the deep

It was a struggle to go from his apartment in Seven Tower to a house that the church paid for on their own complex. It was like its own unofficial community where the church leaders allowed and allotted their dedicated followers a place to stay. No that the Deep was getting married, he was being assigned one and a wife. The Deep was halfway through eating when someone excitedly announced that Boom Boom was on the property. “If you’re here for an invite don’t worry, I’ve got you covered and it’s already in the mail.” Well, he had brought up the issue of a guest list with Carol before the wife had been decided and there was some push back on other supes being there. Apparently she didn’t want too many supes there to overshadow the Deep and his new bride.

Alistair looks unphased. “It was hard enough to get five of them interested.” He remarked, dryly. He gestures to the seat across from his desk. “If you want to improve your popularity and numbers after the stunt Homelander pulled, the best way is by showing off your change. The best way to show that change is by showing you as a happily married man.” He looks over at him, “You don’t have to like her, you just have to marry her.” Words and a sentiment echoed by his father many times. “Would you like my recommendation?” He asked, arching a brow, but doubting he would actually want Alistair’s advice in this. Honestly, he and Carol had debated if it was even worth keeping the deep around after than, but there was something to this. Hopefully.

Suddenly the Deep felt more alone than ever. Marriage was never part of his plan and in all honesty, he didn’t know a single supe who was married and still working. If he got married, his life would change and most likely not for the better. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful but do we really have to do this?” What hero had a married life or any social life. The Deep had almost erased his human side and it was rare for anyone to know his real name. Still, who else did the Deep have? The Seven and Vought had abandoned him so he had this or nothing. “I’ve seen them all and I think I’d get on really well with Gianna.” Carol had already said no but the Deep felt like there was something there. Well, she spent her whole interview going on about doing anything for her man and that made her the best out of the group.

As part of his penance, the Deep had been tasked with ‘feeding’ the hungry though the Church hadn’t provided the Deep with any food to give them. Instead he was tasked with handing out their book while someone else was giving out Church branded blankets. Apparently he was helping to feed their soul. Despite his own reservations, the Deep remained quiet and like a good member of the church, he did the leaders' bidding without question. While handing out books, the Deep saw a familiar face and it made him smile. “That’s not the Lamplighter?” He asked as he embraced his former teammate with a hug. “What are you doing here, I thought you were living it up on an island or something.”

“There has to be something else!” The Deep pleaded with Alistar. Carol had said from the get go that getting the Deep married off to some fucking church obsessed freak. No, there had to be something else, anything else. “Carol said I get to pick but I’ve seen five already and they’re almost insulting.” One girl had an Ed Sheran tattoo on her arm and another was talking about skeletons. Yes, the Deep knew he wasn’t the best person to marry but surely they could have gotten better choices. Higher ranking members of the church were off limits and the Deep didn’t protest that one because he never thought his situation would be as bad as this. 

The Deep couldn’t believe what he was seeing. In all honesty, he couldn’t give a fuck about Queen Maeve and who she was sleeping with but Homelander had just kicked him out. It was official now. The Deep was no longer part of the Seven but the church kept saying that it was a temporary set back. He had done everything, met with important and influential people that would put Mother fucking Teresa to shame and it still wasn’t enough. When he could see Sensor, the Deep didn’t know what to do. He had just been told he was out of the Seven and now the church wanted him to get married to help repair his public image. “I think you’re lost if you’re looking for Seven Tower, or are they renaming it to Payback Tower?” The Seven were no longer Vought’s go to team and the Homelander would be livid. 

“Our rooms are pretty nice and spacious.” Lamplighter didn’t bring much from back home so his room felt almost too large for what personal items he brought along. “Training room is pretty nice as well though I don’t use it as much. Only so many things I can burn until it starts costing too much to replace.” He chuckled at his last sentence. “Just a large swimming pool as far as I’m aware of. Going to be spending most of your time there?” He took another drag from his cigarette.

Anything would be better than his room in his dad’s house. Being a hero at first wasn’t very lucrative so it was all Kevin could afford. Now everything had changed and he had to do a double take when he got his contract. The Deep would be loaded and everyone was already on board. Apparently they had plans to have him as the face of the most Vought sponsored products. Being the youngest person in the seven really did come with perks. “How do you train?” Fire was tricky, at least it was to the Deep. Lamplighter seemed to be one the coolest supes and though he wouldn’t admit it, the Deep loved his movies. “I prefer to use the actual ocean, some of the creatures down there actually have a blast.” Sometimes he went diving just to see them but he didn’t know if he’d have the time now.

