Soldier Boy

🔍 - An Acquaintance

Soldier Boy's H2H Combat Instructor

Despite having superhuman strength, Shockwave was an athlete, not a fighter or anything else. That was something he knew he’d need to change when he joined a team, but at the moment, that wasn’t a priority. He honestly had no idea what it even meant to be on a superhero team, the only team he’d ever been own was his track team in high school. 

Shockwave laughed a little at that. Soldier Boy seemed like he wouldn’t know how to use a smartphone and be confused by the touch screen, and the thought of the supe struggling with technology was inherently funny to the young man. “You’re not boring, at least, I don’t think so.” He reassured. 

He listened attentively to Soldier Boy’s reply, and it sounded reasonable to Shockwave. “With a leader like you, it’s no wonder Payback is doing well, unlike some other teams.” He wanted to use the Seven as an example and put the blame on their leader, but thought that would be a bad move. “I’ve been a solo my whole career, so I’m trying to understand what being in a team is like. Knowing what a good leader is like seems important to me.”

~~~~~~~~~~

This kid was humoring him and playing along with the sorry attempt at a joke which increased his standing in Soldier Boy’s eyes. Some others that he knew would have used the opportunity to poke fun at him or put forth some form of over the top flattery. Trying to endear themselves to him and get on his good side. This was different and the genuine humor came much easier than dealing with either of those other kinds of people. “I know that I am behind on quite a few things, but I can handle myself in the field where it matters the most. So I am content.”  

He tilted his head to the side at the mention of other teams not doing so well. Honestly Soldier Boy didn’t pay attention to many groups outside of his own. Payback with their rise required his full attention now. The only team he was aware of that was having issues were The Seven. But maybe one of the other teams was going through problems as well and that was what Shockwave was referring to. Either way dwelling on the misfortune of another team made him feel wrong. 

Soldier Boy had never been in Shockwave’s position before of being a solo. Of course he had operated solo on missions occasionally, but there had always been a team or group that he belonged to. “I am in the opposite position as you are. My entire career has been part of a team. So you know things that I don’t in that area. Do you have intentions on becoming a leader? Is that why you inquired about the qualities?”

👻  - Someone They Don’t See Often

Dr. Alexandra Barkus

She smiles slightly and her cheeks heat up at his compliment. “Give it time, you might change your perspective on that.” The confidence in his voice made her heart ache, because she knew she’d most likely never see herself the way he did. But at the same time an odd sense of determination filled her chest. She wanted to be the woman he saw her as. She wanted to be better for him. 

Lexi smiles softly and nods. “Nathan… well, it’s nice to meet you.” She squeezes his hand gently. “Again… It’s nice to meet you again, I should say.” 

She smiles softly against his lips, enjoying the moment. She kisses him until she needs to pull away to catch her breath. Lexi gently leans her forehead against his. “So, did you still want to show me your favorite place?” She asks quietly with a smile. 

~~~~~~~~~~

The moment was everything that Soldier Boy could have wanted out of it and more. If taking what he wanted and being more bold felt like this than he wanted to do it more often. More than that it meant more to him that it had been her he had done this around. If it was up him he wouldn’t have pulled away. His enhancements left him able to go without breath for a while. But as he was reminded when Lexi pulled away she was human. Something he would definitely need to keep front and center if wanted anything more with her.

It was like he was caught in a trance when they pulled apart. He was looking at her and only thinking of her. Other thoughts and motivations were pushed to the side. How did she manage to have this kind of hold over him in a small period of time? That was until she mentioned his favorite place. Causing his eyes to widen again as he remembered his original intentions behind asking her to meet him here. Snapping him out of his haze and back to the present trying to think properly again as to not embarrass himself.

“Y-yes I would. It isn’t too far away from here. And it is absolutely stunning.” HIs last statement wasn’t entirely about his spot.

