Distribution: You think it's worth it, go for it, just let me know where so I can check it out

Authors Note: Takes place right after movie. Relationships remain same basically. Please review so I can get inspiration and know what Im doing right or wrong. Flames are always welcome but praise is much more fun.

***************

* I live my life a quarter mile at a time, for those ten seconds nothing else matters*
 

"Yah right," Dom thought to himself as he drove his car down the dusty Mexican road. No matter how much he didn't want to admit to it, his team mattered to him. Mia, Letty, Leon, Vince and Jesse. "Shit, Jesse. " Dom had let him down, the kid came to him for protection, Dom had promised his father that, and what happened, he let Tran shoot him up. Dom cursed as he slammed his fist into the steering wheel, before pulling a hard U-turn, dust flying every where. Dom pulled into a little diner, 'El something or other', Dom sucked at spanish, he was going to need a few Coronas in him before he made this phone call.

*flashback*

"No, Dom wait, stop, its over !!!" Mia yelled at the very pissed, determined form of her brother. He grabbed his .22 and hopped into the Charger, the engine roaring to life, and with a squeel of tires he was gone. That was the last Mia had seen of him.
 

She focused her attention onto the bloody form of Jesse. His eyes were glazed, and there was blood everywhere. She used his shirt to try and stop the blood from pouring out of her friend. Gingerly she reached into his jeans pocket, and pulled out his cell and dialed 911.

"I need an ambulance now, my friend was shot, he's dieing, please hurry," Mia begged into the phone as she gave the directions to their house. Jesse was still breathing, but barely, he was shaking, he was going into shock. She cradled his head in her lap, as the ambulance pulled up. An attendant gently moved Mia so he could look at Jesse.

" I've got multiple GSW to the chest, severe loss of blood, tell them to have an OR ready, we are moving now !!" Mia climbed into the ambulance numb with shock and fear of losing Jesse, and what would be the fate of Dom and Brian.

*end flashback*

The phone rang out in a deathly quiet house. " Hello ??"

"Mia ?", a familiar voice questioned.

"Brian, that you ?, her voice shaking.

"Yah, its me , look I know you must hate me but we need to talk. Please ?!"

"I dunno, fine, come by"

" I'll be there in 20 minutes" The dial tone rang in his ear, as he hung up the phone. Brian sat on his couch, in the middle of a very messy apartment. Beer bottles and take out boxes scattered all over the floor, clothes hanging everywhere, dust piled up. Brian let out a long sigh, as he pulled on a clean shirt, his last he guessed. He grabbed his cell, wallet and keys and was out the door. He climbed into his blue Toyota, put the key in the ignition and roared out of his driveway. The roads were fairly clear, and it let him think of what had happened in the last few monthes
 

*flash back*

"You know what you doing?," Dom questioned as he took the keys.

" I owe you a ten second car.", with a look of respect and a tight lipped smile, Dom roared away in the orange Supra, leaving Brian standing in the middle of the road, next to a destroyed Charger, much like his career, as sirens wailed the announcement of their impeding arrival

***

"You just let him go ? What the fuck were you thinking O'Connor ???" The Captain screamed at him. Brian just shrugged.

"The FBI is gonna have your ass for this, you are so shoveling shit files for the rest of your life."

"Come on Brian, just help us find him, bring him in, and your ass is off the line." the Captain bargained with the stubborn blonde.

"You know what, fuck you! My friend is dieing in the hospital and you want me to turn Dom in"

"Do it or you are gone," was the statement he received. Brian reached into his pocket and retrieved his badge, he pulled the gun from the holster he was wearing, and threw them down on the wooden desk.

"Fuck it, leave them alone, Vince, Leon, Letty, everyone, leave alone, lay the entire thing on me, I don't give a fuck. You drop it, and Im gone."

"Brian, be reasonable. These street trash aren't worth it. But maybe if you..."

"Fuck you, leave them alone !" With that Brian stormed out of the office, and out of the precinct, leaving the only career he had ever wanted.

"O' Connor, get the fuck back here, O' Connor," the Captain screamed after him. His shouts fell on deaf ears. Brian walked back to his place, pulled out a picture of the team having a barbeque, grabbed a few Coronas and sank onto his couch.

*end flashback*
 

"God damnit to fuck," Vince yelled as he dropped his wrench for the millionth time. Sure he should be glad to have his arm, they almost had to amputate it due the extent of the lacerations, but he got lucky with just a snaking scar up his arm, and a dull ache. It just wasnt the same

"Here man, take a break," Leon advised as he rolled out from under the car they were working on. They were about to get back to work, when an engine roar, sent them running to the house. Out of the car got an all too familiar tall blonde. He jogged up the steps of the front porch before timidly knocking on the door. A ragged Mia answered and ushered him in, handing him beer. He had no sooner sat down when Leon and Vince came rushing in.

"What the hell you doing here ?" Vince barked at him. Brian winced at the tone but he knew he had it coming.

" I was thinking ya might be needing an extra hand in the garage," he bargained. No sooner had the words been spoken when Leon walked over and shook his hand, soon followed by a surprisingly happy Vince.

" You mind if I chat with Mia alone for a bit ?, then I'll come see if I can help out" They nodded their heads at him and headed back out to the garage.

"Look Mia, I'm sorry I didn't tell you I was a cop, but I did it to protect you, I'm so sor..." His words were swallowed by Mia crushing herself to him. He wrapped his arms around her slim form and let out a breath of contentment. After a little more reunion and talk of what had become of his budding career, Brian went to join the boys in the garage. Things seem to be back to normal, almost.

********************

Riiiiinnnnggg......Riiiiiiinnnnnng....a telephone broke the peaceful atmosphere.

"Toretto's " Mia answered.

"Mia ? " a deep voice boomed into the receiver.

"Dom, oh my god, is that you ? Where the hell are you ? What are you doing" Dom was bombarded by the questions pouring out of his sister.

"Look Mia", his voice shaking, "I'm sorry about Vince, an' Letty, an' espcially Jesse. God Jesse, Mia I'm sorry I was't there for the funeral, I know I should have been but..."

"Dom, what you talking about, Jesse is alive" Dom felt like he has just been jackhammered in the chest.

" You serious ??" Silently begging she wasn't doing this to lay on a guilt trip about the truck heist.

"Yah Dom I am, you wanna talk to him, he's sleeping but I'll wake him up for you"

"

Nah, I'm on my way"

"Dom wait, where are you..." Mia was answered by the click of Dom hanging up. "What the hell am I gonna do now ?" Mia wondered. Her thoughts were interupted by soft moans from upstairs. Mia grabbed a bottle of water and a bottle of pills before heading up the stairs, judging whether to tell them or not.
 

Mia became so busy with the diner, and Jesse and feeding her family, that she completely forgot about Dom's call and began to wonder if she had been dreaming it. She was sitting on the couch working on her studies for her courses, while Leon, and VInce fought over the Play Station 2 on the floor. Brian was back at his own apartment. An engine roar outside cut into everybodys activitites. Heavy thuds up the porch steps, made everyone jump up prepared to attack the unexpected visitor. The door swung open and everyone's jaw hit the floor.

"Dom" Mia mangaged to sputter out before walking over to his looming form and throw her arms around him and then abruptly pulling back and smacking him hard across the face

"Holy fucking shit" came the simultaneous response from Vince and Leon. Dom just starred at them not knowing what to do or say or how to react.

"Who's here?" came a weary question from the top of the stairs.

"Jesse" Dom's voice cracked over the single word

Chapter 2: The Next 10 Seconds

"Dom ?" Jesse asked, blinking unbelieving who he saw standing at the bottom of the stairs. He slowly started he way down the stairs, one arm around his stomache the other on the banister. Dom just stood there, he didn't know whether to cry, scream, or fall over. When Jesse was finally standing in front of him, his blues actually looking at him, did Dom react. He reached out and pulled Jesse into a bear hug, and held on for a few minutes just to make sure he was real and not another dream. Only when Jesse let out a slight "ow", did Dom release him. They all stood around the hall just looking at eachother. Leon being the only one with a little sense left in him went to the kitchen and came back with a Corona for everyone, even Mia took hers. They all made their way out to the living room and Dom, Jesse and Mia taking up the couch, Vince taking his usual chair, and Leon opting for the floor.

"Dom man, where have you been?" Vince finally broke the silence.

"Down in Mexico. After Spilner let me go, I knew I couldn't go straight to the fort, or the hospital, so I just drove. I wasn't going to come back, but I realized this is my home and you're all my family and I needed to be back here. Quarter mile at a time isn't gonna cut it now. You all matter, nothing else." Dom sighed and slouched back onto the couch with tears in his eyes.

