LIghting went ahead and changed clothes before stepping out of his garage, only to be bombarded by mics and cameras being pushed in his face! "Hodoyouexpecttorecover?""DOyouthinkthisismorethanaslump?""Howdoyoufeelabouttoday'srace?""DOyoustillfeelsafe?""Atthisratedoyouthinkyouwillbeacompetitorinthecupthisseason?" It was too much! Lightning looked away from the flashes and like magic, here came Tiffany to save the day. "GUys! Mister McQueen here is still recovering. He needs rest and no stress. What do you think you all are doing for him?" SHe asked the press. The couple men and women glanced at each other than Tiffany. The young woman smiled cunningly as she looked over to where LIghtning was. Was. KEyword there. The press looked back to see LIghtning had disappeared!

Lightning hid between two other racer's garages, panting heavily. SIging with relief after it seemed he was in the clear. This was bad. So bad. Tiffany had to stop. She had to go. Or rather he just needed to make it clear that what he did in there was a huge mistake! He loved Sally and could never, would cheat like that! He just was weak and messed up in the head right now. That's all this was. Lightning peeked around to see the press slowly leaving. Tiffany stood there and made sure they all left his area. He sighed. Staring at the young woman. He missed Sally. He missed being happy. He missed feeling like himself. He needed a break but.. "Lightning." Called Tiffany, catching the champion's attention. Tiffany walked over and asked, "Are you still hiding from them?"

Lightning blushed, "No." He snapped. Tiffany raised a brow as she asked, "Am I making you uncomfortable now?" Lightning shook his head. Tiffany smiled, "Good. I don't want to do that. It's okay if I stay your rookie for now.. Right?" She asked. LIghtning nodded silently. Tiffany smiled wider and expressed her excitement, "I can not thank you enough! I thought after that little awkward but you might tell me to leave." She admitted. LIghtning's brows lowered as he reminded, "I can't fire you. I was assigned you. All I could do is fill out a sexual harassment form and you don't need that on your records." Tiffany turned pale. Confused as to what she just heard. "Wait? DO you blame me for what just happened in there?" She asked. Lightning shrugged asking, "Well who was the one teasing and flaunting her stuff around like it was for sale?" "Excuse me!?" Tiffany snapped! "OH come on." Lightning griped, "You even slept with Bobby. Multiple times. Only the sluttiest women do that." Tiffany's jaw dropped! How dare this man accuse her of this and call her such names! "Wow... I thought it was just all fun but now I see you racers were just passing me around, huh?" The young woman snarled as she placed her hands on her hips. LIghtning glared at her. Not sure what to say to this girl right now.

"It's not like that, Tiff." He tried explaining. Tiffany shoved her and into Lightning's face and scolded, "whatever. I thought you were nice. Turns out you are as fake as the rest of them." LIghtning pushed her hand down gently and argued, "I'm not fake. I just.. You were teasing me a lot of the time. I.. I messed up. I read you wrong and I shouldn't have anyway. I'm engaged." "Nice. Now you remember that part, huh. Also, how? How was I teasing you?" "Seriously? The perfume, the gifts, the smell of your neck, the sports bras, the tattoo. You were begging for me to touch you." "Maybe I was." She replied seductively as she pushed Lightning against the grey brick walls. Lightning's eyes widened as he stared down at Tiffany. Blankly with surprise. He swallowed nervously. Tiffany wrapped her hand around his throat and standing on her toes to whisper into his ear, "I want you to fuck me, Lightning. IN every hole, every way possible... And I want you to do it rough. I don't want you to treat me like a first-timer. I want to be abused by your large and meaty"-"OKAY!" Lightning yelped as he gently shoved her away. Her sexy tone, voice, whispers get him worked up. He sighed. That was a lot to take in. "Meet me in the empty garage in two hours. Everyone should be cleared out by then.. If this is what you want, that is." She referred to her body then walked away, swaying her ass to tease his inner fire. LIghtning watched her walk and thought about it. Should he? No! Could he? Sure.. Would he?.. NOt sure yet. He was thinking about it though. Oh, he betted Tiffany would be an amazingly energetic little fuck. All wild and every hole. Shit.. He wanted to fuck her so badly. First the mouth, then her wet and sloshy area than her ass. Fuck.. Taking turns between her kitty and her ass would be fun. Could be that is. There was no doubt. But Sally. She would never know. If he did, that is... But no. He shouldn't. He couldn't do that. Not to Sally...

