Dom glanced back at Brian and then down at Guldrin, his expression firm but slightly softened by the kid's presence. "We're all good, Jesse. Just a bit of a shake-up tonight. Let's get out of here."
Brian raised an eyebrow as he slid into the passenger seat beside Jesse, after Dom and Guldrin slipped into the backseat, taking a moment to appreciate the inside of the car. "Where to?" he asked, trying to gauge their mood.
"Headin' home," Dom replied, a hint of something lighter in his tone. "We're having a small get-together, as we always do after a night of racing. You should come, Brian. It's a way to say thanks for what you did tonight."
Brian's surprise was evident, but he quickly masked it with a casual smile. "Sure, I'll join." He knew it was more than just a party, it was a step deeper into this world Dom inhabited, and he was determined to uncover the layers, especially when it came to Guldrin.
As they drove, the streets passed in a blur of neon lights and shadows, and for a moment, the chaos of the night faded. Guldrin, still clutching his food, peered out the window, wide-eyed, as they sped through the familiar streets. The sounds of the city felt like a heartbeat, pulsing with life, and he found comfort in the rhythmic motion of the car.
Arriving at the Toretto home, the atmosphere was vibrant. The laughter and chatter of familiar voices filled the air, mingling with the scent of gas, tires, cheap cologne, and perfume. Dom stepped out first, ushering Guldrin out of the car while Jesse parked nearby. Letty, Dom's girlfriend and a fierce presence in her own right was the first to spot them.
"Dom! Guldrin! You both okay?" Letty rushed over, her face etched with concern as she examined them both. She then turned her gaze to Brian, her demeanor shifting from worry to curiosity. "And who's this? Why did you bring the buster?"
"I brought the buster, because he kept both of us out of handcuffs," Dom responded, placing a reassuring hand on Guldrin's shoulder. "He's… new, but he helped us tonight." Hearing this, Vince was about to contest but kept his mouth shut to avoid issues.
Letty's expression softened as she nodded at Brian, her protective instincts kicking in. "Thanks for looking out for them. Come on, let's get you all some food and drinks… Well, the food was made more for Guldrin but, you are welcome to it too."
While Dom and Letty exchanged pleasantries, Jesse made sure Guldrin was taken care of. "Hey, little man," he said, crouching down to Guldrin's eye level. "You up for a trip back to the shop in a little while? I've got some new games you might like."
Guldrin's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Cool! Can I bring my food?" he asked, glancing back at the still-steaming containers.
"Of course! Let's make sure you have everything you need before heading back," Jesse replied, ruffling the kid's hair affectionately.
Letty turned back to them, smiling at Jesse's easy rapport with Guldrin. "You're just babysitting for the night, right?" she teased lightly, knowing Jesse had a soft spot for the kid.
"Absolutely! Kid's in good hands," Jesse replied with a grin and a thumbs up.
As the small party continued, Dom pulled Brian aside, away from the bustling crowd. "Look, I know you're still figuring things out, but tonight, you proved you've got guts. We take care of our own, and I want you to know you earned the right to be here tonight. Just remember, things can get messy fast. Guldrin's young; keep him away from the chaos. Also, you still owe me a 10-second car…"
"Ouch, hahah," Letty didn't miss a chance to rub it in.
Brian deflated a bit but nodded, the weight of Dom's words sinking in. "I get it. He's a kid, and I'm not here to drag him into anything. But… I want to know what's going on."
Dom studied him for a moment, then said, "Just know we're not all what we seem. It's not just about cars or races. There's a lot more at stake."
As the night wore on, the party's energy shifted to a more relaxed vibe. Laughter echoed around the house, while Letty and Mia ensured everyone had a drink in hand. Dom watched the scene unfold, a mix of pride and protectiveness washing over him. This was family, the people who mattered, who understood the risks, who fought together.
Meanwhile, Jesse had taken Guldrin under his wing, sharing tales of past races and wild escapades that captivated the young boy's imagination. "So, then I totally drifted around this corner, and my buddy thought I'd crash into the wall," Jesse animatedly recounted, eyes wide as he relived the moment. "But I made it out clean! And that's how you know you're a true racer!"
Guldrin giggled, his face lighting up with each of Jesse's stories. "That is so cool, I wish I could do that!" he exclaimed, and Jesse couldn't help but chuckle at the compliment.