"So, where's Letty at ?" Dom questioned his team.

"We don't know man. When they let her out after fixing up her busted ribs, she never came back to the fort. Nobody heard from her since." Leon explained gently.

Jesse made a move to stand up but groaned in pain and fell back onto the couch clutching his chest. Vince and Mia were both up running to the kitchen for Jesse's meds while Leon was at his side trying to lay him down on the couch, while Dom stood back helplessly. Mia handed him a couple of white pills which he swallowed easily, and layed his head back on the couch.

"You overdid yourself again man" Vince berated the youngest member.

"The Wizard aint back to full power yet, he needs to take it easy or he gets the pain, he should be good as new in a few weeks." Leon explained to a very confused and worried Dom.

" Aight everyone, it's been a long day. Let's head off to bed. Dom you can have my bed, I'll room with Jesse so I can watch him. Vince. Leon, You help Jesse up to his room." Everyone nodded their agreement and headed tiredly up the stairs.

******************

The next morning found everyone out in the garage, save for Mia who was watching the restaurant. Leon and Vince were arguing over an engine's specs, while Dom and Jesse were in the back office looking over the latest program Jesse had whipped up. Brian arrived a little later to be greeted by the very menacing form of Dom. Brian stood his ground, bracing for the impact of Dom's fist but instead Dom stretched out his hand at Brian. Brian shook Dom's hand and was pulled into a hug. Whatever tension there had been in the room was dispersed on the spot and everyone got back to their work.

An engine roar later the afternoon cut into everybody's thoughts. A brunette got out, her dark hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, her cargo pants road low on her hips, revealing the waistband of her black underwear, and matching bra was visible through her sheer army tank top. Black shades covered her dark eyes and she stood at the edge of the garage with her arms crossed against her chest, and hip stuck out showing her obvious attitude. She lowered her rims and cocked an eyebrow at the starring men in the garage.

"What the hell you think you looking at grease monkeys?" She questioned. Leon came running out of the garage and scooped her up in her arms.

"Letty, girl where the hell you been chicka ?" He questioned. The mention of her name froze Dom to his spot in the office. After a slight nudge from Jesse and a shove from Vince, he made his way over to her. Letty just looked up at him not moving. Even though she was a good foot shorter than him and was outweighed by about a hundred pounds of muscle, she didn't flinch.

"Letty, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..." Dom started but was interupted by a hand in his face.

"Save it Poppy. Whats done is done. You did what you thought was best for the team. I couldn't deal with it so I jetted and from what I heard so did you. There is no use in saying sorry. So hows about you make it up to me by giving me a massage?" She raised an eyebrow at him.

"But Letty, the garage, we got shit to ..."

"I think you should make it up to me and give me a massage. Aight?"

"Alright." Dom conceded. Letty took him by the hand and lead him into the house. Dom looked back to see Leon and Vince shaking their heads at him and smirking. He just shrugged and went in.

They guys got back to work. Dom's car was a piece of shit and if they wanted to be back in the races this weekend, they had a lot of work to do.

"Wizard !?" Brian shouted into the office. Jesse peeped his head out of the office." Call Harry's and see if you can get the parts overnighted from Japan."

*******************
 

By that friday they had Dom's car ready. The team was back in motion. They roared into the warehouse backlot, Dom in the lead, followed by Letty and Vince and then Jesse and Leon and Brian and Mia. The crowd parted around their arrival. They "ohhhhhhed" as the king of the streets got out. Hector came running at them, shaking Dom's hand, asking him where the hell he'd been. They got to talking but were distracted by Letty shouting at someone. They calmly walked over to see what was the matter.

"Letty calm down"

"No! This chica was dissing my car. She thinks she can take me on."

"Hector?" Dom motioned him over, " You hold the money. 5 large total. One heat, 2 cars, winner take all."

"You got it man, lets get this shit started."

Various racers lined up along the street, cutting off the side roads. A blue and a black car pulled up to the line that had just been sprayed on. Leon watched the scanner. Letty lowered her window and growled at her opponent, who ignored her, and turned on her radio. The bass blasted, and speakers shook as "Rollin'" by Limp Bizkit blasted out. Letty ignored her and reached behind her seat to turn her NOS tanks on. Her opponent did the same. They both sat at the line revving their motors waiting for the signal.

"Aight, we got a robbery up on the north side, with heat all over it. Lets do this" Leon shouted.
 

Hector got between the cars, established eye contact with both of them, he slowly raised his arms, and then threw them down. Letty and her opponent were gone in seconds. Letty allowed her car to rev up before shifting to second, only to shift to third a moment later. "Arrrrrrrrghh, rrrrrrrrrrrarrrrrrr," Letty growled. " I smell loser skank" Letty laughed before thumbing her NOS button and shooting out in front of the black car. The black car only waited two seconds before hitting her NOS button sending her in front of Letty and over the finish line by several feet.
 

Letty swerved around and smashed her fists against the steering wheel. She was pissed. She had never lost before, not to anyone, except Dom. She threw open her car door and stomped over to the black car. The girl leaned against the hood, with her arms crossed against her chest. Before Letty could do anything, Dom was there handing the girl her money. Jesse soon followed, motioning her to pop the hood, which she did. He called out the parts to Dom, who nodded his head and smiled. Letty was about to start shit when Leon's shouts interupted her.

" We got cops !!! Cops !! Go go !!!"
 

Everyone ran to their cars knowing the nights races were over and it was time to get the hell out of there. Jesse made a move to head to Leon's car but he was too far away, and Leon was already pulling out. Jesse started to run and headed for an alley but a black car pulled in front of him. The passenger door was thrown open, and Jesse quickly hopped in. He had barely gotten the door closed when he was shoved back in his seat by the speed they were hurtling at down LA's roads.

"You might want to put that on," the driver laughed as she pointed to his seatbelt. Jesse quickly pulled it on, and grabbed onto the dash and his seat for support as they wizzed through traffic. When they were finally out a safe distance and there were no more cherry lights in the rearview mirror did the car finally slow down.

"Hey, take a left here, and a right there. Now go..." Jesse directed the driver to Dom's house, his eyes never leaving the road.

"Ok, stop here." Jesse undid his seatbelt and got out gingerly, his legs a little unsteady from the drive. The driver got out and headed over to where Jesse leaned against the car

"Hey thanks back there" Jesse said as he extended his hand to the driver. Only when he saw a feminine hand take his, did he look up. He looked straight into the most beautiful set of eyes he had ever seen. He lowered his gaze and took in the rest of her, raking up and down her body a few times before returning to the eyes. She had a thin yet curvy figure. She was toned like Letty but had the figure of Mia, with the exception of her skin. She was white, no latino or anything in her. Despite the fact she sported a California tan, you could still tell she was as much a snowman or snowwoman as Brian. She had on baggy jeans, snugged around her hips by a black studded belt. She wore a black leather tank top with spaghetti straps that clung to her in all the right places. He could make out the starting of a tattoo on her lower stomache near her left hip, but couldn't tell what it was. She had flaming red hair, that fell to just below her shoulders. Some was crimped, some wasnt. A definite punk flair. Her hair was

"Wizard? That you? " Came a call from the porch that brought Jesse out of his trance.

"Yah Dom its me"

"Who's your friend ?"

"This is ummmmm...." He fumbled for her name.

"Aaliyah" she called to Dom

"Aaliyah ??" He questioned, curiousity and amusement evident in his voice.

"White girl, black name, I know, what can I say." Dom laughed at that.

"You wanna join the party, you kicked Letty's ass, I say that deserves a drink"

"Aight sounds good. You coming ?" She glanced back at Jesse who stood dumbly.

"Yah, I'm right with ya" and ran to catch up with her. He was at her side by the time they reached the porch. Dom headed in first, leading the way.

"So, you the Wizard?" she questioned Jesse, to which he could only nod, afraid of opening his mouth and making an ass of himself. " You a wizard at everything ?" she smirked, cocking an eyebrow at him. Jesse stood there not knowing what to say. She smiled at him and led him farther into the party.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Letty's anger obvious as she walked right up to Aaliyah and poked Jesse in the chest with her finger and sending a look of pure hatred and anger at Dom.

"Letty ?" Letty whirled around at the sound of her name, and was met by a fist in the face, that sent her sprawling back across the floor.

Aaliayh stood there, with her hands out motioning for Letty to bring it on. That was all the encouragement Letty needed, she was up and lunged at Aaliyah.

