I don't even know what to think or do after watching this week's episode. I think I jinxed myself by posting on my last chapter that I hope someone I love doesn't die… I just want to cry because Kozik died. :( But that's TV Life, right? Plus Kenny Johnson's other show (Prime Suspect) got benched midseason. Not to mention he wasn't really a main character.

Kurt Sutter is a mad genius and blows my mind every week.

-Jennifer11

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Sons of Anarchy or anything that Kurt Sutter created.

Opie's POV

I was at the clubhouse, sitting at the bar, trying to wrap my head around the event that had taken place in the past week. I took a sip of my beer as Lyla came up behind me. "Hey Ope, you doin' ok?"

I nodded and smiled, turning to her, "Yeah, I'm fine. Just trying to figure this shit out. You ok? I'm sorry I've been…"

She kissed my lips, "Don't. I understand. I'm glad she's back with us, so now I can get to know her."

I smiled at her. This woman, although she's my second wife, is amazing. She's so giving and caring to those around her. I'm glad she's my wife. I wrapped my arms around her to pull her in for a deeper kiss. I was about to sweep her into my embrace and take her to the bedroom when my phone rang. Shit, whoever this is, their timing really sucks.

I flipped open the phone, "What?"

"Uh hey Opie, uh, Charlotte's awake."

I hung up on Phil before he could continue rambling. I yelled over Lyla's head, "Hey everyone! Charlotte woke up!" Cheers could be heard around the clubhouse. Everyone seemed grateful and delighted to hear. Half Sack immediately started pouring shots for everyone and passed them out. I raised mine, "To Charlotte!"

Lyla downed hers and waited for me to slam the shot glass on the bar before she said, "You know, we should throw her another party."

"How'd I get so lucky to marry you?" She just shrugged and kissed my lips before going to get me another beer.

Gemma walked by me and gave me a hug, "Great news, huh?"

I nodded, "Let's just hope Kozik can keep her safe and feeling good."

She looked me dead in the eye, "He will. If he don't, he has you, Piney, and me to deal with."

I chuckled. Gemma always knows how to lighten the room. Or threaten the shit out of someone. "Thanks, Mom."

"We'll go visit her tomorrow morning together, alright?" I nodded in agreement, relieved that everything is going to be fine and that I had Gemma to lean on.

Kozik's POV

When Ratboy finally came back with the pint of ice cream Charlotte and I were sitting side-by-side on the bed. I growled at him as I ripped the bag from his hands and he scurried from the room. I turned back to her and smiled, opening the bag and handing her a spoon before popping the lid on the ice cream.

I swore under my breath as the melted ice cream spilt from the top. "Sorry, babe. That jackass took too long."

She took it from my hands, "It's ok. It's still eatable."

I shook my head, "How could anyone like to eat their ice cream like soup?"

She shrugged and took a bite, "If you don't want any…"

I took the carton back from her, "Hey, now. I never said that." I took my own spoonful and smiled at her. While I ate a couple bites, Charlotte turned on the TV and flipped channels until she stopped on the Sopranos. I chuckled but handed her back the ice cream, "When we get you out of here, I'm gonna get you some real ice cream. This ain't cutting it."

She smiled and kept eating. "I don't want to push it. The guy tried."

I shook my head and snickered, "You still don't know how this works."

"I'm trying." She said in between bites.

I watched her scoop the melted cream from the container. "You deserve to be treated like the royalty you are." I whispered to her.

I turned my attention to the TV but I felt her eyes on me. After a couple of minutes, she set the ice cream cup down on the table next to her. I felt her stiffen and then she jumped off the bed and flew into the bathroom.

"Happy!" I yelled as I threw myself off the bed and followed her. I heard him open the door as I got to the bathroom. "Hap, get Tara!" I told him as I knelt beside Charlotte.

