In the cozy living room of their shared apartment, the night was quiet except for the distant hum of the city beyond their windows. Travis and Taylor were nestled comfortably on the couch, a replay of Travis's football game from the night before paused on the screen. They had intended to watch it, but conversation and laughter had taken precedence.
Taylor, her eyes gleaming with mischief, glanced at the screen and then back at Travis. "You know I'm stronger than you, right?" she said, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
Travis raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and challenge. He didn't respond immediately, instead choosing to study her with a thoughtful gaze. After a beat, he moved swiftly. In one fluid motion, he grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the back of the couch, her hands held firmly above her head.
Taylor gasped in surprise, her heart racing. "Travis!" she exclaimed, but there was no real fear in her voice, only excitement and laughter.
Travis grinned, his face close to hers. "Stronger than me, huh?" he said, his voice low and playful. Keeping one hand securely around her wrists, he used his free hand to tickle her side.
Taylor shrieked with laughter, squirming and writhing beneath him. "Travis! Stop! Oh my God!" she managed to gasp between fits of giggles.
He continued his relentless tickling, chuckling at her helpless laughter. "I'll stop when you admit that I'm stronger," he said, his eyes dancing with enjoyment.
"Never!" Taylor cried out, still laughing uncontrollably. She twisted and turned, trying to break free, but his hold was firm.
Travis leaned in closer, his tickling fingers relentless. "Come on, Taylor. Just say it."
Her laughter was almost breathless now, her eyes tearing up from the exertion. "Okay, okay!" she finally relented. "You're stronger! You're stronger! Just stop!"
Travis immediately ceased his tickling, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. He released her wrists, and Taylor collapsed back against the couch, panting and still giggling.
"You are such a bully," she said, playfully swatting at his arm.
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. "Only because you make it so much fun," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
They settled back into their comfortable position on the couch, Taylor snuggled against Travis's side. The game replay remained paused on the screen, forgotten in the wake of their playful tussle. Taylor looked up at Travis, her eyes softening with affection.
"You know," she said quietly, "I was only teasing. You really are strong."
Travis smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I know," he said. "But it's nice to hear you say it."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Don't let it go to your head."
"Too late," he said with a laugh.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the warmth of their playful banter lingering in the air. Taylor rested her head on Travis's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
"Do you want to watch the rest of the game?" she asked after a while, her voice soft.
Travis shook his head. "I'd rather just be here with you."
Taylor smiled, feeling a rush of love for the man beside her. "Me too," she said, cuddling closer.
The night stretched on, and they remained there, wrapped in each other's arms, the game forgotten but the connection between them stronger than ever.
A/N: Should I write an alternate ending?
