Mack helped Lightning pack the last of the new tires for the race car into the trailer then shut and locked the rear of it. Mack let out a sigh saying "Well. That's everything. You about ready to head out kid?" He asked Lightning. Lightning nodded with a frown. "yeah, I guess.. Just gonna say goodbye to Sal and check on Doc one last time before we go." "Take your time. I'm in no hurry and I may need to run to the little men's room one last time before we go. I think that Flo's spicy special might be making an exit faster than expected." "Ew.. Mack, just... Go before we leave please." Lightning griped then walked off to Doc's home to check on the old man before heading out to another weekend of racing. Lightning knocked and the door opened. Doc smiled greeting and asking "You heading out?" Lightning nodded answering "Yeah, in a few.. Sure you can't come?" Doc shook his head and explained "I'm not feeling well Light. I need rest, I'm sorry." Lightning nodded and understood. He didn't like it, but he understood. Doc suddenly hugged Lightning. It surprised the kid, but it felt good and he hugged Doc tightly back. "I'll miss you." "Hey, I'm not dead yet." Doc griped. Lightning nodded as he pulled away with a sniffle. Trying to keep himself from crying. Doc perked up with an idea. "Hey, maybe when you get back we could have some one on one practice. Just you and me. Like old times. what do you say to that Rookie?" Lightning smiled answering "I'd love that." "Good. Let me get some needed rest over the weekend and I'll be in tip top shape when you get back. Win for me kid." Doc added. Lightning nodded saying "Yes Sir." Doc smiled proudly at Lightning and wished him luck. "Stay safe kid." He added. Lightning assured the older man he would then went and said goodbye to Sally before heading out with Mack...
Once Lightning arrived to the motel, he called Sally.
Hey.
"Hey, how's Doc?"
What? Um.. Same as when you left this morning. His nurse got here not to long ago.
"I can't believe Doc needs a nurse..."
Well, he's just... He doesn't want us to see him.. Get worse up close.
"We're going to watch him die.. Can't get worse than that."
I know... Do you want me to come up there? I can just.. Be there with you, for you..
"No, it's fine. I'm fine.."
You're not.
"I know, but.. There is nothing I can do to stop this.."
...
"..."
We should throw him a sort of.. Thanks for everything party. He's done so much for us and the town and multiple people in town.
"That's not a bad idea. I think he'd like that."
Really?
"Yeah. It sounds nice."
I'll get on that than. I'll talk to Flo and Mater and Sheriff and we'll get it worked out. We can have a private party up and Wheel Well. Doc deserves it.
"He really does.. It sounds like something that's long over due."
Okay, well. I'll make sure we have that this week. The sooner the better.
"..Yeah.."
I am not sure I like you being alone like this Lightning.
"I'll be fine."
Yeah, well.. I've never seen you so.. Depressed.. I'm worried that you may get worse.
"I'm not suicidal or anything Sal. My.. Coach, Doc is dying. I'm aloud to be a little fucking depressed."
I know, okay.. Sorry.. I just.. I'm trying to look out for you..
"... I don't need that from you right now. I can take care of myself."
Okay., I know..
"...(sigh).. I'm sorry.. I love you.. I'm sorry."
I love you to Stickers.
"..."
You know... You're not the only one hurting Lightning..
"I know."
... Doc means a lot to a lot of us here.
"I.. I know, I'm sorry.. Just.. I'm not in a place to be there for anyone.. I just want to be alone."
Why? Why would you want to shut yourself out?
"It's just easier for me, okay! I'm sorry, but if you're looking for comfort, it's not through me right now! I love you, but I need to go. I'll call later." Lightning then hung up. ON SALLY. He wasn't trying to be mean, but he wanted to be alone...
