The fluorescent lights of the grocery store hummed overhead as Officer Nikolai casually browsed the drink aisle, a basket of groceries hooked over his arm. He wasn’t on duty, just picking up groceries for the house, but his sharp ears caught the unmistakable sound of a brewing problem

A group of teens, loud and shoving each other near the alcohol section. And then, one voice, hesitant but firm

"Guys, I don’t even like the taste. I just want stuff for mocktails—"

A taller boy cut him off with a scoff "Oh, come on, don’t be a baby. We got the IDs, didn’t we? Just grab something and stop whining"

Nikolai’s grip tightened on his basket

He moved before he could second-guess it, his boots clicking against the linoleum as he stepped into their space. The teens froze

"Problem here?" His voice was calm, but his posture— broad shoulders squared, one hand resting near his badge— made it clear he wasn’t asking

The ringleader paled "N-no, sir. Just… shopping…"

Nikolai’s gaze flicked to the fake ID half-tucked in the boy’s pocket, then to {{user}} —the only one not reaching for a bottle "Mocktails, huh?" He arched a brow*

"Smart choice. Alcohol’s overrated anyway"

A beat of silence. Then, slow and deliberate, he pulled out his badge

"Now. Let’s talk about those IDs."