Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

New York

An icon for the most world renowned Supes that save the day. The home of the great Vought that has given peace and smiles in homes these days. Every human who was granted with an ability find themselves living either their dream or something to the equivalent. But not every person was selected to be great. Some are selected for a future that was made for them. Whether they like it or not, that is just how life works. 

The Seven, the most renowned group of highly capable Supes. The magnificent beacon of hope, security, and evolution for the people. Hand selected, trained thoroughly, rebranded, media ready, and much more. To be one of the Seven means to be one of the Supes that everyone counts on. Always in the public eye, never an imperfection... 

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"Are we recording?... Perfect. Hello, I am Water Lily. This is my audition to be contracted under Vought International." A voice quiet straight to the point, slight edge, a slight dip in tone making her voice not the obnoxious high in pitch. 

Standing in front of the camera lens was a woman about 5'3, thin, tight morph suit that faded from a deep green at the top to a white at the bottom, a mask that was textured to look like a leaf wrapped around the face, a layer is sheer cloth wrapped over the shoulders and waist to give a flowing silhouette. The look was not modern like everyone else. It looked like something from a runway, a physical painting, or something from another country that made her stand out. Simple, delicate, just like the flower. Her age not disclosed, but based off the look so must be old enough to have her curves and womanly figure. 

"My ability is to manipulate water, controlling it's form and turning it into another form. Solid, gas, or liquid, as long as it is H2O I can control it. I can even separate the element from other elements, but it takes concentration and time." Water Lily spoke as she picked up a water bottle and opened it. She took a few steps back before throwing the water towards the camera. 

Like slow motion the water escaped the bottle before forming together to turn into ice right before the lens. The bottle hitting the ice wall and falling to the ground before the ice melted into gas. The woman approached and picked the bottle up before the gas slowly came to the lip of the bottle and began to pour water in. It was like a magic trick or CGI, but it was there. Even the camera guy was in awe and even asked her if she could control any kind of water. 

"Like I said only water, meaning 60% of the body can be controlled by me if I continue to train. So far I can do about an arm before I collapse from exhaustion." That was a lie to the camera as she didn't just collapse. First stages of over using her ability was a nose bleed before her insides would begin to boil and shut down from the over exertion.

Knowing Vought International they probably will pull up all the information they need on her. That is if they accept her. The rest of the audition went as followed, reason for wanting to join the organization, talking more about personal life which was pretty much skimmed, and then signing papers for if she was not picked that she would try again "eventually". Boring begins for a fun ending. 

Just like any normal day, part time job, charity services, and then home. Lucy Stillwater, yes, her last name is Stillwater. Is there any correlation to her power? No, but Lucy's dad would say yes. Apparently is was all in the marketing of his daughter. Lucy Stillwater granted by the gods the ability to hold water in her clutches. To still the waters in the lake in their town so when it rain the city would not flood. It was a obnoxious to have a greedy father who acted as an agent. It was all about the money and fame for him. Not even his daughter that he was taking advantage of. 

Lucy had gotten home where he father was waiting for her with a letter. He had the biggest grin on his face that just screamed greed. It probably was another letter inviting her to the next touring religion wanting her to showcase walking on water. It was a cliche trick, but all it was is her total concentration as she froze the water under her feet for a moment. The letter was not of real importance as her father's lips moved. 

"Incredible news Water Lily, Vought International wants to meet you and give you a contract with them. They are paying for you to fly out tomorrow." Ever since the town started just calling her Water Lily, her dad does not use her name unless he wants something. 

"Yeah...so I should get packing." Lucy spoke quietly as she started to head to her room. She really didn't sign up for the audition for the fame, she wanted to get away from her father. 

As her father spoke all about the best opportunity for Water Lily, Lucy just blocked him out as she threw in a few clothes to change into after the meeting. She likely was going to be forced by her father to wear her suit. Lucy barely got to wear normal clothes unless it was to her part time job and when she went out with friends. It was rare anymore since her father's hold on her was getting worse. Even as she was an adult she was in a position of dependence on her father. It would make sense that he became controlling when she first gained her water control, but it started after her mother and father divorced. It was messy, but anyone smart enough would connect the pieces on why and how she ended up stuck with her father. 

"So when is the flight?"

"Tomorrow morning early. We have to be there before lunch. So we are leaving here in the middle of the night." 

