Cool new graphics and I too am looking forward for the next chapter.
No, that’s just because you’re so good at putting them together that you can easily tear them apart. 
pixarmilan & Ballboi: Thank you! I like the avatar better, the twins are so cute! 
Made my day! 
And…chapter four is here! Not my favourite one but it’s all part of the story. Read away! 
CHAPTER FOUR– “Curiosità” (Curiosity)
“So, what do you wanna do now, buddy?” Mater asked McQueen as they returned from a backwards driving race. Naturally, Mater had won, even though McQueen could have sworn it was tie.
“Well, I better go find Sally now. Sorry, Mater, we like to try and have dinner together when we get the chance,” McQueen replied, feeling genuinely apologetic for ditching his friend.
“Ah, I understand,” Mater nodded, “and then ya like to go to the Cone and-.”
“Mater!” McQueen gasped with embarrassment.
“I know how it is,” Mater winked playfully then added, “I’ll let ya be though. See ya around!”
McQueen couldn’t help laughing and whispered quickly, “We’ve got our own place now, Mater. For the record, we haven’t got ‘cozy’ at the Cone for quite some time, thank you.”
Mater chortled at his response and gave him a final goodbye before leaving to his grounds.
McQueen smirked and drove on towards Flo’s V8 Café. Who’d have guessed that Lightning McQueen would ever be sharing intimate secrets like that!
He came across Sally leaving the Cozy Cone. He couldn’t help noticing how cute she looked when she was busy. “Hey, Sally!” he called out.
She met him on the road and smiled as she told him, “Oh, good, I was looking for you. Come out with me to the Wheel again tonight for drinks? It’s on Francesco.”
McQueen’s face dropped at the name. Could that guy not go away? He’d had his date, what was he still here for? “I-uh,” McQueen began to answer. What could he say to suggest that he didn’t want Francesco there? Something that didn’t sound jealous or possessive…
“What’s the matter?” she said, noticing his hesitation.
“Go without me, my tank’s a bit upset,” he fibbed.
She gave him a puzzled and disappointed look. “Don’t you… want to come? Don’t you want to spend some time together?”
I do… just not with HIM, McQueen thought fretfully. Sally was searching his eyes, and he lied again, “I’m sorry, babe. I’m just not up to it tonight.”
She tried not to let her eyes fall from his and mumbled back a quick, “Yeah… OK.” Then she slowly turned from him and took off to Wheel Well.
“He couldn’t join us, he isn’t feeling well,” Sally explained to the European racer at her side. She swallowed down some more drink in hopes of losing some sobriety. McQueen was acting awfully different lately, and it was scaring her to think about where their relationship was going.
“Oh, don’t be-a too sad, my tesoro, he-a probably just-a needs some-a rest,” Francesco replied earnestly. His voice was surprisingly gentle and friendly.
There was a pause in the conversation and Sally looked straight into his warm brown eyes. He didn’t ask anything of her, and somehow that made him the most caring car in the world. Who could she trust with her personal problems more than an outsider? He didn’t have strong connections in the town; no one would ever have to know her insecurity but him.
Her guard fell.
“Francesco, would you take a little drive with me?”
“Si, lead-a the way,” he nodded politely.
They drove a short while, out into the quiet forest of Tailfin Pass. When they reached a more vacant road Sally lowered her speed drastically so Francesco could coast alongside her.
She let out a sigh and asked very slowly, “Is it wrong… that I want Lightning to propose?”
Francesco’s face was serious as he coaxed, “No, that is-a not wrong in anyway.”
Sally stopped and suddenly she was on the verge of tears. No one understood anymore, all their friends joked around like it was meaningless. Yet, here was Francesco, finally someone who was listening.
She let more spill from her lips, “Then why won’t he ask me? It’s been more than five years! And I know it shouldn’t matter, but it hurts me that he never even talks about it. I want to have a family someday, and I need to know I have a partner for life.”
