Chapter Twenty Two

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The conference room was filled with tension, a stark contrast to the sleek decor and the digital screens flashing the latest Vought propaganda. Derek, in his guise as "Ryan," sat at the long table alongside The Seven, the self-proclaimed heroes of America. He took a deep breath, channeling Ryan Reynolds' charisma, but this wasn't a movie set—this was real life, and the stakes were high.

"Alright, team," Homelander said, his voice dripping with authority. "We need to discuss the recent 'incident' with Translucent." He leaned back in his chair, the golden light reflecting off his perfectly coiffed hair. "I heard it was… enlightening."

The Deep shifted uncomfortably, clearly still reeling from the shock of his teammate's demise. "It's not like we could've seen that coming," he muttered, fidgeting with the edge of his placemat.

"Right, because who would ever suspect that a guy who literally turns invisible might have a few tricks up his sleeve?" Homelander's tone was mocking, and everyone felt the pressure of his gaze. "Maybe we should make it a rule: no invisible guys allowed."

The room erupted in laughter, but Derek noted that The Deep wasn't laughing. He was looking down, his face flushed with embarrassment. Homelander's penchant for ridicule was almost theatrical, and Derek wondered how deep the rifts ran among these so-called heroes.

As the laughter died down, Derek seized the moment to analyze the group. "So what's the plan moving forward?" he asked, keeping his tone light. "Are we sending out an 'Invisible Man's Revenge' movie poster?"

"Good question, Ryan," Maeve interjected, her voice laced with skepticism. "But let's not forget who's actually holding the reins here." Her gaze shifted to Homelander, who seemed to revel in the attention.

Homelander leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "The plan is simple: we continue to be the shining bastions of heroism that Vought has trained us to be. We just need to… adjust our approach. Less visibility for the invisible types, if you catch my drift."

Derek couldn't resist a smirk. "So, are we putting a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door? Or maybe we'll install some sort of fish detector for The Deep?"

Laughter echoed around the room, and Derek's heart raced at the unexpected camaraderie. Perhaps fitting in wouldn't be so hard after all. Homelander, however, was still watching closely.

"Just remember, Ryan," he said, a playful smile on his lips but something darker lurking behind his eyes. "Being a hero isn't just about making jokes. It's about knowing when to put on a show and when to… take out the trash."

The implication hung in the air, thick and foreboding. Derek felt a chill run down his spine, but he masked it with a nod. "Got it. Heroic trash removal. You can count on me."

The training facility was impressive, a sprawling complex filled with state-of-the-art technology. Derek watched as the members of The Seven showcased their abilities, each display more awe-inspiring than the last. Homelander flew effortlessly, while Maeve demonstrated her superhuman strength by lifting a massive weight with ease.

Derek stepped up to a designated area, feeling the eyes of his teammates on him. "Alright, let's see what this web-slinger can do," he joked, trying to ease the tension.

As he activated his powers, he launched himself into the air, swinging between obstacles like a seasoned pro. He felt a rush of adrenaline, the wind whipping through his hair. But Homelander's voice broke through the thrill.

"Not bad for a guy who shoots webs from his—"

"—asshole?" Derek interrupted, shooting back a grin. "Well, I'd like to think I aim higher than that."

Laughter erupted again, but Derek noticed that Homelander's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. It was a dangerous game he was playing, but the thrill of challenging the most powerful man in the room was intoxicating.

"C'mon, Ryan, show us your best web-slinging," A-Train called out, trying to keep the mood light. "Just don't get any on me—I don't want to be stuck in your sticky situation."

Derek swung around, executing a perfect flip before landing gracefully. "I can't make any promises, A-Train. But if you get too close, I might just wrap you up in my web of hilarity."

The team erupted in laughter, and even Homelander couldn't suppress a chuckle. For a brief moment, Derek felt like he belonged.

After the training session, Derek found himself wandering the halls of Vought Tower, still buzzing from the adrenaline and the unexpected camaraderie. As he rounded a corner, he spotted Starlight leaning against the wall, her expression contemplative.

"Hey, Ryan," she said, offering a warm smile. "You were great out there. I didn't know you had it in you."

"Just trying to keep up with the pros," Derek replied, leaning casually against the wall beside her. "You know, the ones who don't shoot webs from their behinds."

Starlight laughed, and it sent a thrill through Derek. "Yeah, we're a special breed, aren't we?"

They shared a moment of silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Starlight's gaze was earnest, and Derek felt drawn to her in a way that made his heart race.

"So, what do you think of the team?" she asked, breaking the tension.

Derek hesitated, considering his words carefully. "Honestly? It's a mix. I see the heroism, but there's also a lot of ego. Homelander's a tough nut to crack."

Starlight nodded, her expression serious. "He can be… difficult. But don't let him get to you. He thrives on control."

"I've noticed," Derek replied, trying to gauge her reaction. "But if he thinks I'm going to bow down to his every whim, he's got another thing coming."

