Standard Disclaimer
NO! I do not own The Fast and the Furious. You know that, I know that. If it wasn't for that pesky little thing called Copyright Infringement, I wouldn't insult your intelligence by even writing this Standard Disclaimer.
Hello to everyone at and welcome again to the adventures of the Crownless King. It's taken a long time coming, the usual maladies (writer's block, work, dying PC's, the wife, etc) wreaking havoc with my writing time, but the 2nd chapter is ready for your reading pleasure.
Big thanks to those who reviewed the first chapter. I was initially thinking my story wouldn't be so well received considering it contains none of the movie characters, but your comments have given me the incentive to carry on. I hope my story continues to fulfill your expectations!
Without further ado, on with the show!
The Fast and the Furious
The Crownless King
An Original Fan Fiction inspired by The Fast and the Furious
Chapter 2
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie/Old Habits Are Hard To Break
"God, I fucking hate this…"
Sebastian grimaced at the foul taste of bile that currently filled his mouth. Depressing the flush mechanism on the toilet, he observed with grim satisfaction as the mixture of stomach fluids and the remains of last night's meal swirled around in the bowl, before disappearing completely.
Moving over to the bathroom sink, Sebastian ran the cold tap, scooping handfuls of cool water down his gullet to wash away the lingering flavour of vomit that still remained. Splashing some of the water over his face, clearing away the film of perspiration that covered his skin, Sebastian looked in the mirror, and the reflection that stared back at him was one he'd gotten quite used to over the last few years. His auburn hair, usually styled so immaculately, was an unadulterated mess, slick with cold sweat. His eyes were heavy-lidded and wildly bloodshot, a combination of sleep deprivation and Momo's choice blend of psychoactive agents.
Dejected, Sebastian weakly shook his head. The nightmares still plagued him, and although their frequency had decreased, the same could not be said of their intensity. This was not the first time he'd abruptly woken in the early hours with the urgent need to regurgitate after a particularly horrifying dream. Even after he'd awoken, he'd close his eyes for mere seconds and the images would be there… They were so real, so grotesque...
Sebastian had reached his limit, to the point where he would attempt to avoid going to sleep at all costs. He had become dependent, almost addicted, to stimulants; energy drinks and caffeine pills being unintentional favourites. Unfortunately, the human body could not survive without sleep, and thus Sebastian could not fully escape his night terrors.
Remembering to activate the extractor fan to remove the disgusting stench that still permeated the air, Sebastian left the bathroom and made his way to the lounge. Slumping down on the sofa, he noticed the half finished blunt that remained in the ashtray. He also noticed the ornate antique clock on the mantelpiece that read 05.55am. He'd managed five hours sleep tonight and that would have to be enough. Raising the blunt to his lips and lighting it, Sebastian decided to spend the waking hours seeking solace in mind-altering substances…
"That'll be 10.50, buddy…"
Sebastian clambered out of the taxicab, placing a pair of stylish Ray-Bans on his nose to protect his already sensitive eyes from the intense brilliance of the midday sun. Moving around to the driver's window, Sebastian reached into his pocket and withdrew a fresh twenty.
"Keep the change," Sebastian offered.
"Thanks buddy!"
Grateful for being paid virtually double the usual fare, the driver flashed Sebastian a quick thumbs-up as he pulled away, leaving Sebastian outside his intended destination, Overton Docks.
After they had called earlier this morning, informing him that his goods had finally arrived, Sebastian had taken a taxi down there. Taking taxis was an ordeal that Sebastian rarely had to go through, for two distinct reasons. The first, and most obvious, reason was that he owned his own car, and that he was going to collect said car. No matter how good a driver Sebastian thought he was, one cannot drive two cars at the same time. The second reason, far less apparent, was that Sebastian was so wealthy; he never really had to suffer the more mundane forms of transportation the less financially blessed used every day.
It all stemmed from his name. Not many people were aware of it, but Sebastian's full name was Sebastian Pardue II. His father, Sebastian Pardue Senior, was a ruthless corporate bigwig solely responsible for building several super-successful worldwide businesses from the ground up. The Pardue family name commanded a vast amount of wealth, Sebastian's personal fortune measuring in the millions, placed in trust for him when he was a child to be accessed when he turned eighteen. Even before then, he'd wanted for nothing.
But he didn't care much for money now, only spending as needed, to keep himself clothed and fed. His one most cherished possession, his one true indulgence, was the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nur awaiting its master at the docks. He couldn't describe the attachment he felt towards his car; one could say it was almost an obsession for him. He remembered back to when he was a child, when he'd idly picked up the Import Tuner magazine that was on the table in his uncle's home, the eight page spread on the Japanese sports car instantly grabbing his attention. From that moment, he could not be separated from that magazine, and he swore to himself that a silver R34 lay somewhere in his future. When he did finally purchase his Skyline, the fact that it was a limited edition model was an even sweeter bonus.
He treated the Skyline as one would treat their lover, always wanting them by their side and lavishing them with gifts and affection. When possible or practical, Sebastian would take the Skyline everywhere, whether he was driving it or shipping it via sea or air. Upgraded with top-of-the-range aftermarket performance parts and touched only by the tools of the best mechanics, Sebastian felt that his car should, and deserved to, perform to the best of its ability.
Tingling with anticipation at the thought of getting behind the wheel of his dream machine, Sebastian adjusted his shades before making his way over to the entrance.
"There she is! My Baby!"
After what seemed like an age wandering around the busy docks, through row after row of containers, cars, small boats and other vehicles, he'd finally laid eyes on his treasure. Gleaming metallic silver, riding on 20'' chrome Yokohama RGII rims and wearing the clean, aerodynamic lines of the C-West N1 Version II body kit, Sebastian's Skyline was done up sleeper style. No gaudy paint jobs or using his car as mobile product placement, as these superficial decorations did not alter the car's performance in any way. Sebastian was a practitioner of the 'Art of Making Your Car Go Faster At All Costs', so anything not causing a significant change in the car's performance, or anything adding dead weight, was deemed unnecessary and completely ignored.
Stepping around to the rear of the car, Sebastian unlocked the trunk, opening the hatch and taking out a petrol can. Emptying the contents of the can into the fuel tank, Sebastian then carefully placed it back in the trunk and closed the hatch, before moving around to the driver's door.
Slipping effortlessly into the molded Sparco bucket seat, Sebastian shifted his weight slightly to get fully comfortable, reaching over his shoulders for the four-point harness straps. Inserting the keys into the ignition, Sebastian beamed happily as the Skyline came to life, the vibrations from the power plant sending shivers of excitement racing up and down his spine.
The interior of the Skyline was almost as barren as the exterior was plain, almost akin to sitting in a sardine tin with a steering wheel. In accordance with The Art, Sebastian had removed all non-essential components in the pursuit of the highest velocity possible. The upholstery and interior paneling had been taken out, replaced with a roll cage to maintain the car's structural integrity. The windows had been changed from glass to lighter plastic. The side passenger seat was still present, but the rear seats had been ripped out, three very large and very illegal nitrous oxide tanks taking their place. Combined with the highly modified RB26DETT N1 turbocharged engine, Sebastian's Skyline was capable of some quite mind-boggling speeds.
