I want to thank you readers who have and are reviewing. Means a lot to my stupid confidence right now. Anyways, Skoolgirl, what a life. I mean i am glad that your.. Parents? Made it through all that and that is a lot. Not making myself feel better about it, but that seems almost worse. With the drinking and all added. I'm glad things are good now for u and I hope things will be better and great for me and my.. Partner.. To.
And hearing about this new dancing with the cars? Thank you for telling me guest! I wish there were a sneak peak or a clip or something. I cant wait to see it. Thanks guys! You guys mean the world right now as I dont have many reliable people i feel like. Though i am not the most reliable writer and I apologize for that. Thanks so much...
Lightning grabbed his jacket and stared at himself in the mirror in their bedroom as Sally walked in. She walked right up behind him and wrapped her arms around him. "You look nice." She complimented. Lightning sighed and smiled before turning around and looking at her. She was wearing a baby blue pencil skirt like dress that sleeves were off her shoulders. "You look breath taking." He husked. Sally smiled and stood up on her toes to kiss him softly. Lightning took her hands in his and once more apologized. "I'm sorry for how I've been treating you Sally.. It's not you, I just.. I really don't know how to handle this kind of thing." Sally nodded replying "I understand.. I mean that doesn't make it right, but.. I understand Stickers. Ready to go?" She asked. Lightning nodded. "Yeah.. Um.. Not to sound.. I don't know, boring. But... Can this date not last too long. I'm honestly tired and a little sore after sleeping in that chair for hours.. My neck is killing me." He complained. Sally smiled and straightened up his collar. "Sure Stickers. Hey, how about I give you a nice, warm, oiled massage later when we get back home. Hmm?" Lightning raised a brow "Depends.. Is it like a massage or like.. A massage.. Or.. What are we talkin here? Because usually when you start rubbing my shoulders we wind up fucking." Sally giggled accidentally. "A real massage mister!" She laughed and slapped his chest playfully. Lightning snickered and nodded with an attractive and cricked like smile. "Now come on. I'm starving." Sally griped as she went and grabbed her bag. "Yeah, you go ahead. I'll be right behind you." Lightning assured. Sally smiled at him one last time before heading out. Lightning looked back at himself in the mirror and let out a sigh. He was depressed. Even Sally wasn't really making him feel better which made him feel guilty for faking a smile around her, which worsened the depression. But he hated breaking down in front of her and knew she was sort faking a smile to some of the time. He needed to be stronger for the both of them...
The next evening,
Lighting finished tying up the banner that read "Thank You! Doc!" above the bar of Wheel well. Sally walked over and complimented "Looks good." Lightning climbed down the latter and noticed Sally with some different bottles of wine and asked "Can Doc even drink in his.. Condition?" Sally glanced at the three bottles then at Lightning answering "Yeah, maybe. No? I.. I'm not sure. Should I put this away?" "Put it away." Lightning ordered. "Yeah, okay." Sally replied then walked behind the bar. The other folks of Radiator Springs finished setting up the decorations, foods, drinks, etc. It was a nice idea and all, but now Lightning feared that it seemed like a going away party or something. Kind of depressing really. Flo suddenly shouted "I see headlights coming up the bridge!" Sally quickly clapped, grabbing folks attention then announced "Okay everyone! Doc is almost here! Thank you all for coming and please have your speech ready to give because we will begin once Doc sits down to eat or something. And remember! Do not mention the future or anything.. Might bring down the.. Mood.. Alright here we go! Smile everyone!" She shouted. Lightning stared at her. Smile? For real? he thought. Mater nudged Lightning asking "So do we all yell SURPRISE! When he gets out the car?" Lightning's brows lowered answering "No, it's not that kind of party Mater." "OH shoot. I better get my whoopie cushions before anyone hears them." He then shot off around the dining area. Lightning shook his head and rolled his eyes. Mater was.. Just.. Mater.
