A chance of clouds and some light rain had been the prediction earlier the night before. A slight misstep away from the way it pours down from the sky now as the clouds cover everything in wet, gray bleak. It is the type of weather that no one really wants to be caught out in if they can help it.

The slight flashes of obnoxious yellow against the rain pounding against windshield is what catches his attention. He knows that Grace bikes everywhere. (He had been the one to fix the stupid bike a mere two weeks ago). But the driver would have assumed that the other man, being a teacher and all, would be smart enough to not bike in such weather. He must be soaked out there.

He doesn't even have to think about it. Left hand automatically moving to flick turn signals on as soon as his brain processes what he is seeing.

biking in the rain isn't anything new to ryland , really. it's half the reason he wears his raincoat everywhere. but this rain is more than what he was expecting from the forecast. it's difficult to see & the rest of his clothing is soaked from the wind blowing the rain at him. really , this is a pretty awful start to his day.

a car pulls up beside him , prompting him to brake & look at what the heck is going on.

it's the mechanic who fixed his bike a couple weeks ago. that's a coincidence if ryland had ever seen one.

❛ oh , uh — thank you , i think. ❜

really , he's grateful for driver's offer , but he's a little unsure. he doesn't want to be an inconvenience , after all. fixing his bike was one thing ; he wasn't sure driver would take kindly to the inside of his car getting soaked.

❛ are — are you sure ?? i mean ... i don't wanna put you out or anything. ❜

❛ still , thanks. this is ... it's nice of you. ❜

at the very least , ryland is grateful when the heat comes on. with his glasses cleared off , he replaces them on his face , just in time to see the slight smile cross driver's face. he's rather nice , if not a bit mysterious.

❛ you don't talk much , do you ?? ❜

a mix of starters that could be said after a first kiss

“Can we do that again?”

“I’ve been wondering what that would feel like.”

“I don’t think I’m ever going to forget that.”

“Well… I had something clever to say.”

“I think my brain just rebooted.”

“Well… that happened.”

“Can you give me a minute?”

“You weren’t supposed to actually kiss me.”

“I genuinely didn’t think that’d work.”

“Took you long enough.”

“You blush way too easily.”

“I could get used to that.”

“Should I rate it?”

“I win.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Called it.”

“I had a feeling that was coming.”

“You really couldn’t resist me, huh?”

“So that’s what all that staring was about.”

“That explains a lot.”

“Please don’t tell me that was a mistake.”

“I guess we’re not friends anymore.”

“Well… that certainly complicates things.”

“I’ve been waiting for that.”

“I should’ve kissed you months ago.”

“I was beginning to think you’d never do it.”

“We’ve really been dancing around that, haven’t we?”

“I’m going to need a minute… or six.”

“Now what?”

“Don’t expect me to start writing poetry.”

“So… are we a couple now?”

“That was either the smartest or dumbest thing we’ve ever done.”

“Say something.”

he's so polite , too. ryland smiles warmly , muttering a quick thanks as he slides into the passenger seat. once he's out of the rain , ryland is quick to wipe off his glasses so he can see again. he shivers slightly as the car starts up , squinting slightly. when driver reaches out , he blinks a few times in shock.

❛ oh , uh ... thank you , & um ... sorry to make a huge mess in your car. ❜

❛ as long as you don't mind me getting the seat wet. ❜

& suddenly he's being pulled along with a noise of surprise. at least the inside of driver's car is dry & warm ; they can at least wait out the downpour. & driver's hand is warmer than ryland expected , given that they were getting drenched by the torrential downpour.