You Look Familiar, Haven't I Robbed You Before?

[cherry1]

Raven heaved a sigh as she turned off the blow torch and took off her helmet. Dean was in bad shape. The damage was…extensive, but there was no way she was giving up on him...it. The car was wrecked from the front, not to mention the damage to the engine and axels. It would take a lot of time and effort but Raven was determined to fix it if it was the last thing she ever did. Instead of feeling burdened by the task ahead of her, she decided to take a break and focus on her other mission. Tracking down the punk kid who did this to her. To them, she corrected as she gently patted what was left of the hood of the car.

The more she worked on the car, the more she found out about him. First his name, John Murphy as she replaced the hood, then his face, as she fixed the engine. And finally where he was, as she added the finishing touches on the paint job. A smile spread across her face. It was as good as knew. As if that sneaky little thief hadn’t totalled it not too long ago. He was a regular on the drag racing scene apparently, something Raven had only infrequently observed from afar. Though usually she’d never dream of taking part in the illegal games, that didn’t mean she couldn’t occasionally appreciate the craftsmanship. It’s how she found him so quickly. She had some friends in low places.

All that would change today. No longer would she observe from the side lines. Raven needed to see what this guy was made of, and how in the hell he managed to snatch away Dean from right under her nose. It was stupid and reckless, and she refused to admit she was doing this because she was impressed or anything. No, this was…simple detective work. Albeit freelance, but nonetheless a service to the community or some bullshit along those lines. It was her job – nay, her duty – to find him, beat him, and make him pay for what he did.

At the stroke of midnight, Raven slowly pulled into the street of parked cars and miscreants until she spotted him leaning on his car. Probably stolen as well. Even seeing his face filled her with rage and deadly determination. Drifting into a parked spot next to him, to grab his attention, she stepped out the car wearing shorts, a low cut top and her favourite lace up boots and approached him. What, she had to look the part. “Hey,” she said with a smirk. “I got next race.”

Tag: John Murphy

[John Murphy]

It had been some time since Murphy had boosted the Impala and taken it for a spin. Literally a spin by the end if it, thanks to that idiot cop chasing him down. It had almost been a shame to wreck that car, it was so nice, although that had also added to the thrill of destroying it. There weren't many such well kept vehicles around here, may as well take it all the way and give it a good send off when he found one. Worth the risk, worth the chase, worth the jerk cop. Totally worth it and he'd have done it again if he could. Too bad he'd sent it to car heaven. Rest in pieces.

There was no shortage of impressive rides here too, though a lot of them were a little boring despite the various flamboyant paint jobs and pretentious extras that adorned so many. He could appreciate some of them but most looked damn ridiculous. It wasn't how a car looked, or even what was under the hood in some cases, it was what you did with it. Or failed to do. Such as failing to get very far, just like a car that had miserably lost an earlier race was doing as it went slowly sputtering by them. 

Murphy gave a snort in amusement as it passed, now casting a glance over his shoulder to Mbege who was messing around with goodness knows what inside the car Murphy was leaning against. "Do you even know what you're doing?" The question was met with a mild insult from the other along with a reminder not to underestimate him, prompting a grin from Murphy as he refocused on the next race, two cars already lining up. As long as Mbege didn't screw anything major up he could do what he liked. The car wasn't even Murphy's after all, he just needed it to go fast. 

The car slowing to a stop next to him caught his gaze, a glint of light bouncing off the hood as it pulled in grabbing his attention. Wait... that looked a hell of a lot like an unscratched, undented, unwrecked version of the one he'd been chased down in. Uncanny. Murphy was already looking over the driver when Mbege, sliding up beside him, gave him a nudge in silent mention of her. Looked like she'd come to party. She garnered several glances from others, some admiring and some hinting jealousy, on her way to Murphy. Straight in, no small talk. He mirrored her smirk as he spoke up. "In that case... you got me." His gaze drifted past her to the car she'd rolled up in. "Is that yours? Or yours for now?"