The car pulled up. It wasn't Doc's, but a white four door sedan. Shanon got out and then opened the door for Doc. Doc wasn't able to drive at this point easily. Lightning hated seeing that. Seeing Doc get worse and worse. Shanon helped Doc out of the car. Doc was wearing this weird contraption over his nose. Some breathing tube like thing. That was a scary look. Doc walked in with some tank on wheels behind him. People greeted and stared. Doc made his way to one of the tables where he saw the banner and sighed with a happy, warm smile. "You all did not have to do this." Flo placed an arm around Doc saying "Oh yes we did. It was Sally's idea though." Doc looked at Sally smiling. "Thank you, but you didn't need to do all of this." Sally walked over and took Doc's hands in hers replying "We all wanted to. We love you Doc and we are more than grateful for everything you've done for us and this town." Doc looked at Lightning saying "I think Lightning here did more than I ever did for you folks." Lightning snickered and approached, disagreeing. "No way. If it weren't for you, I may not have come back to this town." Doc smirked somewhat and said "We both know why you came back to this town." And glanced at Sally. Lightning smiled warmly at his girl. Thinking for a moment about how soon, maybe she would be his wife. Shanon sat next to Doc for evening to keep an eye on him and help out. She leaned close to Doc asking "Want me to get you something to eat? You really should eat Doc." Doc glanced at her and nodded saying "Sure, thank you." The nurse smiled and patted Doc's shoulder gently before getting up and grabbing him a plate. Doc looked up at Lightning asking "Do you head out tomorrow?" Lightning nodded. Doc sighed. "I think it's time we make the official announcement." "What do you mean?" Asked Lightning. Doc frowned a bit before answering "To the fans and other racers and teams. I'm not your coach anymore Lightning. I think the viewers deserve to know what's going on. It will help your image to." "My image? I don't give a shit about that right now." "You've been aggressive lately out on the track. I may not be there, but I watch all of your races and lately, you look like a mess. You're sloppy. Telling the truth about what is going on will make you look like less of a jerk" Lightning couldn't help but chuckle. Doc's brows lowered. "What are you laughing about? It's not funny." He growled. Lightning smiled more and explained. "No, I know it's not. It's just I've missed this. This is the more normal Doc I know. Scolding me about everything I'm doing out there in races." Doc raised a brow asking "You want criticism? I have more. You are taking in those turns way to tight now days. You aren't just sloppy, you're swervin comin out the second at Darlington, you nearly hit multiple racers at Watkin's, you've been hitting your brakes like it's the gas pedal more and more. You"-"Okay, I get it.." Lightning said with a glare. Sally covered her mouth with her hand as she kept her laugh in.
Flo then walked up and asked "You want to get started?" Doc looked up asking "Get started?" Sally nodded. "Yeah, we have a little thing planned." "Don't make a big deal, please." Doc pleaded. Sally snickered saying "Oh it's nothing to big, but you are kind of, sort of a big deal Doc." Doc sighed. Sally then walked over to the front of the bar and grabbed the mic they had set up. "Hey everyone! So we are going to go ahead and start. I guess I'll go ahead first, then someone just come up until we all finish." Pretty much everyone had their plates of party snacks and had sat down at a table by now. Lightning went ahead and sat next to Doc along with Sharon as Sally began. "Doc, you have really been... An inspiration to me. Maybe not so much in the racing field, but you have an outstanding career and you are so determined. When you decide something, you make it happen. I admire that. Doc, I am so thankful that you became the doctor you did. When I woke up in your clinic.. Scared and confused and.. In this town. You eased my worries. You were the one who told me I was pregnant. You were there for me when I needed.. So much. You introduced me to Flo who quickly became my best friend and you offered me work here. You were a sort of therapist for a while there. and I don't know where or what I'd be doing if you weren't here when I needed you. Thank you." Doc nodded. Sarge walked up and took the mic, going next, then Ramone who said. "I just want to say thank you for deciding to stay here in Radiator Springs when people began leaving man. You were the heart of the group here. If you would have left, I have no doubt that we all would have. Thanks for sticking by us small town people Doc." Doc smiled replying "No problem Ramone." Which made a few people chuckle and smile. Flo took the stand next, followed by Mater who cleared his throat saying "I am not sure what one thing to be thankful for truthfully Doc. Shewt! I'm just happy to knowd ya." Doc chuckled replying "Same here Mater." Mater about handed the mic to Guido and Luige, but then added "OH! And if anybody hears a fart, don't worry. It's just my whoopie cushions. I promise." He then handed it to Luige who spoke for himself and Guido. Then eventually, Lightning had the mic. He stared at Doc and sighed before beginning. "Without you, I would like to say that without you, I'd never become the racer I am, but that's not true." That grabbed Doc's attention. "I was talented, I worked hard and I would have ben the first rookie to win a cup. I have no doubt of that... But without you.. I would have never become the person I am today. You and.. Everyone really, but you Doc. You changed me, because let's face it.. I was a jerk back then. You didn't even want me around!" He joked. Sort of, was true. Lightning took a deep breath before continuing. "Without you I would not be able to see life like I do. To be thankful for the little things and you helped me become a better person, helped me in those times where I didn't know what I was doing in.. Relationships with.. People." He stared at Sally, rather gazed. She smiled. "You helped me through the rough patches and gave me advice.. You are kind of like a Father to me a lot of times. The Dad i never had and wished I did. Thank you. I would never have become the... Experienced racer I am today without you, and I don't think I'd become the champion I am today without you. I owe it.. A big part of who I have become, to you. Thanks." Doc's eyes teared up. He loved Lightning like the son he never had. Doc was going to miss Lightning the most...
