#homelander-rp-blog 001

[isolatednights]

@homelander-rp-blog asked "Do I know you? You look so familiar. How long have you worked here?"

it was rare she knew why they were bringing her somewhere until one of the little vought worker bees met her at her destination, shoved a folder into her hands and began rattling off exactly what mess she'd been called in to assist cleaning up. this time seemed... different. she'd been preparing for bed when she'd gotten the call ( be at the airport in an hour ⸻ you're needed at headquarters ) and upon landing in the early hours of the following morning, she hadn't been met with a barrage of information, but silence.

they'd situated her in some room ( the freshly pressed coffee, flaky pastries and comfortable couches the only thing keeping her irritation in check ) and otherwise left to wait. cradling yet another cup of the steaming liquid to her chest, the woman was standing by the windows ⸻ blue hues observing the city below as it began to buzz with life, when the question startled her out of her thoughts. glancing over her shoulder, aiyla couldn't help the slight furrowing of her brow at the sight of the other supe, her gaze momentarily flickered behind the man ( curious if someone else might be trailing after him to brief them both ⸻ but even that would be an oddity, wouldn't it? she never dealt with the big faces up front ).

"i don't believe we've met." she eventually settles on, turning entirely to face him. "i've worked for vought a handful of years but i fear i'm not nearly as front facing as you are, sir. perhaps you've seen me in passing," the smile she offers him is light ( though it fails to meet her eyes ). "i ⸻ are we having a meeting? i haven't been told much since i arrived."

[bcntbouquet]

Supposing he was ticklish after that poke in the belly, Watkins had to hide his laughter. The kiss left on his arm pulled an audible sigh from his lungs.

He says ‘charming’, but I really am that sappy, he thinks to himself, as though speaking to an audience. Only the people in his head.

The traffic made Volker’s head swirl, but somehow he knew it was all going to be okay… He was with John, after all… That’s all he really wanted… A simple life with someone he loved… Even the name JOHN was simple… Simpler than Volker, anyhow.

“Billy… Limey bastard, right?” He didn’t mean it. Billy was… Well, he wasn’t pleasant, but he was something. Larger than life–and soft. Under an exterior. Maeve, on the other hand, he didn’t remember so much if ever he knew her. Due to his brother’s health, Volker had had to take a lot of make-up courses, change schools, etc. He didn’t even know John much from the old days, just that he’d always had a crush on him… It was only in the last couple of months that said crush had actually gotten him somewhere.

Shameless, genuine, a moan welcomes the taste of the other’s lips upon his own. “I’ve heard of cigarettes after sex but never after kissing,” Volker quips, wearing the look of a man who was very much smitten. Blinking blankly in the wake of John’s footsteps as he leaves for the crumbling stop-n-shop.

…

Volker almost didn’t hear John when he came back. Reality doesn’t always come back with a SNAP like in the movies… Sometimes it just… trickles… in…

“I didn’t leave…” But he had, this he knows. It might not have been intentional or even literal, but in the spirit of the thing he had departed and there was no way around that.

“I am truly sorry, John. I felt like it was out of my control, but it wasn’t, and I’m sorry… People think guys who look like us have no feelings, we’re made of steel... I know how it is, but if I could, I’d take away all your pain, all your fears… but here I am, adding to them instead… I failed you, lover…” A tender hand went to John’s ear, sweeping back whatever hair he could from that slick haircut. John’s threats would’ve alarmed someone else, but Volker had meant what he said about knowing how it is. He’d seen it from day one, that aggression like dormant lava, but beneath it all was a scared little boy. Perhaps a little boy not entirely unlike himself and Gaden had been when all hell broke loose so many years ago…

Still, a hard life was no excuse to make John’s life harder... Especially when John was the one person his big dumb heart told him he was supposed to protect.

“You're perfect-" He doesn't mean to stroke an ego but it happens. Especially because John was perfect. In Volker's opinion. "I should've told you that before I disappeared, but I'm telling you now, and I hope it sticks..."

He hadn't given John any reason to not be worried about him leaving again so he stops himself from making promises (despite the very overpowering instinct to do so). Volker makes the promise to himself, instead.

