chuckle.

Homelander grins as he moves towards his chair. "So, welcome to your first official meeting." He says as he takes a seat in his chair. I'm aware of the glare Maeve seems to be shooting at him from the side, but I ignore it for the time being. I'm keeping an eye on all of them, but I don't need to be hostile. "How's it feel?"

"Weird." I answer bluntly as I let my eyes wander around the room, taking in the very showy design, bordering on something you'd see in a movie, as well as the advanced computers all around the room. "I'm used to being sent on missions in secret. Doing it publicly… that's gonna take some getting used to."

Homelander let a scoff of amusement escape him. "Well, not all of us were in the limelight the entire time." He joked as he tore his gaze away from me, focusing it on everyone else at the table. "So, does anyone have any news? What have we got?"

"Well, what exactly are you looking for?" Maeve asked with a derisive snort, raising an eyebrow at Homelander as if he'd just told a bad joke.

Homelander seems to have the patience of a saint, because he seems to ignore the hostile tone, answering her question with a smile. "Come on, tell me about who you've saved! The kind of crimes you've stopped! It's John's first day, so let's make it memorable."

Almost hesitant, Starlight raises her hand, a small smile on her face. Homelander gives her an amused grin when he sees it, followed by a chuckle. "Starlight, this isn't high school, you don't have to raise your hand."

Starlight actually blushes, and I can't help the chuckle that escapes me as she stutters to find her ground for a moment. "R-Right, sorry." She apologizes sheepishly. "I saved a woman from being raped a few days ago, though… I don't think Ashley liked it."

I can't help but to roll my eyes at the mention of that red-headed nuisance, and it's clear I'm not the only one. Maeve lets out a scoff, A-Train snorts at the mention of the woman, and even Homelander rolls his eyes.

"Ashley's more concerned with our numbers and our popularity than she is about the good we do." Homelander replied with a shake of his head. "I did hear about that, and though it would've been better to have been in uniform, I think you made the right call."

I agree, but a joke comes to mind, and I can't help but to voice it, a grin on my face. "I think anything that pisses off the redheaded suck up is a good call."

Maeve's eyes go wide across from me, trying to stifle a laugh at my words while Starlight gives a small grin. Even Homelander let's a small chuckle escape him, though I think A-Train is clearly still pissed about my words from yesterday, considering he's now glaring at me.

I think the only one who isn't really paying attention is Noir, who's still got his face shoved into that book.

"So, you think you can keep up with us, newbie?" A-Train suddenly pipes up, catching my attention. "I mean, what do you really bring to the table?"

"Were you paying attention yesterday?" I can't help but to fire back, aggravation in my tone at this fucker's attitude. "Or were you too busy pouting because a teenager acts more like an adult than you do?"

"Guys, come on." Homelander says, raising his hands in a placating gesture, though his voice is stern. "A-Train, that's enough. Quit acting like a child."

A-Train looks at Homelander for a moment, clearly ready to say something, but he takes one look at Homelander's stern features and sinks himself into his seat without a word.

"Now, John, why don't you reiterate your abilities now that A-Train is paying attention?" Homelander suggests, once again taking on a friendly smile. It's a suggestion I'm willing to take.

"Superhuman strength and accelerated regenerative abilities." I say once again, eyeing the apparently slow speedster as I say it. "Assuming anything can make it through my muscles and actually harm me, I heal within seconds."

"Oh, so you're strong and you're fast." A-Train let's out a snort. "Congratulations, you're another dime a dozen supe."

I can't help but to raise an eyebrow, but I don't get to say anything before Homelander intervenes once more.

"A-Train!" Homelander snaps, a look of irritation on his face as he says the speedster's name. "Enough. John had a point yesterday, and it's not his fault you made a mistake. Own up to it."

Admittedly, my attention falls away from Homelander for a moment when I notice something.

The moment, the very instant, that Homelander snapped, all bravado and arrogance disappeared from A-Train's features. Rather than shame or annoyance, or some other expression, A-Train's eyes slammed onto Homelander's with an expression of mind-numbing fear.

And it's not just him. Though she looks more annoyed than anything, there's a small glimmer of nervous sweat rolling down the side of Maeve's head as she eyes Homelander wearily.

They're scared of him.

Why?

Suddenly, Maeve's words come back to me from the night before.

'No… It's Homelander that you have to worry about. He is a monster. Do not let him fool you for a second.'

I can't help the way my brow furrows at their reactions. Starlight just looks uncomfortable seeing Homelander aggravated, admittedly so am I, but A-Train and Maeve aren't just uncomfortable, they're actually scared.

What do they have to be scared of? It's not like Homelander's gonna take their heads off for a slip-up.

Either, I shake it off, choosing to file it away in my head and bring it up later as I turn to look at Homelander.

"So, these meetings are a daily thing, right?" I ask. I think Edgar said they were, but I just want to be sure.

However, Homelander instead shakes his head. "Officially, we're supposed to have one every morning, but I know that no one wants to be doing that, so outside of new recruits, like you, we only really have a meeting once a week unless a really important issue comes up." He explains with a smile. "Though, from what I hear, you have quite the busy schedule this week."

I can't help the chuckle that escapes me at his words. "You're not wrong there." I say with a slight shake of my head. "Promos pretty much every day, including today, and then throughout the week I got tutoring, and then I got training with Maeve." I list off the events I'm scheduled to do this week, a slight amount of irritation seeping into my tone. I'm not at all excited for this.

But… I signed up for it.

"Ah, Maeve will take it easy on you." Homelander assured with a grin as he turned to look at the woman with a smile. "Won't you?"

Maeve continues to eye Homelander for a moment, before turning towards me with a small grin. "I'll make you regret your decisions."

I can't help the loud laugh that escapes me at her words. So she does have a sense of humor! "It'll take a lot to do that." I say as I come down from my laughing fit, before fixing a playful glare on her. "But I encourage you to try."

The meeting seems to blur, and it seems less like a meeting and more like a couple of friends/frenemies hanging out. Though, one thing I do keep noticing…

Annie doesn't seem to be doing it, and I can't say shit for Black Noir, who's been silent the entire time, but both Maeve and A-Train keep shooting these negative looks at Homelander every once in a while. A-Train's acting like he's asking permission or fearing for his life, and in Maeve's case, if it isn't a fear-filled gaze, it's a look that promises to bring nothing but pain.

It gets particularly hateful when a strained smile comes onto her face, hiding her anger when Homelander mentions that they were apparently in a prior relationship.

A-Train, I could care less, but these looks Maeve is giving Homelander, mixed with the talk she gave me last night…

What the hell does she have against him? Does it have something to do with their relationship?

Or… is there something I'm missing here?