Chapter 3 : Deja Vu

Dom and Vince ran to get between the girls, but not before Letty got a good swing to Aaliyah's jaw, splitting her lip and bruising her cheek, and Aaliyah laid a few swift punches to Letty's stomache. Letty was yanked back by Vince grabbing her around her waist. Dom grabbed Aaliyah by her arm and pulled her back.

"Get her outta her now", Dom directed at Vince. "And you better go home, Wizard walk her out", Dom directed at Jesse. Dom followed Vince back into the kitchen, when Letty made a move to go back after Aaliyah, Dom picked her up and threw her over his shoulder easily and marched into the kitchen. He placed her on the counter, with a firm glare to keep her in place. He reached into the freezer and pulled out two bags of frozen vegetables. He wrapped one in a dishcloth and handed it to Letty , who gingerly laid it against her bruised face. The other pack he tossed to Leon who had followed them in.

"Go run and bring this to the Wizard and the red head, quickly !" Leon ran out of the kitchen and out the door just as Aaliyah was getting into her car.

"Hey stop !!" He yelled at her. She paused to see who was calling at her. He tossed the frozen pack at Jesse who was standing next to her car. He handed it to her as Leon headed back into the house.

"Hey you're bleeding kinda bad, come in the house and let me get cleaned up" Jesse said softly.

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Letty is still in there, and Dom will get seriously pissed"

"Yah got a point there. Hey, I got an idea ! Come with me." He lead her to the darkened garage. Once inside he directed over to the work bench which she hopped up onto. He walked into the back office and returned with a wet cloth. He reached beside her and turned on the bench lite. He gently pressed the cloth to her lip and tried to wipe away the blood that trickled down her face. She sighed and leaned into his minstrations which startled him and caused him to pull back a little to quickly, which set him off balance and made him fall back against a tool tray causing it to clatter rather loudly to the floor. The crash was heard in the house and sent Dom running to the garage.

"What the hell is goin on in here ??" An angry Dom demanded.

"It's just me Dom, and Aaliayh." Jesse explained " I was just helping her clean up."

"I see. Aaliyah, where the hell did you learn to fight like that ? "

" White girl, tough neighborhood, you learn to survive when your young or you get eaten. Its LA."

"And how young are you ?"

"Old enough '' she stated.

"Nice attitude, now how old are you?", Dom challenged, " I can always get the Wizard to look it up for me, its amazing what you can find online" He said, holding her wallet up, waving it in her face."

"How the hell did you get that?" anger evident in her voice.

"When I pulled you off of Letty. Now play nice. How old are you ?"

" Fine. Im 20"

"Uh huh, and Im a midget. Try again."

"19 ?"

"Eh, wrong answer. Wizard fire up your laptop." Jesse made a move for the office.

"Aight, Im 18. My birthday was last week. Happy your highness." Dom laughed a deep rumble.

" Where the hell did a young thing like you learn to drive like that ?" Jesse just stood by listening intently.

"Backroads. My friends were racers. I had a skill for it. Been driving since my legs could reach the peddles. I like things fast what can I say. " Dom's eyebrows raised at that, and Jesse become even more slackjawed.

"Well I could use someone like you on my team. Interested ?"

"Why the hell else would I have taken your girl on? " Dom laughed at that.

"Alright, you want to join ? Get me a ten second car."

"What for, my car is a ten second car." Anger in her voice.

"I don't want your car. We need to get a new car, I want to make some serious money off your ass."

"Aight you want a ten second car, I'll get you damn ten second car. I'll be here tomorow with it." Dom's eyebrows raised in amusement.

"We'll see about that. Wizard pick your jaw off the floor and get back in the house, I need you in top shape for tomorow."

"Alright Dom, I'll be right in. I'm just gonna see her out.", Jesse replied. With that Dom turned and headed back to the house but not before putting a heavy arm on Jesse's shoulder and whispering so Aaliyah couldn't hear. "Make sure you get her number.." Dom laughed and went in. Jesse was thankful for the dark to hide the pink twinge of his cheeks.

As they headed out to her car, Jesse mentally kicked himself for not being a ladies man like Vince and Leon.

"So, uh thanks for helping me out in there. I guess we be even then" she said smiling at him.

"Uh yah, I guess I'll see yah around." She was about to close her door, when Jesse spoke up again. "Hey I was wondering, could I.. uh get your number, maybe"

"Sure" she said. She scribbled on a piece of paper that was lieing on her passenger seat. "Here yah go Wizard, make sure you use it. I would love to know if you really are a wizard." She smirked at him and closed her door and sped off. Jesse stood there awestruck for a few moments before heading inside.

***********************

The next day found everyone in the garage working again like the old days. The sound of a tow truck backing up sent everyone out into the sunlight to see what was going on. Aaliyah jumped out of the cab, and came around back. She headed over to Letty.

"Hey Letty, I was hoping we could start over." she started, extending her hand out. Letty cautiously took her hand and then smiled.

"Maybe you're right. You are one hell of a driver, maybe you could teach me something"

"Aight. Hey Dom I got 'your' ten second car." Attitude once again evident in her voice. Dom headed over to the tow truck and pulled back the car cover.

"Holy shit !", came the simultaneous response from everyone in the garage. On the back of the tow truck sat the mangled remains of the Charger. Aaliyah just leaned back and crossed her arms across her chest and smiled. *Mission accomplished,* she thought to herself *I am so in*

Dom walked over and patted her on the back.

"Well done kid, welcome to the team." Cheers and congratulations were made all around. Jesse came out of the office and reached out her hand to congratulate her. Instead of taking his hand, she threw her arms around him and pulled him into a hug. He wrapped his arms around her and smiled. Vince came over and patted her on the back, breaking up the moment.

"So, sexy, you amazing at everything else?" He asked smirking. She released Jesse and turned around to face Vince.

" Oh hunny, I am so outta your league, you still at the starting line. " She said simply before giving him a hard shove backwards into the car he was working on. " Get back to playing with your 'tools'." She smirked and walked over to Dom.

Dom laughed, " I'm liking this girl, more and more. Come on Aaliyah, lets get that junk down and see what else we can do to fix up your car." her face showed her obvious confusement.

"But I thought, you said..." she stuttered.

"I just wanted to see if you could do it. But your car is amazing and you can already drive it. I heard a couple of off noises, and your fast, but you could be faster. Wizard fire up the program, we gotta get this girl rolling proper like. Race wars are in two weeks."

Aaliyah forced a smile, hoping her fear wasn't evident. *Let's just hope they don't decide to check up on me. Maybe everything isnt online.* She silently hoped. Off in her own thoughts she didnt notice Leon staring at her, admiring his view but then she turned and noticed him, and smiled back at him.

"Aight lets get crackin people !" came Dom's shout.

***********************************************************

Author's note: Thanx for the great reviews, Please keep it up. Another slow chapter I know, but Im trying to build suspense. What is Aaliyah hiding ? Who will she choose Leon or Jesse?

Tell me what you think should happen, Im open for ideas on what you want to see happen or think should happen. Please review, it gives inspiration.

Chapter 4 : The Net Is Amazing

Two voices whispered in the dark office.

"I know I've seen her before. Something is off."

"You sure ? It ain't that you're sore because she wants Jesse instead of you ?"

"Nah, I know something ain't right about her. You know any eighteen year olds who can fight like that ? Drive like that ? And she just appeared outta nowhere."

"Alright. Let's look into it. Don't tell Jesse though. Fire up the laptop. Let's see what she's not telling us. We don't want another Spilner." A computer engine whirred to life, and clicking of keys filled the room. A few hours and Coronas later.

"Oh my god!"

******************************

"Hello ??"

"Hey Aaliyah. How's it going girl ?"

"Jesse. Its going great. What you up to ?"

"Not much. Hey we're having this barbeque thing tonite, the whole crew is going to be there. I was wondering if you'd like to come?"

"Are you asking me to out Wizard?"

"Yah, kinda grade school isnt it?"

"Nah, I'd love to come. Maybe you could show me some of your 'programs' ", the smirk easy to hear in her voice.

"Uh..sure..I mean if you wanna..I mean I do..but..I..oh hell" Jesse stuttered. She laughed at his shyness.

"4 o'clock a good time ?"

"Perfect. See yah later sexy."