“This isn’t about-a marriage, Miss Sally. It is about-a commitment. You are-a ready to take that step. But-a him, there must-a be something keeping him back-a,” Francesco elucidated in a gentle voice. He was trying to cushion the blow of reality she’d been refusing to admit to.
Sally looked to Francesco. There was more underneath his hood than one of the world’s fastest engines. It was more than anyone had been giving him credit for. Intelligent thoughts and honest words flowed from him; it was a side she’d never expected to see from him. Then again, she’d misjudged a racer before…
“So…,” she started, “You think he’s happy with me but not enough to give his life for me? What if he’s never ready? What if-?”
“Sally, Francesco cannot speak for-a him, but he can-a speak for himself. Please, meet-a me here tomorrow at-a sunset. We will-a talk more then.”
Curiosity wavered within her, but before she had a chance to answer he was already gone.
tesoro = treasure/darling
si = yes
So yeah, that's this chapter! Like I said, not one of my faourites by far but it was necessary. I hope it was still enjoyable though and leaves you wanting more. Oh, and big points to whoever can pick out where I directly quoted from the first film. Thanks for reading, please let me know your thoughts! <img src="//pixarplanet-forums.s3.dualstack.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/2X/c/cc83e9b583138e48ff45f96609046b06d06c7f9d.gif" width="15" height="15" alt=":mrgreen:" title="Mr. Green"/>Great chapter! I loved the drive with Francesco and Sally. Reminds me a little of the first film.
About your avatar, it looks simular. Wasn’t that on a Cars Toon episode?
I enjoyed this chapter! I’m interested to see what’s gonna happen next.
Ballboi: Yeah, it is from “Monster Truck Mater”. 
pixarmilan: Thanks a lot! Glad you’re looking forward to more!
Ah. Now it rings a bell to me. Thanks for letting me know!
No problem! I have pictures of the twins from nearly all the shorts. 
I remember seeing a couple episodes of those shorts, particularly Rescue Squad Mater.
I liked this chapter! Whether or not, I can see why it was necessary.
^^^ That made me laugh. The rest of that conversation did. 
^^^ Was this the direct quote from the first movie?! Iwantpoints, I wantpoints, I wantpoints!
I like how you put the “Her guard fell.” all by itself. Usually, when things are put like that, it’s to place a lot of emphasis and weight. I know, a normal person wouldn’t think that but I noticed and thought it was nicely used. 
^^^ Awwwww! 
I never thought of that; how the others joking around about Lightning proposing and what not would eventually get to Sally like that. Nice insight.
^^^ I just liked that.
^^ I liked that too, it was a mini- throwback.
Purely constructive criticism coming your way. I don’t know about the “give his life for me” part. I know what you meant (I always know what you mean. ) but it didn’t translate that way to me at first. I thought of “give his life” as Lightning dying for her, not as him wanting to spend the rest of his life with her, which I’m sure is what you meant. You know? It feels weird giving you critique for there is hardly anything to ever give criticism on and it’s not that big of a deal but I just wanted to say.
Dadgum, I don’t think I’ve used so many quotes in my life, but it was for a good reason! I’m looking forward to see what comes of Francesco and Sally’s next little rendezvous.
Oh! I keep forgetting to ask! How much time has passed since Cars 2 till this story? Yay for remembering!
Paulisha: You always get my humour. Yes! That was the direct quote! Did the moment resemble that scene at all? I felt like Sally was exuding the same emotion as that night so I thought it worked perfectly to squeeze that little bit in there. You get…100 points for it!
Yes! ! ! <3 I’m so happy you picked up on that, the emphasis was entirely on purpose!
And I liked your feedback on that line of Sally’s. I couldn’t agree more. I was going to re-word it but then I just left it because it still made sense, but like you said, not right away like it should have. LOL, and I love all your quotations! Especially the ones where you’re just like; “I just liked that.” So simple yet nice!
Ah yes, I forgot to mention that at the beginning like I should have. There is no specific amount of time for the setting, but most likely 3-5 months after the sequel. Which also means the season would presumably be early spring which is why Lightning isn’t off racing yet. OK, off to the next chapter!
