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It sucks. It really did.One wrong move that no one anticipated resulted in an explosion that caused his car to flip over. He lost control and eventually some blood as cuts embedded in his skin.His sight was blurry, his hearing fading off as he could only make out shouts and screeches of tires.He tried moving, he did, but it was useless.He thought he was going to die, he thought it was the end if it.But apparently it wasn't.He could make out gunshots and then a pair of leather boots. Hands gripped him, pulling out the damaged car, surprisingly gentle. Pain struck through his body, heat from the fire touching his skin."Ah, don't move," a feminine, icy voice coaxed.He felt himself being carried, seconds later his back touching something cushioned.And before the doors closed, he spotted his team running to him, one of them reaching out and calling his name.
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"How did this happen? Where is he?"Eyes went each and every way. Mixed emotions stirred in each individual's chest at the thought of what could have happened to their lost teammate. Their family member."She was there." Letty hissed, eyes narrowed to the glass in front of her.Beside her, Dom growled lowly, the only comfort he felt was Brian rubbing his hand with his own bandaged one.Mr. Nobody eyed them, realizing who Letty meant."After a year, she shows up again?""It's strange. I thought Cipher would lay low for longer. How did she even get more of her own men to work with?" Tej questioned. Behind him, he could sense the tension from Roman. He hadn't sat down like the others. He was too frustrated to stay still.All that replayed in his head was the sight of Eric's car flipping, fire surrounding it. He could remember seeing a man pulling his Eric out the damaged car. Holding him and carrying him to a black van with her following."She took him..." he muttered."Rome, we'll find him. We'll find Eric." Brian assured, himself worried for the agent.When he came to, he noticed that he was on something soft, like before, but silkier.He blinked open his eyes, hissing at the bright light."Fuck..." he mumbled, turning on his front, surprised he could. He sat up, settling on his knees. He looked around, eyeing the room. It was luxurious, colored in gold, ivory, dark red and black. Everything screamed dirty money. Even the dark clothes he could see from the opened walk-in wardrobe."A hot shower should help with the tension. I provided clothes for you."Eric was on his feet in seconds, startled by whoever just came in the room. He searched for the nearest hard object to use as a weapon, however, hands grabbed him. He struggled, cursing at the man who held him."Sweetie, I would calm down. No one is going to hurt you."His blues met at the sight of the blond haired woman, adorning black slacks and a blouse, fancy heels to boot.Eric stiffened as she stepped closer, her hand reaching out. She lightly touched his face, turning it to each side to examine it."Hm. You're not as injured as I had thought, which is good. You didn't break anything, just scarred a little.""Cipher..." he started, trailing off. He wasn't sure what else to say. What could he say? Remembering what Dom said about her with his experience, he wasn't sure."I know you are confused. Wondering why I haven't killed you yet or even tied you up somewhere? There would be no point." Cipher voiced, shrugging. She sat down on the lounge chair, her expression unreadable. Eric was now standing still, the grip on his arm loosen now."I am. I work with the same people who foiled your plans last year. I figure you would want some kind of revenge." he admitted slowly."Well, I do, but not from you. Now go shower." Cipher replied, standing up, gesturing to the man to follow her out.He was alone now, no doubt the door locked. He figured he should just make the best of his situation, not underestimating the fact that Cipher definitely had cameras installed, men waiting at her command if he tried escaping.
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Cipher was right when she claimed he was only scarred a bit. Eric had applied ointment and re-bandaged the cuts on his right arm and the smaller one on his left cheek after his shower. He felt slightly better, refreshed from the hot water and comfortable wearing the clothes from the closet. Although, he had no taste for each piece to be black. But, he figured it wasn't best to complain about it.He was still weary of Cipher's intentions of what she planned to do with him.So for now, he'll deal with black jeans and a tee shirt. He tested to see if the door to his prison/room was locked. Much to his puzzlement, it wasn't. Cautiously, he stepped out, looking to each end of the hall. Of course, he knew there was a drawback to the unlocked door. Two larger men came walking his way, intimidating, but not enough to scare Eric. He seen Dom angry."This way." one of the men ordered, walking off, gesturing for Eric to follow. He did so, noting the second man was behind him. Cipher really didn't want to take chances. Not this time.The hallway seemed to have lasted forever until Eric was lead into another room. This one was mostly blank except for the two sofas that faced each other and the table in the middle. It wasn't that small, probably half the size of the bedroom he was in, which was frankly large. It was just that it made him feel a bit claustrophobic. No windows, a single door and two lamps.Simple, yet creepy."Enjoyed the shower? Feel better?"Eric had glanced up to see Cipher enter through the door, confident in her steps, yet guarded. She sat on the sofa, keeping her eyes on him. She nodded to the sofa across from her. The brunet sat down slowly, still