Disclaimer: Not Mine.
Author's Note: Hi everyone! Thanks for all the reviews. I was almost giddy when I got them... =)
Anyway, this chapter doesn't have much Dom/Letty action but the next one... well... it's a doozy... I mean that... (it's only written in my head though, so it'll be at least a week... sorry)
Anyway, from here on out things start speeding up. And yes I am aware that every four or five chapters I say that I predict three or four more... but this time I mean it... three chapters and an epilogue.
I'm sorry to announce there will be no sequel as the epilogue will pretty much seal this package up and mail it out.
Nessie16:
Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate. I'd love for you to read my Charmed fics. I've got two. A newer one and one I started a while ago. And your scream did help this set of characters win. =)
Maile:
lol. Well here's another... although I'm sorry to say... this one ends too. lol. Thanks so much!
Emma:
Here's an update! Thanks for reviewing. =)
LettyRodriguez01:
Yeah it is kinda sad when a story ends. I'm going to miss writing it.... but of course then it'll leave me alone... so I wont' be too sad... =)
DomLetty4eva:
lol!! Girl I think you're the first person who's told me Dom and Letty are adorable!! lol thank so much... I was going for kinda cute up on that moutain/cliff/ hill thingy... =) I don't even know what it was... but anyway I wanted them to be sorta cute. So I'm glad you got that...
LadyLP:
I'd love to tell you hun, but... I like keeping my reader on the edge of their seat... (yes I know that is rather evil of me... :)
Supergirl1616:
Letty is finally getting the idea. Now we just have to work on her accepting the idea...
Piperwest12:
Thanks for the review. My other story had Dom and Letty as a couple but it's more focused on the team. It's a cross-over with TFTF 2 so mostly it's about the interactions of the two teams.... and that kinda stuff. In fact I think it only has one chapter of definite Dom/Letty fluff...
Greenglowchassis:
Glad you liked!! They are close aren't they... or so you'd think..... (cue eerie music ;)
Welshychick:
He did. =) To bad she's in denial....
Leticia Rose:
Here's anther chapter... and faster than two weeks... =) See I'm an easy person to get along with.... =)
Sugar Happy:
Girl, do you know how many times I read your review? A lot. I kept it on my screen for like an hour. Thank you so much!! lol I did get a few objections to Letty having sex with Angelo... yours was definitely the most... graphic! lol.
This chapter, has less to do with her reaction and more to do with her refusal to have a reaction. Like I said in the note above though, things will be speeding up now... the end is near girl... hold on to your pants....
LettyDomluva:
Well no one can say Dom doesn't go after what he wants...
Flame31:
I did ignore the other characters... for a while... I updated them yesterday... and these today... I used those time management skills they shoved down my throat last year at freshman orientation...
Queen B 83, Anonymous, Lou, and Dreaminmylifeawy:
Here's another chapter!!
Thank you all for the reviews!!!!
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fuck no... that did that just happen... god no... he did not just... say... that.... do that...
Silently she willed herself to get up, to leave, to go in the kitchen, to go upstairs and give him a piece of her mind for... doing that... for saying that....
... to do something...
...anything...
Anything but sit here and go over and over what had just happened.
He'd asked her a question... where it had come from or why... she didn't know...
The point was he'd asked and she'd answered...
...truthfully...
If there was one time in her life she should have lied - this was it... and she hadn't.
She'd told him the truth.
She hadn't...
She'd simply resigned herself.
But she hadn't... ever stopped loving him... didn't actually know how to do that.
And she'd told him that.
She hadn't lied...
Why?
Because he'd caught her off guard...
...because he'd looked at her with such passion...
...because for a moment she'd forgotten every thing but him and her...
... him and her...
...always...
...him and her...
But mostly because for the last month her emotions had been on a roller coaster.
Because his presence made her question her new life.
He made her remember, more vividly than she'd like, the person she'd once been.
When she'd come back to L.A. life had been different. With both her and Dom gone; Mia, Brian, Leon, and Vince had moved on.
They'd all created new lives, as best they could, so when she'd showed up with her new life it had been easy to fit back in.
Easy to push the memories away.
Because everyone had changed and they all knew it... they even joked about it sometimes.
Occasionally they let themselves go, behaved and acted like before -- went to a race together, got drunk together.... but mostly... they simply... didn't.
