The Afternoon Glitch: The Newlyweds' Bug
[Author's POV]
The celebration for the Watson Heir was still vibrating through the mansion, but as the afternoon sun hit the grand living room, a different kind of frequency began to crackle. While Jay was tucked safely under Keifer's arm on the oversized velvet sofa, and Mamma Serina was already browsing silk baby blankets, the "Newlywed Zone" was experiencing a system crash.
Mica and Calix had been married for two years, and usually, they were the squad's "Golden Couple." But today, the heat and the excitement had pushed a small "Data Error" to the surface.
The Misunderstanding: [Jay's POV]
I was leaning my head on Keifer's shoulder, finally feeling the nausea fade, when I heard Mica's voice go up three octaves.
"You did what, Calix?"
The room went quiet. Even Kit and Mayo, who were mid-argument about sports, stopped to look. Calix was sitting on the edge of his chair, looking at his phone with a confused expression.
"I just said I rescheduled the flight, Mica. It's not a big deal. We need to stay an extra day to celebrate with the Watsons," Calix explained, his voice calm—which was exactly the wrong move.
"Without asking me?" Mica stood up, her hands on her hips. "I have a gallery opening on Monday, Calix! I told you that three times. Did you just 'Delete' that information from your brain because you wanted more time with the boys?"
"I didn't delete it! I just prioritized the Heir news!" Calix argued, his face reddening. "I thought you'd be happy to support Jay!"
The Squad's Front Row Seat
Keifer tightened his grip on me, his eyes narrowing. "System alert," he whispered in my ear. "Conflict in the sector."
"Oh, don't give me that 'Supporting Jay' line," Mica snapped, ignoring the fact that the entire Watson family and the squad—Cin, David, Erdix, Rory, Mayo, Kit, Ella, Freya, and Rakki—were watching them like a tennis match. "You just wanted to stay and finish that poker game with Rory and Erdix! You're using the baby as a firewall for your own plans!"
"That's a 1,000% lie!" Calix shouted, standing up to face her. "You're always looking for a 'Glitch' in everything I do! I'm trying to be a good friend, and you're treating me like a 'Critical Error'!"
Bridget leaned over to Felix, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Should I deploy the tear gas, or are we just letting them self-destruct?"
"Wait, wait," Cin interjected, raising his hands. "As the doctor in the room, I'm diagnosing this as a 'Communication Breakdown.' Calix, you bypassed the 'Wife-Approval' protocol. Mica, you've increased the 'Aggression Variable' to maximum."
The Family Intervention: [Keifer's POV]
I watched them for another ten seconds before I'd had enough. I love my squad, but no one ruins the "Glow" in my living room.
"Calix. Mica. Sit. Down," I commanded, my "CEO" voice cutting through their shouting like a diamond blade.
They both froze, looking at me.
"You're fighting over a calendar entry in front of a pregnant woman and my parents," I said, my blue eyes cold and steady. "Calix, apologize for the 'Unauthorized Edit' to the schedule. Mica, accept the apology because he did it out of loyalty to this house. The 'Conflict File' is closed. Now."
Pappa Keizer chuckled from his armchair, taking a slow sip of his scotch. "Listen to him. He's been through a week of amnesia—he knows a thing or two about what's worth fighting for and what isn't."
The Reconciliation: [Jay's POV]
The room stayed silent for a heartbeat. Then, Calix let out a long breath, his shoulders dropping. He stepped toward Mica and took her hands.
"I'm sorry, Mica. I should have synced the calendars. I just got caught up in the Watson news. I'll fix the flight right now."
Mica looked at him, her eyes softening. She let out a huff, leaning her forehead against his chest. "I'm sorry too. I'm just stressed about the gallery. And… seeing Jay and Keifer so happy makes me want to make sure we stay 1,000% synced too."
"Awww!" the girls—Ella, Freya, and Rakki—cooed in unison.
"Back to 100% functionality!" Mayo shouted, throwing a pillow at Calix. "Now, can we go back to talking about how Keifer is going to handle a diaper change with those 5,000 suits?"
The laughter returned, the "Glitch" was patched, and the afternoon continued in its beautiful, chaotic Watson way.