"hey, Lightning, its alright-" Mack tries. Lightning screams and punches the mirror in the room. it shatters slicing his hand and arm open.

"no its not!" Lightning shouts. Doc walks in quickly.

"whats going on- holy shit kid! what did you do?" Doc ask running over. he grabs the younger mans arm gently. "jesus kid. come on." Doc mutters, wrapping his arm carefully in a hotel towel. "alright we're gonna have to get you up to the hospital." Doc mutters.

"why!? its not like they'll help me!" Lightning shouts. "they never helped me before! ever! why the hell would they start now!?" Lightning growls.

"what the hell did you say to him?" Doc snaps at Mack. "it doesn't matter grab him." Doc mutters. Mack walks over quickly, picking him up. he's careful to hold the towel tightly around Lightnings arm, but keep a tight grasp on the younger man while they head back down to the car quickly. Docs not surprised the man has cracked, even with Bolts help, his mental health was on a string. he's been trying, but eventually everyone snaps. he grabs Bolts leash and leads him to the car, despite the dog already following them.

in the hospital Lightnings loosing his mind, yelling and screaming. he won't let any of the doctors touch him. Bolt can't even help him at this point and the poor pups hiding behind Doc in fear at his owners anger. he's losing a lot of blood and, eventually, after about 20 minutes, Doc finally manages to sedate him so they can work on him. he and Mack are told to wait in the waiting room and Docs pissed. he turns and glares at Mack.

"what the hell did you do?" Doc glares.

"I just tried to convince him he needed to stay until they buried his step mom and step sister. I didn't think he'd... he just lost his mind. screaming I didn't understand what it was like to live with him or be back in this town. that he was going to hitch hike out of here again if we didn't get him out. I tried to tell him everything was going to be alright, but he freaked and punched the mirror." Mack says. "he hates being here and we should really just take him home, I can talk to Rust-eze-" Mack starts.

"thats not gonna happen now. he can't fly when he's just had a full on mental break down. he's not even going to be allowed to leave the hospital for at least a week. he's stuck here now. there's nothing I can do and there's nothing Rust-eze can do. if it gets out he's had a mental break down like this, its going to hurt his career. he'll be placed on a probationary/rookie period. he'll be sent for a mental health check and could even be admitted to a mental hospital until they decide he's safe enough to get back out there. if they decide he's not, they're going to force him into retirement. they're not going to give him any chances. they will end his career and there is nothing I can do to get him out of here and prevent any of that from happening. there is literally nothing anyone can do." Doc snaps. "he's offically and royally fucked." Doc adds. Mack frowns a little.

"w-well, maybe Rusty and Dusty can-" Mack starts.

"they can't do anything. they've been trying to get him to retire since the whole thing with Chick went down. you keep your fucking mouth shut about this to them." Doc snaps. he's pacing and Bolts following him. "we have to get him out of here. he doesn't want to be here and staying is actually going to end his career. they're going to call him crazy, mentall unstable, they're going to force him out of the only thing that brings him joy and I'm not willing to let that happen. I need to call Sally. I have to get him out of here and now." Doc says, walking out of the room quickly. Macks never actually seen Doc panic like this. sure he gets nervous about their relationship getting out, but Docs actually physically panicking. he's more anxious than Lightning is before getting on a plane, when getting on a plane can't be avoided. Macks not sure what to do, so he waits quietly for Doc, for Lightning, for answers. he jumps up and runs to the back, he can fix this. he catches the first doctor he can.

"hey, I wanted to see how Lightning McQueen was, he really kinda lost his mind earlier. they found out his dad had an accident and didn't make it. he got real upset, I just wanted to make sure he's okay now." Mack says.

"he'll be alright." the doctor assures. "we'll release him in a bit." he smiles reassuringly.

"I just wanted to make sure it's not gonna like, affect how he gets released. I know he was a little crazy earlier, but I'd have lost my mind too if I was told my dad died like that." Mack frowns, rubbing the back of his neck.

"no, we'll be releasing him soon. its alright." the man assures, walking off. Mack nods and runs back to Doc.

"Doc hey-" Mack starts. Doc silences him with a finger, he's on the phone.

"they're probably going to want to hold him." Doc says.

"they're releasing him." Mack says. Doc stops, looking over. "in a little bit. I fixed it." Mack assures gently.

"Sally, I have to go." Doc frowns. "you did what?" Doc snaps.

