Right, for starters I suck. My updating has been awful, yet working 6 days a week doesn't leave me with much time to write nor the energy to do so. So I hope you enjoy this chapter that I've finally managed to piece together. I wanted to integrate Charlotte into the club and show her interacting with all the characters we know and love. I wanted to fit more into this chapter and get the funeral out of the way but I wrote to much so it'll be next time.

I hope there are no mistakes, my lovely out of the blue guest reviewer reminded me how awful I am, so I rushed a bit.

I hope you enjoy, I'd love to know what you think.

I know all about,
Yea about your reputation
And now it's bound to be a heartbreak situation
But I can't help it if I'm helpless
Every time that I'm where you are
You walk in and my strength walks out the door
Say my name and I can't fight it any more
Oh I know, I should go
But I need your touch just too damn much
Loving you, That isn't really something I should do
I shouldn't wanna spend my time with you ya
Well I should try to be strong
But baby you're the right kind of wrong
Ya, baby you're the right kind of wrong

It might be a mistake
A mistake I'm makin'
But what your giving I am happy to be taking
Cause no one's ever made me feel
The way I feel when I'm in your arms

The Right Kind Of Wrong - Leann Rimes

Charlotte wandered inside the crowded clubhouse, her long chat with Gemma had been wonderful, she hadn't realised how much she'd missed the other woman yet there were many people that she needed to reacquaint with and that was not including the fact that she really needed a beer.

It was fairly easy for her to spot Jax and most of the patches congregated at the sofas through the crowd, Tig's raucous laughter helped to draw her attention in their direction. As she was finding to be an increasingly familiar pattern her eyes fell on Jax, moments later their gaze met, it was as if he could sense her attention. Pointing to the bar she made a drinking action, silently asking him if he wanted a beer and sending him a wink when she got a nod in response.

Waiting at the bar she was there for several moments before it became obvious to her that the croweater tending the bar was ignoring her, paying more attention to the people with male organs.

"Fuck this." She muttered to herself before rounding the bar and helping herself to the fridges.

"Excuse me." A high pitched voice spoke, reminding Charlotte somewhat of a Banshee.

She supposed that description was probably more than accurate for the walking surgery brochure before her. Scoffing as the bad bleach job, sweet butt that had cocked her hip before her and was currently blocking her exit. If the shirt, if you could call it that, that was stretched across her fake tits was anything to go by, the girls name was Charity.

"You're excused hunny." She snarled getting right in her face.

"You can't just help yourself, you've got to earn this right." The girl replied, refusing to back down for the new girl, not taking a moment to assess the situation like she should have.

Although she was quick to realise that mistake when she saw the look in the strange woman's eyes change. The went cold and hard in an instant, and the gulp was an involuntary action to her fear. In that instance Charity knew she'd picked a fight with the wrong person and from the almost twisted and definitely wicked smile across her opponents face, she knew that her adversary sensed her fear.

"You know it's quite pathetic that you have to have your name printed across your shirt in hope that these guys will remember it, when let's be realistic, you mean nothing to them. Just an easy lay." Charlotte paused as she gauged the girls reaction, from the look on her face she'd hit the nail on the head, so the spiteful part of her spurred on, "In that respect your name is quite ironic, handing out sexual favours for free, as if you're doing a blessing. When in reality for someone to want to shag you, they're doing their bit for 'charity', 'cos with a face like yours darlin' you're a bit of a paper bag job. Unlike you baby girl, I don't get on my knees or take it up the arse to 'earn this right'. I suggest you move out of my way before I show you just why I have real respect round here."

A small part of Charlotte took glee in the fact that the girl before her was on the verge of tears, her cheeks red with embarrassment. She didn't relish in this side of herself but she wasn't going to put up with these whores and asserting her authority was the only way to gain respect. Gemma had taught her that from a young age. She hadn't even been back for five minutes and already she didn't miss this factor of club life, she'd gotten used to the fact that all the croweaters knew her in SAMDINO and at home.

