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The moon hung high over the city as Derek leaned against the edge of the rooftop, his gaze fixed on the bustling streets below. The cool night breeze rustled his hair as Starlight stepped beside him, her golden glow illuminating the darkness around them.
"So," she began, breaking the silence, "you really think you can bring him down? Homelander's not just some random cape, Derek. He's... unstoppable."
Derek smirked, his confidence unshaken. "Everyone has a weakness, Annie. It's just a matter of finding it and twisting the knife at the right angle."
She gave him a skeptical look, folding her arms. "What's the plan, then? Charm him to death?"
"Close," Derek said, turning to face her. "Homelander thrives on his image. He's desperate for love and admiration—public approval is his Achilles' heel. If we can chip away at that, he'll unravel."
Starlight frowned. "And how do we do that without becoming collateral damage?"
"We sow chaos," Derek said, his voice low but firm. "Start small. Make him question his team's loyalty, his own control. When the cracks show, we widen them."
Starlight studied him, her apprehension evident. "You sound like you've done this before."
Derek chuckled. "Let's just say I've had practice dealing with narcissistic psychopaths. Trust me, Annie. This isn't just about me—it's about taking a monster off his throne."
Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright. I'm in. But if this goes south, you'd better have a backup plan."
Derek grinned. "Backup plans are my specialty."
The smell of whiskey hung in the air as Derek entered the dimly lit lounge where Queen Maeve was nursing a glass at the bar. She looked up, her eyes narrowing as he approached.
"What do you want, Webweaver?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Derek slid onto the stool beside her, unbothered by her cold reception. "Charming as ever, Maeve. I need your help."
She snorted, taking another sip. "Help with what? Getting yourself killed?"
"Funny, but no," Derek replied, leaning closer. "I'm working on something big—something that could bring Homelander down."
Maeve arched an eyebrow. "You're kidding, right? Homelander doesn't go down. Believe me, I've tried."
Derek leaned back, his tone shifting to a whisper. "What if I told you I have dirt on him? Things Vought wouldn't want the world to know."
Maeve's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Even if you did, it's not enough. That man doesn't just control the Seven—he controls everything."
"That's why I need you," Derek said, his voice steady. "You've been here long enough to know his weaknesses, his blind spots. Together, we can take him down."
Maeve regarded him silently for a moment before sighing. "You're playing a dangerous game, Derek. But... if you're serious, I'll consider it. Just don't expect me to stick my neck out too far."
"That's all I need," Derek said, rising from his seat. "Thanks, Maeve. I knew you'd see reason."
"Don't thank me yet," she muttered, finishing her drink.
The Seven gathered in the glass-walled boardroom, their tensions palpable as Homelander strode in with his usual smug grin. Derek leaned casually against the wall, watching as the self-proclaimed leader of the Seven took his place at the head of the table.
Homelander's icy blue gaze settled on him. "Ah, Webweaver. Or should I say... Ass-Weaver?"
The room fell silent. Derek raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
"Is that the best you've got?" Derek asked dryly. "I expected something a little more creative from the mighty Homelander."
Homelander chuckled, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Oh, I've got plenty more. Like, why don't you shoot webs out of your ass instead of your hands? Seems more fitting for someone who's always sticking his nose where it doesn't belong."
A-Train and The Deep laughed nervously, but their unease was clear.
Derek smirked. "Well, at least I'm not obsessed with milk and mommy issues. But hey, we all cope in our own ways, right?"
The room went deathly quiet as Homelander's grin froze. For a moment, Derek wondered if he'd pushed too far.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Homelander threw his head back and laughed—a deep, genuine laugh that filled the room.
"I like him," Homelander said, his laughter subsiding. He turned to The Deep and A-Train, his smile turning sharp. "He's got more balls than the two of you combined."
Derek shrugged. "Guess that's why I'm here. Someone's gotta keep things interesting."
Homelander's smile lingered, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of something darker.
Later that evening, Derek found Starlight waiting for him on the rooftop. The city lights reflected in her eyes as she turned to face him, her expression a mix of concern and admiration.
"Are you insane?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Probably," Derek replied with a grin, leaning against the railing beside her. "But you've gotta admit, I got Homelander to laugh. That's gotta be a first."
Starlight shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You're unbelievable. You're playing with fire, Derek."
"Maybe," he said, his tone softening. "But it's worth it if it means taking him down."
She studied him, her gaze searching. "Why are you really doing this? Is it just about revenge?"
Derek hesitated before answering. "It started that way. But now... it's more than that. People like Homelander, like Vought, they think they're untouchable. Someone has to prove them wrong."
Starlight stepped closer, her voice gentle. "And what about you? What happens if you fail?"
"I won't," Derek said firmly. "Not as long as I have you by my side."
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her smile. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Yeah," he said, leaning in. "But you like me anyway."
She didn't reply, but the way she met his gaze spoke volumes. Slowly, she closed the distance between them, their lips meeting in a kiss that felt like a spark in the dark.
For a moment, the chaos of their lives faded away, leaving only the two of them under the stars.
The Seven's boardroom, usually a bastion of intimidating silence under Homelander's command, was unusually tense. Derek lounged in his seat, his posture deliberately casual as Homelander addressed the team, his voice carrying its usual air of superiority.
