A/N: Before you dig into the chapter, I just have to say a enormous thank you the Ang R, she's given me such inspiration for this story and helped me out with more than enough. Thank you so much, I adore you!
The sweltering sun was beaming over the small town of Fresno, California causing residents to stay indoors and keep away from the dry heat, but for two good friends who hadn't seen each other in years, they spent their time all over town. Between the swimming, tanning, movie trips, and the little shopping trips, they rarely spent time apart. A week had past since Faye's arrival and she felt more at home then she had in weeks. It helped having someone who understood her by her side, brought comfort in knowing she wasn't alone in the world of SAMCRO.
Faye was in contact with her mother, but aside from anyone else in the family, she hadn't spoken to her father or brother. However, she found moment at night where she worried about her young nephew and longed to call her brother up and ask he was, but she didn't. She hadn't spoken much of her father or the fight that happened between the two of them, she wasn't ready to discuss it just yet.
Through her time in Fresno, Faye felt herself forgetting the troubles that were left back for her at home, but the doubts were still clear in her mind. She kept her time in Fresno about rebuilding herself. However, her father was still in the back of her mind, she wanted to know his thoughts on her leaving, if he even cared about her presence missing in his home, but those questions weren't for her to ask... at least, not now.
A week had come and gone for the two girls and soon enough, Faye found herself being asked to head to the Fresno Clubhouse, which to her dismay she agreed. A party was being set up by Nora's hands for a welcome to the members who were coming back from a run, two of the men just happened to be Josie's father and her boyfriend. Faye just secretly prayed that Happy wasn't tagging along, knowing if he knew about it, her whereabouts would spread to her father's ear. She already had a feeling it would once Dan Needles found out.
The familiar pair of light washed jeans were unpacked, along with the high heeled boots that laced up; Though, it wasn't long before Josie grabbed a sheer sleeveless black blouse from her closet and forced Faye to slip it on. Faye fought with her on keeping it on, as it was showing her burgundy bra underneath it and was slightly low cut, but Josie convinced her to wear it as long as she paired it with the leather jacket she packed at the bottom of her bag. The same piece of leather her father gifted her on the day of her graduation.
In the middle of getting their makeup done, Josie got a call from Nora desperately needing her to bring over the booze she left at the house, which caused Faye and Josie to pack up and head to the clubhouse earlier than expected. The two girls carried out four boxes of liquor before packing up their makeup. The drive to the clubhouse was excitement for Josie, knowing she would be seeing her boyfriend in less than two hours, it was one of the reasons she was dolling herself up and putting effort into her outfit in the first place. Though, for Faye she was more anxious about the thought of being around her father's brothers, knowing once she stepped foot into the clubhouse word would get out.
Arriving to the clubhouse the two girls hopped out of Josie's car and head to grab the boxes, a few bikes were longed up along the side of the clubhouse, but no familiar faces to Faye's eye. She followed Josie's footsteps inside and once spotting Nora's gentle smile she felt relieved, placing the heavy box on the bar where Nora stood behind.
"Thank you very much girls, I wasn't in the mood to drive back home and grab these." Nora said as she made her way around the bar, placing a kiss on both of their cheeks, she now glanced over at the crow eaters who were leaning against the pool table across the clubhouse, "Get them properly shelved and the beer on ice." She demanded pointing to the boxes, before watching them scatter. "Why don't you girls go finish up your makeup in Dad's dorm... I've got work to do, yeah."
Faye's unfamiliar face didn't go unnoticed to the watchful eyes of the crow eaters, they immediately glared her way seeing as she was beautiful brunette who could've been fresh meat to the men here. Though, they would've easily turned the other cheek if they knew her name, let her alone her family. She laughed a little as she effortlessly glared back and turned to follow Josie to her father's dorm.
Nora took notice in the crow eaters interest in Faye, hearing them whisper to one another as she followed Josie back to the dorms. However, she wasn't going to let them play their games, not with Faye. She swore by Gemma she would take care of her, which is why she wouldn't let a mindless tart mess with her. She immediately caught eyes with a few of the girls, sending a nasty look their way before heading out to check on the guys who were grilling out back. For her, that was a warning.
"One thing I didn't miss, crow easters and the nasty pussy smell that follows." Faye chuckled as she stepped into the dorm with Josie and found herself settling on the bed before Josie joined her. "I practically got the evil eye just by stepping in here..."
"Uh, no. You got that look because of how hot you look in that outfit..." Josie laughed now sitting on the other end of the bed as she placed her makeup bag down. "If only you took off the jacket, because then they'd really hate you once they saw your perfect boobs." She unzipped the bag and smirked now unpacking her makeup.
Faye couldn't hide her smirk as she glanced down to see the low-cut blouse on her, she immediately blushed and covered up her chest with the use of her leather jacket. "Now I'm really not taking this off..." She grabbed the makeup and immediately began to finish with eye makeup.
"Why... you've got great boobs, you have every right to show them up, don't you think?" Josie questioned her as she then caught the sight of the patch on the breast flap of the jacket. "SAMCRO'S BABY," She read aloud and found Faye quickly catching her gaze.
Faye immediately glanced down at the familiar patch and found herself bitting her bottom lip, questioning the idea of wearing it tonight. She knew that others would question who she was if she had this on her back, she didn't want that, which is why she slowly began to pull at the jacket and strip it off. "You know... I think you're right... time I show them off."
Josie couldn't hide the smirk on her lips as she watched Faye toss the leather jacket aside, now revealing her cleavage which had hidden. She didn't ask again about the leather, knowing if Faye didn't comment on it, she wasn't going to speak on it, she'd wait for another time to do so.
The two girls continued on with doing makeup, while Josie secretly kept her thoughts to herself, thinking of the certain NOMAD of hers in mind; However, another NOMAD creeped into her thoughts as she watched Faye finish up her makeup, she knew it would've been a long shot, but she certainly wasn't afraid to undermine her friend. Especially when it would show a different light on the club she was so pissed off at.
Rows of liquor bottles were lined up behind the bar, along with beer on ice that was ready to be served once the men arrived back home. Faye and Josie were sitting along the bar laughing as they sang along to the music blaring from the radio; but the pretty new brunette didn't go unnoticed to the crow eaters who were eager to have some of the men home, but knowing a pretty face like hers was in town made more than a threat to them. Nora was ordering around the brothers who were grilling outside, telling them to get the food ready and off the grill, but the sound of motorcycles quickly sparked her interest as her old man arrived back home.
