Dominic was leaning against the front doors of DT Automotives, watching the neighborhood come to life while waiting for his crew to arrive. The shop was scheduled for another jam-packed day just five weeks away from RaceWars. They were putting in hard time, always working well into the night. He didn't see an end in sight, but traffic brought business, and business brought exposure. It would bode well for the upcoming Seattle shop. The guys were tired, hell, he was exhausted, but they were in the home stretch now. He planned on taking a long vacation after RW weekend, and he knew his boys wouldn't be against the idea.
He loved the work, but he was starting to feel restless.
Dom understood Letty's need to get out for some fresh air. The daily routines of normality were starting to eat away at him, too. He had everything he wished for - a seemingly endless bank account, his home, his freedom, and Letty. They left all their enemies and discretions in the rearview, yet Dom found himself peeking over his shoulder, waiting for the next big rush. But it never came. He felt selfish wishing for more when he already had it all. He never liked the sedentary lifestyle, and the crutches weren't helping. He vowed that once he ridded himself of those hindrances, he would find a way to get that adrenaline rush without sending them all to jail.
He'd die before any of them were taken away in cuffs.
"Coffee for the boss man," Oz said as he hopped out of his truck. Dom took the java happily, hoping to liven up before the work rush started.
"Thanks Ozzie."
"Where's Blondie?"
"Right here, Oswald," Brian said while coming from the office. Dom turned to him with a grin, while Oz scowled.
"It's Oz," he said sternly, shoving the hot cup into his hand.
"And I'm Brian, but as long as you continued to call me Blondie or any of the other cute nicknames you have for me, it's Oswald."
"Enough boys," Dom chuckled at the two. "Oz, you wanna explain your girlfriend's erractic behavior last night?"
"No shit, bro. What was that about?" Brian added.
"I wish I could. I have no idea why she got so bent outta shape over Letty. Brooke's been acting strange for days now, but yesterday really took the cake. Even before that shit last night, she's been really distant and just ... weird. I don't know."
"Trouble in paradise?" asked Brian.
"Nah," he shook his head, "I don't think so. We've been good, y'know? After the whole cracking me over the head with a bat ordeal, I figured things couldn't get much worse."
"Well I'll tell ya something - if Brooke loses her shit like that again, Letty won't hold back and I won't stop her."
Oz nodded, "I can't imagine how their day is going."
A few minutes later, the rest of DT's mechanics pulled into the lot to clock another day of cranking wrenches. When the twins stepped out of the Honda simultaneously, a wicked smiled crossed Dom's face. "Hold this," he said while handing his cup to Brian.
Dom marched over to the twins - whom he had a foot in height advantage and was about one-hundred and fifty pounds heavier - and threw his clutches to the ground before snatching them both by their shirts and shoving them against the Civic.
"Whoa! Whoa, Dom!" Sonny's hands instantly went up to protect his face.
"What the hell were you two dipshits thinking?!" he bellowed in their faces.
"I'm sorry, D! I told Sonny it was a shitty idea!" Neil protested.
"I should kick both of your asses up and down this lot."
"Tej? A little help here, man," they pleaded.
Dom turned his glare to Tej, "You rollin' with Dumb and Dumber now?"
"Nah ... well I mean yeah, last night ... look Dom-" Tej stammered, tempted to bolt back into his car. Instead, he stood up straight and looked Dom in the eye, "Yeah, I guess so."
All three men were practically tucking their tails as Dominic raged down on them, until a smile cross his face. Brian and Oz chuckled from behind him, finally sending Dom into a fit of laughter.
"Good. I couldn't trust these two morons to go to the supermarket without roping themselves into a race and ending up locked up," Dom released his hold on them and gave both men a light knock on the noggin.
"Jesus Dom, that's not funny," Neil said, doubling over to catch his breath, "I think I almost shit myself."
"That's fucked up man," Tej said, letting out a heavy sigh of relief.
"What's fucked up is you guys keeping that from me. I appreciate you looking out for her, but next time a heads up would be nice, even if she objects."
"A collective 'my bad' to you, Big Guy," said Sonny.
"Alright, get your asses in there and get ready. These next few weeks are gonna be like a triathlon for us, boys. Everyone wants our legendary team to bless their rides with our hands, and that's what we'll do. Once RaceWars is over, it's a long vacation for everyone."
