Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

(Bonus Chapter Due to Power Stones, Thank You to all who support my work!)

After breakfast on the next day, Shiro settled into life with the Torettos. She was quiet, observant, and rarely spoke unless spoken to, but her presence quickly became a familiar part of the household. She took to watching the crew work in the garage, her eyes always sharp, absorbing every detail as if she were analyzing a complex puzzle.

One afternoon, Guldrin noticed her sitting in the garage, watching him work on his Chevelle with a curious intensity. He looked up, feeling a bit self-conscious under her gaze. "Do you… you like cars?" He didn't know what she wanted and asked to break the ice.

Shiro nodded, her gaze shifting from the engine to him. "They're like machines. Patterns. I like figuring out patterns. Machines have patterns, a puzzle to solve."

A smile tugged at Guldrin's lips. "Want to help? I could use an extra set of hands."

Without a word, Shiro slid off her seat and came over, her small hands surprisingly deft as she followed his instructions, tightening bolts and adjusting parts with a meticulousness that impressed him. They worked in comfortable silence, the sound of tools and the faint hum of the garage filling the space between them.

As they finished up, Shiro looked at him, a glimmer of something unspoken in her eyes. "Thank you… for letting me help. It was fun, not as much as games, but similar…" Her eyes took on a contemplative look. What she was thinking was anyone's guess, but her smile was warm enough to dissuade any questions Guldrin held.

Guldrin felt his heart skip a beat. "Of course. That's what friends are for." For the first time, a true smile had touched her lips, it was a small, shy smile that made his heart swell with warmth.

The following days were a strange blend of routine and adjustment. Shiro was quiet, often trailing behind Guldrin wherever he went, her presence more a shadow than a distraction. She stayed close to him, much like she had with her brother, but there was a subtle difference in the way she looked at him, a mixture of curiosity and familiarity that made him feel like he'd known her forever. Though to her, an unknown feeling budded in her heart as she stole curious glances at him when he wasn't looking. Her over-cautious nature makes it nearly impossible to notice her glances. Mia and Letty noticed, but Guldrin was blissfully unaware of this; so much so, that Dom and Vince would joke about it behind his back. Jesse, being his socially awkward self, had no idea what nuances were going on and instead focused on doing what he did best; tuning cars.

Whenever Guldrin worked on his Chevelle, she sat nearby, sometimes handing him tools without needing to be asked, as though she understood what he needed and him on a deeper level. At night, she would find her way to his room, always slipping in without a word, curling up beside him as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Mia and Letty noticed, and while they found it a bit unusual, they didn't question it. Mia even brought it up to Guldrin one evening while they were washing up after dinner. By this point, they were having dinner at the shop more often than at their family home due to Guldrin and Shiro living there for their safety.

"She's attached to you, isn't she?" Mia remarked, her voice soft and thoughtful.

"Yeah," Guldrin replied, drying his hands. "She doesn't really talk about it, but… I think she's been through a lot. Feels like she needs someone to stay close to. Kinda like I felt, so I can't dream of pushing her away. Instead, it feels nice to have someone rely on me."

Mia nodded, a gentle smile on her face. "Just make sure to take care of her, alright? She might be stronger than she looks, but even the strongest people need a little help sometimes. Plus, you may get yourself a girlfriend out of it." Guldrin blushed and walked away, muttering about troublesome Aunts and went to fill his belly while Mia and Letty laughed at his expense.

That night, as Shiro settled beside him again, Guldrin thought about Mia's words. Shiro's presence was like a puzzle, one he couldn't quite solve but definitely didn't want to lose. There was an unspoken promise between them, a silent understanding that he'd keep her safe, no matter what.

And as he drifted off to sleep with Shiro by his side, he knew that, for now, that was enough.

The next day was the last chance to put the final touches on the cars that would be competing in the event. Brian's 1994 Toyota Supra Mark IV had been finished and was raring to go; its roars echoed in the shop. The first time Guldrin heard the engine, he nearly jumped out of his shoes, and Shiro covered her ears with a frown, the sound shook the metal sheeting through the garage. Brian didn't even notice their reactions and continued to rev the engine like a madman, earning a smack on the shoulder from an incensed Mia as she pointed at Guldrin and Shiro, who appeared to be in pain. Jesse thought it was funny and laughed his butt off as he commented on how amazing this car would be at the race.

