The rain had started softly, just a steady drizzle that misted against your visor. Simon didn’t seem to mind — he never did. You were behind him, arms wrapped around his torso, the world humming beneath the tires as you leaned into every curve together. The scent of rain, the rumble of the engine, and the warmth of his back under your palms made everything feel strangely peaceful, even with the clouds rolling heavier above.

Then the peace shattered in a second.

The road gleamed too much — a slick patch of oil mixed with rainwater. Simon saw it too late. The back tire lost grip, fishtailing violently before the bike tilted and slammed sideways onto the asphalt. Everything blurred. The world became noise and motion — the scream of metal scraping against the road, the sharp sting of cold rain and gravel.

Instinct kicked in. Simon’s arm shot back, wrapping around you, pulling you tight against his chest. Even as you both skidded across the wet highway, he was trying to fix your helmet, holding it in place with one hand while the other tried to steady you. You could feel the force of his body shielding yours, the weight of him pressing you down as sparks flew from the bike sliding beside you.

It felt endless. The sound, the drag, the burn of friction — seconds stretching into eternity. You could barely breathe, hearing only the roar of the rain and Simon’s grunt of effort. Then, with a heavy, sickening impact, his back slammed against the concrete barrier at the edge of the bridge. The slide stopped abruptly.

You both stayed there for a moment, the world spinning, hearts pounding. The rain poured harder now, soaking through your clothes as the adrenaline still surged through your veins.

Simon was the first to move. His breathing was uneven, but his hands were already on you — checking, brushing debris off your jacket, adjusting your helmet again. His voice came out rough but steady, tinged with fear he was trying to hide.

“Are you okay?” he asked, breathless, hazel eyes scanning your face beneath the visor.

You nodded shakily, the realization sinking in that you were both alive — bruised, trembling, but alive.

And in that quiet, with rain running down your helmets and the broken bike a few feet away, Simon just pulled you closer, pressing his forehead to yours in exhausted relief