lambs for the slaughter

chick hicks, eighteen, racer

[thechickhicks]

Burning Rubber | Churbo

[naomidimirci]

It didn’t take long for Turbo to pull ahead, taking his rightful spot at the head of the pack. It was like a second nature to him, winning, racing, all of it together. He dared glance in his rearview mirror to see Chick gaining on him, just one car between the two of them. He knew that Chick wanted to win, of course he did, all of them wanted to win this, but he knew that Chick had more of a reason to want it; he wanted to beat Turbo. For a split second it didn’t occur to him that it was Chick and he was very close to falling in love with that younger racer, and his hand flicked into gear, shifting his car in a way that cut off the one car between the two of them, his back bummer nicking the other car just enough to keep himself on track, but knock the other car into a spin that would take out anyone that was close behind. 

He smirked as he watched hell unfold behind him, cars cashing and sliding and spinning to avoid the mess that he’d created as he pulled ahead of the pack so much he knew he had the race in the bag. The finish line was just meters ahead of him, and he could taste the victory on his lips as he slid past the black and white checkered line. “And what a comeback from one of our long time favorites; Turbo!” The announcer proclaimed through the speakers, pulling a victorious smile from his lips as he drove his car into the center of the track and hopped out, pulling his helmet off and giving the crowd a big wave and a kiss. 

He glanced back at the havoc he’d caused and it finally reached him again that one of the cars he’d aimed for had held Chick in it; and he knew the younger male wasn’t going to take his little stunt very well. He could make it up to him right? Turbo hoped so as he made his way to the “winner’s circle” for his post-race champagne and interview; and of course he hoped that DINACO would make their way over and offer to sign him again. It was just as lovely as he remembered, being up on that platform and having the cameras and the crowd all around him, cheering for him, smiling at him, all of it. Though he still tried to casually glance around for Chick, worried in the back of his mind that his little stunt might have actually hurt the younger racer. 

[thechickhicks]

What a race it was turning out to be. He certainly wasn't out of practice, but neither was Turbo, which was obviously clear as the male took the lead. Chick, of course, wasn't too far behind. He wouldn't live with himself if he culdn't do better than this. Okay, yes he would but he sure would pout about it if he couldn't pull it off, just this once, right when he wanted to the most. A lot was riding on this race, he couldn't afford to achieve anything but excellence. 

He knew what Turbo was doing the moment he saw the way his car clipped to the right. He swerved on instinct but it wasn't fast enough. The car in front of him broke into a spin, catching the front end and the tire of his green car. Chick went into his own spin, stopped short when the side of his car met the cement wall surrounding the track. His body jolted forward, the belt around his torso throwing him back against the seat roughly. 

He didn't need to look to know it was over. And yet, his head dropped back and he let out a laugh. Nothing was more exhilarating than a race, and nothing got your adrenaline pumping more than a close call. It wasn't long before his team had him out of the vehicle getting checked on while they rolled the car into the pits for a check up of its own. 

The side of his forehead was bleeding a bit, mostly from his helmet - which was immediately discarded. What he was more worried about was his baby. He didn't need to worry about Turbo, he was enjoying his victory, unscathed. "How's she lookin'?" he asked, once he returned to his crew after the medic patched him up. "Beat up pretty god on the side, but nothing we can't fix in a day or two." It was a relief to hear. He knew a few cars had taken a good beating and were probably out for the season. Nothing would have pissed him off than to be benched so soon. 

With that taken care of, Chick straightened himself up and made his way over to the winner's circle to congratulate Turbo on his victory and bug him about his racing tactics. 

[thechickhicks]

Burning Rubber | Churbo

[naomidimirci]

Being back in Toronto was a wonderful feeling for Turbo; mostly because he knew he was going to be back on the track. That was the thing about Toronto that he loved, and obviously there were some side effects that he wasn’t too thrilled with. Mathieu being back in the same radius was a definite drawback, but it wasn’t enough to take him out of Toronto. He’d spent the first day back getting reacquainted with his home and the town and of course signing autographs and answering questions.

Unsurprisingly the vast majority of the questions had to do with Chick Hicks and his relationship with Turbo; which were skillfully avoided on account of the fact that he wasn’t one-hundred on what they were, and also because he didn’t want to share his hidden gem with the world yet. What he had with Chick was…special to say the least. But that was, admittedly, not one of the first things on his mind as he stepped back onto the track, instantly sinking into his racing mentality and feeling at home.

He paid no mind to the other racers as he suited up — he never had, when Turbo was getting ready to race the driving was all that was on his mind, his foot itching to press the pedals and this hands needing the feel of the wheel underneath his fingers. He was snapped out of his pre-race mentality as Chick called over to him, and his head snapped up, his gaze finding the younger male.

