Through the storm

Chapter 3

The sun was starting to set, casting an amber glow over the beach. The waves rolled in gently now, far removed from the scene of panic just a short while ago. A soft breeze danced around the group, making the tension in the air a bit more bearable. Everyone was still sitting together, processing what had happened, but the somber mood hung over them like a heavy cloud.

Jesse, ever the optimist, decided he’d had enough of the gloom. Leaning back on his elbows, he looked over at Brian, flashing him a grin that stretched from ear to ear. "Well," he said, clapping his hands together, "at least we’ve got a built-in medic now, right?" His voice was laced with lightheartedness, a deliberate attempt to ease the weight that still lingered. "How many crews can say they’ve got their own personal doctor on call?"

Brian, sitting with his arms resting on his knees, let a small smile crack through the seriousness on his face. He appreciated Jesse’s attempt to lighten the mood. There was something contagious about Jesse’s optimism, a lightness that often balanced out the heavy reality of their lives.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that," Brian replied, his voice still a little rough from earlier, but warmth colored his words. "But don’t go doing anything stupid just because you know I’m around to patch you up." He shot Jesse a warning look, though his lips curled into a half-smile. "I’d prefer to keep my first aid skills to a minimum."

Jesse laughed, the sound loud and unapologetic. "Oh, come on, Bri! You’re telling me I can’t take a few risks knowing we’ve got you on the team? Where’s the fun in that?" He leaned back farther, stretching his legs out in front of him, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Leon, still recovering from his close call, chuckled, shaking his head as he rubbed at his chest where the water had felt like a vice grip. "True," he agreed, his voice raspy but filled with gratitude. "My savior over here. I don’t think I’ve ever been that close to checking out before. You sure know how to make a dramatic entrance, Brian."

Brian shook his head with a smirk, glancing at Leon. "Don’t make a habit out of it, man," he said, though lightness crept into his tone. The tension that had gripped his chest since pulling Leon from the water was starting to loosen. The weight of the past—of hurricanes and helplessness—still lingered, but it wasn’t quite as suffocating with his friends around him.

Leon stretched out on the sand, letting out a contented sigh as if he had just woken up from a good nap. "Well, I don’t plan on repeating that experience anytime soon. No more surfing for me today." He glanced toward the water, which now seemed deceptively calm. "Maybe I’ll stick to dry land for a while."

"Good call," Letty chimed in, her arms crossed as she gave Leon a pointed look. "I don’t think I can handle another scare like that." Her expression softened as she looked around at everyone. "You had all of us freaking out."

Dom grunted in agreement. He was still crouched beside Brian, his arm resting across his knee, eyes scanning the horizon as if deep in thought. "Yeah, no kidding. One more stunt like that, and I might have to tie you to a chair," he said, his voice gruff but filled with affection. The fear in his eyes during the rescue had been unmistakable.

Mia, sitting close to Leon, nudged him with her shoulder. "Next time, try not to drown, okay?" She gave him a teasing smile, though worry was still clear in her eyes.

"Noted," Leon replied, holding his hands up in mock surrender. "I’ll behave from now on. Can’t have Brian pulling me out of any more messes."

Jesse, ever ready with a joke, couldn’t resist the opportunity. "You mean for now, right? Come on, Leon, we both know you’ll be back in the water next weekend trying to ride the biggest wave."

Leon rolled his eyes but smiled. "Not if Letty kills me first."

Letty smirked, tilting her head. "Oh, don’t worry, I’ll keep you alive—just barely. Long enough to make sure you remember not to pull that stunt again."

The group shared a quiet laugh, the tension slowly fading, replaced by the usual banter that came so naturally to them. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the sand as the light began to fade. It was the kind of sunset that made everything seem calmer, more peaceful, and for a brief moment, they could almost pretend the day had been normal.

Brian leaned back, his eyes following the horizon, the warm colors of the sunset reflecting in his gaze. He wasn’t one to open up easily, but sitting here with his family—his crew—made it a little easier. Jesse’s comment about him being the team’s "medic" echoed in his mind, and he realized that in a way, Jesse was right. He wasn’t just part of the team for the thrill of the race or the heist; he was there to look out for them, in more ways than one.

"Seriously though," Jesse said, his tone softening slightly, "we’re lucky to have you, man." He looked over at Brian with a sincere expression. "Not just ‘cause you saved Leon today, but because you’ve always got our backs. You don’t talk much about your past, but you’ve done some real good out there. And now, you’re doing good here—with us."

Brian wasn’t used to being the focus of attention like this. He’d spent most of his life moving from one place to the next, never really settling, never letting anyone get too close. But here, with these people, it was different. They were family, and for the first time in a long time, he felt like he belonged.

He glanced at Jesse, then at the rest of the crew, his eyes landing on Dom last. "Thanks, Jess," Brian said quietly. "And, yeah... I’ll always have your backs. That’s what family does, right?"

Dom gave him a small nod, his expression one of quiet approval. "Damn right," he said. "We take care of each other. Always."

The sun had nearly disappeared below the horizon now, casting the beach in hues of pink and orange. The waves continued their gentle rhythm, a far cry from the earlier chaos. Brian let the peace of the moment wash over him, knowing that whatever storms lay ahead, he wouldn’t be facing them alone.

As the evening settled around them, the crew remained together, their laughter and easy conversation filling the air, the bond between them stronger than ever.