As the night deepened, Letty approached, pulling Jesse aside for a moment. "You're really good with him, you know? He looks up to you," she said, glancing back at Guldrin, who was munching on a spring roll with delight and held a chicken leg in the other hand.
Jesse shrugged, a hint of modesty in his demeanor. "It's easy. He's a cool kid. But I just hope he doesn't get too caught up in all this. It's a wild ride."
Letty nodded in agreement, her gaze softening as she observed Dom and Brian talking in the distance. "Yeah, it is. Just keep him safe. That's what we all need to do."
As the clock ticked closer to midnight, the party showed no signs of winding down. Music filled the air, laughter echoed through the house and yard, and for a moment, the threat of Tran faded into the background. Dom caught Brian's eye across the house and gestured him over, "Enjoy your beer, and eat all the food you want, the party should be winding down… Hopefully"
Brian made his way over, still slightly apprehensive but feeling a growing connection to this unconventional family. Dom smiled, recognizing that this was more than just a celebration, it was an acceptance into a world he could hardly fathom but was eager to explore. Brian still had his goal to dig up all the dirt on this family, and to catch them, but with each encounter he felt like he was growing closer to them.
And as Guldrin finished his meal, the atmosphere thick with laughter and warmth, he realized that for tonight at least, they were safe. Family was more than just blood; it was the bonds they forged through shared experiences, loyalty, and love. The night was theirs, and for a moment, the world felt perfectly right.
As the party buzzed with laughter and lively conversation, Letty scanned the yard, her protective instincts on high alert. The soft glow of string lights illuminated the faces of her friends and the random partygoers, but her gaze kept drifting back to Guldrin, who was engrossed in Jesse's animated tales. There was something so pure about his enthusiasm, yet the night's earlier chaos still lingered in the back of her mind.
"Hey, Jesse," Letty called, striding over with purpose. She was all smiles, but there was a seriousness in her tone. "I think it's time to send Guldrin back to the shop for the night. He's way too young to be involved in this mess, especially with everything that just went down."
Jesse raised an eyebrow, surprise flickering across his face. "You really think so? He's having a blast!"
"Yeah, but I don't want him around if things heat up again," Letty replied, her voice firm yet laced with warmth. "I'd rather him be safe. We all know how fast things can go sideways, especially with Tran lurking. He shouldn't have to deal with any of this."
Jesse nodded, understanding the urgency behind her words. "Okay, I get it. I'll take him back. But he really is a cool kid, he keeps asking about all the old racing stories."
Letty smiled at the thought, but her gaze remained serious. "I know he is, and I want him to enjoy those stories. Just not tonight. He has been a little too close to the chaos for my comfort."
She turned to Guldrin, who was still rapt with attention as Jesse regaled him with tales of daring escapes and breathtaking races. "Hey, Guldrin!" Letty called, stepping closer. "Come here for a sec."
Guldrin looked up, a mix of curiosity and excitement on his face. "What's up, Mom?" he asked, his mouth still half-full of a spring roll.
She chuckled, seeing his voracious appetite evident by the food in his mouth and the affectionate way he addressed her. Smiling, she leaned down, "Listen, buddy, I think it's time for you to head back to the shop for the night," Letty said, her voice warm but firm. "You've had a big day, and it's better for you to be safe. Jesse's going to take you back, and I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun there."
Guldrin's face fell slightly, disappointment washing over him. "But I'm having fun! Can't I stay just a little longer?" He looked between Letty and Jesse, hoping to sway them.
"Trust me, kid," Jesse chimed in, crouching to Guldrin's level. "We'll have plenty of time to hang out later. And I've got some new games at the shop, like racing games! You'll love them!"
Letty added, "Plus, you can show me the ones you like next time, alright? Just for tonight, we need to make sure you're safe. If you are going to call me Mom, and Dom, Dad, then you need to listen, alright?"
With a sigh, Guldrin nodded, reluctantly accepting the reasoning. "Okay, if you say so." He clutched Emily close as if seeking comfort from his beloved companion.
Letty smiled, giving him a gentle pat on the back. "Good choice. And I'm glad you're safe with us… Son" She turned to Jesse, her tone taking on a more commanding edge. "Make sure you keep an eye on him, okay? He's still just a kid, and I don't want anything happening to him."
