[Yes, I know we did a LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THE RACES text thread a long time ago but... it's been a bit and I figure we can start fresh. lol. Also, she's annoyingly loud right now. sorry.]
Now that is one of your most attractive features. ;)
[Ten minutes later, she pulled up in front of the hotel he'd been staying at and shot off a text. She was excited - both to see him again (though it hadn't been that long) and to introduce him to her - their world.]
[ He gets that text and heads outside with a grin. He's got real no idea what's going on but he can't help but to be curious. He trusts her and doesn't worry about what she's planning. He's all in for it to spend time with her.
[She grinned as she spotted him walking out of the hotel and watched as he slid into the passengers seat.]
You'll see.
[Les said simply before heading out of the hotel parking lot and toward the little stretch of land Don and Ricky had set aside for races. Although it was a little bit away from San Francisco, they'd made sure it was worth it for everyone coming in. It was a good 20-30 minutes when they arrived. Cars and motorcycles are parked on both sides of the stretch of road, men and women strolling around, music blaring from speakers.]
Welcome to... our other lives.
[She said, glancing over at him with a little grin. She hoped that he had a good time.]
[ In fairness, Tyler had no idea what was going on. He just agreed, never second guessing that if she asked, he'd go along with her to wherever she took him.
So as they got farther out of the city, he couldn't help but to be curious.
Yet as they pulled down the lane lined with people and cars, he suddenly got a clue what was going on. They didn't just build cars, they raced them. ]
[ It surprised her, honestly, how willing he was to go along with her idea and not question it. She also realized that Tyler had more strength and power from being a hybrid and that he could (and had) taken care of himself for this long. At the end of the day, she would be no match for him.
Not that she would do anything like that to him. It wasn't in her nature. If she had a problem with someone, she was more upfront about it and wouldn't drive them to the middle of anywhere to antagonize them.
She backed up and parked in a spot next to Jason's car and grinned. ]
Some people think it's still just a thing from movies. It's not everyone's thing and so if it's not yours, that's okay. We thought we'd share the other half of who we are.
[ And also demonstrate that they weren't afraid of anything. She hoped he would enjoy himself. She nodded at his question. ]
I do. They wouldn't let Abs and I race until we were 16/17 but after that, it was game on. They showed us everything we know. Our dad and Ricky's dad made a name for themselves back in the day and naturally, Don and Ricky had to as well.
[ It never occurs to Tyler to think about how much more he has from the packs he seeks out. He knows it's what has kept him alive all this time, but in the end, his focus is on letting them live our their lives without being enslaved. They've been around as long as the Originals and yet those children think they have the right to take the lives of those around them.
After that first day, it hadn't occurred to him to even worry she might be taking him out to get rid of him, or worse, turn him over to Klaus. He'd gone along, trusting her. ]
I've never tried it like this, just being a dick kid showing off his car, but I'm willing to try.
[ He pauses for a moment. ]
And to pay for any damage I might do to a car too.
[ He snorts at that, smiling at her though. ]
Did they wait until 16 or so? Is this a double standard I'm not going to let them live down?
How do you think a lot of these guys start out? By being a dick and showing off their cars. You'll fit right in.
[ There were even the rich boys who came, flashing their money and thinking they were gods gift to women. All sorts of people tended to show up. ]
It won't be the first nor will it be the last time damage is done to a car. It's the nature of the game. Besides, it's a good thing we know of a good autobody shop.
[ She was glad that he was willing to give it a shot and to take it all in. Street racing was in their blood and a large part of who their family was. It was a large part of who she was.
Les laughs at the question and shakes her head. ]
Don't get me wrong, we definitely started driving at a younger age. But coming here to race against someone else? Yeah, we were about 16. From what I remember, they were around 16 when they started coming out to race. So in this, not a double standard. I think they realized it was a losing battle.
[ He can't say he didn't have a one on one race or two in his day but definitely nothing like this. He can't say he hasn't come to find a needed thrill in his life. One that he has control over when so much else about his life is out of control.
But moments like this, as much as he's been included, it's easy to forget about Klaus and the rest of his life and just focus on this, and be here with Les. ]
Hey being a dick and showing off money is definitely something I've always been good at.
[ There's a self deprecation there, knowing that the boy he'd been would never survived unless he'd become the man he now is. ]
[ Despite knowing there is a homicidal hybrid out there wanting to come and destroy her pack (and all packs), when she's here, nothing else really matters. Just this.
