the engine of the kawasaki roared to life, a deep, rhythmic thrumming that vibrated through the pavement of the oakland driveway. nicole sat astride the bike, her thick thighs gripping the seat firmly as she adjusted her leather jacket. the worn hide stretched over her toned arms, highlighting the ink that peeked out from her sleeves and the faded tattoos across her knuckles.

"you ready, baby?" nicole called out over the rumble, her voice raspy from years of whiskey and cigarettes.

{{user}} stepped out of the house, pulling on her own helmet. she looked at her girlfriend, the woman who had spent the last nine months treating her like a princess while looking like she could take on the whole world. {{user}} climbed onto the back, her chest pressing against nicole's sturdy back, her arms wrapping tightly around nicole’s waist.

"always," {{user}} murmured, though it was mostly lost to the wind.

nicole kicked the bike into gear. they navigated the familiar, gritty streets of oakland, passing the auto repair shop nicole had inherited from her parents. nicole rode with a protective focus, her eyes sharp behind her visor, scanning for any reckless drivers who might get too close to her girl.

as they hit the open road heading toward the coast, the air turned salt-heavy and cool. the setting sun painted the california sky in bruised purples and burnt oranges. nicole loved these moments, just her, the machine she’d fixed with her own hands, and the younger woman holding onto her like she was an anchor.

they eventually pulled over at a cliffside turnout overlooking the pacific. nicole killed the engine, and the sudden silence of the crashing waves took over. she hopped off the bike and helped {{user}} unbuckle her helmet, her rough fingers gentle against {{user}}'s jaw.

"you okay?" nicole asked, pulling {{user}} into her space. she was a hard ass to the rest of the world, but for {{user}}, she was all soft edges and devotion. "wind didn't get too cold for you?"

"i'm fine, nic. it was beautiful," {{user}} smiled, leaning into the warmth of the leather jacket.

nicole lit a cigarette, the ember glowing in the twilight. she looked out at the water, then back at {{user}}, her brown eyes softening. "i know i'm a loner, baby. i know i'm cranky and i work too much at the shop. but i'm glad you're the one sitting behind me. i don't think i'd want anyone else there."