starter for: @fxckingcherry​

location: Outreach Center

status: closed

~~~~~~~~~~

When Soldier Boy had heard the news about The Deep being engaged he was confused. He could still remember quite clearly what that man had done. Those memories still caused flames of anger to stoke up within him when he thought of it. How could a man like that could wind up engaged was completely beyond him. It was something he had to see for himself to believe. To find out if this was the truth and a real thing.

He had reached out to his handler and let him know where he was intent on going and who he was intent on seeing. Following protocol through to the letter even more then usual now. He had to keep up the image to Vought of being obedient. Would keep them from looking too closely at him and finding out about him and Lexi. He had recieved word in return to make sure the encounter was discrete. Which he was more than happy to comply with.

That was what had brought him to this outreach center where he’d heard The Deep would be. He’d searched the place waking throughout the halls until he’d finally caught sight of the green suited man he was here to see. He kept his greeting simple and to the point. “I thought I would stop by and extend my congratulations in person. That is if you’ve got a moment to spare.”

The Church of the Collective had done everything for the Deep, more so than Vought were doing right now. Carol had told him how the Seven were not his friends because they didn’t reach out in his time of need. Now there was an engagement announcement and his phone didn’t ring once.  Then Carol had said Soldier Boy had reached out and honestly, the Deep was surprised. He didn’t really have a working relationship, or any relationship, with Soldier Boy and Carol had advised against it. The Deep just wanted some sense of his old life back and if this was it, he’d take it and hopefully before a wedding. The Church insisted they meet up on church grounds. Carol was close by, watching and listening but that didn’t bother the Deep. “Thanks man, it’s been crazy. I don’t think I’m allowed to announce who I’m engaged to yet.” In all honesty, the Deep had no idea who he was getting married to. They were auditioning girls and so far, he hadn’t clicked with any of them. “But I can spare a few minutes for the leader of Payback. Do you want a fresca?” As if with the mention of a fresca, a church member came running with two chilled glasses, ready for the Deep and his guest.

\

Looker little a cigarette furiously as one of the waiters told her she couldn’t smoke in here. “Fuck off.” She snapped as she blew out the smoke. “Well, from one has been to another, your fucking ruined.” A slight intoxicated giggle escaped her lips as she said it. “I mean, I am current still. You can’t even keep your place in The Seven. Was the dick that bad the world had to know? How about you show me what your packing?” She let out a devious giggle as the cigarette hung from her lips. “Same difference. Married to God and all that.” She was flippant as she exhaled the smoke. “It won’t last y’know?” She said as she watched the other singing supe. “She’ll have her moment and they will ask for more and then more and then more some and before you know it…poof, she will cut all her hair off and say she is going indie.” She chuckled.

Payback were not equipped to handle the spotlight. For the Deep, he had grown with it and people loved him. Everything he did, every charitable act or even just the preworkout prep, everyone wanted to see. There was an obsession to see every aspect of a hero’s life and Payback didn’t seem ready for that level of scrutiny. “I’m not ruined, I’ve had a setback but I’ll be back in the Seven.” The Deep firmly believed that. The Deep’s eyes wondered to the other singing supes and honestly, he found them to be a joke. Anyone could sing but everyone thought they had what it took to be something. “She’s young enough and pretty enough to take advantage of the attention right now. Same can’t be said for everyone.”

Lamplighter had to wonder if The Deep’s father was hard on him like his own father was. He nodded and smiled at the other Supe. “Yeah. I can’t wait to have some mission with you.” The Supe sat down in one of the chairs and propped his feet onto the table. “Anything you want to see first or questions?” He took out his lighter and lit up a cigarette before he took a drag from it. This was his first time showing the new person around but had no idea what The Deep wanted to do or see.

For the Deep, being the Seven was validation that he was good enough. He was among the best and Lamplighter was someone who a lot of people looked up to. Lamplighter, if the articles were true, controlled his powers with record timing and now the Deep would stand by his side. “I’ve not seen my room yet or the training rooms.” The Deep didn’t know the situation of Seven Tower. He hoped they had a decent tank to dive in but he didn’t know how they could work it. “Do you guys have a tank or is there just a pool?” A swimming pool he could make do with. Honestly speaking, the Deep preferred to dive in the ocean and not something as confined as a tank.

New York was a fickle place, but they had seemed dedicated to Annie’s cause–and that reaffirms her love for her new country. Lily sighs and rolls her eyes, swirling her drink in her glass nonchalantly. “Now you sound like you found Scientology,” she remarks with a soft snort. In honesty, she’s no one to knock someone who’s found religion. To each their own. She doesn’t attend temple as often as she should, but she would be the first to admit that when she did…it brought about a certain peace. She gives a mock cheers and rolls her eyes. “Glad I can do something for someone that doesn’t involve them pinching my ass or taking pictures with mistresses or shaking hands about deals,” Lily comments dryly. 

