The Dark Matter Sage

Tony leaned against the sleek black Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC, the afternoon sun gleaming off its polished surface. The car was a masterpiece of engineering and elegance, its bold grille and flowing lines exuding understated luxury. As the concierge handed him the keys, Tony felt a small surge of satisfaction. If the weekend was going to be a showcase of indulgence, the ride had to match.

Sliding into the driver's seat, Tony couldn't help but appreciate the buttery leather interior and the quiet hum of the engine as it roared to life with a button press. The panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and cutting-edge tech features made it feel less like a car and more like a sanctuary on wheels.

"Yeah," Tony murmured to himself with a grin as he adjusted the seat and grip on the wheel. "Jay's gonna love this."

The low hum of the Mercedes S 580's engine filled the quiet neighborhood as Tony eased the car to a stop in front of Jay's house. Its glossy black paint gleamed in the afternoon light, and the distinctive presence of the luxury sedan immediately drew the attention of Mando, who had been lounging on the porch with his phone. His jaw dropped as he stood up, his eyes darting between the car and Tony in the driver's seat.

"Bruh!" was all Mando managed, the word drawn out in disbelief.

Tony laughed, stepping out of the car and giving Mando a casual nod. "What can I say? Gotta treat your sister right."

Before Mando could come up with a reply, the front door opened, and Victoria stepped out, Jay following behind with a small suitcase in hand. Victoria's gaze swept over the car, her eyebrows raising in approval.

"Alright, Mr. Fancy," Victoria teased as she approached Tony. She wrapped him in a quick hug, laughing as she pulled back. "You don't have any brothers, do you? I could use one of these weekends."

Tony grinned. "Sorry, Vic. Only child."

Jay stepped out next, her eyes immediately locking on the car. She froze for a moment, then broke into a grin so wide it practically lit up the street. "You did not."

Tony shrugged nonchalantly, opening the passenger door for her. "I told you this weekend was going to be special, didn't I?"

Jay shook her head, laughing as she slipped into the car. "I'm already impressed, Carter."

Victoria helped load Jay's bag into the trunk, giving Tony a playful pat on the shoulder. "Take care of my sister. And don't let her spend all your money."

"No promises," Tony replied with a wink before sliding into the driver's seat.

As they pulled away, Jay was still grinning, her excitement infectious. "This is amazing," she said, her voice bubbling with happiness. "You're amazing."

Tony glanced at her, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. "You haven't seen anything yet."

Tony grinned as he handed the keys to the valet at The Beverly Hills Hotel. He glanced at Jay, who was wide-eyed, taking in the grandeur of the iconic pink facade framed by lush greenery. Her dark hair shimmered in the sunlight, and she turned to him with a mix of awe and excitement.

"You weren't kidding about going big," she said, nudging him playfully.

Tony chuckled, offering his arm as they walked into the opulent lobby of The Beverly Hills Hotel. The polished marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandeliers, and the subtle scent of fresh roses mingled with the faint hum of a nearby fountain. Jay's eyes darted around, taking in the grand staircase, the classic art deco design, and the soft murmurs of well-dressed guests milling about.

"This is just the start, Jay," Tony said with a grin as he handed their information to the concierge. "Wait until you see the suite."

When the elevator doors slid open on their floor, Jay's excitement was already palpable. Tony unlocked the door and pushed it open, stepping aside to let her in first. Jay froze for a moment, her breath catching as she took it all in.

The suite was nothing short of spectacular—a seamless blend of classic luxury and modern elegance. The expansive living room was bathed in the golden light of late afternoon, streaming in through floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The city stretched endlessly below, shimmering under the California sun, while the distant mountains added a sense of grandeur to the horizon.

The room itself was a sanctuary of comfort and style. Plush cream sofas with gold accents were arranged around a low, polished wood coffee table, which held a chilled bottle of champagne nestled in ice and a tray of perfectly arranged chocolate-covered strawberries. A bouquet of fresh peonies added a pop of color, their delicate fragrance filling the air.

To the side, an open doorway revealed the bedroom, where a king-sized bed draped in pristine white linens beckoned invitingly. The headboard was upholstered in soft velvet, and bedside tables held sleek, modern lamps that complemented the suite's timeless aesthetic. Beyond the bedroom, Jay could glimpse the spa-like bathroom, its marble surfaces gleaming, complete with a deep soaking tub positioned under another large window with an equally stunning view.