The bikes pulled into the clubhouse and immediately lined up along the side of the drive, parking as they watched their loved ones run over to greet them which was a joy to each man who wore a kutte. However, the man wearing the VP patch caught sight of his old lady and immediately jumped off his bike to wrap her in his arms. Dan Needles stood straight as he stretched out his legs from the long ride, his piercing blue eyes being revealed as he removed his sunglasses, now catching her deep brown eyes of his wife. After a long week on the road his excitement to see her was evident.
"There you are, baby," Dan was quick to wrap his arms around her waist drawing her close as he was quick to meet her in for a kiss, which deepened with a few passionate seconds. He could hear the cheers from his brothers who watched on, but it was soon followed along by their greetings as well. He pulled away after a few seconds passed and smiled. "Gosh, I've missed you."
"You better say that." Nora chuckled now tugging at the kutte he wore on his back and winked as she stepped back towards the clubhouse. "I'm just glad your home, safe... with me."
Dan couldn't hide his wandering eyes which found her cleavage sliding down her low cut blouse, but he was quick to revert his eyes as he laughed at her comments. "I'm glad your safe here with me too, babe." He winked, now catching his daughter who came running out of the clubhouse. "there's my other baby girl."
However, Josie's attention was turned to her handsome man who got himself off his bike to greet her, but once she jumped in his arms and greeted him she realized she'd skipped her dad. Yet, it didn't stop her from giving Marcus a kiss that she tried to keep hidden from her parents. She blushed as her whispered his plans for later in her ear, but was quick to hide it with a laugh.
"... Apparently, I don't matter." Dan said out loud, now catching a glance from Marcus which caused him to roll his eyes before looking away to continue greeting his wife.
Faye found herself standing in the doorway of the clubhouse looking out at the reunions with her arms crossed over her chest; the familiar feeling burning inside her chest as she couldn't hide her small smile. She remembered that feeling, knowing her father and brother were going out on a run and the dangers that followed, but once they got home she would race out into the lot and hang onto them, not wanting to let go with the fear of their absence. Though, seeing Josie wrapped up in the arms of a a man in a kutte, it wasn't something she thought she would see, until now.
Dan kept his eyes avoiding his daughter as she continued to kiss on Marcus, but instead his eyes caught the familiar face that stood near the clubhouse. His eyebrows raising as he caught on to who she was, she reminded him of her mother. "Little Faye?" He asked his wife who followed his gaze. "You told me Josie had a friend coming, but you didn't tell me it was Faye..."
"There's a reason for that..." Nora explained glancing over at her husband before lacing her fingers with his with a small smile, "I'll explain later tonight, but listen... she doesn't want anyone knowing her connections to Charming."
"..." Dan couldn't contain the small fit of laughter coming from his lips as he stole a glance back at Faye, "She's the daughter of the mother charter President, you really think I'm not gonna let my brothers in on that? They'll think she's just some sweetbutt, that's not gonna happen."
Nora and Dan were making their way closer to Faye, but she was quick to pause now standing closer to her lover and explain. "They're not gonna think that because you won't let them... neither will I. She's off limits." She whispered to him before nudging him forward and smirking. "Now, go say hi."
Dan pretended to salute his wife who gave a slight shove to his back, now catching Faye's gaze as he made his way into the clubhouse. He smiled looking over the young woman she had become, he couldn't believe that the young teen he once one her to be had grown into a mini version of Gemma. Shit, time was surely flying by.
"Look at how grown up you are, Faye girl. You look quite a bit like your mother, but I'm sure you get that enough, huh?"
"Enough to start believing it myself..." Faye chuckled as she stepped out of the clubhouse doorway and shrugged her shoulders. "Must be nice to walk after riding back to good old Frenso, it hasn't changed much."
"Neither has Charming apparently," Dan stood arms length from Faye as he noticed the look in her eyes when mentioning her hometown. She seemed to grow awkward once he mentioned it and he didn't want to bother her by doing so, causing him to regret his words. "It's good to see you though darling... gonna give me a hug or leave me out to dry?"
Faye was bothered by the mention of Charming, only reminding her that her father and brother were most likely enraged at her absence, but she was quick to push it from her thoughts once he mentioned a hug. She gave a small smile, now stepping forward to greet him as her arms were quick to embrace the man she considered an Uncle. The smell of his kutte only reminded her of her father, which was a touchy thought, but she knew Dan wasn't one to take it out on. Faye just wished to contact her brother, but she wasn't ready, not yet.
"You've grown too, but that's just those boots of yours that give you lift now..." Dan chuckled pulling away from the hug before feeling an arm wrap around his waist from behind. He could feel the touch of his wife and the scent of her perfume causing him to respond by wrapping an arm around her as well, drawing close to one another. "It's good to have you here... I'm sure Josie's enjoying it."
"Oh, the two of them have done everything under the sun," Nora chuckled now leaning against her husband; she decided to join in the conversation, hoping her husband wouldn't bring up the small town of hers again. "literally, meaning tanning, shopping, even baking away which is the reason why there's some treats on the bar... couldn't get the two of them to bed last night, so gave them something to do." She winked over at Faye who smirked at her.
"Ohh," Dan whistled once hearing the mention of sweets being prepared for him and his brothers, "You just might have to come around here more often..." He made his way past Faye with his wife in tow, patting the young girls shoulder as they made their way into the clubhouse. The VP was itching to call her daddy, but he would have to wait until the night, knowing very well that once Clay Morrow heard word of his daughters whereabouts, he would be heading to Fresno in a heartbeat.
Faye couldn't help her small laugh as Dan Needles and Nora made their way inside, hearing the cheers come from the clubhouse as their VP had arrived back. Sweet memories were flooding back to Faye, the excitement of knowing your loved ones were home, it was like a breath of fresh air. She couldn't help but crack a smile, even when angered.
"Faye! Get over here!"