"Hey hey lady's look, I know I'm one of a kind but there's no need to fight over who's going to serve me. You both can, I got enough Tiggy for two." Tig cackled announcing his presence with glee having enjoyed the show. He was incredibly turned on, after all everyone knew, including himself, that he was a sex pest.

"Oh fuck off Tiggy, I'm not looking for a trip to the clinic." Charlotte quipped back, forgetting for a moment that years had passed and Tig probably didn't recognise her, he probably now thought she was a mouthy bitch. Which she was.

The grin that spread across the whore's face was nauseating, the woman was obvious revelling in the beat down that was bound to come from speaking to a Son like that. Charlotte just smirked at her and then to Tig, trying to hide her glee as the confusion crossed his feature for a moment before those crazy eyes glistened in recognition and his smile would have made even The Joker jealous.

"Fuck me. Am I seeing shit? You crazy bitch where the fuck did you pop up from." Tig cackled, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Time was right to come home Tiggy." She admitted with a soft smile.

"Get your perfectly formed, fully grown, slightly creepy ass over here girl and give me a hug. This is so fucking weird, last time I saw you I didn't want to fuck you." He declared, opening his arms and walking to meet her at the bar opening.

"Uncle Tiggy you are such a fucking perv." Charlotte stated inciting his trademark laugh as he embraced her, spinning her round regardless to the people that surrounded him.

Once she was back on her feet she noticed Tig giving her the once over a strange look on his face. Tig may be a bit strange and slightly crazy but he wasn't stupid, he knew there was more to her than met the eye, yet the same could be said for all of them.

"What are you doing?"

"I was getting a drink before this slut decided to intervene, I was just about to go and join the boys, you coming?" Charlotte asked, looping her arm through his.

"Hell yea doll, and Charity. You disrespect this girl again and I'll cut you into little pieces." He spoke with a sadistic grin before they walked off, leaving the girl in a shaking mess behind the bar at her run in with the psychotic pair.

"Look who I found at the bar." Tig boasted with a smug grin as he slung his arm around Charlotte's shoulder.

"Holy shit, look who it is." Bobby exclaimed, standing and opening his arms for a hug.

"Hey Bobby, long time no see." Charlotte spoke softly as she sunk into the rounded man's embrace.

"Sure is darlin', it's good to see you." He replied letting go of her, he held her hands as he gave her a once over. "You look good, all grown up. You know how to make a man feel old sweetheart."

"You'll never be old in my eyes Uncle Bobby." She replied with a wink before she moved to Chibs.

"Y'alright lassie. Good ta see ya whole." Chibs declared as he pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"It's good to see you again Chibby, and it's good to be home." She winked as she turned to the last member, the new face that had walked in on her and Jax in the garage with the Scot, "We've got fresh meat I see. I'm Charlotte."

The statement was simple and concise, she wasn't one to bother with the 'nice to meet you's' but that was just her, she only went through the pleasantries when she felt the need.

"Hey, I'm Juice." The mohawk adorned head, nodded in her direction.

"I take it that's not the name on your birth certificate." Charlotte cheekily added, but Juice just smiled.

"No ma'am it's not."

"Ma'am?" Charlotte scoffed, "Fucking hell Juice. I know we just met but do I look like a ma'am to you?"

All the men laughed as Juice blushed at the gentle scolding.

"Gotta be careful with this one Juicy, Gemma practically raised her along with us misfits, gotta watch what you say 'cos she'll have you."

"Slander. I'm not that bad."

The laughter what erupted from the group then caused their table to capture the attention from most of the room.

"You're all a bunch of wankers."

"Five times a day baby." Tig waggled his eyebrows.

"Tig you don't have issues, you have the whole fucking subscription." Charlotte sighed as she wrinkled her nose in disgust, the group all cackling at her quick wit and Tig's nonchalant expression as he shrugged his shoulders, fully aware of the fact.

That moment said more to Juice than any of their words, he understood how accepted and integrated into this like the woman was, not many people could get away with calling them names, slinging playful insults and harsh banter.