With all the success and certain obstacles not it play, Homelander had just assumed with all of those that Soldier Boy would be wanting to stay in his own team. “Vought are really good at giving orders. I’m guessing that Stan has given you a lot. Just remember you’re a leader, not his gofer. Same goes for other people in your team. Remember that they’re not the leader and the impression I get from one of them in particular is that they might think they’re bigger than what they are.” Something about Boom Boom pissed him off and he was able to get under Homelanders skin and irritate him. “That’s great. I think some people in my team need that kind of ethic. It would make things run smoother.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The lines within his mind between what was his and what was his predecessor’s blurred. For a moment he wasn’t thinking as himself he was filled with his grandfather’s desire to ascend higher. The pride that had ultimately lead to his death and the need for a new person to secretly be pushed into the roll. Was that the source of why he himself was so intent on joining The Seven? Was it really his own desire to be at Homelander’s side and serve on the highest ranking team propelling him forward or was there more to it that was out of his control? It was all very confusing in a way that made Soldier Boy feel helpless to try to solve.

These questions almost caused him to miss what was said next. Fate it seemed was viewing him favorably as despite his distraction he zoned back in only missing the first few words. “I lead in the style I have become accustomed to over a long period of time. When it is needed I step in and intervene. I have stepped in before and I will do so again.” He felt the need to impress the other and justify he was a competent leader. Even though his team was the one intact and in the spotlight not falling apart and down members like The Seven. “Dedication is an important aspect of a soldier. That’s why I have it because I was that before I stepped into the life of a hero.”

He was getting used to the other’s mannerisms, so didn’t feel awkward at the other’s responses. He understood that the other had a role to play, much more than he himself did, and had much higher expectations to meet. While Soldier Boy needed to be the collected leader, Shockwave was solo and could afford to be the relaxed social butterfly he naturally was. That’s something that would probably change if he joined The Seven, his father’s voice nagged him. 

“You’re doing pretty well for an old rigid soldier.” He joked a little, seeing how Soldier Boy didn’t look old or rigid, the exact opposite in fact. Shockwave tilted his head slightly to the side, as he did when he was curious. “What would you say makes a good leader?”

He couldn’t help but compare Soldier Boy to Homelander. Shockwave was scared of the latter, despite wanting to get in The Seven, and the only reason he could think of why he was the leader and not somebody else was because he’s the strongest. But when it came to Soldier Boy, it made sense why he was the team leader. 

~~~~~~~~~~

To his surprise there was a bit of a voice starting to take root in Soldier Boy’s mind that was mulling on the idea of Shockwave being around these halls more often. Wondering what it would be like if there was an orange tinted super suit accompanying them on missions. If Payback was to have another among their roster in a way beyond just the tactical advantage a speedster would provide in their missions. He hadn’t expected it, but the idea wasn’t unpleasant to him. It certainly would be easier to aid the younger hero from closer rather than afar.

Something he was anticipating more was how his joke didn’t land as he had planned. He really should know by now that humor isn’t his thing and probably never will be. “I do have my better moments. You have caught me on a particularly good day. You should hear the comments about being like a boring robot I have heard before. Though it does confuse me a bit when specific examples are brought up. Not quite up to date on my robot show knowledge.

The question about what made a good leader gave him pause for a moment. On the one hand he knew exactly what his Vought conditioned response should be. Something tactical and military related in explanation. However personally his own answer was different, one that he decided to go with. “I think that the most important thing a leader should be first and foremost is to put those you lead first. To value them over yourself and know them as people not just parts of team. If a leader thinks of themselves as better that will destroy a team from the inside out. No matter what other good qualities a leader might have.”  

POINT CALL 11-22-20 to 11-28-20

Breakdown:

Previous Total: 1075 points

gif chat / para replies: 120 points (12 replies)

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starters: 60 points (4 posted)

New Points: 180 points

Since their last interaction, Shockwave had only met a couple of other supes that were legitimately nice to talk to, while the others had been awkwardly polite, sarcastic or panic inducing and more often than not always in public. That in itself didn’t bother him all that much, with one exception, but having a chance to just talk to another supe in a more casual, relaxed setting was a welcomed break. Especially since so much was on his mind at the moment. 

He nodded in understanding at what the other was saying, before giving a small cheeky grin. “Hey, I’ll take those press interviews off your hands, I don’t mind the attention.” He said lightly, clearly joking. Shockwave was social and thrived off talking to people, be it interviews, fan meet ups or whatever. But he didn’t want attention if it had to do with the military bill, that was something he hoped to avoid for as long as possible.

“Jokes aside, I really appreciate you taking the time out of your schedule just to check up on me. It was unexpected, to say the least.” Shockwave said this genuinely, letting a soft smile settle on his face. Compared to his other peers, Shockwave considered Solider Boy one of the very few he could speak more openly with, within reason, even though he had only meant the supe once before.

