Author: Moon Roses or Moony
Rating: R for language
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Feedback: Not necessary but greatly appreciated.
Recap: They settled onto the bed and spent the evening talking about her childhood in Mexico and the holiday traditions that she was used to lasting much longer than they did in America. It was the farthest they'd ever delved into her upbringing and she still hadn't managed to get a back story out of him. She knew it had to be interesting if he sidestepped her questions so often. Her knowledge of his life before L.A. ended with his mother teaching him martial arts and Jesse living down the street from him. She was content with what little she had to go on, knowing when he wanted to reveal his secrets he would.

Chapter Twenty Eight

When she awoke the next morning she dressed quickly and crept from Leon's room silently. She could have stayed in his arms snoozing for a few more hours but she had promised Beto she would help him prep their dinner for the next evening. It was a task that normally she wouldn't have agreed to and she still questioned her agreement. Not that it was daunting; she'd helped her mother prepare the masa for tamales many times before. But she knew she'd been neglecting her team and spending time with them individually reassured them that she wasn't forgetting them.

It didn't take long for the rest of her team to join in, laughing and tossing corn flour at each other. With the playfulness displayed she realized just how lucky she was. Family had always been important to her, but without her parents around, this was something different. Like a hive that thrived only if all its counterparts were present. With Leon added to the mix for dinner it would almost be complete. The only thing missing was Vince, but despite wanting him in attendance she wanted to experience something that was vaguely for just her and Leon.

Shorty spent the next few hours playing video games with her team before retreating to her room for a well deserved nap. When she awoke the sun had long since set and she stumbled from the bed to the shower to prepare for midnight mass. Making herself presentable meant she couldn't just throw on a pair of jeans and tie her hair into her usual unruly bun. She had to make careful considerations on her outfit and for once she didn't mind.

She dried her hair with a round brush taking extra care to tame frizzy flyaways, and applied a coat of mascara to brighten her eyes. Rummaging through her closet she finally settled on a knee length A-line skirt she'd had no idea she owned and paired it with a simple ruffled tank top. She slid into black flats and looked at herself in the mirror. Disappointment streaked across her face as she caught sight of herself but she knew she looked appropriate enough to attend Church. And afterwards she could even help shelve books at the library without having to stop home and change.

When the time came for her to head to the Toretto's she pulled on a red pea coat and shouldered a small purse. As ridiculous as she felt she wasn't about to let her insecurities ruin her night. Sure, Church wasn't as exciting as a ten second race but the prospect of finally being accepted by Dom was thrilling. If she could prove she was worthy she knew Dom would have her back. And not just because his team wanted him to, but because he'd finally come to include her in his dysfunctional family.

She kissed her brother on the head before she left, promising him she'd be home bright and early to stuff the stockings with him. As she pulled in behind Vince's maxima again she saw the team had been busy in her absence. The house was decorated in blue and green bulbs that shimmered in the darkness. The lights inside were inviting as she crossed the threshold into the festive spirit of the house. "Right on time Lil' Coyote, Dom was just about to call you quits," Vince said, as she sat against his side, crossing her legs in a failed attempt to appear feminine.

Shorty uncrossed her legs and crossed them again trying to find a comfortable position, "You look handsome. Did you let Mia dress you?"

"Contrary to popular belief, I'm actually a fully functioning man," he growled, and threw and arm around her shoulders.

"Well, you still look nice," she smiled back at him.

He pulled her into his lap and nestled in her neck contentedly while they waited for the rest of the Toretto team to appear. His beard tickled her while he dozed and she couldn't help but feel just a little guilty about not inviting him to dinner the next evening. If anyone in the house was considered family it was definitely Vince.

"Your thoughts are burrowing into my head. What's up?" he grunted into the nape of her neck.

"Are you mad that I didn't invite you to my family dinner tomorrow?"

