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ladylaviniya · 3 months

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Lassoed In Love

Chapter 2 || Masterlist || Chapter 4

Chapter Summary: Clark drives you home and reveals a dark detail about himself. You have to wonder if it's true...you get hints about how nosey and prejudice the town can be.

Pairing: Farmer!Clark Kent X Teacher!reader

Chapter Warnings: 18+ Dead Dove Do Not Eat, (No Sex In This Chapter), Slowburn, Mentions of Rape, Mentions of Prison Conviction, Violation of Privacy, Debating Parenting.

Word Count: 3k

Author Notes: Sorry for publishing almost 2hrs late. I have been battling a bad case of influenza and just woke up. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Also, please remember this is a purely fictional story. I like to specify that it's important to believe and trust people who claim to be victims of abuse, just because someone treats you kindly doesn't mean they don't have the potential to harm you too. If anyone tells you they've raped someone or done time for rape even if they weren't guilty, always stay vigilant! Stay safe! Preferably stay away! Lassoed in Love is specifically fiction and Clark Kent's accused convictions are false.

Inspiring Song: "Monster" by Imagine Dragons

“Can you be at my house at six thirty? Or would you rather I come here? I am unsure how late the bus runs or if there’s a taxi service in Smallville.”

You both moved to leave her room, walking down the hall, back to the living room, near the kitchen.

“I’ll come to your house,” Lara suggested, “You’re near the town right? I might need to...I reckon dad’s getting no where with your car. I can see him out there shaking his head.”

Veering into the kitchen, you went to wash your hands in the sink, the blood that had dried over them washed clean away in the soap suds.

“Do you know where Ms. Gwendolyn-Lee lived?”

She thought for a moment, “Oh yea...wait...you look like her a bit.”

“She was my great great aunt. I inherited the house,” You peered out the kitchen window, “Shouldn’t your father be back by now?”

She grit her teeth and sucked in a breath, she stood briefly out of the kitchen to look at the mesh fly screen door. She popped her head back into the kitchen and said calmly, “Here he comes now.”

As he trudged up to the porch, he carefully stomped his muddy boots, scraping off the excess dirt before he swung open the door. His deep navy gaze swept over his daughter, then turned towards you. His eyes widened subtly as he took in the sight of his old flannel shirt on your body, but he refrained from making any comment about it.

“Get your things together,” he instructed. “I managed to hook your car up, got it out of the gulley, but I doubt there’s much to be done, I might suggest it’s scrap metal now.”

His dark face was expressionless, as usual, but you sensed that he’d made up his mind and wouldn’t budge.

Clark looked at his daughter. “Have you said what you wanted to her?”

You nodded and looked to Lara.

“Yes, she did.” Lara met her father’s eyes squarely. “She’s going to tutor me. I’m going to try to get into the military, take a ASVAB test and apply to be a diesel mechanic or even engineer.”

His eyes widened again. Lara appeared nervous with the way her hands balled and unfurled at her sides.

“It’s your choice. Just be sure you’re confident, knowing what you’ll be getting into.”

“I have to try.”

Clark nodded once, his firm gaze indicating the conversation had ended there. You turned to bid farewell to Lara, your gesture was met with her shy wave back. Following her father out onto the dirt path lining the side of the road, you couldn’t help but acknowledge the hint of concern in his words.

There, just off the path stood your car, hooked onto a tow bar at the back of his rusty blue truck, your cars crushed bonnet bearing testament to your recent misadventure.

He had done so much for you, rescuing you from a potentially hazardous situation, providing comfort, and now, he was even helping to tow your car. Additionally, he had kissed you in a manner that left your senses reeling. You couldn’t help but acknowledge that Clark was indeed a formidable individual.

Your cheeks grew hot as you recalled the memory of those searing kisses, their fiery intensity still lingering in your memory. Never in your life had you been so forward with a man, and the thought of your unconventional actions left you feeling both mortified as equally aroused.

You hastily clambered into the passenger seat of the pickup truck, your movements lacking any semblance of grace as you tried to maintain a proper, respectable demeanor. You fidgeted with your hands, clasping them primly in your lap, while your feet remained side-by-side, neatly placed on the floorboard. When Clark rejoined you in the vehicle and settled into the driver’s seat, you bit your lip, but his gaze didn’t so much as flicker in your direction, leaving you to grapple with your own embarrassment.

He casted a sardonic look after turning on the engine. “I can’t just drop you off at some random house lady. Where do you live?”

You realised sheepishly that you had been lost in the memory of Clark’s intimate kisses. You found yourself acutely aware of every movement, as the strong muscular expanse of his thigh shifted against yours, the heat of his skin palpable even through the thick denim of his well-worn jeans. Your noted that you were sitting in the middle of the seat, with very little space between you, it made you feel strangely constricted and breathless. The proximity to him was both overwhelming and exhilarating.

“Down Crow Street first house on the right,” you said hastily, and slid over by the window.

“Ms. Gwendolyn-Lees house?” he murmured.

You nodded.

Clark couldn’t deny that he relished the feeling of your presence beside him, the way your body gently brushed against his arm and leg with every gear change. However, despite the undeniable attraction and comfort he found in your proximity, he didn’t verbalize his appreciation. He acknowledged that things had spiralled out of control earlier, but he made a conscious choice to prevent any further escalation. At present, Lara’s situation occupied his thoughts, and her well-being overshadowed any personal desires or distractions, even for your warm body into his arms.

Clark’s voice dropped to a low, velvety tone that sent a chilling shiver down your spine, as you could discern the undercurrent of menace in his words. He continued, “The Army... it’s a tough climb for a girl, regardless of how much they claim to be feminist-friendly these days. There are those waiting to step on her toes and push her around at every opportunity. I don’t want Lara to getting hurt because you want to play miss goody-two-shoes.”

His eyes may have been solidly on the road, but you could see how they were filled with anguish, confusion and fear all at once. He chewed his pink lips and whispered something under his breath. He was fearsomely protective of his daughter even from you.

Clark’s attempt to intimidate you fell flat as you defiantly turned to face him, your eyes ablaze with defiance. You matched his intense gaze with unwavering determination and challenged his accusations with a spirited fervour.

“Mr. Kent,” you asserted with a resolute lift of your chin, “I never promised Lara that she would be guaranteed a military career upon completion of her studies. She fully acknowledged that fact. However, her academic standing should be more than sufficient for consideration, provided she enrols back into school to earn her diploma and fulfil the necessary credit requirements. That is the offer I made to her: a chance.”

His hands tightened on the wheel.

“And if she doesn’t make it? If she fails?”

“She wants to fix automobiles, Mr. Kent. Even if she isn’t accepted, at least she’ll know she tried, and she’ll have a decent qualifying diploma for the future.”

“So she can do exactly what she would have done without the diploma. You know what I call that? Fancy toilet paper.”

You rolled your eyes and gagged, “Mr. Kent, I believe you may be undermining your daughter’s true potential. She has demonstrated remarkable intellect and maturity for her age. On Monday, I plan to reach out to my network of contacts within the military community for further information on the necessary qualifications and requirements, including AFQT score prerequisites.” You held up a finger and wagged it a little, “Rest assured that I am fully committed to exploring every possible avenue to help your daughter achieve her aspirations.”

Wagging your finger at him? Oh, if you were his women, oh how he would’ve pulled over and belted and fucked you on the bonnet of his pick up, stark and cold in the middle of the afternoon.

He swallowed hard, trying to fight the sudden hard on growing in his jeans. He needed to scare you away. He couldn’t let himself see you again, even if it ruined Lara’s chances.

“The people in town won’t appreciate you tutoring her. They’ll gossip.”

You snorted, gossip? Why should you even care? “Why? Because their incompetence allowed a high achieving student to sliip through their fingers? Just let me handle them, Mr. Kent.”

He sighed long and hard, shaking his head a little. He pursed his lips and fell silent.

With the journey nearing its end, the dirt path road stretched out in front of you, its length having seemed endless moments ago. Clark remained silent as he navigated the remainder of the route, leaving you no choice but to respect the silence that enveloped the vehicle. Your mind raced with thoughts and emotions, a myriad of unresolved issues swirling in the wake of his words. The old house where you resided materialized on the horizon. As the vehicle rolled to a halt, its engine purring to a standstill, the silence persisted, the air thick with unspoken tension and lingering questions.

He quickly turned off his engine and looked up the road at the other houses in the neighbourhood, praying no one would see you both. His hands were still clenching the steering wheel. A deep worrisome sigh left his lips, he broke the silence with a calm warning, “It’s not just about Lara. If you want to ensure your own well-being, I suggest you refrain from speaking to anyone about our encounter. I’ll take the liberty of transporting your car to Frank’s auto repair, see what he can do. However, it would be wise to resist the urge to tell anyone about this, us, meeting.”

“Why?” You said in disbelief.

Clark faced you fully and leant forward slightly as if he was about to tell you a hilariously dirty joke...he smile and said a little too whimsically, “Because lady, I’m an ex-con. I did time for rape.”

The thumping jump your body made against his door while you scrambled for the car handle latch was obvious. He continued to sinister smirk, his brows raised as he waved you goodbye. Your throat felt impossibly dry. Your mind a tad dizzy.

You left the vehicle without uttering a word in response to his bold statement, silently cursing yourself afterward for your lack of a fitting comeback. His words had struck you to your core, leaving you momentarily stunned and unable to react. Rape! The very thought filled you with a deep sense of revulsion and disbelief. Your mind couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that you had kissed him, and the realization left you feeling shaken to the core. Finally, you hastily bid him farewell and informed him that Lara would be arriving at three thirty on Monday, before hastily disappearing into the house. You tried not to feel guilty when you made sure to lock the door behind you. He had helped you after all. He had pulled you out of your own car....but he had also indulged and kissed you. If Lara had not come...would he have....

As the hour ticked by, reality gradually sank in, and you found yourself standing alone in the antiquated kitchen, observing your cat Oz devouring his wet and dry food with relish from its gleaming silver bowl. You couldn’t help but reflect on the man and his outlandish claim, feeling a surge of defiance rising within you. You scoffed outwardly, muttering to yourself, “What complete nonsense! If that man is truly a rapist, I swear I’ll...I’ll...roast you for Thanksgiving, Oz.”