weary. Still... uncomfortable."Hungry? Thirsty?" Cipher asked, her concern laced in her tone either faux or true.He narrowed his eyes at her."Why are you doing this? What do you hope to gain from this?" Eric hissed. Although he was feeling odd, he wasn't scared of Cipher. Never really was. He was just aware of her ways of manipulating and icy exterior, interior nature.Cipher crossed her pants clad legs, sitting back against the pillows as if she sat on a throne."I told you. Revenge.""But earlier you said not from me. So why hold me captive?"The woman shook her held, chuckling. "Oh, I'm not holding you captive. I would have you tied up somewhere, surrounded by glass walls if I was.""Then enlighten me on what you call this?""Taking care of you. Now are you hungry?"He could only sigh, giving in since he knew that Cipher was revealing so little for now. It's only been a few hours since Eric was taken. They were looking at the surveillance from the accident, hoping they could get some lead as to where Cipher and her mooks gone.Mr. Nobody was upset, highly upset to see that his protégé disappeared. Not because he was an employee, but because he looked to the younger as his son. He was aware of Cipher's ruthless manners. She wouldn't hesitate to 'dispose' Eric any way she saw fit. He prayed she did nothing to him or allowed any harm to him.Otherwise, he may kill her.And he wouldn't be the worse."How could this all go so wrong?!" Roman growled, close to throwing the nearest hard object at the nearest person.The others noticed his unsettling anger, cautious to stay clear unless necessary. It wasn't like Roman to be this way. He never gotten this angry. Yet, they understood. He and Eric recently began dating, having feelings for each other since a week after they met. Their relationship brought a breeze of fresh air, both of them enforcing good changes in the other. It was sweet to see really, and relieving for Tej to officially ask Ramsey out.All was good...Until now.Brian took small steps towards his childhood companion, placing a hand on the other male's shoulder. "We'll find him, Rome. We will.""And once we do, I'm putting a bullet in that bitch's head." Dom mumbled gravely."Not before I do." Deckard hissed. Hobbs patted his shoulder."I think we all want a little revenge from Cipher. First, we have to get Little Nobody to safety. Then, all hell shall break loose.""We just have to find them. Unfortunately, despite her downfall last year, Cipher certainly kept a backup for the technology she's been using. Using God's Eye is terribly hopeless. It's not even locating Little Nobody." Ramsey groaned.Hearing that, Roman cursed under his breath, ready to punch something or someone. Brian shot a look over to Tej, hoping he had something. The tech genius caught his state, sighing. "I figure that, so I've been working on a program to reverse that.""How long till we can use it?" Owen questioned, crossing his arms."Give it a few more hours. Maybe two really at the least.""It's strange how she took Eric." Letty sighed. "Like why him?""We'll find out.""We better." Roman hissed, walking out the room, aware of the concerned glances trailing him. It was odd that she decided on such a public place. Then again, Cipher was always on her guard. Her men was surrounding them, hidden and out of sight except for the two standing at the table.The woman was currently looking at the menu, her fingers lightly tapping on the copper red colored surface. Eric figured it was just a habit, given that Cipher was mostly hidden behind the keyboard."You know, you should look through the menu. I'm sure you'll find a dish that will satisfy you." Cipher deadpanned, eyes shifting up and down the words she held in her hand.The menu was written in both Greek and English, languages he could read very clearly, given his field of work. There was an interesting array of culinary that the restaurant offered, however, Eric had no appetite. How could he?He was so confused right now. So lost.Everything seemed to happened within a course seconds.Mission gone wrong, car flipped over, cuts, kidnapped... Roman.Oh god, Roman.At the thought of him, the young agent's chest tightened. The image of Roman running to him and reaching for him gave him bad chills. He missed the other man, wanting him beside him right now, holding him. He needed him.But right now... Cipher, guns and an unknown location separated them. "I'm not hungry." Eric mumbled, his eyes shifting. He could feel tears stinging behind the lids."How about I order for you?""I don't care. I don't want to be here.""We could go to another restaurant.""You know what I mean, Cipher." he voiced harsher with a sigh. "Don't play games with me.""No one is playing any games, honey." The woman replied, setting down the menu and leaning further towards Eric. She placed her hands together on the table. "I'm just trying to help you. Get on your good side.""Well, knowing you will try to kill my team first chance you get isn't a good start."Cipher had release a chuckle. A chuckle that translated to 'Don't I know it'. She gave him a spare glance before waving one of the waiters over. "Not saying that isn't true because... It is, but eventually, you'll see."When the waiter came over, she began to speak, her words Greek. Eric wondered if she knew he could understand her. The waiter nodded, taking their menus as he left.The brunet's blues eyed the guard standing at the right of him for a while before looking back at Cipher. Of course, she was looking at him, too. Mapping him as if she was reading his moves and thoughts. It made him shift a little in his cushioned seat. Did Dom feel this way when he was blackmailed and working under Cipher?No. Dom wouldn't crack under pressure like that.So he shouldn't. He wouldn't let this bitch get under his skin.