He raised his head and looked at her. She could see he was trying to work through his thoughts before he spoke, a rare consideration, even in their conversations. He was brutally honest with her and she with him. Truth had just been something they had fallen into immediately, not that anything less could work for them. Since the moment he'd felt her up, almost a year before, they'd had no secrets.

"Nah, I get why you didn't. It's the first big thing you and Leon will do to solidify your relationship. How could I be mad at you for that?"

She gaped at him in reverence, "When did you become so knowledgeable?"

"Like I said, I'm a fully functioning man. Besides, I know you better than anyone, even better than your own team."

"No way do you know me better than Hector," she challenged.

"I know the moon is your solace. Your lip crinkles up on the left side when you need to sneeze. You get this dazed look in your eyes whenever you see the Ocean. You have this weird breathless giggle that only appears when you're nervous. You sleep on the left side because your pops used to. You use sarcasm as a way to beat around the bush. And finally you love me," he finished smugly.

"You know what solace means? Wow, I didn't know they taught that in juvie."

"Case in point. Sarcasm, defense of the emotionally incompetent," he beamed at her before nuzzling back into her neck.

Shorty played with the handle on her purse and had to admit he was pretty good. And if she really did crinkle her lip she needed to quit that habit quick. How disgustingly cute that little involuntary movement must have been for him to notice it. But she had to admit she was glad someone understood her so completely. Try as she might she couldn't hide from people, least of all him.

She was scratching his arm absently and staring out into the darkness outside when Leon and the rest of the crew appeared. They all looked as handsome as Vince and she felt honoured to attended Church with this ragtag family. Shorty stood, pulling Vince to his feet and shouldering back into her pea coat. She crossed the living room to Leon and rolled onto her toes to press a chaste kiss on his lips.

"That's not a hello," he growled, pulling her roughly against his chest. She laughed softly as he dipped her to the side and claimed her lips as his own. She loved when he acted suave and she had no trouble admitting he was an expert kisser.

"Get a room," Vince coughed into his hand.

Shorty broke the kiss and flashed a brilliant smile at Vince just as Leon asked, "Jealous?" His voice was a little rougher than usual and Shorty smacked his shoulder impatiently.

"Oh, don't be a baby. I love you too," she said as Leon set her back on her feet. "Come on, I'll ride with you."

She wished Vince would find someone to love so she could tease him incessantly. However, he seemed bound and determined to remain single forever, never settling down with a mate and starting a pack of his own. The Coyote in him was unwilling to share the burden of life.

"Yeah, ok," Vince shrugged, and followed Mia out into the night.

Shorty slid into the passenger seat and waved to Leon and Jesse as they slid into the Skyline in front of them. The drive to the Church was short enough that they could have walked it in a few minutes but as devout racers they never passed up a chance to get behind the wheel. The Church was alight and the large doors were open and inviting. The light from inside spilt out onto the stairs and she climbed them quietly behind the team.

She was rushed into a pew and sandwiched between Leon and Vince. Their body heat combined warmed her chilled bones and she whispered quietly with the men until the priest began the procession down the aisle. Silence descended over the hall and she quickly remembered why she hadn't attended mass in years. She followed along with the others and stood when they stood but within minutes she was yawning into her hand and struggling to keep her eyes open. Even after the nap she'd had she was still finding it difficult to keep herself upright.

Despite her best effort to prove to Dominic she was ready to be part of the team she was quickly losing the battle with her eyelids. Slowly and surely they slid shut and her head fell on Vince's shoulder. She could feel him shift against her to provide a more stable resting place and she smiled inwardly. Instinctively finding Leon's hand she had to cherish the men she had been blessed with. She was truly the luckiest woman alive.

Two fingers dragging her eyelids open roughly woke Shorty from her slumber. Blinking against the pressure, she was met by Dom's somewhat clouded features. Even half asleep she could read the disappointment in his face. "Nap times over, Princess. Get up," he commanded softly.

She blinked again and looked around for the support of his team but found herself alone with him. She felt her eyes widen in panic and she stood quickly. "Where's the guys?"

"They went home. You ride with me," he answered gruffly, and spun on his heel.