"Mia, please let me know when you make it. You know I worry," Dom said from the front porch, watching his sister trot off to her friend's waiting car.
"It's one night Dom. I have to get this project done for class. I'll call soon," Mia said over her shoulder, waving goodbye to her brother.
Dom watched the car speed away and headed back inside, grabbing a few beers from the kitchen before heading upstairs to the beauty waiting in his bed. Rarely were they alone, but with the boys gone out to a movie, and Mia out at a friend's place, Dom couldn't wait to relax in the quiet with his girlfriend.
He found Letty sitting against the headboard of his bed, one of his oversized t-shirts draping over her thighs. With her hair hung down in droves past her shoulders, and her face free of any make-up, he silently wondered if she could be any more beautiful.
She looked like an innocent teen, but he knew she was anything but, especially after what he'd witnessed her do just hours earlier. The way she drove that Civic, maneuvering the LA highway while maintaining break-neck speeds, wasn't something he saw every day.
"You read my mind," Letty said as she reached eagerly for the beer.
"I thought I told you no Superman shit out there?"
"You also said no talking about work at home."
"I'm making an exception," Dom crawled across the bed, resting his head in her lap. "Seriously, what if you didn't make it under that truck? There's no room for mistakes under a speeding semi."
"Well it was either under the truck or through the construction barrels. Which would you prefer?" Dom sighed; she was right. "This was your bright idea, so don't be afraid of the danger now. My job is to drive, don't nitpick about how I do it. Besides, I bet it looked cool as shit."
Dom smiled at the excitement in her eyes. She liked danger, and that made a him love her even more. He had to lean up and take her lips in his, still able to the adrenaline on her mouth.
"Three down, two more to go," he said after pulling away.
"Then we're done, right? No more illegal shit - besides racing, of course."
"These next two trucks will be worth more than the first three combined. We'll each have enough money to set us up for a very long time, so yeah, no more illegal shit. At least not in America."
Letty smirked a bit, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"By the end of the month, you and I will be laying on a beach in a foreign country somewhere with endless cold Coronas, wiping our asses with hundreds."
"I have some relatives in the Dominican Republic who I'm sure wouldn't mind harboring some American fugitives," Letty smiled, flipping over to mount Dom. "What about Mia? We just leave her behind?"
Dom sighed, "We talked about this already, Lett. We can't tell her anything about the trucks, that'll make her an accessory. I don't give a shit about myself getting caught, but Dad would rise from his grave to kill me if I got her in any trouble. When the dust settles, we bring her wherever we go."
"And if she doesn't want to uproot her life and go on the lam with her friends?"
"Maybe she'll meet a nice boy and marry off in the next few weeks. Tuna-Boy from the cafe is looking like a prospect."
"Ugh... you mean the Calvin Klein model who just started working for Harry? He's soft."
"She needs soft," Dom said. "I just want my family looked after. These jobs might not be ideal, but there is huge money behind it, and you can't say it's not fun."
"You just make sure no one gets hurt - us or those truckers."
"Ill protect you, everyone, with my life. Can't let the mother of my future kids get injured."
Letty slugged Dom's arm, "I told you enough with the baby talk, ass. You're gonna speak it into existence."
"That's the point," Dom laughed when she hit him again.
"What is with the baby fever? You do know nothing's popping out of me for a while, right?"
"Yeah I know, but a boy can dream. Now that we got this money coming in, I'm looking ahead to the future. I want what my parents had - the family home, the garage to pass off to my kids."
"Your folks were also married for like ten years before you and Mia were even thought of. We have time, Dominic."
"You plan on sticking around for ten years?" he smirked.
"As long as you keep those skank-ass chasers away, then yeah, why not. "I have a feeling that if I wanted to go, you would hunt me down."
"Damn right. You're mine."
Dom's heart warmed over at the memory of he and Letty. Back when they didn't fear a thing but not being together. Not criminal charges, prison, or even death. They cheated death every night they chose to race in the streets. They were untouchable speed demons who lived for the thrill of the chase. The only thing that made them feel human was their love for one another, and their makeshift-family.
Almost a decade later, fate worked tirelessly to keep both in-tact.
"Should I give you a minute alone?" Brian asked, pulling away Dom's attention.
