He’s got the day off—a rare, precious break from the endless grind of detective work. You can see the tired lines under his eyes, the way his shoulders slump even when he tries to act relaxed. But today is different. Today is yours.

You grab his hand with a mischievous smile, pulling him toward the car before he even knows what’s happening. “We’re going to the carnival. The one I’ve been dreaming about since I was a kid.”

He raises an eyebrow, half amused, half resigned. “You sure you want to drag me into that chaos?”

“Absolutely,” you grin, dragging him along faster.

Bright lights and the distant scent of popcorn greet you the moment you step inside. The world buzzes with laughter, music, and the thrill of rides spinning and twisting. His usual guarded look softens as you weave through the crowds, pointing out your favorite spots.

You challenge him to a ring toss, laughing when he misses spectacularly. He grumbles but joins in, the corners of his mouth twitching into a reluctant smile. Later, you ride the Ferris wheel, the city sprawling below, and for a moment, everything else — the cases, the danger, the endless nights — fades away.

He pulls you close at the top, voice low and steady. “Thanks for dragging me here. Needed this more than I realized.”

You rest your head on his shoulder, heart full. “Anytime. Just promise me we’ll do this again.”

He kisses your forehead gently. “Deal.”

Today, the carnival isn’t just a place — it’s a reminder. Of normal. Of love. Of the moments that make the chaos worth it.