She was forced to half jog and half walk to match his pace but followed him to his vehicle none the less. She'd have to be crazy to get in a confined space with an angry Dominic Toretto but when he held the passenger door open for her she fell in instantly. Surely Leon and Vince wouldn't leave her with him if he was really upset.

He slid into the driver's seat and brought the car to life. Turning on the heaters he reversed swiftly from his spot and merged onto the nearly deserted street. His sense of direction was a little sloppy but she chose to keep her mouth shut. Dominic Toretto always knew where he was going.

"Look, Dom, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have fallen asleep. I should have tried harder."

"Do you know why Church is important to me?"

"The free wine and bread?" she answered without thinking. Instantly she regretted saying it and tried to cover her nervousness with an awkward giggle. If Vince was sitting beside her she knew he'd have a smug grin on his handsome face. Hadn't he just told her she used sarcasm to avoid things head on and she giggled when nervous? She hated when he was right.

"No, Shorty. It's important because it's something my dad wanted for his family. It's tradition. He wanted us to have faith someone was always there. That someone would be there even if we couldn't see them. I do it because I have to. I do it because it brings my community together. I do it because I believe."

"I'm really sorry Dom. I fucked up. It's not an excuse; I just don't do well in Churches."

He gazed at her with unreadable eyes and she understood why people were so frightened of him. He could do considerable damage if provoked. "You didn't have to come. I've invited Hector and the boys before but they've never come."

"Maybe I should have had the good sense to stay home. It's just, well, it was the first time you've really included me."

"We always include you, you're Leon's girl."

Shorty shrugged but tried to explain anyways, "I mean including me like family. Not just because I'm Leon's girl or V's best friend. It's more - I don't know."

She hissed in frustration; she'd spent the last two days at a loss for words. Apparently the Toretto team left her completely tongue tied during the holidays. She wanted to articulate herself well like any grown adult and she was utterly useless.

"They think of you as family," Dom answered, as he pulled off the scenic route he had taken and into the Echo Park community.

"I know they do. I'm talking about you. You're the only one I have left to win over. I thought by now my charming personality and my adorable beestings would have sealed the deal," Shorty said, shooting a look across at Dom.

"The last person I let in turned out to be a cop. I'm a lot more careful now, but you're doing right by Leon and that's worth something to me. Keep working at it."

Shorty sighed softly in agreement. She knew that was the best she would get, even though it wasn't much to go on. He could tell her to keep working on it forever and she'd have no choice but to follow orders. And she would, because she cared about all of them, including Dom, and there was no way she was every going to wreck that.

They fell into silence until they arrived back at the Toretto household. The home was quiet and dark and she wondered whether she should bother going in to say goodnight. The occupants were most likely already fast asleep, dreaming of Christmas dinner and presents. But she couldn't leave without a quick goodnight so she followed Dom up the stairs and into the house. He nodded at her before he climbed the stairs and quietly shut the door behind him.

She crossed to the basement door and slowly made her way down the stairs into the television room. The door to both Leon and Jesse's doors were sealed shut but Vince's door was slightly ajar and she could hear soft music coming from his stereo. She pushed his door open gently and blinked into the darkness trying to make out his form. "Dom give you shit?"

A small grin graced her face as she laid beside him on the bed, "You know it. Told me to keep working to earn his trust."

"That doesn't sound that bad," he mused before rolling onto his side and throwing an arm around her waist.

"Yeah, I guess so. Hey, do you think I could buy his trust? Think ten bucks should cover it?"

"I'd say closer to twenty."

"Whoa V! Easy. I'm not made of money," she laughed. "I'm crashing here, ok?"

"It's always ok Lil' Coyote," he yawned into her ear.

He turned the music off and shoved the small remote under her pillow. She removed her coat and shuffled under the blankets with him until she was close enough to steal his body heat. He was like a furnace and the cold winter air always left her chilled. Growing up in a tropical climate had really ruined her for the rest of the world.

