-(Disclaimer: I don't own Fast and the furious or any of the characters from the movies, and in writing this piece of fiction, I am making no money. It is purely for enjoyment purposes. I simply own my ideas and my characters. ) -


Chapter 3: Heartfelt embrace

It took only minutes to finally reach inside, and once inside, I was met by the quiet, eerily quiet of the airport. Only a few people staggered about, pilots and stewardesses, I assumed as I noted their uniforms and yawning forms an appreciative smiles painted across their faces, as if glad to finally be home.

Gulping I continued on, clutching my bag tight as I passed the security checkpoint, forcing myself to return a greeting smile, which felt only like a grimace, at the security guard that sat on the stool in the corner as I read the sign which read ' Baggage claim '. As if on cue, my nerves begin to frizzle again, and an uncertainty crept its way up inside me, stirring in my belly, causing my insides to swim as I stepped off of the elevator, shifting my eyes from the ground. Tensing, I sucked a breath between my tightly clenched teeth as I heard a sharp intake of breath in the distance. I stilled, my muscles tensing up as I allowed my eyes to float from the ground, only to land on a small group of three in the distance.

The dark haired young woman in the front took a hesitant step forward as I stopped awkwardly mere feet away, her arm curled tightly under the sleeping toddler in her arms. Tears springing to her dark eyes, as she takes me in, a chocked sob escaping her as her small form began to tremble, the blonde to her side swiftly and gently seized the toddler from her arms, who in turn jerked his head up, his eyes lazily opening briefly before closing yet again, which ended in him behind sound asleep again before his little cheek even came to rest on his father clothed shoulder, his rosy colored lips set in a small ' o' shape as soft snores escaped his little body. My eyes left him to land on the brunette in front of me, her dark eyes glued on my form, scanning over me as if checking for injury; and I found myself beginning to fidget under her expression gaze. " Mia, I.-" She didn't let me finish before she rushed towards me, taking me softly in her slender arms, wrapping them around my shoulder, resting her head on my shoulder as a weak sob escaped her.

"You're really here. I missed you so much. . I was so worried. You never called, you never wrote, all the letters I sent got returned. I thought you were gone" she split in seconds barley taking a breath between sentences, rambling as she pulls back startling me as her small hand came up to cup my check as she stared into my eyes. I could feel myself once again begin to tremble as she stared; regret pooling in me, seeping from me in waves at the grief I had selfishly and unintentionally caused her. "I missed you, Hayden" Mia repeats, her voice soft, broken as she smiled a small wavering smile as she pulled away, taking a step back, only to once again be wrapped in her lovers protective arms. I flinch at the sound of my name, a name I hadn't heard in years.

"Hey Brian" I choked out, as I followed Mia's movement, glancing his way, my voice nothing but a soft whisper. In response he gave a simply nod, that small cocky smile that was forever gracing his handsome face, still in play just like I remember it the last time I had seem him. After a few movements, his gaze slipped from me, and onto the shaking, silently sobbing woman tucked into his side, the smirk momentarily slipping from his face as his cerulean colored eyes took her in, concern etched in them before shifting slightly, ( I assume to make sure the toddler in his arms was secure) and bending forward to lay a loving kiss upon the top of her head, before turning them both and lead her away, in the direction of the exit. The slender brunette followed silently, clinging to him and the child as she continued to stifle her sobs, muttering incoherent words.

I felt my heart clench as my eyes fell upon the bag at my feet, as I willed myself not to suck in an uneasy breath as I stared down, feeling him take a step closer. I could feel the heat from his body flowing from him in waves and caressing my cold one as I stared at the ugly carpet beneath my feet, attempting to ignore his boots that had entered my vision.

After a moment, I gave in and allowed myself to take in yet another shaky breath, maybe my thousandth of the day, steeling myself as the scent that I had locked away in my memory seeped through me, attempting to lull me into a false sense of security. Motor oil, sweat, and a another, I could never quiet place, all worked together to make a scent meant only for a man akin to Dominic Toretto as I allowed my eyes to go to his booted feet and venture up, taking his dark washed denim jeans, and white sleeveless muscle shirt that clung to his muscled form like a second skin, past his shoulders, and finally to his face.