Despite the side glances or the actual physical repulsion some had when he walked past them, New York seemed to be warming up a little bit. No one had kicked him out and some people still wanted his picture. He’d take anything at this point. “Nope, just found religion.” At least that was the story he was spinning. “What can I say, Starlight seems to be getting a lot of things brushed under the rug, I thought I’d try her way.” He was goading her, deliberately trying to ruin her night for what, the Deep honestly didn’t know. “That’s quite a crowd you’re pulling in.” The Deep couldn’t hide his smug expression. At his own events, the Deep pulled in a variety of people. From political figures looking to breach out to a broader, younger audience to the younger fans, his events were always sold out.

Informative. Of all the people in the Seven, Homelander wasn’t surprised that the Deep was manipulated into a cult. In his own opinion, Deep was someone that he thought would be perfect for a cult. Someone with high powered connections, a large social media presence with influence, money and he was as thick as five planks. “Well, it sounds like you found the perfect place for you.” That smile remained on his face. “Look, I know a kid that is your biggest fan. You mind doing a little video for him? He’s a great kid and,” for some reason he thought, “he’s a big fan of your and I want to make his day.”

The moment that Homelander mentioned the Church being perfect for him, his smile fell off his face completely. “Well, its okay for now but the Seven is still my home right?” It was hard to hide his own desperation but while the church was great, the Seven was still his destination at least he hoped it was. “Sure, but who’s the kid?” It must have been an important one for Homelander to bring up but even if the kid was a brat, he’d have no choice but to do it.  

Admittedly, Richard knew little of the reality behind the public images Vought put out for each of their supes. From what interactions he had with those from Vought, it was abnormal for a parent to stick around their child just because they loved them. “If a supe did have a way out or an opportunity to leave, do you think they should take it…or would?” He asked. Hope against hope, Richard wanted to be that out for his son if he ever needed it.

The Deep had often thought about that. Would he give it all up? Living in exile and not being as loved as he was or have the same resources and apartments, it was a harsh reality. “I wouldn’t take a voluntary way out if they offered it to me on a golden plate.” Right now, the Deep was desperate to get back into the Seven and everything that was Vought. If a supe was in Vought’s good graces, they had the world at their feet. If they were in a high profile group, they were treated like gods and it was a tough thing to give up.

\

A well manicured nail tapped on the bar her she licked her lips, taking a large sip of her drink. Hearing the words of the other costumed supe, Looker wasn’t have a shit time. She was angry. She never liked to be overlooked and it seemed Vought were notching their slights against her. “Are you the fucking pervert?” She snapped back at him as he asked if she was the supporting act which she found to be an insult to her ego. “I am so fucking sick of this dumb bitch supes. Like, Queen Maeve does her own shit and doesn’t start a music career to stay relevant. People just need to know their place.” She was bitter to say the least, taking another large sip. “Why are you even here? Aren’t you married in that church of fucking weirdos?”

The Deep almost sympathized with the woman. He’d been left in the dark. The only difference between them two was that he didn’t have a desperate grip on a failing singing career while a younger, more attractive supe came into the mix. Yes, Siren and Starlight weren’t terrible to look at  but even he couldn’t deny that they had great voices. “Aren’t you the has been?” He smiled back sarcastically. He froze at her assumption that he was married. It was an avenue that Carol had spoke about at length but right now, nothing had happened yet. “Yes I’ve joined the church but nope, I’m not married.” He showed her his hand, clearly missing a wedding band. “The church wanted to see the new singing supe, she’s apparently eclipsing everyone else in the music industry.”

Shockwave liked animals, his father owned a dog, and he had a rabbit as a child. He also used to go to the Wildlife Discovery Centre back in Illinois, so while not passionate about them, he liked learning about animals. He’d never heard the Deep talking about sea creatures before, but he seemed to treat them like people rather than pets.

“At least that.” He commented on the sharks being fine. “I didn’t realise they would want to. That’s really…selfless of them.” Shockwave struggled to find a fitting word, but he eventually did. “Why aren’t you with them?”

To everyone, the Deep was just the fish guy. The one with the least marketable powers but look what he had done. He had been one of the most profitable supes in Vought’s fucking history, coming close to Homelander in terms of products. “I can’t face them.” They were his team, his family when Vought had turned their back on him. “I asked them to help and their friends died. I’ve done some bad shit in the past but this is the worst.” He didn’t mean to. The Deep honestly thought they would all be okay, he would never intentionally risk the lives of any sea creature.