Tag: cherry1

[cherry1]

She ignored the stares, even appreciating them a little though she’d never admit it and focused on John in front of her. It was time to finally get a good look. He was about her age she’d say, perhaps a little younger. And may be a little too good looking for his own good. The kind of infuriating handsome that knows they’re handsome. It didn’t take a genius to figure out his main character flaw, apart from the thieving and being prone to malicious vandalism, was arrogance. Something Raven suffered from, from time to time, which made it so easy to detect. It was a flaw she was more than eager to manipulate.

He wasn’t going to see what was coming to him until it was too late. It would be glorious. She took another step towards him, leaning forward on purpose, giving him a clear view down her top and feigning an attempt to wipe something off his shirt collar. “Lucky,” she said in response to being paired up with him. Perfect. Raven was blatantly flirting, playing the part of ditzy fangirl to a tee. It was all part of her plan to make him underestimate her, before she finally got to display her skills and humiliate him. It was a wonder he still didn’t recognise the car. Or perhaps he did. It was reckless of her to come here in it, but she couldn’t resist the poetic nature of it all, where she would beat him in the very car the bastard stole. “Oh?” Biting her lip at his little threat she smirked. “You wanna put your money where your mouth is?” She knew the rules of how this all worked. The winner takes the losers car. It was a risky bet to make…for him. She however was confident in the knowledge that tonight she’d have another car to add to her collection……...uuuhh to hand in to Bellamy to confiscate...of course.


Tag: John Murphy

[John Murphy]

They were certainly distracting. The girl and the car. She was going a little over the top in some ways, at least right now, but something about her suited the car. A coolness maybe? Too bad he couldn't see enough of that at the moment. He could however, see a good amount of her cleavage as she leaned forward. Anyone would have looked, it was like a lighthouse beam when girls did that, drew gazes right to it. Everybody who could see looked. He had no complaints, but it was clear to him she knew exactly what she was doing. Why? That was another matter.

Again, Murphy's attention wandered to the car as the newcomer opened up the wager, pushing from his lean to step around her and towards the impala, throwing a grin the girl's way as he spoke up. "You sure you want to lose this?" He looked over the car, strolling his way around it while discreetly seeking out any trace of dings and dents that might give away its past. He couldn't find any, so either this was a colossal coincidence - how many cars like this could there be rolling around out there? - or it was the same one he'd wrecked. Which sparked another curiosity. Who the hell was this girl and how did she get this car? Whatever. He'd take it from her anyway. Still, he dug a little deeper with a keen eye on her reaction. "Did you boost this or something?

Tag: cherry1

[cherry1]

He was interested in the car, that much was clear. He may be a good for nothing thief but she could at least appreciate his taste. Raven recognised that same eager look in his eyes whenever he glanced at it. No way would she admit they had anything in common but that came close. "You sure you want to lose this?" Cocky, she couldn’t help but smile at his arrogance. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” she said with a hint of some arrogance of her own. “I hope you’re not too attached to your ride.” She couldn’t help it. There was no harm in enjoying some of this encounter. Her mind was still focused on the task at hand to take his car and humiliate him. But she could still have fun with the trash talk while she was at it. It’s not something you do every day, so why not soak up the experience?

Raven visibly gritted her teeth and resisted a retort to his insulting accusation. Holding her tongue so she wouldn’t blow up the whole plan in her face. It was difficult though, not something she normally did. After a slight pause to compose herself she plastered on a fake smile. “No, this is kind of my pride and joy. We’ve been through a lot together.” But he would know that wouldn’t he. “I’m looking for a new project though, and I think your car might be it.” Her hand stroked the hood of her car as the memory of a banged up Dean being brought into her autoshop entered her mind. It was a sobering thought. A brass reminder that she wasn’t here to make friends. She was here to kick some ass. Some John Murphy ass.