Lightning walked out of his trailer and took a deep breath as he stared out at the busy track area. The announcer was speaking random crap, crowds of fans and ratzi following everyone around with giant cameras and phones flashing everywhere, loud screams from other fans, car engines roaring, gas and burning rubber in the air. For the first time.. He did not want to really be here all that much. He rather just be back home in Radiator Springs looking after Doc or something. Just not here right now. "Hey Lightnin." Cal greeted. Lightning looked at his friend and sighed . "How are you doin?" Cal asked. Lightning only snapped back in a growl. "I'm fine Cal! Not really, but I'm fine! I just want to get this day over with." Then walked off rather quickly towards the rear of the trailer as it began to open and reveal the Bolt. Cal followed him and asked "Do you want to talk? If you need someone, I'm"-"Yes Cal, I get it! I don't need therapy." The door ramp thud to the ground and Lightning walked inside, grabbing his suit, helmet, gloves and tossed them into the Bolt. Cal watched with concern. Lightning was really emotional. "Lightnin you should calm down before the race.. You shouldn't race angry." "I know!" Lightning shouted then closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them back up, saying "Sorry.. You're right.. I just.." He didn't know how to say or exactly how he was right now. Cal put on a smile and replied "It's okay Light. I'm here, Bobby's here somewhere.. Look, don't feel like you're alone, you're not." Lightning stared at Cal and remembered how Cal lost his cousin and Father to racing. And while that was not relatable in this particular scenario, Cal lost a Father, someone who was close which made Lightning think how Cal might be his greatest help through this. "Hey Cal.." Lightning called. Cal looked to Lightning with a small smile. "How did you handle losing your Father?" Cal stared a moment before staring at the ground and thinking about it. "Well.. I was a lot younger. I was just a kid back then Lightnin..." "Oh.." "But... You just get through it day by day. Luckily I had Uncle Strip and Aunt Linda there. You have good people to Light. We are all here for you." Cal assured. Lightning smiled a little and thanked Cal for that. Cal nodded and wished Lightning luck in the race before heading to his garage. Lightning stared at the Bolt and took a deep breath. He did need to calm down before the race, Cal was right. Day by day...
Lightning pulled into the pits and got out the car. Leon was there and greeted "How are you doing Lightning?" Lightning took off the helmet and asked "Are we all set to go ahead and practice?" A little rudely. Leon nodded answering "Yep. You want to actually practice today?" Lightning nodded growling "Yeah, I need to get my mind off..." Leon understood. Doc warned Leon about how Lightning knew now and may be a bit agitated this week. Lightning put the helmet back on and climbed into the red race car. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and whispered. "Okay.. Focus.. Speed.. I. Am. Speed... Speed.." But his heart ached and he felt something like a hammer, a nail, a bat, SOMETHING being hit hard into his chest. He almost choked. He couldn't do this. He was not ready to race today at all. One more deep breath in... And out. "Focus McQueen..." He warned himself. He opened his eyes and stared out at the track. He wasn't ready for this, but drove out the pits and began to increase speed on the track and try driving a while to take his mind off maybe...
Lightning would break the track record today and qualify for 8th and take 1st in the end...
Lightning pulled the Bolt into his garage and got out the car as the garage door shut behind him. Once shut, he took off the helmet and threw it HARD at the wall, BANG! He kicked the side of the bolt yelling "FUCK!" And that hurt so he wound up kneeling on the ground yelling "FUCK!" Again in pain. "Fucking.. Fuck..." he growled to himself. He took a deep breath and sat on the ground, leaning against the race car. He sighed, ranked with depression. He was losing Doc.. It wasn't fair and the fact that he could do nothing except sit around and feel like just wait for him to die made him feel worse about it. Lightning stood up and stared at the race car. Thinking about all of the times he and Doc practiced and trained. He may never need to use those techniques Doc taught him, but suddenly he would give anything to be training like that again...
