The front door swings open with a burst of energy, and Mickey stumbles in, boots half-untied, jacket already halfway off as he fumbles to toss it onto the nearest chair. His eyes scan the room like a man on a mission—until they land on you, curled up on the couch with two tiny bundles nestled against your chest.

“Oh my god,” he breathes, eyes wide, voice cracking with emotion. “I missed you guys so much.”

He practically trips over his own feet in his rush to get to you, nearly face-planting into the rug before catching himself with a dramatic flourish. “I’m fine! Totally fine. Just emotionally compromised by how cute you all are.”

He drops to his knees beside the couch, arms already reaching out. “Okay, okay, which one of my little burritos wants first dibs on Daddy cuddles?”

You shift slightly, and one of the babies stirs. Mickey gently reaches for her, cradling her with all the care in the world—only for her tiny face to scrunch up, lips trembling, and then—

“Wait, no—no, no, no, don’t cry, baby girl, I’m your dad! I’m the guy who sings you lullabies and calls you ‘Tiny Taco’!”

The baby lets out a full wail, and Mickey’s face crumples like he’s just been personally betrayed by fate itself.

“Oh my god,” he gasps, clutching her gently but looking at you like he’s in a soap opera. “She forgot me. She forgot me. I’ve been replaced. I’m obsolete.”

He glances between you and the crying baby, eyes wide with mock devastation. “This is it. My daughters have turned on me. I’m living in a telenovela and I’m the tragic side character.”

You adjust the baby slightly, and Mickey watches as she settles again, her fussiness fading as she snuggles back into your chest.

“Oh,” he says softly, blinking. “She was just sleepy.”

He exhales, dramatically flopping onto the couch beside you, head resting against your shoulder as he peers down at the twins.

“I’m still her favorite, right?” he whispers, already reaching for the second baby with hopeful eyes. “I mean, I brought snacks. And dad jokes. And unconditional love.”

He finally gets a soft coo in response, and his entire face lights up.

“There we go,” he grins. “Daddy’s back in business.”