Two hours later. On the clock. Lightning found himself staring at the empty garage's front door. He swallowed nervously. why was he even here? He wondered. Sally was plenty good enough. She was fine. So why was he here and looking for sex from another woman? He looked around and saw that most of the people were already gone. Very few were left and those people couldn't care less of him. He sighed. Staring at the pavement beneath him as he debated on what to do here. Here were his thoughts. For one, Sally was a liar. She stopped taking birth control. On top of that, she was acting crazy anymore. Dying her hair and wanting to try things that weren't her. She was being so pushy lately too. Making all and any of his decisions. But also, he was engaged to Sally. He loved her. He didn't want to date Tiffany. He didn't love Tiffany. It just seemed fun to take her for a spin a few times and that's it. Nothing more. Just get the curiosity and wonder out of the way. Lighting walked up to the door and reached for the handle slowly. Still unsure what he would do. He opened the door and walked in, closing it behind him. Only to see Tiffany sitting on the table bench on the sidewall. Wearing a long-sleeve 95 shirt. It was larger on her. Baggy. The bottom of it reached just her mid-thighs. Her hair is down and straight, light make-up with heavy eyeliner and matte plum lips.

Not her best color but she looked beautiful. He wondered if she had anything underneath that shirt. "You're.. Wearing my number." Lightning pointed out softly. Tiffany hopped down with a smile on her face, "I am." She replied. Walking up to the champion slowly. She stopped in front of him. The two stared at each other intensely. "Do you want to do this?" She asked as her hands went to his shoulders. Rubbing them and felt his muscles. LIghtning swallowed nervously answering, "I don't know. I feel sick about this.." "Well, we don't have to. After all, I'm only a slut." SHe growled. Lightning didn't feel bad for calling her that at all. She was a slut in his eyes. He sighed, "Look.. YOu are a very beautiful, young woman. Very attractive. Any man.. Most men would want you. Trust me.." "Then shut up and just kiss me already, Lightning. Don't you remember what I want you to do to me?" SHe asked seductively as her face came closer and closer to his. Lightning stared at her lips. Her soft, plump lips. Tiffany smiled and kissed his chin, then his cheek, his neck, his throat. She could feel his pulse with her lips and she loved it.

One of her hands slid up to the back of his neck, up to his hair as she gently played with it in her fingers. She was amazing. Knew what buttons to push. Tiffany slowly stopped and leaned her head into the crook of Lightning's neck and muttered, "I bet we would be amazing together. Sexually. I think we match each other's energies." Lightning kind of agreed. Tiffany rubbed her hand over his chest, the other hand on his ass. She rubbed from his chest down to his stomach, over his abs, and to the end of his shirt where she slipped her hand underneath. Rubbing his abs and stomach. She stopped when she felt his scars. "Does it still hurt?" She asked softly. Lightning sighed, "Not too badly.." Tiffany looked up into his blue eyes and smiled, "Better let me take the lead then tonight, Mister McQueen." LIghtning glanced down at the young woman and swallowed nervously. NO. NO, NO, NO! Stop right now. This has gone way too far already. She then rubbed her hand down, out of the shirt, and over his growing member.

Feeling him harden in his pants. His face tightened, turning a bit pale with blushing cheeks. It made Tiffany giggle a bit. "I wouldn't think that the famous Lightning McQueen would get shy." LIghtning grabbed her hand. Stopping her from rubbing his member any further. "Want me to stop?" Did she ask? LIghtning nodded. No words. He couldn't muster the words to tell a beautiful young woman to stop touching him. Tiffany pulled back and asked, "Is this too much?" Lightning hesitated before answering, "A little, yeah.. I just.. It feels wrong. I'm sorry.. I thought I.. I thought.. I don't know what I thought. I need to go." He then made his way to the door. Tiffany stopped him with a clearing of her throat then pointed to his downstairs regions. Lightning glanced down to see his hard member through the jeans. He sighed. Tiffany smiled proudly and teased, "I could have helped with that. Your loss." Before walking around him and heading out the door. Leaving Lightning alone with his hard problem...

