Human!Lightning McQueen x Reader (Title TBD) (ON HOLD)

First Date

2/28/25
(A/N: I don't want to spoil anything, but this chapter is rated E for everyone, meaning what you think might happen will not happen 😂)

The next months following McQueen's loss in the Piston Cup, although it would always be a win in your eyes, were quite hectic, more than you would've liked. After everything that had happened, you just wanted some calm time to yourself and Lightning. Some romantic peace and quiet. But it just wasn't happening. It seemed McQueen had a burning passion within his heart to get Route 66 back on the map, and the first part of his plan was to establish his racing headquarters in Radiator Springs.

So the very next day, Ramone got to work at repainting the welcome sign to Radiator Springs, painting a portrait of McQueen and being sure to include, with very large letters, "Home of Lightning McQueen!" While he did that, everyone else got to reworking the old, decrepit, vacant hotel near the impound lot. Within a matter of weeks, it went from a shotty-looking pile of nothing to the Radiator Springs Racing Museum. There, you and McQueen shifted through stories and newspaper clippings to assemble the content of the museum. You chose the best and most important of Doc's, while McQueen chose his personal favorites of his own legacy in the making.

Within the first month, thanks to the press of his established racing headquarters, Radiator Springs was officially added to the map and even received its own dedicated exit on the Interstate. People from all over began to flood into the formerly desolate town, and the businesses of your friends had never been more prosperous. They have never seemed so happy and fulfilled as well, and it warmed your heart to see it.

After the racing museum was done, the town came together once more to fix up the old drive-in and get it working again. It was just project after project, one after another. You were always so exhausted by the end of the day that you nearly fell asleep before making it through your motel door every night. The same went for McQueen, and everyone else for that matter. Everyone was just so busy, and in the end so exhausted, that it was no surprise you couldn't get any time with McQueen. You didn't entirely mind because everyone's energy was going to good causes, but still. However, you had never seen the rookie so happy and passionate that you didn't dare say anything to ruin it. And, if there was a lull or break during the day, he would go out and train with Doc. You went with, of course, but it still wasn't the alone time you were looking for.

By the end of the third month of being home after the race at LA International, not only was the drive-in brought back to life, but Wheel Well was also fixed up. Though, it was no longer a motel. Sally had the brilliant idea of turning it into an eatery, and so the Wheel Well Food Court was opened! Finally, a nice restaurant in town! Perfect for future dates with McQueen! Speaking of...

You were in your quaint, quiet, and lonely little Cozy Cone one evening, not long after it seemed that all of McQueen's passion projects came to completion. Wheel Well had reopened only days ago, and you were eager to go, but... Call yourself selfish if you will, but you wanted McQueen to initiate the first date. There was just something about being doted on that tickled your fancy. However, if the boy took any longer to do something with you now that things had finally calmed, you would suck it up and ask him first. You'd be sure to never let him live it down, though!

A knock was heard at your door, pulling you away from your work. You had been sitting at your desk for the last hour or so, sifting through maps of Radiator Springs and the areas surrounding it, such as Tailfin Pass and Ornament Valley. Various colored markers, highlighters, and a few pens were messily scattered around your desk, as were a few loose sticky notes. You put the maps down and made your way over to your door.

When you opened it, you saw McQueen standing there. He was dressed pretty casually, wearing a white V-neck with the sleeves rolled up just above his elbows and a pair of jeans dusted a light blue color fastened around his waist with a black belt. "Hey, (Y/N)." He greeted with a small smile. His smile quickly turned into a small snicker as he met your gaze, which he immediately tried to suppress by clamping a hand over his mouth and looking away.