Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Doc looks at the document in his hand. He’s been debating asking Lightning this question for days. The two have lived together for almost a year now, so he thinks it’s finally time to ask him the question that’s been on his mind ever since Sheriff slipped him the idea a few months ago.

Doc is Lightning’s mentor, and before either of the two knew it, the whole town could tell the kid grew on Doc. Neither of them used to think they could have this type of relationship with each, hating each other when Lighting first crashed into town. But here they are, living together, training together, racing together.

Doc folds the paper, slipping it into his pocket, he heads up to Lighting’s room. After two soft knocks, Lightning opens the door, dressed in his pajamas already. “Hey Doc, what’s up?”

“I wanted to talk to you about something.” Doc explains, he knows it’s late and Lightning should be sleeping soon, but if he doesn’t do this now, he probably won't ever do it. Doc grips the paper in his pocket as he speaks.

“Sure.” Lightning raises an eyebrow as he sees the tense look on Doc’s face, he’s rarely seen him so, insecure? It’s the only word that comes to mind if he had to describe Doc’s expression. He opens the door and lets his mentor into his room, the two sit on Lightning’s bed. “Is everything okay?”

Lightning rests his hand on Doc’s shoulder, he takes a deep breath. “Yes, everything is fine.”

Doc mutters, trying to find his words. He lets Lightning’s hand rest on his shoulder, it’s oddly comforting. “Just…let me finish talking this time ‘round.”

Lightning nods, he knows when to be quiet, he just has a hard time doing so. Doc takes another deep breath, the paper in his pocket getting even more crumpled. “Monty, you’re 20, a legal adult. I know you are, but…”

Doc closes his eyes, trying to figure out how to use his words properly. ”I see you as my own, you know. I know we don’t say it often but, I care about you, more than I thought possible. I know you already have a dad, but I see you as my own son…It’s…It’s hard for me to admit this, but…I love you, Monty.”

Doc can’t meet Lightning’s gaze, he can’t bear to see his reaction, so he stares at his lap instead where his hand balls into a fist against his jeans. “I wanted to tell you that so you know my reasoning for asking you this…I wanted to ask you if I could legally adopt you. It’s a big step, and it’s unnecessary but I-”

Despite Doc’s wishes, Lightning interrupts. He practically jumps Doc with how sudden and tight the embrace is. “Doc, you’re the best father I could ever ask for. I would love to be adopted by you.”

The blonde cries into his mentor’s chest, leaving Doc a little shocked. Lightning never had anyone care for him as much as Doc did. He never had anyone unconditionally love him like Doc does. Sure he has his biological father, but that man is a piece of shit. Lightning doesn't even consider him his father after he basically sold him off to Harv. 

“You really mean it, Monty?” Doc asks, though the answer is quite clear with how tightly Lighting clings to him.

“Yes. I’m sure, dad.” Lightning chuckles. Doc rests a hand on Lighting’s head, ruffling the fluffy blonde hair gently as his other wraps around his back.

“Thank you, son.”

Chapter Text

Lightning peers into the garage the Hornet resides in, seeing Doc work on the engine of his beloved Hornet. Doc has been working on the same issue for the past three hours. The sun long gone and the moon shining brightly in the sky. The garage door open to give Doc some fresh air.

“Need some help Doc?” A loud thunk was heard and a swear from Doc as he lifted his head from under the hood of the Hornet. 

“I’m fine Lightning.” Doc huffs, this is the fifth time Lightning has asked him if he needed help within the past ten minutes. Doc knows the kid is antsy, always needing to do something other than sit around in the house. The kid really does always have way too much energy, even this late at night.

Normally, Doc would accept Lightning’s help with the Hornet, he’s always been a big help in the past. But today, Doc wanted to do this tune up by himself, to prove to himself that he still has what it takes. He wants to prove he’s still independent, that he doesn't have to rely on the kid for everything. That he’s not that old, he can still do things for himself, like giving his Fabulous Hudson Hornet a quick tune up. But the 30-minute tune up quickly turned to 3 hours. 

“Are you sure? You’ve been out here for an awfully long time…” Lightning says, looking at his mentor with worry clearly evident in his voice and eyes.

“I said I’m fine.” Doc huffs, taking off his glasses, he pinches the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath. He knows Lightning is right, he needs help, he’s been out here much too long, but he's a stubborn old bastard.