It was likely her father was going to lock her in her room so she could sleep even before the sun is down. Meaning no time for training or hobbies. Which Lucy did not mind since her true peace was in slumber. this usually happened with no opportunities for her father to get in the spot light.

Just as she thought, her father went on a rant about how successful he was going to be while blocking her in the bedroom. She took this time to pack and even hope that her father was not going. Which was confirmed since he mentioned that she needed to sign everything no matter what. This would be her first time traveling on her own. Finally she would be able to make the decisions she wants. Lucy will get to have control over this. A spark of excitement lit in her as she agreed with her father. No matter what, she was going to sign the contract and her far away from him. Be able to have a life on her own where she can now have people call her Lucy instead of her hero name. 

Day turned to night and as the plane flew through the clouds into the sunrise. It wasn't the view from Lucy's see that made her feet dance. Lucy was getting away from her father for possibly the rest of her life. Freedom at its finest. When she landed she was able to get off the plane with easy as she only brought the most important things she needed. It was likely she was going to have her stuff moved to wherever she would be flew to. Maybe she would end up in Washington, California, who cares. Lucy would have responsibilities as a Supe, but she will get to calk her shots. Freedom! 

As she was nearing the door out to New York she heard her hero name. "Water Lily! Hello, I am from Vought International to escort you to the building." It was looked like a normal person, only thing was a badge with the V and a short description of their position. Security. 

Lucy did not really say much, but was able to follow security our a side door to a black vehicle waiting for her. She felt her bag leave her shoulder as the security took it. She then was ushered into the back seat before the security threw her bag in and got in the car. 

Lucy could look outside as she buckled up. The tinted windows allowed her to be hidden, but she could still make out people's faces and street names. Her eyes looked around and even fiddled with the sheer cloth attached to her suit. Her mask really keeping her identity hidden for now and her voice being quiet behind it was just as useful. No one would know who Lucy was unless they are with Vought or a friend. It made things feel a little better. Maybe she could finally breathe and not cringe at every time she hears her hero name. 

It took a while till she found the car stopping at a giant building. She had to almost press her head to the window to even glimpse at the end of the tower. Lucy was able to get our of the car and the person who greeted her had her bag in their hand. Lucy was instructed to walk in and someone should be able to escort her to speak with a rep for the contract. There was a small part of her that found this suspicious. Where was her bag going to go. She was hoping to be able to change after signing the contract. For now she needed to continue on even if signs were telling her danger. 

Lucy entered the building as bustling people were walking around. It looked like a movie set of background characters acting alive for the scene. At first no one really paid much attention to her. She had walked towards a metal detector where she really only had her phone in hand. She set it on the side before walking through. Her suit thankfully had no metals, the only thing she ever had on her metal was her phone when traveling. When fighting she would have a belt constraining water so she didn't have to grab any from the surroundings. 

Once she was scanned she was let go to wonder around clueless. Her head tilting from side to up and down. She looked out of place, but in place. It was confusing as she walked around like she didn't know where she was, but no one approached thinking she was just a Supe. It wasn't till she felt eyes on her that she turned to find those eyes. There was no one looking at her, but she saw a few elevators that people were walking in and out. 

Then a touch, a tap to Lucy's shoulder making her turn quickly. There was an over exaggerated smile on a short hair red head. Her mouth opening wide, almost cartoonish from how Lucy saw it. 

"You must be Water Lily, Lucy, may I call you Lily." There was so much energy bursting from this woman as she held a clipboard to her breast as her free hand extended. Her words being more statements than anything. 

"Ah, no." Lucy said calmly and confused. She didn't even shake her hand that was extended. "Who are you? "

"Ashley, Ashley Barret, head of public relations for the Seven. Normally another representative of Vought would be here to address you. Ms. Stillwell wanted me to take over and get you ready for the public that we will be addressing." This statement confused Lucy as she was told she was just signing papers and discussing her future. 

"What?" Lucy was able to get our before Ashley was already walking away. So she had to hurry behind to make sure she was there. "I thought I was here to sign a contract. Not meet the media."

"Oh, your contract has already been signed by your agent with a copy of your signature. You start today, that is why we flew you out here. You are to go to an interview with our face of the company. Homelander and smile to those cameras while agreeing to everything that is said. Which you will need to remove that mask before getting out there." 

