The dinner table was set, plates stacked high with steaming food, and the family was finally ready to sit down together—well, as "normal" as a super-powered family could be.

Phoebe cheerfully. "I hope you're all hungry!"

Everyone nods and murmurs in agreement as they take their seats.

Barb smiling. "It is so nice to sit down to dinner like a normal family."

Phoebe smiled. "Yeah. Hit it, sis!"

Nora grins and focuses her heat vision on the dishes, instantly warming them up. The food sizzles slightly, filling the room with a delicious aroma.

"I'll get the forks." With a flick of her hand, Phoebe uses her telekinesis to float the forks from the drawer and set them neatly in front of everyone.

"I'll get the lemonade." Billy blurs out of his chair, dashes to the fridge, and returns in the blink of an eye, holding a full pitcher of lemonade.

Max smirking. "And I'll eat dessert."

Max raises his hand, and the chocolate cake at the counter suddenly lifts into the air, floating toward him.

Phoebe warningly. "Max, that's for later."

The cake wobbles mid-air as Phoebe catches it with her telekinesis. A silent battle begins as both twins tug at the cake using their powers, their eyes locked in a stubborn stare-down.

Max grinning. "Says who?"

Phoebe groaned. "Me. Now let it go!"

Max shrugging. "Suit yourself."

With a final mischievous flick of his fingers, Max releases his hold, sending the cake flying—straight into the wall. Splat.

Billy laughing. "Wall cake!"

Melanie, who had been watching with amusement, snorts.

Melanie teasing Max. "Real smooth, cake whisperer. You really outdid yourself this time."

Max grinning. "I was just testing the aerodynamics. Turns out, cake is not meant to fly."

Melanie rolled her eyes. "Oh, really? I thought you were trying to invent edible wall art. Maybe next time, go for a pie—it has better splatter coverage."

Hank groaning, holding Billy back as he tries to super-speed to the cake. "That's it. For once, could we enjoy a nice, relaxing dinner without you kids using your superpowers?" Everyone sighs but ultimately nods in agreement. "Great. Now, where is my Peruvian hot sauce?"

Phoebe raising an eyebrow. "You're going to fly to Peru to get hot sauce, aren't you?"

Hank standing dramatically. "Thunder Man, away!"

With that, he blasts through the ceiling, leaving a perfect Hank-shaped hole behind. A gust of wind ruffles their hair as everyone watches in exasperation.

Max grinning. "That is never not funny."

Melanie chuckles and shakes her head. "I give it five minutes before he comes back with something totally unrelated—like a llama."

The family groans, knowing she's probably right. The family is still staring at the hole in the ceiling, waiting for Hank to return with his hot sauce—or something completely random.

Barb turning to Melanie. "Speaking of arrivals, young lady, why were you so late getting home?"

Melanie stiffens for a split second but quickly recovers, offering a casual shrug.

Melanie too nonchalantly. "Oh, you know... just, uh, school stuff. Lots of very important academic responsibilities. Homework, studying, deep intellectual conversations about... um... photosynthesis."

Max snorts, unable to resist. "Yeah, because when I think of you, I think "deep intellectual conversations."

Melanie shooting him a glare. "I could be having deep intellectual conversations."

Max rolled his eyes. "Sure. If "deep intellectual conversations" is code for sneaking around and getting into trouble."

Melanie fake laughing. "Wow, Max. You are so funny. Maybe you should take your comedy act on the road—preferably far, far away from here."

Max leaning back smugly. "I'm just saying, your excuse is weak. At least come up with something believable. Like you were rescuing a cat from a tree. Or helping an old lady cross the street. Or—I don't know—secretly moonlighting as a crime-fighting ninja."

Melanie dryly. "Oh, yeah. That last one is totally my vibe."

Barb firmly, cutting through their bickering. "Enough. Melanie, I don't appreciate being lied to. If your parents are on a mission, it is our responsibility to keep you safe. You know that." Melanie shifts uncomfortably but avoids eye contact. "People are after you because of your parents. That's not something to take lightly. If you're going to be late, you need to tell someone. You're under our roof, which means our rules. Got it?"

Melanie muttering. "Got it."

Barb nodded. "Good. Because the last thing we need is some villain showing up at our door because you decided to wander off."

Max grinning. "Ooooh, maybe that's why Dad left. Not for hot sauce, but because some villain's already here."

At that exact moment, the front door swings open dramatically, revealing... Hank, standing there, holding a bottle of Peruvian hot sauce in one hand—and, as Melanie predicted, leading a confused-looking llama with the other.

