Author: Moon Roses or Moony
Rating: R for language
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Feedback: Not necessary but greatly appreciated.
Recap: "Sounds like you got yourself a date."

Chapter Twenty Two

The next three days seemed to drag on for Shorty, who, against her better judgement couldn't help but be nervous. Sure, she had gone on a date with Leon before but within minutes Vince and Letty had crashed it, claiming chaperone duties. Technically they had been seeing each other for just over a month but they had yet to find time to themselves. They were always surrounded by team members, especially her brother who just happened to appear whenever Leon showed up at her house. This was their first real date and she wanted to make a good impression.

Leon hadn't told her their destination so she was baffled over what to wear. After her shower she let her hair air dry as she tore through her closet. In her frustration, half her belongings were thrown across the floor and her bed and still she couldn't find anything that screamed "date night". Finally, after rooting through her dresser drawers she pulled out a jean skirt and a loose ruffled dark blue tank top with tiny pink flowers. She pulled the skirt on followed by the tank top before sliding her feet into her mustard yellow Dr. Martens. Shorty crossed to the mirror to admire herself and frowned in disappointment. Although the skirt wasn't too short it also wasn't conservative. It would work great for the bar but she had no idea if it would work for the evening. Her outfit was a mess but at least her hair was working for her, the natural waves and curls tumbling around her shoulders and down her back beautifully.

Shorty bent to lace up her boots before grabbing the large white boho purse she had borrowed from Mia and climbed the stairs. Her teammates were waiting for her grand entrance but seemed to deflate when she walked in. She knew she should have put in more of an effort to look feminine and soft, but that wasn't her style and she was positive she couldn't fake it. Besides, Leon had already fallen for her baggy sweats, foul mouth, horrible attitude, and charming personality.

Hector was just opening his mouth to insult her when a loud knock sounded. Shorty shot him a wide grin before opening the door, "Saved by the bell," she said dragging him out the door.

Leon looked as gorgeous as he always did, but looked much cleaner than usual. He was dressed in a short sleeve green plaid button down over unmarked dark jeans. His hair was wavy and uncontrolled, only accentuating the sharp plains of his face. She glanced down and grinned at his boots, usually dusty, now wiped clean for the evening. "You showered? For me?" she said and nudged his shoulder, "You shouldn't have."

He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling at her teasing. "I see you didn't. You should have."

He opened the door for her and jogged around to his side to get in. His excitement was contagious and Shorty found herself turning in her seat to face him as he tore down her street. "Where we going? Is it expensive? Do they give coloring sheets? I love to color you know."

Leon laughed openly at her rushed questions. "They don't have coloring sheets but I brought you something better."

"Tease."

"I'm not. Look in the bag on the backseat," he grinned at her.

Shorty snatched the bag from the back seat and tore it open. She was laughing before she could stop herself and pulled the book from the bag followed by a box of Crayola crayons. "My Little Pony? Really?" she asked as she flipped through the coloring book. "I hope this box has a lot of pinks and purples."

"I thought you could experience what you missed during your childhood."

"Wise ass" Shorty smiled as she replaced the items in the bag. "But thank you."

Shorty grinned despite herself. Sure, she hadn't had the childhood most every girl did, but she loved it none the less. Instead of Barbie she had hot wheels and instead of an easy bake oven she had a torque wrench. It was just a normal life to her but the fact that Leon had thought of something so silly and sickeningly cute made her happy too. He had meant it as a joke but she knew she would keep that book until the pages were yellowed with age and falling from the spine.

They fell into comfortable silence as he drove to their destination. She was sure he was going to impress her with a high end restraint, complete with tiny entrees, enormous price tags, and a four sting band to serenade them. These swanky digs were not her idea of a good time but she found that men always tried to impress her on a first date. So, when they pulled up in front of run down strip mall she looked at Leon in question.

"Where are we?"

"Mission Hill," he said as he stepped out of his car. He rounded the car quickly and opened her door before she could get her bearings.

"Mission Hill? I hope you're packing there, big guy," she said as she took the hand offered to her.

They entwined their fingers and strolled across a wide parking lot to a small building with no signage. The only thing alerting people to its business was a sign reading open and a list of hours displaying 'When I feel like it'.

"Charming," she offered as Leon yanked the door open and pulled her into a large dark room.

The walls were covered in posters of race cars and framed photos of famous people who had stepped past the threshold. Behind a tall counter was an even taller man with long blonde waves and a black fitted shirt, his left sleeve rolled up around a package of cigarettes. Whatever vague look he was going for, he had accomplished it. Despite her unease at the location of the store she could help but wonder why they were there.

"Hey Pete, how's it going man?" Leon asked.

"Not too bad, buddy. Just the two of you? Where's the rest of the crew?"

"They're at home, just me and my girl tonight."

"He just thinks I'm his girl," Shorty said as she leaned against the counter. "The boy is seriously trippin'."

