Chapter Text
Homelander had always been meticulous, his senses finely tuned to every nuance around him. It started with the faint, unfamiliar perfume clinging to Maeve’s suit—a scent too delicate to be associated with any of their usual associates. Then there were the hushed conversations Maeve had over the phone, her voice softened with an emotion Homelander recognized but hadn’t heard from her in years.
One night, curiosity got the better of him. His super hearing caught snippets of Maeve’s intimate conversation with someone she clearly cared about. The realization hit him like a jolt—Maeve was seeing a woman, and she was hiding it from him. His control over her seemed to slip through his fingers.
The next day, during a live television broadcast, Homelander struck with calculated cruelty. Smiling that unnervingly perfect smile, he casually outed Maeve to the world.
“You know, we all love Maeve,” he said, his voice dripping with false warmth. “And we support her, even though she’s been keeping a secret from us. Maeve’s a lesbian.”
The media went into a frenzy. Cameras flashed, journalists shouted questions, and Maeve stood frozen, her mind racing with panic. The news spread like wildfire, and with it, the realization that Elena was now in grave danger.
Maeve retreated to the grand salon of the Seven’s headquarters, her mind clouded with fear and rage. She sank into one of the opulent armchairs, her body trembling as she cried silently. The grandeur of the room, with its lavish decorations and towering ceilings, felt suffocating.
It was here that Starlight found her. Annie had heard the news like everyone else, but unlike the others, she sought Maeve out not out of curiosity but out of genuine concern.
“Maeve?” Starlight called softly as she entered the salon, her eyes scanning the room until she saw the older woman slumped in the chair. “What happened? Are you okay?”
Maeve looked up, her eyes red and puffy, and she struggled to compose herself. “Homelander… he outed me on live TV. I don't want him to find out about...my girlfriend.”
Starlight’s eyes widened in horror, but she managed to stay calm for Maeve. “Shit… I’m so sorry.”
Maeve shook her head, wiping her tears angrily. “He did it to hurt me. To control me. And now… she’s in danger because of me.”
Starlight approached her cautiously, her heart aching for Maeve. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Maeve looked at her, her eyes filled with despair. “I don’t know. I just don’t know what to do.”
Starlight sat down across from Maeve, searching for words. “I can’t even imagine how you must feel right now. But you don’t have to go through this alone.”
Maeve sighed heavily. “It’s just… I tried so hard to keep Elena, this is her name, out of all this. She doesn’t deserve to be dragged into this nightmare.”
“I know,” Starlight said softly. “But maybe together, we can find a way to protect her.”
Maeve looked at her skeptically. “Why would you want to help me? We’re not exactly close.”
Starlight shrugged. “Maybe we should be. We’re on the same side, aren’t we? Trying to make the world a better place.”
Maeve laughed bitterly. “Sometimes I wonder if that’s even possible anymore.”
Starlight leaned forward, her eyes earnest. “It is. We just have to believe it and keep fighting.”
Maeve wiped her eyes, a small smile forming. “You’re really something, you know that?”
Starlight smiled back. “Just trying to do what’s right.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their situation pressing down on them. Finally, Annie spoke again.
Starlight sighed. “Homelander… he’s a monster. But we can outsmart him. We have to.”
Maeve looked at Starlight, hope flickering in her eyes. “You really think we can?”
Starlight nodded firmly. “Yes. But we need to be smart about it. We need a plan.”
As they talked, an idea began to form in Starlight’s mind. She hesitated, unsure if she should voice it, but the urgency of their situation pushed her forward.
“Maeve,” she began cautiously, “what if we gave them a different story to focus on?”
Maeve frowned. “What do you mean?”
Starlight took a deep breath. “What if we pretended to be together? If people believe we’re in a relationship, it could take the spotlight off Elena. He won't go looking for your girlfriend to torment her, if your girlfriend is right in front of him.”
Maeve stared at Starlight, her eyes wide with surprise and skepticism. “Are you serious? You want us to fake date? What about Hughie? Are you still together?”
Starlight sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s... complicated. Things between Hughie and me haven’t been easy, especially with everything going on. But even if we were together, I want Vought and Homelander to think we’re not. It’ll keep him safer too.”
Maeve leaned back, folding her arms. “Do you even like women, Annie?”
Starlight hesitated, then shook her head slightly. “I’ve never even kissed one. But this isn’t about that. This is about survival. About protecting the people we care about.”
Maeve’s eyes softened slightly. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But pretending to be in a relationship, especially in the public eye, isn’t easy. There will be scrutiny, questions, and we’ll have to be convincing.”
Starlight nodded, her determination unwavering. "I know we can do it."
Maeve was silent for a moment, considering the proposition. The weight of her responsibility to Elena bore down on her, and the fear of Homelander’s wrath was ever-present. But in Starlight’s eyes, she saw a genuine willingness to help—a glimmer of hope in their dark world.
“Alright,” Maeve finally said, her voice steady. “Let’s do it. But we need to be clear on our story and stick to it. One slip, and everything could fall apart.”