Lightning returned to Radiator Springs as quick as he could. He really wanted to see Doc and really was looking forward to that bit of racing between him and Doc. It had just been so long! Lightning walked into the diner of Flo's to see a pretty empty lobby. He walked up to the register where Mia was and asked "Where is everyone?" Mia looked at Lightning answering "I don't know. Been a real quiet morning. How was the race?" "It was fine." Lightning growled. And yes, it was weird having Mia and Tia work with Flo for so long, but eventually Lightning (And Sally) Learn to live with it. "Has Doc been by today?" He asked. Mia shook her head answering "No, haven't you heard?" "Heard what?" Lightning's face turned pale. Did Doc die already!? No, Sally would have called, right? Duh. Mia looked around. Again, no one was there though. "Doc was placed in the clinic by that new nurse of his. I heard he had some sort of episode or something from the Sheriff." Lightning didn't even continue the conversation. He just rushed out of the cafe and headed straight for the clinic area of the hospital and ran to the front desk asking "Doc Hudson, where is he?" The woman pointed answering "Last door down the hall." Lighting basically ran to the door. He could see it and grew closer as he ran that way. Realizing that one of these times he was going to come down these halls to see Doc for a last time. Lightning stopped at the door and opened it quickly calling "Doc!?" Doc sat in the bed with a woman, his nurse next to it in a chair. Lightning walked over and asked "What happened?" Doc sighed, breathing loudly and oddly before answering "I just passed out. It's normal, nothing to really worry about." His voice.. He sounded weak. Lightning fell to his knees and dropped his head on the bed next to Doc and broke crying "Fucking scared me!" he began to cry. Doc looked at his nurse who could take a hint and left quietly. Once alone, Doc lay his hand on the shoulder of Lightning who was falling apart in tears. "It's okay Lightning." "No, it's not!" He shouted in tears as he looked up at Doc. "I was afraid I already lost you." He whined. Doc snickered and smiled assuring the kid that it wasn't his time yet. Lightning calmed down, wiped his tears and stood up, apologizing for the crying there, but Doc told him it was fine. "When did you get back?" The old man asked. Lightning pulled the chair up and sat down answering "Not but maybe twenty minutes ago." "Dam.. You had to make it here in under two minutes. Now if you could only be that fast on the race track." Doc joked. Lightning smiled then took Doc's hand in his tightly. "Don't scare me like that." He warned. Doc sighed and explained that "When I feel it's closer and I wind up in the hospital for it, I will call you. I won't just suddenly die Lightning. That's not how this is going to go down. Just.. Promise me one thing kid." "Anything Doc." "Don't pity me as I get worse.. I'm going to look and.. Be a lot different as this progresses... Don't remember me like that. Remember me as I was a few months ago. Please." Lightning nodded. "I promise." Doc smiled and was glad to hear that. Doc used his free hand to pat Lightning's on his other then said "Sorry I am not able to race you as planned yet.. I will. I am going to before all this ends. I want one last race with you." "Yeah, you got it." Lightning assured with a smile and watered eyes. "But.. Don't think just because you're dying I'll take it easy on you." The kid warned and joked. Doc chuckled replying "Better not. I don't want no pity." Lightning nodded and tried not to cry.
