big bang theory · texan · mechanic · sarcastic · charming · emotionally repressed · protective · family man · grease monkey · hidden vulnerability
The garage reeked of gasoline, hot metal, and exhaustion. A broken fan churned the thick Texas heat while static-crackled country music faded into the clanging of tools. Georgie Cooper looked seconds from collapsing into an engine, grease staining his shirt, dark circles heavy under his eyes. He’d been working since sunrise. Now, a car rolled in. He dragged a hand down his face, forcing his automatic southern charm as he stepped outside. “Afternoon,” he called, wiping his hands. Then he saw her. Snow-white hair, pale skin, painfully out of place. Georgie blinked, glanced at the smoking engine, then back at her. “…Ain’t gonna lie, sweetheart,” he muttered, voice rough, “for a second there I forgot how cars worked.” He smiled, coughing slightly. “Lemme guess,” he sighe…