Starlight smiled, relief washing over her. “Agreed. We’ll start by crafting our backstory. We need to know each other’s lives, quirks, and habits inside out.”
Maeve nodded, her expression thoughtful. “We should discuss this in a more private setting. The Seven’s headquarters might not be the best place for this kind of conversation.”
Starlight tilted her head, curious. “Where do you suggest?”
Maeve glanced around the grand salon, the opulence of the room feeling oddly out of place for their serious discussion. “How about we meet at my apartment?”
Starlight’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. “That sounds perfect. When do you want to meet?”
“Tonight,” Maeve replied. "I mean, now."
Starlight and Maeve arrived at the older woman's sleek, modern apartment. The car ride had been smooth, and they both had used the time to mentally prepare for the conversation ahead. The apartment itself was a reflection of Maeve’s personal style—elegant, with a touch of understated luxury.
“Come on in,” Maeve said, turning the entrance key in the lock. After doing iris and fingerprint recognition, she stepped aside to let Starlight enter.
Starlight walked into the spacious living room, taking in the view of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. “Wow, this place is incredible.”
Maeve closed the door behind them and gestured to the sofa. “Please, have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”
Starlight sat down, feeling a bit more relaxed in the private setting. “A glass of water would be great, thanks.”
Maeve went to the kitchen, returning shortly with two glasses of water. She handed one to Starlight before sitting down next to her. “So, where do we start?”
Starlight took a sip of her water, gathering her thoughts. “First, we need to establish our backstory. Something that explains how we became a couple in a way that feels genuine.”
Maeve nodded, looking thoughtful. “Right. We should probably pick a moment when we were both vulnerable. That way, it doesn’t seem too forced.”
Starlight agreed. “How about the night after the Believe Expo? We were both dealing with a lot, and it makes sense that we’d find comfort in each other.”
Maeve raised an eyebrow. “That’s a good start. We’ll need to make sure our story is consistent. We should also practice how we interact in public, so it feels natural.”
Starlight nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and concern. “We can rehearse scenarios, practice our body language, and come up with believable details about our relationship.”
Maeve’s gaze softened. “I appreciate you taking this so seriously. It means a lot.”
Starlight smiled warmly. “Of course. We need to be convincing, not just for the cameras but for ourselves. This is about more than just a fake relationship—it’s about protecting Elena and making sure Homelander doesn’t target her.”
Maeve’s gaze softened as she took in Starlight’s earnestness. “I really do appreciate it. But there’s one more thing we might need to address to make this convincing.”
Starlight looked at Maeve, curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”
Maeve hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Well, since you’ve never kissed a girl, it might be a good idea for us to practice. It would help us both feel more natural and comfortable with each other.”
Starlight’s eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing. “You’re right. It could help. I’ve never... done that before.”
Maeve offered a reassuring smile. “We can take it slow. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enough to make our interactions believable.”
Starlight nodded, a mix of nervousness and determination in her eyes. “Alright. Let’s do it.”
Maeve moved closer, but before they began, she reached for a bottle of vodka on a nearby shelf. She poured two generous shots and handed one to Starlight. “How about we...I mean, you take the edge off first? A little liquid courage might help you feel more relaxed.”
Starlight accepted the shot, raising her glass with a tentative smile. “That sounds like a good idea.”
They clinked their glasses together and took the shots, the smooth burn of the vodka warming them from the inside. Maeve poured another round, and they both downed their second shots.
Feeling a bit more at ease, Starlight turned back to Maeve. “Alright, let’s give this a go.”
Maeve leaned in slowly, her heart pounding slightly as she gauged Starlight’s reaction. Starlight met her gaze, her expression a blend of anxiety and anticipation.
Maeve gently cupped Starlight’s face with one hand, her touch warm and reassuring. Slowly, she leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Starlight’s breath hitched as their lips touched for the first time. The kiss was tentative at first, soft and exploratory. Maeve’s lips were gentle against hers, and Starlight found herself relaxing into the touch. The kiss deepened slightly as Maeve’s hand moved to rest on the back of Starlight’s neck, pulling her closer.
For a moment, the world outside their small bubble ceased to exist. The kiss, though unpracticed, felt surprisingly natural as they navigated the delicate dance of new intimacy. Maeve’s lips were firm but tender, guiding Starlight through the unfamiliar territory. When they finally pulled apart, both women were slightly breathless, their eyes meeting with a mixture of surprise and relief.
Maeve smiled softly, her gaze lingering on Starlight. “How was that?”
Starlight managed a shy smile, her cheeks still flushed. “It was... better than I expected. Thank you.”
Maeve’s smile widened, though there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Glad to hear it. We’ll just need to keep practicing.”
Just as Maeve was about to continue their discussion, Starlight’s phone buzzed on the coffee table. She glanced at the screen and saw Hughie’s name flashing. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Sorry, I need to take this,” Starlight said, picking up her phone.
Maeve nodded, understanding. “Of course. I’ll be right here.”