Jesse put his hands up in mock surrender. "You got it, Letty! I'll keep him out of trouble. Promise."
"Good. Thanks," Letty replied, her demeanor softening as she gave Guldrin one last affectionate look. "Alright, kiddo, let's get you all set up."
As they headed to Jesse's car, the sounds of the party faded behind them. The warm glow of the lights from the backyard felt like a comforting blanket, but Letty's mind raced with the realities of the night.
"Hey, you know what?" Jesse said as he opened the door for Guldrin. "How about we grab some snacks on the way back? You can help me pick them out!"
Guldrin's eyes brightened at the idea; he was already loaded with food from the party, and containers filled to the brim, but more food was always something welcome and encouraged, "Really? That sounds awesome! Chips, cookies, sandwiches, and everything else!" He hopped into the back seat, still clutching his food containers and Emily, who seemed to appreciate the extra attention.
With Letty waving them off, she turned back to the party, her heart still heavy with the thought of how easily things could turn dangerous. She made her way to Dom, who was deep in conversation with Brian.
"Hey, babe," Dom said, spotting her. "Everything good?"
Letty crossed her arms, a fire in her gaze. "Yeah, just sent our son back to the shop with Jesse. I didn't want him caught up in any more chaos tonight."
Brian didn't miss the way they called Guldrin, but instead of sticking around and trying to snoop for more info, he instead approached Mia and began his routine of flirting with her.
Dom nodded, appreciating her protective nature. "Our son, still strange to think of, but I guess he adopted us before we could adopt him…" He chuckled thinking about the shock he felt when Guldrin called him Dad after the race, "You did the right thing. I'd rather have him safe and sound than worry about what might happen."
Letty sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I just can't shake the feeling that tonight will end badly or that there is something we are missing… I am probably overthinking it."
Dom stepped closer, his expression serious. "We'll handle it. But we need to keep our eyes on the prize, protecting our family comes first."
As the party continued around them, Letty felt a surge of determination. She'd protect her family at all costs, no matter what. And with Dom by her side, she knew they could face anything together. She didn't have an easy life, none of them did, so her wish for Guldrin to grow up protected, was fueled by what she didn't get to have, and her growing affection for him.
Meanwhile, as Jesse drove back toward the shop, he glanced in the rearview mirror at Guldrin, who was already engrossed in a discussion about racing games. The night may have taken an unexpected turn, but Jesse felt a sense of excitement at the thought of sharing more adventures with the kid.
"Alright, kiddo," he said with a grin, "let's make sure tonight is one for the books! What snacks do you want? Letty, or as you call her… Mom," He teased, still finding it amusing, "Gave me cash for your snacks so, don't hold back, we will stop at the 24/7 down the road from the shop, unless you want to eat at the shop. Your choice, little tinkerer."
Guldrin's eyes lit up at the mention of snacks, and he leaned forward in his seat, practically vibrating with excitement. "Oh! We have to get chips! And cookies! And maybe some of those spicy burritos!" He could barely contain himself, his imagination running wild with all the delicious possibilities. All throughout the day, his Gluttony was satiated with all the food he had consumed, and Guldrin didn't feel the constant pang of pain from his hunger. However, that didn't prevent him from wanting more, and more he would get.
Jesse chuckled at the kid's enthusiasm, easily remembering his own days of late-night snack runs filled with reckless abandon. "You got it, buddy! We'll load up on everything. I'll even let you pick out a drink, but you better not go crazy on the soda; we don't want you bouncing off the walls!"
"Pfft, who says I'd bounce off the walls?" Guldrin shot back, his voice laced with mischief. "I'm just gonna be supercharged!"
As they turned down the street towards the convenience store, Jesse couldn't help but grin. "Alright then, supercharged it is! Just don't forget about the games waiting for you at the shop. You've got to earn that food, after all!"
"Deal!" Guldrin exclaimed, bouncing in his seat. He was a whirlwind of energy, and Jesse loved every minute of it. "Can I have pizza rolls, too? And, oh! What about gummy bears? They're the best!"
"Gummy bears? That's a solid choice! But you have to help me choose the flavors. There's a whole wall of them!" Jesse laughed, enjoying the way Guldrin's imagination and appetite for adventure seemed to fuel each other. He still remembers the first time he gave the kid candy, and his reactions were picture-perfect and pure.