Leon rolled his eyes at Pete and fished his wallet out of his pocket. "Give her the fast one, she's a rookie," he told the man but directed it at Shorty. He laughed when he saw her scrunch her face in agitation.

Shorty glared at him as he turned and headed towards the back of the shop, pushing through a door into the sunlight outside. "Fuckin' Vince," she muttered under her breath, but followed Leon. She knew that damn race would never fade into forgetfulness. In fact, it was like every Toretto team member found anyway to work it into the conversation. Whatever the 'fast one' Leon was talking about, she was going to use it against him.

When she stepped into the sunshine she was shocked to see a huge race course set up behind the entire mall. It stretched from both ends of the building and was ringing in by thousands of tires. A bridge was erected over the course and she could see sharp corners on almost every turn. She shook her head in amusement and took the helmet Pete offered her. She jammed it over her head and jumped into the go-kart he directed her too.

She pulled out of her lane and sped past Leon, her middle finger saluting him as he struggled to get in his kart quickly. She was coming around a sharp corner facing him when he finally pulled out after her. She shrieked in glee and let her cart drift around the next corner before speeding out of sight.

Wild cackles peeled from her throat as the race continued and when she slid to a halt in her lane after 30 minutes she was breathless. Leon slammed to a stop beside her and furiously ripped the helmet from his head, his cheeks flushed in annoyance. "Rookie my ass," she mocked as she stepped back to give him space to exit his kart.

"You sneaky bitch! You cheated," he snapped playfully.

"All's fair in love and cars, baby," she said, blowing him a kiss and dashing to the door leading into the store.

She sprinted through the store throwing her hurried thanks over shoulder and bolting through the front door. She could hear Leon hot on her tail and she erupted into laughter when she was caught around the waist and lifted off the ground. She screamed and kicked her feet trying to free herself from Leon's grasp but he only held tighter. "All's fair," he snarled as he set her on her feet and spun her to face him. He wound his hand in her hair and fiercely kissed her, roughly pulling away when she tried to deepen it.

"Mmm, that hurt so good," she grinned devilishly.

Leon wordlessly shook his head but opened the door for her, "You're an odd girl." He slid in behind the steering wheel and pulled out of the parking lot, turning towards the Ocean. They talked about his car and the modified engine until he parked beside a huge restaurant. Shorty frowned when she saw it and glanced at a grinning Leon, "I hope you're hungry, cause I'm starving."

"Babe, I'm always hungry," she answered and stepped from the car. She walked around the back side and stepped onto the sidewalk where Leon was leaning against his car. The line was incredibly long and people were milling around the front steps waiting for a table. She sighed and walked towards the classy restaurant.

She hadn't walked more than a few steps when she felt Leon's hand envelope her own and he tugged her to a halt. He looked at the expensive chophouse and back at her, "This isn't where I'm taking you."

Shorty blinked in confusion but let him tug her across the street to a vendor set up along the sidewalk. The vendor looked up and smiled at them, offering each a napkin. "What can I get for you?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, she couldn't be more than happy over his culinary decision. She knew the chophouse would have good food but she was a simple girl. Not only was her taste preferences low maintenance her clothing choice fit in perfectly with her surroundings. She smiled gratefully at Leon for understanding her idea of a fun evening and ordered herself three fully loaded chili dogs with bacon and an ice tea.

The vendor looked at her in disbelief but filled her order followed by Leon's smaller one. They took their food and walked a couple blocks down to a small park. There was a playground of neon blue, red, and yellow and Shorty groaned at the sight of it. "Stupid safe parks, the slivers were what made a park a park, you know? And those merry-go-rounds? Fuck, what a riot! Glad I grew up back in the day when it was okay to drink water from the hose and roll around in dirt," she growled through a mouthful of hotdog.

Leon nodded at her in understanding and led her to one of many picnic tables around the playground. The park stretched out for three beautiful acres with a basketball court tucked away at the end of the green. The park was full of people, families playing with children, couples strolling hand in hand, dogs prancing next to their owners. They ate nosily, teasing each other and discussing the coming weekends races.

When they had finished eating Leon dumped their garbage in the bin beside a bench and took her hand in his. They strolled along the path in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Shorty hadn't felt nervous since he had picked her up and she was really enjoying herself.

They walked the length of the park and stopped at the basketball court. It was deserted and she could see the door in the chain link fence was open and inviting. She cocked an eyebrow at Leon, "You ready to lose again, handsome?"

"You bet," he grinned as he jogged through the open gate and picked up the basketball that was resting on the court. "Baby, you're going down."

"It wouldn't be the first time," she winked.

He snorted a laugh in her direction before his game face replaced his smile. She grinned at his seriousness; he always took their games seriously even though she could care less. She could play better than most people, after all, growing up in New York with a team full of boys left her very little else to do. In their free time they had lounged around the courts outside their dilapidated projects, and Shorty always showed up shortly after school let out for the day.

"First to eleven," he said as he bounced the ball to her, "Check."

