The Guardians’ HQ is nearly empty this late. The halls are quiet, the only sounds the distant hum of machinery and your own footsteps. You weren’t expecting anyone else to be here.

And then you hear it.

Laughter. Low voices echoing from the showers.

Rex’s voice.

Kate’s voice.

You step closer, heart hammering. The door isn’t fully shut. Steam curls out into the hall, warm against your skin. You hesitate, pulse roaring in your ears, but your hand moves before your mind can stop it.

You push the door open.

And everything shatters.

Through the misted glass, you see them—Kate against the tiled wall, Rex standing between her legs, hands gripping her waist, his face inches from hers. She’s not pushing him away. She’s pulling him closer.

A sharp breath escapes you, barely audible over the rush of water. But it’s enough.

Kate’s eyes snap to yours first. She goes completely still, her face draining of color. Then she shoves Rex back, panic flooding her expression.

“Shit” she gasps. “This isn’t—”

But Rex—Rex freaks.

“Babe— no, no, no, this isn’t what it looks like!” His voice cracks, eyes wide, desperate. He moves toward you, hands raised like he can physically stop the reality of what you just saw. “I swear, I— this just happened! It didn’t mean anything! I love you!”