And she's glad she can share that with Tyler. ]
You'll be just fine then.
[ She grins at him and reaches for his hand, giving it a squeeze before letting go and stepping out of the car. ]
Just a few years ago, they had these closer to town and on busy streets. Ultimately, they and we agreed, why not make an event of it? So now every weekend, people from all over, who know about it, come out, enjoy themselves and race if they want. Don and Ricky are usually here until 2 or 3 in the morning.
Some of the guys will stay if they're entertained enough or head back to the house.
[ She grins at his response and his tone as she looks around. She spots a few people turning their way and rolls her eyes. But, she had to admit, it wasn't every day she showed up with a new guy. Especially with her family's reputation. ]
Semi would be the keyword there. It's still illegal as fuck but we've made it more fun, a little bit safer for everyone involved, and made it the place to be.
[ She pauses as she sends him a little wink. ]
It also helps that Don and Ricky have made a couple of friends who so happen to be cops.
If we have a big race happening that takes place over multiple days, sometimes we'll get a cut from the winnings but mostly it's a love of doing it and having a place to do it.
[ With that, she starts to walk closer to the throngs of people and cars. ]
You're not on the main roads and less likely for cops to come out this way randomly. Easy outs so not trapped with one way in or one way out and I bet you have cameras or people watching the roads out from the city, right?
[ It's what he would do, and shows how he is constantly watching the road, watching to see who is there. He does it from fear of what he's been through and wariness, but isn't that close to the same thing when you're running a set up like this?
He laughs though at that. ]
Or go the "my parents are the mayor", make friends with cops route. I know that one well.
[ He follows along at her side, gaze sweeping the crowd from time to time. ]
We absolutely have people watching the roads and cameras. The fact that there’s less to no traffic out here like if we were in the city, makes it less dangerous for participants too. Between us, I’m sure we lost a few people in the transition who enjoys that added adrenaline rush but that’s okay.
[ She laughs and nods in agreement, sending him an amused smirk. ]
Knowing cops does help just a little.
Just about every weekend. I have a standing race with an old high school friend Keith. Guys will sometimes challenge me and usually, I can make some good money off their asses.
Race or no race, we usually come to talk up the businesses we have. I can get some great business for custom paint jobs from many of these assholes too, which helps.
[ She says the term asshole fondly because while there were a bunch of typical assholes around, they were guys she’d known for years and knew their wives or family. ]
If they had to live on constantly alert and living on adrenaline, they wouldn't want that. I guess that's why I really don't get it though. I like the idea of racing but I don't need the added edge of could die at any moment.
[ He lives with that hanging over his head as it is. ]
Well don't let me hold you back. Do what you need to and I'm here for back up. I'm here to support you. Well, I mean, you guys.
[ And really he meant her mostly, but he's here for the pack and anything they need. ]
[ She nods and meanders through the different cars with him - giving a little wave to Don and Ricky when she spots them before focusing on their conversation. ]
It's true. The fact is, one stupid mistake could cause you or someone else to get hurt, that goes especially when you're racing. A lot of people around here live off that adrenaline fix and the need to see how far they can take their car. The pro about coming out here, in a more controlled environment versus a busy interstate, is there's less of a chance that someone else can be hurt. It's fine if they want to risk their lives... it's less fine when it could kill another person because of their stupid actions.
I rolled a car back in high school - it was raining and I was angry, not thinking properly, and took a corner too sharply. I was just glad I was the only one in the car. If Abby or any of the guys had gotten hurt because of me, I would never forgive myself.
All that said... it gets into your blood. Or at least, it's been in mine, Don, and Ricky's. Started with our fathers. For about... a year, maybe, I was sure I would do something else with my life but I can't imagine not being around cars.
[ She glances at him with a grin. She likes that he mentions her in particular. ]
Tonight, I'm showing you around - introducing you to people, if you're interested, and at some point probably race so you can see me in action. So if you see something you want to check out in particular, let me know.
[ Tyler watches her wave and follows her gaze. He sees the guys and he lifts a hand in a bit of a salute and offers a smile.
But even then his attention is on her a moment later, listening as she talks about racing and why most of them are there. He knows there was a time when he would have done just the same, would have thrown himself into the madness of it all for the fun but now... now he's not sure. Even if he is more likely to live.
