Chapter 6: Morning, Breakfast, and Meeting The Crew.

(Thanks to all who have donated their power stones, have another chapter. d(>_< ) ) 

In the early hours of dawn, as light crept into the cozy corners of the café, Dominic had already started on breakfast preparations. He knew today was a big day for Guldrin, not only because he was getting more comfortable in his new surroundings but also because he'd be introduced to the extended family of friends they held close, including Vince, Leon, and, of course, Jesse.

As the smell of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Guldrin rubbed his eyes, still adjusting to the idea of waking up somewhere warm and safe. Letty knocked gently on his door before opening it, her voice soft but cheerful.

"Morning, sleepyhead," she greeted him with a grin. "How'd you sleep?"

"Good…Safe?" He said the word as if tasting it on his lips, "Better than I'm used to," he admitted shyly, smoothing down his hair as he stretched. Emily, his cat, stretched alongside him, purring contentedly.

"Well, hurry up and get dressed. Dom's got breakfast going, and today's a special one. We're going to have you meeting some friends, and they're kind of like family around here," Letty said, a hint of excitement in her tone.

Guldrin nodded, his stomach rumbling despite the stash of granola bars he'd quietly devoured the night before. Mia entered from the back, greeting him with a nod as she took a seat and reached for her coffee. Dominic soon joined them, grabbing plates and laying out utensils. It was easy, and comfortable, like they'd done this a thousand times before.

"Once you're done, Guldrin," Dominic said as he set a plate of toast on the counter, "we've got some people for you to meet. They're good folks, and they'll be around a lot. So, we figure you might as well know who's who."

Guldrin looked up with a touch of curiosity and anxiety. He was still half-expecting someone to walk in and shatter the strange, fragile normalcy he'd stumbled into. But everyone's relaxed manner helped ease him into the moment.

As Guldrin made his way to the breakfast counter, the comfortable warmth of the group settled over him. Soon enough, the doors swung open, and in walked Jesse, followed by Vince and Leon. Jesse, ever the bundle of eccentric enthusiasm, spotted the kid and broke into a wide grin.

"So, you're the little guy who tried to boost some snacks, huh?" he teased, but his tone was lighthearted, a twinkle in his eyes.

Guldrin nodded, he wanted to hide but remembering their words he stayed but was unsure of how to respond, but the warm reception eased his nerves. Vince, with his usual laid-back swagger, gave a nod of approval.

"You've got guts, kid," Vince said, taking a seat. "Not many people would've done that and still have the guts to stick around afterward. That's really something. Especially if Dom was the one to catch you; I bet you wanted to bolt the second you met his angered gaze," Dom frowned but shrugged since he wasn't the friendliest looking person.

Dominic stepped in, serving up plates and motioning for everyone to dig in. He glanced at Guldrin, whose eyes sparkled with gratitude. This was the closest thing to family he'd experienced, and for the first time, he felt that maybe… just maybe… he belonged here.

As they wrapped up breakfast, Letty caught Guldrin's attention. "They're all good people," she reassured him. "A little rough around the edges, but they're family. And, well… you're part of that now, too. They'll get used to you, and you'll get used to them."

Since Guldrin had yet to introduce himself, Dominic placed a hand on Guldrin's shoulder. "Guys, this is Guldrin. He's going to be staying with us, and he'll be helping out around here. Treat him well." He ended with a pointed glare.

Vince nodded, his expression unreadable. "Kid's got good instincts if Dom's already bringing him in," he said, reaching out to ruffle Guldrin's hair.

Guldrin couldn't help but stiffen slightly, but the easy, welcoming smiles from Jesse and Leon began to soften his nerves.

As breakfast spun its last cycle, the group chatted with easy familiarity, swapping stories and teasing each other. Jesse animatedly recounted a recent project he'd been working on, a modified engine that he swore would revolutionize their next street race. Guldrin listened, fascinated by the intricacies of Jesse's work, his eyes wide as he absorbed every word.

"So, what about you, kid?" Jesse asked, catching Guldrin's gaze. "Ever work with cars? Engines? Gears?"

Guldrin hesitated, feeling the weight of their curiosity. "I… I don't remember if I ever did anything like that," he admitted, glancing down at his hands. "But it sounds… exciting. Does it bring more food?"

Jesse's eyes lit up and he laughed. "A little glutton huh, don't worry, food can be bought, and to buy food, you need money. That is where racing comes in, you win races, you get money… As for having no experience, we'll change that, then. Stick with me, and I'll teach you everything you want to know. By the end of it, you'll be building engines from scratch. Then you can make as much money as you want, and buy all the snacks you could crave." Guldrin's eyes lit up and was highly interested, hearing he could get food if he won races, he wished to understand this side of the world.

Dominic chuckled, ruffling Guldrin's hair. "Just watch out for Jesse. He'll talk your ear off about engines, but he knows his stuff." Dominic felt this might be good for both of them and didn't scold Jesse for trying to get Guldrin hooked on cars, it is a family trade after all.

Letty leaned back in her chair, a soft smile on her face as she observed the easy way Guldrin fit into the group. Even Vince, who could be gruff and distant, seemed to soften around the kid. And Leon, always one to hang back and observe, gave a nod of encouragement every now and then.