The ginger feline looked remarkably unconcerned. After all, he was just a lazy fat cat. Did he even know what thanksgiving was? You appreciated his lack of reaction, as if it confirmed your judgement being almighty and wise.

The realization that Clark had not unequivocally confessed to rape gave you pause. He had stated that he had served time in prison for rape, a revelation that seemed to open the door to a myriad of ambiguities. The perplexity deepened as you recalled Lara’s accounts of her outcasted and ignored existence. This notion puzzled you as to why Clark would have been granted custody of his daughter if the charges held any truth. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the matter, one thing was certain: your instincts whispered vehemently that Clark was innocent.

The man who had saved you from a life-threatening situation, gently cleansing your wounds with his tender touch and soothing your aching head with the coolness of an ice pack, had also bestowed upon you a kiss filled with a warmth that seeped into your very being. His actions stood in stark contrast to those of a man capable of causing harm to a woman. It was he who had halted the tender exchange of kisses between you, even as you had willingly surrendered yourself to his embrace.

It seemed utterly ridiculous to even entertain the notion that he could be a rapist. True, it may not have taken much restraint on his part to halt the intimate exchange of kisses, given that you weren’t considered conventionally attractive and your inexperience. Yet, as you pondered the matter further, you couldn’t shake the memory of the undeniable physical response of his erection you had felt, a reaction which spoke volumes in its own right. Perhaps he’d simply been deprived of physical outlets for some time and you had unwittingly provided an opportunity, but there was still no hint of violence in his touch.

Perhaps Clark Kent was already aroused and you had unwittingly ignited a flame within him, to you his spark that lit up his desire would remain a mystery to you. Nevertheless, you couldn’t dispute the fact that he had not abused his position or forcibly taken advantage of you. Except...What if he had?

As your heart raced with a powerful, rhythmic beat, an intense warmth pervaded your being. A throbbing, insistent ache manifested deep within you, causing your inner muscles to contract involuntarily. Without even thinking, your hand instinctively sought temporary relief under your skirt before, startled by your own actions, you pulled it away abruptly.

What if, instead of merely halting the kisses, he had taken the initiative to touch, cup, and caress you with his hands and mouth? The mere thought of this sent shivers of desire through you, leaving you feeling as if you were melting in response. Your mind raced with fantasies of his touch, and you found yourself involuntarily pressing your thighs together, desperate for relief from the profound ache that consumed you. A low, involuntary whimper escaped from your lips, startling the cat resting nearby.

The question loomed in the air: would you have actually tried to halt his advances? Could you have summoned the strength to resist the allure of his touch? Or would you now be standing there, your body quivering with excitement as memories of shared passion consumed you instead of simply imagining it? Your body hummed with anticipation, stirred not from a place of true understanding but from the awakening of primal desires.

The intensity of the passion you had experienced had been utterly foreign to you, vastly different from the joyful hum in your bones you held for knowledge and teaching. Discovering that your body was capable of such powerful sensations was a harrowing realization, as you had long believed that you were not one to experience such grand arousal like others bragged about in your age group. You weren’t some kitten in heat, no, you were like a forest fire ready to burn the earth in pursue if the same touch Clark Kent had done to you. Now, your own flesh seemed to whisper secrets that left you feeling betrayed, and your thoughts and emotions danced to an unfamiliar tune. It was as if your very being had been transformed into something unfamiliar and intoxicating. Something wickedly beautiful.

In that moment, it became undeniable. Lust had consumed your very being, a sensation ignited by none other than Clark Kent himself. This realization was both marvellous and mortifying. The potency of your feelings was overwhelming, leaving you both astounded and humiliated by the depth of your desire.

On Monday, you made a hasty lunch break phone call to an old college friend who served in the air force to inquire about the process of making sure Lara’s studies would count towards her diploma. Despite your qualifications, there were still numerous forms to fill out before she could earn the necessary credits via private tutoring. You placed the call from the ancient pay phone in the underused teacher’s lounge, a cramped space that only held three chairs, a table, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker. Surprisingly, Lana Lang, the eighth grade teacher, popped into the room as you were talking.

“Y/N, are you feeling ill or anything?”

“No, I’m alright.” You stood, “I was making a call.”

“Oh. I just wondered. You’d been in here alone for a while, and I thought you might not be feeling up to hall duty soon.... Who were you calling?”

The query had been posed without a trace of hesitation, reflecting the unfiltered openness characteristic of Smallville’s close-knit community. Lana, a local who had grown up in the heart of the town, had once held the title of prom queen. In this close-knit environment, secrets rarely remained hidden for long, and the exchange of personal information was a common occurrence. You felt unperturbed by Lana’s unabashed curiosity, as you were already accustomed to such directness within the confines of this intimate community, where small towns functioned as extended families. At first you found such things rude and personally invasive.

“An old college friend. I needed some information on teaching requirements.”

Lana’s expression turned to one of alarm as she spoke, “Are you questioning your qualifications? The school board will be absolutely distraught if there’s an issue. You have no idea how difficult it is to find a teacher with the proper credentials willing to move to such a small town. They were at the brink of panic before you agreed to take the job. Without your arrival, the children would be forced to commute over sixty miles each day just to receive an education.”

Or attend homeschooling like Lara Kent.

TO BE CONTINUED....

“Actually, it’s not that,” you quickly explained, seizing the opportunity to delve into your intentions. “I’ve been contemplating the idea of initiating private tutoring, as I believe it might benefit the children.” You deliberately refrained from mentioning Lara Kent, respecting her father’s request for discretion. Relief washed over Lana’s face as she concluded that the situation wasn’t dire.

“Thank goodness it isn’t bad news,” she sighed, waving goodbye and offering a smile before withdrawing her head from the room, her curiosity sufficiently quelled.

You sincerely hoped that Lana wouldn’t mention your plan to Beryl Braverman, the third-to-fifth grade teacher, but you couldn’t deny that the likelihood of secrecy was slim. Information had an uncanny way of propagating swiftly in Smallville, leaving little room for concealment. Lana exuded warmth and humor in her teachings, mirroring your laidback approach. However, Beryl’s strict demeanor and abruptness with students left you feeling unsettled. You had overheard rumblings about Beryl considering an early retirement. Despite her shortcomings, her departure would undeniably upset the local board, as Lana had previously pointed out - it was almost impossible to encourage new teachers to move to Smallville.

HELPLINES:

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, assault or domestic violence or know someone who is please reach out to these links that share helpline services, phone numbers or emails. Consent and respect is important in every relationship whether between friends, family or even strangers.

Australian Helpline Services

UK Helpline Services

American Helpline Services

India Helpline Services.

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absentcaryatid · 1 year

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Love Takes Flight

An ATEEZ fanfic by AbsentCaryatid

The reader falls for Yunho when the idol uses their services as a pilot to regularly visit family back in Gwangju. With help from Wooyoung, the affection is finally revealed to be mutual.

2.8K words, Content note: gender neutral reader, suitable for all ages, reader is referred to by pronoun they, nonjudgmental mention of weight for fueling purposes, food

In later years you could laugh about accusing your future husband of being a smuggler the first time you talked, but in the moment, the misunderstanding was mortifying for both of you. Luckily, Yunho did not hold a grudge and everything went smoothly from then onward, other than that memorable concert of course.

He had called after discovering your advertisement for small scale cargo shipping between Seoul and Gwangju. “I'm having trouble finding someone to do what I need. I'm hoping I came to the right person. The matter is urgent and very important to me. I'll pay well.”

“Look sir, I don't know what you think I do, but I never get involved in anything illegal if that is what you are asking.” The tone was cold and firm. You did not have much, but you had pride in running a clean business despite the many lucrative opportunities you could have put your plane to.

Even through the phone Yunho's embarrassment at your assumption was evident. Between shocked gasps he spluttered out, “I would never. It is nothing like that.”

Cringing at how badly the discussion was going, you became very apologetic. “I should not have jumped to that conclusion so quickly, I just like to make things very clear because people do ask it of me sometimes.”

Yunho was kind about the mistake. “I understand, and appreciate your integrity. Phrasing things so oddly was my fault. I'm in a bind and not thinking well. I'm the cargo.” He went on to explain that he needed a flight back to his hometown. “When I have the time off I go by car, or can take the high-speed rail from Yongsan Station, but the schedule is too tight that day. Even the commercial flights from Gimpo Airport to Gwangju International won't get me there when I need to arrive.”

“This sounds serious. Business trip?” Your attention became focused on how extravagantly to charge the man for passenger service while you supposed his corporate jet was grounded for repair. Given the convenience of scheduled airline flights to Gwangju, nobody had ever asked your small business focused on freight to deliver them before, so you intended to make the most of the opportunity.

“My little brother is getting an award at a school function and I would like to be there. I have missed so much of his life due to my work and I really want to do this for him.”

Your heart went out to Yunho. With a reason like that, you easily agreed to help. “Give me your weight and I'll calculate the added gas expenditure at no markup. I was already headed to Gwangju that afternoon anyway and can easily shift the time to what you need.”

Yunho's sigh of relief was heavy. “Thank you a million times over. I'll owe you a lot for this, and maybe can do something for you one day, concert tickets or something like that.”

“Hmm, I'm not very into music, but I could always take my mother to a trot concert. Sports teams are more my thing. Big fan of Gwangju FC and Kia Tigers.”

“Football and baseball, looks like we will have a lot to talk about on the flight. I look forward to it.” With that, Yunho was gone and you practically forgot about him until the day of the unusual job.

Dressed handsomely in a suit and looking straight from the hairdresser, Yunho greeted you at the hangar with a respectful handshake. “Thank you again for being able to accommodate me. My dad wanted me to be a dentist, and sometimes I think I would have liked a career that let me live near family, but I wouldn't give up my job for the world.”

When he did not elaborate on his profession, you led Yunho to the secondhand twin-engine turboprop modified for carrying freight rather than passengers. “I'm usually hauling delicacies from Jeolla province to Seoul. I know you planned to take the high-speed rail tomorrow, though if you want to catch the return flight you are welcome to. No cost, but it is an early call. This run includes pastries one of my clients wants to wake up to and nobody makes them like her favorite shop in Gwangju. As long as they are willing to pay for that service, I am happy to provide since I enjoy spending as much time in the air as I can.”

Yunho accepted the terms. “I can handle waking early, no problem.”