Hank grinning. "Guess who got hot sauce and a new friend?"

The family collectively groans.

Melanie deadpan, to Max. "I hate that you might be right."

Max smirking. "You should get used to it. I have a gift."

As the llama lets out a loud MEEEHHH and starts trotting into the house, knocking over a lamp, Barb pinches the bridge of her nose, exhaling deeply.

Barb exasperated. "This family is going to be the death of me."

☆

The living room is buzzing with activity as Phoebe finishes her call, pacing slightly with excitement.

Phoebe grinning. "Okay. See you then, Cherry! I know, I can't wait either! Bye." She ends the call and turns to the family, beaming.

Phoebe smiled. "Ooh, I'm having a girls' night with Cherry!"

Billy frowning. "I don't get it. You and Max have more superpowers than the rest of us combined, and you're excited about... seeing a friend?"

Nora mocking. "You don't get it because your only friends are the bacteria in your armpits."

Billy grinning. "Yeah, and they want to be friends with you too."

Nora grossed out. "Eww!"

Melanie leaning against the couch, smirking. "I mean, it's kinda impressive. Billy's basically a one-man science experiment."

Billy shrugging. "And yet, somehow, still cooler than Max."

Max mock offense. "Excuse me? Let's not forget who has an underground lair. That automatically makes me the coolest."

Melanie deadpan. "Sure. Because nothing screams "cool" like a dimly lit basement filled with questionable science projects and old pizza boxes."

Max grinning. "Exactly."

Phoebe rolling her eyes. "Can we focus, please? You should all love your siblings." She walks forward and promptly bumps into Max. Phoebe dryly. "Except him. He's evil."

Max mock hurt. "Come on, sis, we're twins. Where's the love?"

Phoebe rolled her eyes. "The love died when you beheaded my dolls when we were five."

Max grinning, pulling a headless doll from his pocket. "Oh yeah. Totally worth it."

Melanie laughing. "Wait, wait—you've been carrying that around this whole time? That's next-level commitment to chaos."

Max smiled. "What can I say? Evil never rests." Max straightening up. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have supervillain stuff to do in my lair."

Just as Max dramatically turns to leave, Barb and Hank walk in.

Barb raising an eyebrow. "It's not a lair if it has a nightlight."

Hank grinning, ruffling Max's hair. "Supervillain? More like super cutie!" Hank plants a loud, exaggerated kiss on Max's cheek. Max recoils in horror as Melanie and Phoebe burst out laughing.

Max wiping his cheek furiously. "Ugh! Dad! Can you not undermine my entire reputation?"

Nora asked curious. "Where are you going?"

Hank informed them. "I am taking your mom out to dinner."

Barb smiled. "So Max and Phoebe are babysitting tonight. They're really looking forward to it."

Phoebe walks back into the room just in time to hear that. Phoebe panicked. "Don't talk to your armpits, don't laser your brother, don't take over the world, don't have more children—goodnight, everybody!"

As she tries to bolt, Barb sparks up some lightning and zaps the front door shut.

Phoebe impressed. "Wow, Mom. You still got it."

Barb tells them. "Where are you going? I need you and Max to babysit tonight."

Phoebe and Max in unison. "What?!"

Phoebe yelled. "Mom, I was going to Cherry's tonight!"

Max groaned. "Yeah, and I was going to not babysit."

Barb smiling sweetly. "Well, now you're not not-babysitting."

Hank nodding in approval. "Yeah, that's right!"

Phoebe asked. "Can't a neighbor watch Billy and Nora?"

Hank scoffed. "And risk the kids exposing their powers to a non-super?"

Phoebe looks at him. "They won't. They're responsible now."

Right on cue, Nora turns and zaps Billy repeatedly with her lasers. "Dance, dance, I say!"

Billy dodging, wincing. "Ow! Cut it out!"

Nora cackles.

Melanie watching the chaos, leaning toward Phoebe. "Yeah, super responsible."

Phoebe pleading. "Please, Mom! Cherry is the only friend I've made since we moved here."

Max mock surprise. "One more than I thought she'd make."

Phoebe glaring. "Not helping."

Barb sighing. "I'm sorry, honey. But your father and I gave up crime-fighting so you kids could have a normal childhood."

Hank shrugged. "That's right! Which is too bad, 'cause I've still got it."

Barb raising an eyebrow. "Yeah... and a little extra."

Phoebe groans dramatically. "This is the worst! Sometimes I wish we didn't even have superpowers."