Charlotte's POV

Kozik was tormenting the prospect and I wasn't sure if I had the guts to do it too. Maybe I can find the happy medium and be nice yet able to get them to do things for me. I started to dig into the softened ice cream, trying to put on a happy face and enjoy what we had2. I smiled as I turned on the TV and started watching one of my favorite shows, the Sopranos. After another couple of bites, I was really enjoying the cool cream and chunks of brownies and cookies. Kozik said something so quietly I almost missed it. He really thinks I'm special enough to be a princess? I've never felt more beautiful and adored.

I looked at him but he seemed adamant about dropping the conversation, like he didn't want to upset me if he said the wrong thing or moved to quickly. I was about to press the topic when my stomach started churning. I set the pint down on the table and felt even worse. I got off the bed and into the bathroom as fast as I could and knew I was about to burst. I barely made it to the toilet before I gagged. I heard Kozik shouting but couldn't focus on anything but what was happening within me.

I groaned as I gripped the porcelain tightly, willing myself to stop but could not. I felt Kozik beside me, holding my hair away from my face and rubbing slow circles on my back. Another wave of nausea hit me and I felt my knuckles turning white from holding onto the toilet. I didn't notice anyone else join us until I heard them talking. I tried to turn around to see who it was but the room was spinning, my vision was starting to tunnel, and everything seemed to echo.

Kozik's POV

I held back Charlotte's hair as I waited for her to ride out the sickness. Happy had reappeared within seconds of me telling him to get Tara. He seemed worried about Charlotte and I was appreciative that he was helping me. He stood by the bathroom door and watched over us and our backs at the same time.

Tara ran in the room and crouched next to us, "What happened?"

I tore my eyes away from Charlotte, "I dunno. We were sitting one minute, eating ice cream and the next she bolted in here."

Tara nodded and felt for a pulse, "Her pulse is racing." She felt Charlotte's forehead briefly, "She's a little warm."

I looked down at Charlotte and noticed her eyes fluttering and her body relaxing slightly. "I think she's…"

Tara peered down and nodded, "She's out. Let's get her back in bed."

I felt my knees go weak at the sight of Charlotte. I tried to take some deep breaths but couldn't right myself. I knew I needed to be there for her but I didn't think I could lift her. Luckily, Happy noticed and stepped in, "I got her." He swiftly picked her up and took her to the bed then came back to help me up and to the chair next to her bed.

"Thanks Hap." He nodded and went to stand at the door, this time on the inside. I knew he was just doing his job and wanted the best for the club. We both watched as Tara and a nurse worked on Charlotte, replacing her ripped out IV and pushing drugs into the cord.

After several long minutes, the nurse left and Tara turned to me, "She should be alright. We'll just monitor her closely."

I glanced at Charlotte then back to Tara, "What was wrong with her?"

"She's undergone so much stress and trauma in such a short time, her body was just got overwhelmed and tried to protect itself." I nodded, trying to understand. "Don't worry, Koz. She just needs to take it easy. And no more ice cream until I say so." She weakly smiled and left the room.

I felt Happy's eyes on me as I sat back in the chair. "Go get some air. I'll watch her." I halfheartedly got up and shook his hand before taking one last look at Charlotte sleeping. I started walking down the hallway and finally to the stairs. I started walking down them, testing my stitches. Pretty soon I was running up the stairs, trying to breathe deeply while I worked out the thoughts in my head.

I shouldn't have pushed to be next to Charlotte so quickly. She just lost her mom, was attacked several times, not to mention the past she had with her stepfather. She doesn't need me to be adding to her burden. But I can't get her out of my head. I want her in my life. I couldn't protect her from her stepfather or the other assholes that got to her so how can I make her feel safe in the future? Am I really what's best for her? How can I make sure she doesn't stress herself out again? Opie and Piney are gonna be pissed when they get here and find out she got sick. Is Charlotte the one? Am I right for her?

