The peace lasted exactly twelve minutes.
Twelve.
Keifer and I were still curled up on the bed, quiet, calm, breathing in sync. The kind of silence that feels earned. The kind that makes you think, Maybe today will be normal.
That was my first mistake.
There was a sudden BANG on the door.
Not a knock.
A bang.
"OPEN UP, LOVE BIRDS."
Felix's voice.
Keifer didn't move. He didn't even open his eyes. "If I ignore it, it might go away."
Another bang.
"KUYA KEIFER," Kieran yelled, way too cheerfully, "SECTION E IS CONDUCTING A SURPRISE CHECK."
I groaned, burying my face into Keifer's chest. "I knew it. I knew peace was illegal in this house."
Before Keifer could respond, the door opened.
Because of course it did.
Rory walked in first like she owned the place. "GOOD MORNING, MARRIED PEOPLE."
Behind her came everyone.
Felix.
Mayo.
C In.
Calix.
Erdix.
Rakki.
Freya.
Mica.
Ella.
Percy.
Aries.
And Kieran standing proudly like he had just accomplished something historic.
Keifer finally opened one eye. "Why."
"Observation," Mayo said seriously.
"Verification," Felix added.
"Vibes check," Rory nodded.
I sat up, pulling the blanket higher. "You know this is illegal, right?"
Percy crossed his arms. "We are family. Family doesn't knock."
"I'm revoking that rule," I muttered.
Rory gasped dramatically. "Jay, look at you. Hair messy. Keifer still calm. Suspicious."
Keifer sighed. "Please leave."
"No," Section E said together.
C In stepped forward, holding his phone. "Agenda for this morning:
One—confirm you're alive.
Two—ruin your peace.
Three—breakfast chaos."
Erdix squinted at Keifer. "Kuya, blink twice if you're being controlled."
Keifer blinked once. Slowly. "I married her willingly."
I smirked. "Blink again if you're scared."
He laughed softly. "A little."
Rory flopped dramatically onto the couch. "I can't believe you two thought you could have a quiet morning."
Felix nodded. "That was offensive."
Mayo leaned toward me. "So… how was—"
Keifer cleared his throat sharply.
Mayo raised his hands. "I meant SLEEP. SLEEP."
"Sure you did," Aries muttered.
At that exact moment, Baby Grazel Jay toddled in, holding a toy and squealing happily. She spotted me and ran forward.
"WIFEEEEE," she giggled.
I scooped her up instantly. "Hi, my angel."
Grace followed, shaking her head. "I leave you people alone for five minutes."
"You left them unsupervised," I replied seriously. "That's on you."
Felix suddenly clapped. "GROUP MEETING."
"No," Keifer said.
"Yes," Felix replied.
Rory jumped up. "Motion passed."
Before we knew it, everyone had dragged chairs closer. Someone sat on the floor. Someone leaned against the wall. Someone (Mayo) stole snacks from the minibar.
Keifer leaned toward me and whispered, "Wifey… I'm sorry."
I smiled sweetly. "You married into this."
C In started. "So. Married life. Any regrets?"
Keifer answered calmly, "None."
I added, "Except this moment."
Percy smirked. "Good answer."
Aries tilted his head. "Jay, does he snore?"
"Yes," I said instantly.
Keifer looked betrayed. "You promised—"
"You snore," I repeated sweetly.
Felix laughed so hard he had to sit down. "HE'S HUMAN."
Then Rory pointed dramatically. "Guys. Look at them."
Everyone went quiet.
Keifer's arm was around my shoulders. My hand rested naturally on his knee. No performance. No awareness.
Just comfort.
Mica smiled softly. "They look… right."
The teasing paused for half a second.
Just one.
Then Mayo ruined it.
"Okay but breakfast though."
Chaos resumed immediately.
People arguing over pancakes. Someone fighting over coffee. Baby Grazel Jay stealing someone's spoon. Percy scolding everyone. Aries laughing. Felix narrating like a sports commentator.
Keifer stood up finally, pulling me with him. "Alright. Enough."
Everyone froze.
He looked around calmly. "You've ruined the peace. Congratulations."
Rory bowed. "Our mission."
He tightened his grip on my hand. "Now get out of our room."
Groans filled the space.
"But—" Felix started.
"OUT," Keifer repeated.
They shuffled out dramatically, still laughing, still whispering, still plotting.
The door finally closed.
Silence returned.
I leaned against Keifer, laughing quietly. "So much for peace."
He kissed the top of my head. "Worth it."
I smiled. "Yeah. It is."
Because even when Section E ruins everything—
They're still family.
And peace, I realized, doesn't mean silence.
Sometimes it means chaos… that knows when to leave. 💙