C598 Leo

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Returning to the Butcher residence, Sentinels standing guard outside, Peter stepped out of a portal, which quickly snapped shut behind him. Carrying the nameless kid, he strolled past the Sentinel guards, who saluted him as he passed by before stepping into the house.

The neighbors, peering out from the safety of their homes, witnessed Peter's arrival, accompanied by the unusual sight of saluting robots. Confused and concerned, they had already called the police multiple times, but with the president backing Peter, any interference was deterred.

Before the whole Sentinel operation started, Peter moved everyone out of the government bunker and back here. After all, Vought has a lot more to worry about right now than capturing the son of Homelander.

Inside the house, Peter closed the door behind him, ignoring the curious glances from the neighbors. "Honey, I'm home-!" He called out as a shotgun appeared, aimed at his face.

Billy Butcher, gripping the shotgun, guarding the door, skeptical of the robotic protectors. The kid in Peter's arms flinched at the sight of the gun, prompting Peter to disarm Billy with a swift motion. A glare from Peter conveyed the gravity of the situation, and Billy, realizing his mistake, "Uhh, sorry about that…" He apologized.

The noise drew the attention of everyone in the house. MJ, Becca, and Ryan gathered, their faces reflecting a mix of confusion and concern, especially when they saw the unkempt, filthy child in Peter's arms.

Before they could ask any questions, Peter spoke up, "I'll explain in a minute. First, can one of you go and start the bath? This kid smells like a wet dog…" He scrunched his nose as the kid turned to him, glaring silently as if to say, 'I don't smell!'

Of course, Peter completely ignored him. His nose wasn't lying after all. It was obvious that the kid just didn't want to take a bath. Peter, sensing his reluctance, chose to ignore it, which seemed to only annoy the child even more.

Their silent communication brought smiles to those witnessing the unique bind. Peter and the kid seemed to have some sort of unspoken understanding between them.

Becca hurried off to prepare the bath, and Peter directed Ryan to find some of his old clothes for the kid. As Ryan rushed away, Peter turned to eye the kid's long fingernails and unkempt hair, potentially hindering the bath. With a snap of his fingers, a golden energy surrounded the child, trimming his hair and nails to perfection.

The sudden transformation surprised everyone, and the kid, now with a groomed appearance, began to struggle in Peter's arms. In response, Peter conjured a mirror, revealing the child's new look, short, well-trimmed hair and neatly manicured nails. Although the kid wasn't thrilled with the change, he didn't voice any complaints.

…

Soon enough, the bath was ready, and Peter handed the kid over to Becca, who volunteered to bathe him. As Peter left the bathroom, intending to speak with MJ, the kid floated out of Becca's arms, shooting towards him. Wrapping his tiny arms tightly around Peter's neck, fear evident in his eyes, the child clung to Peter, terrified that he might be left alone again.

Witnessing this, everyone in the room realized exactly where Peter found this kid, Vought. After all, where else would he find a kid that could fly? Their minds instantly wandered to thoughts of cruel experimentation. Sad and pitying looks exchanged among them as they eyed the boy, only guessing at the pain he carried.

"Hey, little buddy," Peter said gently, feeling the level of fear that the kid was radiating as he stuck to him like a glue. "I'll just be outside talking to my wife, okay? I'm not going anywhere. I'm not even leaving the house, okay?"

The kid pulled back, searching Peter's eyes for any signs of lying. Satisfied, yet reluctantly, he floated back into Becca's arms, unhappy with the entire situation. As Peter left with promises of returning soon, the bathroom door closed behind him.

…

In the kitchen, Peter and MJ took refuge. A quick spell ensured privacy, considering the kid's Homelander origins and potential super hearing ability. As Peter started cooking, knowing the kid will be hungry after his bath, MJ's questions flowed, probing into the mysterious child's backstory.

"He's a clone of Homelander. I found him during the whole Vought mess," Peter explained, pouring a small amount of olive oil into a pan. "The kid's got issues, though. Neglect and abandoned being the top two, as you saw in the bathroom just now."

Initially wary, MJ voiced her concern, "But… Didn't you say he's a clone of Homelander? Is it safe for him to be here?" Of course, she was hinting at Homelander's psychotic tendencies.

