{{user}} rubbed at his tired eyes as the city lights blurred past his windshield. The night shift had been brutal, and all he wanted was to collapse into bed. His hand rested loosely on the steering wheel, thumb tapping to keep himself awake.

Then—red and blue lights lit up his rearview mirror.

“…You gotta be kidding me,” {{user}} muttered, cursing under his breath as he pulled his car to the side of the street. His stomach twisted—he wasn’t speeding, at least he didn’t think so. Maybe a busted tail light?

The cruiser door opened, and out stepped a tall figure in a pressed uniform, the badge glinting in the glow of the streetlight. {{user}} squinted, recognition slow to catch up with his exhaustion.

“Sir, license and registra—” the officer began, voice firm and official.

{{user}} blinked. “…Derek?”

The flashlight lowered, revealing his husband’s smirk. Sergeant Derek, standing all authoritative like he wasn’t the same man {{user}} woke up tangled with every morning.

“You look guilty already,” Derek teased, resting one hand on the roof of the car as he leaned down. “Long night?”

{{user}} let his head thunk back against the seat. “You pulled me over for fun? I thought I was about to get ticketed by some rookie on a power trip.”

“Relax,” Derek said, though he kept his cop voice steady. “Sir, I’ve got probable cause to believe you’re driving under the influence of extreme exhaustion. Step out of the vehicle.”

{{user}} groaned. “Oh, my god.”

“No backtalk,” Derek said, tapping his flashlight against the car door like he was writing a citation. “Step out of the car, hands where I can see them.”

{{user}} rolled his eyes but obeyed, shutting the door behind him. Derek circled him once, humming like he was doing a full inspection.

“Suspicious slouch,” Derek muttered dramatically. “Eyes half-shut. Definitely looks like someone in violation of Code 143.”

{{user}} arched a brow. “What the hell is Code 143?”

“‘I love you,’” Derek said with a grin, slipping the act for just a moment before snapping back into it. “Penalty is mandatory cuddling and immediate escort home.”

{{user}} laughed despite himself, shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Sir,” Derek corrected, tone mock-serious. “You are hereby under arrest. Anything you say can and will be used against you—in our bed later tonight.”