Josie's yelling was heard from across the lot and caused Faye to snap away from her thoughts, now glancing at her friend who was wrapping up in the arms of an unfamiliar biker. She knew what that meant, at least, she had an idea. She was quick to make her way over to the row of bikes and once standing near her good friend, she got a better look at the man who stole her heart. He was handsome, she'd give him that, but seeing the look in his eyes when his arms were locked around Josie, she could see he loved her.
"Marcus... this is Faye, Faye this is Marcus." Josie wasn't afraid to show her affection for her lover, but she shoved his arms away wanting him to greet her good friend properly. She was excited to have her man finally home, but knowing that Faye was to meet him made her a little anxious.
Marcus Quinn caught a glance at the young girl and noticed immediately she was pretty, but after just leaving Charming, he couldn't help but notice a resemblance between a certain Queen there and the girl here. He raised an eyebrow and gave a smile, now holding out his hand to greet her. "I've heard a lot about you from Josie, I'm sure she's been enjoying herself. She's needed a little girl time." He chuckled feeling the nudge from his girl.
Faye couldn't help but smile as his gentleman acts were seeming to give a nice smooth touch to the greeting, she chuckled now placing her hand in his and giving a gentle shake. "I've heard a lot about you, and I'm sure she'll be enjoying herself now that you're back. I'm sure she's in need of your services..." She caused Marcus to laugh as Josie was quick to smack Faye in the arm. "What? It's true..."
"... I like you already," Marcus laughed seeing Josie's pink cheeks turn red, "Nice to know she has a sense of humor, she's gonna fit right in."
"Yeah... she's practically made for this," Josie quickly said, which she received a daring glare from Faye, but she covered it up by quickly looking back at Marcus. "Where's Rhett? Shouldn't he be here with you guys?"
"Oh, he just wanted to stop by his house first... his brother left some things there before he left, he just wanted to check it out." Marcus explained to Josie before glancing at Faye, "Rhett's a close brother of mine."
"Please... practically glued at the hip, they were patched in together, which explains why they're so damn close." Josie explained now grabbing Marcus's hand before giving a slight tug to head into the clubhouse. "Come on, you need a cold one after the long drive." She was quick to grab Faye's hand with her free one and drag the two of them along.
Back in Charming a week had gone by since Faye had been gone, but the tension in the clubhouse was as thick as it had ever been. Jax had been avoiding his step-father at all costs, and it seemed Clay had been doing the same, but today church was set and knowing that every member sitting at the redwood table was nervous about Jax and Clay being in the same room together. As for Gemma, she'd been giving Clay the silent treatment since that night, knowing he was the reason their daughter left was something Gemma couldn't forgive him for. She spent most of her days at Jax's taking care of Abel while Jax was out doing runs for the club and Tara was busy at work, but she had spent a few of her nights here on the couch, not being able to head home and face Clay.
Clay had spent most of his nights at home, alone. The only company joining him was beer and a bottle of whiskey, along with the hateful tone in his daughters voice before she left, he couldn't seem to shake the regret that was eating over him, all starting from the moment Donna was killed. He knew better then to order that kill, but now he longed more than ever to live that moment over again. He went into Faye's room very night, looking over the empty room that was once filled with his daughter, while it had only been a week, the week was spent mostly alone. His only company being his brothers, excluding Jax.
Time came for him to make his way to the clubhouse, knowing the wrath of his step-son would be greeting him, but he also knew that he wasn't going to put up with a simply yell from Jax. Once getting to the clubhouse, he noticed Jax's bike was missing which relaxed him, but as he made his way into the clubhouse he spotted his brothers surrounding the bar, grabbing cold ones before church.
All eyes fell upon the President and he was quick to ignore them, sending a glare their way as they dared to question his well-being, yet by any glance anyone could see Clay's hangover was hitting him hard. His presence was known as was first Tig to stand up from the bar, now making his way over to his President and brother. He'd seen him last night, but now seeing the man today, he could see he regretted the choices that lead him here... as did Tig.
"You alright brother?" Tig whispered under his breath as he held a beer tight in his hand, knowing that the other brothers were turning away not wanting to overhear. "Look, it's been a week, we can have take care-"
"I'm here, aren't I?" Clay was quick to snap at the Sgt-at-Arms, "No one's sitting in my seat, got it? We need to get this shit over with, all this drama with Luann is bull shit. Should've been taken care of... thrown out."
"... It was, but this Georgie guys been trying to hack her website, not to mention beating up her girls if they don't show." Tig was doing his best to calm down Clay in a moment where his anger could've gotten worse. "We can take care of it today, we got Happy and Kozik here, extra set of hands."
Clay glanced over Tig's shoulder to see the Tacoma killer and the blonde patch sitting near the bar, he knew they were staying in Charming, but he didn't expect them to be here still. Yet, he'd forgotten that Happy asked to become a patch member of Redwood Original. He clenched his jaw and nodded his head, now making his way past Tig to head into Chapel, "Ten minutes." He announced, feeling all the eyes fall on him as he slammed the wooden doors shut and he slumped down into his seat.
The brothers were left sitting at the bar questioning the well being of their President, they were taking it easy on him knowing that Faye had been missing since, but they were also doing their best to Jax separated from Clay. Which is why today, everyone seemed to be on their edge of their seat. Each one of the brothers were anxiously waiting for Jax's arrival, knowing that once he stepped into Chapel and spotted Clay it wasn't going to be a fight, but a war between step-father and son.
Arriving to the clubhouse was Gemma and Tara, they knew that Jax would've come back from the run out to Stockton and luckily, his old lady had the day off and was hoping to have him to herself. Abel tucked away in his carseat as he was playing with his teething toys, meanwhile Gemma wanted to check in with the guys and see how everything was running there, but Clay's presence was unknown to both woman.
"Hey boys... why the sad faces?" Gemma spoke up as she stepped into the clubhouse, noticing the quiet tone set that was aside from the radio playing on as usual. She took notice in no one wanting to reply, but her eyes were quick to dart to Tiggy who was downing a beer. She stepped forward now motioning for him to come forward.
Tara Knowels stood back as Gemma took charge of the men, noticing the look of discomfort in each of them, but Tig seemed softer when it came to Gemma and she stole a glance at Opie who was leaning against the end of the bar. His eyes met hers, now averting to the chapel doors, which were closed. She knew Jax wasn't here, but the only person that came to mind was Clay Morrow. She cursed under her breath, now seeing Opie nod his head in response and take the last sip of his drink. Jax was expected to be here any minute and knowing that now, Tara feared for the sanity of the club.
