The flight back home was quiet, the weight of the conversation between Nolan and Mark still lingering between them. Mark hadn't said much after Nolan told him about quitting the superhero life, but Nolan could feel the tension in the air. It wasn't the end of their struggle, but it was the beginning of something different. Something new.
As they landed back at the house, Nolan could see Naruto and Sasuke still training outside. Their movements were less erratic than before, each boy slowly getting the hang of their respective techniques. Sasuke was focused, his Chidori practice more precise with each attempt, while Naruto—true to his nature—was constantly trying to perfect the Rasengan, even if it meant a little more mess than expected.
Mark watched them for a moment, still processing everything Nolan had said. "So... what now?" Mark finally asked, his voice quieter than usual.
"We go inside and talk to Debbie," Nolan said with a tired sigh. "Tell her everything's going to be okay. We've got a lot of changes ahead."
Inside the house, Debbie was sitting at the kitchen table, her worried expression softening when she saw them walk through the door. "How did it go?" she asked, standing up and moving toward them.
Nolan gave her a reassuring smile. "It went well. We talked, and Mark understands. It's not going to be easy, but we'll make it work."
Mark nodded slowly, still processing Nolan's words, but he was calmer now. "Yeah, it's a lot to take in, but I get it. You're not the villain. You're just... trying to do better, right?"
Nolan clapped him on the shoulder. "Exactly. And it's not just about me anymore. It's about all of us. Earth. The future."
Debbie nodded, though there was still a flicker of doubt in her eyes. "So, what's next, then?"
Nolan turned to Naruto and Sasuke, who had followed them into the house, eager but still unsure of what was going on. "Boys," Nolan called out, his voice warm, "I need you both to do something for me."
Naruto bounced up and down, excited as always. "What is it, what is it? Tell me!"
"Sasuke, Naruto," Nolan said, glancing at both of them, "I want you to call Mark 'Big Brother' from now on. He's part of this family, and I think it's important that we all stick together."
Naruto immediately grinned, practically bouncing on his feet. "Big Brother? Alright, that sounds awesome! Hey, Big Brother Mark!" he said, looking up at Mark with that typical Naruto enthusiasm.
Sasuke, on the other hand, remained stoic, his eyes flicking between Nolan and Mark. He didn't say anything at first, but after a long moment, he spoke in his usual calm manner. "Big Brother Mark," Sasuke said, his tone barely above a whisper, but enough to acknowledge the shift. It was something.
Mark blinked at the sudden change in dynamics, but he couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "I guess that's me now, huh?" he said, trying to keep it light but clearly feeling a little awkward. Still, it was a step forward.
Nolan nodded approvingly, then turned to Debbie. "Everything's fine now, Debbie," he said, walking over to her and taking her hand. "I've been thinking. I'm going to start a construction company. I'll use the money to help train the boys and make sure they have what they need to be ready for whatever comes. But I won't be a hero anymore. That part of my life is over."
Debbie's eyes widened in surprise. "A construction company? Nolan, that's... well, that's a big change."
"I know," Nolan said, smiling. "But I think it's the right one. I've been running from the truth for so long, and I can't keep doing it. I want to build something that lasts, something that's real. And I'll still help Earth if the Viltrumites come. But I won't be a superhero anymore. Not the way I was."
Mark watched the conversation unfold, and he could see how much his father was trying to change. It wasn't just for him; it was for everyone. And that gave Mark a little bit of peace, even though he still had questions about where they were headed.
"I guess that makes sense," Mark said quietly. "If you're not going to be a superhero, then what does that make me?"
Nolan turned to face him, his gaze steady. "That makes you... whatever you choose to be. But no matter what, you don't have to carry the weight I did. I'm here, and I'll help you. We'll figure it out together."
Naruto's voice broke the silence. "Hey! When do we start the next training lesson? I wanna get stronger and learn more cool stuff!"
Sasuke nodded, his eyes focused on Nolan. "I've been practicing the Chidori. I want to learn more."
Nolan smiled at the boys, then turned back to Debbie. "We'll start training tomorrow, but first, let's all get some rest. I've got a lot of work ahead of me—setting up the company, training you two, and making sure everything's in place for the future. But for now, we can enjoy a moment of peace."
Debbie smiled, a relieved expression on her face. "Alright, Nolan. If you're sure this is the right choice, I'm with you. I've always been."
"Thanks, Debbie," Nolan said, squeezing her hand. "I couldn't do this without you."
As the evening wore on, the family settled into a new rhythm. Mark, despite his lingering uncertainty, felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The conversation had been tough, but it was a step in the right direction. Nolan had made his choice, and Mark had made his peace with it, even if he didn't fully understand it all yet.
And for the first time in a long while, Nolan felt like he was on the right path. The future was uncertain, but he had a plan—and he would do everything in his power to protect Earth, no matter what it took.