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Two days have passed, which felt like seconds, sometimes years. Eric really didn't know, given how anxious he felt to go back to his team, to Roman.It wouldn't even matter to Cipher. She wanted revenge, Roman included.Just the thought of that made Eric ache in his stomach. He knew Roman was capable of taking care of himself and a lot less impulsive, but he still worried for him. Somewhere in his mind and heart, he also knew Roman felt the same. Not that he could blame his boyfriend. He was trapped, somewhere unknown, surrounded by highly trained men and women with their boss being a woman with no heart or remorse for death. If he pushed her far enough, Cipher might kill him.At this point, Eric was just stuck in the middle. He didn't know his advantages or disadvantages. He didn't know when he will see his team/family again. He wasn't even sure of what he wanted to do. All he knew was of his feelings.And right now, he settled for being stuck in his room/prison cell, laying on his bed while contemplating over them.What more could he do? He had been relieved that Tej's new program had worked. They were able to get some location on where Eric and Cipher was.It surprised him really when the program was able to give some lead, showing a slightly blurry image of Eric's face as he stepped out of some restaurant with Cipher and some other men. They watched them walk to a limousine, getting into it before the signal cut off. Tej figured that Cipher had the same shield guarding the limo that she had for the plane, so he or Ramsey wasn't able to track down where it's headed. However, they knew now what country and city Eric could be in.Athens, Greece.That's where they've been for the past two days.And granted, Athens was a very beautiful city, vivid and bright with old and new life, they were there for personal business.Finding Eric was more important than touring even the most luxurious cities.Especially to Roman.Yet, resting was something he should be doing now.Since Eric was taken, the ex-criminal didn't have much sleep. He was too bothered by his absence by his side. It hurt deeply.So deep that he was sure he gotten scars on his heart from thinking about it.Admittedly, the agent became his everything. His reason to breathe, smile, everything. Eric Reisner was his. Cipher had no right to take him. And for what reason?He was positive Cipher would use his boyfriend as leverage to get what she wants as she did with Dom's son. It puzzled him as to why Eric though. Yes, he was involved in taking her down last year. And yes, he worked for the very organization that was against Cipher. However, Roman sensed there was something more to Eric's kidnapping. Was she trying to recruit him? Maybe squeeze information out of him before she killed him.
'No. She better not touch him!'
Yet she could. She had him. And who knows what she was currently doing?There's also where they were when Tej managed to locate them.A public restaurant.From what he was informed, Cipher wasn't really a public person. So for someone who is constantly erasing their existence off everything, it was odd to see her go out like that. Why did she? To throw them off? Just out of spite? Whatever the reason, it wasn't good. "He doesn't look good."Dom had looked from the window to his spouse as he came closer. He held out his arms which the blond gratefully accepted, allowing him to be embraced. "He looks so tired, Dom. So distressed.""I would be, too, Bri. If Cipher took you away.""You already been down that road with her. I don't think you need to a second time. And Roman... He doesn't deserve it either." Brian sighed, his fear for Eric etched on his face. Dom couldn't see it since Brian chose to be snuggled in his chest, however he knew it was there. Over time, Brian took to Eric like a brother. The two were close, given commonalities shared. And honestly, other than Roman, Eric found a comfort in Brian, looking up to him as a potential lifetime friend and older brother. "They both don't deserve to be separated like this.""I know. We'll get Eric back. I promise you. And I promise Roman." Dom vowed, a sense of vengeance stirring in his chest.Once again, Cipher has chosen to disband his family.For whatever the reasons, he didn't care because once they gotten Eric back, she was going down...Permanently...
