𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 (𝐎𝐂)

SIXTEEN

The evening was settling in as Becca helped the kids into their pajamas, her movements quick but gentle. Ryan, in his dark navy blue pajamas with little planets and stars scattered across from them, while Julia had a light blue set adorned with princesses. The small comforts of their favorite things were a welcome distraction from the unsettling tension that still hung in the air.

Homelander hadn't left.

Becca could feel his presence lingering just behind her as she helped Ryan and Julia get their blankets ready, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I'll put them to bed." Homelander said suddenly, his voice cutting through the quiet room.

Becca's stomach twisted. She wanted to refuse, to say something-anything-to stop him, but her mind raced. The kids were watching, their eyes darting between her and Homelander, and the last thing she wanted was to create more tension in front of them.

So, she swallowed hard and nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright..."

Homelander smiled as he turned his gaze to the children. Ryan's wide eyes blinked up at him, and Julia remained silent.

"Come on, Ryan." Homelander said with a tilt of his head. Ryan, still unsure, glanced at his mother for reassurance before slowly heading towards his room. Homelander followed behind but, before Julia could head to her own room, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder and guided her toward Ryan's room too.

"Both of you, come here." Homelander said, his voice soft. "I have something to show you."

Ryan and Julia exchanged confused looks but did as they were told, sitting down on Ryan's bed, side by side. Homelander closed the door, leaving Becca out in the hallway who waited by the door anxiously.

Homelander stood in front of the bed, his expression soft. "I wanted to give you both something." He said, his hands moved behind his back, and when he brought them forward again, he was holding two small boxes-one for each of them.

Ryan hesitated but carefully took his box, looking at it for a moment before lifting the lid, Julia following suit. Inside each box was a sleek, brand new phone, shiny and untouched. Ryan blinked in surprise before smiling, staring at the device as he examined it. He looked over at Julia, who was holding the phone cautiously, her expression unreadable.

"Cool. Thank you." Ryan said, still surprised meanwhile as he stared up at him. Julia nodded slightly toward Homelander in acknowledgment, her expression uncertain, as though she wasn't entirely sure what to make of the gift but understood it was meant as a gesture.

Homelander chuckled in amusement at the two children. "You're welcome. It's crazy you guys don't have one already, actually."

"We don't...really have anyone to call, though." Ryan said, slightly faltering with a nonchalant shrug.

"You can call me." Homelander suggested. Then, he steps closer sitting down on the sage of the bed next to them. "You know, Ryan, um, when I was your age, I didn't have many friends either."

"Mom says being lonely makes you know yourself better."

"Well..." Homelander nodded with a small chuckle. "That's not wrong, I suppose."

Ryan nodded in agreement while Julia simply shrugged, her expression indifferent. Homelander scanned the room, his gaze distant for a moment before he spoke again, his tone softer than usual. "Can I tell you both a secret? My life... it was nothing like the image I put out there."

Ryan frowned, confusion creeping into his voice. "W-What do you mean?"

Homelander paused, an unusual vulnerability flashing across his face. "I never had a dad," he said, hesitating slightly. "Or a mom..."