A/N(( Bit of a time jump and I'll be introducing her friend Tessa whose kind of a wild girl as for her appearance think of Lana Del Rey and so far the votes are pretty even between two of our guys so I might shake things up, you'll just have to read and see. Rated for swearing))
"Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns, doesn't mean you're gonna die."-Pink,Try.
Six months later…
The buzz of the tattoo needle was drawn out by the louder more intense thudding of the hard rock music playing through the speakers of the Club houses speakers a pillow beneath Aria's head she took a deep breath exhaling slowly as Happys strong hand braced her shoulder as she lay on her side. He'd been working in stages the last few weeks and today he would finally be finished with her tattoo the blue rose had been his starting point working along her side and up towards her upper ribs adding more along with way as he had begun the masterpiece of the work on her shoulder. A detailed black crow was perched on a vine done in beautiful black and grays its eye gleaming ever watchful but Aria's favorite part of the tattoo was the diamond ring clutched in its beak. The addition to the lengthy planned tattoo had been quite the surprise to everyone but it was just Happy's way of showing the world that she was his in a way metal and precious stones never could.
They'd originally begun planning a small private ceremony at the courthouse a few weeks after Happy had brought her and little Alex home. The only attendants going to be Tig and Gemma as witnesses however the news that the Tacoma Killer was settling down had spread like wild fire through the ranks and all the way up to the Washington chapter before either of them could blink. So the intimate ceremony had turned into a huge affair with the promise of fifty or more people in attendance, members of the Washington Charter arriving in three days for the wedding. Happy had orignally glared at Gemma the older woman having looked back at him as if to say 'how did that happen?' Happy knowing the there was no room for argument on this turn of events had decided to just accept the change in plans, all the boys knew better than to try and overrule her.
The whole thing was supposed to happen at a private location one that suitable enough to hold the amount of people attending through the evening and over night. Somehow they'd managed to convince a justice of the peace to come out and officially marry them which had taken a lot of convincing but after the promise of it being a quick ceremony the man to Aria's pleasure had agreed. Once Happy had finished the touches too complete to her unconventional wedding he'd helped her sit up the otherwise empty room providing a moment of privacy and he covered the tattooed skin with plastic wrap his hands gentle as he smoothed it over handing Aria her black v-neck t-shirt and she couldn't hide her excited smile.
The past few days had been filled with hectic errand running and several trips to Lodi Gemma having picked up her wedding dress yesterday the bridesmaids going to be wearing deep almost blue black colored dresses of their style choice the color being the only requirement. Happy had left his clothing choice up to Aria trusting the girl not to put him in something ridiculous and true to her nature she chose a comfortable black button up shirt to wear beneath his cut along with a pair of dark jeans and his boots. The location they'd chosen was a few acres of land owned by an associate of the Club up near the streams in Charming. A scenic view of the California hills surrounding tall oak tree's dotting the landscape provided them with a more then suitable setting with enough room to house the amount of people camping out after the reception. Knowing the rowdy and hell raising tendency's of Sam Crow it couldn't have been a more appropriate place the likely hood of law enforcement or prying eyes showing up non-existent.
By the time the big day had arrived Lyla and Gemma stood behind the anxious bride wearing their dresses Gemma's being a longer length done in a tasteful silk material a black shawl around her shoulders, Lyla having chosen a more baby doll style the skirt hitting her mid thigh in a flattering organza fabric with spaghetti straps and five inch black high heels both women wearing a single white dogwood flower in their elegant up-do's. They'd been getting ready at Gemma's all afternoon the ladies having finally arrived not half an hour before the ceremony was about to begin. Baby Alex was spending the night being baby sat by Neeta Gemma planning on picking up the little guy after the reception. The night promising to be anything but child friendly they'd opted to leave the little one behind and give his parents time to relax and celebrate.
