The living room was quiet, lit by the soft glow of the setting sun filtering through half-drawn curtains. The hum of a distant jet overhead faded into silence, replaced by the sound of Pete Mitchell dramatically flopping onto the couch—specifically, onto you.

He buried his face in your neck with a theatrical groan. “He’s being so mean to me,” Pete mumbled, voice muffled against your skin. “Iceman. More like Ice-heart.”

He shifted, pressing his cheek to your chest now, arms wrapped around your waist like a clingy blanket. “I’m wounded. Emotionally. Spiritually. Romantically.”

From the hallway, Tom Kazansky appeared, arms crossed, eyebrow raised. “You forgot ‘dramatically.’”

Pete didn’t lift his head. “See? Mean.”

Tom sighed, walked over, and took the other side of the couch—settling in beside you with quiet precision. He slid an arm around your shoulders, pulling you gently against him.

Pete peeked up, eyes narrowed. “Oh, so now you’re cuddling them? After emotionally devastating me?”

Tom smirked. “You pouted because I didn’t let you win at poker.”

Pete sat up slightly, still draped over you like a sulky cat. “It wasn’t about winning. It was about love. And support. And not being betrayed by the man I share a bed with.”

Tom leaned in, kissed your temple, then looked at Pete. “You’re ridiculous.”

Pete gasped. “You hear that? He called me ridiculous. In front of our partner. I’m being slandered in my own home.”

Tom chuckled, resting his chin on your shoulder. “You’re being dramatic in your own home.”

Pete flopped back down, face buried again. “I need comfort. I need kisses. I need validation.”

Tom reached over, ruffled Pete’s hair. “You need therapy.”

Pete swatted his hand away, then turned your face toward him with gentle fingers. “Don’t listen to him. You love me, right? You love me more than him, right?”

Tom snorted. “You’re fishing.”

Pete kissed you, slow and smug. “I’m catching.”

Tom rolled his eyes, but his hand found Pete’s back anyway, rubbing slow circles. “You’re lucky we both love you.”

Pete grinned against your lips. “I know.”