Thank you to all those who have favorite this story and added it to their alerts! It means so much to me! I have wanted to do a backstory on Happy for a long time, but it's hard putting it all out there.

Big thank you to thescottfamilyx4 for all of your positive reviews and PM's! It keeps me going!

To the guest Tiki, yes this real eventually run into the show, I'm just not sure when.

Again, I do not own or claim any right to Happy, SOA or any of its characters, only Casey and the occasional drop in.

Chapter 9

The next morning they decided to take the short drive to Santa Monica for part of the day before having to get ready for the ballet. Casey was trying to decide what to wear as Happy sat on the bed, waiting patiently. The temperature was going to be higher today than normal, so she decided to wear a blue jean mini skirt with frayed edges and a snug royal blue tank top, but she couldn't wear the skirt on his bike. Throwing on a pair of jeans and chucks, she decided she could change into the skirt and sandals when they got there. Walking into the bathroom to finish her hair and apply sunblock, Happy came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, "I love you in blue." He whispered in her ear. "Duly noted." She replied. Taking his hand they both put on their jackets and glasses, placed her clothes in his saddlebag, put on their helmets and took off.

The ride into Santa Monica was beautiful; they drove along the Pacific Coast Highway enjoying the view, wind and smell of the ocean. The ocean was one of Casey's favorite places to be and she dreamed of having a place on one someday. Parking along a street in the downtown area, Casey found a gas station to change in, and came out in her skirt, tank, sandals and aviators, her long hair blowing in the breeze. Taking her in, Happy felt like the luckiest guy there and even though there were a few guys checking her out, she only had eyes for him. When she reached his bike and threw her jeans and tennis shoes in his saddlebag she told him she wanted to eat first, "I'm starving. " Spotting a small diner with windows facing the ocean, they chose window seats in a booth and sat across from each other. A waitress came to take their order, and Casey also noticed couldn't take her eyes off Happy. It irritated Casey, but she wasn't going to let it ruin her good mood, instead, she took his hand and as the waitress continued to stand there after scribbling down their order, Casey laughed. "This one here is taken sweetheart, I suggest you look elsewhere." The waitress blushed, and seemed to come out of her trance mumbling sorry under her breath as she walked away. Happy smirked at her, finding it sexy she was so upfront with the waitress. "Don't like to share babe?" he asked. "Don't start Hap, you already know the answer to that. And seriously, I'm like right here and she's undressing you with her eyes!" Taking her hand and kissing it, he chuckled while she sighed and looked out the window. "You like the beach babe?" he asked, changing the subject.

Her mood changed and she smiled, "Yep, always have. I feel so alive next to the ocean, the sand under my toes, the sun and the breeze on my skin, sound of the waves, it's centering to me. One day I want to have a place on the beach, I just haven't decided which one yet, although San Diego is at the top of my list." He nodded, "Maybe we can go there for Spring Break." "I would love that Hap." Their food arrived and after eating Happy paid the bill and the two set out to the local shops and browsed playing the tourist role, taking more pictures. Next was the Santa Monica Pier where they road the Ferris wheel and eventually made their way to the beach where Casey insisted he remove his shoes, "You can't walk on the beach in boots!" she told him, shaking her head. So, like every dutiful boyfriend out to please their girlfriend, he removed his socks and boots, and Casey folded up his jeans. Walking hand in hand just at the waters edge they let their feet sink in the wet sand as the water rolled over their feet and ankles. "I can't wait for summer, we can go to a beach and just relax all day." She said before remembering he would be leaving for his travels in June. "Well, I can at least. Will you come with me once before you leave?" she asked. He told her he would and in that moment took her in his arms and held her close. The scent of the ocean was so intoxicating, and with her in his arms he was the most relaxed and at peace than he ever had been. Maybe she was right; the beach was where you go to get centered. An older couple walked by, and Casey asked if they would be so kind as to take a picture for her. Smiling with him in her arms, his chin resting on the top of her head the camera sounded its click and Casey thanked the couple. "You realize you have taken pictures of us all weekend?" he asked. "How many pictures do you need?" Snapping one of him, she laughed, "One day when I am old and gray and can't remember anything, these pictures will remind me of my youth, my life. I would rather have pictures than useless trinkets." They walked a little further, talking some more before she figured they should head back to LA, as they still needed to pick up his tux and get ready for the nights events. Arriving back at the condo, Casey went into the office and came back with the car keys. "We have to take the Mercedes, can't let your tux get wrinkled on the bike." He nodded, taking the keys from her and went into the garage. It was on older model, but still a nice vehicle for a cage.

After picking up the tux, Casey made them both sandwiches and they settled in front of the TV while they ate. When she finished, she told him she was going to start getting ready; he nodded engrossed in an old Rambo movie. Drawing a hot bath and adding bubbles, Casey carefully rolled her hair in large curlers and climbed inside of the tub to relax for a while, then before she turned into a prune she shaved and washed, letting the bath water drain. Going into the bedroom, she put on a black thong and her robe, took the curlers out of her hair and misted them with some hairspray before going to let Happy know he could start getting ready himself.