Lucy stopped in her tracks as Ashley was yapping about what Lucy had to do. The entire time Lucy had been led to believe she was in control. That she wouldn't have to jump through hoops without a say. Sadly this cage of gold looked so much like the one of silver. 

Chapter Text

"The wild, cruel beast is not behind the bars of the cage. He is in front of it."

Axel Munthe

Fake smiles, flashes of bodies running passed, hands pulling, a breeze kissing along the skin of our hero. Lucy had been rushed off to another building after only spending minutes in the Vought tower. Dazed, left in a state of discomfort as no one was being reasonable with her. It was like they owned her. Not even a word could leave her mask as she was pushed into chairs before getting pulled out to another room. Sit, stand, run, sit, stand, run. At this point she should do her work out from how much she was squatting before up and running. 

Finally Lucy was pushed into a director seat before being left alone. She let out the biggest sigh in her life as she hunched over. Besides the running around she was told how to speak when certain questions came up. She didn't pay attention as she dealt with her inner thoughts. Her head being held up by her hand as her elbow dug into the arm of the chair. Behind the back Lucy was puzzled and trying to figure out what she could do. She could just walk out. She could just leave. What would they do to stop her? She could use all the water currently out to shield her as she left. Only real person that would get to her is another Supe. She knew only of Homelander being in the building or was he. Either way she was not going to deal with worrying about that. 

The sound of a creaking chair beside her did not call for her to lift her head. Whoever it was did not matter to Lucy. All she was thinking of how she could leave without drawing attention. Her suit was already loud as it was. So was her thoughts as a voice was trying to get her attention. It wasn't till Lucy lifted her head with an idea. She put her hands on the arms of the chair to jump out, but was stopped by a heavy hand tightly wrapped around her bicep. The gloved finger tips almost digging into her. 

"No scurrying off now blossom. I am not that hungry to go chasing after you." The voice already recognizable from the countless times it was on TV. Lucy slowly turned her head. The perfectly combed blonde hair, crisp blue eyes, the chiseled face, angular nose, and that award winning smile. 

Already her eyes locking on the face of Homelander. Her eyes drifting slowly down to see red collar, eagle shoulder decorations, blue muscle suit, golden belt buckle, red boots with matching gloves, and just draped over the arm of the chair was the iconic American flag cape. Homelander in the flesh! The man who was an idle to Lucy, but slowly died out as she grew up as a hero herself. 

She rests back in her chair still staring at him in disbelief he was speaking to her. That is when she registered his hand was still on her arm making her look down at his hand. Normally someone would retract their hand, but instead his thumb began to rub small circles. Lucy did not know if he was doing that to ease her or his presence or a personal reason. 

"Let's start again. I am Homelander, you must be Water Lily. I was told that you are to be my partner for the next while. Now all you have to do is smile and nod that pretty little head of yours." There was a smirk on his smile as the words felt tainted with something else. 

So far Lucy has not spoken really. Many people so far think she is similar to Black Noir. Silent and only there to look good. Though she just was quiet since the only people she really has spoken to don't listen to her. 

"I wasn't told anything." Her voice still quiet and hushed. It was like if she spoke any louder she would shake like a leaf. Though Homelander's eye brows raised before his hand slid down her arm and gently took her hand. Seeing the fabric covered hand he leaned down to gently kiss her knuckles. 

Lucy pulled her hand back, but Homelander was able to hold her fingers tight. His eyes piercing through her mask to see the startled and faint red face. Green eyes and a platinum blonde hair pulled tight in a bun with a wit cap around it. From Lucy's body language she was startled and uncomfortable. So Homelander gently rubbed her fingers with his thumb before letting go. He then rest back in his chair as Lucy held her hand close to herself. 

Thinking back to her childhood she remembers Homelander being kind, passionate, and overall the embodiment of a hero. Seeing and being near give different stories that made her conflicted. If she wasn't already lost with what she was doing here, then this threw her for a loop. His energy was of a lion stalking it's prey and even toying with it. Wait, that wouldn't be the best comparison. A lion fits his golden hair and the way he presents himself on TV. But in person he felt like a clan of Hyenas that were hunting in packs. Laughing, sneaking in, before nippling and tearing at their prey. The whole process wearing the weak down to giving up and being devoured alive. It made Lucy on edge to even consider speaking to him further. 

