You had brought Butcher more Temp V. You knew you probably shouldn't have for a few reasons. One: Butcher didn't deserve to be given what he wanted. Two: Temp V was dangerous and not thoroughly tested. You could be endangering him and others. Three: This visit would more than likely turn into something more.

After your exchange, the third reason for not coming became true. You were both sat on the couch in his office, drinking vodka straight from the bottle. Fuck sober streaks. You turned to him, asking what he thought about having powers; being on V. "I hated every second." He shook his head, setting his glass on the coffee table. Liar. "No. The V just made me more... me."

To be a bit more dignified, he took the bottle from you, filling the glass just over halfway. "With great power comes the absolute certainty that you'll turn into a right cunt. I mean, that's the thing, right?" You shrugged, leaning back into the couch. "You're all just people. All the V does is just amp up all that shit that's already inside."

He lifted his glass to his lips, taking a sip. He exhaled after swallowing, the burn simultaneously soothing him and making him wince. "Your lot? Just a bunch of walking nuclear erections. You know? A- And it's not just Homelander." He set the glass back down, turning to look at you over his shoulder. I mean, you-you fucking all got to go. Every fucking last one of you."