Mostly they let those days rest.
Leon and Vince they talked about those days the most, Mia sometimes, Brian almost never... Letty never did.
She didn't talk about that time, tried to not think of those times... ever...
Now Dom was here and every time she looked at him, every time she was near him, every time their eyes met...
... she remembered...
And it was tearing her up inside.
The memories flooded her brain bringing with it image after image. She remembered it all.
The anger, the passion, the speed that had dominated those days.
They'd been fast and furious...
... and they'd loved it...
She remembered the way she and Dom had worked together, the smoldering looks and teasing touches...
She remembered the heat...
... the intensity that existed between them... in everything they did - working, fighting, making love...
She remember how much she'd loved him, how the fierceness of that love had filled her -- completed her.
Shuddering as a rush of that emotion swept over her...
She pushed it away though. The way she did with the memories...
Remembering had her comparing Angelo's kisses to Dom's...
... had her stiffening when he touched her...
... had her wanting to chuck her entire wardrobe, which after five years she still thought of as new, out the window...
... had her neglecting the boutique...
... had her snapping at models....
It had her yearning for speed, for oil, for the smell of fumes and the satisfaction of hearing an engine purr...
Remembering had her wanting him... like before....
... and that was not acceptable....
She was getting married.
She was happy.
"Is there a reason you're sitting here in the dark?" Mia asked as she dropped down next to her.
Letty actually jumped, her hand going up to her throat...
"Are you both trying to kill me?" she spit out.
Mia eyed her blankly, "Uhhhh.... okayyyyyy... what's up with you?" she asked, keeping her tone neutral.
Letty shook her head refusing to meet Mia's eyes, "Nothing, nothing... has Angelo been by?"
"He called around seven-thirty to say he was going to be late... something at the office... he didn't want you to leave without him..." she said trailing off, as she realized Letty really wasn't listening...
"You sure your okay?" she asked again.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine... did Angelo say anything... or did you...?" she asked, stuttering a little.
Mia grinned, "Do you mean did I tell him you were spending the evening with my brother?"
"Do not say it like that," Letty hissed, a bit more harshly then she meant to.
It had no effect on Mia though, she just smiled if possible, larger, "You'll be relieve- " she cut her self off, "...I mean pleased to know that I did not," she said smugly, "..but I did mention that you weren't here,"
"Did he say what time he'd be by?"
"Nope."
They were silent.
Mia studied her friend, yep, she did indeed look like her world had been rocked...
"I saved you food," Mia offered suddenly, wanting to get some animation into Letty's features.
Letty nodded, "Thanks..." she said softly, her eyes not meeting Mia's.
"Look, if you don't want to tell me, fine, but don't mope... I can't stand it," Mia stated firmly.
Letty smirked, shaking her head a little, then she shifted to face Mia, "I am not moping, I don't mope."
Mia smiled, "Come on, let's get out of the darkness, where you can eat and I can try to pry information out of you in comfort."
Letty laughed as she was dragged into the kitchen. After a big plate of pasta and some beer... this situation didn't seem so grim.
At least that's what she told herself as she and Angelo drove to the apartment.
He'd showed up just as she was finishing the beer, muttered a greeting to Mia, and told her he'd wait outside.
She knew something was wrong... but she could spare no energy trying to figure it out... all her energy was devoted to blocking out Dom's words and actions...
They were both pretty quiet on the way there, both lost in their thoughts.
Once in the apartment, he was the first to speak, "Letty we need to talk," he said seriously.
She nodded, how much more horrid could this night get?
Slowly she followed him into the dining room. The room was elegant and refined and seemed so very austere when you'd just come from Mia's kitchen. An intricate china sculpture at the center of the long, gleaming table was evidence that it was barely used, the thing was huge and would block at least three people from seeing the person across from them.
They sat at the far end, across from each other; like adversaries at a trial.
"I want you to tell your family," he said gravely.
"Angelo we had this conver - "
"Letty what is the date today?" he asked, his tone not varying an iota.
She huffed, "I dunno, Angelo I can't - "
"Was there anything important you were supposed to do today?" he asked again, and she felt a chill run up her spine.
Her eyes widened and she felt sick suddenly, "Oh god,"
He nodded grimly, "We are now officially three weeks behind."
"Oh my god Angelo, I completely forgot..."
