A/N: Hey kids, this is BloodyTearsOfLife and ScorchingReality. We decided to coauthor a story together and voila, here is chapter one of our twisted little concoction. We hope you enjoy it and review. Have a good day!

Quarter Mile at a Time
Chapter One

Gaby parked the red truck and sat for a minute. None of the team's cars were parked at the store but she knew it was just a matter of time before they got here. After three weeks she knew their routine. She had been careful not to talk to any of the team yet; they had all seen her leave the store but hadn't talked to her. She mainly focused on trying to be friends with Mia. After three weeks of lunches they had a pretty good friendship and now it was time to test the waters and see how everyone else would react.

She got out of the car, her black low top sneakers making no sound on the asphalt. She smoothed down her black shorts and walked down to the store, confidence evident in her walk. There were a couple sitting out side but no one was really around. She took a seat at one of the stools and looked around. She could see Dom's outline behind the screen of the office. Mia looked over at her and smiled at her.

"Hey Gaby," she said putting down her pencil and walking over to her.

"What's up Mia?"

"Nothing much. The usual?" Mia asked with a smirk.

"Yes please," she said with a smile of her own. They chatted while Mia fixed her sandwich and then set it down in front of her. "Thanks," she said before taking a bite. Mia grabbed her books and set them near Gaby so they could talk.

"Do you want something to drink?" Mia asked before she sat down.

"Water would be good," Gaby replied and Mia pulled her out a bottle from the fridge and passed it to her. "Thanks," she said and then took a drink. They talked and Gaby ate in-between. She had a quarter of her sandwich left when they heard the sound of engines. They both turned to look outside and saw the team's cars pulling up. Gaby watched as Jesse popped the hood to Vince's car and started to tune it. Letty and Leon were standing around watching when Letty caught site of the Racer's Edge truck.

"All right, what's with this chick? She's come in for the last three weeks and we haven't even said one word to her. There's something fishy about his girl," Letty said turning back to the shop and looking at Gaby. She was sitting at the counter talking to Mia. Her brown hair fell right below her shoulders, contrasting against the red Racer's edge shirt she wore. As if Gaby knew Letty was looking at her, she turned her brown eyes towards Letty and then back to Mia.

"Letty, just calm down. She's just working for Harry, nothing big there," Leon said as if he could read her thoughts.

"There's something going on," Letty said as she started to stomp down to the store, the guys right behind her.

Gaby tensed up in her seat and focused on the last part of her sandwich. She ate it silently, and paid no attention to Letty when she sat down on the stool right next to her. When the sandwich was gone, Gaby smiled at Letty and stuck her hand out.

"Hi, I'm Gaby." Letty peered down at the hand in front of her before looking over at Mia.

"Can I get a Corona?" Mia nodded and walked over to where the beers were kept. The whole store was silent. Everyone was watching Letty and Gaby to see what would happen next. Everyone except Dom. He was busy shuffling through papers. Mia sat the beer in front of Letty and smiled.

Gaby sensed that it was time for her to leave and that her little experiment had not gained the wanted response. She stood up slowly from the stool and wiped her hands on a napkin.

"Thanks, Mia," she said. "I guess I'll see ya tomorrow." Mia nodded, but Letty replied differently.

"Tomorrow? Oh hell no."

Gaby was already half way to her car when Letty stood up and stalked toward her. "I think you best take your skank ass some where else for lunch, 'cause this place don't serve hoes."

"Well then I guess you better find a different place," Gaby said turning back to Letty, who stood in shock before registering Gaby's words and then swung at her, hitting Gaby solidly in the face. Gaby gasped in pain before taking a swing herself and Letty let out a grunt as she hit her in the stomach. The girls continued to tussle as everyone inside watched.

"You know, I'm liking this show," Leon said digging into a bag of chips.

"I got 20 on Letty," Jesse said grabbed a handful of chips from Leon's bag and dropped half as Leon slapped his hand.

"Dom, come on, I'm sick of Letty always starting shit!" Mia said turning back to the office. Dom acted as if he didn't hear her and flipped the page of his magazine. "I'm not kidding Dom, get out there!" Mia yelled and Dom finally got up and looked out. An irritated look covered his features as he saw Gaby hit Letty in the face. Dom pushed himself away from the screen and charged outside, Vince on his heels. Dom glanced over at Vince and nodded at Gaby.