Lightning quietly snuck out of the garage. Trying to make his way to his trailer where he would plan to grab his keys then catch a cab to the motel for the night. Making his way past the reporters carefully, the other racers which included Cal. Making his way quietly past a few crew members and fans. Almost to his trailer when Mack stopped him, "Hey, Lightnin. Can I talk to you for a sec?" the driver asked. Lightning sighed. Just want to get to bed. He turned and faced his driver and put on a smile, "Sure." He replied. Mack walked up and asked, "How are you doing?" "Fine, why?" "You've been through a lot.. And.. I just wanted to check on you." "I'm fine. Worry about yourself, Mack." Lightning snarled sharply. Mack frowned and the kid noticed. Lightning sighed and apologized. "Sorry.. Look.. I'm just tired." "Yeah, sure. Of course." Mack muttered. Lightning stared a moment. Not sure what to say to make the man feel better about this conversation. "What is really on your mind?" Asked Lightning, crossing his arms. Mack hesitated before admitting, "You've been snappier, rude, tired, seem depressed.. Avoid people and what I saw in the garage with"-"Nuh-uh! You saw nothing because nothing happened!" LIghtning snapped! Mack's eyes widened. Lightning's brows raised as he heard it himself now. Mack was right.

The racer closed his eyes and took a deep breath before continuing, "Alright, I'm.. I'm not okay." "What's up? Maybe I can help?" Offered the truck driver. LIghtning snickered, "I doubt it. I'm sorry I've been rude. I just.. I don't know whats's wrong with me, Mack. I feel different and I'm getting into things I never usually would." "Tiffany?..." Mack questioned cautiously. Lightning stared at his older friend a moment before answering, "Yeah... And other things... The track used to feel like home to me. Sally used to make me feel complete and yet recently.. I feel lost and confused and no matter what I do? I feel so unhappy that I hate everything around me. It's partially why I'm avoiding going back home so much.. I just stay at the motels until the last minute and take the long flights home because I just want to be alone anymore... I was going to take the year off but..." He paused. Mack placed a hand on the racer's shoulder and replied, "I heard. Have you talked to Rusty and Dusty about that break sense the President spoke with you?" "No." "Should. And maybe your doctor? It's not normal for you to isolate yourself so much." "Yeah.." "ANd talk with Sally. You know she only wants to help you." "I know but.. We are supposed to be planning our wedding, Mack. And I screw up sp much for us as it is.. I don't want to worry her or put more stress on her than she already has. I honestly wish she'd quit working so much. And I just know she's going to make me retire shortly after we're married." "Really? You think she'd make you?" "Yes. No.. Sort of. She's already talking about having kids. I barely want that once we're married." "You don't want kids?" "No, I do. JUst.." "With Sally?" "YES! No one else is more perfect than her! SHe's amazing and I'm... I"m such a jerk..." Lightning whined. Rubbing his hands over his face."OH, I have screwed up, Mack.." He added. Mack sighed, "DO you need to confess to me? I mean I'm here for you, but I don't think I can give you the best advice if that's what you are looking for." "No, I don't need advice. I just.." He paused with a frown. "Don't worry about it. I'm sorry. I just want to get to the motel and get some sleep." He then turned and entered his trailer. Mack stood there a moment. Trying to think of how to help the young champion. He sighed. Not sure what he could do but he felt he needed to try something to help...

Lightning lay in bed early the following morning. SMoking. Breathing in the drug then letting out a deep exhale. Staring at the ceiling. Life sucked lately. He reached over and grabbed the mints Bobby gave him. Popping one into his mouth and grabbed a sip from the bottled water next to the bed as he sat up. Why was he so down all of the time anymore? It wasn't okay. This didn't feel normal. He had no control of this. But he didn't want Sally to know. He didn't want to stress her out more and make this all about him. He wanted this wedding and to marry Sally. He felt sick for what he did with Tiffany. What a jerk! He hates himself for it. It wasn't like he cheated but he kissed another woman. Or was that cheating? SO he grabbed his phone and texted Bobby.