After breakfast, Jesse pulled Guldrin aside. "Come on, let's check out the garage. I've got something I think you'll like." They wandered over to a corner of the workshop where a beat-up car sat, its hood open and parts spread out like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Guldrin looked at the car, unsure of where to start. "What do you do with all this?" he asked, a bit overwhelmed by the chaos of bolts, wrenches, and wires.

Jesse knelt down beside him, picking up a wrench. "This is where the magic happens, my little tinkerer. See, this car might look like it's on its last leg, but all it needs is some love, and it'll be tearing up the streets again. Wanna give it a go?"

With a bit of guidance, Guldrin hesitantly took the wrench, adjusting his grip until he felt more confident. As Jesse explained each step, Guldrin's concentration deepened, his hands gradually finding a rhythm. The more he tinkered, the more he realized he enjoyed the feeling of working with his hands, like a part of him came alive in the process.

Hours passed as Jesse walked him through basic repairs, his encouragement genuine and enthusiastic. At one point, Guldrin glanced up and noticed Dom, Letty, and Mia standing in the doorway, watching with soft smiles.

When the work was finally done, Jesse wiped the grease from his hands, nodding approvingly at Guldrin. "Not bad for your first try, kid. You've got a knack for this."

Feeling a surge of pride, Guldrin grinned. "Thanks… It felt good. But where is the food?" Jesse laughed like a fool and gave Guldrin a pack of crackers. Guldrin smiled and scarfed them down in seconds, making everyone deadpan. "Dom, you sure this kid won't eat out the entire shop?" Vince joked and Letty kicked him in the shin, "Hush. He is a growing child." 

As they stepped out of the garage, Dominic put an arm around Guldrin's shoulders. "You did great. You're a natural, just like Jesse said." His tone softened as he continued, "We're glad to have you here, Guldrin. This… this place is your home now, and we're your family. Though, you better believe your first car will be an American muscle..." Everyone chuckled and knew he was serious.

The words settled deep within Guldrin, his heart swelling with a feeling he hadn't dared hope for. The day had started with breakfast and ended with the assurance that he was no longer alone, that he had people who cared, who would be there, no matter what.

The sun had climbed higher as the day moved on, and after a quick clean-up, and some food, the group gathered outside. Jesse was all too eager to start on another "lesson" for Guldrin, while the others looked on, amused and curious to see how things would unfold.

Jesse waved Guldrin over to a small tool station in the corner of the garage and picked up a spark plug. "Alright, first thing's first… if you're gonna be part of this family, you gotta know how to do the basics. You remember what I told you about engines?"

Guldrin nodded, the excitement of learning something new written all over his face. "Engines make cars go fast, and fast means you get money, and money means food," he recited, a determined look on his face. Jesse laughed, nodding approvingly. Dom shook his head with a smile but didn't correct the kid since his words weren't exactly false.

"Exactly! And spark plugs," he held one up, "are a big part of that process. They're like the spark that lights the fire. No spark, no speed. So, we're going to practice changing one out. Parts go bad, and it is our job to know what to replace and how to do it, little tinkerer."

Handing Guldrin the spark plug, Jesse showed him where it would go, explaining the steps. The kid's small hands fumbled with the wrench, but his concentration was fierce, his tongue sticking out slightly as he focused. After a few tries, he managed to get the old plug out and the new one in. Jesse clapped him on the back, a proud grin on his face.

"Nice work! You're gonna be better than me in no time," Jesse joked, and Guldrin beamed.

Dominic watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed as he leaned against the garage door, a rare smile softening his usually serious expression. Vince leaned over, nudging him.

"You know, Dom, if this kid keeps learning from Jesse, we're going to end up with a whole new breed of trouble," Vince teased, though there was a fondness in his tone.

Dom smirked. "Yeah, maybe… but that's not a bad thing. He's got potential."

As the afternoon wore on, Letty and Mia joined them outside, bringing a few chairs and some snacks for everyone. They chatted and laughed, and Guldrin found himself wrapped up in the easy flow of the family's dynamic. Every story they told, every joke they shared, felt like another piece of a life he'd always wanted but never thought he'd have.

Mia noticed Guldrin watching her as she laughed at one of Leon's stories, and she gave him a warm smile. "What's on your mind, kid?"

Guldrin held Emily to his chest and hesitated, then glanced around at the group. "Is this… what a family's supposed to be like?"

Mia reached over and ruffled his hair. "It's exactly what a family's supposed to be like. It's not always easy, but we've got each other's backs. That's what matters."

The sincerity in her voice left Guldrin speechless for a moment. He looked down, feeling a tightness in his chest that he couldn't quite explain. For the first time, he felt like he truly belonged somewhere.

As the day came to a close, Dominic gathered everyone around, and he glanced at each member of his family before focusing on Guldrin. "This life, it's not always easy, Guldrin. But it's a good life. And as long as you're with us and honest, you'll have a place here."

Guldrin's eyes shone with gratitude as he looked at each of them, feeling a fierce determination rise within him. He didn't fully understand what the future held, but for the first time, he knew he had something to fight for, something he wanted to protect. Guldrin felt like he needed to remember something important, but just as quickly the feeling was gone.

And in that moment, surrounded by laughter and warmth, Guldrin understood, he was finally home. In a place where he could learn to belong and forget about what he lost.