"What the hells going on, huh?" Gemma whispered in a snappy tone, her eyes glaring directly into Tiggy's. "It's as if a dead man is walking and you all can't seem to get your heads screwed on straight."
Tig knew that when it came to Clay and Gemma, complications were an understatement, especially now when it came to Faye being put in the middle of their entire mess. He glanced down at his feet and took a deep breath before replying, "Your old man's here..." He left it simple, knowing it would be enough for Gemma to understand.
Gemma stole a glance at the double doors now knowing that her husband was present, but she wasn't one to face him at this moment and time, neither was her son. She stole a glance at Tara, who was immediately on her phone, but she was quick to grab the phone from her and cause the doctor to stir. "Don't... he's already on his way."
"He can't see Clay, Gemma. If he sees him-"
"There is no way to prevent this from happening Tara... the two of them our the head of the club. It's not about protecting them anymore, not when it comes to this shit." Gemma could see the worry and disbelief in the doctors eyes, but she knew once this was over she would understand in a different light. "It's gotta happen..."
Tara stood with her eyes glaring at Gemma, not understanding her meaning behind any of this, but she could tell that by the reaction of the men who sat and waited for this to layout, they agreed.
"So, what? You're just gonna let them beat the hell out of each other? This is how you solve everything? They'll kill each other. You can't let this happen..." Tara could feel her heart picking up, knowing the battle scars that she would soon need to mend on her lovers body. No one answered her, instead they all stared knowing that this was needed.
The sound of a motorcycle engine came from outside and it shook Tara to her core, knowing that once Jax heard of Clay being here, he wasn't going to hold back. She let out a heavy breath, immediately running her fingers through her hair and feeling Gemma's hand on her arm, but she didn't flinch or pull away, instead she stood there and relaxed as best as she could. The familiar face stepped into the clubhouse and caused everyone to turn, now catching the VP as he removed his sunglasses and nodded his head to his brothers.
Jax Teller made his way inside and immediately spotting Tara, he wrapped an arm around her waist, placing a kiss on her cheek before noticing the look in her eyes. He could tell something was bothering her, but then glancing at his mother he noticed the look of unsettlement. He knew his mother had been quiet since Faye had left, but this didn't seem to match.
"What's the matter now?" Jax asked, his arm staying tight around Tara's waist before he could get the answer he didn't want to hear; Yet, his mother nor Tara answered his question, instead the chapel doors slid open and he caught the sight of his step-father who stood in the chapel. His immediate reaction was anger as he caught the familiar face off guard, now understanding why everyone's mood shifted.
Jax told himself just to ignore Clay, it would be an easier route and safer while Abel was present. His arm wrapped tightly around Tara stayed still, glancing at the sleeping infant who was fast asleep in his carseat. He couldn't help but crack a smile at the sight of his son.
"It's good to see you, babe. I've missed you," He said with a smile as he received a kiss back, but his eyes averted to their sleeping infant, before chuckling. "Shit, I've missed that face. " Jax knew what he was about to say would set off Clay, but he wanted that. "How can I not miss my kid when I'm gone?" Jax's words were true, but his were also a dig at Clay who looked on from afar and was quick to call out.
Clay opened the double doors with intent to call church, but the moment he spotted his wife standing in the clubhouse, his priorities seemed to slip away. He meet her gaze and she immediately looked away from him, causing a slight pain knowing that she didn't want to look him in the eyes, but he couldn't blame her. The President heard Jax's comments and immediately glanced at his sleeping grandson, a small smile growing on his lips, but it was quickly wiped away the moment Jax looked him dead in the eyes with his snarky comments.
"Got something you wanna get off your chest... son?"
The clever smirk stayed on Jax's lips as he tilted his head to the side, watching as Clay's anger seemed to be rising bit by bit. "I don't think I've got much to say to you, Clay. I mean... everyone's thinking the same damn thing here. Where's your daughter, huh? I bet you don't even know." He was beginning to taunt his step-dad, which was quick to set it off between the two of them.
Jax chuckled as he could feel Tara stiffen next to him, the anger from Clay seeming to frighten her and he wasn't going to allow it any longer. His arm slowly slipped away from Tara's waist as he stepped further away from his old lady and mother. He heard Tara shuffle her feet, most likely grabbing Abel and placing him further back.
Everyone stood still seeing the two had seen one another, but what was left was not knowing what was to come in the moment. For Clay, he was now set off the moment Jax mentioned the whereabouts of his child, he stepped forward out of the chapel and raised his hand pointing directly at Jax. He could feel the pain coursing through his fingers, but in that time he didn't care, he was practically numb as was.
"You better remember who the hell you're talking to," Clay threatened as the mention of Faye's whereabouts seemed to test him further. He stepped closer to Jax, now coming toe to toe with him, before he spat. "I don't give a shit if your the damn VP, I ain't taking lip from you."
"Trying to make me your bitch now? Good luck with that, you tried that already with Faye, look how well that turned out." Jax told himself not to be bothered by Clay getting in his face, but his hands clenched into fists and craved the tearing of his knuckles at this point. Just one damn punch, it's all he wanted.
Clay was set off from there, all he saw was red in that moment and he wasn't going to hold back, not when it came to the mention of his daughter. He effortlessly grabbed Jax by the collar of his kutte and slammed him against the wall. "You wanna use my daughter to piss me off, piece of shit." Clay could feel Jax raising his arms to fight back.
The brothers who looked on were quick to stand up from the bar once the physical altercation began, Opie being the one in quick defense to grab Clay and pull him away before anything got worse. Yet, they stayed back once Jax didn't seem to fight Clay and his grip on him.
"I'm guessing you haven't heard from her... figures, after all the shit you-"
The grey haired man was quick to shut him up by banging Jax up against the wall once more, this time putting all this strength into hurting him. It was on at that point. Jax felt the ache in his body was Clay shoved him into the wall, but he didn't let that stop him from fighting back. One swift kick from Jax sent Clay shuffling back, a slight shock from the hit, but Jax didn't want to stop from there.