"don't be pissed with me. just shut up and make plans to get him the hell out of here without putting him on a plane." Mack mutters.

"just stay the fuck away from him. you've done nothing but make everything worse since all this shit happened." Doc snaps.

"I'm not doing it on purpose." Mack scoffs a little.

Doc shoots him the dirtiest looks until he's allowed back to see Lightning. the mans quiet, reserved, but Doc holds him anyway. Lightning pets Bolt and leans into Docs hold.

"I want to go home." Lightning says.

"I know. I'm working on it kid. I'm going to get you home as soon as you get out of here, even if I have to drive you." Doc assures.

"m'sorry." Lightning mutters.

"don't be sorry kid. you're alright. everyone has a break down eventually." Doc assures, kissing his head.

"is Mack angry?" Lightning mumbles.

"no, why would he be angry?" Doc ask. Lightning frowns and hugs Bolt tightly.

"cause the last time I did something like that I was trying to kill myself and he got upset." Lightning mutters.

"I think he feels guilty, like he pushed you to it." Doc murmurs. he frowns when his phone goes off. "Sally?" Doc ask.

"I've got paperwork sent to the hospital right now. Rust-eze is sending a jet. basically you're going to be medically transferring him to the clinic here in Radiator Springs, I told Rust and Dusty he had an anxiety attack and busted a mirror when he fell. he'll get off on this without a mental evaluation, just get him ready to leave." Sally says.

"you're the best." Doc says, hanging up. "alright kid, get up. come on. Sallys got us on a jet back to Radiator Springs." Doc says.

"what about our stuff?" Lightning ask. Doc frowns and calls Mack.

"Mack go get our stuff from the hotel." Doc says in a clipped tone. its obvious to Lightning that even Doc thinks its Macks fault, no wonder Mack feels guilty.

"Sally called me first. I'm already on my way back to get you guys." Mack assures.

"good." Doc mutters hanging up the phone.

"Mr.McQueen." a nurse says poking her head in. "you're being transferred." she smiles.

"he knows, Rust-eze wants him back in Radiator Springs and away from all this mess." Doc says shaking his head. she nods and hands Lightning a bag of his personal belongings.

"do you need a wheelchair?" she asks.

"no I'm okay. I can walk." Lightning mumbles, getting up. he stumbles into Doc, who catches him carefully. Bolt whines and nudges him gently.

"I got you kid its alright." Doc assures gently. he helps the younger outside, where Mack is already waiting for them. Doc doesn't even ask to drive, he just sits in the backseat with Lightning, holding him tightly.

"where's my hoodie?" Lightning asks, curled up in Docs lap.

"I don't know, probably packed in one of our suit cases." Doc murmurs.

"I'll find it before we get on the jet." Mack says. Lightning whines.

"you can't even drug me this time." Lightning whines.

"no I can't but its alright." Doc assures. "you'll be okay." Doc adds, holding him tighter. Lightning nods and drops his head on Docs good shoulder.

"is your arm okay? Lightning ask.

"yeah. my arms fine kid." Doc murmurs, smiling softly at him. Lightning nods a little.

Doc murmurs comforting things to the younger man until they get to the jet, despite feeling sick to his stomach from riding in the backseat. Lightning ends up being the one to support Doc when they get out of the car. his older lover is obviously sick to his stomach,

"Doc are you okay?" Lightning asks quietly, looking up at his older lover.

"yeah baby, I'm alright, just a little sick." Doc assures. Lightning frowns at him and holds tightly to him, Docs face is pale with a tint of green.

"hey are you alright?" Mack asks, running over to them, Lightnings hoodie in hand.

"he's sick." Lightning mumbles.

"m'fine." Doc mutters. but he certainly doesn't look fine. he usually avoids talking as much as possible when feeling car sick, or he feels worse. looking this sick makes him look so much older.

"hey, oh, is Doc alright?" Rusty asks, coming down the jet steps.

"Rusty? you came?" Lightning asks.

"yeah, you're my friend kid, wanted to make sure everyone got home safe, but Doc doesn't look so good.

"he got a little car sick, he'll be fine." Mack assures. Rusty moves and let Lightning and Mack help the older man up the stairs, despite his protests. Mack leaves after a minute to talk to Rusty. Lightning curls up in the seat beside him and cuddles him gently. he's got his hoodie on now, letting himself breathe in from a sleeve, before cuddling Doc more. Bolt walks over, tail wagging happily. Lightning pats his head gently, but curls up more with Doc.

