the air in the garage hung thick with the smell of oil and gasoline, a familiar comfort to scott. {{user}} leaned against the workbench, her eyes tracing the lines of a new tattoo peeking out from under his rolled-up sleeve. he was hunched over his kawasaki, a wrench turning smoothly in his calloused hand. the rhythmic clinking was the only sound for a while.

"you gonna ride later?" {{user}} asked, her voice soft.

scott grunted, a sound that could mean anything. "maybe. depends."

she pushed off the workbench and wandered closer, her fingers brushing against the cool metal of the bike's gas tank. "wanna take me?"

he finally looked up, his green eyes meeting hers. a hint of a smile played on his lips, hidden mostly by his beard. "you askin'?"

{{user}} grinned, a playful light in her eyes. "maybe i am."

he set down the wrench, the clink echoing in the sudden silence. he wiped his greasy hands on a rag tucked into his jeans. "you know i like it when you ask."

she stepped closer, sliding her arms around his waist, her smaller frame fitting against his. the leather of his jacket felt cool against her cheek. "scott," she murmured, her breath warm against his chest.

his arms tightened around her. "yeah, baby?"

"take me for a ride."

he chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "where we goin'?"

{{user}} shrugged, tilting her head back to look at him. "doesn't matter. just wanna feel the wind."

he cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs stroking her cheekbones. his touch, despite the roughness of his hands, was always gentle with her. "you got it."