Sebastian ran a critical eye over the multitude of gauges and LCD screens that dotted the Skyline's interior, their illuminated displays showing elaborate graphical representations of the car's internal workings. Satisfied that everything was in order, Sebastian shifted into gear and coasted toward the exit, heading for the main road.
"Baby, lets you and me go for a ride…"
The Skyline roared its power as Sebastian expertly manipulated the car's controls, arms and legs moving in a well-practiced and coordinated motion. The thrumming of the engine as he pressed the accelerator flat to the board, the distinctive 'Pshh' of the blow-off valve as he worked the transmission; it was like a symphony to his ears. The white lane markings zipped under the chassis as the Skyline ate up the tarmac, the intense acceleration pressing him into his seat.
Sebastian lowered his window, allowing the breeze to whip through the cockpit, gulping down lungfuls of the clear ocean air. He was currently driving along the major highway that ran through Column Bay, a seaside area of town he used to frequent when he was younger. The highway itself was long and more or less completely straight, much like the Wangan in Tokyo, stretching for a fair few miles before winding up into the mountains. He smiled warmly, remembering the late nights he used to spend on this highway route, using it as his personal drag strip and racing circuit.
Easing off the pedals, Sebastian kept the speedometer needle just twitching under 80 mph: there was no need to break the established speed limit and alert the local constabulary. While he cruised, he also kept a close eye on the instrumentation. Although none of them were too serious, there had been instances in the past of the Skyline being damaged in transit. Fortunately this was not one of those times, as every dial and display showed the car was running like clockwork.
Sebastian's satisfaction was soon cut short however, cursing as the dashboard 'low fuel' indicator caught his attention, pulsing blood red at regular intervals. Now that he thought about it, the fuel can had felt lighter than he remembered, and going by the fuel gauge, there wasn't a lot left in the tank. He wouldn't get very far on that, the Skyline's appetite for fuel was as excessive as its speed.
Salvation appeared on the horizon in the red and orange colours of an ENEOS petrol station. Approaching the turn-off, Sebastian checked his mirrors before braking and shifting to the outside lane. Guiding the car up the entry ramp and onto the forecourt, Sebastian brought the Skyline to a halt next to an unused unleaded pump. Shutting of the engine, Sebastian reached into his trouser pocket and produced a wad of crumpled banknotes. Counting out enough cash to completely fill the tank, Sebastian stepped out of the car, stretching limbs that had become stiff from driving.
Moving over to the fuel pump, Sebastian immediately clapped eyes on the sunfire yellow Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R sitting idle at the pump opposite. It had the boxy, angular shape of the Aero-Tech Japan BNR34 body kit, and a large midnight black stripe ran over hood, roof and trunk. Numerous multicoloured decals, depicting the names of various aftermarket companies, were plastered all and sundry. Colour scheme and decals apart, Sebastian was quite impressed.
He would soon find that the driver was equally as impressive. Striding confidently across the forecourt, with long blonde hair and a figure akin to a Coca-Cola bottle, she took stock of Sebastian and his car as she stopped by her driver's door.
"Nice car," she smiled sweetly, nodding toward the silver Japanese sports car.
"And yours also," Sebastian responded in kind.
Inserting the fuel hose nozzle into his Skyline and pulling the trigger to initiate the refueling process, Sebastian watched as the blonde moved to sit in her driver's seat. Suddenly she stood up sharply, pointing accusingly at him over the roof of her car, her face a mask of shocked surprise.
"Hey! I know you! You're Crownless, ain't cha?"
"Pardon?"
"I remember you," the blonde chattered excitedly, as if confronted with celebrity. "English guy riding a silver C-West Skyline sleeper style. It's definitely you! You're Crownless!"
Sebastian's expression soured. He really didn't like that name.
"This is so cool!" The blonde was now wearing a wide, conspiratorial grin that clearly said 'I know something you don't!' "Wait 'til the others hear about this! Crownless is back in town!"
Without so much as a farewell gesture, the girl jumped into her car and gunned the engine. With the screeching of tires, the yellow Skyline sped off the forecourt and onto the highway, rapidly disappearing into the distance.
Sebastian just shrugged. It was only a matter of time before he bumped into another street-racer type who recognized him. As much as he used to despise being called Crownless, to be addressed by that name after such a long time bought an unexpected, but brief, feeling of nostalgia. But his main concern was avoiding having to demonstrate why he was called that particular name, now that the street-racing gossip machine had word of his presence in the neighbourhood...
"Two J.D.'s n' Coke…"
"Raspberry Smirnoff, please…"
"Tequila! Four shots, babe!"
Naomi was swamped near off her feet and rapidly nearing the end of her tether. Saturday night behind the bar at Silky Smooth was always hectic but tonight the club was packed full to burst. She'd never seen the place so jammed before.
Silky Smooth was the prime stomping ground for the nights before the mornings after of the local street-racing community. They congregated here every weekend; row upon row of slick, customized rides adorning the beachfront road outside. But tonight they were here en masse; it was near impossible for Naomi to see more than a few feet past the bar.
It was weird. From what she'd heard over the loud, bassy hip-hop tunes, from snippets of shouted conversation at the bar, it seemed there was a strange rumour going around. Apparently, there was this guy called the 'Crownless King', who was supposed to be the absolute god of the street-racers, never ever been beaten, lady killer looks, yada yada yada… Apparently, some girl racer had bumped into him out by Column Bay, and since the club was the place to be, the mere possibility of this Crownless King's appearance had drawn all the speed freaks here like flies to shit.
Naomi didn't know all the details. She didn't really pay attention to the myths and legends of the street-racing world. Although she always hung around with Marissa and Tobias, who were basically the King and Queen of the Streets, she wasn't all that clued up with the more technical aspects of pimping one's ride. It was the atmosphere that drew her, the constant parties, being surrounded by people out to have a good time was a thrill in itself.
She looked down at her wrist, the hands on her watch reading 10.55PM. Even though it was only five minutes until the end of her shift, she glared vehemently at her timepiece, wishing she possessed the power to alter the flow of time through sheer willpower alone.
Her expected company hadn't arrived yet, and Naomi was beginning to think she'd been stood up. She was genuinely upset; Sebastian had seemed like such a nice guy and all. She was really looking forward to seeing him after work, and she'd be lying to herself if she weren't hoping for more than just a drink with him.
Suddenly, the phrase 'speak of the devil' popped into Naomi's mind as, after serving yet another customer, she spied Sebastian sitting at the far end of the bar. She had to do a double take, as he wasn't there just a second ago, having seemingly appeared from nowhere. It was definitely Sebastian, as he acknowledged her with a small wave.
"Hi!" Naomi bounded happily toward Sebastian's end of the bar, her spirits instantly lifted at his eventual arrival. "I'm so glad you could come!"
Sebastian looked slightly taken aback, as if he was unprepared for the level of excitement that he seemed to be generating in her.
"I hope I'm not too late," Sebastian apologized. "It took me ten minutes just to push my way through the crowd to get to the bar."
"That's okay," Naomi dismissed his apologies with a wave of the hand. "In fact you've got great timing, I'm about to get off now. You want something to drink?"
"A Red Bull, please… Straight from the can will be fine."
"You sure you don't want something a bit stronger?"
"No, thank you," Sebastian made a steering wheel motion in the air with his hands. "I'm driving, remember?"