"are you gonna be okay?" Lightning asks softly.

"m'fine baby." Doc assures gently, holding his stomach. "as long as I don't puke, its fine. I'm okay Monty. promise." Doc murmurs quietly, he rubs the younger mans back gently. Lightning nuzzles his neck gently.

"are you sure you're okay?" Lightning ask.

"yes, I'll be fine. you just focus on you here kid. focus on staying calm, okay?" Doc asks. Lightning nods, nuzzling closer to him. Doc kisses his head and winces a little.

"bet you could ask Mack for a sprite or something." Lightning says.

"I'm okay." Doc assures. Lightning cuddles him and lays his head on Docs shoulder, playing with his engagement ring. "you invite Rusty and Dusty?" Doc murmurs.

"I haven't even told them about us or our engagement." Lightning mumbles.

"you should tell them, invite them." Doc murmurs. Rusty climbs in and sits in front of them, looking at them with a small smile.

"where's Dusty?" Lightning asks quietly.

"he's back at HQ." Rusty murmurs. "you okay Doc?" Rusty asks. Docs looking a little less sick now.

"oh yeah, I'll be alright." Doc assures.

"hey, um, y'know I'm engaged right?" Lightning asks, hesitantly.

"oh yeah I know." Rusty assures.

"you know I'm engaged to Doc right?" Lightning clarifies. Rusty pauses a minute, before frowning.

"am I really that blind?" Rusty asks, looking at them. Doc holds the younger closer to his side and Lightning shifts a little. "yeah I guess I am. well congrats you two." Rusty smiles.

"well, we're gonna get married soon so you guys are invited. I can get Mack to text you all the information." Lightning says. Rusty perks up.

"really? well congrats!" Rusty grins.

"but we're keeping it on the down low." Lightning says.

"no press. no media. no fans. close friends and family only. pictures and videos are not to be shared, posted, or even mentioned to people who are not there." Doc says.

"oh sure, no problem. its all good." Rusty assures. "Dusty and I won't say a word." Rusty adds. Lightning nods tensing up and gripping Docs leg.

"this won't affect my career will it?" Lightning asks hesitantly, cuddling closer to Doc.

"nah kid. Rust-eze is a firm supporter of the LGBTQ comminuty and if anyone has any issues with it, our lawyers will personally deal with it." Rusty assures gently. Lightning nods a little, cuddling closer to Doc. "you alright kid?" Rusty ask.

"this whole situations got him a little messed up right now. he'll be fine once we get him back to Radiator Springs." Doc assures Rusty. Lightning is a little relieved.

the rest of the trip is relatively calm, Doc silently comforting his young lover the whole time. its late when they get back to Radiator Springs. they roll up in Macks semi cab and the whole town is there waiting for them.

"you guys are back!" Flo exclaims, running over and hugging Lightning tightly. Lightning grunts a little.

"I've got you guys set up in the Cone." Sally says, looking at Doc. Doc nods at her, wrapping an arm around his fiance.

"come on kid." Doc murmurs. he glances over at the house, its obviously being worked on, he smiles a little at it. "hey kid, house is looking pretty good." Doc murmurs, smiling. Lightning cuddles to his side and mumbles.

"cool." he mumbles.

"are you alright?" Doc ask softly.

"no." Lightning sighs. "m'not. I knew it. I knew the bastard was a murderer, but I didn't know he was a serial killer." Lightning mutters. Doc frowns and sits on the Cone bed with him, turning on the news.

"serial killer Elliot M. Fallen has yet to be found, but over 25 young women and children have been found buried in his yard, investigators are still in the process of digging up his land-"

Doc mutes the tv.

"over 25?" Lightning asks.

"god your dad was a serial killer." Doc mutters.

"turn it back on." Lightning mutters. Doc unmutes the tv.

"-15 bodies have already been matched with missing persons records, so far."

15 pictures appear on screen.

"there! its her!" Lightning shouts, pointing. "Emily." Lightning mumbles. Doc looks at the picture. "and theres her mom." Lightning says, pointing to another.

"well, it was them then. good job kiddo. you put them to rest." Doc murmurs softly, pulling the younger man to his side. "you did it." Doc murmurs softly. Lightning chokes and clings to him, sobbing. Doc holds him tightly. "you did it baby, you got them." Doc says softly. Lightning sobs into his chest, clinging to him. he lets out a blubbering mess that Doc can't understand.