“You will also need to wear a headset for noise and communicating through the microphone. It takes some getting used to, but it is necessary, I'm afraid.”

Perhaps Yunho was nervous, for he hid laughter behind a hand before answering. “Pretty sure I can work with that too.”

“The cargo area has some fold down seats. If you would prefer a bit more comfort and a view you can have the co-pilot seat.” Usually you had a preference for solitude in the cockpit, but you did not mind at all when Yunho agreed to join you. Even from the original phone call you had liked him, and meeting in person had only added to his appeal.

The flight went off without a hitch and after less than an hour the small plane landed in Gwangju. Time had gone quickly due to Yunho's ease at conversation covering for some of your own lesser social skills. You looked forward to the return trip, wondering if he would be as sociable at dawn.

With far more energy than your own, Yunho thoughtfully met you at the hangar the next morning with a coffee in each hand. That led you to bring out spare pastries because it would have been impossible for either of you to survive the trip otherwise with the fresh baked goods filling the plane with their enticing scent.

In flight he shared some photos from the night before. A proud looking Yunho was standing beside a young teen almost his own height, flanked by beaming parents with a touch of gray hair. There were also plenty of pictures from the award ceremony. Yunho's voice on its own was lovely, but to hear it filled with such pride in his scholastically accomplished brother made it even more attractive.

With Yunho's approval, you got into the habit of texting him whenever you were headed to his hometown. Taking advantage of the opportunity, sometimes he came along in the co-pilot seat to get more time in with family here and there. Over many round trip flights you could accurately say you became friends, bonding with Yunho over sports, video games, and the joy of browsing at Gwangju's Kumho World Electronics Market.

Sometimes Yunho would even sing scraps of songs, leaving you in awe of his voice. The suggestion he was good enough to do it for a living put a smile on his face. As time went on the conversations became more personal, and you shared hopes for the future. Marriage and family were something you both desired when the right person came along.

It should not have surprised you that these steady hours spent together had you falling for the kind man. You were sure his good looks brought lots of attention, but it was Yunho's gentle nature and love for his family that first won you over. To realize you were compatible in many ways sealed the deal on your end.

Nobody made you laugh like he could, and while the hopeful side of you wondered if it was proof he liked you back, the more rational part of your brain recognized Yunho probably was that charming with everyone. Still, you noticed he started to make use of your phone number to text more than flight bookings. The occasional messages were warm inquiries into how your day was going that seemed genuine in their interest and a way to keep in touch between flights. At the very least you figured he considered you a friend, and that felt pretty good.

Yunho never spoke about his profession, but you guessed he was a businessman from the long hours he kept. It made you glad to be self-employed and in control of your schedule in a way Yunho seemed not to be. That ability to set your own timetable for work came in handy when a call came in one night just after you had fallen asleep.

Yunho apologized for the contact at such an unusual hour, but mentioned he was desperate. He and his co-workers had a flight from LAX to Incheon International Airport. They had been scheduled to arrive far earlier but multiple delays kept cropping up and they had been unable to switch to a different plane despite constant efforts from his staff.

In a sleepy haze you mentioned your little aircraft was not able to handle international travel. Once his laughter died down Yunho let you know that was not what he was asking. They were finally about to board the delayed plane and it was being given priority to take off. Instead, he asked if you could fly eight people to Gwangju once they landed at Incheon. There was an appointment that could not be rescheduled and he was desperate to know if you could get the group there in time.

“My cargo plane is not particularly comfortable, but it will get the job done. I'll be ready to go at Incheon tomorrow when you get in.”

“You are saving me again. I really do owe you tickets this time. Text me the details where to meet if you would. Thank you and sleep well.”

With a final yawn you mumbled, “Goodnight Yunho, sleep well too,” then ended your call as you heard cheers on the other end of the line.

Straight off the plane from Los Angeles due to a customs wavier, the group of casually dressed men arrived from the other side of Incheon airport in two security vans, lights flashing. Impressed, you realized Yunho must be a more important person than you knew to get such treatment from the airport. Your own flight plan from Gimpo airport that morning had been similarly easy to obtain permission for, even with such short notice.

Despite his youth, perhaps Yunho was high up in a family business. Still, companies powerful enough to get special treatment would have had a corporate jet of their own for his use. In many ways your friend was still a mystery to you, making you feel you really weren't that close after all. His companions too gave off the air of college kids, but on a second look their comfortable clothes bore the names of fashion houses making you wonder if there was more to them as well.

Passengers now aboard, you prepared to take off for Gwangju. While the majority of the guys who had quickly introduced themselves in passing were now slumped on the cargo area's bench seats fast asleep, Jongho rode as your honorary co-pilot to enjoy the view. Like Yunho, he adapted just as easily to talking through the headset, though he did make a joke about preferring a handheld microphone.

The trip was mostly quiet, with a few questions about the landscape below or the plane's operation. There was one diversion into more personal matters, however. “Yunho has been much happier keeping in closer contact with his family these days. I sense he has another reason too. Yunho mentions you a lot.” Jongho's thoughts ended there, at least the ones he shared, but it gave you things to think about as well. You wondered if one day you could open up to Yunho about how much you truly cared for him. However, that was a matter for another day as you turned your focus to preparing to land as the destination drew near.

Stepping down from the plane, Hongjoong was grateful you had pulled off this logistical miracle. “Thanks to you we won't let ATINY down.”

“ATINY? Never heard of that before. Is that the name of your company?”

Seonghwa was so taken with laughter that he clapped. With a sly smile and a glance to Yunho he asked, “They don't know do they?”

You were too busy to ask what he meant as you rushed the men to your waiting panel van kept in Gwangju for your work. Thanks to a friend who owed you a favor, the modular seats had been reinstalled and you could truck people instead of the usual cargo.

As you drove away from the airport you received directions to their destination along with a little bit of information about ATINY and ATEEZ. It was a shock to discover you had the honor of ferrying an idol group headed to a performance. To the relief of everyone involved, the group easily made it to the festival in time for the line check.

While you watched in amazement from the wings, a KQ Entertainment staffer from the advance crew brought you a festival ticket for the VIP area closest to the stage, compliments of Yunho and the rest of the guys. With time to spare before the evening concert, you could now relax. While Yunho had hours of preparation ahead of him, he had suggested you explore Gwangju's K-Pop Star Street in Chungjang-ro now that his secret identity was known.

As you walked along you began to get a sense of how popular ATEEZ was. A blue and yellow Treasure Ep. 3 album cover was among the shutter murals lining the avenue. Another spot listed quite a number of K-pop artists who had lived in Gwangju followed by a collage that included childhood photos of the local idols. Among them was an adorable toddler in a backwards cap. You suspected that kid with a spoon in his mouth was Yunho so you took a photo to ask him about the next time he caught a ride to visit family.

Gwangju had done a really great job of promoting their homegrown artists. While you might not have recognized the idols' names, even you had heard of the groups 2NE1, Monsta X, Wonder Girls, and BTS. For Yunho to be listed among them told you he had been incredibly modest about his accomplished life. If you had ever taken a walk here before you might have recognized Yunho as a star by name or looks when you first met. It probably was for the best he had the chance to be known as just an everyday guy on your flights together.

The final stop was a wall of cast metal handprints. When you found Yunho's among them you had to place your own in the same spot. Looking like any other fan, you took a picture to remember how the size compared to your own. Perhaps as other fans did too, you wondered how it would feel to hold his hand, go on a date together, hear him profess love for you.... The fantasy ended as the alarm on your phone reminded you to head back in time for ATEEZ's appearance.

Impressed. That was about the only thought you could manage after watching the performance. Yunho had been quite a secret keeper, and you admired his discretion and humility rather than feel slighted by the secrecy.

Before they left the stage, Hongjoong thanked the festival committee for inviting them. Mingi added appreciation to ATINY for being there, and Wooyoung spoke last with grateful words for the pilot who made their appearance possible after flight delays coming off their latest tour. Not one for the spotlight, you shrank in your seat as Wooyoung briefly described your heroic efforts to get them there. “The best way I can thank you is to tell you Yunho has had the biggest crush on you forever but he is too timid to say so!”

The first to recover his wits after such a bombshell, Seonghwa roughly yanked Wooyoung off the stage. His parental scolding could be heard over the screams in the crowd until his headset mic was cut. Many in the audience sounded delighted, but you figured there were some murmurs of envy as well. A few were heard to call out, “I love you too, Yunho!”

It was quick thinking on San's part to get you out of the audience and away from publicity, or being hit by a LIGHTINY from a heartbroken Yunho stan. San hopped down from the stage and assisted you in climbing over the barrier. When security staff protested, Yeosang was right by his side insisting this was a necessary safety precaution as they hustled you off to their dressing area.

Still on stage, Mingi unsuccessfully tried to usher a frozen Yunho into the wings. Jongho wisely solved the problem by passing his microphone to Mingi then hoisting Yunho over his shoulder and carrying him backstage. Finally reunited with Yunho, the other members drew back to give you some privacy. The positive conversation was short and ended with a tentative kiss, then shy smiles all around. ATEEZ's performance at the K-pop festival was memorable for many things that year, but it would best be remembered as a very public beginning to your romantic relationship with Yunho.

Yunho Masterlist

General Masterlist

#ATEEZ fanfic #Kpop fanfic #Kpop fluff #ATEEZ Fluff #gender neutral reader #diverseinsertknet #Yunho x you #Yunho x reader #cross posted on ao3 #Jeong Yunho #ATEEZ Yunho #it was a rare day off #they/them pronouns used for reader

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buddy-trench · 9 months

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Sanguine Angel (Part 1)

Mediocre writer writes a horror story with some experience. If there's anything to make it better, feel free to tell me by dming me! Anyways, allow us to begin.

"Kāpēc Dievs mani pameta?" The words I heard, screaming at me as I ran with little breathe. It consumes me, this suffocating feeling as I ran from an unknown being.

If it could be a dream, then why did feel so real? Why did it make my hands and feet numb until they felt like nothing but ice?

Why me out of anyone? It should had been someone else. But it wasn't. My legs were starting to fail me, but I had to keep running to keep refugee in a safe place. Somewhere. If I could find a place where I can breathe, rest, and ponder, maybe I can face whoever is chasing me. But, with this feeling of suffocation, and the numbness from my hands and feet with a hint of blood sliding off my hands, dripping out onto the floors, what more could I do when I'm in my most vulnerable state when these injuries weaken me?

