Homecomings

Summary: Homecomings and several cases of with-held information.
Warning(s): Spanking; D/s; M/m; mentions of death and violence. Explicit sexual content
Pairings: Hobbs/Shaw; Dom/Letty

###

To say Shaw was shocked at seeing Han outside his hideout was an understatement. If it wasn't for the fact that the man had clearly aged, he would have assumed he was looking at a ghost. Or a hallucination. It certainly wouldn't be the first time that he'd been haunted by images of those he killed. Good reason or not, there was no escaping the fact that blood stained his hands.

"I killed you." The words held more than a hint of disbelief. Glancing back over his shoulder, at the hanging punching bag, Shaw turned his attention back to Han. "You're here for revenge?"

"I'm here to make sure... if I come back.... Stop hiding.... You won't come back and try to finish the job." Han glanced toward the bag as well because Shaw had.

"No reason to." Shaw shrugged, eyeing him a moment before saying, "Wouldn't mind knowing how you survived it, though."

"We knew someone was coming for me. They came for a little girl first, though. I rescued her, then... well. The only way to keep her safe and make it so I wasn't constantly looking over my shoulder was to fake my death. A lot of smoke and mirrors was involved." Han shrugged faintly, walking into the building. "Don't particularly want to go into details. Especially given the guest hiding in your punching bag."

Shaw glanced towards the punching bag and snorted softly. "You don't need to worry about him." He didn't say anything else, but this was part of the job too. Get the information he needed. Clean up after himself. Get his hands dirty, so that other people didn't have to.

Han raised an eyebrow. "Toretto indicated you were on the side of the good guys now. The good guys okay with this?"

"No." Shaw gave the answer without hesitation and shrugged. "So, they don't know about this. But if you're worried, don't be. Guy in there's not a good guy either."

Han shrugged. "Not like I haven't killed my share of bad guys in pursuit of knowledge. Just want to be sure this won't bite me in the ass later."

"This doesn't involve you." Shaw nodded to the punching bag. He paused. "Don't really know what you're doing here, but if you want to talk, we can do that after I dispose of him."

"I'm staying here." Han handed a card over. "Have the front desk ring me when you're ready to meet." He glanced toward the bag again, then turned and left.

Shaw let out his breath in a slow sigh and turned his attention back to the punching bag.

***

After disposing of the guy, Shaw retreated to the place he was staying; vastly different from the building he lived in with Hobbs now. This was a rundown place, in a bad part of town. Shaw wasn't worried. He could handle himself and the location was useful for collecting information he needed.

From the outside, the building looked like it had been in a war. Inside his apartment, it was much different. After all, Shaw wouldn't want to stay somewhere that was particularly dangerous, or liable to get him killed. He might be hiding certain things from Hobbs, but he was in a relationship with the other man and knew he had to keep himself alive. Both for Hobbs' sake and for his daughter.

Shaw turned the card over and over in his hand before he picked up his cell phone and called the number, briefly giving the front desk directions to a cafe where he could meet Han.

***

Han hadn’t been certain the other man would contact him. Shaw had certainly seemed spooked when first seeing him. But according to Dom and the others, Shaw had ended up being a good guy and it didn't sit right with him that the other man would continue to believe he had done something he hadn't done. When the front desk gave him directions on where to meet Shaw, Han had to admit he was surprised. He quickly let his daughter know where he was going, then left to meet Shaw.

***

Shaw had settled in a booth in the cafe, his back to the wall, where he could see the door and anyone who came in. While his gun wasn't in visible view, he did have it on him. It was unlikely anyone would come after him in such a public place, but...stranger things had happened.

Han entered quietly, slipping quickly into a seat across from Shaw. He figured he'd know if someone was coming up behind him by the look on Shaw's face, or through the reflection in the window.

"You want anything?" Shaw asked. "I've been here for a while. Can attest to the coffee being good."

"Coffee's fine..." Han quickly agreed. He waited until the waitress had brought his drink and left, before saying, "I'm not here for revenge. After I was able to let my family know, I was alive, it didn't seem right to let you continue thinking you'd killed me. Not when you were one of the good guys."

"I'm not. One of the good guys." Shaw spoke with an open honesty, without any sadness or grief. He'd come to terms with what he was. What he had to be. "They needed a bad guy. So that's what I became. My relationship with your family doesn't wipe that away."

"Do you go after the good guys or innocents?" Han asked seriously.

"I went after you," Shaw pointed out.

Han smiled faintly. "I mean now. Now that your name was cleared."

"No. But it doesn't change the past," Shaw said.

"It doesn't. But if you aren't doing the same things, you did then...." Han shrugged.

Shaw's mouth twisted slightly. "You say that like it's so easy. I guess it probably is, for you." He drained about half his coffee. "I can apologize, but it won't change anything. It won't make anything right."

"I have to believe it's that easy. I've done things that are... unforgivable... as well. If I thought what I did now didn't matter because of what I've done in the past..." Han shrugged again. "If it helps, I forgive you."

"It helps," Shaw allowed, leaving unsaid that it was only a little. Still. A little was better than none.

"Okay, well... now that we're mostly on the same side, I guess we'll see each other around..." Han said hesitantly. He had no clue if he and Shaw were working for the same people, just assumed they were.

"More than likely," Shaw agreed. "I'm in a relationship with Hobbs. And he's part of your family grouping too."

"Really? That's interesting. Do the others know? Because no one said anything." Han smiled.

Shaw shrugged. "We spend time with them when Hobbs is invited. We don't hide."

"Huh... well, congratulations, then." Han smiled. "Now that I don't have to remain hidden, and my daughter is safe... maybe I'll start dating." He didn't sound convincing. More like it was something he thought he should do, than wanted to.

"You don't have to just because you think you should," Shaw commented. "I wasn't looking for anyone when me and Hobbs formed our relationship. It just happened naturally."

Han nodded. "Maybe you're right. Hiding was a good excuse, but after Gisele..." He shrugged. "Guess I should just see what happens and not force anything."

"You're not hiding anymore," Shaw commented. "Which means you can let whatever happens happen naturally."

"Yeah. Thanks for reminding me of that. So... you meeting up with Hobbs when you're done here? Help him on the job he just got handed? Or you going back to be with the kid till he returns?" Han asked curiously.

"We're planning to meet up," Shaw replied. "Sam's been with her grandmother and uncles in Samoa. If we've both got things to take care of, we try to make sure she's as well protected as possible. And who better than the rest of her family?"

Han nodded at that. "No one, and that's a fact. I heard about Hobbs' family from Victor Locke." He grinned in amusement.

"Hey, they're like Toretto," Shaw commented. "They consider you family, they're on your side for good."

"That's a good thing. Specially for people like us, who are short on blood." Han sighed.

Shaw nodded. "Maybe it goes without saying, but just in case it's not clear. Anyone Hobbs cares about is under my protection too. Whether they need it or not."

"Don't know that Hobbs knows me well enough to care about me, but I appreciate the sentiment." Han grinned.

"You're important to Toretto, so you'll be important to Hobbs." Shaw shrugged.

Han nodded, not agreeing, or disagreeing. He didn't know if Shaw was correct in his assessment. He hoped he was.

Shaw finished his own coffee and then nodded to Han's. "Did you want another one?"

"No... thank you. I should eat something, though. Anything to recommend?" Han asked, reaching for a menu, and looking it over skeptically.

"Most of it's good here," Shaw commented. "I like the pasta, though."

"Pasta it is..." Han waved the waitress over and gave her his order. He then turned to face Shaw again. "I head back to the States tomorrow morning. As much as Tokyo became my home because Gisele and I planned to have a family there, it... it's not home without her. Elle and I were never really able to relax enough to feel safe and think of it as home... thinking maybe...."

"Travelling together?" Shaw asked.

"She's my daughter. Maybe not legally since we've been using aliases for years... but in every way that matters. We'll travel together till she wants to leave me." Han smiled.

Shaw nodded. "At least you both found each other. That sounds like a good thing. Makes me glad I didn't actually kill you." He paused before saying, "I regretted it when I thought I had. I didn't have a lot of choice in it."

"After hearing some of what was going on then, I kinda figured you didn't," Han said.

"Not that it makes it any better for the people who were hurt." Shaw paused as the food was brought over and waited until they were alone again to add, "When you first showed up, I thought you were another hallucination to remind me of my guilt."

"You've been hallucinating?" Han asked, in surprise and faint worry.

Shaw shrugged. "Picturing them, maybe. Like ghosts who won't stop haunting me."

"That's rough..." Han whistled softly under his breath.

"It's not like I could blame them for haunting me." Shaw shrugged. "Doesn't really matter what my reasons are when it comes to the dead."

"And here I thought you'd come to terms with the more unpleasant parts of your job. To hear the way everyone talked when I asked about you and if facing you was a good idea, they said since I wasn't a job, I didn't have to worry. I guess I assumed I wouldn't have to worry because you didn't let your feelings get involved..." Han sounded irritated at himself.

"I didn't," Shaw replied. "But you can't do the things I've done and not be affected by them in the end. No matter the reasons."

"Yeah. Guess that's true..." Han sighed, continuing to eat. Wasn't like he hadn't been affected by the ones he'd killed. He just tended not to regret them, because they were a case of kill or be killed.

Shaw finished his own food in silence, sitting back when he'd finished and automatically scanning the cafe.

Han finished as well, then finished the water he'd been given when his food was dropped off.  He looked at Shaw. "So, I guess I'll see you back in California? After you meet up with your guy on that mission?"

Shaw nodded. "Yeah. If you're sticking around, we're bound to see each other again."

Han nodded. "Good luck then. I prolly should head back to my hotel. Early flight and all."

"I'll catch up with you, I'm sure." Shaw stood, putting down enough money to pay for both their food. "I'm glad you're alive," he added.