"Where's my brother?" She addressed the group as she made her way to sit on the sofa next to Jax.

"In his dorm." Bobby answered sharing a knowing look with the man in questions sibling.

"You can stop there." Charlotte laughed.

Just as she was about to sit down Jax grabbed her hand, sitting her across his lap so her back was pressed to the arm of the sofa, one arm looping round her back and the other coming to rest on her thighs. He quickly swooped one of the beers from her hand as she picked them up the up from the table, taking a sip with a smug smile at her soft chuckle.

"What was all that over there?" He questioned her quietly, inclining his head towards the bar, his eyes had rarely left her since she entered the room and the whole verbal showdown had peaked his interest.

Charlotte smiled, she should have known he'd have noticed.

"Just some whore baby."

"Trouble follows you Darlin'." He acknowledged, looking at her lips as she moved closer.

"But you love it." She whispered against his mouth.

Jax reinforced that statement by capturing those plump lips with his own, pressing her body against his own. Her arms looped around his neck and her hands tangled in his hair as they soon lost their surroundings.

"Whoa." Tig muttered, "I feel so out of the loop."

All the men shared a confused look, Chibs with a knowing smile on his face as the rest of the men look bewildered at the pair sucking face. An obvious clearing of someone's throat drew them apart, both with smug grins gracing their features.

"Is that why you've been sulking all week?" Tig said with a wicked smile.

"Yeah you can't even just blame it all on Wendy because you were miserable before that." Bobby joined in, taunting the younger man.

Charlotte grinned at the revelation, it was only further fuelled by the look on Jax's face.

"Aww, been moping about baby?" She teased affectionately.

"Don't start you." Jax said, grappling her playfully where she perched on his lap.

"To be fair it was about time you two hooked up, if you hadn't we would have baby." Tig said waggling his eyebrows.

"That's so gross, there's a drought in my lady garden at even the thought Tiggy." Charlotte answered, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

"I think I can fix that." Jax winked with a smile to rival the Cheshire cat.

"I've no doubt about that baby." She confirmed, wiggling in his lap.

"Just try ta keep it inside this time? Juicy boy 'ere almost came in his superman pants at tha sight of ya post-coitus and half dressed." Chibs spoke, his expression and tone unwavering from the seriousness he was trying to project.

Charlotte threw her head back and laughed at the old Scot, everyone soon joined in when they saw how pink the bumbling man's cheeks had become. Tig smacked the younger man upside the head with a scowl.

"You idiot. You saw that and you didn't come get me? You could have at least taken a picture man." He whined.

Charlotte tuned out for a second as the men bitched between them, that made her smile, nothing had changed there at all. It was nice to know that something's never changed, even if she had dramatically. In a moment of nostalgia she surveyed the clubhouse easily noting the little things that have changed, but the one thing she definitely noticed was the amount of whores that were sending daggers her way. If looks could kill she'd be six feet under, she couldn't resist sending a sickly sweet smile and a middle finger in their general direction, before noticing her brother emerging from the hallway.

Without a word she jumped off of Jax's lap so quickly he almost spilt his beer, leaving him sputtering in her wake as she sprinted across the room to her brother. He noticed her just in time as she jumped, catching her as she clung to him like a spider monkey.

"Hey there little brother." Charlotte laughed as he twirled her around.

"Who you calling little?" Johnny grinned with his gorgeous smile, setting her back on her feet with a pointed look that told her who the little one really was.

"I've missed you, tell me you've been behaving yourself." She said with a pointed look.

"Of course I have," He answered easily before that charming grin returned, "To a certain extent of course."

"Johnny."

"Well what can I say, I learned my bad habits from my bigger sister." He leered playfully, knowing the effect his words would have on her, he was talking out of his arse of course but he wouldn't say that to her. It was all about the reaction, although he knew she wouldn't bite seriously, she was far too intelligent and thick skinned for that.