~~~~~~~~~~

The little joke about the press interviews got a bit of a smile from Soldier Boy. Not as openly wide and bright as it would be if he let his guard down, but a genuine one none the less. Using humor as a tactic to break the tension in a more relaxed setting was one that Soldier Boy could respect. It certainly was a far cry from the situations he was normally around. The people he was normally with required a more serious and collected approach without relaxation.

However Shockwave wasn’t one of his teammates or a random citizen. He was a fellow supe who was growing on Soldier Boy a little bit. So Soldier Boy didn’t have to be as stern a leader as he was with others. He could afford to crack that smile. “If I could pass off the interviews and stick to the missions or things that were more my style I would. But as a leader I have to be used to these things even if I would rather not. That is my responsibility.”

He at least attempted to be a little humorous in return even though it probably didn’t come off as he wanted, “I do have a few surprises up my sleeve. Even for an old rigid soldier I can still pull off an unexpected move every now and then.” There was a shrug at the mention of taking time out of his day. “I might be more in demand now, but I also have some more say in my schedule as well. I enjoy making time for things like this.”

“Apparently,” he repeated as he looked over the other supe and then gazed around the room. It wasn’t as grand as anything the Seven had but Homelander thought that would change now that Payback where the new favorites. “Oh?” That was interesting. “You still want to join the Seven? I’d more than happily let you in. To be honest, I’m needing someone with a lot more focus than current members and I think you’d fit it. It’s no secret Maeves attention has wondered elsewhere and I want my top members to be focused and dedicated.” Obedient as well.

~~~~~~~~~~

While there might be a part of him that was desiring something else, that part was still small and in its early stages. His primary desire on the forefront of his mind was still set on The Seven. A goal that he had wanted for a long time and felt right to him. “Of course I do. I have never stopped wanting that. I have just been following my orders in the meantime.” He didn’t know how to respectfully respond to the comment about the current members of The Seven so he just chose not address them directly. “I put my everything into what I do without distractions that is who I am.” That part was a lie as Lexi would always have part of his attention now, but he didn’t want to reveal that yet.

The first thing Brook had done after receiving the Presidential Medal was check her Wikipedia page. To her delight, someone had already updated it with the win, and there were an increasing number of press photos showing up across social media. She’d made sure to shed a few tears of joy and pride while the President had been placing the medal around her neck - all it’d taken was a bit of a tickle and a slight burn in the back of her eyes. Her powers really did come in handy sometimes. As she’d expected, her teary photos were a hit.

The medal was still hanging around her neck when the team touched down back at base, and she was just making her way back to her quarters, an extra spring in her step, when she heard her leader speak. The guy was hot, she would gladly admit any day – right up ‘til the point he opened his mouth. “I’m great,” she answered with a pleasant smile and a nod as she turned to him. “Though I’d be better if you’d one day stop speaking like we’re on a military base in the 40′s.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The statement about being great got a grateful nod of acknowledgment from him. Given what they had just come from it was the expected outcome. They all had every reason to be happy and in a good mood. The retort that came next about his manner of speaking was also to be expected from Sensor. By now Soldier Boy was accustomed to the personalities and temperaments of each of his teammates. He might not always be the quickest on the uptake, but the years he had spent with them had gotten him aware enough. 

He kept his voice courteous and polite when he responded, “I am glad to hear that.” Then he paused momentarily to gather the right words to say for what came next. To try to adapt to the person he was talking to. He didn’t have to be as perfect as he was in front of the public. Here he could afford to shift a little to better improve team functionality. “That is my way and what I am accustomed to. What exactly is it that you would imagine instead?” For the time being he was in a good mood and willing to humor the other.

Being called a fine young man was a little embarrassing, but Shockwave appreciated the comment nonetheless. He crossed his arms so that they weren’t hanging awkwardly besides his arms as he listened to the other. Upon hearing why he’d been called in, Shockwave felt a little bit of relief, glad he hadn’t somehow stepped on somebody’s toes. 

However, he wasn’t sure what to say. He was holding up fine, really, except for his father’s life being threatened by only the strongest supe to exist. That was a stressful thought that was always at the back of his mind. He didn’t know if Homelander and Soldier Boy got along at all, and didn’t want to complain about the other supe to the one in front of him. 

“I’m fine discussing it. I’m doing relatively well, if a little overwhelmed but I’m adapting. The bill hasn’t really affected me, yet.” He hoped it wouldn’t ever. “Besides that, the Compound V reveal was…interesting.” He replied truthfully. He’d already known about V since he was a child, but he knew that was against his father’s agreement with Vought, so didn’t mention it. “How about yourself? You must be incredibly busy at the moment.”

