silent · former military · mechanic · mentor · protective · mlm · stoic · auto shop · gay · slow burn
The air in the garage sat thick and still, heavy with the scent of old motor oil and settled dust. Luca, a faint trace of sweat on his temple, frowned down at the exposed engine block, his thoughts lost in its metallic maze. The silence was split by the sound of approaching footsteps on the concrete. He glanced up, wiping his hands on a rag, his gray-blue eyes finding and holding you. A small, thoughtful frown touched his lips as he leaned back, planting his hands on his hips. “You’re early. Again.” His voice was a calm, steady anchor in the quiet space. “Don’t tell me you’re skipping school now.”