"Whatever. You did not learn being a slut from me though." She chastised with a frown, "To be fair I shouldn't be touching you right now, don't know where you've been."

"And trust me, you don't want to know."

Johnny laughed as he slung an arm around his sisters shoulder, rubbing his face against hers as she squirmed away, walking her over to his brothers where she'd obviously originated from. They had a good relationship, good being a mediocre and obscure word to even try and explain their bond. For a long time it had felt to them that it was the two of them against the world, and only together could they deal with all the shit that had been thrown their way. Nothing ever changed particularly in that area, they both developed their separate coping mechanisms but they could always rely on each other and when words failed they never needed any. The beauty of being twins and the other sole dependant, their silence spoke volumes to the other, it leant them peace and a shoulder to cry on.

"It's good to see you back in one piece, you know we'll be needing a little chat right?"

"I do. Yet not tonight, tonight let's just drink away everything and tomorrow we say goodbye once again."

Johnny didn't need to say anything the smirk in his eyes was acknowledgement and agreement enough. In little time they reached the others, rejoining the fray easily.

Charlotte thought nothing of it as she regained her seat across Jax's lap, sharing a sweet smile with him as she threw her arm around his shoulders, swigging her beer as her head rested on his shoulder. The sound of his heart beating and the soft touch of his fingers dancing across her thighs had her entranced as she enjoyed her surroundings, feeling unbelievably happy at her circumstances. Missing home, and she was realising Charming was home, had never revealed itself to her before, yet it was practically screaming now. Through her melancholy, she never noticed her brothers dismay.

"What the fuck is this?"

Her head quickly snapped round at the venom in his tone, turning to see him sat on the edge of his seat, his posture noticeably tense and his nostrils flared in undeniable anger. To his credit he rarely got this angry, but that only made Charlotte more annoyed. He was her brother, he wasn't supposed to attack her like this and to be quite frank she couldn't be bothered to have a situation right here and at that exact moment.

"Oh chill out Johnny, we're all adults." She snapped back, emphasizing the adult part with a pointed look, that told him he was behaving like anything such.

"Don't tell me to chill out." Johnny chortled with dismay, rising to his feet he pointed an accusing finger in her direction, "So you come back and straight away you're hoping into bed with one of my brothers?"

Charlotte raised, stepping to meet her brothers gaze, completely unfazed by his show of masculinity. Never had she let a man dominate her and she wasn't about to let her brother start here.

"Johnny, you know me better than that." She warned, her tone leaving no room for debate.

From the look in his eyes Charlotte knew she had the upper hand and in his brash show of anger he'd misplaced his sense, for that split moment she knew he was about to back down. That was until being the hot head that he was, and his loyal tendencies shining through at their fullest, Jax decided to pipe in.

"Brother. Leave it out before you say something you're going to regret." Jax grated stepping toe to toe with the other man, taking it upon himself to defend his girl.

Any hope of a placid truce were lost in that moment as once again Johnny's anger flared.

"That a threat?" He challenged.

"It's a promise bro." Jax spat out.

Charlotte stepped in between the two men pushing them apart with surprising force.

"Seriously? Fucking save the testosterone boys." She demanded, not sparing either of them a glance at her deathly glare before she directed her attention to her brother, "I'm happy Johnny, you're just going to accept that. Jax and I, that isn't changing any time soon. So sort your shit out and get over yourself."

"I don't have to accept shit."

Johnny snorted a chuckle at her words that still tumbled round his head, before deciding he'd had enough, turning on his heel and storming in the general direction of the bar, no doubt to quench his anger in alcohol and pussy.

Jax just shook his head in dismay as he watched him leave turning back to the sibling that remained at his side.

"Don't think I'm done with you." She scolded him, but it had no harsh depth and she wasn't going to embarrass him and caused a public scene, even if her brother had dragged her into one. Quickly surveying the room and the looks they were receiving it was blatantly obvious that they were the center of attention, she shook her head in chagrin at the turn of events. Everything had been going so well, she'd been having a good night but it was Sod's law.