Barb softly. "I'm sorry, Phoebe." She kisses Phoebe on the head. "Come on, Hank."

Hank excited. "To the Thunder Mobile!"

Barb shrugged. "Minivan."

Hank yelled. "To the Thunder Minivan!"

Barb groaned. "No, it's just a mini—ugh, whatever." Barb and Hank exit.

Max grinning, rubbing his hands together. "How can I become the world's greatest supervillain if I have to babysit Zippy and Laser Girl? Wait a minute! You guys are way too cool for babysitting. How'd you like to assist me in my latest project?"

Billy smiled. "Sure!"

Nora shrugged. "Guess so."

Max asked curious. "Alright, Phoebe—you deserve a girls' night. So why don't I babysit Billy and Nora while you invite Cherry over here?"

Phoebe suspiciously. "Are you nuts? What about Dad's number one rule?"

Max shrugged. "Everything goes better with gravy?"

Phoebe nodded. "No non-supes in the house. I'm calling Cherry to cancel."

Max smirking. "You're right. Of course... she'll probably find a new best friend, and then loneliness can be your new best friend."

Phoebe pausing, conflicted. "...Wait! You guys promise that if Cherry comes, you won't use your powers?"

Billy and Nora nodding. "Of course not! We won't."

Nora immediately turns and zaps Billy.

Billy yelling. "Ow!"

Nora shrugging. "She's not here yet."

Phoebe sighing. "Fine. I'll do it."

"Great! Let's text her." Max waves a hand, using telekinesis to snatch Phoebe's phone from her.

Phoebe yelled. "Hey!"

Max typing dramatically. "Sup, girl. Pheebs here..."

Phoebe gasped. "You're texting as me?!"

Max grinning. "Totes obvi we should hang at my crib. See you at 7. As if! Smiley face with a party hat."

Phoebe groaning. "Darn it... that is exactly what I would've written."

"Alright, team! To the Max Lair!" He opens the hatch to his lair. "Billy in the hole!" Billy jumps in excitedly.

Nora sighed. "Glad we got rid of the boy germs. Am I right, Pheebs?" Phoebe just stares at her. Nora awkwardly. "Yeah, I'll just go." She jumps in after Billy.

Max dusts off his hands, feeling accomplished after successfully hijacking Phoebe's plans. He turns to Melanie, smirking. "Alright, Melanie. Now's your chance to be part of something truly great—The Max Lair Experience™. I'll even let you pick your own evil nickname."

Melanie raising an eyebrow. "Tempting. But what's the alternative?"

Phoebe grinning smugly. "Hanging out with me and Cherry. Girls' night. Snacks, movies, zero evil experiments."

Max scoffing. "Lame."

Melanie mock thinking. "Let's see... option one: basement full of discarded villain plans, the faint smell of failure, and possibly getting roped into another one of your disaster ideas..."

Max shrugged. "Hey, my plans aren't disasters! They're learning experiences."

Melanie ignoring him. "Or option two: actual food, actual fun, and no chance of accidental combustion."

Max narrowing his eyes. "You're stalling."

Melanie grinning. "I am. But I've made my decision."

She casually drapes an arm around Phoebe. "Girls' night sounds way better. Sorry, Max."

Max dramatic gasp. "Et tu, Melanie?!"

Phoebe smugly. "Oh, that's gotta sting."

Max crossing his arms. "Wow. Wow. Betrayed by my own best friend. This must be what supervillains feel like when their sidekicks turn on them."

Melanie smirked. "I think your mistake is assuming I was ever your sidekick."

Max clutching his chest. "Oof. Right in the villainous heart."

Melanie laughing, patting his shoulder. "Tell you what, Max. Save me a seat in the lair, and I'll swing by later."

Max grumbling. "You better."

Phoebe cheerfully. "Don't wait up!"

Max muttering. "Oh, I will. And when you get bored of their lame night, I'll be waiting—with actual fun."

Melanie walking toward the kitchen. "Can't wait."

Max sighs dramatically as she and Phoebe leave the room. He watches the hatch to his lair as Billy and Nora peek their heads out. "Sooo... is Melanie coming?"

Max grumbling. "No. She picked Phoebe."

Nora mock surprise. "Wow. I did not see that coming."

Billy grinning. "Do you need a moment?"

Max deadpan. "Just get in the lair."

Nora and Billy disappear back down as Max shakes his head.

Max said to himself. "Unbelievable."

Melanie and Phoebe in the kitchen, grabbing snacks. Melanie laughing. "He's so mad right now."

