I am so, so, SOO sorry for the long wait. I'll get better, I swear! Also, thank you so much for your kind reviews! Much appreciated. In response to four of said reviews-

Yes, I am that Bonnie. But what's with all this past-tense stuff? I'm happy to say that I'm still editing videos! My new username is A113Cowgirl on YouTube. I'm working on LS vids and have a few already posted. (*cough cough* and I'd appreciate comments *cough cough*)

And one of you, I believe it was Mere, mentioned that I have the same name as Sally's VA. Funny story, I was actually NAMED AFTER Bonnie Hunt. (My ma was a fan) But it gets creepier- John and his team designed Sally's personality after Miss Dawn Welch, a business owner who's known as the mother hen of Route 66. She loves its history to death and strives to preserve it. My middle name? Ironically, Dawn. Go figure. AND- I also happen to live on Route 66, in a small farmtown along the historic road. I think it's safe to say I was born to love this fandom.

Chapter II- Divine Conspiracy

Time Setting: Between Cars 1 & 2.

**NOTE- This is Grated. I am NOT implying anything, kapeesh?**

DING DING. The Wheel Well's service bell chimed mid-afternoon on a summer day.

"I"ll be right with you!" The Porsche called from a separate office. After a moment and the sound of a file drawer slamming shut, she appeared behind the desk to greet her guest. Probably another ditzy construction worker asking where to put what for the hundredth time, she thought. To her surprise, the ringer was none other than the very person she'd been thinking of.

"Hey Stickers! When did you get home?" She asked with sudden cheer, rounding the desk to give him a proper welcome hug. He grinned at her enthusiasm and returned the welcome.

"Just now. We finished a little early." He answered as she pulled back. He'd just returned from two weeks in LA, doing dreaded business with his sponsors about building his headquarters a state over. It took convincing, but eventually agreements were made and contracts were signed.

Sally's grin widened. "Well, I'm glad. I missed you. I'd forgotten how lonely this town can get." She meant it to an extent. Of course, the family-like social structure of the town made her feel at home, especially being halfway filial to Doc and Flo, but the past two weeks had brought to her attention just what she'd been missing in the two years of her residence in Radiator Springs that preceded Lightning's arrival.

"I missed you too. A lot. But it looks like you've kept busy, this place looks great!" He exclaimed, glancing around the slowly-improving lobby of their new motor court. She mirrored him and gave it a one over as well. "Yea," she said over an unsatisfied and weary sigh, "It's getting there. Still working on some minor construction issues." Blue painter's tape lined the doorways and floor of the room, and tarps lay scattered on the ground. The entire establishment smelled of must- but somewhere underneath the in-progress building lay hope and promise for not only it, but for them. It was that that kept them inspired. Well, that and their excited evening chats over how stunning it would look when it was complete and how it would be a step towards repairing 66. They returned their gazes to one another.

"So, wanna hit Flo's? I could use some down time." He offered, giving her a hopeful smile. She lidded her eyes competitively.

"Last one there buys?" She questioned. He revved his engine.

"As always." And they were off.

The unexpecting townsfolk were treated to having two of the residents fly up main street, paying no mind to the 25 mph speed limit. (Much to Sheriff's annoyance) Just as they were about to zip into Flo's lot, Lightning braked inches from the change in pavement marking the entrance to the lot. Sally slowed herself, then u-turned to raise an eyebrow at him interrogatively. He grinned smugly, following her in.

"Guess I'm buying." He claimed, still smug. She rolled her eyes with a chuckle, driving alongside him to their usual spot. Once they were parked and served, he glanced around the small town.

"Wow, this place is really hoppin. Tourism picked up since I left." He observed, taking note of a dozen or so cars sightseeing along the road he paved so long ago. Sally frowned and paused in consuming her drink.

"Yea, about that," she began, "I have some bad news." He looked to her with curiosity and a slight amount of fear.

"I'm gunna need cone #1 back. I'm having to turn down guests, and Wheel Well's no where near ready, as you know." She said in a tone that wasn't as regretful as he thought it should be.

"Oh. I understand, don't worry about it. I'll room with Mater until my headquarters are built, or I'm sure Doc could spare a room-" He rambled, trying to make her feel less guilty, although it rather bothered him that she didn't appear guilty or upset. At all.

"Actually, I was thinking," She said, glancing at a tire she was rolling back and forth on the cement, "You're welcome to stay with me in the office. There's room for two." With this she grinned a little sheepishly and looked back to him. After realizing what she was offering, he returned her grin.

"That'd be better. Do you need the cone tonight?" He replied. She returned to her beverage, casually responding-

"Yea, that'd be best if you don't mind. I have a few guests waiting." She said. Lightning couldn't help but smile as he returned to his thoughts. They were moving in together. Well, not technically, seeing as they didn't own a residence, but the idea was there. They'd be sharing a dwelling, which was an upgrade from their previous arrangement of having to exchange goodnights outside of her lobby. And the thought of curling up together was more than enticing.

So that night, after socializing with the gang for a few hours, chatting with tourists, and enjoying the town's ever magnificent lighting, the two turned in late and headed for the placid motel. Lightning had packed up his old cone earlier in the day, bringing only a few belongings which were now scattered around the office.

The pair pulled into the office and parked behind the desk for the night. After some brief conversation, she switched off the desk lamp and cuddled up against his side, sighing contently and letting a slight smile adorn her face. He returned the gesture, noticing how peaceful she looked with her eyes closed as she relaxed with her weight against him. The world surrounding their humble abode seemed to be at peace with the neon lights still blazing and her static-ridden radio quietly wailing out old bluegrass music, the current track being Mississippi River Blues. The office was dimly lit by the lights of the cones outside. Lightning thought back to the day she first offered him lodging at her motel. At the time, he considered it as more of a friendly invitation. Looking back, he saw it an attempt to test him out whilst being subtle. She was nothing if not clever. With sudden realization, Lightning noticed that only six of the nine cones were occupied, the first not included. He contemplated this fact for a moment.

"Hey Sal?"

"Hmm?" She hummed absentmindedly, leaving her eyes closed and lips smiling.

"You didn't really need the extra cone, did you?" He asked knowingly. She allowed herself to grin just a little wider.

"Not at all." She happily admitted, knowing he had caught on. He laughed aloud at her scheme and pecked her cheek.

"Good to be home." He said in a content tone.

'Home' had suddenly gained an entirely new meaning.

Whoooaaa. Fluff alert. Excuse the corniness, I just had to get this one off of my chest. Also, I've been in a rather fluffy mood recently because this guy I've been crushing on for a while asked me to homecoming. *commence feminine spazz out*

*ahem.* Excuse me. ^^'

Fandom Fun Fact: There's going to be a freaking Cars 3.

Author Fun Fact: I have a scar on my chin that contains 6 or 7 small pieces of gravel from falling off of my horse a few years back. My friends named the rocks.