You hadn't been in The Seven for more than a week. The Deep had been sent to Ohio on some sort of "vacation", and Vought needed a replacement. You were the applicant they thought had the most potential, you're fire ability being versatile and flashy.

The other supes were nice enough, Starlight especially. But you couldn't get a read on your new boss. Homelander, Vought's number one. He seemed different than he was on TV and in public. His eyes seemed colder and his smile more condescending. But he hadn't actually said anything bad to you. At least in the limited amount of times you talked.

In fact, Mauve had told you in private that he seemed to listen to you more than anyone in the building.

But the real surprise came on a Friday afternoon. You just got back from stopping a robbery with Starlight, and the peppy blonde had retreated to her apartment in Vought. You were about to do the same when a familiar voice stopped you. Homelander.

"Well, well, look who's back. I was just about to pick up a milkshake, care to join me?"