Peter reassured her, "He's not like that. I read his mind to make sure of it. He's just a scared kid with a sad and messed up past."

As the aroma of the cooked food filled the air, MJ broached the inevitable question, "What are we gonna do with him? He seems pretty attached to you…" she didn't mention it, but that attachment seemed to be a two way street. "Are we…?"

After observing the clear attachment between Peter and the child, she hinted at the possibility of adoption, which Peter was reluctant to do again. After all, they already have two children. America was still newly adopted, so it might not be the best idea to bring back another child.

But MJ didn't seem to mind. The idea having another super-powered child running around the house seemed like a splendid idea to her. Seeing the look on his wife's face, Peter couldn't help but wonder if she's become addicted to adopting wayward children…

Peter sighed, glancing toward the direction of the bathroom with a conflicted expression. "I don't know, MJ. I'd have to think about it..."

The weight of responsibility and the complexity of the situation lingered in the air as they pondered the uncertain future for the nameless, traumatized child.

…

As the bathroom door flung open, a transformed golden haired child sped down the steps, clad in Ryan's old clothes. His once unkempt appearance had given way to a cleaner, more presentable version.

"?!" Frantically searching for Peter, he soon spotted him in the kitchen. The mere sight of Peter seemed to calm him immensely, and he approached, sticking close as Peter finished cooking.

"Look at you," Peter remarked with a grin, glancing at the child's now groomed appearance. "You don't smell like a dumpster anymore."

Leo didn't voice his thoughts, but a subtle shift in his expression indicated his annoyance at Peter's comment. Of course, he didn't let it stop him from hovering over Peter, constantly following his every move like a lost duckling.

MJ watched this scene unfold with a small, adoring smile on her face. 'Cute…'

Once the food was ready, Peter sat Leo down, filling his plate with care. "Eat." He said, watching as the kid eyed his food warily. "I didn't put anything in it. It's just normal food…"

Of course, he knew why the kid was wary. After all, he saw his memories. One of which was when the scientists at the facility would put things into his food, like poison or other chemicals to test his bodies reaction.

Obviously, these were painful memories, which is why he's always wary of any food that he eats. "…" Hesitantly nodding, he started eating, happy to find no odd tastes in the food.

MJ and Peter joined him at the table. As they ate, Peter began suggesting names again, "…Dean Atlas? …Jeremiah Ambrose? …James Bond …Bart Simpson?" But no matter what he suggested, the kid would always shake his head, clearly dissatisfied with anything Peter said.

Frustrated, Peter turned to MJ for help. After a moment of contemplation, she proposed, "Why don't we stick to a first name for now?" She said, receiving zero disagreement. "How about… Leo? It means lion-heart, and you certainly looked like a lion when you arrived with your hair and claws."

Peter scoffed. "And he smelled like one too." He commented, though unlike usual, the kid didn't glare at him in displeasure.

Pausing, Peter looking down at him, surprised to see him considered the name before nodding in agreement and pointing at himself. "L-Leo" He stuttered in a broken voice, unused to talking.

Peter's eyes widened. This was the first time he heard Leo speak. A warm smile spread across his face as he patted Leo's head. "It's decided then. You're Leo from now on."

Leo looked up at Peter, a bright smile breaking across his face, revealing bits of food in his teeth. The unexpected display of happiness left both MJ and Peter momentarily stunned, soon replaced by their own smiles. They had witnessed two firsts today. Leo's first word and his first smile.

MJ glanced at Peter, noting the doting look he had while watching Leo eat. She instantly knew then and there that they would be taking Leo back with them. It was inevitable at this point. Leo had somehow found his way into Peter's heart, and the path to adoption seemed all but certain.

'Maybe we should make a baby next time…' MJ thought, her mind drifting off to thoughts of pregnancy, and the process it takes to get there. 'Hehehe…'

Sensing something off, Peter looked up at MJ, seeing her smiling with her eyes glazed over in bliss. "…" He didn't know what she was day dreaming about, but he felt that it was going to give him a headache…

A/N: 1600 words :)

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