"Bye Wizard". Aaliyah hung up the phone and flopped back onto her bed. She hadn't meant to become attached to him but she couldn't help it. He was cute, what was she saying, he was hot. Sure he wasn't buff like Dom, but he definitely had a body. She sighed. She couldn't shake the image of Leon starring at her out of her mind. He looked familiar. Maybe he knew. He couldn't though. She shook her head at the thought. She glanced at the clock on her night table, it read two o'clock. She jumped off the bed and hurried to the shower. She knew she had lots of time, but she wanted to take extra time getting ready, she wanted to look good for him. Maybe he wouldn't care.

********************************

Later that afternoon, everyone lounged in the backyard. Dom working the grill, while Mia and Brian worked in the kitchen. The two were practically inseparable, Dom couldn't remember a time he had seen his sister happier. Letty, Leon, Vince and Jesse were argueing about the latest Grand Tourismo game for the PS2, taunting each other, placing bets on who could beat who. Things were just starting to get out of hand when Aaliyah pulled up. She walked down the path with a huge smile plastered on her face the moment she caught sight of Jesse. Jesse was about to pounce on Leon when he saw her. She looked amazing. She wore tight, dark blue, low-rider jeans, a red halter top that matched her hair perfectly. Her silver belly chain visible against her bare stomache. Her hair was pulled back and up into a clip, with a few strands hanging loose, framing her face. He ran up to her and pulled her into a hug lifting her up and swinging her around, causing her to squeal. Her cries caught Dom's attention and he finally turn

"Vince, watch the grill, will yah? Leon go help Mia in the kitchen. Jesse, help Letty set the table." The team scrambled to do their tasks.

"Aaliyah, come with me. I have some ideas for detailing I want to show you in the garage. " She wordlessly followed Dom into the garage. As soon as the door shut, Dom had her slammed up against the bent-up Charger.

"Thought you could screw with us, huh?" Dom demanded. Aaliyah shook her head in fear and tried to back away from Dom knowing she was busted.

"Backroads ? Friends ? Tough neighborhood. Yah fucking right. Now spill!" He yelled at her, right in her face. She placed her hands on Dom's chest and shoved him back, as hard as she could. He moved back a few inches, his cold eyes never leaving hers. She just glared at him until he backed down and she could move again.

"Alright you wanna know the truth. I'll tell you the goddamn truth." Dom just leaned back, crossed his arms and starred at her intently.

" My name really is Aaliyah and I am 18." Dom nodded for her to continue. " I wasn't born in LA, I was born in New Mexico. My mom was hooker and a druggie. I took care of myself for as long as I could remember. I boosted cars and lifted stuff when I was 14, and got busted. They sent me to juvie, where I met this guy, Troy. He said he was gonna help me. He taught all about cars and introduced me to street racing. At first I was just his cheerleader, but then one night he was drunk and needed me to drive so I did. I must have impressed the shit outta him cuz next thing I know, he's teaching me all this shit. NOS, double shifting, car amplifiing. The whole nine. That's when he introduced me to his gang. I quickly became a part of it. They taught me to fight and race and I helped them boost shit. Well one race this guy gets pissed at me for kicking his ass in the race. I had scored ten grande off of it. He was about to lay into me, but I kicked his ass literally. Thats when Troy turns on me. He was pissed, I'mun for it. I hid until I knew they were gone. Then I hopped into my car and sped off. I came to LA because I knew no one would ask questions, and there was racing here. I knew I had a chance. I heard about you, and your team and I knew I had a chance of making it big. So here I am".

She flopped back completely spent. Dom stood there wide eyed.

"Well shit girl, you done it all." Dom said, amazed.

"You gonna kick me off the team, turn me in ?" she questioned, suddenly panicked.

"Nah, I ain't gonna turn you in. I've been there, I got my break, so I'm giving you, yours. Just don't start pulling any of that shit now. Got it ?" She nodded her head Realization kicked in and her attitude returned.

"How did you know?" She demanded.

"Leon tipped me off. He remembered seeing you at a Race Wars we were at in New Mexico, hanging with your crew. He remembered what bad asses they were and worried we had a repeat of history."

"I thought I recognized him. So you gonna tell them ?" she asked, motioning distractedly to the team outside

"Well Leon already knows, thanks to the net. I told you it was amazing what you could learn. The rest of them is up to you, I ain't gonna say a word, neither is he. But I suggest you spill because secrets don't sit well with them. Now let's head back out before they get worried we be rebuiding an entire damn car out here."

With that he headed out the garage, waiting at the door for her. She sighed knowing this was gonna be tough but she knew she had to do it. Later though she decided, one on one she would tell them. She walked out and forced a smile.

**************

The team was seated around the massive picnic table, heaped with food.

"Hey you two, where yah been? We thought we were gonna have to send a search party after yahs." Leon joked. Aaliyah smiled and took her seat next to Jesse, beside Letty. Dom sat at the head of the table.

"Alright let's eat up," He boomed, reaching in to grab the chicken, which caused everyone to start laughing. He had been caught by his own rule.

"Aight Poppy, you know the rules, you gotta pray, " Letty managed in between giggles. Dom rolled his eyes and lowered his head. Everyone followed suit.

"I thank God for NOS, for family and for new friends, for overnighted parts from Japan, and especially for Race Wars. Amen."

"Amen." Everyone echoed, and then piled their plates high with food. They were all laughing and joking around when Brian interrupted them.

"Um, guys..I have something I'd like to ask, if you don't mind." Everyone shut up and focused on him as he stood and took Mia's hand. He then knelt in front of her and reached into his back pocket.

"Mia, I know we have been through hell, but I love you more than I have ever loved anything in the world." He said, before pulling out a small box and opening it to reveal a beautiful silver ring with a large, heart-shaped, solitaire, diamond on it. " Will you please marry me ? " Everyone just starred in shock.

"Yes, I will." He slid the ring on her finger, and jumped up and pulled her into a passionate kiss. Everyone cheered for them, even Dom. They all settled down again and resumed eating when Mia interrupted them.

"Umm...well I guess now is as good time as any. I have some news for you all. " She started as she stood up and smiled at everyone.

"I'm pregnant !" Forks dropped, clattering to the table. Everyone was frozen in shock. Mia just continued to smile at them, nodding her head.

Chapter 5 : The Wizard Works His Magic

Letty was the first up and around the table to pull Mia into a tight hug.

"Oh my God girl that is just amazing." she squealed. Letty was soon followed by Leon, then Vince, then Jesse. Aaliyah approached her slowly not sure what to do, but when Mia held her arms out to her, she quickly embraced the other girl. Brian was next standing several feet away from the table with his eye on Dom, waiting for a signal that he would have to run. When Dom finally walked over to him and shook his hand, and pulled him into a brotherly hug, did Brian breathe again. Dom released him, and turned to his sister. Her eyes were downcast, afraid she had disappointed her brother, he gently lifted her chin so he could see her eyes. He saw the torn emotions there. He pulled her into a tight hug, whispering in her ear.

"They would have been so proud." referring to their late parents. Mia brushed tears from her eyes as Dom let her go. She turned to Brian, who had on the hugest smile. They once again crushed themselves together in a passionate embrace. Dom cleared his throat signaling them to return to the table and finish eating. Everyone had just settled down, when Letty cleared her throat and stood up.

"I have something I'd like to announce too." All the blood rushed out of Dom's face, as he listened to her.

"I'd just like to say, Vince and Leon, you suck and I could take you both on any day," she boasted, smiling broadly after seeing the horror-stricken face of Dominic Torreto. She burst out laughing as everyone tried to supress their giggles and failing miserably.

"Guys, shut up, that wasn't funny.:" Dom managed with a straight face.

"Yes it was, you should have seen your face." Letty laughed before doubling over in a fit of laughter.

"Oh you thought that was funny ?" Dom questioned. Letty didn't see him motioning for Leon and Vince to prepare to attack.

"Hell yeah." Dom's eyebrow raised and Letty knew she was in trouble. She made a run for it as Leon and VInce chased after her. Dom's deep laughter rumbled across the yard as he watched them all wrestle in the grass. When Letty finally cried 'Uncle' , as Leon and Vince tickled her mercilessly, did Dom get up and chase after them, starting a two-on-two wrestling match that ended in everyone jumping on Dom. Jesse, Aaliyah, Mia and Brian watched from the sidelines, laughing happily before catching eachother's knowing smiles and running and joing the dogpile on Dom.

****************************************

That evening found everyone piled into the living room watching the movie 'Gladiator', followed by the Matrix. It was Jesse and Aaliyah's turn to make the popcorn, so they rose, and stepped carefully around their lounging friends. They had just put the popcorn in the microwave, after much debate, when they heard Brian and Mia echo their goodbyes as they headed over to Brian's for some celebrating of their own.