Then, a loud noise came out of nowhere, then I saw what seemed like a pair of wings. Covered in a sanguine color, with each wing painted in splattered blood. Then, I woke up.. Was it all a dream? No... A nightmare, but, it felt real. To me, for some reason, it felt like, maybe a vision?

Whatever it is, it's probably nothing. Right? Never mind that, I have to get work before I'm late again.

Putting on my uniform, I head out, rushing out the door as I made my way towards my car. Then, as I started the engine, I made sure that I had everything with me. My keys, my phone, wallet... Prefect. Finally, I drove off of my driveway and made my way towards the place I worked at. It was an isolated area, somewhere near the forest, but it made good money so I didn't complain. Although, I did fear the forest due to rumors. Apparently a cult resides there, doing what any cult does.

But, it's only a rumor. Meant to scare tourists and hikers from ever venturing deeper into the forest.

When I pulled up to the building, I made sure to check before I continue my shift there. It's tough work, usually having to do certain things that require patience and a lot of focus. But sometimes it's mundane things like cleaning around and servicing up customers.

However, today is a bit different. I was tasked a long side three other of my coworkers to deliver a package somewhere in the woods. Apparently a wealthy family lives here and wants us to deliver some pretty to them. My boss told me that they will pay us, around a few hundred dollars in cash. Of course, I took this offer and went out with my coworkers.

It took us around 2 hours before we found the mansion, it's massive and had a beautiful garden at the entrance. I was in awe as my coworkers and I carried the package to the front door. There, the owner of the house answered. He looks like an old man, due to his white grey hair, but he was friendly and quite charming and gave us our pay before we left. Although, I swear I thought I saw him staring at me. But it wasn't friendly as in a kind way, rather something else...

But, nothing came to mind. Maybe it's just my imagination, the old man didn't seem to have this sinister presence, but yet, I still felt he was plotting something. Something, for... Me?

Sanguine Angel (End of Part 1)

(Hope you enjoy part 1, part 2 coming soon.)

#horror #horror writing #Sanguine Angel #original post #writeblr #writing #writers on tumblr #writerscommunity #my post #cw cults #cw: horror #trauma

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oliviajames1122 · 2 years

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TIPS FOR HIGH MILEAGE CAR MAINTENANCE

Indeed, newer cars are made to last. The majority of today's vehicles have a minimum life span of 150,000 miles. A car is deemed to be high mileage if it has travelled at least 75,000 miles. Age can also be used to assess if a car has high mileage or not in addition to mileage. Older vehicles are therefore regarded as having a high mileage. Older cars require more frequent maintenance than more recent ones do to ensure optimal performance on the road. Search for car repairs near me and book an appointment now to find out more.

What is a high mileage vehicle?

High mileage vehicles are those with at least 75,000 miles on the clock. To keep them operating at their peak and on the road, older vehicles need more frequent maintenance than newer ones do. A car may be deemed to have high mileage based on age as well as mileage, which is something else to bear in mind. Search for car repairs near me and book an appointment now to find out more.

How to Extend the Life of a High Mileage Car

Keep an Eye on Your Vehicle's Oil

Your car's oil is like its heart if the engine is its beating heart. Thus, the most important thing you can do to keep your high mileage vehicles running better for longer is to replace their oil at the recommended intervals and use motor oil that is especially made for high mileage vehicles. Search for car services near me and book an appointment with a qualified mechanic now.

Regularly Check Your Fluids

You should routinely check engine fluids in addition to the engine oil. This entails changing the transmission fluid and oil as well as checking the coolant level in your radiator once a month. This is fairly well-known yet frequently overlooked.

Take Care of Your Tyres

If you take good care of your tyres, they will look after you. The tyres should be rotated as directed, maintained at the recommended air pressure, and replaced as needed. When your tyres are in good condition, your suspension will last longer and the rest of the car will be under less strain. Newer, properly inflated tyres also provide you a significantly better chance of avoiding a collision. Search for car repairs and book an appointment with a professional mechanic to fix any issues at hand.

Examine The Belts And Filters.

Replace or clean dirty or expired air filters to maintain optimum combustion. Additionally, make sure to inspect and replace any belts that might also be displaying wear and tear.

Look after Your Car’s Exterior

In terms of extending the lifespan of a car with a high mileage, cleaning your car may seem minor. However, regular car washing really eliminates impurities and stops rust. Since the underside is not painted and is subject to wintertime exposure to salt from the roads, it is especially crucial to do this. Your outside will look brighter after waxing, and it will also be protected from rust and damage to the paint job.

Improve Your Driving Habits

Several driving habits, such as rapid acceleration or deceleration, harsh starts, and slamming on the brakes, result in significant needless wear and strain on your car and reduce its lifespan. These are commonly referred to as aggressive driving. Driving carefully, moving slowly, and doing things smoothly are all necessary to extend the life of a high mileage vehicle. Search for car mechanics near me and book an appointment now to sort out any issues with your vehicle.

#car repairs near me #Car garages in reading #Garages in reading #car repairs #repair garage near me

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digitalsonam · 2 days

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Premium Car Workshop in Gurgaon

Elevating Car Care Standards in Gurgaon

In a city like Gurgaon, where luxury and high-performance cars are a common sight, maintaining these vehicles is essential. Owning a premium car is not just a status symbol but also a responsibility. Ensuring your car gets the best care is crucial for performance, longevity, and aesthetics. Autocrest, the Premium Car Workshop in Gurgaon, offers a comprehensive range of services to keep your car in pristine condition, from mechanical repairs to meticulous cleaning. Whether you're looking for a Premium car service near me or a specialized Premium car wash service, Autocrest is your one-stop solution.

Why Autocrest Is the Best Choice for Premium Car Care

At Autocrest, we understand the intricacies involved in servicing high-end vehicles. Our team of skilled professionals uses cutting-edge technology and tools to ensure every car we work on receives the best possible care. Our services are designed to meet the exacting standards of premium car owners, ensuring reliability, performance, and aesthetics are maintained at all times.

Tailored Premium Car Services

What sets Autocrest apart is our commitment to offering tailored premium car services. Every car is unique, and so are its maintenance needs. Whether it's regular servicing, engine tuning, or performance upgrades, we offer a wide range of services to suit your car's specific requirements. We are more than just a premium car workshop in Gurgaon; we are your car’s best partner in maintaining peak performance and luxury.

Comprehensive Mechanical Services

Our workshop provides complete mechanical services for premium cars, including engine diagnostics, transmission repairs, and suspension tuning. We use only high-quality parts that match or exceed the original specifications, ensuring that your vehicle performs just as well as the day you bought it.

Engine Diagnostics and Repairs: We offer advanced engine diagnostics to quickly identify and fix any issues, whether it's a minor glitch or a more serious problem. Our team is skilled in handling the complexities of high-performance engines.

Transmission & Suspension Services: Smooth handling is essential for a premium car, and at Autocrest, we offer transmission and suspension repairs to ensure that your car remains safe and comfortable to drive.

Premium Car Wash and Detailing Services

A premium car deserves to shine, both inside and out. At Autocrest, we offer high-end premium car wash services that go beyond just cleaning. Our team uses advanced products and techniques to ensure that every inch of your car is polished to perfection.

Interior Detailing: A clean and well-maintained interior is essential for a luxury car. We offer deep-cleaning services for upholstery, leather treatment, and dashboard detailing to keep your car looking new.

Exterior Polishing and Ceramic Coating: Protect your car’s paint with our exterior polishing and ceramic coating services. This ensures long-lasting shine and protection from environmental damage.

Advanced Technology for Premium Cars

Autocrest invests in the latest technology to offer specialized services for luxury cars. From computer-aided diagnostics to laser-guided alignment, we use cutting-edge tools to ensure that your car is serviced to the highest standards.

Computerized Diagnostics: We use state-of-the-art diagnostics to accurately assess your car’s condition and identify potential problems before they become major issues.

Precision Wheel Alignment: Proper alignment is crucial for maintaining tire life and ensuring smooth driving. Our laser-guided systems offer precise adjustments to keep your car handling perfectly.

Personalized Customer Experience

At Autocrest, we believe that providing a premium service goes beyond working on your car—it’s about offering a seamless customer experience. From the moment you step into our premium car workshop in Gurgaon, our focus is on understanding your needs and exceeding your expectations.

Transparent Pricing: We believe in clear and transparent pricing with no hidden costs. You’ll receive a detailed estimate before any work begins, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Convenient Booking and Pickup Service: To make your experience hassle-free, we offer convenient booking options and even provide pickup and drop-off services for your car. Whether you're looking for a premium car service near me or need us to come to you, we’ve got you covered.

Why Regular Maintenance is Essential for Premium Cars

Premium cars require consistent and specialized care to ensure that they continue performing at their best. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your car but also maintains its resale value. With Autocrest, you can rest assured that your car is receiving top-tier care with every service.

Enhanced Performance: Regular maintenance ensures that your car operates efficiently, providing better fuel economy and smoother performance.

Increased Longevity: By addressing minor issues before they become major problems, you can extend the life of your car significantly.

Aesthetic Appeal: Regular cleaning and detailing help maintain your car's luxurious appearance, ensuring it always looks its best.

Autocrest: Your Partner in Premium Car Care

At Autocrest, we treat every car as if it were our own, offering unparalleled care and attention to detail. Whether you’re visiting for a routine service or need more specialized repairs, our team is equipped to handle all your premium car service needs. We know that owning a premium car comes with high expectations, and we strive to meet and exceed them with every service.

Experience Premium Care at Autocrest

Your luxury car deserves the best care available, and at Autocrest, we are committed to delivering just that. Schedule your appointment today at the leading premium car workshop in Gurgaon. Whether you're in need of a routine check-up, a detailed cleaning, or major repairs, we’ve got you covered. Call us now or visit our website to book your premium car service and experience the difference that expert care can make.

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autosurefit01 · 10 days

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Why Regular Car Servicing is Essential and How to Find It Nearby

Regular car servicing is a cornerstone of vehicle maintenance that significantly influences your car’s longevity, performance, and safety. Despite its importance, many car owners overlook or delay servicing, often due to busy schedules or perceived costs. However, staying on top of regular maintenance not only ensures your car runs smoothly but also saves you money and prevents potential accidents. This article explores why regular car servicing is essential and provides tips on how to find a reliable service provider nearby.

