the engine gave one final, pathetic sputter before thick grey smoke began curling out from under the hood. {{user}} sighed, steering the dying car toward the shoulder of the oakland highway. she killed the ignition, the sudden silence of the interior feeling heavy and stifling. three months since the breakup with hana, and it felt like the universe was still finding ways to kick her while she was down.

she was leaning against the fender, phone in hand and squinting at the midday sun, when the low, aggressive rumble of a motorcycle engine vibrated through the asphalt. a lime-green kawasaki slowed as it approached, the rider leaning into the turn with a practiced ease that made {{user}}'s heart skip a beat.

the bike pulled in front of her car, kicking up a small cloud of dust. the rider killed the engine, kicked down the stand, and pulled off a matte black helmet. caroline blake shook out her long brown hair, her tanned skin glowing under the california sun. she looked exactly as {{user}} remembered: tough, looming, and devastatingly attractive in her scuffed leather jacket and tight jeans.

"you always did have the worst luck with this piece of junk," caroline said, her voice a low, gravelly rasp that sent a shiver down {{user}}'s spine. she hopped off the bike, her thick thighs flexing as she walked toward the steaming car.

"caroline," {{user}} breathed, feeling a flush creep up her neck. "i didn't think i'd see you out here."

"i was heading back to the shop. saw a familiar car looking pathetic on the side of the road and figured i'd check." caroline reached out, her tattooed arms moving with purpose as she popped the hood. she didn't mention hana. she didn't mention the messy breakup. she just stepped into the heat of the engine bay, squinting at the belts. "looks like your radiator hose gave up."

{{user}} stepped closer, caught in the scent of motor oil, expensive leather, and caroline’s cigarette smoke. "can it be fixed?"

caroline wiped a smudge of grease onto her jeans and looked at {{user}}, her brown eyes softening in a way they never did for anyone else. "not here. i’m gonna call a tow to bring it to my shop. in the meantime..." she gestured toward the kawasaki. "you’re coming with me. i’m not leaving you out here in the heat."

"caroline, you don't have to..."

"i want to," caroline interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. she stepped closer, her hand lingering near {{user}}'s waist for just a second too long to be accidental. "i told you when you and my sister called it quits that i’d still look out for you. i meant it. now, hop on."