Sunlight spilled into the living room, warm and soft, but it did nothing to calm the chaos erupting at the front door. Cream stirred, rubbing her eyes. “Mom? Dad? Who… is that?” Shadie, still steadying herself with her cane, had just come down the stairs, blinking at the figure on the porch. Will was leaning casually against the railing, tails flicking in the sunlight, golden eyes gleaming, smirk fully in place. “Well, well, well,” Will said, voice loud enough to carry inside. “Good morning, world! Or should I say… good morning, married couple extraordinaire!” Silver, now fully awake, rubbed his eyes. “Will… what are you doing here?” “Oh, you know,” Will said, spinning on one foot. “Showing up unannounced, marveling at your domestic bliss, and—oh yes—teasing my favorite sister and her… excellent choice in husband.” He winked at Silver. “Seriously, bro. Married life suits you… but don’t get lazy. Your wife is standing there, heroic, cane and all, and you’re just… existing. Impressive? Not so much.” Shadie groaned, gripping her cane tighter. “You really love to rub it in, don’t you?” “Love it? I live for it,” Will said, tails flicking. “Five years, Shadie, and I come back to see you married, managing a household, still heroic, and wielding that cane like a champ. And Silver here… still adjusting to the fact that you are officially his problem now.” Silver’s jaw tightened. “Will—” “Oh, relax!” Will laughed, tilting his head. “I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. Married life, huh? You two are officially a package deal now. The world is safe for a little while—because apparently, love and heroism mix perfectly, though Silver still needs practice keeping up with you.” Shadie rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.” “Vote of confidence? Ha! More like stating the obvious,” Will said, twirling a tail. “I mean, look at you two—sleeping in separate rooms would be scandalous at this point, right? And here I am, five years later, interrupting the perfect little domestic morning. Classic.” Fiona poked her head out from the kitchen. “Will… what are you even doing here?” “Ah! Fiona!” Will said dramatically, pointing a finger at her. “Still cooking chaos like a master chef of disasters, I see. Five years later, you’re exactly the same—louder, sassier, still incapable of making one pot of tea without creating a minor incident.” April leaned on the counter, arms crossed but cheeks slightly pink. “Oh, really? You had to bring me into this?” “April!” Will said, spinning to face her, tails flicking.
Yes, pathetic,” Shadie said, circling him like a predator, cane tapping dramatically. “You strut around, smirking, teasing everyone, thinking you’ve got the world figured out—and all the while, the girl you’re crushing on is literally trying not to melt in front of the entire family. And here’s the kicker: your face is redder than a tomato, your tails are twitching, and you’re vibrating from embarrassment. It’s hilarious!” Cream burst into uncontrollable laughter, clutching her sketchpad. “Hahaha! Uncle Will! You’re so red!” Will buried his face in his hands, muttering, “I—this is not fair! She—uh—I mean—” Shadie raised her cane, cutting him off. “Stop stammering! You thought you could sneak in, act like nothing’s changed, and somehow keep your ‘cool’ image intact. But you’re flustered, exposed, and completely ridiculous. And I’m loving every second of it!” Will groaned, tails flailing helplessly, still trying to hide from both Shadie and Cream’s laughter. “Oh, and Will,” Shadie added, voice low and deadly serious, “I’ve known about your little “thing” for April for years. years. And if you even think about doing anything stupid, I will personally ensure that your legendary ego gets roasted, embarrassed, and knocked down a notch—or nine—before you can even blink.” Will groaned dramatically, but even flustered, he couldn’t help but grin. “Okay, okay… I admit it. You win. Epic roast complete.” Shadie tapped her cane once more, finalizing the mic-drop moment. “Good. Now behave, try not to faint from embarrassment, and maybe—just maybe—think twice before showing your face in front of the girl you like while acting like a show-off. Infinite is back, and I don’t have time for your ridiculousness.” Will slumped into a chair, tails drooping, still flustered but grinning. Cream giggled again, sketchpad shaking in her hands. “Mom! That was amazing!” Shadie smirked. “Of course it was. And Will? Consider this a lifetime warning.”