The guys rushed forward and each grabbed one of the girls. Gaby froze as the pair of arms tightened around her and she was hauled away. She struggled against them and turned around towards them when they let her go. Her body reacted to him and she was thankful that the flush from the fight covered it up.

"What's your name?" Dom said coming over to her, a menacing look on her face.

"Gabriella, but people call me Gaby," she said as she wiped a trail of blood from her lip.

"Gabriella what?" Dom said stepping forward.

"Gabriella Vasquez."

"Don't come around here no more," Dom said turning away.

"That's bullshit." Gaby shouted back.

"You work for Harry don't you?" Dom said turning back.

"Yeah, what's it to you?" Gaby said pushing her hair back from her face.

"You were just fired," Dom said giving her a last glare before grabbing Letty and going back into the store. Gaby glanced over at Vince and saw him studying her. She watched as his eyes followed her hand as she wiped at her lip. She gave a last look at the store, hoping she hadn't ruined her chances of getting in before heading back to the truck.

As Gaby drove down to The Racer's Edge, she cursed herself. It was way too early to try to talk to the rest of the group and she knew it. A sigh escaped her lips as she parked her truck and climbed out of it. Harry was probably on the edge and freaking out by now. Dom would have called by now and she was sure she was out of a job.

Great, she thought as she opened a door to the story.

The instant she stepped in, she saw a frantic looking Harry pacing back and forth with the phone in his hand. "Hey Dominic, I appreciate what you did in a big way. Dominic, I owe you."

Harry turned to Gaby and attacked her instantly. "Gaby, you are messing with my business. When Dominic drives he's golden. Kids pour in here, they want everything he has, every performance part, and they pay cash!"

Gaby couldn't help but rolled her eyes as she disappeared into the back room where her room was. She stripped off her bloodied up shirt and threw it on the bed. Harry turned his back to her and she began to change. She slipped on a tank top before turning back to Harry. When she saw that his back was still to her, she smiled and tapped him on the shoulder. He then turned around to face her.

"What did baldy say?" she asked as she kicked off her sneakers.

"You don't want to know," he said, running a hand over his face.

"What did Dom say?" Seriousness was written all over her face.

"He wants you out of here," Harry said finally. He turned his gazed to her face and noticed the bruising and cuts on it. "What happened?"

"What did you tell him?" she replied, not bothering with his question.

"I told him that good work is hard to find." Harry looked very worried. No doubt due to the fact that Dom was one of his biggest customers. Gaby put her hands on Harry's cheeks, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Yo, relax, all right? You're not going to lose Dom…" Gaby trailed off in the middle of her sentence as her eyes traveled over to the decals along the wall. "NOS."

Harry gave her a confused look. She darted around him and walked out into the middle of the store barefoot. When she reached the display of NOS, she pointed to one of the big tanks.

"I need one of these. One of the big one's. Actually, no. Let's make it two. I need it tonight, man. You think you can do that?"

Harry frowned. "Amateurs don't use nitrous oxide. I've seen the way you drive. You've got a heavy foot. You'll blow yourself to pieces period."

"Such harsh words," Gaby replied before going back to her room. Harry was hot on her heels. "I'm racing Letty tonight and I gotta beat her ass, all right? You going to help me or not?"

Harry frowned yet again. "Is that what this is all about? Letty? Gaby, if you want to ever race seriously then you best leave her alone because Dominic will tear you to shreds and make sure that you never race again."

A small smile spread onto Gaby's face. "Thanks, pops, but I can handle myself. You'll see."

Gaby spent the rest of the day getting the tanks set up in her car and the computers running. She took a quick shower and got dressed. Pulling her hair up into a ponytail, she left out the back of the shop. She grabbed her keys out of her jean pocket and pressed the alarm button. The lime green Eclipse gave a chirp and she got in. She really didn't like the car but it was what the department had given her and it would do for now.

The car started up with a purr and she released the e-brake. Sliding it into first gear, she left the parking lot with a squeal from the tires and drove in the direction of the warehouses.

Easing her way though the crowd, she found a spot to park and reversed back into it. She got out of the car and shut the door with her hip. She knew that being the new person was drawing her attention and she played into it. One of the straps of her tank had fallen and she slowly pulled it back up. It drew the attention of a Hispanic man sitting across from her and he stood up.

"Hold up, hold up. Sweet ride. What you got running under there?" he asked as Gaby continued to lean against the car. "You gonna make me find out the hard way baby?"

