Melanie was practically vibrating with excitement as she paced around the living room, watching everyone scurry to get into position. Her curly hair bounced with every step, and she clapped her hands together. "They're coming! They're coming!"

Billy zipped past her in a blur of energy, stopping right in front of the couch. "Are you sure? I'm the fastest kid in the world. If anyone should know when they're coming, it's me."

Nora rolled her eyes. "You also ran into a wall this morning, so forgive me if I don't trust your speed-related instincts."

Hank, balancing a golf club in one hand and a party horn in the other, hushed them. "All right, everyone, places! We have to make this a perfect Thunderman birthday surprise!"

Barb flicked her wrist, her fingers crackling with electricity as she powered up the trick candles on the breakfast table. "Okay, go, go, go, go, go!"

They all froze in place just as Max and Phoebe groggily entered the room.

"Morning, guys," Phoebe yawned.

The room erupted in cheers. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

Max blinked. "Wow, I sure didn't see this coming. It's not like it happens every single year."

Phoebe laughed, shaking her head. "You guys are the best."

Melanie squealed and practically tackled Phoebe into a hug. "Yay! It's finally here! The day I get to eat cake and open presents that aren't mine!"

Max quirked an eyebrow. "Yeah, let's talk about that last part."

Before Melanie could respond, Barb raised her crackling fingers over the twins' heads. "Come on, birthday babies! Blow out your candles!"

Max and Phoebe leaned forward, but just as they were about to blow, Barb's fingers zapped back to life.

"Oh, trick fingers again? Man, we fall for it every year." Max sighed.

Barb cackled. "And I love it every time!"

Hank grinned. "All right, time to unwrap your birthday breakfast!"

Billy immediately perked up. "And remember, I get to lick the wrapping paper!"

Phoebe and Max eagerly tore into the covered plates, revealing stacks of smiley face pancakes.

"Eat the face! Eat the face!" Billy and Nora chanted.

Melanie gasped. "Oh my gosh, this is the best tradition ever! You get a whole day dedicated to you and food with a face?" She turned to Barb. "Barb, can my birthday be a thing too?"

Barb chuckled. "Sorry, sweetie, but this day belongs to Max and Phoebe."

Melanie pouted for half a second before perking up. "Okay, fine, I'll allow it. But I will be expecting an honorary cake slice."

Meanwhile, Hank and Barb exchanged a glance before nodding at each other.

"And of course, what's a Thunderman birthday without..." Hank began.

"THE BIRTHDAY RAP!" Barb finished, immediately dropping into a beatbox.

Hank cleared his throat. "A boom, a bap, it's your birthday rap! Put your hands together, everybody, go clap!"

Phoebe and Max groaned in unison.

"Oh no," Max muttered. "It's happening. We're not getting out of this."

Melanie clapped in excitement. "Oh, I love this! I can't wait to see you guys do your little birthday dance!"

Max turned to her with narrowed eyes. "Not. Happening."

Melanie smirked. "I dunno... I could always let it slip to Barb that you've had your thundersense this whole time."

Max's face went blank. "You wouldn't."

Melanie shrugged. "I mean, she's already buying you stuff. Maybe I should ask for something too."

Max groaned before shoving a birthday hat on his head. "Fine. But if I suffer, you suffer with me."

Melanie grinned. "Deal."

As Hank and Barb continued their rap performance, Phoebe leaned toward Max and whispered, "Next year, we have to find a way out of this."

Max nodded. "Agreed."

After the exhilarating and mildly embarrassing Thunderman birthday rap, the family scattered to prepare for the rest of the day's festivities. Phoebe stayed upstairs with Barb and Hank, helping with the decorations, while Melanie took the perfect opportunity to slip away.

Humming happily to herself, she made her way down the secret passage into Max's lair. As soon as she reached the bottom step, she threw her arms out dramatically.

"Happy birthday to my favorite evil genius!" she announced with a grin.

Max, who had been lounging on his chair, glanced up with an amused smirk. "Oh, so now I'm your favorite? I could've sworn last week you said Dr. Colosso had me beat in the evil genius department."

Melanie rolled her eyes playfully. "Okay, first of all, Colosso bribed me with snacks. And second, today is your day, so I'm obviously giving you the title—for now."

She skipped over to where he was sitting and plopped down onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Are you excited? Because I'm excited. It's your birthday, which means I get to be obnoxiously cheerful and make you enjoy it whether you like it or not!"

