A few weeks later Ali was starting to feel more at home in Charming. She had used some of her savings, combined with her steady income from TM, to put a down payment on a cute three-bedroom bungalow just out side of the town center and had moved out of Kip's little apartment. The house had a large back yard and a detached garage she planned to turn into a new custom bike workshop. The home itself still had a bit of a grandma vibe leftover from the previous owner, but Ali saw the potential and was willing to put in the work to make it exactly what she wanted.
She loved her job at TM. She liked being able to see Kip whenever she wanted and the SAMCRO boys had fully accepted her as one of their own. Unfortunately, they had all started calling her Princess, but she figured it was a small price to pay for being part of a new family… and it was still better than being called Juice.
Clay had become a reluctant father figure, watching out for her from behind is cold mask of indifference. Piney and Bobby were her new favorite uncles and Juice, Jax, Opie and Happy her new brothers. It didn't take long for her to love them as much as she did Kip and she knew the feeling was mutual.
Most surprising to Ali was how quickly Tig had assumed the role of her best friend. It seemed like it happened overnight. They just seemed to click. He could read her emotions better than any one, even her own brother. He flirted with her shamelessly and made her laugh with his pervy jokes. He could tell when she was upset or feeling insecure without her having to say a word and was quick to pull her in a hug without her needing to ask. He just seemed to get her. He was her Tiggy.
Tension between Ali and Gemma hadn't really let up. The SAMCRO Queen still looked at Ali with an air of distrust. It was like she was just waiting for Ali to fuck something up so she could lord that over her. Ali wasn't going to let that happen. She had given up trying to impress the older woman. She busted her ass on the job and was never anything but respectful. She felt she deserved to be there and if Gemma didn't like it she could suck it. She never said that to her of course, no matter how many times she wanted to. Ali preferred to take the moral high ground and kill the Queen with kindness.
Then there was Chibs. Ali had a hard time putting the Scot into a category. She had a hard time picturing him as a father figure, an uncle or a brother. The thought seemed oddly incestuous and left a bad taste in her mouth. No, Chibs was something else entirely. She laughed, talked, teased and flirted with him, just like she did Tig. But with Tig everything was fun and games… there was no intention behind their words. With Chibs she sometimes felt an underlying tension and a subtle hint of truth to his flirtations.
They had moments she had a hard time defining. Shared looks and seemingly accidental touches before they would both look away. It was like there was a spark between them or maybe an internal recognition of kindred souls in one another. Ali tried to shake off the romantic notion. It was far too poetic for something that was probably just in her head.
Between the way his mahogany eyes sparkled with mischief, they way he smelled and the way his thick Scottish Brogue seemed to wrap itself around her like a favored blanket, promising safety and warmth… Ali knew she was in way over her head. She thought he was sexy as hell and her imagination was having a field day. But at the end of the day she reminded herself she was just a broken little girl, looking for love… what could he possibly see in her?
Ali felt a familiar hand land gently on the small of her back. She smiled to herself as she continued to tighten a bolt on the transmission she was working on. "Can I help you, Tiggy?"
The blue-eyed biker removed his hand from her back and moved to lean against the car's front bumper to watch her work her magic. "You can help yourself by putting that wrench down. The party started over an hour ago."
"I know. I know. I just wanted to get this last…one…there!" Ali stood up and grabbed her grease rag, wiping her hands with a smile. "Mind giving her a whirl?"
Tig headed over to the driver's side window to lean in and turn the ignition. The engine purred to life. Ali watched the running engine for a moment before giving Tig the signal to kill it. Once silence reigned once more in the empty shop, Tig wandered back around to the front on the car. Ali had a thoughtful frown on her face.
"What is it?" Tig asked.
"I still don't like that rattle. Maybe if I…" Ali made a move to check under the hood again, but Tig caught her around the middle and made quick work of tossing her over his shoulder.
"Tiggy… come on… put me down." There were days Ali loathed her petite figure. The guys were always picking her up like she was a fucking doll. Did no one around here understand about personal boundaries?
"Nope. You're done for the day. It's time to party."
"But, Tig, I'm a mess. I can't go in there like this? The Croweaters will have a field day."
"Then you tell them to fuck off."
"Tiggy…" Ali warned.
"Fine, but you realize none of the boys would care?"
Tig put her down by the entrance to the locker room. Ali grinned victoriously as her feet touched the ground.
Ali felt a familiar hand land gently on the small of her back. She smiled to herself as she continued to tighten a bolt on the transmission she was working on. "Can I help you, Tiggy?"