Before I knew it, an hour had passed. I slowed and came to a stop, seeing Ratboy leaning against the wall in the stairwell. He didn't say a word as he waited for me to catch my breath. I left the stairs and went back down the hall to sit outside of her room and calm down.

Happy's POV

I was leaning against the wall next to the door when I heard Kozik yell for me. After getting Phil to get Tara, I ran into the room and stood just inside the bathroom door. Listening to Charlotte vomit was making my stomach flip. Why's she getting sick? I thought she was going to be fine.

Tara checked on the sick girl while Kozik tried to figure out how to help her. I could tell he was hurting. He wanted to be able to take care of Charlotte but he was struggling with his thoughts and what he should do. It must be killing him to see his girl hurting. After all this crap that happened to her, he must feel semi-responsible. I can see it on his face. He needs to go work out his problems, run some flights. I can make sure nothing bothers her while he's gone.

Kozik left and I leaned against the dresser of the room. I sent Ratboy with him while Phil stood outside of the room. Charlotte stayed asleep for almost two hours until I heard her whimper in her sleep. How do these guys put up with these women? It's heart wrenching to listen to. I'm glad I don't have an old lady. It's not for me.

I saw her open her eyes and she looked around, finally spotting me. "Happy?" She croaked out.

I got off the dresser and approached her slowly, "You feeling alright princess?"

She shook her head, "Where's Koz?" She looked worried and freaked out and I didn't want her to make herself sick again.

"He'll be back. He just stepped out. Need anything?" She shook her head and shifted on the bed to get comfortable, turning her eyes to the TV. Where's Kozik? He never runs for more that forty minutes. This girl needs him. I sat down in the chair next to the bed to wait. I split my focus between the TV, the door, and glancing at Charlotte. I subtly rotated my eyes and head to not draw attention to my surveillance.

I crossed my arms and slouched in the car after an hour of watching the Sopranos with Charlotte. She hadn't gone back to sleep and Kozik hadn't come back. She kept sneaking peeks at the door. Charlotte whispered to me, "Happy?" I looked into her eyes. "Is Kozik mad at me?" I saw the tears in her eyes and it nearly broke my tough-guy exterior.

"No way in hell princess." I saw the doubt behind her watery eyes. "I can go get him…" She shook her head and I saw a single tear glide down her cheek. I gently reached my hand over to hold hers to try to comfort her. She slid her hand into mine, "I swear, he's just beating himself up. Feelin' guilty." She brushed away her tears and gave me a small smile. I thought she'd take her hand back but she tightened her grip.

I hesitantly held her hand as we sat and waited for Kozik to return. Charlotte kept the TV on HBO for another episode of the Sopranos. She must enjoy this show. I'll watch or do whatever to keep her happy. About half way through the episode, I noticed she had fallen asleep again. This poor girl, so much shit has happened. She must be so tired.

I eased her hand out of mine and crept to the door. I gotta get Kozik back in here before she wakes up again and thinks he hates her. I snuck out of the room and shut the door as quietly as I could. I turned around and saw Ratboy, Phil, and Kozik. The prospect avoided looking at me and Kozik was sitting on the floor against the wall.

I stood in front of him with my arms crossed, "What the fuck are you doin' out here."

He dragged his eyes up to me, "Thinkin'."

I kicked his boot, "Get your ass in there. She needs ya."

"But Hap…"

I shook my head and gave him a dirty look. "Pull your head outta your ass. Get the fuck in there and take care of your girl."

Kozik's POV

After Happy's little 'pep talk' I got up and into Charlotte's room. She was asleep so I sat in the chair next to her. Happy's right. I gotta man up. I glanced at her. Damn, she's so beautiful. I can't mess this up. The TV was still on and I wasn't about to change the channel incase she woke up. I sagged in the chair, only thinking about Charlotte and what my next move should be.

I was so distracted with my thoughts, staring at the TV, that I didn't realize Charlotte woke up until she said in a raspy voice, "This is my favorite part."

