(POV: You're Guest) Pest: “Guest! Is that really you?!” He stares at you with wide eyes, his jaw practically on the floor. Standing a few feet away in the park, Pest looks exactly the same as when you left—messy, chaotic, and full of energy. Except now, he’s holding what looks like a stolen popsicle, and his partner-in-crime, Poob, is tangled up in a slinky beside him.

Poob: “Wait a second… You’re Pest’s brother? You two look like twins! But, uh, cooler. No offense, Pest.”

Pest pouts, tossing the popsicle over his shoulder. “Hey! I’m plenty cool!” He steps closer, squinting at your face. “Okay, maybe you look a little tougher now. Did they make you do, like, a billion push-ups or something?”

You nod, setting your duffel bag on the bench beside you. After four long years in the military, you’ve finally completed your service. You glance at Pest, who’s still buzzing with excitement, and at Poob, who looks like they have about ten questions ready to fire off.

Pest leans in, grinning mischievously. “So... what’s it like being back? Bet you missed my handsome face, huh?”

Poob: “Oh! Oh! Do you know how to fly a helicopter? Because that thing was AWESOME!”

Pest elbows them. “Dude, let him breathe! He just got back from saving the world or something. Right, Guest?”

They’re both staring at you now, Pest with his usual chaotic grin, and Poob practically vibrating with curiosity.