Han glanced at the money and nodded. "Thank you for dinner." He looked back at Shaw, giving him a sincere smile. "I'm glad I'm finally able to let you know I'm alive."

Shaw slid a card across to him. "If you need to reach me before we see each other again, you can use this number."

Han nodded. "Thanks. I don't have a card yet... but I'm sure Mr. Nobody or Victor will know where to reach me, if Toretto doesn't."

"I'll see you back in the States," Shaw said, before leaving the cafe.

Han headed back to his hotel to pack and rest before catching his flight.

For his part, Shaw sent off a quick message to Hobbs, letting his partner know he was finished, and returned to the temporary apartment to pack.

****

Jakob Toretto sighed softly as the plane touched down. He hadn't been in this part of the country since driving away from his older brother so long ago. He wasn't sure this was a good idea; Dom had given him a second chance, but that didn't mean he was welcome home. Even if he had no intention of going to the house he grew up in, doing a job in this town was just asking for attention.

***

Dom had learned very quickly that his brother was coming into town. He still had a lot of contacts, after all. So, he was at the airport, waiting. He didn't have Jakob's number, but wouldn't have alerted his brother even if he did. He wasn't so sure Jakob wouldn't get on the plane if he knew Dom was waiting for him.

***

Jake sat in his seat and waited, even though the rest of the plane had stood immediately as soon as the seat belt lights had turned off. He wasn't expected by anyone and really had nowhere to go, so wasn't in a hurry. He was sat near the back of the plane. Because of this, he saw when two of his fellow straggling passengers stood a few aisles in front of him. He recognized them. His brother's friend and said friend's 'daughter' that he'd helped kidnap to use the object. Wincing, he slipped down into his seat and hoped he wouldn't be seen.

Han had seen. But he kept a neutral, unconcerned look on his face, pretending he didn't. He needed to speak with Dom to find out what was going on before deciding what to do. He grabbed his and Elle's bags and motioned her to exit the plane. They quickly made their way through the gate, where Han immediately saw Dom. He walked over, grinning. "Saw someone on the plane you know. Take it you're here for him?"

Dom nodded. "Got a lead he was coming here. Not from him." He glanced over Han and Elle quickly. "You both doing okay? You talk to Shaw?" he asked Han, his voice carefully neutral.

"Yeah. We ate dinner. He was equal parts relieved he hadn't killed me and guilty that he'd tried. Hoping knowing he failed will help the guilt. Not much I can do. Don't know him. You friends, or just acquaintances?" Han asked.

"Friends, far as I'm concerned," Dom answered. "He saved my son. And Hobbs trusts him, for all they butted heads during their first meeting."

Han nodded. "Good enough for me."

***

Jake had sat in the plane until a flight attendant came to ask if he needed assistance getting off. Long enough for everyone that had been on the plane to have cleared the gate area. Smiling ruefully, he grabbed his bag and exited the plane, only to pull up short at seeing Han and Elle still there... with Dom. All three looking straight at him. Well, damn.

Dom excused himself from Han and Elle and walked over to Jake. "You got any luggage to pick up?" he asked his brother.

Swallowing hard, Jake cleared his throat and tried to act like Dom being here hadn't caught him by surprise. "No... I uh... my stuff is in storage. Waiting to be shipped to wherever I decide to settle."

Dom nodded. "You'll be staying with me, Letty and Brian. You can tell me why you're here on the drive."

Jake opened his mouth to argue, but then slumped. His brother hadn't immediately told him to leave and not come back, despite everything. This was an olive branch, of sorts... if Jake didn't screw it up. "...Thank you..." he finally said quietly, before looking at Han uncertainly.

Han grinned crookedly. "If Dom thinks he can take a chance on you, I'm not going to argue." He grabbed his and Elle's bags again to head toward where he and Elle could get their luggage. He tossed over his shoulder, "I will be watching, though."

Dom waited for Han and Elle and then headed out of the airport and towards his car, fully expecting the three others to join him.

Han got into the backseat with Elle, leaving the front for Jake. Jake wasn't sure what to say as he settled into position. "How did you know I was coming?" he finally asked.

"Been keeping tabs on you," Dom replied. "I didn't want you to come here without us seeing each other."

"You really wanted to see me?" Jake sounded skeptically surprised.

Dom glanced sideways at his brother. "Why'd you think I came?"

"To make sure I was in a car and driving away as soon as possible..." Jake muttered uncertainly.

"I didn't go through everything we did just to turn you away again," Dom replied. "I won't turn my back on you again."

"I... so...' Jake ran a hand through his hair uncertainly. "You want me to stay?"

"I want you to stay," Dom replied. "I can't change the past, but you have a home with me. If you want it."

"I... I'd like a chance to meet my nephew," Jake finally said, accepting Dom's words.

Dom nodded, even as he continued driving, heading towards home. "We have family barbeques regularly. You're more than welcome to join." He included all three in the invitation.

"They won't mind?" Jake asked.

Han smiled. "Everyone's about second chances."

"Lot of people deserve second chances," Dom said softly.

Jake swallowed at that, before nodding briefly. There was a lot of hurt between them and Dom hadn't made it easy, but nothing his brother had done excused his own actions. If they were all willing to forgive and give him a second chance after everything, he'd done wrong, then he should forgive and give Dom a chance to be his brother again. "I missed you..." he finally admitted.

Dom glanced at him. "I always missed you." His voice was sincere. Honest. He'd been angry, hurt, grieving...but they all had been. He regretted a lot of things in his life, but perhaps none so much as losing his brother.

Jake looked at Dom then, not saying anything, but saw what he needed to in the older man's face. He visibly relaxed. The rest of the car ride home was much more at ease.

Dom parked outside the house and wasted no time in getting out of the car, waiting for the others to join him.

The other three got out if the car and followed Dom into the house.

Letty came to meet them, bringing little Brian with her. She nodded to Jake. "I'm glad to see Dom found you." She turned to Han and Elle. "The guest rooms are upstairs."

"Thanks. We're hoping to find a nearby apartment of our own soon, but we appreciate you letting us stay until then..." Han said, informing them of the intention to stay in the area instead of 'just visiting'.

"I... I should probably look for one as well," Jake said, his tone making it more of a question. Would Dom want him to stay permanently?

"You don't need to," Dom replied, looking at Jake. "We spent a lot of time apart not being brothers. I'd like a chance to make up for that."

"You say that now..." Jake smiled crookedly. "...Maybe we should wait and see. We might drive each other mental."

"I don't need to wait and see," Dom replied firmly. "You're family. My brother. And I'm going to do right by you."

Jake blinked at that, surprised to find himself tearing up. "Yeah... okay," he finally said. He wasn't sure he believed it completely- Dom had chased him away from their family, after all- but he wanted to believe it.

"I saw your friend Shaw," Han interjected, seeing that Jake needed a moment to regain control over his emotions. "Let him know I was alive. He a part of the family too now? Or just a friend of the family?" He already knew the answer of course, but it might help Jake to hear about someone else that had been forgiven and accepted back.

"Family," Letty said, glancing at Dom, though she knew he felt the same. "Brian's only here because of him. And he and Hobbs are close."

Dom nodded but didn't voice his own observations of the other two men. Instead, he asked, "Do you want to see the guest rooms now?"

"You named your kid for...?" Han asked curiously, even as he nodded at Letty.

Dom nodded. "They'll be visiting later."

"Look forward to seeing them..." Han smiled, before following Letty with Elle.

Dom looked at Jake. "Do you want to put your bag in your room?"

"I... my old room?" He blinked, surprisingly touched that Dom would refer to it as such, if he was.

Dom nodded. "It's ready for you," he said softly.

"Y... yeah. Okay." Jake swallowed and picked up his bag, heading to his room. He moved slowly, suddenly overwhelmed with feelings he hadn't expected to feel.

Dom gave Jake a few minutes to settle in and orient himself, then headed to his brother's room and knocked lightly.

"Yeah... come in." Jake's voice was subdued.

Dom opened the door and stepped into the room, closing the door behind him. "I made sure it was ready for you. You need anything else?"

"No... thanks..." He glanced around. "Looks like a time capsule. You didn't change anything...."

"I know what I said. I know what I did. I drove you away." Dom paused and then said, quietly, "But I never stopped thinking of you. I never forgot about you. And I can't change the past, but I won't let you leave again."

Jake swallowed hard. "You won't? Even after everything I did?"

"You aren't the only one who's made mistakes," Dom said quietly.

"Maybe not, but my 'mistakes' were huge," Jake commented.

"Well. There is a way we can deal with those if you're feeling guilty," Dom said.

Jake gave a rueful smile. "Spankings don't magically erase years of bad decisions, big brother," he said quietly, thinking. "What I did to you deserves something, though. If you believe it will help pull us back together...."

"I think taking you in hand as your brother will help things between us," Dom said. "It will help prove to you that I'm serious about you staying here. With me. Not leaving again."

Jake looked down before nodding. "I want to believe that. It's hard...."

"I know. But taking the first step will make the next easier." Dom walked over to the bed and sat down.

"Do you really believe that?" Jake asked cautiously, watching Dom.

"Yes." Dom held eye contact with his brother.

Jake nodded once, in acceptance, and walked over to stand at Dom's side.

Dom reached out and guided Jake across his lap, taking a few moments to adjust his brother's position before he bared him.

It had been a very long time since Jake found himself in this position and the first time it was his brother putting him there. It was a little disconcerting and he couldn't hide his nervousness.

Dom rubbed Jake's back for a few moments and then lifted his hand, delivering a firm smack to Jake's backside that he then repeated.

Jake's quick intake of breath let Dom know the swats were felt. He didn't make any other sound.

Wrapping his other arm around Jake's waist, pulling his brother against his stomach, Dom settled into a pattern of firm, steady swats, working over every inch of Jake's backside, from the crest down to mid-thigh, before he began again from the top.