Lightning

Hey, Bobby. I have a question

...

...

NO reply. So Lightning texted Cal.

Lightning

Define cheating

...

Cal

Doing something you shouldn't. Why do you ask?

Lightning

explain?

Cal

Cheating is doing something with someone other than your partner. Sally. Why do you ask? Is something going on?

Lightning

No. Nothing. But isn't there a line? Where you are not cheating?

Cal

No, maybe? I don't understand. Is this why you have been weird? We've barely talked since my accident. Are you okay?

Lightning stared at that text and hesitated but then Bobby replied.

Bobby

What's up?

Lightning

Define cheating in your opinion.

...

Bobby

Getting into a relationship with another woman.

Lightning

But aren't you in an open marriage?

Bobby

Yeah, that doesn't mean I cheat. I do not cheat.

Lightning

But you have sex with other women. Isn't that cheating?

...

But then his phone rang. Buzzing in his hand as Cal was calling him. Lightning sighed and almost didn't answer, but he did.

"Hello?"

Hey, what's up? You kind of worried me with that question. Is everything okay?

"Yeah, it's fine. I was just wondering what you considered cheating. That's all."

I know you better than that, Light. If you are askin', means you've cheated, or are thinking about cheating. What's goin on?

"Its' nothing like that. I just.. I want to know if there is some fine line about it?"

I mean... I guess if you wanted to be technical. But I guess it also depends on said person's opinion. You should talk to Sally about it and see what she considers cheating. That's the best way for the two of you to determine boundaries or this line.

"Yea, uh.. No.. I just wanted to know in general really."

Um. Alright well.. I think of it like this, if you wouldn't want your partner doing it, you can't do it. Does that make sense?

".. Yeah.. It does."

Okay, good. Glad I could help I think. So.. Everything is okay?

"Yeah, everything's fine, Cal. Thanks."

Yeah, sure. Anytime.

"Bye." Lightning quickly hung up as he thought about what Cal said. Then his phone buzzed again. He glanced down to read,

Bobby

My wife and I communicate about the open marriage part. Sex isn't always about love in our relationship. You can have meaningless sex with someone but I love Jesse and would never love or want another woman in the way i want her. SO that is cheating in my marriage. If one of us got into a relationship with another person that wasn't sexual but more emotional I guess. But that doesn't mean I'm a softy!

Lightning snickered reading that last part of Bobby's text. He sat there and thought about that now too. Sex is meaningless sometimes. Bobby was very right about that. Like this attraction to Tiffany. It was meaningless and in the end nothing. He would never leave Sally for her, never want Tiffany like he wants Sally. He still wanted to marry Sally and couldn't even begin to think of marrying anybody else! But then like Cal said. Lightning would hate to find out that Sally was making out with another man and sex? OH he would be pissed!!! He knew the right thing here to stop the temptation would be to remove the problem. Tiffany or he had to go...

"That'll be fifty." Said the cab driver. Lightning's brows lowered as he glared at the driver for a moment before taking out a hundred-dollar bill and handing it to the man saying, "Here." IN a growl before slipping on his leather jacket as he stepped out of the cab, slamming the door behind him. The cab pulled off in a hurry. Probably worried that Lightning may want change. Lightning sighed as he stared up at the track entrance. Hoping he could find Chick or the President to talk about finding Tiffany a new racer to follow. He walked in to find a few racers out on practice, some track clean up, some news reporters. Kori smiled as she saw Lightning and ran up to him, shoving a mic in his face and asking, "How are you doing after the race, McQueen?" LIghtning gently pushed the mic away and growled, "I'm not here for interviews, Kori." Kori sighed and lowered the mic before asking, "Okay, off the record. How are you doing?" LIghtning shrugged, "I"m alright." "Been off a sense that man.." She paused. "Pretty scary.." She admitted.