Aaliyah was concentrating on the bag of popcorn spinning in the microwave so intently that she almost jumped out of her skin when she felt Jesse's arms snake around her waist.

"Shit, dont do that !" She cried punching him in the arm.

"What this ?" he replied before he began kissing in her neck. She sighed and leaned back against him. He continued nuzzling her neck before moving to her earlobe and gently nibbling on it, causing her to moan softly. She turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down slightly to her mouth. He gently placed a kiss on her lips and pulled back before kissing her again. She couldn't get enough of his lips as she pulled him closer and snaked her tongue in his mouth. Their tongues danced in eachother's mouths as he lowered his hands to pull her closer to him by her soft, yet firm ass. She ground her hips against his, causing them both to moan. They were only snapped out of it by the incessent beeping of the microwave, signaling that the popcorn was ready.

"You wanna head upstairs ?" He breathed into her ear. She nodded unable to speak. He grabbed the popcorn out of the microwave and took her by the hand and lead her out to the living room.

"We're gonna head upstairs" he informed them, tossing the popcorn bag at Letty who was seated in Dom's lap. With that he turned and headed up the stairs, Aaliyah in tow. They could hear the catcalls, and whistles from the 'oh so very mature' team downstairs as they approached his room door. He leaned down and kissed her softly before pushing open the door and leading her in.

*****************************

Aaliyah swallowed the lump that was forming in her throat as she sat down on Jesse's bed.

"I'm just gonna light some candles, k ?" Aaliyah muttered a response as a she found her mouth dry, and hands shaking as she looked around his room. The faded flower wallpaper on his walls was covered in pictures. Some were of various race cars, others of car parts, and a collection of pictures of the team at various points in their life, centred around one of a younger Jesse and a tall man, smiling proudly in front of a white suped-up Jetta.

"That's me and my Dad" he explained. "It was taken right after we finished up the Jetta, right before he got sent to jail. He touched the picture lightly before turning and taking a seat beside her on the bed. He took her face in his hand and turned her towards him as he leaned down and began kissing her again.

"Jesse wait ", she said pushing him back. He sat back and looked at her confused.

"Do you not want to do this ? Cuz we can head back downstairs if you want" he offered smiling.

"No, I want to do this." she took a deep breath. " It's just there's something you should know about me."

"I know all about you."

"No, I don't think you do. Jesse, I kil...."she started but was cut off by him placing his fingers against her lips.

"Hunny, I know all about that. Don't worry."

"But how?? Dom promised he wouldn't. Did Leon ?" She was extremely confused, tears formed in her eyes..

"They didn't say a word to me. I found out all on my own. After that first night, I stayed up all night, learning about that girl who had made me stutter like a fifth grader." he explained, placing his arm around her shoulder, pulling her next to him.

"It doesn't bother you, knowing what I did?"

"Nope, it don't. And it shouldn't bother you. I have done some stuff in my life that I'm not so proud of too."

"Oh Jesse" she sighed before pulling him into another kiss. He moaned against her lips, as he leaned her down against the worn quilt covering his bed. He ran his hands along her sides before moving up to gently cup her breasts. She moaned against him. He carefully undid her belly chain and placed it on the bedside table. He returned to her, kissing her with increasing intensity. Her hands clutched at his back as he slid a hand down and under her shirt, moving up to massage her breasts. He lowered his mouth and began trailing kisses along her neck. She sighed and arched her back into him causing him to harden. He slid a hand along her flat stomache before easing under the waistband of her jeans. He began to move his hand into her panties, when he felt her grow rigid under him. Her eyes were closed tightly, and she had the quilt fisted so tight in her hands that her knuckles were white. He pulled back and sat up.

"Hey baby what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry Jesse, its just that...well...I've...kinda...never...well I," she stuttered, shaking.

"Aaliyah, are you trying to tell me your a virgin?" he asked softly.

"Yah ", she whispered ashamed of herself.

"Hey, its ok. We dont have to do this if you're not ready. It's totally cool," he said gently pulling her into a hug.

"No Jesse I want to. Its just that Im afraid I'll be no good at it. Im afraid I'll let you down." she sniffled into his chest.

"Hey, I dont think that's possible," she looked up at him, and he smiled and winked at her. She smiled back at him before taking a deep breath.

"Jesse, I love you and I want you to be my first." Jesse swallowed hard at that.

" I just want you to be sure. You're not just some notch on my belt to me, I love you." At his words she reached up and pulled him into a kiss. The passion grew as their kissing intesified once again. He gently lowered her back onto the bed. He slowly pulled off her shirt, kissing his way up as he revealed her skin inch by inch. He continued teasing her breasts with his tongue as he undid her jeans and slid them down her hips. He rose to pull them off of her, motioning for her to scoot back on the bed. He stood before her and pulled off his shirt. She reached out with shaking hands and undid his belt slowly. Jesse waited patiently for her as she undid his jeans and pushed them down. He stepped out of them slowly and resumed his position by her side. He picked her up slightly to pull the blanket out from under them and cover them with it. He continued his trail down her body with his hands, pulling off her navy panties and tossing them onto the pile of clothes at the foot of the bed. He brought her to her f

**************************

The peace of the next morning was broken by a pounding at the door. Dom hurried down the stairs to see what was the emergency this early in the morning. He threw the door open.

"What the hell do you want? he barked at the visitor, before a badge was thrust in his face. He immediately shut up.

"Dom, who's here ?" Letty asked as she came down the stairs. She saw the cop at the door and quickly turned her scowl into a smile. Police always responded better to that

"I'm Detective Matthews from the LAPD, and I have reason to believe that a certain young woman is here. Do you recognize this girl ?" he asked , handing them a picture. On it was the smiling face of Aaliyah, surrounded by a dozen or so very nasty looking people, sitting in, on or around some very expensive race cars.

Letty's smile quickly faded into a look of horror.

"Oh shit"

Chapter 6 : LAPD ( Lazy Ass Punk-out Days)

Dom snatched the picture out of Letty's hands.

"Oh shit ! This aint good" Dom muttered under his breath so no one could hear him. Letty grabbed the photo back and quickly changed her face, from one of horror to one of deep thinking. Hoping that the cop would be as dumb as he looked, Letty shook her head and handed Detective Matthews back the photo.

"I'm sorry but we have never seen her before", she smiled sweetly at him.

"Are you sure ?? You work on a lot of people's cars at your garage, particularly the kind she hangs around in."

"Im positive I have never seen her before. Have you Dom ??" she asked turning to him. He just shook his head.

"What's her deal?? Why do you want to find her ?? Has she done something wrong ?" Letty's curiousity was peaked now, and she knew playing nice with the cop would make them seem believable and he wouldn't be back asking questions.

"Why don't we discuss this inside ?" He offered. Dom moved away from the door to allow the Detective to enter.

"Why dont you make some coffee Let, while I just run upstairs and change into something a little more presentable." Dom said motioning at his boxers and t-shirt that he had run downstairs in.

"Good idea. Detective won't you please sit down?" She lead him into the living room, as Dom headed up the stairs. Once upstairs, Dom knocked on Jesse's door once before entering. Aaliyah sat up gripping the sheet tightly around her chest in embarrassment.

"Jesse man, we got a situation downstairs. " Dom explained tossing Aaliyah Jesse's shirt lieing on the floor at the end of the bed. She gratefully pulled it on.

"What's the matter?" Jesse swung his legs over the edge of the bed, retrieving his boxers and pulling them on before he stood.

"We got a cop downstairs looking for her." Aaliyah's jaw dropped in a surprised 'oh'.

"Shit" Jesse swore as he pulled on a pair of jeans and ran a hand through his disheveled hair."What are we gonna do?"

"Nothing, you two stay up here, dont make any noise. Hopefully Letty and I can get rid of him and then we'll take it from there."

"Aight, sounds like a plan. Call us when we can come down again." Dom nodded, turned around and left, pulling the door shut quietly behind him. He almost went back downstairs without his pants.

"Way to blow your story man!" Dom muttered as he pulled on his jeans and hurried down the stairs.

************************

Jesse stood by the door after Dom left for a few more moments, continuely running his hand through his hair before turning to Aaliyah. She had pulled her knees up to her chest and was shaking slightly. He could hear her soft sobs as she tried not to show her fear. Jesse quickly went to her side and pulled her closer to him.She sobbed into his chest as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed the top of her head, murmuring to her, trying to console her. She was curled up into a fetal position in his lap, too scared to move, afraid to make a sound, lest the cops find her.