"You haven’t beat me yet, Hicks. It’s not about to change today. Definitely not today." He called back, any other time he might consider winking, or smiling, or shooting Chick some sort of playful or flirty look; but this was his first race back on the track, back on his track and his chance to win DINACO back, so there was nothing but pure competition in his voice and features. He zipped up his suit, and pulled his helmet into place before sliding gracefully and skillfully into the drivers seat of his car; signature 69 painted in red on the silky black finish. He revved the car to life, his heart practically purring in tune. 

Turbo did his routine check of his car from the inside before letting his eyes slip shut and his usual pre-race mantra running through his mind; and unsurprisingly imagining himself winning. He continued on that path until it was time for the cars to line up, and unsurprisingly since they were returning from a long probation, he and Chick were lined up at the back — and that fueled his need to win. 

He exhaled as the flag was waved, the gun shot, and his muscles reacted before he could even think about what to do, pushing him into the stack of cars as they started their race. Turbo wasn’t necessarily upset with his position in the middle of the pack because it was still the beginning, but he was determined to pull ahead as soon as possible, not caring what cars he knocked off to the side in his wake. 

[thechickhicks]

It was the look of determination that made Chick smirk more. Nothing sounded more fun than overtaking Turbo and ranking higher than him, just to show him he was a force to be reckoned with. With that in mind, he finished gearing up and did the final check of his car. It had been a long time but he didn't feel out of practice as he fell into the usual pattern, the pre-race check. 

Then it came to sitting behind the wheel, bringing the engine to life, he felt at home, more than he had in a long time. Then they were off. Lap after lap, he quickly forgot that he was at the back at the start, because soon enough, as wheels turned and cars moved at racing speed, Chick moved through the group. He forgot about keeping an eye on Turbo, because he really didn't care. He was more worried about the newbies who'd taken the top spots since they'd gone. 

Lap after lap, spot after spot, the race went on and, honestly, Chick just felt great to be back behind the wheel. There was wide grin on his face, though nobody could see it under his helmet. It was a beautiful day to race and, luckily, nothing had gone wrong yet. 

[thechickhicks]

Burning Rubber | Churbo

It was nice to be back in Toronto. The first day had been dedicated to getting reacquainted with the city, visiting the favourite spots he had missed since leaving the county. But today, today was for the track. He'd come early to see if there was any changes to the track itself. It looked as incredible as it did the first day he stepped foot on it. It had a certain smell to it an the air was filled with excitement. He was more than ready to get back in the driver seat after such a long break. It was worth it if he could show Turbo he hadn't lost an ounce of skill, too.

The two of them had been getting along amazingly well since they came back to Canada. Not that he expected them to suddenly act like rivals again, but he was worried about ho their competitive natures would interfere with their friendship, and relationship. Racing was their thing, though, and he knew neither of them would want to give up on it, not when they were finally back in the game. He'd been asked a few times about the relationship between the two of them, but nobody was able to get a definite answer out of him. Part of it was him not wanting to make a mistake and assume things, but it was also special and it felt wrong to share something so special with others. 

But speak of the devil. As Chick adjusted the zipper on his racing suit, he caught sight of Turbo out of the corner of his eye. His features quirked up into a grin. "Ready to et your ass kicked?" he called cocking his head to the side as he watched the older male. 

[toughasspunta-blog]

If you don’t have a-anything n-nice to say..don’t s-say anything at a-all.

[thechickhicks]

If you don't have anything productive to do, get out of the way.

[toughasspunta-blog]

Just because I’m small and blonde does not mean I am fragile and stupid!

[thechickhicks]

No, but that doesn't change the fact that you're blocking the entire shelf and I need my book.

[darlingthomascharming-deactivat]

Well...

I certainly needed a little time away, that’s for sure. Still hate this place though.

[thechickhicks]

You're really dedicated to that opinion, aren't you?

[foreverqueeniebee]

"It would be really great if I could hire someone to make me tea and coffee and bring me cookies while I grade these horrible essays."

[thechickhicks]

"I'm sure you could bribe some student into it, it doesn't sound like too bad a gig for such a pretty teacher as you."

[poisoningapples]

I’m seriously beginning to think this place has lost all it’s appeal.

[thechickhicks]

Come now, you can't really mean that.

[theamazingmulan-blog]

Is that so? And what’s my weakness? Nope, not at all. You know I’m awesome otherwise you wouldn’t have out with me. I might be. We are but there’s always room for doubt. Mulan went about arranging the pillows behind her, leaning back onto Chick’s bed. 

[thechickhicks]

I would say your red haired princess, though you probably have another I'll discover soon enough. You're not supposed to be smart enough to figure that out, you know. Just keep it to yourself. He rolled his eyes when he saw her set up, sitting down beside her. 