LIghtning nodded. Kori put on a smile, "Well, I'm glad you are alright. Can't wait to see some real Lightning McQueen back out there." She winked before walking away. LIghtning watched her go. Some real Lightning McQueen, huh? He hated hearing that honestly. He needed Doc. He needed Doc so badly right now. But no time for grieving all over again. He came here to get rid of his rookie. Lightning made his way to the President's tent. He was thereby surprised. Talking with none other than Rusty and Dusty. The Sponsors and President stared at Lightning as the racer froze at the entrance of the tent. All in surprise to see each other. RUsty cleared his throat saying, "Thought you'd be heading back home, kid." LIghtning walked up to his sponsors and asked, "I will be. What's going on?" The President motioned for Lightning to have a seat. This gave Lightning a knot in his stomach. Badly. He was going to be sick! But Lightning sat down in a metal chair.

Dusty announced, "We were talking to the Preso here about you getting that break you wanted." "Really?" Asked Lightning. The President then butted in, "Yeah, but nothing has been decided." "Oh, I think it had." Snapped Rusty. The President's brows lowered as he reminded, "We have been over this. In the contract you signed, you have to keep a racer on the tracks." "We tried that and Tiffany is great, but you keep putting Lightning n the front lines and he's not okay." Rusty defended. Dusty agreed with a nod. LIghtning stepped in with, "Woah, guys. I'm alright.." Lies. "I wanted to talk about that. Tiffany." Rusty and Dusty raised their brows as they looked at their racer who continued, "She needs to go. For... For UNspecific reasons, I do not want to be assigned to her anymore." The President snickered and asked, "Did she make a pass at you now too? Gah.. These young women nowadays. NO, no, it's you racers. You all think you can act how you want until someone pushed rules onto you guys." LIghtning hesitated to reply, ".. Yea.. Well... I don't think it's all racers but having female drivers does compromise the more superior racers."

The President stared at Lightning silently for a few seconds before mumbling, "I'm going to pretend I didn't just hear the lawsuit I just heard come from your mouth. Fine. Tiffany can be reassigned to another racer. Done. Are we all satisfied here?" he asked. Rusty and Dusty looked over at their racer. Giving him this look that said if you need to say it, say it now. Lightning sighed, closing his eyes and making the decision here and now for himself. He looked up to the President and said, "I am." Usty then asked, "So no break? You want to keep pushing to race this season still?" Dusty then with, "YOu can take a week or two off, kid. IT will be fine." Lightning stared up at the President a moment before back to his bosses and answering, "No breaks. The race track is where I belong and where people expect me to be. I'm a racer." The President smiled and applaud the racer! "That is the Lightning McQueen I know!" He exclaimed. Rusty and Dusty glared at the man. Fearing Lightning may push himself too hard and too far like this...

Lightning walked into the house and announced his arrival as he usually did. "Sal, I'm home." He set down the keys and took off his jacket before entering the kitchen to see Sally at the table with some magazine in front of her. Lightning walked over and asked, "What's that?" Sally quickly shut the magazine and covered the cover with her hands. Lightning raised a brow and kissed her shoulder as he asked, "Now, now.. What are you hiding from me?" Sally smiled, "IT's nothing bad. Just wedding dresses." "Oh. I wanna see." "Really?" "Yeah." "Well, no. You can't see until our wedding day." Sally scolded. Lightning snickered back, "I guess I can wait a few months. Find anything you like?" He asked. Sally shrugged, "It's hard. Looking at dresses made me real emotional before." "Why?" Lightning asked. Sally frowned a little before answering her fiance's. "I just.. Without my Mom.. You know?" LIghtning stared a moment. I kind of felt like a jerk for not even thinking about that. "OH.." He muttered. "I'm sorry." "It's alright. I'll be alright. I have two amazing friends who plan to come with me and my sister I guess." "What about my Mom?" Asked Lightning. Sally shrugged, "Would she want to?" "OH yea, totally. My Mom loves that crap." "Crap?" Sally questioned with a raised brow.

Lightning blushed a little as he corrected himself. "Um.. GIrly.. Things.. YOu know what I mean, Sal." He then leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Love you." He cooed, making Sally smile so beautifully. "Love you too." She replied. Lightning stretched and announced he would be in the shower and leave her to her dress magazine for a while before heading to the bedroom. Sally sighed in satisfaction. Happy to be marrying the man she loved. She opened the magazine back up to a saved page. Staring at the dress she was daydreaming about since she had laid eyes on it. This marriage would be different than the first. It would be actual love and they would never lose feelings for each other. This one would last...

