AU in which Doc somehow knows he's going to die soon, but Lightning doesn't.

(Set: before Cars 2)

"Keep it steady, kid. You're still at the head of the pack." Doc's wise old voice came through the headset. Lightning grinned.

"Whatever you say, boss." Lightning had come to appreciate Doc's well-intentioned nagging over the years, especially since he owed multiple Piston Cups to that very nagging.

140 laps later, Lightning was in the lead and turning the last corner before the checkered flag.

"C'mon, son! C'mon c'mon… you've got it in the bag, you've got it!" Doc couldn't contain the growing excitement in his tone.

When he crossed the finish line first, he thrust a victorious tire in the air.

"Yeah, float like a cadillac!" he cheered as the crowd erupted. He could still make out Doc's aging chuckle over the roar.

"Sting like a Beemer!" he responded in kind. Lightning made his way to the pits, all smiles.

"Whatta ya think, old man? Not a bad way to start the season!" he was just shy of bragging. Doc grinned and shook his head.

"Not too shabby, kid." he complimented as they made their way to the waiting press.

"Couldn't do it without you, Doc."

"Well, one day you may have to." Doc replied smoothly. "But I trust that enough of my wisdom has rubbed off on you, that you'll handle yourself just fine." Lightning scoffed.

"C'mon, Doc, don't say that. I don't think I could ever race without you as my chief ever again." Lightning said. Doc's grin faltered a bit, not enough for Lightning to catch.

"I hope you're wrong."