Naomi reached down to the small fridge at her feet and took out a can of the energy drink, popping the top as she handed it to Sebastian. Propping her elbows on the surface of the bar, Naomi leaned in closer to him so she wouldn't have to shout too loudly over the music.
"Listen," she started. "How're you fixed for the rest of the night?"
"Apart from meeting you," Sebastian said, taking a sip of his drink. "I don't have any other plans. Why?"
"I want to get out of these clothes, do my face…. Would you wait for me while I get changed? I won't be long, I promise…"
"It's no trouble… Take your time…"
"Great!" Naomi smiled. She moved away from him, disappearing through a door behind the bar marked 'Employees Only'.
Once she had gone, Sebastian wished he hadn't agreed to wait. Every time he looked around, he could see people whispering and pointing in his direction, their stares boring into him like laser beams.
As soon as he pulled up outside, he knew it was a bad move to come here. Initially, he had been quite intrigued, as he'd never heard of a club called Silky Smooth, logically reasoning that it must have opened while he was away. But as soon as saw the multitudes of tricked out rides parked outside, it was then that he realized Silky Smooth was the last place he wanted to be. He should have known that Naomi would have had some sort of affiliation with the racing scene, considering the fact she mentioned that her ex was a racer and that her best friend drove a rather snazzy looking BMW Z4.
As he was looking for a parking spot, he could see the amassed throng of racers giving him and his car the 'Newbie Stare'; waves of contempt and derision being directed at this unknown newcomer in a plain silver Skyline barging in uninvited on their patch. It was only when he'd actually got out of his car, where the crowd could see him clearly, that the mocking laughs faded, to be replaced by expressions of awe and fear when it dawned on them exactly who they were looking at.
They had parted like the Red Sea as Sebastian walked among them toward the entrance of the club, their hushed whispers ringing like sirens in his ears. No one had the balls to step up to him and say something; such was the strength of his reputation alone. He thought that once he'd gotten inside, he would try and blend in with the crowd. But it was a false hope, once the word got round that he was in attendance, he could expect them to descend upon him like vultures to a corpse.
Still, Sebastian was the type that always honoured his agreements. And Naomi was certainly not the type of girl that one just stands up. So Sebastian huddled closer to his drink, focusing solely on the blue and silver can before him on the bar, wishing that she Naomi would return quickly.
Eventually Sebastian felt a tap on his shoulder. Thinking it was some star-struck racer about to interrogate him, he steeled himself for the inevitable barrage of questions about to be fired his way, He turned on his stool, and what stood before him made Sebastian want to thank God for blessing him with the gift of sight.
Gone were the simple white blouse and black trousers that she wore for work, the jet-black spaghetti strap mini-dress that was draped over her supple frame was infinitely more appealing to the eye; tight in all the right places, plunging neckline, split at the thigh, hem way above the knee. Her lovely dark hair, which Sebastian found utterly fascinating, spilled around her shoulders; released from the French twist she had tied it in previously. She didn't use too much make-up, a bit of eye shadow here, a bit of lipstick there... All in all, Naomi looked absolutely stunning, so much so that Sebastian found himself bereft of speech.
"Thanks for waiting," Naomi smiled.
Once the connection between his brain and his vocal cords had re-established itself, Sebastian hopped off his stool, offering it to Naomi in a gentlemanly fashion.
"P… Please, sit," Sebastian managed to get out, wide eyed in captivation. "Y… You look amazing, by the way…"
"Much better than last time, I hope," Naomi quipped, blushing slightly as she placed herself on the barstool, secretly pleased that she was having this effect on Sebastian.
Sebastian nodded his agreement, leaning back against the bar. "I trust you've managed to resolve the issue with your ex? I can't be around all the time, you know…"
"Don't worry about that," Naomi smiled at the little joke. "Walsh talks a lot of crap, but he doesn't follow through. At least, not when it comes to me…. Anyway, enough about me… How are you?"
"Fine, thank you… Yourself?"
"I'm good, I'm good," She nodded. "Just glad to get out from behind this bar. It's been so busy today!"
"I've never seen this place before," Sebastian mused, looking around him. The club was very impressive, plasma screens and neon lights everywhere. Scantily clad racer-chasers infested the place like vermin, an altogether criminal amount of flesh on display. Although the music wasn't suited to his particular tastes, he could easily see that the club was a very popular and frequented establishment.
"How long have you been working here?"
"This place opened up about two or three years ago," Naomi explained. "I just work here part time, on Saturday nights. A little extra cash always helps…"
As he listened to Naomi talk, Sebastian's hand went to his pocket to retrieve his pack of cigarettes. Taking one out for himself, he presented her with the open end of the packet, offering her one. She waved her hand to decline, an expression of distaste directed at the offending sticks of potential lung cancer.
"No thanks," She was polite, but couldn't completely mask her revulsion. "I don't know how people can go around slowly killing themselves…"
Out of common decency, Sebastian returned his unlit cigarette to the packet, which he placed back in his pocket.
"Unfortunately," Sebastian remarked. "Everyone has their vices…"
One of Marissa's particular vices was the colour red. Of all the hues and shades visible to the human eye, of all the colours of the spectrum, red was her favourite. She couldn't say why, the colour holding some sort of primal attraction for her, but when she could choose the colour of something, she would choose red.
Her prized BMW Z4 was sprayed iridescent red; the lipstick applied to her full, luscious lips was Cherry Red; the Gucci mini-dress that clung to and emphasized every curve of her gorgeous figure was Venetian Red; even her Nokia multimedia mobile phone's chrome casing was tinted red.
It was this little piece of Finnish gadgetry that she currently held to her ear, her shapely rear planted firmly on the hood of her BMW, parked outside Silky Smooth. She tapped her high-heeled foot on the ground, impatiently awaiting an answer from the other end of the phone line.
"Yo?"
"It's me," Marissa said. "You were right, Tobi... It is Seb…"
"Are you sure?" Tobias' voice was laced with skepticism. "No kidding around now, Marissa…"
"Trust me," Marissa drawled in a sugary-sweet tone. "I'm looking at the Skyline right now. Same plates, same body kit, everything... Unless you know another Sebastian who's English and rides a silver Skyline, I think we've got our man."
"You seen Walsh around?"
"Not yet… If Seb is here, he'd better not be when that asshole does show up. Walsh'll go crazy if he catches Seb sniffing around Naomi."
"That's exactly what I want to happen,"
"What the hell for?!?" Marissa was outraged. She was all for pulling a surprise reunion with Sebastian, but potentially getting him hurt wasn't what she had in mind. "I know he was a complete dick for running out on us, but he doesn't deserve an ass-kicking for it. He had his own problems, remember?"
"Yeah, I remember. Don't worry, if I know Walsh, it won't even get that far. But, if Seb can still live up to his name, I think he can do us all a favour... Just make sure Walsh sees Seb 'n' Naomi together…"
"…Back in school, I was into anything to do with sports or physical activity. I was in the school gymnastics and swim teams, and when I graduated from university I got a job out here, teaching dance, yoga and aerobics at the local health centre…"
Now Sebastian knew where Naomi got such a fantastic figure.
"So what about you?"
"What about me?"
"Come on," Naomi prodded. "We've met twice now and all I know about you is that your name is Sebastian and you're from England. You drive a really nice car and you like to help out girls in trouble. Tell me a little more about yourself."