Doc patted Lightning's hand again then asked "You racing in that prix?" "No. No, I.. I decided not to." "You should." "No.. I.. I don't want to. I'll be tired from this racing season and worried about you the entire time. Not to mention I didn't go to my confirmation last week so.. Kind of missed the opportunity." "Nonsense. I bet you call, they will answer. You're Lightning McQueen for Chrysler's sake." Doc reminded. Lightning snickered and shook his head with a smile. Doc sighed. His breathing was rough and loud. It scared Lightning a lot, but he didn't tell Doc that. "You still askin Sally?" Doc asked. Lightning nodded answering "Some point.." "Don't let me ruin your plans. I'd like to know one good thing happens, you know?" Lightning nodded and reminded that "The ring isn't even here yet. I have it addressed to me, but Mater's address. He always brings me my mail when it gets to the wrong address. That way Sally doesn't have it handed to her." "Smart. Mater is a mess right now." "Yeah?" "Yeah.. He isn't taking it well either." "No one is Doc." Lightning reminded. Doc nodded. "When I die, bury me here in Radiator Springs." Lightning shook his head and begged "Don't talk like that, please.." "Kid listen. I don't want my body shipped back home where I'm from. I want to buried here. Radiator Springs is my home." Lightning wiped his eyes and nodded. Doc breathed hard and coughed. Hard. The coughing didn't stop and he pointed to a box of tissues across the room. Lightning grabbed them and handed them to Doc who coughed into them. Blood. Lightning noticed the blood. It made the racer cringe seeing Doc coughing blood. Reminding him this was so real. Doc finally stopped coughing and leaned back in the bed. "Oof.. That was a rough one.." He admitted and panted to breathe. Lightning just stared. Scared. Doc could see the fear in his face. Doc took a deep breath then said "I think I'm going to rest.. I'm tired.. You should go see Sally. She needs you through this too." He reminded. Lightning closed his eyes for a moment. Remembering how he had been a bit snippy with her lately. "Yeah.." He replied and stared at Doc. "I know.. I can stay with you Doc." He offered. Doc shook his head and positioned the bed down to lay back then closed his eyes replying "No thanks. I need rest.. You don't need to watch me sleep. I have Sharon for that.. You go on and when I get outa here, you better bring your A game to Willy's butte. Because I'll be bringing mine.`` He warned. Lightning didn't smile. He was scared. Too scared. He just nodded a little bit then stood up and sighed. "You call me if anything, okay?" Doc nodded, but kept his eyes shut. Doc was weak and tired. Lightning hated this...
Lightning went home and walked into the garage. Sally wasn't home, Bandit was put up. He went and sat down in the garage. Staring at the vette inside. Just staring at it. Thinking about using as a distraction. He stood up and stared at the car a moment more before taking the bat in the corner of the room. The car was in pretty perfect condition, and he needed something to do. He needed something to take the anger out on. Lightning reared back next to the car and swung... BAM!
Right into the driver door making a huge dent. It.. Felt kind of good. He reared back and swung... SMASH! Right into the driver window. It didn't break it through, but it did bust it good, cracking it badly. He swung over this head and.. BAM!
Right on the top of the roof! He reared it back again and.. BAM!
Right on the top of the hood!
bam Bam BAM!
Sally rushed into the garage and panicked at the sight! "LIGHTNING!" She ran up to him and as he reared back, she grabbed the bat and stopped him! "What are you doing!?" Lightning saw her and snapped out of this moment he had. He stared at the busted up car and looked at Sally again and broke. He began to cry.. Releasing his grip on the bat and falling to his knees in tears. Sally dropped the bat and fell to her knees in front of him. Her eyes in tears as well as she and he held onto each other. Just letting out a good and painfully needed cry onto each other. "I.. I can't do this." Lightning cried loudly. Sally rubbed his back and assured "Yes you can. We can together, okay?.. I'm right here.. You're not going through this alone." "I'm trying my best to be okay! I'm sorry, I can't.. I just can't do it Sally.. I can't.. I don't want to do this!" He cried. Sally only cried with him. Holding each other on the cold floor of the garage. "I'm sorry!.. I'm sorry.." He cried hard into his girlfriend's arms, he held her tightly to him. Apologizing over and over as Sally held him and reassured him it was okay to fall apart with her. "You don't have to apologize, Lightning." She whimpered and sniffled. "You don't have to try so hard around me. You can fall apart with me.. It's okay to cry." She cried and sniffled. Lightning let it out. Crying into her loving arms. There was no one else he would be this open with. Barely, possibly not even his own Mother. There was just no one else he could let that wall down with. It was another reason he wanted to marry this amazing woman. She was the only person he would dare break through his every wall for and let her see the very core of him. The part of him that looked like a helpless child rather than the man that the fans grew to love, the person his friends and family saw him as, the lover girls thought him to be. "I love you." Lightning cried over her shoulder. Sally's heart melted. They probably grew closer somehow through this moment. Sally kissed the side of his neck replying in a sad whimper with "I love you to Lightning.. I love you so much.. We'll get through this.."...