"charming, but we're gonna get something in there!" he pokes Volker's belly with a smile, that kiss was unexpected but very welcoming, he could feel blood rushing up to his face already. he leans over to open the glove compartment without taking his eyes off of the road, hand searches and finds his cigarette packet, he leaves a small peck on Volker's arm before sitting straight again, makes a swift turn out of the way of another car coming right up toward them. slams on the horn "hey!" he fishes a cigarette out with his teeth, using car's lighter "God, you remember Billy? yeah.. he's dating Maeve now, promoted to sheriff title this last week too" he makes a swift turn once they reach his block and flips at two drivers raising their voices for him in protest "I was saying.. yeah, the said friend is uh.. well it's kind of complicated, you know Kimiko? what am I saying, of course you don't but she's my college friend and she's the bride! she's marrying Billy's friend which somehow makes us a big family because Maeve is also my ex too.. where's that- oh! here we are!" and stomps on the brakes, the tires screeching on the dry asphalt. "you're gonna join? oh yeah you said you don't need anything, yeah. I'll be back!" he turns off the engine and turns around to kiss the man properly, draws back and places his own cigarette between Watkins' lips "keep it for me" with a wink before he hops off of the car, of course he's going to grabs fast food, noodles and a beer for his Volki, too. few more items for the road and a new packet of smoke, damn I'm going to die of a cancer, too. "we're on, baby! gonna have the greatest road trip ever!" carelessly, John dumps everything on the truck before sitting behind the wheel again "I'm already hyped for this trip but something tells me it's gonna end bad.. you're gonna leave again and this time, you won't coming back" he's just joking but after Volker disappeared like that, it made him think maybe he did something wrong.. he won't dwell on what happened, after all Volker was just busy, that's all "but do that again and this time, I'll have your head when you come back. I'm very serious, handsome!" snapping his teeth at the man in the passenger seat, he starts the engine. back to his apartment it is.

[bcntbouquet]

Reggie, the fastest kid in school. Any plans Watkins had to RUN away from his problems immediately goes out the window as Reggie’s voice hits his ears. He knows he’d lose against him in any race, so why just hand the group that humiliation freely?

“… Hey, John…”

Volker turned on his heel, trying to play it cool and not like he’s about to get gang-beat.

“Wait. ‘s. Plural? I thought you said Annie was your girl and to stay away from her… Yeah. I remember that distinctly… I think pretty much the whole school can attest to my staying away from her… Hell, ask Annie yourself if you don’t believe me…”

He briefly considers a fib—Saying he 'don't' like girls like that—just to avoid this whole mess allover again. But implying he likes boys might just bring a new type of bullying down on his head. A bully is, usually, a bully, and they don’t exactly scream tolerance.

“I’m not gonna scream, I’m not gonna beg. And for the record, I didn’t flirt with anybody, John… But you’re clearly not interested in the truth, so if you wanna beat up on me that bad, go right ahead. But just you. It’s gotta be a fair fight, after all. At least getting your anger out on me now might save one a’ those poor science guys some grief a little later on…”

Volker then motioned towards Reggie and Kevin with a brazen shooing motion.

"Take a hike or a swim or whatever it is you guys do when you're not up Mr. Johnny-Be-Good's butt here..."

"what is that?" John idly points at the piece of colorful fabric Maeve is holding, the girl sticks her tongue out at him and subtly, tries to hide the item. they're sitting around watching the cheerleaders practicing in the gym and when Annie comes jogging to give John a kiss, Maeve excitedly asked her to linger around because she wanted to show her something, whispers something in Annie's ear and they both giggle when looking down at the bandanna, is why got John curious "it's none of your business!" but that's not the answer John wants to hear, the blonde boy snatches the folded item from Maeve's hand "hey! give it back!" This time, Annie interferes "her new crush gave it to her, John! don't be an asshole!" "new what?! you're kissing other boys, Maeve?" he mocks her with a mean smirk on his lips, Klara, Reggie and Kevin burst in laughter. "it's not just any boys! he was polite to me! better than you!" Maeve looks like she's about to tear John apart, she moves to stand abruptly, her hands on her hips "fine! keep it! don't forget to jerk off with it tonight, Johnny! it seems the queer one here is you! and I won't sit with you guys ever again!" she makes a sharp turn and goes to sit further away from them. Annie glares at John but says nothing, returning back to her team. Klara and Kevin booing after amber hair girl leaves. John sits there with bandanna in his hands, seething in anger "she says she likes girls but she goes sleep with boys! forget about her, guys. better that she left.." and slowly, careful no one see him, he slides the fabric in his jeans back pocket.. Finally, it's time to return back home, usually John and his group hang around skate field but today, they're gonna ambush the new guy "there!" Reggie point at Watkins when he leaves the school "let's get him, guys.." John waits for him to walk away, away until there's no kids around then raises his voice "heeey! new guy..didn't I give you a lesson to stay away from my girls?"