Jake couldn't say the spanking truly hurt, even if it was uncomfortable. But then again, he knew it wasn't about pain. It was about being drawn back to Dom as family. As brothers. And that? As hard to believe as he had thought it, it was working. He felt the ice around his heart melting as his brother warmed his backside. Because what Dom was doing? He'd only do for those he loved and thought of as family. Anyone else he'd fight if he had to, ignore if he could. It's why he'd been devastated when Dom had chased him away from home years ago. He could have dealt with anger and punishment. Exile meant Dom didn't love him or view him as family. That had obviously changed. He'd been forgiven. Being over Dom's knee now was proof of that.

Dom rubbed Jake's lower back, even as he continued to steadily swat his brother's bottom, turning the skin a warm rosy pink under his hand. "I won't let you leave again," he promised. "I won't chase you away again. You're my brother. I made a mistake, but I won't repeat it. From now on, you're home."

"You forgive me?" Jake asked, in a small voice.

"I do. I have," Dom promised. "I love you."

"I love you too..." Jake choked. And in that moment, he knew it was true. For all that he had hated Dom for sending him away without even giving him a chance to explain, there was always that small part who'd loved his brother and ached to be brought home. A tiny sob escaped, then another. It was very little time after that, he was bawling over his big brother's knee.

Dom stopped spanking and moved his brother onto his lap instead of over it. He wrapped his arms around Jake and hugged him, close and tight, some deep pain inside himself easing as he held his brother.

Jake clung to Dom, part of him afraid it was a trick of some sort. That Dom would push him away and say he wasn't wanted.

Dom tightened his arms around his brother, holding Jake close and tight, rubbing his back gently. "I love you," he repeated, reiterated. "You're home. For good now. I promise."

"It hurt so much..." Jake finally got out. "Daddy died cuz I did what he said... if I'd known it was dang'rous... and then you hated me!" He started sobbing again.

Wincing at the words, Dom tightened his arms even more around his brother. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I made a mistake. A big mistake. Forgive me...."

Jake couldn't get the words of forgiveness out, he was crying too hard, years of hurt and guilt escaping. He did forgive Dom, though; he tried to let the older man know by how tightly he held on.

Dom didn't so much as loosen his hold on his brother, holding onto Jake. He rubbed his brother's hair and down his back, whispering, "You'll never leave again. I know I should have brought you home long before now, but you're here now. I want you to stay. I want you in my life."

"Be home, for good? No more leaving?" Jake gasped out hopefully.

"For good," Dom promised. "I won't let you leave. I won't let you go."

Jake took a slow deep breath and began to calm down. "Good," he whispered. "Don't wanna leave."

"You're here to stay," Dom promised. "I don't hate you. I love you."

Jake just continued to hold tight.

****

Downstairs, Elle and Han were talking to Letty. They tried, but it was impossible to ignore the sounds. "Dom still takes care of family using tough love, I see..." Han commented, looking to confirm if this was an unusual occurrence or not.

Letty nodded. "Dom only does that with family. Proving to Jake that he's here to stay."

"How big has the family gotten? I know Brian joined before I had to play dead..." Han smiled faintly. "Deckard Shaw and Luke Hobbs are also part now. Anyone I haven't met or don't know about?"

Letty shook her head. "You've run into everyone now. Not to say it won't grow again, but if it does, you'll get to meet the new members as they join as well."

Han nodded. "They all live here? Or nearby here?" He knew the house wasn't big enough for everyone. But he'd noticed another room that wasn't Jake's or the guest rooms. He assumed it was Mia's.

"No," Letty answered. "Most of them live fairly close by. Brian and Mia sometimes stay over. Shaw and Hobbs live together with Hobbs' daughter."

Han nodded. "Been a while since I had family other than Elle. I kept an eye on all of you as much as I could. You all and Sean and Twinkie."

"We appreciate that. But would have appreciated it more if you'd found some way, at least, to let us know you were still alive," Lettie responded.

Han winced at that. "At first... it was too dangerous. Then... You all had moved on and were happy. And Elle was still in danger, so... I just didn't know what to do, so I listened to Nobody."

"We're your family, Han," Lettie said. "You should have reached out to us."

Han swallowed, glancing away before looking back and nodding. "I should have," he agreed quietly. "Is... is Dom planning to talk with me?" he couldn't help but ask.

"Probably." Since Han was the one to ask, Letty didn't worry about sugar-coating her words. "It's hard to lose someone you love."

Han sighed. "Would you mind taking Elle to the garage? I'm sure we'll be helping out there. Get her familiar with it..." He'd rather his daughter not be around for this talk.

Letty nodded and turned to Elle. "Come with me and Brian. You can see outside as well as the garage."

Han smiled as Elle gave him a protective look, nodding that it was okay. Soon, he was by himself, waiting for Dom to come get him.

***

Inside his brother's bedroom, Dom gently squeezed Jake and spoke softly to him. "I'm going to need to talk to Han. Why don't you join Letty and Brian outside? You can get to know your nephew."

Jake hugged Dom back tightly before standing up and making himself presentable. "I'm gonna enjoy getting to know him..." He smiled, walking out of the room with Dom and heading downstairs, then outside, to meet his family.

Han nodded at Jake as he walked past then looked at Dom.

Dom turned to Han and spoke in a low, serious tone. "You let us think you were dead, you let us grieve for you, for years. Even if you were in hiding, you can't tell me there wasn't some way you could have reached out to us. Let us know you were alive."

"There... there probably was. I never let myself think of one." Han paused, reluctantly continuing, "I told myself it was because it was too dangerous for Elle. But I know it’s because I wanted to come home and I couldn't. And you would have insisted." His smile was rueful.

"Of course, I would have insisted," Dom replied. "You're family, Han. You shouldn't have stayed away. And I think this is something we need to deal with."

"I thought I needed to," Han repeated. Swallowing hard, he glanced away before looking back at Dom. "That's what I did wrong, though, isn't it? Thinking staying away was better than telling the truth and letting you decide what was best for you...."

Dom nodded. He held a hand out to Han. "I'm sure you can't have missed how I just handled my brother. You're my family too and I don't see any reason not to handle this the same way."

"I think I'd have been more upset... hurt... if you didn't. It would mean I wasn't family anymore." Han's smile was accepting.

"Believe me, you're family," Dom replied. "Did you figure out which room you'll be using? We'll take care of this there."

"The one I used to stay in when I'd had too much to drink and couldn't drive..." Han moved closer to Dom. Part of family discipline was Dom being in complete control, including leading you to your room like a naughty child. It was easy to fall into old habits.

Dom took Han's arm and led the other man up the stairs, heading to Han's old room. He opened the door and guided Han inside.

"I... at the risk of sounding mental... I missed this." Han wrinkled his nose and faintly blushed.

Dom arched his eyebrows. "You missed being over my knee and getting your ass tanned?" He closed the door and led Han over to the bed.

"Sorta?... I mean... no... not specifically. More I missed knowing I was accountable to you, that I wasn't the only responsible one." Han blushed.

Dom nodded in understanding. "Well, you're still accountable to me. Still part of my family. I'm glad you're here, but I wish you had been earlier," he said seriously. He sat down on Han's bed and guided him across his lap.

"I should have been. I missed you all so much..." Han admitted.

"We all missed you, Han. So much." Dom rubbed his back gently before baring him.

"Next time, I won't let my fear rule me. I'll tell you the truth, no matter what," Han promised.

"I hope there won't ever be a next time," Dom said seriously. "I can't go through that pain again." He rubbed Han's back a bit longer before delivering the first smack that he then repeated.

Han had no response to that, instead reaching down and grasping Dom's leg in a tight hug.

Dom didn't say anything else, instead quickly settling into a pattern of swats, going down to Han's thighs before starting over from the top.

Han shifted slightly in response to the swats, forcing himself to keep breathing and relax so he'd feel them fully, and thought about why he was in thus position. It didn't take long for tears to pool in his eyes. "I'm sorry..." he whimpered sadly.

"You're family, Han. Which you knew." Dom began a new circuit of smacks, going a fraction harder and faster. "You knew you shouldn't have kept your survival a secret. You knew that believing you were dead would have hurt."

"I did know..." Han's voice caught. "I thought... I thought the danger made it necessary, but I was wrong...."

"You even kept your daughter from us," Dom said softly. "Both of you should have been here. With your family." He began to focus more swats to Han's sit spots and thighs.

"We should have been... I made a mistake! I was wrong and I'm sorry! Please... forgive me?" Han's voice caught and then he was softly crying. He hadn't needed to be alone so long. He hadn't needed to spend so many years afraid, the only one around to protect Elle. He could have had help. That knowledge hurt worse than the spanking. Especially now that he could see how it'd affected his family.

Dom finished with a final flurry of swats to Han's sit spots and thighs and then moved Han onto his lap instead of over it, cuddling him tightly. "Of course, I forgive you," he said. "You're as important as Jake, Mia, Brian...my brother."

Han wrapped his arms around Dom tightly and held on. "I'm home to stay..." he promised.

"Good." Dom hugged Han tightly.

"What now?" Han asked quietly.

"We spend time catching up with each other," Dom replied. "The rest of the family are going to come, too. We'll all eat together. Figure out our next move."

Han nodded. "I'm looking forward to seeing them all."

"I think we're all looking forward to seeing each other," Dom said. "When you're ready, we can go and join them outside."

Han held onto Dom for a few moments longer before standing and fixing his clothing. "I'm ready now," he said.

Dom nodded and stood as well, walking with Han to the door. "Hopefully, we'll have a bit of peace before something else happens."

Han laughed at that as he followed Dom downstairs. "You realize you've just jinxed us?"