[b]CHAPTER FIVE– “Scelta” /b
Once Sally was gone McQueen drove sullenly over to Flo’s V8. Most of the dinner rush had passed so he took his spot at his favourite pump; it was the one he’d been parked beside when Sally had asked him to take a drive. But that was so long ago, back when they were falling in love. Were they still falling? They couldn’t be. He didn’t get tongue-tied around her anymore, and she seemed to call him “Stickers” out of habit rather than affection.
If they weren’t falling in love then where were they? He couldn’t remember hitting the ground or losing sparks. And if they didn’t have that much then did that simply make them two cars that lived together? Two cars that had a past together but never a guaranteed future.
McQueen was so busy wrestling with his thoughts that he didn’t even notice Mia’s appearance.
“Lightning? Can I get you something?”
He blinked with surprise and responded, “Oh, uh, I’ll just get the regular, please.”
“Sure thing,” she bobbed and zipped off to fetch the fuel.
He was amazed by how much the twins had both changed. Tia was always running around with the delinquents, but Mia had grown into a mature young female. She’d taken over as head waitress, second only to Flo’s position. Just like his relationship with Sally had shaped into something different, Mia had changed before his unknowing eyes too.
She returned in a heartbeat with his preferred fuel. She carefully set the tray on the ground in front of him. Instead of bolting off to carry on with her duties she remained still and watched him sip from the can.
Lightning looked at her inquisitively, seeing that she was caught up in thought too. She seemed to be fighting something and was having a hard time leaving the moment.
“Mia?” he said casually.
Her eyes jumped up to him like an animal in headlights. “Y-yes?”
“Is there something…?” he trailed.
“I-,” she started nervously, “There is. Lightning, there is something you should know, but I don’t want to get a bad reputation. And I don’t want you to think I’m trying to make drama. Oh, I’ve said too much already!” she cried out fussily.
He was baffled by her behavior, but he pried further, “What is it? Sounds like you have something to get off your hood.”
She took a deep breath and gazed at him with a hurt expression. “This morning… I saw Sally having breakfast here with Francesco.”
McQueen stopped drinking. This morning? He hadn’t even thought about where she was this morning. He’d assumed she was busy with work…
Mia waited for him to answer. But as the silence grew she became anxious and filled it herself. “They were talking a lot. Francesco was going on and on about his life in Italy, then he started asking her about her time in Los Angeles. I tried not to listen, but you know how loud he talks!”
Something inside of him tightened. It stung and it burned to the point of making him feel sick. How could she do these things? How could she hurt him like this? Her life in L.A. was something so personal that he had barely scratched the surface of. Had she talked about it? Had she been so quick to give Francesco her trust?
Then he noticed Mia with her small face of concern. She could see he was suffering and she was only doing what she could to deliver him the painful truth.
“Is that… all?” he managed to get out.
“Yes, it is. I’m just… worried for you, Lightning. I know you may never believe me when I say this, but I only wish the best for you and Sally. And I can’t help thinking-.”
“That there is something going on?” McQueen finished for her.
She nodded quietly in agreement.
His eyes dropped to the drink before him. She was confirming his greatest fears; that he wasn’t paranoid, that there was something developing between Sally and Francesco.
“Mia,” he choked, “Do you know… what falling out of love feels like?”
She winced at the question and told him, “I do.”
He met her eyes with plead, “Tell me… what it feels like.”
Mia bit her lip uncertainly. How could she explain such a thing when he was the one she’d fell out of love with? Maybe it wasn’t real love that she’d felt for him, but it was a fantasy she’d once had. Back in her fool days of youth she had mistaken her admiration for him to be feelings of mutual love. It was a hard reality to find that he didn’t belong to her, but she’d made her way through releasing her romantic desire for him over time.
Here he was though, asking her for help. It was all she could do to give him that much. “Well, it means not thinking about them all the time. And it means letting them go if that’s what will make them happy.”
“Are you sure?” McQueen asked after digesting her answer.
