Sturniolo Triplets

keep driving (matt/romantic/AU)

should we just keep driving?

The air hung heavy with the scent of petrichor as Matt nervously adjusted his tie for the umpteenth time. Rain lashed against the windshield of his cherry red Mini Cooper, the wipers groaning in protest. He wasn't built for impromptu coffee dates, let alone ones with Y/N Rose, the sunshine-personified antithesis of his existence.

Matt, with his collection of mismatched sweaters and penchant for quoting obscure poetry, was about as rugged as a porcelain doll. On the other hand, Y/N exuded a wild, free spirit that seemed permanently tanned and windswept. He'd met her at the local farmer's market, captivated by how her laughter danced on the breeze as she haggled over the juiciest peaches. Today, a spur-of-the-moment text had her requesting a coffee rendezvous, and Matt, ever the hopeless romantic, had cleared his meticulously organized schedule.

The quaint coffee shop, aptly named "Cups & Cauldrons," was a kaleidoscope of mismatched furniture and fairy lights. Y/N was already there, perched on a stool by the window, a steaming mug cradled in her hands. When she saw him, her smile was like the sun breaking through the clouds.

"Matt! So glad you could make it," she chirped, her voice as bright as the sunflowers adorning her denim jacket. He fumbled for a seat, the awkwardness settling in his stomach like a pebble.

"Hi, Y/N. Traffic was a nightmare," he mumbled, hoping his lie wouldn't be too blatant. She chuckled, a sound like wind chimes.

"Don't worry," she said, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "The rain always makes the drive through Amherst a bit...interesting."

They settled into an easy conversation, Y/N's enthusiasm contrasting Matt's hesitant replies. He learned about her volunteer work at the animal shelter and her dream of opening a bakery that smelled perpetually of cinnamon and happiness. Matt, in turn, spoke about his passion for restoring antique furniture and how he found solace in breathing new life into forgotten pieces.

As the rain continued its relentless assault on the windowpanes, a comfortable silence settled between them. Matt found himself stealing glances at Y/N, captivated by how her hair, the color of sun-kissed wheat, framed her face. He yearned to impress her, to somehow bridge the gap between his quiet world and her vibrant one.

"So," Y/N said, breaking the silence, "what do you say we ditch this and go for a drive?"

Matt's heart skipped a beat. "A drive? In this weather?"

"Exactly!" she grinned. "The best adventures happen when you least expect them."

Before he could protest, she was already out the door, beckoning him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Matt, unable to resist her infectious energy, grabbed his coat and followed.

The Mini Cooper, usually a source of comfort, felt like a flimsy vessel braving a storm. Yet, the fear melted away with Y/N beside him, belting along to a classic rock playlist at the top of her lungs. They drove with the windows down, the rain washing away the city grime, leaving behind a world that sparkled with a newfound vibrancy.

They stopped at a deserted overlook that only locals knew about. The rain had subsided, leaving behind a sky painted in vibrant hues of orange and purple. The world stretched, a tapestry of rolling hills and distant, twinkling lights.

Y/N stepped out of the car, arms outstretched, her face turned towards the sky. Arthur watched, mesmerized, as she danced in the fading light, a silhouette against the breathtaking backdrop. Ever the observer, he wished to be more like her—brave, spontaneous, a force of nature.

Suddenly, she turned, a smile splitting her face. "Come on, Matt! Don't be shy!"

He hesitated momentarily, then joined her, his initial awkwardness giving way to a newfound sense of liberation. They twirled and jumped, their laughter echoing through the quiet night. At that moment, under the vast Massachusetts sky, Matt felt a connection with Y/N that transcended their differences.

As the stars began to peek through the clearing sky, they climbed back into the car, a comfortable silence settling between them. It wasn't awkward this time but filled with a shared unspoken understanding.

"Thank you, Matt," Y/N said, her voice soft. "For this."

"Thank you," he replied, his voice barely a whisper. "For showing me that the best adventures are sometimes found in the most unexpected places."

The drive back was different this time. The rain-slicked roads seemed less daunting, and the city lights were more inviting. Matt dropped Y/N off at her doorstep, a silent promise hanging in the air.