Welcome back, have fun with this chapter. I hope everyone likes this one as well, it's been nice getting back into writing. I'm not moving along in the plot as fast, because I'm busy setting everything up.

Disclaimer: I don't know how many of my OCs are going to be in here, but I own them. So please don't take them! Other than that, enjoy!

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CHAPTER FOUR

"Yeah, I've been working here for years..." Shane said, flipping through the papers that sat in front of him. He gathered up the work he was supposed to do, putting it in a folder so that he could take it back to his office. Cadence was next to him, doing the same thing. The two had approached the claim desk at the same time, and decided to stay and chat.

But they were sitting dangerously close as they gathered their work files.

"Oh yeah? And when were you elected apprentice?" She asked, reaching across the desk slowly to take certain papers. She allowed her tire to touch the corner of Shane's grill briefly, though the touch was lingering. Smiling at him, she loved his expression.

"It's not easy work," He said, inching his chassis closer to hers. "It took me a long, long time to--"

"Shane!" A voice from behind him snapped.

The car winced at his name being called so sharply. "Yes, Dave?" He asked harshly, turning around to face his boss. The maroon car was leaning against the doorway to his office with a not so pleased looked. "What is it?"

"Your wife's on line two..." He told him before turning around to go back to his desk.

"Wife?" Cadence asked, now a bit agitated. "You've got a wife?" She propped her weight to one side, waiting for his answer.

Shane sighed, knowing this was ruined. "Well, yeah, her name's--"

"Sorry," She snipped. "I don't think it's fair to flirt with married guys, it's wrong. Next time re-consider, jerk..." She turned around after gathering up her last few papers, strolling towards her office at a more than disgusted style.

Shane sighed once again and frowned, turning his attention towards Dave's office. He grabbed his folder and rushed towards his boss before parking in the doorway. "Why'd you do that?"

"Do what?" Dave asked without looking up from his paperwork.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about, Dave! And now Cadence is never gonna talk to me again!" He huffed, making his way into the car's office and parking in front of his desk.

"And that's probably for the better," He told him, looking up from his papers for the first time. He looked at the folder his apprentice was carrying, and at his desk's phone. He noticed a small red light still blinking. "I suggest you see what your wife wants before she comes to the company, personally, to talk to you about what ever she's worked up over."

"She's just too jealous, I tell you. Too jealous..." He said, a sigh following.

Dave scoffed and regarded the car in front of him for a moment. "Listen to yourself; think about what you were doing. I'd say she's got every right to be jealous..." He said, continuing to work on the latest papers.

"We were just flirting, it's harmless." Shane insisted, looking around the room.

This time, Dave slammed his pen down. "It's not harmless, and one day you'll figure that out. You just don't appreciate marriage yet." The maroon car knew that one day Shane would regret doing all this. He gave the car a sympathetic look, knowing he was young and stupid when it came to relationships. "You don't get it..."

Shane rolled his eyes, not appreciating his lecture. "She's paranoid, okay? You try living with her... you can't talk to her about anything..."

Dave sat back on his shocks. "And I bet you did that to her, didn't you?" Shane looked at him sharply, scared about where this was going. Dave knew he had got him there. "I know you love her, I know that. But you don't show it. So try working on that, and maybe she'll calm down." Dave was worried this would happen, he just didn't want Shane to end up in this bind.

"Well, Cadence flirts with every other guy here."

"But that's them, not you." Dave cared too much for him as a friend to let it get that far. "And one day your wife's gonna show up here looking for you, and she'll leave you because of her. She won't come back..." That one hurt, Shane had never really considered the possibility that he could lose Allison.

"Do me a favor," Dave started. "And stay out of Cadence's way."

Shane sunk low on his tires before giving his boss a questionable look. "And just how long were you watching us, out there? When I turned around, you looked pretty comfortable..."

"Enough to know when to stop that nonsense."

Shane smirked. "Very funny..." It was then that something occurred to him. "Hey, Dave, how long has Cadence been working here?"

Dave looked up from the papers again. "Five months. Why?" Now he was curious as to what his apprentice was up to.

"You think she's pretty, right?"

Dave would never admit that he thought she was gorgeous, but that didn't mean he liked her something other than a friend. "Of course, she's very pretty." He said, placing a folder in a drawer. "But she's nothing compared to Sadie."

Shane laughed slightly, he agreed with him on that one. "True, that's true..." He shifted on his tires. "But you can't have Sadie. And Cadence, you can..." He said with a small smile.

Dave slammed his desk's drawer shut. "What are you getting at here, Shane?" The car had his full attention.

"Dave," He said, turning serious. "You should really think about asking her on a date. I mean, you never know! It could work out!"

