Shatter | The Boys

nine

The engine of Billy's car roars to life as he turns the key in the ignition, the sound filling the air with a sense of purpose and determination. Raven sits in the passenger seat, her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she stares out at the darkened landscape beyond. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows that dance across the empty road ahead.

Billy shifts the car into gear, his hands steady on the wheel as he guides them out of the quiet streets of Montauk and back onto the bustling highway that leads back to the city. The familiar sights and sounds of the road wash over them, a comforting reminder of the world they left behind.

Raven watches the passing scenery with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts and emotions as she tries to prepare herself for the challenges that lie ahead. She knows that they're heading into unknown territory, that the road ahead will be fraught with danger and uncertainty. But she also knows that she can't turn her back on Becca, not when she's suffered so much at the hands of Homelander.

As they drive, Billy steals glances at Raven out of the corner of his eye, a flicker of concern crossing his features as he takes in the tension that radiates off her in waves.

"You okay?" He asks, his voice gentle yet tinged with concern.

Raven nods, her gaze fixed on the road ahead as she struggles to contain the whirlwind of emotions raging within her.

"Yeah, I'm fine," She lies, her voice barely above a whisper.

Billy knows better than to press her further, knowing that she's not one to open up easily. Instead, he focuses on the road ahead, his hands steady on the wheel as he guides them through the darkness.

The miles pass in silence as they make their way back to the city, the rhythmic hum of the engine filling the air with a sense of calm and purpose. Raven finds herself relaxing slightly as they drive, the tension slowly melting away as they draw closer to their destination.

But just as she begins to let her guard down, a sense of unease washes over her, a nagging feeling that something isn't right. She can't shake the feeling that they're being watched, that danger lurks just beyond the edge of their vision.

Her heart races in her chest as she scans the darkness outside, her senses on high alert as she searches for any sign of trouble. But the road stretches out before them, empty and deserted, a lonely expanse of asphalt that stretches on into the night.

Raven tries to push aside her fears, to focus on the task at hand and the road ahead. But no matter how hard she tries, she can't shake the feeling of unease that grips her heart like a vice.

Billy pulls the car into a small, dimly lit parking lot outside a  roadside burger joint, the neon sign casting an eerie glow over the  deserted street. The smell of grease and frying food fills the air as  they step out of the car and make their way inside, the warm glow of the  interior welcoming them with open arms.

The diner is quiet, the  only sound the gentle hum of conversation and the sizzle of food on the  grill. Billy leads Raven to a booth near the back of the restaurant,  sliding into the seat opposite her with a casual ease that belies the  tension that still lingers between them.

Raven takes a seat across  from Billy, her eyes flickering with amusement as she takes in the  familiar surroundings. The diner is nothing fancy, but there's a certain  charm to its retro decor and laid-back atmosphere that puts her at  ease.

"So, what's good here?" She asks, her voice light and playful as she peruses the menu.

Billy shrugs, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he leans back in his seat.