"Hush."
"What's on your mind?" Brian asked before biting into his lunch sandwich.
"Just thinking back to when we were young. All we wanted to do was make enough money to where we'd never have to work another day in our lives. Now that we have it, all we do is work."
"It's not work if you love what you're doing."
"I mean, I love this place, I always have. All I ever wanted to do was run this like my old man. Then I saw him race for the first time," they shared a smile. "Now all I want to do is drive. That's all I know how to do. Those ten seconds, Brian. That still applies today."
"You know who else probably feels that way? The woman who lied to sneak out to race teens," said Brian. "All I ever wanted was a badge and a family, and I had to trade one for the other. That's not you and Letty. You can't trade what you want for what you need. Some people need stability to fend off the demons, you two chase the demons for stability. I suggest you two work out a retirement plan before you end up dragging us all back in for another thrill ride. I can't see Hobbs or the Feds pardoning any of us again."
"No more jobs, I promised everyone. I can't promise I won't drag you across the country for some foreign riding, though."
"Well you can count me in for that," Brian's cell interrupted their conversation. He pulled it out expecting it to be from his wife, but Dr. Griffith's personal cell displayed on the screen instead.
"Who is it?" Dom asked, noting the questioning look on Brian's face.
"Rome's doctor," Brian answered, standing to pace the room while accepting the call. "O'Conner... hey Doc ... are you serious? I'll be right there."
Brian hung up and turned to face Dom, his face red and eyes watering.
"What is it, Bri?" the man didn't answer, pinching the bridge of his nose firmly. "Brian?"
"Roman's awake. He's asking for me."
"Ozzie!" the mechanic ran into the office. He took one look at Brian's teary blue eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Brian needs a ride to the hospital, and hurry. It's Rome."
"Come on, brother," Oz sprang into action, hurrying to his truck outside and firing her up.
"What do I say, Dom? About Roger? And Stacy? How do I tell him they're gone?"
Dom thought about the agony of having to tell his baby sister that their last living parent was deceased. He was grateful that she chose to stay home that day of the race, but delivering the news over the phone was a conversation he'd never forget.
"Tell him the truth, Brian. Roger gave his life protecting your mother. He died a hero. Sadly, Stacy and the pilot were just collateral damage. When things have settled, we'll come up."
Brian nodded and darted out after Oz.
Tej and the others rushed into his office.
"What's going on, Dom? Tej asked.
"Rome's up."
"Shit. I gotta get down there," said Tej.
"Give them time, Tej. It's gonna get heavy."
He gave a hesitant nod, "Is he okay?"
"He will be. Probably not at this very moment, but he will be."
In the Chevy truck, Oz was breaking every traffic law possible to get Brian to Cedar Sinai.
"Oz, it doesn't do us any good if we're pulled over before we make it to the hospital," Brian said nervously. He wasn't a fan of trucks, and frankly, Oz's scared the shit out of him. It was monstrous and agile, and those two qualities on anything bigger than Dom's Charger were out of Brian's range of expertise.
Oz dropped his speed down to the limit, "Sorry. I thought-"
"No man, he's okay. I just have to explain to him that his father is gone. I-I have no idea what to say to him."
"Can't be any worse than getting a call in prison that your mother is gone and you can't do anything about it. Not even go to her funeral."
"But that's exactly what it's like. Rome's been in a coma for over a month, with no clue of what happened. That is his prison."
Oz nodded, "You can tell him what I wish someone told me - don't blame yourself. Things like this, as shitty as they are - just happen. He's gonna wonder what he could've done different, but that'll only push him deeper into that black hole. He has a lot of healing to do - mentally and physically. Who knows which will take longer."
Brian's heart was lodged in his throat by the time they made it to the hospital.
"Thanks for the lift. I'll give Tej a holler for a ride back."
"Give us a shout if you guys need anything."
"Actually, there is," he said, "Mom..."
"I'm on it, bro. I'll get her."
"Thanks dude," Brian bumped knuckles with Oz and hurried inside, bypassing the registration desk, heading straight for the elevators. He jammed on button to call the ride down.
"Hey, heard the news about your friend waking up. That's great."
Brian turned to see Clarice behind him, internally rolling his eyes, "Yeah it is."