Turning to Jax with a soft smile she knew he understood her upset and disappointment at the turn of events, lending her a soft kiss to the forehead as his arm wrapped around her middle.

"Jax let's go for a ride, leave him time to brood, I'm not really in the party mood any more." She sighed.

"Alright Darlin'." He nodded in understanding, joining her in saying a brief goodbye to everyone before the departed to wherever the night would lead them.

Their impromptu ride had led them to somewhere time had seemingly forgotten, at least to Charlotte there was no other explanation for how the place had no changed at all. This little clearing by the streams held an assortment of many different memories for each of them but being here now in the situation that they were in, this place held new meaning to them both. Neither of them had guessed how their actions as naive teenagers could effect such events in the future, but judging by the thoughtful smile of both of their faces as they caught eye contact, it was a mutual understanding and happiness at the thought.

"It's as if this place has stood still in the midst of chaos." Her hands brushing over the greenery she passed until she stopped under a very familiar tree by the water.

Jax chuckled at her words, he found himself frozen to the spot, mesmerized as he watched the beautiful woman reacquaint herself and almost become at one with nature. He drew a likeness to the scene in front of him to the gorgeous nymphs depicted in mythology, it was as if at any second she'd disappear and he'd be left despairing as he had for so long.

"You always did know me better than anyone else, that's why I still come here often, it's nice to have a constant." Jax answered finally, calling her out for echoing his thoughts, that was exactly what he liked about the place. It was an escape.

"I'd like that to be me." Charlotte declared, turning to face him from where her feet danced at the waters edge, becoming him with a soft flick of the wrist and as if he was under a spell, he followed with no hesitation.

"I'd like that too, I'm glad you came back to me. They were right, although I wasn't sulking. I couldn't shake this sickness from my stomach, the thought of never seeing you again, it didn't bear to think about darlin'." He whispered in her ear once she was before him.

"I'm not going anywhere Jax. Being back feels right, as much as I've tried to deny it this is home." The words tumbled from her lips in the same hushed fashion.

"Home is where the heart is they say."

"Yeah, well I'm not sure I have one of those." She muttered harshly.

Jax couldn't help but narrow his eyes at the darkness and wickedness that flitted through her eyes at that moment, he was not ignorant to that lurking beast, he fought the same creature lying within him every day.

"Well I'm looking to borrow it, so if you could find it that'd be highly appreciated darlin'." He smiled softly, trying to regain the light in those bright blue eyes.

Charlotte wrinkled her nose at that line.

"That was pure cheese."

"Hey, don't knock my lovin', your brother's done enough of that for the two of you today." He spoke in a light tone, but they both knew he wasn't joking.

"My brother is just that, obviously he's going to be protective and given your reputation rightly so." The answer was prompt and direct, the frown she received made her heart squeeze, out of reflex she pulled him towards her, her arms wrapping around her neck, "Don't look at me like that, I'm not ignorant nor am I naive, I've known you for a long time Teller and besides you know you patches gossip more that a bunch of old ladies. While we're on the note of my brother, in future I'd like if you could leave him to me. I appreciate you standing up for me but no one knows how to handle him as well as me, sometimes we're each others only light and sense others can just make it worse, just let me talk to him then you two can get all manly with each other to your hearts content."

"Ok, and I'm sorry." Jax answered honestly, "I know he's your brother but no man will ever call you anything in front of me and get away with it, you're mine."

"And you're mine rude boy." Charlotte joked slightly with a grin.

Jax smiled with her, grabbing her thighs and wrapping them around his waist before lowering the, to the ground, her tight body trapped between him and the damp grass. Although she didn't mind that at all as she wrapped herself around him tightly and captured his lips as her fingers tugged on his hair, loving the rough and ready responses he was emitting at the rough contact, losing herself in his scent that was overwhelming her nostrils. Slowly he pulled away, grinning at the illicit groan he coaxed from her lips at the loss of his touch, which was soon replace by a noise that was all the better as his hands caressed her hips. Pressing his lips to her ear her rasped into her ear.