The sounds of stampeding feet on the basement stairs woke her the next morning and she sat up instantly. Checking the clock on the bedside table she breathed a sigh of relief. It was only half past eight and her crew usually spent Christmas morning snoozing until eleven. She still had plenty of time to watch her friends open their gifts and make it home in time to stuff stockings with Hector. She shoved Vince roughly to get him moving and followed him upstairs to the living room where the rest of the team had converged.

Leon looked a little surprised to see her and she felt a little guilty having slept in Vince's bed without telling him she was staying the night. She cast an apologetic smile in his direction and he winked at her in response. If there was one thing she loved about him it was his carefree attitude. She knew he didn't really want her sleeping in Vince's bed but he knew nothing would ever happen. Again she was reminded how lucky she was to have such a great man in her life. One who didn't hold her friendship with Vince over her head.

Shorty collapsed on the couch beside Leon and snuggled into a blanket that was resting over the back. Jesse was already knee deep in wrapping paper and digging under the tree to hand out the other gifts. He placed a small group in front of her and she held back the immediate groan that blossomed in her throat. She had been hoping for a card and nothing else.

She opened the gifts along with everyone else but kept her eye on Leon. She was eager to see if he liked the present she'd bought for him. He had definitely been the most difficult to buy for. When he finally reached the huge box she had wrapped she grinned as he lugged it towards himself. He tore the paper off and pulled the box open expecting a huge surprise. As realization hit him he met her eyes with an amused look and lifted the bricks from the box. "Was I a bad boy?" he asked, winking sarcastically.

She nodded enthusiastically as he grabbed the smaller box from inside and sat on his heels to open it. When he pulled open the lid she saw the astonishment cross his face. He fell onto his bum and gaped at the small booklet he held in his hand. "No fucking way!" Jesse shouted as he snatched the booklet and flipped through it quickly. "You have to take me!" he added, as Leon snatched his gift back.

Leon beamed up at her and held the booklet above his head triumphantly. "You're the best, Shorty!" he cried, as he jumped up and pulled her off the couch in a bone crushing hug. He dropped her back to her feet and slid the Lakers season tickets under his nose, smelling the beauty of what he had just gained.

"I wouldn't take it quite that far, they're not that good of seats."

"Who cares if they aren't court side? They're season tickets. To the Lakers."

"What?" Vince squealed, as he scrambled from his seat and tugged the tickets out of Leon's hands. He flipped through them incredulously and repeated Jesse's previous statement, "No fucking way!"

"I don't know why you're getting so worked up. I mean, yeah, if it was for the Knicks I could see where you're coming from. But it's the Lakers. They suck."

"Blasphemer!" Leon cried, as he reclaimed his tickets from Vince.

Shorty laughed as the three men fawned over the tickets and she sank back on the couch pulling a gift towards her. It was small and square and wrapped in shimmering gold paper with yards of scotch tape wound around it. She smirked at Vince's sheepish look when she held the gift aloft, only one person could be impatient enough to wrap a gift like that. She struggled to find the beginning of the long strand of tape and begin unwinding it, taking the paper off with it. In her hand she held a tiny green velvet box. She brushed her fingers over the soft material, giddy with excitement despite her unease with gifts. She'd never been given something so delicate before, and she knew whatever was inside was much more magnificent. Cracking the box open she peered down at the gold chain with its matching gold charm. The number two sparkled back up at her and she fingered the jewellery cautiously.

"I can't accept this V."

"Yeah you can. I want you to have it."

Letty crawled onto the couch and whistled when she caught side of the necklace. She wanted to whistle with her, for the present was gorgeous, much more precious than she deserved given the number that dangled from the chain. "Yeah but two is your number."

"So? Look, it's like this, Dom is one and I'm two, but for me and you I'm one and you're two. You're my second."

"Are you sure?" she asked uncertainly. He seemed so sure of it; so sure that she was his second in command; so sure that the relationship they had could withstand anything like his and Dom's. After all they'd been through, after the buster trying to make a getaway with his best friend they had still maintained their unique friendship. They were confidants, co-workers, roommates, and brothers. Not even a failed heist attempt could change them.

