I do not own Speed Racer or any of the characters in it. This story takes place about a year after the events in "Finding the Courage" and "The Race for Her Life". As with any writer, I do enjoy feedback, so if you enjoyed the story, please consider dropping me a note or review J Thanks for stopping by!
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Racer Motors was busy preparing for the Race Across the Desert. This was a very important race because if Speed did not finish in the top fifty, he would be out the first half of next season, until the next open qualifying race. While the race was important to Speed, it was even more important to Racer Motors. Pops had just designed a new engine for the Mach 5. This race was going to be the first one with the new engine, and if it performed the way Pops thought it would, Racer Motors would be busy during the down season filling orders. But for that to happen, Speed needed to finish at the front of the leaderboard.
While Speed was working on the Mach 5 with Sparky, Trixie and Mom had gone shopping to stock up the emergency provisions that they would keep in the trunk. Ever since Trixie had been shot last year, Speed had decided that an extensive emergency first aid kit should be kept with them. While they had not needed any of the items, Trixie was updating some of the items that had expiration dates. She also insisted that they have a couple of extra bottles of water. That being said, they had it as streamlined as possible, as he wanted to keep the Mach 5 as light as possible.
"Trixie seems a lot more relaxed," Sparky said.
Speed nodded. "I think so."
"You two going on a picnic later?"
Speed blushed. "Yes."
Since he had almost lost her not just once, but twice, last year over a very short period of time, Speed had made sure to make time for Trixie, separate from racing or working on the Mach 5. It had taken her a while before she was ready to fly her copter. She had actually taken him for a flight very recently, which was something he had not let her do before.
"Good." Sparky looked at him. "You're really lucky to have a girl like that, who supports your obsession."
"She's my obsession, Spark," Speed said.
"Make sure she stays that way."
Speed nodded. "She will."
"Okay, now the Race Across the Desert will have a lot of sand, so we need to make sure the engine is completely sealed to make sure that none of it can get in and cause a problem," Sparky said.
"Right."
A couple of hours later, Trixie came back. She set the bags on an unused workbench and went to the trunk of the Mach 5 to pull out the first aid kit. She grinned as she saw two sets of legs sticking out from under the car, and squatted down. "Hi there."
"Hey, Beautiful," Speed said, sliding out. He stood up and went over to give her a hug.
She stepped back and grinned. "As much as I like it when you hold me, I really don't want to get grease on this."
Speed looked at her again and smiled. "New dress?"
She spun around, showing off the pink floral dress. It had a boat neck collar, cap sleeves, and a full skirt. "Yes, I thought it might be nice to have something to wear if they have a reception."
Speed nodded. "Why don't I get cleaned up? Instead of a picnic, we'll go dancing. You look too pretty to not take out."
"Oh Speed," Trixie blushed. "I'd like that."
"You okay on your own, Sparky?"
"Sure thing, Speed. I got this."
"I'll be right here, putting the kit together."
"When I get back, I'm going to claim that kiss," Speed said.
Trixie blushed. "I might demand a kiss in payment for it."
"We may have to negotiate some," he said.
"Okay guys, getting a little thick in here," Sparky said with a laugh.
Trixie blushed as Speed rushed out of the garage. She started organizing the emergency kit, humming softly.
"You seem a lot happier lately, Trixie," Sparky said sliding out from under the Mach 5.
Trixie smiled and nodded. "Oh, I am. Speed is so wonderful."
"You've always thought that," Sparky said.
"Well, he has always been wonderful, it's just that now I get to spend more time with him," she said softly. "I feel like the luckiest girl in the world."
"Speeds a very lucky fella too, you know."
Trixie shrugged.
Sparky looked seriously at her. "Are you kidding? Pretty girl like you, putting up with the amount of time he spends with his car…heck, even knowing enough about cars to be part of his team? Most girls wouldn't care anything about anything other than being in the spotlight surrounding Speed."
"I don't care about that. I just want to do whatever I can to help Speed," Trixie said.
Sparky nodded. "And that's why he's a lucky fella. I hope someday I'll find a girl like you."
Trixie smiled. "I'm sure you will, Sparky."
"Well, I got a lot to do to finish getting the Mach 5 ready if we're going to be ready for the race on Saturday." Sparky slid back under the Mach 5.
"I know! I'm almost all packed up. I can't wait to watch Speed race again," Trixie said.
Speed walked in and went straight to Trixie and pulled her to him. "And I can't wait to take my girl dancing. Are you ready?"