Touchy subject… He didn't want to divulge too much, but since she'd made a perfectly legitimate request, he didn't want to lie either. After all, she'd been doing most of the talking so it was only fair Sebastian reveal a little about himself.
"There's not much to tell, really. I was actually born here, but I was sent to school in England at a young age. After I finished my education I worked in the family business as a chauffeur. At the moment I'm taking a well-deserved holiday."
"Chauffeur, huh?" Naomi grinned at the irony. "I have to admit that kind of suits you. Ever drive anyone famous?"
"It's not as glamourous as it sounds," Sebastian said with a wry smile. "Mainly corporate types on business. I'm just a glorified taxi driver. It's a good thing I like the driving itself otherwise I would've given it up ages ago..."
It was at that moment that the club DJ decided to spin a new track. Sebastian didn't care much for the relentless stream of hip-hop and R'N'B that assaulted his ears, but this new track provoked a significantly more enthusiastic response from Naomi. Stepping quickly but carefully down from the barstool, she wrapped both her arms around one of his, tugging him in the direction of the dance floor.
"I love this song!" she squealed excitedly. "Come and dance with me!"
"Well," Sebastian was instantly uneasy at the prospect of doing so. "This isn't really the sort of music I prefer…"
"What kind of lame excuse is that? Come on!"
Before he could vocalize any further protests, Sebastian was suddenly yanked into the sea of bodies that surrounded them, Naomi dragging him along with one arm while herding people out of her path with the other. Not that Sebastian was complaining, however, since Naomi's rear view was just as hot as the front. The little black number that she called a dress was also backless, and just above her cute little bottom, a neat row of Japanese kanji symbols were tattooed horizontally across the base of her spine. He didn't have a clue what they meant, but they were rather interesting to look at.
Once Naomi had found a spot on the dance floor that she deemed adequate, she turned to face him, releasing her hold on his limb. Locking eyes with him, a slight smile playing on her lips, she began to dance. Slowly at first, but as the song built up pace, Sebastian found himself concentrating more on Naomi rather than his own movements.
Sebastian just couldn't tear his eyes away. He'd seen girls who could give professional dancers a run for their money when it came to shaking their asses, but Naomi was something else entirely. It was like he was a subdued cobra, utterly entranced by the hypnotic swaying of the charmer's flute. The way she moved, her hands tracing the contours of her body, he could swear the music was physically touching her, caressing her like a lover and guiding her movements with seductive precision. All the while she never broke eye contact with him, her chocolate brown eyes gazing deep into his stormy grey, dancing for him and only him, oblivious to those around her, Sebastian completely under her spell.
His breath caught in his throat as she spun round and pressed herself up against him, grinding her hips against his own. He felt her grip close around his wrists, and then it was the turn for Sebastian's hands to receive a guided tour of Naomi-Land. She kept him away from her most private places, but she didn't appear to have a problem with Sebastian's feeling her up considering their level of familiarity. The differing sensations of the smooth material of her dress against the intense warmth rising from her exposed flesh, the alluring fragrance of her perfume assailing his nostrils, she was almost too hot to handle. Since he was taller than her, he didn't dare look downwards, otherwise the view he would get down the front of her dress would send his self-restraint out the window.
So when the song finally ended, when Naomi gently extricated herself from his embrace, Sebastian didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed. Relieved that he could get his rising testosterone levels under control, or disappointed that she'd ended the closest physical contact he'd had with a girl for a long time. But then her arms came up around his neck, linking behind his head. She propped herself up on tiptoes, gently pulling him down, bringing his ear to her lips.
"Oh, Mr. Chauffeur..." Sebastian really liked the way she said that, all husky and seductive. Her hot breath tickling his ear sent tingles down his spine. "I've been on my feet all night and I'm really tired..."
"And here I was thinking I was on holiday," Sebastian smiled. "But since it's you, I don't mind."
"You are such a gentleman! I just want to grab my stuff, use the bathroom..."
"I'll wait for you outside. I need to have a cigarette to calm my nerves after that. That dance was fantastic…"
"You weren't so bad yourself… Better than you think…"
"I shall take that as high praise… It isn't easy dancing with a dance instructor, especially one as attractive as you..."
"You know," Naomi had a sly smile on her face despite the slight blush in her cheeks from Sebastian's compliment. "I think you were lying when you said you were bad with women…"
"What makes you say that?" Sebastian asked, a confused look beginning to creep over his face.
"Like I said," Naomi winked, before turning to walk away. "You're better than you think…"
"See, Pardue? That wasn't so bad, was it? Nothing to worry about…"
Sebastian chuckled lightly to himself as he walked across the car park toward his Skyline. Not so bad? Fucking hell, that girl was hot! He swore that he'd have the image of Naomi's dancing burnt into his brain for the rest of his mortal days. Indeed, things had gone much better than he'd thought…
He didn't personally know any Japanese females, but from his few trips there Sebastian got the impression that they were a rather timid and demure lot, so it was a pleasant surprise to find that Naomi didn't conform to his perception. She appeared to be a very friendly and outgoing kind of girl, a stark contrast to the understandably sullen and subdued disposition she exhibited when he first met her. She seemed very mature and levelheaded, a far cry from the superficial racer-chasers usually associated with the racing scene. And that body! Dear God, he didn't even want to start thinking about that, lest his secondary brain come online and override his primary brain's commands. Naomi definitely fulfilled his criteria for being girlfriend material; Sebastian just couldn't understand how Walsh could be such a total halfwit in cheating on her. The man must have taken leave of his senses to mess about with a girl of her obvious calibre.
Sebastian's only dilemma was whether or not he should even pursue a relationship with Naomi. He was fairly sure that she was attracted to him, the show she just put on pretty much confirming that belief; and he couldn't deny that he was mutually attracted to her. The proverbial spanner in the works was that, once Helena's wedding was over, Sebastian had no plans on staying in town. Even though the ceremony itself wasn't for a good few weeks, Sebastian didn't want to lead Naomi on during the intervening time.
Lighting the cigarette he denied himself earlier, Sebastian leant against the side of the Skyline as he waited for Naomi to finish whatever mysterious things girls did when they went to the bathroom. Suddenly his train of thought was broken when he noticed the red BMW parked directly across from him, the same Z4 Convertible that was parked at Naomi's home. Exterior styling by the boys at AC Schnitzer, it really was an impressive looking motor vehicle. But the look of the car wasn't the cause of the butterflies in Sebastian's stomach. When he saw it before, the Z4's rear was facing the wall of the car park, so he couldn't see the registration. Now that it was parked the other way around, his eyes were solely fixated on the now visible licence plate.
"Jesus Christ! RVU... 231J... That's..."
"So now you like your girls like you like your rides? Don't us blondes get a chance anymore, Seb?"
The cigarette dropped soundlessly to the ground as Sebastian's mouth fell open in complete and utter shock. Whirling around to face the Skyline's rear, where the sound of the voice came from, he laid eyes on the Z4's owner.
"I don't believe it... It is her..."
Marissa stood there, leaning against the Skyline's spoiler; smiling coyly at him exactly the same way she did when he saw her for the very first time. Silently she stared at him, her bright blue eyes holding his gaze, demanding his answer. Sebastian could remember a time where he wanted nothing more than to lose himself gazing into those eyes…. A time where if the cost of one intimate moment with her were his entire fortune, he'd have gladly paid without a second thought. All thoughts of Naomi were instantly banished; Marissa commanded his full and undivided attention with nothing more than her mere presence.
