MARVEL'S MONSTER HUNTER WORLD

Natalie gently patted the small head of the braised egg, looking into its big, curious eyes. She turned to Watson with a teasing smile.

"I'll just give it a little… okay ~ just a little ~ I promise ~"

But inside, Natasha wasn't as calm as she appeared. Coulson had already briefed her—this cat understood humans. Was this all a trap? As if this guy didn't already have an entire world of monsters at his fingertips…

Derick nearly burst into laughter at the fake cop's coy act. Widow sister, forget espionage—Hollywood is waiting for you!

"Oh, fine. Just a little," Watson sighed, finally giving in. "Braised Egg, I didn't expect you to find a partner in crime to help you cheat!"

The cat let out a triumphant "meow."

"Kids, mind if I capture the moment?" Uncle Polk strolled down from the second floor, holding a camera and a selfie stick, waving them with enthusiasm.

"Of course ~"

"Uncle Polk, totally! I'll hang this one in my bedroom when I get home!"

"Tony, don't—" Watson's eyes widened. Oh no. If Tony actually did that, every guest in his room would see it. That wouldn't be good for anyone's reputation…

"Hahaha! Looks like everyone's in. Come on ~ grab your glasses, let's stand together!" Uncle Polk said, positioning the camera on the stand and pressing the countdown timer.

At the center stood Uncle Polk and Aunt Liya, with Braised Egg sitting proudly in front of them. To their right, Tony and Pepper stood together. On the left, only Watson remained—next to 'Natalie,' the fake cop.

For the best photo effect, 'Natalie' suddenly grabbed Watson's arm, pulling him close.

Watson felt the soft pressure against his upper arm and rolled his eyes internally. I really need to figure out which universe this is…

If this was the MCU, fine. Natasha hadn't met Cap or Hulk yet, and Hawkeye was a family man. But if this was some parallel universe… then forget it.

Click!

The white flash captured the moment, sealing Watson's chaotic thoughts into a fresh "family portrait."

Aunt Liya then fetched a selfie stick, and before long, a full-fledged group selfie session erupted.

Even Uncle Polk and Aunt Liya eagerly joined in—proof that youth wasn't about age but spirit.

There were so many moments: Braised Egg knocking over Tony's drink, Pepper panicking over it, 'Natalie' yelping as the cat accidentally tugged her hair… Laughter filled the room, leaving behind memories far more valuable than any material thing.

Because, in a world threatened by alien invasions, rogue AIs, and civil wars…

These smiles?

They were priceless.

At first, there had been some polite distance, a few guarded hearts. But by the end of the evening, laughter and warmth had erased all of that.

Derick watched everything unfold, feeling himself truly blend in. But only he knew what the future held.

At that moment, he looked down at his hands again, his fingers flexing instinctively.

If I have the power to change all of that…

"Then I must! I will change the world! At the very least… I'll make sure that smiles like these… never fade."

"Hey, what's up with you?"

A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. 'Natalie' had stepped closer, eyeing him curiously.

"I don't know if it's just me, but… you look kinda down."

Watson snapped out of his trance and flashed a small smile.

"It's nothing. Just thinking… I didn't expect it to be this lively here. Thought it'd be quieter."

'Natalie' didn't look entirely convinced, but she let it slide.

Jingle Bell!

As the group started tidying up, Pepper's phone rang.

"Oh, sorry ~" Pepper wiped her hands, then answered.

"Tony? Ah, yes, he's here…"

She turned, confused, and handed Tony the phone. "It's Obadiah."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "I have a bad feeling about this."

He took the phone and listened.

"TONY! YOU LEFT ME ALONE AT THE CEMETERY GATES TO DEAL WITH A PACK OF JOURNALISTS WHO LOOKED LIKE THEY WANTED TO EAT ME! MEANWHILE, YOU RAN OFF TO HAVE A BIG MEAL?! I SWEAR, YOU'RE TRYING TO DRIVE ME TO MY GRAVE JUST SO YOU CAN BURY ME IN GREENWOOD! WE NEED TO TALK! Oh, and bring me a pizza when you come back. That burger did not last me this long!"

Tony sighed, hanging up. "Called it… Sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but we gotta go."

He turned back to everyone, a rare softness in his expression.

"To be honest… it's been a long time since I saw my parents. I mean, I lived with Uncle Obadiah for years, but… we always talked business. Nothing ever felt like this—a real family dinner. So… thank you. Watson, everyone… thank you."

Watson stared at Tony like he had just grown a second head.

"Please, guys… if you keep this up, I won't be able to sleep tonight!"

"Alright, alright, we'll go." Tony smirked, turning to 'Natalie.' "Miss 'Natalie,' need a ride?"

She tilted her head, pretending to think.

"Hmm… it's getting late, and no one's home to wait for me. Maybe I'll stay the night here

Tony let out a dramatic sigh. "Wow ~ what a shame ~ Looks like someone else is in for an interesting night." He waggled his eyebrows at Watson before heading out with Pepper.

Now, only a few remained—Watson, 'Natalie,' Uncle Polk, and Aunt Liya.

Aunt Liya clapped her hands together.

"You young people should go hang out! Everyone helped clean up, and Polk and I can take care of the rest ~ Oh, Watson, leave Braised Egg with me for now, alright?"

"Of course, Aunt Liya… but—"

"No buts! Go on now ~"

Watson, about to protest, was cut off by Aunt Liya's determined expression.

As he and 'Natalie' stepped outside, crossing the street toward the Roaring House, the cool night air hit him.

He glanced at her.

"Want to come up?" he asked, sending an invitation as blunt as it was unpolished.

"Sure ~" she replied with an amused smirk.

Click!

The lock turned, and they stepped inside.

"Make yourself comfortable. Coffee? No, forget it. I'll make some tea. And while I'm at it, mind explaining how you know Aunt Liya?" Watson asked casually as he prepared the drinks.

But deep down, he already knew—this night was far from over.