Sally opened her eyes and glanced over to see her love, Lightning McQueen, still asleep. She smiled warmly. He was completely mesmeric. Sally scootched in close and rested up against his bare and warm chest. Nestling in and closing her eyes. Lightning woke up with a yawn and smiled as he looked down at Sally, greeting "Good morning.." In such a low, quiet, sleepy voice. Sally smiled replying "Good morning." The two of them cuddled there for a few minutes together in the cool morning and just took in being with each other after last nights fun.

Lightning took a deep breath then yawned again before asking "What are the plans today?" "Well.." Sally replied. "You need to speak to my Dad. I gotta get up and work.." "No... Stay in bed with me.." Lightning pleaded. Sally giggled quietly. "I have three jobs now Stickers." She reminded. Lightning sighed. "I know." Sally's phone buzzed on the side table next to the bed. She rolled over and checked it. "What is it?" Asked Lightning as he pulled the pillow over his face. Sally snickered seeing that then answered. "My Dad is requesting my appearance for breakfast." Lightning sat up, dropping the pillow into his lap. "Requesting? Does that mean you're in trouble?" "Probably." Sally admitted. "Why don't you come to breakfast with me?" She suggested.

Lightning thought about it. "Nah.. I.. I think I'll just go work on that car in the scrap yard." Sally raised a brow. "Why not? You should talk to my Dad anyway." Lightning sighed. He just wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Sally leaned close and kissed his cheek. It was an enticing kiss. "I guess I'll come along, but only if you buy breakfast." He joked. Sally smiled and nodded. "Okay. I'll buy if you come." She tossed the blankets off and swung her feet out of bed. She looked so nice with the long and messy blonde hair. Wearing nothing but one of Lightning's tees and cute silk panties.

Lightning grabbed her hand and pulled her back into bed, crawling on top of her. "We could go eat breakfast with your Dad or..." His lips inches form hers, "Or we can pretned your phone never went off and stay here.. Make out in bed all day, what do you say?" He asked seductively. Sally smiled with a laugh. 'Ha.. I wish Lightning.. I mean I could get use to waking up like this, couldn't you?" Her question made Lightning worry. Was she already expecting marriage after giving her that promise ring? No, that didn't make sense. She wasn't ready just as he wasn't.

"Yeah, me too." He answered. Sally sighed with a frown which made Lightning worry. "What?" He asked. Sally took his face into her hands. "I just.. It's just you are going to be gone soon.. Off racing and traveling and I'm going to be left alone here.. All the time.." She hated that she couldn't go due to the motels and the town duties she had to. Lightning disliked it even more. He was a little jealous of some of the married racers. How their families, wives, and kids would come out and travel with them. Then again, those couples were married and or had children. Lightning sighed and kissed Sally's lips. "I love you. Everything will be fine. When I'm not racing, I'll be here, with you. All the time." "All the time?" Sally asked suspiciously. Lightning nodded. "And I'm going to make love to you every first night back." He added. Sally shook her head and playfully pushed him off her. "Come on, let's get dressed." She ordered.

Lightning watched Sally get up and grab a few clothes form the small amount she brought over. "My Dad will be in Wheel Well tonight, so you can have your bed to yourself again." She said. Lightning stood up and began grabbing clothes. "Maybe I don't want that. You could stay another night or two.. If you wanted.." Sally turned and looked at him. She did want to, but she wouldn't because of her rules. "Stickers.. No. I don't want it to feel like we live together." "But we literally live across a parking lot from each other. Basically the same thing." "No, it's not." Sally giggled. Lightning slipped on his pants, shirt and argued. "Well I'm looking into my own place anyway. Why couldn't we live together?" He slipped out. Sally's eyes widened as she was surprised by his asking. "What did you just say?" She quietly asked. Lightning stared at her like a deer in head lights. Realizing how and what he had just said.

He sort of regretted asking that now. "Um.. I said.. We.. I'm looking into my own place anyway.. So.. Why.. Can't we.. Be.. Together more...Often." Sally glared at him and corrected. "You asked why can't we live together." "Well.. I meant that as a question, not asking if you would.. I mean I would love that, but that's a big.. Step.. That.. Fuck, um.." He was struggling the poor man. Sally rolled her eyes and began slipping on her pants. "So you don't or do want to live together?" She asked. Lightning was silent. Watching her toss off the shirt, put on her bra and shirt. "Well?" She asked. Lightning swallowed hard, nervous maybe. He cleared his throat answering "Well, I'd..." He paused and thought a moment. "Yeah. I mean.. We're ready, right? Plus It'll be so much more easy to fuck you." He teased. But that only seemed to upset Sally. "No." She said firmly. "What?" Lightning asked confused.