For the next several days, Lightning spent most of his time with Doc. First in the hospital, then at Doc's home and garage. They talked about the coming playoffs, strategy, the Bolt, racing in the future with Leon.
Lightning walked into his home to the smell of casserole in the oven. He sighed and closed the door. Sally walked over asking "Hey, how is Doc?" "He's okay.. Seems better now that he's been home.. I hate that I'm leaving already tomorrow.." He admitted. Sally nodded and hugged him saying "I hate it to.. Could you not.. Sit one race out?" She asked softly Lightning pushed her away snapping "Fuck no. I have to be on top. The other racers know I'm weak right now and if they see it, they'll use it against me. I have to be on top one hundred percent!" He yelled. Sally stared at him. They stared at each other. Lightning frowned and apologized. "I'm sorry. I.. I'm going to go work on my car.." He mumbled slowly then walked off towards the garage. Sally stopped him asking "Don't you want to eat dinner with me tonight?.. You've been with that car or Doc every day since you've been back.. I miss you.." Lightning stopped and thought for a moment. He was sort of neglecting Sally, but he was depressed and trying to keep it together the best he could and spend time with Doc then distract himself from thinking about Doc dying so much. Sally just wasn't a good distraction for that. He turned and looked at her answering "No.. I'm sorry, I just need to be doing something..Uh.. Alone.." He then walked away and disappeared into the garage. Sally's eyes teared up. She was trying to understand and trying to be considerate, but Lightning wasn't being considerate because she was hurting too. She loved Doc to and she needed his comfort just as he needed hers at times. It wasn't fair...
The next race went well. Lightning qualified for 7th, and took 1st in the end. He was able to avoid crying, avoid cameras and questions about what was going on with him by fellow racers and crew members. And he spent the night alone, quiet in his motel before going back home and soon as he could. He was still in third by season standings, but he was so ahead in points, he was first in the playoffs so he was in that safe zone for entering luckily. He was a great racer and was winning with ease, even in the hard times right now...
Lightning was dropped off in front of his home rather than Flo's like usual. He let out a sigh as he stared at the home. Home for a few days and then back to the races to try and fake a smile for the fans and pretend everything is fine. Lightning looked over and saw Sally's porsche. he really wanted to avoid talking to her right now. He wasn't mad at her, they weren't fighting, but he was depressed and not in the mood to really care for Sally's emotions right now. He knew it was wrong, he knew it was very selfish, but that's what he felt. Lightning walked into the back door, into the garage to the still messed up looking vette that he had been working on lately. He set down his duffle bag and shut the door. Doc's thanks for everything party was this week before he left again. Lightning grabbed out his phone and called Doc to check up on him. It took a few rings, but Doc eventually answered.
Hey kid..
"Hey Doc. How are you feeling?"
I'm doing.. Okay. (Though he sounded worse)
"That's good. Think I could come over shortly?"
Are you back in town already?
"Yeah, just got back."
I must have lost track of the days.. I thought you were coming back tomorrow.
"No, today, but... How is Sharon treating you?"
Good. She's a good nurse..
"Good.."
Actually I'm feeling pretty damn good. How about I meet you out at Willy's butte for a race?
"Are you sure? I don't want you to regret it later."
Are you kiddin? I need to get out of the house and feel the sun again. Besides, I've been looking forward to this for weeks.
"Okay. Yeah, that sounds great Doc. When you want to meet up?"
This afternoon around five?
Lightning glanced at the time before answering.
"Sure. That gives me a few hours to work on the vette some more."