“At least take a break.” Lighting says as he steps into the garage, but before he could fully enter, Doc interrupts him.

“Lightning. Go away. I’m fine .” Doc raises his voice, it coming out much more hostile than he meant to.

Lightning’s body tenses, stopping from approaching. With his glasses off and glaring, he looks just like his father, the father that would hurt him every time he was drunk and pissed off. His breath catches in his throat as his body trembles at the memory, at Doc. 

“...I’m sorry.” Was the pitiful, trembling voice of a little boy, it was all Doc heard from Lightning before he quickly ran inside. He doesn't even make a sound as he closes the door.

“Fuck.” Doc mutters, quickly realizing his horrible mistake. Lightning only wanted to help him, he didn’t mean to snap like that, especially not at his boy. He was just tired of getting bothered so often. Doc focuses on his own breathing, calming himself down, Lightning doesn’t deserve to deal with an angry Doc, not when he did anything wrong. 

After Doc has calmed his mind, he puts his glasses back on and leaves the garage. He grabs two waters bottles from the kitchen. He opens and drinks about half of one before he heads up to the room Lightning resides in. Lightning has been living with Doc for months, so long that the room he goes to every night in Doc’s home could be called his own. 

Doc notices the light still on in Lightning’s room, he listens for a moment, hearing no footsteps, he knows Lightning isn’t pacing a hole in his floor this time. Doc gently knocks on the door, waiting for the usual loud ‘come in’ or Lighting himself to open the door, but instead he gets an almost inaudible, “yes sir?”

Lightning never calls him sir, only when he first started coaching the kid, though he quickly stopped after both of them voiced that it made them uncomfortable. “May I come in, kid?”

Doc tries his best to sound gentle at the moment, trying to show Lightning he isn't angry anymore, he knows he has to be gentle with Lightning, that he’s sensitive at the moment.

After a few longer than anticipated seconds, Lighting responds with a soft, “yeah.”

Doc opens the door, seeing Lightning curled up on his bed, hugging his red pillow close to his chest. It breaks his heart to see his kid like this. Doc sits down next to Lightning, who’s trying to hide the tears in his eyes from his mentor.

Doc sighs, setting the water bottle on the nightstand. “I’m sorry Monty…”

Doc starts off, he rarely calls Lightning his birth name, only doing so to let Lightning know he’s serious about something. “I shouldn’t have yelled like that, or snapped at you. I didn’t mean what I said, I was stressed, and I took it out on you. I’m sorry.”

Looking over to Lightning, the kid still had tears in his eyes, but now he has a soft smile on his lips. He lets go of the pillow, hugging Doc tightly, he rubs his tears away on his mentor’s shirt. Doc quickly wraps his arms around his kid, roughing up his dirty blonde hair. “It’s okay, Doc, I was prolly being annoying anyways.”

“No. That’s not it at all, kid.” Doc sighs, he knows his kid spirals into self-doubt and hatred when he gets real upset. “I was just mad that I was havin’ trouble with the Hornet. You had nothing to do with it, promise.”

Lightning leans into the comforting feeling of Doc running his fingers through his hair, something his actual father never did. The only time he ever touches him was to hurt him. His own thoughts calm as Doc speaks to him in such a gentle voice he’s rarely heard before. “...Thanks Doc.”

Doc raises an eyebrow at the thanks. “Now why are you thanking me?”

“For actually apologizing for messin’ up. Neither Harv nor my father would ever do something like this for me.” Lighting explains, making Doc’s heart break even more. Every time Lightning brings up his old mentor or father, Doc gets more and more upset with the assholes who hurt his kid.

“Well, I ain’t like ‘em. I care about you a lot, kid, more than you know.” Doc chuckles, feeling Lightning’s arms around him tighten, he can barely breathe with how tight his kid is holding onto him. “Want to help me fix up the Hornet tomorrow?”

“I’d love to.” Lightning smiles up at the older man, back to his usual high energy and bright self, Doc’s sun is back.

Chapter Text

Lightning grins to the camera as they flash away, taking photo after photo. He signs autographs children hand him, taking selfies with as many fans as he could before he has to leave. Lightning has always loved interacting with his fans, it gives him pride in knowing he’s inspiring others, plus it’s a huge ego boost.

He slowly makes his way to his trailer, where his Radiator Springs pit crew and RUST-EZE sponsors wait for him. “You did great out there today, kid.”

Doc Hudson, his coach and father figure, says as he puts a hand on his back.