[John Murphy]

After another look over the extremely familiar car, he straightened up as the girl questioned. His ride. How long had it been his ride? A few hours perhaps, maybe less. Somebody somewhere was no doubt fretting right now. His head tilted as he gazed past her to the car he'd brought along to play, noting that Mbege now leaning on the hood was seemingly mesmerized by the challenger's rear. Understandably. "Attached? Nah... I'll even swap it for yours if you want. Save you losing out on both." Okay, so he had no idea if she would be any real threat in the race. It didn't matter, this was all part of the fun, along with an indirect attempt to pull a few more details considering his suspicions. 

Had there been a hint of irritation at his suggestion the girl was a thief? She hadn't looked too pleased for a second there, but she rolled out a reply with that sweet yet sassy voice she'd been chatting with since her arrival. Any hint of annoyance vanishing as she spoke. Pride and joy. Murphy cast his gaze back to the impala, mulling over the possibility. It was too much of a coincidence not to be the same car, yet so perfectly restored apparently without so much as a scar in reminder of their time together. Refocusing on the girl he offered another grin. So maybe it was the very same one he'd stolen, and if so, its current owner was either oblivious or cunning. He couldn't decide which it was, but if there was a chance it was the latter, Murphy would happily inconvenience her a second time. "All right, let's see what you got." 

Tag: cherry1

[cherry1]

Swap it? Swap it?! As if she’d ever swap Dean for any other car. The idea in itself was absolutely ridiculous. “Oh? If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were scared.” She was needlessly provoking him. It was unnecessary but she couldn’t help but be caught up in the moment. He seemed to effortlessly bring out that side of her. And as soon as she started thinking straight she’d learn to be annoyed by that. But the atmosphere was contagious. It was why she tried to stay away from these kinds of things…because of the temptation it offered. This whole underground world was everything she could ever want…with the small disadvantage of being completely illegal. She had to draw the line somewhere. Besides, fixing cars gave her all the satisfaction she needed. Maybe even a little too much.

“You sure you can handle me?” She asked, taking a step forward, her teeth expertly grazing her bottom lip. Treading into dangerous territory there Raven. But it was all part of the plan. Perhaps not all of it, but there were no major deviations. Everything was still on track. “With this,” she said stroking the hood. “I can ride pretty fast if I put my mind to it.” She chose her words carefully, adding a smirk and coy little glance to the ground. “Last chance to back out.” Sealing the deal. She knew he wouldn’t back out now, because if their roles were reversed there’s no way she would back out. While she’d hate to admit they had any similarities, Raven couldn’t help but recognise that same stubborn arrogance that she saw every day in the mirror in Murphy’s eyes now. And dammit she was going to use that to her advantage.

[John Murphy]

Her confidence was enticing, there was no denying it, the brassy comebacks only adding to the allure and Murphy was enjoying this dalliance between them. Even if he figured it was all for show, there was certainly no harm in a little flirting. Particularly since she apparently had a talent for it. "Sure, I can handle you." Irresistible. He couldn't help but reciprocate, despite the mix of amusement and suspicion she provoked. She was definitely up to no good, but then again... so was he. 

His gaze fell to her mouth just as she surely intended, her actions coaxing his grin a little wider, with his gaze momentarily shifting to the impala before he refocused on her once more. "I'll bet... " She got a laugh out of him this time. She was good. He might almost feel bad when he inevitably beat her, but maybe she'd find a consolation prize. Maybe he'd offer it. Something to soothe the ache of losing her car... again? And if not, Mbege would no doubt be eager to take her mind off it. 

Back out. Not a chance. "Likewise." He took a step to close the small distance between them, studying the girl a moment longer before his attention shifted to the guy manning the police scanner. The other having silenced the nearby crowd with a hand held up as he listened, eventually giving the all clear again to resume. "All right... " He gave a nod to the car as he spoke. "... line her up." With that he stepped around her with a soft brush past on his way back to his own ride, climbing in to start up the engine.

Tag: cherry1

[cherry1]

He was playing along, which only served to make the encounter all the more fun. There was no real harm in enjoying it was there? As long as she got the job done. Hell, maybe she’d even visit him in jail. The flirting was harmless and served her agenda. She just needed to keep him distracted and underestimating her enough to give her the advantage in the race. Not that she needed it of course. Cars were her whole life, she could tear down and build one up again from scratch. But still it didn’t hurt.