Max chuckled, resting his hands on her waist. "Mel, I do like my birthday. Mostly because it gives me an excuse to make Mom buy me stuff."

Melanie gasped dramatically. "Wow. So I came all the way down here to shower you with love and attention, and you're more excited about presents?" She placed a hand over her heart. "I am shocked and offended."

Max smirked. "Yeah, yeah, real tragic. But since you are here, I guess I'll allow you to be part of my birthday celebrations."

Melanie grinned. "That's what I thought."

She reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a small box, holding it out to him. "Here. I got you something."

Max raised an eyebrow but took the box, opening it to reveal a sleek, high-tech gadget. His eyes lit up with genuine interest. "Whoa. Is this—?"

Melanie beamed. "Yep! A custom hacking device. It can override security systems, disable alarms, and even track energy sources—aka perfect for all your villain-y science experiments."

Max smirked. "Mel, this is actually amazing." He leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips. "You really do get me."

Melanie flipped her hair dramatically. "Well, duh. I am your evil genius girlfriend."

Just then, the lair door whooshed open, and Billy and Nora poked their heads inside.

"Ooooh, Max and Melanie are kissing! Ew, gross!" Nora teased.

Billy gasped. "Wait, is this my birthday present? Because I do not want it."

Max rolled his eyes. "What do you two want?"

Nora grinned mischievously. "Oh, nothing. Just wanted to remind you that we also get a say in what Mom buys next. And thanks to someone spilling the thundersense secret, it looks like our wish list just got a whole lot bigger."

Max groaned, while Melanie sighed dramatically. "Max. You had one job. One. Simple. Job."

Nora smirked. "Yeah, he really couldn't let us hit him with a couple more tennis balls. What a shame."

Billy nodded enthusiastically. "But hey, since it's your birthday, we'll be nice and let you get the trampoline first."

Max glared. "How generous of you."

Melanie patted his cheek. "See, babe? This is why you should've kept your secret. Now, my 'bribe Max's mom' money has to be shared. You owe me for this."

Max groaned. "Fine, fine. I'll make it up to you. Just... get these two out of my lair before they start asking for ponies or something."

Nora crossed her arms. "Hey, that's actually a great idea! Mom—"

Max and Melanie groaned in unison. This was going to be a long birthday. The morning of Phoebe and Max's birthday started like any other birthday in the Thunderman household—loud, chaotic, and way too early.

Melanie, however, was thriving. She burst into the house, grinning from ear to ear, practically bouncing with excitement. "Happy birthday, losers!" she announced, throwing her arms in the air as she strolled into the kitchen.

Phoebe, still in her pajamas, groggily sipped her orange juice. "Melanie, it is way too early for you to be this excited."

Max, sprawled out on the kitchen counter, muttered, "Tell me about it."

Melanie ignored them. "Are you kidding?! This is huge! You guys are finally having a real party this year! No weird family traditions, no embarrassing parental dance moves—" she paused, shuddering, "—and best of all, no forced group sing-alongs."

Hank walked in at that exact moment, a giant birthday banner in hand. "Good morning, birthday twins! Who's ready for the best Thunderman family birthday party ever?"

Melanie turned to Phoebe and Max with a deadpan look. "You did tell them, right?"

Phoebe and Max exchanged a glance.

"We were getting to that..." Max mumbled.

"Uh-huh." Melanie crossed her arms. "Well, you might wanna get to it before they roll out the matching birthday outfits again."

Phoebe's eyes widened. "Oh no, not the—"

"Yep." Melanie nodded grimly. "The giant 'Double Trouble' sweaters are already on the couch."

Max sat up instantly. "Okay, no, absolutely not." He jumped off the counter and turned to his parents. "Mom, Dad, listen. We've been thinking—"

"Uh-oh." Hank said.

Barb smiled. "Go on, sweetie."

Phoebe took a deep breath. "Max and I are old enough now to throw our own birthday party this year. A cool party. With just our friends."

Max nodded. "So, no family games, no piñatas, and—no offense, Dad—definitely no breakdancing."

Hank gasped. "You don't want Dad's Birthday Dance Extravaganza? But I even made a playlist—"

"That's exactly the problem." Phoebe cut in quickly.

Melanie leaned in. "Yeah, Hank, last year's 'Hip-Hop Hank' routine was a lot."