She was the one that got away... The one girl that he'd ever truly desired….
"M… Marissa..." He could barely speak her name; amazed that even after all this time she could still wield such power over him.
Marissa Bryant... The same Marissa Bryant that for the last four years had graced his dreams and haunted his nightmares…
Sebastian could do nothing but gape wordlessly as Marissa moved to his side of the car, her fingers trailing lightly against the Skyline's rear quarter panel as she cast an approving glance over the silver automobile. His brain just couldn't, more like wouldn't, accept what his eyes were seeing... Marissa was really here! For the last four years, he'd tried to convince himself that he was over her; that so much time away would enable him to forget how he felt about her... But the worst lie one can tell is the lie you tell yourself…
"Y'know, I didn't believe Naomi when she said she met you," Marissa started, running her hand over the Skyline's roof as she walked up to Sebastian. Her tone was stern, but he could detect the undercurrent of sadness and hurt that lay beneath. "But then I saw Mr GT-R sitting here and I thought 'That asshole really is back.' I thought 'No way would that asshole really show up here.' But here you are..."
"What do you want me to say, Marissa?" Sebastian turned away from her, unable to give Marissa an answer. He hadn't formulated an explanation beforehand, and her sudden appearance had caught him off his guard. "I told you why I had to leave. I came and told you personally, if you remember."
"Yeah, I remember. That's why I'm not mad."
Surprised, Sebastian looked round to see Marissa standing there with arms outstretched wide, inviting him to embrace her.
"Gimme a hug!"
"What?"
"I haven't seen you in four years!" Marissa admonished him playfully, petulantly stamping her foot upon the ground. "I wanna hug!"
Hesitantly, Sebastian bought his arms up. He was afraid to touch her, as if he didn't quite believe she was really standing before him, as if she were made from glass and would break on contact. For her part, sensing his reluctance, Marissa leapt into his arms, squeezing him tight with a strength he never knew she possessed. Sebastian suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of contentment as he held the blonde close to him, her head on his chest, his cheek resting on top of her head. Anyone witnessing such an embrace would liken it to one shared by two long lost lovers, re-united after a long and painful separation.
"I've missed you so much, Seb…" Marissa's voice was cracking, as if she were about to burst into tears.
"I missed you as well," Sebastian spoke softly. "I'm glad to see you…"
"Are you now?" Marissa suddenly released him, firmly removing his arms from around her body. She folded her arms across her chest, fixing him with a withering glare that said 'You're in trouble now, boy!'
"What do you mean?" He'd seen that look before and usually things didn't bode well for him when he did.
"If you're so glad to see me, then what the hell are you doing here trying to get into my best friend panties?!"
Marissa burst out laughing at Sebastian's stupefied expression. Some things never change…
"W...What do you mean?" Sebastian stammered, face reddening. This was just like old times, where he would crumble under the onslaught of Marissa's teasing. Sebastian was no verbal masochist, but when Marissa would laugh, he thought the smile on her face was the most beautiful sight in the world.
"Oh yeah," Marissa continued without mercy. "Naomi told us all about you. 'He's so cute! He's such a nice guy!' Blah, blah, blah…. Since when did you get a chivalry injection, huh?"
"I… I… just helped her out of a tight spot, that's all…" Sebastian explained weakly, trying to regain his composure. "She invited me here for a drink to repay me…"
"You are so effin' priceless!" Marissa giggled. "You haven't changed one bit! You still suck when it comes getting laid…. You think a drink was the only thing Naomi invited you here for?"
"We haven't seen each other in four years," Sebastian lowered his head in defeat, but he had a smile on his face all the same. "And the first thing you do is tease me… It's good to see you haven't changed either..."
"You wouldn't want me any other way, Seb…"
"So, where is Tobias?" Sebastian asked. "I take it you're still together?"
"Still goin' strong." Marissa nodded. "He'll be here soon. He's gonna bust a nut when he sees you!"
"And you and Naomi are best friends," Sebastian mused. "It really is a small world…"
"Yeah, she rooms with me. She gets cheap rent; I get a free fitness trainer. Helps with the ol' modelling career…"
That made sense to Sebastian, Marissa always having been proud of her looks, almost to a fault.
"Speaking of Naomi," The tone of Marissa's voice plus the mischievous curl in her lips told Sebastian she was back in teasing mode. "What gear did she let you shift to?"
"Don't start this again! She's supposed to be your best friend for goodness' sake!"
"C'mon Seb! Don't be shy!" Marissa pinched Sebastian's cheek. "I bet she gave you the Dance, right?"
"The What?"
"You know… The Dance…"
Marissa came close again, taking up the exact same position that Naomi had occupied earlier, her back to him pressing into his chest. As Marissa took his hands in hers to place them on her hips, Sebastian caught a glimpse of the approaching Naomi out of the corner of his eye.
"She's coming, you know," Sebastian whispered into Marissa's ear.
He couldn't resist a smile as Marissa jumped away from him as if he were carrying the most contagious and virulent plague known to man. Naomi stepped up to them, a quizzical expression on her features.
"What's going on?"
"Whassup, Chica?" Marissa moved to Naomi's side, slipping an arm around the brunette's waist. "I was just talking to your new man here… He's a hot one alright…"
"That's not what it looked like to me Marissa..." Naomi's cheeks flushed; obviously she was embarrassed by Marissa's designation of Sebastian being her 'new man', but she tried to keep her voice level. Even though Naomi knew deep down that Marissa would never try anything on with her 'new man', she couldn't guarantee that the blonde would not sway Sebastian's attentions. Marissa was a damn model for God's sake! Put a single guy within visual range of her and they were instantly hooked! Marissa was no cheat, but she loved male attention and was an incorrigible flirt. The way guys would unashamedly drool over her, it was a good thing that she was going out with Tobias, or Marissa would probably have to get a couple of restraining orders issued.
"Don't get your panties in a bunch, Chica!" Marissa laughed at Naomi's discomfort. "Me and Sebastian here go way back."
"Yeah, right!" Naomi scoffed. "I wasn't born yesterday, Marissa…"
"So how do you think I know who he is without you introducing him to me then?"
"It's true," Sebastian interjected. "Marissa is an old friend of mine. From when I used to live around here..."
Once again the embarrassment rose in Naomi's cheeks.
"You gotta get that green streak under control, Naomi…" Marissa wrapped her arm around Naomi's shoulders in mock encouragement, giving her a gentle squeeze.
"Whatever…" Naomi muttered darkly. Annoyed, she turned to Sebastian. "Can we go now?"
"Where are you going?" Marissa's question was directed at both Naomi and Sebastian. She was genuinely interested, but she was also heeding Tobias' earlier instruction. She hadn't seen Walsh yet.
"Sebastian's giving me a ride home," Naomi said, her head swiveling from side to side as if searching for something. Mystified, she turned back to Sebastian. "Where's the car?"
"That's his ride right there…" Marissa pointed at the Skyline, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Naomi looked at the Skyline, and then back at Sebastian, puzzlement etched on her features. Sebastian had an expression on his face not unlike a small child about to be punished for doing something naughty.