The blue-eyed biker removed his hand from her back and moved to lean against the car's front bumper to watch her work her magic. "You can help yourself by putting that wrench down. The party started over an hour ago."
"I know. I know. I just wanted to get this last…one…there!" Ali stood up and grabbed her grease rag, wiping her hands with a smile. "Mind giving her a whirl?"
Tig headed over to the driver's side window to lean in and turn the ignition. The engine purred to life. Ali watched the running engine for a moment before giving Tig the signal to kill it. Once silence reigned once more in the empty shop, Tig wandered back around to the front on the car. Ali had a thoughtful frown on her face.
"What is it?" Tig asked.
"I still don't like that rattle. Maybe if I…" Ali made a move to check under the hood again, but Tig caught her around the middle and made quick work of tossing her over his shoulder.
"Tiggy… come on… put me down." There were days Ali loathed her petite figure. The guys were always picking her up like she was a fucking doll. Did no one around here understand about personal boundaries?
"Nope. You're done for the day. It's time to party."
"But, Tig, I'm a mess. I can't go in there like this? The Croweaters will have a field day."
"Then you tell them to fuck off."
"Tiggy…" Ali warned.
"Fine, but you realize none of the boys would care?"
Tig put her down by the entrance to the locker room. Ali grinned victoriously as her feet touched the ground.
"A girl's gotta try to look pretty sometimes."
"Baby you look pretty all the time."
Ali blushed.
"He thinks so too, you know?"
"Who?" Ali asked innocently.
Tig smirked, "Come on, Ali. Everyone knows there's something going on between you and Chibs."
Ali's blush darkened. "We're just friends."
"Bullshit!"
"Besides, I'm not ready to jump back into the dating world."
"So you have thought about it."
Ali smacked his arm, "You're a Dick."
"A Dick who cares. Now hurry up. You've got fifteen minutes or I'm coming in after you."
Ali's eyes widened, "You wouldn't dare."
"Do you even know who you're talking to?" Tig gave her an incredulous look. "Clock's ticking, baby. Better get moving."
Ali shot him a glare as she dashed into the locker room. Tig chuckled to himself as her leaned up against a tool chest to wait.
Ali rushed through a shower, attempting to rid herself of the grit and grime she had accumulated throughout the day. She quickly towel dried her hair as best as she could, choosing to leave it down for a change knowing it would curl into ringlets on its own. She slipped into her dark blue jeans and a soft grey cotton t-shirt with a low V-neck. She finished the look with her signature black leather boots and a tough of lip-gloss. She took a quick look in the mirror. She felt kind of plain, but she shrugged.
"I guess this will do." She muttered to herself, grabbing her wallet and phone and headed out to find her loveably annoying best friend, Tig.
"Twelve minutes, not bad." Tig chuckled.
Ali shrugged. "I did the best I could do with the time I had."
Tig gave her an appraising glance and nodded.
"You'll do." He teased.
Ali punched his shoulder. Tig chuckled and put his arm around her shoulders, leading her towards the loud music emanating from the clubhouse.
It took Ali a moment to adjust to the smoky atmosphere inside. Tig dragged her to the bar and insisted they do shots. Ali shook her head and smiled as Kip lined up ten shots of tequila along the bar. He winked at his sister, making sure there was a beer waiting at the end of her five shots. Ali nodded in thanks and Kip headed down the line to serve the other Sons looking for a drink. Tig poked her in the ribs, shooting her a mischievous grin as he held up his first shot. She followed his lead and soon each had consumed their five shots.
Ali spun around on her stool, leaning her back against the bar. She slowly sipped her beer, enjoying her light buzz as she scanned the crowded space. Juice was trying to pick up a Croweater who was obviously way out of his league. Bobby was up on one of the stripper pole stages crooning along with the karaoke machine. Ali wondered when they had gotten that. Jax and his old lady, Tara, were snuggled up in a quiet corner, content to enjoy each other's company in their own little world. Ali smiled to herself, hoping she could find a love like that someday.
Tig nudged her to get her attention. "Check out your Prince Charming."
He inclined his head in the direction of the couch, where Chibs was trying to fend off the aggressive advances of a Croweater who was well past her prime. Ali giggled at the sight of the fearsome Scottish badass struggling to keep the woman from smothering him with her breasts.
Tig shook his head and laughed at his old friend. "Cheryl's been after him for months. Chibs may be one of the toughest motherfuckers I know, but he's never been good at turning down the ladies, even when it's for his own safety."