Starlight answered the call, her voice steady but slightly strained. “Hey, Hughie.”
Hughie’s voice came through, filled with concern. “Annie, I’ve been trying to reach you. We had a secret meeting planned. Where are you? I was starting to get worried.”
Starlight hesitated, glancing at Maeve. “I’m actually at Maeve’s place right now.”
Hughie’s confusion was evident. “Maeve? You and Maeve? I didn’t realize you two were that close.”
Starlight forced a quick smile, trying to sound casual. “Yeah, we... had some things to discuss. I’m really sorry I missed our meeting. I’m just tied up at the moment.”
Hughie’s voice was tinged with concern. “Alright. I hope everything’s okay. We need to catch up soon.”
Starlight nodded, her voice clipped but apologetic. “I know. I’ll make it up to you. I promise. Talk soon.”
Without waiting for a response, Starlight ended the call, feeling a pang of guilt. She looked at Maeve, her heart racing as she processed the kiss they had just shared.
Maeve, noticing the change in Starlight’s demeanor, raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”
Starlight nodded, her cheeks still flushed from their earlier kiss. “Yeah, it’s just Hughie. I need to make it up to him later.”
Maeve gave her a sympathetic smile. “Understood. What do you want to do now?"
Starlight's gaze softened, her cheeks still tinged with pink from their previous kiss. “Actually, I think it might be a good idea to keep practicing... if you’re up for it.”
Maeve’s eyes twinkled with amusement, and she nodded. “I’m definitely up for it. Let’s see if we can make this feel more natural.”
Maeve leaned in again, this time with a touch more intensity. Their lips met, and the kiss deepened quickly. Maeve’s hands slid to Starlight’s waist, pulling her closer. Starlight felt the heat of Maeve’s body against hers, the kiss more passionate and fervent than before.
Starlight felt Maeve's tongue gently caressing her bottom lip and she was momentarily overwhelmed by the intensity. She pulled back slightly, her breath quick and uneven. “Maeve... do you think Elena might be bothered by this? I mean, we’re... practicing, but it feels pretty real.”
Maeve’s expression shifted, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and honesty. “Elena and I are not actually in a committed relationship. We see each other occasionally, but it’s not serious. I need to sort some things out before I can fully commit to anything. Elena understands that.”
Starlight’s concern softened as she listened. “I didn’t realize it was like that. I just don’t want to cause any unnecessary pain for her.”
Maeve’s gaze was reassuring. “I appreciate your concern. Elena and I have a complicated history, but she’s strong and understands where things stand. We’re just figuring things out, and this”—Maeve gestured between them—“is a part of that.”
Starlight nodded, her gaze meeting Maeve’s with a mixture of understanding and empathy. “Alright. I just want to make sure we’re doing this for the right reasons.”
Maeve smiled softly, her fingers brushing a stray lock of Starlight’s hair back into place. “We are."
Starlight nodded smiling. “Alright. Let’s continue.”
Maeve leaned in slowly, her eyes locked onto Starlight’s, while her lips gently brushed against the other woman's, who let out a gasp. Maeve smirked, as her lips pressed more firmly against Starlight’s. Her hands moved from Starlight’s face to her shoulders, pulling her closer. Starlight felt Maeve’s warmth enveloping her, the heat of their bodies merging as Maeve’s hands slid down her back.
Starlight responded by wrapping her arms around Maeve’s neck, her fingers tangling in Maeve’s hair. The kiss grew more passionate, their lips moving in a slow, deliberate rhythm. Maeve’s tongue gently parted Starlight’s lips, and Starlight’s breath caught as she felt the tentative touch of Maeve’s tongue against hers.
Maeve’s hands roamed to Starlight’s waist, guiding her closer, as Starlight’s fingers traced gentle patterns on Maeve’s back. The sensation of Maeve’s lips against hers, combined with the intimate touch, made Starlight feel a rush of warmth.
Their breathing grew heavier as they continued, the kiss becoming more fervent. Maeve’s lips moved with a confident tenderness, and Starlight felt herself sinking into the embrace, her body relaxing against Maeve’s.
Eventually, they broke apart, their foreheads resting together, both of them breathing deeply. Starlight’s eyes fluttered open to meet Maeve’s, her face flushed and her lips slightly swollen from the kiss. The blonde realized, as she blinked and took in her surroundings, that they had somehow ended up sinking onto the sofa during their kiss. The alcohol in their veins was starting to make itself felt even more.
Maeve's arm was still draped around Starlight, holding her close. They were lying side by side, the softness of the couch cradling them as they settled into the comfortable cushions. Starlight’s head rested on Maeve’s shoulder, her body half-turned toward Maeve, their legs tangled together. Maeve’s arm was wrapped protectively around Starlight’s waist, pulling her in snugly.
Neither of them spoke, the room enveloped in a quiet stillness. The warmth of Maeve’s body against Starlight’s was soothing, and the gentle rise and fall of Maeve’s chest under Starlight’s cheek provided a rhythmic, comforting presence. Before either of them realized it, their eyes drifted shut.