Everyone began leaving. With that, Sally began cleaning up the place. Flo walked over and asked "You sure you don't want me to help baby? You know I'll stay and help." "I know Flo, but you go on home. I think Ramone is too tired to wait around anyway." She snickered. Both women glanced over at him. Flo rolled her eyes saying "MMmhmm. He always gets that way after eating too much. Alright honey, I'll see you tomorrow." Flo then walked over to Doc who was at Lightning and Sally's usual table, overlooking the view of Radiator Springs from Wheel Well. Flo kissed Doc on the head and said "I hope you enjoyed this. You get some rest Doc." Doc smiled replying "I did and I will Flo. See ya around." Flo smiled and walked over to her husband to head out. Lightning walked over and stood next to Doc quietly. Doc sighed and said "I see why you and Sally love this spot." Lightning shrugged. Doc glanced over at Sally who was still busy cleaning up then looked up at Lightning and asked "You going to propose here?" Lightning looked at Doc answering "No, I kind of thought I'd do it after the first play off race at the race." "Hmm. You think that's what she would like?" Lightning opened his mouth, but then closed it and thought about that. He may have been thinking to do that for bragging rights with fans, other racers, make people jealous. That sounded a bit selfish and not romantic in any way. Doc really had him re thinking the place now which would effect the time of when to. Doc stared at Lightning a moment before continuing "No matter what, you got a good one. You take care of her Lightning." Lightning smiled answering "I will. I have, haven't I?" He asked. Doc nodded because Lightning had. "Did you ever talk to Carson?" Asked Doc. Lightning sighed. "Yeah, and it actually went really well. Better than I expected. He gave me his blessing, so.. I guess this is really happening, right?" He asked nervously. Doc smiled warmly. It was kind of funny and heart warming to see Lightning get nervous about asking Sally to marry him. Doc had to tease. "Not gettin cold feet are you?" "What!? No! Of course not. I just.. Now I gotta rethink where and when." Lightning explained softly. Doc sighed and both stared down at the old town. Lightning then placed a hand on Doc's shoulder and said "I'm going to help Sally clean up. It was nice to spend the evening with you Doc." Doc placed his hand over Lightning's and patted it gently. "It was nice. You take care Lightning." Lightning smiled then walked off to help his girlfriend...
What a great day for racing!
Yes Sir, it sure is beautiful out today. and our racers sure are chasin tail. No pun intended.
Nice.. McQueen seems to be doing quite well. Holding his position in first for eighty laps strong.
Yeah, he's looking good out there Bob.
Leon watched Lightning from the pits. "You're doing good out there Lightning. You keep this up and you'll take first like it's candy.". Sally watched from behind the pit wall proudly as her boyfriend seemed to be dominating the track.
Lightning held his position for a few more laps, but emotions would get the best of him and he'd begin to drive sloppy.
Oh and McQueen scrapes the wall!
Doc watched from the tv in his garage. He was worried for Lightning. He watched as Lightning drove to close to the wall over and over, scraping the side of the Bolt multiple times. Doc sighed and watched. He knew it was him. He was causing Lightning to drive like this. Doc really wished he spent more time teaching Lightning how to ignore emotions when racing now. Lightning scraped the wall again and this time it through him out of line. Forcing Lightning down and off track to a stop. Lightning tried getting back in, but the yellow flag was out and he would restart in 37th position.
