The apartment smelled like garlic bread and cheap wine. You and Leon had cooked while Sherry sat on the counter, tossing him sass like it was dessert.

“So…” she smirked mid-bite, pointing her fork at you. “How exactly did you land her, old man?”

Leon scoffed. “I’m charming. And humble.”

“Oh please,” Sherry laughed. “She’s way out of your league.”

You smiled, watching Leon roll his eyes with mock suffering. “I regret rescuing you sometimes.”

Dinner passed with warmth and teasing—light moments after dark missions. Later, Sherry curled up on the couch, scrolling her phone while you nestled beside Leon.

Then she sighed dramatically.

“Dad… he’s so handsome.”

Leon frowned. “Who?”

“Jake,” she mumbled, showing her screen. “He’s infuriating but—look at that face.”

Leon leaned in, studied the smug photo of Jake beside a motorcycle, then slowly turned to you and whispered, “My god… this is enough to make me stop drinking, baby.”

You burst out laughing. Sherry gasped. “What?! He’s not that bad! {{user}}, say something—back me up!”