Trixie nodded. "So, how are we getting there?"
Speed grinned. "You want to drive?"
"I suppose I could," Trixie said. "You sure?"
"Why not, Trix? You're a great driver."
"Maybe I should enter a race sometime," she said with a grin.
Speed looked at her. "I don't know, Trixie. I'm sure you'd do great. But…"
She crossed her arms, "But what, Speed?"
"I'd worry too much about you."
Trixie hugged Speed. "I worry about you, too you know."
Speed nodded and hugged her. "Why are we fighting about this? You don't really want to race, do you?"
"Not really. As long as you don't try to replace me as navigator when you need one."
"Can we talk about this later?" Speed asked. "I really just want to dance with you and hold you close."
Trixie laughed. "You're not getting out of this so easily. We can talk about it on the way."
Sparky chuckled from under the car. "I told you she wouldn't give that up, Speed."
Trixie looked at him and raised an eyebrow.
There had not been any navigated races since last year's TransAfrican, a race that Speed had not competed in. So Trixie had had plenty of time to recover. Even the Race Across the Desert did not require a navigator. But Speed had not really gotten over what had happened the last time she had.
Speed put his arm around her waist and led her to her car. He opened the driver's side door for her and Trixie got in. Then he walked to the passenger side and got in.
Trixie looked at him. "Speed, I know you're worried. You were scared last year, I get that. But just like I have encouraged you to get back out and race again, even after some pretty bad wrecks, you've got to trust in me too."
"It's not you I don't trust, Trixie. There's no one I trust more, not even Sparky. I'm just afraid of what could happen."
Trixie shrugged. "Anything can happen, even outside of a race. But we can't let that stop us from doing what we love."
"You're right, Trixie. I know you're right," Speed said with a smile. "You're my navigator."
Trixie smiled and started the car. "And you're my racer. I wouldn't navigate for anyone else."
"Good! I'd hate that. I love you, you know."
Trixie blushed. "I love you too, Speed. So, where am I driving us?"
Speed smiled. "First, you're driving us to the Four Seasons Club. I made us dinner reservations before I came back to the garage. And after dinner, the Top Note Lounge has a sixteen piece band playing."
Trixie looked at him in shock. "You were planning on us going dancing all along, weren't you?"
Speed tried to look innocent.
"You were! Oh, Speed!"
"I'm going to be really busy with this race, and I wanted to make sure I had some good quality time with you before I had to start to focus and ignore you again."
Trixie laughed happily. "I know you're not ignoring me when you're preparing for a race, you know that."
"I know. But I feel like I am. And I miss spending time with you."
Trixie pulled up to the Four Seasons Club and parked the car. Speed came around and opened the door for her. She smiled up at him, and prepared herself to be swept off her feet by the man she loved.
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The race was Saturday, but today was a travel day. Speed, Trixie, and Sparky drove to the airport in the Mach 5. They would get there the day before the race and have a day to finish preparations and rest up for the race.
Although Speed would normally be studying the map during the flight, the course map would not be provided for this race until the reception for the racers, so he decided to take a nap during the flight. He felt unusually tired, and had been all week. Speed supposed it was because he was spending so much time working with Sparky on the Mach 5. Since he knew he would need rest for the race, Speed figured he would rest on the flight.. Trixie looked at him for a moment and shrugged, then took out her book. Sparky passed the time going over the specs of the Mach 5 engine.
Trixie looked to Sparky a moment. "Does Speed look okay to you?" she whispered. Even when he did not have race preparations to do, he usually didn't sleep so early in the flight.
Sparky looked over. "Sure, Trix. He looks fine. He's probably just tired. He and I have been working pretty hard getting the Mach 5 ready."
"If you're sure," Trixie said.
"Course I'm sure."
She nodded. "Thanks, Sparky."
"Besides this race is really important. Speed isn't about to let anything stand in the way of that."
"I know," Trixie said.
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The Race Across the Desert was held in the small country of Sandanistan. Speed woke up from his nap just as the plane was descending to find Trixie leaning against his shoulder, sleeping as well. He smiled and shook her slightly. "Looks like we're almost here," he said with a smile.
Trixie nodded.
"So, what's the plan for tonight, Speed?" Sparky asked.
"I've got to go to a reception for the drivers, where we'll get the course map, and then I plan on spending tomorrow studying it."
"I wish I could have brought my copter," Trixie said, "so I could spot for you."
"Me too, Trix."
