Phoenix's Lies

Too Far

(for when the two talk after the race) 

River

Stepping out of the car when I've stopped is tough since it feels too much like coming down from a high and having to return to reality. Even with me having forgotten for a second that I have a partner before I catch his eye and raise a brow, inching up a smile. "How was that for an insight into my crazy life? For real this time."

Nix laughs, eyes shining with a light I remember from my first few races. The thrill of being able to feel like I could fly and reach somewhere in a reality where I could finally be free. "Well, I can see why you love it. The speed of the car makes it feel like you're flying. Separate from reality."

I smile as we both step out of the car, watching as people see I have someone with me. Someone who means I'm taken and in the best way possible. Not that the people around me look hopeful or friendly about that, at least for now, since it isn't a secret that I get hit on a lot. Not that I ever responded to it since before he came back I'd been focused on winning and since he's been back I've only had eyes for him, no matter how confused I was. Or how doomed the relationship would be. I mean I still care about him - maybe even love him - but I still want to try being friends first. To see if that will work. Before I consider possibly taking it further. Telling him it all.

But right now all I want is to talk to Nix without the crowd as Siren has already been through and handed over my prize for the night. Three grand. Turning to Ash and Michael I see them both smiling. Tired smiles but still smiles nonetheless.

"Hey, can you two wrap this up for me? I-I just want to be alone for a while. Go for a drive and think." At my side I feel Nix start to pull away before I tighten my grip and turn to face him where I can just about catch his eyes under the hood, expression confused. Until I mouth a word to him. Stay? He sighs but the expression softens and he nods. Giving up and staying.

Ash nods, pulling me in for a hug. "Sure we'll take care of it, Rebel." And then he whispers something to me. "And he's not here. None of them is now that Connor's gone. You're safe." I nod and let out a relieved breath as he pulls back to smile again, nodding to Nix. "You two need to talk. I'll let Ari know she'll see you tomorrow?" He phrases it as a question and looking around I can see that both Ari and Hunt have vanished. Mal went before the race started. I nod, mouthing thanks to him for all of it and seeing his smile stay. "Ok, see you soon and be safe. But well done tonight, you did amazing well hermana."

"Gracias," I smile at him tiredly, feeling where Nix puts an arm around my shoulder under my jacket. Holding me where I'm leaning against him slightly from exhaustion. Leaning on him where he can keep me upright and safe. I turn to see Ash and Michael both watching me with concerned brotherly expressions. "I'll see you both soon. Give my love to Mal and tell her I'll see her next week."

Michael nods and disappears with Ash. The two blends in with the crowd as Nix and I are slowly left alone. The longer the world leaves me alone the more I'm able to realise how tired I am.

"Are you ok Riv?" For once I don't question or correct Nix's use of my real name since for the most part, we're alone. There's no one around. I sigh and rest my head on his shoulder. "You said you wanted to be alone but Ash said you want to talk. You asked me to stay. What does it all mean?"

I sigh a tired smile on my face. "It means I want to be alone from the crowds but that we need to talk. And besides, it's not alone with you mi amado. Never with you. Never alone." I move back towards the car. "Drive?"

He smiles, the gesture a little crooked and boyish in a way that has my poor confused heart spin a little as the feelings there get more complex. "Sure, lead the way."