46 Super Dad

"It was 4 to 1. He got me once. He's improving, only crashed four times."

"I would have caught you more if I could fly! It's not fair!" Ryan said sullenly.

"We talked about this. Flying with me only running when with A-Train."

"But it's not fair! He's so fast and when I try to catch up I end up flying but then I try not to and I end up crashing!"

A-Train watched as Homelander put a hand on Ryan's shoulder striking the most perfect fatherly figure he'd ever seen, the scars and eye-patch only adding to the image of the wizened father imparting wisdom to the eager son.

He had been surprised when Homelander approached him to train Ryan then again being surprised by Homelander seemed to be the norm now.

"Flying is like a fifth limb you have. It's a brand new limb that you barely know how to use and when moving fast you are trying to coordinate not four limbs but five. You're not used to it so you trip up. You just have to practice more." He heard the man say.

Sometime in between having his attention taken by Blue-Hawk and dealing with his family something had changed with Homelander. In some ways he was like a completely different person and in others he was 'more Homelander' than ever.

The man had become a workaholic he'd taken a deep interest in all things Vought more than that he was pushing for the retraining for all the heroes for better PR as he called it but also for better control of them.

He'd been assigned to work on that project with Starlight, which honestly suited him just fine. Starlight had a keen mind, was easy to work with and agreed with him on improving relations with the black community. He didn't mind her taking the lead it was a win-win for both of them.

That wasn't all he felt more than conflicted and confused when he heard that it had been Homelander's idea to give him Blue-Hawk's heart.

He was still technically in recovery but apparently the heart and his body had adapted to each other unlike the scientist had ever seen though apparently this was the first of this kind of operation that was performed on supers.

"Now then, let me take a look at you, make sure there's nothing broken or internal bruising." He heard Homelander say as he saw the man concentrate at looking at Ryan with his one good eye.

How he dealt with Soldier Boy was also out of character but he could see the PR moves he made. His and Starlight's ratings were through the roof.

'Savior of New York' they called him.

Inwardly A-Train scowled. Something about the whole situation stunk but he couldn't put his finger on it.

Still, through the chaos he'd thought about taking a shot at Homelander and helping the government when he heard Ashley's broadcast but decided not to.

"Minor bruises only that are already healing up. I don't see any problems." Homelander stated as he finished checking Ryan over. "Come on, let's go inside. You need to shower and I'll set up lunch." He said and paused.

"A-Train you're staying for lunch. There are a few things I want to talk to you about." He ordered more than requested.

"Sure." He answered as Homelander led them all inside.

The thought had crossed his mind when he heard Ashley's broadcast but he quickly realized the futility. Even if he took out Noir, what would happen then?

The public already knew the government had made a move on Homelander in his weakened state they would never forgive him for helping them not to mention the other heroes that supported Homelander.

That and there was the surprising fact that Starlight was on the way to help Vought. From the time he spent with her he could tell the girl had changed as well. There was something bothering her.

Still if that hadn't been a shock then the conversation with Homelander he had when he was asked to train Ryan had been a game changer.

He of course didn't fully trust Homelander but if there was a shot to heal his brother he would take it. Homelander told him Vought's brightest were working on some game changing serums, stuff that would revolutionize the world.

He didn't care for the details and the rant Homelander went on about changing humanity as long as he could heal his brother he would do anything.

He needed to do this for his family, for his niece and nephew and for himself. All that Homelander had asked was for loyalty and to toe the line.

That had been strange in itself. There were no physical threats or overtures about being kicked out of the Seven. The man instead had offered his support on bringing the A-Train brand back greater than ever before and all he had asked was to essentially keep his mouth shut and do as he was told.

It wasn't like he had much of a choice so he readily accepted and pledged his support. Part of him felt sick, like he'd just swore fealty to a new king but what could he do in his position.

"So" Homelander started as he took out large tupper ware boxes filled with pasta and chicken from the fridge. "there are a couple of projects I need your help with-"

Bzzt Bzzt!

Homelander was interrupted by the cellphone vibrating on the massive kitchen counter.

"One second. I have to take this." He said gesturing to him as he picked up the phone.

"Hey Ashley….what? Slow down? Now? Why? What is she doing?...We'll calm her down!" A-Train heard rapid voice talking on the phone but couldn't make out who it was.

"Ok, just do what you can. I'm with A-Train we'll be there in a few minutes." The man said and hung up.

"Change of plans. We have to go to the tower…Starlight's threatening the scientists or something like that."

"What?" that shocked him. "Starlight? Are you sure?" He was taken aback by the news.

"Yea, that was Ashley. I think I know what this is about. I'll explain once we get there." He finished and waked towards the staircase stopping right in front of it.

"RYAN!" He shouted loudly. "SOMETHING CAME UP! ME AND A-TRAIN HAVE TO GO TO THE TOWER!"

"OK!" he heard boys response from upstairs.

"LUNCH IS ON THE COUNTER JUST MICROWAVE IT AND I REPEAT DO NOT USE YOUR HEAT VISION! I DON'T WANT TO COME BACK TO A BURNED DOWN HOUSE! GOT IT?"

There was no response for a moment.

"RYAN! DO YOU HEAR ME?" Homelander asked again more sternly.

"YES I GOT IT!"

"GOOD AND MAKE SURE TO REVIEW THOSE KHAN ACADEMY VIDEOS I TOLD YOU!"

"I'M SHOWERING!" the annoyed response of the boy came back accompanied by a door slamming closed.

Homelander rolled his eyes.

"The adjustment has been…" and he paused. "…well we are still adjusting." He trailed off with a small but somewhat frustrated smile.

"Let's get to the tower before Starlight takes it down." He said with a sigh.