Though he wonders if he wasn't being hunted would he enjoy the fun of times like this?
His eyes went wide and he doesn't stop himself as he reaches out, taking her hand. He draws her back to him, shaking his head. ]
Please don't risk yourself like that. Not over anger.
I think there was a time I would have done the same. I get it. Five years ago, I'd jump right on it. I just... I guess now I forget what its like to play these games. Maybe I should give it a try sometime. Maybe that is what I need.
[ Don and Ricky waves back to the both of them with a smile before going back to a conversation with another racer.
Les smiles, glad that they were all getting along. Finding someone who got along with her family wasn't always the easiest, not only because they were werewolves but simply everything they do and how protective they all were of each other.
She squeezes his hand and steps in closer to him, giving him a smile. ]
Promise, I learned my lesson. Not only was I grounded for a couple of weeks but I didn't get another car for nearly a year. It wasn't worth it.
After everything you've been through, it makes sense. Just like changing your oil, I would be happy to teach you how we do it here. Sometimes, we need that outlet to remind us of who we are outside of all the other bullshit - to make us feel normal. You may really benefit with it.
[ With that squeeze of her hand, he tugs her a bit closer, running his thumb along her hand and enjoying the soft touch of just being like this. In public, holding her hand, and thankful for that alone but this has started to become something amazing.
Except he knows he won't have it forever but that isn't anything he's thinking about right now. ]
I was so used to just having my parent get it taken care of. I should learn though, with how life is now.
[ He doesn't have anyone, but he so needs to learn what he needs to take care of himself. ]
I really owe you guys for giving me this chance. You didn't have to accept me and you didn't have to let me in even for a day. Just had to be prepared. Instead you let me be here like this. Thank you.
[ She steps in closer with a smile, enjoying the soft touches and being close to him like this. Her wolf liked it as well even if they both knew that they might not get to keep him forever.
For now, it was good enough. ]
You'll just have to come in either over the weekend or Monday and I'll teach you. Just like I'll teach you how to race.
[ She lifts her free hand up and touches his jaw, unable to resist teasing him just a little with her response. ]
You didn't have to warn us and I did warn you that we collect people. I like you being here like this with us. With me. So, thank you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
TEXT
[Yes, I know we did a LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THE RACES text thread a long time ago but... it's been a bit and I figure we can start fresh. lol. Also, she's annoyingly loud right now. sorry.]
no subject
Sure! I'd love to.
I won't end up dead, will I? ;)
(ooc: I love it!)
no subject
You know what they say, hook them from the start and really get their attention.
In theory, no. If it's a bad night, maybe a citation or a skank coming onto you. Which I'm being told that's not necessarily a bad thing for guys.
Anyway, I'm coming to pick you up in fifteen.
no subject
Oh a skank? I'm not sure I can handle that. I'm a delicate flower, you know.
Do you take me for every other guy? I'm hurt.
Glad I agreed then. I'll be ready.
no subject
Oh yes, the most delicate of flowers. I'll protect your virtue. They tend to stay away from me anyway. Something about being a bitch?
Well... you are pretty similar to these guys but definitely not every OTHER guy. Other guys annoy me.
I'm glad you did too. See you soon.
no subject
Well, yes. In the most literal of senses you are. One of your best traits.
Then I'm glad I don't annoy you.
[ Really glad. More so than their teasing texts even. ]
I'm trusting you with my life!
no subject
You're not wrong. Literally, I am but we both know how they mean it.
[She grinned, enjoying their teasing texts.]
I'm glad too. You're safe with me! Mostly... I haven't had a bad wreck in a few years.
no subject
Yeah well, screw their way of thinking. Mine is much better.
Oh a few years. Good thing I heal then.
no subject
I would agree - it is one of my best features.
Now that is one of your most attractive features. ;)
[Ten minutes later, she pulled up in front of the hotel he'd been staying at and shot off a text. She was excited - both to see him again (though it hadn't been that long) and to introduce him to her - their world.]
I'm here.
no subject
Yeah, I'm brilliant. I know.
[ He gets that text and heads outside with a grin. He's got real no idea what's going on but he can't help but to be curious. He trusts her and doesn't worry about what she's planning. He's all in for it to spend time with her.
He slides into the passenger seat. ]
So... What's going to nearly kill me?
no subject
[She grinned as she spotted him walking out of the hotel and watched as he slid into the passengers seat.]