[isolatednights]

a squeak of surprise escapes her as she's grabbed and moved ( crushed against john's side as the sound of shattering glass meets her ears ⸻ aiyla is curling into the man almost on instinct alone ). heart in her throat, it takes her a moment to move again ⸻ to take in the scene before her and swallow back the lump in her throat.

the terrified screams have drawn her in ⸻ only for her hues to snap up to john at his words. "what?" how could they just leave them? "if we don't help them, they're going to die," she argues with a frown. and if anyone is going to be able to do something out of the crowd thats gathered around, it's them.

he'd pushed so hard earlier for her to use her abilities, that now the woman doesn't even hesitate ⸻ fingers coil around his wrist and eyes latch onto his, "tell me truthfully if we can save them or not." it's a suggestion to tell the truth, but she knows she can't wring it out of the man.

John opens his mouth to talk when there's a loud screech outside, followed by a colliding sound of two, three cars together. a screaming tearing through the air, John's quick to shield Aiyla's body when the big window of the coffee shop shatters right near them, sharp glass shards scattering everywhere, few of them catching in his hair as well. "what was that?!" someone frantically screams and everyone in the coffee shop runs outside to survey the event, a truck ran over two cars, no one knows the cause for now but people are gathering around, few of them filming and a group of them try to approach the mauled bodies of the cars to save the survivors. the fire roars and the truck driver crawls out of the big car, limping toward the crowd "it's trucks gas tank! everyone stand back!" John squints his eyes at the iron pile of the cars "there are people buried underneath!" a woman screams at him "someone call Vought!" "call the police!" "but there's still fire!" "someone help!" John touches Aiyla's elbow "let's just get out of here.. I.. I can't save them, moving those cars only causes more damage.."

[isolatednights]

aiyla has to press her lips together to keep her laughter contained, failing slightly when she offers her apology, "sorry, it was the best comparison i could think of in the moment." and what did that say about her? dear lord. "that's it?" blue hues rise to look at him with a touch of hesitancy ⸻ but then again, he's homelander. for all she knows, aiyla could attempt to exert some sort of influence and fail spectacularly. "i ⸻ ok, i suppose." slipping by him and into the coffee shop, aiyla flashes him a smile and a soft 'thank you' over her shoulder.

she's in the midst of pursuing the menu when he mentions something soft ⸻ and for some reason it causes blue hues to drop and peer down through the glass display of fluffy pastries. between the array of options and the possibility of a milkshake, the woman offers a soft groan, "as lovely as a milkshake sounds, i'm afraid if i have one now i'll never have a proper dinner. vought isn't flying me home until tomorrow and it seems sinful to miss out on a real meal down here, you know? so many good restaurants to choose from." attention turning to the barista, she smiles, "just a lemon ginger tea please."

Homelander almost trips over and falls "w-what?!" but gains back his composure soon John don't act like you're very interested in latter. "I uh.. yeah, uh.. you're right. I'm just.. wow. that's uh.. you have my consent for everything, as long as you don't make me kill someone, we're all fine!." he winks at Aiyla as he holds the coffee shop door open for her, a pleasant waft of coffee and sweets smell hits his nostrils and while it's over whelming but he finds it strangely soothing, like a scent you sense once and memorize it with a good memory. Following after her inside, he order for himself a milkshake "what you'd like to drink? maybe something soft.." stop babbling nonsense about something that you have no idea of!! "or maybe another milkshake for you, too?" yeah, it's his first time taking someone on a coffee shop date and he really hopes he won't mess it up.

[isolatednights]

"maybe a coffee while we walk?" she asked, glancing up at him from beneath her lashes. it would be easier to keep anyone from recognizing the man, even is civilian clothing ( plus after the day she'd had cramped inside, aiyla could do with a proper stretch of her legs ). "oh ⸻ i was born in washington but moved while i was still pretty young and spent most of my life growing up in a small town on the east coast." god she hoped he didn't pry. sure, another supe might be able to understand what she'd gone through ( sympathize like so many others were incapable of ), but it didn't make it a comfortable topic.

at the mention of the coffee shop, aiyla perks up. a needed distraction. "yeah, want to grab something?" even with the inquiry, the woman is already tugging him in the direction of the coffee shop ( the scent wafting down the street is just too good to resist ).

steps slow slightly at his statement. homelander is far too nonchalant about the entire thing and aiyla isn't sure if she should be put on edge or at ease because of it. "i meant more like things you wouldn't want me to do? obviously i wouldnt try to get you to go on a rampage... but like, what if i tried to push and get you to start spilling secrets to me? this is a... really bad comparison... but like sex, surely you have some hard lines, you know? like things you wouldn't want to do or say?"