****

Jake sat in a patio chair, close to his brother, trying not to look nervous as the rest of the family arrived.

Shaw hadn't been able to meet up with Hobbs, as his partner was still on the job. But he'd been invited to the family gathering and had showed up, though he was quiet and sat nursing a beer, lost in thoughts apart from when someone spoke to him.

Brian had been very happy to see Han, giving the other man a huge hug and spending a good forty minutes to an hour asking him all sorts of questions about where he'd been and what he'd been doing.

Roman chuckled in amusement, flopping down into one of the chairs next to Shaw. "Someone's going to need to rescue that poor bastard..." He snorted, then laughed outright.

"You can't tell me that none of you were the same when you realized he was alive," Shaw commented.

"Oh... we were excited, to be sure; those who knew him best the most, I expect," Roman acknowledged. "But none of the rest are ex-cops who might have ended up in the same type of position if Dom wasn't so forgiving." Roman smiled sadly. "Think Bri relates just a little bit more than the rest."

"Lot of history there," Shaw observed, shifting a little. He wasn't so sure he belonged, for all they'd claimed him as family. It would have likely been easier if Hobbs had been there too. Without his partner, Shaw felt...lost. Adrift, almost.

"There is. But that's what makes the easy acceptance into the family so special. They had no reason to take us in... want us in the family... and they've forgiven a lot. Can't imagine not being family, now." Roman shrugged.

"It sounds so easy for you," Shaw commented, maybe a little regretfully. Having finished his beer, he stood up. "Gonna grab another. You want one?"

"Naw, I'm good. You should talk to them, though. It could be easy for you too, if you'd let it be," Roman said, eyes on the rest of the family.

"Yeah, maybe." Shaw shrugged and headed over to the cooler.

Roman watched him go and shook his head, sighing silently. He had a feeling Shaw wouldn't talk to any of them, choosing instead to wallow in whatever was pulling him down. Unless someone was given a reason to push, to demand Shaw talk. Problem was... Roman didn't know who that should be. Shaw didn't tend to open up with anyone much except for Hobbs.

Dom moved over to Han and Brian, looking at Brian. "You haven't met Jakob yet." Brian was his brother as much as Jakob; and he wanted to make sure they both got to know each other.

Brian smiled at Dom, shifting closer. He'd come a long way since the time he'd been suicidal, feeling the guilt of Letty and everything that had occurred. The therapy he'd begun for Dom's sake had eventually turned into therapy he did for his own sake. It was working. He didn't need pain to express his emotions any longer. Now if Dom spanked him, it was because he'd messed up big time; and he didn't want it, except that it helped make things right between him and his brother and reminded him how much Dom loved him.

"I'll catch you later, Han." He grinned. "Need to meet my other brother."

Han smiled. "Sure!" He waved them off.

Wrapping his arm around Brian's shoulders, Dom led him over to where Jakob was, making introductions.

Han leaned back lazily, looking around the yard at everyone.

Shaw retrieved another beer from the cooler and then took out his phone, glancing at the screen. He was tempted to message Hobbs; ask if the man might get his work done in time to come and join him. Truthfully, Shaw felt out of place here...without his partner.

Han waved Shaw over during one of the moments he looked up from his phone.

Shaw grabbed another beer from the cooler and brought it over to Han, figuring that was what he wanted, and offered it to the man.

Han took the beer with a nod of thanks, but put it to the side, making it clear he'd called Shaw over to talk. "Missing your man?" he asked kindly.

"Thinking he probably fits in better with this kinda scene than me." Shaw shrugged.

"Dunno. You seem to fit in just fine to me..." Han wrinkled his nose. "You've had to notice that for every talkative Brian sort, there's a quiet, watchful Dom sort."

"Yeah, that's hard to miss at times," Shaw commented.

"Does it really bother you? You know they want you here, right? Just like they want me here. Even though I let them believe I was dead for entirely too long." Han sounded guilty at that.

"Not really sure why they want me here, to be honest," Shaw admitted. "You've been a part of them for a lot longer, even if you did let them think you were dead."

"Because once you're family, you stay family. And they like to keep family close." Han shrugged. "It don't matter if they knew you from birth or adopted you yesterday."

"Maybe." Shaw shrugged. "Not sure it's a good thing for me to be here. Even if they do seem determined to keep me." He sounded somewhat confused by that.

"Why wouldn't it be good? They won't hurt you. You're not planning to hurt them, are you?" Han looked skeptical.

"Not planning, no." Shaw looked away a moment. "That doesn't mean it won't happen."

"Accidents happen." Han shrugged. "When they do, you apologize, accept or give forgiveness depending on what happened, and move on. They're just as likely to hurt you, going by your way of thinking. Can't stop letting people close because of 'what ifs'. That's how you end up letting your family think you are dead for a decade."

Shaw snorted softly. "Yeah, I bet that went down real well. If you'd told them, I probably would have found out you were alive a lot sooner."

"Probably. And then you might have met them a lot sooner, because Dom would have made me come home where the family could protect me. And you'd have been part of the family sooner..." Han smirked. "If we're talking hypotheticals."

"Even for a hypothetical, you seem very sure of it," Shaw commented.

"For a bad guy, you aren't evil. And Dom is very persuasive." Han shrugged. "I know you wouldn't kill me. Not if he decided to talk you out of it."

"I did kill you. Or thought I did, which amounts to the same thing," Shaw said.

"True. But you hadn't met Dom yet, so he couldn't tell you why you shouldn't. It was your job. I don't hold it against you. Now, if you tried to finish the job now, after you got all the info...." Han laughed, teasing.

"Yeah, I wouldn't come after you now." Shaw shrugged and took a sip of his beer.

"See? I knew it..." Han grinned, opening the beer he'd been handed and drinking.

"Probably helps that I told you as much," Shaw commented.

Han laughed at that. "Of course. My sensing that you don't have bad intentions means nothing..." He winked.

"Of course, words wouldn't do anything if you didn't trust me not to come after you," Shaw observed.

Han grinned. "Glad you understand I trust you."

"I understand it," Shaw replied. "Can't say I think I deserve it."

"If we got what we really deserved, none of us would be here." Han sighed.

"Maybe you're right." Shaw sipped his beer. "I'd have been killed several times over."

"I wouldn't have been able to come home," Han said. It was obvious he thought that worse than death.

"Well. You did make it home. Back to your family," Shaw said.

"And you're still alive... and part of this family," Han pointed out. "Neither of us got what we thought we deserved. Only what those we hurt, thought we deserved."

"Yeah." Shaw sighed. "Doesn't really help all that much," he admitted.

"You can't dictate how the victim feels about you. That's true whether they hate your guts and refuse to forgive, or if they forgive easily and welcome you with open arms. What exactly do you think would help?" Han asked curiously.

Shaw frowned. "I don't know." He shifted slightly. "It's hard to stop feeling guilty when it doesn't feel like I've paid. At all."

"Any ways I'm sure you'd think of that would help you feel like you'd paid enough, I'm just as certain would make the one making you pay feel guilty..." Han stated.

"Yeah." Shaw stared morosely into his beer, fiddling with the bottle.

Han frowned a bit unhappy himself. "You really won't let yourself accept everyone's forgiveness... let yourself be part of the family... feeling like you do..." It wasn't a question.

"I want to." Shaw spoke honestly, still looking at his beer. "But it doesn't feel like I should be. That I should let myself be."

Han swallowed a sigh of exasperation, hiding his irritation before it could escape. He supposed he shouldn't be upset Shaw felt guilty and was having a hard time accepting everyone's... acceptance. He'd probably be a bit screwed up emotionally himself, if he'd done half of what Shaw seemingly had done. But it was hard not to feel a bit put upon. He didn't know Shaw. Not really. Maybe if he did, he'd have already figured out a way to help him move past it all.

Considering how Dom had stepped in with him, to cement his place in the family, when he hadn't felt burdened with guilt (he may realize how his actions were wrong now, but at the time, he'd felt there was no choice), Han couldn't believe any of the others had let Shaw fester and stew in his guilt so long. And maybe Shaw's actions were mostly against Han, but he'd still been part of the family for a long time before they found out Han still lived.

They'd just let it go, apparently, and now it was left to Han to take care of matters, even though he didn't feel like he knew Shaw well enough to justify stepping in. Didn't feel close enough to feel comfortable handling him like Dom handled family. But he needed to. Because it was obvious his 'brother' didn't feel he belonged and no amount of talk about forgiveness would change that if he felt like he owed something for what he'd done to Han. It pissed Han off, to be honest. Both that his word wasn't enough to convince Shaw he didn't owe anything, but more so that no one had thought to take care of this before now, because it was obviously eating Shaw up inside.

Clearing his throat, he asked, a bit uncertainly, "Would you accept our forgiveness and overtures if you were punished?"

Surprise had Shaw finally raising his eyes from his beer, looking towards Han's face. With a wry, almost-smile, he commented, "Didn't you just say that that would make the other person feel guilty?" He swallowed the rest of his beer as he thought seriously about the question. "Hardest part about being here is knowing that I willingly took actions to remove you from your family. Those actions might not have had the result I planned out, but that doesn't stop the feeling of guilt. As much as I'd like to accept the dead guy walking who's offered me forgiveness and a chance to do things right...I can't. Not without feeling like there's been some semblance of justice." He snorted softly. "Don't think I don't know it's not fair to let you take on that responsibility. To do it. But for all that we were on opposite sides...you were the only one I seriously went after with the intention to take out."

Han's smirk wasn't happy and, as upset as he was at the situation, not entirely friendly. But there was an understanding on his face. He knew what Shaw was talking about. "You're assuming my punishment would take a pound of flesh to make us even. You'll be fully able to stay and enjoy the party after. Might not want to... because I don't care if every last one of these blind bastards hears and knows what I'm doing..." Yeah. He was really irritated none if the others had picked up on this and done something sooner. "But you'll be able to." He stood up abruptly. "C'mon, then. If this needs to happen, no better time than now." He pulled Shaw up by the arm and gave him a gentle push toward the house, fully expecting him to go inside.

