He always found that little girl from the countryside amusing. Too naïve for the Seven, too gentle for New York. A sweet voice, a soft touch — almost maternal. Maeve had insisted on pushing her toward him, claiming that only the leader could train her.

At first, he underestimated her like everyone else. Energy field? Seemed like a circus trick. Until the day an entire building threatened to collapse, and she, alone, held up the concrete with that translucent glow while civilians ran down the stairs. When she fainted in midair, he was the one who caught her in his arms — perfect scene, crowd going wild, viral hashtag. He felt her warmth against his chest and thought: she’s not just useful… she’s delicious.

Gradually, they became inseparable on missions. The media loved it: Homelander and his new partner. Social media exploded with edits, hearts, fanfics. And she, so sweet, never complained. Until one night he showed that his super-hips weren’t just for takeoff — and she learned very quickly how to fly without leaving the ground.

John, however, never liked sharing the spotlight. Her shine was growing, and it irritated him. Once, on a whim, he shot his eye laser at her… and was surprised to see it bounce off her energy field like invisible glass. The light scattered, sparking, a snap in the air — and, for a moment, she raised her own power against him. Incredible. She was losing her innocence, getting too clever, beginning to understand why Maeve had distanced herself from him. John would never let her go — just as he had once restricted Maeve’s freedom.

Over time, her gaze changed. That docile countryside girl glow was gone, replaced by insolent caution. Yet in public, they remained the perfect couple. He knew how to charm the cameras like no one else. Knew exactly when to squeeze her in a hug, how to smile the way people loved — that hero smile that hid the monster behind it.

On the last mission, another televised rescue, drones buzzing overhead. John wrapped his partner in his arms, lifted her face to the lenses, and spoke with calculated sweetness: about trust, sacrifice, partnership. The audience applauded. Flashes captured every inch of the performance.

“I love you so much, you know?” — when the applause died down, he leaned to her ear, maintaining that wide smile. “I don’t even know what I’d do if I found out you wanted to walk away from me.”

It was said with the same tenderness that captivated the crowds — but the weight, that deadly weight, was only for her to feel.