Opie was the first to jump in between both men to break them apart, but it was soon noticed that he wasn't going to be able to break it up. He was shoved aside by Jax who went charging at Clay. He stepped back taking that as a sign from his brother to stay out of it, but he couldn't blame Jax for his actions, not when he witnessed all the tension between them.
His fist went flying into the air connecting with Clay's face before the hit man was sent stumbling back onto the pool table, pinning him down in his moment of weakness Jax spat in Clay's face. "You son of a bitch," He raised his fist once more sending another punch to his face, "you had the nerve to threaten her... your own fucking kid."
Gemma and Tara stood back watching on as Jax was quick to fight his step-father, but they didn't yell for them to stop once seeing Jax seemed to overtake him in a moment. Yet, Tara hated seeing the look of anger in her old mans eyes, not that she feared for herself, but knowing what he was capable of when angry. She stood close to Abel's side, protecting him from the fight that continued on. Gemma's stance was close by Tara, but seeing her son standing up for his sister made her somewhat prideful, he was doing what Gemma couldn't. However, seeing her son striking her husband in such a hateful way caused her to step away wanting to pull the two apart.
Tig noticed the queen of SAMCRO take her chance to intervene in the fight and he was quick to step before her, shaking his head. He knew very well that if Gemma got involved in their mess it would end nastier then it started. He could see that she didn't like being challenged, but he wasn't going to let her enter the men's fight.
Clay took each punch with a grain of salt, he could feel his lip bust with ease at the first strike of a fist, but by the second one he felt the blood form in his mouth. He didn't want to fight Jax, but then against with the two having such tension, it was only now getting taken out on another. The mention of Faye was when Clay decided to fight back, he used the strength in his legs, kicking Jax back with one easy shove and sitting up from the pool table.
"You mention her one more damn time..." Clay spat out the blood that came from his mouth and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm done wasting my time on this bullshit." He was slow to move past Jax as his hangover was causing his headache to rage on, along with his hand.
Jax told himself to ignore Clay and leave it at that, but the way his arrogance was up in the air only made his rage he had built up over the past few months come out in that moment. "You're the whole damn reason she ran away and you wanna call all of it bullshit? Some fucking father you are," He could feel all the rage he had built up coming out.
The man Clay was told him to walk away, but the father he was caused his footsteps to stop dead before heading into the chapel. His hands forming into fists before turning quick on his heel and his fists went flying into the air, connecting with Jax's cheek. Which was the cause of the yelling that came from the woman in their life, who were watching on, but for Clay he was fighting even when his wife was yelling for him to stop.
"Stop it, Clay! Dammit, get the hell off of him!" Gemma was enraged by that moment, now having Tig wrap his arms around her to hold her back from intervening. She was practically kicking and screaming at the sight of the blood on her sons face and lovers, but she hated witnessing this moment.
"Stop it! Stop it goddamit!" Tara soon followed with her yelling as she kept her stance by their son, she wasn't going to leave him when a physical fight began to form between the two men. She felt the tears soon form in her eyes at the sight of Jax with blood on his lip, getting punched by Clay as the two were filled with anger and soon enough the men who were watching get in between them.
Opie, Chibs, Happy, and Kozik spilt up into two groups now pulling the men apart and finding it difficult to control them as they dragged them across the clubhouse to keep them away from one another. Opie and Chibs held back Jax and pinned him against the wall in hopes of keeping him calm, while Happy and Kozik attempted to drag Clay into the chapel where he could cool down.
"You wanna transfer to NOMAD? I'll fucking tear that VP patch off myself," Clay yelled as he was struggling past the strength of Happy and Kozik's grip they had on him. He could see Jax struggling as well with Chibs and Opie, which made him smirk.
"Fine with me, maybe then I'll get to see my sister again." Jax yelled back at him, his cheek stinging from the pain of the punch he received moments ago. "Good luck to you with that!"
The men wanted a go at one another, but it was clear that the men were not going to touch one another again, but the cry of a baby broke Jax away from the anger he was so focused on in that moment. He drew his attention away from Clay and stole a glance at his crying child in Tara's arms, the sight of Tara's tears now breaking his heart as well. The fight he was giving Op and Chibs soon died, now shrugging his shoulders and leaning back against the wall. "Let me go!" He demanded from the men, who questioned his demands, "My son needs me." His statement was short, but both of them didn't question that.
Jax realized that he need to be a father, not this man filled with rage anymore.
He was soon released and he was quick to make his way towards Tara, now catching the sight of his crying son and he held his hands out to take his sleeping child. Tara understood and placed Abel in his arms, now wiping her tears as she saw his anger slip away from the sight of his son. She was just thankful that it was over. Jax held his son close to his chest and quickly made his way out of the clubhouse, Tara following his footsteps, both of them wanting to forget the brawl that had just taken place.
Gemma stood with her hand covering her lips, not knowing what to think of the actions she just witnessed between her husband and son. She felt the arms of Tig slowly slip away from her waist, now causing her to stand still and glance over at Clay; His lip was busted from the punch he received from Jax, along with the reddened cheek to match. In all her years of marriage to Clay, she'd never been more disappointed in him, he was at his lowest and she hoped he began to notice that now. His eyes soon met hers, causing her to step back away from Tig and snatch her purse from the bar, she didn't have any words at this point. None.
Clay watched as the woman he loved made her way out of the clubhouse, the hate filled eyes being burned in the back of his mind with deep regret forming in his mind. It left him standing in the chapel with Kozik and Happy, whose arms soon released the man and glanced around the clubhouse floor questioning what they were going to do. However, Clay stepped forward and ignored their eyes now making his way back into the dorms to go into his. It was all becoming more evident to the man and he couldn't escape what he did.
The slam of his door was enough for him to comeback to the reality of his life, along with the pictures resting on his wall, his child, his wife, his step-son, his entire life that he had built on good terms was crumbling. He stole a glance at the photos and immediately felt tears well up in his eyes, he missed his child, he missed his daughter. It broke his soul to know that he had been the reason behind her leaving, but also knowing that his wife hated him made his regret worse than ever. He leaned back against his door and slid down to the floor now feeling himself crumble back into a broken hearted father.
"So... how'd you meet Josie?"