Barb placed a hand on Hank's arm. "Honey, maybe we should let them do this. I mean, Phoebe did make a two-hour PowerPoint presentation about it last night."

Hank sighed. "Fine, fine. You kids can have your party."

Phoebe and Max cheered.

Melanie threw her arms in the air. "YES! Best birthday ever!"

Hank raised a finger. "But on one condition."

Max groaned. "Here we go."

Hank grinned. "Before you go, I demand one birthday dance-off."

Barb sighed. "Hank—"

"A birthday dance-off, Barb!"

Phoebe facepalmed, Max rolled his eyes, and Melanie burst out laughing. "Honestly? I would pay to see that."

Upstairs, Melanie stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the final touches on her outfit. She had spent way too much time picking it out, wanting to look perfect for the party. Her dress was a deep shade of blue, flowing just right, making her freckles stand out in a way she actually liked for once.

She smiled at her reflection, brushing a stray curl behind her ear. They're gonna love it, she thought. But mostly, Max is gonna be stunned.

And then—of course—the door swung open.

"Hey, Mel—"

Melanie whipped around with wide eyes, spotting Max standing in the doorway. He froze, blinking a few times like his brain short-circuited. "...Whoa."

Her heart skipped. "MAX!" she yelped, grabbing a pillow and launching it at him. He barely dodged it. "You weren't supposed to see me yet!"

Max, still standing there like he forgot how to function, ran a hand through his hair and gave a slow shake of his head. "Sorry, but... wow. You look extremely beautiful."

Melanie huffed, crossing her arms. "You ruined the surprise!"

Max rolled his eyes, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. "Who cares? You think me seeing you a few minutes early is gonna change how incredible you look?" He tilted his head, studying her for a moment before smirking. "That dress makes your freckles stand out. I like it."

Melanie's irritation faltered just a little. She ducked her head, pretending to adjust her bracelet so he wouldn't see her cheeks turn pink. "...You're annoying."

Max chuckled. "And you're stunning."

She sighed dramatically. "You still ruined the surprise."

He shrugged. "Worth it."

Melanie tried to hold onto her frustration, but the way he was looking at her made it impossible. She groaned, lightly shoving his shoulder. "Fine. But don't think this means I forgive you."

Max smirked. "Noted. But you still love that I think you look amazing."

She narrowed her eyes. "I tolerate it."

He just laughed, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Whatever you say, freckles."

☆

The party was in full swing, lights flashing, music pumping, and an endless supply of questionable "cheese" pizza being devoured by the ever-growing crowd. Phoebe adjusted her party hat, scanning the room. "Fun party, birthday girl! But, you know, I think there's actually something wrong with your bathroom."

Phoebe blinked at her. "That's a photo booth."

Phoebe froze. "Oh." Cherry glanced at Max, who smirked, enjoying her embarrassment.

"We're doing it, Max," Phoebe said, shaking off the moment. "We're throwing our own party."

Max shrugged, hands in his pockets. "Yeah, it's a pretty good start."

Across the room, Melanie was practically bouncing on her heels, wide-eyed as she took in the scene. "I can't believe we pulled this off! This is legendary!" She twirled in place. "I mean, come on! We got neon lights, we got loud music, and—hello!—we have pizza made with air quotes 'cheese.'"

Just then, Mrs. Wong bustled over, balancing a precarious stack of pizza boxes. "Oh, hey, Mrs. Wong! Thanks again for letting us have our party here," Phoebe said.

Mrs. Wong gave a sharp, toothy smile. "Of course! I like you. I'm sorry, did I say you? I meant your money." She laughed to herself before calling out, "More overpriced pizzas on the way!"

Melanie nudged Max. "I respect the hustle."

"Uh, Mrs. Wong, let me help you with those," Max offered, reaching for the boxes.

Mrs. Wong narrowed her eyes. "Did you wash your hands?"

Max hesitated.

Mrs. Wong threw her head back and cackled. "I'm just kidding. It's only your friends!"

Cherry sidled up beside Phoebe, peering around at the packed room. "More guests, Phoebe? Somebody is getting ubes popular."

Phoebe frowned. "I didn't invite them... or them... or those guys."

Melanie, who had just stuck a name tag on her chest reading "Mel - VIP", looked up excitedly. "More people? Good thing I came prepared!"

Before Phoebe could process the growing chaos, a whoosh of cold air made her shiver. She turned to see Mrs. Wong frozen mid-laugh, an eerie icicle suspended in the air between her fingers.

