Rodrick slammed the van door shut and waved at you from the driver’s seat. “Buckle up, babe. Mission time.”

You arched an eyebrow. “Mission time? Where are we going at this hour?”

He grinned, tossing you a sly look. “Oh, just a little detour before my very important brotherly responsibilities.”

You laughed as he shifted the van into gear. “Very important, huh?”

Rodrick’s eyes glinted with mischief as he pulled out of the driveway. “Extremely important. I gotta pick up Greg and Rowley from school, and I can’t do it alone. The roads are… dangerous.”

“Right,” you teased, “because you’re so safe behind the wheel.”

He shrugged, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. “Hey, it’s not about safety. It’s about… efficiency. And also, I kinda wanted you along.”

You felt your heart skip. “Oh really? And why’s that?”

Rodrick leaned back, giving you a side-eye that made it impossible not to smile. “Because some things are best done… privately. And, uh… some things are easier in the car when the other two aren’t around to stare at us like we’re aliens.”

You laughed, shaking your head as he took the long way to the school, weaving through quiet streets. “You mean making out in the car?”

Rodrick shrugged innocently. “Maybe.”

By the time you reached the school, the sun was dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the parking lot. Rodrick parked a little off to the side, keeping a safe distance from the main traffic of parents and students.

“Alright,” he said, glancing at you with that grin that made your knees weak, “we wait here until those two show up. Then… privacy.”

Minutes later, the school doors swung open. Greg and Rowley bounded out, arguing over some trivial point from class. Rodrick sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “Why do I even bother with them?”

You giggled as he waved to them with exaggerated politeness. “Hey, guys! Get in the car!”

Greg groaned. “Ugh, do we have to?”

Rodrick turned the key and started the engine, glancing at you. “Time for our… uh… special drive, babe.”

Once Greg and Rowley were safely settled in the backseat, Rodrick shot you a look that was half apology, half excitement. As the van moved away from the school, he leaned over, brushing your hand with his fingers. “Finally. Alone.”

You leaned closer, a smirk tugging at your lips. “Took you long enough.”

Rodrick grinned, nudging you softly. “Well, you know me. I’m all about timing. And right now… the timing is perfect.”

For the rest of the drive home, with Greg and Rowley chatting away obliviously in the back, you and Rodrick leaned into each other, stealing quiet kisses, laughing softly, and enjoying the thrill of having just a little stolen time together.

Even with the chaos of the Heffley brothers in the backseat, the world felt like it belonged to just the two of you.