Faye, Josie and Marcus were seated around a table inside the clubhouse by the pool tables, the party the party continuing on through the night with the club members excitement of being home growing. Marcus was enjoying his second beer as Josie was seated in his lap, a coke in her hand as she was enjoying the comfort in knowing he was home. He wanted to get to know Faye after he'd heard much about her from Josie, but he didn't think he'd like her as much as he was.
Faye raised the glass of water to her lips and chuckled, now shrugging her shoulders as she stole a glance at her friend who questioned her as well. She wanted to keep it hidden that she was Morrow's daughter, but for Josie she was going to find this comical as to how Faye was going to cover up the truth.
"Oh, we met at summer camp when we were eight, we got along because we both hated the girls we were bunked with. It was really fun." Faye enjoyed that she was lying through her teeth, causing Josie to raise an eyebrow at her comments and hide her small fit of laughter.
"Summer camp?" Marcus questioned now glancing at Josie who covered her mouth to hide her laughing, "You hate camping, I tried getting you to go camping with me and you said you've never been and never wanted to." He couldn't tell who was lying at this point, because judging by the glancing between the two girls who were giving questionable looks to one another. "Am I missing something here?"
"No, not at all." Faye was quick to cover up Josie's laughter with a reply, "It wasn't anything like camping... just great summer fun, swimming, crafts, sitting around the fire and signing..." Her lies were just getting worse which caused Josie to almost choke on the coke which she tried to down in order to hide it. Faye couldn't contain the smirk either, soon covering her hand over her mouth.
Marcus could tell the two were lying, but he couldn't help but wonder why, he laughed himself now finishing off his beer and placing it down on the table. "So, camping?" He asked noticing Josie almost spitting up the coke before he could even ask more questions he spotted the familiar face from across the clubhouse and placing a kiss on Josie's cheek. "Rhett's here... I'm gonna grab a beer, any need in refills?"
Josie and Faye both shook their heads watching as Marcus stood up from the table, once he was away Josie turned to Faye with a grand smile now leaning over the table. "Summer camp when we were eight?" She asked causing Faye to laugh. "We met at a biker rally when we were five, we didn't sing around a campfire singing kumbaya, we sat around a fire pit singing along to 'Hotel California."
Faye uncovered her mouth once Marcus left the table, feeling the embarrassment sinking in as she tried to contain her own laughter. "I tried, I tried really hard to cover that up. I'm used to biker rallies, not making s'mores and painting birdhouses. It was the best excuse I could come up with." She stole a sip of her water with lime and rolled her eyes. "Tell me you could've come up with something better..."
"Oh no, it would've been shit too, but watching you try was pretty fucking amusing." Josie chuckled running her fingers through her hair, "You better tell my parents that story, they'll get a kick out of it." She glanced over her shoulder spotting Marcus at the bar with a brother.
Faye didn't bother glancing through the busy crowd, instead she bit her bottom lip and noticed the love in Josie's eyes at the sight of Marcus, which warmed Faye's heart in knowing she was charmed by the kind gentleman. "He seems like a good one..." Faye said to Josie, who's attention quickly fell back to the brown eyed girl. "I'm happy for you, really. You deserve that."
"He's really great, Faye. The best thing that ever happened to me and I don't know what I'd do without him." Josie felt her cheeks rise in heat, knowing her flushed face was a way of showing her love for the guy in the kutte. "... I hope you know that you deserve that too, you really do Faye." She hoped Faye would actually believe her, but she could tell by the eye roll she received, she didn't.
"Never happening, Jo." Faye chuckled glancing out at the pool table to watch the game going on, but she could feel Josie's eyes on her, questioning her comment. "Good joke though..."
Josie wanted to fight Faye on that comment, but when feeling the familiar arm wrap around her waist she stopped him, "Let's dance..." She was quick to say to Marcus who was about to sit down. She knew Faye wasn't going to want to speak, not after the mention of her dating a man in the club. Josie grabbed Marcus by the arm and made their way to the dance floor to join her parents who were swaying to the music.
Faye felt her mind race back to her mothers words, knowing that Josie thought the same way as her only made it worse. She glanced down at the water and immediately rolled her eyes, now getting up from the table and making her way over to the bar. She pressed her arms against the railing and smiled at the bartender before asking for a glass of whiskey. With her tits pushed up and her top revealing them, the prospect serving drinks didn't question it. She smirked to herself, now enjoying the freedom that came along with it.
Once she was handed the drink Faye stole a sip from the glass and settled once the burn ran down her throat, causing her to squint her eyes a bit as she endured the small pain, but settling once the taste on her lips was familiar. "Thank God for whiskey..." She mumbled, knowing very well that she inherited the love for it from her father.
"Shit, I've missed admiring those arms of his... if only she wasn't under it."
The high pitched voice next to her said as she tried blocking it out, but stealing a glance at the two crow eaters next to her, Faye narrowed her eyes once seeing their eyes land upon Marcus. She sat still and quiet, knowing she should bite her tongue before getting herself into any trouble. Instead, she stole a sip of whiskey and kept her lips sealed.
"The things I would do to him. That perky little bitch better enjoy him while she's got him, then again... I don't mind sneaking around and making him mine."
Faye slammed her glass down on the bar and turned to face the two crow eaters, now catching their attention with along with glare she received from both of them. "You know, with all the time ya'll spend on your back and knees, you'd think you'd get tired of getting fucked." She spat before the two girls stood up from the bar stools to face her.
"What the hell did you just say?" The blonde crow eater asked, stepping closer to Faye.
"You heard me... I'm not gonna say it again either, Josie is her name by the way, not perky bitch. Wanna call her that again? I dare you, because if you do," Faye chuckled to herself, whistling at the image in the back of her mind. "I'd hate to see the perfectly reshaped nose of yours get broken again, may even tear your fake tits off. Now that, I'd enjoy"
The blonde haired crow eater was quick to step forward and press her chest against Faye, who was quick to look her dead in the eyes, "You better step away from me, I'm not in the mood to fight tonight." She truly wasn't in the mood to get physical with a crow eater, but she also wasn't going to let them trash talk Josie.
"Or what?" The crow eater placed her hands on Faye's shoulders and shoved her back into the man beside her, she smirked once hearing her friend laugh at her actions. "Stupid bitch." She turned back to the bar to continue enjoying their drinks.
