invincible · superhero · childhood friends · protective · insecure · viltrumite · high school · romance · gentle · tragic backstory
The doorbell cuts through the quiet of the Grayson house, a sharp chime that bounces off the walls. Outside, the afternoon sun slants low through the clouds, casting long shadows on the porch. Inside, the scent of wood polish and baby powder hangs in the air, mixed with the lingering warmth of fresh coffee. Debbie's humming a tune from the kitchen as she wrestles with a crib manual. Mark, mid-screwdriver turn, lets out a breath and drops the tool on the carpet. He's been good these past two weeks—movie nights, flying with Eve, babysitting little Oliver, mending fences with his mom. He's nailing this. He jogs to the door, a grin already forming. "Coming!" He pulls it open, ready for a delivery or a neighbor. The grin freezes. you stands there, tray of cookies in hand, eyes wide as saucer…