Shaw didn't fight or protest Han pulling him up and at the push, he headed towards the house and stepped inside. He wasn't entirely sure what Han had in mind, but at this point, he'd accept anything if it would stop the guilt eating at him. Since Han had come back, since he'd realized he hadn't killed the man, his feelings had only become worse.

Han quickly directed Shaw to the guest room where he was staying, letting him in and closing the door before looking around with a critical eye. Dom had put him over his knee, while sitting on the bed. While he'd determined this needed to be done, putting Shaw over his knee wasn't going to happen. They didn't have that type of relationship. Not yet. And he certainly wasn't going to bare the other man. So...

"Lean over the back of this chair," he ordered, pulling the chair out from under the desk and placing it in the center of the open floor.

Taking a slow, steady breath, Shaw walked over to the chair and did as instructed. It wasn't comfortable, but he stayed still and didn't shift or squirm.

"Normally, this is done over the knee. Bare, with just a hand. Don't think that would really help, though... either of us..." Han said, sounding uncertain for the first time, his irritation fading with the realization this was really going to happen. "I'm going to use my belt over your trousers."

"Understood." The one word really said a lot. Shaw wasn't going to fight. Honestly, he hoped that this would help. That if he could feel, at least a little, that he'd paid on the outside, then the inside wouldn't hurt so much. He didn't say anything else, just waited.

Han didn't know why he'd held out hope that Shaw would refuse. Tell him it wasn't necessary to do this after all. He swallowed down the sudden nerves he felt. "Okay, then..." he breathed out, before removing his belt and doubling it up, holding the metal buckle in his hand. Taking a slow breath, he raised his hand and let the first lash fall across the crest of Shaw's butt.

Hard.

If he was forced to do this, he wanted it to be felt enough and stick so that he wouldn't be forced to repeat it later.

Shaw's sharp intake of breath and white-knuckled grip on the chair were the only signs that he felt the strike. He didn't move. Didn't straighten. Just stayed in place, accepting what was happening. Because he didn't have any other way to deal with this guilt and hoped this would help.

Breathing slowly...steadily- it was the only way he could force himself to continue- Han methodically continued to bring the belt down, covering Shaw's entire backside once, before pausing to see if Shaw had had enough. He wasn't gentle at all.

By that point, Shaw was shifting, breathing heavily. His body was tense from the pain of the belt, even if he'd managed to keep his vocal reactions to a minimum.

Swallowing and nodding in resignation- Shaw obviously wasn't letting go of the guilt yet- Han started over from the top. The belt fell hard, this time over already tender skin, from the crest of Shaw's backside to mid-thigh.

This time, as the belt covered skin that had already received attention, Shaw couldn't stop the whimper that escaped. His eyes blurred, filling with tears. He hadn't cried in a long time. Didn't even remember the last time he'd done so.

Han was having a hard time continuing, but he knew he had to. If Shaw didn't feel he'd paid, they'd never get past what had happened. Steeling himself, he started over a third time, same strength, speed, and target area.

Shaw's breath escaped, hitching in a sob, the first sob. His hands gripped the chair tighter and when he spoke, his voice sounded lost. Pained. Guilty. "I wished I could take it back. After I did it. And then you showed up and I should have been relieved...but it just made the guilt worse." His voice had started out strong, but combined with the guilt, the pain from the strapping...and by the time he finished, it was obvious he was crying.

Han finished the third circuit before tossing his belt on his bed and not starting a fourth. He put a hand on Shaw's shoulder, gently squeezing, encouraging him to stand. "I never blamed you. It was a job for you. If you hadn't been sent, someone else would have been. Plus... we were counting on something being done. It had to be done so Elle and I could go into hiding and not be chased. What happened is as much on me... on the agents working with me... as it was on you. You don't need to feel guilty."

Shaw slowly straightened, but didn't immediately turn round, taking a few moments to calm his tears. When he did turn, his eyes were a little red, but he looked calm. At peace. "Thank you." He took a deep breath. "I know this was probably the last thing you wanted to do today, or maybe ever, but...it's helped. If that means anything."

Han relaxed at the words, his unease and irritation soothed by the knowledge it had helped. "It does. Thanks."

"You want to go back?" Shaw nodded towards the door, meaning the barbeque. "Fairly sure there are a couple of beers with our names on them."

Han smiled. "Yeah, bro. Let's go join the others. Maybe you can catch me up on some of the stuff I've missed."

"What, Brian didn't give you any details when he was bending your ear with questions?" Shaw smiled, heading towards the door, though hung back to let Han open the door, as it was his room.

Han opened the door and waited for Shaw to pass through, following him. "He was too busy asking me questions to give me a lot of details himself..." He laughed. It didn't take long to rejoin the others.

A bit more relaxed now, Shaw grabbed a beer and sent a quick message to Hobbs, asking his partner if he thought he might be able to come by. Then, he started to fill Han in on what he was aware of the other man had missed.

***

An ocean and continent away, Hobbs looked at the text from his lover and winced. Shaw thought he was closer to home and Hobbs had decided not to inform him of the misconception. He didn't want him to worry unnecessarily. But it was hard to keep it secret without telling an outright lie. Sorry, Babe, he finally texted back. Still in the middle of my assignment.

***

Shaw wasn't feeling like an outsider now. His ass throbbed, but the pain didn't bother him; it helped him feel like he truly deserved to be here, with the rest of them. Still. He would have liked Hobbs to be there as well. Now that they were in a relationship, he missed the other man when they were apart.

Be careful, he sent back, in lieu of outright saying that he missed Hobbs. I think the rest of the family would prefer you back in one piece too. He sent the message without much thought, his wording making it clear he felt more of a part of them now.

***

Hobbs smiled as he read the last bit. He knew his lover had been struggling to feel like he belonged... felt like he didn't deserve to be part. He wasn't sure what had changed, but he was glad it had. You know me... he texted back, not making any promises, but acknowledging the worry.

***

That's the problem, Shaw sent back. I do know you. Come back in one piece. He didn't add anything else. The comment could be read as an order.

***

Hobbs winced slightly, understanding it for the order it was and already knowing he'd failed. He'd got shot. Not badly enough to send him home without finishing the op, but still. He didn't respond to the order, instead typing, Love You. Will try to call later if I can. Take care and have fun.

***

Shaw sent a response to Hobbs, replying to the words of love with his own and indicating that he'd like it if Hobbs would call. Then, he returned to the conversation.

They'd all had a lot to drink, so Han wasn't surprised that Dom insisted all the family stay the night, even if they only lived five minutes away. He and Jake had offered up their rooms to the women and to the kids, taking the offered bedding and pillows to the living room and camping out with the other single (or at least single for the evening) men. Not that it mattered. The only ones who actually went to bed were the children and Elle. Everyone else was gathered around a campfire outside, continuing conversations, getting to relearn about their family.

As a result, they were all there when Hobbs called Shaw. "Hey..." Hobbs said through the line.

"Hey," Shaw responded, putting the phone on speaker. "Any closer on wrapping up that job? You're on speaker, by the way," he added.

"Almost..." Hobbs said cheerfully. In the background, announcements and bustle could be heard. "It's looking like I might be home by tomorrow night if everything goes right."

Shaw smiled at that. He had been more relaxed since Han had given him what he needed, but it was obvious that knowing Hobbs would be home soon relaxed him even more. "I hope you're being careful," he said, the tone of his voice making it clear he missed Hobbs, even if he didn't say the words out loud.

"As careful as I'm able..." Hobbs said, his own feelings of love and missing Shaw carrying through in his voice. "You sound happy...."

"Yeah." Shaw shifted a little. "Hard not to be, here," he admitted. He wasn't going to go into details about why his feelings had changed, not over the phone...but he acknowledged that he felt better, being around the family.

"Yeah. I get that..." Hobbs paused as another announcement went in the background before saying, "I have to get back to work if I want to be home by tomorrow. Take care of yourself! I love you."

"Love you too," Shaw replied. "See you tomorrow."

Everyone was quiet for a few moments after Shaw hung up the call. And then Jake said, with a hint of self-mockery, "I thought Hobbs was working close to home, the way you were talking. No wonder he couldn't make it to the barbecue if he's in Korea."

Shaw glanced towards Jake, a hint of surprise showing. "What makes you think he's in Korea?"

"Oh... that announcement in the background? Right before he had to go? It was a gate announcement for a flight to LA that was boarding. Right before that was a welcome announcement for Incheon International Airport..." Jake paused, looking a little uncomfortable in the face of Shaw's surprise.

"Huh. Well, looks like we'll have something to talk about when he gets back," Shaw commented, not quite able to hide his annoyance at having been lied to.

Jake ran a hand through his hair and muttered, "Damn..." before saying, "Please don't tell him I told you!"

"I won't mention what you said," Shaw replied.

"Of course, if he'd been honest in the first place, it wouldn't be an issue," Dom commented.

Brian smiled crookedly. "Not like we don't all know he is an agent, or that he travels for the job. Why would he not tell where he was? Was he maybe, ordered not to?" He tried to think of a plausible reason that might excuse what was, in effect, a lie of omission.

"That's one question I'll be asking him," Shaw said, though if he was honest, he had a pretty good idea of what the answer would be anyway.

Mia nodded, wrapping her arms around Brian from behind. "Well... if you want to bring him by home to see the family after, we'd like a chance to see that he's okay too."

Brian smirked. "Hell... if you want to surprise him at the airport and bring him home to the family immediately, we can give you a place to talk. He might be less 'I had no choice, it was the best option,' if he knows we all know and are 200% behind you."