~~~~~~~~~~

This time right now with Shockwave was something he was quite grateful for. It wasn’t time spent with reporters who wanted to hear the tale of how the heroes of Payback had vanquished the villainous terrorist. Where he would have to just speak the lie of a successful and planned mission. This was a much more simple and less complicated one on one time with a fellow supe. He could afford to be less on guard and tense here for the time being.

Besides Soldier Boy genuinely felt that Shockwave had some potential. In a way that he had also seen from Jet when they had first met years ago. The kind of fresh face who hadn’t yet been tainted by the mess that came with Vought. There was still a chance for Shockwave to not fall and become as dark and twisted as he had seen some others become. If possible Soldier Boy wanted to encourage and help the other.

There was some relief when Shockwave mentioned being able to adapt. “I am glad to hear that. Times can grow stressful and it is good to hear that you have been able to adapt.” He paused at the mention of the Compound V reveal. That truthfully had been the last thing on his mind beyond the prepared statements he had been handed should the topic be brought up to him. The kind of lies he didn’t feel like telling right now.

So instead he chose to focus on the question posed to him. “That reveal was shocking and will take time to properly comprehend. Truthfully there is a lot on my schedule. But I would prefer to make the time to talk like this than attend a press interview about the medal. Those sort of events are still quite foreign to me.”

Oh, he tried to put on his best smile. The same one that he could normally muster up convincingly but he couldn’t do it this time. He knew how fake it looked, could feel it. “The Seven is a kind of intense that I don’t think you can experience unless you’re in the Seven. I did offer you a place but I guess you’re finally getting what you want out of your own team. I’m glad.” Words full of fake sincerity. “How was your latest mission?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Soldier Boy’s gaze hadn’t left Homelander since he had arrived. While his thoughts had wondered a couple times his physical focus hadn’t wondered. He valued the other enough to avoid looking out the window. So when the smile came over Homelander’s face that didn’t look quite right it confused Soldier Boy. Brought down his good mood as he was stuck wondering for a moment if he’d done or said something wrong without realizing it. “Apparently this is where I need to be right now even if my sights are still set elsewhere.” That desire for The Seven was still there even if it wasn’t burning as bright as before. “It was a success the target was eliminated according to the orders I was given.” If there was anything he was good at it was being an obedient soldier and doing what he was told.

A pang of guilt stabs through her as she feels his hands start to shake. She could tell he was nervous, at least. She wanted to reassure him but she wasn’t sure how to. Lexi was scared of making the nervousness worse. She keeps her dark eyes on his light ones and offers up a soft smile. 

Her eyes soften again as she hears his voice change. It was charming and part of her felt a weird kind of happiness surge through her. Lexi could be trusted enough for him to slowly let his walls down. She nods quietly in understanding. “I’m not that strong, trust me.” She laughs softly. “Well, maybe it’s a good thing he told me then, huh?” The soft smile stays on her lips as she tilts her head slightly in amusement and curiosity.  “So, if your name isn’t Johnny, what would you rather me call you?”