"hm? I thought you wanted to take us to a coffee shop you said it's nearby?" he shakes his head with a smile "let's just walk for now and see where we can find decent enough, hm?" he holds her hand as they walk shoulder by shoulder, like they're a couple already "where uh.. where you're from? I-I mean your birth place!" he remembers he asked the same, somehow, question before but the thing is he wanted her to talk more for him and he was starting to really love her calming voice. "oh.. isn't that the coffee shop you mentioned?" he jerks his chin toward a small store on the corner, it looked like a cozy place and away from the sight, occupied a small place in the street. "so about ground rules." he rolls his eyes a little "about..you know, using your powers on me, I want to know them. but, again, I think you're too cautious Aiyla, I mean, it's just me! nothing can hurt me! pfft!" he waves a hand "trust me, many tried but none of them succeed. there should be a reason they call me 'Man Of Steel', no?"

[isolatednights]

its odd. aiyla couldn't recall the last time she met someone who wasn't at least slightly discomforted by her powers. brow furrowing, blue hues peek at the man beneath her lashes as she trails behind him in the direction of the elevators. "i would never do anything unsavory like... order you to hurt someone," she tries to assure. "but i ⸻ would you want to know before i tried it? i feel like i need ground rules or something." mostly because her training had been so strict and the woman had held herself to such a high standard previously. pushing her limits was something she'd never dared test. offering a brief smile, she steps into the elevator.

watching the exchange between the pair in relative silence, aiyla isn't certain she's pieced together whatever relationship the duo seem to have ( but clearly there's a power dynamic at play and ashley seems very unhappy that aiyla herself is somehow benefiting ). "you didn't need to do that," she murmurs to homelander as the doors slide shut behind ashley and they begin their descent once more. "i'm only in the city for work." and pissing off ashley of all people would only lead to some sort of consequence once the man wasn't around.

as the doors to the ground floor open, she sighs, "never mind. a walk, right? any recommendations on where to go?"

"if it was invasive, I wouldn't suggest helping you with that at first place, right?" he smiles widely "of course taking a walk is still between options! come on!" he holds her hand gently, while he knows she's a supe too but he's aware that he's the strongest supe and can actually hurt others by mere use of his powers. Leaving the apartment, he leads them both to elevators, pressing the button "you can try your power anytime you want on me and about that, you have my full consent!" he gives a wink at that and the elevator doors slide open with a soft 'ding!'. "ladies first!" he motions for her to enter. Despite the idea somehow being scary but from every view, it seems interesting. Homelander is sure no one can defeat him anyway. "H-Homelander! sir!!" it's Ashley again, she was waiting for the elevator, frowning when she notices Homelander in civil clothing and with that girl, Aiyla too. "going somewhere, sir?" she asks, her voice having a faint trace of dread. Homelander avoids looking at her "isn't your business, Ashley and be careful because I want to be nice in front of this lovely lady here." a pause then like he remembers something "oh and Ashley-" poor woman jumps out of her skin "cancel every meeting that Aiyla has for this evening, she's with me for today." Ashley nods once "of course, sir!" but glares at Aiyla on her way out of the elevator.

[isolatednights]

"don't know," she admits, "last time i pushed, i was throwing a tantrum because a kid took my toy and i told them to go away and never come back. took days to find them." there is still deep seated shame that accompanies the admission ⸻ aiyla realized she was just a child ( it had been done entirely unintentionally ; words of frustration spoken without any true ill intent ), but she'd spent so many years being convinced what she'd done was some great evil that she'd never thought of really pushing her limits. "i've never really had a reason to use it, i suppose. my job is rather mild mannered in the scheme on things. i'm sure if i was in danger i could manage it."

"no no, let's go out. i've had enough of vought today," the words are accompanied by an almost sheepish smile. "you mentioned a walk earlier ⸻ just wondering if you that was still an option?"

the clothes she's brought with her ( and those she keeps within the space ) are admittedly sparse. it takes little time to rid of the dress she'd donned that morning and replace it with a pair of jeans and a blouse. she's just returning to the living room when he voices the offer. "oh." no ones ever really offered before, and it actually stops her in her tracks. "oh ⸻" brows furrowing, blue hues look at him with a hint of skepticism. "i don't know... that's really nice but... are you sure? don't you think it would be too... invasive?" like everyone else seemed to think.