Sally finally asked Leon "What's wrong with him? He knows better than that." Leon shrugged as he was unsure. One of the pit crew members turned to Leon announcing "Car is doing well." Leon sighed and asked into the radio. "You doing alright Lightning?" Sally awaited to hear an answer from Leon who nodded then replied "Alright, well car is good. Let's just take it easy the next few laps." He then turned to Sally assuring her that he was okay, but she wasn't so sure.
Ew.. That's got to hurt team 95 there. Lightning had such a good lead and now he's gonna have to basically start all over!
Well if anyone can do it, it's McQueen.
Cal tuned his radio to Lightning's and asked "Hey man, you okay?"
I'm fine Cal.. Just a little distracted. get off my channel.
Cal did as Lightning said, but really was concerned for his friend.
The race restarted. Doc watched as Lightning did well passing racer after racer for a few laps. Then an accident ahead caused racers to swerve and slow, including Lightning who fell behind a lot to miss the wreckage, scraping the wall and the yellow dropped. This time Lightning pitted.
Lightning stopped the car in the pits and the pit crew got to work getting the car ready to head back out fast. A few other racers pitted and were already heading out. The crew finished and Leon shouted "You're good! Go, go, go!" But Lightning didn't move. The team stared with confusion, Sally with concern. A few other cars passed by. Leon asked "What are you doing Lightning? Go!" Lightning didn't answer, didn't move. The car just loudly idled and then.. He shut off the engine and took off his gloves.
Doc watched in shock as Lightning got out the car and took off his helmet, placing it in the pit area shelving. He was quitting. Lightning quit in the middle of a race.
Is McQueen quitting?
There has to be something wrong with the car. Lightning McQueen doesn't just quit.
All the other pit crews and coaches stared as Leon walked up to Lightning and began talking. Sally ran over asking "What's going on? Are you okay?" Lightning sighed answering her with "I'm fine, just.. I just can't do it today." The fans, teams, racers, crowds near and far, including Doc, watched Lightning walk out of the pits and head to the garage. He quit. He really quit. Sally walked next to him, but then Lightning stopped and snapped! "Don't follow me!.. Please..." He whimpered that plea. Sally just stared speechless. Lightning was hurting and he wanted to be alone. He shook his head, turned around and walked away, leaving Sally behind...
Lightning sat in his garage. Alone and in the dim lights. The race car was still at the pits, but the race had ended a little while ago. He knew because he could hear the sounds of engines and trucks being moved around. Teams getting ready to head out and putting up their race cars. The door opened and Lightning looked up to see Cal. Lightning sighed asking "What are doing here?.." Cal walked in and shut the door answering "I came to check on you Light. What happened out there? The Bolt not run right?" He walked up and stood in front of his friend. Lightning shook his head and admitted "The Bolt ran great.. I quit." "You quit?" "Yeah Cal! I quit the race!" Lightning yelled in anger. Cal worried even more knowing that. "Oh Lightnin.. I'm sorry." "Don't be sorry for me, okay?.. That just makes me feel worse. I just.. I'm not all.. That great today.." He admitted. Cal sighed then assured "You can talk to me anytime. I'm always here for you Light. But.. We're about to be in the playoffs. You gotta figure this out." "I know and I will.. I just.. Not today Cal." Cal nodded saying "You're aloud a few off days, it's fine. I can talk to my Uncle and he can convince the President to let"-"No. Thanks, but no thanks Cal. I'll deal with the bad rep later myself." Cal stared at Lightning. He was only trying to look out for his close friend. The door opened again and the two looked over to see Leon who announced "You took home thirty ninth.. Not bad considering you could have taken forty.. How are you?" Cal then took this as the time to leave. Leon and Lightning stared at each other a moment before Lightning apologized. "I'm sorry I quit like that.. Especially so close to the play offs.." "Nah, it's fine. Hell, you're so far ahead in standings, I bet you could take a rain check on these last two races if you need to." Lightning shook his head saying "No, no.. I don't need to do that, I need to race. Today was just a bad day." Leon understood. "Rusty and Dusty want to talk to you. They are a little concerned after how these last months have been going." Lightning nodded agreeing to talk to them before heading home and.. Talk to Sally. Leon wished Lightning luck, told him he was there for anything he needed and that he would see him next week...