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So far, she liked how things have turned out. She wouldn't voice it, but she was both shocked and relieved that Eric haven't tried to escape. It made her plan easier to carry out.She didn't have to fuss over him running away or trying to contact his team, which he has yet to do also.It wasn't as if she tried hiding or limiting sources for him to do so. She was more so testing him. Ultimately, Cipher could sense he didn't want to try, giving up. He just settled for being in the room she gave him. Naps, sitting by the window, reading the books on the shelf.It was as if the footage on the camera was on repeat. With Dom, he shifted back and forth like the gears set in his car. Eric? He was more... uniformed.Cipher was so bothered by it, yet it made her ponder. She wondered if the young agent felt enclosed. She didn't want him to. Not him. That was not what she anticipated."You know, if you wanted to explore, the guards are at your disposal. Your command. We're in Athens, and we won't be staying here long."Hearing Cipher's cool voice, Eric slowly opened his eyes, keeping his sitting position by the window on the lounge chair."I wasn't aware." he deadpan, his tone mocking, yet truthful.Cipher stepped closer, sticking her hands in her back jean pockets. "Now you are. You have freedom. I don't think you want to stay cooped up in this room, right?""What if I do?""You don't. I know you must feel entrapped like a prisoner, but you're not. Far, far from it." She wanted to laugh at sudden confusion marked on Eric's face. Not out of sheer amusement, but out of a slight tinge of warmth in her chest. It was foreign to her, yet... yet she didn't mind it."Cipher, what do you mean by that?" the agent questioned.With a smile, genuine smile."Let's just say that you and I share a bit of history. You were just too young to remember.""What do you mean?" Eric repeated, standing up now.Cipher patted his shoulder in assurance. "I'll explain later. Right now, how about we go an see some attractions? Maybe shop a little? We'll be moving out of Greece soon." she informed, turning a bit on her heels.Eric started to notice how carefree Cipher was, even after days of being here. He always thought as a criminal mastermind she would be... stiff. Psychotic she sure was. Egotistical was a definite. Fierce? Yes.But laidback and a little merciful... it... it just seem to stick.Maybe she was only being this way to make him feel comfortable? If so? Why? What history could those two possibly share? Will she even tell him if he asked right now? He would guess not, however, she will give it up soon. She didn't want him to keep him in the dark forever, right? She had mentioned wanting to get on his good side."Okay, Cipher. I guess I will go out to have a little fun." he gave in. It was getting a little tiring doing the same thing constantly. He could make the best of this until he could get back to his team. His family. His Roman."Great. Get washed up and meet me in the den. I'll wait for you." she said, heading for the door to leave. Once more, he was left to his own devices and thoughts, but with a bigger sense of curiosity and anxiety.There was a light tapping sound catching his attention the moment he stepped out the bathroom. He had took a shower, hoping to calm down, but it didn't help. Roman opened the door, finding Tej and Brian at the door."We got a location." the techie said first."They're still here. At a shopping mall nearby." Brian added. He caught the sudden spark of confusion on his friend's face. "I know, strange. This isn't like her.""Something is definitely off about this." Roman agreed. He didn't like this. It felt like a trap."But we have to try. I know what you're thinking. She might be leading us into a trap. But for him, for Eric. We'll risk it.""Of course." Trap or not, Roman want nothing more than to get his boyfriend back.
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Truth be told, everything in the shop was tempting. The lights and the clean displays just enhances the clothing and jewelry made from rare and luxurious materials.Yet, Eric didn't have any interest in none of it. He wanted to be home, not here."I think you would look good in that." Cipher is sitting on one of the leather benches. She gestured to an outfit shown off on a mannequin. "How about that one?""I'll try it." There was no point of arguing at this point. The look on her face is clear satisfaction, masking the surprise from his cooperation."Great. And don't be shy, Eric. Get as many clothes as you want. But don't take too long. We'll be leaving soon after from here.""So soon?""Yeah, I have plans." A smirk crosses her face. "Plans I want you to be there for.""Alright, remember, this is a mall."Those are the first words out of Brian's mouth when they're all out their vehicles."I know we're used to making a ruckus in public, but we're dealing with Cipher here.""So we gotta be low-key as possible." Dom adds, bouncing off his husband's words. Nothing new with them. "Remember the plan?""Go in, don't draw attention, grab Little Nobody and get the hell out of there while avoiding Cipher." Letty recites."As much as I want revenge, he has to be safe first." Roman remarks. No one comments, still getting those waves of rage and fear from him. None of them wanted to mess this up, endangering Eric. They were still unclear as to what Cipher wanted from him and their best bet was to get him back without risks.From inside Tej's car, sat the two tech experts. As usual, Ramsey was equipped with a handy laptop, typing away at keys."Alright, I tapped in the mall's cameras. I got visual on her on the second floor," she informed through her comm, "I have a count of at least four of her men with her inside a clothing shop. It's called Plutus. Written in gold cursive on a huge, polished brown sign. You can't miss it. Earlier footage shown Little Nobody going inside there with Cipher. He's probably still there.""Remember to be careful. This could be a trap. With Cipher out in public like this, the footage isn't be tapered with and knowing we're looking for her to get Little Nobody back is suspicious as hell." Tej reminded them.The group made it inside the mall, stopping at one of the unoccupied tables in one area."Surely it is. My best bet is she had the intention to kill us, even out in a public setting. Drawing us out here because she knew that we would follow." Brian explained, crossing his arms. "Being it's a public setting, Cipher probably