"I don't care what you've heard about me, I'd never do that to you. Nothing will ever compare."

Waking up that morning was the last thing Charlotte wanted to do, and getting out of bed would be the easiest part of the day once it was through. Untangling herself from Jax's embrace she dithered around preparing herself as she begun to get ready, knowing that soon she would have to leave to get her father from the airport to bring him to the clubhouse for the formal and final goodbyes to Tommy.

As she stood under the hot shower, the water pelting her in the face as she hugged her arms around herself, Charlotte willed herself to cry. To release the emotions she was holding onto, but as always she found it near impossible. That barrier that was erected within her, the wall holding everything in place that refused to budge, she supposed she'd cemented it in with all the trauma and denial over the years. So much so that she was unfixable. She sighed as she felt herself relax instantly, the feel of Jax's arms wrapping around the soaked frame relieved her of some tension. Leaning her head back against his chest she looked up at him through water logged lashes, thanking him with her eyes for his impeccable timing.

"Hey Darlin'." Jax murmured into her ear, holding her closer as he swayed her sweetly in his embrace.

"I don't think I'm ready for today Jax, can we not just hide in bed all day?" Charlotte murmured closing her eyes, sighing deeply as she inhaled Jax's scent from the damp air.

Charlotte felt the soft kiss that Jax pressed to her scalp, taking comfort in each others arms.

"As much as I like the sound of that, we'll have to take a rain check babe." With those soft words he gently turned her in his arms so he could look into those eyes he was beginning to adore, "You'll get through today, if anyone could it'd be you."

With a sarcastic chuckle, Charlotte buried her face into his chest, not ready to face anything yet.

"What because I'm well versed in funerals? I poison everything I touch Jax, that's why I gave you an out."

Grabbing her chin, Jax forced her head towards him. He placed a tender yet forceful kiss to her lips, letting their foreheads linger against each other as the stood under the shower. Pulling away slightly, he looked into her eyes that were filled with sadness, despair and evident loss, and willed his heart not to break.

"That's the life we lead Charlotte, it's not you."

Charlotte closed her eyes, shaking her head like a child in denial. The water dripping over her closed eyelids, and over her pouty lips as she raised her head towards the heavens, taking a moment before she spoke what was weighing on her mind.

"You know I almost didn't come back for today, I thought about never returning at all." She confessed quietly, so much so that Jax almost missed it as she hadn't moved, it was only then that she opened her eyes, "I figured that I watched him die, I didn't need to watch him be put in the ground."

Jax was about to respond when she placed a finger to his lips to silence him, followed by a passionate kiss.

"Yet more so I didn't want the same to happen to you, and I felt guilty for thinking of you first. Then I couldn't stop thinking about you. I'm selfish Jax, if I wasn't then I'd have let you go."

He saw the anger that flashed through her eyes at that moment and he knew that it was directed at herself, that pained him because to him she was the most perfect creature inside and out that he'd ever come across.

"We're all selfish baby, if you hadn't of come back for me, I'd have followed you anyway. I may have let you leave but I wasn't about to let you go." Jax declared trying to reassure and inform her of his own standing.

As horrible as the day was bound to be and the weight of the world that bore heavy on her shoulders, in that moment Charlotte forgot about it all. She couldn't help the happy smile that graced her lips, nor the involuntary twinkle in her eye because he was perfect and she felt something completely new. In such a short period of time Jax knew how to handle her so well, that was something that she'd only ever had once before and that didn't bare to think about. Yet once the thought had crossed her mind it reminded her of her current situation and vulnerability, shocking her back to reality.

"Will you stay with me today? I need you." She asked softly.

"I'm not going anywhere Darlin'." Jax answered without hesitation, sweeping her in for another kiss.