The Importance of Regular Car Servicing

Enhancing Vehicle Longevity Regular car servicing is crucial for extending the life of your vehicle. Over time, various components of your car experience wear and tear. Routine maintenance helps in identifying and addressing these issues before they escalate into major problems. For instance, changing the oil and filters regularly ensures that your engine remains lubricated and free from harmful contaminants, thus prolonging its lifespan.

Improving Safety Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Regular servicing includes checking essential safety components such as brakes, tires, lights, and steering. By ensuring these parts are in optimal condition, you reduce the risk of accidents caused by malfunctioning equipment. A well-maintained car is less likely to experience sudden breakdowns, which can be dangerous while driving.

Boosting Fuel Efficiency A car that is regularly serviced operates more efficiently. Regular checks and adjustments, such as maintaining proper tire pressure and cleaning the fuel system, can lead to better fuel efficiency. This not only saves you money on fuel but also reduces your vehicle's carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Preventing Costly Repairs Regular maintenance helps in catching minor issues before they turn into major, costly repairs. For example, a simple coolant leak can be fixed easily if detected early, but if left unattended, it can lead to severe engine damage. Investing in regular servicing can save you significant amounts of money in the long run by avoiding unexpected repair costs.

Maintaining Resale Value A well-maintained car retains its value better than one that has been neglected. Prospective buyers often look for vehicles with a comprehensive service history. Regular servicing demonstrates that the car has been cared for, which can be a strong selling point and help you get a better price when it’s time to sell or trade in your vehicle.

How to Find Reliable Car Servicing Nearby

Finding reliable car servicing near you is essential to ensure that your vehicle gets the care it needs. Here are some steps to help you locate a trustworthy service provider:

Search Online Start by using search engines to look for servicing my car near me. This will provide a list of nearby auto service centers. Pay attention to customer reviews and ratings to gauge the quality of service offered. Many review platforms provide insights into the experiences of other customers, helping you make an informed decision.

Ask for Recommendations Recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues can be invaluable. They may have had positive experiences with local service providers and can offer suggestions based on their own experiences. Personal recommendations often come with a level of trust that online reviews might lack.

Check Certifications and Qualifications Ensure that the service provider you choose is certified and employs qualified technicians. Certifications from recognized automotive organizations indicate that the technicians have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform various types of car repairs and maintenance. This can be a good indicator of the quality of service you can expect.

Compare Prices While cost should not be the sole factor in your decision, it is important to compare prices among different service providers. Obtain quotes for common services such as oil changes, brake checks, and tire rotations. This will help you understand the average market rates and avoid overpaying for basic services.

Visit the Facility If possible, visit the service center before making a decision. A clean and organized workshop is often a good sign of professionalism and attention to detail. During your visit, observe how staff members interact with customers and ask questions about their service procedures and warranty policies.

Inquire About Services Offered Different service centers may specialize in different types of maintenance and repairs. Ensure that the provider you choose offers the services you need for your vehicle. For instance, if you have a specific issue such as transmission problems, check that the service center has experience in handling such repairs.

Look for Convenience Factors Consider the convenience factors such as location, operating hours, and availability of loaner cars or shuttle services. A service provider that is close to your home or work can make it easier to drop off and pick up your vehicle. Additionally, flexible operating hours and additional services like loaner cars can make the servicing process more convenient for you.

Conclusion

Regular car servicing is not just a routine; it is a critical aspect of vehicle ownership that impacts your car’s performance, safety, and longevity. By investing in regular maintenance, you enhance your driving experience, prevent costly repairs, and maintain your vehicle’s value. Finding a reliable service provider nearby involves a combination of online research, personal recommendations, and evaluating service quality. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your vehicle receives the best possible care, keeping it in optimal condition for years to come.

#Car Servicing #Regular Maintenance #Local Services

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mechanicnow · 11 days

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How to Save Your Money on Repairs at Your Local Auto Repair Garage

Car expenses can be really an add-on. An auto car mechanic may recommend you change the engine oil as often as every 3,000 to 4,000 miles (about 6437.38 km). Additionally, you need to rotate tires every 4,000 miles or so and replace them every 5 to 6 years. An auto mechanic may also advise you to change the air filters every 15,000 miles.

To be precise, that's just a short list of common auto body repair and maintenance to keep up with. With so and so tasks on your auto repair checklist, you may be thinking about how to save your money on repairs at your local auto repair.

Here are some easy and good-to-go ways to save your money on auto body repair at the nearest car garage.

Regular Maintenance at a Nearby Car Garage: If you want to save money on car repair, then focus on regular maintenance at a nearby car garage. However, you can contact Mechanic Now as they provide unmatched services with pick-up and drop-off of your vehicle from your doorstep. It is important for you to follow the instructions given in the manufacturer’s maintenance booklet including filter replacement, proper oil changes, fluid checks, tire checks, etc.

DIY Repairs with the Help of Nearest Auto Repair Shop: Car owners can get the help of the nearest auto repair shop viz. Mechanic Now, to do some basic car repair tasks by themselves. Car repair and maintenance includes keeping a good set of tools and reading about basic DIY repairs.

Comparison Between Car Maintenance Service: While taking car maintenance service, you should always compare the prices. It will save you a lot of money if you take your car for maintenance at the nearest auto repair shop like Mechanic Now. They charge less and even provide home delivery of vehicles. Always compare multiple car battery maintenance packages before choosing one.

Preventive Care by an Auto Mechanic: A seasoned auto mechanic or a mechanic shop near me could help you take preventive care of your car. Mechanic Now has professional mechanics that can make you understand the importance of preventive care to save money on repairs. These include following speed limits, avoiding aggressive driving, driving perfectly on potholes, and regular washing and waxing of your car.

Final Words

Car repair and maintenance can be a hectic task. However, with the help of an auto car mechanic, you will be able to save money on your car maintenance services. Here are some quick points to keep in mind:

Keep your engine clean

Drive safe and follow speed limits

DIY basic repairs and maintenance

Read and follow all the instructions in the vehicle manual

Invest in quality spare parts

Take preventive care with the help of a nearby car garage

Always consult a professional auto mechanic or mechanic shop near me

Mechanic Now is a car service center for auto body repair and other services. They provide easy pickup and drop-off facilities with affordable car repair and maintenance services.

#auto car mechanic #auto mechanic #mechanic shop near me #car service center #near by battery service #auto repair #auto repair shop #auto repair near me #auto body repair #nearest auto repair shop #car garage #near by car garage #car repair garage #nearest car garage #car repair and maintenance #car maintenance service #car battery maintenance

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serenaxsmythe · 13 days

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Wrong turn right place: ain't it fun, living in the real world?

Tagging: @morgan-weston

Time: Saturday, August 31, around 2:30 PM

Place: Morgan's ranch

TW: none

General Notes: Serena's car broke down near Morgan's ranch and he offered to help fix it.

Morgan

It had been a relatively uneventful day, filled with the usual activities. Get up, feed the horses, bring them outside, clean the stables, do some training with them, make sure everything was restocked for their food, etc, etc. Life went on for Morgan Weston, the way it usually did. Even in the middle of an ex coming back, and being conflicted about his feelings for two other people, he still had things to do, and animals to take care of. Dressed in a white t-shirt that was probably too tight around his arms, a pair of worn-out jeans, and his regular boots, Morgan rode along the pasture on Fern, his brown thoroughbreed, checking the fence around his pasture, to make sure it was all still intact. As he rode, he heard the all familiar sound of a car making the familiar troublesome noises he'd heard before. He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, signalling to Fern to speed up, and he rode out to the road, seeing exactly what he thought it'd be. "Excuse me - are ya havin' car troubles, ma'am?"

Serena

Serena’s hands gripped the steering wheel as she sighed. Of course the car would break down now. She had just dropped her toddler off at her father's house—an act that always left her chest feeling a little too tight—and was on her way to a vineyard, hoping for some distraction. Instead, she was stranded here, the rolling hills and rustic scenery offering no solace, just silence and a broken engine. Serena’s lips tightened in frustration. When she heard the sound of hooves, she glanced in the rearview mirror. A man—which was never a comforting sight when you're a stranded woman in the middle of nowhere—was heading straight for her. She rolled down the window just as he spoke. Her eyes sized him up. His casual demeanor was a stark contrast to her tailored dress and high heels. "What gave it away?" she said, her tone harsh, but the faintest hint of a smirk curled her lips. "The flashing lights or the fact that I'm sitting here in the middle of nowhere?" Without waiting for his reply, she added, "Sorry, the day has gone incredibly wrong so far. I'd appreciate it if you could point me toward the nearest service station." Morgan

The horse calmly walked up to the side of the car, and as the window rolled down, Morgan got to see who was behind the steering wheel. It wasn't every day that a car would come this way; it was mostly to visit the vineyards in the areas, and that was seasonal. If this had been Montana, the news of a stranger with a broken down car would already have made its rounds in the neighbouring towns, especially when it was such a fine lady driving it. Morgan's eyebrows shot up at her instantly defensive answer; he knew that people of LA could be standoffish, but there was something about it that Morgan still hadn't grown used to. The harsh tone was quickly replaced with an apology though, and Morgan couldn't help but chuckle at her request. "I'm sorry, you're 'bout two hours away, on foot, from the nearest place. And I'm guessin' those high heels of yours ain't exactly comfortable to walk 'round in," Morgan commented with a cheeky smirk on his face. He could be teasing too. Clicking his tongue again, he let the horse walk over to the side of the road, and got off of it, tying the reigns to a fencepost. His boots clicked against the cracked concrete as he made his way back to the car. "Open the hood for me?"

Serena

Serena popped the hood and leaned back in her seat, watching him through the windshield as he moved to the front of the car. She couldn’t help but notice the way his broad shoulders shifted beneath the too-tight t-shirt, the casual strength in the way he handled himself. He had the kind of build that could be undeniably attractive—if he didn’t lack the refinement she preferred. Her eyes lingered on his arms and chest longer than she meant to. When she finally tore her gaze away and focused on his face, a flicker of recognition hit her. There was something familiar... She pulled out her phone, scrolling through her past messages on the app for the PSU community until she found the profile she was looking for. Then, she glanced back at the man working under the hood. Could it be the Horse Guy? As he bent over the engine, head down, she wasn’t sure if he could hear her, but she asked anyway. “What’s your name?”