also believes we think it would be safe enough to retrieve Eric, thinking she wouldn't pull a stunt with people around.""Even though we're aware of how psycho she is.""Tej, see a route around that one of us can take?" Roman asked."There's a blind spot that you can take a chance with. The shop has two entrances. A front and a side. Cipher and her goons is closest to the front one.""We're gonna need to draw them away, dwindle the numbers." Letty suggests. "Thanks to our tech geeks' magic, Cipher probably has no clue we are here."Dom gives a nod. "Let's take an advantage of that. Bri, you go and fetch Little Nobody. The rest of us will get Cipher's men moving away and lead them out the mall. Hobbs, the rest of you will be ready?"Somewhere else, parked in another section of the lot sat Hobbs in his truck. Neighboring him on both sides were Deckard and Owen in their own cars."Oh, we'll definitely be ready, Dom. Just lead those bastards to us."That was a go."Toretto and his team are here."Cipher stood up and looked over to where her henchman nodded to. She watched as Letty and Roman passed the store, eyeing left and right as if they were looking for something... or someone.She smirked. "Knew they would come." She taps him on the shoulder as she turns to the other three with her. "Go deal Toretto and his friends. Follow and deal with them. After, meet me back at the parking lot.""You'll be okay?""I'll be fine. Go."They left her, just as Brian snuck in through the second entrance without notice from her or the employees. He took cover by some full racks, ducking down. "Ramsey, locate Eric.""Give me a second aaaand... he went into the third dressing room. No one else is in that area.""Fantastic. How about Cipher?""She's... okay, you're good. She's not looking over there. Talking with one of the employees. Go!""Thanks, Rams."Brian peeked over the racks and sure enough, Cipher was discussing something with another woman. He quickly made his way over to the men dressing room area of the store and hurried in. The room was clean, no stray of items anywhere. There was just some stalls.One of which Brian spotted some feet at.He walked over and gave it a knock."Hey, Little Nobody, when you're done gawking at yourself in the mirror, let me know, okay?"He smiles, hearing a gasp and then a fumbling of a lock before the door swung open.Eric stepped out, still dressed, with relief and shock on his face."Brian? You...""Yeah, we're here to get you out of here. The others are here, too.""Is everyone okay? Is Roman...?""He's fine. He's more worried about you." He pulled Eric into a hug. "We all are. Come on. Let's get you out of here. Ramsey, how's it looking outside?""Cipher is still occupied. Careful though. You're gonna have to extra cautious.""Alright then." Brian turns back to Eric, giving him an assuring smile. "Let's get out of here."
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They exchanged looks and then back at their handiwork. One couldn't help but to chuckle at the display of the men unconscious and tied up together like a scene out of a cartoon.One was left awake though. He was glaring up at the others, yet the fear was clear on his face."I demand that you let me go!""You're not in the position right now to make demands, buddy. If you were smart, you'd tell us everything we need to know." Deckard says, arms crossing."There's nothing to tell you.""I'm warning you I'm in a real violent mood right now." Owen states, playing with a combat knife he had on him. "I'm sure there's something you can tell us.""What does Cipher want with Little Nobody?""Like if I tell you!"Hobbs sighs, shaking his head. "Pity. Owen."When Owen stepped forward, the man yelped."Wait! No! Alright! I don't know exactly her intentions, but I do remember her mentioning 'welcoming someone back into the family' just before all this. Said he had 'a lot of value' to her."The trio looked at each other again."Interesting. Toretto, caught that?"Through their coms, Dom could be heard chuckling. "Clear. Status on Little Nobody?""He's with me. We're heading back to Lot A. Meet you there." Brian informed."Well, that's our cue to leave."They hadn't expected the punch to the goon coming, but neither Hobbs or Owen flinched when Deckard moved. When he saw the looks they gave him, he shrugged."Oh, shush, as if you weren't going to do the same.""Wow. Why do I love you again?""You told me why once before," Deckard sassed, heading to his car, "told me you liked how I move in and out of bed.""Do I have to listen to you be gross with each other?" Owen whined. "Spare me.""Cipher, he's moved. He's not there anymore."She quickly dismissed the woman and to address the voice in her earpiece. "I'm sorry?""Eric. His location is moving and he's headed outside. I already sent the others to retrieve him.""Toretto and his team?"There's a brief pause because the man answers. "I... I can't get a location on them."Cipher held back the urge to shout just then. She took a deep breath to at least compose herself. "What do you mean by that?""The GPS or the cameras aren't picking up on any of them."That was strange. She just saw Toretto and the others! Had to be some trick Ramsey came up with. Only she would have been able to give Cipher some bit of a challenge. She'll worry about it later. For now, she had a runaway to deal with.Neither of them wasted no time getting into the car once Brian's Skyline came into view. Letty, Dom and Roman were not that far behind, getting into their own vehicles. Eric practically jumped into the passenger seat and hurried his seatbelt on. He turned to the other."Thank you."Brian smiles back at him. "Like we'd leave you with her. You're family, Eric. Our family." He reached into his glove compartment for something and hands it to him. It's a walkie. "Let him know you're okay."Eric doesn't waste another second, pressing the button and speaking into it. "Hey, Rome.""Damn, it's great to hear your voice again."He lets out a laugh, a relaxed one and almost feels like crying when he looks over to see Roman looking back at him."I missed you.""I missed you, too. She didn't hurt you or anything, right?""No. Surprisingly. In fact, she was very... hospitable.""What, treated you like an actual guest?" Letty's voice comes through the comms. "Yeah," Eric feels already home when the sounds of revving engines could be heard and he feels Brian's car shake, "she said something that stuck out to me, too. Said we have shared history."Confusion casted among the group. "Shared history? What history