Soldier Boy smiled openly. "John, because I've always believed there's a difference between people and animals. Doing whatever you please is what beasts do."
"We call ourselves human because we've been taught how to behave, have empathy, and know how to restrain ourselves. But that doesn't mean suppressing ourselves without limit."
"Honestly, whenever I see those stupid ordinary people getting so happy over some little thing that they look like fucking idiots, I find them adorable.
"It's precisely because I want to protect their smiles and happiness that I put limits on certain lunatics and stop them from doing whatever they please."
"People like Carl and Raymond." Soldier Boy began listing examples, then finally pointed at Homelander. "And you."
Homelander looked at the finger in front of him and fell into thought. He really had never considered these things Soldier Boy was saying.
When had he first thought of becoming one of the Superheroes?
It had been when Soldier Boy proposed the idea shortly after they met, but he had only ever gone through the motions for his father's approval.
Only after that conversation with his reflection in the basement not long ago had he truly wanted to do it.
But the doubts others raised had immediately left him lost and uncertain. Fortunately, Klee's appearance had helped him regain his confidence.
Yet he had never quieted down and thought about why he wanted to become one of the Superheroes. In other words, he had been pushed along the whole time.
The answer seemed hidden in Soldier Boy's words, but a thin membrane always separated him from it, keeping him from seeing it clearly or grasping it.
"Protect their smiles and happiness?"
Homelander thoughtfully rubbed the chocolate wrapper in his hand.
He seemed to understand, yet also not. Yes, he liked