"Yeah. Think I might do that," Shaw commented.

Jake snorted, looking up from his phone. "According to this, his flight lands tomorrow morning, bright and early." He gave Shaw the flight information. "If Han don't mind bunking with me for a couple of nights, you could use the room he's in now..." He glanced at Han.

"Yeah. That's fine with me. Even if you both have your own place, figure by the time the party's over tomorrow, you won't be sober enough to drive. And no sense going home to be alone tonight," Han quickly agreed.

Shaw nodded. "Yeah, okay," he agreed. "Thanks."

Han quickly went to gather his stuff and move it into Jake's room. The rest of the night was uneventful.

***

Shaw woke up early and headed outside to the garage. He took his car and drove to the airport, so that he could surprise his partner.

***

It had been a long flight. The lay-over in Japan had really felt unnecessary, but it wasn't like he had any control over what flights flew where. The pencil pushers of the agency went for the cheapest tickets, so a six-hour layover in Tokyo it was. He'd eventually been able to exit the plane and gone to pick up his luggage and then spent another hour waiting to go through customs. Finally, he was walking out of the departure gate, more than ready to go home.

Shaw was standing outside the departure gate, waiting for Hobbs. When he saw his partner, he grinned and walked towards him. "Good to see you," he said, with feeling.

The emotions that crossed over Hobbs' face in the second he saw his lover were varied. First was extreme happiness, which quickly morphed into shocked confusion and ended with wincing, guilty worry. The only emotion that didn't change was the love that he couldn't hide; not that he'd have wanted to. "How...?" he finally asked, with a confused grin, as he walked to Shaw, his steps eating up the space between them.

Shaw quickly strode over to Hobbs, pulling him into a strong hug. "One of the family members recognized the announcements when we were on the phone. After that, finding out which flight you were on and when it was getting in was easy."

"I'm glad..." Hobbs admitted. "...Even if I'm sure I'm about to get scolded." He sounded sheepish.

"Yeah. Very thoroughly scolded," Shaw commented. "But it can wait till after we've joined the rest of the family." He hugged Hobbs a bit tighter and then began to head towards the car, still keeping in contact with the other man.

Hobbs winced slightly, but didn't comment further, following his boyfriend out of the airport and to the car. "We're not going directly home?"

"No. Everyone else wants to see that you're in one piece too," Shaw answered. "We can stay the night at Dom's." Reaching the car, he opened the door and got in, putting his seatbelt on.

Hobbs put his bag into the back of the car before getting into the passenger seat. "So... what exactly has been going on, for Dom to be throwing a barbecue lasting the whole weekend and you staying at his place?" he asked. "Usually, you are only there a few hours before you're making excuses to head home. Not that I'm complaining; you seem a lot more at ease than usual... but... you are very at ease.""

"Han isn't dead." Shaw spoke the words calmly as he put the car into gear and began to drive. "He joined the others in their last mission, then came to find me." He paused before admitting, "I thought maybe I was looking at a ghost, but since ghosts don't age...yeah, he was real."

Hobbs smiled at that. "Of all the people your job forced you to take out, I know he was your biggest regret... I'm glad you don't have to carry it any longer..." He looked like he wanted to ask questions but wasn't sure how.

"He forgave me." Shaw sounded a bit bemused at that. "Didn't blame me at all for what I did." He shifted slightly as he admitted, "I couldn't accept it. Not after seeing the family and knowing I was responsible for taking one of their members away. Even if he also stayed in hiding and let them think he was dead for so long."

"Yeah..." Hobbs said quietly, not questioning but letting Shaw continue if he wanted.

"Han wasn't really happy about that." Shaw took a few moments to gather his thoughts before speaking; not that he was ashamed about what had happened. It had helped him, after all. "I know it was the last thing he wanted to do, but he made me answer for what I did. And that helped. Helped me feel like I belonged more. Like I deserved to belong."

"You do deserve to belong. I'm glad he was able to help you see that..." Hobbs voice was tender, caring. He didn't try and hide his relief that Shaw could finally see what he'd seen from the beginning. He deserved to be a part of the weird little family Dom had formed.

"Yeah." Shaw sighed. "Anyway, Dom insisted we all stay the night. And I was encouraged to bring you back there to stay over tonight. Figured you wouldn't mind catching up with them all. After we talk."

"Seeing them all will be good. I... when you say we'll talk...?" Hobbs asked reluctantly.

"You lied to me," Shaw said quietly. "Maybe not outright, but you weren't honest with me."

"I... I didn't correct your assumption I was close to home. I didn't think of it as lying... at the time. I can see now how withholding information is just as bad as lying." Hobbs sighed, glancing out the window. "I was trying to keep you from worrying. You couldn't join me. I couldn't tell you what I was doing. I thought it would... help."

"You didn't need to tell me what you were doing," Shaw replied. "But you should have told me where you were. I wasn't able to tell you what I was doing when Han found me, but I told you everything I could. Including where I was."

"Yeah, well. Like I said. Was trying to keep you from worrying. In hindsight, it wasn't the right thing to do. I messed up..." Hobbs said, with a hint of guilty uncertainty. "I'm sorry."

Shaw reached out to grip his hand. "We'll handle it," he said quietly. "It's not the end of the world. We'll deal with it and move on."

Hobbs relaxed at the affection, some of his uncertainty calming at the reassurance that Shaw wasn't going to leave him for this. "How?" he finally thought to ask.

"We talked about how we might have to handle things like that," Shaw said. "I know hand spanking is a turn on for both of us. But when it comes to punishment...well, we've talked about implements."

Hobbs swallowed hard. "Yeah. So... your belt? Switch cut from a tree? Spatula?" He couldn't keep the nervousness out of his voice.

"I don't think something like this requires a switch or a belt, not for the first time," Shaw replied. "I was thinking more of a bath-brush. Though spatula would work just as well."

"Guess I should be grateful you aren't planning to use your se'evae like my mamma would have..." Hobbs sighed.

Shaw gently squeezed his hand. He didn't say anything else during the journey, though, only letting go of Hobbs' hand when he'd parked outside Dom's house and had to get out of the car.

Hobbs carefully got out of the car and grabbed his luggage. He waited for Shaw to show him what room they were in, though.

Shaw headed inside the house, walking close enough to Hobbs that their sides were brushing against each other.

A chorus of 'holas', 'heys', and 'hellos' greeted the two men as they entered the house. Hobbs did his best to be friendly, but he was obviously nervous about what Shaw planned to do, even if he knew it was deserved.

Shaw responded to the greetings of the other family members, but it wasn't all that long before he guided Hobbs towards the room they were using for the duration of their stay.

Hobbs set his luggage to the side, then immediately moved into Shaw's space, wrapping his arms around him in a tight embrace and kissing him semi-chastely. They needed to get the talk out of the way still.

Shaw responded immediately, wrapping his own arms around his lover tightly and returning the kiss. "I missed you." He spoke the words with feeling.

"I missed you too... so much..." Hobbs whispered against his lips.

Shaw hugged Hobbs tightly, not in any hurry to rush their conversation. His hands moved gently, rubbing over his lover's back; not sexual or demanding, but just touching because he wanted to and had missed it.

"I know our jobs frequently take us in different directions..." Hobbs snuggled close. "...But it's getting harder and harder to take."

"Might need to look into trying to change that," Shaw said softly. "Not retiring, but more jobs we can do together." He rubbed gently over Hobbs' back and arms, taking advantage of the contact he'd missed while they'd been apart.

"It'd be doable... you were cleared, after all. We work well together," Hobbs agreed.

"We can make a good argument for it." Shaw held Hobbs close, pressing another kiss to his lips.

Hobbs returned the kiss. "Being together... would keep me honest, at least..." Hobbs said, with chagrin.

"More than likely," Shaw agreed. "Which is a good starting point to our talk. I want you to ask one of the others if we can borrow a hairbrush."

"Ask the..." Hobbs eyes went wide, and he stepped back and flushed bright red as he looked into Shaw's eyes.  "They'll know..." he whispered faintly.

"From my understanding, no one here is a stranger to hearing or even experiencing it firsthand," Shaw said. "And they were all there when I discovered you weren't where you said you were."

"...Never actually said where I was..." Hobbs muttered, pouting. Shoulders slumped, he turned toward the door to go ask for a hairbrush.

"But you let me believe you were closer to home than you were. And you know that withholding information is the same as lying." Shaw moved to sit on the bed and wait for his partner to return.

Swallowing and taking a deep breath, not having an argument against that comment, Hobbs went back downstairs and outside, where everyone sat. Clearing his throat, he asked reluctantly, "D... does anyone have a spare hairbrush they could give to me?" He could feel when everyone looked at his shaved head and put two-and-two together. He flushed pink.

"I have one." Letty stood and went inside, heading to her room where she retrieved a hairbrush. It was a sturdy, wooden backed one. She handed it to Hobbs when she came back. "You can keep it, if you need to."

Hobbs gave her a crooked smile. "Thanks..." He didn't say she likely wouldn't want it back. Squaring his shoulders and swallowing, he turned and headed back to Shaw, looking like someone going to meet their maker.

Shaw was still sitting on the bed, legs slightly spread, waiting for his lover to return.

Hobbs walked into the room and closed the door before slowly walking over and handing Shaw the brush. He was obviously dreading what was about to happen, though it wasn't as obvious why.

Shaw took the brush and put it on the bed next to him. He reached out and began to undo Hobbs' trousers. "I understand and appreciate that you didn't want to worry me but imagine how I would have felt if something had happened and I'd had no idea of where you even were, because you were acting out of a misguided attempt to protect me."

Hobbs closed his eyes, gaze falling to the floor. He didn't attempt to stop Shaw, or even try to push his hands away to do it himself. Shaw was in control right now because Hobbs had messed up. "You'd feel worse than worried..." he whispered, in a guilty tone. "I didn't want to... to do that to you...."