Jay spun around, her arms outstretched, a wide grin lighting up her face. "Okay, this is ridiculous. I love it."

Tony leaned against the doorframe, watching her delight as she kicked off her shoes and sank onto the sofa, running her hand over the soft fabric. Her laughter bubbled up as she popped a strawberry into her mouth.

"Glad you approve," Tony said, smirking as he strolled over to the champagne and poured them both a glass. He handed her one, raising his own in a mock toast. "To the start of a weekend you'll never forget."

Jay clinked her glass against his, her eyes sparkling with joy. "You're setting the bar impossibly high, Carter."

"That's the idea," Tony replied with a wink. He glanced at his watch, setting his glass down. "But don't get too comfortable. We've got a helicopter to catch."

Jay raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the cushions. "A helicopter?"

Tony grinned. "Trust me, it's going to be worth it."

Jay's jaw dropped. "A what?"

Jay clung to Tony's arm as they boarded the sleek black helicopter. Her excitement was palpable, her eyes darting between the pilot and the city sprawling below them. Once they were airborne, the city unfolded like a living map, the streets glimmering in the golden glow of the setting sun.

The city below stretched endlessly, a glittering patchwork of life framed by the distant ocean and rugged hills. The helicopter's smooth hum was barely noticeable over the sheer magnificence of the view. Jay leaned forward, her face illuminated by the warm hues of the setting sun.

"Tony, this is insane," she said, her voice brimming with wonder. She gazed out at the horizon, her breath catching as the sprawling city reflected the golden light. "Look at that view!"

Tony's eyes lingered on her for a moment before turning to the horizon. "Nothing but the best for you."

"Suggest pointing out landmarks she enjoys," Roomie said in Tony's mind, its tone helpful. "Perhaps the Hollywood sign or the coastline."

Tony smirked. "Hey, look over there," he said, gesturing to the iconic Hollywood sign perched high on the hills. The bold white letters stood out starkly against the dark green of the mountains. "Bet you've never seen it like this."

Jay turned her head, her dimples deepening as she smiled. "Nope. Never. This is incredible."

Tony tightened his hand lightly around hers, taking in the way her eyes lit up with childlike amazement. "Just wait," he said, nodding toward the coastline. "You see that? That's Malibu stretching all the way down. Imagine waking up every day with that view."

Jay leaned closer to the window, her nose almost pressing against the glass as her gaze traced the shimmering coastline. The waves caught the last rays of sunlight, glittering like a trail of gold. "It's so beautiful," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I didn't know it could look like this."

Tony chuckled. "Everything looks better when you're seeing it from up here. Makes all the chaos feel smaller, doesn't it?"

Jay nodded, her expression softening. She turned back to him, her eyes searching his. "Thank you, Tony. This is... perfect."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and deep indigo, the city lights began to flicker on, one by one, like a thousand tiny stars. The helicopter banked gently, offering them a panoramic view of the coastline on one side and the heart of the city on the other. From this height, it was as if they were hovering on the edge of two worlds—one wild and untamed, the other glowing with human ambition.

"Look there," Tony said, pointing toward the Griffith Observatory, perched high above the city. Its dome gleamed faintly in the twilight. "That's where we'll be stargazing tomorrow night."

Jay's jaw dropped slightly. "You've got every detail planned, don't you?"

Tony shrugged, his grin widening. "Just wanted to make sure you had a weekend to remember."

Jay squeezed his hand again, her gratitude so obvious it almost seemed to radiate off her. "You're amazing, Carter. Really."

Tony looked back at the horizon, feeling the moment settle around them like a warm embrace. "Not as amazing as you, Jay."

The helicopter glided over the shimmering city, and for a brief moment, it felt as if they were untethered from the world, suspended in a pocket of time that belonged only to them.

Providence's ambiance was understated yet elegant, the ideal setting for the next part of the evening. Jay's eyes sparkled as she scanned the menu, which featured a curated seafood tasting experience. The delicate plating of each course seemed to captivate her almost as much as the flavors.

Tony watched her reactions, loving the way her face lit up with each bite. "Good?" he asked after she tasted a particularly intricate dish.

Jay sighed happily. "Good? It's phenomenal. This whole night feels like a dream."

Tony leaned in, his voice low. "Then let's keep dreaming."