She spun toward Max. "Why did you freeze Mrs. Wong?!"

Max folded his arms. "Were you about to tell me there's a bunch of kids from school showing up that you don't remember inviting?"

Phoebe hesitated. "...Yes."

Max gestured to the frozen woman. "That's why."

Phoebe gaped. "We don't need Wong knowing you invited the whole school to our party!"

Melanie raised an eyebrow. "Wait, wait, wait—you invited the whole school? Oh, this just got even better."

"That wasn't part of my presentation!" Phoebe protested, yanking a crumpled sheet of paper from her pocket.

Max smirked. "Yeah, well, I added a page." He unfolded a second sheet and showed her.

Phoebe's eyes narrowed as she read aloud. "'Freeze Wong. Invite entire school.'" She glanced up. "Wait, why is that stick figure yelling?"

Max tapped the paper. "Well, that's you when you heard my plan."

Melanie peeked over Phoebe's shoulder and nodded. "That's a very accurate depiction."

Phoebe groaned. "Max, this is a terrible idea!"

Before he could argue, Melanie grabbed both their shoulders and spun them toward the dance floor, where students were raving under strobe lights. "Are you seeing this? This is the greatest party ever!"

Max gestured grandly. "Even she gets it."

Melanie threw her arms up. "I love chaos! More guests just mean more attention! And more attention means—" she twirled dramatically "—more people to tell me how great I am."

Suddenly, her eyes landed on a giant ice sculpture in the corner. She gasped. "Whoa. That is one creepy ice sculpture. This party has everything." She began bouncing up and down, fully embracing the night.

Phoebe sighed in defeat. "I don't know about this, Max..."

Max clapped a hand on her shoulder. "Oh, come on, Pheebs. It'll be easy. We just unfreeze Wong after the party. It'll be like nothing happened."

Phoebe hesitated before finally caving. "Rational Phoebe says, 'No.'"

Max grinned. "Come on."

Phoebe groaned. "But party Phoebe says—let's go rock our birthday!"

Melanie threw her hands in the air. "That's the spirit!"

Max cheered. "All right!"

The music kicked back up, and the three of them dove into the crowd, embracing the chaos. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAX!"

Phoebe blinked. "I may have forgotten to put my name in the invitation."

Melanie snickered. "Oh yeah, this night just keeps getting better."

As the party raged on, Max was soaking in the attention, enjoying the chaos he had orchestrated. That was, until Melanie grabbed his wrist and started pulling him toward the exit.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa—where are we going?" Max protested, trying to resist.

"Out," Melanie said simply, glancing back at him with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Trust me, you'll want to see this."

Max raised an eyebrow but let her lead him out the back door of Wong's pizza place. The muffled sounds of the party faded as they stepped into the cool night air, the streetlights casting long shadows around them.

"Okay, what's going on?" Max asked, crossing his arms. "If you dragged me out here just to make me stare at the moon, I—"

Before he could finish, Melanie reached into her bag and pulled out a sleek black box. "Relax, Thunderdork. This is for you."

Max's usual cocky expression flickered with curiosity. "For me?"

Melanie smirked. "Yeah, you know, because I'm the best girlfriend ever."

She handed him the box, and Max took a second before flipping open the lid. His eyes widened slightly as he stared at the Rolex watch sitting inside, the silver band gleaming under the streetlights. It was clean, stylish—screamed him.

For once, Max was speechless. He ran a finger over the face of the watch before glancing up at her. "Mel... this is..." He let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "This is incredible."

Melanie grinned. "I know, right? I saw it and immediately thought, 'this is so Max.' You get all dramatic and arrogant, but deep down, you're just a guy who wants to be taken seriously." She leaned against him slightly. "Plus, I got some other gifts for you back home, but this one felt like a moment thing."

Max looked back at the watch, then at her. For once, he wasn't focused on scheming or causing trouble—he was just there, in the moment with her.

"Now every time you look at this, you'll think of me," Melanie teased, bumping his shoulder.

Max smirked, sliding the watch onto his wrist. "Oh, you mean like I wasn't already thinking about you all the time?"

Melanie rolled her eyes but laughed. "Yeah, yeah, smooth talker. Just don't let your big head explode from all this praise."

Max chuckled, admiring the way the watch looked on his wrist. It fit perfectly—just like her.

"C'mon, let's go back inside before