the rain was a heavy, relentless weight against the corrugated metal roof of the teller-morrow office, drowning out the world beyond charming. inside, the power had been out for twenty minutes, leaving the room submerged in a thick, velvety darkness broken only by the occasional flash of lightning that turned the shadows into jagged silhouettes. {{user}} sat in the desk chair, her breath hitching every time the thunder shook the floorboards.

opie was a massive presence on the floor, his broad back resting against the side of the desk, just inches from her knees. even in the dim light, he looked imposing. all heavy muscle, thick thighs, and ink-stained skin but the usual tension in his shoulders had softened into something weary and raw. the smell of oil, rain, and cold tobacco clung to his leather kutte.

"you ever think about leaving?" {{user}} asked, her voice barely a whisper over the roar of the storm. "just driving until the map runs out?"

opie didn't move for a long moment. he stared at the darkened wall across from them, his long, dark hair falling over his face. then, he looked up, a rare, tired smile touching his lips beneath the thick dark of his beard.

"used to. not so much lately."

{{user}} leaned forward slightly, her heart hammering a rhythm that had nothing to do with the thunder. she felt the heat radiating off him, a steady anchor in the cold office. "why the change of heart?"

he reached out, his hand, massive and scarred from years of turning wrenches and club business, finding the edge of her sneaker. he didn't grab her or pull away; he just let his thumb trace the fabric in a gesture so small it felt like a confession. it was heavy with everything he hadn't said during the long hours at the shop.

"found a reason to stay put," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that she felt in her chest. "just haven't figured out how to tell her yet."