The maroon car thought on that a moment, because they had never been anything more than great friends. They could talk business plans for hours, and a smile would never leave their faces. They never flirted, they didn't have that kind of friendship. Their tires never accidentally touched, and there was no need to. They were perfectly happy being friends.

Cadence figured out a long time ago that she didn't need to flirt with her boss to get a raise, or move up in the company's status. Another reason why they were such good partners on the top floor, because they could work without the added stress.

"Shane, I don't engage in any activities outside of the office with my co-workers..."

Shane laughed at this. "I sure hope not, because we're all guys!"

Dave sighed and rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up..." He moved over to the other side of the room and to the file cabinet. "Besides, I don't have feelings for her, and she feels the same way."

"She probably doesn't like you because you're too obsessed with work! Let her know the real you, see what I mean?" Shane reasoned, moving around random items on his boss's desk. "Who knows what could happen. And you two would make a great couple..."

Dave drove back over to his desk, putting things on his desk back to the way they used to be before Shane ruined it. "I appreciate what you're doing, but I don't need her to be happy."

Shane disagreed. "I don't know, I think it'd be good for you to have a girlfriend..." He started up his engine and proceeded to turn around. "I think I'm gonna take my wife's call..." Though in the back of his mind, he was thinking of ways to get Dave and Cadence together.

Dave laughed. "You think? Damn, I'd be surprised if she's still on the line..." He watched his apprentice leave his office and disappear around the corner. He began to bury himself in his paperwork, like he originally planned.

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Alex was sitting in his room, still thinking about the words he had said to Gunner. What he thought he wouldn't regret, the Mustang now felt as if he screwed up. Messed up everything he had, and everything he had known. Especially a friendship.

Gunner had been his best friend since the beginning, even before they were teammates. A sad thought to realize he had just ended such a thing.

It was then that Brian's words ran through his mind.

"You got that from a race you couldn't let go," Alex repeated, shifting on his tires, trying to sink as low as he could to the cold tile floor. The more he thought about it, that was the car's conclusion for the events. For once, racing had gotten the best of him. It was all new to him, his first loss.

"Two losses, you idiot..." He muttered. "You lost the race, and your friend..."

Alex sighed, closing his eyes momentarily. He wished he had that special can of oil right now, so he could chug it down and be knocked out for a while. Anything to escape his restless thoughts, anything to help him be at some form of peace.

If he could move right now, he would have already been driving after Gunner to apologize. He knew the navy car had plans of racing in the big leagues, and now there was nothing stopping that car from leaving this small town in South Carolina.

Alex was trying hard to avert his thoughts, though the only thing he could find to replace Gunner was his encounter with Brian. The green car had him thinking, wondering what he had against him. What had Brian so hostile towards him? Why was the car trying to avoid him?

There was so much that the Mustang knew about Brian's past, and so much that he didn't know. Right now, his current mission was to find out the answers to his questions, wanting desperately to figure out Brian's problem.

If there was any problem at all, for the car seemed to be in good physical condition. Of course, he was only going on the information he gathered the first night he had seen him. It was Brian's proud, and dominant stance that led Alex to realize a once great crew chief sat before him.

That's what puzzled Alex the most, why was the car in the hospital? There appeared to be nothing wrong with him.

The Mustang remembered the first story he had heard of Brian, it was at one of his first street races. Gunner was talking, telling him that The Fabulous Hudson Hornet's trainer raced on these very roads. It was the navy car's statement that gave Alex his spark into racing.

He already knew of The Fabulous Hudson Hornet, and what he had done. He never had any thought towards the greater car, the one who had taught him how to race.

Alex had dug through old newspapers and documents, trying to find everything he could on Brian. Surprisingly hard, actually; the Mustang couldn't find much. Though when he did, he saved what ever he could. Any piece of information was better than nothing.

There was a big question left for Alex, and that was why Brian had suddenly disappeared. Completely vanished from any records, newspapers and... everything. It was almost as if the car never existed. Why Brian had done that, Alex thought he would never know. Shrouded in mystery, to some degree.

The muscle car hadn't found a single picture, not a damn one. Finally he had given up on searching for them, and instead finding the cars that Brian once knew. Hearing stories of the great racer was almost as good as the real thing. Descriptions of his appearance and personality was all he had.

Alex knew his racing life, but never knew the car for what he really was.

And that was why it was such a shock for the Mustang, to see the car yelling at him in his own hospital room. He never thought the car was still alive, let alone still living in this very town. Now Alex had a chance to get answers to his questions.

Something else was bothering him as well. The tone in Brian's voice, during their last conversation through the wall, there seemed to be a trace of fear. Chilling in a way, yes, but it didn't seem to fit.

The stories he was told about Brian, were of a fearless car. A car that you didn't get in the way of, tougher than tough. More importantly, a hero and a strong individual. Just how exact that information was, didn't matter. Because that had been mentioned in all of the stories.