Lucy bounced her leg as she waits with Homelander next to her. It felt like time was slowed and the feeling of those same eyes laying on her made it all the more anxiety inducing. Her danger senses were screaming for her to leave, not just the building, but some where far far from here. Maybe, just maybe, she could survive on her own. 

The time felt turned back to normal. "You two are on in 5." Someone randomly said as they walked pass them. 

Homelander was the first to get up. The cape swishing in the stale air. The faint squick of the rubber shoes as he stood and turned ever so slightly towards Lucy. There was a pause before Lucy slowly lifted her sight to only get up from the chair. She cought a red line as a hand was held to her. Lucy not wanting to take the hand held to her just goes pass it only to be stopped by the same hand gripping her shoulder. Lucy froze as his hand slides to gently touch her nape.

At first there was a bit of guidance, but after a beat the touch turned into a grip. Her heart not calming down as Homelander started to pull her close with her back to him. His breath trailing down the back of Lucy's head to her neck. She really didn't feel it due to her suit, but she could sense his head was lowering. 

"Now you don't fight this, just keep quiet and stay by my side. This will go easier for you-" His words were cut and his grip tightened. There was a faint gargling as Homelander continues to tighten his grip.

The fabric already starting to tear as the gloves seemed to cry from the contortion of his fingers. It was a fight and from the small body, in front of the large symbol of America, she was standing tall. Lucy had her hands in fists as she endured the aching pain. The tighter his grip became, the more her neck feels like snapping. She just had to hold out till... The grip had moved to around her neck to cut her air waves. The pressure hard and quick to make Lucy gasp. It seemed that he already found a loop around this. The grip on her neck wasn't the only grip being held. The moment Homelander had touched her nape had sent Lucy into fight or flight. She was fighting and was drawing all the water up into his lungs from the inside. Making his lungs forcefully expand as the water turned to gas. 

Lucy released first sadly, it was easier to physically see the water. Imagining was always her weakest strength. Her hands quickly reaching up to grab Homelander's hand, but with incredible speed he wrapped his arm around her chest and brought her against his. His voice coming out as a growl. 

"Don't ever fucking do that again...unless I tell you to." His voice a whisper now, but up against Lucy's ear. Even with the fabric of the suit he was still able to find her ear. 

Homelander's arm weighted on Lucy like a compactor. If she moved or even flexed, he could easily crush her. No more would Lucy be able to find a way to escape. Her adrenaline that came with suffocating was starting to come down, her body shakes and her breath heavy. If it weren't for the fear of Homelander seeing her face, she would have removed her mask to breathe better. This was the last thing she had and didn't want anyone to see her behind the mask. 

The weight was lifted as Homelander relinquish her. Lucy almost fell to her knees, but with his strong hand her was able to hold her up easily with his fingers under her arm. Once she was straightened the hand moved the lower part of her back. He gave a gentle pressure to push her along to some curtains that only have a sliver of light coming from it. Standing near the curtain was Ashley who was gesturing to Lucy to take the mask off before through. Lucy just ignored her as Homelander stopped her just before the opening. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have two special guests. We have a small town hero who was given the chance to join forces with the greatest hero in the world. Give it up for Water Lily and Homelander! " the voice enthusiastic just like any talk show host. Ready to present a surprise for the audience. 

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The curtains waved slowly in front of Lucy, ready to step through till a hand reached for her mask. Without even thinking she smacked the hand away with the back of her hand. Ashley glaring daggers before her expression changes to one of fear. She stepped back and lowered her head apologizing. Lucy already could tell that she wasn't the one she was apologizing to. It did not matter since she was able to keep her mask on. 

Finally a gentle pressure against her lower back made Lucy step pass the curtains. Already the spot light was on her or more them. Homelander moved his hand off of Lucy's back to step forward and wave to the live audience. The cheering a quiet roar as Lucy moved to stand beside, but behind Homelander. Her place was to be lower than him, lower than the seven. That was her chosen position and hopefully she could find a way to make it happen. 

Homelander led the way with just a simple glance to Lucy and she followed to the two armchairs. They looked harder than the director seats they were in before, but Lucy took her seat. The leather of the armchair almost had her slipping. Her suit not the best fabric you this. Even thinking about it, the leather ok Homelander's gloves were about the same. Slippery, but squeaking with every small kind of pressure. Only difference was due to Homelander's grip, his gloved hand was able to hold her like anything else. 