“Thanks Doc, couldn't have done it without you.” Lightning grins, giving his signature ‘Ka-Chow’ and finger guns to a few of the older ladies outside his tent.

“Montgomery.” A slurred, deep voice calls out through the buzzing crowd, though Lightning didn't hear the voice until it slowly made its way through the crowd and towards the racer. “Montgomery!”

Both Lightning and Doc turn to see who’s calling Lightning’s real name. Most people don’t know Lightning has any other name other than Lightning, only a handful of people know he even goes by Monty. Before Lightning could fully recognize the man, Doc stands in front of the blonde racer.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Doc questions, Lightning peaks over Doc’s shoulder to see a wasted, dirty blonde haired man with a beer in one hand.

“Get out of the way old fuck, ‘mm trying’ ta see my asshole son.” The man slurred, Lightning’s eyes widen as he finally recognizes the man in front of them. His hands tremble as all the memories of his childhood at the trailer park come rushing back to him.

“What son? Last I checked, you disowned the one you had, he ain’t your son no more.” Doc glares at the man who’s attempting to stay standing.

“Shut up! You don’t know shit about me! Montgomery! Get your ass over here!” The drunkard yells, Lighting’s body runs cold, that same voice that haunts his nightmares is here in the flesh. Lightning covers his ears, he doesn't want to hear his voice, to get reminded of those nights in the trailer parks where he had to follow his father's orders unless he wanted to get hurt. “Stop being a pussy, Montgomery!”

Lightning’s father continues to call out, though he’s suddenly silenced, the crowd gasping sans Lightning out of his memories. Lightning looks over to see his father on the floor, his nose bleeding. Doc stands over the man, his fist raised and a harsh glare on his face. “No one calls my son that.”

Doc huffs before he takes a few paces back over to Lightning, resting his hand on his shoulder, he leads him away from the now unconscious man. “Let’s get you inside, son.”

Doc leads Lightning into his trailer, not allowing Lightning to look back at his deadbeat father. The two sit on the couch in Lightning’s trailer, Doc speaks again, though his voice is much more gentle in tone than it was moments ago. “You okay, Monty?”

“Yeah…Now I am, thanks, Dad.” Lightning mutters, resting his head on Doc’s shoulder, the older man wraps his arm around his son’s arms in a half hug. “Didn’t think my past would come back to haunt me like that.”

“It’s alright, son, I’ll always be here to protect you.” Doc ruffles the blonde’s hair. “How ‘bout I treat you to some dinner tonight, we can go to that burger joint you're always raving about.”

“Can we get milkshakes too?” Lightning’s eyes sparkle of the thought of his favorite restaurant, other than Flo’s.

Doc chuckles, a gentle smile coming to his face as he sees his kid back to his normal, excited self. “Sure, son, milkshakes too.”

Chapter Text

Lightning lies on the ground, staring up at the stairs in the night sky, his heart thudding rapidly in his chest. He knew this was a bad idea, he has a race in two weeks, and now he’s laying on the ground in the middle of nowhere near Radiator Springs.

Doc told him not to do anything stupid, but when he hangs out with Mater, stupid comes naturally between the two of them. Altogether, they probably share a whole 1 brain cell.

The two of them were out cow tipping again when Lightning tripped, spooking a few cows into running in different directions, one of them ran over Lightning’s legs. Mater was able to at least drag him out of the pasture, but he isn’t strong enough to make it all the way home.

“Lightning. We should really call Doc. Your leg ain’t lookin’ right.” Mayer says as he looks at the twisted ligament. He may not have a doctorate in medicine like the town doctor, but he knows a broken bone when he sees one.

“No! No, we’re not calling Doc.” Lightning mutters as he sits up, a soft groan as pain shoot’s up from his leg as he moves it.

“Why not? He’d know what to do.” Mater questions. He doesn’t understand why the blonde is so stubborn about not calling Doc.

Lightning shakes his head. Calling Doc is the last thing he wants to do. He knows he’d get one hell of a tongue lashing. One for going out with Mater late at night, two for getting hurt two weeks before his race, and three for interrupting his time with Sheriff.

Maybe not the last one so much, but Lightning feels bad whenever he interrupts the two men, he knows how much the two care for each other. Though he never did figure out if their relationship was platonic or not. 