I jumped and turned towards her, "Hey baby, you feelin' better?" I smiled and took her hand in mine. She didn't answer me however she didn't pull away. Her eyes stayed on the TV but I could see them water. "Charlotte? Are you ok?" I asked her softly trying to get her to speak to me.

"Do you hate me?" She whispered almost inaudibly. She still wouldn't look at me.

I was so taken aback I didn't respond for a few moments. I squeezed her hand as I saw her turn her head away from me. "I could never… why would you think that?" She wouldn't turn back to me. "Charlotte, please…" I put my hand on her shoulder to try to get her to look at me. She flinched, causing my chest to ache. "I'm sorry." I said as I yanked my hand back. I knelt next to the bed, "Charlotte, sweetheart, I could never hate you, be mad at you, or upset with you. You're perfect and I wouldn't change a thing about you." I looked down at my hands and added quietly, "I just hope I'm enough for you."

"Koz…" She sighed making my eyes wander up to hers, "Of course you're enough for me." I saw the tears drip down her cheeks, "I'm just… feeling uneasy about everything."

"It'll be alright. I would never dream of pressuring you or doing anything to hurt you. You've got to trust me."

She tapped the bed next to her and moved over, "I trust you, pinky swear." She held up her pinky and waited for me to get in bed next to her.

"Are you sure?" I asked as I stood, hooking my pinky with hers.

She pulled me to her, "I've never been more sure."

I slid onto the bed next to her and lightly kissed her cheek. Still holding her pinky in mine, I brushed her soft skin with my other hand, wiping away the mascara streaks and smudges. She was still radiant with the makeup running down her face. She pulled my arm and put it around her shoulders, getting herself comfortable against me. I smiled as I felt her hand slip beneath my cut to rest on my heart. Charlotte put her head on my shoulder and went back to watching the episode of the Sopranos that was playing.

"So you like this show?" I asked her in a low voice as I pointed to the TV.

She nodded, "It's one of my favorites."

"Why's that?"

"They're a family. Loyal to each other. Always having the back of the person they love. It's something I always wished for. Dreamed of." Her voice sounded distant and weak. My heart dropped as she told me one of her secrets.

Charlotte's POV

I was feeling very self-conscious when I saw that Kozik was in the room with me. Why had he left for so long? Was he tired of me? Maybe he's mad after everything he did for me. I didn't know what to say to him. There was a Sopranos marathon and it was one of my favorite episodes. Kozik was surprised when I spoke but I was tongue-tied after that. I could feel the emotions and tears flowing through my body.

I finally found the courage to ask him what I was afraid of and he immediately pushed those thoughts out of my mind. He's actually worried that he's not good enough for me? I'm the damaged one. Not him. I guess no one's perfect. I just can't imagine my life without him, now that I've met him and gotten to know him.

After getting Kozik back onto the bed and closer to me, I managed to stop crying and wrapped his arm around me. He changed the subject by asking me about the HBO show I had been watching most of the day. I honestly envy the relationships that the characters build through the course of the show and I've grown up never knowing what that was like. Feeling like you belong and fit in someplace.

"I know exactly what you mean." He said to me. I looked up at him as he continued, "In the Marines, each guy you're out there with is like a brother. When I got back to the U.S., I felt lost without them. Then, I found the Sons. It's the best family I've ever known."

I smiled at him, "I just never knew what it's supposed to be like…"

"Well, now you're a part of this family. In more ways than one. You'll never feel lonely again. I promise. So do Piney, Opie, and especially Gemma. Hell, Happy will always have your back." I felt him press his lips to the top of my head, "I will never leave you alone. I'm here for you, Charlotte."

I pressed myself against him, hugging him tightly, "Thank you, Koz."

We watched TV for a couple of hours until I fell asleep against him with my hand still under his cut and his arms holding me close. I felt safe, cherished, and warm. Kozik made it easy for me to get the rest my body was craving.