A gasp escaped me as I gazed upon him, my lower lip falling from my confines of my teeth as I stared at him, my eyes sweeping across a face that I could never have forgotten even if I had tried, taking in his dark eyes, full lips, and the shadow of facial hair strewing across his chin. As if amused by my intense examination, his lips turn up in a smirk, as I drew in a breath, his fingers playing with lock of my blonde fringe, as he stared me in the eye, his dark eyes shining mischievously. "You look good". At the sound of his voice, I jerked with a start, not at all expecting the involuntary shiver that raked through me, a familiar pull being felt in my gut.

I let a gentle smile caress my face, as his large hand cupped my cheek, and I found myself leaning into his touch as I covered his hand with mine and I nuzzled into his warm palm, my skin tingling at the familiarity of the rough calloused flesh against my soft cheek, my eyes slipping closed as I basked in the sensation, clinging to the familiarity it offered.

" Don't you mean I look different?" the nagging question slipped from my mouth before I could even comprehend it, much less have the ability to stop it, and mentally I tensed. Half of me wanting him to answer, the other half wishing he hadn't heard, even though I knew he had.

Seconds ticked by, nothing, a minute passed and slowly I opened my eyes, pulling them once again to his face, confusion overtaking me as I noticed the harsh expression etched into his handsome face.

Again my lip nervously found its way between my teeth as I gazed upon him watching as his expression gradually softened, and a small reached his lips as he pulled his hand away. As his finger leave my cheek, I had to suppress a whimper at the loss of comforting contact, but I held it in as I stared into his eyes, only to let out a gasp as I felt the sooth flesh of his thumb caress my bottom lip, which I imagined was bruised from the abuse I had thrown upon it throughout the day.

"No, still the same ole Baby" As the words left his lips, I felt the nervous feeling once again wane away from me, as he withdrew his hand completely from my face " I'm glad your back".

A chocked sob escaped me, resulting in me smacking my hand over my mouth, my nails digging into my cheeks, as tears began streaming down my face. The tears coming in succession with the choked sobs that I attempted to choke back as I smiled up at him, wiping my face with the sleeve of my hoodie in an unsuccessful attempt to get the tears to stop.

All of the stress of the day streaming out of my body with the tears as they find their way ferociously down my face, leaving a feeling of exhaustion in its wake which fastened itself to me as I stared up at the man before me as a chuckle/ sob combination found its way through me "Me too" I replied in a broken whisper, feeling lighter than I had felt in years as he smiled at me, the skin by his eyes crinkling with the gesture as he took my hand in his. I sighed at the contact, the warmth of his hand wrapped around mine, grounding me in a way that I couldn't help but be grateful for as we started for the exit.

OoOoOo

We managed to make it to the car, and after a slightly hectic hour and a half car ride, involving Mia sobbing and clinging to me as if afraid I would yet again disappear, we arrived at the Toretto house. Upon entering, Mia swiftly set about making Dinner, chatting idly with both Brian and myself as we sat at the small kitchen table as she cooked, and I found my insides swimming in delight as I watched, my taste buds watering in anticipation of Mia's home cooking, barely noticing as the hesitation and anxiety disappeared with every chuckle and sentence, and it felt just like old times, much to my relief.

Turning my attention from Mia to the toddler seated in my lap, giggling, I made a face, puffing out my cheeks and crossing my eyes, who in return busted out in a mass of giggles, his dark eyes widening as he threw his head back, his lush dirty blonde curls flying back as giggled erupted from him, his little hands clapping as he brought his eyes back to mine. Those dark eyes just begging me to do it again, and I obliged without hesitation in squinting my eyes shut, growling and making faux claws with my hands as I descended upon his once again giggling form as I tickled his small body, drawing more giggles from him. His innocent giggles fueling my energy as I interacted with him. But against my will, a low and long yawn ripped its way through me, bringing slight tears to my eyes, and within moments a slightly softer and childlike yawn followed. Smiling, I spared a glance at little Vinny, and sure enough his mouth was wide open, showing all of his little teeth, his dark eyes groggy suddenly, and I had to resist the urge to squeeze him in a hug at the cuteness he practically oozed.