"I would have been," Shaw agreed. "I would have been terrified for you and your safety." He tugged Hobbs' trousers down and followed those with Hobbs' underwear. Then, he guided his lover across his lap.

By this point, Hobbs was more regretful at what he could have potentially put Shaw through than he was embarrassed at being punished where everyone would hear. He went over Shaw's lap without fight or argument, wrapping his arms around the other man's leg and holding on tight. "I'm sorry," he repeated, voice clogged with sudden, unshed tears.

"I know," Shaw replied. "I love you. We'll get past this. I'll forgive you and it won't be between us anymore." He rubbed Hobbs' back for a few moments and then reached out to pick up the hairbrush. Still rubbing his lover's back, he brought the brush down firmly on Hobbs' right cheek. While he wasn't putting anything like his full strength behind the blow, it still generated a resounding crack that echoed through the room. He delivered a matching smack to the opposite side.

It was the sound as much as the sharp pain that caused Hobbs to let out a gasped yelp before he was able to regain a small amount of control over himself. Even so, he couldn't stop the tiny whimpers of shamed pain. He was in this position because he'd hid something from his lover. His reasons didn't matter; he'd been wrong.

Shaw continued to bring the brush down, not increasing the force or speed at all, going down to mid-thigh before he began again from the crest. The brush landed firmly on each cheek in turn.

As much as he'd enjoyed Shaw smacking his ass as foreplay, Hobbs could honestly say he never wanted it to happen as punishment again. The pain, he could handle. All the guilty, emotional baggage? Not so much. He was humbled to realize he was crying. Hard. Big, fat, silent tears that wet his face and made it difficult to breathe. Like a little kid that was in trouble and couldn't see past the moment to realize he wasn't being dumped or left and everything would be okay. He knew better, but he still couldn't stop crying, even if it was silently.

Shaw could tell that Hobbs was crying. He didn't continue past the second circuit, letting the brush drop to the bed and helping his lover to stand. Hobbs was really too big to cuddle on his lap, but that didn't stop Shaw from wrapping his arms around the bigger man and holding on tight.

Hobbs hunched in on himself, almost seeming to shrink as he hid his face against Shaw's shoulder, pressing as close as possible, needing to cuddle. His clothes pooled around his ankles. Shaw would decide if he got clothes or not. Shaw was in charge now... Luke needed him to be, to calm his inner fears that the other man would give up on him.

Shaw rubbed down over Hobbs' back, gently rubbing his backside, as he cuddled the other man. He pressed a kiss to his lover's head. "I got you," he murmured. "You haven't ruined anything. We're still together. I'm not leaving."

"I didn't mean to... I was trying... I love you!" Hobbs said, in a small, regret filled voice. He continued to press close, slowly calming.

"I love you too." Shaw hugged his lover tighter, kissing Hobbs' neck. "You don't need to apologize again. It's over. We've dealt with it." He continued the gentle, comforting touch.

"Okay..." Hobbs sniffled, hugging more tightly for few seconds before reluctantly pulling away and wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. He left his pants around his ankles, obviously waiting to be told to either remove them completely or pull them up. His whole demeanor was hesitantly submissive; just because he felt like he needed Shaw to take over didn't mean now was the best time. If Shaw indicated he should retain control over himself, he would... just like he'd completely give up that control to Shaw if the other man wanted to take it.

Shaw didn't fail to notice his lover's attitude; and knowing that Hobbs sometimes needed to submit, felt better for it, he spoke softly, but the words were clearly an order. "Take them off. All of your clothes."

Relaxing visibly at the order, realizing Shaw was willing to handle him till he could handle himself, Hobbs quickly shucked his shoes so that he could step out of his pants and underwear while he pulled his shirt over his head. Soon, he stood in front of his lover, completely naked. Vulnerable. Waiting for orders.

Shaw reached out and drew Hobbs into a close, tight embrace. He began to let his hands rub gently over his lover's shoulders and back, down over his backside and legs.

Hobbs shivered, placing feather soft kisses on whatever part of Shaw he could reach; not being pushy or boldly demanding, but letting Shaw feel how much he was needed and missed, while still submitting.

Shaw moved back onto the bed, gently pulling Hobbs with him, so that they were both sprawled on the bed. He let his hands rub gently against his lover's backside, parting the cheeks so that he could push a finger gently against Hobbs' entrance.

Hobbs let out a tiny huff of air, a slight whine of need, but otherwise not doing anything to rush his lover. He needed the connection, the refamiliarization. "...Love you..." he whispered. "...Belong to only you fo'ever...."

"You belong to me," Shaw agreed. He drew Hobbs into a deep, lingering kiss. He paused when his hand encountered a mark on his lover's body. "What happened here?"

Hobbs eyes darted guiltily to the side before he forced himself to look into Shaw's face. "There was a shoot-out. A bullet grazed me..." he said softly, positive he was about to be spanked again for forgetting to mention it.

"You didn't tell me about that," Shaw said evenly. "I think I should spank you a bit more for that."

"...Fergot..." Hobbs said unhappily, not arguing the point and waiting for Shaw to position him or tell him what to do next.

Shaw gently rolled his lover over, running a hand down Hobbs' back before he reached to pick up the hairbrush again. Placing one hand against Hobbs' lower back, he delivered a full, firm circuit of smacks with the brush, alternating cheeks, and then stopped, putting the brush down and beginning to rub.

Hobbs held still as much as he was able, though his bottom did shift and twitch as the brush reheated his backside. Tears slid down his face, but not as hard as before; Shaw had eased any fear he had that the other man would give up on him. These tears were because it hurt, even if it didn't hurt enough to warrant vocalizing the pain. He sniffled again when Shaw began to rub the sore flesh. "Sorry... wasn' tryin' to hide it... just didn' think of it..." he said sheepishly.

Shaw continued to rub the warmed skin. "I know. But if there's a next time, I want you to remember this. Remember that, at times like this, I will take control. Whether that means warming your backside for you or fucking you into submission."

Hobbs groaned at the promise, shivering. "Yessir..." His whisper sounded relieved and needy at the same time.

"Or both," Shaw added, letting his fingers slip between Hobbs' cheeks. Pressing lightly against his lover's entrance.

"Y... yessir..." Hobbs' whimper was more needy and his back arched to make it easier for Shaw to claim.

"I missed you. Missed this." Shaw leaned down and pressed a kiss to Hobbs' shoulder, even as he reached for what he needed. Taking the lube, he put a generous amount on his finger and began to slowly push it inside his lover.

Hobbs groaned as his mate opened him up. "F... feels incomplete without you..." he admitted, almost shyly.

"It's the same for me," Shaw said honestly. "I'm not complete unless we're together. I miss you when we're apart." He explored inside his lover, taking his time about it.

Hobbs whimpered a little more, a little louder, quickly becoming aroused at his master's ownership. "Feels good..." He sighed.

Shaw kissed the side of his neck, withdrawing his finger and then removing his own lower clothing. He coated his member with the lube and pushed inside Hobbs.

Hobbs sucked in a hissing breath as Shaw pushed in, the stretch stinging slightly but feeling too good to ask him to wait. His whole body shivered as he accepted the other man into him.

Taking his time, Shaw pushed in until he was settled fully inside Hobbs. He gave them both a few moments to get used to it after the separation, but after a few moments, he began to thrust.

Hobbs whimpers and whines turned into full throated moans as his lover began to thrust. He wasn't even attempting to be quiet. It felt too good being claimed by his lover, it had been too long, and he wanted Shaw to hear how good it felt belonging to him, being taken by him.

Shaw pressed down against Hobbs' back, thrusting deeper and harder and faster. His member began to grow and swell inside his lover. "It's been way too long." His voice came out in a low, possessive groan.

Hobbs shifted and arched just that slight bit more that allowed Shaw to push in all the way, hips smacking against his cheeks with each deep thrust. He could feel the stretch, could feel Shaw's shaft hitting his prostate with each thrust. He felt like a tightly coiled spring, getting tighter and tighter with each push in. "Yours..." he began to pant, in time with the thrusts.

"Mine," Shaw responded, the words a low, possessive growl. He gripped Hobbs' hips tighter, almost enough to leave bruises behind. He felt his own release coming close and he directed, "Let go, so we can release together."

All it took was that softly growled order and Hobbs was clenching tight around Shaw, his release tearing through him. Once completely spent, he lay under Shaw, bottom up, taking everything Shaw could give. He had a dazed look on his face.

Shaw's own release came over him at the same time and he let go inside of Hobbs, fingers gripping his lover's hips tightly. Finally, once his release was over, he pressed a kiss to Hobbs' shoulder. "That was well worth the wait," he murmured.

"Uh huh..." Hobbs mumbled inelegantly, obviously affected. He stayed in position, enjoying the feeling of his mate covering him with his body and filling him. He didn't want Shaw to pull out until he absolutely couldn't stay in longer.

Shaw made no move to pull out, instead letting his hands run gently down his lover's arms and back. Gently squeezing and caressing. Just taking advantage of having Hobbs there to give affection to.

"Love you..." Hobbs smiled over his shoulder, content to lay in Shaw's arms and snuggle.

"Love you too. So very much so." Shaw kissed him, tender and lingering.

"Now that we've... uh... given the rest of the house an unfiltered symphony... maybe we can get some breakfast? I was too anxious to get back to you to eat on the plane," Hobbs admitted shyly, leaving the decision to Shaw.

"Yeah. I'm sure everyone else will be happy to see you in one piece." Shaw carefully pulled out of Hobbs and began to clean them both up.

Hobbs held still, letting Shaw clean him, prepared to do whatever the other man said.

Once they were both cleaned up, Shaw moved to put a pair of trousers on Hobbs, over some underwear, but that was all he dressed his lover in, wanting easy access to Hobbs' skin.