She smiled as he laughed at her perhaps a little over the top implications. Forcing herself to remember that this was the very same guy that almost completely ruined her nearest and dearest…car. As he officially accepted her challenge moving closer, she stood her ground. Letting him know Raven wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. “Good, let’s do this.” The sudden silencing of the crowd froze her in her movements. A sobering reminder that this whole operation was a high risk. She could get arrested. And while she did have a friend in Bellamy there was really only so much he could do for her. No more messing around. This was a personal selfish vendetta, but it was her personal selfish vendetta. And there was no way she would scare that easy.

"... line her up." All it took was those three words to set get her heart beating hard in anticipation and excitement. It was time for the real fun to begin. Before hopping in to her car she glanced at Murphy. “Hey, good luck. I think you’re going to need it.” Lining up her car next to his she checked and fiddled over all her gears, her hand gripping the steering wheel. A girl in shorter shorts than Raven if that were even possible stood between their two cars holding up a flag. Keeping her foot hovering just above the accelerator, Raven took one last look at John. The ditzy flirty look vanished and gone, only to be replaced by intense determination to beat his sorry ass. May the best man…scratch that…woman, win.

[John Murphy]

The good luck quip had him huffing a quiet laugh as he watched the girl climb into her own... soon to be his car. Even so, he appreciated her confidence, as misplaced as it no doubt was tonight. Murphy watched her as she focused on making sure she was ready, his gaze eventually drifting to look over the impala one last time before they began the race. When he returned his attention to the girl, she was staring right back at him.  

If there had been any derisive thought in his mind prior to this, that he might almost feel bad for killing that pretty smile when he won, it was gone now. Along with said smile. Now she fixed him with a stare of such resolute ambition that he didn't respond for a moment or two. Okay, maybe she was serious. Maybe she meant business. Maybe there was a little more to this than he'd even suspected. All the more reason to win, and he was certain he would. Perhaps the look she was now throwing his way was merely nerves. 

Whatever it was in aid of, he found it more appealing than her whole kittenish act until this point. Sure it seemed she was attempting to glare a hole right through him, but it was sort of hot. Bold. Real. Finally, he granted a wicked grin in response accompanied by a rev of his engine endeavoring to provoke, if indeed she was serious. If he shook her up a little along with the potentially anxious state she might already be in, her failure would be all the more priceless. But there was no real evidence of any apprehension as far as he could see, so he focused on the road ahead, the task at hand and what would come for him at the finish line. Delicious victory. The flag dropped and he hit the gas.

Tag: cherry1

[cherry1]

This was it. All the mind games and manipulations were over. It was finally time for her to show what she was really made of. The second the flag dropped her foot hit the pedal and they were off. No clear winner yet, their cars were side by side, nose to nose. Hmmm…it seemed like maybe he would prove to be some competition after all. “We’ll see about that,” she whispered aloud to herself. Her confidence had not yet wavered. If anything she was excited by this new development. The adrenaline rush was unlike anything she’d ever experienced in her life. Every time she just got ahead, every time he did; it sparked a fire within her. More than just a determination to win. And she loved every goddamn second of it.

As soon as she saw the finish line, Raven chanced a glance to her side to see Murphy pulling ahead. No that wouldn’t do. Frowning, she had to play dirty if she wanted to win this thing. And she did. The rules here were, there were no rules. And now it seemed Raven would have to take full advantage of that. “Forgive me, Dean.” Placing both hands on the wheel, she swerved the car towards Murphy’s, hitting his. It wasn’t hard enough to do any real damage, but it was enough to slow him down slightly and at least disorientate him long enough for her to pull out her secret weapon. After the car was wrecked she hadn’t just rebuilt Dean. With this plan for revenge in mind, she’d added a couple of improvements. Adding a Nitrous Oxide system to her engine being one of them.