Jax had left her to have a few minutes to herself as she did her make up and prepared for the day ahead of her, giving her a few moments of tranquillity, probably the only time she would enjoy to herself today. She decided on a simple pin up look, knowing her Uncle had favoured such a look on her, finishing the look with her favourite red lipstick, a deep velvety red that today only reminded her of the blood she'd lost and that she'd shed. It was rather morbid but that she was used to, and in a twisted way it was rather ironic and fitting. As she stood she took one last look in the mirror, smoothing down the skirt of her smart fitted dress, she stepped into her red heels so she could join the rest of the masses that were preparing for the day ahead, finding no valid excuse to be able to hide away any longer.

As she walked down the hall she found herself filled with melancholy, taking in every photo she passed for a brief moment. When she passed JT's bike she couldn't help but linger for a second, running her fingers lightly across the beautiful piece of machinery.

"I miss you, you always knew what to say." Charlotte whispered faintly before letting out a soft laugh.

Talking to a dead man would get her no where, yet she couldn't seem to budge, JT had been a big influence in her life and it only reminded her of another whole that couldn't never be refilled.

"I miss him too."

Startled Charlotte quickly whipped around even though she knew who the voice belonged to, her soul sung every time he spoke and she wasn't sure whether to revel in the delight or despair at the attachment.

"He loved you, you know." Jax declared tenderly.

"I know." She confirmed, deciding to end that chat for the day. After all no matter how much he meant to her, that was Jax's father and she didn't want to see that pain echoed in his eyes, "I'm ready."

"I'll go make sure everything's ready for us." He nodded, kissing her cheek before returning in the direction from whence he came.

Charlotte turned to the bike one last time, smiling at the man she almost imagined still sitting upon in.

"Wish me luck."

With those parting words she joined the main room, noting that a significant amount of patches had joined the party since last night. Many heads turned her way when she entered, the clacking of her heels announcing her arrival over the steady buzz of chat that filled the room. Yet there was only one man in the room that captured her attention and she automatically found herself walking in his direction, he was occupying the bar regardless to the fact that it was 9 O'Clock in the morning.

"Piney."

The disgruntled looking man turned around with an accusing glare at the interruption, his features scrunched for a second before a rumble of the distinctive chuckle signalled his memory hadn't failed him.

"Bloody hell girl. You trying to scare an old man to death?"

"Sorry is my face that unpleasant this time of morning?" She questioned sarcastically.

"Nah darlin'. Just thought I was seeing a ghost is all." Piney teased, although they both knew he was being serious.

"You gunna guilt trip me old man?" It was her turn to chuckle.

"Would it make a difference?"

"Probably not." At the honest answer the both shared a smile.

There was a moment of silence that passed between them as they sized each other up. Charlotte noted the obvious deteriorations to the man's health, yet he had always loved to over indulge in a number of vices for as long as she could remember, it was obvious though that even if the exterior had changed, the stubborn dry witted man within had definitely not. Something's would never change and she would always respect this man for who he was, he was good through and through, his only downfall being his lack of social skills.

Piney obviously got bored of his observations, far too self medicated to car in that moment as he turned back to his drink, preparing himself to see another friend be lowered into the ground, only reminding him of his impending doom. He looked around the room, at all the patches that had arrived for such a moment, yet there was one thing that specifically caught his eye. What he saw interested him.

"So you and Jax then?" He turned back to Charlotte suddenly.

"That obvious huh?" She supplied as an answer.

"Girly he hasn't taken his eyes off of you since you entered the room. Can't say I blame him though, if I had a woman that looked like you I wouldn't let you out of my sight either." Piney grumbled out, mentally kicking himself as soon as the words left his mouth as he knew the girl wouldn't let him forget it.

"A compliment Piney? Think that oxygen has gone to your head, either that or your Patron." Charlotte smirked at him and the glare she had earned.

"Take it while you can darlin'."

Charlotte looked again at the speed and amount the man was consuming before prodding him with another question.

"Is it not a little early?"

"Really, you gunna bitch at me too like every other fucker?" Piney grated out, getting ready to send her packing like he did any other that tried to lecture him.

She only laughed in response, taking a split second to answer.