"Im sorry. I shouldn't have dragged you into this" her voice muffled by his shirt.

"Hey, its gonna be ok. You're one of us now. We're gonna help you, now please stop crying and lie beside me," He soothed, stretching out beside her. She nodded at him, and wiped at her eyes before stretching out beside him. He wrapped one arm protectively around her waist, and stroked her hair with the other until her sobs had subsided and her breathing became soft and even, and he could tell she was asleep.

"I promise, I will never let anyone hurt you." he whispered before placing a kiss on her cheek and pulling her snug to him and letting himself be lulled to sleep by her breathing.

**************************

"Well thank you both, you have been most helpful." the Detective said, rising and shaking their hands. "And please if you hear anything, give me a call" he said as he handed them his card and headed out the door. Letty closed the door behind him, sighing loudly and leaning heavily against the door. They waited until the heard the car go down the street before they moved.

"Dom, did she really do all that?"

"Yah, she did." he smiled grimly at Letty.

"And you knew and didn't tell me ?" Letty's voice raising a pitch in anger.

"I promised her I wouldn't. She was gonna tell you herself, but she never got the chance. I didn't think it was a big deal until he came snooping around. Letty let out a snarl of frustration and then shrugged defeated.

"Well, let's go get the lovebirds and tell them their safe." Dom nodded his head in agreement and followed Letty up the stairs. Letty pushed open the door to Jesse's room softly, not wanting to wake Vince and Leon across the hall. She didn't really feel like having to explain this right now to them. Her head pounded with the beginnings of a headache, and she just wanted to lay down before Mia came over. They girls had planned on going wedding/baby shopping.

"Hey guys, the coast is....." The words caught in her throat as she saw them laying on the bed asleep. Aaliyah was completely curled up against Jesse with his arms wrapped protectively around her. They looked completely peace and neither Letty nor Dom had the heart to wake them up. Instead they left the room as quietly as they entered, and padded down the hall to their own room to catch up on the sleep they had just missed. Letty fell asleep soon after laying down while Dom just starred up at the roof deep in thought. What the hell was he going to do about that girl ?

****************************

Mia and Brian came home around noon to find everyone asleep. They shook everyone awake and headed downstairs to make everyone some lunch. The tension was thick in the air as they munched on their sandwiches. It was finally Aaliyah who broke the silence..

"Look, I'm really sorry about what happened. I really wanted to tell you guys."

"What happened ? Tell us what ? What are you talking about ?" Vince asked completely confused.

" A Detective showed up this morning looking for Aaliyah, there is a warrant out for her arrest." Dom explained.

"Why the hell would they be looking her, she's just a kid ?" Vince was getting upset.

"I got into some trouble back where I came from. I ..I.." Aaliyah's voice breaking as she began to sob. Jesse pulled her into his lap, and held her as she sobbed into his chest once again. Jesse explained the whole story to Vince, Mia and Brian, the only ones left in the dark. They just starred at Aaliyah in shock when he finished.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner ?" Mia asked. Aaliyah wiped at her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Do you really think you would have accepted me like you did and made me one of the team if you knew ?" Mia shook her head sadly.

"Well I'm glad you told us the truth. Now we can deal with it. So what's the plan Dom?" Brian asked.

"I'm thinking she keeps a low profile for a bit until the heat dies down. After that she should be safe. Letty kinda directed him to Miami." Everyone laughed slightly at that.

"Why the hell Miami ?" Vince shook his head, completely confused again.

"I have some old 'friends' down there, he could visit." Letty explained. Everyone nodded their heads understanding.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Leon asked, wanting to change the topic.

"Us girls are going shopping" Mia stated, all the guys cringing at the thought. "Don't worry you all aint invited." The guys let out a sigh of relief.

"While you ladies have fun, we're gonna finish up the cars for next week. Later when we are all cleaned up, we are gonna go out for a nice dinner to celebrate your guys news." Dom said referring to Mia and Brian. "And if your up to it ?", he directed to Aaliyah," We're gonna race. I need to make some serious money off your ass." He smiled at her. Everyone voiced their agreement.

"Well, let's get going, we have a lot to do." With that everyone headed out.

************************

Later that evening, the guys stood in the living room adjusting their outfits, waiting on the girls.They only had to wait a few minutes before the girls made their way down the stairs. The guy's jaws dropped in amazement at what they saw. Letty wore her tight, short leather skirt with silver loop belt, Her hair was curled and fell around her shoulders, complimented by the matching black leather, triangle cut, top she wore. . She stopped in front of Dom, putting her foot up on the coffee table.

"Dom, can you zip me up?" She asked, pointing at her boots. Dom happily obliged. Mia was next down the stairs. Vince and Brian were both amazed by her beauty. She wore a ruffled, black silk dress, that clung to her curves. It was cut low enough to show some of her ample cleavage, but enough was covered so she didn't look like a two-cent whore. Instead, she looked like she had just stepped out of a movie, her hair pulled back and up into a clip, curls cascading down over the clip. Brian swiftly pulled her into his arms, his arm closed around her waist protectively. Vince just rolled his eyes at the territory marking, sure he had liked Mia at one point but she wasn't meant to be with him, and he could deal with that.

Last down the stairs was Aaliyah. Jesse was trying to tie up his shoe when he saw her come down the stairs, he abruptly lost his balance and in his attempt at recovering, tripped over himself. 'Very smooth man' he thought, mentally kicking himself for acting like a tenth grader whenever he saw her. But hey he was young, she was young, it's allowed to happen. She smiled and laughed softly at seeing him fall over himself, but it was she who tightened her grip on the banister when she saw him stand up straight. He looked hot, his hair was gelled into messy spikes, and he wore loose black jeans, and dark blue button-up shirt, that showed off his toned body perfectly, he looked casual and sexy. She glanced nervously down at her own outfit. She normally wore more loose, punk style clothes, but tonight she wore tight, lace-up, black leather pants, with a deep blue bodice, that hugged her curves and brought out her bright eyes. Her hair was once again partially crimped and styled to frame her face. Jesse could see

"You look amazing, you are so sexy,'' he said taking her by the hand and spinning her around before pulling her into a kiss.

" You people make me sick." Leon joked referring to the couples.

" Let's roll" Vince yelled and everyone was out the door and roaring down the street in minutes

***********************

They ate dinner at the same restaurant Brian had taken Mia out for their first date. Dom paid the bill an hour later and they were off, racing towards the abandoned warehouse, anxious to get racing.

The crowd once again parted around their arrival. Hector came running up reporting the races for the night. There were to be three heats, fifteen large to the winner of each heat. The first race was between Letty, and a few other regular racers. People ran out and the lines were sprayed on, as the other races closed off the side streets and Leon listened to the scanner. When they got a clear signal, Hector started the race. Letty roared off, easily taking the lead. A white car shot up beside her as the racer hit his NOS button, but Letty just laughed.

"Too soon, sucker !" She thumbed her NOS button and shot ahead of him and over the finish line, several feet in front of him. She got out of her car to collect her money when the angry driver rushed up to her, demanding a re-race and yelling in her face. Letty simply handed the money to Hector. The racer smiled proudly, while Hector just raised an eyebrow. Vince and Leon were near by snickering as they counted down.

"Three......two.....one... ." Letty whirled around and punched the disgruntled racer right in the nose, breaking it, and then finished him off with a left jab to the stomache and a right hook to the jaw. He doubled over in pain, and Letty just pushed him over onto his car and collected her money from Hector, who just laughed at the nieve driver.

The next race was between Dom and three other top racers.''Finally, a challenge !" Dom thought to himself as he cranked his stereo to Ja Rule's, "Fast and Furious'', and turned his NOS tanks on. Hector signaled the race to begin and they were off. Dom was in third, but a well timed NOS blast, sent him rocketing in front of the other cars, across the finish line, about 3 seconds before the other cars reached the line. Dom collected his money and walked over to Letty, who he easily picked up over his head.

"Be my trophy ?" He asked, to which she nodded and kissed him, getting annoyed glares and insults from the other girls watching. Dom sat on the hood of his car with Letty sitting between his legs for the last race. It was Aaliyah against three other racers. Two popular, hard to beat racers from the northside and an unknown, who had fronted the money and after popping the hood of his car, proved his worth in the race.

Aaliyah inhaled a few times deeply, mentally preparing herself for the race. She cranked her stereo , and the car shook from the bass. The familiar beat of Pink's "Get the Party Started" calmed her as she turned on her NOS tanks, and rested her one foot heavily on the clutch, revved her engine with the other. The driver on her right taunted her, asking if such a little girl could handle that much car.