"You're tired"

I jerked, my eyes swiftly falling upon Mia's suddenly close form as she leaned towards me, her hands on her slender jutted out hips, as she stared down at me. I managed a soft smile, shaking my head slowly barely managing to keep another yawn from escaping, but somehow Mia caught it, and as swiftly as she had turned and addressed me, she took the near dozing toddler from my arms, plopping him into his father's lap who sat across the table. Almost instantly, the small child curled into himself, and brought his small thumb to his lips, suckling it as sleep rushed to claim him, soft snores sounding within moments. " No Mi-a" I attempted to counter as yet another yawn found its way softly from me as I looked up at her with faux innocence through watery eyes.

She gazed at me her eyes narrowed, her lips in a tight line as she stood straight, pointing towards the stairs to the left. "Bed, now." She instructed much like a mother would a small child, and with the reply that left my mouth, the comparison seemed to fit. My mouth fell open slightly as I gazed up at her, my eyes wide "But I'm not tired, Mia" I attempted to reason, but with the look in her eyes I could tell she left no room for debate as she once again allowed the hand that wasn't pointing to the stairs to land on her hip, her eyes never leaving mine as she quirked her eyebrow as if daring me to go against her.

" Bu-' I scoffed in disbelief as I turned to glance at Brian for help, but all he did was shrug his shoulder, that familiar smirk on his lips as he held his sleeping son close, rocking him slightly.

With a shake of my head, I turned back to Mia, she hadn't moved at all, but her eyes had hardened into one that oozed seriousness and with a huff, I grabbed my bag and stood. " I'm not even tired" I muttered childishly as I passed her, halfheartedly glaring ahead as I walked towards the stairs, yet another yawn escaping me, causing me to cringe, hoping it hadn't been heard. But with the hearty laugh that bubbled from behind me (presumably from Brian) I could tell that it had been, and with a sigh I continued on, climbing the steps slowly flicking on the hallway light as I passed. "Last door on the right" Mia called after me.

"Thanks Mum" I called sarcastically back, smiling softly at the chuckles as I rubbed my eyes, sleeping making my legs heavy as I trudged on. I watched the doors as I passed, pausing on for a moment when my eyes fell on a heavily decorated door with letter block stickers and toy tickers plastered all over it, the name 'Vinny' spelled out across it in an arched fashion. A small smile fell upon my face as I continued on, a feeling of being home wafting through me.

I paused yet again, standing before an open door, Dom's naked back in my line of sight as I pushed the door open a bit more, it's hinges giving a slight squeak in protest, alerting him of my presence before I even had a chance to speak, so instead I gave the wooden door a soft rasp as he turned, a small smirk painted on his handsome face as his eyes landed on me. His eyes went from my face to the bag in my hands as he examined me "What? You going to bed already! What's wrong, can't handle hanging with the big dogs?" He joked, quirking an eyebrow.

I let out a chuckle, rolling my eyes as I offered up a small smile in response to his, attempting not to let on how the simple gesture further depleted my energy as I stifled yet another yawn " Mummy Mia sent me to bed" I joked gesturing towards the way of the kitchen with my chin, smiling as a deep laugh vibrated through him as he stepped forward, taking my chin between his fingers, lifting my head as to fully gaze upon my face, his amused expression falling only slightly, the smirk falling from his lips as he examined my I imagine tired face. " You can rest in here if you want" he offered, reaching down to grab at the suitcase in my hand, to which I pulled back slightly out of his grasp as I smiled a small exhausted smile, letting out a chuckle as I took a step back, throwing him a wink as I turned to continue down the hall.