"Welcome to the show. Now we have you two here today to tell us more about your partnership. Will sidekicks be coming back? " The host spoke with a warmth that seemed to draw out the truth. Well it was supposed to, but currently Lucy was to stay quiet while Homelander answered. 

"Sidekicks won't be returning, no, this is simply a experience we are giving our new Supe." He paused thinking more about what he was to say. It was likely they gave him a script, but Lucy wasn't sure on that. "Actually I hand picked her from many auditions under the Vought name. I thought her abilities were perfect to save all of you." His sweet talk and claim of picking her was sickening. It was obviously fake and he was putting on this look to make himself be bigger in everyone's eyes. 

At this point Lucy couldn't stand listening. It felt stuffy and tense. She didn't want to be there. It was apparent in her spacing out and even looking at the floor than anywhere else. Her thoughts only on what she can do to get her contract changed and if there is a person who needs to meet her power. Her head snapped up when she heard something briefly that peaked her interest. 

"So through our research team; the polls we have out on the partnership Vought has for you two, we understand it is just a simple internship kind of situation. Though the fans... " the host pauses as the audience cheers. "have other thoughts." The host moves papers around before find the correct one. "We had three poll names: Homelander Sidekick, Homelander girlfriend, and lastly a Male fanbase. Now the highest one is obvious. The world would love to see Homelander get a girlfriend, but there was an interesting comment." The host clears his throat as he knew what was going to happen next. "Comment says "Vought just got their golden boy a leash." What are your thoughts in that? "

Of course, every show has to have some kind of drama in it. Though it was interesting to watch as that camera smile twitched and faltered as though someone just spat at him. If it weren't for the mask, the audience would have just seen a smirk on Lucy's lips. Of course, it makes sense now. When she auditioned they probably saw her as perfect to control their golden retriever who was out of control. The only person who could would be another supe that could bend him to his knees. It must be risky to have someone be in a relationship with him, so they got someone who did not care for the supe. It makes it all the more easier on their end. Especially if they think they can control the person who they selected. 

"What?" Homelander squinted his eyes as though he was trying to see the point the comment was getting at. "No, no, no haha, Vought only wanted someone small to rise up fast for their talent." The drilling of his tone made it sound like a recovery rehearsal, but there was an undertone of humiliation. The wonder boy didn't like his image to be ruined or even dampened. His head turned to Lucy who was only staring at him with that smirk on her face. Which is likely he saw making his lips tighten into a straight line before readjusting in his seat. He then clears his throat before putting that smile back on. Even as it twitched with annoyance. 

Lucy took this opportunity to lean back into the hard chair with a sigh. She then folds on leg over the other as though she held a position of control. Little do they know, she was holding a tremendous amount of power. It was going to be played right and she could get even the most powerful company under her heel. The power was exhilarating and the air for once felt refreshing even in rest of the intense interview of Homelander and his leash. 

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The interview came to an end without a word from Lucy. She thankfully only nodded and played up the act of another Black Noir. For the viewers who saw her as Homelander's leash, it was all more apparent. The pretty fabric and look of Water Lily just encompasses the imaginary hold Vought has showcased. Everyone knows the choke hold they have in Supes in general, but now they are showing that the most powerful Supe is restrained. 

Lucy exits the small stage that was the host area. Quickly behind her was Homelander who seemed tick and was already shoving pass her. He was on a straight back to Ashley who was already on the phone and rudely interrupted as Homelander glares her down. Lucy let this happen as she finally made her way out the backstage doors. She had to hurry down a hallway that seemed to curve around the building and have no doors. Though there was that glowing green exit sign that was more reliable than anyone here. 

Following the curve of the building she saw the double door exit, the kind you see for emergencies. Lucy got a little excited as she jogs to the door. As her hands reached out there came a call from down the hallway. It was almost a desperate call which likely was from Ashley. Shaking her head she pushed the doors open feeling the air already flow into her lungs and the sunlight flashing her. Sadly that wasn't truly flashing her, outside was already a crowd of paparazzi using the flash on their cameras. Lucy quickly put her arm up to protect her eyes. Just as fast as they started pictures, they started to cut her from escaping. Their questions pertaining to Homelander and where he is. Though Lucy did not care as she pushes pass them as best as she could. Many of them now trying to get her to answer before one tried to pull her mask off. Doing that made her shove the person into the group making almost a domino effect. She stood there looking around as it seemed to distract them all.

