Disclaimer: I don't own anyone from any of the Fast and the Furious films. Mackenzie Darrow is my creation, so don't steal her please.
A/N: I'm back, y'alls. I know it's been a really long-ass wait and for that I am ever so sorry. I took a while to work through this new version of Everybody's Fool, but now the plot is up and raring to go, so I hope to have more updates soon. The storyline is going to be significantly different from the original EF, but some details are gonna stay the same, so see if you can spot 'em.
Feedback: If you read, please review.
10 Years Earlier:
Barstow, California:
Han carefully pulled into one of the empty spots in the row of cars and then undid his seatbelt and slid out, into the warm California air. He scanned the groups of racers, who were standing around, looking for a familiar face.
Spotting Rome standing just off to the side of a group of exceptionally fine girls, he quickly crossed over to his friend's side, almost running into the tiny girl who was walking in the same direction.
"Wanna try watching where you're going?" the girl spat, fire dancing in her brownish-black eyes.
Han looked down at the girl, who barely came up to his shoulder, in surprise.
"Aren't you a little young to be here, sweetheart?"
"Bite me."
Han was even more surprised when Rome came over to them and wrapped a protective arm around the girl.
"You mindin' your manners, Mac?"
The girl rolled her eyes and scowled at Han. "I would be, if this guy wasn't such an idiot."
Rome laughed, flashing even white teeth and extended his free hand to Han.
"How's it goin' man? I see that you've met Mac."
Han slapped Rome's hand and then looked back at the girl, who was now blowing huge, neon blue bubbles with her gum.
"Robbing the cradle again, Rome?"
"Nah man. This is my friend Brian's little sister. She's a grade-A race junkie, but he doesn't want her having anything to do with the racers. So, I promised her I'd take her to a race or two, if she promised to stay on her best behavior."
Mac rolled her eyes and elbowed Rome in the side. "No, you promised to take me to a race, in exchange for me not telling Brian about you and Monique."
"Monique, man? That's low."
Rome growled and glared at Mac, who was giggling. "And if you ever want me to bring you to the races again, you're gonna shut up now."
Mac stopped giggling and batted her long eyelashes at Rome. "I'll be good."
"Like hell you will." He leaned closer to Han and dropped his voice so Mac couldn't hear him. "Listen man, can you do me a favor? I'm racing in the next set and I don't really trust Mac on her own. As you can tell, the kids got a mouth on her. So will you keep an eye on her for me?"
Han eyed the petite girl, who glared back at him and then nodded. "Yeah, but you're gonna owe me big time for this."
"A'ight. Mac, I'm gonna go get ready for the set, but Han's gonna chill with you. You cool with that?"
"If by getting ready for the next set, you mean you're gonna go get a blow job from that race rat who was eyeing you earlier, yeah I'm cool."
Rome growled again and shook a warning finger at the girl, before heading off in the direction of his car.
Mac giggled and then cracked her gum, her eyes sizing Han up.
"So, how'd you know Rome?"
"We had some classes in school together."
"Didn't know Rome actually went to class."
"Sometimes. So how do you know him?"
"My brother's been best friends with him since they were kids. He calls me his honorary lil'sis. As if I really need two brothers. Ones enough for me."
Han laughed. "You're something, kid. You know that?"
"Mmm-hmm. So do you race?"
"Straight to the point with you, huh?"
Mac rolled her eyes again and placed her hands on her hips, trying to look tough.
"Okay look. I'm not like most of the girls here. I'm interested in cars and only cars. I don't wanna spend my time trying to get in some guys pants, 'cause I think it'll get me recognition. If I'm gonna have anything to do with the race world, it'll be as a racer, nothin' else."
Han laughed again and wrapped a friendly arm around Mac's shoulders.
"I understand. You're pretty smart for someone so young."
Mac scowled at him, but she didn't try to remove his arm from around her shoulders.
"I'm not that young. I turned thirteen four months ago."
"Well, you are educated in the ways of the world, aren't you?"
"Bite me, cowboy." She shrugged his arm off and started to walk away, but Han caught her by the wrist and pulled her back.
"C'mon, don't do that. I'm not being fair."
If looks could kill, he would have been dead on the spot. "No shit."
He held up his hands in defense. "Okay, look. I was being an ass, but can we start over? I promise I won't treat you like a kid."
Mac frowned, but her tense posture softened and she uncrossed her arms. "All right. You get one more chance. But if you piss me off again, I'm leaving and if I turn up dead and mutilated, it'll be your fault, okay?"
"Okay."
Mac smiled slightly at him and then grabbed his hand, pulling him in the direction of the starting line. "C'mon, let's go watch Rome race."
A/N: Okay, short start. The first few chapters are gonna be flashback and then the actual storyline is gonna start up. I really liked Han in Tokyo Drift and decided that I wanted to work him into the story, so he gets a little back-story involving Mac, Rome and Dom's gang. Just as a heads-up though, this fic isn't going to follow the events of Tokyo Drift exactly, as Han isn't going to die, so if you don't like that idea, don't bother reading.
Reviews are appreciated, people, so please give one!