Suddenly there's an idea shaping in John's mind. He frowns "not to push too hard? But what if you want to push hard? I mean.. yeah, supes have..well, we have more strong wills but..but have you ever thought of using the whole capacity? Like, all your energy!" He ne er met someone with her power before, the ones like hers are taught to not cross their 'limits' or else their powers will be destructive for their own kind, too. But isn't it what power really means?

He smiles, extending his hands on each sides "I'm all at your service, my lady. We can spend more times here at your nice.." He looks around briefly "-place and chat more or we can still go for that coffee?"

He returns back to the living room when she says to give her time to change. Still thinking over his thought, what if her power goes on another level? Not only moving humans based on her will but also moving objects too? Or maybe controlling more than one human at the same time? Ooh she can be very useful for him. If only he could make her use her powers on him-

"Hey, Aiyla.." He calls as he examines random items she has left around the apartment. "If you ever wanted to try your special ability on some supe, I'd willingly volunteer myself."

Why he said that..? Well, there won't be nothing to lose and deep down Homelander believes he can feel whenever she uses her power on him. The important thing here is, he genuinely wants her to take her power to upper level by 'practice'.

[isolatednights]

a brow arches at the sound of choking, the woman casting a brief glance over her shoulder at the man to ensure he's alright ( entirely oblivious to the fact that it's the admission to her power that has caused such a thing ). "wrong tube?" she queries with a soft chuckle.

"not easy for either of us, it seems," removing the last of the pins from her hair, aiyla sighs in relief. a headache waiting to happen ⸻ ensuring she's professional and presentable for her work with vought. "is that what you want? to do this for the rest of your life?" a genuine inquiry, seeing as she knows some supes do just that ⸻ work until they're unable or killed in the line of duty.

turning to look at him, her head cocks slightly. in truth, it wasn't something aiyla had really contemplated. "depends, i suppose." she notes with a shrug. "it's easier on those who are unaware. they're less likely to fight whatever suggestion i make. supes tend to be more complicated too. we tend to be uh... more strong willed... than those who don't have powers." something in her cringes at the admission, but there is an unfortunate truth about it. "but i was also taught not to push to hard, so i honestly have no idea. in a pinch i'm sure i could really exert my will."

"give me a minute to change and i'll be good to go. still in a mood for a coffee or do you have time to kill?"

He chokes on the milk he was drinking when she tells him about her special power. ooh.. Homelander is certainly interested now. can feel blood running south and shit! that's not good at all! be polite and civil, John! he whirls his thought to other places, trying to focus more on..on something else! but.. the imagination of having her towering above him, having him under her spell is so.. so appealing that he forgets about anything else unintentionally. He can feel the heat running up to his face, the tingling feeling of it on his ears and on his cheekbones. "y-yeah.. uh..that.." he puts the carton away, nodding rapidly "that's something difficult when you want a healthy relationship." he pauses when she asks him about his own 'future plans'. "I..uh..I'm the Homelander. you know how it is." he shrugs "saving people again and again until forever! life is crazy for people like us, am I right?" he smiles toothily, tipping back and forth on his heels and when she isn't looking, he gives himself permission to pry more.. 'just for late night funs!' he tells himself. His x-ray vision scanning her full body under that beautiful dress, he brings a hand up to bite on his knuckle "I uh..you-you think your power works on me too?" his throat dry.

[isolatednights]

"oh ⸻ i'm not sure i'd say i'm not a fan. it's just.... different," she murmurs. "a bit disorienting, perhaps? maybe a little terrifying," the last part is added with a little laugh, "but isn't anything when you put your life quite literally in someone elses hands?" at the slight bump, fingers tighten around the flowers she's once again picked up ( this time with the intention of trimming ). blue hues raise to flicker at him in question ⸻ to ensure he's alright, only for her cheeks to flush slightly at the compliment. "thank you. yours are very pretty as well ⸻ we match," she teases, flashing the man a smile before turning back to the task at hand. almost immediately once her back is to him does she mentally groan ( we match? a brilliant statement aiyla, she thinks ).

vase plucked from one of the higher cabinet shelves within the kitchen and flowers freshly cut, aiyla takes a moment to arrange them ⸻ a hum of satisfaction leaving her before sliding them toward the end where they can be more properly displayed. only then does she pay attention to her companion again ( eyeing the glass of milk beside her with a furrowed brow because that certainly isn't the drink she would have chosen for herself and nearly choking on her breath when she sees him drinking straight from the container ). to each their own, she supposes. in the end, they aren't really her groceries and now she'll just... not use that milk.

