ds_flashfiction | The OC Challenge by Aingeal

Title: Life’s Good on the Open Road
Author: Aingeal
Rating: G
Pairing: none it's gen
Wordcount: 420 ish
Summary/Notes: They have sometimes been referred to as 'the 4th lead' but they never spoke a word in canon. I am not sure they entirely fit the definition of an OC but I thought I'd post this becuase it has a general OC flavour.

Life’s Good on the Open Road

A lot of people might want to ask me why I do this job. The long hours, the danger element of car chases and being shot at. I mean sure I’ve had my share of encounters with all kinds of things but it’s interesting you know?

People tell me I’m 24; I’ve got plenty of time ahead of me. I say only the good die young and besides, where I come from 24 is old. You know you’ve had peak. The fact I can still do all this stuff amazes me sometimes.

I mean, sure, I’ve had predecessors and you know it’s not been a happy ending for them, but they live on through me and this bond I have with the guys. In a way they’re never really gone, they’re remembered. Sure one day my time will come but better to go out in a blaze of glory in the line of duty than to slowly rot away.

The guys are great, we have some fun times there’s laughter and teasing. I mean they share so much and I get to listen in, I’m privileged in a way. I even like the wolf despite him shedding all over me and drooling when he hears the word doughnut, but he’s not a problem. He’s helped me out now and then.

Ray Vecchio is a great driver and you’re talking to someone who’s known a few. Sure sometimes he stops a bit too quickly, but he always checks when he pulls out. He might not signal or use stop signs but I get the feeling that’s just to annoy Fraser.

Not that Fraser can talk. I mean some days the guy can drive really well and other days he seems to forget which pedal is which. That time he was all over the road he was worried about Ray so maybe I can forgive him for that. And yeah I’ve had worse than that.

People might ask me why I don’t go for the quiet life, you know talking kids to school and shopping, things I’m supposed to do but you know what? That would bore me. I’ve been told by those who spend their time doing that and they envy me, despite risks. I’m doing what I want to do and I wouldn’t change a thing. Well maybe get the wolf to shed less.

I am proud though to be a 1971 Buick Rivera and I am even prouder to belong to Ray Vecchio.