That new car smell is so much sweeter when the car belongs to you! They say your first car is like your first love - you never forget it. For Rowan, this wasn't just about transportation; it was about independence, about proving to himself that he could achieve something on his own.
After months of hard work, selling his scientific ideas and research proposals to the science and hospital center in downtown Appaloosa, he finally had enough money to make his first big purchase.
And there it was. A bright yellow Miata. Not his first choice, but it was what he could afford.
He stared at it for a long moment, keys clenched in his palm. The color was… loud. Too loud for his usual understated style, but there was something charming about it. The little car had personality, and maybe that wasn't such a bad thing.
Oliver leaned against the passenger door, arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "Dude. You're going to be impossible to miss in this thing. I'm talking highlighter-on-wheels levels of bright."
Rowan huffed, rolling his eyes. "It was in my budget, and I didn't want to take money from my parents. Unlike some people, I actually earn my stuff."
Oliver raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, hey, I respect the hustle. Just saying, this is not what I pictured you driving. I had you pegged for something sleek and mysterious. Maybe a deep blue or black. But this? This is a rolling sunshine."
Rowan sighed, pushing a hand through his hair. "Yeah, well. It runs, it's mine, and that's all that matters."
Oliver grinned. "Fair point. And, honestly? It kinda suits you."
Rowan shot him a suspicious glance. "How?"
Oliver shrugged. "You're all quiet and broody, but then you go and do things like discover new ways to purify water and sell your ideas to medical professionals. You pretend to be low-key, but you're basically a genius superhero. This car? It's unexpected. Just like you."
Rowan shook his head, fighting a small smile. "That was an unnecessarily poetic way of saying 'your car is weird but cool.'"
Oliver winked. "I'm full of surprises. Now, are we taking this thing for a spin or what?"
Rowan exhaled, shaking his head as he unlocked the car and slid into the driver's seat. Oliver hopped in beside him, stretching out comfortably.
As Rowan turned the key in the ignition, the engine purred to life, smooth and eager, ready for the road ahead. He gripped the wheel, feeling something stir in his chest - a mix of pride, excitement, and the realization that this was just the beginning.
With Oliver beside him, teasing and all, he pulled out of the lot, the bright yellow Miata making its debut on the streets of Appaloosa Plains.
Freedom had never felt so good.
As they drove through the winding roads surrounded by the familiar dense forests where Rowan had searched for mushrooms years ago, nostalgia hit him. He slowed the car, glancing at Oliver. "Hey, remember when we used to come out here looking for mushrooms?"
Oliver raised an eyebrow. "You mean when you dragged me through mud and nearly made me trip over tree roots? Oh yeah, how could I forget?"
Rowan smirked. "Well, we're already here. Might as well see if we still have the magic touch."
He pulled the Miata onto the gravel shoulder, the tires crunching softly against the stones as they came to a stop. The car door gave a satisfying thud as Rowan stepped out, stretching slightly before taking in the scenery around them. The forest was just as he remembered - towering trees with thick, twisting roots, patches of green moss covering the ground, and the faint earthy scent of damp soil filling the air.
Oliver followed, adjusting his jacket. "Alright, nature boy. Lead the way."
They stepped into the woods, the forest canopy filtering the late afternoon sunlight into a golden haze. The air was crisp, and every step over dried leaves and twigs released a soft crunch. Rowan instinctively scanned the ground near tree stumps and fallen logs, remembering the best spots to find mushrooms.
"Over here!" he called, crouching near a thick clump of undergrowth. He carefully brushed aside some leaves, revealing a few delicate chanterelles sprouting from the earth.
Oliver peered over his shoulder. "Nice. Still got your mushroom-finding instincts, I see."
"It's all about knowing where to look," Rowan said, plucking one gently and inspecting it.
Oliver wandered off slightly, kicking at the dirt before stopping abruptly. "Uh, Rowan? Are these mushrooms or am I about to die if I touch them?"
Rowan walked over and studied the fungi in question. "That's a no-go," he said, shaking his head. "Pretty sure those are poisonous."
Oliver sighed dramatically. "Great. I'd be the guy who gets taken out by a mushroom. Tragic."
Rowan chuckled. "Stick with me, and you'll survive."
"So, basically, you're my survival guide?" Oliver smirked. "What if I get lost? Are you going to build me a shelter and hunt for food?"
Rowan gave him a flat look. "If you get lost in this tiny forest, that's on you."
Oliver gasped, clutching his chest. "Wow. No loyalty. If we were in a survival movie, you'd totally let me get eaten first."
Rowan rolled his eyes but smirked. "I'd at least tell your story."
Oliver grinned. "You know what? I'll take it. Just make me sound cool."
They continued searching, occasionally getting sidetracked when Oliver spotted things he thought were 'ancient relics' (spoiler: they were just oddly shaped rocks) or when Rowan had to stop him from stepping into another mud puddle. Eventually, satisfied with their small collection of edible finds, they made their way back to the car, their hands slightly dirtied but their spirits high.
Back in the car, Rowan started the engine, and they made their way to the local diner - an old-fashioned spot with checkered floors and a neon sign buzzing in the evening air. They slid into a booth, ordering burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
"Okay, so I have to admit," Oliver said between bites. "Today was pretty great."
Rowan smirked. "Even the mushroom hunting?"
"Especially the mushroom hunting."
They laughed, clinking their milkshake glasses together in a mock toast before finishing their meal. The night felt simple, perfect in its own way. When they pulled up to Oliver's house later, Rowan let out a small sigh.
"Thanks for today," he said. "It was fun."
Oliver grinned. "Anytime, genius. Now, try not to blind the whole town with your car."
Rowan rolled his eyes as Oliver hopped out. "Night, Oliver."
With one final smirk, Oliver disappeared inside, leaving Rowan alone in his bright yellow car, feeling more at peace than he had in a long time.