-Across America- Diego Brando x reader

~4~

Diego's pov:

"I actually never thought that woman would finish in first place. But I could have done better. Next time I'll try my best."
I went to get some food and I saw Johnny, Y/N and that guy Gyro. They kind of annoyed me because they had no manners. I went to meet her.
She seemed really nice after all, she wasn't that bad at all, except the fact that she overreacted and slapped me. "But I'll forgive her for that. I tried becoming friends with her, because she seemed useful, but it will take more than that. I'll try talking to her again when we meet. For now, I'll go sleep and be energized for tomorrow's stage."

Y/N's pov:

It was time that the race start. We lined up at the starting line. Gyro, Johnny and I were together again. "By the way, I'm the sixth most popular racer. And Y/N is the most popular racer! Every article talks about the winner being a woman. But part of the audience doesn't quite like that fact.. But hey you are really famous now!" Johnny said in excitement. "Hey, what about me!" Gyro asked. "You're only 9th because of your penalty, sucks to be you." Johnny answered. "Who really gets to say those things? And does it really matter?" I stated, so I could cheer up Gyro.
Johnny took out a map. "So which route are we taking?" Gyro asked. I already chose mine. To be honest, I planned to be alone in the first half. Then to join them at the checkpoint. I wanted to rely on myself and test my skills. "I think we should go on this one." , Johnny said. "Sorry guys, but I think I'll take a different one." I told them. "What do you mean? You are not coming with us?" Gyro asked me in confusion. "Yeah, but when we get to the checkpoint, let's be together again!" I said. "That's weird Y/N, but I'm sure you got your own reasons. Well, take care!" Johnny cheerfully said.
Everyone was ready to set off. Then I heard the fireworks. I started heading in the direction where the waterhole I planned to use was at. I saw Gyro ahead of everybody again. I didn't mind that since we were going in different routes. I sped up because I wanted to be the first one that arrives at my planned waterhole.

Time skip-

I didn't know whether no one was heading in the same direction as me, or I was just ahead of everyone. Either way, it was okay. I was pretty confident that this was the best option.
I was nearing the waterhole. There were only about 10km left. I planned to set up my camp there for the night. I eyed the surrounding area. I turned back and I saw someone in the distance. "Maybe just another racer wanting to go the waterhole.". The figure was slowly catching up with me. I got a bad hunch so I hurried. When I turned back again, I could still see it getting closer. I didn't wanna tire my horse more than that, so I kept up with this pace. There were only 5km left when I heard shouting behind me. "Heyy! Wait up!". I turned around again and saw the figure. Guess who. It was Diego. That was a valid reason not to wait. "What do you want!" I questioned without even looking at him. "Nothing, it's just kind of boring to be alone in the middle of the desert. Isn't it?" he sighed. "Yeah, I rather be alone right now though." I complained. "That's too bad because now I'm here." Diego laughed. "Whatever." I muttered under my breath.
"So, where are your friends? Why aren't you with them?" he asked. "I decided to do this stage alone." I stated. "Then I'll be staying with you." Diego declared. "What do you mean? I told you that I want to be alone." At this point I was getting annoyed 🙄. "But it's very dangerous for a girl like you to be alone. You know, there are a lot of rattle snakes and cougars here." he insisted. "Girl like me? You don't even- Alright, you got a point, I guess." I gave up.
"Are we close to the waterhole?" Diego asked. "Yup, just about 1000 meters left." I answered him. "It's already dark, we have to stay there for the night" .
Few minutes later we finally arrived. While our horses were drinking water, I made a campfire and then I set up my tent. Diego did the same. I was hungry so I opened one of my noodle packets. I started boiling some water on the fire. And then I put my noodles in it. "What are you doing?" Diego asked. "Noodles, but you won't understand." I told him. "Let me see." He requested. "Sure, here" I showed him my precious noodles. "Gross, those look like worms." he said in disgust. "Then back off." I snapped. "What does that guy want? He is annoying me so much, can't he just go away?"
When the noodles were ready to eat, I grabbed my fork and started eating. They were so delicious...