"Well, while you're at the reception, I'll get us unpacked," Trixie said.
"And I'll get the Mach 5 secured," Sparky added.
Speed nodded. "That sounds good. I wish you could come to the reception."
"Me too," Trixie said. "But I'm sure I'd find it boring anyway."
Speed laughed as they disembarked. "You're probably right. " He felt a little off an nearly stumbled when he picked up that suitcase. Speed frowned, but was glad that Trixie had not noticed.
"So I can go to the hotel spa and have a massage and a pedicure and a manicure," Trixie said.
Sparky and Speed laughed.
Soon, the trio was on their way to the Sandanistan Savannah, the hotel serving as headquarters for the Race Across the Desert. "Oh, Speed. This is a beautiful hotel," Trixie cooed as they pulled up.
"Yes, it is. The racing commission always seems to find really nice places to sponsor the drivers. I think we've stayed at some of the nicest places in the world while competing."
Sparky nodded. "We have. I've seen some of these places in travel guides. The Sandanistan Savannah is known for its five star restaurant, the Oasis, and the cascading pools. It starts out on the fifth floor of the hotel and gradually cascades down to the first floor, both inside and outside pools. I can't wait to see that."
"Oooh," Trixie said. "Maybe I should buy a swimsuit."
Speed grinned. "I'd like to see that."
Trixie pulled him in for a hug. "Maybe you'll have to take a break tomorrow and go with me."
He smiled. "Maybe I will." Then he kissed her tenderly.
When they broke apart, Trixie looked at him and frowned. "You feel warm, Speed."
"Warm for you, gorgeous," he said, holding her close.
Sparky just rolled his eyes a moment. "You guys can stay out here if you'd like, but I'm going to go check us in."
Trixie gazed up at Speed. "I love it when you do that," she murmured.
"What? This?" he asked before kissing her again.
"Mmm hmmm," Trixie said.
Speed held onto her for just another moment. "Sparky's right though, we do need to check in."
"And you do have that reception to go to," Trixie reminded him.
"And you have a swimsuit to buy."
Trixie laughed.
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The reception had lasted longer than Speed had expected last night, and by the time he got back to the hotel room, Trixie had already gone to bed. He looked in on her and whispered her name. She didn't respond to his call, so Speed decided she was soundly asleep and went back to his room. He took out the course map and started to look at it, but his head hurt, and he was tired. "I can look at this tomorrow." Then he placed it on his night stand and got ready for bed.
Within a few minutes, he too was asleep.
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In the morning, Speed heard Trixie humming in the sitting room as he woke up. He got dressed and went out to join her. "Good morning, handsome. Did you rest well?"
"I did. What about you?" Speed yawned, then smiled.
Trixie shrugged. "Okay. I missed you last night."
Speed pulled her to him. "I missed you too, sweetie. So very much. So, did you get that swimsuit?"
Trixie giggled. "Of course I did. While you're working on your maps, I'm going to go for a swim."
"I could come with you," Speed said.
Trixie smiled. "I wish you could, but we both know that you need to study those maps and get your concentration on the race. I don't want to be a distraction to you."
He nodded. "You're right, of course. But you're a very good distraction."
Trixie blushed. "But you could join me for breakfast before you start," she said with a wink.
"I could," Speed said.
"And then it's right back up here, mister," Trixie said with a grin.
Speed nodded. He held onto her as a slight wave of dizziness shook him. 'hmm,' thought Speed. 'I must have been more tired than I thought. Maybe after breakfast, I should rest a little more before starting,' He decided not to say anything, because he was certain it was nothing a short nap wouldn't fix.
The two went down to the Oasis for breakfast. Trixie chatted happily about her plans for the day. Speed smiled and picked at his food.
"You don't like it?" Trixie asked.
Speed shrugged. "I had a big dinner last night. I'm not really hungry. Besides, you know I don't really eat a huge breakfast except on race days."
Trixie nodded. After they were done, Speed hugged her. "You have fun today."
"You too, Speed," Trixie kissed his cheek, and noticed it felt a little warmer than yesterday. "Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine, Trix. Don't worry," Speed said with a smile. "Go have fun. I'll see you at dinner."
She looked at him for a moment, and then nodded.
Speed went back to their suite and sat down to look at the map, but it seemed to be a little blurry. 'Maybe I'm just tired. I'll go take a quick nap,' Speed thought. He stood up and went back to his room and lay down on the bed. Soon he was sleeping very soundly.