   “The Church has a plan to help you? And let me guess that plan to help you includes you signing over your bank account? Giving them access to everything you own? Paying for access to higher levels of understanding within the Church?” Stan knew how these churches worked, they were scams, cheap ways to get money out of the desperate, the dumb, and the naive. Somehow, the Deep seemed to fall into all three of those categories. “The Church of the Collective is looking to help you, because it helps them. I think it helps them even more then it helps you. You think you get back on the Seven and then all the things they are currently seeping from you ends? No, it will only get worse.” When he was asked for a date on when his sabbatical would end, Stan paused for a moment. “I will be honest with you, we do not have a singular date yet. I can tell you however, that I think it could be soon. Like I said within the rest of the year.” 

When the hero exclaimed that he could still be an asset to the Seven, Stan nodded. Perhaps he could. But he also doubted that much of the Seven would even want him back. Most of all Starlight. “Yes. I can still see you will be of some use to the Seven. What would your teammates say if I asked them if you should return? What do you think Starlight would say? Tell me honestly, do you think the Seven if I put it up to a vote would want you back right now?” Pausing to let the Deep give an answer before he spoke again. “Though you might have missed the moment in my press conference where I announced Payback would be taking the lead on national security. The Seven will be playing from the sideline for the time being. 

Honestly, the Deep didn’t know if the Church could help him, but what else could he do? “Well, they aren’t really levels but I had to pay for some stuff.” A lot of stuff. Actually, the Deep had no money, no bank accounts or anything. Hell, he even had to sign away all of the properties he had. What else could he do though? “They are the only ones working with me to help me. If that means that we both use the other, I don’t see a problem with it.” In reality, the Deep was still part of the Seven but while he was on sabbatical, he could explore other options, other lifelines. The Church had been great to him. They picked him up when he was down in the dumps. Carol was right. The Seven and Vought didn’t want him back and that’s why there was no date given. If Stan Edgar really wanted him, he would be back in the Seven with immediate effect. If the Deep had anything it was time and he had used that time to think of every possibility he could imagine. “Don’t give her a choice.” He shrugged. “A-Train told me she was fucking the terrorist, the really tall skinny one right?” The Deep didn’t need an answer but still it was good to show the information he had. “If she opposes, leak that she was fucking a terrorist and probably still is. The guy killed Translucent right, it would make him hated nationwide.” And then Starlight would be dragged down a peg or two. “I don’t care about Payback so long as I’m back in the Seven.” It was true and a little selfish. He had to get into the Seven first and then the rest he could try and fix the rest.

Under any other circumstances, Homelander avoided The Deep due to dislike or just that he felt the Deep was past useless and of no use to him and what he wanted. The situation with Starlight had cemented that but Ryan liked the Deep for some unfathomable reason. Seeing The Deep, Homelander put on his best fake smile and walked over to him. “Deep! Good to see you. I hear you’re with the Church of the Collective now. How…interesting. What good work has your new leader been doing?” He didn’t mean for it sound sarcastic but it came out a little like that.

As soon as Homelander approached, the Deep knew that Carol would be around with her phone, capturing the moment. A good, well placed photo could certainly go a long way. The Deep hugged Homelander in a big friendly embrace. His suit was all fixed up so there wasn’t any rips that would show his gills. “It’s been good, really informative.” At least that’s what the sessions were supposed to show. Honestly, the Deep didn’t understand half of what they were saying but he’d already given them everything. “You know they’ve had me reflecting on why I made horrible decisions and I believe I’m on the right path now.” Well, Carol had said he was. The Deep was just going along for the ride.

Lily maintains her distance, eyeing him suspiciously. She doesn’t trust him; doesn’t trust what he’s about. He’ll never be able to redeem himself or reform himself in her eyes. He would never stop being a predator. “Mm…New York must be so grateful,” she replies coolly. Her eyes look across the room for Alistair, a man she considered a friend (despite his…questionable choices) and she makes a note to converse with him about this later. “It’s so good you’ve found religion, I must say. Hopefully they can rehabilitate your image.”

Improving his public image was number one priority but even the Deep couldn’t see how an event like this could help him. Yes, he got pictures with all the right people but unless it was a friendly one with Starlight, it wouldn’t really pull much weight. “What can I say, the city has missed me.” Well, some of the city had but so long as he focused on that, nothing else could get much worse for the Deep. “The church has helped me find my light,” Or whatever their mantra was. The Deep was still learning, well, he skimmed the books. “This party is going to help so I guess I’ve got you to thank.”