"I guess that means I won't be seeing you around here much anymore."
"Guess not," he replied shortly.
"So... I guess we'll have to figure out another way to keep in contact." She rubbed her hand gently over his biceps, but was startled when he pulled away.
The elevator doors opened and he didn't hesitate to step inside.
"Listen, as I've mentioned before: I'm married, and happily. So there won't be anymore contact. I appreciate all the help, but it ends there," he told her, closing the elevator doors before she had time for a rebuttal.
The twenty second ride up to Roman's floor felt like an eternity to Brian. He ran his sweaty hands up and down his jeans, but he couldn't stop the deafening sound of his heartbeat filling his head. He shuffled past doctors and nurses and came to a halt at Roman's door. He composed himself with a few deep breaths, then pushed through the door.
"There's my boy!" Roman greeted through groggy vocal cords, his pearly white smile - chipped tooth and all - welcoming his best friend.
A rush of relief washed over Brian's body, and for a moment, he was able to relax. It was calming to see his brother's goofy smile waiting for him behind the door, rather than dead silence.
"Man, I never thought I'd be so happy to hear your annoying ass voice," Brian said while rushing over to the bed, forcing Rome to undergo some pain for a moment of much-needed love. Rome returned the gesture with surprisingly good strength.
"Careful, his ribs aren't completely healed yet," the doc warned.
"What about his head?"
"Still hard," Roman answered, giving his head a light knock.
"And also still healing," she said, slapping his hand away. "The swelling has gone down, and as far as we can tell, there isn't any lasting damage. We will, however, have to perform a few scans to be sure."
"Memory loss?"
"I remember picking up Stacy from her hotel, and driving to the strip to catch the plane. And the pilot ... wasn't my usual guy, Hern*. After that, it's all white noise. But I definitely remember some big white dude dropping me from a plane. Remind me to kick his after if he's still around."
"Yeah, and it also saved your punk ass."
"Stacy... is she okay?"
Shit. Here comes the tough part.
"I'll give you two time to talk and come back when it's time for your scan."
"Thanks Doc," Roman said sincerely, "Really."
"Don't thank me - I just did my job. Be thankful of the friends and family you have. I've been doing this a long time, and I've never seen a patient surrounded by so much love and loyalty, from so many people from different walks of life, none of whom are actually biological relatives. You are a lucky guy."
Once they were alone, Brian pulled up a chair.
"Ro - Stacy and Herb ... they didn't make it off the plane, brother. Carter killed them before you even got to LA."
Rome's eyes squeezed shut and his head dropped, "No, Brian. No. Herb had a family. His wife..."
"We sent his body home, and a friend of the family paid for his funeral arrangements. Stacy too."
The more he talked, the harder the cries came from Roman. "It wasn't supposed to be like this, Brian"
Seeing Roman broken was enough to start Brian's own waterworks.
"I'm so sorry, brother," Brian said, grabbing his friend's hand comfortingly. "I wish I could say that was all."
Roman looked up at him, his face drenched with tears, ready for more devastation.
Letty's work day ended earlier than expected when Leon gave her and Brooke the ahead to leave for DT's. She had just received the wonderful news about Roman, and Dom wanted to gather at the garage before taking the trip to go see their friend.
The girls were out the door fifteen minutes and speeding toward LA.
"I guess this lets me off the hook for tonight," Brooke said.
"No it doesn't. Give the man more good news."
"I'm not taking away from Roman's moment. I'll still be pregnant in the morning."
They arrived the garage to find the group, sans Brian and Oz, lounging around out front.
"Hey, any news?" Letty asked as she approached.
"Nothing yet. Oz drove Kelly up about an hour ago, haven't heard anything back yet," Tej answered. She could see the worry on his face.
"Don't worry, man. He's in good hands," she reassured him.
"Letty, Brooke," Dom called from inside. They found him on a long sofa in the back, his leg kicked up on a stool.
Letty flopped down beside him, "You good?"
"Yeah. Had to pick up a few of Oz's clients after he took off. I'm just tired. How was your day?" he asked, melting into cushions against her warm skin.
Letty shot Brooke a look, "Uneventful."
"I'm guessing you two are good?"
"Yeah, we're good. And I owe you an apology. I was a total bitch, and normally I wouldn't apologize for that, but in this instance it was out of line. Just got a lot of shit going on in my head right now."