Morgan

While he wasn't a trained mechanic, Morgan had a bit of experience with cars. He'd spent most of his youth fixing up old ones, and now that he was all grown up with money to spare, it'd become a hobby of his to buy old run-down vehicles and motorcycles to fix them up. So he had a bit of knowledge, and usually knew what to look for. Once he heard that popping sound, Morgan lifted the hood up to get a good look at what was wrong. Furrowing his eyebrows, he reached in to touch different parts of the hot engine, oil and dirt instantly getting on his hands. He just barely managed to catch her question, and he didn't think one second before answering. "Morgan," he said out loud. Standing up straight, the tall cowboy walked back to the side of the car, and leaned down against the open window, his arm reaching in with an extended dirty hand. "Pleasure to meet you...?" He was definitely fishing for a name. "Y'know, ma'am, it'd be easier if ya came out here, so I could show you what's wrong with your car."

Serena

"Really now? That’s exactly what a psycho killer would say in a horror movie," Serena muttered, her voice low, but edged with dry humor. The remote setting, the broken-down car, and the stranger who just happened to ride by on a horse—it all felt like a scene pulled straight from her worst nightmares. She hated the countryside, every inch of it, and now here she was, stuck in the middle of nowhere with a stranger. Still, she thought about the profile she’d seen. The Horse Guy—Morgan. If that was really him, it might be safe enough. Might. With a sigh, she decided to risk it and stepped out of the car. As she approached, the earthy smell of sweat and hay hit her—hardly appealing—but she glanced at his arms again, sizing him up as discreetly as possible. His rough appearance, his muscular build—everything about him screamed caution. They were, after all, miles from civilization. “Serena,” she said, folding her arms. “And showing me what’s wrong won’t change anything. I don’t understand a thing about cars.”

Morgan

Morgan couldn't help but laugh. That comment had come completely out of left field, but he didn't blame her. She was in the middle of nowhere with a random man that she didn't know. Morgan was aware that it was male privilige to not have to worry about that kind of thing, and he usually did everything he could to make sure a person didn't feel unsafe, but in this case, what was he supposed to do. "Look, why don't ya share your location with someone and call 'em, and have 'em be on speaker, so they know that you're safe." Morgan suggested, hoping it would make her feel more comfortable. Watching as she moved to open her door, Morgan stepped back and allowed her the space. He retracted his hand quickly when he realized that she wanted no physical touch, and he chose to respect that. He finally got a good look at her. There was not a single wrinkle in her dress, and everything matched from head to toe; she looked like she was in clear control of everything she did. And that was attractive. "That's fine, but mechanics know how to use that to their advantage, and all of a sudden, they'll charge you for an oil change, a tire pressure check and new lights, without havin' done any of it," Morgan explained and walked back to the front of the car, hoping she'd follow. "You have a faulty alternator. Tell 'em that, and they'll be both impressed and stick to fixing that one thing, without overcharging ya."

Serena

His suggestion was a little comforting and she appreciated the effort. “Fair enough,” she said, pulling out her phone and sending a quick message with her location to her brother. They were trying this thing where they acted like siblings, and she bet this was a very sisterly thing to do. She didn’t bother with the speaker suggestion, though, figuring she'd handle things herself if things went south. Her eyes narrowed slightly as he talked about mechanics and their schemes. "Well, that’s one way to put it," she muttered, her tone still dry but less harsh this time. His awareness of the world she came from—the slick maneuvering of people who knew how to take advantage—was something she hadn’t expected. When he explained about the alternator, she sighed, glancing briefly at the engine. "So I just walk in there and drop 'alternator' like I know what it is," she said, then frowned. "But... Where's there exactly and how do I get there?"

Morgan

Serena's attitude was...interesting, to put it mildly. Morgan rarely went into the city; only really having gone a lot recently for his summer course at PSU. Otherwise, he usually stuck to his ranch and nearby stores for things he needed. So he wasn't too familiar with the city attitude, that Serena seemed to have. But it definitely intrigued him. Wiping his hands on his already-messy jeans, Morgan nodded and hummed. "Yes, ma'am, that's exactly it." He heard her question and smirked for a brief moment as he thought about the answer. "Well, if ya ask nicely, I can do it for you, for the cost of nothin'. But I'm sure you'd rather walk to the nearest service station in those shoes of yours," he teased and pointed to her feet. With that, he walked back to Fern who was still tied up to the fencepost, but busy munching away at some grass. "You're welcome to come back to my ranch if you want me to find a replacement, or you can stay right here, and call around and see if AAA has time to come out here and help ya. I don't want to sound like a "psycho killer" again, but I have cold water in the fridge, and it's awfully hot out here."

Serena

Serena raised an eyebrow at his offer, half-amused by his teasing and half-irritated at the situation. "Nicely isn't really my style," she replied, crossing her arms and shifting her weight onto one heel. His smirk didn’t go unnoticed, and she found herself wondering how this whole situation would have gone differently if he had the polish of the men she was used to dealing with. As he mentioned his ranch and the prospect of cold water, she glanced at her phone, considering her options. There was no way she was going to make it to a service station in these heels and waiting around in the heat for AAA didn’t sound much better. But going to his ranch? That wasn’t exactly appealing either, even with the promise of water. Yet, she was stuck. Then her gaze shifted to the horse he was riding and she felt a wave of immediate dread. Memories of the riding lessons her mother forced her into as a teenager came flooding back—each one more painful than the last. She had hated every minute of those classes and the second they were over, she'd never gotten on a horse again. “Alright, Morgan,” she said, testing the name on her tongue. “I’ll take you up on that offer—just because it’s too hot to stand out here, not because I trust you.” She gave him a pointed look, her tone still sharp but with a resigned edge. “But I’m not getting on that horse. We’ll need to figure out something else.”

Morgan

Grabbing the reins and freeing the horse from the limited space it had around the fencepost, Morgan walked forward with it, and the large animal calmly obliged. He wasn't entirely sure why she had a problem with the horse, except for the fact that he could understand why people thought they were intimidating, so he didn't push - he just respected that. "Well, Serena," Morgan imitated the girl and grinned. "We can walk. It's about five minutes up the driveway." He said and pointed at the house further up. "So, what brings you 'round this part of the city anyway?" Morgan asked, and started walking. He knew they were leaving the hood of the car popped up, but he also knew that nothing would happen out here. "It's the middle of nowhere after all."

Serena

Serena glanced at the house up the driveway and sighed, more out of resignation than frustration. Five minutes isn’t bad, she thought, though the heat and her heels were already making her regret every life choice that led her to this moment. "Great. A walk in the sun," she muttered, rolling her eyes as she stepped away from the car, careful not to get too close to the horse. The last thing she wanted was to accidentally brush against it. His question caught her off guard, and she hesitated before answering. "I dropped my daughter off... visiting her father." She kept her tone casual, but her fingers tensed around her phone. "I was supposed to head to a vineyard for a little break. Not exactly a fan of... this." She gestured vaguely at the countryside around them, her distaste evident. "But the universe seems to have other plans." She shot a glance at Morgan, her pace measured as they walked. "And you? What brings you to the middle of nowhere, besides, you know, being born into it?"

Morgan

The sound of the calm horseshoes walking against the concrete rang out and it was a sound that Morgan adored; that, and the rapid galloping on grass. He did, however, notice that Serena tried to stay far away from the horse, so Morgan took the reins in the other hand, and put himself between the girl and the horse. He listened intently as she explained the origin story for being in the area and he nodded to himself. "That sounds nice though. I'm sorry about this, I'm sure it's the last thing you need." Morgan could sympathize with her. "If it helps, then the wait is really worth it. Their wine is the best I've ever had." Grinning at her question, he pointed all around the area. "This is my ranch. T'was my dad's idea. He's an old Hollywood stuntman who figured it'd be good business for me to start something that's basically a branch of that; stunts. I moved out here three years ago. I was in Montana before."

Serena

Serena raised an eyebrow at his attempt to put himself between her and the horse, a small, begrudging part of her appreciating the gesture. She continued walking, her heels clicking against the ground as they moved toward the ranch. "Wine better be worth it," she muttered. "After a day like this, I’ll need more than one glass." When he mentioned his ranch, her gaze followed his gesture, taking in the vast stretch of land. She sighed inwardly. The idea of a life out here, so far removed from everything she was used to, felt alien to her. "Oh, so you’re the Horse Guy," she said, almost to herself, the recognition dawning on her now. She glanced at him again, a hint of curiosity crossing her features. "Now that I think about it," she added with a smirk, "you did say you’ve knocked your head a lot while training them. There’s still some possibility of that psycho killer thing being true." She gestured lightly with the hand holding her phone, reminding him that her brother had her location. But her words were teasing and her expression made it clear she wasn’t too worried.

Morgan

"With the money you're savin' from not having to pay for a brand new alternator, you could even buy yourself a bottle - although, I'd call a cab to come pick you up, if that's what you choose to do." Morgan teased, but didn't blame her if that's what she ended up doing. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere was never fun. He couldn't help but grin at the nickname she'd decided to give him. 'Horse guy'. He'd become known around PSU as 'the cowboy' or 'Mr Horse', and now 'The Horse Guy'. It was endearing, the way people linked him up with his occupation. "I can't exactly run from it, can I?" He smirked, looking back at the girl. He could see the intrigue on her face, and he kind of wanted to feed into it. "And you're Fancy Couch Girl," Morgan teased back finally, easily recognizing her. Watching her hold up her phone as a reminder to him, Morgan laughed. "Please, me hitting my head has led to this situation," the cowboy extended his arm and gestured to him purchasing the ranch. "Any kind of "psycho" decision I'd make because of a head injury, has already been made." They walked a little further, and finally reached the courtyard of Morgan's ranch. A woman in her late 20s came out of the stable, and Morgan smiled at her. "Gwyneth! Take Fern out for a nice long run, will ya?" He asked and handed her the reins. "Okay, let's go see if we can find that alternator and some tools, shall we?" And with that, he headed towards his garage.