Keeping her eyes on the speedometer, as soon as it was fast enough she pressed the nitrous button, giving her the boost she needed. Taking one last glance at her opponent she couldn’t help but throw him a smirk as her car rocketed forward and past the finish line. Victory. It felt even better than she thought it would. She drowned out the sound of the cheering crowd. That’s not what she’d come for. Instead hopping out of her car and leaning on the side. Raven just waited for her now defeated opponent, a smug look on her face that she couldn’t, and hell didn’t really want to remove.

[John Murphy]

This was the main attraction of this whole racing scene, the entire event built around the unique thrill of the contest. A battle of speed and risk. Plenty of participants had some sort of bizarre love affair with their cars and in actuality, half of those were the ones bailing before the finish line or pushing their rides to functional extremes they couldn't handle. The price of spending too much time on the fancy irrelevancies instead of what they needed to win. Murphy couldn't care less about the car, never keeping the same one for long. What mattered most was how it ran, how it handled, if it could rival other serious contenders. And the prize. More specifically, the money to be made from a prize. The car along with a bet Mbege would see to while Murphy took the wheel. And vice versa. They didn't always win but if they worked it well, they would usually come out with something at the end of it. Together with the stolen cars the two had a good thing going for the most part.
 

Not that he couldn't appreciate a fine ride. Or a fine driver. And this girl was surpassing his expectations by a mile. Figuratively at least, but she was more than keeping up, edging ahead now and then before he would claim the slight advantage, the two hovering between the lead. Until the abrupt swerve towards and bump to his car set him back, a curse escaping while he straightened up as quickly as he could but it was accompanied by a laugh. She wasn't playing around. Wait, she could win this thing, the possibility distinct now. Not if he could help it. Let's see how she liked this game when he hit her back. Which he intended to, and began to before he lost his chance as she pulled out ahead. With help. If that was the same car he'd jacked then it had been upgraded, there was no way he'd have missed a booster like that. She had the race and he knew it, watching her speed away and finally over the line ahead. 

He soon rolled up behind, slowing once he crossed the line and heading off a little way before rounding the car back to the winner, parking up beside her impala. He was impressed. Who wouldn't be? She'd won fairly and in style. Well, in style at least. Climbing out of his... her car, Murphy took a moment to look over the side where the two had made contact, no real damage done. Certainly no problem for someone who had shown up in a rebuilt car wreck, which he was nearly convinced of now. "Look at you... " Finally he headed her way, grinning as he neared. "... playing dirty. And here I thought we were friends."

Tag: cherry1

[cherry1]

Raven watched silently as he pulled up beside her. The satisfied grin plastered on her face showing no signs being replaced any time soon. The sheer exhilaration the win gave her was…delicious and dangerous. The feeling unlike anything she’d ever experienced. While Raven didn’t make a habit of dabbling in legally ambiguous hobbies, if she weren’t a mechanic, this would be all she’d do forever. Maybe it was just the high she was on talking. The win stirring all these thoughts and feelings within her. Nothing was perfect, and she was sure this world had more than its fair share of…"disadvantages". Not something she was keen on exploring. Which was a shame. Because as it turned out, drag racing really turned her on.

Playing dirty. Well, she couldn’t deny it. John had proved himself to be quite the adversary, and Raven was determined to beat him, by any means necessary. The booster had initially been a safety net, to be used only in extraordinary circumstances. Who knew John Murphy would prove to be that extraordinary circumstance. Perhaps he wasn’t the only one to underestimate their opponent. A fact Raven wasn’t willing to admit aloud. She scoffed at his remark about being friends. Dropping the whole fangirl tease act now. She’d won, so there was no need for it any more. “Oh please. As if I could be friends with a guy like you.” Stepping up to him, nose to nose in her heels, so close she could see his chest rise with every breath. “Thief,” she said enunciating it, and with that word finally revealing what she was sure by now he strongly suspected. Ready for this confrontation now that she’d proved herself. She stood, her face no longer hiding the obvious contempt she held for him, waiting patiently to see what he had to say for himself.

Tag: John Murphy