"That's not an Audi…" Naomi stated the obvious. Sebastian didn't like the way she said it. Accusingly…
"I never said the Audi belonged to me…" Sebastian answered truthfully.
"Wait a sec!" Marissa chose her moment to jump in. "What? Seb? You mean you never told her?"
"Told me what?" Naomi asked.
"You see this Skyline right here…" Marissa parked her behind on the Skyline's hood, patting its metallic skin warmly. "This GT-R is the most badass rice-burner you've ever seen! With Crownless at the wheel, it'll smoke anythin' this side of the planet!"
There was that name again! Come to think of it, Naomi had noticed the odd looks the usual race-freaks were shooting Sebastian earlier, but she put that down to him being new to the place. But if Marissa used that name in direct reference to him…
"You mean this 'Crownless King' everyone's been talking about is you?"
Curse Marissa and her loose tongue! That was one thing Sebastian wished she'd learned to curb in his absence. He could have explained away the absence of the black Audi, but he really didn't want Naomi to know about the whole 'Crownless' thing.
"That's what people used to call me…" Sebastian answered Naomi reluctantly, his expression giving her the impression that he wasn't too comfortable being addressed by that name.
"Why didn't you tell me you were a racer?"
"Because racing is something I gave up a long time ago." Sebastian said bluntly, letting Naomi know that it would be wise to drop this line of questioning. Sebastian walked around to the other side of the silver Nissan and opened the driver's door. "If you want to leave, let's go."
As Naomi opened the passenger door, Marissa put a hand on the brunette's shoulder to prevent her from entering the car.
"Don't go yet!" Marissa protested. "Tobi's on his way! Stick around, huh?"
"I'm tired Marissa!" Naomi moaned, swatting Marissa's hand away. Sebastian had already started up the engine, indicating his insistence on their departure. "I had three classes today plus my late shift here. Right now all I want is a bath and my bed…"
"Marissa!" Sebastian called out to her from within the car. "Tell Tobias to hang around. I'll take Naomi home, and then I'll come back here…"
Climbing into the Skyline, Naomi pulled the door closed, leaving Marissa standing there as Sebastian pulled out of his space and turned toward the highway. They had travelled not even five car lengths when Sebastian suddenly shifted his right foot from the accelerator to the brake, bringing the Skyline to an abrupt and immediate halt, a sharp screech coming from the tyres. It was fortunate that Sebastian was only at a slow cruise otherwise both of them could have suffered a nasty case of whiplash. Barely feet in front of the Nissan's bumper, two other cars had suddenly broken ranks from the rows of parked vehicles either side of the Skyline, intersecting and blocking their path.
"Are you alright?" Sebastian's immediate concern was Naomi, anxious to know if the brunette had been injured.
"I'm okay..."
"What kind of idiots just pull out like that?" Sebastian's attention switched back to the cause of their obstruction. Angered, his right hand went to the door handle, but Naomi reached across and pulled him back, preventing him from getting out.
"Don't!" Naomi warned him, shaking her head.
Sebastian didn't know, nor care, whom the two offending vehicles belonged to, but Naomi recognised them straight away. Custom yellow Pontiac GTO on the left, crimson 2006 Mustang GT on the right. Fisher and Minto, the two sycophantic wasters that slavishly followed Walsh around like fawning lapdogs. Naomi looked in the rear-view mirror, and her heart sank as the familiar sight of Walsh's platinum silver Corvette ZO6 came into view, stopping behind them and completely cutting off their escape.
"May I ask what is going on here?" Sebastian asked, confused.
"It's Walsh…" Naomi hissed, pointing behind her out the rear window.
Sebastian's eyes went to the wing mirror. He watched as Walsh stepped out of his car and stalked toward his side of the Skyline, growing ominously larger in the glass. Within moments he was at Sebastian's door, his smirking face appearing at the open window.
"Y'know, Brit Boy," Walsh sneered, his voice low and dangerous. "This is one of those times where y'need t'be real clear on what you say…"
"What are you doing, Walsh?!?" Naomi yelled, her face the epitome of fury. "This has got nothing to do with you!"
"I ain't talkin' t'you. I'm talkin' to the punk…" Walsh snapped back. "Where you goin' with my girl, punk?"
"Naomi asked me for a lift home." Sebastian pushed through gritted teeth, trying to keep his temper in check despite Walsh's insult.
Walsh reached down and pulled the Skyline's door open, inviting Sebastian to disembark.
"Get out…" Walsh ordered.
"What are you going to do, Walsh?" Naomi asked fearfully, afraid for Sebastian's safety.
"I just wanna talk to the punk…"
Sebastian turned to Naomi with a reassuring glance. "It's fine…"
Walsh took a step back as Sebastian swung his legs out of the car and stood to his full height. Noses barely an inch apart, the two men stared each other down, each seeking any sign of weakness in the other's eyes. Walsh's two flunkies came up and flanked him, adding weight to his effort in intimidating Sebastian. By this time, the crowd of racers who were outside the club had congregated on their position, alarmed and curious at events unfolding before them.
"You got balls, Brit Boy!" Walsh smiled evilly. "The first time, I could let it slide… But you must be either real brave or real stupid to think you can just roll up in here and touch what don't belong to you…"
"I don't have to explain myself to you," Sebastian said firmly, his calm countenance betraying no sign of being at all affected by neither his three aggressors nor the mass throng that encircled them. "But Naomi invited me here."
"What? You think I give a shit?" Walsh asked with mock incredulity, playing up to the surrounding crowd. "Not only d'you mess with my girl, you think you can mess with the Boss's Girl as well?!? You got some kinda death wish?!"
A loud and ominous 'Ooh' arose from the crowd.
"The Boss's Girl?" Sebastian asked innocently. "I take it you mean Marissa Bryant?"
"No duh, Sherlock!" Fisher laughed mockingly at Sebastian's ignorance, a laugh echoed by the crowd.
"She's an old friend of mine…" Sebastian said.
"We're Marissa's friends," Minto chimed in. "And we don't know you!"
"You made a bad move coming here, punk…" Walsh sneered, jabbing Sebastian directly in the chest with his forefinger. "Usually we'd give you an ass-kicking so bad that we'd have to call the hospital in advance and reserve you a bed... But I have to say, that sweet-looking GT-R there just saved your life…"
Sebastian glanced down at his Skyline. "What do you mean?"
"You think you can take what's mine," Walsh continued. "So I'm gonna take what's yours. We blaze. Right here, right now. For slips…"
The assembled crowd howled their enthusiasm for this course of action in a chorus of 'Yeahs!'
"Are you crazy?" Naomi had gotten out of the car. "What are you talking about?!"
"Look," Sebastian was starting to lose his cool now, and he had to take a deep breath to calm himself before he spoke. His anger was rising steadily but he had to exercise restraint. Although he had complete confidence in his own prowess when it came to a fight 'mano-a-mano', he didn't exactly need to be a gambler to see that three versus one were not favourable odds.
"If you have a problem with Naomi spending time with me," Sebastian said. "Then I will solve the problem right now by taking my leave. Your issues are none of my business, and I'm certainly not looking for a fight. And you can forget that street-race idea right now because that is not going to happen..."