Faye didn't expect the crow eater to push her, but the moment her hands touched her shoulders Faye found herself enraged by her actions. She pushed herself off the man she was thrown into and grabbed the brunette by the back of her hair, now slamming her face into the bar before doing it once more. The blonde watched in shock as she stepped away, not wanting to involve herself in a fight when she saw the look in Faye's eyes. She sent her face flying into the bar twice before holding her bloody face up to hers.
"Don't you ever put your hands on me, take that as a warning." Faye spat, before feeling arms wrap around her waist and pull away from the crow eater. She could feel eyes fall upon her and heard the crow eater calling her a bitch, along with psycho before long. "Get off of me!" She snapped at the pair of arms locked around her waist pulling her away from the bar. "Let me go!"
She was pulled outside the clubhouse feeling the fresh air hit her face and once she was a few feet away from the doorway, the arms soon released her from the tight grip. Faye whipped around to see Dan standing close by her side, followed by Nora who was making her way outside. She felt the fear of scolding rest on her shoulders and she shook her head. "I'm not getting in trouble for this, she deserved more than that."
"I think you did enough damage to her, Faye." Dan said stepping closer to the angered woman, but Nora placed a hand on his shoulder pulling him back. "You can't go around acting like that..."
"She was talking about sleeping with Marcus, calling Josie names, I was gonna let it go but she got in my face, put her hands on me first. I had a right to defend myself and Jo." Faye snapped quickly before seeing the anger rise in Nora's eyes. After all, she was the queen of the clubhouse here and to know they were speaking disgracefully about her daughter, it was another story. "I warned her..."
Nora and Dan stood by each other as they watched Faye explain herself and what happened. For Nora, she understood why it happened at this point and now that she knew the cause, she wasn't going to hold back on the crow eater as well. She stepped closer to the young woman and placed a hand on her chin, now catching her gaze and smirking.
"Not bad," Nora winked at the young girl before kissing her cheek and turning to head back inside, giving Dan a soft look in hopes he would understand that Faye didn't mean any harm. That was until all hell broke lose between the two. Her job now was to take care of the crow eater who had spoken illy of her daughter.
Faye stood with her arms crossed as her fists were balled up in fists, looking back at Dan Needles who's gaze was now locked on her. She could tell he was shocked by her actions, but she couldn't just take it from someone. Her mother taught her that. Her eyes tore away from the man and she chuckled. "I get it... I've gotta cool off and stay out here."
Dan chuckled himself, now nodding his head and scratching the back of his neck as she began to kick around the rocks scattered along the ground. "Just give it a few minutes... Josie's wanting to come-"
"Don't... I don't want her knowing what they were saying." Faye whispered to him before making her way over to the clubhouse and leaning against the building. She could practically feel the look of concern in Dan's eyes on her, but she wasn't in the mood to talk, not when she was pissed off and had a little whiskey in her. The sound of his footsteps made their way inside the clubhouse leaving Faye alone outside, she could feel the beat of the music inside against her back which caused a soothing wave of calmness for her.
The moonlight resting along her face as she kept her eyes upward as the night stars seemed to wink down at her, she couldn't help but give a small smile at the beautiful scenery, but inside she could feel herself screaming. She told herself to have been better and walked away from the crow eater, but at the same time she didn't mind fighting back, especially when she didn't start it. The gravel under her healed boots were causing her to slide a little while she leaned up against the building, but the idea of sitting down on the rocky gravel gave her discomfort.
'Dammit...' She cursed in the back of her mind; In that instant, Faye would've called her brother and she was more than tempted to go inside and ask Josie for hers, but she didn't want to, not now.
"Sent into timeout I see?"
The voice brought Faye out of her admiration for the night sky, causing her to turn and glance at the man standing outside the doorway of the clubhouse. His tattoos and tall body being the only features she could catch from afar. It wasn't until he started making his way over to Faye that she caught a better overlook at the stranger, his dirty blonde hair was tousled a little, not messy but almost styled that way, his deep blue eyes were starring back at her as she studied him and the gentle smile of his seemed interested.
He stood closer to her causing her to have a feel for the height difference between the two of them, he had to have been six' three, much taller compared to her five six height. She caught a better look now seeing his handsome face smirk down at her, almost taunting the fact that she was standing outside instead of being inside as she was. The tattoos on his toned arms being shown off as well as he held out the glass of whiskey that was left on the bar inside.
"I think this was yours, you left at the bar after slamming Stacy's face in." He explained giving a small smile "I was the one you fell into by the way,"
"... Want me to say thanks for catching me? Cause I won't." Faye asked with a slight snort before turning her gaze away from him. "Also, thanks but no thanks for saving my drink, but I know better than to take a drink from a total stranger."
The whistle that came from his lips was followed by a small chuckle as he leaned against the wall next to her, which caused her to raise an eyebrow at his actions. "You're just as sweet as you look then, huh?"
"Oh, yeah. Just your neighborhood good girl with a kink for biker parties," Faye's sarcastic tone was obvious for her, but the laughter coming from the guy caused her to turn her head over to him and question his presence. "Is there a reason you're here?"
"I just didn't think you'd want to waste the whiskey," He raised the glass in the air as he looked Faye back in her eyes before smirking, "I guess I was wrong about that."
Faye watched as he raised the half empty glass in the air and crossed her arms over her chest, "My quench for thirst is gone..." She lied before shrugging her shoulders, "Why don't you finish it off for me, I wouldn't mind." She watched the shock in his eyes as her suggestion was more than he expected. "What? Not sweet enough for you?"
The sarcastic laugh showed as he stole a glance at the whiskey in the glass, "Not a problem at all, just finished off third beer is all." He explained seeing the grand smile that graced her perfect lips. "I'm not wanting a hangover, that's all."
"Says the guy who is going on three beers." Faye licked her lips as she grew eager to see him down the rest of her drink. "How bout this... down it and I'll dance with you, that is if you want." She turned onto her side and leaned her hip against the wall now, her arms still left crossing her chest. She didn't have any doubt in her mind that he would say now, which gave her the confidence in his reply.
His eyes couldn't help but travel downward as her low cut shirt revealed the lace bracelet pushing up her breasts, his eyes quickly meeting hers once more before raising the glass to his lips. The warm liquid eased down his throat as he gulped it all down, leaving the burn to slowly creep in and the warmth grow in his chest once he was finished off.
