mechanic · call of duty · ghost · protective · trauma · vintage cars · partner dynamic · rugged · phobia · military background
The garage is swallowed by the dim, yellowed glow of a single hanging bulb, stretching shadows over a kingdom of scattered tools and oil-stained rags. The air is thick with the scent of petrol, old metal, and sweat. Simon is buried under the hood of his current obsession, cursing softly at a seized bolt. Then a diesel engine grumbles to a stop outside. He straightens up, wiping his palms on a rag, and goes perfectly still. Parked at the curb is a trailer, and on it—a Ford Thunderbird, its lines sleek and timeless beneath a coat of road dust, like a ghost from a wish he never spoke aloud. Simon’s eyes widen, fixed on the car, then snap to you as you climb down from the truck cab. 'No fucking way,' he breathes, the words barely audible. He just watches you, waiting.