"I have more to worry about that stopping you pouring Tequila on your cheerios old man." Charlotte replied with all seriousness as she poured herself a glass from the bottle that sat before him.

Piney would inflict hell upon any other that would try to drink his Patron but he could only raise his glass to the woman before him, clinking it against hers in a show of respect.

"You know I knew there was a reason I always liked you." He declared with a raucous, gruff laugh.

Jax stood holding Charlotte close as they waited on the arrival of her father through all the airport security. He could feel the tension within her, from the way her muscles stood rigid and constricted, impatiently waiting for one of her last remaining family members. He tried not to smirk at how out of character the impatience was for her, she was by far one of the calmest most calculated people he had ever met. Don't get it wrong she had a hell of a temper but normally every action and word held deeper meaning, possessed reason. Not that he couldn't understand her impatience, she'd gone through the stage of wanting to hide away and ignore today's events but she had surpassed that, now she just wanted to get it over and done with. The drinking with Piney probably helped move those feelings along.

Charlotte sighed as she tapped her foot, already wanting to speed things along. Turning to Jax she smacked his chest at the knowing smirk that lay across those lips she loved. Sliding her arm around his middle she leaned her head on his chest, closing her eyes and inhaling his scent as she tried to imagine a happier place.

Jax just left her to it, leaving her resting against him like that as he kept a look out for her father. His flight had landed a while ago, it was only due time before the man popped up and with the mounting anticipation Jax found himself quite excited. It had been a long time since he'd seen Bill and that seemed life a lifetime ago. In his mind he saw himself as the desperate wreck he was after Tara had left, drowning himself in any vice he could find on a week long trip to England, visiting the still relatively new charter that Bill had built for himself there. Jax particularly remembered going just in hope of being reunited with his friend, the woman in his embrace at that exact moment and receiving vague answers and excuses as to why she wasn't there. Now from what he knew he guessed that was her time gallivanting with the IRA, trying to destroy herself and every part of her that everybody couldn't help but love.

He quickly stepped out of his thoughts though, when through his distracted gaze he quickly spotted her father and most of his charter following in his wake. Shaking Charlotte gently, he inclined his head in their general direction at her questioning gaze. Quickly her eyes narrowed in on exactly what he was looking at, before she even had time to think it through, she found herself slinking from Jax's embrace and colliding with her father. Having run into his embrace.

"Hey Da." She said as she stepped back, her shoulder brushing against Jax's who had also crossed the remaining distance.

"Princess, Jax." He greeted them both, sharing a brotherly bro hug and back slap with the younger man, "It good to see you son, it's been a long time. Did a little double take back there boy, you look so much like your Da'."

Jax ducked his heads at the words, no matter how long it had been the references, the comments and the memories would always be painful.

"Bill. So I'm told, it's good to see you although I'm sorry to the circumstances." He replied, not letting his inner conflict be voiced.

"It's the life boy, we all signed up for it, we know the cost." Bill answered with remorse, yet great understanding, after all it was nothing but the truth, no matter how harsh.

"Amen brother." Jax concurred, his eyes watching as Charlotte greeted all the men behind her father with brief embraces.

"Jax I'm not sure if you remember but these are our brothers; I'm sure you remember my VP and SA, Tony and Carrot, and you have Baz, Scouse and Fridge."

"What's up brothers." Jax greeted as a whole, shaking all their hands and embracing them individually.

"We brought the van, we'll go get you guys loaded up." Charlotte spoke solemnly once all the pleasantries were done and dusted, eager to get back and get this day over with.

"Lead the way baby girl." Bill responded, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, sharing a look that told her they'd be having a little chat once they were in private.

As all the men fell in step behind her, Charlotte reached out and grasped Jax's hand, not caring that her father was drilling holes into the back of her head. She did notice the abrupt stop in chatter behind her as everyone gauged the action, followed by an ignition of hushed talk. All she cared about in that moment was the pressure that was released at the contact and simple action, and how the man smiling at her made her head flutter, even in this dark hour.