Lightning woke the next day alone in bed. He sighed as he lay there alone. Why was Sally always so busy? Stupid question. He knew why. SHe just worked too much. Maybe they both did. He stared at Sally's place in bed. Was this going to work in the long run? Who was he kidding? Of course! IT had been already or years! Lighting made the bed, got dressed in a shirt and jeans, grabbed a drink, a bagel for the road, his shoes, keys, jacket on, and lost forget his phone before heading out the door. It was a peaceful morning. He breathed in the fresh air of the small town. Up ahead was the main strip where light traffic was moving slowly. Lightning got into the Vette which he had realized been forever since he drove the thing. He had been moping and sleeping a lot of the time when he was home recently. He put in the key and turned on the engine. Letting it warm up as he checked his phone. A few texts from Miranda mostly. He ignored them all. He knew where he wanted to go for a little while. He needed to have a short talk with a close friend...

The Vette sat on the curbside near the small cemetery of Radiator Springs. Lightning sat on the ground in front of Doc's grave. Staring at the letter engraved before him. He sighed. It still hurt as much as the day he lost him. Lightning reached out and placed his right hand on the letters saying 'HUDSON'. The racer's eyes filled with tears. "I need you, Doc. I still need you here." Lighting pulled out the box of 'mints' and popped one in. Swallowing it sort of painfully before taking out a pack of cigarettes and lighting one. breathing in and out slowly. Trying to relax a bit here. Lightning lay in the grass as he smoked. Just laying in front of Doc's grave. "I think... I should have taken a break recently, Doc.. I can't remember if I told you, but I was shot. At the track and.. I don't know.. I just don't feel the same anymore. I mean, I'm doing better but.. I'm tired. Is this what it feels like? To be near the end of your career?" He asked. He stared at the tombstone then snickered, "I guess you wouldn't know.. Sorry." He apologized. It was so quiet here. The breeze felt nice though. It was rather beautiful here. Lightning soaked as he talked, "I miss you a lot." No reply. "Wish you could come back somehow. I just want some advice. How am I supposed to keep faking this? There had to be times you had to fake it with the media and the fans, right? Pretend you were okay when.. Well.. When you weren't.. "

He frowned as he sat up and stared at DOc's grave. So quiet. Almost too quiet. He sighed, "After all.. You did keep being sick from all of us and me for the longest time.. Any pointers on how to hide things like that?" He joked with a smile. A sad smile, but a smile. No reply, no answer though. LIghtning nodded and smoked. "I don't know how much more I can keep coming out to see you.." He mumbled. "Don't be offended but I.. DOing this.. It hurts. I don't want to forget you but.. SOmetimes I think it would be easier to put the past in the past for a while.. You know?" He asked. Doc did know! He left the world of racing and forgot about it for a very long time before Lightning came crashing into town. Lightning smiled at Doc's grave. Putting out the cigarette and placed his hand on the tombstone once more. "See you around, Doc." Lightning said with a smile. He stood up and made his way back to the car and drove back to town...

Lightning walked into the diner to be greeted by all his friends of Radiator Springs. The sheriff smiled, "Hey, McQueen." Flo smiling, "How ya doing, sweetie?" Lightning smiled answering, "Great. Could be better I guess if I'm being honest." Mater walked up and asked, "Wanna do some best friend stuff today?!" WIth excitement! Sheriff cleared his throat to catch the older man's attention. Mater glared at the cop, "We won't get into too much trouble." He assured. Of course, the Sheriff didn't believe Mater one bit. Lightning snickered, "Maybe tomorrow. I was trying to find Sally. Was sort of hoping she'd be here with the time." He explained as he glanced at his phone to see the time. Flo then said, "I think she came by about twenty minutes ago for coffee and fries. Said she was headed up to Wheel Well I think. Something about a room complaint." Lightning rolled his eyes and griped, "Again? Really? Gah.. I'm tired of these customers. Always something needing to be fixed. Thanks, Flo." He added before heading back out and to the red car...