Lightning walked out his garage to see Sally standing in wait. "Have you been standing here the whole time?" He asked. Sally nodded with a "Yeup." Lightning only sighed, so Sally higher him gently assuring that "It's okay... The important thing is that you tried your best out there today and that's what Doc would have wanted." Lightning immediately pushed away and snapped! "WHAT!? Trying my best means nothing! What I did, quitting, makes me look weak! Now the other racers will think I'm pathetic and washed up!" "God dam right McQueen." Said Tony. Lightning and Sally looked over to see him, Ghar, and Lou. Lightning frowned and closed his eyes. Mentally preparing for what was about to happen. Ghar laughed and asked "What happened out there anyway McQueen? I was lookin forward to making you eat my dust." Then Lou with "No matter, it makes the play offs a synch when the favorite or Nascar has lost his touch." They chuckled. Sally looked at Lightning who said nothing and just took it. Tony then added "It's too bad you began losing lately McQueen.. It's okay though, don't feel too bad. You just lost your touch. It's no wonder that Hudson Hornet quit on you." "HEY! Maybe I'll give him a call." Teased Ghar. Tony chuckled replying "Yeah, maybe he'll want to coach a real racer now." They teased and laughed as racers do. Sally had enough! "Hey!" She shouted "Doc didn't quit! And you shouldn't bully him like that! Lightning is going through a lot right now!" The three men laughed harder! Lou saying "Awe, how cute!" Ghar then with "He's got his girlfriend sticking up for him!" Laughing away. Tony then asked "You gonna let your little purse dog stick up for you McQueen?" Sally growled furiously and took a half step forward when she felt Lightning tug her arm back. Ghar laughed and nudged Tony saying "Guess we know whose the bitch in this relationship." The three laughed and Lou added "More like who where's the strap on." They laughed. Stupid, immature, toxic masculinity. Sally was so angry and snapped "Get out of here before I press charges!" "Oh no!.. Miss Beverly Hills is going to press charges!" Joked Ghar. Lou teased to saying "Oh no... What will we ever do? It's not like we have bigger, better lawyers and are super famous race car drivers who can get away with whatever we want!.. Oh wait.. We are!" They all laughed. Sally looked to Lightning for help maybe, shock, something. He noticed and sighed, turning his head away. Sally was so stunned. Tony then asked "Don't you want to punch me McQueen? Shove me back?" Ghar added "Yeah, or are you scared?" They laughed. Lou then nudged Tony saying "Yeah, scared he'll get his ass kicked." "Kicked off the track!" Laughed Ghar then he nudged Lou and whispered loudly. "Yo, watch this. This will get him to try something."
Suddenly one of the guys tossed his drink at Sally and yelled "Wet t shirt contest!" The three laughed. Sally was soaked in what smelled like Dr pepper! "Oh I'm sorry... Are you gonna tell on us?" Ghar joked. Suddenly, Lightning grabbed Ghar by the collar and shoved him hard against the garage door, BANG!
Ghar looked into Lightning's eyes widely with fear as Lightning growled "Apologize to her." Tony cleared his throat and explained "He didn't mean anything by it McQueen. Let him go." Lightning stared at Ghar dead in the eyes and once again ordered "Apologize." Ghar glanced over at Sally then nodded saying "Sorry.. Sorry I threw that drink at you.. I was just messing around.." Lightning slung the man around and released him, slinging him right into Tony and Lou. They all tripped down! Tony yelled "Don't think I won't report this and get you kicked out of the races!" Lightning eyed Tony and growled "Than let me make this worth my while." "Alright, hit me!" Yelled Tony. Sally shouted at them "Wait a minute! This is ridiculous!"