"Whassamatter, Brit Boy?" Walsh laughed. His annoying voice was really starting to grate on Sebastian's nerves. "You don't sound so cocky now, huh? Lost your balls, punk? "
"Think what you like." Sebastian shot back, moving to sit back in the seat. Walsh reached forward and grabbed Sebastian by the front of his shirt, preventing him from getting back in the car.
"Not so fast!" Walsh growled right in Sebastian's face. "You don't just get to walk away, punk. Either we race or you get to keep that hospital appointment…"
Before Sebastian could respond to Walsh's direct threat of violence, a loud cheer broke from the crowd, everyone present directing their attention away from the physical fight about to occur and toward the far side of the car park. Obviously, something or someone of even greater importance had arrived. The crowd quickly moved toward the origin of the disturbance, and simultaneously Sebastian, Naomi and Walsh followed them with their eyes.
Drawing the crowd behind it like some kind of human wedding gown, the blue and black BMW M3 GT-R cruised among the rows, other racers cheering and whooping at its passing. Jets of nitrous oxide gas sprayed fiercely from beneath the front wheel arches as the driver repeatedly revved the engine, giving the impression that the car was some king of snarling, raging metal beast begging to be unleashed.
"Looks like the Boss is here," Walsh grinned, still gripping Sebastian firmly. "Why don't we see what the Boss has t'say 'bout this…"
Fisher and Minto dove back into their cars, reversing them back into their spaces to allow the German sports car to coast right up to them, blasting out a last couple of NOS jets for dramatic effect. Sebastian didn't need to guess the identity of the driver, he knew exactly who the 'Boss' was.
Sebastian couldn't help but smile as Tobias emerged from the BMW to rapturous cheers, opening his arms wide, basking in the adulation of his admirers. Hi-fives here, shaking hands there, Tobias greeted his fellow racers as if he were celebrity, mobile phone cameras flashing furiously as a cacophony of female voices screamed his name in hysterical excitement.
Turning his attention to the two men standing by the Skyline, a frown grew upon Tobias' brow as he noticed Walsh's manhandling of Sebastian. From somewhere within the crowd, Marissa emerged, rushing over to her lover and whispering something in his ear. Tobias appeared to mull over whatever Marissa told him, eyes flicking between Sebastian and the blonde as she spoke, before nodding and advancing toward the Skyline.
"Let him go, Walsh," Tobias commanded. "I thought I told you to play nice with the newbies…"
"You won't be sayin' that when you hear what this punk's been up to," Walsh answered, reluctantly releasing his handful of Ralph Lauren shirt. "Strolling about like he owns the place, messing with your woman and mine! I threw down the challenge, but this punk ain't got the balls…."
Sebastian remained silent as Tobias stepped right up to him. Tobias looked him up and down, before a wide smile started to grow on his face.
"Long time no see, Pardue!" Tobias greeted. "It's been a while, huh bro?"
"Indeed…" Sebastian responded, "That was quite an entrance. I see you've risen up in the world."
"I always said I'd be famous…"
Once again that contented feeling washed over Sebastian as he and Tobias embraced like the old friends they were, glad beyond measure that his closest friends were still alive and kicking. Just as he told Marissa, Sebastian had missed them greatly, Tobias and the blonde comprising his entire social circle before he left town.
"How you doin', Girl?" Tobias spoke directly to the Skyline, stroking the car as one would a beloved family pet. "I hope you been treatin' her right since you been gone, Pardue. I'll bust your ass if you ain't!"
"She's still got it," Sebastian smiled confidently. "She'll have that BMW for breakfast."
"So where the hell you been, Pardue?" Tobias asked the $64.000 question. "Four years is a helluva long time to jump ship 'n' disappear. I hope you haven't been running round givin' me a bad rep…"
"Hold on a damn minute!" Walsh chose now to verbally express the bewilderment that was written all over his face. "Are you tellin' me that you actually know this punk?"
"Walsh, you really are something!" Marissa, who had moved over to where Naomi was standing, was trying not to laugh at Walsh's ignorance. "You really have no idea!"
"She's right," Tobias agreed. "Y'really need to show a little more respect, Walsh."
"What the fuck you talkin' about, Lawson." Walsh was annoyed now; furious that Tobias had not delivered unto Sebastian the treatment he was hoping for. In the hierarchy of their little world, only Tobias was higher than he, and Walsh did not care much for being mocked.
"This punk…" Tobias started. "Is the guy that used to ride shotgun with me."
"C'mon Walsh," Marissa continued, her tone not unlike that of a teacher instructing a child. "You musta heard the rumour, right? About that kick-ass driver with the silver Skyline?"
"That's right y'all!" Tobias shouted to the crowd, wrapping an arm around Sebastian's shoulders and turning him to face their onlookers, parading him for their inspection like he was a piece of prime meat. "Take a good look! None of y'all got shit on m'man right here! For you newbies who don't have a clue, this guy here is the epitome of street racing ass-kickery, second only to yours truly… And he's as close to family as it gets for me. Some of y'all mighta even heard of him… This guy here is my good buddy Seb Pardue, AKA Crownless!"
Sebastian sighed deeply as the crowd released their not unexpected gasps of surprise, sounding just the chat-show audience reacting to some fantastic and shocking secret that had just been revealed. Their excited twittering sounded like the buzzing of gnats in Sebastian's ears as bursts of light flashed from the camera phones, all of them eager for a picture of the great Crownless. In his mind, he could just imagine what they were saying,
"Holy shit!"
"Is that really the dude?!"
"That's Crownless!?"
"Who the fuck is Crownless?!"
"He is beautiful!"
"I like his haircut!"
"He don't look like shit ta me…"
"That's a hundred you owe me! I told you it was him!"
"Did you have to do that?" Sebastian hissed in Tobias' ear.
"What're you complaining for, Pardue?" Tobias grinned, patting Sebastian's shoulder encouragingly. "You're just as famous 'round here as I am. It's their chance to see the legendary Crownless King in the flesh. You should enjoy it! But then again, you were never the one who craved the spotlight, were you?"
"Exactly…" Sebastian agreed. "Wasn't that the whole irony about the name to start with?"
"Crownless King?" Walsh piped up again, like an itch that wouldn't go away no matter how many times it was scratched, "What kinda stupid name is that?"
"My sentiments exactly…" Sebastian muttered sarcastically.
"I don't give a fuck who this guy is!" Walsh roared, nearly apoplectic with rage. "I want his ass on a plate, and if I can't have that then I want that GT-R. I don't give a rat's ass whether he's your best pal or not! No one comes in here and makes a fool outta me! No fuckin' way!"
"That's right," Marissa said. "Apparently you did that yourself when you let Naomi catch you with another girl's lips 'round your dick…"
"Shut up, Catwalk Slut!" Walsh shot back as Marissa poked her tongue out at him.
"Tobias, do something!" Naomi pleaded.
"Whaddaya want me to do 'bout it?" Tobias shrugged his shoulders. "This is Walsh 'n' Pardue's problem. Ain't got nothing to do with me…"
"C'mon Tobias," Marissa said. "Quit kidding around…"
"Okay, okay…" Tobias relented, turning to Sebastian. "Well, Pardue… Seems that you've been touchin' stuff you shouldn't be… I know we go way back and all, but things have changed since you been gone, man. You might think Walsh is a prick, but he's my boy, and if you got beef with my boy, you got beef with me…"
Sebastian nodded. Despite his' apologetic tone and gestures, Sebastian could understand Tobias' position. He had no right to expect any aid from his old friend; he pretty much flushed that privilege down the toilet when he abandoned him four years back. Maybe things had changed, apparently more than Sebastian had bargained for.