Lucy makes a dash for it not looking back. She wasn't ballistic fast, but she used her ability to push her off the ground with each step. It was quick movements similar to walking on water, but she used it as launch pads. This gain her more speed and air time. Which for any normal person was pretty fast, but comparing to other Supes, she was slow. 

There was a split second that she felt free, almost like she finally was running from her life stuck locked up. There was a smiling growing before the sound barrier was broken overhead. A flash of red and blue landing directly in the direction of Lucy's escape. Standing straight with that big white pointed smile, arms spread out side to catch her was Homelander. He was so fast and her reaction was just as fast as she forces herself to collect water around to make an ice like ramp before him. She heard his chuckle before the ramp shattered. A red glove coming straight through as she had just reached the ramp. There was no way around him. He could smash through anything, grab her in the air, or even catch up to her wherever she tried to hide. 

"You think running is going to save you. No matter what you do, I will be able to find you." His voice threatening even with a simple statement. Lucy was leash to this maniac until someone cuts the thread. 

In that moment Lucy knew not to fight or continue running. She needed a better plan than this. So as she took a step, into the evaporating ice that was practically thrown outwards, she landed straight into Homelander's hold. His arm curling around her waist before the other fell down to his side. Of course at Lucy's speed it was like running into a cushion wall full force. So her head whipped back for a moment before she let our a faint groan. Her face was more in pain and she was a little winded. Though that only lasted for a moment as he blasted up into the air with a right grip on Lucy. Her legs flailing, as he took her straight back to the building where a black car was waiting. Without even stopping to drop her off, he just let's go of her waist letting her fall. Her reaction priceless behind the mask, but she quickly took the fall as a way to collect some water below that would reach up like a hand to take the force of her fall. 

Let's say it did not end well. Similar to a belly flop, Lucy landed on the water with a similar impact on her back. Thankfully she was able to have the water allow her a safe landing on her feet as the stinging on her backside was radiating heat. 

Once on her feet the water went back into the ground as though nothing happened. She acted like she did in the interview, but her face was contorting from the blistering pain. Not even a second to catch her breath someone in a suit pulled her arm to the car and opened the back door. The press on her back made her jump in to get away. Though it all stung as she sat on the cushion seats. 

"Your stunt is not going to happen again." Ashley practically yelled at Lucy from the passenger seat. "God, running out after an interview and then pushing paparazzi over is the worse introduction. Ms. Stillwell is going to have my head." 

Lucy was practically ignoring her as the pain of sitting was making her lean forward on her toes. Her butt just barely sitting on the seat. Though she could tell that Ashely was freaking out. She seemed more pissed off then the scared expression she had with Homelander. It didn't matter because Lucy would have more than just words with Stillwell. 

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After getting carted back to the tower, Lucy was being guarded by escorts. She practically tried to make a run for it, they were going to stop her from getting a head start again. Especially as Ashley was still fuming as she listed off the next items. Basically meeting with marketing and even visiting wardrobe. Though Lucy only stopped in her tracks. One of the guards tried to touch her, but she moved away. 

"Don't touch me or I will cut that hand off." Her voice full of anger. "I want to speak with Stillwell first. I never agreed to any of this and want to look over my contract." 

Ashley finally turns and approaches Lucy with the biggest fake smile on. "After what you pulled, she will certainly want to speak with you. You don't own your self anymore, Vought does. So after we finish your schedule we will have a meeting with Stillwell. Mhm. Great. Now get your ass moving." Not even an ounce of fear or hesitation in her voice. It really was like she only was scared of Homelander and loosing her job. 

Lucy was a bit started by this and was even growing concern for her well being. Though she did not express that, instead she followed order. Lucy walked with Ashley as they headed to marketing first. There they ran post ideas by Lucy acting as though it was gold. Lucy just stood there practically ignoring them and not giving any feedback which worked in their favor. They were going with the silent fairy approach with her marketing. Beauty and magic. Finishing up there she is rushed wardrobe and presented with a new suit. She shook her head not wanting to wear practically a bathing suit. Ashley only glared at her before offering a deal. 

"You wear the suit and get to keep that stupid mask or you wear the suit and you don't get a say." Her approach demanding and made Lucy roll her eyes. 