Starlight smiled, a spark igniting between them. "I like your spirit, Ryan. Just be careful. Homelander doesn't take kindly to challenges."

As she spoke, Derek felt the weight of their growing connection. "I'll keep that in mind. But I can handle myself. Besides," he added with a wink, "I've got a web-slinger's charm."

Starlight chuckled, but Derek could see the concern behind her eyes. "Just be smart. We need you around."

The following day, Derek found himself summoned to a private meeting with Homelander. The other members of The Seven were absent, and the atmosphere was charged with an intensity that made Derek's skin crawl.

"Ryan, come in," Homelander said, gesturing to the chair across from him. "I wanted to talk to you about your performance."

"Sure, what's up?" Derek asked, feigning nonchalance while his heart raced.

"I like your attitude," Homelander said, leaning back with a predatory smile. "You're not afraid to speak your mind, and that's refreshing. You remind me of myself when I was starting out."

"Thanks, I guess?" Derek replied, trying to gauge whether this was genuine praise or a veiled threat.

"But you need to remember," Homelander continued, his tone shifting. "Being a hero isn't just about jokes and web-slinging. It's about knowing when to take charge and when to back down."

"Right, got it," Derek said, trying to match his seriousness. "I'm here to do my part and make The Seven look good."

Homelander leaned forward, his smile returning. "That's the spirit. Just don't forget who's at the top. I wouldn't want to see you get hurt for stepping out of line."

Derek held his gaze, refusing to back down. "No worries, I'll keep my distance from the edge of the cliff."

Homelander chuckled, his laughter booming in the small room. "Good. I like you, Ryan. You've got potential. Just remember, you're playing with fire."

As the meeting ended, Derek walked out with a mix of exhilaration and dread. He'd earned Homelander's approval, but at what cost?

Meanwhile, back with The Boys, the atmosphere was charged with a different kind of tension. Hughie paced nervously while Butcher leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, studying the security footage from Vought Tower.

"Any signs of Derek being a mole?" Hughie asked, glancing at Frenchie, who was tinkering with a gadget.

"Not yet," Frenchie replied, focused on his work. "But we need to keep a close eye on The Seven. If Derek is in there, he could be our best chance to get intel."

Kimiko remained silent, her sharp gaze fixed on the screens. Butcher broke the silence with a smirk. "I say we let him do the heavy lifting while we sit back and watch the fireworks."

Hughie frowned. Sure! Continuing from where we left off in the chapter about The Boys' investigation and their thoughts about Derek being involved with The Seven:

"But if he gets caught, it'll blow our cover too," Hughie pressed, pacing again, worry etched across his face. "We can't afford to lose another member. We've already lost too many people to The Seven's games."

Butcher waved his hand dismissively. "Relax, lad. He's in the lion's den now, and that means we get to watch the beast up close. If he's smart, he'll gather the intel we need while keeping his head down."

"Or he'll be eaten alive," Hughie muttered under his breath, glancing at Kimiko. She nodded, her expression a mix of concern and determination.

"Look, I get it," Butcher said, finally shifting in his seat to face Hughie. "But we've put all our eggs in one basket with this bloke. If he fails, we're all screwed. We need to trust him to play the long game."

"Yeah, 'trust' isn't exactly a word I associate with Vought," Hughie shot back, frustration bubbling over. "Derek might have some power, but he's still a rookie. We're dealing with the likes of Homelander here."

"Exactly! Which is why we need to keep our ears to the ground and listen in on what he finds," Butcher countered, his gaze sharpening. "The more we know about The Seven's plans, the better we can strike when the time is right."

Frenchie chimed in, setting down his tools. "And if we can find out about Homelander's weaknesses, we can exploit them. Every hero has a chink in their armor, even him."

"True," Hughie conceded, nodding slowly. "But how do we even start? We have no inside information."

Butcher leaned back in his chair, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "That's where you come in, mate. We need to dig up any dirt we can. And if Derek can manage to keep Homelander distracted, that gives us time to work."

"Distract?" Hughie echoed, his brow furrowing. "How do we plan to distract one of the most powerful beings on the planet?"

Butcher's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Simple. Get him riled up, play on his ego. If Derek can manage to get under his skin, it'll create the perfect distraction for us to slip in and gather intel. We just need to feed him some lines."

"Like what?" Hughie asked, curiosity piqued.

Butcher leaned forward, his voice low. "Find a way to turn the tables. Get Derek to mock Homelander, make him feel threatened. Homelander's got an ego the size of the sun, and if Derek can poke at it just right, we might just get what we need."

The next morning, Derek woke up to the bright sunlight streaming through the windows of his luxurious penthouse at Vought Tower. The previous day's events flooded back to him, and he couldn't shake the unease he felt about Homelander's pointed gaze.