could you and Cipher possibly share?" Tej huffed."I... I really don't know. I don't have an answer. Wish I did but I don't.""We probably have to look into that when we--- whoa!"Brian presses on the brake, causing him and Eric to shake a bit in their seats. His sudden halt caused the other cars to stop, too.The reason was right in front of them. "This isn't good."Four identical black SUVs were lined up in front of them, blocking them from their path. Cipher's voice could be heard through what sounded like a speaker. "You know, Dominic, you're starting to be a real pain in my side.""Oh, now I am?" Dom shouted back. "Give him back and I'll let you and your team go... for now."Eric stuck his head out the window. "No! You're crazy if you think I'm going to back to you!""Aaaw, Eric, you make it sound like I was torturing you.""Might as well have!""Not to you if I wanted to. Our parents would have been so disappointed in me if I did that."No one said anything after that. How could they really when Cipher practically dropped a bomb on them.Only the sounds of vehicles rumbling was heard throughout the parking lot. Even other outside noises seemingly were tuned out and silenced.Eric had slumped in his seat, wondering if he was dreaming right now. His eyes meets Brian's, who looks just as puzzled as he feels."Speechless, ain't you?" Cipher mocks. "Didn't want to have to tell you this way. I was waiting for the right moment, but I got a little impatient, I guess.""She has to be lying... has to..." Eric was getting queasy real fast. "... she's... she's..."Brian had not expected to see Eric go limp."Shit! Eric, Eric!" He checked him over, relieved his pulse was still going steady. He adjusted his seat to lay back further so he wasn't hanging forward uncomfortably."Brian, what happened?" Roman asked through his comms."He fainted!""What do you mean 'he fainted'?" Owen's voice questioned. "As I said! Little Nobody fainted!""... wow.""Where are you right now?""Close. Very, very close." Hobbs answered, sounding all too happy."So, what's it going to be, folks? Are you going to hand Eric over to me or I'm going to have to kill you?" Cipher proposed, still sounding smug."Fuck that noise!" Letty scoffed, revving up her engine again, and the others follow suit. "Let's just get out of here!""Hey, Ramsey!""Alright, got the fastest route we can take to lose them and get back to our rendezvous point. Sending the coordinates to all the GPS now."Sure enough, each vehicle on their team received a ping on their GPS."Thank you, Ramsey!""Thank Tej, too. We both mapped out the area." He smiles at her when she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "He's fantastic.""I'm so putting a ring on your finger after this.""I see you just want me to kill you." Cipher spoke up again through her speaker. "Well, fine. FIRE!"It wasn't bullets that went flying though.But rather one of the SUVs.
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"GO!"Hobbs had came on cue, smashing his truck against the side of the SUV, sending it to tumble against the others. He didn't stop until a path out was clear again which Brian was the first to take. Following after him was Roman, Dom, Owen, Tej with Ramsey, Letty and Deckard and Hobbs at the rear.Cipher and her crew were left in a somewhat still functional mess, much to her ever-growing frustration.She wasn't going to let them get away with him."Send in the second team after them and get this moving. NOW!"The driver didn't protest, frantically getting the SUV back onto the pavement as quickly as he can."Mr. Nobody, we got Little Nobody back. Think it's time to bring in our transport, thank you." Tej called in.Mr. Nobody's voice came through their speakers."Good job, team. Head to the airstrip. You got a good twenty minutes from where you are now to go. Don't worry, your ride will be there.""Let's pick up speed then!" They wasted no time turning onto the massive highway and maneuvering through the cars. They ignored the honking and yelling their way, trying to get through the crowd."Okay, the next exit is the one we're gonna want to take." Ramsey informed the others. "Then from there, that road will take us to the site where our ride will be.""And how far is that, Ramsey?" Letty asked, eyes widening when she looks into her rearview mirror. "The next mile.""Great! Because we have company!!"Right on cue came the firing of bullets. Cipher and her henchmen has caught up to them, accompanied by two more cars. One of which that came up to the left side of Brian's car. The side Eric was still unconscious on."Oh, shit."The car came close, the passenger in it rolling down his window to shoot out the other window. Brian had reached for Eric's arm, giving it a squeeze. "Eric! Eric! Wake up! Please wake up!!"Brian found himself multitasking, driving, keeping his eyes on the road and trying to shake Eric awake."Hey, man, you're about to get kidnapped again if you don't wake up!""Bri, what's going on?" Roman asked through the comms, looking glancing back at Brian's car."They're trying to take Eric again!"At that, Roman sneered. "The fuck they are." He pressed hard on his brakes, stopping his car which caused the goons' car to abruptly collide into the back. It allowed Brian to speed up past him and get back in front of Dom's car. Roman got his car back into gear, catching up with the others. Usually, a complaint about any wreckage to his car would have came. This time, he really didn't give a damn."The exit! Take it now!"They filed into a line as they took that turn into the exit. A jerk in the road caused Eric to jolt awake, grabbing onto his seatbelt. Giving his seat was lowered, he found himself unable to sit up."What the hell...?""Sorry, you fainted. Cipher took you by surprise by a sudden family reveal."Eric recalled those words. "Our parents" she said. He made a face. "There can't be any way that's true. I can't be related to her. It... how is that even possible? She has to be lying." He raised the seat back up, taking a glance at the window and watching the buildings they pass disappear. He can faintly hear the sounds of bullets hitting metal. Looking back, he sees a huge truck that Hobbs is surely driving it taking the hit. "I don't know, but we'll find out soon. Right now, we gotta escape. We're heading to the airstrip." Brian informs him. "Give or take a few minutes.""Sorry about fainting, by the way. I just...""I don't blame you, Eric. I would have fainted, too."Meanwhile, Cipher gave chase, reluctant to let them get away.