"Liza called you every five minutes for an hour, Letty," he continued, his voice still in that tone.
"We can... we'll reschedule..."
He nodded, "We will. We have. The next appointment is in three weeks,"
"Oh god Angelo I'm so sorry," she whispered. She'd completely forgotten... at five o'clock she'd had an appointment with the agency that was handling the interior decorating for the Chicago House. The materials and
"I want you to tell you family we're moving Letty. I'm done waiting. You do it or I will."
"Angelo - "
"I don't mind you spending all your free time there as long as it is just that... free time and not time that you are supposed to be working."
"Do not talk to me as if I were one of you're teenage, star-struck office lackey's," she hissed.
He stared at her motionless, and she realized he'd never been this upset with her before.
"Letty what you did today is called unprofessionallism. It's called bad business..."
It's called cheating on you fiancée...
The thought popped unbidden into her mind, maker her lose track of what he was saying.
"... we lost time today and in our business time really is money..." he continued, and she had the sudden urge to stand up, smash the sculpture against the wall, give him the finger and walk out...
... instead she took a calming breath and asked, "What does any of this have to do with my family?"
He paused, "They're distracting you," he stated simply.
"Angelo we had this conversation already..."
He nodded, "I know..."
"I'm not saying a word until the baby's born... and..." she added forcefully, "...neither are you," the threat was evident.
Angelo stared at her again. His expression completely unreadable, his green eyes dark.
"The day she gives birth," he said bleakly, "...you tell her. The very same day."
"Angelo I can't do that..."
"Yes you can Letty and you will. Because I've been very understanding about this whole thing. Because I've let you leave the office early every day for the past three weeks. Because I've decided to give you a honeymoon right here and because I'm not going to make you explain why you left the office early to spend the evening with Dominic Torreto."
She gaped at him a moment, before anger covered her face, "You're spying on me! AGAIN!!!!" she yelled, standing, "You have no right to do that!!"
He opened his mouth but she cut him off, her eyes flashing with fury, "You need to check yourself Angelo!! I am not your property!!"
"No!! But you're my fiancée!!!" he yelled standing also.
"I don't give a fuck!!"
"Well I do!!! I demand that you give me and our relationship the respect that is owed!!"
"You sound like a fifty year old!!"
"And you like a fifteen year old!!"
"Ugh!!!" she growled, running a frustrated hand through her hair, "We cannot keep doing this," she hissed, lowering her voice, "All we do lately is fight."
He took a deep breath, also calming his tone, "I'd wager I know the reason why," he said a hint of anger still roaming in his voice.
She shook her head, refusing to meet his gaze, she knew too.
That was the problem.
Slowly the words fell out of her mouth, "I'll tell Mia the day she gives birth," she whispered to mollify him, to stop his doubts, his suspicions... all of which were correctly founded.
He nodded, looking anything but appeased, "Good."
She nodded, confirming, "Good," and then turned and left.
That night she locked the door to her bedroom.
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"It's too soon," were the first words out of her mouth as she entered the hospital waiting room. Her eyes frantic, her heart beating too fast.
Everyone but Sonya, who'd stayed with the kids, was there.
Her gaze skipped over them all though, instinctively seeking him. When her gaze met his, he smiled reassuringly at her. A smile that slowed her panic somewhat, if Dom smiled at her... like that... it was okay...
"Only by a few days," he was saying, his deep voice soothing her, "Doctor says it shouldn't be a problem."
She nodded, walking forward and dropping into a plastic chair next to Leon who had a suspicious glazed look in his eyes.
"Wake up," she hissed shoving him in the ribs, "Mia's giving birth and you're fallin asleep."
He blinked a few times, before shrugging, "I'd only been in bed for an hour," he whined.
She smirked, the call had had come in at two in the morning from Dom. Mia's water had broken and they were taking her to the hospital.
She'd hung up right away, she knew what hospital it was so didn't even waste time asking. Pulling on a pair jeans and t-shirt with light speed she was nearly out the door by the time Angelo wandered out from his bedroom to ask who had called.
She'd answered and been out the door before he could utter a word.
She felt Dom sit beside her, but didn't turn to face him.
Tapping her foot insistently on the tile floor she said to him, "It's not supposed to happen yet," the words were quiet, and full of fear.
She didn't like the thought of Mia being in pain... and there were so many things that could go wrong...
