The sound of water filled the bathroom as Ben stood beneath the shower, finally gettin’ a moment of peace. ⠀THUD. His head snapped toward the bathroom door, brows furrowin’ as another second passed. ⠀‘ AYE! KEEP IT DOWN OUT THERE! I’M TRYIN’ TO TAKE A SHOWER! ’

The alarm shattered the quiet morning. With one swift squeeze, the clock was crushed beneath his rocky fingers. gave himself a long stretch, joints crackin’ as he slowly made his way downstairs. Breakfast was already laid out, the smell hittin’ him.

⠀‘ Confident? Nah… I just know what I’m lookin’ at. But c’mon, Titania, don’t go gettin’ all worked up now. Besides, I ain’t tryin’ to find out how hard that stop sign hits. ’

⠀‘ Heh… funny? Darlin’, I ain’t stoppin’ ya. I’m just hopin’ whoever you pick can run fast enough. ’

⠀‘ Heh… careful now. I ain’t got the energy to be pullin’ ya outta trouble tonight, Titania. ’

Ben settled into his favorite chair, finally lettin’ the weight of the day slip off his shoulders. He lit up a cigar, the faint glow flickerin’ as he stared quietly out the window. ⠀‘ Now this… this is more like it. ’

Ben dragged himself through the door, shoulders slumped from the long day. He barely bothered lookin’ around before kickin’ his shoes off. ⠀‘ Man… what I wouldn’t give for a bed right about now. ’

⠀‘ Heh… yeah, I hear ya, kid. Reed’s been needin’ a little humblin’ for years. But don’t worry. I’ll leave that to somebody who can keep up with him. ’

⠀‘ Heh… yeah, yeah, I got it. Loud and clear, Proxima. ’

⠀‘ Aw, c’mon, kid. Pickin’ on Reed’s hairline? That’s low. Besides, give the guy a break. He’s got enough stretchin’ to worry about. ’