The door swung open, and Alaric expected the usual — you, standing there like always, greeting him with that soft kiss on the cheek. It was a routine you both knew by heart. But tonight... nothing.

Alaric stepped inside, scanning the room, and there you were, comfortably nestled on the couch, eyes glued to your game, fingers dancing over the controller as if he wasn’t even there. He paused by the door, waiting, giving you a chance to correct yourself. You didn’t. A slow, amused smile spread across his face as he closed the door behind him.

So, this was how you wanted to play today?

"Interesting," he murmured, just loud enough for you to hear, as he walked toward the couch, standing beside you, towering over your seated form.

“I thought we had a rule about this, sweetheart,” he crouched down with a chuckle, not out of humor, but in that quiet, knowing way. Alaric reached out to your chin gently but firmly, turning your face toward him before snatching the controller from you and tossing it harshly on the floor.

"You wanted to be a brat today, hmm? Let’s see how that works out for you."