Chapter 14
Disclaimer: I do not own the Fast and Furious franchise.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he would have thought this was something only a storyteller would weave but the Toretto crew packed up faster than Brian would have thought possible. They even bundled up Brian in their plans and before he knew it, he was flying over to the States- specifically California. He didn't complain; his crew was all in critical state and he knew that if he stayed behind, he'd be picked off for his failure.
Instead, he left behind two scouts to keep an eye on his crew, and assigned his guys in Hong Kong to keep their eyes open. There wasn't much left for him to do otherwise. Starting over seemed as good a strategy as anything and so when Brian found himself in front of a house that made Mia's smile look like fifteen suns, he supposed this wasn't so bad. Especially when she was so glad, she kissed him right then and there.
Another thing: Toretto's people certainly knew how to party.
They celebrated briefly in London, taking advantage of the variety of restaurants around the city. Then, they celebrated again in Los Angeles; firstly by partying the street way, and then finally, by turning their sights to their beloved house to make a smaller cookout. It was strange in a particularly comfortable way.
"Here ya go," Rome tossed a golden Corona his way, grinning from ear to ear as he continued to gibber-gabber with Tej.
Blinking down at the beer, he eventually sighed and moved to open it. The cap came off with a satisfying click. The blond moved away from the table, content with observing the camaraderie between each single member of Toretto's crew. They didn't see each other as competition or even tools...they were family. Just like Owen Shaw and his crew hadn't been.
Brian liked to think his own crew of Kumiko, Jake, Zane, and Lily were just as close but he'd be fooling himself. There had always been a distinct line between them all but it wasn't because Brian imposed it. Rather, it was their combined fear of what failure could do; Owen would have split them all up in a second, perhaps even killed them each. It had been better to retain a working relationship- somewhat like a family- but they had limited themselves so much.
"This is a party, California, not a funeral."
The former cop looked up, meeting Letty's gaze. Unlike last time, they were expectant and warm. Welcoming. She chuckled, taking his beer and turning towards the table. "Here, everybody knows you gotta add in lime and salt on the rim to make this a drink."
"I didn't know that."
"You did. But I suppose I can let this one pass," she teased. When he said nothing, her smile dimmed and she sighed, "You're not altogether here, are ya?"
"It's just...different. Familiar but different."
Nodding, she turned towards her family, corners of her eyes softening. "Yeah I suppose it would be. Family is always family, no matter what."
Whatever he could have said to that, it never came out. Dom rose from his seat and everyone quieted immediately. Holding out his hand for his sister, the elder Toretto looked very much at peace in here. Everyone did.
Brian supposed he would have to make sure he himself felt the same way.
AN: ~Done~ and done. However much I would like to keep at it, I will let this one rest for another while. Working with major discrepancies in the next movies is a challenge I am loathe to ignore but if a sequel to this story is desired, I suppose. Cheers!
Solari Crystal
