#the rails being making Homelander Dadlander every time I guess

[teastainedprose]

Homelander pinky promises

Homelander isn't a tender man. He isn't soft or gentle. There's no room for such sentiments when you're a God. All the sweetness was wrung out ages ago. Vogelbaum had seen to that. Yet, when Ryan flings himself at him, he doesn't push his son away. He tightens his hold, mindful not to squeeze too tight even if Homelander knows Ryan is durable. He's a God as well, but a young one. Still tender and kind. When Ryan crawls into his lap as if he's far smaller than he truly is, Homelander simply adjusts on the couch to make room. He would never reject his son as he seeks closeness, knowing how alone he must have felt being left with 'Aunt' Grace. He's here now and that's all that matters. Homelander is determined to give his son the childhood he deserves. The one he never had. "You weren't lying when you said you're not mad, right?" Ryan asks, voice small. "Hey, what's all this-?" Homelander starts, but the expression on Ryan's face gives him pause. A myriad of expressions flicker across Homelander's features before it softens. "No, I wasn't lying."

"-and you're always going to be here for me, right?" Ryan shifts, grip tightening as he gives Homelander an uncertain look. "Yeah, I promise." Homelander huffs softly, the ghost of a smile on his lips. "Pinkie promise?" Sitting up, Ryan holds out his hand with pinky extended. That perplexes Homelander for a second before he holds up his own hand. His gloves had been long removed before his visit with Ryan. He offers his pinky, "Pinky promise."