Faced with Soldier Boy's solemn tone, Ashley dared not delay. She put aside her work and immediately did as instructed, saying she would clear everyone's schedules so the meeting could begin at ten sharp.
The Seven's Private Conference Room.
Soldier Boy stood at the window, looking down.
Before long, Homelander was the first to arrive, carrying a bright red apple.
"What's going on today? Ashley told me we're having an all-hands meeting."
He seemed to be in a very good mood, wiping the prewashed apple dry with a tissue.
"You're here?" Soldier Boy turned around. "I'll explain once everyone's arrived. This isn't something I can decide on my own."
That only made Homelander more curious, but he held back his questions and gently broke the apple in half.
"Here, try half. I found these wild apples yesterday. They taste pretty good." Smiling, he handed half to Soldier Boy.
Warmth filled Soldier Boy's heart. He took a big bite, and sweet juice burst in his mouth.
Then he asked suspiciously, "Wait, do wild apples get this big?"
Homelander chuckled, neither confirming nor denying it.
The more Soldier Boy thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Looking at the half apple's glossy red skin, he asked tentatively, "Did you happen to pick these wild apples somewhere fenced off, with all the apple trees planted in straight rows?"
Homelander froze for a moment, then laughed. "Fuck, you got it right. Is this that father-son bond people talk about?"
He polished off his half in a few bites and wiped his mouth. "Oh, right. There was also a kind farmer there, watering the wild apple trees and pulling weeds."
Soldier Boy laughed and scolded him. "You sly little brat. You've even learned to steal apples from fruit growers!"
They looked at each other