"Do you think we should help him?" Ali asked a little concerned for her favorite Scotsman.
Tig thought for a moment, "Think you can play the Old Lady card?"
Ali groaned a little knowing exactly what he was talking about.
"Come on, Princess. Take one for the team. It's the only way she'll leave him alone."
"Fine. But if this ends up outside, I'm blaming you."
Ali pushed herself away from the bar, having to hop down from her stool. She took one last drink from her beer for courage and headed off towards Chibs and Cheryl. Tig watched with a gleeful expression on his face as Piney and Gemma wandered up to the bar to get another drink.
The old man saw the look on Tig's face. "What's going on?"
"Ali's gonna play the Old Lady card to rescue Chibs from Cheryl." Gemma eyes widened in surprise and she turned her full attention on the scene that was about to unfold. "This is gonna be good." She smirked.
Chibs watched Ali approach him, his eyes pleading with her to help him. Ali gave him a secret wink before she crossed her arms and cleared her throat, turning a glare on Cheryl. Cheryl ignored her, trying harder to get Chibs in the mood by sliding a hand down his kutte. Before she has a chance to move her hand any lower, Ali cleared her throat louder and tapped her foot in annoyance.
Cheryl looked up at her and spat, "What do you want, bitch?"
Ali maintained her look of passive annoyance, "You're in my spot," She said calmly.
The older woman looked her over with a sneer, "Go back to your playpen, little girl. Scotty here needs a real woman."
Ali narrowed her eyes on the old floozy. "Look, I've had a long day and I'm not in the mood for your alpha female bullshit. You can try and piss on my leg all you want, but its not going to work…because unlike you I'm not the one here to try and reclaim my lost youth by strapping my ridiculously floppy tits into an under-equipped push up bra and attempting to hide my wrinkles under layers of caked on makeup of clowntastic proportions. I'm not trying to forget the limp-dicked husband and bratty kids I left in suburbia by taking two in the ass and guzzling badass biker cum."
Cheryl's jaw dropped, "You little cunt!"
"I'm not finished." Ali growled.
Chibs watched in awe as sweet little Ali verbally tore into the Croweater. Even though he knew it was an act, he couldn't help but feel a shot of lust travel straight to his groin. She was fucking sexy when she was angry and territorial.
"You crawl around here on your knees, begging for attention like a bitch in heat. You think you're wanted but you're nothing but a vacant hole, a dumping ground, too shriveled and weak to deserve any respect and too delusional to realize you don't have any."
Cheryl paled.
"Now I strongly suggest you get off MY MAN and get the fuck out of MY HOUSE!" Ali snarled.
Cheryl stood robotically, freeing a very relieved looking Chibs. Just as Ali thought the older woman had learned her lesson and was going to leave, Cheryl pulled back and slapped her across the face. Ali barely reacted to the blow but her cheek was reddening quickly.
There was silence in the clubhouse as Cheryl shrieked, "How dare you talk to me like that! People love me around here!"
Cheryl looked around for some support from the gathering crowd. She suddenly realized no one was coming to her defense, panic flashing in her eyes.
Ali turned a feral grin on the older woman, "Big mistake."
Ali grabbed Cheryl by the hair and dragged her out of the club house closely followed by a crowd chanting "Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Ali stopped at the boxing ring, tossing Cheryl under the bottom rope.
"What are you doing?" Cheryl squealed in panic as Ali hopped up onto the ring apron and stepped through the middle ropes.
"You brought this on yourself. But if we're going to fight, we're going to it right. None of that hair pulling catfight bullshit. Now woman-up and ditch the earrings and the heels." Ali ordered as she stretched out her arms and neck.
Cheryl looked out at the crowd that had gathered around the ring. Chibs, Tig, Piney and Kip were ringside waiting for the show to begin. Cheryl knew there was no way out of this without looking bad.
Ali tapped her foot impatiently, "I don't have all night. Heels and earrings off NOW! Unless you want a pair of ripped earlobes and shattered ankles. You're choice."
Cheryl's eyes widened and she quickly complied. Satisfied, Ali took up a boxing stance, which surprised and scared the shit out of Cheryl. It was clear the girl knew how to fight and the Croweater didn't have a clue.
Ali smirked and gave Cheryl a "come at me" gesture. Cheryl met her in the center of the ring, attempting to land a clumsy haymaker. Ali sidestepped it with ease, delivering a sharp blow to Cheryl's left kidney. Ali followed up with an ambitious European Uppercut, knocking Cheryl on her ass.