And as if Sally thought things couldn't get worse, a familiar and beautiful woman appeared and shouted at the three men. "HEY! Come on now boys, that's pretty poor sportsmanship and that is no way to treat a lady." Josie. Everyone, including Lightning and Sally stared shocked. Josie was wearing some long black dress pants, a white, dress top with a collar and a brown leather jacket. Ghar and Lou didn't really know Josie, but Tony did. Josie approached Tony saying "Get your boys and get out of here Tony. You will be lucky if Strip doesn't hear about this." Tony's brows lowered as he defended "Hey! I HAVE a right to playfully tease fellow racers and intimidate him! And he came at us!" Josie only laughed and asked "Oh please.. You think the president will listen to the rookie killer or Strip Withers?" Tony knew exactly who the main man would listen to. Josie then walked up next to Sally, took her leather jacket off and placed it around Sally before scolding the boys with "And last I heard, Miss Sally here, doesn't race. This is harassment and you know better. Get lost Tony. We all know you have to try bringing racers like Lightning down simply because you need to feel like a man." "What does that mean?!" He yelled. Josie glanced him up and down then answered "It means you have a... Tiny... Problem that leaves you feeling a little less than manly." Tony blushed as his friends stared at him. He let out an angry growl then walked off furiously and yelled "This ain't over McQueen!" Lightning shouted back with "You bet it isn't!" As Ghar and Lou rushed off as well.
Sally glared at Josie and snarled "Thanks, but I had it handled." She then took off the jacket and handed it back to Josie. Josie crossed her arms and took the jacket replying "Yeah, I saw that." She and Lightning stared at each other. Lightning shook his head and asked "What are you doing here? I thought I told you... Asked you not to come back?" Josie nodded. "Yeah, well, you don't own me Lightning. Besides, I'm not here for you, I'm here for the reunion of the girls. Tex let us throw a little get together and I wanted to come and see the race anyway. I still enjoy it even if I have no one to route for anymore." She explained. Lightning stared. He just.. Was she following him? Josie noticed his confused stare and snickered saying "Don't flatter yourself Lightning. Look.. I know things got... Weird.. Last we saw each other and I did act like a total bitch to you Sally." She admitted. Sally smirked and looked away in a snotty manner, mumbling "More like a slutty bitch.." Josie glared at Sally and continued "When you have been with someone that you connected with as well as Lightning and I did, you get jealous when another girl takes what you could have had. I hate admitting this, but I was totally jealous of you, Sally.." that caught Sally's attention. "Go on.." Sally replied. Josie smiled a little and did. "Well.. You are a very pretty girl. Lightning is obviously happy with you and is deeply in love with you. And.. Maybe you can handle his needs. Look, truthfully I really wanted the excuse to come here and formally apologize and the reunion was a good and legit one.. I just.. Seeing him made me realize how much I loved him, but seeing you made me realize how gone my chances are and I got... Mad. I hated the way I acted and I really, truly am sorry. I wish I could go back and slap myself in the head like.. GIRL! Get it together! He's just ONE guy! You know?!" She laughed. "I hope you can both forgive me.. Especially you, Lightning. If so, I'd love to be friends if that's possible. I know right now it may be too soon, but.. One day, maybe? Maybe we can all be friends?" She asked with a beautiful smile. Sally was shook, her jaw dropped. "Oh for.. sheesh." she grumbled then looked at Lightning who seemed to be gazing at this woman. His ex, no less. Sally's brows lowered. "UH... LIGHTNING!?" she growled loudly. "I'm covered in Dr. Pepper!" She reminded. Lightning looked at her instantly and muttered "Right, I.. Sorry." Then looked at Josie and replied "Of course I forgive you.. I.. I would like that. To be friends, I mean. I'd like that." He smiled warmly. Sally growled loudly then stomped into the garage. Lightning's brows raised. "I better go.. Um.. Have fun at your reunion." He said then followed in after Sally, but Josie stopped him grabbing his arm and asking. "What happened out there?.. You don't quit..." Lightning and Josie stared at each other for a few seconds. Lightning sighed and pulled away gently answering "It's personal.. I'm sorry.. I have to go." He then went into the garage. Josie sighed and did feel awful and truly wanted to apologize for how she acted before. She let her worst side come out because of needless jealousy and she hated leaving on such bad terms, but what about Lightning and Sally?...