"Hey babe, the shower is calling your name.," she told him as she leaned over the couch he was sitting on. Turning off the TV he stood up and walked around the couch until he was facing her, even in a terrycloth robe his girl was beautiful. "What have we got here?" he asked her as he reached out and untied the knot holding her robe in place, now allowing it to fall open. Taking her in, wearing nothing but a black lace thong with her perky breasts he let his hands find her hips and pulled her against him for a kiss. Her naked body pressed against his had him instantly turned on and he knew she could feel it. Pulling away she shooed him to the bathroom, "No time for playing slugger, you need to get a shower and start getting dressed." Giving her a mock pout he took his shirt off as he walked to the stairs and threw it at her, then when he got to the top of the stairs he stripped out of his jeans, leaving then in the hallway, followed by his socks and boxers so that by the time they got to her bedroom he was standing there gloriously naked for her to stair at.

She swore his body was that of the ancient roman or Greek gods she had learned about in school, how could he possibly have such a body at only the age of 17? "You think that's going to change my mind baby?" she asked, putting a hand on her hip and starring at him. "I was hoping." He said with a laugh as he turned and walked to the shower. While he was washing, she brushed her teeth and sat on the bed to do her make-up and looked up when he walked out wet with only a towel around his waist. Chuckling as she started, "You like what you see?" he asked. "Obviously, now dry off and go get that tux on." She replied rolling her eyes. Casey took his place in the bathroom, putting lotion on and then finishing her hair. Walking to the closet she went through the hangers until she found the dress she was going to wear. It was a strapless deep royal purple and floor length; the top half a crisscrossed sweetheart neckline, the bottom flowed loosely. Putting it on she went to her mother's jewelry box and chose a diamond choker with matching diamond stud earrings and tennis bracelet and also a pair of her father's cufflinks for Happy's tux. Lastly she put on a pair of four inch black stiletto heels and chose a simple black shawl to drape over her shoulders.

"Babe!" she heard Happy yell from the bedroom, "I need your help with this belt!"

"It's called a cummerbund." She said walking in to find him messing around with it in front of the mirror. Placing her shawl on the bed, she walked over to stand in front of him, "Arms up." She said as she wrapped her arms around his waist fixing it for him. Looking down at her he wondered if he was in some old twilight episode, "You look stunning." Finishing she looked up at him, "Your not so bad yourself." Taking his wrists, she put her fathers cufflinks on him and stepped back. He really was one handsome man, how did she land him she thought to herself as she straightened his bow tie. "Now, get that jacket on and lets get out of here, can't be late for the ballet."

Grabbing the keys off the dresser, Casey handed them to Happy. Walking out into the garage and pulling out onto the main street, Happy looked over at her and had to ask, "Are you wearing a bra?" "If I tell you no will you be able to keep your eyes on the road?" she asked. Smirking he took her hand in his and listened as she gave him directions.

As they got closer, Casey told him to valet the car, and when they pulled up a young man opened both their doors, the one on Casey's side offering her his hand to help her out of the seat. After getting his ticket, Happy walked around to take her arm and noticed the chump still starring at Casey and loudly cleared his throat shooting the kid a death glare. "Relax slugger," Casey laughed as she wrapped her arm through his and led him through the doors and into the main room. Immediately different people of all ages started to walk up to the two of them, greeting her and asking how she and her mom were. Casey was instantly in high-class mode; Happy had never seen her like this before. Sure, he knew she had class, but she seemed to step it up a notch and act like a woman much wiser than her 17 years. She introduced him as Isadro instead of Happy and walked the room with a sense of pride and grace, but not in a stuck-up way, and he was honored to be walking it with her. He was out of his element, but with her he felt at ease and on top of the world.

The lights dimmed, and Happy leaned over and whispered in her ear, "something must be wrong with the electricity." Smiling up at him she said, "No baby, that's the sign that the show is about to start and that we should start making our way to our seats." He nodded, feeling like an idiot, but she squeezed his hand as she read his mind, "Don't beat yourself up, is your first time here."

Finding their seats, he sat down next to her, "Any special reason you introduced me as Isadro instead of Happy? And why are they calling you Cassandra?" "Sorry baby, it's just pretty formal here. If we were to meet these same people on the street it would be different. I hope I didn't offend you." He shook his head, honestly he liked it when she referred to him by his first name, and he had no idea why, maybe making him feel grown up or something. "Guess you could have probably sat anywhere you wanted. When I bought the tickets I didn't know you and your mom knew so many people here." He told her. "Happy, please don't feel that way. I am sitting where I want, I am sitting next to YOU." Like the Grinch at Christmas he felt his heart grow two sizes, taking her hand and kissing it just as the lights went down and the show began.