"I can handle more than you got, baby!" She shot back at him, making him turn red,shutting him up. The tinted window of the driver on her left lowered. As Aaliyah looked over at her opponent, she froze in horror.

"Oh shit !!! We got cops, cops !!! Go !! Go!!" Leon screamed before roaring off. Aaliyah snapped out of it, and screached out of the parking lot. As she zoomed towards the fort she couldn't shake the ghostly face of the other driver that haunted her.

It was the familiar smirk of Troy.

Chapter 7: War

Once again the house was packed with people for a post-race party. Aaliyah's hands shook as she got out of the car and headed into the house. Everyone was grooving to the deep bass beat that shook the house. Aaliyah weaved her way through the crowd and headed straight for the kitchen with the Corona. She had just popped the top off her first bottle when she felt a tap on her shoulder, she whirled around prepared to deck whoever it was, but stopped when she saw it was Jesse. His eyes filled with concern on how extra pale she looked, how jumpy she was, and how her hands were shaking. Her eyes filled with tears and he pulled her into his arms, not asking any questions just holding her. Jesse was still holding her when Dom came into the kitchen looking for some more brew.

"What's wrong?" he mouthed to Jesse, to which Jesse just shrugged and mouthed "No clue"

Aaliyah finally composed herself and turned around to face a very concerned Jesse and Dom. Jesse pulled out a barstool for her to sit on at the counter island and passed her her Corona.

"Whats wrong baby ?" Jesse finally asked when she had finished her first beer and had started her second.

"I saw him," she choked out.

"Who?" Dom and Jesse starred at her, equally confused.

"Troy."

"What the hell are you talking about ?"

"I saw Troy tonight." she started shaking again.

"Are you sure, did you take anything ?" Dom asked seriously.

"No, I'm not high. Jesus Christ. I know what I saw, it was him. I saw Troy." her face blanched at the mention of his name.

"Where?" Jesse asked completely blown away.

"At the race tonight, he was in the car next to me, the one with the tinted windows. Right before Leon tipped us off, he lowered his window and I saw him.", she told them as she drained the rest of her beer. Dom walked out of the kitchen and into the living room. The music stopped abruptly and Aaliyah could hear Dom yelling.

"Alright everybody, party's over !!! Get out now !!!" his booming voice sent everyone scurring out the door in a hurry. Dom returned to the kitchen with Letty, Brian, Mia, Leon and Vince in tow. He quickly filled everyone in on the situation and they all sat back in shock.

"Well what the fuck are we gonna do ?" Vince asked.

"We still go to Race Wars and we see what happens, no one let her out of you sight. Jesse I think you can handle that, right ?" Everyone laughed at that, even Aaliyah cracked a smile.

*************************

The rest of the week passed without incidence. They boys spent every spare moment in the garage, fine tuning the cars for the coming weekend. The girls began planning the wedding, which more or less resulted in time spent pouring over wedding magazines, laying around on a bed and giggling over their men. Aaliyah quickly learned that Dom and Letty were on the rocks, and the cloud wasn't lined with silver. She learned just how bad it was one afternoon when she walked into the garage. She could hear Letty yelling and Dom cursing back in the office, she quickly ducked into the shadows to hear what was going to happen.

"Letty I'm sick of your shit."

"My shit ?! Asking you to keep your dick in your pants is giving you shit."

"Letty you knew what I was like before we go together."

"You said you didn't need those skanks anymore. I was your trophey, Dom."

"You still are baby."

"Bullshit, Im sick of this. I catch you one more time and we are so over. Prove I'm your fucking trophey !''

"Fine I'll prove it, but I thought we were over this, even before the whole truck thing."

"Fuck you Dom !" Letty screamed at him before storming out of the garage. Aaliyah waited until Dom left before moving out of the shadows.

****************************

The team pulled into Race Wars that weekend. Stress was completely forgotten as the races got under way. Aaliyah won all three of her races the first night with little stress, Troy was the last thing on her mind. Jesse was on her mind as she weaved through all the cars making her way to her first race of the day Saturday morning. She waved to the team as she weaved out of the crowd, she didn't even see the car following behind her. She walked along the line of cars oblivious to the car until it pulled up beside her, she stopped and turned around, her blood running cold. The passenger door was flung open and an arm reached out and pulled her in.

"Jesse, help !!!!!! " She screamed before the door slammed shut. Jesse heard his name and looked up to see Aaliyah yanked into a black car, and the car racing away.

"Dom, we got trouble," Jesse said, grabbing Dom by the arm and leading him towards his car.

"What's up ?" Dom getting agitated since he was about to make some serious money off of a race.

"Its Aaliyah. I think she's in trouble, I just saw her get yanked into a Civic. I think it was Troy."

"Oh shit." Dom yelled for Brian to get his ass over to the car. He quickly explained the situation as he started up his car. The repainted Supra roared to life.

"What we gonna do?" Brian asked.

"We're gonna get her back." The Supra raced after the quickly fading Civic.

"How the fuck we gonna get her ?" Jesse asked, anger and fear mixed in his voice.

"One of us holds the wheel, another jumps to the other car, the third is backup." Dom explained the plan as they approached the Civic that held Aaliyah. Dom laughed at the irony of jumping a Civic, when they used jump from them.

"Brian, get ready man." Dom yelled. Brian jumped onto the hood of the Supra and held onto the windshield as Dom swerved over to the black Civic. Aaliyah had been starring out the back window when she saw Dom and company approach, she knew what was going to happen when she saw Brian jump on the hood. She tried to distract Troy as she pushed in the cigarette lighter just as Brian kicked in her window. Troy tried to swerve away but Aaliyah grabbed the wheel, stopping him. The Supra pulled up a few feet away from the Civic and Aaliyah grabbed the heated cigarette and threw it into Troy's lap as Brian grabbed a hold of her arms and pulled her out the window. Jesse was holding the wheel as Dom reached over and pulled Aaliyah and then Brian into the Supra. Troy pushed the lighter onto the floor just as Aaliyah climbed out the window, his car swerved and he was concentrating on the Supra so much he didn't notice he had drifted into the other lane. He looked up in time to see a transport coming at him, he swerved o

Aaliyah watched from the back seat in Jesse's arms as the Civic that held her captor and thought murder victim into a fireball. Brian called the rest of the team at Race Wars, telling them to head home, and they would meet them there as Dom headed back to the fort.

********************

After a couple of weeks everybody had calmed down from the abduction and had even started racing again. Aaliyah was still pretty shook up and confused but she was adjusting. Life returned to normal.

It was pretty common for Letty to head from the diner or garage to the house to check on Mia or Dom. Letty pulled into the driveway around noon, three weeks to date of the events at Race Wars, noticing Dom's car in the driveway. She thought nothing of it as she headed inside prepared to give him a suprise for their two month anninersary since his return from Mexico. She jogged up the stairs, and headed for the room they shared down the hall. Soft moans filtered through the air. Letty flung open the bedroom door to see Dom being ridden by a thin, tall, blonde girl, more than likely a race whore.

"What the fuck !!" Letty yelled, Dom quickly pushing the girl off, to see a very pissed Letty.

"Letty its not what you think "

"Dom this is exactly what I think, once again you are fucking some skank because I aint enough for you."

"Letty come on, Im sorry, calm down. It doesn't mean anything."

"Fuck you Torretto " she screamed. " You promised. Im sick of this, we are so over." Letty whirled around and slammed the door cutting off Dom's pleas for her to return. Dom flopped back onto the bed, slamming his fist into the mattress. He had screwed up royaly this time, he knew she meant it too. They were over for sure now.

Letty stomped down the stairs, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Enough of this shit, first guy I see, Im gonna fuck. I'll see what its like to be Dom, fucking anything that walks", she thought to herself as she headed into the living room to get her keys and coat.

"Hey Letty, you ok ? You want a brew ?" Letty turned towards the kitchen. Leon stretched a beer towards her.

"Whats wrong ?"

*Target sighted, Its go time*, Letty smiled.
 

Chapter 8: What would you do ?

Leon looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Letty sent him a smouldering look before making her way over to him and pulling the beer out of his hand. She took a long swig and put her bottle on the table. Leon stood there scratching his head, not sure what the hell was going on. Next thing he knew, Letty wrapped her arms around his neck and threw herself against him and kissed him, long and hard. He responded by wrapping his arms around her, pulling her closer and kissing her back. Their tongues dueled and danced in their mouths as Letty walked him back into the living room, his knees giving out when they hit the couch. She fell on top of him, grinding herself against him. Realization finally hit him as Leon realized who the hell he was making out with. He pulled back and sat up, pushing her off slightly.