The older woman didn't stay down. She scrambled to her feet, spitting out a wad of bloody saliva, and charged Ali, pinning her against the ropes. It was a dirty move and Ali heard Chibs, Tig, Kip and Piney voicing their anger while trying to cheer her on. Ali winced as Cheryl wildly attacked her stomach and sides.
Ali finally managed to throw her off, swallowing her own pain long enough to jab Cheryl in the face. Cheryl staggered backwards, dazed and confused, but still on her feet. Ali thought she had her where she wanted her and followed Cheryl into the center of the ring, prepared to put an end to the fight.
In a last ditch effort Cheryl flailed her arms and landed a lucky punch to Ali's right cheek. Ali stumbled, feeling the sting of the blow. She shook it off again and advanced on the Croweater again. She blocked another wild punch and jabbed Cheryl in the face again. Ali tagged Cheryl's face twice more before following up her third jab with a vicious right cross that connected with the older woman's jaw. Cheryl crumbled to the mat, unmoving in her unconsciousness.
Tig clambered into the ring and raised Ali's bloody fist in victory. The crowd cheered loudly and Ali blushed in embarrassment, not used to being the center of attention.
At the back of the crowd Gemma watched the new girl with approving eyes. "That's my girl." She whispered to herself. Ali didn't know it, but she had just done the impossible. She had gained the respect of the SAMCRO queen.
Tig helped Ali through the ropes. The adrenaline in her system with quickly wearing off and the searing pain in her ribs was becoming more apparent. Chibs saw her wince and quickly stepped up to the ring apron to help her down, but the awkward twist and pull motion caused Ali to cry out.
Chibs hated the thought of her being in pain because of him and opted for an easier approach. He scooped Ali up into his arms. Ali didn't fight him. She was too busy trying to breathe with what she could only assume were bruised ribs. She instinctively buried her face in the side of Chibs' neck, trying to focus on the way he smelled instead of the pain she was in. Whiskey, smoke, leather and musky cologne… Ali inhaled deeply, letting the scent soothe her.
Chibs walked slowly into the clubhouse, doing his best not to jostle Ali any more than was necessary. He returned to the couch where the whole problem started. He was reluctant to let her go, so he eased himself on to the couch and rested Ali as gently as he could onto his lap.
Kip and Tig were right behind them, both wearing a combined expression of concern and pride. Kip ran off to the bar, returning quickly with an ice-cold bottle of beer, which he held out to his injured sister. She grudgingly pulled her face away from Chibs neck to take the bottle from Kip. She took a quick swig before pressing the cold bottle against her swollen cheek.
Chibs gently pulled the bottle away from her face to survey the damage. "You alright, Luv?"
Ali nodded, "Yeah, just stings like a bitch. You so owe me for this."
"Aye," He smirked, "Thank you for defending my honor."
Ali gave him a small smile, "You're welcome, but so me a favor."
"Anything, Luv."
"Try not to make a habit of being so irresistible… if you keep this up, I'll have to start training as hard as Kip."
Chibs chuckled and kissed her temple, "I'll try, sweetheart."
"And that's why you're my favorite." Ali smiled tapping Chibs on the nose with her finger.
"Hey!" Kip and Tig protested.
"Don't give me that. Kip you're my brother and I love you. Tiggy… well you're my Tiggy. That's a whole different category."
"I think we need to get Tara to check her for a concussion?" Kip asked concerned
Ali shook her head, immediately regretting her decision to do so. "I don't have a concussion… just a little punch drunk. Bitch must have hit me harder than I thought."
"So I guess you're Chib's Old lady for the night, Princess. No girl would be stupid enough to go after him after that performance," Tig smirked.
Ali gave Chibs a contrite look, "Sorry. Didn't mean to cock block you."
Chibs smiled, "Nothing to to be sorry for. I get to spend the evening with the beautiful defender of my virtue in my lap."
Kip groaned, "Just don't try anything old man. She's still my sister and I'd hate to have to kill you... it might fuck up my chances of patching in."
Ali managed to reach over to smack her brother and the guys laughed.
Tig shook his head with a grin, "Ali, I have to ask... 'taking two in the ass and guzzling badass biker cum?' Sack did you know your sister had such a filthy mouth on her?"
Kip just shrugged.
"I'll have you know I have an extensive vocabulary... I just choose my moments to use it." Ali grinned.
"Well it was funny as hell, Lass. The look on the gash's face was priceless. I only wish I had a camera." Chibs chuckled.