You'll see.
[Les said simply before heading out of the hotel parking lot and toward the little stretch of land Don and Ricky had set aside for races. Although it was a little bit away from San Francisco, they'd made sure it was worth it for everyone coming in. It was a good 20-30 minutes when they arrived. Cars and motorcycles are parked on both sides of the stretch of road, men and women strolling around, music blaring from speakers.]
Welcome to... our other lives.
[She said, glancing over at him with a little grin. She hoped that he had a good time.]
no subject
So as they got farther out of the city, he couldn't help but to be curious.
Yet as they pulled down the lane lined with people and cars, he suddenly got a clue what was going on. They didn't just build cars, they raced them. ]
I... should have guessed.
[ He smiles though, glancing at her. ]
And you race too?
no subject
Not that she would do anything like that to him. It wasn't in her nature. If she had a problem with someone, she was more upfront about it and wouldn't drive them to the middle of anywhere to antagonize them.
She backed up and parked in a spot next to Jason's car and grinned. ]
Some people think it's still just a thing from movies. It's not everyone's thing and so if it's not yours, that's okay. We thought we'd share the other half of who we are.
[ And also demonstrate that they weren't afraid of anything. She hoped he would enjoy himself. She nodded at his question. ]
I do. They wouldn't let Abs and I race until we were 16/17 but after that, it was game on. They showed us everything we know. Our dad and Ricky's dad made a name for themselves back in the day and naturally, Don and Ricky had to as well.
no subject
After that first day, it hadn't occurred to him to even worry she might be taking him out to get rid of him, or worse, turn him over to Klaus. He'd gone along, trusting her. ]
I've never tried it like this, just being a dick kid showing off his car, but I'm willing to try.
[ He pauses for a moment. ]
And to pay for any damage I might do to a car too.
[ He snorts at that, smiling at her though. ]
Did they wait until 16 or so? Is this a double standard I'm not going to let them live down?
no subject
How do you think a lot of these guys start out? By being a dick and showing off their cars. You'll fit right in.
[ There were even the rich boys who came, flashing their money and thinking they were gods gift to women. All sorts of people tended to show up. ]
It won't be the first nor will it be the last time damage is done to a car. It's the nature of the game. Besides, it's a good thing we know of a good autobody shop.
[ She was glad that he was willing to give it a shot and to take it all in. Street racing was in their blood and a large part of who their family was. It was a large part of who she was.
Les laughs at the question and shakes her head. ]
Don't get me wrong, we definitely started driving at a younger age. But coming here to race against someone else? Yeah, we were about 16. From what I remember, they were around 16 when they started coming out to race. So in this, not a double standard. I think they realized it was a losing battle.
Come on, I'll show you around.
no subject
But moments like this, as much as he's been included, it's easy to forget about Klaus and the rest of his life and just focus on this, and be here with Les. ]
Hey being a dick and showing off money is definitely something I've always been good at.
[ There's a self deprecation there, knowing that the boy he'd been would never survived unless he'd become the man he now is. ]
Show me everything. I admit, I'm really curious.
[ As much about her as racing, or even more. ]
no subject
And she's glad she can share that with Tyler. ]
You'll be just fine then.
[ She grins at him and reaches for his hand, giving it a squeeze before letting go and stepping out of the car. ]
Just a few years ago, they had these closer to town and on busy streets. Ultimately, they and we agreed, why not make an event of it? So now every weekend, people from all over, who know about it, come out, enjoy themselves and race if they want. Don and Ricky are usually here until 2 or 3 in the morning.
Some of the guys will stay if they're entertained enough or head back to the house.
no subject
[ That is definitely not judgement in his tones but admiration. ]
Do you all get a cut from the winnings then? Or is this just because you love doing it so you love a place to do it?
no subject
Semi would be the keyword there. It's still illegal as fuck but we've made it more fun, a little bit safer for everyone involved, and made it the place to be.
[ She pauses as she sends him a little wink. ]
It also helps that Don and Ricky have made a couple of friends who so happen to be cops.
If we have a big race happening that takes place over multiple days, sometimes we'll get a cut from the winnings but mostly it's a love of doing it and having a place to do it.