Shiro continued to adapt to life in the Toretto household. She became an integral part of the crew's day-to-day life, even if she didn't fully understand everything going on. Guldrin took it upon himself to explain as much as he could, often simplifying things to the point where he'd say, "Fast means you win, and winning means money. And money… means food." It had become a sort of mantra, a concept he held onto thanks to Jesse's early rationalization of racing. Shiro, though perplexed by the intense fascination the others had with speed, seemed to accept Guldrin's explanation as something fundamental to this new world she found herself in.

With Race Wars looming on the horizon, the energy in the garage was charged with an infectious anticipation. Dom, Letty, and the rest of the crew were working around the clock, tuning engines, checking tires and obsessing over every minor detail. Even Jesse was a constant whirlwind, darting around with specs and muttering calculations under his breath.

"You'll see it all, kid," Jesse grinned one day, ruffling Guldrin's hair as they worked on Dom's Charger. "Race Wars is like… like the Super Bowl of street racing. Fast cars, big money, girls," He paused when he received a sharp glare from Mia, "And all the best racers brought into one place."

Guldrin's eyes sparkled with excitement. "You think… one day, I could be a fraction as good as everyone else?" His voice held a touch of insecurity but also hope.

Jesse laughed, leaning in close. "Oh, you're gonna race, alright. Maybe not this year, or the next. But when you're ready, and that Chevelle's ready? You're gonna be unstoppable, kid. You have to be, you have the best crew to exist that will teach you the ropes, the ins and the outs."

Hearing that, Guldrin felt a surge of excitement. But he also knew, deep down, that there was a long way to go. His Chevelle still sat half-assembled, the engine little more than a dream in pieces. He couldn't even imagine it tearing down a track yet, let alone winning races. But the idea of it, of one day racing alongside Dom, Letty, Vince, and Jesse, sparked a fire inside him. Leon always felt like an add-on, he didn't know why, but Guldrin never felt like Leon was truly one of them.

Shiro, ever the quiet observer, watched these exchanges with an inscrutable expression. She didn't fully understand the obsession with speed or the thrill that everyone else seemed to derive from it, but she was content simply being there, watching Guldrin chase his dreams. Though she was beginning to understand his love for good food as she continued to snack on Guldrin's pile of spare food much to Guldrin's dismay and the rest's amusement.

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The day of Race Wars finally arrived, and the entire crew gathered at the Toretto garage at dawn, loading up cars with gear and spare parts. It felt like a family road trip, with Mia and Letty loading coolers and Dom carefully securing tools in the trunk of his Charger. Guldrin and Shiro watched with wide eyes, standing off to the side as the crew bustled around them. Of course, Guldrin was in the background loading the car with food, burgers, chicken, chips, hotdogs, and even an ooey gooey baked mac n' cheese he made the night before. Everyone saw him super focused on his task and Shiro followed behind and thought it was adorable.

"Alright, listen up," Dom called, gathering everyone around. "This isn't just another race. We're here to make a statement, to show who we are and why we're the best. But we're also a family. So stick together, watch each other's backs, and remember, we leave no one behind."

Guldrin rolled his eyes at his Dad's use of 'family' every chance he got, but by this point, it was rubbing off on him, even if he found it a little funny to mention it every time. Shiro on the other hand, was captivated by the bond Dom held for his family and how even if they weren't blood, they were accepted nonetheless. 

Everyone nodded, a solemn sense of unity settling over them. Dom's words resonated deeply, and even Guldrin felt a surge of pride. He wasn't racing, but he was part of the crew, the experience, and that was enough. Today would introduce him to a world unlike anything he had seen before, and Shiro would learn what it means to be a speed freak.

Shiro, who'd been quietly watching Dom, tilted her head. "Why do you race?" she asked, her voice soft but curious.

Dom looked down at her, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "For some of us, racing is more than just speed. It's about freedom. It's about proving something to ourselves and to everyone else. And sometimes… Money, because it makes the world go round, but mostly it's about family. To do what we love, with the people we love and call ours."

Shiro nodded thoughtfully, her gaze turning inward as if trying to understand what that meant. She looked at Guldrin, her eyes softening. Maybe, she thought, racing was just another kind of puzzle, one she'd eventually figure out.