She nods. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Worst case scenario they’ll just want to go too far into wanting us to be all public and PR friendly. But that’s a small…and hopefully manageable price to pay…” She leans in, closing the distance between the two of them and kissing him softly. She has to stand up slightly on her tippy toes to do so as she gently wraps her arms around his neck. 

~~~~~~~~~~

For once there wasn’t any trace of doubt in his mind when he spoke, “You are that strong to me.” He held complete confidence and belief in his statement. Soldier Boy might be the one who could throw motorcycles and crush metal in his hands, but Lexi had the strength to be willing to fight a battle he never had. She hadn’t even hesitated to be willing to stand up for whatever this was there between them. While he was still worried that they’d be found out and he would fail like he had so many times before to get something he wanted.

He felt those doubts and fear begin to pop up again when she asked him what she should call him. Whether or not he should give her the truth this time or just go by the name he wore like a badge everyday. Then he looked at that smile on her face and his decision was made for him, “Nathaniel, but you can call me Nathan.” That was the first time he had spoken his actual name aloud in years other than just thinking it in his head. It almost felt foreign in the way it came out of his mouth with how much time had passed.

What came next caught him off guard in all the best ways. He hadn’t expected her to actually reciprocate his desires. So when she closed the remaining gap between them and kissed him at first he froze in place. For a moment there was a doubt as if this was real or if he would wake up at any moment. This had to be good to be true, but even if this was a dream than he was going to go for it. So after that momentary hesitation he unfroze and kissed her back. Taking what he wanted for the first time he could remember in a while.

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.

~~~~~~~~~~

Concealing his real thoughts behind a nod Soldier Boy remained polite and courteous, “As long as the both of you are happy that is what matters. Names can come later once the both of you are comfortable.” On some level he understood wanting to keep the other name a secret. That is exactly what he was doing except he hadn’t told the whole world about it. He couldn’t lie he did feel a bit of a thrill when referred to as the leader of Payback. That team and their current success was a source of pride and joy for him.

location: Payback Headquarters

status: closed

~~~~~~~~~~

Today Soldier Boy was full of pride and was in a genuinely good mood. He was getting almost everything that he’d wanted. Even though his team had made a rather massive mistake, like they tended to do, it had worked out in their favor. Payback were growing more popular than he’d ever imagined. That meant he was in noticeably more happy mood then normal as he made his usual post-outing checkups upon their return from the White House. That was his habit to make sure his team was alright after every group outing mission or not.

Next up on his list of people to check on was Sensor. He would have tended towards the more removed side around her. Given how forward she’d been when they met. However he had put that in the hindsight for the time being and had a smile on his face as he approached his teammate. “You know the drill Sensor. How are you doing post outing?” There wasn’t the usual monotone straight forward lilt to his voice when he asked. This time there was an uplifted tone that was tinged with happiness.

Getting Soldier Boy’s request had been a very welcome surprise, and he agreed to it immediately. Being a younger supe just really getting his foot in the door of the industry, he knew some of the other supes saw him as a new threat. He’d enjoyed their last conversation and even if he found Soldier Boy’s mannerisms unusual, he liked the guy. 

He was still not completely used to Payback’s HQ, only having been there a couple of times, but he was much more familiar than previously. He was left at the Payback Conference Room by who he assumed it to be Soldier Boy’s handler. Upon entering the room, he smiled at the other supe. 

“Hello. You wanted to see me?” He asked, a lot more relaxed than he had been the first time he’d been here. He was a little wary of what Soldier Boy had requested to see him about, but he didn’t think he was in trouble with Payback. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Soldier Boy was how long that he would have to wait to find out if his request was heeded or not. Since he hadn’t sent a text himself or made the call and had done it through his handler he had to wait for word to come through there. However thankfully his wait wasn’t going to be that long as he heard two sets of footsteps coming down the hallway. Ones that he assumed would belong to his handler and his guest. Soldier Boy would have to speak to him about not sending him a message to give him time to prepare. That was incredibly improper and even Soldier Boy could figure that out.

He turned his gaze towards the door just in time to see the two forms he had expected enter the room. Knowing enough about proper decorum to affix a polite smile on his face. Shockwave was a good kid from what Soldier Boy had gathered from their first encounter. So he would save his annoyance for when he was in private with his handler later. Then he gestured to his handler, “You can go now Alex I will see you later.” There was a quick yes sir and then the two of them were left alone.

Now his attention was focused solely on the speedster, “You seemed like a fine young man when we met before.” He pulled his hands out of his pockets and rested an arm on the chair next to him. “I wanted to check base with you to see how you were holding up. Considering what we discussed before and with the bill in effect. Unless that is uncomfortable for you to discuss and we can find some other topic to discuss.”