"Zip up the chest and I will wear the suit and keep my mask." Lucy said coldly as there was no way she was turning into a sex doll. 

The designer offended, but began to work on getting a cover up version. Which looked more in her style and seemed to get nodding heads. The suit instead of being open in the front, there was an opening on her back. The shape looked like a leaf as the green and blues mixed on the fabric. It was a one piece swimsuit still, but showed off her legs and arms. Her boots being similar to Homelander's but white and flower emblem at the top. They even suggested a different kind of mask. Which Lucy was not too against. It covered evey inch of her face except her mouth and chin. It was a baby pink and black fabric behind the eye holes. Lucy actually check off on this making Ashley happy. 

Little did Lucy know that two people grabbed her arms and dragged her behind some curtains to get changed right there. Her surprise was rich to them all. Though within seconds her suit was torn off and then her mask. Which one of the girls that was undressing her gasped. Lucy quickly picked up the new mask and put it on. Her hair being pulled out to drape around her shoulders. It was pretty good length and even have a resemblance between Stillwell and Starlight. She made sure she was set before leaving the curtains without her boots on. Already the crew were looking in aw at how beautiful Lucy was and they were proud of their work. While they watch Lucy puts her boots on and noticed they were far more comfortable than her other shoes. Maybe she could get used to this. 

Since that was done Ashley moved Lucy along to each next thing. Photoshoots in the new look, more marketing, and then debriefing of what she is allowed to say. After that she was finally put into the elevator and was told that it was time to meet Stillwell. Lucy felt tired, and for a moment she wasn't angry or annoyed. It was like she had become accustomed already so quickly, but then that name made her anger come back. She straightened up as Ashley was quietly marking things off. As the doors open she followed Ashley to the door that was Stillwell's office. Ashley opened it after knocking. 

Entering the room Lucy was greeted by a smiling blonde woman with almost kiss tan skin, just still on the lighter side. Must be the lighting in the room. Though her eyes made her Lucy look towards the sofa in the room. There standing up was Homelander. Already knew this was a set up so she started to back up, but it was too late. 

"Lucy Stillwater, it is great to meet you." FUCK. Her full name was exposed, but it didn't matter since it was likely everyone knew her name anyway. "I heard from Homelander you tried to run away. But such a great hero brought you back to us." Her words almost patronizing as she gestured with a grateful smile to Homelander. 

Obviously Homelander was taking in the praise as he had his eyes locked on Lucy. He was looking her over as he verbally admits. "She cleans up well." His words almost as though he wished to indulge in a taste of her. 

Stillwell gave a side glance to Homelander before slowly stepping towards Lucy with her hips swaying. It was like she was trying to show off to grab her puppy's attention. She stopped a foot before Lucy and shifts her wait to pop her hip out. "Now I heard you wish to address your contract, but legally it is binding. So there is no way of getting our of it unless you want to be refrained from ever showing your face in the public." Her words professional and gentle, but there was that underlying threat. 

"I-I..." Lucy was left almost speechless and uncomfortable near these two. Even Ashley was having her head down and not interfering. "Well I at least want to look at it." Her voice admitting defeat so then she could get the fuck out of there. 

"Alright, that will be sent to your email, but for now. You are to stay by Homelander's side. You are to stay in the suite next to his and to follow his every wish and command within limits. Those limits will be written out in your contract. Also you are to attend your own meets which are in between Homelander's. You are his partner for the next while till your contract says." Stillwell's words being vague and yet as though Lucy should know all this information. 

She was not going to agree to this verbally. "I will look at my contract. Thank you for your time." Lucy took the gamble and turned away as she exited the office alone. 

Lucy didn't have to. Look to know they were all likely laughing at her. Though she knew one thing for sure, she needed to get the hell away from here and look at her contract. She hurried to the elevator and pressed the bottom to go down. She already was going to pull her phone out, but then she realized she didn't have it. It was probably left behind with her other suit. So that was her first stop. The elevator dinged and she stepped in. She hit the panel for the floor that wardrobe was on. The doors starting to close, but we're stopped as a hand with Navy blue sleeve stuck in between. The doors opened and Homelander entered. 

"Trying to run away again. Seems like you didn't learn your lesson." He said proudly as he entered and let the doors close behind him. Lucy was stuck with him now and he seemed more interested in her suit now than before.