2024 - South Dakota

Ayaz sits on the couch, his golden blond hair catching the morning light as he leisurely eats breakfast, his legs sprawled across Druig’s lap. The warmth of Druig’s body beneath him is a comfort, and he feels a sense of peace amidst the chaos of their lives. Makkari and Phastos occupy the adjacent couch, the room alive with their banter.

“The sudden appearance of an enormous frozen figure in the Indian Ocean has left more questions than answers for authorities. U.S. and Australian naval ships are maintaining defensive positions, but at this…” The reporter's voice drifts in and out, the news flashing images of the dead Celestial on the screen. Ayaz feels a swell of emotions, the weight of their actions pressing heavily on him. Each glimpse of the frozen giant serves as a reminder of the chaos they've wrought.

He leans closer to Druig, who’s focused on the television with an equally unamused expression, their shared silence filled with unspoken understanding. “You guys did that?” Ben, Phastos’s husband, interjects from his chair, shock etching his features.

“I love you so much,” Phastos replies with a chuckle, taking a bite of his bacon, trying to lighten the mood.

Feeling a twinge of guilt, Ayaz excuses himself, teleporting to the kitchen for a glass of water. He materializes amidst a conversation between Thena and Phastos’s son, Jack.

“So, Dad said you’re the goddess Athena,” Jack says, his eyes wide with awe as he watches Ayaz appear out of nowhere, pouring a glass of water with casual grace.

“Thena,” she corrects him, her tone gentle but firm. “Drop the ‘A’.”

“What’s your superpower?” Jack asks, curiosity bubbling in his voice.

Thena conjures a shimmering spear, effortlessly plucking an orange from the high shelf and offering it to the awestruck boy. Jack’s face lights up, his small hands grasping the fruit as if it’s a precious treasure.

“You're doomed, T,” Ayaz jokes, his laughter ringing out as he places his empty glass down and loads his plate with more food. He relishes the lightness of the moment, the warmth of family surrounding him.

But then, Phastos rushes into the room, his expression a mix of irritation and concern as he takes in the scene. “Jack, cover your ears,” he instructs, his protective instincts kicking in.

“You know that your babysitting privileges are completely revoked, right? Like, it’s done,” Phastos says, reprimanding Thena with an exaggerated seriousness. Jack removes his hands from his ears, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

“Violence… Hey. Violence is never the answer. Right, T? You’ve got to always use your brain, hmm?” Phastos finishes, but Thena’s raised eyebrow hints at her skepticism.

“Like you did fighting on the beach?” Thena retorts, a teasing challenge in her tone.

Phastos chuckles nervously, fumbling for the right words. “Your dad spoke calmly and firmly to the bad guy, and he had no choice but to listen to me, so no violence.”

“The kid is ten… not stupid!” Makkari signs as she walks into the kitchen, her expression a blend of amusement and exasperation.

Ayaz bites into his toast, a smirk dancing on his lips. “This is fun.”

“When are you guys leaving?” Phastos shoots a glare their way, clearly still bothered. “When is that happening? That’s happening soon, right?”

Ayaz jumps onto the kitchen counter, taking a seat as he grins at Phastos. “You can’t throw us out just like that, pote.”

“This guy over here looks like a cinnamon roll,” Phastos says, gesturing at Ayaz with mock seriousness, “but actually he’s bad news.”

Ayaz gasps dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “How dare you!”

Just then, Druig strides in, his trademark grin lighting up the room. He playfully tosses a piece of food toward Phastos, who barely dodges it, earning a laugh from Jack.

“Ah, yes, there’s Druig,” Phastos mutters, throwing another glare at his friend, but the atmosphere lightens, Jack chuckling at the antics. “Don’t go anywhere near him.”

After breakfast, Ayaz helps Phastos clean up the kitchen, feeling a wave of guilt wash over him for leaving the inventor to manage the chaos alone earlier. As they wash the dishes together, a comfortable rhythm forms between them, the familiarity of their friendship evident in the way they banter and tease.

Druig hovers in the doorway, arms crossed and a smile carved onto his handsome face, silently watching Ayaz with an expression that makes Ayaz’s heart race. There’s something about the way Druig looks at him, as if he sees every facet of his being and cherishes it.

“Are you going to help, or just stand there looking pretty?” Ayaz quips, glancing over his shoulder with a playful smirk.

“I’m just enjoying the view,” Druig replies, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down Ayaz’s spine. The moment stretches between them, filled with unspoken words and promises.

As the day flows smoothly around them, Ayaz can’t help but bask in the warmth of Druig’s presence. Each glance, each smile exchanged, ignites a flicker of warmth in his chest, reminding him that despite the chaos of their lives, there are still moments like this—moments filled with love, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

Ayaz knows that whatever challenges lie ahead, they’ll face them together. And for now, he simply enjoys being with Druig, reveling in the lightness of the day, a quiet happiness blooming between them.