Song~ Wild Things by Alessia Cara

***

  "How could they do that?" I exclaim at no one in particular.

  "Sometimes marriages don't work." Mason shrugs one shoulder. "Maybe it's for the best. Would you really want your parents to keep fighting discreetly or would you rather them be separated and happy?" Mason says comfortingly while keeping his eyes on the road. I look out the window exasperatedly. The sky was a beautiful shade of orange because it was late evening, almost sunset. I shift in my seat at the truth behind his words.

  I have spent the majority of the car ride explaining the not-so-pleasant conversation my parents and I had the other day and about their plans. It's late evening as we travel down the dirt roads to the drive-in theatre.

  "Yeah, I guess, but I still think they should have told Lydia and Ainsley. Now I have to keep it from them which can possibly blow up in my face." I sigh.

  "Honestly, I would have preferred my parents divorce than stay together. By staying together, it was a lot worse at home. They fought and it hurt both of them. At least if they're separated, they'll be happy," Mason tells me.

  "I wish you told me what I wanted to hear instead of what I needed. It would make me a lot happier," I grumble irritably.

  I know he's right. I can't be selfish. It isn't about me or Lydia or Ainsley, even though it affects us. This is about them and what they think is best. Maybe they are better off separated, who knows. What I do know is, I don't like it. Not at all.

  "I know," he chuckles. "Just try not to think about it tonight. It's making you angry to the point where I don't know if I'm safe being in the same vehicle as you."

  Reluctantly, I grin, "You say that like your safe even when I'm calm."

  "That's reassuring," he chuckles.

  I roll my eyes and stare out the window as we pull into the drive-in theatre. We pay for our tickets seperately, to my satisfaction, and drive into the field. Mason parks the truck so the back is facing the colossal screen. We change the radio to the frequency broadcasting the movie audio before hopping out.

  "Come here," Mason instructs. We go to the back where he opens the hatch. There lays a mattress secured down by ropes. Mason is carrying several thick blankets and a pillow.

  "Here, you set up the bed while I buy the snacks," he orders.

  "Will do." I salute.

  He disappears and I neatly place down the pillow and blankets. The movie, Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates, starts just as Mason returns with the snacks. We climb into the bed and lay together side by side.

  Halfway into the movie, my eyes start to feel heavy.

  "Viv?" I hear a gentle voice call me out of my daze.

  "Hmm?"

  "Are you scared of dying?" I feel his hands play with the locks of my dirty blonde hair. 

  "A little," I mutter honestly.

  It's not like this is the first time the prospect of death has come to my mind. It's always been there. It's like that one great aunt nobody likes. You don't want it there, but it still makes itself announced every once in a while.

  Ever since I knew I was a walking, talking countdown, the idea of death loomed over me. Just nobody ever asked me if I'm scared of it.

  "Good, the fear of death is what keeps us alive."

  "That was deep. Like to the point where even Adele couldn't roll in it," I mumble sleepily.

  He chuckles. I feel him tug at my body before I feel myself being placed on his chest. I snuggle in deeper. One of his arms snakes around my waist and holds me securely against him.

  "Are you tired?"

  "Mhm."

  "After the movie, I have something that can wake you up."

  "Oh god, that wasn't some weird subtle hint at sex, was it?" I groan into his chest.

  He laughs. I can feel his chest rumble. "No, I actually have something planned, although if that's what you're thinking of then—"

  "Okay we'll go with your original plan, just let me sleep for now," I interrupt not wanting him to finish his sentence. Thankfully, my face was buried in his chest so he couldn't see the blush on my cheeks.

  And slowly, the world shifts into darkness.

***

  "Holy crap on a cracker!" I exclaim as I jolt awake. With a quick glance, I notice I'm in Mason's truck.

  "Good morning to you too," I hear a deep voice chuckle beside me.

  "What time is it?" My eyebrows furrow in confusion. 

  "Just past midnight."

  "Where are you taking me now?" I question looking out the window.

  "We are going to get a motorcycle to cross riding one off your bucket list."

  "Where are you going to get a motorcycle? Do you even know how to drive one? Isn't it kinda late?" The questions pour out of my mouth.

  "Woah, slow down there. I know where we can get one, kinda, and no," he answers vaguely.

  "Is it remotely safe?" I gulp.

  "Probably not, but that's what makes it fun."

  "Yeah nothing screams 'fun' like possibly losing a limb or your life because someone didn't know to drive a motorcycle," I reply sarcastically.

  I don't know if he didn't catch the sarcasm in my voice or just ignored it, but either way he answers with, "That's the spirit."