"No." Sally repeated. "The fact that that is what comes to your mind when we talk about moving in together? That's exactly what I don't want to happen. We'll lose the spark we have." "I didn't say that." Lightning argued. Sally snickered. "You said it would be easier to... Have sex. We would lose the excitement and surprises and.. I.. I can't lose that with you.. We have a good thing going, let's leave it alone." She explained. Lightning's brows lowered. "Wait, you're scared we'll lose a spark?" He asked in disbelief. "A spark? It's not going to last anyway, it never does. I didn't think we even had a spark still?" "What? How could you not? Things are amazing." "YES! Yes, they are. But.." "But?" Questioned Sally. Lightning felt himself falling into a trap and held up a finger saying "Let's.. You know.. I.. I'm not me when I'm hungry and.. I, I feel starved. So, let's continue this conversation after breakfast or whenever. Kay?" He grabbed his shoes and Sally watched him sit and slip them on for a second. Part of her was a little hurt. How could he not feel the spark? "You don't feel a spark between us?" She asked softly. She sounded worried. Lightning sighed and asked "You want honesty or you want what you want to hear?" Sally's brows lowered. "What do I want to hear?" She asked a little rudely. "That I feel this amazing, rainbows and unicorns, sparkle thing that ignites me between us. I see stars when we kiss. That sum it up?" Sally's jaw dropped!

"And what's the truth!?" She snapped! Lightning stood up and took Sally's hands in his. "That you are an incredible woman and that I love you. There is no doubt that I feel a strong mental connection with you that is also physical, but there is no more first kiss, heart fluttering, spark. We've.. We've hit a routine here Sal." Routine?! What routine?!" She snapped! She was getting agitated and Lightning was trying to figure out how to cool her down. He held her shoulders and assured her "Look.. Everything is fine. Stop worrying." "Is that why you really gave me the promise ring? To change things up?" She asked. Lightning shook his head. "No, well.. Not for the most part. I wanted you to be reassured that I won't.. Leave you." "Why did you think I needed that?" "I don't know.. You can be a bit... Jealous.." He explained. Sally stepped back from him. Lightning quickly began adding "But I also gave it to you because I love you and I am promising myself to you. One day I'll ask a much more meaningful question than just will you move in with me. And honestly, I'm not afraid to take that step now. NOT THE MARRIAGE, but.. Moving in together." He made clear! Sally crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Gee... Thanks Light. You really know how to make a girl feel special..." "What did I say?" He whined.

Sally growled a bit answering "Nothing.. Nothing, don't worry about it. You ready for breakfast?" Lightning nodded and opened the door for his girl. "Maybe your Dad is just jealous of my charming good looks?" Lightning joked. Sally giggled "Hardly." The two heading to breakfast and dropping the small argument they had just had. Though now, Lightning really did kind of want Sally to live with him. Might be nice if they lived together. He also worried a bit about the routine. Did he a little self consciously try to create bumps in the relationship just to add some drift from the routine?...

Lightning and Sally entered the Diner and saw Carson waiting in a corner booth. The couple walked over and sat down. Carson glanced at Lightning then said "I didn't know you were bringing Lightning.." Sally sighed replying "Yeah, he's welcomed. I invited him." Of course she did, thought Carson. Lightning and Carson stared at each other for a moment. It was a bit awkward, a bit intimidating, threatening maybe even? Carson cleared his throat then glanced at the menu. "So, Lightning.. What do you recommend here?" The way Carson even asked it sounded judgie. Lightning went up on defense almost immediate. "Pretty sure there isn't a thing on this menu you'll see as good enough." the kid hissed. Sally looked at Lightning a little worried. Carson's brows lowered as he asked "And why is that?" Lightning snickered and shook his head. "Because you have trust issues." "Trust issues? Son, it has nothing to do with trust issues. Although that little stunt you pulled last night does dissipate any possible trust in you." "Don't call me son." "Why not? Don't orphans just accept anyone as a parent? Maybe that's why you cling to Sally. She is structure. Kid like you needs that." Carson griped. Lightning grew angry, Sally saw it and right as Lightning about snapped something or another, she placed her hand on his knee. Cooling him down fast and stopping him before he reached a steaming argument.