"we also have word, they may have some more information about his previous wifes mysterious murder, Michelle McQueen formerly, Michelle Fallen."

"we've found a gun that matches what was used to shoot both her and her son, Montgomery Fallen, better known as Lightning McQueen."

Lightning curls up sniffling. he looks at the tv.

"they found it?" he asks softly.

"you did it kid, you also got your mothers murder solved." Doc murmurs. there's a knock on the Cone door and it slowly creeps open. Reds standing there with Bolt.

"hey you guys left him running around. he got excited to see everyone." Red smiles a little. Bolt runs in happily and over to Lightning, jumping up on the bed with them. "you okay? we... we saw it on the news at Flos. its literally all over every news channel." Red murmurs. Lightning curls up more.

"he'll be okay Red." Doc assures.

"can I hug you?" Red asks softly. Lightning gives a small smile, separating himself from Doc. Red perks up and hugs him tightly. Lightning lets him, hugging back, sniffling a little.

"thanks Red." Lightning mumbles quietly. Red nods and lets him go, stepping back some.

"you did a good thing Lightning." Red murmurs. "who knows how many families you put at ease with this." Red adds, hugging tighter. Lightning cuddles to him and looks up.

"thanks Red." he mumbles quietly. Red smiles at him and lets him go, ruffling his hair gently.

"you guys be careful." Red smiles, leaving their Cone room. Lightning sits back down on the bed and stares at the screen.

"what am I gonna do now? my whole past is gonna be dug up Doc." Lightning mumbles.

"it doesn't matter what happens kid, I promise. you'll always have me alright? and the town. we'll do our best to help you and keep you safe and sane. we'll do our best kid, your problems are mine too, alright? we'll do this together." Doc assures softly, holding him tightly.

*December 15th*

the wedding itself is a beautiful, the whole town wearing fancy clothes. Lightning giving a shocked excuse me?! when they're called man and wife instead of man and man, while the rest of the town laughs. there's tears everywhere. Smokey standing to the side with is arms crossed over his chest, smirking proudly. it was amazing. their reception is currently taking place.

Lightning and Doc are settled together, leaning against the Hornet, looking over the moon rise over the Butte. their happily holding hands leaned against it, wearing the black shirts that Sally gave them. Docs shirt, in bright, bold yellow letters says my husbands allergic to nuts, thats why he has me. and Montys shirt, in bright rainbow letters says if you don't get the gay joke on my husbands shirt, don't talk to me. Sally had them specially made for the two.

"told you night weddings are beautiful." Lightning murmurs, leaning against his side.

"y'know Lightning, I doubted it, but it really was." Doc murmurs.

"you know we're married now right? you can call me monty and you won't offend me." Lightning mutters.

"oh being married means I have to call you by your first name hmm?" Doc murmurs.

"means I'm more likely to call you Hud." Lightning says. Doc half smirks, shifting a little as Rusty and Dusty walk over.

"well kid, we've gotta get going but we wanted to congradulate you one more time." Rusty murmurs, reaching to shake his hand. Lightning shakes his head and smiles, shaking their hands.

"thanks guys." Lightning smiles.

"we're gonna put you in for next season, but let us know if you need time off for anything." Dusty says, shaking Lightnings hand.

"thanks guys. I appreciate it." Lightning murmurs.

"you two have fun." Rusty smiles, walking off. Lightning waves at them settling back in beside his husband. he grins to himself a little.

"y'know kid, its been a hard past few years for you, but I'm proud of you." Doc murmurs. Lightning smiles leaning against him.

"your friends are waiting for you to race, go." Lightning chuckles, letting go of his hand. Doc smiles.

"sure you don't mind baby?" Doc ask.

"no go have fun. be an old man and enjoy the company of your friends please." Lightning smiles.

"love you baby." Doc smiles. he grabs the younger and kisses him deeply, before walking off. Lightning chuckles, leaning against Docs Hornet happily.

"love you too Hud." Lightning murmurs, watching him go.

"hey Stickers." Sally smiles walking over.

"hey Sal, thanks for the shirts." Lightning smiles.

"you're welcome. couldn't figure out what to do, so I hoped you guys would like them." Sally smiles. Lightning nods at her.

"we do. we appreciate them." Lightning smiles at her. he watches her walk away and sighs happily. he couldn't be any happier. Chicks dead, his fathers likely dead, his mothers murder may have been solved, his sister and step mothers deaths have been discovered, and he's married to the man of his treams. he couldn't be happier.