When Rebels Meet Racers

Chapter 1

AN: Disclaimer: I do not own TRMD, All rights goes to GMA and whatnot.

There are three things that they will teach you in driving school apart from the actual driving. First is to buckle up your seatbelt. Always buckle up your seatbelt, if you haven't caught it the first time.

Second is 'Do not be an idiot on the road and know your lane!' as shouted by that one professor everyone hated because of him making a point of shouting everything despite being in front of him.

To Jade Tanchingco, the most important rule is the third: never crash your car.

But, of course, fate has a different plan. Jade's gear stick got stuck in the fourth gear, inevitably crashing into the car in front of her. The rules state that the driver must stop upon collision with either a car, a wall or, in this case, both. Her headlights and fenders took the brunt of the crash, but her left leg would surely bruise. She berated herself mentally with a sprinkle of profanities.

She went out of her car, a mini cooper V8 modified for track racing, with her face sporting a shaky grin, worried for the other driver.

"Is he alright?" she wobbled to the nearest crew, struggling to stand on her sore leg.

"Are you?" He looked at her with concern. He's been working for her team for two years now, and this is the first time he witnessed her crash, which is a very rare occurrence.

"I'll live. How is he? I messed up his bumper pretty bad, my gear was stuck on fourth." She said after taking a swig at the water bottle being offered to her.

"His car is less fortunate than him, probably just a couple of bruises on the straps because of the collision." He assured her. "Just page me if you need anything else, Sally's probably on her way." He helped her to sit in the bleachers and then left to inspect the damage on her mini.

She removed her helmet, balaclava, and gloves while waiting for Sally. The hot breeze of Clark City air immediately welcomed Jade, her hair suddenly whipping all over the place. The track was very loud, yet also incredibly silent, almost serene for Jade; that is before Sally walked up to her.

"Have you read the new article about you?" Sally said as she helped Jade by undoing the top button of the suit and sliding down the zipper, revealing Jade's fitted tank-top. It had been like that ever since Jade started racing. Every time Sally was in one of Jade's many races, Sally, the perfect best friend and the responsible one if one may add, always helps Jade like a mom to her child.

"Not even a "How are you doing? Did you break a rib? Are you hurt?" no?" Jade cheekily smiled at her best friend.

"Saw it coming when you still wouldn't slow down a couple of feet away from the other car. With your leg wobbling, I'd say it's sore at the moment and will probably bruise for a while. As far as I could tell, there are no complications on your upper body. I'm studying to be a Doctor, remember?" Sally said as she tucked the gloves on Jade's waist strap.

"Fine, Doc. But deep inside I know you do get worried for me, so don't act all too indifferent." Jade looked at Sally as she said her words, satisfied of the reaction she elicited when Sally tried to shrug it off, but couldn't help smiling at her accusation.

"Which article were you talking about?" Jade asked.

"The one made by Racers PH. How did they know that you will be endorsing Sato Mobiles for this season?" Sally supplied and then asked.

"Ah, that one. Asami said I should start to drop hints about it, remember?" Jade said as she looked at Sally quizzically.

"Yes, but you outright told them that you will be their endorser, which is a very peculiar way of dropping hints," Sally argued.

"Same difference. They're going to find out about it soon enough, I'm supposed to announce it later tonight at the bash." Jade smiled at Sally, hoping that she'd drop
the minuscule mistake she'd foolishly done.

"Fine, but if your Mom scolds you about it, I get to rub it in your face and tell you 'I told you so.'" Sally pushed her glasses up her eyes.

"What do you mean? Aren't you basically my mom?" She jokingly bumped Sally with her shoulder.

"Let's get you changed, you smell like burnt rubber!" Sally said as she helped Jade stand up from the bleachers.

"Fine, Doctor Mom."

-x-

Jade's afternoon was spent with a blur of interviews to and fro, concerned reporters slash fanatics worried about her quitting driving altogether.

"Ms. Tanchingco will still continue to race after a decent amount of time for recuperation. She will be returning next season, and will be faster than ever. If that is all-." Jade's manager spoke towards the offending flashing lights. They immediately entered the black car waiting for them and quickly drove off before the paparazzi could snap another picture of Jade's wrapped leg.

"Are you alright, Jade?" Oscar asked Jade, sitting opposite to her.

"I'm fine, Dada. I just need to rest my leg." Jade smiled reassuringly.

"What were you thinking, Jade! I thought we were going to lose you!" Amanda exclaimed.

"Ma, as I've said, I'm okay. The shift stick wouldn't move, and I couldn't do anything about it." Jade explained.

"So," Sally dragged the word, effective changing the subject before ending up with a heated discussion about Jade's passion.

"You don't have to worry about Jade in the bash later. I'll be there to keep an eye on her. It is imperative for her to go because she will be announcing her endorsement for Sato Mobiles." Sally cut the exchange for which Jade gratefully smiled at her.

"Okay, hija. Just make sure she doesn't do anything to aggravate her leg." Oscar replied.

"Of course, Tito."

-x-

The Post-Summer bash was, as expected, fun as it could be. There was a stage set up on the farthest left side of the track, with a suitably sized audience area complete with strobe lights and rubber mats. The middle of the rink had a massive campfire composed of mainly tires, a ritual of the PTCC contestants, marking the end of the season. There were merchants of different artisan food and a car show courtesy of the racers and the sponsors.

After announcing her commitment with Sato Mobiles, Jade wandered off throughout the bash. The campfire was lit the moment the sun went down, her car's tires rightfully on top of the others, marking that she is the champion among the drivers. She finally made her way to the VIP area on the left of the stage. The Dj was obnoxiously playing EDM to the extent that he has dropped the bass far too much.

She checked her wristwatch; she was expecting to meet Sally in one of the beanbags they claimed to be their spot ever since the first time they attended the bash.

Impatient over her friend's tardiness, she fished her phone out of her pocket to call Sally, only to be greeted by her handler not having reception. She shakily stood up and wandered around the room, silently praying to the deities for her phone to catch a signal.

But fate was such a person of humor, so much that Jade's leg gave away. Jade closed her eyes, expecting the hard feeling of concrete against her back, but somehow, there were strong arms catching her. She felt her body being pressed against something soft. She urges both of her to eyes open, only to be met with smooth coffee colored ones with an intense stare that would make you feel like you've melted. The kind of eyes that makes you feel stripped off of all your inhibitions.

Suddenly her lungs felt like they have no air, and her stomach felt like there were butterflies somersaulting simultaneously.

Uh oh. Jade Tanchingco is royally screwed.

-X-

AN: HI GUYS. This is the first time I'll be writing fanfiction for Jathea or TRMD for that matter. This is a RACER/ROCKER Au, whereas Jade is a professional racer, and Althea is in a band with Batchi and Wila. In this AU, Jade is 26 years old, while Althea is 27.


I hope you enjoy reading my story! Tacos out :)