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As they arrived at the desert track where Race Wars was being held, Guldrin and Shiro could hardly believe their eyes. Hundreds, if not thousands, of cars lined up, gleaming in the sunlight, each one a unique masterpiece of chrome and paint. Racers from all over the city milled about, checking out the competition and gearing up for the event. The air buzzed with anticipation, the roar of engines blending into a symphony of speed and adrenaline.

Guldrin's eyes widened as he took it all in, practically vibrating with excitement. "This is it, Shiro! This is Race Wars!" His excitement was palpable as he nearly bounced on his feet. This was his first time here and compared to the street race, this was a whole 'nother animal. 

Shiro, standing beside him, gave a small nod, her expression still calm but her eyes reflecting the electric energy around them. "It's… loud," she murmured, watching as a sleek red Mustang tore down the makeshift drag strip, its engine roaring as it left a cloud of dust in its wake.

Dom and Letty pulled up nearby, and Letty gave Guldrin a wink as she got out of her car. "One day, kid, that'll be you out there," she said, nodding toward the track.

Guldrin grinned, feeling a rush of determination. "Yeah, just wait. I'll make it fast. And if it's fast, it'll win. Then I can get all the food I want with my winnings!"

Dom chuckled, clapping a hand on Guldrin's shoulder. "That's the spirit. But remember, speed isn't everything. It's about control, too. If you don't control the power, it'll control you. Precision is key, know your car and lead it, don't let it lead you."

Guldrin nodded, absorbing Dom's words like a sponge. Racing wasn't just about pressing the pedal, it was an art, a skill, something that required more than just raw speed. And he was determined to learn everything he could.

As the first races began, Guldrin and Shiro found a spot on the sidelines, eagerly watching as the cars flew by, each race a blur of speed and skill. Dom, Letty, and Jesse took turns racing, each one showing their unique style on the track. The crew cheered them on, their voices blending with the roar of engines, and Guldrin couldn't help but feel a swell of pride every time one of their cars crossed the finish line.

Once again, Vince and Leon were off doing who knows what but when a group of adult men tried to pester Guldrin, a flying right hook caught one of the men as he tumbled to the ground, courtesy of good ol' Uncle Vince who came out of nowhere. "Back off the kids, they are protected. And if you think I am out of line, imagine what Dom would do if he found out you almost hit his Son and his little girlfriend… Not to mention what Letty would have done…" The men visibly paled as Vince spoke, and they turned around to leave.

"Kid, don't hesitate to throw your Dad and Mom's name around, trust me, no one wants to mess with your parents. Protect your girlfriend and enjoy the races." With that, Vince left a blushing Guldrin and Shiro as he went off to who knows where, but clearly, he hadn't left them on their own since he was able to step in so quickly to protect them. This action made Guldrin feel truly like a part of this unique crew. Shiro on the other hand was too busy repeating 'Girlfriend' in her mind to understand anything else. She may be young, but circumstance forced her to grow up faster, and she understood the meaning much more than even Guldrin did, Emily thought the entire situation was funny as she peered her head out of Guldrin's shirt and enjoyed their expressions.

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During a break between races, Jesse plopped down beside Guldrin and Shiro, wiping sweat from his brow. "Man, that track is brutal today," he said, shaking his head. "But I'm tellin' ya, kid, one day, you're gonna kill it out there. Just gotta get that Chevelle up and running."

Guldrin grinned, feeling a pang of longing as he thought about his car. "I will. Just need more parts, more time… and, y'know, money."

Jesse laughed, clapping him on the back. "Hey, that's the game, right? But remember, winning means money and money means food." He shot Guldrin a playful wink, making him laugh.

Shiro, listening quietly, tilted her head. "Money… food… it's all connected?" She looked thoughtful, as though she were trying to solve a riddle. Once again, Jesse brought another youth to the dark side of gluttonous behavior.

Jesse grinned at her. "Yeah, kiddo, kinda. Racing's just another way to survive, to get what we need. We do what we love, and in return, it keeps us going."

Shiro nodded, her expression softening as she looked at Guldrin. "Then… maybe one day, you'll race, too. And I'll be there to help you."

The promise hung in the air between them, a silent understanding that they were in this together.

"Well, looks like my job is done here little tinkerer, wish me luck… I am going to race pinks against Tran so that when my dad gets out of jail we can tear up the streets together." Jesse said as he stood up with a shit-eating grin, since he felt he was a great wingman for Guldrin. Before Guldrin could question his choice, Jesse was gone, and Guldrin couldn't help but feel something was going to go wrong.

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