[bradley-th]

Well, I do want to know whether everyone died or something, like it feels like it. What do you do? Lock yourself up like the rest of them? Or do you actually try and talk to people.

[thechickhicks]

Spring blues, leave 'em be. I've been doing sports, they've been keeping me busy, and I always have Mulan to bug. 

[thechickhicks]

Drive

“Did you think I was joking?”

“Of course I did!” Mulan yelped in response, pushing her back even deeper into the cushioned fabric of the driver’s seat, her arms fully extended as she gripped the wheel tight, tight enough her knuckles turned white. It was a genuine miracle that he’d gotten her into the seat in the first place, one consisting of sideways insinuations that poked at her pride and the lighthearted banter that was a constant with them. Once they were settled, it seemed to dawn on her that he had been serious. Though he was concerned for how she’d handle a vehicle at any speed, he trusted her enough to still try. Besides, he’d been the one teaching his brothers to drive. He was experienced in giving the right guidance. Sorta.

“I’m not asking you to maneuver through downtown. Nobody drives this back road. Well, except me, and now you.” Chick held in the chuckle that threatened to surface when she shot him a glare. There was no doubt she was going to kick his ass after this, so he might as well make the best of it. “We’re not going back until you do this.”

“Then I hope you like sleeping in your car,” she retorted, her tongue sharp enough to draw blood.

“Matter of fact, I do,” he counter, relaxing against the back of his seat. He didn’t have many opportunities to enjoy the passenger seat and even though the weight of control was not heavy on his mind, he was still paying attention. The hum of the engine, the way the wind rocked the treetops gently and drifted the sound in through the open windows, and even the soft, but deep, breaths Mulan was taking were in his mind. “Ease into it, you don’t have to go fast. And for Pete’s sake, relax. The wheel sure as hell doesn’t bite.”

The tension continued to fill the air even as it fell silent again. It was slowly beginning to wear away at his nerves and rather than be irritated and get into a screaming match – which he was sure he’d win – he opted to turn on the radio. A soft, easy rock song came on and he occupied his mind with it. He’d wait as long as he could, though he was hoping it wouldn’t be forever.

Finally, her hand moved to rest on the gear shift.

The car didn’t jolt forward; it gradually picked up speed, though it still didn’t go very fast. Not until they had inched their way around the corner. Chick wasn’t going to pressure her to go faster than she was comfortable with, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t happen when she put the pedal to the metal as they zoomed down the long, straight stretch of road. He knew what the thrill did for him, and the smile on her face meant she enjoyed it too.

They came to a skidding halt on a dirt pull out, and Chick quickly changed his expression to a scowl even though he wanted to smile.

“Hey, don’t go fucking up my brakes.”

“You’re lucky I don’t go fucking up your face for making me do this.”

“I know I am.”

[theamazingmulan-blog]

I would never dream of selling out Tuxedo Mask, that would be a travesty. Debated in the positive, I’m sure. You might be. I’m just making sure. Here then, put it on.

[thechickhicks]

You better not, I know your weakness, too. Positively incorrect on your part. Are you doubting me? I thought we were friends. Merci. Chick took the disc carefully and made quick work of putting it in the player and setting it up.

[theamazingmulan-blog]

Of course you will, tux. I know the true way to your heart, don’t I? I’m always awesome even if you can’t recognise it. Did you want to put this on? Do you have a DVD player in here?

[thechickhicks]

If you ever sell my weaknesses to a super villain, I'll haunt you forever. That can be debated, but now right now. What do you think I am, a caveman? Of course I have a DVD player. I'll take care of it.

[naomidimirci]

Well, you’re going to have to come by and pick it up then. Or you can just keep it in my garage, if you want, plenty of space. Oh, mister wise over here, huh? At least I’m willing to try; only for you though Chick, don’t go around telling people I’m willing to compromise or whatever.

[thechickhicks]

It should probably stay with you, I'd have nowhere to keep it and it deserves to be properly cared for. I try. I would never ruined your reputation by spreading something like that. I do appreciate the effort.

[naomidimirci]

Not a bribe, what do I have to bribe you for anyways? But if you don’t want it, I can always return it. I could never be boring. I’ll think about it. 

[thechickhicks]

No idea, but it coulda been. I never said that, don't be so rash. You shouldn't say 'never', you might end up disappointing yourself. I guess I can't ask for more than that. 

[naomidimirci]

Not even if I said there’s a Lime Green Bugatti with your name on it in the mix? I was never good at finding new hobbies. 

[thechickhicks]

...... Is that some kind of bribe? You really should try or you're going to get boring. Fly miniature airplanes or something. 

[naomidimirci]

Wasting my time doing? And what else should I be doing with my time, Chicky? 

[thechickhicks]

I would hope not expanding your collection. You could get a new hobby or something.