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“Lighing, come over here for a second.” Doc called to him as they were unpacking their equipment.
They had just arrived at the first race of the season. Lightning and his team, now consisting of his friends from Radiator Springs, had been unpacking and prepping their designated pit for tomorrow's race. Needless to say, he was hesitant to leave work behind but it was Doc so he sat the box in his hands down and made his way over.
“Walk with me, kid.” Doc said as he steered them away from the pit.
In the past, he would've bristled at Doc's nickname for him. Now all he felt was fondness.
Lightning followed Doc obediently, “What's up?”
Doc hummed and folded his worn hands behind his back, “I'd like to preface that I'm still going to be your manager.”
His brow furrowed in confusion, not necessarily liking where this was going, “Okay…”
The older man continued, “I've hired a Race Strategist. It's a newer thing, more your generation than mine.”
Lightning fought the bubbling anxiousness rising, “Can't you fill that role?”
Doc chuckled and turned, placing a calming hand on his shoulder, “Don't worry kid. I'll still be in your ear nagging. She's just going to be more adapted to the modern racing scene. Much better than I am, heh.”
“She? This ‘Strategist’ is a she?” Lightning asked?
“That gonna be a problem, Red?” came a voice from behind him.
Doc smiled, “Lightning, meet-”
“What if it is?” Lightning cut Doc off, feeling more than a little irritated about this decision.
The cute little nickname also got on his nerves.
He turned to face the strategist fully and took in her appearance. He had expected some suit, or maybe a nice work-appropriate dress. Not… a mechanic's coveralls. There was a suspicious stain on the knee and grease smears where she had obviously wiped her hands after getting them covered in the sticky stuff. Her hair was pulled up and out of the way, but it was wild and messy and not the formal and neat bun that Sally had or the combed low ponytail that Flo often rocked. Her lips, and gosh he really shouldn't stare, were quirked down in a frown. Hips cocked and arms crossed. Thoroughly unhappy.
Doc nudged him and he sighed. He should play nice. At least give her a chance.
He sighed softly and plastered on a camera worthy smile, “Let's start over, I'm Lightning McQueen. Feel free to call me Lightning, though, especially if you're gonna be part of my crew.”
She didn't drop the frown like he had hoped but she did uncross her arms and took his outstretched hand in a firm handshake, “It's good to meet who I'll be working with for the season.”
“Likewise.” Lightning said because what else was he supposed to say to that?
Doc seemed content with their interaction and turned back to the pit, “Why don't we go for a test drive before the big day tomorrow?”
Lightning grinned, never one to turn down the opportunity to get behind his car's wheel.
“Sure, but only if Red here can keep up with me.” She said, a smirk growing.
The blonde sputtered, “Oh I can keep up, the real question is if you can keep up with me!”
Doc snorted, “Play nice, kids.”
They hurried back to the pit and while Doc introduced the new member, Lightning went to go see a trucker about a car. Mac was outside, already halfway done with unloading the famed racecar.
“Thanks Mac! I owe ya'.” Lightning said as he approached his car.
Mac grinned and tipped his hat, “I gotcha Lightning, good luck tomorrow!”
He thanked the semi driver and got back to the track as fast as possible. Doc passed him his headset and he all but jumped into his tracksuit.
“Looking good, Red.” the strategist said pointedly through the headset.
Lightning huffed, “Find a different nickname.”
She hummed and he could practically hear the smug grin, “If you say so… Speedy.”
“That's worse.” Lightning groaned.
“Your name is literally ‘Lightning McQueen’, how is ‘Speedy’ or even ‘Red’ worse?”
In a moment of weakness, realizing all too late that he was making a grave error, Lightning told her his real legal name.
“Lightning is just the nickname the media gave me, my real name is Montgomery.” He said in annoyance not thinking.
The second he said it he regretted it. The feeling was only exaggerated as he realized his mistake. Instantly the headset was filled with wheezing laughter.
“Montgomery? Seriously? That's amazing, I mean you don't really look like a Montgomery but it somehow still fits? This just made my day.” She said, a grin in her voice.
Lightning huffed, “Yeah laugh it up. Real nice. Are we gonna drive today or are you just gonna keep making fun of my name.”
Her voice came through the headset full of amusement, “Oh we'll drive… Monty.”
Cackles resumed and Lightning sighed, instead focusing on getting his car running. He pulled up to the checkered flag and waited for the ‘okay'. Doc's smooth voice came through like finding water in a dessert.
“Alright kid, nice and easy.”
The track was easily one of his favorite things. Seeing the asphalt move before him and under his car as it speeds down the lane fills something in him. He feels completely at ease, even when flying down the road going at speeds fast enough to kill someone. It's his happy place to be honest. It's like settling down to watch your favorite movie. The car seat leather is like a blanket, and the steering wheel is the remote. Perfect.
“Alright Monty, this is nice and all but its time to actually drive.”
Lightning frowned as the strategist's voice came through the headset. Mood killer. This was going to be a long season if she was going to be driving him off the race track and up a wall. Still, he'd try to get along with her. Key word being try.