Serena

Serena raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching slightly at the tease. "Tempting, but I might need something stronger after all this," she shot back, feeling a sharp discomfort flare in her foot. Walking in heels on a dirt road wasn’t easy; small pebbles had found their way into her shoes, pressing into the delicate skin of her feet. “Whoever said heels were empowering clearly never walked through this kind of mess," she grumbled under her breath, frustration seeping through. His grin at the nickname she gave him didn’t go unnoticed. Fancy Couch Girl wasn’t exactly a flattering title, but somehow, it felt kind of endearing. Probably because it was the first time someone had given her a nickname that didn’t come with a sting of insult. She held up her phone again with a mocking sigh at his comment about the head injury. "My brother will be so disappointed he doesn’t get to play the hero." Then she glanced around, taking in the ranch. Despite his joke about making a crazy decision by buying the place, she doubted he actually thought that—he looked too at home here for it to be anything but a good choice. When they reached the courtyard and a woman came out of the stable, Serena shifted slightly. She watched as Morgan handed the horse over, relieved she wouldn’t have to deal with the animal any longer. Fern going for a run was probably the best news she’d heard all day. "Let’s," she muttered, sounding as exhausted as she felt. Following him toward the garage, she glanced back at the stable briefly before focusing on the task at hand.

Morgan

Morgan couldn't help but chuckle at Serena's remark. "Sometimes it's all you need when it's a bad day." He wanted Serena to know that he understood it, and wasn't at all judging. Mostly because he figured that that could just make the day so much worse for her. "I'd offer to carry you, but you'd probably just think that I was gonna be a psycho killer, and take you away to to kill ya, or somethin' crazy - so I ain't even gonna attempt to ask ya." Making his way over to the garage, Morgan knew exactly where to go to find what he needed. There were several old cars and motorcycles lined up, all looking pretty run-down, and needing to be fixed. There were boxes neatly stacked into systems, and a large work table. His tools all had their special places hanging on the wall. When it came to his hobby, Morgan was organized. He quickly found the alternator in a box, and grabbed it, showing it to Serena. "This thing could easily cost ya $800 to get replaced at the shop," He informed her, and grabbed his toolbox, and made his way back outside to the courtyard, out to his pick-up truck where he placed the items on the truck bed floor, before gesturing to his actual house. "C'mon inside, let's get ya some water." And with that, he led Serena in. "How old's your daughter, if ya don't mind me askin'? I mean, ya look young for havin' a kid."

Serena

Serena gave him a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a playful smirk. "Is this what country men do when their women complain about heels? Seems kind of savage. But you know, I’d take my chances with that over the heels at this point," she teased, letting her gaze linger on his strong arms for just a second longer before casually turning away. "But you’re right, until we get to know each other better, let’s not add more reasons for me to suspect your sweet guy persona." Her eyes flicked over the neatly arranged tools, not knowing the function of any of them. His mention of saving money, for the second time now, made her frown slightly. She thought everyone in the PSU community was absurdly wealthy like her. Saving money wasn’t something that ever crossed her mind. Was The Horse Guy facing financial problems? Or maybe he was just overly cautious with his expenses. When he pulled out the alternator and explained its value, she smiled a little, though the thought was still floating in the back of her mind. “Well, thank you very much,” she said, genuinely appreciative. As they made their way toward the house, she added, “My daughter’s almost three... But I'll still take that as a compliment.” Despite the way he didn't pronounce some words properly, he seemed more polite than many of the rich guys she had interacted with in the city. Which was surprising since she’d always assumed country people would have less manners.

Morgan

"Some would call it savage, others would call it life-changing, but y'know - to each their own," Morgan teased back with a smirk. It was easy; Serena was the polar opposite of him. A true city girl, who didn't value anything about Morgan's lifestyle because it probably seemed too primitive and unsophisticated. And to him, life in the fast lane, chasing corporate life and living in a city that was never quiet seemed so obnoxious and monotonous. It was funny how different they were, but still seemed to quickly pick up on each other's vibe. Morgan could appreciate that. The cowboy led the city girl into his home, wiping his boots on the mat, and allowing her to come inside, before making his way into the kitchen. It was newly-renovated in a rustic and farm-house type of way; exposed beams and backsplash tiles with little patterns on them could be seen. A kitchen island was in the center, with a butcher block matching the beams covering it. The cabinets were painted white and clearly made by a carpenter who knew what they were doing. And while it wasn't messy, it was lived-in, with things around here and there. He grabbed a large jug of cold water out of the fridge, as well as two glasses from one of the cabinets and filled them up. "As you should! I don't know if it's because you dressed up for the vineyard, or if this is your regular attire, but finding the motivation to look this good when you have a kid is impressive," Morgan complimented her, and handed her the glass of water, while he took a sip himself. "Are you from California?"

Serena

Serena’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Now that I think about it, ditching heels and getting carried around by strong men does sound tempting." As they stepped into his home, Serena’s eyes flicked over the space. The rustic charm of the exposed beams and patterned tiles wasn’t exactly her usual aesthetic—she preferred sleek lines and minimalist design—but she could appreciate the craftsmanship behind it. Her gaze lingered on the butcher block island for a moment. “You’ve got a nice setup here,” she said thoughtfully, her fingers brushing the edge of the countertop as she passed. “I’m more used to marble countertops and designer touches, but this feels... honest." The cool glass of water was a blessing. She hadn’t realized just how thirsty she was until that first sip. Setting the glass down, she looked back at him, a pleased glint in her eyes. “Motivation isn’t hard to come by when fashion’s your religion,” she said with a soft laugh, smoothing her hand along her dress. “And I mean, why not make an entrance wherever you go, right?” She got the glass again and took another sip before adding, “Though I definitely miscalculated with the heels today. If walking around the vineyard feels anything like this, I’d regret the day even if my car hadn't broken down.” She caught his eye then, her gaze lingering just a bit longer than necessary. “You’re looking pretty good yourself,” she said, her voice dropping slightly as a playful smile tugged at her lips. Leaning against the kitchen island, she found herself remembering why she’d stepped back from casual flings—it wasn’t exactly easy to balance a life like hers with a kid in tow. “I’m from New York,” she added, setting the empty glass on the countertop behind her. “The city that never sleeps. So this...” She glanced around the quiet space, the calm so different from her usual world. “I’m not sure I could sleep in a place like this,” she mused quietly, more to herself than to him.

Morgan

It started to feel like the woman in front of him was beginning to let her guard down, and it was nice to see. He hoped that once he was done with her car, and had sent her on her way, she'd feel happy about the interaction between them - Morgan at least only tried to meet people with kindness, hoping it would brighten their day in some kind of way. "You wanna be carried around by strong men, huh? I'll go and call for Phillip, my other colleague, he's very strong," Morgan teased, his arms crossing over his chest and a smirk plastered on his face. He hoped she could take the joke. "So is that what you do for work? Fashion?" Morgan asked, intrigued and leaning back against the kitchen counter as he watched her take another sip, the water leaving her lips moist. He licked his own lips, feeling the chill from the cold water. It was nice. "I wish I could help ya with the heels, but judging by the looks of it, you don't seem like the kind of person who uses size fifteen in shoes, right?" A slightly nervous chuckle escaped Morgan's lips and he ran a hand through the thick beard, smoothing it out. "Thank you. That's a nicer compliment than 'psycho killer'!" He laughed and crossed his arms again, listening to Serena talk. New York. It made sense. "I shoulda guessed, when you said fashion," what in the world had made her come to LA? "No? It's pretty nice. Just the cicadas and me."

Serena

Serena bit her lip. Right now, she only wanted him carrying her. Pushing herself off the kitchen counter, she moved closer, her head tilting slightly as her voice softened. “Why treat a girl so nicely just to hand her off to someone else?” A few years ago she wouldn’t have thought twice—she’d have kissed him already, just because he was handsome and the moment felt right. But now, even with his kindness warming her up, she hesitated. And just like that, she found herself cursing therapy again. This annoying version of herself, the one who thought before doing stuff, was totally a downside of doing therapy. His question pulled her back to the moment and she pushed the thoughts aside. "No, fashion’s just an obsession," she said, casually tucking her hair behind her ear. “I own The Rupture. It’s a final club—exclusive events for the PSU community, wild parties, that sort of thing.” She watched his face curious to see his reaction. Most people outside her circle either had no idea what The Rupture was or hated the concept. “Probably less thrilling than training horses,” she added with a playful smile. When his tongue darted across his lips, Serena’s eyes followed the movement and her pulse quickened. Her breath caught in her throat, barely noticeable. Lately her body did remind her often that it’s been seven months since she had sex. "Alright," she said, straightening up and stepping back slightly. "I should probably let you get to my car before I end up walking around barefoot." She turned toward the door, but her thoughts were a mess. Was it his looks and the easy charm or was she so touch-starved that she was ready to throw herself at him over a few kind words?

Morgan

There was no denying that Serena was gorgeous. She had the kind of elegance where her height came from her carrying herself with confidence. But she did it in such a light way, it almost seemed like she was a beautiful feather flying through the air. Morgan watched as she took a few steps towards him. The way she'd changed her tune, her slow walk towards him and her eyes softening on him, had Morgan raise his eyebrows slightly, his body straightening up, and his arms moving to the side of his body, hands gripping onto the kitchen counter to brace himself. He wasn't entirely sure what Serena's next move was, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't intrigued. "The Rupture? I can't say I ever heard of it, but I also only attended PSU for six weeks," Morgan chuckled to himself. "Does one need an exclusive invite to The Rupture, or can a former PSU summer course student come along and say 'howdy'?" While he wasn't the type of guy to go to a club, he figured it wouldn't hurt to drop by in the daytime hours, with a cup of coffee or something. Serena didn't seem so uptight after all, anyway. He quickly downed his glass of water, feeling the dryness in his throat, and he nodded. "Yes, we should get going," he agreed, snapping out of his thought process, and he went to step through the doorway, only to walk into Serena. He chuckled nervously, and gestured for her to move first, before following along outside the house again. "Jump right in," He told her, opening the door to his pick-up truck, and allowing her to climb inside, before he moved to the driver's side, so they could make their way back to Serena's car at the end of his driveway. "Did ya get any worried messages from your brother while you've been here?"

