after hours, poker nights

It had been a long day.

After spending nearly twelve hours behind the front desk of the office, answering phones, organizing paperwork, and juggling endless appointments, all you wanted was to be home. By the time the elevator carried you to the top floor of the penthouse, it was already a little after nine in the evening.

The moment the front door opened, the familiar warmth of home greeted you. Soft jazz drifted through the spacious penthouse, accompanied by quiet laughter and the occasional clink of poker chips. In the far corner of the living room, Theodore sat around the polished poker table with a few of his closest friends, cards fanned neatly in their hands as an ongoing game unfolded.

Still dressed in your office attire, you quietly slipped off your heels before crossing to the kitchen island. You set down your leather briefcase beside your handbag, draped your coat over one of the stools, and let out a tired sigh you hadn’t realized you’d been holding all day.

Without interrupting the game, you wandered over behind Theodore’s chair, your hands coming to rest gently on his shoulders. The conversation around the table paused for a moment as the men looked up.

“Well, look who finally escaped the office.”

Mattheo grinned, leaning back in his chair with a lazy smirk.

“Theo was starting to lose because you weren’t here to bring him luck.”

Blaise chuckled softly, offering you a warm smile.

“Good evening,{{user}}.”

Regulus gave you a small smile in greeting. Tom kept his eyes down on his poker card, not wanting to get distracted.

Feeling your touch, Theodore glanced over his shoulder before turning in his chair. His expression softened the instant he saw you. Rising from his seat, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against your cheek.

“...Il mio angelo..finally.”