“He’s busy with Sheriff. We shouldn’t interrupt them. I can at least make it back.” Lightning mutters, more to himself than to Mater. Mater sighs as he sees Lightning struggling to stand. He kneels down, wrapping his arm around his waist as he slings Lightning’s arm over his shoulder.

“Fine, we don’t call Doc. Let’s try ta get ya home before sun up.” Mater says as the two begin a slow walk back towards the little town.

Lightning smiles, doing his best to keep himself up with Mater’s help, but the stabbing pain in his leg isn’t helping. “Thanks Mater.”

The two don’t get far, maybe a quarter of a mile before two bright lights are headed straight towards them. Both Lightning and Mater squint as the blinding lights approach them.

Only when they shut off does Lightning’s face drop and his blood runs cold. Parked in front of them is the blue Hornet, Doc Hudson’s car. With Doc Hudson and Sheriff sitting in the cab.

Seeing Sheriff’s shocked look doesn't do good to his heart, he can't even muster up the courage to look at Doc, but he sure feels him as he lifts his other arm, helping Lightning into the car. He doesn’t say a word, Sheriff and Mater are making sure he’s comfortable enough in the cramped car as Doc speeds off back towards town.

“What were you two doing?” Sheriff asks as he glances at Lightning’s leg again then quickly looks away, it looks terrible, and he hasn't even seen it without his pants out of the way.

“Uhh..” Mater looks at Lighting before looking back at Sheriff.

“Cow tipping like normal.” Lighting begrudgingly admits, he knows better than anyone it's better to tell the truth when injured, Doc drilled that into him. “We were stupid and we shouldn’t do that, we know. Can you chew us out later?”

“Honestly, I think you got punished enough with this.” Sheriff mutters.

They pull into Doc’s office, Sheriff and Mater helping Lightning inside and onto a bed while Doc gets prepared all the medical equipment needed. “Sheriff, I'm going to need help with this one. Mater, you may have to hold Lightning down.” Doc finally utters, though Lightning turns his head away, not wanting to see the injury in the light or Doc’s face.

Doc cuts away Lightning’s pants leg, Doc glances at Mater who for once in his life gets the hint and holds Lightning’s arms down. He twists the leg back forward and into place, an ear-splitting scream coming from the blonde, somehow getting his leg fixed is worse than actually breaking it. 

“It’s going to be okay buddy.” Mater says to his best friend as he grips onto his arm tightly.

Doc examines the leg and bone for a moment, taking a few notes and a couple of pictures for references later. He grabs two long pieces of plastic, putting them against the sides of Lightning’s legs and wrapping it tightly with Velcro. Doc sighs, looking up at Lightning, a small frown on his face. “This needs to be in a cast…This will have to do while I prepare.”

“Can…Will I be able to race, Doc?” Lightning mutters, finally looking at Doc’s face, who now looks annoyed more than anything.

“No, you can. You have a broken bone, Lightning.” Doc huffs, glancing at the two other men in the room. Sheriff stands and grabs Mater’s arm, quickly dragging him out of there per Doc’s silent request.

“...are you mad?” Lightning whispers once the two best friends disappear from the room.

“I'm not mad, just concerned.” Doc says as he prepares the cast for Lightning’s leg. “You were out really late with no word… Normally I wouldn’t come, I knew you were with Mater, but something felt off this time around.”

“...Thanks for coming, I really appreciate it. And I’m sorry for getting hurt.” Lightning says, wincing a little as Doc takes the split off, putting a piece of plastic on the back of his leg so it wouldn't move before wrapping it in the cast.

“It’s okay kid, as long as you get better, that’s all that matters.” Doc says, once finished with the cast, he goes to find some crutches for Lightning. He calls out to him from the closet. “And no cow tipping while you’re hurt! Or a month before races from now on!”

Lightning can’t help but chuckle, agreeing that it’s only fair he can’t go do dangerous and stupid things while injured or before races anymore.

Chapter Text

Doc relaxes on his couch with a good book in his hand, finally having some downtime for himself. He’s been so busy this season with Lightning’s 5th Grand Prix win, answering news reporters, managing his crew, and keeping Lightning in check. But tonight, he can finally do nothing and relax.

As he gets to reading his book, the loud boom of the bass is heard from above, shaking his cup of tea. He groans, of course, he should’ve known lightning would’ve never let him rest. His cup rumbles against the table from just how terrible loud he’s playing shitty rap with an all too powerful bass. He never understood why people like their bass so loud.