Serena

She paused mid-step and glanced over her shoulder with a slight raise of her brow. "It's for everyone connected to PSU, so yes, you’re allowed in. It's only considered a final club because it's exclusive to the PSU community. Think of it as a place to let loose without ending up on the front page of TMZ. We all—" She turned back around to explain better, or tried to, because Morgan stepped forward at that exact moment and his front brushed up against her back. The sudden proximity caught her off guard, making her forget whatever words were on her tongue. The warmth of his body sent a thrill down her spine, her breath catching slightly. Her body was reminding her just how long it had been since she'd been this close to anyone and it annoyed her. She wasn’t consciously choosing to hold back—it was like something deep inside her had changed, keeping her from giving in the way she used to, and the frustration at her own hesitance burned at her mind. When they stepped outside, Serena took a second to breathe, trying to center herself again. Morgan opened the truck door for her and she glanced up at him. “Thanks, you’re so sweet.” When she swung her leg into the truck, the slit of her dress parted just enough to reveal her smooth, toned thigh. Settling into the seat, she crossed her legs effortlessly. At his mention of her brother, her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my God, I haven’t checked my phone,” she admitted, her tone almost embarrassed, “You completely stole my attention.” She quickly fished her phone out of her pocket, scrolling to see if there were any messages. “Doesn’t help that my phone’s always on silent,” she added with a soft smile.

Morgan

"I've thankfully never been a big paparazzi target," Morgan started, shrugging his shoulders. Stunt work had been overlooked for a long time and it was only just starting to be recognized now, as Morgan's dad was beginning to talk about retirement. His dad had gotten them into the right crowds, because he had all of the right connections in Hollywood, but that didn't mean that him and his family was plastered all over tabloid news, thankfully. Did it help Morgan to land jobs by swinging his dad's name out to producers? Yes. Did he ever do it? No. He wanted to show everyone that he could do this on his own. "But that sounds like a great concept! I'm sure a lot of people appreciate it. How did you come up with that idea?" The girl intrigued Morgan. Here she was, not used to being out this far into the countryside unless she was driving through it, and it seemed like she wanted nothing to do with horses. But she was beginning to flirt with him, and that hadn't gone unnoticed. She hadn't even wanted to shake his hand earlier, and now she wanted to be carried by him! He wondered what he'd done differently, or if it was just his general kindness that had creeped up on her and won her over. Morgan prided himself on, not only his kindness, but also on being a gentleman. That was why, when Serena's dress revealed more skin than he'd seen so far, he couldn't help but clear his throat, and look away. He wasn't one to disrespect someone, especially not a girl, and if that hadn't been intentional, then he felt better off just acting nonchalant. But the few seconds he had seen, he could conclude that her legs looked silky smooth, almost glistening from the sun coming through the car window. And it almost had his mouth water; a stark contrast from the dry throat he had earlier, from the slight nervousness. The old car coughed and buzzed as it started, and Morgan shifted the stick to get it going. The dust behind them flew up, and down the road they went. "Hey, don't blame me, I was only bein' a good samaritan." Morgan grinned, looking over briefly at Serena and catching her eyes, his hand busy shifting the stick again. "But you can tell him that you're about to leave this god-forsaken place. Fixing the alternator should only take five minutes." Morgan said and pulled over to the side, right in front of Serena's car, and hopped out, grabbing his toolbox and the spare part from the bed of his truck. "Hold this for me for a second, ma'am." He asked, handing her the dirty alternator with a smile, and pulled out his necessary tools to get started.

Serena

“Sorry, he actually sent a lot of messages,” she glanced over at Morgan, her attention split between him and her phone. When she was done typing, she set the phone down and looked at him. He had asked something about the club, but at the time her body was having some kind of quiet panic at his proximity. "The idea for the club came from all the trouble I got into during college," she admitted with a playful grin. "I ended up on the front page of TMZ more times than I can remember. My parents were always furious." She smiled fondly at him then nodded. “Yeah, I actually just told him I’m getting my car fixed soon by a... cowboy-turned-handyman who’s incredibly sweet for helping me out.” And she should be thrilled to leave. She hated everything about this place—the smell, the animals, the dirt, the absolute lack of everything glamorous and familiar. She’d been itching to get out of here since she’d arrived. But now, with the warmth of Morgan’s presence next to her and the way he’d made her feel so at ease, so... comfortable, a tiny part of her felt disappointed at the thought of driving away. When he left the truck, she followed him, wanting to be close just a little longer. It didn’t make sense. She had spent the better part of the day internally cursing the heat, the dirt road, the smell, and yet now... now there was this odd warmth in her chest that she couldn’t quite shake. Did she really want to leave so soon? She glanced over at Morgan again as he focused on the task at hand, and for a split second, she found herself wondering what it might be like if she invited herself for dinner. By now, she knew he wouldn’t be like oh no, you have to go, you're not invited. But then what? If she stayed for dinner and didn’t end up in his bed later, would this strange feeling of not wanting to leave turn into something worse, like yearning? Oh God, she should leave right now.

Morgan

Morgan reached into the engine bay of the car, beginning to remove the old alternator. He couldn't help but wonder about Serena. She seemed like the type of girl who'd gotten everything that she pointed at, as a kid, and maybe hadn't been shown love in ways that Morgan's mom had done with him. So she'd probably lashed out at both of her parents, the way that Morgan had with his dad. He didn't know though, but it felt like it was a similar story with a lot of these nepo-babies and their troubled pasts; a parent neglected them, they rebelled against them, and somehow thankfully learned from it. Serena calling him sweet twice now wasn't something he'd expected though. At least not if you'd asked him about half an hour ago, when he'd first introduced himself to her, and she didn't want to get out of her car, in case he'd murder her. He shrugged his shoulders at the compliment and gave her a soft, but appreciative smile. "I'm just doin' what anyone would," He said, and reached into his backpocket, pulling out a dirty cloth to wipe his hands, as he switched tools. "So, if you're drivin' to this vineyard, and you're gonna have a lot to drink, are ya gonna call a cab or someone that you know, to take you home again safely?" Morgan asked, taking the alternator out of her hands, and bending down again, so he could put it in. "I mean, if ya don't have anyone, you could get my number, and I could come and pick you up." He screwed the car part in, and stood up straight, looking at it for a second, making sure that everything else looked alright. "Okay, try and turn on the car."

Serena

Serena watched him work while the heat of the day reminded her why she hated outdoor activities. She could practically feel the sun assaulting her skin, and the faint thought of premature wrinkles made her wince. She'd need so many skincare products to undo this day. Her eyes flicked down to his hands as he wiped them with a cloth that looked like it had seen better days. Isn’t that cloth as dirty as his hands? she wondered, but at least he didn't wipe on his clothes. “I’ve never been to a vineyard before, but I’m guessing the ground there’s pretty much like this, right? So not exactly high-heel-friendly.” She glanced at the rocky dirt path wondering why they didn’t just pave the roads out here. It would make everything so much cleaner and easier. “So I’m not going anymore because I think this is enough excitement for one day,” she added, offering him a smile that clearly lacked enthusiasm. The time she spent talking to him wasn't so bad though. “Besides, I really would prefer to do it with the right shoes on now that I've got a taste of what it feels like to walk in heels on a dirt road. I swear I can feel the dirt creeping into my shoes and it's stressing me out a little. I feel dirty," she added, with a disgusted glance at her feet. "Basically, I’m desperate for a shower." At the mention of a cab she couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. He wasn't laughing though. "Seriously? We can call a cab here?" That sounded a little absurd. "Thanks for the offer, though," she said softly, placing her hand fully over his and giving it a gentle squeeze as she looked directly into his eyes. "Oh, and I’ll definitely get your number... And I'll keep it in mind if I ever need a rescue," she added with a wink, her hand lingering just a moment longer, showing her appreciation.

Morgan

Morgan wasn't sure if he should take it personally; if he had "demotivated" Serena from going to the vineyard, with the little adventure that he'd put her through that day. If he'd tired her out, or something - and if that was the case, then she'd really tried nothing yet! He hoped it was simply a logistic thing, with her choice of footwear and nothing to do with Morgan. "Well, if ya think this is exciting, you should try spending a whole day with me," He smirked, and gave her a little wink, hoping that would somehow cheer her up. And that he'd also somehow managed to convince her he wasn't a psycho killer! Serena mentioning a shower really was the final thing for Morgan. It was everything he needed to know about her - she was such a city girl! "I'd offer for you to take a shower here," He suggested, pointing back at his house. "But we've also just only met, and I don't wanna cross any boundaries." He'd still been taught to be a gentleman, after all. "Oh yeah! You can definitely call a cab from out here! Are you certain that it'll find its way and show up? Absolutely not!" He chuckled, knowing that he was far out from the city. He felt her small soft hand over his, and he was about to look down at it, but it was like her eyes had a hold on his, because he couldn't tear them away. "You should," he encouraged her and nodded, licking his lips quickly. "I'm very good at rescuing people. I've got a lasso and everythin'," Slowly, a small smirk grew on his lips, and he reached into his backpocket to pull out a pen, and before she could retract her hand, he pulled it gently to his chest, flipped it over, and wrote his number on the palm of her hand. "Call me."

Serena

Serena bit her lip when he mentioned spending a whole day with him. She wanted to say it’d have to be in the city, considering the only reason she had stuck around this long was that her car had broken down. But she kept silent, starting to realize she might actually endure more of this nightmare if it meant being around him. Which only confirmed she'd made a mistake distancing herself from her casual hook ups. She was sure the only reason she was so drawn to a cowboy was that she hadn’t been touched in months. There was no other explanation. No amount of sweetness would make her want to come to a ranch. When he pointed back at his house and mentioned a shower, her shoulders tensed slightly. She couldn’t help but imagine the horrors of a rural home shower—probably low water pressure and, worse, the possibility of insects lurking... like spiders. The thought made her skin crawl. But even so, she appreciated the gesture—it was just so not her. At his comment about the cab, she snorted softly despite herself. “Figures,” she muttered. This place was about as far from the city as it got. The warmth of his chest pressed against her hand sent a chill down her spine. She instinctively pressed her legs together very subtly as her heart raced. Oh God. She stepped closer, her eyes locked on his, and rose onto her tiptoes. Leaning in, she brushed a kiss against his cheek. "Thank you so much." The heat of his skin sent warmth through her body in ways she hadn’t expected. When she pulled back, her voice was low and sultry. “We’ll see, cowboy,” she teased, her fingers curling around the number on her palm like she was holding onto a secret. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the driver's seat, slipping in and turning the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, filling the air around them.

#para; all #para; morgan

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