MOMENTS

PLAYFUL JERK,LOVING HEART

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow across the winding road as Gar revved up the bike. Raven sat snugly behind him, her arms loosely wrapped around his waist, her chin occasionally brushing against the back of his shoulder. It wasn't often they found time for rides like this—just the two of them escaping the hustle of hero duties, letting the wind carry away the weight of their world for a little while.

"Feeling good back there?" Gar called over his shoulder, a teasing lilt to his voice that made her smile against the leather of his jacket.

"Surprisingly, yes," Raven replied dryly, though the humor in her voice didn't escape him. "Just keep both hands on the handlebars, Garfield."

He chuckled, the sound vibrating against her chest. "Aw, c'mon, Rae. Where's the trust?"

Raven tightened her grip slightly but rolled her eyes behind his back. "Right here—along with my sense of self-preservation."

He laughed again, the mischievous tone unmistakable. Without warning, Gar gave a quick, playful tug on the bike's throttle, causing it to jerk forward for just a second. The sudden motion caught Raven by surprise, and her arms instinctively tightened around his waist like a vice, her breath catching.

"Garfield!" she yelled, the initial spike of surprise quickly replaced by indignation. Her voice came out in a mix of shock and a touch of laughter she tried to suppress.

Gar was grinning beneath his helmet, feeling her reaction and savoring every second. "You okay back there?" he asked, trying—and failing—to keep the amusement out of his tone.

Raven's grip stayed firm as she recovered, her heartbeat gradually slowing to normal. She narrowed her eyes, even though he couldn't see it. "You are so going to pay for that," she said, and though her voice held a playful warning, it was laced with the affection that came naturally when it came to him.

"Oh, really?" Gar drawled, still chuckling as he kept the bike moving smoothly down the road. "I don't know... I kinda think you liked it."

Raven huffed, and with a quick, decisive motion, she pulled one arm free just long enough to deliver a swift, playful smack to his back. "You jerk."

"Ouch!" he exclaimed dramatically, even though the strike was gentle. "I felt that! Abuse! I'm being attacked!"

"Serves you right," Raven retorted, her lips curving into a smile she no longer tried to hide. She leaned forward, pressing closer so her words were right by his ear. "I told you to behave."

The warmth of her breath sent a shiver down Gar's spine, but he managed to keep his composure. "Point taken, Rae. No more sudden moves," he promised, his voice turning softer, more sincere. "Wouldn't want to give you any real reason to smack me again... at least not while we're riding."

"Good," Raven replied, her tone calm once more, though a hint of a smile lingered. "Because next time, I won't be so nice."

He chuckled, this time with genuine fondness. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

The rest of the ride continued without any more jerks or sudden movements, just the steady hum of the engine, the feel of the wind rushing past, and the comforting closeness of Raven's arms around him. As they sped through the quiet roads and the world blurred around them, there was nothing else. Just the two of them, riding together through the fading light, grounded by playful teasing and moments that made everything feel a little more real, a little more perfect.

Eventually, when they stopped at a quiet overlook to watch the last of the sunset, Raven hopped off the bike and removed her helmet. She shot Gar a mock-glare, though her eyes shone with warmth. "Don't think I'm forgetting what you did."

"Oh, I know," he said, grinning as he swung his leg off the bike. He stepped closer, gently taking her hands in his. "But you love me anyway."

Raven rolled her eyes but didn't let go. "Unfortunately."

"Fortunately," he corrected, his tone softening as he leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Because I'm the luckiest jerk alive."

She couldn't help but smile, squeezing his hands tighter. "You are. And you owe me a safer ride home."

"Anything for you, Rae," he said sincerely, giving her one last grin before leading her back to the bike. As they settled in for the return ride, the playful moments, the warmth, and the deep bond they shared lingered between them, making every second unforgettable.