The loud raucous excitement of the charters was just on the other side of the Van they stood beside the noise of the celebration filtering through the air the sound of rock music playing loudly. Rows of Harleys off to the right hand side of the land gleaming in the fading sunlight as it crept along the hillside a gold painted 68' Mustang with its headlights on pulling in to join what few cars were parked among them beneath the oak tree's catching the attention of a few of the guys standing beside the stage set up Jax, Bobby, Chibs , Happy and Tig amongst the Mother Charters members watching with great interest as the headlights turned off and the door swung open. The first thing any of them saw being a pair of long tan legs wearing black patent high heels stepping out a delicate hand with dark blue painted long nails holding onto the door as the young woman emerged from the vehicle her other hand pulling down the skirt of her vintage sapphire dark blue silk dress. It hugged her curves in all the right places the back of the dress providing an open view of her bare shoulders a collection of bright lotus flower tattoo's trailing down out of sight beneath the dresses fabric down the right side. Two partly blooming stark white roses in her dark brown hair which was done in a pinup style completing her wedding attire.
Happy assumed by the vehicle alone that this was Aria's only attending guest outside of the Club, Her childhood friend Tessa Kincaid she'd sent the woman an invitation weeks ago with absolutely no word on if it had even reached the correct address or not. Apparently it had because the other woman had arrived on the 11th hour and Happy found his future wife's description of her friend to be quite accurate she'd explained to Happy that she wasn't worried about whether or not Tessa would come no news would be good news. He watched as the woman walked around the Mustang towards where he knew Aria and the other girls were waiting for the music to die down and the ceremony to begin, most of the men keeping their eyes trained on her until she was out of sight behind the large vehicle.
Aria stood perfectly still beside the RV they'd rented as Lyla completed the last finishing touches to her long elegant curls she'd had them done in an old Hollywood style adjusting the white sheer veil that left Happy's crow visible for all to see. The wedding gown Aria wore was a form fitting strapless taffeta beaded sheath dress which stopped just below mid thigh it was very sexy while still remaining tasteful her bouquet was a collection of deep red roses. Hearing the car door slam Aria had turned towards the sound of a familiar voice and she was greeted by a very excited and long awaited hug from her childhood friend who had come a long way for the special event both girls squealing loudly. "Holy Hell Aria, look at you Jesus Christ you did not just have a fucking baby!" Tessa exclaimed bluntly voice elated as she grinned at Aria who returned the gesture mindful of her veil. Her friends greeting hardly raised an eyebrow amongst the other women but it still caused Aria to laugh she'd forgotten how straightforward Tessa could be it didn't always jive in society but here she fit right in. "I'm so happy you made it and not a moment too soon I might add… You're still driving that old car I see." Aria said pretending to sound stern and the other woman released the Bride to step back her gold amber eyes rolling towards the sky with an amused laugh hands on her hips. "You love that old hunk of metal just as much as I do it's a classic and you know it I'm here and that's all that matters now I've never been in a wedding before so help me not look like an idiot and tell me what you want me to do!" Smiling Aria first began to make introductions to the other girls and by the time she'd finished she could hear the music quieting and she spotted her father walking towards them wearing a black button up shirt similar to Haps his cut on shoulders squared back.
Turning to Tessa again she said "It's not complicated I promise just line up with the girls and all you do is walk slow down the aisle behind them and stand up on the stage off to the right…" Aria was interrupted as her father came to stand beside her his hand on her bare shoulder. "Hey baby girl we gotta start." Tig said his voice steady as he spoke to Aria but his eyes were trained on Tessa Kincaid the action going unnoticed by his daughter who was feeling thrilled with anticipation. Aria heard the music change into softer guitar strumming the music fitting perfectly in the warm evening air and she allowed Tig to link his arm in hers. Several dozen paper lanterns had been hung in the oak tree's illuminating the evening around them and Aria watched as Tessa lined up behind Lyla, Gemma leading the procession her eyes casting up towards Tigs which were strangely misty looking. Harden criminal, badass biker or not he was clearly no match for the sight of his daughter in her white wedding dress and this brought a wonderful feeling to Aria's heart knowing she affected Tig in such a way.