"Sure am. Here, give it to me," he smiled, and reached for the box she held out to him.

He picked the necklace up off the crushed velvet and slung it around her neck with calm fingers. For someone with such thick and clumsy looking hands he locked the necklace into place and stepped back to admire his handiwork. She felt the charm settle in the hollow between her collarbones and she grinned at him. "Thanks V," she answered, and stood to kiss his scruffy cheek.

He nodded his head and went back to his spot on the floor where Leon and Jesse were still flipping through the Lakers tickets. Leon looked up at her and shook his head, "You two have the creepiest relationship."

"Do not," she barked, as she settled into her seat again to open her last gift. So maybe they did have a creepy relationship but they weren't hurting anyone so why change something that worked.

"You do too," Leon countered, as she tore the paper off a large box.

"Jealous much," she laughed, before falling silent as she opened the lid on the wooden box. Inside lay multiple sticks of magnificent soft pastels. Removing the first layer box she was met with the finest quality fixative and sheets of thick smooth drawing paper. The quality of the set was outstanding and she'd been meaning to stock up on pastels for quite some time. Instantly her fingers itched to cradle the precious sticks and draw and smudge her way into the heart of artists around the world. However, she replaced the pastels in the box and jumped up, throwing herself into Leon's outstretched arms. "You're so good to me, Lee!"

"I try," he whispered into her ear, as he firmly set her on her feet.

The rest of the presents were opened with much shouting and teasing. Vince loved his gift as much as she knew he would. She wasn't surprised when he disappeared immediately to find one of his three guitars to attach the shoulder strap too. She didn't follow him or lend her advice but knew without a doubt what he would pick. When he reappeared with his new strap attached to his gorgeous new Fender she clapped appreciatively. "Looking good, Papi," she called loudly.

Shorty spent another hour trying out video games with Jesse before she said her goodbyes to the team and Leon walked her to her car. She'd be home early enough that she might have to wake Hector up so they could finish putting the gifts under the tree. He'd learned the first year the team had moved in that you hide the presents or they end up open and in use well before the big reveal day.

"What time do you want me to head over?" Leon asked. He wound his muscular arms around her body and pulled her against him. "Did I tell you this librarian thing is really working for you? Can I be the naughty student?"

"Get your spank bank deposit now because I'm burning this outfit as soon as I get home," she replied smartly.

He rested his chin on her head and kept her against his chest. It was comforting being in his embrace, like anything could go wrong but as long as she stayed locked in his arms nothing could touch her. Nothing could ruin them. She held tight to the fabric covering his chest and wondered again how she'd scored someone as wonderful as him. Karma usually kicked her while she was down. It was only a matter of time before he found something wrong with her and sent her on her way.

"I'll be over around five. Do I need to bring anything?"

She looked up at him and shook her head, "Nope, just yourself and wear an ugly Christmas sweater."

"Why?"

"It's tradition," she shrugged nonchalantly.

"Really?"

"Yes, would I lie to you?" she saw him frown down at her in answer to her question. "Don't answer that." He leaned down and kissed her softly before opening the car door for her. She watched him in her rear view mirror until he was out of sight, wondering if he would bail on dinner.

When she arrived home she walked into a quiet house and immediately went to the kitchen to start the coffee pot for the boys. She made her way upstairs and tiptoed into Hectors room where she found him curled around a body pillow with his mouth gaping open. He started suddenly when she leapt on the bed and continued jumping until he sat up wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth. He rolled his eyes up at her and kicked her legs out from under her. She crashed to the bed and grinned at him, "Get up. It's time for stockings!"

"How was Church?"

"I don't know. I fell asleep but I imagine some found it thrilling," she answered as she crawled off the bed and tossed a pair of plaid pyjama pants to him. "I'm gonna go get some sweats on. I'll bring the presents up. Meet me at the tree."