Pulling into the parking lot of the convenience store, Jesse parked the car and hopped out, stretching his arms. "Alright, let's hit the snack aisle like it's a race! You lead the way, Guldrin!"
Guldrin wasted no time in unbuckling himself and darting toward the entrance. "Come on, Jesse! We can't waste any time!" He was like a mini bolt of lightning, his excitement infectious. As they entered, the fluorescent lights buzzed overhead, casting a bright glow over the aisles filled with an array of colorful snacks.
"Okay, what's first?" Jesse asked, watching as Guldrin's eyes scanned the shelves.
"Chips! We need the biggest bag they have!" Guldrin declared, racing toward the chip aisle. He grabbed a colossal bag of nacho cheese Doritos, practically dragging it off the shelf as he hoisted it into his arms.
"Nice choice! That'll last us a while," Jesse said, his laughter echoing off the walls. "Now, how about something sweet?"
"Cookies!" Guldrin responded, pointing at a shelf adorned with various cookie brands. "The double chocolate ones!" He practically leaped toward them, grabbing a family-sized pack with an enthusiasm that could rival any race.
"Perfect! That's what I'm talking about! Now for the drink. What do you want?" Jesse asked as they made their way to the cooler section.
Guldrin pondered for a moment, his little brow furrowed in concentration. "Hmm… I want… the biggest soda they have! Can we get two? One for me and one for you!"
"You drive a hard bargain, kid," Jesse said with a grin. "But alright, let's do it. One big soda for you and one for me." They grabbed two massive cups from the self-serve area and filled them with their favorite sodas, fizzy bubbles overflowing as they poured.
"Okay, what else?" Jesse encouraged, looking around for any potential snacks they might be missing. Guldrin's eyes widened again, catching sight of the candy section.
"Gummy bears! I see them! Come on!" He dashed over, and Jesse followed, laughing as Guldrin eagerly rifled through the assortment of candies.
"Whoa, slow down! We need to pick the right flavors," Jesse called out, trying to keep pace.
"Green ones! And red! And blue!" Guldrin exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet as he tossed various bags into their growing haul. "And sour ones, too!"
"Alright, alright! That's a good haul! Let's not get carried away, or we'll never make it back to the shop!"
With their snacks rounded up, Jesse took a look at their loot, a wide grin plastered on his face. "Alright, supercharged kiddo, you ready to check out?"
"Yep! This is gonna be the best night ever!" Guldrin said, practically bouncing on his heels.
They paid for their snacks, and as they walked back to the car, Guldrin's excitement was palpable. "We're gonna eat everything and then play games until we fall asleep! I can't wait to show you the ones I have at the shop! Aunt Mia, bought me a few games and a hand-me-down console. I haven't played much, but tonight we should try them all."
"I'm in!" Jesse replied, feeling a warmth in his chest. "We'll turn that place into our own little snack den! It'll be like a race, but instead of speed, it'll be who can eat the most!"
"You're going down, Jesse!" Guldrin laughed, his competitive spirit shining through. "I'm gonna win!" Jesse chuckled, knowing he had no chance to beat Guldrin when it came to eating, one thing everyone understood was the kid was a bottomless abyss when it came to food.
With snacks piled high in the back seat and their drinks securely in hand, they made their way back to the shop, the familiar roads weaving beneath them like a comforting thread. The night had transformed into something special, a blend of fun and laughter that dulled the chaotic edges of the evening.
As they pulled up to the shop, Jesse turned off the engine and glanced back at Guldrin. "Ready for the ultimate game night?"
Guldrin grinned from ear to ear, his youthful exuberance radiating from him. "More than ready! Let's do this!"
Together, they hopped out, the promise of games and food awaiting them. The tension of the night faded into the background as they entered the shop, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement.
"Alright, let's set this up," Jesse said, grabbing a few bags while Guldrin clutched his precious snacks. "You pick the game, and I'll handle the food. Deal?"
"Deal!" Guldrin exclaimed, already rushing to his room, where the TV and console were set up. Dom had spent a few hours getting everything working for Guldrin, and he couldn't have been happier or more thankful.
As Jesse moved to the kitchen area, he couldn't help but think that tonight, despite everything that had happened, they had carved out a piece of joy amidst the chaos, a little corner of the world where laughter, games, and endless snacks reigned supreme.