"your life is virtually splashed across all the magazines and newspapers and you know nothing about me, you're fine. if you overstep i'll let you know." she shrugs, stepping out of the kitchen to begin pulling a few pins from her hair. "bit hard to find someone whose willing to be with a supe with a power like mine," she admits, wiggling her fingers at him. "last guy thought i was influencing him. as if that isn't possible without using my powers." eyes roll at the thought as she blindly tosses the pins onto a nearby table, fingers shaking out locks. "as good as vought pays, at some point i'll probably move on. find a job i can properly plant roots and start a family. what about you? i imagine it's about ten times more difficult for you to consider that than me."

He smiles "not a fan of flying, am I right? I mean, not everyone is.. but, it's a fast traveling way, aren't you agreed?" He brushes past her to the fridge, accidentally knocking in her elbow "sorry!" He's quick to apologise and hold onto her arm to keep her from falling, slightly getting closer to her during this "I..uh.. um..I-I think uh..your eyes are so pretty this up close" He swallows down, all that bravado and courage he gathered up to talk to her seems to be out of the window now that he's just an inches apart from her..

He lets go of her, looking down at his own hand that was wrapped around her arm, careful not to put much pressure. He clears his throat once, going to open the freezer and thank God the company cares about the important guests and employees, the freezer is full of every possible things she might need and he only grabs the milk carton.

Finding a mug from the cabinet above the sink, he pours her some before drinking straight from the container. Maybe it's the familiar, comforting taste of the milk that makes him start again "are you single? I-I don't want to..you know, sound..nosy at all or anything" He chuckles nervously "but you seem to travel a lot and this type of life isn't ideal when you're married, no?"

[isolatednights]

brows furrow slightly when she's tugged forward, only for a squeal of surprise to escape her when the ground quite literally disappears beneath them. perhaps, given the man, she ought to have expected it ⸻ but that doesn't stop aiyla from scrambling to hold onto him ( arms wrapping perhaps a bit too tightly around homelanders neck ; drawing her closer as eyes initially squeeze shut at that swooping in her stomach from the sudden change in altitude ).

it takes a minute for her to relax enough to blink her eyes open. lips part in surprise ⸻ because while she might have seen the city from high above in the vought building, this is an entirely new perspective. "oh⸻" she breaths, head twisting slightly in hopes of taking in more.

there is, admittedly, a sense of relief when she's placed back down onto the balcony of the room she tends to be given ( and part of her wonders how he's managed to get that right, but perhaps the room is given to any visiting employees ). "that was ⸻" shaking her head, aiyla flashes the man a grin before moving toward the sliding door at the prompt to put the flowers into water. she hesitates for a moment before gesturing inside ( it wasn't like she could just leave him out on the damned balcony ). "come on it. shouldn't take long. i'll have to see if theres a vase here and then i suppose i'll just change real quick since we're here? make yourself comfortable. not sure if theres anything in the fridge but help yourself."

"thank you for that, by the way ⸻ the flight. it's definitely something else. i'll check it off my bucket list," she chuckles as she begins rummaging through the kitchen for a vase.

lips tugging up in a boyish smile "how about I show you instead?" and without promotion, he pulls her closer by her smaller hand, careful not to be too rough with her and picks her up bridal style, flying out of the balcony door of the floor they're currently on. Taking off in the blue sky with slow speed, almost hovering and accelerating like a balloon, holding her pressed to his chest, tightening up his grip on her back and under her thighs in case she panicked and thrashed around.. he didn't want to harm her at all but it's nice to share a 'flight' with others sometimes, sharing a lovely view with them. "Pretty good, isn't it?" the breeze playing with her hair, dark strands moving around her head like waves and he wished he could just.. kiss her.. but.. not yet, it'll be too soon for that. "there we go!" as he promised, he flies up until they reach her floor, he lands gently on her balcony, placing her on the floor, making sure her posture is steady before letting go of her "and you're here! see? wasn't scary at all, we even saved more times too, now about that vase you said? I can wait for you until you put them-" he motions to flowers with his chin "-in the water. take your time, eh? you can shower and throw on something nice, too!" he gives a polite smile but does nothing to leave the place, it's like silently demanding to be invited inside.