Her jaw clenched the moment he downed the whiskey and finished it off for her, but while she was in shock of his actions, she was reminded that she owed the handsome stranger a dance. She watched him cough a little as he wiped his mouth from the whiskey on his lips, now raising his eyes to meet hers as a smile now graced his lips.
"Now... I believe you owe me a dance,"
Faye chuckled now pushing herself off the wall and taking a step away from him, "You know, sadly I'm not much of a dancer, but I'm sure you'll find someone who will want to dance with you." She winked at him before turning to make her way inside away from him.
"Thought you had a biker kink?" He was quick to cause her to pause before heading back inside the clubhouse.
"Oh, that..." Faye turned back to face the handsome face and pursed her lips, "bikers aren't really my thing, just a little lie that sounded funny if you ask me."
"Liar!"
Faye was taken aback by that quick comeback and she narrowed her eyes at him before laughing under her breath, "Excuse me?" She couldn't believe he'd just bluntly fought back. "Don't flatter yourself..."
"Ohh, I'm not. You're lying because that sarcasm is just a way to cover it up." He pushed himself off the wall now shrugging his shoulders before giving a small smile, "At least, that's how I look at it..."
Faye hated the way he was looking back at her with such understanding when he was just a stranger, which only ticked her off and the more she stared at him, the more she wanted to slap him across the face. "You don't know me, babe. I suggest you stop while you're ahead..."
"Consider it done..." He made his way over to Faye and tilted his head to the side, eyeing the girls brown eyes before licking his lips. "Think I can get your name before you slap me... or send my face driving into the wall?"
"Funny. It's Faye... or maybe it's Tara, who knows, I'm lying after all, right?" She teased him before footsteps were heard from the doorway of the clubhouse, causing Faye to glance over her shoulder to see Josie and Marcus joining them.
"You broke her nose, Faye. What the hell got you so worked up?" Josie immediately made her way up behind Faye as she caught a glance at the familiar face she was speaking to. "Oh... I didn't know you weren't alone." She bit her bottom lip to hide the smirk that was growing on her lips.
"Breaking noses runs in my family..." Faye muttered under her breath thinking back to when her mother broke Tara's nose, before catching the gleam in her eyes when seeing the blue eyed stranger. "I am alone, I was about to head back inside."
Josie raised her arm and pinched Faye in the back of her arm, causing her to squeal as she glanced over at her friend, questioning why she had done that. "Why am I not surprised..." Marcus slowly made his way up behind the two girls seeing the familiar face. "Thought you were just gonna have a smoke..."
"I was... I caught little miss tough stuff and thought I'd congratulate her."
Marcus nodded head eyeing him as he could see right through his poor excuse, "Mhmm." He saw the look of confusion in Faye's eyes and raised his hand to the brother of his, "Faye, this is Rhett... Rhett, this is Faye. The brother I told you about," He gave a gentle smile before turning back to Rhett and shaking his head; He knew that once he caught a glimpse at Faye, Rhett would've been interested in the pretty brunette, but when he brought it up to Josie she was quick to shut down any thought, and now witnessing it for himself was sweet victory.
"So, your name really is Faye..."
It had been a few hours since the fight that went on between the President and the VP at the clubhouse in Charming, but the unsettling feeling still rocked the clubhouse. However, for the president he kept himself locked up in his dorm and found himself sipping on a the bottle of whiskey that was in his nightstand. He found the pictures of his daughter haunting him and overtime with each sight of the picture, Clay stole a glance from the bottle. He knew that his wife wasn't going to want him home tonight, which is why he was getting cozy in the bed and his hangover already building for the next day.
The cell resting on his nightstand soon began to ring and caused the president to stir in his bed, now snatching the phone before answering and feeling his motion sickness get worse with his movement.
"Hello?" He rubbed his eyes now placing the whiskey bottle aside and ignoring the awful smell coming from the bottle.
"Clay... it's Dan."
He didn't expect to hear from the other person on the line, but the moment he did he raised an eyebrow and struggled to place the bottle on the nightstand. "Dan... what can I do you for brother?" His drunk slurring coming through the phone as he struggled to keep his eyes open.
"I was told that you weren't sure where Faye was... I wanted you to know that she's here, with us. She's safe."
The second her mentioned his daughters name Clay found himself sitting up from the bed and finding his immediate attention turning to the call. He could feel the wave of nausea hit, but he ignored the moment and swallowed back the urge to vomit. "She's in Fresno?"
"Yeah... she's been here for a bout a week, I didn't know about it until tonight, when I got back from the run. Trust me when I say, I would've told you earlier brother,"
Clay felt his shoulders slump against the heavy weight of the liquor and he felt the weight of the world slowly lift off his shoulders, knowing his child was safe was all he needed to know. She was only two hours away, which would've been a fast drive there, but the temptation was quick to dissolve at the memory of the fight that happened today. He needed to let her come home when she was ready and that was a difficult pill to swallow.
"I trust you..." Clay whispered, "She, she's happy?"
"I think so, she's... she's been with Josie all week and I'm sure you remember how they were, imagine that now." He laughed through the phone, but when he didn't hear a following laugh he calmed down. "I've got her safe, brother. She's in good hands."
"... I trust that." Clay could picture the two girls at the age of five when they first met, they got along immediately and practically snuck away from their parents, the grin on Faye's face burned in the back of his mind. He didn't want to shake that sense of pride that he had for his daughter, but knowing his daughter hated him made his own pride fall away. "Listen, brother... just do me one favor while you've got her there." He paused now feeling his dry eyes sting once the tears form again, "Tell her I love her,"
"I'll do that, if you need anything... just call me."
The line then went dead and left Clay feeling more alone then before, the dead tone causing his tears to fall and the phone following along with it and slipping away from his hand. His drunk demeanor seemed to overpower his emotions at the thought of his child, when before it was simply anger and now it was the tears he was holding back. The sight of her brown eyes only breaking the strong man he tried to be, her smile being the one to break his heart. He craved his wife's touch, but he wasn't going to receive it, knowing Gemma was far to angry at him to even consider comforting the crumbling man he was becoming.
A/N: Well, there it is... I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, I probably wrote it in less than three days. I hop you enjoyed this chapter and please review if you can, I love, love hearing the feedback from you all.