"Apology accepted. Oz said you've seemed a little stressed lately. Everything all right?"
"Yeah," she lied quickly with a smile, "Especially now with Roman awake. That's great news."
"Are we going to see him?" asked Letty.
"Not tonight. I figured I'd give Brian and Kelly the night to get everything sorted about Roger and Stacy."
"Poor guy," she replied sympathetically.
"Why don't you give Mia a call? Let her know what's going on."
Letty nodded and dipped off into the office for privacy to ring her old friend.
"Letty - what a surprise. I was starting to think you forgot about me again."
"Oh Mia. You wouldn't let me forget again if I wanted to. Besides, I've been busy taking care of this family of big babies - you know how exhausting that is."
"Welcome to my life since I was fifteen," Mia laughed. "What's up?"
"Speaking of big babies, the biggest one of them all is finally awake."
"Rome's up? Oh my god, that's great! How is he?"
"He's alright. Brian and Kelly are with him now. Dom wants to give them a personal night to deal with Roger."
"Poor Rome. Well I'm glad he's awake. Couldn't have come at a better time, too, because I need Brian home soon."
"You know Mi, they make toys for those long nights alone."
Mia scoffed at Letty's insinuation, "Shut up, Leticia. None of that will be going down because I'm pregnant."
Letty was floored yet again that day by stunning news.
"Congrats, girl. It's Brian's right?"
"You're an idiot; of course it's my husband's," Mia laughed.
Letty laughed, "I'm just asking. You've been gone a while."
"I'm six weeks. Found out last night and I wanted to tell him in person, so don't blab Leticia."
"There's a lot of that going around."
"I don't know what that means, and I don't want to. Just keep your mouth shut."
"Yes mother."
Mia sighed, "I miss you Letty. Promise you'll come up when Dom heals?"
"You know it, girl. You gotta show me what countless missed parties and dates as a teen has rewarded you with, Nurse O'Conner."
"Swollen feet, little sleep, and a slight weight gain due to the fact I currently survive off of food truck cuisine. But it has its rewards, like saving lives."
"I'm sure I've saved plenty of lives with the monstrosities that drive through this garage."
"Oh I'm sure. I have to go now Lett, I'm walking into dinner with some co-workers. One last thing though," Mia said, "How are things with you and my brother?"
Letty smiled inwardly, "We're working things out the best way two unstable creatures know how."
"So lots of sex and racing?"
"Actually, I was gonna say a lot of listening and understanding, but you do know us better than I do."
Mia chuckled, "I'm glad to hear it's working out. Never a doubt in my mind. Well I gotta go, give my boys a kiss for me. I miss them to death."
"I'll look after them, Mi. Talk to you soon."
Letty's smile was permanent after ending the call with Mia. The younger Toretto always brought a warmth over Letty that made her nostalgic. Mia was the motherly figure that Letty never had, even being the younger between two. Mia Toretto was wise beyond her years, and far more compassionate than anyone Letty knew.
Letty hopped down from the table and walked back onto the main floor.
"Change of plans," Dom said as she approached, "Brian wanted to see if we would keep Jack for the night. Things are pretty heavy at the hospital right now."
"Yeah, of course. What about everyone else?"
"Tej and Rosa are gonna have dinner for her last night in the States. She leaves for Brazil in the morning."
"So that leaves us with Nico too, gotcha."
"Is Oz coming back tonight?" Brooke asked.
"He's on his way back now."
"Good, then you have a ride," Letty said. Dom could tell there was something between the two, but he had no interest in getting involved.
When Dom left the two alone in the garage, Letty turned to Brooke quietly, "You better not forget your little surprise. My lips don't stay sealed forever."
"Yes mother."
"Sonny, Neil," she directed as she exited the garage, "watch her until Oz gets here."
"Got it girl."
The Camaro and Tej's BMW raced to the Toretto home, where Rosa waited with Jack and Nico.
"Are you sure you want to leave all this craziness?" Dom asked with a grin on his way up the yard.
"As much as I've enjoyed the insanity that is the Toretto way of life, I must return to home. Those students won't teach themselves."
"Well it's been a pleasure," Dom pulled her into a bear hug. "Don't stay away too long."
