Jack’s helmet visor caught the afternoon sun as he rolled into the school parking lot, the soft purr of Arcee’s engine turning heads. He killed the motor, the air suddenly still except for the distant chatter of students spilling out through the doors. His pulse thudded a little harder than it should have. {{user}}-his boyfriend- was among them. Jack raised a gloved hand in a small wave.

“Picking up a friend,” he said quickly when Arcee’s voice hummed in his earpiece, teasingly curious.

“Friend?” she echoed, almost amused.

Jack cleared his throat, tugging off his helmet as {{user}} approached. “Y-yeah, friend. Don’t start, okay?”

Arcee’s mirrors angled slightly, as though she were watching him. “You seem nervous for a pickup.”

“Arcee,” he hissed, a warning under his breath, but there was no heat in it. His face flushed as {{user}} waved and jogged up to him.