As Tessa turned to face the crowd her eyes searching for her best friend Tig squeezed Aria's hand letting her know it was time for them to begin their slow walk down the aisle. People managed to contain themselves once the ceremony had started and Aria found her eyes locked on Happy who stood tall beside Jax and Chibs on the stage and she was momentarily distracted by the sight of how handsome she thought he was the notion of how lucky she was to have him in her life present in the forefront of her mind. Even through the lace of her veil she could make out the expression on Happy's face his eyes drinking in the sight of her as she approached the guitar music quieting as she came to finally stand in front of him Tig taking the veil up and over her head. Kissing her cheek he whispered quietly. "I'm proud of you Doll, love you." Aria smiled softly. "I love you to Dad…" Tig stepped aside now coming to stand beside Chib's who elbowed the other man hard in the ribs letting him know he'd noticed his choked up emotions.
The man officiating over the wedding ceremony gave the couple a serious look and cleared his throat gaining the undivided attention of the guests and wedding party as he began the ceremony. Before long the words became drawn out in her ears and Aria found herself only able to look at Happy the amazing and startling reality of her life taking shape. Six months ago she had come so close to losing everything in the blink of an eye, her current reality nothing but a dream and she thanked whatever God there was that she was able to stand here in front of Happy about to become his wife. Eventually the old man came to the point in the long speech where it was customary for him to ask the groom if he took Aria to be his wife and Happy grinned broadly down at the bride his voice deep and booming. "Fuck yeah." This caused the Officiate to pale slightly and the crowd of onlookers to erupt in a chorus of loud agreement and laughter. Aria returned his grin laughing a little herself and before the man could ask her anything she reached up standing on her tip toes to take Happy's face her hands kissing him hard, his strong arms wrapping around her waist to lift her up off the ground.
This caused the crowd to begin clapping and whistling loudly the volume of their shouting cheers growing and the poor old Officiate threw his hands up in defeat the unruly mob along with its bride and groom too much for him to handle. This all went unnoticed by Happy who pulled Aria further up into his arms kissing her again a second time more passionately as he ignored the cat calls and wolf whistles from his Brothers as far as he was concerned Aria was officially his wife, to hell with tradition.
As the reception began the music changed back to something everyone was a little bit more accustomed to and a majority of people began partying in the main area of the clearing a bon fire off to the right of it. Happy stood with his brothers as they congratulated him on getting hitched many of the guys from Tacoma complimenting him on a catching such a great Old Lady. Beer in hand he'd taken everything in stride all the ribbing and bullshitting from the others was expected and the compliments a pleasant surprise. Always keeping a watchful eye on Aria he could see her standing with her girlfriends having taken off her high heel shoes and veil long ago to dance in the grass with her friends a beautiful smile on her face as she looked truly content not a care in the world.
Aria took an opportunity to get a beer herself and she sat down trying to catch her breath Gemma sitting across the table from her and she smiled sweetly at the older woman who looked tired. A loud peel of laughter caught their attention and the two women turned in their chairs to watch Chib's dancing with her friend Tessa who was smiling as she laughed her teeth bright white against her deep red lipstick as he spun her around her around her hand clasped in his as they moved. Gemma turned back around in her chair taking a sip of her wine. "Your friend sure is the life of the party." Aria nodded her eyes trained on her friend who she was beyond glad to see it had been to long and she'd missed a familiar face from home one that she actually cared about. Gemma's statement was not a surprise to hear because as long as she'd known Tessa the girl had always been the life of any setting they'd gone to never afraid to try anything always the first to leap into the unknown. "That's my Tessa, she's always drawn attention to herself without even trying everyone gravitates to her even if they don't intend to." Gemma set her glass down her eyes studying the way her boys were watching this new comer and if the girl had been anyone other than Aria's best friend she'd have felt threatened but Aria had assured her that Tessa was trustworthy she'd never do anything to hurt them.
Chib's pulled Tessa closer to himself as they danced slower now catching their breath having to lean in to speak against the shell of her ear to be heard over the music very aware of the Bride watching them. "The bride looks a wee bit worried over there for her friend I think." Tessa turned her head ever so slightly to see Aria was indeed watching them and she smiled with her lips closed voice sounding very knowing as she spoke. "It's not me she's worried about." This raised an eyebrow from the Scotsman and he felt Tessa pull back as the song ended and walk towards the brides table where she grabbed the other girls hands and pulled her up towards the dance floor. Swaying from side to side as the song started Tessa hugged Aria close her toned arms draped comfortably around her neck hands clasped loosely as Aria's hands rested on her hips. "Gotta have a dance with my girl before your man drags you away he's been starin you down all evening girly." Tessa said the attention they were grabbing not going unnoticed by either woman. Aria who rested her head against the other girls shoulder replied. "Hap's always watching me you'll get used to…hey I noticed you have boxes in your car…did you leave Vegas?"