Derek got ready, putting on his superhero suit, which felt snug and surprisingly comfortable. As he glanced in the mirror, he couldn't help but wonder what he was getting himself into. He had to figure out Homelander's weaknesses without losing his own sanity in the process.

He decided to grab breakfast at the Vought café, hoping to catch Starlight and perhaps plan some time together. As he entered, he spotted her at a corner table, scrolling through her phone. He approached her, his heart racing.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, flashing a charming smile.

"Of course!" Starlight replied, her face lighting up as she looked up at him. "I was just checking the news. It seems like Vought's been in the spotlight again."

Derek sat down, grabbing a cup of coffee. "Yeah, I can imagine. We had quite the eventful day yesterday. Any bets on whether we'll end up with another invisible teammate?"

Starlight chuckled. "Let's hope not. I'd prefer my teammates to be, you know, visible and actually useful."

"So what do you think of our fearless leader?" Derek asked casually, trying to gauge her opinion without revealing his own agenda.

Starlight sighed, her expression turning serious. "Homelander? He's… complicated. He can be charming one moment and terrifying the next. He has a way of getting into your head."

"Yeah, I can see that. But you seem to handle him pretty well," Derek said, hoping to build some rapport. "What's your secret?"

She leaned closer, a conspiratorial glint in her eyes. "You have to play along, keep your wits about you. And most importantly, never let him see you sweat. If you show any sign of weakness, he'll capitalize on it."

Derek nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "So, just act like I'm not terrified of him at all, got it."

Starlight laughed, and it felt like a genuine connection was forming. "Exactly. You're doing great so far. Just keep that spirit up, and you'll be fine."

As the day progressed, Derek found himself in a meeting with The Seven. They gathered in the training room, a large open space filled with various equipment and training dummies.

"Alright, team," Homelander began, a satisfied smirk on his face. "We need to regroup and come up with strategies to avoid any more… accidents." His gaze drifted to The Deep, who was sulking in the corner.

"You're looking a little down, fish boy," Derek chimed in, hoping to lighten the mood. "What's the matter? Did someone steal your fish food?"

The room erupted in laughter, and even Homelander chuckled, though his expression was more amused than pleased. The Deep scowled, clearly not appreciating the joke.

"Seriously, The Deep," Derek continued, "I'd hate to see you end up on a fish stick commercial."

"Don't worry, Ryan," The Deep retorted, crossing his arms. "I'm more than just a pretty fish."

"Yeah, sure. You're also a 'great white shark' of personality," Derek shot back, grinning.

Homelander turned his attention to Derek, his interest piqued. "You're quite the comedian, aren't you? I like your style, Ryan."

Derek kept his demeanor light, but he could feel the tension in the air. "Just trying to keep things entertaining. We're all heroes here, after all. What's a hero without a few jokes?"

The mood shifted slightly, and Derek seized the moment. "But in all seriousness, shouldn't we focus on finding any weaknesses in our enemies? If we want to keep Vought on top, we need to stay one step ahead."

Homelander's smile faded slightly. "Good point. But remember, not everyone is worth our time. Some of our enemies are just noise. We need to focus on what truly matters."

Derek nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Understood. But it's better to be prepared than to let our guard down."

Later that evening, as Derek was going over his notes in his penthouse, a notification from the system popped up.

**Mission Alert: Distract Homelander. Points: 50.**

"Perfect timing," he muttered to himself. "Let's see how I can make this work."

Derek formulated a plan. He'd need to poke at Homelander's ego while ensuring he didn't cross any dangerous lines. It wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to earn those points and find out more about Homelander's vulnerabilities.

The next morning, during breakfast, he casually dropped a few jabs. "Hey, Homelander, if you were any more full of yourself, you'd be an actual balloon," he quipped, earning a few chuckles from Starlight and A-Train.

Homelander raised an eyebrow, amused but not offended. "Is that so? I didn't realize you had such a flair for humor, Ryan. Maybe you should consider a career in stand-up."

"I might just do that," Derek shot back, keeping his tone light. "But I have to ask—are you the one who inspired the classic 'superheroes are jerks' trope? Because if so, you're doing a fantastic job."

The laughter around the table was contagious, and Derek felt the rush of victory. He was getting under Homelander's skin, if only a little.

"Just make sure your jokes don't bite you back, Ryan," Homelander warned, his smile becoming slightly more strained. But Derek noticed the hint of genuine enjoyment behind the bravado.

As the days went by, Derek continued to push the boundaries. He'd learned how to play Homelander like a fiddle, crafting jokes that were sharp but not too dangerous.

One day, as they were preparing for a press event, Derek felt particularly daring. "You know, Homelander, I think you'd make a great villain in a superhero movie," he teased. "You already have the whole 'dark, brooding' thing down."

The room fell silent for a moment before exploding into laughter. Even Homelander had to chuckle, though Derek could see the flicker of annoyance behind his amusement.