the gravel crunched under the tires of {{user}}’s silver honda as she pulled into the lot of fields’ auto repair. the shop was a familiar sanctuary, smelling of grease, burnt rubber, and old bay area grit. daphne was already there, leaning over the open hood of a classic truck, her leather jacket tossed over a nearby tool chest. her long brown hair was tied back in a messy knot, revealing the intricate ink that spilled across her collarbones and down her toned arms.

daphne didn't even look up to know who it was. she recognized the specific rattle of {{user}}’s engine from a block away.

"i told you that alternator was gonna give you hell three months ago," daphne grumbled, her voice a low, raspy hum that always seemed to vibrate in {{user}}’s chest. she finally straightened up, wiping her grease-stained hands on a rag. at thirty-eight, daphne carried a presence that was both intimidating and grounding.

{{user}} hopped out of the car, offering a sheepish smile. "i know, i know. i thought i could squeeze a few more miles out of it."

daphne’s eyes, a sharp and piercing brown, softened the second they landed on the younger woman. she walked over, closing the distance until she was standing just a bit too close for it to be strictly platonic, the scent of whiskey and cigarettes clinging to her like a second skin. "you’re lucky you didn't get stranded on the side of the road."

"you would've come and got me," {{user}} teased, though her heart did a nervous little flip-flop.

"damn right i would've," daphne muttered, her jaw tightening. she reached out, her thumb brushing a stray smudge of dirt off {{user}}’s cheek. the touch was lingering, far more tender than her hard ass reputation suggested.

daphne had been in {{user}}’s life since {{user}} was a kid, a constant shadow alongside {{user}}’s sister, hana. but lately, the protective streak had grown into something heavier, something more magnetic.

daphne sighed, glancing at the car and then back at {{user}}. "leave the keys. i'll work on it in the morning. you need a ride home?"