Lightning glanced at Sally and let out a quiet, short sigh before looking at Carson and apologizing. "Sir, I'm sorry about last night.." "No, you're not." Carson corrected as he looked over the menu. "Don't apologize for something you aren't sorry for. It's degrading." Lightning's jaw dropped as he looked at Sally. Sally shrugged and Carson noticed. "Sally, don't instruct him how to act around me. Lightning is a man, he can speak for himself." Sally and Lightning stared at Carson a bit confused. Lightning leaned into Sally's ear. "What's he doing?.." He whispered. Sally shrugged. Lightning sighed and nodded saying "Alright, you're right. I'm not sorry for last night." "Lightning!" Sally barked! Lightning only continued. "In fact, I'd do it again Sir. But I'm pretty sure I could do that over and over and over and it would never change how you see me, would it?" Carson sighed answering "Don't take this the wrong way kid, though I'm sure you will, but.. You are entirely wrong for her. The type of woman you need is.. Is out there just"-"Just not Sally, right?" Lightning growled. Carson glared blankly. Clearing his throat roughly, "Kid, I've been nice.. But I will not let my daughter fall for some pretty boy smile in a sports car. You think you know what a man is, but you are far form it. Still learning. Be honest, the only reason your eyes even looked upon my girl's way is because you were looking at her physical features. You planned on one night or two and dumping her just like the others, right? I mean, I'm sure there were others." Lightning had it!

Mia walked over and set down Carson's coffee asking of the table was ready to order. Lightning looked at her answering "Sally will take her usual, I'll take mine to go, minus the coffee. Whatever this guy orders, tell Flo I got it." Mia glanced at Carson then nodded and left. Lightning looked back at Carson continuing. "You came here to monitor Sally, not support her. I mean sense we are being honest here Sir. Thing is it's going to back fire for you. You can try to make me seem like the bad guy here, but I'm not. I meant what I said last night. I'm going to take care of her. I am going to work my ass off to give Sally the life she deserves and I'm going to rub it in your smug little face. I hope our kids look like me so you get to stare at pretty boy smile the rest of your life and learn to love it. Sir I plan to keep Sally away from stereo typing, negative men like you who think she needs this and that because she's a woman. You are degrading, not me. I'm going to do better than that because unlike you, I respect her and I don't need to put her in place, be firm handed with her, telling her how things are, I don't have to remind her of her place because I know pretty dam well MY PLACE. I am going to be her support, her help, her friend, her protection and her partner. Not her boss. And just by that oh.. You brought Lightning remark at the start, I know you know about me giving her that ring and know what? I meant it. You are stuck with me pops, and I'm going to be the best man I can towards her and you. I plan on making you fall in love with me just as I swooned your beautiful and intelligent daughter over." Lightning stood up and kissed Sally's head of hair saying "Love you. I'll see you later okay? Pretty sure you Father just wants some one on one time babe and I need to cool off in all honesty." Lightning admitted then looked at Carson and added "She's going to tell me if you wind up sitting here, lecturing her, scolding her and putting her down about her life's choices and me. Don't let me find out you did that to her. She does not deserve that and as her Father, you should be better than that. You'd think as her Father, you'd be setting a pretty high standard for the men in your daughter's life, but you actually set it pretty low.. I mean.. From what I gather you want a smart, wealthy, caring, strict young man for Sally, but you yourself are bossy, rude, mean, judge mental, you're an asshole. And I mean that with all due respect sir.. You are the biggest asshole I've met." Lightning then would leave. At least, that's what Lightning wanted to say to this man.

"No, you're not." Carson corrected as he looked over the menu. "Don't apologize for something you aren't sorry for. It's degrading." Lightning's jaw dropped as he looked at Sally. Sally shrugged and Carson noticed. "Sally, don't instruct him how to act around me. Lightning is a man, he can speak for himself." Sally and Lightning stared at Carson a bit confused. Lightning leaned into Sally's ear. "What's he doing?.." He whispered. Sally shrugged. Lightning sighed and nodded. "Well, I am sorry.. I really shouldn't have lost my temper with you.." Carson cocked his head to the side some. He knew he was rude to Lightning last night, pushing buttons. Part of him had hoped that pushing Lightning away would actually push him away, but.. Then there was Sally.

