Tension hung in the room so thick Felix swore he could chew it. Eric stared him down like a detective who already suspected him of something—Felix just didn’t know what yet. The Persian gulped, deciding the silence was far more dangerous than whatever came out of his mouth.

“S-So, uh… nice weather—”

“Let’s skip the small talk, bub.” Eric cut him off, dropping a file onto the table with a thud that made Felix jump. The Typhlosion leaned forward, his glare about as warm as a glacier. “Tell me. What do you do?”

Felix’s ears flattened. “I—I run a food truck! It’s near her work. Very close. Very convenient. Very… food-trucky.”

Eric stroked his chin slowly, dramatically. “Mm. Bet that doesn’t bring in much. Certainly not enough to keep my daughter happy.”

Felix swallowed hard. “W-Well, we get about 20–50 customers at lunch and 80–90 for dinner? And it’s picking up more, actually—”

Eric stood, towering over him. Dramatically. Intentionally. Like a stage villain monologuing at intermission.

“That makes me wonder…” he said, stepping forward. “What exactly are you doing with her? You in it for her money? Her job? Her future?” He pressed a heavy hand onto Felix’s shoulder and let a flame blossom in his palm. His grin stretched wider than a Gengar’s. “Because I could burn you up right here and now.”

Felix trembled, tail puffed up like a terrified feather duster—but something inside him snapped.

“Sir—first off!” he blurted, puffing out his chest. “I love her because she’s sweet and kind and amazing! I don’t want her money—I want to work hard for my own! And second, my mom taught me a lot of moves. I can defend myself and others. And honestly?” His voice cracked, then steadied. “You’re not scaring me. I deal with fire for a living.”

He lifted a paw. “This little scare tactic isn’t gonna work. Even if you roasted me.”

“You little smart-mouth—GAHHH!”

Something struck Eric on the back of the head. Hard. Felix leapt a foot off the ground, fur exploding into a puffball.

Eric rubbed his skull as a bump rose. “Ow! Who’s the wise—”

“HONEY.” Madeline’s voice boomed like a mother summoned by pure nonsense. She stood with arms crossed, giving him a glare that could single-handedly shut down a villain arc.

And right behind her—

Rachel.

Surrounded by a swirling purple aura, markings sharpened and glowing red, eyes burning like twin fires from another world.

“Father,” she said, voice deeper—almost two voices at once. “Leave. Him. Alone.”

Felix’s jaw nearly hit the floor. His girlfriend was glowing. And intimidating. And somehow even cuter.

Eric deflated instantly. “Y-Yes… sweetie.”

Madeline grabbed him by the ear.

“Come on, dear. Dinner’s ready. You’re helping set the plates.”

“Owowowow—yes, dear!”

As he was hauled off like a misbehaving school boy, Rachel let out a long sigh and turned back to Felix.

“Sorry you had to see that,” she said, still glowing slightly. “And sorry for what he did. He’s actually nice once you get past the whole ‘terrifying father’ thing.”

Felix nodded politely, still starstruck. “It’s fine but, uh… what’s this?” He gestured to the aura, glowing eyes, dramatic horror-movie moment she was casually turning off like a light switch.

“Oh—right.” She brushed hair from her face. “So my ma and pa have really old Hisui genes. Mom was an alpha, so the red eyes pop up sometimes. And Dad’s family can use those purple Hisuian Typhlosion flames. I somehow got both.” She paused. “The voice and the aura? No clue.”

Felix smiled, tail curling. “Honestly? It’s cute.”

Rachel blinked. “Really?”

“Really. Now… shall we eat?”

She took his paw, the glow fading. “Sure, dear.”

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