Hobbs gave Shaw another shy grin at being taken care of. The pants weren't something he'd normally wear, and he wasn't sure where Shaw had got them...they were hung low on his hips and showed off his abs.

Now that they were both covered, at least somewhat in Hobbs' case, Shaw wrapped his arm around his lover's shoulders and steered Hobbs from the room.

Hobbs followed where Shaw led, bare feet silent as they went downstairs and to the patio.

Everyone looked toward them as they exited the house.

"You hungry?" Dom waved towards the food. "There's plenty to go around." He introduced the others who Hobbs hadn't had a chance to meet properly yet.

"Yeah... famished..." Hobbs answered with a boyish grin, nodding at those he'd just been introduced to.

Shaw headed over to the food, picking out a plate for himself and then taking a seat, expecting Hobbs to join him.

Hobbs filled a plate as well, but instead of taking the seat next to Shaw, he lowered himself onto the ground at Shaw's feet. He leaned against the other man, close enough he could put his head on Shaw's thigh when he wasn't eating.

Shaw wrapped his arm around Hobbs when he wasn't eating, idly rubbing, and stroking his lover's shoulders, chest and back.

Hobbs was quiet. More reserved than usual. Less boisterous. It was obvious that he was deferring to Shaw.

Han gave Hobbs, then Shaw, then Dom uncertain glances. He'd heard stories about Luke Hobbs. None of those stories had the man being quiet, unassuming and... submissive?

Shaw noticed the look on Han's face and he gently squeezed Hobbs' shoulder, leaning in, to murmur to his lover, "I think one of us should give an explanation."

Hobbs looked up at Shaw and nodded, before blushing. "You tell them?" he asked softly.

Shaw nodded, leaning back enough so that he could address the others, even while he kept his hands on Hobbs. "I'm sure you all must have questions," he said. "Sometimes our relationship is like this. Submitting. Figure, as long as we're with family, it's safe to be however we need to be."

"Of course, it is," Dom said. "Where better to act in the way you need to than with family?"

Han nodded. "Is the big, blustery you an act, then?" He looked at Hobbs.

"Not an act, no. That's me too... just the me that I don't feel I need to hide from the rest of the world. This me? If the wrong people knew..." Hobbs leaned into Shaw a little more.

"We're family," Letty said. "Like Dom said. React however you need to. It's safe here."

Hobbs smiled at that. "I've been wanting to ask... all my blood is in Samoa. Sam... she'd go to live with them if anything happened... Dec... he already promised to take care of her till he could get her to them. If he can't, though and if something happened...." He glanced between all the others.

"If Shaw couldn't do it, then for sure I would make sure she got to her grandma and uncles in Samoa," Brian promised, before he could voice the question. "And if, God forbid, they couldn't take her, she would have a home with us too."

Dom nodded his own agreement. "If anything happens to you, to either of you, she'll be safe," he promised. "Your family is my family." He raised his beer to Hobbs.

Hobbs nodded. "Thanks, bro. Appreciate it..." he said, swallowing a lump in his throat before taking another bite of his breakfast.

"Of course," Dom said. "I know you'd do the same for me." He spoke honestly.

Letty shook her head and murmured, "If there's a next time, I hope you'll let us actually help you."

Han gave Letty a confused look. "What next time?"

"When my son was taken," Dom admitted. "I didn't react in the way that I would have expected anyone else here to react. Of course, I didn't get away with that. Any more than I would have let someone else get away with it."

Han's eyes widened. He knew exactly what that meant. "But who...?" He stopped the question and blushed. It couldn't have been clearer that he was having difficulty envisioning any of the family being strong willed enough to enforce Dom's own rules on him in the exact same way.

***

They'd finally all finished eating. Dom's son was down for his nap. The family was all there. Elena's death had been hard for Dom to take and he wished it hadn't happened, but at least they were all safe now.

Noticing the cooler was empty, Dom stood and headed inside the house, intending to grab some more drinks.

Hobbs stood by the kitchen sink, staring out the window at everyone. Elena's death hurt. But it had also drawn his attention to the fact he saw these people as family. He turned as Dom entered.

"You planning on joining us outside?" Dom asked, as he headed over to gather up some more drinks.

"Yeah... just thinking," Hobbs said quietly, moving over to take some of the drinks from Dom to help carry them outside.

"You're quieter than I'm used to," Dom commented, a hint of worry creeping into his tone.

"It's been a really long week. And... I just realized how much you all are family to me now. I haven't seen my own blood in years because of… reasons... but I know if anything ever happened to Sam, they'd ignore that and do everything in their power to help. Just like everyone out there did everything in their power to help you, when your boy was taken. Just like I'd do anything in my power to help you. That's what family does, right? Helps each other?" Hobbs was still quiet, trying to put his thoughts and feelings into words that wouldn't immediately set Dom on the defensive and arguing with him, as so often seemed to happen.

Surprised, Don turned fully to face Hobbs, putting the drinks he carried down. "Yeah," he agreed. "That's what family does." As he said the words, of course, he realized that...he hadn't really trusted the family to have his back. Yeah, he'd reached out to Shaw. Found a way to get a message to the other man. If Hobbs had something to say about Dom not reaching out to the family, then Dom knew he should at least hear him out.

"So... why didn't you trust your family?" Hobbs asked outright. He left it to Dom if he wanted to include Hobbs in that number or not; he'd made it clear he'd help if he was given the chance. He set the drinks he carried down as well. Maybe this was a conversation best had in the house, where they wouldn't be interrupted. Dom might be more honest if he didn't feel ganged up on.

"Cipher had Elena. Had my son," Dom replied. "I didn't want to give her anyone else. I didn't want to put any of you at risk." He paused before acknowledging, "And if any of the other family members had done the same, I would be about as happy with them as you are with me right now."

"I understand. Believe me. To be honest, I'm not sure I wouldn't do the same, despite knowing better." Hobbs smiled ruefully. "Out of all of them, I'm prolly the least upset, because I understand too well. But understanding and not being as upset doesn't make it okay."

Dom nodded. "Yeah. I get that. You got any ideas what'll make you feel better about this?" he asked.

"Like I said, less upset than the others because I understand. Even if I am a little upset..." Hobbs shrugged. "I know what you'd do if one of the others had pulled that stunt, though."

"Yeah," Dom commented. "That mean you plan to make me answer for my behavior?"

"Yeah. You gonna argue against it?" Hobbs shifted, preparing to be decked if Dom didn't agree.

"No. Cause you're right. And it'd be hypocritical of me to argue against it," Dom admitted.

Hobbs nodded. "Let's go upstairs, then..." He motioned toward the stairs.

Dom couldn't remember the last time he'd been on the receiving end of the discipline, instead of the one dishing it out. The last time had likely been before his dad had died. Still. He couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive as he headed up the stairs.

Hobbs followed behind, quiet. He allowed Dom to choose which room he went to; he knew little Brian was asleep, so they needed to choose a room where the sounds wouldn't wake the kid up.

Dom headed to the guest room furthest from Brian's room. There was still the chance of sound carrying, but it was less likely here.

Once they were in the room and the door was closed, Hobbs put a hand on Dom's shoulder and led him to the bed. "You know family would do everything for you. Hiding what happened and pushing everyone away was wrong."

Dom let himself be led without argument or protest. "I know," he agreed quietly. "I don't have any excuses. You're right. I should have made better choices."

"I'm glad you realize that. Means it won't happen again..." Hobbs smiled, before suddenly tipping Dom over his lap and pulling him close to his stomach. He gave the other man a few moments to get used to the new position before tugging his pants and underwear down. Dom was family. This was how family was punished.

Taking a deep breath, Dom let his body relax, not fighting or struggling. "I'm sorry." The apology wasn't given to try and mitigate what was about to happen; Dom was truly remorseful for what he'd put his family through.

"I know. Everyone else will realize it soon enough. They won't stay mad for long," Hobbs soothed gently, before raising his hand and letting it fall in the first hard smack. It didn't take long for him to fall into a pattern of the hard swats, covering every inch of Dom's backside and upper thighs.

Dom breathed in deep, body shifting slightly in response to the swats, but making no attempt to get away. Still, his body reacted to the smacks and since he was making no attempt to hold back his reactions, it didn't take long for gasps and soft groans to escape.

"Your family is there for you, Dom. I'm there for you. You don't have to push us away when you need help. We won't let you push us away..." Hobbs said, while continuing the hard swats, completing a second circuit, and beginning a third.

"I know." Dom's breath hitched in a quiet sob. He reached down and held onto Hobbs' leg, his eyes beginning to water. "I know you're all here for me. I'm sorry," he whispered.

"I know. You're forgiven. Everything is okay now, will be okay." Hobbs finished the third circuit and stilled his hand, letting it rest on the small of Dom's back. "Next time... you'll remember this, and you'll make different choices. I know you will."

"I will." Dom breathed in deeply as he voiced the promise. "I won't forget. I'll let the family in. Let you all help."

"Good... that's all we ask..." Hobbs said softly. He replaced Dom's clothing gently, then helped the other man up, reaching up to clasp his shoulder and squeezing once he was back on his feet.

"Thank you," Dom said, once the flow of tears had stopped. "Thank you for holding me accountable," he said honestly.

"Any time.... I'm sure you'll do the same for me if it is necessary..." Hobbs responded quietly. "Are you ready to join the others?"

"Yeah." Dom took a step back, wiped at his eyes, and waited for Hobbs before he headed out of the room and back to join the others.

****

"Family is everything..." Hobbs said softly, leaning into Shaw more heavily after Dom finished relating the story.

Dom nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Family is everything. And we, all of us here, are family." He looked at each of them in turn.

"Forever." Han nodded, looking around before raising his glass.

The End