He looked at his daughter who loved Lightning for whatever reason. Her needy, begging eyes melted Carson. He would do anything he thought was best for Sally. Carson didn't try choosing favorites with his children. It wasn't like that at all. Nathaniel was very much grown up. Had his life completely together at this point and didn't need his Father. Samantha, though a bit more wild than Carson liked, was smart and had plans she followed. She had a strict schedule and was doing very well not to stray from her path. Sally however, stayed close to home, always needed someone to get her out of trouble,would get lost easy, strayed, she was broken heart-ed by Ben and then the baby. Carson just was afraid for her constantly. Always in worry for Sally. She had left home and was on her own and then when he finally gets the chance to ease her back home, this kid comes along and makes her want to marry him one day? Really? Him? This kid? A nobody in Carson's book.

Carson sipped his coffee and asked "Can we all just.. Be silent the rest of breakfast? I need to think." Sally nodded saying "Sure, we can go Dad. I have to get busy with Wheel Well anyway really and I'm sure Lightning has some last minute practice with Doc." Carson shook his head "No, stay. Both of you please. I'd like to meet this Doc some time to. He is the one who.. Cared for you in hard times, isn't he Sally?" he asked. Sally nodded gently. Long time ago and painful to remember. Lightning wrapped his arm around Sally, showing some small affection. Carson sighed seeing it, but told himself to at least try and see some good in Lightning for Sally's sake...

Lightning walked Sally out the diner and kissed her forehead before saying goodbye. "You call me when you get done with work up at the motel. And call if you need me, I'll help however I can, you know that." He added. Sally smiled and nodded. "Will do. Love you Stickers." "Love you to Sal." He smiled and watched her walk away back across the street to get her car. Minty was outside and called "Monty." The young man looked over then walked over to his Mother. "Hey Mom. Enjoying Radiator Springs?" He asked. Minty nodded. "Yes I am. This place is just heavenly Monty and the locals are all so sweet. How are things going with Mr. Grumpy Dad?" She joked in asking. Lightning sighed admitting "Not great.. Carson really doesn't like me and I don't think I've given him a reason to hate me.. I mean before last night.. And I guess earlier.." As he thought about. Minty raised a brow. "Why? What happened yesterday?" "I guess you could say I took Carson on a.. Little.. Joyride.." He smiled so stupidly after saying that. Minty's brows lowered. "What the hell is wrong with you!? Why would you do that?" She asked.

Lightning shrugged answering "I don't know.. I messed up. I want to make it right, but.. I don't know how.." Minty frowned. "Well..Just be yourself and.. Be respectful.. Maybe be honest and tell Carson that. You messed up and want to try again. For Sally?" Lightning stared at his Mom and knew she was right. Minty glanced over then said "Here he comes anyway. Now's a good time to start that honesty." Lightning looked at Carson and sighed, but Minty was right. Carson began walking past the two McQueen's so Lightning rushed over to the man and walked along side him. "Mr. Carrera." Lightning started. "Can we just.. Talk? I think you and I got off on the wrong foot from the start and then you did kind of walk in on a.. Bad time.. Here.. Um.." "You were being dirty with my daughter." Carson growled. Lightning blushed and smiled awkwardly a bit. "Ha.. Yeah, but how many of us haven't?.." He joked then realizing what he had just said panicked! "I meant sex! Not with her only. Of course I am only. NO, no! um.. I didn't mean it like that.. Just you..." He sighed and bit his lip muttering "What is wrong with me?..." glanced back at his mother who balled a fist into her other hand with a hammer like motion. That was only confusing the kid more.