  I sigh and turn to look out the window. I've always loved being out at night. There aren't a lot of people and it's silent. Everything seems so peaceful.

  Mason pulls into a driveway of a house I've never sen before.

  He presses a finger to his lips silently telling me to be quiet.

  "Who's house is this?" I ask in a hushed tone, hopping out of the truck. 

  "My friend's. We're going to borrow his bike," he informs me while leading to me to an open garage.

  He climbs onto the bike and lifts open a panel. I can't really see in the dark, but it looks like he's hot wiring it. I move in closer and see that's he's pressing several wires together.

  "Mason!" I hiss. "Are you hot wiring his bike?"

  Even though I can't see his facial features, I can sense the eye roll. "Yes, I am. I don't want to wake him up to ask for the keys."

  "What is this? Grand theft auto?" I ask sarcastically. "Just ask for the bloody keys!"

  "Relax, he's the one who taught me this. We'll return it before he even realizes it's gone."

  He pauses. His eye stare into mine. His eyebrows quirk up. "Do you trust me?" His tone sounds challenging.

  I huff out a breath. The engine roars to life, disrupting my internal debate. Mason pats the seat. "Hop on!"

  I shake my head but oblige nonetheless. I take the helmet on the back of the seat and place it on my head.

  I can't believe I'm doing this.

  "All you need to know is when I turn lean in that direction. Don't oppose it." I hear Mason instruct over the loud rumble.

  He revs it forwards and I feel the breath hitch in my throat. We pull out of the driveway just as I notice the lights switch on in the house. So much for going unnoticed.

  I take in my surroundings. This thing is a rolling death trap! What am I doing? I panic as we gain speed. My hair, despite being trapped in a helmet, is whipping frantically around me. My body is tingling with fear.

  My arms wrap tightly around Mason's abdomen. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding from anticipation.

  "Just close your eyes and take deep breaths. Then tell me how you feel," Mason yells.

  I do as he says. I close my eyes tightly. I allow my breathing to regulate again. I feel the wind nip at my body. Slowly, all the fear melts into excitement. It feels kind of like flying. I guess this is what freedom feels like.

  Slowly, my eyes open again. A carefree laugh escapes my lips. Excitement courses through me as we twist and travel into a heavily wooded area. Feeling bold, my grip on his stomach loosens as I spread my arms out in a Titanic pose.

  "Woohoo!" I yell. My words get swallowed by the wind. I throw my head back and laugh.

  My arms tighten back around Mason and I can feel him silently laughing. Gradually, we enter into my neighbourhood before he parks in front of my house.

  I climb off and stand in front of Mason who has already taken off his helmet. I take mine off as well and place it back on the motorcycle. I swipe away the strands of hair in front of my eyes.

  "That was so much fun! I should have done that a long time ago!" I exclaim with an expression like a bewildered child. I struggle to regain my breath.

  Mason chuckles. "Now do you trust me?"

   I cock my head to the side playfully. "Still debating."

  He rolls his eyes, but judging by the smirk on his face I can tell he's amused. He guides me up the stairs to my front porch.

  "I don't want to go in," I admit.

  "Why not?"

  "Because when I do, I'll know it's over. Can we just stay out here for a little longer?"

  "Sure," he replies sitting on the steps. I sit beside him and rest my head on his shoulder.

  "Tonight has been the most freeing experience I've ever had. I felt like I was soaring and nothing could take me down from my high," I mutter.

  "That's what living is like. Before you were just existing, going out doing something risky, that's living. There's a difference between being alive and living," he says simply. 

  "Yes, I do." 

  "What?" The confusion in his voice is evident.

  "You asked me if I trust you; I do." I lift my head so I can stare at his face.

  "You should get some sleep," he tells me with a gentle smile. "It's getting late. Oh, before I forget I work tomorrow for an 8 hour shift. I can't stop by."

  "Okay," I mutter, standing up. He leads me to the door but neither of us makes an effort to open the door. Instead, we just stand there. He drops his forehead down so it rests on mine.

  Do it, Vivian. Make the first move.

  I stand on my tiptoes and press my lips on his before I have time to second guess myself.

  "Goodnight," I whisper against his mouth.

  "Goodnight," he replies before I step into my house.

***
A/N~ So this was kind of a cutsie chapter. A lot more Vivian/Mason stuff. The drama picks up next chapter. Think of it as the calm before the storm lol
Question: would their ship name be Mavian or Vison? I think I like Mavian better.
As always, thanks for all the support! Love you all

~Mar