"Damn straight." A smile appearing on her face.

"You're brave, I'll give you that. My name's Hector, I got a last name too but I can't pronounce it," he said sticking out his hand.

"Gabriella Vasquez, but you can call me Gaby." She shook his hand.

"See that over there? That's mine. It's my baby. But I ain't cuttin' her loose tonight."

"Why not?" she asked with a frown.

"It's 'cause I'm goin' legit. Tryin' to get on the NIRA circuit. You heard about that?"

"Hell yeah."

"So what's up with you, chica?"

"Just waiting for the Toretto."

"Shit. Better get in line. This yours?" a black male said as he approached the two. Gaby straightened up a bit and peered at the man.

"Yep, I'm standin' next to it ain't I?" she askedwith a smile.

The man allowed his eyes to wander over Gaby's figure before he circled her and then car.

"That's funny. You know, Edwin happens to know a few things. And one of the things Edwin knows is, it's not how you stand by your car. It's how you race your car. You better learn that. Oh, shit. Here they come. It's on."

Gaby's heart leapt up in her throat. This was it. This was her chance to prove herself to the team and get in with in. She just hoped that she didn't screw it up. The Team's cars drove past her in a V formation and she found herself wondering which one Letty was in. She quickly found the answer when the cars parked and Letty stepped out of a maroon 240sx in the infamous flame boots.

Her eyes wandered over the car as she approached it slowly, wondering what the 240sx was capable of. Gaby made sure to stay out of Letty's line of view, but she wasn't as lucky with Vince. He spotted her within seconds, causing her to freeze in her spot. She gave him a pleading look, hoping that he wouldn't expose her just yet. His only response was a nod of the head.

Gaby continued to walk through the crowd. She stayed far enough away from Dom so that he couldn't see her, but close enough to hear what he was saying. When he began to set up for the races, she knew it was time to make her entrance.

"Yo, wait. Hold up. I don't have any cash on me, but I got the slip to my car. What do ya say?"

Jesse moved closer to the group and stared to talk. "Hey, you just can't climb in the ring with Ali because you think you box."

"I'm not boxing Ali, little boy. I'm going after his woman."

The crowd whooped and hollered as Gaby turned her gaze to Letty and gave her a look that said 'You in?'

Letty walked forward and threw 2 Gs at Dom. "Bring it, bitch," she snarled.

Gaby smirked and turned to Dom. "Got any problems with that?"

"That your car?" Dom asked, ignoring her question.

"Maybe."

He brushed past her and examined the car from the front. Jesse walked up to it and popped the hood. He leaned closer to the engine and began to call out the components under the hood.

"I see a cool-air intake. It's got a NOS-fogger system and a T-four turbo, Dominic. I see an A.I.C. controller. It has direct port nitrous injection."

"Yeah, and a stand-alone fuel management system. Not a bad way to spend 10,000," Dom said, finishing up Jesse's sentence.

"Why, thank you," Gaby mumbled under her breath, but no one heard her.

"You see that shit? She's got enough NOS in there to blow herself, period," Edwin pointed out.

"Yeah," Dom replied.

"Whoa, dudes, let me worry about how much NOS I have. All you have to do is answer me this. Am I worthy?"

"Doesn't matter if your worthy, hoe, I'm still going to beat your ass," Letty commented before Dom had a chance to reply.

The crowd ooohed. Gaby rolled her eyes. "Whatever, let's just get this thing going."

Gaby pulled up to the make shift start line that had been drawn on Hawthorne Street. Nervousness ran throughout her body like a wild fire. She tapped her fingers nervously on the steering wheel before turning on the NOS and the computers. Desperate for something to take the nervousness away, she reached over and hit her stereo. Seconds later, "Box of Sharp Objects" by The Used began to blare from her speakers. She risked sneaking a glance at Letty, who was parked to her right, and saw her staring straight ahead. Gaby revved her engine when she saw Hector begin to raise his hands, catching both girls' attention. But before he had a chance to lower them, the sound of sirens and someone yelling "Cops!" filled the air, immediately causing everyone to run.

Gaby let the clutch go and took off from the line, soon merging in with all the other cars. It was a mess of cars and she had to be extra careful not to hit anyone. The rearview mirror reflected the blue and red lights and she pressed down harder on the gas. She took a right turn when she noticed Dom's car not to far ahead. She tried to follow him and lose the cop tailing her at the same time.