“Sally makes you happy, doesn’t she?” countered Mia.
“Yes,” he said quickly.
“Then I guess I made the right choice.”
I wanted to give Mia some more depth as a character and show the changes that have happened over all those years, especially now that she lives in Radiator Springs. Oh, and so she could give Lightning the gossip too. :sunglasses: Scandelous! Thanks for reading, and please comment if you're ready for another chapter! :smiley:Nice chapter! I’m really liking the relationship between Lightning and the twins. It was great how you gave Mia some more character depth.
Great chapter! I really like the way you explored Mia’s character, she’s becoming one of my favorite characters from this story. I think the scene between her and Lightning was greatly done.
I’m looking forward to more.
Awesome! Thanks guys! I’m thrilled that you are beginning to like her more. Oh, and I made a title graphic for the story, I stuck it in the first post if you guys want to have a look. Kind of like a cover. I think I might make more for my old stories too, it was really fun.
Looked nice! Lol at that picture of Lightning. I noticed that little 5 o’clock shadow he has with the sand.
I quite like the Cover.
Yes! 100 points added to my score of like a million.
Okay, good. I felt like I was being a little to nit-picky to point something that small out but I’m glad you didn’t see it as that. Ha, there are always so many little things in your chapters that I like but can’t describe why.
Oh okay, well that makes sense. I just had to know for my own imagining purposes, you know?
Awwww, poor Lightning… and Mia! Which by the way, kind of repeating what was already commented on twice, but I love how Mia is being fleshed out and shown as a different character than what we know of her (if that made sense.
)
I really can see why Lightning is so hurt. Sally didn’t have time to take a drive with him because of being busy with work but she had time to have an apparently quite long breakfast with Francesco. No, Sally. No Lightning gusta and no me gusta.
[quote:3k9tozuk]Her life in L.A. was something so personal that he had barely scratched the surface of. [/quote:3k9tozuk]
…And the fact that Francesco knows more about it than him doesn’t help either. (We need a SMH smiley)
I loved the ending of this chapter; I like chapters that end with deep dialogue like that. And the cover photo=
Ballboi: Ha! I just noticed that myself. My favourite is the image of Sally, her expression matches to the story perfectly.
pixarmilan: Thanks for taking a look at it!
SallyMcQueen: Nope, not at all! You know you always give great feedback so I always consider your thoughts! And yeah, I really should have mentioned the time frame from the beginning. Oh good, really pleased to hear that you enjoyed Mia in this one too. Mhmm, mhmm, you’re reading into the characters’ feelings very nicely. Glad you liked the ending line too, I don’t always use that type of closing. And I’m happy you liked the cover too! So basically just a big all around thanks.
Next chapter either tomorrow or Tuesday!
Alright! Got the next chapter done! Oh and just so things don’t get confusing… This chapter begins in the same day as the last one did. If you recall, chapter 4 was mainly Sally’s account of the evening, then chapter 5 was what was going on with Lightning while Sally was at the Well with Frnacesco. So, this starts off after the outing with Francesco (he took off, remember?). Then it leads into the following day. OK, so with that said, please enjoy!
CHAPTER SIX– “Forature” (Punctures)
Sally came home late that night. After Francesco’s disappearance she’d spent some time alone at the bar. Time she just spent thinking. It’d been a while since she’d sorted through her thoughts. She’d come across a lot of things she hadn’t expected. Like the idea that Lightning never wanted to marry her. And the scary realization that she couldn’t even remember the last time she had kissed him.
She shook it off though, pushed it all away. Why did she doubt the strength of their relationship? They were on perfectly normal speaking terms with each other; there hadn’t been a real fight between them. But then why did it bother her that marriage was obviously no concern of his? Why did she feel… empty without it?
She looked at Lightning fast asleep beneath the covers. He was miles away, in dreams that she would never know about. And as she stared at him she wondered what else she didn’t know about him, because lately it was beginning to seem like more and more.