He closes his books, setting it on the couch, he stands slowly. He makes his way to Lightning’s room, taking a deep breath he knocks on the door. The bass only has gotten louder since going to the stairs to his room. He hears the singer’s voice and the amount of profanities she’s singing is absurd, no one needs to talk like that. He doesn't understand why Lightning listens to her, she’s a decent rapper but her lyrics suck.

As the music continues and Lightning doesn't answer the door he knocks again. He groans as Lightning either ignores him or can’t hear him. He turns the knob, realizing it’s unlocked he opens the door. “Lightning! Turn that music-”

Doc freezes on the spot, Lightning’s phone was set up across the way with the music blaring from his speakers. He watches as Lightning jumps, kicking his leg up in the air before dropping to the floor and spreading his legs. Doc can’t help but make a face of disdain as Lighting moves like a whore, shaking his ass before laying on the floor and humping the ground.

Lightning rolls on the floor, spreading his legs again he stops, staring at Doc whose face is a mix of pissed and disgusted. He snaps his legs closed, leaning his head on his hand as he continues to lay on the floor. “Oh uh- Hey Doc..”

“Lightning. Just- turn the music down, please.” Doc shakes his head, turning away from the blonde.

“Wait I can explain!” Lightning says, quickly scrambling to his feet, turning down the music.

“I don’t think I want an explanation.” Doc closes the door, leaving Lighting to stew in his own shame of what he did.

Chapter Text

Lightning sits with Sally, a cowboy hat on his head as he laughs the night away with her. Country music plays over the speakers as people line dance in the center of the cafe. All the tables and chairs were moved to the sides to make room for the makeshift dance floor,

“I still can’t believe you’ve never made it to a country night before.” Sally says as she leans against the back of her chair, glancing over at Sheriff who’s talking to Ramone who’s DJing tonight.

“Not my fault they’re always happening during racing season.” Lightning shrugs, the cowboy hat actually belongs to Doc, he found it in the garage when they were cleaning it out a couple months ago and he said he could keep it.

“Well I think you’re in for a real treat.” Sally winks, before Lightning could question her the crowd disperses and Sheriff goes to stand in the middle.

“Alright everyone! It’s time for tonight’s special performance! Give it up for Sheriff!” Ramone calls over the microphone, Sheriff coming to the middle of the dance floor with the crowd cheers. Lighting looks between Sally and Sheriff who both have grins.

A song he’s heard many times when Doc plays his country radio comes on, Sheriff mouthing the beginning lines, a spotlight shoots over to Doc, wearing jeans, a blue flannel, and a white shirt. Doc and Lightning make eye contact, he winks at him as he makes his way to the dance floor as well. “And our very own Doc Hudson! If y’all know this dance join em!”

There are a few customers in the town who had a few too many drinks who join in, along with Mater, but they stay to the edge of the dance floor, giving Doc and Sheriff the middle spotlight for their dance.

Lightning watches in disbelief as Doc and Sheriff line dance, he never thought he’d ever watch Doc dance, especially not like this. He watches as the two shuffle on the dance floor, swaying to the music with the memorization of knowing this song for years. Though halfway through the song the two break the usual line dance to do their own dance. 

Sheriff takes Doc’s hand, spinning him around three times before dining him. He takes Doc into a bridal carry and the two nod before Sheriff tosses him, Doc spinning around in the air. The crowd goes ballistic as Doc gets set down and the two immediately go back in time with the line dance of the song.

By the end of the song the crowd whoops and hollers for them, “Give it up for sheriff and Doc!”

The two make their way over to Lightning and Sally, Doc resting a hand on his hip as Sheriff crosses his arms. Sheriff grins as he speaks to the shocked blonde.  “What you think about that boy?”

“Where- how??” Lightning questions, Sally has to keep herself from busting out laughing at his reaction.

“That was real dancing, son. Me and Sheriff have been doing that for years.” Doc explains. 

Sheriff chuckles as his arms drop to his side, resting his hand on his partner’s waist. “We had a lot of spare time on our hands.”

“Can you teach me how to do that?” Lightning asks.

The pair look between each other before chuckling. Doc shrugs, shaking his head. “Hell, why not. You know Mater makes a good dancing partner.”

“Heck yeah I do!” Mater calls out from the dance floor, where he’s lifting Sally in the air.

“Come on and dance with us Stickers!” Sally calls out, laughing from Lightning’s stunned face.