Dom pulled into the small parking garage and turned on the alarm; the fort wasn't too far and he figured he could walk. He started walking down the street and ducked his head as a cop passed but it turned around and pointed straight at him.

"Toretto! Stop right there! Toretto!" Dom cursed under his breath and took off down the alley. He could hear a car coming up behind him and pushed himself harder. He abruptly stopped as the car sped up and stopped at an angel in front of him.

"Get in!" Gaby said as she reached over and opened his door. Dom didn't think twice and got into the car. Once his door was closed Gaby gunned the engine and took off. Turning onto the main road, she maneuvered between two cop cars.

"Whoa, whoa," Dom said holding onto the car. Gaby let up on the gas as soon as she saw she had lost the cops. "You're the last person in the world that I expected to show up."

"Well, I was hoping I could make it up to you and we could start fresh by me saving your butt," Gaby said with a smirk.

"You drive like you've done this before. What are you a wheel-man?" Dom asked ignoring what she had said.

"That would be wheel-woman, but no," Gaby replied as she concentrated on driving.

"You boost cars?"

"No, never."

"Done time?"

"A couple overnighters, nothing big."

"What about the two years in juvie for boosting' cars?" Dom asked and Gaby looked over at him, shock on her face. "Tucson, right?" Gaby nodded her head. "Yeah, I had Jesse run a profile on you Gabriella Vasquez. He'll find anything on the web, anything about anybody. So why bullshit?"

"What about you?"

"Two years in Lompoc. I'll die before I go back," Dom said, his face dark. The revving of engines caught their attention and Dom looked his window. "Oh, great."

"What?" Gaby asked noticing the bikers following them.

"It's going to be a long-ass night, that's what," Dom said staring out the window. The biker on Gaby's side sped up and tapped on the car.

"Follow us!" He yelled over the engines before speeding up. Gaby followed them as they boxed her in and she pulled up to a building. Following Dom's lead, she got out of the car and looked at the people around her. She could see the guns strapped on them and figured they were in for some trouble. They got off their bikes and a guy came forward, taking off his helmet.

"I thought we had an agreement. You stay away. I stay away. Everybody stays happy."

"We got lost Johnny. What do you want me to tell you?" Dom said.

"Who's we?"

"Uh, my new mechanic. Gaby, meet Johnny Tran. The guy in the snakeskin pants, that's his cousin, Lance," Dom said nodding to another guy who had got off his bike and taken his helmet off and was pointing a gun at Gaby.

"This your ride, sweetheart?" Johnny asked Gaby.

"Yeah, it's mine," she said with a frown.

"What do you think, Lance?" Johnny asked as he circled the car.

"It's a fine piece of machinery," Lance said as he continued to point the gun at Gaby.

"Yes, indeed. Let's go," Johnny said patting Dom on the arm. "I'll see you in the desert next month. Be ready to have your ass handed to you," he said as he got onto his bike.

"You're going to need more than that crotch rocket," Dom retorted as he opened his door.

"I got something for you," Johnny said ominously as he took off.

"What the hell was that all about?" Gaby asked as the group took off after Johnny.

"Long story. I'll tell ya later. Let's get outta here," Dom said starting to get into the car. Gaby opened her door and stopped half way as she heard engines again. A couple bikes pulled up in front of them again and held up their guns. Shots rang out and the two of them scrambled way from the car. The people left again as the car lit on fire.

"NOS!" Dom yelled out. Gaby ran farther out, shielding herself as the car engulfed in flames and the windows burst.

"Oh shit!" Gaby cursed as the fire started to die down and she stared at the car.

"Sorry about that, I guess I kind of owe you a car," Dom said coming over to her.

"Your damn right you do, my car wouldn't be a pile of junk if it wasn't for you," Gaby said taking one last look at the car before turning around and walking away. "So what was that all about?"

"It's a long story," Dom said as he walked beside her.

"You just got my car blown up, humor me."

"It was a business deal that went sour, plus I made the mistake of sleeping with his sister."

"Hey, I think I see a cab coming," Gaby flung her arm out and flagged down the taxi. They got in and Dom gave the driver directions to his house.

The taxi stopped in the middle of the street and Dom paid the driver.

"See ya around," Gaby called out as she walked down the sidewalk.

"Hey, you want a beer?" Dom asked pausing on the porch.

"Sure," she said with a smile and followed him inside.

A/N: So what do you guys think? Press that pretty little button down there and let us know.