You should talk to Sally.
"I do talk to her."
... You've been pushing away from people Lightning. You need to stop doing that now.
"Yeah.. Okay.."
Good. I'll see you in a few hours. Don't be late.
"I won't be. See ya soon Doc."
Lightning hung up and set the phone on the desk against the wall. Staring at the car. Doc was right. Lightning needed to stop pushing people away lately, especially Sally...
Lightning walked into the house and to the kitchen where he found Sally sipping on tea or coffee and on her laptop. She looked up at him and sighed saying "Hey... Thought I heard you come home.. You go to the uh.. Garage or something?..." She spoke so gently and softly as if she were afraid that she would push him away. Lightning frowned and walked up to her, sitting next to her and pulling her close to him before answering "Yeah, and I'm sorry about how I've treated you lately.. I.. I just don't know how to deal with this honestly. I love you so much and I don't want you to hate me because of this.." "Because of what?" Sally asked as she pulled away and stared at him with confusion. "I can;t hate you for grieving Lightning. I know you are just.. In a bad place right now. Thanks for realizing you've been neglecting me, but.. I could never hate you. I love you, okay. Maybe just... Open up more often, let me grieve with you.. Okay?" Lightning nodded and the two hugged tightly. It felt good to hold each other. "I missed you Stickers.." Sally muttered softly. Lightning tightened his arms around her and muffled "I missed you.. Please come to my next race.." He pleaded. "I need you." Sally smiled and pulled back just enough to gaze into his eyes answering "Of course! I would love to come with you Lightning." "Thank you.." he replied and sniffled. Trying not to cry again already. "I'm meeting up with Doc at Willy's butte later. That okay?" "OF COURSE! Is Doc going to race?" She asked. Lightning nodded, then shrugged. "I hope so, maybe." He answered. Lightning and Sally stared at each other quietly for a moment before Sally asked "Why don't we have a date tomorrow? Been a while and I bet we could both use it Stickers." Lightning wanted to and he didn't want to. "Uh.. I.. I guess." He said. He realized Sally may need it more than he did right now. Sally smiled replying "Great! Gosh I'm glad, because I feel like we need to connect lately. Been a lot of stress and.. Emotional stress mostly, but this will be good." She hugged him happily. Lightning sighed and hugged her gently back. He only wished he felt as good about it as she did.
Lightning drove the Bolt over to Willy's butte as planned to meet Doc. Doc's hornet was already there. Lightning pulled the race car up next to Doc's and shut off the engine before getting out and walking up to Doc's window. "How do you feelin?" He asked. Doc rolled down the window before answering "I feel good kid. Are you ready to lose?" Lightning snickered with a smile. "Sure old man." "Well than get in that car and catch me if you can. Just remember that turn." "Always Doc." Lightning assured than got back into the race car. Doc turned on the engine of his older race car and revved up the thing. Lightning smiled. Happy to have this moment with Doc and turned on the Bolt, revving the much stronger and louder race engine. Doc and Lightning looked at each other through the windows then Doc shot off, giving Lightning the finger. Lightning chuckled a bit, shifted hard and gunned it down the dirt track! With Doc ahead, the two racers drove a full lap around that track. In the second lap, Lightning kept on Doc's tail, the third lap Lightning caught up and passed Doc on the low point of the second turn. Pulling ahead somewhat before going into the fourth lap. The two both made it past the first and second turn. Lightning gunned it to the third, turning right to go left just as Doc had taught him. Lightning came out the fourth turn and started the fifth lap when he saw Doc's car pulled over. Lightning drove fast to his mentor, pulled over and hit the brakes hard! The Bolt stopped with a squeal and dust flew up everywhere as Lightning hopped out the car and ran to Doc! Doc opened the door of his race car and coughed some, but held his hand on his chest and breathed roughly. Lightning fell to his knees in front of Doc and asked "What's wrong, what's happening?" Doc panted, gasping it sounded like to breathe. Lightning quickly grabbed out his phone and called 911 in fear as Doc breathed hard and loudly...