When morning came, she woke with a strange feeling. Hurt and guilt filled her heart as she remembered her plans; she’d be meeting Francesco at sunset. Why was it upsetting her so much? He was only a friend, and she would never think more of him. Cheat on McQueen? Never! Unless it meant he would-. No, she would never do it.
She found McQueen watching TV on the couch. He caught her eye and for a moment he looked ready to say something.
Her heart raced with worry, so she spoke quickly, “How are you feeling?”
“Better, thanks,” he answered quietly.
They held eye contact, and then her eyes slid to the floor with shame. Did he know that she enjoyed Francesco’s company sometimes? That they shared so many similar tastes that they never ran out of things to discuss?
And here she was, absolutely speechless with him, the one she loved. He had no idea how much she truly loved him. But where were the words? She could tell him that she loved him, but she feared he couldn’t say it back anymore. It was like driving on glass, every silent second putting more punctures into her.
“You going out?” he finally broke into the dead air.
She lifted her eyes to meet his. She didn’t see a shard of happiness behind them. He looked so innocent, just waiting to hear when she had time for him. She had to fix this, even if the words didn’t want to come, she’d make them.
“Yes. I have to run reports at the motel, and there was a fight last night at Wheel Well. I have to make sure it all gets cleaned up.”
“Oh,” he said flatly, “Are you stopping by Flo’s for breakfast first?”
Her hood twitched and she drew a sudden breath. The note in his voice hadn’t changed, but she could tell that he knew. She wanted to explain herself right then and there. How she hadn’t planned that, Francesco had just shown up. But she knew it wouldn’t make a difference, the damage was done.
“Lightning…” she spoke softly and ignored his question, “Can we talk tonight?”
His expression remained unchanged and he responded lifelessly, “Yes.”
She nodded gently, still wanting to say more. But she pushed herself to the door without another sound. Oh, how she didn’t want to do this anymore.
Lightning didn’t leave the house. He knew there was so much relying on the talk tonight. He’d have to try to explain his feelings to her, something he was never much good at. Then he’d have to confront her about the situation with Francesco. And then… Then he would have to be prepared for the possibility of her ending the relationship.
And if she did, he’d be left wondering. He’d ask himself what he’d done wrong. Then what would he do? You couldn’t just invest close to five years of your life with someone and then pretend it didn’t happen. You also couldn’t love for that long and then have it stop. He’d do whatever it took to keep her.
At last, the front door slid open. He watched her drive in, not once looking at him. Her eyes averted him at all costs. Something was wrong, very wrong. He dropped his stern disposition and fled to her at the doorway. He was closer to her than he’d been all week.
“Sally, is something wrong?”
Her lips quivered. Was it easier to answer him with ‘nothing’ or ‘everything’? She couldn’t find his eyes and she couldn’t find her voice.
“Baby, what is it?” he pleaded desperately.
But it was too late for sympathy; she’d already gone through with the verdict.
“Sal, please-.”
“Lightning,” she croaked, “I’m going.”
He couldn’t take it; he couldn’t accept that what she was saying was tangible. And since he couldn’t ask, she told him, “Francesco has asked me to take a trip with him to Italy. I said yes.”
Drama-rama! :sunglasses: Let me first say, this chapter had a lot of influence from Rihanna's old song "Unfaithful". I listened to it endlessly while I wrote this one, and the scene before Sally left the house was carved out of the imagery that song gives me. Plus the line "[i]Oh, how she didn't want to do this anymore[/i]" was basically spun-off one of the exact lyrics that says "[i]I don't want to do this...anymore[/i]" because she knows she is hurting him. So yeah, that's just some background info, but if you haven't heard the song that's fine, it still make total sense. And, my personal pick for a favourite line from this one would be "[i]Was it easier to answer him with ‘nothing’ or ‘everything’? She couldn’t find his eyes and she couldn’t find her voice."[/i]. Can't wait to hear [i]your[/i] thoughts, and thanks for reading! :smiley:Great chapter! I’m really enjoying the direction the story is going, I think that the ending of the chapter caught me by a little bit by surprise, and I liked it. I can’t to see the next events unfold.