[isolatednights]

"unfortunately, it was," she murmurs ⸻ grateful he's smiling and not horribly annoyed with how things had unfolded ( though if anyone was to know about a wrench being thrown into a plan, surely it would be the man before her ).

the presentation of the flowers causes her to blink back her surprised ( though it doesn't keep her from taking them from his grasp ). they certainly are pretty ( and she can only imagine the cost of something so fresh and large in the midst of the city ). cheeks flush at the compliment and the smile she flashes him this time is almost shy. "thank you, homelander. that's very sweet of you. they're beautiful. i'll have to put them in water before we leave and hope they keep for the flight home tomorrow."

"fly?" the following question is almost entirely lost on her. aiyla has admittedly always been curious as to what that particular power is life. "oh ⸻ no no, i couldn't possibly ask you to do that. i'll be fine as i am until later. technically still on call until later," though, wasn't she always on call? "can i ask, what it's like ⸻ flying? sorry. that's probably something people ask a lot but i just ⸻ it's very different than what i can do," she laughs.

"everything is fine, no need to be sorry. it was a duty call, right?" he rolls his eyes with a smile, like saying he had same experience too and totally understand why she was late. Handing the flowers to her "I uh.. I didn't know your favorite flower so uh.. I uh.. I hope you like them anyway, they were prettiest ones! just like you. you're so beautiful." he wants to kick himself for being so awkward, why it's so hard?! "I see you're still in your work clothes? want me to.. maybe give you a fly up to your floor? for.. changing into something more uh.. comfortable before we go for that coffee you promised?" he winks, the smile turning in a grin.

[isolatednights]

shortly after homelander departs, ashley's assistant appears ( visibly frazzled and quickly dragging her along ). the skin to skin contact and rapid fire of the woman ⸻ a woman who has the audacity to blame aiyla for not making herself available sooner ( as if she'd not been the one dragged from her apartment before she'd been able to sleep ; as if she'd not been kept awake hours simply waiting to be called upon ) causes her temper to flare. it takes several breaths to center herself ( to convince herself that suggesting the woman rethink her attitude and be grateful aiyla's not asking the deep to travel into the midst of the sahara desert and staying there indefinitely ). the entire affair takes her hours to try and fix ⸻ partially because the deep is a fucking idiot, and partially because she outright refuses to just do exactly what vought orders.

having sent word to the man when she would be forced to miss their agreed upon noon luncheon, aiyla is stepping back into the lobby of headquarters when she spots him ( an apologetic smile beginning to curl at her lips ).

"i'm going to strangle the Deep," she says in way of greeting ⸻ fingers raising to pinch at the bridge of her nose in hopes that it will fight off the headache that has been teasing along her temples for the past several hours. "sorry ⸻ that's... not appropriate for me to say. i just ⸻ when i agreed to work for vought i thought i would be helping people in the aftermath of a big fight against the bad guys, not.... cleaning up after that breathing political nightmare," the huff of breath that escapes her relays her frustration before her heads giving a shake. "sorry about lunch. ashley's assistant ⸻ amy? or angela? i can't remember her name, she's a new one from last time, um but she said there's a nice coffee shop around the corner. let me buy you a cup as an apology?"

He had enough time until noon, went out shopping for 'civil clothing' and a lovely bouquet for her, too. He told the girl behind the counter that he wants every blue flowers "and prettiest ones, too."

Ashley's assistant finds Aiyla "where were you?! It's an emergency situation!" She tugs on her hand, talking fast and in rush "it's about Deep, after that.. you know, that disaster with Starlight we wanted him to keep a low profile but-!" She huffs "I'll explain later! You're social manager, aren't you?! You should have contacted us sooner!"

[isolatednights]

the thought of staying inside a moment longer causes her smile to tighten ( how long would she be required to stare at the same four walls until some vought employee came to tell her why she'd been brought to new york to begin with? ). when he offers to accompany her however, aiyla appraises him silently. the word selection ( date ) is certainly an interesting one ⸻ but not something she plans to press or ply over. it was just an offer to lunch ( with the worlds greatest superhero ⸻ was she stupid enough to turn that down? no ).

"you can get a good steak most places. now good italian..." a shoulder rises into a shrug ⸻ the women entirely convinced that real, authentic italian was difficult to come by. "if i've not been dragged off before then on business, it's a date. i don't want to keep you from anything ⸻ i could meet you in the lobby closer to noon?"

