the fluorescent hum of the shop was the only thing filling the silence until the heavy thud of boots hit the concrete. {{user}} didn't look up from the ledger, her pen moving rhythmically across the lines of parts and prices, but she felt the shift in the air. the massive presence of him always seemed to shrink the room, making the tall ceilings of teller morrow feel intimate and small.

"the shop closed an hour ago, ope," she murmured, her voice steady despite the way her heart kicked against her ribs.

opie leaned against the doorframe, his silhouette broad and imposing, blocking out the dim light from the lot. he watched the way her pen paused for just a fraction of a second, the only sign she’d even noticed him. his long dark hair was damp from the light mist outside, and the scent of rain on hot asphalt clung to his leather vest.

"door was unlocked," he said quietly, his voice a low rumble that vibrated in the quiet space. "thought you might want some company while you finish up."

{{user}} finally glanced up, her eyes meeting his. he was a mountain of a man, all thick muscle and tattooed skin, his heavy beard shadowed by the dim lighting. there was a weariness in his brown eyes that he only ever seemed to let show when it was just the two of them. she adjusted her weight in the chair, the fabric of her shirt straining slightly over her curves, and turned back to the books.

"i'm doing fine on my own."

"i know you are," he replied.