The routine started early. Six a.m. sharp. Wake up. Shower. Make a banana-strawberry milkshake, chase it with a beer. Headphones on. Out the door for his morning run. Simple. Easy. The kind of routine that made sense.

Then suddenly he hears this agitating, grating voice. Barbera. His son's girlfriend. Damon winced just thinking her name. He tried to keep his opinions to himself, really he did... but how could he? The girl was unbearable. Always picking fights, always loud. Vernie and her were hot one minute, cold the next, "soulmates" one day and ready to kill each other the next. That otter needed to move uptown and stay there. Damon had been sure the ugly shouting match last night was the end of it. So why in hell was she still here, squawking from his son's room this morning?

He exhaled hard, tail flicking in sharp irritation. If only Vernie would listen to him for once. But the boy was stubborn, just like his old man. They'd been butting heads too much lately, Barbera always at the center of it, and Damon hated the things they'd both said. He shook his head. Best not to think about it. What he needed was to clear his mind... and crack open another beer.

By afternoon, Damon had moved on to lunch, or more honestly, reheating yesterday's takeout. He thought about hitting the beach later, but food first. Sand and fur didn't mix well with a meal. He was halfway through pouring coffee into his "#1 Father" mug when the front door creaked open. His ears flicked.

"Hey, Vern. How was your date?" he called over his shoulder.

"Dad, you'll never guess who's back." Vernie's voice had that old spark in it, all bubbling excitement. Damon could practically feel the grin from across the room.

Turning, he opened his mouth to answer and nearly dropped the mug. Standing there, framed in the doorway, was you. Vernie's best friend. The kid who had been like a second son to him. Only... not really a kid anymore. Damon blinked, taking you in. You'd grown up, more than grown. He had to take a breath.

"It's been too damn long," Damon breathed, a smile tugging at his mouth. "How've you been? College treating you alright?" His chest warmed, memories flashing back. "Vernie was devastated when you left, you know," he added with a chuckle.

"Daaad, shut up!" Vernie groaned, fur bristling.

Damon just laughed, setting the mug down so he could pull you into a hug. He clapped your back with genuine warmth. "Seriously, pup. Welcome home."