'I'm not letting you get away from me again.'
They made a sharp turn into the open gate, ignoring the guards that shouted at them. They continued on the path and drove into an open area. "Mr. Nobody, we're here." "Well, get ready then, folks."A plane appeared their heads, lowering down onto the pavement in front of them and slowing down. The door had began to open for them."Okay, let's get the fuck out of here!"Brian was the first to get onto the plane with Letty and Dom following. They parked their cars and got out, watching the others catch up with Cipher right behind them."Feels familiar, doesn't it?" Dom jokes, moving to the side as Tej's car got on.Eric gave him a look. "What, you're telling me you've been in this situation before?"Owen's car made it on. He had heard that part and let out a sigh, shaking his head as he got out. "Wasn't my finest moment.""Oh, I bet it--- ROMAN, LOOK OUT!!"Eric had to be pulled back from running off the plane just then when he saw one of the SUVs collide against Roman's Bentley."Eric, how about we don't try to jump off moving planes?" "Let me go! She's gonna kill him!!" Eric struggled against Dom. "Let me help him!""Not jumping out a plane, you're not. Hobbs and Deckard are still out there, too."Sure enough, Hobbs' truck had slowed down to get behind Cipher's SUV and sped up to ram it out the way. It crashed into the others, making room for Deckard's car to take place next to the driver's side of Roman's car. Given the damage, the car didn't seem it would last that long enough to make it to the plane.Luckily, Deckard's passenger door opened and Eric could only watch with a hitched breath as Roman jumped out and into the other car before slamming the door shut.Eric didn't relax until the last two vehicles made it onto the plane and the cargo door was shut.When Dom let him go, he rushed to Roman who got out Deckard's car just in time to catch his weight against him. Eric's arms went around him as he pressed his forehead against his."Don't ever freak me out like that again. Do you hear me? Don't do that again."Roman chuckled, returning the hug. "I'll try harder next time. Glad to have you back, baby.""Glad to be back."She is livid. Beyond livid maybe. Once again, Toretto and his team has found another way to royally pissed her off. This time by taking away someone she's always been wanting to get back.It was her right to have her family at her side again. For many years, she's always wondered what happened to him. It wasn't until last year when she finally crossed paths with Toretto and his team that she found out he's been alive all this time.At first, she hadn't paid much mind to his existence. Eric Reisner was a thorn in her side like the others.That is until she did a little more digging.Not much was available for her to find. Mr. Nobody was quite careful. But what little she got her hands on did interest her.His birth date just so happened to be a familiar one. He was adopted as a baby, just two weeks after the accident. Looking through his photos, Cipher had been reminded of her mother. Their mother. He had those same eyes as her.She may have been a child at that time, but she could never forget the faces of them. Having one sole picture helped her remember sometimes.Cipher kicked the door opened and climbed out the wrecked vehicle. She stumbled out and got onto her feet. Pain was nonexistent to her. She didn't care about the cuts that littered her skin or the dirt and rips that ruined her clothes.All she cared about was getting him back."Now, I'm definitely tearing your family apart, Dominic."
