Ok fine I'll break this up into parts /
Late July, 2021. Radiator Springs, AZ
"What is this feeling? This butterfly feeling all over? Ugh. Why is it that when I see her this happens? This feeling is so new. It's so real. It's...energizing like a strike of lightning yet warm like a fire at the same time. "
Red was fighting with himself for the third time that week. It was a fight he'd never thought he had to fight before. He's had a similar feeling when he met Sally all those years ago. The warmth of a close friendship he had never felt before. This time it felt...different.
Rose had just moved to Radiator springs no less than a week beforehand. After all she had been through within the past couple of years, after the countless nights spent alone fighting anxiety attack after anxiety attack, after the countless days of loneliness with no tribe of her own, she decided it was time for a change. It was time for her to find somewhere to settle down. Somewhere outside of Washington. Somewhere where she could be herself. Somewhere she could have the opportunity to make friends and find her tribe. That somewhere was Radiator Springs.
The fire truck hadn't been there a week and already she was feeling at home. The small community took her in and accepted her as one of their own the day she arrived. Flo was the first to notice. The first evening Rose arrived, Flo threw a huge Welcome Home party for her. The entire town and then some attended. Even Minnie and Van were in town. All gathered at Flo's V8 Café to meet Radiator Springs newest firefighter.
The week prior, at Flo's V8 Café, where Rose was being welcomed
As the evening settled in and the lights came on, Red seemed to drift off and lose himself whilst his eyes rested on the beautiful freshly painted and detailed fire engine that stood before him.
What is this feeling? Perhaps she knows. Perhaps maybe she has this feeling too. No! It's too soon Red! She hasn't even been here a full day! What are you doing?!? Ugh!
Soon Red was startled and shaken out of his thoughts by the familiar loud voice of Mater.
"HEY RED! You like what you see don't you? You like her don't you? Ain' she purty?"
Red stood there embarrassed for a moment. He thought about running off to the firehouse and just hiding in embarrassment.
"Mater! Behave!" Shouted Lightning who was now on his third quart of oil.
"I'm just kiddin'" giggled Mater. He soon went back over to his spot next to Lightning and Sally.
Rose soon strolled over and took a spot next to Red. Sally left her spot and came over to introduce herself to Rose.
"Sorry about Mater. He's a little excited and has probably had way too much to drink." Sally apologized.
"Have you met Red yet? This here is Red.
He must've still been out of it because he didn't recognize that Rose had moved from her spot in the center of the lot.
Rose moved from her spot to face Red.
"Red, this is Rose." Sally introduced the fire truck who was now standing in front of him.
"Hello Red. I'm Rosalia but you can just call me Rose. It's a pleasure to meet you." Rose introduced herself.
Rose. Like the flower. She's beautiful like the flower too. Her dark brown eyes match mine. Her voice. It sounds like...
Red came to from his thoughts to find Rose standing in front of her. He waived his mirror at her as if to say hello. She giggled at his gesture and allowed for her eyes to meet his. He gave her a wink which made her smile and giggle some more.
"Don't worry if he doesn't talk, he's mute." Added Sally.
"Oh, no worries. I can still understand him." Rose replied.
Not even two seconds after Rose had said that Mater began teasing again.
"RED AND ROSE, PARKED BENEATH A TREE-" Mater taunted.
"Mater!" Lightning called out shutting Mater up.
As the evening winded down it became known to everyone that this was the beginning of something beautiful.