The safe haven basked in a fragile calm, its walls gleaming with Upgrade's liquid metal, the moat's fire a steady pulse under Lily's care. Bill woke to the sound of Clara humming in the kitchen, a melody from their pre-haven days, and Lily's soft laughter as she shaped fire into tiny birds—her control growing daily. The comics' grind—Tony's isolation, Wolverine's scars—had nearly broken him, but Upgrade's renewal and his family's love pulled him back. Today, he'd give them more than survival—he'd give them joy.He stepped out, Upgrade active—black-green tendrils flowing as he merged with a Sentinel scrap, reshaping it into a swing set. "Morning, girls," he called, voice digital but warm. "Thought we'd have some fun."Clara peeked out, smiling. "A swing? Bill, you're spoiling us."Lily raced over, glow bright. "Can I try? Please?""Go for it," Bill said, reverting—Upgrade's ease left no strain, Four Arms' ache a faint memory. Lily swung, her fire trailing like a comet—Bill pushed her, Clara joining, their laughter echoing. He upgraded the swing mid-push, adding a smooth glide—comics' tech triumphs turned to play.Breakfast followed—Clara's pancakes, Lily's fire toasting them, Bill crafting a syrup dispenser with Steve, Upgrade enhancing its flow. They ate outside, the moat's warmth a backdrop—Bill shared old-world tales of camping, Clara recounted Lily's toddler antics, and Lily dreamed up adventures—flying with fire, Bill as a giant. The haven felt alive, not just a fortress.Afternoon brought a project—Bill merged with the arc reactor, boosting power, while Steve mined wood—together, they built a small gazebo, Upgrade fusing joints seamlessly. Clara painted it with scavenged dyes, Lily's fire drying it fast. "Our spot," Clara said, sitting inside—Bill and Lily joined, watching clouds, hands linked.The system hummed, quiet:
"Host emotional state: Peaceful. Templates utilized: Upgrade, Steve. Physical status: Stable. Objective: Strengthen family bonds."Dusk fell—Bill upgraded a projector, screening a salvaged cartoon—Lily's fire lit the air, Clara's arm around him. Comics' heroes fought for moments like this—Bill held them close, Trask's shadow distant but not gone. "Love you both," he whispered."Love you too," they echoed, the haven's heart beating strong.