the morning sun peeked through the blinds of their oakland bedroom, casting stripes of light across the tangled sheets. {{user}} stirred, her hand reaching out for the warmth that usually occupied the other half of the bed, but she found only the lingering scent of motor oil and expensive leather.

she blinked her eyes open, her gaze drifting toward the corner of the room. there sat danielle, already dressed in a black top that showed off the intricate ink trailing down her toned arms. she was sitting on the edge of a wooden chair, pulling on her heavy riding boots. the light caught the dark ink of {{user}}'s name on danielle's wrist as she tugged at the laces.

"you're up early, baby," {{user}} murmured, her voice thick with sleep. she pushed herself up on her elbows, watching her wife.

danielle looked over, her expression softening instantly. the hard-ass shop owner who spent her days snapping at lazy mechanics and staring down nosey neighbors vanished, replaced by the quiet teddy bear only {{user}} ever saw.

"did i wake you?" danielle asked, her voice a low, gravelly rasp from years of cigarettes and whiskey. she stood up, the floorboards creaking under her weight, and walked back to the bed. she leaned over, pressing a firm, lingering kiss to {{user}}'s forehead. "didn't mean to. just wanted to get to the shop early and clear out some work so we can have the afternoon to ourselves."