"But, I can't ignore the fact that you used to be my boy," Tobias continued. "And I don't wanna see you get hurt. So I'm gonna give you the same choice, just like I always do… Smart boy like you should make the right one… Besides, I don't think these fine people here will wanna leave tonight without seeing the legend in action."
The crowd screamed their agreement, chanting Tobias' name like a bad episode of Jerry Springer.
"And if I'm not?" Sebastian ventured defiantly. "What if that smart boy isn't so smart anymore?"
"Then I'm gonna do what I came to this club to do," Tobias grinned. "Grab a Corona and party the night away. It ain't personal Pardue, you and Marissa are old pals so I can let that go. But messing with Naomi ain't the smartest thing you ever did. These guys are really gonna go to town on your ass…"
Sebastian weighed his options. Take on three guys in a bout of fisticuffs or one guy in an illegal road race. Both had a ridiculously high chance of winding him up in the nearest Intensive Care Unit, but as stupid as it sounded, Sebastian knew he had more chance of avoiding that hospital visit behind the wheel of his Skyline.
"What are you doing Tobi?!" Naomi demanded. She was really mad now, her face red and eyes blazing with anger. "You're supposed to stop this, not promote it you moron! I'm not some trophy for you guys to fight over!"
"I thought you were all for us boys settling our differences without fighting," Tobias pointed out. "Besides, it's all up to Pardue whether he walks out of here still breathing or not…"
"C'mon Crownless! What's with the whole pussy act?!" Marissa goaded. The knowing smile on her lips said that she could easily predict the exact effect her words would have on Sebastian. "You know you can smoke this guy, or have you gone soft since you been gone, huh?"
If one could hear Sebastian's mental processes, they would have heard an instant and sharp cracking as he finally relented. He could withstand any kind of teasing, goading, intimidation or whatever from Tobias, Walsh and his cronies or even the chat-show crowd. But, like most males, once a girl gets involved, resistance soon crumbles. And Sebastian was always weak when it came to Marissa. Still, she had a valid point. Although the name 'Crownless' had certain negative connotations, the word 'King' was not tagged on the end for no good reason.
"Fine…" Sebastian conceded defeat.
"Sebastian!" Naomi charged around to his side of the car, grabbing Sebastian by his shirt, pleading in her eyes as she looked up at him. "You don't have to do this! Just walk away!"
"I would if I could," Sebastian gave her a sad smile, gently removing her hands from his clothing. "But it appears that I won't have the legs to walk away with unless I agree…"
"You might be a punk," Walsh laughed, despite the obvious contempt he had for Sebastian. "But I gotta hand it to ya, you Brits sure gotta strange sense of humour…"
"So what have you got in mind, Tobias?" Sebastian asked warily. He was all too aware of his old friend's capacity for the unconventional. In response, Tobias produced a mobile phone from within his leather jacket.
"I got somethin' special for you, boy…" Tobias promised, dialling a number and lifting the phone to his ear. "… Yo, Slip 'N' Slide! We good to go yet, or are y'all drift nuts still wastin' them new Falkens drawing pretty circles on the blacktop?"
"Kiss my sushi-eating ass, Lawson!" The voice that came back was male, possessed an Asian accent, and sounded rather annoyed. "We got cop action heading this way right now… I hope this boy of yours is worth me spending the night in jail 'cos you owe me big time for this one…"
"Believe me when I say he is," Tobias answered. "You're clutch, boy! I got a Eibach spring kit with your name written all over it…"
Pleased with the status report, Tobias folded up the mobile phone and returned it to his jacket. Turning to the crowd, he opened his arms to attract their attention.
"Okay!" Tobias announced with the air and graces of a propagandist orator. "Get y'all sprint shoes on! We're gonna do a rolling start… You'll run Highway 19 from Sunset Bridge to the meeting point by the old lighthouse up on Ridgeman's Bluff. Marissa'll start you boys off, and the loser will hand over them keys…"
"You been drink-drivin' or something, Lawson?" Walsh laughed contemptuously, getting into his car. "What makes you think I'm gonna lose?"
"What makes you think you're gonna win?" Marissa leapt to Sebastian's defence.
"Cut the schoolyard bullshit!" Tobias barked, instantly silencing the bickering pair. "We ain't got much time! You got the 'Piece', Marissa?"
"In the car, baby…" Marissa winked.
"Outstandin'!" Tobias smiled. "Okay! Let's go! It's time for the main event, people!"
Instantly the crowd dispersed, racers dashing back to their rides in a mad scramble, whooping and cheering in their eagerness to get the show on the road. Within mere moments, the air was filled with the sound of engines as the army of tuners began to file out of the car park, spilling out onto the highway like termites from a nest.
"Get ready to lose your ride, Brit Boy!" Walsh called out from within the Corvette as he drove past Sebastian, pausing for a moment to taunt him. "Gonna teach you a lesson in respect!"
"Personally, I hope you smoke his ass," Tobias remarked to Sebastian, casting a look of irritation at the departing Corvette, Fisher and Minto following close behind in their rides. "That guy is really startin' to piss me off…"
"You may be in for some disappointment," Sebastian said. "It's been a long time since I've raced anyone… I might lose…"
"Don't sweat it; it's just like ridin' a bike…" Tobias smirked, walking back to his waiting BMW as other cars continued to roll past. "You're the Crownless King! Don't disappoint your fans, bro!"
As Tobias started up the German sports car, Marissa pressed a set of keys into Naomi's hand.
"Your turn to drive, Chica…"
"Whatever…" Naomi answered, non-committed.
Naomi gave Sebastian one last despairing look, before sighing deeply and turning to follow Marissa over to the Z4.
"What does that look mean?" Sebastian called, halting Naomi before she could walk away from him.
"For your sake I just hope you're as good as everyone seems to think," Naomi said, shaking her head in resignation. "Because you'll need more than just that Skyline to beat Walsh… I should know…"
"Then I take it you're not one to place your faith in rumours…" Sebastian asked, rather bemused that Naomi didn't appear to share Marissa or Tobias's confidence in his driving skill. Maybe they didn't tell her about his past exploits…
"Don't take this the wrong way," Naomi had an equally bemused expression on her face. "But you don't exactly come off as the racer type… Besides, rumours are exactly what they are. Just rumours…"
"C'mon Chica!" Marissa hollered from her BMW's passenger seat. "Let's go!"
"I'd better go," Naomi said, resuming her steps toward the Z4. "Good luck, Sebastian…"
As Naomi walked away, Sebastian sat back in the Skyline's driver's seat. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel, trembling in pure frustration. If he could kick himself, he'd put himself in orbit. All because he'd been blinded by a pretty girl, he'd landed himself in the exact situation he was desperate to avoid Still, there was no use crying about it now. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves for the trials that lay ahead, Sebastian reached forward to twist the ignition key…
"All rumours are based on fact, Naomi…"
To be continued…
As always, please review. Chapter 3 is already under construction; hopefully it won't take as long as this one!
Miserable Flesh Creature