Lost in the production, Happy was surprised when the lights slowly came back on for intermission. Standing to stretch his legs, he reached out and took Casey's hand and helped her to her feet. Thee couple walked back into the main room and Casey excused herself to use the restroom, groaning when she found herself at the end of a long line. Hearing her name called, she turned around to see a long time friend of hers, Marina and gave her a big hug. "What's been up with you?" Marina asked, "I have tried calling your house like a hundred times only to be told by your mom that you're out with a new boyfriend."

Casey laughed and nodded, "His name is Happy and he is so good to me Marina, and not so bad on the eyes either. We met in Art class at the beginning of this year and one thing led to another."

"So he's that fine ass guy with you out there?" Marina asked using her thumb to point to the main room behind her. Casey nodded, smiling ear to ear. "Damn girl! He got any brothers or cousins?" she asked laughing.

"Sorry, only child and completely taken by me." Casey said moving up with the line. "So tell me what's been going on with you? It feels like ages since I have seen you. How's school?" Marina had been accepted into Juilliard in New York and was in the middle of her first year.

"It's really tough C, cut throat and back stabbing bitches everywhere." Marina replied. "So you're fitting right in?" Casey interrupted her with a laugh. "You know me too well C! I love it! You know, one of my instructors saw a video of the two of us performing together and asked if you were also going to apply and audition."

"I don't know Marina. You know I have no desire to perform as a career. All I want to do is teach, and there are plenty of other good schools closer to home." Casey responded.

"Yea, but you deserve to go to the best, and with your connections and talent you would be a shoe in at Juilliard." Marina told her matter of factly. "Well, I have time. I plan to start looking at my options this spring. There are schools in California, Arizona and Washington. I've already received letters of interest from some in New York, Boston and even Texas but I don't know about going that far." Casey told her.

"You need to leave the nest sometime C. Your too talented, don't waste it. It's your turn." Marina said. "I know it's my turn, but I still need to graduate High School." Casey said. "No, it's your turn to pee." Marina said pointing to the open stall. "Oh," Casey said laughing. When they finished in the restroom, Marina and Casey walked out together and found Happy waiting on her nearby. Taking Marina's hand, she took her over to introduce the two.

"Happy, please meet an old friend of mine Marina Chavez. We have been dancing together since were kids." Casey said taking Happy's hand in hers. Happy extended his other hand, "Nice to meet you."

"Gotta give it to you C, you two are a sickeningly cute couple." Marina said shaking Happy's hand while Casey laughed. "Look, I have to get back to my parents, but remember what we talked about, and let's have lunch next week before I go back." Casey hugged her friend and promised to call her, then turned to Happy. "Are you having a good time?" she asked looking up at him. "Any time with you is a good time." He replied leaning to kiss the tip of her nose. "Have I told you that hands down you are the most beautiful girl in here?

"No, you haven't." she said smiling up at him then laying her head on his shoulder as she looked around, hearing her name called again. "Mrs. M!" Casey exclaimed meeting the older woman half way and giving her a hug. "How are you and Fred?"

"Oh, you know, same old grump." She said jokingly. "Listen, I saw Marina earlier and she told me about Juilliard. You know you are a shoe in with your talent and I would love to help you set up an audition tape to send in."

Casey smiled warmly before saying, "I have not decided where I want to attend yet, you know performance isn't really a dream of mine, but if I change my mind I will take you up on your offer." Then changing the subject she turned to Happy. "Mrs. M this is my boyfriend, Isadro." The two shook hands and all three of them made small talk for a few minutes before the lights dimmed on them. "I better get back to Fred. Isadro, it was a pleasure to meet you, you must be very special to have snagged our Cassandra here." She said smiling at him. "And Casey, think about it dear. You have a talent that most would die for, it should not be wasted."

As Casey and Happy walked back to their seats he thought about what the woman had said about Casey and her talent. Granted, he didn't know much about dance, but from what he had seen he knew she was right, Casey was a natural and had the ability to do anything she wanted. "Stop thinking so hard." Casey said lacing her fingers through his as they sat down. "Where are you going to school Cas? Isn't Juilliard in New York?" he asked.

Casey sighed, "Honestly babe I have no idea where I want to go but I know I have to start giving it some thought. I can tell you New York isn't what I want though, so don't listen to the others, okay?"

"I could go with you, wherever you go." He blurted out before he knew what he was thinking. He already couldn't stand the thought of the two of them being too far apart. "Why don't we worry about that when the time comes?" she said, touched that he was already thinking long term, as it had crossed her mind also. She had wondered many times where he would end up on his travels, what he would do, who he would meet and if that would determine where she went to school.

The lights went down and the two watched the rest of the production. When it was over, they followed the crowd out and to the valet to wait for their car, both silent. "Tragic ending." He said breaking the silence. "Yea, there are no depths that true love won't to through." She said smiling at him. He kissed her then and there, not caring who was watching and not knowing that those words would one day ring close to home for the two of them and their relationship.