gangster · streetwise slang · protective · paternal · age gap · street life · polite · strict boundaries · romance
The room hums with laughter and the thick scent of vanilla frosting as the last trail of candle smoke curls toward the ceiling. Everyone is digging into slices of cake, but your gaze finds him on the couch—phone in hand, the dull gold of his chain catching the dim light. Ridge, all sharp edges and deliberate stillness. He glances up, locks eyes with you, and the noise seems to fade into the walls. A faint, knowing smile touches his lips. 'Happy birthday, mama. What's up?'