His hand was suddenly engulfing her smaller one, his fingers intertwining with hers, "She's going to be fine," he said firmly.
And she believed him.
Two hours later, when activity around them was starting to increase, when the sun had begun to shine on the city of angels, when the silence between them was permeated with fear... a glowing Brian bounded into the waiting room.
"I was right!!" he exclaimed proudly bringing the team its feet as one, "We have another girl. A beautiful 7lb and 4 ounces girl, who looks just like her momma!!"
The room erupted in a flood thank god's and about time's, soon everyone was hugging each other and Brian was proclaiming that Mia was fine and if they went to the glass he'd show them their new niece.
The release of tension made them all giddy, laughter and grins overcame them all and they were all so exuberant that even strangers were congratulating them.
Quite unexpectedly she found herself in in Dom's arms... he was hugging her...
She could feel his sturdy arms around her, his warmth and scent surrounding her.
Silently she placed her cheek on his chest, listening to the steady thump of his heart.
His hold tightened and for a moment - just a moment - she closed her eyes and wondered what it would be like to be back with Dom.
To have these arms at her disposal again, to be held by him, cared for by him, protected by him...
But the moment passed and she quickly pulled herself out of his embrace, refusing to meet his gaze.
Instead she walked the short distance to the glassed in area where the newborns were kept.
Brian was inside, displaying for a them a tiny, pink bundle. At the sight of her all other thoughts fled... she grinned widely and joined the others in cooing at her, "hi, little baby," she called waving, Brian, still grinning, lifted her tiny hand and made a wave motion.
She was small and asleep...
...with dark fuzzy hair...
...long silky lashes...
...and a pursed, little mouth....
....and Letty wouldn't see her grow up....
The thought made her stomach plunge and the smile drop off her face.
She wouldn't see her grow up...
...the day she gives birth... you tell her the very same day...
The words assulted her... making her want to sob her heart out... it was time to face the music... you can't avoid things forever...
... with a heavy heart she continued to watch Brian and the baby through glass. Memorizing every inch, of the niece she'd know mostly through pictures...
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"Isn't she beautiful, Dom?" Mia asked him, a few hours later.
They were all in her room, meeting the new member of their family. It was his turn now... Letty had been first... and he was holding her very gingerly. She was so tiny and pink and fragile looking...
... but beautiful...
He wouldn't use that term... exactly... she was... a baby...
Baby's weren't supposed to be beautiful right after birth. They were always a little weird looking, a nurse had told him that when Taylor was born.
Looking at Mia though, he knew she wouldn't appreciate hearing that.
"I love her," he said instead, bending and placing very gently kiss on the little girls head.
Mia smiled contentedly, basking in the glow of new motherhood.
For the next hour, the team became acquainted with Brianna Caroline O'Connor.
They cooed and pretty much made fools of themselves, while she mostly blinked at them and yawned.
"I think we're boring her," Vince said looking down at the little bundle in Letty's arms, she looked decidedly sleepy.
Letty laughed, "Remember Vee, the girls didn't find you worth their attention until they were about six months old," she teased.
He scowled, "Brianna's going to have better taste than that aren't you baby-girl," he said, peering down at her, then looking up, he sent a wry look at Mia, "We need a nickname -- it takes way to long to say her name..."
Mia's brow furrowed, "But I like her full name..." she complained, looking around the room.
"Didn't we have this conversation about the girls..." Leon added after a moment.
Mia nodded, "Exactly since the girls have nicknames... I was thinking we could call Brianna... Brianna. It'll be a good change," she said happily.
The room was silent, before Vince said slowly, "Well.... if you insist..."
She grinned, "Good, and it is a nice name isn't it," looking to Brian, "... she's named after her daddy - "
" - who knew she would be a girl all along - " Brian interrupted, his eyes radiant.
Mia discreetly rolled her eyes, before saying dutifully, " - who knew she'd be a girl all along - and her paternal grandmother."
Everyone nodded, agreeing that it was a nice name, and as they were assuring Mia that would all call her 'Brianna', an assurance that would last maybe the rest of the week, a nurse walked in to collect the tiny baby.
After which they all began to leave -- to check on the kids and Sonya, to check on the garage, to get some sleep...
Letty found herself alone with Mia. Listening to her best friend rant about what a pain Brian was being about the whole girl thing, about how happy she was happy, how wonderful it was to be able to look down and see your feet...