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The plane ride felt like it took forever, but he wasn't complaining about it. Not when he was back with the people he wanted to be with. Now that he was back with Roman who sat at his side, holding his hand and letting him rest on his shoulder.The others sat around them, some like Ramsey and Brian, resting. They knew Cipher had survived and no doubt is going to come after them. But they were relieved their team was whole again."Thank you, again, for coming to get me." "Well, Little Nobody, you're part of our group. Who knows what Cipher could have done to you if we hadn't came for you?" Letty said.He doesn't want to think about it. Hospitable she was, but Cipher was a tricky one. She couldn't have been so 'kind' unless she had wanted something. Manipulative. He couldn't believe anything she says."Our parents... she said 'our parents'... was she really trying to tell me that we're brother and sister? That's insane.""Not that I believe her, but how you figure?" Owen questions, leaning against the wall of the plane.Eric sighs, sitting up from Roman's shoulder. "Well... I grew up with a mother and father. Only child. Don't recall them ever mentioning any other children. I was raised in a quaint little neighborhood, went to the best schools they could send me to, went to college on a scholarship for law enforcement, was in the CIA in Langley for a while before I was offered to be Mr. Nobody's assistant and now here I am. I can't think of anything that would connect me to Cipher."Owen gives a nod in understanding, arms crossing. "Yeah, can't think of anything. Cipher is either just coming up with lies to psyche us out, stir up some trouble or she mistaken you for someone else. I'm banking on the former.""Or," Dom starts, making sure Brian didn't fall off his shoulder, "she's telling the truth and there is something in your past that does connect you to her. I hate the thought of it, but this is Cipher. One thing I picked up while working for her last year is that she doesn't make bluffs. When she says something, she means it.""So... she could be telling the truth?" "Possibly. Hopefully, she isn't."Eric doesn't think he could fall asleep right now.He has to talk to someone. He has some certain individuals in mind that could give him the answers he needed. So when they finally arrive back to Headquarters, Eric makes a beeline in the direction of his destination. He doesn't get to go all the way because just the person. He wanted to talk to met him halfway. With Mr. Nobody's glasses off, Eric sees the relief blanket over the older man's face as he opens his arms and hugs Eric."Welcome back, Eric.""Thank you, sir." Mr. Nobody wasn't often a hugger, but Eric wasn't complaining. It felt nice, safe. A reminder that he wasn't with Cipher anymore. That he was somewhere familiar.Speaking of her..."Mr. Nobody, I have a question."The older man must have caught onto just how anxious Eric was. He glances just past him at the others who stood there with clear anticipation before nodding."We can go into my office."They do. Eric was sure the others stuck close by the closed door to hear. He decided to ignore them. Instead, he sits down and waits just a couple of moments before speaking again."Whew. Okay, um..." This is unbelievable. "Sir, is there anything in my family history you may know about me? Something that I don't?"Mr. Nobody scrunches his nose, leaning back more in his chair as his eyes held a sense of distance in them for a while before shaking his head. "Not that I can think of, no. The most I do recall reading about you is your experience in the field and education. As for more personal matters, haven't really thought to do so. May I ask why?"Eric winces. "Well... Cipher said pretty interesting things and now I have to find out if she's really telling the truth.""And it involves your family history?""Yeah, apparently so." He stands up and sighs. "I better get to it then. Thank you, again.""Anytime. Just call if you need me, son."Eric gives him a smile before walking out the office. Sure enough, eyeing to his left, there's the others standing close by with questioning looks on their faces."Hey, Ramsey? Tej? I think I'm going go need a little help digging through some history. My history."At that, Ramsey's eyes go wide. "R-really?""Yeah. Someone is lying about something and I have to find out what it is."Tej cracks his knuckles. "Looks like it's our time to shine, sweetheart." He winks at Ramsey who playfully hits him on the arm.The couple then left, going to get started on their tech quest.After a brief discussion, the others agreed to separate for the time being to separate themselves with other tasks.Be it to track on Cipher's current whereabouts to getting lunch. The only person who stayed behind was Roman.Not that Eric could blame him. He doesn't even stop him from pulling him into a hug and just holding him. Neither really cared about how public they were right now, standing in the hall. It was just them. They needed this moment. To feel assured that they were together again."Damn, I felt like I was going crazy without you." Roman admits, kissing his forehead.Eric embraced him back, holding him tight as if he was afraid would suddenly disappear."Same. For someone with so much tech, I was awfully bored in Cipher's company."They shared a laugh at that, making the best out of what happened. "I better go meet back up with Tej and Ramsey. Then later, we can go home. Just me and you." He gives Roman a quick kiss. "We can make up for the lost time."Roman grins. "I like the sound of that.""So far, everything's been pretty normal."It's been two hours since Ramsey and Tej started digging through Eric's history. They have only gotten his background that he already knew.Education, birthdate, family.They were sitting at a table with some of the others. Brian was sitting at Eric's right, eating on some fries as he began to wonder. Dom recognized that faraway gaze, his "I'm in detective mode"."I got an idea. Check his parents' history," he nudges Eric, "if that's okay with you."He nods, knowing what Brian was getting at. "That's actually a good idea. Maybe something else could pop up if we look past me and to my parents."Ramsey got to clicking away at her keyboard. It only took her a few minutes before she spoke up."Well, I think I got something. Your parents, Mister and Missus Reisner only have one child, that would be you, and... oh..."She eyes Eric, frowning. That caught his and everyone's interest."What? What is it, Rams?" Letty questions."Well... Little Nobody, it seems that 'Reisner' isn't even your real last name, given that your supposed parents adopted you.""... what?"Ramsey turns her laptop around, showing him the screen and sure enough after he did a quick scan of the words, right there in fine print were adoption papers."You gotta be fucking with me here."