Disclaimer: I do not own Sons Of Anarchy, or any of it's affiliations.

Sunshine:

Stale cigarette smoke filled the club-house. Just passed the doors where Kaylee stood, was hot California air, crashing with a cool, artificial breeze. The memory slammed against her senses, triggered by the familiar smell of wooden floors and leather.

"Hasn't changed much." Said Tara, leading the way to the bar counter, handful of grocery bags in tow. Kaylee followed behind her, arms filled with her own cargo.

There was something, maybe words, or tears, stuck in the back of Kaylee's throat, leaving her incapable of speaking. So instead she gave a nod of acknowledgement, and continued surveying the room.

It was big and open. No real barrier between comfy couches, lazy arm chairs, and bar tables. The ceiling was high, decorated by dust and long fans that never stopped spinning.

Tara began opening the contents of the paper bags, revealing numerous bottles of liquor, chips, and other social food items. Kaylee followed suit, only mildly surprised when a prospect appeared from the back room, and began wordlessly putting the items away.

She could just barely see the curve in the walls, where the club-house melded into a long hallway, dotted with bedrooms for its many members. Who was home? Panic set in just then.

"Where is everyone?" Kaylee asked. Her voice was strong, holding no evidence of its earlier paralysis.

Tara inspected a bottle of Gin before handing it to the prospect with specific instructions. The label on the front read Jameson. "They're out on a run." Tara finally said, and began folding the empty paper bags. "They'll be back in time for tonight."

Tonight? Kaylee shot a questioning look at Tara, who responded kindly. "The 'official' celebration of Jackson's promotion." Mused Tara, though she sounded less than thrilled.

Kaylee quirked an eyebrow, leaning against the bar counter. That position wasn't at all comfortable, but it gave her easy access to the rest of the room.

There was no one inside, save for the prospect, and another man in the kitchen, listening to swing music and stirring something in a large pot. He wore a dress shirt and pants. Kaylee doubted he was a Crow.

It pained her to agree; that Tara was right. Not much had changed. There was a few cosmetic differences, sure; but all in all; the head-quarters of S.A.M.C.R.O filled the air inside it with a distinct, purposeful glow. The kinds that either made you feel scared to death, or perfectly at home.

"Take it you're not happy about that?" Kaylee asked, returning her gaze to Tara, who had finished folding the paper bags.

Tara sighed, eyes giving a slight roll. "It's not that. We all could use a bit of fun, especially with what's been going on lately. I just wish we had some time to breathe first."

Kaylee nodded her head sympathetically. She was happy Tara was opening up to her. Her kindness meant the world to Kaylee. Still, she didn't want to test fate. "Should I stay low for a while?" The red head asked.

"No, actually. I was thinking you should come." At Kaylee's shocked expression, Tara continued. "Not everyone hates you, you know."

Kaylee couldn't help but laugh. The sound echoed through the empty room. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. It will be fun." Tara said.

Eager to leave, Kaylee didn't protest as Tara grabbed her purse and headed for the door. She didn't steal one last look, or even hold her breath as she exited. Her mind was filled with a concentrated purpose.

They entered the California sunshine once again, clear blue skies stretched endlessly up ahead, as if it was happy to see them. Kaylee's hand found the gold claddagh around her neck.

Driving away she played with it silently, a pair of brooding brown eyes filling her vision.


What do you think? Leave me a review! This is a short and sweet introductory chapter. Don't worry, longer ones are to come.