Lightning paced back and fourth in the waiting room of the hospital. Waiting to find out what happened, if Doc was okay or not. Any news at all! What if he killed him? Oh fuck! What if he killed Doc!? He worried and over thought a lot here. Suddenly the door opened and a nurse called "McQueen?" Lightning ran over saying "THAT'S ME! I'M HERE! IS HE OKAY!?" The nurse took a step back, startled by Lightning. "He's stable and will be fine. He just got a little too worked up. He is going to stay the night, but should be able to go home tomorrow sometime as long as everything stays stable." "Great! Can I see him?" "Of course Sir, follow me." Instructed the nurse. Lightning followed the woman through the halls and into a room where Doc was placed for the night. Lightning walked in and stared at Doc who had a breathing mask connected to some tube and machine to help him get oxygen. Lightning felt horribly guilty. He did this to Doc. Doc noticed Lightning and smiled saying "That was... Some race Rookie..." Lightning walked over, pulled up a chair and sat next to Doc's bed. Doc breathed loudly and said "You are a good racer... Not better than me, but... Good." Lightning snickered and smiled a little, but it was short lived. Lightning reached up and took Doc's hand in his. "I'm sorry.. It's my fault you got all worked up." "No.. I... I needed that... I loved it, every.. Every second of it." Doc assured. Lightning just nodded. He still felt guilty though. He noticed the I-vs, the catheter bag on the side of the bed. There was blood in that bag too slightly. Lightning sighed and asked "You want me to stay with you tonight?" Doc took a deep breath before answering "No.. It's... I'll be okay.." He then coughed. He had to remove the mask to cough for a spell then put it back on, breathing hard to catch his breath it seemed. Lightning hated this. This was so painful to watch. "Doc.. I'm... I'm scared." Doc patted Lightning's hand and said "That's good. Means you're human." He then began coughing again. This time blood splattered in the mask. Lightning stood up, but Doc grabbed him and shook his head. "Just get me a towel.." Lightning nodded, Doc let him go and Lightning went and grabbed a towel from the bathroom in the room. Doc's hands shook as he cleaned out the mask then slipped it back on and breathed better finally. "I.. I'm just gonna rest.." Doc announced. Lightning nodded assuring "I'll be here." That made Doc smile at the kid, then he closed his eyes, took a deep breath and began to rest. Lightning sat by his side, watching.. Thinking.. Just being near Doc right now...
"Lightning." "AAH!" Lightning jumped and looked up to see Sally above him. "What!?" He shouted then looked over at Doc who was asleep it seemed. "IS HE!?" He began to panic. Sally quickly answered "Sleeping!.. Doc is asleep, calm down, he's fine." Lightning let out a sigh of relief. Sally kneeled down in front of him and asked "How long have you been here?" Lightning started to finally wake and blinked a few times before asking "Uh, what time is it?" "A little past midnight." "Really?" He asked. Sally nodded. Lightning rubbed his eyes and yawned. "I'm sorry.. I.. I guess I fell asleep.." He admitted. Sally smiled a little replying "It's fine. You told me you were going to stay a while, but when you didn't answer, I got worried.." Lightning nodded and yawned again. "Why don't you come home to sleep Stickers." She suggested. Lightning looked over at Doc. He was so tired.. Sick.. Lightning frowned, staring at him then said "You didn't see him Sally.. He's really dying.." he whimpered softly. Sally frowned and stared up at Lightning. Not sure what to say to that really. Lightning looked down at Sally and the tears gathered up again. Sally quickly lifted up and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Hugging and holding him as his eyes teared up and he sniffled. "It's going to be okay.. We'll be okay.." She assured in a whisper. Lightning held Sally tightly while staring at Doc. Afraid he was going to lose him sooner than expected...