Darkness Retribution

Finally.Peace.

As the group finally reached the house, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the horizon. Everyone was exhausted after their unexpected detour into another dimension, but the comfort of home brought a sense of relief. Freddy flopped onto the nearest couch, Duolingo perched on the armrest, and Daddy Hello Kitty Batman immediately went to check on Toe Pedeos, who was hiding under a chair, still shaken from the experience.

Neuvillette, who had been unusually quiet on the walk back, leaned against the doorframe, his usual calm exterior betraying just a hint of exhaustion. His gaze flicked to Felix and you as you entered the house, the two of you still holding hands.

Felix smiled, nudging you playfully. "Hey, how about we cook dinner tonight? Something simple but special. It's been a weird day—maybe some food will help us all unwind."

You nodded, feeling a warmth in your chest. "That sounds perfect."

As you both headed to the kitchen, the rest of the team scattered around the house. Freddy was already half-asleep on the couch, while Duolingo was offering Daddy Hello Kitty Batman some advice on calming Toe Pedeos down. Emo Jesus had taken a seat by the window, quietly staring out at the fading light, his usual melancholy look replaced by a thoughtful expression.

Neuvillette watched all of this from his spot by the door, his arms crossed. It was clear he was still processing everything, but for once, he wasn't completely withdrawn from the group. He sighed quietly, almost as if accepting the chaos that came with being part of this strange little family.

In the kitchen, Felix started prepping ingredients while you set the table. The familiar, calming routine of cooking together eased the tension from the day's events. You glanced over at Felix, catching the slight smile on his face as he focused on chopping vegetables.

"Felix?" you asked, leaning against the counter. "Thanks for being here, through all of this. I don't think I could've handled it alone."

He looked up, his eyes soft. "You're never alone. We're a team, remember? And, to be honest, I wouldn't want to go on any adventure without you."

Before you could reply, Neuvillette's voice interrupted from the doorway, his tone dry. "Please, if you insist on making heart-eyed comments, at least spare the rest of us."

You and Felix exchanged a look, both of you suppressing laughter. Neuvillette sighed and stepped into the room. "But... I will admit, your cooking has proven to be tolerable. I'll stay for dinner."

"High praise," Felix joked, stirring a pot of soup.

Once dinner was ready, the team gathered around the table. Despite the earlier chaos, the atmosphere was light. Freddy woke up just in time to eat, and Duolingo was proudly explaining the best techniques for seasoning food. Daddy Hello Kitty Batman and Toe Pedeos seemed to have calmed down, with Batman reassuring his sidekick with a hand on his shoulder.

As the meal wound down, the group settled into a comfortable silence. Neuvillette, who had barely touched his water, raised an eyebrow at the quiet, then broke it with an almost too-serious statement. "If tomorrow brings another portal... I expect everyone to be ready. No distractions."

"Agreed," Duolingo chimed in. "We must always be prepared. But, perhaps we could avoid extra-dimensional excursions next time, sí?"

Freddy chuckled, "As long as I get to nap afterward, I'm game."

After dinner, the house grew quiet as everyone retired to their rooms. You and Felix lingered in the living room, watching as the others went to bed. The peace after such a wild day felt comforting. Felix leaned back on the couch, pulling you close.

"Today was intense," he said softly, resting his chin on your head. "But... I kind of liked it. With you, I mean."

You smiled, snuggling into him. "Me too."

The warmth of his embrace and the quiet hum of the night outside made the moment perfect. The strange adventures, the chaos, all of it felt like something you could handle as long as you had each other.

As you both got up to head to bed, the door to Neuvillette's room creaked open. He stood there, looking at you with an exhausted expression.

"Just... try not to wake me up again tonight," he said, his voice low but carrying a trace of humor this time. "Or else."

Felix grinned, "We'll be good. Promise."

Neuvillette rolled his eyes and shut the door, and you could swear you heard him mutter something like, "Hopeless romantics..."

The next morning, the group woke to a much calmer atmosphere. As everyone gathered for breakfast, Neuvillette was already at the table, sipping his water. He gave you both a slight nod as you sat down, the unspoken truce between the team holding strong for now.

Freddy, glancing around the room, broke the silence. "So, what's on today's agenda? No portals, right?"

"Let's keep it simple," Felix said, his hand brushing yours under the table. "A calm day. We've earned it."

Duolingo nodded enthusiastically. "Agreed. A little peace never hurt anyone."

And for the first time in a while, it seemed like peace was exactly what you were going to get.