[ With that, she starts to walk closer to the throngs of people and cars. ]
no subject
[ It's what he would do, and shows how he is constantly watching the road, watching to see who is there. He does it from fear of what he's been through and wariness, but isn't that close to the same thing when you're running a set up like this?
He laughs though at that. ]
Or go the "my parents are the mayor", make friends with cops route. I know that one well.
[ He follows along at her side, gaze sweeping the crowd from time to time. ]
How often do you race?
no subject
[ She laughs and nods in agreement, sending him an amused smirk. ]
Knowing cops does help just a little.
Just about every weekend. I have a standing race with an old high school friend Keith. Guys will sometimes challenge me and usually, I can make some good money off their asses.
Race or no race, we usually come to talk up the businesses we have. I can get some great business for custom paint jobs from many of these assholes too, which helps.
[ She says the term asshole fondly because while there were a bunch of typical assholes around, they were guys she’d known for years and knew their wives or family. ]
no subject
If they had to live on constantly alert and living on adrenaline, they wouldn't want that. I guess that's why I really don't get it though. I like the idea of racing but I don't need the added edge of could die at any moment.
[ He lives with that hanging over his head as it is. ]
Well don't let me hold you back. Do what you need to and I'm here for back up. I'm here to support you. Well, I mean, you guys.
[ And really he meant her mostly, but he's here for the pack and anything they need. ]
no subject
It's true. The fact is, one stupid mistake could cause you or someone else to get hurt, that goes especially when you're racing. A lot of people around here live off that adrenaline fix and the need to see how far they can take their car. The pro about coming out here, in a more controlled environment versus a busy interstate, is there's less of a chance that someone else can be hurt. It's fine if they want to risk their lives... it's less fine when it could kill another person because of their stupid actions.
I rolled a car back in high school - it was raining and I was angry, not thinking properly, and took a corner too sharply. I was just glad I was the only one in the car. If Abby or any of the guys had gotten hurt because of me, I would never forgive myself.
All that said... it gets into your blood. Or at least, it's been in mine, Don, and Ricky's. Started with our fathers. For about... a year, maybe, I was sure I would do something else with my life but I can't imagine not being around cars.
[ She glances at him with a grin. She likes that he mentions her in particular. ]
Tonight, I'm showing you around - introducing you to people, if you're interested, and at some point probably race so you can see me in action. So if you see something you want to check out in particular, let me know.
no subject
But even then his attention is on her a moment later, listening as she talks about racing and why most of them are there. He knows there was a time when he would have done just the same, would have thrown himself into the madness of it all for the fun but now... now he's not sure. Even if he is more likely to live.
Though he wonders if he wasn't being hunted would he enjoy the fun of times like this?
His eyes went wide and he doesn't stop himself as he reaches out, taking her hand. He draws her back to him, shaking his head. ]
Please don't risk yourself like that. Not over anger.
I think there was a time I would have done the same. I get it. Five years ago, I'd jump right on it. I just... I guess now I forget what its like to play these games. Maybe I should give it a try sometime. Maybe that is what I need.
[ To remember what its like to be normal. ]
no subject
Les smiles, glad that they were all getting along. Finding someone who got along with her family wasn't always the easiest, not only because they were werewolves but simply everything they do and how protective they all were of each other.
She squeezes his hand and steps in closer to him, giving him a smile. ]
Promise, I learned my lesson. Not only was I grounded for a couple of weeks but I didn't get another car for nearly a year. It wasn't worth it.
After everything you've been through, it makes sense. Just like changing your oil, I would be happy to teach you how we do it here. Sometimes, we need that outlet to remind us of who we are outside of all the other bullshit - to make us feel normal. You may really benefit with it.
no subject
Except he knows he won't have it forever but that isn't anything he's thinking about right now. ]
I was so used to just having my parent get it taken care of. I should learn though, with how life is now.
[ He doesn't have anyone, but he so needs to learn what he needs to take care of himself. ]
I really owe you guys for giving me this chance. You didn't have to accept me and you didn't have to let me in even for a day. Just had to be prepared. Instead you let me be here like this. Thank you.
no subject
For now, it was good enough. ]
You'll just have to come in either over the weekend or Monday and I'll teach you. Just like I'll teach you how to race.
[ She lifts her free hand up and touches his jaw, unable to resist teasing him just a little with her response. ]
You didn't have to warn us and I did warn you that we collect people. I like you being here like this with us. With me. So, thank you.