That smile widens "if you want to stay indoors and order something from Vought‘s service I'd recommend steaks they serve here but I was thinking.. there's an Italian restaurant nearby, we can go there if you want to? Tell me when and I'll pick you up, it'll be a date, right?" He knows he's being 'pushy' but if she choose to stay at the tower, he won't insist on taking her out then.. she seems worried and in hurry, it's like they brought her here against her will.

"Or maybe we can go out after lunch? Just taking a walk together? If you have free time, of course."

[isolatednights]

she finds herself having to bite down on her lip to keep the chuckle from escaping her ⸻ flattery, it seems, is a trait within their industry ( whether natural or taught is debatable, but aiyla is smart enough to know if she compliments him in return, they're certain to go around and around endlessly ). so instead, she flashes him a smile with her silent thanks. "however long they need me here, i suppose. i landed hours ago and figured they'd have shuffled me away on assignment already but apparently not. at this rate, i'll likely have to hunt someone down to get some answers as to why they brought me to new york and where they plan on putting me up." there were hours yet until she needed to worry over such things, but it doesn't stop blue hues from flickering away from him once more to glance at the door.

"oh ⸻ i couldn't possibly ask you to do that. i'm sure you have more important things to do than show me around the city." she excuses, attention returning to him. "besides, i'm afraid i would be horrible company. i'm only ever here for business and i fear i'd fall into a tourist mentality too easily. statue of liberty, time square." a hand waves almost dismissively, her nose crinkling at the judgement she affords herself for such a thing. "but maybe a suggestion for lunch? i know they'll bring something in eventually ⸻ but i doubt it will be the best local cuisine so... what would you recommend?"

He flashes that sweet smile of his, fangs showing. "What a beautiful name for a beautiful lady." He holds her hand gently but instead of giving a shake, he bends a little over it, bringing it close to his lips but not kissing "How long you'll stay in our lovely city, Aiyla? I can show you some.. more interesting parts of it!" He chuckles a little and that voice in his head taunts him for making it look 'awkward' again.

Just look at her! She won't be yours, you're making it look crass. Look at yourself, a failure, trying so hard to flirt normally but you're never good at it, right? What Maeve said-

He bites inside his cheek hard to distract himself from hearing those words again. Still maintaining his polite smile "or you can tell me where you stay and I'll come pick you up this afternoon!"

[isolatednights]

a sculpted brow arches at the statement ⸻ something for employees? a pang of concern ricochet's through her chest. surely that wasn't the case ( surely there wasn't something so tightly under wraps that they'd call in the literal face of vought ⸻ of the seven ) and told even him nothing. there had to be a misunderstand and this little encounter had to just be... coincidence. there's a piece to the puzzle missing, but at this point it isn't as if aiyla can simply excuse herself from the conversation with the man in front of her in favor of getting answers ( this was homelander for goodness sake ).

"well i'm glad to hear it isn't anything to worry over. they made it seem urgent when they popped me onto that red eye but i suppose that's vought, isn't it? all hurry up and wait," a chuckle escapes her as eyes roll skyward ( seemingly good naturally despite the fact that the action is riddled with hidden annoyance for all but being dragged to new york for, apparently, nothing ). "i'm fairly certain i would recall officially meeting the homelander," she offers ⸻ the charm in her tone perhaps a bit too thick but it's instinct at this point ( those hours of training with her godmother near second nature ). stepping forward, she holds out a hand, "ersoy ⸻ aiyla is fine."

The prettiest blue eyes he ever seen, lovely smile, lean body.. a beautiful nymph under those ugly clothing Vought picked for her. John wanted to say 'hi' months ago when he first met her in a gala.. what was it, some meeting for choosing next member of the Seven and his eyes found her, sitting across the room. She isn't a big name, isn't even a powerful supe so to say and does more.. paperworks than actual action but damn.. is it what they call 'love'? He's mesmerised by her.. calling it a creepy behavior but he's been spying on her, where she gets her daily coffee, how she likes to style her hair, what shampoo she uses, what color she likes, even small details of how she sleeps..

She's like a goddess, so full of energy yet seems shy and avoiding him and believe it, he practiced a lot in front of the mirror for what to say to her, how to get close to her.. but never, never really was a good time for it until now that Vought summoned her for a business and there she is, standing by the window, sunshine making her profile look even more beautiful.

"Uh.." He winces "I don't know about the meeting either but it's something for employees, I've heard. Shouldn't be something major to get ruffled over. Don't worry!" He smiles toothily "are you sure? But I really think I know you, Ms. Um...?"