Lightning closed the door and asked "Are you okay?" Sally was in tears and angry. Looking at her boyfriend and snapping "No! I'm not! I just got a freaking soda tossed at me and then that stupid, red headed bitch shows back up! And you just sat there all drooling like over her!" "Wait, what?" Lightning chuckled. Sally shoved her finger at his face shouting "Don't you laugh at me!" "I'm not." Lightning assured with a bit of a chuckled. Sally growled loudly and she tried ringing out the corner of her shirt. "Why do racers feel the need to act this way!?" Lightning pulled Sally close and wrapped his arms around her in a .. Well... Cold, sticky embrace and said "Because we're all a bunch of Jerusalem trying to get on each other's nerves. These new rules got some racers pushing others to get them kicked out. Tony and his friends did that because their threatened by me." Sally pushed away and yelped "So for you to be the greatest, I have to be treated like this!?" Lightning's eyes widened "No! No, not at all!" Sally turned away and asked "Why don't we press charges?" "Because then I'll be that guy." "What guy?" "The guy who tattles and then every racer will be out to get me during the race. No one likes snitches. Out here, you deal with your problems and show them that you remain unchanged. If anything, stronger." "BUT I'M NOT A RACER! I'm not one of you!" Sally shouted in tears. Lightning stared at her. Seeing her like this. It felt weird. Sally was usually so... Well able to handle anything. What was wrong with her? Lightning reached for her saying "I.. I'm sorry.. I.. I didn't know that they really hurt you, I"-"It's not just them Lightning! I, I can't keep swallowing down my feelings!" "What are you talking about?" Lightning asked with a bit of attitude, crossing his arms. Sally furiously yelled "You! I have been shoving every emotion I have down about this whole thing with Doc for you! To keep you on your feet, to help you feel just a little happy! To help you get out of this depressive state! But I can't do it anymore! You are an emotional roller coaster of a train wreck and need to pull it together! I'm not your mom! I am not your care taker and I hurt to! I hate losing Doc to! Just as dam much as you do!" She and Lightning stared at each other for a few seconds before Sally turned away and cried. Lightning knew what he should do about the situation with the other racer, but he just didn't want to be that guy, but... Sally needed to come first and she was right. He wasn't being emotionally available for her these past few weeks and he was being a little unfair about that and now all that build up finally broke in Sally. He felt so bad for that. "Sally I am so sorry and you're right.. I.. I'll fix this.." He muttered, but she didn't care right now. She was too busy crying. Lightning sighed adding "I'll go get you a change of clothes.." Then left the garage. Doing what needed to be done about Tony, Ghar and Lou...
Lightning and Sally got their motel late that night. Lightning shut the door and locked it and Sally moved her way to the bathroom saying "I'm just going to shower.." slamming the door shut behind her. Lightning flinched at the slam, but he felt so bad. He knew that next week's race would be pretty bad sense he talked to a fee people about Tony and those boys and what they did to Sally. Also admitting how he reacted. Lightning walked into the small kitchen and prepared warm tea, grabbed the phone and called on a few things...
Sally and Lightning sat on the small couch and watched some tv together quietly. Sally was in such a depressive place now that Lightning just couldn't let her be like that. Ding dong. Both looked towards the door. "Oh, that's for me." Lightning announced as he got up. Sally raised a brow asking "What did you order?" Lightning opened the door and took a few bags from the man outside then shut the door. Sally raised a brow seeing the couple bags and asked "What is all that?.. I thought you were just ordering dinner." Lightning set them down on the counter and explained "I got you a few things." Sally walked in and curiously asked "Why and what? Buying me stuff does not make up for earlier." Lightning smiled replying "Oh I know that, but I can at least try to make you feel better." He then pulled out a new coffee mug. Pink with a gold letter S on it. Sally raised a brow as he handed it to her. He then pulled out a purple silk pajama set, a pink throw blanket, socks with cute little beagle puppy heads all over them, Chinese take out, chocolate ice cream, a candle that smelled like linen and vanilla. Sally stopped him saying "Please tell me that's all and this is ridiculous Lightning." Lightning shrugged and teased "Alright if you don't want this stuff, I'll take it all back." He reached for the candle first and Sally snatched it slowly, muttering "No, I want it.." Lightning snickered with a smile then leaned close and kissed Sally sweetly on the lips. "I know this is all just junk, but I hope it cheers you up and I want you to know that I'll do better." "Better?" "Yeah. I'm going to do better picking up on your emotions and how you hide feelings from me or for me or whatever. It's not fair. I love you and I don't want you shoving down feelings for my sake. We can just.. Hurt together. Get through this together, right?" Sally smiled agreeing "Right." She then looked at all this stuff and thanked him. Leaning into his chest and snuggling against him. Lightning wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the head. "I love you so much." He whispered. Sally smiled happily. So happy with him...