"Oh I won't. It's gonna be hard to pull them away from each other." Rosa looked back to the young boys playing together in the living room.
"We'll come to you next time."
"You're all more than welcome, " she gave a warm smile.
"You ready to go?" Tej asked.
"Have fun guys," Letty said whiled pulling Rosa into a hug. She whispered in her ear, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Rosa gave her a bashful smile and nod, and Letty headed inside.
"It's just dinner," Tej assured.
Dom snorted with a grin, "it's never just dinner."
"Both of the boys have had baths and dinner. Bedtime shouldn't be too far behind."
"No worries," Dom kissed her cheek, "Have a good time."
Dom headed inside his home, stopping in the doorway at the sight of Letty sitting Indian-style between his nephews, GI Joe action figure.
The genuine smile on her face was what Dom lived for, what he looked forward to everyday. He imagined the boys as his juniors, and Letty as their firm, but fun mother. He grinned at the thought, until a plastic toy ball smacked him right on the nose.
Letty, and the tots, laughed hysterically at her accuracy, "Come sit, ya goof."
"Uncle Dom, you like my truck?" Nico asked enthusiastically, holding the toy up to Dom.
"I love it, Nico," he yanked over a large tub filled with plastic cars, "But let's find you something with more muscle."
"Well, both boys are finally out. Jack is quite a talker. Ask too many damn questions," Letty said while standing in the entrance of Dom's bedroom. She hadn't set foot inside the space since leaving over two years ago, and it was just as hard now as it was then to cross the threshold.
"Just like his father," Dom said with a smirk. He noticed her hesitation from his place on the edge of the bed. "You can come in, y'know."
"Yeah," she murmured, taking shaky steps inside as if the floor would crumble beneath her at any second.
Flashes of them together swirled in her mind with every step she took. Her sneaking inside through his window, the lovebirds snuggled together in bed, and even the many massages they exchanged. She could suddenly remember every encounter they had in this very room.
"This used to be my favorite place, aside from the garage," she walked to the window, tracing her fingers along the window pane, a smile coming to her face. "You remember when Dino nailed your window shut?"
"After he caught you in my bed while I was supposed to be grounded, yeah I remember. That didn't stop you from scaling the gutter to the roof. You always were persistent."
She gave a smile, "That I was."
"Come," Dom patted the bed next to him, inviting her up. Letty kicked out of her shoes and khakis before crawling in next to Dom, settling under his protective wing. "Ya know, Brian and Jack will be leaving soon, and with the others leaving, I'll be back to living alone."
"Sounds like you have a conundrum."
"I do..." he trailed off, looking down at her with a grin.
"Well I have a feeling Brooke will be staying where she is, so I'll be in that same lonely boat as well."
"You plan on spending the rest of your life in Leon's sex pad?"
"It hasn't been a sex pad in a long while, and no I don't. Why? Any ideas?"
"I want to travel. To actually be able to stop and see the sights of the places I hid in for years. Wasn't much time for tours or adventuring."
"The DR had it's perks, but I wouldn't exactly call it an adventure," she said. Letty did enjoy the little down time that came with being on the run. The few weeks they spent driving through the country side, stopping off to swim in the ocean and interact with the laid-back locals was the break from insanity that she needed.
She remembered that time spent with Dominic vividly. How relaxed and carefree he was when he wasn't thinking up the next scheme or looking over his shoulders. How she was so love-drunk that she didn't question their next move, but went along for the ride willingly.
To her, it was never about the destination, but the journey. Any time she followed Dominic to a new country or island, it was always about the time spent with him. Protecting him, and having his back the way she knew he would for her.
Glancing around the room, she could feel why Dom wanted to return home so anxiously. It was their safe place; a place of love and comfort, and protection. There was always someone here ready to throw down in the name of family. But she also felt that cocoon of emotion in the Dominican Republic, too. The constant variable was, and always has been, Dominic.
"You ever think of selling this place, leaving LA?"
Dom paused before speaking, "I used to, after you left. Didn't feel the same being here alone."
"What about now? Could you part ways with this house?"
"I'd live on Mars, if it meant you'd be there with me," he grumbled softly. Letty melted into a puddle at his side, looking up to see the smile on his face.
"I don't remember you being this suave back in the day," she said.
"I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks."