Author: Moon Roses or Moony
Rating: R for language
Disclaimer: Don't own anything.
Feedback: Not necessary but greatly appreciated.
Recap: Every eye turned to her and she wondered how many thoughts were angry, and how many were glad. Leon could still pretend he hadn't made a child, but Kim definitely couldn't. Shorty's insides twisted as Dom bowed his head to say grace, something he hadn't done in all the years she'd know him.

Chapter Forty Nine

After Dom finished his prayer he passed the tray around and Shorty went through the motions of dinner. She cut Brer's steak and she chewed her food thoroughly, but she was uncomfortable in her own skin. She couldn't help but think her family was judging her. She knew what she'd done was cruel, but honestly, Kim had to find out sooner or later. And frankly, she was sick of hiding for Leon's benefit.

Halfway through dinner Leon returned to the table without his girlfriend. He looked directly at Shorty, though he completely avoided looking to her right where Brer was eating silently. Apparently her plan had worked better than she wanted. She'd caught Leon's attention but not in the way she wanted it. And to make matters worse he was ignoring the space beside her, like his son was a figment of his imagination.

Shorty blinked back her guilt, and spent the rest of dinner as a silent observer. She'd hurt Kim, and though she felt bad, she was much more affected by Leon's plight. He seemed to fall in on himself, like his world had walked away from the table. She hadn't though he was in love with her but maybe he was. Maybe she'd been away from him for so long she couldn't remember how he expressed his devotion. Maybe he'd never truly been in love with her.

She avoided his eyes, but nothing she did could prevent Vince's blue ones from gazing straight into her soul. Her brazen attitude wilted the farther Leon pulled away from the dinner, until she was as unhappy as him. She was like an emotional sponge and she could feel Vince watching her. She only hoped his anger didn't seep into her as well. Despair and anger were two emotions that did not go together.

While the conversation continued around her, Shorty piled her plate atop Brer's and pushed away from the table. She agonized over her blatant disregard for Leon's welfare. Sitting at the table was sheer torture. The empty chair beside him just reinforced how immature she still was. Who, at twenty nine, purposely tried to ruin relationships?

Quickly making her way past the table and into the house, Shorty cleared the dishes in her hand and hopped onto the counter. She needed a few minutes to be away from Leon and forget how she'd deliberately ruined his evening. She leaned her head against the cabinet behind her and closed her eyes, breathing deeply.

"The kid's not going anywhere. She had to find out about him soon or later," Vince said, as he deposited his plate in the sink.

She let her breath rush out in a huge gasp. She hadn't heard him approaching, and now that he was beside her she was more than unsure about what to say. What he'd said was very comforting but she knew it wasn't for her benefit. He was obviously still upset with Leon. His thinking along the same lines as her was just meant to anger the other man. Perhaps he was even being vaguely nice because he was still rattled that she'd gotten a ride home from Leon. Whatever the reason, it was disconcerting and she didn't know if she was expected to answer or not.

Before she could think of a reply, Vince had finished clearing his plate and left the way he'd come in. The moment was over so quickly and she felt slightly put out at the end.

Shorty took another deep breath and slid from the counter. She'd spent to many years hiding. She was not about to do it again. Yes, she felt bad about the trouble she'd caused but that wasn't going to change anything. Brer was Leon's whether he wanted to admit it or not. And Kim was just going to have to deal with her boyfriend having a kid. Not that it was going to be that hard considering Shorty had never forced Brer on him. And she was sure nothing would change her mind on that.

The dinner table was emptying when she returned outside. Mia was stacking dishes while the men helped fold the tables up and move them back into the garage. They brought out the same portable fire pit they'd taken to Race Wars. Dom set it up and everyone grabbed their chairs and pulled them towards the fire pit.

She hadn't sat around a fire since they'd left Mexico and she could see Brer was thrilled. Even the simplest pleasures seemed to excite him. While Dom started the fire Lalia tugged both Jesse and Vince to the parking pad before returning to grab Beto and Miguel. She spun in circles, her hair flying around her face before stopping and pointing at Jesse. "You're it!" she shouted, then took off down the parking pad towards the street.

All four men groaned at the idea of running on full stomachs but they stomped after her anyways. Lalia Toretto had definitely learned a thing or two from her parents. No one denied her, a skill she'd no doubt put to use when she was much older.

Shorty sat in front of the small fire with Letty at her side. She felt her friends hand enfold hers and knew Letty would always have her back. She smiled gratefully at her friend and squeezed back, releasing her hand when Brer leaned against her knees. "Can I go play tag too?"

"Of course you can," Letty answered, reaching for Brer's hand. "Come on, I'll take you out front to Lalia's base."

He squealed and followed Letty, the darkness of their skin almost identical. "I run fast, aunty Letty."

"I bet you do. You got speed in your blood."

When Letty returned to her chair beside Shorty the rest of the men and Mia retired to chairs around the fire. Leon collapsed into a chair one away from her, leaving the seat beside her free for Brer. She was surprised he was willing to sit that close to someone he'd been completely ignoring but she didn't mention it. She knew if she acknowledged it he'd most likely move across the circle and in her heart she felt that would be even worse.

Shorty chatted with Letty about the slowly approaching Christmas holidays. Brer had never experienced Christmas with the whole family and he was sure to enjoy it. And she was looking forward to it as well. Her family had always loved the holiday, and she couldn't wait to teach Brer how to make tamale's.

Gradually the sun lowered behind the house and the four men returned to the fire with the two small children in tow. They all looked exhausted, including Brer and Lalia who were usually moving non stop even at this time of night.

Watching the group take seats, she noticed how Leon shifted in his seat as Brer pulled himself into the chair beside him. She could feel Leon's eyes on their son and she wondered what he was thinking. Surely he must have found it remarkable how they'd produced such a charming and beautiful child.

Brer stared ahead, deep into the fire, contemplating the crackles of snaps. Shorty grinned absently at his rapt concentration and returned to her conversation with Letty.

Though she was absorbed in her chat with Letty she was still able to follow Brer's movements beside her. She'd developed that ability every mother has, to know exactly what her child was doing even while deep in conversation.

Even when she saw Brer scuttle onto his knees and turn towards Leon she kept talking with Letty. She instinctively knew to stay out of whatever was about to happen. If Brer wanted to talk to Leon, she wasn't going to stop him. And frankly, it was about time someone forced him together with his father. And she wasn't surprised to see it was Brer himself, as both she and Leon couldn't face what they used to be and what they'd made together.

"Do you drive a Nissan too?" Brer asked.

If she could have laughed without revealing her eavesdropping, she would have. Brer asking about Nissan's was obviously his go to conversation started and she knew years down the road he'd probably still be using it.

Leon blinked and turned to his son, "Yeah I do, a Skyline."

"I'm gonna drive a Nissan when I'm big."

"Is that right?" Leon asked, his eyes following Brer's excited gesturing hands.

"Mhmm. And it's gonna be blue just like uncle Vince's."

Shorty shifted her line of sight away from her son and his father over to Vince. He was watching the same scene she was with a wicked scowl. She couldn't tell if he was upset or jealous. Thankfully he stayed in his seat, his disapproval clear upon his face. She had to admit that he'd definitely been putting in a huge effort to get to know Brer. And for that she appreciated him, but Leon and Brer were the same blood and whether Vince wanted it or not, that was never going to change.

Leon snorted his displeasure at the mention of another blue car, "Yellow's better. Why don't you get yellow?"

"I don't know."

"Yellow's a good strong color," Leon said.

Smiling to herself at Leon's ridiculous attempt at conversation with his son, she almost choked when Brer asked his next question. It was so totally unexpected and blunt that even she was shocked.

Brer sighed heavily, then turned his bright eyes up to Leon's. He rocked back onto his bum and brought his knees to his chin. It was there he lowered his head and continued to watch Leon in silence before he asked his fateful question. "Are you my Papi?"

Almost instantly Shorty felt her palms sweat uncomfortably. She nodded at Letty when she was expected but her attention was now more focused on Brer than on her own conversation. She was adept enough at multitasking that neither Brer or Leon realized she was listening. She noticed the bulge of Leon's eyes, and way his Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed his nerves.

She was certain that Leon was struggling for anything to say but he was mute. The bombshell Brer had decided to drop was obviously the most unlikely thing he'd expected to hear at a family barbeque. Shorty knew that the subject of cars had been innocent enough for Leon and his son to talk about. He probably figured it could never work itself around to them being related. Brer had once again proven how bright and intelligent he was.

And normally Shorty would have been thrilled to see just how all knowing he seemed to be. Except when it came to this. She'd never once mentioned Leon as more than a past team member. She'd never let anyone mention or drop hints about knowing Brer's father. She was dumbstruck to find out Brer had known who his father was. Now that he'd questioned the man she felt guilty that it'd taken so long for it to come out.

Though it wasn't confirmed yet, she braced for his confirmation. Because she knew deep down he wouldn't be able to ignore his son any longer. Someone so precocious and ablaze with life could never be ignored and unloved.

"Do you think I am?"

In her head she screamed. As far as she was concerned this wasn't a game and answering a question with a question was insensitive. But still she kept silent, though she had completely withdrawn from the conversation with Letty. She could tell Letty was listening as well but neither faced Leon and Brer for fear it would end badly.

Shorty cast her eyes across the circle to Hector and found him absorbed in Mia. She wished he'd look up and provide the support she needed so desperately right now. Instead, she caught Vince's eyes and held them while Brer contemplated his answer.

"Yeah."

It was such a simple answer. She couldn't understand how he'd figured it out, but he was positive that the man beside him was his father. Had she somehow given it away since they'd been back? Leon's jersey was still buried at the bottom of her drawer and there was no way to tie it to him anyways.

"I guess I am your Pops," Leon breathed. His admission was all she'd ever wanted but she was disappointed it hadn't ended with his undying love for the little of bundle of joy he'd produced. She understood that he didn't know his son but the love for a child was unconditional. And his seemed to have some sort of condition. "Your Mami tell you that?"

"No."

"No, huh? How'd you know then?"

Brer shrugged his thin little shoulders like it was obvious to everyone but Leon, "We both have green eyes. And I saw you in a picture with my Mami and uncle Vince."

She knew the picture he was talking about. It was her favorite picture of the three of them. Mugging it up for the camera with the dust swirling around them at the only Race Wars they attended together. All three of them were beaming in happiness, washed in the glow of love. But she'd never though Brer would be able to figure it out just from one picture. He was perceptive but she only saw the love because she remembered how it felt at that exact moment. She remembered how she thought she had it all and more.

"How come you don't want me?" Brer asked.

At that moment, Shorty was overcome grief. She should have been asking him those questions. A child should never have to understand the things he did, let along one who had yet to turn four years old. It was unnatural and wrong. He should be running around on a sugar high, throwing tantrums, and not questioning why his father never wanted him.

She blinked back tears and dropped her eyes from Vince's, finally turned to her son and his father. There were no pretenses anymore. She was openly listening and rightfully so. It was time to settle this with as little pain as possible. After all the years gone by she was still hurt that Leon had never wanted children with her. If she hadn't gotten pregnant she felt they'd still be together and as happy as they'd been.

Leon glanced at her and she could read the hurt in his eyes. Whether it was because he still wanted to deny the obvious or if he'd wished she'd told him, she didn't know. "I never knew about you until you and your mom showed up at the races."

"Why'd Mami leave L.A. then?"

"I never wanted kids."

Brer nodded, as if he understood perfectly. She could see the tremors in his chin as he set it in determination. It was the same quiver she'd hid so many times before. His refusal to cry was something she could understand. It killed her to see him acting stronger than he was. "Oh," he said, before climbing off his chair, crossing the circle, and climbing into Vince's comforting lap.

Shorty wanted nothing more than to climb in the same lap, but instead she looked at Leon. She couldn't think of anything to say, though there was still so much unsaid. Was he going to accept Brer as his? Did he want to spend time with his son? Could he be a good father? Would Kim let Leon see Brer? Could she stand to have Kim around her son constantly?

She cast her eyes to the ground and stood wordlessly, motioning for Vince to follow her. Brer's face was turned into Vince's chest and she didn't want to pry him away from the comfort he'd sought. Even though Vince had shoved him at the races, he'd chosen the Ol' Coyote as his "person".

Pressing a kiss into Letty's hair she turned quickly and rushed to her car. Vince followed behind her silently, though she could hear the heavy breathing of her upset son. Shorty unlocked the door and tossed her purse on the seat before opening the back door. Vince stooped down and buckled Brer into his car seat. He sat back on his heels when he finished and gazed at the small child.

"Do you love me?" Brer asked.

Vince started, stunned that he'd been asked, "Yeah I do, A lot."

"A lot, a lot?"

"A lot, a lot. You got me whenever you need me," he stated.

Satisfied with his answer, Brer smiled and Vince moved away from the door. Shorty shut it tight and turned to look at the man she missed so desperately. If her heart ached for him before, it was no match for how she felt at that moment. He'd been there for Brer and she wanted him to know how grateful she was for his support.

In place of her thanks she just looked at him, and him at her. "You okay?"

"I will be."

He rolled his eyes in exasperation, his old fondness for her surfacing in her moment of need, "It's fine if you aren't."

"I know."

He tilted his head and watched her brave face wilt. There was absolutely no joy in his gaze over her pain, and she wanted him to gloat. She wanted him to laugh and point and say, "Serves you right". Instead he cocked a crooked smile at her, and shoved her shoulder, "You did good, kid. You did good."

It wasn't what she wanted, but she was secretly thrilled that he hadn't used her pain against her. She wanted to jump in his arms and bury her head in his chest, just as Brer had done. She wanted to open herself to him and spill all her pain. She wanted to apologize for everything she'd put him through. She wanted to take his torment and hold it in her heart so he never hurt again.

He walked away then, meandering his way up the drive into the backyard where the rest of her family still sat. She watched his back and refused to run after him. "Vince?" she called.

He turned. "Yeah?"

"Thanks," she said.

He nodded and continued back to the gathering. She slid in her car and pulled away from the curb, turning back towards their own house. She watched Brer in the rearview mirror as he peered out into the dark and she hoped his spirit hadn't been crushed to bad. He was a resilient kid and he'd bounce back, but if he truly believed he was unwanted there was no telling what it would do to his psyche.

A/N: Thanks to D274, musicluver17, and Teleliniel for the reviews. I have six more chapters planned, and that'll wrap it up. Here's hoping.

Cheers!