It took an entire ten minutes, but slowly Mia became aware that Letty was not sharing in her enthusiasm.
She frowned at her, "What's up with you?" she said, "That look is definitely not happy enough for a new aunt."
Letty took a deep breath, and moved the chair closer to the bed, "We need to talk, Mia," she said softly. The nervous feeling spreading throughout her body.
Mia felt her stomach drop, suddenly she remembered they're interrupted conversation in her bedroom, "We do?" she asked hesitantly.
Letty nodded, not meeting her eyes, and Mia felt the anxiety spreading...
"I've put it off for so long," Letty was saying, her voice low, "But last night I... I promised Angelo I'd tell you the day the baby was born and... well... you had the baby...today... so..." she trailed off, feeling sick suddenly.
She couldn't do this... couldn't say the words...
"Just say it girl," Mia said firmly, refusing to let herself assume anything, "...don't beat around the bush, just spit it out."
Letty took a fortifying breath, looking up to meet her friends eyes, she did as she was told, "Angelo and I are moving to Chicago three weeks after the wedding."
Mia blinked at her a few times, "Wha... what?"
Letty nodded, moisture glistening in her eyes, "He... he wants to open a boutique there... wants to combine it with the modeling house he has in the city."
Mia remained silent, her eyes wide.
"He wants me to run it the way I run this one."
Still nothing.
"He has plans to add Boutique's to all his agency's...." Letty continued, the tears beginning to fall as she stared into her best friend's horrified eyes.
"God Mia, say something..." she whispered raggedly.
Mia started shaking, bringing a slim hand to her mouth. Shaking her head softly, the tears falling quickly, "I..." but she couldn't finish.
A sob rose up in her throat, "You're not serious," she whimpered.
Letty nodded, tearstains on her face, "I am."
"But Letty... you can't... you can't be okay with this..." Mia croaked out, her throat tight, her heart hammering in her chest.
Moving to Chicago...
"I wasn't... at first. I argued and fought and yelled.... but Mia... he's given me so much and - "
"So you're leaving us for him?"
"No! no of course not!! It's not like that - "
"Letty you can't leave... the girls!! The baby... I just had a BABY... remember?"
"Of course I remember!!!" Letty yelled, her heart breaking in half.
"Don't you want to know her..." Mia continued, her eyes wet and pleading, her hands Letty's arms, "...to be her godmother..."
"I can come back for the christening..."
"You'll miss everything!! You won't know her! And what about the girls?! they start kindergarten this year... don't you want to - "
"I want to do this Mia," Letty interrupted, placing her hand over Mia's, her eyes wet but steady.
That stopped the hysterics.
"You do?" the woman questioned.
"I do."
"Why?"
"Because it will make him happy," Letty responded firmly, "It will make him truly happy."
And looking into her eyes Mia knew with certainty, her friend was going to do this.
But she still had to try.
"What about you, Letty? What about your happiness?" she questioned gently.
Letty shrugged, lowering her eyes, "I'll never be truly happy anyway, might as well do something to make it happen for him."
Mia stared at her a moment, then began shaking her head, "Letty - "
"No, Mia," Letty said resolutely, shaking her arms free, "Don't talk me out of this. Just accept it, okay. Accept it and help me make it work."
The words were confident, but Mia saw the fear.
They both knew that Mia had the power to talk her out of this, she could do it because deep down inside Letty didn't really want to leave.
She was lying to herself...
... and they both knew it.
But she was asking Mia to let it go.
To let her go.
And because Letty was her best friend...
... because she couldn't imagine life without her...
... becuase she was a second mother to her girls...
... because she could trust her with anything, rely on her for everything...
Mia had not choice but to accept that...
Nodding softly, she pulled away, giving free reign to the pain blossoming in her heart, "Okay..." she sobbed, "Okay..."
Letty nodded, letting her face scrunch up, as she too cried.
Reaching for each other, Letty moved onto the bed and they embraced.
Sobbing into each other.
Sobbing because she was moving away...
....because in all the years they'd known each other, the longest they'd been apart was six months...
... because things would never again be the same...
... because they were afraid of what distance and time would do to their friendship...
.... sobbing for the death of a mutual dream...
They would never be sister's-in-law.
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PLEASE REVIEW!!!
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