“What’s going on over there?” Buck asks, stepping toward the roar of engines as they are just walking after getting food.

“Buck—” Eddie starts, but it’s too late. Buck’s already grabbed his wrist, tugging him through the growing crowd with a grin that Eddie didn’t have the heart to resist.

When they reach the front of the throng, Buck and Eddie see them—sleek, modified cars lined up under the streetlights. The engines rev like growling animals, the sound vibrating in Buck's chest. The air is thick with the smell of gasoline and the energy of the crowd, everyone waiting for the race to start.

The flag drops, and the cars take off, roaring down the makeshift track with unbelievable speed. Buck’s eyes light up, his mouth slightly open as he watches. Eddie, less enthused, crosses his arms but stays close, his attention flicking between the cars and Buck’s animated reaction.

The finish line comes into view, and one car barrels through ahead of the rest. The crowd erupts in cheers, and Buck claps along, caught up in the energy. Eddie doesn’t move, though. His eyes narrow, his jaw tightening as the winning car slows to a stop nearby.

“Wow,” Buck says, leaning closer to Eddie. “That was—”

Then the door to the winning car opens, and you step out.

Your grin is wide, your expression glowing with pride and exhilaration as you wave to the cheering crowd. You look completely at home here, completely at ease.

Buck freezes. “Eddie?” His voice is quiet, almost disbelieving, as his eyes stay locked on you.

“Yeah, that’s them,” Eddie says, his voice low and tight, the anger barely contained.

Buck glances at him, then back at you, his brows knitting together in confusion. “What the hell are they doing here?”

Eddie doesn’t answer immediately, his gaze fixed on you like he’s willing you to disappear. You haven’t noticed them yet, too caught up in the moment of your victory, but when you finally do, your smile falters for just a fraction of a second and the tension in the air thickens.