I reached the door to my room within seconds, and reaching forward to twist the handle, I allowed a look back, my eyes landing upon Dom's muscled form as he leaned in his doorway, eyes following behind me, "I'll be fine, just going to take a small nap, Mama's orders" I chuckled as I stepped into the room, pushing the door closed behind me, through my peripherals I saw him give a nod . I paused, allowing my eyes a swift over of the room, my eyes adjusting to the dark as I toed off my shoes by the door before taking another step into the room, stripping my pants and hoodie, leaving me in only a white form fitting tank top. Dropping my suitcase on the floor next to the bed, I flopped down on it, my tired body thanking me as I let out a grateful sigh, and within seconds, I found myself engulfed in the unfamiliar feeling of sleep.

OoOoO

I woke with a start, a strangled gasp flowing from me as I clutched at my clothed chest, my eyes locked on the ceiling above me but not really seeing it as the remainders of the dream played back in my mind. With a shaky breath, I drew my naked knees to my chest, as I willed the tears from my eyes. I dreamt about that night. About the night of the accident, dreamt of the vivid fire that engulfed look of relief that crossed his terrified face as I hit the pavement outside of the car, relief that I had escaped, and only moments after, the car went up in flames as I rushed towards it, not at all feeling the burning that had spread across my shoulder blades, searing the ends of my hair in its intense orange rage. I winced, my hands going to the scars at my shoulder blades as I remember being pulled away, being thrown to the ground and all but beat with jackets to put the fire out, my eyes registering none of it as I stared at the large fire in the middle of the street, oblivious of the bystanders standing around in awe, crowding my peripherals.

As if realizing I had been remembering, tears sprang to my eyes, and began flowing down my cheeks.

At the sensation of the hot tears spilling, I let out a shaky gasp as I felt at my wet cheeks with shaky fingers at the realization, which only made them pour down more and more. All of the tears I had been unable to cry in those 5 years, suddenly finding their way down my face as if in relief. I choked back a sob as I unwrapped my shaking arms from my legs and stood on shaky legs, allowing them to blindly guide me towards the door. My hand reached for it, turning the handle, my mind not even allowing for the thought of dressing as I padded down the hallway, barely registering the silence in the dark house as I stopping at a bare door.

Without knocking, I quietly pushed it open, stepping in and closing it behind me with a soft click. My eyes fell straight on the bed, my nose immediately catching his scent and allowed it to trap me as I gazed at the lump beneath the covers, my lip once again nervously finding its way between my teeth as I padded towards it, my bare feet making no sound as I walked over, pulling back the covers and climbing in. Almost as if he had been expecting it, Dom opened his arms, allowing me to curl into him, my back resting against his naked chest as he placed an arm protectively around my waist pulling me closer. I could feel my lips trembling as I pressed back against him, reveling in the warm that radiated from him as pressed myself flush against him as I reached down grabbing his hand in my own, threading my fingers through his as I pulled his arm towards my chest, hugging it as I continued to tremble, and in response, he held me tighter, and slowly by surely the trembling ceased as I allowed myself to fall into a sense of security wrapped in Dom's strong arms, and once again I felt myself being pulled toward the dark abyss, the feeling of Dom's warm breath caressing the back of my neck helping to ease my mind as I fell.

Much to my surprise, and relief, that night, I slept for the first time in 5 years, without the plaguing memories, my mind sitting numb, allowing nothing through, allowing the sleep I had so often found myself robbed up claim me.


An: Hey, MorbidLittleBirdie here,

So, I think I love how Chapter 2 & 3 turned out. Initially chapter 2 and 3 were one chapter, but seeing how long it was, I decided to break it up. I tried to catch it at an ideal pause, so I hoped I did that.

Well, don't forget to leave your thoughts in a form of an oh so lovely review to remind me that people actually read my writing.

Do you hate it? Do you love it? Are you indifferent?

If you have any suggestions, feel free to send a PM my way, I'd love to hear it.

I hope you enjoyed reading.

-Until next time, toddles my darlings, MorbidLittleBirdie_