"Where'd you learn to fight like that, Princess?" Gemma asked as she sauntered up to the group, perching herself on the armrest of Chib's chair.
"Some girls got to go to ballet lessons, my Papa put me in boxing classes instead." Ali explained, "Haven't picked up my gloves since I was sixteen, though."
"Ali was the one that got me into boxing in the first place." Kip smiled proudly at the SAMCRO Queen.
"Well you did good, baby. It's about time someone put that bitch in her place." Gemma nodded approvingly.
Ali blushed again and leaned into Chibs again, drawing strength from his closeness. She tried to fight back a yawn, but failed miserably. The fight had pretty much drained the last of her energy reserves for the day.
"You're not going to fall asleep on me now, are you Lass?" Chibs teased as she nuzzled his neck again.
"Trying not to." Ali spoke through another yawn.
Gemma offered her a small motherly smile that Ali had never been on the receiving end of before, " Why don't you spend the night upstairs, Sweetie? You look exhausted."
Ali nodded, but as she made a move to stand, Chibs pulled her against him once again and stood with her in his arms.
"And what do you think you're doing, Highlander?" Ali squeaked.
Chibs gave her a soft knowing smirk, "Taking my Old Lady to bed."
Gemma cocked an eyebrow at that statement, but chose to say nothing. She knew it was an act, but something in her Scottish friend's voice made her wonder.
Ali looked Chibs in the eye, "In all seriousness I can walk."
"In all seriousness, I don't care."
"Come on. I'm far too heavy for you to be hauling around all the time."
"You're light as a feather, Luv. Don't worry about me."
"Can't help it. Please put me down."
Chibs reluctantly returned her to her feet, "Alright, but I'm taking you upstairs. You never know who's doing who or what up there."
"Aww… are you going to tuck me in and ready me a bedtime story too?" Ali mocked.
Chibs smirked, "Careful, Princess, or you might get a spanking."
Ali leaned in close enough to whisper in his ear, "Is that a promise?"
Chibs groaned wondering if she knew what kind of an effect she was having on him.
Ali quickly said her goodnights to everyone before letting Chibs take her hand and lead her upstairs to the dorms. Just as he thought, many of the rooms were hosting various forms of debauchery. Ali was beginning to wonder if she needed to bleach her retinas when Chibs checked one of the rooms at the end of the hall. It was the one he used himself when he stayed over. Luckily it was clear and he ushered Ali inside.
Ali looked around. The room was basic, but it had a bed and a small private bathroom. It would do for the night. She sat herself down on the bed and leaned forward to try and unlace her boots. A hiss of pain slipped through her lips drawing Chibs' attention from checking the lock on the door. It took him a moment to realize her predicament. Shaking his head he made his way over to her and dropped to his knees in front of her. He batted away her hands and nimbly began unlacing and removing her boots for her.
Ali watched him work. She found the look of pure concentration and care on his face endearing. He placed her boots at the foot of the small bed. Ali's heart fluttered in her chest when he looked up at her. Their eyes locked for a second, and Ali swore air in the room seemed to crackle with energy. But she was a coward and looked away with redness tinting her cheeks.
"Thanks."
He smiled and nodded in response, unsure what to make of the moment they just shared. He stood taking her hand and led her back to the door.
"Lock the door after me. If you need anything the Lads and I will be just downstairs."
Ali nodded, unsure what else to say.
Chibs cupped her cheek in his heavily calloused palm. He leaned in and brushed his lips tenderly against hers. There was barely a whisper of contact and then it was gone. Ali wanted to whimper, her lips still tingling in anticipation of something more, but Chibs trailed his fingers down the side her face and pulled away. The connection was lost.
"Get some sleep, Luv. I'll see you in the morning." He said in a slightly raspy voice.
"Goodnight, Chibs." Ali sighed, not fully trusting her voice.
Chibs gave one last look before disappearing down the hall. Ali closed the door behind him and engaged the lock. She pressed her forehead into the cool wood of the closed door wondering what the hell just happened.
A/N: Hello My Darlings. This was a a bit of a two for one chapter. I was going to split it, but then I thought fuck it! I'll be reconnecting with the actual storyline soon enough, but I've got a little bit more fluff to wade through first. I'm about to head into pilot season (yes, I actually work in television) so don't kill me if my posts slow down a bit. I'll try to make up for it with longer chapters. Thanks for the encouraging reviews... keep them coming to keep me going.
Cheers
MissAliVee