Though there was something missing, something terribly wrong to all this.

Alex sighed again, not knowing where to start. It was all a rush, losing and gaining something in return. A friend gone, but inspiration returning. Even that didn't seem good enough to balance those forces out.

Sharply, he took his gaze off the ground and looked up at the entrance to his room. The doors were being pushed open, and two doctors slowly rolled in to greet Alex.

"Hello," Brennard started, giving the car a warm smile. "This is my colleague, Doctor Colby. We wanted to run some information past you and know your opinion on it."

Alex gave the two doctors an odd look, not completely sure of Brennard's statement. "What about?" He finally asked, wondering if it was good news.

"Well," Colby said, driving closer. "We both believe that we should go ahead and do our next procedure for you. Doctor Brennard and I have discussed this many times today, and found no reason not to fix your driveshaft and exhaust system."

A gleam of hope, for Alex. That suggestion caught his attention, knowing what it meant. He'd be able to start driving soon, having his driveshaft fixed would allow his tires to roll and give him freedom. The Mustang smiled at the two, it was great news. Though he quickly lost that smile when a certain thought struck him. "Wait a minute, what about my engine? It's not exactly in perfect running condition..."

What good would a fixed driveshaft be without an engine to power it?

"We've done enough for now, temporary repairs that will support you for a short amount of time. Intensive rebuilding will take place later," He said smoothly, reflecting on their earlier work. "If you wish to wait until your engine is running healthy, you may--"

"No no," Alex insisted, cutting him off. He was more than ready to escape this room. "When can we start?"

"There's a room open, currently. We can continue with this as soon as you're ready," Colby told him.

"I won't be awake for this, will I?" Alex asked.

Brennard laughed lightly. "No, of course not," He said, regaining his seriousness. "Now, are you ready? This will most likely take the rest of the day, and we do not wish to waste time."

The Mustang sighed once more, being unconscious during the procedure would mean he'd have a chance to be relieved of his restless thoughts. "Alright, lets get this over with..." If anything, he was looking forward to sleep.

Colby and Brennard turned around to fetch some nurses. Soon they were beginning to set the muscle car up, preparing to move him to another room.

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To Brian, the room suddenly got incredibly silent. Almost as if time had stopped, allowing the navy blue Mustang's words to sink into him. He could feel Sadie's stare burning into him, and he wished she would stop. As much as he needed her right now, he didn't want to bring her down as well.

The green car couldn't decide whether or not he wanted to be left alone. He'd never admit it, but Brian always felt scared without someone he cherished near him at all times. One of the things that made staying at the hospital even more difficult with each passing day.

Sadie let out a ragged sigh as she nuzzled her husband, finally realizing that he wasn't going to talk anymore. She had expected some grief today, but not this much. "Brian," She started, grabbing his attention. "I've got to get back to work now..."

She started up her engine and began to roll towards the exit when Brian caught her fender with a tire.

"Please," He begged, turning her around to face him. He noticed the desperate look in her eyes, knowing she wanted to get away from all this. "Don't leave, I need you here..." There was so much more he wanted to say to her, but didn't know if he'd be able to.

Sadie bit on her lower lip, distraught and feeling quite helpless. What would it take for Brian to understand her pain? "Sweetie, I'm gonna be late," She told him, but her job was the least of her worries. Leaving this situation was something she needed to do for her own good.

"Will you come back tonight?" Brian asked, hoping he wasn't driving her away.

Sadie put on a smile, even though she knew her husband could see right past it. "I was planning on it," She said, noticing Brian's unconvinced panicked look. "Just relax, okay? Don't worry so much, I'll be back." Brian took his gaze to the ground, finding it hard to look her in the eye. "In fact, I'm looking forward to it."

The green car glanced up at her, and saw the truth in her beautiful eyes. "You mean it, don't you?" He asked, feeling a bit more assured about all of this.

Sadie propped her weight to one side, giving him an amused look. "Since when do I lie to you?"

Brian smirked, things were turning for the better already. "Never, darling, never..."

They sat there, enjoying this brief instance of happiness together. Knowing that their love was still as strong as it had always been. Nothing had changed between them, and that kept Brian going. He sighed, sinking lower on his shocks. "You must think I'm such a pitiful car..."

Sadie rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed. "Enough with that already," She said. "Why'd you have to ruin a good moment like that?" Playfully, she pushed him away by his fender.

Brian laughed slightly. "Sorry about that..." He drove closer and kissed her. "I don't wanna hold you up any longer. Get going, I can't have you late for work."

"Oh, so now you care..." Sadie joked, patting him on his hood with a tire. "Stay out of trouble when I'm gone, okay?"

The green car laughed again, watching her switch into reverse and head towards the Freedom Doors. "Sure thing, Sadie." It was always sad for him, having her leave in front of him each time. He pulled over to the side in front of the window, making sure she was alright until he could no longer see her. Each time he did this, the only way he felt as if he could protect her.