"Letty, I can't." he said, running a hand through his short, dirty blonde hair.

"Sure you can," she said, straddling him and once again began kissing him. He kissed her back for a few moments before once again pulling back.

"Letty, I can't. What about Dom?"

"What about him?" she said flippantly before nuzzling his neck, nibbling on his earlobe and grinding her hips into his.

"Fuck it" he mumbled against her lips as he ground his hips against hers, running his hands through her hair and down her sides, latching on to her waist. He rested there for a moment before slowly slipping his hand under her shirt and began working his way up.

"What the fuck do you think your doing ?" Dom boomed. Too caught up in the moment, neither Letty nor Leon had heard Dom come down the stairs. Leon quickly pulled his hands out of Letty's shirt and pushed her back and off him, standing up.

"Dom, come on man, I just.."Leon started as he edged his way out of the living room, towards the front door.

"Letty what the hell are you doing with Leon?" Dom demanded. Leon took the opportunity to run to the door.

"I think I better go." He was ignored as he ran out the door, down the porch steps and roaring down the street, as far away from Dom as possible.

"What the hell did you do that for Dom?" Letty yelled, getting up and grabbing her beer off the table.

"Me, what the hell were you doing with him?"

"I was seeing what it's like to be Dominic Toretto. If you can fuck around, why can't I ?" she asked, arms crossed against her chest, eyebrow raised.

"Jesus, those girls mean nothing to me, I love you Letty." Dom said, exasperated as he flopped back onto the couch with a thud.

"You love me ?? This is how you show your love, fucking anything that walks ? Did you know it was anniversary Dom. And to think, I thought you had changed. "

"I have Letty I swear to God"

"Doesn't look like it to me. Well I guess you can't teach an old 'dog' new tricks. " Dom sat back, understanding sinking in. All these years he had taken her for granted, I fuck up, and she takes me back. I have hurt her so bad, and now I know I have really lost her.

"Letty please, give me one more chance. I know I don't deserve it, but please. You are all I have. I need you." Letty stood their pondering what he had just said, her resolve slipping. The raw Dominic Toretto sat on the couch in front of her, the one nobody else ever saw but her.

"I think we should take a break, Dom." Letty said her voice cracking slightly.

"But, Letty.."

"No, Dom. We have been together since I was sixteen. Seven long years. You have hurt me too many times. I need time."

"Letty...please baby." Dom begged, stood up, wrapping his arms around her.

"It's not gonna work this time Dom" Letty said pushing Dom back and grabbing her coat and keys and left out the door, leaving Dom standing in the middle of the living room.

"Fuck." was all Dom could say, knowing this time he had gone too far, and had truely hurt her.

***************************

With the wedding only a month and a half away, Mia was running around, like a chicken with it's head cut off.

"Oh God, what was I thinking. I can't do this." Mia cried, flopping back on her bed, after another unsuccessful day of wedding dress shopping. Brian and her had agreed on a small wedding, as soon as possible, before the baby was born, and she could still look good in a dress, Mia had stated. Mia began sobbing into her pillow, her emotions in overload.

Dom heard his sister crying from his room, where he lay on his bed. He knocked softly on her door before entering her room. He crossed over to her bed quickly, sinking down onto her bed next to her, running a caring hand through her hair.

"Mia, whats wrong ?" he asked, voice deep with concern.

"Dom, I'm such a horrible bride. I can't even find a dress, what kind of wife or mother can I make?" she cried, as he pulled her into a hug.

"Hey wait a sec, I got an idea, ok?" he asked before leaving the room. He returned a few minutes later with a large old looking box, tied together with an ancient ribbon. He placed the box on the bed in front of her.

"Here, open this." he instructed. She sat up and wiped at her eyes, she carefully pulled the ribbon off the box, and dropped it onto the bedspread. Her eyes once again filled with tears as she saw what was in the box. She sat back awestruck. Dom gently pulled the dress from the box, shaking it out, to bring it to its fullness.

"Its beautiful Dom." Mia said running her hand along the smooth fabric.

"It was mom's. I know she would want you to wear it. You will look beautiful. Now stop worrying so much about the wedding. Its gonna be perfect, and you will be a great mother. You are amazing Mia."

"Thank you Dom. I love you." she said as he pulled her into a hug.

"Love you too, baby girl," he said kissing the top of her head

***************

Friday night rolled around again, and the team roared into the warehouse backlot. Hector came running up, telling Dom about the races. Everyone was buzzing about Aaliyah as she easily won the two races she was in against, the top racers. The crowd demanded a challenge for this amazing red head. Nobody else had beaten these racers except for Dom. Aaliyah sat back against the hood of her car, waitng for someone to challenge her. Hector walked up to her nonchalantly.

"I got an idea, if your interested." Aaliyah cocked an eyebrow. "Race Dom", Aaliyah sat there unresponsive, pondering the idea.

"No way he would do it Hector." she finally answered.

"Oh, I think he will. Let me go talk to him." Aaliyah just shrugged and Hector walked over to Dom.

"Dom, I got a challenge for you."

"Oh yeah, who?" Dom's curiousity peaked, he hadn't been challenged in monthes.

"Aaliyah." Dom smirked in amusement.

"Your funny Hector."

"Nah man, Im serious." Dom raised a questioning eyebrow over to Aaliyah who sat back arms crossed against her chest.

"Aight . Let's do this. You in?" He yelled over to Aaliyah.

"Let's do it." she yelled back, climbing into her car, and heading over to the starting line. People scrambled to place bets on the race. Dom pulled up to the starting line, next to Aaliyah. She sat back, hands gripping the wheel so tight her knuckles were turning white. Dom cracked his neck, and turned on his stereo, Nelly's "Ride Wit Me" blaring through the speakers. He slid his jacket off the passenger seat so he could turn on his NOS tank. He tossed his coat back on the seat and sat up in his seat, revving his motor. Aaliyah rolled her eyes at him and turned on her NOS tanks. The opening rifts of "My Way" by Limp Bizkit, blasted through her stereo drowning out Dom's stereo. Everyone lined the street, as Leon sat listening to the scanner.

"We got a shoot out up on the Northside, the heat are all over it. Let's get this shit started" Leon yelled to Hector.

Hector caught Dom and Aaliyah's attention, and they revved their engines in response, flames shooting out the exhaust. Hector raised his arms slowly,

"Go!!!!" He hollered and Dom and Aaliyah slammed on the gas, roaring off. They shifted to second, to only shift to third moments later. The speedometer pushing 150 Miles/hour. Dom looked over to see Aaliyah right with him, their actions synchronized. Dom shook his head and focused back on the road, refusing to lose. He thumbed his NOS button, his red car shooting out in front of Aaliyah's black one. The cars and people lining the streets blurred into one mass as Aaliyah pushed her NOS button, sending her right next to Dom and over the line. The cars screeched as they spun around, simultaneously. Dom raised an eyebrow at her as he raced back to the starting line.

"Hector !" he boomed, "Who won? I couldnt tell."

"Dom, man.." Dom smiled, "she won." Dom deadpanned.

"By an inch, man." Letty and VInce's laughter could be heard from the sidelines. The only one who had even come close to beating Dom was Brian.

"Fuck she is fast." Hector nodding in agreement. Aaliyah was leaning against her car again, but this time she stood between Jesse's legs with his arms wrapped around her, waiting for the results. Dom stood for a moment, questioning what to do. He walked over to her.

"Damn, baby girl, your good. You beat me" Aaliyah's stood wide-eyed as Jesse's jaw dropped in amazement. Dom opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by Letty's yelling.

"You wanna go bitch?" Letty demanded, anger in her voice. Aaliyah, Jesse and Dom headed over to see what was the matter.

"Letty what's wrong ?" Aaliyah asked, concerned over her friend. Letty was still sensitive since her break up with Dom that hardly anyone knew about, save for the team.

"This chick, thinks she can take me on." Letty stated, pointing over to the girl standing in front of a bright blue Hyundai Tiburon, with silver flames detailed down the sides.

"Letty calm down, just race her. You up for it?" Aaliyah asked, turning to look at the girl. She had blonde hair, with long purple tips, falling to just below her shoulders, similiar to Aaliyah. She wore white and black pants, covered in what looked like graffitti, and a black tank top with the word 'Devil' scawled across the front.

"Oh my God" Aaliyah cried, running over to the girl and pulling her into a hug, which the girl eagerly returned. The team stood back confused.

"What the fuck ?"