"As we all know," Homelander began, his gaze sweeping the room, "our public approval ratings are... well, let's just say not as shiny as I'd like. And whose fault is that?" His piercing blue eyes settled on A-Train.
A-Train squirmed under the scrutiny. "Hey, man, I've been keeping my head down! No slip-ups."
Homelander's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Oh, really? Because running through someone's girlfriend on live TV last year doesn't exactly scream *subtle*."
Derek coughed into his hand, a poorly concealed laugh escaping. "Smooth as ever, A-Train."
A-Train glared at him, but Homelander's attention snapped to Derek. "And you. Don't think you're off the hook. New guy's supposed to bring in fresh appeal, but what do we get? Spidey knockoff doing rooftop brooding."
"Webweaver," Derek corrected with a smirk. "Get it right. And hey, rooftops are kind of my thing. Adds to the mysterious vibe. Chicks dig it."
"Chicks dig it?" The Deep interjected, his tone defensive. "What are you, 15? Maybe if you spent more time in the water—"
"Oh, here we go," Derek interrupted, throwing up his hands. "Fish-boy with another water metaphor. I'd suggest some new material, but I guess creativity isn't your strong suit."
The Deep's face flushed, but before he could retort, Homelander raised a hand, silencing the room.
"Enough," he said, his voice sharp. He leaned forward, fixing Derek with a look that could freeze blood. "I don't care how funny you think you are. This isn't a comedy club. You're here to bring something new to the team. So far, all I see is a clown trying to be clever."
Derek held his gaze, unflinching. "Better a clever clown than a man-child desperate for approval."
For a moment, the room was dead silent. Then, to everyone's shock, Homelander laughed—a genuine, hearty laugh that filled the space.
"I like him," Homelander said, pointing at Derek. He turned to the rest of the team, his grin still in place. "At least he's got guts. Unlike some of you." His gaze lingered on The Deep and A-Train, both of whom looked like they wanted the ground to swallow them.
Derek leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. "Glad we're on the same page."
Later that day, Derek found Queen Maeve in the lounge again, a tumbler of whiskey in her hand. She looked up as he approached, her expression a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
"You've got a death wish, don't you?" she said, sipping her drink.
"Probably," Derek replied, sliding onto the stool beside her. "But I like to think it's more of a calculated risk."
Maeve snorted. "You're playing with fire. Homelander might laugh at your jokes now, but he won't hesitate to rip your head off if you push too far."
"Good thing I've got a thick neck," Derek quipped, earning a small, reluctant smile from her.
She studied him for a moment before leaning closer. "So, what's your angle? You've been here, what, a week? And you're already stirring the pot."
Derek's expression turned serious. "Let's just say I have my reasons. And if things go the way I plan, this team won't look the same by the time I'm done."
Maeve raised an eyebrow. "Bold words. But you're forgetting one thing—Homelander isn't just the leader of the Seven. He *is* the Seven. You take him down, the whole house of cards falls."
"That's the idea," Derek said, his voice quiet but firm.
Maeve shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. "You're either the bravest man I've ever met or the dumbest. Either way, it's going to be interesting to watch."
In the training room, The Deep and A-Train were sparring, their movements clumsy and uncoordinated. Derek watched from the sidelines, arms crossed, his expression amused.
"Is this what passes for teamwork around here?" he called out, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
The Deep turned, glaring at him. "You think you can do better?"
"Easily," Derek said, stepping onto the mat. He gestured for A-Train to come at him. "Let's see what you've got, Speedy."
A-Train hesitated, glancing at The Deep before reluctantly stepping forward. "Alright, Webweaver. Don't cry when I leave you eating dust."
Derek smirked. "Let's dance."
The sparring match began, A-Train darting forward in a blur of motion. But Derek was ready, his Spider-Sense kicking in. He sidestepped effortlessly, tripping A-Train and sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Too slow," Derek said, his tone mocking.
A-Train scrambled to his feet, his face red with embarrassment. "Lucky shot."
"Sure," Derek replied, his smirk widening. "Want to try again?"
Before A-Train could respond, Homelander entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention.
"What's going on here?" he asked, his gaze sweeping the scene.
"Just a little team bonding," Derek said, his tone light.
Homelander's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't comment. Instead, he turned to A-Train and The Deep. "You two could learn a thing or two from him. At least he's got some fight in him."
Derek crossed his arms, his expression smug. "High praise coming from you."
Homelander's lips twitched into a small smile. "Don't let it go to your head."
Later that evening, Derek found Starlight on the rooftop again, her expression troubled. She didn't look at him as he approached, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, his voice soft.
She hesitated before speaking. "You're making waves, Derek. Big ones. And I'm not sure if that's a good thing."
"Homelander needs to be challenged," Derek said, his tone firm. "If we don't push back, he'll keep getting worse."
Starlight turned to face him, her eyes filled with worry. "And what happens when he decides you're more trouble than you're worth? You think he'll just let you walk away?"
Derek stepped closer, his expression serious. "I'm not walking away, Annie. Not from this fight. Not from you."
She looked down, her cheeks flushing. "You're impossible, you know that?"
"Yeah," he said, his tone softening. "But you like me anyway."
She didn't reply, but the way she met his gaze spoke volumes. Slowly, she leaned into him, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both tender and passionate.
For a moment, all the chaos faded away, leaving only the two of them under the stars.