Brian whined slightly, seeing her disappear in the distance; she was officially gone from his view. He turned around and looked at the room before him. Nurses and doctors were still moving about, patients and clients were waiting to be called on.

Wandering around the hospital was what Brian did when ever he could, it occupied his time and kept him somewhat entertained. Though sometimes that wasn't enough, and practical jokes came to mind.

He was driving down the hall, heading back to his room when he screeched to a halt. The navy blue Mustang's words echoed in his memory. He remembered the look on the car's face, and the presence of racing at its worst.

It was then that he started to question the car's statement.

"I just lost my best friend..."

Brian's tires squealed on the tile floor as he slammed the accelerator, trying to reach Alex's room. Pain coursed throughout his engine at the sudden action, though the green car didn't care. For he had something to hopefully prove incorrect. More than anything, he hoped he was wrong.

He barreled down the hallways, turning sharply. A few of the nurses bolted out of the way, their girly shrieks almost overpowering the sound of Brian's roaring engine. Dodging trays, tables and equipment in the halls was beginning to be a bit overwhelming, though it was no match for Brian's determination.

He skidded to a stop at Alex's room, pushing his way through the double doors harshly. His eyes darted around the room, only to have reached the disappointment of seeing it empty. The car's worst fear had been found.

"He's dead... he's dead..." Brian breathed, sitting in the doorway. The machines were gone, as well as the tools. Almost as if the muscle car hadn't been here in the first place. That scared Brian, he didn't want it to end this way.

Brian sunk on his tires, letting his frame rest on the floor as he continued to survey the lonesome room. He began to regret yelling at Alex, being cruel and so rude to the car. If he had known it would've been the Mustang's last few days alive, things would have been different.

Regret continued to grow, and Brian found himself hating his actions like always. "Stupid... you screwed up again!" He yelled at the room. But there was no one to listen, no one to care. "Does it always have to be like this?" He asked angrily, slamming a tire against the wall beside him.

"Excuse me, sir, is there a problem here?"

Brian lashed around to greet the car that had the nerve to bother him. He sneered at the individual, glaring at him with cold eyes. "What's it to--" He stopped when he noticed the word security painted neatly on his sides in bold letters.

Brian sighed, "What'd I do now?" The big sedan moved forward, disagreeing with the green car's tone. Though that didn't phase Brian. "You gonna tell me what I did wrong, or not?"

The security guard shifted to the side to reveal a nurse behind him. "This lady tells me that you were creating a disturbance in the halls, I've been asked to escort you back to your room immediately," He said gruffly, a bit agitated at this point.

Brian leaned over to look at the nurse, and recognized her immediately. "Oh, is this payback for the oil slick incident three days ago?" He asked, but couldn't get a response from the shy nurse. "I already told you I was sorry... damn..."

"Alright, lets go," The security guard said, reaching out to Brian.

Brian knocked away the car's tire with his own. "Don't even touch me," He growled, pushing his way past him and making a right down the hall. One door down, he made another right turn and into his room. He backed up to look at the nurse and the security guard. He smirked at them as he turned off his engine and settled to the tile floor. "You can go now, I don't need to be watched after..."

The two cars left, and Brian found himself alone once again. That awful feeling he got so often when he was by himself was returning, and he closed his eyes tightly in an attempt to shut-out his thoughts.

Quickly, he turned towards his room's only window. Looking out of it, he could see the center of town. It was busy, this time of day. Brian could see many cars driving about from his second floor window, though it didn't matter. His room faced the west, away from the ocean he loved and once raced on.

But even the sunsets weren't as pretty as they could be, they were different from inside the hospital.

From the recovery floor windows, he could see above the entire town. The only thing that place wasn't good for, was peace and quiet. Most of the cars came there, or at least the ones that could drive. Though as much as he hated being alone, he didn't spend more time in that place than necessary.

It was always busy, and the cars in there didn't know how to talk normal. It was as if talking was a contest, and loudest got first place.

More than once, Brian found himself yelling at them to keep their voices down. It worked, because they were afraid, but it never lasted long. Pretty soon the green car's last resort would be to bomb the large recovery floor with laughing gas.

Everyone would be asleep, but at least Brian wouldn't be alone.

He sighed again as Alex came back into his mind, throwing himself into reverse and away from the window. He began to pace around the room, wondering how he could be so self-centered about everything. Not only to the Mustang, but all his other friends.

Brian let go of those thoughts, knowing Alex was gone and not coming back. Remorseful feelings were of no use for that car anymore, it was no longer needed.

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Okay, I think Shane looks at other women way too much. Oh well, he'll learn... And what's Alex's reaction going to be when he finds out who his inspiration in racing really is?