THE BAD GUYS IN: raising princess

Princess first cotillion

Princess was 14—an age Diane felt was perfect for her first cotillion. A formal debut into high society, an evening of elegance, class, and prestige... Diane had always dreamed of the moment she would see her daughter gliding across the dance floor, dressed in a stunning gown, charming the crowd with her grace and poise.

Wolf? Not so much.

At that moment, the Bad Guys were scattered around the living room of their hideout. Piranha was lying on the floor, completely focused on coloring a kids' book, Webs was scrolling through her phone, and Snake was half-dozing on the couch. That peaceful atmosphere shattered when Wolf stormed into the room, frustration clear on his face.

Diane followed close behind, her arms crossed, determined not to let the conversation drop.

"Wolf, I think we should talk about this."

"There is nothing to talk about. End of discussion."

The tension in the room was immediate. Webs and Snake both jolted up, alarmed by the sudden shift in energy.

"What's goin' on?"

The couple stopped arguing, their attention now drawn to the group. Wolf still had that stubborn frown plastered on his face, arms crossed.

"Diane thinks Princess should have her first cotillion."

Piranha, who had been completely unbothered up until now, looked up from his coloring book, tilting his head.

L"What's that?"

Diane sighed, rubbing her temples before explaining.

"A cotillion is a formal ball, usually for young girls stepping into society. It's an important event—full of dancing, etiquette, and tradition."

Piranha blinked. "Sooo... like a fancy party?"

"Exactly."

Piranha grinned. "Oh, then I'm in!"

Snake snorted. "It ain't about you, ya little gremlin."

Wolf groaned, rubbing his face in frustration.

"Look, I get that it's a big deal for some people, but Princess isn't just 'some rich debutante'—she's a kid! A kid who should be doing normal things, not getting thrown into a world of stuck-up snobs and rules."

"Wolf, she's growing up. She's already taken on so much responsibility and maturity—why can't she have a night that's just about her? A night where she gets to feel special?"

Webs, who had been quietly listening, finally chimed in.

"Okay, but real talk—does Princess even wanna do this?"

That made everyone pause.

They hadn't even asked her yet.

Wolf and Diane exchanged a glance before sighing in unison.

There was only one way to settle this.

They had to ask Princess.

After their argument, Wolf and Diane decided to do the logical thing actually ask Princess what she wanted.

They found her in her room, sitting on her bed with her laptop open, typing away at a homework assignment. She barely looked up when they knocked and stepped inside.

"Sweetheart, we need to ask you something." Wolf asked

Princess finally looked up, ears twitching. "What's up?"

Wolf sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Diane thinks you should have a cotillion."

For a second, Princess just blinked. Then, her entire face lit up.