The game developed quickly into something past competitive. Both more determined to win than in any of their previous games. When Leon had ten baskets and she only nine, she did what any instinctual female would do when they were losing. The next time Leon nudged her she winced in pain, doubling over and grasped the wounded ribcage that was still smarting from race wars. He came to her side, the basketball cradled in one arm and his hand resting on her back lightly. "Jesus Shorty, I'm sorry. I forgot about your side. You ok?"

Instead of answering she snatched the ball from his grip, yelled "Sucker" and ran down the court, bouncing the ball off the backboard and into the net.

"Where'd you learn to cheat so much?"

"Hector," she grinned as Leon bounced the ball to center court. "Next basket wins and you better believe that'll be me, sweetheart."

Leon's eyes narrowed, but he answered her, attitude dripping from his words, "Doubt that, cutie." He bounced the ball between his left and right hands while she readied herself to block. She was just leaning forward to reach for the ball when he bounced the ball between her legs, spun around, planted a kiss on her cheek and sprinted off towards the net. She barely turned around in time to see him make a perfect layup and end the game. A smug smiled crept across his lips and he leaned against the hoop pole.

Shorty didn't mind losing. Cars were one thing but basketball was another. She bowed to Leon and stepped up to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head next to his heart. She could hear it pounding quickly with adrenaline and she snuggled closer. He smelled as sweet as ever with just a hint of warm flesh. He returned her hug and clutched her chin tilting her lips up to meet his own.

When he pulled away she stuck her bottom lip out and pouted until he laughed. Her dropped the ball onto the court and pulled her against him, resting his arm on her shoulder possessively. "I told you to use that lip for good."

"I was trying to," she said as they exited the basketball court together.

They made their way back to Leon's car slowly, savoring the now deserted park. He helped her into the car and swung the vehicle around in the middle of the street, heading towards the beach. Shorty rolled her window down and leaned back in her bucket seat. Her hair whipped around her face and tangled itself into a huge nest but she didn't mind. She was comfortable in her own skin, and she knew that even with a birds nest on her head Leon still cared about her.

Leon parked his car against the sidewalk next to the beach and popped the trunk of his car open. She followed him to the back of the car where she saw him lifting a small basket and huge blanket from the trunk. He set both down on the ground and kicked off his boots and socks. "Better take off your boots if you don't want them full of sand," he said as he bent to roll the bottom of his jeans up to mid calf.

She bent and followed his lead, untying her boots, stuffing her socks into them and placing them in the trunk next to his own. She turned and looked him over as he manoeuvred the blanket into the crook of his arm and grabbed the small basket in his hand. She couldn't stop the small stampede in her stomach as she gazed at the man that was hers. Even with his pants rolled up like Huckleberry Finn he was still beyond gorgeous and she didn't know how she had landed such a beautiful man.

He slid his hand into her own and tugged her towards the cooling sand. The instant her toes touched the sand she felt the tension, she hadn't realized she harboured, flow out of her. Her legs felt rubbery at the sudden relaxation and she couldn't believe how much she had missed the Ocean. They stopped a few meters from the waves crashing on the beach and Leon spread the blanket out and sat down.

Shorty fell in between his legs and leaned back into his chest. She clasped both his hands and wound them around her abdomen. Leon nuzzled his way into her neck and placed feathery light kisses around her collar bone.

"Shorty?"

"Mhmm."

"I'm glad you gave me a chance."

She turned in his arms and looked at him. She hadn't expected him to say anything like that. Give him a chance? Who wouldn't give him a chance? He was everything she had never know she wanted. He was charming, funny, smart, gorgeous, and he bought her My Little Pony coloring books. In her eyes, he was the perfect man. She knew why she had given him a chance but what she didn't understand was why he'd given her one. She was undeserving.

"Babe, I'm glad you gave me a chance. You're too good for me"

"Nah, I'm just right for you," he answered.

Shorty snuggled back into his chest again and cast her eyes at the falling sun. The horizon was marked with colors so glorious they took her breath away. Her heart felt like it was going to explode and she knew it wasn't the atmosphere. Well, maybe a little was atmosphere but mostly she knew she was falling for Leon, and falling hard. She couldn't imagine a day without him now that she was so used to seeing him constantly. She held tighter to his arms, blissfully happy in the knowledge that she had finally found someone worth caring about.

"Grab me a beer from the basket?"

She released his arms and reached for the basket. She opened one flap and peered down, her eyes landing on a couple bottles of beer and two neatly packed, wax wrapped sandwiches. She grabbed a Corona and popped the cap off. Leon took the bottle from her hand and took a long gulp as she unwrapped a sandwich and bit into it. "You sure know the way to my heart."

"It's about time I learned it was food. I've been trying boyish good looks and charm for the past five months," he laughed as she fed him a bite of her sandwich.

A/N: Thanks to Love Ink for the kick ass review. You always make me feel so good! Shout out's to: Miss-Tyk, Brooke-Teretto Dom's Girl, and Holiday Girl for the favorites and alerts.

Please take the time to review. Cheers!