Phoebe shrugged, smirking. "Oh yeah. But don't worry. He'll get over it—eventually."

Melanie agreed. "Hopefully before he decides to build a revenge robot."

Phoebe nodded her head. "...Yeah, we should probably keep an eye on that." They clink their drinks together and walk off to set up for girls' night.

☆

Phoebe and Melanie are setting up for girls' night in the living room. Snacks are on the table, and a stack of movies sits next to the TV.

Phoebe checking her phone. "Cherry should be here soon. You excited?"

Melanie distracted. "Yeah... totally."

Phoebe noticing her tone. "You okay? You seem kinda off."

Melanie forcing a smile. "I'm fine. Just gotta make a quick call before Cherry gets here. Be right back."

Melanie quickly heads upstairs to her room, shutting the door behind her. She takes out her phone and dials a number, pacing as it rings... and rings... and rings. No answer. She hangs up and tries again. Still nothing.

Melanie muttering to herself. "Come on... pick up."

She exhales sharply, her fingers tightening around the phone. She had already lost contact with people before—people she should've never trusted. But this was different. These were her parents.

Her heart pounds as she glances at the door, then makes her decision. She walks to the wall near her desk, feeling along the edge of the paneling until her fingers find a small, almost invisible seam. She pries open a hidden compartment and pulls out a burner phone.

Melanie under her breath. "Please work."

She dials another number, one she never used unless it was absolutely necessary. The call connects. It rings once. Twice. Three times. No answer. "No, no, no..." She redials, pressing the phone harder against her ear as if that could somehow make them pick up.

Melanie frustrated, voice shaking. "Come on! Just pick up!"

Nothing. Again. The silence on the other end feels heavier than before. Her breathing quickens as panic creeps in.

Melanie gritting her teeth. "You promised you'd always answer."

In a sudden burst of frustration, she yanks the phone away from her ear and hurls it against the wall. It shatters on impact, pieces clattering to the floor. She stands there, breathing hard, staring at the broken phone like it personally betrayed her.

A knock at the door startles her. Phoebe from the other side. "Mel? Everything okay in there?"

Melanie quickly wipes at her face, forcing her voice to stay even. "Yeah! Just—uh—dropped something."

Phoebe hesitant. "...You sure?"

Melanie swallowing hard, forcing a casual tone. "Totally. Be down in a sec."

Phoebe doesn't sound convinced, but she doesn't push. Footsteps fade as she walks away. Melanie exhales, running a hand through her hair. She looks down at the broken phone, her jaw tightening.

Melanie whispering to herself. "Where are you?"

She takes one last deep breath, shoving the compartment shut before heading downstairs, pushing her worry aside. For now.

☆

The Thunder Monitor blares, signaling an alert. "Alert, alert: Non-supe approaching."

Phoebe rolling her eyes. "Sorry, Mom and Dad, but I need a life."

She quickly presses a hidden button, and the superhero portrait of her family seamlessly shifts into a normal family photo. Just in time, because—

The front door swings open, and Cherry bursts in, beaming. "Hi! Double selfie!" She instantly pulls Phoebe and Mel into a picture, snapping a shot before Phoebe can react. Cherry gasping as she looks around. "Oh my gosh, this place is bonkers! How have I never been here before?"

Melanie grinning from the couch. "Probably because Phoebe's been keeping it top secret."

Phoebe nervously laughing. "I don't know what you're talking about! I mean, it's not like I'm hiding anything."

Cherry oblivious. "Well, of course not! We're best friends."

Phoebe asked. "We are?"

Cherry smiled. "Duh! Speaking of which, who is ready for the most cray-mazing girls' night ever!?"

Melanie smirking. "I dunno, Cherry. That sounds pretty serious. Are we talking next-level girls' night?"

Cherry grabbing their hands dramatically. "Oh, we are so past next-level. We're talking legendary."

Phoebe grinning. "Talk to me!"

"First, we update our double selfies! She pulls Phoebe into another photo, then grabs Melanie and does the same, beaming at her phone. "Flawless. Okay, next—rocking out to the Dance Your Thang Off video game. Rated F, for funky." Cherry starts doing a dramatic dance move, snapping her fingers. Melanie laughs and joins in, while Phoebe just shakes her head.

Cherry excitedly. "And it all starts now!"

She tosses her purse onto the penguin butler statue—unknowingly triggering the switch again. The normal family portrait flickers back into the superhero version. Phoebe's eyes widen in panic. She lunges and presses the button again, flipping it back.

Cherry frowning. "Uh... why'd you do