Tessa tried to hide the flinch Aria's observation brought but it was too late to pretend they hadn't stumbled onto a delicate subject and it didn't stop her from trying to change it. "Yeah maybe…What I can't be inspired to run away to sunny California to be closer to my best friend? I thought I'd give it a try you sell a good lifestyle…enough about me I want to hear you brag about how amazing your life is…tell me all about this baby and man of yours." She said her tone almost pleading and Aria frowned for a second worried about what her friend wasn't telling her but she had always been so easily swayed by Tessa and she allowed the girl to have her way unable to hide her smile at the thought of Happy and Alex. "It really is amazing Tess, it's absolutely bat shit crazy most of the time but I love it…I wouldn't trade it for the world, wait until you see Alex he's so cute I just can't get over the fact he's here…and Happy he's just turned my world upside down in the best way I don't have to even say anything he just knows."
This made Tessa smile she was truly happy for her friend. Aria deserved all of this and more for as long as she'd known the girl which was a good ten plus years she'd always taken below second best treatment and now here she was the bell of the ball, someone's everything and more. Hugging Aria closer she said. "I'm so happy for you…you deserve this Aria you've earned it now you better go show your man some love, I think he's getting jealous of me hogging you all to myself." From where they stood Tessa could see Aria's husband Happy watching them an odd look on his face as one of his Brothers leaned in saying something she couldn't hear. Aria hugged her friend tightly before stepping back a soft smile on her lips as she wordlessly thanked her before walking away towards Hap. Watching Aria leave her and come to stand beside the tall intimidating biker who wrapped his arms around her small waist almost immediately and Tessa felt a pang of jealousy in her chest that she quickly quashed out whatever loneliness she felt was not any reason for her to complain on Aria's special day.
Looking around herself she saw that Aria hadn't been kidding this was a rowdy and wild bunch of people everyone having a great time and there was no shortage of drinks and company to mingle amongst. Tessa having no trouble entertaining herself began to sway her hips to the beat in perfect time always dancing as if no one were watching she had a seductive way to her movements hands barely ghosting along her sides. Across the grass Chibs sat beside Tig at their table both men watching Tessa with intent cigarette dangling from his lip the Scotsman smoothed a hand through his chin length hair. "Eh Tiggy if you look any harder she might hear what you're thinking." Tig to his credit kept his expression serious. "Why you think she'd go for it?" Chibs rolled his eyes now and then perked up slapping him in the arm as they saw Tessa talking to Juice who patted his vest and then held his hands up indicating he didn't have any more cigarettes. Before either of them could say a word to the other Tessa was approaching their table smiling sweetly. "Either of you boys got a smoke a smoke?" Chib's who had been leaning elbows against the table watching her held up his own smoke and picked up his pack handing her one.
Tessa took the cigarette from his hand taking the offered lighter on the table and with a few quick flickes lit it inhaling gently. She surprised both men by ignoring the empty chair beside her and instead sat right in Tigs lap her arm draped around his shoulder. "…Anything to drink?" This made Chibs smile and he pulled up a bottle of Wild Turkey he had waiting for them beside the chair. Tig not one to pass up an opportunity wrapped his arm around her waist he could feel the warmth of her skin through the silk fabric. Holding out the bottle Chib's said "Ask and you shall receive, but it might be a little hard for you Love." Tessa smiled taking the bottle from his outstretched hand and opened it pouring a shot into an empty glass beside her on the table, she kept her eyes on Chibs who watched as she took the shot like a pro no wince or grimace not even a bat of her eyelash as that hard alcohol went down her delicate tan throat. "Then you obvisouly haven't met the right girl."
A/N ((So the votes are even so far between Chibs and Tig who will it be…))