Chapter 35

[3rd POV]

Maeve sat by the bed, listening to the steady beeping of medical equipment and the soft breathing of her… ex-girlfriend.

With a sigh filled with physical exhaustion, she couldn't quite grasp what she was doing here.

She had a falling out with Elena, but she rushed to the hospital as soon as she learned that Elena had been admitted.

She didn't even know what she would say when Elena woke up after the surgery.

If only she had managed to say a proper goodbye before leaving her, things might have been a bit easier... maybe.

Maeve honestly didn't know what she was doing regarding her ex, and she had no idea how their conversation would develop.

Looking at the serene face of the woman lying in the bed, she couldn't help but recall the events that had forced her to leave Elena.

She told her it was because of her career and acted like a selfish bitch by cutting off all communication.

At the same time, Maeve had also left Homelander, explaining it away by saying that he was constantly cheating on her.

However, she had known for a long time that he cheated on her, including how Elena had come into her life because of them.

The real reason for their separation was Homelander, or rather his overwhelming jealousy.

During those days, she read with horror about how everyone who got too close to him met with mysterious and often deadly accidents.

It could be a car crash or gas poisoning, and she had seen his suspicious glances at her far too often which did nothing to improve her mood.

The day when Homelander maniac would discover her affair with Elena was approaching fast.

Just thinking about such an outcome was unbearable, so she had to act as radically as possible.

After seven years, she was finally here.

"Isn't the appearance of these supervillains in our city a worrying sign?"

The news anchor asked his guest in a well-articulated voice.

"Perhaps we should consider implementing a curfew?"

The mention of supervillains made Maeve shift her attention from her heavy thoughts to the small television screen.

The volume was set low to avoid disturbing Elena, but her hearing allowed her to clearly pick up the sounds from the outdated device.

She had turned it on just to break the silence, but the static noise was somewhat irritating.

Maeve frowned, looking at the face of the Vought Network news anchor with confusion.

She had no idea which supervillains were being discussed since she had turned off her phone due to continuous annoying calls at the time.

Suddenly, it made sense why Stillwell kept calling.

"David, there's no need to create panic. As if we haven't had unwanted guests with ill intentions before."

Homelander said with a condescending smile, casually sitting before the anchor.

"So, there's nothing to fear?"

"There's always something to be afraid of. Superheroes patrol the cities constantly, but that doesn't always prevent surprises."

He sighed regretfully, elaborately answering the question.

"So, my first advice would be to rely on yourself, then on God, and only then on others."

"That's very sound advice, Homelander."

David nodded, understandingly looking at the hero.

"Is there a possibility that another supervillain might appear?"

"Unfortunately, the possibility is not zero."

Homelander replied thoughtfully.

"That's why, for the whole week, the Seven will be thoroughly patrolling the city to ensure no supervillain escapes justice."

Maeve watched John's face without blinking and sighed as she turned away.

Their overly sweet relationship at the moment was making her uncomfortable.

It didn't make sense, even though she knew what was going on.

She had never experienced this before, not even with Elena. She had completely different thoughts about him recently.

It wasn't at all like it was before with him, and even with Elena, it was different.

Maeve wanted to hold Elena close, protect her, and keep her safe. The physical aspect was less significant due to different physiologies.

She wanted to cling to John and depend on him to protect her, even though she didn't need to.

The thought that John would protect her despite being unnecessary warmed her heart, making her smile involuntarily.

Maeve stood up and exited the room, walking out into the corridor where she thought she had seen vending machines with various snacks.

She then stood in front of the drink machine and thought about what she wanted to drink.

She began to nibble on her lip, unsure of what to choose.

In the past few months, she stopped drinking alcohol daily, and she was now only loving the taste of the drinks.

She had strangely tried almost everything in the vending machine and was now just choosing which juice she wanted.

"Grape juice seems pretty good."

"I prefer cherry."

"I don't see much of a difference."

"Maybe because you haven't tried it?"

She turned with a smile to John, who had silently approached her from behind.

Despite her smile, Maeve tensed up when she saw him.

If he found out... she didn't want to think about it.

Homelander was in his usual attire with slightly messy hair and non-prescription glasses.

It was highly doubtful that he would ever need them.

She couldn't quite appreciate the genius of such a disguise and had even started using a colleague's techniques herself.

"You're wearing glasses."

John commented with a smirk.

"Someone once said they looked ridiculous."

"John, there's a big difference between how you wear glasses and how I wear them."

Maeve replied with a deliberately smug tone, adjusting her glasses and adding.

"They suit me."

"I can't argue with that."

John smiled, seeming to gaze at her, which didn't escape her keen eyes.

"By the way, I wanted to ask you something. Why are you here?"

Maeve decided to ask, wanting a detailed answer.

"I wanted to let you know to be on alert."

He began after a brief pause.

"One of the superterrorists is still on the loose, and he's Kimiko's brother, so..."

"Wait, Kimiko has a brother?"

Maeve was surprised.

"Didn't she tell you?"

John replied with open amusement in his eyes.

"Clearly not."

Maeve frowned, sighing softly at her colleague's inappropriate humor.

"That's why I came."

He confirmed.

"That can't be the only reason."

Maeve rolled her eyes demonstratively, showing her irritation at his words.

"You could have told me over the phone or even sent a message. But you tracked me down and came here. What's the real reason?"

"I thought something serious might have happened. Usually, you don't miss meetings, even though they're just formalities. Did something happen?"

"Why the question?"

Maeve smirked, glancing at his concerned face and unsure if he was playing a game or genuinely showing concern.

"You can literally see through people, so how do you think I'm feeling?"

"I'm not that knowledgeable in anatomy to understand such things at an early stage, but I do plan to fill that gap."

"Early stage of what?"

Maeve asked in confusion, having no idea what he was talking about.

"Pregnancy. Isn't that why you're here?"

"Wait, you think I'm pregnant? Why would I go to a hospital for that when there are specialized clinics?"

"Anonymity?"

John admitted after a brief pause.

"To keep it from becoming public knowledge."

"Logically, as strange as it may seem."

Maeve smiled, regaining her composure.

"But it's very far from the truth."

He let out a quiet sigh as if releasing the accumulated tension.

It was only now that Maeve noticed how anxious he was, which elicited an involuntary smile from her.

Just imagine, the great Homelander is worried about her supposed pregnancy—it was quite amusing to her.

"But then why..."

"A girlfriend of mine is in the hospital."

She interrupted him.

"A girlfriend ?"

"A girlfriend."

Maeve exhaled when realizing from his face that there would be no consequences despite her fears.

She liked John as the new occupant of Homelander's body, or perhaps consciousness.

 Who can make sense of these supers?

There are so many of them now that sooner or later, someone would come along who could control the body of the strongest among them.

So it didn't particularly shock her when his behavior and even his manner of speaking changed.

In fact, she was glad that things had turned out this way. Maybe someday, John will admit who he truly is.

She didn't want to rush him.

"And let's clarify right away."

She looked intently into his eyes, and he nodded.

"You'll be by my side during such an important examination, and that's non-negotiable."

"Understood, ma'am."

He smiled, swiftly taking her arm under his elbow.

"There's a nice café across the street where we can grab a bite. I'd like to invite you there for a late lunch if you don't mind."

"Is this a date?"

"Basically, that's what it is."

John nodded solemnly, barely suppressing his smile.

"Then lead me there, sir."

Maeve replied in the same formal tone, obediently heading towards the elevator.

It would indeed be nice to have a bite to eat, and if it's in good company, even better.

...

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