Lightning tried to move on from that as smooth as possible. "I am really sorry about how I drove with you last night. I just got a little.. Angry and tired of you putting my occupation down." Lightning admitted. Carson stopped and looked at the kid, telling himself to try and see the good, try and see the good. "Why do you race? Really?" Carson asked. Lightning stared at the man, thinking a moment. "Well," He answered. "It's a passion. I thrive on pushing myself and my car to the limit. Winning motivates me to push harder and well, I grew up around cars and racing. It's.. It's all I know. I'm fortunate to get to do what I love for a living. Especially sense it seemed like fate didn't want me to for the longest time. There is this certain experience I can only feel behind the wheel of a race car that.. Just both man and machine at their limits, there's a thrill and power that just comes with it Sir. A hope that I can be better than the next guy and the fear and excitement of the unknown, never knowing what is going to happen in that race. The proud moment that I realize I get to be a part of history, making faster, better, tougher cars. The speed, the color, the sound of racing and pushing each and every driver to their absolute edge, it's.. There's nothing like it." "So you really love racing?" Carson asked.

Lightning nodded with a smile. "Yes. I could never see myself doing anything else." Carson snickered saying "Well, Sally was right about one thing.. You are passionate about that sport.." As he continued to walk. Lightning continued to follow. "What are your plans for Christmas this week?" Carson asked. Lightning shrugged, which made Carson roll his eyes. "I'm here, your Mother is here and you have my daughter and you haven't made proper Christmas plans? Not even a dinner?" Carson asked rudely. Lightning felt a little silly answering "Well, uh.. No." 'Well start planning! Do you even have a place big enough for all of us? Or do you plan on having it at the little Cozy cone motel room?" "Um.. No, I... I have a place I think." "Inside. Not Wheel Well and outside. It's chillie and we don't need anyone getting sick. One thing I miss with my kids is the big Christmas celebrations. After Suzan passed, we all just.." He paused and looked at Lightning "Never mind. Can you handle planning a dinner for the holidays? Or is that to difficult?" Carson asked. Lightning's eyes widened. "What? NO, yes! I can handle it.." Though he had never planned one before. "Good. Look... I'm never going to.. Think of you as my own, but... Sally loves you so.. I guess I owe it to her to try and give you another chance.. Don't blow it."

Lightning was all wide eyed and surprised. "Yes sir! I mean No.. No, I won't blow it." Lightning exclaimed with a fake, stupid smile. Carson only sighed and rolled his eyes before waling away and leaving Lightning to the planning. Lightning slapped his forehead. "Stupid, stupid. Why did I say that!?" He snapped at himself. Minty giggled quietly seeing her son so flustered and frustrated with himself and Carson. It really did mean that Sally meant that much to the boy. That warmed Minty's heart like nothing else. Seeing one of her most troubled kids becoming a better persona and growing up, falling in love. Nothing like it. An older man walked by and Minty recognized him as Lightning's crew chief. "Oh, hey!" She called as she waved. Doc turned seeing Minty who walked up and introduced herself. "Hi there. You must be Hudson? Right?" Doc nodded once. "People call me Doc." He said.

Minty smiled and shook the man's hand. "Wow. Gotta admit, it's kind of crazy meeting you in person Doc." "A fan?" "Sort of. I mean my boys and my husband were the real racing fans. I've had to watch so many of your races over and over with them. I am pretty sure I memorized every single one." "That's.. Nice." Doc said with a raised brow. "OH! I'm Minty McQueen. Monty's Mother." Doc cocked his head asking "Lightning?" Minty nodded. "Nice to meet you. You raised a good kid." Doc complimented. Minty snickered and swatted the air a bit. "Oh please," She replied. "You don't gotta be modest. That kid is a handful, a tad annoying at times and stupid." Doc snickered. "Let me buy you dinner. You've been working with Lightning and it shows. Least I could do for someone willing to put up with my son." Minty suggested.

Doc shrugged. "The kid has talent. He's a great racer." "That means a lot coming from you to. Thank you Doc. So? Dinner?" She asked. "I shouldn't"-"Now hey, don't you know better than to turn down a texan? Never say no to Texas sir." She joked. Doc smiled slightly. "Sure.. I guess it might be nice to change things up. Flo's?" Doc asked. Minty shrugged "Sure. Seems like that and Wheel Well are the two places around here. Meet you here say?... Five ish?" "Five? Isn't that early?" Doc asked. Minty laughed answering "Not when you're our age. I like to try and get ot bed early" "Now you're speakin my language." Doc joked. Minty smiled happily with that. Seemed like it was easy to get along with everyone in town except Carson Carrera.