She bounded down the stairs and disrobed quickly, pulling on some dirty sweats and a hoodie. Throwing open her closet she moved her hamper out of the way and slid the two garbage bags bulging with presents into the open. Hoisting each over a shoulder she scaled the stairs and placed them next to the tree where Hector was stuffing stockings. She flipped each bag and carefully organized them under the tree before standing back to admire her handiwork.

"Ready?" Hector asked when he placed the last stocking on the coffee table.

"Yup. You?"

"Let's do this," he answered and reached under the table. His hands reappeared one after the other, each holding an air horn.

"You take Beto and Marvin, I'll get Pedro and Miguel," she said, standing and extending her other hand to help Hector to his feet.

The siblings climbed the stairs silently, avoiding the tell tale creaks on certain stairs. Shorty continued down to the end of the hall and up the small staircase to the third floor where the lil' homies rooms were located. She stood in the middle of the hallway, pressing her ear against her shoulder roughly and plugging her other ear with a finger. She lifted the horn and held the button down until she heard swearing coming from each room. Satisfied that they were awake she descended the stairs and followed Hector back to the main room.

When the entire team arrived they dove into their presents with just as much excitement as the Toretto's had. It didn't take long before everything was open and the floor was littered with paper. She tossed a garbage bag at Pedro and he began shoving the used paper in haphazardly. "You ready, Shorty?" Beto called from the kitchen.

She stood from her seat and pushed the sleeves of her hoodie up to her elbows. "Yup," she answered, as she walked into the kitchen. The masa dough from the day before was already on the kitchen table and the insides were stewing in a huge pot on the stove. She sat down and began pressing out small handfuls into flat rounds. She knew they'd be at it for hours but she was content to help instead of cleaning the living room.

When Leon barged into her room shortly after five he brought with him the delicious smell of tamales and stew. She was still drying her hair but she could see the gleam in his eye as he glared at her in the mirror. She knew without him speaking why he was rattled but she finished drying her hair before she said, "Hey gorgeous, why the long face?"

"You told me everyone was wearing ugly sweaters," he cried as he pointed at the large wool sweater with a giant Santa Clause face stitched across the front.

"Actually I never told you they'd be wearing one."

"Yeah you did," he countered.

She grinned at him and shook her head, "No I didn't. I said it was tradition. A new one I just started."

"You sneak."

"Hey, I dressed like a librarian for you, the least you could do is dress like an awkward white boy for me," she laughed as she pulled him up the stairs and into the kitchen.

Her team was just sitting down and they snickered at the ridiculous sweater he was wearing. "Haven't you learned not to listen to a thing she says?" Pedro snorted.

The dinner was loud and obnoxious with Leon receiving his fair share of ridicule for his attire. He countered every jab and insult with one of his own and proved to her that he could handle being part of her family. It was nice to see him enjoying himself outside of the Toretto team, and she had to admit that he was like a chameleon. His color's changed to fit the surrounding environment and her house was no different. With the Toretto's he was so laid back and mellow, virtually impossible to anger, but with her team he seemed to absorb the Latin heat. By the end of dinner he'd established a spot in her family.

She was relieved that it had been a relatively easy transition for him. And although it was too soon to tell for sure, she was already content enough to have him in her life as her man, forever. Not that there was any way in hell she would ever tell him that.


A/N: Thanks to Holliday Girl, Violet201, ILoveAnime89, and Idoneous for the wonderful reviews! I really appreciate it and I love hearing what you think – whether good or bad! Shout out's to crysbit (also, thanks for the review on Pawn Pieces!), ILoveAnime89, and Idenous for the alerts and favorites. They mean a lot to me as well.

Now, for those still reading – real life has stepped in and I won't be writing for a while. I'm going to post everything I have written so far, so you'll get up to Ch. 37 which I'm trying to finish now. I know this will leave you hanging for a long while, and for that I'm sorry. I hope to return to writing soon.

So without further ado, here we go. Cheers!