𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 (𝐎𝐂)

TWENTY

Once in the kitchen, Becca pulled out a baking sheet and prepared to scoop the cookie dough onto it. Julia watched her mother with a mix of admiration and longing. Becca always seemed to know how to handle everything, even when it felt like their world was spiraling.

"Can I...help?" Julia asked, her voice small but clear.

"Of course, sweetie! I'd love your help," Becca replied, her eyes lighting up. She handed Julia a cookie scoop, showing her how to form the dough into even balls before placing them on the sheet.

As Julia carefully scooped the dough, her thoughts drifted back to Homelander. Why had he done that? Why push Ryan? Did he truly believe that was the way to show him his abilities? It didn't make sense to Julia. She had spent so long learning to control her powers, to keep them hidden, and here was her brother, so carelessly flaunting his own.

"Julia?" Becca's voice pulled her from her thoughts.

Julia looked up, realizing she had zoned out. "Sorry," she murmured, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.

"No need to apologize. I just wanted to know if you wanted to add some extra chocolate chips to the dough." Becca smiled, holding out a small bowl filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips.

"More chocolate," Julia said, her heart lifting at the idea. She nodded enthusiastically and reached for the bowl, pouring the chips into the dough.

"That's the spirit! The more, the merrier," Becca said, mixing the dough again, the sound of their laughter filling the kitchen. It felt good to be lost in something familiar, something that reminded Julia of happier times.

As they finished preparing the cookies, Julia glanced at the clock on the wall again. Ryan had been in his room for a while now, and she hoped he was feeling okay. "Ryan?" she asked, glancing toward the hallway.

Becca noticed her concern and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "He'll be out soon. I think he just needed a moment to collect himself. It was a big day for him."

"Angry," Julia whispered, her eyes downcast.

"I know, sweetheart," Becca replied gently, pulling Julia into a quick hug. "But we're safe here. You're safe. Ryan is safe."

Julia nodded, feeling the warmth of Becca's embrace. She needed that reassurance. Being reminded of their safety together helped quell the storm of worries brewing inside her.

"Cookies are ready!" Becca announced, pulling the baking sheet from the oven. The sweet, warm aroma enveloped the kitchen, wrapping around them like a cozy blanket.

Julia's mouth watered as she caught a glimpse of the golden-brown cookies, perfectly baked and slightly gooey in the middle. "Wow," she whispered, eyes wide with delight.

"Let them cool for a moment, and then we can eat!" Becca said, placing the tray on the cooling rack. "How about we set the table?"

"Okay!" Julia replied, her excitement bubbling over. She rushed to the drawer and pulled out plates, setting them on the dining table. With each plate placed, she felt a sense of normalcy returning, grounding her amidst the chaos.

Once the cookies had cooled sufficiently, Becca lifted a cookie and broke it in half, steam rising from the warm chocolate chips. "Here you go, fresh out of the oven."

Julia accepted the half with both hands, savoring the warmth that seeped through her fingers. She took a bite, and the gooey chocolate melted in her mouth. "Good!" she exclaimed, her voice more animated than it had been all day.

"Right?" Becca said, her face lighting up with joy. "We make a great team, don't we?"

Julia nodded vigorously, her spirits lifting with each bite. They continued to munch on the cookies, laughter and crumbs flying as they shared memories of baking together.

"I remember the first time you tried to bake cookies by yourself," Becca said, giggling. "You were so determined, but you forgot the sugar!"

Julia laughed, recalling the day vividly. "No sugar!" she said, shaking her head as if to dismiss the memory.

Becca smiled, brushing a stray hair behind Julia's ear. "But you made it work! You always do."

Julia felt a warmth spread through her chest. Her mother believed in her, even when she struggled to find her voice.

As they sat together, Julia stole glances toward the hallway, hoping to see Ryan soon. "Tell Ryan?," Julia suggested, her heart aching to include him in their little moment.

"Definitely," Becca agreed. "He'll love it."

Just as Julia took another bite of her cookie, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Ryan appeared at the end of the hallway, looking a bit more collected than earlier, though he still seemed hesitant. Julia's heart raced, wanting to run over to him but not wanting to overwhelm him.

"Hey, buddy," Becca called softly, waving him over. "We made cookies!"

Ryan's eyes brightened at the mention of cookies, and he moved slowly toward the kitchen. "Really?"

"Fresh out of the oven!" Becca replied, her smile wide.

"Yay!" Ryan exclaimed, suddenly energized as he rushed to the table. Julia couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm.

"Chocolate chip," Julia added, feeling a spark of joy at seeing him happy again.

"Best kind!" Ryan said, reaching for a cookie and taking a big bite. His expression transformed into pure bliss. "These are amazing!"

"I know!" Julia replied, her excitement bubbling over. "Made...them!"

"Great job, Julia!" Ryan said, his eyes shining with pride. "You're the best baker!"

Julia felt a warmth fill her heart at his compliment. "Thanks."

They shared cookies, laughter, and stories, slowly pushing the tension of earlier aside. Julia reveled in the sound of their family unit feeling whole again, even if just for a moment.

As they sat together, Julia couldn't help but feel a little safer. They were together, and together they could face whatever challenges lay ahead. Even if their world felt uncertain and scary, they had each other-and that was everything.

But deep down, a small voice whispered that Homelander's presence was still looming, a dark shadow they couldn't entirely escape. Yet for now, in this moment, cookies and family filled the void, and Julia was determined to hold onto that warmth for as long as she could.